wordsData.txt

abase : lower; degrade; humiliate; make humble; make (oneself) lose self-respect                                                                  
abash : embarrass                                                                         
abate : subside or moderate                                                                       
abbreviate : shorten                                                                          
abdicate : renounce; give up (position, right, or responsibility)                                                                    
aberrant : abnormal or deviant                                                                        
aberration : deviation from the normal; mental disorder                                                                     
abet : assist usually in doing something wrong; encourage                                                                   
abeyance : suspended action                                                                        
abhor : detest; hate                                                                         
abject : (of a condition) wretched; as low as possible; lacking pride; very humble; showing lack of self-respect; Ex. abject apology                                                        
abjure : renounce upon oath                                                                        
ablution : washing                                                                          
abnegation : renunciation; self-sacrifice; self-abnegation                                                                        
abolish : cancel; put an end to                                                                      
abominate : loathe; hate                                                                         
abominable : detestable; extremely unpleasant                                                                        
aboriginal : being the first of its kind in a region; primitive; native; indigenous; N. aborigine                                                             
abortive : unsuccessful; fruitless                                                                         
abrasive : rubbing away; tending to grind down                                                                     
abridge : condense or shorten                                                                        
abrogate : abolish                                                                          
abscission : cutting off; separation                                                                       
abscond : depart secretly and hide                                                                       
absolute : complete; totally unlimited; having complete power; certain; not relative; Ex. absolute honesty/ruler; CF. absolutism                                                             
absolve : pardon (an offense)                                                                        
abstain : refrain; withhold from participation; intentionally not use one's vote; 기권하다                                                                 
abstemious : sparing in eating and drinking; temperate                                                                     
abstinence : restraint from pleasant things, esp. eating or drinking; CF. abstention: act of abstaining from vote                                                            
abstract : theoretical; not concrete; nonrepresentational                                                                       
representational : (of a style of art) showing things as they actually appear in real life                                                            
abstruse : obscure; profound; difficult to understand                                                                      
abusive : coarsely insulting; physically harmful                                                                       
abut : border upon; adjoin                                                                       
abysmal : bottomless                                                                          
abyss : enormous chasm; vast bottomless pit                                                                      
academic : related to a school; not practical or directly useful                                                                  
accede : agree                                                                          
accelerate : move faster                                                                         
accessible : easy to approach; obtainable                                                                       
accessory : additional object; useful but not essential thing                                                                    
acclaim : applaud; praise; greet with great approval; announce with great approval; Ex. The new drung has been acclaimed as the most important discoveries for years; N: strong expression of approval and praise                                            
acclimate : adjust to climate or environment; adapt                                                                     
acclivity : sharp upslope of a hill; OP. declivity                                                                   
accolade : award of merit; strong praise and approval                                                                    
merit : good quality deserving praise; merits: aspect of character or behavior deserving approval or disapproval; Ex. judge each plan on its own merits; V: deserve; earn                                                 
demerit : fault; bad quality                                                                       
earn : gain for the performance of service or labor; gain (something that one deserves); deserve                                                            
accommodate : oblige or help someone; adjust or bring into harmony; adapt; make enough space for; ADJ. accommodative; CF. accomodating: helpful and obliging                                                      
accomplice : partner in crime                                                                        
accord : agreement                                                                          
accost : approach and speak first to a person                                                                    
accoutre : equip; N. accoutrement                                                                       
accretion : growth or increase in size by gradual addition; growth; increase; increase by natural growth; Ex. towers and other accretions of the castle; V. accrete                                                   
accrue : come to one as a gain; accumulate over time; come about by addition; Ex. benefits that accrue from scientific research; Ex. interest accruing in a bank account; N. accrual                                              
acerbity : bitterness of speech and temper; ADJ. acerbic: bitter; acrid (in taste, manner, or tone)                                                            
bitter : having a sharp biting taste; 쓴; causing sharp pain to the body or mind; filled with resentment, disappointment, or other unpleasant feelings; Ex. bitter wind/sorrow/tears                                                 
biting : sharply painful to the body or mind; Ex. biting wind/remarks                                                                
acetic : vinegary                                                                         
acidulous : slightly sour (in taste or manner); sharp; caustic                                                                  
acknowledge : recognize; admit                                                                         
acme : peak; pinnacle; highest point                                                                      
acoustics : science of sound; quality that makes a room easy or hard to hear in                                                             
acquiesce : assent; agree passively; comply without protest                                                                     
acquittal : deliverance from a charge; V. acquit: free from a charge or accusation; discharge from a duty; conduct (oneself) in a specified manner                                                     
acrid : bitter (to the taste or smell); sharp; bitterly pungent                                                                 
acrimonious : stinging; caustic; bitter in words or manner; N. acrimony: bitter ill-natured animosity in speech or behavior                                                          
acrophobia : fear of heights                                                                        
actuarial : calculating; pertaining to insurance statistics                                                                      
actuary : someone who advises insurance companies                                                                      
actuate : motivate; activate; cause to act                                                                     
acuity : sharpness (of mind or senses of sight or hearing)                                                                  
acumen : mental keenness; sharpness of judgment; ability to judge quickly and well; Ex. business acumen                                                             
acute : (of the senses) sharp; quickly perceptive; keen; penetrating; brief and severe; Ex. acute sense of smell/analysis/pain                                                           
adage : wise saying; proverb                                                                       
proverb : adage; someone or something well known for notoriety; ADJ. proverbial: of a proverb; widely known; ADV. proverbially                                                         
adamant : hard; inflexible                                                                         
adapt : make or become suitable for a specific use; alter; modify; adjust; N. adaptation: act of adapting; composition recast into a new form; Ex. The play is an adaption of a short novel.                                           
addendum : addition; appendix to book; something that is added (as at the end of a speech or book)                                                         
addiction : compulsive habitual need                                                                        
addle : make or become confused; muddle; drive crazy; become rotten (egg)                                                                
address : direct a speech to; speak to; deal with or discuss; direct one's efforts or attention to; make with a destination; N: formal speech                                                    
adept : expert at; very skilled                                                                       
adhere : stick fast; be a devotd follower; N. adhesion: adhering; devotion; loyality                                                                
adherent : supporter; follower                                                                         
adjacent : adjoining; neighboring; close by                                                                       
adjoin : be next to                                                                       
adjourn : suspend until a later time; move from one place to another                                                               
adjunct : something attached to but holding an inferior position                                                                   
adjuration : solemn urging; V. adjure: entreat earnestly; enjoin solemnly                                                                   
adjutant : staff officer assisting the commander; assistant                                                                    
admonish : warn or speak to with gentle disapproval; reprove                                                                   
adore : love deeply and respect highly                                                                     
adorn : decorate                                                                          
adroit : skillful (in using mind or hand)                                                                     

adulation : flattery; admiration that is more than is necessary or deserved                                                                 
adulterate : make impure or of poorer quality by adding inferior or tainted(contaminated) substances                                                               
advent : arrival                                                                          
adventitious : accidental; casual; happening by chance                                                                      
adversary : opponent; enemy                                                                         
adverse : going against; opposing; unfavorable; hostile                                                                      
adversity : great hardship or affliction; misfortune; calamitous event                                                                    
advert : refer                                                                         
advocacy : support; active pleading on behalf of someone or something                                                                  
advocate : speak in favor of; support (an idea or plan); urge; plead for                                                               
aegis : shield; protection; defense                                                                       
aerie(aery,eyrie,eyry) : nest of a large bird of prey                                                                   
aesthetic : artistic; dealing with or capable of appreciating the beautiful (of a person or building); CF. aesthete; CF. aesthetics                                                         
affable : easily approachable; easy to talk to; warmly friendly                                                                   
affected : artificial; pretended                                                                         
affidavit : written statement made under oath (for use as proof in a court of law)                                                             
affiliation : joining; associating with                                                                        
affinity : feeling of kinship; similarity; Ex. strong affinity for her; Ex. many affinities between two languages                                                            
affirmation : positive assertion; confirmation; solemn pledge by one who refuses to take an oath; V. affirm; ADJ. affirmative; CF. affirmative action: positive discrimination                                                     
affliction : state of distress; trial; cause of distress or suffering; V. afflict: inflict grievous suffering on                                                            
affluence : abundance; wealth                                                                         
affront : insult; offense; intentional act of disrespect; V: insult or hurt the feelings of intentionally                                                             
agape : openmouthed                                                                         
agenda : items of business at a meeting                                                                    
agglomeration : collection; heap; V. agglomerate: gather into a rounded mass; N. aggolmeate: jumbled mass; heap                                                            
aggrandize : make greater; increase in power, wealth, rank, or honor; N. aggrandizement                                                                
aggregate : sum; total; ADJ. V: gather into a mass or whole; accumulate; add up to; Ex. aggregate 100 dollars                                                         
aghast : filled with great surprise or fear; horrified                                                                    
agility : nimbleness; ability to move quickly                                                                      
agitate : stir up; disturb                                                                        
agnostic : one who is skeptical of the existence or knowability of a god or any ultimate reality                                                           
agog : highly excited; intensely curious                                                                      
agrarian : pertaining to land or its cultivation; Ex. agrarian reform                                                                  
alacrity : cheerful promptness without reluctance                                                                       
alchemy : medieval chemistry                                                                         
alcove : nook; recess                                                                        
alias : an assumed name esp. by a criminal (usually to mislead people); ADV. alias                                                              
alienate : make unfriendly or hostile; estrange; separate; change the ownership of                                                                 
alimentary : supplying nourishment                                                                         
alimony : payments made regularly to an ex-spouse after divorce                                                                  
allay : calm; pacify                                                                         
allege : state without proof                                                                        
allegiance : loyalty                                                                          
allegory : story, play, or picture in which characters are used as symbols; fable                                                              
alleviate : relieve (pain)                                                                         
alliteration : repetition of beginning sound in poetry                                                                     
allocate : assign; set apart for a particular purpose                                                                    
earmark : set aside (money or time) for a particular purpose                                                                 
alloy : mixture as of metals; something added that lowers in value or purity; V: mix; make less pure; lower in value or quality; spoil; CF. unalloyed: not in mixture with other maetals; pure; complete; unqualified; Ex. unalloyed happiness                                      
allude : refer indirectly; N. allusion: indirect reference                                                                     
allure : entice; attract; tempt                                                                        
siren : apparatus for making sounds; womanlike creature                                                                    
alluvial : pertaining to soil deposits left by running water                                                                   
aloof : apart; not open in one's relationship with other people; reserved; ADV.                                                               
aloft : upward; high up in the air                                                                    
altercation : noisy quarrel                                                                         
altruistic : unselfishly generous; concerned for others; N. altiruism: unselfish concern for the welfare of others; unselfishness; OP. egoism                                                          
amalgamate : (of societies or groups) combine; unite in one body                                                                 
amalgam : combination of different things; mixture of metals (containing mercury) used for filling holes in teeth                                                           
amass : collect (gradually, in a very large amount)                                                                   
amazon : female warrior                                                                         
ambidextrous : capable of using either hand with equal ease                                                                   
ambience : environment; atmosphere; Ex. restraurant with a pleasant ambience; ADJ. ambient: completely surrounding; Ex. ambient temperature                                                            
ambiguous : unclear or doubtful in meaning; having more than one possible interpretation                                                                
ambivalence : the state of having contradictory or conflicting emotional attitudes or opinions                                                                
amble : walking at an easy unhurried pace; V: walk slowly and aimlessly                                                                
ambrosia : food of the gods                                                                      
nectar : drink of the gods; sweet liquid collected by bees                                                                 
ambulatory : able to walk                                                                        
ameliorate : improve                                                                          
amenable : obedient; compliant; readily managed; responsive; willing to be led; answerable or accountable legally; responsible; able to be tested by; Ex. amenable to sensible suggestions; Ex. He is very amenable; Ex. amenable to the usual tests                                        
amend : correct; change ; generally for the better                                                                    

amenities : convenient features that helps to make life pleasant; social courtesies                                                                 
amiable : agreeable; lovable; warmly friendly                                                                       
amicable : peaceful; politely friendly; not quarrelsome; Ex. amicable settlement                                                                   
amiss : wrong; faulty; Ex. something amiss; ADV.                                                                    
amity : friendship; peaceful relationship as between nations                                                                     
amnesia : loss of memory                                                                        
amnesty : pardon (allowed by government to political criminals)                                                                    
amoral : nonmoral; having no understanding of right and wrong                                                                   
amorous : moved by sexual love; loving; of sexual love; Ex. amorous advances                                                                
amorphous : formless; lacking shape or definition                                                                      
amphibian : able to live both on land and in water; N.                                                                 
amphitheater : oval building with tiers of seats; CF. arena                                                                   
ample : enough; abundant; spacious; large in size; Ex. ample opportunity/garden; N. amplitude: quality of being ample; abundance; largeness of space                                                       
amplify : increase in size or effect; expand; broaden or clarify by expanding; intensify; make stronger; Ex. amplify one's remarks with a graph                                                      
amputate : cut off part of body; prune (a limb)                                                                  
amok(amuck) : in a state of rage; Ex. run amok                                                                  
amulet : charm; talisman; an object worn believed to protect against evil, bad luck                                                              
anachronism : an error involving time in a story; something or someone misplaced in time; ADJ. anachronistic                                                            
analgesic : causing insensitivity to pain; N.                                                                     
analgesia : condition of being unable to feel pain                                                                   
analogous : comparable; similar                                                                         
analogy : similarity; parallelism; comparing two similar things                                                                     
anarchist : person who seeks to overturn the established government; advocate of abolishing authority                                                               
anarchy : absence of governing body; state of disorder                                                                    
anathema : solemn curse; someone or something regarded as a curse; V. anathematize                                                               
ancestry : family descent; ADJ. ancestral                                                                       
anchor : secure or fasten firmly; be fixed in place; N. anchorage                                                                 
ancillary : serving as an aid or accessory; auxiliary; N.                                                                   
anecdote : short story of an amusing or interesting event                                                                   
anemia : condition in which blood lacks red corpuscles; ADJ. anemic                                                                  
anesthetic : substance that removes sensation with or without loss of consciousness; N. anesthesia                                                               
anguish : acute pain; extreme suffering                                                                       
angular : sharp-cornered; having an angle; not rounded (body); bony; lean; gaunt; stiff in manner                                                              
animadversion : critical remark; V. animadvert: comment critically with disapproval                                                                   
animated : lively; spirited                                                                         
animosity : active enmity                                                                         
animus : hostile feeling or intent; animosity; hostility; disposition                                                                   
annals : records arranged in yearly parts; history                                                                     
anneal : reduce brittleness and improve toughness by heating and cooling (metal or glass)                                                               
annex : attach; add to a large thing; take possession of; incorporate (territory) into a larger existing political unit (by force); N: building added to a large one                                                 
annihilate : destroy                                                                          
annotate : comment; make explanatory notes                                                                       
annuity : yearly allowance                                                                         
annul : make void                                                                         
elope : run away secretly with the intention of getting married                                                                 
anodyne : drug that relieves pain or trouble; 진통제; opiate; ADJ. Ex. anodyne statement                                                              
anoint : consecrate; put oil on (in a religious ceremony)                                                                   
anomalous : abnormal; irregular                                                                         
anomaly : irregularity                                                                          
anonymity : state of being nameless; anonymousness; ADJ. anonymous                                                                    
antagonism : hostility; active opposition; V. antagonize: cause to become an enemy; N. antagonist: person who is opposed to another; opponent; adversary; principal character in oppostion to the protagonist                                                
protagonist : leader or noticeable supporter of an idea; chief character in a play or story                                                            
antecede : precede                                                                          
antecedents : preceding events that influence what comes later; ancestors or early background                                                                
antediluvian : antiquated; extremely ancient                                                                        
anthem : song of praise or patriotism; Ex. national anthem                                                                  
anthology : book of literary selections by various authors; CF. omnibus                                                                 
anthropoid : manlike; resembling a human being; N.                                                                     
anthropologist : student of the history and science of humankind                                                                   
anthropomorphic : having human form or characteristics                                                                      
anticlimax : letdown in thought or emotion; something unexciting, ordinary, or disappointing coming after something important or exciting                                                           
antidote : remedy to counteract a poison or disease; Ex. antidote to the economic troubles                                                              
antipathy : aversion; dislike or opposition                                                                       
antiquated : obsolete; old-fashioned; outdated                                                                       
antique : made in an earlier period and usu. valuable; N: object that was made in an earlier period and that is rare or valuable                                                   
antiquity : quality of being very old; ancient times; 고대                                                                  
antiseptic : substance that prevents infection in a wound; ADJ.                                                                   
antithesis : contrast; direct opposite of or to; ADJ. antithetic or antithetical                                                                 
antler : bony growth on the head of a deer                                                                  
anvil : iron block used in hammering out metals                                                                   
apathy : lack of caring; indifference; lack of concern or interest in important matters; Ex. He was sunk in apathy after his failure; ADJ. apathetic                                                    
ape : imitate or mimic (a person's behavior or manner)                                                                  
aperture : opening; hole; adjustable opening in a camera that limits the amount of light                                                             
apex : tip; summit; climax; highest point                                                                     
aphasia : loss of speech due to injury or illness                                                                   
aphorism : pithy maxim or saying; ADJ. aphoristic                                                                     
apiary : a place where bees are kept                                                                    
hive : box for bees; V: cause to go in a hive                                                                
apiculture : bee-keeping                                                                         
apiarist : person who keeps bees                                                                      
aplomb : poise; composure in difficult situations; assurance; self-confidence                                                                   
poise : good judgment with composure; balance; V: place in a carefully balanced position                                                              
apocalyptic : prophetic; pertaining to revelations especially of disaster; N. apocalypse                                                                  
apocryphal : (of a story) widely believed but untrue                                                                   
apogee : highest point; the point farthest from the earth; OP. perigee                                                                 
apolitical : having an aversion or lack of concern for political affairs                                                                
apologist : one who writes in defense of a cause or institution; N. apologia                                                              
apoplexy : stroke; loss of consciousness caused by too much blood in the brain                                                              
apostate : one who abandons his religious faith or political beliefs; N. apostasy                                                               
apothecary : druggist; pharmacist                                                                        

apothegm(apophthegm) : pithy, compact saying                                                                       
apotheosis : elevation to godhood; an ideal example of something                                                                  
appall : dismay; shock deeply                                                                        
apparition : ghost; phantom                                                                         
appease : pacify or soothe; Ex. appease a crying baby; N. appeasement                                                                 
appellation : name; title                                                                        
append : attach                                                                          
application : diligent attention; diligence; V. apply oneself                                                                    
apposite : appropriate; fitting                                                                         
appraise : estimate value of; N. appraisal                                                                      
appreciate : be thankful for; increase in worth; be thoroughly conscious of; ADJ. appreciable: enough to be felt; Ex. appreciable difference                                                        
apprehend : arrest (a criminal); dread; perceive; N. apprehension                                                                    
apprehensive : fearful; discerning                                                                        
apprise : inform                                                                          
approbation : approval                                                                          
appropriate : acquire; take possession of for one's own use without permission; set aside for a particular purpose; allocate; CF. misappropriate                                                        
appurtenances : subordinate possessions; something added to a more important thing                                                                 
apropos : with reference to; regarding; Ex. remarks apropos (of) the present situation; ADJ. ADV.                                                             
aptitude : fitness; talent                                                                         
aquiline : curved; hooked; of or like an eagle; Ex. aquiline nose                                                                
arable : fit for growing crops; Ex. arable land                                                                   
arbiter : person with power to decide a matter in dispute; judge who is in a position ot make influential judgments; Ex. supreme arbiter of fashion in beachware                                                 
arbitrary : unreasonable or capricious; random; tyrannical; Ex. arbitrary ruler                                                                   
arbitrate : act as judge (at the request of both sides)                                                                  
arboretum : place where different trees and shrubs are studied and exhibited                                                                
arboreal : of or living in trees                                                                     
arcade : a covered passageway usually lined with shops                                                                    
arcane : esoteric; secret; mysterious; known only to the initiated; Ex. arcane ritual; Ex. arcane process closed to the uninitiated listener                                                        
archaeology : study of artifacts and relics of early mankind                                                                   
archaic : antiquated; no longer used; belonging to the past; N.                                                                 
archetype : prototype; primitive pattern                                                                       
arch- : chief; first; Ex. archbishop                                                                       
archipelago : group of closely located islands                                                                     
archives : public records; place where public records are kept                                                                  
ardor : heat; passion; zeal; ADJ. ardent                                                                      
arduous : hard; strenuous; Ex. arduous work                                                                     
argot : slang; speech spoken by only a small group of people                                                                
aria : operatic solo; a song sung by one person in an opera or oratorio                                                              
arid : (of land) dry; barren; unproductive                                                                     
aristocracy : hereditary nobility; privileged class; government by nobility; N. aristocrat                                                                  
armada : fleet of warships                                                                        
aromatic : fragrant; having a sweet smell; N. aroma: strong pleasant smell                                                                 
arraign : charge in court; indict                                                                       
array : marshal; draw up in order; arrange in order; clothe splendidly; adorn; N: fine clothes; ordered group; Ex. in battle array                                                      
arrears : being in debt; money that should have been paid; work that should have been done                                                            
arrhythmic : lacking rhythm or regularity; N. arrhythmia                                                                    
arrogance : pride; haughtiness; ADJ. arrogant: unpleasantly self-important (with a strong confidence in one's own importance and a lack of respect for other people)                                                     
arroyo : gully; narrow channel formed by rainwater                                                                    
artery : blood-vessel; CF. vein                                                                       
articulate : effective; distinct; expressing ideas clearly; having clear sounds; having joints; Ex. articulate speech; V: express thoughts and feeling clearly; pronounce clearly; unite by joints                                                   
arsenal : storage place for military equipment                                                                      
artifacts : object made by human beings, either hand-made or mass-produced                                                                  
artifice : deception; trickery                                                                        
artisan : a manually skilled worker                                                                       
artless : without guile; open and honest                                                                     
ascendancy : controlling influence; position of controlling influence; CF. in the ascendant                                                                 
ascertain : find out for certain; make certain                                                                     
ascetic : practicing self-denial; avoiding physical pleasures and comforts; austere; Ex. ascetic life of Buddhist monks; N. asceticism                                                           
ascribe : refer; attribute; assign                                                                        
aseptic : preventing infection; having a cleansing effect                                                                     
ashen : ash-colored; deadly pale                                                                       
asinine : stupid; Ex. asinine remarks                                                                      
askance : with a sideways or indirect look (with disapproval or distruct); Ex. look askance at                                                            
askew : crookedly; slanted; at an angle                                                                     
asperity : sharpness; roughness; severity (of temper or weather); Ex. asperities of a Russian winter                                                              
aspersion : slanderous remark; Ex. cast aspersions on                                                                     
aspirant : seeker after position or status                                                                      
aspire : seek to attain (position or status); long for; Ex. aspire to become president; Ex. aspire to/after the leadership                                                         
assail : assault                                                                          
assay : analyze (to discover what materials are present); evaluate (soil or ore)                                                               
assent : agree; accept; N. assessment                                                                       
assert : state strongly or positively; demand recognition of (rights, claims, etc.); make a claim to (by forceful action); Ex. assert one's independence                                                     
assiduous : diligent                                                                          
assimilate : absorb; take (food) into the body and digest it; understand (knowledge) completely and be able to use properly; cause to become homogeneous (the people of a country or race in the wasy of behaving or thinking)                                       
assuage : mak less severe; ease or lessen (pain); satisfy (hunger); soothe (anger)                                                                
assumption : something taken for granted; the taking over or taking possession of; Ex. her assumption of power; V. assume                                                         
regent : a person who governs in place of a ruler who is ill, absent, or still a child; ADJ. Ex. the Prince regent                                                    

asteroid : small planet                                                                         
astigmatism : eye defect which prevents proper focus; OP. stigmatism                                                                  

astral : relating to the stars                                                                      
astringent : binding; causing contraction (stopping bleeding); harsh or severe; stringent; Ex. astringent criticism                                                               
astronomical : enormously large or extensive                                                                       
astute : wise; shrewd; keen; seeing quickly something that is to one's advantage                                                                
asunder : into parts; apart; V. sunder                                                                     
asylum : place of refuge or shelter; protection (religious or political)                                                                  
asymmetric : not identical on both sides of a dividing central line                                                                 
atavism : resemblance to remote ancestors rather than to parents; reversion to an earlier type; throwback; ADJ. atavistic                                                          
atheistic : denying the existence of God; N. atheism                                                                    
atone : make amends for; pay for; Ex. atone for                                                                   
atrocity : brutal deed; ADJ. atrocious                                                                       
atrophy : wasting away; V: weaken and lose flesh and muscle (through lack of blood or lack of use)                                                          
attentive : alert and watchful; listening carefully; paying attention; considerate; thoughtful; politely helpful; Ex. attentive audience; Ex. He was attentive to the old lady; N. attentions: act of courtesy and consideration                                              
attenuate : make thin; weaken                                                                        
attest : testify; bear witness                                                                        
attribute : essential quality; V: ascribe; explain                                                                      
attrition : rubbing away by friction; gradual decrease in numbers or strength; reduction in the work force without firing employees; wearing away of opposition by means of harassment; Ex. a war of attrition                                            
atypical : not normal; not typical                                                                      
audacious : daring; bold; N. audacity                                                                       
audit : examination of accounts of a business; official examination; V.                                                                  
augment : increase; add to                                                                        
augury : omen; prophecy; sign of coming events; V. augur: predict; foretell; be a sign of (something in future)                                                         
august : impressive; majestic                                                                         
aureole : sun's corona; halo; bright circle of light                                                                   
auroral : pertaining to the aurora borealis; CF. aurora australis                                                                  
auspicious : favoring success; giving signs of future success; Cf. auspices                                                                  
austere : forbiddingly stern; ascetic; without comfort or enjoyment; severely simple and unornamented; Ex. a monk's austere life; Ex. austere grandeur of the cathedral; N. austerity                                                   
authenticate : prove genuine                                                                         
authoritarian : subordinating the individual to the state; completely dominating another's will; Ex. authoritarian regime/father                                                              
authoritative : having the weight of authority; regarded as providing knowledge that can be trusted; reliable; peremptory and dictatorial; Ex. authoritative dictionary/manner; CF. definitive                                                     
autocratic : having absolute unchecked power; dictatorial; N. autocrat, autocracy                                                                   
automaton : mechanism that imitates actions of humans; machine that works by itself                                                                
autonomous : self-governing; N. autonomy                                                                        
autopsy : examination of a dead body; postmortem; V.                                                                    
auxiliary : offering or providing help; additional or subsidiary; N: helper; assistant                                                                 
avalanche : great mass of falling snow and ice                                                                    
avarice : greediness for wealth                                                                        
avenge : take vengence for something or on behalf of someone; Ex. They avenged his death by burning the village; Ex. He swore to avenge his brother; Ex. They avenged themselves on their enemy.                                           
aver : state confidently; declare as TRUE                                                                      
averse : reluctant; disinclined; not liking or opposed; Ex. averse to cats/doing the house work                                                              
aversion : firm dislike                                                                         
avert : prevent; avoid; turn away (eyes or thought); Ex. An accident was averted by his quick thinking; Ex. She averted her eyes from the terrible sight.                                                  
aviary : enclosure for birds; large cage                                                                      
avid : greedy; extremely eager for; Ex. avid learner; N. avidity                                                                 
avocation : secondary or minor occupation                                                                       
avow : declare openly; N. avowal                                                                       
avuncular : of or like an uncle                                                                      
awe : solemn wonder; feeling of respect mixed with wonder and fear; V: fill with awe; ADJ. awesome                                                           
awful : terrible; very bad                                                                       
awl : pointed tool used for piercing                                                                     
awry : distorted; crooked; bent; Ex. Our plans have gone awry.                                                                 
axiom : self-evident truth requiring no proof                                                                      
azure : sky blue                                                                        
babble : chatter idly or foolishly; make continuous sounds like water running gently over rounded stone; N.                                                           
bacchanalian : drunken                                                                         
bacchanal : noisy party with a lot of drinking                                                                   
Bacchanalia : the ancient Roman festival in honor of Bacchus                                                                  
badger : pester; annoy continually with demands; persuade by asking again and again; Ex. The children badgered me into taking them into the cinema; N: a kind of mountain animal                                              
badinage : teasing conversation; banter; joking talk                                                                     
baffle : frustrate; perplex                                                                         
bait : harass; tease; torment; Ex. badger baiting; N: food or other lure used to catch fish or trap animals                                                        
baleful : evil; malignant in intent or effect; deadly; having a malign influence; portending evil; ominous; threatening; Ex. baleful look                                                        
balk : stop short, as if faced with an obstacle, and refuse to continue; foil; stop or get in the way of; frustrate                                                     
ballast : heavy substance used to add stability or weight; V. supply with ballast                                                              
balm : something that relieves pain; oily liquid with a pleasant smell from trees                                                              
pang : sudden sharp feeling of pain                                                                     
balmy : soft and mild (of air); fragrant                                                                    
banal : hackneyed; commonplace; trite; lacking originality; clich'ed                                                                     
bandy : discuss lightly or glibly; discuss in a frivolous manner; exchange (words) heatedly; quarrel; Ex. bandy words with                                                         
bane : posion; cause of ruin; ADJ. baneful: harmful; poisonous                                                                   
bantering : joking talk; good-naturedly ridiculing; N.V. banter                                                                     
barb : sharp projection from fishhook, arrow, or other object; openly cutting remark                                                                

bard : poet                                                                         
barefaced : shameless and noticeable; blatant; bold; unconcealed; having no covering on the face; Ex. barefaced lie                                                           
unregenerate : making no attempt to change one's bad practices                                                                  
baroque : highly ornate                                                                        
barrage : barrier laid down by artillery fire; overwhelming profusion; large number of questions or statements; Ex. a barrage of criticism                                                        
barrister : counselor-at-law or lawyer in the higher court of law; CF. bar                                                                
solicitor : lawyer in the lower court of law                                                                   
barterer : trader; V. barter: trade; exchange good for other goods rather than money                                                               
bask : luxuriate; take pleasure in warmth                                                                     
luxuriate : take pleasure in great comfort                                                                     
bastion : stronghold; something seen as a source of protection; Ex. the last bastion of male chauvinism                                                           
bate : let down; lessen the force of; moderate; restrain; Ex. with bated breath; CF. abate                                                            
bauble : trinket; cheap jewel; trifle                                                                      
bawdy : indecent; obscene; about sex in a rude funny way; CF. bawd                                                               
beatific : giving or showing bliss; blissful                                                                     
bliss : complete happiness; ADJ. blissful                                                                      
beatitude : blessedness; state of great happiness                                                                     
mystic : of hidden meaning and spiritual power; Ex. mystic ceremonies; N. CF. mysticism                                                              
bedizen : dress with vulgar finery                                                                      
finery : beautiful clothes for a special occasion                                                                    
bedraggle : wet thoroughly; ADJ. bedraggled: draggled                                                                     
beeline : direct quick route                                                                       
befuddle : confuse thoroughly                                                                        
fuddle : make stupid or confused as with alcholic drink; N. in a fuddle: confused                                                             
beget : father; become the father of; produce; give rise to                                                                  
begrudge : envy; give or allow unwillingly; grudge; Ex. We shouldn't begrudge him his success.                                                             
grudge : deep feeling of dislike; Ex. grudge fight; V.                                                                  
beguile : deceive; mislead or delude; cheat; pass time pleasantly; charm or attract; Ex. beguiling smile                                                            
behemoth : huge creature; something of monstrous size or power                                                                  
beholden : obligated; indebted; owing thanks; obliged or indebted from gratitude                                                                 
behoove(behove) : be suited to; be incumbent upon; be right and necessary; Ex. It behooves one to do.                                                          
belabor : harp on; dwell on tediously; explain or go over excessively or to a ridiculous degree; assail verbally; beat severely; attack physically                                                     
belated : delayed                                                                         
beleaguer : besiege or attack (with an army); harass; beset                                                                  
belie : contradict; give a FALSE impression; disguise; Ex. The poor sales belied our high hopes; Ex. Her smile belies her TRUE feeling of displeasure.                                                   
belittle : disparage; depreciate                                                                         
bellicose : warlike                                                                          
belligerent : quarrelsome                                                                          
bemoan : lament; moan for; express sorrow or disapproval of                                                                  
bemused : confused; lost in thought; preoccupied                                                                     
benediction : blessing                                                                          
benefactor : gift giver; patron; person who does good or who gives money for a good purpose                                                            
beneficent : kindly; doing good                                                                        
beneficial : helpful; useful; advantageous                                                                        
beneficiary : person entitled to benefits or proceeds of an insurance policy or will                                                               
benefit : advantage; anything that brings helpl, advantage, or profit;  money provided by the government to the people; fund-raising public entertainment; Ex. unemployment benefit; V: receive benefits; be beneficial to; give benefits                                           
benevolent : generous; charitable; having a wish to do good                                                                   
benign : kindly; favorable; not malignant (disease); Ex. benign tumor                                                                   
benison : blessing                                                                          
bent : determined; Ex. bent on advancing in the business; N: natural talent or inclination                                                              
bequeath : leave to someone by means of a will; hand down in his will; N. bequest                                                            
berate : scold strongly                                                                        
bereavement : state of being deprived of something valuable or beloved; state of being bereaved or bereft                                                           
bereaved : deprived of (someone beloved through death)                                                                    
bereft : deprived of (something valuable); lacking                                                                     
berserk : mad with violent anger; frenzied; madly excited                                                                   
beseech : beg; plead with                                                                        
beset : harass or trouble from all directions; hem in                                                                  
hem : surround tightly so that movement is impossible; Ex. hem in; N.                                                               
besiege : surround with armed forces; harass (with requests); annoy continually                                                                  
besmirch : soil; defile; make dirty                                                                      
bestial : beastlike; brutal; inhuman; very cruel                                                                     
bestow : confer                                                                          
betoken : signify; indicate; be a sign of                                                                    
token : outward sign; Ex. a token of our gratitude                                                                  
betray : be unfaithful; reveal (unconsciously or unwillingly); Ex. Her trembling hands betray her anxiety.                                                             
betroth : become engaged to marry                                                                      
bevy : large group; Ex. a bevy of starlets                                                                   
bicameral : two-chambered as a legislative body                                                                      
bicker : quarrel                                                                          
biennial : every two years                                                                        
bifurcated : divided into two branches; forked                                                                     
bigotry : stubborn intolerance                                                                        
bigot : one who is intolerant (in matters of religion or politics)                                                                
intolerant : not willing to accept ways of thinking different from one's own; CF. tolerant; CF. tolerate                                                           
bilious : suffering from indigestion; sick from having too much bile; irritable; easily irritated                                                              
bilk : swindle; cheat                                                                        
billowing : swelling out in waves; surging                                                                     
billow : large wave of water; a great swell or surge (of smoke); V: surge, swell, roll in billows                                                         
swell : long wave of water that moves continuously without breaking; V.                                                                
surge : powerful movement of or like a wave; V.                                                                  
bivouac : temporary encampment; camp without tents; V.                                                                    
bizarre : fantastic; violently contrasting; noticeably odd; strikingly unconventional                                                                    
blanch : bleach; whiten; make white or pale                                                                    
bland : soothing or mild (food); agreeable; causing no trouble or offence                                                                
blandishment : flattery                                                                         
blare : loud or harsh roar or screech; dazzling blaze of light                                                                
screech : unpleasant high sharp sound; shriek; V.                                                                    
dazzle : make blind with a sudden intense light; amaze; fill with wonder                                                               
blas'e : bored with pleasure or dissipation; uninterested or bored                                                                  
blasphemy : irreverence; sacrilege; cursing; bad language about God or holy things; V. blasphem; ADJ. blasphemous; CF. sacrilege                                                          
blatant : extremely (offensively) obvious; loudly offensive; Ex. blatant lie; N. blatancy                                                                
bleak : cold or cheerless; frigid; unlikely to be favorable; depressing                                                                 
blighted : suffering from a disease; destroyed                                                                     
blight : plant disease; V: infect with blight; ruin; destroy                                                                  
blithe(blithesome) : gay; joyous                                                                        
bloated : (unpleasantly) swollen or puffed as with water or air                                                                 
blowhard : talkative boaster; braggart                                                                       
bludgeon : club; heavy-headed weapon; V.                                                                      
bluff : pretense (of strength); deception; high cliff; ADJ: rough but good-natured                                                                

blunder : error; stupid mistake                                                                        
blurt : utter impulsively from nervousness or excitement                                                                    
bluster : blow in heavy gusts; threaten emptily; bully; speak in a noisy or bullying manner; CF. breeze, gust, gale                                                        
bully : one who is habitually cruel to weaker people; V.                                                                 
bode : foreshadow; portend                                                                         
bogus : counterfeit; not authentic; intentionally false; Ex. bogus interview                                                                   
bohemian : unconventional (in an artistic way)                                                                     
boisterous : violent; rough; noisy                                                                        
bolster : support; reinforce                                                                        
bolt : door bar; fastening pin or screw; length of fabric; large roll of cloth; V: dash or dart off; fasten (a door); gobble down                                                   
dart : move or throw suddenly and quickly                                                                    
gobble : eat very quickly                                                                       
bombardment : attack (as with missiles or bombs); V. bombard                                                                  
bombastic : pompous; using inflated language                                                                      
bombast : grandiloquent, pompous speech                                                                       
boon : blessing; benefit; something very helpful                                                                     
boorish : rude; insensitive                                                                        
boor : rude, insensitive person                                                                       
bouillon : clear beef (or meat) soup                                                                     
bountiful : generous; graciously generous; showing bounty                                                                     
gracious : kind in a generous way (to someone less important)                                                                 
bourgeois : middle class; selfishly materialistic; too interested in material possessions                                                                  
bovine : cowlike; placid and dull; slow-thinking; calm                                                                     
bowdlerize : expurgate; CF. Thomas Bowdler                                                                      
brackish : somewhat saline                                                                        
braggadocio : boasting                                                                         
brag : boast                                                                         
braggart : boaster; bragger                                                                        
brandish : wave around (a weapon); flourish                                                                     
bravado : swagger; assumed air of defiance; FALSE show of bravery                                                                 
swagger : walk or behave with an over-confident manner                                                                   
brawn : human muscle; muscular strength; sturdiness                                                                     
brawny : muscular; having well-developed muscles                                                                      
sturdy : strong and firm (in the body)                                                                    
brazen : insolent; without shame; bold; Ex. brazen lie; V: face with bold self-assurance or with unshamed confidence                                                          
brawl : noisy quarrel                                                                        
breach : breaking of contract or duty; fissure or gap; opening; V.                                                                
breadth : width; extent                                                                         
brevity : conciseness; shortness of duration                                                                       
brindled : tawny or grayish with streaks or spots (of animals)                                                                 
tawny : brownish yellow                                                                        
bristling : rising like bristles; showing irritation                                                                     
bristle : short stiff hair; V: (hair or fur) stand up stiffly                                                                
brittle : hard but easily broken; difficult; unstable; Ex. brittle situation                                                                 
broach : introduce as a subject; moot; open up                                                                   
brocade : rich, figured(patterned) fabric                                                                       
brochure : pamphlet                                                                          
brooch : ornamental clasp; pin                                                                       
clasp : hold firmly within arms                                                                      
brook : tolerate; endure; Ex. brook no interference; N: small stream                                                                 
browbeat : bully; intimidate                                                                        
browse : graze; feed on growing grass; skim or glance at casually                                                                
graze : (of an animal) feed on growing grass; cause (an animal) to feed on grass; scrape (esp. the skin) or touch lightly in passing; brush; Ex. We can't graze the cattle till summer; N: surface wound                                       
skim : read or glance through quickly; touch lightly in passing; brush; remove from the surface of a liquid                                                         
brunt : main impact or shock (of an attack or blow); Ex. brunt of the argument                                                            
brusque : blunt; abrupt; curt; not wanting to waste time being nice                                                                
buccaneer : pirate                                                                         
bucolic : rustic; pastoral                                                                        
buffet : strike forcefully; slap; batter; knock out; N: table with food set out for people to server themselves; meal at which people help themselves to food that's been set                                              
slap : hit quickly with the flat part of the hand; N. CF. smack                                                              
buffoonery : clowning                                                                         
buffoon : stupid person; clown                                                                       
clown : act stupidly; play the fool; N.                                                                    
bugaboo : bugbear; object of baseless terror                                                                     
bullion : gold and silver in the form of bars                                                                  
bulwark : strong wall built for defense; earthwork or other strong defense; person who defends                                                             
bungle : mismanage; blunder; botch; blow; spoil by clumsy behavior                                                                  
botch : mismanage; blow                                                                        
buoyant : able to float; cheerful and optimistic; N. buoyancy; Ex. buoyancy of wood/water/American market                                                              
bureaucracy : overregulated administrative system marked by red tape; ADJ. bureaucratic                                                                  
burgeon : grow rapidly; grow forth; send out buds; Ex. burgeoning computer industry; CF. bludgeon                                                             
burlesque : give an imitation that ridicules; imitate mockingly                                                                   
burnish : make shiny by rubbing; polish                                                                     
buttress : support; prop up; N. stationary structure to support wall; Ex. flying buttress                                                              
prop : support placed under or against something; V.                                                                   
buxom : full-bosomed; plump; jolly                                                                       
plump : pleasantly fat; nicely rounded                                                                      
cabal : small group of persons secretly united to promote their own interests                                                               
cache : hiding place; V.                                                                        
cacophonous : discordant; inharmonious; N. cacophony: unpleasant mixture of loud sounds                                                                  
cadaver : corpse; dead human body                                                                       
cadaverous : like a corpse; pale                                                                       
cadence : rhythmic rise and fall (of words or sounds); beat; regular beat of sound; rhythm                                                            
cajole : persuade by praise or FALSE promise; coax; wheedle                                                                  
coax : persuade by flattery                                                                       
calamity : disaster; misery                                                                         
calculated : deliberately planned; likely                                                                        
caldron(cauldron) : large kettle                                                                        
caliber : ability; quality; diameter of the inside of a round cylinder; Ex. work of very high caliber                                                          
calligraphy : beautiful writing; excellent penmanship                                                                       
callous : hardened; unfeeling; without sympathy for the sufferings of others; unkind                                                                
callus : area of thick hard skin                                                                     
callow : youthful; immature; inexperienced                                                                       
calorific : heat-producing; N. calorie                                                                       
calumny : malicious misrepresentation; slander                                                                        
camaraderie : good-fellowship; CF. comrade                                                                       
cameo : shell or jewel carved in relief; star's special appearance in a minor role in a film                                                          
canard : unfounded FALSE rumor; exaggerated FALSE report                                                                    
candor : frankness; open honesty; ADJ. candid                                                                     
canine : related to dogs; doglike                                                                      
canker : any ulcerous sore; ulcer; any evil; CF. cancer                                                                  
ulcer : sore place appearing on the skin inside or outside the body; Ex. stomach ulcer; ADJ. ulcerous; V. ulcerate                                                        
canny : shrewd in money matters; thrifty                                                                     
cant : insincere speech or expression of piety; jargon of thieves; special words used by a particular group of people                                                        
cantankerous : ill-humored; irritable                                                                         
cantata : story set to music to be sung by a chorus (shorter than an oratorio)                                                            
canter : slow gallop; V. CF. trot                                                                     

canto : division of a long poem                                                                     
canvass : determine or seek opinions, votes, etc.; go through (a region) to solicit votes or orders; conduct a survey; N.                                                       
capacious : spacious                                                                          
capacity : mental or physical ability; role; position or duty; ability to accommodate; Ex. in my capacity as president                                                         
capillary : having a very fine bore; resembling a hair; fine and slender; Ex. capillary attraction; N: very fine hairlike tube; CF. capillarity                                                     
capitulate : surrender; give up all resistance                                                                     
caprice : whim; sudden change of mind without any real cause                                                                  
capricious : unpredictable; fickle                                                                         
caption : title; chapter heading; text under illustration                                                                     
captious : faultfinding; too critical                                                                       
carafe : glass water bottle; decanter                                                                      
carapace : shell covering the back (of a turtle, tortoise, crab, etc.)                                                                
carat(karat) : unit of weight for precious stones; measure of the purity of gold                                                              
carcinogenic : causing cancer; N. carcinogen                                                                      
cardinal : chief; most important; N: priest; cardinal number: number that shows quantity rather thatn order                                                            
cardiologist : doctor specializing in ailments of the heart                                                                    
careen : lurch; sway from side to side; move with irregular swinging movement; stagger                                                              
career : rush wildly; go at full speed                                                                    
sway : swing from side to side; influence (someone) to change one's opinion; N.                                                              
caricature : distortion; burlesque                                                                         
carillon : a set of bells (often in a tower) capable of being played                                                               
carnage : destruction of life; slaughter; killing of large numbers of people or animals                                                               
carnal : fleshly; sensual; concerning the desires of the body                                                                   
carnivorous : meat-eating; N. carnivore; CF. herbivore                                                                      
carousal : drunken revel; V. carouse                                                                      
carping : petty criticism; fault-finding; fretful complaining; quibble                                                                    
carrion : rotting flesh of a dead body; CF. vulture                                                                  
cartographer : map-maker                                                                         
cascade : small waterfall                                                                         
caste : one of the hereditary classes in Hindu society; social stratification; prestige                                                               
castigation : punishment; severe criticism or disapproval                                                                      
casualty : serious or fatal accident; person killed or wounded in an accident or battle                                                              
casual : happening by chance; irregular; occasional; informal; showing or feeling little interest; Ex. casual reader/labor/remark                                                            
cataclysm : deluge; upheaval; earthquake; violent and sudden event or change                                                                 
catalyst : agent which brings about a chemical change while it remains unaffected and unchanged; CF. catalysis                                                           
catapult : slingshot; hurling machine; V: fire from catapult                                                                    
hurl : throw forcefully; shout out violently                                                                     
cataract : great waterfall; eye abnormality (causing a gradual loss of eyesight)                                                                
catastrophe : calamity ; disaster                                                                        
catcall : shout of disapproval or displeasure (made at the theater or a sports match); boo; V.                                                           
catechism : book for religious instruction in question-and-answer form; religious instruction by question and answer; V. catechize                                                           
categorical : without exceptions; made without any doubt in mind; unqualified; absolute                                                                 
qualify : reach a necessary standard; limit the meaning of something stated                                                                
catharsis : purging or cleansing of any passage of the body; purging and weakening of strong emotions as a result of experiencing a dramatic work of art                                                  
cathartic : purgative; medicine that causes the bowels to empty; ADJ.                                                                  
catholic : (of likings and interests) universal; general; broad; including many different parts; wide-ranging liberal; Ex. catholic opinions/tastes                                                          
caucus : private meeting of a group of people in a political party to select officers or determine policy; CF. the Caucus club of Boston                                                   
caulk(calk) : make watertight (by blocking up cracks as in a ship)                                                                
causal : implying a cause-and-effect relationship; N. causality                                                                     
caustic : burning; corrosive; able to burn by chemical action; sarcastically biting; (of remarks) intended to hurt; bitter; harmful; OP. harmless                                                        
cauterize : burn (a wound or snakebite, etc.) with hot iron or caustic substance to stop bleeding and prevent infection                                                        
cavalcade : procession of riders or horse-drawn carriages; parade; CF. cavalry                                                                 
cavalier : casual and offhand; arrogant; N: knight                                                                    
cavil : quibble; make frivolous objections; find fault unnecessarily                                                                   
cede : yield (title or territory) to (esp. after losing a war); surrender formally; N. cession                                                            
celerity : speed; rapidity                                                                         
celestial : heavenly                                                                          
hereafter : life after death                                                                       
afterlife : life after death; later part of one's life                                                                  
celibate : abstaining from sexual intercourse; unmarried; N. celibacy                                                                   
censor : (in ancient Rome) overseer of morals (also taking the census); person who eliminates inappropriate matter; V.                                                           
censorious : severely critical                                                                        
censure : blame; criticize; express strong disapproval; N: severe criticism; strong disapproval                                                                 
centaur : mythical figure, half man and half horse                                                                    
centigrade : denoting a widely used temperature scale (basically same as Celsius)                                                                 
centrifugal : radiating; departing from the center                                                                      
centrifuge : machine that separates substances by whirling them                                                                    
centripetal : tending toward the center                                                                       
centurion : Roman army officer (commanding a company of about 100 soldiers)                                                                 
cerebral : pertaining to the brain or intellect; intellectual rather than emotional; CF. cerebrum                                                               
cerebration : thought; working of the brain                                                                      
ceremonious : marked by formality; extremely formal and polite; CF. ceremony: conventional social courtesy                                                              
unceremonious : not done politely without due formalities                                                                    
certitude : certainty                                                                         
cessation : stoppage                                                                          
cession : yielding to another; ceding                                                                      
chafe : warm by rubbing; make sore by rubbing; N.                                                                  
chaff : worthless products of an endeavor; husk(outer seed cover) separated from grain; Ex. separate the wheat from the chaff                                                        
chaffing : bantering; joking                                                                        
chagrin : annoyance and disappointment; vexation (caused by humiliation or injured pride)                                                                
chalice : goblet; consecrated cup                                                                       
chameleon : lizard that changes color in different situations                                                                    

champion : support militantly; fight for; N: person who fights for or supports strongly (a principle, movement, person, etc.)                                                          
championship : position of champion; defense or support; competition held to determine a champion                                                              
chaotic : in utter disorder                                                                        
charisma : divine gift; great popular charm or appeal; magnetism                                                                   
charlatan : quack; pretender to knowledge (esp. in medicine)                                                                   
chary : cautious; unwilling to take risks; sparing or restrained about giving; OP. bold                                                              
chase : ornament a metal surface by indenting; follow rapidly to catch                                                                
chasm : abyss; very deep crack                                                                       
chassis : framework and working parts of an automobile; framework to which components are attached                                                             
chaste : morally pure; virginal; abstaining from illicit sexual acts; modest; simple (of a style of writing); not highly decorated; austere                                                        
chasten : discipline; punish in order to correct; CF. castigate                                                                  
chastise : punish as by beating; criticize severely                                                                    
chauvinist : blindly devoted patriot; zealous adherent of a group, cause, or sex; ADJ. chauvinistic; CF. chauvinism; Nicolas Chauvin                                                          
check : stop motion; curb or restrain                                                                      
checkered(chequered) : marked by great changes in fortune; with many changes of fortuene; CF. checked: having a pattern of squares                                                        
cherubic : angelic; innocent-looking; N. cherub; CF. seraph: winged angel of the highest order                                                              
chicanery : trickery; deception                                                                        
chide : scold; rebuke (someone who has done wrong)                                                                   
chimerical : fantastically improbable; highly unrealistic; N. chimera: unreal fancy; fire-breathing female creature                                                               
chisel : swindle or cheat; N: wedgelike tool for cutting                                                                  
chip : lose a small piece from the surface or edge; N: small piece broken off something; CF. French fry; Potato chip/crisp                                                      
chivalrous : courteous; faithful; brave; N. chivalry                                                                      
choleric : hot-tempered; bad-tempered; irritable; easily angered; CF. cholera                                                                   
choreography : art of representing dances in written symbols; arrangement of dances                                                                
chore : daily domestic task (such as cleaning, cooking, and shopping); unpleasant task                                                               
chortle : chuckle with delight; N.                                                                      
chuckle : laugh quietly                                                                        
chronic : long established as a disease                                                                      
chronicle : report; record (in chronological order)                                                                      
churlish : boorish; rude; N. churl: boor; yahoo                                                                    
ciliated : having minute hairs; CF. cilium; CF. cilia: eyelash                                                                  
cipher : nonentity; worthless person or thing; zero; secret code; V.                                                                  
circlet : small ring; band of gold, silver, jewel, etc. (worn on the head, arms, or neck as decoration)                                                          
circuitous : roundabout                                                                          
circuit : closed circular line around an area; circumference; regularly repeated journey from place to place                                                            
circumlocution : indirect or roundabout expression (by using an uncecessarily large number of words esp. when trying to avoid answering a difficult question directly)                                                     
circumscribe : limit; confine; draw a line around                                                                     
circumspect : prudent; cautious; acting after careful thought                                                                    
circumvent : outwit; defeat by behaving more cleverly; outsmart; baffle; avoid; get around                                                                
cistern : reservoir or water tank                                                                      
citadel : fortress                                                                          
cite : quote; commend; Ex. cited for bravery in an official record                                                                 
civil : having to do with citizens; not military or religious; courteous and polite; Ex. married in a civil ceremony; Ex. civil strife/disorder/law; N. civility; CF. civic                                                  
clairvoyant : having foresight; fortuneteller; N. clairvoyance                                                                      
hindsight : understanding the nature of an event after it has actually happened                                                               
clamber : climb by crawling with difficulties; scramble                                                                    
clamor : loud continous noise; continuous demand or complaint made by a large number of people; V: make a clamor; express (a demand) continually and loudly; ADJ. clamorous                                                 
clandestine : secret                                                                          
chaperon : older person who accompanies and supervises a young unmarried woman                                                                
clangor : loud resounding noise; sound of repeated clanging                                                                   
clapper : striker (tongue) of a bell                                                                     
clap : strike the palms of the hands together with a sudden explosive sound; come together suddenly with a sharp sound; put or send promptly; Ex. clap the thief in jail; N: clapping; loud or explosive sound; CF. applause                                     
clarion : shrill, trumpetlike sound; kind of trumpet used in former times                                                                
claustrophobia : fear of being locked in                                                                      
clavicle : collarbone                                                                         
scrimmage : disorderly fight between two or more people                                                                   
cleave : split or sever; cling to; remain faithful to; N. cleavage; ADJ. cloven                                                               
cleft : N: split                                                                        
clemency : disposition to be lenient in deciding punishments; mildness as of the weather; ADJ. clement                                                            

bromide : platitude; chemical compound used to calm excitement                                                                   
clientele : body of customers                                                                       
climactic : relating to the highest point; N. climax; CF. climatic                                                                  
clime : climate                                                                         
clique : small exclusive group of people                                                                     
cloister : monastery or convent                                                                        
clout : great influence (especially political or social); hard blow with fist                                                                
cloying : distasteful (because excessive); excessively sweet or sentimental; V. cloy: become unpleasant through too much sweetness or excess                                                          
coagulate : congeal; thicken; clot; N. coagulant                                                                     
clot : half-solid lump formed from a liquid (or blood); V.                                                                 
pudding : hot sweet dish                                                                       
coalesce : combine; fuse; N. coalescence                                                                       
coalition : partnership; league; union of separate political parties                                                                    
coda : concluding section of a musical or literary composition                                                                  
coddle : treat gently; indulge excessively; pamper; mollycoddle; baby; cook in water just below boiling point; Ex. coddled eggs                                                         
codicil : supplement to the body of a will; later addition to a will                                                              
codify : arrange (laws or rules) as a code; classify; N. code: system of words used instead of ordinary writing; collection of laws, rules, established social customs                                                  
coercion : use of force to get someone to object; compelling; V. coerce                                                                
coeval : living at the same time as; existing during the same period of time; contemporary; of the same age                                                        
cog : tooth projecting from a wheel                                                                     
cogent : convincing                                                                          
cogitate : think over; ponder                                                                        
cognate : having a common origin; related linguistically; allied by blood; similar or akin in nature; Ex. cognate languages; N.                                                         
cognitive : having to do with knowing or perceiving related to the mental processes; N. cognition: the mental process of knowing                                                        
cognizance : knowledge; ADJ. cognizant; having knowledge; aware                                                                     
cohabit : live together                                                                        
cohere : stick together                                                                         
cohesion : tendency to keep together                                                                       
cohorts : group of people who share some common quality; armed band; a group of between 300 and 600 soldiers under one commander (in the ancient Rome)                                                 
coiffure : hairstyle                                                                         
coin : make coins; invent or fabricate (a word or phrase); N. coinage: word or phrase recently invented                                                           
coincidence : the chance occurrence, at the same time, of two or more seemingly connected events; V. coincide: happen at the same time; be in agreement; CF. coincident; CF. coincidental                                               
colander : utensil with perforated bottom used for straining                                                                   

collaborate : work together; cooperate treasonably with the enemy                                                                    
collage : work of art put together from fragments                                                                   
scrap : small bit or fragment; discarded waste material; fight; Ex. a scrap of paper/cloth; V: break into parts for disposal; discard as worthless; fight; quarrel                                                  
scraps : leftover food                                                                        
scrappy : quarrelsome                                                                         
collate : examine and compare in order to verify authenticity; arrange in order (the sheets of a book before they are bound)                                                       
collateral : security given for loan; ADJ: secondary; descended from the same person but through different sons or daughters                                                          
collation : a light meal; collating                                                                      
colloquial : pertaining to conversational or common speech; informal; N. colloquialism: colloquial expression                                                                
colloquy : informal discussion; conversation                                                                        
collusion : conspiring in a fraudulent scheme to cheat or deceive others; V. collude                                                               
colossal : huge                                                                          
colossus : gigantic statue; person or thing of great size or importance                                                                 
comatose : in a coma; extremely sleepy                                                                     
coma : deep prolonged unconsciousness caused by disease, poison, or a severe blow                                                               
combustible : easily burned; N. CF. combustion                                                                      
comely : attractive; agreeable; having a pleasing appearance                                                                     
homely : not good-looking; unattractive                                                                       
comestible : something fit to be eaten                                                                      
comeuppance : deserts; well-deserved punishment or misfortune; rebuke                                                                    
deserts : what someone deserves                                                                       
comity : courtesy; civility; Ex. comity of nations                                                                    
commandeer : take (private property) for military use without needing permission or giving payment; draft for military purposes                                                           
draft : first rough form; conscription; draught; V: make a draft of; conscript                                                               
draught : current of air (through a room or to a fire); act of pulling roads; act of swallowing liquid or amount of liquid swallowed at a time                                                
commemorative : remembering; honoring the memory of; Ex. commemorative stamp                                                                  
commemorate : honor the memory of; serve as a memorial to; Ex. commemorate the 100th anniversary/those who died in the war                                                       
commensurate : equal in extent; of the same size                                                                    
commiserate : feel or express pity or sympathy for                                                                    
commodious : spacious and comfortable                                                                        
communal : held in common; public; of a group of people; of a commune                                                              
commune : small (often rural) community whose members share work and income; V: exchange thoughts or feelings; Ex. commune with nature                                                       
compact : agreement; contract; ADJ: tightly packed; firm; brief; concise; Ex. compact statement                                                                
compatible : harmonious; in harmony with; able to exist together                                                                   
compelling : overpowering; irresistible in effect; holding one's attention; that compels one to do something; Ex. a compelling adventure story; V. compel                                                       
compulsion : compelling; strong desire that is difficult to control; irresistible impulse                                                                
compulsory : obligatory; that must be done                                                                     
compulsive : resulting from compulsion                                                                       
compendium : brief, comprehensive summary; ADJ. compendious                                                                      
compensatory : making up for; repaying                                                                       
compilation : listing of information in tabular or book form; compiling                                                                  
compile : assemble; gather; accumulate; make (a report or a book) from facts and information found in various places; Ex. compile a dictionary                                                      
complacency : self-satisfaction; smugness; ADJ. complacent                                                                       
smug : self-satisfied; complacent                                                                        
complaisant : trying to please; obliging; willing to please others                                                                   
complement : complete; consummate; make perfect; N.                                                                      
complementary : serving to complete something                                                                       
compliance : conformity in fulfilling requirements; readiness to yield; disposition to yield to others; V. comply                                                             
compliant : readily acting in accordance with a rule, order, or the wishes or others; yielding; comforming to requirements                                                          
complicity : participation; involvement (in a questionable act or a crime)                                                                  
component : element; ingredient                                                                         
comport : bear one's self; behave; Ex. comport oneself; N. comportment                                                                 
deport : send out of the country; behave; N. deportation, deportment                                                                 
bearing : deportment; connection                                                                        
composure : mental calmness                                                                         
compound : combine; produce by combining; increase; make worse by adding to or increasing; exacerbate; Ex. compound an error; ADJ: consisting of two or more parts; N: combination of two or more parts; area enclosed by a wall containing a group of buildings; Ex. factory compound; CF. complex                             
comprehensive : broad; including a lot or everything; thorough; inclusive                                                                   
comprehend : include; understand                                                                        
compress : force into less space; squeeze; contract; put into fewer words; N: thick mass of cloth pressed to part of the body to stop bleeding or swelling, reduce fever, etc.                                              
comprise : include; consist of                                                                        
compromise : adjust or settle by making mutual concessions; endanger the interests or reputation of; put into danger, disrepute, or a dishonorable position; Ex. compromise one's principle; N.                                                
compunction : remorse; strong uneasiness caused by guilt                                                                     
compute : reckon; calculate                                                                         
reckon : count; calculate; regard as; think; suppose                                                                    
concatenate : link as in a chain                                                                      
concave : hollow; curved inwards; OP. convex                                                                      
concede : admit; acknowledge as being TRUE (often reluctantly); yield; grant; Ex. concede a goal                                                              
conceit : vanity or self-love; too high opinion of one's own value; extravagant metaphor (in poetry)                                                             
vain : full of self-admiration; conceited; without result; unsuccessful; N. vanity                                                                 
concentric : having a common center                                                                       
conception : beginning; forming of an idea; fertilization; V. conceive: form an idea in the mind; devise; become pregnant; CF. inception                                                        
concerted : mutually agreed on; done together by agreement; Ex. concerted effort; CF. in concert: working together                                                           
concession : an act of yielding; conceding; something conceded; point, right, etc. given unwillingly; privilege of maintaining a business in a certain place; Ex. oil concessions in the North sea; CF. concessionaire                                             
conciliatory : reconciling; soothing; V. conciliate: reconcile; soothe; win the friendly feelings (by removing anger)                                                              
concise : brief and compact                                                                        
conclave : private secret meeting                                                                       
conclusive : decisive; ending all debate                                                                       
concoct : prepare by mixing or combining; make up in concert; devise (something false) so as to deceive; Ex. concoct an elaborate excuse for being late; N. concoction                                                 
concomitant : that which accompanies; Ex. Deafnes is a frequent concommitant of old age; ADJ: existing or happening together with something else                                                       
concord : harmony; accord                                                                         
concordat : formal agreement                                                                        
concur : agree; coincide; happen at the same time                                                                    
concurrent : happening at the same time; in agreement                                                                    
condescend : (derog.) bestow courtesies with a superior air; descend to the level of one considered inferior                                                            
condign : adequate; (of punishment) severe and well deserved                                                                    
condiments : seasonings; spices                                                                         
condole : express condolences; N. condolence: sympathy for someone who has experienced great sorrow                                                               
condone : overlook; forgive; give tacit approval; excuse                                                                     
conducive : helpful; contributive; V. conduce; Ex. conduce to/towards                                                                    
conduit : aqueduct; passageway for fluids                                                                       
confidant(confidante) : trusted friend (to whom one tells one's secret)                                                                  
confide : tell in confidence (to a person one trusts); be confident about  
confidence : self-assurance; calm unworried feeling based on a strong belief in one's abilities; strong belief in the ability of a person or plan; trust or faith in a person or thing; something confided; secret; Ex. confidence in your ability; Ex. I am telling you this in confidence; Ex. exchange confidences about their boyfriends; ADJ. confident                     
confidential : spoken or written in secret; trusted with private matters; Ex. confidential secretary                                                              
confine : shut in an enclosed space; restrict; keep within limits; N. confinement                                                                
confiscate : seize; take possession of (private property) by official order (usu. as a punishment); commandeer                                                             
conflagration : great fire                                                                         
confluence : flowing together; the place where two rivers flow together; crowd; gathering together                                                               
conformity : harmony; agreement with established rules or customs; similarity; Ex. behave in conformity with; V. conform: be similar; act in agreement; comply; Ex. conform to the rule; CF. conformance                                               
conformist : person who uncritically conforms to the customs of a group; OP. nonconformist: one who does not conform to accepted beliefs of norms                                                    
confound : confuse; puzzle                                                                        
congeal : freeze; coagulate                                                                         
congenial : pleasant; friendly; in agreement with one's tastes and nature; Ex. congenial weather                                                               
congenital : existing at birth                                                                        

conglomeration : mass of material sticking together                                                                      
conglomerate : corporation made up of several different companies in diversified fields; mass of various material gathered together; rock consisting of small stones held together by clay; V.                                                
congruence : correspondence of parts; harmonious relationship; CF. congruity                                                                    
congruent : in agreement; harmonious; corresponding; coinciding exactly; CF. congruous                                                                   
conifer : pine tree (usu. evergreen); cone-bearing tree; ADJ. coniferous; CF. deciduous; CF. evergreen                                                              
conjecture : surmise; guess; V.                                                                        
conjugal : pertaining to marriage                                                                        
conjure : cause to appear by magic; summon (a devil or a spirit) by magical power; practice magic (esp. by very quick movement of the hands); evoke; conjure up: bring into the mind; Ex. The magician conjured a rabbit out of his hat.                                  
connivance : pretense of ignorance of something wrong; assistance; permission to offend; V. connive: feign ignorance (of a wrong); cooperate secretly in an illegal action; conspire                                                   
connoisseur : person competent to act as a judge of art, etc. (whose judgments are respected); a lover of an art                                                        
connotation : suggested or implied meaning of an expression; V. connote                                                                  
connubial : pertaining to marriage or the matrimonial state                                                                    
matrimony : state of being married                                                                      
patrimony : property inherited from a father                                                                     
consanguinity : kinship; relationship by birth                                                                       
consanguineous(consanguine) : having a common ancestor                                                                      
conscientious : scrupulous; through and careful; Ex. conscientious worker                                                                    
conscript : draftee; person forced into military service; V.                                                                    
consecrate : dedicate; sanctify; declare as sacred; Ex. consecrate one's life to helping the poor                                                              
consensus : general agreement; opinion reached by a group                                                                    
consequential : self-important; significant; consequent; following as a result; Ex. consequential air; CF. subsequent                                                               
conservatory(conservatoire) : school of the fine arts (especially music or drama); glass-enclosed area; CF. conservancy                                                              
consign : send to a person or place for sale; deliver officially; entrust; put into the care of another; set apart (for a special purpose); N. consignment; CF. consignor, consignee                                               
consistency : absence of contradictions; uniformity; degree of thickness or firmness; Ex. consistency of thick cream; CF. viscous                                                           
console : lessen sadness or disappointment; give comfort; allay the sorrow of; N. consolation                                                               
consolidation : unification; process of becoming firmer or stronger; V. consolidate: merge; strengthen                                                                
consonance : harmony; agreement                                                                         
consonant : harmonious; in agreement; N.                                                                      
consort : associate with; keep company; N: husband or wife (or a ruler)                                                                
conspiracy : treacherous plot; secret plan against the law (by two or more people)                                                               
conspire : take part in a conspiracy; (of events) work together; combine; Ex. Events conspired to produce great difficulties.                                                         
consternation : great shock; dismay                                                                       
constituent : supporter; voter; member of a constituency; component                                                                    
constituency : voters represented by an elected official; district so represented; group of supporters (or constituents)                                                            
constitution : constituting; system of laws; composition of something; physical makeup or structure of a person; Ex. men with strong constitutions                                                       
constraint : restraint; compulsion; repression of feelings; reticence; V. constrain: hold back; restrain; compel; oblige; confine forcibly; imprison                                                           
construe : explain; interpret; Ex. construe her silence as meaning that she agreed; CF. misconstrue                                                              
consummate : complete; V.                                                                         
contagion : infection (by contact); ADJ. contagious; CF. infectious: that can be passed by infection in the air                                                           
drastic : strong; violent and severe; Ex. drastic changes/measures                                                                   
contaminate : pollute                                                                          
contempt : scorn; disdain; ADJ. contemptuous; CF. contemptible                                                                     
contend : struggle; compete; assert earnestly; state strongly                                                                     
contention : assertion; claim; thesis; struggling; competition                                                                      
thesis : opinion put forward and supported by reasoned arguments                                                                  
boost : lift by pushing up from below; increase; raise; N: push upward; increase                                                              
contentious : quarrelsome; controversial; likely to cause arguments                                                                     
contest : dispute; argue about the rightness of; compete for; try to win; Ex. contest the election results; Ex. contest a seat in Parliament; N.                                                    
context : writings preceding and following the passage quoted; circumstance in which an event occurs                                                              
contiguous : adjacent to; touching upon                                                                       
continence : self-restraint; sexual chastity; sexual abstinence; voluntary control over bladder and bowel functions; ADJ. continent                                                            
contingent : dependent on something uncertain or in the future; conditional; happening by chance; accidental; N: a group of soldiers, ships to a larger force; CF. contingency: future event that may or may not occur; possibility; Ex. prepare for every contingency                                   
contortions : twistings; distortions; V. contort: twist violently out of shape; CF. contortionist                                                                
contraband : illegal trade; smuggling; smuggled goods; ADJ.                                                                    
contravene : contradict; oppose; violate (a rule, law, or custom); N. contravention                                                                
contrite : penitent; repentant; N. contrition                                                                       
contrived : unnatural and forced; artificial; not spontaneous; Ex. The ending was rather contrived.                                                              
contrive : invent or fabricate in a clever way (by improvisation); manage; Ex. contrive to attract his attention                                                          
contrivance : something contrived; machine or apparatus; clever deceitful plan; scheme                                                                 
controvert : oppose with arguments; attempt to refute; contradict; ADJ. controversial; N. controversy                                                                
contumacious : stubborn and disobedient; resisting authority (esp. disobedient to an order made by a court)                                                             
contusion : bruise                                                                          
bruise : injure without breaking the skin; N.                                                                    
conundrum : riddle; difficult problem                                                                       
convene : come together; assemble; call to meet; Ex. convene the council                                                                 
convention : social or moral custom; established practice; formal meeting; international agreement                                                                 
conventional : ordinary; typical; not nuclear; Ex. conventional weapons                                                                    
converge : approach; tend to meet; come together                                                                     
conversant : familiar with; having knowledge of                                                                      
converse : opposite; ADJ.                                                                         
convert : one who has adopted a different religion or opinion; V: change into another form; (persuade to) adopt a particular religion or belief                                                     
convex : curving outward                                                                         
conveyance : vehicle; transfer; act of conveying; Ex. public conveyance                                                                   
conviction : judgment that someone is guilty of a crime; strongly held belief                                                                
convivial : pleasantly merry; festive; joyous; gay; characterized by joviality; jovial                                                                  
convoke : call together; Ex. convoke Parliament; N. convocation                                                                    
convoluted : coiled around; twisted; involved; complicated; intricate; complex; N. convolution: twist; one of the convex folds of the surface of the brain                                                      
convulsion : violent uncontrollable shaking movement (caused by illness); V. convulse; ADJ. convulsive                                                               
copious : plentiful                                                                         
coquette : flirt; flirtatious woman; woman who tries to attract the admiration of men without sincere feelings; V.                                                          
flirt : behave in a way that attracts (sexual) attention; deal triflingly with; N: one (or woman) given to flirting; ADJ. flirtatious                                                      
cordial : warmly friendly; gracious; heartfelt; Ex. cordial welcome                                                                    
cordon : extended line of men or fortifications to prevent access or egress; (어깨에서 겨드랑 밑으로 걸치는) 장식 리본; V.                                                        
cornice : projecting molding on building (usually above columns or pillars); 처마 장식                                                               
cornucopia : horn (or horn-shaped container) overflowing with fruit and grain; symbol of abundance; horn of plenty                                                           
corollary : natural consequence (which naturally follows from something else)                                                                   
corporeal : bodily (rather than spiritual); of a bodily form; material; tangible                                                                
corpulent : very fat; N. corpulence                                                                       
corpus : collection (of writings or information); Ex. the corpus of Shakespear's works; Cf. corpse                                                             
corpuscle : red or white cell in the blood                                                                   
correlation : mutual relationship                                                                         
correlate : either of the correlated things; V.                                                                    
corroborate : confirm; support; strengthen                                                                        
corrode : destroy or wear away gradually by chemical action (over a long period)                                                               
corrosive : eating away by chemicals or disease; (of language) fierce                                                                  
corrugated : wrinkled; ridged                                                                        
wrinkle : small ridge on a smooth surface (face or cloth); V.                                                                
crinkle : wrinkle                                                                         
cosmic : pertaining to the universe; vast                                                                      
coterie : group that meets socially; select circle; close group of people with shared interests                                                             
countenance : approve; support; tolerate; Ex. countenance his rude behavior; N: face; appearance                                                                
countermand : cancel; revoke (an order)                                                                      

counterpart : thing that completes another; things very much alike; thing that has the same purpose in a different system                                                         
coup : highly successful action or sudden attack; 
couple : join; unite; OP. uncouple                                                                       
courier : messenger                                                                         
covenant : binding agreement between two groups or people; compact; V: enter into a covenant; promise                                                            
bargain : agreement between two groups or people; something for sale at a price advantageous to the buyer; V: negotiate; trade; Ex. bargaining power                                                    
covert : secret; hidden; implied; OP. overt                                                                      

cow : terrorize; intimidate                                                                        
cower : shrink quivering as from fear; cringe                                                                    
coy : shy (flirtatiously); showing a (pretended) lack of self-confidence; modest; coquettish; CF. job offer를 받았을 때                                                           
cozen : cheat; hoodwink; swindle                                                                       
crabbed : sour; bad-tempered; peevish; difficult to read as handwriting                                                                  
peevish : bad-tempered; irritable; V. peeve: make angry                                                                    
crass : very unrefined; grossly insensible; crude and undiscriminating; Ex. crass behavior                                                                
craven : cowardly                                                                          
credence : belief                                                                          
credo : creed                                                                         
credulity : belief on slight evidence; gullibility; naivet\'e; ADJ. credulous                                                                   
creed : system of religious or ethical belief                                                                     
crescendo : increase in the volume or intensity as in a musical passage; climax; CF. crescent                                                             
far-fetched : too improbable to be believed; implausible; Ex. far-fetched story                                                                 
overture : musical introduction to a long musical piece; first offer or proposal (to begin talks in the hope of reaching an agreement); Ex. overtures for peace                                                 
crestfallen : dejected; dispirited                                                                        
crest : top (as of a hill or wave); showy feathers on the head of a bird                                                           
crevice : crack; fissure                                                                        
cringe : shrink back as if in fear; cower                                                                    
criteria : standards used in judging; CF. criterion                                                                     
crone : hag; ugly old woman                                                                      
crotchety : (of someone old) eccentric; odd; whimsical; bad-tempered; N. crotchet: odd or whimsical notion                                                             
crux : essential or main point; Ex. the crux of the problem; ADJ. crucial: of deciding importance                                                           
crypt : secret recess or vault usually used for burial; underground room (under a church)                                                              
cryptic : mysterious; hidden; secret                                                                        
cubicle : small chamber used for sleeping or work                                                                   
compartment : one of the parts into which an enclosed space is divided                                                               
cuisine : style of cooking; Ex. French cuisine                                                                    
culinary : relating to cooking or kitchen                                                                     
cull : pick out from others (to kill the weakest members); reject; select; collect (information); N.                                                            
culmination : highest point; climax; V. culminate in: reach the highest point in; end in; Ex. a series of minor clashes culminating in war                                                     
culpable : deserving blame; blameworthy                                                                        
culprit : one guilty of a crime                                                                     
culvert : artificial channel for water; drain crossing under a road                                                                 
cumbersome : heavy and awkward to carry or wear; burdensome; Ex. cumbersome parcel/uniform                                                                
cumulative : growing by addition; accumulative                                                                       
cupidity : greed (for wealth); CF. cupid; CF. Cupid                                                                    
curator : superintendent; manager (in charge of a museum or a library)                                                                 
curmudgeon : churlish, miserly individual; bad-tempered old person                                                                    
cursive : (of writing) flowing; running; having the successive letters joined                                                                 
cursory : casual; hastily done with little attention to detail                                                                   
curtail : shorten; reduce                                                                         
cynical : skeptical or distrustful of human motives; N. cynicism; CF. cynic: person who believes all people are motivated by selfishness                                                        
cynosure : object of general attention; person or thing that is a center of attention; CF. Ursa Minor                                                          
dabble : work at in a nonserious fashion; splash around; move noisily in a liquid                                                             
dais : raised platform for speakers or other important people                                                                  
dally : trifle with; toy with; treat without the necessary seriousness; procrastinate; waste time                                                              
dank : damp; unpleasantly wet                                                                       
dapper : neat and trim (in appearance); (of small men) neat in appearance and quick in movements; neat; spry                                                         
dappled : spotted                                                                         
daub : smear (as with paint); cover with something sticky; Ex. daub one's clothes with mud/paint; N: small bit of sticky substance; Ex. a daub of paint                                                 
smear : spread or cover with a sticky substance; N: mark made by smearing                                                              
smudge : dirty mark with unclear edges made by rubbing; V.                                                                 
daunt : intimidate; frighten; discourage; dishearten                                                                       
dauntless : bold; fearless                                                                         
dawdle : loiter; hang around; waste time doing nothing                                                                    
deadlock : standstill resulting from the opposition of two unrelenting forces; stalemate                                                                 
standstill : condition of no movement or activity; stop                                                                   
deadpan : wooden; impassive; with no show of feeling; with an expressionless face                                                               
dearth : scarcity   
debase : degrade; reduce in quality or value; degenerate; lower in esteem; disgrace; N. debasement                                                              
kneel : go down on one's knee(s)                                                                     
debauch : corrupt morally; seduce from virtue; N. debauchery: wild behavior (with sex and alcohol)                                                             
seduce : lead away from proper conduct; entice; ADJ. seductive                                                                  
debilitate : weaken (esp. through heat, hunger, illness); enfeeble                                                                    
bout : match; short period of great activity; Ex. wrestling bout; bout of drinking/flu                                                              
debonair : (of men) friendly, charming, and fashionably dressed; aiming to please; CF. of good disposition                                                            
debris : rubble; wreckage; scattered remains of something broken or destroyed                                                                  
debunk : expose as false, exaggerated, worthless, etc.; ridicule                                                                   
debutante : young woman making formal entrance into society                                                                   
debut : d\'ebut; first public appearance; formal presentation of a young woman to society                                                              
decadence : decay; fall to a lower level (of morality, civilization, or art); ADJ. decadent                                                              
decant : pour off gently (wine or liquid)                                                                     
decapitate : behead                                                                          
decelerate : slow down                                                                         

deciduous : falling off at a specific season or stage of growth as of leaves; Ex. deciduous tree/teeth                                                          
decimate : kill (usually one out of ten or every tenth man); destroy or kill a large part of                                                          
decipher : decode; CF. indecipherable                                                                        
declivity : downward slope                                                                        
decollete : (of a dress) having a low-cut neckline; CF. d\'ecolletage: low neckline (on a dress)                                                            
decree : authoritative order; edict; judgment of a court of law; V: order or judge by decree                                                           
decomposition : decay; V. decompose: decay; break and separate into simple parts                                                                
decorum : propriety; orderliness and good taste in manners; appropriateness of behavior or conduct                                                               
decorous : proper (in behavior, conduct, or appearance)                                                                    
decoy : lure or bait; V.                                                                       
decrepitude : state of collapse or weakness caused by illness or old age                                                                
decrepit : weak and in bad condition from old age or hard use; Ex. decrepit old chair/man                                                           
decry : express strong disapproval of; condemn openly (something dangerous to the public); disparage; Ex. decry the violence of modern films                                                       
deducible : derived by reasoning; V. deduce: infer; derive by reasoning                                                                  
deface : mar; disfigure                                                                         
mar : spoil the appearance of                                                                      
defame : harm someone's reputation; malign; speak evil of; slander; N. defamation; ADJ. defamatory                                                               
default : failure to act; failure to perform a task or be present; V.                                                               
defeatist : resigned to defeat or failure; accepting defeat or failure as a natural outcome; N. CF. defeatism                                                          
defection : desertion                                                                          
defect : shortcoming; V: desert (in order to join the opposite one)                                                                
defer : give in respectfully; submit; delay till later; exempt temporarily; N. deferment; CF. show respect, comply with, courteous                                                          
deference : courteous regard for another\'s wish; courteous yielding to another\'s wish or opinion (showing respect); ADJ. deferential; OP. effrontery                                                         
defiance : refusal to yield; resistance; V. defy; ADJ. defiant                                                                   
defile : pollute; make filthy or dirty; corrupt morally; profane; desecrate; N: narrow passage or gorge through mountains                                                           
definitive : most reliable; authorative and complete; that cannot be improved; conclusive; decisive; definite; Ex. definitive decision by the supreme court                                                        
deflect : turn aside; turn away from a straight course                                                                   
defoliate : destroy leaves; deprive of leaves (by the use of chemicals); N. defoliant                                                              
defray : provide for the payment of; undertake the payment of; pay                                                                
defrock : strip a priest or minister of church authority; unfrock                                                                 
frock : long loose garment (worn by monks)                                                                    
deft : neat; skillful                                                                         
defunct : dead; no longer in use or existence                                                                    
degenerate : become worse in quality; deteriorate; ADJ: having become worse; Ex. a degenerate species; N: depraved or corrupt person                                                         
degradation : humiliation; debasement; degeneration; V. degrade: debase; disgrace; degenerate; reduce (something) in worth; demote (someone); reduce in rank                                                          
dishonor : disgrace; N. ADJ. dishonorable                                                                      
dehydrate : remove water from; dry out                                                                     
deify : turn into a god; make a god of; idolize; Ex. Kings were deified; CF. deity                                                            
deign : condescend; stoop                                                                        
stoop : bend forward and down; lower or debase oneself; fall to a lower standard of behavior by doing something; condescend; Ex. stoop to lying                                                   
delete : erase; strike out                                                                        
deleterious : harmful                                                                         
deliberate : consider; ponder; ADJ: done on purpose; slow                                                                    
delineate : portray; depict; sketch; describe; N. delineation                                                                     
delirium : mental disorder marked by confusion; uncontrolled excitement; ADJ. delirious                                                                  
delta : flat plain of mud or sand between branches of a river                                                                
delude : deceive                                                                          
deluge : flood; rush; V.                                                                        
delusion : FALSE belief; hallucination; deluding; Ex. delusions of grandeur; Ex. under the delusion that                                                              
delusive : deceptive; likely to delude; misleading; raising vain hopes; Ex. delusive promises                                                                
delve : dig; search deeply; investigate                                                                      
demagogue : person who appeals to people's prejudice; FALSE leader of people; CF. demagoguery                                                               
demean : disgrace; humiliate; debase in dignity; behave                                                                     
demeanor : behavior; bearing                                                                         
demented : insane                                                                          
demise : death                                                                          
demographic : related to population balance; N. demography: statistical study of human population                                                               
demolition : destruction; V. demolish                                                                        
demoniac(demoniacal) : fiendish; cruel; N. demon: evil supernatural being; devil                                                                  
fiend : evil spirit; devil                                                                       
demotic : of or pertaining to the people                                                                    
demur : object (because of doubts, scruples); raise an objection (showing qualms); hesitate; Ex. demur at the idea of working on Sunday                                                      
demure : (of a woman or child) grave; quiet and serious; coy; pretending to be demure                                                            
denigrate : blacken; defame                                                                         
denizen : (animal, person, or plant) inhabitant or resident of a particular place; regular visitor                                                              
denotation : meaning; distinguishing by name; V. denote: indicate; refer to directly; mean; CF. connotation                                                              
denouement : final outcome; final development of the plot of a play or other literary work; the end of a story when everything is explained                                                   
denounce : condemn; criticize; N. denunciation                                                                       
depict : portray     
expose : public revelation of something discreditable                                                                     
deplete : reduce; exhaust                                                                         
deplore : regret; express sorrow and severe disapproval for something bad; Ex. deplore their violent behavior; ADJ. deplorable: very bad; deserving severe disapproval; Ex. deplorable living condition                                                  
deploy : spread out (troops) in an extended though shallow battle line; distribute (persons or forces) systematically or strategically                                                          
battalion : army unit made up of four or more companies                                                                 
depose : dethrone; remove from office; give a deposition; testify                                                                   
deposition : testimony under oath; deposing; dethroning                                                                      
depravity : extreme corruption; wickedness; V. deprave                                                                      
deprecate : express disapproval of; deplore; protest against; belittle; ADJ. deprecatory                                                                  
depreciate : lessen in value; belittle; represent as of little value                                                                  
depredation : plundering; destruction                                                                         
deranged : insane                                                                          
institute : organization for a special purpose; V: establish                                                                   
institution : instituting; (building for the) organization; established custom, practice, or relationship in a society; mental hospital; Ex. institution of marriage                                                       
institutionalize : make into an institution; put or confine in an institution                                                                
derelict : negligent; (of someone) neglectful of duty; (of something) deserted by an owner; abandoned; N: abandoned property; homeless or vagrant person                                                       
dereliction : neglect of duty; abandonment                                                                      
deride : ridicule; treat with contempt; make fun of; OP. respect                                                                  
derision : ridicule; ADJ. derisive; CF. derisory                                                                      
derivative : unoriginal; obtained from another source; Ex. derivative prose style; N.                                                                 
derivation : deriving; origin or source of something; Ex. the derivation of the word                                                              
dermatologist : one who studies the skin and its diseases                                                                   
acne : skin disease (on the face)                                                                     

derogatory : expressing a low opinion; disparaging; V. derogate: detract; disparage                                                                  
descry : catch sight of (something distant)                                                                     
desecrate : profane; violate the sanctity of                                                                      
violate : break (a law); defile; desecrate; assault sexually; Ex. violate graves                                                                
desiccate : dry up                                                                         
desolate : (of a place) deserted; unpopulated; (of a person) lonely; forlorn; joyless                                                                
desolate : make desolate; forsake; abandon and desert                                                                     
desperado : reckless, desperate outlaw                                                                       
desperate : having lost all hope; despairing; reckless and violent because of loss of hope or despair; undertaken as a last resort                                                      
despise : look on with scorn; regard as worthless or distasteful; ADJ. despicable: contemptible                                                               
despoil : plunder; sack; Ex. despoil the village                                                                     
despondent : without hope and courage; depressed; gloomy; N. despondency: loss of hope with gloom; dejection                                                             
despot : tyrant; harsh, authoritarian ruler; CF. despotism                                                                     
destitute : extremely poor; lacking means of subsistence; utterly lacking; devoid; Ex. destitute of any experience                                                             
impoverish : make poor; deprive of natural strength or something important; Ex. impoverished soil                                                              
desultory : aimless; haphazard; digressing at random                                                                      
detached : emotionally removed; free from emotional involvement; calm and objective; physically separate; N. detachment; CF. attachment                                                           
detain : keep waiting; prevent from leaving or going; N. detention                                                                 
determinate : having a fixed order of procedure; precisely defined; invariable; fixed; conclusive; final                                                              
determination : resolve; firmness of purpose; measurement or calculation; decision                                                                  
deterrent : something that discourages or deters                                                                      
detonation : explosion                                                                          
detraction : slandering; aspersion; detracting; CF. detractor                                                                      
detrimental : harmful; damaging; N. detriment                                                                       
deviate : turn away from (a principle, norm); move away from an accepted standard; swerve; depart; diverge; N. deviation; Ex. deviation of the path of light by a prism                                                
devious : roundabout; erratic; deviating from the straight course; not straightforward; not completely honest; Ex. devious route                                                           
devise : think up; invent; plan; bequeath; N: bequest                                                                    
devoid : empty; lacking                                                                         
devolve : deputize; pass or be passed to others (power, work, or property); Ex. devolve on/upon/to                                                            
deputize : work or appoint as a deputy; N. deputy: person who has the power to take charge when the leading person is away                                                    
devotee : enthusiastic follower; enthusiast; Ex. devotee of Bach                                                                    
devout : pious; deeply religious; sincere; earnest; Ex. my devout hope                                                                  
religious : of religion; (of a person) pious; having reverence for a deity                                                               
dexterous : skillful; skill in using hands or mind; N. dexterity                                                                  
diabolical : diabolic; devilish; fiendish                                                                        
diadem : crown                                                                         
dialectical : relating to the art of debate; mutual or reciprocal; Ex. dialectical situation; N. dialectic: art of arriving at the truth by the exchange of logical arguments                                                 
diaphanous : sheer; transparent                                                                         
diatribe : bitter scolding or denunciation; invective; abuse                                                                    
dichotomy : division into two opposite parts; split; branching into two parts (especially contradictory ones)                                                              
dictum : authoritative and weighty statement (made by a judge in court); saying; maxim; CF. obiter dictum: incidental, nonbinding remark (something said in passing)                                                    
didactic : (of speech or writing) intended to teach a moral lesson; teaching; instructional; N. didacticism                                                            
die : metal block used for shaping metal or plastic; device for stamping or impressing; mold; CF. dice                                                          
diffidence : shyness; lack of self-confidence; timidity; ADJ. diffident                                                                    
diffuse : wordy; verbose; rambling; spread out (like a gas); V: spread out in all directions; disperse; N. diffusion; CF. suffuse                                                       
digression : wandering away from the subject; V. digress                                                                    
dilapidated : falling to pieces; in a bad condition; ruined because of neglect; Ex. dilapidated old car/castle; N. dilapidation                                                          
dilate : expand; dilate on/upon: speak or write at length on (a subject)                                                                
dilatory : delaying; tending to delay                                                                       
dilemma : situation that requires a choice between equally unfavorable options; problem; choice of two unsatisfactory alternatives                                                            
dilettante : aimless follower of an art or a field of knowledge (not taking it seriously); amateur; dabbler; CF. delight                                                        
diligence : steadiness of effort; persistent hard work                                                                     
dilute : make (a liquid) less concentrated; reduce in strength; Ex. dilute the influence of the president                                                            
diminution : lessening; reduction in size; V. diminish                                                                     
din : continued loud noise; V: make a din; instill by wearying repetition                                                                
weary : tired after long work; V.                                                                     
dinghy : small boat (often ship's boat)                                                                     
maroon : leave helpless on a deserted island or coast; ADJ. red brown                                                               
dingy : (of things and place) dirty and dull; Ex. dingy street/curtain                                                                
dull : (of colors or surfaces) not bright; cloudy; overcast; boring; (of edge or sound) not sharp; not rapid; sluggish; slow in thinking and understanding; stupid; V.                                                 
dint : means; effort; Ex. by dint of hard work                                                                  
diorama : life-size, three-dimensional scene from nature or history; three-dimensional scene with modeled figures against a painted background                                                          
dire : warning of disaster; disastrous; (of needs and dangers) very great; urgent; Ex. dire prediction/need of food                                                          
dirge : funeral song; slow mournful piece of music (sung over a dead person)                                                              
disabuse : correct a FALSE impression; undeceive; free from a wrong belief                                                                 
disaffected : disloyal; lacking loyality; V. disaffect: cause to lose affection or loyalty                                                               
disapprobation : disapproval; condemnation                                                                         
disarray : state of disorder; a disorderly or untidy state; Ex. with her clothes in disarray                                                            
disavowal : denial; disclaiming; repudiating; disowning; V. disavow; CF. disclaim                                                                  
disband : dissolve; disperse; (of a group) break up and separate; Ex. The club has disbanded.                                                            
disburse : pay out (as from a fund); N. disbursement; CF. purse                                                                
discernible : distinguishable; perceivable; Ex. discernible improvement                                                                      
discerning : mentally quick and observant; having insight; perceptive; able to make good judgments; V. discern: perceive                                                            
disclaim : disown; renounce claim to; deny; CF. disclaimer                                                                   
disclose : reveal; N. disclosure                                                                        
discombobulated : discomposed; confused                                                                        
discompose : disturb the composure of; confuse                                                                     
discomfit : frustrate; put to rout; defeat; disconcert; embarrass; perturb                                                                   
disconcert : confuse; upset; embarrass; perturb                                                                      
disconsolate : hopelessly sad (at the loss of something)                                                                    
discord : conflict; lack of harmony; dissonance (when musical notes are played)                                                                 
discordant : not harmonious; conflicting                                                                        
discount : disregard; regard (a story or news) as unimportant; deduct from a cost                                                              
discourse : serious speech, writing, or conversation; formal discussion (either written or spoken); conversation; V.                                                              
discredit : defame; disgrace; destroy confidence in; disbelieve; N. CF. discreditable: causing discredit; shameful                                                               
discrepancy : lack of consistency or agreement as between facts; difference; Ex. discrepancy between two descriptions                                                             
discrete : separate; unconnected                                                                         
discretion : prudence; ability to adjust actions to circumstances; freedom of action or judgment; ADJ. discreet; CF. discretionary                                                           
discriminating : able to see differences; discerning; prejudiced; N. discrimination                                                                   
discriminate : distinguish; make distinctions on the basis of preference                                                                  
brisk : quick and active; marked by liveliness and vigor                                                                  
discursive : (of a person or writing) digressing; rambling (without any clear plan)                                                               
disdain : treat with scorn or contempt                                                                      
disembark : debark; go ashore (from a ship); unload cargo from a ship; CF. embark                                                             
disenfranchise : disfranchise; deprive of a civil right; OP. enfranchise                                                                   
disengage : uncouple; separate; disconnect; stop fighting; OP. engage                                                                   
disfigure : mar the appearance of; spoil                                                                      
disgorge : surrender something (stolen); eject; vomit; OP. gorge                                                                   
disgruntle : make discontented                                                                        

dishearten : discourage                                                                          
disheveled : untidy (of hair or clothing); V. dishevel                                                                   
disinclination : unwillingness                                                                          
disingenuous : not naive; not candid; sophisticated; worldly wise; OP. ingenuous                                                                 
disinter : dig up; unearth; OP. inter                                                                     
disinterested : unprejudiced; free from bias and self-interest; objective                                                                    
disjointed : disconnected; lacking coherence; V. disjoint: disconnect; disjoin                                                                    
disjunction : act or state of separation; disunity; CF. disjunctive: expressing a choice between two ideas; CF. conjunction; CF. conjunctive                                                         
dislodge : remove (forcibly); force out of a position; Ex. dislodge the food caught in his throat; CF. lodge                                                         
dismantle : take apart; disassemble                                                                       
mantle : loose sleeveless outer garment; cloak; something that covers or envelops; the layer of the earth between the crust and the core                                                     
crust : hard outer covering (as of earth or snow)                                                                  
dismember : cut into small parts; cut (a body) apart limb from limb                                                                
dismiss : eliminate from consideration; no longer consider; put out of court without further hearing; reject; discharge from employment; direct to leave; ADJ. dismissive; N. dismissal                                                  
disparage : belittle                                                                          
maneuver(manoeuver) : strategic military or naval movement (done for training purposes); carefully planned process; stratagem; V: carry out a military maneuver; use maneuvers in gaining an end                                                  
disparate : basically different; impossible to compare; unrelated                                                                     
disparity : difference; condition of inequality; OP. parity                                                                     
dispassionate : calm; impartial; not influenced by personal feelings                                                                    
dispatch : speediness; prompt execution; message sent with all due speed; V: send to a specified destination; finish promptly; kill                                                         
dispel : scatter; drive away; cause to vanish                                                                     
dispense : distribute; prepare and give out (medicines); N. dispensation: dispensing; religious system; official exemption from an obligation or a rule                                                       
disperse : scatter; Ex. disperse the cloud/crowd                                                                      
dispirited : lacking in spirit                                                                       
disport : amuse; Ex. disport oneself; CF. divert                                                                    
disputatious : argumentative; fond of argument                                                                       
disquietude : uneasiness; anxiety; V. disquiet: make anxious                                                                     
disquisition : formal systematic inquiry; explanation of the results of a formal inquiry; long formal speech or written report                                                         
dissection : analysis; cutting apart in order to examine                                                                    
dissemble : disguise; hide the real nature of; pretend                                                                   
disseminate : distribute; spread; scatter (like seeds)                                                                      
dissent : disagree                                                                          
dissertation : formal essay; treatise                                                                        
dissident : dissenting (with an opinion, a group, or a government); rebellious; N.                                                                
dissimulate : pretend; conceal by feigning; dissemble                                                                     
dissipate : squander; waste foolishly; scatter                                                                       
dissolution : disintegration; reduction to a liquid form; looseness in morals; sensual indulgence; debauchery; ADJ. dissolute: lacking in moral restraint; leading an immoral life                                                    
reduce : diminish; bring to a weaker or more difficult condition; demote; lower in rank; separate into components by analysis; Ex. reduced to the ranks; Ex. reduce the house to rubble; N. reduction                                           
dissuade : persuade not to do; discourage; N. dissuasion                                                                    
dissonance : discord                                                                         
distant : reserved or aloof; cold in manner; Ex. distant greeting; ADV. distantly                                                               
distend : expand; swell out                                                                        
distill : refine (a liquid by evaporating and subsequent condensation); concentrate; separate the most important parts from; Ex. distill fresh water from sea water; CF. brew                                                   
distinction : honor; excellence; difference; contrast; discrimination; Ex. graduated with distinction; Ex. a writer of real distinction                                                           
distinct : clearly different; clearly noticed                                                                      
distinctive : clearly different from others of the same kind                                                                  
distort : twist out of shape; give a FALSE account of; misrepresent; N. distortion                                                               
distrait : absentminded; distracted                                                                        
distraught : upset; distracted by anxiety; very anxious and troubled almost to the point of madness; Ex. distraught with grief/worry                                                        
distract : take (one's attention) off something; upset emotionally; make anxious; ADJ. distracted                                                               
diurnal : daily; occurring during the daytime                                                                      
diva : operatic singer; prima donna                                                                       
diverge : vary; go in different directions from the same point; ADJ. divergent: differing; deviating                                                              
diverse : differing in some characteristics (from each other); various; N. diversity: variety; dissimilitude; lack of resemblance                                                            
diversion : act of turning aside; pastime; V. divert: turn aside from a course; distract; amuse                                                             
divest : strip (as of clothes); deprive (as of rights); dispossess; N. divestiture(divestment)                                                                
divine : perceive intuitively (by or as if by magic); foresee the future; foretell; dowse; ADJ. N. divination                                                           
dowse : use a divining rod to search for underground water or minerals                                                               
divulge : reveal                                                                          
docile : obedient; easily managed; submissive                                                                       
ferocious : fierce; violent; N. ferocity                                                                      
docket : program as for trial; book where such entries are made; list of things to be done; agenda; label fixed to a package listing contents or directions; V: describe in a docket                                           
doctrinaire : unable to compromise about points of doctrine; dogmatic; unyielding; marked by inflexible attachment to a doctrine without regard to its practical difficulties                                                    
doctrine : teachings in general; particular principle (religious, legal, etc.) taught; dogma; tenet; ADJ. doctrinal                                                              
indoctrinate : cause to accept a doctrine without questioning it; Ex. indoctrinated with mindless anti-communism                                                             
document : provide written evidence (for a claim); record with documents; N.                                                                
doddering : shaky; infirm from old age; V. dodder                                                                   
merit : deserve; ADJ. meritorious: deserving reward or praise                                                                   
doff : take off; OP. don                                                                      
dogged : determined; stubborn; stubbornly persevering; tenacious; Ex. Inspector Javert's dogged pursuit of Jean Valjean                                                             
persevere : continue steadily in spite of difficulties                                                                    
doggerel : poor verse                                                                        
dogmatic : opinionated; holding stubbornly to one's opinion; arbitrary; doctrinal                                                                   
doldrums : blues; listlessness(lack of spirit or energy); slack(inactive) period; period of stagnation; ocean area near the equator where ships cannot move because there is no wind; Ex. in the doldrums                                             
blues : state of depression or melancholy; style of slow, mournful music (evolved from southern Black American songs)                                                          
dolorous : sorrowful; N. dolor                                                                        
dolt : slow-thinking stupid person; CF. dull                                                                     
domicile : home; V. ADJ. domiciled: having one's domicile; Ex. He is domiciled in Britain.                                                             
domineer : rule over tyrannically                                                                       
dominate : control; rule; enjoy a commanding position in; overlook from a height; 내려다보다                                                              
dominant : exercising the most influence; high and easily seen; stronger than the other part of a system; not recessive                                                        
don : put on; OP. doff                                                                      
outfit : clothing or equipment for a special purpose; Ex. cowboy outfit                                                                
dormant : sleeping; temporarily inactive; lethargic; latent                                                                      
dormer : window projecting upright from roof; CF. sleeping room                                                                  
dorsal : relating to the back of an animal; Ex. dorsal fin                                                                 
dossier : file of documents on a subject or person; file; CF. bundle of papers labeled on the back                                                         
dotage : senility; feeblemindedness of old age; Ex. In one's dotage                                                                 
dote : be excessively fond of; show signs of mental decline                                                                 
dour : sullen; gloomy; stubborn                                                                       
sullen : silently showing ill humor or resentment; dark; gloomy                                                                  
brood : sit on in order to hatch; think deeply or worry anxiously; N: the young of certain animals; group of young birds hatched at one time                                                 
douse : plunge into water or liquid; dip; immerse; drench; wet throughly; extinguish; throw water over; dowse                                                           
dowdy : untidy (of a woman or clothes); slovenly; dressed in an unattractive way; shabby; CF. unattractive woman                                                          
downcast : disheartened; dejected; sad; directed downward                                                                     
drab : dull; lacking color; cheerless ; Ex. drab coat/life                                                                  
draconian : extremely severe; Ex. draconian punishment; CF. Draco: Athenian politician                                                                 
dregs : sediment in a liquid; lees; worthless residue                                                                   
drivel : nonsense; foolishness; V: talk nonsense                                                                     
nonsense : speech or writing with no meaning; foolish behavior or language; Ex. make (a) nonsense of: spoil; cause to fail                                                       
dribble : flow or fall in drops; let saliva flow out slowly from the mouth; move a ball; N.                                                         
drip : fall or let fall in drops; shed drops; N: action or sound of falling in drops; liquid that falls in drops                                                     
trickle : flow in drops or in a thin stream; N.                                                                 
droll : queer and amusing                                                                       
queer : strange; eccentric; deviating from the normal                                                                    
drone : idle person who lives on other people's work; male bee                                                                
drone : talk dully; buzz or murmur like a bee; N.                                                                 
murmur : low, indistinct, continuous sound; V. CF. mumble                                                                   
dross : waste matter; worthless impurities                                                                      
drudgery : hard unpleasant work; menial work                                                                      
drudge : do drudgery; N: person who drudges                                                                    
dubious : questionable; (of something) causing doubt; (of someone) filled with doubt; N. dubiety                                                              
ductile : malleable; pliable; (of metals) easily pulled into shape; flexible; (of someone) easily influenced or controlled                                                           
dulcet : sweet sounding; pleasing to the ear; melodious                                                                   
dumbfound(dumfound) : astonish (making dumb); ADJ. dumbfounded, dumfounded, dumbstruck                                                                   
dupe : someone easily fooled or deceived; V: deceive                                                                   
duplicity : double-dealing; hypocrisy; being dishonest and deceitful; ADJ. duplicitous                                                                  

duration : length of time something lasts                                                                      
duress : forcible restraint, especially unlawfully; coercion by threat; illegal coercion; Ex. a promise made under duress                                                           
dutiful(duteous) : (of people or their behavior) respectful; obedient (filled with a sense of duty)                                                             
dwindle : shrink; reduce gradually                                                                       
dynamic : energetic; vigorously active                                                                        
dynamo : generator for producing electricity; energetic person                                                                    
dyspeptic : suffering from indigestion; N. dyspepsia: indigestion; difficulty in digesting food                                                                
dys- : abnormal; impaired                                                                        
dyslexia : word blindness; learning disorder marked by impairment of the ability to read                                                              
dysentery : inflammatory disorder of the lower intestinal tract                                                                   
earthy : unrefined; coarse; of earth; Ex. earthy remarks; OP. ethereal                                                                 
earthly : of this earth; terrestrial; worldly; not divine; possible; Ex. no earthly reason                                                              
ebb : (of the tide) recede; lessen; diminish; N. OP. flow: rise of tide                                                               
ebullient : showing excitement; overflowing with enthusiasm; boiling; N. ebullience; N. ebullition: state of boiling                                                              
eccentric : irregular; odd; unconventional; whimsical; bizarre; not concentric                                                                    
eccentricity : oddity; idiosyncrasy                                                                         
ecclesiastic : ecclesiastical; pertaining to the church; N: minister; priest; cleric; clergyman                                                                 
chapel : small church (in a prison, college, or hospital)                                                                  
chaplain : clergyman attached to a chapel                                                                     
padre : chaplain (in the armed forces)                                                                     
eclectic : selective; composed of elements drawn from disparate sources; selecting individual elements from a variety of sources; N. eclecticism                                                         
selective : careful in choosing; having an effect only on certain things; not general; Ex. eclectic weed killer                                                          
eclipse : darken; extinguish; outshine; surpass; cause an eclipse                                                                    
ecliptic : path of the sun and the planets                                                                   
ecologist : person concerned with the interrelationship between living organisms and their environment; person concerned with the detrimental effects of human civilization on the environment; CF. ecology                                                  
ecosystem : ecological community together with its environment                                                                    
economy : efficiency or conciseness in using something; thrifty management of resources                                                                 
ecstasy : rapture; very strong feeling of joy and happiness; any overpowering emotion; ADJ. ecstatic: causing or experiencing ecstasy                                                          
rapture : great joy and delight; ecstasy; ADJ. rapturous                                                                   
eddy : swirling current of water, air, etc.; V.                                                                   
edict : decree (especially one issued by a sovereign); official command                                                                  
sovereign : ruler in a monarchy; ADJ: (of a country) independent and self-governing; having supreme power; supreme; excellent                                                          
sovereignty : complete independence and self-government (of a country); supremacy of authority; power to govern                                                             
edify : instruct; correct morally                                                                       
edifice : building (of imposing size)                                                                      
eerie : weird; causing fear because strange                                                                      
efface : rub out; remove the surface of                                                                     
effectual : able to produce a desired effect; valid                                                                    
effective : effectual; producing a strong response; striking; in operation; in effect; Ex. effective speech/photograph                                                             
effectuate : effect; produce; achieve; Ex. effectuate a reconciliation                                                                   
effeminate : having womanly traits                                                                        
emasculate : weaken; castrate                                                                        
castrate : remove the sex organs (of a male animal or person)                                                                
effervescence : inner excitement or exuberance; showing high spirits; emitting bubbles forming inside; bubbling from fermentation or carbonation; ADJ. effervescent; V. effervesce                                                      
effete : having lost one's original power; barren; worn out; exhausted                                                                  
efficacy : power to produce desired effect; ADJ. efficacious: effectual                                                                   
effigy : dummy; likeness of a person made of wood, paper, or stone; Ex. burn an effigy of the President                                                         
dummy : imitation of a real object used as a substitute; effigy                                                                
effluvium : noxious(harmful) smell                                                                        
effrontery : rudeness without any sense of shame; shameless boldness; presumptousness; nerve; cheek                                                                
effulgent : shining brightly; brilliant                                                                       
effusion : pouring forth; unrestrained outpouring of feeling; V. effuse: pour out; ADJ. effusive: pouring forth; gushing                                                            
gush : (of liquid) pour out in large quantities from a hole; make an excessive display of feeling (without TRUE feeling); Ex. Blood gushed from the wound.                                                 
egoism : excessive interest in one\'s self; belief that one should be interested in one\'s self rather than in others; selfishness; ADJ. egoistic, egoistical                                                     
ego : one's opinion of oneself; self-esteem                                                                     
egotistical : egotistic; excessively self-centered(egocentric); self-important; conceited                                                                      
egotism : tendency to speak or write of oneself excessively; conceit; self-importance                                                                
egregious : notorious; conspicuously bad or shocking                                                                      
egress : exit; opening for going out; act of going out; OP. ingress                                                               
ejaculation : exclamation; abrupt ejection (to discharge sperm); V. ejaculate                                                                  
elaboration : addition of details; intricacy                                                                      
elaborate : work out carefully; add more detail or information; ADJ.                                                                 
elated : filled with excited joy and pride; overjoyed; in high spirits; joyful and proud; Ex. elated crowd; V. elate; N. elation                                                       
elegy : poem or song expressing lamentation (for the dead); ADJ. elegiacal, elegiac                                                               
elicit : draw out fact or information (by discussion or from someone)                                                                 
elixir : cure-all; panacea; something invigorating                                                                      
ellipsis : omission of words from a text; mark used to indicate an omission (when the meaning can be understood without them); PL. ellipses                                                     
elliptical : elliptic; oval; of an ellipse; containing an ellipsis; ambiguous either purposely or because key words have been left out                                                        
eloquence : expressiveness; persuasive speech; ADJ. eloquent: movingly expressive; expressing ideas well so that the hearers can be influeneced                                                          
elucidate : explain; make clear; clarify; enlighten; CF. lucid                                                                    
elusive : evasive; not frank; baffling; hard to grasp, catch, or understand; V. elude: escape from; escape the understanding or grasp of; Ex. elude the hunter; Ex. His name eludes me.                                              
elysian : relating to paradise; blissful                                                                      
Elysium : place or condition of bliss                                                                     
emaciated : thin and wasted (from hunger or illness)                                                                    
emanate : issue forth; come out                                                                       
emancipate : set free; liberate                                                                        
embargo : ban on commerce or other activity                                                                     
embark : commence; go on board a boat; begin a journey                                                                  
embed(imbed) : enclose; place in something; fix firmly in a surrounding mass                                                                 
embellish : adorn; ornament; enhance as a story (by adding fictitious details) 
embezzlement : taking for one\'s own use in violation of trust; stealing (of money placed in one\'s care)                                                           
emblazon : ornament richly (a shield or flag); N. emblazonment                                                                  
embody : give a bodily form to; incorporate; include                                                                   
emboss : produce a de# raised relief; decorate with a raised design                                                               
embrace : hug; clasp with the arms; adopt or espouse; accept readily; encircle; include; Ex. embrace the cause/socialism; Ex. all-embracing; CF. brace; CF. bracelet                                                     
encircle : surround                                                                         
embroider : decorate with needlework; ornament (a story) with fancy or fictitious details; embellish                                                               
embroil : throw into confusion; involve in strife, dispute, or quarrel; entangle; CF. imbroglio                                                               
embryonic : undeveloped; rudimentary; N. embryo: organism in the early stage of development                                                                
emend : correct (usually a text); N. emendation: correction of errors; improvement                                                                 
emetic : substance causing vomiting; ADJ.                                                                      
eminent : rising above others; high; lofty; distinguished; Ex. eminent position                                                                 
emissary : agent (sent on a mission to represent another); messenger                                                                  
emollient : soothing or softening remedy (for the skin); ADJ.                                                                   
emolument : salary; payment for an office; compensation                                                                     
empathy : ability to identify with another\'s feelings, ideas, etc.; identification with and understanding of another\'s feelings; V. empathize; CF. sympathy                                                       
compassion : sympathy for the suffering of others; ADJ. compassionate                                                                  
empirical : based on experience                                                                        
emulate : imitate; rival; try to equal or excel (through imitation)                                                                 
enamored : in love; Ex. enamored of his own beauty; V. enamor: inspire with love                                                             
encipher : encode; convert a message into code; put into cipher                                                                  
enclave : territory enclosed within an alien land                                                                     
encomiastic : praising; eulogistic; N. encomium: very high praise; eulogy                                                                   
encompass : surround; include; Ex. His activities encompass publishing and computers.                                                                  
encroachment : gradual intrusion; Ex. I resent all these encroachments on my valuable time; V. encroach: take another's possessions or right gradually or stealthily; intrude; Ex. encroach on/upon                                                 

encumber : burden; N. encumbrance                                                                        
endearment : fond word or act; expression of affection                                                                   
endear : make beloved; Ex. endear her to everyone; ADJ. dear: loved; cherished; high-priced                                                              
endemic : prevailing among a specific group of people or in a specific area or country; peculiar to a particular region or people; CF. pandemic                                                    
endorse : approve; support; write one's signature on the back of; N. endorsement; CF. dorsal                                                              
endue : provide with some quality; endow                                                                      
enduring : lasting; surviving; V. endure: bear (pain or suffering) for a long time; remain alive (in spite of difficulties); last; survive                                                       
energize : invigorate; give energy to; make forceful and active                                                                   
enervate : weaken; take away energy from                                                                      
enfranchise : admit to the rights of citizenship (especially the right to vote); CF. franchise                                                              
engage : attract; employ; hire; pledge oneself; confront; fight; enter into confliction; interlock; lock together; participate; N. engagement: agreement to marry; arrangement to meet someone or to do something; battle                                              
engaging : charming; attractive                                                                         
engaged : employed; busy; betrothed; involved in conflict                                                                    
engender : cause; produce; give rise to                                                                      
engross : occupy fully; absorb                                                                        
enhance : increase; make greater (as in value, reputation, or usefulness); improve                                                                 
enigma : puzzle; mystery; ADJ. enigmatic: obscure; puzzling                                                                     
puzzle : baffle or confuse by a difficult problem; ponder over a problem in an effort to solve; clarify or solve by reasoning; Ex. puzzle out the answer; N.                                               
enjoin : command; order; forbid                                                                        
enmity : ill will; hatred; hostility                                                                       
ennui : boredom; listlessness and dissatisfaction resulting from lack of interest; CF. annoy                                                               
enormity : hugeness (in a bad sense); excessive wickedness; Ex. enormity of the crime; ADJ. enormous                                                             
enrapture : please intensely; fill with rapture and delight                                                                   
ensconce : settle comfortably; place comfortably (in a secure place)                                                                  
ensue : follow (as a result)                                                                       
entail : make necessary; require; necessitate; involve; limit the inheritance of (property) to a specified succession of heirs; Ex. entail A on/upon B                                                      
enterprising : full of initiative; showing enterprise                                                                     
enterprise : willingness to take new ventures; initiative; business organization; plan (that is difficult or daring); Ex. their latest enterprise to sail round the world in a small boat                                               
enthrall : capture; enslave; captivate; hold the complete attention of (as if magic); hold spellbound                                                              
entice : lure; persuade to do (something wrong); attract; tempt                                                                   
mischief : behavior (of children) causing trouble with no serious harm; damage; harm; Ex. mischief to the crops; ADJ. mischievous: causing mischief; playfully troublesome                                                    
entity : real being                                                                         
entomology : study of insects                                                                        
entrance : put under a spell(condition caused by magical power); carry away(fill with strong feeling) with emotion; put into a trance; fill with delight                                                    
trance : hypnotic state; ecstatic state; detachment from one's physical surrounding (as in contemplation or daydreaming); CF. transition                                                          
hypnosis : induced sleeping state; ADJ. hypnotic; V. hypnotize                                                                   
entreat : plead; ask earnestly                                                                        
entree : entrance; a way in; right to enter; main dish of a meal; Ex. entree into the exclusive circle                                                        
entrepreneur : businessperson (who assumes the risk of a business venture); contractor; ADJ. entrepreneurial                                                               
enumerate : list; mention one by one                                                                      
enunciate : announce; proclaim; utter or speak, especially distinctly; pronounce clearly; articulate; Ex. This theory was first enunciated by him.                                                        
environ : enclose; surround; N. environs: surrounding area (as of a city)                                                                 
eon(aeon) : long period of time; an age; longest division of geologic time containing two or more eras                                                          
epaulet(epaulette) : ornament worn on the shoulder (of a uniform, etc.)                                                                 
fringe : decorative edge of hanging threads; edge                                                                    
ephemeral : short-lived; fleeting                                                                         
fleet : fast; rapid; N. ADJ. fleeting: passing quickly; ephemeral                                                                  
epic : long heroic poem, novel, or similar work of art (celebrating the feats of a hero); ADJ: (of stories or events) resembling an epic; grand                                                   
epicure : connoisseur of food and drink; gourmet; ADJ. epicurean; CF. Epicurus                                                                 
Epicurean : believing that pleasure is good and suffering is bad and should be avoided; N.                                                            
epigram : witty thought or saying, usually short                                                                    
epilogue : short speech at conclusion of dramatic work                                                                    
episodic : (of a story or play) loosely connected; made up of separate and loosely connected parts; N. episode: incident in the course of an experience                                                  
epistemologist : philosopher who studies the nature of knowledge; N. epistemology                                                                 
epitaph : inscription in memory of a dead person (as on a tombstone)                                                               
epithet : word or phrase characteristically used to describe a person or thing; descriptive phrase to characterize a person (often contemptous)                                                       
epitome : perfect example or embodiment; brief summary; Ex. epitome of good manners; V. epitomize: make an epitome of; be an epitome of; embody                                                     
epoch : period of time                                                                        
equable : tranquil; of even calm temper; (of temperature) steady; uniform                                                                  
equanimity : calmness of temperament; composure                                                                       
equestrian : rider on horseback; ADJ.                                                                      
equilibrium : balance of opposing forces; balance of the mind; equanimity                                                                  
equine : resembling a horse; Ex. equine face                                                                    
equinox : period of equal days and nights; the beginning of spring and autumn; Ex. vernal/autumnal equinox; ADJ. equinoctial                                                          
equipoise : balance; balancing force; equilibrium                                                                      
equitable : fair; impartial; OP. inequitable                                                                       
equity : fairness; justice; OP. inequity                                                                       
equivocal : (of words or statements) ambiguous; intentionally misleading; (of behavior) questionable; OP. unequivocal                                                              
equivocate : use equivocal language to deceive people; lie; mislead; attempt to conceal the truth; N. equivocation                                                           
erode : eat away; wear away gradually by abrasion; Ex. The sea erodes the rocks.                                                              
erotic : pertaining to passionate love or sexual love                                                                    
errant : wandering (esp. in search of adventure); straying from proper moral standards; Ex. knight-errant                                                             
erratic : odd; irregular in movement or behavior; unpredictable                                                                   
erroneous : mistaken; wrong; incorrect                                                                        
erudite : (of a person or book) learned; full of learning; scholarly; N. erudition                                                               
scholarly : full of learning; erudite; like a scholar; Ex. scholarly journal                                                                
escapade : prank; flighty conduct; reckless adventure that disobeys rules                                                                   
prank : mischievous trick                                                                        
flighty : (esp. of a woman's behavior) capricious; often changing, esp. from one lover to another; impulsive                                                           
eschew : avoid habitually; Ex. eschew alcoholic drinks                                                                    
esoteric : hard to understand; known only to the chosen few, esp. initiates; N. esoterica                                                             
espionage : spying                                                                          
espouse : adopt; support (an idea or aim); marry; N. espousal                                                                 
esteem : respect; value; judge; N.                                                                       
estimable : (of a person) worthy of esteem; admirable; deserving esteem; possible to estimate                                                              
inestimable : impossible to estimate; (apprec) invaluable; of immeasurable worth                                                                  
estranged : separated; alienated; V. estrange: alienate (people in a family); N. estrangement                                                                
ethereal : like a spirit or fairy; unearthly light; heavenly; unusually refined; Ex. She has an ethereal beauty; CF. ether: upper air                                                      
airy : of air; high in the air; lofty; immaterial; unreal                                                                 
ethnic : relating to races                                                                       
ethnology : study of humankind; study of the different races of human beings; CF. anthropology                                                             
ethos : underlying character of a culture, group, etc.; character or ideas peculiar to a specific person, group, or culture; Ex. the company ethos                                                    
etymology : study of word parts; study of the origins of words                                                                 
eugenic : pertaining to the improvement of race; N. eugenics: study of hereditary improvement of the human race                                                           
eulogistic : praising; full of eulogy                                                                       

eulogy : expression of praise, often on the occasion of someone's death; V. eulogize                                                              
euphemism : mild expression in place of an unpleasant one; ADJ. euphemistic                                                                 
euphony : sweet sound; ADJ. euphonious                                                                       
euphoria : feeling of exaggerated or unfounded(ungrounded; baseless) well-being; feeling of great happiness or well-being (when unreasonable); ADJ. euphoriaric                                                         
euthanasia : mercy killing                                                                         
evanescent : fleeting; vanishing; soon disappearing; V. evanesce                                                                     
evasive : not frank; trying to hide the truth; eluding; evading; V. evade: avoid (a duty or responsibility) or escape from by deceit                                                     
evince : show clearly                                                                         
evenhanded : impartial; fair                                                                        
evocative : tending to call up (emotions, memories)                                                                     
evoke : call forth (memory or feeling); Ex. That old film evoked memories of my childhood; N. evocation                                                           
ewe : female sheep                                                                        
ram : male sheep; V. strike or drive against with a heavy impact                                                               
exacerbate : worsen; aggravate; embitter                                                                        
embitter : make bitter; fill with painful or bitter feelings; make sad and angry; Ex. He was embittered by many disappointments.                                                       
exacting : extremely demanding; Ex. exacting standard of safety                                                                    
exact : demand and obtain by force; Ex. exact a promise from him; N. exaction                                                             
exalt : raise in rank or dignity; praise highly; inspire; Ex. exalt the imagination; ADJ. exalted; N. exaltation                                                           
exasperate : vex; annoy or make angry (by testing the patience)                                                                 
exceptionable : objectionable; likely to cause dislike; offensive; CF. unexceptionable: entirely acceptable                                                                
except : exclude; N. exception: objection; exclusion; ADJ. exceptional: unusual; of unusually high quality                                                              
excerpt : selected passage (written or musical) taken from a longer work; V.                                                               
exchequer : treasury; Ex. Chancellor of the exchequer                                                                    
chancellor : legal official of high rank; CF. chancellery(chancellory): position of a chancellor                                                               
treasure : keep as precious; cherish                                                                      
excise : cut away; cut out; N: government tax on good produced and used inside a country; N. excision                                                          
exclaim : cry out suddenly; N. exclamation; ADJ. exclamatory                                                                    
excoriate : scold with biting harshness; censure strongly; strip the skin off                                                                
exculpate : clear from blame or guilt                                                                      
execrable : very bad; detestable                                                                       
execrate : curse; express abhorrence for; detest                                                                      
execute : put into effect; carry out; kill as a lawful punishment; N. execution                                                               
executor : person designated to execute the terms of a will; 예술 작품의 제작자                                                              
executioner : person administering capital punishment                                                                      
executive : person having administrative authority; one branch of government executing laws; ADJ: relating to executing                                                            
legislature : legislating branch of government; CF. legislate: make laws                                                                  
judiciary : judicial branch of government                                                                      
exegesis : explanation, especially of biblical(of the bible) passages                                                                   
exemplary : serving as a model; outstanding; Ex. exemplary punishment/behavior; N. exemplar: typical example; model                                                              
exemplify : show by example; furnish an example; serve as an example of; Ex. His pictures exemplify that sort of painting.                                                        
exempt : not subject to a duty or obligation; free from a duty; V.                                                               
exertion : effort; expenditure of much physical work; V. exert oneself: make a great effort                                                              
exhale : breathe out; OP. inhale                                                                      
exhilarating : invigorating and refreshing; cheering; V. exhilarate: make cheerful and excited; Ex. exhilarated by the ride in the sports car                                                        
exhort : urge (by strong argument or advice); Ex. The general exhorted his men to fight bravely; N. exhortation                                                         
urge : drive or force forward (by causing impulses); drive to take action; impel; entreat earnestly; Ex. urge horses; N: impulse that prompts action                                                    
urgent : compelling immediate action; pressing; persistent; importunate; Ex. urgent in his demands                                                               
exhume : dig out of the ground; remove from a grave                                                                  
coroner : public official who investigates any death thought to be of other than natural causes                                                            
exigency : urgent situation; ADJ. exigent                                                                       
exiguous : small in amount; minute                                                                       
existential : pertaining to existence; pertaining to the philosophy of existentialism                                                                 
exodus : departure (of a large number of people)                                                                    
exonerate : acquit; exculpate; free from blame or guilt                                                                    
exorbitant : (of costs or demands) excessive; exceeding reasonable bounds                                                                   
exorcise : drive out evil spirits                                                                       
exotic : not native; from another part of the world; strange; intriguingly unusual; Ex. exotic flower/dress                                                             
intrigue : make secret plans; plot; arouse the curiosity of; N: secret scheme; plot; secret love affair                                                           
expansive : (of a person) outgoing and sociable; broad and extensive; able to increase in size                                                            
outgoing : sociable; eager to mix socially with others                                                                   
expatiate : talk at length; speak or write in detail                                                                  
expatriate : exile; someone who has withdrawn from his native land; V: exile; banish; leave one's country                                                            
expedient : suitable (for a particular purpose although not necessarily morally correct); practical; politic(prudent); N: something expedient                                                            
expedite : hasten; make go faster                                                                       
expeditious : done with speed; quick; N. expedition                                                                    
expenditure : payment or expense; expending; something expended; output; Ex. receipt for the expenditure; Ex. expenditure of all the energy                                                         
expertise : specialized knowledge (in a particular field); expert skill                                                                   
expiate : make amends for (a sin)                                                                      
expletive : meaningless word; interjection; profane oath; swear-word                                                                    
interjection : exclamation; Ex. \`\`Ouch\'\'                                                                       
swear : vow; promise; use profane oaths; use offensive words                                                                  
swear-word : word considered offensive; Ex. \`\`bloody\'\'                                                                     
oath : solemn promise; blasphemous use of sacred words to express strong feelings; swear-word; Ex. ``For Christ's sake''                                                          
explicate : explain in detail; interpret; clarify; CF. explicable                                                                    
explicit : totally clear; definite; outspoken                                                                       
exploit : brave and successful act; deed or action, particularly a brave deed; CF. crossing the Atlantic ocean                                                           
exploit : make use of, sometimes unjustly; N. exploitation                                                                    
expository : explanatory; serving to explain; N. exposition: explaining; exhibition                                                                   
expostulation : protest; remonstrance; reasoning with someone to correct or dissuade; V. expostulate                                                               
exposure : risk, particularly of being exposed to disease or to the elements; unmasking; act of laying something open; Ex. exposure of governmental corruption                                                     
expound : explain                                                                          
expropriate : take possession of (often for public use and without payment)                                                                
expunge : cancel; remove a word or name (from a book or list); erase                                                              
expurgate : clean; remove offensive parts of a book                                                                    
extant : (of something written or painted) still in existence                                                                   
extemporaneous : not planned; impromptu; extempore                                                                       
extenuate : weaken; mitigate; lessen the seriousness of (bad behavior)                                                                  
extirpate : root up; uproot; destroy completely                                                                      
extol : praise very highly; glorify                                                                      
extort : wring from; get money by threats, etc.; obtain by force or threats; CF. extortionate: exorbitant                                                            
wring : twist (to extract liquid); extract by twisting; wrench painfully (necks or hands)                                                              
extradition : surrender of prisoner by one state to another; Ex. extradition treaty; V. extradite                                                             
extraneous : not essential; irrelevant; superfluous; external; coming from the outside; Ex. extraneous details/noise/to the subject                                                            
extrapolation : projection; conjecture; V. extrapolate: infer (unknown information) from known information                                                                
extricate : free from an entanglement or difficulty; disentangle                                                                    
inextricable : from which it is impossible to get free; that cannot be untied; Ex. inextricable troubles; Ex. inextricable two histories                                                       
extrinsic : external; not essential or inherent; extraneous; OP. intrinsic                                                                   
extrovert : person interested mostly in external objects and actions                                                                   
mingle : mix together in close association                                                                     
extrude : force or push out; thrust out; shape (plastic or metal) by forcing through a die                                                           
exuberance : overflowing abundance; joyful enthusiasm; flamboyance; lavishness; ADJ. exuberant: high-spirited and lively; growing abundantly and strongly                                                           
glow : shine brightly without a flame (as of eyes or metals); show redness and heat (in the face) after hard work or because of strong feelings; N: light produced by a heated body; brilliance of a color                                      
exude : flow out slowly; discharge (gradually); give forth; N. exudation                                                                 
ooze : (of a thick liquid) pass or flow slowly; N: mud or thick liquid as at the bottom of a river                                                      
exult : rejoice                                                                          
fabricate : build; lie; make up (a story) in order to deceive; Ex. fabricate the whole story; CF. fabric: underlying structure; Ex. fabric of society                                                    
facade(fa\c{c}ade) : front or face (of building); superficial or FALSE appearance                                                                 
facet : small plane surface (of a gem(precious stone)); a side                                                                  
facetious : joking (often inappropriately); unserious; humorous                                                                     
facile : easily accomplished; ready or fluent; superficial; not deep; Ex. facile solution to a complex problem; Ex. facile speaker; N. facility: ability to do something easily and well; ease in doing resulting from skill or aptitude; something that facilitates an action; amenity; Ex. with great facility                             
facilitate : help bring about; make less difficult                                                                     
facsimile : copy                                                                          
faction : party; clique (within a large group); dissension                                                                   
dissension : disagreement of opinions causing strife within a group                                                                  
factious : inclined to form factions; causing dissension                                                                    
factitious : artificial; produced artificially; sham; false; Ex. factitious tears                                                                  
factotum : handyman; person who does all kinds of work; CF. do everything                                                               
faculty : mental or bodily powers; teaching staff                                                                     

fallacious : false; based on a fallacy; misleading; N. fallacy: FALSE idea or notion; FALSE reasoning; Ex. popular fallacy; Ex. fallacy of the argument                                                     
fallible : liable to err                                                                        
falsify : make (something written) FALSE by changing                                                                    
fallow : (of land) plowed but not sowed (to improve the quality); uncultivated                                                               
sow : plant or scatter seed                                                                      
falter : hesitate; weaken in purpose or action; walk or move unsteadily through weakness; N.                                                             
stumble : trip and almost fall; proceed unsteadily; act falteringly; N.                                                                 
fanaticism : excessive zeal; extreme devotion to a belief or cause; N. fanatic; ADJ. fanatic                                                              
fancied : imagined; unreal                                                                         
fancier : breeder or dealer of animals; one who has a special interest, as for raising  specific plant or animal                                                       
fanciful : whimsical; visionary; imaginary; produced by imagination; Ex. fanciful scheme                                                                 
fancy : imagination (of a whimsical or fantastic nature); capricious liking; V: imagine; be fond of; ADJ. decorative; elaborate                                                         
fanfare : call by bugles or trumpets; showy display; spectacular public display                                                                
farce : broad comedy; mockery; humorous play full of silly things happening; ADJ. farcical                                                              
fastidious : difficult to please; squeamish; fussy; finicky                                                                    
squeamish : easily shocked or sickened by unpleasant things; fastidious; Ex. A nurse should not be squeamish.                                                           
fatalism : belief that events are determined by forces or fates beyond one's control; ADJ. fatalistic; CF. fatal: causing death                                                        
fathom : comprehend; investigate; determine the depth of; N. unit of measurement for the depth of water                                                            
fathomless : too deep to be measured or understood; unfathomable                                                                  
fatuous : smugly and unconsciously foolish; inane; silly; N. fatuity, fatuousness                                                                 
fauna : animals of a period or region; CF. flora                                                                   
fawning : courting favor by cringing and flattering; V. fawn: exhibit affection as a dog; seek favor or attention by obsequiousness                                                       
court : attempt to gain; seek; woo; risk; behave so as to invite; attempt to gain the favor of by attention; Ex. court disaster                                                    
faze : disconcert; dismay; embarrass                                                                       
feasible : practical; able to be carried out; practicable                                                                    
febrile : feverish                                                                         
fecundity : fertility; fruitfulness; ADJ. fecund: very productive of crops or young                                                                
fertile : producing many young, fruits, or seeds; (of land) producing good crops; V. fertilize                                                             
fruitful : producing results; profitable; prolific; producing in abundance                                                                   
feign : pretend                                                                          
feint : trick; shift; sham blow; feigned attack to draw away defensive action; V.                                                              
shift : change position or place; exchange (one thing) for another; change in direction or position; Ex. shift the stolen goods; N. group of workers which takes turns with other groups; working period of such a group                                       
felicitous : (of a word or remark) apt; suitably expressed; well chosen                                                                
felicity : happiness; appropriateness (of a remark, choice, etc.); quality of being felicitous                                                               
feline : of a member of the cat family; N.                                                                  
fell : cruel; (of a disease) deadly                                                                     
fell : cut or knock down (a tree or a person); bring down (with a missile)                                                            
felon : person convicted of a grave crime; CF. felony: serious crime                                                                 
feral : (of an animal) not domestic; wild                                                                    
ferment : agitation; commotion(noisy and excited activity); unrest (of a political kind); V. produce by fermentation; undergo fermentation; cause (a state of trouble)                                                     
fermentation : chemical reaction that splits complex organic compounds; unrest; agitation                                                                 
ferret : drive or hunt out of hiding; hunt with ferrets; drive out (as from a hiding place); expel; uncover or discover by searching; Ex. ferret out the secret; N. small fierce animal which catches rats and rabbits by going into their holes                                 
fervent : ardent; zealous; hot                                                                       
fervid : ardent; zealous; hot                                                                       
impassioned : (of speech) filled with passion; fervent                                                                    
fervor : glowing ardor; intensity of feeling; quality of being fervent or fervid; zeal; intense heat                                                            
fester : rankle; produce irritation or resentment; (of a cut or wound) generate pus or rot; Ex. His insult festered in my mind for days.                                                   
festive : joyous; celebratory; relating to a feast or festival                                                                   
fete(f\^ete) : honor at a festival; celebrate or honor with a feast; N. (outdoor) festival or feast; CF. feast                                                         
fetid(foetid) : malodorous; foul                                                                        
foul : very bad or disagreeable; very dirty; Ex. foul smell/flavor/temper/language/air/deed/weather/means; N. act against the rules; V. make or become foul; commit a foul                                                    
fetish(fetich) : object believed to have spiritual powers; object of excessive attention or reverence; CF. fetishism                                                            
fetter : shackle; restrict the freedom of; N. chain or shackle for the foot of a prisoner; CF. foot                                                         
fiasco : total failure; CF. bottle                                                                      
fiat : command; arbitrary order; Ex. presidential fiat; CF. let it be done                                                               
fickle : changeable (in affections or friendship); faithless                                                                     
fictitious : imaginary; non-existent; purposely invented to deceive; untrue; Ex. fictitious name/boyfriend; CF. fictional                                                              
fidelity : loyalty; accuracy                                                                         
figment : invention; something invented; imaginary thing; Ex. figment of your imagination                                                                
figurative : not literal but metaphorical; using a figure(impression) of speech                                                                  
figure : written symbols; number; amount represented in numbers; outline or silhouette of a thing or human body; person (well-known); impression; diagram; pattern; group in a dance; Ex. figure of speech; V. calculate with numbers; adorn with figures; appear; consider; Ex. My name did not figure in the list.                           
figurine : small ornamental statuette(very small statue)                                                                     
filch : steal (things of small value)                                                                     
pilfer : steal things of small value; filch; snitch                                                                   
filial : pertaining to or befitting a son or daughter; Ex. filial respect                                                               
filibuster : block legislation or prevent action in a lawmaking body by making very slow long speeches; N; freebooter                                                         
freebooter : pirate or plunderer who makes war in order to grow rich                                                               
bust : piece of sculpture showing a person's head, shoulders, and upper chest; V: break up; arrest; Ex. crimebuster                                                         
filigree : delicate ornamental lacelike metalwork                                                                      
lace : cord used to draw and tie together two opposite edges (as of a shoe); delicate fabric made of fine threads; V: draw together by tying a lace                                               
filing : particle removed by a file                                                                     
finale : conclusion; concluding part                                                                        
finesse : delicate skill; V: handle with finesse                                                                    
finicky : too particular; fussy; difficult to please; too concerned with unimportant details or quality; Ex. finicky about her food                                                        
fussy : fastidious; finicky; easily upset                                                                      
fuss: : trouble or worry over trifles; make nervous; pay too much attention to; N: needless concern or worry (about a trivial thing); anxious nervous condition; display of attention; Ex. make a fuss over the baby                                        
finite : limited                                                                          
firebrand : piece of burning wood; hothead; troublemaker; person who stirs up trouble                                                               
hothead : person who does things too quickly without thinking; ADJ. hotheaded                                                                
fissure : crevice; crack                                                                         
fitful : spasmodic; intermittent; irregular                                                                       
fit : sudden outburst of an illness or feeling; convulsion caused by epilepsy                                                               
flaccid : flabby; lacking firmness; weak; Ex. flaccid muscles                                                                   
limp : walk lamely; ADJ: lacking firmness; weak                                                                    
flag : droop; grow feeble; decline in vigor or strength; ADJ. flagging; CF. unflagging                                                              
droop : bend or hang downward; become weakened; Ex. His shoulders drooped with tiredness; N.                                                             
flagrant : conspicuously wicked, bad, or offensive; blatant; outrageous                                                                    
outrage : act of extreme violence or viciousness; resentful anger; V: commit an outrage on; produce anger in; ADJ. outrageous: offensive                                                        
flail : beat with or as if with a flail; move wildly; thresh grain by hand; strike or slap; toss about; N: threshing tool consisting of a stick swinging from the end of a long handle                                        
thresh : beat (cereal plants) with a machine or flail to separate the grains from the straw                                                           
toss : throw lightly; move or lift (the head) with a sudden motion; flip (a coin) to decide something                                                         
flair : talent                                                                         
flamboyant : ornate; highly elaborate; richly colored; ostentatious; showy; CF. flame                                                                 
flaunt : display ostentatiously; Ex. ``Honey, if you've got it, flaunt it !''                                                               
flay : strip off skin; plunder; remove the skin from; criticize harshly                                                                
fleck : spot; mark with flecks; N: small mark or spot                                                                 
fledgling(fledgeling) : inexperienced; N: young bird that has acquired wing feathers and is learning to fly; inexperienced person                                                          
fleece : wool coat of a sheep; V: shear the fleece from; rob by a trick; swindle; plunder                                                          
shear : remove (fleece or hair) by cutting; remove the hair or fleece from; cut with or as if with shears; N: shears; pair of scissors                                                  
trickster : person who cheats people                                                                      
flick : light stroke as with a whip; V: move with a light quick blow; strike with a light quick blow (as from a whip); Ex. flick the switch                                               
flicker : burn unsteadily or fitfully; move waveringly; N: flickering movement or light; brief sensation; Ex. flicker of excitement                                                         
flutter : (of a bird with large wings) wave (the wings) lightly, rapidly, and irregularly; vibrate rapidly or erratically; fly by waving quickly; flitter; N.                                                   
flinch : hesitate; shrink back (in fear of something unpleasant); Ex. She did not flinch in the face of danger.                                                        

flippant : lacking proper seriousness; Ex. flippant remarks about death; N. flippancy                                                                
flip : send (something) spinning, often into the air, by striking with a light quick blow; turn over; Ex. flip over                                                       
flit : fly; fly or move lightly or quickly; dart lightly; pass swiftly by; Ex. a bee flitting from flower to flower                                                      
floe : flat mass of floating ice                                                                     
flora : plants of a region or era                                                                     
florescence : condition or period of flowering                                                                     
florid : ruddy; (of a complexion) reddish; flowery; very ornate; CF. rose                                                                
flush : redden; blush; flow suddenly and abundantly; wash out by a rapid brief flow of water; N: reddish tinge; blush; brief rush; rush of strong feeling; Ex. flush of pride; ADJ: having surfaces in the same plane; even; blushing                                    
blush : become red in the face (from embarrassment or shame); become red or rosy; N.                                                            
tinge : give a slight degree of a color or quality to; N: slight degree of a color or quality; Ex. tinged with grey/jealousy                                                    
tint : slight degree of color; V: give a tint to                                                                 
flowery : full of flowers; full of ornate expressions                                                                   
flotsam : drifting wreckage                                                                        
jetsam : things thrown from a ship (to lighten the ship)                                                                 
flounder : struggle and thrash about; proceed clumsily or falter (as in water, mud, snow, etc.); proceed in confusion                                                         
thrash : beat with a whip or flail; defeat utterly; talk about thoroughly in order to find the answer; move wildly or violently; Ex. The fishes thrashed about in the net.                                             
flourish : grow well; prosper; make sweeping gestures; wave; brandish; Ex. The trees flourished in the sun. N: showy movement or gesture; embellishment or ornamentation (esp. in handwriting)                                                 
flout : reject; mock; show contempt for; scorn; Ex. flout the rules                                                                
curb : chain or strap used with a bit to restrain a horse; something that checks; V: check; restrain                                                         
fluctuate : waver; shift; rise and fall as if in waves; change or vary irregularly                                                              
fluency : smoothness of speech; ADJ. fluent                                                                      
fluke : unlikely occurrence; stroke of fortune; accidental stroke of good luck; ADJ. fluky                                                              
fluster : confuse; make nervous and confused; N.                                                                    
fluted : having vertical parallel grooves (as in a pillar); V. flute: make long parallel inward curves in; N. flute: long rounded groove incised on the shaft of a column                                              
groove : long narrow channel made in a surface to guide the movement of something; Ex. groove of the record                                                        
stammer : speak with involuntarily pauses or repetitions                                                                    
flux : flowing; series of changes; fluctuation; Ex. in a state of flux                                                               
fodder : coarse food for cattle, horses, etc.; feed for livestock; CF. food                                                               
foible : small weakness of character; slight fault; CF. feeble                                                                  
foil : contrast; one that by contrast enhances the distinctive characteristics of another                                                               
foil : defeat; frustrate; prevent from being successful; thwart; CF. fail                                                                 
foist : insert improperly; impose upon another by coercion; palm off; pass off as genuine or worthy; CF. fist                                                         
palm : conceal in the palm of the hand; palm off: pass off; Ex. palm off some bad oranges onto the lady/the painting as a real Renoir                                                 
pass_off : present falsely; represent falsely to be                                                                    
foliage : masses of leaves; CF. defoliate                                                                     
foment : stir up; incite; instigate; promote the growth of (something evil or unpleasant)                                                              
foolhardy : rash; reckless; foolishly daring                                                                      
foppish : vain about dress and appearance; N. fop: man who takes too much interest in his clothes and appearance                                                        
foray : raid; sudden raid or military advance; V.                                                                   
forbearance : patience; forgiveness; V. forbear: refrain from (in a generous and forgiving way); be patient; Ex. forbear to send him to prison                                                     
ford : place where a river can be crossed on foot; V.                                                                
forebears(forbears) : ancestors                                                                         
foreboding : premonition of evil; feeling of coming evil; V. forebode: be a warning of (something unpleasant)                                                            
forensic : suitable to debate or courts of law; of or used in legal proceedings and the tracking of criminals; Ex. forensic science/medicine                                                     
forum : public square of an ancient Roman city; public place for open discussion; court of law                                                           
foreshadow : give an indication beforehand; be a sign of (what is coming); portend; prefigure                                                              
prefigure : be a sign of; foreshadow                                                                     
forerunner : predecessor; one that comes before and indicates the approach of another                                                               
foresight : ability to foresee future happenings; prudence in providing for the future                                                                
forestall : prevent by taking action in advance                                                                     
nuptial : of marriage or the wedding ceremony; N; nuptials; wedding ceremony                                                                
forfeit : something surrendered as punishment for a crime or breach of contract; V: lose as a forfeit; N. forfeiture                                                        
forge : counterfeit; reproduce fraudulently; form by heating in a forge and hammering into shape; move with a sudden increase of speed or power; Ex. forged ahead in the last two years; N: furnace where metals are heated                                      
forgo(forego) : give up; do without                                                                       
forlorn : sad and lonely; wretched; desolate                                                                      
formality : ceremonious quality; ceremonious adherence to rules; something done just for form's sake; Ex. mere formality                                                            
formidable : menacing; arousing fear; threatening; difficult to defeat; Ex. formidable foe/question                                                                 
menace : threat; V: threaten                                                                       
forsake : desert; abandon; renounce                                                                       
forswear : renounce under oath; abandon; make a solemn promise to give up; CF. abjure                                                             
forte : strong point or special talent in a person's character                                                                  
forthright : straightforward; direct; frank                                                                       
forthcoming : happening in the near future; ready; willing to help; Ex. No answer was forthcoming.                                                            
fortitude : bravery; courage; strength of mind                                                                      
fortuitous : accidental; by chance; N. fortuity                                                                     
foster : rear; bring up (for a certain period only); encourage; promote the development of (feelings or ideas); Ex. help foster friendly relations; ADJ: giving parental care although not related by blood; Ex. foster parents                                         
founder : fail completely; sink; CF. flounder                                                                     
founder : person who establishes (an organization or business)                                                                    
fracas : brawl(noisy quarrel or fight) in which a number of people take part; melee                                                             
fractious : unruly; peevish; cranky; bad-tempered; Ex. fractious horse                                                                   
frail : weak; N. frailty                                                                        
franchise : right or privilege granted by authority; right to vote; license to sell a product in a particular territory                                                         
frantic : wild; distraught as from fear or worry; Ex. frantic with fear                                                               
fraudulent : cheating; deceitful; Ex. fraudulent means; N. fraud: deception; swindle                                                                  
fraught : filled (with something unpleasant); full; Ex. fraught with danger and difficulties; CF. freight                                                             
fray : brawl; fight; V: wear away or unravel by rubbing; have loose threads developing; cause to become worn out (a person's temper or nerves); CF. rub                                                 
frenetic(phrenetic) : frenzied; frantic                                                                        
frenzied : madly excited; N. frenzy: violent wild excitement                                                                   
fresco : painting on wet plaster (usually fresh)                                                                    
paste : smooth viscous mixture as of flour(powder made by crushing grain) and water (used as an adhesive); V: cause to adhere by applying paste                                                   
pastry : paste of flour and water (eaten when baked)                                                                  
plaster : paste that hardens to a smooth solid and is used for coating walls; V.                                                            
fret : be annoyed or vexed; Ex. fret over your poor grades; N: irritation of mind; ADJ. fretful                                                          
friction : clash or conflict in opinion; rubbing against                                                                    
frieze : ornamental horizontal band on a wall                                                                    
frigid : intensely cold; cold in manner; Ex. frigid zone                                                                   
fritter : waste (time or money on unimportant things)                                                                   
frivolous : lacking in seriousness; flippant; self-indulgently carefree; unworthy of serious attention; relatively unimportant; trivial                                                              
self-indulgence : excessive indulgence of one's own desire                                                                    
carefree : free from worries; having no problems                                                                    
frolicsome : prankish; gay; playful; merry; frisky                                                                     
frolic : play and jump about happily; frisk; Ex. frolicking young lambs                                                                
frond : fern leaf; palm or banana leaf                                                                    
litter : waste material thrown away (as bits of paper scattered untidily); V: cover untidily with scattered litter                                                          
fructify : bear fruit; produce fruit                                                                      
frugality : thrift; economy; ADJ. frugal: practicing economy; costing little; inexpensive                                                                  
fruition : bearing of fruit; fulfillment; realization; Ex. come to/be brought to fruition                                                                
frustrate : thwart; defeat; prevent from accomplishing a purpose                                                                    
fugitive : fleeting or transitory; lasting only a short time; roving(wandering); running away or fleeing as from the law; N: one who flees; Ex. fugitives at large                                                  
fulcrum : support on which a lever rests or pivots                                                                  
fulminate : thunder; explode; issue a severe denunciation                                                                    
fulsome : disgustingly excessive; offensively flattering; Ex. fulsome praise/expressions of admire                                                                 
fumble : move the fingers and hands awkwardly (in search of something); mishandle or drop a ball that is in play; bungle; botch; spoil by mishandling; N.                                                  
functionary : official (who performs a particular function)                                                                    
functional : made for practical use only (without decoration); functioning; Ex. functional modern furniture; CF. functionalism                                                            
fundamental : basic; primary; essential                                                                        
funereal : sad; solemn; suitable for a funeral                                                                    
furor : frenzy; great anger and excitement; CF. fury                                                                   
furtive : stealthy; quiet and secret (trying to escape notice); sneaky; Ex. furtive glance                                                              
sneak : move, give, or take in a quiet, stealthy way; N: one who sneaks; ADJ. sneaky                                                           
underhand(underhanded) : done slyly and secretly (being dishonest)                                                                    
sly : clever in deceiving; secretive; not telling one's intentions                                                                  
fusillade : simultaneous firing or outburst (of missiles, questions, etc.)                                                                  
fusion : union; coalition; V. fuse                                                                       
futile : useless; hopeless; ineffectual                                                                        
gadfly : animal-biting fly; irritating person                                                                      
gaffe : social blunder                                                                        

gainsay : deny                                                                         
gait : manner of walking or running; speed                                                                    
galaxy : large isolated system of stars, such as the Milky Way; collection of brilliant personalities                                                             
gale : windstorm; gust of wind; emotional outburst (laughters, tears); Ex. gale of laughter                                                               
gall : bitterness of feeling; nerve; effrontery; 담즙(bile); CF. gall bladder                                                                 
gall : annoy; exasperate; chafe; N: skin sore caused by rubbing (as on the skin of a horse); exasperation                                                         
galleon : large three-masted sailing ship                                                                       
galley : low ship with sails (rowed along by slaves)                                                                  
clipper : sailing vessel built for great speed                                                                    
pinnace : small boat                                                                        
clip : cut off with shears; fasten; N: something clipped off (as a short extract from film); clasp or fastener                                                        
galvanize : stimulate or shock by an electric current; stimulate by shock; shock into action; stir up; coat with rust-resistant zinc by using electricity                                                    
galvanic : of the production of electricity by the action of an acid on a metal; having the effect of an electric shock; Ex. galvanic cell; galvanic effect; CF. Luigi Galvani                                             
gambit : opening in chess in which a piece is sacrificed; action made to produce a future advantage                                                          
ploy : strategem to gain an advantage; tactic; Ex. management ploy                                                                 
gambol : romp; skip about; leap about playfully; frolic; N.                                                                  
romp : play or frolic boisterously; gambol; N.                                                                    
zest : outer skin of an orange used for giving a special taste to food; spice; interest; flavor; spirited enjoyment; Ex. add a certain zest to the affair; Ex. zest for life                                            
gamely : in a spirited manner; with courage; Ex. fight gamely against a superior boxer; ADJ. game                                                           
gamut : entire range                                                                        
gape : open widely; open the mouth wide; stare wonderingly with the mouth open; CF. agape                                                            
garbled : mixed up; jumbled; distorted; V. garble: mix up or distort (a message) to such an extent as to make misleading or unintelligible                                                    
jumble : mix in a confused way                                                                     
gargantuan : huge; enormous; gigantic; CF. the hero of Gargantua and Pantagruel                                                                
gargoyle : waterspout carved in grotesque figures on a building                                                                   
garish : overbright in color; unpleasantly bright; gaudy                                                                    
trim : make neat or tidy by clipping; reduce by removing what is unnecessary; ornament; decorate (round the edges); Ex. trim the cost; Ex. jacket trimmed with fur; N. ADJ: tidy; in good order                                          
garner : gather; store up; amass                                                                      
garnish : decorate; add a garnish to; decorate (food or drink) with small items such as lemon slices; N.                                                         
garrulous : loquacious; wordy; talkative; N. garrulity                                                                     
gastronomy : art and science of preparing and serving good food; CF. gastronome                                                               
gauche : clumsy (in social behavior); coarse and uncouth                                                                    
gaudy : flashy; showy                                                                        
flashy : showy; gaudy; giving a momentary brilliance                                                                    
gild : cover with a thin layer of gold                                                                   
gaunt : lean and angular; thin and bony; emaciated; barren                                                                  
gavel : hammerlike tool; mallet(wooden hammer) used by a presiding officer or an auctioneer; V.                                                             
bid : command; utter (a greeting); offer as a price; N: offer of a price; amount offered; earnest effort to gain something; Ex. bid for freedom                                                  
gawk : stare foolishly; look in open-mouthed awe                                                                    
gazette : official periodical publication; newspaper                                                                      
genealogy : record of descent; lineage; ancestry; study of ancestry                                                                   
generality : vague statement; general statement which is not detailed; quality of being general; greater part; most; Ex. generality of people                                                        
generate : cause; produce; create                                                                        
generic : characteristic of an entire class or species; of a genus                                                                 
genus : division of animals or plants, below a family and above a species                                                              
genesis : beginning; origin                                                                         
geniality : cheerfulness; kindliness; sympathy; ADJ. genial: cheerful and good-tempered                                                                  
genre : particular variety of art or literature                                                                     
genteel : well-bred; elegant; striving to convey an appearance of refinement; Ex. genteel poverty                                                              
gentility : those of gentle birth; high social class; refinement; quality of being genteel                                                              
breed : produce young; rear; bring up; produce (an undesirable condition); N: kind or sort of animal or plant                                                         
crossbreed : hybridize; N: hybrid; CF. interbreed; CF. inbreed                                                                   
well-bred : of good upbringing; well-mannered and refined                                                                    
gentry : people of standing(rank or position); people of good family or high social position; class of people just below nobility                                                       
gentle : kindly; soft; mild; of good family                                                                    
genuflect : bend the knee as in worship                                                                    
germane : pertinent; bearing upon(having connection with) the case at hand; appropriate                                                                 
germinal : pertaining to a germ; creative; Ex. germinal idea                                                                  
germ : earliest form of an organism; seed or bud; something that may develop into something larger or more important; microbe                                                       
germinate : cause to sprout; sprout                                                                       
sprout : begin to grow; give off shoots or buds; N: new growth on a plant; shoot                                                           
shoot : new growth from a plant                                                                     
gerontocracy : government ruled by old people                                                                      
gerontology : study of the sociological phenomena associated with old age                                                                 
geriatrics : medical treatment and care of old age                                                                   
gerrymander : change voting district lines in order to favor a political party; N. CF. Elbridge Gerry + (sala)mander                                                         
gestate : evolve as in prenatal growth; N. gestation: period of development from conception until birth                                                            
natal : connected with birth; CF. prenatal; CF. postnatal                                                                   
gesticulation : motion; gesture; V. gesticulate: make gestures (while speaking)                                                                  
ghastly : horrible; terrifying; resembling ghosts; CF. aghast                                                                    
gibberish : nonsense; nonsensical or unintelligible talk or writing; babbling                                                                  
gibe : mock; make jeering remarks; N: jeering remarks                                                                   
giddy : light-hearted; not serious; frivolous; dizzy; causing dizziness; Ex. giddy youth; Ex. giddy climb/height                                                             
gingerly : very carefully; ADJ.                                                                       
girth : distance around something; circumference                                                                      
gist : essence; main point; substance                                                                      
glacial : like a glacier; of an ice age; extremely cold; Ex. glacial epoch; CF. iceberg                                                             
glaring : (of something bad) highly conspicuous; harshly bright; shining intensely and blindingly                                                               
glare : shine intensely and blindingly; stare fixedly and angrily; N.                                                                 
glaze : cover with a thin and shiny surface; apply a glaze to; N: thin, smooth, shiny coating (as for pottery); Ex. unglazed pottery                                                    
glean : gather leavings; gather grain left behind by reapers; gather bit by bit (facts or information) often with difficulty                                                        
glib : fluent (with insincerity or superficiality); facile; slick                                                                    
slick : make smooth or glossy; N: smooth surface; Ex. oil slick; ADJ: smooth; glossy; deftly executed; adroit; glib                                                         
sleek : smooth and shining (as from good health); V.                                                                  
glimmer : shine erratically; twinkle; N: dim or unsteady light; faint indication; Ex. glimmer of hope                                                            
glitter : shine brightly with flashing points of light; Ex. glittering diamond ring; N: sparkling light; attractiveness; glamor; Ex. glitter of the sun on the waves                                                  
glamor : compelling charm; ADJ. glamorous                                                                      
gloat : express evil satisfaction; look at or think about with evil satisfaction; view malevolently; Ex. The thief gloated over the stolen jewels.                                                     
gloss_over : explain away with the intention of deceiving or hiding faults                                                                
gloss : brief explanation note or translation of a difficult expression; V.                                                                
glossary : brief explanation of words used in the text                                                                   
glossy : smooth and shining; N. gloss: shiny brightness on a surface; superficially attractive appearance; Ex. gloss of good manners                                                        
mat : not shiny; matte; having a dull finish; N: flat piece of material used as a floor covering; V.                                                        
finish : surface texture; completeness of execution                                                                     
finished : properly made and complete; Ex. finished product/performance                                                                   
glower : scowl; glare; look or stare angrily                                                                    
scowl : frown angrily; N: angry frown                                                                     
glut : overstock; fill beyond capacity (with food); fill to excess; N: oversupply                                                               
glutinous : sticky; viscous; gluey                                                                       
glutton : someone who eats too much; ADJ. gluttonous: given to gluttony; greedy; CF. gluttony: habit of eating too much                                                         
gnarled : twisted                                                                         
gnarl : protruding knot on a tree; V.                                                                    
gnome : dwarf; underground spirit who guards treasure hoards                                                                    
goad : urge on; drive with a goad; cause (someone) to do something by continued annoyance; Ex. They goaded him into doing it by saying he was a coward; N: sharp-pointed stick for driving cattle; stimulus; CF. annoy continually                                      
gorge : narrow canyon; steep rocky cleft; ravine (made by a stream which runs through it)                                                            
gorge : stuff oneself (with food); glut; CF. gorgeous: dazzlingly beautiful                                                                 
gory : bloody; N. gore: blood (from a wound)                                                                   
shudder : shake uncontrollably; tremble; V.                                                                      
gossamer : sheer; very light; like cobwebs; N: soft and sheer fabric; cobweb                                                               
sheer : pure; thin and transparent; very steep                                                                    

gouge : tear out; cut out (as if with a gouge); Ex. gouge his eyes out; N: chisel for cutting out hollow areas in wood                                                   
gouge : overcharge (with high price); extort from; Ex. gouge the public; CF. usury                                                              
gourmand : epicure; person who takes excessive pleasure in food and drink                                                                
gourmet : connoisseur of food and drink; epicure                                                                    
graduated : arranged by degrees (of height, difficulty, etc.)                                                                    
graduate : arrange into categories or grades; divide into marked intervals (for use in measurement); Ex. graduated ruler                                                          
granary : storehouse for grain                                                                       
grandeur : impressiveness; stateliness; majesty                                                                        
stately : formal; ceremonious; grand in style or size; majestic                                                                  
grandiloquent : (of a person or speech) using high sounding or important-sounding language; pompous; bombastic                                                              
grandiose : affectedly grand; pretentious; high-flown; ridiculously exaggerated; impressive; great in size or scope; grand; Ex. grandiose ideas                                                           
high-flown : highly pretentious or inflated      
matinee : dramatic or musical performance given in the afternoon                                                                  
granulate : form into grains or granules; N. granule: grain or particle                                                                
graphic : pertaining to the art of delineating; vividly described                                                                   
vivid : (of light or color) bright and distinct; evoking lifelike mental images; Ex. vivid red hair/description                                                           
graphite : black form of carbon used in lead pencils                                                                  
grapple : wrestle; come to grips with; take hold of and struggle with; Ex. grapple with the burglar                                                          
grate : make a harsh noise; have an unpleasant effect; shred by rubbing against a rough surface; Ex. grated cheese N: framework of metal bars to hold fuel in a fireplace                                             
gratify : please; satisfy; Ex. gratify a desire                                                                     
gratis : free; without charge; ADJ.                                                                      
gratuitous : given freely; unwarranted; uncalled for; done without good reason; Ex. gratuitous comment                                                               
gratuity : tip                                                                          
gravity : seriousness; ADJ. grave                                                                        
gregarious : sociable; (of an animal) tending to form a group                                                                  
grievance : cause of complaint; complaint                                                                       
grill : question severely; cook on a grill; broil; N: cooking surface of parallel metal bars                                                            
broil : cook by direct heat; N.                                                                     
grim : causing great fear; unrelenting; determined in spite of fear; Ex. grim smile                                                              
grimace : facial distortion to show feeling such as pain, disgust, etc; V.                                                               
grisly : ghastly; horrifying; Ex. grisly remains of the bodies                                                                  
groom : man employed to take care of horses; V: make neat and trim; clean and brush (an animal)                                                         
grotesque : fantastic; comically hideous; strange and unnatural (causing fear or amusement)                                                                 
hideous : repulsive to the sight; ugly; repugnant; Ex. hideous face/scream                                                                 
grotto : small cavern                                                                        
grouse : complain; fuss; grumble; grouch; N: plump chickenlike game bird                                                                 
grumble : complain; mutter discontentedly; grouch; N.                                                                     
mutter : utter (complaining words) indistinctly in low tones                                                                   
rumble : make or move with a deep rolling sound (as thunder or stomach)                                                              
grovel : crawl or creep on ground; remain prostrate; behave in a servile manner                                                              
grudging : unwilling; reluctant; stingy(giving reluctantly)                                                                       
gruel : thin liquid porridge                                                                       
porridge : soft food made by boiling oatmeal                                                                    
oatmeal : crushed oats used for making porridge                                                                    
grueling : exhausting; Ex. grueling marathon race                                                                     
gruesome : grisly; horrible                                                                        
gruff : rough-mannered; (of a voice) rough; hoarse                                                                    
grunt : utter a deep guttural sound (as a pig does); N.                                                                
guffaw : boisterous laughter; V.                                                                       
guile : deceit; duplicity; wiliness; cunning; Ex. persuade her by guile                                                                  
cunning : clever in deceiving; sly; N: cleverness in deceiving; deceit                                                                 
guileless : without deceit                                                                         
guise : outward appearance; costume; Ex. in a new guise                                                                   
gull : trick; deceive; hoodwink; N: person who is easily tricked; dupe                                                                
gullible : easily deceived                                                                         
gustatory : affecting or relating to the sense of taste                                                                  
gusto : eager enjoyment; zest; enthusiasm                                                                      
gusty : windy                                                                          
gust : strong abrupt rush of wind; V. CF. bluster                                                                  
guy : cable or chain attached to something that needs to be braced or steadied; CF. guide                                                           
topple : become unsteady and fall down                                                                     
overthrow : topple; N.                                                                        
overturn : turn over; capsize; topple                                                                      
capsize : (of a boat) turn over                                                                     
gyroscope : apparatus used to maintain balance, ascertain direction, etc.                                                                   
habituate : accustom or familiarize; addict                                                                      
hackles : hairs on back and neck, especially of a dog; Ex. make someone's hackles rise                                                            
growl : low, guttural, menacing sound (as of a dog)                                                                  
hackneyed : commonplace; trite                                                                         
haggard : wasted away; gaunt; Ex. haggard faces of the rescued miners                                                                
haggle : argue about prices (in an attempt to bargain)                                                                  
halcyon : calm; peaceful; Ex. halcyon days                                                                     
hale : healthy                                                                         
hail : frozen rain drop; V: salute or greet; precipitate hail                                                                 
hallowed : blessed; consecrated; Ex. hallowed ground; V. hallow: set apart as holy                                                               
hallucination : delusion; FALSE idea; FALSE perception of objects with a compelling sense of their reality; objects so perceived; V. hallucinate; ADJ. hallucinatory                                                      
halting : hesitant; faltering; not fluent; Ex. halting steps/voice; V. halt: proceed or act with uncertainty; falter; hesitate; waver; stop                                                        
waver : move or swing back and forth; be uncertain or unsteady in decision or movement; Ex. wavering between accepting and refusing                                                      
hamper : obstruct; prevent the free movement of; N: 식료품이나 의복 등을 담는 바구니                                                               
hap : chance; luck                                                                        
haphazard : random; by chance; happening in an unplanned manner; Ex. haphazard growth of the town                                                             
hapless : unfortunate; luckless                                                                        
harangue : long, passionate, and vehement speech; V.                                                                    
harass : annoy by repeated attacks                                                                       
harbinger : forerunner (which foreshadows what is to come)                                                                    
harbor : give protection (by giving food and shelter); provide a refuge for; hide; keep in mind (thoughts or feelings); Ex. harbor a grudge/criminal; N: place of shelter; refuge                                                
habitat : natural home of a plant or animal; CF. habitation                                                                 
hardy : (of people or animals) sturdy; robust; (of plants) able to stand inclement(stormy) weather                                                             
harping : tiresome dwelling on a subject; V. harp: dwell on(think or speak a lot about) tediously                                                           
harrowing : agonizing; distressing; traumatic; V. harrow: break up and level (soil) with a harrow; inflict great distress on; agonize; N: farming machine to break up the earth                                                
harry : harass, annoy, torment (by repeated attacks); raid                                                                    
hatch : deck opening; lid covering a deck opening; V: emerge from an egg; produce (young) from an egg                                                          
latch : fastening or lock consisting of a movable bar that fits into a notch; V: close with a latch                                                        
notch : V-shaped cut in a surface; V.                                                                    
haughtiness : pride; arrogance; ADJ. haughty                                                                       
haunt : (of a spirit) visit (a place); come to mind continually; visit (a place) regularly; frequent; Ex. haunted house; Ex. haunted by his last words; N: place much frequented                                              
haven : place of safety; refuge; harbor; Ex. tax haven                                                                  
havoc : widespread damage; disorder; chaos                                                                      
hazardous : dangerous                                                                          
hazard : venture; put in danger; risk; Ex. hazard a guess; N: possible source of danger                                                            
hazy : slightly obscure; misty; unclear; N. haze: light mist or smoke; confused state of mind                                                             
headlong : hasty; rash; headfirst; ADV.                                                                      
headfirst : moving with the head leading; headlong                                                                    
headstrong : willful; stubborn; unyielding; determined to have one\'s own way; CF. no \'excessive\'                                                              
heckler : person who verbally harasses others; V. heckle: verbally harass as with gibes (by interrupting a speaker or speech)                                                        
hedonist : one who believes that pleasure is the sole aim in life; CF. hedonism: practice of living one's life purely for pleasure                                                      
heedless : not noticing; disregarding                                                                        
heed : pay attention to; N: close attention                                                                    
hegemony : dominance especially of one nation over others                                                                   
heinous : atrocious; wicked; hatefully bad; Ex. heinous crime                                                                   
gross : total; fragrant; clearly wrong; (of people's behavior) coarse; corpulent; Ex. gross insolence/behavior; V: earn as a total amount; N: 12 dozens                                                     
helm : steering wheel of a ship; position of control                                                                  
herbivorous : grain-eating; CF. herbivore                                                                        
heresy : opinion contrary to popular belief; opinion contrary to accepted religion; ADJ. heretical; CF. heretic                                                             
hermetic : sealed by fusion so as to be airtight; airtight                                                                 
hermetic : concerning alchemy or magic; obscure and mysterious; occult                                                                  
sterile : incapable of producing young; free from microorganism; V. sterilize                                                                 
hermitage : home of a hermit                                                                      
herpetologist : one who studies reptiles; CF. herpetology: branch of zoology that deals with reptiles and amphibians                                                           
heterodox : (of beliefs) against accepted opinion; unorthodox; unconventional                                                                   
heterogeneous : dissimilar; mixed; not homogeneous; consisting of dissimilar elements or plants                                                                 
hew : cut to pieces with ax or sword; chop; N.                                                                 
heyday : time of greatest success or power; prime                                                                   
prime : period of ideal or peak condition; earliest or beginning stage; Ex. in the prime of life; Ex. prime of the year(spring); ADJ: first in importance or rank; first; V: make ready; prepare                                          
primary : first in rank or importance; principal; earliest in time; Ex. primary stages; N. CF. first                                                           
primal : first in rank or importance; being first in time; original; Ex. man's primal innocence                                                            
primate : group of mammals including humans                                                                     
hiatus : gap; pause; gap or interruption in space or time; break                                                                

hibernal : wintry; wintery; of or like winter                                                                    
hibernate : sleep throughout the winter; N. hibernation                                                                     
hierarchy : arrangement by rank or standing; authoritarian body divided into ranks; body of persons having authority                                                            
totem : animal, plant, or natural object serving as a symbol of a clan or family; representation of this; Ex. totem pole                                                      
hieroglyphic : picture writing; ADJ.                                                                        
hilarity : boisterous mirth(merriment; laughter); ADJ. hilarious: full of laughter                                                                  
hindmost : furthest behind; farthest to the rear                                                                    
wage : begin and continue (a war)                                                                     
hindrance : block; obstacle; V. hinder                                                                       
hinterlands : back country; inner part of a country; OP. foreland                                                                 
hireling : one who serves for hire (usually used contemptuously); one who works solely for compensation; Ex. hireling politician                                                         
hirsute : hairy; having a lot of hair                                                                    
histrionic : theatrical; excessively dramatic or emotional; affected; of actors or acting; N. histrionics: histrionic behavior                                                            
historic : important in history; Ex. historic battle                                                                    
historical : connected with history; based on events in history (whether regarded as important or not)                                                            
hoard : stockpile; accumulate for future use; N: supply stored for future use                                                               
hoary : white with age                                                                       
hoax : trick which makes someone take action; practical joke; Ex. hoax mail; V.                                                              
holocaust : destruction by fire; CF. burnt whole; CF. Holocaust                                                                  
holster : leather pistol case (that hangs on a belt around the waist)                                                               
homage : honor; tribute; great respect; Ex. pay/do homage to                                                                   
homeostasis : tendency of a system or organism to maintain relative stability or internal equilibrium; CF. homeo-: constant; Ex. homeotherm                                                        
homespun : domestic; made at home; spun or woven at home; simple and ordinary; Ex. homespun philosophy                                                            
spin : rotate swiftly; make (thread) by twisting (cotton, wool, etc.); N.                                                                
homily : sermon; tedious moralizing lecture; serious warning; ADJ. homiletic                                                                  
homogeneous : of the same kind; uniform in composition throughout                                                                   
hone : sharpen (a tool); N: whetstone for sharpening a tool                                                                 
hoodwink : deceive; delude                                                                        
horde : crowd; swarm                                                                        
swarm : large group of insects moving in a mass; crowd of people or animals; V: move in a crowd or mass                                                      
hortatory : encouraging; exhortive; marked by exhortation; CF. exhort                                                                   
horticultural : pertaining to cultivation of gardens; N. horticulture: science or art of cultivating fruits, vegetables, or ornamental plants; CF. agriculture: science or art of farming or growing crops                                               
hostility : unfriendliness; hatred; enmity; ADJ. hostile                                                                      
hovel : shack; small wretched house                                                                      
hut : crude dwelling; shack                                                                       
shack : crude cabin                                                                        
shed : small roofed structure for storage and shelter; V: pour forth; lose by natural process; repel without allowing penetration; radiate; cast; Ex. shed tears/light/water/skin/leaves                                                   
hover : hang about; (of birds or aircraft) stay in the air in one place; (of people) wait nearby; stay around one place; waver; be in an uncertain state                                               
hubbub : confused uproar; loud noise; din                                                                     
hubris : arrogance; excessive self-conceit                                                                       
hue : color; aspect; Ex. opinions of every hue                                                                   
hue_and_cry : outcry; loud cry or clamor; strong protest; Ex. hue and cry against the new rule                                                           
humane : marked by kindness or consideration; kind and compassionate; humanitarian                                                                  
humanitarian : one devoted to the promotion of human welfare; CF. humanism                                                                 
humdrum : dull; monotonous                                                                        
humid : damp; N. humidity                                                                        
humility : humbleness of spirit                                                                       
humble : of low rank or position; modest; having a low opinion of oneself and a high opinion of others; unassuming; not proud; V. humiliate: make humble; cause to feel ashamed or to lose the respect of others                                      
hummock : small hill; hillock                                                                       
humus : substance or rich soil formed by decaying vegetable matter; CF. soil                                                               
hurtle : crash; rush; move with great speed; Ex. hurtling runaway train                                                                
husband : use sparingly; conserve; save; Ex. husband one's energy; CF. house holder                                                               
husbandry : frugality; thrift; economy; agriculture; farming; Ex. animal husbandry; CF. husbandman                                                                
hybrid : mongrel; mixed breed; V. hybridize                                                                      
mongrel : plant or animal (esp. a dog) of mixed breed; ADJ.                                                                
pedigree : line of ancestors; ancestry; lineage; ADJ. (of an animal) descended from of a chosen family; Ex. pedigree dog; CF. crane's foot                                                     
hydrophobia : fear of water; rabies                                                                      
rabies : disease passed on by the bite of an infected animal (causing madness and death)                                                            
hygiene : science and practice of the promotion and preservation of health; ADJ. hygienic: showing careful attention to cleanness (to prevent disease); Ex. hygienic condition                                                   
hyperbole : exaggeration; overstatement; ADJ. hyperbolic: of hyperbole; of a hyperbola                                                                 
hypercritical : excessively exacting; too critical (without noticing good qualities)                                                                   
hypochondriac : person unduly worried about his health; worrier without cause about illness; ADJ. CF. hypochondria: neurosis that one is or is becoming ill; CF. abdomen                                                  
hypocritical : pretending to be virtuous; deceiving; N. hypocrisy: profession of beliefs one does not possess; CF. hypocrite                                                           
hypothetical : based on assumptions or hypotheses; supposed; N. hypothesis                                                                   
ichthyology : study of fish; CF. ichthyo-: fish                                                                    
icon(ikon) : religious image; idol; image or representation                                                                     
iconoclastic : attacking cherished traditions; N. iconoclast: one who attacks traditional ideas; one who destroys sacred images                                                           
ideology : system of ideas characteristic of a group or culture                                                                  
idiom : expression whose meaning as a whole differs from the meanings of its individual words; distinctive style (of expression); Ex. idiom of the modern popular music; ADJ. idiomatic                                               
idiosyncrasy : individual trait usually odd in nature; behavioral peculiarity; eccentricity; attitude, behavior, or opinion peculiar to a person; anything highly individual or eccentric; ADJ. idiosyncratic                                                   
idolatry : worship of idols; excessive admiration or devotion; ADJ. idolatrous                                                                 
idyllic : charmingly carefree; simple and happy; Ex. idyllic scene                                                                  
idyll(idyl) : short poem idealizing rural life; simple happy period of life (in the country); scene from such a time; Ex. idyll of two young lovers                                                  
igneous : produced by fire; of fire; volcanic; (of rocks) formed from lava; Ex. igneous meteorite                                                            
ignite : kindle; light; catch fire or set fire to                                                                   
ignoble : unworthy; not noble; dishonorable; Ex. ignoble deed                                                                   
ignominy : deep disgrace; shame or dishonor; ADJ. ignominious; Ex. ignominous defeat                                                                
illicit : illegal                                                                          
illimitable : infinite; limitless                                                                        
illuminate : brighten; clear up or make understandable; enlighten; enable to understand; Ex. illuminating remarks                                                              
illusion : misleading vision or visual image; FALSE idea or belief; CF. delusion                                                                
illusive : deceiving; based on illusion; causing illusion; deceptive                                                                    
illusory : illusive; deceptive; not real                                                                       
imbalance : lack of balance or symmetry; disproportion                                                                     
disproportion : lack of proportion (between the parts); ADJ. disproportionate                                                                  
imbecility : weakness of mind; state of being an imbecile; N. imbecile: stupid person; fool                                                             
imbibe : drink in                                                                         
imbroglio : complicated situation (as in a play); painful or complex misunderstanding (as in a play); entanglement; confused mass (as of papers); V. embroil                                                    
imbue : saturate(soak thoroughly); fill; Ex. imbue someone with feelings                                                                  

immaculate : spotless; flawless; absolutely clean                                                                       
tenant : one that pays rent to use property owned by another                                                                
tenancy : possession of land or building by rent; period of a tenant's occupancy                                                              
imminent : impending; near at hand                                                                       
immobility : state of being immovable                                                                       
immolate : offer or kill as a sacrifice (by fire)                                                                  
immune : resistant to; free or exempt from; N. immunity                                                                   
immure : imprison; shut up in confinement; CF. wall                                                                   
immutable : unchangeable                                                                          
impair : injure; hurt; damage                                                                        
impale : pierce (with a sharp point); Ex. impaled by the spear                                                                
impalpable : imperceptible(not easily understood); intangible; OP. palpable: tangible; easily perceptible                                                                  
impartial : not biased; fair; N. impartiality                                                                      
impart : grant a share of; make known; Ex. news to impart                                                                
impassable : not able to be traveled or crossed                                                                    
impasse : predicament(dangerous condition) from which there is no escape; situation allowing for no further progress                                                             
impassive : without feeling; expressionless; imperturbable; stoical; Ex. impassive face                                                                   
impeach : charge (a public official) with crime in office; raise doubts about; indict; Ex. impeach a witness's credibility                                                         
impeccable : faultless 
credential : evidence concerning one\'s authority; written proof of a person\'s position; Ex. The new ambassador presented his credentials to the court.                                                      
impecunious : without money                                                                         
impede : hide; retard or obstruct the progress of; block                                                                   
retard : delay (in development); ADJ. retarded: (as of a child) slower in development                                                              
impediment : hindrance; stumbling-block; speech defect preventing clear articulation; Ex. speech impediment                                                                 
impel : drive or force onward; drive to take action; urge to action                                                                
impending : nearing; approaching; about to happen                                                                      
impenetrable : not able to be pierced or entered; beyond understanding; impossible to understand; Ex. impenetrable mystery                                                            
impenitent : not repentant                                                                         
imperative : absolutely necessary; that must be done; critically important; expressing command; Ex. It is imperative that; N: something that must be done                                                      
imperceptible : unnoticeable; impossible to perceive; undetectable                                                                      
imperial : like an emperor; related to an empire; CF. imperialism                                                                  
imperil : put in danger                                                                       
imperious : domineering; too commanding; haughty; CF. imperial/emperor                                                                    
impermeable : impervious; not permitting passage through its substance; impossible to permeate                                                                 
impertinent : insolent; rude; not pertinent; N. impertinence                                                                     
imperturbable : unshakably calm; placid                                                                        
collected : composed; calm; self-possessed                                                                       
impervious : impenetrable; incapable of being damaged or distressed; incapable of being affected (in one's opinions); Ex. impervious to water/criticism                                                        
impetuous : violent; hasty; rash; impulsive; without careful thought; Ex. impetuous decision                                                                 
impetus : moving force; momentum; force of a moving body; incentive; stimulus; impulse                                                                
impiety : irreverence; lack of respect for God or piety                                                                   
impinge : infringe; encroach; influence; touch; collide with; Ex. The effects are impinging on every aspect of our lives.                                                         
impious : irreverent                                                                          
implacable : incapable of being pacified; impossible to appease; Ex. implacable enemy                                                                 
implausible : unlikely (to be true); unbelievable; Ex. implausible alibi                                                                   
implement : put into effect; enforce; carry out; supply with tools; Ex. implement the plan/suggestion; N: tool or instrument                                                          
implicate : incriminate; involve incriminatingly; show to be involved (in a crime); Ex. implicate someone in the crime                                                           
implication : something hinted at or suggested; implying; implicating                                                                    
implicit : understood but not stated; implied; unquestioning and complete; Ex. implicit trust                                                                
implode : burst inward; CF. vaccum tube                                                                      
implore : beg                                                                          
imply : suggest a meaning not expressed; signify                                                                     
impolitic : not wise; not expedient; not politic                                                                    
imponderable : weightless; that cannot undergo precise evaluation; CF. pound                                                                   
import : significance; importance; meaning                                                                        
significant : expressing a meaning; important; Ex. significant smile; N. significance: importance; meaning; V. signify: denote; mean; signal; make known; matter; be significant                                                     
importunate : urging; always demanding; troublesomely urgent or persistent                                                                   
importune : beg persistently; make repeated requests (in an annoying way)                                                                 
imposture : assuming a FALSE identity; masquerade; CF. impostor                                                                    
masquerade : wear a mask or disguise; pretend; N: costume party or ball at which masks are worn; pretense; disguise                                                        
impotent : weak; ineffective; lacking in physical strength or power                                                                   
crave : desire; want intensely                                                                       
imprecation : curse; swearword                                                                        
impregnable : invulnerable; impossible to capture or enter by force; Ex. impregnable fort/argument; CF. take                                                             
impregnate : make pregnant; fill thoroughly; saturate                                                                     
impromptu : without previous preparation; off the cuff(end of a sleeve); on the spur of the moment                                                            
impropriety : improperness; unsuitableness                                                                         
improvident : thriftless; not providing for the future                                                                     
improvise : compose on the spur of the moment                                                                    
imprudent : lacking caution; not prudent; injudicious                                                                      
impudence : impertinence; insolence                                                                         
impugn : dispute or contradict (often in an insulting way); attack as FALSE or questionable; challenge; gainsay; CF. fight                                                         
impuissance : powerlessness; feebleness                                                                        
impunity : freedom from punishment or harm; CF. punish                                                                    
impute : attribute; ascribe; charge; N. imputation                                                                     
inadvertently : unintentionally; by oversight; carelessly                                                                       
oversee : watch over and direct; supervise; N. oversight: unintentional failure to notice or do something; supervision                                                           
inalienable : not to be taken away; nontransferable; Ex. inalienable rights                                                                  
inane : silly; senseless; Ex. inane remarks; N. inanity                                                                   
inanimate : lifeless; not animate                                                                        
inarticulate : speechless; producing indistinct speech; not articulate; not expressing oneself clearly                                                                
speechless : unable for the moment to speak (because of strong feeling); Ex. speechless with anger                                                            
inaugurate : begin formally; install in office; induct into office by a formal ceremony; N. inauguration; ADJ. inaugural                                                           
incandescent : strikingly bright; shining with intense heat; emitting visible light when heated; Ex. incandescent light bulb; CF. candle                                                         
incantation : singing or chanting of magic spells; magical formula; (the saying of) words used in magic; CF. enchant                                                         
chant : tune(melody) in which a number of words are sung on the same note; V: sing (a chant); utter (a slogan) in the manner of a chant                                                
charm : quality of pleasing; amulet; action or formula thought to have magical power; spell; V: attract; cast a spell on; bewitch                                                      
bewitch : cast a spell over; captivate completely                                                                    
recite : repeat aloud (something learned); describe; Ex. recite his complaints; N. recitation                                                               
recital : act of reciting publicly; detailed account; performance of music or dance (by a solo performer)                                                           
incapacitate : disable; N. incapacity: lack of capacity                                                                    
incarcerate : imprison                                                                          
incarnate : endowed with flesh; invested with bodily form; personified; Ex. devil incarnate; V: give bodily form to; embody                                                          
incarnation : act of assuming a human body and human nature; one who personifies something; personification; Ex. previous incarnation/reincarnation                                                          
personify : represent (an inanimate object) as a person; be the embodiment or perfect example of; Ex. She is evil/patience personified; N. personification                                                     
incendiary : arsonist; ADJ: causing fire; of arson; Ex. incendiary bomb                                                                  
incense : enrage; infuriate(make furious); make extremely angry; outrage; N: aromatic substance burned to produce a pleasant odor                                                           
incentive : spur; motive; something which encourages one to greater activity                                                                  
inception : start; beginning                                                                         
incessant : uninterrupted; unceasing                                                                         

inchoate : (of desire, wish, plan) recently begun; not explicit; at the beginning of development; rudimentary; elementary; Ex. inchoate mass                                                        
incidence : rate of occurrence; particular occurrence; Ex. high incidence of infant mortality                                                                
incidental : not essential; minor; N: something incidental                                                                     
incident : event; event that causes a crisis                                                                    
incinerate : burn to ashes                                                                       
incipient : beginning; in an early stage                                                                      
incisive : (appreciatively) cutting; sharp; Ex. incisive remarks; V. incise: make a cut into                                                               
incite : arouse to action; goad; motivate; induce to exist; Ex. incite a riot/the crowd to rebellion                                                            
inclement : stormy; unkind; unmerciful; CF. clement                                                                     
incline : slope; slant; Ex. steep incline                                                                      
inclined : tending or leaning toward; bent; V. incline: slant; dispose; be disposed; tend                                                               
tend : have a tendency; take care of; minister; serve at; apply one's attention; attend                                                             
inclusive : tending to include all; all-inclusive; Ex. inclusive charge                                                                   
incognito : with identity concealed; using an assumed name; ADJ.                                                                   
incoherent : unintelligible; muddled; unable to express one's thoughts in an orderly manner; illogical; lacking cohesion; not coherent                                                           
incommodious : not spacious; inconvenient                                                                        
incompatible : inharmonious; N. incompatibility                                                                        
incongruity : lack of harmony; absurdity; ADJ. incongruous: lacking in harmony; inappropriate                                                                 
attire : clothe; N: clothing; array; apparel                                                                     
inconsequential : insignificant; unimportant                                                                         
inconsistency : state of being self-contradictory; lack of uniformity or steadiness; ADJ. inconsistent: displaying a lack of consistency; erratic; contradictory; incompatible                                                        
incontinent : lacking self-restraint; not continent; licentious                                                                      
incontrovertible : indisputable; impossible to dispute; not open to question; unquestionable                                                                  
incorporate : introduce something into a larger whole; include; embody; give material form to; ADJ.                                                              
incorporeal : without a material body; insubstantial                                                                     
incorrigible : uncorrectable                                                                          
incredulity : tendency to disbelief                                                                        
incredulous : withholding belief; skeptical; showing disbelief                                                                      
increment : increase                                                                          
incriminate : accuse of or implicate in a crime; serve as evidence against; cause to seem or make guilty of a crime; Ex. incriminating evidence                                                    
incrustation : hard coating or crust; V. incrust: encrust; cover with a crust                                                               
incubate : hatch; warm (eggs) with the body to promote hatching; maintain at optimal environment conditions for development; be holding in one's body an infection which is going to develop into a disease; N. incubation; CF. incubation:disease                                        
inasmuch_as : since; owing to the fact that                                                                    
incubus : burden; very worriying problem; mental care; nightmare; male devil; CF. succubus                                                                
inculcate : teach (ideas or principles); instill                                                                      
incumbent : obligatory; imposed as an obligation; currently holding an office; N: person who holds an office                                                            
incur : bring upon oneself                                                                        
incursion : temporary invasion; CF. excursion: short journey                                                                     
inroad : hostile invasion; advance that lessens the quantity or difficulty of something; Ex. The long illness made serious inroads on his savings; CF. raid                                                   
indefatigable : tireless; untiring; showing no sign of getting tired                                                                   
indelible : not able to be erased                                                                      
indemnify : make secure against damage or loss; compensate for damage or loss; CF. make uninjured                                                            
indentation : notch; deep recess; V. indent; CF. tooth                                                                    
indenture : bind as servant or apprentice to master; bind by indenture; N: contract binding one party into the service of another for a specified time (as between an apprentice and his master)                                           
indeterminate : uncertain; not clearly fixed; indefinite                                                                      
indicative : suggestive; implying; serving to indicate                                                                      
indices : signs; indications; Ex. indices of a student's potential; CF. index: something that reveals or indicates; sign; Ex. cost-of-living index                                                        
indict : charge; N. indictment                                                                        
indifferent : unmoved or unconcerned by; having no interest in; mediocre; neither good nor bad                                                              
indigence : poverty                                                                          
indigenous : native; Ex. plant indigenous to the New World                                                                   
indigent : poor; destitute                                                                         
indignation : anger at an injustice; Ex. righteous indignation; ADJ. indignant                                                                  
righteous : morally upright; just                                                                       
rightful : legally correct; Ex. rightful owner                                                                     
indignity : treatment or situation that causes shame or loss of dignity, respect; offensive or insulting treatment; humiliating or degrading treatment; Ex. I suffered the indignity of having to say that in front of them.                                          
indiscriminate : choosing at random; confused; not based on careful distinctions                                                                  
indisputable : too certain to be disputed; beyond doubt                                                                    
indissoluble : permanent; impossible to dissolve or disintegrate                                                                     
indite : write; compose                                                                         
indolent : lazy                                                                          
indomitable : unconquerable; unyielding                                                                         
indubitable : unable to be doubted; which cannot be doubted; unquestionable                                                                 
induce : persuade; lead to do something; bring about; N. inducement                                                                  
inductive : pertaining to induction or proceeding from the  specific  to the general                                                              
induct : place formally in office; install; admit as a member; initiate; N. induction: inducting; process of deriving general principles from particular facts                                                     
indulgent : humoring; yielding; lenient; showing indulgence                                                                      
indulge : yield to; gratify; allow oneself a special pleasure; Ex. indulge one's every whim/a child/in a big cigarette; N. indulgence                                                       
humor : indulge; comply with the wishes of; N. quality that makes something amusing; state of mind; mood; Ex. in a bad humor; Ex. out of humor                                                 
industrious : diligent; hard-working; N. industry                                                                       
inebriated : habitually intoxicated; drunk; N. inebriety                                                                     
inebriate : make drunk; intoxicate; N. intoxicated person                                                                    
intoxicate : make drunk; stimulate or excite; Ex. intoxicated by all the money he might win                                                            
ineffable : unutterable; not to be uttered; taboo; that cannot be expressed in speech; indescribable; unspeakable; inexpressible; Ex. ineffable name/joy                                                        
ineffectual : not effective; not having a desired effect; weak                                                                   
ineluctable : irresistible; not to be escaped; unavoidable                                                                    
inept : unsuited; inappropriate; lacking skill; incompetent; CF. inapt: (of statements or ideas) inappropriate                                                               
inequity : unfairness; ADJ. inequitable                                                                        
inerrancy : infallibility                                                                         
inert : inactive; lacking power to move; unable to move or act; Ex. chemically inert; N. inertia: state of being inert; force which keeps a thing in the position or state                                             
inevitable : unavoidable                                                                          
inexorable : relentless; unyielding; implacable; not capable of being changed by entreaty or efforts; Ex. inexorable price rises                                                          
infallible : unerring; never making mistakes                                                                       
infamous : notoriously bad; notorious; well known for being bad; Ex. infamous behavior; N: infamy: infamous act; evil fame or reputation                                                        
infantile : childish; infantlike                                                                         
infer : deduce; conclude; N. inference                                                                       
infernal : pertaining to hell; devilish; N. inferno: place of fiery heat or destruction                                                              
infidel : unbeliever (with respect to a particular religion)                                                                   
infiltrate : pass into or through; penetrate or enter (an organization) sneakily; Ex. infiltrate the troops into enemy territory; CF. infiltrator                                                        
penetrate : enter into; pierce; permeate; see through; grasp the inner significance of; understand                                                              
infinitesimal : very small                                                                         
infirmity : weakness                                                                          
inflated : exaggerated; pompous; enlarged (with air or gas)                                                                    
influx : flowing into                                                                         
infraction : violation (of a rule or regulation); breach                                                                    

infringe : violate (a law); encroach (the right of another person)                                                                  
ingenious : marked by inventive skill; clever; resourceful; N. ingenuity                                                                   
resourceful : clever and imaginative (in dealing with difficult situations); N. resource, resourcefulness                                                               
ingenuous : naive and trusting; young; unsophisticated; candid                                                                     
ingenue : ing\'enue; young innocent girl                                                                      
ingrained : deeply established; firmly rooted; Ex. ingrained dirt/prejudice                                                                    
ingrate : ungrateful person (not expressing thanks)                                                                      
ingratiate : become popular with; bring (oneself) in favor of another; Ex. ingratiate himself with the boss                                                           
inherent : firmly established by nature or habit; intrinsic                                                                    
inhibit : restrain; prohibit; retard or prevent; N. inhibition                                                                    
inhibited : (of a person) unable to express what one really feels                                                                
uninhibited : having no inhibitions; free in behavior and feelings                                                                  
inimical : (of someone) unfriendly; hostile; (of something) harmful; detrimental; CF. enemy                                                                
inimitable : matchless; not able to be imitated                                                                     
iniquitous : wicked; immoral; unrighteous; N. iniquity; Ex. den of iniquity                                                                  
initiate : begin; originate; receive into a group; introduce to a new field or activity; Ex. initiate someone into the mysteries of a secret religion; N: one who has been initiated                                              
injurious : harmful; causing injury                                                                        
inkling : hint; slight indication                                                                       
innate : inborn                                                                          
innocuous : harmless                                                                          
innovation : change; something newly introduced; introduction of something new; V. innovate: begin or introduce (something new); be creative; ADJ. innovative                                                        
innuendo : indirect or subtle (derogatory) hint; insinuation; Ex. sexual innuendo                                                                 
inopportune : untimely; inappropriate or ill-timed; poorly chosen                                                                     
inordinate : beyond reasonable limits; unrestrained; excessive; Ex. inordinate demands                                                                  
inquisitor : questioner (especially harsh); investigator; person making an inquisition                                                                   
inquisitive : eager for knowledge; unduly curious                                                                     
insalubrious : unwholesome; not healthful; Ex. insalubrious place                                                                    
healthful : conducive to good health; Ex. healthful mountain air                                                                  
healthy : possessing good health; healthful                                                                      
wholesome : conducive to mental or physical health; healthful                                                                   
insatiable : not easily satisfied; unquenchable; Ex. insatiable appetite                                                                    
inscrutable : difficult to understand; impenetrable; not readily understood; mysterious                                                                  
insensate : without feeling; lacking sense; foolish                                                                     
insensible : unconscious; unresponsive; insensitive; unaware; imperceptible; Ex. insensible of his danger/to pain; Ex. insensible change; CF. not the opposite of sensible                                                      
insidious : treacherous; stealthy; sly; working or spreading harmfully in a stealthy manner; Ex. insidious spreading of dry rot                                                         
insightful : discerning; perceptive                                                                         
insinuate : hint; imply; suggest indirectly; creep in; introduce or insert (oneself) by artful means; Ex. insinuate himself into the boss's favor; CF. ingratiate                                                    
creep : move with body close to the ground; move stealthily or slowly; N.                                                              
artful : exhibiting art or skill; deceitful; cunning; CF. artifice                                                                  
insipid : lacking in flavor; lacking interest; dull; Ex. insipid food/character                                                                 
insolence : impudent disrespect; haughtiness; ADJ. insolent; CF. haughty + rude                                                                  
insolvent : bankrupt; lacking money to pay; N. insolvency                                                                    
insomnia : wakefulness; inability to sleep                                                                       
insouciant : without concern or care; unconcerned; indifferent                                                                    
instigate : start; urge; provoke; incite; Ex. instigate a search/quarrel                                                                  
insubordination : disobedience; rebelliousness; ADJ. insubordinate                                                                       
insubstantial : lacking substance; insignificant; frail; immaterial                                                                      
insularity : narrow-mindedness; isolation; ADJ. insular: of an island; isolated; narrow-minded; CF. peninsula                                                               
insuperable : insurmountable; unbeatable; Ex. insuperable difficulties                                                                      
odds : chances; probability; disagreement; Ex. The odds are that it will rain. Ex. at odds with                                                           
insurgent : rebellious; N.                                                                         
insurmountable : overwhelming; unbeatable; insuperable                                                                        
insurrection : rebellion; uprising                                                                         
intangible : not able to be perceived by touch; vague                                                                   
integral : complete; necessary for completeness; Ex. integral part                                                                    
integrate : make whole; combine; make into one unit                                                                    
integrity : honesty; uprightness; wholeness; state of being whole and undivided; completeness                                                                 
upright : (sitting or standing) straight up; honest; moral                                                                   
intellect : higher mental powers; person of great intellectual ability                                                                   
intelligentsia : intellectuals; members of the educated elite (often used derogatorily)                                                                  
inter : bury; N. interment                                                                        
cemetery : place for burying the dead                                                                     
interdict : prohibit; forbid; N.                                                                        
interim : meantime; Ex. in the interim; ADJ. taking place during an interim; Ex. interim paper                                                             
interloper : intruder; one who interferes                                                                      
interminable : endless                                                                          
intermittent : periodic; on and off; stopping and starting at intervals                                                                  
internecine : mutually destructive                                                                         
interpolate : insert between                                                                        
interregnum : period between two successive reigns or governments                                                                   
interrogate : question closely; cross-examine; cross-question                                                                      
intervene : come between; interfere; Ex. intervened to prevent a fight; N. intervention                                                                
intimate : hint; suggest; imply; ADJ: marked by close relationship; familiar; private; personal; Ex. intimate knowledge/thoughts in the diary; N: close friend or confidant; CF. intimacy                                                  
intimidate : frighten; N. intimidation                                                                        
intractable : unruly; difficult to manage; Ex. intractable problem/child                                                                    
intransigence : refusal of any compromise; stubbornness; ADJ. intransigent: uncompromising                                                                   
intrepid : fearless                                                                          
intrinsic : essential; inherent; built-in                                                                        
introspective : looking within oneself; N. introspection: self-examination                                                                    
introvert : one who  is  introspective or inclined  to  think  more  about oneself; ADJ. introverted                                                        
intrude : put or force in without being asked; trespass; enter as an uninvited person; Ex. intrude one's own opinion into the report; CF. thrust in                                                  
intuition : immediate insight; power of knowing without reasoning; ADJ. intuitive; V. intuit: know by intuition                                                             
inundate : flood; overflow; submerge; cover completely; Ex. inundated with work                                                                  
overwhelm : (of water) cover completely; defeat completely by much greater force; Ex. overwhelmed by grief                                                            
submerge : place under water; dip; go under water; cover completely (as with water); Ex. submerged in work                                                          
engulf : surround and swallow up                                                                      
inured : accustomed; hardened; Ex. inured to the Alaskan cold; V. inure: make used to something undesirable; harden; CF. unfeeling                                                        
invalidate : weaken; destroy; make invalid; nullify                                                                      
invalid : one incapacitated(disabled) by a chronic illness; ADJ: incapacitated by illness; not valid; null; V: allow to leave (a military force) because of ill-health                                                   
invective : abuse                                                                          
inveigh : denounce; utter censure or invective; Ex. inveigh against the evils of drink                                                              
inveigle : deceive; lead astray by deception; wheedle(cajole); Ex. inveigle her into joining the club; CF. interest dishonestly                                                          
inverse : opposite                                                                          
invert : turn upside down or inside out; reverse the position or condition of                                                               

inveterate : deep-rooted; habitual; CF. grow old                                                                      
invidious : designed to create ill will or envy; tending to rouse ill will or envy; Ex. invidious comparison                                                         
invincible : unconquerable                                                                          
inviolable : secure from corruption, attack, or violation(or profanation); unassailable; Ex. inviolable oath/rights; N. inviolability                                                             
invocation : prayer for help (used in invoking); calling upon as a reference or support; act of invoking                                                          
invoke : call and bring into use (a right or law); call on/upon (a higher power or god) for help; ask for; beg for; conjure (a spirit); Ex. invoke the veto power; Ex. invoke one's advisor/God                                        
invulnerable : incapable of injury; impossible to damage or injure                                                                   
iota : very small quantity                                                                        
irascible : irritable; easily angered                                                                       
irate : angry; CF. ire: anger; wrath                                                                     
iridescent : exhibiting rainbowlike colors; Ex. iridescent oil slick; N. iridescence                                                                 
irksome : annoying; tedious; V. irk: annoy                                                                      
ironic : expressing irony; occurring in an unexpected and contrary manner                                                                  
irony : hidden sarcasm or satire; use of words that seem to mean the opposite of what they actually mean; use of words to convey the opposite of their literal meaning                                             
irreconcilable : impossible to reconcile; incompatible; not able to be resolved                                                                  
irrefutable : indisputable; incontrovertible; undeniable                                                                        
irrelevant : not applicable; unrelated                                                                        
irremediable : incurable; uncorrectable; impossible to remedy                                                                      
irreparable : not able to be corrected or repaired; impossible to repair                                                                 
irrepressible : unable to be restrained or held back; impossible to hold back                                                                
irreproachable : beyond reproach; blameless; impeccable; Ex. irreproachable conduct                                                                    
irresolute : uncertain how to act; weak; lacking in resolution; indecisive; N. irresolution                                                                
indecisive : marked by indecision; inconclusive; Ex. indecisive battle                                                                   
indecision : irresolution; inability to make up one's mind                                                                   
irretrievable : impossible to recover or regain; CF. retrieve                                                                    
irreverence : lack of proper respect or reverence; ADJ. irreverent                                                                   
irrevocable : unalterable; irreversible; impossible to revoke                                                                      
isotope : varying from of an element                                                                      
isthmus : narrow neck of land connecting two larger bodies of land                                                                
itinerant : wandering; traveling from place to place (to perform work); Ex. itinerant preacher                                                              
itinerary : plan of a trip; record of a trip                                                                  
jabber : chatter rapidly or unintelligibly                                                                      
jab : poke abruptly with something sharp; punch with short blows                                                                 
jaded : tired or uninterested by surfeit; fatigued; surfeited; worn out; wearied; Ex. jaded appetite                                                             
jargon : language used by special group; technical terminology; gibberish; nonsensical or incoherent talk                                                               
jaundiced : yellowed; prejudiced (envious, hostile, or resentful) from long and disappointing experience of human affairs; Ex. with a jaundiced eye                                                       
jaundice : medical condition in which the skin, the white part of the eyes, etc. turn yellow; V: affect with jaundice; affect with prejudice, envy, or hostility; bias                                                
jaunt : trip; short journey                                                                       
jaunty : cheerful and pleased with life; lighthearted; animated; easy and carefree; dapper in appearance; Ex. jaunty person/hat                                                          
jeopardize : endanger; imperil; put at risk; N. jeopardy: danger                                                                   
jettison : throw overboard (from a ship or plane)                                                                   
jibe : agree; be in harmony with; gibe                                                                    
jingoist : extremely aggressive and militant patriot; warlike chauvinist; N. jingoism: extreme nationalism                                                                
jocose : given to(having a tendency of) joking                                                                    
jocular : said or done in jest or playfully; marked by joking                                                                
jest : playful remark or act; V. act or speak playfully                                                                 
jocund : merry                                                                         
jollity : gaiety; cheerfulness; ADJ. jolly: merry; gay                                                                    
jostle : shove; bump; push against (someone) rather roughly; Ex. jostled by the crowds                                                              
shove : push forward; push roughly; Ex. pushing and shoving to get on the bus; N.                                                            
bump : hit or knock against with force; N.                                                                   
jovial : good-natured; merry; cheerful                                                                       
jubilation : rejoicing; great joy                                                                        
judicious : sound on judgment; wise                                                                       
juggernaut : irresistible crushing force; overwhelming advancing force that crushes everything in its path                                                              
jug : pitcher; container for holding liquids                                                                     
juncture : crisis; point in time; joining point; joint; act of joining                                                                
junket : trip especially one taken for pleasure by an official at public expense                                                              
junta : group of persons joined in political intrigue; cabal; group of military officers ruling a country after seizing power (by force)                                                      
jurisprudence : science of law                                                                       
jurisdiction : right and power to apply the law; authority                                                                  
juridical : of the law and its administration; CF. judicial: of courts of law; CF. judiciary                                                            
juxtapose : place side by side; CF. next                                                                    
kaleidoscope : tube in which patterns made by the reflection in mirrors of colored pieces of glass, etc. produce interesting symmetrical effects; series of changing events; Ex. kaleidoscope of European history; CF. beautiful                                           
ken : range of knowledge; Ex. beyond one's ken                                                                   
kernel : central or vital part; core; whole seed (as of corn)                                                                 
killjoy : grouch; spoilsport; one who intentionally spoils the pleasure of others                                                                
grouch : bad-tempered complaint; person who keeps complaining; V: complain; grumble                                                                 
spoilsport : one who spoils the pleasure of others                                                                   
kindle : start a fire; ignite; inspire; arouse                                                                     
kindred : related; belonging to the same group; similar in nature or character; Ex. kindred languages; N: relative; kin; kinship                                                        
kinetic : producing motion; of motion                                                                       
kismet : fate; destiny; Ex. Kismet is the Arabic word for fate.                                                                
kleptomaniac : person who has a compulsive desire to steal                                                                  
knave : untrustworthy person; rogue; scoundrel; jack; N. knavery                                                                   
knead : mix; work dough; mix and work into a uniform mass (with the hands); Ex. knead dough                                                          
knell : tolling of a bell especially to indicate a funeral, disaster, etc.; sound of the funeral bell; V.                                                         
toll : sound (a large bell) slowly at regular intervals; N: sound of a bell; fixed tax or charge                                                         
curfew : regulation requiring all people to leave the streets at stated times; signal (as a bell) announcing the hour of a curfew                                                     
knit : contract into wrinkles; grow together; join together closely; make (a fabric or garment) by interwining yarn or thread; Ex. knit the brow; Ex. The bones should knit together in a few weeks.                                          
crochet : make (a piece of needlework) by looping thread with a hooked needle; N. CF. crotchet                                                           
knoll : little round hill; hillock                                                                      
knotty : intricate; difficult; tangled; CF. knot                                                                     
kudos : honor; glory; acclaim or praise for exceptional achievement                                                                  
entourage : group of attendants; retinue; CF. surround                                                                    
labile : likely to change; unstable; Ex. emotionally labile; N. lability                                                                 
laborious : demanding much work or care; tedious                                                                     
labyrinth : maze                                                                          
laceration : torn ragged wound; V. lacerate: tear (the skin as with broken glass); wound                                                             
rip : tear or be torn quickly and violently; Ex. The sail ripped under the force of the wind; N.                                                        
rag : scrap of cloth; ADJ. ragged: old and torn; seeming unfinished and imperfect; Ex. ragged debut/performance                                                           
lachrymose : producing tears; tearful                                                                       
lackadaisical : lacking interest or effort; lacking purpose or zest; lazy; halfhearted; languid                                                               
halfhearted : exhibiting little interest or enthusiasm                                                                     
lackluster : lacking luster(shine; gloss); dull                                                                      
laconic : brief and to the point; using few words; terse                                                                 
laggard : slow; sluggish; N: one who lags; straggler                                                                   
lag : move or develop more slowly; straggle; Ex. lag behind the rest; N.                                                              
straggle : stray or fall behind (a main group); spread out in a scattered group; Ex. straggling marathon racer; Ex. straggling branch                                                      

lagoon : shallow body of water or lake near a sea; lake separated from a sea by sandbars or coral reefs                                                       
laity : laypersons; laymen; persons not connected with the clergy                                                                  
layman : man who is not a cleric; man who is nonprofessional                                                                
lament : grieve; express sorrow; N. lamentation                                                                      
lampoon : ridicule; N: written attack ridiculing or satirizing a person, group, or institution                                                              
lancet : small surgical tool for making incisions                                                                    
lance : pierce with a lance; cut into; N: spearlike weapon                                                                 
languid : lacking energy or vitality; weary; sluggish; listless                                                                    
languish : lose animation or strength                                                                       
languor : lack of physical or mental energy; lassitude; depression                                                                   
lank : long and thin; Ex. Lank, gaunt, Abraham Lincoln                                                                  
lap : take in food or drink with one's tongue; splash gently; Ex. waves lapping the shore; N: front area from the waist to the knees of a seated person                                              
larceny : theft; Ex. petit larceny                                                                      
larder : pantry; place where food is kept                                                                    
largess : generous gift (given to people who do not have enough)                                                                
lascivious : lustful                                                                          
lust : intense sexual desire; intense eagerness; V.                                                                    
lassitude : languor; weariness; listlessness                                                                       
latent : present but not yet noticeable or active; dormant; hidden; N. latency; CF. potential                                                              
lateral : of or coming from the side                                                                     
latitude : freedom from narrow limitations                                                                      
laud : praise; N. ADJ. laudable: praiseworthy; ADJ. laudatory: expressing praise                                                                  
lavish : liberal; wasteful; generous or wasteful in giving or using; abundant; profuse; great; Ex. decorated lavishly; V. give in abundance                                                       
lax : careless; negligent; not paying enough attention; Ex. lax service                                                                 
leaven : add leaven to; cause to rise or grow lighter; enliven; N: agent, such as yeast, that causes dough to rise (by fermentation); element that lightens or enlivens                                               
enliven : make lively or spirited; animate                                                                     
lechery : gross lewdness; lustfulness; ADJ. lecherous; N. lecher: lecherous man                                                                  
lectern : reading desk or stand for a public speaker                                                                  
leery : (of someone) suspicious; wary; cautious                                                                     
leeway : room to move; margin; latitude; Ex. leeway for the deadline                                                                
margin : border; room; allowance beyond what is needed; Ex. margin of safety                                                               
marginal : of a margin; barely within a limit; Ex. marginal effect/writing ability                                                               
legacy : gift made by a will; something handed down from an ancestor                                                                
legend : explanatory list of symbols on a map                                                                    
legerdemain : sleight(dexterity) of hand; CF. light of hand                                                                   
leniency : mildness; permissiveness; ADJ. lenient: not severe in judgment or punishment                                                                 
permissive : allowing much freedom; lenient; Ex. permissive society                                                                   
leonine : like a lion                                                                        
lethal : deadly                                                                          
lethargic : drowsy; dull; N. lethargy: state of sluggishness and inactivity                                                                  
levee : earthen or stone embankment to prevent flooding; CF. raise                                                                 
levitate : rise and float in the air (especially by magical means); CF. light                                                              
levity : lack of seriousness or steadiness; frivolity; lightness of manner                                                                  
levy : impose (a fine); collect (a payment); impose or collect (a tax); Ex. levy a tax on tobacco                                                         
lewd : lustful                                                                          
lexicographer : compiler of a dictionary; CF. lexicography: work of compiling a dictionary                                                               
lexicon : dictionary                                                                         
liability : drawback; handicap; debts; obligation; responsibility; condition of being liable; ADJ. liable: likely; responsible (for paying)                                                           
liaison : contact that keeps parties in communication; communication between groups; one that maintains communication; go-between; secret love affair; V. liaise: keep a connection                                                     
libel : defamatory written statement; act of writing something that smears a person's character; V. ADJ. libelous                                                                                                                                       
libertine : debauched person; dissolute or licentious person; roue; CF. free                                                                 
roue : lecherous man                                                                        
libidinous : lustful                                                                          
libido : psychic and emotional energy or urges behind human activity; sexual desire                                                               
libretto : text of an opera or oratorio; CF. book                                                                  
licentious : amoral; lewd and lascivious; unrestrained                                                                      
license : official or legal permission; latitude of action or speech; excessive freedom that causes harm or damage; V.                                                         
lien : legal claim or right on a property                                                                   
ligneous : like wood                                                                        
lilliputian : extremely small; CF. Lilliput in Gulliver's Travels                                                                   
limber : flexible; supple; pliable; V.                                                                      
limbo : region near heaven or hell where certain souls are kept; prison (slang); Ex. Purgatory and Limbo                                                          
abode : dwelling place; home                                                                       
abide : dwell; abide by: comply with; put up with; tolerate; Ex. abide by the rules; Ex. I can't abide rude people.                                                      
limn : draw; outline; describe; CF. line ?                                                                    
limpid : crystal clear                                                                        
lineage : descent; ancestry                                                                         
lineaments : features especially of the face; distinctive shape or contour of the face; CF. line                                                            
feature : distinctive part of the faces (as the eyes or mouth); features: overall appearance of the face; prominent or distinctive quality; prominent article; film; V: make prominent                                                
linger : loiter or dawdle; be slow in leaving; delay going; continue or persist; be slow to disappear; Ex. The smell lingered for days.                                                    
persist : continue in existence; last; continue in a course of action in spite of opposition; Ex. persist in/with something; ADJ. persistent                                                      
linguistic : pertaining to language                                                                        
lionize : treat (a person) as a celebrity                                                                    
liquidate : settle accounts; pay off (a debt); clear up; eliminate; kill or abolish                                                              
list : tilt (as of a ship); lean over (to one side)                                                                
listless : lacking in spirit or energy; languid                                                                     
litany : supplicatory prayer; prayer in which the priest calls out and the people replies in the same words                                                         
lithe : flexible; supple; CF. limber                                                                      
willowy : flexible; pliant; slender; CF. willow                                                                     
litigation : lawsuit; N. litigant: one party in a lawsuit; V. litigate  
litotes : understatement for emphasis; Ex. \`\`not bad(=pretty good)\'\'                                                                   
understate : state with less truth than seems warranted by the facts; Ex. He understated the seriousness of the crime; N. understatement; OP. overstate                                                    
livid : lead-colored; black and blue (as from a bruise); ashen; enraged; extremely angry                                                              
loath : reluctant; unwilling; disinclined; Ex. Romeo and Juliet were both loath for him to go.                                                            
loathe : detest; ADJ. loathsome: arousing loathing; offensive; Ex. loathsome smell                                                                  
lode : metal-bearing vein(long deposit of an ore)                                                                    
lofty : very high                                                                         
loft : room or space under the roof; attic                                                                   
log : record of a voyage or flight; record of day-to-day activities; section of a trunk; V.                                                            
loiter : hang about/around; stand idly about; linger                                                                     
loll : lounge about                                                                        
lounge : stand, sit, or lie in a lazy, relaxed way                                                                 
longevity : long life; long duration                                                                       
loom : appear or take shape (usually in an enlarged, indistinct, or distorted form); Ex. The shadow of the gallows loomed threateningly. N: apparatus for making thread into cloth                                               
gallows : framework from which a noose is suspended (used for execution by hanging)                                                              
noose : loop formed in a rope                                                                     
lope : gallop slowly                                                                        
loquacious : talkative; N. loquacity                                                                        

lout : clumsy person; ADJ. loutish; CF. from countrysides ?                                                                  
low : moo; make the sound of a cow                                                                   
lubricate : apply a lubricant to; N. lubricant: substance that reduces friction                                                                
lucid : easily understood; clear; intelligible; N. lucidity                                                                     
lucrative : profitable; producing wealth                                                                        
lucre : money; profit; Ex. filthy lucre                                                                     
filth : dirty matter; ADJ. filthy                                                                      
ludicrous : laughable; ridiculous; trifling                                                                       
lugubrious : mournful; sorrowful                                                                        
lull : moment of calm; period of reduced activity; Ex. a lull in the rain; V: cause to become less active; cause to sleep or rest; Ex. lull the opponents into a FALSE sense of security; CF. lullaby                                      
lumber : move heavily or clumsily; Ex. The bear lumbered through the woods; N: timber                                                             
lumen : unit of light energy (one candle's worth)                                                                   
luminary : celebrity (in a specific field); dignitary; object that gives light (as a celestial body)                                                            
dignitary : person of high rank or position                                                                    
luminous : shining (esp. in the dark); issuing light; Ex. luminous paint/road signs                                                               
lunar : pertaining to the moon                                                                       
lunatic : insane; Ex. lunatic asylum                                                                      
lurid : wild; sensational; graphic; gruesome; horrible; Ex. lurid details of the murder                                                               
lurk : stealthily lie in waiting; slink; exist unperceived                                                                   
slink : move furtively; ADJ. slinky: stealthy; furtive; sneaky (as in ambush)                                                                
luscious : pleasing to taste or smell; delicious                                                                    
luster : shine; gloss (of a polished surface)                                                                    
lustrous : shining; brilliant; Ex. lustrous hair                                                                     
luxuriant : abundant; growing healthily and in large amounts; excessively ornate; rich and splendid; fertile; Ex. luxuriant forests/prose; CF. luxurious, luxuriate                                                       
macabre : gruesome; grisly; ghastly; CF. of death                                                                    
morgue : mortuary; place where bodies are kept before burial or cremation                                                                
cremate : incinerate (a corpse); N. crematory, crematorium                                                                    
mace : ceremonial staff used as a symbol of authority; clublike medieval weapon                                                               
macerate : soften by soaking in liquid; waste away; Ex. macerate powdered wood to make paper                                                            
Machiavellian : crafty; double-dealing; of the political doctrine of Machiavelli, which holds that craft and deceit are justified in pursuing political power                                                      
machinations : evil schemes or plots; schemes or plots to achieve an evil end; V. machinate                                                            
maculated : spotted; stained; CF. immaculate                                                                      
madrigal : pastoral song; song for several singers without instruments                                                                  
maelstrom : violent whirlpool; violent or tublent situation; CF. stream                                                                  
magisterial : authoritative; imperious; commanding; of a magistrate; Ex. magisterial study of Roman law; Ex. magisterial manner                                                           
magistrate : official with power to administer the law                                                                   
magnanimity : generosity; ADJ. magnanimous: generous                                                                       
magnate : person of prominence or influence; powerful or influential person (in business or industry); Ex. oil magnate                                                          
magniloquent : boastful; pompous                                                                         
magnitude : greatness (in size or extent); extent                                                                     
maim : mutilate; injure lastingly; disable; cripple; Ex. maimed for life                                                                 
mangle : tear or cut to pieces; mutilate or disfigure; Ex. badly mangled bodies                                                              
maladroit : clumsy; not skillful; awkward; bungling                                                                      
malady : illness                                                                          
malaise : uneasiness; vague feeling of ill health (without any particular pain or appearance of disease)                                                            
malapropism : comic misuse of a word; CF. Mrs. Malaprop                                                                  
malapropos : inappropriate; ADV.                                                                        
malcontent : person dissatisfied with existing state of affairs; discontented person; ADJ: discontented                                                                
malediction : curse                                                                          
malefactor : evildoer; criminal                                                                         
maleficient : doing evil; N. maleficience                                                                      
malevolent : wishing evil; exhibiting ill will; N. malevolence                                                                    
malfeasance : wrongdoing; misconduct (by a public official)                                                                    
malicious : hateful; spiteful; expressing malice; N. malice: desire to harm others; spite                                                                
malign : speak evil of; bad-mouth(criticize spitefully); defame; ADJ: harmful; Ex. malign influence                                                                
malignant : tending to cause death; highly injurious; aggressively malevolent; Ex. malignant tumor                                                                
malingerer : one who feigns illness to escape duty; V. malinger: feign illness to avoid work                                                             
malleable : (of a metal) capable of being shaped by pounding(beating); pliable; (of someone) impressionable(easily influenced); easily controlled; tractable                                                         
malodorous : foul-smelling                                                                          
compost : mixture of decaying organic matter used as fertilizer; V: put or make compost                                                             
mammal : vertebrate animal whose female suckles its young                                                                    
vertebrate : having a backbone or spinal column; N: group of animals having a segmented spinal column                                                           
suckle : give or take milk at the breast or udder                                                                 
nurse : suckle; take care of (as a nurse); bear in mind; Ex. nursing mother; Ex. nurse a hope/grudge against someone                                                       
mammoth : gigantic; enormous                                                                         
manacle : restrain; handcuff; N.                                                                        
mandate : order; charge; authoritative command; power to govern another country; power to given to a government; region under administration; V: give a mandate to; place under a mandate; Ex. mandated territory                                            
mandatory : obligatory; compulsory; of a mandate                                                                      
mangy : shabby; wretched; suffering from mange; of bad appearance                                                                  
mange : skin disease (esp. of domestic animals) marked by loss of hair                                                               
maniacal : raging mad; insane; N. maniac: insane person; CF. mania: disorder of the mind; intense enthusiasm                                                            
manifest : evident; visible; obvious; V: show plainly                                                                     
manifestation : outward demonstration; manifesting; indication of the presence of something; Ex. manifestation of his pronounced musical bent                                                          
pronounced : distinct; very noticeable; Ex. pronounced limp                                                                    
manifesto : public declaration of principles; statement of policy                                                                    
manifold : many in number or kind; numerous; varied                                                                   
manipulate : operate with one's hands; control or play upon (people, forces, etc.) artfully; maneuver; Ex. how to manipulate publicity and men; ADJ. manipulative                                                    
mannered : affected; not natural; Ex. mannered way of speech                                                                  
mannerism : distinctive behavioral trait; affected style in art (according to a set of styles)                                                             
manumit : emancipate; free from slavery or bondage                                                                    
marital : pertaining to marriage                                                                        
maritime : bordering on(adjacent to) the sea; nautical; of the ships or the sea; Ex. Maritime Provinces                                                           
marked : noticeable; targeted for vengeance or attack; Ex. marked improvement/man                                                                  
marred : damaged; disfigured; V. mar: spoil; disfigure                                                                    
marshal : put in order; guide ceremoniously to the correct place; Ex. marshal the children into the museum; N: military officer; official                                                      
enlist : (cause to) join the armed forces; obtain (help, sympathy, or support)                                                               
marsupial : one of a family of mammals that nurse their offspring in a pouch(pocket of skin or leather); CF. kangaroo, opossum, wombat                                                     
martial : warlike; of war; Ex. martial art/law                                                                     
cadet : student at a military school                                                                     
martinet : strict disciplinarian; person who demands total obedience to rules and orders; CF. Jean Martinet                                                            
martyr : one who voluntarily suffers death for his or her religion or cause; great sufferer; Ex. martyr to his rheumatism                                                        
masochist : person who enjoys his own pain; CF. masochism                                                                   
masticate : chew                                                                         
materialism : preoccupation with physical comforts and things; excessive regard for worldly concerns (rather than spiritual matters)                                                            
maternal : motherly; N. maternity: motherhood                                                                       
matriarch : woman who rules a family or larger social group                                                                  
matriculate : enroll (in college or graduate school); CF. matrix                                                                  
matrix : point of origin; array of numbers or algebraic symbols; mold or die; Ex. the matrix of Western civilization                                                        
maudlin : effusively sentimental                                                                        
sentimental : swayed by sentiment; appealing to the sentiments                                                                   
maul : handle roughly; batter; injure by beating; Ex. mauled by his overexcited fans; N: heavy long-handled hammer                                                          

mausoleum : monumental tomb; large stately tomb; CF. Mausolos                                                                   
mauve : pale purple                                                                        
maverick : rebel; nonconformist (in a group)                                                                     
mawkish : mushy(sentimental) and gushy; icky-sticky sentimental; excessively and objectionably sentimental                                                                 
maxim : proverb; truth pithily stated                                                                       
mayhem : injury to body; crime of willfully maiming or crippling a person; violent disorder; Ex. mayhem in the zoo; CF. maim                                                      
meager : scanty; inadequate                                                                         
mealymouthed : indirect in speech (when something unpleasant must be said); hypocritical; evasive                                                               
meander : wind or turn in its course; follow a winding or turning course; move aimlessly and idly                                                          
meddlesome : interfering; V. meddle: interfere                                                                      
mediate : settle a dispute through the services of an outsider; act as an intermediary; produce by mediating; Ex. mediate a cease-fire                                                       
intermediary : intermediate; acting as a mediator; N: mediator; go-between                                                                  
mediocre : ordinary; commonplace; neither good nor bad                                                                     
meditation : reflection; thought; V. meditate                                                                       
medium : element that is a creature's natural environment; nutrient setting in which microorganisms are cultivated; appropriate occupation or means of expression; channel of communication; compromise; middle position between extremes; intervening substance through which something else is transmitted                                       
medley : mixture                                                                         
meek : submissive; patient and long-suffering                                                                      
suitor : man who is courting a woman                                                                    
megalomania : mania for doing grandiose things; mental disorder characterized by delusions of wealth, power, or importance                                                           
melancholy : gloomy; morose; blue; N. ADJ. melancholic; CF. melancholia                                                                   
blue : gloomy; depressed                                                                        
melee : fight                                                                          
mellifluous : (of words or a voice) sweetly or smoothly flowing; melodious; having a pleasant tune                                                            
memento : token; reminder of the past; keepsake; Ex. memento of your visit                                                               
memorialize : commemorate                                                                          
memorial : something, such as a monument or holiday, intended to honor the memory of a person or event; ADJ: commemorative                                                       
menagerie : collection of wild animals on exhibition; zoo                                                                   
mendacious : lying; habitually dishonest; N. mendacity                                                                     
mendicant : beggar; ADJ: living as a beggar                                                                    
alms : money or goods given to the poor                                                                   
menial : suitable for servants; lowly; mean; N: someone who does menial work (esp. servant in a house)                                                          
mentor : counselor; teacher                                                                        
mercantile : concerning trade or merchants                                                                      
mercenary : motivated solely by money or gain; N.                                                                    
mercurial : capricious; quick and changing; fickle; containing the element mercury; Ex. mercurial temper; CF. mood                                                            
quicksilver : mercury                                                                         
meretricious : flashy; tawdry; attractive on the surface but of no real value; Ex. metericious argument/jewel; CF. prostitute                                                          
vulgar : of the common people; deficient in refinement; not refined; coarse; Ex. vulgar display of wealth; N. vulgarism: vulgarity; crudely indecent word; CF. vulgarian: vulgar person; boor; lout                                               
merger : combination (of two business corporations); act of merging                                                                  
mesmerize : hypnotize; N. mesmerism; CF. Franz Mesmer                                                                    
metallurgical : pertaining to the art of removing metals from ores; N. metallurgy: science that deals with extracting metals from ores                                                       
metamorphosis : change of form; Ex. metamorphosis of caterpillar to butterfly; V. metamorphose: change by metamorphosis                                                             
metaphor : implied comparison; CF. simile                                                                       
soar : rise or fly high in the air; Ex. The rocket soared into the sky.                                                            
metaphysical : pertaining to speculative philosophy; of metaphysics; N. metaphysics: branch of philosophy that examines the nature of reality                                                          
mete : measure; distribute; administer; Ex. mete out justice/punishment                                                                   
meteoric : like a meteor; swift; momentarily brilliant; Ex. meteoric rise to fame; N. meteor                                                              
methodical : systematic; N. method: systematic method of procedure                                                                    
meticulous : excessively careful (with great attention to detail); painstaking; scrupulous                                                                  
metropolis : large city                                                                         
mettle : courage (to continue bravely in spite of difficulties); spirit; ADJ. mettlesome                                                               
miasma : swamp gas; heavy vaporous atmosphere often emanating from decaying matter; pervasive corrupting influence; noxious atmosphere or influence                                                         
swamp : wetland; marsh; V: flood; overwhelm; drench in with liquid                                                                 
microcosm : small representative world; world in miniature; Ex. microcosm of English society                                                                
miniature : small model; small painting; ADJ: small                                                                    
migrant : changing its habitat; wandering; Ex. migrant birds/workers; N: one that migrates                                                                
migratory : wandering; V. migrate: move from one region and settle in another; move periodically from one region to another                                                         
milieu : social environment; means of expression; Ex. feel out of one's milieu; Ex. His proper milieu is watercolor.                                                         
militant : combative; bellicose; N.                                                                        
militate : work against; Ex. militate against the chances of promotion; CF. serve as a soldier                                                            
militia : army composed of ordinary citizens rather than professional soldiers                                                                 
millennium : thousand-year period (as in the New Testament); hoped-for period of happiness and prosperity                                                              
mimicry : imitation                                                                          
mime : pantomime(act without dialogue); mimicry; mimer; V: mimic; pantomime                                                                  
minatory : menacing; threatening                                                                        
mincing : affectedly dainty(delicate); V. mince: cut (esp. meat) into very small pieces; walk with exaggerated primness; walk in an unnatural way, taking little short steps; Ex. The actor minced across the stage; CF. mincemeat; CF. mincer                                       
dainty : delicate; delicately beautiful; fastidious; not easy to please; Ex. dainty movement/dress                                                               
exquisite : delicate; very finely made; extremely beautiful; Ex. exquisite piece of jewelry                                                               
choice : delicate; of very fine quality                                                                     
minion : servile dependent; obsequious follower                                                                      
minuscule(miniscule) : extremely small                                                                        
minute : extremely small; CF. minutes: official record of the proceedings at a meeting                                                               
minutiae : petty or trivial details; CF. minutia                                                                    
mirage : unreal reflection; optical illusion                                                                       
mire : entangle; stick in swampy ground; stick or sink in mire; N: bog; deep mud; Ex. sucked deeper into the mire                                                      
mirth : merriment; laughter                                                                        
misadventure : mischance; ill luck; Ex. death by misadventure                                                                   
misanthrope : one who hates mankind; misanthropist                                                                      
vile : despicable; unpleasant; disgusting; Ex. vile slander                                                                    
misapprehension : error; misunderstanding; V. misapprehend                                                                       
miscellany : mixture of writings on various subjects; collection of various items                                                                 
miscellaneous : made up of a variety of parts                                                                   
mischance : ill luck                                                                        
misconstrue : interpret incorrectly; misinterpret; misjudge                                                                       
miscreant : wretch; wrongdoer; villain; Ex. kindness to the miscreant; CF. believe                                                                
wretch : miserable person; bad or despicable person; ADJ. wretched: miserable; bad; contemptible; vile                                                              
misdemeanor : minor crime; misdeed; wrongdoing                                                                       
misconduct : immoral behavior; bad management; V.                                                                     
miserly : stingy; mean                                                                         
misgivings : doubts                                                                         
mishap : unfortunate accident                                                                        
misnomer : wrong or improper name; incorrect designation                                                                    

misogamy : hatred of marriage                                                                        
misogynist : hater of woman; CF. misogyny                                                                      
missile : object to be thrown or projected                                                                     
missive : letter; written statement; CF. sent                                                                     
mite : very small object or insect-like creature; small coin                                                                  
mitigate : appease; moderate; make or become less in force or intensity                                                                 
mnemonic : pertaining to memory; assisting the memory; N: device, such as as formula or rhyme, used as a mnemonic aid                                                       
mobile : movable; not fixed; N. mobility                                                                      
mock : ridicule; deride; imitate often in derision                                                                    
mode : prevailing style; current fashion; manner; way of doing something; Ex. in the latest mode; Ex. simple mode of life                                                        
modicum : limited quantity; small amount; Ex. He does not have a modicum of sense; CF. moderate                                                           
modish : fashionable; conforming to the current fashion                                                                    
modulate : tone down in intensity; change the intensity or tone of; regulate; change from one musical key to another; Ex. modulate from E to G                                                  
mogul : powerful person; Ex. oil moguls; CF. Mogol, Moghul; CF. Mongolian                                                                
molecule : the smallest particle (one or more atoms) of a substance that has all the properties of that substance                                                         
mollify : soothe an angry person                                                                      
mollycoddle : pamper; coddle; baby; indulge excessively                                                                     
molt(moult) : periodically shed or cast off hairs or feathers (for replacement by a new growth)                                                            
molten : melted; Ex. molten lava                                                                      
momentous : very important; N. moment; CF. momentary                                                                     
momentum : quantity of motion of a moving body; impetus; moving force                                                                 
monarchy : government under a single ruler                                                                      
monastic : related to monks or monasteries; removed from worldly concerns                                                                  
monetary : pertaining to money                                                                        
monochromatic : having only one color                                                                       
monochrome : painting in only one color; ADJ.                                                                    
monogram : design composed of one or more initials of a name; V.                                                               
monograph : scholarly article                                                                        
monolithic : solidly uniform; unchangeable; unyielding; N. monolith: large block of stone                                                                
monotheism : belief in one God                                                                       
monotony : sameness leading to boredom; monotonousness; ADJ. monotonous; CF. monotone                                                                  
monumental : massive; impressively large; built as a monument                                                                   
moodiness : fits of depression or gloom; ADJ. moody: given to changeable moods; subject to periods of depression; gloomy CF. mood: state of mind or emotion                                                  
moratorium : legal delay of payment or action; Ex. declare moratorium on the building of new houses                                                           
morbid : given to unwholesome or unhealthy thought; moody; characteristic of disease; Ex. morbid curiosity; N. morbidity; CF. disease                                                         
mordant : biting; sarcastic; stinging; (apprec.) incisive; cutting; Ex. mordant pen/wit                                                                 
mores : conventions; moral standards; moral customs                                                                     
moribund : dying; at the point of death; CF. death                                                                  
morose : ill-humored; sullen; sullenly melancholy                                                                      
mortician : undertaker; CF. death                                                                       
undertaker : funeral director; one whose business is to arrange burials                                                                 
mortify : humiliate by embarassing excessively; shame; punish the flesh; discipline (one's body) by self-denial; Ex. mortified by her blunder; Ex. mortify the flesh; CF. cause to die                                                
mosaic : picture made of small colorful inlaid tiles; ADJ.                                                                   
mote : small speck (esp. of dust)                                                                     
speck : small piece or mark; Ex. speck of dust in the eye                                                               
motif : theme; recurrent thematic element in a musical or literary work; single or repeated pattern; figure                                                           
motility : ability to move spontaneously; ADJ. motile: moving spontaneously                                                                  
motley : multi-colored (as of a garment worn by a jester); mixed; heterogeneous; CF. jester: one who jests (as a paid fool at medieval courts)                                                   
motto : brief statement used to express a principle                                                                   
mottled : blotched in coloring; spotted; Ex. mottled face; V. mottle: mark with blotches of different colors                                                           
blotch : spot; blot; CF. blot+botch                                                                      
blemish : mar; spoil the beauty or perfection of; N: flaw or defect (that spoils perfection); Ex. blemishes in the crystal; CF. unblemished                                                     
mountebank : charlatan; boastful pretender                                                                       
peddle : travel about selling (wares); CF. foot                                                                    
muddle : confuse; mix up confusedly; N: state of confusion                                                                  
muggy : (of weather) warm and damp                                                                     
mulct : defraud a person of something; swindle; Ex. mulct the boy of his legacy                                                             
multifarious : varied; greatly diversified; Ex. multifarious activities                                                                    
multiform : having many forms                                                                        
multilingual : having many languages; fluent in several languages                                                                    
multiplicity : state of being numerous or multiple; large number; Ex. multiplicity of details; ADJ. multiple: of more than one element                                                        
mundane : worldly as opposed to spiritual; everyday; of the ordinary; Ex. mundane existence; CF. world                                                            
munificent : very generous in giving; Ex. munificent benefactor; N. munificience                                                                 
mural : wall painting                                                                        
murky : dark and gloomy; thick with fog; vague; Ex. murky night/fog; N. murk: partial or complete darkness; gloom                                                         
muse : ponder at length; N: source of inspiration (esp. of a poet)                                                               
musky : having the odor of musk; N. musk: odorous substance secreted by an Asian deer                                                            
muster : gather; assemble (troops); Ex. muster up one's strength for the ordeal; N.                                                              
musty : stale (in odor or taste); spoiled by age; CF. moist                                                                
mutablility : ability to change in form; fickleness; ADJ. mutable: able to change; fickle; CF. mutate; CF. mutant                                                           
muted : silent; muffled; toned down; Ex. muted traffic noise                                                                   
mute : silent; without speech; not pronounced; unable to speak; N: one who is incapable of speech; V: soften the sound, color, shade of                                                    
mutilate : maim; injure lastingly; deprive of a limb or an essential part                                                               
mutinous : unruly; rebellious; Ex. mutinous teenagers; N. mutiny: open rebellion; CF. mutineer                                                               
myopic : nearsighted; lacking foresight; N. myopia                                                                     
myriad : very large number; ADJ. CF. ten thousand                                                                   
nadir : lowest point; point on the celestial sphere diametrically opposite the zenith
naivety : quality of being unsophisticated; simplicity; artlessness; gullibility; ADJ. naive(na\"ive): ingenuous; lacking worldliness; simple; credulous                                                             
narcissist : conceited person; N. narcissism; CF. narcissus                                                                     
narrative : related to telling a story; N: narrated account; story; V. narrate: tell (a story); CF. narration                                                           
nascent : incipient; coming into being or existence; Ex. nascent ability in music                                                               

natation : swimming                                                                          
natty : neatly or smartly dressed; dapper; smart; Ex. natty dresser                                                                 
smart : intelligent; quick and energetic; fashionable; Ex. smart pace/restaurant; V: cause or feel a sharp pain; N: smarting pain                                                        
nauseate : cause to become sick; fill with disgust; fill nausea                                                                  
nausea : feeling of sickness and desire to vomit; disgust; CF. seasickness                                                                
nauseous : causing nausea; feeling nausea                                                                      
nautical : pertaining to ships or navigation                                                                      
navigable : (of a body of water) wide and deep enough to allow ships to pass through; (of a ship or aircraft) able to be steered                                                  
nebulous : vague; hazy; cloudy; of a nebula; Ex. nebulous proposal                                                                 
nebula : diffuse mass of interstellar dust or gas; galaxy                                                                  
necromancy : black magic; sorcery; dealings with the dead; art that professes to communicate with the spirits of the dead so as to predict the future; CF. necromancer; CF. necro+divination; CF. necro-: death; Ex. necropolis                                         
nefarious : very wicked                                                                        
negate : cancel out; nullify; cause to have no effect; deny; N. negation                                                                
negligence : neglect; failure to take reasonable care; ADJ. negligent: neglectful; lax; not taking enough care                                                             
negligible : so small, trifling, or unimportant as to be easily disregarded                                                                 
nemesis : someone seeking revenge; source of downfall or ruin; CF. Nemesis                                                                 
neologism : new or newly coined word or phrase                                                                   
neophyte : recent convert; new member of a religious group; beginner; CF. plant                                                               
nepotism : favoritism (to a relative); CF. nephew                                                                    
favoritism : display of partiality toward a favored person                                                                   
nether : lower; Ex. nether garments/regions                                                                      
nettle : irritate; annoy; vex; ADJ. nettlesome                                                                     
nexus : connection                                                                         
nib : beak(bill); pen point                                                                       
nicety : precision; accuracy; minute distinction or difference; Ex. to a nicety: exactly; precisely; Ex. distinguish between niceties                                                          
niggardly : meanly stingy; parsimonious; N. niggard: stingy person                                                                   
niggle : spend too much time on minor points (esp. when finding fault); find fault; Ex. niggle over details; ADJ. niggling                                                       
nihilist : one who considers traditional beliefs to be groundless and existence meaningless; absolute skeptic; revolutionary terrorist; CF. nihilism: belief that nothing has meaning or value; belief that destruction of existing political or social institutions is necessary for future improvement                                    
nip : snip off; stop something's growth or development; bite; make numb with cold; Ex. nip the plan; Ex. A guard dog nipped the postman; Ex. fingers nipped by the extreme chill                                            
snip : short quick cut with scissors; V: cut with scissors                                                                 
pinch : squeeze between the thumb and a finger, or other edges; Ex. I had to pinch myself to make sure I wasn't dreaming. N: amount that can be held between the thumb and a finger                                        
nirvana : in Buddhist teachings, the ideal state in which the individual loses himself in the attainment of an impersonal beatitude                                                       
impersonal : not being a person; not showing personal feelings; Ex. impersonal force/manner/organization                                                               
nocturnal : done or active at night; Ex. nocturnal animals/raids; CF. nocturne                                                                 
noisome : foul smelling; very unpleasant; unwholesome                                                                     
nomadic : wandering; N. nomad: tribe who migrates from place to place                                                                 
nomenclature : terminology(system of specialized words); system of names or naming things                                                                 
nominal : in name only; of a name; trifling; (of a sum of money) very small; CF. nominate: propose as a candidate; appoint                                                      
nonchalance : indifference; lack of concern; composure; ADJ. nonchalant: unconcerned; cool; indifferent; Ex. nonchalant attitude to his debts                                                          
noncommittal : neutral; refusing commitment to a particular opinion;  unpledged; undecided                                                                 
nondescript : undistinctive; ordinary; ordinary-looking; Ex. nondescript fellow in a crowd                                                                 
nonentity : person of no importance; nonexistence                                                                      
nonplus : put at a loss; bring to a halt by confusion; perplex; CF. no more                                                            
nostalgia : homesickness; longing for the past; Ex. nostalgia for the clothes of 1920s; ADJ. nostalgic                                                             
nostrum : questionable medicine; quack medicine; CF. our (remedy)                                                                   
notable : conspicuous; worthy of note; remarkable; important; distinguished; noted                                                                   
notoriety : disrepute; ill fame                                                                        
nova : star that suddenly becomes much brighter and then returns to its original brightness                                                             
novelty : something new; newness; ADJ. novel: new; original                                                                   
novice : beginner                                                                          
noxious : harmful; CF. obnoxious                                                                        
nuance : shade of slight difference in meaning or color; subtle distinction                                                                
shade : slight difference in degree; nuance; degree of color; Ex. shades of meaning/grey                                                              
gradation : series of gradual stages; degree in such a progression                                                                 
nubile : marriageable; of marriageable age; CF. connubial                                                                    
nugatory : worthless; futile                                                                        
nullify : make invalid; make null; invalidate                                                                      
numismatist : person who collects coins; N. numismatics: study or collection of money, coins, and medals                                                            
nuptial : related to marriage or the wedding ceremony; N. nuptials: wedding ceremony                                                               
nurture : nourish; feed; educate; rear; care for while it is growing or developing; foster; cultivate; N: something that nourishes; rearing                                                       
nutrient : nourishing substance; ADJ: providing nourishment                                                                     
nutrition : process of nourishing or being nourished; CF. malnutrition                                                                  
nutritious : providing nourishment                                                                        
nourish : provide with food necessary for life and growth                                                                  
nourishment : something that nourishes; food                                                                      
oaf : stupid awkward person; CF. elf                                                                     
obdurate : stubborn; refusing to change one's belief                                                                     
obeisance : bow (to show respect and obedience)                                                                     
obelisk : tall column tapering(becoming gradually narrower toward the end) and ending in a pyramid                                                              
obese : excessively fat; N. obesity                                                                       
obfuscate : confuse; muddle; cause confusion; make needlessly complex; make so confused as to be difficult to understand                                                          
obituary : death notice (esp. in a newspaper); ADJ.                                                                   
objective : not influenced by emotions; fair; N: goal; aim                                                                   
obligatory : binding; required; compulsory; V. oblige: constrain; make grateful; do a favor; accommodate                                                               
oblique : indirect; slanting (deviating from the perpendicular or from a straight line); Ex. oblique reference                                                             
obliterate : destroy completely; wipe out; Ex. obliterate the village                                                                   
oblivion : obscurity; condition of being completely forgotten; forgetfulness                                                                    
oblivious : inattentive or unmindful; unaware; wholly absorbed; forgetful(having the habit of forgetting)                                                               
obloquy : slander; disgrace; infamy                                                                        
obnoxious : offensive; disagreeable; Ex. obnoxious smell                                                                     
obscure : dark; vague; unclear; not well known; Ex. obscure meaning/village; V: darken; cover; make unclear; Ex. obscure the moon/meaning                                                         
obsequious : slavishly attentive; servile; full of servile compliance; sycophantic                                                                   
slavish : of or like a slave; servile; showing no originality; copied very closely; Ex. slavish devotion/copy of the original                                                        
obsequy : funeral ceremony                                                                         
obsessive : related to thinking about something constantly; of an obsession; preoccupying; N. obsession: compulsive preoccupation with a fixed idea; compulsive idea; V. obsess: preoccupy the mind of excessively                                                
obsidian : black volcanic rock                                                                        
scion : detached plant shoot used in grafting; descendant                                                                   

obsolete : outmoded; no longer used                                                                       
obstetrician : physician specializing in delivery(assisting in giving birth) of babies; N. obstetrics; CF. midwife                                                              
obstinate : stubborn; hard to control or treat; Ex. obstinate cough; N. obstinacy                                                                
obstreperous : boisterous; noisy and uncontrollable   
obtrude : push (oneself or one\'s ideas) forward or intrude; impose (oneself or one\'s ideas) on others; butt in; stick out or extrude; thrust out; Ex. obtrude A on B; ADJ. obtrusive; N. obtrusion; CF. unobtrusive                                        
obtuse : blunt; not sharp; stupid; slow in understanding                                                                    
obviate : make unnecessary; get rid of; Ex. obviate the need                                                                  
Occident : the West                                                                         
occlude : shut; close; obstruct; Ex. A blood clot occluded an artery.                                                                
occult : mysterious; secret; supernatural; beyond human comprehension; CF. mysterious to human ?; OP. bare                                                              
oculist : physician who specializes in treatment of the eyes                                                                   
odious : arousing strong dislike; hateful(causing hatred); vile                                                                    
odium : detestation; quality of being odious; hatefulness; disrepute (resulting from hateful conduct)                                                               
odoriferous : giving off an odor                                                                      
odorous : having an odor                                                                        
odyssey : long, eventful, adventurous journey                                                                      
offensive : attacking; insulting; distasteful; V. offend: violate; hurt the feelings of; N. offense: offending; violating of a moral or social code; crime; attack; Ex. first offense                                                  
offhand : casual; done without prior thought or preparation                                                                    
officious : meddlesome; excessively pushy in offering one's services; overly eager in offering unwanted services or advices; Ex. officious bellboy                                                        
pushy : disagreeably aggressive                                                                        
ogle : look at amorously; make eyes at; Ex. old men ogling young girls                                                              
olfactory : concerning the sense of smell                                                                     
oligarchy : government by a privileged few                                                                      
ominous : threatening; of an evil omen                                                                      
threat : sign or warning (of coming danger); Ex. threat of rain; V: express a threat; give warning of (something bad); Ex. The cloud threatens rain.                                                  
omnipotent : all-powerful; having unlimited power                                                                       
omnipresent : universally present; ubiquitous                                                                        
omniscient : all-knowing                                                                          
omnivorous : eating both plant and animal food; devouring everything                                                                   
onerous : burdensome                                                                         
onomatopoeia : words formed in imitation of natural sounds                                                                   
rustle : make slight sounds like silk moving or being rubbed together                                                                
onslaught : vicious assault; fierce attack; Ex. unexpected onslaught of the enemy                                                                 
slaughter : killing of animals for food; massacre; V: butcher (animals) for food; kill in large numbers                                                           
onus : burden; responsibility                                                                        
spare : give; use; refrain from harming; save from experiencing; exempt; Ex. spare me 5 minutes; Ex. Take this money and spare my life; Ex. The emperor was spared the onus; ADJ: kept in reserve; free for other use; unoccupied; Ex. spare time                                 
opalescent : iridescent; lustrous; like an opal; N. opalescence                                                                   
opaque : dark; not transparent; N. opacity                                                                      
opiate : medicine to induce sleep or deaden pain; something that relieves emotions or causes inaction; sleep-producing drug containing opium                                                         
opportune : timely; well-chosen                                                                         
opportunist : individual who sacrifices principles for expediency by taking advantage of circumstances; N. opportunism                                                              
opprobrium : infamy; disgrace arising from shameful conduct; vilification(slander); scorn; contempt; Ex. opprobrium hurled against him; ADJ. opprobrious: expressing contempt; shameful or infamous                                                     
optician : maker and seller of eyeglasses                                                                      
optimist : person who looks on the bright side; N. optimism                                                                  
optimum : most favorable; optimal; N: most favorable condition                                                                    
optional : not compulsory; left to one's choice; N. option: act of choosing; choice; freedom or power to choose; something available as a choice; Ex. have no option; Ex. two options                                              
optometrist : one who fits glasses to remedy visual defects                                                                   
opulence : extreme wealth; luxuriousness; abundance; ADJ. opulent: possessing great wealth; abundant                                                                 
opus : work (esp. musical composition); Ex. magnum opus: masterpiece; CF. opera                                                                
oracular : of an oracle; prophetic; uttered as if with divine authority; mysterious or ambiguous; hard to understand; N. oracle: wiser person; prophecy made by an oracle                                                 
orator : public speaker                                                                         
oratorio : dramatic poem set to music; long musical work with singing but without acting; CF. cantata                                                            
ordain : decree or command; grant holy orders; predestine; install as a minister, priest, or rabbi; N. ordainment; CF. ordination                                                        
ordeal : severe trial or affliction; difficult experience; trial(test of patience or endurance); affliction                                                               
ordinance : decree; authoritative order                                                                        
ordination : ceremony conferring holy orders; ceremony of ordaining a priest                                                                 
orgy : wild drunken revelry; unrestrained indulgence in an activity; Ex. orgy of shopping                                                              
orient : get one's bearings; adjust; make familiar with a situation; orientate                                                                 
orientation : act of finding oneself in society; orienting                                                                    
orifice : mouthlike opening; small opening (esp. to a cavern or passage of the body); CF. mouth                                                           
ornate : excessively or elaborately decorated                                                                       
ornithologist : scientific student of birds; N. ornithology: scientific study of birds                                                                
orthodox : traditional; (of someone) conservative in belief; adhering to an established doctrine                                                                
orthography : correct spelling; CF. ortho-: straight; correct; Ex. orthodontics                                                                  
oscillate : vibrate pendulumlike; waver                                                                        
osseous : made of bone; bony                                                                      
ossify : change or harden into bone; become hard and unchanging in one's ideas                                                              
ostensible : apparent; appearing as such; professed(pretended); pretended; Ex. ostensible purpose of the expedition                                                               
apparent : evident; easily seen or understood; appearing as such; Ex. apparent improvement                                                               
ostentatious : showy; trying to attract attention; pretentious; N. ostentation: showy display                                                                
ostracize : banish from a group; exclude from public favor; ban; Ex. His friends ostracized him. N. ostracism                                                          
blackball : vote against (an applicant); ostracize; N: negative vote                                                                  
oust : expel; drive out; force out; N. ouster: ousting                                                                  
outlandish : bizzare; peculiar; unconventional                                                                        
outmoded : no longer in fashion or use; no longer stylish; old-fashioned                                                                 
outskirts : fringes; outer borders (as of a city); Ex. outskirts of Boston                                                               
outspoken : candid; blunt                                                                         
blunt : having a dull edge; abrupt and frank in speech or manner; brusque; V: make or become blunt                                                         
outstrip : outrun; surpass; outdo                                                                       
outwit : outsmart; defeat by behaving more cleverly                                                                     
ovation : enthusiastic applause                                                                        
overbearing : bossy; domineering and arrogant; decisively important; Ex. overbearing manner/importance; V. overbear: dominate                                                               
overt : open to view; public; not secret; CF. covert                                                                   
overweening : arrogant; presumptuous                                                                        

overwrought : nervous or excited; extremely agitated; hysterical; wrought-up; CF. wrought: made or done                                                              
hysteria : excessive or uncontrollable excitement; N. hysteric: person suffering from hysteria; CF. hysterics: attack of hysteria                                                           
ovoid : egg-shaped; CF. ovum; CF. ovulate                                                                      
pachyderm : thick-skinned animal                                                                         
pacifist : one opposed to force; antimilitarist; ADJ. N. pacifism: opposition to war as a means of resolving disputes                                                          
pacify : soothe; make calm or quiet; subdue; bring peace to                                                                  
paean : song of praise or joy; Ex. paeans celebrating the victory                                                                
painstaking : taking pains; showing hard work; taking great care; very careful and through                                                              
palatable : agreeable; pleasing to the taste                                                                     
palate : roof of the mouth; sense of the taste                                                                  
palatial : of or suitable for a palace; magnificent                                                                   
paleontology : study of prehistoric life or fossils; CF. paleo-: ancient or prehistoric; Ex. paleography: study of ancient written documents                                                        
palette : board on which painter mixes pigments(coloring matters)                                                                    
palimpsest : parchment or piece of writing material used for second time after original writing has been erased                                                          
parchment : writing material made from the skin of a sheep or goat                                                               
pall : become boring; grow tiresome                                                                      
pallet : small poor bed; Ex. straw pallet                                                                    
palliate : ease pain (without curing); make less severe or offensive (a crime or illness)                                                             
pallid : pale; wan; Ex. pallid complexion                                                                     
palpable : tangible; (of something bad) easily perceptible; obvious; Ex. palpable blunder                                                                 
palpitate : throb; beat rapidly; flutter; tremble; Ex. Her heart began to palpitate.                                                               
throb : (of a heart or machine) beat rapidly or violently; N. Ex. hearthrob: heartbeat; sweetheart                                                            
paltry : insignificant; petty; trifling; contemptible; Ex. paltry sum; CF. trash                                                                 
pan : criticize harshly                                                                        
panacea : cure-all; remedy for all diseases                                                                      
panache : flair; manner of doing things without any difficulty (causing admiration); flamboyance; bunch of feathers (on a helmet); Ex. with great panache; CF. 잔 아래로 천을 빼내는 솜씨                                               
pandemic : widespread; affecting the majority of people; N: pandemic disease; CF. all people                                                               
pandemonium : wild tumult(commotion); wild noisy disorder; CF. Paradise Lost                                                                   
pander : cater to (the low desires of others)                                                                   
cater : provide food and drink (for); cater to: try to satisfy (desires of a bad kind)                                                           
panegyric : formal praise; encomium; Ex. I don't deserve such panegyrics.                                                                 
panoramic : denoting an unobstructed and comprehensive view; N. panorama: unbroken view of a wide area                                                             
pantomime : acting without dialogue; V.                                                                       
papyrus : ancient paper made from stem of papyrus plant                                                                   
parable : short simple story teaching a moral                                                                    
paradigm : model; example that serves as a model; pattern; list of all the inflectional forms of a word                                                          
paradox : something apparently contradictory in nature (that may nonetheless be true); statement that looks FALSE but is actually correct                                                         
paragon : model of perfection; Ex. paragon of virtue                                                                    
parallelism : state of being parallel; similarity; analogy                                                                     
parallel : similar; analogous; corresponding; N: parallel line; person or thing that is parallel (to another); similarity; Ex. know of no parallel to the case; Ex. without parallel; V: be similar to; make parallel; Ex. Your experience parallels mine; CF. unparalleled                                   
parameter : limit; independent variable; Ex. parameters of the problem; Ex. within the parameters of the budget                                                           
paramount : foremost in importance; supreme; CF. para-: beyond; above; Ex. paranormal                                                                 
paramour : illicit lover                                                                         
inamorata : woman whom a man loves                                                                     
paranoia : psychosis marked by delusions of grandeur or persecution; N: ADJ: paranoid, paranoiac                                                               
paraphernalia : equipment; odds and ends used in a particular activity; personal belongings; Ex. photographic paraphernalia; CF. married woman's property exclusive of her dowry                                                     
dowry : money or property brought by a bride to her husband at marriage                                                              
paraphrase : restate a passage in one's own words while retaining thought of author; N: restatement of a text in other words                                                       
parasite : animal or plant living on another; toady; sycophant; CF. para-: beside                                                                
infest : inhabit in numbers large enough to be harmful; Ex. Mice infested the house; Ex. shark-infested waters                                                          
parched : extremely dry; very thirsty; V. parch: make or become extremely dry (by exposure to heat)                                                           
pariah : social outcast; Ex. Mariah the pariah                                                                    
outcast : one that has been excluded from a society; ADJ.                                                                 
parity : equality; close resemblance; CF. disparate                                                                      
parlance : language; manner of speaking; idiom; Ex. in legal/common parlance                                                                 
parley : conference (between opponents); CF. speak                                                                     
parochial : narrow in scope or outlook; provincial; related to parishes                                                                 
parish : area in the care of a single priest and served by one main church                                                            
outlook : point of view; view from a particular place; expectation for the future; prospect; Ex. outlook on life; Ex. pleasing outlook; Ex. weather outlook                                                   
parody : humorous imitation; spoof; takeoff; travesty; V.                                                                     
spoof : parody                                                                         
takeoff : burlesque; act of leaving the ground                                                                    
paroxysm : fit or attack of pain, laughter, rage; sudden outburst                                                                  
parquet : floor made of wood strips inlaid in a mosaic like matter; CF. strip: long narrow piece                                                          
parry : ward off a blow; deflect; Ex. He parried the unwelcome question very skillfully; N. CF. 막는다는 개념이 아님                                                         
ward : administrative division of a city; division in a hospital or prison; incompetent person placed under the protection of a guardian; V: guard; ward off: avert                                                 
parsimony : stinginess; excessive frugality; ADJ. parsimonious                                                                      
partial : incomplete; favoring one side over another; having a liking for something                                                                
partiality : state of being partial; inclination; favorable bias; special fondness; preference                                                                 
partisan : one-sided; prejudiced; committed to a party (with dislike of any others); N: strong supporter of a party; guerrilla                                                        
parvenu : upstart; newly rich person                                                                      
partition : divide into parts  
passe : old-fashioned; past the prime                                                                      
passive : not active; acted upon; receiving an action without acting in return; accepting without resistance                                                             
pastiche : imitation of another's style in musical composition or in writing; work of art openly imitating the works of other artists                                                      
pastoral : rural; of rural life; idyllic; of a pastor                                                                   
patent : obvious; easily seen; open for the public to read; of or protected by a patent; Ex. patent to everyone; N.                                                       
pathetic : causing sadness, compassion, pity; touching                                                                      
touching : causing a feeling of pity or sympathy; pathetic; V. touch: cause to feel pity or sympathy; ADJ. touched                                                        
pathological : pertaining to disease; N. pathology: study of disease                                                                   
pathos : tender sorrow; pity; quality in art or literature that produces these feelings; Ex. pathos that runs through the novel                                                       
patina : green crust on old bronze works or copper; tone slowly taken by varnished painting                                                            
varnish : paint used to coat a surface with a glossy film; glossy coating produced by using this substance; Ex. nail varnish; V.                                                     
patois : local or provincial dialect                                                                      
patriarch : father and ruler of a family or tribe                                                                   
patrician : noble; aristocratic; N: person of high rank; aristocrat; CF. member of the governing classes in ancient Rome; CF. plebian                                                       
patronize : support; act superior toward; treat in a condescending manner; be a customer of; N. patron: one that supports; regular customer; N. patronage; CF. boycott                                                   
paucity : scarcity; dearth                                                                         
pauper : very poor person                                                                        
peccadillo : slight offense or fault; CF. sin                                                                    
swipe : hit with a sweeping motion; N.                                                                    

pecuniary : pertaining to money                                                                        
pedagogue : teacher; CF. child leader                                                                       
pedagogy : teaching; art of education                                                                       
pedant : scholar who overemphasizes book learning, trivial details of learning, or technicalities                                                               
pedantic : bookish; showing off learning; marked by an excessive ostentatious concern for book learning; N. pedantry                                                           
bookish : fond of books and reading                                                                     
studious : given to diligent study                                                                      
pedestrian : ordinary; dull; unimaginative(lacking in imagination); going on foot; Ex. pedestrian prose; N.                                                              
precinct : division of a city for election or police purposes; precincts: space that surrounds a building; Ex. precincts of the college                                                      
pedigree : ancestry; lineage                                                                        
pediatrician : physician specializing in children's diseases; N. pediatrics                                                                    
peerless : having no equal; incomparable                                                                       
peer : one who has equal standing with another; nobleman; V: look intently; N. peerage; CF. peeress      
pejorative : (of a word or phrase) suggesting that someone is of little value; negative in connotation; having a belittling effect; Ex. Many women now considers \`\`housewife\'\' a pejorative expression, because it patronized them.                                          
pell-mell : in confusion; disorderly; Ex. dash pell-mell                                                                    
pellucid : transparent; limpid(crystal clear); clear in meaning; easy to understand                                                                 
penance : self-imposed punishment for sin; Ex. do penance for one's sins; CF. penitent                                                              
penchant : strong inclination; strong liking (esp. for something that is disapproved of by other people); Ex. penchant for fast cars                                                       
pendant(pendent) : hanging down from something; pending; N: ornament (hanging from a necklace etc.)                                                               
pending : not yet decided or settled; impending; Ex. pending decision; PREP. while awaiting; until; Ex. delay the decision pending his return                                                      
pendulous : hanging; suspended                                                                        
suspend : cause to stop for a period; interrupt; hold in abeyance; defer; hang from above; exclude for a period from a position; Ex. suspended state; Ex. suspend judgment; Ex. suspended from the team; N. suspension                                        
suspense : state of being undecided; anxiety or apprehension resulting from uncertainty                                                                
penitent : repentant; N.                                                                         
pensive : dreamily or deeply thoughtful; sadly thoughtful; thoughtful with a hint of sadness; contemplative; CF. think over                                                          
penumbra : partial shadow (in an eclipse); CF. almost shadow                                                                  
penury : extreme poverty; stinginess; ADJ. penurious: very poor; stingy                                                                   
peon : landless agricultural worker; bond servant; menial worker; N. peonage                                                                 
perceptive : insightful; showing a good ability at perceiving and understanding; aware; wise; of perception                                                              
percussion : striking one object against another sharply; Ex. percussion instrument; N: striking together of two bodies; sound caused by percussion                                                       
perdition : damnation; complete ruin; hell                                                                      
damn : condemn; criticize severely; condemn to everlasting punishment; doom; bring to ruin; N. damnation                                                             
doom : condemnation to a severe penalty; ruin; fate (esp. a tragic or ruinous one); V.                                                            
peregrination : journey; V. peregrinate                                                                        
peremptory : demanding and leaving no choice; imperative; Ex. peremptory decree/knock                                                                 
perennial : something long-lasting; perennial plant; ADJ: lasting through the year or many years; lasting for a long time; enduring                                                         
perfidious : treacherous; disloyal; N. perfidy: treachery                                                                      
perforate : pierce; put a hole through                                                                      
perfunctory : done routinely and with little care; superficial; not thorough; lacking interest, care, or enthusiasm; Ex. perfunctory kiss                                                          
perigee : point of moon's orbit when it is nearest the earth; CF. apogee                                                               
perimeter : outer boundary; length of the outer boundary; circumference                                                                   
bound : leap or spring; limit or confine; constitute the limit of; Ex. bounded by Canada; N: leap or jumping; boundary; ADJ: certain; having a duty to do something (legally or morally); confined by bonds; Ex. We are bound to be late; Ex. I am bound to say my opinion; CF. bounce, rebound                       
peripatetic : walking about from place to place (to work); moving; Ex. peripatetic school of philosophy                                                            
peripheral : of a periphery; marginal; outer; of minor importance; not central; Ex. peripheral nerve/interest                                                             
periphery : outside edge especially of a round surface; perimeter; Ex. periphery of the town                                                             
perjury : FALSE testimony while under oath; V. perjure oneself: testify falsely under oath                                                               
permeable : that can be permeated; penetrable; porous; allowing liquids or gas to pass through; V. permeate: spread or flow throughout; charge                                                       
pernicious : very harmful; deadly; very destructive; Ex. pernicious effect/anemia                                                                  
peroration : conclusion of an oration; perorating; V. perorate: conclude a speech; speak at great length                                                            
perpetrate : commit an offense; do (something wrong)                                                                    
perpetual : everlasting                                                                          
perpetuate : make perpetual; make something last for a long time; preserve from extinction; N. perpetuity                                                             
perquisite(perk) : any gain above stipulated salary; Ex. perquisites such as free meals and a car                                                            
personable : attractive (in personality or appearance)                                                                     
perspicacious : (of someone) having insight; penetrating; astute                                                                     
perspicuity : clearness of expression; freedom from ambiguity                                                                     
perspicuous : (of something) plainly expressed; easy to understand; Ex. perspicuous comments                                                                 
pert : (esp. of a girl or young woman) impertinent; forward; trim; jaunty; Ex. pert young miss/hat                                                           
forward : presumptuous or bold                                                                       
pertinacious : holding tenaciously to an action; stubborn; persistent                                                                    
pertinent : suitable; to the point; relevant                                                                      
perturb : disturb greatly                                                                         
peruse : read through with care; N. perusal                                                                    
pervasive : spread throughout; V. pervade: (of smells, ideas, feelings) spread throughout; charge; permeate                                                               
perverse : purposely continuing to do something wrong; stubbornly wrongheaded; perverted; directed away from what is right; wicked and unacceptable; Ex. perverse satisfaction; Ex. Hannibal Lecter in a perverse mood; N. perversity                                            
perversion : corruption; turning from right to wrong                                                                     
pervert : corrupt; turn from right to wrong; misuse; Ex. perverted sexual desire/scientific knowledge; N: person whose sexual behavior is not natural                                                      
wrongheaded : stubbornly wrong                                                                        
pessimism : belief that life is basically bad or evil; gloominess; tendency to take the gloomiest possible view of a situation; ADJ. pessimistic                                                      
pestilential(pestilent) : causing plague; tending to cause death; baneful; N. pestilence: fatal epidemic disease (esp. bubonic plague)                                                           
pestle : tool for mashing or grinding substances in a hard bowl or mortar                                                              
mortar : vessel in which substances are crushed with a pestle                                                                 
mash : crush into mash; convert into mash; N: mixture of ground grain and nutrients fed to livestock and fowl                                                        
petrify : turn to stone; cause to become stonelike; stun or paralyze                                                                
petty : trivial; unimportant; very small; small-minded; petty-minded                                                                     
petulant : touchy; peevish; ill-tempered                                                                       
phalanx : formation of infantry carrying overlapping shields and long spears; group of men packed together (for attack or defense)                                                        
pharisaical : pertaining to the Pharisees, who paid scrupulous attention to tradition; self-righteous; hypocritical                                                              
pharisee : Pharisee: member of an ancient Jewish group that emphasized strict observance of the Mosaic law (considering themselves very holy); hypocritical self-righteous person                                                    
self-righteous : sure of one's own righteousness; moralistic                                                                    
phenomena : observable facts; subjects of scientific investigation; SG. phenomenon: observable fact; very unusual person, thing, or event; marvel; wonder; CF. phenomenons; ADJ. phenomenal: very unusual; extraordinary; of a phenomenon; Ex. phenomenal strength                                           
philanderer : faithless lover; flirt                                                                        

philanthropist : lover of mankind; doer of good; N. philanthropy                                                                   
philatelist : stamp-collector; N. philately: stamp collecting                                                                     
philistine : narrow-minded person, uncultured and exclusively interested in material gain; uncultured person who is indifferent to artistic and cultural values; member of an ancient people in Palestine; OP. aesthete                                              
philology : study of language or words                                                                     
phlegmatic : calm and unexcitable; not easily disturbed; CF. phlegm: sticky mucus produced in the respiratory tract                                                           
phobia : morbid fear                                                                         
phoenix : symbol of immortality or rebirth; Ex. phoenix rising from its ashes                                                                
phylum : major classification, second to kingdom, of plants and animals; category ranking below a kingdom and above a class; division                                                       
physiognomy : face (as showing the character and the mind); art of judging human character from facial features                                                          
physiological : pertaining to the science of the function of living organisms; N. physiology                                                              
piebald : of different colors; mottled; spotted in different colors (esp. in black and white); Ex. piebald horse; CF. pie+bald                                                        
piecemeal : one part at a time; gradually; in stages; Ex. read a novel piecemeal                                                             
pied : piebald; variegated(many-colored); multicolored                                                                       
piety : devoutness; reverence for God; ADJ. pious                                                                     
pigment : coloring matter (usually powder to be mixed with water or oil)                                                               
pillage : plunder                                                                          
pillory : punish by placing in a wooden frame or pillory; subject or expose to criticism and ridicule; N.                                                          
pine : long for; yearn; languish from longing or grief; decline                                                                 
pinion : restrain or immobilize by binding the wings or legs; N: bird's wing                                                              
pinnacle : peak; highest point; acme; Ex. pinnacle of fame                                                                   
pious : devout; religious; N. piety                                                                       
piquant : pleasantly tart-tasting; spicy; pleasantly stimulating; Ex. piquant situation when my old enemy asked for my help                                                          
tart : sharp to the taste; acid-tasting; caustic; sarcastic; Ex. tart apple/reply                                                                
sour : having a sharp or acid taste; acid; tart; bad-tempered; V.                                                                
pique : irritation; resentment from wounded pride (eg. loss in a contest); V: provoke; arouse; annoy; cause to feel resentment; Ex. pique her curiosity                                                     
piscatorial : pertaining to fishing; CF. Pisces                                                                     
pitfall : hidden danger; concealed trap                                                                       
beware : be cautious (of)                                                                       
pith : core or marrow; spongelike substance in the center of stems; essence; substance                                                              
marrow : soft fatty tissue that fills most bone cavities and is the source of blood cells                                                           
pithy : concise and meaningful; substantial; meaty                                                                      
pittance : small amount (of money); small allowance or wage                                                                  
pivotal : of a pivot; central; critical; crucial                                                                     
placate : pacify; bring peace to; conciliate; appease                                                                     
placebo : harmless substance prescribed as a dummy pill                                                                   
tablet : small round piece of medicine; flat piece of stone or metal bearing an inscription; Ex. stone tablet on the wall                                                      
placid : peaceful; calm; Ex. placid child/lake            
plagiarize : steal another\'s ideas or writings and pass them off as one\'s own; Ex. ideas plagiarized from my article; N. plagiarism; CF. kidnap                                                    
plaintive : expressing sorrow; mournful; Ex. plaintive song                                                                    
plait : braid; interwine; interweave strands or lengths of; make by weaving strands together; Ex. plaited hair; N: braided length as of hair o fabric; CF. pigtail, ponytail                                                
plasticity : ability to be molded; ADJ. plastic: capable of being shaped or molded; Ex. plastic material such as clay                                                        
platitude : trite remark; commonplace statement; ADJ. platitudinous                                                                     
commonplace : ordinary; N: something ordinary or common; trite remark                                                                  
commonwealth : nation governed by the people; republic; people of a nation                                                                
platonic : purely spiritual; theoretical; without sensual desire                                                                     
plaudit : praise; enthusiastic approval; round(succession or series) of applause; ADJ. plauditory; CF. applaud                                                              
plausible : conceivably true; having a show of truth but open to doubt; specious                                                               
plebeian : common; vulgar; pertaining to the common people; N: common people in ancient Rome; CF. patrician                                                           
plebiscite : direct vote by the entire electorate (on an important issue)                                                                
referendum : direct vote by all the people                                                                    
plenary : (of power) complete; full; fully attended by all qualified members; Ex. plenary power                                                             
plenitude : abundance; plenty; great amount; completeness; fullness; CF. plenary, plenty                                                                 
plethora : excess; overabundance; Ex. a plethora of excuses                                                                   
pliable : flexible; easily influenced; yielding; adaptable                                                                      
pliant : flexible; easily influenced                                                                        
plight : difficult condition; condition or state (esp. a bad state or condition); predicament                                                               
pluck : courage; V: pull off or out; pull out the hair or feathers of; ADJ. plucky: courageous; brave                                                         
plumage : feathers of a bird;                                                                      
plume : feather, esp. large or showy one; something that rises into the air (like the shape of a feather); Ex. plume of smoke: 버섯 구름                                                  
plumb : exactly vertical; N: weight on the end of a line; V: examine very carefully or critically in order to understand; measure depth (by sounding); Ex. plumb the depth of                                             
plumber : one who installs and repairs pipes and plumbing(pipes)                                                                  
plummet : fall sharply; fall straight down; Ex. Stock prices plummeted.                                                                 
plutocracy : society ruled by the wealthy                                                                      
podiatrist : doctor who treats ailments of the feet; chiropodist; N. podiatrics                                                                 
podium : pedestal; raised platform                                                                        
pedestal : support or base as for a pillar or statue                                                                 
poignancy : quality of being deeply moving; keenness of emotion; ADJ. poignant: touching; deeply moving; (of sorrow, grief, etc.) painful; keenly distressing to the mind; Ex. poignant memory/anxiety; CF. prick                                              
polarize : split into opposite extremes or camps                                                                    
polarity : state of having two opposite qualities                                                                    
polar : of a pole; characterized by opposite extremes; Ex. polar opposites                                                                
camp : group sharing a common cause or opinion                                                                   
polemic : attack or defense of an opinion; controversy or refutation; argument in support of point of view; N. polemics: art of debate or controversy                                                   
polemical(polemic) : aggressive in verbal attack; disputatious (rather than simply expressing opinions)                                                                
politic : prudent; judicious; well judged; expedient; well devised                                                                    
polity : (particular form of) political organization; form of government of nation or state; Ex. student polity                                                            
polygamist : one who has more than one spouse at a time; CF. bigamy; CF. polyandry                                                             
polyglot : speaking several languages; multilingual; Ex. polyglot person/society; N.                                                                   
pomposity : self-important behavior; acting like a stuffed shirt(pompous person); ADJ. pompous: self-important                                                                
ponderous : having great weight; weighty; unwieldy; lacking lightness; dull; Ex. ponderous body/style of writing                                                             
pontifical : pertaining to a bishop or pope; pompous or pretentious; CF. pontiff: pope; bishop                                                             
pore : study industriously; ponder; scrutinize; Ex. pore over the book; N.                                                                
porous : full of pores; like a sieve                                                                     
interstice : narrow space between things                                                                      
portend : foretell; presage; be a sign or warning of; N. portent: sign; omen; forewarning                                                              
soothsayer : one who foretells the future                                                                     
portly : stout; corpulent                                                                        
stout : rather fat; strong in body; sturdy; resolute; determined; strong in determination; Ex. stout stick/supporter                                                            
poseur : person who pretends to be sophisticated, elegant, etc., to impress others; person who poses; CF. pose                                                          
pose : assume a particular posture; put forward; present; affect a particular attitude (to impress others); Ex. pose a threat; N.                                                       
posterity : descendants; future generations; Ex. go down to posterity; CF. posterior, anterior 
posthumous : after death (as of child born after father\'s death or book published after author\'s death); coming or occurring after one\'s death; Ex. posthumous fame/novel                                                  
postmortem : autopsy; ADJ: occurring after death; of a postmortem                                                                  
postulate : self-evident truth; something assumed without proof; V: assume the truth of (as a basis of an argument)                                                         
posture : assume an affected pose; act artificially; N: pose; attitude                                                                 
potable : suitable for drinking; drinkable                                                                      
potent : powerful; convincing; persuasive; greatly influential                                                                      
potentate : monarch; sovereign                                                                        
potential : expressing possibility; latent; N: capacity for growth                                                                    
potion : dose (of liquids); liquid dose                                                                      
potpourri : heterogeneous mixture; medley; mixture of dried flower petals a pot (to give a pleasant smell to a room)                                                        
poultice : soothing application applied to sore and inflamed portions of the body                                                               
practicable : feasible                                                                          
practical : based on experience; of or acquired through practice (rather than theory); useful; Ex. practical man                                                            
pragmatic : practical (as opposed to idealistic); concerned with practical worth or impact of something; Ex. pragmatic test of the skill                                                        
pragmatist : practical person; N. pragmatism: pragmatic way of dealing with things                                                                 
prance : move about in a spirited manner (proudly and confidently)                                                                 
prate : talk idly; speak foolishly; boast idly                                                                    
prattle : talk idly; babble; N. CF. prate                                                                    
idle : not working; not employed or busy; lazy; without purpose; useless; lacking substance; baseless; not based on truth; Ex. idle worker; Ex. talk idly; V.                                                  
preamble : introductory statement                                                                         
precarious : unsafe; lacking in stability; uncertain; risky; Ex. precarious living                                                                 
precedent : something preceding in time which may be used as an authority or guide for future action; V. precede; CF. unprecedented                                                       
precedent : preceding (in time, rank, etc.)                                                                      

precept : practical rule guiding conduct; Ex. mother's precept                                                                    
precipice : cliff; dangerous position; Ex. on the edge of the precipice                                                                 
brink : edge (at the top of a cliff); Ex. on the brink of the Grand Canyon                                                           
precipitant : something that causes a substance in a chemical solution to separate out in solid form; 침전제; OP. solvent                                                         
precipitate : hurl downward; throw headlong; hasten; cause to happen sooner; condense and fall as rain or snow; cause (a solid substance) to be separated from a solution; ADJ. hasty; rash; premature; sudden                                            
precipitous : steep; overhasty; precipitate 
precis : abstract; concise summing up of main points; concise summary of a text                                                              
precise : exact                                                                          
preclude : make impossible; prevent; exclude; eliminate                                                                      
precocious : advanced in development; N. precocity                                                                      
precursor : forerunner; predecessor                                                                         
predator : predatory animal or bird; predatory person; creature that seizes and devours another animal; person who robs or exploits others; ADJ. predatory: living by preying on other organisms; plundering; N. predation                                             
predecessor : former occupant of a post                                                                      
predetermine : determine in advance; predestine; settle or decide beforehand; influence markedly                                                                 
predicament : difficult situation; tricky or dangerous situation; dilemma                                                                    
predilection : preference; partiality                                                                        
predispose : give an inclination toward (in advance); make susceptible to; Ex. predispose people to certain cancer; N. predisposition                                                         
preeminent : outstanding; superior                                                                         
preempt : prevent in advance; head off(forestall); forestall by acting first; appropriate for oneself before others; supplant; take the place of; displace; Ex. preempt any attempts; ADJ. preemptive                                                
preen : make oneself tidy in appearance; feel self-satisfaction or pride; (of a bird) smooth or clean (feathers) with the beak; Ex. preen oneself on; CF. prune                                                 
prefatory : introductory; of a preface                                                                       
prehensile : capable of grasping or holding (esp. by wrapping around); Ex. prehensile tails                                                              
prelate : church dignitary; priest of high position in the church (esp. bishop)                                                               
prelude : introduction; introductory performance or event; forerunner                                                                     
premeditate : plan in advance; Ex. premeditated murder                                                                     
premise : assumption; postulate; proposition upon which an argument is based                                                                  
premonition : forewarning; presentiment; foreboding                                                                        
premonitory : serving to warn                                                                        
preponderance : superiority of power, quantity, etc.; V. preponderate: be greater in power, weight, or importance; ADJ. preponderant                                                           
preposterous : absurd; completely unreasonable; ridiculous                                                                       
prerogative : privilege; unquestionable right; CF. ask before                                                                     
presage : foretell; be a warning or sign of; N: presentiment; foreboding; omen                                                                
prescience : ability to foretell the future; knowledge of actions before they occur; ADJ. prescient                                                             
presentiment : premonition; foreboding; feeling something will happen; anticipatory fear                                                                   
prestige : respect or admiration; impression produced by achievements or reputation; ADJ: causing admiration; ADJ. prestigious: having prestige                                                           
presumptuous : going beyond what is right; excessively forward; arrogant; taking liberties                                                                
presume : take for granted; assume; act overconfidently; take liberties; presume on/upon: take unfair advantage of (someone's kindness or connection); N. presumption                                                      
pretentious : ostentatious; showy; pompous; making unjustified claims; overambitious; Ex. pretentious films that claim to be art                                                           
pretend : feign; pretend to: claim to possess; make pretensions to; Ex. I don't pretend to much expertise; N. pretense                                                        
pretension : pretentiousness; claim (without foundation); Ex. I make no pretensions to skill as an artist.                                                            
preternatural : beyond what is normal in nature; supernatural; Ex. preternatural strength/forces                                                                
pretext : excuse                                                                          
prevail : be widespread; triumph over; gain victory; prevail on: persuade; induce; Ex. Justice has prevailed; Ex. prevail on someone to do something                                                     
prevalent : widespread; generally accepted                                                                        
prevaricate : lie; hide the truth (by equivocating)                                                                    
prey : target of a hunt; victim; V: hunt and eat as prey; victimize; Ex. Cats prey on mice.                                                          
prim : proper to the point of affectation; very precise and formal; exceedingly proper                                                              
primogeniture : seniority by birth; state of being the first-born child; right of the eldest child (to inherit the entire property of one or both parents)                                                  
primordial : existing at the beginning (of time); rudimentary                                                                    
primp : groom oneself with care; adorn oneself                                                                    
pristine : unspoiled; remaining in a pure state; characteristic of earlier times; primitive; Ex. an old book in pristine condition                                                        
privation : lack of the basic necessities or comforts of life; hardship; want; CF. deprive                                                             
privy : secret; hidden; not public; made a participant in something secret; Ex. privy chamber government; Ex. be privy to a discussion; CF. private                                                    
probe : explore with a probe or tools; investigate; N: slender instrument used to explore a wound or body cavity; device designed to investigate an unknown region; thorough investigation; Ex. space probe                                             
probity : uprightness; honesty; incorruptibility                                                                        
defalcate : embezzle                                                                         
problematic : causing a problem; open to doubt; doubtful; unsettled; questionable; Ex. Whether the arena will ever be completed is problematic.                                                       
proclivity : inclination; natural tendency (esp. towards something bad)                                                                    
procrastinate : postpone; delay or put off                                                                      
procurement : obtaining; V. procure: obtain by effort; obtain (a prostitute) for another                                                                
prod : poke (with a pointed object); stir up; urge; goad to action; N: pointed object used to prod; prodding                                                        
prodigal : wasteful; reckless with money; profuse; Ex. a mind prodigal of ideas; N. prodigality                                                              
prodigious : enormous; marvelous; extraordinary; Ex. prodigious amount/memory                                                                     
prodigy : highly gifted child; person with exceptional talents; marvel; wonder                                                                  
profane : violate; desecrate (something holy); treat unworthily; be profane for; ADJ: secular; nonreligious; irreverent for holy things                                                           
profligate : wasteful (of money); dissipated; wildly immoral; dissolute; N: profligate person; N. profligacy                                                              
profound : deep; not superficial; complete; Ex. profound thinker/remark/silence/deafness; N. profundity                                                                  
profusion : great amount; plenty; overabundance; excess; lavish expenditure; Ex. profusion of choices; ADJ. profuse: plentiful; copious; giving or given abundantly; extravagant                                                       
progenitor : ancestor                                                                          
progeny : children; offspring; descendants                                                                       
prognosis : forecasted course of a disease; prediction; CF. prognostic                                                                   
prognosticate : predict (according to present indications)                                                                      
prohibitive : so high as to prohibit purchase or use; tending to prevent the purchase or use of something; prohibiting; inclined to prevent or forbid; Ex. prohibitive tax                                                 
projectile : missile; fired or thrown object (such as stone or bullet)                                                                 
proletarian : member of the working class; blue collar guy; N. proletariat: working class (who have to work for wages)                                                         
proliferate : grow rapidly (in numbers); spread; multiply; N. proliferation                                                                   
prolific : producing offspring or fruit in abundance; fertile; fecund; abundantly fruitful; producing abundant works; Ex. prolific writer                                                           
prolixity : tedious wordiness; verbosity; ADJ. prolix: wordy; verbose; diffuse                                                                  
prologue : introduction (to a poem or play)                                                                     
feud : bitter prolonged quarrel (usually between two peoples or families); V. CF. Romeo and Juliet; CF. feudal, feudalism                                                         
prolong : lengthen; extend; draw out                                                                       
prominent : protruding(sticking out); conspicuous; notable; eminent                                                                      
promiscuous : mixed indiscriminately; indiscriminate; not choosing carefully; indiscriminate in the choice of sexual partners; irregular, particularly sexually; Ex. promiscuous life/girl; N. promiscuity                                                     
promontory : headland                                                                          
promote : advance in rank; advance; help to flourish; advocate; help actively in forming; publicize or popularize; Ex. Milk promotes health; Ex. promote a match/bill; Ex. promote a new product                                              
prompt : cause; urge; provoke; provide a cue (for an actor); ADJ: done without delay; done at the right time; punctual; on time; N: reminder or cue                                                 
cue : word or signal (as in a play to prompt another actor's speech or entrance); reminder or hint; V: give a cue to                                                    
promulgate : announce; proclaim a doctrine or law; make known by official publication                                                               
prone : inclined to; likely to (suffer); prostrate; lying with the front downward; Ex. prone to disease/make mistakes; Ex. accident-prone                                                         
propagate : increase in number by producing young; multiply; spread; Ex. Most plants propagate by seed; Ex. newspaper propagating their ideas                                                        
propellant(propellent) : substance which propels or drives forward (such as an explosive charge or a rocket fuel)                                                            
propensity : natural inclination                                                                         
prophetic : of a prophet or prophecy; having to do with predicting the future; N. prophecy; V. prophesy; N. prophet                                                         
prophylactic : used to prevent disease; N: something prophylactic; condom; N. prophylaxis: prevention of disease                                                              
propinquity : nearness (in space or relationship); proximity; kinship                                                                   
propitiate : appease; conciliate; make peaceful; ADJ. propitiatory                                                                    

propitious : favorable; auspicious; advantageous; fortunate; Ex. propitious day/sign                                                                   
horoscope : diagram of the positions of stars at a given moment (eg. of a person's birth) used by astrologers                                                        
proponent : supporter; backer; opposite of opponent                                                                      
propound : put forth for consideration or analysis; set forth; Ex. propound a problem/theory                                                               
propriety : fitness; quality of being proper; correct conduct; conformity to prevailing customs and usages; CF. proprietor, proprietary                                                           
usage : act or manner of using; accepted practice; way in which words are actually used                                                            
propulsive : driving forward; N. propulsion                                                                       
prosaic : lacking in imagination; dull and unimaginative; matter-of-fact(concerned with facts, not imagination or feelings); factual; CF. prose                                                          
proscenium : part of stage in front of curtain; front arch of a stage                                                              
proscribe : prohibit; ostracize; banish; outlaw                                                                       
outlaw : fugitive from the law (excluded from legal protection); V: declare (someone) to be an outlaw; deprive of the protection of the law; declare illegal; Ex. Drinking has been outlawed.                                             
proselytize : (induce someone to) convert to a religion or belief; N. proselyte: new convert to a doctrine or religion                                                        
prosody : art of versification; study of the metrical structure of verse                                                                
metrical : metric; written in the form of poetry; Ex. metrical translation of Homer                                                              
meter : arrangement of words in the form of poetry (by accentual rhythm)                                                               
prosperity : good fortune and financial success; physical well-being                                                                    
prosper : become successful (esp. financially); thrive; grow well; Ex. children prospering under his care                                                             
prosperous : successful; rich; affluent; well-to-do; well-off                                                                     
prostrate : stretch out full on ground; make prostrate; enervate; Ex. prostrating illness; ADJ: lying face down; having lost all strength                                                        
protean : able to take on many forms; versatile; CF. Proteus: sea god to change his shape at will 
protege : person receiving protection and support from a patron                                                                   
protocol : diplomatic etiquette; ceremony and etiquette observed by diplomats; first copy of a treaty before its ratification; Ex. Protocol demands that the queen meet him at the airport.                                               
prototype : original work used as a model by others                                                                   
protract : prolong; lengthen in time; draw out                                                                     
protrude : stick out; jut; project; Ex. protruding teeth                                                                    
protuberance : protrusion; swelling; bulge                                                                       
bulge : protruding part; swelling of a surface; Ex. The apple made a bulge in his pocket; V: swell outward; protrude                                                       
provenance : place of origin; origin or source of something; Ex. Gunpowder is of Chinese provenance; CF. come                                                          
provender : dry food for livestock; fodder                                                                     
provident : providing for future needs; displaying foresight; thrifty; preparing for emergencies; OP. improvident                                                               
providence : quality of being provident; divine care; god's care; Providence: god; Ex. It seemed like providence that the doctor happened to be there; ADJ. providential: of divine providence; fortunate                                              
provincial : pertaining to a province; limited in outlook; narrow; unsophisticated                                                                  
provisional : tentative; temporary                                                                         
proviso : stipulation; condition in an agreement; provision                                                                     
provision : act of providing; something provided; preparatory measure; provisions: necessary supplies (esp. food); stipulation; condition in an agreement; Ex. According to the provisions of the agreement                                                 
provocative : arousing anger or sexual interest; annoying; Ex. provocative in tight jeans; V. provoke: incite to anger; cause (an unpleasant action or feeling); N. provocation                                                   
prowess : extraordinary ability; military bravery; Ex. prowess in battle                                                                  
proximity : nearness; ADJ. proximate                                                                        
proxy : authorized agent; authority to act for another                                                                    
prude : excessively modest or proper person (who is easily shocked by improper things, esp. of a sexual nature); N. prudery; ADJ. prudish: excessively concerned with propriety                                                 
prudent : cautious; careful; prudential                                                                        
prune : cut away; trim                                                                        
prurient : having or causing lustful desires and thoughts; arousing immoderate sexual desire                                                               
pry : inquire impertinently (someone else's private affairs); use leverage to raise or open something; prize; N. pries: tool for prying                                                       
prize : pry; move with a lever; value highly; esteem; Ex. his most prized possession; N: something captured during war-time (esp. an enemy ship)                                                    
pseudonym : pen name; fictitious name assumed by an author; ADJ. pseudonymous                                                                 
psyche : soul; mind                                                                         
psychiatrist : doctor who treats mental diseases                                                                      
psychic : of psyche; mental; of or possessing extraordinary mental powers                                                                 
psychopathic : pertaining to mental dearrangement; N. psychopath: person with an antisocial personality disorder                                                               
psychosis : mental disorder; ADJ. N. psychotic                                                                      
psychosomatic : of the influence of the mind on the body (esp. with respect to disease)                                                            
pterodactyl : extinct flying reptile; CF. wing+finger                                                                     
puerile : childish; immature; CF. puer: boy                                                                     
pugilist : boxer; CF. pugilism: boxing                                                                       
pugnacity : combativeness; disposition to fight; ADJ. pugnacious: (of people) belligerent; combative in nature                                                              
puissant : powerful; strong; potent; N. puissance: power                                                                    
pulchritude : beauty; comeliness; ADJ. pulchritudinous                                                                      
pulmonary : pertaining to the lungs                                                                      
pulsate : throb; beat regularly; vibrate regularly                                                                     
pulse : rhythmical throbbing of arteries; brief sudden change in a normally constant quantity; V: pulsate                                                            
pulverize : crush or grind into very small particles                                                                    
pummel : pommel; beat or pound with fists                                                                    
punctilious : minutely attentive (perhaps too much so) to fine points; stressing niceties of conduct or form; N. punctilio, punctiliousness: careful attention payed to every small exact detail                                                 
pundit : authority on a subject; expert; learned person                                                                   
pungent : stinging; acrid; sharp in taste or smell; (of speech or writing) caustic; N. pungency                                                             
punitive : punishing; Ex. punitive measures                                                                      
puny : tiny; weak; insignificant                                                                       
purchase : secure grasp or hold; firm grasp or footing                                                                  
purgatory : place of spiritual expiation; temporary state or place in which the souls must expiate their sins                                                           
purge : remove or get rid of something or someone unwanted; eliminate; free from blame or guilt; cleanse or purify (esp. of sin, guilt, or defilement); N.                                                  
purport : intention; purpose; meaning; V: claim; profess; Ex. order which purports to be signed by the general                                                           
purported : alleged; claimed; reputed or rumored; Ex. purported Satanists                                                                   
rooster : cock; adult male chicken                                                                      
rabble : mob; noisy crowd                                                                       
purse : pucker; contract (lips) into wrinkles; N: wallet                                                                   
pucker : gather into wrinkles or folds; N: wrinkle or fold                                                                 
purveyor : furnisher of foodstuffs; caterer; V. purvey: supply (eg. food); furnish; CF. provide                                                              
pusillanimous : cowardly; lacking courage; fainthearted                                                                      
putative : supposed; reputed; generally regarded as such; Ex. putative father of the child                                                              
putrid : decayed and foul-smelling; foul; rotten; decayed; N. putridity                                                                  
putrefy : make or become putrid; N. putrefaction                                                                    
putrescent : becoming putrid; putrefying                                                                       
gangrene : decay of body tissue caused by insufficient blood supply (usually following injury); ADJ. gangrenous                                                            
pyromaniac : person with an insane desire to set things on fire                                                                 
quack : charlatan; impostor                                                                         
quadruped : four-footed animal; ADJ. CF. biped                                                                     
quaff : drink with zest; drink with relish(zest; hearty enjoyment); 꿀꺽꿀꺽 마시다; CF. sip                                                              
quagmire : bog; marsh; soft, wet, boggy land; predicament; complex or dangerous situation from which it is difficult to free oneself                                                       
bog : soft wet land; V: hinder or be hindered; Ex. bogged down in the mud                                                            
quail : cower; shrink back in fear; lose heart                                                                   
quaint : odd in an old-fashioned way; odd; old-fashioned; picturesque                                                                   
qualified : limited; restricted; V. qualify: limit the meaning of; modify                                                                  
qualms : uneasy feelings; misgivings; uneasy fears especially about matters of conscience; Ex. I have no qualms about giving this assignment to Helen.                                                     
quandary : dilemma; state of uncertainty; Ex. She is in a quandary about whether to go.                                                            
quarantine : isolation of a person, place, or ship to prevent spread of infection; V: isolate in quarantine                                                          
quarry : person or animal of pursuit; victim; object of a hunt; prey                                                               
quarry : dig into (to get stone); N: mine; 채석장                                                                  
bank : heap; piled-up mass; embankment; lateral tilting (as of an aircraft in turning); V: pile up; protect with a bank; tilt in turning                                                    

quash : crush; suppress; squash; subdue; annul; Ex. quash a rebellion/the decision of the low court                                                            
squash : crush; quash; suppress                                                                       
quay : dock; wharf; pier; landing place (for boats)                                                                    
queasy : experiencing nausea; nauseated; easily nauseated; squeamish; Ex. feel a little queasy    
quell : suppress; put an end to; put down forcibly; extinguish; quiet; Ex. \`\`Army Quells Rebellion\'\' in newspaper; CF. kill                                                        
quench : assuage or satisfy (thrust); slake; douse or extinguish; put out; suppress                                                               
squelch : produce a splashing sound (when stepping through mud); crush; squash; CF. 진흙을 위에서 밟을 때                                                           
querulous : given to complaining; complaining; fretful; whining                                                                    
whine : complain (in a sad voice); make a high sad sound (as in pain or supplication)                                                           
query : inquiry; question; V.                                                                        
queue : line (of waiting people or vehicles)                                                                     
quibble : minor objection or complaint; V: raise minor objections; carp; cavil                                                                
quiescent : dormant; temporarily inactive; at rest; N. quiescence                                                                   
quietude : tranquillity; calmness                                                                         
quintessence : purest and highest embodiment; perfect example; apotheosis; most essential element; Ex. quintessence of wit; ADJ. quintessential; CF. fifth essence                                                       
quip : taunt; clever sarcastic remark; V.                                                                     
taunt : deride or provoke; challenge in derision; N.                                                                   
quirk : sudden sharp turn or twist; startling twist; caprice; idiosyncrasy; peculiarity of behavior; Ex. by a quirk of fate                                                        
quisling : traitor who aids invaders; CF. Vidkun Quisling                                                                   
quiver : case for arrows                                                                       
quiver : tremble; shake; N.                                                                       
leash : restraining rope fastened to the collar of an animal (to control it); Ex. a dog on a leash                                                        
quixotic : idealistic but impractical; CF. Don Quixote                                                                    
quizzical : curious; suggesting puzzlement (without saying); questioning; teasing; mocking; bantering; Ex. quizzical glance                                                              
quorum : minimal number of members necessary to conduct a meeting                                                                 
quotidian : daily; commonplace; customary; Ex. quotidian routine                                                                    
rabid : of or suffering rabies; like a fanatic; extremely zealous; furious; CF. rabies: hydrophobia                                                             
raconteur : story-teller; one who tells stories with wit and skill                                                                 
ragamuffin : dirty child in torn clothes; person wearing tattered clothes                                                                 
tatter : torn piece of cloth; ADJ. tattered: (of clothes) old and torn; (of a person) dressed in old torn clothes                                                       
rail : complain bitterly; scold; rant; Ex. the weaker railing against injustices                                                                
raiment : clothing; garments; Ex. I have no raiment fit to wear.                                                                
rakish : jaunty; stylish; sporty; morally corrupt; dissolute; Ex. He wore his hat at a rakish and jaunty angle.                                                         
rake : angle of a slope; V: slant from the perpendicular                                                                 
rake : immoral or dissolute person                                                                      
rally : come or bring together; call up or summon (forces, vital powers, etc.); revive or recuperate (after illness or difficulty); N: act of rallying; mass gathering                                                  
ramble : wander aimlessly (physically or mentally); digress                                                                     
ramification : branching out; subdivision; one branch of a system; one of the results following from an action or decision; Ex. ramifications of a business/the decision                                                   
ramify : branch out; divide into branches or subdivisions                                                                    
ramp : slope; inclined plane or roadway (connecting two levels)                                                                  
rampant : growing or spreading uncontrollably; growing in profusion; unrestrained; Ex. rampant lawlessness/weed                                                               
rampart : defensive mound of earth                                                                       
ramshackle : (of a building or vehicle) poorly constructed; rickety; falling apart                                                                
rickety : (of buildings) likely to break or fall apart; of rickets; CF. rickets; CF. vitamin D                                                           
ransack : search thoroughly; pillage (going through a place); Ex. Enemy soldiers ransacked the town.                                                             
rancid : having the odor of stale or decomposing fat; rank                                                                 
rank : offensive in odor or flavor                                                                     
rancor : long-lasting hatred; bitterness; Ex. negotiation without rancor; ADJ. rancorous                                                                 
random : without definite purpose, plan, or aim; haphazard; Ex. random shots; Ex. chosen at random                                                             
lot : object used in making a determination at random; fate; piece of land                                                              
draw : choosing of a lot or card                                                                    
lottery : contest in which winners are selected in a drawing of lots                                                               
raffle : lottery; V: award as a prize in a raffle; Ex. raffle off a new car                                                           
rankle : irritate; fester; annoy                                                                       
rant : speak violently or excitedly; rave; talk excitedly showing anger; scold; make a grandiloquent speech; Ex. The priest ranted about the devil.                                                     
rapacious : voracious; ravenous; taking everything one can; excessively grasping; plundering; subsisting on live prey; Ex. rapacious birds                                                          
rapport : close relationship; emotional closeness; harmony                                                                      
rapt : engrossed; absorbed; enchanted; Ex. rapt listener                                                                    
rarefied : made less dense (of a gas); V. rarefy: make less dense; N. rarefaction                                                             
rare : (of air) thin in density; rarefied; Ex. rare air of the mountains                                                              
raspy : making a harsh noise; grating; harsh                                                                    
rasp : (of a sound) grate on (eg. nerves); make a harsh noise; have an unpleasant effect; rub with something rough; Ex. The cat's tongue rasped my hand.                                                
ratify : approve formally; confirm; verify                                                                       
ratiocination : reasoning; act of drawing conclusions from premises; V. ratiocinate: reason logically                                                               
rationale : fundamental reason or principle (on which a system or principle is based); fundamental reason or justification; grounds for an action                                                       
rationalize : make rational; devise FALSE reasons for (one's behavior); offer an excuse; give a plausible reason for an action in place of a true, less admirable ones; N. rationalization                                               
rational : (of a person) having reason; (of ideas) based on reason; logical                                                               
ration : fixed portion; V: distribute as rations                                                                    
raucous : (of voice) harsh and unpleasant; (of people) disorderly and boisterous; Ex. raucous shouts                                                             
ravage : devastate; plunder; despoil; Ex. crops ravaged by storms                                                                   
maraud : move in search of plunder; Ex. marauding army                                                                  
rave : overwhelmingly favorable review; V: talk wildly as if mad; Ex. raving lunatic                                                              
ravel : fall apart into tangles; entangle; unravel or untwist                                                                   
ravenous : extremely hungry; voracious                                                                       
ravine : narrow valley with steep sides; gorge; CF. gully, canyon                                                                 
raze : destroy completely; Ex. raze the city to the ground                                                                  
reactionary : strongly opposed to social or political change; opposing progress; politically ultraconservative; N. OP. radical                                                             
reinstate : restore to a previous condition or position                                                                   
realm : kingdom; field or sphere; Ex. not within the realms of possibility                                                                
reaper : one who harvests grain; Ex. the Grim Reaper; V. reap: cut and gather (crop); harvest a crop                                                          
rebate : return of part of a payment; discount; V.                                                                   
rebuff : reject bluntly; snub; beat back; Ex. She rebuffed his invitation; N.                                                               
snub : ignore or behave coldly toward; Ex. I made a suggestion but she snubbed me; N.                                                           
rebuke : scold harshly; criticize severely                 
rebus : representation of words in the form of pictures or symbols; puzzle in which pictures or letters stand for words; Ex. \`\`R U 18\'\' is a rebus for \`\`Are you 18\'\'.                                            
rebuttal : refutation; response with contrary evidence; V. rebut: refute; disprove                                                                 
recalcitrant : disobedient or resisting authority even after being punished; obstinately stubborn; determined to resist authority; unruly; Ex. recalcitrant child                                                        
recant : disclaim or disavow; retract a previous statement; openly confess error; Ex. recant one's faith/a statement                                                            
recapitulate : summarize                                                                          
recast : reconstruct (a sentence, story, statue, etc.); fashion again                                                                  
fashion : give shape to; make; Ex. fashion the pot out of clay                                                               
receptive : quick or willing to receive (ideas, suggestions, etc.); Ex. receptive to the proposal                                                              
recession : withdrawal; retreat; time of low economic activity                                                                    
recess : pause; temporary cessation; alcove; secret inner place; Ex. parliament in recess; V. CF. recessive                                                            
recidivism : habitual return to crime (even after being punished); N. recidivist                                                                 
recipient : receiver                                                                          
reciprocal : mutual; given and received in return; exchangeable; interacting; Ex. reciprocal trade agreement                                                               
reciprocate : do or give something in return; repay in kind; give or take mutually; interchange; move backwards and forwards; Ex. reciprocate his invitation by inviting him; N. reciprocity: reciprocal relationship; mutual interchange of advantages between two groups; Ex. reciprocity in trading rights                                 
recluse : hermit; loner; ADJ. reclusive
reconcile : make friendly again (after quarrel); make consistent (two ideas in opposition); correct inconsistencies; Ex. reconcile one\'s political principles with one\'s religious beliefs                                                     
recondite : abstruse; not easily understood; profound; secret                                                                     
reconnaissance : survey of enemy by soldiers; reconnoitering; V. reconnoiter: make a preliminary inspection of (esp. to gather military information)                                                         
recount : narrate or tell (a story); count over again                                                                  
recourse : resorting to help when in trouble; Ex. without recourse to                                                                 
resort : turn to for help; Ex. resort to violence; N.                                                                 
makeshift : temporary expedient or substitute (in the case of urgent need); Ex. makeshift shelter                                                             
recreant : disloyal; cowardly; N: disloyal and cowardly person                                                                   
recrimination : countercharges; V. recriminate                                                                        
rectify : set right; correct; CF. rect-: right                                                                     
rectitude : moral correctness; moral uprightness; moral virtue; correctness of judgment                                                                 
recumbent : reclining; lying down completely or in part                                                                    
recline : lie down                                                                        
recuperate : recover; return to health; regain; Ex. recuperate losses                                                                   
recurrent : occurring again and again                                                                       

redolent : odorous; fragrant; suggestive (of an odor); Ex. redolent of onions/mystery                                                                 
redoubtable : formidable; causing fear                                                                       
redress : remedy; compensation; Ex. seek redress for the damage to your car; V: put right; remedy or rectify (a wrong); make amends for                                                    
redundant : superfluous; more than is necessary; verbose; excessively wordy; repetitious                                                                  
reek : emit (an unpleasant odor or smoke); give off an unpleasant odor; give out smoke; Ex. reeking chimney; N: unpleasant odor; stench                                                     
stench : strong foul odor; reek; stink                                                                     
stink : stench; V: emit a strong foul odor                                                                   
refectory : dining hall; room where meals are served (in a school)                                                                
refraction : bending of a ray of light                                                                     
refractory : unmanageable; disobedient and stubborn; Ex. refractory horse                                                                   
refrain : abstain from; resist; forbear; N: chorus                                                                    
chorus : phrase repeated throughout a song or poem                                                                   
refulgent : effulgent; brilliant; brightly shining; gleaming; Ex. refulgent moon                                                                   
gleam : brief flash of light; glow; V.                                                                    
refurbish : renovate; make clean, bright, or fresh (make new) again; make bright by polishing; Ex. refurbish an old theater; CF. furbish: polish                                                     
refute : disprove; prove to be false; N. refutation                                                                    
regal : royal; of a monarch; Ex. regal manner                                                                    
regale : entertain                                                                         
regatta : boat or yacht race                                                                      
regeneration : spiritual rebirth; Ex. regeneration of the prisoners; V. regenerate: give or obtain new life; reform spiritually                                                           
penology : study of prison management and criminal rehabilitation                                                                   
regicide : murder of a king or queen                                                                     
regime : method of system or government                                                                      
regimen : prescribed course of diet or exercise; prescribed diet and habits; Ex. daily regimen of a dancer                                                          
regiment : military unit; V: subject to strict order; Ex. regimented society                                                                
rehabilitate : restore to proper condition (health or useful life); restore the former rank of                                                              
reimburse : repay; pay back                                                                        
reiterate : repeat                                                                          
rejoinder : reply; retort; comeback; V. rejoin: say in reply                                                                  
comeback : retort; quick clever reply; return to former status                                                                  
rejuvenate : make young again                                                                        
relegate : put into a lower or worse place; banish to an inferior position; delegate; assign; Ex. relegate the old furniture to the children's room; Ex. relegated to the second division                                             
relent : become less severe; give in(surrender); ADJ. relentless: unyielding; continuously severe                                                                 
relevant : having importance; pertinent; referring to the case in hand; N. relevance, relevancy                                                               
relic : surviving remnant (from an extinct culture); memento; keepsake; relics: corpse; Ex. ancient relics; Ex. relics of his travel; Ex. His relics are buried at X.                                                 
relinquish : give up something (with reluctance); yield; release; Ex. relinquish power/the claim to the land/his hold on my arm                                                         
relish : enjoy; savor; N: enjoyment; zest                                                                     
remediable : reparable                                                                          
reminiscence : recollection; V. reminisce: recollect the past                                                                     
reminiscent : suggestive of something (in the past); of reminiscence                                                                  
remiss : negligent; careless about a duty                                                                      
remission : temporary moderation (of disease symptoms); remitting of a debt or punishment; cancelation of a debt; pardon; Ex. The disease went into remission; Ex. Christians pray for the remission of sins.                                             
remit : transmit (money) in payment; free someone from a debt or punishment                                                               
remittance : remitting of money; amount of money remitted                                                                   
remnant : remainder                                                                          
remonstrate : protest; objection; V. remonstrate: say in protest                                                                    
remorse : deep regret for wrongdoing; guilt; self-reproach                                                                     
remunerative : (of work) compensating; rewarding; profitable; well-paid; V. remunerate: reward; pay (someone) for work or trouble                                                            
rend : split; tear apart; N. rent; CF. heartrending: causing deep sorrow                                                                 
render : give; deliver; provide; represent in verbal or artistic form; depict; perform; make; translate; Ex. render the song beautifully                                                         
rendezvous : meeting place; meeting at a set time or place; V.                                                                 
rendition : rendering; translation; artistic interpretation of a song, etc                                                                   
renegade : deserter; traitor; ADJ.                                                                       
renege : break a promise; deny; go back on; Ex. renege on the contract/paying off the debt  
renounce : abandon; give up (by formal announcement); disown; repudiate; Ex. renounce one\'s claim to the property/one\'s religion; N. renunciation                                                         
renovate : restore to good condition; renew                                                                      
renown : fame; ADJ. renowned                                                                        
herald : messenger; sign of something to come; V: announce; proclaim; Ex. unheralded researcher                                                              
rent : tear made by rending; rip; split                                                                    
reparable : capable of being repaired                                                                       
reparation : compensation (for loss or wrong); amends; Ex. make reparation for the damage; CF. repair                                                            
repartee : quick clever reply                                                                        
repast : meal; feast; banquet                                                                       
repeal : revoke; annul                                                                         
repel : drive away; disgust; Ex. repel the attack/moisture; Ex. repelled by the dirty room; CF. repulsion                                                            
repellent : driving away; disgusting; offensive; repulsive; unattractive; N.                                                                    
repercussion : rebound; reaction; reverberation; Ex. serious repercussion                                                                     
repertoire : list of works of music, drama, etc., a performer is prepared to present; CF. repertory                                                            
repine : fret; complain; be annoyed; Ex. repine over the undone work                                                                
replenish : fill up again                                                                        
replete : fully filled; filled to the brim or to the point of being stuffed; abundantly supplied; Ex. report replete with errors                                                       
memoir : memoirs; autobiography; biography                                                                       
brim : uppermost edge of a cup; projecting rim (as on a hat); Ex. The glass was full to the brim; V: be full to the brim                                                 
replica : copy                                                                          
replicate : reproduce; duplicate                                                                         
repository : storehouse                                                                          
repose : resting; state of being at rest; calmness; V: lie at rest; relax; put or place; Ex. repose our hopes in a single man                                                   
reprehensible : deserving blame; blameworthy; V. reprehend: blame                                                                     
repress : hold back (the natural expression of); restrain; crush; oppress; Ex. repressed child; Ex. repress a laugh/rebellion                                                           
reprieve : postponement or cancelation of a punishment; temporary stay; V: postpone or cancel the punishment of                                                            
reprimand : reprove severely; rebuke; N.                                                                       
reprisal : retaliation                                                                          
reprise : musical repetition; repeating of a piece of music; repeat performance; recurrent action; Ex. reprise in the finale; Ex. constant reprises                                                      
reproach : blame (not angrily but sadly); express disapproval or disappointment; N. ADJ. reproachful                                                               
reprobate : morally disapproved person; person hardened in sin, devoid of a sense of decency; CF. disapproved by God ?                                                        
reprobation : severe disapproval; CF. approbation                                                                       
reprove : censure; rebuke; N. reproof                                                                       
repudiate : disown; disavow; deny                                                                        
repugnance : disgust; strong dislike; loathing; ADJ. repugnant: arousing disgust; repulsive                                                                  
repulsion : distaste; disgust; act of driving back; ADJ. repulsive: causing disgust; tending to drive away; V. repel (not `repulse')                                                         
repulse : reject with rudeness or coldness (an offer or friendship); drive back (an enemy attack); CF. repulse $\neq$ cause repulsion                                                       
reputable : respectable; having a good reputation                                                                      
reputed : supposed; Ex. reputed father of the child; V. repute: consider; N. repute: reputation; esteem                                                             
requiem : mass for the dead; dirge                                                                      
mass : Christian religious ceremony; CF. Mass: ceremony of the Eucharist                                                                 
requisite : necessary requirement; something required; ADJ: required; necessary                                                                    
requisition : formal demand or request; Ex. requisition for more computing equipment; V.                                                               
requite : make return for; repay; reciprocate; revenge; N. requittal                                                                  

rescind : repeal; annul; cancel (a law, decision, or agreement)                                                                   
resentment : indignation; bitterness; displeasure; V. resent: feel anger about                                                                   
reserve : self-control; self-restraint; formal but distant manner; reticence; Ex. without reserve: freely and openly; ADJ. reserved: shy and uncommunicative                                                         
residue : remainder; balance                                                                         
residual : remaining; left over; of a residue; N: residue                                                                  
resignation : patiently submissiveness; statement that one is quitting a job; ADJ. resigned: acquiescent                                                               
resign : give up (a position, right, or claim); submit (oneself) passively                                                                
resilient : elastic; having the power of springing back; able to recover quickly (as from misfortune)                                                             
elastic : able to spring back into shape; quick to recover (as from disappointment); able to adapt to change; Ex. elastic plans; N: elastic material                                                   
resolution : determination; resoluteness; ADJ. resolute: firm or determined in purpose                                                                  
resolve : determination; resolution; firmness of purpose                                                                      
resolve : decide; settle; solve; separate; make a determined decision; N. resolution                                                                 
resonant : (of a sound) echoing; resounding(sounding loudly); deep and full in sound; producing resonance; Ex. resonant voice; N. resonance                                                         
resound : (of a place) be filled with sound; (of a sound) sound loudly; sound back; echo; Ex. hall resounded with laughter                                                      
respiration : breathing; exhalation; ADJ. respiratory                                                                       
respite : time for rest; interval of relief; delay in punishment; reprieve                                                                
resplendent : brilliant; splendid in appearance; dazzling; glorious                                                                     
responsiveness : state of reacting readily to appeals, orders, etc.; ADJ. responsive: readily reacting; Ex. responsive to treatment                                                           
restitution : returning something (lost or stolen) to the rightful owner; reparation; indemnification; compensation for loss, damage, or injury                                                         
restive : impatiently restless (induced by external coercion or restriction); restlessly impatient; obstinately resisting control; Ex. restive horses because of wolves; CF. not a general synonym for `restless'                                                
restraint : moderation or self-control; controlling force; restriction                                                                     
resumption : taking up again; recommencement; V. resume: begin or take up again; take or occupy again; Ex. Kindly resume your seats.                                                       
resurge : rise again; flow to and fro; N. resurgence; ADJ. resurgent: (of ideas or beliefs) experiencing revival; surging again                                                        
resurrect : revive                                                                         
resuscitate : revive; bring back to life or consciousness; Ex. resuscitate the drowned child                                                               
retain : keep; maintain possession of; employ (esp. a lawyer or advisor); N. retainer: servant; fee paid to retain an advisor                                                        
retaliate : repay in kind (usually for bad treatment); V. retaliate                                                                  
retentive : holding; able to retain things (esp. facts in the mind); having a good memory                                                            
reticent : inclined to silence; uncommunicative; reserved; Ex. He was reticent about the reasons; N. reticence                                                            
retinue : following; attendants                                                                         
retiring : shy and reserved (of a person); modest; Ex. her retiring personality                                                               
retort : quick sharp reply; V.                                                                       
retract : withdraw; take back; draw back; Ex. retract a statement/an offer/claws; N. retraction; CF. retractile                                                             
retrench : cut down; cut down expenses; economize                                                                    
retribution : deserved punishment for wrongdoing; punishment for offenses; compensation; vengeance; CF. pay back                                                              
retrieve : recover; put right; find and bring in; regain; Ex. retrieve the situation                                                               
retroactive : taking effect before its enactment (as a law) or imposition (as a tax); (of a law) having effect on the past as well as the future                                                
enact : make (a bill) into law                                                                     
retrograde : go backwards; recede; degenerate; deteriorate; ADJ.                                                                    
retrospective : looking back on the past; N. retrospection; V. retrospect                                                                  
revelry : boisterous merrymaking; V. revel: engage boisterous festivities; enjoy greatly; N: boisterous festivity or celebration                                                            
reverberate : echo repeatedly; resound; Ex. The thunder reverberated across the valley.                                                                
reverent : respectful; worshipful; V. revere: regard with reverence; N. reverence: profound respect                                                                
reverend : deserving reverence; N: priest                                                                      
reverie : daydream; abstracted musing                                                                       
revert : relapse; backslide; turn back to; return to the former owner; N. reversion                                                               
relapse : return to a former state (esp. after improvement); N.                                                                 
backslide : revert (to bad habits); N. reverter                                                                    
revile : attack with abusive language; vilify(slander)                                                                     
revoke : cancel; retract; CF. irrevocable                                                                       
revulsion : sudden strong feeling of disgust; sudden violent change of feeling; negative reaction; Ex. revulsion from the scenes of torture                                                       
rhapsodize : speak or write in an exaggeratedly enthusiastic manner; Ex. rhapsodize over the beauty of the scenery                                                          
rhapsody : excessively enthusiastic expression of feeling; musical composition of irregular form (as if made up as one plays it)                                                        
rhetoric : art of effective communication; art of using language effectively and persuasively; style of speaking or writing; grandiloquent language; Ex. political rhetoric; ADJ. rhetorical; CF. rhetorical question: question to which no answer is expected as \`\`Who knows it ?\'\'                                    
ribald : marked by vulgar lewd humor; wanton; profane; N. ribaldry: ribald language or joke                                                             
riddle : pierce with holes; permeate or spread throughout; Ex. The gunman riddled the car with bullets; Ex. The whole report is riddled with errors; N. large sieve (separating earth from stone)                                            
rider : amendment or clause added to a legislative bill                                                                  
rife : (of something bad) widespread; abundant; current                                                                    
rift : narrow opening in a large mass; break in a friendly relation; Ex. through a rift in the clouds; OP. reconcilation                                                      
rig : fix or manipulate; manipulate dishonestly for personal gain; Ex. rig the election                                                              
rig : arrangement of masts and sails; V: equip (a ship) with rigging; ADJ. rigging: ropes that hold up a ship's sails                                                      
rigid : hard and unbending; stiff and unyielding; fixed in behavior or views; strict; rigorous; Ex. rigid rule                                                           
rigor : severity; Ex. rigors of the Russian winter                                                                    
rile : irritate; vex; muddy                                                                       
riveting : holding one's attention; absorbing; engrossing                                                                     
rivet : metal pin used for fastening metal plates together; V: fasten with a rivet; engross                                                            
rivulet : small stream; CF. rill < rivulet < river                                                                  
robust : strong; vigorous                                                                         
rococo : ornate; highly decorated; N. CF. 18th century                                                                    
roil : make liquids murky by stirring up sediment; disturb                                                                  
roseate : rosy; optimistic; Ex. roseate views                                                                     
roster : list (of names)                                                                       
rostrum : raised platform for speech-making; pulpit                                                                     
pulpit : raised platform used in preaching (in a church)                                                                  
rote : repetition; memorization through repetition without understanding; Ex. learn poetry by rote                                                               
rotunda : circular building or hall covered with a dome                                                                  
rotundity : roundness; sonorousness of speech                                                                      
rotund : (of a person) fat and round                                                                    
rousing : lively; inducing excitement; stirring; V. rouse: waken; arouse from sleep or depression; excite; stir up                                                           
rout : put to rout; stampede; drive out; N: complete defeat and disorderly retreat                                                               
stampede : sudden frenzied rush (of panic-stricken animals or people); V: participate in or cause stampede; Ex. stampede before the price rises                                                      
rubble : fragments (esp. from a destroyed building)                                                                     
mason : one who builds or works with stone or brick; N. masonry: work of a mason; stonework or brickwork                                                        
rubric : title or heading (in red print); directions for religious ceremony; protocol                                                               
ruddy : reddish; (of the face) reddish and healthy-looking                                                                   
rudimentary : elementary; not developed; crude; N. rudiment: fundamental element or principle; Ex. rudiments of the language                                                            
rue : regret; lament; mourn; Ex. He will rue the day; N. ADJ. rueful                                                              
ruffian : violent scoundrel; bully                                                                       
ruminate : chew over and over (mentally or, like cows, physically); mull over(ponder)                                                               
ruminant : animal that ruminates; ADJ.                                                                      
rummage : ransack; thoroughly search                                                                        
runic : mysterious; set down in an ancient alphabet; N. rune: one of the letters of an alphabet used by ancient Germanic peoples (cut on stone or wood); magic charm                                              
ruse : trick to deceive; stratagem                                                                      
rustic : pertaining to country people; unsophisticated; simple; crude; uncouth; (of furniture) rough with the bark left on; N. rural person; rustic person                                                      
rusticate : banish to the country; dwell in the country                                                                   
ruthless : pitiless; merciless; cruel                                                                        
saboteur : one who commits sabotage; destroyer of property; N. sabotage: destruction of property (usually carried out secretly)                                                           
saccharine : cloying sweet; characteristic of sugar or saccharin                                                                    
sacrilegious : desecrating; profane; N. sacrilege: desecration, misuse, or theft of something sacred                                                                
sacrosanct : invioably sacred; most sacred; inviolable                                                                     

sadistic : inclined to cruelty; N. sadism: delight in cruelty                                                                  
saga : Scandinavian myth; any legend; long heroic narrative                                                                    
sagacious : wise; perceptive; shrewd; having insight; N. sagacity                                                                   
sage : person celebrated for wisdom; wise person; ADJ: wise                                                                  
salacious : lascivious; lustful; Ex. salacious monk                                                                     
salient : prominent; projecting beyond a line; conspicuous; Ex. salient features                                                                 
saline : salty                                                                          
sallow : (of the skin) yellowish and unhealthy-looking; sickly in color; Ex. sallow complexion due to jaundice                                                           
salubrious : healthful; conducive to health or well-being; socially desirable; Ex. salubrious area; CF. health                                                             
salutary : tending to improve; beneficial; wholesome; Ex. The punishment had a salutary effect on the boy; CF. health                                                         
salvage : rescue (goods or property) from loss; N: saving; property saved                                                                 
sanctimonious : displaying ostentatious or hypocritical devoutness; N. sanctimony: hypocritical piety                                                                 
sanction : approve; ratify; N: permission; penalty intended to enforce compliance                                                                  
sanctuary : place of refuge; shelter; shrine; holy place; Ex. The outlaw was granted sanctuary in the church.                                                           
sanguinary : bloody; with much bloodshed                                                                       
sanguine : optimistic; cheerful; hopeful; of the color of blood; red                                                                  
sap : diminish; weaken; undermine the foundations of (a fortification); Ex. The element kryptonite sapped his strength.                                                           
sarcasm : cutting ironic remark; scornful remarks; stinging rebuke; ADJ. sarcastic                                                                  
sardonic : scornfully mocking; disdainful; sarcastic; cynical; Ex. sardonic smile                                                                  
sartorial : pertaining to tailors or tailoring; Ex. a man of great sartorial elegance; CF. sartor: tailor                                                           
sate : satisfy to the full; satisfy to excess; cloy                                                                  
doze : sleep lightly; nap                                                                       
satellite : small body revolving around a larger one                                                                    
satiate : satisfy fully (physical needs such as hunger); sate; N. satiety: condition of being satiated                                                             
satire : form of literature in which irony, sarcasm, and ridicule are employed to attack human vice and folly                                                          
satirical : using satire; mocking                                                                        
saturate : soak thoroughly; imbue; impregnate; charge; fill to capacity                                                                   
saturnine : morose; gloomy; Ex. Do not be misled by his saturnine countenance.                                                               
satyr : half-human, half-bestial being in the court of Dionysus (resembling a goat), portrayed as wanton(unrestrained) and cunning; lecher; CF. faun; CF. goat: lecherous man                                                   
saunter : stroll(go for a leisurely walk) slowly; N.                                                                   
savant : scholar; learned person; CF. savoir: know                                                                    
savor : enjoy; have a distinctive flavor, smell, or quality; N: taste or smell; distinctive quality                                                            
savory : pleasant in taste; tasty; pleasing, attractive, or agreeable; Ex. savory reputation                                                               
scabbard : case for a sword blade; sheath                                                                    
scad : a great quantity; Ex. scads of clothes                                                                   
scaffold : temporary platform for workers (to work at heights above the ground); bracing framework; platform for execution                                                          
scale : climb up; ascend; remove or come off in scales; N: flake of epidermis; ascending or descending series of musical tones                                                       
scanty : meager; insufficient                                                                         
scapegoat : someone who bears the blame for others; whipping boy; CF. escape+goat                                                               
scavenge : hunt through discarded materials for usable items or food; search, especially for food; N. scavenger: one who scavenges; animal that feeds on refuse and carrion                                                 
refuse : anything discarded or rejected as worthless; trash                                                                   
scenario : plot outline; screenplay(script for a movie); opera libretto; outline of possible future events                                                              
schematic : of a schema or scheme; relating to an outline or diagram; using a system of symbols; N. schema: diagrammatic representation; outline                                                      
scheme : systematic plan; plot; clever dishonest plan; orderly arrangement of elements; Ex. health insurance scheme; Ex. a scheme to escape taxes; Ex. a color scheme; Ex. a story with no scheme; V: contrive a scheme                                        
schism : division into factions (esp. within a religious body); split                                                                 
scintilla : trace; minute amount; shred; least bit; Ex. There is not a scintilla of truth; CF. spark                                                          
scintillate : sparkle; flash; be animated; be full of life; Ex. scintillating conversation                                                               
scoff : laugh (at); mock; ridicule; Ex. scoff at their threats                                                                 
scotch : stamp out(put an end to); thwart; hinder; Ex. scotch the rumor; CF. cut; CF. 활동을 줄이는 의미                                                         
score : number of points; written form of a musical composition; reason; group of 20; notch or incision; Ex. full/vocal score; Ex. Don't worry on that score; V: mark with lines or notches; Ex. score the paper to make it easy to fold                                 
stamp : step on heavily (so as to crush or extinguish); put an end to; imprint or impress with a mark, design, or seal; shape with a die; characterize; Ex. machine stamping out car bodies; Ex. newspaper stamping him as a liar; N. stamping; implement used to stamp; impression stamped; mark; Ex. Her remarks bear the stamp of truth.                 
scourge : lash; whip (formerly used for punishment); source of severe punishment; V: whip; afflict                                                             
scruple : hesitate for ethical reasons; fret about; Ex. She did not scruple to read his diary; N: uneasy feeling arising from conscience; conscience                                                    
scrupulous : conscientious; extremely thorough; Ex. scrupulous worker                                                                     
scrutinize : examine closely and critically; N. scrutiny                                                                     
scuffle : struggle confusedly; move off in a confused hurry; N. CF. scuffling twins ?                                                             
shuffle : mix together; jumble; move (something) from one place to another; slide (the feet) along the ground while walking; Ex. shuffle papers from one pile to another; N.                                               
scurrilous : abusive; obscene; indecent; Ex. scurrilous remark                                                                    
scurry : move hastily; hurry; move briskly                                                                     
scurvy : contemptible; despicable; N: disease caused by deficiency of Vitamin C                                                                
scuttle : sink (a ship) by cutting holes in the hull; scrap; discard; N: small hatch in a ship's deck or hull                                                      
hull : husk; dry outer covering of a seed; frame or body of a ship                                                             
seamy : sordid; base; filthy; unwholesome; Ex. seamy side of city life                                                                
base : contemptible; morally bad; inferior in value or quality; Ex. base motives/conduct; Ex. base metal such as iron                                                         
sear : burn the surface of; char or burn; brand; parch; cause (a plant) to wither                                                            
char : make or become black by burning; reduce or be reduced to carbon or charcoal(black substance made by burning wood) by incomplete combustion                                                    
scorch : sear; N.                                                                        
brand : trademark; mark burned on the hide of an animal; mark burned into the flesh of criminals; mark of disgrace; V: mark with a brand; give a lasting bad name; stigmatize; Ex. The press branded him a liar.                                     
hide : skin of an animal                                                                      
seasoned : experienced                                                                          
season : enhance the flavor of by adding a spice, etc.; inure; harden; N. seasoning: something used in seasoning                                                         
seasonal : of a particular season; Ex. seasonal rise in employment                                                                 
seasonable : occurring at the proper time or season; opportune; Ex. seasonable intervention in the dispute                                                            
secession : withdrawal; V. secede: withdraw formally from membership                                                                    
seclusion : isolation; solitude; V. seclude: set apart from others; isolate                                                                  
secrete : conceal; hide away or cache; produce and release a substance into an organism; CF. secretive                                                           
sect : separate religious body; faction; group of people with common beliefs within a larger group                                                             
sectarian : of a sect; narrow-minded; parochial; N: member of a sect; narrow-minded person                                                              
denomination : religious group; unit in a system; name or designation; CF. denominator: common trait or characteristic                                                           
secular : worldly; not pertaining to church matters or religion; temporal                                                                  
sedate : composed (with no excitement); grave; V: administer a sedative to; CF. sedative                                                              
sedentary : requiring sitting; done while sitting; not moving from one place to another; settled; Ex. sedentary job/population                                                           
sedition : conduct or language inciting rebellion; rebellion; resistance to authority; insubordination; ADJ. seditious                                                               
sedulous : diligent; assiduous; paying attention; N. sedulity                                                                    
seedy : run-down; decrepit; disreputable; having many seeds; Ex. seedy downtown hotel                                                                
run-down : (of a place) dilapidated; in a bad condition; (of a person) weak or exhausted                                                            
seemly : (of behavior) proper; appropriate                                                                      
seep : pass slowly through small openings; ooze; trickle; N. seepage                                                                 
seethe : be violently disturbed; boil; (of a liquid) move about wildly as if boiling; Ex. The nation was seething with discontent.                                                      
seine : seine net; net for catching fish                                                                    
seismic : pertaining to earthquakes                                                                        
semblance : outward appearance; guise; Ex. We called in the troops to bring a/some semblance of order to the city.                                                        
seminal : related to seed or semen; germinal; creative; providing a basis for further development; influencing future developments; Ex. seminal research in a new field                                                    
seminary : school for training future ministers; secondary school, especially for young women                                                               
senility : old age; feeblemindedness of old age; ADJ. senile: resulting from old age; showing the weakness of body or mind from old age; Ex. senile dementia                                                  
feebleminded : deficient in intelligence; very stupid                                                                     
sensitization : process of being made sensitive or acutely responsive to an external agent or substance; V. sensitize: make or become sensitive                                                      
sensual : devoted to the pleasures of the sense; carnal; voluptuous; Ex. sensual woman/curves/lips                                                               
voluptuous : sensual; of or giving sensual pleasure; indulging in sensual pleasures; Ex. voluptuous lines; Ex. voluptuous life of the Romans; N. voluptuary: voluptuous person                                                   
sensuous : giving pleasure to the senses; pertaining to the physical senses; operating through the senses; sensuous feeling of soft velvet on the skin                                                     
sententious : pithy; terse; concise; aphoristic                                                                      
sentient : capable of sensation and conscious; aware; sensitive; Ex. sentient creature; N. sentience                                                              
sentinel : sentry; lookout                                                                         
lookout : act of keeping watch; high place commanding a wide view; person who keeps watch                                                            
septic : of or causing sepsis; putrid; producing putrefaction; N. sepsis: poisoning of part of the body (producing pus)                                                         
sepulcher : tomb; V: place in a sepulcher; ADJ. sepulchral                                                                  

sequester : isolate; segregate; seclude; retire from public life                                                                   
sere : sear; parched; dry                                                                       
serendipity : gift for finding valuable things by accident; accidental good fortune or luck; CF. The Three Princes of Serendip                                                        
serenity : calmness; placidity; ADJ. serene                                                                       
serpentine : winding; twisting; of or like a serpent; Ex. serpentine course of the river; N. serpent: snake                                                          
serrated : having a sawtoothed edge; Ex. serrated leaf                                                                   
servile : slavish; cringing; N. servility                                                                       
servitude : slavery; compulsory labor imposed as a punishment                                                                    
sever : separate; cut off (a part) from a whole; break up (a relationship); N. severance; CF. severance pay: extra pay given an employee upon leaving a position                                                
severity : harshness; intensity; sternness; austerity; ADJ. severe: harsh; strict; extremely violent or intense                                                               
sextant : navigation tool used to determine a ship's latitude and longitude (by measuring the altitudes of stars)                                                          
shackle : chain; fetter; confine with shackles; N.                                                                    
sham : pretend; feign; ADJ: not genuine; fake; Ex. sham jewelry; N: something that is not what it appears; impostor; pretense; Ex. The agreement was a sham.                                                 
shambles : (place or scene of) complete disorder or ruin; wreck; mess; Ex. After the hurricane, the coast was a shambles.                                                       
shard : fragment generally of broken pottery (glass, clay bowl, or cup)                                                                
shaving : very thin piece, usually of wood (cut from a surface with a sharp blade)                                                            
plane : carpenter's tool for smoothing and leveling wood; V. CF. flat                                                                
sheaf : bundle of stalks of grain; any bundle of things tied together                                                               
sheathe : place into a case; insert into or provide with a sheath; Ex. He sheathed his dagger; N. sheath: case for a blade                                                    
sherbet : flavored dessert ice                                                                       
shimmer : shine with a flickering light; glimmer intermittently; Ex. The moonlight shimmered on the water; N.                                                           
shirk : avoid (responsibility, work, etc.); malinger                                                                     
shoddy : made of inferior material; sham; not genuine; inferior; dishonest; Ex. shoddy goods/trick                                                              
shrew : scolding woman; very small mouselike animal                                                                    
shrewd : clever; astute                                                                         
shun : keep away from; avoid deliberately; Ex. She has been shunned by her neighbors.                                                             
shunt : move (a railway train) from one track to another; turn aside; divert; sidetrack; Ex. shunt traffic around an accident; N.                                                      
sidetrack : switch (a railroad car) to a siding; divert from a main issue; N. CF. siding: short section of railroad track connected by switches with a main track                                               
shyster : lawyer using questionable methods; unscrupulous practioner                                                                    
sibling : brother or sister                                                                        
sibylline : prophetic; oracular; N. sibyl: woman prophet (in the ancient world)                                                                
sidereal : relating to stars; Ex. sidereal day                                                                    
silt : sediment deposited by running water (at the entrance to a harbor or by a bend in a river)                                                        
simian : monkeylike; N: ape or monkey                                                                     
simile : comparison of one thing with another, using the word like or as                                                               
simper : smirk; smile in a silly way; smile affectedly                                                                  
simplistic : oversimplified                                                                          
simulate : feign; imitate                                                                         
sinecure : well-paid position with little responsibility; CF. sine cure: without care; CF. San Serif                                                             
sinewy : (of meat) tough; strong and firm; muscular; N. sinew: tendon; strong cord connecting a muscle to a bone                                                        
singular : being only one; individual; unique; extraordinary; odd; Ex. singular beauty/behavior                                                                 
sinister : evil; ominous                                                                         
sinuous : twisting; winding; bending in and out; not morally honest                                                                 
skeptic : sceptic; doubter; person who suspends judgment until he has examined the evidence supporting a point of view; ADJ. skeptical; N. skepticism; scepticism                                                     
skiff : small light sailboat or rowboat                                                                     
skimp : provide or use scantily; live very economically; Ex. skimp on necessities; ADJ. skimpy: inadequate in amount; scanty; stingy; niggardly                                                       
skinflint : miser; stingy person                                                                       
skirmish : minor fight; minor battle in war; V.                                                                    
skittish : inconstant; capricious; frivolous; not serious; Ex. charming but skittish young woman; CF. skit                                                             
frisk : move about playfully; froric; ADJ. frisky: playful                                                                   
skulduggery(skullduggery) : dishonest behavior or action; Ex. skulduggery in the election                                                                 
skulk : move furtively and secretly; Ex. He skulked through the less fashionable sections of the city.                                                           
slacken : slow up; loosen; make or become slack                                                                   
slack : moving slowly; sluggish; inactive; (of a rope) loose; negligent; lax; Ex. slack season; Ex. slack in one's work; N. V.                                                      
slag : glassy residue from smelting metal; dross; waste matter                                                                  
slake : satisfy (thirst); quench; sate                                                                       
slander : defamation; utterance of FALSE and malicious statements; V. ADJ. slanderous                                                                 
slapdash : hasty and careless; haphazard; sloppy(carelessly done)                                                                    
sleazy : shabby and dirty; flimsy; insubstantial; Ex. sleazy back-street hotel/fabric                                                                 
sleeper : one that achieves unexpected success; something originally of little value or importance that in time becomes very valuable                                                        
sleight : dexterity; CF. sleight of hand: legerdemain; quickness of the hands in doing tricks                                                              
slew : large quantity or number; Ex. slew of errands left                                                                 
slight : insult to one's dignity; snub; V: treat as if of small importance; insult; snub; ADJ. small in size; of small importance                                                     
slipshod : slovenly; careless; sloppy; untidy; shabby; Ex. slipshod work                                                                  
slither : slip or slide                                                                       
sloth : slow moving tree-dwelling mammal; laziness; ADJ. slothful: lazy; indolent                                                                  
slough : (of a snake) shed or cast off (dead outer skin); N: outer layer that is shed                                                          
slovenly : untidy; careless in work habits; slipshod; N. sloven: one who is habitually untidy or careless                                                           
sledge : large sled drawn by work animals                                                                    
sleigh : large vehicle drawn by a horse over snow or ice                                                                
sluggard : lazy person                                                                        
sluggish : lazy; slow; inactive; lethargic; CF. slug: nail with no shell                                                                 
sluice : artificial channel for directing or controlling the flow of water (with a gate to regulate the flow)                                                         
slur : slander; insult to one's character or reputation; V.                                                                  
slur : pronounce indistinctly; speak indistinctly; mumble                                                                     
smattering : slight knowledge; small scattered number or amount; Ex. smattering of German                                                               
smelt : melt (ore) for separating and removing the metal; melt or blend ores changing their chemical composition                                                          
smirk : conceited smile; offensively self-satisfied smile (often at someone else's misfortune); V.                                                               
smolder : smoulder; burn slowly without flame; be liable to break out at any moment; exist in a suppressed state; Ex. smoldering anger                                                     
snicker : half-stifled(suppressed) laugh; V.                                                                       
snivel : complain or whine tearfully; run at the nose; snuffle; Ex. Don't come back sniveling to me.                                                          
snuffle : sniffle; sniff repeatedly (in order to keep liquid from running out of the nose)                                                            
sobriety : moderation (especially regarding indulgence in alcohol); seriousness                                                                    
sober : serious; solemn; not drunken; abstemious or temperate; V: make or become sober                                                              
sodden : thoroughly soaked; dull or stupid as if from drink                                                                 
sojourn : temporary stay; V: stay for a time                                                                   
solace : comfort in sorrow or trouble; consolation; V: comfort or console in time of sorrow or trouble                                                          
solder : repair or make whole by using a metal alloy; N: metal alloy (usually tin and lead) used in the molten state to join metallic parts                                                 
solecism : nonstandard grammatical construction; construction that is flagrantly incorrect grammatically; violation of social etiquette                                                             
solemnity : seriousness; gravity                                                                         
solicit : entreat; request earnestly; seek to obtain; Ex. solicit votes; CF. solicitor: one who solicits; chief law officer                                                          
solicitous : anxious; worried; concerned; eager; Ex. solicitous to do something; N. solicitude                                                               
soliloquy : talking to oneself (esp. in a play); CF. monologue: soliloquy; long speech by one person (often monopolizing a conversation)                                                        
solitude : state of being alone; seclusion; ADJ. solitary: existing or living alone (esp. by choice); remote or secluded; single; sole; Ex. solitary life/inn; Ex. no solitary piece of proof                                               
solstice : point or time at which the sun is farthest from the equator                                                               
soluble : able to be dissolved in a liquid; able to be worked out or solved                                                             
solvent : able to pay all depths; N. solvency                                                                    
solvent : substance that dissolves another; ADJ: capable of dissolving another substance                                                                 
somatic : pertaining to the body; bodily; physical                                                                     

somber : dark; gloomy; melancholy; depressing; CF. shadow                                                                    
somnambulist : sleepwalker; V. somnambulate; N. somnambulism                                                                      
somnolent : half asleep; drowsy; N. somnolence                                                                     
sonorous : resonant; producing a full deep sound; producing sound                                                                  
sonic : of sound or its speed in air; CF. subsonic, supersonic                                                                
sonnet : 14-line poetic verse form with a fixed rhyme pattern                                                                 
sophist : teacher of philosophy; quibbler; employer of fallacious reasoning; N. sophism: plausible but fallacious argument                                                             
sophisticated : worldly wise and urbane; refined; complex; N. sophistication; V. sophisticate                                                                 
sophistry : seemingly plausible but fallacious reasoning; sophism                                                                     
sophomoric : immature; half-baked; like a sophomore                                                                     
soporific : sleep-causing; marked by sleepiness; drowsy                                                                     
sordid : filthy; foul; base; vile; Ex. sordid bed/story                                                                   
spangle : small shiny metallic piece sewn to clothing for ornamentation                                                                 
sparse : not thick; thinly scattered; scanty                                                                      
spartan : without attention to comfort; lacking luxury and comfort; sternly disciplined; Ex. spartan living condition/life                                                            
spasmodic : fitful; periodic; of or like a spasm; N. spasm: sudden involuntary muscular contraction; sudden burst of energy or emotion                                                       
spat : squabble; minor dispute; minor quarrel                                                                     
spate : sudden flood or rush; Ex. spate of accidents                                                                  
spatial : relating to space                                                                        
spatula : broad-bladed instrument used for spreading or mixing                                                                   
spawn : lay eggs (in large numbers); produce offspring (in large numbers); N: eggs of aquatic animals                                                            
specious : seemingly reasonable but incorrect; misleading (often intentionally)                                                                    
spectral : ghostly; N. specter: spectre; ghost; phantom                                                                     
spectrum : colored band produced when a beam of light passes through a prism; broad and continuous range; Ex. whole spectrum of modern thoughts                                                     
spendthrift : someone who wastes money; CF. thrift: accumulated wealth                                                                  
sphinx-like : enigmatic; mysterious                                                                        
splice : join together end to end to make one continuous length; fasten together; unite; Ex. splice two strips of tape; N.                                                      
spontaneity : lack of premeditation; naturalness; freedom from constraint; ADJ. spontaneous: self-generated; unpremeditated; happening without being planned                                                            
spoonerism : accidental transposition of sounds in successive words; Ex. \`\`Let me sew you to your sheet\'\' for \`\`Let me show you to your seat\'\'; CF. William Spooner                                                
transpose : reverse the order or position of                                                                    
sporadic : occurring irregularly; intermittent                                                                        
sportive : playful; frolicsome; merry; CF. sport: play or frolic; CF. sportsmanlike                                                                
spruce : neat and trim in appearance; smart; Ex. Be spruce for your job interview; V.                                                            
spry : (esp. of older people) vigorously active; nimble                                                                   
nimble : quick in movement; agile; quick in understanding; Ex. nimble climber/mind                                                                
spurious : false; counterfeit; forged; illogical; Ex. spurious arguments                                                                   
spurn : reject disdainfully; scorn; Ex. She spurned all offers of help.                                                                
squabble : minor quarrel; bickering; V: engage in a minor quarrel; Ex. squabbling children                                                              
squalor : condition of being squalid; filth; degradation; dirty neglected state; ADJ. squalid: dirty; sordid; morally repulsive; Ex. squalid story                                                        
squander : waste; spend foolishly                                                                        
squat : short and thick; stocky; Ex. ugly squat tower; V. N.                                                                
staccato : played in an abrupt manner; marked by abrupt sharp sound; Ex. staccato applause                                                             
legato : (of music) played smoothly                                                                      
stagnant : (of water) not flowing (often bad-smelling); motionless; stale; not developing; inactive; dull; Ex. stagnant industrial output                                                           
staid : serious and sedate; sober; Ex. staid during the funeral ceremony                                                                
stalemate : deadlock; situation in which further action is blocked                                                                   
stalwart : physically strong; brawny; steadfast; strong in mind or determination; Ex. stalwart supporter; N: stalwart follower                                                           
stamina : power of endurance; strength; staying power                                                                     
stanch : stop or check flow of blood; Ex. stanch the gushing wound                                                               
stanza : division of a poem (composed of two or more lines)                                                                
static : having no motion; unchanging; lacking development; N. stasis: stable state                                                                 
statute : law enacted by the legislature                                                                      
statutory : created by statute or legislative action; regulated by statute; Ex. statutory age limit                                                              
steadfast : steadily loyal; unswerving; steady                                                                      
stealth : action of moving secretly or unseen; slyness; sneakiness; secretiveness; ADJ. stealthy                                                                
steep : soak; saturate; Ex. steep the fabric in the dye bath; ADJ: precipitous                                                              
stellar : pertaining to the stars; of a star performer; outstanding; Ex. stellar attraction of the entire performance                                                           
stem : stop or check (the flow of); Ex. stem the bleeding from the slashed artery; N: main axis of a plant; stalk                                                     
stem_from : arise from; originate from                                                                       
stentorian : (of the voice) extremely loud; CF. Stentor: a loud herald in the Iliad                                                             
stereotype : one regarded as embodying a set image or type; fixed and unvarying representation; standardized mental picture often reflecting prejudice; Ex. stereotype of the happy slave; V: make a stereotype of; represent by a stereotype; Ex. It is wrong to stereotype people; Ex. stereotyped answer                               
stickler : perfectionist; person who insists things be exactly right                                                                  
stifle : suppress; extinguish; inhibit; smother or suffocate                                                                    
smother : kill from lack of air; suppress; cover thickly; Ex. smothered in little stickers                                                             
suffocate : die or kill from lack of air; suppress                                                                  
stigma : token of disgrace; brand; V. stigmatize: mark with a stigma; characterize as disgraceful                                                             
stilted : bombastic; stiffly pompous; Ex. stilted rhetoric; CF. stiff: formal                                                                 
stint : set limits in amount or number; be thrifty; ADJ. stinting, unstinting; CF. stint:savings                                                             
stint : supply; allotted amount of work; assigned portion of work; limitation; Ex. two-year stint in the army; Ex. without stint                                                       
stipend : pay for services                                                                       
stipple : paint or draw with dots or short strokes                                                                  
stipulate : state as a necessary condition (of an agreement); make express conditions; specify; Ex. He stipulated payment in advance                                                         
stock : standard; kept regularly in stock or supply; typical; routine; common; Ex. stock sizes of paper; Ex. stock excuse/character; N: goods for sale in a shop; OP. unique                                               
stockade : wooden enclosure or pen; fixed line of posts used as defensive barrier                                                              
pen : fenced enclosure for animals; confining space; Ex. sheep pen; V: confine in a pen; enclose                                                           
stodgy : dull; stuffy; boringly conservative; Ex. stodgy book                                                                   
stoic : stoical; impassive; unmoved by joy or grief; N. CF. stoicism                                                                 
stoke : stir up a fire or furnace; feed plentifully                                                                  
stolid : dull; impassive; showing little emotion when strong feelings are expected                                                                
stratagem : deceptive scheme; clever trick                                                                       
stratified : divided into classes; arranged into strata; V. stratify                                                                   
stratum : layer of earth's surface; layer of society; PL. strata                                                                  
strew : spread randomly; sprinkle; scatter; Ex. flower girl strewing rose petals                                                                
striated : marked with parallel bands; striped; grooved; Ex. striated rocks; V. striate; N. stria: thin groove or line                                                         
stricture : severe and adverse criticism; critical comments; limit or restriction                                                                 
strident : loud and harsh; insistent; N. stridency                                                                    
stringent : (of rules) binding; rigid; marked by scarcity of money; Ex. stringent economic conditions                                                              
strut : pompous walk; V: walk in a self-important manner                                                                  
strut : supporting bar; CF. airplane wing이나 building 등을 support                                                                  
studied : carefully contrived; calculated; unspontaneous; deliberate; thoughtful; Ex. studied remark                                                                 
stultify : make stupid in mind; cause to appear or become stupid or inconsistent; suppress; frustrate or hinder; Ex. stultifying effect of uninteresting work; Ex. stultify free expression                                                
stupefy : stun; make numb (as with a drug); amaze                                                                  
stupor : state of being stupefied; state of apathy; daze; lack of awareness                                                               
stun : make unconscious or numb as by a blow; amaze; astound                                                                
daze : stun as with a blow or shock; bemuse; benumb; N.                                                                
stygian : unpleasantly dark; gloomy; hellish; deathly; CF. Styx: the chief river in the subterranean land of the dead                                                         
stymie : thwart; present an obstacle; stump                                                                     
stump : base of a tree trunk left after the rest has been cut down; V: walk in a heavy manner; baffle; puzzle                                                     
suavity : urbanity; polish; ADJ. suave: smooth and courteous                                                                   
subaltern : subordinate                                                                         
subdue : less intense; quieter; Ex. subdued lighting; Ex. subdue: conquer; make less intense; quiet; Ex. subdue one's anger                                                          
subjective : influenced by personal feelings; occurring or taking place within the mind; unreal; Ex. subjective sensation of the ghostly presence                                                        
subjugate : conquer; bring under control                                                                       
sublimate : refine; purify; replace (natural urges) with socially acceptable activities; change between a solid state and a gaseous state                                                         
sublime : causing deep feelings of wonder, joy, respect, etc.; exalted; noble and uplifting; utter                                                              

subliminal : below the threshold of conscious perception; Ex. subliminal advertisement                                                                  
submissive : willing to obey orders; yielding; timid                                                                     
subordinate : occupying a lower rank; inferior; submissive; N. V: put in a lower rank or class                                                            
suborn : persuade to act unlawfully (especially to commit perjury); N. subornation                                                                
subpoena : writ(written command issued by a court) summoning a witness to appear in court; V: summon with a subpoena                                                        
subsequent : following in time or order; later                                                                     
subservient : behaving like a slave; servile; obsequious; subordinate; N. subservience                                                                  
subside : sink to a lower level; settle down; sink to the bottom (as a sediment); descend; grow quiet; become less; moderate; abate                                                      
subsidiary : serving to assist; subordinate; secondary; of a subsidy; N.                                                                  
subsidy : direct financial aid by government, etc.; V. subsidize: assist with a subsidy                                                               
subsistence : existence; means of subsisting; means of support; livelihood; V. subsist: exist; maintain life (at a meager level)                                                          
substantial : of substance; material; solid; essential or fundamental; ample; considerable; well-to-do; wealthy                                                                
substantiate : support (a claim) with evidence; establish with evidence; verify                                                                  
substantive : substantial; essential; pertaining to the substance; substantial; considerable; Ex. substantive issues                                                               
subsume : include (as a member of a group); encompass                                                                  
subterfuge : stratagem(deceptive scheme); pretense; evasion; Ex. resort to a harmless subterfuge                                                                
subtlety : perceptiveness; ingenuity; delicacy; ADJ. subtle: delicate; so slight as to be difficult to detect; able to make fine distinctions; clever; Ex. subtle mind/differences in meaning                                                  
subversive : tending to overthrow or ruin; V. subvert: overthrow completely (an established system); destroy completely; CF. undermine ?                                                         
succor : assist (someone in difficulty); aid; comfort; N.                                                                    
succulent : juicy; full of juice or sap; full of richness; N: succulent plant such as a cactus                                                          
succumb : yield (to something overwhelming); give in; die; Ex. succumb to the illness                                                               
suffragist : advocate of the extension of voting rights (for women); CF. suffrage                                                               
suffuse : spread through or over (with a color or liquid); charge; Ex. A blush suffused her cheeks.                                                          
sully : defile; soil; tarnish; Ex. sully one's hands in menial labor                                                                
tarnish : make or become dull or discolored; N.                                                                   
sultry : (of weather) hot; sweltering; sensual; voluptuous                                                                     
summation : act of finding the total; summing-up; summary (esp. one given by the judge at the end of a trial)                                                        
sumptuous : grand suggesting great expense; lavish; rich; Ex. sumptuous feast                                                                 
sunder : separate; part; CF. asunder                                                                      
sundry : miscellaneous; various; several; N. sundries: small miscellaneous items                                                                  
superannuated : retired or disqualified because of age; outmoded; obsolete                                                                  
supercilious : haughty; arrogant; condescending; patronizing; CF. eyebrow, cilium                                                                    
supererogatory : superfluous; more than needed or demanded                                                                    
superficial : of the surface; not deep; shallow; not thorough; trivial; Ex. superficial analysis/knowledge                                                               
superfluous : excessive; overabundant; unnecessary; N. superfluity                                                                      
superimpose : place over something else                                                                       
supernumerary : person or thing excess of what is necessary; extra; ADJ: additional to the usual or necessary number                                                         
supersede : replace; cause to be set aside; make obsolete; N. supersession                                                                 
supine : lying on back; passive; inactive; Ex. The defeated pugilist lay supine; Ex. supine acceptance of the decision                                                         
supplant : take the place of unfairly; usurp; replace                                                                    
supple : flexible; limber; pliant                                                                        
suppliant : entreating; beseeching; N.                                                                        
supplicate : petition humbly; pray to grant a favor                                                                    
supplicant : one who supplicates; ADJ.                                                                      
supposition : assumption; hypothesis; surmise; V. suppose                                                                      
supposititious : assumed; counterfeit; hypothetical                                                                       
suppress : put an end to forcibly; subdue; stifle; overwhelm; inhibit the expression of; check; prevent from being published or made public; Ex. suppress a smile; Ex. suppress the magazine/truth                                               
surfeit : satiate; feed or supply to excess; stuff; indulge to excess in anything; N: surfeiting; excessive amount; Ex. surfeit of food                                                      
surly : bad-tempered; rude; cross                                                                       
cross : bad-tempered; showing ill-humor; angry                                                                      
surmise : guess; N.                                                                         
surmount : overcome                                                                          
surpass : exceed                                                                          
surreptitious : done secretly; secret; furtive; sneaky; hidden                                                                     
surrogate : substitute; person or thing used in place of another; Ex. surrogate mother; ADJ.                                                             
surveillance : close observation of a person (esp. one under suspicion); watching; guarding                                                                
susceptible : impressionable; easily influenced; sensitive; having little resistance as to a disease; likely to suffer; receptive to; capable of accepting; Ex. susceptible to persuasion/colds; Ex. The agreement is not susceptible of alteration; N. susceptibility                                         
sustain : suffer (harm or loss); experience; support; prop; maintain; keep in existence; nourish (to maintain life); Ex. sustain the family/the trapped miners                                                      
sustenance : sustaining; means of livelihood, support, food, nourishment; something that maintains life; food                                                               
suture : stitches sewn to hold the cut edges of a wound or incision; material used in sewing; V: sew together a wound                                                     
swarthy : (of a skin or complexion) dark; dusky; Ex. swarthy Italian ?                                                               
swathe : swath; wrap around; bandage; Ex. one's head swathed in bandages                                                                
swelter : (of a person) suffer from oppressive heat; be oppressed by heat                                                               
swerve : deviate; turn aside sharply from a straight course; Ex. swerve from the principle; Ex. The car swerved to the right.                                                      
swill : drink greedily                                                                        
swindler : cheater                                                                          
sybarite : lover of luxury; person devoted to pleasure and luxury; CF. Sybaris: an ancient Greek city in Italy                                                         
sycophant : servile flatterer; bootlicker; yes man; ADJ. sycophantic                                                                    
syllogism : logical formula consisting of a major premise, a minor premise and a conclusion; deceptive or specious argument                                                          
sylvan : pertaining to the woods or the country                                                                   
symbiosis : interdependent relationship (between groups, species) often mutually beneficial; ADJ. symbiotic; CF. together + life                                                            
symmetry : arrangement of parts so that balance is obtained; congruity; ADJ. symmetrical                                                                
lopsided : heavier or larger on one side than the other; Ex. lopsided way of walking                                                            
synchronous : similarly timed; simultaneous with; occurring at the same time; V. synchronize                                                                
synoptic : providing a general overview; summary; N. synopsis                                                                    
synthesis : combining parts or separate things into a whole; the whole so formed; PL. syntheses; V. synthesize                                                           
synthetic : not natural; artificial; resulting from synthesis; Ex. synthetic fiber; N.                                                                 
tacit : understood (without actually being expressed); not put into words; Ex. tacit agreement                                                               
taciturn : habitually silent; talking little                                                                      
tactile : pertaining to the organs or sense of touch                                                                   
tact : skill or sensitivity in dealing with people without causing offence                                                                
tactful : careful no to cause offence; OP. tactless                                                                   
taint : contaminate; cause to lose purity; modify with a trace of something bad; Ex. tainted reputation; N: stain; touch of decay or bad influence; CF. touch                                                 
talisman : charm; object believed to give supernatural powers to or protect its bearer                                                              
talon : claw of bird                                                                       
tangential : only slightly connected; not central; peripheral; digressing; showing divergence; CF. tangent                                                               
tangible : able to be touched; real; concrete; palpable; possible to realize or understand; Ex. tangible proof                                                            
tanner : person who turns animal hides into leather                                                                   
tan : convert (hide) into leather; make brown by exposure to the sun                                                               
tantalize : tease; excite by exposing something desirable while keeping it out of reach; torture with disappointment; CF. Tantalus: Greek mythological figure                                                      
tantamount : equivalent in effect or value; Ex. This invasion is tantamount to a declaration of war; CF. amount                                                         

tantrum : fit of bad temper; fit of petulance; caprice; Ex. The child went into tantrums.                                                            
taper : very thin candle; gradual decrease in the width of a long object; V. make or become gradually narrower toward one end                                                     
tarantula : venomous spider                                                                        
tarry : linger; delay in starting or going; dawdle                                                                   
taut : tight; strained; tense; ready; OP. slack                    
tautological : needlessly repetitious; Ex. \`\`It was visible to the eye\'\'; N. tautology: needless repetition of the same sense; statement that is always TRUE                                                    
tawdry : cheap and gaudy; Ex. tawdry jewelry                                                                    
taxonomist : specialist in classifying (animals, etc.); CF. taxonomy: science of classification                                                                 
tedium : boredom; weariness; ADJ. tedious                                                                       
teetotalism : practice of abstaining totally from alcoholic drinks; N. teetotaler;; ADJ. teetotal; CF. T + total                                                           
temerity : boldness; nerve; rashness; Ex. temerity to ask for a pay increase after only three day's work                                                           
temper : moderate; make less severe; tone down or restrain; toughen (steel) as by alternate heating and cooling                                                           
temperament : characteristic frame of mind; disposition; emotional excess; ADJ. temperamental: of temperament; having frequent changes of temper; Ex. temperamental dislike of sports; Ex. temperamental actress                                                   
temperate : moderate; restrained; self-controlled; moderate in respect to temperature; CF. temperance: moderation and self-restraint; abstinence of alcoholic drinks; Ex. temperance society                                                       
tempestuous : stormy; violent; impassioned; N. tempest: violent storm                                                                   
tempo : speed of music                                                                        
temporal : of time; not lasting forever; limited by time; temporary; secular; worldly                                                               
temporize : gain time as by postponing an action; avoid committing oneself                                                                
tenacious : holding fast (as to a belief); persistent                                                                    
tenacity : firmness; persistence                                                                         
tendentious : promoting a particular point of view; biased; having an aim; designed to further a cause; Ex. tendentious rather than truth-seeking; CF. tend: move in a certain direction                                               
tender : offer formally; extend; Ex. tender one's resignation/the exact fare; N: formal offer; money; Ex. legal tender; ADJ: young and vulnerable; sensitive to the touch; sore; soft; delicate; Ex. child of tender years; Ex. tender wound                                        
tenet : doctrine; dogma                                                                         
tensile : capable of being stretched; of tension; Ex. tensile rubber                                                                 
tension : stretching; condition of being stretched; mental strain; strained relationship between groups or people                                                             
tentative : not fully worked out or developed; provisional; experimental; uncertain; hesitant; not definite or positive; Ex. tentative agreement/reply                                                         
tenuous : thin; slim; rare                                                                       
tenure : holding of an office or real estate; time during which such an office is held                                                            
tepid : lukewarm; slightly warm; 미지근한; half-hearted; not eager; Ex. tepid reaction to the new film; Ex. tepid supporter                                                         
termination : end; V. terminate                                                                        
terminology : terms used in a science or art; study of nomenclature                                                                 
terminus : last stop of railroad; end                                                                     
terminal : part that forms the end; railroad or bus station; ADJ. forming an end; ending in death; fatal; Ex. terminal cancer                                                      
terrestrial : on or relating to the earth                                                                     
terse : concise; abrupt; pithy                                                                        
tertiary : third in order or rank                                                                     
tessellated : mosaic; inlaid; Ex. tessellated pattern                                                                     
testator : maker of a will; CF. testatrix                                                                    
testy : irritable; impatient and bad-tempered; short-tempered; N. testiness 
tether : tie (an animal) with a rope or tether; N: rope or chain to which an animal is tied; limit of one\'s endurance; Ex. the end of one\'s tether                                              
thematic : of a theme; relating to a unifying motif or idea                                                                 
theocracy : government run by religious leaders                                                                      
theoretical : based on theory; not practical or applied; hypothetical                                                                   
therapeutic : curative; N. therapy                                                                        
thermal : pertaining to heat; producing heat; warm; Ex. thermal bath; N: rising current of warm air                                                           
thespian : pertaining to drama; N: actor or actress                                                                   
drama : prose or verse composition to be performed by actors; play; exciting and unusual situation                                                            
thrall : slave; bondage; slavery; Ex. Her beauty held him in thrall; CF. enthrall                                                              
threadbare : worn through till the threads show; shabby and poor; hackneyed; Ex. threadbare excuses                                                             
thrifty : careful about money; economical; N. thrift                                                                     
thrive : prosper; flourish                                                                         
throes : violent anguish                                                                         
throng : crowd (of people or things); V.                                                                    
throttle : strangle; regulate the speed of with a throttle; N: valve that regulates the flow; CF. throat ?                                                         
strangle : kill by choking or suffocating; suppress                                                                    
thwart : block or hinder; baffle; frustrate                                                                      
tightwad : miser; excessively frugal person                                                                      
tiller : handle used to move boat's rudder (to steer)                                                                  
timbre : quality of a musical tone produced by a musical instrument (which distinguishes it from others of the same pitch)                                                       
timidity : lack of self-confidence or courage                                                                      
timorous : fearful; timid; demonstrating fear                                                                       
tipple : drink (alcoholic beverages) frequently; N: alcoholic drink                                                                   
tirade : long angry denunciatory speech; diatribe; harangue; extended scolding; denunciation                                                                 
tardy : slow; sluggish; not on time; late; Ex. tardy arrival                                                                 
titanic : gigantic; N. titan                                                                        
tithe : tax of one-tenth (contributed to a church); V: pay a tithe                                                               
titillate : tickle; excite pleasantly; Ex. not to titillate the audience but to enlighten it                                                             
tickle : touch (the body) lightly so as to cause laughter; please                                                                
title : name (of a book, film, etc.); mark of rank; formal appellation as of rank or office (such as Lord or General); right or claim to possession; championship; Ex. title as head of the family; Ex. title to the estate                                    
titter : nervous giggle; nervous laugh; V.                                                                     
titular : of a title; in name only; nominal; having the title of an office without the obligations; Ex. titular head of the company                                                    
toady : servile flatterer; yes man; sycophant; V: be a toady to; fawn                                                               
toga : Roman outer robe                                                                       
tome : large volume; book                                                                        
handsome : large in quantity; generous; Ex. handsome reward                                                                   

tonsure : shaving of the head especially by person entering religious orders; V.                                                               
topography : physical features of a region (such as the shape and height); CF. topo-: place                                                            
torpedo : underwater explosive apparatus; V.                                                                      
torpor : lethargy; sluggishness; dormancy; ADJ. torpid: lethargic; lazy; inactive; (of an animal) dormant; hibernating                                                              
torque : twisting force; force producing rotation                                                                     
torrent : rushing stream; flood; Ex. The rain fell in torrents.                                                                 
torrid : (of weather) hot or scorching; passionate; Ex. torrid love affairs                                                                
torso : trunk of statue with head and limbs missing; human trunk                                                                
trunk : main wooden stem of a tree; human body excluding the head and limbs; torso; prehensile nose of an elephant                                                       
tortuous : winding; full of curves; Ex. tortuous mountain road                                                                  
totter : shake or move unsteadily; sway as if about to fall                                                                
touchstone : stone used to test the fineness of gold alloys; criterion; standard                                                                
touchy : oversensitive; easily offended; irasible; delicate; needing delicate handling; Ex. touchy situation                                                               
tout : promote or publicize (one's goods or service); praise excessively (as a form of advertisement); CF. advertise                                                          
toxic : poisonous; N. toxicity                                                                        
tract : propaganda pamphlet (esp. by a religious or political group); expanse of land; region of indefinite size; system of related organs; Ex. digestive tract                                                   
tractable : docile; easily managed; (of something) easily changed or molded; N. tractability                                                                
traduce : expose to slander                                                                        
trajectory : path taken by a projectile; Ex. trajectory of a bullet                                                                 
elevation : elevated position; altitude; height; flat upright side of a building; angle made by pointing a gun; Ex. The elevation of her style is much admired; Ex. front elevation of the house                                           
tranquillity : calmness; peace                                                                         
transcendent : exceeding ordinary limits; superior; surpassing; V. transcend: go beyond; exceed; surpass; N. transcendancy                                                              
transcendental : going beyond common thought or ideas; impossible to understand by practical experiences or practices; known only by studying thoughts or intuition; OP. empirical; CF. transcendentalism                                                 
transcribe : copy; write a copy of; N. transcription                                                                    
transgression : violation of a law; sin; V. transgress: go beyond (a limit); violate; do wrong                                                             
transient : staying for a short time; momentary; temporary; N: one that is transient                                                               
transition : going from one state of action to another                                                                   
transitory : transient; impermanent; fleeting; N. transitoriness                                                                      
translucent : partly transparent                                                                         
transmute : transform; change; convert to something different                                                                     
transparent : permitting light to pass through freely; easily detected; obvious; clear; Ex. transparent lie                                                              
transpire : (of a fact) become known; be revealed; happen; give off (watery waste matter) through pores                                                           
transport : strong emotion; rapture; Ex. in a transport/transports of; V: move to strong emotion; enrapture                                                            
trappings : outward decorations; ornaments (as an outward sign of rank)                                                                 
traumatic : (of an experience) deeply shocking; pertaining to an injury caused by violence; N. trauma: serious wound; emotional shock that causes lasting psychological damage                                                   
travail : strenuous work; toil; painful labor; labor of childbirth                                                                  
traverse : go through or across                                                                       
travesty : copy or example of something that completely misrepresents the TRUE nature of the real thing; comical parody or imitation; treatment aimed at making something appear ridiculous; Ex. travesty of justice; OP. paragon                                          
treatise : article treating a subject systematically and thoroughly                                                                    
trek : travel; journey; V: make a long difficult journey                                                                  
tremor : trembling; slight quiver (as of the earth or from nervous agitation)                                                                
tremulous : trembling; wavering                                                                         
trenchant : cutting; incisive; keen                                                                        
furrow : long shallow trench made by a plow; deep wrinkle in the skin; V.                                                             
trepidation : fear; nervous apprehension                                                                        
tribulation : suffering; ordeal; distress; trial                                                                      
tribunal : court of justice                                                                       
tribune : official of ancient Rome elected by the plebians to protect their rights; protector of the people                                                          
tribute : tax levied by a ruler; payment made by one nation to another in acknowledgment of submission; mark of respect (such as praise or gift); Ex. pay tribute to                                               
trident : three-pronged spear                                                                        
prong : pointed projecting part                                                                       
trifling : trivial; unimportant                                                                         
trifle : something of little importance or value; small amount; Ex. a trifle; V: treat without seriousness; flirt                                                          
trigger : set off; start                                                                        
trilogy : group of three related works (connected by a shared subject but each complete in itself)                                                           
trinket : knickknack; bauble; cheap jewelry                                                                      
trite : hackneyed; commonplace                                                                         
trivia : trifles; unimportant matters                                                                        
troth : pledge of good faith especially in betrothal; betrothal; Ex. by my troth                                                              
trough : long narrow container for feeding farm animals; lowest point (of a wave, business cycle, etc.); long narrow depression as between waves                                                     
truculence : aggressiveness; ferocity; ADJ. truculent: aggressive; pugnacious; fierce                                                                   
truism : self-evident truth                                                                        
truncate : cut the top off; shorten                                                                      
tryst : meeting arranged by lovers; arrangement between lovers to meet                                                                 
tumid : (of a part of the body) swollen; distended; bombastic; pompous                                                                
overblown : inflated; exaggerated                                                                        
tumult : commotion of a great crowd; riot; noise; uproar; ADJ. tumultuous: noisy and disorderly                                                             
tundra : rolling treeless plain in Siberia and arctic North America                                                                  
rolling : (of land) rising and falling in long gentle slopes; happening continuously by stages; Ex. rolling devolution of power to local governments                                                     
turbid : (of a liquid) having the sediment disturbed; muddy; thick                                                                 
turbulence : state of violent agitation; ADJ. turbulent: violently agitated or disturbed                                                                 
tureen : deep dish for serving soup                                                                     
turgid : swollen; distended (as from liquid)                                                                     
turmoil : extreme confusion; great commotion and confusion; Ex. throw the country into turmoil                                                              
turncoat : traitor                                                                         
turpitude : depravity; baseness; Ex. moral turpitude                                                                     
tutelage : guardianship; training; function of a tutor; instruction                                                                   
tutelary : protective; pertaining to a guardianship; Ex. tutelary deities                                                                  
tycoon : wealthy and powerful businessperson; wealthy leader; magnate; Ex. business tycoon                                                                
typhoon : tropical hurricane or cyclone                                                                       
tyranny : oppression; cruel government; ADJ. tyrannical: of a tyrant or tyranny; despotic; V. tyrannize: treat tyrannically; oppress                                                           
tyro : beginner; novice                                                                         
ubiquitous : being everywhere; omnipresent; N. ubiquity                                                                      
wade : walk through a substance, such as water, that impedes movement                                                                

ulterior : intentionally hidden; beyond what is evident; situated beyond; unstated and often questionable; Ex. ulterior motive                                                           
ultimate : final; not susceptible to further analysis; fundamental; Ex. The sun is the ultimate source of energy.                                                           
eventual : happening at last as a result; Ex. eventual victory                                                                 
ultimatum : last demand; last warning; last statement of conditions that must be met; Ex. They have ignored our ultimatum.                                                        
umbrage : resentment; anger; sense of injury or insult; Ex. take umbrage at his rudeness                                                             
unaccountable : unexplicable; impossible to account for; unreasonable or mysterious                                                                   
unanimity : complete agreement; ADJ. unanimous                                                                       
unassailable : not open to attack; impregnable; not subject to question                                                                  
unassuaged : unsatisfied; not soothed                                                                        
unassuming : modest; Ex. the champion's unassuming manner                                                                    
unbridled : violent; uncontrolled; Ex. unbridled rage/greed                                                                     
bridle : harness fitted about a horse's head (used to restrain); curb; check; V: put a bridle on; control or restrain; show anger                                                     
uncanny : strange; mysterious; Ex. uncanny knack                                                                     
knack : special talent; art                                                                       
unconscionable : unscrupulous; not guided by conscience; excessive; beyond reason; Ex. unconscionable demand                                                               
uncouth : boorish; clumsy in speech or behavior; outlandish                                                                   
unction : the act of anointing with oil; Ex. extreme unction                                                                 
unctuous : oily; bland; insincerely suave                                                                      
underlying : lying below; fundamental                                                                        
undermine : weaken gradually; sap; dig a mine beneath                                                                    
underscore : underline; emphasize                                                                         
undulating : moving with a wavelike motion; V. undulate; CF. und: wave                                                                 
unearth : dig up; discover (facts) by careful searching; Ex. He unearthed some secrets about her; OP. conceal                                                          
unearthly : not earthly; supernatural; weird; ghostly                                                                     
weird : eerie; strange; unnatural                                                                       
unequivocal : plain; clear; obvious                                                                        
unerringly : infallibly; ADJ. unerring: making no mistakes                                                                     
unexceptionable : entirely acceptable; not offering any basis for criticism                                                                  
unfaltering : steadfast; firm; not changing                                                                       
unfeigned : genuine; real                                                                         
unfetter : liberate; free from chains; V. unfetter                                                                     
hostage : person who is kept as a prisoner by an enemy so that the other side will do what the enemy demands                                                     
unfledged : immature; not having the feathers necessary to fly; CF. fledgling                                                                
unfrock : defrock; strip a priest or minister of church authority                                                                  
disbar : make (a lawyer) leave the bar or the legal profession                                                                
debar : bar; forbid; exclude; Ex. debarred from jury services                                                                  
bar : railing in a courtroom; legal profession; vertical line dividing a staff into equal measures; Ex. prisoner at the bar; V: shut in or out with bars; forbid; exclude; CF. barrister                                            
bastard : illegitimate child                                                                        
ungainly : (of someone) awkward in movement; clumsy; (of something) unwieldy; Ex. ungainly dancer/instrument                                                              
unguent : ointment                                                                         
uniformity : sameness; monotony; ADJ. uniform: the same all over                                                                   
unilateral : one-sided; involving or affecting only one side; Ex. unilateral declaration                                                                
unimpeachable : that cannot be impeached; beyond doubt or question; blameless and exemplary                                                               
uninhibited : unrepressed; free in behavior and feelings                                                                     
unintimating : unfrightening                                                                          
unique : without an equal; single in kind                                                                     
unison : unity of pitch (in musical performance); complete accord; Ex. The choir sang in unison.                                                            
choir : group of people who sing together (esp. during religious services); place for choir                                                             
universal : characterizing or affecting all; general; present everywhere; of the universe; cosmic; Ex. universal agreement; Ex. a subject of universal interest                                                       
unkempt : disheveled; uncared for in appearance; not combed; CF. comb                                                                 
unmitigated : (of something bad) not moderated; unrelieved or immoderate; without qualification; absolute; Ex. unmitigated disaster                                                            
unobtrusive : inconspicuous; not blatant                                                                       
unprecedented : having no previous example; novel; unparalleled                                                                     
unprepossessing : unattractive                                                                         
prepossessing : attractive; CF. preoccupying ?                                                                      
unravel : disentangle; solve                                                                         
unrequited : not requited; not reciprocated; Ex. unrequited love                                                                    
unruly : disobedient; lawless; difficult to control                                                                      
unsavory : distasteful; disagreeable; morally offensive; Ex. unsavory activity/reputation                                                                    
unscathed : unharmed; Ex. escape the accident unscathed                                                                    
unseemly : unbecoming; not proper in behavior; indecent; Ex. leave with unseemly haste                                                               
unsightly : ugly; unpleasant to look at                                                                     
unsullied : untarnished; CF. sully                                                                       
untenable : (of a position, esp. in an argument) indefensible; not able to be maintained                                                             
untoward : unexpected and adverse; unfortunate or unlucky; Ex. untoward encounter                                                                 
unwarranted : unjustified; having no justification; groundless; baseless; undeserved                                                                    
unwieldy : awkward (to carry or move); cumbersome; unmanageable                                                                    
unwitting : not knowing; unaware; unintentional; Ex. She was their unwitting accomplice; Ex. unwitting insult; CF. wit: know                                                          
unwonted : unaccustomed; unusual; Ex. He arrived with unwonted punctuality.                                                                  
upbraid : reprimand; severely scold                                                                       
braid : plait; interweave strands or lengths of; make by weaving strands together; N: braided segment (as of hair)                                                         
uproarious : marked by commotion or uproar; very noisy (esp. with laughter); hilarious; causing loud laughter; extremely funny                                                          
uproar : noisy confusion                                                                        
upshot : outcome; final result                                                                       
urbane : suave; refined in manner; elegant                                                                     
urchin : mischievous child (usually a boy); CF. urchin: hedgehog; CF. porcupine: pig with spikes ?; CF. sea urchin                                                         
ursine : bearlike; pertaining to a bear    
usurp : seize another\'s power or rank (without legal authority); supplant; appropriate; N. usurpation; CF. take for one\'s own use                                                        
usury : lending money at illegal high rates of interest                                                                  
utopia : ideal place, state, or society; ADJ. utopian                                                                    
Shangri-la : imaginary remote paradise on earth; CF. Lost Horizon                                                                  
uxorious : excessively submissive or devoted to one's wife; CF. uxor: wife                                                                
vacillate : waver (in opinion); fluctuate; sway to and fro; N. vacillation                                                                
vacuous : empty; lacking in ideas; inane; stupid; Ex. vacuous expression; N. vacuity                                                               
vagabond : wanderer (without a permanent home); tramp                                                                     
tramp : walk with a heavy step; travel on foot; N: vagrant; one who travels aimlessly about; long walk; sound of heavy walking                                                     
trample : step heavily with the feet; crush under the feet                                                                 
tread : walk; trample; N: grooved face of a tire; horizontal part of a step                                                             
vagary : capricious happening; caprice; whim; CF. wander                                                                    
vagrant : wandering from place to place; roving; stray; moving in a random fashion; Ex. vagrant thoughts; N. vagrancy                                                          
vagrant : homeless wanderer                                                                         
vainglorious : boastful; excessively conceited; N. vainglory: great vanity                                                                   
valedictory : pertaining to farewell; N: farewell address (esp. at graduation exercises)                                                                 
valediction : saying farewell; expression of leave-taking                                                                     
leave-taking : farewell or departure                                                                       
valid : logically convincing; sound; legally acceptable; effective; Ex. valid reasoning/passport                                                                  
sound : in good condition; showing good judgment or good sense; thorough; complete; Ex. sound mind/investment/training                                                            
validate : make valid; confirm; ratify                                                                       
valor : bravery; ADJ. valiant: possessing valor; brave                                                                     
vampire : ghostly being that sucks the blood of the living                                                                  
vanguard : forerunners; foremost position of an army; advance forces; foremost position in a trend or movement; CF. rearguard                                                         
avantgarde : group of artists whose work is based on the newest ideas and methods; CF. vanguard                                                           
vantage : position giving an advantage (such as a strategic point); CF. vantagepoint                                                                
vapid : lacking liveliness; dull and unimaginative; insipid and flavorless; Ex. vapid lecture                                                               
vaporize : turn into vapor (steam, gas, fog, etc.)                                                                    
variegated : (esp. of a flower or leaf) many-colored                                                                   
variegate : change the appearance of (by marking with different colors)                                                                 
vassal : in feudalism, one who held land of a superior lord; subordinate or dependent                                                             
vaunted : boasted; bragged; highly publicized; V. vaunt: boast; brag                                                                  
veer : change in direction; swerve                                                                      
vegetate : live in a monotonous way (without interests or activity); CF. vegetation: plants of an area; CF. vegetarian; CF. vegan                                                       
vehement : forceful; intensely emotional; with marked vigor; strong; N. vehemence                                                                  

velocity : speed                                                                          
venal : capable of being bribed; corrupt; CF. vernal                                                                   
vendetta : blood feud (esp. between two families); CF. Nina Williams                                                                 
vendor : seller                                                                          
veneer : thin surface layer (of good quality wood, glued to a base of inferior material); cover; surface show; fa\c{c}ade; V.                                                       
venerable : deserving high respect; commanding respect; CF. command: deserve and get                                                                
venerate : revere; treat with great respect                                                                     
venial : (of a fault or sin) forgivable; trivial                                                                   
venison : meat of a deer; CF. cow: beef; CF. pig: pork, ham, bacon; CF. calf: veal; CF. sheep: mutton; CF. lamb: lamb                                                     
venom : poison (of an animal); hatred; Ex. remarks full of venom; ADJ. venomous                                                              
vent : small opening; outlet (as of fumes or a gas); Ex. He gave vent to his anger by kicking the chair.                                                      
vent : release or discharge through a vent; express (esp. unfairly); utter; Ex. He vented his wrath on his family.                                                        
ventilate : admit fresh air into to replace stale air                                                                  
ventral : abdominal                                                                         
ventriloquist : someone who can make his or her voice seem to come from another person or thing (without moving lips or jaws); N. ventriloquism, ventriloquy                                                   
venture : risk; expose to risk; dare; undertake a risk; N.                                                                  
brave : face courageously; Ex. brave the storm                                                                    
venturesome : (of a person) bold; adventurous; daring; (of an action) risky                                                                 
venue : location; place (of a crime, trial, gathering, etc.); CF. come                                                                
veracious : (of a person) truthful                                                                      
veracity : truthfulness; adherence to the truth                                                                     
verbalize : put into words; ADJ. verbal: of words; spoken rather than written; oral; of a verb                                                            
verbatim : word for word; in the same words; repeating the actual words exactly                                                               
verbiage : pompous array of words; too many unnecessary words; wordiness                                                                  
verbose : wordy; N. verbosity                                                                        
verdant : green; covered with green plants or grass; lush in vegetation; Ex. verdant meadows                                                             
lush : (of a plant or grass) growing very well                                                                  
verdigris : green coating or patina on copper which has been exposed to the weather                                                             
verge : border; edge, rim, or margin; Ex. on the verge of: very near to; V: border on                                                           
verisimilar : having the appearance of truth or reality; probable or likely to be true; plausible                                                            
verisimilitude : appearance of truth; quality of appearing to be TRUE or real; likelihood; Ex. verisimilitude of her performance as Lady Macbeth                                                      
veritable : being truly so; real or genuine; actual; not FALSE or imaginary                                                               
verity : quality of being true; lasting truth or principle; Ex. the verity of his testimony; Ex. one of the eternal verities                                                       
vernacular : living language (as compared to the official language); language spoken in a country or region; natural style; Ex. lapse into the vernacular                                                    
vernal : pertaining to spring                                                                       
versatile : having many talents; capable of working in many fields; having many uses or functions; N. versatility                                                           
vertex : summit; highest point; PL. vertices                                                                      
vertigo : severe dizziness; giddiness                                                                        
verve : enthusiasm (as in artistic performance or composition); liveliness; vigor                                                                 
vestige : trace; remains; Ex. vestiges of some ancient religion                                                                   
veto : vested power to reject a bill; exercise of this right; V: prevent or forbid by exercising the power of veto                                                      
vex : annoy; distress                                                                         
viable : capable of maintaining life; feasible; practical or workable; Ex. viable scheme                                                                
viand : food; CF. live                                                                       
vicarious : experienced as if one were taking part in the experience of another; done by a deputy for other people; acting as a substitute; Ex. vicarious thrill at the movies; Ex. the vicarious sufferings of Christ                                       
vicar : parish priest; representative                                                                       
vicissitude : change (esp. from good to bad); change of fortune; CF. the last emperor of China                                                           
victuals : food; provisions; V. victual: provide with food                                                                   
vie : contend; compete                                                                         
vigilant : watchful; on the alert; watchfully awake; alert to spot danger; N. vigilance                                                               
vigil : keeping watch (during normal sleeping hours); Ex. all-night vigil                                                                 
vigilante : one who without authority assumes law enforcement powers                                                                  
vigor : active strength; energy; enthusiasm; ADJ. vigorous                                                                     
vignette : small drawing placed at the beginning or end of a chapter; picture; short literary sketch; short written description of a character or scene                                                   
vilify : slander; speak evil of; N. vilification  
vindicate : clear from blame; free from blame or accusation (with supporting proof); exonerate; substantiate; justify or support; avenge; Ex. vindicate one\'s client; Ex. vindicate one\'s claim; CF. vindicator                                               
vindictive : disposed to revenge; vengeful; out for revenge; spiteful; intended to cause harm; malicious; Ex. vindictive streak                                                          
vintner : wine merchant; winemaker; seller of wine                                                                    
viper : poisonous snake                                                                         
virile : manly; having masculine spirit or strength; full of strength                                                                  
virtual : in essence; existing in essence though not in actual form; for practical purposes; Ex. virtual ruler/space                                                           
virtue : goodness; moral excellence; good quality; advantage; Ex. by virtue of; Ex. make a virtue of necessity                                                           
virtuoso : highly skilled artist (esp. in music); Ex. piano virtuoso                                                                 
virulent : (of a disease or poison) extremely harmful or poisonous; (of a feeling) hostile; bitter; N. virulence; CF. virus; CF. venom                                                      
virus : disease communicator                                                                         
visage : face; appearance                                                                        
visceral : felt in one's inner organs; N. viscera: internal body organs; CF. eviscerate                                                              
viscid : adhesive; gluey                                                                        
viscous : (of a liquid) thick and sticky; gluey; viscid; CF. consistency                                                                 
vise : vice; tool for holding work in place; clamping device                                                                 
visionary : produced by imagination; fanciful; mystical; showing foresight; N: one having foresight; one given to speculative impractical ideas                                                         
vision : eyesight; foresight; mental image produced by the imagination; experience of seeing the supernatural                                                             
vital : full of life; animated; vibrant and lively; critical; of great importance; necessary to stay alive; of life; living; breathing; N. vitality; V. vitalize                                                    
vibrant : full of vigor or energy; vibrating                                                                    
vitiate : spoil the effect of; make inoperative; corrupt morally                                                                  
vitreous : of glass; pertaining to or resembling glass; V. vitrify: change into glass; CF. petrify                                                            
vitriolic : causing sharp pain to the mind; caustic; corrosive; sarcastic; of vitriol; N. vitriol: sulphuric acid (which burns flesh deeply); bitterly abusive expression; caustic expression; CF. glass                                                
vituperative : abusive; scolding; V. vituperate: berate; scold; rail against abusively                                                                 
vivacious : lively or animated; sprightly                                                                      
sprightly : lively                                                                         
vivisection : act of dissecting living animals                                                                      
vixen : female fox; ill-tempered woman; CF. shrew                                                                    
vociferous : clamorous; noisy; V. vociferate: cry out loudly (when complaining)                                                                  
vogue : popular fashion; Ex. Jeans became the vogue.                                                                   

volatile : changeable; of a quickly changing nature (as of temper); mercurial; tending to violence; evaporating rapidly; Ex. volatile character/situation in the street                                                     
volition : act of using one's will; act of making a conscious choice; Ex. She selected this dress of her own volition.                                                       
voluble : fluent; talkative; glib; N. volubility                                                                      
volley : simultaneous discharge of a number of shots; V.                                                                  
voluminous : having great volume (as of a garment or container); bulky; large                                                                
bulk : size or volume (esp. when very large); main part; Ex. The bulk of the work has already been done; ADJ. bulky: having great size                                                  
voodoo : religion practiced chiefly in Haiti                                                                     
voracious : ravenous; eating large quantities of food; exceedingly eager; insatiable; Ex. voracious animal/reader                                                               
vortex : whirlwind; whirlpool; center of turbulence; predicament into which one is inexorably plunged                                                               
vouchsafe : grant condescendingly; guarantee; Ex. vouchsafe your fair return on your investment                                                               
vouch : give a personal guarantee; Ex. I can vouch for his integrity; N. voucher                                                             
voyeur : Peeping Tom; person who derives sexual gratification from observing the sexual acts of others                                                            
vulnerable : susceptible to wounds or attack; N. vulnerability                                                                    
vulpine : like a fox; crafty                                                                      
craft : skill (esp. with one's hands); skill in deceiving people; guile; ADJ. crafty: cleverly deceitful; cunning                                                           
vulture : carrion-eating birds                                                                        
vying : contending; CF. vie                                                                       
waffle : speak equivocally about an issue; N.                                                                    
waft : move gently (in air or in seas) by wind or waves; Ex. leaves wafting past the window                                                         
waggish : humorous; mischievous; tricky                                                                       
wag : shake repeatedly from side to side; Ex. The dog wagged its tail; N: humorous person; wit                                                          
waif : homeless child or animal; Ex. waifs and strays                                                                  
waive : give up temporarily; yield; N. waiver: waiving a right or claim; document that waives a right or claim                                                         
wake : trail of ship or other object through water; path of something that has gone before; Ex. hunger followed in the wake of the war                                                  
wallow : roll in mud; indulge in; (of a ship) roll in a rough sea; become helpless; Ex. wallow in the mud/luxury                                                      
wan : having a pale or sickly color; pallid                                                                   
wanderlust : strong longing to travel                                                                      
wane : decrease in size or strength (after being full); grow gradually to an end; Ex. The moon waxes and wanes every month; N.                                                    
wangle : achieve by cleverness or trick; wiggle out; fake; Ex. She tried to wangle an invitation to the party.                                                        
wiggle : wriggle; move from side to side with irregular twisting motions                                                                
fake : not genuine; N: one that is not genuine; impostor; sham; V: counterfeit; Ex. fake the results of the experiment/the signature                                                      
wanton : unrestrained; gratuitously cruel; willfully malicious; unchaste; sexually improper; promiscuous; Ex. wanton spending/killing; CF. having no just cause                                                         
warble : (of a bird) sing; babble; N.                                                                    
warp : twist out of shape; N.                                                                     
warranted : justified; authorized                                                                         
warrant : justification; written order that serves as authorization (esp. a judicial writ); Ex. search/death warrant; V: justify; guarantee                                                         
warranty : guarantee; assurance by seller                                                                       
warren : tunnels in which rabbits live; overcrowded living area; crowded conditions in which people live                                                            
wary : very cautious; watchful                                                                        
wastrel : waster; profligate                                                                        
wax : increase gradually (as the moon); grow                                                                    
waylay : ambush; lie in wait for and attack                                                                   
ambush : act of lying in wait to attack by surprise; sudden attack made from a concealed position; Ex. lie in ambush; V.                                                     
wean : accustom a baby not to nurse; accustom (the young of a mammal) to take nourishment other than by suckling; give up a cherished activity; cause to gradually leave (an interest or habit); Ex. wean oneself from cigarettes                                     
weather : pass safely through (a storm or  difficult period); endure the effects of weather or other forces                                                         
welt : raised mark from a beating or whipping                                                                   
welter : confusion; turmoil; confused mass; bewildering jumble; Ex. welter of data                                                                
welter : wallow (as in mud or high seas); lie soaked (as in blood); Ex. The victims weltered in their blood.                                                       
wheedle : deceive, persuade, or obtain by flattery; cajole; coax; Ex. wheedle a promise out of her                                                           
whelp : young animal (esp. of the dog or cat family); young wolf, dog, tiger, etc.                                                            
whet : sharpen; stimulate; Ex. whet someone's appetite                                                                    
whiff : puff or gust (of air, scent, etc.); short-lasting smell; hint; Ex. whiff of perfume/scandal                                                            
whimsical : capricious; fanciful; amusingly strange                                                                      
whim : sudden capricious idea; fancy                                                                      
whimsy : whim; tendency to behave amusingly strangely; Ex. story full of whimsy                                                               
whinny : neigh like a horse; CF. neigh: make the sound which horses make                                                              
whit : small amount; smallest speck; Ex. not a whit of                                                                 
whittle : pare; cut away thin bits (from wood); fashion in this way; reduce gradually; trim                                                            
pare : cut away the outer covering or skin of (with a knife); trim; Ex. pare apples/expenses                                                           
whorl : ring of leaves around stem; ring; circular arrangement; Ex. whorls on the fingers                                                             
willful : wilful; intentional; headstrong                                                                        
wilt : loose freshness; droop                                                                       
wily : crafty; cunning; artful; N. wile: deceitful stratagem                                                                    
wince : move back suddenly; shrink back; flinch; Ex. She winced as she touched the cold body.                                                           
start : move suddenly or involuntarily; Ex. start at the sight of a snake                                                              
windfall : fallen fruit; unexpected lucky event                                                                     
winnow : sift; separate the chaff from grain by blowing; separate good parts from bad; CF. wind                                                           
sift : put through a sieve to separate fine from coarse particles; sort or examine carefully                                                            
winsome : charming (in a childlike way); agreeable; gracious; engaging                                                                  
wispy : thin; slight; barely discernible                                                                      
wisp : small bunch (of hair); faint streak (of smoke)                                                                  
wistful : sadly thoughtful (because of desires or memories); sadly pensive; vaguely longing                                                               
withdrawn : introverted; retiring; remote                                                                       
remote : distant in manner; aloof                                                                      
wither : (of a plant) dry up from loss of moisture; lose freshness; shrivel; decay                                                             
shrivel : make or become shrunken and wrinkled (often by drying)                                                                 
withhold : refuse to give; hold back; Ex. withholding tax                                                                  
withstand : stand up against; resist successfully                                                                      
witless : lacking intelligence or wit; foolish; idiotic                                                                     
witticism : witty saying; wisecrack(clever joking remark)                                                                     
wizardry : sorcery; magic                                                                         
wizened : shriveled; withered; Ex. wizened apple/old lady                                                                    
woe : great sorrow; deep inconsolable grief; affliction; suffering; Ex. financial woes                                                                 
woeful : sad; (of something bad) deplorable; deplorably bad; Ex. woeful housing conditions                                                               
wont : (the stated person's) habit or custom; habitual procedure; ADJ. wonted: customary                                                               
worldly : engrossed in matters of this earth; not spiritual; of the material world                                                               
wrangle : quarrel noisily; obtain through arguing; herd cattle; N.                                                                  
herd : group of animals; crowd; one who looks after a herd; Ex. shepherd/goatherd; Ex. herd instinct; Ex. herdsman; V: come together in a herd; look after a herd; Ex. herd cattle                                            
wrath : anger; fury                                                                         
wreak : inflict; Ex. wreak one's vengeance on                                                                    
wrench : twist; pull; strain; Ex. He wrenched the gun out of her hands.                                                               
wrest : obtain by pulling violently; pull away; take by violence; Ex. wrest victory from their grasp                                                           
writ : written command issued by a court (telling someone to do or not to do something)                                                           
writhe : twist in coils; contort in pain                                                                    
wry : (esp. of an expression of the face) twisted; with a humorous twist (expressing displeasure)                                                            
xenophobia : fear or hatred of foreigners; N. xenophobe                                                                    
yen : strong desire; longing; urge; Ex. yen for travel                                                                  
yeoman : man or farmer owning small estate; middle-class farmer                                                                  
yield : amount produced; crop; income on investment; profit obtained from an investment; V: produce; give in; surrender                                                           
yoke : join together; unite; N: crossbar used to joining two draft animals                                                               
yokel : rustic; country bumpkin; 촌놈                                                                      
yore : time long past; Ex. in the days of yore                                                                 
zany : comic; crazy; N: clown; comical person (given to outlandish behavior)                                                                
zeal : eager enthusiasm (to a cause or ideal); ADJ. zealous                                                                  
zealot : one who is zealous; fanatic; person who shows excessive zeal                                                                 
zenith : point directly overhead in the sky; summit; acme; highest point                                                                 
zephyr : gentle breeze; west wind