Vocabulary #3

possessor

noun a person who owns something or has a particular quality: his father was the possessor of a considerable fortune. • Law a person who takes, occupies, or holds something without necessarily having ownership, or as distinguished from the owner.

apostate

noun a person who renounces a religious or political belief or principle. adjective abandoning a religious or political belief or principle

innovative

adjective (of a product, idea, etc.) featuring new methods; advanced and original: innovative designs | innovative ways to help unemployed people. • (of a person) introducing new ideas; original and creative in thinking: an innovative thinker.

arbiter

noun a person who settles a dispute or has ultimate authority in a matter: the military acted as arbiter of conflicts between political groups. • a person whose views or actions have great influence over trends in social behavior: an arbiter of taste.

spendthrift

noun a person who spends money in an extravagant, irresponsible way.

hoaxer

noun a person who tricks or deceives someone by means of a hoax: improving the tracing of calls has deterred many hoaxers.

prosecutor

noun a person, especially a public official, who institutes legal proceedings against someone. • a lawyer who conducts the case against a defendant in a criminal court. Also called prosecuting attorney.

socialism

noun a political and economic theory of social organization that advocates that the means of production, distribution, and exchange should be owned or regulated by the community as a whole. • policy or practice based on the political and economic theory of socialism. • (in Marxist theory) a transitional social state between the overthrow of capitalism and the realization of communism.

predilection

noun a preference or special liking for something; a bias in favor of something: my predilection for Asian food.

pathos

noun a quality that evokes pity or sadness: the actor injects his customary humor and pathos into the role.

meditation

noun the action or practice of meditating: a life of meditation. • a written or spoken discourse expressing considered thoughts on a subject: his later letters are intense meditations on man's exploitation of his fellows.

concise

adjective giving a lot of information clearly and in a few words; brief but comprehensive: a concise account of the country's history.

complicity

noun the state of being involved with others in an illegal activity or wrongdoing: they were accused of complicity in the attempt to overthrow the government.

prosperity

noun the state of being prosperous: a long period of prosperity.

immobility

noun the state of not moving; motionlessness: the disorder is caused by long periods of immobility. • inability to move or be moved: people with frostbite can experience pain or immobility.

punitive

adjective inflicting or intended as punishment: he called for punitive measures against the Eastern bloc. • (of a tax or other charge) extremely high: a current punitive interest rate of 31.3%.

oblivious

adjective not aware of or not concerned about what is happening around one: she became absorbed, oblivious to the passage of time | the women were oblivious of his presence.

titanic

adjective of exceptional strength, size, or power: a series of titanic explosions. adjectiveChemistry of titanium with a valence of four; of titanium(IV). Compare with titanous.

abiding

adjective [attributive] (of a feeling or a memory) lasting a long time; enduring: he had an abiding respect for her.

warring

adjective [attributive] (of two or more people or groups) in conflict with each other: warring factions | a warring couple.

altercation

noun a noisy argument or disagreement, especially in public: I had an altercation with the conductor.

ceremonious

adjective relating or appropriate to grand and formal occasions: a Great Hall where ceremonious and public appearances were made. • excessively polite; punctilious: he accepted the gifts with ceremonious dignity.

parochial

adjective relating to a church parish: the parochial church council. • having a limited or narrow outlook or scope: this worldview seems incredibly naive and parochial.

corporeal

adjective relating to a person's body, especially as opposed to their spirit: he was frank about his corporeal appetites. • having a body: a corporeal God. • Law consisting of material objects; tangible: corporeal property.

cognitive

adjective relating to cognition.

thespian

adjective relating to drama and the theater: thespian talents. noun an actor or actress.

linguistic

adjective relating to language or linguistics.

liturgical

adjective relating to liturgy or public worship

inconsequential

adjective not important or significant: they talked about inconsequential things.

voluminous

adjective occupying or containing much space; large in volume, in particular: • (of clothing or drapery) loose and ample. • (of writing) very lengthy and full. • (of a writer) producing many books.

bipartisan

adjective of or involving the agreement or cooperation of two political parties that usually oppose each other's policies: educational reform received considerable bipartisan approval.

paranoid

adjective of, characterized by, or suffering from the mental condition of paranoia: paranoid schizophrenia. • unreasonably or obsessively anxious, suspicious, or mistrustful: you think I'm paranoid but I tell you there is something going on. noun a person who is paranoid

lunar

adjective of, determined by, relating to, or resembling the moon: a lunar landscape.

processional

adjective of, for, or used in a religious or ceremonial procession: a processional cross.

generative

adjective relating to or capable of production or reproduction: the generative power of the life force.

vapid

adjective offering nothing that is stimulating or challenging: tuneful but vapid musical comedies.

berserk

adjective out of control with anger or excitement; wild or frenzied: after she left him, he went berserk, throwing things around the apartment.

attentive

adjective paying close attention to something: never before had she had such an attentive audience | Congress should be more attentive to the interests of taxpayers. • assiduously attending to the comfort or wishes of others; very polite or courteous: the hotel has a pleasant atmosphere and attentive service.

pliant

adjective pliable: pliant willow stems | figurative : an economy pliant to political will.

courteous

adjective polite, respectful, or considerate in manner.

hardheaded

adjective practical and realistic; not sentimental: as experienced and hardheaded a bunch of legislators as has ever entered Congress.

docile

adjective ready to accept control or instruction; submissive: a cheap and docile workforce.

discount

2 regard (a possibility, fact, or person) as being unworthy of consideration because it lacks credibility: I'd heard rumors, but discounted them.

unrequited

addjective (of a feeling, especially love) not returned or rewarded.

pettish

adjective (of a person or their behavior) childishly bad-tempered and petulant: he comes across in his journal entries as spoiled and pettish.

conscientious

adjective 1 (of a person) wishing to do what is right, especially to do one's work or duty well and thoroughly: a conscientious and hardworking clerk. 2 relating to a person's conscience: the act does not provide exemption from service on the basis of personal conscientious beliefs.

glaring

adjective 1 [attributive] giving out or reflecting a strong or dazzling light: the glaring sun. • staring fiercely or fixedly: their glaring eyes. 2 highly obvious or conspicuous: there is a glaring omission in the above data.

commodious

adjective 1 formal (especially of furniture or a building) roomy and comfortable. 2 archaic convenient.

durable

adjective able to withstand wear, pressure, or damage; hard-wearing: porcelain enamel is strong and durable | figurative : a durable peace can be achieved. • informal (of a person) having endurance: the durable Smith lasted the full eight rounds.

deleterious

adjective causing harm or damage: divorce is assumed to have deleterious effects on children.

quarrelsome

adjective given to or characterized by quarreling.

recalcitrant

adjective having an obstinately uncooperative attitude toward authority or discipline: a class of recalcitrant fifteen-year-olds. noun a person with an obstinately uncooperative attitude.

long overdue

adjective having been expected or needed for a long time: a long-overdue reform.

mediocre

adjective of only moderate quality; not very good: a mediocre actor.

tactical

adjective relating to or constituting actions carefully planned to gain a specific military end: as a tactical officer in the field he had no equal. • (of a person or their actions) showing adroit planning; aiming at an end beyond the immediate action: in a tactical retreat, she moved into a hotel with her daughters. characterized by skillful tactics or adroit maneuvering or procedure: tactical movements. 3. of or relating to a maneuver or plan of action designed as an expedient toward gaining a desired end or temporary advantage.

testing

adjective revealing a person's capabilities by putting them under strain; challenging: it's been quite a testing time for all of us.

hazardous

adjective risky; dangerous: we work in hazardous conditions | it is hazardous to personal safety.

explicit

adjective stated clearly and in detail, leaving no room for confusion or doubt: the speaker's intentions were not made explicit. • (of a person) stating something in a clear and detailed way: let me be explicit. • describing or representing sexual activity in a graphic fashion: explicit photos showing poses and acts. noun the closing words of a text, manuscript, early printed book, or chanted liturgical text.

distended

adjective swollen due to pressure from inside; bloated: a distended belly.

boundless

adjective unlimited; immense: enthusiasts who devote boundless energy to their hobby.

unmitigated

adjective [attributive] absolute; unqualified: the tour had been an unmitigated disaster.

affective

adjectivechiefly Psychology relating to moods, feelings, and attitudes: affective disorders.

insistently

adverb 1 in an insistent or demanding manner: he insistently demanded that we move | they continued to press insistently forward from all sides. 2 in a continuous or repetitive way: an insistently ringing phone.

urgent care center

is a convenient option when someone's regular physician is on vacation or unable to offer a timely appointment.

optimist

noun 1 a person who tends to be hopeful and confident about the future or the success of something: only an eternal optimist could expect success. 2 Philosophy a person who believes that this world is the best of all possible worlds or that good must ultimately prevail over evil.

snare

noun 1 a trap for catching birds or animals, typically one having a noose of wire or cord. • a thing likely to lure or tempt someone into harm or error: the wickedness and snares of the Devil. 3 Surgery a wire loop for severing polyps or other growths. verb [with object] catch (a bird or mammal) in a snare. • catch or trap (someone): I snared a passing waiter.

predator

noun 1 an animal that naturally preys on others: wolves are major predators of rodents. 2 a person or group that ruthlessly exploits others: a website frequented by sexual predators. • a company that tries to take over another.

influx

noun 1 an arrival or entry of large numbers of people or things: a massive influx of refugees from front-line areas. 2 an inflow of water into a river, lake, or the sea.

indictment

noun 1 chiefly North American a formal charge or accusation of a serious crime: an indictment for conspiracy. • the action of indicting or being indicted: the indictment of twelve people who had imported cocaine. 2 a thing that serves to illustrate that a system or situation is bad and deserves to be condemned: these rapidly escalating crime figures are an indictment of our society.

goodwill

noun 1 friendly, helpful, or cooperative feelings or attitude: the plan is dependent on goodwill between the two sides | [as modifier] : a goodwill gesture.

encroachment

noun 1 intrusion on a person's territory, rights, etc.: minor encroachments on our individual liberties. • a gradual advance beyond usual or acceptable limits: urban encroachment of habitat.

fruition

noun 1 the point at which a plan or project is realized: the plans have come to fruition sooner than expected. • [in singular] the realization of a plan or project: new methods will come with the fruition of that research. 2 literary the state or action of producing fruit.

bravado

noun a bold manner or a show of boldness intended to impress or intimidate.

anticlimax

noun a disappointing end to an exciting or impressive series of events: the rest of the journey was an anticlimax by comparison | a sense of anticlimax and incipient boredom.

pact

noun a formal agreement between individuals or parties.

dervish

noun a member of a Muslim (specifically Sufi) religious order who has taken vows of poverty and austerity. Dervishes first appeared in the 12th century; they were noted for their wild or ecstatic rituals and were known as dancing, whirling, or howling dervishes according to the practice of their order.

misapprehension

noun a mistaken belief about or interpretation of something: she must have been laboring under the misapprehension that you are nice.

correlation

noun a mutual relationship or connection between two or more things: research showed a clear correlation between recession and levels of property crime. - • the process of establishing a relationship or connection between two or more measures.

crevice

noun a narrow opening or fissure, especially in a rock or wall.

smuggler

noun a person who smuggles goods: drug smugglers.

despot

noun a ruler or other person who holds absolute power, typically one who exercises it in a cruel or oppressive way.

impasse

noun a situation in which no progress is possible, especially because of disagreement; a deadlock: the current political impasse.

arbitrator

noun an independent person or body officially appointed to settle a dispute.

expletive

noun an oath or swear word.

ill-will

noun animosity or bitterness: he didn't bear his estranged wife any ill will.

monotony

noun lack of variety and interest; tedious repetition and routine: you can become resigned to the monotony of captivity. • sameness of pitch or tone in a sound or utterance: depression flattens the voice almost to monotony.

mutability

noun liability or tendency to change: the incessant mutability of species | the very diversity of his fans suggest his mutability.

ignominy

noun public shame or disgrace: the ignominy of being imprisoned.

disapprobation

noun strong disapproval, typically on moral grounds: she braved her mother's disapprobation and slipped out to enjoy herself.

temple

noun the flat part of either side of the head between the forehead and the ear.

automaton

noun (plural automata |-tə| or automatons) a moving mechanical device made in imitation of a human being. • a machine that performs a function according to a predetermined set of coded instructions, especially one capable of a range of programmed responses to different circumstances. • used in similes and comparisons to refer to a person who seems to act in a mechanical or unemotional way: she went about her preparations like an automaton.

civility

noun (plural civilities) formal politeness and courtesy in behavior or speech: I hope we can treat each other with civility and respect. • (civilities) polite remarks used in formal conversation: she was exchanging civilities with his mother.

dignitary

noun (plural dignitaries) a person considered to be important because of high rank or office.

inequity

noun (plural inequities) lack of fairness or justice: policies aimed at redressing racial inequity | inequities in school financing.

legacy

noun (plural legacies) an amount of money or property left to someone in a will. • a thing handed down by a predecessor: the legacy of centuries of neglect.

obscenity

noun (plural obscenities) the state or quality of being obscene; obscene behavior, language, or images: the book was banned for obscenity. • an extremely offensive word or expression: the men scowled and muttered obscenities.

propensity

noun (plural propensities) an inclination or natural tendency to behave in a particular way: a propensity for violence | [with infinitive] : their innate propensity to attack one another.

subtlety

noun (plural subtleties) the quality or state of being subtle: the textural subtlety of Degas. • a subtle distinction, feature, or argument: the subtleties of English grammar.

zeitgeist

noun [in singular] the defining spirit or mood of a particular period of history as shown by the ideas and beliefs of the time: the story captured the zeitgeist of the late 1960s.

genesis

noun [in singular] the origin or mode of formation of something: this tale had its genesis in fireside stories.

hedging

noun [mass noun] the planting or trimming of hedges: contract work for hedging and ditching. • bushes and shrubs planted to form hedges: dense shrubbery and tall hedging offers concealment.

expatriate

noun |ˌeksˈpātrēət| a person who lives outside their native country: American expatriates in London. • archaic a person exiled from their native country. adjective |ˌeksˈpātrēət| [attributive] (of a person) living outside their native country: expatriate writers and artists. • archaic expelled from one's native country. verb |eksˈpātrēˌāt| [no object] settle oneself abroad: candidates should be willing to expatriate.

epiphytic

nounBotany a plant that grows on another plant but is not parasitic, such as the numerous ferns, bromeliads, air plants, and orchids growing on tree trunks in tropical rainforests. DERIVATIVES epiphytal |ˌepəˈfītl| adjective. epiphytic |ˌepəˈfidik| adjective

chuck

nounUS informal food or provisions. verb [with object] touch (someone) playfully or gently under the chin. noun a playful touch under the chin. verb [with object] throw (something) carelessly or casually: someone chucked a brick through the window | figurative : chucking money at the problem won't solve it. • throw (something) away: they make a living out of stuff people chuck out. • give up (a job or activity) suddenly: Richard chucked his cultural studies course. • break off a relationship with (a partner): Mary chucked him for another guy. PHRASES chuck it all in informal abandon a course of action or way of life, especially for another that is radically different. PHRASAL VERBS chuck someone out informal force someone to leave a building: the tenants have been chucked out of the cottages.

transmute

verb change in form, nature, or substance: [with object] : the raw material of his experience was transmuted into stories | [no object] : the discovery that elements can transmute by radioactivity. • [with object] subject (base metals) to alchemical transmutation: the quest to transmute lead into gold.

blare

verb make or cause to make a loud, harsh sound: [no object] : the ambulance arrived outside, siren blaring | [with object] : the radio was blaring out organ music. noun a loud harsh sound: a blare of trumpets.

mushroom

verb [no object] 1 increase, spread, or develop rapidly: environmental concern mushroomed in the 1960s. 2 (of the smoke, fire, or flames produced by an explosion) spread into the air in a shape resembling that of a mushroom: the grenade mushroomed into red fire as it hit the hillside. • (of a bullet) expand and flatten on reaching its target.

malingering

verb [no object] exaggerate or feign illness in order to escape duty or work.

skimp

verb [no object] expend or use less time, money, or material on something than is necessary in an attempt to economize: don't skimp on insurance when you travel overseas.

wanton

verb [no object] archaic or literary 1 play; frolic. 2 behave in a sexually immodest or promiscuous way. adjective 1 (of a cruel or violent action) deliberate and unprovoked: sheer wanton vandalism. 2 (especially of a woman) sexually immodest or promiscuous. 3 archaic growing profusely; luxuriant: where wanton ivy twines. • lively; playful: a wanton fawn.

exhort

verb [with object and infinitive] strongly encourage or urge (someone) to do something: the media have been exhorting people to turn out for the demonstration | [with direct speech] : "Come on, you guys," exhorted Linda.

secrete

verb [with object] (of a cell, gland, or organ) produce and discharge (a substance): insulin is secreted in response to rising levels of glucose in the blood. verb [with object] conceal; hide: the assets had been secreted in Swiss bank accounts.

disable

verb [with object] (of a disease, injury, or accident) limit (someone) in their movements, senses, or activities: it's an injury that could disable somebody for life | (as adjective disabling) : a progressively disabling disease | [no object] : anxiety can disrupt and disable. • put out of action: the raiders tried to disable the alarm system.

coddle

verb [with object] 1 treat in an indulgent or overprotective way: I was coddled and cosseted. 2 cook (an egg) in water below the boiling point.

engender

verb [with object] cause or give rise to (a feeling, situation, or condition): the issue engendered continuing controversy.

surpass

verb [with object] exceed; be greater than: prewar levels of production were surpassed in 1929. • be better than: he continued to surpass me at all games. • (surpass oneself) do or be better than ever before: the organist was surpassing himself.

despise

verb [with object] feel contempt or a deep repugnance for: he despised himself for being selfish.

cede

verb [with object] give up (power or territory): they have had to cede control of the schools to the government.

bemoan

verb [with object] express discontent or sorrow over (something): single women bemoaning the absence of men.

bemuse

verb [with object] (usually as adjective bemused) puzzle, confuse, or bewilder (someone): her bemused expression | she was accepted with bemused resignation by her parents as a hippie.

flabbergast

verb [with object] (usually as adjective flabbergasted) informal surprise (someone) greatly; astonish: this news has left me totally flabbergasted.

diffuse

verb |dəˈfyo͞oz| spread or cause to spread over a wide area or among a large number of people: [no object] : technologies diffuse rapidly | [with object] : the problem is how to diffuse power without creating anarchy. • become or cause (a fluid, gas, individual atom, etc.) to become intermingled with a substance by movement, typically in a specified direction or at specified speed: [no object] : oxygen molecules diffuse across the membrane | [with object] : gas is diffused into the bladder. • [with object] cause (light) to glow faintly by dispersing it in many directions. adjective |dəˈfyo͞os| spread out over a large area; not concentrated: the diffuse community centered on the church | the light is more diffuse. • (of disease) not localized in the body: diffuse hyperplasia. • lacking clarity or conciseness: the second argument is more diffuse.

incorporate

verb |inˈkôrpəˌrāt| [with object] 1 take in or contain (something) as part of a whole; include: he has incorporated in his proposals a large number of measures | territories that had been incorporated into the Japanese Empire. • combine (ingredients) into one substance: add the cheeses and butter and process briefly to incorporate them. 2 constitute (a company, city, or other organization) as a legal corporation. adjective |inˈkôrp(ə)rət| archaic 1 another term for incorporated. 2 literary having a bodily form; embodied.

recoil

verb |rəˈkoil| [no object] suddenly spring or flinch back in fear, horror, or disgust: he recoiled in horror. • feel fear, horror, or disgust at the thought or prospect of something; shrink mentally: Renee felt herself recoil at the very thought. • (of a gun) move abruptly backward as a reaction on firing a bullet, shell, or other missile. • rebound or spring back through force of impact or elasticity: the muscle has the ability to recoil. • (recoil on/upon) (of an action) have an adverse reactive effect on (the originator): the soothsayers agreed that all the dangers would recoil on the heads of those who were in possession of the entrails. noun |ˈrēˌkoilrəˈkoil| the action of recoiling: his body jerked with the recoil of the rifle.

augment

verb |ôɡˈment| [with object] make (something) greater by adding to it; increase: he augmented his summer income by painting houses.

deviate

verb |ˈdēvēˌāt| [no object] depart from an established course: you must not deviate from the agreed route. • depart from usual or accepted standards: those who deviate from society's values.

chary

adjective (charier, chariest) cautiously or suspiciously reluctant to do something: most people are chary of allowing themselves to be photographed.

desertion

noun the action of deserting a person, cause, or organization: her mother 's desertion of her family. • Military the action of illegally leaving the armed forces: three officers were shot for desertion | the number of desertions was rising.

consortia

noun (plural consortia |-tēə, -SH(ē)ə| or consortiums) 1 an association, typically of several business companies. 2 Law the right of association and companionship with one's husband or wife.

criterion

noun (plural criteria |-ˈti(ə)rēə| ) a principle or standard by which something may be judged or decided: the launch came too close to violating safety criteria.

forgery

noun (plural forgeries) the action of forging or producing a copy of a document, signature, banknote, or work of art. • a forged or copied document, signature, banknote, or work of art.

reparable

adjective (especially of an injury or loss) possible to rectify or repair.

indiscreet

adjective having, showing, or proceeding from too great a readiness to reveal things that should remain secret or private: they have been embarrassed by indiscreet friends.

salubrious

adjective health-giving; healthy: salubrious weather. • (of a place) pleasant; not run-down.

laden

adjective heavily loaded or weighed down: a tree laden with apples | [in combination] : the moisture-laden air.

incautious

adjective heedless of potential problems or risks: he blames incautious borrowing during the boom (like boom of the economy).

indubitable

adjective impossible to doubt; unquestionable: an indubitable truth.

invulnerable

adjective impossible to harm or damage.

imperceptible

adjective impossible to perceive: his head moved in an almost imperceptible nod.

indomitable

adjective impossible to subdue or defeat: a woman of indomitable spirit.

impassable

adjective impossible to travel along or over: the narrow channels are impassable to oceangoing ships.

chaotic

adjective in a state of complete confusion and disorder: a chaotic jumble of spools, tapes, and books.

disgruntle

verb [with object] make (someone) angry or dissatisfied: nothing disgruntles anyone more than the feeling they are being cheated.

infuriate

verb [with object] make (someone) extremely angry and impatient: her silences infuriated him.

ameliorate

verb [with object] make (something bad or unsatisfactory) better: the reform did much to ameliorate living standards.

skimpy

adjective (skimpier, skimpiest) (of clothes) short and revealing: a skimpy dress. • providing or consisting of less than is needed; meager: my knowledge of music is extremely skimpy.

sprightly

adjective (sprightlier, sprightliest) (especially of an old person) lively; full of energy: she was quite sprightly for her age.

stagy

adjective (stagier, stagiest) excessively theatrical; exaggerated: a stagy melodramatic voice.

forgiving

adjective ready and willing to forgive: Taylor was in a forgiving mood | he was definitely not inclined to be forgiving of anyone spearing his cattle. • (of a thing) easy or safe to deal with: it's a good, comfortable, forgiving airplane.

pointed

2 (of a remark or look) expressing criticism in a direct and unambiguous way: pointed comments were made about racial discrimination within the army.

deponent

2 Law a person who makes a deposition or affidavit under oath.

chimera

2 a thing that is hoped or wished for but in fact is illusory or impossible to achieve: the economic sovereignty you claim to defend is a chimera. adj. chimeral

gravity

2 extreme or alarming importance; seriousness: crimes of the utmost gravity. • seriousness or solemnity of manner: has the poet ever spoken with greater eloquence or gravity?

concordance

2 formal agreement: the concordance between the teams' research results. • Medicine the inheritance by two related individuals (especially twins) of the same genetic characteristic, such as susceptibility to a disease. verb [with object] (often as adjective concordanced) make a concordance of: the value of concordanced information.

wax

2 informal make a recording of: he waxed a series of tracks that emphasized his lead guitar work. verb [no object] (of the moon between new and full) have a progressively larger part of its visible surface illuminated, increasing its apparent size. • literary become larger or stronger: his anger waxed. • [with complement] begin to speak or write about something in the specified manner: they waxed lyrical about the old days. wax and wane undergo alternate increases and decreases: companies whose fortunes wax and wane with the economic cycle.

coin

2 invent or devise (a new word or phrase): he coined the term "desktop publishing." • US informal money: he showed me how we could make a lot of coin. the other side of the coin the opposite or contrasting aspect of a matter. pay someone back in his or her own coin retaliate with similar behavior. to coin a phrase said ironically when introducing a banal remark or cliché: I had to find out the hard way—to coin a phrase. • said when introducing a new expression or a variation on a familiar one.

latitude

2 scope for freedom of action or thought: journalists have considerable latitude in criticizing public figures.

bent

4 (bent on) determined to do or have something: a missionary bent on saving souls | a mob bent on violence. noun a natural talent or inclination: a man of religious bent | she had no natural bent for literature. bent out of shape North American informal angry or agitated: it was just a mistake, nothing to get bent out of shape about.

perceptible

adjective (especially of a slight movement or change of state) able to be seen or noticed: a perceptible decline in public confidence.

effectual

adjective (typically of something inanimate or abstract) successful in producing a desired or intended result; effective: tobacco smoke is the most effectual protection against the mosquito.

proximate

adjective 1 (especially of a cause of something) closest in relationship; immediate: that storm was the proximate cause of damage to it. • closest in space or time: the failure of the proximate military power to lend assistance. 2 nearly accurate; approximate: he would try to change her speech into proximate ladylikeness.

empirical

adjective based on, concerned with, or verifiable by observation or experience rather than theory or pure logic: they provided considerable empirical evidence to support their argument.

faultless

adjective free from defect or error: your logic is faultless.

perceptive

adjective having or showing sensitive insight: an extraordinarily perceptive account of their relationship.

inert

adjective lacking the ability or strength to move: she lay inert in her bed. • lacking vigor: an inert political system. • chemically inactive.

mendacious

adjective not telling the truth; lying: mendacious propaganda.

boorish

adjective rough and bad-mannered; coarse: boorish behavior.

unequaled

adjective superior to all others in performance or extent: a range of facilities unequaled in Chicago | trout (fish) of unequaled quality.

terse

adjective (terser, tersest) sparing in the use of words; abrupt: a terse statement.

mind-boggling

adjective informal overwhelming; startling: a chip that processes data at mind-boggling speed.

superficially

adverb 1 as to the outward appearance only; on the surface: [as submodifier] : the theory is superficially attractive | [sentence adverb] : superficially, they have little in common. 2 not thoroughly or deeply: I understood the issue only superficially. 3 at or on the surface or skin: he was superficially wounded in the neck.

flagrantly

adverb in a conspicuously or obviously offensive way: authorities are flagrantly violating the law by refusing to comply.

incessantly

adverb without interruption; constantly: she talked about him incessantly.

eminently

adverb [often as submodifier] to a notable degree; very: an eminently readable textbook.

utterly

adverb [usually as submodifier] completely and without qualification; absolutely: he looked utterly ridiculous.

assuming

conjunction used for the purpose of argument to indicate a premise on which a statement can be based: assuming that the treaty is ratified, what is its relevance? adjective archaic arrogant or presumptuous.

gloss over

gloss over something to ignore or avoid unpleasant facts.

eclipse

in eclipse 1 losing or having lost significance, power, or prominence: his political power was in eclipse. noun 1 an obscuring of the light from one celestial body by the passage of another between it and the observer or between it and its source of illumination: an eclipse of the sun. • a loss of significance, power, or prominence in relation to another person or thing: the election result marked the eclipse of the traditional right and center. (of a celestial body) obscure the light from or to (another celestial body): as the last piece of the sun was eclipsed by the moon. • literary obscure or block out (light): a sea of blue sky violently eclipsed by showers. • deprive (someone or something) of significance, power, or prominence: the state of the economy has eclipsed the environment as the main issue.

bulwark

noun 1 a defensive wall. • a person, institution, or principle that acts as a defense: the security forces are a bulwark against the breakdown of society. 2 (usually bulwarks) an extension of a ship's sides above the level of the deck.

saint

noun 1 a person acknowledged as holy or virtuous and typically regarded as being in heaven after death. • (in the Catholic and Orthodox Churches) a person formally recognized or canonized by the Church after death, who may be the object of veneration and prayers for intercession. • a person who is admired or venerated because of their virtue: he was considered a living saint by recipients of his generosity. • (in or alluding to biblical use) a Christian believer. • (Saint) a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints; a Mormon. 2 (Saint) (abbreviation St. or S.) used in titles of religious saints: the epistles of Saint Paul | St. John's Church. verb [with object] formally recognize as a saint; canonize. • (as adjective sainted |ˈsāntid| ) worthy of being a saint; very virtuous: the story of his sainted sister Eileen.

tycoon

noun 1 a wealthy, powerful person in business or industry: a newspaper tycoon.

laxity

noun 1 lack of strictness or care: the result of such fiscal laxity is a budget deficit | laxity of discipline. 2 looseness of a limb or muscle: over-stretching can result in joint laxity.

genre

noun a category of artistic composition, as in music or literature, characterized by similarities in form, style, or subject matter.

compatriot

noun a fellow citizen or national of a country: Stich defeated his compatriot Boris Becker in the quarterfinals.

playwright

noun a person who writes plays.

moneylender

noun a person whose business is lending money to others who pay interest.

ardor

noun enthusiasm or passion: they felt the stirrings of revolutionary ardor.

relativism

noun the doctrine that knowledge, truth, and morality exist in relation to culture, society, or historical context, and are not absolute.

responsiveness

noun the quality of reacting quickly and positively: a bank's responsiveness to customer problems engenders trust | the responsiveness of the vehicle.

pandemonium

noun wild and noisy disorder or confusion; uproar: pandemonium broke out.

exegesis

noun (plural exegeses |-sēz| ) critical explanation or interpretation of a text, especially of scripture: the task of biblical exegesis | a close exegesis of the plot.

malady

noun (plural maladies) a disease or ailment: an incurable malady | figurative : the nation's maladies.

piety

noun (plural pieties) the quality of being religious or reverent: acts of piety and charity. • a belief or point of view that is accepted with unthinking conventional reverence: the accepted pieties of our time.

droog

noun informal a young man belonging to a street gang.

lesion

nounchiefly Medicine a region in an organ or tissue that has suffered damage through injury or disease, such as a wound, ulcer, abscess, tumor, etc.

clad

past participle of clothe. adjective 1 clothed: they were clad in T-shirts and shorts | [in combination] : a leotard-clad instructor. 2 provided with cladding: [in combination] : copper-clad boards. clad 2 |klad| verb (clads, cladding; past and past participle cladded or clad) [with object] provide or encase with a covering or coating: he cladded the concrete-frame structure in stainless steel.

cohere

verb [no object] 1 be united; form a whole: our mixed physical and spiritual natures cohere and mature. 2 (of an argument or theory) be logically consistent: this view does not cohere with their other beliefs.

cavil

verb [no object] make petty or unnecessary objections: they caviled at the cost. noun a objection seen as petty or unnecessary.

superimpose

verb [with object] place or lay (one thing) over another, typically so that both are still evident: the number will appear on the screen, superimposed on a flashing button | (as adjective superimposed) : different stone tools were found in superimposed layers.

berate

verb [with object] scold or criticize (someone) angrily: his mother came out and berated me for raising my voice.

titan

• (as noun, usually a titan) a person or thing of very great strength, intellect, or importance: a titan of American industry.

be puffed up

• (be puffed up) be conceited: he was never puffed up about his writing. 3 [with object] advertise with exaggerated or false praise: publishers have puffed the book on the grounds that it contains new discoveries.

sobriety

noun the state of being sober: the price of beer compelled me to maintain a certain level of sobriety. • the quality of being staid or solemn.

affluence

noun the state of having a great deal of money; wealth: a sign of our growing affluence.

inadequacy

noun the state or quality of being inadequate; lack of the quantity or quality required: the inadequacy of available resources. • inability to deal with a situation or with life: her feelings of personal inadequacy.

enhance

verb [with object] intensify, increase, or further improve the quality, value, or extent of: his refusal does nothing to enhance his reputation | computer techniques that enhance images.

mechanization

verb [with object] introduce machines or automatic devices into (a process, activity, or place): the farm was mechanized in the 1950s. • equip (a military force) with modern weapons and vehicles: (as adjective mechanized) : the units comprised tanks and mechanized infantry. • give a mechanical character to: public virtue cannot be mechanized or formulated.

dislodge

verb [with object] knock or force out of position: the hoofs of their horses dislodged loose stones. • remove from a position of power or authority: government opponents failed to dislodge the prime minister.

sedentary

adjective (of a person) tending to spend much time seated; somewhat inactive. • (of work or a way of life) characterized by much sitting and little physical exercise. • (of a position) sitting; seated.

laconic

adjective (of a person, speech, or style of writing) using very few words: his laconic reply suggested a lack of interest in the topic.

embattled

adjective 1 (of a place or people) involved in or prepared for war, especially because surrounded by enemy forces: the embattled Yugoslavian republics. • (of a person) beset by problems or difficulties: the worst may not be over for the embattled senator.

scantily

adverb in a way that is small or insufficient in quantity or amount: a small, scantily furnished room | scantily populated areas. • with revealing or skimpy clothing: scantily clad women | scantily dressed models.

briskly

adverb in an active, quick, or energetic way: she walked briskly into the building | tickets have been selling briskly. • in an impatient or brusque way: "we've never dated, if that's what you're asking," she replied briskly. • in a cold but pleasantly invigorating way: the wind blew fairly briskly | we spent our day swimming in the briskly cold water.

gleefully

adverb in an exuberantly or triumphantly joyful manner: audiences laughed gleefully | politicians gleefully point the finger at each other.

hitherto

adverb until now or until the point in time under discussion: there is a need to replace what has hitherto been a haphazard method of payment.

counterpart

noun 1 a person or thing holding a position or performing a function that corresponds to that of another person or thing in another place: the minister held talks with his French counterpart. 2 Law one of two or more copies of a legal document.

stoic

noun 1 a person who can endure pain or hardship without showing their feelings or complaining.

allegiance

noun loyalty or commitment of a subordinate to a superior or of an individual to a group or cause: those wishing to receive citizenship must swear allegiance to the republic | a complex pattern of cross-party allegiances.

clemency

noun mercy; lenience: an appeal for clemency.

favoritism

noun noun: fairness 1. impartial and just treatment or behavior without favoritism or discrimination. "part of my role is to ensure fairness to all parties"

ascendancy

noun occupation of a position of dominant power or influence: the ascendancy of good over evil | they have a moral ascendancy over the rich.

futility

noun pointlessness or uselessness: the horror and futility of war.

brutality

noun savage physical violence; great cruelty: brutality against civilians.

expulsive

noun the action of depriving someone of membership in an organization: expulsion from school. • the process of forcing someone to leave a place, especially a country: the expulsion of the Jesuits from Spain. • the process of forcing something out of the body.

secession

noun the action of withdrawing formally from membership of a federation or body, especially a political state: the republics want secession from the union.

cacophonous

adjective involving or producing a harsh, discordant mixture of sounds: the cacophonous sound of slot machines.

unwieldy

adjective (unwieldier, unwieldiest) difficult to carry or move because of its size, shape, or weight: the first mechanical clocks were large and unwieldy. • (of a system or bureaucracy) too big or badly organized to function efficiently.

wily

adjective (wilier, wiliest) skilled at gaining an advantage, especially deceitfully: his wily opponents.

ophthalmic

adjective [attributive] relating to the eye and its diseases.

substantialist

nounPhilosophy the doctrine that behind phenomena there are substantial realities.

plutocrat

nounoften derogatory a person whose power derives from their wealth.

extradite

verb [with object] hand over (a person accused or convicted of a crime) to the jurisdiction of the foreign state in which the crime was committed: Greece refused to extradite him to Italy.

affect

verb [with object] have an effect on; make a difference to: the dampness began to affect my health | [with clause] : your attitude will affect how successful you are. • touch the feelings of (someone); move emotionally: the atrocities he witnessed have affected him most deeply.

unfathomable

xadjective 1 incapable of being fully explored or understood: her gray eyes were dark with some unfathomable emotion. 2 (of water or a natural feature) impossible to measure the extent of.

unpalatable

adjective not pleasant to taste. • difficult to tolerate or accept: the unpalatable fact that many of the world's people are starving.

ineffectual

adjective not producing any or the desired effect: an ineffectual campaign. • (of a person) lacking the ability or qualities to cope with a role or situation: she was neglectful and ineffectual as a parent.

inefficacious

adjective not producing the desired effect.

reticent

adjective not revealing one's thoughts or feelings readily: she was extremely reticent about her personal affairs.

genocidal

adjective relating to or involving the deliberate killing of a large group of people of a particular nation or ethnic group: a genocidal dictator | victims of a genocidal massacre.

uncompromising

adjective showing an unwillingness to make concessions to others, especially by changing one's ways or opinions. • harsh or relentless: the uncompromising ugliness of her home.

dauntless

adjective showing fearlessness and determination: dauntless bravery.

punctilious

adjective showing great attention to detail or correct behavior: he was punctilious in providing every amenity for his guests.

meticulous

adjective showing great attention to detail; very careful and precise: he had always been so meticulous about his appearance.

sluggish

adjective slow-moving or inactive: a sluggish stream. • lacking energy or alertness: Alex woke late feeling tired and sluggish. • slow to respond or make progress: the car had been sluggish all morning.

inimitable

adjective so good or unusual as to be impossible to copy; unique: the inimitable ambience of Hawaii.

negligible

adjective so small or unimportant as to be not worth considering; insignificant: sound could at last be recorded with incredible ease and at negligible cost.

grating

adjective sounding harsh and unpleasant: her high, grating voice. • irritating: a smarty-pants tone that I found grating.

voluble

adjective speaking or spoken incessantly and fluently: she was as voluble as her husband was silent.

corrosive

adjective tending to cause corrosion. noun a corrosive substance.

indisputable

adjective unable to be challenged or denied: a far from indisputable fact.

frigid

adjective very cold in temperature: frigid water. • (especially of a woman) unable or unwilling to be sexually aroused and responsive. • showing no friendliness or enthusiasm; stiff or formal in behavior or style: Henrietta looked back with a frigid calm.

bizarre

adjective very strange or unusual, especially so as to cause interest or amusement: her bizarre dresses and outrageous hairdos.

regimented

adjective very strictly organized or controlled: the regimented life of a long-term prisoner.

prissy

adjective (prissier, prissiest) fussily and excessively respectable: her prissy mother | prissy little dresses.

extant

adjective (especially of a document) still in existence; surviving: the original manuscript is no longer extant.

momentous

adjective (of a decision, event, or change) of great importance or significance, especially in its bearing on the future: a period of momentous changes in East-West relations.

schematic

adjective (of a diagram or other representation) symbolic and simplified. • (of thought, ideas, etc.) simplistic or formulaic in character, usually to an extent inappropriate to the complexities of the subject matter: a highly schematic reading of the play. noun (in technical contexts) a schematic diagram, in particular of an electric or electronic circuit.

bicameral

adjective (of a legislative body) having two branches or chambers.

titled

adjective (of a person) having a title indicating high social or official rank.

inscrutable

adjective impossible to understand or interpret: Guy looked blankly inscrutable.

unintelligible

adjective impossible to understand: dolphin sounds are unintelligible to humans.

illegible

adjective not clear enough to be read: his handwriting is totally illegible.

indeterminate

adjective not exactly known, established, or defined: the date of manufacture is indeterminate. • (of a judicial sentence) such that the convicted person's conduct determines the date of release.

impassive

adjective not feeling or showing emotion: impassive passersby ignore the performers.

bogus

adjective not genuine or true; fake: a bogus insurance claim.

unwarranted

adjective not justified or authorized: I am sure your fears are unwarranted.

ideologue

noun an adherent of an ideology, especially one who is uncompromising and dogmatic: a conservative ideologue.

proliferation

noun rapid increase in numbers: a continuing threat of nuclear proliferation. • rapid reproduction of a cell, part, or organism: we attempted to measure cell proliferation. • [in singular] a large number of something: stress levels are high, forcing upon them a proliferation of ailments.

candor

noun the quality of being open and honest in expression; frankness: a man of refreshing candor.

plutocracy

noun (plural plutocracies) government by the wealthy. • a country or society governed by the wealthy. • an elite or ruling class of people whose power derives from their wealth.

rally around

rally around someone or something Fig. to unite or assemble in support of someone or something. All the other workers rallied around Fred in his fight with management. They rallied around the principle that Fred stood for.

deplete

verb (often as adjective depleted) use up the supply or resources of: fish stocks are severely depleted. • [no object] diminish in number or quantity: supplies are depleting fast.

resurge

to rise again, as from desuetude or from virtual extinction

replenish

verb [with object] fill (something) up again: he replenished Justin's glass with mineral water. • restore (a stock or supply of something) to the former level or condition: all creatures need sleep to replenish their energies.

brandish

verb [with object] wave or flourish (something, especially a weapon) as a threat or in anger or excitement.

bamboozled

verb [with object] informal fool or cheat (someone): Tom Sawyer bamboozled the neighborhood boys into doing it for him. • confound or perplex: bamboozled by the number of savings plans being offered.

glacial

2 of ice; icy: the glacial mountains of New Zealand | figurative : his glacial blue eyes. • Chemistry denoting pure organic acids (especially acetic acid) that form icelike crystals on freezing. • extremely slow (like the movement of a glacier): an official described progress in the talks as glacial.

buffet

3 North American a cabinet with shelves and drawers for keeping dinnerware and table linens. verb (buffets, buffeting, buffeted) [with object] (especially of wind or waves) strike repeatedly and violently; batter: the rough seas buffeted the coast | [no object] : the wind was buffeting at their bodies. • knock (someone) over or off course: he was buffeted from side to side. • (of misfortunes or difficulties) afflict or harm (someone) repeatedly or over a long period: they were buffeted by a major recession. noun 1 dated a blow, typically of the hand or fist. • a shock or misfortune: the daily buffets of urban civilization.

title

4 Law a right or claim to the ownership of property or to a rank or throne: a local family had title to the property | the buyer acquires a good title to the merchandise.

needless

adjective (of something bad) unnecessary; avoidable: I deplore needless waste. PHRASES needless to say of course.

incapacitated

adjective deprived of strength or power; debilitated: Richard was temporarily incapacitated.

grueling

adjective extremely tiring and demanding: a grueling schedule.

paramount

adjective more important than anything else; supreme: the interests of the child are of paramount importance. • [attributive] having supreme power: a paramount chief.

irrevocable

adjective not able to be changed, reversed, or recovered; final: an irrevocable step.

causal

adjective relating to or acting as a cause: the causal factors associated with illness.

deliberative

adjective relating to or intended for consideration or discussion: a deliberative assembly.

staid

adjective sedate, respectable, and unadventurous: staid law firms.

diverse

adjective showing a great deal of variety; very different: a culturally diverse population | subjects as diverse as architecture, language teaching, and the physical sciences.

vulnerable

adjective susceptible to physical or emotional attack or harm: we were in a vulnerable position | small fish are vulnerable to predators. • (of a person) in need of special care, support, or protection because of age, disability, or risk of abuse or neglect: employees must be better trained in how to deal with vulnerable young people.

insolvent

adjective unable to pay debts owed: the company became insolvent. • relating to insolvency: insolvent liquidation. noun an insolvent person.

categorical

adjective unambiguously explicit and direct: a categorical assurance.

exceptionable

adjective formal open to objection; causing disapproval or offense: his drawings are almost the only exceptionable part of his work.

intently

adverb with earnest and eager attention: he gazed at her intently | everybody was listening intently.

precept

noun 1 a general rule intended to regulate behavior or thought: moral precepts | the legal precept of being innocent until proven guilty | children learn far more by example than by precept. 2 a writ or warrant: the Commissioner issued precepts requiring the companies to provide information.

recession

noun 1 a period of temporary economic decline during which trade and industrial activity are reduced, generally identified by a fall in GDP in two successive quarters. 2 chiefly Astronomy the action of receding; motion away from an observer.

derogation

noun 1 an exemption from or relaxation of a rule or law: the massive derogation of human rights. 2 the perception or treatment of someone as being of little worth: the derogation of women.

maverick

noun 1 an unorthodox or independent-minded person: a maverick among Connecticut Republicans. adjective unorthodox: a maverick detective.

brawn

noun 1 physical strength in contrast to intelligence: commando work required as much brain as brawn.

derivation

noun 1 the obtaining or developing of something from a source or origin: the derivation of scientific laws from observation. • the formation of a word from another word or from a root in the same or another language. • origin; extraction: music of primarily Turkish derivation.

merger

noun a combination of two things, especially companies, into one: a merger between two supermarket chains | local companies ripe for merger or acquisition.

microcosm

noun a community, place, or situation regarded as encapsulating in miniature the characteristic qualities or features of something much larger: Berlin is a microcosm of Germany, in unity as in division. • humankind regarded as the epitome of the universe. PHRASES in microcosm in miniature.

comrade

noun a companion who shares one's activities or is a fellow member of an organization. • (also comrade-in-arms) a fellow soldier or member of the armed services. • a fellow socialist or communist (often as a form of address).

inference

noun a conclusion reached on the basis of evidence and reasoning. • the process of inferring something: his emphasis on order and health, and by inference cleanliness.

imponderable

noun a factor that is difficult or impossible to estimate or assess: there are too many imponderables for an overall prediction. adjective 1 difficult or impossible to estimate, assess, or answer: an imponderable problem of metaphysics. 2 archaic or literary very light.

pseudonym

noun a fictitious name, especially one used by an author.

safeguard

noun a measure taken to protect someone or something or to prevent something undesirable: there were multiple safeguards to prevent the accidental release of a virus. verb [with object] protect from harm or damage with an appropriate measure: low interest rates are offering the opportunity to safeguard their financial futures.

antidote

noun a medicine taken or given to counteract a particular poison. • something that counteracts or neutralizes an unpleasant feeling or situation: laughter is a good antidote to stress. • (in homeopathy) a substance that cancels or opposes the effect of a remedy. verb [with object] (antidotes, antidoting, antidoted) counteract or cancel with an antidote: What remedy will antidote henbane?

neologism

noun a newly coined word or expression. • the coining or use of new words.

onlooker

noun a nonparticipating observer; a spectator: a crowd of fascinated onlookers.

nuke

noun a nuclear weapon. • a nuclear power station. • a nuclear-powered vessel. verb [with object] attack or destroy with nuclear weapons. • destroy; get rid of: I fertilized the lawn and nuked the weeds. • cook or heat up (food) in a microwave oven: I nuked a quick burger.

philistine

noun a person who is hostile or indifferent to culture and the arts, or who has no understanding of them: I am a complete philistine when it comes to paintings. adjective hostile or indifferent to culture and the arts: a philistine government | there were displays to inspire even the most philistine of visitors.

harbor

noun a place on the coast where vessels may find shelter, especially one protected from rough water by piers, jetties, and other artificial structures: fishing in the harbor | the westerly wind kept us in harbor until the following afternoon. • a place of refuge: the offered harbor of his arms. verb [with object] 1 keep (a thought or feeling, typically a negative one) in one's mind, especially secretly: she started to harbor doubts about the wisdom of their journey. 2 give a home or shelter to: woodlands that once harbored a colony of red deer. • shelter or hide (a criminal or wanted person): he was suspected of harboring an escaped prisoner. • carry the germs of (a disease). 3 [no object] archaic (of a ship or its crew) moor in a harbor: he might have harbored in San Francisco.

vantage

noun a place or position affording a good view of something: from my vantage point I could see into the front garden | figurative : the past is continuously reinterpreted from the vantage point of the present.

stratagem

noun a plan or scheme, especially one used to outwit an opponent or achieve an end: a series of devious stratagems. • archaic skill in devising plans or schemes; cunning.

piquancy

noun a pleasantly sharp and appetizing flavor: these tomatoes have an intense flavor of great piquancy. • the quality of being pleasantly stimulating or exciting: the tragedy only adds piquancy to the tale.

demagogue

noun a political leader who seeks support by appealing to popular desires and prejudices rather than by using rational argument. • (in ancient Greece and Rome) a leader or orator who espoused the cause of the common people.

reprimand

noun a rebuke, especially an official one. verb [with object] rebuke (someone), especially officially: officials were dismissed or reprimanded for poor work.

kleptomania

noun a recurrent urge to steal, typically without regard for need or profit.

contusion

noun a region of injured tissue or skin in which blood capillaries have been ruptured; a bruise.

rite

noun a religious or other solemn ceremony or act: the rite of communion | fertility rites. • a body of customary observances characteristic of a church or a part of it: the Byzantine rite. • a social custom, practice, or conventional act: the family Christmas rite. PHRASES rite of passage a ceremony or event marking an important stage in someone's life, especially birth, puberty, marriage, and death: a novel that depicts the state of adolescence and the rites of passage that lead to adulthood.

rejoinder

noun a reply, especially a sharp or witty one: she would have made some cutting rejoinder but none came to mind.

dilemma

noun a situation in which a difficult choice has to be made between two or more alternatives, especially equally undesirable ones: the people often face the dilemma of feeding themselves or their cattle. • a difficult situation or problem: the insoluble dilemma of adolescence. • Logic an argument forcing an opponent to choose either of two unfavorable alternatives.

converse

noun a situation, object, or statement that is the reverse of another, or that corresponds to it but with certain terms transposed: if spirituality is properly political, the converse is also true: politics is properly spiritual. adjective |ˈkänˌvərskənˈvərs| having characteristics that are the reverse of something else already mentioned: the slow process of growth and the converse process of decay. verb |kənˈvərs| [no object] engage in conversation: he fell in beside her and they began to converse amicably. noun |ˈkänˌvərs| archaic conversation.

inkling

noun a slight knowledge or suspicion; a hint: the records give us an inkling of how people saw the world.

residue

noun a small amount of something that remains after the main part has gone or been taken or used. • Law the part of an estate that is left after the payment of charges, debts, and bequests. • a substance that remains after a process such as combustion or evaporation.

turmoil

noun a state of great disturbance, confusion, or uncertainty: the country was in turmoil | he endured years of inner turmoil.

archaism

noun a thing that is very old or old-fashioned. • an archaic word or style of language or art. • the use or conscious imitation of very old or old-fashioned styles or features in language or art.

scowl

noun an angry or bad-tempered expression. verb [no object] frown in an angry or bad-tempered way: she scowled at him defiantly.

parasite

noun an organism that lives in or on another organism (its host) and benefits by deriving nutrients at the host's expense. • derogatory a person who habitually relies on or exploits others and gives nothing in return.

mishap

noun an unlucky accident: although there were a few minor mishaps, none of the pancakes stuck to the ceiling | the event passed without mishap.

hyperbole

noun exaggerated statements or claims not meant to be taken literally.

advocacy

noun public support for or recommendation of a particular cause or policy: their advocacy of traditional family values. • the profession or work of a legal advocate.

introspection

noun the examination or observation of one's own mental and emotional processes: quiet introspection can be extremely valuable.

poignancy

noun the quality of evoking a keen sense of sadness or regret: the pregnancy has a special poignancy for her family.

parallelism

noun the state of being parallel or of corresponding in some way. • the use of successive verbal constructions in poetry or prose that correspond in grammatical structure, sound, meter, meaning, etc.

seclusion

noun the state of being private and away from other people: they enjoyed ten days of peace and seclusion. • archaic a sheltered or private place.

solitude

noun the state or situation of being alone: she savored her few hours of freedom and solitude. • a lonely or uninhabited place.

circumlocution

noun the use of many words where fewer would do, especially in a deliberate attempt to be vague or evasive: his admission came after years of circumlocution | he used a number of poetic circumlocutions.

brandy

noun (plural brandies) a strong alcoholic spirit distilled from wine or fermented fruit juice.

calamity

noun (plural calamities) an event causing great and often sudden damage or distress; a disaster: the fire was the latest calamity to strike the area | the journey had led to calamity and ruin.

cameo

noun (plural cameos) 1 a piece of jewelry, typically oval in shape, consisting of a portrait in profile carved in relief on a background of a different color. 2 a short descriptive literary sketch that neatly encapsulates someone or something: cameos of street life. • a small character part in a play or movie, played by a distinguished actor or a celebrity: [as modifier] : he played numerous cameo roles.

captivity

noun (plural captivities) the condition of being imprisoned or confined: he was released after 865 days in captivity | the third month of their captivity.

consistency

noun (plural consistencies) 1 conformity in the application of something, typically that which is necessary for the sake of logic, accuracy, or fairness: the grading system is to be streamlined to ensure greater consistency. • the achievement of a level of performance that does not vary greatly in quality over time: his principal problem in tennis has been consistency. 2 the way in which a substance, typically a liquid, holds together; thickness or viscosity: the sauce has the consistency of creamed butter.

diagnosis

noun (plural diagnoses |-ˌsēz| ) 1 the identification of the nature of an illness or other problem by examination of the symptoms: early diagnosis and treatment are essential | a diagnosis of Crohn's disease was made. 2 the distinctive characterization in precise terms of a genus, species, or phenomenon.

enormity

noun (plural enormities) 1 (the enormity of) the great or extreme scale, seriousness, or extent of something perceived as bad or morally wrong: a thorough search disclosed the full enormity of the crime. • (in neutral use) the large size or scale of something: I began to get a sense of the enormity of the task. 2 a grave crime or sin: the enormities of the regime.

exigency

noun (plural exigencies) an urgent need or demand: women worked long hours when the exigencies of the family economy demanded it | he put financial exigency before personal sentiment.

hierarchy

noun (plural hierarchies) a system or organization in which people or groups are ranked one above the other according to status or authority. • (the hierarchy) the upper echelons of a hierarchical system; those in authority: the magazine was read quite widely even by some of the hierarchy. • an arrangement or classification of things according to relative importance or inclusiveness: a taxonomic hierarchy of phyla, classes, orders, families, genera, and species.

mandatory

noun (plural mandataries) historical a person or country receiving a mandate.

outcry

noun (plural outcries) an exclamation or shout: an outcry of spontaneous passion. • a strong expression of public disapproval or anger: the public outcry over the bombing.

solemnity

noun (plural solemnities) the state or quality of being serious and dignified: his ashes were laid to rest with great solemnity. • (usually solemnities) a formal, dignified rite or ceremony: the ritual of the church was observed in all its solemnities.

whimsy

noun (plural whimsies or whimseys) playfully quaint or fanciful behavior or humor: the film is an awkward blend of whimsy and moralizing. • a whim. • a thing that is fanciful or odd: the stone carvings and whimsies.

parameter

noun technical a numerical or other measurable factor forming one of a set that defines a system or sets the conditions of its operation: the transmission will not let you downshift unless your speed is within the lower gear's parameters. • (in general use) a limit or boundary that defines the scope of a particular process or activity: they set the parameters of the debate.

excerpt

noun |ˈekˌsərpt| a short extract from a film, broadcast, or piece of music or writing. verb |ikˈsərpt| [with object] take (a short extract) from a text: the notes are excerpted from his forthcoming biography. • take an excerpt or excerpts from (a text).

overdrive

noun: • a state of high or excessive activity: the city's worried public relations arm went into overdrive. • a mechanism that permits a higher than normal operating level in a piece of equipment, such as the amplifier of an electric guitar. verb [with object] (usually as adjective overdriven) drive or work to exhaustion: the overdriven mothers of ten or eleven hungry children.

morpheme

nounLinguistics a meaningful morphological unit of a language that cannot be further divided (e.g., in, come, -ing, forming incoming). • a morphological element considered with respect to its functional relations in a linguistic system.

parity

nounMedicine the fact or condition of having borne children. • the number of children previously borne: very high parity (six children or more). noun 1 the state or condition of being equal, especially regarding status or pay: parity of incomes between rural workers and those in industrial occupations. • (also purchasing parity) the value of one currency in terms of another at an established exchange rate. • a system of providing farmers with consistent purchasing power by regulating prices of farm products, usually with government price supports.

ideation

nounPsychology the formation of ideas or concepts: paranoid ideation.

spare someone

to prevent someone from experiencing an unpleasant, painful, or embarrassing situation or feeling. spare someone something: Thank God she had been spared the ordeal of surgery. spare someone the embarrassment/pain/trouble etc: At least spare him the humiliation of having to ask for money.

cast a shadow

to spoil a good situation with something unpleasant:

abide

verb 1 [no object] (abide by) accept or act in accordance with (a rule, decision, or recommendation): I said I would abide by their decision. 2 [with object] (can/could not abide) informal be unable to tolerate (someone or something): if there is one thing I cannot abide it is a lack of discipline. 3 [no object] (of a feeling or a memory) continue without fading or being lost. • archaic live; dwell.

recuperate

verb 1 [no object] recover from illness or exertion: she has been recuperating from a shoulder wound | Christmas is a time to recuperate. 2 [with object] recover or regain (something lost or taken): they will seek to recuperate the returns that go with investment. DERIVATIVES

forgo

verb (forgoes, forgoing, forwent; past participle forgone) [with object] omit or decline to take (something pleasant or valuable); go without: she wanted to forgo the dessert and leave while they could. • refrain from: we forgo any comparison between the two men.

ratify

verb (ratifies, ratifying, ratified) [with object] sign or give formal consent to (a treaty, contract, or agreement), making it officially valid.

dissemble

verb [no object] conceal one's true motives, feelings, or beliefs: an honest, sincere person with no need to dissemble. • [with object] disguise or conceal (a feeling or intention): she smiled, dissembling her true emotion.

retch

verb [no object] make the sound and movement of vomiting. • vomit. noun a movement or sound of vomiting.

propagate

verb [with object] 1 breed specimens of (a plant, animal, etc.) by natural processes from the parent stock: try propagating your own houseplants from cuttings. • [no object] (of a plant, animal, etc.) reproduce by natural processes: the plant propagates freely from stem cuttings. 2 spread and promote (an idea, theory, etc.) widely: the French propagated the idea that the English were violent and gluttonous drunkards. 3 (with reference to motion, light, sound, etc.) transmit or be transmitted in a particular direction or through a medium: [with object] : electromagnetic effects can be propagated at a finite velocity only through material substances | [no object] : a hydraulic fracture is generally expected to propagate in a vertical plane | (as adjective propagated) : a propagated electrical signal.

execute

verb [with object] 1 carry out or put into effect (a plan, order, or course of action): the corporation executed a series of financial deals. • produce (a work of art): not only does she execute embroideries, she designs them, too. • perform (an activity or maneuver requiring care or skill): they had to execute their dance steps with the greatest precision. • Law make (a legal instrument) valid by signing or sealing it. • Law carry out (a judicial sentence, the terms of a will, or other order): police executed a search warrant. • Computing carry out an instruction or program. 2 carry out a sentence of death on (a legally condemned person): he was convicted of treason and executed. • kill (someone) as a political act.

transpose

verb [with object] 1 cause (two or more things) to change places with each other: the captions describing the two state flowers were accidentally transposed. 2 transfer to a different place or context: the problems of civilization are transposed into a rustic setting.

beguile

verb [with object] 1 charm or enchant (someone), sometimes in a deceptive way: every prominent American artist has been beguiled by Maine | (as adjective beguiling) : a beguiling smile. • trick (someone) into doing something: they were beguiled into signing a peace treaty.

table

verb [with object] 1 chiefly US postpone consideration of: I'd like the issue to be tabled for the next few months. lay something on the table 1 make something known so that it can be freely and sensibly discussed. 2 chiefly US postpone something indefinitely. on the table offered for discussion: our offer remains on the table. turn the tables reverse one's position relative to someone else, especially by turning a position of disadvantage into one of advantage: police invited householders to a seminar on how to turn the tables on burglars. under the table 1 informal very drunk: by 3:30 everybody was under the table. 2 (especially of making a payment) secretly or covertly: he accepted a slew of payoffs under the table. • another term for under the counter (see counter1).

collate

verb [with object] 1 collect and combine (texts, information, or sets of figures) in proper order. • compare and analyze (texts or other data): these accounts he collated with his own experience. • Printing verify the order of (sheets of a book) by their signatures. 2 appoint (a member of the clergy) to a benefice.

prosecute

verb [with object] 1 institute legal proceedings against (a person or organization): they were prosecuted for obstructing the highway. • institute legal proceedings in respect of (a claim or offense): the state's attorney's office seemed to decide that this was a case worth prosecuting | [no object] : the company didn't prosecute because of his age. • [no object] (of a lawyer) conduct the case against the party being accused or sued in a lawsuit: Mr. Ryan will be prosecuting this morning. 2 continue with (a course of action) with a view to its completion: a serious threat to the government's ability to prosecute the war. • archaic carry on (a trade or pursuit): waiting for permission to prosecute my craft.

heckle

verb [with object] 1 interrupt (a public speaker) with derisive or aggressive comments or abuse: he was booed and heckled when he tried to address the demonstrators | [no object] : he is merely heckling from the sidelines. 2 dress (flax or hemp) to split and straighten the fibers for spinning. noun a heckling comment: the meeting regularly dissolved into heckles.

dampen

verb [with object] 1 make slightly wet: the fine rain dampened her face. 2 make less strong or intense: nothing could dampen her enthusiasm. • reduce the amplitude of (a sound source): slider switches on the mixers can dampen the drums.

procure

verb [with object] 1 obtain (something), especially with care or effort: food procured for the rebels | [with two objects] : he persuaded a friend to procure him a ticket. • obtain (someone) as a prostitute for another person: he was charged with procuring a minor. 2 [with object and infinitive] Law persuade or cause (someone) to do something: he procured his wife to sign the agreement.

depose

verb [with object] 1 remove from office suddenly and forcefully: he had been deposed by a military coup. 2 Law testify to or give (evidence) on oath, typically in a written statement: every affidavit shall state which of the facts deposed to are within the deponent's knowledge. 3 Law question (a witness) in deposition.

establish

verb [with object] 1 set up (an organization, system, or set of rules) on a firm or permanent basis: the British established a rich trade with Portugal. • initiate or bring about (contact or communication): the two countries established diplomatic relations. 2 achieve permanent acceptance or recognition for: the principle of the supremacy of national parliaments needs to be firmly established | he had established himself as a film star. • introduce (a character, set, or location) into a film or play and allow its identification: establish the location with a wide shot. 3 show (something) to be true or certain by determining the facts: [with clause] : the police established that the two passports were forgeries.

assume

verb [with object] 1 suppose to be the case, without proof: you're afraid of what people are going to assume about me | [with clause] : it is reasonable to assume that such changes have significant social effects | [with object and infinitive] : they were assumed to be foreign. 2 take or begin to have (power or responsibility): he assumed full responsibility for all organizational work. • seize (power or control): the rebels assumed control of the capital. 3 take on (a specified quality, appearance, or extent): militant activity had assumed epidemic proportions. • take on or adopt (a manner or identity), sometimes falsely: Oliver assumed an expression of penitence | she puts on a disguise, assumes a different persona, and cruises the squalid bars on the bad side of town | (as adjective assumed) : a man living under an assumed name.

baffle

verb [with object] 1 totally bewilder or perplex: an unexplained occurrence that baffled everyone. 2 restrain or regulate (a fluid, sound, etc.): to baffle the noise further, I pad the gunwales. noun a device used to restrain the flow of a fluid, gas, or loose material or to prevent the spreading of sound or light in a particular direction.

weather

verb [with object] 1 wear away or change the appearance or texture of (something) by long exposure to the air: his skin was weathered almost black by his long outdoor life. • [no object] (of rock or other material) be worn away or altered by long exposure to the air: the ice sheet preserves specimens that would weather away more quickly in other regions. keep a weather eye on observe very carefully, especially for changes or developments. make heavy weather of informal have unnecessary difficulty in dealing with (a task or problem).[from the nautical phrase make good or bad weather of it, referring to a ship in a storm.] under the weather informal slightly unwell or in low spirits. ORIGIN

desert

verb [with object] abandon (a person, cause, or organization) in a way considered disloyal or treacherous: he deserted his wife and daughter and went back to England. • (of a number of people) leave (a place), causing it to appear empty: good weather came after the summer hordes had deserted the beaches. • (of a quality or ability) fail (someone), especially at a crucial moment when most needed: her luck deserted her. • [no object] Military (of a soldier) illegally run away from military service. noun (usually deserts) a person's worthiness or entitlement to reward or punishment: the penal system fails to punish offenders in accordance with their deserts. PHRASES get (or receive) one's just deserts receive the appropriate reward or (more usually) punishment for one's actions: those who caused great torment to others rarely got their just deserts.

annotate

verb [with object] add notes to (a text or diagram) giving explanation or comment: documentation should be annotated with explanatory notes | (as adjective annotated) : an annotated bibliography.

reproach

verb [with object] address (someone) in such a way as to express disapproval or disappointment: critics of the administration reproached the president for his failure to tackle the deficiency | [with direct speech] : "You know that isn't true," he reproached her. • (reproach someone with) accuse someone of: his wife reproached him with cowardice. noun the expression of disapproval or disappointment: he gave her a look of reproach | a farrago of warnings and pained reproaches. • (a reproach to) a thing that makes the failings of someone or something else more apparent: his elegance is a living reproach to our slovenly habits. above (or beyond) reproach such that no criticism can be made; perfect.

deduce

verb [with object] arrive at (a fact or a conclusion) by reasoning; draw as a logical conclusion: little can be safely deduced from these figures | [with clause] : they deduced that the fish died because of water pollution. • archaic trace the course or derivation of: he cannot deduce his descent wholly by heirs male.

interrogate

verb [with object] ask questions of (someone, especially a suspect or a prisoner) closely, aggressively, or formally. • Computing obtain data from (a computer file, database, storage device, or terminal). • (of an electronic device) transmit a signal to (another device, especially one on a vehicle) to obtain a response giving information about identity, condition, etc.

pelted

verb [with object] attack (someone) by repeatedly hurling things at them: two little boys pelted him with rotten apples. • repeatedly hurl (something) at someone or something: he spotted four boys aged about ten pelting stones at ducks. • [no object] (pelt down) (of rain, hail, or snow) fall quickly and very heavily: the rain was pelting down. • [no object] informal run somewhere very quickly: I pelted across the road. noun archaic an act of hurling something at someone.

instigate

verb [with object] bring about or initiate (an action or event): they instigated a reign of terror | instigating legal proceedings. • (instigate someone to do something) incite someone to do something, especially something bad: instigating men to refuse allegiance to the civil powers.

compute

verb [with object] calculate or reckon (a figure or amount): we can compute the exact increase | depreciation is computed by applying the straight-line method. • [no object] make a calculation, especially using a computer: modern circuitry can compute faster than any chess player. • [no object, with negative] informal seem reasonable; make sense: the idea just doesn't compute.[from the phrase does not compute, once used as an error message in computing.]

bungle

verb [with object] carry out (a task) clumsily or incompetently, leading to failure or an unsatisfactory outcome: she had bungled every attempt to help | (as adjective bungled) : a bungled bank raid. • [no object] (usually as adjective bungling) make or be prone to making many mistakes: the work of a bungling amateur. noun a mistake or failure, typically one resulting from mismanagement or confusion.

antecede

verb [with object] come before (something) in time, order, or position; precede: investigative reporting long antecedes the invention of miniature cameras.

relegate

verb [with object] consign or dismiss to an inferior rank or position: they aim to prevent women from being relegated to a secondary role.

comprise

verb [with object] consist of; be made up of: the country comprises twenty states. • make up; constitute: this single breed comprises 50 percent of the Swiss cattle population | (be comprised of) : documents are comprised of words.

hinder

verb [with object] create difficulties for (someone or something), resulting in delay or obstruction: various family stalemates were hindering communication. adjective [attributive] (especially of a bodily part) rear; hind: the hinder end of its body.

defame

verb [with object] damage the good reputation of (someone); slander or libel: he claimed that the article defamed his family. DERIVATIVES defamer |dəˈfāmər| noun

sabotage

verb [with object] deliberately destroy, damage, or obstruct (something), especially for political or military advantage. noun the action of sabotaging something.

disavow

verb [with object] deny any responsibility or support for: he appears to be in denial of his own past, which he continually disavows.

controvert

verb [with object] deny the truth of (something): subsequent work from the same laboratory controverted these results. • argue about (something): the views in the article have been controverted.

disconcert

verb [with object] disturb the composure of; unsettle: the abrupt change of subject disconcerted her | (as adjective disconcerted) : she was amused to see a disconcerted expression on his face.

predetermine

verb [with object] establish or decide in advance: closed questions almost predetermine the response given | (as adjective predetermined) : a predetermined level of spending. • (usually be predetermined) predestine (an outcome or course of events): a strong sense that life had been predetermined.

forewarn

verb [with object] inform (someone) of a danger or possible problem: he had been forewarned of a coup plot.

alleviate

verb [with object] make (suffering, deficiency, or a problem) less severe: he couldn't prevent her pain, only alleviate it | measures to alleviate unemployment.

defuse

verb [with object] remove the fuse from (an explosive device) in order to prevent it from exploding: explosives specialists tried to defuse the grenade. • reduce the danger or tension in (a difficult situation): he had the ability to defuse tense moments with humor.

abash

verb [with object] (usually as adjective abashed) cause to feel embarrassed, disconcerted, or ashamed: she was not abashed at being caught.

premeditate

verb [with object] (usually as adjective premeditated) think out or plan (an action, especially a crime) beforehand: premeditated murder.

incline

verb |inˈklīn| 1 (be inclined to/toward/to do something) feel willing or favorably disposed toward (an action, belief, or attitude): he was inclined to accept the offer | Lucy was inclined to a belief in original sin. • [with infinitive] (especially as a polite formula) tend toward holding a specified opinion: I'm inclined to agree with you. • [with object] make (someone) willing or disposed to do something: his prejudice inclines him to overlook obvious facts. • [no object] feel favorably disposed to someone or something: I incline to the view that this conclusion is untenable. 2 (be inclined to/to do something) have a tendency to do something: she's inclined to gossip with complete strangers. • [with adverbial] have a specified disposition or talent: some people are very mathematically inclined. 3 [no object] lean or turn away from a given plane or direction, especially the vertical or horizontal: the bunker doors incline outward | (as adjective inclined) : an inclined ramp. • [with object] bend (one's head) forward and downward. noun |ˈinˌklīn| an inclined surface or plane; a slope, especially on a road or railway: the road climbs a long incline through a forest.

concentration

• (concentration on/upon) dealing with one particular thing above all others: concentration on the needs of the young can mean that the elderly are forgotten. 2 a close gathering of people or things: the largest concentration of Canada geese on earth. • the action of gathering together closely: the concentration of power.

dwarf

(also dwarf star) Astronomy a star of relatively small size and low luminosity, including the majority of main sequence stars. verb [with object] cause to seem small or insignificant in comparison: the buildings surround and dwarf All Saints Church. • stunt the growth or development of: (as adjective dwarfed) : the dwarfed but solid branch of a tree.

go back on

1. Return, retrace one's steps; also, return to a former condition.

root out

:to find and remove (something or someone)

hustle and bustle

A large amount of activity and work, usually in a noisy surrounding. He moved to his parents' farm to have a break from the hustle and bustle of the big city.

tax incentive

A tax incentive is an aspect of a country's tax code designed to incentivize, or encourage a particular economic activity. a reduction in taxes that encourages companies or people to do something that will help the country's economy: Tax incentives worth millions brought dozens of companies and thousands of new jobs to the region last year. A new initiative offers tax incentives to households which reduce their annual output of waste.

stakes are high

Designating a gambling game in which the stakes are high; (hence in extended use of any situation or activity) high-risk, dangerous; having the potential for very significant gains or losses.

standard fare

Fare literally means food and drink, so this is a metaphor. Standard fare is "what is usually served" as a meal, say in a guest house

irksome

adjective irritating; annoying.

unadorned

adjective not adorned; plain.

loath

adjective reluctant; unwilling: I was loath to leave.

evanescent

adjectivechiefly literary soon passing out of sight, memory, or existence; quickly fading or disappearing: a shimmering evanescent bubble.

coherently

adverb 1 (with reference to an argument, theory, or policy) in a logical and consistent way: you argue your point coherently. • (with reference to speech) in a clear and understandable way: he suffered a stroke that left him unable to walk or talk coherently. 2 in a way that forms a unified whole: communities preferred coherently organized or curated online collections.

constructively

adverb 1 in a way that has or is intended to have a useful or beneficial purpose: the party has engaged constructively in this debate. 2 Law in a way that is not obvious or explicitly stated but may be inferred: this non-disclosure was said to be constructively tantamount to fraud.

euphemistically

adverb by means of a mild or indirect word or expression instead of one considered too harsh or blunt: punitive legislation euphemistically called "welfare reform"

wholly

adverb entirely; fully: she found herself given over wholly to sensation | [as submodifier] : the distinction is not wholly clear.

fitfully

adverb not regularly or continuously; intermittently: he slept fitfully.

on moral ground

based on what is right and wrong

cater to

cater to something to provide people with something they want or need, especially something unusual or special. There are more and more TV shows catering to young male audiences.

bogged down

cause (a vehicle, person, or animal) to become stuck in mud or wet ground: the car became bogged down on the beach road. • (be bogged down) (of a person or process) be unable to make progress: you must not get bogged down in detail.

libelous

containing or constituting a libel: a libelous newspaper story.

burst at the seams

f a place is bursting at the seams, it has a very large number of people or things in it: Now that they have six children, their little house is bursting at the seams.

for the duration

for the duration until the end of something, especially a war: he was in the navy for the duration plus six. • informal for a very long time: some stains may be there for the duration.

in check

in check 1 under control: a way of keeping inflation in check.

heinous

ive (of a person or wrongful act, especially a crime) utterly odious or wicked: a battery of heinous crimes.

utility (economy)

like happiness adjective [attributive] 1 useful, especially through being able to perform several functions: a utility truck. • denoting a player capable of playing in several different positions in a sport. 2 functional rather than attractive: utility clothing. noun (plural utilities) 1 the state of being useful, profitable, or beneficial: he had a poor opinion of the utility of book learning. • (in game theory or economics) a measure of that which is sought to be maximized in any situation involving a choice.

parish

noun (in the Christian Church) a small administrative district typically having its own church and a priest or pastor

easement

noun 1 Law a right to cross or otherwise use someone else's land for a specified purpose. 2 literary the state or feeling of comfort or peace: time brings easement.

pantomime

noun 1 a dramatic entertainment, originating in Roman mime, in which performers express meaning through gestures accompanied by music. • an absurdly exaggerated piece of behavior: he made a pantomime of checking his watch. • informal a ridiculous or confused situation or event: the drive to town was a pantomime. verb [with object] express or represent (something) by extravagant and exaggerated mime: the clown candidates pantomimed different emotions.

trepidation

noun 1 a feeling of fear or agitation about something that may happen: the men set off in fear and trepidation. 2 archaic trembling motion.

foible

noun 1 a minor weakness or eccentricity in someone's character: they have to tolerate each other's little foibles.

commoner

noun 1 an ordinary person, without rank or title. 2 a person who has the right of common (commonage). 3 (at some British universities) an undergraduate who does not have a scholarship.

duplicity

noun 1 deceitfulness; double-dealing.

aftermath

noun 1 the consequences or aftereffects of a significant unpleasant event: food prices soared in the aftermath of the drought.

detachment

noun 1 the state of being objective or aloof: he felt a sense of detachment from what was going on. 2 Military a group of troops, aircraft, or ships sent away on a separate mission: a detachment of Marines | the battalion went on detachment to Florida. • a party of people similarly separated from a larger group: a truck containing a detachment of villagers. 3 the action or process of detaching; separation: structural problems resulted in cracking and detachment of the wall.

plumage

noun a bird's feathers collectively.

divorcee

noun a divorced person.

awe

noun a feeling of reverential respect mixed with fear or wonder: they gazed in awe at the small mountain of diamonds | the sight filled me with awe | his staff members are in awe of him. • archaic capacity to inspire awe: is it any wonder that Christmas Eve has lost its awe? verb [with object] (usually be awed) inspire with awe: they were both awed by the vastness of the forest.

euphoria

noun a feeling or state of intense excitement and happiness: the euphoria of success will fuel your desire to continue training.

torpor

noun a state of physical or mental inactivity; lethargy: they veered between apathetic torpor and hysterical fanaticism.

witticism

noun a witty remark.

facsimile

noun an exact copy, especially of written or printed material. • another term for fax1. verb (facsimiles, facsimileing, facsimiled) [with object] make a copy of: the ride was facsimiled for Disney World. in facsimile as an exact copy.

insularity

noun ignorance of or lack of interest in cultures, ideas, or peoples outside one's own experience: an example of British insularity.

hardship

noun severe suffering or privation: intolerable levels of hardship | the shared hardships of wartime.

guile

noun sly or cunning intelligence: he used all his guile and guts to free himself from the muddle he was in.

affliction

noun something that causes pain or suffering: a crippling affliction of the nervous system. • pain or suffering: poor people in great affliction.

empathy

noun the ability to understand and share the feelings of another.

renown

noun the condition of being known or talked about by many people; fame: authors of great renown.

spontaneity

noun the condition of being spontaneous; spontaneous behavior or action: she occasionally tore up her usual schedule in favor of spontaneity.

miscegenation

noun the interbreeding of people considered to be of different racial types.

impudence

noun the quality of being impudent; impertinence: his arrogance and impudence had offended many.

composure

noun the state or feeling of being calm and in control of oneself: she was struggling to regain her composure.

animosity

noun (plural animosities) strong hostility: he no longer felt any animosity toward her | the animosity between the king and his brother | the five decided to put aside their animosities.

cavalry

noun (plural cavalries) [usually treated as plural] (in the past) soldiers who fought on horseback. • modern soldiers who fight in armored vehicles.

census

noun (plural censuses) an official count or survey of a population, typically recording various details of individuals: population estimates extrapolated from the 1981 census | [as modifier] : census data.

entity

noun (plural entities) a thing with distinct and independent existence: church and empire were fused in a single entity. • existence; being: entity and nonentity.

generality

noun (plural generalities) 1 a statement or principle having general rather than specific validity or force: he confined his remarks to generalities. • the quality or state of being general: policy should be formulated at an appropriate level of generality. 2 (the generality) the majority: appropriate to the generality of laymen.

manifesto

noun (plural manifestos) a public declaration of policy and aims, especially one issued before an election by a political party or candidate.

nobleman

noun (plural noblemen) a man who belongs to the noble class.

obituary

noun (plural obituaries) a notice of a death, especially in a newspaper, typically including a brief biography of the deceased person: the obituary of a friend | [as modifier] : an obituary notice.

rabbi

noun (plural rabbis) a Jewish scholar or teacher, especially one who studies or teaches Jewish law. • a person appointed as a Jewish religious leader.

suavity

noun (plural suavities) the quality of being suave in manner: he conveyed an air of polish and suavity.

depredation

noun (usually depredations) an act of attacking or plundering: protecting grain from the depredations of rats and mice.

loin

noun (usually loins) the part of the body on both sides of the spine between the lowest (false) ribs and the hipbones. • (loins) chiefly literary the region of the sexual organs, especially when regarded as the source of erotic or procreative power: he felt a stirring in his loins at the thought. • (loin) a large cut of meat that includes the vertebrae of the loins: loin of pork with potatoes.

machination

noun (usually machinations) a plot or scheme.

misgivings

noun (usually misgivings) a feeling of doubt or apprehension about the outcome or consequences of something: we have misgivings about the way the campaign is being run | I felt a sense of misgiving at the prospect of retirement.

nadir

noun [in singular] the lowest point in the fortunes of a person or organization: they had reached the nadir of their sufferings.

urbanite

noun informal a person who lives in a city or town.

nitwit

noun informal a silly or foolish person (often as a general term of abuse). like basically dumb

opportunity cost

nounEconomics the loss of potential gain from other alternatives when one alternative is chosen

possessive pronoun

nounGrammar a pronoun indicating possession, for example mine, yours, hers, theirs.

testator

nounLaw a person who has made a will or given a legacy.

affidavit

nounLaw a written statement confirmed by oath or affirmation, for use as evidence in court.

old trout

old trout informal an annoying or bad-tempered old person, especially a woman.

ideology

oun 1 (plural ideologies) a system of ideas and ideals, especially one that forms the basis of economic or political theory and policy: the ideology of republicanism. • the ideas and manner of thinking characteristic of a group, social class, or individual: a critique of bourgeois ideology. • archaic visionary speculation, especially of an unrealistic or idealistic nature. 2 archaic the science of ideas; the study of their origin and nature.

borne

past participle of bear

mores

pl.noun the essential or characteristic customs and conventions of a community: an offense against social mores.

minutiae

pl.noun the small, precise, or trivial details of something: the minutiae of everyday life.

indices

plural of index

state of affair

state of affairs (or things) a situation or set of circumstances: the survey revealed a sorry state of affairs in schools.

innovation

the action or process of innovating. • a new method, idea, product, etc.: technological innovations designed to save energy.

sarcasm

the use of irony to mock or convey contempt: his voice, hardened by sarcasm, could not hide his resentment.

founded on

to be based on a particular idea, principle, fact, or quality

waive a right

to relinquish (a known right, interest, etc.) intentionally.

vacillate

verb [no object] alternate or waver between different opinions or actions; be indecisive: I had for a time vacillated between teaching and journalism.

ratiocinate

verb [no object] formal form judgments by a process of logic; reason.

circumscribe

verb [with object] 1 restrict (something) within limits: their movements were strictly monitored and circumscribed.

captivate

verb [with object] attract and hold the interest and attention of; charm: he was captivated by her beauty.

misrepresent

verb [with object] give a false or misleading account of the nature of: you are misrepresenting the views of the government.

enfeeble

verb [with object] make weak or feeble: (as adjective enfeebled) : trade unions are in an enfeebled state.

chameleon

• a person who changes their opinions or behavior according to the situation.

subterfuge

noun deceit used in order to achieve one's goal.

remorse

noun deep regret or guilt for a wrong committed: they were filled with remorse and shame.

credo

noun (plural credos) a statement of the beliefs or aims that guide someone's actions: he announced his credo in his first editorial.

arboreal

adjective (chiefly of animals) living in trees: arboreal rodents. • relating to trees.

profitable

adjective 1 (of a business or activity) yielding profit or financial gain. 2 beneficial; useful: he'd had a profitable day.

baseless

adjective 1 without foundation in fact: baseless allegations.

industrious

adjective diligent and hard-working.

vehemence

noun the display of strong feeling; passion: they speak with starry vehemence about their project.

quail

some kind of bird

fallow

• inactive: long fallow periods when nothing seems to happen.

august

adjective respected and impressive: she was in august company.

permeable

adjective (of a material or membrane) allowing liquids or gases to pass through it: a frog's skin is permeable to water.

erogenous

adjective (of a part of the body) sensitive to sexual stimulation: erogenous zones.

incessant

adjective (of something regarded as unpleasant) continuing without pause or interruption: the incessant beat of the music.

irremediable

adjective impossible to cure or put right.

puerile

adjective childishly silly and trivial: you're making puerile excuses.

preceptor

noun a teacher or instructor.

remuneration

noun money paid for work or a service.

quixotic

adjective exceedingly idealistic; unrealistic and impractical: a vast and perhaps quixotic project.

garrulous

adjective excessively talkative, especially on trivial matters: Polonius is portrayed as a foolish, garrulous old man.

incorrigible

adjective (of a person or their tendencies) not able to be corrected, improved, or reformed: she's an incorrigible flirt. noun an incorrigible person.

celebrated

adjective greatly admired; renowned: a celebrated mathematician.

grasping

adjective greedy; avaricious: grasping, power-hungry individuals.

sardonic

adjective grimly mocking or cynical: Starkey attempted a sardonic smile.

iniquitous

adjective grossly unfair and morally wrong: an iniquitous tax | these awards remain an iniquitous system.

fanciful

adjective (of a person or their thoughts and ideas) overimaginative and unrealistic: a fanciful story about a pot of gold. • existing only in the imagination or fancy: the Moon Maiden is one of a number of fanciful lunar inhabitants. • designed to be exotically ornamental rather than practical: fanciful bonnets.

discriminating

adjective (of a person) having or showing refined taste or good judgment: he became a discriminating collector and patron of the arts.

unwitting

adjective (of a person) not aware of the full facts: an unwitting accomplice. • not done on purpose; unintentional: we are anxious to rectify the unwitting mistakes made in the past.

unworldly

adjective (of a person) not having much awareness of the realities of life, in particular, not motivated by material or practical considerations: she was so shrewd in some ways, but hopelessly unworldly in others. • not seeming to belong to this planet; strange: the unworldly monolith loomed four stories high.

give way

allow someone or something to be or go first. "give way to traffic coming from the right" be replaced or superseded by. "Alan's discomfort gave way to anger" allow oneself to be overcome by or to succumb to (an emotion or impulse). "she gave way to a burst of weeping" (of a support or structure) be unable to carry a load or withstand a force; collapse or break. yield to someone or something. "he was not a man to give way to this kind of pressure"

hybrid

djective of mixed character; composed of mixed parts: Mexico's hybrid postconquest culture. • bred as a hybrid from different species or varieties: a hybrid variety | hybrid offspring. 2 a thing made by combining two different elements; a mixture: the final text is a hybrid of the stage play and the film. • a word formed from elements taken from different languages, for example television (tele- from Greek, vision from Latin). • (also hybrid car) a car with a gasoline engine and an electric motor, each of which can propel it.

hyper-sexual

dysfunctional preoccupation with sexual fantasy, often in combination with the obsessive pursuit of casual or non-intimate sex; pornography; compulsive masturbation; romantic intensity and objectified partner sex for a period of at least six months.

unaccountable

ective 1 unable to be explained: a strange and unaccountable fact. • (of a person or their behavior) unpredictable and strange. 2 (of a person, organization, or institution) not required or expected to justify actions or decisions; not responsible for results or consequences.

landlord

noun a person, especially a man, who rents land, a building, or an apartment to a tenant. • a person who owns or runs a boarding house, inn, or similar establishment.

cataclysm

noun a large-scale and violent event in the natural world. • a sudden violent upheaval, especially in a political or social context: the cataclysm of the First World War.

bequest

noun a legacy: her $135,000 was the largest bequest the library ever has received. • the action of bequeathing something: a painting acquired by bequest.

existentialism

noun a philosophical theory or approach that emphasizes the existence of the individual person as a free and responsible agent determining their own development through acts of the will.

iota

in singular, usually with negative] an extremely small amount: nothing she said seemed to make an iota of difference.[iota being the smallest letter of the Greek alphabet. Compare with jot.]

disavowal

noun denial of any responsibility or support for something; repudiation: his disavowal of his previous writings | they know this, despite their disavowals.

pedestrian

noun a person walking along a road or in a developed area. adjective lacking inspiration or excitement; dull: disenchantment with their present, pedestrian lives.

proponent

noun a person who advocates a theory, proposal, or project: a collection of essays by both critics and proponents of graphology.

payroll

noun a list of a company's employees and the amount of money they are to be paid: there are just three employees on the payroll. • the total amount of wages and salaries paid by a company to its employees: small employers with a payroll of less than $45,000.

merit

verb (merits, meriting, merited) [with object] deserve or be worthy of (something, especially reward, punishment, or attention): the results have been encouraging enough to merit further investigation.

posit

tr.v. pos·it·ed, pos·it·ing, pos·its 1. To assume or put forward, as for consideration or the basis of argument: "If a book is hard going, it ought to be good. If it posits a complex moral situation, it ought to be even better" (Anthony Burgess). 2. To place firmly in position. Phrasal Verb: posit on (or upon) To base (something) on an assumption regarding (something else); assume (something) to have (something else) as a basis: "His plan was posited on luck and failed to take account of delays caused by adverse weather and disease" (Fergus Fleming).

reinvent the wheel

waste a great deal of time or effort in creating something that already exists.

stalemate

• a situation in which further action or progress by opposing or competing parties seems impossible: the war had again reached stalemate. verb [with object] bring to or cause to reach stalemate: (as adjective stalemated) : the currently stalemated peace talks.

reflect

• embody or represent (something) in a faithful or appropriate way: stocks are priced at a level that reflects a company's prospects | schools should reflect cultural differences. • (of an action or situation) bring (credit or discredit) to the relevant parties: the main contract is progressing well, which reflects great credit on those involved. • [no object] (reflect well/badly on) bring about a good or bad impression of: the incident reflects badly on the operating practices of the airlines. 2 [no object] (reflect on/upon) think deeply or carefully about: he reflected with sadness on the unhappiness of his marriage | [with clause] : Charles reflected that maybe there was hope for the family after all. 1 [with object] (of a surface or body) throw back (heat, light, or sound)WITHOUT ABSORBING it: when the sun's rays hit the earth a lot of the heat is reflected back into space | (as adjective reflected) : his eyes gleamed in the reflected light.

deduction

2 the inference of particular instances by reference to a general law or principle: the detective must uncover the murderer by deduction from facts | we do not yet know if these deductions are correct. Often contrasted with induction. (think deduce)

succeed

[with object] take over a throne, inheritance, office, or other position from: he would succeed Hawke as prime minister. • [no object] become the new rightful holder of an inheritance, office, title, or property: he succeeded to his father's kingdom. • come after and take the place of: her embarrassment was succeeded by fear. PHRASES nothing succeeds like success proverb success leads to opportunities for further and greater successes.

effete

adjective (of a person) affected, overrefined, and ineffectual: effete trendies from art college. • no longer capable of effective action: the authority of an effete aristocracy began to dwindle.

rousing

adjective 1 exciting; stirring: a rousing speech. 2 archaic (of a fire) blazing strongly.

irrational

adjective 1 not logical or reasonable. • not endowed with the power of reason.

impressive

adjective evoking admiration through size, quality, or skill: grand, imposing, or awesome: an impressive view of the mountains | impressive achievements in science.

exhaustive

adjective examining, including, or considering all elements or aspects; fully comprehensive: she has undergone exhaustive tests since becoming ill.

hypercritical

adjective excessively and unreasonably critical, especially of small faults.

egotistical

adjective excessively conceited or absorbed in oneself; self-centered: he's selfish, egotistical, and arrogant.

acquisitive

adjective excessively interested in acquiring money or material things.

remunerative

adjective financially rewarding; lucrative: highly remunerative activities. • earning a salary; paid: since June 2003 he has not had any remunerative employment.

gripping

adjective firmly holding the attention or interest; exciting: a gripping TV thriller.

accommodating

adjective fitting in with someone's wishes or demands in a helpful way.

disputatious

adjective fond of or causing heated arguments: a congenial hangout for disputatious academics | disputatious council meetings.

jocular

adjective fond of or characterized by joking; humorous or playful: she sounded in a jocular mood | his voice was jocular.

grudging

adjective given, granted, or allowed only reluctantly or resentfully: a grudging apology. • (of a person) reluctant or resentfully unwilling to give, grant, or allow something: Oliver was grudging about accepting Wickham's innocence.

perspicacious

adjective having a ready insight into and understanding of things: it offers quite a few facts to the perspicacious reporter.

disgraced

adjective having fallen from favor or a position of power or honor; discredited: the disgraced Wall Street financier.

heterodox

adjective not conforming with accepted or orthodox standards or beliefs: heterodox views.

unobtrusive

adjective not conspicuous or attracting attention: corrections should be neat and unobtrusive.

unelaborated

adjective not developed or presented in further detail: the theory remains unelaborated and sketchy | he prefers the unelaborated 1818-23 text.

migrant

noun 1 (also migrant worker) a worker who moves from place to place to do seasonal work. 2 an animal that migrates. adjective [attributive] tending to migrate or having migrated: migrant birds.

boon

noun 1 [usually in singular] a thing that is helpful or beneficial: the navigation system will be a boon to both civilian and military users. 2 archaic a favor or request: may I have the inestimable boon of a few minutes' conversation? adjective (of a companion or friend) close; intimate; favorite: he debated the question with a few boon companions in the barroom.

vignette

noun 1 a brief evocative description, account, or episode. 2 a small illustration or portrait photograph that fades into its background without a definite border. • a small ornamental design filling a space in a book or carving, typically based on foliage. verb [with object] portray (someone) in the style of a vignette. • produce (a photograph) in the style of a vignette by softening or shading away the edges of the subject.

labyrinth

noun 1 a complicated irregular network of passages or paths in which it is difficult to find one's way; a maze:labyrinth 1 labyrinth 1 a labyrinth of passages and secret chambers. • an intricate and confusing arrangement: a labyrinth of conflicting laws and regulations. 2 Anatomy a complex structure in the inner ear that contains the organs of hearing and balance. It consists of bony cavities (the bony labyrinth) filled with fluid and lined with sensitive membranes (the membranous labyrinth).

distinction

noun 1 a difference or contrast between similar things or people: there is a sharp distinction between domestic politics and international politics | I was completely unaware of class distinctions. • the separation of things or people into different groups according to their attributes or characteristics: these procedures were to be applied to all births, without distinction. 2 excellence that sets someone or something apart from others: a novelist of distinction. • a decoration or honor awarded to someone in recognition of outstanding achievement: he gained the highest distinction awarded for excellence in photography. • recognition of outstanding achievement, such as on an examination: I made a distinction in Greek. Compare with merit. PHRASES distinction without a difference an artificially created distinction where no real difference exists. have the distinction of be different from others of a similar type by virtue of a notable characteristic or achievement: pinto beans have the distinction of being one of the quickest beans to cook.

regime

noun 1 a government, especially an authoritarian one. 2 a system or planned way of doing things, especially one imposed from above: detention centers with a very tough physical regime. • a coordinated program for the promotion or restoration of health; a regimen: a low-calorie, low-fat regime. • the conditions under which a scientific or industrial process occurs.

procession

noun 1 a number of people or vehicles moving forward in an orderly fashion, especially as part of a ceremony or festival: a funeral procession. • the action of moving forward as part of a ceremony: the fully robed civic dignitaries walk in procession. • a relentless succession of people or things: his path was paved by a procession of industry executives.

cynic

noun 1 a person who believes that people are motivated purely by self-interest rather than acting for honorable or unselfish reasons: some cynics thought that the controversy was all a publicity stunt. • a person who questions whether something will happen or whether it is worthwhile: the cynics were silenced when the factory opened. 2 (Cynic) a member of a school of ancient Greek philosophers founded by Antisthenes, marked by an ostentatious contempt for ease and pleasure. The movement flourished in the 3rd century bc and revived in the 1st century ad.

patriot

noun 1 a person who vigorously supports their country and is prepared to defend it against enemies or detractors.

amity

noun a friendly relationship: international amity and goodwill.

orator

noun a public speaker, especially one who is eloquent or skilled.

replica

noun an exact copy or model of something, especially one on a smaller scale: a replica of the Empire State Building. • a duplicate of an original artistic work: it is a replica of an antique plaque.

blasphemy

noun (plural blasphemies) the act or offense of speaking sacrilegiously about God or sacred things; profane talk: he was detained on charges of blasphemy | screaming incomprehensible blasphemies.

casualty

noun (plural casualties) a person killed or injured in a war or accident. • a person or thing badly affected by an event or situation: the building industry has been one of the casualties of the recession. • (chiefly in insurance) an accident, mishap, or disaster.

confederacy

noun (plural confederacies) a league or alliance, especially of confederate states. • (the Confederacy) another term for Confederate States of America. • an alliance of people or groups formed for an illicit purpose.

pallor

noun [in singular] an unhealthy pale appearance.

clientele

noun [treated as singular or plural] clients collectively: an upscale clientele. • the customers of a shop, bar, or place of entertainment: the dancers don't mix with the clientele.

paraphernalia

noun [treated as singular or plural] miscellaneous articles, especially the equipment needed for a particular activity: drills, saws, and other paraphernalia necessary for home improvements | drugs and drug paraphernalia that had been discovered on the premises. • trappings associated with a particular institution or activity that are regarded as superfluous: the rituals and paraphernalia of government.

populace

noun [treated as singular or plural] the people living in a particular country or area: the party misjudged the mood of the populace.

proletariat

noun [treated as singular or plural] workers or working-class people, regarded collectively (often used with reference to Marxism): the growth of the industrial proletariat. • the lowest class of citizens in ancient Rome.

forbearance

noun formal patient self-control; restraint and tolerance: forbearance from taking action. • Law the action of refraining from exercising a legal right, especially enforcing the payment of a debt.

denizen

noun formal or humorous an inhabitant or occupant of a particular place: denizens of field and forest.

aggregate

noun |ˈaɡriɡət| 1 a whole formed by combining several (typically disparate) elements: the council was an aggregate of three regional assemblies. • the total number of points scored by a player or team in a series of sporting contests: the result put the sides even on aggregate. 2 a material or structure formed from a loosely compacted mass of fragments or particles. • pieces of broken or crushed stone or gravel used to make concrete, or more generally in building and construction work. adjective [attributive] formed or calculated by the combination of many separate units or items; total: the aggregate amount of grants made. verb |ˈaɡrəˌɡāt| form or group into a class or cluster: [no object] : the butterflies aggregate in dense groups. in (the) aggregate in total; as a whole.

document

noun |ˈdäkyəmənt| a piece of written, printed, or electronic matter that provides information or evidence or that serves as an official record. verb |ˈdäkyəˌment| [with object] record (something) in written, photographic, or other form: the photographer spent years documenting the lives of miners. • support or accompany with documentation.

patent

noun |ˈpatnt| 1 a government authority or license conferring a right or title for a set period, especially the sole right to exclude others from making, using, or selling an invention: he took out a patent for an improved steam hammer. adjective 1 |ˈpātntˈpatnt| easily recognizable; obvious: she was smiling with patent insincerity. 2 Medicine |ˈpātntˈpatnt| (of a vessel, duct, or aperture) open and unobstructed; failing to close. • (of a parasitic infection) showing detectable parasites in the tissues or feces. 3 |ˈpatnt| [attributive] made and marketed under a patent; proprietary: patent milk powder. verb |ˈpatnt| [with object] obtain a patent for (an invention): an invention is not your own until it is patented.

rundown

noun |ˈrənˌdoun| [usually in singular] 1 an analysis or summary of something by a knowledgeable person: he gave his teammates a rundown on the opposition. 2 a reduction in the productivity or activities of a company or institution: a rundown in the business would be a devastating blow to the local economy. 3 Baseball an attempt by two or more fielders to tag out a base runner who is trapped between two bases: he was caught in a rundown and tagged out by the shortstop. adjective |ˌrənˈdoun| (usually run-down) 1 (especially of a building or area) in a poor or neglected state after having been prosperous: a run-down, vandalized inner-city area. • (of a company or industry) in a poor economic state. 2 [predicative] tired and somewhat unwell, especially through overwork: feeling tired and generally run-down.

clench

verb (with reference to the fingers or hand) close into a tight ball, especially when feeling extreme anger: [with object] : she clenched her fists, struggling for control | [no object] : John's right hand clenched into a fist | (as adjective clenched) : he struck the wall with his clenched fist. • (with reference to the teeth) press or be pressed tightly together, especially with anger or determination or so as to suppress a strong emotion: [no object] : her teeth clenched in anger. • [with object] grasp (something) tightly, especially with the hands or between the teeth: he clenched the steering wheel so hard that the car wobbled. • [no object] (of a muscular part of the body) tighten or contract sharply, especially with strong emotion: Mark felt his stomach clench in alarm. noun [in singular] a contraction or tightening of part of the body: she saw the anger rise, saw the clench of his fists.

grate

verb 1 [with object] reduce (something, especially food) to small shreds by rubbing it on a grater: peel and roughly grate the carrots | (as adjective grated) : grated cheese. 2 [no object] make an unpleasant rasping sound: the hinges of the door grated. • (grate against) rub against something with a rasping sound: his helmet grated against the top of the door. • have an irritating effect: he had a juvenile streak that grated on her nerves.

encompass

verb 1 [with object] surround and have or hold within: a vast halo encompassing the Milky Way galaxy. • include comprehensively: no studies encompass all aspects of medical care. 2 archaic cause (something) to take place: an act designed to encompass the death of the king.

begrudge

verb 1 [with two objects] envy (someone) the possession or enjoyment of (something): she begrudged Martin his affluence. 2 [with object] give reluctantly or resentfully: nobody begrudges a single penny spent on health.

swerve

verb change or cause to change direction abruptly: [no object] : a car swerved around a corner | [with object] : he swerved the truck, narrowly missing a teenager on a skateboard. noun an abrupt change of direction: do not make sudden swerves, particularly around parked vehicles.

amalgamate

verb combine or unite to form one organization or structure: [with object] : he amalgamated his company with another | [no object] : numerous small railroad companies amalgamated | (as adjective amalgamated) : his true genius lies in synthesis, in an amalgamated vision. • [with object] Chemistry alloy (a metal) with mercury: (as adjective amalgamated) : amalgamated zinc.

retain

verb continue to have (something); keep possession of: built in 1830, the house retains many of its original features. • not abolish, discard, or alter: the rights of defendants must be retained. • keep in one's memory: I retained a few French words and phrases. • absorb and continue to hold (a substance): limestone is known to retain water. • (often as adjective retaining) keep (something) in place; hold fixed: remove the retaining bar. • keep (someone) engaged in one's service: he has been retained as a freelance. • secure the services of (a person, especially an attorney) with a preliminary payment: retain an attorney to handle the client's business.

glare

verb [no object] 1 stare in an angry or fierce way: she glared at him, her cheeks flushing. • [with object] express (a feeling, especially defiance) by staring in an angry way: he glared defiance at the pistols pointing down at him. 2 [with adverbial] (of the sun or an electric light) shine with a strong or dazzling light: the sun glared out of a clear blue sky. noun 1 a fierce or angry stare. 2 strong and dazzling light: Murray narrowed his eyes against the glare of the sun. • oppressive public attention or scrutiny: he carried on his life in the full glare of publicity. 3 archaic dazzling or showy appearance; tawdry brilliance: the pomp and glare of rhetoric.

cogitate

verb [no object] formal or humorous think deeply about something; meditate or reflect: he stroked his beard and retired to cogitate.

reiterate

verb [reporting verb] say something again or a number of times, typically for emphasis or clarity: [with clause] : she reiterated that the administration would remain steadfast in its support | [with direct speech] : "I just want to forget it all," he reiterated | [with object] : he reiterated the points made in his earlier speech.

incapacitate

verb [with object] prevent from functioning in a normal way: he was incapacitated by a heart attack. • Law deprive (someone) of their legal capacity.

impute

verb [with object] represent (something, especially something undesirable) as being done, caused, or possessed by someone; attribute: the crimes imputed to Richard. • Theology ascribe (righteousness, guilt, etc.) to someone by virtue of a similar quality in another: Christ's righteousness has been imputed to us.

traduce

verb [with object] speak badly of or tell lies about (someone) so as to damage their reputation.

befuddle

verb [with object] (usually as adjective befuddled) make (someone) unable to think clearly: he has an air of befuddled unworldliness.

aspirate

verb |ˈaspəˌrāt| [with object] 1 (often as adjective aspirated) Phonetics pronounce (a sound) with an exhalation of breath: the aspirated allophone of p occurs in "pie." • [no object] pronounce the sound h at the beginning of a word. 2 Medicine draw (fluid) by suction from a vessel or cavity. • breathe (something) in; inhale: some drowning victims don't aspirate any water.

postulate

verb |ˈpäsCHəˌlāt| [with object] 1 suggest or assume the existence, fact, or truth of (something) as a basis for reasoning, discussion, or belief: his theory postulated a rotatory movement for hurricanes | [with clause] : he postulated that the environmentalists might have a case. 2 (in ecclesiastical law) nominate or elect (someone) to an ecclesiastical office subject to the sanction of a higher authority. noun |ˈpäsCHələt| formal a thing suggested or assumed as true as the basis for reasoning, discussion, or belief: perhaps the postulate of Babylonian influence on Greek astronomy is incorrect.

sublimate

verb |ˈsəbləˌmāt| 1 [with object] (especially in psychoanalytic theory) divert or modify (an instinctual impulse) into a culturally higher or socially more acceptable activity: people who will sublimate sexuality into activities which help to build up and preserve civilization | he sublimates his hurt and anger into humor.

raze

verb [with object] (usually be razed) completely destroy (a building, town, or other site): villages were razed to the ground.

timely

adjective done or occurring at a favorable or useful time; opportune: a timely warning.

germane

adjective relevant to a subject under consideration: that is not germane to our theme.

peerless

adjective unequaled; unrivaled: a peerless cartoonist.

disinclined

adjective [predicative, with infinitive] unwilling; reluctant: the rural community was disinclined to abandon the old ways

gutted

adjectiveBritish informal bitterly disappointed or upset: I know how gutted the players must feel.

hastily

adverb with excessive speed or urgency; hurriedly: he hastily changed the subject | maybe I acted too hastily.

pariah

noun 1 an outcast: they were treated as social pariahs.

avocation

noun a hobby or minor occupation.

shrewdness

noun 1 the quality of having or showing good powers of judgement: he is a man of some tactical shrewdness.

tirade

noun a long, angry speech of criticism or accusation: a tirade of abuse.

infraction

noun a violation or infringement of a law, agreement, or set of rules.

treaty

noun (plural treaties) a formally concluded and ratified agreement between countries.

impair

verb [with object] weaken or damage something (especially a human faculty or function): drug use that impairs job performance.

cutting

• (especially of a comment) causing emotional pain; hurtful: a cutting remark. • (of the wind) bitterly cold.

myopic

adjective nearsighted. • lacking imagination, foresight, or intellectual insight: the government still has a myopic attitude to public spending.

capacious

adjective having a lot of space inside; roomy: she rummaged in her capacious handbag.

erotic

adjective relating to or tending to arouse sexual desire or excitement.

inestimable

adjective too great to calculate: a treasure of inestimable value.

concord

noun 1 formal agreement or harmony between people or groups: a pact of peace and concord. • a treaty.

maxim

noun a short, pithy statement expressing a general truth or rule of conduct: the maxim that actions speak louder than words.

beeline

noun a straight line between two places. PHRASES make a beeline for hurry directly to.

onset

noun the beginning of something, especially something unpleasant: the onset of winter. • archaic a military attack.

nonchalance

noun the state of being nonchalant: an air of nonchalance.

epistemologist

nounPhilosophy the theory of knowledge, especially with regard to its methods, validity, and scope. Epistemology is the investigation of what distinguishes justified belief from opinion.

encipher

verb [with object] convert (a message or piece of text) into a coded form; encrypt.

trodden

past participle of tread

dilute

• make (something) weaker in force, content, or value by modifying it or adding other elements to it: the reforms have been diluted. • reduce the value of (a shareholding) by issuing more shares in a company without increasing the values of its assets.

wake

• used to refer to the aftermath or consequences of something: the committee was set up in the wake of the inquiry. • [with object] cause (something) to stir or come to life: it wakes desire in others.

compromise

1. a. A settlement of differences in which each side makes concessions. b. The result of such a settlement. 2. Something that combines qualities or elements of different things: The incongruous design is a compromise between high tech and early American. 3. A weakening or reduction of one's principles or standards: a compromise of morality. 4. Impairment, as by disease or injury: physiological compromise. v. com·pro·mised, com·pro·mis·ing, com·pro·mis·es v.intr. 1. To arrive at a settlement by making concessions. 2. To reduce the quality, value, or degree of something, such as one's ideals. v.tr. 1. a. To expose or make liable to danger, suspicion, or disrepute: a secret mission that was compromised and had to be abandoned. b. To reduce in quality, value, or degree; weaken or lower: Don't compromise your standards. 2. To impair, as by disease or injury: an immune system that was compromised by a virus. 3. To settle by mutual concessions: a dispute that was compromised.

to one's credit

1. used to indicate that something praiseworthy has been achieved, especially despite difficulties. "to her credit, she had never betrayed a confidence"

log

2 (also logbook) an official record of events during the voyage of a ship or aircraft: a ship's log. • a regular or systematic record of incidents or observations: keep a detailed log of your activities. verb (logs, logging, logged) [with object] 1 enter (an incident or fact) in the log of a ship or aircraft or in another systematic record: the incident has to be logged | the red book where we log our calls. • (of a ship, aircraft, or pilot) achieve (a certain distance, speed, or time): she had logged more than 12,000 miles since she had been launched. • make a systematic recording of (events, observations, or measurements) 2 cut down (an area of forest) in order to exploit the timber commercially. PHRASES (as) easy as falling off a log informal very easy.

beam

3 [in singular] a radiant or good-natured look or smile: a beam of satisfaction. verb 1 [with object] transmit (a radio signal or broadcast) in a specified direction: beaming a distress signal into space | [no object] : the TV station begins beaming into homes in the new year. • (beam someone up/down) (in science fiction) transport someone instantaneously to another place, especially to or from a spaceship: Scotty, beam me up![phrase from the television series Star Trek.] 2 [no object] (of a light or light source) shine brightly: the sun's rays beamed down. 3 [no object] smile radiantly: she beamed with pleasure | (as adjective beaming) : a beaming smile. • [with object] express (an emotion) with a radiant smile: the teacher beamed her approval | [with direct speech] : "Isn't that wonderful, Beatrice?" beamed the nun. off (or way off) beam informal on the wrong track; mistaken: you're way off beam on this one. on the beam informal on the right track. on her (or its) beam-ends (of a ship) heeled over on its side; almost capsized.

mount

4 place or fix (an object) in its operating position: fluorescent lights are mounted on the ceiling | the engine is mounted behind the rear seats. • set in or attach to a backing or setting: the photographs will be mounted and framed. • fix (an object for viewing) on a microscope slide. 3 [no object] grow larger or more numerous: the costs mount up when you buy a home. • (of a feeling) become stronger or more intense: his anxiety mounted as messages were left unanswered. 2 organize and initiate (a campaign or other significant course of action): the company had successfully mounted takeover bids. • establish; set up: security forces mounted checkpoints at every key road. • produce (a play, exhibition, or other artistic event); present for public view or display. verb [with object] 1 climb up (stairs, a hill, or other rising surface): he mounted the steps to the front door. • climb or move up onto (a raised surface): the master of ceremonies mounted the platform. • get up on (an animal or bicycle) in order to ride it. • set (someone) on horseback; provide with a horse: she was mounted on a white horse. • (of a male mammal or bird) get on (a female) for the purpose of copulation. • [no object] (of the blood or its color) rise into the chee ks: feeling the blush mount in her cheeks, she looked down quickly.

agency

:the capacity, condition, or state of acting or of exerting power :operation noun 1 [often with adjective or noun modifier] a business or organization established to provide a particular service, typically one that involves organizing transactions between two other parties: an advertising agency | aid agencies. • a department or body providing a specific service for a government or similar organization: the Environmental Protection Agency. 2 Law the office or function of an agent: a contract of agency. 3 action or intervention, especially such as to produce a particular effect: canals carved by the agency of running water | a belief in various forms of supernatural agency. • a thing or person that acts to produce a particular result: the movies could be an agency molding the values of the public. - it is like AUTONOMY

social stability

FULL ANSWER Social stability focuses on how all the various parts of society fit together. It is a mindset that strives for fluidity in every interaction within a group, prioritizing and rewarding behaviors that the group wants to encourage and finding ways to publicly discourage unwanted activities. This sociological theory is also referred to as social equilibrium because it is based on the idea that all social circles want to remain in harmony and exclude thoughts and actions that stand in opposition to that outcome. This principle is popular in dogmatic societies, exclusive groups and religious circles. It opposes outside opinions and instead tries to emphasize cooperation with other members of society to maintain a stable network. Social stability often undergoes minor changes over the passage of time. As new methods of communication and types of technology emerge, cultures take on the aspects that fit their ideologies and make their lives easier. This in turn results in modification of what is accepted as part of social stability in the long run.

naive vs ignorant

Naive people are likely to be trusting or unsophisticated. Essentially, ignorance is a lack of knowledge or education. Naivety is a lack of experience and wisdom. Someone who makes inappropriate comments would more likely be described as ignorant.cata

political realism

Political Realism. Realism is an approach to the study and practice of international politics. It emphasizes the role of the nation-state and makes a broad assumption that all nation-states are motivated by national interests, or, at best, national interests disguised as moral concerns. Political realism is a theory of political philosophy that attempts to explain, model, and prescribe political relations. It takes as its assumption that power (ya3ne achieving this power in your own country) is (or ought to be) the primary end of political action, whether in the domestic or international arena.

spatial recession

Spatial recession in paintings is the relationship between objects which appear to lie near to the observer and those which seem further away, and thus recede into space. 3D shit

odyssey

a Greek epic poem traditionally ascribed to Homer, describing the travels of Odysseus during his ten years of wandering after the fall of Troy. He eventually returned home to Ithaca and killed the suitors who had plagued his wife Penelope during his absence. • (odyssey) a long and eventful or adventurous journey or experience: his odyssey from military man to politician.

qualifier

a person or thing that qualifies one that qualifies: such as. a :one that satisfies requirements or meets a specified standard. b :a word (such as an adjective) or word group that limits or modifies the meaning of another word (such as a noun) or word group.

abhorrent

abhorrent |abˈhôrəntabˈhärənt| adjective inspiring disgust and loathing; repugnant: racial discrimination was abhorrent to us all.

on par

above (or below or under) par better (or worse) than is usual or expected: poor nutrition can leave you feeling below par. on a par with equal in importance or quality to; on an equal level with: this home cooking is on a par with the best in the world. par for the course what is normal or expected in any given circumstances: given the high standards of the food, the prices seem par for the course. up to par at an expected or usual level or quality.

stock

adj. (1) regularly available for sale at a store: rather than ordering custom-made cabinets, Sharon saved money by purchasing stock units. 2) used so regularly that it becomes trite: in your college interview, avoid giving stock answers to the interviewer's questions, you don't want to bore her to tears. 3) indicating a conventional character type: the characters of the commedia dell'arte usually represent fixed social types, stock characters, such as foolish old men, sneaky servants, and boastful military officers.

singular

adjective • single; unique: she always thought of herself as singular, as his only daughter. 2 exceptionally good or great; remarkable: the singular beauty of the desert. • strange or eccentric in some respect: no explanation accompanied this rather singular statement.

congenital

adjective (especially of a disease or physical abnormality) present from birth: a congenital malformation of the heart. • (of a person) having a particular trait from birth or by firmly established habit: a congenital liar.

slovenly

adjective (especially of a person or their appearance) messy and dirty: he was upbraided for his slovenly appearance. • (especially of a person or action) careless; excessively casual: slovenly speech.

unkempt

adjective (especially of a person) having an untidy or disheveled appearance: they were unwashed and unkempt.

untenable

adjective (especially of a position or view) not able to be maintained or defended against attack or objection: this argument is clearly untenable.

callow

adjective (especially of a young person) inexperienced and immature: earnest and callow undergraduates.

feral

adjective (especially of an animal) in a wild state, especially after escape from captivity or domestication: a feral cat. • resembling a wild animal: a feral snarl.

perishable

adjective (especially of food) likely to decay or go bad quickly. • (of something abstract) having a brief life or significance; transitory: ballet is the most perishable of arts. noun (perishables) things, especially foodstuffs, likely to decay or go bad quickly.

salutary

adjective (especially with reference to something unwelcome or unpleasant) producing good effects; beneficial: a salutary reminder of where we came from.

dilapidated

adjective (of a building or object) in a state of disrepair or ruin as a result of age or neglect.

insuperable

adjective (of a difficulty or obstacle) impossible to overcome: insuperable financial problems.

impregnable

adjective (of a fortified position) unable to be captured or broken into: an impregnable wall of solid sandstone | figurative : the companies are impregnable to takeovers. • unable to be defeated or destroyed; unassailable: the case against Hastings would have been almost impregnable.

compensatory

adjective (of a payment) intended to recompense someone who has experienced loss, suffering, or injury: $50 million in compensatory damages. • reducing or offsetting the unpleasant or unwelcome effects of something: the government is taking compensatory actions to keep the interest rate constant.

noncommittal

adjective (of a person or a person's behavior or manner) not expressing or revealing commitment to a definite opinion or course of action: her tone was noncommittal, and her face gave nothing away.

reactionary

adjective (of a person or a set of views) opposing political or social liberalization or reform. noun (plural reactionaries) a reactionary person.

tractable

adjective (of a person or animal) easy to control or influence: tractable dogs that have had some obedience training. • (of a situation or problem) easy to deal with: trying to make the mathematics tractable.

perverse

adjective (of a person or their actions) showing a deliberate and obstinate desire to behave in a way that is unreasonable or unacceptable, often in spite of the consequences: Kate's perverse decision not to cooperate. • contrary to the accepted or expected standard or practice: in two general elections the outcome was quite perverse. • Law (of a verdict) against the weight of evidence or the direction of the judge on a point of law. • sexually perverted.

shameless

adjective (of a person or their conduct) characterized by or showing a lack of shame: his shameless hypocrisy. A "shameless plug" is a term often used on the Internet to refer to a time when someone tries to include (or "plug") some information that helps advance their own selfish interests. And that information is usually a little bit off-topic.

indefatigable

adjective (of a person or their efforts) persisting tirelessly: an indefatigable defender of human rights.

indefatigably

adjective (of a person or their efforts) persisting tirelessly: an indefatigable defender of human rights.

incredulous

adjective (of a person or their manner) unwilling or unable to believe something: an incredulous gasp.

comparable

adjective (of a person or thing) able to be likened to another; similar: flaked stone and bone tools comparable to Neanderthal man's tools. • of equivalent quality; worthy of comparison: nobody is comparable with this athlete.

quizzical

adjective (of a person's expression or behavior) indicating mild or amused puzzlement: she gave me a quizzical look. • rare causing mild amusement because of its oddness or strangeness.

moribund

adjective (of a person) at the point of death. • (of a thing) in terminal decline; lacking vitality or vigor: the moribund commercial property market.

ingenious

adjective (of a person) clever, original, and inventive: he was ingenious enough to overcome the limited budget. • (of a machine or idea) cleverly and originally devised and well suited to its purpose.

phlegmatic

adjective (of a person) having an unemotional and stolidly calm disposition.

amenable

adjective (of a person) open and responsive to suggestion; easily persuaded or controlled: parents who have had easy babies and amenable children. • [predicative] (amenable to) (of a thing) capable of being acted upon in a particular way; susceptible to: the patients had cardiac failure not amenable to medical treatment.

frail

adjective (of a person) weak and delicate: a frail voice | she looked frail and vulnerable. • easily damaged or broken; fragile or insubstantial: the balcony is frail | the frail Russian economy. • weak in character or morals.

hackneyed

adjective (of a phrase or idea) lacking significance through having been overused; unoriginal and trite: hackneyed old sayings.

studied

adjective (of a quality or result) achieved or maintained by careful and deliberate effort: he treated them with studied politeness.

muted

adjective (of a sound or voice) quiet and soft: they discussed the accident in muted voices. • (of a musical instrument) having a muffled sound as a result of being fitted with a mute. • not expressed strongly or openly: muted anger. • (of color or lighting) not bright; subdued: a dress in muted tones of powder blue and dusty pink.

muffled

adjective (of a sound) not loud because of being obstructed in some way; muted: they heard the sounds of muffled voices.

guttural

adjective (of a speech sound) produced in the throat; harsh-sounding. • (of a manner of speech) characterized by the use of guttural sounds: his parents' guttural central European accent. noun a guttural consonant (e.g., k, g) or other speech sound.

apocryphal

adjective (of a story or statement) of doubtful authenticity, although widely circulated as being true: an apocryphal story about a former president.

onerous

adjective (of a task, duty, or responsibility) involving an amount of effort and difficulty that is oppressively burdensome: he found his duties increasingly onerous. • Law involving heavy obligations: an onerous lease.

opportune

adjective (of a time) well-chosen or particularly favorable or appropriate: he couldn't have arrived at a less opportune moment. • done or occurring at a favorable or useful time; well-timed: the opportune use of humor to lower tension.

panoramic

adjective (of a view or picture) with a wide view surrounding the observer; sweeping: on a clear day there are panoramic views. • including all aspects of a subject; wide-ranging: his panoramic vision of post-World War I peace.

retaliatory

adjective (of an action) characterized by a desire for revenge: fears of a retaliatory attack by the victim's friends.

calculated

adjective (of an action) done with full awareness of the likely consequences: a calculated decision | victims of vicious and calculated assaults.

politic

adjective (of an action) seeming sensible and judicious under the circumstances: [with infinitive] : I did not think it politic to express my reservations. • (also politick) archaic (of a person) prudent and sagacious. verb (politics, politicking, politicked) [no object] (often as noun politicking) often derogatory engage in political activity: news of this unseemly politicking invariably leaks into the press.

climactic

adjective (of an action, event, or scene) exciting or thrilling and acting as a climax to a series of events: the film's climactic scenes.

inexhaustible

adjective (of an amount or supply of something) unable to be used up because existing in abundance: his inexhaustible energy.

dormant

adjective (of an animal) having normal physical functions suspended or slowed down for a period of time; in or as if in a deep sleep: dormant butterflies | figurative : the event evoked memories that she would rather had lain dormant. • (of a plant or bud) alive but not actively growing. • (of a volcano) temporarily inactive. • (of a disease) causing no symptoms but not cured and liable to recur.

cogent

adjective (of an argument or case) clear, logical, and convincing.

implausible

adjective (of an argument or statement) not seeming reasonable or probable; failing to convince: this is a blatantly implausible claim.

plausible

adjective (of an argument or statement) seeming reasonable or probable: a plausible explanation | it seems plausible that one of two things may happen. • (of a person) skilled at producing persuasive arguments, especially ones intended to deceive: a plausible liar.

convivial

adjective (of an atmosphere or event) friendly, lively, and enjoyable. • (of a person) cheerful and friendly; jovial.

unprovoked

adjective (of an attack, or a display of aggression or emotion) not caused by anything done or said: acts of unprovoked aggression. • (of a person) not provoked to do something.

untimely

adjective (of an event or act) happening or done at an unsuitable time: Dave's untimely return. • (of a death or end) happening too soon or sooner than normal: his untimely death in military action. adverb archaic at a time that is unsuitable or premature: the moment was very untimely chosen.

chronic

adjective (of an illness) persisting for a long time or constantly recurring: chronic bronchitis. Often contrasted with acute. • (of a person) having an illness persisting for a long time or constantly recurring: a chronic asthmatic. • (of a problem) long-lasting and difficult to eradicate: the school suffers from chronic overcrowding. • (of a person) having a particular bad habit: a chronic liar.

conclusive

adjective (of evidence or argument) serving to prove a case; decisive or convincing: conclusive evidence | the findings were by no means conclusive. • (of a victory) achieved easily or by a large margin.

blistering

adjective (of heat) intense: the blistering heat of the desert. • (of criticism) expressed with great vehemence: blistering diatribes. • extremely fast, forceful, or impressive: Burke set a blistering pace.

irreconcilable

adjective (of ideas, facts, or statements) representing findings or points of view that are so different from each other that they cannot be made compatible: these two views of the early medieval economy are irreconcilable. • (of people) implacably hostile to each other. noun (usually irreconcilables) any of two or more ideas, facts, or statements that cannot be made compatible.

arable

adjective (of land) used or suitable for growing crops. • (of crops) able to be grown on suitable land. • concerned with growing arable crops: arable farming. noun arable land or crops.

incompatible

adjective (of two things) so opposed in character as to be incapable of existing together: cleverness and femininity were seen as incompatible. • (of two people) unable to live together harmoniously. • [predicative] (incompatible with) (of one thing or person) not consistent or able to coexist with (another): long hours are simply incompatible with family life. • (of equipment, machinery, computer programs, etc.) not capable of being used in combination: all four prototype camcorders used special tapes and were incompatible with one another.

blustery

adjective (of weather or a period of time) characterized by strong winds: a gusty, blustery day. • (of a wind) blowing in strong gusts.

derivative

adjective (typically of an artist or work of art) imitative of the work of another person, and usually disapproved of for that reason: an artist who is not in the slightest bit derivative. • originating from, based on, or influenced by: Darwin's work is derivative of the moral philosophers. • [attributive] (of a financial product) having a value deriving from an underlying variable asset: equity-based derivative products. noun something that is based on another source: a derivative of the system was chosen for the Marine Corps' V-22 tilt rotor aircraft. • (often derivatives) an arrangement or instrument (such as a future, option, or warrant) whose value derives from and is dependent on the value of an underlying asset: [as modifier] : the derivatives market. • a word derived from another or from a root in the same or another language. • a substance that is derived chemically from a specified compound: crack is a highly addictive cocaine derivative.

visionary

adjective 1 (especially of a person) thinking about or planning the future with imagination or wisdom: a visionary leader. • archaic (of a scheme or idea) not practical. 2 relating to or able to see visions in a dream or trance, or as a supernatural apparition: a visionary experience. • archaic existing only in a vision or in the imagination. noun (plural visionaries) a person with original ideas about what the future will or could be like.

facile

adjective 1 (especially of a theory or argument) appearing neat and comprehensive only by ignoring the true complexities of an issue; superficial. • (of a person) having a superficial or simplistic knowledge or approach: a man of facile and shallow intellect. 2 (especially of success in sports) easily achieved; effortless: a facile victory | he was revealed to be a facile liar.

pastoral

adjective 1 (especially of land or a farm) used for or related to the keeping or grazing of sheep or cattle: scattered pastoral farms. • associated with country life: the view was pastoral, with rolling fields and grazing sheep. • (of a work of art) portraying or evoking country life, typically in a romanticized or idealized form. 2 (in the Christian Church) concerning or appropriate to the giving of spiritual guidance: pastoral and doctrinal issues | clergy doing pastoral work. noun a work of literature portraying an idealized version of country life: the story, though a pastoral, has an actual connection with the life of agricultural labor.

intercalary

adjective 1 (of a day or a month) inserted in the calendar to harmonize it with the solar year, e.g., February 29 in leap years. • of the nature of an insertion: elaborate intercalary notes and footnotes.

endemic

adjective 1 (of a disease or condition) regularly found among particular people or in a certain area: areas where malaria is endemic | complacency is endemic in industry today. • [attributive] denoting an area in which a particular disease is regularly found. 2 (of a plant or animal) native or restricted to a certain country or area: a marsupial endemic to northeastern Australia. noun an endemic plant or animal.

virulent

adjective 1 (of a disease or poison) extremely severe or harmful in its effects. • (of a pathogen, especially a virus) highly infective. 2 bitterly hostile: a virulent attack on liberalism.

flamboyant

adjective 1 (of a person or their behavior) tending to attract attention because of their exuberance, confidence, and stylishness: a flamboyant display of aerobatics | she is outgoing and flamboyant, continuously talking and joking. • (especially of clothing) noticeable because brightly colored, highly patterned, or unusual in style.

subdued

adjective 1 (of a person or their manner) quiet and rather reflective or depressed: I felt strangely subdued as I drove home. 2 (of color or lighting) soft and restrained: a subdued plaid shirt.

downcast

adjective 1 (of a person's eyes) looking downward: her modestly downcast eyes. 2 (of a person) feeling despondent. noun a shaft dug in a mine for extra ventilation.

retentive

adjective 1 (of a person's memory) having the ability to remember facts and impressions easily. 2 (of a substance) able to absorb and hold moisture. • chiefly Medicine serving to keep something in place.

unqualified

adjective 1 (of a person) not officially recognized as a practitioner of a particular profession or activity through having satisfied the relevant conditions or requirements. • [usually with infinitive] not competent or sufficiently knowledgeable to do something: I am singularly unqualified to write about football. 2 without reservation or limitation; total: the experiment was not an unqualified success.

mercurial

adjective 1 (of a person) subject to sudden or unpredictable changes of mood or mind: his mercurial temperament. • (of a person) sprightly; lively. 2 of or containing the element mercury. 3 (Mercurial) of the planet Mercury. noun (usually mercurials) a drug or other compound containing mercury.

languid

adjective 1 (of a person, manner, or gesture) displaying or having a disinclination for physical exertion or effort; slow and relaxed: they turned with languid movements from back to front so as to tan evenly. • (of an occasion or period of time) pleasantly lazy and peaceful: the terrace was perfect for languid days in the Italian sun. 2 weak or faint from illness or fatigue: she was pale, languid, and weak, as if she had delivered a child.

soluble

adjective 1 (of a substance) able to be dissolved, especially in water: the poison is soluble in alcohol. 2 (of a problem) able to be solved.

synthetic

adjective 1 (of a substance) made by chemical synthesis, especially to imitate a natural product: synthetic rubber. • (of an emotion or action) not genuine; insincere: their tears are a bit synthetic. 2 Logic (of a proposition) having truth or falsity determinable by recourse to experience.

angular

adjective 1 (of an object, outline, or shape) having angles or sharp corners: angular chairs | Adam's angular black handwriting. • (of a person or part of their body) lean and having a prominent bone structure: her angular face. • (of a person's way of moving) not flowing smoothly; awkward or jerky: his movements were stiff and angular | figurative : the music is angular and sardonic.

tabular

adjective 1 (of data) consisting of or presented in columns or tables: a tabular presentation of running costs. 2 broad and flat like the top of a table: a huge tabular iceberg. • (of a crystal) relatively broad and thin, with two well-developed parallel faces.

savory

adjective 1 (of food) belonging to the category that is salty or spicy rather than sweet. • having an appetizing taste or smell: she carried in a pie from the kitchen, steaming and savory. 2 [usually with negative] morally wholesome or acceptable: everyone knew it was a front for less savory operations. noun (plural savories) chiefly British a savory dish, especially a snack or an appetizer.

seasoned

adjective 1 (of food) having had salt, pepper, herbs, or spices added: seasoned flour. 2 (of wood) made suitable for use as timber by adjusting its moisture content: it was made from seasoned, untreated oak. 3 accustomed to particular conditions; experienced: she is a seasoned traveler.

barren

adjective 1 (of land) too poor to produce much or any vegetation. • (of a tree or plant) not producing fruit or seed. • archaic (of a woman) unable to have children. • (of a female animal) not pregnant or unable to become so. • showing no results or achievements; unproductive: much of philosophy has been barren. 2 (of a place or building) bleak and lifeless: the sports hall turned out to be a rather barren concrete building. • empty of meaning or value: those young heads were stuffed with barren facts. • (barren of) devoid of: the room was barren of furniture. noun (usually barrens) chiefly North American a barren tract or tracts of land: crossing the barrens was no easy feat.

lyrical

adjective 1 (of literature, art, or music) expressing the writer's emotions in an imaginative and beautiful way: the poet's combination of lyrical and descriptive power. • (of poetry or a poet) lyric: Wordsworth's Lyrical Ballads. 2 relating to the words of a popular song: the lyrical content of his songs. PHRASES wax lyrical talk in a highly enthusiastic and effusive way: waxing lyrical about his splendid son-in-law.

resonant

adjective 1 (of sound) deep, clear, and continuing to sound or ring: a full-throated and resonant guffaw. • (resonant with) (of a place) filled or resounding with (a sound): alpine valleys resonant with the sound of church bells. • having the ability to evoke or suggest enduring images, memories, or emotions: the prints are resonant with traditions of Russian folk art and story. 2 (of a room, a musical instrument, or a hollow body) tending to reinforce or prolong sounds, especially by synchronous vibration. 3 technical relating to or bringing about resonance in a circuit, atom, or other object. 4 (of a color) enhancing or enriching another color or colors by contrast.

repellent

adjective 1 [often in combination] able to repel a particular thing; impervious to a particular substance: water-repellent nylon. 2 causing disgust or distaste: the idea was slightly repellent to her. noun 1 a substance that deters insects or other pests from approaching or settling: a flea repellent. 2 a substance used to treat something, especially fabric or stone, so as to make it impervious to water: treat brick with a silicone water repellent.

prone

adjective 1 [predicative] (prone to/prone to do something) likely to or liable to suffer from, do, or experience something, typically something regrettable or unwelcome: years of logging had left the mountains prone to mudslides | he is prone to jump to conclusions. 2 lying flat, especially face downward: I was lying prone on a foam mattress | a prone position.

buoyant

adjective 1 able or apt to stay afloat or rise to the top of a liquid or gas. • (of a liquid or gas) able to keep something afloat. 2 cheerful and optimistic: the conference ended with the party in a buoyant mood. 3 (of an economy, business, or market) involving or engaged in much activity: car sales were not buoyant.

prophetic

adjective 1 accurately describing or predicting what will happen in the future: his warnings proved prophetic. 2 relating to or characteristic of a prophet or prophecy: the prophetic books of the Old Testament.

apt

adjective 1 appropriate or suitable in the circumstances: an apt description of her nature. 2 [predicative] (apt to do something) having a tendency to do something: she was apt to confuse the past with the present. 3 quick to learn: he proved an apt scholar.

pathetic

adjective 1 arousing pity, especially through vulnerability or sadness: she looked so pathetic that I bent down to comfort her. • informal miserably inadequate: his test scores in Chemistry were pathetic.

subjective

adjective 1 based on or influenced by personal feelings, tastes, or opinions: his views are highly subjective | there is always the danger of making a subjective judgment. Contrasted with objective. • dependent on the mind or on an individual's perception for its existence. noun (the subjective) Grammar the subjective case.

honorable

adjective 1 bringing or worthy of honor: this is the only honorable course | a decent and honorable man. • formal or humorous (of the intentions of a man courting a woman) directed toward marriage: the young man's intentions had been honorable.

stirring

adjective 1 causing great excitement or strong emotion; rousing: stirring songs. 2 archaic moving briskly; active. noun an initial sign of activity, movement, or emotion: the first stirrings of anger.

tragic

adjective 1 causing or characterized by extreme distress or sorrow: the shooting was a tragic accident. • suffering extreme distress or sorrow: the tragic parents reached the end of their tether. • informal very bad or inadeqate: on the other hand, I like degenerate, tragic food | she wears tragic cardigans, usually done up the wrong way. 2 relating to tragedy in a literary work.

cultured

adjective 1 characterized by refined taste and manners and good education: the development of a modern, cultured society. 2 Biology (of tissue cells, bacteria, etc.) grown or propagated in an artificial medium.

inductive reasoning

adjective 1 characterized by the inference of general laws from particular instances: instinct rather than inductive reasoning marked her approach to life. 2 relating to or caused by electric or magnetic induction.

ebullient

adjective 1 cheerful and full of energy: she sounded ebullient and happy. 2 archaic or literary (of liquid or matter) boiling or agitated as if boiling: misted and ebullient seas.

complementary

adjective 1 combining in such a way as to enhance or emphasize the qualities of each other or another: three guitarists playing interlocking, complementary parts | Internet technology is actually complementary to traditional technologies.

rapt

adjective 1 completely fascinated by what one is seeing or hearing: Andrew looked at her, rapt. • indicating or characterized by a state of fascination: they listened with rapt attention. • filled with an intense and pleasurable emotion; enraptured: she shut her eyes and seemed rapt with desire. 2 archaic or literary having been carried away bodily or transported to heaven: he was rapt on high.

honorary

adjective 1 conferred as an honor, without the usual requirements or functions: an honorary doctorate. • (of a person) holding an honorary title or position: an honorary member of the club.

serial

adjective 1 consisting of, forming part of, or taking place in a series: a serial publication. 2 [attributive] (of a criminal) repeatedly committing the same offense and typically following a characteristic, predictable behavior pattern: a suspected serial rapist. • repeatedly following the same behavior pattern: he was a serial adulterer | serial monogamy. noun a story or play appearing in regular installments on television or radio or in a periodical: a new three-part drama serial. • (usually serials) (in a library) a periodical.

hydraulic

adjective 1 denoting, relating to, or operated by a liquid moving in a confined space under pressure: hydraulic fluid | hydraulic lifting gear. 2 relating to the science of hydraulics. 3 (of cement) hardening under water.

figurative

adjective 1 departing from a literal use of words; metaphorical: gold, in the figurative language of the people, was "the tears wept by the sun." 2 (of an artist or work of art) representing forms that are recognizably derived from life.

eclectic

adjective 1 deriving ideas, style, or taste from a broad and diverse range of sources: her musical tastes are eclectic. 2 (Eclectic) Philosophy of, denoting, or belonging to a class of ancient philosophers who did not belong to or found any recognized school of thought but selected such doctrines as they wished from various schools. noun a person who derives ideas, style, or taste from a broad and diverse range of sources.

discordant

adjective 1 disagreeing or incongruous: the principle of meritocracy is discordant with claims of inherited worth. • characterized by quarreling and conflict: a study of children in discordant homes. 2 (of sounds) harsh and jarring because of a lack of harmony: bombs, guns, and engines mingled in discordant sound. PHRASES strike a discordant note appear strange and out of place: the chair's modernity struck a discordant note in a room full of eighteenth-century furniture.

overblown

adjective 1 excessively inflated or pretentious: overblown dreams of glory and success. 2 (of a flower) past its prime: an overblown rose.

partial

adjective 1 existing only in part; incomplete: a question to which we have only partial answers. 2 favoring one side in a dispute above the other; biased: the paper gave a distorted and very partial view of the situation. • [predicative] (partial to) having a liking for: you know I'm partial to bacon and eggs. nounMusic a component of a musical sound; an overtone or harmonic: the upper partials of the string.

lucid

adjective 1 expressed clearly; easy to understand: a lucid account | write in a clear and lucid style. • showing ability to think clearly, especially in the intervals between periods of confusion or insanity: he has a few lucid moments every now and then. • Psychology (of a dream) experienced with the dreamer feeling awake, aware of dreaming, and able to control events consciously. 2 literary bright or luminous: birds dipped their wings in the lucid flow of air.

favorable

adjective 1 expressing approval: the book received highly favorable reviews. • giving consent: their demands rarely received a favorable response. 2 to the advantage of someone or something: they made a settlement favorable to the unions. • (of a wind) blowing in the direction of travel. • (of weather, or a period of time judged in terms of its weather) fine: a very favorable, sometimes glorious, October. • suggesting a good outcome: a favorable prognosis.

sweeping

adjective 1 extending or performed in a long, continuous curve: sweeping, desolate moorlands | a smooth sweeping motion. 2 wide in range or effect: we cannot recommend any sweeping alterations. • (of a statement) taking no account of particular cases or exceptions; too general: a sweeping assertion. noun (sweepings) dirt or refuse collected by sweeping: the sweepings from the house.

ethereal

adjective 1 extremely delicate and light in a way that seems too perfect for this world: her ethereal beauty | a singer who has a weirdly ethereal voice. • heavenly or spiritual: ethereal, otherworldly visions. 2 Chemistry (of a solution) having diethyl ether as a solvent.

distant

adjective 1 far away in space or time: distant parts of the world | I remember that distant afternoon. • [predicative] (after a measurement) at a specified distance: the star is 30,000 light years distant from earth | the town lay half a mile distant. • (of a sound) faint or vague because far away: the distant bark of some farm dog. • remote or far apart in resemblance or relationship: a distant acquaintance. • [attributive] (of a person) not closely related: a distant cousin. 2 (of a person) not intimate; cool or reserved: his children found him strangely distant | she and my father were distant with each other. • remote; abstracted: a distant look in his eyes.

monolithic

adjective 1 formed of a single large block of stone. • (of a building) very large and characterless. 2 (of an organization or system) large, powerful, and intractably indivisible and uniform: rejecting any move toward a monolithic European superstate.

reciprocal

adjective 1 given, felt, or done in return: she was hoping for some reciprocal comment or gesture. 2 (of an agreement or obligation) bearing on or binding each of two parties equally: the treaty is a bilateral commitment with reciprocal rights and duties. • Grammar (of a pronoun or verb) expressing mutual action or relationship. 3 (of a course or bearing) differing from a given course or bearing by 180 degrees.

steaming

adjective 1 giving off steam: a basin of steaming water. 2 informal very angry. adverb (as submodifier steaming hot) extremely hot.

sinister`

adjective 1 giving the impression that something harmful or evil is happening or will happen: there was something sinister about that murmuring voice. • evil or criminal: there might be a more sinister motive behind the government's actions.

cryptic

adjective 1 having a meaning that is mysterious or obscure: he found his boss's utterances too cryptic. • (of a crossword) having difficult clues that indicate the solutions indirectly. 2 Zoology (of coloration or markings) serving to camouflage an animal in its natural environment.

booming

adjective 1 having a period of great prosperity or rapid economic growth: the booming economy. 2 (of a sound or voice) loud, deep, and resonant: his booming voice | a booming laugh.

aromatic

adjective 1 having a pleasant and distinctive smell: a massage with aromatic oils.

marked

adjective 1 having a visible mark: plants with beautifully marked leaves. • (of playing cards) having distinctive marks on their backs to assist cheating. 2 clearly noticeable; evident: a marked increase in sales. adj. 1. striking; conspicuous: marked success. 2. watched as an object of suspicion or vengeance: a marked man. 3. having a mark or marks: strikingly marked birds.

solvent

adjective 1 having assets in excess of liabilities; able to pay one's debts: interest rate rises have very severe effects on normally solvent companies. 2 [attributive] able to dissolve other substances: osmotic, chemical, or solvent action. noun the liquid in which a solute is dissolved to form a solution. • a liquid, typically one other than water, used for dissolving other substances. • something that acts to weaken or dispel a particular attitude or situation: an unrivaled solvent of social prejudices.

nonsensical

adjective 1 having no meaning; making no sense: a nonsensical argument | he dismissed the claim as nonsensical. 2 ridiculously impractical or ill-advised: a tax that everyone recognizes was nonsensical.

rabid

adjective 1 having or proceeding from an extreme or fanatical support of or belief in something: the show's small but rabid fan base | a rabid ideologue | she's expecting more rabid support from the hometown fans. 2 (of an animal) affected with rabies. • of or connected with rabies.

thematic

adjective 1 having or relating to subjects or a particular subject: the orientation of this anthology is essentially thematic. • Linguistics belonging to, relating to, or denoting the theme of a sentence. • Music relating to or containing melodic subjects: the concerto relies on the frequent repetition of thematic fragments. noun 1 (thematics) [treated as singular or plural] a body of topics for study or discussion.

humane

adjective 1 having or showing compassion or benevolence: regulations ensuring the humane treatment of animals. • inflicting the minimum of pain: humane methods of killing. 2 formal (of a branch of learning) intended to have a civilizing or refining effect on people: the center emphasizes economics as a humane discipline.

sophisticated

adjective 1 having, revealing, or proceeding from a great deal of worldly experience and knowledge of fashion and culture: a chic, sophisticated woman | a young man with sophisticated tastes. • appealing to people with worldly knowledge or experience: a sophisticated restaurant. 2 (of a machine, system, or technique) developed to a high degree of complexity: highly sophisticated computer systems. • (of a person or their thoughts, reactions, and understanding) aware of and able to interpret complex issues; subtle: discussion and reflection are necessary for a sophisticated response to a text.

dubious

adjective 1 hesitating or doubting: Alex looked dubious, but complied. 2 not to be relied upon; suspect: extremely dubious assumptions. • morally suspect: time-sharing has been brought into disrepute by dubious sales methods. • of questionable value: she earned the dubious distinction of being the lowest-paid teacher in the nation.

impenetrable

adjective 1 impossible to pass through or enter: a dark, impenetrable forest. • Physics (of matter) incapable of occupying the same space as other matter at the same time. 2 impossible to understand: impenetrable interviews with French intellectuals.

affected

adjective 1 influenced or touched by an external factor: apply moist heat to the affected area. 2 artificial, pretentious, and designed to impress: the gesture appeared both affected and stagy.

concerted

adjective 1 jointly arranged, planned, or carried out; coordinated: determined to begin a concerted action against them. • strenuously carried out; done with great effort: it would take a concerted effort for a burglar to break into my home. 2 (of music) arranged in several parts of equal importance: concerted secular music for voices.

static

adjective 1 lacking in movement, action, or change, especially in a way viewed as undesirable or uninteresting: demand has grown in what was a fairly static market | the whole ballet appeared too static. noun crackling or hissing noises on a telephone, radio, or other telecommunications system. • short for static electricity. • North American informal angry or critical talk or behavior: the reception was going sour, breaking up into static.

susceptible

adjective 1 likely or liable to be influenced or harmed by a particular thing: patients with liver disease may be susceptible to infection. • (of a person) easily influenced by feelings or emotions; sensitive: they only do it to tease him—he's too susceptible. 2 [predicative] (susceptible of) capable or admitting of: the problem is not susceptible of a simple solution.

contemporary

adjective 1 living or occurring at the same time: the event was recorded by a contemporary historian. • dating from the same time: this series of paintings is contemporary with other works in an early style. 2 belonging to or occurring in the present: the tension and complexities of our contemporary society. • following modern ideas or fashion in style or design: contemporary art. noun (plural contemporaries) a person or thing living or existing at the same time as another: he was a contemporary of Darwin. • a person of roughly the same age as another: my contemporaries at school.

outlandish

adjective 1 looking or sounding bizarre or unfamiliar: outlandish brightly colored clothes | the most outlandish ideas. 2 archaic foreign; alien.

staunch

adjective 1 loyal and committed in attitude: a staunch supporter of the antinuclear lobby | a staunch Catholic. 2 (of a wall) of strong or firm construction.

random

adjective 1 made, done, happening, or chosen without method or conscious decision: a random sample of 100 households. • Statistics governed by or involving equal chances for each item. • (of masonry) with stones of irregular size and shape. 2 informal, often derogatory unfamiliar or unspecified: are you going to take some random guy on Twitter's word? | we stumbled on another live band playing at a random bar. • informal odd, unusual, or unexpected: the class was hard but he was so random that it was always fun. noun informal an unknown, unspecified, or odd person: I just sat down by myself and talked to some randoms | some randoms in the crowd asked Ivan Ljubicic to take a photo for them | unlike other fan mail from randoms, this was special . PHRASES at random without method or conscious decision: he opened the book at random.

neutral

adjective 1 not helping or supporting either side in a conflict, disagreement, etc.; impartial: during the Second World War, Portugal was neutral. • belonging to an impartial party, country, or group: on neutral ground. 2 having no strongly marked or positive characteristics or features: the tone was neutral, devoid of sentiment | a fairly neutral background will make any small splash of color stand out. noun 1 an impartial or unbiased country or person: he acted as a neutral between the parties | Sweden and its fellow neutrals. 2 a neutral color or shade, especially light gray or beige. 3 a disengaged position of gears in which the engine is disconnected from the driven parts: she slipped the gear into neutral.

disinterested

adjective 1 not influenced by considerations of personal advantage: a banker is under an obligation to give disinterested advice. 2 having or feeling no interest in something: her father was so disinterested in her progress that he only visited the school once.

precarious

adjective 1 not securely held or in position; dangerously likely to fall or collapse: a precarious ladder. 2 dependent on chance; uncertain: she made a precarious living by writing.

lax

adjective 1 not sufficiently strict, severe, or careful: lax security arrangements at the airport | he'd been a bit lax about discipline in school lately. 2 (of the limbs or muscles) relaxed. • (of the bowels) loose.

recurrent

adjective 1 occurring often or repeatedly: she had a recurrent dream about falling. 2 Anatomy (of a nerve or blood vessel) turning back so as to reverse direction.

substantial

adjective 1 of considerable importance, size, or worth: a substantial amount of cash. • strongly built or made: a row of substantial Victorian villas. • (of a meal) large and filling. • important in material or social terms; wealthy: a substantial Devon family. 2 concerning the essentials of something: there was substantial agreement on changing policies. 3 real and tangible rather than imaginary: spirits are shadowy, human beings substantial.

provincial

adjective 1 of or concerning a province of a country or empire: provincial elections. 2 of or concerning the regions outside the capital city of a country, especially when regarded as unsophisticated or narrow-minded: scenes of violence were reported in provincial towns | the whole exhibition struck one as being very provincial. noun 1 an inhabitant of a province of a country or empire. • (provincials) (in Canada) athletic contests held between teams representing the country's administrative divisions. 2 an inhabitant of the regions outside the capital city of a country, especially when regarded as unsophisticated or narrow-minded. it can mean kind of ignorant sometimes

synoptic

adjective 1 of or forming a general summary or synopsis: a synoptic outline of the contents. • taking or involving a comprehensive mental view: a synoptic model of higher education.

imperative

adjective 1 of vital importance; crucial: immediate action was imperative | [with clause] : it is imperative that standards be maintained. 2 giving an authoritative command; peremptory • Grammar denoting the mood of a verb that expresses a command or exhortation, as in come here! noun 1 an essential or urgent thing: free movement of labor was an economic imperative. • a factor or influence making something necessary: the change came about through a financial imperative.

legendary

adjective 1 of, described in, or based on legends: a legendary British king of the 4th century. 2 remarkable enough to be famous; very well known: her wisdom in matters of childbirth was legendary.

whimsical

adjective 1 playfully quaint or fanciful, especially in an appealing and amusing way: a whimsical sense of humor. 2 acting or behaving in a capricious manner: the whimsical arbitrariness of autocracy.

respectable

adjective 1 regarded by society to be good, proper, or correct: they thought the stage no life for a respectable lady. • (of a person's appearance, clothes, or behavior) decent or presentable: a perfectly respectable pair of pajamas! 2 of some merit or importance: a respectable botanical text. • adequate or acceptable in number, size, or amount: America's GDP grew by a respectable 2.6 percent.

astronomical

adjective 1 relating to astronomy. 2 informal (of an amount) extremely large: he wanted an astronomical fee.

temperate

adjective 1 relating to or denoting a region or climate characterized by mild temperatures. 2 showing moderation or self-restraint: Charles was temperate in his consumption of both food and drink.

graphic

adjective 1 relating to visual art, especially involving drawing, engraving, or lettering: his mature graphic work. • giving a vivid picture with explicit detail: he gave a graphic description of the torture. • Computing relating to or denoting a visual image: graphic information such as charts and diagrams. 2 of or in the form of a graph.

ideal

adjective 1 satisfying one's conception of what is perfect; most suitable: the swimming pool is ideal for a quick dip | this is an ideal opportunity to save money. 2 [attributive] existing only in the imagination; desirable or perfect but not likely to become a reality: in an ideal world, we might have made a different decision. • representing an abstract or hypothetical optimum: mathematical modeling can determine theoretically ideal conditions. noun a person or thing regarded as perfect: you're my ideal of how a man should be. • a standard of perfection; a principle to be aimed at: tolerance and freedom, the liberal ideals.

barbarous

adjective 1 savagely cruel; exceedingly brutal: many early child-rearing practices were barbarous by modern standards. 2 primitive; uncivilized: a remote and barbarous country. • (especially of language) coarse and unrefined.

vested

adjective 1 secured in the possession of or assigned to a person: a state law vested the ownership of all wild birds to the individual counties. • protected or established by law or contract: parental rights are then vested by section 14 of the 1975 Act. • (of a person) legally entitled to a future benefit, as from a pension: he was completely vested after five years with the company. 2 supplied or worn with a vest. 3 wearing vestments.

exemplary

adjective 1 serving as a desirable model; representing the best of its kind: an award for exemplary community service. • characteristic of its kind or illustrating a general rule: her works are exemplary of certain feminist arguments. 2 (of a punishment) serving as a warning or deterrent: exemplary sentencing may discourage the ultraviolent minority. • Law (of damages) exceeding the amount needed for simple compensation.

communal

adjective 1 shared by all members of a community; for common use: a communal bathroom and kitchen. • relating to or done by a community: communal achievement. • involving the sharing of work and property: communal living. 2 (of conflict) between different communities, especially those having different religions or ethnic origins: violent communal riots.

devious

adjective 1 showing a skillful use of underhanded tactics to achieve goals: he's as devious as a politician needs to be | they have devious ways of making money. 2 (of a route or journey) longer and less direct than the most straightforward way: they arrived at the town by a devious route.

audacious

adjective 1 showing a willingness to take surprisingly bold risks: a series of audacious takeovers. 2 showing an impudent lack of respect: an audacious remark.

uppers

adjective 1 situated above another part: his upper arm | the upper atmosphere. • higher in position or status: the upper end of the social scale. 2 situated on higher ground. • situated to the north: [in place names] : Upper California. noun (usually uppers) informal a stimulating drug, especially amphetamine. have (or gain) the upper hand have or gain advantage or control over someone or something. on one's uppers informal, chiefly British extremely short of money.

prodigal

adjective 1 spending money or resources freely and recklessly; wastefully extravagant: prodigal habits die hard. 2 having or giving something on a lavish scale: the dessert was crunchy with brown sugar and prodigal with whipped cream. noun a person who spends money in a recklessly extravagant way. • (also prodigal son or daughter) a person who leaves home and behaves recklessly, but later makes a repentant return.[with biblical allusion to the parable in Luke 15:11-32.]

biennial

adjective 1 taking place every other year: summit meetings are normally biennial. 2 (especially of a plant) living or lasting for two years. noun: 2 an event celebrated or taking place every two years.

divergent

adjective 1 tending to be different or develop in different directions: divergent interpretations | varieties of English can remain astonishingly divergent from one another. • Psychology (of thought) using a variety of premises, especially unfamiliar premises, as bases for inference, and avoiding common limiting assumptions in making deductions.

rigid

adjective 1 unable to bend or be forced out of shape; not flexible: a seat of rigid orange plastic | rigid ships are the dirigibles in which the bag is built around a metallic framework. • (of a person or part of the body) stiff and unmoving, especially as a result of shock or fear: his face grew rigid with fear. 2 not able to be changed or adapted: teachers are being asked to unlearn rigid rules for labeling children. • not adaptable in outlook, belief, or response: ski instructors have become less rigid about style.

inarticulate

adjective 1 unable to speak distinctly or express oneself clearly: he was inarticulate with abashment and regret. • not clearly expressed or pronounced: inarticulate complaints of inadequate remuneration. • not expressed; unspoken: mention of her mother filled her with inarticulate irritation. 2 without joints or articulations.

gratuitous

adjective 1 uncalled for; lacking good reason; unwarranted: gratuitous violence. 2 given or done free of charge: solicitors provide a form of gratuitous legal advice.

trenchant

adjective 1 vigorous or incisive in expression or style: she heard angry voices, not loud, yet certainly trenchant. 2 archaic or literary (of a weapon or tool) having a sharp edge: a trenchant blade.

offensive

adjective 1 |əˈfensiv| causing someone to feel deeply hurt, upset, or angry: the allegations made are deeply offensive to us | offensive language. • (of a sight or smell) disgusting; repulsive: an offensive odor. 2 |ˈäfensiv| [attributive] actively aggressive; attacking: offensive operations against the insurgents. • (of a weapon) meant for use in attack: he is also accused of possessing an offensive weapon. • chiefly North American (in a game) relating to the team or player who is seeking to score. noun |əˈfensiv| an attacking military campaign: an impending military offensive against the guerrillas. • an organized and forceful campaign to achieve something, typically a political or social end: the need to launch an offensive against crime. be on the offensive act or be ready to act aggressively. go on (or take) the offensive take the initiative by beginning to attack or act aggressively: security forces took the offensive ten days ago.

relative

adjective 1. considered in relation or in proportion to something else. "the relative effectiveness of the various mechanisms is not known"

discernible

adjective able to be discerned; perceptible: the scandal had no discernible effect on his career | the inscription was barely discernible.

practicable

adjective able to be done or put into practice successfully: the measures will be put into effect as soon as is reasonably practicable. • able to be used; useful: signal processing can let you transform a signal into a practicable form.

sentient

adjective able to perceive or feel things: she had been instructed from birth in the equality of all sentient life forms. DERIVATIVES sentience |ˈsen(t)SH(ē)əns| noun. sentiently adverb

unquestioning

adjective accepting something without dissent or doubt: an unquestioning acceptance of the traditional curriculum.

consistent

adjective acting or done in the same way over time, especially so as to be fair or accurate: the parents are being consistent and firm in their reactions | a consistent worldwide application of its policies. • unchanging in nature, standard, or effect over time: he is their most consistent player this season | the mixtures are of consistent quality. • compatible or in agreement with something: the injuries are consistent with falling from a great height. • (of an argument or set of ideas) not containing any logical contradictions: a consistent explanation.

impetuously

adjective acting or done quickly and without thought or care: her friend was headstrong and impetuous. • moving forcefully or rapidly: an impetuous but controlled flow of water.

fitful

adjective active or occurring spasmodically or intermittently; not regular or steady: a few hours' fitful sleep | business was fitful.

pompous

adjective affectedly and irritatingly grand, solemn, or self-important: a pompous ass who pretends he knows everything. • archaic characterized by pomp or splendor: there were many processions and other pompous shows.

rapacious

adjective aggressively greedy or grasping: rapacious landlords.

contractual

adjective agreed in a contract: a contractual obligation. • having similar characteristics to a contract: the contractual nature of the shareholder's rights.

virtual

adjective almost or nearly as described, but not completely or according to strict definition: the virtual absence of border controls.

unerring

adjective always right or accurate: an unerring sense of direction.

apposite

adjective apt in the circumstances or in relation to something: an apposite quotation | the observations are apposite to the discussion.

officious

adjective assertive of (your) authority in an annoyingly domineering way, especially with regard to petty or trivial matters: a policeman came to move them on, an officious, spiteful man. • intrusively enthusiastic in offering help or advice; interfering: an officious bystander. objectionably aggressive in offering one's unrequested and unwanted services, help, or advice;

choleric

adjective bad-tempered or irritable. • historical influenced by or predominating in the humor called choler: a choleric disposition.

cantankerous

adjective bad-tempered, argumentative, and uncooperative: a crusty, cantankerous old man.

just

adjective based on or behaving according to what is morally right and fair: a just and democratic society | fighting for a just cause. • (of treatment) deserved or appropriate in the circumstances: we all get our just deserts. • (of an opinion or appraisal) well founded; justifiable: these simplistic approaches have been the subject of just criticism.

conventional

adjective based on or in accordance with what is generally done or believed: a conventional morality had dictated behavior. • (of a person) concerned with what is generally held to be acceptable at the expense of individuality and sincerity. • (of a work of art or literature) following traditional forms and genres: conventional love poetry. • (of weapons or power) nonnuclear: agreement on reducing conventional forces in Europe.

hypocritical

adjective behaving in a way that suggests one has higher standards or more noble beliefs THAN IS THE CASE: we don't go to church and we thought it would be hypocritical to have him christened | it would be entirely hypocritical of me to say I regret it, because I don't.

ultimate

adjective being or happening at the end of a process; final: their ultimate aim was to force his resignation. • being the best or most extreme example of its kind: the ultimate accolade. • basic or fundamental: the ultimate constituents of anything that exists are atoms. • Physics denoting the maximum possible strength or resistance beyond which an object breaks. noun 1 (the ultimate) the best achievable or imaginable of its kind: the ultimate in decorative luxury. 2 a final or fundamental fact or principle.

unique

adjective being the only one of its kind; unlike anything else: the situation was unique in modern politics | original and unique designs. • particularly remarkable, special, or unusual: a unique opportunity to see the spectacular Bolshoi Ballet. • [predicative] (unique to) belonging or connected to (one particular person, group, or place): a style of architecture that is unique to Portugal. noun archaic a unique person or thing.

anachronistic

adjective belonging to a period other than that being portrayed: 'Titus' benefits from the effective use of anachronistic elements like cars and loudspeakers. • belonging or appropriate to an earlier period, especially so as to seem conspicuously old-fashioned: she is rebelling against the anachronistic morality of her parents.

unrivaled

adjective better than everyone or everything of the same type: the paper's coverage of foreign news is unrivaled.

irreproachable

adjective beyond criticism; faultless: his private life was irreproachable.

congested

adjective blocked up with or too full of something, in particular: • (of a road or place) so crowded with traffic or people as to hinder freedom of movement: one of the most congested airports in the world | the streets are often heavily congested with traffic. • (of the respiratory tract) blocked with mucus so as to hinder breathing: his nose was congested. • (of a part of the body) abnormally full of blood: congested arteries.

sedate

adjective calm, dignified, and unhurried: in the old days, business was carried on at a rather more sedate pace. • quiet and rather dull: sedate suburban domesticity. verb [with object] calm (someone) or make them sleep by administering a sedative drug: she was heavily sedated.

remediable

adjective capable of being cured; treatable: a remediable condition that may have serious consequences if not recognized. • capable of being remedied; rectifiable: these grievances are remediable.

viable

adjective capable of working successfully; feasible: the proposed investment was economically viable. • Botany (of a seed or spore) able to germinate. • Biology (of a plant, animal, or cell) capable of surviving or living successfully, especially under particular environmental conditions. • Medicine (of a fetus or unborn child) able to live after birth.

disconcerting

adjective causing one to feel unsettled: he had a disconcerting habit of offering jobs to people he met at dinner parties.

injurious

adjective causing or likely to cause damage or harm: high temperature is injurious to mangoes. • (of language) maliciously insulting; libelous.

deductive

adjective characterized by or based on the inference of particular instances from a general law: deductive reasoning | I used my deductive powers.

introspective

adjective characterized by or given to introspection: he grew withdrawn and introspective.

decadent

adjective characterized by or reflecting a state of moral or cultural decline. • luxuriously self-indulgent: a decadent soak in a scented bath. noun a person who is luxuriously self-indulgent. • (often Decadent) a member of a group of late-19th-century French and English poets associated with the Aesthetic Movement.

solicitous

adjective characterized by or showing interest or concern: she was always solicitous about the welfare of her students | a solicitous inquiry. • archaic eager or anxious to do something: he was solicitous to cultivate her mamma's good opinion.

adroit

adjective clever or skillful in using the hands or mind: he was adroit at tax avoidance.

relevant

adjective closely connected or appropriate to what is being done or considered: what small companies need is relevant advice | the candidate's experience is relevant to the job. • appropriate to the current time, period, or circumstances; of contemporary interest: critics may find themselves unable to stay relevant in a changing world | her films are relevant for feminists today.

militant

adjective combative and aggressive in support of a political or social cause, and typically favoring extreme, violent, or confrontational methods: a militant nationalist. noun a militant person.

subsequent

adjective coming after something in time; following: the theory was developed subsequent to the earthquake of 1906.

belated

adjective coming or happening later than should have been the case: a belated apology.

theoretical

adjective concerned with or involving the theory of a subject or area of study rather than its practical application: a theoretical physicist | the training is task-related rather than theoretical. • based on or calculated through theory rather than experience or practice: the theoretical value of their work.

humanitarian

adjective concerned with or seeking to promote human welfare: groups sending humanitarian aid | a humanitarian organization. • denoting an event or situation that causes or involves widespread human suffering, especially one that requires the large-scale provision of aid: human rights groups have warned of a worsening humanitarian crisis.

seemly

adjective conforming to accepted notions of propriety or good taste; decorous: I felt it was not seemly to observe too closely. DERIVATIVES seemliness |ˈsēmlēnəs| noun

maritime

adjective connected with the sea, especially in relation to seafaring commercial or military activity: a maritime museum | maritime law. • living or found in or near the sea: dolphins and other maritime mammals. • bordering on the sea: two species of Diptera occur in the maritime Antarctic. • denoting a climate that is moist and temperate owing to the influence of the sea.

dutiful

adjective conscientiously or obediently fulfilling one's duty: a dutiful daughter. • motivated by duty rather than desire or enthusiasm: dutiful applause | a dutiful visit.

allegorical

adjective constituting or containing allegory: an allegorical painting.

allegorically

adjective constituting or containing allegory: an allegorical painting.

problematic

adjective constituting or presenting a problem or difficulty: the situation was problematic for teachers. • doubtful or questionable. noun a thing that constitutes a problem or difficulty: the problematics of artificial intelligence.

episodic

adjective containing or consisting of a series of loosely connected parts or events: an episodic narrative. • occurring occasionally and at irregular intervals: volcanic activity is highly episodic in nature. • (of a television or radio program or magazine story) broadcast or published as a series of installments.

satirical

adjective containing or using satire: a New York-based satirical magazine. • (of a person or their behavior) sarcastic, critical, and mocking another's weaknesses.

unorthodox

adjective contrary to what is usual, traditional, or accepted; not orthodox: he frequently upset other scholars with his unorthodox views.

deadpan

adjective deliberately impassive or expressionless: answers his phone in a deadpan tone | deadpan humor. adverb in a deadpan manner. verb (deadpans, deadpanning, deadpanned) [with direct speech] say something amusing while affecting a serious manner: "I'm an undercover dentist," he deadpanned.

migratory

adjective denoting an animal that migrates: migratory birds. • relating to animal migration: the migratory route for whale sharks.

sectarian

adjective denoting or concerning a sect or sects: ethnic and sectarian differences. • (of an action) carried out on the grounds of membership of a sect, denomination, or other group: a sectarian attack. • rigidly following the doctrines of a sect or other group. noun a member of a sect. • a person who rigidly follows the doctrines of a sect or other group.

sadistic

adjective deriving pleasure from inflicting pain, suffering, or humiliation on others: she took a sadistic pleasure in tormenting him | a sadistic killer.

apocalyptic

adjective describing or prophesying the complete destruction of the world: the apocalyptic visions of ecologists. • resembling the end of the world; momentous or catastrophic: the struggle between the two countries is assuming apocalyptic proportions. • of or resembling the biblical Apocalypse: apocalyptic imagery.

ignominious

adjective deserving or causing public disgrace or shame: no other party risked ignominious defeat.

deplorable

adjective deserving strong condemnation: the deplorable conditions in which most prisoners are held. • shockingly bad in quality: her spelling was deplorable.

anomalous

adjective deviating from what is standard, normal, or expected: an anomalous situation | sentences that are grammatically anomalous.

guileless

adjective devoid of guile; innocent and without deception: his face, once so open and guileless.

pious

adjective devoutly religious. • making a hypocritical display of virtue: there'll be no pious words said over her. • [attributive] (of a hope) sincere but unlikely to be fulfilled. • archaic dutiful or loyal, especially toward one's parents.

elusive

adjective difficult to find, catch, or achieve: success will become ever more elusive. • difficult to remember or recall: the elusive thought he had had moments before.

carping

adjective difficult to please; critical: she has silenced the carping critics with a successful debut tour.

disenchanted

adjective disappointed by someone or something previously respected or admired; disillusioned: he became disenchanted with his erstwhile ally | there are a lot of disenchanted music fans out there.

disaffected

adjective dissatisfied with the people in authority and no longer willing to support them: a military plot by disaffected elements in the army.

methodical

adjective done according to a systematic or established form of procedure: a methodical approach to the evaluation of computer systems. • (of a person) orderly or systematic in thought or behavior.

indiscriminate

adjective done at random or without careful judgment: the indiscriminate killing of civilians. • (of a person) not using or exercising discrimination: she was indiscriminate with her affections.

expeditious

adjective done with speed and efficiency: an expeditious investigation.

truculent

adjective eager or quick to argue or fight; aggressively defiant: his days of truculent defiance were over.

flammable

adjective easily set on fire: the use of highly flammable materials.

traumatic

adjective emotionally disturbing or distressing: she was going through a traumatic divorce. • relating to or causing psychological trauma. • Medicine relating to or denoting physical injury.

interminable

adjective endless (often used hyperbolically): we got bogged down in interminable discussions.

primordial

adjective existing at or from the beginning of time; primeval: the primordial oceans. • (especially of a state or quality) basic and fundamental: the primordial needs of the masses. • Biology (of a cell, part, or tissue) in the earliest stage of development.

ulterior

adjective existing beyond what is obvious or admitted; intentionally hidden: could there be an ulterior motive behind his request? • beyond what is immediate or present; coming in the future: ulterior pay promised to the mariners (a sailor).

concrete

adjective existing in a material or physical form; real or solid; not abstract: concrete objects like stones | it exists as a physically concrete form. • specific; definite: I haven't got any concrete proof. • (of a noun) denoting a material object as opposed to an abstract quality, state, or action. PHRASES be set in concrete (of a policy or idea) be fixed and unalterable: I do not regard the Constitution as set in concrete.

inherent

adjective existing in something as a permanent, essential, or characteristic attribute: any form of mountaineering has its inherent dangers | the symbolism inherent in all folk tales. • Law vested in (someone) as a right or privilege: the president's inherent foreign affairs power.

contemporaneous

adjective existing or occurring in the same period of time: Pythagoras was contemporaneous with Buddha.

prewar

adjective existing, occurring, or built before a war: the prewar years.

execrable

adjective extremely bad or unpleasant: execrable cheap wine.

searing

adjective extremely hot or intense: the searing heat of the sun | a searing pain. • severely critical: a searing indictment of the government's performance.

infinitesimal

adjective extremely small: an infinitesimal pause. nounMathematics an indefinitely small quantity; a value approaching zero.

asinine

adjective extremely stupid or foolish: Lydia ignored his asinine remark.

evenhanded

adjective fair and impartial in treatment or judgment: an even-handed approach.

beneficial

adjective favorable or advantageous; resulting in good: the beneficial effect on the economy | discoveries beneficial to mankind. • Law relating to rights, other than legal title: the beneficiary will be taxed on the value of his beneficial use of the property.

intrepid

adjective fearless; adventurous (often used for rhetorical or humorous effect): our intrepid reporter.

fanatical

adjective filled with excessive and single-minded zeal: fanatical revolutionaries. • obsessively concerned with something: he was fanatical about security at night.

witless

adjective foolish; stupid: a witless retort. • [as complement] to such an extent that one cannot think clearly or rationally: I was scared witless.

fundamental

adjective forming a necessary base or core; of central importance: the protection of fundamental human rights | interpretation of evidence is fundamental to the historian's craft. • affecting or relating to the essential nature of something or the crucial point about an issue: the fundamental problem remains that of the housing shortage. • so basic as to be hard to alter, resolve, or overcome: the theories are based on a fundamental error. noun (usually fundamentals) a central or primary rule or principle on which something is based: two courses cover the fundamentals of microbiology. • a fundamental note, tone, or frequency.

outspoken

adjective frank in stating one's opinions, especially if they are critical or controversial: he has been outspoken in his criticism.

exempt

adjective free from an obligation or liability imposed on others: these patients are exempt from all charges | they are not exempt from criticism. verb [with object] free (a person or organization) from an obligation or liability imposed on others: they were exempted from paying the tax. noun a person who is exempt from something, especially the payment of tax.

tranquil

adjective free from disturbance; calm: her tranquil gaze | the sea was tranquil.

unstinted

adjective given without restraint; liberal: we received unstinted support.

propitious

adjective giving or indicating a good chance of success; favorable: the timing for such a meeting seemed propitious. • archaic favorably disposed toward someone: there were points on which they did not agree, moments in which she did not seem propitious.

remedial

adjective giving or intended as a remedy or cure: remedial surgery. • provided or intended for students who are experiencing learning difficulties: remedial education.

monumental

adjective great in importance, extent, or size: it's been a monumental effort | the ballet came across as one of MacMillan's most monumental works. • of or serving as a monument: additional details are found in monumental inscriptions.

legion

adjective great in number: her fans are legion.

fortuitous

adjective happening by accident or chance rather than design: the similarity between the paintings may not be simply fortuitous. • informal happening by a lucky chance; fortunate: from a cash standpoint, the company's timing is fortuitous.

checkered

adjective having a pattern of alternating squares of different colors. • marked by periods of varied fortune or discreditable incidents: his checkered past might hurt his electability.

informal

adjective having a relaxed, friendly, or unofficial style, manner, or nature: an informal atmosphere | an informal agreement between the two companies. • of or denoting a style of writing or conversational speech characterized by simple grammatical structures, familiar vocabulary, and use of idioms, e.g., tu in French. • (of dress) casual; suitable for everyday wear.

resigned

adjective having accepted something unpleasant that one cannot do anything about: my response is a resigned shrug of the shoulders.

far-reaching

adjective having important and widely applicable effects or implications: a series of far-reaching political reforms.

impecunious

adjective having little or no money: a titled but impecunious family.

amiable

adjective having or displaying a friendly and pleasant manner: an amiable, unassuming fellow.

vindictive

adjective having or showing a strong or unreasoning desire for revenge: the criticism was both vindictive and personalized.

avaricious

adjective having or showing an extreme greed for wealth or material gain: a corrupt and avaricious government.

devout

adjective having or showing deep religious feeling or commitment: she was a devout Catholic | a rabbi's devout prayers. • totally committed to a cause or belief: the most devout environmentalist.

discerning

adjective having or showing good judgment: the restaurant attracts discerning customers.

enterprising

adjective having or showing initiative and resourcefulness: some enterprising teachers have started their own recycling programs.

sagacious

adjective having or showing keen mental discernment and good judgment; shrewd: they were sagacious enough to avoid any outright confrontation.

unscrupulous

adjective having or showing no moral principles; not honest or fair. DERIVATIVES unscrupulously |ˌənˈskro͞opyələslē| adverb. unscrupulousness |ˌənˈskro͞opyələsnəs| noun

legislative

adjective having the power to make laws: the country's supreme legislative body. • relating to laws or the making of them: legislative proposals. Often contrasted with executive. • relating to a legislature: legislative elections.

prosaic

adjective having the style or diction of prose; lacking poetic beauty: prosaic language can't convey the experience. • commonplace; unromantic: the masses were too preoccupied by prosaic day-to-day concerns.

judicious

adjective having, showing, or done with good judgment or sense: the efficient and judicious use of pesticides.

derelict

adjective in a very poor condition as a result of disuse and neglect: the cities were derelict and dying. • chiefly North American (of a person) shamefully negligent in not having done what one should have done: he was derelict in his duty to his country. noun a person without a home, job, or property: derelicts who could fit all their possessions in a paper bag. • a piece of property, especially a ship, abandoned by the owner and in poor condition.

incipient

adjective in an initial stage; beginning to happen or develop: he could feel incipient anger building up | an incipient black eye. • (of a person) developing into a specified type or role: we seemed more like friends than incipient lovers.

innate

adjective inborn; natural: her innate capacity for organization. • Philosophy originating in the mind.

inclusive

adjective including or covering all the services, facilities, or items normally expected or required: the price is inclusive, with few incidentals. • [predicative] (inclusive of) containing (a specified element) as part of a whole: all prices are inclusive of taxes. • [postpositive] with the inclusion of the extreme limits stated: between the ages of 55 and 59 inclusive. • not excluding any section of society or any party involved in something: only an inclusive peace process will end the conflict. • (of language) deliberately nonsexist, especially avoiding the use of masculine pronouns to refer to both men and women.

discrete

adjective individually separate and distinct: speech sounds are produced as a continuous sound signal rather than discrete units.

debauched

adjective indulging in or characterized by sensual pleasures to a degree perceived to be morally harmful; dissolute: a debauched lifestyle.

tormenting

adjective inflicting severe physical or mental suffering: peace from his tormenting thoughts | tormenting demons.

insistent

adjective insisting or demanding something; not allowing refusal: Tony's soft, insistent questioning | [with clause] : she was very insistent that I call her. • regular and repeated, and demanding attention: a telephone started ringing, loud and insistent.

conciliatory

adjective intended or likely to placate or pacify: a conciliatory approach.

didactic

adjective intended to teach, particularly in having moral instruction as an ulterior motive: a didactic novel that set out to expose social injustice. • in the manner of a teacher, particularly so as to treat someone in a patronizing way: slow-paced, didactic lecturing.

monogamous

adjective involving marriage to one person at a time: under Canadian law all marriages must be monogamous. • having a sexual relationship with only one partner at a time: she admits that she has never been strictly monogamous | with me it was a monogamous relationship.

cooperative

adjective involving mutual assistance in working toward a common goal: every member has clearly defined tasks in a cooperative enterprise. • willing to be of assistance: they have been extremely considerate, polite, and cooperative. • (of a farm, business, etc.) owned and run jointly by its members, with profits or benefits shared among them. noun a farm, business, or other organization that is owned and run jointly by its members, who share the profits or benefits.

sacrilegious

adjective involving or committing sacrilege: a sacrilegious act | it seems sacrilegious to say this, but it's really not that great a movie.

rudimentary

adjective involving or limited to basic principles: he received a rudimentary education. • relating to an immature, undeveloped, or basic form: a rudimentary stage of evolution.

arduous

adjective involving or requiring strenuous effort; difficult and tiring: an arduous journey.

extraneous

adjective irrelevant or unrelated to the subject being dealt with: one is obliged to wade through many pages of extraneous material. • of external origin: when the transmitter pack is turned off, no extraneous noise is heard. • separate from the object to which it is attached: other insects attach extraneous objects or material to themselves.

omniscient

adjective knowing everything: the story is told by an omniscient narrator.

amoral

adjective lacking a moral sense; unconcerned with the rightness or wrongness of something: an amoral attitude to sex.

haphazard

adjective lacking any obvious principle of organization: the kitchen drawers contained a haphazard collection of silver souvenir spoons.

gauche

adjective lacking ease or grace; unsophisticated and socially awkward.

extravagant

adjective lacking restraint in spending money or using resources: it was rather extravagant to buy both. • costing too much money: extravagant gifts like computer games. • exceeding what is reasonable or appropriate; absurd: extravagant claims for its effectiveness.

bland

adjective lacking strong features or characteristics and therefore uninteresting: rebelling against the bland uniformity. • (of food or drink) mild or insipid: bland and unadventurous vegetarian dish | bland beers of mediocre quality. • (of a person or behavior) showing no strong emotion; dull and unremarkable: offering bland reassurance | his expression was bland and unreadable.

transient

adjective lasting only for a short time; impermanent: a transient cold spell. • staying or working in a place for only a short time: the transient nature of the labor force in catering. noun 1 a person who is staying or working in a place for only a short time. 2 a momentary variation in current, voltage, or frequency.

inadvisable

adjective likely to have unfortunate consequences; unwise: [with infinitive] : it would be inadvisable to involve more than one architect.

nomadic

adjective living the life of a nomad; wandering: nomadic herdsmen (noun (plural herdsmen) the owner or keeper of a herd of domesticated animals.).

retrospective

adjective looking back on or dealing with past events or situations: our survey was retrospective. • (of an exhibition or compilation) showing the development of an artist's work over a period of time. • (of a statute or legal decision) taking effect from a date in the past: retrospective pay awards. noun an exhibition or compilation showing the development of the work of a particular artist over a period of time: a Georgia O'Keeffe retrospective.

strident

adjective loud and harsh; grating: his voice had become increasingly sharp, almost strident. • presenting a point of view, especially a controversial one, in an excessively and unpleasantly forceful way: public pronouncements on the crisis became less strident. • Phonetics another term for sibilant.

exacting

adjective making great demands on one's skill, attention, or other resources: living up to such exacting standards.

exhilarating

adjective making one feel very happy, animated, or elated; thrilling: an exhilarating two-hour rafting experience. exhilarate: verb make (someone) feel very happy, animated, or elated: the children were exhilarated by a sense of purpose | (as adjective exhilarated) : all this hustle and bustle makes me feel exhilarated.

raucous

adjective making or constituting a disturbingly harsh and loud noise: raucous youths.

provident

adjective making or indicative of timely preparation for the future: she had learned to be provident. 1 :making provision for the future :prudent. 2 :frugal, saving. having or showing foresight; providing carefully for the future

precise

adjective marked by exactness and accuracy of expression or detail: precise directions | I want as precise a time of death as I can get. • (of a person) exact, accurate, and careful about details: the director was precise with his camera positions. • [attributive] used to emphasize that one is referring to an exact and particular thing: at that precise moment the car stopped.

riotous

adjective marked by or involving public disorder: a riotous crowd. • characterized by wild and uncontrolled behavior: a riotous party. • having a vivid, varied appearance: a riotous display of bright red, green, and yellow vegetables. • hilariously funny: a riotous account of the making of the movie.

depraved

adjective morally corrupt; wicked: a depraved indifference to human life.

optimum

adjective most conducive to a favorable outcome; best: the optimum childbearing age. noun (plural optimuma |-mə| or optimums) the most favorable conditions or level for growth, reproduction, or success.

incontrovertible

adjective not able to be denied or disputed: incontrovertible proof.

unimpeachable

adjective not able to be doubted, questioned, or criticized; entirely trustworthy: an unimpeachable witness.

disingenuous

adjective not candid or sincere, typically by pretending that one knows less about something than one really does.

unwary

adjective not cautious; not aware of possible dangers or problems: accidents can happen to the unwary traveler | (as plural noun the unwary) : hidden traps for the unwary.

unruffled

adjective not disordered or disarranged: the unruffled waters of the lake. • (of a person) not agitated or disturbed; calm.

indeterminate

adjective not exactly known, established, or defined: the date of manufacture is indeterminate. • (of a judicial sentence) such that the convicted person's conduct determines the date of release. • Mathematics (of a quantity) having no definite or definable value. • Medicine (of a condition) from which a diagnosis of the underlying cause cannot be made: indeterminate colitis.

improvident

adjective not having or showing foresight; spendthrift or thoughtless: improvident and undisciplined behavior.

dispassionate

adjective not influenced by strong emotion, and so able to be rational and impartial: she dealt with life's disasters in a calm, dispassionate way.

apolitical

adjective not interested or involved in politics: a former apolitical housewife.

redundant

adjective not or no longer needed or useful; superfluous: this redundant brewery has been converted into a library | many of the old skills had become redundant. • (of words or data) able to be omitted without loss of meaning or function: our peculiar affection for redundant phrases | most of the inflectional endings are redundant.

extrinsic

adjective not part of the essential nature of someone or something; coming or operating from outside: extrinsic factors that might affect time budgets | the idea that power is extrinsic to production and profits. • (of a muscle, such as any of the eye muscles) having its origin some distance from the part that it moves.

atypical

adjective not representative of a type, group, or class: a sample of people who are rather atypical of the target audience | there were somewhat atypical results in May and November.

flippant

adjective not showing a serious or respectful attitude: a flippant remark.

unselfconscious

adjective not suffering from or exhibiting self-consciousness; not shy or embarrassed.

uncalled

adjective not summoned or invited. • (uncalled for) (especially of a person's behavior) undesirable and unnecessary: uncalled-for remarks.

commonplace

adjective not unusual; ordinary: unemployment was commonplace in his profession. • not interesting or original; trite: the usual commonplace remarks. noun 1 a usual or ordinary thing: bombing has become almost a commonplace of public life there. • a trite saying or topic; a platitude: it is a commonplace to talk of the young being alienated. 2 a notable quotation copied into a commonplace book.

considerable

adjective notably large in size, amount, or extent: a position of considerable influence. • (of a person) having merit or distinction: he was a limited, but still considerable, novelist.

self-willed

adjective obstinately doing what one wants in spite of the wishes or orders of others: the child may be very obstinate and self-willed.

inopportune

adjective occurring at an inconvenient or inappropriate time: a storm blew up at an inopportune moment.

intermittent

adjective occurring at irregular intervals; not continuous or steady: intermittent rain.

posthumous

adjective occurring, awarded, or appearing after the death of the originator: he was awarded a posthumous Military Cross | a posthumous collection of his articles. • (of a child) born after the death of its father.

martial

adjective of or appropriate to war; warlike: martial bravery.

nautical

adjective of or concerning sailors or navigation; maritime: nautical charts.

tactile

adjective of or connected with the sense of touch: vocal and visual signals become less important as tactile signals intensify. • perceptible by touch or apparently so; tangible: she had a distinct, almost tactile memory. • designed to be perceived by touch: tactile exhibitions help blind people enjoy the magic of sculpture. • (of a person) given to touching others, especially as an unselfconscious expression of sympathy or affection.

concentric

adjective of or denoting circles, arcs, or other shapes that share the same center, the larger often completely surrounding the smaller:concentric circles concentric circles concentric circles indicate distances of 1 km, 2 km, and 3 km from the center.

filial

adjective of or due from a son or daughter: a display of filial affection. • Biology denoting the generation or generations after the parental generation. See also F1.

homogenous

adjective of the same kind; alike: timbermen prefer to deal with homogeneous woods. • consisting of parts all of the same kind: culturally speaking the farmers constitute an extremely homogeneous group. • Mathematics containing terms all of the same degree.

terrestrial

adjective of, on, or relating to the earth: increased ultraviolet radiation may disrupt terrestrial ecosystems. • denoting television broadcasting using equipment situated on the ground rather than by satellite: terrestrial and cable technology. • of or on dry land: a submarine eruption will be much more explosive than its terrestrial counterpart. • (of an animal) living on or in the ground; not aquatic, arboreal, or aerial. • (of a plant) growing on land or in the soil; not aquatic or epiphytic. • Astronomy (of a planet) similar in size or composition to the earth, especially being one of the four inner planets of our solar system. • archaic relating to the earth as opposed to heaven. noun an inhabitant of the earth.

outmoded

adjective old-fashioned.

equivocal

adjective open to more than one interpretation; ambiguous: the equivocal nature of her remarks. • uncertain or questionable in nature: the results of the investigation were equivocal.

relentless

adjective oppressively constant; incessant: the relentless heat of the desert. • harsh or inflexible: a patient but relentless taskmaster.

exotic

adjective originating in or characteristic of a distant foreign country: exotic birds | they loved to visit exotic places. • attractive or striking because colorful or out of the ordinary: an exotic outfit | (as noun the exotic) : there was a touch of the exotic in her appearance. • of a kind not used for ordinary purposes or not ordinarily encountered: exotic elementary particles as yet unknown to science. noun an exotic plant or animal: he planted exotics in the sheltered garden.

indigenous

adjective originating or occurring naturally in a particular place; native: the indigenous peoples of Siberia | coriander is indigenous to southern Europe.

brave

adjective ready to face and endure danger or pain; showing courage: a brave soldier | he put up a brave fight before losing. • literary fine or splendid in appearance: his medals made a brave show. noun 1 (as plural noun the brave) people who are ready to face and endure danger or pain. 2 dated an American Indian warrior. • a young man who shows courage or a fighting spirit. verb [with object] endure or face (unpleasant conditions or behavior) without showing fear: we had to brave the full heat of the sun.

ethnic

adjective relating to a population subgroup (within a larger or dominant national or cultural group) with a common national or cultural tradition: leaders of ethnic communities. • relating to national and cultural origins: two playwrights of different ethnic origins. • denoting origin by birth or descent rather than by present nationality: ethnic Albanians in Kosovo. • characteristic of or belonging to a non-Western cultural tradition: ethnic dishes | folk and ethnic music. • archaic neither Christian nor Jewish; pagan or heathen. noun dated or offensive a member of an ethnic minority.

oracular

adjective relating to an oracle: the oracular shrine. • (of an utterance, advice, etc.) hard to interpret; enigmatic: an ambiguous, oracular remark. • holding or claiming the authority of an oracle: he holds forth in oracular fashion.

alimentary

adjective relating to nourishment or sustenance.

ambulatory

adjective relating to or adapted for walking. • Medicine able to walk; not bedridden: ambulatory patients. • Medicine relating to patients who are able to walk: an ambulatory care facility. • movable; mobile: an ambulatory ophthalmic service. noun (plural ambulatories) a place for walking, especially an aisle around the apse or a cloister in a church or monastery.

tangential

adjective relating to or along a tangent: a tangential line. • diverging from a previous course or line; erratic: tangential thoughts. • hardly touching a matter; peripheral: the reforms were tangential to (the) efforts to maintain a basic standard of life.

egalitarian

adjective relating to or believing in the principle that all people are equal and deserve equal rights and opportunities: a fairer, more egalitarian society. noun a person who advocates or supports egalitarian principles.

miserly

adjective relating to or characteristic of a miser: his miserly great-uncle proved to be worth nearly $1 million. • (of a quantity) pitiably small or inadequate: last year's miserly growth in sales.

sophomoric

adjective relating to or characteristic of a sophomore: my sophomoric years. • pretentious or juvenile: sophomoric double entendres.

rhetorical

adjective relating to or concerned with the art of rhetoric: repetition is a common rhetorical device. • expressed in terms intended to persuade or impress: the rhetorical commitment of the government to give priority to primary education. • (of a question) asked in order to produce an effect or to make a statement rather than to elicit information.

archival

adjective relating to or constituting archives: the club maintains an archival research library. • (of a material such as paper) of suitable quality to be used in archives: the illustrations are printed with archival inks that will last about 70 years.

baroque

adjective relating to or denoting a style of European architecture, music, and art of the 17th and 18th centuries that followed mannerism and is characterized by ornate detail. • highly ornate and extravagant in style: the candles were positively baroque. noun the baroque style or period.

forensic

adjective relating to or denoting the application of scientific methods and techniques to the investigation of crime: forensic evidence. • relating to courts of law. noun(forensics) scientific tests or techniques used in connection with the detection of crime. • (also forensic) [treated as singular or plural] informal a laboratory or department responsible for tests used in detection of crime.

polemical

adjective relating to or involving strongly critical, controversial, or disputatious writing or speech: a polemical essay.

peripheral

adjective relating to or situated on the edge or periphery of something: the peripheral areas of Europe. • of secondary or minor importance; marginal: she will see their problems as peripheral to her own. • Anatomy near the surface of the body, with special reference to the circulation and nervous system: lymphocytes from peripheral blood. nounComputing a peripheral device.

computational

adjective relating to or using computers: the computational analysis of English | computational power. • relating to the process of mathematical calculation.

pathological

adjective relating to pathology: the interpretation of pathological studies. • involving, caused by, or of the nature of a physical or mental disease: pathological changes associated with senile dementia. • informal compulsive; obsessive: a pathological gambler. pathology:noun the science of the causes and effects of diseases, especially the branch of medicine that deals with the laboratory examination of samples of body tissue for diagnostic or forensic purposes. • Medicine pathological features considered collectively; the typical behavior of a disease: the pathology of Huntington's disease. • Medicine a pathological condition: the dominant pathology is multiple sclerosis. • mental, social, or linguistic abnormality or malfunction: the city's inability to cope with the pathology of a burgeoning underclass.

spatial

adjective relating to space: the spatial distribution of population | a mouse's spatial memory.

therapeutic

adjective relating to the healing of disease: diagnostic and therapeutic facilities. • administered or applied for reasons of health: a therapeutic shampoo. • having a good effect on the body or mind; contributing to a sense of well-being: a therapeutic silence. noun 1 (therapeutics) the branch of medicine concerned with the treatment of disease and the action of remedial agents. 2 a treatment, therapy, or drug: current therapeutics for asthma.

synergistic

adjective relating to the interaction or cooperation of two or more organizations, substances, or other agents to produce a combined effect greater than the sum of their separate effects: the synergistic interaction of mind and body | synergistic effects of drugs.

deterministic

adjective relating to the philosophical doctrine that all events, including human action, are ultimately determined by causes regarded as external to the will: a deterministic theory.

administrative

adjective relating to the running of a business, organization, etc.: administrative problems | administrative staff.

auditory

adjective relating to the sense of hearing: the auditory nerves | teaching methods use both visual and auditory stimulation.

lexical

adjective relating to the words or vocabulary of a language: lexical analysis. • relating to or of the nature of a lexicon or dictionary: a lexical entry.

penal

adjective relating to, used for, or prescribing the punishment of offenders under the legal system: the campaign for penal reform. • (of an act or offense) punishable by law.

pertinent

adjective relevant or applicable to a particular matter; apposite: she asked me a lot of very pertinent questions | the unreleased section of tape was not pertinent to the investigation.

obligatory

adjective required by a legal, moral, or other rule; compulsory: use of seat belts in cars is now obligatory. • so customary or routine as to be expected of everyone or on every occasion: after the obligatory preamble on the weather he got down to business. • (of a ruling) having binding force: a sovereign whose laws are obligatory.

anthropoid

adjective resembling a human being in form: cartoons of anthropoid frogs. • Zoology relating to the group of higher primates, which includes monkeys, apes, and humans. • Zoology (of an ape) belonging to the groups that include the great apes and gibbons. nounZoology a higher primate, especially an ape or apeman.

immune

adjective resistant to a particular infection or toxin owing to the presence of specific antibodies or sensitized white blood cells: they were naturally immune to hepatitis B. • protected or exempt, especially from an obligation or the effects of something: they are immune from legal action. • [predicative] not affected or influenced by something: no one is immune to his immense charm. • [attributive] Biology relating to immunity: the body's immune system.

ferocious

adjective savagely fierce, cruel, or violent: the wolverine is nature's most ferocious and violent animal. • (of a conflict) characterized by or involving aggression, bitterness, and determination: a ferocious argument. • extreme and unpleasant: a ferocious headache.

subversive

adjective seeking or intended to subvert an established system or institution: subversive literature. noun a subversive person.

doctrinaire

adjective seeking to impose a doctrine in all circumstances without regard to practical considerations: a doctrinaire conservative. noun a person who seeks to impose a doctrine without regard to practical considerations.

headstrong

adjective self-willed and obstinate: I am headstrong and like getting my own way.

valedictory

adjective serving as a farewell: a valedictory wave. noun (plural valedictories) a farewell address.

blithe

adjective showing a casual and cheerful indifference considered to be callous or improper: a blithe disregard for the rules of the road. • happy or joyous: a blithe seaside comedy.

abstracted

adjective showing a lack of concentration on what is happening around one: she seemed abstracted and unaware of her surroundings | an abstracted smile.

slighting

adjective showing a lack of respect; insulting or disparaging: slighting references to Irish Catholics.

heedless

adjective showing a reckless lack of care or attention: "Elaine!" she shouted, heedless of attracting unwanted attention | his heedless impetuosity.

assiduous

adjective showing great care and perseverance: she was assiduous in pointing out every feature.

uncomprehending

adjective showing or having an inability to comprehend something: an uncomprehending silence.

dexterous

adjective showing or having skill, especially with the hands: dexterous accordion playing | power users are dexterous at using software, rather than creating it.

timorous

adjective showing or suffering from nervousness, fear, or a lack of confidence: a timorous voice.

amorous

adjective showing, feeling, or relating to sexual desire: she rejected his amorous advances.

halting

adjective slow and hesitant, especially through lack of confidence; faltering: she speaks halting English with a heavy accent.

dilatory

adjective slow to act: he had been dilatory in appointing a solicitor. • intended to cause delay: they resorted to dilatory procedural tactics, forcing a postponement of peace talks.

obstinate

adjective stubbornly refusing to change one's opinion or chosen course of action, despite attempts to persuade one to do so. • (of an unwelcome phenomenon or situation) very difficult to change or overcome: the obstinate problem of unemployment.

lethal

adjective sufficient to cause death: a lethal cocktail of alcohol and pills. • harmful or destructive: the Krakatoa eruption was the most lethal on record.

specious

adjective superficially plausible, but actually wrong: a specious argument. • misleading in appearance, especially misleadingly attractive: the music trade gives Golden Oldies a specious appearance of novelty.

reformist

adjective supporting or advancing gradual reform rather than abolition or revolution. noun a person who advocates gradual reform rather than abolition or revolution.

evasive

adjective tending to avoid commitment or self-revelation, especially by responding only indirectly: she was evasive about her phone number. • directed toward avoidance or escape: they decided to take evasive action.

discreditable

adjective tending to bring harm to a reputation: allegations of discreditable conduct.

inimical

adjective tending to obstruct or harm: actions inimical to our interests. • unfriendly; hostile: an inimical alien power.

suggestive

adjective tending to suggest an idea: there were various suggestive pieces of evidence. • indicative or evocative: flavors suggestive of coffee and blackberry. • making someone think of sex and sexual relationships: a suggestive remark. DERIVATIVES suggestively |sə(ɡ)ˈjestivlē| adverb. suggestiveness |sə(ɡ)ˈjestivnəs| noun

sparse

adjective thinly dispersed or scattered: areas of sparse population. • austere; meager: an elegantly sparse chamber.

jaded

adjective tired, bored, or lacking enthusiasm, typically after having had too much of something: meals to tempt the most jaded appetites.

simplistic

adjective treating complex issues and problems as if they were much simpler than they really are: simplistic solutions.

unassailable

adjective unable to be attacked, questioned, or defeated: an unassailable lead.

inalienable

adjective unable to be taken away from or given away by the possessor: freedom of religion, the most inalienable of all human rights.

intangible

adjective unable to be touched or grasped; not having physical presence: my companions do not care about cyberspace or anything else so intangible. • difficult or impossible to define or understand; vague and abstract: the rose symbolized something intangible about their relationship. • (of an asset or benefit) not constituting or represented by a physical object and of a value not precisely measurable: intangible business property like trademarks and patents. noun (usually intangibles) an intangible thing: intangibles like self-confidence and responsibility.

immutable

adjective unchanging over time or unable to be changed: an immutable fact.

biased

adjective unfairly prejudiced for or against someone or something: we will not tolerate this biased media coverage.

blasé

adjective unimpressed or indifferent to something because one has experienced or seen it so often before: she was becoming quite blasé about the dangers.

ill-suited

adjective unsuitable or inappropriate: the soil is ill-suited to wheat farming.

inordinate

adjective unusually or disproportionately large; excessive: a case that had taken up an inordinate amount of time. • archaic (of a person) unrestrained in feelings or behavior; disorderly.

intuitive

adjective using or based on what one feels to be true even without conscious reasoning; instinctive: I had an intuitive conviction that there was something unsound in him. • (chiefly of computer software) easy to use and understand.

foulmouthed

adjective using or characterized by a great deal of bad language: a foul-mouthed cop.

ironic

adjective using or characterized by irony: his mouth curved into an ironic smile. • happening in the opposite way to what is expected, and typically causing wry amusement because of this: [with clause] : it was ironic that now that everybody had plenty of money for food, they couldn't obtain it because everything was rationed.

lurid

adjective very vivid in color, especially so as to create an unpleasantly harsh or unnatural effect: lurid food colorings | a pair of lurid shorts. • (of a description) presented in vividly shocking or sensational terms, especially giving explicit details of crimes or sexual matters: the more lurid details of the massacre were too frightening for the children.

felicitous

adjective well chosen or suited to the circumstances: a felicitous phrase. • pleasing and fortunate: the view was the room's only felicitous feature.

infamous

adjective well known for some bad quality or deed: an infamous war criminal. • wicked; abominable: the medical council disqualified him for infamous misconduct. • Law, historical (of a person) deprived of all or some citizens' rights as a consequence of conviction for a serious crime.

benevolent

adjective well meaning and kindly: a benevolent smile. • (of an organization) serving a charitable rather than a profit-making purpose: a benevolent fund.

omnipresent

adjective widely or constantly encountered; common or widespread: the omnipresent threat of natural disasters. • (of God) present everywhere at the same time.

disconsolate

adjective without consolation or comfort; unhappy: he'd met the man's disconsolate widow. • (of a place or thing) causing or showing a complete lack of comfort; cheerless: solitary, disconsolate clumps of cattails.

artless

adjective without guile or deception: an artless, naive girl | artless sincerity. • without effort or pretentiousness; natural and simple: an artless literary masterpiece. • without skill or finesse: her awkward, artless prose.

notable

adjective worthy of attention or notice; remarkable: the gardens are notable for their collection of magnolias and camellias | the results, with one notable exception, have been superb. noun (usually notables) a famous or important person: businessmen and local notables.

ample

adjective (ampler, amplest) enough or more than enough; plentiful: there is ample time for discussion | an ample supply of consumer goods. • large and accommodating: he leaned back in his ample chair. • used euphemistically to convey that someone is fat: she stood with her hands on her ample hips.

dusky

adjective (duskier, duskiest) darkish in color: dusky red | a dusky complexion. • dated used in euphemistic or poetic reference to black or other dark-skinned people: a dusky Moorish maiden. • literary dim: dusky light came from a small window. • [attributive] used in names of animals with dark coloration, e.g., dusky dolphin, dusky warbler.

fussy

adjective (fussier, fussiest) (of a person) fastidious about one's needs or requirements; hard to please: he is very fussy about what he eats. • showing excessive or anxious concern about detail: Eleanor patted her hair with quick, fussy movements. • full of unnecessary detail or decoration: I hate fussy clothes. adj. fussily

gaudy

adjective (gaudier, gaudiest) extravagantly bright or showy, typically so as to be tasteless: silver bows and gaudy ribbons. noun (plural gaudies) British a celebratory reunion dinner or entertainment held by a college.

glib

adjective (glibber, glibbest) (of words or the person speaking them) fluent and voluble but insincere and shallow: she was careful not to let the answer sound too glib.

grubby

adjective (grubbier, grubbiest) dirty; grimy: the grubby face of a young boy. • disreputable; sordid: grubby little moneylenders.

hardy

adjective (hardier, hardiest) robust; capable of enduring difficult conditions. • (of a plant) able to survive outside during winter.

icy

adjective (icier, iciest) covered with or consisting of ice: there were icy patches on the roads. • very cold: an icy wind. • (of a person's tone or manner) very unfriendly; hostile: her voice was icy.

ignoble

adjective (ignobler, ignoblest) 1 not honorable in character or purpose: ignoble feelings of intense jealousy. 2 of humble origin or social status: ignoble savages.

knotty

adjective (knottier, knottiest) full of knots: the room was paneled in knotty pine. • (of a problem or matter) extremely difficult or intricate.

lofty

adjective (loftier, loftiest) 1 of imposing height: the elegant square was shaded by lofty palms. • of a noble or exalted nature: an extraordinary mixture of harsh reality and lofty ideals. • proud, aloof, or self-important: lofty intellectual disdain. 2 (of wool and other textiles) thick and resilient.

analagous

adjective (often analogous to) comparable in certain respects, typically in a way that makes clearer the nature of the things compared: they saw the relationship between a ruler and his subjects as analogous to that of father and children.

pithy

adjective (pithier, pithiest) 1 (of language or style) concise and forcefully expressive. 2 (of a fruit or plant) containing much pith.

puny

adjective (punier, puniest) small and weak: skeletal, white-faced, puny children. • poor in quality, amount, or size: the army was reduced to a puny 100,000 men.

ruddy

adjective (ruddier, ruddiest) 1 (of a person's face) having a healthy red color: a cheerful pipe-smoking man of ruddy complexion. • having a reddish color: the ruddy evening light. verb (ruddies, ruddying, ruddied) [with object] make ruddy in color: a red flash ruddied the belly of a cloud.

scanty

adjective (scantier, scantiest) small or insufficient in quantity or amount: scanty wages. • (of clothing) revealing; skimpy: the women looked cold in their scanty gowns. pl.noun (scanties) brief underpants.

shady

adjective (shadier, shadiest) situated in or full of shade: shady woods. • giving shade from sunlight: they sprawled under a shady carob tree. • informal of doubtful honesty or legality: he was involved in his grandmother's shady deals.

shoddy

adjective (shoddier, shoddiest) badly made or done: we're not paying good money for shoddy goods. • lacking moral principle; sordid: a shoddy misuse of the honor system.

suave

adjective (suaver, suavest) (especially of a man) charming, confident, and elegant: all the waiters were suave and deferential.

tawdry

adjective (tawdrier, tawdriest) showy but cheap and of poor quality: tawdry jewelry. • sordid or unpleasant: the tawdry business of politics. noun archaic cheap and gaudy finery.

thriftiness

adjective (thriftier, thriftiest) 1 (of a person or their behavior) using money and other resources carefully and not wastefully. 2 chiefly archaic dialect (of livestock or plants) strong and healthy. • archaic prosperous.

thrifty

adjective (thriftier, thriftiest) 1 (of a person or their behavior) using money and other resources carefully and not wastefully. 2 chiefly archaic dialect (of livestock or plants) strong and healthy. • archaic prosperous.

trendy

adjective (trendier, trendiest) very fashionable or up to date in style or influence: I enjoyed being able to go out and buy trendy clothes. noun (plural trendies) a person who is very fashionable or up to date.

aerial

adjective [attributive] existing, happening, or operating in the air: an aerial battle | an intrepid aerial adventurer. • coming or carried out from the air, especially using aircraft: aerial bombardment of civilian targets | aerial photography. • (of part of a plant) growing above ground: knobby sections of aerial roots. • (of a bird) spending much of its time in flight. • of or in the atmosphere; atmospheric.

erstwhile

adjective [attributive] former: his erstwhile rivals. adverb archaic formerly: Mary Anderson, erstwhile the queen of America's stage.

inveterate

adjective [attributive] having a particular habit, activity, or interest that is long-established and unlikely to change: he was an inveterate gambler. • (of a feeling or habit) long-established and unlikely to change.

potential

adjective [attributive] having or showing the capacity to become or develop into something in the future: a two-pronged campaign to woo potential customers. noun 1 latent qualities or abilities that may be developed and lead to future success or usefulness: a young broadcaster with great potential | the potentials of the technology were never wholly controllable. • (often potential for/to do something) the possibility of something happening or of someone doing something in the future: the crane operator's clear view reduces the potential for accidents | pesticides with the potential to cause cancer.

cardinal

adjective [attributive] of the greatest importance; fundamental: two cardinal points must be borne in mind.

celestial

adjective [attributive] positioned in or relating to the sky, or outer space as observed in astronomy: a celestial body. • belonging or relating to heaven: the celestial city. • supremely good: the celestial beauty of music.

germinal

adjective [attributive] relating to or of the nature of a germ cell or embryo. • in the earliest stage of development. • providing material for future development: the subject was revived in a germinal article by Charles Ferguson.

on the grounds of

adjective argued, arising from, based on, brought as a result of, brought on account of, built on, contingent upon, dependent on, established by, founded on, grounded on, justified by, rationalized by, relying on, rested on, rooted in, settled upon.

mercenary

adjective derogatory (of a person or their behavior) primarily concerned with making money at the expense of ethics: she's nothing but a mercenary little gold digger. noun (plural mercenaries) a professional soldier hired to serve in a foreign army. • a person primarily concerned with material reward at the expense of ethics: the sport's most infamous mercenary.

sesquipedalian

adjective formal (of a word) polysyllabic; long: sesquipedalian surnames. • characterized by long words; long-winded: the sesquipedalian prose of scientific journals.

grievous

adjective formal (of something bad) very severe or serious: his death was a grievous blow | the American fleet suffered grievous losses.

normative p

adjective formal establishing, relating to, or deriving from a standard or norm, especially of behavior: negative sanctions to enforce normative behavior.

pecuniary

adjective formal relating to or consisting of money: he admitted obtaining a pecuniary advantage by deception.

orient

adjective literary situated in or belonging to the east; oriental. • (of the sun, daylight, etc.) rising: the orient moon. • (especially of precious stones) lustrous (with reference to fine pearls from the East). verb |ˈôrēˌent| 1 [with object] align or position (something) relative to the points of a compass or other specified positions: the fires are oriented in direct line with the midsummer sunset. • adjust or tailor (something) to specified circumstances or needs: magazines oriented to the business community | [as adjective, in combination] (-oriented) : market-oriented economic reforms. • guide (someone) physically in a specified direction. 2 (orient oneself) find one's position in relation to new and strange surroundings: there are no street names that would enable her to orient herself.

compact

adjective |kəmˈpaktˈkämˌpakt| 1 closely and neatly packed together; dense: a compact cluster of houses. • having all the necessary components or features neatly fitted into a small space: a compact car. • (of a person or animal) small, solid, and well-proportioned. • (of speech or writing) concise in expression: a compact summary of the play. 2 [predicative] (compact of) archaic composed or made up of: towns compact of wooden houses. verb |kəmˈpakt| [with object] exert force on (something) to make it more dense; compress: the soil may be compacted by iron oxide | (as adjective compacted) : compacted paper waste. • [no object] (of a substance) become compressed: the snow hardened and compacted. • archaic form (something) by pressing its component parts firmly together. • express in fewer words; condense: the ideas are compacted into two sentences. noun |ˈkämˌpakt| a formal agreement or contract between two or more parties. verb |ˈkämˌpakt| [with object] make or enter into (a formal agreement) with another party or parties: the Democratic Party compacted an alliance with dissident groups.

legitimate

adjective |ləˈjidəmət| conforming to the law or to rules: his claims to legitimate authority. • able to be defended with logic or justification: a legitimate excuse for being late. • (of a child) born of parents lawfully married to each other. • (of a sovereign) having a title based on strict hereditary right: the last legitimate Anglo-Saxon king. • constituting or relating to serious drama as distinct from musical comedy, revue, etc.: the legitimate theater. verb |ləˈjidəmāt| [with object] make legitimate; justify or make lawful: the regime was not legitimated by popular support.

subordinate

adjective |səˈbôrd(ə)nət| lower in rank or position: his subordinate officers. • of less or secondary importance: in adventure stories, character must be subordinate to action. noun |səˈbôrd(ə)nət| a person under the authority or control of another within an organization. verb |səˈbôrdənāt| [with object] treat or regard as of lesser importance than something else: practical considerations were subordinated to political expediency. • make subservient to or dependent on something else.

covert

adjective |ˈkōvərtkōˈvərt| 1 not openly acknowledged or displayed: covert operations against the dictatorship. 2 Law (of a woman) married and under the authority and protection of her husband.

mobile

adjective |ˈmōbəlˈmōˌbīl| 1 able to move or be moved freely or easily: he has a major weight problem and is not very mobile | highly mobile international capital. • (of the face or its features) indicating feelings with fluid and expressive movements: her mobile features working overtime to register shock and disapproval. • (of a store, library, or other service) accommodated in a vehicle so as to travel around and serve various places. • (of a military or police unit) equipped and prepared to move quickly to any place it is needed: mobile army combat units. 2 relating to mobile phones, handheld computers, and similar technology: the next generation of mobile networks | a mobile device. 3 able or willing to move easily or freely between occupations, places of residence, or social classes: an increasingly mobile and polarized society.

aloft

adjective& adverb up in or into the air; overhead: the congregation sways, hands aloft | [as adverb] : she held her glass aloft.

embryonic

adjective(also embryonal |ˈembrēənəl| ) 1 relating to an embryo. 2 (of a system, idea, or organization) in a rudimentary stage with potential for further development: the plan is still in its embryonic stages.

offhand

adjective(also offhanded) ungraciously or offensively nonchalant or cool in manner: his offhand way of talking. adverb without previous thought or consideration: I can't think of a better answer offhand.

grouse

adjectiveAustralian/NZ informal very good (used as a general term of approval): the car was a grouse tomato red which everyone liked. verb [no object] complain pettily; grumble: she heard him grousing about his assistant. noun a grumble or complaint: our biggest grouse was about the noise of the construction work.

heterogenous

adjectiveMedicine originating outside the organism: present in the urine are heterogenous proteins.

phenomenological

adjectivePhilosophy relating to the science of phenomena as distinct from that of the nature of being: phenomenological parameters. • denoting or relating to an approach that concentrates on the study of consciousness and the objects of direct experience: the phenomenological approach's reliance solely on personal experience.

phonetic

adjectivePhonetics relating to speech sounds: detailed phonetic information. • (of a system of writing) having a direct correspondence between symbols and sounds: a phonetic alphabet. • relating to phonetics: the teachers should receive phonetic training.

centrifugal

adjectivePhysics moving or tending to move away from a center. The opposite of centripetal.

centripetal

adjectivePhysics moving or tending to move toward a center. The opposite of centrifugal.

willful

adjectiveUS (of an immoral or illegal act or omission) intentional; deliberate: willful acts of damage. • having or showing a stubborn and determined intention to do as one wants, regardless of the consequences or effects: the pettish, willful side of him.

illusive

adjectivechiefly literary deceptive; illusory: that illusive haven.

outright

adverb 1 altogether; completely: logging has been banned outright. • without reservation; openly: she couldn't ask him outright. 2 immediately: the impact killed four horses outright. • not by degrees or installments: they decided to buy the company outright. adjective [attributive] open and direct; not concealed: an outright refusal. • total; complete: the outright abolition of the death penalty. • undisputed; clear: an outright victory.

grossly

adverb 1 in a very obvious and unacceptable manner; flagrantly: you have grossly insulted a member of the community | [as submodifier] : prosecutors said his driving was grossly negligent. 2 extremely; excessively: the economic benefits have been grossly exaggerated | [as submodifier] : the decision was grossly unfair. 3 in a disgusting or coarse manner; vulgarly: do you have one cookie, or grossly eat the whole package? | [as submodifier] : grossly offensive jokes.

critically

adverb 1 in a way that expresses disapproval: a designer spoke critically of capitalism. 2 in a way that expresses or involves an analysis of the merits and faults of a work of literature, music, or art: a critically acclaimed novel. • in a way that involves the objective analysis and evaluation of an issue in order to form a judgment: the reader must evaluate critically every article he or she reviews. 3 [as submodifier] to a potentially disastrous degree: the critically endangered Hawaiian monk seal. • [as submodifier] to an extreme degree with a risk of death: two critically wounded people died in the hospital | critically ill patients who were awaiting surgery. • with decisive or crucial importance in the success, failure, or existence of something: the livelihood of rural people critically depends on the use of natural resources.

blankly

adverb 1 in a way that is plain and characterized by a lack of decorative or other features: the suburbs that stretch blankly along the routes out from the city | his clothes are blankly white. 2 in a way that shows a lack of interest or engagement: the class looked back blankly | my home life consists of staring blankly at the television. • in a way that temporarily shows no emotion or understanding, especially as a result of shock: he stared blankly at the freshly dug grave and new tombstone | the policeman's jaw had dropped in bewilderment and he was eyeing him blankly. 3 in an absolute or blunt manner: the hospital has blankly refused to carry out tests | officials have stated blankly that they will never extradite the operatives.

charitably

adverb 1 in a way that relates to the assistance of those in need: legal advisers who are publicly or charitably funded | an estate tax on a charitably bequeathed asset. • in a generous way toward those in need: he was a very charitably disposed person. 2 in a way that judges others leniently or favorably, especially when undeserved: we charitably assume he's being satirical | a city that might be charitably described as a work in progress.

bitterly

adverb 1 in an angry, hurt, or resentful way: passengers complained bitterly about grand promises made by the company | the two governments quarreled bitterly over the terms of the loan. 2 [as submodifier] to an extreme, forceful, or particularly harsh degree: he was bitterly opposed by the majority shareholder | its humor is cutting and bitterly sarcastic. 3 (relating to wind or weather) to an intensely cold degree: a bitterly cold day.

unilaterally

adverb 1 used to indicate that something is done by only one person, group, or country involved in a situation, without the agreement of others: in 1996 the region unilaterally declared independence | would Britain dare to act unilaterally in the face of world opinion? 2 in a way that affects only one side of an organ, the body, or another structure: TB can involve the pleura unilaterally or bilaterally | unilaterally deaf dogs.

swiftly

adverb at high speed; quickly: she got up and walked swiftly to the door | a swiftly flowing river. • without delay; after a very short time: they acted swiftly in response to the invasion | the police raid was swiftly followed by a bumbling apology.

indefinitely

adverb for an unlimited or unspecified period of time: talks cannot go on indefinitely. • [as submodifier] to an unlimited or unspecified degree or extent: an indefinitely large number of channels.

slyly

adverb in a cunning and deceitful or manipulative manner: he slyly manipulates votes. • in a way that suggests some secret knowledge that may be harmful or embarrassing; knowingly: the president smiled slyly, unable to mask a look of triumph.

consciously

adverb in a deliberate and intentional way: she consciously chose to ignore him | a vicious and consciously dishonest hatchet job. • in a way that is directly perceptible to and under the control of the person concerned: most players don't think consciously about a throw | we don't consciously perceive everything that happens to us.

maliciously

adverb in a manner characterized by malice or ill will; with intent to do harm: proof that the defendant acted maliciously | a maliciously constructed website.

defiantly

adverb in a manner that shows open resistance or bold disobedience: he defiantly refused to accept any government money | folding her arms, she stood defiantly.

scrupulously

adverb in a very careful and thorough way: a scrupulously researched biography | scrupulously maintained images. • with great effort to avoid doing wrong: the policies must be scrupulously observed | [as submodifier] : she is scrupulously fair to all students.

intricately

adverb in a very complicated or detailed manner: intricately carved figures | a nuanced and intricately layered performance.

underfoot

adverb under one's feet; on the ground: it was very muddy underfoot | figurative : genuine rights were being trodden underfoot. • constantly present and in one's way: the last thing my mother wanted was a child underfoot.

firmly

adverb with little possibility of movement; securely: the door remained firmly shut | figurative : his work is rooted firmly in Chinese culture. • in a way that uses steady power or strength: I had her wrist grasped firmly in my hand | stop the bleeding by pressing firmly. • with resolute determination and strength of character: the council is firmly committed to raising standards in education. • without doubt; definitely: I firmly believe that we could do better | his reputation is now firmly established.

covertly

adverb without being openly acknowledged or displayed; secretly: a transcript of a covertly taped meeting.

rashly

adverb without careful consideration of the possible consequences; impetuously: he rashly promised crime would fall sharply by September | [sentence adverb] : rashly, Theresa accepts a second date with Tony.

forte

adverb& adjective (especially as a direction) loud or loudly. noun a passage performed or marked to be performed loudly. noun 1 [in singular] a thing at which someone excels: small talk was not his forte.

headlong

adverb& adjective 1 [as adverb] with the head foremost: he fell headlong into the tent. 2 in a rush; with reckless haste: [as attributive adjective] : a headlong dash through the house | [as adverb] : those who rush headlong to join in the latest craze.

per capita

adverb& adjective for each person; in relation to people taken individually: [as adverb] : the state had fewer banks per capita than elsewhere | [as adjective] : per capita spending.

fascism

basically a system where what you say MUST BE OBEYED!!! a political system headed by a dictator in which the government controls business and labor and opposition is not permitted.

predicate

basically dependent on noun |ˈpredəkət| Grammar the part of a sentence or clause containing a verb and stating something about the subject (e.g., went home in John went home): [as modifier] : predicate adjective. • Logic something that is affirmed or denied concerning an argument of a proposition. verb |ˈpredəˌkāt| [with object] 1 Grammar & Logic state, affirm, or assert (something) about the subject of a sentence or an argument of proposition: a word that predicates something about its subject | aggression is predicated of those who act aggressively. 2 (predicate something on/upon) found or base something on: the theory of structure on which later chemistry was predicated.

by (or in) virtue of

because or as a result of.

bury the hatchet

bury the hatchet end a quarrel or conflict and become friendly.

collude

come to a secret understanding for a harmful purpose; conspire: university leaders colluded in price-rigging | the president accused his opponents of colluding with foreigners.

sting

feel or cause to feel a sharp tingling or burning pain or sensation: [no object] : her eyes stung | [with object] : the brandy stung his throat | (as adjective stinging) : a stinging pain. • [with object] (typically of something said) hurt or upset (someone): stung by her mockery, Frank hung his head. • (sting someone into) provoke someone to do (something) by causing annoyance or offense: he was stung into action by an article in the paper. 3 [with object] informal swindle or exorbitantly overcharge (someone): an elaborate fraud that stung a bank for thousands. • a sharp tingling or burning pain or sensation: I felt the sting of the cold, bitter air. • [in singular] a hurtful quality or effect: she smiled to take the sting out of her words. 2 informal a carefully planned operation, typically one involving deception: five blackmailers were jailed last week after they were snared in a police sting. sting in the tail an unexpected, typically unpleasant or problematic end to something: the Budget comes with a sting in the tail—future tax increases.

trigger

noun • an event or circumstance that is the cause of a particular action, process, or situation: the trigger for the strike was the closure of a mine. verb [with object] cause (an event or situation) to happen or exist: an allergy can be triggered by stress or overwork. • cause (a device) to function. • [with object and infinitive] (of an event or situation) cause (someone) to do something: the death of Helen's father triggered her to follow a childhood dream and become a falconer. • (especially of something read, seen, or heard) distress (someone), typically as a result of arousing feelings or memories associated with a particular traumatic experience: she started crying and told me that my news had really triggered her | people ask how much I weigh but I won't talk about numbers because I know that triggers me. quick on the trigger quick to respond.

partition

noun (especially with reference to a country with separate areas of government) the action or state of dividing or being divided into parts: the country's partition into separate states. • a structure dividing a space into two parts, especially a light interior wall. • Chemistry the distribution of a solute between two immiscible or slightly miscible solvents in contact with one another, in accordance with its differing solubility in each. verb [with object] divide into parts: an agreement was reached to partition the country. • divide (a room) into smaller rooms or areas by erecting partitions: the hall was partitioned to contain the noise of the computers. • (partition something off) separate a part of a room from the rest by erecting a partition: partition off part of a large bedroom to create a small bathroom.

hysteric

noun 1 (hysterics) informal a wildly emotional and exaggerated reaction: the child has been seized with regular fits of hysterics at bedtime. • uncontrollable laughter: this started them both giggling and they fled upstairs in hysterics. 2 a person suffering from hysteria.

atlas

noun 1 (plural atlases) a book of maps or charts: I looked in the atlas to find a map of Italy | a road atlas. • a book of illustrations or diagrams on any subject: Atlas of Surgical Operations.

scruple

noun 1 (usually scruples) a feeling of doubt or hesitation with regard to the morality or propriety of a course of action: I had no scruples about eavesdropping | without scruple, these politicians use fear as a persuasion weapon. • archaic a very small amount of something, especially a quality. verb [no object, usually with negative] hesitate or be reluctant to do something that one thinks may be wrong: she doesn't scruple to ask her parents for money.

inflection

noun 1 Grammar a change in the form of a word (typically the ending) to express a grammatical function or attribute such as tense, mood, person, number, case, and gender. • the process or practice of inflecting words. 2 the modulation of intonation or pitch in the voice: she spoke slowly and without inflection | the variety of his vocal inflections. • the variation of the pitch of a musical note. 3 chiefly Mathematics a change of curvature from convex to concave at a particular point on a curve. DERIVATIVES inflectional |inˈflekSH(ə)n(ə)l| adjective. inflectionally |-SHənl-ē| adverb. inflectionless adjective

solicitor

noun 1 North American a person who tries to obtain business orders, advertising, etc.; a canvasser. 2 North American the chief law officer of a city, town, or government department.

ordinance

noun 1 North American a piece of legislation enacted by a municipal authority: a city ordinance banned smoking in nearly all types of restaurants. 2 an authoritative order; a decree. 3 a prescribed religious rite: Talmudic ordinances.

deadlock

noun 1 [in singular] a situation, typically one involving opposing parties, in which no progress can be made: an attempt to break the deadlock. • a situation in a contest or game where the scores are equal: Ashton broke the deadlock with a penalty after 15 minutes. verb [with object] 1 [no object] cause (a situation or opposing parties) to come to a point where no progress can be made because of fundamental disagreement: the jurors were deadlocked on six charges. • (be deadlocked) (of a contest or game) be in a tie: with the score still deadlocked at three-three.

electorate

noun 1 [treated as singular or plural] all the people in a country or area who are entitled to vote in an election.

spate

noun 1 [usually in singular] a large number of similar things or events appearing or occurring in quick succession: a spate of attacks on travelers. 2 chiefly British a sudden flood in a river, especially one caused by heavy rains or melting snow. PHRASES in (full) spate (of a river) overflowing due to a sudden flood. • (of a person or action) at the height of activity: work was in full spate.

wrench

noun 1 [usually in singular] a sudden violent twist or pull:wrenches wrenches with a wrench Tony wriggled free. 2 a feeling of sadness or distress caused by one's own or another's departure: it will be a real wrench to leave after eight years. 3 a tool used for gripping and turning nuts, bolts, pipes, etc. 4 Mechanics a combination of a couple with a force along its axis. verb [with object] pull or twist (someone or something) suddenly and violently: Casey grabbed the gun and wrenched it upward from my hand | [with object and complement] : she wrenched herself free of his grip | [no object] figurative : the betrayal wrenched at her heart. • injure (a part of the body) as a result of a sudden twisting movement: she slipped and wrenched her ankle. • turn (something, especially a nut or bolt) with a wrench. • archaic distort to fit a particular theory or interpretation: to wrench our Bible to make it fit a misconception of facts.

myriad

noun 1 a countless or extremely great number: networks connecting a myriad of computers. 2 (chiefly in classical history) a unit of ten thousand. adjective countless or extremely great in number: the myriad lights of the city. • having countless or very many elements or aspects: the myriad political scene.

rehab

noun 1 a course of treatment for drug or alcohol dependence, typically at a residential facility: the star has been in rehab for a week | the success of rehab is entirely dependent on the patient's commitment to the process. • a course of treatment designed to reverse the debilitating effects of an injury: their best hitter has been in rehab since August. 2 US a thing, especially a building, that has been rehabilitated or restored. verb (rehabs, rehabbing, rehabbed) [with object] North American rehabilitate or restore: they don't rehab you at all in jail | (as adjective rehabbed) : newly rehabbed apartments for rent.

repulsion

noun 1 a feeling of intense distaste or disgust: people talk about the case with a mixture of fascination and repulsion. 2 Physics a force under the influence of which objects tend to move away from each other, e.g., through having the same magnetic polarity or electric charge.

relief

noun 1 a feeling of reassurance and relaxation following release from anxiety or distress: much to her relief, she saw the door open. • a cause of or occasion for relief: it was a relief to find somewhere to stay. • the alleviation of pain, discomfort, or distress: tablets for the relief of pain. • a temporary break in a generally tense or tedious situation: the comic characters aren't part of the plot but just light relief. 2 assistance, especially in the form of food, clothing, or money, given to those in special need or difficulty: raising money for famine relief | [as modifier] : relief workers. • a remission of tax normally due: people who donate money to charity will receive tax relief. 3 a person or group of people replacing others who have been on duty: [as modifier] : the relief nurse was late. on relief chiefly North American receiving government assistance because of need. in relief 1 Art carved, molded, or stamped so as to stand out from the surface.

revolution

noun 1 a forcible overthrow of a government or social order in favor of a new system. • US (the Revolution) the American Revolution. • (often the Revolution) (in Marxism) the class struggle that is expected to lead to political change and the triumph of communism. • a dramatic and wide-reaching change in the way something works or is organized or in people's ideas about it: marketing underwent a revolution. 2 an instance of revolving: one revolution a second. • the movement of an object in a circular or elliptical course around another or about an axis or center: observing the revolution about the axis of rotation. • a single orbit of one object around another or about an axis or center.

application

noun 1 a formal request to an authority for something: an application for leave | [with infinitive] : an application to join the forum | [as modifier] : application form. 2 the action of putting something into operation: the application of general rules to particular cases | massage has far-reaching medical applications. • [often with negative] practical use or relevance: this principle has no application to the present case. 3 the action of putting something on a surface: a fresh application of makeup | paints suitable for application on fabric. • a medicinal substance put on the skin. 4 sustained effort; hard work: the job takes a great deal of patience and application.

triumph

noun 1 a great victory or achievement: a garden built to celebrate Napoleon's many triumphs. • the state of being victorious or successful: the king returned home in triumph. • joy or satisfaction resulting from a success or victory: "Here it is!" Helen's voice rose in triumph. • a highly successful example of something: the marriage had been a triumph of togetherness. 2 the processional entry of a victorious general into ancient Rome. verb [no object] 1 achieve a victory; be successful: spectacle has once again triumphed over content. • rejoice or exult at a victory or success: "There!" triumphed Alima. 2 (of a Roman general) ride into ancient Rome after a victory.

ensemble

noun 1 a group of musicians, actors, or dancers who perform together: a Bulgarian folk ensemble. • a scene or passage written for performance by a whole cast, choir, or group of instruments. • the coordination between performers executing an ensemble passage: a high level of tuning and ensemble is guaranteed. 2 a group of items viewed as a whole rather than individually: the buildings in the square present a charming provincial ensemble. • [usually in singular] a set of clothes chosen to harmonize when worn together.

anchor

noun 1 a heavy object attached to a rope or chain and used to moor a vessel to the sea bottom, typically one having a metal shank with a ring at one end for the rope • (in full anchor store) a store, e.g., a department store, that is the principal tenant of a mall or a shopping center. • a person or thing that provides stability or confidence in an otherwise uncertain situation: the European Community is the economic anchor of the New Europe. 2 chiefly North American an anchorman or anchorwoman, especially in broadcasting or athletics: he signed off after nineteen years as CBS news anchor. verb [with object] 1 moor (a ship) to the sea bottom with an anchor: the ship was anchored in the lee of the island | [no object] : we anchored in the harbor. • secure firmly in position: with cords and pitons they anchored him to the rock | the tail is used as a hook with which the fish anchors itself to coral | figurative : the first baseman is anchored to the bag. • provide with a firm basis or foundation: it is important that policy be anchored to some acceptable theoretical basis. 2 chiefly North American act as an anchor for (a television program or sporting event): she anchored a television documentary series in the early 1980s.

echelon

noun 1 a level or rank in an organization, a profession, or society: the upper echelons of the business world. • [often with modifier] a part of a military force differentiated by position in battle or by function: the rear echelon. 2 Military a formation of troops, ships, aircraft, or vehicles in parallel rows with the end of each row projecting further than the one in front. verb [with object] Military arrange in an echelon formation: (as noun echeloning) : the echeloning of fire teams.

seam

noun 1 a line along which two pieces of fabric are sewn together in a garment or other article. • a line where the edges of two pieces of wood, wallpaper, or another material touch each other. • a long thin indentation or scar: a sun-scorched face fissured with delicate seams. verb [with object] 1 join with a seam: it can be used for seaming garments. 2 (usually as adjective seamed) make a long narrow indentation in: men in middle age have seamed faces. bursting (or bulging) at the seams informal (of a place or building) full to overflowing. come (or fall) apart at the seams informal (of a person or system) be in a very poor condition and near to collapse: the attitude of the airport guard was symptomatic of a system falling apart at the seams.

avalanche

noun 1 a mass of snow, ice, and rocks falling rapidly down a mountainside. • a large mass of any material moving rapidly downhill: an avalanche of mud. 2 a sudden arrival or occurrence of something in overwhelming quantities: we have had an avalanche of applications. verb [no object] 1 (of a mass of snow, ice, and rocks) descend rapidly down a mountainside. • [with object] engulf or carry off by an avalanche: the climbers were avalanched down the south face of the mountain.

solution

noun 1 a means of solving a problem or dealing with a difficult situation: there are no easy solutions to financial and marital problems. • the correct answer to a puzzle: the solution to this month's crossword. • (solutions) products or services designed to meet a particular need: we are an Internet marketing firm specializing in e-commerce solutions. 2 a liquid mixture in which the minor component (the solute) is uniformly distributed within the major component (the solvent). • the process or state of being dissolved in a solvent. 3 archaic the action of separating or breaking down; dissolution: the solution of British supremacy in South Africa.

bohemian

noun 1 a native or inhabitant of Bohemia. 2 (also bohemian) a person who has informal and unconventional social habits, especially an artist or writer: the young bohemians with their art galleries and sushi bars.[mid 19th century: from French bohémien 'Gypsy' (because Gypsies were thought to come from Bohemia, or because they perhaps entered the West through Bohemia).] adjective 1 relating to Bohemia or its people. 2 (also bohemian) having informal and unconventional social habits: the bohemian writer's drafty-garret existence.

conglomeration

noun 1 a number of different things, parts or items that are grouped together; collection: a loose conglomeration of pieces. 2 the process of forming a conglomerate: the practice of media conglomeration.

vigil

noun 1 a period of keeping awake during the time usually spent asleep, especially to keep watch or pray: my birdwatching vigils lasted for hours | as he lay in a coma the family kept vigil. • a stationary, peaceful demonstration in support of a particular cause, typically without speeches. 2 (in the Christian Church) the eve of a festival or holy day as an occasion of religious observance. • (vigils) nocturnal devotions.

clerk

noun 1 a person employed in an office or bank to keep records and accounts and to undertake other routine administrative duties: the clerk inserted the bank's master key in the lower lock. 2 (also desk clerk) chiefly North American a receptionist in a hotel. • an assistant in a store; a salesclerk. 3 (also clerk in holy orders) formal a member of the clergy. verb [no object] chiefly North American work as a clerk: eleven of those who left college this year are clerking in auction houses.

skeptic

noun 1 a person inclined to question or doubt all accepted opinions. • a person who doubts the truth of Christianity and other religions; an atheist or agnostic. 2 Philosophy an ancient or modern philosopher who denies the possibility of knowledge, or even rational belief, in some sphere.

agent

noun 1 a person who acts on behalf of another person or group: in the event of illness, a durable power of attorney enabled her nephew to act as her agent. • a person who manages business, financial, or contractual matters for an actor, performer, or writer. • a person or company that provides a particular service, typically one that involves organizing transactions between two other parties: a travel agent | shipping agents | a real-estate agent. • a person who obtains information for a government or other official body, typically in secret: a trained intelligence agent | KGB agents | an FBI agent. 2 a person or thing that takes an active role or produces a specified effect: universities are usually liberal communities that often view themselves as agents of social change. • a substance that brings about a chemical or physical effect or causes a chemical reaction: there is an urgent need for new antimicrobial agents to combat infections | the bleaching agent used is hydrogen peroxide. • Grammar the doer of an action, typically expressed as the subject of an active verb or in a by phrase with a passive verb.

incarnation

noun 1 a person who embodies in the flesh a deity, spirit, or abstract quality: Rama was Vishnu's incarnation on earth. • (the Incarnation) (in Christian theology) the embodiment of God the Son in human flesh as Jesus Christ. 2 (with reference to reincarnation) one of a series of lifetimes that a person spends on earth: in my next incarnation, I'd like to be the Secretary of Fun. • the form in which a person spends an incarnation.

pragmatist

noun 1 a person who is guided more by practical considerations than by ideals: hardheaded pragmatists firmly rooted in the real world. 2 Philosophy an advocate of the approach that evaluates theories or beliefs in terms of the success of their practical application: American pragmatists have influenced a great deal of recent philosophy of many types | [as modifier] : the foundations of pragmatist philosophy.

cliché

noun 1 a phrase or opinion that is overused and betrays a lack of original thought: the old cliché "one man's meat is another man's poison." • a very predictable or unoriginal thing or person: each building is a mishmash of tired clichés.

gag

noun 1 a piece of cloth put in or over a person's mouth to prevent them from speaking or crying out. • a restriction on freedom of speech or dissemination of information: they lobbied hard for a gag on doctors and nurses. 2 a device for keeping the patient's mouth open during a dental or surgical operation. verb (gags, gagging, gagged) 1 [with object] put a gag on (someone): she was bound and gagged by robbers in her home. • (of a person or body with authority) prevent (someone) from speaking freely or disseminating information: the administration is trying to gag its critics. 2 [no object] choke or retch: he gagged on the sourness of the wine.

regimen

noun 1 a prescribed course of medical treatment, way of life, or diet for the promotion or restoration of health: a regimen of one or two injections per day | a treatment regimen. 2 archaic a system of government.

buttress

noun 1 a projecting support of stone or brick built against a wall. • a projecting portion of a hill or mountain. 2 a source of defense or support: there was a demand for a new stable order as a buttress against social collapse. verb [with object] 1 provide (a building or structure) with projecting supports built against its walls: (as adjective buttressed) : a buttressed wall. 2 increase the strength of or justification for; reinforce: authority was buttressed by religious belief.

chant

noun 1 a repeated rhythmic phrase, typically one shouted or sung in unison by a crowd. • a monotonous or repetitive song, typically an incantation or part of a ritual. verb [with object] say or shout repeatedly in a singsong tone: protesters were chanting slogans | [with direct speech] : the crowd chanted, "No violence!" • sing or intone (a psalm, canticle, or sacred text).

stricture

noun 1 a restriction on a person or activity: religious strictures on everyday life. 2 a sternly critical or censorious remark or instruction: his strictures on their lack of civic virtue. 3 Medicine abnormal narrowing of a canal or duct in the body: a colonic stricture | jaundice caused by bile duct stricture.

revulsion

noun 1 a sense of disgust and loathing: news of the attack will be met with sorrow and revulsion. 2 Medicine, chiefly historical the drawing of disease or blood congestion from one part of the body to another, e.g., by counterirritation.

lateral

noun 1 a side part of something, especially a shoot or branch growing out from the side of a stem. adjective of, at, toward, or from the side or sides: the plant takes up water through its lateral roots.

crate

noun 1 a slatted wooden case used for transporting or storing goods: a crate of bananas. • a square metal or plastic container divided into small individual units, used for transporting or storing bottles: a milk crate | a crate of beer. 2 informal, dated an old and dilapidated vehicle. verb [with object] pack (something) in a crate for transportation.

admission

noun 1 a statement acknowledging the truth of something: an admission of guilt | a tacit admission that things had gone wrong | a man who, by his own admission, fell in love easily. • the money charged for allowing someone to enter a public place: admission is $1 for adults and 50 cents for children. • (admissions) the number of people entering a place: hospital admissions decreased nearly 65 percent.

anesthetic

noun 1 a substance that induces insensitivity to pain. 2 (anesthetics) [treated as singular] the study or practice of anesthesia. adjective inducing or relating to insensitivity to pain.

flick

noun 1 a sudden sharp movement: the flick of a switch | a flick of the wrist. • the sudden release of a bent finger or thumb, especially to propel a small object: he sent his cigarette spinning away with a flick of his fingers. • a light, sharp, quickly retracted blow, especially with a whip. 2 informal a motion picture: a Hollywood action flick. • (the flicks) chiefly British the movies: fancy a night at the flicks? verb [with object] propel (something) with a sudden sharp movement, especially of the fingers: Emily flicked some ash off her sleeve. • (flick something on/off) turn something electrical on or off by means of a switch: he flicked on the air conditioning. • [no object] make a sudden sharp movement: the finch's tail flicks up and down. • [with object] move (a whip) so as to strike. flick through another way of saying flip through (see flip1).

dividend

noun 1 a sum of money paid regularly (typically quarterly) by a company to its shareholders out of its profits (or reserves). • a payment divided among a number of people, e.g., members of a cooperative or creditors of an insolvent estate. • an individual's share of a dividend. • (dividends) a benefit from an action or policy: persistence pays dividends. See also peace dividend.

materialism

noun 1 a tendency to consider material possessions and physical comfort as more important than spiritual values. 2 Philosophy the doctrine that nothing exists except matter and its movements and modifications. • the doctrine that consciousness and will are wholly due to material agency.

assumption

noun 1 a thing that is accepted as true or as certain to happen, without proof: they made certain assumptions about the market | [with clause] : we're working on the assumption that the time of death was after midnight. 2 the action of taking or beginning to take power or responsibility: the assumption of an active role in regional settlements.

sham

noun 1 a thing that is not what it is purported to be: the proposed legislation is a farce and a sham. • pretense: it all turned out to be sham and hypocrisy. • a person who pretends to be someone or something they are not: he was a sham, totally unqualified for his job as a senior doctor. adjective bogus; false: a clergyman who arranged a sham marriage. verb (shams, shamming, shammed) [no object] falsely present something as the truth: was he ill or was he shamming? • [with object] pretend to be or to be experiencing: she shams indifference.

custom

noun 1 a traditional and widely accepted way of behaving or doing something that is specific to a particular society, place, or time: the old English custom of dancing around the maypole | custom demanded that a person should have gifts for the child. • [in singular] a thing that one does habitually: it was my custom to nap for an hour every day. • Law established practice or usage having the force of law or right. 2 chiefly British regular dealings with a shop or business by customers: if you keep me waiting, I will take my custom elsewhere. adjectiveNorth American made or done to order for a particular customer: a custom guitar.

legend

noun 1 a traditional story sometimes popularly regarded as historical but unauthenticated: the legend of King Arthur | according to legend he banished all the snakes from Ireland. 2 an extremely famous or notorious person, especially in a particular field: the man was a living legend | a Wall Street legend. 3 an inscription, especially on a coin or medal. • a caption: a picture of a tiger with the legend, "Go ahead, make my day." • the wording on a map or diagram explaining the symbols used: see legend under Fig. 1. 4 historical the story of a saint's life: the mosaics illustrate the legends of the saints. adjective very well known: his speed and ferocity in attack were legend.

mode

noun 1 a way or manner in which something occurs or is experienced, expressed, or done: his preferred mode of travel was a kayak | differences between language modes, namely speech and writing. • an option allowing a change in the method of operation of a device, especially a camera: a camcorder in automatic mode. 2 a fashion or style in clothes, art, literature, etc.: in the Seventies, the mode for activewear took hold.

stereotype

noun 1 a widely held but fixed and oversimplified image or idea of a particular type of person or thing: the stereotype of the woman as the carer | sexual and racial stereotypes. • a person or thing that conforms to a stereotypical image: don't treat anyone as a stereotype. verb [with object] view or represent as a stereotype: the city is too easily stereotyped as an industrial wasteland.

passivity

noun 1 acceptance of what happens, without active response or resistance: the perceived passivity of the populace is deceptive | the passivity of television watching. 2 Chemistry the state of inactivity of a metal made unreactive by a thin inert surface layer of oxide: nickel increases the overall passivity of the iron.

provocation

noun 1 action or speech that makes someone annoyed or angry, especially deliberately: you should remain calm and not respond to provocation | he burst into tears at the slightest provocation. • Law action or speech held to be likely to prompt physical retaliation: the assault had taken place under provocation. 2 Medicine testing to elicit a particular response or reflex: twenty patients had a high increase of serum gastrin after provocation with secretin (so that shows a problem basically)

burlesque

noun 1 an absurd or comically exaggerated imitation of something, especially in a literary or dramatic work; a parody: the funniest burlesque of opera | [as modifier] : burlesque Shakespearean stanzas. • humor that depends on comic imitation and exaggeration; absurdity: the argument descends into burlesque. 2 a variety show, typically including striptease: [as modifier] : burlesque clubs. verb (burlesques, burlesquing, burlesqued) [with object] cause to appear absurd by parodying or copying in an exaggerated form: she struck a ridiculous pose that burlesqued her own vanity.

tribute

noun 1 an act, statement, or gift that is intended to show gratitude, respect, or admiration: the video is a tribute to the musicals of the '40s | a symposium organized to pay tribute to Darwin. • [in singular] something resulting from something else and indicating its worth: his victory in the championship was a tribute to his persistence. • [as modifier] denoting or relating to a group or musician that performs the music of a more famous one and typically imitates them in appearance and style of performance: an Abba tribute band. 2 historical payment made periodically by one state or ruler to another, especially as a sign of dependence: the king had at his disposal plunder and tribute amassed through warfare.

watershed

noun 1 an area or ridge of land that separates waters flowing to different rivers, basins, or seas. • an area or region drained by a river, river system, or other body of water. 2 an event or period marking a turning point in a course of action or state of affairs: these works mark a watershed in the history of music.

franchise

noun 1 an authorization granted by a government or company to an individual or group enabling them to carry out specified commercial activities, e.g., providing a broadcasting service or acting as an agent for a company's products. • a business or service given a franchise to operate. • a general title or concept used for creating or marketing a series of products, typically films or television shows: the Harry Potter franchise. • North American an authorization given by a league to own a sports team. • North American informal a professional sports team. • (also franchise player) North American informal a star player on a team. 2 (usually the franchise) the right to vote. • the rights of citizenship. verb [with object] grant a franchise to (an individual or group). • grant a franchise for the sale of (goods) or the operation of (a service): all the catering was franchised out.

dint

noun 1 an impression or hollow in a surface: the soft dints at the top of a coconut. 2 archaic a blow or stroke, typically one made with a weapon in fighting. • force of attack; impact: I perceive you feel the dint of pity. verb [with object] mark (a surface) with impressions or hollows: (as adjective dinted) : the metal was dull and dinted. PHRASES by dint of by means of: he had gotten to where he was today by dint of sheer hard work.

diversion

noun 1 an instance of turning something aside from its course: a diversion of resources from defense to civil research. 2 an activity that diverts the mind from tedious or serious concerns; a recreation or pastime: our chief diversion was reading. • something intended to distract someone's attention from something more important: a subsidiary raid was carried out on the airfield to create a diversion.

marshal

noun 1 an officer of the highest rank in the armed forces of some countries, including France. • chiefly historical a high-ranking officer of state. 2 US a federal or municipal law officer. • the head of a police department. • North American the head of a fire department. 3 an official responsible for supervising public events, especially sports events or parades. verb (marshals, marshaling, marshaled; chiefly British marshals, marshalling, marshalled) [with object] 1 arrange or assemble (a group of people, especially soldiers) in order: the general marshaled his troops | figurative : he paused for a moment, as if marshaling his thoughts. • [with object] correctly position or arrange (rolling stock). • [with object] guide or direct the movement of (an aircraft) on the ground at an airport.

settlement

noun 1 an official agreement intended to resolve a dispute or conflict: unions succeeded in reaching a pay settlement | the settlement of the Sino-Japanese war. • a formal arrangement made between the parties to a lawsuit in order to resolve it, especially out of court: the owner reached an out-of-court settlement with the plaintiffs. 2 a place, typically one that has hitherto been uninhabited, where people establish a community: the little settlement of Buttermere. • the process of settling in a new community: the early settlement of Queensland. • the action of allowing or helping people to do this: he was involved in the sale and settlement of Crown land. 3 Law an arrangement whereby property passes to a succession of people as dictated by the settlor. • the amount or property given. 4 the action or process of settling an account. 5 subsidence of the ground or a structure built on it: a boundary wall, which has cracked due to settlement, is to be replaced.

register

noun 1 an official list or record, for example of births, marriages, and deaths, of shipping, or of historic places. • a book or record of attendance, for example of students in a class or school or guests in a hotel. 2 a particular part of the range of a voice or instrument: his voice moved up a register | she plays a basset horn and relishes the duskiness of its lower register. verb [with object] 1 enter or record on an official list or directory: the vessel is registered as Liberian | her father was late in registering her birth | (as adjective registered) : a registered trademark. • [no object] enter one's name and other details on an official list or directory: [with infinitive] : 34,500 registered to vote. • [no object] put one's name in a register as a guest in a hotel. 3 express or convey (an opinion or emotion): I wish to register an objection | he did not register much surprise at this. • [no object] (of an emotion) show in a person's face or gestures: nothing registered on their faces. • [usually with negative] properly notice or become aware of (something): he had not even registered her presence. • [no object, usually with negative] make an impression on a person's mind: the content of her statement did not register. 4 Printing & Photography correspond or cause to correspond exactly in position: [no object] : they are adjusted until the impressions register.

plaque

noun 1 an ornamental tablet, typically of metal, porcelain, or wood, that is fixed to a wall or other surface in commemoration of a person or event. 2 a sticky deposit on teeth in which bacteria proliferate. 3 Medicine a small, distinct, typically raised patch or region resulting from local damage or deposition of material, such as a fatty deposit on an artery wall in atherosclerosis or a site of localized damage of brain tissue in Alzheimer's disease. • Microbiology a clear area in a cell culture caused by the inhibition of growth or destruction of cells by an agent such as a virus.

oversight

noun 1 an unintentional FAILURE to notice or do something: he said his failure to pay for the tickets was an oversight | was the mistake due to oversight? 2 the action of overseeing something: effective oversight of the financial reporting process.

flicker

noun 1 an unsteady movement of a flame or light that causes rapid variations in brightness: the flicker of a candle flame caught our eyes. • fluctuations in the brightness of a movie or television image such as occur when the number of frames per second is too small or the refresh rate too low for persistence of vision. 2 a tiny movement: then a flicker of movement caught his eye. • a brief feeling or indication of emotion: a flicker of a smile passed across her face | she felt a flicker of alarm. verb [no object] 1 (of light or a source of light) shine unsteadily; vary rapidly in brightness: the interior lights flickered and came on. • (of a flame) burn fitfully, alternately flaring up and dying down: the candle flickered again | (as adjective flickering) : the flickering flames of the fire. • [with adverbial of place] (of a feeling or emotion) be experienced or show itself briefly and faintly, especially in someone's eyes: amusement flickered briefly in his eyes. 2 make small, quick movements; flutter rapidly: her eyelids flickered | [with complement] : the injured killer's eyes flickered open. • [with adverbial of direction] (of someone's eyes) move quickly in a particular direction in order to look at something: her alert hazel eyes flickered around the room. flicker out (of a flame or light) die away and go out after a series of flickers. • (of a feeling) die away and finally disappear: the swift burst of curiosity and eagerness flickered out.

apprehension

noun 1 anxiety or fear that something bad or unpleasant will happen: he felt sick with apprehension | she had some apprehensions about the filming. 2 understanding; grasp: the pure apprehension of the work of art. 3 the action of arresting someone: they acted with intent to prevent lawful apprehension.

virtue

noun 1 behavior showing high moral standards: paragons of virtue. • a quality considered morally good or desirable in a person: patience is a virtue. • a good or useful quality of a thing: Mike was extolling the virtues of the car | there's no virtue in suffering in silence. • archaic virginity or chastity, especially of a woman. by (or in) virtue of because or as a result of. make a virtue of derive benefit or advantage from submitting to (an unwelcome obligation or unavoidable circumstance).

credence

noun 1 belief in or acceptance of something as true: psychoanalysis finds little credence among laymen. • the likelihood of something being true; plausibility: being called upon by the media as an expert lends credence to one's opinions. give credence to accept as true.

effervescence

noun 1 bubbles in a liquid; fizz: the effervescence of sparkling wine. 2 vivacity and enthusiasm: he was filled with such effervescence.

horde

noun 1 chiefly derogatory a large group of people: he was surrounded by a horde of tormenting relatives. • an army or tribe of nomadic warriors: Tartar hordes. 2 Anthropology a loosely knit small social group typically consisting of about five families.

lucidity

noun 1 clarity of expression; intelligibility: his lecture combined intellectual lucidity and passion. • the ability to think clearly, especially in intervals between periods of confusion or insanity: she had moments of lucidity. 2 literary brightness; luminosity: the lucidity of his paintings.

legitimacy

noun 1 conformity to the law or to rules: refusal to recognize the legitimacy of both governments. • (with reference to a child) the quality of being legitimate: disputes over the legitimacy of heirs. 2 ability to be defended with logic or justification; validity: it is difficult to judge the legitimacy of the rumor.

prong

noun 1 each of two or more projecting pointed parts at the end of a fork. • a projecting part on various other devices: a small rubber brush with large prongs. 2 each of the separate parts of an attack or operation: the three main prongs of the new government's program. verb [with object] pierce or stab with a fork: pronging the bread with a fondue fork.

conceit

noun 1 excessive pride in oneself: he was puffed up with conceit. 2 a fanciful expression in writing or speech; an elaborate metaphor: the idea of the wind's singing is a prime romantic conceit. • an artistic effect or device: the director's brilliant conceit was to film this tale in black and white. • a fanciful notion: he is alarmed by the widespread conceit that he spent most of the 1980s drunk.

default

noun 1 failure to fulfill an obligation, especially to repay a loan or appear in a court of law: it will have to restructure its debts to avoid default | the deteriorating economy pushed defaults to almost $20 billion. 2 a preselected option adopted by a computer program or other mechanism when no alternative is specified by the user or programmer: the default is fifty lines | [as modifier] : default settings. • [usually as modifier] something that is usual or standard: all my life, envy has been my default emotion | SSRIs have become the default for adults with depression. verb [no object] 1 fail to fulfill an obligation, especially to repay a loan or to appear in a court of law: some had defaulted on student loans. • [with object] declare (a party) in default and give judgment against that party: the possibility that cases would be defaulted and defendants released. 2 (default to) (of a computer program or other mechanism) revert automatically to (a preselected option): when you start a fresh letter, the system will default to its own style. by default because of a lack of opposition: they won the last election by default. • through lack of positive action rather than conscious choice: legislation dies by default if the governor fails to act on it. in default guilty of failing to repay a loan or appear in a court of law: the company is already in default on its loans. in default of in the absence of: in default of agreement, the rent was to be determined by a surveyor.

cognizance

noun 1 formal knowledge, awareness, or notice: he was deputed to bring the affair to the cognizance of the board. • Law the action of taking jurisdiction. • the action of taking judicial notice (of a fact beyond dispute). take cognizance of formal attend to; take account of.

freight

noun 1 goods transported by truck, train, ship, or aircraft. • the transport of goods by truck, train, ship, or aircraft. • a charge for transport by freight. 2 (in full freight train) a train of freight cars: sugar and molasses moving by freight. 3 a load or burden. verb [with object] transport (goods) in bulk by truck, train, ship, or aircraft: the metals had been freighted from the city | [no object] : ships freighting to Dublin. • (be freighted with) be laden or imbued with (something abstract): each word was freighted with anger.

honor

noun 1 high respect; esteem: his portrait hangs in the place of honor. • [in singular] a person or thing that brings credit: you are an honor to our profession. • adherence to what is right or to a conventional standard of conduct: I must as a matter of honor avoid any taint of dishonesty. 2 a privilege: the great poet of whom it is my honor to speak tonight. • a thing conferred as a distinction, especially an official award for bravery or achievement: the highest military honors. • (honors) a special distinction for proficiency in an examination: she passed with honors. • (honors) a class or course of degree studies more specialized than that of the ordinary level: [as modifier] : an honors degree in mathematics. • (His, Your, etc., Honor) a title of respect given to or used in addressing a judge or a mayor. verb [with object] 1 regard with great respect: Joyce has now learned to honor her father's memory | (as adjective honored) : an honored guest. • pay public respect to: talented writers were honored at a special ceremony. 2 fulfill (an obligation) or keep (an agreement): make sure the franchisees honor the terms of the contract. • accept (a bill) or pay (a check) when due: the bank informed him that the check would not be honored. do the honors informal perform a social duty or small ceremony for others (often used to describe the serving of food or drink to a guest). in honor of as a celebration of or expression of respect for. on one's honor under a moral obligation: they are on their honor as gentlemen not to cheat. on (or upon) my honor used as an expression of sincerity: I promise on my honor. there's honor among thieves proverb dishonest people may have certain standards of behavior that they will respect (ya3ne basically follow those behaviros because they respect them).

finesse

noun 1 intricate and refined delicacy: orchestral playing of great finesse. • artful subtlety, typically that needed for tactful handling of a difficulty: clients want advice and action that calls for considerable finesse. 2 (in bridge and whist) an attempt to win a trick with a card that is not a certain winner. verb [with object] 1 do (something) in a subtle and delicate manner: his third shot, which he attempted to finesse, failed by a fraction. • chiefly North American slyly attempt to avoid blame or censure when dealing with (a situation or action): the administration's attempts to finesse its mishaps.

repudiation

noun 1 rejection of a proposal or idea: the repudiation of reformist policies | a repudiation of left-wing political ideas. • refusal to fulfill or discharge an agreement, obligation, or debt: the breach is not so serious as to amount to a repudiation of the whole contract. 2 denial of the truth or validity of something.

collateral

noun 1 something pledged as security for repayment of a loan, to be forfeited in the event of a default. 2 a person having the same descent in a family as another but by a different line. adjective 1 additional but subordinate; secondary: the collateral meanings of a word. • used euphemistically to refer to inadvertent casualties among civilians and destruction in civilian areas in the course of military operations: munitions must be able to destroy the target without causing collateral damage | collateral casualties. 2 descended from the same stock but by a different line: a collateral descendant of George Washington. 3 situated side by side; parallel: collateral veins.

verbiage

noun 1 speech or writing that uses too many words or excessively technical expressions. 2 US the way in which something is expressed; wording or diction: we need to look at how the rule should be applied, based on the verbiage.

termination

noun 1 the action of bringing something or coming to an end: the termination of a contract. • chiefly North American an act of dismissing someone from employment. • an induced abortion. • chiefly North American an assassination, especially of an intelligence agent. 2 an ending or final point of something, in particular: • the final letter or letters or syllable of a word, especially when constituting an element in inflection or derivation. • [with adjective] archaic an ending or result of a specified kind: a good result and a happy termination.

submission

noun 1 the action or fact of accepting or yielding to a superior force or to the will or authority of another person: they were forced into submission. • Wrestling an act of surrendering to a hold by one's opponent. • archaic humility; meekness: servile flattery and submission. 2 the action of presenting a proposal, application, or other document for consideration or judgment: reports should be prepared for submission at partners' meetings. • a proposal, application, or other document presented in this way.

flux

noun 1 the action or process of flowing or flowing out: the flux of men and women moving back and forth | a localized flux of calcium into the cell. • Medicine an abnormal discharge of blood or other matter from or within the body. • (usually the flux) archaic diarrhea or dysentery. 2 continuous change: the whole political system is in a state of flux.

attrition

noun 1 the action or process of gradually reducing the strength or effectiveness of someone or something through sustained attack or pressure: the council is trying to wear down the opposition by attrition | the squadron suffered severe attrition of its bombers. • chiefly North American & Australian/NZ the gradual reduction of a workforce by employees' leaving and not being replaced rather than by their being laid off: with so few retirements since March, the year's attrition was insignificant. • wearing away by friction; abrasion: the skull shows attrition of the edges of the teeth.

induction

noun 1 the action or process of inducting someone to a position or organization: the league's induction into the Baseball Hall of Fame. • [usually as modifier] a formal introduction to a new job or position: an induction course. • US enlistment into military service. 2 the process or action of bringing about or giving rise to something: isolation, starvation, and other forms of stress induction. • Medicine the process of bringing on childbirth or abortion by artificial means, typically by the use of drugs. 3 Logic the inference of a general law from particular instances. Often contrasted with deduction. • (induction of) the production of (facts) to prove a general statement.

disposal

noun 1 the action or process of throwing away or getting rid of something: the disposal of radioactive waste. • (also disposer) North American informal an electrically operated device fitted to the waste pipe of a kitchen sink for grinding up food waste: garbage disposals that never worked. 2 the sale of shares, property, or other assets: the disposal of his shares in the company. 3 the arrangement or positioning of something: she brushed her hair carefully, as if her success lay in the sleek disposal of each gleaming black thread.

arrangement

noun 1 the action, process, or result of arranging or being arranged: the arrangement of the furniture in the room. • a thing that has been arranged in a neat or attractive way: an intricate arrangement of gravel paths. 2 (usually arrangements) plans or preparations for a future event: all the arrangements for the wedding were made. • an agreement with someone: the travel agents have an arrangement with the hotel | by special arrangement, students can take a course in other degree programs. 3 Music a composition adapted for performance with different instruments or voices than those originally specified: Mozart's symphonies in arrangements for cello and piano. 4 archaic a settlement of a dispute or claim.

realism

noun 1 the attitude or practice of accepting a situation as it is and being prepared to deal with it accordingly: the summit was marked by a new mood of realism. • the view that the subject matter of politics is political power, not matters of principle: political realism is the oldest approach to global politics. 2 the quality or fact of representing a person, thing, or situation accurately or in a way that is true to life: the earthy realism of Raimu's characters. • (in art and literature) the movement or style of representing familiar things as they actually are. Often contrasted with idealism ( sense 1).

dissolution

noun 1 the closing down or dismissal of an assembly, partnership, or official body: the dissolution of their marriage | Henry VIII declared the abbey's dissolution in 1540. • technical the action or process of dissolving or being dissolved: minerals susceptible to dissolution. • disintegration; decomposition: the dissolution of the flesh. • formal death. 2 debauched living; dissipation: an advanced state of dissolution.

negation

noun 1 the contradiction or denial of something: there should be confirmation—or negation—of the findings. 2 the absence or opposite of something actual or positive: evil is not merely the negation of goodness.

fate

noun 1 the development of events beyond a person's control, regarded as determined by a supernatural power: fate decided his course for him | his injury is a cruel twist of fate. • the course of someone's life, or the outcome of a particular situation for someone or something, seen as beyond their control: he suffered the same fate as his companion. • [in singular] the inescapable death of a person: the guards led her to her fate. verb (be fated) be destined to happen, turn out, or act in a particular way: [with infinitive] : the regime was fated to end badly. seal someone's fate make it inevitable that something unpleasant will happen to someone.

domination

noun 1 the exercise of control or influence over someone or something, or the state of being so controlled: evil plans for domination of the universe.

enfranchisement

noun 1 the giving of a right or privilege, especially the right to vote: the World War hastened the enfranchisement of women.

magnitude

noun 1 the great size or extent of something: they may feel discouraged at the magnitude of the task before them. • great importance: events of tragic magnitude. 2 size: electorates of less than average magnitude. • a numerical quantity or value: the magnitudes of all the economic variables could be determined. 3 the degree of brightness of a star

summit

noun 1 the highest point of a hill or mountain. • the highest attainable level of achievement: the dramas are considered to form one of the summits of world literature. 2 a meeting between heads of government: [as modifier] : a summit conference. verb (summits, summiting, summited) [with object] reach the summit of (a mountain or hill): in 2013, 658 climbers summited Everest | [no object] : they started climbing at 3:45 a.m. and summited at 8:45 p.m.

prosecution

noun 1 the institution and conducting of legal proceedings against someone in respect of a criminal charge: Olesky faces prosecution on charges he spied for Russian intelligence | they lacked the funds to embark on private prosecutions. • (the prosecution) [treated as singular or plural] the party instituting or conducting legal proceedings against someone in a lawsuit: the main witness for the prosecution. 2 the continuation of a course of action with a view to its completion: the network's prosecution of its commercial ends.

fare

noun 1 the money a passenger on public transportation has to pay. • a passenger paying to travel in a vehicle, especially a taxicab. 2 a range of food, especially of a particular type: delicious Provençal fare. • performance or entertainment of a particular style: conventional Hollywood fare. verb [no object] 1 [with adverbial] perform in a specified way in a particular situation or over a particular period of time: the party fared badly in the spring elections. • archaic happen; turn out: beware that it fare not with you as with your predecessor.

incidence

noun 1 the occurrence, rate, or frequency of a disease, crime, or something else undesirable: an increased incidence of cancer. • the way in which the burden of a tax falls upon the population: the entire incidence falls on the workers.

bidding

noun 1 the offering of particular prices for something, especially at an auction: their first sale produced a wide range of lots and some energetic bidding | other companies in the bidding include General Electric. • the offers made by bidding in an auction: from a cautious opener of $30, the bidding soared to $450. • (in bridge and whist) the action of stating before play how many tricks one intends to make. 2 the ordering or requesting of someone to do something: the clandestine associations that would act at their bidding | [in singular] : I never needed a second bidding.

protocol

noun 1 the official procedure or system of rules governing affairs of state or diplomatic occasions: protocol forbids the prince from making any public statement in his defense. • the accepted or established code of procedure or behavior in any group, organization, or situation: what is the protocol at a conference if one's neighbor dozes off during the speeches? 2 the original draft of a diplomatic document, especially of the terms of a treaty agreed to in conference and signed by the parties. • an amendment or addition to a treaty or convention: a protocol to the treaty allowed for this Danish referendum. 3 a formal or official record of scientific experimental observations. • a procedure for carrying out a scientific experiment or a course of medical treatment.

idealism

noun 1 the practice of forming or pursuing ideals, especially unrealistically: the idealism of youth. Compare with realism. • (in art or literature) the representation of things in ideal or idealized form. Often contrasted with realism ( sense 2). 2 Philosophy any of various systems of thought in which the objects of knowledge are held to be in some way dependent on the activity of mind. Often contrasted with realism ( sense 3).

summation

noun 1 the process of adding things together: the summation of numbers of small pieces of evidence. • a sum total of things added together. 2 the process of summing something up: these will need summation in a single document. • a summary. • Law an attorney's closing speech at the conclusion of the giving of evidence.

arbitrariness

noun 1 the quality of being based on random choice or personal whim, rather than any reason or system: disparate peoples were forced together by the arbitrariness of a colonial map-maker's pen. 2 a lack of restraint in the use of authority; autocracy: the law protects the people against the arbitrariness of those in office.

exposure

noun 1 the state of being exposed to contact with something: the dangers posed by exposure to asbestos. • a physical condition resulting from being outside in severe weather conditions without adequate protection: he died of exposure at 8,000 feet. • experience of something: his exposure to the banking system. • the action of exposing a photographic film to light or other radiation: a camera that would give a picture immediately after exposure | trial exposures made with a UV filter. • the quantity of light or other radiation reaching a photographic film, as determined by shutter speed and lens aperture. • the action of placing oneself at risk of financial losses, e.g., through making loans, granting credit, or underwriting insurance. 2 the revelation of an identity or fact, especially one that is concealed or likely to arouse disapproval: she took her life for fear of exposure as a spy. • the publicizing of information or an event: scientific findings receive regular exposure in the media. 3 the direction in which a building faces; an outlook: the exposure is perfect—a gentle slope to the southwest.

contrivance

noun 1 the use of skill to bring something about or create something: the requirements of the system, by happy chance and some contrivance, can be summed up in an acronym. 2 a device, especially in literary or artistic composition, that gives a sense of artificiality: the often tiresome contrivances of historical fiction. • a thing that is created skillfully and inventively to serve a particular purpose: an assortment of electronic equipment and mechanical contrivances.

solidarity

noun 1 unity or agreement of feeling or action, especially among individuals with a common interest; mutual support within a group: factory workers voiced solidarity with the striking students.

rigor

noun Medicine a sudden feeling of cold with shivering accompanied by a rise in temperature, often with copious sweating, especially at the onset or height of a fever. • short for rigor mortis. noun (British rigour) the quality of being extremely thorough, exhaustive, or accurate: his analysis is lacking in rigor. • severity or strictness: the full rigor of the law. • (rigors) demanding, difficult, or extreme conditions: the rigors of a harsh winter.

sanguine

noun a blood-red color. adjective 1 optimistic or positive, especially in an apparently bad or difficult situation: he is sanguine about prospects for the global economy | the committee takes a more sanguine view.

lore

noun a body of traditions and knowledge on a subject or held by a particular group, typically passed from person to person by word of mouth: the jinns of Arabian lore | baseball lore.

firm

noun a business concern, especially one involving a partnership of two or more people: a law firm. be on firm ground be sure of one's facts or secure in one's position, especially in a discussion. a firm hand strict discipline or control. verb [with object] make (something) physically solid or resilient: an exercise program designed to firm up muscle tone. • fix (a plant) securely in the soil. • [no object] (of a price) rise slightly to reach a level considered secure: he believed house prices would firm by the end of the year. • make (an agreement or plan) explicit and definite: archaeologists have now firmed up this new view. adverb in a resolute and determined manner: she will stand firm against the government's proposal. adjective 1 having a solid, almost unyielding surface or structure: the bed should be reasonably firm, but not too hard. • solidly in place and stable: no building can stand without firm foundations | figurative : he was unable to establish the store on a firm financial footing. • having steady but not excessive power or strength: you need a firm grip on the steering. • (of a person, action, or attitude) showing resolute determination and strength of character: he didn't like being firm with Larry, but he had to. 2 strongly felt and unlikely to change: he retains a firm belief in the efficacy of prayer. • (of a person) steadfast and constant: we became firm friends. • decided upon and fixed or definite: she had no firm plans for the next day. • (of a currency, a commodity, or shares) having a steady value or price that is more likely to rise than fall: the dollar was firm against the yen.

accusation

noun a charge or claim that someone has done something illegal or wrong: accusations of bribery. • the action or process of accusing someone: there was accusation in Brian's voice. ORIGIN

rapport

noun a close and harmonious relationship in which the people or groups concerned understand each other's feelings or ideas and communicate well: she was able to establish a good rapport with the children | there was little rapport between them.

wimple

noun a cloth headdress covering the head, the neck, and the sides of the face, formerly worn by women and still worn by some nuns.

antique

noun a collectible object such as a piece of furniture or work of art that has a high value because of its considerable age: Pauline loves collecting antiques | [as modifier] : an antique dealer. adjective 1 (of a collectible object) having a high value because of considerable age: an antique clock. • (of a method of finishing a wooden surface) intended to resemble the appearance of antique furniture: bookshelves with an antique finish. 2 belonging to ancient times: statues of antique gods. • old-fashioned or outdated: trade unions defending antique work practices. • often humorous showing signs of great age or wear: an antique divorcee in reduced circumstances. verb 1 (antiques, antiquing, antiqued) [with object] (usually as adjective antiqued) make (something) resemble an antique by artificial means: an antiqued door. 2 (go antiquing) shop in stores where antiques are sold: we would often go antiquing in search of furnishings.

anemia

noun a condition marked by a deficiency of red blood cells or of hemoglobin in the blood, resulting in pallor and weariness.

sneer

noun a contemptuous or mocking smile, remark, or tone: he acknowledged their presence with a condescending sneer. verb [no object] smile or speak in a contemptuous or mocking manner: she had sneered at their bad taste | [with direct speech] : "I see you're conservative in your ways," David sneered.

cipher

noun a continuous sounding of an organ pipe, caused by a mechanical defect. verb [no object] (of an organ pipe) sound continuously. noun 1 a secret or disguised way of writing; a code: he was writing cryptic notes in a cipher | the information may be given in cipher. • a thing written in a cipher. • a key to such a cipher. 2 dated a zero; a figure 0. • a person or thing of no importance, especially a person who does the bidding of others and seems to have no will of their own. 3 a monogram. verb 1 [with object] put (a message) into secret writing; encode. 2 [no object] archaic do arithmetic.

lease

noun a contract by which one party conveys land, property, services, etc., to another for a specified time, usually in return for a periodic payment. verb [with object] grant (property) on lease; let: she leased the site to a local company. • take (property) on lease; rent: land was leased from the city. PHRASES a new lease on life a substantially improved chance to lead a happy or successful life.

feint

noun a deceptive or pretended blow, thrust, or other movement, especially in boxing or fencing: a brief feint at the opponent's face. • a mock attack or movement in warfare, made in order to distract or deceive an enemy. verb [no object] make a deceptive or distracting movement, typically during a fight: Adam feinted with his right and then swung a left | [with object] : 'You would, would you?' said Bob, feinting punches back at them.

motif

noun a decorative design or pattern: T-shirts featuring spiral motifs. • a distinctive feature or dominant idea in an artistic or literary composition: the nautical motif of his latest novel. • Biochemistry a distinctive sequence on a protein or DNA, having a three-dimensional structure that allows binding interactions to occur.

hound

noun a dog of a breed used for hunting, especially one able to track by scent. • [with modifier] a person who avidly pursues something: he has a reputation as a publicity hound. • informal, dated a despicable or contemptible man. • used in names of dogfishes, e.g., nurse hound, smooth hound. verb [with object] harass, persecute, or pursue relentlessly: a tenacious attorney general who had hounded Jimmy Hoffa and other labor bosses | he led the race from start to finish but was hounded all the way by Phillips | his opponents used the allegations to hound him out of office.

chronicle

noun a factual written account of important or historical events in the order of their occurrence. • a work of fiction or nonfiction that describes a particular series of events. verb [with object] record (a related series of events) in a factual and detailed way: his work chronicles 20th-century displacement and migration.

disquiet

noun a feeling of anxiety or worry: public disquiet about animal testing. verb [with object] (usually as adjective disquieted) make (someone) worried or anxious: she felt disquieted at the lack of interest the girl had shown.

angst

noun a feeling of deep anxiety or dread, typically an unfocused one about the human condition or the state of the world in general: adolescent angst. • informal a feeling of persistent worry about something trivial: my hair causes me angst.

disenchantment

noun a feeling of disappointment about someone or something you previously respected or admired; disillusionment: growing disenchantment with the leadership

disillusionment

noun a feeling of disappointment resulting from the discovery that something is not as good as one believed it to be: the high abstention rate at the election reflected the voters' growing disillusionment with politics.

pique

noun a feeling of irritation or resentment resulting from a slight, especially to one's pride: he left in a fit of pique. verb (piques |pēks| , piquing |ˈpēkiNG| , piqued |pēkt| ) 1 [with object] stimulate (interest or curiosity): you have piqued my curiosity about the man. 2 (be piqued) feel irritated or resentful: she was piqued by his curtness. 3 (pique oneself) archaic pride oneself.

aphrodisiac

noun a food, drink, or drug that stimulates sexual desire: the Romans worshiped the apple as an aphrodisiac | [as adjective] : aphrodisiac powers. • a thing that causes excitement: for a few seconds she'd fallen for the powerful aphrodisiac of music | power is an aphrodisiac

remonstrance

noun a forcefully reproachful protest: angry remonstrances in the Senate | he shut his ears to any remonstrance.

writ

noun a form of written command in the name of a court or other legal authority to act, or abstain from acting, in some way. • (one's writ) one's power to enforce compliance or submission; one's authority: you have business here which is out of my writ and competence.

generalization

noun a general statement or concept obtained by inference from specific cases: he was making sweeping generalizations. • the action of generalizing: such anecdotes cannot be a basis for generalization.

stanza

noun a group of lines forming the basic recurring metrical unit in a poem; a verse. • a group of four lines in some Greek and Latin meters.

sect

noun a group of people with somewhat different religious beliefs (typically regarded as heretical) from those of a larger group to which they belong. • often derogatory a group that has separated from an established church; a nonconformist church. • a philosophical or political group, especially one regarded as extreme or dangerous.

pitfall

noun a hidden or unsuspected danger or difficulty. • a covered pit used as a trap.

hospice

noun a home providing care for the sick, especially the terminally ill. • archaic a lodging for travelers, especially one run by a religious order.

hoax

noun a humorous or malicious deception: they recognized the plan as a hoax | [as modifier] : he was accused of making hoax calls. verb [with object] deceive with a hoax.

mammoth

noun a large extinct elephant of the Pleistocene epoch, typically hairy with a sloping back and long curved tusks. adjective huge: a mammoth corporation.

dissertation

noun a long essay on a particular subject, especially one written as a requirement for the Doctor of Philosophy degree: Joe wrote his doctoral dissertation on Thucydides | figurative : she went on then into a dissertation on her family's love of Ireland.

epic

noun a long poem, typically one derived from ancient oral tradition, narrating the deeds and adventures of heroic or legendary figures or the history of a nation. • the genre of epic poems: the romances display gentler emotions not found in Greek epic. • a long film, book, or other work portraying heroic deeds and adventures or covering an extended period of time: a Hollywood biblical epic. adjective relating to or characteristic of an epic or epics: England's national epic poem Beowulf. • heroic or grand in scale or character: his epic journey around the world | a tragedy of epic proportions. • informal particularly impressive or remarkable: the gig last night was epic | these CEOs are paid salaries and bonuses in the millions despite their epic failures.

squeal

noun a long, high-pitched cry or noise: we heard a splash and a squeal. verb [no object] 1 make a long, high-pitched cry or noise: the girls squealed with delight. • [with direct speech] say something in a high-pitched, excited tone: "Don't you dare!" she squealed. • informal complain or protest about something: the bookies only squealed because we beat them. 2 informal inform on someone to the police or a person in authority: she feared they would victimize her for squealing on their pals.

marsupial

noun a mammal of an order whose members are born incompletely developed and are typically carried and suckled in a pouch on the mother's belly. Marsupials are found mainly in Australia and New Guinea, although three families, including the opossums, live in America.

tranquilizer

noun a medicinal drug taken to reduce tension or anxiety.

component

noun a part or element of a larger whole, especially a part of a machine or vehicle: stereo components. constituting part of a larger whole; constituent: light passed through a prism breaks up into its component colors.

juncture

noun a particular point in events or time: it is difficult to say at this juncture whether this upturn can be sustained. • a place where things join: the plane crashed at the juncture of two mountains. • Phonetics the set of features in speech that enable a hearer to detect a word or phrase boundary, e.g., distinguishing I scream from ice cream.

practitioner

noun a person actively engaged in an art, discipline, or profession, especially medicine: patients are treated by skilled practitioners.

financier

noun a person concerned with the management of large amounts of money on behalf of governments or other large organizations.

chauvinist

noun a person displaying aggressive or exaggerated patriotism. • a person displaying excessive or prejudiced loyalty or support for a particular cause, group, or gender: what a male chauvinist that man is. adjective showing or relating to excessive or prejudiced loyalty or support for a particular group or cause: a chauvinist slur.

fanatic

noun a person filled with excessive and single-minded zeal, especially for an extreme religious or political cause. • [often with modifier] informal a person with an obsessive interest in and enthusiasm for something, especially an activity: a fitness fanatic. adjective [attributive] filled with or expressing excessive zeal: his fanatic energy.

detainee

noun a person held in custody, especially for political reasons.

claimant

noun a person making a claim, especially in a lawsuit or for a government-sponsored benefit.

third party

noun a person or group besides the two primarily involved in a situation, especially a dispute. • US a political party organized as an alternative to the major parties in a two-party system. adjective [attributive] relating to a person or group besides the two primarily involved in a situation: third-party suppliers.

analog

noun a person or thing seen as comparable to another: the idea that the fertilized egg contains a miniature analog of every adult structure.

menace

noun a person or thing that is likely to cause harm; a threat or danger: a new initiative aimed at beating the menace of drugs | the snakes are a menace to farm animals. • a threatening quality, tone, or atmosphere: he spoke the words with a hint of menace. • informal a person or thing that causes trouble or annoyance: his kid sister, that chatty little menace, had become the knockout of the neighborhood. verb [with object] threaten, especially in a malignant or hostile manner: Africa's elephants are still menaced by poaching.

recipient

noun a person or thing that receives or is awarded something: the recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize. adjective [attributive] receiving or capable or receiving something: a recipient country.

successor

noun a person or thing that succeeds another: Schoenberg saw himself as a natural successor to the German romantic school.

administrator

noun a person responsible for running a business, organization, etc. • a person who performs official duties in some sphere, especially dealing out punishment or giving a religious sacrament: administrators of justice.

courtier

noun a person who attends a royal court as a companion or adviser to the king or queen.

anarchist

noun a person who believes in or tries to bring about anarchy. adjective relating to or supporting anarchy or anarchists: an anarchist newspaper.

fundamentalist

noun a person who believes in the strict, literal interpretation of scripture in a religion: religious fundamentalists. • a person who adheres strictly to the basic principles of any subject or discipline: a free-market fundamentalist. adjective relating to or advocating the strict, literal interpretation of scripture: a fundamentalist Protestant preacher. • relating to or advocating strict adherence to the basic principles of any subject or discipline: the fundamentalist ideologies of market and state.

pacifist

noun a person who believes that war and violence are unjustifiable: she was a committed pacifist all her life. adjective holding the belief that war and violence are unjustifiable.

braggart

noun a person who boasts about achievements or possessions: [as modifier] : braggart men.

renegade

noun a person who deserts and betrays an organization, country, or set of principles. • a person who behaves in a rebelliously unconventional manner. • archaic a person who abandons religion; an apostate. adjective having treacherously changed allegiance: a renegade bodyguard. • archaic having abandoned one's religious beliefs: a renegade monk.

seducer

noun a person who entices someone into sexual activity: a serial seducer of young women. • a person who entices someone to do or believe something inadvisable or foolhardy: seducers of the unwary | a seducer of the people.

defeatist

noun a person who expects or is excessively ready to accept failure. adjective demonstrating expectation or acceptance of failure: we have a duty not to be so defeatist.

opportunist

noun a person who exploits circumstances to gain immediate advantage rather than being guided by consistent principles or plans: most burglaries are committed by casual opportunists. adjective opportunistic: the calculating and opportunist politician.

benefactor

noun a person who gives money or other help to a person or cause.

felon

noun a person who has been convicted of a felony. adjective [attributive] archaic cruel; wicked: the felon undermining hand of dark corruption.

fugitive

noun a person who has escaped from a place or is in hiding, especially to avoid arrest or persecution: fugitives from justice | [as modifier] : fugitive criminals. • [as modifier] quick to disappear; fleeting: he entertained a fugitive idea that Barbara needed him.

heckler

noun a person who interrupts a performer or public speaker with derisive or aggressive comments or abuse: he was adept at dealing with hecklers.

zealot

noun a person who is fanatical and uncompromising in pursuit of their religious, political, or other ideals. • (Zealot) historical a member of an ancient Jewish sect aiming at a world Jewish theocracy and resisting the Romans until ad 70.

protégé

noun a person who is guided and supported by an older and more experienced or influential person: he was an aide and protégé of the former Tennessee senator.

martyr

noun a person who is killed because of their religious or other beliefs: saints, martyrs, and witnesses to the faith. • a person who displays or exaggerates their discomfort or distress in order to obtain sympathy or admiration: she wanted to play the martyr. • (martyr to) a constant sufferer from (an ailment): I'm a martyr to migraines! verb [with object] (usually be martyred) kill (someone) because of their beliefs: she was martyred for her faith. • cause great pain or distress to: there was no need to martyr themselves again.

liberator

noun a person who liberates a person or place from imprisonment or oppression: they saw themselves not as conquerors but as liberators.

founder

noun a person who manufactures articles of cast metal; the owner or operator of a foundry: an iron founder. verb [with object] Irish make (someone) very cold: it would founder you out there | (as adjective foundered) : get a fire lit, I'm foundered. verb [no object] (of a ship) fill with water and sink: six drowned when the yacht foundered off the Florida coast. • (of a plan or undertaking) fail or break down, typically as a result of a particular problem or setback: the talks foundered on the issue of reform. noun a person who establishes an institution or settlement: he was the founder of modern Costa Rica.

dissident

noun a person who opposes official policy, especially that of an authoritarian state: a dissident who had been jailed by a military regime. adjective in opposition to official policy: there is only one explicitly dissident voice to be heard. ORIGIN

philanthropist

noun a person who seeks to promote the welfare of others, especially by the generous donation of money to good causes.

pretext

noun a reason given in justification of a course of action that is not the real reason: the rebels had the perfect pretext for making their move. PHRASES on (or under) the pretext giving the specified reason as one's justification: the police raided Grand River on the pretext of looking for moonshiners.

insurgent

noun a rebel or revolutionary: an attack by armed insurgents. adjective [attributive] rising in active revolt: alleged links with insurgent groups. • relating to rebels: a series of insurgent attacks.

hymn

noun a religious song or poem, typically of praise to God or a god: a Hellenistic hymn to Apollo. • a formal song sung during Christian worship, typically by the whole congregation. • a song, text, or other composition praising or celebrating someone or something: a most unusual passage like a hymn to the great outdoors. verb 1 [with object] praise or celebrate (something): Johnson's reply hymns education. 2 [no object] rare sing hymns.

taunt

noun a remark made in order to anger, wound, or provoke someone. verb [with object] provoke or challenge (someone) with insulting remarks: students began taunting her about her weight. • reproach (someone) with something in a contemptuous way: she had taunted him with going to another man.

platitude

noun a remark or statement, especially one with a moral content, that has been used too often to be interesting or thoughtful: she began uttering liberal platitudes.

reprise

noun a repeated passage in music. • a repetition or further performance of something: a reprise of his earlier performance. verb [with object] repeat (a piece of music or a performance).

brawl

noun a rough or noisy fight or quarrel. verb [no object] fight or quarrel in a rough or noisy way. • literary (of a stream) flow noisily.

bulge

noun a rounded swelling or protuberance that distorts a flat surface. • (especially in a military context) a piece of land that projects outward from an otherwise regular line: the advance created an eastward-facing bulge in the line. • [in singular] informal a temporary unusual increase in number or size: a bulge in the birth rate. verb [no object] swell or protrude to an unnatural or incongruous extent: the veins in his neck bulged | (as adjective bulging) : he stared with bulging eyes. • be full of and distended with: a briefcase bulging with documents.

brute

noun a savagely violent person or animal: he was a cold-blooded brute. • informal a cruel, unpleasant, or insensitive person: what an unfeeling little brute you are. • an animal as opposed to a human being. • something awkward, difficult, or unpleasant: a great brute of a machine. adjective [attributive] unreasoning and animallike: a brute struggle for social superiority. • merely physical: we achieve little by brute force. • harsh, fundamental, or inescapable: the brute necessities of basic subsistence.

prologue

noun a separate introductory section of a literary or musical work: this idea is outlined in the prologue. • an event or action that leads to another event or situation: civil unrest in a few isolated villages became the prologue to widespread rebellion. • (in professional cycling) a short preliminary time trial held before a race to establish a leader. • the actor who delivers the prologue in a play.

deluge

noun a severe flood. • a heavy fall of rain: a deluge of rain hit the plains. • a great quantity of something arriving at the same time: a deluge of complaints. verb [with object] (usually be deluged) inundate with a great quantity of something: he has been deluged with offers of work. • flood: the country was deluged with rain.

introvert

noun a shy, reticent person. • Psychology a person predominantly concerned with their own thoughts and feelings rather than with external things. Compare with extrovert. adjective another term for introverted.

parable

noun a simple story used to illustrate a moral or spiritual lesson, as told by Jesus in the Gospels.

vial

noun a small container, typically cylindrical and made of glass, used especially for holding liquid medicines.

clique

noun a small group of people, with shared interests or other features in common, who spend time together and do not readily allow others to join them.

remnant

noun a small remaining quantity of something. • a piece of cloth or carpeting left when the greater part has been used or sold. • a surviving trace: a remnant of the past. • Christian Theology a small minority of people who will remain faithful to God and so be saved (in allusion to biblical prophecies concerning Israel). adjective [attributive] remaining: remnant strands of hair.

sentinel

noun a soldier or guard whose job is to stand and keep watch. • Medicine a thing that acts as an indicator of the presence of disease: [as modifier] : the first national HIV sentinel surveillance program in the developing world. verb (sentinels, sentineling, sentineled; chiefly British sentinels, sentinelling, sentinelled) [with object] station a soldier or guard by (a place) to keep watch: a wide course had been roped off and sentineled with police | figurative : trees sentineled the trenches. PHRASES stand sentinel (of a soldier) keep watch: soldiers stood sentinel with their muskets | figurative : a tall round tower standing sentinel over the river.

schism

noun a split or division between strongly opposed sections or parties, caused by differences in opinion or belief. • the formal separation of a church into two churches or the secession of a group owing to doctrinal and other differences. See also Great Schism.

narrative

noun a spoken or written account of connected events; a story: the hero of his modest narrative. • the narrated part or parts of a literary work, as distinct from dialogue. • the practice or art of telling stories: traditions of oral narrative. • a representation of a particular situation or process in such a way as to reflect or conform to an overarching set of aims or values: the coalition's carefully constructed narrative about its sensitivity to recession victims. adjective in the form of or concerned with narration: a narrative poem | narrative technique.

privation

noun a state in which things that are essential for human well-being such as food and warmth are scarce or lacking: years of rationing and privation | the privations of life at the front. • formal the loss or absence of a quality or attribute that is normally present: cold is the privation of heat. ORIGIN

disarray

noun a state of disorganization or untidiness: her gray hair was in disarray | his plans have been thrown into disarray. verb [with object] 1 throw (someone or something) into a state of disorganization or untidiness: the inspection disarrayed the usual schedule. 2 literary strip (someone) of clothing: attendant damsels to help to disarray her.

quarantine

noun a state, period, or place of isolation in which people or animals that have arrived from elsewhere or been exposed to infectious or contagious disease are placed: many animals die in quarantine. verb [with object] impose isolation on (a person, animal, or place); put in quarantine.

microaggression

noun a statement, action, or incident regarded as an instance of indirect, subtle, or unintentional discrimination against members of a marginalized group such as a racial or ethnic minority: students posed with dry-erase boards documenting their experiences with microaggressions on campus. • indirect, subtle, or unintentional discrimination against members of a marginalized group: they are not subject to daily acts of microaggression.

reminiscence

noun a story told about a past event remembered by the narrator: his reminiscences of his early days in Washington. • the enjoyable recollection of past events: his story made me smile in reminiscence. • (reminiscences) a collection in literary form of incidents and experiences that someone remembers. • a characteristic of one thing reminding or suggestive of another: his first works are too full of reminiscences of earlier poetry.

blunder

noun a stupid or careless mistake. verb [no object] make a stupid or careless mistake; act or speak clumsily: the mayor and the City Council have blundered in an ill-advised campaign | I blundered on in my explanation | (as adjective blundering) : blundering actors. • move clumsily or as if unable to see: we were blundering around in the darkness.

nutrient

noun a substance that provides nourishment essential for growth and the maintenance of life: fish is a source of many important nutrients, including protein, vitamins, and minerals.

debacle

noun a sudden and ignominious failure; a fiasco: the economic debacle that became known as the Great Depression.

glitch

noun a sudden, usually temporary malfunction or irregularity of equipment: a draft version was lost in a computer glitch. • an unexpected setback in a plan: this has been the first real glitch they've encountered in a three months' tour. verb [no object] chiefly US suffer a sudden malfunction or irregularity: her job involves troubleshooting when systems glitch.

abscess

noun a swollen area within body tissue, containing an accumulation of pus.

creed

noun a system of Christian or other religious belief; a faith: people of many creeds and cultures. • (often the Creed) a formal statement of Christian beliefs, especially the Apostles' Creed or the Nicene Creed. • a set of beliefs or aims that guide someone's actions: liberalism was more than a political creed.

digression

noun a temporary departure from the main subject in speech or writing: let's return to the main topic after that brief digression.

credulity

noun a tendency to be too ready to believe that something is real or true.

pessimism

noun a tendency to see the worst aspect of things or believe that the worst will happen; a lack of hope or confidence in the future: the dispute cast an air of deep pessimism over the future of the peace talks. • Philosophy a belief that this world is as bad as it could be or that evil will ultimately prevail over good.

veneer

noun a thin decorative covering of fine wood applied to a coarser wood or other material. • a layer of wood used to make plywood. • [in singular] an attractive appearance that covers or disguises someone or something's true nature or feelings: her veneer of composure cracked a little. verb [with object] (usually as adjective veneered) cover (something) with a decorative layer of fine wood. • cover or disguise (someone or something's true nature) with an attractive appearance.

perch

noun a thing on which a bird alights or roosts, typically a branch or a horizontal rod or bar in a birdcage. • a place where someone or something rests or sits, especially a place that is high or precarious: Marian looked down from her perch in a beech tree above the road. verb [no object] (of a bird) alight or rest on something: a herring gull perched on the mast. • (of a person) sit somewhere, especially on something high or narrow: Eve perched on the side of the armchair. • (be perched) (of a building) be situated above or on the edge of something: the fortress is perched on a crag in the mountains. • [with object] (perch someone/something on) set or balance someone or something on (something): Peter perched a pair of gold-rimmed spectacles on his nose.

illusion

noun a thing that is or is likely to be wrongly perceived or interpreted by the senses: the illusion makes parallel lines seem to diverge by placing them on a zigzag-striped background. • a deceptive appearance or impression: the illusion of family togetherness | the tension between illusion and reality. • a false idea or belief: he had no illusions about the trouble she was in. PHRASES be under the illusion that believe mistakenly that: the world is under the illusion that the original painting still hangs in the Winter Palace. be under no illusion (or illusions) be fully aware of the true state of affairs.

inducement

noun a thing that persuades or influences someone to do something: companies were prepared to build only in return for massive inducements | [with infinitive] : there is no inducement to wait for payment. • a bribe. • Law introductory statements in a pleading explaining the matter in dispute.

figment

noun a thing that someone believes to be real but that exists only in their imagination: it really was Ross and not a figment of her overheated imagination.

vestige

noun a trace of something that is disappearing or no longer exists: the last vestiges of colonialism. • [usually with negative] the smallest amount (used to emphasize the absence of something): he waited patiently, but without a vestige of sympathy. • Biology a part or organ of an organism that has become reduced or functionless in the course of evolution.

effort

noun a vigorous or determined attempt: hammer birdhouses to country fenceposts in an effort to bring back the eastern bluebird. • the result of an attempt: he was a keen gardener, winning many prizes for his efforts. • strenuous physical or mental exertion: the doctor spared no effort in helping my father. • technical a force exerted by a machine or in a process. • [with modifier] the activities of a group of people with a common purpose: the war effort.

insurrection

noun a violent uprising against an authority or government: the insurrection was savagely put down | opposition to the new regime led to armed insurrection.

spectacle

noun a visually striking performance or display: the acrobatic feats make a good spectacle | the show is pure spectacle. • an event or scene regarded in terms of its visual impact: the spectacle of a city's mass grief. PHRASES make a spectacle of oneself draw attention to oneself by behaving in a ridiculous way in public.

mammal

noun a warm-blooded vertebrate animal of a class that is distinguished by the possession of hair or fur, the secretion of milk by females for the nourishment of the young, and (typically) the birth of live young.

magnate

noun a wealthy and influential person, especially in business: a media magnate.

quip

noun a witty remark. • archaic a verbal equivocation. verb (quips, quipping, quipped) [no object] make a witty remark: [with direct speech] : "Flattery will get you nowhere," she quipped.

endearment

noun a word or phrase expressing love or affection. • love or affection: a term of endearment.

artisan

noun a worker in a skilled trade, especially one that involves making things by hand. • [as modifier] (of food or drink) made in a traditional or non-mechanized way using high-quality ingredients: local artisan cheeses | the growing appreciation of artisan foods.

treatise

noun a written work dealing formally and systematically with a subject: a comprehensive treatise on electricity and magnetism.

fledgling

noun a young bird that has just fledged. • [usually as modifier] a person or organization that is immature, inexperienced, or underdeveloped: the fledgling democracies of eastern Europe.

agility

noun ability to move quickly and easily: though he was without formal training as dancer or athlete, his physical agility was inexhaustible. • ability to think and understand quickly: games teach hand-eye coordination, mental agility, and alertness.

temperance

noun abstinence from alcoholic drink: [as modifier] : the temperance movement. • moderation or self-restraint, especially in eating and drinking.

antagonism

noun active hostility or opposition: the antagonism between them | his antagonism toward the local people | petty antagonisms and jealousies. • Biochemistry inhibition of or interference with the action of one substance or organism by another.

unanimity

noun agreement by all people involved; consensus: there is almost complete unanimity on this issue.

posterity

noun all future generations of people: the victims' names are recorded for posterity. • [in singular] archaic the descendants of a person: God offered Abraham a posterity like the stars of heaven.

pantheon

noun all the gods of a people or religion collectively: the deities of the Hindu and Shinto pantheons. • (also Pantheon) (especially in ancient Greece and Rome) a temple dedicated to all the gods. • a building in which the illustrious dead of a nation are buried or honored. • a group of particularly respected, famous, or important people: the pantheon of the all-time greats.

plenitude

noun an abundance: the farm boasts a plenitude of animals and birds. • the condition of being full or complete: the plenitude of the pope's powers.

ruse

noun an action intended to deceive someone; a trick: Eleanor tried to think of a ruse to get Paul out of the house.

fascist

noun an advocate or follower of the political philosophy or system of fascism: he went to Spain to fight against the fascists | Eastern European fascists could win power only with support from the Nazis. • a person who is extremely right-wing or authoritarian: fascists made death threats against immigrants and asylum seekers. • a person who is very intolerant or domineering in a particular area: I'm a bit of a spelling fascist, but still have blind spots over words like "privilege" or "separate" | if I were being a culinary fascist, I would possibly moan about the overdone cooked tomatoes. adjective relating to fascism: a military coup threw out the old fascist regime.

quadruped

noun an animal that has four feet, especially an ungulate (certain type of animal lol) mammal.

catastrophe

noun an event causing great and often sudden damage or suffering; a disaster: a national economic catastrophe | leading the world to catastrophe. • the denouement of a drama, especially a classical tragedy.

mentor

noun an experienced and trusted adviser: he was her friend and mentor until his death in 1915. • an experienced person in a company, college, or school who trains and counsels new employees or students. verb [with object] advise or train (someone, especially a younger colleague).

ecologist

noun an expert in or student of ecology: a German ecologist studying the river habitat.

phobia

noun an extreme or irrational fear of or aversion to something: he had a phobia about being under water | a phobia of germs | a snake phobia. ORIGIN

connotation

noun an idea or feeling that a word invokes in addition to its literal or primary meaning: the word "discipline" has unhappy connotations of punishment and repression | the work functions both by analogy and by connotation. • Philosophy the abstract meaning or intension of a term, which forms a principle determining which objects or concepts it applies to. Often contrasted with denotation.

utopia

noun an imagined place or state of things in which everything is perfect. The word was first used in the book Utopia (1516) by Sir Thomas More. The opposite of dystopia.

barricade

noun an improvised barrier erected across a street or other thoroughfare to prevent or delay the movement of opposing forces. verb [with object] block or defend with an improvised barrier: he barricaded the door with a bureau | (as adjective barricaded) : the heavily barricaded streets. • shut (oneself or someone) into a place by blocking all the entrances: detainees who barricaded themselves into their dormitory.

increment

noun an increase or addition, especially one of a series on a fixed scale: the inmates' pay can escalate in five-cent increments to a maximum of 90 cents an hour. • a regular increase in salary on an incremental scale: he had waived his right to the second increment of $18 million so that it could be distributed among 40 employees. • Mathematics a small positive or negative change in a variable quantity or function. verb [with object] chiefly Computing cause a discrete increase in (a numerical quantity).

edict

noun an official order or proclamation issued by a person in authority.

conjecture

noun an opinion or conclusion formed on the basis of incomplete information: conjectures about the newcomer were many and varied | the purpose of the opening in the wall is open to conjecture. • an unproven mathematical or scientific theorem: the Goldbach conjecture. • (in textual criticism) the suggestion or reconstruction of a reading of a text not present in the original source. verb [with object] form an opinion or supposition about (something) on the basis of incomplete information: he conjectured the existence of an otherwise unknown feature | many conjectured that she had a second husband in mind. • (in textual criticism) propose (a reading).

extrovert

noun an outgoing, overtly expressive person. • Psychology a person predominantly concerned with external things or objective considerations. Compare with introvert. adjective of, denoting, or typical of an extrovert: his extrovert personality made him the ideal host.

grimace

noun an ugly, twisted expression on a person's face, typically expressing disgust, pain, or wry amusement: she gave a grimace of pain. verb [no object] make a grimace: I sipped the coffee and grimaced.

equalitarian

noun another term for egalitarian.

mischance

noun bad luck: by pure mischance, the secret was revealed. • an unlucky occurrence: innumerable mischances might ruin the enterprise.

indiscretion

noun behavior or speech that is indiscreet or displays a lack of good judgment: he knew himself all too prone to indiscretion | sexual indiscretions.

resentment

noun bitter indignation at having been treated unfairly: his resentment at being demoted | some people harbor resentments going back many years.

kinship

noun blood relationship. • a sharing of characteristics or origins: they felt a kinship with architects.

alacrity

noun brisk and cheerful readiness: she accepted the invitation with alacrity.

diligence

noun careful and persistent work or effort.

pomp

noun ceremony and splendid display, especially at a public event: St. Paul's was perfectly adapted to pomp and circumstance. • (pomps) archaic ostentatious boastfulness or vanity: the pomps and vanities of this world.

surveillance

noun close observation, especially of a suspected spy or criminal: he found himself put under surveillance by military intelligence.

attire

noun clothes, especially fine or formal ones: holiday attire. verb (be attired) be dressed in clothes of a specified kind: Donna was attired in an elaborate evening gown | [as adjective, with submodifier] (attired) : the outrageously attired rock star.

conformity

noun compliance with standards, rules, or laws: conformity to regulations | the goods were in conformity with the contract. • behavior in accordance with socially accepted conventions or standards: loyalty to one's party need not (does not have to) imply unquestioning conformity. • British, chiefly historical compliance with the practices of the Church of England. • similarity in form or type; agreement in character: these changes are intended to ensure conformity between all schemes.

brevity

noun concise and exact use of words in writing or speech. • shortness of time: the brevity of human life.

sedition

noun conduct or speech inciting people to rebel against the authority of a state or monarch.

veracity

noun conformity to facts; accuracy: officials expressed doubts concerning the veracity of the story. • habitual truthfulness: voters should be concerned about his veracity and character.

fortitude

noun courage in pain or adversity: she endured her illness with great fortitude.

reverence

noun deep respect for someone or something: rituals showed honor and reverence for the dead. • archaic a gesture indicative of respect; a bow or curtsy: the messenger made his reverence. • (His/Your Reverence) a title given to a member of the clergy, or used in addressing them. verb [with object] regard or treat with deep respect: the many divine beings reverenced by Hindu tradition.

insubordination

noun defiance of authority; refusal to obey orders: he was dismissed for insubordination.

disfavor

noun disapproval or dislike: the headmaster regarded her with disfavor. • the state of being disliked: raises could be taken away if an employee fell into disfavor. verb [with object] regard or treat (someone or something) with disfavor: the hypothesis was favored and disfavored by approximately equal numbers of scientists.

chagrin

noun distress or embarrassment at having failed or been humiliated: Jeff, much to his chagrin, wasn't invited. verb (be chagrined) feel distressed or humiliated: he was chagrined when his friend poured scorn on him.

hysteria

noun exaggerated or uncontrollable emotion or excitement, especially among a group of people: the mass hysteria that characterizes the week before Christmas. • Psychiatry a psychological disorder (not now regarded as a single definite condition) whose symptoms include conversion of psychological stress into physical symptoms (somatization), selective amnesia, shallow volatile emotions, and overdramatic or attention-seeking behavior. The term has a controversial history as it was formerly regarded as a disease specific to women.

temerity

noun excessive confidence or boldness; audacity: no one had the temerity to question his conclusions.

impunity

noun exemption from punishment or freedom from the injurious consequences of an action: the impunity enjoyed by military officers implicated in civilian killings | protesters burned flags on the streets with impunity.

wrath

noun extreme anger (chiefly used for humorous or rhetorical effect): he hid his pipe for fear of incurring his father's wrath.

avarice

noun extreme greed for wealth or material gain.

penury

noun extreme poverty; destitution: he died in a state of virtual penury.

negligence

noun failure to take proper care in doing something: some of these accidents are due to negligence. • Law failure to use reasonable care, resulting in damage or injury to another.

sportsmanship

noun fair and generous behavior or treatment of others, especially in a sports contest: he displayed great sportsmanship in defeat | the spirit of sportsmanship was not lost between the two teams.

fidelity

noun faithfulness to a person, cause, or belief, demonstrated by continuing loyalty and support: he sought only the strictest fidelity to justice. • sexual faithfulness to a spouse or partner. • the degree of exactness with which something is copied or reproduced: the 1949 recording provides reasonable fidelity.

foreboding

noun fearful apprehension; a feeling that something bad will happen: with a sense of foreboding she read the note. adjective implying or seeming to imply that something bad is going to happen: when the doctor spoke, his voice was dark and foreboding.

looter

noun goods, especially private property, taken from an enemy in war. • stolen money or valuables: two men wearing stocking masks, each swinging a bag of loot. • informal money; wealth: the thief made off with $5 million in loot. verb [with object] steal goods from (a place), typically during a war or riot: police confronted the rioters who were looting shops. • steal (goods) in a war, riot, etc.: tons of food aid awaiting distribution had been looted.

valor

noun great courage in the face of danger, especially in battle: the medals are awarded for acts of valor.

elation

noun great happiness and exhilaration: Richard's elation at regaining his health was short-lived.

opulence

noun great wealth or luxuriousness: rooms of spectacular opulence.

drudgery

noun hard, menial, or dull work: domestic drudgery.

domesticity

noun home or family life: the atmosphere is one of happy domesticity.

vice

noun immoral or wicked behavior. • criminal activities involving prostitution, pornography, or drugs. • an immoral or wicked personal characteristic. • a weakness of character or behavior; a bad habit: cigars happen to be my father's vice. preposition as a substitute for: the letter was drafted by David Hunt, vice Bevin who was ill.

honor killing

noun in certain cultures, the killing of a relative, especially a girl or woman, who is perceived to have brought dishonor on the family.

invective

noun insulting, abusive, or highly critical language: he let out a stream of invective.

repugnance

noun intense disgust: our growing repugnance at the bleeding carcasses.

xenophobia

noun intense or irrational dislike or fear of people from other countries.

timidity

noun lack of courage or confidence: she believes everyone can overcome their timidity.

imbalance

noun lack of proportion or relation between corresponding things: tension is generated by the imbalance of power | the condition is caused by a hormonal imbalance.

flippancy

noun lack of respect or seriousness; frivolousness: she was infuriated by his careless flippancy.

refuse

noun matter thrown away or rejected as worthless; trash: heaps of refuse | refuse collection.

rote

noun mechanical or habitual repetition of something to be learned: a poem learned by rote in childhood.

equanimity

noun mental calmness, composure, and evenness of temper, especially in a difficult situation: she accepted both the good and the bad with equanimity.

reconnaissance

noun military observation of a region to locate an enemy or ascertain strategic features: an excellent aircraft for low-level reconnaissance | after a reconnaissance our forces took the island | [as modifier] : reconnaissance missions. • preliminary surveying or research: conducting client reconnaissance.

diffidence

noun modesty or shyness resulting from a lack of self-confidence: I say this with some diffidence.

decadence

noun moral or cultural decline as characterized by excessive indulgence in pleasure or luxury: he denounced Western decadence. • luxurious self-indulgence: "French" connotes richness and decadence, and that's the idea of this ice cream.

proximity

noun nearness in space, time, or relationship: do not operate microphones in close proximity to television sets.

kudos

noun praise and honor received for an achievement. • informal, chiefly North American compliments or congratulations: kudos to everyone who put the event together.

intransigence

noun refusal to change one's views or to agree about something: in the face of government intransigence, he resigned in disgust.

insolence

noun rude and disrespectful behavior: she was sacked for insolence.

collusion

noun secret or illegal cooperation or conspiracy, especially in order to cheat or deceive others: the armed forces were working in collusion with drug traffickers | collusion between media owners and political leaders. • Law illegal cooperation or conspiracy, especially between ostensible opponents in a lawsuit.

resourcefulness

noun the ability to find quick and clever ways to overcome difficulties: his films show remarkable technical resourcefulness.

resumption

noun the action of beginning something again after a pause or interruption: a resumption of meaningful negotiation.

fearmongering

noun the action of deliberately arousing public fear or alarm about a particular issue: his campaign for re-election was based on fearmongering and deception.

extrapolation

noun the action of estimating or concluding something by assuming that existing trends will continue or a current method will remain applicable: sizes were estimated by extrapolation | caution is advised in the interpretation and extrapolation of results | the figure is an extrapolation from prior data.

penitence

noun the action of feeling or showing sorrow and regret for having done wrong; repentance: a public display of penitence.

procurement

noun the action of obtaining or procuring something: financial assistance for the procurement of legal advice | the company's procurements from foreign firms. • the action or occupation of acquiring military equipment and supplies: defense procurement.

abolition

noun the action or an act of abolishing a system, practice, or institution: the abolition of child labor.

marketing

noun the action or business of promoting and selling products or services, including market research and advertising.

arousal

noun the action or fact of arousing or being aroused: sexual arousal in dreams is common.

recollection

noun the action or faculty of remembering something: to the best of my recollection no one ever had a bad word to say about him. • a thing recollected; a memory: a biography based on his wife's recollections.

alteration

noun the action or process of altering or being altered: timetables are subject to alteration without notice | alterations had to be made.

dispersion

noun the action or process of distributing things or people over a wide area: some seeds rely on birds for dispersion. • the state of being dispersed over a wide area: the general dispersion of Hellenistic culture. • Ecology the pattern of distribution of individuals within a habitat. • (also the Dispersion) another term for diaspora. • a mixture of one substance dispersed in another medium. • Physics the separation of white light into colors, or the separation of any radiation according to wavelength. • Statistics the extent to which values of a variable differ from a fixed value such as the mean.

intervention

noun the action or process of intervening: they are plants that grow naturally without human intervention. • interference by a country in another's affairs: the administration was reported to be considering military intervention. • action taken to improve a situation, especially a medical disorder: two patients were referred for surgical intervention. • an occasion on which a person with an addiction or other behavioral problem is confronted by a group of friends or family members in an attempt to persuade them to address the issue: as her health worsened, her daughters considered staging an intervention.

haughtiness

noun the appearance or quality of being arrogantly superior and disdainful: her air of haughtiness.

topography

noun the arrangement of the natural and artificial physical features of an area: the topography of the island. • a detailed description or representation on a map of the natural and artificial features of an area. • Anatomy & Biology the distribution of parts or features on the surface of or within an organ or organism.

political correctness

noun the avoidance, often considered as taken to extremes, of forms of expression or action that are perceived to exclude, marginalize, or insult groups of people who are socially disadvantaged or discriminated against. A way that we speak in America so we don't offend certain people

fatalism

noun the belief that all events are predetermined and therefore inevitable. • a submissive outlook, resulting from a fatalistic attitude.

designation

noun the choosing and naming of someone to be the holder of an official position: a leader's designation of his own successor. • the action of choosing a place for a special purpose or giving it a special status: the designation of parts of Santa Ana as an enterprise zone. • a name, description, or title, typically one that is officially bestowed: a group of tribes banded together under the designation "Sheepeaters."

context

noun the circumstances that form the setting for an event, statement, or idea, and in terms of which it can be fully understood and assessed: the decision was taken within the context of planned cuts in spending. • the parts of something written or spoken that immediately precede and follow a word or passage and clarify its meaning: word processing is affected by the context in which words appear. PHRASES in context considered together with the surrounding words or circumstances: it is difficult now to view these masterpieces in context. out of context without the surrounding words or circumstances and so not fully understandable: comments that aides have long insisted were taken out of context.

contagion

noun the communication of disease from one person to another by close contact: the rooms held no risk of contagion. • a disease spread by the close contact of one person to another. • the spreading of a harmful idea or practice: the contagion of disgrace.

carcass

noun the dead body of an animal. • the trunk of an animal such as a cow, sheep, or pig, for cutting up as meat. • the remains of a cooked bird after all the edible parts have been removed. • derogatory or humorous a person's body, living or dead: my obsession will last while there's life in this old carcass. • the structural framework of a building, ship, or piece of furniture. • the remains of something being discarded, dismembered, or worthless: the floor is littered with the carcasses of newspapers.

defection

noun the desertion of one's country or cause in favor of an opposing one: his defection from the Republican Party | a number of defections by leading ballet dancers.

assessment

noun the evaluation or estimation of the nature, quality, or ability of someone or something: the assessment of educational needs | he made a rapid assessment of the situation | assessments of market value.

assent

noun the expression of approval or agreement: a loud murmur of assent | he nodded assent. • official agreement or sanction: the governor has power to withhold his assent from a bill. verb [no object] express approval or agreement, typically officially: Roosevelt assented to the agreement | [with direct speech] : "Guest house, then," Frank assented cheerfully.

entitlement

noun the fact of having a right to something: full entitlement to fees and maintenance should be offered | you should be fully aware of your legal entitlements. • the amount to which a person has a right: annual leave entitlement. • the belief that one is inherently deserving of privileges or special treatment: no wonder your kids have a sense of entitlement | [as modifier] : this entitlement mentality is completely out of control. • US a government program that provides benefits to any individual meeting certain eligibility requirements: Social Security, Medicare, and other entitlements are going broke | [as modifier] : entitlement programs.

severity

noun the fact or condition of being severe: sentences should reflect the severity of the crime | hay fever symptoms vary in severity | she stared at me with mock severity.

cessation

noun the fact or process of ending or being brought to an end: the cessation of hostilities | a cessation of animal testing of cosmetics.

leniency

noun the fact or quality of being more merciful or tolerant than expected; clemency: the court could show leniency.

intellect

noun the faculty of reasoning and understanding objectively, especially with regard to abstract or academic matters: he was a man of action rather than of intellect. • the understanding or mental powers of a particular person: his keen intellect. • an intelligent or intellectual person: sapping our country of some of its brightest intellects.

volition

noun the faculty or power of using one's will: without conscious volition she backed into her office. of (or by or on) one's own volition voluntarily: they choose to leave early of their own volition.

textural

noun the feel, appearance, or consistency of a surface or a substance: skin texture and tone | the cheese is firm in texture | the different colors and textures of bark. • the quality created by the combination of the different elements in a work of music or literature: a closely knit symphonic texture. verb [with object] (usually as adjective textured) give (a surface, especially of a fabric or wall covering) a rough or raised texture: wallcoverings which create a textured finish.

disdain

noun the feeling that someone or something is unworthy of one's consideration or respect; contempt: her upper lip curled in disdain | an aristocratic disdain for manual labor. verb [with object] consider to be unworthy of one's consideration: gamblers disdain four-horse races. • refuse or reject (something) out of feelings of pride or superiority: she remained standing, pointedly disdaining his invitation to sit down | [with infinitive] : he disdained to discuss the matter further.

denouement

noun the final part of a play, movie, or narrative in which the strands of the plot are drawn together and matters are explained or resolved. • the climax of a chain of events, usually when something is decided or made clear: I waited by the eighteenth green to see the denouement.

cession

noun the formal giving up of rights, property, or territory, especially by a state: the cession of twenty important towns.

subsidence

noun the gradual caving in or sinking of an area of land.

psyche

noun the human soul, mind, or spirit: their childhood made them want to understand the human psyche and to help others | how does constant losing affect the psyches of young athletes? verb 1 [with object] informal mentally prepare (someone) for a testing task or occasion: we had to psych ourselves up for the race. psych someone out informal intimidate an opponent or rival by appearing confident or aggressive: guys who try to lift heavy weights in a mistaken attempt to psych out the other guys. psych something out informal analyze something in psychological terms.

synergy

noun the interaction or cooperation of two or more organizations, substances, or other agents to produce a combined effect greater than the sum of their separate effects: the synergy between artist and record company.

interim

noun the intervening time: in the interim I'll just keep my fingers crossed. adjective in or for the intervening period; provisional or temporary: an interim arrangement. adverb archaic meanwhile.

confluence

noun the junction of two rivers, especially rivers of approximately equal width: here at the confluence of the Laramie and North Platte Rivers. • an act or process of merging: a major confluence of the world's financial markets.

denotation

noun the literal or primary meaning of a word, in contrast to the feelings or ideas that the word suggests: beyond their immediate denotation, the words have a connotative power. • the action or process of indicating or referring to something by means of a word, symbol, etc.

quintessence

noun the most perfect or typical example of a quality or class: he was the quintessence of political professionalism. • the aspect of something regarded as the intrinsic and central constituent of its character: we were all brought up to believe that advertising is the quintessence of marketing. • a refined essence or extract of a substance. • (in classical and medieval philosophy) a fifth substance in addition to the four elements, thought to compose the heavenly bodies and to be latent in all things.

repute

noun the opinion generally held of someone or something; the state of being generally regarded in a particular way: pollution could bring the authority's name into bad repute. • the state of being highly thought of; fame: chefs of international repute. verb (be reputed) be generally said or believed to do something or to have particular characteristics: he was reputed to have a fabulous house. • (usually as adjective reputed) be generally said or believed to exist or be of a particular type, despite not being so: this area gave the lie to the reputed flatness of the country. • (usually as adjective reputed) be widely known and respected: intensive training with reputed coaches. adj. reputed

apprenticeship

noun the position of an apprentice: the company once offered apprenticeships | six young chefs have completed their apprenticeships | he's in the second year of his apprenticeship.

nepotism

noun the practice among those with power or influence of favoring relatives or friends, especially by giving them jobs.

double-dealing

noun the practice of working to people's disadvantage behind their backs. adjective working deceitfully to injure others: she is a backstabbing, double-dealing twister.

obsolescence

noun the process of becoming obsolete or outdated and no longer used: computers are infamous for their rapid obsolescence | gunpowder brought about the obsolescence of many weapons.

elaboration

noun the process of developing or presenting a theory, policy, or system in further detail: his work led to the elaboration of a theory of evolution | the concept needs more elaboration than a short essay allows. • the addition of more detail concerning what has already been said: the speech lacked any elaboration on concrete measures taken | this is a point requiring elaboration.

emendation

noun the process of making a revision or correction to a text. • a correction or revision to a text: here are some suggested emendations.

transition

noun the process or a period of changing from one state or condition to another: students in transition from one program to another | a transition to multiparty democracy. • Physics a change of an atom, nucleus, electron, etc., from one quantum state to another, with emission or absorption of radiation. verb undergo or cause to undergo a process or period of transition: [with object] : the network ought to be built by the federal government and then transitioned into private industry | [no object] : we have transitioned from a high-intensity combat operation to a support role in the community.

fusion

noun the process or result of joining two or more things together to form a single entity: a fusion of an idea from anthropology and an idea from psychology | malformation or fusion of the three bones in the middle ear. • Physics short for nuclear fusion. • the process of causing a material or object to melt with intense heat, especially so as to join with another: the fusion of resin and glass fiber in the molding process. • music that is a mixture of different styles, especially jazz and rock. adjective referring to food or cooking that incorporates elements of diverse cuisines: their fusion fare includes a sushi-like roll of gingery rice and eel wrapped in marinated Greek grape leaves.

affability

noun the quality of being affable; geniality: an air of benign affability.

arrogance

noun the quality of being arrogant: the arrogance of this man is astounding. arrogant:adjective having or revealing an exaggerated sense of one's own importance or abilities: he's arrogant and opinionated | a typically arrogant assumption.

frugality

noun the quality of being economical with money or food; thriftiness: he scorned the finer things in life and valued frugality and simplicity.

fanaticism

noun the quality of being fanatical: the dangers of religious fanaticism.

exuberance

noun the quality of being full of energy, excitement, and cheerfulness; ebullience: a sense of youthful exuberance. • the quality of growing profusely; luxuriance: houseplants growing with wild exuberance.

incoherence

noun the quality of being illogical, inconsistent, or unclear: difficult questions that expose the incoherence of their policy | the incoherences of the doctrine. • inability to speak intelligibly: she descended into stammering incoherence.

pomposity

noun the quality of being pompous; self-importance: his reputation for arrogance and pomposity.

reticence

noun the quality of being reticent; reserve: the traditional emotional reticence of the British.

credibility

noun the quality of being trusted and believed in: the government's loss of credibility. • the quality of being convincing or believable: the book's anecdotes have scant regard for credibility.

flexibility

noun the quality of bending easily without breaking: players gained improved flexibility in their ankles. • the ability to be easily modified: I enjoyed the flexibility of the schedule. • willingness to change or compromise: the government has shown flexibility in applying its policy.

geniality

noun the quality of having a friendly and cheerful manner; affability: he was endowed with geniality and good humor.

perspicacity

noun the quality of having a ready insight into things; shrewdness: the perspicacity of her remarks.

fluency

noun the quality or condition of being fluent, in particular: • the ability to speak or write a foreign language easily and accurately: fluency in Spanish is essential. • the ability to express oneself easily and articulately. • gracefulness and ease of movement or style: the horse was jumping with breathtaking fluency.

obstinacy

noun the quality or condition of being obstinate; stubbornness: his reputation for obstinacy.

preponderance

noun the quality or fact of being greater in number, quantity, or importance: the preponderance of women among older people | forests with a preponderance of Apache pine.

tranquility

noun the quality or state of being tranquil; calm: passing cars are the only noise that disturbs the tranquility of rural life.

high-fidelity

noun the reproduction of sound with little distortion, giving a result very similar to the original.

friction

noun the resistance that one surface or object encounters when moving over another: a lubrication system that reduces friction. • the action of one surface or object rubbing against another: the friction of braking. • conflict or animosity caused by a clash of wills, temperaments, or opinions: a considerable amount of friction between father and son.

comorbidity

noun the simultaneous presence of two chronic diseases or conditions in a patient: the comorbidity of anxiety and depression in Parkinson's disease.

servitude

noun the state of being a slave or completely subject to someone more powerful. • Law, archaic the subjection of property to an easement.

exile

noun the state of being barred from one's native country, typically for political or punitive reasons: he knew now that he would die in exile. • a person who lives away from their native country, either from choice or compulsion: the return of political exiles. • (the Exile) another term for Babylonian Captivity. verb [with object] (usually be exiled) expel and bar (someone) from their native country, typically for political or punitive reasons: a corrupt dictator who had been exiled from his country | he was exiled to Tasmania in 1849 | (as adjective exiled) : supporters of the exiled king.

congestion

noun the state of being congested: the new bridge should ease congestion in the area.

notoriety

noun the state of being famous or well known for some bad quality or deed: the song has gained some notoriety in the press | she has a certain notoriety.

preoccupation

noun the state or condition of being preoccupied or engrossed with something: his preoccupation with politics. • a subject or matter that engrosses someone: their main preoccupation was how to feed their families.

discomposure

noun the state or feeling of being disturbed or agitated; agitation: he made the admission without the slightest discomposure.

recidivism

noun the tendency of a convicted criminal to reoffend: the prison has succeeded in reducing recidivism.

folklore

noun the traditional beliefs, customs, and stories of a community, passed through the generations by word of mouth. • a body of popular myth and beliefs relating to a particular place, activity, or group of people: Hollywood folklore.

privatization

noun the transfer of a business, industry, or service from public to private ownership and control: the workers are opposing the privatization of the national rail company | [count noun] : the government launched a new round of privatizations | [as modifier] : the government's privatization plans. Privatization is the process of transferring an enterprise or industry from the public sector to the private sector. The public sector is the part of the economic system that is run by government agencies.A system of administration distinguished by its (1) clear hierarchy of authority, (2) rigid division of labor, (3) written and inflexible rules, regulations, and procedures, and (4) impersonal relationships. Once instituted, bureaucracies are difficult to dislodge or change.

equivocation

noun the use of ambiguous language to conceal the truth or to avoid committing oneself; prevarication: I say this without equivocation.

satire

noun the use of humor, irony, exaggeration, or ridicule to expose and criticize people's stupidity or vices, particularly in the context of contemporary politics and other topical issues. • a play, novel, film, or other work that uses satire: a stinging satire on American politics. • a genre of literature characterized by the use of satire. • (in Latin literature) a literary miscellany, especially a poem ridiculing prevalent vices or follies.

chicanery

noun the use of trickery to achieve a political, financial, or legal purpose: an underhanded person who schemes corruption and political chicanery behind closed doors.

face value

noun the value printed or depicted on a coin, banknote, postage stamp, ticket, etc., especially when less than the actual or intrinsic value. • the superficial appearance or implication of something: she felt the lie was unconvincing, but he seemed to take it at face value. to accept someone or something without considering whether they really are what they claim to be These threats should not be taken at face value.

oeuvre

noun the works of a painter, composer, or author regarded collectively: the complete oeuvre of Mozart. • a work of art, music, or literature: an early oeuvre.

partiality

noun unfair bias in favor of one thing or person compared with another; favoritism: an attack on the partiality of judges. • a particular liking or fondness for something: she spoke openly, not concealing her partiality for him.

verve

noun vigor and spirit or enthusiasm: Kollo sings with supreme verve and flexibility.

sacrilege

noun violation or misuse of what is regarded as sacred: putting ecclesiastical vestments to secular use was considered sacrilege.

mayhem

noun violent or damaging disorder; chaos: complete mayhem broke out. • Law, chiefly historical the crime of maliciously injuring or maiming someone, originally so as to render the victim defenseless.

turbulence

noun violent or unsteady movement of air or water, or of some other fluid: the plane shuddered as it entered some turbulence. • conflict; confusion: a time of political turbulence.

connivance

noun willingness to secretly allow or be involved in wrongdoing, especially an immoral or illegal act: this infringement of the law had taken place with the connivance of officials.

travail

noun (also travails) painful or laborious effort: advice for those who wish to save great sorrow and travail. • labor pains: a woman in travail. verb [no object] engage in painful or laborious effort. • (of a woman) be in labor.

minute

noun (minutes) a summarized record of the proceedings at a meeting. • an official memorandum authorizing or recommending a course of action. verb [with object] record or note (the proceedings of a meeting or a specified item among such proceedings): the Secretary shall minute the proceedings of each meeting. adjective (minutest) extremely small: a minute fraction of an inch. • so small as to verge on insignificance: he will have no more than a minute chance of exercising significant influence. • (of an inquiry or investigation, or an account of one) taking the smallest points into consideration; precise and meticulous: a minute examination of the islands.

allegory

noun (plural allegories) a story, poem, or picture that can be interpreted to reveal a hidden meaning, typically a moral or political one: Pilgrim's Progress is an allegory of the spiritual journey. • a symbol.

analogy

noun (plural analogies) a comparison between two things, typically for the purpose of explanation or clarification: an analogy between the workings of nature and those of human societies | he interprets logical functions by analogy with machines. • a correspondence or partial similarity: the syndrome is called deep dysgraphia because of its analogy to deep dyslexia. • a thing that is comparable to something else in significant respects: works of art were seen as an analogy for works of nature. .

anthology

noun (plural anthologies) a published collection of poems or other pieces of writing: an anthology of European poetry. • a published collection of songs or musical compositions issued in one album.

apex

noun (plural apexes or apices |ˈāpəˌsēz, ˈapə-| ) the top or highest part of something, especially one forming a point: the living room extends right up into the apex of the roof | figurative : the apex of his career was when he hoisted aloft the World Cup.

aristocracy

noun (plural aristocracies) [treated as singular] (or plural, usually the aristocracy) the highest class in certain societies, especially those holding hereditary titles or offices: the ancient Polish aristocracy had hereditary right to elect the king. • a form of government in which power is held by the nobility. • a state governed by the aristocracy. • a group regarded as privileged or superior in a particular sphere: high-level technocrats make up a large part of this "technical aristocracy."

austerity

noun (plural austerities) sternness or severity of manner or attitude: he was noted for his austerity and his authoritarianism. • extreme plainness and simplicity of style or appearance: the room was decorated with a restraint bordering on austerity. • (austerities) conditions characterized by severity, sternness, or asceticism: a simple life of prayer and personal austerity. • difficult economic conditions created by government measures to reduce a budget deficit, especially by reducing public expenditure: a period of austerity | [as modifier] : austerity measures.

capacity

noun (plural capacities) 1 [in singular] the maximum amount that something can contain: the capacity of the freezer is 1.1 cubic feet | the stadium's seating capacity | the room was filled to capacity. • [as modifier] fully occupying the available area or space: they played to a capacity crowd. • the amount that something can produce: the company aimed to double its electricity-generating capacity | when running at full capacity, the factory will employ 450 people. 2 the ability or power to do, experience, or understand something: I was impressed by her capacity for hard work | [with infinitive] : his capacity to inspire trust in others | their intellectual capacities. • [in singular] a person's legal competence: cases where a patient's testamentary capacity is in doubt. 3 [in singular] a specified role or position: I was engaged in a voluntary capacity | writing in his capacity as legal correspondent.

caucus

noun (plural caucuses) 1 (in some US states) a meeting at which local members of a political party register their preference among candidates running for office or select delegates to attend a convention: Hawaii holds its nominating caucuses next Tuesday | he stumbled through the Iowa caucuses and the New Hampshire primary. 2 a conference of members of a legislative body who belong to a particular party or faction: Mr. Kerry attended the morning caucus in the Old Senate Chamber where his fellow Democrats selected the new minority leadership. • the members of a legislative body who belong to a particular party or faction, considered as a group: he expected that 50 to 60 Republicans would join a united Democratic caucus in voting for a resolution condemning the idea. • an informal group composed of legislators who have shared concerns or interests: a member of the Congressional Black Caucus | the Knesset's Christian allies caucus. 3 a group within an organization or political party which meets independently to discuss strategy or tactics: up to fifty caucuses met daily on conference grounds to discuss lobbying strategies | he was forced out by a hard-left caucus which had taken over his constituency party. verb (caucuses, caucusing, caucused) [no object] chiefly US hold or form a legislative caucus: Republicans briefly caucused | there is one Independent who caucuses with the Democrats. - • (of a voter) attend an electoral caucus, especially on behalf of a particular candidate: more than half of those young people that caucused yesterday caucused for Barack Obama.

coup

noun (plural coups |ko͞oz| ) 1 (also coup d'état) a sudden, violent, and illegal seizure of power from a government: he was overthrown in an army coup. 2 a notable or successful stroke or move: it was a major coup to get such a prestigious contract. • an unusual or unexpected but successful tactic in card play. 3 a contusion caused by contact of the brain with the skull at the point of trauma. 4 historical (among North American Indians) an act of touching an armed enemy in battle as a deed of bravery, or an act of first touching an item of the enemy's in order to claim it.

dilettante

noun (plural dilettantanti |-ˈtäntē| or dilettantantes) a person who cultivates an area of interest, such as the arts, without real commitment or knowledge: [as modifier] : a dilettante approach to science. • archaic a person with an amateur interest in the arts.

diversity

noun (plural diversities) the state of being diverse; variety: there was considerable diversity in the style of the reports. • [usually in singular] a range of different things: newspapers were obliged to allow a diversity of views to be printed.

eccentricity

noun (plural eccentricities) 1 the quality of being eccentric. • (usually eccentricities) an eccentric act, habit, or thing: her eccentricities were amusing rather than irritating. 2 technical deviation of a curve or orbit from circularity. • a measure of the extent of a deviation of a curve or orbit: Halley's Comet has an eccentricity of about 0.9675.

ecstasy

noun (plural ecstasies) 1 an overwhelming feeling of great happiness or joyful excitement: there was a look of ecstasy on his face | they went into ecstasies over the view. 2 an emotional or religious frenzy or trancelike state, originally one involving an experience of mystic self-transcendence. 3 (Ecstasy) an amphetamine-based synthetic drug with euphoric and hallucinatory effects, originally promoted as an adjunct to psychotherapy.(abbreviation MDMA)

embargo

noun (plural embargoes) an official ban on trade or other commercial activity with a particular country: an embargo on grain sales | the oil embargo of 1973. • an official prohibition on any activity. • historical an order of a state forbidding foreign ships to enter, or any ships to leave, its ports. verb (embargoes, embargoing, embargoed) [with object] 1 (usually be embargoed) impose an official ban on (trade or a country or commodity): the country has been virtually embargoed by most of the noncommunist world. • officially ban the publication of: documents of national security importance are routinely embargoed.

embroidery

noun (plural embroideries) 1 the art or pastime of embroidering cloth.embroidery stitches embroidery stitches • cloth decorated with embroidery. 2 embellishment or exaggeration in the description or reporting of an event: fanciful embroidery of the facts. embroider:verb [with object] 1 decorate (cloth) by sewing patterns on it with thread: she had already embroidered a dozen little nighties for the babies | (as adjective embroidered) : an embroidered handkerchief | [no object] : she was teaching one of the girls how to embroider. • produce (a design) on cloth with thread: (as adjective embroidered) : a chunky knit sweater with embroidered flowers. 2 add fictitious or exaggerated details to (an account) to make it more interesting: she embroidered her stories with colorful detail.

facility

noun (plural facilities) 1 a place, amenity, or piece of equipment provided for a particular purpose: cooking facilities | facilities for picnicking, camping, and hiking | a manufacturing facility. • (the facilities) a public restroom. • an option or service that gives the opportunity to do or benefit from something: the program includes a help facility and interactive windows. 2 [usually in singular] an ability to do or learn something well and easily; a natural aptitude: he had a facility for languages. • absence of difficulty or effort: the pianist played with great facility.

fancy

noun (plural fancies) 1 a feeling of liking or attraction, typically one that is superficial or transient: this does not mean that the law should change with every passing fancy. 2 the faculty of imagination: my research assistant is prone to flights of fancy. • a thing that one supposes or imagines, typically an unfounded or tentative belief or idea; notion or whim: scientific fads and fancies. 3 (in sixteenth and seventeenth century music) a composition for keyboard or strings in free or variation form. adjective (fancier, fanciest) 1 elaborate in structure or decoration: the furniture was very fancy | a fancy computerized system. • designed to impress: converted fishing boats with fancy new names. • chiefly North American (especially of foodstuffs) of high quality: fancy molasses. • (of flowers) of two or more colors. • (of an animal) bred to develop particular points of appearance: fancy goldfish. 2 archaic (of a drawing, painting, or sculpture) created from the imagination rather than from life. verb (fancies, fancying, fancied) [with object] 1 feel a desire or liking for: do you fancy a drink? • find sexually attractive: he saw a woman he fancied. • (fancy oneself) informal have an unduly high opinion of oneself, or of one's ability in a particular area: he fancied himself an amateur psychologist. 2 [with clause] imagine; think: he fancied he could smell the perfume of roses. • [in imperative] used to express one's surprise at something: fancy meeting all those television actors! as (or when or where) the fancy takes one according to one's inclination: I shall go where the fancy takes me. take (or catch) someone's fancy appeal to someone: she'll grab any toy that takes her fancy. take a fancy to become fond of, especially without an obvious reason.

farrago

noun (plural farragoes) a confused mixture: a farrago of fact and myth about Abraham Lincoln.

felicity

noun (plural felicities) 1 intense happiness: domestic felicity. 2 the ability to find appropriate expression for one's thoughts: speech that pleased by its accuracy, felicity, and fluency. • a particularly effective feature of a work of literature or art: the King James version, thanks to its felicities of language, ruled supreme.

ferocity

noun (plural ferocities) the state or quality of being ferocious: the ferocity of the storm caught them by surprise.

flattery

noun (plural flatteries) excessive and insincere praise, especially that given to further one's own interests: his healthy distrust of courtiers' flattery.

forum

noun (plural forums) 1 a place, meeting, or medium where ideas and views on a particular issue can be exchanged: it will be a forum for consumers to exchange their views on medical research. • an Internet site where users can post comments about a particular issue or topic and reply to other users' postings. 2 chiefly North American a court or tribunal. 3 (plural fora |ˈfôrə| ) (in an ancient Roman city) a public square or marketplace used for judicial and other business.

gypsy

noun (plural gypsies) 1 (usually Gypsy) a member of a traveling people traditionally living by itinerant trade and fortune telling. Gypsies speak a language (Romany) that is related to Hindi and are believed to have originated in South Asia. • the language of the gypsies; Romany. 2 a nomadic or free-spirited person. adjective (of a business or business person) nonunion or unlicensed: gypsy trucking firms.

illegality

noun (plural illegalities) the state of being contrary to or forbidden by law, especially criminal law: proceedings will be required to establish the illegality of the act. • an illegal act or practice: you don't want to be suspected of any illegalities.

impiety

noun (plural impieties) lack of piety or reverence, especially for a god: he blamed the fall of the city on the impiety of the people | one impiety will cost me my eternity in Paradise.

inconsistency

noun (plural inconsistencies) the fact or state of being inconsistent: inconsistency between his expressed attitudes and his actual behavior. • an inconsistent element or an instance of being inconsistent: the single glaring inconsistency in the argument.

industry

noun (plural industries) 1 economic activity concerned with the processing of raw materials and manufacture of goods in factories: the competitiveness of American industry. • [with adjective or noun modifier] a particular form or branch of economic or commercial activity: the car industry | the tourist industry. • [with adjective or noun modifier] informal an activity or domain in which a great deal of time or effort is expended: the Shakespeare industry. 2 hard work: the kitchen became a hive of industry.

intimacy

noun (plural intimacies) close familiarity or friendship; closeness: the intimacy between a husband and wife. • a private cozy atmosphere: the room had a peaceful sense of intimacy about it. • an intimate act, especially sexual intercourse. • an intimate remark: here she was sitting swapping intimacies with a stranger. • [in singular] closeness of observation or knowledge of a subject: he acquired an intimacy with Swahili literature.

jollity

noun (plural jollities) lively and cheerful activity or celebration: a night of riotous jollity. • the quality of being cheerful: he was full of false jollity.

layman

noun (plural laymen) 1 a nonordained member of a church. 2 a person without professional or specialized knowledge in a particular subject: the book seems well suited to the interested layman.

legality

noun (plural legalities) the quality or state of being in accordance with the law: documentation testifying to the legality of the arms sale. • (legalities) obligations imposed by law.

libido

noun (plural libidos) sexual desire: loss of libido | a deficient libido. • Psychoanalysis the energy of the sexual drive as a component of the life instinct.

liturgy

noun (plural liturgies) 1 a form or formulary according to which public religious worship, especially Christian worship, is conducted. • a religious service conducted according to a liturgy. 2 (in ancient Athens) a public office or duty performed voluntarily by a rich Athenian.

lobby

noun (plural lobbies) 1 a room providing a space out of which one or more other rooms or corridors lead, typically one near the entrance of a public building. 2 a group of people seeking to influence politicians or public officials on a particular issue: members of the anti-abortion lobby | [as modifier] : lobby groups. • [in singular] an organized attempt by members of the public to influence politicians or public officials: a recent lobby of Congress by retirees. verb (lobbies, lobbying, lobbied) [with object] seek to influence (a politician or public official) on an issue: it is recommending that booksellers lobby their representatives | [no object] : a group lobbying for better rail services.

locus

noun (plural loci |ˈlōˌsī, -ˌsē, -ˌkē, -ˌkī| ) 1 technical a particular position, point, or place: it is impossible to specify the exact locus in the brain of these neural events. • the effective or perceived location of something abstract: the real locus of power is the informal council. • Genetics the position of a gene or mutation on a chromosome.

matrix

noun (plural matrices |ˈmātrisēz| or matrixes) 1 an environment or material in which something develops; a surrounding medium or structure: free choices become the matrix of human life. • a mass of fine-grained rock in which gems, crystals, or fossils are embedded. • Biology the substance between cells or in which structures are embedded. • fine material: the matrix of gravel paths is raked regularly. 2 a mold in which something, such as printing type or a phonograph record, is cast or shaped. • an organizational structure in which two or more lines of command, responsibility, or communication may run through the same individual.

medium

noun (plural media |-dēə| or mediums) 1 an agency or means of doing something: using the latest technology as a medium for job creation | their primitive valuables acted as a medium of exchange. • a means by which something is communicated or expressed: here the Welsh language is the medium of instruction. 2 the intervening substance through which impressions are conveyed to the senses or a force acts on objects at a distance: radio communication needs no physical medium between the two stations | the medium between the cylinders is a vacuum. • the substance in which an organism lives or is cultured: grow bacteria in a nutrient-rich medium. 4 a liquid (e.g., oil or water) with which pigments are mixed to make paint. • the material or form used by an artist, composer, or writer: oil paint is the most popular medium for glazing. 5 (plural mediums) a person claiming to be in contact with the spirits of the dead and to communicate between the dead and the living. 6 the middle quality or state between two extremes; a reasonable balance: you have to strike a happy medium between looking like royalty and looking like a housewife.

meritocracy

noun (plural meritocracies) government or the holding of power by people selected on the basis of their ability. • a society governed by meritocracy. • a ruling or influential class of educated or skilled people.

metamorphosis

noun (plural metamorphoses |-fəˌsēz| ) Zoology (in an insect or amphibian) the process of transformation from an immature form to an adult form in two or more distinct stages. • a change of the form or nature of a thing or person into a completely different one, by natural or supernatural means: his metamorphosis from presidential candidate to talk-show host.

miscellany

noun (plural miscellanies) a group or collection of different items; a mixture: Talkeetna was a random miscellany of log cabins. • a book containing a collection of pieces of writing by different authors.

monopoly

noun (plural monopolies) 1 the exclusive possession or control of the supply or trade in a commodity or service: his likely motive was to protect his regional monopoly on furs. • [usually with negative] the exclusive possession, control, or exercise of something: men don't have a monopoly on unrequited love. • a company or group having exclusive control over a commodity or service: areas where cable companies operate as monopolies. • a commodity or service in the exclusive control of a company of group: electricity, gas, and water were considered to be natural monopolies.

moratorium

noun (plural moratoriums or moratoria |-ˈtôrēə| ) a temporary prohibition of an activity: an indefinite moratorium on the use of drift nets. • Law a legal authorization to debtors to postpone payment.

morphology

noun (plural morphologies) the study of the forms of things, in particular: • Biology the branch of biology that deals with the form of living organisms, and with relationships between their structures. • Linguistics the study of the forms of words.

multiplicity

noun (plural multiplicities) a large number: his climbing record lists a multiplicity of ascents. • a large variety: the rainforests and the multiplicity of species that they harbor.

nemesis

noun (plural nemeses |-ˌsēz| ) the inescapable agent of someone's or something's downfall: the balance beam was the team's nemesis, as two gymnasts fell from the apparatus. • a long-standing rival; an archenemy: will Harry Potter finally defeat his nemesis, Voldemort? • a downfall caused by an inescapable agent: one risks nemesis by uttering such words. • (often Nemesis) retributive justice: nemesis is notoriously slow.

novelty

noun (plural novelties) 1 the quality of being new, original, or unusual: the novelty of being a married woman wore off. • a new or unfamiliar thing or experience: in 1914 air travel was still a novelty. • [as modifier] denoting something intended to be amusing as a result of its new or unusual quality: a novelty teapot. 2 a small and inexpensive toy or ornament: he bought chocolate novelties to decorate the Christmas tree.

oligarchy

noun (plural oligarchies) a small group of people having control of a country, organization, or institution: the ruling oligarchy of military men around the president. • a country governed by an oligarchy: the English aristocratic oligarchy of the 19th century. • government by oligarchy.

opus

noun (plural opuses or opera |ˈäp(ə)rə| ) 1 Music a separate composition or set of compositions by a particular composer, usually ordered by date of publication: The Gambler was Prokofiev's sixth opera, despite its early opus number. See also Op. 2 any artistic work, especially one on a large scale: he was writing an opus on Mexico.

orthodoxy

noun (plural orthodoxies) 1 authorized or generally accepted theory, doctrine, or practice: monetarist orthodoxy | he challenged many of the established orthodoxies. • the quality of conforming to orthodox theories, doctrines, or practices: writings of unimpeachable orthodoxy. 2 the whole community of Orthodox Jews or Orthodox Christians.

parody

noun (plural parodies) an imitation of the style of a particular writer, artist, or genre with deliberate exaggeration for comic effect: the movie is a parody of the horror genre | his provocative use of parody. • an imitation or a version of something that falls far short of the real thing; a travesty: he seems like a parody of an educated Englishman. verb (parodies, parodying, parodied) [with object] produce a humorously exaggerated imitation of (a writer, artist, or genre): his specialty was parodying schoolgirl fiction. • mimic humorously: he parodied his friend's voice.

pedagogy

noun (plural pedagogies) the method and practice of teaching, especially as an academic subject or theoretical concept: the relationship between applied linguistics and language pedagogy | subject-based pedagogies.

pity

noun (plural pities) 1 the feeling of sorrow and compassion caused by the suffering and misfortunes of others: her voice was full of pity. 2 [in singular] a cause for regret or disappointment: what a pity we can't be friends. verb (pities, pitying, pitied) [with object] feel sorrow for the misfortunes of: Clare didn't know whether to envy or pity them | (as adjective pitying) : he gave her a pitying look. PHRASES for pity's sake informal used to express impatience or make an urgent appeal. more's the pity informal used to express regret about a fact that has just been stated. take (or have) pity show compassion: they took pity on him and gave him food.

prognosis

noun (plural prognoses |-ˌsēz| ) the likely course of a disease or ailment: the disease has a poor prognosis. • a forecast of the likely course of a disease or ailment: it is very difficult to make an accurate prognosis. • a forecast of the likely outcome of a situation: gloomy prognoses about overpopulation.

purgatory

noun (plural purgatories) (in Roman Catholic doctrine) a place or state of suffering inhabited by the souls of sinners who are expiating their sins before going to heaven. • mental anguish or suffering: this was purgatory, worse than anything she'd faced in her life. adjective archaic having the quality of cleansing or purifying: infernal punishments are purgatory and medicinal.

quandary

noun (plural quandaries) a state of perplexity or uncertainty over what to do in a difficult situation: Kate is in a quandary. • a difficult situation; a practical dilemma: a legal quandary.

quarry

noun (plural quarries) an animal pursued by a hunter, hound, predatory mammal, or bird of prey. • a thing or person that is chased or sought: the security police crossed the border in pursuit of their quarry. noun (plural quarries) a place, typically a large, deep pit, from which stone or other materials are or have been extracted. verb (quarries, quarrying, quarried) [with object] extract (stone or other materials) from a quarry. • cut into (rock or ground) to obtain stone or other materials.

query

noun (plural queries) a question, especially one addressed to an official or organization: a spokeswoman said queries could not be answered until Monday. • used in writing or speaking to question the accuracy of a following statement or to introduce a question. • chiefly Printing a question mark. verb (queries, querying, queried) [reporting verb] ask a question about something, especially in order to express one's doubts about it or to check its validity or accuracy: [with clause] : many people queried whether any harm had been done | [with object] : he queried the medical database | [with direct speech] : "Why not?" he queried. • [with object] chiefly North American put a question or questions to (someone): when these officers were queried, they felt unhappy.

quorum

noun (plural quorums) the minimum number of members of an assembly or society that must be present at any of its meetings to make the proceedings of that meeting valid.

referendum

noun (plural referendums or referenda |-də| ) a general vote by the electorate on a single political question that has been referred to them for a direct decision.

remedy

noun (plural remedies) 1 a medicine or treatment for a disease or injury: herbal remedies for aches and pains. • a means of counteracting or eliminating something undesirable: shopping became a remedy for personal problems. • a means of legal reparation: the doctrine took away their only remedy against merchants who refused to honor their contracts. 2 the margin within which coins as minted may differ from the standard fineness and weight. verb (remedies, remedying, remedied) [with object] set right (an undesirable situation): by the time a problem becomes patently obvious, it may be almost too late to remedy it.

précis

noun (plural same |prāˈsēzˈprāsēz| ) a summary or abstract of a text or speech. verb (précises |prāˈsēz, ˈprāsēz| , précised, précising) [with object] make a précis of (a text or speech).

bourgeois

noun (plural same) a bourgeois person: a self-confessed and proud bourgeois. adjective of or characteristic of the middle class, typically with reference to its perceived materialistic values or conventional attitudes: a rich, bored, bourgeois family | these views will shock the bourgeois critics. • (in Marxist contexts) upholding the interests of capitalism; not communist: bourgeois society took for granted the sanctity of property.

sensibility

noun (plural sensibilities) the ability to appreciate and respond to complex emotional or aesthetic influences; sensitivity: the study of literature leads to a growth of intelligence and sensibility. • (sensibilities) a person's delicate sensitivity that makes them readily offended or shocked: the scale of the poverty revealed by the survey shocked people's sensibilities.

serenity

noun (plural serenities) the state of being calm, peaceful, and untroubled: an oasis of serenity amidst the bustling city. • (His/Your, etc., Serenity) a title given to a reigning prince or similar dignitary.

soliloquy

noun (plural soliloquies) an act of speaking one's thoughts aloud when by oneself or regardless of any hearers, especially by a character in a play. • a part of a play involving a soliloquy.

sophistry

noun (plural sophistries) the use of fallacious arguments, especially with the intention of deceiving. • a fallacious argument.

sovereignty

noun (plural sovereignties) supreme power or authority: how can we hope to wrest sovereignty away from the oligarchy and back to the people? • the authority of a state to govern itself or another state: national sovereignty. • a self-governing state.

spectrum

noun (plural spectra |-trə| or spectrums) 1 a band of colors, as seen in a rainbow, produced by separation of the components of light by their different degrees of refraction according to wavelength. • (the spectrum) the entire range of wavelengths of electromagnetic radiation. • an image or distribution of components of any electromagnetic radiation arranged in a progressive series according to wavelength. • an image or distribution of components of sound, particles, etc., arranged according to such characteristics as frequency, charge, and energy. 2 used to classify something, or suggest that it can be classified, in terms of its position on a scale between two extreme or opposite points: the left or the right of the political spectrum. • a wide range: self-help books are covering a broader and broader spectrum.

standby

noun (plural standbys) readiness for duty or immediate deployment: buses were placed on standby for the trip to Washington. • the state of waiting to secure an unreserved place for a journey or performance, allocated on the basis of earliest availability: passengers were obliged to go on standby. • a person waiting to secure a place on standby. • a person or thing ready to be deployed immediately, especially if needed as backup in an emergency: a generator was kept as a standby in case of power failure | [as modifier] : a standby rescue vessel.

subsidy

noun (plural subsidies) 1 a sum of money granted by the government or a public body to assist an industry or business so that the price of a commodity or service may remain low or competitive: a farm subsidy | they disdain government subsidy. • a sum of money granted to support an arts organization or other undertaking held to be in the public interest. • a grant or contribution of money. 2 historical a parliamentary grant to the sovereign for state needs. • a tax levied on a particular occasion.

synthesis

noun (plural syntheses |-ˌsēz| ) combination or composition, in particular: • the combination of ideas to form a theory or system: the synthesis of intellect and emotion in his work | the ideology represented a synthesis of certain ideas. Often contrasted with analysis. • the production of chemical compounds by reaction from simpler materials: the synthesis of methanol from carbon monoxide and hydrogen.

tautology

noun (plural tautologies) the saying of the same thing twice in different words, generally considered to be a fault of style (e.g., they arrived one after the other in succession). • a phrase or expression in which the same thing is said twice in different words. • Logic a statement that is true by necessity or by virtue of its logical form.

theocracy

noun (plural theocracies) a system of government in which priests rule in the name of God or a god. • (the Theocracy) the commonwealth of Israel from the time of Moses until the election of Saul as King.

theory

noun (plural theories) a supposition or a system of ideas intended to explain something, especially one based on general principles independent of the thing to be explained: Darwin's theory of evolution. • a set of principles on which the practice of an activity is based: a theory of education | music theory. • an idea used to account for a situation or justify a course of action: my theory would be that the place has been seriously mismanaged. • Mathematics a collection of propositions to illustrate the principles of a subject. PHRASES in theory used in describing what is supposed to happen or be possible, usually with the implication that it does not in fact happen: in theory, things can only get better; in practice, they may well become a lot worse.

thesis

noun (plural theses |-sēz| ) 1 a statement or theory that is put forward as a premise to be maintained or proved: his central thesis is that psychological life is not part of the material world. • (in Hegelian philosophy) a proposition forming the first stage in the process of dialectical reasoning. Compare with antithesis, synthesis. 2 a long essay or dissertation involving personal research, written by a candidate for a college degree: a doctoral thesis.

travesty

noun (plural travesties) a false, absurd, or distorted representation of something: the absurdly lenient sentence is a travesty of justice. verb (travesties, travestying, travestied) [with object] represent in a false or distorted way: Michael has betrayed the family by travestying them in his plays.

uniformity

noun (plural uniformities) the quality or state of being uniform: an attempt to impose administrative and cultural uniformity. uniform : adjective 1 not changing in form or character; remaining the same in all cases and at all times: blocks of stone of uniform size | the decline in fertility was not uniform across social classes. • of a similar form or character to another or others: a uniform package of amenities at a choice of hotels.

verity

noun (plural verities) a true principle or belief, especially one of fundamental importance: the eternal verities. • truth: irrefutable, objective verity.

warranty

noun (plural warranties) a written guarantee, issued to the purchaser of an article by its manufacturer, promising to repair or replace it if necessary within a specified period of time: the car comes with a three-year warranty | as your machine is under warranty, I suggest getting it checked. • (in contract law) a term or promise in a contract, breach of which entitles the innocent party to damages but not to treat the contract as discharged by breach. • [usually with negative] archaic justification or grounds for an action or belief: you have no warranty for such an audacious doctrine.

gamut

noun (the gamut) 1 the complete range or scope of something: the whole gamut of human emotion. 2 Music a complete scale of musical notes; the compass or range of a voice or instrument. run the gamut experience, display, or perform the complete range of something: wines that run the gamut from dry to sweet.

onus

noun (usually as the onus) used to refer to something that is one's duty or responsibility: the onus is on you to show that you have suffered loss.

misgiving

noun (usually misgivings) a feeling of doubt or apprehension about the outcome or consequences of something: we have misgivings about the way the campaign is being run | I felt a sense of misgiving at the prospect of retirement. misgive |misˈɡiv| verb (past misgave; past participle misgiven) [with object] literary (of a person's mind or heart) fill (that person) with doubt, apprehension, or foreboding: my heart misgave me when I saw him.

heyday

noun (usually one's heyday) the period of a person's or thing's greatest success, popularity, or vigor: the paper has lost millions of readers since its heyday in 1964.

recrimination

noun (usually recriminations) an accusation in response to one from someone else: there are no tears, no recriminations | there was a period of bitter recrimination.

seaside

noun (usually the seaside) a place by the sea, especially a beach area or vacation resort.

status quo

noun (usually the status quo) the existing state of affairs, especially regarding social or political issues: they have a vested interest in maintaining the status quo.

vicissitude

noun (usually vicissitudes) a change of circumstances or fortune, typically one that is unwelcome or unpleasant: her husband's sharp vicissitudes of fortune. • literary alternation between opposite or contrasting things: the vicissitude of the seasons.

gist

noun [in singular] 1 the substance or essence of a speech or text: she noted the gist of each message. 2 Law the real point of an action: damage is the gist of the action and without it the plaintiff must fail.

mishmash

noun [in singular] a confused mixture: a mishmash of outmoded ideas.

yen

noun [in singular] a longing or yearning: [with infinitive] : she always had a yen to be a writer. verb (yens, yenning, yenned) [no object] feel a longing or yearning: it's no use yenning for the old simplicities.

din

noun [in singular] a loud, unpleasant, and prolonged noise: the fans made an awful din. verb (dins, dinning, dinned) 1 [with object] (din something into) make (someone) learn or remember something by constant repetition: the doctrine that has been dinned into all our heads. 2 [no object] make a loud, unpleasant, and prolonged noise: the sound dinning in my ears was the telephone ringing.

disinclination

noun [in singular] a reluctance or lack of enthusiasm: Lucy felt a strong disinclination to talk about her engagement.

modicum

noun [in singular] a small quantity of a particular thing, especially something considered desirable or valuable: his statement had more than a modicum of truth.

recourse

noun [in singular] a source of help in a difficult situation: surgery may be the only recourse. • (recourse to) the use of someone or something as a source of help in a difficult situation: a means of solving disputes without recourse to courts of law | all three countries had recourse to the IMF for standby loans. • the legal right to demand compensation or payment: the bank has recourse against the exporter for losses incurred.

furor

noun [in singular] an outbreak of public anger or excitement: the article raised a furor among mathematicians. • archaic a wave of enthusiastic admiration; a craze.

inception

noun [in singular] the establishment or starting point of an institution or activity: she has been on the board since its inception two years ago.

upshot

noun [in singular] the final or eventual outcome or conclusion of a discussion, action, or series of events: the upshot of the meeting was that he was on the next plane to New York.

institute

noun [usually in names] 1 a society or organization having a particular object or common factor, especially a scientific, educational, or social one: the Institute for Advanced Studies | a research institute. 2 (usually institutes) archaic a commentary, treatise, or summary of principles, especially concerning law. verb [with object] 1 set in motion or establish (something, especially a program, system, or inquiry): the Illinois Department of Conservation instituted a hunt to remove deer | the award was instituted in 1900. • begin (legal proceedings) in a court. 2 appoint (someone) to a position, especially as a cleric: his sons were instituted to his benefice in 1986 | [with complement] : a testator who has instituted his daughter heir.

tumult

noun [usually in singular] a loud, confused noise, especially one caused by a large mass of people: a tumult of shouting and screaming broke out. • confusion or disorder: the whole neighborhood was in a state of fear and tumult | figurative : his personal tumult ended when he began writing songs.

consensus

noun [usually in singular] general agreement: a consensus of opinion among judges | [as modifier] : a consensus view.

vogue

noun [usually in singular] the prevailing fashion or style at a particular time: the vogue is to make realistic films. • general acceptance or favor; popularity: the 1920s and 30s, when art deco was much in vogue. adjective [attributive] popular; fashionable: "citizenship" was to be the government's vogue word. verb (vogues, vogueing or voguing, vogued) [no object] dance to music in such a way as to imitate the characteristic poses struck by a model on a catwalk.[1980s: from the name of the fashion magazine Vogue.]

wherewithal

noun [usually with infinitive] (the wherewithal) the money or other means needed for a particular purpose: they lacked the wherewithal to pay.

damsel

noun archaic or literary a young unmarried woman. PHRASES damsel in distress often humorous a young woman in trouble (with the implication that the woman needs to be rescued, as by a prince in a fairy tale).

realm

noun archaic, literary, or Law a kingdom: the peers of the realm | the defense of the realm. • a field or domain of activity or interest: the realm of applied chemistry. • Zoology a primary biogeographical division of the earth's surface.

malefactor

noun formal a person who commits a crime or some other wrong.

desuetude

noun formal a state of disuse: the docks fell into desuetude.

approbation

noun formal approval or praise: the opera met with high approbation.

decoy

noun |ˈdēˌkoi| 1 a bird or mammal, or an imitation of one, used by hunters to attract other birds or mammals: [as modifier] : a decoy duck. • a person or thing used to mislead or lure an animal or person into a trap: we need a decoy to distract their attention. 2 a pond from which narrow netted channels lead, into which wild ducks may be enticed for capture. verb |dəˈkoi| [with object] lure or entice (a person or animal) away from an intended course, typically into a trap: they would try to decoy the enemy toward the hidden group.

upturn

noun |ˈəpˌtərn| an improvement or upward trend, especially in economic conditions or someone's fortunes: an upturn in the economy.

ratchet

noun: 2 a situation or process that is perceived to be deteriorating or changing steadily in a series of irreversible steps: a one-way ratchet of expanding entitlements. verb (ratchets, ratcheting, ratcheted) [with object] 1 operate by means of a ratchet. 2 (ratchet something up/down) cause something to rise (or fall) as a step in what is perceived as a steady and irreversible process: the Bank of Japan ratcheted up interest rates again.

foil

noun: 2 a person or thing that contrasts with and so emphasizes and enhances the qualities of another: the earthy taste of grilled vegetables is a perfect foil for the tart bite of creamy goat cheese. verb [with object] prevent (something considered wrong or undesirable) from succeeding: a brave policewoman foiled the armed robbery. • frustrate the efforts or plans of: Errol Flynn was a dashing Mountie foiling Nazi agents in Canada.

hyperplasia

nounMedicine & Biology the enlargement of an organ or tissue caused by an increase in the reproduction rate of its cells, often as an initial stage in the development of cancer.

inductance

nounPhysics the property of an electric conductor or circuit that causes an electromotive force to be generated by a change in the current flowing: the inductance of the winding | an inductance of 40 mH. • a component with the property of inductance.

amphibian

nounZoology a cold-blooded vertebrate animal of a class that comprises the frogs, toads, newts, and salamanders. They are distinguished by having an aquatic gill-breathing larval stage followed (typically) by a terrestrial lung-breathing adult stage. adjectiveZoology relating to amphibians: reptile and amphibian biology.

alimony

nounchiefly North American a husband's or wife's court-ordered provision for a spouse after separation or divorce.

suffragist

nounchiefly historical a person advocating the extension of suffrage, especially to women.

aperture

nounchiefly technical an opening, hole, or gap: the bell ropes passed through apertures in the ceiling. • a space through which light passes in an optical or photographic instrument, especially the variable opening by which light enters a camera.

hatchet job

nouninformal a fierce attack on someone or their work, especially in print. "the author's attempted hatchet job on the judge was totally unjustified and irresponsible"

wove

past of weave verb (past wove |wōv| ; past participle woven |ˈwōvən| or wove) [with object] form (fabric or a fabric item) by interlacing long threads passing in one direction with others at a right angle to them: linen was woven in the district. • form (thread) into fabric by interlacing: some thick mohairs can be difficult to weave. • [no object] (usually as noun weaving) make fabric by interlacing threads on a loom: cotton spinning and weaving was done in mills. • make (a complex story or pattern) from a number of interconnected elements: he weaves colorful, cinematic plots. • (weave something into) include an element in (such a story or pattern): flashbacks are woven into the narrative. noun 1 [usually with adjective] a particular style or manner in which something is woven: scarlet cloth of a very fine weave.

identity politics

pl.noun [treated as singular or plural] a tendency for people of a particular religion, race, social background, etc., to form exclusive political alliances, moving away from traditional broad-based party politics. The act of believing that disagreeing with someone on certain ideologies equates to them disapproving a particular identity such as one's race, sex, sexuality, religion, etc. rather than the ideology itself. Instead of focusing on the logical aspect of an idea or opinion, identity politics instead believes that a particular identity is opposing all people who belong to a particular identity. Examples of identity politics include: (1) Black people believing that cops specifically target them because of the color of their skin (2) Feminists believing that men judge and treat them poorly solely based on their gender (3) Women voting for Hillary Clinton because the US needs its first woman president ASAP to empower women (4) People believing Trump's voters hate all women, Muslims, and Mexicans by supporting his platform (5) People assuming if you are a white male, your political ideology is trying to push white supremacy

apropos

preposition with reference to; concerning: she remarked apropos of the initiative, "It's not going to stop the abuse." adverb [sentence adverb] (apropos of nothing) used to state a speaker's belief that someone's comments or acts are unrelated to any previous discussion or situation: Isabel kept smiling apropos of nothing. adjective [predicative] very appropriate to a particular situation: the composer's reference to child's play is apropos.

assume epidemic proportion

reach epidemic etc proportions Alcohol abuse has reached epidemic proportions in this country. grow to enormous etc proportions The fish grows to gigantic proportions. assume epidemic etc proportions formal (=become or seem very great) Unless you deal with it quickly, the damage may assume serious proportions. reduce something to manageable etc proportions The disease had been reduced to negligible proportions by vaccination.

seismic

relating to earthquakes or other vibrations of the earth and its crust. • relating to or denoting geological surveying methods involving vibrations produced artificially by explosions. • of enormous proportions or effect: there are seismic pressures threatening American society.

self-revealing

self-revealing adjective revealing one's character or motives, especially inadvertently: his most intimate and self-revealing book. DERIVATIVES self-revelation noun. self-revelatory adjective

disgraceful

shockingly unacceptable

internalize

to accept an idea, attitude, belief, etc., so that it becomes PART OF YOUR CHARACTER He had not expected the people so readily to internalize the values of democracy. ​ If you internalize your emotions or feelings, you do not express them openly: He usually internalized his anger, rather than expressing it to anyone. verb [with object] 1 Psychology make (attitudes or behavior) part of one's nature by learning or unconscious assimilation. • acquire knowledge of (the rules of a language). basically in YOURSELF like internalized oppression is to Definition of internalize. internalized; internalizing. transitive verb. :to give a subjective character to; specifically :to incorporate (values, patterns of culture, etc.) within the self as conscious or subconscious guiding principles through learning or socialization.

broach

tr.v. broached, broach·ing, broach·es 1. a. To bring up (a subject) for discussion or debate. b. To announce: We broached our plans for the new year. 2. To pierce in order to draw off liquid: broach a keg of beer. 3. To draw off (a liquid) by piercing a hole in a cask or other container. 4. To shape or enlarge (a hole) with a tapered, serrated tool.

disband

verb (of an organized group) break up or cause to break up and stop functioning.

flush

verb 1 [no object] (of a person's skin or face) become red and hot, typically as the result of illness or strong emotion: Mr. Cunningham flushed angrily. • [with object] cause (a person's skin or face) to become red and hot: the chill air flushed the parson's cheeks. • glow or cause to glow with warm color or light: [no object] : the ash in the center of the fire flushed up | [with object] : the sky was flushed with the gold of dawn. • cause (a liquid) to flow through something: 0.3 ml of saline is gently flushed through the tube. • cause to be revealed; force into the open: they're trying to flush Tilton out of hiding. noun 1 a reddening of the face or skin that is typically caused by illness or strong emotion: a flush of embarrassment rose to her cheeks. • an area of warm color or light: the bird has a pinkish flush on the breast. 2 [in singular] a sudden rush of intense emotion: I was carried away in a flush of enthusiasm. • a sudden abundance or spate of something: the frogs feast on the great flush of insects. • a period when something is new or particularly fresh and vigorous: he is no longer in the first flush of youth. • a fresh growth of leaves, flowers, or fruit. • a sudden flow: the melting snow provides a flush of water. adjective 1 completely level or even with another surface: the gates are flush with the adjoining fencing. • (of printed text) not indented or protruding: each line is flush with the left-hand margin. • (of a door) having a smooth surface, without indented or protruding panels or moldings. 2 [predicative] informal having plenty of something, especially money: the banks are flush with funds. • (of money) plentiful: the years when cash was flush. adverb so as to be level or even: the screw must fit flush with the surface. • so as to be directly centered; squarely: Jumbo reached up and hit Bruno flush on the jaw.

temporize

verb 1 [no object] avoid making a decision or committing oneself in order to gain time: the opportunity was missed because the mayor still temporized. 2 temporarily adopt a particular course in order to conform to the circumstances: their unwillingness to temporize had driven their country straight into conflict with France.

grapple

verb 1 [no object] engage in a close fight or struggle without weapons; wrestle: passersby grappled with the man after the knife attack. • [with object] seize hold of (someone). • (grapple with) struggle with or work hard to deal with or overcome (a difficulty or challenge): other towns are still grappling with the problem. noun an act of grappling. • informal a wrestling match. • an instrument for catching hold of or seizing something; a grappling hook.

advance

verb 1 [no object] move forward, typically in a purposeful way: the troops advanced on the capital | she stood up and advanced toward him. • make or cause to make progress: our knowledge is advancing all the time | [with object] : it was a chance to advance his own interests. • [with object] cause (an event) to occur at an earlier date than planned: I advanced the date of the meeting by several weeks. • [with object] put forward (a theory or suggestion): the hypothesis I wish to advance in this article. • (especially of shares of stock) increase in price: two stocks advanced for every one that fell. 2 [with two objects] lend (money) to (someone): the bank advanced them a loan. • pay (money) to (someone) before it is due: he advanced me a month's salary. noun 1 a forward movement: the rebels' advance on Madrid was well under way | figurative : the advance of civilization. • a development or improvement: genuine advances in engineering techniques | decades of great scientific advance. • an increase or rise in amount, value, or price: bond prices posted vigorous advances. 2 an amount of money paid before it is due or for work only partly completed: the author was paid a $250,000 advance | I asked for an advance on next month's salary. • a loan: an advance from the bank. 3 (usually advances) an approach made to someone, typically with the aim of initiating a sexual encounter: women accused him of making improper advances. adjective done, sent, or supplied beforehand: advance notice | advance payment.

intrude

verb 1 [no object] put oneself deliberately into a place or situation where one is unwelcome or uninvited: he had no right to intrude into their lives | she felt awkward at intruding on private grief. • enter with disruptive or adverse effect: politics quickly intrude into the booklet. • [with object] introduce into a situation with disruptive or adverse effect: to intrude political criteria into military decisions risks reducing efficiency. 2 [with object] Geology (of igneous rock) be forced or thrust into (a preexisting formation): the granite may have intruded these rock layers. • (usually be intruded) force or thrust (igneous rock) into a preexisting formation.

polarize

verb 1 [with object] Physics restrict the vibrations of (a transverse wave, especially light) wholly or partially to one direction: (as adjective polarizing) : a polarizing microscope. 2 [with object] Physics cause (something) to acquire polarity: the electrode is polarized in aqueous solution. 3 divide or cause to divide into two sharply contrasting groups or sets of opinions or beliefs: [no object] : the cultural sphere has polarized into two competing ideological positions | [with object] : Vietnam polarized political opinion.

verbalize

verb 1 [with object] express (ideas or feelings) in words, especially by speaking out loud: they are unable to verbalize their real feelings. 2 [no object] speak, especially at excessive length and with little real content: the dangers of verbalizing about art. 3 [with object] make (a word, especially a noun) into a verb.

condense

verb 1 [with object] make (something) denser or more concentrated: the limestones of the Jurassic age are condensed into a mere 11 feet. • express (a piece of writing or speech) in fewer words; make concise: he condensed the three plays into a three-hour drama. change or cause to change from a gas or vapor to a liquid: [no object] : the moisture vapor in the air condenses into droplets of water | [with object] : the cold air was condensing his breath. ^^ GAS OR VAPOR

reciprocate

verb 1 [with object] respond to (a gesture or action) by making a corresponding one: the favor was reciprocated | [no object] : perhaps I was expected to reciprocate with some remark of my own. • experience the same (love, liking, or affection) for someone as that person does for oneself: her passion for him was not reciprocated. 2 [no object] (usually as adjective reciprocating) (of a part of a machine) move backward and forward in a straight line: a reciprocating blade (like roller blading).

rattled

verb 1 make or cause to make a rapid succession of short, sharp knocking sounds, typically as a result of shaking and striking repeatedly against a hard surface or object: [with object] : he rattled some change in his pocket | [no object] : there was a sound of bottles rattling as he stacked the crates. • [no object, with adverbial of direction] (of a vehicle or its driver or passengers) move or travel somewhere while making a rattle: trains rattled past at frequent intervals. • [no object] (rattle around in) be in or occupy (an unnecessarily or undesirably spacious room or building). 2 [with object] informal cause (someone) to feel nervous, worried, or irritated: she turned quickly, rattled by his presence.

slew

verb 1 turn or slide violently or uncontrollably in a particular direction: [no object] : the Chevy slewed from side to side in the snow | [with object] : he managed to slew the aircraft around before it settled on the runway. noun informal, chiefly North American a large number or quantity of something: he asked me a slew of questions. verb (past slew |slo͞o| ; past participle slain |slān| ) [with object] archaic, literary kill (a person or animal) in a violent way: St. George slew the dragon. • chiefly North American murder (someone) (used chiefly in journalism): a man was slain with a shotgun. • informal greatly impress or amuse (someone): you slay me, you really do.

vaporize

verb convert or be converted into vapor: [with object] : there is a large current that is sufficient to vaporize carbon | [no object] : cold gasoline does not vaporize readily. convert to become gas..from liquid

retract

verb draw or be drawn back or back in: [with object] : she retracted her hand as if she'd been burned | [no object] : the tentacle retracted quickly. • [with object] withdraw (a statement or accusation) as untrue or unjustified: he retracted his allegations. • [with object] withdraw or go back on (an undertaking or promise): the parish council was forced to retract a previous resolution.

dull

verb make or become dull or less intense: [with object] : time dulls the memory | [no object] : Albert's eyes dulled a little. adjective 1 lacking interest or excitement: your diet doesn't have to be dull and boring. • archaic (of a person) feeling bored and dispirited: she said she wouldn't be dull and lonely. 2 lacking brightness, vividness, or sheen: his face glowed in the dull lamplight | his black hair looked dull. • (of the weather) overcast; gloomy: next morning dawned dull. • (of sound) not clear; muffled: a dull thud of hooves. • (of pain) indistinctly felt; not acute: there was a dull pain in his lower jaw. • (of an edge or blade) blunt: a lot more people are cut with dull knives than with sharp ones. 3 (of a person) slow to understand; stupid: the voice of a teacher talking to a rather dull child. • archaic (of a person's senses) not perceiving things distinctly; insensitive. • (of activity) sluggish, slow-moving dull the edge of cause to be less keenly felt; reduce the intensity or effectiveness of: she'd have to find something to dull the edges of the pain. (as) dull as dishwater extremely dull. dully (adj)

parade

verb walk or march in public in a formal procession or in an ostentatious or attention-seeking way: [no object] : officers will parade through the town center | [with object] : carefree young men were parading the streets. • [with object] display (someone or something) while marching or moving around a place: guards dragged him from his home and paraded him through the streets. • [with object] display (something) publicly in order to impress or attract attention: he paraded his knowledge. • (parade as) appear falsely as; masquerade as: these untruths parading as history. • (of troops) assemble for a formal inspection or ceremonial occasion: the recruits were due to parade that day. • a boastful or ostentatious display: the parade of lunacy and corruption will continue.

abet

verb (abets, abetting, abetted) [with object] encourage or assist (someone) to do something wrong, in particular, to commit a crime or other offense: he was not guilty of murder but was guilty of aiding and abetting others. • encourage or assist someone to commit (a crime): we are aiding and abetting this illegal traffic.

accrue

verb (accrues, accruing, accrued) [no object] (of sums of money or benefits) be received by someone in regular or increasing amounts over time: financial benefits will accrue from restructuring | (as adjective accrued) : the accrued interest. • [with object] accumulate or receive (such payments or benefits). • [with object] make provision for (a charge) at the end of a financial period for work that has been done but not yet invoiced.

acquit

verb (acquits, acquitting, acquitted) 1 [with object] (usually be acquitted) free (someone) from a criminal charge by a verdict of not guilty: she was acquitted on all counts | the jury acquitted him of murder. 2 (acquit oneself) conduct oneself or perform in a specified way: all the young women in the contest acquitted themselves well. • (acquit oneself of) archaic discharge (a duty or responsibility): they acquitted themselves of their charge with vigilance.

amplify

verb (amplifies, amplifying, amplified) [with object] increase the volume of (sound), especially using an amplifier: the accompanying chords have been amplified in our arrangement. • increase the amplitude of (an electrical signal or other oscillation). • cause to become more marked or intense: urban policy initiatives amplified social polarization. - • enlarge upon or add detail to (a story or statement): the notes amplify information contained in the statement.

annul

verb (annuls, annulling, annulled) [with object] declare invalid (an official agreement, decision, or result): the elections were annulled by the general amid renewed protests. • declare (a marriage) to have had no legal existence: her first marriage was finally annulled by His Holiness.

appall

verb (appalls, appalling, appalled) [with object] greatly dismay or horrify: bankers are appalled at the economic incompetence of some officials | (as adjective appalled) : Alison looked at me, appalled.

atrophy

verb (atrophies, atrophying, atrophied) [no object] 1 (of body tissue or an organ) waste away, typically due to the degeneration of cells, or become vestigial during evolution: without exercise, the muscles will atrophy | (as adjective atrophied) : in some beetles, the hind wings are atrophied. 2 gradually decline in effectiveness or vigor due to underuse or neglect: her artistic skills atrophied from lack of use. noun the process of atrophying or state of having atrophied: gastric atrophy | extensive TV viewing may lead to atrophy of children's imaginations.

belie

verb (belies, belying, belied) [with object] 1 (of an appearance) fail to give a true notion or impression of (something); disguise or contradict: his lively alert manner belied his years. 2 fail to fulfill or justify (a claim or expectation); betray: the notebooks belie Darwin's later recollection.

calcify

verb (calcifies, calcifying, calcified) [with object] (usually as adjective calcified) harden by deposition of or conversion into calcium carbonate or some other insoluble calcium compounds: calcified cartilage.

clarify

verb (clarifies, clarifying, clarified) [with object] 1 make (a statement or situation) less confused and more clearly comprehensible: the report managed to clarify the government's position. 2 (often as adjective clarified) melt (butter) in order to separate out the impurities.

cosset

verb (cossets, cosseting, cosseted) [with object] care for and protect in an overindulgent way: all her life she'd been cosseted by her family.

demur

verb (demurs, demurring, demurred) [no object] raise doubts or objections or show reluctance: normally she would have accepted the challenge, but she demurred. • Law, dated put forward a demurrer. noun [usually with negative] the action or process of objecting to or hesitating over something: they accepted this ruling without demur.

demystify

verb (demystifies, demystifying, demystified) [with object] make (a difficult or esoteric subject) clearer and easier to understand: this book attempts to demystify technology.

disqualify

verb (disqualifies, disqualifying, disqualified) [with object] pronounce (someone) ineligible for an office, activity, or competition because of an offense or infringement: he was disqualified from driving for six months | he was disqualified after failing a drug test | (as adjective disqualified) : he was hit by a disqualified driver. • (of a feature or characteristic) make (someone) unsuitable for an office or activity: a heart murmur disqualified him for military service.

embed

verb (embeds, embedding, embedded) [with object] 1 fix (an object) firmly and deeply in a surrounding mass: he had an operation to remove a nail embedded in his chest. • implant (an idea or feeling) within something else so it becomes an ingrained or essential characteristic of it: the Victorian values embedded in Tennyson's poetry. • (often as adjective embedded) design and build (a microprocessor) as an integral part of a system or device. 2 attach (a journalist) to a military unit during a conflict: the CNN correspondent is now embedded with the US Navy aboard the USS Constellation | (as adjective embedded) : check out the excellent blog of embedded journalist Michael. noun |ˈembed| an embedded journalist: most of the embeds found themselves covering construction and civil works projects.

exemplify

verb (exemplifies, exemplifying, exemplified) [with object] be a typical example of: rock bands that best exemplify the spirit of the age. • give an example of; illustrate by giving an example. • Law make an attested copy of (a document) under an official seal.

fret

verb (frets, fretting, fretted) 1 [no object] be constantly or visibly worried or anxious: she fretted about the cost of groceries | [with clause] : I fretted that my fingers were so skinny. • [with object] cause (someone) worry or distress. 2 [with object] gradually wear away (something) by rubbing or gnawing: the bay's black waves fret the seafront. • form (a channel or passage) by rubbing or wearing away. • [no object] flow or move in small waves: soft clay that fretted between his toes. noun [in singular] chiefly British a state of anxiety or worry.

imperil

verb (imperils, imperiling, imperiled; British imperils, imperilling, imperilled) [with object] put at risk of being harmed, injured, or destroyed: white-band disease imperils coral reefs.

imply

verb (implies, implying, implied) [with object] strongly suggest the truth or existence of (something not expressly stated): the salesmen who uses jargon to imply his superior knowledge | [with clause] : the report implies that two million jobs might be lost. • (of a fact or occurrence) suggest (something) as a logical consequence: the forecasted traffic increase implied more roads and more air pollution.

inhibit

verb (inhibits, inhibiting, inhibited) [with object] 1 hinder, restrain, or prevent (an action or process): cold inhibits plant growth. • prevent or prohibit (someone) from doing something: the earnings rule inhibited some retired people from working. • Psychology voluntarily or involuntarily restrain the direct expression of (an instinctive impulse). • chiefly Physiology & Biochemistry (chiefly of a drug or other substance) slow down or prevent (a process, reaction, or function) or reduce the activity of (an enzyme or other agent). 2 make (someone) self-conscious and unable to act in a relaxed and natural way: his mother's strictures would always inhibit him.

justify

verb (justifies, justifying, justified) [with object] 1 show or prove to be right or reasonable: the person appointed has fully justified our confidence. • be a good reason for: the situation was grave enough to justify further investigation. 2 Theology declare or make righteous in the sight of God.

levy

verb (levies, levying, levied) [with object] 1 impose (a tax, fee, or fine): a new tax could be levied on industry (for the government to raise money) to pay for cleaning up contaminated land. • impose a tax, fee, or fine on: there will be powers to levy the owner. • [no object] (levy on/upon) seize (property) to satisfy a legal judgment: there were no goods to levy upon. 2 archaic enlist (someone) for military service: he sought to levy one man from each parish for service. • begin to wage (war). noun (plural levies) 1 an act of levying a tax, fee, or fine: union members were hit with a 2 percent levy on all pay. • a tax so raised. • a sum collected for a specific purpose, especially as a supplement to an existing subscription. • an item or set of items of property seized to satisfy a legal judgment. 2 historical an act of enlisting troops. • (usually levies) a body of troops that have been enlisted: lightly armed local levies.

mar

verb (mars, marring, marred) [with object] impair the appearance of; disfigure: no wrinkles marred her face. • impair the quality of; spoil: violence marred a number of New Year celebrations.

mystify

verb (mystifies, mystifying, mystified) [with object] utterly bewilder or perplex (someone): maladies that have mystified and alarmed researchers for over a decade | (as adjective mystifying) : a mystifying phenomenon. • make obscure or mysterious: lawyers who mystify the legal system so that laymen find it unintelligible.

nab

verb (nabs, nabbing, nabbed) [with object] informal catch (someone) doing something wrong: Olympic drug tests nabbed another athlete yesterday. • take, grab, or steal (something): Dan nabbed the seat next to mine.

outstrip

verb (outstrips, outstripping, outstripped) [with object] move faster than and overtake (someone else). • exceed: supply far outstripped demand.

panel

verb (panels, paneling, paneled; British panels, panelling, panelled) [with object] (usually as adjective paneled) cover (a wall or other surface) with panels: an elegant paneled dining room.

beseech

verb (past and past participle besought |-ˈsôt| or beseeched) [reporting verb] literary ask (someone) urgently and fervently to do something; implore; entreat: [with object and infinitive] : they beseeched him to stay | [with object] : they earnestly beseeched his forgiveness | [with object and direct speech] : "You have got to believe me," Gloria beseeched him | (as adjective beseeching) : a beseeching gaze.

forecasted

verb (past and past participle forecast or forecasted) [with object] predict or estimate (a future event or trend): rain is forecast for eastern Ohio | [with object and infinitive] : coal consumption is forecast to increase. noun a prediction or estimate of future events, especially coming weather or a financial trend.

gainsay

verb (past and past participle gainsaid) [with object with negative] formal deny or contradict (a fact or statement): the impact of the railroads cannot be gainsaid. • speak against or oppose (someone).

recast

verb (past and past participle recast) [with object] 1 give (a metal object) a different form by melting it down and reshaping it. • present or organize in a different form or style: his doctoral thesis has been recast for the general reader. 2 allocate the parts in (a play or film) to different actors: there were moves to recast the play.

withhold

verb (past and past participle withheld) [with object] refuse to give (something that is due to or is desired by another): the name of the dead man is being withheld | (as noun withholding) : the withholding of consent to treatment. • suppress or hold back (an emotion or reaction). • (of an employer) deduct (tax) from an employee's paycheck and send it directly to the government.

withstand

verb (past and past participle withstood) [with object] remain undamaged or unaffected by; resist: the structure had been designed to withstand winds of more than 100 mph. • offer strong resistance or opposition to (someone or something).

chide

verb (past chidedor archaic chid |CHid| ; past participle chided or archaic chidden |ˈCHidn| ) [with object] scold or rebuke: she chided him for not replying to her letters | [with direct speech] : "You mustn't speak like that," she chided gently.

petrify

verb (petrifies, petrifying, petrified) [with object] 1. To convert (wood or other organic matter) into a stony replica by petrifaction. 2. To cause to lose vitality or become impervious to change; deaden: a routine that petrified her thinking. 3. To stun or paralyze with terror; daze. 1 change (organic matter) into a stony concretion by encrusting or replacing its original substance with a calcareous, siliceous, or other mineral deposit. 2 make (someone) so frightened that they are unable to move or think: his icy controlled quietness petrified her.

plummet

verb (plummets, plummeting, plummeted) [no object] fall or drop straight down at high speed: a climber was killed when he plummeted 300 feet down an icy gully. • decrease rapidly in value or amount: hardware sales plummeted. noun 1 a steep and rapid fall or drop. 2 a plumb or plumb line.

prod

verb (prods, prodding, prodded) [with object] poke (someone) with a finger, foot, or pointed object: he prodded her in the ribs to stop her snoring | [no object] : a woman prods at a tiger with a stick. • stimulate or persuade (someone who is reluctant or slow) to do something: he has been trying to prod the White House into launching an antipoverty program. noun 1 a poke with a finger, foot, or pointed object: he gave the wire netting an experimental prod. • an act of stimulating or reminding someone to do something: he'll need a little prod to get back to the task at hand.

prophesy

verb (prophesies, prophesying, prophesied) [with object] say that (a specified thing) will happen in the future: Jacques was prophesying a bumper harvest | [with clause] : the papers prophesied that he would resign after the weekend.

reify

verb (reifies, reifying, reified) [with object] formal make (something abstract) more concrete or real: these instincts are, in humans, reified as verbal constructs.

repel

verb (repels, repelling, repelled) [with object] 1 drive or force (an attack or attacker) back or away: government units sought to repel the rebels. • [with object] (of a magnetic pole or electric field) force (something similarly magnetized or charged) away from itself: electrically charged objects attract or repel one another | [no object] : like poles repel and unlike poles attract. • (of a substance) resist mixing with or be impervious to (another substance): boots with good-quality leather uppers to repel moisture. 2 be repulsive or distasteful to: she was repelled by the permanent smell of drink on his breath. 3 formal refuse to accept (something, especially an argument or theory): the alleged right of lien led by the bankrupt's attorney was repelled.

rig

verb (rigs, rigging, rigged) [with object] manage or conduct (something) fraudulently so as to produce a result or situation that is advantageous to a particular person: the results of the elections had been rigged | [as noun, in combination] (-rigging) : charges of vote-rigging. • cause an artificial rise or fall in prices in (a market, especially the stock market) with a view to personal profit: he accused games manufacturers of rigging the market. noun archaic a trick or way of swindling someone. • a set of amplifiers and speakers used by a live band or a DJ in a club. 3 a person's costume, outfit, or style of dress: the rig of the Army Air Corps. 4 chiefly North American & Australian/NZ a tractor-trailer. • US another type of vehicle, such as a horse-drawn carriage. • set up (equipment or a device or structure), typically hastily or in makeshift fashion: he had rigged up a sort of tent | the crew began to rig the camera equipment on a platform. • provide (someone) with clothes of a particular style or type: a cavalry regiment rigged out in green and gold.

signify

verb (signifies, signifying, signified) 1 [with object] be an indication of: this decision signified a fundamental change in their priorities. • be a symbol of; have as meaning: the church used this image to signify the Holy Trinity. • (of a person) indicate or declare (a feeling or intention): signify your agreement by signing the letter below. • [no object with negative] be of importance: the locked door doesn't necessarily signify. 2 [no object] US informal (among black Americans) exchange boasts or insults as a game or ritual.

stem

verb (stems, stemming, stemmed) 1 [no object] (stem from) originate in or be caused by: many of the universities' problems stem from rapid expansion. 2 [with object] remove the stems from (fruit or tobacco leaves).

stymie

verb (stymies, stymieing, stymied) [with object] informal prevent or hinder the progress of: the changes must not be allowed to stymie new medical treatments.

thrive

verb (thrives, thriving; past throve |THrōv| or thrived; past participle thriven |ˈTHrivən| or thrived) [no object] (of a child, animal, or plant) grow or develop well or vigorously: the new baby thrived. • prosper; flourish: education groups thrive on organization | (as adjective thriving) : a thriving economy.

trot

verb (trots, trotting, trotted) (with reference to a horse or other quadruped) proceed or cause to proceed at a pace faster than a walk, lifting each diagonal pair of legs alternately: [no object] : the horses trotted slowly through the night | [with object] : he trotted his horse forward. • [no object] (of a person) run at a moderate pace, typically with short steps. • [no object] informal go or walk briskly: he trotted over to the bonfire. noun 1 a trotting pace: our horses slowed to a trot. 2 (the trots) informal diarrhea: a bad case of the trots. 3 US informal a literal translation of a foreign language text for use by students, especially in a surreptitious way: adult readers who can turn to translations without being penalized for depending on trots. on the trot informal 1 continually busy: I've been on the trot all day. . PHRASAL VERBS trot something out informal produce the same information, story, or explanation that has been produced many times before: everyone trots out the old excuse.

underly

verb (underlies, underlying; past underlay; past participle underlain) [with object] (especially of a layer of rock or soil) lie or be situated under (something). • be the cause or basis of (something): the fundamental issue that underlies the conflict | (as adjective underlying) : the underlying causes of poverty and drug addiction.

unravel

verb (unravels, unraveling, unraveled; British unravels, unravelling, unravelled) [with object] 1 undo (twisted, knitted, or woven threads). • [no object] (of twisted, knitted, or woven threads) become undone: part of the crew neck had unraveled. • unwind (something wrapped around another object): he unraveled the cellophane from a small cigar. 2 investigate and solve or explain (something complicated or puzzling): they were attempting to unravel the cause of death. • [no object] begin to fail or collapse: his painstaking diplomacy of the last eight months could quickly unravel.

vie

verb (vies, vying, vied) [no object] compete eagerly with someone in order to do or achieve something: rival mobs vying for control of the liquor business.

vilify

verb (vilifies, vilifying, vilified) [with object] speak or write about in an abusively disparaging manner: he has been vilified in the press.

hasten

verb [no object, with infinitive] be quick to do something: he hastened to refute the assertion. • [with adverbial of direction] move or travel hurriedly: we hastened back to Paris. • [with object] cause (something) to happen sooner than it otherwise would: a move that could hasten peace talks.

alight

verb [no object] (of a bird) descend from the air and settle: a lovely blue swallow alighted on a branch. • descend from a train, bus, or other form of transportation: the conductor alights to push the cable car completely around. adverb& adjective on fire; burning: [as adjective] : the house was well alight when the firemen arrived | [as adverb] : flammable liquid was set alight. • shining brightly: [as adjective] : a single lamp was alight | figurative : the boy's face was alight with excitement.

retrench

verb [no object] (of a company, government, or individual) reduce costs or spending in response to economic difficulty: as a result of the recession the company retrenched | [with object] : if people are forced to retrench their expenditure trade will suffer. • [with object] formal reduce or diminish (something) in extent or quantity: right-wing parties which seek to retrench the welfare state.

coagulate

verb [no object] (of a fluid, especially blood) change to a solid or semisolid state: blood had coagulated around the edges of the wound. • [with object] cause (a fluid) to change to a solid or semisolid state: epinephrine coagulates the blood.

graze

verb [no object] (of cattle, sheep, etc.) eat grass in a field: cattle graze on the open meadows. • [with object] (of an animal) feed on (grass or land covered by grass): llamas graze the tufts of grass. verb [with object] scrape the skin of (a part of the body) so as to break the surface but cause little or no bleeding: she fell down and grazed her knees. • touch or scrape lightly in passing: his hands just grazed hers. noun a slight injury where the skin is scraped: it'll be fine, it's only a graze.

rankle

verb [no object] 1 (of a comment, event, or fact) cause annoyance or resentment that persists: the casual manner of his dismissal still rankles. • [with object] annoy or irritate (someone): Lisa was rankled by his assertion. 2 archaic (of a wound or sore) continue to be painful; fester.

languish

verb [no object] 1 (of a person or other living thing) lose or lack vitality; grow weak or feeble: plants may appear to be languishing simply because they are dormant. • fail to make progress or be successful: foreign stocks are still languishing. • archaic pine with love or grief: she still languished after Richard. • archaic assume or display a sentimentally tender or melancholy expression or tone: when a visitor comes in, she smiles and languishes. 2 suffer from being forced to remain in an unpleasant place or situation: he has been languishing in jail since 1974.

diverge

verb [no object] 1 (of a road, route, or line) separate from another route, especially a main one, and go in a different direction. • develop in a different direction: howler and spider monkeys diverged from a common ancestor. • (of an opinion, theory, approach, etc.) differ markedly: the coverage by the columnists diverged from that in the main news stories | (as adjective diverging) : studies from different viewpoints yield diverging conclusions. • deviate from a set course or standard: suddenly he diverged from his text.

fledge

verb [no object] 1 (of a young bird) develop wing feathers that are large enough for flight. • [with object] bring up (a young bird) until its wing feathers are developed enough for flight. 2 [with object] provide (an arrow) with feathers.

subside

verb [no object] 1 become less intense, violent, or severe: I'll wait a few minutes until the storm subsides. • lapse into silence or inactivity: Fred opened his mouth to protest again, then subsided. 2 (of water) go down to a lower or the normal level: the floods subside almost as quickly as they arise. • (of the ground) cave in; sink: the island is subsiding. • (of a swelling) reduce until gone: it took seven days for the swelling to subside completely.

speculate

verb [no object] 1 form a theory or conjecture about a subject without firm evidence: my colleagues speculate about my private life | [with clause] : observers speculated that the authorities wished to improve their image. 2 invest in stocks, property, or other ventures in the hope of gain but with the risk of loss: he didn't look as though he had the money to speculate in stocks.

balk

verb [no object] 1 hesitate or be unwilling to accept an idea or undertaking: any gardener will at first balk at enclosing the garden. • [with object] thwart or hinder (a plan or person): the utmost of his influence will be invoked to balk the law. • [with object] (balk someone of) prevent a person or animal from having (something): the lions, fearing to be balked of their prey. • (of a horse) refuse to go on. • [with object] archaic miss or refuse (a chance or invitation).

oscillate

verb [no object] 1 move or swing back and forth at a regular speed: a pendulum oscillates about its lowest point. • [with adverbial] waver between extremes of opinion, action, or quality: he was oscillating between fear and bravery. 2 Physics vary in magnitude or position in a regular manner around a central point.

discriminate

verb [no object] 1 recognize a distinction; differentiate: babies can discriminate between different facial expressions of emotion. • [with object] perceive or constitute the difference in or between: bats can discriminate a difference in echo delay of between 69 and 98 millionths of a second | features that discriminate this species from other gastropods. 2 make an unjust or prejudicial distinction in the treatment of different categories of people or things, especially on the grounds of race, sex, or age: existing employment policies discriminate against women.

browse

verb [no object] 1 survey goods for sale in a leisurely and casual way: he stopped to browse around a sporting goods store. • scan through a text, website, or collection of data to gain an impression of the contents: she browsed through the newspaper | [with object] : I decided to spend the night browsing the Internet. 2 (of an animal) feed on leaves, twigs, or other high-growing vegetation: they reach upward to browse on bushes | [with object] : the animals browse the high foliage of trees. noun 1 [in singular] an act of casual looking or reading: the brochure is well worth a browse. 2 vegetation, such as twigs and young shoots, eaten by animals: a moose needs to eat forty to fifty pounds of browse a day.

rave

verb [no object] 1 talk wildly or incoherently, as if one were delirious or insane: Nancy's having hysterics and raving about a black ghost. • address someone in an angry, uncontrolled way: [with direct speech] : "Never mind how he feels!" Melissa raved. 2 speak or write about someone or something with great enthusiasm or admiration: New York's theater critics raved about the acting. 3 informal attend or take part in a rave (party). noun 1 informal an extremely enthusiastic recommendation or appraisal of someone or something: the film has won raves from American reviewers | [as modifier] : their recent tour received rave reviews. 2 informal a lively party or gathering involving dancing and drinking: their annual fancy-dress rave. • a party or event attended by large numbers of young people, involving drug use and dancing to fast, electronic music. • electronic dance music of the kind played at a rave.

ramble

verb [no object] 1 walk for pleasure, typically without a definite route. • (of a plant) put out long shoots and grow over walls or other plants. 2 talk or write at length in a confused or inconsequential way: he rambled on about his acting career. noun a walk taken for pleasure, especially in the countryside.

relent

verb [no object] abandon or mitigate a harsh intention or cruel treatment: she was going to refuse his request, but relented. • (especially of bad weather) become less severe or intense: by evening the rain relented.

fraternize

verb [no object] associate or form a friendship with someone, especially when one is not supposed to: she ignored Elisabeth's warning glare against fraternizing with the enemy.

muse

verb [no object] be absorbed in thought: he was musing on the problems he faced. • say to oneself in a thoughtful manner: "I think I've seen him somewhere before," mused Rachel. • (muse on) gaze thoughtfully at. noun dated an instance or period of reflection.

pall

verb [no object] become less appealing or interesting through familiarity: the novelty of the quiet life palled. noun 1 a cloth spread over a coffin, hearse, or tomb. 2 a dark cloud or covering of smoke, dust, or similar matter: a pall of black smoke hung over the quarry. • something regarded as enveloping a situation with an air of gloom, heaviness, or fear: torture and murder have cast a pall of terror over the villages.

disintegrate

verb [no object] break up into small parts, typically as the result of impact or decay: when the missile struck, the car disintegrated in a sheet of searing flame. • (of a society, family, or other social group) weaken or break apart: the marriage disintegrated amid allegations that she was having an affair. • Physics undergo or cause to undergo disintegration at a subatomic level: [no object] : a meson can spontaneously disintegrate | [with object] : it has become a relatively easy matter to disintegrate almost any atom.

persevere

verb [no object] continue in a course of action even in the face of difficulty or with little or no prospect of success: his family persevered with his treatment.

exclaim

verb [no object] cry out suddenly, especially in surprise, anger, or pain: she looked in the mirror, exclaiming in dismay at her appearance | [with direct speech] : "Well, I never," she exclaimed.

wheedle

verb [no object] employ endearments or flattery to persuade someone to do something or give one something: you can contrive to wheedle your way onto a court | [with direct speech] : "Please, for my sake," he wheedled. • [with object] (wheedle someone into doing something) coax or persuade someone to do something. • [with object] (wheedle something out of) coax or persuade (someone) to say or give something.

protrude

verb [no object] extend beyond or above a surface: something like a fin protruded from the water. • [with object] (of an animal) cause (a body part) to do this.

swoon

verb [no object] faint from extreme emotion: I don't want a nurse who swoons at the sight of blood. • be emotionally affected by someone or something that one admires; become ecstatic: teenagers swoon over Japanese pop singers. noun an occurrence of fainting: her strength ebbed away and she fell into a swoon.

renege

verb [no object] go back on a promise, undertaking, or contract: the administration had reneged on its election promises. • another term for revoke ( sense 2). • [with object] archaic renounce or abandon (someone or something).

recede

verb [no object] go or move back or further away from a previous position: the flood waters had receded | his footsteps receded down the corridor. • (of a quality, feeling, or possibility) gradually diminish: the prospects of an early end to the war receded. • (of a man's hair) cease to grow at the temples and above the forehead: his dark hair was receding a little | (as adjective receding) : a receding hairline. • (of a man) begin to go bald at the temples or above the forehead: Fred was receding a bit. • (usually as adjective receding) (of a facial feature) slope backward: a slightly receding chin. • (recede from) archaic withdraw from (an undertaking, promise, or agreement).

verge

verb [no object] incline in a certain direction or toward a particular state: his style verged into the art nouveau school. noun an edge or border: they came down to the verge of the lake. • an extreme limit beyond which something specified will happen: I was on the verge of tears. verb [no object] (verge on) approach (something) closely; be close or similar to (something): despair verging on the suicidal.

patter

verb [no object] make a repeated light tapping sound: a flurry of rain pattered against the window. • run with quick light steps noun [in singular] a repeated light tapping: the rain had stopped its vibrating patter above him. noun rapid or smooth-flowing continuous talk, such as that used by a comedian or salesman: slick black hair, flashy clothes, and a New York line of patter. • rapid speech included in a song, especially for comic effect: [as modifier] : a patter song of invective. • the special language or jargon of a profession or other group: he picked up the patter from watching his dad. verb [no object] talk at length without saying anything significant: she pattered on incessantly. ORIGIN

bustle

verb [no object] move in an energetic or noisy manner: people clutching clipboards bustled about. • [with object] make (someone) move hurriedly in a particular direction: she bustled us into the kitchen. • (of a place) be full of activity: the small harbor bustled with boats | (as adjective bustling) : the bustling little town. noun excited activity and movement: all the noise and the traffic and the bustle.

bustling

verb [no object] move in an energetic or noisy manner: people clutching clipboards bustled about. • [with object] make (someone) move hurriedly in a particular direction: she bustled us into the kitchen. • (of a place) be full of activity: the small harbor bustled with boats | (as adjective bustling) : the bustling little town. noun excited activity and movement: all the noise and the traffic and the bustle.

delve

verb [no object] reach inside a receptacle and search for something: she delved in her pocket. • research or make painstaking inquiries into something: as we delve further into the atom's secrets. • [with object] dig; excavate: (as adjective delved) : the approach from the surface above had awed her, so hugely delved were the tunnels.

fluctuate

verb [no object] rise and fall irregularly in number or amount: trade with other countries tends to fluctuate from year to year | (as adjective fluctuating) : a fluctuating level of demand.

gleam

verb [no object] shine brightly, especially with reflected light: light gleamed on the china cats | her eyes gleamed with satisfaction. • (of a smooth surface or object) reflect light because well polished: Victor buffed the glass until it gleamed | (as adjective gleaming) : sleek and gleaming black limousines. • (of an emotion or quality) appear or be expressed through the brightness of someone's eyes or expression: a hint of mischief gleaming in her eyes. noun [usually in singular] a faint or brief light, especially one reflected from something: the gleam of a silver tray. • a brief or faint instance of a quality or emotion, especially a desirable one: the gleam of hope vanished. • a brightness in a person's eyes taken as a sign of a particular emotion: she saw an unmistakable gleam of triumph in his eyes.

shimmer

verb [no object] shine with a soft tremulous light: the sea shimmered in the sunlight. noun [in singular] a soft, slightly wavering light: a pale shimmer of moonlight.

exult

verb [no object] show or feel elation or jubilation, especially as the result of a success: exulting in her escape, Annie closed the door behind her.

prevaricate

verb [no object] speak or act in an evasive way: he seemed to prevaricate when journalists asked pointed questions.

prevarication

verb [no object] speak or act in an evasive way: he seemed to prevaricate when journalists asked pointed questions.

rant

verb [no object] speak or shout at length in a wild, impassioned way: she was still ranting on about the unfairness of it all. noun a spell of ranting; a tirade: his rants against organized religion. PHRASES rant and rave shout and complain angrily and at length.

linger

verb [no object] stay in a place longer than necessary, typically because of a reluctance to leave: she lingered in the yard, enjoying the warm sunshine | she let her eyes linger on him suggestively. • (linger over) spend a long time over (something): she lingered over her meal. • be slow to disappear or die: the tradition seems to linger on | we are thankful that she didn't linger on and suffer.

refrain

verb [no object] stop oneself from doing something: she refrained from comment. noun a repeated line or number of lines in a poem or song, typically at the end of each verse. • the musical accompaniment for a refrain. • a comment or complaint that is often repeated: "Poor Tom" had become the constant refrain of his friends.

pine

verb [no object] suffer a mental and physical decline, especially because of a broken heart: she thinks I am pining away from love. • (pine for) miss and long for the return of: I was pining for my boyfriend.

bluster

verb [no object] talk in a loud, aggressive, or indignant way with little effect: you threaten and bluster, but won't carry it through | [with direct speech] : "I don't care what he says," I blustered | (as adjective blustering) : a blustering bully. • (of a storm, wind, or rain) blow or beat fiercely and noisily: a winter gale blustered against the sides of the house | (as adjective blustering) : the blustering wind. noun loud, aggressive, or indignant talk with little effect: their threats contained a measure of bluster.

blather

verb [no object] talk long-windedly without making very much sense: she began blathering on about spirituality and life after death | (as noun blathering) : now stop your blathering and get back to work. noun long-winded talk with no real substance.

babble

verb [no object] talk rapidly and continuously in a foolish, excited, or incomprehensible way: he would babble on in his gringo Spanish. • [reporting verb] utter something rapidly and incoherently: [with direct speech] : I gasped and stared and babbled, "Look at this!" | [with object] : he began to babble an apology. • reveal something secret or confidential by talking impulsively or carelessly: he babbled to another convict while he was in jail | [with object] : my father babbled out the truth. • (usually as adjective babbling) (of a stream) make the continuous murmuring sound of water flowing over stones: a gently babbling brook. noun [in singular] the sound of people talking quickly and in a way that is difficult or impossible to understand: a babble of protest. • foolish, excited, or confused talk: her soft voice stopped his babble. • the continuous murmuring sound of water flowing over stones in a stream: the babble of a brook. • background disturbance caused by interference from conversations on other telephone lines.

equivocate

verb [no object] use ambiguous language so as to conceal the truth or avoid committing oneself: [with direct speech] : "Not that we are aware of," she equivocated.

fumble

verb [no object] use the hands clumsily while doing or handling something: she fumbled with the lock. • (fumble around/about) move clumsily in various directions using the hands to find one's way: Greg fumbled around in the closet and found his black jacket. • express oneself or deal with something clumsily or nervously: asked for explanations, Michael had fumbled for words. noun [usually in singular] an act of using the hands clumsily while doing or handling something: just one fumble during a tire change could separate the winners from the losers. • an act of managing or dealing with something clumsily: we are not talking about subtle errors of judgment, but major fumbles.

dawdle

verb [no object] waste time; be slow: I couldn't dawdle over my coffee any longer. • [with adverbial of direction] move slowly and idly: Ruth dawdled back through the woods.

toil

verb [no object] work extremely hard or incessantly: we toiled away | [with infinitive] : Richard toiled to build his editorial team. • [with adverbial of direction] move slowly and with difficulty: she began to toil up the cliff path. noun exhausting physical labor: a life of toil.

collaborate

verb [no object] work jointly on an activity, especially to produce or create something: he collaborated with a distinguished painter on the designs. • cooperate traitorously with an enemy: the indigenous elite who collaborated with the colonizers.

bode

verb [no object] (bode well/ill) be an omen of a particular outcome: their argument did not bode well for the future | [with object] : the 12 percent interest rate bodes dark days ahead for retailers.

burgeon

verb [no object] (often as adjective burgeoning) begin to grow or increase rapidly; flourish: manufacturers are keen to cash in on the burgeoning demand. • put forth young shoots; bud.

pore

verb [no object] (pore over/through) be absorbed in the reading or study of: Heather spent hours poring over cookbooks. noun a minute opening in a surface, especially the skin or integument of an organism, through which gases, liquids, or microscopic particles can pass.

impending

verb [no object] (usually as adjective impending) be about to happen: my impending departure. • (of something bad) loom: danger of collision impends.

avow

verb [reporting verb] assert or confess openly: [with clause] : he avowed that he had voted Republican in every election | [with object] : he avowed his change of faith.

account

verb [with object and complement] consider or regard in a specified way: her visit could not be accounted a success | he accounted himself the unluckiest man alive. noun 1 a report or description of an event or experience: a detailed account of what has been achieved. • an interpretation or rendering of a piece of music: a lively account of Offenbach's score. 2 (abbreviation acct.) a record or statement of financial expenditure or receipts relating to a particular period or purpose: the ledger contains all the income and expense accounts | he submitted a quarterly account. • (accounts) the department of a company that deals with financial accounts. 3 (abbreviation acct.) an arrangement by which a body holds funds on behalf of a client or supplies goods or services to the client on credit: a bank account | charge it to my account | I wanted to get some money from the ATM and check my account | I began buying things on account. • a client having an account with a supplier: selling bibles to established accounts in the North. • a contract to do work periodically for a client: another agency was awarded the account. 5 importance: money was of no account to her. account for 1 give a satisfactory record of (something, typically money, that one is responsible for). • provide or serve as a satisfactory explanation or reason for: he was brought before the Board to account for his behavior. • know the fate or whereabouts of (someone or something), especially after an accident: everyone was accounted for after the floods. • succeed in killing, destroying, or defeating: the fifth inning accounted for Lyons, who gave up three back-to-back home runs. 2 supply or make up a specified amount or proportion of: social security accounts for about a third of total public spending.

stint

verb [with object often with negative] supply an ungenerous or inadequate amount of (something): stowage room hasn't been stinted. • [no object] be economical or frugal about spending or providing something: he doesn't stint on wining and dining. • restrict (someone) in the amount of something (especially money) given or permitted: to avoid having to stint yourself, budget in advance. noun 1 a person's fixed or allotted period of work: his varied career included a stint as a magician. 2 limitation of supply or effort: a collector with an eye for quality and the means to indulge it without stint.

faze

verb [with object, usually with negative] informal disturb or disconcert (someone): she was not fazed by his show of anger.

sack

verb [with object] (chiefly in historical contexts) plunder and destroy (a captured town, building, or other place). noun the pillaging of a town or city. hit the sack informal go to bed. verb [with object] 1 informal dismiss from employment: any official found to be involved would be sacked on the spot.

expropriate

verb [with object] (especially of the state) take away (property) from its owner: government plans to expropriate farmland. • dispossess (someone) of property: the land reform expropriated the Irish landlords.

canonize

verb [with object] (in the Roman Catholic Church) officially declare (a dead person) to be a saint: he was the last English saint to be canonized prior to the Reformation. • regard as being above reproach or of great significance: we have canonized freedom of speech as an absolute value overriding all others.

lynch

verb [with object] (of a mob) kill (someone), especially by hanging, for an alleged offense with or without a legal trial.

embalm

verb [with object] 1 (often as noun embalming) preserve (a corpse) from decay, originally with spices and now usually by arterial injection of a preservative: the Egyptian method of embalming. • preserve (someone or something) in an unaltered state: the band was all about revitalizing pop greats and embalming their legacy. 2 archaic give a pleasant fragrance to: the sweetness of the linden trees embalmed all the air.

naturalize

verb [with object] 1 (often be/become naturalized) admit (a foreigner) to the citizenship of a country: he was born in a foreign country and had never been naturalized | (as adjective naturalized) : a naturalized U.S. citizen born in Germany. • [no object] (of a foreigner) be admitted to the citizenship of a country: the opportunity to naturalize as American. • alter (an adopted foreign word) so that it conforms more closely to the phonology or orthography of the adopting language: the stoccafisso of Liguria was naturalized in Nice as stocoficada. 2 (usually as adjective naturalized) Biology establish (a plant or animal) so that it lives wild in a region where it is not indigenous: native and naturalized species | black mustard has become naturalized in America. • (with reference to a cultivated plant) establish or become established in a natural situation: [with object] : this species of crocus naturalizes itself very easily. 3 regard as or cause to appear natural: globalization has been naturalized as the inevitable pathway to economic prosperity and success. • explain (a phenomenon) in a naturalistic way.

stigmatize

verb [with object] 1 (usually be stigmatized) describe or regard as worthy of disgrace or great disapproval: the institution was stigmatized as a last resort for the destitute. 2 mark with stigmata.

belabor

verb [with object] 1 argue or elaborate (a subject) in excessive detail: critics thought they belabored the obvious. 2 attack or assault (someone) physically or verbally: Tyndale seized every opportunity to belabor the Roman Church.

head

verb [with object] 1 be in the leading position on: the Palm Sunday procession was headed by the crucifer. • be in charge of: an organizational unit headed by a line manager | she headed up the Centennial program. 2 give a title or caption to: an article headed "The Protection of Human Life." 3 [no object] (also be headed) move in a specified direction: he was heading for the exit | we were headed in the wrong direction. • (head for) appear to be moving inevitably toward (something, especially something undesirable): the economy is heading for recession. • [with object] direct or steer in a specified direction: she headed the car toward them. adjective [attributive] chief; principal: the head waiter.

characterize

verb [with object] 1 describe the distinctive nature or features of: the historian characterized the period as the decade of revolution. 2 (of a feature or quality) be typical or characteristic of: the disease is characterized by weakening of the immune system.

personalize

verb [with object] 1 design or produce (something) to meet someone's individual requirements: the wedding invitations will be personalized to your exact requirements. • make (something) identifiable as belonging to a particular person, especially by marking it with their name or initials: (as adjective personalized) : personalized license plates. 2 cause (something, especially an issue, argument, or debate) to become concerned with personalities or feelings rather than with general or abstract matters: the mass media's tendency to personalize politics. 3 (often be personalized) personify (something, especially a deity or spirit): evil spirits personalized in Satan.

corrode

verb [with object] 1 destroy or damage (metal, stone, or other materials) slowly by chemical action: acid rain poisons fish and corrodes buildings. • [no object] (of metal or other materials) be destroyed or damaged in this way: over the years copper tubing corrodes. 2 destroy or weaken (something) gradually: the self-centered climate corrodes ideals and concerns about social justice.

confirm

verb [with object] 1 establish the truth or correctness of (something previously believed, suspected, or feared to be the case): if these fears are confirmed, the outlook for the economy will be dire | the report confirms that a diet rich in vitamin C can help to prevent cataracts. • state with assurance that a report or fact is true: he confirmed that the general was in the hands of the rebels | "It is indeed real coffee," I confirmed. • (confirm someone in) reinforce someone in (an opinion, belief, or feeling): he fueled his misogyny by cultivating women who confirmed him in this view. • make (a provisional arrangement or appointment) definite: Mr. Baker's assistant telephoned to confirm his appointment with the chairman. • make (something, especially a person's appointment to a position or an agreement) formally valid; ratify: the organization has confirmed the appointment of Mr. Collins as managing director. • formally declare (someone) to be appointed to a particular position: he was confirmed as the new peace envoy. 2 administer the religious rite of confirmation to: he had been baptized and confirmed.

manipulate

verb [with object] 1 handle or control (a tool, mechanism, etc.), typically in a skillful manner: he manipulated the dials of the set. • alter, edit, or move (text or data) on a computer. • examine or treat (a part of the body) by feeling or moving it with the hand: a system of healing based on manipulating the ligaments of the spine. 2 control or influence (a person or situation) cleverly, unfairly, or unscrupulously: the masses were deceived and manipulated by a tiny group. • alter (data) or present (statistics) so as to mislead.

embrace

verb [with object] 1 hold (someone) closely in one's arms, especially as a sign of affection: Aunt Sophie embraced her warmly | [no object] : the two embraced, holding each other tightly. 2 accept or support (a belief, theory, or change) willingly and enthusiastically: besides traditional methods, artists are embracing new technology. 3 include or contain (something) as a constituent part: his career embraces a number of activities—composing, playing, and acting. noun 1 an act of holding someone closely in one's arms: they were locked in an embrace. • used to refer to something that is regarded as surrounding, holding, or restricting someone: the transformations brought about by the embrace of mass media. 2 [in singular] an act of accepting or supporting something willingly or enthusiastically: their eager embrace of foreign influences.

foment

verb [with object] 1 instigate or stir up (an undesirable or violent sentiment or course of action): they accused him of fomenting political unrest.

decimate

verb [with object] 1 kill, destroy, or remove a large percentage or part of: the project would decimate the fragile wetland wilderness | the American chestnut, a species decimated by blight. • drastically reduce the strength or effectiveness of (something): plant viruses that can decimate yields. 2 historical kill one in every ten of (a group of soldiers or others) as a punishment for the whole group.

enact

verb [with object] 1 make (a bill or other proposal) law: legislation was enacted in 1987 to attract international companies. • put into practice (a belief, idea, or suggestion). 2 act out (a role or play) on stage.

perturb

verb [with object] 1 make (someone) anxious or unsettled: they were perturbed by her capricious behavior | [with object and clause] : they were perturbed that the bank had begun switching some of its problem loans. 2 subject (a system, moving object, or process) to an influence tending to alter its normal or regular state or path: nuclear weapons could be used to perturb the orbit of an asteroid.

humanize

verb [with object] 1 make (something) more humane or civilized: his purpose was to humanize prison conditions. 2 give (something) a human character.

devise

verb [with object] 1 plan or invent (a complex procedure, system, or mechanism) by careful thought: a training program should be devised | a complicated game of his own devising. 2 Law leave (real estate) to someone by the terms of a will. nounLaw a clause in a will leaving real estate to someone.

compile

verb [with object] 1 produce (something, especially a list, report, or book) by assembling information collected from other sources: the local authority must compile a list of taxpayers. • collect (information) in order to produce something: the figures were compiled from a survey of 2,000 schoolchildren. • accumulate (a specified score): the 49ers have compiled a league-leading 14-2 record. 2 Computing (of a computer) convert (a program) into a machine-code or lower-level form in which the program can be executed.

distort

verb [with object] 1 pull or twist out of shape: a grimace distorted her fine mouth. • [no object] become twisted out of shape: the pipe will distort as you bend it. 2 give a misleading or false account or impression of: many factors can distort the results. 3 change the form of (an electrical signal or sound wave) during transmission, amplification, or other processing: you're distorting the sound by overdriving the amp.

operationalize

verb [with object] 1 put into operation or use.

cite

verb [with object] 1 quote (a passage, book, or author) as evidence for or justification of an argument or statement, especially in a scholarly work. • mention as an example: medics have been cited as a key example of a modern breed of technical expert. • praise (someone, typically a member of the armed forces) for a courageous act in an official dispatch. • Law adduce a former tried case as a guide to deciding a comparable case or in support of an argument. 2 Law summon (someone) to appear in a court of law: the summons cited four of the defendants. nounUS a citation.

differentiate

verb [with object] 1 recognize or ascertain what makes (someone or something) different: children can differentiate the past from the present. • [no object] (differentiate between) identify differences between (two or more things or people): he is unable to differentiate between fantasy and reality. • make (someone or something) appear different or distinct: Twain was careful to differentiate Huck's speech from that of other white people. 2 technical make or become different in the process of growth or development: [with object] : the receptors are developed and differentiated into sense organs | [no object] : the cells differentiate into a wide variety of cell types.

arrest

verb [with object] 1 seize (someone) by legal authority and take into custody: the police arrested him for possession of marijuana | two youths aged 16 were arrested. 2 stop or check (progress or a process): the spread of the disease can be arrested | (as adjective arrested) : arrested development may occur. • [no object] suffer a heart attack: they were trying to resuscitate a patient who had arrested. 3 attract the attention of (someone): his attention was arrested by a strange sound. noun 1 the action of seizing someone to take into custody: I have a warrant for your arrest | they placed her under arrest | at least 69 arrests were made. 2 a stoppage or sudden cessation of motion: a respiratory arrest.

dispatch

verb [with object] 1 send off to a destination or for a purpose: he dispatched messages back to base | [with object and infinitive] : the mayor dispatched 150 police officers to restore order. 2 deal with (a task, problem, or opponent) quickly and efficiently: they dispatched the opposition. • kill: he dispatched the animal with one blow. noun 1 the sending of someone or something to a destination or for a purpose: a resolution authorizing the dispatch of a peacekeeping force. • speed in action: the situation might change, so he should proceed with dispatch. 2 an official report on state or military affairs: in his battle dispatch he described the gunner's bravery. • a report sent in by a newspaper's correspondent from a faraway place. 3 the killing of someone or something: the legendary dispatch of villains by a hero.

sustain

verb [with object] 1 strengthen or support physically or mentally: this thought had sustained him throughout the years | (as adjective sustaining) : a sustaining breakfast of bacon and eggs. • cause to continue or be prolonged for an extended period or without interruption: he cannot sustain a normal conversation. • (of a performer) represent (a part or character) convincingly: he sustained the role with burly resilience. • bear (the weight of an object) without breaking or falling: he sagged against her so that she could barely sustain his weight | figurative : his health will no longer enable him to sustain the heavy burdens of office. 2 undergo or suffer (something unpleasant, especially an injury): he died after sustaining severe head injuries. 3 uphold, affirm, or confirm the justice or validity of: the allegations of discrimination were sustained. nounMusic an effect or facility on a keyboard or electronic instrument whereby a note can be sustained after the key is released.

induce

verb [with object] 1 succeed in persuading or influencing (someone) to do something: [with object and infinitive] : the pickets induced many workers to stay away. 2 bring about or give rise to: none of these measures induced a change of policy. • produce (an electric charge or current or a magnetic state) by induction. • (usually as adjective induced) Physics cause (radioactivity) by bombardment with radiation. 3 Medicine bring on (the birth of a baby) artificially, typically by the use of drugs. • bring on childbirth in (a pregnant woman) artificially, typically by the use of drugs.

explicate

verb [with object] analyze and develop (an idea or principle) in detail: attempting to explicate the relationship between crime and economic forces. • analyze (a literary work) in order to reveal its meaning.

appraiser

verb [with object] assess the value or quality of: she stealthily appraised him in a pocket mirror | [no object] : the interviewer's job is to appraise and evaluate. • (of an official or expert) set a price on; value: they appraised the painting at $200,000.

shirk

verb [with object] avoid or neglect (a duty or responsibility): their sole motive is to shirk responsibility and rip off the company. • [no object] [usually with negative] (shirk from) be unwilling to do (something difficult): we will not shirk from closing a school if the evidence should justify it. noun archaic a person who shirks.

foreshadow

verb [with object] be a warning or indication of (a future event): it foreshadowed my preoccupation with jazz.

thrash

verb [with object] beat (a person or animal) repeatedly and violently with a stick or whip: she thrashed him across the head and shoulders | (as noun thrashing) : what he needs is a good thrashing. • hit (something) hard and repeatedly: the wind screeched and the mast thrashed the deck. • [no object] move in a violent and convulsive way: he lay on the ground thrashing around in pain | [with object] : she thrashed her arms, attempting to swim. • [no object] (thrash around) struggle in a wild or desperate way to do something: two months of thrashing around on my own have produced nothing. • informal defeat (someone) heavily in a contest or match: I thrashed Pete at cards | [with object and complement] : the Braves were thrashed 8-1 by the Mets. • [no object] move with brute determination or violent movements: I wrench the steering wheel back and thrash on up the hill. noun 1 [usually in singular] a violent or noisy movement, typically involving hitting something repeatedly: the thrash of the waves. 2 (also thrash metal) a style of fast, loud, harsh-sounding rock music, combining elements of punk and heavy metal. thrash something out discuss something thoroughly and honestly.

muddle

verb [with object] bring into a disordered or confusing state: they were muddling up the cards. • confuse (a person or their thoughts): I do not wish to muddle him by making him read more books. • [no object] busy oneself in a confused and ineffective way: he was muddling about in the kitchen. • mix (a drink) or stir (an ingredient) into a drink. noun [usually in singular] an untidy and disorganized state or collection: a muddle of French, English, Ojibwa, and a dash of Gaelic | the finances were in a muddle. • a mistake arising from or resulting in confusion: a bureaucratic muddle. muddle through cope more or less satisfactorily despite lack of expertise, planning, or equipment: we don't have an ultimate ambition; we just muddle through. muddle something up confuse two or more things with each other: at the time, archaeology was commonly muddled up with paleontology.

impeach

verb [with object] call into question the integrity or validity of (a practice): there is no basis to Searle's motion to impeach the verdict. • chiefly US charge (the holder of a public office) with misconduct: the governor served only one year before being impeached and convicted for fiscal fraud. • British charge with treason or another crime against the state.

reprieve

verb [with object] cancel or postpone the punishment of (someone, especially someone condemned to death): under the new regime, prisoners under sentence of death were reprieved. • abandon or postpone plans to close or put an end to (something): the threatened pits could be reprieved. noun a cancellation or postponement of a punishment. • a temporary escape from an undesirable fate or unpleasant situation: a mother who faced eviction has been given a reprieve.

cripple

verb [with object] cause (someone) to become unable to move or walk properly: (as adjective crippling) : a crippling disease. • cause severe and disabling damage to (a machine): over-lubrication might well lead to piston seizure, crippling the engine. • cause a severe and almost insuperable problem for: developing countries are crippled by their debts. noun dated or offensive a person who is unable to walk or move properly because of disability or injury to their back or legs. • a person with a severe limitation of a specified kind: an emotional cripple. DERIVATIVES crippler |ˈkrip(ə)lər| noun. cripplingly adverb

dishearten

verb [with object] cause (someone) to lose determination or confidence: the farmer was disheartened by the damage to his crops.

standardize

verb [with object] cause (something) to conform to a standard: the editors failed to standardize the spelling of geographic names. • [no object] (standardize on) adopt (something) as one's standard: we could standardize on U.S. equipment. • determine the properties of by comparison with a standard.

generate

verb [with object] cause (something, especially an emotion or situation) to arise or come about: changes that are likely to generate controversy | generate more jobs in the economy. • produce (energy, especially electricity). • produce (a set or sequence of items) by performing specified mathematical or logical operations on an initial set.

unsettle

verb [with object] cause to feel anxious or uneasy; disturb: the crisis has unsettled financial markets | (as adjective unsettling) : an unsettling conversation.

decriminalize

verb [with object] cease by legislation to treat (something) as illegal: a battle to decriminalize drugs.

dissimulate

verb [with object] conceal or disguise (one's thoughts, feelings, or character): a country gentleman who dissimulates his wealth beneath ragged pullovers | [no object] : now that they have power, they no longer need to dissimulate.

corroborate

verb [with object] confirm or give support to (a statement, theory, or finding): the witness had corroborated the boy's account of the attack.

improvise

verb [with object] create and perform (music, drama, or verse) spontaneously or without preparation: the ability to improvise operatic arias in any given style | [no object] : he was improvising to a backing of guitar chords. • produce or make (something) from whatever is available: I improvised a costume for myself out of an old blue dress.

denigrate

verb [with object] criticize unfairly; disparage: there is a tendency to denigrate the poor.

dismembered

verb [with object] cut off the limbs of (a person or animal): I can picture you in a white jacket dismembering rats | (as adjective dismembered) : he buried their dismembered bodies in the back yard. • partition or divide up (a territory or organization): Russia intended to dismember the Ottoman Empire.

excise

verb [with object] cut out surgically: the precision with which surgeons can excise brain tumors | (as adjective excised) : excised tissue. • remove (a section) from a text or piece of music: the clauses were excised from the treaty. noun |ˈekˌsīz| [usually as modifier] a tax levied on certain goods and commodities produced or sold within a country and on licenses granted for certain activities: excise taxes on cigarettes. verb |ikˈsīz| [with object] (usually as adjective excised) charge excise on (goods): excised goods.

allay

verb [with object] diminish or put at rest (fear, suspicion, or worry): the report attempted to educate the public and allay fears. • relieve or alleviate (pain or hunger): some stale figs partly allayed our hunger.

disperse

verb [with object] distribute or spread over a wide area: storms can disperse seeds via high altitudes | camping sites could be dispersed among trees so as to be out of sight. • go or cause to go in different directions or to different destinations: [no object] : the crowd dispersed | [with object] : the police used tear gas to disperse the protesters. • (with reference to gas, smoke, mist, or cloud) thin out or cause to thin out and disappear: [no object] : the earlier mist had dispersed | [with object] : winds dispersed the bomb's radioactive cloud high in the atmosphere.

ostracize

verb [with object] exclude (someone) from a society or group: a group of people who have been ridiculed, ostracized, and persecuted for centuries. • (in ancient Greece) banish (an unpopular or too powerful citizen) from a city for five or ten years by popular vote.

deride

verb [with object] express contempt for; ridicule: critics derided the proposals as clumsy attempts to find a solution.

prolong

verb [with object] extend the duration of: an idea that prolonged the life of the engine by many years. • (usually be prolonged) rare extend in spatial length: the line of his lips was prolonged in a short red scar.

glean

verb [with object] extract (information) from various sources: the information is gleaned from press clippings. • collect gradually and bit by bit: objects gleaned from local markets. • historical gather (leftover grain or other produce) after a harvest: (as noun gleaning) : the conditions of farm workers in the 1890s made gleaning essential.

bolt

verb [with object] fasten (something) with a metal pin or bar, in particular: • fasten (a door or window) with a bar that slides into a socket: all the doors were locked and bolted. • fasten (an object) to something else with a bolt: the lid was put into position and bolted down | a camera was bolted to the aircraft. verb 1 [no object] (of a horse or other animal) run away suddenly out of control: the horses shied and bolted. • (of a person) move or run away suddenly: they bolted down the stairs. • [with object] (in hunting) cause (a rabbit or fox) to run out of its burrow or hole. • (of a plant) grow tall quickly and stop flowering as seeds develop: the lettuces have bolted. 2 [with object] (often bolt something down) eat or swallow (food) quickly: it is normal for puppies to bolt down their food. make a bolt for try to escape by moving suddenly toward (something): Ellie made a bolt for the door. a bolt from (or out of) the blue a sudden and unexpected event or piece of news: the job came like a bolt from the blue. bolt upright upright, with the back rigid and straight: she sat bolt upright in bed. have shot one's bolt informal have done all that one is able.

loathe

verb [with object] feel intense dislike or disgust for: she loathed him on sight. DERIVATIVES loather noun

deplore

verb [with object] feel or express strong disapproval of (something): we deplore this act of violence.

circumvent

verb [with object] find a way around (an obstacle). • overcome (a problem or difficulty), typically in a clever and surreptitious way: I found it quite easy to circumvent security. • archaic deceive; outwit: he's circumvented her with some of his stories.

upbraid

verb [with object] find fault with (someone); scold: he was upbraided for his slovenly appearance.

wrest

verb [with object] forcibly pull (something) from a person's grasp: Leila tried to wrest her arm from his hold. • take (something, especially power or control) from someone or something else after considerable effort or difficulty: they wanted to allow people to wrest control of their lives from impersonal bureaucracies.

evaluate

verb [with object] form an idea of the amount, number, or value of; assess: when you evaluate any hammer, look for precision machining | [with clause] : computer simulations evaluated how the aircraft would perform.

extricate

verb [with object] free (someone or something) from a constraint or difficulty: he was trying to extricate himself from official duties.

garner

verb [with object] gather or collect (something, especially information or approval): the police struggled to garner sufficient evidence.

amass

verb [with object] gather together or accumulate (a large amount or number of valuable material or things) over a period of time: starting from nothing he had amassed a huge fortune. • [no object] archaic (of people) gather together in a crowd or group: the soldiers were amassing from all parts of Spain.

retrieve

verb [with object] get or bring (something) back; regain possession of: I was sent to retrieve the balls from his garden | Steven stooped and retrieved his hat. • (of a dog) find and bring back (game or an object). • bring (something) back into one's mind: the police hope to encourage him to retrieve forgotten memories. • find or extract (information stored in a computer). • put right or improve (an unwelcome situation): he made one last desperate attempt to retrieve the situation. • [no object] reel or bring in a fishing line. noun 1 an act of retrieving something, especially game that has been shot. • an act of reeling or drawing in a fishing line. 2 archaic the possibility of recovery: he ruined himself beyond retrieve.

demote

verb [with object] give (someone) a lower rank or less senior position, usually as a punishment: the head of the army was demoted to deputy defense secretary.

enfranchise

verb [with object] give the right to vote to: a proposal that foreigners should be enfranchised for local elections. • historical free (a slave).

energize

verb [with object] give vitality and enthusiasm to: people were energized by his ideas. • supply energy, typically kinetic or electrical energy, to (something).

subsume

verb [with object] include or absorb (something) in something else: most of these phenomena can be subsumed under two broad categories.

aggrandize

verb [with object] increase the power, status, or wealth of: an action intended to aggrandize the Frankish dynasty. • enhance the reputation of (someone) beyond what is justified by the facts: he hoped to aggrandize himself by dying a hero's death.

detain

verb [with object] keep (someone) from proceeding; hold back: she made to open the door, but he detained her. • keep (someone) in official custody, typically for questioning about a crime or in politically sensitive situations: she was detained without trial for two years.

kindle

verb [with object] light or set on fire. • arouse or inspire (an emotion or feeling): a love of art was kindled in me. • [no object] (of an emotion) be aroused: she hesitated, suspicion kindling within her. • [no object] become impassioned or excited: the young man kindled at once.

palliate

verb [with object] make (a disease or its symptoms) less severe or unpleasant without removing the cause: treatment works by palliating symptoms. • allay or moderate (fears or suspicions): this eliminated, or at least palliated, suspicions aroused by German unity. • disguise the seriousness or gravity of (an offense): there is no way to excuse or palliate his dirty deed.

impoverished

verb [with object] make (a person or area) poor: they discourage investment and impoverish their people | (as adjective impoverished) : impoverished peasant farmers. • exhaust the strength, vitality, or natural fertility of: the soil was impoverished by annual burning | (as adjective impoverished) figurative : an impoverished and debased language.

exacerbate

verb [with object] make (a problem, bad situation, or negative feeling) worse: the exorbitant cost of land in urban areas only exacerbated the problem | the forest fire was exacerbated by the lack of rain.

expedite

verb [with object] make (an action or process) happen sooner or be accomplished more quickly: he promised to expedite economic reforms.

rejuvenate

verb [with object] make (someone or something) look or feel younger, fresher, or more lively: a bid to rejuvenate the town center | (as adjective rejuvenating) : the rejuvenating effects of therapeutic clay (like actual clay that helps you). • (often as adjective rejuvenated) restore (a river or stream) to a condition characteristic of a younger landscape.

vexing

verb [with object] make (someone) feel annoyed, frustrated, or worried, especially with trivial matters: the memory of the conversation still vexed him | (as adjective vexing) : the most vexing questions for policymakers. • archaic cause distress to: thou shalt not vex a stranger.

agitate

verb [with object] make (someone) troubled or nervous: the thought of questioning Toby agitated him extremely. • [no object] campaign to arouse public concern about an issue in the hope of prompting action: they agitated for a reversal of the decision. • stir or disturb (something, especially a liquid) briskly: agitate the water to disperse the oil.

contaminate

verb [with object] make (something) impure by exposure to or addition of a poisonous or polluting substance: the site was found to be contaminated by radioactivity | figurative : celebrity has contaminated every aspect of public life | (as adjective contaminated) : contaminated blood products.

emend

verb [with object] make corrections and improvements to (a text). • alter (something) in such a way as to correct it: the year of his death might need to be emended to 652 | [with clause] : he hesitated and quickly emended what he had said.

desensitize

verb [with object] make less sensitive: creams to desensitize the skin at the site of the injection. • make (someone) less likely to feel shock or distress at scenes of cruelty, violence, or suffering by overexposure to such images: (as adjective desensitized) : people who view such movies become desensitized to violence. • free (someone) from a phobia or neurosis by gradually exposing the person to the thing that is feared. See systematic desensitization.

optimize

verb [with object] make the best or most effective use of (a situation, opportunity, or resource): to optimize viewing conditions, the microscope should be correctly adjusted. • Computing rearrange or rewrite (data, software, etc.) to improve efficiency of retrieval or processing.

enumerate

verb [with object] mention (a number of things) one by one: there is not space to enumerate all his works. • establish the number of: the 2000 census enumerated 10,493 households in the county.

gage

verb [with object] offer (a thing or one's life) as a guarantee of good faith. noun a valued object deposited as a guarantee of good faith. variant spelling of gauge...so also means gauge

flout

verb [with object] openly disregard (a rule, law or convention): these same companies still flout basic ethical practices. • [no object] archaic mock; scoff: the women pointed and flouted at her.

iterate

verb [with object] perform or utter repeatedly. • [no object] make repeated use of a mathematical or computational procedure, applying it each time to the result of the previous application; perform iteration. nounMathematics a quantity arrived at by iteration.

disabuse

verb [with object] persuade (someone) that an idea or belief is mistaken: he quickly disabused me of my fanciful notions.

bribe

verb [with object] persuade (someone) to act in one's favor, typically illegally or dishonestly, by a gift of money or other inducement: an undercover agent bribed the judge into giving a lenient sentence | you weren't willing to be good to your sister without being bribed with a lollipop | he has no money to bribe with. noun a sum of money or other inducement offered or given in this way.

demonize

verb [with object] portray as wicked and threatening: seeking to demonize one side in the conflict.

feign

verb [with object] pretend to be affected by (a feeling, state, or injury): she feigned nervousness. • archaic invent (a story or excuse). • [no object] archaic indulge in pretense.

frustrate

verb [with object] prevent (a plan or attempted action) from progressing, succeeding, or being fulfilled: his attempt to frustrate the merger. • prevent (someone) from doing or achieving something: an increasingly popular way to frustrate car thieves. • cause (someone) to feel upset or annoyed, typically as a result of being unable to change or achieve something: (as adjective frustrating) : it can be very frustrating to find that the size you want isn't there. adjective frustrated.

preclude

verb [with object] prevent from happening; make impossible: the secret nature of his work precluded official recognition. • (preclude someone from) (of a situation or condition) prevent someone from doing something: his difficulties preclude him from leading a normal life.

authenticate

verb [with object] prove or show (something, especially a claim or an artistic work) to be true or genuine: they were invited to authenticate artifacts from the Italian Renaissance. • validate: the nationalist statements authenticated their leadership among the local community. • [no object] Computing (of a user or process) have one's identity verified.

lampoon

verb [with object] publicly criticize (someone or something) by using ridicule, irony, or sarcasm: the senator made himself famous as a pinch-penny watchdog of public spending, lampooning dubious federal projects. noun a speech or text criticizing someone or something in this way: does this sound like a lampoon of student life?

jolt

verb [with object] push or shake (someone or something) abruptly and roughly: a surge in the crowd behind him jolted him forward. • give a surprise or shock to (someone) in order to make them act or change: she tried to jolt him out of his depression. • [no object] move with sudden lurches: the train jolted into motion. noun an abrupt rough or violent movement. • a surprise or shock, especially of an unpleasant kind and often manifested physically: that information gave her a severe jolt.

overrefined

verb [with object] refine excessively, as with subtle distinctions or needless delicacy: the sole French character is frivolous and overrefined.

waive

verb [with object] refrain from insisting on or using (a right or claim): he will waive all rights to the money. • refrain from applying or enforcing (a rule, restriction, or fee): her tuition fees would be waived.

reserve

verb [with object] refrain from using or disposing of (something); retain for future use: roll out half the dough and reserve the other half. • arrange for (a room, seat, ticket, etc.) to be kept for the use of a particular person and not given to anyone else: a place was reserved for her in the front row. • retain or hold (an entitlement to something), especially by formal or legal stipulation: [with object and infinitive] : the editor reserves the right to edit letters. • refrain from delivering (a judgment or decision) immediately or without due consideration or evidence: I'll reserve my views on his ability until he's played again. • (reserve something for) use or engage in something only in or at (a particular circumstance or time): Japanese food has been presented as expensive and reserved for special occasions. noun 1 (often reserves) a supply of a commodity not needed for immediate use but available if required: Australia has major coal, gas, and uranium reserves. • a force or body of troops kept back from action to reinforce or protect others, or additional to the regular forces and available in an emergency. • a member of the military reserve. • an extra player who is a possible substitute in a team. 2 a place set aside for special use, in particular: • an area designated as a habitat for an indigenous people. • a protected area for wildlife. 3 a lack of warmth or openness in manner or expression: she smiled and some of her natural reserve melted. • qualification or doubt attached to some statement or claim: she trusted him without reserve. in reserve unused and available if required: the platoon that had been kept in reserve.

repudiate

verb [with object] refuse to accept or be associated with: she has repudiated policies associated with previous party leaders. • deny the truth or validity of: the minister repudiated allegations of human rights abuses. • chiefly Law refuse to fulfill or discharge (an agreement, obligation, or debt): breach of a condition gives the other party the right to repudiate a contract. • (especially in the past or in non-Christian religions) divorce (one's wife).

rebuff

verb [with object] reject (someone or something) in an abrupt or ungracious manner: I asked her to be my wife, and was rebuffed in no uncertain terms. noun an abrupt or ungracious refusal or rejection of an offer, request, or friendly gesture: any attempt to win her friendship was met with rebuffs.

obviate

verb [with object] remove (a need or difficulty): the Venetian blinds obviated the need for curtains. • avoid; prevent: a parachute can be used to obviate disaster.

uncrate

verb [with object] remove (something) from a crate. uncrate |ˈənˌkrāt| noun [with object] an item of merchandise removed from its shipping container.

refine

verb [with object] remove impurities or unwanted elements from (a substance), typically as part of an industrial process: sugar was refined by boiling it in huge iron vats. • improve (something) by making small changes, in particular make (an idea, theory, or method) more subtle and accurate: ease of access to computers has refined analysis and presentation of data.

adulterate

verb [with object] render (something) poorer in quality by adding another substance, typically an inferior one: the meat was ground fine and adulterated with potato flour.

obfuscate

verb [with object] render obscure, unclear, or unintelligible: the spelling changes will deform some familiar words and obfuscate their etymological origins. • bewilder (someone): it is more likely to obfuscate people than enlighten them.

reimburse

verb [with object] repay (a person who has spent or lost money): the investors should be reimbursed for their losses. • repay (a sum of money that has been spent or lost): they spend thousands of dollars that are not reimbursed by insurance.

imputation

verb [with object] represent (something, especially something undesirable) as being done, caused, or possessed by someone; attribute: the crimes imputed to Richard. • Theology ascribe (righteousness, guilt, etc.) to someone by virtue of a similar quality in another: Christ's righteousness has been imputed to us. DERIVATIVES imputable |imˈpyo͞odəb(ə)l| adjective. imputation |ˌimpyəˈtāSHən| noun

reprove

verb [with object] reprimand or censure (someone): he was reproved for obscenity | [with direct speech] : "Don't be childish, Hilary," he reproved mildly | (as adjective reproving) : a reproving glance.

garble

verb [with object] reproduce (a message, sound, or transmission) in a confused and distorted way: the connection was awful and kept garbling his voice | (as adjective garbled) : I got a garbled set of directions. noun a garbled account or transmission.

salvage

verb [with object] rescue (a wrecked or disabled ship or its cargo) from loss at sea: an emerald and gold cross was salvaged from the wreck. • retrieve or preserve (something) from potential loss or adverse circumstances: it was the only crumb of comfort he could salvage from the ordeal. noun the rescue of a wrecked or disabled ship or its cargo from loss at sea: [as modifier] : a salvage operation was under way. • the cargo saved from a wrecked or sunken ship: salvage taken from a ship that had sunk in the river. • the rescue of property or material from potential loss or destruction.

rehabilitate

verb [with object] restore (someone) to health or normal life by training and therapy after imprisonment, addiction, or illness: helping to rehabilitate former criminals. • restore (someone) to former privileges or reputation after a period of critical or official disfavor: with the fall of the government many former dissidents were rehabilitated. • return (something, especially an environmental feature) to its former condition.

renovate

verb [with object] restore (something old, especially a building) to a good state of repair: the old school has been tastefully renovated as a private house. • archaic refresh; reinvigorate: a little warm nourishment renovated him for a short time.

encumber

verb [with object] restrict or burden (someone or something) in such a way that free action or movement is difficult: she was encumbered by her heavy skirts | they had arrived encumbered with families. • saddle (a person or estate) with a debt or mortgage: an estate heavily encumbered with debt. • fill or block up (a place): we tripped over sticks and stones, which encumber most of the trail.

renew

verb [with object] resume (an activity) after an interruption: the parents renewed their campaign to save the school. • re-establish (a relationship): he had renewed an acquaintance with McCarthy. • repeat (an action or statement): detectives renewed their appeal for those in the area at the time to contact them. • give fresh life or strength to: (as adjective renewed) : she would face the future with renewed determination. • extend for a further period the validity of (a license, subscription, or contract): her contract had not been renewed. • replace (something that is broken or worn out): check the joints—they may need renewing.

repeal

verb [with object] revoke or annul (a law or congressional act): the legislation was repealed five months later. noun the action of revoking or annulling a law or congressional act: the House voted in favor of repeal.

pillage

verb [with object] rob (a place) using violence, especially in wartime. • steal (something) using violence, especially in wartime: artworks pillaged from churches and museums. noun the action of pillaging a place or property, especially in wartime.

extirpate

verb [with object] root out and destroy completely: the use of every legal measure to extirpate this horrible evil from the land.

blurt

verb [with object] say (something) suddenly and without careful consideration: she wouldn't blurt out words she did not mean | [with direct speech] : "It wasn't my idea," Gordon blurted.

enunciate

verb [with object] say or pronounce clearly: she enunciated each word slowly. • express (a proposition or theory) in clear or definite terms: a written document enunciating this policy. • proclaim: a prophet enunciating the Lord's wisdom.

intone

verb [with object] say or recite with little rise and fall of the pitch of the voice: he intoned a short Latin prayer | [with direct speech] : "All rise," intoned the usher.

disarticulate

verb [with object] separate (bones) at the joints: the African egg-eating snake can disarticulate its lower jaw from its upper. • break up and disrupt the logic of (an argument or opinion): novels disarticulate theories.

depict

verb [with object] show or represent by a drawing, painting, or other art form. • portray in words; describe: youth is depicted as a time of vitality and good health.

deface

verb [with object] spoil the surface or appearance of (something), e.g., by drawing or writing on it; mar or disfigure: he defaced library books | the canyon's spectacular limestone walls have been defaced by the reservoir.

disseminate

verb [with object] spread or disperse (something, especially information) widely: health authorities should foster good practice by disseminating information. • (usually as adjective disseminated) spread throughout an organ or the body: disseminated colonic cancer.

plunder

verb [with object] steal goods from (a place or person), typically using force and in a time of war or civil disorder: looters moved into the disaster area to plunder stores | [no object] : the invaders were back and ready to plunder. • steal (goods), typically using force and in a time of disorder. • take material from (artistic or academic work) for one's own purposes: we shall plunder related sciences to assist our research. noun the violent and dishonest acquisition of property: the farmers suffered the inhumanity and indignities of pillage and plunder. • property acquired illegally and violently: the army sacked the city and carried off huge quantities of plunder.

repress

verb [with object] subdue (someone or something) by force: the uprisings were repressed. • restrain, prevent, or inhibit (the expression or development of something): Isabel couldn't repress a sharp cry of fear. • suppress (a thought, feeling, or desire) in oneself so that it becomes or remains unconscious: the thought that he had killed his brother was so terrible that he repressed it.

penalize

verb [with object] subject to some form of punishment: you'll be penalized if you tap the account before age 59. • (in various sports) punish (a player or team) for a breach of the rules by awarding an advantage to the opposition. • put in an unfavorable position or at an unfair disadvantage: if the bill is not amended, genuine claimants will be penalized. • Law make or declare (an act or offense) legally punishable: section twenty penalizes possession of a firearm when trespassing.

recapitulate

verb [with object] summarize and state again the main points of: he began to recapitulate his argument with care. • Biology repeat (an evolutionary or other process) during development and growth.

champion

verb [with object] support the cause of; defend: priests who championed human rights. noun 1 a person who has defeated or surpassed all rivals in a competition, especially in sports: [as modifier] : a champion hurdler. 2 a person who fights or argues for a cause or on behalf of someone else: a champion of women's rights.

besiege

verb [with object] surround (a place) with armed forces in order to capture it or force its surrender; lay siege to: the guerrillas continued to besiege other major cities to the north | (as adjective besieged) : the besieged city. • crowd around oppressively; surround and harass: she spent the whole day besieged by newsmen. • (be besieged) be inundated by large numbers of requests or complaints: the television station was besieged with calls.

confiscate

verb [with object] take or seize (someone's property) with authority: the guards confiscated his camera | (as adjective confiscated) : confiscated equipment. • take (a possession, especially land) as a penalty and give it to the public treasury: the government confiscated his property.

indoctrinate

verb [with object] teach (a person or group) to accept a set of beliefs uncritically: broadcasting was a vehicle for indoctrinating the masses. • archaic teach or instruct (someone): he indoctrinated them in systematic theology.

mock

verb [with object] tease or laugh at in a scornful or contemptuous manner: he mocks them as Washington insiders. • make (something) seem laughably unreal or impossible: at Christmas, arguments and friction mock our pretense of peace. • mimic (someone or something) scornfully or contemptuously. adjective [attributive] not authentic or real, but without the intention to deceive: a mock-Georgian red brick house | Jim threw up his hands in mock horror. • (of an examination, battle, etc.) arranged for training or practice, or performed as a demonstration: Dukakis will have a mock debate with Barnett.

lure

verb [with object] tempt (a person or an animal) to do something or to go somewhere, especially by offering some form of reward: the child was lured into a car but managed to escape. noun something that tempts or is used to tempt a person or animal to do something: the film industry always has been a glamorous lure for young girls. • the strongly attractive quality of a person or thing: the lure of a better-paid job. • a type of bait used in fishing or hunting.

inoculate

verb [with object] treat (a person or animal) with a vaccine to produce immunity against a disease: he inoculated his tenants against smallpox. Compare with vaccinate. • introduce (an infective agent) into an organism: it can be inoculated into laboratory animals. • introduce (cells or organisms) into a culture medium.

husband

verb [with object] use (resources) economically; conserve: the need to husband his remaining strength.

propitiate

verb [with object] win or regain the favor of (a god, spirit, or person) by doing something that pleases them: the pagans thought it was important to propitiate the gods with sacrifices.

boycott

verb [with object] withdraw from commercial or social relations with (a country, organization, or person) as a punishment or protest. • refuse to buy or handle (goods) as a punishment or protest. • refuse to cooperate with or participate in (a policy or event). noun a punitive ban that forbids relations with certain groups, cooperation with a policy, or the handling of goods.

muffle

verb [with object] wrap or cover for warmth: on a chair by the far wall, muffled in an absurd overcoat. • cover or wrap up (a source of sound) to reduce its loudness: (as adjective muffled) : the soft beat of a muffled drum. • make (a sound) quieter or less distinct: his voice was muffled. • restrain or conceal (someone) with wrappings: the boy was bound and muffled. noun [usually as modifier] a receptacle in a furnace or kiln in which things can be heated without contact with combustion products.

likened

verb [with object] (liken someone/something to) point out the resemblance of someone or something to: they likened the reigning emperor to a god.

expurgate

verb [with object] (often as adjective expurgated) remove matter thought to be objectionable or unsuitable from (a book or account): the expurgated Arabian Nights.

couple

verb [with object] (often be coupled to/with) combine: a sense of hope is coupled with a palpable sense of loss. • connect (a railroad vehicle or a piece of equipment) to another: a cable is coupled up to one of the wheels. • [no object] (couple up) join to form a pair. • [no object] dated have sexual intercourse.

cajole

verb [with object] (often cajole someone into doing something) persuade someone to do something by sustained coaxing or flattery: he hoped to cajole her into selling the house | [no object] : she pleaded and cajoled as she tried to win his support.

burnish

verb [with object] (usually as adjective burnished) polish (something, especially metal) by rubbing: highly burnished armor. • enhance or perfect (something such as a reputation or a skill). noun [in singular] the shine on a highly polished surface.

civilize

verb [with object] (usually as adjective civilized) bring (a place or people) to a stage of social, cultural, and moral development considered to be more advanced: a civilized society. • (as adjective civilized) polite and well-mannered: such an affront to civilized behavior will no longer be tolerated.

elated

verb [with object] (usually as adjective elated) make (someone) ecstatically happy: I felt elated at beating Dennis. adjective archaic in high spirits; exultant or proud: the ladies returned with elate and animated faces.

frazzle

verb [with object] (usually as adjective frazzled) cause to feel completely exhausted; wear out: a frazzled parent. • fray: change the skirt if it gets frazzled | figurative : it's enough to frazzle the nerves. noun (a frazzle) the state of being completely exhausted or worn out: I'm tired, worn to a frazzle.

alias

verb [with object] (usually be aliased) Physics & Telecommunications misidentify (a signal frequency), introducing distortion or error. adverb used to indicate that a named person is also known or more familiar under another specified name: Eric Blair, alias George Orwell. • informal indicating another term or synonym: the catfish—alias bullhead—is a mighty tasty fry-up. noun a false or assumed identity: a spy operating under the alias Barsad.

chasten

verb [with object] (usually be chastened) (of a reproof or misfortune) have a restraining or moderating effect on: the director was somewhat chastened by his recent flops | (as adjective chastening) : a chastening experience. • archaic (especially of God) discipline; punish. 1. to bring to a state of submission; subdue; tame. 2. to discipline or correct by punishment.

enmesh

verb [with object] (usually be enmeshed in) cause to become entangled in something: whales enmeshed in drift nets. • involve (someone) in a difficult situation from which it is hard to escape: he is enmeshed in an adulterous affair.

euthanize

verb [with object] (usually be euthanized) North American put (a living being, especially a dog or cat) to death humanely.

predestine

verb [with object] (usually be predestined) (of God) destine (someone) for a particular fate or purpose: Calvinists believed that every person was predestined by God to go to heaven or to hell. • determine (an outcome or course of events) in advance by divine will or fate: she was certain that fate was with her and everything was predestined | (as adjective predestined) : our predestined end.

swathe

verb [with object] (usually be swathed in) wrap in several layers of fabric: his hands were swathed in bandages. noun a piece or strip of material in which something is wrapped. noun (plural swaths |swäTHs, swôTHs| or swathes |swāT͟Hz| ) 1 a broad strip or area of something: vast swaths of countryside | figurative : a significant swath of popular opinion.

sodden

verb [with object] archaic saturate (something) with water. adjective saturated with liquid, especially water; soaked through: his clothes were sodden. • [in combination] having drunk an excessive amount of a particular alcoholic drink: a whiskey-sodden criminal.

indict

verb [with object] chiefly North American formally accuse of or charge with a serious crime: his former manager was indicted for fraud.

laud

verb [with object] formal praise (a person or their achievements) highly, especially in a public context: the obituary lauded him as a great statesman and soldier | [as adjective, with submodifier] (lauded) : her much lauded rendering of Lady Macbeth. noun archaic praise: all glory, laud, and honor to Thee.

castigate

verb [with object] formal reprimand (someone) severely: he was castigated for not setting a good example.

exculpate

verb [with object] formal show or declare that (someone) is not guilty of wrongdoing: the article exculpated the mayor.

discombobulate

verb [with object] humorous, chiefly North American disconcert or confuse (someone): this attitude totally discombobulated Bruce | (as adjective discombobulated) : he is looking a little pained and discombobulated.

discharge

verb |disˈCHärj| [with object] 1 tell (someone) officially that they can or must leave, in particular: • send (a patient) out of the hospital because they are judged fit to go home. • dismiss or release (someone) from a job, especially from service in the armed forces or police. • release (someone) from the custody or restraint of the law: he ordered that 1,671 prisoners of war be discharged from prison. • release (a party) from a contract or obligation: the insurer is discharged from liability from the day of breach. • (of a person) fire (a gun or missile): when you shoot you can discharge as many barrels as you wish. • [no object] (of a firearm) be fired: there was a dull thud as the gun discharged. • (of a person) allow (an emotion) to be released: he discharged his resentment in the harmless form of memoirs.

frequent

verb |frēˈkwent| [with object] visit (a place) often or habitually: bars frequented by soldiers | [as adjective, with submodifier] (frequented) : one of the most frequented sites. adjective |ˈfrēkwənt| occurring or done on many occasions, in many cases, or in quick succession: frequent changes in policy | the showers will become heavier and more frequent. • [attributive] (of a person) doing something often; habitual: a frequent visitor to New England. • found at short distances apart: frequent army roadblocks.

ferment

verb |fərˈment| 1 [no object] (of a substance) undergo fermentation: the drink had fermented, turning some of the juice into alcohol. • [with object] cause the fermentation of (a substance). 2 [with object] incite or stir up (trouble or disorder): the politicians and warlords who are fermenting this chaos. • [no object] (of a negative feeling or memory) fester and develop into something worse: it had been fermenting in my subconscious for a while. noun |ˈfərˌmənt| 1 agitation and excitement among a group of people, typically concerning major change and leading to trouble or violence: Germany at this time was in a state of religious ferment. 2 archaic a fermenting agent or enzyme.

import

verb |imˈpôrt| [with object] 1 bring (goods or services) into a country from abroad for sale: Japan's reluctance to import more cars. • introduce (an idea) from a different place or context: new beliefs were often imported by sailors. • Computing transfer (data) into a file or document. 2 archaic indicate or signify: having thus seen, what is imported in a Man's trusting his Heart. • express or make known: [with clause] : they passed a resolution importing that they relied on His Majesty's gracious promise. noun |ˈimˌpôrt| 1 (usually imports) a commodity, article, or service brought in from abroad for sale. • (imports) sales of goods or services brought in from abroad, or the revenue from such sales: this surplus pushes up the yen, which ought to boost imports. • the action or process of importing goods or services: the import of live cattle from Canada. 2 [in singular] the meaning or significance of something, especially when not directly stated: the import of her message is clear. • great significance; importance: pronouncements of world-shaking import.

convict

verb |kənˈvikt| [with object] declare (someone) to be guilty of a criminal offense by the verdict of a jury or the decision of a judge in a court of law: her former boyfriend was convicted of assaulting her | (as adjective convicted) : a convicted murderer. noun |ˈkänˌvikt| a person found guilty of a criminal offense and serving a sentence of imprisonment.

convert

verb |kənˈvərt| 1 [with object] cause to change in form, character, or function: production processes that converted raw material into useful forms. • [no object] change or be able to change from one form to another: the seating converts to a double or two single beds. • persuade (someone) to do this: he was converted in his later years to the socialist cause. convert something to one's own use Law wrongfully make use of another's property.

precipitate

verb |prəˈsipəˌtāt| [with object] 1 cause (an event or situation, typically one that is bad or undesirable) to happen suddenly, unexpectedly, or prematurely: the incident precipitated a political crisis. • cause to move suddenly and with force: suddenly the ladder broke, precipitating them down into a heap. • (precipitate someone/something into) send someone or something suddenly into a particular state or condition: they were precipitated into a conflict for which they were quite unprepared. 2 Chemistry cause (a substance) to be deposited in solid form from a solution. • cause (drops of moisture or particles of dust) to be deposited from the atmosphere or from a vapor or suspension. adjective |prəˈsipədət| done, made, or acting suddenly or without careful consideration: I must apologize for my staff—their actions were precipitate. • (of an event or situation) occurring suddenly or abruptly: a precipitate decline in cultural literacy. noun |prəˈsipədətprəˈsipəˌtāt| Chemistry a substance precipitated from a solution.[from modern Latin praecipitatum

surmise

verb |sərˈmīz| [no object, usually with clause] suppose that something is true without having evidence to confirm it: he surmised that something must be wrong | [with direct speech] : "I don't think they're locals," she surmised. noun |sərˈmīzˈsərˌmīz| a supposition that something may be true, even though there is no evidence to confirm it: Charles was glad to have his surmise confirmed | all these observations remain surmise.

transport

verb |tranˈspôrt| [with object] 1 take or carry (people or goods) from one place to another by means of a vehicle, aircraft, or ship: the bulk of freight traffic was transported by truck. • cause (someone) to feel that they are in another place or time: for a moment she was transported to a warm summer garden on the night of a ball. • historical send (a convict) to a penal colony. 2 overwhelm (someone) with a strong emotion, especially joy: she was transported with pleasure. noun |ˈtran(t)spôrt| 1 a system or means of conveying people or goods from place to place by means of a vehicle, aircraft, or ship: many possess their own forms of transport | air transport. • the action of transporting something or the state of being transported: the transport of crude oil. • a large vehicle, ship, or aircraft used to carry troops or stores. • historical a convict who was transported to a penal colony. 2 (usually transports) an overwhelmingly strong emotion: art can send people into transports of delight.

abuse

verb |əˈbyo͞oz| [with object] 1 use (something) to bad effect or for a bad purpose; misuse: the judge abused his power by imposing the fines. • make excessive and habitual use of (alcohol or drugs, especially illegal ones). 2 treat (a person or an animal) with cruelty or violence, especially regularly or repeatedly: riders who abuse their horses should be prosecuted. • assault (someone, especially a woman or child) sexually: he was a depraved man who had abused his two young daughters | (as adjective abused) : abused children. • (abuse oneself) euphemistic masturbate. • use or treat in such a way as to cause damage or harm: he had been abusing his body for years. 3 speak in an insulting and offensive way to or about (someone): the referee was abused by players from both teams. noun |əˈbyo͞os| 1 the improper use of something: alcohol abuse | an abuse of public funds. • unjust or corrupt practice: protection against fraud and abuse | human rights abuses. 2 cruel and violent treatment of a person or animal: a black eye and other signs of physical abuse. • violent treatment involving sexual assault, especially on a repeated basis: young people who have suffered sexual abuse. 3 insulting and offensive language: waving his fists and hurling abuse at the driver.

affix

verb |əˈfiks| [with object] stick, attach, or fasten (something) to something else: he licked the stamp and affixed it to the envelope. noun |ˈaˌfiks| Grammar an additional element placed at the beginning or end of a root, stem, or word, or in the body of a word, to modify its meaning. See also infix, prefix, suffix.

annex

verb |əˈneksˈaneks| [with object] append or add as an extra or subordinate part, especially to a document: the first ten amendments were annexed to the Constitution in 1791 | (as adjective annexed) : the annexed diagram. • add (territory) to one's own territory by appropriation: the left bank of the Rhine was annexed by France in 1797. • informal take for oneself; appropriate: it was bad enough that Richard should have annexed his girlfriend. • (archaic) add or attach as a condition or consequence. noun |ˈaneks| (chiefly British also annexe) (plural annexes) 1 a building joined to or associated with a main building, providing additional space or accommodations. 2 an addition to a document: an annex to the report.

saturate

verb |ˈsaCHəˌrāt| [with object] cause (something) to become thoroughly soaked with liquid so that no more can be absorbed: the soil is saturated. • cause (a substance) to combine with, dissolve, or hold the greatest possible quantity of another substance: the groundwater is saturated with calcium hydroxide. • magnetize or charge (a substance or device) fully. • (usually be saturated with) fill (something or someone) with something until no more can be held or absorbed: they've become thoroughly saturated with powerful and seductive messages from the media. • supply (a market) beyond the point at which the demand for a product is satisfied: Japan's electronics industry began to saturate the world markets. • overwhelm (an enemy target area) by concentrated bombing. satruated with moisture

overhaul

verb |ˌōvərˈhôl| [with object] 1 take apart (a piece of machinery or equipment) in order to examine it and repair it if necessary: a company that overhauls and repairs aircraft engines | figurative : moves to overhaul the income tax system. noun |ˈōvərˌhôl| a thorough examination of machinery or a system, with repairs or changes made if necessary: a major overhaul of environmental policies.

drain

verb: 2 deprive of strength or vitality: his limbs were drained of all energy | Ruth slumped down in her seat, drained by all that had happened. • cause (money, energy, or another valuable resource) to be lost, wasted, or used up: my mother's hospital bills are draining my income. • [no object] (of a resource) be lost, wasted, or used up: votes and campaign funds drained away from the Republican candidate. verb [with object] 1 cause the water or other liquid in (something) to run out, leaving it empty, dry, or drier: we drained the swimming pool. • cause or allow (liquid) to run off or out of something: fry the pork and drain off any excess fat. • make (land) drier by providing channels for water to flow away in: the land was drained and the boggy ground reclaimed. • (of a river) carry off the superfluous water from (a district): the stream drains a wide moorland above the waterfall. • [no object] (of water or another liquid) flow away from, out of, or into something: the river drains into the Pacific | figurative : Polly felt the blood drain from her face. • [no object] become dry or drier as liquid runs off or away: dishes left to drain | the plant should be watered well and allowed to drain. • (of a person) drink the entire contents of (a glass or other container): he seized the Scotch set before him and drained it. • [no object] (of a feeling or emotion) become progressively less strongly felt: gradually the tension and stress drained away. noun: 2 [in singular] a thing that uses up a particular resource: nuclear power is a serious drain on the public purse. • the continuous loss or expenditure of a particular resource: the drain of our heritage. go down the drain informal be totally wasted: the government must stop public money from going down the drain.

withdrawn

withdrawn |wiT͟HˈdrônwiTHˈdrôn| past participle of withdraw. adjective not wanting to communicate with other people: a disorder characterized by withdrawn and fearful behavior.

resin

• (also synthetic resin) a solid or liquid synthetic organic polymer used as the basis of plastics, adhesives, varnishes, or other products. noun a sticky flammable organic substance, insoluble in water, exuded by some trees In polymer chemistry and materials science, resin is a "solid or highly viscous substance" of plant or synthetic origin that is typically convertible into polymers. They are often mixtures of organic compounds, principally terpenes.

graduated

• (graduate to) move up to (a more advanced level or position): he started with motorbikes but now he's graduated to his first car. 2 [with object] arrange in a series or according to a scale: (as adjective graduated) : a graduated tax. • mark out (an instrument or container) in degrees or other proportionate divisions: the stem was graduated with marks for each hour | [as adjective] : graduated cylinders. 3 [with object] change (something, typically color or shade) gradually or step by step: the color is graduated from the middle of the frame to the top.

province

• (the provinces) the whole of a country outside the capital, especially when regarded as lacking in sophistication or culture: I made my way home to the dreary provinces by train.

portmanteau

• [as modifier] consisting of or combining two or more aspects or qualities: a portmanteau movie composed of excerpts from his most famous films.

denomination

• a group or branch of any religion: Jewish clergy of all denominations. 2 the face value of a banknote, coin, or postage stamp: a hundred dollars or so, in small denominations. 3 formal a name or designation, especially one serving to classify a set of things. • the action of naming or classifying something: denomination of oneself as a fat woman.

brand

• mark indelibly: an ointment that branded her with unsightly violet-colored splotches. • describe (someone or something) as something bad or shameful: the do-gooders branded us as politically incorrect | [with object and complement] : she was branded a liar. 2 assign a brand name to: (as adjective branded) : branded goods at low prices. • (as noun branding) the promotion of a particular product or company by means of advertising and distinctive design.

caste

• the system of dividing society into hereditary classes. • any class or group of people who inherit exclusive privileges or are perceived as socially distinct: those educated in private schools belong to a privileged caste.