Week 3, Day 5 / Goosebumps - Hedonist

*Conundrum (n)* - cah-NUHN-drum

*Definition:* A riddle; any mystery *Usage*: Sherlock Holmes is famous for his ability to solve the most complex *conundrums* with simple observation./ The new mystery novel presents an interesting spin on the classic locked-room *conundrum*-how did the perpetrator get in and out of the White House without being detected? *Related words*: Enigma (puzzle, mystery), Paradox (contradiction, or seeming contradiction that is actually true)

*Anarchy (n)* - ANN-ark-ee

*Definition:* Absence of law or government; chaos, disorder *Usage*: Once the dictator was assassinated, the country fell into total *anarchy*, as none of the opposition groups were strong enough to seize power. *More Info:* Anarchism can sometimes mean the political philosophy that the absence of all direct government is ideal and that voluntary associations of individuals would be able to govern themselves.

*Clamor (v, n)* - CLAM-er

*Definition:* Noisy uproar or protest, as from a crowd (n); a loud, continous noise (n) *Usage*: As soon as a scent of scandal emerged, the press was *clamoring* for details. / The mayor couldn't even make hersefl heard over the clamor of the protestors. *Related words*: Hubbub (loud noise, confusion), Cacophony (harsh, discordant, or meaningless mixture of sounds), Din (loud, confused noise), Dissonance (harsh, inharmonious sound) *More Info:* Don't confuse with clamber, which means to climb awkwardly or scramble. *Clamor* comes from an Anglo-French root meaning "cry out, " a root that also gives us claim.

*Apathy (n)* - APP-uh-thee

*Definition:* Not caring; absence of feeling; lack of interest or concern *Usage*: Many parents of teenagers are concerned by their indolent teens' *apathy* about the future. Few teens are totally *apathetic*, however, many get quite excited about video games, flirting, or trips to the mall. *Related words*: Indifferent (apathetic or impartial), Luckwarm (moderately warm; having little enthusiasm) *More Info:* Don't confuse *apathy* with antipathy, which means "deep dislike, aversion, or repugnance."

*Ambiguous (adj)* - am-BIG-yoo-uss

*Definition:* Not clear, hard to understand, open to having several meanings or interpretations. *Usage*: The meaning of this ancient text is *ambiguous*-either we are missing some cultural context, or else the writer actually wanted to be mysterious. *Related words*: Equivocal (allowing for several different meanings; undecided or having mixed feelings), Opaque (hard to understand; dull or stupid; literally, not allowing light to pass through) *More Info:* The prefix "ambi-" means "both" or "all." Don't confuse *ambiguous* with ambivalent; writing, speech, and other forms of communication are *ambiguous*.

*Compliant (adj)* - cuhm-PLY-ent

*Definition:* Obeying, submissive; following the requirements *Usage*: Those who are not compliant with the regulations will be put on probation and possibly expelled. / A *compliant* child, he never gave his parents any trouble. *Related words*: Complaisant and Obliging are words describing people who comply with eagerness.

*complacent (adj)* cuhm-PLAY-sent

*Definition:* Self-satisfied, smug; overly content (and therefore lazy, neglectful, or some other bad quality) *Usage*: The coach gave a pep talk: "I know we've never won a championship before, but we do have an advantage over the six-time state champions we're about to play-they have grown *complacent* with their success, and now they just assume they'll win without having to sweat." *More Info:* Don't confuse *complacent* with complaisant, which means "eager to please."

*Austere (adj)* - aw-STEER

*Definition:* Severe in manner or appearance; very self-disciplined, ascetic; without luxury or ease; sober or serious. *Usage*: Her design sense was so minimalist as to be *austere*; all-white walls, hard, wooden furniture, not a single picture, throw pillow, or cozy comfort anywhere. / The graduation speaker delivered an *austere* message: the economy is bad, and academic success alone isn't enough to succeed un the job market. *Related words*: Ascetic (pertaining to a simple, austere life with no luxuries, such as that of a monk; a person who leads such a life)

*Buffer (n)* - BUFF-er

*Definition:* Something that shields, protects, absorbs shock, or cushions *Usage*: DUring the colonial era, England wanted Georgia as a *buffer between its original colonies and Spanish Florida. / A Railroad car has a *buffer* (similar to a bumper on a car) to absorb shock in case of contact with other cars. / When Joel came out to his family, he used his mother as a *buffer*. He knew she would be supportive, so he allowed her to rely their responses back to him. *More Info:* A *buffer* can also be a device for polishing (cars, fingernails, etc.)

*Constrict (v)* - cuhn-STRICT

*Definition:* Squeez, compress; restrict the freedom of *Usage*: The children strongly disliked being gussied up in *constrictive* clothing for a formal wedding. / Tourism is now allowed in North Korea, but tourists must stay with official tour groups, and their movements are heavily *constricted* *Related words*: Constringe (cause to shrink) *More Info:* A Boa *constrictor is a snake that squeezes its prey to death.

*Bolster (v)* - BOHL-ster

*Definition:* Strengthen or support *Usage*: The general requested reinforcements to *bolster* the defensive line set up at the border. / Some people believe that self-affirmation exercises are an effective way to bolster self-esteem and even performance. *Related words*: Buttress means a support against a building but can also be a verb meaning "strengthen or support." Fortify is most associated with protecting against military attack but also means "strengthen or support." *More Info:* *Bolster* comes from an Old Norse noun for a long, supportive pillow, and can still mean this. *Bolster* has additional meanings in sailing, metalworking, and other fields, but in every case a *bolster* is some kind of specialized support.

*Censure (n, v)* - SEN-sher

*Definition:* Strong disapproval or official reprimand (n); to issue such disapproval or reprimand (v) *Usage*: The Senator was *censured* by the Senate for campaign fund improprities-in fact, he narrowly avoided being expelled from office. *Related words*: Don't confused censure with censor (to delete objectionable portions of a work) *More Info:* In 1984, Andrew Jackson became the only US President to ever be *censured by the Sentate. Since 1789, nine Senators have been *censured*; this act of formal disapproval does not remove them from office.

*Buttress (v, n)* - BUTT-ress

*Definition:* Support or encourage (v); a support or prop, esp. projecting from and supporting the wall of a building (noun) *Usage*: A self-defense class really helped to *buttress Elaine's confidence. / David used his PH. D as a buttress against criticism. "I have a doctorate," he would say. "I just don't think you can understand." *Related words*: Bolster originally was a type of pillow and now is also a verb meaning "support or strengthen." Fortify is most associated with protecting against military attacke but also means "strengthen." Fortify is most associated with protecting against military attack but also means "strenthen or support."

*Commensurate (adj)* - cuh-MEN-sher-it

*Definition:* The same in size, extent, etc, equivalent; proportional *Usage*: According to the course catalog, you may take Advanced Japanese following Japanese III or *commensurate* experience with the language. *Related words*: Tantamount (equivalent, as in "What he did is tantamount to murder.") *More Info:* The Latin "mensuratus" means "measure" - so *commensurate* means "measure together."

*Convoluted (adj)* - CAHN-vuh-loo-tid

*Definition:* Twisted; very complicated *Usage*: Your argument is so *convoluted* that I'm not even able to understand it enough to start critiquing it. / To get from the hotel room to the pool requires following a *convoluted path up two staircases and down two others to get to someplace on the same floor we started on *Related words*: Tortuous (twisting, not direct, deceitful), Labyrinthine (tortuous, resembling a labyrinth), Byzantine (complex or intricate; relating to the Byzantine Empire and its highly intricate art and architecture style).

*Advocate (v,n)* - AD-voh-kayt(v), AD-vok-kit(n)

*Definition:*(v) Speak or argue in favor of; (n)a person who pleads for a cause or on behalf of another person *Usage*: I cannot possibly vota for a candidate whoe *advocates* oil drilling in federally protected nature preserves. / Children often have *advocates* appointed to represent them in court. *Related words*: Proponents, exponents, or champions are all people who *advocate* for a cause. *More Info:* *Advocate* contains the root "voc," meaning "to call." This root also appears in vocal, invoke, etc.

*acme (n)* - ACK-mee

*Definition:*Summit, peak, highest point *Usage*: The *acme* of my vacation was when I finally climbed to the acme of the mountain and enjoyed the gorgeous vista. *Related words*: Summit, Pinnacle (synonyms), Apex (vertex, tip, point), Apogee (highest point, point at which the moon is furthest from the Earth) *More Info:* *Acme*, Summit, Pinnacle, and Apex are all popular names for businesses: Apex Locksmith, Pinnacle Home Security, etc (*Acme* is especially popular, since it occurs early in the phone book)

*Activism (n)* - ACK-ti-vizm

*Definition:*The practice of pursuing political or other goals through vigorous action, often including protests and demonstrations *Usage*: Lindsay's parents had a hard time accepting that, after incurring $100,000 in student loans, their daughter had decided to enter the low-paying field of environmental *activism* *Related words*: Advocacy (pleading for, recommending), Champion (one who defends or supports, as a cause) *More Info:* *Activism* if often considered noble, but judicial activism - going beyond interpreting existing laws to actually using court decisions to create new public policies-is often controversial.

*Affable (adj)* - Aff-uh-bull

*Definition:*Warm and friendly, pleasant, approachable *Usage*: The professional wrestler played at belligerence in the ring, but in real life, he was quite an *affable* fellow: sociable, easy-going, and always ready to lend a hand. *Related words*: Amiable, Cordial, and Genial are synonyms *More Info:* The opposite of affable could be standoffish, discourteous, or distant.

*Belie (v)* - Bih-Lie

*Definition:* Contradict or misrepresent *Usage*: The actress's public persona as a parky "girl next door" *belied* her private penchant for abusing her assistants and demanding that her trailer be filled with reidiculous luxury goods. / The data *belie* the accepted theory-either we've made a mistake or we have an amazing new discovery on our hands! *More Info:* The word is extremely commin in GRE questions that ask you to select the missing word for a blank, as *belie* allows a sentence to change directions, as in the example above.

*Admonish (v)* - ad-MAHN-ish

*Definition:* Mildly scold; caution, advise, or remind to do something *Usage*: She was an exacting boss who castigated an employee for jamming the copier, yet she merely *admonished* her five-year-old for the same offense. *Related words*: Reprove, upbraid, reprimand, and rebuke are all harsher forms of criticism than *admonish* *More Info:* You can also *admonish* someone to do something, as in "The GRE instructor *admonished* her students to study vocabulary every day."

*Base (adj)* - BASE

*Definition:* Morally low, mean, dishonorable; of little or no value; crude and unrefined; counterfeit *Usage*: His philathropy was underlined by the truly *base* motives-he not only craved the fawning publicity his donations brought, but he was actually funneling drug money through the Children's Defense Fund! / The supposed "gold bricks" were really *base* metals covered in a very thin *Related words*: Debase (lower or reduce in quality or dignity)

*Capricious (adj)* cap-REE-shuss / Caprice (n)

*Definition:* Acting on impulse, erratic *Usage*: The headmaster's punishments were *capricious-break the rules one day, you get a warning; break them another day, you get expelled. / Who needs a plan? A date is more fun with a little *caprice*-let's just start with driving and see what we find! *Related words*: Whimseical (fanciful, exccentric), Lark (merry adventure), Mercurial (changing moods), Arbitrary (based on one's discretion; capricious) *More Info:* *Capricious* in generally (but not always) meant in a negative way, as acting on umpulse is inappropriate in most contexts. Whimsical is a near-synonym, although generally used in a positive way, to descrive using one;s imagination.

*Artifact (n)* - AR-ti-fact

*Definition:* Any object made by humans, especially those from an earlier time, such as those excavated by archaeologists *Usage*: The archaeologists dug up countless *artifacts*, from simple pottery shards and coins to complex written tablets. / The girl's room of the *artifacts* of modern teenage life: Justin Beiber posters, Twilight books, and a laptop open to Facebook. *More Info:* *Artifact* contains the same root ("fact," meaning "to make") as in factory and manufacture.

*Concur (v)* - cuhn-KER

*Definition:* Approve, agree *Usage*: John Locke wrote that justice is based on the social contract, and I *concur*-in fact, my latest book is all about contractual justice. *Related words*: Assent (approval, agreement) *More Info:* *Concur* is related to concurrent, meaning "occuring at the same time or acting over the same area; coordinating actions, "as in "We recommend that you take calculus before physic, but it is possible to take them concurrently."

*Chronological (adj)* - KRAH-noh-LODGE-ick-ull

*Definition:* Arranged in or relating to time order *Usage*: Joey, I'm afraid you've done the assignment wrong-the point of making a timeline is to put the information in *chronological* order. You've put it in alphabetical order instead! *More Info:* The root "chron," for "time," also occurs in chronicle (a historical account in time order), chronic (ongoing, usually of an illness), and anachronism (thing our of its own time period). Chronometer is just a fancy word for clock.

*Canonical (adj)* - can-NON-ick-ull / canon (n)

*Definition:* Authorized, recognized; pertaining to *the canon*, or body of accepted rules, standards or artistic works *Usage*: School boards often start controversies when replacing *canonical* books in the curriculum with modern literature; while many people think students should read words more relevant to their lives, others point that Moby Dick is part of the *canon* for a reason. *More Info:* *Canon* comes from a Greek word similar to "measuring rod" and which also gives us cane.

*Caustic (adj)* - CAW-stick

*Definition:* Capable of corroding metal or burning the skin; very critical or sarcatic. *Usage*: Wait, those chemicals are *caustic*! You need safety gloves and goggles before performing the experiment, or else you risk not only getting your skin burned off, but also some seriously *caustic* remarks from our chemistry teacher. *Related words*: Acerbic (sour; harsh or severe), Acrid (sharp or biting, pungent), Astringent (caustic, biting, severe; a skin cleaning fluid that clears pores), Excoriate (to rub the skin off of; to criticize very harshly)

*Catalyst (n)* - CAT-uh-list

*Definition:* Causer of change *Usage*: The young manager was a catalyst at the stody old company-once he introduced employee laptops, telecommunicating, and mobile workstations, even the most conventional of employees totally changed the way they worked. *More Info:* In chemistry, a *catalyst* causes or accelerates a chemical reaction but is not, itself, affected (the opposite is an inhibitor). Metaphorically, a catalyst is a person or event that causes a reaction.

*Archaic (adj)* - ar-CAY-ick

*Definition:* Characteristic of an earlier period, ancient, primitive *Usage*: The school's *archaic* computer system predated even floppy disks-it stored records on tape drives! / Sometimes, when you look a word up in the dictionary, certain definitions are marked "*archaic*" - unless you are a Shakespeare scholar, you can safely ignore those *archaisms*. *Related words*: Obsolete (out of date, no longer used), Antediluvian (extremely old, before the Biblical flood) *More Info:* *Archaic* is especially used to describe language common to an older time but rare today, such as "thou" or "forsooth." If a word appears in a dictionary with "*archaic*" next to a secondary meaning, that meaning is unlikely to be tested on the GRE.

*Coalesce (v)* - coh-uh-LESS

*Definition:* Come together, unite; fuse together *Usage*: While at first everyone on the team was jockeying for power and recognition, eventually, the group *coalesced* and everyone was happy to share credit for a job well-done. / Eas and West Germany *coalesced* into a single country in 1990. *Related words*: Agglomerate (collect into a mass), Aggregate (gather together), Consolidate (unite, combine, firm up-you can consolidate loans or consolidate power) *More Info:* A coalition is a group that has *coalesced* (at least in theory).

*Analogous (adj)* - auh-NAL-uh-guss

*Definition:* Comparable, corresponding in some particular way (making a good analogy) *Usage*: In the U.S., whenever opponents of a war want to suggest that the war is unwinnable, they point out all the ways in which the war is *analogous* to the Vietnam War. *Related words*: Tantamount (equivalent, as in "What he did is tantamount to murder.")

*Complementary (adj)* - cahm-pleh-MENT-uh-re

*Definition:* Completeing; fitting together well; filling mutual needs *Usage*: "That scarf really *complements* your outfit," said Elle. "Thanks for the compliment," said Danica. / The couple had *complementary* personalities-when Omar got overwhelmed with the details, Lee took care of everything, and when Lee got too introspective, Omar cheered him up with an insatiable zest for life. *More Info:* *Complementary* angles (for instance, 35* and 55*) add to 90 degrees

*Confer (v)* - cuhn-FER

*Definition:* Consult, compare views; bestow or give *Usage*: A Ph.D *confers* upon a person the right to be addressed as "Doctor" as well as eligibility to pursue a tenure-track professorship. / Escuse me for a moment to make a call-I can't buy this car until I confer with my spouse. *Related words*: Vest can mean "grant an authority or right," as in "The ownership of 51% of the stock vests her with the right to make decisions for the company."

*Converge (v)* - cuhn-VERGE

*Definition:* Move towards one another or towards a point; unite *Usage*: I know we're driving to the wedding from different states, but our routes ought to *converge* when each of us hits I-95-maybe we could *converge* at a Craker Barrel for lunch!. *More Info:* The antonym of *converge* is diverge.

*Contentious (adj)* - cuhn-TENT-chuss

*Definition:* Controversial; prone to causing arguments, especially gratuitous or petty ones. *Usage*: The death penalty is *contentious issue. / My uncle is so *contentious* that every attempt I made to introduce an uncontroversial topic met with failure; he ranted and raved about the weather, trees, math, and my daughter's enjoyment of oatmeal. *Related words*: Disputatious and quarrelsome are near-synonyms. *More Info:* A *contention* is simply a claim, often a thesis or statement that will then be backed up with reasons. To *contend*, can be to argue or to vie for a prize, as in the famous quote from On the Waterfront: "I coulda been a *contender,*"

*Castigate (v)* - CASS-tigg-ayt

*Definition:* Criticize severely; punish in order to correct *Usage*: At the grocery store, the mother attracted stares when she *castigated*-rather than merely admonished-her child for throwing a box of instant oatmeal. *Related words*: Excoriate (berate severely; wear the skin off) *More Info:* *Castigate* shares a root (meaning "pure") with both castrate and the caste system. That should make it easy to remember that *castigation is harsh indeed!

*Aver (v)* - uh-VER

*Definition:* Declare or affirm with confidence, say *Usage*: "Despite your insistence that ethics are completely situational," said the philosophy professor, "I *aver* that the existence of natural rights inevitably leads to certain immutable ethical boundaries." *More Info:* *ver* contains the root "ver" (truth), which also appears in verify, veracious, and verisimilitude.

*Antipathy (n)* - an-TIP-uh-thee

*Definition:* Deep dislike, aversion, or repugnance, sometimes without reason *Usage*: As an environmentalist, Mr. Subramanian had nothing but *antipathy*for the mining company drilling in and polluting his hometown. *Related words*: Loathing (strong aversion, dislike, or disgust) *More Info:* Don't confuse *antipathy* with apathy, which means "indifference, not caring." *Antipathy* is the opposite of sympathy (note that the root "path"means "feeling").

*Anomaly (n)* - uh-NOM-ah-lee

*Definition:* Deviation from what is common; inconsistency *Usage*: While the cosmetics division of the company has many female executives, it is an *anomaly*; in the rest of the company, sadly, only 4% of management positions are filled by women. *Related words*: Aberration (departing from normal; mental irregularity or deviation in morality) *More Info:* The word *anomaly* sometimes pops up in discussions of the supernatural. The show X-files was about the investigation of *anomalies*.

*Avid (adj)* - AV-id

*Definition:* Enthusiastic, dedicated, passionate; excessively desirious *Usage*: An *avid* cyclist, she was on her bike every weekend, and even bought the same bike that Lance Armstrong last used in the Tour de France. / *Avid* of power, the young Senator compromised every principle to gain the support- and money-of large corporations. *Related words*: Ardent (very passionate), Zealous (full of fervor or dedicated enthusiasm for a cause, person, etc)

*Connoisseur (n)* - cah-nuh-SOOR

*Definition:* Expert, especially in the fine arts; person of educated, refined tastes *Usage*: A chocolate *connoisseur*, Mom eschews grocery store brands and will only eat 80% cocoa-or-higher artisanal chocolate that is less than a week old. *Related words*: Epicure (person with discriminating tastes, esp. regarding food and wine) *More Info:* *Connoisseur* comes, through French, from the Latin "cognoscere," meaning "to know," which also gives us cognition.

*Bogus (adj)* - BOH-guss

*Definition:* Fake, fraudulent *Usage*: The back of this bodybuilding magazine is just full of ads for *bogus* products-this one promises 22-inch biceps just from wearing magnetic armbands! *Related words*: spurious and sham are synonyms *More Info:* *Bogus* is of American origin, originally a device for making counterfeit money. "*Bogus*!" was also a slang term of the 80s (prominent in the 1989 film Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure), meanin "bad" or "unfair." One the GRE, however, *bogus* means fake.

*Chauvinism (n)* - SHOW-vin-izm / Chauvinist (n) /istic (adj)

*Definition:* Fanatical patriotism or blind enthusiasm for military glory; undue or biased devotion to any group, cause, etc *Usage*: He's such a *chauvinist* that he denies that any other nation could be better than France's, our ski slopes are better than Norway's, and even that we grow more rice than China! *Related words*: Bigot (obstinately prejudiced person), Xenophobia (fear of foreigners), Jingoism (extreme chauvinism plus warlike foreign policy) *More Info:* Don't confuse *chauvinism* with sexism-a "male chauvinist" is just one kind. The original *chauvinist was Nicholas Chauvin, a possibly fictional soldier wounded 17 times while serving in Napoleon;s army (he really loved Napoleon).

*Ascertain (v)* - ass-er-TAYN

*Definition:* Find out with certainty *Usage*: Hopefully, the investigation will allow use to *ascertain* who is at fault here. *Related words*: Discern (perceive or recognize; tell two or more things apart), Descry (discover, see by looking carefully) *More Info:* *Ascertain* is easy to remember-it means "make certain" and has the word "certain" contained inside it.

*Artless (adj)* - ART-less

*Definition:* Free of deceit or craftiness, natural, genuine; lacking skill or knowledge, crude, uncultured *Usage*: Children can be so *artless* that, when you try to explain war to them, they say things like, "But isn't that mean?" / His *artless* attempt at negotiating a raise began with "I need more money, please" and ended with "Okay, sorry I asked." *Related words*: Guiless, Ingenuous (synonym) *More Info:* Don't think of *artless* as a lack or art-think of it as a lack of artifice, or artificiality. *Artless* can be either positive (free of deceit) or negative (lacking skill).

*Concede (v)* - cuhn-SEED / Concession (n)

*Definition:* Give in admit, yield; acknowledge reluctanly; grant or give up (such as giving up land after losing a war) *Usage*: The negotiations were pointless, with each side's representatives instructed by their home countries to make no *concessions* whatsoever. / Quebec was a French *concession* to Britain in the Treaty or Paris in 1763. / I suppose I will have to *concede* the argument now that you've looked up evidence on Wikipedia. *More Info:* THe Latin "cedere" means "yield, go withdraw" and also gives us cede (to yield, especially to give up land after losing a war, precede, and succeed.

*Bureaucracy (n)* - byur-ROCK-cruh-see

*Definition:* Government characterized by many bureaus and petty administrators or by excessive, seemingly meaningless requirements. *Usage*: Some nations have a worse reputation for *bureaucracy* than others; in order to get a visa, he had to file papers with four different agencies, wait for hours in three different waiting rooms, and weeks later, follow up with some petty *bureaucrat* who complained that the original application should've been filed triplicate. *More Info:* *There is nothing wrong with *bureaus (the Federal Bureau 0f Investigation, for instance), but *bureaucracy takes the idea much to far. While, technically bureaucracy can simply mean a form of government by *bureaus, it is virtually always used in the negative sense of excessive red tape.

*Burgeon (v)* - BER-juhn

*Definition:* Grow or flourish rapidly; put forth buds or shoots (of a plant) *Usage*: The dictator was concerned about the people's *burgeoning* discontent and redoubled his personal security. / Spending an hour a day on vocabulary studies will soon cause your lexicon to *burgeon.* *More Info:* From Old French "burjon," a shoot or bud. Mushroom us used in a similar metaphorical way, meaning "to spread out in all directions," as a mushroom grows.

*Benign (adj)* - bin-NINE

*Definition:* Harmless; kindly, gentle, or beneficial; not cancerous *Usage*: He was relieved when the biopsy results came back, informing him that the growth was *benign.* He's *benign* fellow. I'm sure having him assigned to your team at work will be perfectly pleasant. *Related words*: Innocuous (harmless, inoffensive) *More Info:* *Benign* contains the root "bene," meaning "good." Its antonym is *malign* ("mal" means "bad"), which as an adjective means "evil, harmful, or malicious" (as a verb, it can also mean slander or defame"). The variant *benignant* is used the same way as *benign.*

*Cacophony (n)* - cah-CAW-fun-nee

*Definition:* Harsh, discordant, or meaningless mixture of sounds *Usage*: The first day of elementary school marching band practice was nothing but *cacophony*, as students who hadn't learned to play their instruments at all nevertheless banged on or puffed air into them. *Related words*: Din (loud, confused noise), Dissonance (harsh, inharmonious sound), Clamor (noisy uproar, as from a crowd) *More Info:* "Caco /kako/kaki" is the Greek root for bad," occuring in such obscure but useful words as cacography (bad spelling or handwriting) and kakistocracy (rule by evil people). "Eu" is the Greek root for "good" and occurs in the antonym to *cacophony*, euphony.

*Conversely (adv)* - cuhn-VER-slee

*Definition:* In an opposite way; on the other hand *Usage*: The expression "to contrary" is sometimes used in the same way as *conversely.* *Related words*: The expression "to the contrary" is sometimes used in the same way as *conversely.* *More Info:* In logic, the *converse* of a statement is a simple reversal, from "Bachelors are unmarried men" to "Unmarried men are bachelors." The *converse is not always true, such as in the case of "All schnauzers are dogs" and "All dogs are schnauzers."

*Construe (v)* - cuhn-STROO

*Definition:* Interpret or translate *Usage*: I don't know how you *construed* my comment as an insult. All I said was, "Wow, I never knew you could sing." *More Info:* To misconstrue is to misunderstand or misinterpret.

*Conversant (adj)* - cuhn-VER-sint

*Definition:* Knowledge about or experienced with *Usage*: For an opera singer, she is unusually *conversant* in physics-she just explained the purpose of the Large Hadron Collider. *Related words*: Abreadt (keeping with, saying aware of, or remaining equal in progress with) *More Info:* *Conversant* does NOT mean talkative-it means having enough knowledge to be able to carry on an intelligent conversation about a topic.

*Arcane (adj)* - ar-CANE

*Definition:* Known or understood by only a few; obscure, secret *Usage*: To win at Jeopardy, you must be full or *arcane* knowledge. / The wizard's shop was full of *arcana*, from Latin-to-Ancient Greek dictionaries to entire books on magic spells relating only to elephants. *Related words*: Esoteric, Abstruse (synonyms) *More Info:* *arcane* comes from the Latin "arca," for "box"-*arcanum* is information that is metaphorically shut up in a box.

*Console (v, n)* - cuhn-SOUHL (v), CAHN-sohl (n)

*Definition:* Lessen the suffering or grief (v); a control panel, or small table or cabinet (n) *Usage*: I was unable to *console* Tina after she fell asleep at the *console* of her airplane and thereby failed her pilot's exam *Related words*: Succor (comfort, provide relief) *More Info:* As a verb, the word is pronounced "con-SOLE." As a noun, it's pronounced "CON-sole."

*Clinch (v)* - KLIN-ch

*Definition:* Make final or settle conclusively; to fasten or hold together *Usage*: When their best player was benched, the team fell behind, but once he was allowed back in the game, the team was able to *clinch* the win. / These two pieces have been *clinched* together with a clamp while the glue dries. *More Info:* In sports, to *clinch* a championship is to gain so great a lead that it is impossible not to win. To *clinch* a contract is to lock it down. To *clinch* a nail is to flatten the part that sticks out-that is, to finish your work.

*Antagonize (v)* - an-TAG-uh-nize

*Definition:* Make hostile or unfriendly *Usage*: "Josie! Stop *antagonizing* your little brother! Give him back that firetruck and tell him you're sorry for pulling his hair!" *Related words*: Provoke (anger, enrage, stir up, incite to action) *More Info:* When discussing literature or films, the protagonist is the main character and the *antagonist* is the main adversary (The Joke is Batman's *antagonist*).

*Augment (v)* - awg-MENT

*Definition:* Make larger *Usage*: If you memorize the definitions on all of thee flashcards, you will have notably *augmented* your vocabulary! *Related words*: Aggrandize (make greater; exaggerate) *More Info:* *Augment* shares a root ("augere," to increase) with august, meaning "majestic, inspiring reverence."

*Assuage (v)* - uh-SWAY-zh

*Definition:* Make milder, relieve; soothe, pacify, or calm *Usage*: After losing a million-dollar account, he tried to *assuage* his furious boss by pointing out that he was close to winning a new account worth at least as much. *Related words*: Placate, Mollify, and Appease are near-synonyms. *More Info:* *Assuage* shares a Latin root (meaning "sweat") with suave, which today means smoothly agreeable or polite.

*cartography (n)* - car-TAH-grah-fee

*Definition:* Mapmaking *Usage*: The invention of better navigation tools had major effects on *cartography*- the more ships knew precisely where they were sailing, the better the world could be mapped. *More Info:* From the Franch "carte," map.

*Apocryphal (adj)* - uh-POCK-riff-ull

*Definition:* Of questionable authenticity; false *Usage*: I'm sorry, but this putative letter from George Washington that you found at a garage sale is clearly *apocryphal*-it is riddled with anachronisms (for instance, Washington was long dead by the time silent films were invented), and also, Washington most certainly didn't refer to Martha Washington as "baby." *Related words*: Ersatz (artificial, synthetic, serving as a substitute), Faux (fake, imitation, as in "faux fur"), Specious (pleasing to the eye but deceptive) *More Info:* The word "*Apocrypha*" often refers to books that have been rejected fir inclusion in (various versions of) the Bible, either due to dubious authenticity or because the Church considered them useful, but not divinely inspired. Obviously, different authorities disagree about what exactly is included in the *Apocrypha*.

*Candid (adj)* - CAN-did / candor (n)

*Definition:* Open, sincere, honest *Usage*: Allow me to be *candid*: you do look rather portly in those pants, and I think you should wear something else. / You have been really secretive about where you've been going after work; we could use a little more *candor* in this relationship. *Related words*: Frank (direct, straightforward) *More Info:* *Candid* photographs are photos from life, where the subjects are not posing. *Candid* Camera was a hidden camera style prank show that ran for decades.

*Condone (v)* - cuhn-DOHN

*Definition:* Overlook, tolerate, regard as harmless *Usage*: While underage drinking is illegal, at many universities, it is tacitly *condoned* by administrations that neglect to enforce anti-drinking policies. *Related words*: Brook (suffer or tolerate), Countenance (as a noun: face or facial expression; as a verb: approve or tolerate) *More Info:* *Condone* shares a root (meaning "give") with donate. To *condone* is to give mild, sometimes tacit, approval.

*Appease (v)* - uh-PEEZ

*Definition:* Pacify, satisfy, relieve; concede to belligerent demands, sometimes at the expense of principles. *Usage*: My mother is so angry she wasn't the first person we called when the baby was born-I'm hoping to *appease* her by spending Christmas at her house this year. *Related words*: Placate, Mollify, and Assuage are near-synonyms. *More Info:* *Appeasement* is commonly associated with British Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain's policy towards Germany between 1937-1939- as it turned out, giving the Sudetenland to Hitler didn't actually create "Peace in Our Time." Today, *appeasement* is associated with cowardice and giving in to bullies.

*Bygone (adj /n)* - BYE-gahn

*Definition:* Past, former (adj); that which is the past (usually plural noun) *Usage*: At the nursing home, the time to reminisce about *bygone* days was pretty much all the time. / It's tempting to spend our whole high school reunion talking about *bygones*, but instead, let's toast to the future! *Related words*: Erstwhile (former), Quondan (former, sometime) *More Info:* The expression "Let bygones by bygones" means to agree to let go of old disagreements.

*Contextualize (v)* - cuhn-TEKS-tchoo-ah-lize

*Definition:* Place in context, such a by giving the background or circumstances *Usage*: Virginia Woolf's feminism is hard to truly understand unless *contextualized* within the mores of the highly restrained, upper-class English society oh her time. *More Info:* *Context* from the Latin, can simply be thought of as "the text that comes with." The room text itself is the same in both "textbook" and "textile"-it means "weave," just as we would weave either cloth or a story.

*Copious (adj)* - COH-pee-uss

*Definition:* Plentiful, bountiful *Usage*: Although she took *copious* notes in class, she found that she was missing a big picture that would have tied all the information together. / The fertile, *copious* land yielded a rich harvest. *Related words*: Profuse (giving or done in a free, abundant way) *More Info:* *copious* shares a root with cornucopia, a "horn of plenty" (the symbol of the American Thanksgiving).

Conciliatory (adj) - buhn-SILL-ee-uh-tore-e

*Definition:* Reconciling, appeasing, attempting to make the peace *Usage*: The hotel manager was horrified at how the guest had been treated, and approached him in a *conciliatory* manner, offering him numerous freebies and apologizing repeatedly. *Related words*: Placate, Mollify, Appease, Pacify, and Assuage are all verbs for attempting to calm or make peace.

*Balk (v)* - BALK

*Definition:* Refuse to proceed or to do something *Usage*: At the company retreat, he reluctantly agreed to participate in the ropes course, but *balked* at the walking over hot coals as a "trust exercise." *Related words*: Demur (show reluctance or object, especially for moral reasons, as in, "His colleagues wanted him to tell the client that their sales would double, but he demured.") *More Info:* *Balk* comes from a word for a beam or ridge-when a horse or mule *balks*, it stops short and refuses to proceed. Occasionally, *balk* is used as a noun for an impediment, much like a beam or ridge, or defeat.

*Anoint (v)* - uh-NOINT

*Definition:* Rub or sprinkle oil on; make sacred, such as by a ceremony that include applying oil to someone. *Usage*: After Principal Smitters raised test scores over 60% at her school, it was only a matter of time before she was *anointed* superintendent by a fawning school board. *More Info:* *Anoint* shares a root with ointment, an oily substance added to the skin. *anointing* occurs repeatedly in the Bible; in that time, people rubbed oil on themselves medicinally and for refreshment, and as a means of showing hospitality to guests.

*Boor (n)* - BOO-er

*Definition:* Rude, ill-mannered, or insensitive person; a peasant or country bumpkin *Usage*: Milton was such a *boor* that, when Jane brought him home to meet her parents, he laughed at their garden gnome and made fun of everyon'e hairstyles in old family photos. "Don't be so boorish!" said his mortified girlfriend. *Related words*: Churl is a synonym and can also be used in its adjective form, churlish. Bumpkin, Yokel, and Rustic are all words for an awkward, uncultures, simple person, generally from the country. *More Info:* *Boor* is from a German word for farmer that also gives us the "Boers" in South Africe.

*Autonomous (adj)* - aw-TAH-nuh-muss

*Definition:* Self-governing, independent *Usage*: As a leader of an *autonomous* region, the newly-elected president was received as a peer by some world leaders, although he was not entitled to send a representative to the United Nations. / It is normal for young people to desire greater *autonomy* as they grow up. *Related words*: Aggrandize (make greater; exaggerate) *More Info:* *Augment* shares a root ("augere," to increase) with august, meaning "majestic, inspiring reverence."

*Ambivalent (adj)* - am-BIV-uh-lent

*Definition:* Uncertain; unable to decide, or wanting to do two contradictory things at once. *Usage*: I've been accepted to two amazing graduate programs, one inexpensive and close to home, and one in a big, exciting city. I'm *ambivalent*-I don't know how I;m going to decide. / When I asked you if you thought we'd get married some day, your *ambivalence* hurt my feelings. *Related words*: Equivocal (allowing for several different meanings; undecided or having mixed feelings), Vacillate (waver in decision or opinion, be indecisive) *More Info:* The prefix "ambi" means "both" or "all" and also occurs in ambiance or ambidextrous. Don't confuse *ambivalent with ambiguous, which means "vague, open to multiple meanings.)

*Consolidate (v)* - cuhn-SAH-lid-ayt

*Definition:* Unite, combined, solidify, make coherent *Usage*: She *consolidated* her student loans so she would only have to make one payment per month. / As group leader, Muriel will *consolidate* all of our research into a single report. *Related words*: Agglomerate (collect into a mass), Aggregare (gather together), Commix (mix together), Conglomerate (anything made up of different kinds of materials; blended; to bring together)

*Articulate (adj, verb)* - ar-TICK-yoo-lit (adj), ar-TICK-yoo-layt (v)

*Definition:* Using language in a clear, fluent way (adj); speak distinctly or give clarity to an idea (verb) *Usage*: She's so *articulate* that I'm sure she'll make a good lawyer. / The group voted on who would be the best spokesperson, able to *articulate* their needs to the panel. *Related words*: Eloquent (speaking in a fluent, powerful, appropriate way) *More Info:* As an adjective, the last syllable is pronounced "lit." As a verb, it is pronounced "late."

*Audacious (adj)* - aw-DAY-shuss

*Definition:* Very bold or brave, often in a rude or reckless way; extremely originial *Usage*: He *audaaciously* asked for a raise after working at the company for less than two months! *Related words*: Insolent (bold in a rude way), Brazen (shameless, contemptuously bold) *More Info:* Barack Obama wrote a book called The Audacity of Hope. The title suggests that American should be be old enough to have hope even in bad circumstances. *Audacious* can be good (*audacious* explorers) or bad, as in the employee in the sentence above.

*Cogent* (adj) - COH-gent

*Definition:* Very convincing, logical *Usage*: Studying logic is an excellent way to improve at formulating *cogent* arguments. / Nurses who work in the Alzheimer's ward must develop skills for communicating with people who are often not *cogent.* *More Info:* *Cogent* comes from two roots meaning "together" and "drive"- a *cogent* argument allows you to "drive" your listener to your conclusion. The resemblance of cogent to cognition, cognitive, cogitation, and excogitate-words about thinking-merely a coincidence, but a helpful one.

*Arduous (adj)* - AR-dyoo-uss

*Definition:* Very difficult, strenuous; severe, hard to endure *Usage*: The *arduous* hike up rocky terrain was all worth it once the hikers reached the summit. / It was an *arduous* winter on the prairie; the family barely survived. *Related words*: Grueling (very difficult and exhausting) *More Info:* Don't confuse *arduous* with ardor, which means passion.

*Aberrant (adj)* - AB-er-int

*Definition:* abnormal, deviant *Usage*: The teen's *aberrant* behavior made his family suspect that he was using drugs. / Losing rather than gaining weight over the holidays is certainly an *aberration*. *Related words*: Anomaly (deviation from the norm, inconsistency), Outlier (a person on the fringe; a data point that lies outside the main pattern of data). *More Info:* The prefix "ab" means "away" - in this case, away from what's normal.

*Ascetic (adj, n)* - uh-SET-ick

*Definition:* abstinent or austere in lifestyle (adj); a person who leads an austere and simple life without material pleasures, esp. someone who does this for religious reasons (n) *Usage*: *Ascetics such as monks actually take vows of poverty. / The graduate student lived an ascetic existence, her apartment containing only a futon couch and a single bowl and set of chopsticks, which she used to eat ramen noodles every night. *Related words*: Hermit or Anchorite (person who lives away from society, esp. for religious reasons), Recluse (person who lives in solitude. *More Info:* Don't confuse *ascetic* with aesthetic, which means "pertaining to beauty and good taste.

*Abhor (v)* - ab-HORE

*Definition:* detest, regard with disgust. *Usage*: "Go out with you?" she replied. "I *abhor* you! I would rather date a fish." *Related words*: Loathe, Abominate (synonyms), Antipathy (instinctive repugnance or aversion) *More Info:* The prefix "ab" means "away" - if you abhor (or abominate) something, you want to get as far away from it as possible.

*Abdicate (v)* - AB-di-cayt

*Definition:* formally give up the throne (or some other power or responsibility) *Usage*: King Edward VIII of England famously abdicated the throne in order to marry an American divorcee. Parents can be charged with neglect for abdicating their responsibilities towards their children. *Related words*: don't confuse *abdicate* with dethrone and depose, which refer to forcing a leader from power. Abdication is voluntary. *More Info:* Abdicate comes from the root "ab (away) and "dict/dict" (proclaim), the latter which also appears in dictator, dictionary, dictate, dictum, indict.

*Aesthetic (adj, n)* - ess-THEH-tick

*Definition:*(adj) Concerning the appreciation of beauty or good taste, pertaining to the science of what is beautiful; (n) a set of principles or tastes guiding an artistic practice. *Usage*: The twins were so different. One possessed a truly baroque *aesthetic*, preferring golden, glided decor. The other lived in a world of pure logic, untouched by any *aesthetic* sense whatsoever; art did not move him, his house was bare, and he married his wife solely because she was a master of calculus. *More Info:* The meaning of *aesthetic* can range from the academic study of beauty (*Aesthetics*) to performing manicures, the work of an aesthetician. Don't confuse *aesthetic* with ascetic (pertaining to a simple, austere life with no luxuries, such as that of a monk; a person who leads such a life).

*Aggregate (v, n, adj)* - AG-gruh-gayt (v). AG-gruh-git (n, adj)

*Definition:*(v) Gather together, amount to; (adj) constituting a whole made up of constituent parts; (n) a collections of things forming a whole *Usage*: The professional wrestler played at belligerence in the ring, but in real life, he was quite an *affable* fellow: sociable, easy-going, and always ready to lend a hand. *Related words*: Amiable, Cordial, and Genial are synonyms *More Info:* The opposite of affable could be standoffish, discourteous, or distant.

*Arbitrary (adj)* - AR-bit-trayr-ee

*Definition:*Based entirely on one's discretion; capricious, unreasonable, or having no basis. *Usage*: The judge's rulings were truly *arbitrary*; one defendant got community service for stealing a television, and another got three years for the same crime. / It doesn't really matter which brand of baking soda you buy, just *arbitrarily* pick one so we can get out of this grocery store before dinnertime. *More Info:* *Arbitrary* looks a lot like arbiter for good reason-originally, something *arbitrary* was something that was uncertain because it depended on an arbiter's decision. As indicated by the definition above, *arbitrary* can be neutral or negative.

*Alienate (v)* - Ay-lee-en-ayt

*Definition:*Cause to become unfriendly, hostile, or distant. *Usage*: The talk-show host was trying to help, but only *alienated* her viewers when she suggested that they cope with a tough economy by checking themselves into a spa. *Related words*: Disaffect (cause to lose affection or loyalty), Estrange (make hostile or indifferent- "He hasn't spoken to his estranged son in a decade.") *More Info:* In law, *alienate* means to transfer property to another owner. An *inalienable* right is one that you cannot give away or sell (for instance, it is not possible for a person to sell himself into slavery).

*Alacrity (n)* - uh-LACK-rit-tee

*Definition:*Cheerful or speedy willingness *Usage*: Any boss wants an employee to respond with *alacrity* to his or her requests, handling them promptly and with enthusiasm *Related words*: Brisk (speedy, energetic, vigorous), Sprightly (lively, full of spirit) *More Info:* *Alacrity* has an adjective form, *alacritious, but ohrases like "full of *alacrity*" or "with *alacrity*" are much more common.

*Abridge (v)* - uh-BRIDGE

*Definition:*Condense or curtail; shorten by omitting parts throughout while retaining the main idea. *Usage*: Our romantic vacation was *abridged* when the babysitter called to say that the kids were sick and we should come home. / Audio books are almost always *abridged*, since few people want to listen to a 200-hr book. *Related words*: Truncate (shorten by cutting off a part) *More Info:* When you *abridge* a book, you cut out sections from all over (hopefully without being too obvious)--- that is you create a bridge from the last part you kept in to the next part you kept in, so people don't notice the missing bits. An *abridged* book still tells the whole story; a truncated book is missing the ending!

*Appreciable (adj)* - uh-PREESH-yuh-bull

*Definition:*Enough to b perceived, considerable *Usage*: She ruefully conclude that the "Pot Pie Diet" was a scam and had made no *appreciable* difference in her appearance-after four weeks, she had lost three-quarters of a pound. *Related words*: A near-antonym is negligible-both words can refer to small amounts, but an *appreciable* amount or difference is large enough to matter, and a negligible amount or difference is so small it can safely be ignored.

*Affectation (n)* - aff-eck-TAY-shun

*Definition:*Fake behavior (such as speech or dress) adopted to give a certain impression *Usage*: I'm annoyed whenever Americans move to England and suddenly start speaking with an *affected* British; such *affectations*, when practiced by celebrities, are only likely to alienate their fans. *Related words*: artifice (trickery, especially as part of a strategy) *More Info:* In slang, some people call *affected* behavior "being a poser" (or poseur)

*Abstain (v)* - ab-STAIN

*Definition:*Hold back, refrain (especially from something bad or unhealthy); decline to vote *Usage*: The church board voted on whether to hold an *abstinence* rally to encourage young people not to become sexually active; while most members voted in favor, one voted to against and two *abstained*, with one *abstainer* commenting that, as far as she knew, the church;s teens were pretty *abstemious* already. *Related words*: temperance (moderation, holding back), Teetotaler (a person who abstains from alcohol), Forbear (hold back or abstain from) *More Info:* *Abstain* is usually followed by "from(vegetarians forbear meat or abstain from meat)

*Alleviate (v)* - uh-LEE-vee-ayt

*Definition:*Lessen, make easier to endure. *Usage*: The stimulus package has *alleviated* the pangs of the economic recession, but times are still tough. *Related words*: Assuage (alleviate, satisfy, or pacify-"assuage someone;s fears"), Ameliorate (make better), Extenuate (to make seem less serious-"His crime was extenuated by his mental illness"), Palliate (to alleviate or extenuate) *More Info:* The over-the-counter painkiller "Alleve" was undoubtedly was undoubtedly name with the word *alleviate* in mind.

*Aggrandize (v)* - uh-GRAND-ize

*Definition:*Make greater; exaggerate *Usage*: I can't stand when my coworker *aggrandizes* her role in our group projects. / Stop it with your constant *self-aggrandizing* - we don't care how many automobiles you own! *Related words*: Augment (to make larger) *More Info:* An opposite of *self-aggrandizing* could be self-deprecating or self-effacing

*Adverse (adj)* - AD-verss

*Definition:*Opposing, harmful *Usage*: Pioneer women preserved despite *adverse* circumstances, even when fording a river-baby in one arm, leading a horse with the other0against an *adverse* current. *Related words*: Antagonistic (hostile, acting in opposition) *More Info:* *Adverse* appears in "adverse criticism," although that expression is a bit redundant. *Adverse* is also related to adversary (an opponent, foe)

*Abrasive (adj)* - uh-BRAY-siv

*Definition:*Rough, suitable for grinding or polishing (such as sandpaper); causing irritation or annoyance *Usage*: Could the inside of this mascot costume be any more *abrasive*? It's rubbing my skin raw! I have some seriously *abrasive* remarks for whoever designed this thing. *Related words*: Caustic (capable of burning or corroding; extremely critical or sarcastic), Excoriate (rub the skin off of; to criticize harshly. *More Info:* Like caustic and excoriate, *abrasive* can be used literally or metaphorically. You scrub a dirty pan with something abrasive, such as steel wool. Harsh criticism is abrasive, like being scrubbed with steel wool.

*Adhere (v)* - ad-HERE

*Definition:*Stick (to), such as with glue, or to a plan or belief *Usage*: I have a message board that *adheres to* my refrigerator with magnets; on it, I've written some affirmations to help me *adhere to my* diet plan. *Related words*: Abide by (follow, conform), Cohere (become united, hold together as part of the same mass) *More Info:* Use *adhere* for attaching two different kinds of things together, and cohere for things of the same kind (good cookie dough coheres instead of crumbling.

Haven (n) Hay-ven

Definition: Harbor or port; refuge, safe place Usage: The relief workers set up the camp as a haven from persecution. Related words: Succor (relief, aid), Asylum (refuge or sanctuary; refuge granted by a country to foreigner persecuted in her or her own country). Asylum was once used to mean a care facility for the mentally, ill, orphans, etc., but this usage is generally considered insensitive today. More Info: The "eso" in esoteric means "in"- in this case, in the sense of "inside knowledge." An antonym is exoteric ("exo" = out), as in that is "common knowledge."

Hedonist (n) - HEE-dun-ist / Also hedonism (n), hedonistic (adj)

Definition: Person devoted to pleasure Usage: A vacation is a fine time to practice hedonism, letting your troubles go and indulging in every conceivable luxury and pleasure. Related words: Sybarite (synonym). Voluptuary is also very similar, but adds the idea of seeking luxury. Licentious (sexually unrestrained; immortal; ignoring the rules), Libertine (morally or sexually unrestrained person; freethinker) More Info: The original Headonists were Greek philosophers who held that pleasure is the highest moral good, so whatever policy causes the most pleasure (and least pain) to the most people is the most moral policy.

Abjure (v) - ab-JOOR

Definition:Give up, renounce: (especially formally under oath) Usage: To become a citizen of the US, you must *abjure* loyalty to the nation of your birth. / Since enrolling in that nutrition class, she has *abjured* sugar and saturated fats.