Building Your Vocabulary

8/11/2019 Building Your Vocabulary

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Gargant uan Voc abulary Lis t

abandoned Forsaken, desertedabandonment The act of giving something up

abash To cause to feel self-conscious; to confuse or confoundabbreviate To make briefer; to shorten; to abridge; to reduce by contractionor omission

abduction The wrongful and usually forcible carrying off of a human beingabhorrent Being so repugnant as to stir up positive antagonismabhors Feels excessive repugnance toward; detests to extremity; loathesabide Bear patiently; tolerate; put up withabolish To do away withabrasion A wearing, grinding, or rubbing away by frictionabridge To make shorter; to shorten in duration; to lessen; to diminish; to

curtailabruptness Suddenness; unceremonious haste or vehemenceabsentee One missing from work or school

absolute Free from imperfectionabsolved Freed from a penalty; pardoned; remitted (as from the guilt of asin)

absorbed Swallowed up; engulfed; overwhelmedabst inence Act or practice of refraining from indulging an appetiteabstract Considered apart from any application to a particular object;

separated from matter; existing in the mind onlyabsurd Ridiculously unreasonable, unsound, or incongruousabsurdity The quality or state of being ridiculous, unreasonable, or

unsoundabundance The property of a more than adequate quantity or supplyabundant Marked by great plenty (as of resources)abusive Causing physical or psychological maltreatment

accentuated Brought out distinctly; made prominent; emphasizedacceptable Capable, worthy, or sure of being accepted or approvedacceptance An agreement to the act or offer of another, either expressly or by

conductaccessibi l i ty Capable of being reachedaccessible Easy of access or approach; approachableaccidental Happening by chance or unexpectedlyacclaim Enthusiastic approval or praiseacclaimed Shouted, praised or applausedaccommodates Is agreeable or acceptable toaccompanies Goes along with; is connected withaccompaniment That which goes along with or which is added to complete

something

accompl i shment The fulfillment or completion (of a task, etc.)accord Harmony of peoples opinions or actions or charactersaccount (n) A general statement of reasons, causes, grounds, etc.account (v) To furnish a justifying analysis or explanationaccumulat ion An increase by natural growth or addition; several things grouped

togetheraccurate Conforming exactly to truth or to a standardaccuse To charge with a fault; to blame; to censureaccustomed Adapted to existing conditions


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achievement Something accomplished by valor, boldness, or praiseworthyexertion; a feat

acknowledge To give recognition toacquainted Made familiaracquired Gained possession or control of often by unspecified meansacquisi t ion The act of contracting or assuming or acquiring possession of

somethingacrimony Harsh or biting sharpness, especially of words, manner, ordisposition

acrobat One that performs gymnastic feats requiring skillful control of thebody

actual Existing in act or realityacuity The visual ability to resolve fine detailacute Characterized by sharpness or severityadamant Unshakable or immovable, especially in oppositionadaptability The ability to change or be changed to fit a new environment or

circumstanceadapt To make fit (as for a specific or new use or situation) often by

modification

address To make a spoken or written communication toadequate Sufficient for a specific requirementadminister To dispense; to serve out; to supply; to executeadministration The execution of public affairs as distinguished from policy-

makingadministrators Persons legally vested with the right of performance of executive

dutiesadmiral The commander in chief of a navyadmiration Esteem; high regardadmire To regard with approval, respect, or satisfactionadmiss ion Permission to enteradopted To have taken or received as ones own what is not so naturally;

to have selected and taken or approved

adore To regard with the utmost esteem and affectionadorn To enhance the appearance of, especially with beautiful objects;to decorate

adroit Skillful in the use of the hands or in the exercise of the mentalfaculties; exhibiting skill

adulation Servile flattery; praise in excess, or beyond what is meritedadvance To raise; to elevate; to move aheadadvantage The quality of having a superior or more favorable positionadvantageous Gainful; profitable; useful; beneficialadventurous Rash, venturesome, daring; enterprisingadversary Opposed; opposite; adverse; antagonisticadverse Contrary to ones interests or welfare; harmful or unfavorableadversity A state of misfortune or affliction

advert i sement The act of informing or notifying; notification; a public notice,especially a paid one

advice Recommendation regarding a decision or course of conductadvise To give adviceadvocacy The act or process of supporting a cause or proposaladvocate One who defends, vindicates, or espouses any cause by argumentadvocated Pleaded in favor ofaerodynamics A branch of dynamics that deals with the motion of airaes t he t e One who is sensitive or oversensitive to beauty or good taste


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aesthet ic Concerning or characterized by an appreciation of beauty or goodtaste

aesthetical ly In a tasteful wayaffable Gracious; pleasant; friendlyaffectation An attempt to assume or exhibit what is not natural or real; false

display; artificial show

affected Given to false show; assuming or pretending to possess what isnot natural or realaffect ion Tender attachmentaffil iate To bring or receive into close connection as a member or branchaffil iation Association or reception as a member in or of the same family or

societyaffirmation A positive assertionaffirmed Strengthened or made more firm as by corroborationagainst In opposition toagent One who is authorized to act for or in the place of another as a

representativeaggression Disposition to attackagility Having quick and light motion

agreeable Willing; ready to agree or consentagreement Harmony of opinion, statement, action, or character;concurrence; concord

agriculturalists Those who study the science, art, or practice of cultivating thesoil, producing crops, and raising livestock

agriculture The science, art, or practice of cultivating the soil, producingcrops, and raising livestock

aid To help, assist, support, sustain, succor, or relieveai lment A bodily disorder or chronic diseaseairborne Done or being in the airairplay The playing of a musical recording on the air by a radio stationaisle A long, narrow passagealabaster A compact, fine-textured, usually white gypsum often carved into

ornamental itemsalacrity A cheerful readiness, willingness, or promptitudealas An interjection used to express unhappiness, pity, or concernalert Very attentive or observantalgae Chiefly aquatic nonvascular plants with chlorophyll often masked

by a brown or red pigmentalias Otherwise called; otherwise known asal ienated Made unfriendly, hostile, or indifferent where attachment

formerly existedallege To declare to be the case, esp. without proofal leges Asserts without proof or before provingallergy Hypersensitive reaction to a particular allergenalleviate To lighten or lessen (physical or mental troubles); to mitigate or

make easier to be enduredalleviated Relieved or lessened the force or weight ofalliance An association to further the common interests of its membersallied Having or being in close associationallies Two or more nations joined together in an alliance to fight a

common enemyal lusion A figurative or symbolical referenceal lusions An implied or indirect reference especially in literature


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almanac A publication containing astronomical, meteorological, and otherdata for a given year

aloof At a distancealteration The making of a limited change in somethingaltercation Noisy quarrelalter To make different without changing into something else

alternative Offering or expressing a choicealthough (Conjunction) despite the fact thatalumnus One who has attended or has graduated from a particular schoolamateur A person who cultivates any study or art without pursuing it

professionallyamazing Causing astonishmentambassador An official messenger and representativeambiguit ies The qualities or states of being doubtful or uncertain, especially

from obscurity or indistinctnessambiguous Open to more than one interpretation; uncertain; equivocalambition A desire for activity or exertion; a desire to achieve a particular

endambivalent Simultaneously feeling opposing feelings, such as love and hate

amenable Readily brought to yield, submit, or cooperateamicability Having a disposition characterized by warmth and friendlinessamicable Friendly; peaceable; kind; harmoniousample Plentiful; copiousamplify To render larger, more extended, or more intenseanachronism A chronological misplacing of persons, events, objects, or customs

in regard to each otheranachronist ic Chronologically misplacedanalgesic A medicine used to relieve painanalogous Similar or correspondent in some respects though otherwise

dissimilaranalysis A detailed examination of the elements or structure of a

substance

analyze To study or determine the nature and relationship of the parts ofsomethinganarchist One who rebels against any authority, established order, or ruling

power, esp. in a violent mannerancestors Those from whom a person is descendedancient Of or relating to a remote period, especially to a time early in

historyanecdote Short account of an incident (especially a biographical one)anesthes ia A substance causing the loss of bodily sensation with or without

loss of consciousnessanimosi ty Violent hatred leading to active opposition; active enmity;

energetic dislikeannexat ion The act or process of attaching, adding, or appending

annoy To disturb or irritate, especially by continued or repeated actsannual Covering the period of a year; occurring or happening once a yearanomaly Deviation from the common rule; an irregularityanonymity The quality or state of being unnamed or unidentifiedanonymous Not named or identifiedantagonism Opposition of a conflicting force, tendency, or principle; actively

expressed oppositionantagonist One that contends with or opposes another; an adversaryantagonize To contend with; to act in opposition to; to provoke the hostility of


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ant hem A song or hymn of praise or gladnessanthology A collection of selected literary pieces or passages or works of art

or musicanthropocentrism An inclination to evaluate reality exclusively in terms of human

valuesantibiot ic A chemical substance derivable from a mold or bacterium that

kills microorganisms and cures infectionsanticipated Expected hopefully, or rightfully expectedant idote A substance that stops or controls the effects of a poisonantipathy Settled aversion or dislikeantiquity The quality of being old or ancientant i sept ic A substance that destroys disease-causing micro-organisms

without harming body tissuesant i thes i s The direct oppositeanxiety Painful or apprehensive uneasiness of mind, usually over an

impending or anticipated illanxious Mentally upset over possible misfortune or danger, etc; worriedapathetic Having or showing little or no feeling or emotionapathy Lack of feeling or emotion

apologetic Offering or expressing regret or faultapologize To express regret, acknowledge faults, or make excuses forappalling Causing consternation; dismayingapparatus A set of materials or equipment designed for a particular useapparent Visible; distinct; plain; obvious; clear; certain; evident; manifest;

indubitableapparently Plainly; clearly; evidently; seemingly; in appearanceappeal To arouse a sympathetic responseappeals Earnest pleasappearance A sense impression or aspect of a thingapplaud Clap ones hands or shout after performances to indicate approvalapplication An act of putting to use; a verbal or written request for assistance

or employment or admission to a school

appraisal The classification of someone or something with respect to itsworthappraise To set a value; to estimate the worth of, particularly by persons

appointed for the purposeappreciate To grasp the nature, worth, quality, or significance ofapprehensive Viewing the future with anxiety or alarmapprentice One who is learning by practical experience under skilled workersapproach The taking of preliminary steps toward a particular purposeapproval An act or instance of finding something or someone favorable or

satisfactoryaquarium A tank filled with water for keeping fish and underwater animals

and plantsaquatic Relating to or consisting of or being in water

arable Capable of being farmed productivelyarbiter Someone chosen to judge and decide a disputed issuearbitrary Random; capriciousarcane Requiring secret or mysterious knowledge; obscurearchaeology The study of material remains (as fossil relics, artifacts, and

monuments) ofpast human life and activities

architect A person who designs buildings and advises in their constructionarchitecture The art or science of building


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archive A place in which public records or historical documents arepreserved

archived Filed or collected (as records or documents) in or as if in anarchive

arctic Of or relating to the north pole or the region near it; extremelycold

ardor Warmth or heat of passion or affection; eagerness; zealarena Any place of public contest or exertion; any sphere of actionargument A fact or assertion offered as evidence that something is truearid Excessively dryaristocrat A member of a government by a small privileged classarmy 1: an organization of military land forces 2: a large number of

people united for some specific purposearouses Calls forth; awakens; excites; stimulates to actionarrest To stop; to check or hinder the motion or action ofarrogance A feeling or an impression of superiority manifested in an

overbearing manner or presumptuous claimsarthritis Inflammation of joints due to infectious, metabolic, or

constitutional causes

article A non-fictional essay, esp. one included with others in anewspaper, maga zine, journal, etc.artifacts Items created by humans usually for a practical purpose; objects

remaining from a particular periodartisan A skilled worker who practices some trade or handicraftartist One who professes and practices an art (e.g., painter, sculptor,

musician, architect, etc.)artless Lacking art, knowledge, or skillascet ic Practicing great self-denialaspirations Strong desires to achieve something high or greatassault An intentional physical attack or beatingassembly A public place to meet for open discussion and legislationassert ion A declaration that is made as if no supporting evidence were

necessaryas s e s s Place a value on; judge the worth of somethingassiduous Hard-workingass ignments Tasks or duties allotted to a personassimilat ion The process of absorbing into the cultureassoc iate To join as a partner, friend, or companionassoc iated Joined as a companion; brought into associationassoc iates Brings together or into relationship in any of various intangible

waysassociat ion An organization of persons having a common interestas s um e To take as granted or trueassumpt ion A belief (often presumptuous) that something is trueassurance Freedom from doubt; belief in yourself and your abilities; a

binding commitment to do somethingassured Declared to, solemnly; asserted to someone with the design of

inspiring belief or confidenceastonishing So surprisingly impressive as to stun or overwhelmastonishment The feeling that accompanies something extremely surprisingastral Of, relating to, or coming from the starsastronaut A person trained to travel in a spacecraftastronomer One who makes observations of celestial phenomenaastute Having or showing shrewdness and perspicacity


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asylum A place of retreat or securityathlete A person who is trained or skilled in exercises, sports, or gamesatlas A collection of maps in book formatrophy Decrease in size or wasting away of a body part or tissueattain To gain with effortat tempts Efforts to do, accomplish, solve, or effect

at tent ion The act or state of attending, esp. through applying the mind toan object of sense or thoughtat tes t To affirm to be true or genuineat t i tudes Mental positions with regard to a fact or stateattorney A legal agent qualified to act for suitors and defendants in legal

proceedingsattracted Drawn by appeal to natural or excited interestattribute To regard as belonging or appropriate to; to regard as a

characteristicattribution An ascribed quality, character, or rightatypical Deviating from or not conforming to typeaudacious Daring; invulnerable to fear or intimidationaudacity Aggressive boldness or unmitigated effrontery

audible Heard or perceptible by the earaudience Admittance to a hearing; a formal interview; a group of listeners

or spectatorsauditor A person authorized to examine and verify accountsauditory Of, relating to, or experienced through hearingauspicious Attended by favorable circumstancesaustere Markedly simple or unadornedauthent ic Not false or imitation; genuineauthor A person who writes (books or stories or articles or the like)

professionallyauthoritarian Of, relating to, or favoring blind submission to authorityauthoritat ive Having authority or ascendancy or influenceauthority Power to influence or command thought, opinion, or behavior

autobiographical Marked by or dealing with ones own experiences or life historyautomat ion The state or use of techniques and equipment to achieve

automatic operation or controlautomobile A 4-wheeled motor vehicleautonomy The quality or state of being self-governing or self-sufficientautopsy An examination and dissection of a dead body to determine cause

of death or the changes produced by diseaseavailability The quality of being at hand when neededavalanche A large mass of snow, ice, earth, rock, or other material in swift

motion down a mountainsideavenue A way of accessavid Characterized by enthusiasm and vigorous pursuitavoided Escaped; eluded; evaded; eschewed

aware Having or showing realization or perceptionawe An overwhelming feeling of wonder or admirationawkwardness A lacking of grace or skill in manner, movement, or performancebackfire To have the reverse of the desired or expected effectbackground The scenery or ground behind somethingbaffling Confusing or puzzlingbaleful Deadly or pernicious in influencebalk To abruptly refuse to complyballad A narrative song with a recurrent refrain


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ballot A document used in voting that lists the choicesbanal Lacking originality, freshness, or noveltybane Something that causes misery or death; curse; ruinbankruptcy The state of being actually or legally ruined financiallybanned Prohibited especially by legal meansbanquet An elaborate and often ceremonious meal

bar The body of individuals qualified to practice lawbard A lyric poetbarely In a meager mannerbark Tough protective covering of the woody stems and roots of treesbarrage The rapid and continuous delivery of linguistic communication;

outpouringbarred Prevented entry or exit or a course of actionbarren Producing little or no vegetationbarrier A structure or object that impedes free movementbashful Self-consciously timid; very modestbasic Of or relating to essential structure, function, or factsbasis The bottom of something considered as its foundationbattery The unlawful beating of another; willful, violent, or negligent

touching of another personbay An inlet of the sea or other body of water usually smaller than a

gulfbeacon A signal or conspicuous mark erected as a guiding devicebeam Ray of lightbearing Having as a feature or characteristicbedazzled Impressed forcefully; enchantedbefriend To act as a friend to; become friendly withbehavior The manner of conducting oneselfbelated After the expected or usual time; delayedbel ies Shows (something) to be false or wrongbel l igerence An aggressive or truculent attitude, atmosphere, or dispositionbenefactor A person who helps people or institutions, esp. financially

beneficial Promoting or enhancing well-beingbenevolent Kind; generousbenign Of a mild type or characterbequeath To leave or give by willberate To scold or rebukebereft Unhappy in love; suffering from unrequited love; sorrowful

through loss or deprivationberet A visorless, usually woolen cap with a tight headband and a soft

full flat topbetray To reveal unintentionally (Her smile betrayed her true feelings);

to deliver to an enemy by treacherybetrayed Treated falsely or disloyallybeverage A drinkable liquid

bewilder To be a mystery to; to puzzle; to confuse; to perplexbiased Favoring one person or side over another; having propensity

toward an object or viewbibliographer One who writes or is versed in the history or description of booksbibliography A list often with descriptive or critical notes of writings relating to

a particular subject, author, or publisherbilked Frustrated or disappointed; deceived or defraudedbillboard Large outdoor signboardbills Statutes in draft before they become law


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binding Tying or holding together as a single massbiologist A scientist who studies living organismsbiology A branch of science that deals with living organisms and vital

processesbirthday The day on which a person is bornbiting Capable of wounding; sharp and hurtful (a biting remark)

bitter Marked by strong resentment or cynicismbizarre Strikingly out of the ordinaryblaze A strong flame that burns brightlybleeding Losing or shedding ones bloodblemish A mark or flaw that spoils the appearance of somethingbloodhound A breed of large powerful hound of European origin having very

acute smell and used in trackingblossom The flower of a plantbluebell Any of various plants bearing blue bell-shaped flowersblueprints Guides for making something else; detailed plans or technical

drawingsblunt Characterized by disconcerting directness in manner or speech;

without subtlety or evasion

boar An uncastrated male swineboard A group of people appointed or elected to manage a public orprivate entity; council

boast To speak of or assert with excessive pridebody (of facts) The main, central, or principal part of an argumentbohemian Unconventional in especially appearance or behaviorboldness The trait of being willing to undertake things that involve risk or

dangerbolt To swallow hastily or without chewingbombast Pompous or pretentious talk or writingbombastic Ostentatiously lofty in stylebonus An additional payment to employees as a means of increasing

output

book A collection of sheets of paper or similar material bound together,blank, written, or printedboon A desirable state; blessingboorish Ill-mannered, coarse and contemptible in behavior or appearanceboost The act of giving hope or support to someoneborders Lines that indicate a boundaryboredom The state of being weary or restless due to lack of interestbotanist A biologist specializing in the study of plantsboundless Unconfined; immeasurable; illimitable; infinitebounds Limiting lines; bordersbourgeois Conforming to the standards and conventions of the middle classboycot ted Engaged in a concerted refusal to have dealings withbrag An instance of boastful talk

branches Things that extend from or enter into a main body or sourcebravery The quality of being courageousbridge To find a way of getting over, as a difficultybrightness The quality of being luminous; emission of reflection of lightbrilliant Distinguished by unusual mental keenness or alertnessbrittle Having little elasticity, hence easily cracked or fractured or

snappedbroached Made public; uttered; published first; put forth; introduced as a

topic of conversation


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broadcast A transmission of a radio, television program, or signal for publicuse

broadcaster Someone who broadcasts on radio or televisionbrooding Dwelling gloomily on a subjectbrowse To look around casually or randomlybruise An injury that doesnt break the skin but results in some

discolorationbrusqueness An abrupt discourteous manner; prompt roughnessbrutality The trait of extreme crueltybuck A male animalbucol ic Relating to or typical of rural lifebudget A sum of money allocated for a particular purposebuffer To protect from impact (cushion the blow)bureaucrat An official who is rigidly devoted to the details of administrative

procedurebutcher A retailer of meat; a person who slaughters or dresses meat for

marketbuttress An external prop or support, usually of stone or brick, built to

reinforce the integrity of a structure

buyer A person who makes purchasesbygone Well in the past; former (bygone days)byline The line giving the name of the writer of a story or articlebypass To avoid something unpleasant or laboriouscadet Military trainee (as at a military academy)cajole To influence or urge by gentle urging, caressing, or flatteringcalamity An event resulting in great loss and misfortunecalibrate To make fine adjustments for optimal functioningcalligraphy Artistic, stylized, or elegant handwriting or letteringcal lous Emotionally hardened; unfeeling, insensitivecamaraderie Good will between friendscamouflage Make invisible by means of protective coloring or garmentscampaign A connected series of operations designed to bring about a

particular resultcandidate One that aspires to or is nominated or qualified for an office,

membership, or awardcandor Sincerity; opennesscantankerous Difficult or irritating to deal withcanvas Heavy, closely woven fabriccapacity The potential or suitability for holding, storing, or accommodatingcapital ism An economic system characterized by private or corporate

ownership of capital goodscapricious Impulsive and unpredictablecapsule A spacecraft designed to transport people and support human life

in outer spacecaption A brief description accompanying an illustration

captivate To attract; to cause to be enamoredcapture To succeed in representing or expressing something intangiblecardiologist A physician who specializes in the study of the heart and its

actions and diseasescarefree Having no worries or troublescaricature Exaggeration, often by means of ludicrous distortion of parts or

characteristicscarnivorous Meat eating; dependent on the consumption of flesh for

sustenance


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carouse To engage in boisterous, drunken merry-makingcarping Querulous and often perverse criticism; fault-findingcartographer One who makes charts or mapscartography The science or art of making mapscarving Cutting away parts to create a desired shapecascade Falling or rushing forth in quantity

cast The set of actors, singers, and/or dancers in a dramaticproductioncatalogue A complete list of things, usually arranged systematicallycatalyst Something that causes an important event to happencatalyze To change by catalysis or cause to catalyzecatapult To shoot forth or launchcatastrophe An event resulting in great loss and misfortunecater To supply what is required or desiredcathartic Emotionally purgingcaust ic Burning; corrosivecavi t i es Unfilled spaces within a mass; hollowed-out spacesceas e To bring an activity or action to an endcelebration An occasion for special festivities to mark some happy event

cel l A room where a prisoner is keptcellular Of, relating to, or consisting of cellscensorship The act of deleting anything considered objectionablecensure Harsh criticism or disapprovalcentral In the middle of; of importancecenturies Periods of 100 yearscerebral Involving intelligence rather than emotions or instinctcerti tude The state of being or feeling certainchampion 1: A militant advocate or defender; 2: a winner; one who shows

marked superioritychaot ic Lacking a visible order or organization; unpredictable and

confusingchapped Roughened, reddened, or cracked as a result of cold or exposure

(chapped lips or chapped skin)character One of the attributes that distinguish an individual; moral

excellence or firmnesscharacterize To describe the character or quality of; distinguishcharitable Full of love for and goodwill toward others; benevolent; generouscharlatan A flamboyant deceiver; one who attracts customers with tricks or

jokescherish To hold dear; to feel or show deep affection forch ild rearing The act of raising or bringing up childrenchise l n: a hand tool with a flat steel blade with a cutting edge; v: carve

with a chiselchoreography The design or arrangement of a staged dancechorus An organized company of singers who perform in concert

chronicle A usually continuous, historical account of events arranged inorder of time

chronicler A recorder of events in the order of time; a historianchronology Arrangement of events in timecircumscribe To enclose within a certain limitcircuitous Marked by obliqueness or indirection in speech or conductcirculate To follow a course that returns to the starting pointcirculation Passage or transmission from person to person or place to placecircumlocution Indirect expression; evasion of speech


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c o m m e n c e m e n t An academic exercise in which diplomas are conferredcommendat ion The act of praisingcommentary Something that serves for illustration or explanationc o m m e n t s Observations or remarks expressing opinions or attitudescommercial Connected with, engaged in, sponsored by, or used in commerce

or business enterprises

com m i s s i on To appoint or assign to a task or functioncommodity An economic good (as a product of agriculture or mining)com m ons ens e Sound and prudent but often unsophisticated judgmentcomparable Similar; likecomparisons Examinations of two or more items to establish similarities and

dissimilaritiescompass ion A deep awareness of and sympathy for anothers sufferingcompatibi l i ty Capable of existing together in harmonycompelled Driven or urged forcefully or irresistiblycompell ing Forceful; urgently demanding attentioncom pens at e To make up for; to counterbalance; to recompensecom pet ent Properly or sufficiently qualified, capable or efficient; adequate for

the purpose

compet i t ion A contest between rivalscompet i t ive Inclined, desiring, or suited to rivalrycompet i t iveness An aggressive willingness to competecompet i tor A rival; one who competescomplacent Contented to a faultcomplaisant Showing a cheerful willingness to please or obligecom pl em ent The quantity or number required to make a thing completecomplet ion The act of becoming or making complete; a concluding actioncomplex A whole made up of complicated or interrelated partscomplexi ty The quality of being intricate and compoundedcompl iance Acting according to certain accepted standardscompl ic i ty Guilt as an accomplice in a crime or offensecom ponent s Individual parts which make up a system

com pos e To form by putting togethercomposer A person who writes musiccomposi t ion A written piece of musiccompound To make more intense, stronger, or more markedcomprehensible Capable of being understood or interpretedcomprehens ive Including all or everything; broad in scopecompressible Capable of being reduced in size or volumecompromise A settlement of differences by arbitration or by consent reached

by mutual concessionscomrade An intimate friend or associate; a companion; a fellow soldierconcealment The activity of keeping something secretconceivable Possible to conceive or imagineconce ive To form a conception of; to image

concept Something conceived in the mind; a thought or notionconcerns Is a care, trouble, or distress toconces s i on The admitting of a point claimed in argumentconces s i ons Acknowledgments; admissionsconci l iatory Making or willing to make concessionsconcise Expressing much in a few words; condensed; brief and compactedconclus ion A position or opinion or judgment reached after considerationconclus ive Putting an end to debate or question especially by reason of

irrefutability


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concoc t ed Devised; made up; contrived; planned; plottedconcrete n: A hard, strong building material made by mixing a cementing

material and a mineral aggregate; adj: solid; definitecondem n To pronounce guiltycondemning Declaring to be reprehensible, wrong, or evilcondens e Compress or concentrate

condescending Assuming an air of superiority; patronizingcondolence An expression of sympathy with anothers griefconducive Tending to promote or assistconduct Behavior; manner of actingconductor Leader of a musical ensemble; a substance that readily channels

or transmits electricity, heat, or soundcondui t A passage for water or other fluidsconfect ion A food rich in sugarconfer To compare views or take counselconference A meeting for consultation, discussion, or an interchange of

opinionsconfidant One to whom secrets are entrustedconf idence Freedom from doubt; belief in ones self and ones abilities

confidential Marked by intimacy or willingness to confideconfidential i ty Discretion in keeping secret informationconf ines Things (as borders or walls) that encloseconfirming Giving new assurance of the truth of; rendering certainconflagration Conflictconfl ict Struggle resulting from incompatible or opposing needs or wishesconfl ict ing Being in opposition; incompatibleconform To be obedient or compliantconformist A person who acts in accordance with an established practiceconformity Acting according to certain accepted standardsconfrontation The clashing of forces or ideascongregation An assembly of people, esp. one that meets for worship and

religious instruction

connect ion Causal or logical relationconnotat ion Something suggested by a word or thing; implicationconquer To gain mastery over or win by overcoming obstacles or

oppositionconquered Overcome by force of arms; defeatedconsc ious Perceiving, apprehending, or noticingconsc ious ly Knowingly; willfully; perceptivelycons c i ous nes s The quality or state of being aware, especially of something within

oneselfcons ens us Agreement of the majority in sentiment or beliefconsequence The result of an action; a conclusion derived through logicconsequential Meaningful; momentous; importantconservat i sm The act of preserving, guarding, or protecting

conservative Tending or disposed to maintain existing views, conditions, orinstitutions

considerations Matter taken into account when making decisionscons i s t ency Firmness of constitution or charactercons i s t ent Marked by harmony, regularity, or steady continuityconsolat ion The act of consoling; giving relief in afflictionconspire To join in a secret agreement to do an unlawful or wrongful actconstancy The quality of being free from change or variationconste l lat ions Clusters or groups of fixed stars


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consternat ion Bewilderment or dismay that throws one into confusionconst i tuent One of a group who elects another to represent him or her in

public officeconst i tutes Forms or composesconstr ic ted Made narrow or drawn togetherconsumerism A preoccupation with and an inclination toward the buying of

consumer goodsconsumer A person who uses goods or servicescons um m at e Having or revealing supreme mastery or skillconsumpt ion The utilization of economic goods in the satisfaction of needs or in

manufacturingcontagious Easily diffused or spread as from one person to anothercontaminate To make impure; to pollute; to infectcontaminated Soiled, stained, corrupted, or infected by contact or associationcontemplate To view or consider with continued attentioncontemporaneous Existing, occurring, or originating during the same timecontemporaries All the people living at the same time or of approximately the

same agecontemporary Characteristic of the present; a person of nearly the same age as

anothercont em pt Lack of respect accompanied by a feeling of intense dislikecontemptuous Manifesting or expressing contempt or disdaincontending Striving or struggling in rivalry or battlecontent iousness A disposition to fight; quarrelsomenesscont ent m ent The state of being contented or satisfiedcontestant One that participates in a contestcont ex t The set of facts or circumstances that surround a situation or

eventcontradict To assert the contrary of; to take issue withcontradict ion A statement or phrase that asserts or implies both the truth and

falsity of somethingcontradictory Unable to both be true at the same time

contrary n: A fact or condition incompatible with another; adj: oppositecontrast To compare or appraise in respect to differencescontribute To give or supply in common with otherscontribution Act of giving in common with others for a common purposecontrite Feeling or expressing pain or sorrow for sins or offensescontroversial Marked by or capable of arousing debatecontroversy A discussion marked especially by the expression of opposing

viewsconundrum A difficult problemconvene To come togetherconvent ion General agreement or concurrence; usage or custom especially in

social mattersconvent ional According with, sanctioned by, or based on convention; lacking

originality or individualityconvergence The occurrence of two or more things coming togetherconverse To engage in an interchange of thoughts and opinionsconvey To impart or communicate by statement, suggestion, gesture, or

appearanceconvict ion An unshakable belief in something without need for proof or

evidenceconvoluted Highly involved or intricatecoop A small building for housing poultry


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crit ic One who expresses a reasoned opinion on any matter especiallyinvolving a judgment of its value

critical Of, relating to, or being a turning point or specially importantjuncture

crit icism Disapproval expressed by pointing out faults or shortcomingscrit icize To point out real or perceived flaws; to consider the merits and

demerits of and judge accordinglycritique An essay or article that gives a critical evaluation (as of a book orplay)

crop A plant that can be grown and harvested; the annual yield ofthese

crosscurrent A conflicting tendencycrude Conspicuously and tastelessly indecentcrust The hard exterior or surface of bread, in distinction from the soft

part or crumbcryptic Having or seeming to have a hidden or ambiguous meaning;

mysteriouscub The young of certain carnivorous mammals such as the bear and

the lion

cue A stimulus that provides information about what to docuis ine Manner of preparing food; style of cookingculinary Of or relating to the kitchen or cookeryculpable Deserving blame or censure as being wrong, evil or injuriouscult ivate To prepare and/or use for the raising of cropscult ivation The act of preparing the land to grow cropscultural Denoting or deriving from or distinctive of the ways of living built

up by a group of peopleculture The customary beliefs, social forms, and material traits of a

racial, religious, orsocial group

cumbersome Difficult to carry or manage due to bulk or shapecumulat ive Increasing by successive addition

cunningly In an artful mannercurator The custodian of a collection; one in charge of a museum, zoo, orother place of exhibit

curb An edging (as of concrete) built along a street to form part of agutter

curiosity Desire to knowcursory Rapidly and often superficially performed or producedcurtail To diminish; to reducecus t om Long-established practice considered as unwritten lawcynic Someone who is critical of the motives of otherscynical Contemptuously distrustful of human nature and motivesdam A barrier to prevent the flow of a liquiddandy A man who is much concerned with his dress and appearance

dapper Neat and trim in appearancedash A small usually distinctive additiondata Factual information used as a basis for reasoning, discussion, or

calculationdatabase One or more large structured sets of persistent data, usually

associated with softwaredated Old-fashioned; outmodeddaunt To lessen the courage ofdeadline A date or time before which something must be donedebased 1: mixed with impurities; 2: lowered in value


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demure Affectedly modest or shy, especially in a playful or provocativeway

demyst i fy To make less mysterious or remove the mystery from; to reveal orclarify

denigrated Belittled; charged falsely or with malicious intent; defameddeny To disclaim connection with or responsibility for

deodorize To eliminate the odor fromdepict To represent by or as if by a picturedepleted Lessened markedly in quantity, content, power, or valuedepose To force to leave an office, such as a kingdeprecate To disapprove of stronglydepreciate To lessen in price or estimated value; to lower the worth of; to

undervaluedepression A psychoneurotic or psychotic disorder marked especially by

sadness and inactivitydeprive To withhold something fromdepth Extent downward or backward or inwardderel ict Deserted or abandoned as by an owner; failing in what duty

requires

deride To laugh at with contempt; to laugh; to scorn; to turn to ridiculeor make sport of; to mock; to scoff atderiding Subjecting to usually bitter or contemptuous ridiculederivative That which is derived; anything obtained or deduced from

anotherderived Formed or developed from something else; not originaldes cent A downward movementdescription The act of giving a verbal or written accountdesert An arid, barren, often sand-covered area of land,

characteristically desolate and without much vegetationdes iccated Dried up; dehydrateddesignated Indicated and set apart for a specific purposedesigned Done or made or performed with purpose and intent

desirability The quality of having pleasing qualities or propertiesdesirous Impelled or governed by desiredesolate Deserted; uninhabited; sorrowful through or as if through

separation from a loved onedespair Utter loss of hopedespondent Feeling or showing extreme discouragement, dejection, or

depressiondest inat ion Place where something (e.g., a journey or race) ends; the ultimate

goal for which something is donedest ined Headed or intending to head in a certain directiondest i tute Lacking possessions and resourcesdest i tut ion A state without friends or money or prospectsdetai led Marked by abundant thoroughness in treating small items or

partsdeter To discourage; to inhibitdetergent A cleansing agentdetermine To fix conclusively or authoritativelydetour A roundabout road (especially one that is used temporarily while

a main routeis blocked)

detract To take away a part from; to diminishdetractor One who disparages or belittles the worth, importance, or

effectiveness of something


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devaluation The reduction of worth (as in currency)devastated Made uninhabitable; ravaged; ruined; wasteddeveloped Changed over time so as to be stronger or more complete or more

usefuldevelopment Advancement or growth through progressive changesdevious Characterized by insincerity or deceit; evasive; deviating from a

straight coursedevise To form in the mind by new combinations or applications of ideasor principles; to invent

devoid Completely lackingdevot ion Religious fervor; fidelitydew Moisture condensed upon the surfaces of cool bodies especially at

nightdexterity Mental skill or quicknessdiagnosis Investigation or analysis of the cause or nature of a problem,

condition, or situationdialect The language usage or vocabulary that is characteristic of a

specific group of peopledichotomy A division or the process of dividing into two especially mutually

exclusive or contradictory groups or entitiesdictatorship Autocratic rule, control, or leadershipdidactic Excessively instructivedifferentiate To mark or show a difference indiff idence Lack of self-confidence; shyness, unassertivenessdiffidently In a reserved, unassertive, or shy mannerdiffuse Spread out; not concentrated in one placedignified Having or expressing dignity; formal or stately in bearing or

appearancedignitary One who possesses exalted rank or holds an office or position of

honordigress To divert from the main subject; to wander from a direct or

straight course

digression A turn aside from the main subject of attention or course ofargumentdilatory Characterized by procrastination; tending to cause delaydi lemma An argument presenting two or more equally conclusive

alternatives against an opponentdilettante Showing frivolous or superficial interest; amateurish (his

dilettantish efforts at painting)dil igence The attention and care legally expected or required of a persondil igent Careful and steady in application to ones work or dutiesdim Not bright; lacking in intensitydiminish To decrease in size, extent, or range; to lessen the authority,

dignity, or reputation ofdiminut ive Below the average size; very small; little

dingy Thickly covered with ingrained dirt or soot; depressing incharacter or appearancedirector Someone who supervises and conducts the action and the

performers in the production of a staged or filmed dramatic workdirge A song or hymn of mourningdisapprobation The act or state of disapprovingdiscard To throw away; to lay asidediscarding Getting rid something that is regarded as useless or undesirablediscern To perceive clearly with the mind or the senses; to recognize; to

distinguish; to tell apart


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discernible Perceptible by the senses or intellectdischarge To relieve of a charge, load, or burdendiscipl ine Control gained by enforcing obedience or orderdisclosed Made known (especially something secret or concealed); no longer

concealeddisclosure The act of exposing; something revealed

discolored Changed in color; stained; fadeddiscomfited Put into a state of perplexity and embarrassment; disconcerteddisconcert To throw into confusion; to disturb the composure ofdiscouraged Made less hopeful or enthusiasticdiscourse An extended communication (often interactive) dealing with some

particular topicdiscourteous Showing no courtesy; rude; lacking social gracesdiscredit To damage the reputation of; to reject as false; to refuse to acceptdiscreet Marked by prudence or modesty and wise self-restraintdiscrepancy A conflict between facts, claims, or opinionsdiscrete Constituting a separate entity or part; individualdiscrimination Noting and marking differences; discernmentdiscursive Tending to depart from the main point or cover a wide range of

subjectsdisdain To look upon with scorn and contemptdisfigured Spoiled the beauty of; deformed; defaceddisheveled Marked by disorder or disarraydis ingenuous Not straightforward or candid; giving a false appearance of

franknessdisinterested Not having the mind or feelings engageddismiss To reject serious consideration ofdismissed Removed from position or service; dischargeddisparage To lower in rank or reputation; to degradedisparate Fundamentally different or distinct in quality or kinddisparity Inequality or difference in some respectdispassionate Not influenced by strong feeling

dispatch To send off or away promptlydispel To cause to vanish; to clear awaydisperse To cause to break up, spread, evaporate or vanishdisplace To expel or force to flee from home or homelanddisplay Something done in order to communicate a particular impressiondisposal The act or means of getting rid of somethingdisposit ion Usual or prevailing mooddisprove To overthrow by argument, evidence, or proofdisproved Proved to be false or wrongdisputant One who argues; a reasoner in opposition to anotherdispute To contend in argumentdisregard To treat as unworthy of regard or noticedisreputable Lacking respectability in character or behavior or appearance

disrupt To throw into disorderdisruptive Characterized by unrest, disorder, or insubordinationdisseminate To spread; to diffusedissent ing Differing in opiniondissipate To cause to separate and go in different directionsdissolution The act or process of dissolving; separation into component partsdissonance A mingling of discordant sounds, esp. those that seem musically

unharmoniousdistant Separated in space or by time


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dis taste A feeling of intense dislikedist inguish To perceive a difference indist inguished Of high standing; eminent; famousdistort ion The act of twisting out of natural or regular shapedistracted Mentally confused, troubled, or remotedistressed Worried or troubled

disturb To interfere withdisturbing Interfering withdiverge To move or extend in different directions from a common pointdivergent Differing; deviating from each otherdiverse Differing from one anotherdiversion An activity that diverts, amuses, or stimulates; a turning aside (of

ones course or attention or concern)divert To occupy in an agreeable, entertaining, or pleasant fashiondivination A prediction uttered under divine inspirationdivine Of, relating to, or proceeding directly from God or a goddivining Foreseeing or foreknowingdivisive Creating disunity or dissensiondivulge To make known to the public information that was meant to be

kept a secretdoci le Submissive; easily manageddoctrinal Pertaining to, or having to do with, teachingdoctrine A principle of law established through past decisions; something

that is taughtdocumented Furnished documentary evidence ofdodo 1: (informal) someone whose style is out of fashion; 2: extinct

heavy flightless bird of Mauritius related to pigeonsdogged Stubbornly unyielding; obstinately determined; persistentdogmat ic Characterized by arrogant assertion of unproved or unprovable

principlesdomest ic Of or relating to the household or the familydominance The fact or state of commanding, controlling, or prevailing over

othersdossier A file containing detailed records on a particular person or

subjectdownpour A pouring or streaming downward; a heavy raindownright Given without reservation; outrightdrabness Lacking stylishness or brightness; dullnessdraft A preliminary sketch, outline, or versiondraftee An individual who is engaged to enter the armydrama A state, situation, or series of events involving interesting or

intense conflict of forcesdramatic Striking in appearance or effectdramatist A writer of playsdrawback A loss of advantage, or deduction from profit, value, success, etc.;

a discouragement or hindrancedrawing (in) Causing or enticing to enter or participatedread Fearful expectation or anticipationdreary Depressing in character or appearancedrench To steep in moisture; to wet thoroughly; to soak; to saturate with

water or other liquid; to immersedrill A tool that cuts with its end, by revolving or by a succession of

blowsdrive An urgent, basic, or instinctual need


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drivel Words or language having no meaning or conveying no intelligibleideas

drought The continuous absence of raindrubbed Beaten with a stick; thrasheddual Consisting of or involving two parts or components, usually in

pairs

dubious Of questionable value or truthdupe To deceive; to trick; to misleadduplicate An exact copy of the originaldurable Able to exist for a long time without significant deteriorationduress Compulsory force or threatdynamic Marked by usually continuous and productive activity or changeearnestness An intense and serious state of mind; seriousnesseasel A frame for supporting something (as an artists canvas)eccentr ic Deviating from conventional or accepted usage or conduct,

especially in odd or whimsical waysecho A repetition or imitation of anotherec lect ic Composed of elements drawn from various sourcesecology The branch of biology concerned with the relations between

organisms and their environmenteconom i cs Analysis of the production, distribution, and consumption ofgoods and services

ecstat ic Feeling great rapture or delightedit ion The form or version in which a text is publishededitor A person who prepares, superintends, revises, and corrects a

book, magazine, or newspaper, etc., for publicationeffect An outward signeffect ive Producing a decided, decisive, or desired effecteff icacious Having the power to produce an intended effecteff iciency The quality or degree of being the immediate agent in producing

an effecteffort A serious attempt

effrontery Impudent aggressiveness; shameless boldnesseffusive Unrestrained in enthusiasm; excessively demonstrativeegoism An ethical theory that treats self-interest as the foundation of

moralityegot i s t A conceited and self-centered personegregious Conspicuously and outrageously bad or reprehensibleelated Exultantly proud and joyful; in high spiritselat ion A state marked by high spiritselders Aged persons; persons having authority by virtue of age and

experiencee lect ion An act or process of choosing or selecting, as in a political contestelegy A mournful poem; a lament for the deade l em ent A constituent part; something connoting irreducible simplicity; a

basic componentelevated Brought from a lower place to a higher oneel ici t To draw forth or bring out (something latent or potential)elliptical Characterized by extreme economy of expression or omission of

superfluouselements

e locut ionis t A public speaker trained in voice production, gesture and deliverye loquence Discourse marked by force and persuasivenesse loquent Marked by forceful and fluent expression


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elucidate To make free from confusion or ambiguity; to make clearelude To escape, either physically or mentally; to be incomprehensible

toelusive Tending to evade grasp or pursuitembell ish To make beautiful or elegant with ornamentationembel l i shment A superfluous ornament; the act of adding extraneous

decorations to somethingembezzle To take fraudulently for ones own useembittered Caused to feel cynical and rancorousembody To represent or express something abstract in tangible formembrace To include in scope; to include as part of something broader; to

take up readily or gladly; to hugembroidery Decorative needleworkem end To make improvements or correctionsemerge To come out into view, as from concealment; to happen or occur

as a result of somethingemigrate To leave ones country of residence for a new oneemissary Someone sent on a mission to represent the interests of someone

else

emol l i ent Having a softening or soothing effect, especially to the skinempathet ic Showing empathy or ready comprehension of others statesempathy Understanding and entering into anothers feelingsemperors Sovereigns or supreme male monarchs of an empireemphas i s Special importance or significanceemphas ize To place force or intensity of expression onempire A major political unit having a territory under a single sovereign

authorityempirical Derived from experiment and observation rather than theory (an

empirical basis for an ethical theory)employee One who provides work or service for a wage or salaryemulate To strive to equal or matchenable To provide with the means or opportunity

enabling Giving strength or ability toenact To order by virtue of superior authorityenamored Marked by foolish or unreasoning fondnessencapsulate To put in a short or concise form; to reduce in volumeenchant ing Capturing interest as if by a spellenclosed Closed in or surrounded or included withinencompass ing Broad in scope or content; all-inclusive; closely encircling;

surroundingencore An extra or repeated performance, usually given in response to

audience demandencounter A meeting, especially between hostile partiesencourage To inspire with courage, spirit, or hopeencroaching Gradually intrusive without right or permission

encyclopedia A work that contains information on all branches of knowledgeencyclopedic Broad in scope or contentendangered In imminent danger of extinction (said of plants or animals)endeavor To attempt (as the fulfillment of an obligation) by exertion of effortendorse To be behind; to support or vote for; to give support or ones

blessing toendurance The power to withstand hardship or stress; a state of surviving;

remaining aliveendure To undergo (as a hardship) especially without giving in


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enervated Weakened mentally or morally; unnervedenforce To ensure observance of laws and rules; to compel or imposeenfranchised Endowed with the rights of citizenship, especially the right to voteengaged Attracted and held by influenceengendered Caused to exist; brought forth; produced; sowed the seedsengine A mechanical tool

engineering The practical application of science to commerce or industryengross To take or engage the whole attention ofenhance To advance; to augment; to increase or improve in value, quality,

desirability, or attractivenessenl ighten To give spiritual insight to; to make free from confusion or

ambiguity; to make clearenl ightening Tending to increase knowledge or dissipate ignoranceenl ightenment The act or means of furnishing knowledgeenm i t y Positive, active, and typically mutual hatred or ill willenraged Filled with rage or anger; infuriatedenrich To make rich or richer especially by the addition or increase of

some desirable quality, attribute, or ingredientenrichment Improvement of the nutritive value by adding nutrients

enroll To register formally as a participant or memberensemble A cast other than the principals; the chorus of a musical; a group

of supporting players, singers, or dancersensure To make sure, certain, or safeentangle To make complicatedenthrall To hold spellbound; to enraptureenthus iasm A feeling of excitementent i cem ent The art of attracting artfully or adroitly, or by arousing hope or

desireent i t l ement A right to benefits specified especially by law or contractentry A person, thing, or group entered in a contestentrust To commit to another with confidenceenviable Causing envy; highly desirable

ephemeral Enduring a very short time (the ephemeral joys of childhood)epidemic A widespread outbreak of an infectious diseaseepi logue A short speech (often in verse) addressed directly to the audience

by an actor at the end of a playepisode A usually brief unit of action in a dramatic or literary workequal i ty The quality or state of being equal or of the same measureequanimity Steadiness of mind under stressequate To treat, represent, or regard as equal, equivalent, or comparableequivocal Subject to two or more interpretations and usually used to

mislead or confuseequivocation A use of obscure language especially with intent to deceiveera An event or point in time from which a series of years is reckoned;

the succession ofyears from that point in time

eradication The complete destruction of every trace of something;extermination

erratically In an unpredictable manner (Economic changes are proceedingerratically)

erroneous Containing or characterized by erroreruption A bursting from limits or restraintescapism Habitual diversion of the mind to purely imaginative activityespionage The practice of spying or using spiesespousal A taking up or adopting of a cause or belief


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espouse To choose and follow, as of theories, ideas, policies, strategies orplans (She espoused the feminist movement)

essent ia l Of the utmost importance; necessaryestabl ish To bring into existenceestabl ished Made firm or stableestabl ishing Instituting (as a law) permanently by enactment or agreement

e s t e e m To set a high value on; to regard highly and prize accordinglyest imat ion The act or an instance of forming an opinion about; evaluationestrangement The arousement of mutual enmity or indifference where there had

formerly been loveetching A pattern or design produced on a hard material by eating into

the materials surfaceeternal Continuing forever or indefinitelyethical Involving or expressing moral approval or disapprovale t hos Guiding beliefs of a person, group, or institutionetymology The history of a word; the study of the sources and development

of wordseulogize To speak or write in high praise ofeuphoric Exaggerated feeling of well-being or elation

evade To slip away; to avoid; to eludeevaluate To determine or fix the value or worth ofevanes cence The property of lasting for a very short timeevanes cent Tending to vanish like vaporevas ive Elusive; shuffling; avoiding by artificeevergreens Trees and shrubs including forms (as pines) with true coneseverlast ing Continuing forever or indefinitelyevidence That which furnishes, or tends to furnish, proofevolution A process of change in a certain directionevolve To undergo a change or development; to come up with; to

gradually acquire new traits or characteristicsewe Female sheepexacerbate To make worse (This drug exacerbates the pain)

exaggerate To enlarge beyond bounds or the truthexamined Inspected closelyexasperate To cause irritation or annoyance toexasperation A feeling of annoyance; the act of causing great irritation or even

angerexcavat ion The act of digging; the site of an archeological explorationexceeding Going beyond a set limitexce l To go beyond or surpass in goodexcept ion A case to which a rule does not applyexcerpted Selected (as a passage) for quotingexcess ive Beyond normal or necessary limitsexcitabi l i ty The quality of being readily excited or roused; proneness to be

affected by exciting causes

exc lude To bar from participation, consideration, or inclusionexc lus ive Not divided or shared; excluding much or all but a particular

group or minority; belonging only to a fewexcruciat ing Agonizing; torturousexculpate To clear from alleged fault or guiltexcursion A journey taken for pleasure (many summer excursions to the

shore)execut ion The act or result of performance; a putting to death as a legal

penalty; the


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process of enforcing a legal judgmentexemplary Fit to be imitated; outstandingly good; commendableexemplify To show or illustrate by exampleexem pt To release or deliver from some liability or requirement to which

others are subjectexert To put forth force, ability, or anything of the nature of an active

facultyexhibit n: Something shown to the public; v: to show or displayoutwardly especially by visible signs or actions

exhilarating Giving life, action, or spirit to; enlivening; refreshing; stimulatingexist ing Having real being whether material or spiritualexonerate To relieve, in a moral sense, as of a charge, obligation, or

hardship; to clear from accusation or blameexorbitant Greatly exceeding bounds of reason or moderationexpand To increase the extent, number, volume, or scope of; to open

wide; to spread outexpans ive Impressive in scale; extensive, wide-rangingexpedi te To accelerate the process or progress of; to speed up; facilitateexpedit ion An organized group of people undertaking a journey for a

particular purposeexperimentation The trying out of a new procedure, idea, or activityexpert Having, involving, or displaying special skill or knowledge derived

from trainingexpiate To make amends forexplanation Thought that makes something comprehensibleexplanatory Serving or intended to explain or make clearexpl ication The act of opening, unfolding, or explainingexplode To burst forth with sudden violence or noise from internal energyexploit A notable or heroic actexploited Developed or used to greatest advantageexplore To become familiar with by testing or experimenting; to analyze;

to make or conduct a search

explorer A person who travels in search of information (esp. geographicalor scientific)export To carry or send (as a commodity) to some other placeexpress To give or convey a true impression ofexpropriated Taken out of the possession of another and transferred to your

own use, often without permissionexpulsion The state of being expelled (forced out)expunge To strike out, obliterate, or mark for deletionextant Still in existence; not extinct or destroyed or lostextemporaneous Composed, performed, or uttered on the spur of the moment, or

without previous studyextens ive Having wide or considerable extentex t ent The range over which something extends or stretches out

extenuat ing Partially excusing or justifying (extenuating circumstances)extenuat ion The act of lessening or weakening the seriousness or extent of

somethingexterminator One who gets rid of something completely, usually by killing offexternal Purely outward or superficialext inct No longer existing; no longer burning; no longer activeextol To praise, glorify, or honor highlyextraordinary Going beyond what is usual, regular, or customary


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extrapolate To infer, estimate, or project into an area not known orexperienced

extrasensory Seemingly outside of the normal or known sensesextravagant Exceeding the limits of reason or necessityextremist One who advocates extreme political measuresextricate To free, as from difficulties or perplexities

extrinsic Extraneous; lying outside; not belonging (to); originating oroperating from withoutextroverted Gregarious and unreserved; outgoingexuberance Joyful enthusiasm; overflowing with enthusiasmexuberant Joyously unrestrained and enthusiasticexultant Joyful and proud especially because of triumph or successfabric Something made by weaving or felting or knitting or crocheting

natural or synthetic fibersfacile Performed adroitly and without effortfact ion A party or group (as within a government) that is often

contentious or self seekingfaculty The body of teachers and administrators at a schoolfainthearted Lacking courage or resolution

fallacious Based on an incorrect notion or misleading informationfame The state or quality of being widely honored and acclaimedfamiliarity A state of close relationship; intimacyfamine A severe shortage (especially a shortage of food)fantasy The free play of creative imaginationfascinate To transfix and hold spellbound by an irresistible powerfascinating Extremely interesting or charmingfashionable Having elegance or taste or refinement in manners or dressfast idious Difficult to pleasefatalistic Believing that all events are predetermined and therefore

inevitablefate An event (or course of events) that will inevitably happen in the

future; destiny

fathom To measure depths with a sounding line, as of a body of waterfatigue Temporary loss of strength and energy resulting from hard

physical or mental work; a lack of vitalityfaulty Having a defect; characterized by errorsfeast An elaborate meal often accompanied by a ceremony or

entertainmentfederal Of or relating to the central government of a federationfel ici tous Exhibiting an agreeably appropriate manner or style; marked by

good fortunefelony A grave crime for which the punishment in federal law may be

death or more than one year of imprisonmentferal Wild and menacing; savageferocious Exhibiting or given to extreme fierceness and unrestrained

violence and brutalityfertile Marked by great fruitfulnessfertil ization An act or process of fecundation, insemination, or pollinationfertilizer Any substance such as manure or a mixture of nitrates used to

make soil more fertilefervent Exhibiting or marked by great intensity of feelingfeud Mutual enmity or quarrel that is often prolonged or inveteratefeverishly In a manner marked by intense emotion, activity, or instabilityfib A trivial lie


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f ickle Marked by erratic changeability in affections or attachmentsf ict ion That which is feigned, invented, or imagined; a feigned or

invented story, whether oral or writtenf ict i t ious Formed or conceived by the imagination; adopted in order to

deceivefigurative 1: metaphorical, not literal; 2: of pictorial or sculptural

representationfigure A diagram or picture illustrating textual materialfi le A set of related records (either written or electronic) kept togetherfilter n: A porous material that removes something from whatever

passes through it; v: to remove things with a filterfinalist A contestant in the ultimate stages of a competitionf ine A sum imposed as punishment for an offensef inite Having definite or definable limitsfirebrand Someone who deliberately foments troublef iss ion A nuclear reaction in which a massive nucleus splits into smaller

nuclei with the simultaneous release of energyfixed Having a set and unchanging valueflabbergasted Overwhelmed with astonishment and surprise

flagrant Conspicuously offensivef lamboyant Elaborately or excessively ornamentedflammable Capable of being easily ignited and of burning quicklyflap n: A state of excitement or agitation; something that generates an

uproar; v: to move with a thrashing motionflaunt To wave or flutter showily; to display ostentatiouslyflaw An imperfection or faultflexibility The quality of being adaptable or variablefl ight The act of escaping physically; the act of passing through the air

with wingsfl ippancy Unbecoming levity or pertness, especially in response to grave or

sacred mattersfl ippant Lacking proper respect or seriousness

flipper The flat broad limb of aquatic animals specialized for swimmingflock A group of birds or mammals assembled or herded togetherflopping Swinging or moving looselyflorid Elaborately or excessively ornamentedflourish To grow vigorously; to thrive; to prosperflout To mock or insult; to treat with contemptflowing Moving in a streamf luent Ready or facile in speechfluid A substance tending to flow or conform to the outline of its

containerflyer An advertisement (usually printed on a page or in a leaflet)

intended for wide distributionfocused Concentrated on or clustered around a central point or purpose

foes Enemies; opponentsfoil Someone or something that serves as a contrast to another

(acted as a foil for a comedian)foolhardy Marked by unthinking boldness; with defiant disregard for danger

or consequencesfootnote A note of reference, explanation, or comment usually placed

below the text on a printed pagefoppish Affecting extreme elegance in dress and manner


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forbid To command against; to keep from happening or arising; to havethe effect of preventing

force Strength or energy exerted or brought to bear; cause of motion orchange; active power

forceful Vigorous; powerful; compelling; impressiveforecast To calculate or predict

foreign Relating to, originating in, or characteristic of another place orpart of the world; introduced from an outside sourceforensics The art or study of argumentative discourseforesight Providence by virtue of planning prudently for the futureforetell To tell beforehandforeword A short introductory essay preceding the text of a bookforge A workplace where metal is worked by heating and hammeringforgeries False imitations made especially with intent to defraudforgettable Likely to be forgotten; not memorableforlorn Sad and lonely due to desertion or abandonment; marked by or

showing hopelessnessformality A requirement of etiquette or customformat The general appearance of a publication

formidable Of extremely impressive strength or excellence which inspiresgreat respect or aweformulate To come up with; to inventfort A strong or fortified place; usually, a small fortified place,

occupied only by troopsforthright Directly forwardfortitude Strength of mind that enables one to endure adversity with

couragefortuitous Having no cause or apparent cause; occurring by happy chanceforum A public meeting or assembly for open discussion; a public place

to meet for open discussionfoster To cherish; to promote the growth of; to encourage; to sustain

and promote (to foster genius)

fractious Quarrelsome; unrulyfracture To cause a fracture or fractures in; to separate the continuousparts of

fragile Easily broken or destroyedfragmentation The separation of something into smaller pieces or unitsfragrant Affecting the olfactory nerves agreeably; sweet of smell; odorous;

having or emitting an agreeable perfumeframe A case or border enclosing a picture, window, door, etc.frankness Free, forthright, and sincere expressionfraternize To associate; to make friends; to behave as intimatesfraud Intentional deception resulting in injury to another person;

deliberate trickery intended to gain an advantagefraudulent Intended to deceive; dishonest

freight Goods carried by a large vehiclefrenetic Marked by madness or emotional agitationfrenzied Affected with a violent mental or emotional agitationfriction The resistance encountered when one body is moved in contact

with anotherfrigid Extremely coldfringe A group with marginal or extremist viewsfrivolity The quality or state of lacking seriousness and sensibility


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frugal Economical in the use or appropriation of resources; not wastefulor lavish

frugality The economic use of resourcesfrustration A feeling of annoyance at being hindered or criticizedfugit ive One who flees from pursuit, danger, restraint, service, duty, etc.fumigate To purify or free from infection by the use of smoke or vapors

funct ion A mode of action or activity by which a thing fulfills its purposefundamental A leading or primary principle, rule, law, or article, which servesas the groundwork of a system; essential part

fungus A parasitic plant lacking chlorophyll, leaves, and true stems androots, and reproducing by spores

furlough A leave of absence from duty (granted especially to a soldier)furnace An enclosed chamber in which heat is produced to warm

buildings, destroy refuse, smelt or refine ores, etc.further To a greater distance; in addition; moreoverfury A feeling of intense angerfutile Useless, ineffectual, vainfutil ity Uselessnessgallery A room for the exhibition of works of art

galloping Moving or running in the mode called a gallop (as a horse); to goat a gallop; to run or move with speedgap A conspicuous disparity or difference as between two figures; a

break or separation; a deficient areagarbled Lacking orderly continuity; confusedgargantuan Of great mass; huge and bulkygarish Offensively or distressingly bright; tastelessly showy; gaudygarnish To add decorative or savory touches to (food or drink)gauge To measure or to ascertain the contents or the capacity ofgender Sex (male or female)general ization A general statement, law, principle, or propositiongeneral ize To draw from specific cases for more general cases; to speak in

vague or indefinite statements

generates Composes, creates, or brings out by intellectual or physical effortgeneration A group of individuals born and living contemporaneouslygenerous Willing to give and share unstintinglygenes i s The origin or coming into being of somethinggenial Diffusing warmth and friendlinessgenial i ty Sympathy or friendlinessgeology The study of the history of the earth as recorded in rocksgerminate To begin to growgesture Something done as an indication of intention; to show, express or

direct through movementgibberish Rapid and inarticulate speechgingham A clothing fabric usually of yarn-dyed cotton in plain weaveglacial Devoid of warmth and cordiality; expressive of unfriendliness or

disdain; extremely coldglamorous Full of glamourgl immer A faint, unsteady light; feeble, scattered rays of lightgl immering Appearing indistinctly with a faintly luminous qualitygloom To look, feel, or act sullen or despondentglossy Having a smooth, gleaming surfaceglutton One given habitually to greedy and voracious eating and drinkinggoad To provoke, as by constant criticismgoal The end toward which effort is directed


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goggles Spectacles worn to protect the eyesgossip Rumor or report of an intimate naturegourmand A person who is excessively fond of eating and drinkinggovern To impose regulations on; to direct or strongly influence the

behavior of; to exercise authority overgovernmental Dealing with the affairs or structure of government, politics, or

the stategraceful Characterized by beauty of movement, style, form, etc.;suggesting taste, ease, and wealth; elegant

gracious Doing or producing good; exhibiting courtesy and politenessgraciously In a kind and courteous mannergradual Proceeding by steps or degreesgraduation An academic exercise in which diplomas are conferredgrain Dry seedlike fruit produced by the cereal grassesgrammar The study of forms of speech and their relationship to one

another; the art concerned with the right use and application ofthe rules of a language

grandiose Impressive because of unnecessary largeness or grandeurgranite A very hard natural igneous rock formation of visibly crystalline

texturegrant To give the possession or title of by a deedgraph A diagram that represents the variation of a variable in

comparison with that of one or more other variablesgraphic Of or relating to the visual or descriptive arts, esp. writing and

drawinggrass-roots Of or involving the common people as constituting a fundamental

politico economic groupgratification A source of satisfaction or pleasuregratitude The state of being grateful; thankfulnessgratuitous Given freely; unearned; unwarrantedgratuity A relatively small amount of money given for services rendered;

an award given without claim or obligation

gravitation A force manifested by acceleration toward each other of two freematerial particles or bodiesgravity The gravitational attraction of the mass of the earth, the moon, or

a planet for bodies at or near its surfacegregarious Enjoying the company of others; sociablegrief Intense sorrow caused by loss of a loved onegrim Ghastly, repellent, or sinister in charactergrimy Full of grime; begrimed; dirty; foulgrind To reduce to powder or small fragments by frictiongritty Having strong qualities of tough, uncompromising realismgrove A small growth of trees without underbrush; a small cultivated

wood without undergrowthgruff Brusque, surly and forbidding; deep and harsh sounding as if

from shouting, illness, or emotionguidance Direction or advice as to a decision or course of action; the act ofguiding or showing the way

gullible Easily deceived or trickedgush To emit a sudden, copious flowgushing Making an effusive display of affection or enthusiasmgymnast ic A physical feat or contortionhabitable Capable of being inhabited or dwelt inhabitat The type of environment in which an organism or group normally

lives or occurs


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history The discipline that records and interprets past eventshitchhiking Traveling by securing free rides from passing vehicleshoard A supply or fund stored up and often hidden awayhobby A pursuit outside ones regular occupation, engaged in especially

for relaxationhois t To raise or haul up with or as if with mechanical help

holist ic Emphasizing the organic or functional relation between parts andthe wholehonor To regard or treat with esteem or respect; to reverehorizon The apparent junction of earth and skyhorizontally In a manner parallel to, in the plane of, or operating in a plane

parallel to the horizon or to a base linehospitable Favorable to life and growth; disposed to treat guests and

strangers with cordiality and generosityhospital ize To admit into a hospitalhos t A very large number; one that receives or entertains guests

sociallyhost i l e Marked by malevolencehosti l i ty Deep-seated, usually mutual ill will

hub The central part of a car wheel (or fan, propeller, etc.) throughwhich the shaft or axle passes; the center of a cityhue The quality of a colorhumani ty The quality or state of being humane or humanhumdrum Not challenging; dull and lacking excitement; tediously repetitious

or lacking in variety; monotonoushumidifier A device for keeping the atmosphere moist in a roomhumil iated Humbled; made to feel uncomfortable because of shame or

wounded pridehumil i ty A disposition to be humble; a lack of pridehumorous Characterized by wit or comedyhunch n: An impression that something might be the case; intuition;

suspicion; v: to arch ones back

hypocrisy A feigning to be what one is not or to believe what one does nothypocrite A person who professes beliefs and opinions that they do not holdhypothes i s A concept that is not yet verified, but that if true would explain

certain facts or phenomena; a theory; an opinion based onincomplete evidence

hypothet ical Being or involving an assumption or concession made for thesake of argument

i con An object of uncritical devotioni conoclast One who attacks cherished beliefs or institutionsideal ist ic Characterized by forming ideals or living under their influenceideal ist Someone guided more by ideals than by practical considerationsideally For best results; in an ideal situationideals Standards of perfection or beauty

identical Exactly alikeidentify To establish the identity of someone or somethingident i ty The distinct personality of an individual regarded as a persisting

entityideology A manner or the content of thinking characteristic of an

individual, group, or cultureideologue An often blindly partisan advocate or adherent of a particular

ideologyidiosyncrasy A peculiarity of constitution or temperament; an individualizing

characteristic or quality


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idol A material object that is worshipped as a god; someone who isadored blindly and excessively

idolatrous Relating to or practicing idolatry; blindly or excessively devoted oradoring

idolized Loved or admired to excessignorance Lack of knowledge or education

ignorant Lacking knowledge or comprehensioni l legality Unlawfulness by virtue of violating some legal statutei l l icit Contrary to or forbidden by lawi l lness Sickness; maladyi l luminate To make bright with light; to make comprehensiblei l lusion A misapprehension of the true state of affairsi l lustrate To make clear by giving or by serving as an example or instancei l lustration An example that helps make something clear; a single item of

information that is representative of a type; a visualrepresentation

imagination A mental faculty forming images or concepts of things or eventsnot present to the senses

imaginative Marked by independence and creativity in thought or action

imbue To permeate or influenceimi tated Followed as a pattern, model, or example; copiedimitat ion Something produced as a copyimitat ive Marked by or given to imitation; (of words) formed in imitation of

a natural sound; not originalimmediate Existing without intervening space or substanceimmers ion A state of being covered by a liquid (like water)immigrant A person who comes to a country to take up permanent residencei m m i nent Ready to take placeimmobil i ty Motionlessnessimmoral Conflicting with generally or traditionally held moral principlesimmortal Exempt from deathimmunized Rendered unsusceptible to a disease

impact The force of impression of one thing on another; a significant ormajor effect

impartial Not favoring one more than another; treating all alike;unprejudiced; unbiased

impartiality An inclination to weigh both views or opinions equally;nonpartisanship

impeccable Without fault or error; faultless; immaculateimpede To hinder; to block passage through; to obstructimpending About to occurimpeni tent Not remorseful or repentantimperceptible Extremely slight, gradual, or subtleimperceptive Unable to perceiveimperial Of, relating to, befitting, or suggestive of an empire or an emperor

imperial ism The policy, practice, or advocacy of extending the power anddominion of a nation

impersonal Having no personal reference or connectionimperturbable Not easily excited or upset; marked by extreme calm and

composureimperviousness Impenetrabilityimpetuous Characterized by undue haste and lack of thought or deliberationimpious Lacking piety or reverence; lacking due respect or dutifulnessimplanted Fixed or set securely or deeply


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implausible Having a quality that provokes disbelief; highly imaginative butunlikely; farfetched

implement v: To make use of; n: an instrument or toolimplemented Put into executionimplici t Implied though not directly expressedimply To express indirectly

impoli te Not polite; not of polished manners; wanting in good manners;discourteous; uncivil; rudeimpostor A person who assumes a false character or pretends to be

someone elseimpractical Incapable of dealing sensibly or prudentlyimpregnable Incapable of being taken by assault; unconquerableimpression A characteristic or feature resulting from some influence; an often

indistinct or imprecise notion or remembranceimpressionable Readily or easily influenced; suggestibleimprison To lock up in jail; to confine as if in a prisonimprobability The state of being or the degree to which something is unlikely to

be true or to occurimprobable Not likely to be true or to occur or to have occurred

improperly In a manner not in accord with fact, truth, or right procedureimprovisation An unplanned act or performance; the act of making, inventing,or arranging|offhand

improvise To perform without preparationimpulse A sudden desire; a force that makes something moveimpure Not pure; not clean; dirty; foul; filthyimpurity Something that is impure or makes something else impure or

unclean; the state of being impureimpute To attribute to a source or causeinaccessible Capable of being reached only with great difficulty or not at all;

not capable of being obtainedinaccurate Not according to truth; inexact; incorrect; erroneousinactivity The state of being inactive; idleness

inadequate Not capable; lacking power, capacity, or competenceinadmissible Not deserving to be admittedinadvertent Not paying attention or focusing on a matter; unintentionalinadvisable Not recommendedinane Lacking significance, meaning, or pointinarticulate Unable to speak distinctly or express oneself clearlyinaudible Impossible to hear; imperceptible by the earincantat ion A ritual recitation of magical words or soundsincensed Angered; enragedincent ive Something that incites or has a tendency to incite to

determination or actioninc ident An occurrence of an action or situation that is a separate unit of

experience

incidental Occurring as a chance consequenceincinerate To reduce to ashes by burning; to thoroughly consumeincinerator A furnace for incinerating (especially to dispose of refuse)inc i s ive Impressively direct and decisiveinc i te To move to actioni nc i

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Building Your Vocabulary