Vocabible

1 l (http://www.wanglish.
com)
1-1
abandon v. to give up without intent to reclaim
n. unbounded enthusiasm; exuberance
aberrant a. 1. departing significantly from the normal or a norm

2. untrue to type; eccentric
n. one that is aberrant
abide vt. to put up with; to tolerate

vi. to continue to be in one place for a noticeable time
ablaze a. 1. made bright by or as if by fire; radiant

2. on fire; aglow
abolish vt. to bring to an end often by formal or concerted action; to do away with
1-2
abortive a. 1. failing to accomplish an intended objective; fruitless
2. causing or meant to cause abortion; abortifacient
n. abortifacient
abridge v. 1. to reduce the length of (a written text); condense

2. to cut short; curtail
3. to deprive
abrogate v. to abolish, do away with, or annul, especially by authority
abruptly ad. quickly and without warning; suddenly
abscond v. to leave quickly and secretly and hide oneself,

often to avoid arrest or prosecution
2 l (http://www.wanglish.com)
1-3
abstain v. 1. to refrain from something by one`s own choice
2. to renounce
abstrac n. 1. a statement summarizing the important points of a text; summary

2. something ab stract
a. considered apart from concrete existence; difficult to understand; abstruse
vt. to take away; to remove
abstruse a. incomprehensible to one of ordinary understanding or knowledge; recondite
absurd a. 1. ridiculously incongruous or unreasonable

2. inconsistent with reason or logic or common sense
n. the condition or state in which humans exist in a meaningless,
irrational universe wherein people`s lives have no purpose or meaning
abuse v. 1. to attack harshly with words

2. to use wrongly or improperly; to misuse
n. 1. insulting or coarse language: verbal abuse
2. improper use or handling; misuse: abuse of authority; drug abuse
1-4
abundant a. existing in large quantities; more than enough
[] abysmal a. resembling an abyss in depth; unfathomable; very profound; limitless; very bad
accept v. 1. to receive (something offered), especially with gladness or approval

2. to admit to a group, organization, or place
3. to endure resignedly or patiently
4. to understand as having a specific meaning
accessible a. easily approached or entered
accidental a. 1. occurring unexpectedly, unintentionally, or by chance

2. extraneous
acclaim v. 1. to praise enthusiastically and often publicly; to applaud

2. to acknowledge or declare with enthusiastic approval
1-5
accomplice n. an associate in wrongdoing, especially one who aids or abets another in a
criminal act, either as a principal or an accessory; helper
account v. 1. to provide an explanation or justification for; to explain

2. to assume the responsibility for
3. to be the sole or primary factor in the existence, acquisition, supply,
or disposal of something
n. 1. a narrative or record of events
2. a reason given for a particular action or event
3. a precise list or enumeration of financial transactions; a formal banking,
brokerage, or business relationship established to provide for regular
services, dealings, and other financial transactions
accumulate v. to gather or pile up; to amass
accuse v. 1. to charge formally with a wrongdoing; to indict

2. to charge with a shortcoming or error; to blame
accustom v. to familiarize, as by constant practice, use, or habit
2-1
acerbate v. 1. to vex or annoy
2. to make bitter [sour]
acquaint v. 1. to make familiar

2. to cause to come to know personally
acquiesce v. to consent or comply passively or without protest
acquire v. 1. to gain possession of; to obtain

2. to get by one`s own efforts; to learn
acquit v. to free or clear from a charge or accusation

2-2
acrimonious a. bitter and sharp in language or tone; rancorous
acronym n. a word formed from the initial letters of a name
acute a. 1. having a sharp point or tip; keenly perceptive or discerning; sensitive

2. extremely sharp or severe; intense
3. of great importance or consequence; crucial
4. having a rapid onset and following a short but severe course
adamant a. 1. impervious to pleas, appeals, or reason; stubbornly unyielding

2. extremely hard
n. an extremely hard substance
adapt vt. to make suitable to or fit for a specific use or situation; to adjust
vi. to become adapted
2-3
addict v. to cause to become physiologically or psychologically dependent on a
habit-forming substance
n. one who is addicted, as to narcotics or a compulsive activity
adduce v. to cite as an example or means of proof in an argument
adept n. a highly skilled person; an expert

a. very skilled
adjacent a. 1. close to; lying near

2. next to; adjoining
admittedly ad. by general admission; confessedly; as acknowledged
2-4
admonish v. 1. to reprove gently but earnestly; to advise
2. to counsel (another) against something to be avoided; to caution or warn
adulterate v. to make impure by adding extraneous, improper, or inferior ingredients

a. spurious; adulterated
adventitious a. 1. occurring accidentally or spontaneously, not caused by heredity

2. not inherent but added extrinsically
adverse a. 1. acting or serving to oppose; antagonistic

2. opposite, contrary
3. contrary to one`s interests or welfare; harmful or unfavorable
affable a. easy and pleasant to speak to; approachable ; gentle and gracious
2-5
affect vt. 1. to have an influence on or effect a change in
2. to put on a false show of; to simulate
affiliation n. 1. the act of becoming formally connected or joined

2. admission
3. adoption
affluent a. plentiful; abundant; generously supplied with money, property,

or possessions; prosperous or rich
afford v. 1. to make available; to provide

2. to have the financial means for
aftermath n. a consequence, especially of a disaster or misfortune
3-1
agenda n. a list or program of things to be done or considered
aggravate v. 1. to make worse or more troublesome

2. to rouse to exasperation or anger; to provoke
agile a. 1. characterized by quickness, lightness, and ease of movement; nimble

2. mentally quick or alert; clever
agitate v. 1. to cause to move with violence or sudden force

2. to move or cause to move back and forth; to stir
alias n. a false or different name, especially one that is used by a criminal

[] aimlessly ad. in an aimless manner; at random
3-2
all thumbs a. lacking physical coordination, skill, or grace; clumsy
allege v. to assert without or before proof; to assert to be true; to affirm
alleviate v. to provide physical relief, as from pain
allot v. to distribute or apportion
allowance n. 1. the act of allowing

2. something, such as money, given at regular intervals or for a specific purpose
3. pocket money
3-3
alter vt. to change or make different; modify
vi. to change or vary
alternative n. the choice between two mutually exclusive possibilities

a. allowing or necessitating a choice between two or more things
altruistic a. showing unselfish concern for the welfare of others; selfless
amalgamate vt. to combine into a unified or integrated whole; to unite

vi. to become combined; to unite
amass v. to gather for oneself, as for one`s pleasure or profit
3-4
ambience n. the special atmosphere or mood created by a particular environment
ambiguous a. 1. doubtful or uncertain; equivocal

2. open to more than one interpretation
ambush n. the act of lying in wait to attack by surprise

v. to wait in hiding to attack; to attack from a concealed position
amend v. to change for the better; to improve

amenity n. 1. something that contributes to physical or material comfort

2. the quality of being pleasant or attractive; agreeableness
3.[pl.] social courtesies; etiquette; good manners
3-5
amicable a. characterized by or exhibiting friendliness or goodwill; friendly
amid prep. 1. in the middle of; surrounded by

2. in one`s palmy days
amorphous a. lacking definite form; shapeless
ample a. 1. fully sufficient to meet a need or purpose

2. of large or great size, amount, extent, or capacity; spacious
anachronism n. one that is out of its proper or chronological order especially a person or
practice that belongs to an earlier time; a person who seems to be
displaced in time
4-1
analogous a. similar or correspondent in some respects
annex v. 1. to incorporate (territory) into an existing political unit such as a country,

state, county, or city
2. to append or attach, especially to a larger or more significant thing
n. a building added on to a larger one or an auxiliary building situated
near a main one
annual a. recurring, done, or performed every year; yearly

n. 1. a periodical published yearly; a yearbook.
2. a plant that completes its entire life cycle in a single growing season
anonymous a. having an unknown or unacknowledged name; unidentified; unknown
anthropology n. the scientific study of the origin, the behavior, and the physical, social,
and cultural development of humans
4-2
anticipate vt. 1. to look forward to, especially with pleasure; to expect
2. to feel or realize beforehand; to foresee
3. to deal with beforehand; act so as to mitigate, nullify, or prevent
antidote n. a remedy or other agent used to neutralize or counteract the effects of a poison
antipathy n. a feeling of intense dislike
apathetic a. feeling or showing a lack of interest or concern; indifferent
aperture n. 1. an opening, such as a hole, gap, or slit

2. crevice or crack
4-3
apparel n. 1. clothing, especially outer garments; attire
2. a covering or adornment
appease v. 1. to bring peace, quiet, or calm to; soothe

2. to satisfy or relieve
applause n. 1. approval expressed especially by the clapping of hands

2. praise; commendation
appliance n. 1. a device or instrument designed to perform a specific function,

especially an electrical device, such as a toaster, for household use
appreciate v. 1. to recognize the quality, significance, or magnitude of

2. to be fully aware of or sensitive to; to realize
3. to enjoy; to relish
4. to be thankful or show gratitude for
5. to raise in value or price, especially over time
4-4
apprehend v. 1. to grasp mentally; to understand
2. to take into custody; to arrest
3. to anticipate with dread or anxiety; to worry
appropriate a. suitable for a particular person, condition, occasion, or place; fitting

v. 1. to take or make use of without authority or right
2. to set apart for or assign to a particular recipient, purpose, or use
arbitrary a. 1. determined by chance, whim, or impulse, and not by necessity, reason, or principle
2. not limited by law; despotic
3. based on or subject to individual judgment or preference
arboretum n. a place where an extensive variety of woody plants are cultivated for scientific,
educational, and ornamental purposes
archaic a. 1. very old or old-fashioned

2. (of a word or a style of language) no longer in everyday use but sometimes
used to impart an old-fashioned
[] archipelago n. a large group of islands
4-5
arduous a. 1. demanding great effort or labor; difficult
2. testing severely the powers of endurance; strenuous
3. steep
arid a. 1. lacking moisture, especially having insufficient rainfall to support trees or

woody plants
2. lacking interest or feeling; lifeless and dull
arrest v. 1. to seize and hold under the authority of law; to apprehend

2. to capture and hold briefly (the attention, for example)
3. to stop; to check or retard n. the act of detaining in legal custody:
the arrest of a criminal suspect; the state of being so detained
arrogant a. having or displaying a sense of overbearing self-worth or self-importance; haughty
articulate a. 1.expressing oneself easily in clear and effective language

2. logical
v. to pronounce distinctly and carefully; to enunciate
5-1
artificial a. 1. made by humans; produced rather than natural
2. unnatural
3. made in imitation of something natural; simulated
aspire v. to have a great ambition or ultimate goal; desire strongly
assert v. to state or express positively; to affirm
assess vt. 1. to determine the value, significance, or extent of; to appraise

2. to estimate the value of (property) for taxation
asset n. 1. a valuable item that is owned

2. a useful or valuable quality, person, or thing; an advantage or resource
5-2
assiduous a. 1. marked by care and persistent effort; diligent
2. constant in application or attention
3. unceasing; persistent
assure v. 1. to inform positively, as to remove doubt; to guarantee or wager

2. to convince
astronomer n. a scientist who studies astronomy

*astronomy:
n. the branch of physics that studies celestial bodies and the universe as a whole
atheist n. one who disbelieves or denies the existence of God or gods
atrocity n. appalling or atrocious act, situation, or object, especially an act of unusual or

illegal cruelty inflicted by an armed force on civilians or prisoners
5-3
atrophy n. 1. a wasting or decrease in size of a body organ, tissue, or part owing to
disease, injury, or lack of use
2. a wasting away, deterioration, or diminution
v. to cause to wither or deteriorate; affect with atrophy
attenuate vt. 1. to weaken

2. to make slender, fine, or small
vi. to become thin, weak, or fine
attractive a. pleasing to the eye or mind; charming
attribute n. a quality or characteristic inherent in or ascribed to someone or something

v. to relate to a particular cause or source; to ascribe
audacious a. 1. fearlessly, often recklessly daring; bold

2. unrestrained by convention or propriety; insolent
3. spirited and original
5-4
auditory a. of or relating to hearing, the organs of hearing, or the sense of hearing
augment vt. to make (something already developed or well under way) greater,
as in size, extent, or quantity
vi. to become augmented
auspicious a. attended by favorable circumstances; propitious, lucky
austere a. 1. having no adornment or ornamentation; bare

2. brief; succinct
3. thrifty
4. abstinent
5. severe or stern in disposition or appearance; somber and grave
authenticate v. to prove genuine; to establish the authenticity of
5-5
automation n. the condition of being automatically controlled or operated
autonomous a. not controlled by others or by outside forces; independent
avaricious a. 1. immoderately desirous of wealth or gain; greedy

2. desiring or striving for recognition or advancement
avert v. 1. to ward off (something about to happen); prevent

2. to turn away
aviation n. the operation of aircraft

6-1
ban vt. to prohibit, especially by official decree
n. 1. a prohibition imposed by law or official decree
2. an excommunication or condemnation by church officials
banal a. drearily commonplace and often predictable; trite, stereotyped
barely ad. 1. by a very little; hardly, scarcely

2. by a narrow shave; by[with] the skin of one`s teeth
bargain n. 1. something offered or acquired at a price advantageous to the buyer

2. an agreement establishing the terms of a sale or exchange of goods or services
v. 1. to negotiate the terms of an agreement, as to sell or exchange
2. to exchange; to trade
beat-up a. 1. run-down, exhausted

2. damaged or worn because of neglect or heavy use
6-2
becoming a. 1. pleasing or attractive to the eye
2. appropriate, suitable, or proper
beef-up n. reinforcement, strengthening
belligerent a. 1. inclined or eager to fight; hostile or aggressive

2. of, pertaining to, or engaged in warfare
3. brave
n. one that is hostile or aggressive, especially one that is engaged in war
[] bellicose a. having or showing a desire to argue of fight
benediction n. 1. a blessing
2. an invocation of divine blessing, usually at the end of a church service
benefactor n. 1. a person who helps people or institutions; helper

2. a well-doer
6-3
benevolent a. characterized by or suggestive of doing good. ; of, concerned with,
or organized for the benefit of charity
benign a. 1. of a kind and gentle disposition

2. showing gentleness and mildness
3. of no danger to health; not recurrent or progressive; not malignant
bent n. a relatively permanent inclination to react in a particular way
beset v. 1. to trouble persistently; harass

2. to hem in; surround
3. to attack from all sides
besiege v. 1. to surround with hostile forces

2. attack
3. to molest
6-4
beverage n. any one of various liquids for drinking, usually excluding water
bilateral a. 1. involving two parties, especially countries

2. having or relating to two sides
[] biennially ad. every two years
bigotry n. narrow-mindedness, prejudice
bizarre a. strikingly unconventional and far-fetched in style or appearance; odd
black out n. 1. lack of illumination caused by an electrical power failure

2. to undergo a temporary loss of vision, consciousness, or memory
3. the concealment or extinguishment of lights that might be visible to
enemy aircraft during an air raid
6-5
blanch vt. 1. to take the color out of; to bleach by excluding light
2. to make ashen or pale
blast n. 1. a violent gust of wind

2. a vehement outburst
bleak n. 1. exposed and barren and often windswept

2. lacking in warmth, life, or kindliness
blemish n. 1. a noticeable imperfection; especially: one that seriously impairs appearance;

defect; flaw
2. scratch or crack
v. to spoil by a flaw
blithe a. 1. of a happy lighthearted character or disposition; cheerful

2. lacking due thought or consideration; casual; heedless
7-1
blunder n. a gross error or mistake resulting usually from stupidity, ignorance, or carelessness
vi. to make a mistake through stupidity, ignorance, or carelessness
vt. 1. to make a stupid, careless, or thoughtless mistake
2. to utter stupidly, confusedly, or thoughtlessly
blunt a. 1. having an edge or point that is not sharp

2. slow or deficient in feeling; insensitive
3. abrupt in speech or manner
blur n. 1. something vaguely or indistinctly perceived

2. a smear or stain that obscures
v. to obscure or blemish by smearing
blush v. to become red in the face especially from shame, modesty, or confusion
n. a reddening of the face especially from shame, modesty, or confusion;
a red or rosy tint
bluster vi. 1. to talk or act with noisy swaggering threats

2. to blow in stormy noisy gusts; to be windy and boisterous
vt. to utter with noisy self-assertiveness; to drive or force by blustering
n. a violent boisterous blowing; violent commotion;
loudly boastful or threatening speech
7-2
bolster vt. 1. to support with or as if with a bolster; to reinforce
2. to give a boost to
n. 1. a long pillow or cushion
2. a structural part designed to eliminate friction or provide support or bearing
bombshell n. 1. one that is stunning, amazing, or devastating

2. bomb
bondage n. 1. a state of being bound usually by compulsion

2. the tenure or service of a villein, serf, or slave; slavery
boost vt. 1. to promote the cause or interests of

2. to advertise
3. to push or shove up from below
4. to increase or raise
5. to raise the voltage of or across (an electric circuit)
n. 1. an act that brings help or encouragement; an assist
2. an increase
3. a push upward
bout n. 1. a spell of activity

2. an athletic match (as of boxing)
3. outbreak; attack
7-3
breed vt. 1. to produce (offspring) by hatching or gestation
2. to propagate (plants or animals) sexually and usually under controlled conditions
3. to produce; to engender n. a group of usually domesticated animals or
plants presumably related by descent from common ancestors and visibly
similar in most characters
brevity n. 1. briefness or conciseness

2. shortness of duration; especially: shortness or conciseness of expression
brilliant a. 1. very bright

2. glittering
3. striking or distinctive
brink n. 1. the edge, especially the edge at the top of a steep place
2. the point of onset; the threshold of danger
bristle vi. 1. to become angry or bristly; to ruffle

2. to raise the bristles as in anger
3. to be full of or covered with especially something
vt. to make bristly
n. a short stiff coarse hair or filament
7-4
brittle a. 1. easily broken, cracked, or snapped; easily disrupted, overthrown, or damaged; frail
2. easily hurt or offended; sensitive
bulky a. having great volume in proportion to weight ; corpulent
burgeon vi. 1. to grow and expand rapidly; to flourish or bloom

2. to send forth new growth (as buds or branches); to sprout
n. shoot; bud; sprout
bustle vi. 1. to move briskly and often ostentatiously

2. to be busily astir; to teem
n. a noisy, energetic, and often obtrusive activity
buttress vt. 1. to support

2. to strengthen
3. to furnish or shore up with a buttress
n. a projecting structure of masonry or wood for supporting or giving stability to a
wall or building; something that supports or strengthens
7-5
cadaverous a. of or relating to a corpse; pallid, livid; gaunt, emaciated
caliber n. 1. degree of mental capacity or moral quality

2. degree of excellence or importance
3. the diameter of a round or cylindrical body;
the diameter of a bullet or other projectile
callous a. 1. feeling no emotion; feeling or showing no sympathy for others

2. being hardened and thickened; having callouses
candid a. 1. marked by honest sincere expression; disposed to criticize severely

2. free from bias, prejudice, or malice; fair
candor n. 1. freedom from prejudice or malice; fairness

2. unreserved, honest, or sincere expression; forthrightness
8-1
capacity n. 1. an individuals mental or physical ability; attitude
2. the facility or power to produce, perform, or deploy; capability
3. the potential or suitability for holding, storing, or accommodating ;
the maximum amount or number that can be contained or accommodated
capitalize vi. to gain by turning something to advantage; to profit

vt. 1. to convert into capital; to invest
2. to exploit
3. to write or print with an initial capital or in capitals
capitulate v. 1. to surrender often after negotiation of terms

2. to cease resisting; to acquiesce
capricious a. governed or characterized by caprice; impulsive; unpredictable

* caprice: n. a sudden, impulsive, and seemingly unmotivated notion or action
carnivorous a. subsisting or feeding on animal tissues; of or relating to the carnivores
8-2
catastrophe n. 1. a violent usually destructive natural event (as a supernova); disaster
2. the final event of the dramatic action especially of a tragedy
3. utter failure; fiasco
4. a violent and sudden change in a feature of the earth
catchy a. 1. tending to catch the interest or attention; easily retained in the memory
2. tricky
3. fitful; irregular
caviler n. a person who raises trivial and frivolous objection

censure n. a judgment involving condemnation; the act of blaming or condemning

sternly; an official reprimand
vt. to find fault with and criticize as blameworthy
chagrin vi. to vex or unsettle by disappointing or humiliating

n. disquietude or distress of mind caused by humiliation, disappointment, or failure
8-3
chilling a. 1. gravely disturbing or frightening
2. cold
chronic a. 1. marked by long duration or frequent recurrence : not acute

2. always present or encountered; especially: constantly vexing, weakening,
or troubling; being such habitually
3. suffering from a chronic disease
n. a person who is suffering from a chronic disease
circulate vi. 1. to move in a circle, circuit, or orbit; especially: to follow a course that
returns to the starting point
2. to become well-known or widespread; to come into the hands of readers;
specifically: to become sold or distributed
vt. to cause to circulate
circumspect a. careful to consider all circumstances and possible consequences; prudent
circumvent vt. 1. to manage to get around especially by ingenuity or stratagem

2. to deceive
3. to make a circuit around
4. to hem in
8-4
cite 1. to quote by way of example, authority, or proof
2. to call upon officially or authoritatively to appear (as before a court)
clandestine a. marked by, held in, or conducted with secrecy; surreptitious; furtive
classification n. systematic arrangement in groups or categories according to established

criteria; the act or process of classifying
claustrophobic a. affected with or inclined to claustrophobia

* claustrophobia: abnormal dread of being in closed or narrow spaces
clement a. 1. inclined to be merciful; lenient

2. having a moderate or mild climate which especially lacks extremes in
temperature; temperate
8-5
clog vt.1. to impede with a clog; to hinder; to halt or retard the progress,
operation, or growth of; to encumber
2. to vex
3. to block or stop
vi. to be blocked or stopped
n. a weight attached especially to an animal to hinder motion;
something that shackles or impedes
cluster vt. to collect into a cluster

vi. to grow, assemble, or occur in a cluster
n. 1. a number of things of the same kind
2. a group
coalition n. 1. the act of coalescing; union

2. a temporary alliance of distinct parties, persons, or states for joint action
codify vt. 1. to put on the statute book; to enact into law

2. to systematize; to classify.
coerce vt. 1. to compel to an act or choice

2. to restrain or dominate by force
9-1
coherent a. 1. logically or aesthetically ordered or integrated; consistent;
having clarity or intelligibility; understandable
2. having the quality of cohering; cohesive
coincide vt. 1. to occupy the same place in space or time; to occupy exactly
corresponding or equivalent positions on a scale or in a series
2. to be in accord or agreement; concur; agree
3. to correspond in nature, character, or function
collaborate vi. 1. to work jointly with others or together especially in an intellectual endeavor
2. to cooperate with or willingly assist an enemy of one`s country and
especially an occupying force
collapse n. 1. a breakdown in vital energy, strength, or stamina

2. the act or action of collapsing
3. a sudden failure; breakdown; ruin
4. a sudden loss of force, value, or effect
vi. 1. to fall or shrink together abruptly and completely
2. to break down completely; to fail
3. to break down in vital energy, stamina, or self-control through
exhaustion or disease; especially : to fall helpless or unconscious; to faint
4. to suddenly lose force, significance, effectiveness, or worth
vt. to cause to collapse
collide vi. 1. to come together with solid or direct impact; to crash

2. to discord or dissent
9-2
colloquial a. 1. of or relating to conversation; conversational
2. used in or characteristic of familiar and informal conversation;
unacceptably informal
colossal a. 1. of, relating to, or resembling a colossus; of a bulk, extent, power,

or effect approaching or suggesting the stupendous or incredible;
gigantic; prodigious
2. of an exceptional or astonishing degree; enormous
commencement n. 1. an act, instance, or time of commencing; beginning

2. the ceremonies or the day for conferring degrees or diplomas
commensurate a. 1. corresponding in size, extent, amount, or degree; proportionate

2. commensurable
commiseration n. 1. sympathetic sorrow for one suffering, distressed, or unhappy ; pity

2. [pl.] condolences
9-3
commodity n. an economic good; something useful or valued
commute n. a person who commutes (as between a suburb and a city)
compassion sympathetic consciousness of others` distress together with a desire to

alleviate it; pity
compatible a. 1. capable of existing together in harmony

2. designed to work with another device or system without modification;
especially : being a computer designed to operate in the same manner
and use the same software as another computer
compel vt. to drive or urge forcefully or irresistibly ; to force; to impel
9-4
compensate vt. 1. to make an appropriate and usually counterbalancing payment to
2. to provide with means of counteracting variation; to neutralize the
effect of (variations)
vi. to offset an error, defect, or undesired effect -- used with for
competent a. 1. having requisite or adequate ability or qualities; fit

2. proper or rightly pertinent; sufficient
complacent a. pleased with oneself; resting on one`s laurels; self-satisfied; smug;

contented; unconcerned
complex a. 1. composed of two or more parts; composite

2. hard to separate, analyze, or solve
n. 1. a whole made up of complicated or interrelated parts
2. a group of repressed desires and memories that exerts a dominating
influence upon the personality
3. a building or group of buildings housing related units
compliance n. 1. a disposition to yield to others; acquiescence

2. the act or process of complying to a desire, demand, proposal,
or regimen or to coercion
9-5
complicity n. 1. association or participation in or as if in a wrongful act
2. involvement
complimentary a. 1. expressing admiration for something; flattering; congratulatory

2. given free as a courtesy or favor; free; gratuitous
composure n. a calmness or repose especially of mind, bearing, or appearance;

self-possession
compound a. 1. composed of or resulting from union of separate elements,

ingredients, or parts
2. complex; complicated
n. something formed by a union of elements or parts; composition
vt. 1. to put together (parts) so as to form a whole; to combine; to mingle
2. to settle amicably; adjust by agreement; to agree for a consideration
not to prosecute (an offense)
comprehensive a. 1. covering completely or broadly; extensive; inclusive; over-all

2. having or exhibiting wide mental grasp; apprehensive
10-1
compromise n. 1. settlement of differences by arbitration or by consent reached by
mutual concessions
2. something intermediate between or blending qualities of two different things
3. a concession to something derogatory or prejudicial
vt. 1. to adjust or settle by mutual concessions
2. to expose to suspicion, discredit, or mischief; to reveal or expose to
an unauthorized person and especially to an enemy ;
to cause the impairment of
vi. 1. to come to agreement by mutual concession
2. to make a shameful or disreputable concession
conceal vt. to prevent disclosure or recognition of; to cover; to hide
concede vt. 1. to accept as true, valid, or accurate; to acknowledge grudgingly or hesitantly

2. to grant as a right or privilege
conceit n. 1. excessive appreciation of one`s own worth or virtue; pride; self-pride

2. a fanciful idea; an elaborate or strained metaphor
vt. [~ oneself] to show off
concentrate vt. 1. to bring or direct toward a common center or objective; to focus

2. to gather into one body, mass, or force
vi. 1. to draw toward or meet in a common center; to converge
2. to condense
10-2
concert n. 1. agreement in design or plan : union formed by mutual communication of
opinion and views
2. a public performance (as of music or dancing)
vt. 1. to make a plan for; to scheme
2. to settle or adjust by conferring and reaching an agreement
concoct vt. 1. to form a scheme for; to contrive; to devise

2. to make up for the purpose of deception; to fabricate
3. to prepare by combining raw materials
concord n. 1. a state of agreement

2. harmony
3. agreement by stipulation, compact, or covenant
condense vt. 1. to make briefer; to abbreviate

2. to make denser or more compact; to concentrate
3. to cluster or gather
vi. to undergo condensation
conduct vt. 1. to cause (oneself) to act or behave in a particular and especially in a

controlled manner
2. to direct the performance of; to direct or take part in the operation or
management of
3. to bring by or as if by leading; to guide
n. 1. the act, manner, or process of carrying on
2. a mode or standard of personal behavior especially as based on moral principles
3. management; control
4. lead; escort
10-3
confer vi. to compare views or take counsel; to consult
vt. 1. to give (as a property or characteristic) to someone or something
2. [Imperative Mood] to refer to
confidential a. 1. secret or restricted; private

2. marked by intimacy or willingness to confide
3. conta ning information whose unauthorized disclosure could be prejudicial to
the national interest
confine vt. 1. to keep within limits; to limit

2. to hold within a location; to imprison
conflict vi. to show antagonism or irreconcilability; fail to be in agreement or accord

n. fight; battle
conform vi. 1. to be obedient or compliant -- usually used with to; to act in accordance
with prevailing standards or customs
2. to be similar or identical; to be in agreement or harmony; to fit;
to accommodate
10-4
congenial a. 1. existing or associated together harmoniously especially agreeably suited to
one`s nature, tastes, or outlook; pleasant
2. having the same nature, disposition, or tastes; kindred
congest vi. to become crowded

vt. to concentrate in a small or narrow space; to clog
congregate vt. to collect into a group or crowd; to assemble

vi. to come together into a group, crowd, or assembly
congruous a. being in agreement, harmony, or correspondence; conforming to the

circumstances or requirements of a situation; appropriate
conjugal a. of or relating to the married state or to married persons and their relations;
connubial
10-5
conscience n. 1. the sense or consciousness of the moral goodness or blameworthiness of
one`s own conduct, intentions, or character together with a feeling of
obligation to do right or be good; a faculty, power, or principle enjoining good acts
2. conformity to the dictates of conscience; conscientiousness
conscript vt. to enroll into service by compulsion; to draft

n. a conscripted person (as a military recruit)
consecutive a. following one after the other in order; successive; coherent
consensus n. 1. group solidarity in sentiment and belief

2. general agreement; unanimity
conserve vt. to keep in a safe or sound state

n. fruit canned or made into jams or jellies or cooked whole or in large pieces in a
syrup so as to keep its shape often used in plural; preserves
11-1
considerable a.1. worth consideration; significant
2. large in extent or degree
console vt. to alleviate the grief, sense of loss, or trouble of; to comfort
n. an architectural member projecting from a wall to form a bracket or from a
keystone for ornament; a cabinet (as for a radio or television set) designed to
rest directly on the floor; console table
consonant a. 1. being in agreement or harmony : free from elements making for discord
2. marked by musical consonances
n. one of a class of speech sounds characterized by constriction or closure at one
or more points in the breath channel; also: a letter representing a consonant
usually used in English of any letter except a, e, i, o, and u
conspicuous a. 1. obvious to the eye or mind; noticeable

2. attracting attention; striking; illustrious
constructive a. of or relating to construction or creation; promoting improvement or development
11-2
consumption n. 1. utilizing economic goods as a customer
2. a progressive wasting away of the body especially from pulmonary
tuberculosis; tuberculosis
contagious a. 1. communicable by contact; catching

2. bearing contagion; used for contagious diseases
contaminate a. 1. to soil, stain, corrupt, or infect by contact or association ;

to make inferior or impure by admixture; to pollute
2. to corrupt morally; to taint
contemplate vt. 1. to view or consider with continued attention : to meditate on

2. to view as contingent or probable or as an end or intention
contemporary a. 1. marked by characteristics of the present period; modern; current

2. happening, existing, living, or coming into being during the same period of time
n. 1. one that is contemporary with another
2. one of the same or nearly the same age as another
11-3
contempt n. 1. the act of despising : the state of mind of one who despises; disdain;
lack of respect or reverence for something
2. the state of being despised; disgrace
contentious a. 1. exhibiting an often perverse and wearisome tendency to quarrels and

disputes; belligerent; quarrelsome
2. likely to cause contention
context n. 1. the parts of a discourse that surround a word or passage and can throw
light on its meaning
2. the interrelated conditions in which something exists or occurs;
environment; setting
continually ad. 1. constantly or ceaselessly

2. repeatedly or frequently
contract vi. 1. to draw together so as to become diminished in size

2. to make a contract
vt. 1. to establish or undertake by contract
2. to become affected with to bring on oneself especially inadvertently;
to incur
3. to reduce to smaller size by or as if by squeezing or forcing together
n. a binding agreement between two or more persons or parties ;
a document describing the terms of a contract
11-4
contradict vt. 1. to assert the contrary of; to take issue with; to deny
2. to imply the opposite or a denial of
contrary n. a fact or condition incompatible with another; opposite usually with the
a. 1. being so different as to be at opposite extremes; opposite
2. being not in conformity with what is usual or expected
3. unfavorable used of wind and weather
contribute vt. 1. to give or supply in common with others

2. to supply (as an article) for a publication
vi. 1. to give a part to a common fund or store
2. to play a significant part in bringing about an end or result
3. to submit articles to a publication
contrite a. feeling or showing sorrow and remorse for a sin or shortcoming;

penitent; remorseful
conventional a. 1. according with, sanctioned by, or based on convention;

formed by agreement or compact
2. lacking originality or individuality; trite; commonplace
11-5
converge vi. 1. to tend or move toward one point or one another; to come together; to meet
2. to come together and unite in a common interest or focus
vt. to cause to converge
conviction n. 1. the act or process of convicting of a crime especially in a court of law

2. the act of convincing a person of error or of compelling the admission of a
truth; the state of being convinced of error or compelled to admit the truth
3. a strong persuasion or belief; the state of being convinced
convince vt. to bring (as by argument) to belief, consent, or a course of action; to persuade
cooperate vt. to act or work with another or others; to act together or in compliance
copious a. 1. yielding something abundantly; plentiful in number

2. full of thought, information, or matter; profuse or exuberant in words,
expression, or style
3. prolific; productive
12-1
cordial a. 1. sincerely or deeply felt ; warmly and genially affable
2. tending to revive, cheer, or invigorate
n. a stimulating medicine or drink
corpulent a. having a large bulky body; obese
correlate vt. to establish a mutual or reciprocal relation between; to show correlation or a

causal relationship between
vi. to bear reciprocal or mutual relations; to correspond
corrosive a. 1. tending or having the power to corrode

2. bitingly sarcastic
corrupt a. 1. morally degenerate and perverted; depraved

2. characterized by improper conduct (as bribery or the selling of favors)
3. putrid; tainted
vt. to change from good to bad in morals, manners, or actions; to bribe
vi. to become tainted or rotten; to become morally debased; to debase
12-2
cosmetic a. 1. done or made for the sake of appearance: as
a: correcting defects especially of the face <cosmetic surgery>
b: decorative or ornamental
c: not substantive; superficial <cosmetic changes>
2. of, relating to, or making for beauty especially of the complexion; beautifying
n. makeup; a beautifier
counteract vt. 1. to obstruct or discomfit

2. to make ineffective or restrain or neutralize the usually ill effects of by
means of an opposite force, action, or influence
counterfeit a. made in imitation of something else with intent to deceive; forged

n. something counterfeit; forgery; sham
vt. 1. to try to deceive by pretense or dissembling
2. to engage in counterfeiting something of value
courier 1. a messenger : as
a: a member of a diplomatic service entrusted with bearing messages
b (1) : an espionage agent transferring secret information
(2) : a runner of contraband
c: a member of the armed services whose duties include carrying mail,
information, or supplies
2. a traveler`s paid attendant; especially: a tourists` guide employed by a travel agency
courteous a. 1. marked by polished manners, gallantry, or ceremonial usage of a court;

polite; civil
2. marked by respect for and consideration of others
12-3
coverage n. 1. the act or fact of covering
2. something that as
a: inclusion within the scope of an insurance policy or protective plan; insurance
b: the amount available to meet liabilities
c: inclusion within the scope of discussion or reporting
3. the total group covered; scope as a: all the risks covered by the terms of an
insurance contract b: the number or percentage of persons reached by a
communications medium
covetous a. marked by inordinate desire for wealth or possessions or for another`s

possessions; having a craving for possession; greedy
cozy a. 1. enjoying or affording warmth and ease; snug

2. marked by the intimacy of the family or a close group
vt. to make cozy
crackdown n. taking positive regulatory or disciplinary action; roundup
cramped a. 1. confined or restricted

2. illegible or crabbed
12-4
crave v. 1. to ask for earnestly; to beg; to demand 2. to want greatly; to need
credulous a. ready to believe especially on slight or uncertain evidence; gullible

crooked a. 1. dishonest
2. not straight; curved
crucial a. 1. important or essential as resolving a crisis; decisive; important

2. severe and harsh
3. [archaic] cruciform
crude a. 1. marked by the primitive, gross, or elemental or by uncultivated simplicity or

vulgarity
2. rude; uncouth
3. existing in a natural state and unaltered by cooking or processing
12-5
cryptic a. 1. secret; occult
2. having or seeming to have a hidden or ambiguous meaning; mysterious
3. employing cipher or code
culminate vi. 1. to reach the highest or a climactic or decisive point;

to rise to or form a summit
2. to come to an end
3. [of a celestial body]: to reach its highest altitude
culprit 1. one guilty of a crime or a fault

2. one accused of or charged with a crime
cultivate v. 1. to prepare or prepare and use for the raising of crops;

also: to loosen or break up the soil about (growing plants)
2. to foster the growth of; to culture; to refine
3. to encourage; to further
4. to seek the society of : make friends with
cumbersome a. 1. burdensome, troublesome

2. unwieldy because of heaviness and bulk
13-1
curse n. 1. a cause of great harm or misfortune
2. a prayer or invocation for harm or injury to come upon one; imprecation
v. to use profanely insolent language against; to blaspheme
curtail vt. to make less by or as if by cutting off or away some part; to shorten
custody n. 1. immediate charge and control (as over a ward or a suspect) exercised by
a person or an authority; safekeeping
2. imprisonment
customarily ad. traditionally or habitually
cutlery n. 1. edged or cutting tools; specifically: implements for cutting and eating food
2. the business of a cutler
13-2
deadlock n. 1. a state of inaction or neutralization resulting from the opposition of equally
powerful uncompromising persons or factions; standstill
2. a tie score
v. to be in[come to, reach] a deadlock
dearth n. 1. scarcity that makes dear; specifically: famine

2. an inadequate supply; lack
debacle n. 1. a violent disruption (as of an army); a tumultuous breakup

2. a complete failure, fiasco
3. a great disaster
decade n. 1. a period of 10 years

2. a group or set of 10
decelerate vt. 1. to reduce the speed of; to slow down

2. to decrease the rate of progress of
13-3
deceptive a. tending or having power to deceive; delusive
decipher vt. 1. to decode

2. to make out the meaning of despite indistinctness or obscurity
n. decoding; decipherment
decline vt. to refuse especially courteously

vi. 1. to slope downward; to descend
2. to bend down; to droop
3. to tend toward an inferior state or weaker condition; to become less in amount
n. 1. a downward slope
2. the process of declining
deduct vt. to take away (an amount) from a total; to subtract

vi. to depreciate
deference n. 1. respect and esteem due a superior or an elder; honor

2. obedience; submission
13-4
defiant a. full of or showing defiance; bold; impudent; rebellious
deficiency n. 1. the quality or state of being insufficient; inadequacy

2. a shortage of substances necessary to health
deft a. characterized by facility and skill; dexterous
defunct a. 1. no longer existing, or functioning

2. dead
n. the deceased
defuse vt. 1. to make less harmful, potent, or tense; to alleviate

2. to remove the fuse from (as a mine or bomb)
13-5
degenerate vi. to cause to deteriorate
vt. 1. to pass from a higher to a lower type or condition; to deteriorate
2. to decline from a condition or from the standards of a species, race, or breed
a. 1. having declined or become less specialized (as in nature, character,
structure, or function) from an ancestral or former state
2. having sunk to a condition below that which is normal to a type; especially:
having sunk to a lower and usually corrupt and vicious state
n. one that is degenerate: as
a: one degraded from the normal moral standard
b: a sexual pervert
c: one showing signs of reversion to an earlier culture stage
degrade vt. 1. to lower in grade, rank, or status; to demote

2. to bring to low esteem or into disrepute; to drag down in moral or
intellectual character; to corrupt
vi. to pass from a higher grade or class to a lower
deign vi. to condescend reluctantly and with a strong sense of the affront to one`s
superiority that is involved; to stoop
vt. to condescend to give or offer
deject vt. to make gloomy; to discourage
deleterious a. harmful often in a subtle or unexpected way; noxious
14-1
deliberate a. 1. characterized by or resulting from careful and thorough consideration
2. slow, unhurried, and steady as though allowing time for decision on each
individual action involved
3. characterized by awareness of the consequences; intentional
vi. to think about or discuss issues and decisions carefully
vt. to think about deliberately and often with formal discussion before
reaching a decision
delineate vt. 1. a: to indicate or represent by drawn or painted lines

b: to mark the outline of
2. to describe, portray, or set forth with accuracy or in detail
delinquent n. 1. a person who is negligent

2. a lawbreaker; a juvenile delinquent
a. 1. offending by neglect or violation of duty or of law
2. of, relating to, or characteristic of delinquents
3. being overdue in payment
delusive a. 1. illusional or misleading

2. tending to deceive or mislead ; fallacious
delve vi. 1. to make a careful or detailed search for information; to examine a subject in detail
2. to seek anxiously
3. to dig or labor with or as if with a spade
n. den
14-2
demise n. 1. death
2. the conveyance of an estate
3.transfer of the sovereignty to a successor
vt. 1. to convey (as an estate) by will or lease
2. to transmit by succession or inheritance
vi. 1. to die; to decease
2. to pass by descent or bequest
demolish vt. 1. to tear down or raze; to break to pieces; to smash

2. to do away with
demonstrate vi. to make a demonstration

vt. 1. to prove or make clear by reasoning or evidence
2. to illustrate and explain especially with many examples
3. to show clearly
denounce vt. 1. to pronounce especially publicly to be blameworthy or evil; to revile; to condemn

2. to impeach; to accuse
dent n. 1. a depression or hollow made by a blow or by pressure

2. an appreciable impression or effect often made against resistance
3. a weakening or lessening effect
vi. to form a dent by sinking inward; to become dented
vt. 1. to make a dent in
2. to have a weakening effect on
14-3
dependable a. capable of being depended on; reliable; trustworthy
deplete vt. 1. to empty of a principal substance

2. to lessen markedly in quantity, content, power, or value
deplorable a. 1. lamentable or regrettable

2. deserving censure or contempt; wretched
depredation n. the plundering of a captured town; vestiges of demolition
deride vt. to laugh at contemptuously; to ridicule

14-4
descendant n. 1. one descended from another or from a common stock; posterity; progeny
2. one deriving directly from a precursor; disciple
a. moving or directed downward
descry vt. to catch sight of; to find out
desecrate vt. 1. to violate the sanctity of; to profane

2. to treat disrespectfully, irreverently, or outrageously
desert n. 1. arid land with usually sparse vegetation; wilderness

2. the quality or fact of deserving reward or punishment; deserved reward or
punishment
vt. 1. to withdraw from or leave usually without intent to return
2. to abandon
vi. to quit one`s post, allegiance, or service without leave or justification;
especially: to abandon military duty without leave and without intent to return
designate vt. 1. to indicate and set apart for a specific purpose, office, or duty
2. to specify; to stipulate
3. to call by a distinctive title, term, or expression
a. chosen but not yet installed
14-5
desolate a. 1. devoid of inhabitants and visitors; deserted
2. joyless, disconsolate, and sorrowful through or as if through separation from
a loved one
vt. to make desolate
desperate a. 1. having lost hope; giving no ground for hope

2. involving or employing extreme measures in an attempt to escape defeat or
frustration
3. of extreme intensity
despondent a. feeling or showing extreme discouragement, dejection, or depression

n. a person who is despondent
despotic a. of, relating to, or characteristic of a despot

* despot:
n. a: a ruler with absolute power and authority
b: a person exercising power tyrannically
destitute a. 1. lacking possessions and resources; especially: suffering extreme poverty;

poor; indigent
2. lacking something needed or desirable; lacking in
15-1
desultory a. 1. not connected with the main subject
2. marked by lack of definite plan, regularity, or purpose
detach vt. 1. to separate especially from a larger mass

2. to dispatch; to despatch
detain vt. 1. to restrain especially from proceeding

2. to hold or keep in or as if in custody
dete vt. 1. to turn aside, discourage, or prevent from acting; to hinder

2. to inhibit; to dissuade
deteriorate vt. 1. to make inferior in quality or value; to impair

2. to deprave or corrupt
3. to disintegrate
vi. to become impaired in quality, functioning, or condition; to degenerate
15-2
detest vt. to feel intense and often violent antipathy toward; to loathe; to abhor
detrimental a. obviously harmful; damaging

n. an undesirable or harmful person or thing
devaluate vt. to lessen the value of; to depreciate

vi. to institute devaluation; to depreciate
devastate vt. 1. to bring to ruin or desolation by violent action; to dilapidate

2. to reduce to chaos, disorder, or helplessness; to overwhelm
deviate vi. 1. to stray especially from a standard, principle, or topic; to swerve

2. to depart from an established course or norm
vt. to cause to turn out of a previous course
n. one that deviates from a norm; especially : a person who differs markedly
from a group norm
15-3
devour vt. 1. to eat up greedily or ravenously
2. to enjoy avidly
3. to use up or destroy as if by eating
diagnosis n. 1. the art or act of identifying a disease from its signs and symptoms;
the decision reached by diagnosis
2. investigation or analysis of the cause or nature of a condition, situation, or problem
dialect n. 1. a regional variety of language distinguished by features of vocabulary,

grammar, and pronunciation from other regional varieties and constituting
together with them a single language
2. a variety of a language used by the members of a group
dichotomy n. a division into two especially mutually exclusive or contradictory groups or entities
differentiate vt. 1. to mark or show a difference in; to constitute a difference that distinguishes
2. to cause differentiation of in the course of development; to vary
3. to express the specific distinguishing quality of; to discriminate
vi. to become distinct or different
15-4
diffuse vt. 1. to pour out and permit or cause to spread freely; to spread thinly or
wastefully; to extend; to scatter
2. to subject to diffusion; especially : to break up and distribute (incident light)
by reflection
vi. to spread out or become transmitted especially by contact
a. 1. not concentrated or localized
2. being at once verbose and ill-organized; wordy
digressive a. 1. tending to turn aside especially from the main subject of attention or
course of argument
2. unessential; minor
dilapidate vt. to bring into a condition of decay or partial ruin

vi. to become dilapidated
dilate vt. to enlarge or expand in bulk or extent; to distend; to widen

vi. to become wide; to swell
dilute v. 1. to make thinner or more liquid by admixture

2. to attenuate; to diminish the strength, flavor, or brilliance of by admixture
a. weak; diluted
15-5
disabled a. 1. maimed or crippled
2. incapacitated
n. the handicapped
disavow vt. 1. to deny responsibility for; to repudiate

2. to refuse to acknowledge or accept; to disclaim
disappear vi. 1. to pass from view

2. to cease to be : pass out of existence or notice
disappoint vt. 1. to fail to meet the expectation or hope of

2. to frustrate
vi. to cause disappointment
disband vt. to break up the organization of; to dissolve

vi. to break up as an organization; to disperse
16-1
discard vt. to get rid of especially as useless or unwanted; to cast; to do away with
n. 1. a : the act of discarding in a card game
b : a card discarded
2. one that is cast off or rejected
discernible a. capable of seeing or understanding the difference;

capable of detecting with senses
discharge v. 1. to dismiss from employment; to fire

2. to release or be released from service or duty
3. to emancipate; to release from confinement, custody, or care
4. to relieve of a charge, load, or burden; to unload
5. to shoot; to release electrical energy from (as a battery or capacitor)
by a discharge
6. to get rid of (as a debt or obligation) by performing an appropriate action
(as payment)

n. 1. the state of being discharged or relieved

2. the act of discharging or unloading
disciplinary a. 1. on training that corrects, molds, or perfects the mental faculties or

moral character
2. designed to correct or punish breaches of discipline
disclaim vt. 1. to deny or disavow

2. to reject; to turn down
3. to renounce a legal claim to
16-2
discomfit vt. to put into a state of perplexity and embarrassment ; to disconcert
discord vi. to disagree or disharmonize; to clash

n. 1. lack of agreement or harmony (as between persons, things, or ideas); discrepancy
2. active quarreling or conflict resulting from discord among persons or factions; strife
3. a combination of musical sounds that strikes the ear harshly; dissonance
discreet a. 1. having or showing discernment or good judgment in conduct and especially

in speech; prudent
2. unpretentious; modest
discrepancy n. 1. disagreement or contradiction

2. the quality or state of being at variance; difference
discrimination n. 1. the act, practice, or an instance of distinguishing

2. the quality or power of finely distinguishing; discernment
3. prejudiced or prejudicial outlook, action, or treatment
16-3
disdain vt. 1. to look on with scorn; to despise
2. to treat as beneath one`s notice or dignity
n. a feeling of contempt for someone or something regarded as unworthy
or inferior; scorn
disentangle vt. to free from entanglement; to unravel

vi. to become disentangled
disgrace vt. 1. to be a source of shame to

2. to cause to lose favor or standing
n. the condition of one fallen from grace or honor; loss of grace, favor, or honor
disintegration n. decomposition or breakdown; dismantlement
dismal a. 1. showing or causing gloom or depression; gloomy

2. dreary and desolate
16-4
dismay vt. 1. to cause to lose courage or resolution (as because of alarm or fear)
2. to upset; to perturb
n. 1.sudden loss of courage or resolution from alarm or fear
2. sudden disappointment; perturbation
dismiss vt. 1. to remove from position or service; to discharge

2. to reject serious consideration of
3. to disperse
4. to expel
5. to reject; to turn down
disoriented a. displaced from normal position or relationship; confused; lost
disparage vt. 1. to depreciate by indirect means (as invidious comparison); to decry

2. to lower in rank or reputation; to degrade
disparity n. the state of containing fundamentally different and often incongruous elements;
difference; inequality
16-5
dispel vt. 1. to drive away by or as if by scattering; to scatter
2. to dissipate
dispense vt. 1. to deal out in portions

2. to prepare and distribute (medication)
3. to administer; to carry out
disperse 1. to spread or distribute from a fixed or constant source

2. to cause to break up; to rout; to defeat
vi. to become dispersed
dispose vt. 1. to put in place; to set in readiness; to arrange

2. to give a tendency to; to incline
vi. to settle a matter finally
disqualify vt. to deprive of the required qualities, properties, or conditions; to incapacitate
17-1
disregard vt. to pay no attention to; to treat as unworthy of regard or notice; to ignore
n. neglect; inattention
disrupt vt. 1. to break apart; to rupture

2. to throw into disorder
3. to pulverize; to shatter into pieces
disseminate vt. 1. to spread abroad as though sowing seed

2. to disperse throughout
dissipate vt. 1. to break up and drive off; to scatter; to disperse

2. to cause to spread thin or scatter and gradually vanish; to dispel
3. to spend or use up wastefully or foolishly
vi. 1. to break up and scatter or vanish
2. to be extravagant or dissolute in the pursuit of pleasure; especially :
to drink to excess
dissuade vt. to advise (a person) against something; to turn from something by persuasion
17-2
distill vt. 1. to let fall, exude, or precipitate in drops or in a wet mist
2. to extract the essence of
vi. to fall or materialize in drops or in a fine moisture
distorted a. twisted out of the true meaning or proportion; warped; perverse; tortuous
distraction n. 1. something that amuses; amusement; entertainment

2. mental confusion
distribute vt. 1. to give out or deliver especially to members of a group ; to place or

position so as to be properly apportioned over or throughout an area
2. to spread out so as to cover something; to scatter
divergent a. differing from each other or from a standard; different; dissimilar
17-3
diversity n. 1. the condition of involving different forms; variety; diverseness
2. difference; dissimilarity
divulge vt. to make known (as a confidence or secret); to reveal
docile a. 1. easily taught

2. easily led or managed; tractable
dodge vt. 1. to evade (as a duty) usually indirectly or by trickery

2. to evade by a sudden or repeated shift of position
vi. 1. to evade a responsibility or duty especially by trickery or deceit
2. to make a sudden movement in a new direction (as to evade a blow)
n. an act of evading by sudden bodily movement
domestic a. 1. of, relating to, or originating within a country and especially one`s own
country; indigenous
2. of or relating to the household or the family
3. living near or about human habitations; tame; domesticated
n. 1. a household servant
2. an article of domestic manufacture usually used in plural
17-4
dominate vt. 1. to rule; to control
2. to have a commanding or preeminent place or position in
donate vt. to make a gift of; especially : to contribute to a public or charitable cause; to give
vi. to make a donation
dormant a. asleep; inactive; associated with, carried out, or applied during a period of
dormancy
dose n. 1. the measured quantity of a therapeutic agent to be taken at one time

2. an amount of something likened to a prescribed or measured quantity of medicine
vt. 1. to give a dose to; especially : to give medicine to
2. to divide (as a medicine) into doses
3. to treat with an application or agent
drastic a. 1. acting rapidly or violently

2. extreme in effect or action; severe
n. a deadly poison
17-5
drench vt. 1. to wet thoroughly (as by soaking or immersing in liquid)
2. to soak or cover thoroughly with liquid that falls or is precipitated
n. something that drenches; a quantity sufficient to drench or saturate
drizzle vt. to shed or let fall in minute drops or particles; to sprinkle

n. a fine misty rain; something that is drizzled
drowsy a. 1. ready to fall asleep; inducing or tending to induce sleep

2. indolent; lethargic
3. giving the appearance of peaceful inactivity
drudgery n. dull, irksome, and fatiguing work; uninspiring or menial labor
dwindle vi. to become steadily less; to shrink

vt. to make steadily less
18-1
earmark vt. 1. to designate (as funds) for a specific use or owner
2. to mark (livestock) with an earmark
n. 1. a mark of identification on the ear of an animal
2. a distinguishing mark
ebullient a. 1. boiling; agitated

2. having or showing liveliness and enthusiasm
eccentric a. deviating from conventional or accepted usage or conduct especially in odd or

whimsical ways; odd; queer; strange
n. an eccentric person; oddity
ecology n. 1. a branch of science concerned with the interrelationship of organisms and

their environments; human ecology
2. the totality or pattern of relations between organisms and their environment
3. environment; the preservation of environment
edible a. fit to be eaten; eatable; comestible

n. comestibles
18-2
efface vt. to eliminate or make indistinct by or as if by wearing away a surface ;
to cause to vanish
effect n. 1.something that inevitably follows an antecedent; result; the quality or state of
being operative
2. power to bring about a result
3. an outward sign; appearance
4. [pl.] movable property , goods
vt. 1. to cause to come into being
2. a : to bring about often by surmounting obstacles; to accomplish
b : to put into operation
efficient a. 1. productive of desired effects; especially : productive without waste

2. being or involving the immediate agent in producing an effect
elaborate a. 1. planned or carried out with great care

2. marked by complexity, fullness of detail, or ornateness
vt. 1. to produce by labor
2. to work out in detail
vi. 1. to become elaborate
2. to expand or expatiate something in detail
elastic a. 1. capable of being easily stretched or expanded and resuming former shape; flexible
2. not rigid or constricted; receptive to new ideas; adaptive
3. jolly or gay
18-3
eligible a. 1. qualified to participate or be chosen ; entitled
2. worthy of being chosen; desirable
n. a person who is eligible
eliminate vt. 1. to remove from consideration; to exclude

2. to put an end to or get rid of; to remove; to eradicate
elucidate vt. to make lucid especially by explanation or analysis; to clarify

vi. to give a clarifying explanation
elude vt. 1.to avoid adroitly; to evade

2.to escape the perception, understanding, or grasp of
emancipate vt. 1. to free from restraint, control, or the power of another; especially :
to free from bondage
2. to free from any controlling influence (as traditional mores or beliefs)
18-4
embark vi. 1. to make a start
2. to go on board a vehicle for transportation
vt. 1. to cause to go on board (as a boat or airplane)
2. to engage, enlist, or invest in an enterprise
embellish vt. 1. to make beautiful with ornamentation; to decorate; to adorn

2. to heighten the attractiveness of by adding decorative or fanciful details;
to enhance
embrace vt. 1. a : to take in or include as a part, item, or element of a more inclusive whole
b : to be equal or equivalent to; to encircle
2. to clasp in the arms; to hug; to cherish or love
3. a : to take up especially readily or gladly <embrace a cause>
b : to avail oneself of : to welcome
emerge vi. 1. to appear or show up

2. to come out into view; to rise
3. to rise from an obscure or inferior position or condition
4. to become manifest; to become known
eminent a. 1. standing out so as to be readily perceived or noted; conspicuous

2. jetting out; projecting
18-5
emphasize vt. 1. to place emphasis on; to accentuate
2. to lay stress on
empower vt. 1. to give official authority or legal power to

2. to enable; to provide with the means or opportunity
emulate vt. 1. to imitate or mimic especially : to imitate by means of an emulator

2. to strive to equal or excel; to compete
3. to equal or approach equality with
encompass vt. 1. to include or comprehend; to envelop

2. to form a circle about; to enclose
3. to bring about; to accomplish
encounter vt. 1. to come upon or experience especially unexpectedly

2. a : to meet as an adversary or enemy
b : to engage in conflict with
vi. to meet especially by chance
n. 1. a meeting between hostile factions or persons; a sudden often violent clash
2. a chance meeting
19-1
encroach vi. 1. to enter by gradual steps or by stealth into the possessions or rights of
another; to trespass
2. to advance beyond the usual or proper limits; to violate
encumber vt. 1. to impede or hamper the function or activity of; to hinder

2. to weigh down or burden; to burden with a legal claim (as a mortgage)
endemic a. 1. a : belonging or native to a particular people or country; native

b : characteristic of or prevalent in a particular field, area, or environment
2. restricted or peculiar to a locality or region as an endemic diseases
n. a local[endemic] disease; an endemic organism
endorse vt. 1. to approve openly ; especially : to express support or approval of publicly

and definitely
2. to recommend (as a product or service) usually for financial compensation
3. to write on the back of; especially : to sign one`s name as payee on the
back of (a check) in order to obtain the cash or credit represented on the face
endow vt. 1. to furnish with an income; especially : to make a grant of money providing
for the continuing support or maintenance of
2. to provide with something freely or naturally
19-2
enervate vt. 1, to reduce the mental or moral vigor of; to unnerve; to emasculate
2. to lessen the vitality or strength of
a. lacking physical, mental, or moral vigor; enervated
enforce vt. 1. to carry out effectively

2. to compel or constrain
3. to urge with energy
4. to give force to; to strengthen
engender vt. 1. to beget or procreate

2. to cause to exist or to develop; to produce
vi. to originate; to assume form
engross vt. 1. to take or engage the whole attention of; to occupy completely
2. to purchase large quantities of (as for speculation); to monopolize
enhance vt. to heighten or increase; especially to increase or improve in value,

quality, desirability, or attractiveness
19-3
enigma n. 1. riddle
2. an obscure speech or writing
3. something hard to understand or explain; mystery
4. an inscrutable or mysterious person
enkindle vt. 1. to set (as fuel) on fire

2. to make bright and glowing
vi. to take fire
enmesh vt. 1. to involve in a perplexing or troublesome situation

2. to catch or entangle in or as if in meshes
ennui n. a feeling of weariness and dissatisfaction; boredom

enormous a. 1. marked by extraordinarily great size, number, or degree; especially :

exceeding usual bounds or accepted notions; huge
2. exceedingly wicked; shocking
19-4
ensue vi. to take place afterward or as a result; to follow
vt. to strive to attain; to pursue
entail vt. 1. to impose, involve, or imply as a necessary accompaniment or result

2. to restrict (property) by limiting the inheritance to the owner`s lineal
descendants or to a particular class thereof
enthrall vt. 1. to hold spellbound; to charm; to captivate

2. to hold in or reduce to slavery; to enslave
entice vt. to attract artfully or adroitly or by arousing hope or desire; to tempt; to lure
entrepreneur n. one who organizes, manages, and assumes the risks of a business or
enterprise; enterpriser
19-5
enumerate vt. 1. to ascertain the number of; to count
2. to specify one after another; to list
ephemeral a. 1. transient; passing especially quickly into and out of existence

2. lasting a very short time; short-lived; lasting one day only
epitomize vt. 1. to serve as the typical or ideal example of; to make or give an epitome of
2. to summarize
equitable a. dealing fairly and equally with all concerned
equanimity n. evenness of mind especially under stress; composure

20-1
equivocal a. 1. open to two or more interpretations and often intended to mislead
2. ambiguous ; unclear
eradicate v. to tear up by the roots
erode v. 1. to wear (something) away by or as if by abrasion

2. to eat into; corrode
erudite a. having or showing profound knowledge; learned
esthetic a. having or showing profound knowledge
20-2
estrangement n. 1. separation resulting from hostility
2. the feeling of being alienated from other people; alienation
eternal a. 1. being without beginning or end; existing outside of time

2. continuing without interruption; perpetual
euthanasia n. the act or practice of ending the life of an individual suffering from a terminal
illness or an incurable condition, as by lethal injection or the suspension of
extraordinary medical treatment
evacuate v. 1. to empty or remove the contents of

2. to withdraw or send away from a threatened area; vacate
evade v. to escape or avoid by cleverness or deceit
20-3
evaporate vt. to convert into vapor
vi. 1. to pass off in vapor or in minute particles
2. to diminish quickly; disappear
evince vt. 1. to constitute outward evidence of; to show clearly; to reveal

2. to elicit
evoke vt. 1. to call forth or up to bring to mind or recollection

2. to invoke; to conjure
evolve vt. 1. to develop by gradual changes; to unfold

2. to produce or change by evolution
vi. to develop gradually by a process of growth and change
exaggerate vt. 1. to enlarge beyond bounds or the truth; to overstate

2. to enlarge or increase especially beyond the normal; to overemphasize
3. to aggravate
20-4
exasperate vt. to excite the anger of; to enrage; to cause irritation or annoyance to
exceed vt. 1. to go beyond a limit set by; to surpass

2. to be greater than or superior to
exclude vt. 1. to bar from participation, consideration, or inclusion; to rule out

2. to expel or bar especially from a place or position previously occupied
excoriate vt. 1. to wear off the skin of; to abrade

2. to censure scathingly
excretion n. 1. the act or process of excreting

2. waste matter excreted; sweat, urine, etc.
* excrete: vt. to separate (waste matter) from the blood or tissue and eliminate
from the body, as through the kidneys or sweat glands
20-5
exemplary a. 1. serving as a pattern; worthy of being imitated
2. serving as a warning; monetary
exempt: vt. to release or deliver from some liability or requirement to which others are
subject; to excuse
a. free or released from some liability or requirement to which others are subject
n. one exempted or freed from duty
exert vt. 1. a : to put forth (as strength)

b : to put (oneself) into action or to tiring effort; to strive
2. to wield; to employ
exhaustively ad. with testing all possibilities or considering all elements; thoroughly
exhilarate vt. to make cheerful and excited; to enliven; to elate

21-1
exhortation n. an earnest attempt at persuasion
exonerate v. 1. pronounce not guilty of criminal charges

2. exempt
expediency n. appropriateness to the purpose at hand; fitness
expire v. 1. to cease to be effective

2. to come to an end; terminate
3. to breathe one`s last breath; die
4. to exhale; breathe out.
explicit a. 1. fully and clearly expressed

2. forthright and unreserved in expression
21-2
exponent 1. a person who pleads for a cause or propounds an idea
2. a paragon
3. a mathematical notation indicating the number of times a quantity is multiplied by itself
extension n. 1. the act of extending or the condition of being extended

2. prolongation
3. an additional telephone connected to a main line
4. offering
5. scope
exterminate v. to get rid of by destroying completely; extirpate
extinct a. 1.no longer existing or living: an extinct species

2. no longer burning or active
extortion n. illegal use of one`s official position or powers to obtain property, funds,
or patronage
21-3
extract v. 1. to draw or pull out, often with great force or effort: extract a wisdom tooth;
used tweezers to extract the splinter
2. to derive or obtain (information, for example) from a source
3. to obtain despite resistance: extract a promise
4. to obtain from a substance by chemical or mechanical action,
as by pressure, distillation, or evaporation
n. 1. something extracted
2. a passage from a literary work; an excerpt
extraneous a. 1. inessential or unrelated to the topic or matter at hand; irrelevant

2. coming from the outside
extricate v. to release from entanglement of difficulty
extrovert n. an individual interested in others or in the environment as opposed to or to the

exclusion of self
a. characterized by extroversion
exuberant a. 1. overflowing
2. produced or growing in extreme abundance
3. joyously unrestrained; zealous
21-4
fable n. 1. a short moral story (often with animal characters)
2. a story about mythical or supernatural beings or events
3. a deliberately false or improbable account.
fabricate v. 1. to put together out of components or parts

2. to make up something artificial or untrue
3. forge
facet n. 1. aspect; one of numerous aspects, as of a subject

2. one of the flat polished surfaces cut on a gemstone or occurring
naturally on a crystal
facility n. 1. skillful performance or ability without difficulty.

2. services and space and equipment provided for a particular purpose
3. fluency
faint a. 1. barely perceptible; lacking clarity or brightness or loudness etc.

2. rare, scarce
3. weak and likely to lose consciousness. v. to pass out from weakness,
physical or emotional distress due to a loss of blood supply to the brain
21- 5
fake vt. 1.to make a copy of with the intent to deceive; counterfeit
2. to deceive; swindle
3. to pretend; feign
vi. to engage in feigning, simulation, or other deceptive activity
n. one that is not authentic or genuine; a sham
a. 1. fraudulent; having a misleading appearance.
2. not genuine or real
fallacious a. 1. based on an incorrect or misleading notion or information.

2. intended to deceive.
fallout n. 1. the radioactive particles that settle to the ground after a nuclear explosion.
2. any adverse and unwanted secondary effect.
3. dropout
falter v. 1. to speak haltingly; stammer

2. to walk unsteadily; stagger
3. to shrink back
famine n. a severe shortage of food (as through crop failure) resulting in violent hunger
and starvation and death
22-1
fanatic n. a person motivated by irrational enthusiasm (as for a cause)
a. marked by excessive enthusiasm for and intense devotion to a cause or idea.
far-fetched a. 1. highly imaginative but unlikely; improbable

2. indirect; circumlocutory.
fascinate vt. to attract; cause to be enamored

vi. to be irresistibly charming or attractive

fastidious a. giving and careful attention to detail; hard to please; excessively concerned
with cleanliness; fussy
fathom v. 1. to come to understand.

2. to measure the depth of (a body of water) with a sounding line.
n. 1. a linear unit of measurement (equal to 6 feet) for water depth.
2. understanding; depth
22-2
fatuous a. complacently or inanely foolish; inane
faulty a. 1. having a defect; defective

2. reproachable
feasible a. 1. capable of being done with means at hand and circumstances as they are.
2. probable, plausible
feeble a. 1. lacking strength or vigor; weak; frail

2. pathetically lacking in force or effectiveness
felicity n. 1. state of well-being characterized by emotions ranging from contentment to

intense joy.
2. pleasing and appropriate manner or style (especially manner or style of
expression)
3. bon mot
22-3
ferocious a. 1. extremely savage; fierce
2. marked by unrelenting intensity; extreme
fertile a. 1. marked by great fruitfulness; prolific

2. intellectually productive
fervent a. 1. ardent; characterized by intense emotion

2. extremely hot
fiasco n. a sudden and violent collapse; an utter failure
fickle a. marked by erratic changeableness in affections or attachments; capricious

22-4
fictitious a. 1. not genuinely believed or felt; sham
2. formed or conceived by the imagination; imaginary
fidelity n. the quality of being faithful; faithfulness
figurehead n. 1. a person used as a cover for some questionable activity

2. figure on the bow of some sailing vessels
firsthand a. received directly from a source

ad. immediately; personally
flair n. 1. a natural talent.

2. a shape that spreads outward; bent, disposition
3. distinctive and stylish elegance
22-5
flake n. 1. a flat thin piece or layer; a chip
2. a crisp, flaky, commercially prepared cold cereal made from coarse
cornmeal; corn-flakes
vi. to form into flakes
flatter v. 1. to praise somewhat dishonestly; toady

2. to show off becomingly or advantageously
flaw n. 1. defect or weakness in a person`s character; fault

2. crack, scar
3. a brief gust or blast of wind
flippant a. 1. showing inappropriate levity; frivolous

2. insolent; impolite
flourish vi. 1. to be in a period of highest productivity, excellence, or influence; prosper, thrive

2. to grow well or luxuriantly
23-1
fluctuate vi. 1. to vary or change irregularly
2. to rise and fall in or as if in waves; undulate.
vt. to cause to rise and fall or vary irregularly
flush v. 1. to turn red

2. to flow suddenly and abundantly
n. a blush or glow; a flooding flow or rush, as of water; a rush of strong feeling
a. 1. having a healthy reddish color; flushed
2. having an abundant supply of money; affluent
folly n. foolish or senseless behavior; stupidity
forage vi. 1. to wander in search of food or provisions.

2. to make a raid, as for food
vt. to collect forage from; to obtain by foraging
n. food for domestic animals; fodder
foreboding n. a feeling of evil to come

a. marked by or indicative of foreboding; ominous
23-2
forerunner n. 1. a person who goes before or announces the coming of another; precursor
2. an indication of the approach of something or someone; sign
forestall vt. 1. to keep from happening or arising; have the effect of preventing.
2. to act in advance of; deal with ahead of time
3. to monopolize
forfeit n. 1. something that is lost or surrendered as a penalty.

2. a penalty for a fault or mistake that involves losing or giving up something
v. to surrender, be deprived of, or give up the right to on account of a crime,
an offense, an error, or a breach of contract
forge vt. 1. to fashion or reproduce for fraudulent purposes; counterfeit: forge a signature
2. to make up
3. to form (metal, for example) by heating in a forge and beating or hammering
into shape
vi. to move ahead steadily
n. a smelting place
formidable a. 1. arousing fear, dread, or alarm

2. difficult to undertake, surmount, or defeat
23-3
forthright a. direct and without evasion; straightforward
ad. directly ahead; directly and frankly
fortify vt. 1. to make strong or stronger; strengthen

2. to corroborate; confirm
3. to strengthen or enrich (food, for example), as by adding vitamins
foster vt. 1. bring up(a child that is not one`s own by birth)
2. encourage the development of (something)
a. [only before nouns] used with some nouns in connection with the fostering of a child
founder v. 1. to fail utterly

2. to sink below the surface of the water
3. to collapse utterly
n. one who establishes something or formulates the basis for something; organizer
fracture v. 1. to cause to break: fracture a bone

2. to disrupt or destroy as if by breaking
n. 1. the act or process of breaking
2. a break or rupture especially in bone or cartilage; spain
3. a crack; an aperture
23-4
fragile a. 1. easily broken, damaged, or destroyed; frail
2. lacking physical or emotional strength; delicate
3. fugitive; ephemeral
freak v. 1. to lose one`s nerve; upset

2. to smear or smudge
n. 1. a person or animal that is markedly unusual or deformed
2. caprice
3. someone who is so ardently devoted to something that it resembles an ad-
diction
4. blot, smut
frenzied a. affected with or marked by mania uncontrolled by reason; furious

frill n. 1. somethings that are desirable but not necessities; luxuries

2. pomposity
3. ruffled, gathered, or pleated border; fringe
v. to make into a ruffle or frill
frivolous a. 1. not serious in content or attitude or behavior; flippant

2. trifling, petty
23-5
frugal a. avoiding waste; thrifty, economical
fugitive n. 1. one who flees; a refugee

a. 1. running away or fleeing, as from the law
2. lasting only a short time; fleeting; temporary
furious a. 1. full of or characterized by extreme anger; raging

2. full of activity; energetic or rapid
3. fierce
furtive a. 1. characterized by stealth; surreptitious

2. expressive of hidden motives or purposes; shifty
futile a. 1. producing no result or effect; useless

2. trifling and frivolous
24-1
galling a. causing irritation or annoyance; vexing
galvanize vt. 1. to arouse to awareness or action; spur

2. to stimulate or shock with an electric current
vi. to stimulate to action
garrulous a. 1. given to excessive and often trivial or rambling talk; tiresomely talkative;
loquacious
2. wordy and rambling; verbose
gelatinous a. resembling gelatin; viscous; of, relating to, or containing gelatin; semiliquid
gem n. 1. a crystalline rock that can be cut and polished for jewelry
2. a person who is a brilliant and precious as a piece of jewelry
24-2
generalize v. to draw from specific cases for more general cases; theorize
genocide n. systematic killing of a racial or cultural group; massacre
genuine a. 1. not spurious or counterfeit; authentic, real

2. honestly felt or experienced; sincere
3. being of pure or original stock; clean-bread
germane a. 1. being both pertinent and fitting; relevant

2. akin, kindred
gestation n. 1. the condition of being pregnant

2. the period of development in the uterus from conception until birth
3. the conception and development of a plan or an idea in the mind
24-3
giddy a. 1. having a reeling, lightheaded sensation; dizzy
2. frivolous and lighthearted; flighty
v. to become or make giddy
gingerly ad. with great care or delicacy; cautiously

a. cautious; careful
gist n. 1. the central idea; the essence

2.[Law] the grounds for action in a suit
glimpse n. 1. a quick look.

2. a brief or incomplete view
v. to catch a glimpse of or see briefly
gloat v. to gaze at or think about something with great self-satisfaction, gratification, or joy
n. malicious satisfaction
24-4
gloomy a. 1. depressing in character or appearance; blue
2. partially or totally dark, especially dismal and dreary
3. marked by hopelessness; very pessimistic
gradual a. proceeding in small stages
gratification n. state of being gratified; great satisfaction
greed n. 1. excessive desire to eat

2. excessive desire to acquire or possess more
(especially more material wealth) than one needs or deserves; avarice
gregarious a. 1. seeking and enjoying the company of others

2. tending to form a group with others of the same kind
24-5
grim a. 1. shockingly repellent; unpleasant
2. uninviting or unnerving in aspect; forbidding; sinister
3. unrelenting; rigid; harsh
grotesque a. 1. outlandish or bizarre, as in character or appearance

2. characterized by ludicrous or incongruous distortion,
as of appearance or manner
grudge n. a deep-seated feeling of resentment or rancor

vt. to envy; to resent for having, to begrudge
grueling a. characterized by toilsome effort to the point of exhaustion;

especially physical effort
gullible a. naive and easily deceived or tricked
25-1
habitable a. suitable to live in or on; inhabitable
haggard a. 1. appearing worn and exhausted; gaunt.

2. furious
3. wild and intractable
n. an adult hawk captured for training
hail 1. to greet or acclaim enthusiastically

2. to salute or greet
3. to call out or yell in order to catch the attention of; page
n. something that falls with the force and quantity of a shower of ice and hard snow
hallow v. to render holy by means of religious rites; revere; consecrate
hamlet n. a community of people smaller than a village; a very small village
25-2
hammer out v. 1. to work out with considerable effort; to discuss vehemently in order to
reach a solution or an agreement
2. to create something by hammering
hamper v. 1. to prevent the progress or free movement of

2. to restrict
n. 1. a restraint that confines or restricts freedom
2. a basket usually with a cover
haphazard a. 1. marked by great carelessness; random

2. dependent upon or characterized by chance; accidental, fortuitous
n. fortuity, chance, hazard
harassing a. irritating or bothering
harness v. 1. to exploit the power of

2. to put a harness on
n. the gear or tackle, other than a yoke, with which a draft animal pulls a
vehicle or implement
25-3
harsh a. 1. unpleasantly coarse and rough to the touch
2. severe, cruel, or exacting
3. disagreeable to the senses, especially to the sense of hearing; strident
haughty a. having or showing arrogant superiority to and disdain of those one views
as unworthy
havoc n. 1. widespread destruction; devastation

2. disorder or chaos
vt. to destroy or pillage
hefty a. 1. of considerable weight and size; bulky, massive

2. (of a person) possessing physical strength and weight; rugged and powerful;
robust
helm n. 1. a position of leadership.

2. steering mechanism for a vessel; a mechanical device by which a vessel is
steered
25-4
hereditary a. 1. transmitted or capable of being transmitted genetically from parent to offspring
2. inherited or inheritable by established rules (usually legal rules) of
hectic a. 1. marked by intense agitation or emotion; very busy

2. consumptive; feverish
hideous a. 1. so extremely ugly as to be terrifying; dreadful

2. grossly offensive to decency or morality; causing horror; heinous, atrocious
hierarchy n. 1. a series of ordered groupings of people or things within a system;

the organization of people at different ranks in an administrative body
2. a body of persons having authority
hinder v. to be or get in the way of; to obstruct or delay the progress of, block
25-5
homogeneous a. of the same or similar kind or nature; similar
horizontal a. 1. parallel to or in the plane of the horizon or a base line.

2. of, relating to, or near the horizon
horn n. 1. one of the hard, usually permanent structures projecting from the head of
certain mammals, such as cattle, consisting of a bony core covered with a
sheath of keratinous material; feeler
2. something having the shape of a horn, especially: bugle, trumpet
3. a usually electrical signaling device that produces a loud resonant sound
horrid a. 1. extremely disagreeable; offensive

2. causing horror; dreadful
hospitable a. 1. disposed to treat guests and strangers with cordiality and generosity
2. having an open mind
3. favorable to growth and development; congenial
26-1
hostile a. 1. characterized by enmity or ill will; very unfriendly
2. antagonistic; opposite
3. unfavorable to health or well-being; inhospitable or adverse
hubris n. overbearing pride or presumption; arrogance
humble a. 1. marked by meekness or modesty; not arrogant or prideful.

2. low or inferior in station or quality
vt. to cause to be meek or modest in spirit; to give a lower condition or station to; abase
humiliate vt. to cause to feel shame; hurt the pride of; mortify
hunch n. 1. an intuitive feeling or a premonition

2. a lump or chunk
3. a hump
26-2
hush 1. cause to be quiet or not talk.
2. become quiet or still; fall silent
n. (poetic) tranquil silence
hybrid a. produced by crossbreeding; mixed

n. 1.[Genetics] the offspring of genetically dissimilar parents or stock, especially
the offspring produced by breeding plants or animals of different varieties,
species, or races; mongrel, crossbred
2. something of mixed origin or composition
hyperbole n. extravagant exaggeration
hypnosis n. a state that resembles sleep but that is induced by suggestion; mesmerization
hypodermic a. injected beneath the skin; relating to or located below the epidermis.
n. a hypodermic injection; a piston syringe
26-3
identify v. 1. to ascertain the origin, nature, or definitive characteristics of; acknowledge
2. to consider as identical or united; equate
ignominious a. (used of conduct or character) deserving or bringing disgrace or shame;

disgraceful
illustrious a. 1. widely known and esteemed; prominent, eminent

2. having or conferring glory; brilliant
imaginative a. 1. having a lively imagination, especially a creative imagination; creative

2. created by, indicative of, or characterized by imagination or creativity;
fictitious
imbecility n. retardation more severe than a moron but not as severe as an idiot;
great stupidity or foolishness
26-4
imbibe vt. 1. to drink
2. to absorb or take in
3. to receive and absorb into the mind
immaculate a. completely clean; without fault or error
imminent a. about to occur; impending
immortal a. not subject to death; undying

n. one not subject to death; one whose fame is enduring
immune a. 1. secure against; not susceptible to

2. exempt from
n. a person who is immune to a particular infection
26-5
impact n. 1. a forceful consequence; a strong effect
2. the striking of one body against another; collision, clash
v. to have an effect upon; to press or wedge together
impair vt. 1. to make worse or less; aggravate

2. languish, diminish
impartial a. free from undue bias or preconceived opinion; fair; showing lack of favoritism;
impatient a. 1. restless or short of temper under delay or opposition; hasty

2. (usually followed by `to) full of eagerness; anxious, longing
impeccable a. without fault or error; immaculate, flawless
27-1
impede vt. to block passage through; to be a hindrance or obstacle to
impel vt. 1. to urge or force (a person) to an action; constrain or motivate.

2. to cause to move forward with force
3. to propel
imperative a. 1. impossible to deter or evade; pressing

2. expressing a command or plea; peremptory
imperceptible a. 1. impossible or difficult to perceive by the mind or senses

2. so subtle, slight, or gradual as to be barely perceptible
imperturbable a. not easily perturbed or excited or upset; marked by extreme calm and composure
27-2
impervious a. 1. incapable of being penetrated
2. uninjured, unscathed
3. uncapable of being affected
impetuous a. 1. characterized by undue haste and lack of thought or deliberation; impulsive; hasty
2. marked by violent force; violent
impetus n. a force that moves something along; stimulus, incentive

impiety n. unrighteousness by virtue of lacking respect for a god; irreverence
implacable a. 1. impossible to placate or appease; irreconcilable

2. severe, rigorous
27-3
implement vt. 1. to put into practical effect; carry out
2. to empower, authorize
n. 1. a tool or instrument used in doing work
2. an article used to outfit or equip
3. a means of achieving an end
imply vt. 1. express or state indirectly; suggest, allude, hint

2. to involve by logical necessity; entail
impoverished a. 1. poor enough to need help from others; destitute, indigent

2. deprived of natural richness or strength; limited or depleted
impregnable a. 1. impossible to capture or enter by force: an impregnable fortress;

unconquerable, invincible
2. difficult or impossible to attack, challenge, or refute with success
improbable a. 1. not likely to be true or to occur or to have occurred; unlikely

2. fantastic, fanciful
27-4
impromptu a. 1. with little or no preparation or forethought
2. makeshift, stopgap
ad. without advance preparation
impute vt. to attribute or credit to; to attribute (responsibility or fault) to a cause or

source; ascribe
inactive a. 1. not active or tending to be active; torpid, supine

2. sluggish, indolent
inadequate a. 1. (sometimes followed by `to) not meeting the requirements especially of a task
2. not sufficient to meet a need; insufficient
inadvertently ad. without knowledge or intention; accidentally

27-5
inalienable a. incapable of being repudiated or transferred to another; untransferable
inane a. 1. complacently or inanely foolish; asinine, silly

2. empty, vacuous
n. the empty space
incalculable a. 1. not capable of being calculated; immeasurable

2. unpredictable
incapacitate vt. 1. to make unable to perform a certain action; disable

2. to disqualify
incessantly ad. continuing without interruption; perpetually
28-1
incidence n. the act or an instance of happening; occurrence
inconsistent a. 1. displaying a lack of consistency; contradicted

2. changeable, capricious
incontrovertible a. impossible to deny or disprove; necessarily or demonstrably true; indisputable
increment n. 1. a process of becoming larger or longer or more numerous or more important;

the amount by which something increases
2. profit
incumbent a. 1. imposed as an obligation or duty; obligatory

2. currently holding a specified office
n. a person who holds an office
28-2
incurable a. being such that a cure is impossible
n. a person whose disease is incurable.
indelible a. cannot be removed, washed away or erased; permanent
indifferent a. 1. marked by a lack of interest; uninterested

2. characterized by a lack of partiality; impartial, unbiased
3. (often followed by `to) lacking importance
indigenous a. 1. originating where it is found; native

2. innate, inborn
indignation n. a feeling of righteous anger; resentment
28-3
indolent a. 1. disinclined to work or exertion; lazy
2. painless
n. a lazy person
induce vt. 1. cause to do; cause to act in a specified manner

2. cause to arise
inept a. 1. generally incompetent and ineffectual; clumsy, inept

2. not apt or fitting; inappropriate
inertia n. 1. a disposition to remain inactive or inert

2. (physics) the tendency of a body to maintain is state of rest or uniform
motion unless acted upon by an external force
3. helplessness
inevitable a. impossible to avoid or prevent

n. an avoidable event
28-4
inexorable a. 1. not to be placated or appeased or moved by entreaty; unrelenting
2. unsusceptible to persuasion
infer vt. 1. to draw from specific cases for more general cases; reason by deduction
2. conclude; imply
infinite a. having no limits or boundaries in time or space or extent or magnitude;

unlimited
n. something infinite
infraction n. the act or an instance of infringing; a violation
inhibition n. 1. the act of inhibiting or the state of being inhibited

2. something that restrains, blocks, or suppresses
28-5
initially ad. at the beginning
innate a. 1. not established by conditioning or learning; inherent

2. being talented through inherited qualities
innocuous a. 1. not injurious to physical or mental health; harmless

2. unlikely to harm or disturb anyone; well-meaning
innovation n. 1. the act of introducing something new

2. something newly introduced
innuendo n. 1. an indirect (and usually malicious) implication; satire

2. [Law] a parenthetic explanation of a word or charge in a legal document
ad. [Law] namely
v. to ridicule with satire; lampoon
29-1
inordinate a. beyond normal limits; excessive
inquisitive a. 1. showing curiosity; curious

2. unduly curious and inquiring; snoopy
ins and outs n. 1. the intricate details of a situation or process; details

2. those with position and influence and those without, especially those in
office versus those who are not
3. the windings of a road or path
insatiable a. impossible to satiate or satisfy; greedy
insidious a. 1. working or spreading in a hidden and usually injurious way

2. beguiling but harmful
29-2
insight n. clear or deep perception of a situation; a feeling of understanding
insignificance n. the quality of having little or no significance; unimportance
insincere a. not sincere; hypocritical

insolvent a. unable to meet or discharge financial obligations; bankrupt

n. someone who has insufficient assets to cover their debts; bankrupt
inspect vt. 1. to look over carefully; scrutinize

2. to come to see in an official or professional capacity
29-3
inspiration n. 1. arousal of the mind to special unusual activity or creativity; incitement
2. a sudden intuition as part of solving a problem; afflatus
3. the act of inhaling
instantaneous a.1. occurring with no delay; immediate

2. simultaneous
instill vt. I. to impart gradually and effectively

2. to enter drop by drop
insulated a. isolated or secluded from others; solitary or singular
insuperable a. 1. impossible to surmount

2. incapable of being surmounted or excelled
29-4
intact a. not impaired or diminished in any way; undamaged
intellectual a. of or relating to the intellect ; of or associated with or requiring the use of the mind
n. a person who uses the mind creatively; highbrow
intent n. something that is intended; an aim or purpose

a. firmly fixed; concentrated
intermediate a. lying between two extremes in time or space or degree; middle

n. one that is in a middle position or state
vi. to act between parties with a view to reconciling differences; to intervene
interminable a. 1. being or seeming to be without an end; endless

2. tiresomely long; tedious
n. the infinite (Being); God
29-5
intermittent a. stopping and starting at irregular intervals; recurrent, sporadic
internment n. confinement during wartime; the act of confining someone in a prison
interrupt vt. 1. to interfere in someone else`s activity; to break in

2. to stop briefly
intertwine v. to join or become joined by twining together; intertwist
intervene vi. 1. to come, appear, or lie between two things

2. to be placed or located between other things or extend between spaces and events
30-1
intimate v. to imply as a possibility; to hint
a. marked by close acquaintance, association, or familiarity; close
n. a close friend or confidant
intimidate vt. 1. make timid or fearful; threaten

2. to coerce by or as if by threats
3. to inhibit by or as if by threats
intrepid a. invulnerable to fear or intimidation; fearless, dauntless
intricate a. having many complexly arranged elements; solvable or comprehensible

only with painstaking effort
intrigue vt. 1. to perplex or bewilder

2. to effect by secret scheming or plotting
vi. to form intrigues (for) in an underhand manner
n. 1. a secret or underhand scheme; scheme
2. a plot
30-2
intrinsic a. belonging to a thing by its very nature; essential, inherent
inundate vt. 1. to cover with water, especially floodwaters

2. to overwhelm as if with a flood; swamp
inure vt. to cause to accept or become hardened to; to habituate
invalid a. 1. incapacitated by illness or injury

2. unfounded, baseless
3.no longer valid
n. one who is incapacitated by a chronic illness or disability; patient
v. to incapacitate physically
invaluable a. of inestimable value; priceless; precious
30-3
investigate vi. to make a detailed inquiry or systematic examination
vt. to observe or inquire into in detail; examine systematically
invigorating a. imparting strength and vitality; refreshing
invincible a. 1. incapable of being overcome or subdued

2. matchless, unrivaled 3. dauntless
involved a. 1. complicated; intricate

2. connected by participation or association; implicated
iridescence n. exhibition of rainbowlike colors on a surface
30-4
ironic a. humorously sarcastic or mocking; satiric
irreparable a. impossible to repair, rectify, or amend
irreplaceable a. impossible to replace; incommutable
irrigate vt. 1. to supply with water, as with channels or ditches or streams

2. to animate or fertilize
isolate vt. 1. set apart from others; seclude

2. [electricity] to insulate or shield
30-5
jack up vt. to lift with a special device
jaundiced a. 1. showing or affected by prejudice or envy or distaste; biased

2. affected by jaundice which causes yellowing of skin
jeopardy n. risk of loss or injury; peril or danger; [Law] a defendant`s risk or danger of
conviction when put on trial
jot vt. to write briefly or hurriedly

n. the smallest bit; iota
judicious a. characterized by good judgment or sound thinking; prudent
31-1
keen a. 1. ardent; enthusiastic: eagerly desirous
2. having a sharp cutting edge or point; acutely sensitive
3. incisive or trenchant
4. [slang] great; splendid
kidnap vt. to take away to an undisclosed location against their will and usually in order
to extract a ransom; abduct
knockabout n. 1. boisterous; rowdy

2. appropriate for rough wear or use
kitschy a. [slang] done in a way that some people find attractive or funny, but that you
think silly
knowingly ad. with full knowledge and deliberation
31-2
laconic a. 1. brief and to the point; effectively cut short; terse, succinct
2. reticent
languid a. 1. lacking spirit or liveliness; listless; inert

2. indisposed or disinclined
lapse n. 1. elapse
2. the act or an instance of lapsing, as a usually minor or temporary failure; a slip
3. the act or an instance of lapsing, as a moral fall or a deterioration or decline
4. the termination of a right or privilege through disuse, neglect, or death
vi. 1. to go by; elapse
2. to fall from a previous level or standard, as of accomplishment, quality, or conduct
3. to be no longer valid or active; expire
latent a. 1. potentially existing but not presently evident or realized

2. [Psychology] present and accessible in the unconscious mind but not
consciously expressed; [Biology] undeveloped but capable of normal growth
under the proper conditions: a latent bud
laudatory a. full of or giving praise; complimentary
31-3
lavish a. 1. expending profusely; prodigal or extravagant
2. very generous
3. characterized by or produced with extravagance and profusion
leftover n. small part or portion that remains after the main part no longer exists
a. not used up
legible a. 1. able to be read; readable

2. clear; lucid
legitimate a. 1 authorized, sanctioned by, or in accordance with law; legal

2. in accordance with reason or logic; reasonable
3. orthodox
v. make legal; legalize
lenient a. 1. inclined not to be harsh or strict; merciful, generous, or indulgent; tolerant

2. mollifying, sedative
31-4
lethal a. capable of causing death; fatal
lethargic a. deficient in alertness or activity; comatose

liability n. 1. [pl.] the financial obligations entered in the balance sheet of a business e
nterprise; debts
2. the state of being legally obliged and responsible; duty
3. something that holds one back; a handicap
4. likelihood
libel n. 1. defamation, calumny

2. a tort consisting of false and malicious publication printed for the purpose of
defaming a living person
v. to print slanderous statements against; to defame
linguist n. 1. a specialist in linguistics

2. a person who speaks more than one language
31-5
literacy n. the ability to read and write
litigate v. 1. to engage in legal proceedings; to contest in legal proceedings

2. to argue
liver n. large and complicated reddish-brown glandular organ located in the upper
right portion of the abdominal cavity
a. of a dark reddish brown
loathe vt. to dislike(someone or something)greatly; to abhor
longevity n. long life; great duration of life
32-1
loquacious a. full of trivial conversation; talkative, verbose
lucrative a. producing a good profit; profitable
lukewarm a. 1. moderately warm

2. feeling or showing little interest or enthusiasm
luminous a. 1 .emitting light, especially emitting self-generated light; illuminated

2. easily comprehended; clear
3. enlightened and intelligent; inspiring
lure vt. to attract by wiles or temptation; to entice

n. 1. something that tempts or attracts with the promise of pleasure or reward
2. a decoy used in catching animals, especially an artificial bait used in
catching fish
32-2
magnitude n. 1. the property of relative size or extent
2. greatness in size or extent
3. greatness in significance or influence
maladroit a. marked by a lack of skillful performance; inept, not adroit
malady n. 1. a disease, a disorder, or an ailment

2. any unwholesome or desperate condition
malign a. 1. evil or harmful in nature or influence

2. having or exerting a malignant influence; virulent
v. to speak unfavorably about; slander
malnourished a. not being provided with adequate nourishment; underfed
32-3
mandatory a. 1. required or commanded by authority; obligatory
2. of, having the nature of, or containing a mandate
n. the recipient of a mandate; a mandatary
manifest vt. 1. to show or demonstrate plainly; to reveal

2. to prove
vi. 1. to declare
2. to appear
a. clearly apparent to the sight or understanding; obvious
marginal a. 1. insignificant
2. at or constituting a border or edge
3. just barely adequate or within a lower limit
maritime a. 1. of or relating to marine shipping or navigation; marine, nautical

2. of, relating to, or adjacent to the sea
3. f or resembling a mariner; seamanly
maturity n. 1. the period of time in your life after your physical growth has stopped and you
are fully developed; ripeness
2. the date on which a financial obligation must be repaid; the due date
32-4
maul vt. 1. to injure badly by beating
2. to handle roughly
n. a heavy long-handled hammer used to drive stakes or wedges
meager a. 1. barely adequate; insufficient

2. gaunt , skinny or lean
3. deficient in richness, fertility, or vigor
meddling a. intrusive in an offensive manner; interfering

n. the act of meddling
meditate vi. 1. to think deeply about something

2. to focus one`s mind for a period of time especially for religious reasons or in
order to make your mind calm
vt. plan mentally; consider
[] meek: a. very docile and obedient
menace v. to pose a threat to or present a danger to; to intimidate

n. a threat or the act of threatening
32-5
mendacity n. the tendency to be untruthful; a lie
merge v. 1. to join or combine

2. to mix together different elements
messy a. 1. disorderly and dirty

2. exhibiting or demonstrating slovenliness
3. unpleasantly difficult to settle or resolve
metamorphosis n. 1. the marked and rapid transformation of a larva into an adult that occurs in
some animals; transformation
2. a striking change in appearance or character or circumstances; change
meticulous a. 1. extremely careful and precise; scrupulous

2. extremely or excessively concerned with details; overscrupulous
33-1
milestone n. 1. stone post at side of a road to show distances
2. a significant event in one`s life (or in a project); landmark
minute a. 1. immeasurably small; tiny

2. beneath notice; insignificant
n. 1. a unit of time equal to 60 seconds
2. an indefinitely short time
3. a note or summary covering points to be remembered; a memorandum
vt. to record in a memorandum or the minutes of a meeting; to jot down
misgiving n. a feeling of doubt, distrust, or apprehension
misnomer n. an incorrect or wrong name
mnemonic a. 1. assisting or intended to assist memory

2. of or relating to memory
33-2
modify v. 1. to cause to change; to change
2. to make less severe or harsh or extreme; to modulate
momentous a. of very great significance; important
monetary a. 1. financial; pecuniary

2. relating to or involving money
monk n. a male religious living in a cloister and devoting himself to contemplation

and prayer and work
morbid a. 1. suggesting the horror of death and decay; macabre

2. suggesting an unhealthy mental state; diseased
3. pathological
33-3
moribund a. 1. approaching death; about to die
2. on the verge of becoming obsolete
multiracial a. made up of, involving, or acting on behalf of various races

n. hybrid, mongrel
mundane a. 1. belonging to this earth or world; not ideal or heavenly; worldly, secular
2. found in the ordinary course of events; banal
mutable a. capable of or tending to change in form or quality or nature; changeable
mutilate vt. 1. to deprive of a limb or an essential part; cripple

2. to disfigure by damaging irreparably
3. to make imperfect by excising or altering parts
33-4
nadir n. 1. the lowest point
2. [astronomy] a point on the celestial sphere directly below the observer,
diametrically opposite the zenith
nascent a. coming into existence; emerging
nebulous a. 1. lacking definite form or limits; vague

2. cloudy, misty, or hazy
negation n. 1. a denial; refusal

2. contradiction or negative statement
3. naught
negligence n. failure to act with the prudence that a reasonable person would exercise
under the same circumstances; carelessness
33-5
nervous a. 1. easily agitated or distressed; high-strung or jumpy
2. of or relating to the nerves or nervous system
nocturnal a. of or relating to or occurring in the night; belonging to or active during the night
notorious a. having an exceedingly bad reputation; infamous, flagrant
novice n. someone new to a field or activity; neophyte, rookie
nullify vt. 1. to make null; to invalidate

2. to call off
3. to counteract the force or effectiveness of
34-1
obligatory a. 1. required by obligation or compulsion or convention; incumbent, compulsory
2. morally or legally constraining or binding
obliquely ad. 1. to, toward or at one side; sidelong, sideways

2. indirectly
3. deviously or dishonestly
oblivious a. 1. lacking conscious awareness of

2. failing to keep in mind; forgetful
obscure a. 1. not clearly understood or expressed; hidden

2. difficult to find; unknown
3. nebulous or faint
v. to make less visible or unclear
obsolete a. 1. no longer in use or valid or fashionable; outmoded, old

2. no longer in use; disused
vt. to cause to become obsolete
n. anachronism; a disused word; refuse
34-2
obstinate a. 1. stubbornly persistent in wrongdoing; bigoted
2. difficult to alleviate or cure; incurable
obviate vt. to prevent the occurrence of; to prevent from happening; to preclude
occupation n. 1. job; the principal activity in your life that you do to earn money
2. possession; the control of a country by military forces of a foreign power
3. tenure; the period of time during which a place or position or nation is occupied.
odorous a. having a natural fragrance; aromatic; sweet-smelling
officious a. 1. intrusive in a meddling or offensive manner; meddlesome

2. informal; unofficial
34-3
ominous a. 1. threatening or foreshadowing evil or tragic developments; portentous
2. of or being an omen, especially an evil one
omniscient a. having total knowledge; knowing everything

n. one having total knowledge; God
onset n. 1. the beginning or early stages; starting

2. (military) an offensive against an enemy (using weapons); an assault
3. beginning; a start, as of a cold
ooze vi. 1. to flow or leak out slowly, as through small openings

2. to exude moisture
vt. to give off; exude
n. 1. the act of oozing; something that oozes
2. soft mud or slime
orbit n. 1. an area in which something acts or operates or has power or control

2. the path described by one celestial body in its revolution about another
v. to move in an orbit.
34-4
opposite a. 1. being directly across from each other; facing
2. being the other of two complementary or mutually exclusive things; counter
n. 1 one that is opposite or contrary to another
2. an opponent or antagonist.
3. an antonym
ad. directly facing each other
opulent a. 1. possessing or exhibiting great wealth; affluent

2. [Literary style] flowery
ostensible a. appearing as such but not necessarily so; specious

outstanding a. 1. distinguished from others in excellence

2. owed as a debt; not settled or resolved
3. projecting upward or outward; standing out
overhaul vt. 1. to examine or go over carefully

2. to dismantle in order to make repairs
n. an act of overhauling
34-5
panacea n. hypothetical remedy for all ills or diseases; cure-all
pandemonium n. 1. a state of extreme confusion and disorder; a wild uproar

2. the capital of Hell; hell
paralysis n. 1. the state of being unable to act or function properly

2. loss or impairment of the ability to move a body part, usually as a result of
damage to its nerve supply; loss of sensation over a region of the body
3. congestion; jam
paramount a. 1. greatest in power, authority, or rank; supreme or dominant

2. having superior power and influence
n. one that has the highest rank, power or authority
parsimony n. extreme care in spending money; stinginess
35-1
pathetic a. 1. arousing or capable of arousing sympathetic sadness and compassion; pitiful
2. emotional; touching n. [pl.] pathos
pensive a. 1. persistently or morbidly thoughtful; musing

2. showing pensive sadness; sorrowful
perfunctory a. 1. hasty and without attention to detail; not thorough

2. languid or indisposed
periphery n. 1.[Politics] [the -] a minority; a party out of[not in] power

2. the outside boundary or surface of something; perimeter; outskirt
3. [Mathematics] circumference
perjury n. criminal offense of making false statements under oath
35-2
permeation n. the process of spreading through or penetrating; infiltration
perspicuous a. (of language) transparently clear; easily understandable
pertinent a. 1. having precise or logical relevance to the matter at hand; relevant

2. being of striking appropriateness and pertinence; suitable
pervasive a. spread throughout; prevalent
petrify vt. 1. to change into stone; lapidify

2. to cause to become stiff or stonelike; to deaden
3. to stun or paralyze with terror; daze
35-3
pivotal a. 1. being of vital or central importance; crucial
2. of, relating to, or serving as a pivot
placate vt. to allay the anger of, especially by making concessions; to appease
placid a. 1. calm or quiet; undisturbed by tumult or disorder

2. satisfied; complacent
plagiarism n. 1. the act of pirating; taking someone`s words or ideas as if they were your
own; piracy
2. a piece of writing that has been copied from someone else and is presented
as being your own work
plausible a. 1. apparently reasonable and valid; likely but not certain to be or become true or real
2. disingenuously smooth; fast-talking
35-4
plight n. 1. a situation from which extrication is difficult especially an unpleasant or
trying one; predicament
2. a solemn pledge of fidelity
portable a. easily or conveniently transported transportable

n. something, such as a light or small typewriter, that can be carried or
moved with ease
posthumous a. 1. occurring or coming into existence after a person`s death

2. published after the writer`s death; born after the death of the father
posture n. a characteristic way of bearing one`s body; carriage; stance

v. 1. to assume a pose; to assume an exaggerated or unnatural pose or mental
attitude; attitudinize
2. to deploy
potent a. 1. having the power to influence or convince

2. having a strong physiological or chemical effect
35-5
pragmatic a. 1. concerned with practical matters
2. guided by practical experience and observation rather than theory
precarious a. 1. fraught with danger; unstable

2. dangerously insecure; baseless
precedent n. 1. an example that is used to justify similar occurrences at a later time

2. (civil law) a law established by following earlier judicial decisions.
a. preceding in time, order, or significance
precipitate vt. 1. to cause to happen, especially suddenly or prematurely; to hasten

2. to throw from or as if from a great height; hurl downward
vi. 1. to hasten
2. to deposit; to condense; to fall or be thrown headlong
a. done with very great haste and without due deliberation
precise a. 1. sharply exact or accurate or delimited

2. (of ideas, images, representations, expressions) characterized by perfect
conformity to fact or truth ; strictly correct
36-1
predicament n. 1. a situation from which extrication is difficult especially an unpleasant or
trying one; plight
2. [Logic] one of the basic states or classifications described by Aristotle into
which all things can be placed; a category
predicate v. 1. to base or establish(a statement or action)

2. to state or affirm as an attribute or quality of something
3. to carry the connotation of; to imply
a. 1. stated or asserted; predicated
2. [Grammar] of or belonging to the predicate of a sentence or clause
n. [Grammar] one of the two main constituents of a sentence or clause, modifying
the subject and including the verb, objects, or phrases governed by the verb
prejudice n. 1. a partiality that prevents objective consideration of an issue or situation;

bias, jaundice
2. disadvantage by prejudice
v. to cause (someone) to judge prematurely and irrationally
preposterous a. contrary to nature, reason, or common sense; absurd
prerogative n. a right reserved exclusively by a particular person or group (especially a

hereditary or official right); privilege
a. of, arising from, or exercising a prerogative
36-2
prescription n. 1. a written order, especially by a physician, for the preparation and
administration of a medicine or other treatment; a prescribed medicine or
other treatment
2. something prescribed as a rule; orders or laws
3. [Law] the limitation of time beyond which an action, debt, or crime is no
longer valid or enforceable
presume vt. 1. to take to be the case or to be true; to accept without verification or proof
2. to take upon oneself; act presumptuously, without permission; to dare
vi. to assume; to meddle; to take liberties with
presumptuous a. going beyond what is right or proper; excessively forward; impudent
pretend v. to give a false appearance of; to feign

a. spurious, counterfeit
prevail vi. 1. to be most common or frequent; to be predominant; to pervade

2. to be greater in strength or influence; to triumph; to win
36-3
prevalent a. 1. widely or commonly occurring, existing, accepted, or practiced; widespread
2. dominant
prior a. 1. preceding in time or order

2. preceding in importance or value
proceed vi. 1. to go forward or onward, especially after an interruption; to continue

2. [Law] to institute and conduct legal action: proceeded against the defaulting debtor
3. to come from a source; to originate
n. [ the proceeds] the amount of money derived from a commercial or
fundraising venture; the yield
procrastinate v. 1. to postpone doing what one should be doing

2. to postpone or delay needlessly
procure vt. to get by special effort; to obtain or acquire
36-4
profound a. 1. situated at, extending to, or coming from a great depth; deep; abstruse
2. coming from deep within one
3. deep-seated n. abyss
progenitor 1. an originator; a founder

2. an ancestor in the direct line
projecting a. extending out above or beyond a surface or boundary; protruding
proliferation n. 1. a rapid increase in number (especially a rapid increase in the number of

deadly weapons)
2. growth by the rapid multiplication of parts; propagation
prolific a. 1. bearing in abundance especially offspring; fruitful

2. intellectually productive; imaginative
36-5
prolong vt. 1. to lengthen in time
2. to lengthen or extend in duration or space
promote vt. 1. to contribute to the progress or growth of; to further

2. to stimulate or encourage
3. to raise to a more important or responsible job or rank; to advance
4. to help establish or organize (a new enterprise), as by securing financial backing
5. to attempt to sell or popularize by advertising or publicity
prompt a. 1. carried out or performed without delay

2. instant
v. 1. to move to act; to spur; to incite
2. to assist with a reminder; remind
3. to assist (an actor or reciter) by providing the next words of a forgotten passage
ad. on time; punctually
prosaic a. 1. not challenging; dull and lacking excitement

2. consisting or characteristic of prose
prospect 1.something presented to the eye; a scene; an outlook

2. the possibility of future success
v. to search for or explore (a region) for mineral deposits or oil
37-1
proverb n. a condensed but memorable saying embodying some important fact of
experience that is taken as true by many people; maxim, adage
prowess n. 1. superior skill or ability

2. superior strength, courage, or daring, especially in battle
prudent a. careful and sensible; marked by sound judgment; attentive
psyche n. 1. [Psyche] A young woman who loved and was loved by Eros and was united
with him after Aphrodite`s jealousy was overcome. She subsequently became
the personification of the soul; [p-] soul, spirit
2. [psych] psychology
v. to become confused or mentally deranged
punctual a. 1. acting or arriving or performed exactly at the time appointed; prompt

2. regular
37-2
rampant a. 1. extending unchecked; unrestrained
2. occurring without restraint and frequently, widely, or menacingly; rife
3. ferocious and violent
4. rearing on the hind legs
rancid a. 1. having the disagreeable odor or taste of decomposing oils or fats; rank
2. repugnant; nasty
ratify vt. 1. to approve and express assent, responsibility, or obligation; to sanction

2. to corroborate
reaffirm vt. to affirm once again
rebellious a. 1. resisting control or authority; discontented as toward authority

2. incurable 3. refractory
37-3
rebuke vi. to censure severely or angrily n. an act or expression of criticism and censure
recall vt. 1. to remember; recollect

2. to cancel, take back, or revoke
3. to summon back to awareness of or concern with the subject or situation at hand
4. to request return (of a product) to the manufacturer, as for necessary repairs
or adjustment
n. 1. the ability to remember information or experiences
2. the act of recalling or summoning back, especially an official order to return;
he act of revoking
3. a request by the manufacturer of a product that has been identified as
defective to return it, as for necessary repairs or adjustments
recess n. 1. a temporary cessation of the customary activities of an engagement,

occupation, or pursuit
2. adjournment
3. an indentation or small hollow; a remote, secret, or secluded place
vt. 1. to place in a recess 2. to take a recess
reclaim vt. 1. to bring into or return to a suitable condition for use, as cultivation or habitation
2. to bring back, as from error, to a right or proper course; to reform
3. to exploit or harness
4. to procure (usable substances) from refuse or waste products; to recycle
5. to tame (a falcon, for example)
reconcile vt. 1. to reestablish a close relationship between; to harmonize

2. to settle or resolve; to arbitrate
37-4
recuperate v. 1. to return to health or strength; to recover
2. to recover from financial loss
recurring a. coming back; repeating
redeem vt. 1. to turn in (coupons, for example) and receive something in exchange
2. to recover ownership of by paying a specified sum
3. to pay off; to make up for
4. to save from a state of sinfulness and its consequences
redress n. satisfaction for wrong or injury; reparation; correction or reformation

vt. 1. to set right; to remedy or rectify
2. to make amends to
redundant a. 1. more than is needed, desired, or required; superfluous

2. using more words than required to express an idea; wordy
37-5
refined a. 1. free from coarseness or vulgarity; polite.
2. precise to a fine degree
3. free of impurities; purified
refrain vt. to hold oneself back; to forbear

n. the part of a song where a soloist is joined by a group of singers
refute vt. 1. to overthrow by argument, evidence, or proof; to disprove

2. to prove to be false or incorrect
reimburse vt. 1. to repay (money spent); to refund

2. to pay back or compensate (another party) for money spent or losses incurred
reiterate vt. to say, state, or perform again

38-1
relegate vt. 1. to send to a place of exile; to banish; to assign to a lower position
2. to o refer or assign (a matter or task, for example) for decision or action
3. to assign to a particular class or category; to classify
relevant a. 1. having a bearing on or connection with the subject at issue; pertinent

2. corresponding
relinquish vt. 1. to retire from; to give up or abandon

2. to cease holding physically; to release
reluctant a. unwilling to become involved; disinclined
remit vt. 1. to transmit or send (money) in payment

2. to pardon; to forgive
3. to refrain from exacting (a tax or penalty, for example)
4. to refer (a case) to another court for further consideration or action
38-2
remote a. 1. located far away; distant in space
2. hidden away; secluded
3. distantly related by blood or marriage
4. operating or controlled from a distance
n. a radio or television broadcast originating from a point outside a studio;
a remote control device
remuneration n. the act of paying for goods or services or to recompense for losses; something
that remunerates; reward
repeal v. to annul by recalling or rescinding; to do away with

n. the act of abrogating; an official or legal cancellation
replenish vt. to fill something that had previously been emptied; to refill
reprimand vt. to rebuke formally; to censure severely or angrily

n. an act or expression of criticism and censure
38-3
requisite a. required; essential
n. something that is indispensable; a requirement
resentment n. 1. a feeling of deep and bitter anger and ill-will; indignation

2. spite, hatred
reserve vt. 1. to keep back, as for future use or for a special purpose
2. to keep or secure for oneself; to retain
3. to set or cause to be set apart for a particular person or use; to book
n. the act of reserving; something kept back or saved for future use or a special
purpose; a reservation of public land; he part of a country`s armed forces not
on active duty but subject to call in an emergency
a. kept back, set aside, or saved
resolve v. 1. to make a firm decision about; to determine

2. to find a solution to; to solve 3. to melt
n. a determination or decision; resolution
respect n. 1. a feeling of appreciative, often deferential regard; esteem

2. [pl.] polite expressions of consideration or deference
3. relation; reference
v. to feel or show deferential regard for; to esteem; to avoid violation of or
interference with
38-4
restrain vt. 1. to hold back or keep in check; to control
2. to limit or restrict; to detain
3. to hold (a person) back; to prevent
retain vt. 1. to maintain possession of

2. to keep or hold in a particular place, condition, or position
3. to keep in mind; remember
4. to hire (an attorney, for example) by the payment of a fee
retaliate v. to take revenge for a perceived wrong; to get even with
retract v. 1. to take back; to disavow 2. to draw back or in
retrieve v. 1. to get back; to regain

2. to bring back again; to revive or restore
3. to rescue or save
38-5
retrospect vt. to look back upon (a period of time, sequence of events, etc.)
n. contemplation of things past; recollection
revenue n. 1. government income due to taxation; income

2. the entire amount of income before any deductions are made
reverse n. the opposite or contrary: the back or rear part; a setback

a. converse; turned backward in position, direction, or order
v. to turn around to the opposite direction; to turn inside out or upside down
revision n. 1. the act or process of revising

2. revised or new version, as of a book or other written material
revulsion n. 1. intense aversion

2. a sudden strong change or reaction in feeling, especially a feeling of
violent disgust or loathing
39-1
rip-off n. robbery; swindle; cheat
v. to deprive somebody of something by deceit; to swindle or cheat
roam v. to move about aimlessly or without any destination, often in search of food
or employment
n. the act or an instance of roaming
robust a. 1. physically strong

2. strong enough to withstand intellectual challenge
3. laborious
rudimentary a. 1. being or involving basic facts or principles; elementary

2. being in the earliest stages of development; embryonic
rupture n. 1. state of being torn or burst open

2. a tear in an organ or a tissue
vt. 1. to break open; to burst
2. to break off with
39-2
sagacious a. acutely insightful and wise
salutary a. 1. effecting or designed to effect an improvement; remedial

2. favorable to health; wholesome
salvage n. the rescue of a ship, its crew, or its cargo from fire or shipwreck; something
saved from destruction or waste and put to further use
vt. 1. to save from loss or destruction
2. to save (discarded or damaged material) for further use
sanction n. 1. authoritative permission or approval

2. a penalty, specified or in the form of moral pressure
3. a coercive measure adopted usually by several nations acting together
against a nation violating international law
v. to give official authorization or approval to; to encourage or tolerate by indicating
approval; to penalize, especially for violating a moral principle or international law
sanguine a. 1. inclined to a healthy reddish color often associated with outdoor life; ruddy
2. confidently optimistic and cheerful
39-3
sap vt. 1. to deplete or weaken gradually
2. to undermine the foundations of (a fortification)
3. to drain of sap
4. to enervate
5. to dig a sag
n. 1. the watery fluid that circulates through a plant, carrying food and other
substances to the various tissues; an essential bodily fluid; health and energy;
vitality
2. a covered trench or tunnel dug to a point near or within an enemy position
scant a. 1. to give an inadequate portion or allowance to; to limit, as in amount or share;

stint: Our leisure time is scanted by this demanding job
2. to deal with or treat inadequately or neglectfully; to slight
scrutinize v. to look at critically or searchingly, or in minute detail; to probe
secular a. worldly rather than spiritual

n. 1. a member of the secular clergy
2. a layperson
sedative n. a drug that reduces excitability and calms a person; calmative; tranquilizer a.
tending to soothe or tranquilize
39-4
segregate v. 1. to divide from the main body or mass and collect
2. to separate or isolate (one thing) from another and place in a group
apart from others.
3. to separate by race or religion; to discriminate
sensitive a. 1. capable of perceiving with a sense or senses; susceptible to the attitudes,

feelings, or circumstances of others
2. quick to take offense; touchy
3. fluctuating or tending to fluctuate, as in price
sentient a. endowed with feeling and unstructured consciousness; consciously perceiving
servitude n. a state of subjection to an owner or master; bondage; enslavement
setback n. 1. an unanticipated or sudden check in progress; a change from better to worse

2. retrogression
3. reflux
39-5
settle v. 1. to put into order; to arrange or fix definitely as desired
2. to establish as a resident or residents
3. to restore calmness or comfort to
4. to solve
5. to conclude (a dispute, for example) by a final decision
6. to pay
sheer a. 1. completely such, without qualification or exception

2. thin, fine, and transparent
3. almost perpendicular; steep
ad. 1. almost perpendicularly
2. completely; altogether
v. to swerve or cause to swerve from a course
shrewd a. 1. characterized by keen awareness, sharp intelligence, and often a sense

of the practical.
2. disposed to artful and cunning practices; tricky
3. sharp; penetrating
sibling n. one of two or more individuals having one or both parents in common;
a brother or sister
simultaneously ad. happening, existing, or done at the same time
40-1
sinister a. 1. threatening or foreshadowing evil or tragic developments; ominous
2. evil, wicked
3. on the left side; left
skeptical a. denying or questioning the tenets of especially a religion; doubtful
skim 1. to read or glance through (a book, for example) quickly or superficially

2. move or pass swiftly and lightly over the surface of
3. to remove floating matter from (a liquid)
slack v. 1. to make slower or looser; to slacken.

2. to be careless or remiss in doing
a. 1. moving slowly; loose
2. lacking in activity; not busy: sluggish
slander n. words falsely spoken that damage the reputation of another; aspersion
v. to charge falsely or with malicious intent; to attack the good name and
reputation of someone; to asperse
40-2
slovenly a. 1. marked by negligence; slipshod; careless
2. untidy, as in dress or appearance
3. lazy
sluggish a. 1. displaying little movement or activity; slow; inactive

2. lacking alertness, vigor, or energy; inert or indolent
n. sloven, idler
smother vt. 1. to suffocate (another).

2. to deprive (a fire) of the oxygen necessary for combustion; to extinguish
3. to conceal, suppress, or hide
n. 1. something, such as a dense cloud of smoke or dust, that smothers or
tends to smother
2. uproar, chaos
smuggle v. 1. to import or export without paying lawful customs charges or duties

2. to stow away; to bring in or take out illicitly or by stealth
sober a. 1. not affected by a chemical substance (especially alcohol)

2. composed, sedate
40-3
sojourn vi. to spend a certain length of time; to reside temporarily
n. a temporary stay
solemn a. 1. serious, sober. and deeply earnest

2. somberly or gravely impressive; performed with full ceremony: a solemn
3. invoking the force of religion; sacred
solicit vt. 1. to seek to obtain by persuasion, entreaty, or formal application; to petition

persistently; importune
2. to entice or incite to evil or illegal action
3. to approach or accost (a person) with an offer of sexual services
solidify v. 1. to make solid, compact, or hard

2. to congeal
3. to make strong or united
specific a. 1. explicitly set forth; definite

2. special, distinctive, or unique
3. intended for, applying to, or acting on a particular thing
n. 1. a distinguishing quality or attribute
2. [pl.] distinct items or details; particulars
3. a remedy intended for a particular ailment or disorder
40-4
spectacular a. 1. of the nature of a spectacle; splendid
2. impressive or sensational; dramatic
n. a lavishly produced performance
speculate vi. 1. to meditate on a subject; to reflect

2. to engage in a course of reasoning often based on inconclusive evidence;
to guess
3. to engage in the buying or selling of a commodity with an element of risk
on the chance of profit; to risk
spell n. 1. a short, indefinite period of time

2. one`s turn at work
3. a period of work; a shift
v. to relieve (someone) from work temporarily by taking a turn
n. a word or formula believed to have magic power; a compelling attraction;
charm or fascination
v. to put (someone) under a spell; to bewitch
v. to name or write in order the letters constituting (a word or part of a word)
spinach n. southwestern Asian plant widely cultivated for its succulent edible dark green leaves
spoil vt. 1. to impair the value or quality of

2. to damage irreparably; to ruin
vi. 1. to go bad
2. to become unfit for use or consumption, as from decay. used especially
of perishables, such as food
n. [pl.] goods or property seized from a victim after a conflict, especially after a
military victory
40-5
spontaneous a. 1. happening or arising without apparent external cause; self-generated
2. arising from a natural inclination or impulse and not from external incitement
or constraint
3. growing without cultivation or human labor
sporadic a. 1. occurring at irregular intervals; having no pattern or order in time

2. appearing singly or at widely scattered localities, as a plant or disease
3. accidental, adventitious
spot n. 1. a blemish, mark, or pimple on the skin

2. a flaw in one`s reputation or character
3. a place of relatively small and definite limits
4. a situation, especially a troublesome one
5. [informal] position
a. made, paid, or delivered immediately
v. 1. to cause a spot or spots to appear on; to become marked with spots
2. to detect or discern, especially visually; to spy
squalid a. 1. dirty and wretched, as from poverty or lack of care

2. morally repulsive; sordid
staggering a. 1. causing great astonishment, amazement, or dismay; overwhelming

2. walking unsteadily; faltering
3. hesitant, vacillating
41-1
stale a. 1. having lost freshness, effervescence, or palatability
2. lacking originality or spontaneity; no longer new
3. musty, moldy
v. to make or become stale
staple n. 1. a principal raw material or commodity grown or produced in a region

2. a major item of trade in steady demand; a basic dietary item,
such as flour, rice, or corn
a. 1. principal; main
2. produced or stocked in large quantities to meet steady demand
vt. to grade (fibers) according to length and fineness
stature n. 1. natural height of a person or animal in an upright position

2. high level of respect gained by impressive development or achievement
stem vi. to have or take origin or descent

n. 1. the main ascending axis of a plant; a stalk or trunk
2. the main line of descent of a family
stigma n. 1. a mark or token of infamy, disgrace, or reproach

2. symptom
3. a small mark; a scar or birthmark
4. [archaic] a mark burned into the skin of a criminal or slave; a brand
41-2
strain vi. 1. to pull forcibly or violently
2. to stretch or exert one`s muscles or nerves to the utmost
vt. 1. to injure or impair by overuse or overexertion; to wrench
2. to distort
3. to stretch or force beyond the proper or legitimate limit
n. 1. the act of straining; the state of being strained
2. an inborn or inherited tendency or character
streamline vt. 1. to simplify

2. to improve the appearance or efficiency of; to modernize
a. streamlined; sleek
n. the path of one particle in a flowing fluid; a line that is parallel to the direction
of flow of a fluid at a given instant
strenuous a. 1. requiring great effort, energy, or exertion

2. vehement
3. vigorously active; energetic or zealous
striking a. sensational in appearance or thrilling in effect; noticeable; eminent
stringent a. 1. imposing rigorous standards of performance; severe

2. pressing: constricted; tight
41-3
stumble vi. 1. to miss one`s step in walking or running; to trip and almost fall; to stagger; to falter
2. to act or speak falteringly or clumsily
3. to make a mistake or blunder; to fall into evil ways; to err
4. to come upon accidentally or unexpectedly
vt. to cause to stumble; to perplex
n. the act of stumbling
subliminal a. below the threshold of conscious perception; subconscious
submit vt. 1. to present; to hand in; to refer to another person for decision or judgment
2. to yield or surrender (oneself) to the will or authority of another
vi. to give in to the authority, power, or desires of another; to allow oneself to be
subjected to something
subsequent a. 1. following in time or order

2. succeeding
subsidize vt. 1. to assist or support with a subsidy

[*subsidy: n. financial assistance given by one person or government to another]
2. to bribe
41-4
substantial a. 1. considerable in importance, value, degree, amount, or extent
2. of, relating to, or having substance; material
3. fundamental, rudimentary
4. solidly built; strong
subtle a. 1. so slight as to be difficult to detect or describe; elusive: imperceptible

2. mysterious, occult
3. thin or dilute
4. characterized by skill or ingenuity; crafty or sly; devious
succinct a. characterized by clear, precise expression in few words; concise and terse
succulent a. 1. full of juice or sap; juicy

2. highly interesting or enjoyable; delectable
superficial a. 1. of, affecting, or being on or near the surface; shallow

2. concerned with or comprehending only what is apparent or obvious;
trivial; insignificant
3. apparent rather than actual or substantial
41-5
supplant vt. 1. to displace and substitute for (another); to replace
2. to usurp the place of, especially through intrigue or underhanded tactics
suppress vt. 1. to put an end to forcibly; to subdue

2. to inhibit the expression of (an impulse, for example); to check
3. to keep from being revealed, published, or circulated
4. to conceal or cover up
5. to reduce the incidence or severity of (a hemorrhage or cough, for example);
to arrest
surreptitious a. 1. obtained, done, or made by clandestine or stealthy means

2. unlicensed
surveillance n. 1. close observation of a person or group, especially one under suspicion

2. the act of observing or the condition of being observed
susceptible a. 1. easily influenced or affected; likely to be affected

2. acceptive
3. especially sensitive; highly impressionable
42-1
tacit a. 1. indicated by necessary connotation though not expressed directly
2. [archaic] not speaking; silent
tactile a. 1. of, relating to, or proceeding from the sense of touch; tactual
2. perceptible to the sense of touch; tangible
tamper v. 1. to interfere in a harmful manner

2. to alter improperly
3. to engage in improper or secret dealings, as in an effort to influence; to bribe
tangible a. 1. discernible by the touch; palpable

2. possible to be treated as fact; real or concrete
tarnish vi. to lose luster; to become discolored

vt. 1. to dull the luster of; to discolor, especially by exposure to air or dirt
2. to cast aspersions on; to sully
n. the condition of being tarnished
42-2
taunt vt. 1. to reproach in a mocking, insulting, or contemptuous manner
2. to drive or incite (a person) by taunting
n. a scornful remark or tirade; a jeer
tease vt. 1. to gain by persistent coaxing

2. to ruffle (the hair) by combing from the ends toward the scalp for an airy, full effect
3. to annoy or pester; to vex
4. to urge persistently; to coax
n. the act of teasing; one that teases
tedious a. 1. so lacking in interest as to cause mental weariness; boring

2. using or containing too many words; wordy
temperamental a. 1. relating to or caused by temperament

2. excessively sensitive or irritable; moody
3. likely to perform unpredictably; undependable
tenacious a. 1. stubbornly unyielding; stubborn

2. [of memory] having greater than average range; retentive
42-3
tenet n. an opinion, doctrine, or principle held as being true by a person or especially
by an organization
tentative a. 1. not fully worked out, concluded, or agreed on; provisional

2. uncertain; hesitant
n. test; trial
tenuous a. 1. having little substance or significance; unsubstantial, unimportant

2. very thin in gauge or diameter; slender
term n. 1. a word or group of words having a particular meaning

2. [pl.] language of a certain kind; chosen words
3. a limited period of time; a period when a school or court is in session
4. a deadline, as for making a payment
5. one of the elements of a proposed or concluded agreement; a condition.
Often used in the plural
6. fee; price
7. compact; pact
vt. to designate; to call
terse a. 1. brief and to the point; effectively cut short; succinct

2. blunt; brusque
42-4
testify v. 1. to make a declaration of truth or fact ; to submit testimony
2. to state or affirm under oath
throe n. 1. a severe pang or spasm of pain, as in childbirth

2. [pl.] 2. a condition of agonizing struggle or trouble
v. to agonize
thoroughfare n. 1. a main road or public highway; an avenue

2. passage
threshold n. 1. a piece of wood or stone placed beneath a door; a doorsill

2. the place or point of beginning; the outset
3. verge; brink
thrift n. 1. wise economy in the management of money and other resources

2. vigorous growth of living things, such as plants
42-5
titular a. 1. holding a purely formal position or title without any real authority
2. relating to or denoted by a title
[] thrive vi. 1. to make steady progress; to prosper

2. to grow vigorously; to flourish
3. to gain in wealth
timid a. 1 lacking conviction or boldness or courage

2. lacking self-confidence; shy 3. fearful and hesitant
tolerance n. 1. the capacity for or the practice of recognizing and respecting the beliefs or
practices of others; generosity; forbearance
2. the capacity to endure hardship or pain; endurance
touchy a. 1. tending to take offense with slight cause; oversensitive

2. requiring special tact or skill in handling; delicate
tractable a. easily managed (controlled or taught or molded)
43-1
trait n. 1. a distinguishing feature of one`s personal nature
2. countenance; appearance
traitorous a. deliberately and abominably disloyal or likely to betray trust or confidence;

treacherous
trample v. to tread or stomp heavily or roughly; to crush

n. the action or sound of trampling
tranquility n. a state of peace and quiet; a disposition free from stress or emotion
transcript n. 1. something transcribed, especially a written, typewritten, or printed copy

2. an academic record
3. a written record (usually typewritten) of dictated or recorded; a minute book
43-2
transitory a. existing or lasting only a short time; short-lived or temporary
travesty n. an exaggerated or grotesque imitation, such as a parody of a literary work;

parody; burlesque
v. 1. to make a travesty of; to parody or ridicule
2. to mimic
3. to disguise
trenchant a. 1. distinct; clear-cut

2. caustic; cutting
3. forceful, effective, and vigorous
tribunal n. 1. [Law] a court; a seat or court of justice

2. something that has the power to determine or judge
trifle n. 1. something of little importance or value

2. a small amount; a jot
v. 1. to deal with something as if it were of little significance or value
2. to waste (time or money, for example)
43-3
trigger vt. 1. to set off; to initiate
2. to fire or explode (a weapon or an explosive charge)
n. 1. the lever pressed by the finger to discharge a firearm
2. an event that precipitates other events
trivial a. 1. of little significance or value; unimportant; trifling

2. ordinary; commonplace
turbid a. 1. having sediment or foreign particles stirred up or suspended; muddy

2. heavy, dark, or dense, as smoke or fog
3. an a state of turmoil; muddled
turbulent a. 1. violently agitated or disturbed; tumultuous

2. characterized by unrest or disorder or insubordination
turmoil n. a state of extreme confusion or agitation; commotion or tumult
43-4
ubiquitous a. being present everywhere at once; omnipresent; appearing everywhere
unanimous a. sharing the same opinions or views; being in complete harmony or accord
uncanny a. 1. of or relating to existence outside the natural world; supernatural; extraordinary

2. peculiarly unsettling, as if of supernatural origin or nature; eerie; weird
unexpurgated a. not having material deleted; uncensored
unkempt a. 1. not combed; not properly maintained; disorderly or untidy

2. unpolished; rude
43-5
unobtrusive a. not undesirably noticeable or blatant; inconspicuous; modest
unrelenting a. not to be placated or appeased or moved by entreaty; merciless
unwittingly ad. without knowledge or intention; inadvertently; accidentally
urbane a. showing a high degree of refinement and the assurance that comes from
wide social experience; refined
utter v. to send forth with the voice

a. complete; absolute; entire
44-1
vacant a. 1. containing nothing; empty
2. vacuous; lacking intelligence or knowledge
3. not occupied or put to use
vagary n. extravagant or erratic notion or action; caprice; whim

vain a. 1. characteristic of false pride; having an exaggerated sense of self-importance

2. not yielding the desired outcome; futile; useless; fruitless
valiant a. 1. brave; possessing valor

2. excellent, splendid
vanish vi. to get lost, especially without warning or explanation; to become invisible or
unnoticeable
44-2
variety n. 1. the quality or condition of being various or varied; diversity
2. kind, type; species; breed
veer v. to turn aside from a course, direction, or purpose; swerve

n. change in direction; a swerve
venal a. 1. open to bribery; bribable

2. mercenary
venomous a. 1. extremely poisonous or injurious; producing venom

2. malicious; spiteful
verdict n. [Law] the findings of a jury on issues of fact submitted to it for decision; judgement
44-3
verify vt. to prove the truth of by presentation of evidence or testimony; to substantiate
versatile a. 1. capable of doing many things competently

2. variable or inconstant
vessel n. 1. a hollow utensil, such as a cup, vase, or pitcher, used as a container,

especially for liquids
2. a craft, especially one larger than a rowboat, designed to navigate on water
3. a duct, canal, or other tube that contains or conveys a body fluid
viable a. 1. capable of success or continuing effectiveness; practicable; feasible

2. capable of living, developing, or germinating under favorable conditions
3. capable of living outside the uterus. Used of a fetus or newborn
vicinity n. a surrounding or nearby region; neighborhood
44-4
vicious a. 1. marked by an aggressive disposition; savage; cruel
2. spiteful; malicious
3. having the nature of vice; evil, immoral, or depraved
4. severe or intense; fierce
vigilant a. carefully observant or attentive; on the lookout for possible danger
villain n. 1. a wicked or evil person; someone who does evil deliberately

2. the principle bad character in a film or work of fiction
voracious a. 1. devouring or craving food in great quantities; excessively greedy and grasping
2. enthusiastic; devoted
vulnerable a. susceptible to attack; capable of being wounded or hurt; susceptible to

physical or emotional injury
44-5
waive vt. 1. to give up (a claim or right) voluntarily; to relinquish
2. to put aside or off temporarily; to defer
wane vi. 1. to decrease gradually in size, amount, intensity, or degree; decline

2. to exhibit a decreasing illuminated area from full moon to new moon
n. the act or process of gradually declining or diminishing
whitewash n. 1. concealment or palliation of flaws or failures

2. a mixture of lime and water that is used to whiten walls, fences, or other
structures
vt. 1. to paint or coat with or as if with whitewash
2. to conceal or gloss over (wrongdoing, for example)
woo vi. to importune or to entreat; to court a woman

vt. 1. to seek the affection of with intent to romance; to propose
2. to seek to achieve; to try to gain
yearn vt. 1. to desire strongly or persistently

2. to have a desire for something or someone who is not present;
to languish for; to pine for
3. to feel deep pity, sympathy, or tenderness

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1 l (http://www.wanglish.

aberrant a. 1. departing significantly from the normal or a norm

abide vt. to put up with; to tolerate

ablaze a. 1. made bright by or as if by fire; radiant

abridge v. 1. to reduce the length of (a written text); condense

abrogate v. to abolish, do away with, or annul, especially by authority

abruptly ad. quickly and without warning; suddenly

abscond v. to leave quickly and secretly and hide oneself,

abstrac n. 1. a statement summarizing the important points of a text; summary

abstruse a. incomprehensible to one of ordinary understanding or knowledge; recondite

absurd a. 1. ridiculously incongruous or unreasonable

abuse v. 1. to attack harshly with words

accept v. 1. to receive (something offered), especially with gladness or approval

accessible a. easily approached or entered

accidental a. 1. occurring unexpectedly, unintentionally, or by chance

acclaim v. 1. to praise enthusiastically and often publicly; to applaud

account v. 1. to provide an explanation or justification for; to explain

accumulate v. to gather or pile up; to amass

accuse v. 1. to charge formally with a wrongdoing; to indict

accustom v. to familiarize, as by constant practice, use, or habit

acquaint v. 1. to make familiar

acquiesce v. to consent or comply passively or without protest

acquire v. 1. to gain possession of; to obtain

acquit v. to free or clear from a charge or accusation

acronym n. a word formed from the initial letters of a name

acute a. 1. having a sharp point or tip; keenly perceptive or discerning; sensitive

adamant a. 1. impervious to pleas, appeals, or reason; stubbornly unyielding

adduce v. to cite as an example or means of proof in an argument

adept n. a highly skilled person; an expert

adjacent a. 1. close to; lying near

admittedly ad. by general admission; confessedly; as acknowledged

adulterate v. to make impure by adding extraneous, improper, or inferior ingredients

adventitious a. 1. occurring accidentally or spontaneously, not caused by heredity

adverse a. 1. acting or serving to oppose; antagonistic

affiliation n. 1. the act of becoming formally connected or joined

affluent a. plentiful; abundant; generously supplied with money, property,

afford v. 1. to make available; to provide

aftermath n. a consequence, especially of a disaster or misfortune

aggravate v. 1. to make worse or more troublesome

agile a. 1. characterized by quickness, lightness, and ease of movement; nimble

agitate v. 1. to cause to move with violence or sudden force

alias n. a false or different name, especially one that is used by a criminal

allege v. to assert without or before proof; to assert to be true; to affirm

alleviate v. to provide physical relief, as from pain

allot v. to distribute or apportion

allowance n. 1. the act of allowing

alternative n. the choice between two mutually exclusive possibilities

altruistic a. showing unselfish concern for the welfare of others; selfless

amalgamate vt. to combine into a unified or integrated whole; to unite

amass v. to gather for oneself, as for one`s pleasure or profit

ambiguous a. 1. doubtful or uncertain; equivocal

ambush n. the act of lying in wait to attack by surprise

amend v. to change for the better; to improve

amenity n. 1. something that contributes to physical or material comfort

amid prep. 1. in the middle of; surrounded by

amorphous a. lacking definite form; shapeless

ample a. 1. fully sufficient to meet a need or purpose

annex v. 1. to incorporate (territory) into an existing political unit such as a country,

annual a. recurring, done, or performed every year; yearly

anonymous a. having an unknown or unacknowledged name; unidentified; unknown

antipathy n. a feeling of intense dislike

apathetic a. feeling or showing a lack of interest or concern; indifferent

aperture n. 1. an opening, such as a hole, gap, or slit