the use of more words than are necessary to express an idea; redundancy
oxymoron
a figure of speech by which a locution produces an incongruous, seemingly self-contradictory effect
paradox
a statement or proposition that seems self-contradictory or absurd but in reality expresses a possible truth.
hyperbole
obvious and intentional exaggeration
narcissistic personality
a personality disorder characterized by extreme self-centeredness and self-absorption, fantasies involving unrealistic goals, an excessive need for attention and admiration, and disturbed interpersonal relationships
insatiable
not satiable; incapable of being satisfied or appeased
transcendental
being beyond ordinary or common experience, thought, or belief; supernatural
waive
to put aside for the time; defer; postpone; dispense with
enigma
a puzzling or inexplicable occurrence or situation
dossier
a collection or file of documents on the same subject, especially a complete file containing detailed information about a person or topic
opulent
wealthy, rich, or affluent
offscouring
a social outcast
finite
having bounds or limits; not infinite; measurable
clandestine
characterized by, done in, or executed with secrecy or concealment, especially for purposes of subversion or deception; private or surreptitious
aggregate
formed by the conjunction or collection of particulars into a whole mass or sum; total; combined
synderesis
innate knowledge of the basic principles of morality
transient
not lasting, enduring, or permanent; transitory
malignant
very dangerous or harmful in influence or effect
remunerated
to pay, recompense, or reward for work, trouble, etc.
reminiscence
the act or process of recalling past experiences, events, etc.
operose
done with or involving much labor
circuitous
roundabout; not direct
altruistic
unselfishly concerned for or devoted to the welfare of others
anachronistic
representation of an event, person in a historical context in which it could not have occurred
ephemeral
lasting a very short time
assiduous
constant in application or effort; working diligently at a task; persevering; industrious; attentive
fortuitous
happening or produced by chance; accidental
superfluous
being more than is sufficient or required
amicable
characterized by or showing goodwill; friendly
intrepid
resolutely fearless; dauntless
prosaic
commonplace or dull
sagacity
acuteness of mental discernment and soundness of judgment
venerable
commanding respect because of great age or high office
querulous
full of complaints; complaining
divergent
having no finite limits
arid
lacking interest or imaginativeness
bumptious
offensively self-assertive
punctilious
strict or exact in the observance of the formalities or amenities of conduct or actions
execrable
utterly detestable; abominable
ignominy
disgrace; dishonor; public contempt
prevaricate
to speak falsely or misleadingly
grandiloquent
speaking or expressed in a lofty style, pompous
magnanimous
generous in forgiving an insult or injury
expostulate
to argue or reason (with)
sententious
given to excessive moralizing; self-righteous
pettifogging
dishonest or unethical in insignificant matters; meanly petty
sojourn
a temporary stay
indecorous
violating generally accepted standards of good taste
abjure
to renounce or give up under oath
abrogate
to abolish by formal or official means; annul by an authoritative act; repeal
abstemious
characterized by abstinence
accost
to confront boldly
acme
the highest point; summit; peak
acrimonious
caustic, stinging, or bitter in nature, speech, behavior, etc.
adamant
utterly unyielding in attitude or opinion in spite of all appeals, urgings, etc.
admonish
to caution, advise, or counsel against something.
adroit
cleverly skillful, resourceful, or ingenious
advent
a coming into place, view, or being; arrival
adversary
a person, group, or force that opposes or attacks; opponent; enemy; foe.
aegis
protection; support
affluent
having an abundance of wealth, property, or other material goods; prosperous; rich
alacrity
cheerful readiness, promptness, or willingness
allay
to lessen or relieve; mitigate; alleviate
alleged
to assert without proof.
allude
to refer casually or indirectly; make an allusion (usually followed by )
aloof
at a distance, especially in feeling or interest; apart
ameliorate
to make or become better, more bearable, or more satisfactory; improve; meliorate
amnesty
a general pardon for offenses, especially political offenses, against a government, often granted before any trial or conviction.
amorous
inclined or disposed to love, especially sexual love
analogous
having analogy corresponding in some particular
anathema
a curse; execration.
annals
a record of events, especially a yearly record, usually in chronological order.
anomaly
an incongruity or inconsistency.
antipathy
an instinctive contrariety or opposition in feeling.
antiquated
to make obsolete, old-fashioned, or out of date by replacing with something newer or better
antithesis
opposition; contrast
apathy
lack of interest in or concern for things that others find moving or exciting.
appalled
overcame with horror, consternation, or fear; dismay
appellation
the act of naming.
arbiter
a person who has the sole or absolute power of judging or determining.
arbitrary
capricious; unreasonable; unsupported
ardent
intensely devoted, eager, or enthusiastic; zealous
artifice
a clever trick or stratagem; a cunning, crafty device or expedient; wile.
artless
free from deceit, cunning, or craftiness; ingenuous
ascertain
to make certain, clear, or definitely known.
ascetic
exceedingly strict or severe in religious exercises or self-mortification.
asinine
foolish, unintelligent, or silly; stupid
asperity
harshness or sharpness of tone, temper, or manner; severity; acrimony
aspirant
a person who aspires as one who seeks or desires a career, advancement, status, etc.
astute
of keen penetration or discernment; sagacious
atrophy
a wasting away of the body or of an organ or part, as from defective nutrition or nerve damage.
attenuated
to weaken or reduce in force, intensity, effect, quantity, or value
attest
to bear witness to; certify; declare to be correct, true, or genuine; declare the truth of, in words or writing, especially affirm in an official capacity
atypical
not typical not conforming to the type; irregular; abnormal
au corant
Aware of what is going on; well informed: "au courant with the literary scene".
augment
to make larger; enlarge in size, number, strength, or extent; increase
austere
rigorously self-disciplined and severely moral; ascetic; abstinent
avarice
insatiable greed for riches; inordinate, miserly desire to gain and hoard wealth.
avid
enthusiastic; ardent; dedicated; keen
bagatelle
something of little value or importance; a trifle.
balk
to stop, as at an obstacle, and refuse to proceed or to do something specified (usually followed by )
banal
devoid of freshness or originality; hackneyed; trite
barometer
any instrument that measures atmospheric pressure.
bedlam
a scene or state of wild uproar and confusion.
belligerent
of warlike character; aggressively hostile; bellicose
benevolent
desiring to help others; charitable
bereft
Deprived of or lacking something, esp. a nonmaterial asset: "her room was stark and bereft of color".
besmirch
to soil; tarnish; discolor.
bias
a particular tendency or inclination, especially one that prevents unprejudiced consideration of a question; prejudice.
blase'
very sophisticated especially because of surfeit; versed in the ways of the world; "the blase traveler refers to the ocean he has crossed as `the pond'"; "the benefits of his worldly wisdom"
bona fide
Sincerely; without intention to deceive: "the court will assume that they have acted bona fide".
brigand
hasty; rash; impetuous.
bulwark
any protection against external danger, injury, or annoyance
burgeoned
to grow or develop quickly; flourish
cache
to put in a cache; conceal; hide.
cacophony
a discordant and meaningless mixture of sounds
cajole
to persuade by flattery or promises; wheedle; coax.
callow
immature or inexperienced
calumny
a false and malicious statement designed to injure the reputation of someone or something
canard
a false or baseless, usually derogatory story, report, or rumor.
candid
frank; outspoken; open and sincere
candor
the state or quality of being frank, open, and sincere in speech or expression; candidness
cant
to talk hypocritically.
capitulate
to give up resistance
capricious
Given to sudden and unaccountable changes of mood or behavior.
carnage
the slaughter of a great number of people, as in battle; butchery; massacre.
castigate
to criticize or reprimand severely.
castigations
criticisms or reprimands
caustic
capable of burning, corroding, or destroying living tissue.
celerity
swiftness; speed.
cessation
a temporary or complete stopping; discontinuance
chagrin
Distress or embarrassment at having failed or been humiliated
charisma
the special virtue of an office, function, position, etc., that confers or is thought to confer on the person holding it an unusual ability for leadership, worthiness of veneration, or the like.
charlatan
a person who pretends or claims to have more knowledge or skill than he or she possesses; quack.
chicanery
a quibble or subterfuge used to trick, deceive, or evade.
chimerical
unreal; imaginary; visionary
clique
a small, exclusive group of people; coterie; set.
cogent
Clear, logical, and convincing
coerce
to compel by force, intimidation, or authority, especially without regard for individual desire or volition
cognizant
having cognizance aware (usually followed by )
comely
pleasing in appearance; attractive; fair
commodious
spacious and convenient; roomy
commandant
the commanding officer of a place, group, etc.
compensatory
Reducing or offsetting the unpleasant or unwelcome effects of something - the government is taking compensatory actions to keep the interest rate constant
complacent
pleased, especially with oneself or one's merits, advantages, situation, etc., often without awareness of some potential danger or defect; self-satisfied
concoct
to prepare or make by combining ingredients, especially in cookery
concomitant
A phenomenon that naturally accompanies or follows something
condolence
expression of sympathy with a person who is suffering sorrow, misfortune, or grief.
condone
to disregard or overlook (something illegal, objectionable, or the like).
conducive
Making a certain situation or outcome likely or possible.
confide
to tell in assurance of secrecy
conflagration
a destructive fire, usually an extensive one.
congenial
agreeable, suitable, or pleasing in nature or character
conjecture
An opinion or conclusion formed on the basis of incomplete information.
connubial
Of or relating to marriage or the relationship of husband and wife; conjugal: "their connubial bed".
consternation
a sudden, alarming amazement or dread that results in utter confusion; dismay.
construe
to give the meaning or intention of; explain; interpret.
copious
large in quantity or number; abundant; plentiful
corpulent
large or bulky of body; portly; stout; fat.
corroborate
to make more certain; confirm
coterie
a group of people who associate closely.
countenance
Admit as acceptable or possible
- he was reluctant to countenance the use of force
coup
a highly successful, unexpected stroke, act, or move; a clever action or accomplishment.
covert
concealed; secret; disguised.
criterion
a standard of judgment or criticism; a rule or principle for evaluating or testing something.
cryptic
mysterious in meaning; puzzling; ambiguous
culminate
to reach the highest point, summit, or highest development (usually followed by ).
culpable
deserving blame or censure; blameworthy.
cumulative
formed by or resulting from accumulation or the addition of successive parts or elements.
cupidity
eager or excessive desire, especially to possess something; greed; avarice.
cursory
going rapidly over something, without noticing details; hasty; superficial
curtail
to cut short; cut off a part of; abridge; reduce; diminish.
cynical
a person who believes that only selfishness motivates human actions and who disbelieves in or minimizes selfless acts or disinterested points of view.
dearth
an inadequate supply; scarcity; lack
debacle
a complete collapse or failure.
debilitate
to make weak or feeble; enfeeble
decadence
the act or process of falling into an inferior condition or state; deterioration; decay
declaim
to speak aloud in an oratorical manner; make a formal speech
decorum
dignified propriety of behavior, speech, dress, etc.
defamatory
(of remarks, writing, etc.) Damaging the good reputation of someone; slanderous or libelous
deleterious
harmful; injurious
delineation
The action of describing or portraying something precisely
deluge
a great flood of water; inundation; flood
delve
to carry on intensive and thorough research for data, information, or the like; investigate
demeanor
conduct; behavior; deportment.
demur
Raise doubts or objections or show reluctance
- normally she would have accepted the challenge, but she demurred
deplorable
Deserving strong condemnation
- the deplorable conditions in which most prisoners are held
deprecate
to express earnest disapproval of.
deride
to laugh at in scorn or contempt; scoff or jeer at; mock.
derogatory
tending to lessen the merit or reputation of a person or thing; disparaging; depreciatory
desist
to cease, as from some action or proceeding; stop.
destitution
lack of the means of subsistence; utter poverty.
desultory
lacking in consistency, constancy, or visible order, disconnected; fitful
deterring
Discourage (someone) from doing something, typically by instilling doubt or fear of the consequences
detrimental
Tending to cause harm
dexterity
Skill in performing tasks, esp. with the hands
diatribe
a bitter, sharply abusive denunciation, attack, or criticism
dilettante
A person who cultivates an area of interest, such as the arts, without real commitment or knowledge
diminutive
small; little; tiny
disdain
to look upon or treat with contempt; despise; scorn.
disheveled
untidy; disarranged
disparagement
to speak of or treat slightingly; depreciate; belittle
disparate
distinct in kind; essentially different; dissimilar
disseminate
to scatter or spread widely, as though sowing seed; promulgate extensively; broadcast; disperse
divulgence
to disclose or reveal (something private, secret, or previously unknown).
doddering
to shake; tremble; totter.
doleful
sorrowful; mournful; melancholy
domicile
a place of residence; abode; house or home.
dregs
the least valuable part of anything
dubious
doubtful; marked by or occasioning doubt
dulcet
pleasant to the ear; melodious
dupe
a person who is easily deceived or fooled; gull.
duress
Threats, violence, constraints, or other action brought to bear on someone to do something against their will or better judgment.
edifice
any large, complex system or organization.
efficacious
capable of having the desired result or effect; effective as a means, measure, remedy, etc.
effigy
a crude representation of someone disliked, used for purposes of ridicule.
effrontery
impudent boldness; barefaced audacity
egotistic
given to talking about oneself; vain; boastful; opinionated.
egregious
Outstandingly bad; shocking
elapsing
(of time) to slip or pass by
eliciting
to draw or bring out or forth; educe; evoke
elucidate
to make lucid or clear; throw light upon; explain
elusive
eluding clear perception or complete mental grasp; hard to express or define
emaciated
Abnormally thin or weak, esp. because of illness or a lack of food
- she was so emaciated she could hardly stand
embellishment
to beautify by or as if by ornamentation; ornament; adorn.
eminent
conspicuous, signal, or noteworthy
emissary
an agent sent on a mission of a secret nature, as a spy.
emulating
Match or surpass (a person or achievement), typically by imitation
- lesser men trying to emulate his greatness
encomium
a formal expression of high praise; eulogy
encumbrance
something that encumbers something burdensome, useless, or superfluous; burden; hindrance
engrossed
Having all one's attention or interest absorbed by someone or something
- they seemed to be engrossed in conversation
ennui
a feeling of utter weariness and discontent resulting from satiety or lack of interest; boredom
entourage
A group of people attending or surrounding an important person
- an entourage of bodyguards
entreaty
An earnest or humble request
- the king turned a deaf ear to his entreaties
equanimous
composure: steadiness of mind under stress; "he accepted their problems with composure and she with equanimity"
epithet
a characterizing word or phrase firmly associated with a person or thing and often used in place of an actual name, title, or the like, as
epitomize
to make an epitome of
eradicating
to remove or destroy utterly; extirpate
erudition
The quality of having or showing great knowledge or learning; scholarship
- he writes with great erudition
eschews
to abstain or keep away from; shun; avoid
euphemism
A mild or indirect word or expression substituted for one considered to be too harsh or blunt when referring to something unpleasant or embarrassing
- “downsizing” as a euphemism for cuts
evanescent
vanishing; fading away; fleeting.
eventuate
to have issue; result.
-The H1N1 virus may eventuate a large amount of deaths.
evince
to show clearly; make evident or manifest; prove.
excoriates
criticisms
pleonastic
the use of more words than are necessary to express an idea; redundancy
oxymoron
a figure of speech by which a locution produces an incongruous, seemingly self-contradictory effect
paradox
a statement or proposition that seems self-contradictory or absurd but in reality expresses a possible truth.
hyperbole
obvious and intentional exaggeration
narcissistic personality
a personality disorder characterized by extreme self-centeredness and self-absorption, fantasies involving unrealistic goals, an excessive need for attention and admiration, and disturbed interpersonal relationships
insatiable
not satiable; incapable of being satisfied or appeased
transcendental
being beyond ordinary or common experience, thought, or belief; supernatural
waive
to put aside for the time; defer; postpone; dispense with
enigma
a puzzling or inexplicable occurrence or situation
dossier
a collection or file of documents on the same subject, especially a complete file containing detailed information about a person or topic
opulent
wealthy, rich, or affluent
offscouring
a social outcast
finite
having bounds or limits; not infinite; measurable
clandestine
characterized by, done in, or executed with secrecy or concealment, especially for purposes of subversion or deception; private or surreptitious
aggregate
formed by the conjunction or collection of particulars into a whole mass or sum; total; combined
synderesis
innate knowledge of the basic principles of morality
transient
not lasting, enduring, or permanent; transitory
malignant
very dangerous or harmful in influence or effect
remunerated
to pay, recompense, or reward for work, trouble, etc.
reminiscence
the act or process of recalling past experiences, events, etc.
operose
done with or involving much labor
circuitous
roundabout; not direct
altruistic
unselfishly concerned for or devoted to the welfare of others
anachronistic
representation of an event, person in a historical context in which it could not have occurred
ephemeral
lasting a very short time
assiduous
constant in application or effort; working diligently at a task; persevering; industrious; attentive
fortuitous
happening or produced by chance; accidental
superfluous
being more than is sufficient or required
amicable
characterized by or showing goodwill; friendly
intrepid
resolutely fearless; dauntless
prosaic
commonplace or dull
sagacity
acuteness of mental discernment and soundness of judgment
venerable
commanding respect because of great age or high office
querulous
full of complaints; complaining
divergent
having no finite limits
arid
lacking interest or imaginativeness
bumptious
offensively self-assertive
punctilious
strict or exact in the observance of the formalities or amenities of conduct or actions
execrable
utterly detestable; abominable
ignominy
disgrace; dishonor; public contempt
prevaricate
to speak falsely or misleadingly
grandiloquent
speaking or expressed in a lofty style, pompous
magnanimous
generous in forgiving an insult or injury
expostulate
to argue or reason (with)
sententious
given to excessive moralizing; self-righteous
pettifogging
dishonest or unethical in insignificant matters; meanly petty
sojourn
a temporary stay
indecorous
violating generally accepted standards of good taste
abjure
to renounce or give up under oath
abrogate
to abolish by formal or official means; annul by an authoritative act; repeal
abstemious
characterized by abstinence
accost
to confront boldly
acme
the highest point; summit; peak
acrimonious
caustic, stinging, or bitter in nature, speech, behavior, etc.
adamant
utterly unyielding in attitude or opinion in spite of all appeals, urgings, etc.
admonish
to caution, advise, or counsel against something.
adroit
cleverly skillful, resourceful, or ingenious
advent
a coming into place, view, or being; arrival
adversary
a person, group, or force that opposes or attacks; opponent; enemy; foe.
aegis
protection; support
affluent
having an abundance of wealth, property, or other material goods; prosperous; rich
alacrity
cheerful readiness, promptness, or willingness
allay
to lessen or relieve; mitigate; alleviate
alleged
to assert without proof.
allude
to refer casually or indirectly; make an allusion (usually followed by )
aloof
at a distance, especially in feeling or interest; apart
ameliorate
to make or become better, more bearable, or more satisfactory; improve; meliorate
amnesty
a general pardon for offenses, especially political offenses, against a government, often granted before any trial or conviction.
amorous
inclined or disposed to love, especially sexual love
analogous
having analogy corresponding in some particular
anathema
a curse; execration.
annals
a record of events, especially a yearly record, usually in chronological order.
anomaly
an incongruity or inconsistency.
antipathy
an instinctive contrariety or opposition in feeling.
antiquated
to make obsolete, old-fashioned, or out of date by replacing with something newer or better
antithesis
opposition; contrast
apathy
lack of interest in or concern for things that others find moving or exciting.
appalled
overcame with horror, consternation, or fear; dismay
appellation
the act of naming.
arbiter
a person who has the sole or absolute power of judging or determining.
arbitrary
capricious; unreasonable; unsupported
ardent
intensely devoted, eager, or enthusiastic; zealous
artifice
a clever trick or stratagem; a cunning, crafty device or expedient; wile.
artless
free from deceit, cunning, or craftiness; ingenuous
ascertain
to make certain, clear, or definitely known.
ascetic
exceedingly strict or severe in religious exercises or self-mortification.
asinine
foolish, unintelligent, or silly; stupid
asperity
harshness or sharpness of tone, temper, or manner; severity; acrimony
aspirant
a person who aspires as one who seeks or desires a career, advancement, status, etc.
astute
of keen penetration or discernment; sagacious
atrophy
a wasting away of the body or of an organ or part, as from defective nutrition or nerve damage.
attenuated
to weaken or reduce in force, intensity, effect, quantity, or value
attest
to bear witness to; certify; declare to be correct, true, or genuine; declare the truth of, in words or writing, especially affirm in an official capacity
atypical
not typical not conforming to the type; irregular; abnormal
au corant
Aware of what is going on; well informed: "au courant with the literary scene".
augment
to make larger; enlarge in size, number, strength, or extent; increase
austere
rigorously self-disciplined and severely moral; ascetic; abstinent
avarice
insatiable greed for riches; inordinate, miserly desire to gain and hoard wealth.
avid
enthusiastic; ardent; dedicated; keen
bagatelle
something of little value or importance; a trifle.
balk
to stop, as at an obstacle, and refuse to proceed or to do something specified (usually followed by )
banal
devoid of freshness or originality; hackneyed; trite
barometer
any instrument that measures atmospheric pressure.
bedlam
a scene or state of wild uproar and confusion.
belligerent
of warlike character; aggressively hostile; bellicose
benevolent
desiring to help others; charitable
bereft
Deprived of or lacking something, esp. a nonmaterial asset: "her room was stark and bereft of color".
besmirch
to soil; tarnish; discolor.
bias
a particular tendency or inclination, especially one that prevents unprejudiced consideration of a question; prejudice.
blase'
very sophisticated especially because of surfeit; versed in the ways of the world; "the blase traveler refers to the ocean he has crossed as `the pond'"; "the benefits of his worldly wisdom"
bona fide
Sincerely; without intention to deceive: "the court will assume that they have acted bona fide".
brigand
hasty; rash; impetuous.
bulwark
any protection against external danger, injury, or annoyance
burgeoned
to grow or develop quickly; flourish
cache
to put in a cache; conceal; hide.
cacophony
a discordant and meaningless mixture of sounds
cajole
to persuade by flattery or promises; wheedle; coax.
callow
immature or inexperienced
calumny
a false and malicious statement designed to injure the reputation of someone or something
canard
a false or baseless, usually derogatory story, report, or rumor.
candid
frank; outspoken; open and sincere
candor
the state or quality of being frank, open, and sincere in speech or expression; candidness
cant
to talk hypocritically.
capitulate
to give up resistance
capricious
Given to sudden and unaccountable changes of mood or behavior.
carnage
the slaughter of a great number of people, as in battle; butchery; massacre.
castigate
to criticize or reprimand severely.
castigations
criticisms or reprimands
caustic
capable of burning, corroding, or destroying living tissue.
celerity
swiftness; speed.
cessation
a temporary or complete stopping; discontinuance
chagrin
Distress or embarrassment at having failed or been humiliated
charisma
the special virtue of an office, function, position, etc., that confers or is thought to confer on the person holding it an unusual ability for leadership, worthiness of veneration, or the like.
charlatan
a person who pretends or claims to have more knowledge or skill than he or she possesses; quack.
chicanery
a quibble or subterfuge used to trick, deceive, or evade.
chimerical
unreal; imaginary; visionary
clique
a small, exclusive group of people; coterie; set.
cogent
Clear, logical, and convincing
coerce
to compel by force, intimidation, or authority, especially without regard for individual desire or volition
cognizant
having cognizance aware (usually followed by )
comely
pleasing in appearance; attractive; fair
commodious
spacious and convenient; roomy
commandant
the commanding officer of a place, group, etc.
compensatory
Reducing or offsetting the unpleasant or unwelcome effects of something - the government is taking compensatory actions to keep the interest rate constant
complacent
pleased, especially with oneself or one's merits, advantages, situation, etc., often without awareness of some potential danger or defect; self-satisfied
concoct
to prepare or make by combining ingredients, especially in cookery
concomitant
A phenomenon that naturally accompanies or follows something
condolence
expression of sympathy with a person who is suffering sorrow, misfortune, or grief.
condone
to disregard or overlook (something illegal, objectionable, or the like).
conducive
Making a certain situation or outcome likely or possible.
confide
to tell in assurance of secrecy
conflagration
a destructive fire, usually an extensive one.
congenial
agreeable, suitable, or pleasing in nature or character
conjecture
An opinion or conclusion formed on the basis of incomplete information.
connubial
Of or relating to marriage or the relationship of husband and wife; conjugal: "their connubial bed".
consternation
a sudden, alarming amazement or dread that results in utter confusion; dismay.
construe
to give the meaning or intention of; explain; interpret.
copious
large in quantity or number; abundant; plentiful
corpulent
large or bulky of body; portly; stout; fat.
corroborate
to make more certain; confirm
coterie
a group of people who associate closely.
countenance
Admit as acceptable or possible
- he was reluctant to countenance the use of force
coup
a highly successful, unexpected stroke, act, or move; a clever action or accomplishment.
covert
concealed; secret; disguised.
criterion
a standard of judgment or criticism; a rule or principle for evaluating or testing something.
cryptic
mysterious in meaning; puzzling; ambiguous
culminate
to reach the highest point, summit, or highest development (usually followed by ).
culpable
deserving blame or censure; blameworthy.
cumulative
formed by or resulting from accumulation or the addition of successive parts or elements.
cupidity
eager or excessive desire, especially to possess something; greed; avarice.
cursory
going rapidly over something, without noticing details; hasty; superficial
curtail
to cut short; cut off a part of; abridge; reduce; diminish.
cynical
a person who believes that only selfishness motivates human actions and who disbelieves in or minimizes selfless acts or disinterested points of view.
dearth
an inadequate supply; scarcity; lack
debacle
a complete collapse or failure.
debilitate
to make weak or feeble; enfeeble
decadence
the act or process of falling into an inferior condition or state; deterioration; decay
declaim
to speak aloud in an oratorical manner; make a formal speech
decorum
dignified propriety of behavior, speech, dress, etc.
defamatory
(of remarks, writing, etc.) Damaging the good reputation of someone; slanderous or libelous
deleterious
harmful; injurious
delineation
The action of describing or portraying something precisely
deluge
a great flood of water; inundation; flood
delve
to carry on intensive and thorough research for data, information, or the like; investigate
demeanor
conduct; behavior; deportment.
demur
Raise doubts or objections or show reluctance
- normally she would have accepted the challenge, but she demurred
deplorable
Deserving strong condemnation
- the deplorable conditions in which most prisoners are held
deprecate
to express earnest disapproval of.
deride
to laugh at in scorn or contempt; scoff or jeer at; mock.
derogatory
tending to lessen the merit or reputation of a person or thing; disparaging; depreciatory
desist
to cease, as from some action or proceeding; stop.
destitution
lack of the means of subsistence; utter poverty.
desultory
lacking in consistency, constancy, or visible order, disconnected; fitful
deterring
Discourage (someone) from doing something, typically by instilling doubt or fear of the consequences
detrimental
Tending to cause harm
dexterity
Skill in performing tasks, esp. with the hands
diatribe
a bitter, sharply abusive denunciation, attack, or criticism
dilettante
A person who cultivates an area of interest, such as the arts, without real commitment or knowledge
diminutive
small; little; tiny
disdain
to look upon or treat with contempt; despise; scorn.
disheveled
untidy; disarranged
disparagement
to speak of or treat slightingly; depreciate; belittle
disparate
distinct in kind; essentially different; dissimilar
disseminate
to scatter or spread widely, as though sowing seed; promulgate extensively; broadcast; disperse
divulgence
to disclose or reveal (something private, secret, or previously unknown).
doddering
to shake; tremble; totter.
doleful
sorrowful; mournful; melancholy
domicile
a place of residence; abode; house or home.
dregs
the least valuable part of anything
dubious
doubtful; marked by or occasioning doubt
dulcet
pleasant to the ear; melodious
dupe
a person who is easily deceived or fooled; gull.
duress
Threats, violence, constraints, or other action brought to bear on someone to do something against their will or better judgment.
edifice
any large, complex system or organization.
efficacious
capable of having the desired result or effect; effective as a means, measure, remedy, etc.
effigy
a crude representation of someone disliked, used for purposes of ridicule.
effrontery
impudent boldness; barefaced audacity
egotistic
given to talking about oneself; vain; boastful; opinionated.
egregious
Outstandingly bad; shocking
elapsing
(of time) to slip or pass by
eliciting
to draw or bring out or forth; educe; evoke
elucidate
to make lucid or clear; throw light upon; explain
elusive
eluding clear perception or complete mental grasp; hard to express or define
emaciated
Abnormally thin or weak, esp. because of illness or a lack of food
- she was so emaciated she could hardly stand
embellishment
to beautify by or as if by ornamentation; ornament; adorn.
eminent
conspicuous, signal, or noteworthy
emissary
an agent sent on a mission of a secret nature, as a spy.
emulating
Match or surpass (a person or achievement), typically by imitation
- lesser men trying to emulate his greatness
encomium
a formal expression of high praise; eulogy
encumbrance
something that encumbers something burdensome, useless, or superfluous; burden; hindrance
engrossed
Having all one's attention or interest absorbed by someone or something
- they seemed to be engrossed in conversation
ennui
a feeling of utter weariness and discontent resulting from satiety or lack of interest; boredom
entourage
A group of people attending or surrounding an important person
- an entourage of bodyguards
entreaty
An earnest or humble request
- the king turned a deaf ear to his entreaties
equanimous
composure: steadiness of mind under stress; "he accepted their problems with composure and she with equanimity"
epithet
a characterizing word or phrase firmly associated with a person or thing and often used in place of an actual name, title, or the like, as
epitomize
to make an epitome of
eradicating
to remove or destroy utterly; extirpate
erudition
The quality of having or showing great knowledge or learning; scholarship
- he writes with great erudition
eschews
to abstain or keep away from; shun; avoid
euphemism
A mild or indirect word or expression substituted for one considered to be too harsh or blunt when referring to something unpleasant or embarrassing
- “downsizing” as a euphemism for cuts
evanescent
vanishing; fading away; fleeting.
eventuate
to have issue; result.
-The H1N1 virus may eventuate a large amount of deaths.
Flash Cards
