SM1002209 Part-1

INTRODUCTION
. The importance of, and the ways of, building Read whatever interests you. If magazines or illustrated
vocabulary - books are your choice, read them, don’t just look at the
photographs. Reading and awareness of words will help
Good vocabulary helps, not only in improved performance you find most of the words you should be learning. It is
in English section of exams such as the GRE, but in also the best way to check on words you have already
greater enjoyment of the language and in effective learned.
communication as well.
When people use a word that puzzles you, ask what it
Building a better vocabulary can be pleasurable. Even 15 means, or write down the word and look it up later, before
minutes a day of concentrated study on a regular basis the context of the word evaporates.
can bring about a rapid improvement in your vocabulary
skills. This will, in turn, increase the effectiveness of your Use a Dictionary:
spoken and written communication. You will also The dictionary should be one of the most often used books
understand others’ ideas better. Overall, you would gain. in your home. Keep it where you can find it readily and
Many of the words you already know were probably use it often. If you do your reading and homework in the
dining room or drawing room and the dictionary is on a
picked up as you came across them while reading, in
shelf in the bedroom, you’re less likely to use it.
conversation, perhaps even while watching television.
You may already know thousands, and you may continue The home dictionary should be large enough to contain
to learn more whether you work at it or not. Consider this, much more than just spellings! It should contain extensive
though – if you learned only one new word a day for the definitions, word origins, notes on usage, and examples.
next three years, you would have about a thousand new Get in to the habit of reading the entire entry for the word
words in your vocabulary, whereas, if you learn ten new you look up. Remember, words can have more than one
words a day, in one year you would have added over three meaning, and the meaning you need for the word you are
looking up may not be the first one given in your dictionary.
thousand words to what you already know, and you would
Even if it is, the other meanings of the word will help you
also have gained a lasting habit of learning and self-
understand the different ways the word is used. Also, the
improvement. word’s “history”, usually given at the end of the entry, can
There are no shortcuts to vocabulary improvement. often give you a fascinating picture of the way the word has
However, as you learn new words, the easier it will be to developed its current meaning. This will add to the pleasure
connect a new word with words you already know, and of learning the word as well as help you remember it.
thus remember its meaning. As such, your learning speed
will increase even as your vocabulary grows.
Use a Thesaurus:
Start referring to a Thesaurus, which carries groups of
Let’s look at the most effective steps you can take. words within overall meaning. Familiarising yourself with
groups of words, by meaning, is an effective method of
Read, and be aware of words: being able to deal with contextual usage of words.
Folks with low vocabulary levels don’t enjoy reading. It’s
probably more of a task than a pleasure because they
Use the Roots-Prefixes-Suffixes method:
don’t understand many of the words. If this applies to you, One of the approaches to vocabulary building is to identify
try reading easier matter. Newspapers are usually easier word ‘parts’ - roots, prefixes, and suffixes – and
than magazines, and a magazine like Reader’s Digest is understand how these parts can go together to form
usually easier to read than, say, The Economist. It’s different words. You will find this approach useful,
important to find things that you would enjoy reading, and because it helps you understand how several words are
to read as often and as much as possible, with the idea of formed (at least half of the words in the English language
learning new words always in mind. are derived from Greek and Latin roots), and this can often
be of help in figuring out a word’s meaning from its
Reading alone may not be enough to help you learn new context.
words. When you read a novel, for instance, you must
Let’s consider the examples of a few familiar
curb the desire to get on with the story and skip over
unfamiliar or perhaps vaguely known words. While the
words:
totally unknown words stand out, you have to be Let’s start with ‘philosophy’. Simply put, ‘phil’ is the Greek
especially aware of words that seem familiar to you but root for ‘love’, while ‘sopho’ is the Greek root for
whose precise meanings you may not know. Take a closer ‘knowledge’. Thus we have ‘love of knowledge’. When we
look at such words. First, try to guess at a word’s meaning come across other words with the same roots, we can
from its context - that is, the sense of the passage in which make a reasonably good assessment of what they could
mean.
it appears; second, if you have a dictionary on hand, look
up the word’s meaning immediately to confirm or correct
We could follow the ‘phil’ connection to ‘philanthropy’.
your understanding. While this may slow down your Since ‘anthrop’ is the root for ‘man’ or ‘humans’, we
reading speed initially, the improved understanding of understand that the word means ‘love of man’ or
each new word will eventually make reading easier and ‘humaneness’. Taking this further, we could consider
faster. (You could follow these steps even with words that ‘anthropology’. Since any ‘ology’ is the set of truths
you come across when you’re listening to the radio, talking obtained through study, we understand that the word
to friends, or watching television.) means the study of mankind. And so on...
Triumphant Institute of Management Education Pvt. Ltd. (T.I.M.E.) HO: 95B, 2nd Floor, Siddamsetty Complex, Secunderabad – 500 003.
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Test yourself with games and puzzles: Refer to vocabulary-building aids (books, etc.). These can
effectively supplement the efforts you make through the
first two steps discussed above. The advantages of such
Try your hand at Boggle and Scrabble, games which are materials are that (i) they present you with words generally
good fun and help you learn and use new words. Try the considered important to know, thus saving you time, (ii)
crosswords in the newspapers, as well. they use the words in several sentences, so that you can
see the words in different contexts, and (iii) they usually
Use the Internet: have exercises that test what you have learned.
Perhaps the most important factor in successful
There are thousands of sites on the Web that help the vocabulary building, however, is self-motivation. A larger
‘vocab’ enthusiast, including many free sites that mail you vocabulary will help you in academics and at work. This is
a word a day, a vocab tip a day, and so on – apart from absolutely true. Believe this, stay keen, and look at adding
those that have tests, puzzles, and word games. to your word bank constantly. Your time could not be
better spent.
ABOUT THIS BOOK
This book is divided into many volumes for your perusal.
The General Word List presents words, meanings of words and usage in sentences. The words are given in alphabetical
order.
There are some more words and their meanings given in the second volume (again in alphabetical order).
The Special Word List is particularly interesting. A wide variety of words has been classified into various categories.
Particularly useful are the Idioms and Phrases, Confusable Words and Collocations which are tested in MBA Entrance
Exams.
The fourth volume deals with Prefixes, Suffixes, Roots and Spellings. Knowing the roots will help you quickly associate
with words having those roots.
This is followed by the fifth volume dealing with Word Groups.
You are advised to go through these volumes by spending some time on a daily basis. Try enjoying the process of learning
new words. You can then attempt the simple tests on synonyms/word usage given in volume - V.
Volumes V and V deal with Vocabulary based Exercises and tests which will enhance your preparation for various
MBA Aptitude tests.
WORD LIST-BEGINNER
This word list presents various words in alphabetical order. Each word is followed by its meaning and a sample
sentence to help you understand its use.
1. ABASE (verb) Usage: During the process of abbreviation

Meaning: to lower in esteem or value sometimes the spirit of narration can go off.
Usage: Do not abase yourself by giving statements 6. ABDICATE (verb)
that can lower your image. Meaning: to give up
Usage: The old king expressed a desire to abdicate
2. ABASH (verb) the throne.
Meaning: embarrass
Usage: I am abashed by public demonstration of love 7. ABDUCTOR (noun)
by couples. Meaning: kidnapper
Usage: With sheer presence of mind he managed to
3. ABATE (verb) break free from his abductors.
Meaning: lessen in intensity 8. ABERRANT (adj)
Usage: You may go out after the storm has abated. Meaning: away from the normal
Usage: He is depressed and that is the root cause of
4. ABBEY (noun) his aberrant behaviour.
Meaning: convent under an abbot or abbess
Usage: He pursued a course in theology at an abbey 9. ABET (verb)
in England. Meaning: encourage especially in doing something
wrong
5. ABBREVIATION (noun) Usage: Abetment of a crime should also be deemed
Meaning: short form a punishable crime.
10. ABEYANCE (noun) 23. ABROGATE (verb)
Meaning: temporarily not happening or being used Meaning: cancel or repeal (a law or an agreement)
Usage: The motion was not immediately okayed; it Usage: The old law needs to be abrogated and an
absolutely new law must take its place.
was kept in abeyance till the CEO’s arrival.
24. ABSCOND (verb)
11. ABEYANCE (noun) Meaning: to leave secretly especially to avoid arrest
Meaning: temporarily not occurring or in use. Usage: The bank robbers are still absconding.
Usage: The project was kept in abeyance due to
paucity of funds. 25. ABSOLUTE (adj)
Meaning: complete or total
12. ABHOR (verb) Usage: Someone has rightly said, “Absolute power
Meaning: hate corrupts absolutely.”
Usage: I abhor jokes that demean women or are
26. ABSOLVE (verb)
racist.
Meaning: free someone from
Usage: The court absolved the officer of all the
13. ABIDE (verb) charges and asked the concerned department to take
Meaning: to stand by. him back into service.
Usage: Being a stickler for punctuality, he cannot abide
people who are perpetually late. 27. ABSTAIN (verb)
Meaning: to keep away from or hold back
14. ABJECT (adj) Usage: I abstained from voting as I felt that none of
Meaning: extremely unpleasant the candidates deserved to be elected for the
Usage: Abject poverty has made some educated prestigious post.
youth also to take up crime as a career.
28. ABSTRACT (adj)
15. ABJURE (verb) Meaning: not concrete; not practical
Meaning: renounce upon oath Usage: His lectures were too abstract for the
Usage: The king abjured the throne and also students who were thirsting for practical inputs.
declared that he would become an ascetic soon.
29. ABSTRUSE (adj)
16. ABLUTION (noun) Meaning: not easy to understand
Meaning: Washing as a matter of religious rite Usage: His abstruse philosophical utterances could
Usage: He used to sing the latest film songs while not be comprehended by the common man.
taking his morning ablutions.
30. ABUNDANCE (noun)
17. ABNEGATE (verb) Meaning: profusion
Meaning: sacrifice, renounce, self-denial Usage: “There is an abundance of talent all around
Usage: He abnegated his place in the team so that the country”, exclaimed the new coach.
his younger brother could get a chance to play.
31. ABUT (verb)
18. ABOLISH (verb) Meaning: to border upon
Meaning: put an end to (a practice or law) Usage: What is disturbing is that a wine shop abuts
Usage: Some educationists feel that at least at the the school.
primary level all examinations must be abolished.
32. ACCEDE (verb)
19. ABORT (verb) Meaning: yield
Meaning: bring to an end Usage: I finally had to accede to my daughter’s
Usage: The attempt to assassinate the diplomat was demand for a computer.
aborted by the armed forces.
33. ACCLAIM (verb)
20. ABOUND (verb) Meaning: greet with loud approval
Meaning: have in large numbers or amounts Usage: Marlon Brando’s fantastic performance in
Usage: Although the earth abounds in natural The Godfather, won him worldwide acclaim.
resources, we must be judicious in using them.
34. ACCOLADES (noun)
Meaning: anything given or done as a sign of
21. ABRASIVE (adj)
appreciation or respect
Meaning: rough in manner Usage: Michael Jordan has won many accolades in
Usage: His abrasive remarks can rattle even the several basketball tournaments for his outstanding
calmest man on earth. performance.
22. ABRIDGED (adj) 35. ACCOMMODATING (adj)

Meaning: Shortened Meaning: ready to make adjustment
Usage: I normally carry the abridged version of my Usage: Although Phillip is a very querulous person, he
favourite dictionary wherever I go. has an accommodating wife.
36. ACCORD (noun & verb) Usage: Dorothy’s adept handling of the situation
Meaning: agreement pleased her boss very much.
Usage: The two warring groups have finally signed
an accord. 49. ADHERE (verb)
Meaning: stick to; be devoted to
37. ACCRUE (verb) Usage: Every citizen of the country must adhere to
Meaning: to increase or grow naturally the laws of the land.
Usage: Since you are late you will now have to pay
the bill along with the interest accrued on it. 50. ADHOC (adj)
Meaning: arranged or happening when necessary
38. ACERBIC (adj) and not planned in advance.
Meaning: sharp (temper, tone, etc) Usage: The government appointed an adhoc
Usage: The mediators got no chance to settle the committee to review the drought situation in the
dispute as the leaders constantly indulged in acerbic southern states.
speeches.
51. ADJOURN (verb)
39. ACME (noun) Meaning: break off (a meeting) until later
Meaning: the highest point Usage: The court adjourned the case.
Usage: The special effects in Star Wars marked the
acme of perfection of cinematic special effects. 52. ADJUDICATE (verb)
Meaning: make a formal judgment on an undecided
40. ACQUIESCE (verb) matter
Meaning: to agree quietly without protest (but also Usage: A senior bureaucrat was appointed as an
without enthusiasm) arbitrator to adjudicate the contentious issue.
Usage: The fond husband acquiesced in buying a
mink coat for his wife.
53. ADMINISTER (verb)
Meaning: manage, dispense
41. ACQUISITIVE (verb)
Usage: She was administered a palliative by the
Meaning: desiring or eager to acquire
doctor, to ease her pain.
Usage: A majority of people in our society are
acquisitive by nature and hold material possessions
in high esteem. 54. ADMONISH (verb)
Meaning: reprimand firmly
42. ACQUITTAL (noun) Usage: The traffic cop admonished the motorist for
Meaning: a setting free as a result of the judgement violating traffic rules.
of a court
Usage: The acquittal of the notorious criminal 55. ADO (noun)
sparked off a controversy. Meaning: without delaying; immediately
Usage: She decided to come to the actual point
43. ACRID (adj) without much ado.
Meaning: pungent
Usage: The acrid smell of ammonium nitrate inflames 56. ADULATION (noun)
my nostrils. Meaning: excessive admiration
Usage: Despite all the popularity and adulation he is
44. ACRIMONIOUS (adj) as modest as he was before.
Meaning: bitter in manner, speech, etc
Usage: An acrimonious battle is being fought at the 57. ADULTERY (noun)
border. Meaning: the state of disloyalty in a marital
relationship.
45. ACUMEN (noun) Usage: She accused her husband of committing
Meaning: the ability to make good judgments and adultery, and appealed to the court for a divorce.
take quick decisions.
Usage: By sheer dint of hard work and sharp
58. ADVENT (noun)
business acumen he rose to the position of a
successful business magnate within a short time. Meaning: arrival
Usage: The advent of new computers made some
46. ADAGE (noun) workers feel that machines would replace them.
Meaning: an old quote accepted as a truth
Usage: I find the adage, ‘A friend in need is a friend 59. ADVERSARY (noun)
indeed’, somewhat ambiguous. Meaning: an opponent or enemy.
Usage: As he is a man of indomitable courage he
47. ADDUCE (verb) remains unvanquished by his adversaries.
Meaning: refer to as evidence
Usage: The argument is adduced with evidences in
60. ADVERSITY (noun)
order to make it more tenable.
Meaning: difficulty, misfortune
48. ADEPT (adj & noun) Usage: She is a level-headed person who maintains
Meaning: very skilful; skilled person her composure even in adversity.
61. AFFABLE (adj) 74. ALTERCATION (noun)
Meaning: good-natured and friendly Meaning: a heated dispute or argument.
Usage: Being an affable and gregarious person she Usage: An altercation ensued between the motorist
made a lot of friends and very soon adjusted herself and the traffic policeman.
to the new atmosphere.
75 AMATEUR (noun)
62. AFFRAY (noun) Meaning: a person who engages in a sport or activity
Meaning: fight or violent behaviour in a public place. as a pastime rather than as a profession.
Usage: A group of students was taken into custody Usage: Although he is an amateur artist his works
by the police for causing an affray at the college show great promise.
campus.
76. AMBIT (noun)
63. AGGRAVATE (verb) Meaning: the range of authority or influence of
Meaning: to worsen something.
Usage: You are aggravating the situation by grieving Usage: The case falls within the ambit of medical
so much over such a petty issue. ethics.
64. AGGRIEVED (adj) 77. AMBIVALENT(adj)
Meaning: resentful because of unfair treatment Meaning: unsure
Usage: Students were aggrieved by the sudden and Usage: Janice has ambivalent reactions about her
unprecedented hike in tuition fees. new job.
65. ALACRITY (noun) 78. AMBUSH (verb)
Meaning: brisk eagerness or enthusiasm Meaning: to make a surprise attack from a hidden
Usage: The party accepted the deal with alacrity. position.
Usage: Naxals ambushed and killed ten policemen
66. ALIBI (noun) who were on patrol duty.
Meaning: an excuse for failure
Usage: The fact that he is quitting the job very soon
79. AMELIORATE (verb)
is a strong alibi for his irresponsible behaviour.
Meaning: make (something) better
Usage: Mahatma Gandhi strived relentlessly to
67. ALIMONY (noun)
ameliorate the lot of the downtrodden sections of
Meaning: financial support for a husband or wife after
society.
separation or divorce.
Usage: The court ordered him to pay a fourth of his
earnings as alimony to his estranged wife. 80. AMITY (noun)
Meaning: a friendly relationship between people or
countries.
68. ALLAY (verb)
Usage: The United Nations was not successful in
Meaning: reduce or end (fear, concern or difficulty) promoting amity between the belligerent nations.
Usage: His reassurances allayed her fears to a large
extent. 81. AMNESIA (noun)
Meaning: loss of memory
69. ALLEGIANCE (noun) Usage: He has been suffering from amnesia ever
Meaning: loyalty to a person of higher status or to a
since he sustained a serious head injury.
group or cause.
Usage: All the team members swore allegiance to the
newly elected chief. 82. AMNESTY (noun & verb)
Meaning: an official pardon for people convicted of
70. ALLEVIATE (verb) political offences
Meaning: ease Usage: The President refused to grant amnesty to
Usage: Is it possible to alleviate the misery of the the convict.
downtrodden when funds are scarce?
83. ANARCHY (noun)
71. ALLIANCE (noun) Meaning: disorder
Meaning: the state of being joined or associated Usage: There was complete anarchy after the
Usage: The rebels formed an alliance with the assassination of the President.
students’ group.
84. ANIMOSITY (noun)
72. ALLURE (noun) Meaning: hatred or strong dislike
Meaning: powerful attractiveness or charm Usage: She does not nurture any rancor or animosity
Usage: We were bewitched by the mystical allure of even against those who tried to malign her.
the idyllic surroundings.
85. ANNALS (noun)
73. ALLUSION (noun) Meaning: a historical record of events year by year
Meaning: indirect reference to something Usage: His acts of bravery, as a commander of the
Usage: Milton’s magnum opus, Paradise Lost, has British Army, made him a legend in the annals of
several allusions to the Bible. military history.
86. ANNIHILATE (verb) Usage: His flawless speech received widespread
Meaning: destroy completely approbation.
Usage: Lethal weapons have the capacity to
annihilate the entire human race. 98. APPROPRIATE (adj)
Meaning: suitable, correct for a particular
87. ANONYMITY (noun) circumstance
Meaning: secrecy Usage: The company is passing through a difficult
Usage: The bureaucrat was willing to speak if he time; this is not the appropriate time to think of
was assured of anonymity. employee welfare.
88. ANTAGONISM (noun) 99. ARBITRARY (adj)

Meaning: feeling of hatred Meaning: based on random choice or impulse
Usage: Such antagonism in sports makes me
Usage: One must avoid taking arbitrary decisions and
question the real purpose of sport itself.
never venture into anything before weighing the
89. ANTECEDENT (adj) pros and cons.
Meaning: going before in time, prior
100. ARDENT (adj)
Usage: The doctor intended to take into account the Meaning: very enthusiastic
antecedents of the disease before starting his Usage: Many youngsters are ardent fans of pop
treatment. icons.
90. ANTIDOTE (noun) 101. ARDOUR (noun)

Meaning: a thing that counteracts something Meaning: very strong feelings of enthusiasm or love
unpleasant Usage: The ardour and the dedication with which he
Usage: It is said that walking is an antidote for all performs the work assigned to him is worthy of
ailments both somatic and psychological. emulation.
91. APATHETIC (adj) 102. ARDUOUS (adj)

Meaning: not interested or enthusiastic Meaning: very difficult and tiring
Usage: Although he had led a very active life in his Usage: After the arduous journey I must have slept
youth, with age and ill health he has now become for about twelve hours.
apathetic and rather senile.
103. ARTLESSNESS (noun)
92. APOTHEOSIS (noun) Meaning: Unpretentiousness
Meaning: the highest point Usage: Her childlike artlessness endeared her to
Usage: Her acting career reached its apotheosis one and all.
when she enacted the role of Helen of Troy.
104. ASCENT (noun)
Meaning: an upward slope
93. APPALLING (adj)
Usage: His ascent to fame and wealth was the
Meaning: something that is so bad or unpleasant result of his diligence and determination.
that it shocks you.
Usage: The social worker was so moved by the 105. ASCETIC (adj)
appalling living conditions of the slum dwellers that Meaning: strictly self-disciplined and avoiding any
he vowed to ameliorate their lot. pleasures or luxuries
Usage: He gave up his opulent life for he now
94. APPENDAGE (noun) preferred to lead an ascetic existence.
Meaning: a thing attached to or projecting from
something larger or more important 106. ASCRIBE (verb)
Usage: The ancient Indian texts, the Upanishads are Meaning: assign, put down to
appendages to the Vedas. Usage: Do not ascribe ulterior motives to children.
95. APPETITE (noun) 107. ASPERSION (noun)

Meaning: hunger, desire Meaning: critical remark about someone’s character
Usage: Her appetite has been impaired after a Usage: Don’t cast aspersions on anyone’s character.
recent bout of illness.
108. ASPIRE (verb)
Meaning: have ambitions
96. APPRISE (verb)
Usage: One must always aspire to reach one’s
Meaning: inform
chosen goal in life.
Usage: Experts of the intelligence department have
apprised the government of a possible terrorist 109. ASSAIL (verb)
attack in the capital. Meaning: to attack violently, either physically or
with words.
97. APPROBATION (noun) Usage: He was assailed by a gang of armed men
Meaning: commendation, official approval when he was on his way home from work.
110. ASSAY (verb & noun) 121. AVAIL (noun & adj)
Meaning: evaluation Meaning: use or benefit
Usage: Abraham Lincoln’s first assay into politics Usage: The doctors left no stone unturned to save
was a disaster.
the patient, but to no avail.
111. ASSIDUOUS (adj) 122. AVENGE (verb)
Meaning: diligent, constant
Meaning: to punish or hurt somebody in return for
Usage: He is an assiduous worker and an asset to
the company. something bad or wrong that they have done for
you, your family or friends.
112. ATHEIST (noun) Usage: She vowed to avenge the condescending
Meaning: doubter treatment meted out to her.
Usage: Though I am not an atheist, yet sometimes,
I am not very sure about the modern day ideas of 123. AVER (verb)
godliness. Meaning: Avow
Usage: The disgruntled patron averred that he
113. ATONEMENT (noun) would never support an upcoming artist in future.
Meaning: amends for a wrong
Usage: Having lived a corrupt and immoral life he 124. AVERSION (noun)
Meaning: dislike
has now turned to spirituality to make atonement for
Usage: I have an aversion for sweetmeats.
the sins he has committed
125. AVERT (verb)
114. ATROPHY (verb & noun) Meaning: turn away, prevent
Meaning: waste away Usage: The alert crew averted a major accident.
Usage: He is suffering from muscular atrophy.
126. AVID (adj)
115. ATTENUATE (verb) Meaning: keenly interested
Meaning: made weak or less effective Usage: Being an avid collector of rare artefacts she
Usage: Antibiotics are administered to a person has an amazing collection of several antique pieces.
suffering from infections in order to attenuate the
bacteria and viruses responsible for causing the 127. AVOW (verb)
infection. Meaning: assert or confess openly
Usage: The Home Minister avowed that there was
116. AUDACITY (noun) no deterioration in the law and order situation in
Meaning: willingness to take bold risks. recent months.
Usage: The Principal was shocked at the audacity
and impudence of some of his students. 128. AWESOME (adj)
Meaning: very impressive or very difficult
117. AUGUST (adj) Usage: The mountaineers were congratulated on
Meaning: inspiring respect and admiration their awesome achievement.
Usage: Although she was initially nervous while
addressing the august gathering, very soon she 129. AWRY (adj)
began to feel at ease and started speaking Meaning: away from the expected course or position
eloquently. Usage: Our plans for the picnic had gone awry
thanks to the unseasonal rains.
118. AUSPICES (noun)
Meaning: with the help, support or protection of 130. BADINAGE (noun)
somebody. Meaning: a humorous or light-hearted conversation
Usage: Several important issues were discussed in that often involves teasing
the symposium which was held under the auspices Usage: He often engaged in friendly badinage with his
of the state government. colleagues in order to lighten the atmosphere.
119. AUSTERE (adj) 131. BALEFUL (adj)

Meaning: lacking comforts, luxuries or decoration. Meaning: causing or threatening to cause harm
Usage: Despite inheriting a huge fortune, he Usage: Intimidated by the thief’s baleful looks, the
continued to live an austere life. travellers handed over their valuables to him without
protest.
120. AUTOCRAT (noun)
Meaning: a ruler who has absolute power; a 132. BALMY (adj)
domineering person Meaning: pleasantly warm
Usage: People rebelled against the autocrat who Usage: It was a balmy and redolent spring morning
had been tyrannizing them for a long time. and the weather was just ideal to go for a picnic.
133. BARE-FACED (adj) Usage: His belligerent nature makes people wary of
Meaning: done openly and without shame. him.
Usage: We were shocked by his bare-faced
audacity. 146. BEMOAN (verb)
Meaning: lament
134. BARRING (prep) Usage: The captain bemoaned that he seldom got
Meaning: except-for, if not for
advice from the coach.
Usage: Barring a few stray incidents of violence the
strife-torn city was more or less peaceful.
147. BENEVOLENT (adj)
135. BAUBLE (noun) Meaning: kind
Meaning: a showy trinket or decoration. Usage: The benevolent king distributed his wealth
Usage: Unlike other young women of her age, Nina among the poor.
is not interested in decking herself up with baubles
or other accessories. 148. BENIGN (adj)
Meaning: cheerful and kindly
136. BEDLAM (noun) Usage: The hostess greeted us with a benign smile.
Meaning: a scene of great confusion and noise.
Usage: The crowd was arrested by the police for 149. BEQUEATH (verb)
causing bedlam at the public place. Meaning: leave
Usage: The old man did not bequeath his wealth to
137. BEDROCK (noun) his wayward sons.
Meaning: the central principles on which something
is based. 150. BERATE (verb)
Usage: Honesty and mutual trust form the bedrock Meaning: to criticize or speak angrily to somebody
of a lasting relationship.
because you do not approve of something they have
138. BEFOGGED (adj) done
Meaning: totally confused. Usage: The master berated the servant for not
Usage: Lack of proper sleep can make a person doing his job properly.
befogged and petulant.
151. BEREFT (adj)
139. BEGRUDGE (verb) Meaning: deprived of, without
Meaning: feel aggrieved about Usage: His statements are bereft of any truth.
Usage: I know he won’t begrudge it if you ask him
for a personal loan.
152. BEWILDERING (adj)
Meaning: difficult to understand
140. BEGUILE (verb)
Meaning: to trick somebody into doing something Usage: The bewildering array of jewellery displayed
especially by being nice to them. in the shop made my choice very difficult.
Usage: He was so beguiled by her charm that he
failed to understand that her intention was to 153. BEWITCHED (verb)
deceive him. Meaning: attracted and delighted by something
Usage: The tourists were bewitched by the idyllic
141. BEHOVE (verb) surroundings and the tranquility of the place.
Meaning: it is right or necessary for somebody to do
something. 154. BICKER (verb)
Usage: It behoves us to call on him when he is sick. Meaning: to argue about unimportant matters.
Usage: The couple were so incompatible that they
142. BELEAGUERED (adj)
Meaning: in difficulties, harassed constantly bickered over trifles.
Usage: Several governmental and voluntary
organisations came forward to offer assistance to 155. BILATERAL (adj)
the beleaguered victims of the tsunami. Meaning: two-sided
Usage: There is an urgent need for bilateral talks
143. BELIE (verb) between India and Pakistan.
Meaning: contradict, give the lie to
Usage: The fond parents’ hopes were belied when 156. BILIOUS (adj)
their son failed in his exams. Meaning: bad-tempered, full of anger.
Usage: Being a thoroughly bilious person, he does
144. BELITTLE (verb) not get along with anyone.
Meaning: disparage
Usage: Belittling children in front of others lowers 157. BLANDISHMENTS (noun)
their confidence. Meaning: flattery intended to persuade or coax
Usage: There are very few children who do not yield
145. BELLIGERENT (adj) to blandishments.
Meaning: aggressive
158. BLASE (adj) Usage: He made a desperate attempt to display his
Meaning: unenthusiastic about bravado in the presence of the girls of his class.
Usage: Over the years he adopted a rather blasé
170. BRAWN (noun)
attitude towards luxury and good life.
Meaning: physical strength as opposed to
intelligence
159. BLINKERED (adj)
Usage: The job was a test of one’s brawn rather
Meaning: cause to have a narrow outlook than of one’s brain.
Usage: A person with a blinkered approach to
things cannot accomplish much in life. 171. BREEZY (adj)
Meaning: having or showing a cheerful and relaxed
160. BLITHE (adj) manner
Meaning: without thought or care. Usage: Although she is generally breezy and
Usage: Many youngsters drive recklessly on the cheerful, today she seems to be unusually sullen.
roads with blithe disregard for the traffic rules.
172. BREVITY (noun)
161. BLUSTERY (adj) Meaning: shortness
Meaning: stormy, swaggering Usage: Brevity is the soul of wit.
Usage: As the night was dark and blustery we
decided to halt at a nearby inn and resume our 173. BRIDLE (verb)
journey the next morning. Meaning: show sudden annoyance.
She bridled at the allegations levelled against her.
162. BOISTEROUS (adj)
174. BRUNT (noun)
Meaning: noisy, lively and high spirited Meaning: the chief impact of something bad.
Usage: It was quite a challenge for the teacher, to Usage: Her family often bore the brunt of her mood
discipline a class of twenty boisterous children. swings and frustrations.
163. BOMBAST (noun) 175. BRUSQUE (adj)

Meaning: high-sounding language with little Meaning: abrupt or offhand
meaning Usage: People resented his brusque manners and
Usage: She kept on bragging about herself lack of decorum.
throughout the journey and the other passengers
could not tolerate her bombast. 176. BULLISH (adj)
Meaning: aggressively confident
164. BONAFIDE (adj) Usage: He was bullish about his chances of winning
Meaning: genuine the election.
Usage: He is a bonafide student of our college.
177. BULWARK (noun)
165. BONHOMIE Meaning: a person or thing that protects or defends
Meaning: geniality something.
Usage: The work environment in the office is Usage: Unity among the people of the nation acts
fantastic. Such bonhomie is a rarity in professional
as a significant bulwark against terrorism.
situations.
178. BUNGLE (verb)
166. BOOMERANG (verb)
Meaning: to do something badly or without skill, to
Meaning: if a plan boomerangs on somebody, it
fail at something.
hurts them instead of the person it was intended to
Usage: The entire job was bungled by a bunch of
hurt. incompetent workers.
Usage: Much to his disappointment his plan to harm
his opponents boomeranged on him. 179. BUOY (verb)
Meaning: to make someone feel happier or more
167. BOYCOTT (verb & noun) confident about a situation.
Meaning: stay away from Usage: Although she had been depressed for quite
Usage: The opposition party decided to boycott the some time, she was buoyed by the company of her
proceedings of the assembly in order to express friends.
their dissidence.
180. BURSARY
168. BRAVADO (noun) Meaning: financial support
Meaning: false show of confidence Usage: Please meet the bursar and collect your
Usage: Such bravado will lower your esteem bursary.
among your friends.
181. BYWORD (noun)
169. BRAVADO (noun) Meaning: a notable example of something.
Meaning: boldness intended to impress or Usage: Most government officials have become the
intimidate byword for venality.
182. CACHET (noun) 195. CAPSIZE (verb)
Meaning: the state of being respected or admired Meaning: (of a boat) overturn in the water
Usage: Few acquisitions can match the cachet of Usage: The weather suddenly turned rough and the
owning a Mercedes Sedan. boat capsized in the choppy sea.
183. CACOPHONY (adj) 196. CAPTIVATE (verb)

Meaning: a harsh mixture of sounds Meaning: enthrall
Usage: The cacophony of vehicular traffic is Usage: The performance of the children captivated
responsible for the sound pollution which is rampant the audience.
in cities.
197. CAPTIVITY (noun)
184. CAGEY (adj) Meaning: imprisonment
Meaning: not frank, secretive Usage: Many great leaders wrote their
Usage: They were cagey about the deal. autobiography in captivity.
185. CALCULATED (adj) 198. CARDINAL (adj & noun)

Meaning: done with awareness of the likely effect. Meaning: most important
Usage: As the share market is highly capricious, Usage: Love for all fellow beings is a cardinal
one is taking a calculated risk by investing in virtue, which is advocated by scriptures of all
shares. religions.
186. CALIBRE (noun) 199. CAREWORN (adj)

Meaning: the quality of a person’s ability Meaning: showing signs of stress or anxiety.
Usage: It is unbecoming of a musician of his calibre Usage: Once a charming young lady, she has
to stoop to such base levels in order to steal the become craggy and careworn over the years.
limelight from his rivals.
200. CARNIVORE (noun)
187. CANDOUR (noun) Meaning: A flesh eating animal.
Meaning: the quality of being open and honest Usage: The tiger is a carnivore
Usage: Candour is a rare quality among politicians.
201. CASCADING (adj)
189. CANNY (adj) Meaning: flow, waterfall
Meaning: careful and showing good judgement Usage: Many a poet has glorified a woman’s
especially in business or politics. lustrous and cascading tresses.
Usage: The canny businessman was ahead of his
peers much to their envy. 202. CATEGORICAL (adj)
Meaning: expressed clearly and in a way that
190. CANOPY (noun)
shows that you are very sure about what you are
Meaning: a roof-like covering or shelter.
saying
Usage: The huge canopy of the hoary banyan tree
Usage: The Minister gave a categorical assurance
offered shelter from the sweltering sun.
that welfare measures would be extended to people
belonging to all sections of the society.
191. CANTANKEROUS (adj)
Meaning: bad-tempered and uncooperative
203. CAUSTIC (adj)
Usage: People prefer to stay away from her as she
Meaning: sarcastic in a hurtful way
is a very cantankerous person.
Usage: The teammates were infuriated by their
chief’s caustic remarks.
192. CANVASS (verb)
Meaning: ask for political support
204. CAVORT (verb)
Usage: He has gone out to canvass for his party.
Meaning: jump or dance around excitedly
193. CAPITULATE (verb) Usage: The children cavorted in the sand and
Meaning: to agree to do something that you have thoroughly enjoyed themselves at the beach.
been refusing to do for a long time
Usage: The hijackers were forced to capitulate 205. CERTITUDE (noun)
when they realised that they were over powered. Meaning: feeling of complete certainty
Usage: It cannot be predicted with certitude that the
194. CAPRICIOUS (adj) judgement will be in our favour.
Meaning: showing sudden changes in attitude or
behaviour 206. CESSATION (noun)
Usage: Most of the characters in Hardy’s novels Meaning: the action or an instance of stopping.
eventually succumb to the capricious workings of Usage: Sometimes there seems to be no cessation
fate. of the evils that have beset the world
207. CHAPERONE (verb) Usage: The reigning chess champion circumvented
Meaning: to act as an escort for someone. every move of his opponents.
Usage: The actress was always chaperoned by a
tall matronly women wherever she went. 220. CITATION (noun)
Meaning: a quotation from or reference to a book or
208. CHARISMATIC (adj) author
Meaning: having an attractiveness or charm that Usage: The speaker made extensive citations to
can inspire admiration or enthusiasm in other Ruskin Bond in his speech which showed his
people admiration for the author.
Usage: Being a charismatic leader he had a
tremendous fan following. 221. CITE (verb)
Meaning: quote
209. CHARY (adj) Usage: During the course of his speech, he cited a
Meaning: cautiously reluctant few verses from the scriptures.
Usage: Having lost a lot of money earlier, he is now
extremely chary of investing in shares. 222. CIVILITY (noun)
Meaning: politeness
210. CHASTISE (verb) Usage: His behaviour is a model lesson in civility.
Meaning: reprimand severely
Usage: He chastised his team for its slipshod 223. CLAMOROUS (adj)
performance. Meaning: noisy
Usage: The clamorous crowd gave him its full
211. CHAUVINIST (noun) support.
Meaning: excessively loyal person
Usage: The chauvinist was booed by the crowd 224. CLANDESTINE (adj)
after his speech. Meaning: kept secret, surreptitious
Usage: The Minister was accused of having
212. CHIDE (verb) clandestine dealings with the underworld.
Meaning: scold or rebuke
Usage: He chided his servant for breaking the tea 225. CLEMENCY (noun)
pot. Meaning: kindness shown to somebody when they
are being punished
213. CHIMERICAL (adj) Usage: The murderer’s plea for clemency was
Meaning: extremely fanciful rejected by the Supreme Court, which had imposed
Usage: His dream of rooting out corruption seems the death sentence on him.
chimerical.
226. CLIQUE (noun)
214. CHINK (noun) Meaning: a small group of people who spend their
Meaning: a narrow opening in something especially time together and do not welcome others into their
one that lets light through. group.
Usage: Daylight entered the room through a chink Usage: The unfriendly clique of male politicians
in the curtains. resented the presence of women in the Parliament.
215. CHRONIC (adj) 227. CLOISTERED (adj)
Meaning: lasting for a long time Meaning: shut away, secluded
Usage: Diabetes is a chronic and debilitating Usage: After retirement, he is leading a cloistered
ailment, which leaves a person weak and life.
emaciated.
216. CHRONICLE (noun) 228. CLOUT (noun)
Meaning: a written record of events in the order in Meaning: influence or power.
which they happened. Usage: Using all his clout in political circles he
Usage: The chronicle of the turbulent times of the managed to clinch the deal.
post war years makes for poignant reading.
229. COALESCE (verb)
217. CHURLISH (adj) Meaning: unite, come together
Meaning: rude or bad-tempered Usage: Some atoms coalesce to from molecules.
Usage: I was rather surprised when a polished
gentleman like him turned down her invitation in 230. COERCED (verb)
such a churlish manner. Meaning: force
Usage: The accused alleged that the police had
218. CIRCUMSPECT (adj) coerced him into giving a confession.
Meaning: cautious
Usage: While driving, it is better to be circumspect 231. COGENT (adj)
than be sorry later. Meaning: strongly and clearly expressed in a way
that people believe.
219. CIRCUMVENT (verb) Usage: The reasons cited by them for not executing
Meaning: avoid the plan do not seem to be cogent.
232. COGNATE (adj) 244. COMPLIANT (adj)
Meaning: similar Meaning: conforming to requirements
Usage: There are many cognate words in English Usage: He is too compliant and finds it difficult to
and Greek. say ‘no’.
245. COMPLICITY (noun)

233. COGNIZANCE (noun)
Meaning: involvement
Meaning: knowledge
Usage: The lawyer claimed that he could prove the
Usage: Keep your boss in full cognizance of the
complicity of the accused in the crime.
prevailing situation.
246. COMPULSION (noun)
234. COLLABORATE (verb) Meaning: pressure forcing someone to do
Meaning: work together with other something
Usage: The young team has decided to collaborate Usage: Although she was reluctant to accept the
with the old task force. proposal, she had to acquiesce out of compulsion.
235. COLLAPSE (verb) 247. CONCEPTION (noun)

Meaning: fall fold; breakdown; lose strength Meaning: beginning, comprehension, idea
suddenly Usage: The peace plan seems to be doomed right
Usage: Law and order collapsed totally during the from the conception stage itself.
bandh called by the opposition.
248. CONCERTED (adj)
236. COLLATERAL (noun & adj) Meaning: jointly arranged or carried out.
Meaning: security Usage: All nations of the world should make a
Usage: Collateral is a must for availing bank loans. concerted effort to curb terrorism.
249. CONCILIATE (verb)

237. COLLOQUIAL (noun & adj)
Meaning: to reconcile bring together
Meaning: informal
Usage: The mediator made a vain attempt to
Usage: I wish the meetings of the society were
conciliate the two groups involved in the conflict.
conducted in a more formal manner. The colloquies
are, at times, taking out the seriousness of the
250. CONCLUSIVE (adj)
issues to be discussed.
Meaning: proving something and allowing no doubt
or uncertainty.
238. COMMUTE (verb)
Usage: There is no conclusive evidence to prove
Meaning: travel regularly by train or bus to and from that he is guilty of committing the offence.
one’s place of work; exchange for something else;
change to one less severe. 251. CONCOCTION (noun)
Usage: The judge commuted the death sentence of Meaning: mixture
the prisoner to life imprisonment. Usage: The heady concoction had an intoxicating
effect on us.
239. COMPASSION (noun) 252. CONDESCENDING (adj)
Meaning: a strong feeling of sympathy for people Meaning: patronizing
who are suffering Usage: The condescending tone of his speech
Usage: All religions of the world advocate irritated even the dignitaries.
compassion for fellow human beings.
253. CONDONE (verb)
240. COMPATRIOT (noun) Meaning: accept or forgive (an offence or wrong
Meaning: fellow citizen doing)
Usage: As a compatriot I have some duties towards Usage: No nation in the world condones terrorism.
others.
254. CONDUIT (noun)
241. COMPETITIVE (adj) Meaning: a person, an organization or a country
Meaning: involving competition that is used to pass things or information to other
Usage: In this increasingly competitive world one people or places.
must be thoroughly competent and skilled in order Usage: He was accused of acting as a conduit
to stay in the race. between the politicians and the underworld.
242. COMPLACENT (adj) 255. CONFISCATE (verb)

Meaning: too satisfied with yourself or with a Meaning: take or seize with authority
situation (usually disapproving) Usage: The police confiscated his assets when the
Usage: In the current competitive scenario no one charges of corruption levelled against him were
can afford to be complacent. proved judicially.
243. COMPLAISANT (adj) 256. CONFORM (verb)

Meaning: willing to please others or to accept their Meaning: comply with, abide by
behaviour without protest Usage: The traffic police has issued a warning that
Usage: People always take advantage of her punitive action will be taken against those who fail
complaisant nature. to conform to safety rules.
257. CONFOUND (verb) 270. CONTAGION (noun)
Meaning: surprise or bewilder Meaning: a means of transmission.
Usage: The public prosecutor objected to the Usage: The unhygienic ghettoes were a breeding
defence lawyer's deliberate attempt to confound the ground for every kind of contagion.
witness. 271. CONTEMPLATION (noun)
Meaning: attentive viewing or consideration
258. CONGENITAL (adj) Usage: Most often he seems to be lost in
Meaning: present at birth, habitual contemplation.
Usage: Congenital anomalies are often attributed to
consanguineous marriages. 272 CONTEMPORARY (adj)
Meaning: modern, of that period
259. CONGREGATE (verb) Usage: In the contemporary world advertisements
Meaning: gather into a crowd or mass can create an image around boring personalities
Usage: All his friends and relatives congregated at too.
the airport to bid him adieu when he was going
abroad to pursue higher studies. 273. CONTENTIOUS (adj)
Meaning: controversial
Usage: The contentious issue needs to be properly
260. CONGRESS (noun)
discussed.
Meaning: a formal meeting of delegates for
discussion 274. CONTINGENT (adj)
Usage: The Congress decided to support Meaning: dependent
globalisation. Usage: My tour to Denver is contingent upon the
sanction of my leave.
261. CONJECTURE (noun)
Meaning: guess, surmise 275. CONTRAVENE (verb)
Usage: It is my conjecture that he is not guilty. Meaning: break
Usage: Criminals contravening the provisions of the
262 CONJUGAL (adj) constitution do not make to the headlines of
Meaning: marital newspapers these days.
Usage: The young couple are enjoying their
conjugal bliss. 276. CONUNDRUM (noun)
Meaning: a confusing and difficult problem or
263. CONNOTE (verb) question
Meaning: suggest Usage: The conundrum about the existence of life
Usage: It is a misconception that showing emotion after death defies all explanation.
and being demonstrative connotes weakness.
277. CONVENE (verb)
264. CONSCIENTIOUS (adj) Meaning: call together
Meaning: taking care to do things carefully and Usage: The chief convened an urgent review
correctly meeting.
Usage: As a conscientious teacher Shobana could
not be a silent witness to mass copying. 278. CONVICT (verb)
Meaning: declare to be guilty of a criminal offence
265. CONSENSUS (noun) by the verdict of a jury or the decision of a judge in
Meaning: agreement a court of law.
Usage: After prolonged discussion a consensus Usage: He was convicted of the crime as there was
has emerged among the party men now. enough evidence against him.
266. CONSONANCE (noun) 279. CONVIVIAL (adj)

Meaning: agreement or compatibility Meaning: welcoming
Usage: Consonance among all the members of a Usage: He thanked the convivial crowd for giving
team, leads to a better performance. him such a warm welcome.
267. CONSTRUCTIVE (adj) 280. CORPORAL (adj)

Meaning: serving a useful purpose Meaning: physical
Usage: He is always open to constructive criticism. Usage: Central schools have imposed a total ban
on corporal punishments.
268. CONSTRUE (verb)
281. CORROBORATION (verb)
Meaning: be interpreted in a particular way
Meaning: validation
Usage: I construed his silence for acceptance and
Usage: The witness’ statement corroborated the
went ahead with my plan.
evidence, which the police already had.
269. CONSUMMATE (verb & adj) 282. COSMETIC (adj)
Meaning: showing great skill and flair Meaning: involving or producing an apparent or
Usage: The teacher showed consummate skill in superficial concession, improvement etc without any
handling the difficult situation. real substance to it.
Usage: Except for a few cosmetic changes nothing Usage: The music at the New Year Party hit a
significant has been done to improve the situation. crescendo at midnight.
283. COSMOPOLITAN (noun & adj) 296. CRESCENT (adj)

Meaning: consisting of people from different Meaning: the curved sickle shape of the waxing or
countries waning moon; a curved street of houses
Usage: Since he studied at various places he is now Usage: The crescent of the moon has caught the
a true cosmopolitan. attention of many a poet.
284. COSSET (verb) 297. CRITICAL (adj)

Meaning: care for and protect in an excessively Meaning: of or at a crisis
soft-hearted way Usage: The patient’s condition is critical.
Usage: As he was cossetted and pampered by his
doting parents, he turned out to be a spoilt brat. 298. CRUDITY (noun)
Meaning: something which lacks refinement.
285. COTERIE (noun) Usage: Such crudity is unbecoming of a
Meaning: an exclusive group of people with shared descendant of an illustrious blue-blooded family.
interests or tastes.
Usage: The coterie of henchmen is said to have 299. CRYPTIC (adj)
influenced the minister in a lot of underhand Meaning: mysterious or obscure in meaning.
dealings. Usage: His cryptic reply to my query left me totally
flummoxed.
286. COURSE (noun)
Meaning: a direction taken or intended
300. CULPABLE (adj)
Usage: The golf course was full of pot holes.
Meaning: guilty, liable to blame, responsible
287. COURTESY (noun) Usage: Though he accidentally knocked down and
Meaning: polite and considerate behaviour. killed the skater yet he is guilty of culpable homicide
Usage: He was a thorough gentleman who treated not amounting to murder.
everyone with utmost courtesy.
301. CULT (noun)
288. COURTLY (adj) Meaning: something popular or fashionable among
Meaning: very dignified and polite a particular group of people.
Usage: He charmed everyone with his courtly Usage: Art of living, initiated by Sri Sri Ravishankar
deportment.
has now become a cult among many Indians.
289. COVERT (adj)
302. CULTIVATED (adj)
Meaning: secret or hidden, making it to difficult to
Meaning: having a high level of education and
notice
showing good manners.
Usage: In a covert operation the terrorists blew up
Usage: She was a graceful, cultivated woman who
a police outpost.
was well liked by everyone.
290. COYNESS (noun)
303. CURRENT (adj)
Meaning: pretending to be shy or modest.
Meaning: present, flow
Usage: I found her coyness and affected manners
Usage: The current financial position of the
rather disgusting.
company is not sound.
291. CRASS (adj)
304. CURSORY (adj)
Meaning: very thoughtless and stupid
Usage: He often parries the crass questions posed Meaning: fleeting, casual, hastily done
by his wife as they are vexatious. Usage: One cursory glance at the newspaper is
enough for a professional to separate the wheat
292. CRAVEN (adj) from the chaff.
Meaning: lacking courage. 305. CYNOSURE (noun)
Usage: The craven subjects meekly obeyed the Meaning: anything that strongly attracts attention or
diktats of the monarch. admiration.
Usage: The gorgeously dressed woman was the
293. CREDIBILITY (noun) cynosure of all eyes at the party.
Meaning: belief
Usage: No one can question Jane’s credibility. 306. DAPPER (adj)
Meaning: (of a man) neat in dress and appearance
Usage: The dapper youngman, charmed everyone
294. CREDULOUS (adj)
at the party with his impeccable manners.
Meaning: gullible
Usage: I wonder how such credulous people 307. DAREDEVIL (adj)
survive in modern times. Meaning: physically dangerous and requiring
courage.
295. CRESCENDO (noun) Usage: We watched the acrobat’s daredevil stunts
Meaning: gradually becoming louder with bated breath.
308. DAUNT (verb) Usage: The bureaucrat announced his decision to
Meaning: cause to feel nervous or discouraged. sue the newspaper for publishing defamatory
Usage: The intrepid traveller was not daunted by remarks against him.
the hardships involved in the long and arduous
journey. 321. DEFECTION (noun)
Meaning: the act of abandoning one’s country or
309. DEBACLE (noun) cause in favour of an opposing one.
Meaning: a complete failure or disaster Usage: The defection of a big chunk of MLAs to the
Usage: Although his maiden attempt at directing a ruling party came as a big blow to the opposition.
film was a sheer debacle, he gradually became a
director of repute. 322. DEFUNCT (adj)
Meaning: no longer in existence
310. DEBILITATE (verb)
Usage: The abacus is more or less defunct these
Meaning: enfeeble, enervate
days.
Usage: A bout of viral fever has left me debilitated.
311. DECAPITATE 323. DEFUSE (verb)

Meaning: to behead. Meaning: to stop a possibly dangerous or difficult
Usage: The notorious criminal was decapitated. situation from developing especially by making
people less angry or nervous.
312. DECIMATE (verb) Usage: She tried to defuse the highly charged
Meaning: destroy a large proportion of atmosphere in the room by cracking jokes.
Usage: More people are decimated on the roads of
Delhi than in a war. 324. DEGENERATE (adj)
Meaning: having neglected the high qualities of
313. DECLAIM (verb) mankind.
Meaning: to express something with strong feeling, Usage: The doctor was shocked to find the
especially in a loud voice or with forceful language. degenerate attitude prevalent among some of his
Usage: The writer declaimed against the evils of colleagues.
terrorism.
325. DEGRADED (adj)
314. DECOROUS (adj) Meaning: not worthy of any respect
Meaning: behaving politely and in a controlled way. Usage: The world’s natural environment has been
Usage: He was a thorough gentleman who always degraded to such an extent that there seems to be
behaved in a decorous way. little hope for humanity.
315. DECOY (noun) 326. DEIFY (verb)

Meaning: a person or thing used to mislead or lure Meaning: making into or worship as a god.
someone into a trap. Usage: Illiterate people, particularly in rural India,
Usage: The enemy troops planted a decoy to divert deify politicians and film stars and build temples in
the attention of their rivals. their name.
316. DECAY (noun) 327. DELIBERATION (noun)

Meaning: to cause or undergo decomposition. Meaning: the process of carefully considering or
Usage: Excessive consumption of sweets leads to discussing something.
tooth decay in children. Usage: He gave his consent after a lot of
deliberation.
317. DECRY (verb)
Meaning: express strong disapproval 328. DELIMIT (verb)
Usage: The minister strongly decried the lack of Meaning: to make or describe the limits of
proper rehabilitation programmes for the victims of something.
the earthquake. Usage: The powers given to the bureaucrats are
delimited by the respective ministries.
318. DEDUCE (verb)
Meaning: arrive at (an opinion) by reasoning. 329. DELUGE (noun)
Usage: I could deduce from his silence that he is Meaning: torrential rain
not in favour of the decision. Usage: There was a deluge of people for the tickets
for the one-day international.
319. DEFACE (verb)
Meaning: spoil the appearance of 330. DEMENTED (adj)
Usage: Vandals defaced the great leader’s statue. Meaning: behaving in a crazy way because of being
extremely upset or worried
320. DEFAMATORY (adj) Usage: She was nearly demented with worry and
Meaning: spoiling the good reputation ran from pillar to post to trace her lost child.
331. DEMUR (noun) 343. DESPERADO (noun)
Meaning: the action of raising objections Meaning: a desperate or reckless criminal.
Usage: They accepted the treatment meted out to Usage: The police managed to capture the fugitive
them, by their superiors, without demur. desperado when he surfaced from his hide out last
week.
332. DEMURE (adj)
Meaning: shy 344. DESPERATE (adj)
Usage: The renowned actress played the role of a Meaning: causing or involving anxiety
demure bride, to perfection. Usage: As he is getting older the actor seems to be
desperate to get as many roles as possible.
333. DENIGRATE (verb)
Meaning: to say that someone or something is not 345. DESPICABLE (adj)
good or important Meaning: very unpleasant or bad, causing strong
Usage: The author of the novel was castigated feelings of dislike.
because he denigrated the beliefs of a particular Usage: All nations of the world denounced the
religious group. terrorist attack as the most despicable of human
crimes.
334. DEPICT (verb)
Meaning: to represent or show something in a
346. DESTINY (noun)
picture or story.
Meaning: the events that will happen to a person,
Usage: In his novels Thomas Hardy depicts man as
seen as impossible to be changed
a victim of the vagaries of fate.
Usage: Escaping unhurt, despite being in the jaws
335 DEPLETING (adj) of death after encountering a ghastly accident, is
Meaning: reduce in quantity or numbers sheer destiny.
Usage: Environmentalists are concerned about the
depleting ground water level. 347. DESULTORY (adj)
Meaning: aimless
336. DEPLORABLE (adj) Usage: He is weak at studies mainly because his
Meaning: very bad and unacceptable, often in a reading habits are desultory.
way that shocks people.
Usage: The principal severely rebuked the students 348. DETENTION (noun)
for their deplorable behaviour and warned them to Meaning: custody
mend their ways. Usage: Many freedom fighters wrote their
autobiographies during the period of their detention.
337. DEPRECATE (verb)
Meaning: to feel and express strong disapproval of 349. DETER (verb)
something Meaning: discourage from doing something
Usage: The opposition deprecated the decision through fear of the consequences
taken by the ruling party claiming that it was Usage: The exorbitant price of branded clothes
detrimental to the interest of the nation. does not deter the fashion conscious youth of today.
338. DERIDE (verb) 350. DETEST (verb)

Meaning: ridicule Meaning: hate
Usage: Deriding the suggestions made by Usage: I detest people who tell lies.
youngsters is bound to discourage them.
351. DETRIMENTAL (adj)
339. DEROGATORY (adj)
Meaning: disparaging Meaning: causing harm or damage
Usage: Politicians using derogatory comments Usage: Medical practitioners, across the world, aver
against their adversaries is a very common that a sedentary lifestyle is detrimental to one’s
phenomenon. health.
340. DESECRATE (verb) 352. DEVIOUS (adj)

Meaning: damage, despoil Meaning: skilful in using underhand tactics
Usage: The invaders desecrated the holy shrines. Usage: The venal politician amassed a lot of wealth
through devious means.
341. DESIDERATUM (noun)
Meaning: something that is needed or wanted. 353. DEVOUR (verb)
Usage: Punctuality is a desideratum for the smooth Meaning: eat greedily, overwhelm
functioning of any organization. Usage: He devours books by the dozen.
342. DESIST (verb) 354. DEVOUT (adj)

Meaning: to stop doing something. Meaning: deeply religious
Usage: As he is hypertensive, he was advised to Usage: She was a devout and God fearing person
desist from smoking. who never swayed from the path of righteousness.
355. DICTION (noun) 368. DISCRETIONARY (adj)
Meaning: pronunciation, language Meaning: decided according to the judgement of a
Usage: He could be a good orator if he improves his person in authority about what is necessary in each
diction. particular situation.
Usage: The employees may be eligible for a
356. DICTUM (noun) discretionary bonus.
Meaning: a formal statement from an authoritative
source 369. DISCRIMINATE (verb)
Usage: He fimly believed in the dictum, ‘Neither a Meaning: make a distinction (between)
borrower nor a lender be’. Usage: Death does not discriminate between the
rich or poor, old or new, man or woman.
357. DIDACTIC (adj)
Meaning: intended to teach or give moral
370. DISDAIN (verb)
instruction
Meaning: to think that something or someone is not
Usage: Didactic literature does not appeal to a
good enough to gain your respect or attention.
majority of today’s youth.
Usage: Being an overly haughty person, he
358. DIFFIDENCE (noun) disdained her advice.
Meaning: shyness
Usage: She gradually overcame her initial 371. DISMEMBER (verb)
diffidence and began to feel at home in the new Meaning: to cut or tear the dead body of a person
surroundings. or an animal into pieces.
Usage: In the name of rituals people in primitive
359. DILATORY (adj) societies used to dismember animals and humans.
Meaning: slow to act
Usage: The government was criticized, by the 372. DISPARATE (adj)
opposition, for its dilatory approach in providing Meaning: (of two or more things) different in every
relief measures to the flood ravaged villages. way.
Usage: The nature of the two jobs were so disparate
360. DIMUNITIVE (adj) that she found it hard to adapt from one to the other.
Meaning: extremely or unusually small.
Usage: The petite young lady was a diminutive
373. DISPASSIONATE (adj)
figure beside her burly husband.
Meaning: not influenced by strong emotion
361. DIRE (adj) Usage: Despite being struck by a grave tragedy she
Meaning: extremely serious or urgent. remained dispassionate and took things in her stride
Usage: His untimely death left his family in dire in a highly practical manner.
straits.
374. DISPENSE (verb)
362. DISBURSEMENT (noun) Meaning: give out
Meaning: pay out (money from a fund) Usage: It is alarming to note that criminals are
Usage: The philanthropic trust, which is involved in holding parallel courts and dispensing justice.
the disbursement of funds for charitable activities,
was extolled by people. 375. DISQUIET (noun)
Meaning: unrest
363. DISCERN (verb) Usage: There was a lot of disquiet among the
Meaning: recognize or be aware of technical people about the launch of the new
Usage: I could discern a tinge of sarcasm in his product.
tone.
364. DISCORD (noun) 376. DISSEMBLE (verb)
Meaning: lack of agreement or harmony Meaning: hedge
Usage: The couple decided to opt for a divorce Usage: She is an upright individual not prone to
because of marital discord. dissemble.
365. DISCOURSE (noun) 377. DISSEMINATE (verb)

Meaning: written or spoken communication or Meaning: distribute
debate. Usage: The purpose of teaching is not merely to
Usage: The spiritual discourse aroused the disseminate information but to instil a love for
philosopher in me. learning.
366. DISCREET (adj)
378. DISSENT (noun)
Meaning: careful not to attract attention or give
Meaning: lack of agreement
offence
Usage: Dissent within the members of the political
Usage: They made a few discreet enquiries before
party led to its devastating fall.
clinching the deal.
367. DISCRETE (adj) 379. DISSIPATE (verb)
Meaning: individually separate and distinct Meaning: waste (money, energy or resources)
Usage: Although they look similar they are as Usage: Having dissipated all his ancestral
discrete as chalk and cheese. inheritance, he is now a bankrupt.
380. DISSOLUTE (adj) 393. DRABNESS (noun)
Meaning: degenerate (lacking moral restraint or Meaning: The state of being dull and uninteresting.
discipline) Usage: Being an adventure loving person she
Usage: His dissolute behaviour shocked all his resented the drabness of her life and craved to do
acquaintances. something exciting.
381. DISSONANCE (noun) 394. DRACONIAN (adj)

Meaning: discord Meaning: harsh
Usage: The dissonance at the meeting makes me Usage: POTA is considered to be a draconian law
feel that we are not heading towards peace. by some people.
382. DISTEND (verb) 395. DREARY (adj)

Meaning: swell Meaning: bleak and depressing
Usage: The belly of this child has distended Usage: Having led a very active life while in service,
because of malnutrition. he now finds his retired life dreary and monotonous.
383. DISTORT (verb) 396. DULCET (adj)
Meaning: deform, misrepresent Meaning: sweet and soothing
Usage: Politicians distorting facts to suit their needs Usage: The bawling baby calmed down as soon as
is no news now a days. she heard her mother’s dulcet voice.
384. DITHER (verb)
397. DUMBFOUNDED (adj)
Meaning: a state of agitation or indecision
Meaning: greatly astonished
Usage: Do not waste your time in dithering lest the
Usage: I was completely dumbfounded for a couple
opportunity should slip out of your hands.
of minutes when I was declared the winner.
385. DIVERTED (verb)
398. DUN (verb)
Meaning: redirect, entertain, distract
Meaning: to pressurize
Usage: The traffic was diverted as a new flyover
Usage: Credit card agents constantly dun
was being constructed.
customers for payment.
386. DIVEST (verb)
399. DURESS (noun)
Meaning: strip
Meaning: threats or violence used to force a person
Usage: The Minister was divested of all powers.
to do something
Usage: The witness was forced to sign the
387. DOCTRINAIRE (adj)
document under duress.
Meaning: very strict in applying beliefs or principles.
Usage: Although people respect him for his
400. EARMARK (verb)
knowledge and intelligence, most resent his
Meaning: be chosen for a particular purpose
doctrinaire attitude.
Usage: The central government has earmarked 55
crore towards developmental activities.
388. DOGGED (adj)
Meaning: showing determination, not giving up easily
401. EBULLIENT (adj)
Usage: Despite the obstacles which came his way
Meaning: cheerful and full of energy
he pursued his goal with dogged tenacity and
Usage: The idea of going on a long holiday to his
emerged successful.
favourite destination put him in an ebullient mood.
389. DOLEFUL (adj)
Meaning: sad or depressing 402. ECLECTIC (adj)
Usage: A doleful atmosphere prevailed across the Meaning: not following one style or a set of ideas
nation when the news of the President’s death but choosing from or using a wide variety.
spread like wildfire. Usage: Besides being a well read person with
eclectic tastes in literature he is also an acclaimed
390. DOSSIER (noun) orator.
Meaning: a set of documents relating to a person,
event or case. 403. ECSTATIC (adj.)
Usage: His name figures prominently in the criminal Meaning: feeling or showing great enthusiasm
dossier. Usage: The musician received an ecstatic applause
from the audience.
391. DOUR (adj)
Meaning: very severe or stern 404. EDICT (noun)
Usage: The new teacher who looked dour and Meaning: an official order or statement given by
sullen failed to make a favourable impression on her somebody
students. Usage: A government edict cannot be violated.
392. DOVETAIL (verb) 405. EFFUSIVE (adj.)

Meaning: fit together easily or conveniently. Meaning: expressing emotion in an unrestrained way
Usage: His tastes and interests dovetailed well with Usage: The agitated man was very effusive in his
that of his spouse. speech.
406. EFFACE (verb) 419. EMINENT (adj)
Meaning: rub off (a mark) from a surface. Meaning: famous
Usage: Post independence, the country was trying Usage: The eminent writer will be honoured next
to efface the unpleasant memories of British rule. month.
407. EGOCENTRIC (adj) 420. EMISSARY (noun)

Meaning: selfish Meaning: representative
Usage: After interpreting Hitler’s suicide note, Usage: The finance minister was sent as the PM’s
experts concluded that he was egocentric. special emissary to the GATT conference.
408. EGREGIOUS (adj) 421. EMOTIVE (adj)

Meaning: outstandingly bad or shocking Meaning: causing people to feel strong emotions
Usage: Such an egregious blunder could only be Usage: Euthanasia is a highly emotive issue.
committed by a computer.
422. EMPATHIZE (verb)
Meaning: be in sympathy with
409. EGRESS (noun)
Usage: The heroine of the novel Tess of the
Meaning: exit
Durbevilles is made to experience such poignant
Usage: Forgive me for the transgression but I would
situations that we can’t help empathizing with her.
like to show the egress to all these lawmakers.
423. EMPHATIC (adj)
410. ELAN (noun) Meaning: done or said in a strong way and without
Meaning: showing great enthusiasm and energy, any doubt.
style and confidence Usage: The principal was emphatic about the
Usage: The elegant young woman could carry off importance of punctuality and the adherence to
any type of dress with élan rules and regulations of the institution.
411. ELICIT (verb) 424. ENCUMBER (verb)
Meaning: to make out Meaning: burden, get in the way
Usage: The police managed to elicit vital Usage: Children should not be encumbered with a
information from the criminal. lot of homework.
412. ELOQUENT (adj) 425. ENDANGER (adj)

Meaning: fluent or persuasive in speaking or writing Meaning: exposed to danger
Usage: Since he is an eloquent speaker people Usage: Endangered species of birds and animals
listen to him with rapt attention. should be saved from becoming extinct.
426. ENDEAVOUR (noun)
413. ELUCIDATE (verb)
Meaning: a serious effort to achieve something.
Meaning: make clear, explain
Usage: He was on cloud nine when his maiden
Usage: Since his theory was abstruse he elucidated
endeavour at directing a film was a phenomenal
it to the gathering.
success.
414. EMANCIPATE (verb) 427. ENDURANCE (noun)
Meaning: free from legal social or political Meaning: the fact or power of enduring something
restrictions painful and long-lasting.
Usage: Abraham Lincoln was instrumental in Usage: The movie was so absurd that sitting
emancipating the slaves of America. through it, was a test of one’s endurance.
415. EMBARK (verb) 428. ENHANCE (verb)

Meaning: begin (a new project or course of action) Meaning: increase the quality, value, or extent of
Usage: We decided to survey the market before Usage: Reading contributes a great deal to
embarking on the project. enhance one’s knowledge and wisdom.
429. ENNUI (noun)
416. EMBELLISH (verb) Meaning: listlessness and dissatisfaction arising
Meaning: make more attractive from boredom.
Usage: Since time immemorial women have liked to Usage: Having nothing constructive to do we were
embellish themselves with jewellery. overcome by ennui.
430. ENSHRINE (verb)
417. EMBEZZLE (verb) Meaning: preserve (a right, tradition, or idea) in a
Meaning: misappropriate form that ensures it will be respected.
Usage: He was dismissed from service, when he Usage: The right to individual liberty is enshrined in
was found guilty of embezzling official funds. the constitution of India.
418. EMBODIMENT (noun) 431. ENTHRALLING (adj)
Meaning: a person or thing that represents or is a Meaning: holding someone’s attention
typical example of an idea or a quality. Usage: The musician’s enthralling performance
Usage: Mother Teresa was an embodiment of love was acknowledged with a standing ovation by the
and compassion. audience.
432. ENTICE (verb) 445. EULOGY (noun)
Meaning: attract, beguile Meaning: a speech or writing in praise, a funeral
Usage: The abductors enticed the children with oration.
some chocolates. Usage: Many a poet has sung eulogies in praise of
the dead king.
433. ENTWINE (verb)
Meaning: to twist or wind something around 446. EUPHEMISTIC (adj)
something else. Meaning: using less direct words instead of those
Usage: The creeper entwined itself to the bark of which are harsh and blunt.
the tree. Usage: “Vertically challenged” is a euphemistic
term to refer to short people.
434. EPITHET (noun)
Meaning: a word or phrase used to describe the 447. EUPHORIA (noun)
most important quality of a person or thing Meaning: a feeling of great happiness
Usage: His tyrannical behaviour earned him the Usage: The initial euphoria of winning the election
epithet, Hitler. gradually waned and the elected representatives
435. EPITOME (noun) got back to their respective duties.
Meaning: essence 448. EVASIVE (adj)
Usage: She is an epitome of good manners Meaning: elusive
because of her excellent upbringing. Usage: The seasoned politician kept giving evasive
436. EQUANIMITY (noun) answers to all the controversial questions.
Meaning: calmness and evenness of temper 449. EVIDENCE (noun)
Usage: She maintains her equanimity even during Meaning: proof, indication, show
the most trying circumstances. Usage: The judge felt that the appeal was not
437. EQUIVOCAL (adj) backed up by sufficient evidence.
Meaning: 450. EVINCE (verb)
Usage: Clever politicians deliberately give Meaning: to make obvious or show clearly.
equivocal statements. Usage: Throughout her student life she evinced keen
438. EROSION (noun) interest in improving her academic knowledge.
Meaning: gradual wearing away 451. EVOKE (verb)
Usage: Indiscriminate felling of trees leads to soil Meaning: call to mind
erosion which in turn has a detrimental effect on the Usage: Susan’s antics evoke images of my
fertility of the soil. childhood.
439. ERRANT (adj)
452. EVOLVE (verb)
Meaning: straying from the accepted course or
Meaning: develop gradually
standards
Usage: People were highly superstitious and
Usage: The Principal warned the boisterous
puritanical during the medieval ages but over the
students of punitive action if they did not mend their
years the human race has gradually evolved into a
errant behaviour.
more rational species.
440. ERUDITE (adj)
Meaning: learned 453. EXACERBATE (verb)
Usage: His erudite statements left the common man Meaning: make worse
totally confused. Usage: His weak physical health was exacerbated
by the dank and inclement weather.
441. ESPOUSE (verb)
Meaning: adopt or support 454. EXALTED (adj)
Usage: Ardent feminists who espoused the cause of Meaning: at a high level
women’s liberation were instrumental in elevating the Usage: He rose to the exalted position of the
position of women in a male chauvinistic society. president by working very hard.
442. ETCH (verb) 455. EXCULPATE (verb)

Meaning: cut (a text or a design) on a surface. Meaning: show / declare to be not guilty of
Usage: The glass panels of the windows were wrongdoing.
etched with beautiful designs. Usage: The accused was exculpated by the court
when the accusations levelled against him were
443. ETHOS (noun) proved to be false.
Meaning: the moral ideas and attitudes that belong
to a particular group or society 456. EXHORTATION (noun)
Usage: The ethos of the organisation is to deliver Meaning: the act of speaking strongly and earnestly
quality service to the people. Usage: The leader's exhortation roused the team
members into action.
444. ETIQUETTE (noun)
Meaning: the code of polite behaviour in a society. 457. EXIGENT (adj)
Usage: It is unbecoming of a person of his calibre to Meaning: pressing
breach the rules of professional etiquette in such a Usage: Terrorism is an exigent international
blatant manner. problem which needs to be tackled expeditiously.
458. EXONERATE (verb) 471. FABLED (adj)
Meaning: clear Meaning: famous
Usage: After a thorough investigation he was Usage: Visiting the fabled city of Rome, during my
exonerated from the charges levelled against him. holiday in Europe last year, was a dream come true
for me.
459. EXPEDITIOUS (adj)
Meaning: quick and efficient. 472. FACETIOUS (adj)
Usage: The Chief Minister ordered expeditious Meaning: treating serious issues with inappropriate
action to be taken against the errant officials. humour
Usage: The facetious remarks made by some men
460. EXPONENT (noun) on women’s day was met with the scorn which it
Meaning: a promoter of an idea or theory rightly deserved.
Usage: Shankaracharya was an exponent of the
Advaita philosophy. 473. FACTUAL (adj)
Meaning: based on or concerned with facts or facts.
461. EXPULSION (noun) Usage: He was not aware of the factual errors in his
Meaning: the act of expelling, banishment essay until they were pointed out.
Usage: The Minister had to face expulsion from the
party when his alleged involvement in the scandal 474. FALLACIOUS (adj)
was proved judicially. Meaning: based on a mistaken belief
Usage: The critics felt that the Finance Minister’s
462. EXPUNGE (verb) argument was fallacious.
Meaning: remove completely
475. FALLIBLE (adj)
Usage: She made an earnest attempt to expunge
Meaning: prone to mistakes
the unpleasant memories of the past and begin life
Usage: Human beings are fallible.
afresh.
476. FALLOW (adj)
463. EXQUISITE (adj)
Meaning: when nothing is created or produced, not
Meaning: very beautiful and delicate, highly refined
successful
Usage: The rare artefacts in the museum spoke
Usage: After a fallow period, trading in the country is
volumes about the exquisite craftsmanship of the
gradually picking up momentum.
artists of a bygone era.
477. FAMISHED (adj)
464. EXTEMPORIZE (verb)
Meaning: very hungry.
Meaning: to speak or perform without advance
Usage: We were famished and exhausted after the
preparation or thought
long and arduous journey.
Usage: Despite extemporizing his speech, he
managed to capture the listeners‘ attention.
478. FANATICISM (noun)
Meaning: extreme beliefs or behaviour, especially in
465. EXTRADITE (verb)
connection with religion or politics.
Meaning: to officially send back somebody who has
Usage: Parochialism and fanaticism have a
been accused or found guilty of a crime to the country.
retrogressive effect on a nation’s development.
Usage: The culprit who was involved in the bank
scam was extradited from Britain.
479. FARCE (noun)
Meaning: a ridiculous or meaningless situation or
466. EXTRAVAGANT (adj)
action.
Meaning: profligate, exaggerated
Usage: The entire examination system, these days,
Usage: Adam’s extravagant lifestyle has been a
has been reduced to a complete farce.
source of constant worry to his wife.
467. EXTRICATE (verb) 480. FATALISM (noun)
Meaning: wriggle out Meaning: the belief that all events are decided in
Usage: The seasoned politician managed to advance by a supernatural power and humans have
extricate himself from the controversy. no control over them.
Usage: Towards the fag end of her life, her attitude
468. EXUBERANT (adj) towards life was one of stoic acceptance driven by
Meaning: lively and cheerful fatalism.
Usage: She is normally a very exuberant person but
of late she appears to be rather dour. 481. FATHOMLESS (adj)
Meaning: incapable of being understood or
469. EXULTANT (adj)
explained.
Meaning: jubilant
Usage: After a long, fathomless and rather
Usage: The exultant sponsors announced a gift of
uncomfortable silence she began to speak.
$1,00,000 to the child prodigy.
470. EYESORE (noun) 482. FATIGUE (noun)
Meaning: something that is very ugly. Meaning: extreme, tiredness
Usage: The ramshackle old house was a real Usage: We were overcome by fatigue after trekking
eyesore in the upmarket neighbourhood with its over the mountains continuously for almost three
palatial bungalows. hours.
483. FAWNING (adj) 496. FITFUL (adj)
Meaning: trying to gain favour by servile flattery or Meaning: active or occurring irregularly
attentive behaviour Usage: Having had a fitful sleep last night, I felt
Usage: Fawning bureaucrats, trying to curry favour groggy throughout the day.
with politicians are a common sight these days.
497. FIXATION (noun)
484. FEINT (noun) Meaning: an excessive interest in someone or
Meaning: a false show, a pretence. something.
Usage: He tried a couple of feints to distract his Usage: Jane’s fixation with cleanliness, sometimes,
opponents. annoys her husband Joe.
485. FELICITY (noun) 498. FLAGRANT (adj)

Meaning: great happiness and pleasure Meaning: very obvious and unashamed
Usage: The incompatible couple were always Usage: The boisterous students were rusticated
squabbling with each other and as a result domestic from the college for indulging in vandalism and
felicity was totally lacking in their lives. flagrant violation of set norms.
486. FERVENT (adj) 499. FLAIL (verb)
Meaning: keen Meaning: swing or cause to swing widely
Usage: The defendant made a fervent appeal to the Usage: I saw this girl slip and fall from that tree, her
judges to listen to his version also. arms and legs flailing.
487. FETISH (noun)
Meaning: something to which a person is 500. FLOUNDER (verb)
obsessively devoted Meaning: have trouble doing or understanding
Usage: She is a diehard workaholic who makes a something.
fetish of her work. Usage: His unexpected question left me totally
flummoxed and floundering for an answer.
488. FEUD (noun)
Meaning: A long-lasting and bitter dispute 501. FLOURISH (verb)
Usage: The long-standing feud between the two Meaning: be successful during a specified period.
contiguous nations culminated in a bloody war. Usage: Art and crafts flourished greatly during the
reign of the Mughal rulers.
489. FICTITIOUS (adj)
Meaning: of or related to fiction 502. FLUCTUATE (verb)
Usage: Though fictitious the character of Sherlock Meaning: rise and fall irregularly in number or
Holmes looks very real. amount.
490. FIDDLING (adj) Usage: The prices of petrol and diesel have been
constantly fluctuating during the past one year.
Meaning: small, unimportant or difficult to do.
Usage: Being a punctilious person, she is finicky 503. FOE (noun)
even about fiddling details. Meaning: an enemy or opponent.
491. FIDELITY (noun) Usage: He proved to be a formidable foe to his
adversaries.
Meaning: continuing faithfulness to a person cause
or belief 504. FOIST (verb)
Usage: Since I promised fidelity to the organisation in Meaning: to pass off (on or upon)
which I am working, I cannot divulge this information Usage: Parents should not foist their beliefs and
which should be kept confidential. desires on their children.
492. FIENDISH (adj) 505. FOOTING (noun)

Meaning: devilishly cruel Meaning: a secure grip with one’s feet.
Usage: The beheading of innocent Indians held Usage: While walking on the narrow bridge, she lost
hostage by the Taliban, was denounced by all her footing and fell into the water.
nations of the world as a fiendish act.
506. FOOTNOTE (noun)
493. FILLIP (noun) Meaning: an extra piece of information that is
Meaning: a stimulus, esp. of encouragement a printed at the bottom of a page in a book.
boost Usage: The footnote provided in the book makes an
Usage: His words of encouragement gave the much interesting reading.
needed fillip to his sagging morale.
507. FOREBODING (noun & adj)
494. FINESSE (noun) Meaning: a feeling that something bad will happen.
Meaning: elegant or delicate skill Usage: She seemed to have had a foreboding of
Usage: The plan was executed with masterly her imminent death.
finesse.
508. FORESTALL (verb)
495. FINESSE (noun) Meaning: to prevent something from happening by
Meaning: elegant or delicate skill acting first.
Usage: Despite being amateur artists they Usage: A posse of policemen were deployed at the
performed the play with masterly finesse. site to forestall any untoward incident.
509. FORFEIT (verb) 522. FRUITION (noun)
Meaning: lose or give up as a necessary result Meaning: when a plan or an idea begins to happen,
Usage: If you fail to pay the fee on time you will exist or be successful.
forfeit your seat. Usage: A project of this magnitude takes at least a
decade to reach fruition.
510. FORLORN (adj)
Meaning: very sad and lonely 523. FUNCTIONARY (noun)
Usage: The orphaned children looked so forlorn Meaning: a person whose job is to do administrative
that my heart went out for them. work, esp. for a government or a political party.
Usage: Several functionaries of government
511. FORTE (noun) departments were entrusted with polling duty at the
Meaning: a thing for which someone has a time of elections.
particular talent.
Usage: Since acting had always been her forte she 524. FURTHERANCE (noun)
decided to pursue a course in theatrics. Meaning: the action of helping a plan or interest to
progress.
512. FORTHRIGHT (adj) Usage: The delegates of the two countries agreed
Meaning: direct and outspoken to cooperate in the furtherance and improvement of
Usage: Newspapers are expected to be forthright in cultural ties.
expressing their views without any bias.
525. FUSILLADE (noun)
513. FORTUITOUS (adj) Meaning: a series of shots fired at the same time or
Meaning: happening by luck. quickly one after the other
Usage: By a fortuitous turn of events, he was able Usage: The criminal was killed instantly when the
to turn adversity into an advantage. police fired a fusillade of bullets at close range.
514. FRACAS (noun) 526. FUSTY (adj)
Meaning: noisy disturbance or quarrel Meaning: smelling stale, damp or stuffy.
Usage: The fracas between the two rival groups led Usage: She was confined for several hours in a
to factional rivalry. dingy and fusty old room by her kidnappers.
515. FRACTIOUS (adj)
527. GAFFE (noun)
Meaning: irritable and bad tempered
Meaning: an embarrassing blunder
Usage: Incessant nagging by parents tends to
Usage: He seems to be oblivious of the serious gaffe
make a teenager fractious and defiant.
he committed during the course of his speech.
516. FRAY (noun)
Meaning: an affray, a brawl 528. GAINSAY (verb)
Usage: There is a stiff competition between the two Meaning: deny or contradict, speak against
candidates who are in the fray for the post of the Usage: Although people criticise her as a hard task
general secretary. master there is no gainsaying the fact that she is a
charismatic leader.
517. FRENETIC (adj)
Meaning: involving a lot of energy 529. GAIT (noun)
Usage: The activity, which began at a frenetic pace, Meaning: a person’s way of walking.
was suspended abruptly owing to insurmountable Usage: The comedian who was a stubby man with a
circumstances. peculiar gait, never, failed to amuse his audience.
518. FRENZY (noun) 530. GALVANIZE (verb)

Meaning: a state or period of uncontrolled Meaning: shock or excite into action
excitement or wild behaviour Usage: The new leader is expected to galvanize his
Usage: In a state of frenzy the angry mob destroyed entire team.
public property.
531. GAMBIT (noun)
519. FRETFUL (adj) Meaning: an action or remark intended to gain an
Meaning: behaving in a way that shows you are advantage
unhappy or uncomfortable. Usage: In a shrewd bureaucratic gambit the corrupt
Usage: The stuffy atmosphere in the class room politician was caught red handed.
made the children cranky and fretful.
532. GANGLING (adj)
520. FRIVOLITY (noun) Meaning: (of a person) tall, thin and awkward
Meaning: behaviour that is silly or amusing Usage: He was a gangling teenager when I last saw
especially when this is not suitable him, but now has grown into a handsome and
Usage: Although he is an intelligent and hardworking polished gentleman.
student, he is too easily distracted by frivolities.
533. GARBLED (adj)
521. FRUGAL (adj) Meaning: reproduced (a message or transmission) in
Meaning: economical in the use of anything a confused and distorted way.
Usage: Although he is extremely wealthy he Usage: The garbled message led to a comedy of
believed in a frugal existence. errors.
534. GARISH (adj) 547. GENRE (noun)
Meaning: unpleasantly bright and showy Meaning: type
Usage: Her garish dressing reflected her poor Usage: Classic movies of different genres will be
sartorial taste. shown at the Paradise theatre during the film festival.
548. GETAWAY (noun)
535. GARNER (verb)
Meaning: escape or quick departure.
Meaning: gather or collect
Usage: The thieves managed to make a quick
Usage: He campaigned extensively and garnered
getaway before the police arrived on the scene.
enough support from the electorate.
549. GHASTLY (adj)
536. GARRET (noun) Meaning: causing great horror or fear.
Meaning: a room, often a small dark unpleasant Usage: The murderer who was guilty of committing
one, at the top of a house, especially in the roof. the ghastly homicide was sentenced to death.
Usage: Apart from huge piles of junk, the garret also
had some antique furniture. 550. GHOULISH (adj)
Meaning: having an unhealthy interest in death or
537. GARRULITY (noun) disaster
Meaning: the state of being extremely talkative. Usage: People belonging to some tribal
Usage: His unrestrained garrulity was rather communities living in the Amazon jungles are crude
irritating. and uncivilized and have a ghoulish passion for
weird practices.
538. GAUCHE (adj)
551. GLEAN (verb)
Meaning: socially awkward or unsophisticated
Meaning: collect gradually from various sources
Usage: The gauche young village lass felt like a fish
Usage: The evidence to support his theory was
out of water in the snobbish and sophisticated
gleaned from books and experiments.
atmosphere.
552. GLISTEN (verb)
539. GAUNT (adj) Meaning: to shine
Meaning: lean and haggard Usage: She looked sick with worry and her forehead
Usage: I saw a gaunt, lanky man moving around the was glistening with apprehensive perspiration.
street looking rather suspicious.
553. GLUT (noun)
540. GENEALOGY (noun) Meaning: an excessively large supply
Meaning: family tree Usage: The copious rains this year, led to a glut in
Usage: When you draw the genealogy of our family the production of food grains.
do not forget to give a copy to me.
554. GOAD (verb)
Meaning: provoke to action.
541. GENERATION (noun)
Usage: Constant goading by her parents spurred
Meaning: age group, production
her into action.
Usage: An aging generation with no social security
is worrying sociologists. 555. GORY (adj)
Meaning: involving a lot of blood or violence,
542. GENESIS (noun) showing or describing blood and violence.
Meaning: origin Usage: Gory rituals like human sacrifice are
Usage: If you trace the genesis of our family we are practised even to this day by African tribals.
the descendents of Rabindranath Tagore.
556. GRADATION (noun)
Meaning: arrangement into categories
543. GENETICS (adj)
Usage: The gradation of the questions from easy to
Meaning: the science of heredity
difficult became a controversial issue.
Usage: By the way, can genetics explain why the
entire lineage seems to have homogeneous qualities? 557. GRADIENT (noun)
Meaning: incline
544. GENIAL (adj) Usage: The steep gradient at the foot of the hillock
Meaning: friendly and cheerful is proving to be a safety hazard for motorists.
Usage: Being a warm and genial person, Jane has
endeared herself to all her friends. 558. GRATIFYING (verb)
Meaning: giving pleasure or satisfaction
545. GENIALITY (noun) Usage: It is gratifying to note that children, these
Meaning: cheerfulness days, are taking active interest in social service.
Usage: The guests were overwhelmed by the
hostess’s warmth and geniality. 559. GRATUITOUS (adj)
Meaning: unwarranted, free
Usage: I get irritated when people give me
546. GENOCIDE (noun)
gratuitous advice.
Meaning: the murder of a whole race or group of
people 560. GRAVE (adj & noun)
Usage: Genocide and ethnic violence rocked Meaning: serious, tomb, ominous, solemn
several regions of the world after the Second World Usage: The grave expression on his face told me
War. that it was not the right time to talk to him.
561. GRAVITY (noun) 575. HARMONIOUS (adj)
Meaning: seriousness, solemnity Meaning: not discordant, free from conflict
Usage: Try and understand the gravity of the Usage: The company has flourished as it has
situation. always maintained a harmonious relationship with
its customers.
562. GREGARIOUS (adj)
Meaning: sociable
576. HARROWING (adj)
Usage: Marketing men are, almost invariably,
Meaning: extremely upsetting or disturbing
gregarious by nature.
Usage: With acute water scarcity and frequent
563. GRIEF (noun) power cuts, most city dwellers are in for a harrowing
Meaning: deep sorrow, especially caused by summer this year.
someone’s death
Usage: She was overwhelmed with grief when she 577. HAVEN (noun)
heard the tragic news of her sister’s death in a Meaning: a place where people or animals feel
ghastly road accident. safe, secure and happy.
Usage: The resort which is a tranquil haven, is an
564. GRIEVANCE (noun) ideal getaway after a long and stressful week.
Meaning: complaint, injustice
Usage: Please take your grievance to someone 578. HEADWAY (noun)
who is in a position to help. Meaning: forward progress
Usage: The police seem to be making little headway
565. GRIEVOUS (adj)
Meaning: grave in investigating the bank robbery which shook the
Usage: The scooterist was grievously injured in the entire city.
accident. 579. HEARTEN (verb)
566. GRIM (adj) Meaning: raise someone’s spirits
Meaning: very serious or gloomy Usage: It is heartening to learn that many young
Usage: People, particularly children, distanced people are coming forward to join the armed forces
themselves from her because she always had a in order to defend their mother land.
grim expression on her face.
580. HEARTFELT (adj)
567. GULLIBLE (adj) Meaning: deeply felt
Meaning: easily persuaded to believe something Usage: We offered our heartfelt sympathies to the
The unscrupulous man called himself an expert members of the bereaved family.
investment adviser and tried to peddle stocks to
gullible clients. 581. HECKLE (verb)
Meaning: interrupt (a public speaker) with
568. HABITAT (noun) comments or abuses.
Meaning: home Usage: The meeting was stopped abruptly as the
Usage: Even the best zoos are poor substitutes for Chief Minister who was addressing the gathering
natural animal habitats. was heckled by the angry public.
569. HACKNEYED (adj)
582. HEGEMONY (noun)
Meaning: used too often and therefore boring
Meaning: dominance of one group or state over
Usage: The movie, which had a hackneyed theme another
failed to capture the interest of the audience. Usage: India was under British hegemony for over
three decades
570. HALLMARK (noun)
Meaning: a distinctive feature
583. HERETICAL (adj)
Usage: Malleability is the hallmark of pure gold.
Meaning: against traditional religious doctrine
571. HAPHAZARD (adj) Usage: Robert’s heretical statements embarrass
Meaning: random his associates no end.
Usage: The preparations for the wedding are taking
584. HETEROGENEOUS (adj)
place in a rather haphazard manner.
Meaning: varied
572. HAPLESS (adj) Usage: The classes in American colleges have a
Meaning: unfortunate heterogeneous composition.
Usage: The hapless couple met with an accident.
585. HIDEOUS (adj)
573. HARBINGER (noun) Meaning: extremely ugly
Meaning: a person or thing that announces or Usage: Her otherwise pretty face turned hideous
signals the approach of something after she sustained grievous injuries in a road
Usage: The nightingale is a harbinger of spring. accident.
574. HARD-LINE (adj) 586. HILARIOUS (adj)
Meaning: an uncompromising support for a firm Meaning: extremely funny or merry.
policy. Usage: The movie, which was totally hilarious and
Usage: The rulling party drew a lot of flak from the thoroughly entertaining, was enjoyed not only by
citizens for adopting a hard-line stance. children but also by adults.
587. HINGE (verb) 600. HURTLE (verb)
Meaning: depend entirely on. Meaning: move at great speed
Usage: The fate of an agrarian economy hinges, to Usage: The children playing in the street were
a large extent, on a copious monsoon. mowed down by a hurtling truck.
588. HITHERTO (adv) 601. HYPERBOLE (noun)
Meaning: upto this time Meaning: an exaggerated statement
Usage: Hitherto, schools mainly emphasized on Usage: The correct usage of hyperbole could add
rote learning, now the focus is on the all round spice to a writing.
development of the child.
602. HYPOCHONDRIAC (noun)
589. HOARD (noun) Meaning: a person who is excessively anxious
Meaning: a store of money and valued objects. about his health.
Usage: In a major breakthrough, the police Usage: The hypochondriac was assured by his
unearthed a hoard of jewels and antique artefacts doctor that nothing was wrong with his health.
recently.
603. HYPOTHETICAL (adj)
590. HOARY (adj) Meaning: theoretical
Meaning: of an advanced age, advanced in years Usage: It is merely hypothetical to state that we
Usage: Children enjoyed listening to the hoary tales
would have been better off under a different form of
narrated by the octogenarian.
government.
591. HOBBLE (verb)
Meaning: walk with difficulty or pain 604. IDIOSYNCRATIC (adj)
Usage: Having been afflicted with polio during Meaning: individual or peculiar
childhood, he had been hobbling around on crutches. Usage: His method of extracting work from his
subordinates is idiosyncratic but successful.
592. HOLDINGS (noun)
Meaning: an amount of property that is owned by a 605. IGNOMINY (noun)
person. Meaning: public disgrace
Usage: He is an extremely wealthy person with Usage: The ignominy of being defeated by his arch
holdings in various offshore business ventures. rival was difficult for him to endure.
593. HOLISTIC (adj) 606. ILLEGIBLE (adj)
Meaning: considering the whole rather than Meaning: unreadable
individual parts Usage: Please give me a printout as your writing is
Usage: A holistic approach to transport may be the absolutely illegible.
solution to most of our commutation problems.
594. HOLOCAUST (noun) 607. ILLITERATE (adj)
Meaning: destruction on a mass scale Meaning: uneducated
Usage: The world will not be the same if another Usage: The growing number of illiterates is a
nuclear holocaust takes place. serious cause for concern.
595. HOMICIDE (noun) 608. IMMANENT (adj)

Meaning: murder Meaning: present within or throughout
Usage: You will be charged with culpable homicide Usage: Theists believe that God is immanent in very
not amounting to murder because you knocked object of creation.
down the pedestrian unintentionally.
609. IMMINENT (adj)
596. HOMOGENEOUS (adj) Meaning: coming or likely to happen very soon.
Meaning: of the same kind Usage: The louring sky portended an imminent
Usage: Though of the same age, the children are storm.
not a homogenous group.
610. IMMURE (verb)
597. HONE (verb) Meaning: hold captive, put under lock and key
Meaning: make sharper or more efficient. Usage: The kidnapped children were immured in a
Usage: Most corporate houses spend a lot of dilapidated house, away from the city.
money on honing the skills of their employees.
598. HUBRIS (noun) 611. IMPASSE (noun)
Meaning: excessive pride or self-confidence Meaning: a situation in which no progress is
Usage: Most men fail to realize that hubris about possible; a deadlock
their achievements can lead to a miserable Usage: Negotiations between the management and
downfall. the union leaders have reached an impasse, with
both the parties adopting an obstinate stance.
599. HURL (verb)
Meaning: to throw something or someone violently 612. IMPECUNIIOUS (adj)
in a particular direction. Meaning: having little or no money
Usage: The police were forced to open fire as the Usage: The minister promised financial assistance
rioters hurled stones at them. to the impecunious peasant families.
613. IMPERSONATION (noun) 625. INCOGNITO (adj & adv)
Meaning: pretending to be somebody in order to Meaning: in disguise
deceive people or to entertain them. Usage: The prince roamed in his kingdom incognito
Usage: He received wide applause from the to know the welfare of his subjects.
audience for his impersonation of the veteran actor.
626. INCRIMINATE (adj)
614. IMPERTINENCE (noun) Meaning: indicate as involved in wrong doing
Meaning: the quality of being disrespectful and Usage: There is incriminating evidence that the
cheeky. defendant had lied under oath.
Usage: I was taken aback by her impertinence.
627. INCUMBENT (adj)
615. IMPETUOUS (adj) Meaning: necessary for (someone) as a duty.
Meaning: acting or doing quickly and without Usage: It is incumbent upon every fresh medical
thought graduate to serve in rural areas for a year.
Usage: Avoid taking impetuous decisions lest you 628. INCURSION (noun)
should repent later. Meaning: sudden attack
Usage: The army was ready to face the likely
616. IMPLACABLE (adj) incursion of the enemy.
Meaning: unstoppable, unwilling to stop opposing.
Usage: Although he is a good friend to his 629. INDECORUM (noun)
companions and well-wishers he can be an Meaning: lack of propriety or decency.
implacable enemy to those who try to harm him. Usage: Attending high society gatherings in
informal clothes is considered to be an act of
indecorum.
617. IMPROMPTU (adj)
Meaning: done without preparation or feeling. 630. INDENTURE (noun)
Usage: Although he delivered an impromptu Meaning: a formal agreement or contract, such as
speech, the audience listened to him with rapt one formaly binding an apprentice to work for a
attention. master
. Usage: Many Africans were sent to England and
618. IMPULSIVE (adj) America as indentured servants to tyrannical
Meaning: acting or done without thinking ahead masters.
Usage: He is usually very circumspect and avoids 631. INDIGENT (adj)
taking impulsive decisions. Meaning: very poor
Usage: Despite being hardworking, a majority of
619. IMPUTE (verb) people in this nation lead an indigent life
Meaning: believe that (something) has been done
or caused by someone or something 632. INDISPOSITION (noun)
Usage: The politician categorically denied the Meaning: the state of being ill or unfit
motives imputed to him by the media. Usage: He had to postpone his trip due to his
indisposition.
620. INCAPACITY (noun)
Meaning: lack of ability or skill to do something. 633. INDUBITABLE (adj)
Usage: Ravi’s in capacity to complete his work in Meaning: impossible to doubt
time drew the displeasure of his employers. Usage: It is an indubitable fact that no nation in the
world can afford to extol terrorism.
621. INCENSE (verb) 634. INEBRIATION (noun)
Meaning: to inflame with anger, to enrage. Meaning: drunkenness
Usage: Incensed by the management's apathy, the Usage: He revealed the truth while in a state of
workers resolved to intensify their strike. inebriation.
622. INCESSANT (adj) 635. INFIRM (adj)

Meaning: never stopping Meaning: sick and weak, especially over a long
Usage: The picnic had to be cancelled, with the period or because of old age.
incessant rain playing spoilsport. Usage: One must be considerate towards the
elderly and the infirm.
623. INCIPIENT (adj)
Meaning: beginning to happen or develop. 636. INFLUX (noun)
Usage: The political unrest was quelled in its Meaning: the arrival or entry of large number of
incipient stages before it could lead to a major people or things
agitation. Usage: Many hill resorts witness an influx of tourists
during the summer months.
624. INCLINATION (noun)
Meaning: leaning, slope 637. INFRINGE (verb)
Usage: Unlike his brother who was a gregarious Meaning: break (a law, agreement etc)
person, Robert was a loner by nature and by Usage: He was convicted by the court when he was
inclination. found guilty of infringing the law.
638. INFUSION (noun) 651. INSOMNIA (noun)
Meaning: pouring Meaning: the condition of being unable to sleep
Usage: Infusion of new talent is the need of the Usage: Stress is one of the principal causes of
hour. insomnia.
639. INGENIOUS (adj) 652. INSTANTANEOUS (adj)

Meaning: very suitable for a particular purpose and Meaning: happening immediately
resulting from clever new ideas Usage: She agreed to the proposal instantaneously
Usage: Children are ingenious when it comes to without any deliberation.
getting their own ways. 653. INSURGENT (adj & noun)
Meaning: rebellious, rebel
640. INGRATE (noun & adj) Usage: The armed insurgents attacked the police
Meaning: an ungrateful person. Gratis: free station.
Usage: The ingrate son sneered at the idea of
looking after his ailing parents. 654. INSURMOUNTABLE (adj)
Meaning: insuperable
641. INGRATIATE (verb) Usage: Most of the problems we consider
Meaning: to make acceptable by conscious effort insurmountable can be solved with a bit of
Usage: He is trying hard to ingratiate himself to his determination.
boss.
655. INSURRECTION (noun)
642. INHIBIT (verb) Meaning: a violent uprising against authority
Meaning: slow down, stop Usage: The insurrection was quelled before it took
Usage: Jane is rather inhibited after her injury. a serious turn.
643. INJUNCTION (noun) 656. INTERCESSION (noun)

Meaning: an official order given by a court of law Meaning: intervening on behalf of another
which demands that something must or must not be Usage: As the intercession attempt turned out to be
done a failure, the two groups continued to be at logger
Usage: The injunction issued by the Supreme Court heads.
prevents government doctors from setting up private
657. INTERIM (adj & noun)
practice.
Meaning: temporary
644. INNATE (adj) Usage: An interim committee was appointed to
Meaning: inborn, natural conduct a probe into the scam.
Usage: One’s innate abilities vary from person to
658. INTERJECT (verb)
person.
Meaning: butt in
645. INNOCUOUS (adj) Usage: He thought of interjecting before the
Meaning: not harmful or offensive problem took a serious turn.
Usage: Although it was a seemingly innocuous
remark I could discern the insinuation implied in it. 659. INTERMENT (noun)
Meaning: the burial of a dead body.
646. INQUEST (noun) Usage: The body of the slain leader was taken for
Meaning: an official investigation to find out the interment after a post-mortem.
cause of somebody’s death especially when it has
660. INTERMINABLE (adj)
not happened naturally
Meaning: endless
Usage: An inquest was held to discover the cause
Usage: These days we have to endure many
of the official’s mysterious death.
seemingly interminable commercials to watch a
647. INQUISITIVE (adj) movie on T.V.
Meaning: eagerly seeking knowledge, prying 661. INTERMITTENT (adj)
Usage: Children usually have an inquisitive bent of Meaning: irregular
mind. Usage: The intermittent rain hindered relief
648. INSATIABLE (adj) operations.
Meaning: voracious 662. INTERN (verb)
Usage: His insatiable appetite for money has made Meaning: imprison
him rather ruthless. Usage: The dictator got the rebels interned without
any trial.
649. INSIDIOUS (adj)
Meaning: sinister 663. INTERSTICE (noun)
Usage: The insidious effects of terrorism can be felt Meaning: a small crack or space in something.
in every corner of the globe now. Usage: Water seeped into the room through a tiny
interstice in the wall.
650. INSOLENT (adj)
Meaning: rude and disrespectful 664. INTERVENED (verb)
Usage: Infuriated by the students’ insolent Meaning: interfere, occur
behaviour, the principal warned them to mend their Usage: The situation would have been worse if the
ways. elders had not intervened.
665. INTIMIDATE (verb) 679. IRRESOLUTE (adj)
Meaning: threaten Meaning: not able to decide what to do.
Usage: The local bully tried to intimidate the small Usage: Hamlet, the prince of Denmark was
town residents. notorious for being irresolute.
666. INTRACTABLE (adj) 680. ITERATE (adj)
Meaning: stubborn, difficult Meaning: do or say repeatedly.
Usage: The intractable child refused to say sorry Usage: Young children are made to iterate nursery
even after being caught red handed while cheating rhymes in order to familiarize them with language.
in the examinations.
681. JADED (adj)
667. INTRANSIGENT (adj)
Meaning: tired out or lacking enthusiasm, having
Meaning: refusing to change one’s views or
had too much of something.
behaviour
Usage: After a hectic session at work we needed a
Usage: He could not get along with any of his team
break to rejuvenate our jaded spirits.
mates because of his intransigent attitude.
682. JARRING (adj)
668. INTREPID (adj)
Meaning: striking against something with a jolt.
Meaning: extremely, brave
Usage: The room was tastefully decorated except
Usage: The intrepid traveller went ahead with his
for the dark coloured curtains which had a jarring
journey despite the many obstacles which he had to
effect on the rest of the decor.
encounter.
683. JAUNDICED (adj)
669. INTRIGUE (verb) Meaning: feeling or showing prejudice, distaste or
Meaning: arouse the curiosity or interest of jealousy
Usage: We were greatly intrigued by the lives of the Usage: A person with a jaundiced view of the world
royalty. seldom derives any happiness out of life.
670. INUNDATE (verb) 684. JEST (noun)
Meaning: flood Meaning: something said or done to amuse people.
Usage: The flooded river inundated several villages. Usage: The remark was made in jest and not meant
to be taken seriously
671. INURE (verb)
Meaning: to make someone or something get used 685. JETTISON (verb)
to something unpleasant so that they are no longer Meaning: throw overboard
strongly affected by it. The entire cargo had to be jettisoned as all but one
Usage: He became inured to his wife’s persistent of the engines had developed a snag.
nagging.
686. JUDICIOUS (adj)
672. INVESTITURE (noun)
Meaning: sensible
Meaning: installation
Usage: The doctor told the diabetic that he must be
Usage: I attended the President’s investiture
more judicious in his food habits.
ceremony.
673. INVIGORATING (adj) 687. JUNCTION (noun)
Meaning: making somebody feel healthy and full of Meaning: a join; connection; crossroads
energy. Usage: Every cross road in Delhi has become an
Usage: The invigorating breeze soothed her tired important junction.
nerves and distraught soul.
688. JUNCTURE (noun)
674. INVINCIBLE (adj) Meaning: point in time; a convergence of events
Meaning: unbeatable Usage: The unfaithful husband left his wife at a
Usage: The Juventus Club seems to be invincible. critical juncture.
675. INVOKE (verb)
Meaning: appeal to, evoke, bring into play 689. JURISDICTION (noun)
Usage: He tried to invoke the blessings of God Meaning: the authority to administer justice or
before his exams. exercise power, authority, field.
Usage: The policeman refused to file the complaint
676. INVOLUNTARY (adj) as the crime did not take place in his jurisdiction.
Meaning: done without conscious control.
Usage: The excruciating pain in my shoulder 690. JUSTIFICATION (noun)
caused me to let out an involuntary cry of pain. Meaning: good reason, rationale.
677. IRASCIBLE (adj) Usage: Many people feel that there is no
Meaning: bad tempered justification for capital punishment to be awarded to
Usage: Socrates had a shrewish wife who was anyone.
known for her irascible nature.
691. JUVENILE (adj)
678. IRKSOME (adj) Meaning: silly and more typical of a child than an
Meaning: tedious and annoying adult
Usage: The students were vexed with the irksome Usage: Adults behaving in a juvenile manner often
regulations imposed by the warden of the hostel. become the butt of ridicule.
692. KEEPSAKE (noun) 704. LAMENT (verb)
Meaning: a small item kept in memory of the person Meaning: to feel or express great sadness or
who gained it or originally owned it. disappointment about somebody or something.
Usage: I will always treasure the gift he gave me for Usage: Many old timers lamented the demolition of
keep sake, before he left for the U.S. antique structures in the city, in the name of
modernization.
693. KEYSTONE (noun)
Meaning: the most important part of a plan or 705. LANGUID (adj)
argument that the other parts depend on. Meaning: having or showing a disinclination for
Usage: The government's resoluteness to extirpate physical exertion.
terrorism has been the keystone of its development Usage: She is irritated by his languid attitude as she
policy. has always been a person full of energy and vigour.
694. KINDRED (adj) 706. LAPSE (noun & verb)

Meaning: cognate, congenial Meaning: a slight error; become void or no longer
Usage: After a single interaction with her, I knew that valid
we were kindred spirits because our tastes and Usage: Even momentary lapse in concentration on
opinions matched on a majority of issues. busy roads could prove hazardous.
695. KINK (noun) 707. LARCENY (noun)

Meaning: a sharp twist or curve in something linear; Meaning: the crime of stealing something from
flaw or defect in a plan or operation. somebody; an occasion when this takes place
Usage: The thread that you use for embroidery Usage: The notorious duo were sentenced to
should not have any kinks or knots. imprisonment on charges of larceny.
696. KIOSK (noun) 708. LARDER (noun)

Meaning: a small open-fronted hut from which Meaning: a room or large cupboard for storing food.
newspapers, refreshments, tickets etc are sold. Usage: My mother and the maid were planning to
Usage: She has an interesting collection of trinkets go for a shopping to replenish the larder.
and other antique knick knacks which she picked up
mostly from roadside kiosks. 709. LARGESSE (noun)
Meaning: generosity
697. KNOLL (noun) Usage: The philanthropist was extolled for his
Meaning: a small round hill. largesse.
Usage: The shepherd grazed his flock on the grassy
knoll everyday. 710. LATITUDE (noun)
Meaning: scope for freedom of action or thought.
Usage: Being a blue eyed boy of the boss he is
698. KUDOS (noun)
given the latitude to work at flexible timings.
Meaning: praise and honour.
Usage: The victorious team received kudos from the
711. LAX (adj)
students and the faculty for winning the trophy.
Meaning: not strict severe or careful enough about
rules or standards of behaviour
699. LABORIOUS (adj)
Usage: Lax supervision led to mass copying in the
Meaning: difficult, arduous.
examination.
Usage: The manager tried to cover up the team’s
performance with rather laborious arguments.
712. LEGACY (noun)
Meaning: something handed down by a
700. LABOURED (adj)
predecessor.
Meaning: not natural or unprepared
Usage: We must be proud of our country’s rich
Usage: His joke, which was rather laboured, failed
legacy of culture and traditional thought.
to evoke laughter.
701. LACONIC (adj) 713. LEGATEE (noun)
Meaning: using very few words Meaning: a person who receives money or property
Usage: His style of writing though crisp and laconic Usage: Since her uncle did not have any children of
is easy to comprehend. his own she became the sole legatee to his vast
property.
702. LAGGARD (noun)
Meaning: a person who falls behind others. 714. LEGIBLE (adj)
Usage: Being a laggard he could never keep pace Meaning: readable
with his friends either in academics or in sports. Usage: Jona’s writing is barely legible.
703. LAISSEZ-FAIRE (noun)
Meaning: the process of allowing private 715. LEGION (noun)
businesses to develop without government control. Meaning: a large number of people of one particular
Usage: The laissez faire approach adopted by the group.
government was criticized by puritans as an Usage: A legion of photographers and press men
imprudent move. waited at the airport for the celebrity's arrival.
716. LEGITIMATE (adj) 729. LITANY (noun)
Meaning: related to being lawful or legal Meaning: a long boring account of a series of
Usage: It is absolutely legitimate for the courts to events, reasons etc.
deal firmly with terrorists. Usage: She listened patiently to the litany of
complaints which the children made against each
717. LENIENT (adj) other.
Meaning: not as strict as expected when punishing
somebody or when making sure that rules are 730. LITERAL (adj)
obeyed. Meaning: taking words in their usual or primary
Usage: Although he was guilty of violating the traffic sense without metaphor or allegory
rule, the cops were lenient with him and let him go Usage: Literal translations may sound very bland.
without paying the fine.
731. LITERATE (adj)
718. LEST (conjunction) Meaning: able to read and write
Meaning: in order to prevent something from Usage: Kerala has the maximum number of
happening literates in India.
Usage: I caught hold of my brother’s hand lest he
should get lost in that crowd. 732. LITIGATION (noun)
Meaning: the process of making or defending a
719. LETHARGIC (adj) claim in a court of law.
Meaning: lacking energy and enthusiasm. Usage: The litigation between the two parties,
Usage: Sullen weather tends to make a person dour which went on for nearly three years, finally ended
and lethargic in an amicable settlement.
720. LEVITY (noun) 733. LOATHSOME (adj)

Meaning: lack of serious thought; light-heartedness Meaning: causing hatred or disgust
Usage: Such levity in religious matters may not Usage: It is loathsome to watch able-bodied young
endear you to many. men resorting to begging.
721. LEXICON (noun) 734. LODESTAR (noun)
Meaning: dictionary Meaning: a principle that guides somebody’s
Usage: You may find colloquial words in the lexicon. behaviour or actions.
Usage: Expanding its business operations to
722. LIAISE (verb)
offshore markets is the company’s lodestar.
Meaning: to form a link (with)
Usage: Civilians should liaise with the police and
735. LOPSIDED (adj)
the army to combat terrorism.
Meaning: with one side lower or smaller than the
723. LIBEL (noun) other.
Meaning: character assassination Usage: The members of the opposition party
Usage: He filed a defamation suit against the accused the government of adopting lopsided
media, accusing it of libel. policies.
724. LIBERAL (adj) 736. LUCID (adj)

Meaning: open-minded, generous Meaning: clear, sane, articulate.
Usage: A liberal pay package alone may not Usage: Since the explanation was absolutely lucid I
enhance productivity. think no one has any questions to ask.
725. LIBERATE (verb) 737. LUCRE (noun)

Meaning: set free; free from conventional ideas Meaning: money obtained through dishonest
about behaviour. means.
Usage: The woman of today is more liberated when Usage: The venal politician gloated over his filthy
compared to her ancient counterpart. lucre.
726. LIBERTINE (noun) 738. LUGUBRIOUS (adj)

Meaning: a person who lives an irresponsible life Meaning: sad and dismal
Usage: The libertine led a life of idleness and Usage: A lugubrious atmosphere prevailed over the
dissipation and eventually died penniless. city following the leader’s assassination.
727. LIEGE (noun) 739. LUMINARY (noun)

Meaning: a lord or superior Meaning: a person who inspires or influences
Usage: Lieges of the olden days were notorious for others
harassing their subjects. Usage: Although he was a fledgeling artist his work
was well appreciated by the leading luminaries of
728. LIMPID (adj) the art world.
Meaning: clear and transparent
Usage: His limpid style of writing, bereft of all the 740. LUNATIC (noun)
trappings of ornamentation, was comprehensible Meaning: outrageous
even to the lay man. Usage: The lunatic troubled everyone in the locality.
741. LUSTROUS (adj) 753. MALAPROPISM (noun)
Meaning: shiny Meaning: incorrect usage of words
Usage: Her lustrous hair has been her crowning Usage: One student wrote in his essay, “I have
glory. been grown with a lot of fondness by my parents.”
What malapropism!
742. MACHIAVELLIAN (adj) 754. MALCONTENT (noun)
Meaning: scheming Meaning: a person who is dissatisfied and
Usage: The Machiavellian politician is rumoured to rebellious
have incited the mob. Usage: A band of malcontents were responsible for
creating unrest in the country and destabilizing the
743. MACHINATIONS (noun) government.
Meaning: secret and complicated plans, especially 755. MALEVOLENCE (noun)
to gain power. Meaning: wickedness
Usage: The machinations of the opposition led to Usage: Milton’s ‘Satan’ is a personification of
the ruling party’s miserable downfall. ‘malevolence’.
756. MALICIOUS (adj)
744. MAGISTERIAL (adj) Meaning: meaning or meant to do harm
Meaning: having or showing power or authority. Usage: The malicious man beat up the children
Usage: The patriarch of the family spoke with playing near his house.
magisterial authority.
757. MALIGN (verb & adj)
745. MAGNANIMOUS (adj) Meaning: slander, harmful
Meaning: large hearted and forgiving Usage: The Chief requested the press not to malign
Usage: Her magnanimous gesture of donating her his overworked police force.
entire earnings from the film, to charity received
758. MALPRACTICE (noun)
applause from the media.
Meaning: wrong or illegal behaviour while in a
professional job.
746. MAGNATE (noun) Usage: The patient sued the staff of the hospital for
Meaning: a wealthy and influential person, esp. in medical malpractice.
business
Usage: The business magnate bought all the 759. MAMMOTH (adj)
photographs displayed in the exhibition. Meaning: extremely large.
Usage: It was no doubt a mammoth task but we
747. MAGNIFICENT (adj) could depend on him as he was a man of alacrity
Meaning: extremely attractive and impressive and acumen.
Usage: The audience appreciated the soprano’s
magnificent performance. 760. MANDATE (noun)
Meaning: command, order, charge
748. MAGNITUDE (noun) Usage: The politician losing an election has to
Meaning: great size or importance accept the people’s mandate.
Usage: A project of this magnitude needs careful
761. MANDATORY (adj)
execution.
Meaning: required by rule or law
Usage: If you have a PAN number then it is
749. MAIM (verb)
mandatory to file your tax returns.
Meaning: to injure somebody seriously, causing
permanent damage to their body. 762. MANGLE (verb)
Usage: It is grossly inhuman of the terrorist Meaning: to hack, tear, or crush into a misshapen
organisation to maim innocent people in order to state.
promote their cause. Usage: The bodies of the accident victims were
mangled beyond recognition.
750. MAINSPRING (noun)
Meaning: the most important part of something; the 763. MANHANDLE (verb)
most important influence on something. Meaning: push or drag (someone) roughly
Usage: Before the onset of industrialization, Usage: The protestors claimed that they were
agriculture was the mainspring of Indian economy. manhandled by the police.
764. MANIFEST (verb)
751. MAINSTREAM (adj)
Meaning: to show something clearly, especially, a
Meaning: the ideas and opinions that are thought to
feeling, an attitude or a quality
be normal because they are shared by most people.
Usage: Her anxiety was manifest in her nervous
Usage: The veteran politician announced his
movements.
retirement from mainstream politics.
765. MANIPULATE (verb)
752. MALADROIT (adj) Meaning: control or influence in a clever or
Meaning: awkward underhand way
Usage: The maladroit handling of the strike has Usage: The shrewd politician manipulated the facts
aggravated the company’s problems. to suit himself.
766. MANNERED (adj) 779. MEEKNESS (noun)
Meaning: (of a style of writing, acting etc) artificial Meaning: the quality of being gentle and mild.
and affected. Usage: People always take advantage of her
Usage: Critics came down heavily on Peter meekness and naivety.
Brinsley’s mannered prose style.
767. MANOEUVRE (noun) 780. MEGALOMANIA (noun)

Meaning: a carefully planned scheme or action Meaning: the false belief that one has great power
Usage: In a crafty manoeuvre the dissidents or importance.
managed to overthrow the ruling party. Usage: The frequent tantrums thrown by most film
stars is a typical example of megalomania.
768. MARINER (noun)
Meaning: a sailor 781. MELANGE (noun)
Usage: Coleridge’s ‘Ancient Mariner’ is a poem Meaning: varied mixture
about mariners lost in the sea.
Usage: Despite being a melange of various cultures
769. MAROON (verb) our country stands united in its diversity
Meaning: abandon in a remote place.
Usage: When he regained consciousness Sindbad 782. MELEE (noun)
found himself marooned on a lonely island. Meaning: a confused fight
Usage: Several people were injured in the melee
770. MARTINET (noun) triggered by communal disturbance and the police
Meaning: a strict disciplinarian. opened teargas shells to bring the situation under
Usage: Being a retired army officer, he is a bit of a control.
martinet.
783. MELLOW (adj)
771. MARVEL (verb) Meaning: relaxed and good humoured.
Meaning: to feel astonishment Usage: When I met him last evening, I found him in
Usage: I could not help marvelling at the beauty of a mellow mood engaged in friendly banter with his
nature. friends.
772. MASQUERADE (verb)
784. MELODRAMATIC (adj)
Meaning: a pretence
Meaning: too dramatic or exaggerated
Usage: The culprit who masqueraded as a
Usage: He conveyed the message with a
government official and tried to fool the gullible
melodramatic flourish.
people was caught red handed by the police.
785. MEMOIR (noun)
773. MAVERICK (noun)
Meaning: an account written by a public figure of
Meaning: an unconventional or independent
his/her life and experiences.
minded person
Usage: The memoirs of his early childhood make
Usage: The maverick politician was not popular with
for poignant reading.
his partymen.
786. MERCENARY (adj)
774. MAWKISH (adj)
Meaning: motivated chiefly by the desire to make
Meaning: sentimental in an excessive way
money
Usage: The poet has the dubious distinction of
Usage: The fact that his friends deserted him as
composing mawkish poems.
soon as he was bereft of all his wealth makes it
obvious that their interests in him were purely
775. MAYHEM (noun)
mercenary.
Meaning: confusion and fear, usually caused by
violent behaviour or by some sudden shocking event. 787. MERCHANDISE (noun)
Usage: The Prime Minister’s assassination led to Meaning: goods for sale
the destabilisation of the government and mayhem Usage: Shopkeepers display their merchandise in an
in the country. attractive manner in order to entice customers.
776. MEANDERING (adj)
Meaning: following a winding course. 788. MERCURIAL (adj)
Usage: The meandering river flowed through rivers Meaning: often changing or reacting in a way that
and velleys. is unexpected
Usage: None can get along with a person who has
777. MEDDLE (verb) a mercurial temperament.
Meaning: interfere with something that is not one’s
concern. 789. MESMERISED (verb)
Usage: It is not prudent to meddle with the personal Meaning: spell bound
affairs of others. Usage: The gymnast’s performance mesmerised the
audience.
778. MEDIOCRE (adj)
Meaning: of only average or fairly low quality 790. METTLE (noun)
Usage: The cricket team’s mediocre performance in Meaning: spirit and strength in the face of difficulty
the recently concluded test series drew flak from Usage: He is a man of great mettle and does not
cricket lovers across the country. rest until he meets his goal.
791. MIDDLING (adj) 803. MONUMENTAL (adj)
Meaning: second – rate, of average size, quality, Meaning: very large or impressive
status etc Usage: Entrusting such an important work to her
Usage: The audience who expected a spectacular proved to be a monumental blunder.
show were rather disappointed upon witnessing the
artist’s middling performance. 804. MORASS (noun)
Meaning: a complicated situation
792. MILIEU (noun) Usage: We finally managed to free ourselves from
Meaning: a person’s social environment the morass of paper work and secured approval for
Usage: The social milieu of ancient India was not our project.
conducive to the education and emancipation of
women. 805. MORATORIUM (noun)
Meaning: a temporary stopping of an activity
793. MINISTRATIONS (noun) Usage: The defence ministry has imposed a five
Meaning: the act of helping or caring for somebody, year moratorium on the sale and manufacture of
especially, when they are ill or in trouble. nuclear weapons.
Usage: Her mother’s tender ministrations helped
her to overcome her depression and regain her 806. MORDANT (adj)
confidence. Meaning: sharply sarcastic
Usage: The novelist’s sense of humour, albeit
794. MINUSCULE (adj) mordant, was very appealing to his readers.
Meaning: extremely small
Usage: The size of the font was so minuscule that I 807. MORES (noun)
had to strain my eyes to read through the paper. Meaning: customs and conventions of community
Usage: Many of the social mores of the past are
795. MIRTHFUL (adj) now moribund.
Meaning: in high spirits
Usage: A mirthful atmosphere prevailed across the 808. MORIBUND (adj)
kingdom on the occasion of the prince’s coronation. Meaning: at the point of death, losing effectiveness
and about to end.
796. MISAPPREHENSION (noun) Usage: With young men and women insisting on
Meaning: a mistaken belief choosing their life partners themselves, the concept of
Usage: Some people still seem to be under the arranged marriages would soon become moribund.
misapprehension that the role of a woman is
confined to the kitchen. 809. MORTIFIED (verb)
Meaning: feel extremely offended or embarrassed.
797. MISDEMEANOUR (noun) Usage: I was greatly mortified by his slighting
Meaning: an action that is bad or unacceptable remarks.
Usage: The management warned him that it would
not tolerate any type of misdemeanour, henceforth. 810. MOTTLED (adj)
Meaning: marked with patches of a different colour.
798. MISHAP (noun) Usage: While a majority of plants have green leaves
Meaning: accidental and unfortunate some crotons have mottled leaves and are used
Usage: The mishap could have been averted if the exclusively for ornamental purposes.
authorities had been more alert.
811. MULL (verb)
799. MISLAY (verb) Meaning: to cogitate, turn over in the mind.
Meaning: to put something somewhere and than be Usage: He mulled over the idea for a long time and
unable to find it again, esp for only a short time. finally took a decision.
Usage: Having mislaid his spectacles he spent the
whole evening frantically searching for them. 812. MULTIFARIOUS (adj)
Meaning: having great variety.
800. MISSIVE (noun) Usage: India is a land of multifarious traditions and
Meaning: letter languages.
Usage: The PM dashed off a missive to the 813. MUNIFICENCE (noun)
governor expressing his anguish about the law and Meaning: extreme generosity
order situation in the state. Usage: The large donation which he made spoke of
the philanthropist’s munificence.
801. MODICUM (noun)
Meaning: small quantity of something 814. MURKY (adj)
Usage: Although diligence and perseverance are Meaning: dark and gloomy
essential attributes of success, a modicum of luck is Usage: The murky weather has a depressing effect
also mandatory. on one’s mood.
802. MONOTONY (noun) 815. MUSTY (adj)
Meaning: repetitiveness Meaning: having a stale or mouldy smell or taste.
Usage: The holiday at the hill resort was a well- Usage: The garage which was full of piles of junk,
deserved break from the monotony of every day life. reeked with a musty odour.
816. MUTED (adj) 829. NIRVANA (noun)
Meaning: muffled sound. Meaning: perfect bliss and release from karma,
Usage: Except for the muted sounds of hooting of attained by the extinction of individuality.
the owls at a distance, the night was still and eerie. Usage: According to the scriptures, one can
achieve a state of nirvana through detachment and
817. MUTILATE (verb) dedication to one’s duty.
Meaning: cause a serious damage to (something)
Usage: The riders went berserk and mutilated the 830. NOISOME (adj)
idols in the temple. Meaning: very unpleasant
Usage: The convicts were confined in a noisome
818. MUTINOUS (adj)
dungeon.
Meaning: rebellious
Usage: The mutinous troops stormed the fortress 831. NON-COMMITTAL (adj)
and opened fire. Meaning: showing what one thinks or which side
819. NADIR (noun) one supports
Meaning: the worst moment of a particular situation Usage: When journalists questioned him about the
Usage: His involvement in the scam and outcome of the negotiations the minister remained
consequent resignation was the nadir of his career. non-committal.
820. NAÏVE (adj) 832. NONCHALANT (adj)

Meaning: lacking experience, wisdom or judgement Meaning: calm, relaxed
Usage: Although he was very naive when he first Usage: Despite the trying circumstances he
started the business, he is now a stalwart. appeared nonchalant.
821. NARCISSIST (noun) 833. NONDESCRIPT (adj)

Meaning: self admiring person Meaning: having no interesting or unusual features
Usage: The super star has become a narcissist – a or qualities
victim of his own past glory. Usage: The young lad who belonged to a
nondescript village, in a remote corner of the
822. NASCENT (adj) country, eventually achieved immense success
Meaning: just coming into existence and beginning
to develop 834. NONPLUSSED (adj)
Usage: Nanotechnology is still in its nascent stages Meaning: surprised and confused as to how to react
in many countries across the world. Usage: The new teacher was nonplussed when she
was accorded a rude welcome by the students.
823. NEFARIOUS (adj)
Meaning: wicked or criminal 835. NOTIONAL (adj)
Usage: The dubious politician was expelled from Meaning: based on a guess, estimate or theory; not
the party for indulging in nefarious activities. existing in reality.
Usage: The figures published in the newspapers
824. NEGATE (verb) were only notional, since the actual figures could not
Meaning: cancel out, deny be obtained.
Usage: The opposition feels that its stand has been
vindicated while the ruling party’s stance stands 836. NOVITIATE (noun)
negated. Meaning: the period or state of being a novice esp.
in a religious order.
825. NEPOTISM (noun) Usage: After graduating in theological studies, he
Meaning: undue favouritism to one's relations and underwent a two-year novitiate and was inducted as
close friends. a priest.
Usage: Nepotism is not uncommon in the political
and bureaucratic circles of India. 837. NUANCE (noun)
Meaning: a very slight difference in meaning,
826. NICETY (noun) expression, sound etc.
Meaning: the small details or points of difference, Usage: Despite watching her face intently to catch
especially concerning the correct way of behaving every nuance of expression, I could not discern her
or doing things. inner feelings.
Usage: Being born and bred in a village, she was
not aware of the social niceties of high society life in 838. NUGATORY (adj)
a city. Meaning: of no value
Usage: The shares that she thought would fetch her
827. NIGGLE (verb) a lot of money proved to be nugatory.
Meaning: criticize in a petty way
Usage: The couple had the habit of constantly 839. OAFISH (adj)
niggling at each other which led to incompatibility Meaning: uncouth, unpleasant, stupid behaviour
between them. Usage: She dotes on her son so much that he has
become an oafish idiot.
828. NIHILISM (noun)
Meaning: the belief that nothing has any value, 840. OBDURATE (adj)
especially religious and moral principles Meaning: stubbornly refusing to change one’s mind
Usage: The book titled, ‘The Vision of the Future’ Usage: He was so obdurate that all my attempts to
glorifies nihilism. make him see reason proved futile.
841. OBFUSCATE 855. ONSLAUGHT (noun)
Meaning: to muddle or confuse Meaning: a fierce or defensive attack
Usage: The defence lawyer made a deliberate Usage: The armed forces are pretty well equipped
attempt to obfuscate facts. to defend the country against an enemy onslaught.
842. OBLIGATE (verb) 856. ONUS (noun)
Meaning: be obliged to do something. Meaning: responsibility
Usage: The new rule obligates the organization to
Usage: The onus of looking after the safety and
be more transparent in its dealings.
security of the employees rests with the employer.
843. OBLITERATE (verb)
Meaning: destroy completely 857. OPERATIONAL (adj)
Usage: Several villages were obliterated by the Meaning: ready to be used.
flash floods. Usage: The Prime Minister laid the foundation stone
for a new airport in the city which would be
844. OBLIVION (noun) operational by the end of next year.
Meaning: a state in which you are not aware of what
is happening around you, usually because you are 858. OPIATE (noun)
unconscious or asleep. Meaning: a drug containing opium
Usage: He often sought solace for his innumerable Usage: In the past, opiate was administered in order
worries by drinking himself to oblivion. to mitigate excruciating pain.
845. OBNOXIOUS (adj) 859. OPINE (verb)

Meaning: very unpleasant Meaning: to express an opinion.
Usage: His obnoxious behaviour attracted a lot of Usage: Most doctors opine that physical exercise
criticism. and a wholesome diet can prevent people from
846. OBSOLESCENT (adj) falling prey to stress related ailments.
Meaning: becoming obsolete 860. OPPORTUNE (adj)
Usage: The prediction that the printed word would Meaning: done or occurring at an especially
become obsolescent with the advent of computers convenient or appropriate time
eventually turned out to be false. Usage: The soldiers were waiting for the opportune
moment to strike back at the enemy.
847. OBSTINATE (adj)
Meaning: not easily subdued or remedied. 861. OPPRESSIVE (adv)
Usage: Her friends were piqued by her obstinate Meaning: causing distress or anxiety
refusal to change her decision. Usage: The students resented the warden’s
848. ODDITY (noun) oppressive rules.
Meaning: a strange person or thing.
862. OPULENCE (noun)
Usage: He looked like an oddity in his bizarre outfit
Meaning: luxury and grandeur
and weird hairdo.
Usage: The spectators were awestruck by the
849. ODDMENTS (pl noun) opulence and grandeur of the Versailles palace.
Meaning: something remaining over 863. ORCHESTRATE (verb)
Usage: Her house is cluttered with oddments which Meaning: direct (a situation) to produce a desired
she is unwilling to part with. effect.
Usage: The rebellion was orchestrated by a group
850. ODIOUS (adj)
of mavericks.
Meaning: extremely unpleasant
Usage: He is such an odious person that people 864. OSTENSIBLE (adj)
detest his company. Meaning: apparent
Usage: The ostensible reason for the increase in
851. ODYSSEY (noun) crime is poverty but the police chief feels that there
Meaning: a long eventful journey. could be other reasons too.
Usage: The writer has recorded the details of his
865. OSTRACIZE (verb)
innumerable odyssies in his travelogue.
Meaning: exclude from a society or group
852. OFFBEAT (adj) Usage: The bigots of his community ostracized him
Meaning: different from what most people expect. for getting married to a girl belonging to a different
Usage: He is a man with offbeat taste and style. religion.
866. OUTCRY (noun)
853. OMNIPOTENT (adj) Meaning: a reaction of anger or strong protest
Meaning: all-powerful. shown by people in public.
Usage: God is omnipotent. Usage: The unprecedented rise in prices provoked
854. ONEROUS (adj) a public outcry.
Meaning: involving much effort and difficulty 867. OUTLANDISH (adj)
Usage: The onerous task of nurturing his younger Meaning: strange or unfamiliar
siblings fell on his tender shoulders after his father’s Usage: His outlandish clothes made him the object
death. of ridicule at the party.
868. OUTLAW (verb) 881. PACT (noun)
Meaning: make illegal. Meaning: something which is agreed on, an
Usage: Smoking in public has been outlawed in agreement esp. not legally enforceable.
many countries. Usage: The extremist organisation made a peace
pact with the government.
869. OUTLAY (noun)
Meaning: an amount of money spent 882. PADDOCK (noun)
Usage: The project, which was started on a large Meaning: a small field or enclosure for horses.
scale, required a huge financial outlay. Usage: The farmer kept a fine breed of horses in
the paddock behind his house.
870. OUTMODED (adj)
Meaning: no longer fashionable or useful 883. PAGEANTRY (noun)
Usage: With the advent of computers, typewriters Meaning: elaborate or sumptuous show or display.
have become outmoded. Usage: The audience watched spell bound, the rare
pageantry displayed by the Air Force cadets at the
871. OUTSET (noun) recent air show.
Meaning: from the beginning
Usage: I made it clear to them at the very outset that 884. PALLID (adj)
negligence will not be tolerated. Meaning: pale, especially because of poor health
Usage: Although she has recovered from her
872. OVATION (noun) illness, she still looks weak and pallid.
Meaning: long, enthusiastic round of applause
885. PALMY (adj)
Usage: The standing ovation given by the audience
Meaning: comfortable and prosperous
testifies to the soprano’s exquisite performance.
Usage: People were happier during the palmy days
of yore because the stress and strain of modern life
873. OVERHAUL (verb)
was unknown to them.
Meaning: examine and repair
Usage: The car, which was partly damaged in the
886. PANACEA (noun)
accident, was overhauled at the workshop.
Meaning: cure-all
Usage: It is rightly said that music is the panacea
874. OVERINDULGENCE (noun)
for all ailments.
Meaning: excessive indulgence.
Usage: He was advised to avoid overindulgence in 887. PANDEMIC (adj)
food and drink. Meaning: prevalent over a whole country or the
875. OVERRIDING (adj) world
Meaning: more important than anything else in a Usage: Doctors are trying to ensure that bird flu
particular situation. does not become pandemic.
Usage: Extirpating terrorism from the country is a 888. PANDEMONIUM (noun)
matter of overriding concern for the government at Meaning: chaos
this juncture. Usage: Pandemonium prevailed in the house when
876. OVERRUN (verb) the opposition leader insulted a ruling party
Meaning: spread over or occupy in large numbers. member.
Usage: The fort was overrun by enemy troops.
889. PANTOMIME (noun)
877. OVERSIGHT (noun) Meaning: acting that is unaccompanied by words
Meaning: an unintentional failure to notice or do Usage: The undisputed king of pantomime.
something.
Usage: Bill was embarrassed by his glaring 890. PARABLE (noun)
oversight and profusely apologized for it. Meaning: a simple story used to illustrate a moral
or spiritual lesson.
878. OVERTURES (noun) Usage: Narrating parables is an interesting way of
Meaning: approaches made with the aim of inculcating moral values in children.
opening negotiations or establishing a relationship
Usage: Since she knew his real nature she did not 891. PARIAH (noun)
fall prey to his charms and ignored all his friendly Meaning: a social outcast.
overtures. Usage: He was treated like a pariah by his
neighbours because of his involvement in criminal
879. OVERWROUGHT (adj) activities.
Meaning: in an overemotional state, with highly
strained nerves. 892. PARITY (noun)
Usage: As the countdown for the d-day began, the Meaning: the state of being equal or equivalent.
organisers of the event became overwrought and Usage: Women labourers demanded wage parity
apprehensive. with their male counterparts.
880. PACIFIC (adj) 893. PAROCHIAL (adj)

Meaning: peace-loving Meaning: having a narrow outlook or range
Usage: His pacific nature prevented him from Usage: He felt out of place among the parochial and
getting involved in the brawl. clannish members of the community.
894. PARSIMONIOUS (adj) 907. PERFIDIOUS (adj)
Meaning: extremely unwilling to spend money Meaning: that which cannot be trusted
Usage: Despite amassing a lot of wealth, he leads Usage: The turncoat politician was expelled by his
a parsimonious existence. party’s leadership for his perfidious act.
908. PERFUNCTORY (adj)
895. PASTY (adj)
Meaning: carried out with a minimum effort or thought
Meaning: pale and unhealthy-looking.
Usage: His work, which is perfunctory and slipshod
Usage: The long bout of illness has left her pasty
and does not comply with the expected standards.
and debilitated.
909. PERPETUATE (verb)
896. PATRICIAN (adj & noun) Meaning: to make something such as a bad
Meaning: aristocratic situation, a belief etc continue for a long time.
Usage: People were taken aback by his patrician Usage: Films and television, to a large extent, are
arrogance. responsible for perpetuating violence among youth.
910. PERSPECTIVE (noun)
897. PATRIOTIC (adj) Meaning: viewpoint, outlook
Meaning: having love for one’s country Usage: He came out with a strange perspective
Usage: Mahatma Gandhi’s inspiring speeches about the issue.
roused the patriotic spirit of several Indians.
911. PERTNESS (noun)
898. PATRONIZING (adj) Meaning: cheekiness
Meaning: showing that you are more intelligent than Usage: We were greatly appalled by the young
somebody else. lady's pertness.
Usage: People distance themselves away from him
912. PERVASIVE (adj)
because they resented his patronizing behaviour.
Meaning: spreading widely through or present
899. PECUNIARY (adj) every where in something.
Meaning: having to do with money Usage: Movies have a pervasive influence on
Usage: Constrained by pecuniary difficulties, he adolescent behaviour.
was forced to discontinue his studies. 913. PETRIFIED (adj)
Meaning: paralysed with fear
900. PEDESTRIAN (adj)
Usage: We were petrified on seeing the ghastly
Meaning: dull and boring
road accident.
Usage: The programme, which started with a lot of
promise, turned out to be a pedestrian affair. 914. PETULANT (adj)
Meaning: Bad-tempered and unreasonable,
901. PEEVISH (adj) especially because you cannot do or have what you
Meaning: irritable want.
Usage: Lack of proper sleep tends to make a Usage: Age and ill health have made him senile and
person dull and peevish. petulant.
902. PENCHANT (noun) 915. PHILANTHROPIC (adj)
Meaning: a strong liking
Meaning: related to the practice of helping the poor,
Usage: She has a penchant for dressing up in
especially by giving them money
trendy clothes.
Usage: His philanthropic nature earned him a lot of
903. PENITENT (adj) respect and love from the poor and the needy.
Meaning: feeling sorrow and regret for having done
wrong 916. PHLEGMATIC (adj)
Usage: The young man was penitent of his mistakes Meaning: calm and unemotional
and resolved to tread the path of righteousness. Usage: Being a man with a phlegmatic
temperament, people resent his company.
904. PENSIVE (adj)
917. PHONEY (adj)
Meaning: expressing deep thoughtfulness, often
with some sadness Meaning: A person or thing that is not genuine
Usage: He sat beside the lake in a pensive mood, Usage: It was not difficult for me to make out that
cogitating about life. the excuse given by him was phoney.
905. PENURIOUS (adj) 918. PHOTOGRAPHIC (adj)

Meaning: extremely poor Meaning: accurate and in great detail
Usage: Although he was born into a wealthy family Usage: He is blessed with such a photographic
he is now leading a penurious life thanks to his memory that he can vividly, recall events which took
prodigal habits. place several decades ago.
906. PERENNIAL (adj & noun) 919. PINCHED (adj)

Meaning: happening again and again; something Meaning: (of a person’s face) pale and thin,
which is there for a very long time especially because of illness, cold or worry.
Usage: My mother has been a perennial source of Usage: Although she recovered fully from her
inspiration for me. illness she still has a pinched look on her face
920. PIONEER (noun) 933. PLUMMET (verb)
Meaning: a person who develops new ideas or Meaning: fall straight down at high speed.
techniques. Usage: Share prices have plummeted to an all time
Usage: The American scientists who were the low in the past three months.
pioneers of robotic technology won the admiration
of the scientific community. 934. PLUTOCRAT (noun)
Meaning: a person who is powerful because of his
921. PIQUANT (adj) wealth.
Meaning: stimulating to the mind Usage: The officials fell a prey to the bribe offered
Usage: The piquant story line of the movie kept the by plutocrats.
audience glued to their seats.
922. PITFALL (noun) 935. POISE (noun)
Meaning: a hidden danger or difficulty. Meaning: a calm and confident manner
Usage: Although he was not against the idea of Usage: Few people can match the poise and grace
accepting the foreign assignment, he was of the veteran actress.
apprehensive of the pitfalls involved in it.
936. POLARITY (noun)
923. PITTANCE (noun) Meaning: the situation when two tendencies,
Meaning: very small or inadequate amount of money. opinions etc oppose each other.
Usage: Due to recession and unemployment in the Usage: The polarity between the two wings of the
country even highly qualified people are forced to ruling party led to its destabilization.
work for a pittance.
937. POLYMATH (noun)
924. PIVOTAL (adj) Meaning: a person with a wide knowledge of many
Meaning: crucially important. subjects.
Usage: Agriculture plays a pivotal role in the Indian Usage: He was a polymath who commanded a lot
economy. of respect on account of his exhaustive knowledge.
925. PLACATE (verb) 938. PONDER (verb)
Meaning: pacify Meaning: consider carefully
Usage: The husband tried to placate his angry wife Usage: He pondered over ther issue for a while
with a bouquet. before expressing his opinion.
926. PLACID (adj)
Meaning: not easily excited or irritated 939. POPULOUS (adj)
Meaning: where a large number of people live.
Usage: She is, by nature, a placid person who
Usage: India is the second most populous country
seldom gets perturbed. in the world.
927. PLAINTIVE (adj)
940. PORTENT (noun)
Meaning: sounding sad and mournful
Meaning: a sign or warning that something
Usage: His voice sounded plaintive when he recalled
(important or unpleasant) is likely to happen.
nostalgically the pleasant memories of the past.
Usage: The failure of monsoon this year is a portent
928. PLAUSIBLE (adj) of the impending drought.
Meaning: seeming reasonable or probable
941. POSIT (verb)
Usage: The excuse which he gave for shirking away
Meaning: put forward as a fact or as a basis for
from the work given to him, did not sound very
argument
plausible to me.
Usage: Several psychologists have posited that rote
929. PLEASANTRY (noun) learning stultifies a child’s creative abilities.
Meaning: an unimportant remark made as part of a 942. POSTERITY (noun)
polite conversation. Meaning: all succeeding generations.
Usage: After the initial pleasantries, he came to the
Usage: These rare works of art which symbolize our
actual point of discussion.
country’s cultural heritage should be preserved for
930. PLEBEIAN (adj) posterity.
Meaning: lacking refinement
Usage: His plebeian tastes were heckled by the 943. POTABLE (adj)
snobs of the club. Meaning: safe to drink
Usage: There is an acute shortage of potable water
931. PLENARY (adj) in many cities in India.
Meaning: entire or absolute
Usage: The Supreme Court has plenary powers to 944. POTENT (adj)
revoke a law. Meaning: strong
Usage: Quinine is a potent antidote for malaria.
932. PLUMB (verb)
Meaning: try to understand or succeed in 945. POTENTATE (noun)
understanding something mysterious. Meaning: a ruler who has a lot of power, esp. when
Usage: The celebrity’s enigmatic life attracted the this is not restricted by a parliament etc.
attention of biographers who tried to plumb the Usage: People eventually rebelled against the
mysteries of life. potentate’s tyrannical rule.
946. PRE-EMPT (verb) 958. PRESAGE (verb)
Meaning: take action so as to prevent (something) Meaning: be a sign or warning of
happening. Usage: In the past, people believed that the hooting
Usage: You can pre-empt an attack of a flu by taking of an owl presaged death.
an anti-pyretic drug at the first warning sign.
959. PRESCIENT (adj)
Meaning: prophetic
947. PREAMBLE (noun)
Usage: Nobody paid heed to his prescient
Meaning: an introduction, an opening statement.
warnings.
Usage: She conveyed the message without a
preamble.
960. PREVAIL (verb)
948. PRECARIOUS (adj) Meaning: triumph
Meaning: not safe or certain Usage: The conditions prevailing in the slums
Usage: He cannot afford to be extravagant due to horrified us.
his precarious financial position.
961. PRIGGISH (adj)
949. PRECINCT (noun) Meaning: a person is considered priggish if he
Meaning: the area around a place or building, often behaves as if he is superior to others.
enclosed by a wall. Usage: The fun loving young girls of the hostel
Usage: Women are not allowed to enter the considered the warden’s behaviour to be priggish.
precincts of the temple at Sabarimala.
962. PRIMEVAL (adj)
950. PRECLUDE (verb) Meaning: relating to the earliest times in history
Meaning: prevent Usage: Primeval society showed respect for nature.
Usage: People’s discomfort precludes many
women from joining the police or armed forces.
963. PRISTINE (adj)
951. PRECOCIOUS (adj) Meaning: Immaculate
Meaning: intelligent Usage: I wish the pristine purity of our rivers could
Usage: The precocious child won all the chess be restored some how.
tournaments.
964. PROBE (noun & verb)
952. PREDICATE (verb) Meaning: an investigation
Meaning: to base something on a particular belief, Usage: The Minister ordered a judicial probe into
idea or principle. the incident.
Usage: The progress of a nation is predicated on its
economic success. 965. PROBITY (noun)
Meaning: honesty and decency
953. PREDISPOSITION (noun) Usage: He is an extremely trustworthy person, I can
Meaning: a condition that makes somebody or vouch for his probity.
something likely to behave in a particular way or to
suffer from a particular disease. 966. PROCLIVITY (noun)
Usage: People who are obese have a Meaning: a natural tendency to do something or to
predisposition to heart ailments. feel something, often something bad
Usage: His criminal proclivities are perhaps
954. PREEN (verb) inherited.
Meaning: to make oneself look attractive and then
admire one’s appearance. 967. PRODIGAL (adj)
Usage: The teenager spent a lot of time preening Meaning: using money or resources in a wasteful
herself in front of the mirror, much to the chagrin of way
her mother. Usage: His prodigal habits eventually left his family
bankrupt.
955. PRELUDE (noun)
Meaning: an action or event that happens before 968. PROFANE (adj)
another important one. Meaning: blasphemous
Usage: The quirky weather conditions which we are Usage: His profane language horrified the
now witnessing today, are a prelude to the more believers.
dangerous consequences of global warming which
we are likely to face in the future. 969. PROFUSE (adj)
956. PREORDAIN (verb) Meaning: plentiful
Meaning: decided or determined beforehand. Usage: The injured man was bleeding profusely
Usage: Stoics believe that the trials and tribulations while the driver was making profuse apologies to all
which man has to endure during the course of his the onlookers.
life are preordained.
970. PROGENY (noun)
957. PREROGATIVE (noun) Meaning: offspring
Meaning: privilege Usage: The proud father exclaimed, “To have such
Usage: Many people feel that it should be the a gifted progeny, who is a good poet as well as a
captain’s prerogative to choose his team members. prolific story writer, is indeed a blessing!”
971. PROLIFIC (adj) 985. PROWESS (noun)
Meaning: productive, abundant Meaning: skill or expertise in a particular activity
Usage: He is a prolific wiriter who, on an average, Usage: Although he is extremely intelligent he
writes about 100 stories in a year. seldom boasts about his intellectual prowess.
972. PROLIX (adj)
986. PROXY (noun)
Meaning: tiresomely wordy and dull
Meaning: a person authorized to act on behalf of
Usage: The orator’s prolix speech had a soporific
another.
effect on the listeners.
Usage: The Chief Minister who was supposed to
973. PROPENSITY (noun) be the Chief Guest sent one of his cabinet
Meaning: a tendency to behave in a certain way colleagues as his proxy to attend the function.
Usage: His peripatetic existence is a result of his
propensity for travel. 987. PSEUDONYM (noun)
Meaning: false name, especially one used by an
974. PROPHECY (noun) author
Meaning: a prediction about what will happen Usage: Mary Ann Evans wrote under the
Usage: The prophecies of Nostradamus are said to pseudonym, George Eliot.
be coming true one by one.
975. PROPULSION (noun) 988. PUERILE (adj)
Meaning: the action of propelling or driving forward. Meaning: childishly silly
Usage: Most water birds use their tail feathers for Usage: It did not take much time for me to discern
propulsion. that the excuse given by him was a puerile and
evasive one.
976. PROSCRIBE (verb)
Meaning: ban 989. PUMMEL (verb)
Usage: The doctor proscribed sweets for the Meaning: strike repeatedly with the fists.
diabetic. Usage: He caught hold of the thief and pummelled
him severely before handing him over to the police.
977. PROTAGONIST (noun)
Meaning: character 990. PURPORT (verb)
Usage: The protagonist in the play is a versatile Meaning: appear to be or do, especially falsely.
actor. Usage: The book purports to reveal the whole
978. PROTEAN (adj) truth.
Meaning: able to change or adapt
991. PURVEY (verb)
Usage: The protean landscape transforms itself
Meaning: provide or supply (food or drink) as one’s
with the seasons.
business
979. PROTOCOL (noun) Usage: He began his career by purveying sundry
Meaning: procedure items on the pavement and eventually grew to
Usage: The protocol demands that a visiting become a business tycoon.
dignitary be received by a senior officer.
992. PUSILLANIMITY (noun)
980. PROTOTYPE (noun) Meaning: lacking courage
Meaning: first or earlier form from which other forms Usage: Mahatma Gandhi’s advocacy of non-
are developed or copied. violence was misconceived by the extremists as
Usage: The prototype of the radar will be displayed pusillanimity.
for the benefit of research students
993. QUAINT (adj)
981. PROTRACTED (adj) Meaning: attractively unused or old fashioned
Meaning: draw out Usage: Although the cottage was old-fashioned it
Usage: After a protracted discussion the team had a quaint and alluring charm.
finally solved the problem.
994. QUARANTINE (verb & noun)
982. PROTRACTED (adj)
Meaning: isolation imposed on those who have
Meaning: lasting longer than expected or longer
been exposed to an infectious disease.
than usual
Usage: He expired last week after being bedridden Usage: The foreigners who are suspected to be
for six months due to a protracted illness. carrying the ‘bird flu’ virus were quarantined at the
airport itself.
983. PROVENANCE (noun)
Meaning: the origin or earliest known history of 995. QUAVER (verb)
something. Meaning: tremble
Usage: Some of the antique artefacts in the Usage: Her voice quavered with emotion when she
mansion are of Italian provenance. read out the farewell message.
984. PROVOCATION (noun) 996. QUEASY (adj)

Meaning: aggravation Meaning: feeling nauseous
Usage: There was no provocation for her rude Usage: She felt queasy after taking a ride on the
behaviour. roller coaster.
997. QUEER (adj) 1010. RAPACIOUS (adj)
Meaning: strange or unusual Meaning: avaricious, very greedy
Usage: Queer customs and rituals are still Usage: The rapacious money lender charged a
prevalent in tribal societies. heavy interest on the money he lent to the poor and
illiterate villagers.
998. QUELL (verb)
Meaning: put an end to 1011. RAPPORT (noun)
Usage: The agitation was quelled by the timely Meaning: relationship
action taken by the government. Usage: He has an excellent rapport with his boss.
999. QUERULOUS (adj) 1012. RAPT (adj)

Meaning: Argumentative Meaning: completely interested or absorbed in
Usage: The querulous journalist kept on someone or something.
Usage: His audience listened to him with rapt
bombarding his objections to the new scheme
attention.
during the press conference.
1013. RAPTUROUS (adj)
1000. QUEST (noun)
Meaning: feeling or expressing great pleasure or
Meaning: a long or difficult search
enthusiasm
Usage: Gautama Buddha renounced his princely
Usage: His family and friends gave him a rapturous
life and embraced asceticism in his quest for truth.
welcome when he returned to his motherland after
1001. QUINTESSENCE (noun) several years of staying abroad.
Meaning: the perfect or most typical example 1014. RARING (adj)
Usage: The manor house was a quintessence of Meaning: full of enthusiasm and a sense of urgency.
Victorian elegance. Usage: She is all rejuvenated and raring to get
back to work after a long holiday.
1002. QUIRK (noun)
Meaning: an aspect of somebody's personality or 1015. RAVAGED (verb)
behaviour that is a little strange. Meaning: badly damaged
Usage: Observing people, with all their quirks and Usage: Several maritime cities and towns were
foibles, was his favourite past time. ravaged by the tsunami which occurred in the year
2004.
1003. QUIXOTIC (adj)
Meaning: high minded and unselfish to an 1016. RAVINGS (noun)
impractical extent. Meaning: wild talk that makes no sense.
Usage: The idea of interlinking all the rivers in the Usage: They dismissed his utterances as the
country is rather quixotic. lunatic ravings of a senile old man.
1004. RABID (adj) 1017. RAZE (verb)
Meaning: having very strong feelings about Meaning: to completely destroy a building town,
something and acting in an unacceptable way. etc. so that nothing is left.
Usage: Rabid fanatics belonging to two religious Usage: Several houses were razed to the ground
groups indulged in arson, damaging a lot of public by the devastating earthquake.
property in the process.
1018. REBUFF (verb)
Meaning: reject in an abrupt or unkind way
1005. RAMIFICATION (noun) Usage: He felt humiliated when his proposal was
Meaning: complex results of an action or event. rebuffed by the members of the committee.
Usage: It is predicted that the centre's decision
would have widespread social ramifications. 1019. REBUT (verb)
Meaning: claim or prove to be false
1006. RAMPAGE (noun)
Usage: The bureaucrat categorically rebutted his
Meaning: a period of wild and violent behaviour
involvement in the scam.
Usage: The mob went on a rampage and
destroyed public property. 1020. RECALCITRANT (adj)
Meaning: obstinately disobedient
1007. RANCID (adj)
Usage: Psychologists aver that a recalcitrant attitude
Meaning: tasting or smelling unpleasant
among most teenagers is nothing abnormal.
Usage: The rancid odour emanating from the dish
was nauseating. 1021. RECANT (verb)
Meaning: withdraw a former opinion or belief.
1008. RANKLE (verb) Usage: When his disparaging statements were
Meaning: cause continuing annoyance or met with loud protests from some sections of
resentment. society, the leader was forced to recant.
Usage: His disparaging remarks rankled with her.
1022. RECEDE (verb)
1009. RANT (noun) Meaning: to move further away into the distance.
Meaning: speak in a loud, angry and forceful way. Usage: The flood waters having receded, essential
Usage: He launched into a rant against the services have been resumed in most parts of the
swindler who had duped him. city.
1023. RECEPTACLE (noun) 1036. REGAL (adj)
Meaning: an object or space to contain something Meaning: having to do or fit for a monarch,
Usage: The terrorists were found using suitcases especially in being magnificent or dignified.
as bomb receptacles. Usage: The tourists were thoroughly amazed to
see the exquisite grandeur of the palace in all its
1024. RECEPTIVE (adj) regal splendour.
Meaning: open, alert
Usage: The new boss is very receptive to 1037. REGIME (noun)
suggestion. Meaning: government, routine
1025. RECEPTIVE (adj) Usage: The Nazi regime committed innumerable
Meaning: willing to listen to or to accept new ideas atrocities.
and suggestions
Usage: The receptive audience encouraged him to 1038. REGRESS (verb)
speak at length on his new discovery. Meaning: return to an earlier or less advanced
state.
1026. RECLUSIVE (adj) Usage: The teenager's regressing to childish
Meaning: isolated behaviour could probably be due to an underlying
Usage: His reclusive nature is mistaken by many psychological problem.
for arrogance.
1039. REITERATE (verb)
1027. RECONNAISSANCE (noun) Meaning: say again or repeatedly
Meaning: the activity of getting information about Usage: The Minister reiterated that he was
an area for military purposes, using soldiers, innocent and categorically denied his involvement
planes etc. in the scandal.
Usage: Some aircraft were used exclusively for
reconaissance operations. 1040. REJOINDER (noun)
Meaning: quick or witty reply
1028. RECOURSE (noun)
Usage: He expressed his disapproval with a curt
Meaning: possible course of action
rejoinder.
Usage: Corporal punishment should be resorted to
as a last recourse, while disciplining children.
1041. REJUVENATE (verb)
1029. RECRIMINATION (noun) Meaning: make (someone or something) look
Meaning: an accusation in response to one from younger or more lively
someone else Usage: The commander’s exhortation rejuvenated
Usage: Constant squabbles and mutual the sagging morale of the soldiers.
recrimination between parents can have a
detrimental effect on a child’s psychology. 1042. RELAPSE (verb)
Meaning: fall back into a previous state
1030. RECTITUDE (noun) Usage: The patient relapsed into coma yet again.
Meaning: righteousness
Usage: He has a sense of moral rectitude and 1043. RELENT (verb)
hence I feel he is a rare species in these dishonest Meaning: finally agree to something after refusing
times. to do so initially.
Usage: Despite all the blandishments we
1031. RECUPERATING (adj)
showered on him he did not relent from his
Meaning: recovering from illness or tiredness
obstinate stance.
Usage: The climate of the hill station is ideal for
convalescents recuperating from an illness. 1044. RELENTLESS (adj)
Meaning: never stopping or weakening
1032. REDOLENT (adj)
Usage: One must relentlessly pursue one’s goal in
Meaning: strongly suggestive of
order to embrace success.
Usage: The rustic surroundings which were
redolent of the quaint charm of his native village, 1045. RELINQUISH (verb)
stirred nostalgic memories in him. Meaning: give up
1033. REDOUND (verb) Usage: To express his displeasure with the British
Meaning: contribute greatly to (a person's credit) government Rabindranath Tagore relinquished the
Usage: His excellent oratory skills might redound title conferred upon him.
to his advantage. 1046. REMINISCE (verb)
1034. REDUNDANT (adj) Meaning: think or talking about the past for
Meaning: superfluous enjoyment
Usage: The deputy chief’s post is very soon going Usage: The old soldier often reminisced about his
to become redundant. victories and achievements of the bygone days.
1035. REFUTE (verb) 1047. REMONSTRATE (verb)

Meaning: prove to be wrong Meaning: make a strongly critical protest.
Usage: He refuted the accusations levelled against Usage: Students remonstrated against the college
him by proving his innocence. management for hiking the tution fee.
1048. REMUNERATIVE (adj) 1061. RESCIND (verb)
Meaning: paying a lot of money Meaning: cancel a law, order or agreement
Usage: He relocated to Mumbai recently, when he Usage: Only the President has the authority to
secured a more remunerative job. rescind an order which has been approved by the
cabinet.
1049. REND (verb)
Meaning: tear to pieces 1062. RESENT (verb)
Usage: Anti-reservation slogans rent the air when Meaning: dislike, begrudge
the Prime Minister visited the city. Usage: I resent being talked to in a loud voice.
1050. RENDEZVOUS (noun) 1063. RESILIENT (adj)

Meaning: a meeting at an agreed time and place Meaning: elastic, hardy, hard-wearing
Usage: We will decide the course of action during Usage: Professional sports demand a lot of mental
our rendezvous this evening. and physical resilience.
1051. RENDITION (noun) 1064. RESPONSIVE (adj)

Meaning: a performance or version of a dramatic Meaning: to react quickly and favourably
or musical work. Usage: The patient’s condition deteriorated, as he
Usage: The artist’s rendition of Thyagraja’s was not responsive to treatment.
devotional songs had the audience spell-bound.
1065. RESTITUTION (noun)
1052. RENEGADE (noun) Meaning: payment for injury or loss
Meaning: person who deserts and betrays an Usage: The court ordered the management of the
organization, country or set of principles company to pay a lakh of rupees in restitution, to
Usage: The renegade was ostracized from the the worker who sustained injuries while at work.
community for his perfidious act.
1066. RETICENT (adj)
1053. REPEAL (verb) Meaning: reserved
Meaning: officially cancel (a law or act of Usage: The actress was extremely reticent about
parliament) her personal life.
Usage: The government was forced to repeal the 1067. RETINUE (noun)
rent control act owing to wide protests from all Meaning: a group of advisers or assistants
quarters. accompanying an important person
Usage: The heroine arrived on the sets of the film
1054. REPLENISH (verb)
with her retinue, while the director waited
Meaning: refill
impatiently.
Usage: Please replenish the stock immediately.
1055. REPREHENSIBLE (adj) 1068. RETORT (verb, noun)

Meaning: wrong or bad and deserving Meaning: reply angrily, angry reply
condemnation. Usage: The captain retorted by saying that his
Usage: According to the law even those guilty of critics were the kind of people who had never
abetting a crime are morally reprehensible. played the sport even at club level tournaments.
1056. REPRIMAND (verb) 1069. RETROGRADE (adj)

Meaning: to reprove severely Meaning: retrospective
Usage: He was reprimanded by his superiors for Usage: Clamping stringent laws that curb freedom
failing to execute the task assigned to him. could prove to be a retrograde step.
1057. REPRISAL (adj) 1070. RETROSPECTIVE (adj)

Meaning: an act of retaliation Meaning: looking back
Usage: Militants shot dead several, hostages in Usage: It is aptly said that even a fool becomes
reprisal for their leaders assassination. wise in retrospect.
1058. REPROBATE (noun) 1071. REVERIE (noun)

Meaning: a person who behaves in an immoral way. Meaning: daydream
Usage: Overcome by penitence the reprobate Usage: The loud knock on the door shook me from
vowed to mend his ways and turn over a new leaf. my reverie.
1059. REPUTE (noun) 1072. REVERT (verb)
Meaning: the opinion generally held of someone or Meaning: relapse
something Usage: The teacher asked the students to revert to
Usage: He is a person of ill repute and dubious him in case of any confusion.
credentials; hence he cannot be trusted with the
job. 1073. REVOKE (verb)
Meaning: to say officially that an agreement,
1060. REQUITAL (noun) permission, a law, etc. is no longer in effect.
Meaning: the act of repaying or retaliating. Usage: The government’s decision to revoke the
Usage: I intend giving her a small gift in requital of women’s reservation bill was met with stiff opposition
the kindness she has shown towards me. from women activists all over the nation.
1074. RIDDLE (noun) 1087. SACROSANCT (adj)
Meaning: to be full of something especially Meaning: sacred
Usage: Her essay, which was riddled with Usage: This school considers the rights of children
grammatical errors, spoke poorly of her English sacrosanct.
language skills.
1088. SADDLE (verb)
1075. RIFE (adj) Meaning: to encumber, to impose upon (someone)
Meaning: widespread as a burden or encumbrance.
Usage: Speculation is rife among the political Usage: Having incurred heavy losses in his
circles of a possible mid-term polls. business, he was saddled with a huge debt.
1076. RISQUE (adj)
1089. SAGA (noun)
Meaning: slightly indecent or rude
Meaning: a long story about events over a period
Usage: The government should impose a ban on
of many years.
the display of risque bill boards on roads in the
Usage: The saga of the 18th century feudalistic
interest of the general public.
regime makes for poignant reading.
1077. RITUAL (noun)
Meaning: a religious or solemn ceremony involving 1090. SALLOW (adj)
a series of actions performed according to a set of Meaning: having a slightly yellow colour that does
not look healthy.
orders.
Usage: Her sunken cheeks and sallow complexion
Usage: People belonging to some tribal cultures
indicated that she was unwell.
are notorious for practising gory rituals.
1091. SALLY (noun)
1078. RIVEN (adj)
Meaning: a sudden charge out of a place
Meaning: divided because of disagreements, surrounded by an enemy
especially in a violent way Usage: We were caught unawares when the enemy
Usage: India was riven by internal conflicts among troops made a sally against our military deployment.
the various kingdoms which paved the way for the
British to overpower the nation. 1092. SALIENT (adj)
Meaning: most important or noticeable
1079. RIVETED (verb) Usage: She tried to recollect all the salient points
Meaning: to hold someone’s interest or attention of the discussion.
so completely that they cannot look away or think
of anything else. 1093. SALUBRIOUS (adj)
Usage: As my grandmother was a good raconteur, Meaning: good for one’s health
I was riveted by the stories she told me. Usage: The salubrious climate of the city had a
therapeutic effect on her frail health.
1080. ROTUND (adj)
Meaning: round 1094. SALUTARY (adj)
Usage: The new chief is a rotund, balding man. Meaning: beneficial because of allowing one to
learn from experience.
1081. RUDDY (adj) Usage: The incident was a salutary reminder of the
Meaning: reddish danger involved in flouting the laws of safety.
Usage: This winter all my friends look ruddy.
1095. SANCTIMONIOUS (adj)
1082. RUEFUL (adj) Meaning: self-righteous
Meaning: expressing regret Usage: The sanctimonious speech of the holy man
Usage: I could make out from the rueful expression infuriated the large gathering.
on his face that he was penitent about his errant
behaviour. 1096. SANCTITY (noun)
Meaning: the state of being very important and
1083. RUSE (noun) worthy of great respect.
Meaning: a way of doing something or of getting Usage: The sanctity of the holy place was destroyed
something by deceiving someone. by vandals indulging in nefarious activities.
Usage: She was smart enough to detect the clever
ruse of her oppnents. 1097. SANCTUM (noun)
Meaning: a sacred place
1084. SABOTAGE (noun) Usage: I experienced a feeling of absolute serenity
Meaning: deliberately destroy or damage as I entered the sanctum of the temple.
Usage: Authorities investigating the train accident
have not ruled out sabotage. 1098. SANGFROID (noun)
Meaning: the ability to stay calm in difficult
1085. SACCHARINE (adj) circumstances
Meaning: of sickly sweetness Usage: The teacher displayed considerable
Usage: She greeted me with a saccharine smile. sangfroid in tackling the difficult situation.
1086. SACRILEGIOUS (adj) 1099. SARDONIC (adj)
Meaning: treating something sacred or highly Meaning: showing that you think you are better
valued with great disrespect. than other people and do not take them seriously
Usage: Entering the precincts of a holy place with Usage: I could discern from his sardonic tone that
foot wear is considered sacrilegious. he is a conceited individual.
1100. SATURNINE (adj) 1112. SCRUTINY (noun)
Meaning: serious or gloomy Meaning: close and critical examination
Usage: His usually cheerful countenance has a Usage: On close scrutiny it was revealed that the
saturnine expression indicating that something was evidence was doctored.
seriously wrong.
1113. SCUD (verb)
1101. SAUNTER (verb) Meaning: move fast because it is driven by wind.
Meaning: to walk in a leisurely manner, to wander Usage: Dark monsoon clouds scudding across the
about without purpose sky indicated the onset of the rainy season.
Usage: Having a lot of time at our disposal, since
the flight was delayed, we sauntered about the 1114. SCUPPER (verb)
airport lounge aimlessly. Meaning: to cause somebody or something to fail
Usage: Our plan to go to the seaside for a picnic
1102. SAVANT (noun) was scuppered by the untimely rain.
Meaning: a very knowledgeable person
Usage: He was a sevant and could speak 1115. SCURRILOUS (adj)
extempore on any subject. Meaning: very rude and insulting and intended to
damage somebody’s reputation
1103. SAVOUR (verb) Usage: The official filed a defamation suit against
Meaning: enjoy or appreciate to the full. the press for the scurrilous attack on his character.
Usage: Although she served us a humble meal, we
savoured every morsel with great relish. 1116. SCURRY (noun)
Meaning: a situation of hurried and confused
1104. SAW (noun) movement.
Meaning: a proverb or wise saying. Usage: There was a scurry to get out when people
Usage: The wise saws coined by our forefathers, came to know that a bomb was planted in the
are full of truth, and have relevance even to this theatre.
day.
1117. SEAR (verb)
1105. SCHEMING (adj) Meaning: to cause somebody to feel sudden and
Meaning: often planning secretly to do something great pain.
for your own advantage, especially by deceiving Usage: Seared by pangs of guilt for the sin he had
other people. committed, he promised to make amends.
Usage: She was too gullible and unsuspecting to
understand his scheming nature. 1118. SECTARIAN (adj)
Meaning: related to a sect or group
1106. SCHISM (noun) Usage: Modern-day politicians wilfully indulge in
Meaning: a breach especially in the unity of a sectarian politics.
church 1119. SEDATE (adj)
Usage: The company seems to be on the brink of Meaning: anesthetize, staid, dignified
a schism due to differences of opinion between the Usage: He is a rather sedate man.
board of directors.
1120. SEDITION (noun)
1107. SCHISMATIC (adj) Meaning: incitement to rebellion
Meaning: a group or organization dividing into two Usage: The group was charged with sedition.
groups as a result of differences in thinking and
beliefs 1121. SEDULOUS (adj)
Usage: The consolidation of schismatic religious Meaning: showing dedication and great care
movements over the years has triggered off Usage: Being a perfectionist to the core he
terrorist activities in many parts of the world. executes any job assigned to him with sedulous
care.
1108. SCINTILLATING (adj)
Meaning: brilliant and exciting 1122. SEETHE (verb)
Usage: The audience listened to his scintillating Meaning: be filled with great but unexpressed
speech with rapt attention. anger.
Usage: He was seething with anger at the injustice
1109. SCION (noun)
meted out to them.
Meaning: a descendant of a notable family.
Usage: Being the scion of a wealthy aristocratic
1123. SEGREGATE (verb)
family he is known for his patrician hauteur.
Meaning: to remove from a group
1110. SCORNFUL (adj) Usage: A child suffering from chicken-pox should
Meaning: showing or feeling contempt be segregated from other children.
Usage: I was taken aback by her scornful remarks
1124. SEMBLANCE (noun)
1111. SCOWL (noun) Meaning: appearance, a show
Meaning: an annoyed expression. Usage: The reigning champion is so out-of-form
Usage: His wife was a termagant who always had that he seems to have no semblance of a chance
a scowl on her face. to win the title now.
1125. SENILE (adj) 1138. SKULK (verb)
Meaning: having a loss of mental abilities because Meaning: hide or move around in a stealthy way
of old age Usage: When I saw someone skulking behind the
Usage: The senile old man cursed all his relatives bushes, I called in the police immediately fearing
and called them ‘crooked politicians’. that it was a burglar.
1126. SENTIENT (adj)
Meaning: able to perceive or feel things 1139. SLAKE (verb)
Usage: Since plants are sentient living beings they Meaning: to drink so that you no longer feel thirsty.
should be nurtured with utmost care. Usage: I was so thirsty that I guzzled two bottles of
1127. SEQUEL (noun) coke to slake my thirst.
Meaning: follow-up, development 1140. SLANDEROUS (adj)
Usage: Star Wars  is a sequel to Star Wars .
Meaning: making false and harmful statements
1128. SERVITUDE (noun) Usage: The politician threatened to sue the
Meaning: the condition of being a slave or being newspapers for publishing slanderous remarks
forced to obey another person. against him.
Usage: Indians were held in servitude by the
British for several years. 1141. SLAPDASH (adj)
Meaning: done or made in a hurried and careless
1129. SHACKLE (verb) way.
Meaning: to chain someone’s ankles or wrists to Usage: His slapdash approach to work was
prevent them from escaping. criticized by his superiors.
Usage: The hostages were shackled to their seats
by the hijackers. 1142. SLIGHTING (adj)
1130. SHAM (noun) Meaning: rude or disrespectful
Meaning: a thing that is not as good or genuine as Usage: Although she was piqued by his slighting
it seems to be remarks, she chose to ignore them.
Usage: I was shocked when I realized that all the
love and tenderness, which he showed was 1143. SMUG (adj)
nothing more than a sham. Meaning: irritatingly pleased with oneself.
Usage: At this hour of crisis we cannot afford to be
1131. SHARD (noun) smug about our achievements but must work hard
Meaning: sharp pieces of broken pottery glass etc. to improve the situation.
Usage: Shards of glass were found scattered at
the accident site. 1144. SMUTTY (adj)
Meaning: dirty or sooty
1132. SHEEPISH (adj) Usage: The film, which was full of smutty jokes and
Meaning: embarrassed from shame or shyness double entendre dialogues, did not appeal to the
Usage: He did not give a reply to my question but discerning audience.
gave a sheepish smile.
1145. SNIDE (adj)
1133. SIDELINE (noun) Meaning: disrespectful or mocking in an indirect
Meaning: activity that is additional to your main job. way
Usage: Mr. Brown works as a clerk, but teaches Usage: Piqued by his rival’s snide remarks, John
French as a sideline. launched into a verbal tirade against him.
1134. SIDLE (verb) 1146. SOJOURN (noun)
Meaning: to walk somewhere in a shy or uncertain Meaning: halt
way as if you do not want to be noticed. Usage: After my sojourn in Delhi, I longed to go
Usage: Because she was late, she sidled, into the back to my village to escape the hectic life of the
classroom looking rather sheepish. city.
1135. SIEGE (noun) 1147. SOLECISM (noun)
Meaning: the act or process of surrounding a town Meaning: a breach of good manners or etiquette
or fortress, cutting off its supply lines and Usage: People should be well versed in matters of
subjecting it to persistent attack. etiqette in order to avoid solecisms at social
Usage: The beleaguered people of the city heaved gatherings.
a sigh of relief when the siege was brought to a
peaceful conclusion. 1148. SOLICITUDE (noun)
1136. SIMULATE (verb) Meaning: anxious care for somebody's comfort,
Meaning: to feign, to have or assume a false health or happiness.
apperance of. Usage: Mother Teresa's solicitude for the sick and
Usage: Computer software is used to simulate the the destitute was legendary.
sounds made by birds and animals. 1149. SOLIDARITY (noun)
1137. SINISTER (adj) Meaning: agreement and support resulting from
Meaning: seemingly evil or dangerous shared interests, feelings, or opinions.
Usage: The sea appeared sinister indicating that a Usage: The United Nations strives to promote
fierce storm was imminent. solidarity among the nations of the world.
1150. SOLITUDE (noun) 1164. SQUALID (adj)
Meaning: loneliness Meaning: the state of being extremely dirty and
Usage: Somebody has aptly remarked, “Solitude is unpleasant
the audience chamber of God.” Usage: He was greatly distressed after witnessing
the dismal and squalid living conditions of the slum
1151. SOMBRE (adj) dwellers.
Meaning: sad and serious
Usage: Although he is normally a cheerful person, 1165. STAMINA (noun)
today he looks unusually sombre. Meaning: the ability to keep up physical or mental
effort over a long period.
1152. SOMNOLENT (adj) Usage: Martial arts like judo and karate call for a
Meaning: sleepy lot of stamina.
Usage: He hails from a somnolent village on the
outskirts of Denver. 1166. STATUTE (noun)
Meaning: a written law
1153. SONOROUS (adj) Usage: According to a statute issued by the
Meaning: loud Ministry of Health smoking in public is prohibited.
Usage: The sonorous voice of Jim Reeves is
adored by millions across the globe. 1167. STENTORIAN (adj)
Meaning: very loud
1154. SORDID (adj) Usage: Our new drillmaster has got a stentorian
Meaning: involving dishonest or immoral actions voice.
and motives
1168. STIGMA (noun)
Usage: When the sordid details of his private life
Meaning: feelings of disapproval that people
were exposed, people were shocked at the seamy
associate with particular illness or the way of
side of their leader.
behaving
1155. SOULFUL (adj) Usage: In our society an illegitimate child’s future is
Meaning: expressing deep sadness or love often affected because of the stigma attached to it.
Usage: The audience were deeply moved after 1169. STOLID (adj)
listening to the soulful melodies. Meaning: calm, dependable and showing little
emotion.
1156. SPARSE (adj) Usage: Despite all the commotion around him, Bob
Meaning: thin remained stolid and silent as usual.
Usage: Sparse crowds demotivate artistes.
1170. STRAITENED (adj)
1157. SPARTAN (adj) Meaning: characterized by poverty.
Meaning: frugal Usage: His father’s untimely death left his family in
Usage: The retired professor is leading a spartan straitened circumstances.
life these days.
1171. STRAPPING (adj)
1158. SPASMODIC (adj) Meaning: (of a person) big and strong
Meaning: happening suddenly for short periods of Usage: She came to the party, chaperoned by a
time, not regular or continuous. burly strapping man who was probably her
Usage: But for a few spasmodic incidents of bodyguard.
violence, the riot hit districts were by and large 1172. STRIDENT (adj)
peaceful. Meaning: harsh and unpleasant
Usage: The strident approach of the captain to
1159. SPECIOUS (adj)
tackle the problem was resented by his teammates.
Meaning: seemingly reasonable, but actually wrong.
Usage: Being a sticlker for detail he cannot be 1173. STRINGENT (adj)
convinced by such specious arguments. Meaning: strict, precise and demanding
Usage: Stringent traffic rules are required to bring
1160 SPECTRE (noun) down the number of accidents in the city.
Meaning: a haunting fear or premonition.
Usage: The spectre of ethnic strife is looming large 1174. STUPENDOUS (adj)
in several countries of the world. Meaning: extremely impressive
Usage: The winning team was congratulated for
1161. SPOILS (noun) their stupendous achievement.
Meaning: stolen goods
Usage: The thieves shared the spoils of the 1175. STYMIE (verb)
plunder among themselves. Meaning: prevent or slow down the process of
Usage: The extremities of weather like floods and
1162. SPRIGHTLY (adj) droughts stymie economic growth.
Meaning: lively and full of life
Usage: Not withstanding his age, he is a sprightly 1176. SUAVE (adj)
person with a zest for life. Meaning: confident, elegant and polite, sometimes
1163. SPUR (noun) in a way that does not seem sincere.
Meaning: an encouragement. Usage: I was so carried away by the man’s suave
Usage: Mahatma Gandhi’s speeches acted as a deportment that I was shocked to learn that he was
spur which roused the patriotic spirit of the Indians. a crook.
1177. SUBJUGATE (verb) 1190. SURVEILLANCE (noun)
Meaning: conquer and bring under control Meaning: close observation of a suspected spy or
Usage: India was subjugated by the British for over criminal.
three decades. Usage: Surveillance cameras were installed at all
strategic locations in the airport in order to beef up
security.
1178. SUBLIME (adj)
Meaning: of very high quality and causing great 1191. SWERVE (verb)
admiration Meaning: to change direction especially suddenly
Usage: The sublime location of the resort, amid Usage: The bus suddenly swerved to the right and
idyllic surroundings, attracted a lot of tourists. came to a screeching halt.
1192. SYMBIOTIC (adj)
1179. SUBLIMINAL (adj) Meaning: to the advantage of both
Meaning: subconscious Usage: The crow and the cow share a symbiotic
Usage: No one can deny the subliminal effects of relationship.
advertisements.
1193. SYMPHONY (noun)
1180. SUBTERRANEAN (adj) Meaning: an elaborate musical composition for full
Meaning: bottomless orchestra.
Usage: The ancient palace had many Usage: Beethoven’s Symphony had a spell
subterranean passages. binding effect on the audience.
1194. SYNOPSIS (noun)

1181. SUBVERT (verb) Meaning: outline
Meaning: undermine Usage: I have to submit the synopsis of my
Usage: The militant group was accused of trying to research by the 15th of this month.
subvert the peace process.
1195. TACIT (adj)
1182. SUCCOUR (noun) Meaning: unspoken
Meaning: help and support in times of hardship Usage: There is a tacit understanding between the
and distress manager and the captain that they will not interfere
Usage: Several voluntary organizations came in each other’s work.
forward to offer succour to the people of the flood
1196. TACTILE (adj)
ravaged districts.
Meaning: tangible, demonstrative
1183. SUFFUSE (verb) Usage: He is a very tactile person who keeps
Meaning: gradually spread through or over touching people to show his affection.
Usage: Her face, which was suffused with pallor, 1197. TANGENTIAL (adj)
suggested that she was unwell. Meaning: peripheral
Usage: The politician kept on discussing tangential
1184. SUMPTUOUS (adj) issues when asked for his opinion on how he
Meaning: splendid and expensive looking
intended to solve the important issues.
Usage: More than the sumptuous spread on the
table it was the hostess’ geniality which was heart- 1198. TANTALIZE (verb)
warming. Meaning: to make a person or an animal want
something that they cannot have or do.
1185. SUPERFLUOUS (adj) Usage: The tantalizing aroma of freshly baked
Meaning: extra and not required bread stirred up our appetite.
Usage: This research paper has a lot of
superfluous data in it. 1199. TARDY (adj)
Meaning: late, slow to act or respond
1186. SUPERVISE (verb) Usage: The Chief Guest apologized to the
Meaning: oversee audience for his tardy arrival.
Usage: Janice supervised the show well.
1200. TARNISH (verb)
1187. SURFEIT (noun) Meaning: to spoil the good opinion people have of
Meaning: excess somebody or something.
Usage: There is a surfeit of violence in movies Usage: His involvement in the scam tarnished his
these days. image and jeopardized his political career.
1188. SURLY (adj) 1201. TAWDRY (adj)
Meaning: bad-tempered and unfriendly Meaning: showy but cheap and of poor quality
Usage: The boss’s surly nature was resented by Usage: His flashy outfit revealed his tawdry dress
his subordinates. sense.
1189. SURPASSING (adj) 1202. TEMERITY (noun)
Meaning: outstanding Meaning: excessive confidence or boldness
Usage: The surpassing beauty of the Taj Mahal Usage: The haughty young man’s temerity led to
has made it one of the seven wonders of the world. his miserable downfall.
1203. TEMPERATE (adj) 1216. THICKSET (adj)
Meaning: (of a region or climate) having mild Meaning: having a strong heavy body.
temperatures Usage: Unlike his brother who is very puny, Fred
Usage: The temperate weather of the city has a is a thickset man.
salubrious effect particularly on convalescents.
1217. THRIFT (noun)
1204. TEMPORAL (adj) Meaning: carefulness and economy in the use of
Meaning: chronological, worldly money and other resources.
Usage: The chief of the spiritual movement Usage: One must practise thrift in the use of
detested discussing temporal issues like managing dwindling natural resources.
the funds of the trust. 1218. THROES (noun)
Meaning: struggling in the midst of
1205. TEMPORIZE (verb)
Usage: The earthquake came as a massive blow
Meaning: to delay making a decision or stating
when the country was already in the throes of
your opinion in order to obtain an advantage.
ethnic strife.
Usage: He had been temporizing taking a decision
on the issue, hoping that some solution would be 1219. TIMBRE (noun)
found. Meaning: the character of a musical sound or
voice as distinct from its pitch and strength
1206. TENABLE (adj)
Usage: Her voice had a rich timbre which was just
Meaning: able to be defended against attack or
ideal for her job as a radio announcer.
objection
Usage: The old notion that women are the weaker 1220. TIMOROUS (adj)
sex is no longer tenable. Meaning: nervous
Usage: I wonder how such a timorous person can
1207. TENACIOUS (adj)
possibly became an actor!
Meaning: stubborn
Usage: A tenacious person like Robert usually has
1221. TINKER (verb)
his way.
Meaning: attempt in a casual manner to repair or
1208. TENET (noun) improve.
Meaning: one of the principles or beliefs that a Usage: His ambition was to become an automobile
theory or larger set of beliefs is based on. engineer and he appeases it by spending hours
Usage: Compassion to all living beings is the basic tinkering with his car or bike.
tenet of all religions.
1222. TITAN (noun)
1209. TENUOUS (adj) Meaning: A person of outstanding ability
Meaning: very slight or weak Usage: He is a Titan in business.
Usage: Being a tenuous argument it does not hold
much water. 1223. TITULAR (adj)
1210. TEPID (adj) Meaning: holding a formal position or title without
Meaning: lacking interest or enthusiasm. any real authority.
Usage: Despite a lot of publicity, the event evoked Usage: As he is merely a titular head, he does not
only a tepid response. really have a say in important matters.
1211. TERMINAL (adj) 1224. TORPEDO (noun)

Meaning: predicted to lead to death Meaning: under water missile
Usage: Thanks to recent advances in medical Usage: The submarine was sunk by a torpedo.
science cancer, which was once considered a
terminal disease, is now completely curable. 1225. TORPID (adj)
Meaning: lazy
1212. TERRAIN (noun)
Meaning: used to refer to an area of land when you Usage: After a two-hour swimming session we lay
are mentioning its natural features torpid near the pool.
Usage: This mountainous terrain of Afghanistan
helped the terrorist to escape. 1226. TORRENTIAL (adj)
Meaning: rushing in a stream.
1213. TERSE (adj) Usage: Life in the city came to a standstill due to
Meaning: using few words the torrential rains.
Usage: He was hurt by her terse rejection of his
friendly overtures. 1227. TORRID (adj)
1214. TESTIMONY (noun) Meaning: very hot and dry
Meaning: evidence or proof of something Usage: People, living on the plains, experienced a
Usage: His achievement is a testimony of his torrid summer this year.
resoluteness and assiduousness.
1228. TORTUOUS (adj)
1215. TESTY (adj)
Meaning: easily irritated Meaning: winding, convoluted
Usage: Being a testy person, she does not get Usage: The tortuous path leading to the shrine
along with anyone. tires out even athletically built pilgrims.
1229. TOXIC (adj) 1243. TRIDENT (noun)
Meaning: poisonous Meaning: A spear like instrument with three sharp
Usage: Toxic wastes are constantly polluting our points
rivers. Usage: A particular mountain has been named
‘Trishul’ as its shape resembles Lord Shiva’s trident.
1230. TRADUCE (verb)
Meaning: say unpleasant or untrue things about 1244. TRIFLE (noun)
Usage: The members of the opposition party went Meaning: anything of little importance or value.
all out to traduce him. Usage: Being a short-tempered person, he is
infuriated over trifles.
1231. TRANSGRESSION (noun)
Meaning: violation of a moral principle, standard or 1245. TRIVIAL (adj)
law. Meaning: unimportant
Usage: Transgression of the stipulated laws is a Usage: If left moderated meetings could
serious offence. degenerate into a discussion of trivial issues.
1232. TRANSIENT (adj) 1246. TROUNCE (verb)
Meaning: fleeting Meaning: to defeat somebody completely.
Usage: Suscess is usually transient, especially in Usage: We trounced our rival team by forty points
the glamour field. to four.
1233. TRANSITORY (adj) 1247. TRUANCY (noun)
Meaning: short-lived Meaning: staying away from school etc without
Usage: Life is transitory, yet we cling to it. permission or explanation
Usage: The principal warned the students that
1234. TRANSLUCENT (adj) indulging in truancy would be dealt with seriously.
Meaning: transparent
Usage: The curtains in our bedroom are of 1248. TRUCULENT (adj)
translucent blue colour. Meaning: quick to argue and fight
Usage: People avoided his company because they
1235. TRANSPIRE (verb) resented his truculent nature.
Meaning: come to be the case 1249. TURBID (adj)
Usage: It transpired that there will be a coalition Meaning: muddy
government at the centre. Usage: The clear river water turned turbid after
industrial wastes were dumped into it.
1236. TRAVESTY (noun)
Meaning: an absurd or shocking misrepresentation. 1250. TURBULENT (adj)
Usage: The portrayal of the queen’s character is a Meaning: confused, violent
travesty of her actual self. Usage: These are turbulent times, as life seems to
have become violent and unpredictable.
1237. TREATISE (noun)
Meaning: a long and serious piece of writing on a 1251. TURGID (adj)
particular subject. Meaning: (of language or style) pompous and
Usage: Kautilya’s treatise on economics, the boring
Arthashastra, is held in high esteem even by Usage: The novelist’s turgid style was lambasted
modern economists. by his critics.
1252. TURNCOAT (noun)
1238. TREMULOUS (adj)
Meaning: a person who leaves one political party,
Meaning: unsteady, timid religious group. etc. to join one that is very different
Usage: In a tremulous voice he said that he had
Usage: His one time loyalists deserted him,
seen a ghost.
accusing him of being a turncoat.
1239. TRENCHANT (adj) 1253. TURPITUDE (noun)
Meaning: expressed strongly and clearly Meaning: baseness, depravity
Usage: Many critics did not approve of the writer’s Usage: He was sentenced to imprisonment for his
trenchant style. act of turpitude.
1240. TREPIDATION (noun) 1254. TUTELAGE (noun)
Meaning: fear Meaning: auspices
Usage: There is a growing trepidation that leading Usage: Some of the talented youngsters are now
such a hectic life may be resented by most of the under the tutelage of a foreign coach.
managers. 1255. TWINGE (noun)
1241. TRIBULATION (noun) Meaning: a sudden, sharp pain in a part of the body.
Meaning: great affliction or oppression Usage: She felt a sharp twinge in her shoulder as
she lifted up the heavy box.
Usage: An optimist maintains a sanguine attitude
even while facing the worst of tribulations. 1256. TWIRL (verb)
1242. TRICE (noun) Meaning: spin quickly and lightly around.
Meaning: quickly or suddenly Usage: The couples twirled around the dance floor
Usage: “I would be back in a trice”, he said. waltzing to the soft music.
1257. UBIQUITOUS (adj) 1271. UNFLAGGING (adj)
Meaning: present appearing, or found every where Meaning: remaining strong, not becoming weak or
Usage: The celebrity was pursued by the tired.
ubiquitous paparazzi who were anxious to Usage: Her unflagging determination helped her
photograph her. immensely in tiding over the crisis.
1258. UMBRAGE (noun) 1272. UNFLINCHING (adj)
Meaning: offense Meaning: not afraid or hesitant
Usage: He took umbrage at her leg pulling. Usage: The armed forces pledged their unflinching
support to the government during the hour of crisis.
1259. UNANIMITY (noun)
Meaning: agreement 1273. UNILATERAL (adv)
Usage: Lack of unanimity among the members of Meaning: one-sided
the party led to the discord. Usage: If the other party does not turn up, the case
will be decided unilaterally.
1260. UNANIMOUS (adj)
Meaning: fully in agreement 1274. UNNERVE (verb)
Usage: The selection committee unanimously Meaning: make (someone) feel nervous or
elected the new captain as he had perfect frightened.
credentials for the job. Usage: I felt slightly unnerved by the spooky
1261. UNAVAILING (adj) surroundings of the place.
Meaning: achieving little or nothing.
1275. UNSTUDIED (adj)
Usage: Efforts to track the perpetrators of the
Meaning: natural and unaffected.
crime proved unavailing.
Usage: She composes verses with unstudied ease.
1262. UNAWARES (adj)
Meaning: so as to surprise. 1276. UNTOWARD (adj)
Usage: The sudden and unseasonal downpour Meaning: unexpected and unusual.
caught us unawares. Usage: There will not be any change in the
schedule unless anything untoward happens.
1263. UNBIDDEN (adj)
Meaning: happening without one expecting or 1277. UNWIELDY (adj)
wanting it to happen. Meaning: hard to move or manage because of its
Usage: Negative thoughts come unbidden to a size, shape or weight
pessimist’s mind. Usage: The ordeal of lugging my unwieldly
baggage over a flight of stairs left me totally
1264. UNBRIDLED (adj) exhausted and panting for breath.
Meaning: unrestrained
Usage: His unbridled enthusiasm is contagious. 1278. UPHEAVAL (noun)
Meaning: violent or sudden change or disruption.
1265. UNCEREMONIOUS (adj) Usage: The assassination of the Prime Minister
Meaning: impolite or abrupt was followed by a political upheaval and anarchy in
Usage: The marathon speech came to an the country.
unceremonious halt due to a power breakdown.
1279. UPSHOT (noun)
1266. UNCHARTED (adj) Meaning: the eventual outcome or conclusion.
Meaning: that which has not been visited or Usage: The upshot of the negotiations, between
investigated before; not familiar. the management and the employees, ended in a
Usage: He is taking a calculated risk by entering compromise.
into a largely uncharted area of business.
1280. UPSTANDING (adj)
1267. UNCOUTH (adj)
Meaning: honest and downright
Meaning: rude or socially unacceptable
Usage: He looked like an upstanding man but alas!
Usage: It is unbecoming of an educated person to
appearances were deceptive.
behave in such an uncouth manner.
1268. UNDERCURRENT (noun) 1281. UPSTART (noun)

Meaning: an underlying feeling or influence Meaning: a person who has suddenly become
Usage: I could discern an undercurrent of cynicism important and behaves arrogantly
in his tone. Usage: The upstart gloated over his newly
acquired wealth.
1269. UNDERDOG (noun)
Meaning: weaker section, weaker party, a 1282. UPTURN (noun)
competitor thought to have little chance of winning Meaning: an improvement or an advantageous
a fight or a contest. change to a higher level or value.
Usage: Mulkraj Anand championed the cause of Usage: Liberalization has contributed to, a great
the underdog. extent, the general upturn in the Indian economy.
1270. UNDULATING (adj)
Meaning: having a wavy form or outline. 1283. URBANE (adj)
Usage: The undulating green stretch of land was Meaning: suave
ideally suited for development of a golf course. Usage: John’s urbane style appealed to his peers.
1284. USHER (verb) 1298. VARIEGATED (adj)
Meaning: to escort people to seats in a hall etc. Meaning: multicoloured
Usage: The guests were ushered in to their seats Usage: The joker’s variegated attire amused the
before the beginning of the programme. children very much.
1285. UTILITARIAN (adj) 1299. VEILED (adj)
Meaning: designed to be useful and practical Meaning: not expressed directly or clearly.
rather than attractive Usage: Our veiled threats failed to have any impact
Usage: I prefer living in a utilitarian house rather on our opponents.
than a glamorous one. 1300. VENAL (adj)
1286. UTOPIAN (adj) Meaning: prepared to do dishonest or immoral
Meaning: impractical things in return for money.
Usage: His Utopian dreams will never be realised. Usage: During his brief stint as a minister the venal
politician amassed a lot of ill-gotten wealth
1287. VACILLATE (verb)
1301. VENERATE (verb)
Meaning: be indecisive; be doubtful
Meaning: regard with great respect
Usage: I warned him that if he continued to vacillate,
Usage: People, not only in India, but many nations
the opportunity would slip out of his hand.
across the world venerate trees.
1288. VACUOUS (adj)
Meaning: empty-headed 1302. VERACITY (noun)
Usage: John’s vacous remarks embarrassed his Meaning: reality
bosses very much. Usage: The judge directed the police to verify the
veracity of the eyewitness statements.
1289. VACUUM (noun)
Meaning: a gap or loss left by someone or 1303. VERBATIM (adj & adv)
something important Meaning: word for word, exact
Usage: The Chief’s death has created a vacuum in Usage: The best part of this organisation is that
the team. even the CEO is very accessible.
1290. VAGABOND (noun) 1304. VERBOSE (adj)

Meaning: vagrant Meaning: wordy
Usage: Do you know that the vagabond next door Usage: The new writer’s articles are full of verbose
is a graduate? statements.
1291. VAGARY (noun) 1305. VERDICT (noun)

Meaning: an unexpected and mysterious change Meaning: a formal decision made by a jury in a court
Usage: Indian agriculture, to a large extent, is of law as to whether a person is innocent or guilty.
affected by the vagaries of the weather. Usage: The accused will be kept in confinement
until the jury pronounces its verdict.
1292. VAGRANT (noun, adj)
Meaning: homeless person 1306. VERITY (noun)
Usage: His vagrant nature irritated his parents. Meaning: truth
Usage: “I do not, even for a moment, doubt the
1293. VALOR (noun) verity of Mona’s statement,” said her father.
Meaning: courage
Usage: Hercules was famous for his valour. 1307. VERSATILE (adj)
Meaning: adaptable, multipurpose
1294. VANDAL (noun) Usage: Clark Gable is a versatile actor.
Meaning: a person who deliberately destroys or
damages property. 1308. VERTIGO (noun)
Usage: Vandals pelted stones and caused Meaning: dizziness
damage to several shops in one of the city’s Usage: Pilots are tested for vertigo from time to
upmarket shopping areas. time.
1295. VANGUARD (noun)
Meaning: front line 1309. VET (verb)
Usage: He was in the vanguard of the Meaning: to examine (e.g a document or
Renaissance movement. candidate) thoroughly and critically
Usage: The publishing house thoroughly vets all the
1296. VANQUISH (verb) manuals before they are released in the market.
Meaning: conquer
Usage: The Chicago Bulls vanquished their 1310. VEXATIOUS (adj)
opponents very comfortably. Meaning: causing annoyance or worry.
Usage: Piqued by the child’s vexatious behaviour
1297. VAPID (adj)
his mother admonished him severely.
Meaning: offering nothing that is stimulating or
exciting. 1311. VIABLE (adj)
Usage: Most people, these days, spend their Meaning: capable of working successfully
evenings watching vapid TV soaps rather than Usage: The plan had to be shelved mid way
socializing or pursuing an intellectual activity. because it was not economically viable.
1312. VICARIOUS (adj) 1326. VOCAL (adj)
Meaning: experienced in one’s imagination after Meaning: verbal, vociferous
watching or reading about another person’s actions Usage: The victim received vocal support from the
or feelings press.
Usage: Thanks to the developments in modern
1327. VOCIFEROUS (adj)
technology we are able to experience the vicarious
pleasure of travelling to exotic locales in the world. Meaning: vocal
Usage: The jury did not change its verdict despite
1313. VICISSITUDES (noun) vociferous appeals from the defendant.
Meaning: changes of circumstances or fortune 1328. VOLITION (noun)
Usage: Despite experiencing the vicissitudes of life Meaning: the power of choosing freely and making
he is always sanguine about the future. one’s own decision.
1314. VIE (verb) Usage: “No one forced me”, He remarked “I did this
Meaning: to compete strongly with somebody in out of my own volition.
order to obtain or achieve something. 1329. VOLUMINOUS (adj)
Usage: A few years ago nationalized banks vied Meaning: very large
with each other to offer loans to customers at the Usage: The magician fished out the missing rabbit,
lowest possible interest rate. from the pocket of his voluminous coat.
1315. VIE (verb) 1330. VORACIOUS (adj)

Meaning: to contend. Meaning: insatiable
Usage: The resort had several inns and restaurants Usage: He has a voracious appetite.
vying with each other to lure customers. 1331. VORTEX (noun)
Meaning: a very powerful, force or situation that
1316. VIGILANT (adj)
you cannot avoid or escape.
Meaning: very careful to notice any signs of
Usage: Sometimes innocent young people are
danger or trouble.
caught into a vortex of bad habits quite
Usage: Since there was a spurt of burglaries in the
unsuspectingly.
area, residents were asked to remain vigilant.
1332. VOUCHSAFE (verb)
1317. VILE (adj) Meaning: to give or tell something to somebody,
Meaning: extremely wicked esp. as a privilege.
Usage: The weather suddenly turned vile forcing Usage: Nature has vouchsafed innumerable
us to shelve our plans of going to the seaside for a benedictions on mankind.
picnic.
1333. WADDLE (verb)
1318. VILIFICATION (noun) Meaning: to walk with short steps.
Meaning: speaking or writing in a very abusive way Usage: An obese matronly woman waddled
Usage: The vilification of our established customs towards the entrance to answer the door bell.
and traditions is resented by orthodox thinkers.
1334. WAIVE (verb)
1319. VIRULENT (adj) Meaning: refrain from insisting on or applying (a
Meaning: extremely harmful right or claim).
Usage: The couple were devasted after their only Usage: Claiming moral responsibility for the
son succumbed to a virulent strain of pneumonia. incident, he waived his right to appeal.
1320. VISAGE (noun) 1335. WAYLAY (verb)
Meaning: countenance Meaning: intercept (someone) in order to attack
Usage: The visage of the palace has been redone. them.
1321. VISION (noun) Usage: The passengers were waylaid and looted
Meaning: dream, eyesight, foresight by a band of robbers.
Usage: The Chairman’s vision for the company
sounded rather impractical. 1336. WAYWARD (adj)
Meaning: capricious or irregular
1322. VISTA (noun) Usage: On new year’s day, he resolved to give up
Meaning: view his wayward behaviour and turn over a new leaf.
Usage: The vista from the resort is breathtaking.
1323. VITALITY (noun) 1337. WEIRD (adj)
Meaning: energy Meaning: suggesting something supernatural,
Usage: Mike’s speech lacked vitality. unnatural or unconventional
Usage: People looked at her with a strange
1324. VIVACIOUS (adj) expression because of her weird hairdo.
Meaning: lively
Usage: Jane is a vivacious lady. 1338. WHEEDLE (verb)
Meaning: use endearments or flattery to persuade
1325. VIVID (adj) someone to do something.
Meaning: bright, gaudy, clear Usage: The children had a knack of wheedling
Usage: He gave a vivid account of the accident. money out of their father.
1339. WHEREWITHAL (noun) Usage: The trek was pretty arduous and we were
Meaning: the money or other resources needed for totally winded by the time we reached the top of the
a particular purpose mountain.
Usage: Her uncle left her a legacy of forty
thousand pounds which gave her the required 1345. WISTFUL (adj)
wherewithal to buy anything that took her fancy. Meaning: having or showing a strange or regretful
longing
1340. WHET (verb) Usage: "I wish I could buy the talking doll displayed
Meaning: excite or stimulate (someone’s desire, in the shop window", said the little girl wistfully.
interest, or appetite) 1346. WONT (adj)
Usage: Avid reading can whet one’s appetite for Meaning: in the habit of doing something.
knowledge. Usage: He was wont to waking up before the break
of dawn.
1341. WHOLESOME (adj)
Meaning: helping towards good health and 1347. WRATH (noun)
physical or moral well-being. Meaning: extreme anger
Usage: Children should be encouraged to eat Usage: The organisers had to face the wrath of the
wholesome snacks rather than junk food. audience when there was an inordinate delay in
starting the programme.
1342. WILDERNESS (noun)
Meaning: an uncultivated, uninhabited and 1348. WREST (verb)
inhospitable region. Meaning: forcibly pull from a person’s grip.
Usage: Having been blessed with green fingers, he Usage: The policeman sustained injuries when he
can make a garden even in wilderness. tried to wrest the dagger from a burglar.
1349. ZEALOTRY (noun)
1343. WILY (adj)
Meaning: excessive enthusiasm in following a
Meaning: skilled at gaining an advantage,
religion or policy
especially deceitfully.
Usage: Religious zealotry is one of the main
Usage: She has a knack of getting things done by
causative factors of communal tensions.
using her wily charms.
1350. ZEST (noun)
1344. WINDED (adj) Meaning: great enthusiasm and energy
Meaning: temporarily unable to breathe after Usage: Despite being aged, he is young at heart
taking hard physical exercise. and has a great zest for life
WORD LIST-ADVANCED
A accessory (n/adj) : additional; present along with
aaronic (adj) : pertaining to priesthood something more important
aasvogel (n) : S African vulture acclimate (v) : to accustom to a new climate or
abaca (n) : a plantain grown in the Philippine environment
Islands acclivity : an upward slope
aback (adv) : taken by surprise accompany (v) : to go along with; to associate, join,
abaddon (n) : hell
or couple
abandon (v) : to give up
abbot (n) : a man who is the head of an accomplice (n) : a person who helps another or
abbey of monks others to commit a crime
abettor (n) : one who encourages or assists accomplish : perform; succeed in doing; complete
(in doing bad things) accomplished : clever, skilled; well trained or
abhorrent : inspiring disgust; repugnant, educated
hateful, detestable accost (v) : to approach and speak (often
abolitionist (n) : a person who favours the abolition threateningly) to; assault
of a practice or institution accoutre (v) : to dress or equip
abominable : very bad or unpleasant, accretion (n) : continued growth; an extraneous
detestable, loathsome addition
abominate (v) : to abhor; to detest accrue (v) : to fall due; to accumulate
aborigine (n) : an original or native inhabitant of acerbity (n) : acrimony; sarcasm; bitterness
a country
acidulous (adj) : sarcastic; caustic or sharp
abrade (v) : to wear down or off
acknowledge (v) : to express gratitude or thanks; to
abridge (v)
(n : abridgement) : to shorten; to curtail admit or intimate receipt of
abscess (n) : a collection of pus in a cavity (n: acknowledgement)
abstemious (adj) : temperate; restrained in relation to acme (n) : the top or highest point; the
food, drink, or other pleasures culmination or perfection in the
abstinence (n) : to restrain (with, from) career of anything
abysmal (adj) : unfathomable acoustics (n) : a device which converts electrical
abyss (n) : the depths of the sea; anything pulses to sound; used in hearing,
very deep auditory
acronym (n) : a word formed from or based on alchemy (n) : the infant stage of chemistry,
the initial letters or syllables of aimed towards transmuting of
other words other metals into gold, and
actuarial (adj) : mathematical and statistical discovering the elixir of life
techniques alga (n) : the seaweeds and related forms
actuate (v) : incite to, action alias (n/adv) : otherwise known as; an assumed
adamant (adj) : unyielding; inflexible name
adapt (v) alienate (v) : to estrange
(n : adaptation) : to make fit or suitable; to modify alimentary (adj) : nutritive; pertaining to nourishment
addle (adj) : putrid; bad allegory (n) : symbol; symbolical narration
adhesive (n/adj) : sticky; a substance such as glue alleviate (v) : to lessen or reduce; to mitigate
used for sticking things together alliteration (n) : the recurrence of the same initial
adipose (n/adj) : of fat; fatty sound in words in close succession
adjunct (n) : a thing joined or added, but allude (v) : to convey an indirect reference; to
subordinate or not essentially a part refer without explicit mention
adjure (v) : command; direct alluvial (adj) : soil deposited by rivers or floods
adjutant (n) : an officer who assists superior with matter transported in suspension
officers by communicating orders, aloft (adj) : on high; on the top
conducting correspondence aloof (adv) : detached; some way off (from);
adnauseam without participation
(phrase) : to the point of producing disgust altruism (n) : benevolence; humanitarianism;
adobe (n) : a sun-dried brick munificence
adore (v) : to worship; to love or revere intensely altruistic (adj) : regard for others as a principle of
adorn (v) : to dress; to embellish; to decorate action, unselfishness, regard for
adroit (adj) : dexterous; skillful; ingenious other people
adventitious (adj) : additional; developed out of the alumna (n) : a former female pupil or student
usual order or place amalgamate : combine or unite to form one
advocate (n/v) : defender; attorney; lawyer; promote structure, organisation, etc.
aegis (n) : patronage; protection amazon (n) : a female soldier; a strong,
aeon (n) : a vast age; eternity vigorous or aggressive woman
aerialist (n) : a high-wire or trapeze artist ambidextrous (adv) : able to use both hands equally well
aesthete (n) : a person who has or professes to ambience (n) : atmosphere; surrounding influence
have a special appreciation of beauty ambiguous (adj) : doubtful; indistinct; having more
aesthetic (adj) : artistic; exquisite than one possible meaning
aesthetician : a person versed in or devoted to amble (n) : to move at an easy pace
aesthetics amen (interjection) : so let it be, (said at the end of a
aestival : pertaining to summer prayer)
aestivate (v) : spend the summer or dry season amenable (adj) : agreeable; open
in a state of torpor. amend (v) : to alter in detail, with a view to
aficionado : a devotee of a sport or pass time improvement; to rectify; to correct
affect (v) : to infect or attack; to influence amigo : a friend or comrade
affidavit (n) : a written declaration on oath amiss (adv) : astray; wrongly; faultily
affiliate (v/n) amoral (adj) : outside the domain of morality
(n: affiliation) : to attach as a member or branch; amputate (v) : to cut off
an associate amuck (adv) : to rush about wildly, attacking
affinity (n) : attraction; liking; proclivity anyone in one’s path
affirmation (n) amulet (n) : a charm worn to ward off evil,
(v: affirm) : assertion; declaration disease etc.
affluence (n) anachronism : an error assigning a thing to an
(adj: affluent) : abundance; wealth earlier or to a later age than it
affray (n) : a brawl, fight or fray belongs to
agape (adj) : with gaping mouth; dumbfounded anaemia (n) : bloodlessness
agenda (n.pl) : (a list of) things to be done; anaesthetic
a programme of business for (adj & n) : a substance that produces
discussion insensibility to pain
agglomeration(n) : accumulation; collection; gather analgesic (adj) : producing analgesia; causing
aggrandize (v) : augment; increase insensibility to pain
aggregate (n/adj) : to amount (to); total analogy (n) : a resemblance of relations
aghast (adv) : stupefied with horror anarchist : an advocate of anarchism or of
agility (n) : nimbleness; swiftness and political disorder
suppleness anathema (n) : abhorrence; abomination
agitation (n) : tumult; turmoil; distraction (in work) ancillary (adj/n) : auxiliary; supplementary; subsidiary
agnostic (n) : cynic; a sceptic andirons : iron bars to support the end of logs
agrarian (adj) : agricultural; relating to land in fire
albeit (conj) : whereas; although it be animadvert (v) : to take cognizance; to take note; to
albino (n) : a person with abnormally white comment critically; to consider
skin and hair and pink irises animated : lively; full of spirit
anneal (v) : to strengthen or toughen; to heat archivist : a person who maintains and is in
and cool gradually to temper or charge of archives
toughen. arduous (adj) : laborious; strenuous
annotate (v) : to make notes; to append notes arid (adj) : dry; barren
annul (v) : cancel; invalidate; to make null; to
armada : a fleet of armed ships
abolish
anodyne (n) : medicine that allays pain; something aromatic (adj) : fragrant; spicy
that relieves mental distress arraign (v) : to call to account; to put on trial;
anoint (v) : to smear with ointment or oil indict
anomalous (adj) : irregular; deviating from rule arrant (adj) : notorious; downright, unmitigated
anonymous (adj) : lacking a name; lacking distinctive arrears (n) : total unpaid debt; debts not paid
features or individuality by the due date
antecede (v) : to go before in time arrogate (v) : to claim as one’s own; to claim
antediluvian (adj) : very old-fashioned, primitive proudly or unduly
anthropoid (adj) : manlike arroyo (n) : a rocky ravine; a dry watercourse
antipathy (n) : aversion; dislike; negative feeling articulate (adj) : jointed; to speak distinctly
antithesis (n) : a thesis or proposition opposing artifacts (n) : things made by human workmanship
another artifice (n) : machination; tactic; stratagem
aperture (n) : an opening; a hole ascendancy (n) : dominating influence
apex (n/adj) : the summit; the culminating point ascertain (v) : certify; establish; verify
or climax of anything askance (adv) : sideways; obliquely
aphasia (n) : inability to express thought in words, askew (adv) : aslant; awry; crooked; lopsided
caused by brain disease or damage asperity (n) : acrimony; harshness; bitter coldness
aphorism (n) : a brief, pithy saying; an adage aspersion (n) : calumny; slander
apiary (n) : place where bees are kept aspire (v) : yearn; desire
aplomb (n) : self-possession, coolness assent (n/v) : to express agreement (with, to);
apocalyptic (adj) : prophetic of disaster or, of the end approve of; consent
of the world; pertaining to the assessment (n) : appraisal; judgement
Apocalypse assimilate (v) : digest; absorb
apocryphal (adj) : fictitious; of doubtful authority assuage (v) : to soften, mitigate or allay; to ease
apogee (n) : the sun’s greatest meridional or relieve
altitude; acme; pinnacle asteroid (n) : one of the small planets that
apoplexy (n) : sudden loss of sensation and revolve about the sun mainly
motion (generally the result of between the orbits of Mars and
haemorrhage in the brain) Jupiter; starfish
apostate (n) : a person who has abandoned his astigmatism (n) : a defect in an eye
religion, principles, etc astral (adj) : belonging to the stars
apothecary (n) : a druggist or pharmacist licensed astringent (adj) : contracting, drawing together;
to dispense prescribed drugs caustic
apothegm (n) : a pithy saying, pointed and astute (adj) : wily; bright; sagacious; intelligent
practical than the aphorism need be asunder (adv) : apart; into parts
appall (v) : to horrify, dismay; to weaken asylum (n) : refuge or protection; institution for
apparition (n) : a phantom; a ghost the care or relief of unfortunate
appease (v) : to pacify; to satisfy (blind, mentally ill)
appellation : name esp one attached to a atavism (n) : the reappearance of ancestral or
particular person to a primitive, type characteristics
apposite (adj) : to the purpose atelier (n) : a workshop, esp an artist’s studio
appraise (v) : to estimate the worth of athwart (prep) : transversely; wrongly
apprehend (v) : to lay hold of; to arrest attache : a person appointed to an
appurtenances (n) : an appendage or accessory ambassador’s staff, usually with a
apropos (prep) : in reference to (with of); as per special sphere of activity
aquiline (adj) : hooked like an eagle’s beak attenuate (v) : to reduce (in strength or value)
attest (v) : to testify or bear witness to; to
arable (adj) : land fit for ploughing or crop
affirm by signature
production
attribute (v) : ascribe; assign
arbiter (n) : a person who has absolute control,
or right to judge. (fem. arbitress) attrition (n) : wearing down
arbitrator : a person appointed to settle a audacious (adj) : bold; daring
dispute augment (v) : to increase
arcane (adj) : secret; mysterious augury (n) : divination; prophecy
archaeology (n) : the study of human antiquities, auscultation (n) : listening to internal bodily sounds
discovered by excavation of authenticate (v) : to prove genuine; to certify the
material remains authorship of; to give legal validity to
archaic (adj) : antiquated; old-fashioned authoritarian (adj) : setting authority above freedom
archetype (n) : the original pattern or model automaton (n) : a machine that acts by routine,
archipelago (n) : a group of islands; a sea without intelligence, activated by a
abounding in islands concealed mechanism
archives (n) : a repository of public records autonomous (adj) : self-governing; independent
autopsy (n) : a post-mortem examination of a bellicose (adj) : contentious; warlike
corpse benediction (n) : blessings
auxiliary (adj) : supplementary; secondary benefactor (n) : a person who confers a benefit
avarice (n) : greed for wealth; covetousness beneficence (n) : kindness; charity
beneficiary (n) : recipient
averse (adv) : disinclined; reluctant
benison (n) : blessing; benediction
aviary (n) : a large cage or enclosure for bereavement (n) : loss by death of a relative or friend
keeping birds berserk (adj) : violently frenzied
avocation (n) : a diversion or distraction from beseech (v) : to entreat; to ask or pray earnestly to
one’s regular employment besiege (v) : to attack and surround with the
avuncular : suitable to an uncle; benign intent of capturing; to importune; to
axiom (n) : a universally received principle pester
azure (adj) : of a faint blue; sky-coloured bestial (adj) : barbaric; unrefined; like an animal
bestow (v) : to give or confer
B betenoire (n) : a person or thing that one
babble (v) : murmur; to talk incessantly especially dislikes or fears
bacchanalian (adj): drunken betroth (adj/adv) : promised in marriage (a person)
badger (v) : bother; harass; pester bevel (n) : a slant or inclination of a surface
baffle (v) : confuse; perplex bevy (n) : a company or flock (of ladies)
bagatelle (n) : a trifle, trinket; a piece of music in bibliophile : a person who collects or is fond of
a light style books
bailiwick (n) : someone’s area of interest bicameral (adj) : having two chambers (a legislative
bait (n) : allurement or temptation body)
balk (v) : to shirk, avoid; to thwart biennial (adj) : lasting two years; happening once
balladeer : a singer or composer of ballads in two years
ballistics (n.pl) : the science of projectiles bigotry (n) : discrimination; prejudice
ballyhoo (n) : a noisy propaganda; to create loud bilious (adj) : irritable; bad-tempered; affected by
publicity bile
balmy (adj) : gentle; pleasant bilk (v) : to elude; to cheat
banal (adj) : fatuous; insipid; trite bivouac (n) : a makeshift camp
bandanna (n) : a silk or cotton coloured handkerchief bizzare (adj) : fantastic; extravagant
bandy (v) : to toss from one to another (words blasphemous (adj) : impious; profane
with someone) blatant (adj) : obtrusive; glaring; flagrant
bane (n) : destructive cause; pernicious blather (n & v) : foolish chatter, (v. chatter foolishly)
banter (n/v) : humorous ridicule; to make fun of blazon (n/v) : (a) a coat of arms;
barb (n) : bristle; thorn (b) to make public; to display
barbarian(n) : an uncultured or brutish person, ostentatiously
a lout (adj. uncivilized) bleak (adj/adv) : gloomy; grim
baroque (adj) : elaborate; flamboyant; extravagant blight : any obscure force which is harmful
barrage (n) : a continuous shower of projectiles; or destructive, an unsightly or
an artificial bar across a river neglected urban area
barrister : a person called to the bar and blighted (adj/adv) : spoiled; ruined (by disease)
entitled to practice as an advocate bludgeon : a short stick with a heavy striking
in the higher courts end (n); to hit with a bludgeon (v)
bartender : a person serving behind the bars blurt (v) : to utter suddenly or unadvisedly
of a public house bode (v) : to foretell; to have a presentiment of
bask (v) : to lie in the warmth or sunshine; bogus (adj) : fake; fraud
indulge bohemian : a socially unconventional person
bassoon (n) : a musical instrument esp. an artist or writer
bastion (n) : a kind of tower at the angle of a bolster (v) : to support (maintenance, backing)
fortification; a defence bombastic (adj) : pompous; flamboyant
bate (v) : wait anxiously bonanza (n) : source of wealth
bathos (n) : a ludicrous descent from the
boot licker : a person who behaves obsequiously
elevated to the ordinary in writing
or servilely
or speech
bauble (n) : a child’s plaything boorish (adj) : a rude, ill-mannered person, a
bawdy (adj) : obscene; lewd; vulgar clumsy person
beatific (adj) : blissful; heavenly bouillon (n) : a strong broth
becoming (adj) : appropriate; fitting; attractive bountiful (adj) : abundant; plentiful
bedizen (v) : to dress gaudily bourgeois (n) : working class; middle class
bedraggle (v) : drench; soak (members)
befuddle (v) : confuse; baffle bowdlerise (v) : to expurgate
behemoth (n) : a great beast; huge or gigantic animal brackish (adj) : saltish
beholden (adj) : bound in gratitude; under an braggadocio (n) : a boaster; empty boasting
obligation brazen (adj) : impudent; arrogant
behoove (v) : necessary (for someone) brazier (n) : a containers or tray for hot coals
belabor (v) : to assail verbally
breach (n/v) : an act of breaking (law or contract);
belleslettres : polite or elegant literature
a gap made in fortification; breakers
breadwinner : a person who earns the money to cameo (n) : a gem with figure (usu a head or
support a family bust ) carved in relief
brigand : a member of a robber band living camouflage (n/v) : device for disguising or for
by pillage and ransom usually in deceiving an adversary; to disguise
wild terrain canard (n) : a false rumour
brindled (adj) : marked with spots or streaks canine (adj) : dog-like; related species of the dog
bristling (adj) : making angry family
broach (v) : to start to speak about; to bring canker (n) : a fungus disease in trees and
about; mention shrubs; an ulcer; disease like
brocade (n) : a silky fabric with a raised design situation causing destruction
on it cannon (n) : a great gun (usually mounted on
brooch (n) : an ornamental clasp with a joined wheels)
pin fitting into a hook cant (n) : vocabulary or language peculiar to
brook (n/v) : a small stream; to bear or endure a particular group or sect
buccaneer (n) : a pirate, ruthless speculator or cantata (n) : musical narrative by a person,
adventurer accompanied by a single instrument
bucolic (adj) : pastoral; rustic, rural canter (n) : an easy gallop
bugbear (n) : cause of anxiety canto (n) : a division of a long poem
bullion (n) : gold or silver in the mass and canvas (n/adj) : a coarse cloth of cotton, hemp or
uncoined other material
bulwark (n) : any means of defence or security; capacious (adj) : spacious; massive; large
the side of a ship projecting above caparison (n) : rich clothing and ornaments (for
the deck covering animals)
bumptious (adj) : aggressive; offensively self-important capillary (n/adj) : a thin-walled blood vessel that
buncombe (n) : bombastic speech making intended forms a network connecting arteries
for the newspapers rather than to with veins; a fine-bored tube
persuade the audience capitol (n) : the building where Congress or a
buoyant (n/v) : floating; weightless; cheerful and state legislature meets
resilient caprice (n) : a whim; an unpredictable change
bureaucrat : an official in a bureaucracy, an of mind
inflexible or insensitive administrator caption (n) : a heading
bureaucracy (n) : a system of government or captious (adj) : ready to find trivial faults
administration by officials, carafe (n) : a water-bottle or wine-flask for the
responsible only to their table
departmental chiefs carcinogenic : substances encouraging spread or
burgeon (v) : to grow growth of cancer in the body
burlesque (n/v) : mockery; a ludicrous imitation careen (v) : to tilt to one side
burly (adj) : big and sturdy caricature (n) : burlesque; satire
burnish (n/v) : lustre; polish carillon (n) : melody played on a set of bells; a
buskin (n) : a high thick-soled boot worn by set of bells for playing tunes
actors in tragedy
carmine (n) : bright red pigment
bustle (n/v) : full of noise; be busy with
carnage (n) : bloodshed; extensive slaughter
busy body : a meddlesome person, a mischief-
carnal (adj) : sensual; unspiritual; sexual
maker
buttress (n/v) : support carousal (n) : a noisy revel; a feast
buxom (adj) : plump and comely; voluptuous; carp (n) : to nag about trivialities; to find fault
shapely; well-built (with, at)
carrion (n) : the dead and rotten body or flesh
C carte ‘-blanche (n) : a blank paper, one bearing a
cabal (n) : a secret plot or intrigue signature, to be filled up at the
cache (n/v) : a hiding-place for treasure; to hide recipient’s discretion
cadaverous (adj) : sickly-looking; gaunt or haggard cartography (n) : the skill or profession of making
cadence (n) : rhythm maps and charts
caisson (n) : an apparatus for lifting a vessel out caryatid (n) : a female figure used instead of a
of the water for repairs or inspection
column to support an entablature
cajole (v) : to coax; beguile
calamity (n) : catastrophe; a disaster castaway : a shipwrecked person, cast aside,
calligraphy (n) : fine handwriting or penmanship; a rejected
characteristic style of writing caste (n/adj) : a social class amongst Hindus in
callous (adj/adv) : cold-hearted; insensitive; India
unsympathetic castigate (v) : to criticize severely; to punish or
scold
callow (adj) : inexperienced; juvenile
casualty (n/adj) : an injury or death; a misfortune;
calorific : pertaining to, or causing heat
department of a hospital
calumniate (v) : to accuse falsely; to slander
casuist : a person who resolves problems of
calumny (n) : false accusation or statement;
conscience, duty etc, often with
defamation
clever but false reasoning, sophist,
camaraderie (n) : the intimacy of comradeship; good
quibbler
fellowship
casuistry (n) : science concerned with moral chaperon (n/v) : someone who supervises a group
conscience; plausible but flawed of children or young people (usu.
reasoning For protection)
cataclysm (n) : a major disaster; a débâcle charlatan (n) : someone who pretends to have
catalyst (n) : stimulus; a person who causes or special knowledge or ability (esp in
promotes change by their medicine); an impostor; a fraud
presence in a situation chasm (n) : a gap or opening; a void space;
catapult (v) : hurl; fling; propel an abyss; a ravine
cataract (n) : a waterfall; an opaque condition of chassis (n/adj) : the structural framework of a motor
the lens of the eye car to which the movable working
catastrophe (n) : calamity; tragedy parts and body may be attached
catechism (n) : comprehensive system of teaching chaste (adj) : modest; decent and pure in taste
in the form of questions and and style
answers chasten (v) : to free from faults by punishing; to
categorical (adj) : positive; unconditional; absolute purify or refine
catharsis (n) : purification chattel (n) : belongings; possessions
cathartic : ablutionary; cleansing the bowels chauffeur : a person employed to drive a
catholic (n) : liberal private or hired motor car
caucus (n/v) : conference; meeting; to hold cherubic (adj) : a sweet innocent-looking chubby
meetings faced person, esp a child
cauterize (v) : to destroy using caustic substances chic (n/adj) : style, elegance; artistic skill; smart,
cavalcade (n) : a procession of people on elegant and fashionable
horseback or in vehicles; a parade chicanery (n) : artifice; deception; fraud
cavil (n/v) : a trifling objection; to quibble choleric : irascible, angry
chute (n) : a passage or sloping trough for
cede (v) : yield; surrender; relinquish
sending down goods, water,
celerity (n) : alacrity; speed; rapidity of motion rubbish, etc
or thought cinch (n) : a saddle girth
celestial (adj) : heavenly; divine circumlocution(n) : expressing an idea in more words
celibate (adj) : living as a single person; than are necessary
abstaining from sexual relations circumscribe (v) : to draw a line round; to enclose
censor (n/v) : an official who examines books, within certain limits
films, papers etc. with power to citadel (n) : a fortress in (or near) a city
delete obscene words and actions; clairvoyant (n/adj): the power of discerning things
to ban; to delete beyond the normal range of sense
censure (v) : berate; criticise; to blame; to castigate or perception
centaur (n) : a mythical creature, half man and clamber (v) : to climb with difficulty; to ascend
half horse clamor (n) : a loud continuous outcry; uproar;
centenarian : a person a hundred or more years persistent expression of
old dissatisfaction
centigrade (adj) : of a scale clangor (n) : a loud ringing noise that made by
centrifugal (adj) : tending away from the centre; striking large pieces of metal
proceeding in development from clarion (n/adj) : the sound of a trumpet; a stirring
the apex towards the base summons (to duty, etc)
centripetal (adj) : tending towards the centre; claustrophobia (n): a pathological dread of confined
proceeding in development from spaces
the base towards the apex clavicle (n) : the collar-bone
centurion (n) : In Roman army, an officer who had cleft (n/adj) : crack; split, divided
the command of a hundred men clemency (n) : mercy; mild; gentle
cerebral (adj) : pertaining to the brain; intellectual cleric : a member of the clergy
ceremonious (adj): given to ceremony; particular in cliché (n) : banality; stereotype
observing formalities clientele (n) : all the customers; clients
cessation (n) : stopping; ceasing climactic (adj) : pertaining to the most important or
chafe (v) : to heat; to wear by rubbing; to exciting scene
cause irritation clime (n) : climate; a country, region (in poetic
chaff (n) : husks from corn that has been sense)
threshed or winnowed
cloak : an outdoor overgarment
chaffing (adj) : teasing; banter
cloven (adj) : split; divided
chagrin (n) : embarrassment; shame; humiliation
coadjutor (n) : an associate
chalice (n) : drinking cup or bowl coalesce (v) : to grow together or unite into one
chameleon (n) : an inconstant, changeable, or whole; to fuse
readily adaptable person; a lizard cockade (n) : a rosette worn on the hat as a badge
which can change its colour to coda (n) : a passage forming the completion
blend with its surroundings of a piece, rounding it off to a
champion (n/v) satisfactory conclusion
(n : championship): a successful combatant; promote coddle (n/v) : to pamper; an effeminate person
chaotic (adj) : confused; disorganised codicil (n) : a supplement to a will
coeval (n) : a person or thing of the same age; conflagration (n) : a war or major destructive
a contemporary disturbance
cog (n/adj) : a projection, eg. on a toothed wheel congeal (v) : to freeze
cogitate (v) : contemplate; meditate; ponder congenial (adj) : pleasant; affable; cordial
cognomen (n) : a surname congenital (adj) : dating from the birth, not
coherent : able to speak intelligibly and necessarily hereditary; inborn
articulately, having a constant conglomeration (n): collection; the state of being
phase relationship conglomerated
cohesion (n) : the act of sticking together
conifer (n) : any tree or shrub bearing cones
coincident(adj/adv): agreeing; corresponding or
identical without any connection conjugal (adj) : pertaining to marriage; marital; the
colander (n) : a perforated vessel right of sexual relations with a
columnist : a journalist contributing regularly to spouse
a newspaper connoisseur (n) : a person with a well informed
knowledge and appreciation, esp
collage (n) : any work or construction put
of fine food and wine or of the arts
together from assembled fragments
connotation (n) : implication additional to the idea
collate (v) : to bring together for comparison
conscientious (adj): tending to take great care or show
collation (n) : organisation; arrangement; group;
diligence; scrupulous; meticulous
a light meal
consecrate (v) : to devote (time, energy etc.); to
collier (n) : a coal miner; a sailor in a ship
sanctify
carrying coal
consort (n/v) : spouse; mate; partner; companion
colloquy (n) : conversation; discussion
conspiracy (n) : a plot; a secret banding together
collusion (n) : conspiracy; plot
for a purpose (usu. unlawful)
colossal (adj) : massive; gigantic
constellation (n) : stars which form a group as seen
comatose (adj) : affected with coma; extremely
from the earth
drowsy or sleeping heavily
constituent (n) : citizen; voter
combustible (adj) : liable to catch fire and burn
constraint (n) : compulsion
comely (adj) : pretty; pleasing; handsome
consul (n) : an agent for a foreign government
comestible (n) : eatable
appointed to attend to the interests
comity (n) : courteousness; civility
of its citizens and commerce
commandeer (v) : confiscate; to take over for one’s
contaminate (v) : to pollute; to infect
own use, without asking
commando : a party of men called out for a contempt (n) : scorn; abhorrence; disdain
military service contest (n/v) : competition; to challenge
commemorative (adj): serving to preserve the memory of context (n) : situation; circumstances
commensurate (adv): equal in measure or extent; in due contiguous (adj) : adjoining; touching; near next
proportion with continence : restraint; self-control; celibacy
commiserate (v) : to feel or express sympathy or pity for contortion (n) : deformation; a violent twisting
commodious (adj): spacious; comfortable; gigantic contraband (adj) : forbidden by law to be imported;
communal (adj) : pertaining to a commune or a illegally imported; smuggled
community; owned in common, contrite (adj) : full of guilt and remorse for a
shared wrong doing or sin; action showing
communiqué (n) : an official announcement or bulletin a sense of guilt or sin
compact (adj/n) : closely packed or fitted together; controvert (v) : to oppose; to argue against; to
concise; small; agreement; contract dispute
compatible (adj) : congruous; harmonious; suitable contumacious (adj): opposing lawful authority;
compatriot : a fellow countryman stubborn; obstinate
compendium (n) : a shortening or abridgement contumely : insolent or reproachful language or
compensatory (adj): giving compensation treatment, disagree
compere : a person who introduces and links contusion (n) : a bruise; the state of being bruised
the artists in a variety show convalescence (n): gradual recovery of health and
strength
compilation (n) : the act of collecting or drawing
conventional (adj): customary
(data, list, records, speeches etc.)
converge (v) : meet in one point
complement (n/v) : companion; counterpart; conversant (adv) : familiar
consummate converse (v/adj) : to speak; reverse
compromise (n/v) : arbitration; a settlement of differences convex (adj) : arched; raised
by concession on each side conveyance (n) : means of transportation
compunction (n) : regret; shame; conscience convoke (v) : to call together; to assemble
comrade : a workmate, friend or companion convoluted (adj) : difficult to understand; intricate
concede (v) : to admit; to make a concession; to copious (adj) : abundant; plentiful; generous
give up coquette (n) : flirting; dallying
conceited : vain, proud cordial (adj) : friendly; sincere; affectionate
concord (n) : harmony; agreement cordon (n) : encircled area to prevent or control
condescend (v) : to act graciously to inferiors passage into or out of it
condiment (n) : a seasoning, esp salt or pepper cormorant (adj) : a member of shiny black web- footed
confidant (n) : a close friend; a person confided in seabirds, related to the pelicans,
or entrusted with secrets that feeds on fish; a glutton
cornice (n) : a projecting moulding along the cull (v) : to select; to pick out and destroy,
top of a building, window, etc as inferior or superfluous members
corollary (n) : an easy inference; a natural result of a group
corporeal (adj) : not spiritual; having a substance culmination (n) : achievement; completion
corpulent (adj) : heavy; plump; stout culvert (n) : an arched construction or channel
correlation (n) : the act of correlating; mutual relation enclosing a drain or watercourse
beneath a road
corrosive (adj) : having the quality of eating away
cumbersome (adj): unwieldy; awkward; unmanageable
corrugated (adj) : wrinkled; drawn into folds cupidity (n) : covetousness
corsair (n) : a privateering ship; a pirate curator (n) : a person who has the charge of
cortège (n) : a procession (esp funeral anything; a person appointed by
procession) law as guardian
coruscate (v) : to sparkle; to throw off flashes of curmudgeon (n) : a miser; an avaricious, ill-natured
light person
cosmic (adj) : relating to the cosmos; universal curry (v) : to dress or treat (leather)
coterie (n) : a social, literary, or other exclusive cursive (adj) : written in a running hand; flowing
circle cursory (adj) : running quickly over; superficial
counsellor : a person who gives counsel, an curtail (v) : to cut short; to abridge
advisor, a person trained to give custodian : a guardian or keeper
guidance on personal, social or cynic (n) : misanthrope; pessimist
psychological problems cynosure (n) : anything that strongly attracts
countenance (n/v): the face; expression of the face; to attention or admiration
favour; permit or sanction czar (also tsar) : the title of the former emperors of
counterfeit : made in imitation, not genuine Russia; a person with great authority
countermand (v) : to revoke; to give a command in
opposition to one already given D
counterpart (n) : complement; correlative; a dabbler (n) : take a casual or superficial interest
corresponding or equivalent or past, move the feet, hands, etc
person or thing about in liquid, wet partly or
coup (n) : revolt; a stroke, clever and intermittently; moisten, stain, splash
successful stratagem daft (adj) : insane; weak-minded
couple (n/v) : two, a pair; two people considered dally (v) : to waste time by idleness or
as partners; that which joins two trifling; to dawdle, delay
things together dandy (n) : a man who pays great attention to
courier (n) : a state or diplomatic messenger his dress
covenant (adj) : a mutual agreement dank (adv/adj) : unpleasantly moist; wet
covert (adj) : concealed; secret dappled (adj) : marked with spots or
covetous (adj) : inordinately desirous; avaricious dastard (adj) : cowardly
cower (v) : to crouch or cringe in fear daub (n/v) : stain; false pretence; to smear
coy (adj) : modest; shy daunt (v/adj) : to frighten; to discourage; boldly
dauntless (adj) : not to be daunted; resolute, bold
cozen (v) : to cheat; to deceive
dawdle (v) : to waste time; to act slowly
crabbed (adj) : ill-natured; perverse or irascible
deadlock (n) : a case where matters have come
credo (n) : belief; doctrine to a standstill
creed (n) : belief; faith deadpan (n) : an expressionless face
crepuscular (adj) : of or pertaining to twilight; dim, dean : the head of a university faculty or
dark; active or appearing at twilight department or of a medical school
crestfallen (adj) : dejected or cast-down dearth (n) : scarcity; want; lack; shortage
cretin : a person who is deformed and debase (v) : to adulterate; to lower; to make
mentally retarded as the result of poor (of quality) or of less value
thyroid deficiency debauch (v) : to pervert; to corrupt
crevice (n) : a narrow crack or split debenture : written acknowledgement of a debt
cringe (v) : to stoop in a serile manner; to debonair (adj) : elegant; charming; courteous
cower in fear debutant : a male performer making his first
criterion (n) : a means or standard of judging; public appearance
a rule débutante (n) : a young woman making her first
crone (n) : an old woman; an old ewe appearance in society
crotchety (adj) : short-tempered; whimsical decadence (n) : a decline from a superior state
cruet (n) : a small jar or bottle decant (v) : to pour off, leaving sediment
crux (n) : essence; gist; that on which a decelerate : to retard, slow down
decision turns deciduous (adj) : liable to be shed at a certain period
crypt (n) : grave; tomb
decipher (v) : decode; interpret; unravel
cubicle (n) : part of a dormitory or other large
declivity (n) : a place that slopes downwards
room which is partitioned off
cuisine (n) : the art or style or cooking; a décolleté (adj) : a low-cut dress or neckline
kitchen or cooking department decomposition (n): state of decomposing; decay
culinary (adj) : pertaining to the kitchen or to decorus (adj) : decent; proper
cookery decorum (n) : propriety of conduct; decency
decrepit (adj) : worn out by the infirmities of old dénouement : the outcome or result
age; in the last stage of decay denounce (v) : to inform against or accuse
defacto (adj) : actual, if not rightful or legally publicly; to condemn
recognized; in fact, actually depilate (v) : to remove the hair from
defalcate (v) : to embezzle money held on trust deploy : to spread out and place
default (n) : failure to fulfil a financial obligation; strategically (any forces)
neglect to do what duty or law deportment (n) : behaviour; conduct; manners
requires deposition (n) : declaration; testimony
defeatist (n/adj) : readiness or inclinationto accept, depravity (n) : a corrupt state of moral character;
welcome or help to bring on, defeat wickedness
defection (n) : (an act of) desertion or revolt depredation (n) : the act of plundering; hardship
defendant : a person sued or accused in a deranged (adj) : insane; disordered
court of law derelict (n/adj) : neglectful of duty; person
deference (n) : courtesy; regard; respect abandoned by society
defile (v) : to befoul; to spoil; to pollute or deride (v) : to laugh at; to mock
corrupt; to violate derision (n) : ridicule; mockery
definitive (adj) : most authoritative; exhaustive dermatitis (n) : inflammation of the skin
deflect (v) : to turn aside; to deviate from a dermatologist (n) : person specialised in the diseases
correct line or proper course of skin
defray (v) : to pay, settle descant (v) : a discourse or disquisition under
deft (adj) : dexterous several heads
deign (v) : to condescend, stoop descry (v) : to discover by looking
dejure (adj) : by right; rightful desecrate (v) : defile; profane; contaminate
delectable (adj) : delightful; very pleasing desiccate (v) : to preserve by drying; to dry
delegate : an elected representative sent to a desideratum (n) : something desired or much wanted
conference, a member of a desolate (v) : to abandon; to lay waste; to
committee deprive of inhabitants
deleterious (adj/adv): harmful or destructive; poisonous desperado (n) : a desperate person, reckless of
delineate (v) : to represent by a sketch or picture; danger; a wild ruffian
to describe despicable (adj) : contemptible; disgraceful
delinquent (n/adj) : miscreant; hoodlum; derelict; despise (v) : abhor; hate; to look down upon
negligent; slack with contempt
deliquescent (adj): liquefying in the air despondency (n) : lack of hope; dejection
delirium (n) : the state of being delirious, esp despot : an absolute ruler, a tyrant or
through fever oppressor
delirious (adj) : wandering in the mind; despotism (n) : absolute power; tyranny
lightheaded; insane destitute (n/adj) : needy; pathetic; poor; forsaken
deliverance (n) : release; liberation desuetude : disuse; discontinuance
delude (v) : to deceive or cause to accept what desultory (adj) : without rational or logical
is false as true; to mislead connection; loose; hasty
delusion (n) : the act of deluding; a hallucination detached (adj) : aloof; unbiased; impartial
delusive (adj) : tending to delude detainee : a person detained in custody esp.
delve (v) : investigate; explore; examine for political reasons
demagogue (n) : leader of the people detergent (n) : a cleansing agent; that which
demean (v) : to humiliate; to lower in status or cleanses
dignity determinate (n) : determined or limited; fixed
demeanour (n) : behaviour; conduct deterrent (adj) : frightening; hindrance
demesne (n) : a manor-house with lands adjacent detonation : an explosion
to it not let out to tenants detraction (n) : defamation; slander; distraction
demise (n) : death deviate (v) : to diverge; to go or change from
democrat : an advocate of democracy, a the way
member of the Democratic Party devoid (adj) : destitute; wanting; free
demographic (adj): the study of population esp with devolve (v) : to pass on; to roll down
reference to size, density and dexterous (adj) : right-handed; skilful; adroit
distribution diabolic (adj) : extremely cruel; wicked; satanic
demolition (n) : the act of pulling down; destruction diadem (n) : a crown; a jewelled headband, or
demoniac (adj) : person possessed by a demon or the like
evil spirit dialectic (n) : the art of discussing (esp in a debate)
demotic (adj) : to the people diaphanous (adj) : transparent; clear; pellucid
demure (adj) : modest; bashful; shy diatribe (n) : an abusive or bitter harangue;
demurrage (n) : compensation for detention of vituperation
railway wagons (or any other wagon)
differential (n/adj) : discriminating; pertaining to
denigrate (v) : malign; defame
difference
denizen : an inhabitant (human, animal or
plant) diffusion (n) : distribution; scattering abroad
denotation (n) : that which a word denotes, in digressive (adj) : departing from the main subject
contradistinction to that which it dilapidated (adj) : in ruin; in a state of disrepair
connotes dilatoriness : given to or causing delay
dilemma (n) : quandary; predicament; confusion dissuade (v) : discourage; to persuade not to do
dilettante (n) : a dabbler in art, science or something; to give advice against
literature; an amateur distaff (adj) : the female side or branch of a
diligent (adj) : industrious; hard-working; studious family; the stick that holds the
diminution (n) : decrease; reduction bunch of flax or wool in spinning
dimwit : a stupid person diurnal (adj) : belonging to the day time; relating
to day time
dinghy (n) : a small open boat propelled by
divination (n) : seeking to know the future or
oars, sails or an outboard motor
hidden things by supernatural means
dint (n) : effort; strength; power docile (adj) : gentle; manageable; obedient;
dipsomaniac (n) : person suffering from dipsomania agreeable
dirge (n) : funeral song or hymn; a slow and doomster : a person who predicts disaster
mournful piece of music esp. in politics or economics
disabuse (v) : to undeceive or set right dotage (n) : the childishness of old age;
disapprobation (n): disapproval excessive fondness; a doting
disarray (n) : lack of array; disorder; untidiness dotard : a person who is feeble minded,
disavowal (n) : the act denying; the act of esp. from senility
disclaiming knowledge of, or dote (v) : to show excessive love
connection with double entendre : a word or phrase open to two
disband (v) : to disperse; to break up(a group, interpretations
unit etc) douche (n) : a jet of water directed upon or into
disburse (v) : to pay out the body from a pipe, etc
disclaim (v) : to refuse to acknowledge or be doughty (adj) : strong; brave; able
responsible for doxology (n) : a hymn ascribing glory to God
discomfit (v) : to defeat or rout doyen : the most senior or most prominent
disconcert (v) : to throw into confusion; to frustrate of a particular category or body of
disconsolate (adj): beyond consolation; very sad or people
disappointed dregs (n) : deposits; residue; the most
discordant (adj) : contradictory; inconsistent; without worthless part of anything
Concord or agreement drivel (n & v) : silly nonsense, twaddle (v. talk
discrepancy (n) : disagreement; variance of facts or childishly or idiotically)
sentiments droll (adj) : a jester; laughable; amusing
discursive (adj) : circuitous; proceeding from one dromedary (n) : a thoroughbred camel; a one-
subject to another with no formal plan humped Arabian camel
disgruntle (v) : discontented; disappoint drudgery (n) : hard or humble labour;
disheartened uninteresting toil
(adj/adv) : depressed; demoralised; deprive dubious (adj) : doubtful; causing or having doubt
of courage or spirits duplicity (n) : insincerity; doubleness, esp in
dishevelled (adj) : hanging loose; merely untidy conduct or intention
disinclination (n) : lack of inclination; unwillingness dyspepsia (n) : indigestion
disingenuous (adj): not frank or open; crafty, devious
disinter (v) : to remove from a grave or from the E
earth; to bring out of obscurity earthy (adj) : crude; unrefined; consisting of
disinterested (adj): not influenced by private feelings earth (natural)
or considerations; impartial ebb (n/v) : decline; abate; subside
disjointed (adj) : lacking connection or continuity; eccentricity (n) : the condition of being eccentric;
incoherent peculiarity of behaviour
dismantle (v) : to pull down; to undo the structure ecclesiastic (adj) : relating to the church or to the clergy
dismember (v) : to divide up, break up éclat (n) : applause; distinction; showy
disparage (v) : to dishonour by comparison with splendour
what is inferior; to dishearten; eclipse (n/v) : an over-shadowing; to excel; to
belittle; abuse surpass
disparaging (adv) : speak slightingly of depreciate, ecologist (n) : a person with knowledge of
bring discredit environmental studies
disparity (n) : inequality; contrast; variation; ecstasy (n) : a state of pleasure or happiness.
difference rapture; excessive joy
dispersion (n) : scattering; state of being scattered edifice (n) : a structure; a building
edify (v) : to improve the mind of; to
dispirited (adj) : dejected; discouraged
strengthen spiritually towards faith
disport (v) : to attract; to amuse
and holiness
disputatious (adj) : inclined to dispute; controvert educe : to draw out; to extract
disquisition (n) : a carefully or minutely argued eerie (adj) : strangely frightening; weird
examination of a topic effectual (adj) : successful in producing the
dissection (n) : the act of cutting in pieces a plant desired effect
or animal in order to ascertain the effeminate (adj) : womanish; feminine
structure of its parts; anatomy effervesce (v) : to boil up; to bubble and hiss; to
dissolution (n) : the dispersal of an assembly; the behave or talk vivaciously
annulment or ending of a partnership effete (adj) : exhausted; degenerate, decadent
nd
Triumphant Institute of Management Education Pvt. Ltd. (T.I.M.E.) HO: 95B, 2 Floor, Siddamsetty Complex, Secunderabad – 500 003.
efficacy (n) : the power of producing an effect; endearment (n) : something that increases affection;
effectiveness the act or state of endearing
effigy (n) : a likeness or figure of a person endemic (adj) : prevalent among a people or in a
effluvium (n) : a generally unpleasant exhalation; district; confined to a particular area
disagreeable vapours rising from endive (n) : a salad plant
decaying matter endorse (v) : approve; support; to assign by
effrontery (n) : impudence; shamelessness writing on the back
effulgent (adj) : shining; radiant; splendid endue (v) : to supply or provide with
effusive (adj) : gushing; expressing emotion in an enervate (v) : to weaken; to tire; fatigue
over-demonstrative manner engender (v) : to produce; to bear; to generate
egoism (n) : individuality; over-concern for
enigma (n) : a mysterious person or situation;
one’s own well-being; selfishness
egotism (n) : thinking or speaking too much of something very obscure
oneself; self-exaltation enjoin (v) : prohibit; ban; to forbid; to order
ejaculation (n) : ejection or emission ennui (n) : boredom; a feeling of weariness or
elaboration (n) : complication; the process of languor
elaborating enroute (adv) : on the road, on the way
elation (n) : exhilaration; joy; thrill ensconce (v) : to settle comfortably; to hide safely
eleemosynary (adj): relating to charity or alms giving ensemble (n) : group; costume; outfit
elegiac (adj) : mournful; belonging to elegy entente (n) : an understanding; a friendly
elegy (n) : a poem of serious, pensive, or agreement or relationship between
reflective mood; a song of mourning states
elixir (n) : a liquor once supposed to have entomology (n) : the science of insects
the power of indefinitely prolonging entourage (n) : convoy; staff; attendants
life; anything that invigorates entreat (v) : to ask earnestly; to beg for
ellipsis (n) : a figure of syntax by which a word or
entrée (n) : admittance; freedom of access;
words are left out and merely implied
eloquence (n) : the power of uttering strong introduction or means of access
emotion in correct, appropriate, entrepreneur : businessman; capitalist
expressive and fluent language; enunciate (v) : to pronounce distinctly; to state
persuasive speech formally
elucidate (v) : to make clear; to illustrate ephemeral (adj) : short-lived; existing only for a day
elusive (adj) : deceptive epigram (n) : a concise and pointed expression;
elusory (adj) : evasive; deceitful; tending to elude an adage; saying
or cheat epilogue (n) : the concluding section of a book, etc
elysian (adj) : delightful
epistle (n) : a letter; message
emaciated (adj/adv): feeble; the condition of being lean;
deprived of flesh epoch (n) : a point of time fixed or made
embed (v) : to enclose deeply; to place remarkable by some great event
emblazon (v) : to glorify, praise or celebrate from which dates are reckoned
embroil (v) : to involve; to throw into confusion equable (adj) : uniform, smooth; without wide
embryonic (adj) : relating to anything in an imperfect variations or extremes; even-
or incomplete state; rudimentary tempered
emend (v) : to make alterations in with a view equestrian (adj) : of or relating to horsemanship; on
to improving; to remove faults or horse-back
blemishes from equipage (n) : something with which one is
emeritus (adj) : honourably discharged from the equipped; a carriage and
performance of public duty attendants; retinue
emigrate (v) : to move from one country or state equipoise (n) : a state of balance
to another as a place of abode;
equitable (adj) : showing in accordance with equity;
émigré : an émigré, esp. a political exile
eminent (adj) : distinguished; conspicuous exercised in equity; fair or just
emollient (n) : a softening application; making equivocate (v) : to use equivocal or doubtful words
supple in order to mislead
emolument (n) : profit arising from employment, errand (n/adj) : assignment
such as salary or fees ersatz (n/adj) : artificial; a substitute
empirical (adj) : known only by experience; escapade (n) : an exciting adventure (mischievous);
depending on trial or experience an escape
empyreal (adj) : relating to the highest or purest eschew (v) : to avoid; to refrain; to abstain; to shun
region of heaven espousal (n) : the act of espousing or betrothing;
emulate (v) : to try to equal or surpass
a contract or mutual promise of
enamored of (adv): in love with; keen on
marriage; a formal betrothal
encomiastic (adj) : bestowing praise
encomium (n) : high commendation; a eulogy ethereal (adj) : heavenly; celestial; delicate
encompass (v) : to surround or enclose ethnic (adj) : concerning nations or races; racial
encroachment (n): an act of encroaching; something ethnology (n) : the science concerned with the
that is taken by encroaching; varieties of the human race;
infiltration cultural anthropology
etymology (n) : the science or investigation of the febrile (adj) : feverish; relating to fever
derivation and original signification fecund (adj) : prolific; fertile; fruitful; productive
of words feint (n) : a deceptive movement in fencing,
eugenic (adj) : pertaining to genetic improvement boxing, etc; a false show
of a race by judicious mating and felicitous (adj) : appropriate
helping the better stock to prevail ferret (n/v) : a half-tamed albino variety of the
eulogistic (adj) : praise worthy; full of praise polecat; to search out or
euphonious (adj) : pleasant; agreeable; (usu. sound) investigate indefatigably
euthanasia (n) : the act or practice of putting fervid (adj) : having burning desire or emotion;
painlessly to death, esp in cases of zealous
fervor (n) : zeal; enthusiasm; ardour
incurable suffering
fester (v) : to rot or putrefy; to suppurate
eviscerate (v) : to tear out the viscera or bowels of
fetish (n) : charm; fixation
evolutionists : a person who believes in evolution
fetter (n) : a chain or shackle for the feet;
as explaining the origin of species
confinement
exalted (adj) : elevated or high; dignified fiasco (n) : failure; debacle
exasperate (v) : to make very angry; to irritate fictitious : imaginary, unreal, not genuine
excerpt (n) : selected passage; extract fidelity (n/adj) : faithfulness; honesty; accurate
excruciating (adj) : agonizing; severe; extremely painful fiduciary (n) : a person who holds anything in trust
execration (n) : express or feel abhorrence for, curse fiend (n) : a devil; an addict
exhume (v) : to take out of the ground or place figment (n) : a fabrication or invention
of burial filch (v) : to steal; to pilfer
exofficio (adj) : by virtue of office or position filial (adj) : in the relation of a child; pertaining
exorcise (v) : to deliver from the influence of an to a son or a daughter
evil spirit; to call forth or drive finesse (n) : skill or expertise; sophisticated
away (a spirit) accomplishment
exotic (adj) : foreign; alien; imported; unusual; finicky (adv) : particular about unimportant
wondrous matters; fussy
expatiate : speak or write at length or in detail finite (adv) : having an end or limit
expatriate (v) : to send out of one’s country; to firmament (n) : the sky
banish or exile; to deprive of fission (n) : a cleaving; reproduction by dividing
citizenship fissure (n) : a narrow opening
expedient (n/adj) : aid; beneficial; useful flaccid (adj) : soft and weak
expiate (v) : to make satisfaction or reparation for; flagellate (v) : to whip
to make complete atonement for flamboyant (adj) : gorgeously coloured or decorated;
exponent : a person who favours or promotes extravagant
an idea etc flaunt (v) : to display ostentatiously; to show
expurgate (v) : to revise (a book, etc) by removing off; to exhibit
offensive, noxious or erroneous flay (v) : to strip off the skin from; to subject
things; censor; cleanse
to savage criticism; to frighten
extemporaneous (adj): spontaneous; impromptu
fledgling (n) : a bird just fledged; a very
extemporize : compose or produce (music, a
immature or inexperienced person
speech etc) without preparation,
improvise flick (n/v) : to lift (with a lash or a finger nail);
extenuating (adj) : palliating; mitigating; moderating within no time
extol (v) : to praise highly; to lift up flippancy (n) : pert fluency of speech
exude (v) : to discharge through pores; to floe (n/v) : a field of floating ice
ooze out; to emit; to exhibit florid (adj) : flushed with red; characterized by
flowery rhetoric, melodic figures
F flotsam (n) : goods lost by shipwreck and found
fabulist : a composer of fables, a liar floating on the sea
facile (adj) : easy; simple flounce : struggle in mud, perform a task
facsimile (n) : an exact copy; an accurate badly or without knowledge; be out
reproduction of one’s depth
faction (n/adj) : a rebellious group flout (v) : to reject or defy (orders etc.); to mock
factious (adj) : turbulent; discordant; quarrelsome
flux (n) : act of flowing; a flow of matter; a
factotum (n) : a person employed to do all kinds
state of flow or continuous change
of work for another
fait accompli (n) : an accomplished fact, a thing foible (n) : a weakness; a penchant; a
already done or done in advance deficiency
fanatic : a person filled with excessive and foment (v) : to foster; to incite; to provoke
often misguided enthusiasm for forage (n/v) : fodder; hunt; search
something forebear (n) : an ancestor; forefather
fastidious (adj) : meticulous; difficult to please forensic (adj) : of or relating to sciences or scientists
fatuous (adj) : foolish; ludicrous connected with legal investigations
fauna (n) : the assemblage of all forms of forego (v) : to go before or precede
animal life of a region or period foster (v/adj) : to bring up or nurse; to promote; to
faux pas (n) : a mistake or blunder, esp an cherish; concerned with fostering
offence against accepted standards foundling (n) : a little child found deserted
of politeness, decorum, etc.
frailty (n) : weakness; infirmity generality (n) : a statement having general
franchise (n) : the right to vote; a commercial application
concession by which a retailer is genteel (adj) : graceful in manners; polite;
granted by a company the cultured; respectable
generally exclusive right of genuflect (v) : to bend the knee in worship or
retailing its goods or providing its respect
services in a specified area, with genus (n) : a class of objects comprehending
use of the company’s expertise, several subordinate species
marketing, trademark, etc germane (adj) : appropriate; relevant
fraught (adv) : laden; full; replete germinal (adj) : pertaining to a germ or rudiment
fray (v) : to wear off by rubbing germinate (v) : to begin to grow; to cause to sprout
frisk (v) : to leap playfully gerry mander (n/v): to rearrange in the interests of a
fritter (n/v) : to squander or misuse; a fragment; particular party or candidate
a piece gesticulate (v) : to make vigorous gestures
frolicsome (adj) : merry; sportive gibber (n/v) : to utter senseless or inarticulate
frond (n) : a leaf (esp of a palm or fern) sounds
frowzy (adj) : fusty; stuffy or offensive gibbet (n) : a gallows, esp one on which
frugality (n) : economy; thrift criminals were suspended after
execution
fulminate (v) : to thunder or make a loud noise; to
gibe (v) : to scoff; to flout, jeer
issue decrees with violence of threats
gibberish : unintelligible or meaningless speech
fulsome (adv) : sickeningly obsequious;
gladiator : a man trained to fight with the
nauseating praiseful sword or other weapons at ancient
furtive (adj) : clandestine; secret Roman show person defending or
fusillade (n) : a simultaneous or continuous opposing a cause
discharge of firearms; anything gloaming (n) : twilight; dusk
assaulting one in a similar way gloat (v) : to eye with intense (usually
fustian (adj) : a kind of coarse, twilled cotton malicious); to exult
fabric; bombastic glossary (n) : a collection or list of explanations
of words
G glower (v) : to stare frowningly; to scowl
gadfly (n) : a blood sucking fly that distresses glutinous (adj) : gluey; sticky
cattle; someone who provokes and gnarled (adj) : contorted; weather beaten; knotty;
irritates twisted
gaff (n) : a hook used especially for landing gnome (n) : a sprite; a goblin
large fish
gnu (n) : a large African antelope
galaxy : the disc-shaped system, goad (n/v) : sharp-pointed stick for driving
composed of spiralling arms of
oxen; to incite; to provoke
stars, that contains our solar
system near its edge; a splendid gobbledygook : pompous or unintelligible jargon
gorge (n/v) : a ravine; a gluttonous feed
assemblage
gouge (n/v) : a chisel with a hollow blade for
gall (v) : irritate; annoy; provoke
cutting grooves or holes; to scoop
galleon (n) : a large vessel mostly used for out
carrying
gourmand (n) : a person who eats greedily
gambol (v) : to leap; to frisk playfully
gourmet (n) : a connoisseur of good food and
gamester (n) : a gambler wines, an epicure
gamut (n) : a range; scope; extent governess : a woman employed to teach
garble (v) : to misrepresent or falsify by children in a private household
suppression and selection; to granary (n) : a rich grain-growing region;
jumble a storehouse for grain
gargantuan (adj) : enormous; mammoth; a giant of
grandiloquent (adj): speaking, or expressed
vast appetite
bombastically; pompous
gargoyle (n) : a spout, projecting from a roof-
gutter; any grotesque figure or person grandiose (adj) : grand or imposing; bombastic;
splendid
garnish (n/v) : adornment; to decorate; to adorn
granulate (v/adj) : to form or break into grains or
gasconade (n) : a boasting talk; to boast extravagantly
small masses
gastronomy (n) : the art or science of good eating graphic (adj) : written, descriptive or diagrammatic
gaudy (adj/adv) : showy; ostentatious representation
gaunt (adj/adv) : skeletal; thin; haggard grapple (v) : struggle; wrestle mentally
gazette (n/adj) : an official newspaper containing gratify (v) : to please; to satisfy
lists of government appointments, gratis (adj/adv) : without payment; for nothing
legal notices, despatches, etc gratuitous (adj) : done or given for nothing;
geisha (n) : a Japanese girl trained to provide voluntary; uncalled for
entertainment for men gratuity (n) : a gift (usually money), separate
gendarme (n) : a man-at-arms; a policeman in full from and additional to payment
armour made for a service
gravity (n) : weightiness; graveness, solemnity; hibernal (adj) : belonging to winter; wintry
urgency hibernate (v) : to be inactive; to pass the winter in
gregarious (adj) : associating in flocks and herds; a dormant state
fond of the company of others; hierarchy (n) : a body or organisation classified in
sociable successively subordinate grades
grimace (n/v) : a distortion of the face, in fun, hieroglyphic (n) : writing that is difficult to read
disgust, etc; glare; to make a face hireling (n) : a hired servant; a mercenary;
grisly (adj) : ghastly; frightful a person activated solely by
grotesque (adj) : bizzare; extravagantly formed; material considerations
monstrous hirsute (adj) : hairy; shaggy; having long, stiffish
grovel (v) : to humble oneself, behave hairs
abjectly, eg. in apologizing; to crawl historical (adj) : pertaining to history
gruelling (adj) : exhausting; strenuous histrionic (adj) : relating to the stage or actors;
gruesome (adj) : horrible; grisly; macabre melodramatic
gubernatorial (adj): relating to a governor hoax (n) : deceptive trick played maliciously
guileless (adj) : without deceit; artless or for a joke
gumption (n) : boldness; courage; commonsense hogshead (n) : a large cask
gunrunner : a person engaged in the illegal homage (n) : honour; respect; tribute
sale or importing of firearms hoodwink (v) : to deceive, cheat
gustatory (adj) : pertaining to the sense of taste hortatory (adj) : inciting; encouraging
H horticultural (adj) : pertaining to the gardening
habiliments (n) : attire; clothing hosanna : in shout of adoration
hackles (n) : the hair of a dog’s neck hostelry (n) : an inn
hades (n) : hell; the abode of the dead hover (v) : hangover; linger; to move about
haggard (adj) : weary; holloweyed and gaunt, from nearby
weariness, hunger etc hoyden (n) : a tomboy
haggle (v) : to bargain hubbub (n) : uproar; riot; a confused sound of
halcyon (adj) : calm; peaceful; happy and free many voices
hale (adj/adv) : robust; sound of body humane (adj) : merciful; kind; benevolent
hallowed (adj) : holy; revered humdrum (adj) : monotonous; dull
hallucination (n) : a perception without objective reality humility (n) : the state or quality of being
hamper (v) : to impede the progress or humble; lowliness; modesty
movement of; to curtail hummock (n) : a hillock
hangar (n) : a large shed or building for aircraft, humus (n) : decomposed organic matter in the
carriages, etc soil
harangue (n/v) : a loud, aggressive speech husbandry (n) : the business of a farmer;
addressed to a crowd economical management
harbor (v) : a refuge or shelter hustings (n) : electioneering
harpings (n) : the foreparts of the wales at the bow hydrophobia (n) : fear of water; rabies
harridan (n) : a sharp-tongued, scolding or hypocritical (adj) : deceptive; phoney; practicing
bullying old woman hypocrisy
harry (v) : to plunder; to ravage; to destroy hypnotic : a drug that produces sleep
haughtiness (n) : proudness; arrogance hypsography (n) : the branch of geography dealing
haughty : arrogantly self-admiring and with the measurement and mapping
disdainful of heights above sea-level
haunches (n) : the hip and the buttock taken hysteria (n) : delirium; insanity
together
hawser (n) : a large rope used in tying I
hazardous (adj) : dangerous; perilous ichthyology (n) : the study of fishes
hedonism (n) : a lifestyle devoted to pleasure- iconoclast (n)
seeking; the pursuit of pleasure (adj iconoclastic) : a person who attacks traditional or
heedless (adj/adv): unmindful; reckless; careless established beliefs, principles,
hegira (n) : the flight of Mohammed from ideas, institutions, etc
Mecca; any flight ideation (n) : the power of the mind for forming
heinous (adj) : outrageously wicked; atrocious ideas or images
helmsman : a steersman ideology (n) : way of thinking; doctrine; beliefs
henchman : a trusted supporter or attendant, idyll (n) (adj : idyllic): a short pictorial poem, chiefly on
a squire, a page of honour pastoral subjects
heresy (n) : apostasy; infidelity; dissent igloo (n) : a dome-shaped hut made of
heretic (n) : the upholder of a heresy; a person blocks of hard snow; a hollow in
whose views are at variance with the snow made by a seal over its
those of the majority breathing hole in the ice
hermaphrodite (n): a human being, animal or plant igneous (adj) : of fire; produced by solidification of
with the organs of both sexes the earth’s internal molten magma
hermetic (adj) : belonging to magic or alchemy, ignominy (n)
magical; obscure
(adj : ignominious): humiliation; dishonour; shame;
hermetically (adj/adv): closed completely; made airtight
infamy
by melting the glass
ignoramus (n) : an ignorant person
hermitage (n) : a hermit’s place or cell; a secluded
abode illimitable (adj) : limitlessly infinite
imbecile (n) incapacitate (v) : to disqualify legally; to disable; to
(n : imbecility) : a foolish, unwise or stupid person; make unfit (for)
an idiot incarcerate (v) : to imprison; to confine
imbroglio (n) : an intricate or perplexing situation incarnadine (n) : belonging to blood-red; blood-
imbrue (v) : to soak; to drench; to stain or dye coloured
immaculate (adj) : perfectly groomed; flawless; incendiary (n) : a person who inflames passions or
unstained stirs up trouble; a person who
immolate (n) : to offer or kill as a sacrifice maliciously sets fire to property
immune (adj) : inoculated; protected against a incessant (adj) : uninterrupted; continuous
disease or infection; unresponsive inchoate (adj) : not established; rudimentary; only
immutable (adj) : unchangeable begun
impale (v) : to pierce with something pointed; incipient (adj) : beginning; nascent; developing
to fix on a sharp stake thrust inclement (adj) : severe; stormy; violent; harsh
through the body incongruous (adj) : inconsistent; unsuitable
impalpable (adj) : not perceivable or detectable by inconsequential (adj): unimportant; negligible; trivial
incontrovertible (adj): indisputable; unquestionable
touch; no capable of being
incorporeal : having no material form or body;
comprehended or grasped
intangible; spiritual or metaphysical
impassive (adj) : imperturbable; unemotional;
incorrigible (adj) : beyond correction or reform
having no sensation incredulity (n) : not having belief; expressing
impeccable (adj) : faultless; without flaw or error; disbelief; sceptical
ideal incubus (n) : a nightmare; any oppressive
impediment (v) : an obstacle; hindrance influence
impenitent (adj) : not repenting; a hardened sinner inculcate (v) : to instil; to teach
imperious (adj) : domineering, dictatorial; assuming incumbent (n) : a person who holds an office;
command; haughty binding; obligatory
imperturbability (v): not disturbed or agitated; serene incursion (n) : a sudden attack; invasion
impervious (adj) : not easily influenced by ideas, indefatigable (adj): unflagging; untiring; determined
arguments, etc, or moved or upset indemnify (v) : to compensate; to secure (with)
impetuous (adj) : hasty; spontaneous without due indenture (v) : contract; a written agreement
consideration between two or more parties, esp
impiety (n) : blasphemy; profanity; disrespect between an apprentice and an
impinge (v) : infringe; invade; violate employer
implacable (adj) : incapable of being placated or indict (v) : to charge with a crime formally or
appeased; inexorable in writing
implausible (adj) : inconceivable; incredible; indigence (n) : dearth; insufficiency; poverty;
unbelievable destitution
implicit (adj) : absolute; definite; unquestionable; indigenous : native born; originating or
certain produced naturally in a country,
impolitic (adj) : not politic; inexpedient not imported
imponderable (adj): not able to be weighed or evaluated indignation (n) : righteous anger at injustice, etc;
impostor : a person who assumes a false feeling caused by an unjustified
character or pretends to be slight, etc to oneself
someone else indiscriminate : haphazard; random; unsystematic
impotent (adj) : powerless; helpless; incapable of indisputable (adj) : beyond doubt or question
having sexual intercourse, owing indissoluble (adj) : that cannot be broken or dissolved;
to inability to achieve or maintain inseparable; binding permanently
an erection indite (v) : to compose or write
imprecate (v) : to invoke evil upon, to put a curse on indolence (n) : idleness; inactivity; laziness
impregnable (adj): that cannot be captured, broken indomitable : not to be overcome, unconquerable
into or taken by force; strong indubitably (adv) : without doubt, certainly
imprimatur (n) : a licence or permission to print inductive : possessive; introductory
a book, etc indulgent : lenient; permissive; ready to gratify
impromptu (adj) : extemporaneous; improvised; the wishes of others
spontaneous; unrehearsed inebriety (n) : drunkenness; intoxication
impropriety (n) : mistake; error; blunder; ineffable (adj) : inexpressible; not able to be
unsuitability described, indescribable
improvident (adj) : imprudent; thoughtless; negligent ineluctable (adj) : not able to be escaped from or
improvise (v) : to perform extempore; to bring avoided
about suddenly inept (adj) : foolish, silly; awkward, clumsy
inadvertence (n) : negligence; over-sight inequity (n) : discrimination; injustice
(adv : inadvertently) inert : sluggish; static; chemically inactive
inalienable (adj) : not capable of being transferred or inexorable : relentless; unyielding
removed; unchangeable infamous (adj) : notorious; nefarious; having a very
inarticulate : dumb; speechless; incapable of bad reputation
clear and fluent expression infantile (adj) : childish; undeveloped
incandescent : radiant; luminous; fluorescent inference (n) : conclusion; deduction
incantation : a formula of words sung for infernal (adj) : hellish; fiendish; abominable
purposes of enchantment, a magic infidel (n) : agnostic; atheist; unbeliever
spell; recitation of magic spells infinitesimal (adj) : minute; tiny; microscopic
infirmity (n) : illness; ailment; disease inveigle : entice; wheedle; to persuade by
infraction : breach; violation cajolery
ingénue (n) : an artless, naïve or inexperienced inveterate : chronic; deep-rooted
young woman invidious : malicious; likely to incur or provoke
inimical (adj) : hostile; unfriendly; unfavourable ill-will or resentment; likely to excite
inimitable (adj) : incomparable; matchless; envy
exceptionally good or remarkable inviolability (n) : the quality of being inviolable
iniquitous (adj) : wicked; evil; sinful invoke : to call upon earnestly or solemnly;
inkling (n) : a slight hint; an clue; an indication to address in prayer
innate (adj) : natural; inborn; native invulnerable (adj) : indomitable; unconquerable; that
innovation (n) : a thing introduced as a novelty; cannot be wounded
introduction iota : bit; fraction
innuendo (n) : insinuation; an indirect reference irate (adj) : angry; enraged
or intimation iridescent (adj) : glittering with changing colours;
inopportune (adj) : inauspicious; untimely coloured like the rainbow
inordinate (adj) : unrestrained; excessive; immoderate irony (n) (adj : ironic): conveyance of meaning by words
inquistor : an official investigator whose literal meaning is the
inscribe : write or crave on stone, metal, opposite; sarcasm
paper, a book etc irreconcilable (adj): incapable of being brought back to
inscrutable (adj) : that cannot be scrutinized or a state of friendship or agreement
searched into and understood; irrefragable (adj) : that cannot be refuted;
mysterious, enigmatic unanswerable
insensate (adj) : without sensation, inanimate; irrepressible (adj) : not able or willing to be restrained,
having little of no good sense subdued
insidious (adj) : cunning and treacherous; irreverent (adj) : sacrilegious; disrespectful; not
deceitful; covert reverent
insinuate (v) : to hint or indirectly suggest; to irrevocable (adj) : that cannot be recalled or revoked
intimate itinerant (adj) : migrant; wandering
insolvent (adj) : bankrupt; not able to pay one’s itinerary (n) : travel plan; a record of a journey
debts; destitute
J
insouciant (adj) : unconcerned; indifferent; heedless;
jaded (adj) : worn-out; fatigued; exhausted;
apathetic
corrupt
insubordinate (adj): refusing to submit to authority;
janitor : a door keeper, a care taker of a
disobedient, rebellious building
insularity (n) : the state of being isolated or jargon (n) : terminology of a profession; dialect
remaining aloof jaunt (n) : an excursion; outing
insuperable (adj) : not capable of being overcome or jaunty (adj) : carefree; jovial; high-spirited
surmounted jejune (adj) : immature, callow
integrity (n) : honesty; principle; character jeopardy (n) : risk; threat; danger
integument (n) : an external covering jeremiad (n) : a tale of grief, a doleful story
intellect (n) : the thinking principle; intelligence; jester : a professional joker or ‘fool’ at a
brain medieval court
intelligentsia (n) : the intellectual or cultured classes jingoism (n) : chauvinism; fanatism
inter (v) : to bury jocose (adj) : merry; full of jokes
interdict (v) : to prohibit; to forbid jocular : merry, fond of joking
interim (n) : meantime; provisional; temporary jostle (v) : to force, push or bump
interlocutor : a person who takes part in a jovial (adj) : cheerful; lively; joyous
dialogue or conversation juggernaut (n) : a relentless destroying force
interloper (n) : a person who meddles in another’s junket (n) : a picnic; an outing
affairs, esp for profit; an intruder; junta (n) : a government formed by a small
a trespasser group of military officers
internecine (adj) : deadly; murderous jurisprudence (n) : knowledge of law; the science or
interpolate (v) : to tamper with or to corrupt by philosophy of law
spurious insertions jurist : an expert in law, a legal writer
intimidation (n) : the act of intimidating; the use of juxtapose : to place side by side
violence or threats; to frighten
intone : recite with prolonged sounds, utter
K
with a particular tone
ken (n) : range of sight or knowledge
intrinsic (adj) : genuine; inherent
kindle (v) : to inflame (eg the passions); to
introspection (n) : the observation and analysis of the
provoke, incite
processes of one’s own mind kingpin : a main or large bolt in a central
introvert : a person predominantly concerned
position; the most important
with his or own thoughts and
person in an organisaiton
feelings rather than with external
kleptomaniac (n) : a person with a mania for stealing
things
knavery (n) : dishonesty; miscreants
intuition (n) : the power of the mind by which it
knead : to work and press together into a
perceives the truth of things mass; to massage
without reasoning or analysis;
knell (n) : the sound of a bell, especially at a
instinct
death or funeral
inured (adj) : accustomed; habituated; hardened
L lofty (adj) : very high in position, character,
labyrinth (n) : an arrangement of tortuous paths manner or diction; high-minded;
or alleys in which it is difficult to elevated
find the way out; amaze loiter (v) : to linger; to dawdle
lacerate (v) : cut; wounded; mutilated loll (v) : to lie lazily about, to lounge or sprawl
lachrymose (adj) : tearful; weepy; pathetic longevity (n) : great length of life
lackadaisical (adj): languid and ineffectual; indolent; lope (v) : to run with a long stride; to leap
lazy; lethargic loquacious (adj) : talkative; verbose; garrulous
lackey (n) : attendant; hireling; minion lothario : a seducer; a rake
lacklustre (adj) : dull; lifeless; apathetic lout (n) : an ill-mannered, aggressive or
laconic (adj) : sententiously brief; concise awkward man or youth; an idiot
laggard (adj) : a person who lags behind lubricity (n) : slipperiness; smoothness; instability
lambent (adj) : flickering; softly radiant, glowing lucent (adj) : shining; bright
languid (adj) : lethargic; spiritless; flagging lucrative (adj) : profitable; prosperous; well-paying
lapidary : a cutter of stones, esp of gem- lucre (n) : riches; resources; funds; wealth
stones; an expert of gems ludicrous (adj) : absurd; ridiculous; laughable
largesse (n) : generosity; distribution of gifts lupine (adj) : of a wolf; like a wolf; wolfish
lascivious (adj) : lecherous; wanton; obscene; lurid (adj) : sensational; shocking; gruesome;
indecent horrifying
lassitude (n) : exhaustion; fatigue; weariness luscious (adj) : delicious; appetizing; exceedingly
laudable (adj) : praiseworthy; commendable; sweet
admirable lustre (n) : shine; brightness; gloss
lave (v) : to wash; to bathe luxuriant (adj) : exuberant in growth; overabundant;
lax (adj) : negligent; careless; derelict profuse
lecherous (adj) : lustful; sensual M
lectern (n) : a reading-desk macabre (adj) : gruesome; ghastly; grotesque
leeway (n) : scope; range; freedom; liberty maelstrom : a particularly powerful whirlpool;
legatee : the recipient of a legacy a confused or disordered state of
legend (n) : code; key; inscription; slogan affairs; turmoil
legerdemain (n) : trickery; sleight-of-hand; deceit maim (v) : injure; wound; lacerate; mutilate;
lesion (n) : an injury or wound; an abnormal disable
change in the structure of body malaise (n) : despondency; uneasiness; weakness
tissue caused by disease or injury malapropism (n) : the misapplication of words without
lewd (adj) : indecent; obscene; sensual; mispronunciation
lustful; unchaste malediction (n) : a curse; a calling down of evil;
lexicographer (n) : a person who writes in a system in anathema
which each sign represents a word; malefactor (n) : a criminal; an evil-doer; a lawbreaker
a person who writes a dictionary malevolent (adj) : wishing evil; malignant; venomous;
liaison (n) : union; connection; a secret or illicit ill disposed towards others
love affair malicious (adj) : bearing ill-will or spite; motivated
libation (n) : the pouring forth of wine or other by hatred or ill-will
liquid in honour of a god or goddess malignant (adj) : harmful; malicious; venomous; baleful
libelous (adj) : defamatory; maligning malingerer (n) : a person who pretends or feigns
licentious (adj) : promiscuous; indulging in excessive sickness in order to avoid duty or
freedom work
lieu (n) : used chiefly in the phrase in lieu malleable (adj) : mouldable; ductile; able to be
of; in place of, substitute beaten, rolled, etc into a new shape
manacle (v) : handcuffed; shackled
lilliputian (adj) : a midget
mangy (adj) : dirty; shabby; ragged
limber (adj) : agile; flexible; supple
maniacal (adj) : insane; frenzied; crazed; mad
limbo (n) : an uncertain or intermediate state;
manifesto (n) : public written declaration of the
prison
intentions, opinions or motives of
limn (v) : to draw
a sovereign or of party or body
lineage (n) : ancestry; family tree mannequin : a dummy figure, as used for
lineaments (n) : distinguishing features especially display in shop windows, etc;
on the face a person, usually a woman,
linguistic (adj) : relating to languages or knowledge employed to wear and display
or the study of languages clothes;
lionize (v) : to treat as a hero or celebrity manumit (v) : to release from slavery; to set free
liquidate (v) : to clear off; to dispose off; to kill marauder (n) : outlaw; pirate; looter
lissom (adj) : flexible; nimble; lithe mariner : a sailor
listless (adj) : indolent; languid; unconcerned; marsupial (n) : a member of an order of mammals
uninterested or animals whose young are born
literati : men of letters, the learned class in a very imperfect state and are
usually carried in a pouch by the
lithe (adj) : flexible; supple; limber
female
litigant : engaged in a lawsuit martial (adj) : belonging to the military; warlike
litotes (n) : meiosis or understatement masochist (n) : pleasure, especially sexual
livid (adj) : enraged; furious; extremely angry pleasure, in being dominated or
loathe (v) : hate; abhor; detest; dislike intensely treated cruelly
masticate (v) : to chew; to knead mechanically, as mincing (adj) : not speaking frankly or openly;
in rubber manufacture speaking or walking with affected
matriarch : a women who is the head of the nicety; cut into small pieces
family minstrel : a person who entertains patrons
maudlin (adj) : weakly sentimental; lachrymose; with singing, buffoonery, etc
weeping minutiae (n) : minute particulars or details
maunder (v) : to mutter; to grumble; to talk in a misadventure (n) : misfortune; mishap; bad luck
rambling, inconclusive way, to drivel misalliance : an unsuitable alliance
mausoleum (n) : a magnificent tomb or monument; misanthrope (n) : a hater of mankind, someone who
a gloomy or spiritless place distrusts everyone else
mawkish (adj) : insipid; maudlin; sentimental; miscegenation (n): inter-breeding, intermarriage or
loathsome, disgusting sexual intercourse between
maxim (n) : a general principle, serving as different races; mixing of race
a rule or guide; a pithy saying; misconstrue : to interpret wrongly; misunderstand;
a proverb; an adage confuse
mayhem (n) : malicious damage; maiming miscreant (n) : criminal; rogue; scoundrel; villain
meddlesome (adj): intrusive; annoying; bothersome misdemeanour (n): bad conduct; a misdeed
meditation (n) : the act of meditating; deep misgivings (n) : doubt; suspicion; apprehension;
thought; serious continuous a mistrust
contemplation misnomer (n) : a misnaming; a wrong or
medley (n) : a mingled and confused mass; unsuitable name
combination; mixture misogamist (n) : one who hates marriage
mellifluous (adj) : melodic; harmonious; smooth misogynist (n) : one who hates women
memento : something kept or given as a mite (n) : a small contribution proportionate
reminder; remembrance; token to one’s means; a very small amount
memoir : a written record set down as
mitigate (v) : to l essen the severity, violence or
material for history or biography
evil of; to temper; to mollify,
memorialize (v) : to present a memorial to; to
appease; to allay
commemorate
ménage (n) : household; the management of a mnemonic (adj) : a device to help memory; the art of
house assisting memory
mendacious (adj) : inclined to be untruthful; lying mode (n) : system; practice; technique
mendicant (n) : a beggar; a friar who depends on modicum (n) : a small quantity; little
alms modulation (n) : adjustment; change; modification
mercantile (adj) : relating to merchants; having to do moghul (n) : an influential person, a magnate
with trade; commercial; mercenary mollify (v) : to soften; to assuage; to appease;
mercenary (adj) : greedy; avaricious; hired for to soothe
money; sold or done for money mollycoddle (v) : to coddle; an effeminate man
meretricious (adj) : flashy; gaudy; artificial molt (v)
metamorphosis (n): change; transformation momentous (adj) : of great consequence; significant;
metaphysical (adj) : intellectual study; abstract; important
theoretical monastic (adj) : recluse; solitary; relating to
masteries, monks, or nuns
(n metaphysics)
mongrel : an animal, especially a dog, of a
mete (v) : apportion; measure; dispense
mixed breed
meteoric (adj) : remarkably rapid; transiently
monolithic (adj) : of a single block of stone; massive
flashing like a meteor
and undifferentiated; relating to a
methodical (adj) : systematic; uniform monolith
meticulous (adj) : scrupulously careful; overcareful monologue : a soliloquy or speech by one
mettle (n) : temperament; courage; spirit person, or a composition intended
miasma (n) : unwholesome air or atmosphere; to be spoken by one person
foul vapours, eg from rotting matter monotheism (n) : the belief in only one God
microcosm (n) : an object, situation, etc contained monotony (n) : routine; tedious sameness or lack
within another and displaying all its of variety; boredom
characteristics on a smaller scale, moor (n) : a wide expanse of uncultivated
a miniature version ground; field
mien (n) : bearing; facial expression; look, morality : morals; principles; standards; the
manner doctrine of actions as right or wrong
migrant (adj) : a person or animal that migrates or morbid (adj) : sickly; gruesome; ghastly;
is migrating unwholesome
militate (v) : to contend; to fight for a cause morganatic (adj) : relating to a marriage between
millennium : a thousand years; the thousand people of unequal rank
years after the second coming of morose (adj) : gloomy; sullen; melancholy
Christ mortician (n) : an undertaker
milliner : a person who makes or sells mosaic : anything composed by the piecing
women’s hats together of different things; the
minaret (n) : a mosque tower, from which the fitting together in a design of small
call to prayer is given pieces of coloured marble, glass, etc
minatory (adj) : threatening mote (n) : a particle of dust; anything very small
motif : theme; concept; subject numismatist (n) : one who has a collection of coins
motley (adj) : mixed; variegated; multicoloured or medals; relating to money, coins
mountebank (n) : a charlatan; a buffoon; a quack or medals
seller of remedies, etc nuptial (adj) : relating to marriage; conjugal
muddle (v) : to confuse; to mix up, fail to nurture (v) : to educate; to bring up; to educate
distinguish between nutrient (adj) : nourishing; feeding
muggy : humid; sultry O
mugwump (n) : a person of great importance, or
obeisance (n) : homage; reverence; respect
one who thinks himself or herself
to be so obituary : an announcement of someone’s
mulish : stubborn death
multifarious (adj) : various; multiple; diverse; many- objurgate (v) : to chide; to scold
faceted oblations : anything offered in worship; an
multilingual (adj) : of many languages; speaking offering generally
several languages oblique (adj) : not straightforward; indirect; slant;
murky (adj) : nebulous; obscure; cloudy; foggy inclined
murrain (n) : a cattle-plague; a pestilence obloquy (n) : disgrace; humiliation; shame
musky (adj) : having the odour of musk obscure (adj) : not easily understood; not clear or
muster (v) : to gather; to collect perspicuous; unknown; unfamiliar
musty (adj) : deteriorated from disuse; spoiled obsequious (adj) : fawning; servile
by damp; stale; stuffy obsequy : funeral rites and solemnities
mutable (adj) : fickle, inconstant; variable; subject obsolete (adj)
to change (n : obsolescence): antiquated; outdated
mutinous (adj) : rebellious, unsubmissive; ready or obstetrician (n) : a man or woman skilled in practising,
inclined to mutiny or qualified to practise, obstetrics
myopic (adj) : short-sighted obstreperous (adj): unruly; noisy; clamorous; making a
myriad (n) : any immense number; abundance loud noise
occident (n)
N (adj : occidental) : the quarter of the sky where the
narcotic : a substance including drowsiness, sun, stars and planets set
sleep, stupor, or insensibility occlude (v) : to stop or cover (a passage, cavity
natation (n) : swimming or opening); to cut or shut off
nauseate (v) : to feel nausea or disgust; to feel oculist (n)
sick; loathe (adj : ocular) : a specialist in diseases and
nautical (adj) : relating to navigation, or to ships defects of the eye, an ophthalmologist
and sailors odoriferous (adj) : emitting a smell
nebulous (adj) : unclear; ambiguous; vague; odyssey (n) : a long wandering, or a tale of
cloudy; hazy wandering
necromancy : the art of revealing future events offal (n) : waste or rejected parts, especially
by calling up and questioning the of a carcase
spirits of the dead; enchantment; officious (adj) : too forward in offering unwelcome
sorcery or unwanted services; intermeddling
nemesis (n) : punishment; adversary ogle (v) : to stare greedily; to eye
neologism (n) : a new word, phrase or doctrine impertinently or lecherously
neophyte (n) : a novice in a religious order; olfactory (adj) : pertaining to or used in, smelling
a newly ordained priest oligarchy : government by a small exclusive
nestle : to lie or press close; to cuddle class; a small body of men who
nexus (n) : connection; link have the supreme power of a state
niche : a position in a field; a situation, in their hands
place or condition appropriate for omnipresent (adj): present everywhere at the same
a person or thing time
niggardly (adj) : miserly; stingy omniscient (adj) : all knowing; all-seeing
noctambulism : a sleep walker onomatopoeia (n): the formation of a word in imitation
nocturnal : belonging to the night; happening, of the sound of the thing meant
done, or active by night opalescent (adj) : of milky iridescence
nomenclature (n) : a system of names; terminology opprobrious (n) : reproachful, insulting or abusive;
nominal (adj) : formal; paltry; small infamous, disgraceful
nonage (n) : immaturity; legal infancy, minority optometrist (n) : an ophthalmic optician; a person
nonentity (n) : a person or thing of no importance; qualified to practise optometry
a thing which does not exist opus (n) : composition; creation; production;
nonplus (v) : to perplex completely, make work
uncertain what to say or do oracle (n) : revelator; prophet; a medium
nosegay (n) : a bunch of fragrant flowers; progeny of divine revelation
a bouquet ordinance (n) : regulation; a bye-law; that which is
notarize : to attest, to authenticate by a notary ordained by authority
noxious (adj) : poisonous; unwholesome; harmful orientation (n) : the act of orientating; familiarising;
nubile (adj) : marriageable; sexually mature; introduction
sexually attractive orifice (n) : a mouth-like opening
nullify (n) : to make null; to annul; to make osmosis : any process by which something is
void or of no force acquired by absorption
ornate (adj) : decorated; adorned; fancy pedestal (n) : the support of a column, statue,
ornithologist : an expert in the study of birds vase etc
orotund (adj) : full, round or sonorous; grandiloquent paediatrician (n) : an expert in the treatment of
orthography (n) : the art or practice of spelling words children’s diseases
correctly pediment (n) : a triangular structure crowning the
oscillate (v) : to vary between certain limits; to front of a building
fluctuate; vibrate; to swing to and pejorative (adj) : degrading; derogatory; disparaging
fro like a pendulum pellucid (adj) : perfectly clear; transparent
ostensible (adj) : supposed; seeming, our outwardly pendent (adj) : hanging; drooping
apparent penitentiary (n) : penal and reformatory; relating to
ostentatious (adj) : pretentious; showy penance
ostracise : to exclude from society or from pennant (n) : banner; a long narrow flag;
one’s social group; to banish; to a signalling or identifying flag
cast out pensive (adj) : expressing thoughtfulness with
oust (v) : expel; remove; dismiss sadness; meditative
overt (adj) : open to view, not concealed; perambulate : walk through
evident; apparent; clear percussion (n) : striking; impact
overweening (adj): arrogant, conceited; inflated, perdition : utter loss or ruin; hell
excessive peremptory (adj) : final; admitting no refusal or denial
ovine (adj) : sheep-like; relating to sheep peregrination (n) : travelling about; wandering;
ovoid (adj) : egg-shaped a sojourn abroad
P peremptory (adj) : final; ultimate; arrogantly
pachyderm (n) : a thick skinned animal commanding
pacifist (n/adj) : a person who is opposed to war perennial (adj) : growing constantly; perpetual;
paean (n) : a song of thanksgiving or triumph undying; continual
pageant (n) : ceremony; extravaganza; parade; peripatetic (adj) : walking about; itinerant
procession periphrasis (n) : circumlocution; round-about
palaeontology (n) : the study of fossils expression
palatable (adj/adv): appetizing; mouth-watering; delicious peritrich (n) : a bacterium bearing a ring of cilia
palaver (n/v) : a talk or discussion; idle copious around the body
talk perlustrate (v) : to traverse and inspect
palliate (v) : justify; mitigate; alleviate; reduce permeate (v) : to pass through the pores of; to
pallid (adj) : pale; tedious; dull; wan penetrate; to pervade
palpable (adj) : noticeable; apparent; perceptible pernicious (adj) : deadly; detrimental; destructive;
palpitate (v) : to beat rapidly; to pulsate; to pump; highly injurious
to throb pernod (n) : an alcoholic drink flavoured with
panacea (n) : a cure for all things aniseed
panegyric (n) : a eulogy; laudation perpetrate (v) : to commit; to execute
panjandrum (n) : an imaginary figure of great power persiflage (n) : banter; flippancy
and self-importance personable (adj) : of good appearance, attractive;
panorama (n) : tableau; perspective; a wide or easy to get on with, likeable; friendly
complete view persona muta (n) : a character in an opera who neither
papyrus (n) : the paper-reed speaks nor sings
paragon (n) : a model of perfection or supreme persona non grata: a person who is not acceptable or
excellence disliked
parameter (n) : limit; boundary; demarcation pertinacious (adj) : thoroughly tenacious; holding
paraphernalia (n) : belongings; baggage; equipment obstinately to an opinion or a purpose
paregoric (n) : a medicine that soothes pain pertinent (adj) : related; appropriate; suitable; fitting
parlance (n) : speaking; conversation pervade (v) : to pass through; to diffuse; to
paroxysm (n) : a fit of acute pain; any sudden permeate
violent action; a fit of passion, pesade (n) : a dressage manoeuvre in which a
laughter, coughing etc horse rears up on its hind legs
parricide (n) : the murder of a parent or near without forward movement
relative pestilential (adj) : of the nature of pestilence;
partisan (adj) : biased; prejudiced; adherence; destructive; pestering
partial phenobarbitone (n): a sedative and hypnotic drug
parturition (n) : the act of giving birth phial (n) : a container for liquids
parvenu (n) : someone newly risen into wealth, philander (v) : to flirt or have casual affairs with
notice or power; an upstart women
pathology (n) : the study of diseases or of the philology (n) : the science of language especially
changes in tissues or organs that of its historical development,
are associated with disease historical linguistics
patois (n) : regional spoken dialect; jargon physiognomy (n) : the art of judging character from
patrimony (n) : an inheritance from a father or appearance; the general
from ancestors appearance of anything
pedagogue (n) : a teacher; a pedant physiological (adj): relating to the science of processes
pedant (n) : intellectual; scholar; a pedagogue; of life in animals and plants
a person who values academic piebald (adj) : black and white in patches;
learning too highly heterogeneous
pillage (n/v) : loot; rob; to plunder precipitation (n) : the amount of rainfall; impulsive
pinnacle (n) : the highest point; summit; acme action; great hurry
piquant (adj) : pungent; spicy; appetizing; stimulating precipitous (adj) : steep; sheer
piscatorial (adj) : fishing; relating to fish or fishermen précis (n) : an abstract; a summary
pithy (adj) : sententious and masterful; concise precise (adj) : definite; accurate; exact
plagiarize (v) : to steal from (the writings or ideas preclude (v) : to hinder by anticipation,
of another); forge; lift counteract in advance; to prevent;
plangent (adj) : resounding, resonant; resounding to stop; to curb; to obstruct
mournfully precocious (adj) : strikingly advanced or mature in
platonic (adj) : spiritual; idealistic; incorporeal mental development, speech,
plauditory (adj) : applaudable; praise bestowed, social behaviour, etc
enthusiastic approval
predatory (adj) : killing and feeding on others
plebiscite (n) : an ascertainment of general
opinion on any matter; a direct predecessor (n) : the person who preceded one in
vote of the whole nation or of the one’s job or position
people on a special point predilection (n) : preference or special liking;
fondness; attraction
plenipotentiary (n): having or conferring full powers;
pre-eminent (adj) : distinguished; notable; prominent
person invested with full powers
premonition (n) : a feeling that something is going to
plenitude (n) : fullness; completeness; plentifulness
happen before it actually does
podiatrist (n) : a specialist in the treatment of the preponderance (n): excess in number; weighing more
disorders of the foot preponderate (v) : to ponder beforehand
podium (n) : a platform; dais preposterous (adj): utterly absurd; contrary to the
poignant (adj) : intense; touching; pathetic; stinging order of nature or reason
polemic (n) : argument; controversy prerogative (n) : a privilege that is exclusive to a
politic (adv) : judicious; prudent; discreet person, group, etc; a right arising
polity (n) : political organisation; a body of out of one’s rank, position or office
people organised under a system prescience (n) : fore-knowledge; foresight
of government presumptuous (adj): tending to presume; impertinently
polygamist (n) : one who marries more than one bold
person at a time pretentious (adj) : pompous; showy, ostentatious;
polyglot (n/adj) : related to speaking or writing many snobbish
languages; one who speaks or preternatural (adj): abnormal; out of the ordinary
writes many languages course of nature
ponderous (adj) : heavy; weighty; bulky primogeniture (n) : the right of inheritance of the first-
pontificate : pretend to be infallible, be born child; the circumstance of
pompously dogmatic being first-born
porphyry (n) : a very hard, variegated rock of a prima - donna (n) : a person, especially a woman,
purple and white colour, used in who is temperamental, over-
sculpture sensitive and hard to please
portend (v) : to warn of as something to come; privation (n) : destitution; poverty; the state of
to forecast; to indicate being deprived of something
portentous (adj) : ominous; prodigious; threatening privy (n) : familiar; inmate; a lavatory,
posthumous (adj) : born after the father’s death; especially in its own shed or outhouse
published after the author’s or probation (n) : a preliminary time to allow
composer’s death
suitability or unsuitability; testing
post prandial (adj): after dinner
potentate (n) : a powerful ruler; a monarch proboscis (n) : a trunk or long snout; a trunk-like
potpourri (n) : a fragrant mixture of dried petals, process such as the suctorial
leaves etc used to scent a room; mouth-parts of some insects;
a literary production of a nose
uncomposed parts; a miscellany prodigious (adj) : more than usually large in size or
poultice (n) : a hot semi-liquid mixture spread degree
on a bandage and applied to the profligate (adj) : dissolute; lascivious; prodigal;
skin to reduce inflammation extravagant
practicable (adj) : capable of being done; carried out progenitor (n) : an ancestor; a forefather
or accomplished, feasible prognathous (adj): with a projecting jaw
pragmatic (adj) : fundamental; basic; realistic; sensible prognosis (n) : a forecasting or forecast, especially
precedence (n) : the act of going before in time; of the course of a disease
priority; the fact of being before in prognosticate (v) : to foretell; to indicate the coming of
rank
proletariat (n) : the poorest labouring class; the
preceptor : a teacher or instructor
wage-earning class
preciosity (n) : fastidious over-refinement
precipice (n) : a high vertical or nearly vertical promiscuous (adj): abandoned; careless; confusedly
cliff or rock face or indiscriminately mixed
precipitate (v/n/adj): to accelerate; to hurl headlong; promontory (n) : a high cape; a projection, ridge or
abrupt; hasty; hurried; a substance eminence
separated from solution or promulgate (v) : to announce publicly; to put into
suspension, falling and settling at effect by proclamation; to make
the bottom as a solid deposit widely known
propagate (v) : to breed; to multiply; to spread putrid (adj) : rotten; wretchedly bad; stinking
from one to another pyre (n) : a pile of combustible material for
propellant (n) : something which propels burning a dead body
propinquity (n) : nearness pyromaniac (n/adj): one who has obsessive urge to set
light to things
propitiate (v) : appease; pacify; to render favourable
propitious (adj) : favourable; auspicious
Q
propulsive (adj) : of a force causing forward movement quack (n) : a charlatan; someone who claims,
prorogue (v) : to postpone; to prolong and practices under the pretence
proscenium (n) : the front part of the stage of having, knowledge and skill that
proselytize (v) : to convert he or she does not possess
prosody (n) : the study of versification quadruped (n) : a four-footed animal
protean (adj) : readily assuming different shapes; quaff (v) : to drink or drain in large draughts;
variable; inconstant to drink deeply
protégé : a pupil; a ward; someone under quagmire (n) : a difficult problematic situation
the protection or patronage of qualms (n) : a misgiving; apprehension;
another person reservation
protrude (v) : to thrust or push out or forward; to quandary (n) : dilemma; a state of perplexity;
obtrude; to extend confusion
provident (adj) : farsighted; thoughtful; prudent; quarry (n) : a hunted animal; a hunter’s heap
thrifty of dead game
provisional (adj) : conditional; temporary; adopted on quay (n) : a landing place; a wharf for the
the understanding that it may be loading or unloading of vessels;
changed later a dock
proviso (n) : any condition; clauses; a provision quibble (v) : argument on unimportant details;
or condition in a deed or other to raise irrelevant or petty objections
writing quiescent (adj) : inactive; resting; still
provoke (v) : to excite with anger; to irritate; to incite quip (n) : a short, clever remark; a wisecrack;
prurient (adj) : having an unhealthy interest in a fanciful jest or action
sexual matters; arousing sexual quizzical (adj) : mocking; amusing; comical
interest quorum (n) : a minimum number of persons
psyche (n) : nature; the soul, spirit or mind necessary for transaction of
psychiatrist (n) : a person who is medically qualified business in any body
to treat diseases of the mind R
psychopathic (adj): pertaining to psychopathy or the rabbi : a Jewish scholar or teacher
behaviour or condition of a raconteur (n) : a teller of anecdotes
psychopath ragamuffin (n) : a ragged, disreputable child
psychosis (n) : a serious mental disorder; mental raillery (n) : mockery; banter; teasing
confusion and a lack of insight on raiment (n) : clothing; apparel; attire
the part of the patient into his or
rakish (adj) : lascivious; lively
her condition
rampant (adj) : prevailing; widespread; excessive;
pueblo (n) : a communal habitation of the
uncontrollable; epidemic
Indians of New Mexico, etc
rapacious (adj) : living by taking prey; grasping;
puerile (adj) : childish; juvenile; pertaining to
greedy for gain
children
pugilist (n) : a boxer rapprochement (n): drawing together; establishment or
pugnacious (adj) : given to fighting; combative; renewal of cordial relations
belligerent; quarrelsome ratiocination (n) : reasoning
puissant (adj) : powerful raucous (adj)
pulchritude (n) : beauty (n: raucousness) : hoarse, harsh; loud
pulmonary (adj) : of the lungs or respiratory cavity; raunchy (adj) : coarsely or openly sexual; lewd
leading to or from the lungs realm (n) : kingdom; domain; province, region
pulsate (v) : to beat, throb; to change rebuff (n) : snub; unexpected refusal or rejection
repeatedly in force or intensity rebuke (v) : to reprove sternly; to admonish
pummel (v) : to beat, pound or thump, rebut (v) : to disprove; to refute; to invalidate
especially with the fists recapitulate (v) : to go over again the chief points of
punctilious (adj) : scrupulous and exact; attentive to (n : recapitulation)
etiquette and punctilios recidivism (n)
pungency (n) : bitter; acrid; keenly touching the mind (adj : recidivistic) : the habit of relapsing into crime
puny (adj) : trivial; petty recluse (n)
purblind (adj) : nearly blind; dim-sighted (adj : reclusive) : a religious devotee who lives shut
purge (n/v) : to purify; to empty the bowels up in a cell; a hermit; a person who
frequently lives retired from the world
purloin (v) : to lift; to snatch; to steal recondite (adj) : abstruse; profound; obscure; hidden
purveyor (n) : someone whose business is to (n : reconditeness)
provide food or meals reconnoiter : make a reconnaissance of (an area,
putative (adj) : reputed enemy, position, etc)
recreant (n) : an apostate; a craven; a traitor (n : rumination) : to meditate
redress (n) : compensation; relief; reparation rustic (adj)
referendum (n) : the principle or practice of (n : rusticity) : of a country; like that of a country
submitting a question directly to people; rural
the vote of the entire electorate S
refractory (adj) : unruly; unmanageable sagacious (adj)
(adv : refractorily) (n : sagacity) : clever; cunning; discerning and
refulgent (adj) judicious; wise
(n : refulgence) : radiant; beaming; glittering salacious (adj)
refurbish (v) : to renovate; to brighten up (n : salaciousness): lustful; lecherous; arousing lustful
regal (adj) or lecherous feelings
(adv : regally) : kingly; royal; dignified salvage (v) : to recover; to save from danger of
regatta (n) : a yacht or boat race meeting loss or destruction
regicide (n) : the killing or killer of a king sapient (adj) : wise; learned; sagacious
regimen (n) : government; administration; course sardonic (adj) : heartless or bitter; mockingly scornful
of treatment, such as a prescribed sartorial (adj) : of or relating to a tailor, tailoring, dress
combination of diet, drugs etc saturnine (adj) : gloomy; phlegmatic; grave
rehash (v) : something made up of materials savoir-faire (n) : the faculty of knowing just what to
formerly used do and how to do it; tact
reimburse (v) : to repay; to pay an equivalent to scourge (n) : a cause of widespread affliction;
for loss or expense calamity
(n : reimbursement) scrupulous (adj) : careful; meticulous; captious
reiterate (v) secede (v)
(n : reiteration) : to repeat again and again (n : secession) : to withdraw
rejuvenate (v) seclusion (n)
(n : rejuvenation) : to restore to activity; to make (adj : secluded) : the act of being secluded;
young again isolation; solitude
relinquish (v) : to let go; to give up semantics (n)
reminiscence (n) : recollection; an account of something (adj : semantic) : the area of linguistics dealing with
remembered; the recurrence to the the meaning of words
mind of the past sensuous (adj)
(adj : reminiscent) (n : sensuousness): alive to the pleasures of sensation;
repatriate : return to one’s own native land pertaining to the senses without
repertoire (n) : a performer’s or company’s repertory implication of lasciviousness
replete (adj) sententious (adj) : abounding in maxims; full of
(n : repletion) : filled; filled to satiety; full meaning; aphoristic
reprehensible (adj): blameworthy; disgraceful; shameful (n : sententiousness)
(n : reprehend) sequacious (adj) : ready to follow a leader or
repugnance (n) : aversion; inconsistency authority; compliant
(adj : repugnant) sequester (v) : to confiscate; to seclude; to set apart
serendipity (n) : fortune; coincidence; luck; accident
rescind (v)
serenity (n)
(adj : rescindable): to annul; to cancel
(adj : serene) : calm; unruffled
resiliency (n)
serpentine (adj) : snakelike; winding; tortuous
(adj : resilient) : the quality of being resilient; recoil serrated (adj)
resonant (adj) (n : serration) : with sharp forward-pointing teeth;
(n : resonance) : resounding notched like a saw
resplendent (adj) : shining, brilliant and splendid severance (n) : division; separation; partition
(n : resplendence) shambles (n) : a butcher’s market stall;
resuscitate (v) : to bring back to life or conscious; a slaughter-house; a mess or muddle
to revive sibylline (adj) : of a prophetess, witch or female
retraction (n) fortune-teller; prophetic books
(v : retract) : drawing back sidereal (adj) : of, like, or relating to the stars
retribution (n) silt (n) : fine sediment deposited by a body
(adj : retributive) : requital; punishment of water
retroactive (adj) : applying to or affecting things past; simian (adj) : of the apes; apelike
operating backward simile (n) : a figure of speech in which a
reverberate (v) : to echo; to resound person or thing is described by
(adj : reverberant) being explicitly likened to another
rhapsodize (v) simper (v)
(adj : rhapsodic) : to piece together; to recite in (adj : simpering) : to smile in a silly, weak or affected
rhapsodies manner
risible (adj) : able or inclined to laugh; ludicrous simulate (v)
rote (n) : mechanical memory, repetition or (adj : simulated) : to feign; to fake; to re-create the
performance without regard to the conditions of, for the purposes of
meaning training or experimentation
ruminate (v) sinecure (n) : an office without work, a cushy job
sinequanon (latin): an indispensable condition subjective (adj) : individual; personal; influenced by
sinewy (adj) : relating to physical strength, or derived from personal taste or
muscle opinion and lacking impartiality
sinuous (adj) : bending in a supple manner; subsidiary (adj) : subordinate; axillary; tributary
curvy; serpentine substantiate (v) : to prove or confirm; to authenticate
skeptic (n) subterfuge (n) : deceit; fraud; stratagem; trick
(adj : skeptical) : a person who tends to disbelieve; succinct (adj) : brief and precise; concise; direct
a person who doubts prevailing suffrage (n) : voice; the right or power to vote;
doctrines, esp. in religion a vote
skittish (adj) sunder (v) : to separate; to part
(n : skittishness) : playful; lively; volatile; changeable superannuated (adj): retired; a pensioner; relating to
skulduggery (n) : underhand malpractices retirement, pension
sleazy (adj) supercilious (adj) : arrogant; proud; egoistic
(n : sleaziness) : cheap; shabby superimpose (v) : to set on the top of something
sleight (n) : juggling trick; an artful trick; dexterity else; to place one over another
slither (v) (n : superimposition)
(adj : slithery) : to slide, especially on the belly supernumerary (n): over and above the stated, usual,
sluice (n) normal or necessary number
(v : sluiced) : a floodgate or Watergate; a structure (adj : supernumeraries)
with a gate for stopping or supersede (v) : to replace; to set aside in favour of
regulating flow or water another, supplant
snivel (v) supplant (v) : to oust; to supersede; to surpass
(adj : snivelling) : to whimper or cry; to utter with and take the place of
snivelling supple (adj) : flexible; lithe; adaptable
sobriquet (n) : a nickname; an assumed name surreptitious (adj) : clandestine; stealthy; hidden; done
solecism (n) : a breach of syntax or a nonstandard by stealth or fraud
grammatical usage surrogate (n) : a substitute; a person who fills the
soliloquy (n) : an act of talking to oneself role of another in one’s emotional life
sombre (adj) svelte (adj) : attractively slim; slender and graceful
(n : sombreness) : dark and gloomy; melancholy; swathe (v) : to bind round, envelop; to bandage
serious; grave sybarite (n) : a person devoted to luxury;
somnambulist (n) : a person walking in sleep pertaining to luxury
soporific (n/adj) : a sleep-inducing agent; drowsy; sycophant (n) : a servile flatterer; bootlicker
sleepy sylvan (adj) : of woods or woodland; wooded,
(adv : soporifically) tree-lined; romantically rural,
spasmodic (adj) : intermittent Arcadian
splenetic (adj) : bad-tempered, irritable or irritated; synchronous (adj): simultaneous; contemporary;
melancholy keeping time together
sporadic (adj) : occurring here and there or now
and then; scattered T
spurious (adj) : not genuine; false; forged tabby (n) : a gossiping, interfering woman;
spurn (v) : to reject with contempt; disdainful a girl or woman
rejection tableau (n) : moment or scene in which the
squalid (adj) : dirty; filthy; dilapidated; uncared- action is ‘frozen’ for dramatic
for, unkempt; sordid and dingy effect; suddenly created dramatic
staid (adj) : dignified; serious; often implying a situation
dull or boring quality tabloid (n) : anything in a concentrated form,
stalemate (n) : an inglorious deadlock a summary
stalwart (adj) : stout, strong, sturdy; determined or tacky : shabby; dilapidated
committed in support or partisanship taffy : flattery, blarney
stamina (n) : sustained energy, staying power, talisman : an object supposed to be induced
whether physical, mental or emotional with magical powers and able to
status-quo : the existing condition, unchanged protect, bring good fortune, etc to
situation the possessor; an amulet or charm
stereotyped (adj) tandem : together or in conjunction
(n : stereotype) : fixed, unchangeable as opinions taper : a feeble light; a wax-candle;
stoic (n) : uncomplaining in suffering; narrow; to become gradually
indifferent to pleasure or pain smaller towards one end
stolid (adj) : impassiveness; showing little or no tapestry : an ornamental textile used for the
interest; unemotional covering of walls and furniture, etc,
strident (adj) : loud and grating; harsh; piercing made by passing coloured threads
stupefy (v) : to stun with amazement; to make or wools through a f ixed-warp fabric
stupid or senseless; to become tappice : to hide; to lie low
stupid or dull taradiddle : nonsense; a fib, a lie
stymie (v) : baffle; confuse tash (v) : to blemish; to disarray; to disfigure
suave (adj) tautology : use of words that repeat
(n : suavity) : polite, sophisticated and smoothly something already implied in the
affable same statement
taxidermy : the act of preparing, stuffing and toddle (n) : to walk with short feeble steps; an
mounting the skins of animals and aimless stroll
birds so that they present a lifelike tolerate (v) : to endure with patience or
appearance forbearance; to bear; to suffer
technophobe : a person who fear, dislikes, or tome (n) : a large book or volume
avoids new technology torpid (adj) : having lost the power of motion
teetotaller : a total abstainer from alcoholic drink
and feeling; sluggish; lethargic
temperate : avoiding excess, self restrained,
moderate torpor : inactivity; dullness; stupidity
temerity (n) totalitarian (adj) : a characteristic of or a form of
(adj : temerous) : rashness; unreasonable contempt government that includes control
for danger of everything under one authority,
tempest : a violent wind storm; a violent and allows no opposition
commotion or agitation tourniquet : any appliance for compressing an
temporize (v) : to comply with the demands of the artery to stop bleeding; a turnstile
moment, yield to circumstances; to toxic (adj) : poisonous; unhealthy
use delaying tactics behave so as tragedy (n) : disaster; catastrophe; any event
to gain time involving death or killing
tenebrous (adj) : dark; gloomy traipse : to trail; to trudge
tenuous : thin; slender; insubstantial; rarefied trammel (n) : anything that confines or hinders
termagant : brawling, scolding woman tranquil : calm; peaceful
terse (adj) : brief; concise; compact transcribe : make a copy of esp in writing
testator (n) : a person who leaves a valid will at transient : of short duration, impermanent
death; a will
transit (n) : the conveyance or passage of
tether (n) : fasten; a rope or chain for
things or people over, across or
confining an animal within certain
through a distance
limits
thanatism (n) : belief that the soul dies with the translucent : shining through; imperfectly
body transparent; clear; lucid
thatch (n) : a covering or covering material of transmute : change the form, nature, or
straw, reeds, heather, palm-leaves substance
etc transpose : a cause to change place
thaumaturgist (n) : one who performs magic tricks travail : labour in child birth; excessive
using sleight-of-hand labour; suffering
thaw (n) : to melt or grow liquid; to soften treacherous (adj) : betrayal; misleadingly inviting in
theism (n) : belief in the existence of God with appearance; not to be trusted
or without a belief in a special treatise (n) : a written composition especially
revelation one treating a subject formally or
theocracy (n) : the constitution of a state in which systematically
God is regarded as the sole trenchant : (of a style or language etc)
sovereign incisive, terse, vigorous
thesaurus (n) : a book with systematically trepidation (n) : trembling; anxiety; worry;
arranged lists of words and their apprehension; alarmed agitation;
synonyms, antonyms, etc, a word- panic
finder trivial (adj) : insignificant; of little importance
thespian : of or relating to tragedy or drama trouble shooter : a mediator in industrial or
threnody (n) : an ode or song of lamentation, diplomatic etc. disputes, a person
especially for the dead
who traces and corrects faults in
throng (n) : a crowd; mass; a great multitude
machinery etc.
throttle (n) : to choke by pressure on the
truculence (n) : aggression; belligerence; hostility
windpipe; to strangle; gag
thwart (adv) : obstruct; prevent trumpery (n) : showy and worthless stuff; ritual
thyroid (n) : a ductless gland in the neck which foolery; rubbish
secretes thyroxin truncate : amputate; to cut short
tiara (n) : a richly jewelled semicircular head- tryst : meetings; an appointment to meet;
ornament worn by women; the a cattle-fair
pope’s triple crown tumult (n) : a state of violent and confused
tiff (n) : a slight quarrel; an altercation emotion; violent commotion with
timbre : the quality of a sound, as opposed uproar
to pitch and loudness turgid (adj) : pompous; bombastic; inflated;
tinge (v) : trace; tint; shade; to impart a slight swollen
modification or trace to turmoil (n) : unrest; tumult; disquiet
tiptop (n) : the extreme top; the height of turnkey (n) : an under-jailer
excellence; of the highest turpitude (n) : baseness; depravity
tutelage (n) : tuition; guardianship; state of being
excellence
under a guardian
titter (n) : a stifled laugh
twaddle (n) : a senseless or tedious
tittle – tattle : petty gossip uninteresting talk
tocsin (n) : an alarm-bell
tweak (n) : to twitch or pinch; to pull or twist usury (n) : the taking of interest on a loan;
with sudden jerks interest
tweed (n) : a rough woollen cloth much used utopia (n) : any real or imaginary state or
for men’s suits; a predominantly place believed to be ideal, perfect,
upper-class, outdoor type excellent
twerp : a silly or contemptible person uxorious (adj) : excessively or submissively fond
twilight (n) : the faint light after sunset and of a wife
before sunrise; a period of decay
V
following a period of success vainglorious (adj) : boastful; proud; given to, or
tycoon : a business magnate proceeding from, vainglory
tyke : a rough mannered person, child; a dog
valedictory (adj) : saying farewell; of or for a leave-
typhoon : a violent cyclonic storm; a whirlwind taking
typography : the art or style of printing, or of
valet : a man’s personal attendant who
using type effectively looks after his clothes
tyrant (n) : a ruler who uses power arbitrarily
validate (v) : to certify; to confirm, substantiate,
and oppressively; an absolute
verify
ruler; an oppressor
vassal (n) : a person holding land from a feudal
tyro : a beginner; a novice
superior in return for homage and
U loyalty
ukase (n) : any arbitrary decree from any source vaunted (adj) : of boasted
ultimatum (n) : a last offer or demand; a last word veer (v) : to change the direction; to change
unassuming (adj) : making no assumption; course especially away from the
unpretentious, modest wind; to turn
uncanny (adj) : weird, supernatural; much greater vegetate (v) : to live an inactive, almost purely
than one would expect from an physical, or dull life; idle
ordinary human being vendetta (n) : a blood-feud; any similarly
unconscionable (adj): unscrupulous; outrageous, inordinate prolonged, violent, etc feud or quarrel
unction (n) : ointment; warmth of address; that
veneer (n) : layer; covering; to disguise with
which is anointing
superficial refinement
unctuous (adj) : offensively suave and smug; full of
venerable (adj)
unction
(v : venerate) : aged-looking; worthy of reverence;
unequivocal (adj) : explicit; clear and emphatic;
respected; honourable
straightforward
venison (n) : deer’s flesh as food
unerring (adj) : making no error, infallible; faultless
ventriloquist (n) : one who has the art of speaking so as
unfaltering (adj) : steady; without stumbling
to give the illusion that the sound
unfledged (adj) : undeveloped or inexperienced; of comes from some other source
early youth venturesome (adj): inclined or willing to take risks;
ungainly (adj) : awkward; clumsy involving the taking of risk
unguent (n) : ointment; lotion; balm verbiage (n) : superfluity of words, verbosity;
unilateral (adj) : one-sided; on one side prolixity
unimpeachable (adj): blameless; free from fault vermicular (adj) : like a worm; caused by intestinal
uninhibited (adj) : unreserved; unrestricted worms
unique (adj) : found solely in, belong solely to; vernal (adj) : fresh and youthful; happening or
rare; individual; distinctive appearing in spring
vernacular (n) : of the jargon or idiom of a
unison (n) : a sound of the same pitch;
particular group; indigenous,
complete agreement
native, spoken by the people of the
unkempt (adj) : uncombed; messy; scruffy
country or of one’s own country
unmitigated (adj) : not mitigated; unqualified versatile (adj) : capable of many uses; all-purpose
unobtrusive (adj) : inconspicuous; modest vertex (n) : the point opposite to the base; the
unprecedented (adj): of which there has been no top or summit
previous instance
vertiginous (adj) : producing dizziness; giddy;
unruly (adj) : unmanageable; turbulent relating to vertigo
unsavory (adj) : offensive; disagreeable; disreputable
verve (n) : enthusiasm; spirit, energy
unscathed (adj) : not harmed or injured
vestige (n) : a surviving trace of what has
unseemly (adj) : inappropriate; ill-looking almost disappeared
unsullied (adj) : without a spot or tarnish; unpolluted
veteran : a person who has grown old in or
untenable (adj) : not tenable; not defensible had long experience of esp.
untoward (adj) : unlucky; unfitting; unfavourable; military service or an occupation
unexpected; inconvenient
vex (n) : annoy; irritate; disturb; harass
unwitting (adj) : unaware; without knowing;
viands (n) : an article of food; food
unintentional
unwonted (adj) : unusual; unaccustomed vignette (n) : a character sketch, a word-picture
usurp (v) : seize; to take possession of by vindictive (adj) : revengeful; spiteful
force, without right, or unjustly virago (n) : a violent or bad-tempered woman
virile (adj) : manly; masculine whimsical (adj) : fanciful; full of whims
virtuoso (n) : master; expert; an artist of the whinny (v) : to neigh
highest technical skill whizz-kid : a brilliant or highly successful
virulent (adj) : deadly; hostile; malicious; young person
extremely infectious; highly whorl (n) : a group of similar members arising
poisonous or malignant from the same level on a stem,
visionary (adj) : fanciful, not real; chimerical; idealistic and forming a circle around it
vitreous (adj) : glassy; pertaining to, consisting of windfall (n) : a sum of money that comes to one
or like glass; glass-green in colour unexpectedly or suddenly, or any
vituperate : revile, abuse other piece of good fortune
vivisection (n) : merciless and minute examination winsome (adj) : cheerful; pleasant; attractive;
or criticism; the act or practice of charming
making surgical operations on witticism (n) : a witty remark; a sentence or
living animals for the purposes of phrase affectedly witty
physiological research or wizardry (n) : sorcery; magic
demonstration wraith (n) : a spectre; an apparition
vixen : a female fox; a bad-tempered woman wrangle (v) : a noisy dispute
volition (n) : decision; the act of willing or wrench (v) : to pull with a twisting or wringing
choosing; will; choice action; to force or wrest violently;
voluble (adj) : fluent in speech; talkative, to sprain
verbose; wordy writhe (v) : to move the body sinuously; to
voluminous (adj) : abundant; bulky; sizable; huge; twist and contort oneself in agony
massive X
voluptuous (adj) : shapely and sexually attractive; xenophobia (n) : fear or hatred of foreigners and
seductive; provocative; sensual foreign things
votary (n) : a devoted worshipper or adherent Y
vulpine (adj) : cunning; pertaining to or like a fox yammer : lament, wail, or grumble, voluble
W talk
waggish (adj) : amusing or mischievous yak : a trivial or unduly persistent
waif (n) : a neglected ownerless child; conversation
a homeless wanderer yahoo : a coarse person, a lout, a hooligan,
wallow (v) : to live in filth or vice; to immerse or an exclamation of excitement
indulge oneself in emotion etc yen (n) : an intense desire, longing or urge
wangle (v) : to manipulate or falsify yeoman : any small farmer or countryman
wanton (adj) : thoughtlessly cruel; rudely; merciless above the grade of labourer;
warble (v) : to sing sweetly; to make or be a remarkable service
produced as a sweet quavering yoke (n) : a period of work; slavery; bondage
sound yore (n) : time long ago or long past
warranty (n) : an undertaking or assurance Z
expressed or implied in certain zany (adj) : crazy; silly; amusing; funny; comical
contracts; a guarantee zeal (n)
warren (n) : a densely populated slum dwelling (adj : zealous) : enthusiasm; intensity; vigour
or district; a maze of narrow zen : Japanese branch of Buddhism
passages which holds that the truth is not in
wastrel (n) : spendthrift; idler; a profligate scriptures but in a person’s own
wayfarer : a traveller heart if they will only strive to find it
wet blanket : a gloomy person preventing the by meditation and self-mastery
enjoyment of others zenith (n) : the greatest height; summit;
wheedle (v) : to obtain by coaxing; to entice by pinnacle; acme
soft words, flatter, cajole zephyr (n) : a soft, gentle breeze
whelp (n) : the cub of a tiger, lion or wolf; a puppy
ECONOMICS
arbitrage : buying of shares, currencies and collateral : property pledged as security for a loan
commodities for quick resale at a conglomerate : business corporation made up of
higher price diverse companies
arbitrageur : one who buys up shares in debenture : fixed interest security issued by a
companies threatened by take company
over bids
dow Jones Index: daily average of prices on the
bear : speculator who anticipates falling
prices New York Stock Exchange
bull : speculator who anticipates rising flotation : launching of a business venture
prices through issue of shares
cartel : an association of similar gilt edged
companies grouped together to securities : low risk fixed-interest securities
prevent competition issued by the government
INSURANCE TERMS
actuary : an employee of an insurance people from various segments

company who calculates the of society
amount to be paid as premium personal liability : risk of a person causing death
annuity : an investment or insurance injury or loss to others
policy that pays someone a pluvius insurance : insurance against bad
fixed sum of money each year weather by people who
comprehensive : an insurance policy that organise outdoor events
covers many areas reversion : the money paid by the
endorsement : amendment to a policy insurance company on the
endowment policy : a life insurance policy which death of a life insurance policy
matures on the death of an holder
individual or on a set date, surrender value : amount calculated when a
whichever is earlier policy is voluntarily terminated
loading : the amount paid in addition to before its maturity
the premium to cover special tontine : insurance scheme in which a
risks or expenses member’s shares or benefits
moral hazard : risk to the insurer as a result pass to the other members
of carelessness or dishonesty when he dies or defaults
of the insured underwriter : a company or agent that
mortality Table : table showing average life - accepts part of an insurance
expectancy and death rates of risk
GOVERNMENT SYSTEMS
absolutism : a system of government by an all- monocracy : rule by a single all-powerful

powerful monarch or dictator individual
aristocracy : rule by hereditary ruling class ochlocracy : rule by the mob
autarchy : rule by a single all-powerful oligarchy : government by a small group of
individual people
autocracy : rule by a single all-powerful patriarchy : rule of men to the exclusion of
individual women
despotism : rule by an all-powerful person or pentarchy : rule by five people jointly
group plutocracy : rule of the wealthy
diarchy : rule by two rulers jointly stratocracy : rule by the army
gerontocracy : rule by elderly men technocracy : rule by technically skilled people
hierocracy : rule by priests or clergy men theocracy : rule by priesthood representing
matriarchy : rule by women God
meritocracy : rule by men who have proven totalitarianism : rule by a powerful dictator or party
intellect or skills Triumverate : rule by three people jointly
PARLIAMENTS
Australia - BUNDESVERSAMMLUNG Israel - KNESSET

Bulgaria - NARODNA SUBRANIE Japan - DIET
Denmark - FOLKETING Jersy - STATES OF JERSEY
Ethiopia - SHERGO Mongolia - KHURAL
Finland - EDUSKUNTA Nepal - NATIONAL PANCHAYAT
Germany - DEUTSCHER BUNDESTAG Netherlands - STATEN GENERAAL
Greenland - LANDSTRAAD Norway - STORTING
Iceland - ALTHING Sark - COURT OF CHIEF PLEAS
India - RAJYA SABHA AND LOK Spain - CORTES
SABHA Sweden - RIKSDAG
Iran - MAJLIS Switzerland - BUNDESVERSAMMLUNG
Ireland - OIREACHTAS
MYTHOLOGICAL CREATURES
afreet : powerful evil demon of Arab mythology

basilisk : serpent, lizard or dragon said to kill by its look or by its breath
behemoth : hippopotamus like beast mentioned in the book of Job
centaur : a creature from Greek mythology that is said to look like a man from the waist upward and
has the legs of a horse
cerberus : three headed watch dog of Hades, the Greek under world
chimera : fire breathing monster of classical mythology with a lion-head, a goat’s body and a serpent’s tail
cyclops : giants with a single eye in mid-forehead
fafnir : dragon slain by Siegfried in German mythology
furies, eumenides,
erinyes : goddesses of classical mythology who had serpent for hair and punished evil-doers
gigantes : giants with a man’s torso and legs of a serpent, defeated by the gods and Hercules
golem : man-made human-like creature of Jewish legend
gorgons : winged female creatures of classical mythology
griffin/gryphon : creature of classical mythology, having an eagle’s head and wings and a lion’s body
harpies : ravenous shiny monsters of classical mythology
hippocampus : sea horse with a horse’s forelegs and the tail of a fish
hydra : nine-headed water snake, which sprouted two heads when one was struck off
kelpie : Scottish water spirit that is usually a horse that drowned its riders
leviathan : fiery, scaled, seven-headed sea serpent
lilith : biblical female demon living in deserted places
pegasus : winged horse of Greek mythology
phoenix : fabulous bird of classical mythology said to rise from the ashes after destroying itself on a
burning altar.
roc : bird of enormous size and strength in Arabian legend.
salamander : a reptilian monster, able to live in fire
sphinx : creature of classical mythology having the head of a woman and the body of a lion.
unicorn : white horse-like animal with a long single horn
yeti : large hairy manlike animal said to live in the Himalayas
MYTHOLOGICAL CREATURES & ALLUSIONS
Acropolis – A raised area holding a building or cluster of synonymous with a constant companion and observer,
buildings – after the citadel of Athens (Greece) on which especially one who records those observations in print.
the Parthenon and the Erechtheum stand.
Calvin – someone who insists on adherence to strict
Amazons – A woman of imposing build. In Greek moral principles and behaviour – a reference to
mythology Amazons were a tribe of female warriors who John Calvin, the 16th century Protestant preacher.
matched men in battle - in physical strength and military
prowess. Calypso - A type of music that originated in the islands of
the West Indies, named after the sea-nymph in Greek
Ambrosia – In Greek & Roman mythology, the food of the mythology who delayed Ulysses in his travels.
gods, thought to confer immortality. The word is used to
mean something with an especially delicious flavour or Casanova – a man who is amourously and gallantly
fragrance. attentive to women – a reference to the 18th century
Apollonian – relating to the Greek god Apollo or his cult Venetian author and adventurer who is believed to have
– the word is used to mean characterized by clarity, displayed these tendencies.
harmony, and restraint; serenely high-minded; noble.
Ceres – Any grain, such as wheat, oats, barley, etc.,
Atlas – a person who, in addition to his own named after Ceres, goddess of farming and agriculture.
responsibilities, is capable of bearing those of others as
well – a reference to the Titan in Greek Mythology who Cervantes – a writer of genius and wit – a reference to
carries the heavens on his shoulders. Miguel de Cervantes, the author of 'Don Quixote'.
Augustan – relating to, or characteristic of any literary Chronicle - A list of events in the order they happened,
period noted for refinement and classicism, as was the named for Cronus (Saturn), father of Jupiter and leader of
period of the Roman emperor Augustus Caesar. the titans.
Berserkers – Uncontrolled anger, a frenzy. In Nordic
Clark Kent – One who can prepare for action almost
mythology, berserkers were warriors who were given
instantly – from the story of Clark Kent/Superman. Clark
certain intoxicants, before a battle, that would bring them
Kent is the shy bespectacled reporter for the Daily Planet
to a state of such uncontrolled rage that they would take
newspaper. However, as soon as trouble threatens he
any risks in battle, without any fear.
transforms himself into Superman, the superhero from the
Boswell - James Boswell (1740-95) is best known for his planet Krypton who is able to fly and has superhuman
biography of Samuel Johnson. His name is now strength.
Cornucopia - An overflowing store; an abundance – from Hector – in Greek mythology, a Trojan prince in Homer’s
the Greek mythological horn that was an ever overflowing Iliad – the word is used to mean a bully / to bully.
vessel of fruit, grain etc., signifying prosperity.
Hercules – in Greek mythology, a hero of extraordinary
Cyclopean - Very big; huge; relating to or suggestive of a strength, a Titan – the word ‘herculean’ is used to mean
Cyclops with (or demanding) extraordinary strength or effort.
Cyclops – the single-eyed giant in the Greek epic Hermetic – a Greek mythological character, Hermes
‘The Odyssey’. Trismegistus was believed to have invented a magic seal
to keep vessels airtight, and from his name is derived the
Dali – a person who is very imaginative and creative, but adjective ‘hermetic’ meaning airtight.
eccentric in social behaviour – a reference to Salvador Dali,
the Spanish surrealist who displayed these attributes. Holmes – a person with an inquisitive and investigative
mind – a reference to Sherlock Holmes.
Daniel – a person who is both wise and righteous, and Houdini – one who is skilled at getting out of difficult
therefore a good judge or decision-taker – a reference to situations – a reference to the 19th century magician and
the biblical character who displayed these attributes and escapologist.
was considered one of the most important of the Jewish
prophets. Hydra – A monster very difficult to kill – In Greek
mythology, the Hydra was a many-headed snake, whose
Delphic – meaning ambiguous or obscure, is derived heads grew again as they were cut off. Hercules
from Delphi, the place, in Greek mythology, of the Oracle eventually killed the Hydra, helped by a companion who
of Delphi, who made cryptic pronouncements and burnt each neck as Hercules cut off the head.
predictions.
Job – is a person with a lot of patience, even when faced
Dickens – a writer who, like Dickens, focuses on the with difficulty or discomfort – a reference to the biblical
common man and the gaps between social strata. character who displays these attributes.
Don Juan – a person who is promiscuous or woos various Jovial – displaying hearty conviviality and good cheer –
ladies at the same time – a reference to character, in a from Roman mythology where Jove or Jupiter was
14th century Spanish play, who displayed these regarded as the source of happiness.
tendencies.
Judas – one who betrays a dearly-held cause or person
Epicurian – Epicurus was a Greek philosopher who – a reference to Judas, in the Bible, whose act of betrayal
believed that the greatest good was to seek modest led to the arrest and crucifixion of Jesus.
pleasures in pursuit of peace and happiness – the word
Jules Verne's – One who has travelled widely – In Jules
‘epicurean’ has acquired a slightly more extreme
Verne's novel Around the World in Eighty Days (1873), the
meaning, that the pursuit of pleasure is the route to
Englishman Phileas Fogg wagers other members of his
happiness.
London club that he can travel around the world in eighty
Falstaff – a fat and crude, but jovial and comic person – days. He just manages it, travelling with his French valet
a reference to a certain character, in Shakespeare's plays, Passepartout by many forms of transport including train,
who displayed these attributes. boat, sledge, and elephant.
Faust – someone who sacrifices spiritual or moral values Junoesque – of stately bearing and regal beauty – like
for material gains – a reference to the character, in the Roman goddess Juno.
German legends, who did this. He is immortalised in Laconic – Using few words; terse or concise – in Greek
Goethe's work. mythology and history, the Laconians (people of
Lakonikos, the area including and around Sparta) were
Flora – Plants as a group, flowers, after the Roman noted for, apart from their simplicity and bravery, their
goddess of flowers, also Flora. brevity in speech.
Fort Knox – A place that cannot be broken into. Lancelot – a faithful and gallant assistant – a reference
Fort Knox is a US army base in the state of Kentucky. The to King Arthur's favourite Knight.
US Treasury has maintained its Bullion Depository in this
Lethe – Slow-moving, drowsy, exhausted. In Greek
base since 1937. Due to the location of the Depository at
mythology the Lethe was the river of forgetfulness or
the fort, the term "Fort Knox" is often used to convey the
oblivion, one of five rivers separating the Greek
idea of cutting-edge security, impregnability, and
underworld from the land of the living. Souls often became
excessive wealth.
drowsy as they listened to the river's murmuring.
Freud – a person who sees sex as the major motivation Lochinvar – a bold and gallant person – a reference to
behind people's actions – a reference to Dr. Sigmund 'young Lochinvar' in Sir Walter Scott's epic 'Marmion'.
Freud, whose theories of psychoanalysis focus
significantly on sexual desire as motivation. Lothario – a handsome, seductive, ladies man; a
casanova – a reference to a person of such nature in 'Don
Goliath – a very tall and big person – a reference to the Quixote'.
giant in the biblical story of David and Goliath.
Luther – a person who challenges established authority
Harpy – A predatory person, a shrewish woman – from as erroneous – a reference to Martin Luther, the preacher
the Greek mythological monsters that were predatory who rebelled against the Catholic church and is seen as
birds with the heads of a women. the founder of Protestantism.
Machiavelli – a clever but scheming and manipulative Nectar – a delicious and invigorating drink, the sweet
administrator – a reference to the 16th century author of secretion that bees gather from flowers – from the Greek
“The Prince”, a book which was originally interpreted as mythological word for the drink of the gods.
promoting scheming and manipulative administration.
Nelson – Being disregardful of – Admiral Nelson
Malthus – a writer who, like Malthus, considers population (1758-1805), lost his right eye in battle in 1794. According
growth to be the impediment to economic health. to tradition, at the battle of Copenhagen in 1801Nelson
Mammon – Wealth – Mammon, deriving from the put his telescope to his blind eye to look at the
Aramaic word for 'riches', is the personification of wealth, approaching Danish fleet, and, with the words 'I see no
seen as greedy and selfish materialism. Someone who is ships', ignored the British government's orders to retreat.
said to serve Mammon puts his desire for money and To 'turn the eye of Nelson' to something is the same as
material wealth above all other things. 'turn a blind eye' to it, in other words to pretend not to
notice.
Man Friday – a close friend and constant companion – a
reference to Crusoe's companion on the desert island, in Nemesis – a deity in Greek mythology, the goddess of
Daniel Defoe's 'Robinson Crusoe'. retribution or revenge
Manna – Miraculous help - Manna was the 'bread' Nero – one who continues to pursue pleasure, or his
believed to have been provided by God for the Israelites desires, even when faced with difficulties or misfortune –
when they were crossing the desert during their flight from a reference to the Roman emperor Nero, who is believed
Egypt, as spoken of in the Bible. It is believed to have to have continued to play on his fiddle, even as Rome was
sustained them until they reached safety. in flames.
Marie Antoinette – One who has no understanding of Oedipus – a son who (often subconsciously) competes
common people – Marie Antoinette (1755-93) was the with his father for his mother's affections – a reference to
wife of Louis XVI and queen of France. Her extravagance the psychological guilt complex named after Oedipus, the
combined with a much-quoted response 'Qu'ils mangent character in Greek mythology who (albeit unknowingly)
de la brioche' (traditionally translated as 'Let them eat kills his father, Laius, and marries his mother, Jocasta.
cake'), supposedly made on being told that the poor
people of Paris were unable to afford bread, have led to Olympian – in Greek mythology, Olympus is the abode of
her being regarded as a figure of arrogance. the gods. ‘Olympian’ is used to mean majestic in manner,
superior to the mundane, surpassing others in scope and
Mars – Warlike, relating to or suggestive of war. Named effect.
for Mars, the mythological god of war.
Oracle – Solemnly prophetic, characteristic of the Oracle
Medusa – a character in Greek mythology who, with in Greek mythology, to whom gods and men would go for
serpents for hair, was so terrible to behold that the very advice when in confusion or difficulty.
sight of her turned viewers to stone.
Palladium – (apart from the element of that name)
Mentor – in Greek mythology, Ulysses’s trusted A sacred object believed to have the power to preserve a
counselor, in whose guise Athena became the guardian city or state – from the name of the Greek goddess Pallas
and teacher of Telemachus – the word is used to mean a Athena, who was believed to watch over the safety of
wise and trusted counselor or teacher, especially in places.
occupational settings.
Pan – A sudden, intense, contagious fear. The Greek god
Mephistopheles – an evil and manipulative person – a Pan was known for causing such fear in people.
reference to the Devil, to whom (Goethe's) Faust sold his
soul. Peter Pan, a person who behaves as one far younger
would – from the classic tale by J M Barrie of the adult
Mercurial – Quick and changeable in temperament; fairy who continued to act as a boy would.
volatile; having the characteristics of eloquence,
shrewdness, swiftness, and thievishness attributed to the Phoenix – A bird in Egyptian mythology that lived in the
Greek god Mercury. desert for 500 years and then consumed itself by fire, later
to rise renewed from its ashes. The word is used to mean
Midas – one who has the gift of turning any situation to a person or thing of surpassing beauty or quality.
one of advantage and benefit – a reference to King Midas
in mythology, whose touch turned things to gold. Pickwick - a round-faced, clean-shaven, portly gentlman
wearing spectacles – a reference to Mr. Pickwick in
Milquetoast – A milquetoast is a weak, ineffectual or Dickens' 'Pickwick Papers', who is described, and
bland person. It is derived from the character Caspar presented in illustrations, as such a person.
Milquetoast from the 1924 comic strip 'The Timid Soul'.
Plutocracy – rule or government by the rich – In
mythology, Pluto lived in the underworld, surrounded by
Mr. Hyde – a disagreeable alter-ego that a person may mineral wealth.
have – a reference to the misanthropic Mr. Hyde of
Stevenson's Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. Procrustean – in Greek mythology, Procrustus was an
inn-keeper who fit his customers into his beds, either by
Narcissus – a character in Greek mythology who was in chopping their legs to shorten them, or by squashing
love with his own beauty. them, or by stretching them if need be.
Prometheus – in Greek Mythology, a Titan who stole fire Stygian – Gloomy, dark, infernal, hellish – in Greek
from Olympus and gave it to humankind – the word mythology, the Styx was the river that carried the spirits of
‘promethean’ is used to mean boldly creative, defiantly the dead to the netherworld (hell).
original.
Svengali, someone who controls someone else's career
Proteus – a deity in Greek mythology who was capable for his own questionable ends – a reference to the
of changing shape at will – this leads to the adjective character, in George du Maurier's play 'Trilby', who
‘protean’ with the general meaning of "versatile", transforms Trilby into a great singer using hypnosis, but
"mutable", "capable of assuming many forms" she cannot perform without his help in entering a state of
trance.
Psyche – The soul or mind, named for Psyche, the wife
of Cupid.
Sybilline – resembling or characteristic of a prophet or
Quixote – a dreamer who is always trying to accomplish prophecy, derived from Sybil, a prophetess in Greek
honourable but impossible tasks – a reference to Mythology.
Don Quixote, the character created by Cervantes in his
book of the same name. Tantalus – Arousing desire or expectation for something
that may be unattainable or mockingly out of reach. This
Rip van Winkle – a person who is living in the past, has is as Tantalus (in Greek mythology) experienced – each
not kept pace with the changing times – from the story of time he reached for water or food, these eluded his grasp,
the man who slept for 20 years and awoke to find the leaving him eternally thirsty and hungry. Tantalising also
world had passed him by. means 'attractive and inviting'.
Robin Hood – one who breaks the rules or the law but Titanic – Having great stature or enormous strength;
does so (or claims to do so) in the interests of the poor huge or colossal; of enormous scope, power, or influence
and disadvantaged – from the story of Robin Hood, who – attributes of the Titans in Greek mythology.
roobbed the rich to give to the poor.
Vesuvius – A fit of rage – Vesuvius is an active volcano
Scaramouch – is a buffoon or boastful clown – a near Naples, in southern Italy. It erupted violently in AD
reference to the character invented by a 17th century 79, burying the towns of Pompeii and Herculaneum.
Italian actor, Tiberio Fiorelli.
Volcanic – of, resembling or caused by a volcano or
Scrooge, someone who is very miserly and hoards his volcanoes, powerfully explosive. Vulcan was the Greek
wealth – a reference to Ebenezer Scrooge in Dickes' god of fire and forged the weapons and jewelry of the
“A Christmas Carol”, who, in turn, is the inspiration for gods. Platonic - transcending physical desire and tending
Disney's Scrooge McDuck, (Donald's uncle). toward the purely spiritual or ideal – characteristic of Plato
Shylock – one who calculates the value of every penny, or his philosophy.
and is unwilling to let go of even the smallest value – a
reference to the usurious money-lender in Shakespeare's Walt Disney – One who finds animals cute – Walt Disney
“Merchant of Venice.” (1901-66), the creator of Donald Duck and Mickey Mouse,
is sometimes associated with the 'cute' portrayal of
Spartan – Simple, frugal, or austere; rigorously self- animals, both in animated cartoons and in his nature
disciplined or self-restrained – as were the people of documentaries.
Sparta in ancient Greece.
Watson – a constant companion and assistant – a
Stentorian – Extremely loud and clear (of voice) – after reference to Dr. Watson, the companion of Sherlock
Stentor, a herald in the Greek army at Troy (the Iliad). Holmes.
Chimerical – in Greek mythology the Chimera is a monster
made up of grotesquely disparate parts. The word Zephyr – a gentle wind, after the Greek god of the West
‘chimerical’ is used to mean created by, or as if by, a wildly wind, also Zephyr.
fanciful imagination; highly improbable.
RELIGION
Religion - Country of Origin/Practice
Babism - Persia
Bahaism - Persia
Buddhism - India, China, South-East Asia
Confucianism - Ancient China
Druses - Lebanon
Hinduism - India
Islam - Middle and Far East
Jainism - Northern India
Judaism - Israel and world wide
Manichaeism - Persia
Mazdaism, Zoroastrianism - Ancient Persia
Mithraism - Ancient Persia
Parseeism - Western India
Rastafarianism - Jamaica
Shamanism - Northern Siberia and North America
Shintoism - Japan
Sikhism - Punjab/India
Sufism - Iran
Taoism - China
Wahhabism - Saudi Arabia
Zen Buddhism - Japan and formerly China
fiesta - religious festival as on a saints day especially in a Spanish speaking country
heresy - religious doctrine differing from the orthodox view
tartuffee - religious hypocrite
mysticism - religious meditation especially as a means of experiencing communion with the divine
conventicle - religious meeting, especially when illegal and held in secret
gospel - religious doctrine
libation - religious ritual involving the pouring of a liquid
-OLOGIES AND -OGRAPHIES
The suffix -ology is a combining form in nouns denoting

(1) a subject of study or interest as, in 'psychology' ;
(2) a characteristic of speech or language as, in 'enlogy'; and
(3) a type of discourse as, in 'trilogy' (a group of three related novels, plays, films etc.).
The suffix -graphy is a combining form in nouns denoting
(1) a descriptive science as in 'geography' ;
(2) a technique of producing images as, in 'radiography';
(3) a style or method of writing as, in 'calligraphy' ;
(4) writing about a subject as, in 'hagiography' (the writings on the lives of saints) ; and
(5) a written or printed list as, in 'filmography' (a list of films of a director or actor or on one subject).
Given below is a list of words with the suffixes -'ology' and -'graphy'.
Cosmology – study of the origin and development of the universe.
Petrology – study of the origin, surface and composition of rocks.
Trichology – study of hair and scalp.
Topology – study of geometrical properties and spatial relation which remain unaffected by smooth changes in shape or
size of figures.
Ichthyology – study of fish.
Choreography – study of the sequence of steps and movement in dance and ballets.
Ethnology – study of the characteristics of different peoples and the differences and relationships between them.
Topography – arrangement of the natural and artificial physical features of an area.
Palaeontology – study of fossil plants and animals.
Epigraphy – study of interpretation of ancient inscriptions.
Entomology – study of insects.
Cardiology – study of the diseases and abnormalities of the heart.
Cartography – science or practice of drawing maps.
Cryptology – study of codes or the art of writing and solving them.
Dermatology – branch of medicine concerned with skin disorders.
Ethology – science of animal behaviour OR the study of human behaviour and social organization from a biological
perspective.
Genealogy – study of ancestry.
Gerontology – study of old age.
Gynaecology – study of diseases specific to women.
Haematology – study of the physiology of blood.
Lexicography – practice of compiling dictionaries.
Lexicology – study of form, meaning and behaviour of words.
Meteorology – study of the atmosphere for weather forecasting.
Pathology – study of the causes and effects of diseases.
Psephology – statistical study of elections and trends in voting.
Seismology – study of earthquakes and related phenomenon.
Osteology – study of the structure and function of the skeleton and bones.
Ornithology – scientific study of birds.
Paedology – study of things related to children.
Philology – study of the structure and historical development of languages.
Statistics – science of collecting and analysing numerical data in large quantities.
Chronology – study of records to establish the dates of past events.
Etiology – study of causes.
Tribology – study of surfaces in relative motion (as in bearings).
Posology – part of medicine concerned with dosages.
Phycology – study of sea weeds and other algae.
Nephrology – branch of medicine concerned with the physiology and diseases of the kidneys.
Ecclesiology – study of churches.
Pulmonology – study of lungs.
Soteriology – doctrine of salvation.
Calligraphy – art of decorative handwriting.
Orthography – conventional spelling system of a language.
Lithography – process of printing from a flat stone or metal plate.
Biography is an account of a person’s life written by someone else.
Oceanography is concerned with the physical and biological properties and phenomena of the sea.
Hypsography – study and mapping of the relative altitudes of different areas of the earth's surface.
Chorography – art of mapping of regions.
Geography – study of the physical features of the earth.
Biogeography – study of geographical distribution of plants & animals.
Telegraphy – transmission of messages along a wire.
Index for Special Word Lists
AGES 90
AIR CRAFT 90
ALPHABET AND WRITING SYSTEMS 90
AMERICAN ENGLISH - BRITISH ENGLISH 90
ANIMALS AND RELATED ADJECTIVES 91
ANNIVERSARIES 91
ARCHAEOLOGY : SOME FREQUENTLY USED TERMS 91
ARCHITECTURAL STYLES 91
ART MOVEMENTS 91
ASTROLOGY 92
ASTRONOMY 92
BOOKS 92
CLOTHES 93
COLOURS 93
DRAMA 93
FURNITURE & FURNITURE STYLES 94
GEM STONES 94
GEOGRAPHICAL FEATURES 94
LEGAL TERMS 94
LITERARY TERMS 95
MANIAS 95
MEASURING INSTRUMENTS 95
MEDICAL PRACTITIONERS 96
DOCTOR - DISEASED PART 96
MEDICINES - WHAT THEY TREAT/CURE 96
MEDICAL AND SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS AND THEIR USAGE 96
SURGICAL OPERATIONS – BODY PART 97
MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS 97
MISCELLANEOUS MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS 98
MUSICAL COMPOSITIONS 98
PAINTINGS AND TERMS RELATED TO ART 98
PHILOSOPHIES 99
POETRY RELATED TERMS 99
THEATRE TERMS 99
THERAPIES 100
WEATHER 100
SPECIAL WORD LIST
This list includes a wide array of words which are used in sortie : Single raid or mission by a combat
different fields. They have been grouped according to the aircraft
area to which they belong and have been listed yaw : Spin or wobble in flight
alphabetically for easy reference. While some of these
may be subject specific, others are in everyday use. ALPHABET AND WRITING SYSTEMS
Entries like anniversaries, gem stones, geographical
features and government systems which are not so well-
known, but of common interest, also find a place. cuneiform : Ancient Middle Eastern script
cyrillic : Russian and Bulgarian alphabet
The meaning and origin of a number of words which have devanagari : Script used in Sanskrit and other some
crept into the English language and hardly seem foreign Indian languages
any more are listed under the language of their source. glagolitic : Early Slavonic alphabet
Idioms and phrasal verbs are an integral part of the hieroglyphics : Ancient Egyptian picture writing
language and probably the most challenging for a learner. ideography : Chinese system of symbolic characters
So these have been added. Users of English as a second to represent entire words or ideas
language invariably have trouble with word collocations. international phonetic alphabet (ipa)
The most commonly used noun/adjective collocations : Standard set of letters and symbols, to
have been included. represent the sounds of all languages
kana : Japanese syllabic scripts, either
The art-oriented will find entries related to theatre, Hiragana or Katakana
painting, poetry and music, interesting. kanji : Japanese syllabary based on Chinese
characters
There is also a list of frequently confused words, with their kufic : Early Arabic script or alphabet
right usage which will set at rest any doubt about the right linear a : Ancient Cretan script, still undeciphered
word in a given context. linear b : Ancient script used in Crete and
mainland Greece, deciphered in 1952
A study of this volume will help you not only from an ogham : Ancient angular Celtic alphabet and
examination perspective but also enrich your language script used mainly in Ireland
and strengthen your spoken and written communication romaji : Roman alphabet as used to transliterate
skills. Japanese
pictography : System of pictures to represent word
roman alphabet : Standard alphabet of most western
AGES and central European languages
runes : Ancient Germanic, carved alphabetic
script
Nouns that depict the ages of humans
syllabary : Set of written characters each
quinquagenarian : one who is 50 +
representing a syllable
sexagenarian : one who is 60 +
septuagenarian : one who is 70+
octogenarian : one who is 80+
nonagenarian : one who is 90+ AMERICAN ENGLISH - BRITISH ENGLISH
centenarian : one who is 100+
AMERICAN ENGLISH BRITISH ENGLISH
AIR CRAFT billfold : wallet
broiler : griller
candidacy : candidature
aerostat : Aircraft that is lighter than air
cotton candy/
aerodyne : Aircraft that is heavier than air
spun sugar : fairy floss
monocoque : Aircraft fuselage
cookie : sweet biscuit
jet : Aircraft driven by jet engines derby : bowler hat
hovercraft : A vehicle that travels on land and water diaper : nappy
over a cushion of air drapes : curtains
autogyro : Aircraft with horizontal rotor as well as druggist : chemist
conventional propellers faucet : tap
canard : Aircraft that has its tail plane located fender : mud guard
in front of the main wings flashlight : torch
drone : Air craft operated by remote control freeway : highway
vector : Aircraft’s course or direction when furlough : leave of absence from
guided by radio military duty
hangar : Building for parking aircraft gas : petrol
sonic boom : Explosive bang produced by a shock garbage can : dust bin
wave from an aircraft that is flying faster hood : bonnet
than the speed of sound installment plan : hire purchase
volplane : Gliding without power jelly : jam
altimeter : Instrument for measuring attitude laundromat : launderette
monkey wrench : spanner 35th year - coral
mortician : undertakers 40th year - ruby
muffler : silencer (of a car) 45th year - sapphire
pacifier : baby’s dummy 50th year - gold
pitcher : jug 55th year - emerald
realtor : estate agent 60 - 65 - diamond
solitaire : card game of patience
sophomore : second year student
suspenders : braces ARCHAEOLOGY : SOME FREQUENTLY
thumbtack : drawing pin USED TERMS
trunk : boot of car
tuxedo : dinner jacket barrow : burial mound covered with earth
vest : waist coat crannog : artificial Island supporting
veteran : ex-serviceman buildings
zip code : post code dendrochronology : dating of past events by
analyzing tree rings
ANIMALS AND RELATED ADJECTIVES dolmen : chamber or tomb formed by a
horizontal stone atop two or
more vertical ones
ape, monkey - simian, pongid eolithic : earliest period of human
ass, donkey - asinine culture
badger - meline menhir : large, free-standing stone
bear - ursine mesolithic : refers to Middle Stone Age
pig - porcine neolithic : refers to New Stone Age
cat - feline paleolithic : refers to Old Stone Age when
cattle - bovine man began to make tools
deer - cervine palaeontology : study of fossils and ancient
dog - canine forms of life
elephant - elephantine sherd : a piece of broken pottery found
fox - vulpine during excavation
frog - ranine, batrachian stratigraphy : the dating of objects,
goat - capric, hircine depending on the layers in
horse - equine which they lie
kangaroo - macropine
lion - leonine
ARCHITECTURAL STYLES
ANNIVERSARIES baroque :An elaborate style developed in the

17th century Europe
brutalism : Very plain modern style, functionalist
3 years - triennial architecture without any decorations
5 years - quinquennial byzantine : Styles predominated by domes and
100 years - centenary minarets
150 years - sesquicentennial classical : Formal, precise style found especially
200 years - bicentenary in Rome and Greece
300 years - tricentennial colonial : Georgian style of the 17th and 18th century
500 years - quincentenary English settlements in North America
1000 years - millennium gothic : 13th to 15th century style with pointed
windows and arches
(Wedding anniversaries and celebrations) neo classical : Late 18th century style, which revived
the precision and symmetry of Greece
1st year - cotton and Rome
2nd year - paper palladian : 18th century style based on Italian
3rd year - leather architecture
4th year - flower/fruit regency : Style of 18th century that used tall
5th year - wood windows and delicate iron balconies
6th year - iron/sugar candy renaissance : A style that reopened Greek and
7th year - wool Roman ideals
8th year - bronze rococo : A greatly elaborate style of eighteenth
9th year - copper/pottery century Europe
10th year - tin romanesque : European 9th to 12th century style
11th year - steel
12th year - silk and fine linen ART MOVEMENTS
13th year - lace
14th year - ivory Art Deco : art that uses plastic and steel and
15th year - crystal has a distinctive design with bold
20th year - china geometric shapes
25th year - silver Art Nouveau : decorative style using narrow wavy
30th year - pearl lines and swirling forms.
Barbizon School: art that depicts landscapes azimuth : horizontal bearing of a celestial
Constructivism : geometric art not representing object measured clockwise from a
anything particular given direction
Cubism : art begun in the early twentieth Big bang theory: the belief that the universe came
century which introduced multiple into existence after a huge
view points using many lines and explosion
geometric shapes black hole : a region in space which has such
Expressionism : art which believed in the direct a great gravitational pull that even
expression of the ‘artists’ feeling light cannot escape from it
Fauvism : the use of bright and vibrant heliocentric or
colours copernican theory: belief that the sun and not the
Futurism : early 20th century Italian movement earth is the centre of the solar
displaying the energy of the system
machine age corona : the halo of light around the Sun
Impressionism : 19th century French movement and the Moon
which concentrated on the visual nebula : cloud of dust and gas in a galaxy
impact of drawings nutation : a periodic variation in the
Neoclassicism : late 18th and 19th century inclination of an axis of rotation
movement marked by a revival of perigee : point at which an orbiting object is
classical proportion and restraint closest to the earth
Post impressionism: movement in painting advancing perihelion : point at which an orbiting object is
from Impressionism towards closest to the sun
pulsar : rapidly rotating star that sends out
compositions based on the
a regular flash of radiation
arrangement of solid forms quasar : an extremely brilliant object that
Realism : 19th century movement in arts may be the nucleus of a distant
which recorded life objectively with galaxy
no idealization
Romanticism : early 19th century movement in
arts emphasising individual
BOOKS
emotions and free imagination
almagest : Arabic version of Ptolemy’s
Surrealism : 20th century art movement dealing
astronomical treatise
with fantasy, dreams and the
subconscious almanac : a book containing important dates
Vorticism : English movement which started in and statistical information
1914 marked by the expression of annal : record of historical events
energy through abstract forms anthology : collection of writing by a single
author or on a single theme
ASTROLOGY armorial : book listing details about arms
baedeker : a tourist guide book
ascendant : a section of the zodiac rising bestiary : a book about animal fables
above the eastern horizon at a
breviary : prayer/hymn book for Roman
given moment
Catholic clergymen
combust : star or planet too close to the sun
to be visible cambist : book showing exchange rates and
constellation : group of stars forming a recognized conversion charts for weights and
pattern measures
cusp : transition between two signs of the festschrift : book of essays by scholars and
zodiac compiled as a tribute to a learned
descendent : elliptical opposite of ascendant colleague
horoscope : a diagrammatic representation of formulary : a collection of set forms especially
the position of the stars and for religious use; formula used in
planets at a given time the preparation of medical drugs
nativity : horoscope based on the time hornbook : elementary text book introducing a
when one is born subject
quintile : positioning of two stars that are incunabulum : book printed before 1501
72° apart. lectionary : a list of portions of scripture
trine : positioning of two stars that are appointed to be read at divine
120° apart service
zodiac : imaginary band of the planets in lexicon : dictionary
the celestial sphere missal : prayer book, especially for the
Roman Catholic Mass
monograph : booklet or a pamphlet on a specific
ASTRONOMY subject or a single aspect of it
omnibus : a volume containing or assembling
apogee : point at which an orbiting object is several related writings
farthest from the earth pharmacopoeia : officially published book with a list
asteroid : a small rocky body in orbit around of drugs and directions for their
the sun use
primer : introductory book especially for roan - reddish brown
language teaching rubiginous - rust brown
psalter : book of psalms sable - black
thesaurus : a book that lists words in groups of salmon - reddish yellow or orange
synonyms and related concepts sapphire - blue
vade mecum : a manual that can be used for sepia - brown
quick reference sorrel - reddish brown
variorum : a text with notes by several editors subfusc - black
or commentator taupe - grey tinged with brown
tawny - yellowish brown
CLOTHES terre-verte - greyish green
titian - golden auburn
tortoise shell - brown
bandana : large brightly coloured scarf. ultramarine - blue
bermuda short : knee-length shorts. umber - dark yellowish brown
bolero : a woman’s short jacket. walnut - brown
burnous : long hooded Arabic cloak.
chemise : woman’s loose undergarment DRAMA
corset : tight undergarment worn by ladies
used for support of waist and hips.
cravat : man’s small light knotted scarf. anagnorisis : moment of recognition of the truth
dashiki : loose tunic worn by African men. by the protagonist in classical tragedy
dungarees : trousers with a bib held up by black comedy : comedy that deals with grim
straps over the shoulder. subjects
duffle coat : short woollen coat with hood and catharsis : drama that figuratively purges the
toggles emotions of the audience
guernsey : a knitted sweater or jersey. denouement : final outcome or solution of a play
halter : woman’s bodice, tied behind the
neck. duologue : play or scene in which only two
jerkin : short jacket with/without collar. actors have dialogues
jodhpurs : riding breeches. epilogue : speech or poem after the end of a
kilt : pleated skirt worn by Scottish men. play
mantilla : lace shawl used by Spanish women. figurant : character in a play who does not
speak
grand Guignol : short horrifying play
COLOURS interlude : entertainment between the acts of
a play
alabaster - white kabuki : elaborate Japanese drama with
amaranth - reddish purple music and dance
amber - honey yellow masque : drama based on mythical or
amethyst - violet allegorical theme
aubergine - violet
miracle/
azure - blue
barium - yellow mystery plays : dramatization of events from the
beige - brown Bible
burgundy - reddish purple mise ensiene : stage props
celadon - green mummer : actor in a traditional folk drama or
chamois - brownish yellow mime dealing with death and
citron - yellow or brownish yellow destruction
cinnabar - red peripeteia : a twist in the plot
cinnamon - brown
protasis : introductory part of the play
crimson - red
ebony - black especially of classical tragedy
ecru - off-white/yellowish grey repertory : permanent theatre company
emerald - green producing a succession of plays
fallow/fawn - yellow as brownish yellow soliloquy : monologue or the speaking aloud of
flamingo - reddish yellow a character of his innermost thoughts
gentian - blue stichomythia : dialogue in Greek drama in which
henna - reddish brown alternate lines of verse are spoken
jade - green
by different characters
jonquil - yellow or brownish yellow
tableau : silent motionless group in a stage
magenta - mauvish cruison
mauve - pale purple scene
mahogany - reddish brown tetralogy : a group of four related dramas
nutmeg - brown unities : three principles which are the
nutria - grey basis of good drama – unity of
ochre - reddish brown time, place and action
emerald
FURNITURE & FURNITURE STYLES jade
opal
armoire : ornate or antique cupboard peridot
biedermeier : 19th century style of furniture ruby
developed in Germany. sapphire
boulle : brass or shell decorative inlay topaz
especially on furniture turquoise
chaise longue : a reclining chair
cheval glass : a large mirror mounted on swivels
chippendale : English style GEOGRAPHICAL FEATURES
console table : table fixed to a wall
davenport : small writing desk with drawers
dos-á-dos : seat in which two people can sit archipelago : a cluster of islands in the sea
barrier reef : coral reef that runs parallel to the
back to back
coast
fauteuil : upholstered armchair
fjord : deep and long inlet of the sea,
ottoman : long cushioned seat without a back between high cliffs
queen Anne : early 18th century English style lay : low islet of coral or sand
furniture with fine upholstery glacier : a large mass of moving ice
regency : decorative early 19th century isthmus : strip of land connecting two large
English style bodies of land
sheraton : late 18th century English style, pamir : high grassland in Central Asia
delicate and graceful pampas : grasslands of Argentina and
teapoy : small tea table with three legs Uruguay
prairies : grasslands of North America
GEM STONES savannah : grasslands of tropical and
subtropical regions
agate sierra : high range of mountains with
amber jagged peaks.
amethyst tundra : large flat areas of land in the north
aquamarine of Europe, Asia and America
citrine where there is no vegetation
diamond
LEGAL TERMS
affidavit : a sworn, written statement

codicil : something added as an afterthought to a will
corpus delicti : evidence of a crime such as a corpse
delict : wrongful act which entitles the injured party to a compensation
deposition : a sworn, written statement
distrain : to seize goods as compensation
easement : right of a house-owner or landowner over another’s property
entail : settling of the inheritance of an estate beyond one generation so as to prevent its disposal by
an individual heir
equity : legal rules supplementing common law
escrow : goods, money, contract or the like that is kept for safekeeping with a third party after certain
conditions are met
estovers : articles that tenants are legally allowed to remove from their landlords’ estate
ex parte : a court application or injunction made on behalf of one side only
habeas corpus : a writ requiring that a detainee be produced before a court and reasons being given for his
detention
in camera : court proceedings which exclude the public from the court
indemnity : legal exemption from penalties
indictment : written accusation
injunction : a court order
laches : negligence or unreasonable delay in pursuing a legal claim
lien : right to take or hold another’s property as security for a debt
mens rea : criminal intent
nolle prosequi : an entry in court records showing that a case was not proceeded with
parole : release of a prisoner before the end of a sentence on condition of good behaviour
probate : document certifying the validity of a will
pupilage : apprenticeship as an advocate or a barrister
sequestration : seizure of goods until conditions laid down in a decree have been met
sub judice : under deliberation by a court and therefore not open to public comment
subpoena : writ requiring a person to appear and give evidence in a court
tort : breach or violation of civil law, other than breach of contract
ultra vires : beyond the legal powers of a person or institution
usufruct : right to use and benefit from another’s property so long as it remains undamaged
LITERARY TERMS
allegory : work in which the characters and events are symbolic of something else
bathos : a sudden change from a serious or important subject to a ridiculous or ordinary one
epigram : short and meaningful statement
epistolary novel : novel in the form of letters
leitmotif : a recurring theme in a novel
mimesis : imitation in literature of nature or human nature
MANIAS
dipsomania - obsession with alcohol baroscope - atmospheric pressure

bibliomania - obsession with books bathometer - depth of water in the sea
gephyromania - obsession with bridges cathetometer - distance between fluid
ailuromania - obsession with cats levels in vertical tubes.
demomaina - obsession with crowds chronometer - precise time
necromania - obsession with dead bodies clinometer - angle of an incline
colorimeter - colours; concentration of
thanatomania - obsession with death
solutions by comparison
cynomania - obsession with dogs colours
narcomania - obsession with drugs crookes radiometer - intensity of radiated light
phagomania - obsession with eating cryometer - extremely low temperatures
pyromania - obsession with fire-raising cyclometer - distance travelled by a
anthomania - obsession with flowers wheel
hippomania - obsession with horses densitometer - optical density; degree of
mythomania - obsession with lying and transparency
exaggerating dilatometer - volume expansion of liquids
egomania - obsession with oneself gaussmeter - magnetic flux, density
ablutomania - obsession with personal goniometer - angles, as of crystals.
cleanliness geiger counter - nuclear radiation
hedonomania - obsession with pleasure hygrometer - humidity
megalomania/ hypsometer - land elevations
entheomania - obsession with power interferometer - wave lengths of light
theomania, - obsession with religion machmeter - speeds at and beyond the
plutomania/chrematomania- obsession with riches speed of light
erotomania/nymphomania/ - obsession with sex octant - altitude of celestial bodies
satyromania/ monomania - obsession with a single ondometer - frequency of radio waves
idea or thing. piezometer - high pressures,
kleptomania - obsession with stealing compressibility
tomomania - obsession with surgery or planimeter - surface area of a plane
undergoing surgery figure
logomania/verbomania - obsession with talking pluviometer - rainfall
dromomania/hodomania/ polarimeter - optical rotation of polarized
poriomania - obsession with travelling light
ergomania - obsession with work potentiometer - voltages or potential
differences
psychrometer - humidity
MEASURING INSTRUMENTS pycnometer - relative density of liquids
and solids
actinometer - intensity of radiation pyrheliometer - solar radiation
almucanter - bearing and attitude of saccharometer - sugar content in a solution
celestial bodies salimeter - salt content in a solution
altimeter - height of an aircraft above steelyard - weight of heavy loads
the ground tacheometer - distance, elevations and
anemometer - wind speed; flow and flow bearings
rate of a fluid. tellurometer - distances, up to about
atmometer - rate of evaporation 50 kilometres
theodolite - distances and elevations laryngologist - throat
variometer - rate of climb or descent of nosologyist - classification of diseases
an aircraft otolaryngologist - ear and throat
vinometer - alcohol content of wine otologist - ear
otorhinoloryngologist - ear, nose and throat
gastroenterorologist - stomach
MEDICAL PRACTITIONERS opthalmist - eyes
rhenmatologist - diseases of the bones
Doctor / dentist - teeth
Practitioner Treats Deals With oncologist - cancer
osteopath - back pain or muscle injury
cardiologist - heart problems orthopaedist - bones, muscles, joints
dermatologist - skin
gynaecologist - women
haematologist - blood
internist - internal diseases
MEDICINES - WHAT THEY TREAT/CURE
neurologist - nervous system
obstetrician - child birth
ophthalmologist - eyes Medicines What they treat/cure
oculist - eyes
paediatrician - children analgesic - pain
podiatrist - feet antacid and gullet ulcers - stomach
chiropodist - feet ailments antibiotic - bacterial infections
orthopaedics - skeletal system and associated anticoagulant - in blood clotting
muscles anticonvulsant - convulsions and epilepsy
orthodontist - straightening the teeth antihistamine - allergies
psychologist - human mind / human behaviour antipyretic - fever
cosmetologist - beauty related problems antiscorbutic - scurvy
osteopath - manipulation and massage of antitussive - cough
the skeleton and musculature beta blocker anxiety - anxiety, hypertension
chiropractor - treatment of joints, especially bronchodilator - asthma and other
those connected to spinal breathing difficulties
column cathartic - constipation
gerontologist - old age and old people cytotoxin - tumours
optometrist - eyes and corrective lenses decongestant - blocked nasal passages
psychiatrist - mental and emotional demulcent - mouth ulcers
disturbances diuretic - water retention
psychoanalyst - in the mind of a person emetic - poisoning by causing
periodontist - gum vomiting
expectorant - phlegm in the air passages
soporophic - sleeplessness
DOCTOR - DISEASED PART paregoric - intestinal pain and
diarrhoea
Doctor Diseased Part sulphonamide, tetracycline - bacterial infections
tranquilliser, sedative - anxiety, tension
audiologist - ear vasodilator - angina
aorist - ear
MEDICAL AND SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS AND THEIR USAGE
aspirator - used to remove liquids from a cavity in the body

audiometer - instrument used to measure the sharpness of one’s hearing
bistoury - surgical knife to make small surgical cuts
cannula - a thin tube used to administer medication or drain off fluid
cat scanner - used for X-ray recordings that can create three dimensional images of body tissues
colposcope - used to examine the cervix
defibrillator - used to give an electric shock to restore heart rhythm
dermatome - cut skin for grafting
ecraseur - a wire loop that is tightened to remove tumours
electrocardiograph - to measure and record electrical activity in the heart
electroencephalograph - to measure and record electrical activity in different parts of the brain
electromyography - records the electrical activity of the muscle tissue
endoscope - used to view internal parts of the body
forceps - a pair of pincers used to deliver babies
fiberscope - an instrument for examining the tissues and organs in the body
gastroscope - examines the inside of the stomach
gorget - to remove gall bladder stones
iron lung - used to provide artificial respiration
kymograph - records variations in blood pressure
lancet - a surgical knife used to make incisions in surgery
opthalmoscope - for examining the interior of the eye
osteoclast - to fracture a bone to reset it in order to correct a deformity
otoscope - examines the eardrum
polygraph - records changes in hear-beat, breathing rate and blood pressure
raspatory - used for scraping the bones
retinoscope - examines the eye to check light refraction
retractor - for holding open a surgical incision
scalpel - a knife used for making incisions
snare - a wire loop for severing tumours and polyps
speculum - to dilate an orifice or canal
sphygmomanometer - measures blood pressure
sphygomometer - measures strength of pulse
stethoscope - used to listen to heart beat and breathing
tenaculum - used to lift and hold blood vessels and other prices of tissue
trepan - used for perforating the skull
xyster - scrapes bones
SURGICAL OPERATIONS – BODY PART
Surgical operations Body part laparotomy - abdominal wall

laryngectomy - larynx
amniocentesis - abdominal wall leucotomy/lobotomy- nerve fibres in brain
apicectomy - tooth root lithonephrotomy - kidney stones
appendectomy - appendix masectomy - breast
arterioplasty - artery nectrotomy - dead tissue or bone
autograft - body tissue nephrectomy - kidney
caesarean section - abdominal wall neurotomy - nerve
cholecyslectomy - gall bladder ovriectomy - ovary
cordotomy - nerve fibres in neck orchidectomy - testicles
craniotomy - skull ostectomy - bone
cryosurgery - unwanted tissue otoplasty - ear
cystectomy - bladder phlebotomy - vein
fenestration - ear pneumonectomy - lung
gastrectomy - stomach rhinoplasty - nose
goniopuncture - eye rhizotomy - nerve roots
hepatectomy - liver salpingectomy - fallopian tube
homoplasty - tissue or organs thoractomy - chest cavity
hysterectomy - womb tracheostomy - windpipe
ileostomy - small intestine vasectomy - vein
iridectomy - iris of the eye
labioplasty - lips
MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS
Drums
bongo : either of a pair of small long bodied drums held between the knees and played with fingers
conga : a tall, narrow, low toned drum beaten with the hands
kettledrum : larger bowl shaped drum with a membrane stretched across
pedal drum : kettledrum with pedals
snare drum : small cylindrical drum covered with skin at either end
tabla : Indian drums – a pair of small drums
tabor : small drum beaten by hand
tambourine : small drum with jingles set in the frame
tenor drum : set of two or three kettledrums
tom-tom : oriental drum
String Instruments
aeolian harp : a stringed instrument that produces music when the wind passes through it
balalaika : three stringed guitar-like triangular Russian instrument
bouzouki : mandolin-like Greek folk instrument
cittern : 16th century instrument which looks like a lute
clairschach : ancient Irish harp
dulcimer : instrument with strings stretched over a soundboard and struck with hammers
kithara : ancient Greek lyre with box-shaped frame
kit, pochette : miniature violin formerly used by dancing masters
koto : Japanese, 13 stringed instrument in the shape of a box
lute : a medieval guitar like instrument with a long neck and a pear-shaped body
lyre : harp-like ancient Greek instrument
mandolin : plucked instrument, resembling the lute with paired strings
oud : South African and West Asian lute-like instrument
pandoura : Persian lute with a long neck
rebeck : medieval three stringed instrument played with a bow
samisen : a long three stringed Japanese guitar
sarod : Indian instrument with 2 sets of strings
sitar : long necked Indian lute
theorbo : a two-necked musical instrument of the lute class
ukulele : Hawain guitar, small and four stringed
viol : a medieval six stringed, violin-like instrument
zither : many-stringed central European folk instrument
MISCELLANEOUS MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS

bones : pair of small bones which make a clicking sound
castanets : concave wooden discs or shells clicked together in the hand
claves : wooden sticks beaten together rhythmically
cymbals : pair of metal cone shaped instruments struck against each other
glockenspiel : set of tuned metal bars struck with a small hammer
lithophone : xylophone-like instrument with tuned stones instead of bars
maraca : seed filled gourd or guard shaped container shaken as a percussion instrument
marimba : large, deep pitched xylophone like instrument, played with soft headed hammers
vibraphone : set of tuned metal bars arranged like a keyboard
washboard : board with a ridged metal or wooden surface used as percussion instrument
chinese block : resonant, hollow block of wood struck with wooden sticks
xylophone : set of tuned wooden bars arranged as a keyboard and struck with small hard hammers
MUSICAL COMPOSITIONS
arabesque : short, elaborately ornamented piece

aubade : music thought to be suitable for morning performance
bagatelle : short unpretentious composition
barcarole : song with a rhythm resembling that of a rowing gondola
berceuse : a cradle song
canon : composition often choral where one part is overlapped by other parts in the same or related key
cantata : tunes by a choir, an orchestra or even solo singers
concerto : musical composition for an orchestra or a solo singer
etude : a musical piece designed to practise a particular technique
fugue : a musical composition of counter themes
pastorale : musical rendition by an orchestra which brings to mind a rural scene
prelude : composition that precedes a larger one, on the piano or by an orchestra
requiem : composition for a funeral mass
rhapsody : composition based on folk tunes with no specific form
seranade : music that is thought to be suitable for an evening performance
sonata : instrumental music played by three or four independent instruments
PAINTINGS AND TERMS RELATED TO ART

abstract : a work of art that does not represent any specific object
aquarelle : painting made using transparent water colours
aquatint : a process of etching by which tonal effects are produced
chiaroscuro : contrasting light and shade in a painting
collage : picture made up of a variety of materials pasted onto a surface.
fresco : painting on fresh plaster on a wall or a ceiling
frieze : decorative painting running horizontally all along the wall
gouache : a technique that uses opaque water colours bound with gum
grotesque : decoration that combines animal, human and plant forms
impasto : thick opaque surface paint in oil painting
minimal art : use of geometric shapes and primary colours
montage : picture made up of a number of Individual pictures
mural : painting on a wall or a ceiling
opart : an art form that creates the Impression of movement by using optical illusions
pastel : drawing or sketch in delicate colours using chalky crayon
pastoral : painting representing rural life
pieta : representation of Virgin Mary
putto : representation of a small boy or angel
secco : painting on dry plaster on a wall or a ceiling
still life : representation of inanimate objects
tempera : paint made of colour mixed with egg white or water
tondo : circular painting
PHILOSOPHIES
Aestheticism : belief that beauty is the basic principle of good in life and underlies morality
Behaviorism : doctrine that behaviour, rather than consciousness is all that can be known or studied
about human nature
Nominalism : a philosophy that believes that essences, universals and abstract concepts exist only in
name and that only actual individual objects exist
Ontology : a philosophy that studies the nature of existence
Perspectivism : the belief that there can be no absolute knowledge of truth
Phenomenalism : belief that the sense perceptions are the only certainty of knowledge
Phenomenology : study of awareness
Positivism : doctrine that knowledge is derived from actual facts
Pragmatism : a doctrine that believes in a practical approach to political or personal dealings
Prescriptivism : the belief that statements about good and evil are not absolute but are moral prescriptions
Rationalism : the belief that knowledge can be acquired only through reason
Reductionism : the doctrine that analyses problems by reducing them to their components
Solipsism : belief that self is the only truth
Stoicism : the belief that man attains virtue by suppressing his emotions
Structuralism : the study of the structure of language rather than its history
Syndicalism : theory supporting government by trade unions or syndicates
Transcendentalism : theory that knowledge is obtained by intuition or reflecting on the reasoning process itself.
Utilitarianism : the doctrine that the greatest good is what produces maximum happiness for the greatest
number of people
POETRY RELATED TERMS
anapaest - a metrical foot consisting of two short unstressed syllables and one long stressed syllable
alternation - a figure of speech in poetry involving the repetition of the same consonant sound
ballad - a story told in verse
blank verse - unrhymed ten-syllable lines
Canto - a part or section of a long poem
eclogue - short pastoral poem often in the form of a dialogue
elegy - poem lamenting the death of a person
envoi - short final stanza of same poems (especially French)
foot - unit of metre in poetry
free verse - verse without metre or rhyme
haiku - Japanese poem of three lines with seventeen syllables
heroic couplet - two lines witty end rhymes and ten syllables
iambic - metre in poetry consisting of one short unstressed syllable, followed by a long stressed
syllable
idyll - short, lyrical, pastoral poem
internal rhyme - rhyme occurring within the line
limerick - short witty poem of five lines, also called nonsense verse
macaronic verse - humorous verse in a language
ode - poem written in praise of someone or something
rondeau - lyrical poem of French origin which uses only two rhymes throughout
stanza - a complete verse
sonnet - poem of 14 lines containing 10 syllables per line
quatrain - a verse of 4 lines in a poem
THEATRE TERMS
amphitheatre : ancient Roman auditorium

décor : stage setting / scenery
loggia : seats in an open balcony
mezzanine : room under the stage
proscenium : performing area in Greek theatre
THERAPIES
acupuncture : puncturing of skin with needles to effect a cure

aromatherapy : treatment to cure disease and influence mood with sweet-smelling oils.
aversiontherapy : linking bad habits with something unpleasant so as to eradicate the habit
chemotherapy : treatment of disease using chemicals
chiropractic : skilful manipulation of the spine to effect various cures
herbalism : use of herbs to cure ailments
homeopathy : use of small amounts of the drug to produce signs of illness in healthy people
hydrotherapy : use of water to cure on illness
hypnotherapy : use of hypnosis to cure physical and mental illnesses
moxibustion : burning of leaves on particular points on the skin, usually along with acupuncture
naturopathy : promoting healthy habits, and using natural remedies to cure disease
osteopathy : manipulation of bones and joints to treat backache and muscle pain
photo therapy : use of light to effect cures, especially tumours
physiotherapy : use of massage and exercise or heat to treat injury or disability
primal therapy : system of making a patient relive pain in order to cure neurotic illnesses
rolfing : use of deep massage to relieve muscular or emotional tension
shiatsu : acupressure to relieve pain and treat disease
zone therapy : massage of special zones in the foot to cure disease in some other part of the body
WEATHER
anticyclone : area of high atmospheric pressure where winds spiral outward

backing : change of wind direction anticlockwise
black ice : thin coating of transparent ice
col : area of intermediate pressure between two anticyclones
convection : an upward movement within the atmosphere which causes a transfer of heat
cyclone : a low pressure centre which causes a tropical storm
dust devil : rapidly swirling column of dust
hurricane : intense tropical storm
isobar : line linking places with the same atmospheric pressure
isohyet : line on a weather map linking places that have the same rainfall
isotherm : line linking places that have the same temperature
tornado : intense cyclone with strong winds
trough : area of low pressure between two areas of higher pressure
typhoon : cyclone in the China Sea
water spout : fast-moving column of cloud and often whipped by a small, intense short-lived
low-pressure area
wedge : area of high pressure between two depressions harrower than the ridge
PREFIXES
A anti, ant [against] anticommunist, antidote, anticlimax,
a, an [not, without] amoral (without a sense of moral antacid, Antarctic
responsibility), atheism, anaemia, atypical, atom (not
cutable), apathy (without feeling) apo [from, off] apostasy (standing from, abandoning a
professed belief), apology, apothecary, apostle
ab, abs, a [from, away] abnormal, avert (turn away)
B
acro [high] acropolis (high city), acrobat, acrogen (of the be [on, way] bedeak, belabon, bequest, bestow, beloved
highest class), acronym, acrophobia (fear of height)
bene, bon [well] benefit, benefactor, benevolent,
ad (ac af, ag, al, an, ap, ar, as, at) [to, towards] admire benediction, bonus, bonafide, bonanza
(look at with wonder), attract, admit, advance, allege,
announce, assert, aggressive, accept bi, bis, bin [both, double, twice] bicycle, biweekly,
Binoculars, bilateral, biscuit
ambi, amb [both, around] ambidextrous (skilled with both
hands), ambiguous, amble by [side, close, near] bypass, bystander, by-product,
bylaw, byline
amphi [both] amphibious (living on both land and water),
amphitheatre C
cata [down, against] catalogue, catapult, catastrophe,
ana [on, up, backward] analysis (loosing up or taking apart cataclysm
for study), anatomy, anachronism
circum, circ [around] circumference, circumnavigate,
ana [before] antedate, anteroom, antebellum, antecedent circumspect
co (con, col, cor, com) [together, with] compose. copilot, intro [into, inward] introduce, introvert (turn inward)
conspire, collect, concord
M
coni [dust] coniosis (disease which comes from inhaling macro [large, excessive] macrodent (having large teeth),
dust) macrocosm
contra, counter [against] controversy, contradict,
mal [badly, poor] maladjusted, malnutrition, malfunction,
counterpart
malady
D
de [from, down] demote, depress, degrade, deject, deprive meta [beyond, after, with] metabolism (thrown beyond,
literally; hence, chemical and physical change), metaphor,
di [two, twice] dilemma, diatom, dissect, diploma metamorphosis, metaphysical
dia [through, between] diameter, diagonal, diagram,
mis [incorrect, bad] misuse, misprint
diagnosis, dialogue
miso [hating, wrong] misanthropist, misogamist, miser
dis, dif [apart, away, reverse] dismiss, distort, distinguish,
diffuse mono [one] monoplane, monotone, monogamy,
dys [badly, ill] dyspepsia (digesting badly, indigestion), monochrome, monocle
dystrophy
multi [many] multiply, multiform, multilateral
E
em, en [in, into] embrace enslave N
neo [new] neopaganism, neoclassic, neologism,
epi [upon] epidermis (upon the skin, outer layer of the neophyte
skin), epitaph, epithet, epigram, epitome
non [not] nontaxable (not taxed), nontoxic, nonexistent,
eu, ev [well] eulogize (speak well of, praise) eupepsia, nonsense
euphony, eugenics
O
ex, e, ec, ef [out] expel (drive out), ex-mayor, exit, ob (of, op, oc) [towards, against] obstruct, offend, oppose,
exorcism, eccentric (out of the centre position), eject, emit occur
extra, extro [beyond, outside] extraordinary (beyond the P

ordinary), extracurricular, extrovert, extraneous para [beside, almost] parasite (one who eats beside or at
table of another), paraphrase, parody, parachute,
F paramedic, parallel
for [away or off] forswear (to renounce an oath)
penta [five] pentagon (figure or building having five angles
fore (before in time) foretell (to tell beforehand), forecast, or sides), Pentateuch, pentameter, pentathlon
foreshadow, foregone, forefather
per [throughout, completely] pervert (completely turn
H wrong, corrupt), perfect, perceive permanent, persuade,
hemi, demi, semi [half] hemisphere, hemicycle, pervade
semicircle, demitasse
peri [around] perimeter (measurement around an area),
homo [man] Homo sapiens, homicide, homunculus, periphery, periscope, pericardium, period
hominid
poly [many] polygon (figure having many angles or sides),
hyper [over, above] hypercritical, hyperemia, polygamy, polyglot, polychrome
hypersensitive, hypertensive, hyperactive
post [after] postpone, postwar, postscript, postseason
hypo [under] hypodermic, hypothesis, hypotension
pre [before] prewar, preview, precede, prevent,
 premonition
idio [private, personal] idiom, idiosyncrasy, idiomatic
pro [forward, in favor of] project (throw forward), progress,
il (ir, in, im) [not] incorrect, illegal, immoral, irregular pro-abortion, promote, prohibition
in (il, im) [into] inject, inside, illuminate, impose, illustrate, pseudo [false] pseudonym (false or assumed name),
implant, imprison pseudo, pseudopodia
infra [beneath] infrared R

re [back, again] reclaim, revive, revoke, rejuvenate,
inter [between] intercollegiate, interfere, intervene, retard, reject, return
interrupt (break between)
retro [backwards] retrorspective (looking backwards),
intra [within] intramural, intravenous (within the veins) retroactive, retrorocket, retrofression
S T
se [aside] seduce (lead aside), secede, secrete, segregate trans, tra [across, beyond] transoceanic, transmit,
traverse (lying across as a bridge over a stream),
self [by oneself] self-determination, self-employed, self- transfusion
service, selfish
tri [three] tricycle, triangle, tripod, tristate
sesqui [one and a half] sesquicentennial (one and one-
half centuries) U
un [not, release] unfair, unnatural, unbutton, unfasten
sub [under] submerge (put under), submarine,
subhuman, subject, substitute, subsoil, suburb under [beneath] underground, underling
suf (sug, sup, sus) [from under] suffer, suggest, support, uni [one, below] unicycle, uniform, unify, universe, unique
suspect, sufficient, suspend
ultra [beyond, exceedingly] ultramodern, ultraviolet,
super, supr, sur [above, over, more] supervise, ultraconservative
superman, survivor, supreme, supernatural, superior
V
syn (sym, sys, syl) [with, together] sympathy, system, vice [in place of ] vice-president, vice-admiral, viceroy
synthesis, symphony, syllable, synchronize (time
together), synonym
SUFFIXES
able, ible [able, can do] capable, agreeable, edible, dom [quality, realm, office] boredom, freedom, kingdom,
visible (can be seen) stardom, wisdom (quality of being wise)
ad, ade [result of action] monad (a unit, an individual), ee [one who receives the action] employee, devotee,
blockade (the result of a blocking action), lemonade nominee (one who is nominated), refugee, trustee
age [act of, state of, collection of ] salvage (act of saving), ee [made of, make] silken, frozen, oaken (made of oak),
storage, forage wooden, lighten
al [relating to] sensual, gradual, manual, natural (relating ence, ency [action, state of, quality] difference,
to nature) conference, proficiency (quality of being proficient),
urgency
algia [pain] neuralgia (nerve pain)
er (see ar)
an, ian [native of, relating to] (Czechoslovakian, African)
ery (see ary)
ance, ancy [action, process, state] assistance, allowance,
defiance, resistance esce [to become] acquiesce (become restful, peaceful),
coalesce
ant [performing, agent] assistant, servant, defiant
escent [in the process of] convalescent, obsolescent
ar, er, or [one who, that which] doctor, baker, miller, esis (see asis)
teacher, racer, amplifier
ese [ a native of, the language] Japanese, Vietname
ard, art [one who] drunkard, dullard, braggart
esque [in the style of ] burlesque, arabesque
ary, ery, ory [relating to, quality, place where] dictionary,
dietary, bravery, dormitory (a place where people sleep) ess [female] actress goddess, lioness
asis, esis, osis [action, process, condition] genesis, et, ette [a small one, group] midget, octet, baronet,
hypnosis, neurosis bassinet
ate [cause, make] enumerate, liquidate, segregate fic [making, causing] scientific, specific
(causing a group to be set aside)
ful [full of] frightful, careful, helpful (full of help)
cian [having a certain skill or art] logician, musician,
beautician, magician, physician fy [make] fortify (make strong), simplify, terrify,amplify
cide [kill] homicide, pesticide, genocide (killing a race of hood [order, condition, quality] manhood, womanhood,
people) brotherhood
cule, ling [very small] molecule, ridicule, duckling (very ible (see able)
small duck), sapling
ic [nature of, like] acidic, metallic (of the nature of metal),
cy [action, function] hesitancy prophecy, normalcy heroic, poetic
ice [condition, state, quality] justice, malice ment [act of, state of, result] contentment, alignment,
amendment (state of amending), achievement
id, ide (a thing connected with or belonging to) fluid,
fluoride mony [a resulting thing] patrimony, alimony, acrimony
ile [relating to, suited for, capable of] domicile, agile, ness [state of] carelessness, restlessness, lifelessess
juvenile, senile (related to being old), missile
old [like, resembling] asteroid, spheroid, tabloid,
ine [nature of] feminine, masculine, geniuine, medicine anthropoid
ology [study, science, theory] biology, anthropology,
ion, sion, tion [act of, state of, result of] action, injection, geology, neurology
infection, suspension (state of suspending)
or (see ar)
ish [origin, nature, resembling] foolish, Irish, clownish
(resembling a clown) ory (see ary)
ism [doctrine, system, manner, condition, characteristic] osis (see asis)

alcoholism, exorcism, heroism (characteristic of a hero),
Communism, realism ous [full of, having] gracious, nervous, vivacious (full of,
having) gracious, nervous, vivacious (full of life), spacious
ist [one who, that which] artist, dentist, violinist, racist
rhea [flowing, discharge] pyorrhoea, diarrhea, gonorrhea
ite [nature of, quality of, mineral product] expedite, [discharge from the reproductive organs]
Israelite, graphite, sulfite, dynamite (quality of being
powerful) ship [office, state, quality, skill, profession] friendship,
authorship, scholarship, dictatorship
ity, ty [state of, quality] captivity, chastity, fraternity, clarity
some [like, apt, tending to] lonesome, threesome,
ive [causing, making] assertive, abusive (causing abuse), gruesome
affirmative, exhaustive
tude [state of, condition of] gratitude, multitude (condition
ize [make] emphasize, liberalize [make liberal), idolize, of being many), aptitude, solitude
penalize, publicize
ure [state of, act, process, rank] culture, literature,
less [without] baseless, careless [without care), artless,
pressure, rupture (state of being broken)
fearless, helpless
ling (see cule) ward [in the direction of] eastward, forward, backward
ly [like, manner of ] carelessly, fearlessly, hopelessly, y [inclined to, tend to] cheery, crafty, faulty, dirty, itchy
shamelessly
ROOTS
A anthropology (study of mankind), misanthrope (hater of
acer, acid, acri [bitter, sour, sharp] acerbic (bitter, harsh), mankind), philanthropic (love of mankind)
acerbate (embitter), acidity (sourness), acrid, acrimony
antico [old] antique, antiquated, antiquity
acu [sharp] acute, acuate, acupuncture
arch [chief, first, rule] archangel (chief angle), architect
ag, agi, ig, act [do, move, go] agent (doer), agenda (chief worker), archaic (first ; very early), archieves,
(things to do), agile, navigate (move by sea), pedagogue monarchy (rule by one person), matriarchy (rule by the
(childmover, teacher), ambiguous (going both ways, not mother), patriarchy (rule by the father), archaeology
clear), retroactive, agitate
aster, astr [star] aster (star flower), asterisk, asteroid,
ali, allo, alter [other] alias (a person’s other name), disaster (originally a bad happening from a contrary
alternative, alibi, alien (from antoher country), alter influence by a star), astrology (lit, star-speaking;
(change to another form), allotment, allocate pseudoscience of influence by stars and planets),
altus [high, deep] altimeter, exalt, altitude, alto astronomy (star law), astronaut (lit., star traveller ; space
traveller)
am, amor [love, liking] amiable, amorous, enamored
aud, aus [hear, listen] audible (cn be, heard), auditorium,
anim [mind, will] unanimous, animosity, equanimity, audio, audition, audience, auditory, auscultate
magnanimous, animal
aug, auc [increae] augment, auction, augur
anni, annu, enni [year] anniversary, annually (yearly),
centennial (occurring once in 100 years), per annum, auto, aut [self] automobile (self-moving vehicle),
annuity autograph (self-writing;signature), automatic (self-acting),
autonomy (lit., self-laws; self-government), autobiography
anthrop [man] anthropoid (man-like, e.g, an ape], (lit., self-life writing)
B clemen [merciful] inclement (not merciful), clemency,
belli [war] rebellion, belligerent [warlike or hostile), clement
bellicose
clud, clus, claus [shut] include (to take in), recluse (one
bibl [book] Bible, bibliography [writing, list of books), who shuts himself away from others), claustrophobia
bibliophile (book lover) (*abnormal fear of being shut up, confined), conclude,
include, preclude, seclude, close, closet
bio [life] biology (study of live things), amphibious,
biography, biophysics, biopsy (cutting living tissue for cognose, gnosi [know] prognosis (forward knowing),
examination), microbe(small, microscopic living thing), diagnosis (thorough knowledge), recognize (to know
biogenesis again), incognito (not known), agnostic (not knowing
breve [short] breve, brevity, abbreviate, brief about God)
cosm [universe, world] cosmos (the universe), cosmic,
bursa [purse, payment] reimburse, disbursements cosmology, cosmopolitan (world citizen), cosmonaut,
(money paid out) microcosm, macrocosm
C cord, cor, card [heart] cordial (hearty, heartfelt), accord,

cad, cas [to fall] cadaver, cadence, caducous (falling off), concord, discord, record, courage, encourage (put heart
cascade into), discourage (take heart out of), core, coronary,
cardiac
calor [heat] calorie (a unit of heat), calorify (to make hot),
caloric, nonchalant corp [body] corporation (a legal body), corpse, corps,
cande [shine] candor, candelabra, candid corporal, corpulent
cap, cip, cept [take] capable, capacity, capture, crat [rule, strength] autocracy, democratic
anticipate, participate, principal, accept, except,
conception, deceptive, perception, conceive, receive, cresc, cret, crease cru [rise, grow] crescendo (growing
forceps. in loudness or intensity), crescent, (growing, like the moon
in first quarter), accretion, concrete (grown together,
capit, capt [head] decapitate (to remove the head from), solidified), increment (amount of growth) increase,
capital, captain, caption, recapitulate decrease, accrue (to grow, as interest in money)
carn [flesh] carnal, carnage, carnivorous (flesh eating). crea [create] creature (anything created), recreation,
Incarnate, reincarnation creation, creator
caus, caut [burn, heat] cauterize, cauldron, caustic cred [believe] creed (statement of beliefs), credo (a
creed), credence (belief), credit (belief, trust), credulous
cause, cuse, cus [cause, motive] because, excuse (to (believing too readily, easily deceived) credentials
attempt to remove the blame or cause, exonerate) (statements that promote belief, trust), incredible
accusation
crit [separate, choose] critical, criterion (that which is
ced, ceed, cede, cess [move, yield, go, surrender] cede used in choosing), diacritical, hypocrisy
(yield), antecedent (moving, occurring before), accede,
concede, intercede, precede, recede, secede (move cub, cumb [lie down, lean back] incubate (to hatch by
aside from), proceed (move forward), success keeping), encumber (to place a burden upon),
cumbersome, succumb, incumbent)
chrom [colour] chrome (color purity), chromatic,
chromosome (colour body in genetics) Kodashreme, cur, curs [run] current (running or flowing), concurrent,
monoclorme (one colour), polychrome (many coloured) concur (run together, agree), curriculum (lit., a running, a
course), cursory (done hastily, “on the run”), incur (run
chron [time] chronological (in order of time), chronometer
into), precursor {forerunner}, recur, occur, courier
(time-measured) chronicle (record of events in time),
synchronize (make time with, set time together), cura [care] manicure (caring for the hands), curator,
anachronism (lit., back in time; anything backwards in curative
historical time)
cus, cuse (see cause)
cide [kill] suicide (self-killer or self-killing), homicide (man,
human killer or killing), genocide (race killing), tyrannicide cycl, cyclo [wheel, circular] Cyclops (a mythical giant with
(tyrant killer or tyrant killing), pesticide (pest killer), one eye in the middle of his forehead), cyclone
germicide (germ killer), insecticide (insect killer) (a wind blowing circularly ; a tornado), unicycle, bicycle
cise [cut] decide (cut off uncertainity), precise (cut exactly D

right), concise, incision, scissors, criticize deca [ten] decade, Decalogue, decapod (ten feet),
Decapolis, decathlon
cit [to call, start] incite, citation, cite
civ [citizen] civic (relating to a citizen), civil, civilian, civvies dem [people] democracy (people-rule), demagogue
(citizen clothing), civilization (people-leader, one who stirs up people for selfish ends),
demography (vital statistics of the people: deaths, births,
calm, claim [cry out] exclamation, clamor, proclamation, etc.), epidemic (on or among the people; general),
reclamation, acclamation, declamation , claim pandemonium
dent, dont [tooth] dental (relating to teeth), orthodontist (a perfidy (breaking faith), bona fide (in good faith), federal,
dentist who practices orthodontia), denture, dentifrice confederacy, Fido
derm [skin] hypodermic (under skin; injected under the fila, fili [thread] filament (a threadlike conductor heated by
skin), dermatology (skin study), epidermis (on skin; outer electrical current), filiform (having the shape of a thread),
layer), taxidermy (arranging skin; mounting animals) filter, filet
dic, dict [say, speak] diction (how one speaks, what one fin [end, ended, finished] final, finite, infinite, finish,
says), dictionary, dictate, dictator, dictum (a saying), confine, fine, refine, define, finale
dictaphone, dictagraph, dictatorial, edict, predict, verdict,
contradict, adjudicate (to speak the law, to judge), fix [fix] fix (a difficult position), transfix (to hold
benediction motionless), fixation (the state of being attached), fixture,
affix, prefix, suffix
domin [master] dominate, dominion, domain,
predominanat, Anno Domini (in the year of our Lord, flex, flect [bend] flex (bend), reflex (bending back),
abbreviated A.D) flexible, flexor (muscle for bending), inflexibility, reflect,
deflect, genuflect (bend the knee)
don [give] donate (make a gift), condone
flu, fluc, fluv [flowing] influence (to flow in), fluctuate (to
dorm [sleep] dormant, dormitory wave in an unsteady motion), fluviograph (instrument for
measuring the flow of rivers), fluid, flue, flush, fluently,
dox [opinion, praise] doxy (belief, creed or ism), orthodox affluent
(having the correct, commonly accepted opinion),
heterodox (differing opinion; contrary, self-contradictory), form [form, shape] form, uniform, conform, deform,
doxology (statement or song of praise), paradox reform, perform, formative, formation, formal, formula
drome [to run, step] syndrome (run together; symptoms) fort, forc [strong] fort, fortress (a strong point, fortified),
hippodrome (a place where horses run) fortify (make strong), forte (one’s strong point), forte
duc, duct [lead] duke (leader), induce (lead into, (strong, loud in music), fortitude (strength for endurance),
persuade), seduce (lead aside); traduce (lead across in force, effort, comfort, pianoforte, force (power)
public disgrace, vilify), aquaduct (water leader, artificial fract, frag [break] fracture (a break), infraction, fragile
channel), subdue, ductile (easily drawn out or hammered (easy to break), fraction (result of breaking a whole into
thin), viaduct, conduct, conduit, produce, reduce, educate equal parts), refract (to break or bend, as a light ray),
refractive, fragment
dura [hard, lasting] durable, duration, duramen,
endurance fum [smoke] fume (smoke; odour) fumigate (destroy
germs by smoking them out), perfume
dynam [power] dynamo (power producer), dynamic,
dynamite, hydrodynamics (lit., water power), dyne (unit of G
power, force), dynamometer, dynasty (power, rule be gam [marriage] bigamy (two marriages), monogamy,
successive members of a family) polygamy (lit., many marriages), exogamy, endogamy,
gamete, gambit
E
end, endo [within] endoral (within the mouth), endocardial gastro [stomach] gastric, gastronomic, gastritis
(within the heart), endoskeletal, endoplasm (inflammation of the stomach)
erg [work] energy, erg (unit of work), allergy, ergophobia gen [birth, race, produce] genesis (birth, beginning),
(morbid fear of work), ergometer, ergograph Genesis, genus, genetics (study of heredity), eugenics (lit.,
well-born), genealogy (lineage by race, stock), generate,
equi [equal] equinox, equilibrium progeny (offspring), genitals (the reproductive organs),
congenital (existing as such at birth), indigenous (born,
F growing or produced naturally in a region or country),
fac, fact, fic, fect [do, make] factory (the place where genetic, hydrogen (lit., water-borne element)
workmen are employed in making goods of various kinds),
fact (a thing done, a deed), facsimile, facility,manufacture, geo [earth] geometry (earth measurement), geography
faculty, amplification, affect (lit., earth-writing), geocentric (earth centered), geology,
geochemistry, geophysics
fall, fals [deceive] fallacious, falsify, fallacy
germ [vital part] germination (to grow), germ of an idea),
fer [bear, carry] ferry (carry by water), odoriferous germane
(bearing an odor), coniferous (bearing cones, as a pine
gest [carry, bear] congest (bear together, clog),
tree), pestiferous (bearing disease), fertile (bearing richly),
suggestion (mental process by which one thought leads
defer, infer, refer, suffer (bear under, as under yoke),
referee, referendum, circumference, deference, Lucifer to another), congestive (causing congestion), gestation,
suggestion, gesture
(light bearer)
gloss, glot [tongue] polygot (many tongues), epiglottis,
fic, fect (see fac) glossary, glottic
fid, fide, feder [faith, trust] fidelity, confident, confidante, glue, glo [lump, bond, glue] conglomerate (bond
infidelity, infidel, fiduciary (held in trust, confidential), together), agglutinate (make to hold in a bond)
grad, gress [step, go] grade (step, degree), gradual (step jud, judi, judic [judge, lawyer] judge (a public officer who
by step), graduate (make all the steps, finish a course), has the authority to give a judgement), abjudicate (reject
graduated (in steps or degrees), aggressive (stepping the case, judicial (relating to a administration of justice),
toward, pushing), transgress (step across limits, break a judicious, prejudice
law), congress (a going together, assembly), degradation
jur, jus [law] justice (a just judgement; as justice must be
graph, gram [write, written] graphy, graphic (written; served), conjure (to swear together; to imagine; to entreat;
vivid), autograph (self-writing, signature), photography as, conjure the king to be merciful), juror, jurisdiction
(light-writing) graphite (carbon used for writing),
phonograph (sound-writing), bibliography, monograph juven [young] juvenile, juvenescent (becoming young),
(writing on one subject), telegram (for writing), epigram, rejuvenate (to make young again)
diagram, cablegram, monogram, seismography,
cartography L
grat [pleasing] congratulate (express pleasure over later [side, broad] lateral, latitude
success), gratis (as a favor, free), gratuitous (gratis),
gratuity (mark of favor, a tip), grateful, gracious, ingrate laut, lav, lot, lut [wash] lavish (flowing like water), dilute
(not thankful; hence, unpleasant), ingratiate (to make a liquid thinner and weaker) ablution
(a washing away), launder (to wash and iron clothes),
grav [heavy, weighty] grave, gravity, aggravate, gravitate lavatory, laundry, lotion, deluge
greg [herd, group, crowd] gregarian (belonging to a herd), leg [law] legal (lawful; according to law), legislate (to enact
congregation (a group functioning together), segregative a law), legislature (a body of persons who can make laws),
(tending to group aside or apart), aggregation legitimise (make legal), legacy
H letter, lit, liter, litera (letters) litany (prayer consisting of

hab, habit [have, live] habitat (the place in which one invocations and responses), literary (concerned with
lives), inhabit to live in; to establish as residence), books and writing), literature (the best works written
rehabilitate, habitual during the century), literal, alliteration, obliterate
helio [sun] heliograph (an instrument for using the sun’s levis (light) alleviate (lighten a load), levitate, levity
rays), heliotrope (a plant which turns to the sun) lic, licit [permit, license] (freedom to act), licit (permitted;
lawful; conceded), illicit (not permitted), licentious (taking
hema, hemo [blood] hematid (red blood corpuscle),
liberties; disregarding rules, especially in morals)
hemotoxic (causing blood poisoning), hemorrhage,
hemoglobin, hemophilia, hematose lith [stone] monolith (one stone, a single mass),
lithography (stone writing, printing from a flat stone or
here, has [stick] adhere, cohere, inherent metal plate), neolithic (new stone, of the later stone age),
paleolithic (ancient stone)
hetero [different] heterogeneous (different in birth;
miscellaneous), heterodox, heterochromatic (of different liver, liber [free] liberal (relating to liberty), delivery
colors), heteromorphic (of different forms), superhetrodyne, (freedom; liberation), liberalize (to make more free: as, to
heterosexual (with interest in opposite sex) liberalize the mind from prejudice), deliverance
homo [same] homogeneous (of same birth or kind), loc, loco [place] locomotion (act of moving from place to
homonym (word with same name or pronunciation as place), locality (locale: neighborhood), allocate (to assign; to
another), homosexual (with sex desire for those of the same place; apportion), relocate to put back into their homes)
sex), homologous (same-minded, agreeing), homogenize
hum, human [earth, ground, man] humility (quality of log, logo, ology [word, study, speech] Logo (the word,
lowliness), humane (marked by sympathy, compassion, Jesus), logic (orig., speech: then reasoning), prologue,
for other human beings and animals), humus, exhume, epilogue, dialogue, catalogue, logorrhea (a flux of words;
humanity excessively wordy), zoology (animal study), psychology
(mind study), theology (god study)
hypn [sleep] hypnoidal (relating to hypnosis or sleep),
hypnosis, Hypnos (god of sleep), hypnotherapy loqu, locut [talk, speak] eloquent (speaking out well and
(treatment of disease by hypnosis) forecefully), loquacious (talkative), colloquial (talking
together; conversational or informal), obloquy
hydr, hydro, hydra [water] dehydrate (take water out of; (a speaking against, a reproach), circumlocution (talking
dry), hydrant (water faucet), hydraulic (pertaining to water or around a subject), soliloquy
to liquids), hydraulics, hydrogen, hydrophobia, hydroelectric
luc, lum, lus, lun [light] Luna (the moon goddess), lumen
 (a unit of light), luminary (a heavenly body; someone who
ignis [fire] ignite, igneous, ignition shines in his profession), translucent (letting light come
through), lustre (sparkle; gloss; glaze), illuminate
J
ject [throw] deject, inject, project (throw forward), eject, lude [play] ludicrous, prelude (before play), interlude
object, ejaculate
M
join, junct [join] junction (act of joining), enjoin (to lay an magn [great] magnify (make great, enlarge), magnificent,
order upon; to command), juncture, conjunction, joint, magnanimous (great of mind or spirit), magnate,
adjoining, injunction magnitude, magnum
man [hand] manual, manage, manufacture, manacle, metamorphosis (a change of form, as a caterpillar into a
manicure, manifest, manedver, emancipate butterfly), morphidite
mand [command] mandatory (commanded), remand mori, mort, mors [mortal, death] mortal (causing death or
(order back), writ of mandamus (written order from a destined for death), immortal (not subject to death), mortality
court), countermand (order against, cancelling a previous (rate of death), immortality, mortician (one who buries the
order), mandate dead), mortification (lit., made dead; shame; chagrin),
mortuary; (place for the dead a morgue), remorse
mania [madness] mania (insanity; craze; excessive
craving), monomania (mania on one idea), kleptomania multi, multus [many, much] multifold (folded many
(thief mania; abnormal tendency to steal), phyromania times), multilinguist (one who speaks many languages),
(insane tendancy to set fire) dipsomania (uncontrollable multiped (an organism with many feet), multiply (to
craving for alcoholic drink), manic, maniac increase a number quickly by multiplication)
mar, mari, mer [sea, pool] mermaid (fabled marine
creature, half fish), marine (a sailor serving on shipboard), N
marsh (wet land, swamp), maritime (relating to the sea nasc, nat [to be born, to spring forth] nature (the essence
and navigation) of a person or a thing), innate (inborn, inherent in),
international (between or among nations), renascence (a
matri, matro, matric [mother] matrimony (state of rebirth; a revival), natal, native, nativity
wedlock), maternal (relating to the mother), matriarchate
(rulership of a woman), matris (mother goddess of the neur [nerve] neuritis (inflammation of a nerve),
Hindu deities), matron, metropolic (the mother city) neuropathic (having a nerve disease), neurologist (one
who practices neurology), neural, neurosis, neurotic
medi [half, middle, between, halfway] mediate (come
between, intervene), medieval (pertaining to the middle nom [law, order] autonomy (self-law, self-government),
ages), mediterranean (lying between lands), medium astronomy, Deuteronomy (lit., second law, as given by
(a person having the faculty to make contact with the Moses), gastronomy (lit., stomach law; art of good eating),
super natural), mediocre agronomy (lit., field law; crop production), economy
(household law, management)
mega [great] megaphone (great sound), megacephalic
(great-headed), megalith, megalopolis (great city; an nomen, nomin [name] nomenclature, nominate, nominal
extensive urban area including a number of cities),
megacycle (a million cycles), megaton (force of a million nounce, nunci [warn, declare] announcer (one who
tons of TNT), omega (great) makes announcements publicly), enunciate
(to pronounce carefully), pronounce (declare; articulate),
mem [remember] memorandum (a note; a reminder), renounce (retract; reoke), denounce
commemoration (the act of observing by a memorial or
ceremony), memento, memoir, memo, memorable nov [new] novel (new; strange; not formerly known),
meter [measure] meter (a measure), gravimeter renovate (to make like new again), novice, nova, innovate
(instrument for measuring weight and density), voltameter nox, noc [night] nocturnal, equinox (equal nights),
(instrument to measure volts in an electric circuit), noctiluca (something which shines by night)
barometer, thermometer
null [none] null, nullification, nullify, nullifidian (one who
micro [small] microscope, microfilm, microcard,
has no faith), nulliparous
microwave, micrometer (device for measuring very small
distance), micron (a millionth of a meter), microbe (small number, numer [number] numeral (a figure expressing a
living thing), microorganism, omicron (small) number), numeration (act of counting), numberable (can
migra [wander] migrate (to wander), emigrant (one who be numbered), enumerate (count out, one by one),
leaves a country), immigrate (to come into the land to innumerable
settle), migratory (one who roves; a wanderer) O
omni [all every] omnipotent (all powerful), omniscient (all
mit, miss [send] emit (send out, give off), remit (send
knowing), omnipresent (present everywhere), omnivorous
back, as money due), submit, admit, commit, permit,
(all eating), omnibus, (covering all things)
transmit (send across), omit, intermittent (sending
between, at intervals), mission, missile onus [burden] onerous (burdensome), onus, exonerate
mob, mot, mov [move] mobile (capable of moving), (to take out or take away a burden)
motionless (without motion), motor (that which imparts
onym [name]anonymous (without a name), pseudonym
motion; source of mechanical power), emotional (moved
(false name), antonym (against name; word of opposite
strongly by feelings), motivate, promotion, demote
meaning), synonym
mon [warn, remind] admonish (warn), admonition,
monitor,premonition (forewarning), monument (a oper [work] opera (a work which has been set to music
reminder or memorial of a person or event), reminisce and is sung instead of spoken), operate (to labor;
function), opus (a musical composition or work),
monstr, mist [show] demonstrate (to display; show)
muster (to gather together; collect; put on display) cooperate (work together)
demonstration, monstrosity ortho [straight, correct] orthodox (of the correct or
morph [form] amorphous (with no form, shapeless), accepted opinion), orthodontist (tooth straightener),
anthropomorphic (man form), Morpheus (the shaper, god orthopedic (originally pertaining to straightening a child),
of dreams), morphine (drug making sleep and dreams), orthography (correct writing, spelling), unorthodox
oss, osteo [bone] ossicle (a small bone), ossification (the quantum of light energy), photosynthesis (action of light
process of making into bone), osteopath (one who on chlorphyll to make carbohydrates)
practices osteopathy), osteoporosis (a condition in old
age when bones become porous and fragile) pict [paint] pictograph (writing with pictures or symbols),
picture (make a mental image), depiction (the act of
P depicting or representing), picturesque, pictorial
pac [peace] pacifist (one for peace only; opposed to war),
pacify (make peace, quiet), Pacific Ocean (peaceful plac, plais [please] placid (calm, unruffled), placatory
ocean) (appeasing, soothing), placebo, placate, complacent (self-
satisfied)
pan [all] Pan American, panacea (cureall), pandemonium plenus [full] plenary, replenish, plentiful, plenteous
(place of all the demons; wild disorder), pandemic,
panchromatic (sensitive to all colors), pantheism (all-god plic, pli, ply [fold] inexplicable, pliable, implicate
belief; belief that God is all and all is God), pantheon
plu, plur, plus [more] plus (indicating that something is to
(temple of all gods)
be added), plural (more than one), pluralist (one who
holds two or more jobs), plurisyllabic (having more than
pater, part [father] patriarch (the head of the tribe, family),
one syllable)
patron (a wealthy person who supports as would a father),
paternity (fatherhood, responsibility, etc.), patriot pneuma, pneumon [breath] pneumatic (pertaining to air,
wind or other gases), pheumonia (disease of the lungs),
path, pathy [feeling, suffering] pathos (feeling of pity, pneumatogram (tracing of respiratory movements)
sorrow), pathetic, sympathy, antipathy (against feeling),
apathy (without feeling), empathy (feeling or identifying pod (see ped)
with another), telepathy (far feeling; through
transference), pathogenic (disease being born; causing poli [city] metropolis (mother city; main city), police,
suffering or disease) politics, Indianapolis, megalopolis, Acropolis (high city,
fortifield upper part of Athens), cosmopolite (world citizen)
ped, pod [foot] pedal (lever for a foot), impede (get the
feet in a trap, hinder), impediment, pedestal (foot or base pon, pos, pound [place, put] postpone (put afterward),
of a statue), pedestrian (foot traveller), centipede, tripod component, opponent (one put against), proponent,
(three-footed support), podiatry (care of the feet), depose, expose, impose, purpose, propose deposit,
antipodes (opposite feet; parts of the earth diametrically deposition, expound, compound, posture (how one places
opposed), podium (platform for a performer) himself), position, post
pedo [child] orthopedic, pedagogue (child leader, pop [people] population (the number of people in an
teacher), pedant (narrow-minded teacher), pediatrics area), Populist (a member of the Populist party), populous
(medical care of children) (full of inhabitants), popular
pel, puls [drive, urge] compel, dispel, expel, repel, impel, port [carry] porter (one who carries), portable, transport,
propel, pulse, impulse, pulsate, compulsory, expulsion, (carry across), report, export, import support, comport
repulsive deportment (how one carries himself, behaves), portage,
transportation, port, disport
pend, pens, pond [hang, weigh] pendant (a hanging
object), appendix, pendulum, depend, impend, suspend, portion [part, share] portion (a part; a share, as a portion
perpendicular, pending, dispense, pensive (weighing of a pie), proportion (the relation of one share to others),
thought), appendage, ponderous (weighty) portionless (without portion; without dowry)
phan, phen, [show, appear] phantom, phenomenal,
fantasy posse, potent [power] posse (an armed band; a force
with legal authority), possible, potent, potentate,
phemi [speak] euphemism (speak well of), prophet omnipotent, impotent
phil [love] philosophy (love of wisdom), philanthropy, prehend [seize] apprehend (size a criminal, seize an
philharmonic, bibliophile, Philip, Philadelphia (city of ideal), comprehend (seize with the mind),
brotherly love) comprehensible, comprehensive (seizing much,
extensive), reprehensible (needing to be seized back,
phobia (fear) phobia (abnormal fear), claustrophobia rebuked)
(fear of closed places), acrophobia, (fear of high places),
prim, prime [first] primacy (state of being first in rank),
photophobia (fear of light), aquaphobia (fear of water),
prima donna (the first lady of opera), primitive (from the
pyrophobia (fear of fire)
earliest or first time), primary, primal
phon [sound] phonograph, phonetic (pertaining to sound),
proto [first] prototype, protocol, protagonist, protozoan
phonology, symphony (sounds with or together),
polyphonic (having many sounds or tunes), dictaphone, psych [mind, soul] psyche (soul, mind), psychic (sensitive
euphony (pleasing sound) to forces beyond the physical), psychiatry (healing of the
mind), psychology, psychopath (mind feeling; one with
photo [light] photograph (light-writing), photoelectric, mental disease), psychosis (serious mental disorder),
photoflash, photogenic (artistically suitable for being psychotherapy (mind treatment), psychogenic (of psychic
photographed), photometer (light meter), photon (a birth, origin)
punct [point, dot] punctual (being exactly on time), consecutive (following in order), ensue, pursue, second
punctum (a dot; a point), compunction (remorse; points of (following first)
guilt), punctuation, puncture, acupuncture
serv [save, serve] servant, service, subservient,
put [think] computer a (computing or thinking machine), servitude, servile, reservation, preserve, conserve,
deputy, reputable (honourable; estimable; a thinker), deserve, observe, conservation
dispute, repute sign, signi [sign, mark, seal] signal (a gesture or sign to
call attention), signature (the mark of a person written in
Q
his own handwriting), design, insignia (distinguishing
quies [be at rest] acquiesce, quiescent, quiet
marks), signify
R
reg, recti [straighten] regular, rectify (make straight), silic [flint] silicon (a non-metallic element found in the
regiment, rectangle, correct, direct, erect, incorrigible earth’s crust), silicosis (a disease prevalent among miners
and stone cutters who breathe much dust)
ri, ridi, risi [laughter] ridicule (laughter at the expense of
another; mockery), deride (make mock of; jeer at), risible simil, simul [like, resembling] similar (resembling in many
(likely to laugh), ridiculous respects), simulate (pretend; put on an act to make a
certain impression), simulation (pretence; counterfeit
rog, roga [ask] prerogative (privilege; asking before), display), assimilate (to make similar to), simile
interrogation (questioning; the act of questioning),
surrogate, derogatory sist, sta, stit, stet [stand] assist (to stand by with help),
circumstance, stamina (power to withstand, to endure),
rupt [break] rupture (break), interrupt (break into), abrupt persist (stand firmly; unyielding; continue), stanchion
(broken off), disrupt (break apart), erupt (break out), (a standing brace or support), substitute (to stand in for
incorruptible (unable to be broken down) another), status (standing), state, static, stable, stationary
S solus [alone] solo, soliloquy, solitaire, solitude
salv, salu [safe, healthy] salvation (act of being saved),
salvage (that which is saved after appearing to be lost), solv, solu [loosen] solven; (a loosener, a dissolver),
salvable, salubrious (healthy) salutary (promoting health), solve, solvency, insolvency, absolve (loosen from, free
salute (wish health to) from), resolve, soluble, solution, resolution, resolute,
dissolute (loosened morally)
sat, satis [enough] sate (to satisfy, sate with food), satisfy
(to give pleasure to; to give as much as is needed), satient somnus [sleep] somnific, insomnia (not being able to
(giving pleasure, satisfying), satiate, saturate sleep), somnambulant (a sleepwalker)
soph [wise] sophomore (wise fool), philosophy (love of
sci [know] science (knowledge), conscious (knowing,
wisdom), sophisticated (worldly wise), sophistry, sophist,
aware), omniscient (knowing everything), prescient
theosophy (wise about God)
(knowing beforehand)
sphere [ball, sphere] sphere (a planet; a ball),
scope [see, watch] scope (extent one can see), stratosphere (the upper portion of the atmosphere),
telescope, microscope, kaleidoscope (instrument for hemisphere (half of the earth), biosphere, spheroid
seeing beautiful forms), periscope, horoscope (hour
watcher), Episcopal (overseeing; pertaining to a bishop), spec, spect, spic [look] specimen (an example to look at,
stethoscope study), specific, spectator (one who looks) spectacle,
speculate, aspect, expect, inspect, respect, prospect,
scrib, script [write] scribe (a writer), scribble, inscribe, retrospective, (looking backwards), suspect (look under),
describe, subscribe, prescribe, ascribe, scrivener, perspective, circumspect, introspective, conspicuous
manuscript (written by hand), scripture (the Bible) despicable
sed, sess, sid [sit] sedentary (characterized by sitting), spir [breathe] spirit (lit., breath), conspire (breathe
sedate (sitting settled, dignified), preside (sit before), together;plot), inspire (breathe into), aspire (breathe
president, reside, subside, sediment (that which sits or toward), expire (breathe out, die), aspirant, perspire,
settles out of a liquid), session (a sitting), obsession respiration
(an idea that sits stubbornly in the mind), possess
spond, spons [pledge, answer] sponsor (one who
sent, sens [feel] sentiment (feeling), presentiment pledges responsibility to a project), correspond (to
(feeling beforehand), assent, consent, resent, dissent, communicate by letter; sending and receiving answers),
sentimental (having strong feeling or emotion), sense, irresponsible, respond
sensation, sensitive, sensory, dissension
stereo [solid] stereotype ( to fit in lasting form), stereome
sen [old] senior, senator, senescent (growing old), senile (strengthening tissue in plants), stereograph
(old, showing the weakness of old age)
string, strict [draw, tight] stringent (draw tight, rigid),
sequ, secu, sue [follow] sequence (following of one thing astringent (drawing tightly, as skin tissue), strict, restrict,
after another), sequel, consequence, subsequent, constrict (draw tightly together), boa constrictor (a snake
obsequious (blindly following), prosecute, execute, that constricts its prey)
stru, struct [build] structure, construct, instruct, obstruct, tox [poison] toxic, intoxicate, antitoxin
construe (build in the mind, interpret), destroy,
tract, tra [draw, pull] tractable (can be handled), abstract
destruction, instrument (originally, a tool for building) (to draw away), tractor, attract, subtract, subtrahend (the
number to be drawn away from another)
sume, sump [take, use, waste] assume (to take; to use),
consume (to use up), presume (to take upon oneself trib [pay, bestow] tribute (a fine paid to a conquering
before knowing for sure), presumption, sump pump power), distribute (to divide among many), redistribute,
(a pump which takes up water) contribute (to give money to a cause), attribute,
retribution, tributary
T
tact, tang, tag, tig, ting [touch] contagious (transmission, trophy [nourishment, development] dystrophy (badly
of disease by touching) contact (touch), tact (sense of nourished), atrophy
touch for the appropriate), intact (untouched, uninjured), tui, tuit, tut [guard, teach] tutor (one who teaches a pupil),
intangible (not able to be touched), tangible, contingent tuition (payment for instruction or teaching fees), intuent
(touching together, depending on something), tactile (knowing by intuition)
techni [skill, art] technician (one who is skilled in the turbo [disturb] turbulent, turmoil, disturb, turbid
mechanical arts), pyrotechnics (display of fireworks),
technique, technology typ [print] type, prototype (first print, model), typical,
typography, typewriter, typology (study of types,
tele [far] telephone (far sound), telegraph (far writing), symbols), typify
telegram, telescope (far look), television (far seeing),
telephoto (far photograph), telecast, telepathy (far U
feeling), teletype, teleprompter ultima [last] ultima (last; final; most remote), ultimate
(man’s last destiny), ultimatum (the final or last offer that
tempo [time] tempo (rate of speed), protem (for the time can be made)
being), extemporaneously, contemporary (those who live
at the same time), temporary, temporal unda [wave, flow] abundant, inundate, undulation, redundant
ten, tin, tain [hold] tenacious (holding fast), tenant, uni [one] unicorn (a legendary creature with one horn),
tenure, untenable, detention, retentive, content, pertinent, uniface (a design that appears only on one side), unify
continent, obstinent, abstain, contain, pertain, detain, (make into one), university, unanimous, universal
obtain, maintain V
vac [empty] vacate (to make empty), vacuum (a space
tend, tent, tens [stretch, strain] tendency (a stretching; entirely devoid of matter), evacuate (to remove troops or
leaning), extend, intend, contend, pretend, superintend, people), vacation, evacuee, vacant
tender, tent, tension (a stretching, strain, tense, tensile,
attention vale, vali, valu [strength, worth, valor] valor (value;
worth), validity (truth; legal strength), equivalent (of equal
terra [earth] territory, terrestrial, terrain, terrarium worth), evaluate (find out the value; appraise actual
worth), valedictorian, valiant, value
test [to bear witness] testament (a will; bearing witness to
someone’s wishes), detest, attest (certify; affirm; bear ven, vent [come] convene (come together, assemble),
witness to), testimony, contest, intestate intervene (come between), circumvent (coming around),
adventure, invent, subvention, venturesome, convent,
the, theo [God, a god] monotheism (belief in one god), inventory, venture, venue, event, eventually, souvenir,
polytheism (belief in many gods), atheism (a belief that contravene (come against) avenue, advent, convenient,
there is no god), pantheism (a belief that God is in all prevent
things), theology. ver, veri [true] verify (truth), very, verify (show to be true),
verisimilitude, aver (say to be true, affirm), verdict
therm [heat] therm (heat unit), thermic, thermal,
thermostat (heat plus stationary; a device for keeping heat vert, vers [turn] avert (turn away), divert (turn aside,
constant), hypothermia (subnormal body temperature), amuse), invert (turn over), introvert (turn inward, one
thermonuclear interested in his own reactions), extrovert (turn outward,
one interested in what is happening outside himself),
thesis, thet [place, put] antithesis (place against), controversy (a turning against; a dispute), reverse,
hypothesis (place under), synthesis, (put together), versatile (turning easily from one skill to another),
epithet convertible, adversary, adverse
tom [cut] atom (not cutable; the smallest particle of vest [clothe, to dress] vest (an article of clothing;
matter), appendectomy (cutting out an appendix), vestment), investor (one who has laid out money for
tonsillectomy, epitome (cut on; a summary), dichotomy profit), travesty, vestry, vestment
(cutting in two; a division), anatomy (cutting, dissecting to
study structure) vic, vicis [change, substitute] vicarious, vicar, vicissitude
tort, tors [twist] torsion (act of twisting, as a torsion bar), vict, vinc [conquer] victor (conqueror, winner), evict
torture (twisting to inflict pain), retort (twist back, reply (conquer out, expel), convict (prove guilty), convince
sharply), extort (twist out), distort (twist out of shape), (conquer mentally, persuade), invincible (not able to be
contort, tortuous (full of twists, as a mountain road) conquered), evince, eviction
vid, vis [see] video (television), vision, evident, provide, vola [to fly] volatile (able to fly off or vaporize), volley,
providence, visible, revise, supervise (oversee), vista, volery, volitant
visit, visage
volvo [turn about, roll] voluble (easily turned about or
viv, vita, vivi [alive, life] revive (make live again), survive around), voluminous, volution, revolt
(live beyond, outlive), vivid (full of life), vivify (enliven),
convivial (fond of “living it up” with friends), vivisection vor [eat greedily] voracious, carnivorous (flesh-eating),
(surgery on a living animal), vitality, vivacious (full of life) herbivorous (plant-eating), omnivorous (eating
everything), devour (eat greedily)
voc [call] vocation (a calling), avocation (occupation not
one’s calling), convocation (a calling together), invocation Z
Zo [animal] zoo (short for zoological garden), zoology
(calling it), evoke, provoke, revoke, advocate,
(study of animal life), zoomorphism (attributing animal
provocative, vocal, vocation, vocabulary form to God), zodiac (circle of animal constellations),
protozoa (first animal; one-celled animals)
vol [will] malevolent, benevolent (one of good will),
volunteer, volition
SOME MORE ROOTS

am / ami – words: Amateur, Amiable, Amicable some other words: cad, accident, incident, coincidental,
meaning: love, friend caducity, cascade, recidivist
some other words: amateur, amatory, amour, amorous,
enamored, inamorata, paramour, amiable, amicable, carn – words: Incarnations
amicicide, amity, unamiable meaning: flesh, meat
some other words: carnivorous, carnal, incarnate,
ambul – words: Anteambulate carnival, carnage
meaning: walk, take steps, move around
some other words: amble, ambulate, ambulant, cede / cess – words: Ceded, Conceded
ambulance, ambulatory, ambulophobia, anteambulate, meaning: to be in motion; to go, to go away, to yield, to
circumambulate, funambulate, noctambulist, give up, to withdraw
somnambulist, perambulate, preamble some other words: antecedents, abcess, accede, cease,
cessation, deceased, decedent, exceed, excess,
ante – words: Anteambulate, Antediluvian intercede, precede, proceed, recede, secede, supercede,
meaning: before, in front of, prior to, forward unprecedented
some other words: antebellum, antecedents,
cept / ceive – words: Concept
anthrop – words: Misanthrope meaning: catch, seize, take, take hold of
meaning: human some other words: accept, perception, perceive, receive,
some other words: anthropology, anthropomorphism, inception, intercept, conceive, conception
anthropophagy, philanthropy
apo / apho – words: Apostles, Apocryphal, Apocalyptic, circ – words: Circumspect
Aphorism meaning: ring, wheel, round some other words: circle,
meaning: away, off, separate (far, extreme) encircle, circadian, circuit, circulate, circumspect,
some other words: apology, apostrophe, apotheosis, circumference, circumvent, circumstance, circumnavigate,
apogee, apoplexy, apostate circumlocution, circumflex, circumscribe
arch – words: Anarchies cogn / cogni – words: Cognate

meaning: govern, rule meaning: know, learn
some other words: monarchy, autarchy, cryptarchy, some other words: cognition, cognisance, cognoscente,
chilliarch, demarch, diarchy, hierarchy, patriarchy, incognito, incognoscible, precognition, recognition
matriarchy, oligarchy
coll – words: Collateral
auto – words: Autonomy
meaning: glue, adherent, related
meaning: self, same, spontaneous, directed from within
some other words: collate, collage, colleague, collect,
some other words: autarch, autism, authentic, automatic,
college, collide, collocate, collude
autoactivation, autoanalysis, autocephaly, autobiography,
autocrat, autoclave con / com – words: Concept, Unconscientious,
bell / belli – words: Belligerent, Bellicose Uncongenial, Connected, Conceded
meaning: war, fight, fighting meaning: with, jointly, together
some other words: rebellion, antebellum, bellicism some other words: concur, contemporary, convention,
concur, contemporary, convention, common
bene / bon – words: Benefactor, Beneficial, Benediction cred – words: Credible, Discreditable
meaning: good, well meaning: believe, belief, faith, confidence, trust some
some other words: benevolent, benedictory, benign, bon other words: credit, accredit, credence, credentials, credo,
vivant, bon voyage credulity, credulous, creed
cad / cas / cid – words: Cadaverous, Decadence, Cadence cracy / crat – words: Democracies, Timocracies,
meaning: to fall, befall Plutocracies
meaning: to govern, to rule; government, strength, eu – words: euphoria, euphemism
power, might, authority meaning: good, well, normal; happy, pleasing
some other words: aristiocracy, autocracy, bureaucracy, some other words: eubiotics, eugenics, eudaemonia,
gerontocracy, gynocracy, kakistocracy, kleptocracy, eulogy, euthanasia, euphonic
mediocracy, meritocracy, ochlocracy
fac / fact / fect – words: factitious, factitiousness
cryp / crypt / crypto – words: Apocryphal meaning: to make, to do, to build, to cause, to produce;
meaning: hidden, secret forming, shaping
some other words: crypt, cryptic, cryptography, encrypt, some other words: fact, manufacture, factor, factory,
decrypt faction, benefactor, malefactor, affect, effect,
confection, facile, facilitate, facility
culpa – words: Inculpate, Culprit
meaning: blame; responsible for wrong or error farc / fars – words: farcical
some other words: culpable, culpability, exculpate, mea meaning: to plug up or to cram, to stuff; (by extension) -
culpa practical joke, sham; fiasco
some other words: infarction, farce
dem / demo – words: pandemic, epidemic
meaning: people, population fus / fun / fund / fut / found – words: refuse
some other words: demagogue, democracy, democrat, meaning: pour, melt, blend
demography, demophilia, demotic, endemic, some other words: fuse, affuse, infuse, transfuse, defuse,
effusive, fusion, perfuse, confuse, profuse, profusion,
deca – words: decade refusal, suffuse
meaning: ten gen – words: engender, genteelism, degenerative
some other words: decahedron, decathlon, decametre, meaning: birth, beget; descent, origin, creation,
decagonal inception, beginning, race, sort, kind, class
derm – words: pachydermic some other words: gene, generic, generate, generation,
meaning: skin congenital
some other words: dermis, epidermis, dermatology, gno – words: cognoscente
taxidermy meaning: know, learn, discern
dign / dain – words: disdain some other words: agnosia, agnostic, ignorance, diagnose,
meaning: worthy; to deem worthy or fit prognosis, gnostic, ignominy, ignore, prognosticate
some other words: condign, dainty, deign, dignity, dignify
gress – words: retrogressive
dol / dolor – words: dolorous, doleful meaning: walk, step, take steps, move around
meaning: to feel pain, to grieve; sorrow, grief, mourning some other words: aggression, congress, digress, egress,
some other words: condole, dole, dolorific, indolent ingress, progress, regress, transgress
du / duo – words: doubt honor / hono – words: dishonour

meaning: two meaning: honour, honesty
some other words: deuce, double, duet, dubious, duo, some other words: honesty, honour, honourable,
duel, duellist, duplex, duplicate, indubitable honorary, honorarium, honorific
duce / duct – words: inducements hubris – words: hubris

meaning: to lead, leading; bringing; to take; to draw along meaning: wanton violence, riotousness, insolence;
or out outrage; arrogance
some other words: adduce, deduce, conducive, induce, some other words: hubristic, hubristically
transduce, introduce, produce, duct, ductile
hyper – words: hyperbole
eco – words: economist
meaning: above, over; excessive; more than normal;
meaning: house, household affairs [environment,
abnormal excess
habitat], home, dwelling
some other words: hyperacidity, hypersensitivity,
some other words: ecology, ecocentric, economic,
hypermetropia, hyperactive, hyperacuity, hypermnesia,
econometric, synecology
hypersonic
edif – words: edifying
meaning: to build, to erect a building; a building, a identi / ident – words: identifiable
sanctuary, a temple meaning: the same, sameness
some other words: edification, edifice some other words: identic, identical, identify, identification
epi – words: epidemic in / ig / il / ir / im – words: inimical, intemperate, indefinite,

meaning: above, over, on, upon; besides; in addition to; invalidate, innocuous, inoffensive
toward; among meaning: no, not
some other words: epicentre, epidermis, epicranial, epifocal, some other words: ignoble, ignominous, illegal, illicit,
epigean, epigram, epigraph, epileptic, epilogue, epiphany irreparable, irresolute, imbalance, immature, improbable
equi – words: equivocation in / im / il / ir – words: impeccable, inured, impecunious,

meaning: same, similar, even, fair, uniform, identical impoverished, infuriating, immutable
some other words: equate, adequate, coequal, equilibrium, meaning: in, into, within, inside, on, toward
equal, equable, equalise, equator, equilateral, equiangular, some other words: inflammable, inaugurate, ingress,
equanimity, equity, equitable, equivalent, equivocal immigrant, imbibe, illuminate, irradiate
jug / junct – words: conjugal some other words: mores, amoral, immoral, demoralise,
meaning: link, unite, yoke; bring together, meet, merge, morale
engage in; combine
some other words: adjunct, adjust, conjunct, conjugate, morbi – words: morbid
conjunction, jugular, injunction, subjugate meaning: disease
some other words: morbidity, premorbid
log / logue / logy – words: prologue
meaning: talk, speak; speech; word
mort / mor / mori / morti – words: moribund
some other words: catalogue, monologue, dialogue,
meaning: death, dead; die, dying
epilogue, dyslogia, lethologica, logagnosia, logagraphia,
some other words: motal, mortality, amortise, benemortasia,
logamnesia, logo, logocide, logogram, logomachy,
mortgage, mortician, mortuary, mortification
logophile, logophobia, misologia, neologism
mot / moto / motile / motive / mov – words: motile
lud / ludi / lus – words: delusory
meaning: move, motion
meaning: play, make sport of, jest; sportive; pastime
some other words: motor, motion, demote, promote,
some other words: allude, allusion, delude, delusion, elude,
locomotive, emote, emotion, motility, motivate
collude, collusion, interlude, ludicrous, prelude, postlude
mut – words mutable (q.18), immutable
magni / magn – words: magnanimity meaning: change, changeable
meaning: large, big, great some other words: mutate, mutation, permutation,
some other words: mananimous, magnificient, magnate, transmute, commute, immutable
magnifico, maginfy, magniloquent, magnitude, magnum
opus sci / scien / scient – words: conscience
meaning: to know, to learn; knowledge
mal / male / mali – words: malaise some other words: science, scientific, conscientious,
meaning: bad, badly, harsh, wrong; ill; evil; abnormal, conscious, nescient, omniscient, prescient
defective
some other words: malafide, maladjusted, malcontent, scrib / script – words: proscription
maladroit, malady, malapropism, maledict, malefactor, meaning: write, record
malevolence, maleficence, malfeasance, malformed, some other words: scribe, script, ascribe, circumscribe,
malfunction, malice, malign circumscription, conscribe, conscript, describe,
manu / man / mani / mandat – words: manners description, inscribe, proscribe, prescribe, manuscript,
meaning: hand or hands postscript, scribble, sxcripture, scrivener, subscribe,
some other words: mannerly, mannerism, manumit, subscription, superscription
manuscript, manufacture, mandate, manipulate, command, secu / secut / suit / sue – words: suitable
demand, remand, emancipate, legerdemain, maintain, meaning: follow, followed, following
manacle, manage, manoeuvre, manicure, manifest, manual some other words: consecutive, consequent, ensue,
mater / matri / matr – words: matrimony, matriarch obsequies, persecute, prosecute, pursue, sequel,
meaning: mother, motherhood sequence, suit, pursuit, suitor, unsuitable
some other words: maternal, maternity, matricide,
sens / senso / senti – words: consensus
matrilineage, matron, matrimonial, matronym
meaning: feeling, sensation, perception through the
melano / melan – words: melancholy senses, to be aware, to discern by the senses
meaning: the color black; dark some other words: sense, sensory, sensitive, sensible,
some other words: melanin, melanoma, melanopathy consent, dissent, dissentious, insensate, insensitive,
nonsense, multisensory, photosensitive, presentiment,
miser – words: miseries
resent, resentful, sensation, senseless
meaning: wretched, miserable, pitiable
some other words: miser, miserable, commiserate,
simal / simil / simul / semble – words: verisimilitude
misericord
meaning: same, like, alike; same time; to appear, to
mod – words: modesty seem; together
meaning: measure; suitable; size, limit, way, method; some other words: similar, simulate, simulacrum,
rhythm, harmony simultaneous, assemble, ensemble, resemble,
some other words: commodious, accommodate, assimilate, dissemble, simile, facsimile
modulate, moderate, modest, mode, modal, modality,
soli / sol – words: sole
model, modern, modify, module
meaning: one, alone, only
moll – words: emollient some other words: solo, soloist, solitary, solitude, solitaire,
meaning: soft solicism, soliloquy, desolate, desolation, isolate, isolation
some other words: mollify, mollusk, mollycoddle sol / solu / solv – words: dissolute
mono / mon – words: monarch meaning: loosen, to loose; to dissolve; to untie, to set free
meaning: one, alone, single some other words: solve, solution, absolve, absolution,
some other words: monogamy, monk, monastry, absolute, aerosol, dissolve, soluble, solvable, insolvent,
monotheism, monatheism, monaural, monism, resolve, resolute
monochrome, monocular, monodrama, monoglot,
monogram, monolatry, monolith, monomachy soph / sopho / sophic – words: sophistication
meaning: wise, wisdom; knowledge
mor / mora – words: moral some other words: pansophism, philosophy, sohist,
meaning: custom, habit, manner sophistry, sophisticated, sophomore, theosophy
tacit / taci / tace – words: taciturnity vacu – words: vacuity
meaning: silent, silence; unspoken; quiet meaning: empty
some other words: reticent, tacit, tacitly some other words: vacant, vacuum, vaction, evacuate,
vacancy, vacuous
term / termin – words: terminate
meaning: end, last, final, boundary valid / val / vail / valent – words: ambivalence
some other words: term, determine, determination, meaning: to be strong, to be well, to be worth; strong;
exterminate, indeterminate, interminable power, strength; and "fare well" [go with strength]
testi / test – words: testifying some other words: avail, available, valency, equivalent,
meaning: a witness, one who stands by value, valuation, valuable, evaluate, devalue,
some other words: attest, attestation, contest, contestant, convalescent, valid, invalid, prevalent, prevail, valediction,
detest, detestable, intestate, protest, protestant, valour, valiant
testament, testify, testimony, testimonial
torp – words: torpid veri / ver / vera – words: veracity
meaning: stupor, numb, sluggish meaning: true, truth, real, truthfulness
some other words: torpor, torpescent, torpidity some other words: aver, averment, verity, veritable,
verdict, verify, verification, verily, verisimilitude,
tors / tort / torqu – words: extort, distort
meaning: bend, curve, turn, twist (by extension) wrong vict / vinc / vince – words: conviction
some other words: retort, contort, torment, torsion, torque, meaning: conquer, overcome
tortuous, torture some other words: victory, convince, evict, evince, invincible
trac / tract – words: extract
vicis / vicar – words: vicissitude
meaning: drag, draw together; a drawing out or pulling
meaning: substitute; change, alternation
some other words: abstact, attract, contract, detract,
distract, tractable, intractable, protract, retract, subtract, some other words: vicarious
tractile, tractor viti / vitu / vic – words: vituperative
trans – words: transmission, transmutation, transformance meaning: a fault, a defect, a blemish; a corruption, a crime
meaning: across, through, over, beyond, on the far side of some other words: vice, vicious, convict, vitiate, vituperate
some other words: transit, transport, transmit, transfer, viva / vivi / vivo / viv – words: convivial, vivifying
transplant, transfuse, transform, transvestite, transverse, meaning: life, alive
transgress, transcend, transient, transition some other words: vivacious, in vivo, joie de vivre, viable,
trepid – words: trepidation viviparous, revive, vivisection, survive, vivid
meaning: agitated, alarmed, restless, anxious, solicitous; voc / vok / vox / vow – words: vociferousness
fear, fearful, fright; terror; consternation meaning: call, talk, speak, say, voice; word
some other words: intrepid, trepidant, trepidity
some other words: voice, vociferous, vow, disavow, vocal,
ultim – words: ultimatum advocate, vouch, invoke, evoke, vocation, equivocal,
meaning: end, last, final revoke, irrevocable, provoke, provocation, vox populi
some other words: ultimate, penultimate, ultimately,
ultimacy, ultimum
WORD GROUPS
abrogate – revoke, end, recall, withdraw, reverse, cancel, artificial – synthetic, manufactured, plastic, insincere,
abolish, repeal, renounce, take back, call back, retract, forced, affected, assumed, false, pretended, hollow,
repudiate, negate, rescind, invalidate, annul, nullify, contrived, unnatural, feigned, spurious, meretricious,
recant, obviate, disclaim, countermand specious, fabricated, counterfeit
abstract – theoretical, complex, intellectual, subtle, assiduous – diligent, constant, steady, hard-working,
profound, speculative, unrealistic, conceptual, indefinite, persistent, attentive, persevering, laborious, industrious,
occult, hypothetical, generalized, impractical, arcane, indefatigable, studious, untiring, sedulous
notional, abstruse, recondite, conjectural, unpractical autonomous – free, independent, sovereign, self-
acquiesce – submit, agree, accept, approve, yield, bend, sufficient, self-governing
surrender, consent, tolerate, comply, give in, conform, barricade – barrier, wall, railing, fence, blockade,
succumb, concur, assent, capitulate, accede obstruction, rampart, fortification, bulwark, palisade,
stockade
adjunct – addition, supplement, accessory, complement,
auxiliary, add-on, appendage, addendum, appurtenance bent (N) – inclination, ability, taste, leaning, tendency,
preference, faculty, forte, flair, penchant, propensity,
adumbrate – intimate, insinuate, hint, suggest, inkling (N)
aptitude, predisposition, predilection, proclivity, liking
affluent – wealthy, rich, prosperous, opulent
berate – rebuke, reproof, scold, lambast, reprimand,
allegiance – loyalty, duty, obligation, devotion, fidelity, remonstrate, castigate, chastise, objurgate
obedience, adherence, constancy, faithfulness bland(-ness) – dull, boring, plain, commonplace, tedious,
argot – jargon, slang, dialect, idiom, vernacular, patter, dreary, tiresome, monotonous, uninspiring, humdrum,
parlance, cant, lingo, patois unimaginative, uninteresting, insipid, unexciting, vapid
bottomless – deep, profound, boundless, unfathomable, (b) swear, declare, to give testimony(=deposition)
immeasurable, fathomless, endless, inexhaustible
Also abysmal (dreadful, bad, terrible, awful, appalling, deride – mock, ridicule, scorn, insult, taunt, sneer, jeer,
dismal, dire, ghastly, hideous, atrocious) disdain, scoff, detract, flout, disparage, chaff, gibe
burgeon(-ing) – develop, increase, grow, flower, derisive – mocking, ridiculing, jeering, taunting, scoffing,
progress, mature, thrive, flourish, bloom, bud, blossom, contemptuous, scornful
prosper diaphanous – fine, light, thin, sheer, delicate,
buttress – support, sustain, strengthen, shore, prop, transparent, translucent, gossamer, gauzy, filmy, pellucid
reinforce, back up, brace, uphold, bolster, augment diatribe – tirade, abuse, criticism, denunciation, reviling,
catholic – wide, liberal, global, varied, comprehensive, stricture, harangue, invective, vituperation
universal, tolerant, eclectic, ecumenical, broad-minded, diffuse – spread, distribute, scatter, circulate, disperse,
unbigoted, unsectarian dispense, dispel, dissipate, propagate, disseminate,
clairvoyant(-ce) – visionary, prophetic, prescient, telepathic, meander
extrasensory, oracular, presaging, prognostic, augural digress – drift, stray, depart, ramble, meander, diverge,
clergy – priesthood, ministry, clerics, clergymen, deviate, expatiate
churchmen, holy orders, ecclesiastics disconcert – disturb, worry, trouble, upset, confuse,
baffle, unsettle, bewilder, agitate, ruffle, perplex, fluster,
cohort – supporter, partner, associate, mate, assistant,
perturb, faze, nonplus
follower, comrade, protagonist, accomplice, henchman
commotion – disturbance, to-do, riot, disorder, disconsolate – inconsolable, despairing, sad, miserable,
excitement, fuss, turmoil, racket, upheaval, bustle, furore, gloomy, hopeless, dismal, melancholy, desolate, forlorn,
uproar, ferment, agitation, ado, tumult woeful, dejected, grief-stricken, wretched
conceal – hide, bury, secrete, cover, screen, disguise, dissemble – hide, act, pretend, bluff, be dishonest,
obscure, camouflage, mask, veil, dissemble dissimulate, conceal, mask
conditional – dependent, limited, qualified, subject to, don – (N) – lecturer, professor, fellow, academic, scholar
contingent, provisional, with reservations (V) – put on, get into, dress in, pull on, change into, get
dressed in
conjecture – guess, theory, fancy, speculation,
assumption, hypothesis, inference, presumption, surmise, drab – dull, grey, gloomy, dismal, dreary, sombre,
theorizing, guesswork, supposition lacklustre, flat, uninspired, vapid
conscientious – careful, exact, faithful, meticulous, draconian – severe, harsh, stern, drastic, stringent,
painstaking, diligent, punctilious, moral, strict, punitive, austere, pitiless, cruel, relentless, oppressive,
straightforward, upright, honest, scrupulous, high-minded, austere, unrelenting, inexorable
incorruptible, ethical
dreadful – terrible, distressing, appalling, tragic, horrible,
corroborate(-ion) – support, establish, confirm, formidable, fearful, dire, horrendous, hideous, monstrous,
document, sustain, back up, endorse, ratify, validate, bear atrocious, frightful
out, substantiate, authenticate
drivel – babble, ramble, maunder, prate, prattle, gibber,
courtly – ceremonious, civil, formal, obliging, refined, chatter, blabber, twaddle
polite, dignified, stately, aristocratic, gallant, affable,
urbane, decorous, chivalrous, highbred dulcet – sweet, pleasing, melodious, mellifluous,
euphonious,
craven – cowardly, weak, scared, fearful, abject,
dastardly, lily-livered, timorous, pusillanimous dupe – deceive, trick, cheat, con, hoax, defraud, beguile,
delude, swindle, outwit, bamboozle, hoodwink
dawdle – waste time, potter, trail, lag, idle, hang about,
loiter, linger, procrastinate effusive – demonstrative, enthusiastic, extravagant,
overflowing, gushing, exuberant, ebullient, unrestrained,
decimate – destroy, devastate, annihilate, eradicate, talkative, fulsome, profuse
wipe out, eliminate, carry off, extinguish, ravage
elite – aristocracy, cream, upper/privileged class, nobility,
decorate – adorn, deck, trim, embroider, garnish, gentry, high society, crème de la crème (French),
ornament, embellish, festoon, bedeck, beautify, grace, nonpareil
ornament, (Adj. – florid, ruddy, ornate)
elixir – panacea, cure-all, nostrum, syrup, potion, distillate
deference – respect, regard, consideration, attention,
emancipate(-ion) – free, release, liberate, set free,
honour, esteem, courtesy, reverence, politeness, civility,
enfranchise, unshackle, disencumber, unfetter, unbridle,
veneration
disenthral, manumit
denounce(-iating) – condemn, attack, censure, decry, embargo – ban, barrier, restriction, boycott, prohibition,
castigate, revile, vilify, proscribe, stigmatize, impugn, moratorium, stoppage, impediment, blockage, hindrance,
excoriate interdiction, proscription, ostracize
depose – (a) oust, dismiss, displace, degrade, embezzle – misappropriate, steal, appropriate, rob,
downgrade, cashier(v), demote, dethrone. siphon off, pilfer, purloin, filch
embroil – complicate, mix up, implicate, entangle, mire, flimsy – fragile, weak, slight, delicate, shallow, shaky,
ensnare, encumber frail, superficial, makeshift, insubstantial
encumbrance – burden, difficulty, obstacle, flinch – wince, start, duck, shrink, cringe, quail, recoil,
embarrassment, obstruction, hindrance, restraint, cower, swerve, shirk
inconvenience, impediment
fluster – upset, bother, disturb, ruffle, excite, confuse,
endemic – widespread, common, sweeping, extensive, hurry, rattle, bustle, hassle, flurry, agitate, confound,
prevalent, rife, pervasive unnerve, perturb
engender – produce, create, breed, generate, provoke, gaffe – blunder, mistake, error, indiscretion, lapse, faux
induce, give rise to, precipitate, incite, instigate, foment, pas, solecism, gaucherie
beget, spawn, sire, propagate
gingerly – cautiously, carefully, reluctantly, suspiciously,
engross – engulf, steep, immerse, soak up, absorb,
tentatively, warily, hesitantly, timidly, circumspectly, charily
plunge, involve, engage, occupy
ennui – boredom, dissatisfaction, tiredness, doldrums, glean – gather, learn, collect, harvest, accumulate, reap,
lethargy, tedium, lassitude, listlessness, indifferent, garner, amass
insouciant, unconcerned, jaunty gloat – relish, triumph, glory, revel in, vaunt, exult, brag,
tout, preen
epidemic – outbreak, plague, growth, spread, scourge,
contagion grate – annoy, irritate, gall, exasperate, nettle, jar, vex,
exacerbate – intensify, worsen, infuriate, aggravate, chafe, irk
exasperate, vex, embitter gratitude(-inous) – thankfulness, recognition,
exorbitant – excessive, high, expensive, extreme, appreciation, indebtedness, gratefulness
ridiculous, outrageous, extravagant, unreasonable, gregarious – outgoing, friendly, cordial, sociable, affable,
undue, preposterous, inordinate, extortionate, convivial, companionable
unconscionable, immoderate
extempore – impromptu, off-the-cuff, offhand, unrehearsed gusto – relish, enthusiasm, appetite, appreciation, liking,
delight, pleasure, enjoyment, savour, zeal, verve, zest,
extradite – deport, exile, hand over, expel, banish, send fervour, exhilaration
back, expatriate
haven – sanctuary, shelter, retreat, asylum, refuge, oasis,
extricate – withdraw, relieve, free, clear, deliver, liberate, sanctum
disencumber, disentangle, untangle, disengage
hedonist – pleasure-seeker, epicurean, bon vivant
facetious – flippant, funny, playful, frivolous, droll, jocular, (French), epicure, sensualist, voluptuary, sybarite
unserious, jocose
husband – conserve, budget, use sparingly, save, store,
fallacious – incorrect, wrong, mistaken, false, misleading, hoard, economize, frugal(Adj.), provident(Adj.)
untrue, deceptive, spurious, fictitious, illogical, erroneous,
illusory, delusive, delusory, sophistic hydrate – moisten, wet, water, soak, sodden, dampen,
moisturize, bedew
famish(-ed) – hungry, starving, voracious, ravenous
hyperbole – exaggeration, overstatement, enlargement,
fashionable – popular, trendy, current, modern, smart, magnification, amplification
prevailing, stylish, genteel, in vogue, modish
hypothetical – theoretical, academic, assumed,
fastidious – particular, meticulous, fussy, overdelicate, imaginary, speculative, putative, conjectural, theatrical,
difficult, nice, critical, discriminating, dainty, squeamish, histrionic, melodramatic
choosy, hard to please, finicky, punctilious
immaculate – pure, perfect, spotless, flawless,
fervent – ardent, earnest, enthusiastic, fervid, passionate, impeccable, stainless, faultless, unblemished, unsullied,
warm, excited, emotional, intense, flaming, eager, uncontaminated, unpolluted, untarnished,
animated, fiery, ecstatic, devout, impassioned, zealous unexceptionable, undefiled
fetter – chain, tie up, shackle, hobble, hold captive,
immanent – inherent, innate, intrinsic, natural, internal,
manacle, captivity(N), bondage(N)
indigenous, subjective, inborn
filibuster – obstruction, delay, postponement, hindrance, imminent – threatening, forthcoming, looming,
procrastination menacing, brewing, impending, upcoming,
finicky – fussy, difficult, particular, hard to please, critical, impetuous(-ity) – rash, hasty, impulsive, violent, furious,
scrupulous, fastidious, dainty, squeamish, choosy, spontaneous, precipitate, ardent, impassioned,
overparticular unplanned, unbridled, vehement, unrestrained,
flaunt – show off, display, boast, parade, exhibit, unthinking, unpremeditated
brandish, vaunt
imprison(-ment) – gaol, immure, incarcerate, jail, put
flay – upbraid, castigate, revile, excoriate, execrate, behind bars, remand, intern, impound, confine,
criticise, lash, assail, fleece jurisprudence
indemnify – compensate, pay, reimburse, repair, repay, magnanimous – generous, kind, noble, selfless,
requite, recompense, reparation, restitution charitable, bountiful, unselfish, unstinting, beneficent,
munificent
indict – charge, accuse, prosecute, summon, impeach,
arraign, sentence, blame, condemn, convict, damn, maladroit – clumsy, awkward, bungling, inept, inexpert,
inculpate unskilful
indigent(-ce) – destitute, poor, impoverished, needy, mannered – affected, posed, artificial, pretentious, stilted,
penniless, penurious, necessitous, impecunious pretentious, counterfeit, feigned, spurious, conceited,
insincere
infamous(-my) – notorious, base, disgraceful, shameful,
vile, scandalous, wicked, atrocious, heinous, odious, maudlin – sentimental, tearful, weepy, mawkish,
ignominious, disreputable, egregious, abominable, lachrymose
villainous, dishonourable, nefarious, iniquitous,
detestable, opprobrious maverick – rebel, radical, dissenter, individualist,
protester, eccentric, heretic, nonconformist, iconoclast
infirm – frail, weak, feeble, failing, ailing, debilitated,
decrepit, enfeebled, doddery meddlesome – interfering, meddling, intrusive,
inimical – hostile, opposed, contrary, destructive, mischievous, prying, officious
harmful, adverse, hurtful, unfriendly, unfavourable, mercurial – capricious, volatile, unpredictable, erratic,
antagonistic, injurious variable, unstable, fickle, temperamental, impulsive,
inquest – inquiry, investigation, probe, inquisition irrepressible, changeable, whimsical
insularity – narrow-minded, prejudiced, provincial, mimic – imitate, ape, parody, caricature, impersonate
limited, narrow, petty, parochial, blinkered, circumscribed,
illiberal, sectarian moderate – soften, control, calm, temper, regulate, quiet,
diminish, curb, restrain, subdue, play down, lessen,
interim – temporary, provisional, makeshift, acting, repress, mitigate, tone down, pacify, modulate
passing, intervening, caretaker, improvised, transient,
stopgap momentous – significant, important, serious, vital,
critical, crucial, grave, historic, decisive, pivotal, fateful,
intermittent – broken, occasional, recurring, irregular,
weighty, consequential
sporadic, recurrent, fitful, spasmodic, discontinuous
intimidate – frighten, pressurize, threaten, scare, terrify, mundane – ordinary, routine, commonplace, banal,
cow, menace, hound, daunt, harass, subdue, oppress, everyday, prosaic, humdrum
persecute, tyrannize, domineer
narcissistic – self-loving, conceited, self-centred,
investiture – installation, ordination, inauguration, egocentric, self-obsessed, egoistic, proud, vain
investment, investing, admission, induction,
enthronement nemesis – bane, scourge, curse, affliction, retribution,
destruction, vengeance
jaundiced – cynical, bitter, hostile, prejudiced, biased,
suspicious, partial, jealous, distorted, sceptical, resentful, obliterate – destroy, eliminate, devastate, wreck, wipe
envious, bigoted, spiteful, preconceived out, demolish, ravage, eradicate, desolate, annihilate,
raze, extirpate
jocund – jolly, jovial, merry, mirthful, jocose, animated,
glad, hilarious, buoyant, airy, jubilant, cheery, cordial, occult – supernatural, mysterious, mystical, unearthly,
convivial, blithe unnatural, esoteric, uncanny, arcane, paranormal,
juggle – manipulate, change, doctor, alter, modify, abstruse, recondite, preternatural
disguise, manoeuvre, tamper, misrepresent, falsify onerous – trying, hard, taxing, demanding, difficult,
kindred – kin, lineage, kinsmen, compatible, congenial, heavy, responsible, grave, exhausting, exacting,
companionable, congnate formidable, troublesome, oppressive, laborious,
burdensome, irksome, exigent
lampoon – ridicule, mock, mimic, parody, caricature,
squib, burlesque, satirize opprobrium – censure, criticism, condemnation,
discredit, disapproval, reproach, calumny, odium,
lanky – gangling, thin, tall, gaunt, bony, rangy, scraggy obloquy, contumely, scurrility, slur, ignominy, infamy
legend – myth, story, tale, fiction, narrative, saga, fable, paltry – insignificant, trivial, worthless, unimportant,
folk tale, celebrity, star, phenomenon, genius, spectacle, small, base, slight, petty, trifling
wonder, marvel, prodigy, luminary
pan(V) – criticize, knock, blast, censure, flay, lambast
levity – frivolity, silliness, triviality, fickleness, flippancy,
giddiness, skittishness, facetiousness parch – wither, burn, blight, brand, scorch, sizzle, shrivel,
cauterize, desiccate, dry up
lumber(-ing) – plod, shuffle, shamble, trudge, stump,
clump, waddle partisan – (Adj.) – prejudiced, one-sided, biased, partial,
sectarian, factional, tendentious
lunacy – foolishness, madness, folly, stupidity, absurdity,
aberration, imbecility, foolhardiness, insanity, madness, (Noun) – supporter, champion, follower, backer, disciple,
mania, dementia stalwart, devotee, adherent, upholder
pathetic – sad, moving, touching, affecting, distressing, quail – shrink, cringe, flinch, shake, faint, tremble, quake,
tender, poignant, plaintive, pitiable shudder, falter, droop, recoil, cower, blench
pecuniary – monetary, economic, financial, capital, quaint – unusual, odd, curious, original, strange, bizarre,
commercial, fiscal, budgetary fantastic, old-fashioned, peculiar, eccentric, queer,
fanciful, whimsical, droll, picturesque, antique, gothic
pensive – thoughtful, serious, sad, grave, sober, musing,
preoccupied, melancholy, solemn, reflective, dreamy, querulous – complaining, cross, discontented,
wistful, contemplative, meditative, sorrowful, ruminative, grumbling, peevish, critical, sour, carping, murmuring,
cogitative whining, dissatisfied, irritable, touchy, petulant, plaintive,
irascible, cantankerous, tetchy
permeate – pervade, saturate, charge, fill, pass through,
penetrate, infiltrate, imbue, impregnate, seep, percolate quiver – shake, tremble, shiver, quake, shudder, agitate,
vibrate, pulsate, convulse, palpitate
pernicious – damaging, dangerous, evil, offensive, fatal,
deadly, destructive, harmful, poisonous, malicious, rail(-ed) – complain, attack, abuse, criticize, censure,
malign, malignant, detrimental, hurtful, malevolent, scold, castigate, revile
noxious, venomous, ruinous, baleful, deleterious,
injurious, noisome, baneful, pestilent, maleficent raillery – banter, badinage, light-hearted teasing,
persiflage, repartee
pillage – plunder, sack, rob, rifle, loot, ravage, ransack, rapture – ecstasy, delight, enthusiasm, joy, happiness,
maraud bliss, euphoria, rhapsody, exaltation, delectation,
beatitude, ravishment
pine – (a) waste, decline, weaken, sicken, sink, flag, fade,
decay, wither, wilt, languish, droop ratify – approve, establish, confirm, bind, sanction,
(b) long, ache, crave, yearn endorse, uphold, authorize, affirm, certify, consent to,
validate, corroborate, authenticate
pious – religious, godly, devoted, spiritual, holy,
dedicated, righteous, devout, saintly, God-fearing, raucous – harsh, rough, loud, noisy, grating, strident,
reverent, sanctimonious rasping, husky, discordant, clamorous, cacophonous, din
pluck(N) – courage, nerve, heart, spirit, grit, bravery, rectitude – morality, principle, honour, virtue, decency,
mettle, boldness, intrepidity justice, equity, integrity, goodness, honesty, correctness,
righteousness, probity, incorruptibility, scrupulousness,
plumb(V) – examime throughly, measure, explore, probe,
uprightness, verity
sound out, search, go into, penetrate, gauge, unravel,
fathom
renaissance – rebirth, revival, restoration, renewal,
ponder – think about, consider, study, reflect on, awakening, resurrection, regeneration, resurgence
examine, contemplate, deliberate about, muse on, brood
rent(V) – tear, split, rip, slash, slit
on, meditate on, mull over, ruminate on, cogitate
rustic – rural, country, pastoral, bucolic, sylvan, simple,
precipitate – quicken, trigger, accelerate, advance, hurry, homely, basic, plain, unsophisticated, unrefined, artless,
dispatch, speed up, hasten, expedite unpolished
preposterous – ridiculous, bizarre, incredible, sacrilege – desecration, violation, blasphemy, mockery,
outrageous, shocking, crazy, absurd, foolish, ludicrous, heresy, irreverence, profanity, impiety, profanation,
unthinkable, unreasonable, insane, irrational, senseless, profaneness
laughable, asinine
sanctum – sanctuary, shrine, altar, holy place, refuge,
prerogative – right, choice, claim, authority, title, retreat
advantage, privilege, birthright, droit, perquisite
sap – weaken, drain, undermine, rob, exhaust, erode,
presumptuous – bold, arrogant, presuming, rash, deplete, enervate, devitalize
audacious, conceited, foolhardy, insolent, overconfident
saturnine – gloomy, grave, sombre, dour, morose, glum,
pristine – new, pure, immaculate, untouched, unspoiled, dismal, melancholy, mournful, lugubrious, doleful
unsullied, uncorrupted, undefiled, original
scathing – critical, cutting, biting, harsh, savage, brutal,
prolific – productive, creative, fertile, inventive, copious, searing, belittling, sarcastic, caustic, scornful, vitriolic,
generative, profuse, fecund trenchant, mordant
prolix – talkative, garrulous, loquacious, forthcoming, sedentary – inactive, sitting, seated, desk, motionless,
articulate, fluent, chatty, wordy, effusive, voluble, verbose torpid, lazy, sluggish, languid, slow, dull, passive, numb,
motionless, stagnant, inert, slow-moving, lethargic,
prologue – introduction, preliminary, prelude, preface, apathetic, drowsy, listless, indolent, languorous,
preamble, foreword, exordium somnolent, lackadaisical, slothful
promontory – point, cape, head, spur, headland, foreland seminal – influential, important, original, creative,
productive, innovative, imaginative
prudish – exaggeratedly proper, prim, formal, proper,
puritanical, demure, squeamish, narrow-minded, sentient – feeling, living, conscious, live, sensitive,
overmodest, overnice reactive
slack – negligent, lazy, lax, idle, inactive, tardy, neglectful, titan – behemoth, colossus, giant, leviathan,
slipshod, inattentive, remiss, dodge mammothian
slight – insignificant, negligible, weak, modest, trivial, traitor – betrayer, deserter, turncoat, deceiver, informer,
superficial, feeble, trifling, meagre, unimportant, paltry, renegade, defector, quisling, apostate, miscreant
insubstantial, scanty turpitude – wickedness, evil, corruption, depravity,
immorality, iniquity, viciousness, vileness, nefariousness
sordid – (a) base, degraded, shameful, vicious, shabby,
vile, degenerate, despicable, disreputable, debauched uncommunicative – reticent, reserved, withdrawn,
(b) dirty, squalid, mean, foul, filthy, unclean, wretched, guarded, silent, shy, curt, taciturn, unresponsive,
slovenly unforthcoming
specious – fallacious, misleading, deceptive, plausible, unconquerable – invincible, unbeatable, indomitable,

sophistic, casuistic enduring, irresistible, irrepressible, insurmountable,
unyielding, undefeatable
spotted – speckled, dotted, flecked, pied, specked,
mottled, dappled unctuous – obsequious, plausible, oily, fawning, cringing,
ingratiating, insincere, sycophantic
stall – hinder, obstruct, impede, block, halt, slow down,
hamper, thwart, sabotage unfledged – inexperienced, immature, callow, young,
green, raw, undeveloped
stout – robust, brawny, plucky, fat, overweight, plump,
unkempt – untidy, scruffy, dishevelled, disordered,
bulky, obese, fleshy, portly, rotund, corpulent, plucky
messy, sloppy, shabby, rumpled, slovenly, disarranged,
ungroomed, disarrayed
stupor – numbness, unconsciousness, trance, coma,
lethargy, torpor, stupefaction, insensibility valor – gallantry, heroism, valiance, bravery, courage,
fearlessness, intrepidity, doughtiness, boldness, pluck,
subjugate – defeat, crush, suppress, put down, overthrow, grit, fortitude
subdue, overpower, quell, rule over, enslave, vanquish
verbiage – verbosity, repetition, tautology, redundancy,
tawdry – vulgar, cheap, tasteless, gaudy, showy, circumlocution, prolixity, periphrasis, wordiness, garrulity,
meretricious loquaciousness
COLLOCATIONS
Certain words go with certain others to convey a distinct aura - magical, faint
meaning. This is called collocation. The combination of aversion - strong
words lends language a rich and native-speaker-like awareness - heightened, political, acute
quality.
ability - exceptional, outstanding, uncanny, bachelor - confirmed
inherent, innate backfire - disastrously
accent - marked, pronounced, strong bearing - direct, significant
access - direct, unlimited beast - savage, ferocious, mythical,
acquisition - latest, new, recent legendary
addition - valuable, useful, worthy background - privileged, disadvantaged
adjustment - minor, fine, appropriate backing - unanimous, whole-hearted
adversary - formidable, worthy baggage - excess
advice - constructive, practical, sound barrage - intense, heavy
advocate - ardent, outspoken, staunch baritone - lusty, melodious
affair - glittering, grand, sordid battle - fierce, pitched
affinity - strong, natural behaviour - exemplary, undesirable
affront - personal bend - hairpin, sharp
bias - clear, marked
agenda - agreed, clear
blaze - fierce
aggression - intense, controlled, naked blizzard - fierce, howling
alibi - cast-iron, solid bloom - exquisite, fragrant
amateur - competent, gifted, talented blush - deep, fiery, faint
amenity - basic, excellent bombing - indiscriminate, precision
ammunition - live, blank brand - leading, major, popular
antipathy - profound, deep, violent bravado - sheer, false
aroma - pungent, rich, strong, lingering, breach - grave, serious, flagrant
subtle
briefing - clear, detailed
array - dazzling, stunning, diverse
assumption - shared, widespread, underlying brilliance - sheer, academic
assurance - categorical bruise - livid, purple, swollen
atmosphere - congenial, convivial, heady, budget - shoestring, tight, government
oppressive, stifling building - derelict, ramshackle, historic
burden - onerous, crippling, financial indictment - damning, scathing
buyer - potential, prospective indulgence - excessive
buzz - angry, low inference - logical, reasonable, obvious
influx - vast, steady
cake - moist, rich, sticky intonation - flat, rising
camouflage - effective, excellent, protective intrusion - unwarranted, unnecessary
campaign - sustained, vicious, concerted irony - final, supreme, ultimate
career - brilliant, distinguished, promising
casualty - heavy, light joy - sheer, overwhelming
charade - clever, pathetic jurisdiction - limited, exclusive
charm - considerable, immense leaflet - promotional, useful
choice - informed, difficult leap - prodigious, big
cliché - worn-out, popular lecture - impromptu, interesting
clout - enormous, considerable leniency - excessive, undue
cluster - compact, dense lifestyle - sedentary, healthy, affluent
coincidence - sheer, pure likeness - strong, good, superficial
comedy - slapstick, romantic
community - close-knit, tight-knit majority - overwhelming, substantial
conception - clear, distinct, traditional malice - pure, sheer
contradiction - flagrant, manifest, fundamental mandate - clear, legal, popular
contrast - stark, complete manner - conventional, time-honoured,
corruption - endemic, rampant, rife haphazard, arbitrary
cuisine - haute, nouvelle, local manoeuvre - complex, complicated, skilful
mansion - imposing, palatial
debt - enormous, crippling matter - pressing, serious
decline - precipitous, steep, steady menace - serious, growing
defiance - blatant, flagrant modesty - characteristic, becoming
discretion - unfettered, utmost
need - compelling, paramount, crying,
ecstasy - pure, sheer perceived
egg - beat, fresh, boiled negligence - gross, criminal
encounter - chance, brief niche - distinctive, suitable
entertainment - popular, lavish, free norm - accepted, established,
epitaph - fitting, perfect nuance - delicate, fine, subtle
evaluation - comprehensive, objective nudge - affectionate, gentle
exaggeration - gross, slight
examination - stiff, competitive obligation - contractual, statutory, mutual, moral
expression - coherent, concrete obscenity - string (of), scream
fate - grim, tragic observation - empirical, careful, direct
finale - rousing, grand odds - insuperable, overwhelming
fish - fillet, sea, tank omission - inadvertent, glaring
fluctuation - rapid, periodic, minor opposition - considerable, determined, bitter
force - brute, lethal optimist - incurable, eternal
foreboding - deep, gloomy organisation - umbrella, professional, voluntary
fury - controlled, pent-up origin - obscure, ancient
futility - utter orthodoxy - rigid, prevailing
oversight - unfortunate
gambler - compulsive, inveterate
generalization - broad, sweeping, valid paradox - curious, apparent
gesture - flamboyant, sweeping, theatrical, paranoia - increasing, mounting
dismissive, placatory parody - brilliant, cruel
glimpse - fleeting, merest, quick passport - valid, forged
gossip - idle, malicious pastime - rewarding, popular
grounding - solid, basic patience - infinite, great
guess - calculated, inspired, intelligent peace - fragile, uneasy
penalty - harsh, heavy, severe, stiff
hole - gaping, massive, yawing peril - dire, grave
honour - signal, dubious persistence - dogged, remarkable, sheer
hostility - implacable, outright, bitter perspective - right, distorted
hunger - insatiable, alleviate poison - strong, virulent
hypothesis - plausible, speculative popularity - massive, dwindling
praise - lavish, unstinting
ideology - dominant, coherent prediction - accurate, reliable
illustration - graphic, vivid price - exorbitant, prohibitive
imagery - powerful, resonant pride - fierce, great
impatience - growing, mounting proof - conclusive, incontrovertible,
impression - overriding, overwhelming, fleeting, irrefutable, tangible
distinct proximity - close, geographical
imprint - indelible, unmistakable pursuit - relentless
quest - eternal, spiritual taboo - rigid, deep-seated
question - probing, embarrassing talent - inborn, innate, prodigious,
quirk - odd, strange remarkable
rage - pent up, suppressed, blind technician - skilled, inexperienced
rapport - instant, tremendous technology - current, existing, emerging
rebuff - stinging, humiliating timing - exact, precise
rebuke - sharp, public toil - relentless, unceasing, unremitting
reception - rousing, frosty, enthusiastic torrent - raging, roaring
recollection - vivid, faint, hazy transition - abrupt, rapid, phased
recording - accurate, detailed trappings - outward, visible
reflection - blurred, clear treason - high
regard - due, scant, proper trend - apparent, consistent, discernable,
regimen - strict, dietary prevailing
rejection - blanket, outright tribute - glowing, handsome, silent
reputation - enviable, formidable trick - cheap, dirty, nasty
retribution - fair, just, divine trickle - thin, steady
reverence - profound, deep triumph - final, latest, ultimate
rumour - scurrilous, vicious, false
trophy - coveted, prestigious, prized
schedule - gruelling, punishing, tight truth - absolute, gospel, harsh
scheme - grandiose, hare-brained turning point - crucial, major, significant
sense - acute, keen, poor turnout - high, low
sentiment - lofty, strong turnover - large, low, total
serenity - absolute
undergrowth - deep, dense, tangled
shadow - sinister, dark
understanding - profound, basic, proper
shiver - cold, delicious, involuntary
undertaking - hazardous, worthwhile
shout - muffled, raucous, triumphant
understatement - gross
sign - definite, telltale, outward
undertone - sinister, racist
similarity - marked, significant, striking
unemployment - large-scale, widespread
skill - consummate, remarkable
unrest - serious, violent, widespread
skyscraper - towering
upbringing - conventional, sheltered
sleep - fitful, uneasy, deep
uproar - great, mild, emotional
slogan - catchy, snappy, popular
upheaval - massive, violent
slope - precipitous, steep, gradual
utility - high, low, public
smile - enigmatic, rueful, sardonic, wry
smirk - patronizing, self-satisfied values - conservative, conventional, dominant
spectacle - unedifying, gold-rimmed vandalism - mindless, wanton
speculation - intense, considerable variation - dramatic, extreme
spice - exotic vegetation - lush, sparse
status - privileged, relative, marital vicinity - close, immediate
strategy - effective, coherent, comprehensive, victim - hapless, unwilling
viable vitality - renewed, sheer
submission - complete, total vocabulary - passive, rich, wide
subsistence - bare, basic void - aching, massive
subtlety - extreme, great, real vow - solemn
suggestion - constructive, practical, outrageous, vulnerability - extreme
preposterous, tentative
wage - decent, fair, meagre
summons - peremptory, royal
warning - dire, grim, ominous, stark
superiority - inherent, innate, overwhelming
waste - absolute, utter
supervision - close, minimal
win - emphatic, decisive, convincing
suspense - heart-pounding, nail-biting
wind - fierce, stiff
suspicion - nagging, sneaking
windfall - unexpected
symmetry - perfect, pleasing
wish - fervent, dying
sympathy - genuine, heartfelt
withdrawal - imminent, strategic, ignominious
FIGURES OF SPEECH
alliteration : The repetition of the same sound anadiplosis : Repetition of a word or a group of
at the beginning of each word. words at the end of one phrase
example : Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled and the beginning of another for
pepper. rhetorical effect.
example : The explanation is so clear ____
anacoluthon : A sentence where the construction so clear that no one can
is changed midway. misunderstand my intentions.
example : My feeling is why don’t you take a
holiday?
anastrophe : Inversion of the normal order of malapropism : Word misused because of
words for rhetorical effect. confusion with a similar sounding
example : Many a horrible sight have I seen. word, often creating a comic effect.
example : She became historical (hysterical)
antithesis : Contrasting ideas put together. after the incident.
example : Fight a war to bring peace.
metaphor : An implied comparison.
antonomasia : Use of a name to refer to anyone example : She sailed through the examination
else who belongs to the same class. with ease.
example : She is the Lata Mangeshkar of the
locality. metonymy : Use of a term to refer to a wider
idea.
aposiopesis or example : The Bench for the judges.
ellipses : Sudden breaking off in a sentence
onomatopoeia : Use of words whose sound
for dramatic effect.
suggests their meaning.
example : There was complete darkness.
example : Buzz of bees.
The door opened and. ….
oxymoron : Putting together the most unlikely
apostrophe : Direct address to an absent or or contradictory terms.
dead person or personified thing. example : The careful carelessness of her
example : “Oh pain and sorrow! Why do you attire.
trouble me thus?”
pathetic fallacy : Attributing human feelings to
assonance : The repetition of the same vowel natural or inanimate objects.
sound producing a rhyming effect. example : The car groaned under the load.
example : The rain in Spain stays mainly on
the plain. personification : Representation of an object or
idea as human.
asyndeton : Omission of conjunctions. example : Death came calling.
example : I came, I saw, I conquered.
simile : Comparison of two unlikely ideas or
euphemism : Use of an inoffensive expression objects using the words ‘like’ or ‘as’.
to soften a sharper one. example : Roads as smooth as Hema’s cheeks.
example : ‘He sleeps in eternal peace’ in
place of ‘He died’. syllepsis : Use of a single word to apply to
two others in a different way.
hyperbole : Exaggeration or overstatement for example : He read the book and my thoughts.
emphasis.
example : All the horses in Arabia cannot synecdoche : Use of a part to represent the
drag me away from this project. whole or vice versa.
example : Uneasy lies the head that wears a
irony : A statement in which the real crown.
meaning is exactly the opposite of
what is literally conveyed. tautology : Needless repetition of words.
example : For Brutus is an honourable manl. example : Look ahead in front of you.
transferred
litotes : Conveying an affirmative by
epithet : Misapplication of an adjective to a
negating the opposite.
noun for dramatic effect.
example : You are no fool.
example : Poisoned cup.
FOREIGN WORDS/PHRASES
FRENCH avant garde - ahead of times, pioneers

bean monde - fashionable society
affaire d’amour - a love affair belle époque - beautiful period
affair d’ honneur - a matter of honour belles letters - good literature
agent provocateur - a person employed to detect bete noir - special object of dislike
suspected offenders by billet doux - love letter
tempting them to overt self bon mot - a witty saying
incriminating action bon vivant - one who loves luxury;
aide-de-camp - a subordinate office acting as a gourmand
a confidential assistant bon voyage - pleasant trip
aide-memoire - a reminder bourgeoisie - the middle classes
a la carte - ordered from a menu cadre - a basic unit, especially of
a la mode - in the manner of servicemen
amour proper - self esteem canard - a rumour
apropos - to the point carte blanche - free hand, unconditional
au fait - familiar or conversant with authorization
c’est la vie - that’s life GERMAN
cause célébre - an issue that attracts a lot of
public attention angst - anxiety
charge d’affaires - a subordinate diplomat blitzkrieg - lightening attack
commit il faut - as it should be done; proper ersatz - artificial
coup d’grace - a death blow hausfrau - housewife
coup d’tat - violent or illegal seizure of kaiser - emperor
power kaput - useless
cride Coeur - a heartfelt appeal lebensraum - territory which a nation
cuisine - a style or method of cooking believes is needed for its
debut - first public appearance development
déjà vu - a feeling of having seen or realpolitik - harsh policy of national self
done it earlier interest
démodé - out of fashion zeitgeist - the spirit of the times
de rigeur - customary or fashionable
détente - relaxation of strained relationship IRISH
detenu - prisoner
Banshee - the wailing of a spirit that
detour - a roundabout way
warns of impending death
de trop - unwanted
Leprechaun - mischievous elf
double entendre - open to two interpretation, one
Shebeen - illegal drinking house
usually indecent
elan - style, dash ITALIAN
eminence grise - a person who exercises power
without holding office Al fresco - in the open air
enfant terrible - a person who causes Che sara sara - what will be, will be
embarrassment by indiscreet Ciao - Hello/goodbye
behaviour Cicerone - a guide
en famille - as one of the family Dolce Vita - the good life
en masse - in a body, all together Prima donna - leading female performer
ennui - boredom Sotto voce - in an undertone
en route - along the way
entente cordiale - friendly understanding JAPANESE
between states
entourage - people surrounding an Aikido - martial art similar to judo
important person. Bonsai - cultivation of miniature trees
entres nous - between ourselves Geisha - lady who is a professional
esprit de corps - spirit of comradeship entertainer and companion for
fait accompli - irreversible fact men
faux pas - a blunder Haiku - poem with 17 syllables
haute couture - high fashion Hara-kiri - ritual suicide by
hors de combat - out of action disembowelling
idée fixe - an obsession Ikebana - art of flower arrangement
jeu d’espirit - witty comment Jujitsu - unarmed self defence
joie de vivre - in high spirits Kamikaze - aircraft with explosives
laissez faire - non interference crashing into enemy targets
melee - a confused fight, a muddle Origami - art of making decorative
mot juste - the right expression shapes from paper
noblesse oblige - obligation of rank, privilege Saki - wine made from rice
entails responsibility Samurai - aristocratic warrior in feudal
nom de plume - a pen name/pseudonym Japan
nouveau riche - a person who has recently Sayonara - goodbye
acquired wealth Tanka - poem of 31 syllables
par excellence - to the highest degree Tatami - mat or floor covering
parole - word of honour of a prisoner
pied-a-terre - secondary residence LATIN
piece de resistance - the best item
protégé - a person under the protection, ab absurdo - from absurdity
patronage or tutelage of another ab initio - from the beginning
raison deter - purpose of existence ab origine - from the origin
risqué - something that is suggestive addendum - an appendix
or indelicate ad arbitrium - at will
sang froid - controlled temperament ad hoc - for a specific purpose
savoir faire - ability to act appropriately ad hominem - relating to a particular person
tete á tete - private conversation ad infinitum - without limit
tour de force - a remarkable feat ad interim - for the timebeing
vis a vis - in relation to as nauseam - to a disgusting degree
volte face - a complete change in conduct ad valorem - in proportion to the estimated
or policy value of the goods
ad verbum - to the last word persona grata - a welcome visitor
alias - a false or assumed name persona non grata - unacceptable or unwelcome
alibi - proof that you were else where person
when a crime was committed post mortem - an examination made after
alma mater - gracious mother; school or death
university one went to prima facie - at first sight
alpha and omega - the beginning and the end pros and cons - for and against
alter ego - one’s other self pro rata - in proportion
alumnus - former student pro tem/protempore - for the time being
amor vincit omnia - love conquers all quid pro quo - return made(for a gift, favour
annus mirabilis - remarkable or auspicious year etc)
a priori - from cause to effect; deductive quo vadis - whither goest thou
bona fide - in good faith religio loci - the spiritual feeling of a place
caveat emptor - warning to buyer that the sanctum sanctorum - the holy of holies
purchase may not be exactly sine die - indefinitely
as hoped sine quo non - indispensable condition
corrigendum - corrections in a book status quo - the existing state of affairs
de facto - in reality sub judice - under judicial consideration
de jure - by right, legally sub rosa - privately
de novo - starting anew summmum bonum - the highest good
dictum - a saying or maxim terra firma - dry land, firm ground
e.g. - exempli gratia (for example) terra incognita - an unknown land
ex gratia - as a favour ultra vires - beyond one’s legal power or
et al - and others authority
ex officio - by virtue of one’s office veni, vidi, vici - I came, I saw, I conquered
facsimile - a perfect copy via media - a middle course
gratis - free of charge viz - namely
homo sapiens - modern man
in memoriam - in memory of RUSSIAN
inter alia - among other things
in toto - entirely babushka - a grand mother; a head scarf
ipso facto - by that fact dacha - a country house
ipso jure - by the law itself glasnost - policy of openness in
lacuna - gap government
lapsus calami - a slip of the pen gulag - forced labour camp
lapsus lingual - a slip of the tongue perestroika - policy of restructuring
lapsus memorial - a slip of the memory samovar - tea urn
locus standi - a recognized status sputnik - artificial satellite
magnum opus - a great piece of work
mala fide - in bad faith/ with bad intention SPANISH
modus operandi - the way of working
modus vivendi - way of living fiesta - religious festival, holiday
non sequitur - it does not follow siesta - afternoon nap
per se - by or in itself
CONFUSABLE WORDS
1. ACCESS / ASSESS Her affection for the orphans is obvious from her
Access is a way of entering or reaching a place. loving deeds.
The only access to the ground was through a narrow Affectation is artificial behaviour.
gate. He is a simple person without fuss or affectation.
Assess is to make a judgement about the nature or
quality of somebody or something. 4. ALTER / ALTAR
I wanted to assess the urgency of the issue before Alter is to change or to make someone or something
taking a decision. different.
She wanted to alter her appearance.
2. ACCESSION / ASCENSION
Altar is a special table where religious ceremonies
Accession is the act of becoming a ruler of a
are performed.
county/becoming part of an international organization.
He stood at the altar, waiting for the priest.
The first anniversary of the Queen’s accession to the
throne will be celebrated with great pomp and
5. ANTICIPATE / EXPECT
splendour.
Ascension refers to the act of going to Heaven. Anticipate is to be aware of something in advance.
Mother Teresa was conferred with sainthood after her We anticipate a good monsoon this year.
ascension. Expect is to think or believe something will happen.
3. AFFECTION / AFFECTATION I expect you will do very well in your examination
Affection is a feeling of love. because you worked so hard.
6. APPRAISE / APPRISE Schools should lay adequate stress on oral work too.
Appraise is to make an estimate. Auric has to do with gold.
Frequent appraisals of a company’s performance is The auric splendour of the autumn leaves held
the hallmark of good management. everyone spellbound.
Apprise means to inform.
I was apprised of the dangers that I might face during 15. BENEFICIAL / BENEFICIARY
the trip. Beneficial is something that helps people to improve
their lives.
7. ACCEDE / CONCEDE Vitamins are beneficial to our health.
Accede means to agree. Beneficiary is someone who gains or is helped by
I acceded to his suggestion that I should continue my
something.
education before seeking employment.
Mohan is the chief beneficiary of his father’s will.
Concede means to admit or give in to.
The opponent conceded defeat without much fight.
16. BESIDE / BESIDES
8. ADAPT / ADEPT / ADOPT Beside means next to.
Adapt is to change in accordance with the need or There is a church beside my house.
situation. Besides mean in addition to.
In order to progress, one must adapt to change. Besides teaching English, she can handle Maths
Adept means to be skilful at something. classes also.
These thieves are adept at breaking into locked 17. CASUAL / CAUSAL
houses. Casual means relaxed and unconcerned.
Adopt is to become legal parents of a child that is not Her casual attitude to the examination led to her failure.
one’s own. Causal means acting as a cause, responsible. The
Many people have come forward to adopt the management’s refusal to revise salaries was causal
orphans after the tsunami. to the strike.
9. ANTICS / ANTIQUE 18. COLLISION / COLLUSION

Antics are absurd acts or postures. Collision is to crash into something.
His antics at the party amused everyone. The head-on collision of the bus and the car resulted
Antique is something very old which is very valuable. in extensive damage to the smaller vehicle.
This shop sells antique items. Collusion is a secret or illegal co-operation.
The policeman was in collusion with the black-
10. AESTHETIC / ASCETIC marketer and so turned a blind eye to his activities.
Aesthetic is something artistic or beautiful or tasteful.
The lady was praised for her aesthetic sense. 19. COMPLAINT / COMPLIANT
Ascetic is one who abstains from pleasures and A complaint is an expression of dissatisfaction.
luxuries. The Principal took note of the child’s complaint about
He wanted to retire from his profession and lead the the non-availability of textbooks.
life of an ascetic. Compliant means to be willing.
The CEO of the company wanted a compliant work
11. ALLUDE / ELUDE force.
Allude is to hint at.
The lady alluded that her husband was to blame for 20. COMPLEMENT / COMPLIMENT
the misunderstanding. Complement is to enhance or improve something.
Elude means evade or escape from. This dress complements her beauty.
The facts of the incident eluded him. Compliment is to praise.
I complimented her on her good taste.
12. ALLUSION / ILLUSION
Allusion is an indirect reference to something. 21. COMPLEMENT / SUPPLEMENT
The allusion that I am a lazy person is false. Complement means to make a good combination.
Illusion is false notion / idea or belief. The green curtains complement the wall paper.
Do not have any illusion that this problem is easy to Supplement means to add to.
solve. He had to work overtime to supplement the family
income.
13. AFFECT / EFFECT
Affect is the influence of something upon something 22. CONFIDANT / CONFIDENT
or someone. Confidant is someone you can confide in.
Don’t let the weather affect your work. Her sister is her confidant.
Effect is the result of something. Confident is to be sure of.
The effect of the heavy monsoon this year is that we Mayur was confident he could complete the task
have adequate water in the city. unaided.
14. AURAL / ORAL / AURIC 23. CONSCIENTIOUS / CONSCIOUS

Aural has to do with the sense of hearing. A conscientious person is one who is very careful
The scientist has invented a new machine that will about work.
improve one’s aural faculties. The conscientious worker could not be persuaded to
Oral refers to the spoken language. take leave till he had finished the job on hand.
To be conscious is to be aware. The article dealt explicitly with corruption in high
I am conscious of the feelings of discontent among places.
my staff. Implicit means without question, absolute.
Implicit faith in the Almighty helps one to bear
24. CONTINUAL / CONTINUOUS suffering.
Continual is constantly or frequently occurring.
I am unable to finish this novel because of the 33. EUPHEMISM / EUPHONIOUS
continual interruptions. Euphemism is to couch something unpleasant in
Continuous is without a break. pleasant words.
Continuous rain for three whole days led to the The phrase ‘voluntary retirement’ may be a
flooding of all roads. euphemism for redundancy.
Euphonious means sounding pleasant.
25. CREDIBLE / CREDULOUS Euphonious notes of music floated in from the
Credible is something that can be believed. neighbour’s house.
The minister’s claim that he was trying his best to
contain terrorism sounded credible. 34. FACILITATE / FELICITATE
A credulous person is one who easily believes what Facilitate means to make easy.
he is told. The new road will facilitate quicker travel.
Quacks continue to operate in villages because of Felicitate means to congratulate.
credulous poor. A meeting was called to felicitate the outgoing
manager.
26. DENY / REFUSE
Deny is used to say something is not true. 32. FARTHER / FURTHER
He denied that he had any role in the crime. Farther or further is used with reference to distance.
Refuse is to indicate unwillingness to accept or grant. I cannot walk any farther/further.
He refused to assist them in the crime. Further means to a great extent or degree. Farther
cannot be used here.
27. DESERT / DESSERT Prices have already touched the roof; can they go any
If we desert someone or a place, we leave them / it. further?
The politician was deserted by his supporters.
Dessert is the sweet dish served after a meal. 33. HISTORIC / HYSTERIC
We had ice-cream and fresh fruit for dessert. Historic is something that is famous or significant in
history.
28. DISINTERESTED / UNINTERESTED The Taj Mahal is a historic monument.
Disinterested is to be impartial or unbiased. Hysteric is a state of uncontrolled emotion.
The viewers were disinterested observers of the The hysterical weeping of the woman brought a tear
game. to every eye.
Uninterested means bored, not interested.
The lecture was uninteresting so I took out my book 34. LUXURIOUS / LUXURIANT
to read. Luxurious is something that is fine and expensive.
They lived in a luxurious house.
29. ECONOMIC / ECONOMICAL Luxuriant is something that grows healthily.
Economic has to do with the management of He owes his luxuriant crop of hair to a new hair oil.
money.
Economic policies can make or break governments. 35. IMAGINARY / IMAGINATIVE
Economical is sparing in the use of resources or Imaginary is something that is not real.
money. He suffered from imaginary fears.
It is economical to buy goods in that shop.
Imaginative shows the use of one’s imagination.
30. EMINENT / IMMINENT Viplav is an imaginative writer who is very popular
Eminent means well-known. with the young.
This country has produced many eminent scientists.
36. INCREDIBLE / INCREDULOUS
Imminent is something that is likely to happen
immediately. Incredible is difficult or impossible to believe.
War is imminent, warned the minister. She told us an incredible story.
Incredulous means not willing or able to believe
31. ENDEMIC / EPIDEMIC something.
Endemic is something that is found regularly in a He gave me an incredulous look when I said I had
particular place. cooked the entire meal.
Malaria is endemic in tropical countries.
Epidemic is the outbreak of disease, affecting a large 37. INDUSTRIAL / INDUSTRIOUS
number of people. Industrial is a word to describe things which relate to
AIDS threatens to become an epidemic. industry.
Industrial effluents are poisoning water bodies.
32. EXPLICIT / IMPLICIT Industrious means hard working.
Explicit means something that is shown or expressed An industrious and willing worker is bound to attain
clearly. success.
38. INTERCEDE / INTERVENE Raze is to destroy completely.
Intercede is to speak in favour or on behalf of. Many buildings were completely razed to the ground
Ronak asked his father to intercede with the principal in the earthquake.
on his behalf.
Intervene means to interrupt or stop. 47. RECOURSE / RESOURCE
My father will return tomorrow unless the weather Recourse means to seek help from.
intervenes. He took recourse to Yoga to overcome stress.
Resource is something one can use to increase one’s
39. JEST / ZEST wealth.
Jest means humour. The earth’s natural resources will soon be exhausted
He made the remark in jest. if man is not careful.
Zest is enthusiasm.
His zest for painting even at the age of 90 is amazing. 48. SENSUOUS / SENSUAL
Sensuous means something that gives pleasure to
40. MOMENTARY / MOMENTOUS the mind or body through the sense.
Momentary means lasting only for a short time. The sensuous touch of the warm water in the bubble
She suffered from a momentary lapse of memory. bath made her drowsy.
Momentous is something of very great importance. Sensual is something that shows or suggests a great
Receiving the Noble Prize was a momentous liking for physical pleasures.
occasion in his life.
The sensual movement of her hips had everyone’s
eye riveted to her.
41. NEGLIGENT / NEGLIGIBLE
Negligent means to be careless. 49. REFUSE / REFUGE / REFUGEE
She was negligent about her appearance. Refuse is waste or garbage.
Negligible means so small as to be not worthy of The refuse from the city is dumped on the outskirts.
attention. Refuge is shelter or protection.
Her contribution to the effort was negligible. People took refuge on roof tops to save themselves
from the rising flood waters.
42. ORDINANCE / ORDNANCE Refugee is someone who is forced to leave his
Ordinance is a law or an order or a statute. country on account of war or other turmoil.
The government has issued an ordinance forbidding Many refugees from neighbouring countries have
the dumping of construction material on roads. settled in India.
Ordnance refers to ammunition, weapons.
A new ordnance factory is to be set up in one of the 50. VENAL / VENIAL
southern states.
Venal refers to the willingness to do dishonest or
immoral things for money.
43. PERSPICACIOUS / PERSPICUOUS
Perspicacious means to have very clear judgement Eleven venal politicians were expelled from the Indian
and understanding. parliament in the cash-for-question case.
People relied on her because she was perspicacious. Venial refers to sin or fault that can be easily forgiven.
Perspicuous is something that is clearly expressed. Even though the man was guilty of only a venial
The perspicuous nature of the document pleased offence, his wife refused to pardon him.
everyone.
51. VIRTUOUS / VIRTUOSO
44. PLAUSIBLE / PROBABLE Virtuous means being morally good.
Plausible is something that seems to be true. She led a virtuous life.
Shama told us a plausible story. Virtuoso is one who is good at a particular activity,
Probable is something that has a good chance of especially a musical instrument.
being true. L. Subramanyam is a violin virtuoso.
It is probable that the strike will be called off.
52. WILLING / WILLFUL
Willing is to be ready to do something.
45. POPULAR / POPULOUS
I am willing to undertake the responsibility.
Popular is something or someone that is liked by all.
Willful is to show strong and unreasonable
He is popular with college students. determination to have one’s way.
Populous means thickly populated. He is a willful child and is a trial for his parents.
India is a populous country.
53. YOLK / YOKE
46. RAISE / RISE / RAZE
Yolk is the yellow part of the egg.
Raise is to lift or move something to a higher level.
Egg yolk is not used in this recipe.
Petrol prices have been raised again. Yoke is the wooden bar used on two animals so that
Rise is an increase in number. they can work together.
There has been a sharp rise in the crime rate. The bullocks were yoked to the plough.
IDIOMS AND PHRASES
It is all one to me : just the same without any difference

To be on the alert : to be on guard; to be ready to act
In the air : prevalent, found everywhere
To agree to differ : to give up trying to convince each other
Achilles' heel : the one weak spot in someone's circumstance or character
Act as someone/something : to perform the actions or functions of (a specified person or thing)
Act for someone : to stand in as substitute for them
Act on/upon someone/something : to have an effect or influence on them or it
Act on/upon something : to follow (advice, etc); to obey (instructions, etc)
Act something out : to express (one’s feelings, fears, etc) in one’s behaviour, usually unconsciously
Act up : 1. said of a machine, etc: to fail or function erratically
2. to behave badly
To come of age : to reach adult status
To have an axe to grind : a personal interest in some matter; private ends to serve
To all intents and purpose : practically; virtually
To burn one's fingers : to cause oneself trouble or harm
To bid fair : to seem likely
To be beside oneself : to lose self-possession
In the palm of one’s hand : under one’s control or influence
To be in bad books of one : to be out of favour with one
To go back on one's word : to fail to keep up one's word
In black and white : in writing
On the brain : constantly in the thoughts
To be born with a silver spoon in
the mouth : to be born into wealth and luxury
To bring down the house : call forth general and loud applause
To be in bad odour : to be out of favour; in bad repute
To burn the candles at both ends : overtaxing the energies
To bury the hatchet : to make peace; to cease fighting
To blow one's own trumpet : to praise oneself
To the backbone : in every way; to the last bit; completely
A bone of contention : a subject of dispute
In one’s blood : inherent in one’s character
To bear a charmed life : to be invulnerable
Black sheep : bad character(s), scoundrel(s)
Bear down on / upon someone /
something : to move threateningly towards them or it
To bear fruit : to be productive
Bring something to bear : to apply or exert (especially pressure or influence) or bring something into operation
Bear on something : to affect, concern or relate to it
Bear someone/something out : to support or confirm them or it
Bear up : to remain strong or brave under strain or difficult circumstances
Bear with someone : to be patient with them
Book in : 1. to sign one’s name on the list of guests at a hotel.
2. to report one’s arrival at a hotel or conference reception desk, airport
Book someone in : to reserve a place or room for them in a hotel, etc.
Book something up : to fix and reserve in advance the tickets and other arrangements for (a holiday,
show, meal, etc)
At a person’s beck and call : having constantly to obey a person’s orders
To have a bone to pick with : to have a cause for quarrel
To have the blood run cold : to be horrified
With bag and baggage : completely with all belongings
To change hands : to go in some other’s possession
To come to the front : to attain prominence; to become conspicuous
To coin money : to make money very quickly
To be in character with : in keeping with
To create bad blood : to create ill-feeling, bitterness
In cold blood : deliberately done in a calculated manner and not in a moment of passion
To change colour : to turn pale
To be at cross purposes : to misunderstand each other
To be carried off the feet : wild with excitement
To the point : relevant or relevantly
To cook the accounts : to prepare false accounts
To catch red-handed : to catch at the moment of committing the crime
To be on the cards : not improbable; probably
To carry all before : to be completely successful; successful in convincing an audience
To crow over : to triumph over; to gloat over
To curry favour : to ingratiate oneself
To cut one's own throat : to ruin oneself
To cut short : to interrupt
To cut off without a shilling : to disinherit
To cut a poor figure : to make a poor impression
To come to a head : to reach a crisis
To catch / clutch / grasp at a straw : resort in desperation to an utterly inadequate expedient
Come what may : no matter what happens
Cut across something : 1. to go against (normal procedure, etc)
2. said of an issue, etc: to be more important than, or transcend (the barriers
or divisions between parties, etc)
3. to take a short cut through it, eg a field, etc
Cut back on something : to reduce spending, etc
Cut something down : to fell a tree, etc
Cut down on something : to reduce one’s use of it; to do less of it
Cut in : 1. to interrupt
2. (said of a vehicle) to overtake and squeeze in front of another vehicle
Cut something off : 1. to separate or isolate it
2. to stop (the supply of gas, electricity, etc)
3. to stop it or cut it short
Cut someone off : to disconnect them during a telephone call
Cut out : 1. (said of an engine, etc) to stop working
2. (said of an electrical device) to switch off or stop automatically, usually as a
safety precaution
Cut something out : 1. to remove or delete it
2. to clip pictures, etc out of a magazine, etc
3. to stop doing it
4. to exclude from consideration
5. to block out the light or view
Cut into someone : (said of the driver or a vehicle) to drive in front of (another vehicle) in a
dangerous manner
Cry something down : to be critical of it
Cry off : to cancel an engagement or agreement
Cry out for something : to be in obvious need of it
Cry someone or something up : to praise them or it
Crack down on someone/something: to take firm action against them or it
Crack up : to suffer an emotional breakdown
On the rest of a wave : at the most favourable moment in one’s progress
Carry something forward : to transfer (a number, amount, etc) to the next column, page or financial period
Carry something off : 1. to manage (an awkward situation, etc)
2. to win (a prize, etc)
3. to take something away by force
Carry on : 1. to continue; to keep going
2. to make a noisy or unnecessary fuss
Carry weight : be influential or important
Carry on with someone : to have a love affair with them
Carry something out : to accomplish it successfully
Carry something over : 1. to continue it on the following page, etc; to carry forward
2. to postpone it
Carry someone through : to help them to survive a difficult period, etc
Carry something through : to complete or accomplish it
To die in harness : to continue to the last in business or profession
To draw one out : to elicit information out from one
At the drop of a hat : given the slightest excuse
To be a dead letter : to be no longer in force
To draw the line : to fix the limits
At daggers drawn : have strained relations
Dog in the manger : a person who prevents others from using something, although he has no use for it
Do away with someone / something: to abolish; to murder
Do someone / something down : to speak of them or it as if unimportant or not very good
Do or die : persist regardless of danger
Do someone in : to kill them
Dos and Don’ts : rules of behaviour
Do someone out of something : to deprive them of it especially by trickery
Do oneself up : to dress up
Do something up : to repair, clean or improve the decoration of a building
Do without something : to manage without it
Draw back : to retreat; to recoil
Draw a person’s fire : attract hostility, criticism etc. away from a more important target
Draw in : said of nights; to start earlier, making days shorter
Draw on something : to make use of assets from a fund or source, draw on reserves of energy
Draw someone out : to encourage them to be less shy or reserved
Draw up : to come to a halt
Draw oneself up : to lift oneself into an upright position; to straighten up
Draw something up : to plan and write (a contract or other document)
Could do with something/someone : would benefit from having them or it
Draw in one’s horns : become less assertive or ambitious
To be all ears : to pay deep attention
To be all eyes : to eagerly watch
To eat a humble pie : to apologize humbly
To eat one's words : to take back what one has said
To end in smoke : to end without any result
To be every inch : entirely; completely
Eat something away or eat
away at something : 1. to gnaw it
2. to eat into it
Eat in : to eat at home rather than in a restaurant, café, etc
Eat into/through something : 1. to use it up gradually
2. to waste it
3. to destroy its material, substance or form, especially by chemical action; to
corrode it
Eat out : to eat at a restaurant, café, etc rather than at home
Eat up : to finish one’s food
Eat something up : 1. to finish (one’s food)
2. to destroy it
3. to absorb; to listen with real interest
Be eaten up with something : to be consumed by (jealousy, etc)
To have an eye to the main chance: have the main objective of making money
Of flesh and blood : human nature
To a fault : excessively
Not fit to hold a candle : not to be named in comparison with
To foot the bill : to pay for it
To fall foul of : to quarrel with
To fight tooth and nail : with all the power
At the first blush : at the first sight
To be in full swing : very active
To fight shy of : dislike; to avoid
To fall short of expectations : to disappoint
To feel like a fish out of water : to be in a strange situation; like one out of his element
By fits and starts : irregularly; capriciously
To feather one's own nest : to make money unfairly
To fall flat : to produce no effect; to cause no interest; to become a fiasco
Far and away : by a very large amount
A far cry : a long way off; no easy transition
Fall about : to be helpless with laughter
Fall apart : 1. to break into pieces
2. to fail; to collapse
Fall away : 1. (said of land) to slope downwards
2. to become fewer or less
3. to disappear
Fall back : to move back; to retreat
Fall back on something : to make use of it in an emergency
Fall behind or fall behind with
something : 1. to fail to keep up with someone, with one’s work, etc
2. to be late in paying instalments, rent, etc
Fall down (on) : perform poorly
Fall foul of : come into conflict with
Fall for someone : to become infatuated with them, or fall in love with them
Fall for something : to be deceived or taken in by it; to be conned by it
Fall in : 1. (said eg of a roof) to collapse
2. said of a soldier, etc: to take his or her place in a parade
Fall into place : begin to make sense
Fall in with someone : to chance to meet or coincide with them
Fall in with something : to agree to it; to support it
Fall off : to decline in quality or quantity; to become less
Fall on/upon someone : 1. to attack them
2. to embrace them passionately
Fall out : 1. said of soldiers: to come out of military formation
2. to happen in the end; to turn out
Fall out with someone : to quarrel with them, and then not talk to them or have contact with them for a
period of time
Fall through : (said of a plan etc) to fail; to come to nothing
Fall to someone : something that becomes one’s job
After a fashion : to a certain degree; not satisfactorily
To have at one's finger's ends : to know thoroughly
To gain ground : to become more widely influential
To get into hot water : to get into trouble
To get the better of one : to overcome someone
To get it into one’s head : firmly believe or maintain
To go out of hand : to lose control; to go out of control
A gift of the gab : a talent for speaking
To give oneself airs : to behave arrogantly
To go home to one : to have the desired impact, to deeply affect
To be in the good books : to be in favour with
Get the worst of it : be defeated
To give a piece of one's mind to : to scold
To be as good as : practically
To be as good as one's word : to keep one's promise
To be as good as gold : to be very good
To get the better of : to gain advantage over
To be Greek and Latin : something that is not understood
To give chapter and verse : full and precise reference to authority
To give a false colouring : to misrepresent
To give a cold shoulder : to treat in a cold and distant manner
To give a person in charge : to hand a person over to police
To cast the gorge at : to reject with loathing
To give a handle to : to furnish an occasion for
Get about/around : 1. to travel; to go from place to place
2. said of a rumour, etc: to circulate
Get something across : to make it understood
Get ahead : to make progress, to be successful
Get along with someone : to be on friendly terms with them
Get out of : avoid or escape (a duty etc)
Get at something : 1. to reach or take hold of it
2. to suggest or imply it
Get away : 1. to leave or be free to leave
2. to escape
3. an exclamation: used to express disbelief, shock, etc
Get away with something : to commit (an offence or wrongdoing etc) without being caught or punished
Get back at someone : to take revenge on them
Get by : 1. to manage to live
2. to be just about acceptable
Get someone down : to make them sad or depressed
Get something down : 1. to manage to swallow it
2. to write it down
Get down to something : to apply oneself to (a task or piece of work)
Get something in : 1. to gather or harvest it
2. to succeed in doing or making it before something else occurs
Get round to : deal with (a task) in due course
Get into something : to develop a liking or enthusiasm for it
Get in with someone : to become friendly with them, often for selfish reasons
Get off/get someone off : 1. to escape, or cause them to escape, with no punishment or with only the
stated punishment
2. to fall asleep or send (eg a child) to sleep.
Get off something : to stop discussing or dealing with (a subject)
Get round/around : successfully coax especially to secure a favour
Get on : to make progress; to be successful
Get on at/someone : to pester or criticize them continually
Get on to someone : 1. to make contact with them
2. to begin dealing with them
Get on to something : 1. to find out the truth about it
2. to start dealing with a matter
Get on with someone : to have a friendly relationship with them
Get out of : said of information: extracted from someone
Get something out : 1. to manage to say it, usually with difficulty
2. to publish it
Get out of something : to avoid having to do it
Get over someone/something : to be no longer emotionally affected by them or it, to recover from something
(an illness, disappointment, etc.)
Get something over : to explain it successfully; to make it understood
Get something over with : to deal with (something unpleasant) as quickly as possible
Get round : (said of information, a rumour, etc) to become generally known
Get round someone : to persuade them or win their approval or permission
Get round to something/someone : to deal with it or them eventually
Get through something : 1. to complete (a task, piece of work, etc)
2. to use it steadily until it is finished
3. to pass (a test, etc)
Get someone through : to help someone pass (a test, etc)
Get through to someone : 1. to make contact with them by telephone
2. to make them understand
Get through : pass or assist in passing
Get oneself up : to get dressed up
Get something up : 1. to arrange, organize or prepare it
2. to learn it by deliberate effort
3. to increase and maintain (speed)
Get someone up : to make them get out of bed
Get together : to assemble, especially for a specified purpose
Get up to something : to do or be involved in it, especially when it is bad, unwelcome or not approved of
To come to grief : to fail; to ruin
To go out of the way : to take special trouble
To go hard with : to suffer severely; to prove a serious matter
To hold water : to stand scrutiny
By hook or by crook : by any means - fair or foul
To hang together : to be consistent; to keep united
With a high hand : oppressively; having some power
To be hand and glove
(also hand in glove) : to be deeply involved (negative connotation) on very intimate terms
To hope against hope : to hope even when the result seems to be futile.
To hit the nail on the head : to state the truth exactly
To have one's heart in the right place: be of a kindly and sympathetic disposition
To be in high spirits : to be cheerful; joyful
To be in hand : to be under control
To have one's hands full : to be very busy
To have a hand : to be involved in or concerned with
To harp on the same string : dwell tediously on the same subject
To be hard of hearing : slightly deaf
Heads i win, tails you lose : in any case I will be the winner
To do the handsome thing
by somebody : to behave in a magnanimous manner towards somebody
To hang in the balance : to be undecided
To go to heart : to touch deeply
To hold good : to be valid; to remain deliberation
To be head and shoulders above : be much above
To hang on somebody's lips/words : to listen eagerly to somebody's words; to give close admiring attention to
somebody
To hang fire : be slow in taking action or in progressing
To heap coals of fire on the
head of enemy : to return good for evil and make the enemy ashamed of enmity.
A hard nut to crack : a difficult problem to solve
To be in hot water : to be in trouble
Hobson's choice : no choice at all
Hoist with (or by) one’s own petard : affected adversely by one’s schemes against others
Hang about/around : 1. to waste time; to stand around doing nothing
2. to stay or remain
Hang about or around with someone: to spend a lot of time in their company
Hang back : to be unwilling or reluctant to do something
Hang on : 1. to wait; “I’ll hang on for a bit”
2. to carry on bravely, inspite of problems or difficulties
Hang on something : 1. to depend on it. Eg. It all hangs on the weather
2. to listen closely to it. Eg. Hanging on her every word
Hang something on someone : to blame them for it
Hang on to something : to keep a hold or control it
Hang out : 1. to lean or bend (eg of a window, etc)
2. (said of clothes) to hang up outside to dry
3. to frequent a place. Eg. He hangs out in local bars
Hang something out : to hang up (washing) outside to dry
Hang together : make sense
Hang over someone : (said of an unresolved problem, decision, etc) to overshadow or threaten them
Hang over something : to project over or lean out from it
Hang together : 1. (said of two people) to be united and support each other
2. (said of ideas etc), to be consistent
Hang up : to finish a telephone conversation by replacing the receiver
Hang something up : to hang something on a hook, hanger, etc
To have an old head on
young shoulders : to be wise beyond one's age
To be at issue : to be in dispute
To be ill at ease : uncomfortable; uneasy; anxious
The ins and outs of : the full details of
To have too many irons in the fire : to engage oneself into many works at the same time
To keep pace with : to progress at an equal rate (speed)
To keep in the dark : to keep in ignorance; to hide
To keep in touch with : to have knowledge of
To keep one's own counsel : to preserve a discreet silence; not sharing details of one's plans with others
To kick up a row : to make a great noise
Of a kind : of the same type
In kind : in the same way; in the same measure
To know a thing or two : to be wise or cunning
To keep a good table : to provide luxurious food
To keep one's head above water : to keep out of debt
To keep at arm's length : to keep at a distance
To keep up appearances : to keep an outward show of prosperity
To know what one is about : to be far-sighted and prudent
To keep the wolf from the door : to keep away from starvation
To keep on tenterhooks : to keep in a state of suspense and anxiety
Keep a stiff upper lip : to show no emotion or worry when faced with difficulties
Knock about/around : 1. to wander about (a place) in a casual and aimless way; to lie about unused;
to die knocking about the streets
2. to travel about, roughing it and having varied experience. Eg. He knocked
about Europe for the summer
Knock someone about/around : to treat them roughly; to hit or batter them
Knock about with someone : to associate or go about with them
Knock someone back : 1. to cost them (a specified amount) Eg. Knocked me back 500 quid
2. surprise, dismay, or disappoint them
3. to rebuff or reject them; to turn them down
Knock someone down : to strike them to the ground, knocked down by a car
Knock something down : 1. to demolish (a building)
2. to reduce its price
Knock together : put together hastily
Knock into someone : to meet them by chance or unexpectedly
Knock into someone/something : to collide with them
Knock something into someone : to teach it to them forcefully
Knock off : 1. to finish work
2. strike off with a blow
Knock something off : 1. to produce it or them at speed or in quick succession, apparently quite easily
2. to deduct (a certain amount)
3. to rob or steal it
4. to copy and distribute illegally
5. (often in commands) to stop it
Knock someone out : 1. to make them unconscious, especially by hitting them
2. boxing to make them unconscious or render them incapable of rising in the
competition
3. to amaze them; to impress them greatly
Knock someone sideways : to come as a severe shock to them; to devastate or disconcert them
Knock something together : to make it hurriedly
Knock up : to exchange practice shots with one’s opponent before a match
Knock someone up : 1. to wake them by knocking
2. to exhaust them
3. coarse slang to make them pregnant
Know a thing or two : be experienced or shrewd
Kick about/around : 1. to lie around unused and neglected
2. to be idle; to go about aimlessly
Kick someone/around : to treat them badly or roughly
Kick something about/around : to discuss (an idea, etc) informally among several people
Kick in : to take effect
Kick off : 1. to start, or restart, a football game by kicking the ball away from the center
Kick something off : to begin (a discussion, etc)
Kick someone/something out : to dismiss or get rid of them or get rid of it, especially using force
To lose ground : to become less powerful or acceptable
To live from hand to mouth : satisfying only one’s immediate needs
In the long run : eventually; ultimately
To live by one's wits : to live by deceit or fraud
To the letter : exactly with adherence to every detail
To lord over : to dominate
The long and the short of it : the simple fact; the whole matter in a few words
To leave no stone unturned : to adopt all possible means
To be on last legs : on the verge of ruin
To lie in the bed that one has made: to take the consequences of one's own acts; suffer for one's misdeeds
To lay hands on : to catch hold of
To leave for good : to leave permanently
To lay at the door : to impute blame
To let the grass grow under one's feet: to remain idle; to procrastinate
Leave a person cold : not impress or excite a person
To leave one in the lurch : to desert one in difficulties; to leave one in a helpless condition
To be led by the nose : to follow submissively
Let someone or something down : to disappoint or fail to help them at a crucial time.
Let someone in for something : to involve them in something difficult or unpleasant
Let someone in on something : to share a secret, etc with them
Let off : let go without punishment
Let someone/something off : to release them or it from work, duties, etc
Let up : to stop or to become less strong or violent
Eg. The rain let up at last
Lay something aside : 1. to put it to one side, especially for later use or treatment
2. to discard or abandon it
Lay something by : to put away for future use
Lay something down : 1. to put it on the ground or some other surface
2. to give it as a deposit, pledge, formulate or device
3. to give up or sacrifice (life)
4. to formulate or device (law)
5. to store (wine) in a cellar
6. to begin to build (a ship or railway)
7. to put (music) onto tape, CD, etc
Lay something in : to get and store a supply of it
Lay hands on : seize or attack
Lay into something : to eat it quickly and with enthusiasm
Lay someone off : to dismiss (an employee) when there is no work available
Lay a charge : make an accusation
Lay off someone : to leave them alone
Lay something on : to provide a supply of it
Lay someone out : 1. to knock them unconscious
2. to prepare (a dead body) for burial
Lay something out : 1. to plan and arrange (especially land or natural features)
2. to spread it our or display it
3. to spend it
Lay someone up : to force them to stay in bed or at home
Lay something up : 1. to keep or store it
2. to put (a ship) out of use, especially for repairs
To bring to light : to disclose
The long and short of it : the eventual outcome
Lock, stock and barrel : the whole of a thing
To make both ends meet : to live within one's income
To meet half-way : to compromise
To make one's mark : to be of the same opinion
To make up one's mind : to decide; to resolve
To make a clean breast of : to confess without reserve
A man of straw : a man of no substance or consequence
To make neither head nor tail : to make nothing of
To be a mare's nest : a worthless thing
To make light of : to treat lightly without taking serious note of
To make the most : to use to the best advantage
To mean business : to be in earnest
To make the blood creep : to fill with horror (anger)
To make common cause with : to side with and give support
To make the flesh creep : to horrify
To move heaven and earth : to make every possible effort
To make a pile : to make a fortune
A man of his words : a trustworthy man
To make over : to transfer the possession of (a thing) to a person
To make shift : to get along as best as one can
To a man : everyone without exception
To be beside the mark : not to the point; irrelevant
To make good the loss : to compensate the loss
Not to mince matters/words : to speak unreservedly and frankly
To make ducks and drakes of : to squander
In the nick of time : just at the right moment; opportunely
Nip in the bud : to make it fail before it could mature
To be neither here nor there : irrelevant;
To a nicety : exactly
To nail one’s colours to the mast : refuse to surrender or climb down
Not to be in one's line : not to be in one's province or area of activities
Off and on
(sometimes used as “on and off”) : now and then; occasionally
The order of the day : the prevailing state of things
To be out of date : obsolete
To be out of spirits : gloomy; sad
To be out of the question : not to be thought of, impossible
Over the heads of : above the comprehension of
To be over head and ears : to be deeply immersed or involved
To be out of the way : strange; eccentric; abnormal
To be at one with : to be of the same opinion
To be out of pocket : to have no money
To be with open arms : to be ready for a warm welcome
To put on one's mettle : to rouse a person to do his best
To play fast and lose : to say one thing and do another; be unreliable
To pay off old scores : to take revenge
To put a spoke in the wheel : to thwart; to stop
To put one's foot down : to take a resolute stand
To put one's foot in something : to blunder
To put one's foot down : to remain firm (at one decision)
To put a finger in the pie : to do something with the affair; to mix up in the affair
To put heads together : to consult one another
To pay back in one's own coin : to treat one in the same way he has treated
To play false : to deceive; to betray
To pocket affront : to receive or submit to something without protest
To put on the market : to offer for sale
Pass muster : accept as satisfactory
To put a good face on : to bear up courageously
To play with fire : to trifle with matters liable to cause trouble
To put one's hand in one's pocket : to give money in charity
To put one's heart in the right place: be faithful and true-hearted
To put two and two together : to reason logically; to draw correct inference
To put the screw on : to bring pressure to bear on
In the pink : in the best of health
In the palm of one’s hand : in one’s power
Palm something off on someone/
palm someone off with something : to give them something unwanted or unwelcome, especially by trickery
Play about/around : to behave ineffectively or irresponsibly
Play about/around with someone : to behave irresponsibly towards them, their affections, etc
Play about/around with something : to fiddle or meddle with it
Play someone along : to manipulate them, usually for one’s own advantage
Play along with someone : to co-operate with them for the time being; to humour them
Play at something : 1. to make a pretence of it, especially in play, eg., play at being cowboys
2. to indulge in it trivially or flippantly, eg. play at politics
3. (ironic) to try to achieve it, eg. what are they playing at?
Play something back : to play (a film or sound recording) through immediately after making it
Play something down : to represent it as unimportant, to minimize, make light of or discount it
Play off : 1. to replay a match, etc after a draw
2. (golf) to play from the tee
Play one person off against another: to set them in rivalry, especially for one’s own advantage
Play on something : 1. to exploit (someone’s fears, feelings sympathies, etc) for one’s own benefit
2. to make a pun on it. eg. played on the two meanings of ‘batter’
Play something on someone : to perpetrate (a trick or joke) against them
Play something out : to act out in real life a part, scene, etc that is so predictable that it could have
come from a play
Play out/across something : (said of light, facial expression, etc), to flicker over, across, etc (a surface, etc)
Play up : 1. to behave unco-operatively
2. to cause one pain or discomfort, e.g., His stomach is playing up again
3. (said of a machine etc) to function faultily
4. to try one’s hardest in a game, match, etc
Play something up : to highlight it or give prominence to it
Play up to someone : to flatter them; to ingratiate oneself with them
Play with someone : 1. said especially of children: to spend time in recreation with them
2. to joke with them at their expense
Play with something : to contemplate (an idea, plan, etc), e.g., played with the idea of becoming a writer
Pick at something : 1. to eat only small quantities of (one’s food)
2. to keep pulling at (a scab, etc) with one’s fingernails
Pick a quarrel : start an argument or fight deliberately
Pick on someone : 1. to blame them unfairly
2. to bully them
3. to choose them for an unpleasant job
Pick on something : to choose it
Pick someone out : 1. to select them from a group
2. to recognize or distinguish them among a group or crowd
Pick on : to find faults
Pick over : select the best from
Pick up : said of a person, a person’s health, or a situation: to recover or improve
Pick up or pick something up : to resume
Talk the hind leg off a donkey : talk continuously
Talk nineteen to the dozen : talk continuously
Talk through one’s hat : 1. talk nonsensically
2. exaggerate
To be up-to-date : modern; recent
Up to the mark : quite satisfactory
An ugly customer : formidable person to deal with
Under one's nose : in the very presence of one
Upto the eyes : completely; to its full extent
Upto the mark : in excellent health; completely prepared or fit
To be under the thumb of : to be completely under the influence or control of
Under false pretences : by giving a deliberately misleading impression
Make a virtue of necessity : derive some credit or benefit from an unwelcome obligation
With one voice : unanimously
Not worth his salt : quite worthless
To win one's laurels : to acquire glory
To win one's spurs : to make reputation or to gain distinction
Without reserve : fully; implicitly
To wash one's hands off something: refuse to be involved any more
To be within an ace of : on the point of, within the reach of
To be well-balanced : to be reasonable; moderate
A wild-goose chase : a foolish and fruitless search
Wash one’s hands of : renounce responsibility
A wolf in sheep's clothing : a hypocrite
To wash one's dirty linen in public : discussing unpleasant private matters before strangers
To be on the wrong side of sixty : to be more than sixty years of age
White elephant : an item that is expensive to maintain
For want of something : in the absence of it
In want of something : needing it
Warm to someone : to gain in affection or approval from them
To be at wit’s ends : to be quite puzzled; not knowing what is to be done
Lay waste : ravage
Whistle in the dark : pretend to be unafraid
Within a stone's throw : at a short distance from
To do yeoman service : to do an excellent service
Commonly Misspelt words
ab-bre-vi-ate an-gle aux-il-ia-ry ca-pac-i-ty
a-brupt an-ni-hi-late a-vail-a-ble cap-tain
ab-sence an-ni-ver-sa-ry av-er-age car-bu-ret-or
ab-so-lute-ly an-nounce aw-ful ca-reer
ab-sorb-ent an-nu-al aw-ful-ly car-riage
ab-surd a-noint awk-ward cash-ier
a-bun-dance a-non-y-mous bach-e-lor ca-tas-tro-phe
ac-cel-er-ate an-swer bag-gage caught
ac-com-mo-date ant-arc-tic bal-ance cav-al-ry
ac-com-pa-ny an-tic-i-pate bal-loon cel-e-bra-tion
ac-com-plice anx-i-ety bal-lot cem-e-ter-y
ac-com-plish anx-ious ba-nan-a cen-sus
ac-cor-dance any-thing band-age cen-tu-ry
ac-count apart-ment bank-rupt cer-tain
ac-cu-mu-late a-pol-o-gize bar-gain cer-tif-i-cate
ac-cu-rate ap-pa-ra-tus bar-rel change-a-ble
ac-cus-tomed ap-par-ent-ly base-ment char-ac-ter
ache ap-peal basis chauf-feur
a-chieve-ment ap-pear-ance bat-tery chief
ac-knowl-edge ap-pe-tite beau-ti-ful chim-ney
ac-quain-tance ap-pli-ca-tion beau-ty choc-o-late
a-cross ap-point-ment be-come choose
ac-tu-al ap-pre-ci-ate be-com-ing Chris-tian
ad-di-tion-al ap-proach beg-gar cir-cu-lar
ad-dress ap-pro-pri-ate be-gin-ning civ-i-li-za-tion
ad-mis-si-ble ap-prov-al be-hav-ior cli-en-tele
ad-mit-tance ar-chi-tect be-ing cli-mate
ad-van-ta-geous arc-tic be-lief climb
ad-ver-tise-ment ar-gu-ment be-lieve clothes
ad-ver-tis-ing a-rith-me-tic ben-e-fi-cial coach
ad-vice a-rouse ben-e-fit-ed col-lar
ad-vise ar-range-ment be-tween col-lat-er-al
ae-ri-al ar-riv-al bi-cy-cle col-lege
af-fect ar-ti-cle bis-cuit colo-nel
a-gain ar-ti-fi-cial bliz-zard col-or / col-our
a-gainst as-cend bought col-umn
ag-gra-vate as-cer-tain bound-a-ry com-ing
ag-gres-sion as-i-nine break-fast com-mence
agree-able as-sas-sin breathe com-mer-cial
a-gree-ment as-sign-ment brief com-mis-sion
aisle as-sist-ance bril-liant com-mit
al-co-hol as-so-ci-ate brought com-mit-ment
a-lign-ment as-so-ci-a-tion bro-chure com-mit-ted
al-ley as-sume bruise com-mit-tee
al-lot-ted as-sur-ance budg-et com-mu-ni-cate
al-low-ance as-ter-isk bul-le-tin com-mu-ni-ty
all right ath-lete buoy-ant com-par-a-tive
al-most at-tach bu-reau com-par-i-son
al-ready at-tack bur-glar com-pel
al-though at-tempt bury com-pe-tent
al-to-geth-er at-tend-ance busi-ness com-pe-ti-tion
a-lu-mi-num at-ten-tion busy com-pet-i-tive-ly
am-a-teur at-ti-tude caf-e-te-ria com-plain
a-mend-ment at-tor-ney caf-fe-ine com-ple-ment
a-mong at-trac-tive cal-en-dar com-plete-ly
a-mount au-di-ble cam-paign com-plex-ion
a-nal-y-sis au-di-ence can-celed com-pli-ment
an-a-lyze au-thor-i-ty can-di-date con-cede
an-cient au-to-mo-bile ca-noe con-ceive
an-ec-dote au-tumn can’t con-cern-ing
con-cert de-sign enough fourth
con-ces-sion de-sir-able en-ter-tain frag-ile
con-clude de-sir-ous en-thu-si-as-tic fran-ti-cal-ly
con-crete des-per-ate en-tire-ly freight
con-demn des-sert en-trance friend
con-di-tion de-ter-mine en-vel-op (v.) fun-da-men-tal
con-fer-ence de-vel-op en-ve-lope (n.) gad-get
con-ferred de-vel-op-ment en-vi-ron-ment gan-grene
con-fi-dence di-a-mond equip-ment ga-rage
con-grat-u-late dic-tio-nary equipped gas-o-line
con-science dif-fer-ence equiv-a-lent ge-ne-al-o-gy
con-sci-en-tious dif-fer-ent es-pe-cial-ly gen-er-al-ly
con-scious dif-fi-cul-ty es-sen-tial gen-er-ous
con-se-quence di-lap-i-dat-ed es-tab-lish ge-nius
con-ser-va-tive di-plo-ma ev-i-dence gen-u-ine
con-sid-er-ably di-rec-tor ex-ag-ger-ate ge-og-ra-phy
con-sis-tent dis-agree-able ex-ceed ghet-to
con-sit-tu-tion dis-ap-pear ex-cel-lent glo-ri-ous
con-tempt-ible dis-ap-point ex-cept gnaw
con-tin-u-al-ly dis-ap-prove ex-cite gov-ern-ment
con-tin-ue dis-sas-trous ex-ec-u-tive gov-er-nor
con-trol dis-ci-pline ex-er-cise gra-cious
con-ve-nience dis-cov-er ex-haust grad-u-a-tion
con-vince dis-cuss ex-hi-bi-tion gram-mar
cool-ly dis-cus-sion ex-hil-a-ra-tion grate-ful
co-op-er-ate dis-ease ex-is-tence grat-i-tude
cor-dial dis-sat-is-fied ex-or-bi-tant grease
cor-po-ra-tion dis-tin-guish ex-pect grief
cor-re-spond dis-trib-ute ex-pe-di-tion griev-ous
cough di-vide ex-pen-sive gro-cery
couldn’t di-vine ex-pe-ri-ence grudge
coun-try di-vi-sion ex-plain grue-some
cour-age doc-tor ex-pla-na-tion guar-an-tee
cou-ra-geous doesn’t ex-pres-sion guard
cour-te-ous doubt ex-qui-site guard-ian
cour-te-sy drudg-ery ex-ten-sion guess
cous-in du-pli-cate ex-tinct guide
crit-i-cism dye-ing ex-traor-di-nary guid-ance
crit-i-cize dy-ing ex-treme-ly guilty
cru-el ear-nest fa-mil-iar gym-na-si-um
cu-ri-os-i-ty eco-nom-i-cal fa-mous gy-ro-scope
cur-ric-u-lum econ-o-my fas-ci-nate hab-i-tat
cus-tom ec-sta-sy fash-ion ham-mer
cus-tom-ary ef-fi-cien-cy fa-tigue hap-haz-ard
cyl-in-der eighth fau-cet hap-pen
dai-ly ei-ther fa-vor-ite hap-pi-ness
de-ceit-ful elab-o-rate fea-ture ha-rass
de-ceive elec-tric-i-ty Feb-ru-ary har-bor / har-bour
de-cid-ed el-e-phant fed-er-al hast-i-ly
de-ci-sion el-i-gi-ble fem-i-nine hav-ing
dec-la-ra-tion elim-i-nate fer-tile height
dec-o-rate em-bar-rass field hes-i-tate
de-fense emer-gen-cy fierce hin-drance
de-ferred em-i-nent fi-ery his-to-ry
def-i-nite em-pha-size fi-nal-ly hoarse
def-i-ni-tion em-ploy-ment fi-nan-cial-ly hol-i-day
de-li-cious emul-sion for-eign hon-or / hon-our
de-pot en-cour-age for-feit horde
de-scend en-deav-or for-mal-ly hor-ri-ble
de-scribe en-gi-neer for-tu-nate hos-pi-tal
de-scrip-tion En-glish for-ty hu-mor-ous
de-serve enor-mous foun-tain hur-ried-ly
hy-giene jus-tice min-i-mum per-mis-si-ble
hymn kitch-en min-ute per-se-ver-ance
hy-poc-ri-sy knowl-edge mir-ror per-sis-tent
iam-bic la-bel mis-cel-la-neous per-son-al
id-io-syn-cra-sy lab-o-ra-to-ry mis-chief per-son-nel
il-lus-trate lac-quer mis-chie-vous per-suade
imag-i-nary lan-guage mis-er-a-ble phe-nom-e-non
imag-ine laugh mis-ery phy-si-cian
im-i-ta-tion laun-dry mis-sion-ary piece
im-me-di-ate-ly law-yer mis-spell planned
im-mense league mois-ture pleas-ant
im-mor-tal lec-ture mo-men-tous pneu-mo-nia
im-pa-tient le-gal mon-u-ment pol-i-ti-cian
im-por-tance leg-is-la-ture mort-gage pos-ses-sion
im-pos-si-ble le-gi-ti-mate mu-nic-i-pal pos-si-ble
im-promp-tu lei-sure mus-cle prac-ti-cal-ly
im-prove-ment length mu-si-cian prai-rie
in-ci-den-tal-ly li-a-bil-i-ty mys-te-ri-ous pre-cede
in-con-ve-nience li-a-ble na-ive pre-ce-dence
in-cred-i-ble li-brary nat-u-ral-ly pre-cious
in-def-i-nite-ly li-cense nec-es-sary pre-fer-ence
in-de-pen-dent lieu-ten-ant ne-ces-si-ty pre-ferred
in-dis-pens-able light-ning neigh-bor-hood prej-u-dice
in-di-vid-u-al like-ly nick-el pres-ence
in-dus-tri-al lin-eage niece prev-a-lent
in-dus-tri-ous liq-uid nine-teenth prim-i-tive
in-ev-i-ta-ble lis-ten nine-ty pris-on-er
in-fe-ri-or lit-er-ary no-tice-able priv-i-lege
in-fi-nite lit-er-a-ture no-to-ri-ety prob-a-bly
in-flu-en-tial live-li-hood nu-cle-ar pro-ce-dure
in-ge-nious liv-ing nui-sance pro-ceed
in-gen-u-ous log-a-rithm obey pro-fes-sor
in-im-i-ta-ble lone-li-ness oblige prom-i-nent
ini-tia-tion los-ing ob-sta-cle pro-nounce
in-no-cence lov-able oc-ca-sion pro-nun-ci-a-tion
in-no-cent love-ly oc-ca-sion-al-ly pro-pa-gan-da
in-stance lun-cheon oc-cur psy-chol-o-gy
in-stead ma-chine oc-curred pub-lic-ly
in-sti-tute mag-a-zine oc-cur-rence pur-sue
in-sur-ance mag-nif-i-cent of-ten pur-suit
in-tel-li-gence main-tain omis-sion quan-ti-ty
in-ter-cede main-te-nance omit-ted ques-tion-naire
in-ter-est-ing ma-jor-i-ty opin-ion qui-et
in-ter-fere mak-ing op-por-tu-ni-ty quite
in-ter-pret man-age-ment op-po-site quo-tient
in-ter-rupt ma-neu-ver op-ti-mism raise
in-ter-view man-u-al or-di-nance rap-port
in-ti-mate man-u-fac-ture orig-i-nal re-al-ize
in-va-lid mar-riage out-ra-geous re-al-ly
in-ves-ti-gate ma-te-ri-al pag-eant re-ceipt
in-vi-ta-tion math-e-mat-ics paid re-ceive
in-rel-e-vant may-or pam-phlet re-ceived
ir-re-sist-ible meant para-graph rec-og-ni-tion
ir-ri-gate mea-sure par-al-lel rec-og-nize
is-land med-i-cine par-a-lyze rec-om-mend
is-sue me-di-eval par-lia-ment ref-er-ence
jan-i-tor me-di-o-cre par-tic-u-lar-ly re-ferred
jeal-ous me-di-um pas-time re-hearse
jew-el-ry mer-it pe-cu-liar rel-e-vant
jour-nal mes-sage per-ceive re-lieve
jour-ney mile-age per-haps re-li-gious
judg-ment min-ia-ture per-ma-nent re-mem-ber
re-mem-brance sim-i-lar ter-ri-ble vac-u-um
rep-e-ti-tion since ter-ri-to-ry valu-able
rep-re-sen-ta-tive sin-cere-ly the-atre va-ri-ety
res-er-voir sol-emn there-fore var-i-ous
re-sis-tance soph-o-more thief veg-e-ta-ble
re-spect-a-bly source thor-ough-ly ve-loc-i-ty
re-spect-ful-ly spe-cif-ic though ven-geance
re-spec-tive-ly spec-i-men through-out very
re-spon-si-bil-i-ty speech tired vi-cin-i-ty
res-tau-rant sphere to-bac-co view
rheu-ma-tism stopped to-geth-er vig-i-lance
rhyme straight to-mor-row vil-lain
rhythm strat-e-gy tongue vis-i-ble
ri-dic-u-lous strength to-night vis-i-tor
sac-ri-le-gious study-ing touch voice
safe-ty sub-tle tour-na-ment vol-ume
sal-a-ry suc-ceed trag-e-dy wan-der
sand-wich suc-cess trans-ferred war-rant
sat-is-fac-to-ry suf-fi-cient trea-sur-er weath-er
Sat-ur-day su-per-fi-cial tried Wednes-day
scarce-ly su-pe-ri-or-i-ty tries weird
scene su-per-sede tru-ly wel-fare
sched-ule sup-ple-ment Tues-day where
sci-ence sup-pose tu-ition wheth-er
scis-sors sure-ly typ-i-cal which
sec-re-tary sur-prise unan-i-mous whole
seize syl-la-ble un-doubt-ed-ly whol-ly
sen-tence sym-pa-thy uni-ver-si-ty whose
sen-ti-nel symp-tom un-nec-es-sary width
sep-a-rate tar-iff un-prec-e-dent-ed wor-thy
ser-geant tech-nique un-til wreck-age
sev-er-al tele-gram up-per wres-tler
se-vere-ly tem-per-a-ment use-ful writ-ing
shin-ing tem-per-a-ture using writ-ten
siege tem-po-rary usu-al-ly yel-low
sig-nif-i-cance ten-den-cy va-ca-tion yes-ter-day

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INTRODUCTION

ABOUT THIS BOOK

This book is divided into many volumes for your perusal.

This is followed by the fifth volume dealing with Word Groups.

1. ABASE (verb) Usage: During the process of abbreviation

22. ABRIDGED (adj) 35. ACCOMMODATING (adj)

88. ANTAGONISM (noun) 99. ARBITRARY (adj)

90. ANTIDOTE (noun) 101. ARDOUR (noun)

91. APATHETIC (adj) 102. ARDUOUS (adj)

95. APPETITE (noun) 107. ASPERSION (noun)

119. AUSTERE (adj) 131. BALEFUL (adj)

163. BOMBAST (noun) 175. BRUSQUE (adj)

183. CACOPHONY (adj) 196. CAPTIVATE (verb)

185. CALCULATED (adj) 198. CARDINAL (adj & noun)

186. CALIBRE (noun) 199. CAREWORN (adj)

245. COMPLICITY (noun)

235. COLLAPSE (verb) 247. CONCEPTION (noun)

249. CONCILIATE (verb)

242. COMPLACENT (adj) 255. CONFISCATE (verb)

243. COMPLAISANT (adj) 256. CONFORM (verb)

266. CONSONANCE (noun) 279. CONVIVIAL (adj)

267. CONSTRUCTIVE (adj) 280. CORPORAL (adj)

283. COSMOPOLITAN (noun & adj) 296. CRESCENT (adj)

284. COSSET (verb) 297. CRITICAL (adj)

311. DECAPITATE 323. DEFUSE (verb)

315. DECOY (noun) 326. DEIFY (verb)

316. DECAY (noun) 327. DELIBERATION (noun)

338. DERIDE (verb) 350. DETEST (verb)

340. DESECRATE (verb) 352. DEVIOUS (adj)

342. DESIST (verb) 354. DEVOUT (adj)

365. DISCOURSE (noun) 377. DISSEMINATE (verb)

381. DISSONANCE (noun) 394. DRACONIAN (adj)

382. DISTEND (verb) 395. DREARY (adj)

392. DOVETAIL (verb) 405. EFFUSIVE (adj.)

407. EGOCENTRIC (adj) 420. EMISSARY (noun)

408. EGREGIOUS (adj) 421. EMOTIVE (adj)

412. ELOQUENT (adj) 425. ENDANGER (adj)

415. EMBARK (verb) 428. ENHANCE (verb)

442. ETCH (verb) 455. EXCULPATE (verb)

485. FELICITY (noun) 498. FLAGRANT (adj)

492. FIENDISH (adj) 505. FOOTING (noun)

518. FRENZY (noun) 530. GALVANIZE (verb)

595. HOMICIDE (noun) 608. IMMANENT (adj)

622. INCESSANT (adj) 635. INFIRM (adj)

639. INGENIOUS (adj) 652. INSTANTANEOUS (adj)

643. INJUNCTION (noun) 656. INTERCESSION (noun)

694. KINDRED (adj) 706. LAPSE (noun & verb)

695. KINK (noun) 707. LARCENY (noun)

696. KIOSK (noun) 708. LARDER (noun)

720. LEVITY (noun) 733. LOATHSOME (adj)

724. LIBERAL (adj) 736. LUCID (adj)

725. LIBERATE (verb) 737. LUCRE (noun)

726. LIBERTINE (noun) 738. LUGUBRIOUS (adj)

727. LIEGE (noun) 739. LUMINARY (noun)

767. MANOEUVRE (noun) 780. MEGALOMANIA (noun)

820. NAÏVE (adj) 832. NONCHALANT (adj)

821. NARCISSIST (noun) 833. NONDESCRIPT (adj)

845. OBNOXIOUS (adj) 859. OPINE (verb)