GRE Common Vocabulary – Flashcards
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aberrant
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[abərənt,əˈberənt] adjective Latin: ab- away, from; errare - to stray = wandering away > aberrant (mid-16th century) departing from an accepted standard. abnormal, different from the accepted norm synonyms: deviant, deviating, divergent, abnormal, atypical, anomalous, irregular; nonconformist, rogue; strange, odd, peculiar, uncommon, freakish, quirky; twisted, warped, perverted "eating on the floor with the dogs is just one example of his aberrant behavior" BIOLOGY diverging from the normal type. "aberrant chromosomes"
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abeyance
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[əˈbāəns] noun a state of temporary disuse or suspension. Old French: a- toward; beer- to gape = aspire after > abeance: aspiration to a title > abeyance (late 16th century) "matters were held in abeyance pending further inquiries" synonyms: in suspension, in a state of suspension, in a state of dormancy, in a state of uncertainty, in remission; pending, suspended, deferred, postponed, put off, put to one side, unresolved, up in the air; informal: in cold storage, on ice, on the back burner "expansion plans for the middle school are in abeyance" LAW the position of being without, or waiting for, an owner or claimant.
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abstemious
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[əbˈstēmēəs] adjective Latin: ab-from; temetum - strong drink English: -ous (early 17th century) not self-indulgent, especially when eating and drinking. ""We only had a bottle." "Very abstemious of you."" synonyms: self-denying, temperate, abstinent, moderate, self-disciplined, restrained, self-restrained, sober, austere, ascetic, puritanical, spartan, hair-shirt "the monks here have willingly chosen this abstemious life"
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abstruse
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[abˈstro͞os,əbˈstro͞os] adjective Latin: trudere - to push > abstrudere: conceal > put away, hidden (late 16th century) difficult to comprehend; obscure "an abstruse philosophical inquiry" synonyms: obscure, arcane, esoteric, little known, recherché, rarefied, recondite, difficult, hard, puzzling, perplexing, cryptic, enigmatic, Delphic, complex, complicated, involved, over/above one's head, incomprehensible, unfathomable, impenetrable, mysterious "her abstruse arguments were hard to follow"
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acquiescent
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[akwēˈes(ə)nt] adjective Latin: remaining at rest (early 17th century) ready to accept something without protest, or to do what someone else wants. "the unions were acquiescent and there was no overt conflict" synonyms: compliant, complying, consenting, cooperative, willing, obliging, agreeable, amenable, tractable, persuadable, pliant, flexible, unprotesting; submissive, servile, subservient, obsequious, self-effacing, unassertive, yielding, biddable, docile, deferential; rare obeisant, longanimous "the apolitical and acquiescent masses"
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shrapnel
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noun English: named after army officer Henry Schrapnel, inventor (early 17th century) a projectile that consists of a case provided with a powder charge and a large number of usually lead balls and that is exploded in flight; bomb, mine, or shell fragments
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quisling
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[kwiz-ling] noun 1940: named after Vidkun Quisling, pro-Nazi Norwegian leader a traitor; a person who betrays his or her own country by aiding an invading enemy, often serving later in a puppet government; fifth columnist.
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bowdlerize
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bowd·ler·ize [bōdləˌrīz,ˈboudləˌrīz] verb English: named after Dr. Thomas Bowdler, who published an expurgated edition of Shakepeare in 1818 (mid 19th century) remove material that is considered improper or offensive from (a text or account), especially with the result that it becomes weaker or less effective. "a bowdlerized version of the story" synonyms: expurgate, censor, blue-pencil, cut, edit; purge, sanitize, water down; informal clean-up "the English translation was bowdlerized beyond recognition"
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draconian
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dra·co·ni·an [drəˈkōnēən] adjective Greek: Drakon; English: Draco (late 19th century) (of laws or their application) excessively harsh and severe. synonyms: harsh, severe, strict, extreme, drastic, stringent, tough; cruel, oppressive, ruthless, relentless, punitive; authoritarian, despotic, tyrannical, repressive "collaborators suffered draconian reprisals"
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maverick
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mav·er·ick [mav(ə)rik] noun or adjective North American: named after Samuel A. Maverick, a Texas engineer and rancher who did not brand his cattle (mid 19th century) an unorthodox, independent-minded, unconventional person. "a maverick among Connecticut Republicans" synonyms: individualist, nonconformist, free spirit, unorthodox person, original, eccentric; rebel, dissenter, dissident, enfant terrible; informal: cowboy, loose cannon, bad boy "he was the maverick in the family, the only one who valued freedom over an inheritance" NORTH AMERICAN an unbranded calf or yearling.
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simony
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si·mo·ny [sīmənē,ˈsimənē] noun Late Latin: simonia; Old French: simonie, from Simon Magus (Acts 8:18); Middle English: simony the buying or selling of ecclesiastical privileges, for example pardons or benefices; the buying or selling of religious or sacred objects or privileges
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mausoleum
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noun a large tomb or memorial for burial usually in the form of a small building
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quixotic
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[kwikˈsädik] adjective English: Don Quixote - the ingenious nobleman, Spanish novel, about a man who sets out into the world to undo wrongs and bring justice inspired by the fictional books he loves to read (late 18th century) a person who is excessively chivalrous, romantic, impractical, impulsive "a vast and perhaps quixotic project" synonyms: idealistic, romantic, visionary, utopian, extravagant, starry-eyed, unrealistic, unworldly; impractical, impracticable, unworkable, impossible "many dismissed his missionary work as imprudent and quixotic"
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acrid
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[akrəd] adjective Latin: acer, acri- sharp, pungent; having an irritatingly strong and unpleasant taste or smell. "acrid fumes" synonyms: pungent, bitter, sharp, sour, tart, caustic, harsh, irritating, acid, acidic, vinegary, acetic, acetous; stinging, burning "the fruit's acrid taste was a bad surprise" angry and bitter. "an acrid farewell"
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acrimonious
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[akrəˈmōnēəs] adjective English: bitter, pungent (early 17th century) (typically of speech or a debate) angry and bitter. "an acrimonious dispute about wages" synonyms: bitter, angry, rancorous, caustic, acerbic, scathing, sarcastic, acid, harsh, sharp, cutting; virulent, spiteful, vicious, vitriolic, hostile, venomous, nasty, bad-tempered, ill-natured, mean, malign, malicious, malignant, waspish; informal: bitchy, catty "a heated and acrimonious discussion"
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acumen
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[əˈkyo͞omən,ˈakyəmən] noun Latin: acuere - sharpen > acumen - sharpness, point; English: acute (late 16th century) keenness; quickness of intellectual insight the ability to make good judgments and quick decisions, typically in a particular domain. "business acumen" synonyms: astuteness, shrewdness, acuity, sharpness, sharp-wittedness, cleverness, smartness, brains; judgment, understanding, awareness, sense, common sense, canniness, discernment, wisdom, wit, sagacity, perspicacity, insight, perception, penetration; savvy, know-how, horse sense, smarts, street smarts "noted for her business acumen"
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admonition
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[adməˈniSH(ə)n] noun Latin: admonito (cautionary) reminder > Old French: amonition (late Middle English) a gentle reproof (an expression of blame or disapproval: rebuke, criticism, condemnation, reprimand, reproach) authoritative counsel or warning. "the old judge's admonition to the jury on this point was particularly weighty"
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affront
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[əˈfrənt] noun Latin: ad frontem - to the face > Old French: to slap in the face, insult > Middle English to deliberately offend, as with a gesture an action or remark that causes outrage or offense. "he took his son's desertion as a personal affront" synonyms: insult, offense, indignity, slight, snub, put-down, provocation, injury; outrage, atrocity, scandal; informal: slap in the face, kick in the teeth "an affront to public morality" verb: affront; 3rd person present: affronts; past tense: affronted; past participle: affronted; gerund or present participle: affronting 1. offend the modesty or values of. "she was affronted by his familiarity" synonyms: insult, offend, mortify, provoke, pique, wound, hurt; put out, irk, displease, bother, rankle, vex, gall; outrage, scandalize, disgust; informal: put someone's back up, needle "she was affronted by his familiarity"
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aggrandize
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[əˈɡranˌdīz] verb Latin: grandis - large; Italian: aggrandire; French: agrandir, agrandiss- = increase, magnify (mid 17th century) to widen in scope or make bigger or greater increase the power, status, or wealth of. "an action intended to aggrandize the Frankish dynasty" enhance the reputation of (someone) beyond what is justified by the facts. "he hoped to aggrandize himself by dying a hero's death"
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aggregate
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ag·gre·gate noun [aɡriɡət] Latin: ad- toward; grex, greg- a flock > aggregat- herded together (late Middle English) 1. a whole formed by combining several (typically disparate) elements. "the council was an aggregate of three regional assemblies" 2. a material or structure formed from a loosely compacted mass of fragments or particles. synonyms: collection, mass, agglomeration, conglomerate, assemblage; mixture, mix, combination, blend, accumulation; compound, alloy, amalgam "the specimen is an aggregate of rock and mineral fragments" adjective 1. formed or calculated by the combination of many separate units or items; total. "the aggregate amount of grants made" synonyms: total, combined, gross, overall, composite "an aggregate score" verb [aɡrəˌɡāt] 1. form or group into a class or cluster. "the butterflies aggregate in dense groups"
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allay
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[əˈlā] verb Old English: ālecgan - lay down or aside to reduce the intensity/diminish or put at rest (fear, suspicion, or worry). "the report attempted to educate the public and allay fears" synonyms: reduce, diminish, decrease, lessen, assuage, alleviate, ease, relieve, soothe, soften, calm, take the edge off "nothing would allay his fears" relieve or alleviate (pain or hunger). "some stale figs partly allayed our hunger"
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amalgamate
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[əˈmalɡəˌmāt] verb to mix or blend together in a homogenous body; combine or unite to form one organization or structure. "he amalgamated his company with another" synonyms: combine, merge, unite, fuse, blend, meld; join (together), join forces, band (together), link (up), team up, go into partnership; "the two departments were amalgamated" CHEMISTRY alloy (a metal) with mercury. "amalgamated zinc"
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ameliorate
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a·me·lio·rate [əˈmēlyəˌrāt] verb French: meilleur - better > améliorer (mid 18th century) make (something bad or unsatisfactory) better. "the reform did much to ameliorate living standards" synonyms: improve, make better, better, make improvements to, enhance, help, b incident enefit, boost, amend; relieve, ease, mitigate; informal: tweak, patch up "measures were taken to ameliorate the situation"
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anecdote
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[anəkˌdōt] noun Greek: late 17th century: from French, or via modern Latin from Greek anekdota 'things unpublished,' from an- 'not' + ekdotos, from ekdidōnai 'publish.' a short and amusing or interesting story about a real incident or person. "told anecdotes about his job" synonyms: story, tale, narrative, incident; urban myth/legend; informal: yarn "amusing anecdotes" an account regarded as unreliable or hearsay. "his wife's death has long been the subject of rumor and anecdote" the depiction of a minor narrative incident in a painting.
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anachronous
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[uh-nak-ruh-nuh s] adjective misplaced in time; out of place in time
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archipelago
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[ahr-kuh-pel-uh-goh] noun a large group or chain of islands
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articulate
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Latin: articulus - small connecting part > articulare - divide into joints, utter distinctly ( mid 16th century) adjective 1. well-spoken, eloquent; the ability to speak fluently and coherently synonyms: persuasive, lucid, expressive, silver-tongued; intelligible, comprehensible, understandable 2. having joints or jointed segments verb 1. express fluently and coherently; enunciate, pronounce, utter, vocalize 2. form a joint
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artifice
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[ärdəfəs] noun Latin: art; facere - make > artificum > workmanship (late Middle English cleverness or cunning devices or expedients, especially as used to trick or deceive others "artifice and outright fakery" synonyms: trickery, deceit, deception, duplicity, guile, artfulness, wiliness, craftiness, slyness, chicanery, fraud
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artless
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adjective without deceit or cunning; sincere; without skill or finesse synonyms: natural, ingenuous, naive, simple, innocent, childlike, without effort or pretentiousness "an artless, naive girl" or "her awkward, artless prose"
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ascetic
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as·cet·ic [əˈsedik] adjective given to severe self-denial; practicing excessive abstinence from all forms of indulgence, typically for religious reasons "ascetic life of prayer, fasting, and manual labor" synonyms: austere, self-denying, abstemious, monastic, reclusive, hermitic, celibate, chaste noun: a person who practices severe abstention Greek: askein - to exercise > asketes - monk; Medieval Latin: asceticus (mid 17th century)
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assiduous
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as·sid·u·ous [əˈsijo͞oəs] adjective persistent, unceasing, perserverance "she was assiduous in pointing out every feature" synonyms: diligent, careful, meticulous, thorough, sedulous, conscientious Latin: assidere - be engaged in doing > assiduus (mid 16th century)
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astute
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as·tute [əˈst(y)o͞ot] adjective keen; wise; having or showing an ability to assess situations or people and turn this to one's advantage synonyms: shrewd, sharp, acute, adroit, clever, quick, crafty, intelligent, bright, canny, intuitive, perceptive, insightful, incisive, sagacious, wise, savvy informal: on the ball, quick on the uptake Latin: astus - craft; French: - astut
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audacious
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[ôˈdāSHəs] adjective fearless, bold; showing a willingness to take surprisingly bold risks synonyms: bold, daring, fearless, intrepid, brave, courageous, valiant, heroic, plucky, reckless, venturesome informal: spunky literary: temerarious showing an impudent lack of respect synonyms: impudent, impertinent, insolent, presumptuous, cheeky, irreverent, discourteous, disrepectful, insubordinate, ill-mannered, unmannerly, rude, brazen, shameless, pert, sassy, mouthy Latin: audere - dare > audac - bold
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austere
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aus·tere [ôˈstir] adjective unadorned; severely simple, severe or strict in manner, attitude, or appearance " an austere man, with a rigidly puritanical outlook" synonyms: severe, stern, strict, harsh, steely, flinty, dour, grim, cold, frosty, unemotional, unfriendly; formal, stiff, reserved, aloof, forbidding, grave, solemn, serious, unyielding, unbending having no comforts or luxuries; harsh or ascetic having an extremely plain and simple style or appearance; unadorned synonyms: modest, functional, unembellished, unfussy, stark, bleak, bare, clinical, spartan designed to reduce a budget deficit, by cutting public expenditure Middle English: via Old French from Latin austerus, from Greek austēros 'severe'
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avarice
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av·a·rice [avərəs] noun extreme greed for wealth or material gain synonyms: greed, acquisitiveness, cupidity, covetousness, rapacity, materialism Middle English: from Old French, from Latin avaritia, from avarus 'greedy.'
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aver
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[ə-ˈvər] verb to declare or profess positively law: to verify or prove to be true in pleading a cause; to allege or assert in pleading
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banal
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ba·nal [bəˈnäl, bəˈnal] adjective so lacking in originality as to be obvious and boring "songs with banal, repeated words" synonyms: trite, hackneyed, vapid, ordinary, ho-hum, dull mid 18th century (originally relating to feudal service in the sense 'compulsory,' hence 'common to all'): from French, from ban 'a proclamation or call to arms'; ultimately of Germanic origin
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base
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noun that on which something is built or established Middle English: from Old French, from Latin basis 'base, pedestal,' from Greek. adjective also used to describe a person lacking in moral fiber or kindness synonyms: sorbid, ignoble, low-minded, mean, immoral, unseemly, unscrupulous, unprincipled, shameful, iniquitous late Middle English: from Old French bas, from medieval Latin bassus 'short' (found in classical Latin as a cognomen). The senses in late Middle English included 'low, short' and 'of inferior quality'; from the latter arose a sense 'low on the social scale, menial,' and hence (mid 16th century) 'reprehensibly cowardly, selfish, or mean.'
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beset
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be·set [bəˈset] verb trouble or threaten persistently; surround and harass; assail on all sides; hem in; enclose synonyms: plague, bedevil, assail, afflict, torment, oppress, worry, harass Old English besettan, from be- 'around' + settan
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blatant
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bla·tant [blātnt] adjective very obvious, offensively loud, or coarsely conspicuous; done openly and unashamely synonyms: flagrant, glaring, obvious, undisguised, unconcealed, brazen late 16th century: perhaps an alteration of Scots blatand 'bleating' It was first used by Spenser as an epithet for a thousand-tongued monster produced by Cerberus and Chimera, a symbol of calumny, which he called the blatant beast . It was subsequently used to mean 'clamorous, offensive to the ear,' first of people (mid 17th century), later of things (late 18th century); the sense 'obtrusive to the eye, unashamedly conspicuous' arose in the late 19th century.
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bolster
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bol·ster [bōlstər] noun a long, thick pillow that is placed under other pillows for support synonyms: strengthen, reinforce, boost, fortify, renew, support, sustain, augment verb to support or strengthen; prop up Old English (in the sense 'long, thick pillow'), of Germanic origin; related to Dutch bolster and German Polster .
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bombastic
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using inflated language; pompous bom·bas·tic [bämˈbastik] adjective high-sounding but with little meaning; inflated. "bombastic rhetoric" synonyms: pompous, blustering, turgid, verbose, orotund, high-flown, high-sounding, overwrought, pretentious, ostentatious, grandiloquent; informalhighfalutin, puffed up; rarefustian "his bombastic speeches could send thousands into the streets"
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boon
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a timely benefit; a blessing noun a thing that is helpful or beneficial. "the navigation system will be a boon to both civilian and military users" synonyms: blessing, godsend, bonus, plus, benefit, advantage, help, aid, asset; stroke of luck, windfall "their help was such a boon" Middle English (originally in the sense 'request for a favor'): from Old Norse bón
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brevity
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briefness or conciseness synonyms: transcience late 15th century: from Old French brievete, from Latin brevitas, from brevis 'brief.'
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browbeat
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verb. to intimidate in an overbearing manner, with stern or abusive words synonyms: bully, intimidate, coerce, compel, tyrannize, terrorize, menace, harass
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bumptious
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bump·tious [bəm(p)SHəs] adj. offensively self-assertive; pushy synonyms: self-important, conceited, arrogant, pompus, overbearing, swaggering, proud, egotistical, snooty, uppity early 19th century: humorously from bump, on the pattern of fractious (irritable, unruly, unmanageable - typically of children)
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bungle
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bun·gle [bəNGɡəl] verb. to perform clumsily or inadequately; botch; prone to making many mistakes synonyms: mishandle, spoil, blunder, inept, maladroit, awkward, incompetent noun. a mistake or failure from confusion or mismanagement
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burgeon
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bur·geon [bərjən] verb. begin to grow or increase rapidly; flourish. "manufacturers are keen to cash in on the burgeoning demand" synonyms: flourish, thrive, prosper, improve, develop; expand, escalate, swell, grow, boom, mushroom, snowball, rocket "the toy industry is burgeoning" put forth young shoots; bud. Middle English: from Old French bourgeonner 'put out buds,' from borjon 'bud,' based on late Latin burra 'wool.'
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cacophony
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ca·coph·o·ny [kəˈkäfənē] noun. a disagreeable, harsh, or discordant sound or tone "a cacophony of deafening alarm bells" synonyms: din, racket, noise, clamor, discord, dissonance, discordance, uproar mid 17th century: from French cacophonie, from Greek kakophōnia, from kakophōnos 'ill-sounding,' from kakos 'bad' + phōnē 'sound.'
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callous
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insensitive; indifferent cal·lous [kaləs] adjective 1. showing or having an insensitive and cruel disregard for others. "his callous comments about the murder made me shiver" synonyms: heartless, unfeeling, uncaring, cold, cold-hearted, hard, as hard as nails, hard-hearted, insensitive, lacking compassion, hard-bitten, hard-nosed, hard-edged, unsympathetic "his callous disregard for other people's feelings" antonyms: kind, compassionate noun noun: callous; plural noun: callouses 1. variant spelling of callus. Origin late Middle English (in the Latin sense): from Latin callosus 'hard-skinned.'
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callus
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cal·lus [kaləs] noun a thickened and hardened part of the skin or soft tissue, especially in an area that has been subjected to friction. MEDICINE the bony healing tissue that forms around the ends of broken bone. BOTANY a hard formation of tissue, especially new tissue formed over a wound. Origin mid 16th century: from Latin callus (more commonly callum ) 'hardened skin.'
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calumniate
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to make false and malicious statements about; to slander ca·lum·ni·ate kəˈləmnēˌāt/Submit verbformal verb: calumniate; 3rd person present: calumniates; past tense: calumniated; past participle: calumniated; gerund or present participle: calumniating make false and defamatory statements about. "foes were calumniating him in the US press" Origin mid 16th century: from Latin calumniari, from calumnia
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candor
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can·dor [kandər] noun the quality of being open and honest in expression; frankness. "a man of refreshing candor" synonyms: frankness, openness, honesty, candidness, truthfulness, sincerity, forthrightness, directness, plain-spokenness, bluntness, straightforwardness, outspokenness; informaltelling it like it is "I'm not sure he appreciated my candor" Origin late Middle English (in the Latin sense): from Latin candor 'whiteness.' The current sense dates from the mid 18th century; the development of the senses paralleled that of candid.
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carp
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to complain unreasonably [kärp] verb complain or find fault continually, typically about trivial matters. "I don't want to carp about the way you did it" synonyms: complain, cavil, grumble, grouse, whine, bleat, nag Middle English (in the sense 'talk, chatter'): from Old Norse karpa 'brag'; later influenced by Latin carpere 'pluck at, slander.'
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chaos
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[kāˌäs] noun a state of disorder and confusion late 15th century (denoting a gaping void or chasm, later formless primordial matter): via French and Latin from Greek khaos 'vast chasm, void.'
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chicanery
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trickery, deception, especially through the use of words and questionable logic chi·can·er·y [SHəˈkān(ə)rē] noun the use of trickery to achieve a political, financial, or legal purpose. "an underhanded person who schemes corruption and political chicanery behind closed doors" synonyms: trickery, deception, deceit, deceitfulness, duplicity, dishonesty, deviousness, unscrupulousness, underhandedness, subterfuge, fraud, fraudulence, swindling, cheating, duping, hoodwinking; informalcrookedness, monkey business, hanky-panky, shenanigans, skulduggery, monkeyshines; archaicmanagement, knavery "we didn't catch on to his chicanery until it was too late" late 16th century: from French chicanerie, from chicaner 'to quibble'
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churl
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a rude, boorish, or surly person [CHərl] noun an impolite and mean-spirited person. archaic a person of low birth; a peasant. Old English ceorl ; related to Dutch kerel and German Kerl 'fellow'
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coda
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concluding section of a musical or literary piece; something that summarizes co·da [kōdə] noun the concluding passage of a piece or movement, typically forming an addition to the basic structure. the concluding section of a dance, especially of a pas de deux, or the finale of a ballet in which the dancers parade before the audience. a concluding event, remark, or section. "his new novel is a kind of coda to his previous books" mid 18th century: Italian, from Latin cauda 'tail.'
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codify
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to assemble related laws or principles into a systematic collection cod·i·fy [kädəˌfī,ˈkōdəˌfī] verb arrange (laws or rules) into a systematic code. synonyms: systematize, systemize, organize, arrange, order, structure; tabulate, catalog, list, sort, index, classify, categorize, file, log "the bill codified these standards for the first time" arrange according to a plan or system. "Verdi helped codify an international operatic culture"
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cognizant
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aware; taking notice cog·ni·zant ˈ[käɡnəzənt,ˌkäɡˈnīzənt] adjective having knowledge or being aware of. "statesmen must be cognizant of the political boundaries within which they work" early 19th century: probably directly from cognizance.
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cohort
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a companion or associate late Middle English: from Old French cohorte, or from Latin cohors, cohort- 'yard, retinue.'
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colloquial
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pertaining to common speech col·lo·qui·al [kəˈlōkwēəl] adjective (of language) used in ordinary or familiar conversation; not formal or literary. synonyms: informal, conversational, everyday, nonliterary; unofficial, idiomatic, slangy, vernacular, popular, demotic "she just loved the colloquial expressions of her Southern in-laws" mid 18th century: from Latin colloquium 'conversation' + -al.
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commensurate
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corresponding in amount, quality, or degree com·men·su·rate [kəˈmensərət,kəˈmenSHərət] adjective corresponding in size or degree; in proportion. "salary will be commensurate with experience" synonyms: equivalent, equal, corresponding, correspondent, comparable, proportionate, proportional "they had privileges but commensurate duties" appropriate to, in keeping with, in line with, consistent with, corresponding to, according to, relative to; dependent on, based on "a salary commensurate with your qualifications" mid 17th century: from late Latin commensuratus, from com- 'together' + mensuratus, past participle of mensurare 'to measure.'
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complacency
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a feeling of quiet security; satisfaction com·pla·cen·cy [kəmˈplāsənsē] noun a feeling of smug or uncritical satisfaction with oneself or one's achievements. "the figures are better, but there are no grounds for complacency" synonyms: smugness, self-satisfaction, self-congratulation, self-regard; gloating, triumph, pride; satisfaction, contentment "the complacency he felt as a math student was abruptly shaken when he took his first calculus exam" mid 17th century: from medieval Latin complacentia, from Latin complacere 'to please.'
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conciliatory
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a state of seeking to reconcile or make peace con·cil·i·a·to·ry [kənˈsilēəˌtôrē] adjective intended or likely to placate or pacify. "a conciliatory approach" synonyms: propitiatory, placatory, appeasing, pacifying, mollifying, peacemaking "a conciliatory gesture"
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concrete
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actual, irrefutable, as in concrete evidence
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confidante
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one to whom secrets are confided con·fi·dant [känfəˌdant,ˈkänfəˌdänt] noun a person with whom one shares a secret or private matter, trusting them not to repeat it to others. synonyms: close friend, bosom friend, best friend; intimate; informalbuddy, chum, pal, crony, gal pal, BFF "he was her business adviser and confidant" mid 17th century: alteration of confident (as a noun in the same sense in the early 17th century), probably to represent the pronunciation of French confidente 'having full trust.'
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congruous
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appropriate or fitting ˈkäNGɡro͞oəs/Submit adjective adjective: congruous in agreement or harmony. "this explanation is congruous with earlier observations" Origin late 16th century: from Latin congruus, from congruere 'agree' (see congruent), + -ous.
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consternation
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unsettling dismay or amazement ˌkänstərˈnāSH(ə)n/Submit noun noun: consternation feelings of anxiety or dismay, typically at something unexpected. "I always welcomed clover, much to the consternation of the neighbors" synonyms: dismay, perturbation, distress, disquiet, discomposure; More antonyms: satisfaction Origin early 17th century: from Latin consternatio(n-), from the verb consternare 'lay prostrate, terrify' (see consternate).
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contentious
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quarrelsome kənˈten(t)SHəs/Submit adjective adjective: contentious causing or likely to cause an argument; controversial. "a contentious issue" synonyms: controversial, disputable, debatable, disputed, open to debate, vexed "a contentious issue" involving heated argument. "the socioeconomic plan had been the subject of contentious debate" synonyms: heated, vehement, fierce, violent, intense, impassioned "a contentious debate" (of a person) given to arguing or provoking argument. "a contentious amateur politician who has offended minority groups" LAW relating to or involving differences between contending parties. Origin late Middle English: from Old French contentieux, from Latin contentiosus, from content- 'striven,' from the verb contendere
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contrite
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penitent, apologetic kənˈtrīt,ˈkäntrīt/Submit adjective adjective: contrite feeling or expressing remorse or penitence; affected by guilt. "a broken and a contrite heart" synonyms: remorseful, repentant, penitent, regretful, sorry, apologetic, rueful, sheepish, hangdog, ashamed, chastened, shamefaced, conscience-stricken, guilt-ridden "Joey was so contrite we had to conceal our amusement" Origin Middle English: from Old French contrit, from Latin contritus, past participle of conterere 'grind down, wear away,' from con- 'together' + terere 'rub.'
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contumacious
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rebellious ˌkänt(y)o͝oˈmāSHəs/Submit adjectiveLAWarchaic adjective: contumacious (especially of a defendant's behavior) stubbornly or willfully disobedient to authority. Origin late 16th century: from Latin contumax, contumac- (perhaps from con- 'with' + tumere 'to swell') + -ious.
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corroborate
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to make more certain; confirm kəˈräbəˌrāt/Submit verb verb: corroborate; 3rd person present: corroborates; past tense: corroborated; past participle: corroborated; gerund or present participle: corroborating confirm or give support to (a statement, theory, or finding). "the witness had corroborated the boy's account of the attack" synonyms: confirm, verify, endorse, ratify, authenticate, validate, certify; More antonyms: contradict Origin mid 16th century (in the sense 'make physically stronger'): from Latin corroborat- 'strengthened,' from the verb corroborare, from cor- 'together' + roborare, from robur 'strength.'
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countenance
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appearance, especially the look or expression of the face ˈkount(ə)nəns/Submit noun noun: countenance; plural noun: countenances 1. a person's face or facial expression. "his impenetrable eyes and inscrutable countenance give little away" synonyms: face, features, physiognomy, profile; More 2. support. "she was giving her specific countenance to the occasion" verb verb: countenance; 3rd person present: countenances; past tense: countenanced; past participle: countenanced; gerund or present participle: countenancing 1. admit as acceptable or possible. "he was reluctant to countenance the use of force" synonyms: tolerate, permit, allow, agree to, consent to, give one's blessing to, go along with, hold with, put up with, endure, stomach, swallow, stand for; formalbrook "he would not countenance the use of force" Origin Middle English: from Old French contenance 'bearing, behavior,' from contenir (see contain). The early sense was 'bearing, demeanor,' also 'facial expression,' hence 'the face.'
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counter
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to go against or attempt to undermine an action
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counterpart
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a person or thing resembling or complementing another
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craven
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cowardly ˈkrāvən/Submit adjective adjective: craven 1. contemptibly lacking in courage; cowardly. "a craven abdication of his moral duty" synonyms: cowardly, lily-livered, faint-hearted, chicken-hearted, spineless, timid, timorous, fearful, pusillanimous, weak, feeble; More antonyms: brave nounarchaic noun: craven; plural noun: cravens 1. a cowardly person. Origin Middle English cravant 'defeated,' perhaps via Anglo-Norman French from Old French cravante, past participle of cravanter 'crush, overwhelm,' based on Latin crepare 'burst.' The change in the ending in the 17th century was due to association with past participles ending in -en (see -en3).
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credulity
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willingness to behave or trust too readily krəˈd(y)o͞olədē/Submit noun noun: credulity a tendency to be too ready to believe that something is real or true.
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cronyism
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the practice of favoring one's friends, especially in political appointments krōnēˌizəm/Submit nounderogatory noun: cronyism; noun: croneyism the appointment of friends and associates to positions of authority, without proper regard to their qualifications.
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curmudgeon
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an ill-tempered person cur·mudg·eon kərˈməjən/Submit noun a bad-tempered or surly person.
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cursory
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hasty; superficial, as of a review of something cur·so·ry ˈkərs(ə)rē/Submit adjective adjective: cursory hasty and therefore not thorough or detailed. "a cursory glance at the figures" synonyms: perfunctory, desultory, casual, superficial, token; More antonyms: thorough Origin early 17th century: from Latin cursorius 'of a runner,' from cursor (see cursor).
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dearth
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an inadequate supply; scarcity; lack dearth dərTH/Submit noun noun: dearth; plural noun: dearths a scarcity or lack of something. "there is a dearth of evidence" synonyms: lack, scarcity, shortage, shortfall, want, deficiency, insufficiency, inadequacy, paucity, sparseness, scantiness, rareness; absence "a dearth of trained specialists" antonyms: surfeit Origin Middle English derthe (originally in the sense 'shortage and dearness of food') (see dear, -th2).
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debacle
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a complete collapse or failure de·ba·cle dāˈbäk(ə)l,dəˈbäk(ə)l/Submit noun noun: debacle; plural noun: debacles a sudden and ignominious failure; a fiasco. "the economic debacle that became known as the Great Depression" synonyms: fiasco, failure, catastrophe, disaster, mess, ruin; More Origin early 19th century: from French débâcle, from débâcler 'unleash,' from dé- 'un-' + bâcler 'to bar' (from Latin baculum 'staff').
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decorum
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orderliness and good taste in manners de·co·rum dəˈkôrəm/Submit noun noun: decorum behavior in keeping with good taste and propriety. "you exhibit remarkable modesty and decorum" synonyms: propriety, seemliness, decency, good taste, correctness; More antonyms: impropriety etiquette. "he had no idea of funeral decorum" synonyms: etiquette, protocol, good form, custom, convention; More antonyms: impropriety archaic a particular requirement of good taste and propriety. plural noun: decorums archaic suitability to the requirements of a person, rank, or occasion. Origin mid 16th century (as a literary term, denoting suitability of style): from Latin, neuter of the adjective decorus 'seemly.'
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deferent
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a state of giving in out of respect for another person def·er·en·tial ˌdefəˈren(t)SH(ə)l/Submit adjective adjective: deferential showing deference; respectful. "people were always deferential to him" synonyms: respectful, humble, obsequious; More Origin early 19th century: from deference, on the pattern of pairs such as prudence, prudential .
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deleterious
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to represent by sketch or diagram; to describe precisely in words del·e·te·ri·ous ˌdeləˈtirēəs/Submit adjective adjective: deleterious causing harm or damage. "divorce is assumed to have deleterious effects on children" synonyms: harmful, damaging, detrimental, injurious; adverse, disadvantageous, unfavorable, unfortunate, undesirable, bad "the deleterious effects of smoking" antonyms: beneficial Origin mid 17th century: via medieval Latin from Greek dēlētērios 'noxious' + -ous.
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depravity
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the state of being morally bad or evil de·prav·i·ty dəˈpravədē/Submit noun noun: depravity; plural noun: depravities moral corruption; wickedness. "a tale of wickedness and depravity" synonyms: corruption, vice, perversion, deviance, degeneracy, immorality, debauchery, dissipation, profligacy, licentiousness, lechery, prurience, obscenity, indecency; More a wicked or morally corrupt act. CHRISTIAN THEOLOGY the innate corruption of human nature, due to original sin. Origin mid 17th century: alteration (influenced by deprave) of obsolete pravity, from Latin pravitas, from pravus 'crooked, perverse.'
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deride
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to ridicule; to make fun of de·ride dəˈrīd/Submit verb verb: deride; 3rd person present: derides; past tense: derided; past participle: derided; gerund or present participle: deriding express contempt for; ridicule. "critics derided the proposals as clumsy attempts to find a solution" synonyms: ridicule, mock, scoff at, jibe at, make fun of, poke fun at, laugh at, hold up to ridicule, pillory; More antonyms: praise Origin mid 16th century: from Latin deridere 'scoff at.'
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derision
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ridicule de·ri·sion dəˈriZHən/Submit noun noun: derision contemptuous ridicule or mockery. "my stories were greeted with derision and disbelief" synonyms: mockery, ridicule, jeers, sneers, taunts; disdain, disparagement, denigration, disrespect, insults; scorn, contempt; lampooning, satire "Quincy's memoirs incited the derision of his siblings" Origin late Middle English: via Old French from late Latin derisio(n-), from deridere 'scoff at.'
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derivative
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something obtained or developed from a source de·riv·a·tive dəˈrivədiv/Submit adjective adjective: derivative 1. (typically of an artist or work of art) imitative of the work of another person, and usually disapproved of for that reason. "an artist who is not in the slightest bit derivative" synonyms: imitative, unoriginal, uninventive, unimaginative, uninspired; More antonyms: original originating from, based on, or influenced by. "Darwin's work is derivative of the moral philosophers" (of a financial product) having a value deriving from an underlying variable asset. "equity-based derivative products"
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desultory
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aimless; haphazard des·ul·to·ry ˈdesəlˌtôrē/Submit adjective adjective: desultory lacking a plan, purpose, or enthusiasm. "a few people were left, dancing in a desultory fashion" synonyms: casual, cursory, superficial, token, perfunctory, half-hearted, lukewarm; More antonyms: keen (of conversation or speech) going constantly from one subject to another in a halfhearted way; unfocused. "the desultory conversation faded" occurring randomly or occasionally. "desultory passengers were appearing" Origin late 16th century (also in the literal sense 'skipping around'): from Latin desultorius 'superficial' (literally 'relating to a vaulter'), from desultor 'vaulter,' from the verb desilire .
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diatribe
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bitter or malicious criticism di·a·tribe ˈdīəˌtrīb/Submit noun noun: diatribe; plural noun: diatribes a forceful and bitter verbal attack against someone or something. "a diatribe against the Roman Catholic Church" synonyms: tirade, harangue, onslaught, attack, polemic, denunciation, broadside, fulmination, condemnation, censure, criticism; informalblast; literaryphilippic "the ongoing debate about the desirability of single-gender education" Origin late 16th century (denoting a disquisition): from French, via Latin from Greek diatribē 'spending of time, discourse,' from dia 'through' + tribein 'rub.'
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didactic
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for the purpose of teaching di·dac·tic dīˈdaktik/Submit adjective adjective: didactic intended to teach, particularly in having moral instruction as an ulterior motive. "a didactic novel that set out to expose social injustice" synonyms: instructive, instructional, educational, educative, informative, informational, edifying, improving, preceptive, pedagogic, moralistic "the reforming, didactic function of art" in the manner of a teacher, particularly so as to treat someone in a patronizing way. "slow-paced, didactic lecturing" Origin mid 17th century: from Greek didaktikos, from didaskein 'teach.'
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diffidence
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lacking confidence dif·fi·dence ˈdifidəns/Submit noun noun: diffidence modesty or shyness resulting from a lack of self-confidence. "I say this with some diffidence" synonyms: shyness, bashfulness, modesty, self-effacement, meekness, unassertiveness, timidity, humility, hesitancy, reticence, insecurity, self-doubt, uncertainty, self-consciousness "her diffidence was out of place in this outgoing group
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dilatory
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causing delay dil·a·to·ry ˈdiləˌtôrē/Submit adjective adjective: dilatory slow to act. "he had been dilatory in appointing a solicitor" synonyms: slow, tardy, unhurried, sluggish, sluggardly, snaillike, lazy "he had been dilatory in appointing an executor" antonyms: fast, prompt intended to cause delay. "they resorted to dilatory procedural tactics, forcing a postponement of peace talks" synonyms: delaying, stalling, temporizing, procrastinating, time-wasting, filibustering "dilatory procedural tactics" Origin late Middle English: from late Latin dilatorius 'delaying,' from Latin dilator 'delayer,' from dilat- 'deferred,' from the verb differre .
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disconcert
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to disturb the composure of dis·con·cert ˌdiskənˈsərt/Submit verb verb: disconcert; 3rd person present: disconcerts; past tense: disconcerted; past participle: disconcerted; gerund or present participle: disconcerting disturb the composure of; unsettle. "the abrupt change of subject disconcerted her" synonyms: unsettle, discomfit, throw/catch off balance, take aback, rattle, unnerve, disorient, perturb, disturb, perplex, confuse, bewilder, baffle, fluster, ruffle, shake, upset, agitate, worry, dismay, surprise, take by surprise, startle, put someone off (their game), distract; informalthrow, faze, discombobulate "Sheila's unexpected appearance disconcerted him" Origin late 17th century (in the sense 'upset the progress of'): from obsolete French desconcerter, from des- (expressing reversal) + concerter 'bring together.'
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discretion
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the power to act according to one's own judgement; the quality of being discreet dis·cre·tion dəˈskreSH(ə)n/Submit noun noun: discretion 1. the quality of behaving or speaking in such a way as to avoid causing offense or revealing private information. "she knew she could rely on his discretion" synonyms: circumspection, carefulness, caution, wariness, chariness, guardedness; tact, tactfulness, diplomacy, delicacy, sensitivity, prudence, judiciousness "you can rely on his discretion" 2. the freedom to decide what should be done in a particular situation. "it is up to local authorities to use their discretion in setting the charges" synonyms: choice, option, preference, disposition, volition; pleasure, liking, wish, will, inclination, desire "his sentence would be determined at the discretion of the court" Origin Middle English (in the sense 'discernment'): via Old French from Latin discretio(n-) 'separation' (in late Latin 'discernment'), from discernere (see discern).
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disingenuous
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insincere, phony dis·in·gen·u·ous ˌdisənˈjenyo͞oəs/Submit adjective adjective: disingenuous not candid or sincere, typically by pretending that one knows less about something than one really does. synonyms: insincere, dishonest, untruthful, false, deceitful, duplicitous, lying, mendacious; hypocritical "that innocent, teary-eyed look is just part of a disingenuous act"
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disquiet
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lack of calm, peace, or ease dis·qui·et disˈkwīət/Submit noun noun: disquiet; plural noun: disquiets 1. a feeling of anxiety or worry. "public disquiet about animal testing" synonyms: unease, uneasiness, worry, anxiety, anxiousness, concern, disquietude; perturbation, consternation, upset, malaise, angst; agitation, restlessness, fretfulness; informaljitteriness "grave public disquiet" antonyms: calm verb verb: disquiet; 3rd person present: disquiets; past tense: disquieted; past participle: disquieted; gerund or present participle: disquieting 1. make (someone) worried or anxious. "she felt disquieted at the lack of interest the girl had shown" synonyms: perturb, agitate, upset, disturb, unnerve, unsettle, discompose, disconcert; make uneasy, worry, make anxious; trouble, concern, make fretful, make restless "I was disquieted by the news"
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dissemble
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to disguise or pretend in order to deceive or mislead dis·sem·ble dəˈsembəl/Submit verb verb: dissemble; 3rd person present: dissembles; past tense: dissembled; past participle: dissembled; gerund or present participle: dissembling conceal one's true motives, feelings, or beliefs. "an honest, sincere person with no need to dissemble" synonyms: dissimulate, pretend, feign, act, masquerade, sham, fake, bluff, posture, hide one's feelings, put on a false front "she's being honest and has no need to dissemble" disguise or conceal (a feeling or intention). "she smiled, dissembling her true emotion" Origin late Middle English: alteration (suggested by semblance) of obsolete dissimule, via Old French from Latin dissimulare 'disguise, conceal.'
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dissolution
answer
breaking up of a union of persons dis·so·lu·tion ˌdisəˈlo͞oSH(ə)n/Submit noun noun: dissolution; plural noun: dissolutions 1. the closing down or dismissal of an assembly, partnership, or official body. "the dissolution of their marriage" synonyms: cessation, conclusion, end, ending, termination, winding up/down, discontinuation, suspension, disbanding; prorogation, recess "the dissolution of the legislative session" technical the action or process of dissolving or being dissolved. "minerals susceptible to dissolution" synonyms: dissolving, liquefaction, melting, deliquescence; More disintegration; decomposition. "the dissolution of the flesh" synonyms: disintegration, breaking up; More formal death. 2. debauched living; dissipation. "an advanced state of dissolution" Origin late Middle English: from Latin dissolutio(n-), from the verb dissolvere (see dissolve).
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divergent
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deviating from a certain course di·ver·gent dəˈvərjənt,dīˈvərjənt/Submit adjective adjective: divergent 1. tending to be different or develop in different directions. "divergent interpretations" synonyms: differing, varying, different, dissimilar, unalike, disparate, contrasting, contrastive; More antonyms: similar PSYCHOLOGY (of thought) using a variety of premises, especially unfamiliar premises, as bases for inference, and avoiding common limiting assumptions in making deductions. 2. MATHEMATICS (of a series) increasing indefinitely as more of its terms are added.
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divest
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to strip; to deprive, often in terms of property di·vest dəˈvest,dīˈvest/Submit verb verb: divest; 3rd person present: divests; past tense: divested; past participle: divested; gerund or present participle: divesting deprive (someone) of power, rights, or possessions. "men are unlikely to be divested of power without a struggle" synonyms: deprive of, strip of, dispossess of, rob of, cheat out of, trick out of "he intends to divest you of your power" deprive (something) of a particular quality. "he has divested the original play of its charm" rid oneself of something that one no longer wants or requires, such as a business interest or investment. "it appears easier to carry on in the business than to divest" datedhumorous relieve (someone) of something being worn or carried. "she divested him of his coat" synonyms: deprive of, strip of, dispossess of, rob of, cheat out of, trick out of "he intends to divest you of your power" Origin early 17th century: alteration of devest, from Old French desvestir, from des- (expressing removal) + Latin vestire (from vestis 'garment').
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divulge
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to tell or make known, generally of something secret or private di·vulge dəˈvəlj,dīˈvəlj/Submit verb verb: divulge; 3rd person present: divulges; past tense: divulged; past participle: divulged; gerund or present participle: divulging make known (private or sensitive information). "I am too much of a gentleman to divulge her age" synonyms: disclose, reveal, tell, communicate, pass on, publish, broadcast, proclaim; expose, uncover, make public, give away, let slip; informalspill the beans about, let on about, let the cat out of the bag about "he refused to divulge Father O'Neill's whereabouts" antonyms: conceal Origin late Middle English (in the sense 'announce publicly'): from Latin divulgare, from di- 'widely' + vulgare 'publish' (from vulgus 'common people').
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doctrinaire
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a person who's fanatical about enforcing a certain principle, regardless of its practicality doc·tri·naire ˌdäktrəˈner/Submit adjective adjective: doctrinaire 1. seeking to impose a doctrine in all circumstances without regard to practical considerations. "a doctrinaire conservative" synonyms: dogmatic, rigid, inflexible, uncompromising; authoritarian, intolerant, fanatical, zealous, extreme "she is by no means a doctrinaire conservative" noun noun: doctrinaire; plural noun: doctrinaires 1. a person who seeks to impose a doctrine without regard to practical considerations. Origin early 19th century: from French, from doctrine (see doctrine).
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dogmatic
answer
forceful and unwavering, allowing no room for interpretation or dissent dog·mat·ic dôɡˈmadik/Submit adjective adjective: dogmatic inclined to lay down principles as incontrovertibly true. "he gives his opinion without trying to be dogmatic" synonyms: opinionated, peremptory, assertive, insistent, emphatic, adamant, doctrinaire, authoritarian, imperious, dictatorial, uncompromising, unyielding, inflexible, rigid "your being so dogmatic does not attract me to your religious philosophy" Origin early 17th century (as a noun denoting a philosopher or physician of a school based on a priori assumptions): via late Latin from Greek dogmatikos, from dogma, dogmat- (see dogma).
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doldrums
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a state of inactivity or low spirits dol·drums ˈdōldrəmz,ˈdäldrəmz/Submit noun plural noun: doldrums a state or period of inactivity, stagnation, or depression. "the mortgage market has been in the doldrums for three years" synonyms: depression, melancholy, gloom, gloominess, downheartedness, dejection, despondency, low spirits, despair; inertia, apathy, listlessness, blahs, blue funk, blues "winter doldrums" inactive, quiet, slow, slack, sluggish, stagnant "overseas stocks are in the doldrums" an equatorial region of the Atlantic Ocean with calms, sudden storms, and light unpredictable winds. Origin late 18th century (as doldrum 'dull, sluggish person'): perhaps from dull, on the pattern of tantrums .
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dubious
answer
doubtful du·bi·ous ˈd(y)o͞obēəs/Submit adjective adjective: dubious 1. hesitating or doubting. "Alex looked dubious, but complied" synonyms: doubtful, uncertain, unsure, hesitant; undecided, indefinite, unresolved, up in the air; vacillating, irresolute; skeptical, suspicious; informaliffy "I was rather dubious about the idea" antonyms: certain, definite 2. not to be relied upon; suspect. "extremely dubious assumptions" synonyms: suspicious, suspect, untrustworthy, unreliable, questionable; informalshady, fishy "dubious business practices" antonyms: trustworthy morally suspect. "time-sharing has been brought into disrepute by dubious sales methods" synonyms: suspicious, suspect, untrustworthy, unreliable, questionable; More antonyms: trustworthy of questionable value. "she earned the dubious distinction of being the lowest-paid teacher in the nation" Origin mid 16th century (sense 2): from Latin dubiosus, from dubium 'a doubt,' neuter of dubius 'doubtful.'
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dupe
answer
someone who's easily fooled; to fool someone dupe1 d(y)o͞op/Submit verb verb: dupe; 3rd person present: dupes; past tense: duped; past participle: duped; gerund or present participle: duping 1. deceive; trick. "the newspaper was duped into publishing an untrue story" synonyms: deceive, trick, hoodwink, hoax, swindle, defraud, cheat, double-cross; gull, mislead, take in, fool, inveigle; informalcon, do, rip off, diddle, shaft, bilk, rook, pull the wool over someone's eyes, pull a fast one on, sucker, snooker "they were duped by a con man" noun noun: dupe; plural noun: dupes 1. a victim of deception. "knowing accomplices or unknowing dupes" synonyms: victim, gull, pawn, puppet, instrument; fool, innocent; informalsucker, chump, stooge, sitting duck, fall guy, pigeon, patsy, sap "an innocent dupe in her game" Origin late 17th century: from dialect French dupe 'hoopoe,' from the bird's supposedly stupid appearance.
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duplicity
answer
deceitfulness du·plic·i·ty d(y)o͞oˈplisədē/Submit noun noun: duplicity 1. deceitfulness; double-dealing. synonyms: deceitfulness, deceit, deception, double-dealing, underhandedness, dishonesty, fraud, fraudulence, sharp practice, chicanery, trickery, subterfuge, skulduggery, treachery; informalcrookedness, shadiness, dirty tricks, shenanigans, monkey business; literaryperfidy "he got caught up in the duplicity of his crooked partners" antonyms: honesty 2. archaic doubleness. Origin late Middle English: from Old French duplicite or late Latin duplicitas, from Latin duplic- 'twofold' (see duplex).
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ebullient
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showing great enthusiasm or exhilaration e·bul·lient iˈbo͝olyənt,iˈbəlyənt/Submit adjective adjective: ebullient 1. cheerful and full of energy. "she sounded ebullient and happy" synonyms: exuberant, buoyant, cheerful, joyful, cheery, merry, jolly, sunny, jaunty, lighthearted, elated; animated, sparkling, vivacious, irrepressible; informalbubbly, bouncy, peppy, upbeat, chirpy, smiley, full of beans; datedgay "in an ebullient mood" antonyms: depressed 2. archaicliterary (of liquid or matter) boiling or agitated as if boiling. "misted and ebullient seas" Origin late 16th century (in the sense 'boiling'): from Latin ebullient- 'boiling up,' from the verb ebullire, from e- (variant of ex- ) 'out' + bullire 'to boil.'
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eclectic
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drawn from multiple sources or based on multiple styles ec·lec·tic əˈklektik/Submit adjective adjective: eclectic; adjective: Eclectic 1. deriving ideas, style, or taste from a broad and diverse range of sources. "her musical tastes are eclectic" synonyms: wide-ranging, broad-based, extensive, comprehensive, encyclopedic; varied, diverse, catholic, all-embracing, multifaceted, multifarious, heterogeneous, miscellaneous, assorted "an eclectic mix of party music" 2. PHILOSOPHY of, denoting, or belonging to a class of ancient philosophers who did not belong to or found any recognized school of thought but selected such doctrines as they wished from various schools. noun noun: eclectic; plural noun: eclectics 1. a person who derives ideas, style, or taste from a broad and diverse range of sources. Origin late 17th century (as a term in philosophy): from Greek eklektikos, from eklegein 'pick out,' from ek 'out' + legein 'choose.'
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efficacious
answer
capable of producing the intended result ef·fi·ca·cious ˌefəˈkāSHəs/Submit adjectiveformal adjective: efficacious (typically of something inanimate or abstract) successful in producing a desired or intended result; effective. "the vaccine has proved both efficacious and safe" synonyms: effective, effectual, successful, productive, constructive, potent; helpful, beneficial, advantageous, valuable, useful "a change in diet may be quite efficacious" Origin early 16th century: from Latin efficax, efficac- (from efficere 'accomplish': see effect) + -ious.
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efficacy
answer
power to produce an intended result ef·fi·ca·cy ˈefəkəsē/Submit noun noun: efficacy the ability to produce a desired or intended result. "there is little information on the efficacy of this treatment" synonyms: effectiveness, success, productiveness, potency, power; benefit, advantage, value, virtue, usefulness "the efficacy of prescription drugs" Origin early 16th century: from Latin efficacia, from efficax, efficac- (see efficacious).
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effrontery
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shameless boldness; impudence ef·fron·ter·y əˈfrən(t)ərē/Submit noun noun: effrontery; plural noun: effronteries insolent or impertinent behavior. "one juror had the effrontery to challenge the coroner's decision" synonyms: impudence, impertinence, cheek, insolence, cockiness, audacity, temerity, presumption, nerve, gall, shamelessness, impoliteness, disrespect, bad manners; informalbrass, face, chutzpah, sauce, sass "Stearns had the effrontery to counter the admiral's directive" Origin late 17th century: from French effronterie, based on late Latin effrons, effront- 'shameless, barefaced,' from ex- 'out' + frons 'forehead.'
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egregious
answer
seriously bad or wrong e·gre·gious əˈɡrējəs/Submit adjective adjective: egregious 1. outstandingly bad; shocking. "egregious abuses of copyright" synonyms: shocking, appalling, terrible, awful, horrendous, frightful, atrocious, abominable, abhorrent, outrageous; monstrous, heinous, dire, unspeakable, shameful, unforgivable, intolerable, dreadful; formalgrievous "an egregious error of judgment" antonyms: marvelous 2. archaic remarkably good. Origin mid 16th century (sense 2): from Latin egregius 'illustrious,' literally 'standing out from the flock,' from ex- 'out' + grex, greg- 'flock.' The derogatory sense (late 16th century) probably arose as an ironic use.
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egress
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exit e·gress ˈēˌɡres/Submit noun noun: egress 1. the action of going out of or leaving a place. "direct means of access and egress for passengers" synonyms: departure, exit, withdrawal, retreat, exodus; escape "a means of egress" antonyms: entry a way out. plural noun: egresses "a narrow egress" synonyms: exit, way out, escape route "the egress from the gallery was blocked" antonyms: entrance LAWUS the right or freedom to come out or go out. ASTRONOMY another term for emersion. verbUS verb: egress; 3rd person present: egresses; past tense: egressed; past participle: egressed; gerund or present participle: egressing 1. go out of or leave (a place). "they'd egress the area by heading southwest" Origin mid 16th century: from Latin egressus 'gone out,' from the verb egredi, from ex- 'out' + gradi 'to step.'
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elegy
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a poem lamenting the dead el·e·gy ˈeləjē/Submit noun noun: elegy; plural noun: elegies 1. a poem of serious reflection, typically a lament for the dead. synonyms: lament, requiem, threnody, dirge; literaryplaint; keen "an elegy for his father" 2. (in Greek and Roman poetry) a poem written in elegiac couplets, as notably by Catullus and Propertius. Origin early 16th century: from French élégie, or via Latin, from Greek elegeia, from elegos 'mournful poem.'
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elicit
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to extract (usually information, a reaction, or an emotional response) without the use of force; to learn through discussion e·lic·it ēˈlisət/Submit verb verb: elicit; 3rd person present: elicits; past tense: elicited; past participle: elicited; gerund or present participle: eliciting evoke or draw out (a response, answer, or fact) from someone in reaction to one's own actions or questions. "they invariably elicit exclamations of approval from guests" synonyms: obtain, draw out, extract, bring out, evoke, call forth, bring forth, induce, prompt, generate, engender, trigger, provoke; formaleduce "your sarcastic remarks will no doubt elicit a negative response" archaic draw forth (something that is latent or potential) into existence. "a corrupt heart elicits in an hour all that is bad in us" Origin mid 17th century: from Latin elicit- 'drawn out by trickery or magic,' from the verb elicere, from e- (variant of ex- ) 'out' + lacere 'entice, deceive.'
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elitism
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consciousness or pride in belonging to a select group e·lit·ism əˈlēdˌizəm/Submit noun noun: elitism the advocacy or existence of an elite as a dominating element in a system or society. the attitude or behavior of a person or group who regard themselves as belonging to an elite. "he accused her of racism and white elitism"
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embellish
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to beautify or enhance with additional features or information em·bel·lish əmˈbeliSH/Submit verb verb: embellish; 3rd person present: embellishes; past tense: embellished; past participle: embellished; gerund or present participle: embellishing make (something) more attractive by the addition of decorative details or features. "blue silk embellished with golden embroidery" synonyms: decorate, adorn, ornament; beautify, enhance, grace; trim, garnish, gild; deck, bedeck, festoon, emblazon; informaltart up, pimp; literarybejewel, bedizen "weapons embellished with precious metal" make (a statement or story) more interesting or entertaining by adding extra details, especially ones that are not true. "she had real difficulty telling the truth because she liked to embellish things" synonyms: elaborate, embroider, expand on, exaggerate "the legend was embellished in later retellings" Origin late Middle English: from Old French embelliss-, lengthened stem of embellir, based on bel 'handsome,' from Latin bellus .
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empirical
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proven by observed occurrence or existence em·pir·i·cal əmˈpirik(ə)l/Submit adjective adjective: empirical based on, concerned with, or verifiable by observation or experience rather than theory or pure logic. "they provided considerable empirical evidence to support their argument" synonyms: experiential, practical, heuristic, firsthand, hands-on; observed, evidence-based, seen, demonstrable "many of these predictions have received empirical confirmation" antonyms: theoretical
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emulate
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imitate em·u·late ˈemyəˌlāt/Submit verb match or surpass (a person or achievement), typically by imitation. "lesser men trying to emulate his greatness" synonyms: imitate, copy, mirror, echo, follow, model oneself on; match, equal, parallel, be on a par with, be in the same league as, come close to; compete with, contend with, rival, surpass; take a leaf out of someone's book "they tried to emulate Lucy's performance" imitate. "hers is not a hairstyle I wish to emulate" COMPUTING reproduce the function or action of (a different computer, software system, etc.).
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endemic
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characteristic of a specific place or culture en·dem·ic enˈdemik/Submit adjective adjective: endemic 1. (of a disease or condition) regularly found among particular people or in a certain area. "areas where malaria is endemic" denoting an area in which a particular disease is regularly found. 2. (of a plant or animal) native or restricted to a certain country or area. "a marsupial endemic to northeastern Australia" noun noun: endemic; plural noun: endemics 1. an endemic plant or animal. Origin mid 17th century (as a noun): from French endémique or modern Latin endemicus, from Greek endēmios 'native' (based on dēmos 'people').
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enervate
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to weaken en·er·vate verb ˈenərˌvāt/Submit 1. cause (someone) to feel drained of energy or vitality; weaken. synonyms: exhaust, tire, fatigue, weary, wear out, devitalize, drain, sap, weaken, enfeeble, debilitate, incapacitate, prostrate; informalknock out, do in, shatter "the hot weather enervated her" adjectiveliterary ˈenərvət/Submit 1. lacking in energy or vitality. "the enervate slightness of his frail form"
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engender
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to produce or to make something come into existence en·gen·der ənˈjendər/Submit verb cause or give rise to (a feeling, situation, or condition). "the issue engendered continuing controversy" synonyms: cause, be the cause of, give rise to, bring about, occasion, lead to, result in, produce, create, generate, arouse, rouse, inspire, provoke, prompt, kindle, trigger, spark, stir up, whip up, induce, incite, instigate, foment; literarybeget, enkindle "his works engendered considerable controversy" archaic (of a father) beget (offspring). synonyms: father, sire, bring into the world, spawn, breed; literarybeget "he engendered six children"
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enigmatic
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mysterious, perplexing en·ig·mat·ic ˌenəɡˈmadik/Submit adjective adjective: enigmatic; adjective: enigmatical difficult to interpret or understand; mysterious. "he took the money with an enigmatic smile" synonyms: mysterious, inscrutable, puzzling, mystifying, baffling, perplexing, impenetrable, unfathomable, sphinxlike, Delphic, oracular; cryptic, elliptical, ambiguous, equivocal, paradoxical, obscure, oblique, secret "she smiled that enigmatic smile again" Origin early 17th century: from French énigmatique or late Latin aenigmaticus, based on Greek ainigma 'riddle' (see enigma).
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ennui
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boredom en·nui änˈwē/Submit noun noun: ennui a feeling of listlessness and dissatisfaction arising from a lack of occupation or excitement. synonyms: boredom, tedium, listlessness, lethargy, lassitude, languor, weariness, enervation; malaise, dissatisfaction, melancholy, depression, world-weariness, Weltschmerz "an ennui bred of long familiarity" Origin mid 18th century: French, from Latin mihi in odio est 'it is hateful to me.' Compare with annoy.
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ephemeral
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short-lived; fleeting e·phem·er·al əˈfem(ə)rəl/Submit adjective adjective: ephemeral 1. lasting for a very short time. "fashions are ephemeral" synonyms: transitory, transient, fleeting, passing, short-lived, momentary, brief, short; temporary, impermanent, short-term; fly-by-night "last year's ephemeral fashions" antonyms: permanent (chiefly of plants) having a very short life cycle. noun noun: ephemeral; plural noun: ephemerals 1. an ephemeral plant. Origin late 16th century: from Greek ephēmeros (see ephemera) + -al.
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equable
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free from many changes or variations eq·ua·ble ˈekwəb(ə)l/Submit adjective adjective: equable (of a person) not easily disturbed or angered; calm and even-tempered. synonyms: even-tempered, calm, composed, collected, self-possessed, relaxed, easygoing; nonchalant, insouciant, mellow, mild, tranquil, placid, stable, levelheaded; imperturbable, unexcitable, untroubled, well balanced, serene; informalunflappable, together, laid-back "an equable man" antonyms: temperamental, excitable not varying or fluctuating greatly. "an equable climate" synonyms: stable, constant, uniform, unvarying, consistent, unchanging, changeless; moderate, temperate "an equable climate" antonyms: uneven, extreme Origin mid 17th century (in the sense 'fair, equitable'): from Latin aequabilis, from aequare 'make equal' (see equate).
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equanimity
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evenness of mind or temper e·qua·nim·i·ty ˌekwəˈnimədē/Submit noun noun: equanimity mental calmness, composure, and evenness of temper, especially in a difficult situation. "she accepted both the good and the bad with equanimity" synonyms: composure, calm, level-headedness, self-possession, coolheadedness, presence of mind; serenity, tranquility, phlegm, imperturbability, equilibrium; poise, assurance, self-confidence, aplomb, sangfroid, nerve; informalcool "she confronted the daily crises with equanimity" antonyms: anxiety Origin early 17th century (also in the sense 'fairness, impartiality'): from Latin aequanimitas, from aequus 'equal' + animus 'mind.'
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equivocal
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ambiguous e·quiv·o·cal əˈkwivək(ə)l/Submit adjective adjective: equivocal open to more than one interpretation; ambiguous. "the equivocal nature of her remarks" synonyms: ambiguous, indefinite, noncommittal, vague, imprecise, inexact, inexplicit, hazy; unclear, cryptic, enigmatic, pettifogging; ambivalent, uncertain, unsure, indecisive "an equivocal statement" antonyms: definite uncertain or questionable in nature. "the results of the investigation were equivocal" Origin mid 16th century: from late Latin aequivocus, from Latin aequus 'equally' + vocare 'to call.'
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equivocate
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to use ambiguous or unclear expressions, usually to avoid commitment or mislead e·quiv·o·cate əˈkwivəˌkāt/Submit verb verb: equivocate; 3rd person present: equivocates; past tense: equivocated; past participle: equivocated; gerund or present participle: equivocating use ambiguous language so as to conceal the truth or avoid committing oneself. ""Not that we are aware of," she equivocated" synonyms: prevaricate, be evasive, be noncommittal, be vague, be ambiguous, dodge the question, beat around the bush, hedge; vacillate, shilly-shally, waver; temporize, hesitate, stall, hem and haw; informalpussyfoot around, sit on the fence; raretergiversate "you have equivocated too often in the past" Origin late Middle English (in the sense 'use a word in more than one sense'): from late Latin aequivocat- 'called by the same name,' from the verb aequivocare, from aequivocus (see equivocal).
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eradicate
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to destroy completely e·rad·i·cate əˈradəˌkāt/Submit verb verb: eradicate; 3rd person present: eradicates; past tense: eradicated; past participle: eradicated; gerund or present participle: eradicating destroy completely; put an end to. "this disease has been eradicated from the world" synonyms: eliminate, get rid of, remove, obliterate; exterminate, destroy, annihilate, kill, wipe out; abolish, stamp out, extinguish, quash; erase, efface, excise, expunge, expel; informalzap, nuke, wave goodbye to "a total of three monthly applications will eradicate the termites" Origin late Middle English (in the sense 'pull up by the roots'): from Latin eradicat- 'torn up by the roots,' from the verb eradicare, from e- (variant of ex- ) 'out' + radix, radic- 'root.'
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erudite
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very well-educated er·u·dite ˈer(y)əˌdīt/Submit adjective adjective: erudite having or showing great knowledge or learning. synonyms: learned, scholarly, educated, knowledgeable, well read, well informed, intellectual; intelligent, clever, academic, literary; bookish, highbrow, sophisticated, cerebral; informalbrainy; datedlettered "our erudite cousin, Norma" antonyms: ignorant Origin late Middle English: from Latin eruditus, past participle of erudire 'instruct, train' (based on rudis 'rude, untrained').
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eschew
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to keep clear of, avoid es·chew əsˈCHo͞o/Submit verb verb: eschew; 3rd person present: eschews; past tense: eschewed; past participle: eschewed; gerund or present participle: eschewing deliberately avoid using; abstain from. "he appealed to the crowd to eschew violence" synonyms: abstain from, refrain from, give up, forgo, shun, renounce, steer clear of, have nothing to do with, fight shy of; relinquish, reject, disavow, abandon, spurn, wash one's hands of, drop; informalkick, pack in; formalforswear, abjure "he firmly eschewed political involvement" Origin late Middle English: from Old French eschiver, ultimately of Germanic origin and related to German scheuen 'shun,' also to shy1.
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esoteric
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hard to understand; known only by a few es·o·ter·ic ˌesəˈterik/Submit adjective adjective: esoteric intended for or likely to be understood by only a small number of people with a specialized knowledge or interest. "esoteric philosophical debates" synonyms: abstruse, obscure, arcane, recherché, rarefied, recondite, abstract; enigmatic, inscrutable, cryptic, Delphic; complex, complicated, incomprehensible, opaque, impenetrable, mysterious "in attendance were more than 50 antiques dealers brimming with esoteric knowledge" Origin mid 17th century: from Greek esōterikos, from esōterō, comparative of esō 'within,' from es, eis 'into.' Compare with exoteric.
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euphemism
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a nicer way of saying something that is less blunt and direct when discussing something embarrassing or harsh eu·phe·mism ˈyo͞ofəˌmizəm/Submit noun noun: euphemism; plural noun: euphemisms a mild or indirect word or expression substituted for one considered to be too harsh or blunt when referring to something unpleasant or embarrassing. ""downsizing" as a euphemism for cuts" synonyms: polite term, indirect term, circumlocution, substitute, alternative, understatement, genteelism "'influential person' is the local euphemism for underworld don" Origin late 16th century: from Greek euphēmismos, from euphēmizein 'use auspicious words,' from eu 'well' + phēmē 'speaking.'
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exacerbate
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to make sharper or more severe; to make worse ex·ac·er·bate iɡˈzasərˌbāt/Submit verb verb: exacerbate; 3rd person present: exacerbates; past tense: exacerbated; past participle: exacerbated; gerund or present participle: exacerbating make (a problem, bad situation, or negative feeling) worse. "the exorbitant cost of land in urban areas only exacerbated the problem" synonyms: aggravate, worsen, inflame, compound; intensify, increase, heighten, magnify, add to, amplify, augment; informaladd fuel to the fire/flames "each party blames the other for exacerbating the problem" antonyms: reduce Origin mid 17th century: from Latin exacerbat- 'made harsh,' from the verb exacerbare, from ex- (expressing inducement of a state) + acerbus 'harsh, bitter.' The noun exacerbation (late Middle English) originally meant 'provocation to anger.'
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exculpate
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to free from blame ex·cul·pate ˈekskəlˌpāt/Submit verbformal verb: exculpate; 3rd person present: exculpates; past tense: exculpated; past participle: exculpated; gerund or present participle: exculpating show or declare that (someone) is not guilty of wrongdoing. "the article exculpated the mayor" Origin mid 17th century: from medieval Latin exculpat- 'freed from blame,' from the verb exculpare, from ex- 'out, from' + Latin culpa 'blame.'
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exigency
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urgent situation ex·i·gen·cy ˈeksəjənsē,eɡˈzijənsē/Submit noun noun: exigency; plural noun: exigencies an urgent need or demand. "women worked long hours when the exigencies of the family economy demanded it" synonyms: need, demand, requirement, necessity "the exigencies of the war" urgency, crisis, difficulty, pressure "financial exigency" Origin late 16th century: from late Latin exigentia, from Latin exigere 'enforce' (see exact).
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expatiate
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to speak or write at some length on a given topic or theme ex·pa·ti·ate ikˈspāSHēˌāt/Submit verb verb: expatiate; 3rd person present: expatiates; past tense: expatiated; past participle: expatiated; gerund or present participle: expatiating speak or write at length or in detail. "she expatiated on working-class novelists" synonyms: speak/write at length, go into detail, expound, dwell, dilate, expand, enlarge, elaborate; formalperorate "he expatiated on the topic of volunteerism" Origin mid 16th century (in the sense 'roam freely'): from Latin exspatiari 'move beyond one's usual bounds,' from ex- 'out, from' + spatiari 'to walk' (from spatium 'space').
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expiation
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that means by which atonement or reparation is made ex·pi·a·tion ˌekspēˈāSH(ə)n/Submit noun noun: expiation; plural noun: expiations the act of making amends or reparation for guilt or wrongdoing; atonement. "an act of public expiation"
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extenuating
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the state of explaining or justifying in order to lessen the seriousness of an action for example, extenuating circumstances may lessen the punishment for a crime ex·ten·u·ate ikˈstenyəˌwāt/Submit verb adjective: extenuating; gerund or present participle: extenuating 1. make (guilt or an offense) seem less serious or more forgivable. "there were extenuating circumstances that caused me to say the things I did" synonyms: excuse, mitigate, palliate, make allowances for, make excuses for, defend, vindicate, justify; diminish, lessen, moderate, qualify, play down "I've no wish to extenuate his transgressions" mitigating, excusing, exonerative, palliative, justifying, justificatory, vindicating; formalexculpatory "a just decision must allow for extenuating circumstances" 2. literary make (someone) thin. "drawings of extenuated figures" Origin late Middle English (in the sense 'make thin, emaciate'): from Latin extenuat- 'made thin,' from the verb extenuare (based on tenuis 'thin').
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extirpate
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to root out; to eradicate ex·tir·pate ˈekstərˌpāt/Submit verb verb: extirpate; 3rd person present: extirpates; past tense: extirpated; past participle: extirpated; gerund or present participle: extirpating root out and destroy completely. "the use of every legal measure to extirpate this horrible evil from the land" synonyms: weed out, destroy, eradicate, stamp out, root out, wipe out, eliminate, suppress, crush, put down, put an end to, get rid of "the use of every legal measure to extirpate this horrible evil from the land" Origin late Middle English (as extirpation ): from Latin exstirpare, from ex- 'out' + stirps 'a stem.'
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extrapolation
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to infer an unknown from something that's known ex·tra·po·la·tion ikˌstrapəˈlāSH(ə)n/Submit noun noun: extrapolation; plural noun: extrapolations the action of estimating or concluding something by assuming that existing trends will continue or a current method will remain applicable. "sizes were estimated by extrapolation" MATHEMATICS the extension of a graph, curve, or range of values by inferring unknown values from trends in the known data. "extrapolation of the logarithmic curve yielded an estimate of 66 species"
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facetious
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not intended to be taken seriously vfa·ce·tious fəˈsēSHəs/Submit adjective adjective: facetious treating serious issues with deliberately inappropriate humor; flippant. synonyms: flippant, flip, glib, frivolous, tongue-in-cheek, ironic, sardonic, joking, jokey, jocular, playful, sportive, teasing, mischievous; witty, amusing, funny, droll, comic, comical, lighthearted, jocose "unfortunately, they took my facetious remarks seriously" antonyms: serious Origin late 16th century (in the general sense 'witty, amusing'): from French facétieux, from facétie, from Latin facetia 'jest,' from facetus 'witty.fa·ce·tious fəˈsēSHəs/Submit adjective adjective: facetious treating serious issues with deliberately inappropriate humor; flippant. synonyms: flippant, flip, glib, frivolous, tongue-in-cheek, ironic, sardonic, joking, jokey, jocular, playful, sportive, teasing, mischievous; witty, amusing, funny, droll, comic, comical, lighthearted, jocose "unfortunately, they took my facetious remarks seriously" antonyms: serious Origin late 16th century (in the general sense 'witty, amusing'): from French facétieux, from facétie, from Latin facetia 'jest,' from facetus 'witty.'
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facilitate
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to make easier fa·cil·i·tate fəˈsiləˌtāt/Submit verb verb: facilitate; 3rd person present: facilitates; past tense: facilitated; past participle: facilitated; gerund or present participle: facilitating make (an action or process) easy or easier. "schools were located on the same campus to facilitate the sharing of resources" synonyms: make easy/easier, ease, make possible, make smooth/smoother, smooth the way for; enable, assist, help (along), aid, oil the wheels of, expedite, speed up, accelerate, forward, advance, promote, further, encourage, catalyze, be a catalyst for "private funding has facilitated our research" antonyms: impede Origin early 17th century: from French faciliter, from Italian facilitare, from facile 'easy,' from Latin facilis (see facile).
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fallacious
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illogical fal·la·cious fəˈlāSHəs/Submit adjective adjective: fallacious based on a mistaken belief. "fallacious arguments" synonyms: erroneous, false, untrue, wrong, incorrect, flawed, inaccurate, mistaken, misinformed, misguided; specious, spurious, bogus, fictitious, fabricated, made up; groundless, unfounded, ill-founded, unproven, unsupported, uncorroborated; informalphony, full of holes "we almost printed his fallacious information" antonyms: correct Origin early 16th century: from Old French fallacieux, from Latin fallaciosus, from fallacia (see fallacy).
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fatuous
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idiotic fat·u·ous ˈfaCHo͞oəs/Submit adjective adjective: fatuous silly and pointless. "a fatuous comment" synonyms: silly, foolish, stupid, inane, idiotic, vacuous, asinine; pointless, senseless, ridiculous, ludicrous, absurd; informaldumb, daft "the irritation of fatuous questions" antonyms: sensible Origin early 17th century: from Latin fatuus 'foolish' + -ous.
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felicitous
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appropriate or suitable for the situation or circumstances fe·lic·i·tous fəˈlisədəs/Submit adjective adjective: felicitous well chosen or suited to the circumstances. "a felicitous phrase" synonyms: apt, well chosen, fitting, suitable, appropriate, apposite, pertinent, germane, relevant "his nickname was particularly felicitous" antonyms: inappropriate pleasing and fortunate. "the view was the room's only felicitous feature" synonyms: favorable, advantageous, good, pleasing "the room's only felicitous feature" antonyms: unfortunate
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ferret out
answer
to track down, discover to find (something, such as information) by careful searching He's good at ferreting out the facts.
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fervor
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ardor or intensity of feeling fer·vor ˈfərvər/Submit noun noun: fervour; noun: fervor intense and passionate feeling. "he talked with all the fervor of a new convert" synonyms: passion, ardor, intensity, zeal, vehemence, emotion, warmth, earnestness, avidity, eagerness, keenness, enthusiasm, excitement, animation, vigor, energy, fire, spirit, zest, fervency "even the smallest of tasks he tackled with fervor" antonyms: apathy archaic intense heat. plural noun: fervours; plural noun: fervors Origin Middle English: via Old French from Latin fervor, from fervere 'to boil.' Compare with fervent and fervid.
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fledgling
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inexperienced fledg·ling ˈflejliNG/Submit noun noun: fledgling; plural noun: fledglings; noun: fledgeling; plural noun: fledgelings a young bird that has just fledged. synonyms: chick, baby bird, nestling "a woodpecker fledgling" a person or organization that is immature, inexperienced, or underdeveloped. "the fledgling democracies of eastern Europe" synonyms: emerging, emergent, sunrise, dawning, embryonic, infant, nascent; developing, in the making, budding, up-and-coming, rising "fledgling industries" antonyms: declining, mature Origin mid 19th century: from the obsolete adjective fledge (see fledge), on the pattern of nestling .
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foment
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to instigate or encourage negative behavior, such as violence fo·ment ˌfōˈment,ˈfōˌment/Submit verb verb: foment; 3rd person present: foments; past tense: fomented; past participle: fomented; gerund or present participle: fomenting 1. instigate or stir up (an undesirable or violent sentiment or course of action). "they accused him of fomenting political unrest" synonyms: instigate, incite, provoke, agitate, excite, stir up, whip up, encourage, urge, fan the flames of "they were accused of fomenting civil unrest" 2. archaic bathe (a part of the body) with warm or medicated lotions. Origin late Middle English (sense 2): from French fomenter, from late Latin fomentare, from Latin fomentum 'poultice, lotion,' from fovere 'to heat, cherish.'
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forestall
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to prevent by taking action in advance fore·stall fôrˈstôl/Submit verb verb: forestall; 3rd person present: forestalls; past tense: forestalled; past participle: forestalled; gerund or present participle: forestalling prevent or obstruct (an anticipated event or action) by taking action ahead of time. "vitamins may forestall many diseases of aging" synonyms: preempt, get in before; anticipate, second-guess; nip in the bud, thwart, frustrate, foil, stave off, ward off, fend off, avert, preclude, obviate, prevent; informalbeat someone to it "they were unable to forestall Roosevelt's reelection" act in advance of (someone) in order to prevent them from doing something. "she started to rise, but Erica forestalled her and got the telephone" historical buy up (goods) in order to profit by an enhanced price. Origin Old English foresteall 'an ambush' (see fore- and stall). As a verb the earliest sense (Middle English) was 'intercept and buy up (goods) before they reach the market, so as to raise the price' (formerly an offense).
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fortification
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the act of strengthening or protecting for·ti·fi·ca·tion ˌfôrdəfəˈkāSH(ə)n/Submit noun noun: fortification; plural noun: fortifications a defensive wall or other reinforcement built to strengthen a place against attack. synonyms: rampart, wall, defense, bulwark, palisade, stockade, redoubt, earthwork, bastion, parapet, barricade "fortifications loomed ominously along the high banks of the river" the action of fortifying or process of being fortified. "the fortification of the frontiers" synonyms: rampart, wall, defense, bulwark, palisade, stockade, redoubt, earthwork, bastion, parapet, barricade "fortifications loomed ominously along the high banks of the river" Origin late Middle English: via French from late Latin fortificatio(n-), from fortificare (see fortify).
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frugal
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thrifty fru·gal ˈfro͞oɡəl/Submit adjective sparing or economical with regard to money or food. "he led a remarkably frugal existence" synonyms: thrifty, economical, careful, cautious, prudent, provident, unwasteful, sparing, scrimping; abstemious, abstinent, austere, self-denying, ascetic, monkish, spartan; parsimonious, miserly, niggardly, cheeseparing, penny-pinching, close-fisted; informaltightfisted, tight, stingy "a hard-working, frugal woman" simple and plain and costing little. "a frugal meal" synonyms: meager, scanty, scant, paltry, skimpy; plain, simple, spartan, inexpensive, cheap, economical "their frugal breakfast"
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fulminate
answer
to cause to explode; to detonate ful·mi·nate ˈfo͝olməˌnāt/Submit verb verb: fulminate; 3rd person present: fulminates; past tense: fulminated; past participle: fulminated; gerund or present participle: fulminating 1. express vehement protest. "all fulminated against the new curriculum" synonyms: protest, rail against, rage about, rant about, thunder about, storm about, vociferate against, declaim, inveigh against, speak out against, make/take a stand against; denounce, decry, condemn, criticize, censure, disparage, attack, execrate; informalmouth off about; formalexcoriate "homeowners fulminated against the tax hikes" literary explode violently or flash like lightning. "thunder fulminated around the house" synonyms: protest, rail against, rage about, rant about, thunder about, storm about, vociferate against, declaim, inveigh against, speak out against, make/take a stand against; denounce, decry, condemn, criticize, censure, disparage, attack, execrate; informalmouth off about; formalexcoriate "homeowners fulminated against the tax hikes" MEDICINE (of a disease or symptom) develop suddenly and severely. "fulminating appendicitis" nounCHEMISTRY noun: fulminate; plural noun: fulminates 1. a salt or ester of fulminic acid. Origin late Middle English: from Latin fulminat- 'struck by lightning,' from fulmen, fulmin- 'lightning.' The earliest sense (derived from medieval Latin fulminare ) was 'denounce formally,' later 'issue formal censures' (originally said of the Pope). A sense 'emit thunder and lightning,' based on the original Latin meaning, arose in the early 17th century, and hence 'explode violently' (late 17th century).
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fumble
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to g]feel or grope clumsily fum·ble ˈfəmbəl/Submit verb verb: fumble; 3rd person present: fumbles; past tense: fumbled; past participle: fumbled; gerund or present participle: fumbling 1. use the hands clumsily while doing or handling something. "she fumbled with the lock" synonyms: grope, fish, search blindly, scrabble around "she fumbled for her keys" move clumsily in various directions using the hands to find one's way. "Greg fumbled around in the closet and found his black jacket" synonyms: stumble, blunder, flounder, lumber, stagger, totter, lurch; More use the hands clumsily to move (something) as specified. "she fumbled a cigarette from her bag" AMERICAN FOOTBALL drop or lose control of (the ball), sometimes causing a turnover. "he seldom fumbled a ball" (in other ball games) fail to catch or field (the ball, a pass, a shot, etc.) cleanly. synonyms: miss, drop, mishandle, bobble "the quarterback fumbled the ball" express oneself or deal with something clumsily or nervously. "asked for explanations, Michael had fumbled for words" synonyms: mess up, make a mess of, bungle, mismanage, mishandle, spoil; More noun noun: fumble; plural noun: fumbles 1. an act of using the hands clumsily while doing or handling something. "just one fumble during a tire change could separate the winners from the losers" AMERICAN FOOTBALL an act of dropping or losing control of the ball, sometimes causing a turnover. "his fumble was recovered on the 6-yard line" (in other ball games) an act of failing to catch or field the ball cleanly. synonyms: slip, mistake, error, gaffe; More an act of managing or dealing with something clumsily. "we are not talking about subtle errors of judgment, but major fumbles" Origin late Middle English: from Low German fommeln or Dutch fommelen .
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gaffe
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a social blunder; faux pas gaffe ɡaf/Submit noun noun: gaffe; plural noun: gaffes an unintentional act or remark causing embarrassment to its originator; a blunder. "an unforgivable social gaffe" synonyms: blunder, mistake, error, slip, faux pas, indiscretion, impropriety, miscalculation, gaucherie, solecism; informalslip-up, howler, boo-boo, fluff, flub, blooper, goof "I made some real gaffes at work" Origin early 20th century: from French, literally 'boat hook' (from Provençal gaf : see gaff1), used colloquially to mean 'blunder.'
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gainsay
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to contradict or oppose gain·say ˌɡānˈsā/Submit verbformal verb: gainsay; 3rd person present: gainsays; past tense: gainsaid; past participle: gainsaid; gerund or present participle: gainsaying deny or contradict (a fact or statement). "the impact of the railroads cannot be gainsaid" synonyms: deny, dispute, disagree with, argue with, dissent from, contradict, repudiate, challenge, oppose, contest, counter, controvert, rebut "it was difficult to gainsay his claim" antonyms: confirm speak against or oppose (someone). Origin Middle English: from obsolete gain- 'against' + say.
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garrulous
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prone to trivial talking gar·ru·lous ˈɡer(y)ələs/Submit adjective adjective: garrulous excessively talkative, especially on trivial matters. "Polonius is portrayed as a foolish, garrulous old man" synonyms: talkative, loquacious, voluble, verbose, chatty, chattering, gossipy; effusive, expansive, forthcoming, conversational, communicative; informalmouthy, gabby, gassy, windy, having the gift of (the) gab, motormouthed "a garrulous old man" long-winded, wordy, verbose, prolix, long, lengthy, rambling, wandering, maundering, meandering, digressive, diffuse, discursive; gossipy, chatty; informalwindy, gassy "his garrulous reminiscences" antonyms: taciturn, reticent, concise Origin early 17th century: from Latin garrulus (from garrire 'to chatter, prattle') + -ous.
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generosity
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the state of giving freely gen·er·os·i·ty ˌjenəˈräsədē/Submit noun noun: generosity the quality of being kind and generous. "I was overwhelmed by the generosity of friends and neighbors" synonyms: liberality, lavishness, magnanimity, munificence, openhandedness, free-handedness, unselfishness; More the quality or fact of being plentiful or large. "diners certainly cannot complain about the generosity of portions" synonyms: abundance, plentifulness, copiousness, lavishness, liberality, largeness "the generosity of the food portions" Origin late Middle English (denoting nobility of birth): from Latin generositas, from generosus 'magnanimous' (see generous). Current senses date from the 17th century.
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germane
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relevant ger·mane jərˈmān/Submit adjective adjective: germane relevant to a subject under consideration. "that is not germane to our theme" synonyms: relevant, pertinent, applicable, apposite, material; apropos, appropriate, apt, fitting, suitable; connected, related, akin; on-topic "your question is not germane to the topic at hand" antonyms: irrelevant Origin early 17th century: variant of german, with which it was synonymous from Middle English. The current sense has arisen from a usage in Shakespeare's Hamlet .
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goad
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to urge on goad ɡōd/Submit verb verb: goad; 3rd person present: goads; past tense: goaded; past participle: goaded; gerund or present participle: goading 1. provoke or annoy (someone) so as to stimulate some action or reaction. "he goaded her on to more daring revelations" synonyms: provoke, spur, prod, egg on, hound, badger, incite, rouse, stir, move, stimulate, motivate, prompt, induce, encourage, urge, inspire; impel, pressure, dragoon "we were goaded into action" 2. drive or urge (an animal) on with a goad. noun noun: goad; plural noun: goads 1. a spiked stick used for driving cattle. synonyms: prod, spike, staff, crook, rod "he applied his goad to the cows" a thing that stimulates someone into action. "for him the visit was a goad to renewed effort" synonyms: stimulus, incentive, encouragement, inducement, fillip, spur, prod, prompt, catalyst; motive, motivation "a goad to political change" Origin Old English gād, of Germanic origin.
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grandiloquent
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speaking or expressing oneself in a lofty style, often to the point of being pompous or bombastic gran·dil·o·quent ɡranˈdiləkwənt/Submit adjective adjective: grandiloquent pompous or extravagant in language, style, or manner, especially in a way that is intended to impress. "a grandiloquent celebration of Spanish glory" synonyms: pompous, bombastic, magniloquent, pretentious, ostentatious, high-flown, orotund, florid, flowery; overwrought, overblown, overdone; informalhighfalutin, purple "grandiloquent speeches" antonyms: understated Origin late 16th century: from Latin grandiloquus, literally 'grand-speaking,' from grandis 'grand' + loqui 'speak.' The ending was altered in English by association with eloquent.
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grandstand
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to conduct oneself or perform showily in an attempt to impress onlookers grand·stand ˈɡran(d)ˌstand/Submit noun noun: grandstand; plural noun: grandstands 1. the main seating area, usually roofed, commanding the best view for spectators at racetracks or sports stadiums. verbderogatory verb: grandstand; 3rd person present: grandstands; past tense: grandstanded; past participle: grandstanded; gerund or present participle: grandstanding 1. seek to attract applause or favorable attention from spectators or the media. "they accused him of political grandstanding"
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gregarious
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sociable; outgoing gre·gar·i·ous ɡrəˈɡerēəs/Submit adjective adjective: gregarious (of a person) fond of company; sociable. "he was a popular and gregarious man" synonyms: sociable, company-loving, convivial, companionable, outgoing, friendly, affable, amiable, genial, warm, comradely; informalchummy "he was fun-loving and gregarious" antonyms: unsociable (of animals) living in flocks or loosely organized communities. "gregarious species forage in flocks from colonies or roosts" synonyms: social, living in groups "gregarious fish" (of plants) growing in open clusters or in pure associations. Origin mid 17th century: from Latin gregarius (from grex, greg- 'a flock') + -ous.
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grouse
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to complain or grumble grouse2 ɡrous/Submit verb verb: grouse; 3rd person present: grouses; past tense: groused; past participle: groused; gerund or present participle: grousing 1. complain pettily; grumble. "she heard him grousing about his assistant" synonyms: grumble, complain, protest, whine, bleat, carp, cavil, make a fuss; informalmoan, bellyache, gripe, beef, bitch, grouch, sound off, kvetch "she groused about the food" noun noun: grouse; plural noun: grouse; plural noun: grouses 1. a grumble or complaint. "our biggest grouse was about the noise of the construction work" synonyms: grumble, complaint, grievance, objection, cavil, quibble; informalmoan, beef, gripe, grouch "our biggest grouse was about the noise" Origin early 19th century: of unknown origin; compare with grouch.
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guileless
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without deceit guile·less ˈɡīlləs/Submit adjective adjective: guileless devoid of guile; innocent and without deception. "his face, once so open and guileless" synonyms: artless, ingenuous, naive, open, genuine, natural, simple, childlike, innocent, unsophisticated, unworldly, unsuspicious, trustful, trusting; honest, truthful, sincere, straightforward "how can you take advantage of someone so sweet and guileless?"
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gullible
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easily deceived
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halcyon
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calm hal·cy·on ˈhalsēən/Submit adjective adjective: halcyon 1. denoting a period of time in the past that was idyllically happy and peaceful. "the halcyon days of the mid-1980s, when profits were soaring" synonyms: happy, golden, idyllic, carefree, blissful, joyful, joyous, contented; flourishing, thriving, prosperous, successful; serene, calm, tranquil, peaceful "the halcyon days of our youth" noun noun: halcyon; plural noun: halcyons 1. a tropical Asian and African kingfisher with brightly colored plumage. 2. a mythical bird said by ancient writers to breed in a nest floating at sea at the winter solstice, charming the wind and waves into calm. Origin late Middle English (in the mythological sense): via Latin from Greek alkuōn 'kingfisher' (also halkuōn, by association with hals 'sea' and kuōn 'conceiving').
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haphazard
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characterized by a lack of order or planning hap·haz·ard ˌhapˈhazərd/Submit adjective adjective: haphazard lacking any obvious principle of organization. "the kitchen drawers contained a haphazard collection of silver souvenir spoons" synonyms: random, unplanned, unsystematic, unmethodical, disorganized, disorderly, irregular, indiscriminate, chaotic, hit-and-miss, arbitrary, aimless, careless, casual, slapdash, slipshod; chance, accidental; informalhiggledy-piggledy "Shelley's haphazard piles of laundry" Origin late 16th century: from hap + hazard.
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harangue
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a tirade ha·rangue həˈraNG/Submit noun noun: harangue; plural noun: harangues 1. a lengthy and aggressive speech. synonyms: tirade, diatribe, lecture, polemic, rant, fulmination, broadside, attack, onslaught; criticism, condemnation, censure, admonition, sermon; declamation, speech; informalblast; literaryphilippic "a ten-minute harangue" verb verb: harangue; 3rd person present: harangues; past tense: harangued; past participle: harangued; gerund or present participle: haranguing 1. lecture (someone) at length in an aggressive and critical manner. "the kind of guy who harangued total strangers about PCB levels in whitefish" synonyms: rant at, hold forth to, lecture, shout at; berate, criticize, attack; informalsound off at, mouth off to "he harangued his erstwhile colleagues" Origin late Middle English: from Old French arenge, from medieval Latin harenga, perhaps of Germanic origin. The spelling was later altered to conform with French harangue (noun), haranguer (verb).
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harbinger
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anything or anyone who makes known the coming of a person or future even; an omen har·bin·ger ˈhärbənjər/Submit noun noun: harbinger; plural noun: harbingers a person or thing that announces or signals the approach of another. "witch hazels are the harbingers of spring" synonyms: herald, sign, indication, signal, portent, omen, augury, forewarning, presage; forerunner, precursor, messenger; literaryforetoken "I long to see the robins, crocuses, and other harbingers of spring" a forerunner of something. "these works were not yet opera, but they were the most important harbinger of opera" Origin Middle English: from Old French herbergere, from herbergier 'provide lodging for,' from herberge 'lodging,' from Old Saxon heriberga 'shelter for an army, lodging' (from heri 'army' + a Germanic base meaning 'fortified place'), related to harbor. The term originally denoted a person who provided lodging, later one who went ahead to find lodgings for an army or for a nobleman and his retinue, hence, a herald (mid 16th century).
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hedge
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a barrier or boundary; an act of preventing complete loss of a bet or investment hedge hej/Submit noun noun: hedge; plural noun: hedges 1. a fence or boundary formed by closely growing bushes or shrubs. "she was standing barefoot in a corner of the lawn, trimming the hedge" synonyms: hedgerow, bushes; windbreak "high hedges" a contract entered into or asset held as a protection against possible financial loss. "inflation hedges such as real estate and gold" synonyms: safeguard, protection, shield, screen, guard, buffer, cushion; More a word or phrase used to allow for additional possibilities or to avoid commitment, for example, etc., often, usually, or sometimes. synonyms: equivocation, evasion, fudge, quibble, qualification; More verb verb: hedge; 3rd person present: hedges; past tense: hedged; past participle: hedged; gerund or present participle: hedging 1. surround or bound with a hedge. "a garden hedged with yews" synonyms: surround, enclose, encircle, ring, border, edge, bound "fields hedged with forsythia" enclose. 2. limit or qualify (something) by conditions or exceptions. "experts usually hedge their predictions, just in case" synonyms: confine, restrict, limit, hinder, obstruct, impede, constrain, trap; hem in "she was hedged in by her limited education" avoid making a definite decision, statement, or commitment. "she hedged around the one question she wanted to ask" 3. protect oneself against loss on (a bet or investment) by making balancing or compensating transactions. "the company hedged its investment position on the futures market" synonyms: safeguard, protect, shield, guard, cushion; More Origin Old English hegg, of Germanic origin; related to Dutch heg and German Hecke .
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heresy
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opinion or doctrine subversive of settled or accepted beliefs noun, plural heresies. 1. opinion or doctrine at variance with the orthodox or accepted doctrine, especially of a church or religious system. 2. the maintaining of such an opinion or doctrine. 3. Roman Catholic Church. the willful and persistent rejection of any article of faith by a baptized member of the church. 4. any belief or theory that is strongly at variance with established beliefs, customs, etc.
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homogeneous
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of the same kind
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hyperbole
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exaggeration or overstatement hy·per·bo·le hīˈpərbəlē/Submit noun noun: hyperbole; plural noun: hyperboles exaggerated statements or claims not meant to be taken literally. synonyms: exaggeration, overstatement, magnification, embroidery, embellishment, excess, overkill, rhetoric; informalpurple prose, puffery "the media hyperbole that accompanied their championship series" antonyms: understatement Origin late Middle English: via Latin from Greek huperbolē (see hyperbola).
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iconoclast
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a person who attacks and destroys religious images or accepted beliefs or traditions noun 1. a person who attacks cherished beliefs, traditional institutions, etc., as being based on error or superstition. 2. a breaker or destroyer of images, especially those set up for religious veneration.
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ignominious
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shameful, disgraceful ig·no·min·i·ous ˌiɡnəˈminēəs/Submit adjective adjective: ignominious deserving or causing public disgrace or shame. "no other party risked ignominious defeat" synonyms: humiliating, undignified, embarrassing, mortifying; ignoble, inglorious; disgraceful, shameful, dishonorable, discreditable "he made an ignominious exit after 21 months in power" antonyms: glorious Origin late Middle English: from French ignominieux, or Latin ignominiosus, from ignominia (see ignominy).
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immense
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very large Origin late Middle English: via French from Latin immensus 'immeasurable,' from in- 'not' + mensus 'measured' (past participle of metiri ).
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impartial
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objective, open-minded treating all rivals or disputants equally; fair and just. "independent and impartial advice" synonyms: unbiased, unprejudiced, neutral, nonpartisan, nondiscriminatory, disinterested, detached, dispassionate, objective, open-minded, equitable, evenhanded, fair, fair-minded, just; without favoritism, without fear or favor "he earned a reputation as a peacemaker, serving as an impartial arbiter in numerous international disputes" antonyms: biased, partisan
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impecunious
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having no money; broke im·pe·cu·ni·ous ˌimpəˈkyo͞onēəs/Submit adjective adjective: impecunious having little or no money. "a titled but impecunious family" synonyms: penniless, poor, impoverished, indigent, insolvent, hard up, poverty-stricken, needy, destitute; in straitened circumstances, unable to make ends meet; informal(flat) broke, strapped (for cash); formalpenurious "she left Evansville to escape the solicitations of her impecunious relatives" antonyms: wealthy Origin late 16th century: from in-1 'not' + obsolete pecunious 'having money, wealthy' (from Latin pecuniosus, from pecunia 'money').
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impede
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to hinder; to block im·pede imˈpēd/Submit verb verb: impede; 3rd person present: impedes; past tense: impeded; past participle: impeded; gerund or present participle: impeding delay or prevent (someone or something) by obstructing them; hinder. "the sap causes swelling that can impede breathing" synonyms: hinder, obstruct, hamper, hold back/up, delay, interfere with, disrupt, retard, slow (down), hobble, cripple; block, check, stop, scupper, scuttle, thwart, frustrate, balk, foil, derail; informalstymie, throw a (monkey) wrench in the works of; datedcumber "your efforts to impede our progress will be unsuccessful" antonyms: facilitate Origin late 16th century: from Latin impedire 'shackle the feet of,' based on pes, ped- 'foot.' Compare with impeach.
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impenitent
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not feeling regret about one's sins im·pen·i·tent imˈpenətnt/Submit adjective adjective: impenitent not feeling shame or regret about one's actions or attitudes. synonyms: unrepentant, unrepenting, uncontrite, remorseless, unashamed, unapologetic, unabashed "the hardness of their impenitent hearts" Origin late Middle English: from ecclesiastical Latin impaenitent- 'not repenting,' from Latin in- 'not' + paenitere 'repent.'
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imperious
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domineering, overbearing; urgent im·pe·ri·ous ˌimˈpirēəs/Submit adjective adjective: imperious assuming power or authority without justification; arrogant and domineering. "his imperious demands" synonyms: peremptory, high-handed, commanding, imperial, overbearing, overweening, domineering, authoritarian, dictatorial, autocratic, authoritative, lordly, assertive, bossy, arrogant, haughty, presumptuous; informalpushy, high and mighty "Black tells stories of imperious judges and duplicitous witnesses" Origin mid 16th century: from Latin imperiosus, from imperium 'command, authority, empire'; related to imperare 'to command.' Compare with imperial.
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imperturbable
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calm im·per·turb·a·ble ˌimpərˈtərbəb(ə)l/Submit adjective adjective: imperturbable unable to be upset or excited; calm. "an imperturbable tranquility" synonyms: self-possessed, composed, calm, cool, and collected, coolheaded, self-controlled, serene, relaxed, unexcitable, even-tempered, placid, phlegmatic; unperturbed, unflustered, unruffled; informalunflappable, unfazed, nonplussed, laid-back; rareequanimous "the guide dogs are trained to be imperturbable" antonyms: excitable, edgy Origin late Middle English: from late Latin imperturbabilis, from in- 'not' + perturbare (see perturb).
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impervious
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impenetrable im·per·vi·ous imˈpərvēəs/Submit adjective adjective: impervious not allowing fluid to pass through. "an impervious layer of basaltic clay" synonyms: impermeable, impenetrable, impregnable, waterproof, watertight, water-resistant, repellent; (hermetically) sealed, zip-locked "an impervious rain jacket" antonyms: permeable unable to be affected by. "he worked, apparently impervious to the heat" synonyms: unaffected by, untouched by, immune to, invulnerable to, insusceptible to, resistant to, indifferent to, heedless of, insensible to, unconscious of, oblivious to; proof against "he seemed impervious to the chill wind" Origin mid 17th century: from Latin impervius (from in- 'not' + pervius 'pervious') + -ous.
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impetuous
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impulsive im·pet·u·ous imˈpeCH(o͞o)əs/Submit adjective adjective: impetuous acting or done quickly and without thought or care. "her friend was headstrong and impetuous" synonyms: impulsive, rash, hasty, overhasty, reckless, heedless, careless, foolhardy, bullheaded, headstrong, incautious, imprudent, injudicious, ill-considered, unthought-out; spontaneous, impromptu, spur-of-the-moment, precipitate, precipitous, hurried, rushed; informaldevil-may-care, harum-scarum, hotheaded "an impetuous decision" antonyms: considered, cautious moving forcefully or rapidly. "an impetuous but controlled flow of water" synonyms: torrential, powerful, forceful, vigorous, violent, raging, relentless, uncontrolled; rapid, fast, fast-flowing, swift "an impetuous flow of water" antonyms: sluggish Origin late Middle English: from Old French impetueux, from late Latin impetuosus, from impetere 'to assail, attack.'
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implicit
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implied im·plic·it imˈplisit/Submit adjective adjective: implicit 1. implied though not plainly expressed. "comments seen as implicit criticism of the policies" synonyms: implied, hinted at, suggested, insinuated; unspoken, unexpressed, undeclared, unstated, tacit, unacknowledged, taken for granted; inherent, latent, underlying, inbuilt, incorporated; understood, inferred, deducible "implicit assumptions" antonyms: explicit essentially or very closely connected with; always to be found in. "the values implicit in the school ethos" 2. with no qualification or question; absolute. "an implicit faith in God" synonyms: absolute, complete, total, wholehearted, perfect, utter; unqualified, unconditional, categorical; unshakable, unquestioning, firm, steadfast "an implicit trust in human nature" antonyms: limited 3. MATHEMATICS (of a function) not expressed directly in terms of independent variables. Origin late 16th century: from French implicite or Latin implicitus, later form of implicatus 'entwined,' past participle of implicare (see imply).
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importune
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to harass with persistent demands im·por·tune ˌimpôrˈt(y)o͞on/Submit verb verb: importune; 3rd person present: importunes; past tense: importuned; past participle: importuned; gerund or present participle: importuning ask (someone) pressingly and persistently for or to do something. "if he were alive now, I should importune him with my questions" synonyms: beg, beseech, entreat, implore, plead with, appeal to, call on, lobby; harass, pester, press, badger, bother, nag, harry; informalhassle, bug "he importuned her for some spare change" approach (someone) to offer one's services as a prostitute. synonyms: beg, beseech, entreat, implore, plead with, appeal to, call on, lobby; harass, pester, press, badger, bother, nag, harry; informalhassle, bug "he importuned her for some spare change" Origin mid 16th century: from French importuner or medieval Latin importunari, from Latin importunus 'inconvenient, unseasonable' (see importunate).
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impugn
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to challenge as false with arguments or accusations im·pugn imˈpyo͞on/Submit verb verb: impugn; 3rd person present: impugns; past tense: impugned; past participle: impugned; gerund or present participle: impugning dispute the truth, validity, or honesty of (a statement or motive); call into question. "the father does not impugn her capacity as a good mother" synonyms: call into question, challenge, question, dispute, query, take issue with "are you impugning my judgment?" Origin late Middle English (also in the sense 'assault, attack physically'): from Latin impugnare 'assail,' from in- 'toward' + pugnare 'fight.'
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inadvertently
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unintentionally in·ad·vert·ent·ly ˌinədˈvərtntlē/Submit adverb adverb: inadvertently without intention; accidentally. "his name had been inadvertently omitted from the list"
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inane
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a nicer word for describing someone or something as stupid or idiotic in·ane iˈnān/Submit adjective adjective: inane silly; stupid. "don't constantly badger people with inane questions" synonyms: silly, foolish, stupid, fatuous, idiotic, ridiculous, ludicrous, absurd, senseless, asinine, frivolous, vapid; childish, puerile; informaldumb, moronic, ditzy, daft "another one of Craig's inane schemes" antonyms: sensible Origin mid 16th century: from Latin inanis 'empty, vain.'
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incensed
answer
angered in·censed inˈsenst/Submit adjective adjective: incensed very angry; enraged. "I was absolutely incensed"
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inchoate
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recently begun, not fully developed or organized in·cho·ate inˈkōət,ˈinkəˌwāt/Submit adjective adjective: inchoate just begun and so not fully formed or developed; rudimentary. "a still inchoate democracy" synonyms: rudimentary, undeveloped, unformed, immature, incipient, embryonic; beginning, fledgling, developing "their government should not interfere in the inchoate market forces" mid 16th century: from Latin inchoatus, past participle of inchoare, variant of incohare 'begin.
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inconstant
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changeable; fickle; variable in·con·stant inˈkänstənt/Submit adjective frequently changing; variable or irregular. "their exact dimensions aren't easily measured since they are inconstant" synonyms: fickle, faithless, unfaithful, false, wayward, unreliable, untrustworthy, capricious, volatile, flighty, unpredictable, erratic, blowing hot and cold; changeable, mutable, mercurial, variable, irregular; informalcheating, two-timing "an inconstant friend" (of a person or their behavior) not faithful and dependable. synonyms: fickle, faithless, unfaithful, false, wayward, unreliable, untrustworthy, capricious, volatile, flighty, unpredictable, erratic, blowing hot and cold; changeable, mutable, mercurial, variable, irregular; informalcheating, two-timing "an inconstant friend"
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indigenous
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originating in a particular place or region in·dig·e·nous inˈdijənəs/Submit adjective adjective: indigenous originating or occurring naturally in a particular place; native. "the indigenous peoples of Siberia" synonyms: native, original, aboriginal, autochthonous; local, domestic, homegrown; earliest, first "indigenous species" Origin mid 17th century: from Latin indigena 'a native' (see indigene) + -ous.
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indigent
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lacking necessities, such as food, clothing, and shelter in·di·gent ˈindəjənt/Submit adjective adjective: indigent 1. poor; needy. synonyms: poor, impecunious, destitute, penniless, impoverished, insolvent, poverty-stricken; needy, in need, hard up, disadvantaged, badly off; informal(flat) broke, strapped (for cash), on skid row, down-and-out; formalpenurious "indigent families" antonyms: rich noun noun: indigent; plural noun: indigents 1. a needy person. synonyms: vagrant, homeless person, down-and-out, beggar, pauper, derelict, have-not; informalbum "a shelter for the city's indigents" Origin late Middle English: via Old French from late Latin indigent- 'lacking,' from the verb indigere, from indi- (strengthened form of in- 'into') + egere 'to need.'
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indolence
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laziness in·do·lence ˈindələns/Submit noun noun: indolence; plural noun: indolences avoidance of activity or exertion; laziness. "my failure is probably due to my own indolence" synonyms: laziness, idleness, slothfulness, sloth, shiftlessness, inactivity, inaction, inertia, sluggishness, lifelessness, lethargy, languor, languidness, torpor, torpidity; rareotiosity; literaryhebetude "his musical gifts dissolved in the indolence of his nature"
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ineffable
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incapable of being expressed in words; unutterable in·ef·fa·ble inˈefəb(ə)l/Submit adjective adjective: ineffable too great or extreme to be expressed or described in words. "the ineffable natural beauty of the Everglades" synonyms: indescribable, inexpressible, beyond words, beyond description, begging description; indefinable, unutterable, untold, unimaginable; overwhelming, breathtaking, awesome, marvelous, wonderful, staggering, amazing "the ineffable, surging joy of the Beatles" unutterable, not to be uttered, not to be spoken, unmentionable, forbidden, taboo "the ineffable name of God" not to be uttered. "the ineffable Hebrew name that gentiles write as Jehovah" Origin late Middle English: from Old French, or from Latin ineffabilis, from in- 'not' + effabilis (see effable).
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inert
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inactive; lacking power to move or react in·ert iˈnərt/Submit adjective adjective: inert lacking the ability or strength to move. "she lay inert in her bed" synonyms: unmoving, motionless, immobile, inanimate, still, stationary, static; dormant, sleeping; unconscious, comatose, lifeless, insensible, insensate, insentient; idle, inactive, underactive, sluggish, lethargic, indolent, stagnant, listless, torpid "forces that once drove the economy have become inert" antonyms: active lacking vigor. "an inert political system" chemically inactive. synonyms: unmoving, motionless, immobile, inanimate, still, stationary, static; dormant, sleeping; unconscious, comatose, lifeless, insensible, insensate, insentient; idle, inactive, underactive, sluggish, lethargic, indolent, stagnant, listless, torpid "forces that once drove the economy have become inert" antonyms: active Origin mid 17th century: from Latin iners, inert- 'unskilled, inactive,' from in- (expressing negation) + ars, art- 'skill, art.'
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inexorable
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not subject to change; not able to be persuaded or convinced in·ex·o·ra·ble ˌinˈeksərəb(ə)l/Submit adjective adjective: inexorable impossible to stop or prevent. "the seemingly inexorable march of new technology" synonyms: relentless, unstoppable, inescapable, inevitable, unavoidable, irrevocable, unalterable; persistent, continuous, nonstop, steady, interminable, incessant, unceasing, unremitting, unrelenting "the inexorable advance of science" (of a person) impossible to persuade by request or entreaty. "the doctors were inexorable, and there was nothing to be done" synonyms: intransigent, unbending, unyielding, inflexible, adamant, obdurate, immovable, unshakable; implacable, unappeasable, severe, hard, unforgiving, unsparing, uncompromising, ruthless, relentless, pitiless, merciless "inexorable creditors" Origin mid 16th century: from French, or from Latin inexorabilis, from in- 'not' + exorabilis (from exorare 'entreat').
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ingenuous
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innocent, sincere in·gen·u·ous ˌinˈjenyo͞oəs/Submit adjective adjective: ingenuous (of a person or action) innocent and unsuspecting. synonyms: naive, innocent, simple, childlike, trusting, unwary; unsuspicious, unworldly, wide-eyed, inexperienced, green; open, sincere, honest, frank, candid, forthright, artless, guileless, genuine, upfront "she had never before met a grown man so ingenuous" antonyms: artful Origin late 16th century: from Latin ingenuus, literally 'native, inborn,' from in- 'into' + an element related to gignere 'beget.' The original sense was 'noble, generous,' giving rise to 'honorably straightforward, frank,' hence 'innocently frank' (late 17th century).
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ingratiating
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charming, agreeable in·gra·ti·at·ing inˈɡrāSHēˌādiNG/Submit adjective adjective: ingratiating intended to gain approval or favor; sycophantic. "an ingratiating manner" synonyms: sycophantic, toadying, fawning, unctuous, obsequious; flattering, insincere; smooth-tongued, slick; greasy, oily, saccharine; informalsmarmy, slimy "a forced and ingratiating smile" in·gra·ti·ate inˈɡrāSHēˌāt/Submit verb gerund or present participle: ingratiating bring oneself into favor with someone by flattering or trying to please them. "a social climber who had tried to ingratiate herself with the city gentry" synonyms: curry favor with, cultivate, win over, get in good with; More Origin early 17th century: from Latin in gratiam 'into favor,' on the pattern of obsolete Italian ingratiare, earlier form of ingraziare .
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innocuous
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harmless in·noc·u·ous iˈnäkyo͞oəs/Submit adjective adjective: innocuous not harmful or offensive. "it was an innocuous question" synonyms: harmless, safe, nontoxic, innocent; edible, eatable "an innocuous fungus" inoffensive, unobjectionable, unexceptionable, harmless, mild, tame, anodyne, soft-focus "an innocuous comment" antonyms: harmful, toxic, offensive Origin late 16th century: from Latin innocuus, from in- 'not' + nocuus 'injurious' (see nocuous).
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insensible
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incapable of perceiving or feeling in·sen·si·ble inˈsensəb(ə)l/Submit adjective adjective: insensible 1. without one's mental faculties, typically a result of violence or intoxication; unconscious. "they knocked each other insensible with their fists" synonyms: unconscious, insensate, senseless, insentient, inert, comatose, knocked out, passed out, blacked out; stunned, numb, numbed; informalout (cold), down for the count, out of it, zonked out, blitzed, dead to the world "she was insensible on the floor" antonyms: conscious (especially of a body or bodily extremity) numb; without feeling. "the horny and insensible tip of the beak" 2. unaware of; indifferent to. "they slept on, insensible to the headlight beams" synonyms: unaware of, ignorant of, unconscious of, unmindful of, oblivious to, incognizant of; indifferent to, impervious to, deaf to, blind to, unaffected by; informalin the dark about "he was insensible to the risks" antonyms: aware without emotion; callous. synonyms: insensitive, dispassionate, cool, emotionless, unfeeling, unconcerned, detached, indifferent, hardened, tough, callous; informalhard-boiled "he showed insensible disregard" antonyms: sensitive 3. too small or gradual to be perceived; inappreciable. "varying by insensible degrees" Origin late Middle English (also in the senses 'unable to be perceived' and 'incapable of physical sensation'): partly from Old French insensible (from Latin insensibilis, from in- 'not' + sensibilis, from sensus 'sense'), partly from in-1 'not' + sensible.
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insinuate
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to suggest or hint slyly in·sin·u·ate inˈsinyo͞oˌāt/Submit verb verb: insinuate; 3rd person present: insinuates; past tense: insinuated; past participle: insinuated; gerund or present participle: insinuating 1. suggest or hint (something bad or reprehensible) in an indirect and unpleasant way. "he was insinuating that she had slept her way to the top" synonyms: imply, suggest, hint, intimate, indicate, let it be known, give someone to understand; informalmake out "he insinuated that she lied" 2. maneuver oneself into (a position of favor or office) by subtle manipulation. "she seemed to be taking over, insinuating herself into the family" synonyms: worm one's way into, ingratiate oneself with, curry favor with; foist oneself on, introduce oneself into, edge one's way into, insert oneself into; infiltrate, invade, sneak into, maneuver oneself into, intrude on, impinge on; informalmuscle in on "he is trying to insinuate himself into their family" slide (oneself or a thing) slowly and smoothly into a position. "the bugs insinuate themselves between one's skin and clothes" Origin early 16th century (used in legal contexts in the sense 'enter (a document) in the official register'): from Latin insinuat- 'introduced tortuously,' from the verb insinuare, from in- 'in' + sinuare 'to curve.'
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insipid
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bland in·sip·id inˈsipid/Submit adjective adjective: insipid lacking flavor. "mugs of insipid coffee" synonyms: tasteless, flavorless, bland, weak, wishy-washy; unappetizing, unpalatable "insipid coffee" antonyms: tasty lacking vigor or interest. "many artists continued to churn out insipid, shallow works" synonyms: unimaginative, uninspired, uninspiring, characterless, flat, uninteresting, lackluster, dull, drab, boring, dry, humdrum, ho-hum, monochrome, tedious, uneventful, run-of-the-mill, commonplace, pedestrian, trite, tired, hackneyed, stale, lame, wishy-washy, colorless, anemic, lifeless "insipid pictures" antonyms: interesting, imaginative Origin early 17th century: from French insipide or late Latin insipidus, from in- 'not' + sapidus (see sapid).
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insouciant
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free from worry or concern; carefree in·sou·ci·ant inˈso͞osēənt,inˈso͞oSHənt/Submit adjective adjective: insouciant showing a casual lack of concern; indifferent. "an insouciant shrug" synonyms: nonchalant, untroubled, unworried, unruffled, unconcerned, indifferent, blasé, heedless, careless; relaxed, calm, equable, serene, composed, easy, easygoing, carefree, free and easy, happy-go-lucky, lighthearted, airy, blithe, mellow; informalcool, laid-back, slaphappy "only outwardly did he possess an insouciant attitude about the disease"
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intimation
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something indicated or made known indirectly in·ti·ma·tion ˌin(t)əˈmāSH(ə)n/Submit noun noun: intimation; plural noun: intimations an indication or hint. "the first intimations of trouble" synonyms: suggestion, hint, indication, sign, signal, inkling, suspicion, impression; clue, undertone, whisper, wind; communication, notification, notice, warning "the first intimation of trouble came when the police began going door to door" the action of making something known, especially in an indirect way. "it took ten years from the intimation of a claim to the assessment of damages"
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intrepid
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fearless and bold adjective 1. resolutely fearless; dauntless: an intrepid explorer.
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inure
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to harden or toughen by use, exercise, exposure late Middle English inure, enure, from an Anglo-Norman French phrase meaning 'in use or practice,' from en 'in' + Old French euvre 'work' (from Latin opera ). accustom (someone) to something, especially something unpleasant. "these children have been inured to violence" synonyms: harden, toughen, season, temper, condition; accustom, habituate, familiarize, acclimatize, adjust, adapt, desensitize "they had become inured to poverty" antonyms: sensitize
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invidious
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showing or feeling envy in·vid·i·ous inˈvidēəs/Submit adjective adjective: invidious (of an action or situation) likely to arouse or incur resentment or anger in others. "she'd put herself in an invidious position" synonyms: unpleasant, awkward, difficult; undesirable, unenviable; odious, hateful, detestable "that put her in an invidious position" antonyms: pleasant (of a comparison or distinction) unfairly discriminating; unjust. "it seems invidious to make special mention of one aspect of his work" synonyms: unfair, unjust, iniquitous, unwarranted; deleterious, detrimental, discriminatory "an invidious comparison" antonyms: fair Origin early 17th century: from Latin invidiosus, from invidia (see envy).
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irascible
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easily angered i·ras·ci·ble iˈrasəb(ə)l/Submit adjective adjective: irascible having or showing a tendency to be easily angered. "an irascible man" synonyms: irritable, quick-tempered, short-tempered, hot-tempered, testy, touchy, tetchy, edgy, crabby, petulant, waspish, dyspeptic, snappish; cross, surly, crusty, grouchy, grumpy, cranky, cantankerous, curmudgeonly, ill-natured, peevish, querulous, fractious; informalprickly, snippy "this hot weather has put everyone in an irascible mood" antonyms: even-tempered, good-natured Origin late Middle English: via French from late Latin irascibilis, from Latin irasci 'grow angry,' from ira 'anger.'
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ironic
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to convey the opposite of an expression's literal meaning i·ron·ic īˈränik/Submit adjective adjective: ironic using or characterized by irony. "his mouth curved into an ironic smile" synonyms: sarcastic, sardonic, cynical, mocking, satirical, caustic, wry "Edward's tone was ironic" antonyms: sincere happening in the opposite way to what is expected, and typically causing wry amusement because of this. "it was ironic that now that everybody had plenty of money for food, they couldn't obtain it because everything was rationed" synonyms: paradoxical, incongruous "it's ironic that a former illiterate is now a successful writer" antonyms: logical Origin mid 17th century: from French ironique or late Latin ironicus, from Greek eirōnikos 'dissembling, feigning ignorance,' from eirōneia (see irony1).
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itinerant
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traveling from place to place i·tin·er·ant īˈtinərənt,iˈtinərənt/Submit adjective adjective: itinerant 1. traveling from place to place. "itinerant traders" synonyms: traveling, peripatetic, wandering, roving, roaming, touring, saddlebag, nomadic, gypsy, migrant, vagrant, vagabond, of no fixed address "itinerant traders" noun noun: itinerant; plural noun: itinerants 1. a person who travels from place to place. synonyms: traveler, wanderer, roamer, rover, nomad, gypsy, migrant, transient, drifter, vagabond, hobo, vagrant, tramp "an encampment of itinerants" Origin late 16th century (used to describe a judge traveling on a circuit): from late Latin itinerant- 'traveling,' from the verb itinerari, from Latin iter, itiner- 'journey, road.'
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jingoism
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professing one's patriotism loudly and excessively, often used in terms of having an aggressive foreign policy jin·go·ism ˈjiNGɡōˌizəm/Submit nounderogatory noun: jingoism extreme patriotism, especially in the form of aggressive or warlike foreign policy. synonyms: extreme patriotism, chauvinism, extreme nationalism, xenophobia, flag-waving; hawkishness, militarism, belligerence, bellicosity "a newspaper known for its jingoism"
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killjoy
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a person who spoils the joy or pleasure of others kill·joy ˈkilˌjoi/Submit noun noun: killjoy; plural noun: killjoys; noun: kill-joy; plural noun: kill-joys a person who deliberately spoils the enjoyment of others through resentful or overly sober behavior. synonyms: spoilsport, wet blanket, damper, party pooper; prophet of doom "uh-oh, here comes that killjoy Walter"
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laconic
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brief and to the point; concise la·con·ic ləˈkänik/Submit adjective adjective: laconic (of a person, speech, or style of writing) using very few words. "his laconic reply suggested a lack of interest in the topic" synonyms: brief, concise, terse, succinct, short, pithy "his laconic comment" taciturn, uncommunicative, reticent, quiet, reserved, silent, unforthcoming, brief "their laconic press agent" antonyms: verbose, loquacious Origin mid 16th century (in the sense 'Laconian'): via Latin from Greek Lakōnikos, from Lakōn 'Laconia, Sparta,' the Spartans being known for their terse speech.
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lampoon
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to make fun of; to mock or ridicule lam·poon lamˈpo͞on/Submit verb verb: lampoon; 3rd person present: lampoons; past tense: lampooned; past participle: lampooned; gerund or present participle: lampooning 1. publicly criticize (someone or something) by using ridicule, irony, or sarcasm. "the senator made himself famous as a pinch-penny watchdog of public spending, lampooning dubious federal projects" synonyms: satirize, mock, ridicule, make fun of, caricature, burlesque, parody, tease; informalroast, send up "he was mercilessly lampooned" noun noun: lampoon; plural noun: lampoons 1. a speech or text criticizing someone or something in this way. "does this sound like a lampoon of student life?" synonyms: satire, burlesque, parody, skit, caricature, impersonation, travesty, mockery; informalsend-up, takeoff, spoof "a lampoon of student life" Origin mid 17th century: from French lampon, said to be from lampons 'let us drink' (used as a refrain), from lamper 'gulp down,' nasalized form of laper 'to lap (liquid).'
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latent
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dormant la·tent ˈlātnt/Submit adjective adjective: latent (of a quality or state) existing but not yet developed or manifest; hidden; concealed. "discovering her latent talent for diplomacy" synonyms: dormant, untapped, unused, undiscovered, hidden, concealed, underlying, invisible, unseen, undeveloped, unrealized, unfulfilled, potential "his latent skills" BIOLOGY (of a bud, resting stage, etc.) lying dormant or hidden until circumstances are suitable for development or manifestation. synonyms: dormant, untapped, unused, undiscovered, hidden, concealed, underlying, invisible, unseen, undeveloped, unrealized, unfulfilled, potential "his latent skills" (of a disease) in which the usual symptoms are not yet manifest. synonyms: dormant, untapped, unused, undiscovered, hidden, concealed, underlying, invisible, unseen, undeveloped, unrealized, unfulfilled, potential "his latent skills" (of a microorganism, especially a virus) present in the body without causing disease, but capable of doing so at a later stage or when transmitted to another body. synonyms: dormant, untapped, unused, undiscovered, hidden, concealed, underlying, invisible, unseen, undeveloped, unrealized, unfulfilled, potential "his latent skills" Origin late Middle English: from Latin latent- 'being hidden,' from the verb latere .
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laud
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to praise laud lôd/Submit verbformal verb: laud; 3rd person present: lauds; past tense: lauded; past participle: lauded; gerund or present participle: lauding 1. praise (a person or their achievements) highly, especially in a public context. "the obituary lauded him as a great statesman and soldier" synonyms: praise, extol, hail, applaud, acclaim, commend, sing the praises of, speak highly of, pay tribute to, lionize, eulogize, rhapsodize over/about; informalrave about; archaicmagnify, panegyrize "a single lauded by the music press" antonyms: criticize nounarchaic noun: laud 1. praise. "all glory, laud, and honor to Thee" Origin late Middle English: the noun from Old French laude, the verb from Latin laudare, both from Latin laus, laud- 'praise' (see also lauds).
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laudable
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praiseworthy laud·a·ble ˈlôdəb(ə)l/Submit adjective adjective: laudable (of an action, idea, or goal) deserving praise and commendation. "laudable though the aim might be, the results have been criticized" synonyms: praiseworthy, commendable, admirable, meritorious, worthy, deserving, creditable, estimable "thanked for their laudable contributions of time and talent" antonyms: shameful Origin late Middle English: from Latin laudabilis, from laus, laud- 'praise.'
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licentious
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unrestrained by laws or rules, especially those related to sexuality li·cen·tious līˈsenSHəs/Submit adjective adjective: licentious 1. promiscuous and unprincipled in sexual matters. synonyms: dissolute, dissipated, debauched, degenerate, immoral, naughty, wanton, decadent, depraved, sinful, corrupt; lustful, lecherous, lascivious, libidinous, prurient, lubricious, lewd, promiscuous, lickerish; formalconcupiscent "a book that exaggerates the licentious behavior of the rich and famous" antonyms: moral 2. archaic disregarding accepted rules or conventions, especially in grammar or literary style. Origin late Middle English: from Latin licentiosus, from licentia 'freedom.'
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liken
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to represent as similar to someone or something lik·en ˈlīkən/Submit verb verb: liken; 3rd person present: likens; past tense: likened; past participle: likened; gerund or present participle: likening point out the resemblance of someone or something to. "they likened the reigning emperor to a god" Origin Middle English: from like1 + -en1.
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loquacious
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talkative lo·qua·cious lōˈkwāSHəs/Submit adjective adjective: loquacious tending to talk a great deal; talkative. synonyms: talkative, voluble, communicative, expansive, garrulous, unreserved, chatty, gossipy, gossiping; informalhaving the gift of (the) gab, gabby, gassy, motormouthed, talky, windy "a loquacious little boy" antonyms: reticent, taciturn Origin mid 17th century: from Latin loquax, loquac- (from loqui 'talk') + -ious.
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lucid
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easily understood; clear lu·cid ˈlo͞osəd/Submit adjective adjective: lucid 1. expressed clearly; easy to understand. "a lucid account" synonyms: intelligible, comprehensible, understandable, cogent, coherent, articulate; More antonyms: confusing, ambiguous showing ability to think clearly, especially in the intervals between periods of confusion or insanity. "he has a few lucid moments every now and then" synonyms: rational, sane, in one's right mind, in possession of one's faculties, compos mentis, able to think clearly, balanced, clearheaded, sober, sensible; informalall there "he was not lucid enough to explain" antonyms: muddled, confused PSYCHOLOGY (of a dream) experienced with the dreamer feeling awake, aware of dreaming, and able to control events consciously. 2. literary bright or luminous. "birds dipped their wings in the lucid flow of air" Origin late 16th century (sense 2): from Latin lucidus (perhaps via French lucide or Italian lucido ), from lucere 'shine,' from lux, luc- 'light.'
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lugubrious
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gloomy, depressing lu·gu·bri·ous ləˈɡ(y)o͞obrēəs/Submit adjective adjective: lugubrious looking or sounding sad and dismal. synonyms: mournful, gloomy, sad, unhappy, doleful, glum, melancholy, woeful, miserable, woebegone, forlorn, somber, solemn, serious, sorrowful, morose, dour, cheerless, joyless, dismal; funereal, sepulchral; informaldown in/at the mouth; literarydolorous "lugubrious hymns" antonyms: cheerful Origin early 17th century: from Latin lugubris (from lugere 'mourn') + -ous.
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magnanimity
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generosity mag·na·nim·i·ty ˌmaɡnəˈnimədē/Submit noun noun: magnanimity the fact or condition of being magnanimous; generosity. "both sides will have to show magnanimity"
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malingerer
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one who feigns illness to escape duty ma·lin·ger·er məˈliNGɡərər/Submit noun noun: malingerer; plural noun: malingerers a person who malingers. "the doctor said my son was a malingerer" synonyms: shirker, idler, layabout, loafer; informalslacker, goof-off, goldbrick "you won't find any whiners or malingerers in this outfit"
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malleable
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to chew or reduce to pulp mal·le·a·ble ˈmalyəb(ə)l/Submit adjective adjective: malleable (of a metal or other material) able to be hammered or pressed permanently out of shape without breaking or cracking. synonyms: pliable, ductile, plastic, pliant, soft, workable "a malleable substance" antonyms: hard easily influenced; pliable. "Anna was shaken enough to be malleable" synonyms: easily influenced, suggestible, susceptible, impressionable, pliable, amenable, compliant, tractable; biddable, complaisant, manipulable, persuadable, like putty in someone's hands "a malleable young woman" antonyms: intractable Origin late Middle English (in the sense 'able to be hammered'): via Old French from medieval Latin malleabilis, from Latin malleus 'a hammer.'
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mealy mouthed
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insincere, deceitful meal·y-mouthed ˈmēlēˌmouT͟Hd,ˈmēlēˌmouTHt/Submit adjective adjective: mealy-mouthed; adjective: mealymouthed afraid to speak frankly or straightforwardly. "mealy-mouthed excuses
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mediocrity
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the state or quality of being barely adequate me·di·oc·ri·ty ˌmēdēˈäkrədē/Submit noun noun: mediocrity the quality or state of being mediocre. "heroes rising above the mediocrity that surrounds them" a person of mediocre ability. plural noun: mediocrities
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mendacious
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untruthful, deceitful men·da·cious menˈdāSHəs/Submit adjective adjective: mendacious not telling the truth; lying. "mendacious propaganda" synonyms: lying, untruthful, dishonest, deceitful, false, dissembling, insincere, disingenuous, hypocritical, fraudulent, double-dealing, two-faced, Janus-faced, two-timing, duplicitous, perjured; untrue, fictitious, falsified, fabricated, fallacious, invented, made up; vulgar slangfull of crap; literaryperfidious "politicians and their mendacious spin doctors" antonyms: truthful Origin early 17th century: from Latin mendax, mendac- 'lying' (related to mendum 'fault') + -ious.
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mendicant
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a beggar or homeless person men·di·cant ˈmendəkənt/Submit adjective adjective: mendicant 1. given to begging. of or denoting one of the religious orders that originally relied solely on alms. "a mendicant friar" noun noun: mendicant; plural noun: mendicants 1. a beggar. a member of a mendicant order. Origin late Middle English: from Latin mendicant- 'begging,' from the verb mendicare, from mendicus 'beggar,' from mendum 'fault.'
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metamorphosis
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change of form [met-uh-mawr-fuh-sis] metamorphoses [met-uh-mawr-fuh-seez] (Show IPA) 1. Biology. a profound change in form from one stage to the next in the life history of an organism, as from the caterpillar to the pupa and from the pupa to the adult butterfly. Compare complete metamorphosis. 2. a complete change of form, structure, or substance, as transformation by magic or witchcraft. 3. any complete change in appearance, character, circumstances, etc.
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meticulous
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very thorough and precise me·tic·u·lous məˈtikyələs/Submit adjective adjective: meticulous showing great attention to detail; very careful and precise. "he had always been so meticulous about his appearance" synonyms: careful, conscientious, diligent, scrupulous, punctilious, painstaking, accurate; thorough, studious, rigorous, detailed, perfectionist, fastidious, methodical, particular "the etchers give meticulous attention to each piece" antonyms: careless Origin mid 16th century (in the sense 'fearful or timid'): from Latin meticulosus, from metus 'fear.' The word came to mean 'overcareful about detail,' hence the current sense (early 19th century).
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misanthrope
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one who hates people mis·an·thrope ˈmis(ə)nˌTHrōp,ˈmiz(ə)nˌTHrōp/Submit noun noun: misanthrope; plural noun: misanthropes; noun: misanthropist; plural noun: misanthropists a person who dislikes humankind and avoids human society. synonyms: hater of mankind, hater, cynic; recluse, hermit; hikikomori; informalgrouch, grump "he was going to join a group of misanthropes but he disliked all the members" Origin mid 16th century: from Greek misanthrōpos, from misein 'to hate' + anthrōpos 'man.'
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mitigate
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to lessen in intensity; to appease mit·i·gate ˈmidəˌɡāt/Submit verb verb: mitigate; 3rd person present: mitigates; past tense: mitigated; past participle: mitigated; gerund or present participle: mitigating make less severe, serious, or painful. "he wanted to mitigate misery in the world" synonyms: alleviate, reduce, diminish, lessen, weaken, lighten, attenuate, take the edge off, allay, ease, assuage, palliate, relieve, tone down "the worst symptoms have been mitigated" antonyms: aggravate lessen the gravity of (an offense or mistake). "he would have faced a prison sentence but for mitigating circumstances" synonyms: extenuating, justificatory, justifying, vindicating, qualifying; face-saving; formalexculpatory "if not for mitigating circumstances, he would have been convicted" Origin late Middle English: from Latin mitigat- 'softened, alleviated,' from the verb mitigare, from mitis 'mild.'
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modicum
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a small amount mod·i·cum ˈmädəkəm/Submit noun noun: modicum; plural noun: modicums a small quantity of a particular thing, especially something considered desirable or valuable. "his statement had more than a modicum of truth" synonyms: small amount, particle, speck, fragment, scrap, crumb, grain, morsel, shred, dash, drop, pinch, soupçon, jot, iota, whit, atom, smattering, scintilla, hint, suggestion, tinge; informalsmidgen, tad "I'd like to leave while I still have a modicum of my self-respect" Origin late 15th century: from Latin, neuter of modicus 'moderate,' from modus 'measure.'
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mollify
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to soothe mol·li·fy ˈmäləˌfī/Submit verb verb: mollify; 3rd person present: mollifies; past tense: mollified; past participle: mollified; gerund or present participle: mollifying appease the anger or anxiety of (someone). "nature reserves were set up around the power stations to mollify local conservationists" synonyms: appease, placate, pacify, conciliate, soothe, calm (down) "they tried to mollify the protesters" antonyms: enrage rare reduce the severity of (something); soften. synonyms: allay, assuage, alleviate, mitigate, ease, reduce, moderate, temper, tone down, soften; informalblunt "mollifying the fears of the public" antonyms: inflame Origin late Middle English (also in the sense 'make soft or supple'): from French mollifier or Latin mollificare, from mollis 'soft.'
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morbidity
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related to illness or disease, especially the prevalence of illness in a certain population or geographical area mor·bid·i·ty môrˈbidədē/ nounMEDICINE noun: morbidity the condition of being diseased. "the therapy can substantially reduce respiratory morbidity in infants" the rate of disease in a population. "the levels of air pollution are associated with increased morbidity from respiratory diseases"
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mordant
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sarcastic, harsh mor·dant ˈmôrdnt/Submit adjective adjective: mordant 1. (especially of humor) having or showing a sharp or critical quality; biting. "a mordant sense of humor" synonyms: caustic, trenchant, biting, cutting, acerbic, sardonic, sarcastic, scathing, acid, sharp, keen; critical, bitter, virulent, vitriolic "a mordant sense of humor" noun noun: mordant; plural noun: mordants 1. a substance, typically an inorganic oxide, that combines with a dye or stain and thereby fixes it in a material. an adhesive compound for fixing gold leaf. a corrosive liquid used to etch the lines on a printing plate. verb verb: mordant; 3rd person present: mordants; past tense: mordanted; past participle: mordanted; gerund or present participle: mordanting 1. impregnate or treat (a fabric) with a mordant. Origin late 15th century: from French, present participle of mordre 'to bite,' from Latin mordere
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moribund
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near death or extinction mor·i·bund ˈmôrəˌbənd/Submit adjective adjective: moribund (of a person) at the point of death. synonyms: dying, expiring, terminal, on one's deathbed, near death, at death's door, not long for this world "the patient was moribund" antonyms: thriving, recovering (of a thing) in terminal decline; lacking vitality or vigor. "the moribund commercial property market" synonyms: declining, in decline, waning, dying, stagnating, stagnant, crumbling, on its last legs "the moribund shipbuilding industry" antonyms: flourishing Origin early 18th century: from Latin moribundus, from mori 'to die.'
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morose
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ill-humored; sullen mo·rose məˈrōs/Submit adjective adjective: morose sullen and ill-tempered. synonyms: sullen, sulky, gloomy, bad-tempered, ill-tempered, dour, surly, sour, glum, moody, ill-humored, melancholy, melancholic, brooding, broody, doleful, miserable, depressed, dejected, despondent, downcast, unhappy, low, down, grumpy, irritable, churlish, cantankerous, crotchety, cross, crabby, cranky, grouchy, testy, snappish, peevish, crusty; informalblue, down in the dumps, down in/at the mouth "Louis sat alone, looking morose" antonyms: cheerful Origin mid 16th century: from Latin morosus 'peevish,' from mos, mor- 'manner.'
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mundane
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ordinary; dull mun·dane ˌmənˈdān/Submit adjective adjective: mundane 1. lacking interest or excitement; dull. "seeking a way out of his mundane, humdrum existence" synonyms: humdrum, dull, boring, tedious, monotonous, tiresome, wearisome, unexciting, uninteresting, uninvolving, uneventful, unvarying, unremarkable, repetitive, repetitious, routine, ordinary, everyday, day-to-day, run-of-the-mill, commonplace, workaday; informalplain-vanilla, ho-hum "her mundane life" antonyms: extraordinary, imaginative 2. of this earthly world rather than a heavenly or spiritual one. "the boundaries of the mundane world" synonyms: earthly, worldly, terrestrial, material, temporal, secular, areligious; literarysublunary "the mundane world" antonyms: spiritual relating to or denoting the branch of astrology that deals with political, social, economic, and geophysical events and processes. Origin late Middle English (sense 2): from Old French mondain, from late Latin mundanus, from Latin mundus 'world.' Sense 1 dates from the late 19th century.
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myopic
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shortsighted or narrow-minded my·op·ic ˌmīˈäpik/Submit adjective adjective: myopic nearsighted. synonyms: nearsighted; shortsighted "a myopic patient" antonyms: farsighted lacking imagination, foresight, or intellectual insight. "the government still has a myopic attitude to public spending" synonyms: unimaginative, uncreative, unadventurous, narrow-minded, small-minded, short-term, shortsighted "the government's myopic attitude" antonyms: farsighted
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narcissism
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excessive fascination with oneself nar·cis·sism ˈnärsəˌsizəm/Submit noun noun: narcissism excessive or erotic interest in oneself and one's physical appearance. synonyms: vanity, self-love, self-admiration, self-absorption, self-obsession, conceit, self-centeredness, self-regard, egotism, egoism "his emotional development was hindered by his mother's narcissism" antonyms: modesty PSYCHOLOGY extreme selfishness, with a grandiose view of one's own talents and a craving for admiration, as characterizing a personality type. PSYCHOANALYSIS self-centeredness arising from failure to distinguish the self from external objects, either in very young babies or as a feature of mental disorder. Origin early 19th century: via Latin from the Greek name Narkissos (see Narcissus) + -ism.
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nefarious
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extremely wicked ne·far·i·ous nəˈferēəs/Submit adjective adjective: nefarious (typically of an action or activity) wicked or criminal. "the nefarious activities of the organized-crime syndicates" synonyms: wicked, evil, sinful, iniquitous, egregious, heinous, atrocious, vile, foul, abominable, odious, depraved, monstrous, fiendish, diabolical, unspeakable, despicable; villainous, criminal, corrupt, illegal, unlawful; dateddastardly "the nefarious long-lost brother returns to steal Iris's inheritance" antonyms: good Origin early 17th century: from Latin nefarius, from nefas, nefar- 'wrong' (from ne- 'not' + fas 'divine law') + -ous.
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negate
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to cancel out; to nullify ne·gate nəˈɡāt/Submit verb verb: negate; 3rd person present: negates; past tense: negated; past participle: negated; gerund or present participle: negating 1. nullify; make ineffective. "alcohol negates the effects of the drug" synonyms: invalidate, nullify, neutralize, cancel; undo, reverse, annul, void, revoke, rescind, repeal, retract, countermand, overrule, overturn; informalnix; formalabrogate "they negated the court's ruling" antonyms: validate, confirm 2. LOGICGRAMMAR make (a clause, sentence, or proposition) negative in meaning. 3. deny the existence of (something). "negating the political nature of education" synonyms: disprove, prove wrong, prove false, refute, debunk, discredit, invalidate; More antonyms: confirm Origin early 17th century (sense 1 and sense 3): from Latin negat- 'denied,' from the verb negare .
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neophyte
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beginner ne·o·phyte ˈnēəˌfīt/Submit noun noun: neophyte; plural noun: neophytes a person who is new to a subject, skill, or belief. "four-day cooking classes are offered to neophytes and experts" synonyms: beginner, learner, novice, newcomer; initiate, tyro, fledgling; trainee, apprentice, probationer, tenderfoot; informalrookie, newbie, greenhorn "cooking classes are offered to neophytes" a new convert to a religion. a novice in a religious order, or a newly ordained priest. synonyms: novice, novitiate; postulant, catechumen "a neophyte of the monastery" Origin late Middle English: via ecclesiastical Latin from Greek neophutos, literally 'newly planted' but first used in the sense 'new convert' by St. Paul (1 Tim. 3:6), from neos 'new' + phuton 'plant.'
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nepotism
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favoritism shown on the basis of family relationship nep·o·tism ˈnepəˌtizəm/Submit noun noun: nepotism the practice among those with power or influence of favoring relatives or friends, especially by giving them jobs. synonyms: favoritism, preferential treatment, the old boy network, looking after one's own, bias, partiality, partisanship "hiring my daughter was not nepotism—it was just good business" antonyms: impartiality Origin mid 17th century: from French népotisme, from Italian nepotismo, from nipote 'nephew' (with reference to privileges bestowed on the "nephews" of popes, who were in many cases their illegitimate sons).
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obdurate
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stubborn ob·du·rate ˈäbd(y)ərət/Submit adjective adjective: obdurate stubbornly refusing to change one's opinion or course of action. synonyms: stubborn, obstinate, intransigent, inflexible, unyielding, unbending, pigheaded, bullheaded, mulish, stiff-necked; headstrong, unshakable, intractable, unpersuadable, immovable, inexorable, uncompromising, iron-willed, adamant, firm, determined "the brass were also obdurate in their opposition to having women in any combat positions" antonyms: malleable, tractable Origin late Middle English (originally in the sense 'hardened in sin, impenitent'): from Latin obduratus, past participle of obdurare, from ob- 'in opposition' + durare 'harden' (from durus 'hard').
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obfuscate
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to darken or conceal ob·fus·cate ˈäbfəˌskāt/Submit verb verb: obfuscate; 3rd person present: obfuscates; past tense: obfuscated; past participle: obfuscated; gerund or present participle: obfuscating render obscure, unclear, or unintelligible. "the spelling changes will deform some familiar words and obfuscate their etymological origins" synonyms: obscure, confuse, make unclear, blur, muddle, complicate, overcomplicate, muddy, cloud, befog "mere rationalizations to obfuscate rather than clarify the real issue" antonyms: clarify bewilder (someone). "it is more likely to obfuscate people than enlighten them" synonyms: bewilder, mystify, puzzle, perplex, confuse, baffle, confound, bemuse, befuddle, nonplus; informalflummox "her work became more and more obfuscated by mathematics and jargon" Origin late Middle English: from late Latin obfuscat- 'darkened,' from the verb obfuscare, based on Latin fuscus 'dark.'
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obsequious
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servile; ready to serve ob·se·qui·ous əbˈsēkwēəs/Submit adjective adjective: obsequious obedient or attentive to an excessive or servile degree. "they were served by obsequious waiters" synonyms: servile, ingratiating, sycophantic, fawning, unctuous, oily, oleaginous, groveling, cringing, subservient, submissive, slavish; informalbrown-nosing, bootlicking, smarmy; vulgar slangass-kissing "an elderly gentlemen surrounded by obsequious heirs" antonyms: domineering Origin late 15th century (not depreciatory in sense in early use): from Latin obsequiosus, from obsequium 'compliance,' from obsequi 'follow, comply with.'
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obviate
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to make unnecessary ob·vi·ate ˈäbvēˌāt/Submit verb verb: obviate; 3rd person present: obviates; past tense: obviated; past participle: obviated; gerund or present participle: obviating remove (a need or difficulty). "the Venetian blinds obviated the need for curtains" synonyms: preclude, prevent, remove, get rid of, do away with, get around, rule out, eliminate, make/render unnecessary "our latest agreement obviates any further discussion of the matter" avoid; prevent. "a parachute can be used to obviate disaster" Origin late 16th century: from late Latin obviat- 'prevented,' from the verb obviare, based on Latin via 'way.'
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odious
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hateful o·di·ous ˈōdēəs/Submit adjective adjective: odious extremely unpleasant; repulsive. synonyms: revolting, repulsive, repellent, repugnant, disgusting, offensive, objectionable, vile, foul, abhorrent, loathsome, nauseating, sickening, hateful, detestable, execrable, abominable, monstrous, appalling, reprehensible, deplorable, insufferable, intolerable, despicable, contemptible, unspeakable, atrocious, awful, terrible, dreadful, frightful, obnoxious, unsavory, unpalatable, unpleasant, disagreeable, nasty, noisome, distasteful; informalghastly, horrible, horrid, gross, godawful; beastly "the odious procedures of the military government" antonyms: delightful, pleasant Origin late Middle English: from Old French odieus, from Latin odiosus, from odium 'hatred.'
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officious
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aggressively authoritative in offering help or advice, especially when dealing with trivial matters of·fi·cious əˈfiSHəs/Submit adjective adjective: officious assertive of authority in an annoyingly domineering way, especially with regard to petty or trivial matters. "a policeman came to move them on, an officious, spiteful man" intrusively enthusiastic in offering help or advice; interfering. "an officious bystander" synonyms: self-important, bumptious, self-assertive, overbearing, overzealous, domineering, opinionated, interfering, intrusive, meddlesome, meddling; informalpushy, bossy "I try to avoid their officious salesclerks" antonyms: self-effacing Origin late 15th century: from Latin officiosus 'obliging,' from officium (see office). The original sense was 'performing its function, efficacious,' whence 'ready to help or please' (mid 16th century), later becoming depreciatory (late 16th century).
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onus
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burden o·nus ˈōnəs/Submit noun noun: onus; plural noun: onuses used to refer to something that is one's duty or responsibility. "the onus is on you to show that you have suffered loss" synonyms: burden, responsibility, liability, obligation, duty, weight, load, charge, mantle, encumbrance; cross to bear, millstone round one's neck, albatross "the onus of single parenting" Origin mid 17th century: from Latin, literally 'load or burden.'
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opprobrium
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infamy that results from shameful behavior op·pro·bri·um əˈprōbrēəm/Submit noun noun: opprobrium harsh criticism or censure. "his films and the critical opprobrium they have generated" synonyms: vilification, abuse, vituperation, condemnation, criticism, censure, denunciation, defamation, denigration, castigation, disparagement, obloquy, derogation, slander, calumny, execration, lambasting, bad press, invective, libel, character assassination; informalflak, mudslinging, bad-mouthing, tongue-lashing; formalexcoriation; archaiccontumely; rareobjurgation "the government endured months of opprobrium" antonyms: praise the public disgrace arising from someone's shameful conduct. "the opprobrium of being closely associated with thugs and gangsters" synonyms: disgrace, shame, dishonor, stigma, humiliation, discredit, loss of face, ignominy, obloquy, disrepute, infamy, notoriety, scandal; raredisesteem "the opprobrium of being associated with thugs" antonyms: honor archaic an occasion or cause of reproach or disgrace. plural noun: opprobriums Origin mid 17th century: from Latin, literally 'infamy,' from opprobrum, from ob- 'against' + probrum 'disgraceful act.'
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oscillate
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to waver or switch between different positions or beliefs os·cil·late ˈäsəˌlāt/Submit verb verb: oscillate; 3rd person present: oscillates; past tense: oscillated; past participle: oscillated; gerund or present participle: oscillating 1. move or swing back and forth at a regular speed. "a pendulum oscillates about its lowest point" synonyms: swing, swing back and forth, swing to and fro, sway; informalwigwag "the pendulum started to oscillate" waver between extremes of opinion, action, or quality. "he was oscillating between fear and bravery" synonyms: waver, swing, fluctuate, alternate, seesaw, yo-yo, sway, vacillate, waffle, hover; informalwobble "oscillating between fear and bravery" 2. PHYSICS vary in magnitude or position in a regular manner around a central point. (of a circuit or device) cause the electric current or voltage running through it to behave in this way. Origin early 18th century: from Latin oscillat- 'swung,' from the verb oscillare .
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ostentation
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a display of vanity; showiness os·ten·ta·tion ˌästənˈtāSHən/Submit noun noun: ostentation pretentious and vulgar display, especially of wealth and luxury, intended to impress or attract notice. "the office was spacious, but without any trace of ostentation" synonyms: showiness, show, pretentiousness, vulgarity, conspicuousness, display, flamboyance, gaudiness, brashness, extravagance, ornateness, exhibitionism; informalflashiness, glitz, glitziness, ritziness "most car buyers are looking for a lot more than ostentation" Origin late Middle English: via Old French from Latin ostentatio(n-), from the verb ostentare, frequentative of ostendere 'stretch out to view.'
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painstaking
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characterized by being very careful and diligent pains·tak·ing ˈpānzˌtākiNG/Submit adjective adjective: painstaking done with or employing great care and thoroughness. "painstaking attention to detail" synonyms: careful, meticulous, thorough, assiduous, sedulous, attentive, diligent, industrious, conscientious, punctilious, scrupulous, rigorous, particular; pedantic, fussy "painting these window frames is painstaking work" antonyms: slapdash
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palpable
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readily seen, heard, or perceived pal·pa·ble ˈpalpəb(ə)l/Submit adjective adjective: palpable 1. (of a feeling or atmosphere) so intense as to seem almost tangible. "a palpable sense of loss" synonyms: perceptible, perceivable, visible, noticeable, discernible, detectable, observable, tangible, unmistakable, transparent, self-evident; obvious, clear, plain (to see), evident, apparent, manifest, staring one in the face, written all over someone; appreciable "his reluctance was palpable" antonyms: imperceptible plain to see or comprehend. "to talk of dawn raids in the circumstances is palpable nonsense" 2. able to be touched or felt. "the palpable bump at the bridge of the nose" synonyms: tangible, touchable, noticeable, detectable "a palpable bump" antonyms: imperceptible Origin late Middle English: from late Latin palpabilis, from Latin palpare 'feel, touch gently.'
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panache
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a grand or flamboyant manner or style pa·nache pəˈnaSH,pəˈnäSH/Submit noun noun: panache 1. flamboyant confidence of style or manner. "he entertained Palm Springs society with great panache" synonyms: flamboyance, confidence, self-assurance, style, flair, elan, dash, verve, zest, spirit, brio, éclat, vivacity, gusto, liveliness, vitality, energy; informalpizzazz, oomph, zip, zing "the chorus line lacks panache" 2. historical a tuft or plume of feathers, especially as a headdress or on a helmet. Origin mid 16th century: from French, from Italian pennacchio, from late Latin pinnaculum, diminutive of pinna 'feather.'
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parable
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a short story designed to teach a lesson par·a·ble ˈperəb(ə)l/Submit noun noun: parable; plural noun: parables a simple story used to illustrate a moral or spiritual lesson, as told by Jesus in the Gospels. synonyms: allegory, moral story/tale, fable, exemplum "the parable of the prodigal son" Origin Middle English: from Old French parabole, from an ecclesiastical Latin sense 'discourse, allegory' of Latin parabola 'comparison,' from Greek parabolē (see parabola).
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paragon
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model of perfection [par-uh-gon, -guh n] noun 1. a model or pattern of excellence or of a particular excellence: a paragon of virtue. Synonyms: ideal, standard, epitome, quintessence; example, exemplar, paradigm. 2. someone of exceptional merit: Just who is this paragon whose name is on everyone's lips? Synonyms: nonesuch, nonpareil.
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parsimonious
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sparing in spending of money; stingy par·si·mo·ni·ous ˌpärsəˈmōnēəs/Submit adjective adjective: parsimonious unwilling to spend money or use resources; stingy or frugal. "parsimonious New Hampshire voters, who have a phobia about taxes" synonyms: cheap, miserly, mean, niggardly, close-fisted, close, penny-pinching, ungenerous, Scroogelike; informaltightfisted, cheeseparing, tight, stingy, mingy; formalpenurious "Lou's parsimonious mother was horrified by his lavish spending" antonyms: generous
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partisan
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one-sided; committed to one party par·ti·san ˈpärdəzən/Submit noun noun: partisan; plural noun: partisans; noun: partizan; plural noun: partizans 1. a strong supporter of a party, cause, or person. synonyms: supporter, follower, adherent, devotee, champion; More 2. a member of an armed group formed to fight secretly against an occupying force, in particular one operating in enemy-occupied Yugoslavia, Italy, and parts of eastern Europe in World War II. synonyms: guerrilla, freedom fighter, resistance fighter, underground fighter, irregular (soldier) "the partisans opened fire from the woods" adjective adjective: partisan; adjective: partizan 1. prejudiced in favor of a particular cause. "newspapers have become increasingly partisan" synonyms: biased, prejudiced, one-sided, discriminatory, colored, partial, interested, sectarian, factional "partisan attitudes" antonyms: unbiased Origin mid 16th century: from French, via Italian dialect from Italian partigiano, from parte 'part' (from Latin pars, part- ).
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pathos
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having a quality that rouses emotion or sympathy pa·thos ˈpāˌTHäs/Submit noun noun: pathos a quality that evokes pity or sadness. "the actor injects his customary humor and pathos into the role" synonyms: poignancy, tragedy, sadness, pitifulness, piteousness, pitiableness "the pathos of Antoine's predicament" Origin mid 17th century: from Greek pathos 'suffering'; related to paskhein 'suffer' and penthos 'grief.'
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paucity
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scarcity, insufficiency pau·ci·ty ˈpôsədē/Submit noun noun: paucity; plural noun: paucities the presence of something only in small or insufficient quantities or amounts; scarcity. "a paucity of information" synonyms: scarcity, sparseness, sparsity, dearth, shortage, poverty, insufficiency, deficiency, lack, want "the police cannot act with such a paucity of evidence" antonyms: abundance Origin late Middle English: from Old French paucite or Latin paucitas, from paucus 'few.'
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pejorative
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having a disparaging or derogatory effect pe·jo·ra·tive pəˈjôrədiv/Submit adjective adjective: pejorative 1. expressing contempt or disapproval. ""permissiveness" is used almost universally as a pejorative term" synonyms: disparaging, derogatory, denigratory, deprecatory, defamatory, slanderous, libelous, abusive, insulting, slighting; informalbitchy "his remarks were considered too pejorative for daytime radio" antonyms: complimentary noun noun: pejorative; plural noun: pejoratives 1. a word expressing contempt or disapproval. Origin late 19th century: from French péjoratif, -ive, from late Latin pejorare 'make worse,' from Latin pejor 'worse.'
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penchant
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strong inclination pen·chant ˈpen(t)SH(ə)nt/Submit noun noun: penchant; plural noun: penchants a strong or habitual liking for something or tendency to do something. "he has a penchant for adopting stray dogs" synonyms: liking, fondness, preference, taste, relish, appetite, partiality, soft spot, love, passion, desire, fancy, whim, weakness, inclination, bent, bias, proclivity, predilection, predisposition "I have a penchant for small dogs" Origin late 17th century: from French, 'leaning, inclining,' present participle of the verb pencher .
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penurious
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excessively sparing in the use of money; extremely stingy pe·nu·ri·ous pəˈn(y)o͝orēəs/Submit adjectiveformal adjective: penurious 1. extremely poor; poverty-stricken. "a penurious old tramp" synonyms: poor, poor as a church mouse, poverty-stricken, destitute, necessitous, impecunious, impoverished, indigent, needy, in need/want, badly off, in reduced/straitened circumstances, hard up, unable to make ends meet, penniless, without a cent (to one's name), without a sou; informal(flat) broke, strapped for cash "a penurious student" antonyms: wealthy characterized by poverty or need. "penurious years" 2. parsimonious; mean. "he was generous and hospitable in contrast to his stingy and penurious wife" synonyms: mean, miserly, niggardly, parsimonious, penny-pinching, close-fisted, Scroogelike; informalstingy, mingy, tight, tightfisted, money-grubbing; archaicnear "a penurious old skinflint" antonyms: generous Origin late 16th century: from medieval Latin penuriosus, from Latin penuria 'need, scarcity' (see penury).
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perennial
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something long-lasting [puh-ren-ee-uh l] adjective 1. lasting for an indefinitely long time; enduring: her perennial beauty. 2. (of plants) having a life cycle lasting more than two years. 3. lasting or continuing throughout the entire year, as a stream. 4. perpetual; everlasting; continuing; recurrent. noun 5. a perennial plant: Daffodils and tulips are perennials. 6. something that is continuing or recurrent.
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perfidy
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treachery, betrayal per·fi·dy ˈpərfədē/Submit nounliterary noun: perfidy; plural noun: perfidies deceitfulness; untrustworthiness. synonyms: treachery, duplicity, deceit, deceitfulness, disloyalty, infidelity, faithlessness, unfaithfulness, betrayal, treason, double-dealing, untrustworthiness, breach of trust; literaryperfidiousness "the perfidy of her husband" Origin late 16th century: via French from Latin perfidia, from perfidus 'treacherous,' based on per- 'to ill effect' + fides 'faith.'
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permeable
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penetrable, porous per·me·a·ble ˈpərmēəb(ə)l/Submit adjective adjective: permeable (of a material or membrane) allowing liquids or gases to pass through it. "a frog's skin is permeable to water" synonyms: porous, pervious, penetrable, absorbent, absorptive "the innermost lining is permeable" Origin late Middle English: from Latin permeabilis, from permeare 'pass through' (see permeate).
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pernicious
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tending to kill or hurt per·ni·cious pərˈniSHəs/Submit adjective adjective: pernicious having a harmful effect, especially in a gradual or subtle way. "the pernicious influences of the mass media" synonyms: harmful, damaging, destructive, injurious, hurtful, detrimental, deleterious, dangerous, adverse, inimical, unhealthy, unfavorable, bad, evil, baleful, wicked, malign, malevolent, malignant, noxious, poisonous, corrupting; literarymaleficent "a pernicious influence on society" antonyms: beneficial Origin late Middle English: from Latin perniciosus 'destructive,' from pernicies 'ruin,' based on nex, nec- 'death.'
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pervasive
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spread throughout per·va·sive pərˈvāsiv/Submit adjective adjective: pervasive (especially of an unwelcome influence or physical effect) spreading widely throughout an area or a group of people. "ageism is pervasive and entrenched in our society" synonyms: prevalent, pervading, permeating, extensive, ubiquitous, omnipresent, universal, rife, widespread, general "the low-carb craze is pervasive" Origin mid 18th century: from Latin pervas- 'passed through' (from the verb pervadere ) + -ive.
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phlegmatic
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not easily roused to feeling or emotion phleg·mat·ic fleɡˈmadik/Submit adjective adjective: phlegmatic (of a person) having an unemotional and stolidly calm disposition. synonyms: calm, cool, composed, 'calm, cool, and collected', controlled, serene, tranquil, placid, impassive, imperturbable, unruffled, dispassionate, philosophical; stolid, dull, bland, unemotional, lifeless; informalunflappable "I come from a very demonstrative, emotional Italian family—I can't remember one phlegmatic moment from my childhood" antonyms: excitable Origin Middle English (in the sense 'relating to the humor phlegm'): from Old French fleumatique, via Latin from Greek phlegmatikos, from phlegma 'inflammation' (see phlegm).
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pious
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religious pi·ous ˈpīəs/Submit adjective adjective: pious devoutly religious. synonyms: religious, devout, God-fearing, churchgoing, spiritual, prayerful, holy, godly, saintly, dedicated, reverent, dutiful, righteous "a pious family" antonyms: irreligious making a hypocritical display of virtue. "there'll be no pious words said over her" synonyms: sanctimonious, hypocritical, insincere, self-righteous, holier-than-thou, pietistic, churchy; informalgoody-goody "pious platitudes" antonyms: sincere (of a hope) sincere but unlikely to be fulfilled. synonyms: forlorn, vain, doomed, hopeless, desperate; unlikely, unrealistic "a pious hope" archaic dutiful or loyal, especially toward one's parents. Origin late Middle English: from Latin pius 'dutiful, pious' + -ous.
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placate
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to soothe; to bring from a hostile state to a calm one pla·cate ˈplākāt/Submit verb verb: placate; 3rd person present: placates; past tense: placated; past participle: placated; gerund or present participle: placating make (someone) less angry or hostile. "they attempted to placate the students with promises" synonyms: pacify, calm, appease, mollify, soothe, win over, conciliate, propitiate, make peace with, humor "John did his best to placate her" antonyms: provoke Origin late 17th century: from Latin placat- 'appeased,' from the verb placare .
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placid
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peaceful plac·id ˈplasəd/Submit adjective adjective: placid (of a person or animal) not easily upset or excited. "this horse has a placid nature" synonyms: even-tempered, calm, tranquil, equable, unexcitable, serene, mild, 'calm, cool, and collected', composed, self-possessed, poised, easygoing, levelheaded, steady, unruffled, unperturbed, phlegmatic; informalunflappable "she's normally very placid" antonyms: excitable (especially of a place or stretch of water) calm and peaceful, with little movement or activity. "the placid waters of a small lake" synonyms: quiet, calm, tranquil, still, peaceful, undisturbed, restful, sleepy "a placid village" antonyms: bustling Origin early 17th century: from French placide, from Latin placidus, from placere 'to please.'
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platitude
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trite or commonplace statement plat·i·tude ˈpladəˌt(y)o͞od/Submit noun noun: platitude; plural noun: platitudes a remark or statement, especially one with a moral content, that has been used too often to be interesting or thoughtful. "she began uttering liberal platitudes" synonyms: cliché, truism, commonplace, banality, old chestnut, bromide, inanity, banal/trite/hackneyed/stock phrase "boring us with his platitudes" Origin early 19th century: from French, from plat 'flat.'
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plethora
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excess; abundance pleth·o·ra ˈpleTHərə/Submit noun noun: plethora; plural noun: plethoras 1. a large or excessive amount of (something). "a plethora of committees and subcommittees" synonyms: excess, overabundance, superabundance, surplus, glut, superfluity, surfeit, profusion; too many, too much, enough and to spare; informalmore —— than one can shake a stick at "a plethora of opinion polls" antonyms: dearth 2. MEDICINE an excess of a bodily fluid, particularly blood. Origin mid 16th century (in the medical sense): via late Latin from Greek plēthōrē, from plēthein 'be full.'
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plumb
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to make vertical; to reach the deepest point verb verb: plumb; 3rd person present: plumbs; past tense: plumbed; past participle: plumbed; gerund or present participle: plumbing 1. measure (the depth of a body of water). (of water) be of a specified depth. "at its deepest, the lake scarcely plumbed seven feet" explore or experience fully or to extremes. "she had plumbed the depths of depravity" synonyms: explore, probe, delve into, search, examine, investigate, fathom, penetrate, understand "an attempt to plumb her psyche" 2. test (an upright surface) to determine the vertical. Middle English (originally in the sense 'sounding lead'): via Old French from Latin plumbum 'lead.'
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pompous
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ostentatiously lofty or arrogant pomp·ous ˈpämpəs/Submit adjective adjective: pompous affectedly and irritatingly grand, solemn, or self-important. "a pompous ass who pretends he knows everything" synonyms: self-important, imperious, overbearing, domineering, magisterial, pontifical, sententious, grandiose, affected, pretentious, puffed up, arrogant, vain, haughty, proud, conceited, egotistic, supercilious, condescending, patronizing; More antonyms: modest archaic characterized by pomp or splendor. "there were many processions and other pompous shows" Origin late Middle English: from Old French pompeux 'full of grandeur,' from late Latin pomposus, from pompa 'pomp.'
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ponder
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to consider something thoroughly and thoughtfully pon·der ˈpändər/Submit verb verb: ponder; 3rd person present: ponders; past tense: pondered; past participle: pondered; gerund or present participle: pondering think about (something) carefully, especially before making a decision or reaching a conclusion. "I pondered the question of what clothes to wear for the occasion" synonyms: think about, contemplate, consider, review, reflect on, mull over, meditate on, muse on, deliberate about, cogitate on, dwell on, brood on, ruminate on, chew over, puzzle over, turn over in one's mind, overthink "she had time to ponder over the incident" Origin Middle English (in the sense 'appraise, judge the worth of'): from Old French ponderer 'consider,' from Latin ponderare 'weigh, reflect on,' from pondus, ponder- 'weight.'
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ponderous
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massive, awkward, unwieldy pon·der·ous ˈpänd(ə)rəs/Submit adjective adjective: ponderous slow and clumsy because of great weight. "her footsteps were heavy and ponderous" synonyms: clumsy, heavy, awkward, lumbering, slow, cumbersome, ungainly, graceless, uncoordinated, blundering; informalclodhopping, clunky "a ponderous dance" antonyms: light, graceful dull, laborious, or excessively solemn. "Liz could hardly restrain herself from finishing all his ponderous sentences" synonyms: labored, laborious, awkward, clumsy, forced, stilted, unnatural, artificial; stodgy, lifeless, plodding, pedestrian, boring, dull, tedious, monotonous; overelaborate, convoluted, windy "his ponderous sentences" antonyms: lively Origin late Middle English: via French from Latin ponderosus, from pondus, ponder- 'weight.'
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porous
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full of holes; spongy, absorbent po·rous ˈpôrəs/Submit adjective adjective: porous (of a rock or other material) having minute spaces or holes through which liquid or air may pass. synonyms: permeable, penetrable, pervious, cellular, holey; absorbent, absorptive, spongy "porous fibers" antonyms: impermeable not retentive or secure. "he ran through a porous defense to score easily" Origin late Middle English: from Old French poreux, based on Latin porus 'pore.'
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portend
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foretell por·tend pôrˈtend/Submit verb verb: portend; 3rd person present: portends; past tense: portended; past participle: portended; gerund or present participle: portending be a sign or warning that (something, especially something momentous or calamitous) is likely to happen. "the eclipses portend some major events" synonyms: presage, augur, foreshadow, foretell, prophesy; be a sign, warn, be an omen, indicate, herald, signal, bode, promise, threaten, signify, spell, denote; literarybetoken, foretoken, forebode "the sight of a dead bird was believed to portend tragedy" Origin late Middle English: from Latin portendere, based on pro- 'forth' + tendere 'stretch.'
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poseur
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a person who attempts to impress others by assuming a manner other than his true one another term for poser1. Origin French, from poser 'to place.'
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pragmatic
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hazardous, perilous prag·mat·ic praɡˈmadik/Submit adjective adjective: pragmatic dealing with things sensibly and realistically in a way that is based on practical rather than theoretical considerations. "a pragmatic approach to politics" synonyms: practical, matter-of-fact, sensible, down-to-earth, commonsensical, businesslike, having both/one's feet on the ground, hardheaded, no-nonsense; informalhard-nosed "she remains pragmatic in the most emotional circumstances" antonyms: impractical relating to philosophical or political pragmatism. LINGUISTICS relating to pragmatics. Origin late 16th century (in the senses 'busy, interfering, conceited'): via Latin from Greek pragmatikos 'relating to fact,' from pragma 'deed' (from the stem of prattein 'do'). The current sense dates from the mid 19th century.
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precipitate
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to hasten the occurrence of pre·cip·i·tate verb verb: precipitate; 3rd person present: precipitates; past tense: precipitated; past participle: precipitated; gerund or present participle: precipitating prəˈsipəˌtāt/Submit 1. cause (an event or situation, typically one that is bad or undesirable) to happen suddenly, unexpectedly, or prematurely. "the incident precipitated a political crisis" synonyms: bring about/on, cause, lead to, give rise to, instigate, trigger, spark, touch off, provoke, hasten, accelerate, expedite "the incident precipitated a crisis" cause to move suddenly and with force. "suddenly the ladder broke, precipitating them down into a heap" synonyms: hurl, catapult, throw, plunge, launch, fling, propel "they were precipitated down the mountain" send someone or something suddenly into a particular state or condition. "they were precipitated into a conflict for which they were quite unprepared" 2. CHEMISTRY cause (a substance) to be deposited in solid form from a solution. cause (drops of moisture or particles of dust) to be deposited from the atmosphere or from a vapor or suspension. adjective adjective: precipitate prəˈsipədət/Submit 1. done, made, or acting suddenly or without careful consideration. "I must apologize for my staff—their actions were precipitate" synonyms: hasty, overhasty, rash, hurried, rushed; More (of an event or situation) occurring suddenly or abruptly. "a precipitate decline in cultural literacy" nounCHEMISTRY noun: precipitate; plural noun: precipitates prəˈsipədət,prəˈsipəˌtāt/Submit 1. a substance precipitated from a solution. Origin early 16th century: from Latin praecipitat- 'thrown headlong,' from the verb praecipitare, from praeceps, praecip(it)- 'headlong,' from prae 'before' + caput 'head.' The original sense of the verb was 'hurl down, send violently'; hence 'cause to move rapidly,' which gave rise to sense 1 (early 17th century).
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precocious
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mature beyond one's age, typically in respect to mental abilities, talents, or skills pre·co·cious prəˈkōSHəs/Submit adjective adjective: precocious (of a child) having developed certain abilities or proclivities at an earlier age than usual. "he was a precocious, solitary boy" synonyms: advanced for one's age, forward, mature, gifted, talented, clever, intelligent, quick; informalsmart "some of the boys were extremely precocious" antonyms: backward (of behavior or ability) indicative of early development. "a precocious talent for computing" (of a plant) flowering or fruiting earlier than usual. Origin mid 17th century: from Latin praecox, praecoc- (from praecoquere 'ripen fully,' from prae 'before' + coquere 'to cook') + -ious.
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preeminent
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a step above others; distinguished, renowned pre·em·i·nent prēˈemənənt/Submit adjective adjective: pre-eminent; adjective: preeminent surpassing all others; very distinguished in some way. "the world's preeminent expert on asbestos" synonyms: greatest, leading, foremost, best, finest, chief, outstanding, excellent, distinguished, prominent, eminent, important, top, famous, renowned, celebrated, illustrious, supreme, marquee "America's preeminent economist" antonyms: undistinguished Origin late Middle English: from Latin praeeminent- 'towering above, excelling,' from the verb praeeminere, from prae 'before' + eminere 'stand out.'
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prescience
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knowledge of events before they happen pre·science ˈpreSH(ē)əns,ˈprēSH(ē)əns/Submit noun noun: prescience; plural noun: presciences the fact of knowing something before it takes place; foreknowledge. "with extraordinary prescience, Jung actually predicted the Nazi eruption" synonyms: farsightedness, foresight, foreknowledge; psychic powers, clairvoyance; prediction, prognostication, divination, prophecy, augury; insight, intuition, perception, percipience "the uncanny prescience of children"
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presentiment
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a feeling or impression that something is about to happen pre·sen·ti·ment prəˈzen(t)əmənt/Submit noun noun: presentiment; plural noun: presentiments an intuitive feeling about the future, especially one of foreboding. "a presentiment of disaster" synonyms: premonition, foreboding, intuition, (funny) feeling, hunch, feeling in one's bones, sixth sense; archaicpresage "a presentiment of disaster" Origin early 18th century: from obsolete French présentiment .
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prevaricate
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to use ambiguous language for the purpose of deceiving pre·var·i·cate prəˈverəˌkāt/Submit verb verb: prevaricate; 3rd person present: prevaricates; past tense: prevaricated; past participle: prevaricated; gerund or present participle: prevaricating speak or act in an evasive way. "he seemed to prevaricate when journalists asked pointed questions" synonyms: be evasive, beat around the bush, hedge, fence, shilly-shally, dodge (the issue), sidestep (the issue), equivocate, waffle; temporize, stall (for time); hem and haw; raretergiversate "you have prevaricated so often through this testimony that the truth has become unrecognizable" Origin mid 16th century (in the sense 'go astray, transgress'): from Latin praevaricat- 'walked crookedly, deviated,' from the verb praevaricari, from prae 'before' + varicari 'straddle' (from varus 'bent, knock-kneed').
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proclivity
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natural inclination pro·cliv·i·ty prōˈklivədē,prəˈklivədē/Submit noun noun: proclivity; plural noun: proclivities a tendency to choose or do something regularly; an inclination or predisposition toward a particular thing. "a proclivity for hard work" synonyms: inclination, tendency, leaning, disposition, proneness, propensity, bent, bias, penchant, predisposition; predilection, partiality, liking, preference, taste, fondness, weakness "his sexual proclivities are none of your business" Origin late 16th century: from Latin proclivitas, from proclivis 'inclined,' from pro- 'forward, down' + clivus 'slope.'
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prodigal
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wasteful or lavish prod·i·gal ˈprädəɡəl/Submit adjective adjective: prodigal 1. spending money or resources freely and recklessly; wastefully extravagant. "prodigal habits die hard" synonyms: wasteful, extravagant, spendthrift, profligate, improvident, imprudent "prodigal habits die hard" antonyms: thrifty 2. having or giving something on a lavish scale. "the dessert was crunchy with brown sugar and prodigal with whipped cream" synonyms: generous, lavish, liberal, unstinting, unsparing; literarybounteous "a composer who is prodigal with his talents" antonyms: mean noun noun: prodigal; plural noun: prodigals 1. a person who spends money in a recklessly extravagant way. a person who leaves home and behaves recklessly, but later makes a repentant return. noun: prodigal son; plural noun: prodigal sons Origin late Middle English: from late Latin prodigalis, from Latin prodigus 'lavish.'
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prodigious
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immense pro·di·gious prəˈdijəs/Submit adjective adjective: prodigious 1. remarkably or impressively great in extent, size, or degree. "the stove consumed a prodigious amount of fuel" synonyms: enormous, huge, colossal, immense, vast, great, massive, gigantic, mammoth, tremendous, inordinate, monumental; amazing, astonishing, astounding, staggering, stunning, remarkable, phenomenal, terrific, miraculous, impressive, striking, startling, sensational, spectacular, extraordinary, exceptional, breathtaking, incredible; informalhumongous, stupendous, fantastic, fabulous, mega, awesome, ginormous; literarywondrous "prodigious quantities of food" antonyms: small, unexceptional 2. archaic unnatural or abnormal. "rumors of prodigious happenings, such as monstrous births" synonyms: enormous, huge, colossal, immense, vast, great, massive, gigantic, mammoth, tremendous, inordinate, monumental; amazing, astonishing, astounding, staggering, stunning, remarkable, phenomenal, terrific, miraculous, impressive, striking, startling, sensational, spectacular, extraordinary, exceptional, breathtaking, incredible; informalhumongous, stupendous, fantastic, fabulous, mega, awesome, ginormous; literarywondrous "prodigious quantities of food" antonyms: small, unexceptional Origin late 15th century (in the sense 'portentous'): from Latin prodigiosus, from prodigium 'portent' (see prodigy).
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prodigy
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a person, usually a child, having extraordinary talent prod·i·gy ˈprädəjē/Submit noun noun: prodigy; plural noun: prodigies a person, especially a young one, endowed with exceptional qualities or abilities. "a Russian pianist who was a child prodigy in his day" synonyms: genius, mastermind, virtuoso, wunderkind, wonder child, boy wonder, girl wonder; More an impressive or outstanding example of a particular quality. "Germany seemed a prodigy of industrial discipline" synonyms: model, classic example, paragon, paradigm, epitome, exemplar, archetype "Germany seemed a prodigy of industrial discipline" an amazing or unusual thing, especially one out of the ordinary course of nature. "omens and prodigies abound in Livy's work" Origin late 15th century (denoting something extraordinary considered to be an omen): from Latin prodigium 'portent.'
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profound
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deep, significant pro·found prəˈfound/Submit adjective adjective: profound; comparative adjective: profounder; superlative adjective: profoundest 1. (of a state, quality, or emotion) very great or intense. "profound social changes" synonyms: heartfelt, intense, keen, great, extreme, acute, severe, sincere, earnest, deep, deep-seated, overpowering, overwhelming, fervent, ardent "profound relief" far-reaching, radical, extensive, sweeping, exhaustive, thoroughgoing "a profound change" antonyms: superficial, mild, slight (of a disease or disability) very severe; deep-seated. "a case of profound liver failure" 2. (of a person or statement) having or showing great knowledge or insight. "a profound philosopher" synonyms: wise, learned, clever, intelligent, scholarly, sage, erudite, discerning, penetrating, perceptive, astute, thoughtful, insightful, percipient, perspicacious; raresapient "a profound analysis" antonyms: superficial (of a subject or thought) demanding deep study or thought. "expressing profound truths in simple language" synonyms: complex, abstract, deep, weighty, difficult, abstruse, recondite, esoteric "profound truths" antonyms: simple 3. archaic at, from, or extending to a great depth; very deep. "he opened the door with a profound bow" nounliterary noun: profound 1. the vast depth of the ocean or of the mind. Origin Middle English: from Old French profund, from Latin profundus 'deep,' from pro 'before' + fundus 'bottom.' The word was used earliest in the sense 'showing deep insight.'
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prognosticate
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to predict something in the future prog·nos·ti·cate präɡˈnästəˌkāt/Submit verb verb: prognosticate; 3rd person present: prognosticates; past tense: prognosticated; past participle: prognosticated; gerund or present participle: prognosticating foretell or prophesy (an event in the future). "the economists were prognosticating financial Armageddon" synonyms: forecast, predict, prophesy, foretell, foresee, forewarn of "economists were prognosticating financial Armageddon" Origin late Middle English: from medieval Latin prognosticat-, from the verb prognosticare 'make a prediction' (see prognostic).
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proliferate
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to grow rapidly pro·lif·er·ate prəˈlifəˌrāt/Submit verb verb: proliferate; 3rd person present: proliferates; past tense: proliferated; past participle: proliferated; gerund or present participle: proliferating increase rapidly in numbers; multiply. "the science fiction magazines that proliferated in the 1920s" synonyms: increase rapidly, grow rapidly, multiply, rocket, mushroom, snowball, burgeon, run riot "stories of her trial proliferated" antonyms: decrease, dwindle (of a cell, structure, or organism) reproduce rapidly. "the Mediterranean faces an ecological disaster if the seaweed continues to proliferate at its present rate" cause (cells, tissue, structures, etc.) to reproduce rapidly. "electromagnetic radiation can only proliferate cancers already present" Origin late 19th century: back-formation from proliferation.
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propensity
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natural inclination pro·pen·si·ty prəˈpensədē/Submit noun noun: propensity; plural noun: propensities an inclination or natural tendency to behave in a particular way. "a propensity for violence" synonyms: tendency, inclination, predisposition, proneness, proclivity, readiness, liability, disposition, leaning, weakness "his propensity for giving long speeches" Origin late 16th century: from archaic propense (from Latin propensus 'inclined,' past participle of propendere, from pro- 'forward, down' + pendere 'hang') + -ity.
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prophetic
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ability to predict the future pro·phet·ic prəˈfedik/Submit adjective adjective: prophetic 1. accurately describing or predicting what will happen in the future. "his warnings proved prophetic" 2. relating to or characteristic of a prophet or prophecy. "the prophetic books of the Old Testament" synonyms: prescient, predictive, far-seeing, prognostic, divinatory, sibylline, apocalyptic; rarevatic "his words proved prophetic—within a week he was dead" Origin late 15th century: from French prophétique or late Latin propheticus, from Greek prophētikos 'predicting' (see prophet).
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propitious
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presenting favorable conditions pro·pi·tious prəˈpiSHəs/Submit adjective adjective: propitious giving or indicating a good chance of success; favorable. "the timing for such a meeting seemed propitious" synonyms: favorable, auspicious, promising, providential, advantageous, optimistic, bright, rosy, heaven-sent, hopeful; opportune, timely "the timing for such a meeting seemed propitious" antonyms: inauspicious, unfortunate archaic favorably disposed toward someone. "there were points on which they did not agree, moments in which she did not seem propitious" Origin late Middle English: from Old French propicieus or Latin propitius 'favorable, gracious.'
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prosaic
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commonplace or dull pro·sa·ic prəˈzāik/Submit adjective adjective: prosaic having the style or diction of prose; lacking poetic beauty. "prosaic language can't convey the experience" synonyms: ordinary, everyday, commonplace, conventional, straightforward, routine, run-of-the-mill, by-the-numbers, workaday; unimaginative, uninspired, uninspiring, matter-of-fact, dull, dry, dreary, tedious, boring, humdrum, mundane, uninvolving, pedestrian, tame, plodding; bland, insipid, banal, trite, literal, factual, unpoetic, unemotional, unsentimental "a prosaic lecture that had us fighting to stay awake" antonyms: interesting, imaginative, inspired commonplace; unromantic. "the masses were too preoccupied by prosaic day-to-day concerns" synonyms: ordinary, everyday, commonplace, conventional, straightforward, routine, run-of-the-mill, by-the-numbers, workaday; unimaginative, uninspired, uninspiring, matter-of-fact, dull, dry, dreary, tedious, boring, humdrum, mundane, uninvolving, pedestrian, tame, plodding; bland, insipid, banal, trite, literal, factual, unpoetic, unemotional, unsentimental "a prosaic lecture that had us fighting to stay awake" antonyms: interesting, imaginative, inspired Origin late 16th century (as a noun denoting a prose writer): from late Latin prosaicus, from Latin prosa 'straightforward (discourse)' (see prose). Current senses of the adjective date from the mid 18th century.
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protean
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changeable in shape or form ro·te·an ˈprōdēən,prōˈtēən/Submit adjective adjective: protean tending or able to change frequently or easily. "it is difficult to comprehend the whole of this protean subject" synonyms: ever-changing, variable, changeable, mutable, kaleidoscopic, inconstant, inconsistent, unstable, shifting, unsettled, fluctuating, fluid, wavering, vacillating, mercurial, volatile; technicallabile "the protean nature of mental disorders" antonyms: constant, consistent able to do many different things; versatile. "Shostakovich was a remarkably protean composer, one at home in a wide range of styles" synonyms: versatile, adaptable, flexible, all-around, multifaceted, multitalented, many-sided "a remarkably protean composer" antonyms: limited Origin late 16th century: from Proteus + -an.
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prudence
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cautious wisdom pru·dence ˈpro͞odns/Submit noun noun: prudence; plural noun: prudences the quality of being prudent; cautiousness. "we need to exercise prudence in such important matters" synonyms: wisdom, judgment, good judgment, common sense, sense, sagacity, shrewdness, advisability "you have gone beyond the bounds of prudence" caution, care, providence, farsightedness, foresight, forethought, shrewdness, circumspection; thrift, economy "financial prudence" antonyms: folly, recklessness, extravagance
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puerile
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childish pu·er·ile ˈpyo͝orəl,ˈpyo͝orˌīl/Submit adjective adjective: puerile childishly silly and trivial. "you're making puerile excuses" synonyms: childish, immature, infantile, juvenile, babyish; silly, inane, fatuous, jejune, asinine, foolish, petty "you're too old for these puerile outbursts" antonyms: mature, sensible Origin late 16th century (in the sense 'like a boy'): from French puéril or Latin puerilis, from puer 'boy.'
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pugnacious
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quarrelsome or combative pug·na·cious pəɡˈnāSHəs/Submit adjective adjective: pugnacious eager or quick to argue, quarrel, or fight. "the increasingly pugnacious demeanor of politicians" synonyms: combative, aggressive, antagonistic, belligerent, bellicose, warlike, quarrelsome, argumentative, contentious, disputatious, hostile, threatening, truculent; fiery, hot-tempered "this looks like the kind of dive that appeals to pugnacious patrons" antonyms: peaceable Origin mid 17th century: from Latin pugnax, pugnac- (from pugnare 'to fight,' from pugnus 'fist') + -ious.
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pungent
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stinging; sharp in taste or smell pun·gent ˈpənjənt/Submit adjective adjective: pungent having a sharply strong taste or smell. "the pungent smell of frying onions" synonyms: strong, powerful, pervasive, penetrating; sharp, acid, sour, biting, bitter, tart, vinegary, tangy; highly flavored, aromatic, spicy, piquant, peppery, hot "a pungent marinade" antonyms: bland, mild (of comment, criticism, or humor) having a sharp and caustic quality. synonyms: caustic, biting, trenchant, cutting, acerbic, sardonic, sarcastic, scathing, acrimonious, barbed, sharp, tart, incisive, bitter, venomous, waspish "pungent remarks" antonyms: bland, mild Origin late 16th century (in the sense 'very painful or distressing'): from Latin pungent- 'pricking,' from the verb pungere .
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pusillanimous
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cowardly; fainthearted pu·sil·lan·i·mous ˌpyo͞osəˈlanəməs/Submit adjective adjective: pusillanimous showing a lack of courage or determination; timid. synonyms: timid, timorous, cowardly, fearful, faint-hearted, lily-livered, spineless, craven, shrinking; informalchicken, gutless, wimpy, wimpish, sissy, yellow, yellow-bellied "with the tough issues facing this city, the last thing we need is another pusillanimous mayor" antonyms: brave Origin late Middle English: from ecclesiastical Latin pusillanimis (translating Greek olugopsukhos ), from pusillus 'very small' + animus 'mind,' + -ous.
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qualms
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misgivings; uneasy fears qualm kwäm,kwälm/Submit noun plural noun: qualms an uneasy feeling of doubt, worry, or fear, especially about one's own conduct; a misgiving. "military regimes generally have no qualms about controlling the press" synonyms: misgivings, doubts, reservations, second thoughts, worries, concerns, anxiety; More a momentary faint or sick feeling. Origin early 16th century (in the sense 'momentary sick feeling'): perhaps related to Old English cw(e)alm 'pain,' of Germanic origin.
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quibble
answer
minor objection or complaint quib·ble ˈkwibəl/Submit noun noun: quibble; plural noun: quibbles 1. a slight objection or criticism. "the only quibble about this book is the price" synonyms: criticism, objection, complaint, protest, argument, exception, grumble, grouse, cavil; informalbeef, gripe, moan "I have just one quibble" 2. archaic a play on words; a pun. verb verb: quibble; 3rd person present: quibbles; past tense: quibbled; past participle: quibbled; gerund or present participle: quibbling 1. argue or raise objections about a trivial matter. "they are always quibbling about the amount they are prepared to pay" synonyms: object to, find fault with, complain about, cavil at; More Origin early 17th century (in the sense 'play on words, pun'): diminutive of obsolete quib 'a petty objection,' probably from Latin quibus, dative and ablative plural of qui, quae, quod 'who, what, which,' frequently used in legal documents and so associated with subtle distinctions or verbal niceties.
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quiescence
answer
being quiet or still; inactivity : marked by inactivity or repose : tranquilly at rest 2 : causing no trouble or symptoms quiescent gallstones
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quintessential
answer
the perfect representation of something quin·tes·sen·tial ˌkwin(t)əˈsen(t)SHəl/Submit adjective adjective: quintessential representing the most perfect or typical example of a quality or class. "he was the quintessential tough guy—strong, silent, and self-contained" synonyms: typical, prototypical, stereotypical, archetypal, classic, model, standard, stock, representative, conventional; ideal, consummate, exemplary, definitive, best, ultimate "Abbie was the quintessential flower child"
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recant
answer
to formally withdraw a statement re·cant rəˈkant/Submit verb verb: recant; 3rd person present: recants; past tense: recanted; past participle: recanted; gerund or present participle: recanting say that one no longer holds an opinion or belief, especially one considered heretical. "heretics were burned if they would not recant" synonyms: renounce, disavow, deny, repudiate, renege on; formalforswear, abjure "he was forced to recant his political beliefs" change one's mind, be apostate; raretergiversate "he refused to recant" retract, take back, withdraw, unsay "he recanted his testimony" Origin mid 16th century: from Latin recantare 'revoke,' from re- (expressing reversal) + cantare 'sing, chant.'
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recidivism
answer
the tendency toward repeated or habitual relapse re·cid·i·vism rəˈsidəˌvizəm/Submit noun noun: recidivism the tendency of a convicted criminal to reoffend. "the prison has succeeded in reducing recidivism"
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recondite
answer
beyond ordinary knowledge or understanding; profound rec·on·dite ˈrekənˌdīt,rəˈkänˌdīt/Submit adjective adjective: recondite (of a subject or knowledge) little known; abstruse. "the book is full of recondite information" synonyms: obscure, abstruse, arcane, esoteric, recherché, profound, difficult, complex, complicated, involved; incomprehensible, unfathomable, impenetrable, cryptic, opaque "the recondite realms of Semitic philology" Origin mid 17th century: from Latin reconditus 'hidden, put away,' past participle of recondere, from re- 'back' + condere 'put together, secrete.'
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redress
answer
to set right by compensation or punishment re·dress rəˈdres/Submit verb verb: redress; 3rd person present: redresses; past tense: redressed; past participle: redressed; gerund or present participle: redressing 1. remedy or set right (an undesirable or unfair situation). "the power to redress the grievances of our citizens" synonyms: rectify, correct, right, put to rights, compensate for, amend, remedy, make good, resolve, settle More archaic set upright again. "some ambitious architect being called to redress a leaning wall" noun noun: redress; plural noun: redresses 1. remedy or compensation for a wrong or grievance. "those seeking redress for an infringement of public law rights" synonyms: compensation, reparation, restitution, recompense, repayment, indemnity, indemnification, retribution, satisfaction; justice "your best hope of redress" Origin Middle English: the verb from Old French redresser ; the noun via Anglo-Norman French redresse .
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refutation
answer
to set right by compensation or punishment ref·u·ta·tion ˌrefyəˈtāSH(ə)n/Submit noun noun: refutation; plural noun: refutations the action of proving a statement or theory to be wrong or false. "scientific theory is always tentative, open to refutation"
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refute
answer
to disprove re·fute rəˈfyo͞ot/Submit verb verb: refute; 3rd person present: refutes; past tense: refuted; past participle: refuted; gerund or present participle: refuting prove (a statement or theory) to be wrong or false; disprove. "these claims have not been convincingly refuted" synonyms: disprove, prove wrong, prove false, debunk, discredit, invalidate; informalpoke holes in; formalconfute "attempts to refute Einstein's theory" prove that (someone) is wrong. deny or contradict (a statement or accusation). "a spokesman totally refuted the allegation of bias" synonyms: disprove, prove wrong, prove false, debunk, discredit, invalidate; informalpoke holes in; formalconfute "attempts to refute Einstein's theory" Origin mid 16th century: from Latin refutare 'repel, rebut.'
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repose
answer
the state of being at rest re·pose1 rəˈpōz/Submit noun noun: repose 1. a state of rest, sleep, or tranquility. "in repose her face looked relaxed" synonyms: rest, relaxation, inactivity; More composure. "he had lost none of his grace or his repose" synonyms: peace, peace and quiet, peacefulness, quiet, quietness, calm, tranquility More ART harmonious arrangement of colors and forms, providing a restful visual effect. verb verb: repose; 3rd person present: reposes; past tense: reposed; past participle: reposed; gerund or present participle: reposing 1. be lying, situated, or kept in a particular place. "the diamond now reposes in the Louvre" synonyms: lie, rest, be placed, be situated "the diamond reposed on a bed of velvet" lie down in rest. "how sweetly he would repose in the four-poster bed" synonyms: lie, lie down, recline, rest, sleep; literaryslumber "the beds where we reposed" literary lay something to rest in or on (something). "I'll go to him, and repose our distresses on his friendly bosom" synonyms: put, place, invest, entrust "the trust he had reposed in her" archaic give rest to. "he halted to repose his wayworn soldiers" Origin late Middle English: from Old French repos (noun), reposer (verb), from late Latin repausare, from re- (expressing intensive force) + pausare 'to pause.'
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reprobate
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a sinful and depraved person rep·ro·bate ˈreprəˌbāt/Submit noun noun: reprobate; plural noun: reprobates 1. an unprincipled person (often used humorously or affectionately). synonyms: rogue, rascal, scoundrel, miscreant, good-for-nothing, villain, wretch, rake, degenerate, libertine, debauchee; More 2. CHRISTIAN THEOLOGYarchaic (especially in Calvinism) a sinner who is not of the elect and is predestined to damnation. adjective adjective: reprobate 1. unprincipled (often used as a humorous or affectionate reproach). "a long-missed old reprobate drinking comrade" synonyms: unprincipled, bad, roguish, wicked, rakish, shameless, immoral, degenerate, dissipated, debauched, depraved; archaicknavish "reprobate behavior" 2. CHRISTIAN THEOLOGYarchaic (in Calvinism) predestined to damnation. verbarchaic verb: reprobate; 3rd person present: reprobates; past tense: reprobated; past participle: reprobated; gerund or present participle: reprobating 1. express or feel disapproval of. "his neighbors reprobated his method of proceeding" Origin late Middle English (as a verb): from Latin reprobat- 'disapproved,' from the verb reprobare, from re- (expressing reversal) + probare 'approve.'
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repudiate
answer
to refuse to have anything to do with re·pu·di·ate rəˈpyo͞odēˌāt/Submit verb verb: repudiate; 3rd person present: repudiates; past tense: repudiated; past participle: repudiated; gerund or present participle: repudiating refuse to accept or be associated with. "she has repudiated policies associated with previous party leaders" synonyms: reject, renounce, abandon, give up, turn one's back on, disown, cast off, lay aside; formalforswear, abjure; literaryforsake "he repudiated his Catholic faith" antonyms: embrace deny the truth or validity of. "the minister repudiated allegations of human rights abuses" synonyms: deny, contradict, controvert, rebut, dispute, dismiss, brush aside; formalgainsay "Hansen repudiated the allegations" antonyms: acknowledge, confirm LAW refuse to fulfill or discharge (an agreement, obligation, or debt). "breach of a condition gives the other party the right to repudiate a contract" synonyms: cancel, revoke, rescind, reverse, overrule, overturn, invalidate, nullify; disregard, flout, renege on; disaffirm; formalabrogate "Egypt repudiated the treaty" antonyms: ratify, abide by (especially in the past or in non-Christian religions) divorce (one's wife). Origin late Middle English (originally an adjective in the sense 'divorced'): from Latin repudiatus 'divorced, cast off,' from repudium 'divorce.'
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rescind
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to repeal, revoke, or void re·scind rəˈsind/Submit verb verb: rescind; 3rd person present: rescinds; past tense: rescinded; past participle: rescinded; gerund or present participle: rescinding revoke, cancel, or repeal (a law, order, or agreement). "the government eventually rescinded the directive" synonyms: revoke, repeal, cancel, reverse, overturn, overrule, annul, nullify, void, invalidate, quash, abolish; vacate; formalabrogate "the court can rescind a bankruptcy order" antonyms: enforce Origin mid 16th century: from Latin rescindere, from re- (expressing intensive force) + scindere 'to divide, split.'
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resilience
answer
the ability to recover from a setback re·sil·ience rəˈzilyəns/Submit noun noun: resilience; plural noun: resiliences; noun: resiliency; plural noun: resiliencies 1. the capacity to recover quickly from difficulties; toughness. "the often remarkable resilience of so many British institutions" 2. the ability of a substance or object to spring back into shape; elasticity. "nylon is excellent in wearability and resilience"
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respite
answer
interval of rest res·pite ˈrespət,rēˈspīt/Submit noun noun: respite 1. a short period of rest or relief from something difficult or unpleasant. "the refugee encampments will provide some respite from the suffering" synonyms: rest, break, breathing space, interval, intermission, interlude, recess, lull, pause, time out; relief, relaxation, repose; informalbreather, letup "a brief respite" a short delay permitted before an unpleasant obligation is met or a punishment is carried out. synonyms: postponement, deferment, delay, reprieve; continuance "respite from debts" verbrare verb: respite; 3rd person present: respites; past tense: respited; past participle: respited; gerund or present participle: respiting 1. postpone (a sentence, obligation, etc.). "the execution was only respited a few months" archaic grant a delay or extension of time to; reprieve from death or execution. "some poor criminal ... from the gibbet or the wheel, respited for a day" Origin Middle English: from Old French respit, from Latin respectus 'refuge, consideration.'
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restive
answer
impatient or stubborn res·tive ˈrestiv/Submit adjective adjective: restive (of a person) unable to keep still or silent and becoming increasingly difficult to control, especially because of impatience, dissatisfaction, or boredom. synonyms: unruly, disorderly, uncontrollable, unmanageable, willful, recalcitrant, insubordinate; formalrefractory; archaiccontumacious "the militants are increasingly restive" (of a horse) refusing to advance, stubbornly standing still or moving backward or sideways. Origin late 16th century: from Old French restif, -ive, from Latin restare 'remain.' The original sense, 'inclined to remain still, inert,' has undergone a reversal; the association with the refractory movements of a horse gave rise to the current sense 'fidgety, restless.'
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reticent
answer
reluctant or inclined to silence ret·i·cent ˈredəsənt/Submit adjective adjective: reticent not revealing one's thoughts or feelings readily. "she was extremely reticent about her personal affairs" synonyms: reserved, withdrawn, introverted, inhibited, diffident, shy; uncommunicative, unforthcoming, unresponsive, tight-lipped, buttoned-up, quiet, taciturn, silent, guarded, secretive "Smith was reticent about his personal affairs" antonyms: expansive Origin mid 19th century: from Latin reticent- 'remaining silent,' from the verb reticere, from re- (expressing intensive force) + tacere 'be silent.'
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reverent
answer
respectful rev·er·ent ˈrev(ə)rənt/Submit adjective adjective: reverent feeling or showing deep and solemn respect. "a reverent silence" synonyms: respectful, reverential, admiring, devoted, devout, dutiful, awed, deferential "a reverent silence" Origin late Middle English: from Latin reverent- 'revering,' from the verb revereri (see revere).
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rhetoric
answer
the art of effective communication rhet·o·ric ˈredərik/Submit noun noun: rhetoric the art of effective or persuasive speaking or writing, especially the use of figures of speech and other compositional techniques. synonyms: oratory, eloquence, command of language, way with words "a form of rhetoric" language designed to have a persuasive or impressive effect on its audience, but often regarded as lacking in sincerity or meaningful content. "all we have from the opposition is empty rhetoric" synonyms: bombast, turgidity, grandiloquence, magniloquence, pomposity, extravagant language, purple prose; wordiness, verbosity, prolixity; informalhot air; rarefustian "empty rhetoric" Origin Middle English: from Old French rethorique, via Latin from Greek rhētorikē (tekhnē ) '(art) of rhetoric,' from rhētōr 'rhetor.'
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rout
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to drive out; to stampede defeat and cause to retreat in disorder. "in a matter of minutes the attackers were routed" synonyms: put to flight, drive off, scatter; More Origin Middle English: ultimately based on Latin ruptus 'broken,' from the verb rumpere ; sense 1 and the verb (late 16th century) are from obsolete French route, probably from Italian rotta 'breakup of an army'; the other senses are via Anglo-Norman French rute .
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rueful
answer
causing sorrow or pity rue·ful ˈro͞ofəl/Submit adjective adjective: rueful expressing sorrow or regret, especially when in a slightly humorous way. "she gave a rueful grin" synonyms: regretful, apologetic, sorry, remorseful, shamefaced, sheepish, abashed, hangdog, contrite, repentant, penitent, conscience-stricken, sorrowful, sad "his rueful expression said it all" Origin Middle English (also in the sense 'pitiable'): from the noun rue1 + -ful.
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ruminate
answer
to chew over and over again; to think over; ponder ru·mi·nate ˈro͞oməˌnāt/Submit verb verb: ruminate; 3rd person present: ruminates; past tense: ruminated; past participle: ruminated; gerund or present participle: ruminating 1. think deeply about something. "we sat ruminating on the nature of existence" synonyms: think about, contemplate, consider, meditate on, muse on, mull over, ponder on/over, deliberate about/on, chew on, puzzle over; formalcogitate about "we ruminated on the nature of existence" 2. (of a ruminant) chew the cud. synonyms: think about, contemplate, consider, meditate on, muse on, mull over, ponder on/over, deliberate about/on, chew on, puzzle over; formalcogitate about "we ruminated on the nature of existence" Origin mid 16th century: from Latin ruminat- 'chewed over,' from the verb ruminari .
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sagacious
answer
wise sa·ga·cious səˈɡāSHəs/Submit adjective adjective: sagacious having or showing keen mental discernment and good judgment; shrewd. "they were sagacious enough to avoid any outright confrontation" synonyms: wise, clever, intelligent, knowledgeable, sensible, sage; discerning, judicious, canny, perceptive, astute, shrewd, prudent, thoughtful, insightful, perspicacious; informalstreetwise, savvy; formalsapient "they would all go to Granny Maywell, a sagacious old bird who could scare anyone into doing the right thing" antonyms: foolish Origin early 17th century: from Latin sagax, sagac- 'wise' + -ious.
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salacious
answer
lustful; sexually indecent sa·la·cious səˈlāSHəs/Submit adjective adjective: salacious (of writing, pictures, or talk) treating sexual matters in an indecent way and typically conveying undue interest in or enjoyment of the subject. "salacious stories" synonyms: pornographic, obscene, indecent, crude, lewd, vulgar, dirty, filthy; erotic, titillating, arousing, suggestive, sexy, risqué, ribald, smutty, bawdy; X-rated; informalporn, porno, blue, XXX; euphemisticadult "salacious writing" lustful; lecherous. "his salacious grin faltered" synonyms: lustful, lecherous, licentious, lascivious, libidinous, prurient, lewd; debauched, wanton, loose, fast, impure, unchaste, degenerate, sinful, depraved, promiscuous; informalrandy, horny, hot to trot "salacious women" Origin mid 17th century: from Latin salax, salac- (from salire 'to leap') + -ious.
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sanction
answer
to approve; in legal circles, a law that enacts a penalty for disobedience or a reward for obedience sanc·tion ˈsaNG(k)SH(ə)n/Submit noun noun: sanction; plural noun: sanctions 1. a threatened penalty for disobeying a law or rule. "a range of sanctions aimed at deterring insider abuse" synonyms: penalty, punishment, deterrent; More antonyms: reward measures taken by a nation to coerce another to conform to an international agreement or norms of conduct, typically in the form of restrictions on trade or on participation in official sporting events. PHILOSOPHY a consideration operating to enforce obedience to any rule of conduct. 2. official permission or approval for an action. "he appealed to the bishop for his sanction" synonyms: authorization, consent, leave, permission, authority, warrant, license, dispensation, assent, acquiescence, agreement, approval, approbation, endorsement, accreditation, ratification, validation, blessing, imprimatur; More antonyms: prohibition official confirmation or ratification of a law. LAWhistorical a law or decree, especially an ecclesiastical decree. verb verb: sanction; 3rd person present: sanctions; past tense: sanctioned; past participle: sanctioned; gerund or present participle: sanctioning 1. give official permission or approval for (an action). "only two treatments have been sanctioned by the Food and Drug Administration" synonyms: authorize, permit, allow, warrant, accredit, license, endorse, approve, accept, back, support; informalOK "the rally was sanctioned by the government" antonyms: prohibit 2. impose a sanction or penalty on. synonyms: punish, discipline someone for "the penalties available to sanction crime" Origin late Middle English (as a noun denoting an ecclesiastical decree): from French, from Latin sanctio(n-), from sancire 'ratify.' The verb dates from the late 18th century.
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sanguine
answer
cheerfully confident; optimistic; bloody, ruddy or reddish (what's bloody about cheerfulness? rosy cheeks!) san·guine ˈsaNGɡwən/Submit adjective adjective: sanguine 1. optimistic or positive, especially in an apparently bad or difficult situation. "he is sanguine about prospects for the global economy" synonyms: optimistic, bullish, hopeful, buoyant, positive, confident, cheerful, cheery; informalupbeat "he is sanguine about the advance of technology" antonyms: gloomy (in medieval science and medicine) of or having the constitution associated with the predominance of blood among the bodily humors, supposedly marked by a ruddy complexion and an optimistic disposition. archaic (of the complexion) florid; ruddy. 2. HERALDRYliterary blood-red. 3. archaic bloody or bloodthirsty. noun noun: sanguine 1. a blood-red color. a deep red-brown crayon or pencil containing iron oxide. HERALDRY a blood-red stain used in blazoning. Origin Middle English: from Old French sanguin(e ) 'blood-red,' from Latin sanguineus 'of blood,' from sanguis, sanguin- 'blood.'
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satiate
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to satisfy or fulfill the appetite or desire of sa·ti·ate ˈsāSHēˌāt/Submit verb verb: satiate; 3rd person present: satiates; past tense: satiated; past participle: satiated; gerund or present participle: satiating 1. another term for sate1. "he folded up his newspaper, his curiosity satiated" adjectivearchaic adjective: satiate 1. satisfied to the full; satiated. synonyms: fill, satisfy, sate; slake, quench; gorge, stuff, surfeit, glut, cloy, sicken, nauseate "here, this stew should satiate you" Origin late Middle English: from Latin satiatus, past participle of satiare, from satis 'enough.'
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savor
answer
to enjoy fully sa·vor ˈsāvər/Submit verb verb: savour; 3rd person present: savours; past tense: savoured; past participle: savoured; gerund or present participle: savouring; verb: savor; 3rd person present: savors; past tense: savored; past participle: savored; gerund or present participle: savoring 1. taste (good food or drink) and enjoy it completely. "gourmets will want to savor our game specialties" enjoy or appreciate (something pleasant) completely, especially by dwelling on it. "I wanted to savor every moment" synonyms: relish, enjoy (to the full), appreciate, delight in, revel in, luxuriate in, bask in "she wanted to savor every moment" 2. have a suggestion or trace of (something, especially something bad). "their genuflections savored of superstition and popery" synonyms: suggest, smack of, have the hallmarks of, seem like, have the air of, show signs of "such a declaration savored of immodesty" noun noun: savour; noun: savor 1. a characteristic taste, flavor, or smell, especially a pleasant one. "the subtle savor of wood smoke" synonyms: smell, aroma, fragrance, scent, perfume, bouquet; More a suggestion or trace, especially of something bad. synonyms: trace, hint, suggestion, touch, smack "a savor of bitterness seasoned my feelings for him" Origin Middle English: from Old French, from Latin sapor, from sapere 'to taste.'
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scanty
answer
scarce in quantity or amount scant·y ˈskan(t)ē/Submit adjective adjective: scanty; comparative adjective: scantier; superlative adjective: scantiest 1. small or insufficient in quantity or amount. "scanty wages" synonyms: meager, scant, minimal, limited, modest, restricted, sparse; tiny, small, paltry, negligible, insufficient, inadequate, deficient, too small/little/few, poor, sketchy, thin; scarce, in short supply, few and far between; informalmeasly, piddling, mingy, pathetic; formalexiguous "their scanty wages" antonyms: ample, abundant, plentiful (of clothing) revealing; skimpy. "the women looked cold in their scanty gowns" synonyms: skimpy, revealing, short, brief; More antonyms: modest noun plural noun: scanties; plural noun: scanty 1. brief underpants. Origin late 16th century: from scant + -y1.
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secrete
answer
to hide away se·crete2 səˈkrēt/Submit verb verb: secrete; 3rd person present: secretes; past tense: secreted; past participle: secreted; gerund or present participle: secreting conceal; hide. "the assets had been secreted in Swiss bank accounts" synonyms: conceal, hide, cover up, veil, shroud, screen, stow away; More antonyms: reveal Origin mid 18th century: alteration of the obsolete verb secret 'keep secret.'
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security
answer
safety : the quality or state of being secure: such as a : freedom from danger : safety b : freedom from fear or anxiety c : freedom from the prospect of being laid off job security
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sedulous
answer
persistent in effort or endeavor sed·u·lous ˈsejələs/Submit adjective adjective: sedulous (of a person or action) showing dedication and diligence. "he watched himself with the most sedulous care" synonyms: diligent, careful, meticulous, thorough, assiduous, attentive, industrious, conscientious, ultracareful, punctilious, scrupulous, painstaking, minute, rigorous, particular "he picked the thorn from his leg with sedulous care" Origin mid 16th century: from Latin sedulus 'zealous' + -ous.
question
seethe
answer
to be in a state of excitement or agitation seethe sēT͟H/Submit verb verb: seethe; 3rd person present: seethes; past tense: seethed; past participle: seethed; gerund or present participle: seething (of a liquid) bubble up as a result of being boiled. "the brew foamed and seethed" synonyms: boil, bubble, simmer, foam, froth, fizz, effervesce "the brew seethed" teem, swarm, boil, swirl, churn, surge "the water was seething with fish" archaic cook (food) by boiling it in a liquid. "others were cut into joints and seethed in cauldrons made of the animal's own skins" (of a person) be filled with intense but unexpressed anger. "inwardly he was seething at the slight to his authority" synonyms: be angry, be furious, be enraged, be incensed, be beside oneself, boil, simmer, rage, rant, rave, storm, fume, smolder; informalbe livid, be wild, foam at the mouth, be steamed up, be hot under the collar "I seethed at the injustice of it all" (of a place) be crowded with people or things moving about in a rapid or hectic way. "the entire cellar was seething with spiders" (of a crowd of people) move in a rapid or hectic way. "we cascaded down the stairs and seethed across the station" Origin Old English sēothan 'make or keep boiling,' of Germanic origin; related to Dutch zieden
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seminal
answer
influencing future developments sem·i·nal ˈsemənl/Submit adjective adjective: seminal 1. (of a work, event, moment, or figure) strongly influencing later developments. "his seminal work on chaos theory" synonyms: influential, formative, groundbreaking, pioneering, original, innovative; major, important "her paper is a seminal work on the subject" 2. relating to or denoting semen. synonyms: influential, formative, groundbreaking, pioneering, original, innovative; major, important "her paper is a seminal work on the subject" BOTANY relating to or derived from the seed of a plant. Origin late Middle English (sense 2): from Old French seminal or Latin seminalis, from semen 'seed.' Sense 1 dates from the mid 17th century.
question
shard
answer
fragment shard SHärd/Submit noun noun: shard; plural noun: shards a piece of broken ceramic, metal, glass, or rock, typically having sharp edges. "shards of glass flew in all directions" synonyms: fragment, sliver, splinter, shiver, chip, piece, bit, particle "a shard of glass in her heel" Origin Old English sceard 'gap, notch, potsherd,' of Germanic origin: related to Dutch schaarde 'notch,' also to shear.
question
shirk
answer
to avoid shirk SHərk/Submit verb verb: shirk; 3rd person present: shirks; past tense: shirked; past participle: shirked; gerund or present participle: shirking 1. avoid or neglect (a duty or responsibility). "their sole motive is to shirk responsibility and rip off the company" synonyms: evade, dodge, avoid, get out of, sidestep, shrink from, shun, skip, miss; neglect; informalduck (out of), cop out of, cut "she didn't shirk any task" avoid one's duty, be remiss, be negligent, play truant, swing the lead, slack off; informalgoof off, play hooky "no one shirked" be unwilling to do (something difficult). "we will not shirk from closing a school if the evidence should justify it" nounarchaic noun: shirk; plural noun: shirks 1. a person who shirks. Origin mid 17th century (in the sense 'practice fraud or trickery'): from obsolete shirk 'sponger,' perhaps from German Schurke 'scoundrel.'
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shoddy
answer
not genuine; inferior shod·dy ˈSHädē/Submit adjective adjective: shoddy; comparative adjective: shoddier; superlative adjective: shoddiest 1. badly made or done. "we're not paying good money for shoddy goods" synonyms: poor-quality, inferior, second-rate, third-rate, cheap, cheapjack, trashy, jerry-built; informaltacky, chintzy, rubbishy, junky, tinpot, cheapo, cheesy, schlocky, low-rent "shoddy goods" careless, slapdash, sloppy, slipshod, crude; negligent, cursory "shoddy workmanship" antonyms: quality, careful lacking moral principle; sordid. "a shoddy misuse of the honor system" noun noun: shoddy; noun: shoddies 1. an inferior quality yarn or fabric made from the shredded fiber of waste woolen cloth or clippings. Origin mid 19th century: of unknown origin.
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sinuous
answer
curving in and out sin·u·ous ˈsinyo͞oəs/Submit adjective adjective: sinuous having many curves and turns. "the river follows a sinuous trail through the forest" synonyms: winding, windy, serpentine, curving, twisting, meandering, snaking, zigzag, curling, coiling "a sinuous river" lithe and supple. "the sinuous grace of a cat" synonyms: lithe, supple, agile, graceful, loose-limbed, limber, lissome "she moved with sinuous grace" Origin late 16th century: from French sinueux or Latin sinuosus, from sinus 'a bend.'
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skeptic
answer
doubter skep·tic ˈskeptik/Submit noun noun: sceptic; plural noun: sceptics; noun: skeptic; plural noun: skeptics 1. a person inclined to question or doubt all accepted opinions. synonyms: cynic, doubter; More a person who doubts the truth of Christianity and other religions; an atheist or agnostic. synonyms: agnostic, atheist, unbeliever, nonbeliever, disbeliever, doubting Thomas "skeptics who have found faith" 2. PHILOSOPHY an ancient or modern philosopher who denies the possibility of knowledge, or even rational belief, in some sphere. adjective adjective: skeptic 1. another term for skeptical. Origin late 16th century (sense 2 of the noun): from French sceptique, or via Latin from Greek skeptikos, from skepsis 'inquiry, doubt.'
question
skepticism
answer
doubt or disbelief skep·ti·cism ˈskeptəˌsizəm/Submit noun noun: scepticism; noun: skepticism 1. a skeptical attitude; doubt as to the truth of something. "these claims were treated with skepticism" synonyms: doubt, doubtfulness, a pinch of salt; disbelief, cynicism, distrust, mistrust, suspicion, incredulity; pessimism, defeatism; formaldubiety "his ideas were met with skepticism" agnosticism, doubt; atheism, unbelief, nonbelief "he passed from skepticism to religious belief" 2. PHILOSOPHY the theory that certain knowledge is impossible.
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skittish
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lively; restless skit·tish ˈskidiSH/Submit adjective adjective: skittish (of an animal, especially of a horse) excitable or easily scared. "a skittish chestnut mare" synonyms: nervous, anxious, on edge, excitable, restive, skittery, jumpy, jittery, high-strung "going to the dentist makes me skittish" (of a person) playfully frivolous or unpredictable. "my skittish and immature mother" synonyms: nervous, anxious, on edge, excitable, restive, skittery, jumpy, jittery, high-strung "going to the dentist makes me skittish" Origin late Middle English: perhaps from the rare verb skit 'move lightly and rapidly.'
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slander
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defamation slan·der ˈslandər/Submit nounLAW noun: slander 1. the action or crime of making a false spoken statement damaging to a person's reputation. "he is suing the TV network for slander" a false and malicious spoken statement. plural noun: slanders "I've had just about all I can stomach of your slanders" synonyms: defamation (of character), character assassination, calumny, libel; More verb verb: slander; 3rd person present: slanders; past tense: slandered; past participle: slandered; gerund or present participle: slandering 1. make false and damaging statements about (someone). "they were accused of slandering the head of state" synonyms: defame (someone's character), blacken someone's name, tell lies about, speak ill/evil of, sully someone's reputation, libel, smear, cast aspersions on, spread scandal about, besmirch, tarnish, taint; malign, traduce, vilify, disparage, denigrate, run down, slur; informalbadmouth, dis, trash; formalderogate "they were accused of slandering the minister" Origin Middle English: from Old French esclandre, alteration of escandle, from late Latin scandalum (see scandal).
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slothful
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slow-moving, lazy sloth·ful ˈslôTHfəl,ˈslōTHfəl/Submit adjective adjective: slothful lazy. "fatigue made him slothful" synonyms: lazy, idle, indolent, inactive, sluggish, apathetic, lethargic, listless, languid, torpid; archaicotiose "fatigue made him slothful"
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solecism
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a minor mistake in grammar or usage; a breach of good manners sol·e·cism ˈsäləˌsizəm,ˈsōləˌsizəm/Submit noun noun: solecism; plural noun: solecisms a grammatical mistake in speech or writing. synonyms: (grammatical) mistake, error, blunder; informalhowler, blooper "a poem marred by solecisms" a breach of good manners; a piece of incorrect behavior. synonyms: faux pas, gaffe, impropriety, social indiscretion, infelicity, slip, error, blunder, lapse; informalslip-up, boo-boo, goof, blooper, flub "it would have been a solecism to answer" Origin mid 16th century: from French solécisme, or via Latin from Greek soloikismos, from soloikos 'speaking incorrectly.'
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solicitous
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worried or concerned; eager to receive approval from others so·lic·i·tous səˈlisədəs/Submit adjective adjective: solicitous characterized by or showing interest or concern. "she was always solicitous about the welfare of her students" synonyms: concerned, caring, considerate, attentive, mindful, thoughtful, interested; More archaic eager or anxious to do something. "he was solicitous to cultivate her mamma's good opinion" Origin mid 16th century: from Latin sollicitus (see solicit) + -ous.
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sonorous
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loud, deep, or resonant, as a sound so·no·rous ˈsänərəs/Submit adjective adjective: sonorous (of a person's voice or other sound) imposingly deep and full. capable of producing a deep or ringing sound. "the alloy is sonorous and useful in making bells" synonyms: resonant, rich, full, round, booming, deep, clear, mellow, orotund, fruity, strong, resounding, reverberant "a sonorous voice" (of a speech or style) using imposing language. "they had expected the lawyers to deliver sonorous lamentations" synonyms: impressive, imposing, grandiloquent, magniloquent, high-flown, lofty, orotund, bombastic, grandiose, pompous, pretentious, overblown, turgid; oratorical, rhetorical; informalhighfalutin "sonorous words of condemnation" Origin early 17th century: from Latin sonorus (from sonor 'sound') + -ous.
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soporific
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causing sleep sop·o·rif·ic ˌsäpəˈrifik/Submit adjective adjective: soporific 1. tending to induce drowsiness or sleep. "the motion of the train had a somewhat soporific effect" sleepy or drowsy. "some medicine made her soporific" tediously boring or monotonous. "a libel trial is in large parts intensely soporific" synonyms: sleep-inducing, sedative, somnolent, calmative, tranquilizing, narcotic, opiate; More antonyms: invigorating noun noun: soporific; plural noun: soporifics 1. a drug or other agent that induces sleep. synonyms: sleeping pill, sedative, calmative, tranquilizer, narcotic, opiate; hypnotic "she was given a soporific" antonyms: stimulant Origin mid 17th century: from Latin sopor 'sleep' + -ific.
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spate
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a sudden, almost overwhelming outpouring spate spāt/Submit noun noun: spate; plural noun: spates 1. a large number of similar things or events appearing or occurring in quick succession. "a spate of attacks on travelers" synonyms: series, succession, run, cluster, string, rash, epidemic, outbreak, wave, flurry, rush, flood, deluge, torrent "a spate of interest in military memorabilia" 2. BRITISH a sudden flood in a river, especially one caused by heavy rains or melting snow. Origin late Middle English (originally Scots and northern English in the sense 'flood, inundation'): of unknown origin.
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specious
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seemingly reasonable but incorrect spe·cious ˈspēSHəs/Submit adjective adjective: specious superficially plausible, but actually wrong. "a specious argument" misleading in appearance, especially misleadingly attractive. "the music trade gives Golden Oldies a specious appearance of novelty" synonyms: misleading, deceptive, false, fallacious, unsound, spurious, casuistic, sophistic "specious reasoning" Origin late Middle English (in the sense 'beautiful'): from Latin speciosus 'fair,' from species (see species).
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spendthrift
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someone who wastes money spend·thrift ˈspen(d)ˌTHrift/Submit noun noun: spendthrift; plural noun: spendthrifts a person who spends money in an extravagant, irresponsible way. synonyms: profligate, prodigal, squanderer, waster; informalbig spender "he is such a spendthrift" profligate, improvident, thriftless, wasteful, extravagant, prodigal "his spendthrift father" antonyms: miser, frugal
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spurious
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not genuine spu·ri·ous ˈsp(y)o͝orēəs/Submit adjective adjective: spurious not being what it purports to be; false or fake. "separating authentic and spurious claims" synonyms: bogus, fake, false, counterfeit, forged, fraudulent, sham, artificial, imitation, simulated, feigned, deceptive, misleading, specious; More antonyms: genuine (of a line of reasoning) apparently but not actually valid. "this spurious reasoning results in nonsense" archaic (of offspring) illegitimate. Origin late 16th century (in the sense 'born out of wedlock'): from Latin spurius 'false' + -ous.
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stentorian
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extremely loud sten·to·ri·an stenˈtôrēən/Submit adjective adjective: stentorian (of a person's voice) loud and powerful. "he introduced me to the staff with a stentorian announcement" synonyms: loud, thundering, thunderous, ear-splitting, deafening; powerful, strong, carrying; booming, resonant; strident "his stentorian voice resonated throughout the theater" antonyms: quiet, soft
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stigma
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a token of disgrace stig·ma ˈstiɡmə/Submit noun noun: stigma; plural noun: stigmata; plural noun: stigmas 1. a mark of disgrace associated with a particular circumstance, quality, or person. "the stigma of having gone to prison will always be with me" synonyms: shame, disgrace, dishonor, ignominy, opprobrium, humiliation, (bad) reputation "the stigma of bankruptcy" antonyms: honor, credit 2. (in Christian tradition) marks corresponding to those left on Jesus' body by the Crucifixion, said to have been impressed by divine favor on the bodies of St. Francis of Assisi and others. 3. MEDICINE a visible sign or characteristic of a disease. a mark or spot on the skin. 4. BOTANY (in a flower) the part of a pistil that receives the pollen during pollination. Origin late 16th century (denoting a mark made by pricking or branding): via Latin from Greek stigma 'a mark made by a pointed instrument, a dot'; related to stick1.
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stint
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a period of time (noun); to be thrifty (verb) stint1 stint/Submit verb verb: stint; 3rd person present: stints; past tense: stinted; past participle: stinted; gerund or present participle: stinting 1. supply an ungenerous or inadequate amount of (something). "stowage room hasn't been stinted" be economical or frugal about spending or providing something. "he doesn't stint on wining and dining" synonyms: skimp on, scrimp on, be economical with, economize on, be sparing with, hold back on, be frugal with; be mean with, be parsimonious with; limit, restrict; informalbe stingy with, be mingy with, be tight with "we saved by stinting on food" restrict (someone) in the amount of something (especially money) given or permitted. "to avoid having to stint yourself, budget in advance" noun noun: stint; plural noun: stints 1. a person's fixed or allotted period of work. "his varied career included a stint as a magician" synonyms: spell, stretch, turn, session, term, shift, tour of duty "a two-week stint in the office" 2. limitation of supply or effort. "a collector with an eye for quality and the means to indulge it without stint" Origin Old English styntan 'make blunt,' of Germanic origin; related to stunt1.
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stipulate
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to make specific conditions stip·u·late1 ˈstēpyəˌlāt/Submit verb verb: stipulate; 3rd person present: stipulates; past tense: stipulated; past participle: stipulated; gerund or present participle: stipulating demand or specify (a requirement), typically as part of a bargain or agreement. "he stipulated certain conditions before their marriage" synonyms: specify, set down, set out, lay down; demand, require, insist on, make a condition of, prescribe, impose; provide "the document stipulates certain conditions" Origin early 17th century: from Latin stipulat- 'demanded as a formal promise,' from the verb stipulari .
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stoic
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lacking in emotional response, especially in the face of pain or adversity sto·ic ˈstōik/Submit noun noun: stoic; plural noun: stoics; noun: Stoic; plural noun: Stoics 1. a person who can endure pain or hardship without showing their feelings or complaining. 2. a member of the ancient philosophical school of Stoicism. adjective adjective: stoic; adjective: Stoic 1. another term for stoical. 2. of or belonging to the Stoics or their school of philosophy. Origin late Middle English: via Latin from Greek stōïkos, from stoa (with reference to Zeno's teaching in the Stoa Poikilē or Painted Porch, at Athens).
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stolid
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dull; impassive
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stratify
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to form or place in layers strat·i·fy ˈstradəˌfī/Submit verb verb: stratify; 3rd person present: stratifies; past tense: stratified; past participle: stratified; gerund or present participle: stratifying form or arrange into strata. "socially stratified cities" arrange or classify. "stratifying patients into well-defined risk groups" place (seeds) close together in layers in moist sand or peat to preserve them or to help them germinate. (of seeds) be germinated by stratifying. "if you want to sow your own mistletoe, collect ripe berries and store them in moist sand to stratify"
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striated
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to form or place in layers stri·ate ˈstrīˌāt/Submit technical verb past tense: striated; past participle: striated mark with striae. "striated bark"
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strut
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a pompous walk strut strət/Submit noun noun: strut; plural noun: struts 1. a rod or bar forming part of a framework and designed to resist compression. 2. a stiff, erect, and apparently arrogant or conceited gait. "that old confident strut and swagger has returned" verb verb: strut; 3rd person present: struts; past tense: strutted; past participle: strutted; gerund or present participle: strutting 1. walk with a stiff, erect, and apparently arrogant or conceited gait. "peacocks strut through the grounds" synonyms: swagger, swank, parade, stride, sweep, sashay "he strutted around his vast office" 2. brace (something) with a strut or struts. "the holes were close-boarded and strutted" Origin Old English strūtian 'protrude stiffly,' of Germanic origin. Current senses date from the late 16th century.
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sublime
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supreme or outstanding; elevated sub·lime səˈblīm/Submit adjective adjective: sublime; comparative adjective: sublimer; superlative adjective: sublimest 1. of such excellence, grandeur, or beauty as to inspire great admiration or awe. "Mozart's sublime piano concertos" synonyms: exalted, elevated, noble, lofty, awe-inspiring, majestic, magnificent, glorious, superb, wonderful, marvelous, splendid; More used to denote the extreme or unparalleled nature of a person's attitude or behavior. "he had the sublime confidence of youth" synonyms: supreme, total, complete, utter, consummate "the sublime confidence of youth" verb verb: sublime; 3rd person present: sublimes; past tense: sublimed; past participle: sublimed; gerund or present participle: subliming 1. CHEMISTRY (of a solid substance) change directly into vapor when heated, typically forming a solid deposit again on cooling. cause (a substance) to do this. "these crystals could be sublimed under a vacuum" 2. archaic elevate to a high degree of moral or spiritual purity or excellence. Origin late 16th century (in the sense 'dignified, aloof'): from Latin sublimis, from sub- 'up to' + a second element perhaps related to limen 'threshold,' limus 'oblique.'
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subterfuge
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evasion sub·ter·fuge ˈsəbtərˌfyo͞oj/Submit noun noun: subterfuge; plural noun: subterfuges deceit used in order to achieve one's goal. synonyms: trickery, intrigue, deviousness, deceit, deception, dishonesty, cheating, duplicity, guile, cunning, craftiness, chicanery, pretense, fraud, fraudulence "the use of subterfuge by journalists" trick, hoax, ruse, wile, ploy, stratagem, artifice, dodge, bluff, pretense, deception, fraud, blind, smokescreen; informalcon, scam "a disreputable subterfuge" Origin late 16th century: from French, or from late Latin subterfugium, from Latin subterfugere 'escape secretly,' from subter- 'beneath' + fugere 'flee.'
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supercilious
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showing careless contempt; arrogant su·per·cil·i·ous ˌso͞opərˈsilēəs/Submit adjective adjective: supercilious behaving or looking as though one thinks one is superior to others. "a supercilious lady's maid" synonyms: arrogant, haughty, conceited, disdainful, overbearing, pompous, condescending, superior, patronizing, imperious, proud, snobbish, snobby, smug, scornful, sneering; informalhoity-toity, high and mighty, uppity, snooty, stuck-up, snotty, snot-nosed, jumped up, too big for one's britches "a supercilious young clerk" Origin early 16th century: from Latin superciliosus 'haughty,' from supercilium 'eyebrow.'
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superfluous
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more than what is needed su·per·flu·ous so͞oˈpərflo͞oəs/Submit adjective adjective: superfluous unnecessary, especially through being more than enough. "the purchaser should avoid asking for superfluous information" synonyms: surplus (to requirements), nonessential, redundant, unneeded, excess, extra, (to) spare, remaining, unused, left over, in excess, waste "superfluous material" unnecessary, unneeded, redundant, uncalled for, unwarranted "words seemed superfluous" antonyms: necessary, essential Origin late Middle English: from Latin superfluus, from super- 'over' + fluere 'to flow.'
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supersede
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to replace or supplant su·per·sede ˌso͞opərˈsēd/Submit verb verb: supersede; 3rd person present: supersedes; past tense: superseded; past participle: superseded; gerund or present participle: superseding take the place of (a person or thing previously in authority or use); supplant. "the older models have now been superseded" synonyms: replace, take the place of, take over from, succeed; supplant, displace, oust, overthrow, remove, unseat; informalfill someone's shoes/boots "I was superseded by much younger men" Origin late 15th century (in the sense 'postpone, defer'): from Old French superseder, from Latin supersedere 'be superior to,' from super- 'above' + sedere 'sit.' The current sense dates from the mid 17th century.
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supine
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lying on one's back face upward su·pine ˈso͞oˌpīn/Submit adjective adjective: supine 1. (of a person) lying face upward. synonyms: flat on one's back, face upward, facing upward, flat, horizontal, recumbent, stretched out "she lay supine on the sand" antonyms: prone, upright technical having the front or ventral part upward. (of the hand) with the palm upward. 2. failing to act or protest as a result of moral weakness or indolence. "supine in the face of racial injustice" synonyms: weak, spineless, yielding, effete; More antonyms: strong noun noun: supine; plural noun: supines 1. a Latin verbal noun used only in the accusative and ablative cases, especially to denote purpose (e.g., dictu in mirabile dictu "wonderful to relate"). Origin late Middle English: the adjective from Latin supinus 'bent backward' (related to super 'above'); the noun from late Latin supinum, neuter of supinus .
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sybarite
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a person devoted to luxury and pleasure syb·a·rite ˈsibəˌrīt/Submit noun noun: sybarite; plural noun: sybarites a person who is self-indulgent in their fondness for sensuous luxury. synonyms: hedonist, sensualist, voluptuary, libertine, pleasure-seeker, epicure, bon vivant, bon viveur "an exclusive resort that caters to wealthy sybarites" antonyms: puritan Origin mid 16th century (originally denoting an inhabitant of Sybaris, an ancient Greek city in southern Italy, noted for luxury): via Latin from Greek Subaritēs .
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sycophant
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a self-seeking, servile flatterer syc·o·phant ˈsikəˌfant,ˈsikəfənt/Submit noun noun: sycophant; plural noun: sycophants a person who acts obsequiously toward someone important in order to gain advantage. synonyms: yes-man, bootlicker, brown-noser, toady, lickspittle, flatterer, flunky, lackey, spaniel, doormat, stooge, cringer, suck, suck-up "I thought you wanted a competent assistant, not a nodding sycophant" Origin mid 16th century (denoting an informer): from French sycophante, or via Latin from Greek sukophantēs 'informer,' from sukon 'fig' + phainein 'to show'; the association with informing against the illegal exportation of figs from ancient Athens (recorded by Plutarch) is not substantiated.
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tacit
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understood tac·it ˈtasət/Submit adjective adjective: tacit understood or implied without being stated. "your silence may be taken to mean tacit agreement" synonyms: implicit, understood, implied, hinted, suggested; unspoken, unstated, unsaid, unexpressed, unvoiced; taken for granted, taken as read, inferred "tacit promises" antonyms: explicit Origin early 17th century (in the sense 'wordless, noiseless'): from Latin tacitus, past participle of tacere 'be silent.'
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taciturn
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stern; silent tac·i·turn ˈtasəˌtərn/Submit adjective adjective: taciturn (of a person) reserved or uncommunicative in speech; saying little. synonyms: untalkative, uncommunicative, reticent, unforthcoming, quiet, secretive, tight-lipped, buttoned-up, close-mouthed; silent, mute, dumb, inarticulate; reserved, withdrawn "our taciturn daughter has suddenly become a little chatty" antonyms: talkative Origin late 18th century: from Latin taciturnus, from tacitus (see tacit).
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tangential
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only slightly connected or related tan·gen·tial tanˈjen(t)SHəl/Submit adjective adjective: tangential relating to or along a tangent. "a tangential line" diverging from a previous course or line; erratic. "tangential thoughts" hardly touching a matter; peripheral. "the reforms were tangential to efforts to maintain a basic standard of life"
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tantamount
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equivalent in significance, effect, or value tan·ta·mount ˈtan(t)əˌmount/Submit adjective adjective: tantamount equivalent in seriousness to; virtually the same as. "the resignations were tantamount to an admission of guilt" synonyms: equivalent to, equal to, as good as, more or less, much the same as, comparable to, on a par with, commensurate with "this is tantamount to mutiny" Origin mid 17th century: from the earlier verb tantamount 'amount to as much,' from Italian tanto montare .
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tawdry
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showy, in a cheap way taw·dry ˈtôdrē/Submit adjective adjective: tawdry; comparative adjective: tawdrier; superlative adjective: tawdriest 1. showy but cheap and of poor quality. "tawdry jewelry" synonyms: gaudy, flashy, showy, garish, loud; More antonyms: tasteful sordid or unpleasant. "the tawdry business of politics" nounarchaic noun: tawdry 1. cheap and gaudy finery. Origin early 17th century: short for tawdry lace, a fine silk lace or ribbon worn as a necklace in the 16th-17th centuries, contraction of St. Audrey's lace : Audrey was a later form of Etheldrida (died 679), patron saint of Ely, England, where tawdry laces, along with cheap imitations and other cheap finery, were traditionally sold at a fair.
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temerity
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recklessness te·mer·i·ty təˈmerədē/Submit noun noun: temerity excessive confidence or boldness; audacity. "no one had the temerity to question his conclusions" synonyms: audacity, nerve, effrontery, impudence, impertinence, cheek, gall, presumption; daring; informalface, front, neck, chutzpah "I doubt they'll have the temerity to print these accusations" Origin late Middle English: from Latin temeritas, from temere 'rashly.'
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tempestuous
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stormy; impassioned tem·pes·tu·ous temˈpesCH(o͞o)əs/Submit adjective adjective: tempestuous 1. characterized by strong and turbulent or conflicting emotion. "he had a reckless and tempestuous streak" synonyms: turbulent, stormy, tumultuous, wild, lively, heated, explosive, feverish, frenetic, frenzied "the tempestuous political environment" emotional, passionate, impassioned, fiery, intense; temperamental, volatile, excitable, mercurial, capricious, unpredictable, quick-tempered "a tempestuous woman" antonyms: peaceful, calm, placid 2. very stormy. "a tempestuous wind" synonyms: stormy, blustery, squally, wild, turbulent, windy, gusty, blowy, rainy; More antonyms: calm, fine, peaceful Origin late Middle English: from late Latin tempestuosus, from Latin tempestas (see tempest).
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tenacious
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holding fast te·na·cious təˈnāSHəs/Submit adjective adjective: tenacious tending to keep a firm hold of something; clinging or adhering closely. "a tenacious grip" synonyms: firm, tight, fast, clinging; More antonyms: weak, loose not readily relinquishing a position, principle, or course of action; determined. "you're tenacious and you get at the truth" synonyms: persevering, persistent, determined, dogged, strong-willed, tireless, indefatigable, resolute, patient, unflagging, staunch, steadfast, untiring, unwavering, unswerving, unshakable, unyielding, insistent; More antonyms: irresolute persisting in existence; not easily dispelled. "a tenacious local legend" Origin early 17th century: from Latin tenax, tenac- (from tenere 'to hold') + -ious.
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tendentious
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having or showing a definite tendency, bias, or purpose ten·den·tious tenˈdenSHəs/Submit adjective adjective: tendentious expressing or intending to promote a particular cause or point of view, especially a controversial one. "a tendentious reading of history" Origin early 20th century: suggested by German tendenziös .
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tenuous
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thin; slim ten·u·ous ˈtenyo͞oəs/Submit adjective adjective: tenuous very weak or slight. "the tenuous link between interest rates and investment" synonyms: slight, insubstantial, meager, flimsy, weak, doubtful, dubious, questionable, suspect; More antonyms: convincing, strong very slender or fine; insubstantial. "a tenuous cloud" synonyms: fine, thin, slender, delicate, wispy, gossamer, fragile "a tenuous thread" antonyms: thick, strong Origin late 16th century: formed irregularly from Latin tenuis 'thin' + -ous.
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tepid
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lukewarm tep·id ˈtepəd/Submit adjective adjective: tepid 1. (especially of a liquid) only slightly warm; lukewarm. synonyms: lukewarm, warmish, slightly warm; at room temperature "tepid water" antonyms: hot, cold 2. showing little enthusiasm. "the applause was tepid" synonyms: unenthusiastic, apathetic, muted, halfhearted, so-so, 'comme ci, comme ça', indifferent, subdued, cool, lukewarm, uninterested, unenthused "a tepid response" antonyms: passionate, enthusiastic Origin late Middle English: from Latin tepidus, from tepere 'be warm.'
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thrall
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a state of being enslaved or held captive physically, mentally, or morally thrall THrôl/Submit nounliterary noun: thrall the state of being in someone's power or having great power over someone. "she was in thrall to her abusive husband" synonyms: power, clutches, hands, control, grip, yoke, tyranny "he held us in his evil thrall" historical a slave, servant, or captive. plural noun: thralls Origin Old English thrǣl 'slave,' from Old Norse thræll .
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thwart
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to frustrate thwart THwôrt/Submit verb verb: thwart; 3rd person present: thwarts; past tense: thwarted; past participle: thwarted; gerund or present participle: thwarting 1. prevent (someone) from accomplishing something. "he never did anything to thwart his father" oppose (a plan, attempt, or ambition) successfully. "the government had been able to thwart all attempts by opposition leaders to form new parties" synonyms: foil, frustrate, stand in the way of, forestall, derail, dash; More antonyms: facilitate noun noun: thwart; plural noun: thwarts 1. a structural crosspiece sometimes forming a seat for a rower in a boat. preposition & adverbarchaicliterary preposition: thwart; adverb: thwart 1. from one side to another side of; across. "a pink-tinged cloud spread thwart the shore" Origin Middle English thwerte, from the adjective thwert 'perverse, obstinate, adverse,' from Old Norse thvert, neuter of thverr 'transverse,' from an Indo-European root shared by Latin torquere 'to twist.'
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tilt
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to lean forward, as if to attack tilt tilt/Submit verb verb: tilt; 3rd person present: tilts; past tense: tilted; past participle: tilted; gerund or present participle: tilting 1. move or cause to move into a sloping position. "the floor tilted slightly" synonyms: slope, tip, lean, list, bank, slant, incline, pitch, cant, angle "you'll have to tilt the sofa to fit it through the door" change or cause to change in favor of one person or thing as opposed to another. "the balance of industrial power tilted towards the workers" move (a camera) in a vertical plane. 2. historical (in jousting) thrust at with a lance or other weapon. "he tilts at his prey" archaic engage in a contest with. "I resolved never to tilt with a French lady in compliment" noun noun: tilt; plural noun: tilts 1. a sloping position or movement. "the tilt of her head" an upward or downward pivoting movement of a camera. "pans and tilts" an inclination or bias. "the paper's tilt toward the Republicans" short for tilt hammer. 2. historical a combat for exercise or sport between two men on horseback with lances; a joust. an attempt at winning (something) or defeating (someone), especially in sports. noun: tilt at; plural noun: tilts at "a tilt at the championship" Origin late Middle English (in the sense 'fall or cause to fall, topple'): perhaps related to Old English tealt 'unsteady,' or perhaps of Scandinavian origin and related to Norwegian tylten 'unsteady' and Swedish tulta 'totter.'
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timidity
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lacking in self-assurance or courage ti·mid·i·ty təˈmidədē/ noun noun: timidity lack of courage or confidence. "she believes everyone can overcome their timidity"
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tirade
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a long, passionate speech against something ti·rade ˈtīˌrād/Submit noun noun: tirade; plural noun: tirades a long, angry speech of criticism or accusation. "a tirade of abuse" synonyms: diatribe, harangue, rant, onslaught, attack, polemic, denunciation, broadside, fulmination, condemnation, censure, invective, criticism, tongue-lashing; blast; lecture; literaryphilippic "both attorneys were stunned when the judge launched into a tirade" Origin early 19th century: from French, literally 'long speech,' from Italian tirata 'volley,' from tirare 'to pull.'
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titillate
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to excite or arouse tit·il·late ˈtidlˌāt/Submit verb verb: titillate; 3rd person present: titillates; past tense: titillated; past participle: titillated; gerund or present participle: titillating stimulate or excite (someone), especially in a sexual way. "these journalists are paid to titillate the public" synonyms: arouse, excite, tantalize, stimulate, stir, thrill, interest, attract, fascinate; informalturn on "the dancers titillated the audience" arousing, exciting, stimulating, sexy, thrilling, provocative, tantalizing, interesting, fascinating; suggestive, salacious, erotic "a titillating rendition of "Baby, It's Cold Outside"" antonyms: bore, boring archaic lightly touch; tickle. Origin early 17th century (earlier (Middle English) as titillation ): from Latin titillat- 'tickled,' from the verb titillare
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titular
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holding a position in name (title) only without the power, responsibility, and so forth that usually comes with that position tit·u·lar ˈtiCHələr/Submit adjective adjective: titular 1. holding or constituting a purely formal position or title without any real authority. "the queen is titular head of the Church of England" synonyms: nominal, in title only, in name only, ceremonial, honorary, so-called; token, puppet "the titular head of a university" (of a cleric) nominally appointed to serve a diocese, abbey, or other foundation no longer in existence, and typically in fact having authority in another capacity. 2. denoting a person or thing from whom or which the name of an artistic work or similar is taken. "the work's titular song" synonyms: eponymous, identifying "the book's titular hero" denoting any of the parish churches in Rome to which cardinals are formally appointed. "the priests of the titular churches" Origin late 16th century (in the sense 'existing only in name'): from French titulaire or modern Latin titularis, from titulus (see title).
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torpid
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dull; sluggish; inactive tor·pid ˈtôrpəd/Submit adjective adjective: torpid mentally or physically inactive; lethargic. "we sat around in a torpid state" synonyms: lethargic, sluggish, inert, inactive, slow, lifeless; languid, listless, lazy, idle, indolent, slothful, supine, passive, apathetic, phlegmatic, somnolent, sleepy, weary, tired "torpid tourists traveled tired through the tropics" antonyms: energetic (of an animal) dormant, especially during hibernation. Origin late Middle English: from Latin torpidus, from torpere 'be numb or sluggish.'
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tortuous
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abounding in irregular bends or turns tor·tu·ous ˈtôrCH(o͞o)əs/Submit adjective adjective: tortuous full of twists and turns. "the route is remote and tortuous" synonyms: twisting, twisty, twisting and turning, winding, windy, zigzag, sinuous, snaky, serpentine, meandering, circuitous "a tortuous route" antonyms: straight excessively lengthy and complex. "a tortuous argument" synonyms: convoluted, complicated, complex, labyrinthine, tangled, tangly, involved, confusing, difficult to follow, involuted, lengthy, overlong, circuitous "a tortuous argument" antonyms: straightforward Origin late Middle English: via Old French from Latin tortuosus, from tortus 'twisting, a twist,' from Latin torquere 'to twist.'
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tractable
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docile, easily controlled or shaped trac·ta·ble ˈtraktəb(ə)l/Submit adjective adjective: tractable (of a person or animal) easy to control or influence. "tractable dogs that have had some obedience training" synonyms: malleable, manageable, amenable, pliable, governable, yielding, complaisant, compliant, game, persuadable, accommodating, docile, biddable, obliging, obedient, submissive, meek "our preschool teachers disagree with the statement that children are becoming less tractable every year" antonyms: recalcitrant (of a situation or problem) easy to deal with. "trying to make the mathematics tractable" Origin early 16th century: from Latin tractabilis, from tractare 'to handle' (see tractate).
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transgression
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violation; sin trans·gres·sion transˈɡreSHən,tranzˈɡreSHən/Submit noun noun: transgression; plural noun: transgressions an act that goes against a law, rule, or code of conduct; an offense. "I'll be keeping an eye out for further transgressions" synonyms: offense, crime, sin, wrong, wrongdoing, misdemeanor, impropriety, infraction, misdeed, lawbreaking; error, lapse, peccadillo, fault; archaictrespass "a punishment for past transgressions" infringement, breach, contravention, violation, defiance, disobedience, nonobservance "Adam's transgression of God's law"
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transience
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a temporary state tran·sience ˈtranCHəns,ˈtranZHəns/Submit noun noun: transience; plural noun: transiences; noun: transiency the state or fact of lasting only for a short time; transitory nature. "the transience of life and happiness"
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transmute
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to change trans·mute tranzˈmyo͞ot,transˈmyo͞ot/Submit verb verb: transmute; 3rd person present: transmutes; past tense: transmuted; past participle: transmuted; gerund or present participle: transmuting change in form, nature, or substance. "the raw material of his experience was transmuted into stories" synonyms: change, alter, adapt, transform, convert, metamorphose, morph, translate; humoroustransmogrify "the books were transmuted into workable scripts" subject (base metals) to alchemical transmutation. "the quest to transmute lead into gold" Origin late Middle English: from Latin transmutare, from trans- 'across' + mutare 'to change.'
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transparent
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easily detected trans·par·ent transˈperənt/Submit adjective adjective: transparent (of a material or article) allowing light to pass through so that objects behind can be distinctly seen. "transparent blue water" synonyms: clear, crystal clear, see-through, translucent, pellucid, limpid, glassy, vitreous More antonyms: opaque, cloudy, thick easy to perceive or detect. "the residents will see through any transparent attempt to buy their votes" synonyms: obvious, evident, self-evident, undisguised, unconcealed, conspicuous, patent, clear, crystal clear, plain, (as) plain as the nose on your face, apparent, unmistakable, easily discerned, manifest, palpable, indisputable, unambiguous, unequivocal "a transparent attempt to win favor" antonyms: ambiguous, obscure having thoughts, feelings, or motives that are easily perceived. "you'd be no good at poker—you're too transparent" (of an organization or its activities) open to public scrutiny. "if you had transparent government procurement, corruption would go away" PHYSICS transmitting heat or other electromagnetic rays without distortion. COMPUTING (of a process or interface) functioning without the user being aware of its presence. Origin late Middle English: from Old French, from medieval Latin transparent- 'shining through,' from Latin transparere, from trans- 'through' + parere 'appear.'
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transpire
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to happen, to be revealed tran·spire tran(t)ˈspī(ə)r/Submit verb verb: transpire; 3rd person present: transpires; past tense: transpired; past participle: transpired; gerund or present participle: transpiring 1. occur; happen. "I'm going to find out exactly what transpired" synonyms: happen, occur, take place, arise, come about, materialize, turn up, chance, befall, ensue; literarycome to pass "I'm going to find out exactly what transpired" prove to be the case. "as it transpired, he was right" (of a secret or something unknown) come to be known; be revealed. "Yaddo, it transpired, had been under FBI surveillance for some time" synonyms: become known, emerge, come to light, be revealed, turn out, come out, be discovered, prove to be the case, unfold "it transpired that her family had moved away" 2. BOTANY (of a plant or leaf) give off water vapor through the stomata. Origin late Middle English (in the sense 'emit as vapor through the surface'): from French transpirer or medieval Latin transpirare, from Latin trans- 'through' + spirare 'breathe.' The sense 'be revealed' (mid 18th century) is a figurative use comparable with 'leak out.'
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trepidation
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nervous feeling; fear trep·i·da·tion ˌtrepəˈdāSH(ə)n/Submit noun noun: trepidation 1. a feeling of fear or agitation about something that may happen. "the men set off in fear and trepidation" synonyms: fear, apprehension, dread, fearfulness, fright, agitation, anxiety, worry, nervousness, tension, misgivings, unease, uneasiness, foreboding, disquiet, dismay, consternation, alarm, panic; informalbutterflies (in one's stomach), jitteriness, the jitters, the creeps, the shivers, a cold sweat, the heebie-jeebies, the willies, the shakes, jim-jams, collywobbles, cold feet "he sat in the waiting room, full of trepidation" antonyms: equanimity, composure 2. archaic trembling motion. Origin late 15th century: from Latin trepidatio(n-), from trepidare 'be agitated, tremble,' from trepidus 'alarmed.'
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truculence noun; truculent verb
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ferocity : aggressively self-assertive : belligerent 2 : scathingly harsh : vitriolic truculent criticism 3 : feeling or displaying ferocity : cruel, savage 4 : deadly, destructive
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truculent
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harsh, brutal
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turgid
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inflated, overblown, or pompous; literally swollen to the point of being firm tur·gid ˈtərjəd/Submit adjective adjective: turgid swollen and distended or congested. "a turgid and fast-moving river" synonyms: swollen, distended, tumescent, engorged, bloated, tumid "the tissues become turgid" (of language or style) tediously pompous or bombastic. "some turgid verses on the death of Prince Albert" synonyms: bombastic, pompous, overblown, inflated, tumid, high-flown, puffed up, affected, pretentious, grandiose, florid, ornate, grandiloquent, orotund; informalhighfalutin, purple "his turgid prose" antonyms: simple Origin early 17th century: from Latin turgidus, from turgere 'to swell.'
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tutelage
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the act of training or being under instruction tu·te·lage ˈt(y)o͞odlij/Submit noun noun: tutelage protection of or authority over someone or something; guardianship. "the organizations remained under firm government tutelage" instruction; tuition. "he felt privileged to be under the tutelage of an experienced actor" Origin early 17th century: from Latin tutela 'keeping' (from tut- 'watched,' from the verb tueri ) + -age.
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tyro
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beginner, novice ty·ro ˈtīrō/Submit noun noun: tyro; plural noun: tyros; noun: tiro; plural noun: tiros a beginner or novice. synonyms: novice, beginner, learner, neophyte, newcomer, initiate, fledgling; apprentice, trainee, probationer, tenderfoot; informalrookie, newbie, greenhorn "in 1925, he was a Capitol Hill tyro" antonyms: veteran Origin late Middle English: from Latin tiro, medieval Latin tyro 'recruit.'
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ubiquitous
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being present everywhere u·biq·ui·tous yo͞oˈbikwədəs/Submit adjective adjective: ubiquitous present, appearing, or found everywhere. "his ubiquitous influence was felt by all the family" synonyms: omnipresent, ever-present, everywhere, all over the place, pervasive, universal, worldwide, global; rife, prevalent, far-reaching, inescapable "after WWII, television became almost ubiquitous in the United States" antonyms: rare Origin mid 19th century: from modern Latin ubiquitas (from Latin ubique 'everywhere,' from ubi 'where') + -ous.
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umbrage
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sense of having been injured um·brage ˈəmbrij/Submit noun noun: umbrage 1. offense or annoyance. "she took umbrage at his remarks" synonyms: take offense, take exception, be aggrieved, be affronted, be annoyed, be angry, be indignant, be put out, be insulted, be hurt, be piqued, be resentful, be disgruntled, go into a huff, be miffed, have one's nose put out of joint, chafe "I would take umbrage at that if I thought you were serious" 2. archaic shade or shadow, especially as cast by trees. Origin late Middle English (sense 2): from Old French, from Latin umbra 'shadow.' An early sense was 'shadowy outline,' giving rise to 'ground for suspicion,' whence the current notion of 'offense.'
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unassuaged
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not soothed or relieved un·as·suaged ˌənəˈswājd/Submit adjective adjective: unassuaged not soothed or relieved. "her unassuaged grief"
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uncouth
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clumsy; rude un·couth ˌənˈko͞oTH/Submit adjective adjective: uncouth (of a person or their appearance or behavior) lacking good manners, refinement, or grace. "he is unwashed, uncouth, and drunk most of the time" synonyms: uncivilized, uncultured, uncultivated, unrefined, unpolished, unsophisticated, bush-league, common, plebeian, low, rough, rough-hewn, coarse, loutish, boorish, oafish, troglodyte; More antonyms: refined (especially of art or language) lacking sophistication or delicacy. "uncouth sketches of peasants" archaic (of a place) uncomfortable, especially because of remoteness or poor conditions. Origin Old English uncūth 'unknown,' from un-1 'not' + cūth (past participle of cunnan 'know, be able').
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undermine
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to weaken or derail un·der·mine ˌəndərˈmīn/Submit verb verb: undermine; 3rd person present: undermines; past tense: undermined; past participle: undermined; gerund or present participle: undermining 1. erode the base or foundation of (a rock formation). synonyms: erode, wear away, eat away at "rivers undermined their banks" dig or excavate beneath (a building or fortification) so as to make it collapse. 2. damage or weaken (someone or something), especially gradually or insidiously. "this could undermine years of hard work" synonyms: subvert, undercut, sabotage, threaten, weaken, compromise, diminish, reduce, impair, mar, spoil, ruin, damage, hurt, injure, cripple, sap, shake; informaldrag through the mud "their integrity is being undermined" antonyms: strengthen, enhance Origin Middle English: from under- + the verb mine2, probably suggested by Middle Dutch ondermineren .
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unerringly
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without fail [uhn-ur-ing, -er-] adjective 1. not erring; not going astray or missing the mark: The captain set an unerring course for home. 2. undeviatingly accurate throughout; not containing any error or flaw: She gave an unerring recital of the day's events. 3. invariably precise or correct: unerring taste.
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unison
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complete accord u·ni·son ˈyo͞onəsən/Submit noun noun: unison 1. simultaneous performance of action or utterance of speech. ""Yes, sir," said the girls in unison" synonyms: simultaneously, at (one and) the same time, (all) at once, (all) together "they lifted their arms in unison" 2. MUSIC coincidence in pitch of sounds or notes. "the flutes play in unison with the violas" a combination of notes, voices, or instruments at the same pitch or (especially when singing) in octaves. plural noun: unisons "good unisons are formed by flutes, oboes, and clarinets" adjective adjective: unison 1. performed in unison. Origin late Middle English (sense 2 of the noun): from Old French, or from late Latin unisonus, from Latin uni- 'one' + sonus 'sound.'
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unruly
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disobedient un·ru·ly ˌənˈro͞olē/Submit adjective adjective: unruly; comparative adjective: unrulier; superlative adjective: unruliest disorderly and disruptive and not amenable to discipline or control. "complaints about unruly behavior" synonyms: disorderly, rowdy, wild, unmanageable, uncontrollable, disobedient, ill-behaved, disruptive, undisciplined, restive, wayward, willful, headstrong, irrepressible, obstreperous, difficult, intractable, out of hand, recalcitrant; rebellious, defiant; boisterous, lively, rambunctious, refractory; archaiccontumacious "I can't take care of your unruly brats" antonyms: disciplined Origin late Middle English: from un-1 'not' + archaic ruly 'amenable to discipline or order' (from rule).
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untenable
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indefensible un·ten·a·ble ˌənˈtenəb(ə)l/Submit adjective adjective: untenable (especially of a position or view) not able to be maintained or defended against attack or objection. "this argument is clearly untenable" synonyms: indefensible, insupportable, unsustainable, unjustified, unjustifiable, flimsy, weak, shaky "these untenable explanations are not helping your case"
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upbraid
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to reproach as deserving blame up·braid ˌəpˈbrād/Submit verb verb: upbraid; 3rd person present: upbraids; past tense: upbraided; past participle: upbraided; gerund or present participle: upbraiding find fault with (someone); scold. "he was upbraided for his slovenly appearance" synonyms: reprimand, rebuke, admonish, chastise, chide, reprove, reproach, scold, berate, take to task, lambaste, give someone a piece of one's mind, give someone a tongue-lashing, rake/haul over the coals, lecture; informaltell off, give someone a talking-to, tear a strip off (of), dress down, give someone an earful, rap over the knuckles, bawl out, lay into, chew out, ream out; formalcastigate; rarereprehend "we were upbraided for leaving the back door unlocked" Origin late Old English upbrēdan 'allege (something) as a basis for censure,' based on braid in the obsolete sense 'brandish.' The current sense dates from Middle English.
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urbanity
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refined courtesy or politeness ur·ban·i·ty ˌərˈbanədē/Submit noun noun: urbanity 1. suavity, courteousness, and refinement of manner. 2. urban life. Origin mid 16th century: from French urbanité or Latin urbanitas, from urbanus 'belonging to the city' (see urban).
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vacillate
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to waver; to fluctuate vac·il·late ˈvasəˌlāt/Submit verb verb: vacillate; 3rd person present: vacillates; past tense: vacillated; past participle: vacillated; gerund or present participle: vacillating alternate or waver between different opinions or actions; be indecisive. "I had for a time vacillated between teaching and journalism" synonyms: dither, waver, be indecisive, be undecided, be ambivalent, hesitate, be of two minds, blow hot and cold, keep changing one's mind, be conflicted; fluctuate, oscillate, hem and haw; informaldilly-dally, shilly-shally "I vacillated between teaching and journalism" Origin late 16th century (in the sense 'sway unsteadily'): from Latin vacillat- 'swayed,' from the verb vacillare .
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vagabond
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wanderer vag·a·bond ˈvaɡəˌbänd/Submit noun noun: vagabond; plural noun: vagabonds 1. a person who wanders from place to place without a home or job. informaldated a rascal; a rogue. adjective adjective: vagabond 1. having no settled home. verbarchaic verb: vagabond; 3rd person present: vagabonds; past tense: vagabonded; past participle: vagabonded; gerund or present participle: vagabonding 1. wander about as or like a vagabond. Origin Middle English (originally denoting a criminal): from Old French, or from Latin vagabundus, from vagari 'wander.'
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vainglorious
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excessive; pretentious vain·glo·ri·ous ˌvānˈɡlôrēəs/Submit adjectiveliterary adjective: vainglorious; adjective: vain-glorious excessively proud of oneself or one's achievements; overly vain. "this vainglorious boast of personal infallibility"
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valorous
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courageous [val-er-uh s] adjective 1. having valor; courageous; valiant; brave. 2. characterized by valor : valorous deeds.
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vantage
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position giving advantage van·tage ˈvan(t)ij/Submit noun noun: vantage; plural noun: vantages; noun: vantage point; plural noun: vantage points; noun: vantagepoint; plural noun: vantagepoints a place or position affording a good view of something. "from my vantage point I could see into the front garden" Origin Middle English: from Anglo-Norman French, shortening of Old French avantage 'advantage.'
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vapid
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having lost quality and flavor; dull; lifeless vap·id ˈvapəd/Submit adjective adjective: vapid offering nothing that is stimulating or challenging. "tuneful but vapid musical comedies" synonyms: insipid, uninspired, colorless, uninteresting, feeble, flat, dull, boring, tedious, tired, unexciting, uninspiring, unimaginative, uninvolving, lifeless, tame, vacuous, bland, trite, jejune "a tuneful but vapid musical comedy" antonyms: lively, colorful Origin mid 17th century (used originally in description of drinks as 'lacking in flavor'): from Latin vapidus .
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variegated
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many-colored var·i·e·gat·ed ˈver(ē)əˌɡādəd/Submit adjective adjective: variegated exhibiting different colors, especially as irregular patches or streaks. "variegated yellow bricks" BOTANY (of a plant or foliage) having or consisting of leaves that are edged or patterned in a second color, especially white as well as green. synonyms: multicolored, multicolor, many-colored, many-hued, polychromatic, varicolored, colorful, prismatic, rainbow, kaleidoscopic; mottled, striated, marbled, streaked, speckled, flecked, dappled; informalsplotchy "variegated leaves" antonyms: plain, monochrome marked by variety. "his variegated and amusing observations" Origin mid 17th century: from Latin variegat- 'made varied' (from the verb variegare, from varius 'diverse') + -ed2.
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vehement
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forceful ve·he·ment ˈvēəmənt/Submit adjective adjective: vehement showing strong feeling; forceful, passionate, or intense. "her voice was low but vehement" synonyms: passionate, forceful, ardent, impassioned, heated, spirited, urgent, fervent, violent, fierce, fiery, strong, forcible, powerful, emphatic, vigorous, intense, earnest, keen, enthusiastic, zealous "her vehement arguments persuaded them to save the housing project" antonyms: mild, apathetic Origin late Middle English (describing pain or temperature, in the sense 'intense, high in degree'): from French véhément or Latin vehement- 'impetuous, violent,' perhaps from an unrecorded adjective meaning 'deprived of mind,' influenced by vehere 'carry.'
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veneer
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a thin covering to improve the appearance of something ve·neer vəˈnir/Submit noun noun: veneer; plural noun: veneers 1. a thin decorative covering of fine wood applied to a coarser wood or other material. a layer of wood used to make plywood. synonyms: surface, lamination, layer, overlay, facing, covering, finish, exterior, cladding, laminate "American cherry wood with a maple veneer" an attractive appearance that covers or disguises someone or something's true nature or feelings. "her veneer of composure cracked a little" synonyms: facade, front, false front, show, outward display, appearance, impression, semblance, guise, disguise, mask, masquerade, pretense, camouflage, cover, window dressing "a veneer of sophistication" verb verb: veneer; 3rd person present: veneers; past tense: veneered; past participle: veneered; gerund or present participle: veneering 1. cover (something) with a decorative layer of fine wood. cover or disguise (someone or something's true nature) with an attractive appearance. Origin early 18th century (earlier as fineer ): from German furni(e)ren, from Old French fournir 'furnish.'
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venerate
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to look upon with deep respect ven·er·ate ˈvenəˌrāt/Submit verb verb: venerate; 3rd person present: venerates; past tense: venerated; past participle: venerated; gerund or present participle: venerating regard with great respect; revere. "Mother Teresa is venerated as a saint" synonyms: revere, regard highly, reverence, worship, hallow, hold sacred, exalt, vaunt, adore, honor, respect, esteem "Dr. Browne is venerated by the poor mining families in this valley" revered, respected, esteemed, honored; hallowed, holy, sacred "in honor of our venerated teacher" Origin early 17th century (earlier (Middle English) as veneration ):: from Latin venerat- 'adored, revered,' from the verb venerari .
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veracious
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use of many words ve·ra·cious vəˈrāSHəs/Submit adjectiveformal adjective: veracious speaking or representing the truth. Origin late 17th century: from Latin verax, verac- (from verus 'true') + -ious.
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verbose
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wordy ver·bose vərˈbōs/Submit adjective adjective: verbose using or expressed in more words than are needed. "much academic language is obscure and verbose" synonyms: wordy, loquacious, garrulous, talkative, voluble; long-winded, flatulent, lengthy, prolix, tautological, pleonastic, periphrastic, circumlocutory, circuitous, wandering, discursive, digressive, rambling; informalmouthy, gabby, chatty, motormouthed "try not to be so verbose when you're being interviewed" antonyms: succinct, laconic Origin late 17th century: from Latin verbosus, from verbum 'word.'
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vestigial
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occurring or persisting as rudimentary or degenerate structure ves·tig·i·al veˈstij(ē)əl/Submit adjective adjective: vestigial forming a very small remnant of something that was once much larger or more noticeable. "he felt a vestigial flicker of anger from last night" synonyms: remaining, surviving, residual, leftover, lingering "he felt a vestigial flicker of anger from last night" BIOLOGY (of an organ or part of the body) degenerate, rudimentary, or atrophied, having become functionless in the course of evolution. "the vestigial wings of kiwis are entirely hidden" synonyms: rudimentary, undeveloped; nonfunctional; primitive "vestigial limbs"
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viable
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capable of living or succeeding i·a·ble ˈvīəb(ə)l/Submit adjective adjective: viable capable of working successfully; feasible. "the proposed investment was economically viable" synonyms: feasible, workable, practicable, practical, usable, possible, realistic, achievable, attainable, realizable; informaldoable "it doesn't sound like a viable solution" antonyms: impracticable BOTANY (of a seed or spore) able to germinate. BIOLOGY (of a plant, animal, or cell) capable of surviving or living successfully, especially under particular environmental conditions. MEDICINE (of a fetus or unborn child) able to live after birth. Origin early 19th century: from French, from vie 'life,' from Latin vita .
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vicissitude
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change of condition or circumstances, generally of fortune vi·cis·si·tude vəˈsisəˌt(y)o͞od/Submit noun noun: vicissitude; plural noun: vicissitudes a change of circumstances or fortune, typically one that is unwelcome or unpleasant. "her husband's sharp vicissitudes of fortune" synonyms: change, alteration, shift, reversal, twist, turn, downturn, variation; inconstancy, instability, uncertainty, chanciness, unpredictability, fickleness, variability, changeability, fluctuation, vacillation; ups and downs "the vicissitude of our love" literary alternation between opposite or contrasting things. "the vicissitude of the seasons" Origin early 17th century (in the sense 'alternation'): from French, or from Latin vicissitudo, from vicissim 'by turns,' from vic- 'turn, change.'
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virtuosity
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having the character or ability of an expert : great technical skill (as in the practice of a fine art) 2 : a taste for or interest in virtu
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virulence
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intense sharpness of anger; intensity vir·u·lence ˈvir(y)ələns/Submit noun noun: virulence 1. the severity or harmfulness of a disease or poison. "the proportion of birds which die depends on the virulence of the virus" 2. bitter hostility; rancor. "poverty increases the incidence and virulence of racism"
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visage
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face, especially in terms of its features or expression vis·age ˈvizij/Submit nounliterary noun: visage; plural noun: visages a person's face, with reference to the form or proportions of the features. "an elegant, angular visage" a person's facial expression. "there was something hidden behind his visage of cheerfulness" synonyms: face, countenance, look, (facial) features, (facial) expression "a visage marked by years of depression" the surface of an object presented to view. "the moonlit visage of the port's whitewashed buildings" Origin Middle English: via Old French from Latin visus 'sight,' from videre 'to see.'
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viscous
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sticky; gluey vis·cous ˈviskəs/Submit adjective adjective: viscous having a thick, sticky consistency between solid and liquid; having a high viscosity. "viscous lava" synonyms: glutinous, gelatinous, thick, viscid, mucous, mucoid, mucilaginous, gummy, gluey, adhesive, tacky, adherent, treacly, syrupy; technicalviscoelastic; informalgooey, gloppy "it's impossible to clean up this viscous substance with water" Origin late Middle English: from Anglo-Norman French viscous or late Latin viscosus, from Latin viscum 'birdlime.'
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vituperate
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overwhelm with wordy abuse vi·tu·per·ate vəˈtyo͞opərāt,vīˈt(y)o͞opəˌrāt/Submit verbarchaic verb: vituperate; 3rd person present: vituperates; past tense: vituperated; past participle: vituperated; gerund or present participle: vituperating blame or insult (someone) in strong or violent language. synonyms: scold, revile, upbraid, criticize; blame, abuse, insult, vilifiy, denounce, denigrate, disparage; formalcastigate "he began vituperating the "social sins" of capitalism" antonyms: praise Origin mid 16th century: from Latin vituperat- 'censured, disparaged,' from the verb vituperare, from vitium 'fault' + parare 'prepare.'
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vociferous
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making a loud outcry vo·cif·er·ous vōˈsifərəs/Submit adjective adjective: vociferous (especially of a person or speech) vehement or clamorous. "he was a vociferous opponent of the takeover"
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volatile
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changeable, explosive vol·a·tile ˈvälədl/Submit adjective adjective: volatile 1. (of a substance) easily evaporated at normal temperatures. synonyms: evaporative, vaporous; explosive, inflammable; unstable, labile "a volatile organic compound" antonyms: stable 2. liable to change rapidly and unpredictably, especially for the worse. "the political situation was becoming more volatile" synonyms: tense, strained, fraught, uneasy, uncomfortable, charged, explosive, inflammatory, turbulent; informalnail-biting, ready to blow "the atmosphere is too volatile for an election" antonyms: stable, calm (of a person) liable to display rapid changes of emotion. synonyms: unpredictable, changeable, variable, inconstant, inconsistent, erratic, irregular, unstable, turbulent, blowing hot and cold, varying, shifting, fluctuating, fluid, mutable; More antonyms: stable, constant (of a computer's memory) retaining data only as long as there is a power supply connected. noun noun: volatile; plural noun: volatiles 1. a volatile substance. Origin Middle English (in the sense 'creature that flies,' also, as a collective, 'birds'): from Old French volatil or Latin volatilis, from volare 'to fly.'
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volition
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a willful choice or decision [voh-lish-uh n, vuh-] noun 1. the act of willing, choosing, or resolving; exercise of willing: She left of her own volition. 2. a choice or decision made by the will. 3. the power of willing; will.
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voluble
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fluent; talkative vol·u·ble ˈvälyəbəl/Submit adjective adjective: voluble speaking or spoken incessantly and fluently. "she was as voluble as her husband was silent" synonyms: talkative, loquacious, garrulous, verbose, wordy, chatty, gossipy, effusive, gushing, forthcoming, conversational, communicative, expansive; articulate, fluent; informalmouthy, motormouthed, gabby, gassy, windy, talky "she was as voluble as her husband was silent" antonyms: taciturn Origin Middle English (in senses 'rotating about an axis' and 'having a tendency to change'): from French, or from Latin volubilis, from volvere 'to roll.' The modern meanings arose in the late 16th century.
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warranted
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justified war·rant ˈwôrənt/Submit verb past tense: warranted; past participle: warranted justify or necessitate (a certain course of action). "that offense is serious enough to warrant a court martial" synonyms: justify, vindicate, call for, sanction, validate; permit, authorize; deserve, excuse, account for, legitimize; support, license, approve of; merit, qualify for, rate, be worthy of, be deserving of "the charges warranted a severe sentence" officially affirm or guarantee. "the vendor warrants the accuracy of the report" synonyms: guarantee, affirm, swear, promise, vow, pledge, undertake, state, assert, declare, profess, attest; vouch, testify, bear witness; formalaver "we warrant that the texts do not infringe copyright" Origin Middle English (in the senses 'protector' and 'safeguard,' also, as a verb, 'keep safe from danger'): from variants of Old French guarant (noun), guarantir (verb), of Germanic origin; compare with guarantee.
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wary
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very cautious war·y ˈwerē/Submit adjective adjective: wary; comparative adjective: warier; superlative adjective: wariest feeling or showing caution about possible dangers or problems. "dogs that have been mistreated often remain very wary of strangers" synonyms: cautious, careful, circumspect, on one's guard, chary, alert, on the lookout, on one's toes, on the qui vive; attentive, heedful, watchful, vigilant, observant; informalwide awake "he was trained to be wary" suspicious, chary, leery, careful, distrustful, mistrustful, skeptical, doubtful, dubious "we are wary of strangers" antonyms: inattentive, trustful Origin late 15th century: from ware2 + -y1.
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welter
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turmoil (noun); to roll, tumble, or toss about (verb) wel·ter1 ˈweltər/Submit verbliterary verb: welter; 3rd person present: welters; past tense: weltered; past participle: weltered; gerund or present participle: weltering 1. move in a turbulent fashion. "the streams foam and welter" lie steeped in blood with no help or care. noun noun: welter; plural noun: welters 1. a large number of items in no order; a confused mass. "there's such a welter of conflicting rules" synonyms: confusion, jumble, tangle, mess, hodgepodge, mishmash, mass; informalrat's nest "the notebook was a welter of half-finished stories" a state of general disorder. "the attack petered out in a welter of bloody, confused fighting" Origin Middle English (in the sense 'writhe, wallow'): from Middle Dutch and Middle Low German welteren .
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whet
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to sharpen or stimulate whet (h)wet/Submit verb verb: whet; 3rd person present: whets; past tense: whetted; past participle: whetted; gerund or present participle: whetting 1. sharpen the blade of (a tool or weapon). "she took out her dagger and began to whet its blade in even, rhythmic strokes" synonyms: sharpen, hone, strop, grind, file "he whetted his knife on a stone" antonyms: blunt excite or stimulate (someone's desire, interest, or appetite). "here's an extract to whet your appetite" synonyms: stimulate, excite, arouse, rouse, kindle, trigger, spark, quicken, stir, inspire, animate, waken, fuel, fire, activate, tempt, galvanize "something to whet your appetite" antonyms: dull, spoil nounarchaic noun: whet; plural noun: whets 1. a thing that stimulates appetite or desire. "he swallowed his two dozen oysters as a whet" Origin Old English hwettan, of Germanic origin; related to German wetzen, based on an adjective meaning 'sharp.'
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whimsical
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fanciful whim·si·cal ˈ(h)wimzik(ə)l/Submit adjective adjective: whimsical 1. playfully quaint or fanciful, especially in an appealing and amusing way. "a whimsical sense of humor" synonyms: fanciful, playful, mischievous, waggish, quaint, quizzical, curious, droll, fantastical, Seussian; eccentric, quirky, idiosyncratic, unconventional, outlandish, queer, fey; informaloffbeat, freaky "a whimsical sense of humor" 2. acting or behaving in a capricious manner. "the whimsical arbitrariness of autocracy" synonyms: volatile, capricious, fickle, changeable, unpredictable, variable, erratic, mercurial, mutable, inconstant, inconsistent, unstable, protean "the whimsical arbitrariness of autocracy"
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whorl
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a circular or spiral arrangement whorl (h)wôrl/Submit noun noun: whorl; plural noun: whorls 1. a pattern of spirals or concentric circles. "Shelley drew larger and larger dark whorls on her notepad" synonyms: loop, coil, hoop, ring, curl, twirl, twist, spiral, helix, arabesque "elegant whorls of wrought iron" ZOOLOGY each of the turns or convolutions in the shell of a gastropod or ammonoid mollusk. BOTANY a set of leaves, flowers, or branches springing from the stem at the same level and encircling it. BOTANY (in a flower) each of the sets of organs, especially the petals and sepals, arranged concentrically around the receptacle. a complete circle in a fingerprint. 2. historical a small wheel or pulley in a spinning wheel, spinning machine, or spindle. verbliterary verb: whorl; 3rd person present: whorls; past tense: whorled; past participle: whorled; gerund or present participle: whorling 1. spiral or move in a twisted and convoluted fashion. "the dances are kinetic kaleidoscopes where steps whorl into wildness" Origin late Middle English (denoting a small flywheel): apparently a variant of whirl, influenced by Old English wharve 'whorl of a spindle.'
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winsome
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attractive, charming win·some ˈwinsəm/Submit adjective adjective: winsome attractive or appealing in appearance or character. "a winsome smile" Origin Old English wynsum, from wyn 'joy' + -some1.
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wreak
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inflict wreak rēk/Submit verb verb: wreak; 3rd person present: wreaks; past tense: wreaked; past participle: wreaked; gerund or present participle: wreaking cause (a large amount of damage or harm). "torrential rainstorms wreaked havoc yesterday" synonyms: inflict, bestow, mete out, administer, deliver, impose, exact, create, cause, result in, effect, engender, bring about, perpetrate, unleash, let loose, vent; formaleffectuate "the damage this storm has wreaked is inestimable" inflict (vengeance). "he was determined to wreak his revenge on the girl who had rejected him" archaic avenge (someone who has been wronged). "grant me some knight to wreak me for my son" Origin Old English wrecan 'drive (out), avenge,' of Germanic origin; related to Dutch wreken and German rächen ; compare with wrack4, wreck, and wretch.
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writhe
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twist writhe rīT͟H/Submit verb verb: writhe; 3rd person present: writhes; past tense: writhed; past participle: writhed; gerund or present participle: writhing make continual twisting, squirming movements or contortions of the body. "he writhed in agony on the ground" synonyms: squirm, wriggle, thrash, flail, toss, toss and turn, twist, twist and turn, struggle "she writhed about in pain" respond with great emotional or physical discomfort to (a violent or unpleasant feeling or thought). "she bit her lip, writhing in suppressed fury" Origin Old English wrīthan 'make into coils, plait, fasten with a cord,' of Germanic origin; related to wreathe.
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yore
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time past yore yôr/Submit nounliterary noun: yore of long ago or former times (used in nostalgic or mock-nostalgic recollection). "a great empire in days of yore" Origin Old English geāra, geāre, of unknown origin.
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zealot
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fanatic zeal·ot ˈzelət/Submit noun noun: zealot; plural noun: zealots a person who is fanatical and uncompromising in pursuit of their religious, political, or other ideals. synonyms: fanatic, enthusiast, extremist, radical, young Turk, diehard, true believer, activist, militant; bigot, dogmatist, sectarian, partisan; informalfiend, maniac, ultra, nut; eager beaver "York was too much of a zealot for the party to endorse seriously" historical a member of an ancient Jewish sect aiming at a world Jewish theocracy and resisting the Romans until AD 70. noun: Zealot; plural noun: Zealots Origin mid 16th century (in the sense 'member of an ancient Jewish sect'): via ecclesiastical Latin from Greek zēlōtēs, from zēloun 'be jealous,' from zēlos (see zeal).
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zeitgeist
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intellectual and moral tendencies of any age
