MINI-DICTIONARY

Some of these words have additional meanings in the same or another

part of speech. In most cases we include just the most widely used meaning
or meanings and just one part of speech. (Pronunciation is from Webster's
8th Collegiate, though we've simplified diacritical style.)

abate (uh-BATE): v. to put an end to; to reduce in intensity, amount, or value

aberration (ab-uh-RAY-shun): n. a deviation from the normal, the usual, or
the natural way; unsoundness or disorder of the mind
abort (uh-BORT): v. to stop in the early stages; to bring forth prematurely; to
end pregnancy before term
abstraction (ab-STRAK-shun): n. a summary or picture that makes no attempt
at precise representation
abyss (uh-BIS): n. bottomless or immeasurably deep gulf or pit
accolade (AK-uh-Iade): n. a mark or expression of praise
acrid (AK-rid): adj. unpleasantly strong in taste or odor; very bitter
acquisitor (uh-KWIZ-ut-er) n. someone who has acquired, especially library
materials by purchase, exchange, or gift
acrimony (AK-ruh-moe-nee): n. harshly or bitingly sharp words or manner
acronym (AK-ruh-nim): n. a word formed from the first letter or letters of each
word (or part) of a multi-word term
activist (AK-ti-vust): adj. acting strongly in support of or in opposition to one
side of a controversial issue
acuity (a-KYU-it-ee): n. keenness of perception
ad lib (ad-LIB): n. something spoken, composed, or performed without
preparation
adamant (AD-uh-munt): adj. unshakable or unmovable, especially in
opposition
admonish (ad-MON-ish): v. to warn or disapprove gently, to tell of duties or
obligations
admonition (ad-muh-NISH-un): n. gentle warning or disapproval
adulation (aj-uh-LAV-shun): n. excessive or slavish flattery or admiration
adversary (AD-ver-sair-ee): n. enemy or opponent
adversity (ad-VER-si-tee): n. condition of suffering, illness, or poverty; a
calamitous or disastrous experience
affable (AF-uh-bull): adj. pleasant and at ease in talking to others; friendly
afflict (uh-FLIKT): v. to distress to the point of persistent suffering or anguish
aftermath (AF-ter-math): n. result; period after a usually ruinous event
agonize (AG-uh-nize): v. to suffer agony; to cause agony
alleged (uh-LEJD, uh-LEJ-uhd): adj. said to be true or to exist; questionably
true or as specified
allegory (AL-uh-gore-ee): n. the telling of truths or generalizations about
human experience through symbolic fictional characters and actions; a
symbolic representation
alleviate (uh-LEE-vee-ate): v. to partially remove or correct; to make more
bearable
altruistic (al-true-IS-tick): adj. unselfishly devoted to the welfare of others
amalgam (uh-MAL-gum): n. a mixture of different elements

119
 ambivalence (am-BIV-uh-Iunss): n. simultaneous attraction and revulsion; con-
tinual fluctuation; uncertainty as to which approach to follow
amorphous (uh-MORE-fuss): adj. having no definite shape, character or
nature; lacking organization or unity
analogous (uh-NAL-uh-guss): adj. showing a resemblance in some ways even
though being otherwise unlike
anathema (uh-NATH-uh-muh): n. a curse; someone cursed by church authori-
ties; someone who is intensely disliked
anguish (ANG-gwish): n. extreme pain in body or mind
animosity (an-uh-MAHSS-utt-ee): n. ill will or resentment tending toward
active hostility
annexation (an-ek-SAY-shun): n. the attachment of one thing to another
annihilate (uh-NY-uh-Iate): v. to destroy; to cease to exist; to cause to be of no
effect
anodyne (AN-uh-dine): n. something that soothes or comforts; a drug that
allays pain
anomaly (uh-NAHM-uh-Iee): n. deviation from what's normal or common
anonymity (an-uh-NIM-uht-ee): n. the quality of having or giving no name
antagonize (an-TAG-uh-nize): v. to act in opposition to; to provoke hostility
ante (ANT-ee): n. an amount paid
apathy (AP-uh-thee): n. lack of feeling or emotion; lack of interest or concern
apocalypse (uh-POCK-uh-lips): n. time when God will destroy the rulers of evil
and raise the righteous to heaven; something seen as a prophetic revelation
apotheosis (uh-pahth-ee-OH-suhs): n. (pl. apotheoses) elevation to divine
status; a perfect example
appalling (uh-PAWL-ing): adj. causing horror, dismay, or disgust
appreciable (uh-PREE-shuh-buhl): adj. able to be measured
approbation (ap-ruh-BAY-shun): n. formal or official approval or praise
arbitrary (AHR-buh-trair-ee): adj. selected at random and without reason;
behaving unjustly and oppressively; capricious or high-handed
arcane (ahr-KANE): adj. known only to one who has the key; secret, mysteri-
ous, supernatural
argot (AHR-gut, AHR-go): n. a more or less secret dialect
articulate (ahr-TlCK-yuh-late): v. to utter distinctly and clearly; to unite by
means of a joint; to form or fit into a whole
aspect (ASS-pekt): n. appearance; particular way in which something may be
looked at
aspirant (ASS-puh-runt, uh-SPY-runt): n. one who seeks a desired position or
status
assess (uh-SESS): v. to determine the rate, amount, size, value, or importance
of; to impose or subject to a tax; to evaluate property in order to tax it
assimilate (uh-SIMM-uh-Iate): v. to absorb into the system, especially as
nourishment, or into the group or culture; to take into the mind and
understand thoroughly; to make similar
assuage (uh-SWAYJ): v. to lessen pain or distress; to quiet; to put an end to by
satisfying
attache (at-uh-SHAY, AT-TA-shay): n. technical expert attached to a foreign
wing of his country's diplomatic staff
attributable (uh-TRIB-yuht-uh-bull): adj. able to be regarded as belonging to a
person or thing

120
audacious (aw-DAY-shuss): adj. recklessly bold or daring; contemptuous of
law, religion, or decorum; marked by lively originality
augur (AW-guhr): v. to foretell the future, especially from omens; to give
promise
augment (awg-MENT): v. to add to something that's already well or adequate-
ly developed
austere (aw-STEER): adj. appearing stern and forbidding; unadorned, simple;
somber
authenticator (aw-THENNT-i-kay-tuhr): n. something that proves the truth or
genuineness of something else
autonomous (aw-TAHN-uh-muss): adj. marked by or having the right of self-
government; existing; capable of existing, or being carried on indepen-
dently, without outside control
avatar (AV-uh-tahr): n. an incarnation in human form; an embodiment; one
version or phase of a continuing entity
avidly (AV-id-Iee): adv. with keen eagerness; with consuming greed

backlash (BACK-lash): n. sudden violent backward movement; strong negative

reaction
banal (buh-NAL, BANE-uhl): adj. lacking originality; common, ordinary
bastion (BASS-chun): n. a projecting part of a fortification; a fortified area; a
stronghold
belie (bih-LIE): v. to give a false impression; to contrast with; to contradict
bellicose (BELL-ih-kose): adj. favoring or inclined to start wars or quarrels
belligerent (buh-LIDJ-uh-runt): adj. waging war; hostile, warlike
beneficiary (ben-uh-FISH-ee-ary): n. one who benefits from something; person
named to receive benefits, especially monetary
beset (bih-SET): v. to trouble, set upon, or hem in
bifurcate (BUY-fuhr-kate, buy-FUHR-kate): v. to divide into two branches or
parts
bilateral (buy-LAT-uh-ruhl, buy-LATT-ruhl): adj. having two sides; affecting
two sides or parties
bland adj. smooth and soothing; showing no personal concern or embarrass-
ment; dull
blatant (BLATE-nt): adj. offensively noisy; offensively conspicuous
blitzkrieg (BLITS-kreeg): n. war conducted with great speed or force; sudden
or violent overpowering bombardment
bogus (BOW-guss): adj. not genuine
boisterous (BOY-struhss): adj. rowdy, stormy, marked by exuberapt high
spirits
bolster (BOWL-ster): v. to support; to boost
boycott (BOY-cott): n. refusal by a group to have dealings with, usually to
show disapproval or to force acceptance of certain conditions
bristle (BRISS-uhl): v. to take on an aggressive attitude or appearance
broach v. to open up or break into; to open a subject for discussion
bruit about (BREWT-uh-BOWT): v. to tell and retell a rumor or report
bumbling (BUM-buh-ling): adj. stumbling; speaking in a faltering or stuttering
way
buoy (BOO-ee, BOY): v. to keep afloat; to support; to raise someone's spirits
burnish (BUHRN-ish): v. to rub with a smoothing tool; to make shiny,
especially by rubbing

121
 calamitous (kuh-LAMM-uht-uss): adj. causing or being accompanied by
major misfortune, great loss, or lasting misery
candor (KAN-duhr, KAN-dore): n.honesty, sincerity; openness; freedom from
prejudice or malice
cap: v. to provide with a cap; to outdo
cardinal (KARD-nuhl, KARD-uh-nuhl): adj. of basic importance
careen (ka-REEN): v. to sway from side to side
cataclysmic (kat-uh-KLIZ-mick): adj. disastrous, marked by overwhelming
upheaval and demolition
catalytic (cat-uhl-IT-ick): adj. causing or involving an action or reaction
between persons or forces, in which the causer is unchanged by the
reaction
causal (CAW-zuhl): adj. arising from a cause, showing cause
centenary (sen-TEN-uh-ree, SENT-uhn-er-ee): n. hundredth anniversary
cbagrined (shuh-GRINND): v. acutely disappointed or embarrassed
cbestnut (CHES-nutt): n. an old joke or story; something that's been repeated
so often it's stale
cbicanery (shik-AYN-uh-ree): n. trickery; a trick
chronic (KRONN-ik): adj. marked by long duration, frequent occurrence;
ever-present; done through habit
circumspection (suhr-kum-SPEK-shun): n. consideration of all possible conse-
quences and circumstances; cautiousness
circumvent (suhr-kuhm-VENT): v. to detour around, to hem in, to stop or
defeat with ingenuity or strategy
clout (KLOWT): n. a blow with the hand; influence
coherent (ko-HERE-ent): adj. holding together, being logically consistent,
making sense
cobesive (ko-HE-sivv): adj. tightly sticking together
coincide (ko-uhn-SIDE): v. to occupy the same space or time; to be in
agreement
collateral (kuh-LATT-uh-ruhl): adj. accompanying but subordinate; serving to
support or reinforce; indirect
colloquial (kuh-LOH-kwee-uhl): adj. conversational; used in or characteristic
of informal conversation
comply (kum-PLY): v. to conform or adapt one's actions'
conciliatory (kuhn-SILL-yuh-tore-ee): adj. attempting to please to gain good
will; being friendly or agreeable
condescending (kahn-di-SEN-ding): adj. assuming an air of superiority;
descending to a less dignified level
confrontation (kahn-fruhn-TAY-shun): n. face-to-face meeting; clash of forces
or ideas
congenital (kuhn-JEN-uh-tl): adj. existing at or from birth; being such by
nature; developed in the uterus rather than by heredity
conjecture (kuhn-JECK-chuhr): n. conclusion made on slight grounds or by
guesswork
consecrate (KAHN-suh-krate): v. to devote to a sacred purpose; to devote to a
purpose with deep dedication; to make sacred or venerable
contentious (kuhn-TEN-chuss): adj. likely to cause argument; enjoying
argument
context (KAHN-text): n. surrounding words that can throw light on a pas-
sage's meaning; surroundings
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contingent (kuhn-TIN-juhnt): adj. likely to happen; happening by chance;
dependent on something else
contingent: n. troop
contretemps (KAHN-truh-tahnh): n. (sing. or pl.) an embarrassing or incon-
venient occurrence
contrition (kuhn-TRISH-uhn): n. the act of becoming sorry for sins or
shortcomings
convoluted (KAHN-vuh-loot-uhd): adj. folded in curved or twisted windings;
twisted, intricate, involved
co-opt (koh-OPPT): v. to take into a group; to take over
cordon off (KORD-n-awff): v. to form a restrictive line around something
cornerstone (KOR-nuhr-stone): n. the most basic element
cosmetic (kozz-MET-ick): adj. beautifying; correcting defects, especially
superficial ones
coup (KOO): n. a brilliant, sudden, and usually very successful act
credible (KRED-uh-buhl): adj. offering reasonable grounds for being believed
crocodile (KROCK-uh-dile): adj. showing false sorrow (from crocodile tears,
meaning false or affected tears)
crudity (KROOD-uh-tee): n. vulgarity; state of being rude or uncultured
cuckold (KUHK-uhld): n. a man whose wife is unfaithful
cull (KULL): v. to select from a group
culpable (KUHL-puh-buhl): adj. worthy of blame for acting wrong or
harmfully
curb (kerb): v. to furnish with a curb; to check or control
curtail (ker-TAIL): v. to make less, to cut short

debrief (dih-BREEF, dee-BREEF): v. to question in order to obtain useful

information; to instruct not to reveal any classified information after
release from a sensitive position
default (dih-FAWLT): v. to fail to perform, pay, or make good; to forfeit a
contest by such failure
defidt (DEFF-uh-suht): n. a deficiency or loss in amount or quality; a business
loss; a disadvantage
defile (dih-FILE, dee-FILE): v. to corrupt; to make physically or ceremonially
unclean or impure
deftly: adv. skillfully
degenerate (dih-JENN-uh-ruht): adj. having declined from an ancestral or
former state; having sunk to a lower, usually corrupt and vicious condi-
tion; having gotten worse or gone wrong
demean (dih-MEEN): v. to lower in status; belittle
demeanor (dih-MEEN-orr): n. outward manner, behavior toward others
denunciation (dih-NUN-see-AY-shun): n. act of publicly condemning or
accusing
deployment (dih-PLOY-muhnt): n. placement in battle formation; act of being
used, arranged, or spread out, especially strategically
derelict (DEHR-uh-likt): ad}. abandoned, especially by the owner or occupant;
lacking a sense of duty
derelict: n. castoff, outcast, or bum
derisive (dih-RY-sihv): adj. expressing or causing ridicule or scorn
desiccate (DESS-ih-kate): v. to dry up, to preserve by drying, to become dried
up; to become drained of emotional or intellectual vitality
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 desultory (DESS-uhl-tore-ee, DEZ-uhl-tore-ee): adj. marked by lack of defi-
nite plan, regularity, or purpose; not connected with the main subject
detente (day-TAHNHT): n. relaxation of strained relations or tensions
deter (dih-TUHR): v. to turn aside, discourage, or prevent from acting
detrimental (deh-truh-MENT-uhl): adj. obviously harmful
detritus (dih-TREE-tuss): n., sing. or pl. a product (especially loose material)
resulting from disintegration or wearing away
differentiate (diff-uh-REN-chee-ate): v. to develop or show a difference; to
recognize a difference
dilatory (DILL-uh-toe-ree): adj. tending or intended to cause delay; being
delayed or put off
diligent (DILL-uh-juhnt): adj. showing steady, earnest, energetic effort
dint: n. force (by dint of' because of)
disavow (dis-uh-YOW): v. to refuse to acknowledge; to deny responsibility for
disciple (diss-I-puhl): n. a follower, a person who helps spread someone else's
ideas
disclaimer (diss-KLAME-uhr): n. a denial of legal claim; a formal refusal,
denial, or surrendering of rights
disconcerting (diss-kuhn-SER-ting): adj. disturbing the composure or throwing
into confusion; embarrassing
disparity (diss-PAR-uh-tee): n. difference
dissident (DISS-uhd-uhnt): n. one who disagrees with an opinion or a group
dissuade (diss-WADE): v. to advise someone against something; to turn away
by persuasion
divergent (duh-YUHRJ-uhnt): adj. differing from each other or from a
standard
diverting (duh-YUHRT-ing): adj. pleasing, especially by distracting attention
from what burdens or distresses
divisive (duh-YI-sivv, duh-YISS-iv): adj. creating disunity or disagreement
doddering (DODD-uh-ring): adj. old and feeble, senile, foolish
domineering (dom-uh-NEAR-ing): adj. assuming strong and arbitrary control
over another; tyrannizing
drab: adj. dull brown in color; monotonously dull
dubious (DYU-bee-us): adj. giving rise to doubt, undecided in opInIOn;
doubtful or undecided in outcome, of questionable value or origin
duplicitous (dyu-PLISS-uht-uss): adj. using deceptive words or actions to mask
one's true intentions

eclipse (ih-KLIPS): v. reduce in importance or reputation, obscure or darken;

ecological (ee-kuh-LODJ-ih-kuhl): adj. having to do with the relationship
between organisms and their environment
educe (ih-DYUSE): v. to bring out; to deduce
efficacy (EF-ih-kuh-see): n. effectiveness
effectively (ih-FEK-tihv-Iee): adj. actually, substantially; to all intents and
purposes
elicit (ih-LISS-uht): v. to draw forth or bring out; to derive logically
elusive (ee-LU-sihv): adj. evading grasp or pursuit; hard to understand, define,
isolate or identify
embargo (em-BAR-goh): n. a prohibition; a legal or governmental prohibition
on commerce or freight transportation

124
empirical (ihm-PEER-ih-kuhl): adj. relying on or based on experience or
observation; capable of being proved by experience or observation
engineer (en-juh-NEAR): v. to guide the course of; to plan out, usually with
some skill
enigma (ih-NIG-muh): n. something hard to explain or understand; a mysteri-
ous or hard-to-understand person
enterprise (EN-ter-prize): n. a hard, complicated, or risky project; a systematic
activity, especially a business activity; willingness to engage in daring
action
entitlement (ihn-TITE-uhl-ment): n. the papers or other grounds that support a
claim
entity (ENHT-uh-tee): n. something that exists independently or separately;
the existence of a thing as contrasted with its attributes
entrepreneur (AHN-truh-pruh-NYURE): n. one who organizes, manages, and
assumes the risks of a business or enterprise
envoy (ENN-voy, AHN-voy): n. a person delegated to represent one country in
dealings with another; a messenger or representative
epicenter (EP-ee-sent-uhr): n. center; part of the earth's surface directly above
an earthquake
epiphany (ih"PIFF-uh-nee): n. an appearance, especially of a divine being; a
sudden understanding of the essential meaning or nature of something; an
intuitive grasp of reality through something simple and striking, usually
an event
epochal (EP-uh-kuhl): adj. seasonal; uniquely or highly significant; opening a
new era
equilibrium (ee-kwi-LIB-ree-um): n. state of balance between different ele-
ments; intellectual or emotional balance
erratic (ihr-AT-ick): adj. having no fixed course; inconsistent, irregular, or
without uniformity; deviating from what's ordinary or standard
escalate (ES-kuh-late): v. to increase in amount or intensity
escapism (iss-KA-pizm): n. habitual diversion of the mind to entertainment or
imaginative activity as an escape from reality or routine
espouse (iss-POWZ, iss-POWSS): v. to marry; to take up and support a cause
estuary (ESSH-chu-ware-ee): n. a water passage where the tide meets a river
current, especially where the sea meets the river
euphemism (YU-fuh-mizz-uhm): n. the substitution of an agreeable or inoffen-
sive expression for an unpleasant or offensive one; the expression so
substituted
euphoria (yu-FOR-ee-uh): n. feeling of well-being or elation
evasive (ih-VAY-sivv): n. tending or intended to avoid giving a direct answer
eventuality (ih-venn-chuh-WAL-uht-ee): n. possible outcome
evoke (ih-YOKE): v. to call forth, bring to mind; to cite, especially with
approval or for support
exact (ihg-ZAKT): v. to demand and obtain; to call for as necessary, appropri-
ate, and desirable
ex cathedra (ek-skuh-THAY-druh): adv., adj. (literally, from the chair)
proceeding from or in the exercise of one's job or office; with authority
excessive (ik-SESS-ihv): adj. exceeding the usual, proper, or normal
exemplify (ig-ZEMM-pluh-fy): v. to illustrate by example; to serve as an
example; to be typical of
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 exonerate (ig-ZONN-uh-rate): v. to relieve from responsibility; to clear from
blame
exorbitant (ig-ZOR-buht-uhnt): adj. exceeding customary or appropriate
limits
expatriate (ek-SPAY-tree-ate): v. to leave or renounce one's country; to drive
into exile, to banish
exp6cit (ik-SPLISS-it): adj. fully developed; free from vagueness; externally
visible
exploit (ik-SPLOYT, EK-sployt): v. to take advantage of; to turn to economic
advantage; to use unjustly or meanly for one's own advantage
expropriate (ek-SPROH-pree-ate): v. to deprive of possession or ownership; to
transfer another's property to one's own possession
extrapolate (ik-STRAP-uh-Iate): v. to protect from observed values; to predict
using past experience or known data
extraterrestrial (ek-struh-tuh-RESS-tree-uhl): adj. originating or existing
outside the earth and its atmosphere
exultant (ig-ZULT-uhnt): adj. filled with or showing great joy or triumph

facade (fuh-SAHD): n. the front of a building, or any other of its faces given
special architectural treatment; a superficial, artificial, or false appearance
or effect
faction (FAK-shun): n. a party or group within a larger group, often self-
seeking or warring with the rest of the group
falter (FALL-tuhr): v. to move or speak waveringly, hesitatingly, or weakly; to
lose drive or effectiveness
fandango (fan-DANg-goh): n. a lively Spanish dance; foolish nonsense
farcical (FAR-si-kuhl): adj. ridiculous; absurd; mocking; laughably inept
fare (FAYR): v. to travel; to get along; to eat
fatbom (FATH-uhm): v. to take soundings; to penetrate and come to
understand
fecklessness (FECK-Iuhs-nuhs): n. weakness; lack of effectiveness; lack of
worth or responsibility
feign (FANE): v. to give a false impression; to pretend
ferret (FERR-uht): v. (usually used with out) to find and bring to light by
searching
fervent (FUHR-vent): adj. very hot; marked by great warmth of feeling
fete (FATE, FETT): n. festival; large elaborate party
fiasco (fee-ASS-koh): n. a complete failure
fiscal (FISS-kuhl): adj. relating to financial matters, especially taxation
flamboyant (flam-BOY-uhnt): adj. ornate; given to showy display
fledgling (FLEDJ-ling): adj. immature, inexperienced
fluctuation (fluck-chuh-WAY-shun): n. an uncertain shifting back and forth
fluke: n. a stroke of luck
fob off: v. to put off with a trick or excuse; to pass off as genuine; to put aside
foil: n. a person or thing that makes another seem better by contrast
foment (fo-MENNT):' v. to treat with moist heat; to heat up, especially in
helping something grow
foray (FOR-ay, FOH-ray): n. a sudden or irregular raid; a brief trip outside
one's usual territory

126
formidable (FOR-muhd-uh-buhl, for-MIDD-uh-buhl): adj. causing fear or
dread; having qualities that discourage approach; tending to inspire awe
formulation (for-myuh-LAV-shun): n. act or product of putting into a systema-
tized statement or formula
foster (FOSS-tuhr): v. to give parental care to; to promote the growth or
development of
founder: v. to become disabled; to give way; to sink below the water's surface;
to come to grief
fruitless: adj. unsuccessful
fundamentalist (fun-duh-MENT-uh-Iist): n. one who believes in strictly and
literally following a set of basic principles; a member of a 20th century
Protestant group that emphasizes a literal interpretation of the Bible
furor: (FYU-roar): n. an angry rage; a fashionable craze; furious or hectic
activity; a public uproar

gaffe (GAFF): n. a social error

galvanized (GAL-vuh-nized): adj. stimulated by or as if by an electric shock;
coated with zinc
gambit (GAM-bit): n. a calculated move; a remark intended to start a conver-
sation or make a point
garb: n. style of dress; outward appearance
gargantuan (gar-GANCH-uh-wuhn): adj. of tremendous size or volume
garrulousness (GAR-uh-luhs-nuss, GAR-yuh-luhs-nuss): n. pointless or annoy-
ing talkativeness
gibe (JIBE): n. taunting words; a teasing remark
goad (GODE): n. a pointed rod used to urge on an animal; something that
pricks; something that urges or stimulates into action
grandiose (GRAN-di-ohse, gran-di-OHSE): adj. impressively large or great;
characterized by affectation. of grandeur or splendor; absurdly
exaggerated
grasp: n. act of seizing and holding; understanding
gratuitous (gruh-TYU-uht-uss): adj. given unearned or without payment; cost-
ing nothing; not called for by the circumstances
grievance (GREE-vuhnts): n. a distressing situation felt as reason for com-
plaint or resistance; a complaint
gross (GROSE): adj. glaringly noticeable, usually because of inexcusable
badness or bad taste; big, very fat; unrefined, crudely vulgar
ground swell: n. a broad deep ocean wave caused by a gale or earthquake; a
rapid spontaneous growth
grouse (GROWSS): v. complain, grumble
gyrate (JY-rate): v. to revolve around an axis; to turn with (or as if with) a
circular or spiral motion

bamper: v. to interfere with; to keep from moving by way of obstacles or bonds

banker (HANG-ker): v. to desire strongly or persistently
barangue (huh-RANG): v. to speak or write, especially in a noisy or preten-
tious manner
barass (huh-RASS, HAR-uhs): v. to worry and impede by repeated raids; to
keep annoying; to exhaust

127
 hawkish: adj. supporting immediate strong action, especially war or warlike
policy
heartland: n. a central and vital area
hinterland (HINT-uhr-Iand): n. an inland region; a region remote from cities,
or from major cultural centers
hodgepodge (HODGE-podge): n. a mixture of unrelated things
hokum (HO-kumm): n. a device used to create a desired audience response;
pretentious nonsense
holocaust (HOLL-uh-kawst, HO-Iuh-kawst): n. a thorough destruction,
especially by fire
hustings (HUSS-tings): n. in some places in England and Virginia, a local
court; an election platform; the proceedings or place of an election
campaign
hustle (HUSS-uhl): v. to conveyor urge forward forcibly or hurriedly; to make
great effort to secure money or business; to sell or get something by
energetic activity, especially by fraud or deception
hypothetical (hy-puh-THET-i-kull): adj. depending on supposition; not
verifiable

immediacy (im-EED-ee-uh-see): n. need to do or be done at once; act of being

current, in the here and now
imminent (IMM-uh-nent): adj. ready to take place (especially used of a
threatening possible occurrence)
impair (im-PAIR): v. to make physically worse
impeccable (im-PECK-uh-buhl) adj. not capable of sinning; free from fault or
blame
imperative (im-PERR-uht-iv): n. an act or duty that must be done; a command,
order, rule or guide
implacably (im-PLAK-uh-blee): adv. unable to be made calmer, less angry, or
changed in some other way
implicit (im-PUSS-uht): adj. implied; within something's nature though not
revealed, expressed, or developed; unquestioning, unhesitating
imponderable (im-PONN-duh-ruh-buhl): adj. unable to be weighed or evalu-
ated with exactness
impose (im-POZE): v. to establish by force; to establish as compulsory; to force
into the company or attention of someone; to take advantage
impotent (IM-pote-uhnt): adj. lacking power, strength or vigor; sterile
inadvertence (in-uhd-VERT-uhnss): n. inattention; accidental oversight; the
result of inattention
incapacitate (in-kuh-PASS-uh-tate): v. to disable; to make legally incapable or
ineligible
incarnation (in-kar-NAY-shun): n. embodiment of a spirit in earthly form;
time passed in a particular body or state; having a quality to a marked
degree
incendiary (in-SEN-dee-air-ee): adj. relating to deliberate burning of property;
tending to excite or inflame
incinerate (in-SIN-uh-rate): v. to cause to burn to cinders
incoherent (in-co-HERE-uhnt): adj. lacking orderly arrangement; not sticking
together in an orderly way

128
incorrigible (in-KAWR-uh-juh-buhl): adj. not correctible; not reformable;
uncontrollable
incur (in-KUHRR): v. to bring down upon oneself; to become liable or subject
to
indigent (IN-dih-juhnt): adj. suffering poverty so severe, all the comforts of life
are lacking
indiscreet (in-dis-KRETE): adj. lacking good judgment in conduct or speech
indissoluble (in-dis-OLL-yuh-buhl): adj. incapable of being dissolved or
decomposed; incapable of being broken or undone, permanent
individualist (in-duh-VIDJ-wuh-list): n. a person whose thoughts or actions are
independent; a person who believes that the interests of individual people
are of greatest importance
ineffectual (in-uh-FECK-chuh-wuhl): adj. ineffective; not producing the
intended effect
ineptitude (in-EP-tuh-tyude): n. lack of competence
inequity (in-EK-wuh-tee): n. injustice, unfairness
inevitable (in-EV-uh-tuh-buhl): adj. unable to be avoided
infamy (IN-fuh-mee): n. a criminal or evil act that's publicly known; a bad
reputation produced by doing something shocking, brutal, or criminal
influx (IN-flucks): n. a flowing in
infused (in-FYUZED): adj. completely filled with or affected by something,
usually for the better
ingenuity (in-juh-NYU-uh-tee): n. cleverness in devising or designing some-
thing; a clever device or design
ingratiating (in-GRAY-shee-ate-ing): adj. capable of winning favor; intended
to win favor
initiative (in-ISH-uh-tivv): n. an introductory step; energy or aptitude shown
by beginning an action; the right to begin legislative action, or the
procedure that begins legislative action
innocuous (in-OCK-yew-uss): adj. harmless; unlikely to give offense or to
arouse strong feelings, especially of hostility
innuendo (in-yew-WEN-doh): n. a hint or insinuation, especially against
character or reputation
insatiable (in-SAY-shuh-buhl): adj. incapable of being satisfied
insouciance (in-SOO-see-uhnss): n. lighthearted unconcern; indifference
inspire: v. to affect, to motivate; to bring about, draw forth, or incite
instigate (IN-stuh-gate): v. to goad or urge forward
institute (IN-stuh-tyute): v. to establish, to set going
insurgency (in-SUHR-juhn-see): n. a condition of revolt against a government
that's less than an organized revolution, and that isn't recognized as a war
integral (INT-ih-gruhl, in-TEO-ruh\): adj. formed as a unit with another part;
being essential to completeness; lacking nothing essential
interim (INT-uh-ruhm): adj. intervening, temporary
interminably (in-TERM-uh-nuh-blee): adv. seemingly without end
internecine (int-er-NEES-een): adj. involving conflict within a group; marked
by slaughter, especially when it's mutually destructive
interrogate (in-TERR-uh-gate): v. to question formally and systematically
intervene (int-uhr-veen): v. to come between; to interfere in another nation's
internal affairs

129
 intimidate (in-TIM-uh-date): v. to frighten; to compel with or as if with threats
intransigence (in-TRANTS-uh-JENTSS): n. refusal to compromise or to
abandon an extreme position or attitude
intrusive (in-TRUE-sivv): adj. going or coming where one isn't wanted or
invited; projecting forward
inured (in-YURED): adj. accustomed to accept something undesirable
invocation (in-vuh-KA-shun): n. the act of asking for help or support; a calling
upon someone for authority or justification; a legal or moral enforcement
irrelevant (ir-RELL-uh-vuhnt): adj. beside the point
irreverent (ir-REV-uh-ruhnt, ir-REV-runt): adj. lacking proper respect in
speech or action; joking or light in manner or quality

jape: n. something designed to amuse, especially something mocking

jest: v. to taunt; to speak or act without seriousness; to make a witty remark
jockey: v. to deal shrewdly or fraudulently with; to change position in a series
of movements; to maneuver for advantage, especially by clever or devious
means; to drive, operate
jubilant (JU-buh-luhnt): adj. filled with or showing great joy
junta (HUN-tuh, JUHN-tuh): n. a political or governmental committee,
especially a group controlling a government after a revolutionary seizure
of power
jurisdiction Uuhr-uhs-DICK-shun): n. the power or right to interpret and apply
the law; the authority of a power to govern; the limits within which
authority may be exercised

kamikaze (kahm-ih-KAHZ-ee): adj. relating to a Japanese World War II air

unit assigned to make suicidal crashes on targets; suicidal
klaxon (KLACK-suhn): n. an electrically operated horn or warning signal

laconic (luh-KAHN-ick): adj. using minimum words; concise to the point of

seeming rude or mysterious .
lambaste (also lambast) (LAM-baste, lam-BASTE): v. to asault violently; to
attack verbally
lamentation (lamm-uhn-TAY-shun): n. a cry of grief
languor (LANg-goor): n. weakness or weariness of mind or body; listlessness,
slowness, inertia
latent (LAYT-nt): adj. present invisibly or inactively but able to' become
visible or active
laud (LAWD): v. to praise
lavishly (LAV-ish-lee): adj. as if poured heavily; abundantly
lax: adj. not firm or rigid
laze: v. to pass the time idly or in relaxation
legacy (LEG-uh-see): n. a willed gift, especially of money or other personal
property; something received from an ancestor, a predecessor, or the past
legitimacy (li-JIT-uh-muh-see): n. the quality of being lawful, lawfully gotten,
or conforming to recognized principles or accepted rules and standards
levy (LEVV-ee): n. the collection of money; the amount raised by collection
lieu (LEW): n. place; in lieu of: instead of
limbo (L1MM-bow): n. place for souls barred from Heaven because unbap-
tized; place or state of confinement; an intermediate or transitional place
or state
130
liquidation (lick-wuh-DAY-shun): n. a getting rid of. killing; a settlement of a
debt; a conversion of assets into cash
litigation (lit-uh-GAV-shun): n. a legal dispute
litigious (luh-TIDGE-uss): adj. prone to start lawsuits; of. relating to. or
marked by legal dispute
lodge: v. to settle in or occupy a place; to come to rest; to deposit for safeguard;
to put before a proper authority
logjam: n. a jam-up of logs in a water course; a deadlock or impasse
ludicrous (LEWD-uh-kruhs): adj. amusing because of obvious absurdity or
exaggeration; meriting scorn as being absurdly inept. false or foolish
lumps: n. beatings; deserved penalty
lustrous (LUHS-truss): adj. reflecting light evenly; radiant

macabre (muh-KAHB-re. muh-KAHB-er): adj. having to do with death.

especially death represented as a person; dwelling on the gruesome; tend-
ing to cause horror in a beholder
magnific (mag-NIFF-ick): adj. magnificent; imposing in size or dignity;
exalted; pompous
malice (MAL-uhs): n. desire to see another suffer; intent to act unlawfully or
cause harm without legal justification or excuse
malign (muh-LINE): adj. evil in nature. influence. or effect; harmful; intensely
and often viciously ill-willed
malign: v. to tell misleading false reports about; to speak badly of
mammoth (MAM-uth): adj. of great size
manipulate (muh-NIP-yuh-late): v. to handle or manage skillfully; to control or
change by unfair or tricky means. espedally to serve one's own purpose
marginal (MAHRJ-nuhl. MAHRJ-uh-nuh!): adj. located at the border; near
the lower limit of acceptability or function
martial (MAR-shuh!): adj. relating to war. a warrior. the army. or military
life; warlike
matinal (MAT-n-uhl): adj. early
mawkish: adj. having a dull. often unpleasant taste; being sickly or childishly
sentimental
meander (me-AN-der): v. to follow a winding course; to wander casually
mediocre (meed-ee-OH-ker): adj. ordinary; inferior in quality
memorabilia (mem-uh-ruh-BILL-ee-uh): n. things worth remembering; records
of such things
menial (ME-nee-yuh!): adj. relating to servants; lowly. humble; lacking interest
or dignity
mentor (MEN-tore. MEN-ter): n. a trusted counselor. tutor. coach. or guide
mercurial (muhr-KYUR-ee-uhl): adj. having rapid and unpredictable mood
changes
metaphor (MET-uh-fore. MET-uh-fer): n. a substitution of one word or phrase
for another in order to express a similarity between the two ideas dealt
with in the substitution
methodology (meth-uh-DOLL-uh-gee): n. a particular procedure or set of
procedures; the analysis of the principles or procedures of inquiry in a
particular field
meticulous (muh-TICK-yuh-luss): adj. extremely or excessively careful in
handling details

131
 millennium (muh-LENN-ee-uhm): n. a thousand years; a thousandth anniver-
sary; the thousand years predicted in the Bible during which Christ will
reign on Earth; a period of great happiness or human perfection
mimic (MIM-ick): v. to imitate; to ridicule by imitation
minuscule (also miniscule) (MIN-uhs-kyule): adj. very small
miscalculation n. mistake in figuring
moderate (MAHD-uh-rate): v. to lessen in intensity or extremeness; to act as
chairman of
mogul (MOW-gull): n. a great person; a bump in a ski run
momentum (mow-MENT-uhm, muh-MENT-uhm): n. the property of a mov-
ing body or action that keeps it moving unless acted on by an outside force
monologist (muh-NAHL-uh-just, MAHN-uhclog-ist) (also monologuist)
(MAHN-uhlog-ist): n. one who gives one or more solo dramatic speeches;
one who monopolizes conversation with long speeches
moratorium (more-uh-TORE-ee-um): n. a waiting period set by an authority,
especially a delay in debt payment; a suspension of activity
mordant (MORD-nt, more-DENT): adj. biting and caustic, incisive; burning,
pungent
moribund (MORE-uh-bund): adj. being in a state of dying
mortification (mort-uh-fuh-KAV-shun): n. denial of the body's needs by
abstinence or discomfort; humiliation and shame caused by something
that hurts the pride or self-respect; the cause of such shame
mount: v. to increase in amount; to lift up, get up. go up; to launch and carry
out
muck: n. moist manure; slimy dirt. mud; slanderous or unflattering remarks or
writing
mufti (MUFF-tee): n. civilian clothes
municipality (myu-niss-uh-PAL-uh-tee): n. a political unit that's incorporated
and usually governs itself
muted (MYEWT-uhd): adj. toned down, quieted, silent
myriad (MERE-ee-uhd): adj. a great many; being uncountable

negotiate (ni-GO-shee-ate): v. to confer in order to settle a matter, especially

by compromise; to deal with; to successfully travel over, complete, or
accomplish; to convert into cash
nettle: v. to sting; to arouse to sharp fleeting annoyance or anger
noncommittal (nahn-kuh-MIT-l): adj. giving no clear indication of attitude or
feeling; having no clear character
nostrum (NAHS-trumm): n. questionable or ineffective remedy or scheme;
secretly formulated medicine recommended by its preparer but usually
without scientific proof of its effectiveness
nurture (NER-cher): v. to supply with nourishment; to further the development
of; to educate

obliging (uh-BLY-jing): adj. willing to do favors; accommodating

obliquely (oh-BLEEK-lee): adv. at an angle; not straightforwardly; indirectly;
underhandedly
obliterate (uh-BLIT-uh-rate): v. to obscure or wear away; to remove all trace;
to cancel; to remove from memory; to make unrecognizable
obsolete (ahb-suh-LETE, AHB-suh-lete): n. no longer in use; outmoded

132
obstructionist (uhb-STRUCK-shun-ist): n. one who deliberately interferes with
progress or business, especially that of a legislative body
ocher (also ochre) (OH-ker): n. an earthy red-yellow pigment made from iron
ore; a muddy red-yellow color
offensive (uh-FENT-sivv): n. an attack
officious (uh-FISH-uhs): adj. meddlesome, offering one's services where
neither wanted nor needed
oligarch (AHL-uh-gark, OH-Iuh-gark): n. a member or supporter of govern-
ment by a small group, especially one that controls for selfish purposes
ominous (AHM-uh-nuss): ad}. warning or foretelling, especially of something
bad to come
orgy (OR-jee): n. drunken partying; a sexually abandoned party; an action or
event that shows abandon or lack of control
ostensibly (ah-STENT-suh-blee): adv. apparently; in appearance, though not
necessarily in fact
oust: v. to remove from position, authority, or property rights, especially by
force or legal action; to take the place of
outmoded: adj. no longer stylish, usable, or acceptable
overarching: ad}. forming an overhead arch; all-embracing; dominating
overextension (oh-vuh-rick-STEN-shun): n. commitment, especially
financially, beyond a safe or reasonable point
overt (oh-VERT, OH-vert): adj. open to view

pacifist (PASS-uh-fuhst): n. one who is opposed to war or violence as a means

of settling disputes, or who refuses to bear arms; one who refuses to resist
actively
palaver (puh-LAV-uhr, puh-LAHV-uhr): n. a long talk, usually between per-
sons of different cultures; idle or misleading talk
panacea (pan-uh-SEE-uh): n. a cure-all
Panglossian (pan-GLOSS-ee-uhn): ad}. believing that everything happens for
the best and this is the best of all possible worlds
paradigm (PAR-uh-dime, PAR-uh-dimm): n. an especially clear or typical
example
paradox (PAR-uh-dox): n. a statement that seems contradictory yet may be
true; a self-contradictory statement that seems true at first; something or
someone with seemingly contradictory qualities or phases
parity (PAR-uh-tee): n. being equal or having the same value, especially in
buying power
parochial (puh-RO-kee-uhl): ad}. relating to a church parish; confined or
restricted to a parish; limited in range or scope
parody (PAR-uh-dee): n. a close imitation for comic or ridiculing effect; a poor
or silly imitation
pedestrian (puh-DESS-tree-uhn): ad}. going on foot; related to walking; com-
monplace, unimaginative
peevish: adj. ill-tempered, obstinate
penchant (PEN-chuhnt): n. a strong liking
penury (PEN-yuh-ree): n. oppressive lack of resources, especially extreme
poverty; extreme and often stingy care in spending money
perceive (per-SEEVE): v. to become aware of or understand, especially
through senses

133
 perfunctory (per-FUNCK-tuh-ree): adj. performed routinely, mechanically, or
unwillingly; lacking in interest or enthusiasm
permeate (PER-mee-ate): v. to spread throughout
perspective (per-SPECK-tivv): n. the way something is seen, especially with
respect to relative distance and position; the ability to view things in true
relation or relative importance
pervade (per-VADE): v. to spread through every part
perverse (per-VERSE): n. turned away from what is good, correct, or proper;
obstinate, expecially in opposing what is right or accepted; cranky; con-
trary to evidence
phalanx (FAY-Ianks): n. body of close-standing troops; a massed arrangement
of persons, animals, or things; an organized group of persons
pilfer (PILL-fer): v. to steal, usually stealthily and over and over, in small
amounts
plausible (PLAW-zuh-buhl): adj. seemingly worthy of belief; seeming fair or
reasonable
pletbora (PLETH-uh-ruh): n. an excess
ploy: n. a tactic, especially one designed to embarrass or frustrate an opponent;
something devised or contrived
podium (PODE-ee-um): n. a platform for an orchestra conductor; a small table
on which to rest speaker's notes; a place of formality
poignant (POY-nyuhnt): adj. deeply or painfully affecting; pleasurably stimu-
lating; cutting; to the point
polarization (po-Iuh-ruh-ZA-shun): n. division into two opposites, especially
opposite factions or groups
polymatbic (poll-ih-MATH-ic): adj. having or showing encyclopedic knowl-
edge; very learned
ponder (PAHN-der): v. to think about, especially quietly, soberly, and deeply;
to weigh in the mind
populist (POP-yuh-Iuhst): n. a believer in the rights, wisdom, or virtues of the
common people
portage (POR-ihj): v. to move gear, especially overland from one body of water
to another
portend (por-TEND): v. to signify; to give an omen of
posb: adj. elegant; fashionable
postulate (PAHS-chuh-Iate): v. to demand; to claim, especially to claim as
true, existent, or necessary
potent (POTE-nt): adj. powerful; effective
pragmatist (PRAG-muht-ist): n. one who believes in taking a practical
approach to things
prattle: n. chatter, empty talk
precipice (PRESS-uh-puhs): n. a very steep or overhanging place; the brink of
disaster
precipitate (prih-SIP-uh-tate): v. to move or make happen abruptly; to come
suddenly into some condition
preclude (pri-KLUDE): v. to prevent; to do something that makes another
thing impossible
predecessor (PRED-uh-sess-uhr): n. one who has previously occupied a place
that someone else now has
preemptive (pree-EMP-tivv): adj. taking the place of; taking for oneself; taking
before others can do so; having the power to take for oneself or before
others
134
preoccupied (pree-AHK-yuh-pide): adj. lost in thought
prerequisite (pree-RECK-wuh-zuht): adj. needed in order to carry out a
function
presage (PRESS-idge, pri-SAGE): v. to warn or predict; to have a premonition
of
primer (PRIMM-uhr): n. a small book for teaching children to read; a small
introductory book on a subject
probe: n. a tool u'sed in surgery to examine a cavity; a device used to explore or
send information from outer space; a penetrating or critical investigation;
a tentative exploration
problematic (prahb-luh-MAT-ick): n. puzzling, bewildering; unsettled; pos-
sible; open to question or debate
profess (pruh-FESS, proh-FESS): v. to declare or admit freely; to pretend; to
claim to know
professed: adj. freely stated; pretended; claiming to be qualified
profound (pruh-FOUND): adj. coming from, reaching to, or being down deep;
showing deep feeling; full of insight; hard to understand; complete
probibitively (pro-HIB-uht-iv-lee): adv. tending to prevent or restrain; tending
to prevent the use or acquisition of something
proliferate (pro-LIFF-uh-rate): v. to grow or cause to grow by rapid production
of new parts; to multiply
prominent (PRAHM-uh-nent): adj. standing out beyond a surface; easily
noticed; widely known
propensity (pruh-PEN-suht-ee): adj. a strong natural inclination
propound (pruh-POUND): v. to offer for discussion or consideration
proscribe (pro-SCRIBE): v. to publish the name of a person condemned to
death with all property forfeited to the state; to condemn or forbid as
harmful; to ostracize
protege (PROTE-uh-zhay): n. one under the care and protection of an influen-
tial person, usually to further a career
province (PRAHV-uhnts): n. a division of a country; a proper or appropriate
function; a sphere of knowledge, influence, or activity
provocative (pruh-VAHK-uht-ivv): n. tending to arouse, excite, or stimulate;
tending to stimulate thought
prudent (PRUDE-nt): adj. marked by wisdom or sound judgment; discreet;
shrewd in managing practical affairs
prune: v. to cut off parts for better growth; to cut away what isn't wanted
pseudo (SUDE-oh): adj. being false or make-believe
pseudonym (SUDE-n-im): n. false name, especially one used by a writer
puerile (PYUR-uhl, PYUR-ile): adj. young; childish, silly
puffery (PUFF-uh-ree): n. flattering, often exaggerated publicity
pullulate (PUHL-yuh-late): v. to sprout; to breed or produce freely; to swarm
punitive (PYU-nuht-ivv): adj. inflicting or aimed at punishment
purge (PERJ): v. to especially from guilt; to get rid of, especially because
deemed undesirable, treacherous, or unloyal
purported (per-PORT-ed): adj. believed, rumored
putative (PYUT-uht-ivv): adj. commonly accepted or supposed; assumed to
exist or to have existed

quantum (KWAHNT-uhm): (pl. quanta): n. particle of energy; amount, part

quantum jump, quantum leap: n. abrupt change or sudden increase
quest (KWEST): n. pursuit, search; investigation
135
 quiescent (KWY-es-nt): adj. inactive; causing no trouble or symptoms

raffish: adj. marked by or suggesting flashy vulgarity or careless

unconventionality
ramification (ram-uh-fuh-KA-shun): n. outgtowth or consequence
rapprochement (ra-prosh-MAHNH): n. an establishment of cordial relations
ratify (RAT-uh-fy): v. to formally approve
rationale (rash-uh-NAL): n. an explanation for a belief, practice, opinion, or
happening; an underlying reason
raucous (RAW-kuss): adj. disagreeably harsh; noisily disorderly
recant (re-KANT): v. to openly confess an error; to publicly withdraw a
statement or belief
reconstitute (re-KON-stuh-tyute): v. to restore to a former condition
redress (ri-DRESS, REE-dress): v. to set right; to make up for; to remove the
cause of; to avenge
refute (ri-FYUTE): v. to disprove with argument or evidence; to deny the
accuracy or truth of
regime (ray-ZHEEM, ri-JEEM): n. a way or form of government; a govern-
ment in power; a period of rule
reinstatement (ree-in-STATE-ment): n. restoration to a previous state or
position
reiterate (re-IT-uh-rate): v. to say or do again, or again and again
relevant (RELL-uh-vuhnt): adj. having important bearing on the matter at
hand, especially offering evidence that proves or disproves it
relinquish (ri-LING-kwish): v. to leave behind; to retreat from or give up; to
stop; to release; to yield
relish (RELL-ish): v. to eat or drink with pleasure; to have a pleasing taste; to
appreciate
renascence (ri-NASS-ents, ri-NASE-nts): n. rebirth; restrengthening
rendering (REN-duhr-ing): n. a copy or version
rendezvous (RAHN-di-voo, RAHN-day-voo): n. a meeting at a set place and
time; the place of the meeting; a popular meeting-place
renown n. fame
renunciation (ri-nun-see-AV-shun): n. rejection; self-denial
replete (ri-PLETE): adj. well fed; filled
repressive (ri-PRESS-ivv): adj. acting to put or hold down by force; preventing
natural or normal expression, activity, or development
repudiate (ri-PYUDE-ee-ate): v. to refuse to accept, acknowledge, pay, or have
anything to do with; to reject as untrue or unjust
requisition (rek-wuh-ZISH-uhn): v. to ask or demand supplies or other needs,
especially in writing
residual (ri-ZIJ-uh-wuhl): adj. relating to what remains after the rest is taken
away; something left that stays effective for some time
resuscitate (ri-SUHS-uh-tate): v. to revive from unconsciousness or apparent
death
retaliatory (ri-TAL-yuh-tore-ee): adj. revengeful; returning in kind
retinue (RET-n-yu): n. group of attendants
retrospective (re-truh-SPECK-tivv): adj. based on memory; affecting or about
things past
revulsion (ri-VUHL-shun): n. withdrawal; sense of complete distaste

136
rhetoric (RETT-uh-rick): n. skill in using language, especially in speaking;
spoken communication; insincere or pompous language
rift: n. a deep crack; a clear space or interval; a break in a bond of affection
righteously (RY-chuhs-Iee): adv. justifiably; with a sense of being morally right
roster (RAHS-tuhr): n. a list of people; the people listed; an itemized list
rubble: n. broken fragments of stone; a group of worthless, broken things
rupture: n. a breaking apart; a break; a breach of the peace

sack: v. to dismiss, especially without delay

salvo (SAL-voh): n. a series of gunshots, either all at once or one after the
other; a sudden burst; a salute or tribute
sanction (SANGK-shun): v. to make valid or binding, usually with a formal
procedure; to give authoritative approval or consent
sanction: n. a formal decree; official approval; a plan adopted, usually by
several nations, to forpe a nation to stop violating international law or at
least to submit to a legal decision on its lawfulness
savvy (SAV-ee): adj. knowledgeable; having practical know-how
scatological (skat-el-ODJ-i-kuhl): adj. dealing with obscene matters, especially
in literature
scathing (SKAYTHE-ing): ad). bitterly harsh
scenario (suh-NARE-ee-oh): n. a play or film synopsis or outline; a synopsis of
a projected course of action Or events
schism (SIZ-uhm, SKIZ-uhm): n. separation; a break between people, discord,
disharmony
scudding: adj. driven swiftly by the wind
scuttle: v. to sink or attempt to sink by cutting holes; to wreck
seep: v. to flow slowly through small openings
sentient (SEN-chuhnt, SENT-ee-uhnt): n. aware, especially to impressions of
the senses; sensitive in feeling
seriocomic (sir-ee-oo-KAHM-ick): adj. combining the serious and the comic
severance (SEV-uh-ruhntz): n. the act or state of being cut or ended
shard: n. a small, usually brittle fragment
sheaf: n. a bundle
shore up: v. to give support to
shortfall: n. a failure to come up to a goal or need; the amount of the failure
shrewd: ad). clever and aware; given to cleverly tricky ways of dealing
simplistic (sim-PLISS-tick): adj. tending to oversimplify or be oversimplified,
especially by ignoring complicating factors
simulate (SIM-yuh-Iate): v. to copy outwardly, often in order to deceive; to be
a superficial copy
simultaneously (sy-muhl-TAY-nee-us-Iee): adv. at the same time
skepticism (SKEP-tuh-siz-uhm): n. an attitude of doubt or suspended
judgment
skewed: ad). slanted in one direction or to one side
sleazy (SLEE-zee): adj. carelessly or cheaply made; cheap or shoddy
smug: adj. very self-satisfied
solace (SAHL-us, SOLE-uhs): n. comfort, consolation; source of consolation
sorely: adv. painfully; extremely
souped-up: ad). increased in power or efficiency
specter (also spectre) (SPECK-tuhr): n. a ghost; something that haunts the
mind

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 spectrum (SPECK-truhm): n. a continuous sequence or range
speculate (SPECK-yuh-Iate): v. to think about something casually and incon-
clusively; to take a business risk in hope of gain
splat: n. a splattering or slapping sound
spoils: n. something gained by special effort; public office gained by political
winners
spontaneous (spahn-TAY-nee-uss): adj. arising from natural feeling or
momentary impulse; developing without apparent external influence
spoor (SPOOR, SPORE): n. a track or trail, especially that of a wild animal
sporadic (spuh-RAD-ick): adj. occurring from time to time
spree: n. an unrestrained outburst of activity, a binge
spunky: adj. full of spirit
spurious (SPYURE-ee-uss): adj. illegitimate; having only outward similarity;
forged or of wrongly attributed origin; deceitful
squabble (SKWAB-uhl): n. a noisy quarrel, usually over trifles
squat: v. to sit low to the ground; to settle on property without right, title, or
payment of rent
squat: adj. low to the ground; disproportionately low or thick
squib: n. a short news item; a funny or satiric short speech or writing
stabilize (STAY-buh-lize): v. to become, make or hold steady; to limit in
fluctuation; to establish a minimum price for
stagnation (stag-NAY-shun): n. quality of being motionless or inactive; act of
becoming stale
stampede (starn-PEED): n. a wild headlong rush of frightened animals; a mass
movement of people on common impulse
stigmatize (STIG-muh-tize): v. to mark or brand; to describe or identify as
being shameful or contemptible
stolid (STAHL-uhd): adj. showing no emotion or sensibility; dull
straggle: v. to wander off course; to wander away from others of its kind
strangulated (STRANG-gyuh-Iate-uhd): adj. excessively constricted, to the
point of being strangled; violently destroyed
strife: n. fight, struggle; angry, often violent conflict; struggle for superiority
stringent (STRIN-juhnt): adj. tightly bound; strict or severe, especially about
rules or standards; marked by scarce money and restricted credit
stump: v. to baffle; to walk heavily and clumsily; to travel making political
speeches or supporting a cause
suave (SWAHV): adj. smooth in performance or finish; smoothly but often
superficially polite and friendly
substantive (SUHB-stuhn-tivv): adj. real rather than apparent; essential;
permanent; substantial
subversion (suhb-VUHR-zhuhn): n. overthrow, especially governmental over-
throw by persons working secretly within the country
succumb (suh-KUMM): v. to yield to greater force or to very great appeal or
desire; to be brought to an end by destructive forces
sunder (SUN-duhr): v. to break apart, especially with violence
sway: n. a controlling influence; ruling power; the ability to influence or control
swelter (SWELL-tuhr): v. to suffer from heat
symposium (sim-POH-zee-um): n. a formal meeting at which several special-
ists give short speeches on a topic or related topics; a collection of opinions
on a subject, especially if published in a journal; a discussion

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syntax (SIN-tax): n. a connected or orderly system for the arrangement of
parts; the way in which words are put together to form phrases, clauses, or
sentences

tack: n. a course or method of action

tangible (TAN-juh-buhl): adj. able to be touched; real; capable of being
appraised at actual or approximate value
tedious (TEED-ee-us): adj. tiresomely dull or long; boring
telling: adj. weighty; effective
terminate (TUHR-muh-nate): v. to end, to form the end of, to reach an end, to
serve as an end to; to discontinue the employment of
tbeological (thee-oh-LODGE-ih-kuhl): adj. relating to religion or religious
study
titbe (TYTHE): n. a small tax
titillation (titt-uhl-AY-shun): n. pleasurable excitation
toxic (TOCK-sick): adj. poisonous; affected by a poison
transcend (trants-SEND): v. to rise above or go beyond the limits of; to go
beyond ordinary limits; to outdo in some way
transgression (trants-GRESH-un): n. the act of going beyond set limits,
especially in violation of a command, duty, or law
transience (TRANCH-uhnts): n. the quality or state of being transitory, of
remaining only briefly; the quality or state of affecting something or
producing results beyond itself
traumatize (TROW-ma-tize-as in OW of pain-or TRAW-ma-tize): v. to
cause injury, especially emotional injury, to someone
trepidation (trepp-uh-DAY-shun): n. worry; apprehension
trite: adj. commonplace; overused
triumvirate (try-UM-vuhr-uht): n. a group of three, especially three rulers
troika (TROY-ka): n. a Russian vehicle drawn by three horses abreast; a group
of three, especially closely related persons or things
trumped-up: adj. untruthfully put together

ubiquitous (yu-BICK-wuht-us): adj. being everywhere at the same time; con-

stantly encountered
ultimately (UHL-tuh-muht-Iee): adv. in the end; finally
unadulterated (un-uh-DULL-tuh-ray-tuhd): adj. pure, unmixed
unconscionable (un-KON-shun-uh-buhl): adj. not guided by conscience,
unscrupulous; unreasonable, excessive; shockingly unfair or unjust
unduly (un-DYU-Iee): adv. excessively
unilateral (yu-nih-LAT-uh-ruhl): adj. having only one side; produced on or
directed toward one side; one-sided
unmitigated (un-MIT-uh-gate-uhd): adj. not lessened; incapable of change or
of being changed
unprecedented (un-PRESS-uh-dent-uhd): adj. never having happened before;
wonderful; extraordinary
unprepossessing (un-pree-po-ZESS-ing): adj. unattractive; uninfluential
untempered (un-TEM-puhrd): adj. undiluted; unrestrained
urbane (uhr-BANE): adj. very polite and smooth in manner
urcbin (UHR-chin): n. a mischievous child; a child of the streets
utopian (yu-TOE-pee-uhn): adj. having or relating to ideal perfection, or a
place of such; impossibly ideal; proposing impractically ideal schemes
139
 vacuity (va-KYU-uh-tee): n. empty space; state or fact of being empty, idle, or
lacking in ideas or intelligence
vehicle (VEE-uh-kuhl): n. a carrier or means of carrying; a medium through
which something is achieved or displayed
vendetta (ven-DETT-uh): n. a long, bitterly hostile feud
veritable (VER-uht-uh-buhl): adj. real, authentic (often used to underscore the
aptness of a metaphor)
vernal (VUHR-nuhl): adj. relating to spring; fresh, new; youthful
viable (VY-uh-buhl): adj. able to live or grow, especially as an independent
unit; able to work or develop adequately
vicarious (vy-KARE-ee-us): adj. substituting for someone or something else;
imaginative or sympathetic participation in someone else's experience
vie (vy): v. to battle for superiority; to rival
vindicate (VIN-dick-ate): v. to avenge, exonerate, justify, or defend
vintage (VIN-tuhj): adj. of old, recognized, or lasting interest, importance, or
quality
virtually (VUHRCH-uh-wuh-Iee): adv. almost entirely; for all practical
purposes
visceral (VIS-uh-ruhl): adj. felt in, or as if in, the guts; instinctive; dealing with
crude or elemental emotions
volatile (VAHL-uht-l): adj. lighthearted; easily aroused; explosive; changeable;
difficult to get or hold permanently
vogue (VOAG): n. popularity; period of being in fashion; something in fashion
at a particular time
vulpine (VUHL-pine): adj. like a fox; tricky, sly

waive (WAVE): v. to let go voluntarily; to keep from enforcement; to postpone

from consideration
wage: v. to engage in or carryon
wan (WAHN): adj. sickly, pale; lacking strength; faint

zealous (ZELL-uhss): strongly, even fanatically interested in or devoted to

140