ABC - vocab

Question 1

abate

Answer 1

become less in amount or intensity - [v]
make less active or intense - [v]

The storm abated

Something that abates becomes fewer or less intense. Your enthusiasm for skiing might abate after falling off a ski lift and getting a mouthful of snow.

Abate comes from the Old French verb abattre, “to beat down,” and means to reduce or become less intense or numerous. As an intransitive verb, it is often used with something physically, emotionally, or figuratively violent, as in “the flood of fan mail began to abate.” Using it transitively, if you take measures to abate pollution or noise, you reduce them. Pronounce abate with the stress on the second syllable (uh-BATE).

Question 2

abdicate

Answer 2

give up, such as power, as of monarchs and emperors, or duties and obligations - [v]

The King abdicated when he married a divorcee

Sometimes someone in power might decide to give up that power and step down from his or her position. When they do that, they abdicate their authority, giving up all duties and perks of the job.

The original meaning of the verb abdicate came from the combination of the Latin ab- “away” and dicare “proclaim.” (Note that in the charming relationships between languages with common roots, the Spanish word for “he says” is dice, which comes directly from dicare.) The word came to refer to disowning one’s children, and it wasn’t until the 17th century that the first use of the word relating to giving up power or public office was recorded.

Question 3

aberrant

Answer 3

markedly different from an accepted norm - [adj]
one whose behavior departs substantially from the norm of a group - [n]

aberrant behavior

Use the adjective aberrant to describe unusual conduct. Sitting in a bathtub and singing show tunes all day long might be considered aberrant behavior.

For conduct that departs from the norm, aberrant is at hand to describe it if you want to set a formal, or even scientific tone to the discussion. You can put the accent on either the first syllable (AB-er-ent) or the second (uh-BER-ent); both pronunciations are acceptable. The Latin root aberrare means “to go astray,” from the prefix ab- “off, away” plus errare “to wander.” Other descendants of errare in English, like error and errant, have that double -r- and also refer to something that’s either not wanted or not expected.

Question 4

abeyance

Answer 4

temporary cessation or suspension - [n]

An abeyance is a temporary halt to something, with the emphasis on “temporary.” It is usually used with the word “in” or “into”; “in abeyance” suggests a state of waiting or holding.

The word abeyance has a legal ring to it, and for a good reason — appearing in English in the 16th century, it comes from the Anglo-French word abeiance, a legal term for waiting or hoping to receive property. Nowadays, the word is used in a similar way. Different legal rights, like property rights, can be held in abeyance until matters are resolved.

Question 5

abject

Answer 5

of the most contemptible kind - [adj]
most unfortunate or miserable - [adj]
showing utter resignation or hopelessness - [adj]
showing humiliation or submissiveness - [adj]

abject cowardice
“the most abject slaves joined in the revolt”
“abject poverty”

If it reeks of humiliation or looks like the lowest of lows, then you can safely describe it as abject.

The pronunciation of abject is up for debate: you can decide whether to stress the first or the second syllable. But what’s more important is understanding how extreme this adjective is. Abject means absolutely miserable, the most unfortunate, with utter humiliation. You might have heard the phrase abject poverty, which is the absolute worst, most hopeless level of poverty you’ve ever seen.

Question 6

abjure

Answer 6

formally reject or disavow a formerly held belief, usually under pressure - [v]

She abjured her beliefs

• Abjure* means to swear off, and it applies to something you once believed. You can abjure a religious faith, you can abjure your love of another person, and you can abjure the practice of using excessive force in interrogation.
• Abjure* is a more dramatic way to declare your rejection of something you once felt or believed. When you see its Latin roots, it makes sense: from ab- (meaning “away”) and jurare (“to swear”). When you abjure something, you swear it away and dissociate yourself with it. You might abjure the field of astrology after receiving a bad fortune, or you might abjure marriage after a bitter divorce.

Question 7

abscission

Answer 7

the act of cutting something off - [n]
shedding of flowers and leaves and fruit following formation of scar tissue in a plant - [n]

When an apple ripens and then falls off a tree, it’s called an abscission. It means the cutting off or removal of something, like an unsightly mole on the chin.

You can remember that abscission is all about cutting when you see how close it looks to the word scissors. If you are a public speaker who habitually cuts yourself off, your speeches may suffer from abscission. If you’re wounded in the leg in battle and gangrene sets in, you will be faced with the abscission of a limb. Layoffs at work are the abscission of workers.

Question 8

abscond

Answer 8

run away; usually includes taking something or somebody along - [v]

the accountant absconded with the cash from the safe

• Abscond* is to escape, often taking something along. As a kid, you may have absconded from your lemonade stand — with the coffee can of cash in hand, and your bewildered sister still filling cups for your customers.
• Abscond* is generally used to describe someone running from law or capture, and the word abscond has been in use since the early sixteenth century — running away and hiding being nothing new. Dogs who get off the leash and dart into the woods are not necessarily absconding; they are simply making a break for it. On the other hand, the Ponzi schemer who went to live in the South of France with his client’s money? He absconded.

Question 9

abstemious

Answer 9

marked by temperance in indulgence - [adj]
sparing in consumption of especially food and drink - [adj]

abstemious with the use of adverbs
““the pleasures of the table, never of much consequence to one naturally abstemious”- John Galsworthy”

Reserve abstemious for someone who exercises restraint, especially with regard to alcohol. A rock musician may sing about enjoying wine and women, but in his private life he may be abstemious.

You might get the idea that abstemious is a relative of abstain with a change of consonant, but in fact the two words only share the abs- prefix, meaning “away.” The -temious bit in this adjective is from Latin temetum, “intoxicating drink,” so it came to refer to someone who keeps alcohol (or other temptations) at arm’s length. This word has the vowels a, e, i, o and u in alphabetical order; the adverb abstemiously adds the y!

Question 10

abstinence

Answer 10

the trait of abstaining (especially from alcohol) - [n]
act or practice of refraining from indulging an appetite - [n]

If you are a chocolate lover you’ll have to show great restraint when the dessert cart rolls over if you are practicing abstinence, another word for “refraining.” It might take a lot of willpower not to throw yourself at the cart.

Abstinence is the opposite of indulgence. People who practice abstinence deny themselves something, often something they really want. Regardless of whether people are abstaining from food, alcohol, or sex, they have to practice self-control. In fact, the word is derived from the Latin term for “to hold back.” The word abstinence is often used in reference to sex education courses that teach kids to hold themselves back from having sex.

Question 11

abysmal

Answer 11

resembling an abyss in depth; so deep as to be unmeasurable - [adj]
very great; limitless - [adj]

abysmal misery
“abysmal stupidity”

If you want to say something is really, really bad — then call it abysmal. If one person shows up to your party, well then that is an abysmal turnout. The 1958 Ford Edsel? An abysmal failure.

When someone describes the hole you just dug as abysmal, you may not know whether to take it as positive or negative feedback. That’s because starting in the 1650s, abysmal simply meant “resembling an abyss in depth.” By that definition you’ve just received a compliment on your deep digging skills. But since the early twentieth century, abysmal has been more commonly used to identify something as “extremely bad.” So it’s more likely that your hole has just been insulted.

Question 12

accretion

Answer 12

an increase by natural growth or addition - [n]

(geology) an increase in land resulting from alluvial deposits or waterborne sediment - [n]
(biology) growth by addition as by the adhesion of parts or particles - [n]
(astronomy) the formation of a celestial object by the effect of gravity pulling together surrounding objects and gases - [n]
(law) an increase in a beneficiary’s share in an estate (as when a co-beneficiary dies or fails to meet some condition or rejects the inheritance) - [n]

he scraped away the accretions of paint
“the central city surrounded by recent accretions”

The process of increasing can be called accretion. Although you may say that stalactites “grow” from the ceilings of caves, they actually form from an accretion of limestone and other minerals.

So what’s the difference between an addition and an accretion? Addition implies adding to something that already exists, such as an addition to the cast (when a new actor joins an existing show). The noun accretion, on the other hand, implies an accumulation that causes increase, such as “an accretion of frost on the windows” or “an accretion of plaque on your teeth.” The latter, of course, is why the dentist always begs you to floss and brush.

Question 13

accrue

Answer 13

grow by addition - [v]
come into the possession of - [v]

The interest accrues“The house accrued to the oldest son”

To accrue is to accumulate or to keep growing in value or size. If you can accrue enough extra credit to build up your grade, you won’t have to take the final exam.

Early forms of the word accrue were used as early as the 15th century with the meaning “to increase” or “to grow.” Many modern uses for accrue involve money or finances, as when you accrue, or earn, interest on a bank account. You can accrue debt too, as interest grows on top of money owed until you pay it back. It’s possible to accrue benefits over the time you work somewhere, or you can accrue demerits while you’re misbehaving somewhere.

Question 14

adamant

Answer 14

very hard native crystalline carbon valued as a gem - [n]
impervious to pleas, persuasion, requests, reason - [adj]

he is adamant in his refusal to change his mind

If you stubbornly refuse to change your mind about something, you are adamant about it.

This word’s story begins in ancient Greece, where philosophers spoke about a legendary unbreakable stone or metal they called adamos (literally, “invincible”). In English, people began to use the word to refer to something that cannot be altered, and then in the twentieth century — after adamant had been in English for about a thousand years — it came to be used as an adjective to mean “unyielding as stone.” If you’re adamant about something, no amount of persuasion is going to convince you otherwise.

Question 15

adjunct

Answer 15

something added to another thing but not an essential part of it - [n]
a person who is an assistant or subordinate to another - [n]
a construction that can be used to extend the meaning of a word or phrase but is not one of the main constituents of a sentence - [n]
furnishing added support - [adj]
of or relating to a person who is subordinate to another - [adj]

Adjunct means something added on, but not part of the whole. An adjunct professor is someone who is hired by a college to teach but isn’t a full member of the faculty.

This is a word you can figure out by taking it apart. From ad- “to” and -junct “join” (think “junction”), you can see that this is about joining something to another. “During lunch, Tim always sat the girls’ lacrosse-team lunch table, and they joked that he was an adjunct member of the team.”

Question 16

admonish

Answer 16

take to task - [v]
admonish or counsel in terms of someone’s behavior - [v]
warn strongly; put on guard - [v]

He admonished the child for his bad behavior

To admonish is to scold. If you want to show someone you’re not happy with his behavior, admonish him. It sounds better than “scolding,” and it’s less painful than spanking.

Coming to English through Old French from the Latin admonere “to advise, remind,” admonish is always used with an eye on improving someone’s behavior. The exact meaning of this formal verb varies in intensity depending generally on who is being corrected. If a child or subordinate is being admonished, it means “scold” or “rebuke” whereas if someone admonishes a person with equal standing, warn or advise are closer synonyms.

Question 17

adulterate

Answer 17

corrupt, debase, or make impure by adding a foreign or inferior substance; often by replacing valuable ingredients with inferior ones - [v]
mixed with impurities - [adj]

adulterate liquor

If you adulterate something, you mess it up. You may not want to adulterate the beauty of freshly fallen snow by shoveling it, but how else are you going to get to work?

The verb adulterate comes from the Latin word adulterare, which means “to falsify,” or “to corrupt.” Whenever something original, pure, fresh, or wholesome is marred, polluted, defaced, or otherwise made inferior, it has been adulterated. Your grandfather may, for instance, believe that bartenders adulterate the name “Martini” by applying it to combinations of vodka, chocolate or anything other than a mixture of five parts gin to one part dry vermouth, on the rocks, with a twist.

Question 18

aesthetic

Answer 18

concerning or characterized by an appreciation of beauty or good taste - [adj]
aesthetically pleasing - [adj]
relating to or dealing with the subject of aesthetics - [adj]
(philosophy) a philosophical theory as to what is beautiful - [n]

the aesthetic faculties
“an aesthetic person”
“aesthetic feeling”

The adjective aesthetic comes in handy when the subject at hand is beauty or the arts. A velvet painting of dogs playing poker might have minimal aesthetic appeal.

Aesthetic, from a Greek word meaning “perception,” comes to us from German philosophers who used it for a theory of the beautiful. From this technical sense, it soon came to refer to good taste and to artistry in general; if something has “aesthetic value,” it has value as a work of art (even if nobody will pay much for it). It does not, however, refer to the objects themselves; do not talk about an “aesthetic painting.”

Question 19

affected

Answer 19

acted upon; influenced - [adj]
speaking or behaving in an artificial way to make an impression - [adj]

If a company is hit by job cuts, its employees will probably wonder whether they’ll be affected — meaning they’ll experience a change to their employment status.

One of the most common vocabulary mix-ups is effect and affect: effect is usually a noun, and affect is usually a verb that means “to influence” of “act upon.” Affected is the adjective form of the verb. After a flood, affected homeowners might try to get insurance. A sad movie might leave you deeply affected. The word can also refer to behavior that’s done only to impress someone: if you’re acting affected, you might use big, fake melodramatic gestures.

Question 20

affinity

Answer 20

a natural attraction or feeling of kinship - [n]
a close connection marked by community of interests or similarity in nature or character - [n]
(anthropology) kinship by marriage or adoption; not a blood relationship - [n]
(biology) state of relationship between organisms or groups of organisms resulting in resemblance in structure or structural parts - [n]
inherent resemblance between persons or things - [n]

an affinity for politics
“the mysterious affinity between them”
“James’s affinity with Sam”

If you get along with someone very well, you have an affinity with them. Sometimes opposites attract, so you might feel a strange affinity to someone who is seemingly very different from you.

When you are attracted to someone or something a great deal, we say that you have an affinity, a natural connection. Likewise, scientists use affinity to describe organisms that are alike or resemble each other. Interestingly, the Middle English word, affinite, originally applied to people who were connected or related by marriage, rather than by biology.

Question 21

aggrandize

Answer 21

add details to - [v]

If you are a window washer, but you refer to yourself as a “vista enhancement specialist,” then you are aggrandizing your job title — that is, making it sound greater than it is.

The verb aggrandize not only means “to make appear greater”; it can also be used to mean simply “to make greater.” If you buy an estate and sink millions of dollars into its improvement, then you are actually aggrandizing the estate. If you are making yourself seem greater, then people may say you are “self-aggrandizing.”

Question 22

aggregate

Answer 22

a sum total of many heterogenous things taken together - [n]
the whole amount - [n]
material such as sand or gravel used with cement and water to make concrete, mortar, or plaster - [n]
formed of separate units gathered into a mass or whole - [adj]
composed of a dense cluster of separate units such as carpels or florets or drupelets - [adj]

aggregate expenses include expenses of all divisions combined for the entire year
“raspberries are aggregate fruits”

To aggregate is to collect many units into one. If you’re writing a novel, you might create a character who is an aggregate of five or six real people.

Aggregate comes from the Latin verb aggregare, which means to add to. As a verb it means to collect into a mass or whole. You can also use it as an adjective, as in your aggregate sales for February, March and April. It can also be a noun. The mountain of foam in bubble bath is an aggregate of small bubbles. If you plan to work in economics or business, expect to see the word aggregate quite a lot.

Question 23

alacrity

Answer 23

liveliness and eagerness - [n]

he accepted with alacrity

Someone with alacrity shows cheerful willingness and eager behavior, like a kid whose mother has told him he can buy anything in a candy store.

While the noun alacrity normally refers to someone’s peppy behavior, it can also describe a certain mood or tempo of a musical composition, indicating how the music should be played. Alacrity comes from the Latin alacritas, and the Italian musical term allegro is a near relation.

Question 24

alchemy

Answer 24

a pseudoscientific forerunner of chemistry in medieval times - [n]
the way two individuals relate to each other - [n]

a mysterious alchemy brought them together

If your favorite but perpetually losing team picks up a couple of new players and the result is suddenly an unbeatable combo, that’s alchemy — any seemingly magical act involving the combining of elements into something new.

In medieval times alchemy meant the mysterious science of trying to convert one form of matter into another using fire, potions, spells, and all kind of other tricks. Alchemists often got a bad rap for their obsession with trying to turn base metals into gold, but in fact true alchemy was concerned with a far loftier ideal — that of finding a “universal elixir” that could overcome death.

Question 25

allay

Answer 25

lessen the intensity of or calm - **[v]** satisfy (thirst) - **[v]** The verb *allay* is used when you want to make something better or eliminate fears and concerns. When you *allay* something, you are calming it or reducing difficulties. It is used commonly in the context of to *allay* concerns and to comfort and some of its many synonyms are *alleviate*, *decrease*, *mitigate*, *assuage* and *mollify*. *Allay* comes from the Old English word *alecgan*, which means "to put down," as in literally "to lighten." So, if you can *allay* someone's fears, you are lightening their mood!

Question 26

alleviate

Answer 26

provide physical relief, as from pain - **[v]** make easier - **[v]** Do all these words make your head ache? If so, take an aspirin to *alleviate*, or relieve, your pain. The verb, *alleviate,* stems from the Latin root, *levis* "light" and is related to modern English words such as *elevator* and *levitate* — both words implying a lightening of one's load. *Alleviate* also has this sense of lightening a burden such as physical pain or emotional duress. You can take medicine to alleviate symptoms or do exercise to alleviate stress. Or if you want a bigger challenge: try alleviating traffic congestion or world hunger.

Question 27

alloy

Answer 27

a mixture containing two or more metallic elements or metallic and nonmetallic elements usually fused together or dissolving into each other when molten - **[n]** the state of impairing the quality or reducing the value of something - **[n]** make an alloy of - **[v]** lower in value by increasing the base-metal content - **[v]** brass is an **alloy** of zinc and copper You may have heard of aluminum *alloy* on a car. What that means is that there is another metal mixed in with the aluminum, to save money and/or to strengthen the wheels. The wheels are an *alloy* (a mix), rather than pure. In addition to indicating a dilution of one metal with another, *alloy* can refer to the dilution of a feeling or a quality. Knowing that you look awesome in your Halloween costume would be an *alloy* to the embarrassment of showing up to a party where you are the only one in a costume.

Question 28

allure

Answer 28

the power to entice or attract through personal charm - **[n]** dispose or incline or entice to - **[v]** If you find yourself making eyes at that stranger across the coffee shop, chances are there is an *allure* about him or her — something mysteriously, powerfully attractive and tempting. You've probably noticed that *allure* contains *lure*, from the German word *luder* meaning "bait." A well-made lure is so alluring to a fish that it won't notice the hook. First used in the 15th century, this word has even landed its own fashion magazine — "Allure," which tries to tempt people to buy it by putting powerfully attractive people on the cover and hoping you'll believe that if you buy it, you'll have some allure as well.

Question 29

amalgamate

Answer 29

to bring or combine together or with something else - **[v]** joined together into a whole - **[adj]** To *amalgamate* is to combine different things to create something new. Institutions — such as banks, schools, or hospitals — often join forces and *amalgamate* with one other. But other things — like musical genres — get *amalgamated* as well. The verb *amalgamate* original referred specifically to the mixture of metals, now however, it refers to any mixing or blending. A school board might decide to amalgamate two schools into one school due to a decrease in the student population, but amalgamating their mascots would be impossible.

Question 30

ambiguous

Answer 30

having more than one possible meaning - **[adj]** open to two or more interpretations; or of uncertain nature or significance; or (often) intended to mislead - **[adj]** having no intrinsic or objective meaning; not organized in conventional patterns - **[adj]** **ambiguous** words "frustrated by **ambiguous** instructions, the parents were unable to assemble the toy" "the polling had a complex and equivocal (or **ambiguous**) message for potential female candidates" Look to the adjective *ambiguous* when you need to describe something that's open to more than one interpretation, like the headline "Squad helps dog bite victim." Newspaper headlines can be unintentionally funny when they're *ambiguous*. In "Squad helps dog bite victim," is the squad helping a victim of a dog bite or helping a dog bite a victim? The *ambi-* prefix means "both ways," while the *guous* part is from the Latin verb *agere*, "to lead or drive." Thus an ambiguous sentence or situation drives us in two different directions at once. The accent is on the second syllable, "big," which you can remember since something that's ambiguous can lead to big misunderstandings.

Question 31

ambivalence

Answer 31

mixed feelings or emotions - **[n]** Someone who shows *ambivalence* about a person or thing has conflicting feelings. If you love your mom but find her totally embarrassing you might feel *ambivalent* about having her give a presentation at your school. Originally a psychological term, *ambivalence* was borrowed from the German word *Ambivalenz*, coined in 1910 by the Swiss psychologist Eugen Bleuler. The German word was formed from the Latin prefix *ambi*- "in two ways" plus Latin *valentia* "vigor, strength."

Question 32

ambrosia

Answer 32

(classical mythology) the food and drink of the gods; mortals who ate it became immortal - **[n]** any of numerous chiefly North American weedy plants constituting the genus Ambrosia that produce highly allergenic pollen responsible for much hay fever and asthma - **[n]** In Greek mythology, *ambrosia* was the food of the gods. At a picnic, *ambrosia* is a dessert made with oranges and shredded coconut. While the former bestowed immortality on all who ate it, the latter tastes very refreshing after fried chicken and potato salad. In the *Odyssey* and the *Iliad*, Homer uses the word *ambrosia* for three things: the food of the Olympians, a salve used to treat corpses, and as a perfume to cover up the smell of uncured seal skins. Some scholars have identified ambrosia as honey while others feel that a type of hallucinogenic mushroom was meant in the myths. Regardless of all this confusion, the word is now used metaphorically to mean anything so fragrant, so delicious that it seems divine — including a popular orange-and-coconut confection.

Question 33

ameliorate

Answer 33

to make better - **[v]** get better - **[v]** To *ameliorate* is to step in and make a bad situation better. You could try introducing a second lollipop to *ameliorate* a battle between two four-year-olds over a single lollipop. The verb *ameliorate* comes from the Latin word *meliorare*, meaning "improve." Food drives can ameliorate hunger. Aspirin can ameliorate a headache. A sympathy card can ameliorate grief. Family therapy can ameliorate severe sibling rivalry. Anything that can lift a burden can ameliorate.

Question 34

amenable

Answer 34

disposed or willing to comply - **[adj]** liable to answer to a higher authority - **[adj]** readily reacting to suggestions and influences - **[adj]** open to being acted upon in a certain way - **[adj]** someone **amenable** to persuasion "the president is **amenable** to the constitutional court" "an **amenable** hospitalization should not result in untimely death" If your friends want to try sky diving and you're *amenable* to the idea, sounds like you're going to be jumping out of a plane. If a person or thing is *amenable* to something, they are ready, willing, or responsive. Note that *amenable* is often followed by the preposition *to*, which makes *amenable* mean "able to be controlled or affected by something," as in "They are usually *amenable* to our wishes;" or "Her heart condition is not *amenable* to treatment." An *amenable* personality is open to influence or control and is willing to agree or yield.

Question 35

amulet

Answer 35

a trinket or piece of jewelry usually hung about the neck and thought to be a magical protection against evil or disease - **[n]** If you rub your pendant while praying to your gods, it sounds like you have an *amulet*, a necklace or similar item attributed with magical powers. An amulet is something that wards off evil spells and all manner of bad luck. Often found in undeveloped societies — or *Brady Bunch* episodes — an amulet acts as a charm to protect its wearer from evil. Often worn close to the heart as a necklace, the word *amulet* can refer to any a piece of jewelry or other trinket that is kept close to the body and believed to keep evil and danger at bay.

Question 36

anachronism

Answer 36

something located at a time when it could not have existed or occurred - **[n]** an artifact that belongs to another time - **[n]** a person who seems to be displaced in time; who belongs to another age - **[n]** An *anachronism* is something that doesn't fit its time period, like if you say you'll "dial" your smartphone. *Anachronism* comes from the Greek roots *ana*- which means "against" and *chron*- which means "time." Together they represent a situation in which something happens that should not because it belongs to another time period. You see anachronisms all the time in the movies — they occur when you see a jet fly over a Civil War battle! Or knights jousting over a maiden during the time of Shakespeare!

Question 37

analgesic

Answer 37

capable of relieving pain - **[adj]** a medicine used to relieve pain - **[n]** an **analgesic** effect An *analgesic* is a medicine that takes away physical pain. If you ask for pain relief, and the nurse says "Here's an *analgesic,*" she's not trying to worsen your headache with a difficult word; she's just giving you a painkiller. Breaking apart the word *analgesic* helps with pronunciation, ann-ull-JEE-zick. This isn't a proper root-word study, but the last three letters of the word look like "sick." If you're sick and have some pain and discomfort, you might get relief from an analgesic. As a noun, *analgesic* is the actual medicine, and as an adjective, it describes the effect of the medicine — a pill will have an analgesic effect, relieving the pain — unless it's really bad pain, in which case you'll need two.

Question 38

analogous

Answer 38

similar or equivalent in some respects though otherwise dissimilar - **[adj]** corresponding in function but not in evolutionary origin - **[adj]** brains and computers are often considered **analogous**"salmon roe is marketed as **analogous** to caviar" "the wings of a bee and those of a hummingbird are **analogous**" Use the adjective *analogous* to describe something that is similar to something else and can be compared to another. *Analogous* things can be compared to each other, so a near synonym is the adjective *comparable*. *Analogous* is a term used in biology to refer to body parts that have a similar function but differ in structure, such as the wings of a bird and the wings of an airplane. *Analogous* is from Latin *analogus*, from Greek *analogos*, meaning "according to a proper ratio or proportion."

Question 39

anarchy

Answer 39

a state of lawlessness and disorder (usually resulting from a failure of government) - **[n]** Use the noun *anarchy* to describe a complete lack of government — or the chaotic state of affairs created by such an absence. A substitute teacher might worry that an unruly classroom will descend into *anarchy*. From the Greek for "without a ruler" we get this word for the political philosophy that the best government is no government at all — a movement that enjoyed surprising success worldwide in the early and middle parts of the twentieth century. Today, the word is more commonly used to describe not a political ideal but a state of total disorder, chaos and even violence: "A type of bloody *anarchy* is beginning to reign." A good synonym would be "lawlessness."

Question 40

anodyne

Answer 40

capable of relieving pain - **[adj]** a medicine used to relieve pain - **[n]** the **anodyne** properties of certain drugs When your back is killing you from helping your friend move furniture into his new apartment, you need to take an *anodyne*, a painkiller. An anodyne doesn’t have to be actual medicine. If the pure joy of helping your friend is soothing enough to make you forget your aching back, that counts as an anodyne too (though perhaps an unlikely one). *Anodyne* can also be used as an adjective to describe something that relieves pain, or is at least inoffensive. When you’re stressed out or unhappy, try looking at anodyne pictures of kittens. Er, unless you had a bad experience with a cat once.

Question 41

anomalous

Answer 41

deviating from the general or common order or type - **[adj]** advanced forms of life may be **anomalous** in the universe Something that deviates from the norm is *anomalous*. Something *anomalous* can be good, such as an exciting new direction in music or art. But that *anomalously* low score on your math test? Not so good. To find the origins of the word *anomalous* we can go back to the Greek *anṓmalos*, meaning "uneven or irregular." Something that is anomalous is not just different; it is also unexpected, and may even be completely inconsistent with the norm. For example, the recent discovery of ice, and therefore water, on the moon was anomalous to all previous ideas that the moon was lifeless. .

Question 42

antediluvian

Answer 42

of or relating to the period before the biblical flood - **[adj]** so extremely old as seeming to belong to an earlier period - **[adj]** any of the early patriarchs who lived prior to the Noachian deluge - **[n]** a very old person - **[n]** **antediluvian** man "a ramshackle **antediluvian** tenement" "**antediluvian** ideas" *Antediluvian* means "before the flood" — that is, the Biblical flood with Noah's ark. Generally, though, the word is used — often humorously — to describe something really, really old. In popular language, *antediluvian* is almost always used to exaggerate how comically, ridiculously old and out-of-date something is. You may laugh at your parents' antediluvian ideas of what's proper for going out on a date. And how about those antediluvian computers they still insist are fine! When the word was coined in the seventeenth century, however, it was meant literally. Back then, the science of reconstructing the Earth's history used the Bible as a frame of reference.

Question 43

antipathy

Answer 43

a feeling of intense dislike - **[n]** the object of a feeling of intense aversion; something to be avoided - **[n]** cats were his greatest **antipathy** An *antipathy* is a deep-seated dislike of something or someone. Usually it's a condition that is long-term, innate, and pretty unlikely to change — like your *antipathy* for the Red Sox. If you look at the Greek roots of this word — *anti-* (meaning "against") and *pathos* (meaning "feeling"), you can see that *antipathy* is a feeling against someone or something. In general, antipathies are considered feelings that are kept at least somewhat under wraps and are not out on the surface.

Question 44

apathy

Answer 44

an absence of emotion or enthusiasm - **[n]** the trait of lacking enthusiasm for or interest in things generally - **[n]** Use the noun *apathy* when someone is not interested in the important things that are happening. You might feel *apathy* for the political process after watching candidates bicker tediously with one another. Although *apathy* is a lazy-sounding word that indicates a lack of interest, action or emotion towards something, it has traveled through many languages to arrive in English. Originating from the Greek *apatheia* meaning "without emotion," the word has been a part of the English language since the 17th century. Not only a single person, but a whole segment of the population can be accused of inaction, indifference or emotional detachment: the expressions *voter apathy, student apathy,* and *consumer apathy* show just how unenthusiastic large groups of people can be.

Question 45

apex

Answer 45

the highest point (of something) - **[n]** the point on the celestial sphere toward which the sun and solar system appear to be moving relative to the fixed stars - **[n]** When there's no mountain left to climb and nothing but blue sky above, you know you've reached the highest peak — the *apex*. *Apex* can mean the highest point in a literal sense, like climbing to the apex of the Eiffel Tower for a fabulous view of Paris. It also can be used to mean the highest point in a figurative sense. An actor who wins an Oscar can say she's reached the apex of her career. If you're describing more than one high point, you could add an *-es* to form the plural *apexes*, but *apices* would also be correct. And if you're a botanist, you'd probably use *apex* to describe the tip of a flower or leaf.

Question 46

apogee

Answer 46

apoapsis in Earth orbit; the point in its orbit where a satellite is at the greatest distance from the Earth - **[n]** a final climactic stage - **[n]** For an object in orbit around the earth, the *apogee* is the point that is highest or furthest from the earth. Early satellites had low *apogees*, so it wasn’t long before they burnt up in the atmosphere. *Apogee* comes from two Greek words meaning "away" and "earth," so it’s specific to things orbiting the earth. If you’re talking about something orbiting the sun, the equivalent word is *aphelion* ("away" + "sun"). Because *apogee* denotes the highest point something reaches in an orbit before falling back, it can also figuratively refer to other highs. For example, "Child stars sometimes reach their *apogee* by 20, and there's nowhere to go but down from there."

Question 47

apothegm

Answer 47

a short pithy instructive saying - **[n]** An *apothegm* is a short instructive saying that's easy to remember and sometimes even slightly witty, like "haste makes waste." An *apothegm* often expresses a fundamental truth or general rule. To correctly pronounce *apothegm*, put the accent on the first syllable and give it the short *a* sound, as in *apple*: "A-puh-them." It comes from the Greek word *apophthegma*, meaning "terse, pointed saying," derived from *apo-*, meaning "from," and *phthengesthai*, meaning "to utter."

Question 48

appease

Answer 48

make peace with - **[v]** cause to be more favorably inclined; gain the good will of - **[v]** overcome or allay - **[v]** *Appease* means to make or preserve peace with a nation, group, or person by giving in to their demands, or to relieve a problem, as in "the cold drink *appeased* his thirst." The word often implies abandoning your moral principles to satisfy the demands of someone who is greedy for power: Think of British Prime Minister Chamberlain's attempt to *appease* the Nazis at Munich. The cold drink *appeased* his thirst. *Appease* is from Middle English *apaisen,* from *apaisier,* formed from the prefix *a-* "to" plus *pais* "peace," from Latin *pax*.

Question 49

appellation

Answer 49

identifying word or words by which someone or something is called and classified or distinguished from others - **[n]** *Appellation* means the name or title by which someone is known. Mark Twain is the famous *appellation* by which everyone remembers author and humorist Samuel Clemens. An *appellation* is what people call a person or thing — essentially, its name or title. George Herman Ruth's parents may have known him as George, but the rest of the world knew this famous slugger by his *appellation*, Babe. If you use the word *appellation* in a discussion of wine, you'd mean the name of the region or vineyard where the wine originated. Champagne is an appellation for the bubbly white wine that comes from the Champagne region of France.

Question 50

apposite

Answer 50

being of striking appropriateness and pertinence - **[adj]** the successful copywriter is a master of **apposite** and evocative verbal images Something *apposite* is fitting or relevant. It is *apposite* that radio stations play Christmas carols on Christmas Eve, and that your tax accountant takes vacation after April 15th. It all makes sense. The adjective *apposite* is derived from the Latin terms *appositus* and *apponere*. *Ponere* means to place, and thus *apponere* is "well-placed or well-put." Don't confuse *apposite* with *opposite*; they have almost opposite meanings!

Question 51

apprise

Answer 51

inform (somebody) of something - **[v]** gain in value - **[v]** Have the students been **apprised** of the tuition hike? To *apprise* someone about something is to fill them in, to give them the scoop. If someone in your immediate family wins the mega-bucks lottery, you want to be the first one to be *apprised* of that event! Don't confused the verbs *apprise* and *appraise*. *Appraise* means to determine the value of something — either its quality or its monetary worth. *Apprise*, on the other hand, means to inform or make aware. This word has a rather formal, weighty tone. Presidents get apprised of foreign affairs, but you will most likely not get apprised of weather conditions or dinner plans.

Question 52

approbation

Answer 52

official approval - **[n]** official recognition or approval - **[n]** *Approbation* is an official, important-sounding, and somewhat old-fashioned word for approval or praise. A princess, for example, might only consider marrying a prince that is met with her father's, the King's, *approbation*. How is it possible that *approbation* means approval when *probation* is a form of being in trouble in school? Remember that probation is a testing period, to see if you can be good. *Approbation* means it's all good. Or you can remember this rhyme: "Filled with *approbation*, the audience gave a standing ovation."

Question 53

appropriate

Answer 53

suitable for a particular person or place or condition etc - **[adj]** take possession of by force, as after an invasion - **[v]** a book not **appropriate** for children "a funeral conducted the **appropriate** solemnity" "it seems that an apology is **appropriate**" Something *appropriate* is correct and fits the situation. A sweater-vest with reindeer on it is *appropriate* holiday apparel, even if it's totally embarrassing. The adjective *appropriate* is used when something is suitable or fitting. It comes from the Latin *appropriare*, which means "to make something fit, to make something one's own." Going back even further in its history, *appropriate* is related to the Latin word *proprius*, which means "to belong to a person, thing, or group." Make sure you don't confuse this word with *apropos* — it may sound and look similar but it entered English by way of the French words *a propos*, meaning "to propose."

Question 54

apropos

Answer 54

of an appropriate or pertinent nature - **[adj]** introducing a different topic; in point of fact - **[adv]** at an opportune time - **[adv]** your letter arrived **apropos** * Apropos* means regarding or appropriate to, as in: *Apropos* of your interest in fishing, your grandfather gave you his set of championship lures, rods, reels and lucky tackle box. * Apropos* is a useful word to learn. But first you have to know how to pronounce it: AP-rə-pō. Then you can conveniently change the subject of a conversation by using the expression "*Apropos* of nothing," which is a glib way of saying, "Oh, and by the way..." If someone's remarks are suitable and appropriate to the occasion, you can get on their good side by saying: *How apropos*!

Question 55

ardor

Answer 55

feelings of great warmth and intensity - **[n]** a feeling of strong eagerness (usually in favor of a person or cause) - **[n]** intense feeling of love - **[n]** he spoke with great **ardor**"they were imbued with a revolutionary **ardor**" Are you inspired to write love poems to your crush? Sprinkle rose petals in her path? Then you're feeling *ardor* — an intense kind of warmth and fervor most often associated with love. The Brits spell *ardor* with an extra vowel, so you'll often see this word written as *ardour*. But on either side of the pond it's a noun that brings to mind Pepe Le Pew and his fervent pursuit of the female species. But *ardor* isn't always about love. It's perfectly platonic to be "an *ardent* supporter" of a certain cause, or show eagerness and ardor in your approach to anything.

Question 56

arduous

Answer 56

characterized by effort to the point of exhaustion; especially physical effort - **[adj]** difficult to accomplish; demanding considerable mental effort and skill - **[adj]** taxing to the utmost; testing powers of endurance - **[adj]** worked their **arduous** way up the mining valley "the **arduous** work of preparing a dictionary" ""your willingness after these six **arduous** days to remain here"- F.D.Roosevelt" Use the adjective, *arduous,* to describe an activity that takes a lot of effort. Writing all those college essays and filling out the applications is an *arduous* process! *Arduous* was first used in English to mean "steep" or "difficult to climb." If you're an outdoorsman, hiking up a mountain is a lot of fun, but if you're a couch potato, it's an arduous trek. Today, the word can be used figuratively for something that is difficult or takes a lot of work. If you spend an arduous week studying for your final exams, you'll do well because you've worked really hard!

Question 57

argot

Answer 57

a characteristic language of a particular group (as among thieves) - **[n]** *Argot* is language particular to a specific group. It can mean a kind of slang, a technical language or a code. In high school, only those who spend their time studying computer manuals could understand the *argot* of the computer lab kids. The word *argot* was originally used to describe the slang of thieves and rogues, who spoke in sneaky ways that the upright citizen couldn’t understand. We can also use *argot* to describe less criminal kinds of vocabularies. Any specialized practice can create an argot: boxers talk of bodyshots and jabs, just as grammar teachers complain of split infinitives and dangling participles.

Question 58

artifact

Answer 58

a man-made object taken as a whole - **[n]** An *artifact* is a man-made object that has some kind of cultural significance. If you find a 12th century vase, it's an *artifact* of that time. Don't drop it! *Artifact* is a combination of two Latin words, *arte*, meaning "by skill" and *factum* which means "to make." Usually when you use the word *artifact*, you are describing something crafted that was used for a particular purpose during a much earlier time.

Question 59

artless

Answer 59

simple and natural; without cunning or deceit - **[adj]** (of persons) lacking art or knowledge - **[adj]** an **artless** manner "**artless** elegance" "an **artless** translation" Yes, *artless* could mean lacking in art, but more often it means lacking in superficiality or deceit. An *artless* person could never make a living as a con artist. Originally meaning "unskillful" or "uncultured," *artless* evolved into meaning not skilled or cultured in the art of deceit. If you are artless, you are natural and uncontrived. Young people, animals, the socially inept — these can all be artless in the way they express themselves. They seem to mean exactly what they say.

Question 60

ascetic

Answer 60

someone who practices self denial as a spiritual discipline - **[n]** practicing great self-denial - **[adj]** pertaining to or characteristic of an ascetic or the practice of rigorous self-discipline - **[adj]** Be systematically **ascetic**...do...something for no other reason than that you would rather not do it"- William James" "**ascetic** practices" Want to live an *ascetic* lifestyle? Then you better ditch the flat panel TV and fuzzy slippers. To be *ascetic*, you learn to live without; it's all about self-denial. *Ascetic* is derived from the Greek *asketes*, meaning "monk," or "hermit." Later that became *asketikos*, meaning "rigorously self-disciplined," which gives us the Modern English *ascetic*. *Ascetic* can be a noun: a person with incredible self-discipline and the ability to deprive herself, or an adjective that describes such a people or their lifestyle.

Question 61

asperity

Answer 61

harshness of manner - **[n]** something hard to endure - **[n]** the **asperity** of northern winters *Asperity* is the harsh tone or behavior people exhibit when they’re angry, impatient, or just miserable. When your supervisor’s "Late again!" greeting causes your entire future to pass before your eyes, he is speaking with *asperity*. The harshness that *asperity* implies can also apply to conditions, like "the *asperities* of life in a bomb shelter." Or even more literally to surfaces, like "the *asperity* of an unfinished edge." But, most often, you will see *asperity* used in reference to grumpy human beings.

Question 62

aspersion

Answer 62

a disparaging remark - **[n]** the act of sprinkling water in baptism (rare) - **[n]** in the 19th century any reference to female sexuality was considered a vile **aspersion** An *aspersion* is a disparaging remark. It almost invariably appears as a plural, following the word "cast" — when you cast *aspersions* on someone, you are questioning their abilities or doubting them. Finding out that a field-hockey coach had never played the sports might cast aspersions on her ability to coach it. Wendy's ads don't come out and say that McDonald's hamburgers are made out of cardboard, but through shot after shot of their own thick and juicy and oddly square offering, they cast aspersions on the quarter-pounder.

Question 63

assiduous

Answer 63

marked by care and persistent effort - **[adj]** her **assiduous** attempts to learn French "**assiduous** research" If you call someone *assiduous*, it's a compliment. It means they're careful, methodical and very persistent. Good detectives are classically *assiduous* types. *Assiduous* comes from two Latin words: *assiduus,* meaning "busy incessant, continual or constant," and *assidere,* meaning "to sit down to" something. (Funnily enough, we also get the word *sedentary,* meaning someone who doesn't move around much, a lazy couch potato, from this same last word.) Although we tend to think of sedentary types as being the very opposite of assiduous ones, many assiduous activities (like writing, thinking, or detective work) are best done sitting in a chair.

Question 64

assuage

Answer 64

provide physical relief, as from pain - **[v]** satisfy (thirst) - **[v]** cause to be more favorably inclined; gain the good will of - **[v]** If you *assuage* an unpleasant feeling, you make it go away. *Assuaging* your hunger by eating a bag of marshmallows may cause you other unpleasant feelings. The most common things that we *assuage* are *fears, concerns, guilt, grief, anxiety,* and *anger*. That makes a lot of sense — these are all things we seek relief from. The word comes from Old French *assouagier*, from the Latin root *suavis*, "sweet" — think of adding a bit of honey to something unpleasant. A word with a similar meaning is *mollify*.

Question 65

astringent

Answer 65

tending to draw together or constrict soft organic tissue - **[adj]** sour or bitter in taste - **[adj]** **astringent** cosmetic lotions You know that vinegar-like liquid teens put on their faces in order to tighten their pores and dry up their pimples? That's *astringent*. An *astringent* personality, on the other hand, is perceived as bitter and perhaps even a bit toxic. Astringent may be a lifesaver for an acne-prone teen, but when the term is used as an adjective and applied to you personally, it's less positive. Since astringents are acid-based, an astringent personality can also be corrosive. If someone is prone to biting sarcasm and cynicism, he probably has an astringent view of the world.

Question 66

asylum

Answer 66

a shelter from danger or hardship - **[n]** a hospital for mentally incompetent or unbalanced person - **[n]** Any mom taking care of the kids day in and day out is probably more than ready to seek *asylum*, or refuge, at a local spa. You may have heard *asylum* used to describe an institution where insane people are housed, but did you know that an *asylum* can also be somewhere you’d happily and willingly go? An asylum offers shelter and protection, like the awning of a building in a downpour. Or a country that takes in refugees in danger of persecution — otherwise known as "political asylum."

Question 67

atavism

Answer 67

a reappearance of an earlier characteristic - **[n]** *Atavism* is a return to a previous way of doing, saying, or seeing things. It can be casual, like wearing retro clothing and listening to vinyl records, or committed, like living in a straw hut without electricity. It makes sense that *atavism* comes from a Latin word meaning "forefather," since it refers to a way of doing things like our ancestors did them. It’s often used negatively, though, to refer to behavior the speaker finds primitive or unacceptable. Atavists are often called "throwbacks." In biology, the term *atavism* or "evolutionary throwback" is used when animals are born with features that had disappeared, such as legs on a whale.

Question 68

attenuate

Answer 68

become weaker, in strength, value, or magnitude - **[v]** weaken the consistency of (a chemical substance) - **[v]** reduced in strength - **[adj]** *Attenuate* is a verb that means to make or become weaker. The effects of aging may be *attenuated* by exercise. (Or by drinking from the fountain of youth.) The versatile word *attenuate* denotes a weakening in amount, intensity, or value. As a verb, *attenuate* is usually transitive, meaning it needs an object to be complete, such as in the sentence: "This tanning process tends to *attenuate* the deer hide, making it softer." The word can be intransitive in past tense, as in "The rain attenuated, ending the storm." And it can even be used as an adjective to describe something weakened: "Even an *attenuated* solution will remove the stain."

Question 69

audacious

Answer 69

disposed to venture or take risks - **[adj]** unrestrained by convention or propriety - **[adj]** invulnerable to fear or intimidation - **[adj]** **audacious** visions of the total conquest of space "an **audacious** interpretation of two Jacobean dramas" "an **audacious** trick to pull" This adjective is very bold — if you are *audacious*, you are daring and unconventional! The adjective *audacious* comes from the Latin word *audacia* and means "daring, boldness, courage," and often gets applied in situations where someone does something pretty unusual, like becoming an astronaut and going to the moon. It can also mean challenging conventions and doing things that most people don't do, such as when Elizabeth Blackwell became the first woman in the United States to become a doctor. Blackwell then inspired Elizabeth Garrett Anderson to become the first female doctor in England. And the rest is history!

Question 70

austere

Answer 70

of a stern or strict bearing or demeanor; forbidding in aspect - **[adj]** practicing great self-denial - **[adj]** severely simple - **[adj]** an **austere** expression "a desert nomad's **austere** life" The adjective *austere* is used to describe something or someone stern or without any decoration. You wouldn't want someone to describe you or your home as *austere*. *Austere* is not usually a positive word because it means that a person or a thing isn't pleasurable. For example, if you go on an austere diet, it's likely you wouldn't ever get to have candy. The adjective comes into English by way of French, Latin, and Greek, meaning "harsh" and "dry." It's pronounced as "o-stir," with an emphasis on the second syllable.

Question 71

autonomous

Answer 71

existing as an independent entity - **[adj]** (of political bodies) not controlled by outside forces - **[adj]** (of persons) free from external control and constraint in e.g. action and judgment - **[adj]** the partitioning of India created two separate and **autonomous** jute economies "an **autonomous** judiciary" *Autonomous* describes things that function separately or independently. Once you move out of your parents' house, and get your own job, you will be an *autonomous* member of the family. This adjective *autonomous* is often used of countries, regions, or groups that have the right to govern themselves: Vatican City, where the Catholic pope lives, is an *autonomous* territory located within the city limits of Rome. The corresponding noun is *autonomy,* referring to the state of existing or functioning independently. *Autonomous* is from Greek *autonomos* "independent," from *autos* "self" plus *nomos* "law."

Question 72

avarice

Answer 72

reprehensible acquisitiveness; insatiable desire for wealth (personified as one of the deadly sins) - **[n]** extreme greed for material wealth - **[n]** *Avarice* is a fancy word for good old-fashioned *greed*. It's one of what some call "the seven deadly sins." Do you want more and more money? Or cookies? Or video games? Or anything? Then your heart is full of avarice, which you probably know better as *greed*. When people talk about greed, it's clearly not a good thing, but *avarice* has an even worse flavor to it. Avarice is often looked upon as a sin, and it's always considered despicable and evil.

Question 73

aver

Answer 73

to declare or affirm solemnly and formally as true - **[v]** report or maintain - **[v]** To *aver* is to declare something is true or to state. This verb has a serious tone, so you might *aver* something on a witness stand or you might *aver* that you won't back down to a challenge. The verb *aver* comes to English via the Latin root words *ad*, meaning "to," and *verus*, meaning "true." The word can have the sense of formally declaring something is true, but it can also mean to report positively: "The grandmother *averred* that her granddaughter would make a fine veterinarian because of her love and caring for animals."

Question 74

avocation

Answer 74

an auxiliary activity - **[n]** An *avocation* is an activity that you pursue when you're not at work — a hobby. Pretty much anything can be an avocation: tennis, soduko, writing poetry. If you're the journalist Clark Kent, your avocation is changing into a skin-tight red-and-blue jumpsuit and fighting crime. A vocation is the work you do because you have to; an avocation is what you do for pleasure, not pay. The ancient Latin root is *a vocare* a calling away from one's work, or a distraction. Today we use the word more to refer to a serious hobby. If you like knitting beautiful sweaters, then you, my friend, have an avocation — as long as you're not making your living from it.

Question 75

avuncular

Answer 75

being or relating to an uncle - **[adj]** resembling a uncle in kindness or indulgence - **[adj]** Everyone likes an *avuncular* guy, that is someone who is kind and patient and generally indulgent with people younger than he is. The Dalai Lama is an *avuncular* fellow. So is Santa Claus. Unless you haven't been good. The word *avuncular* originally comes from the Latin *avunculus,* meaning "maternal uncle," and strictly speaking the term describes the relationship between an uncle and his nephew. Uncles, by their very definition, are supposed to be avuncular to their nephews. For many uncles though, Santa Claus is pretty hard to compete with.

Question 76

bacchanalian

Answer 76

used of riotously drunken merrymaking-*(adj)* a night of **bacchanalian** revelry The Greek god Bacchus was no teetotaler — he slung them back, big time. A *bacchanalian* party is a wild, wine-soaked, rowdy affair. *Bacchanalian* is used to describe any event that Bacchus would have enjoyed. The Romans celebrated Bacchus with wine, songs, dances and more wine — not the kind of behavior you would expect fromself-respecting adults (and probably not the kind of thing they wouldtell their kids about). *Bacchanalian* sounds like "back-and-nail"yen so you might want to think of it as a description of party whereeveryone has one drink too many and wants to give each other a back rub.

Question 77

banal

Answer 77

repeated too often; overfamiliar through overuse-*(adj)* If something is boring and unoriginal, it's *banal*. *Banal* things are dull as dishwater. Ever notice how some TV shows, songs, and even phrases are boring and unoriginal? It's like you've seen or heard the samething a million times. Anything that's unoriginal and dull is *banal* — a fancy word for things that bore you to tears. When you're writing,try not to be banal. Clichés and dull topics are banal. New ideas, fresh language, and unusual subject matter can keep your writing from beingdreary and banal.

Question 78

bard

Answer 78

a lyric poet-*(n)* an ornamental caparison for a horse-*(n)* If you’ve heard the word *bard*, it was probably in English class. William Shakespeare has been known as "The Bard"since the nineteenth century, but the word has a much older history,and, when it's not capitalized, it simply means "lyric poet." In civilizations without written histories, poets andsingers were the ones to spread the word from place to place and acrossgenerations. In ancient and medieval Gaelic societies, the professionalstorytellers were called *bards* (or *bardds*, in Wales).Irish bards were part of a chieftain's household, and their job was torecord and proclaim the exploits of their lord — although a bard mightalso compose blistering satires if he was displeased with his employer.

Question 79

bawdy

Answer 79

humorously vulgar-*(adj)* lewd or obscene talk or writing-*(n)* **bawdy** songs "they published a collection of Elizabethan **bawdy**" *Bawdy* describes humor that is off-color: about sex, going to the bathroom, or other naughty, vulgar topics. Things that are bawdy are a little inappropriate,intended to be funny, and definitely not the kind of things you want tosay in school. Still, they're not the worst sort of things you couldsay. This is a playful word for things that are vulgar and funny, butnot nearly as bad as an x-rated movie. Bawdy jokes are inappropriate,because they discuss things that are sexual or gross, but they're nottotally explicit. Being bawdy is a little like being *slangy* and *jokey* at the same time. Whether such bawdiness is appropriate all depends on who you're talking to.

Question 80

bedizen

Answer 80

decorate tastelessly-*(v)* * Bedizen* means to decorate yourself or something else to the max — in an over-the-top flashy style. Picture big jewels and gold bling. * Bedizen* is used only in written form now,though because so few people know what it actually means you might wellget away with saying, "Oh, I like the way you've *bedizened*yourself today," without getting a slap in the face. In fact, they'llprobably take it as a compliment. However, people rarely use *bedizen* in a complimentary way. From the old Dutch word *dizen,* meaning "to deck out."

Question 81

behemoth

Answer 81

someone or something that is abnormally large and powerful-*(n)* You can call both a Tyrannosaurus Rex and a massive telecommunications company a *behemoth*. The word means something big and powerful. *Behemoth* comes from the Hebrew word *b'hemah* meaning beast. You can use it to describe large animals or largeentities that make you feel small and powerless when you have toconfront them. If a behemoth of a moose charges your car, you deal withit, and then with a behemoth of an insurance company, where just finding who to talk to is nearly impossible.

Question 82

belie

Answer 82

be in contradiction with-*(v)* represent falsely-*(v)* To *belie* means to contradict. If you are 93 but look like you are 53, then your young looks *belie* your age. We get *belie* from the Old English *beleogan*, which meant "to deceive by lying." It suggests characteristics orbehavior that inadvertently or deliberately hide the truth. To rememberit, just think "be lying." Snow White's decision to barge into the Seven Dwarfs' home without invitation belied her gentle nature.

Question 83

beneficent

Answer 83

doing or producing good-*(adj)* the most **beneficent** regime in history * Beneficent* is the type of act that helps others. If you're a *beneficent* person, you probably spend a lot of your time volunteering at soupkitchens or homeless shelters, helping people who are less fortunatethan you are. * Beneficent* shares the same root and sentiment with its fellow adjective, *benevolent*, which also means something that is good. The two words are so closelyrelated that they also share the same Latin origin. Another relatedword, *benefactor*, is someone who gives support to an organization or institution or someone who takes care of another person. Kind,generous, and giving are all synonyms of *beneficent*.

Question 84

blandishment

Answer 84

flattery intended to persuade-*(n)* When you hear a *blandishment* come your way, you may feel flattered, as that's what a *blandisher* intends to do. However, beware because that flattery may come with the underlying intention of persuading you to do something! The noun *blandishment* is related to the old-fashioned verb *blandish* meaning "to coax with flattery, or kind words." A blandishment is often teasing in tone, and the intention to persuade is usually thinlyveiled. Your brother may use a blandishment or two to get you to do hischores, and you're going to know exactly what he's after. But the saying "You get more flies with honey" just might hold true if you findyourself taking out the trash when it's not your turn.

Question 85

blase

Answer 85

nonchalantly unconcerned-*(adj)* very sophisticated especially because of surfeit; versed in the ways of the world-*(adj)* a **blase** attitude about housecleaning "the **blase** traveler refers to the ocean he has crossed as `the pond'" If the thrill is gone, you are *blasé*. If you yawn on a roller coaster, then maybe you've had one too many rides. The adjective *blase* (most often spelled *blasé*), describes someone who is bored with the pleasures of life because offrequent indulgence or exposure. When asked what she thought of theaward ceremony, the actress yawned and replied, "It was blasé. It wasjust like the last 15 award ceremonies I've been too."

Question 86

bolster

Answer 86

support and strengthen-*(v)* a pillow that is often put across a bed underneath the regular pillows-*(n)* **bolster** morale When you cheer up a friend who's feeling down, you *bolster* them. To *bolster* is to offer support or strengthen. A bolster is also the name of a long pillow you mightuse to make your back feel better. And the two uses are not dissimilar.When you bolster your friends, you support them and prop them up, justlike the pillow does for your back. When you're trying to bolster yourcredibility, you find people and/or documents that support you or yourview. Bolster efforts to learn this word!

Question 87

bombastic

Answer 87

ostentatiously lofty in style-*(adj)* To be *bombastic* is to be full of hot air — like a politician who makes grand promises and doesn't deliver. What does cotton padding have to do with the word *bombastic*? Bombast was cotton padding or stuffing in the 1500s. *Bombastic* evolved as an adjective to describe something (or someone!) that isoverly wordy, pompous, or pretentious, but the adjective is most oftenused to describe language (speech or writing). Still not seeing theconnection to cotton padding? Think of writing or speech that is overlypadded and you'll understand how the meaning came about.

Question 88

boorish

Answer 88

ill-mannered and coarse and contemptible in behavior or appearance-*(adj)* was **boorish** and insensitive If you cousin tells revolting jokes, belches, and smells like he spent the winter in a cave, he could be described as *boorish* — an adjective used for people with bad manners and a sloppy appearance. We almost always use the word *boorish* for men.This may be because it can be traced back to a 13th century word for"herdsman." Herdsmen spent a lot of time alone with their sheep,sleeping in tents and cooking over open fires, so it was no wonder thatthey didn't have the same refined manners as city folk. If someoneoffends you by acting boorishly — say, by cutting you off in traffic —you could exclaim, "What a *boor*!" Just don't confuse *boor* with *bore*: bad manners may be offensive, but they're rarely boring.

Question 89

bovine

Answer 89

any of various members of the genus Bos-*(n)* of or relating to or belonging to the genus Bos (cattle)-*(adj)* showed a **bovine** apathy If something is *bovine*, it has to do with cows or cattle, or it reminds you of the slow and seemingly unintelligentways of cows and cattle. Someone's glacial pace and dull comments mightcontribute to his thoroughly *bovine* impression. The adjective *bovine* is used for anything thathas to do with animals from the genus "Bos," which classifies wild anddomestic cattle. Mad Cow Disease is technically known as *bovine spongiform encephalopathy*, and it can be said to have bovine origins. What are known as *cow pies* are, in fact, bovine droppings. People can be described as *bovine* if they are intellectually dull, slow-moving, or somewhat cow-like in their appearance.

Question 90

brazen

Answer 90

unrestrained by convention or propriety-*(adj)* made of or resembling brass (as in color or hardness)-*(adj)* With *brazen* disregard for the sign that said "no cellphones please" the woman took a long call in the doctor's office waiting room. *Brazen* refers to something shocking, done shamelessly. The Middle English word was *brasen* "made of brass," from Old English *bræsen,* from *bræs* "brass." In fact a near synonym of *brazen* is our English word *brassy,* which has the additional meaning of being loud and showy.

Question 91

broach

Answer 91

bring up a topic for discussion-*(v)* a decorative pin worn by women-*(n)* As a verb, *broach* means to bring up or introduce a sensitive issue. As a noun, a *broach* is one of those dowdy pins your Great Aunt Edna wears. Telling her not to wear it is a subject you should probably not *broach*. Let's say you want to go on vacation with a friend and you ask your dad because he is more likely to say yes. He will probably tell you that he will broach the subject with your mom and let youknow. In a less common (and older) usage of *broach*, if you put ahole in something in order to get out what's inside you broach it. Thepiercing tool you use is also called a broach. Think of piercing someone with your idea the next time you broach a touchy issue.

Question 92

bucolic

Answer 92

relating to shepherds or herdsmen or devoted to raising sheep or cattle-*(adj)* (used with regard to idealized country life) idyllically rustic-*(adj)* a country person-*(n)* a short poem descriptive of rural or pastoral life-*(n)* a pleasant **bucolic** scene As an adjective, *bucolic* refers to an ideal country life that many yearn for. If your parents wanted to raise you in a *bucolic* environment, you may find yourself living 45 minutes away from the nearest movie theater or person your age. Not ideal. You wouldn’t know it to look at it, but *bucolic* is a distant relation of *cow,* and all *bucolic*’s meanings can be connected to the bovine creature. *Bucolic* ultimately comes from the Greek *boukolos,* *cowherd* or *herdsman.* A bucolic could be a short poem about pastoral (cow) life or a countryperson, who is stereotyped as a cowherd. Used as an adjective, bucoliccan refer to an idealized rural life (think life with cows) or toherdsmen (more cows). And that’s no bull.

Question 93

burgeon

Answer 93

grow and flourish-*(v)* The **burgeoning** administration Use the verb *burgeon* to describe somethingthat is growing, expanding, and flourishing. If you have a green thumb,in the spring your flower gardens will *burgeon* in a cacophony of color. If you don't have a green thumb, your collection of plastic plants will burgeon. Although *burgeon* means to grow and flourish, it doesn't necessarily have to apply only to plants. Your town can haveburgeoning downtown development. Your tiny retirement account canburgeon into an excellent emergency fund if you invest even a smallamount each month. You may have a burgeoning career as a villain if youoverthrow a planet by using your mind-controlling ray gun on thepopulace.

Question 94

burnish

Answer 94

polish and make shiny-*(v)* the property of being smooth and shiny-*(n)* That seductive gleam on that Porsche behind the dealer's window? It's called a *burnish,* a gloss only achieved by loads of polishing. Likewise, you can *burnish* resume, by polishing it until it's perfect. A caution about usage: *burnish* in the physical sense is usually reserved for inanimate objects — a woman will not be happy to hear that her appearance is "*burnished* to perfection." But your car will thank you. Also, one of the mostcommon non-physical things to be burnished? A reputation. People areforever burnishing them — and its opposite, *besmirching* them (i.e., making them dirty).

Question 95

buttress

Answer 95

a support usually of stone or brick; supports the wall of a building-*(n)* reinforce with a buttress-*(v)* **Buttress** the church You can *buttress* an argument with solid factsor your financial portfolio with safe investments. You may find thatgiving compliments to everyone you meet *buttresses* your popularity. To *buttress* is to sustain or reinforce. A *buttress* is a structure that adds stabilityto a wall or building, and this innovation played a significant role inthe evolution of architecture. Think of a medieval cathedral. It's anincredibly tall, open building filled with light from vast windows.Without buttresses supporting the walls and carrying the weight of theceiling away from the building and down to the ground, this cathedralwould be impossible. Picture this when you use *buttress* figuratively as a verb meaning to strengthen and support.

Question 96

cacophonous

Answer 96

having an unpleasant sound - **[adj]** as **cacophonous** as a henyard- John McCarten The adjective *cacophonous* describes loud, harsh sounds, like the *cacophonous* racket your brother and his band mates make while trying to learn how to play their instruments. To correctly pronounce *cacophonous*, accent the second syllable: "cuh-CAW-fuh-nus." It is related to the Greek words *kakos*, meaning "bad, evil," and *phone*, or "voice." You may feel like you're facing something evil if you’re bombarded by the *cacophonous* sounds of, say, political pundits yelling at one another, or the chaotic sounds of traffic and voices on a busy urban street. *Cacophonous* is the opposite of *harmonious*.

Question 97

callous

Answer 97

having calluses; having skin made tough and thick through wear - **[adj]** emotionally hardened - **[adj]** make insensitive or callous; deaden feelings or morals - **[v]** **calloused** skin with a workman's **callous** hands a **callous** indifference to suffering A *callous* person is insensitive or emotionally hardened. If you laugh at your little sister while she's trying to show you her poetry, you're being *callous*. *Callous* comes from the Latin root *callum* for hard skin. If you walk barefoot a lot, your feet will become calloused. We usually use *callous* in the metaphorical sense for emotionally hardened. If someone is unmoved by other people's problems, you might say he shows a callous indifference to human suffering.

Question 98

calumny

Answer 98

a false accusation of an offense or a malicious misrepresentation of someone's words or actions - **[n]** an abusive attack on a person's character or good name - **[n]** Use the noun *calumny* to characterize verbal attacks that are meant to destroy reputations or friendships. You've probably seen political ads during election time that rely on *calumny* to move voters. *Calumny* comes from the Latin word *calvi*, meaning "to trick, deceive," which is why it can also describe falsely accusing someone or quoting them out of context with the intent to do them harm. Some political candidates use this tactic against opponents in the hope that voters will be tricked into thinking that the accusations are true.

Question 99

canard

Answer 99

a deliberately misleading fabrication - **[n]** During a political campaign, you will often hear on TV commercials some *canard* about the opponent. This is a false, deluding statement designed to confuse the voters, as it presents the other candidate in a bad light by spreading an untruth. The Old French word *quanart*, "duck," morphed into *canard*, as in "vendre un canard à moitié," which refers to "half-selling" a duck, or cheating someone, and the word came to mean something meant to fool someone deliberately. Poet James Whitcomb Riley said, "When I see a bird that walks like a duck and swims like a duck and quacks like a duck, I call that bird a duck." Not always the case with *canard*.

Question 100

canon

Answer 100

a collection of books accepted as holy scripture especially the books of the Bible recognized by any Christian church as genuine and inspired - **[n]** a priest who is a member of a cathedral chapter - **[n]** a contrapuntal piece of music in which a melody in one part is imitated exactly in other parts - **[n]** a ravine formed by a river in an area with little rainfall - **[n]** the neoclassical **canon** **canons** of polite society *Canon* is all about authoritative standards—for literature, sainthood, or behavior. Don't confuse it with *cannon* with two n's, the big gun that shoots bowling-size balls at the enemy. College students used to read what was called the "literary *canon*," until they noticed that they were written by dead white men. Pretzels dipped in Coke may be tasty, but they're not ready to be entered into the *canon* of two great tastes that go well together: oreos + milk, donut + coffee, apple pie + ice cream.

Question 101

cant

Answer 101

a slope in the turn of a road or track; the outside is higher than the inside in order to reduce the effects of centrifugal force - **[n]** two surfaces meeting at an angle different from 90 degrees - **[n]** a characteristic language of a particular group (as among thieves) - **[n]** insincere talk about religion or morals - **[n]** *Cant* is language repeated so often and so mechanically that it's essentially empty of meaning. *Cant* can also mean the specialized jargon of a particular group — like the "*cant* of piracy" (e.g., Ahoy! Lubber! Arrr!). Possible sources for *cant* exist in both Irish Gaelic and Latin, and the meanings of both are similar: *caint* is "speech," while *cantare* is "to sing." In broader English, the word was first used to mock the singing of monks (who makes fun of monks?). As it evolved, *cant* became the whining of beggars and then the secret language of thieves, and the negative connotations persist in modern usage. Just think of the clichés and catchphrases parroted by politicians during election season!

Question 102

cantankerous

Answer 102

stubbornly obstructive and unwilling to cooperate - **[adj]** having a difficult and contrary disposition - **[adj]** a **cantankerous** and venomous-tongued old lady- Dorothy Sayers If someone is *cantankerous* he has a difficult disposition. Take care not to throw your ball into the yard of the *cantankerous* old man down the street — he'll cuss you out and keep your ball. The origin of *cantankerous* is unclear (it may be at least partly from Middle English *contek* 'dissension'), but ever since it first appeared in plays from the 1770s, it's been a popular way to describe someone who is quarrelsome and disagreeable. It is usually applied to people, but stubborn animals like mules are also described as cantankerous. Events can be cantankerous too, like a cantankerous debate. Some synonyms are *cranky, bad-tempered, irritable, irascible*.

Question 103

capricious

Answer 103

determined by chance or impulse or whim rather than by necessity or reason - **[adj]** changeable - **[adj]** a **capricious** refusal authoritarian rulers are frequently **capricious** a **capricious** summer breeze *Capricious* is an adjective to describe a person or thing that's impulsive and unpredictable, like a bride who suddenly leaves her groom standing at the wedding altar. You can criticize a fickle-minded person as *capricious*, but it could just as well describe quickly changing weather, as in "*capricious* spring storms." It's the adjective form of the noun *caprice*, which means a sudden change of mood. *Caprice* might come from *capra*, the Italian word for "goat" (because goats are frisky), or from *capo*, "head" + *riccio*, "hedgehog." Why bring hedgehogs into it? If you have a "hedgehog head," you are so scared that your hair is standing straight on end. A scared person makes sudden starts this way and that, just as a capricious person does.

Question 104

captious

Answer 104

tending to find and call attention to faults - **[adj]** a **captious** pedant If someone tends to be hypercritical and find fault with everything, you can describe that person as *captious*. Try not to be described as a *captious* person yourself, however. No one likes a carping individual! *Captious* comes from the Middle French word *captieux*, which is from the Latin word *captiosus* meaning fallacious or deceiving. This is, in fact, another meaning for the adjective *captious*, something is calculated to confuse or deceive — such as a captious explanation of the facts. When a person is described as captious, the sense is usually of nitpicking at faults or raising petty objections. It is usually used to imply a permanent character or personality flaw, as opposed to a momentary lapse in understanding.

Question 105

cardinal

Answer 105

a variable color averaging a vivid red - **[n]** serving as an essential component - **[adj]** being or denoting a numerical quantity but not order - **[adj]** (Roman Catholic Church) one of a group of more than 100 prominent bishops in the Sacred College who advise the Pope and elect new Popes - **[n]** a **cardinal** rule **cardinal** numbers In Catholicism, a *cardinal* is a high-ranking bishop. In math, you use *cardinal* numbers to count. A *cardinal* rule is one that is central and should not be broken. Okay, that's a lot of definitions. How exactly are they related? In all cases, *cardinal* means central or essential. It's a cardinal principle that you use it to describe words of behavior like rule or sin. In the Church, cardinals form the central governing body, and in math the cardinal numbers (one, two, three) are the numbers you learn and use first.

Question 106

carnal

Answer 106

of or relating to the body or flesh - **[adj]** marked by the appetites and passions of the body - **[adj]** * *carnal** remains * *carnal** knowledge *Carnal* is an adjective meaning "of the flesh." This makes *carnal* relations a subject that kids want to know more about, but one that both kids and parents may be embarrassed to talk about with each other. Another use for *carnal* is to describe something that is worldly (as opposed to spiritual) — "He didn't have much use for religion, preferring the more *carnal* pursuits of gambling, drinking, and partying." The phrase "*carnal* knowledge" is often used euphemistically to refer to sexual relations, but the phrase has also been used in the legal sense to describe a specific sex crime.

Question 107

carping

Answer 107

persistent petty and unjustified criticism - **[n]** *Carping* is petty and unjustified criticism that just won’t stop. People who find fault with you at every turn, who appreciate nothing and complain, complain, complain, are *carping*. Enough already! Your annoying aunt Mildred who constantly picks on you, listing all the things she thinks are wrong about the way you dress, the style of your hair, who you’re dating, and where you’re working? She’s carping. *Carping* can also be used as an adjective, to describe someone who is overly critical and impossible to please — like that carping food critic who ruined the debut of your new restaurant.

Question 108

caste

Answer 108

``` (Hinduism) a hereditary social class among Hindus; stratified according to ritual purity - **[n]** a social class separated from others by distinctions of hereditary rank or profession or wealth - **[n]** social status or position conferred by a system based on class - **[n]** in some social insects (such as ants) a physically distinct individual or group of individuals specialized to perform certain functions in the colony - **[n]** ``` lose **caste** by doing work beneath one's station The word *caste* was originally associated with India's traditional system of hereditary and rigidly stratified classes, but this noun can now be used to refer to any social group distinguished by shared characteristics, such as rank, economic wealth, or profession. The root of *caste* is the Latin *castus*, which means "chaste" or "pure, separated." The word arrived in English through the Portuguese *casta*, which means "race" or "lineage," and was first used in the 1700s in reference to Hinduism's system of social stratification. By the nineteenth century, though, this noun was used metaphorically to describe any type of group that resembled this, as in the example, "Some sought to abolish the privileges enjoyed by an elite *caste* of business and financial leaders."

Question 109

castigation

Answer 109

verbal punishment - **[n]** a severe scolding - **[n]** If your coach yells at your team for sloppy play, his post-game speech might be called a *castigation*. A *castigation* is a harsh verbal reprimand. No one likes to be on the receiving end of a castigation. The word comes from the Latin *castigus* which means "to make pure." Try to remember during a castigation that the castigator is, in their own misguided way, trying to make you a better person. But that may be hard to think of when someone is bawling you out.

Question 110

cataclysm

Answer 110

a sudden violent change in the earth's surface - **[n]** an event resulting in great loss and misfortune - **[n]** The hurricane battered the coast, causing the city to flood, and tens of thousands of people were stranded without food or water. When an event causes great suffering, we call it a *cataclysm*. *Cataclysm* comes from the Greek word *kataklysmos* which means "a deluge or flood." So saying something was a disaster of *cataclysmic* proportions is particularly apt when you're talking about a tsunami. Still, people use the word *cataclysmic* to describe non-watery disasters, too, like stock market crashes, painful breakups, and failed grammar tests.

Question 111

catalyst

Answer 111

(chemistry) a substance that initiates or accelerates a chemical reaction without itself being affected - **[n]** something that causes an important event to happen - **[n]** the invasion acted as a **catalyst** to unite the country A *catalyst* is an event or person causing a change. Getting kicked out of your parents' house might be a *catalyst* for becoming more independent. The noun *catalyst* is something or someone that causes a change and is derived from a Greek word. It can be somewhat ordinary, like a hot day being a *catalyst* for getting your hair cut really short. Or it can be major, like how the assassination of the archduke Franz Ferdinand of the Austro-Hungarian Empire is said to be a *catalyst* of World War I.

Question 112

categorical

Answer 112

relating to or included in a category or categories - **[adj]** not modified or restricted by reservations - **[adj]** a **categorical** denial If someone accuses you of stealing their lunch and you give a *categorical* denial, it means that you absolutely deny having anything to do with the theft. *Categorical* means absolute, unqualified, unconditional. If you ask a girl to marry you and she says maybe, you might be able to persuade her. If it's no, you might still have a chance. But if she gives you a categorical no, she will never change her mind. Less often, *categorical* is used to describe something that is part of a certain category or group. A Doberman at the Westminster Dog Show might be the categorical winner, meaning it is the best Doberman but the winner of the show.

Question 113

caucus

Answer 113

meet to select a candidate or promote a policy - **[v]** a closed political meeting - **[n]** The noun *caucus* is a closed meeting of members from the same political party. The Iowa *caucuses* get a lot of attention during the presidential primary season. Who knows how we got the noun *caucus*? One theory is that it comes from an Algonquin word that means an elder or leader of the tribe. Another theory is that the word comes from a social and political club in Boston in the 1700s that was perhaps named for the Greek word for drinking cup. However the word slipped into American English, today it refers to a closed political meeting, often used to choose party leaders.

Question 114

causal

Answer 114

involving or constituting a cause; causing - **[adj]** a **causal** relationship between scarcity and higher prices Have you ever heard the saying "One thing leads to another"? When one thing is known for certain to cause another thing, then the first thing can be called *causal.* *Causal* is a variation of the word *cause*, which should be a clue to its meaning. A cause is what makes something happen: the notebook flew across the room because you threw it, so your throwing it was causal. If a bolt of lightning set a statue on fire, the lightning was causal for the fire. Sometimes, we don't know what caused something, so we don't know what was causal. But if you can figure out "Who did it?" or "What did it?," then you've found what's causal.

Question 115

caustic

Answer 115

of a substance, especially a strong acid; capable of destroying or eating away by chemical action - **[adj]** harsh or corrosive in tone - **[adj]** any chemical substance that burns or destroys living tissue - **[n]** **caustic** jokes about political assassination, talk-show hosts and medical ethics Use the adjective *caustic* to describe any chemical that is able to burn living tissue or other substances, or, figuratively, a statement that has a similarly burning effect. *Caustic* in this sense means harshly critical. In the chemical sense, a near synonym is *corrosive*. In the figurative sense, near synonyms are *biting*, *scathing*, and *sarcastic*. The source of the word *caustic* is Latin *causticus,* from Greek *kaustikos,* from *kaiein* "to burn."

Question 116

celestial

Answer 116

relating to or inhabiting a divine heaven - **[adj]** of heaven or the spirit - **[adj]** of or relating to the sky - **[adj]** * *celestial** beings * *celestial** peace * *celestial** map What is the difference between a *celestial* being and a *celestial* body? The first is something living such as an alien or an angel, whereas the latter is an inanimate object such as a star or a planet. Both, however, are from the sky. The word *celestial* is primarily used to describe things that have to do with the heavens such as angels, spirits, stars and planets. It does not come from words meaning God or soul though, but from the Latin word for sky *caelestis*, which also gave rise to the word *ceiling*. So really, all you have to do is look up and you'll remember what *celestial* means — whether you're inside or outside.

Question 117

centrifugal

Answer 117

tending to move away from a center - **[adj]** tending away from centralization, as of authority - **[adj]** conveying information to the muscles from the CNS - **[adj]** **centrifugal** force the division of Europe into warring blocs produces ever-increasing **centrifugal** stress The physics principle whereby objects are forced to move out from the center is called *centrifugal* force. This apparent force is activated by something moving in a curved direction; the heavier the object the stronger the force. The word *centrifugal* is from the Latin *centrum*, "center," and *fugere*, "to flee," so the word means "center-fleeing." *Centrifugal* force was studied by physicists as far back as 1629, and the term itself was used by Sir Isaac Newton, in its Latin guise *vis centrifuga*, in 1687.

Question 118

centripetal

Answer 118

tending to move toward a center - **[adj]** tending to unify - **[adj]** of a nerve fiber or impulse originating outside and passing toward the central nervous system - **[adj]** **centripetal** force * Centripetal* is an adjective describing a force that brings things toward the center, not unlike the force of a black hole. * Centripetal* is often confused with the word *centrifugal.* They may begin the same way, but they mean the exact opposite. Centrifugal is the force that moves things outward. You might remember that *centripetal* means to move things in, because the petals on a flower all begin in the middle.

Question 119

champion

Answer 119

someone who has won first place in a competition - **[n]** someone who fights for a cause - **[n]** a **champion** show dog A *champion* is a winner, or someone who's really good at something. If you are a *champion* chess player, you are a superstar! When crowds sing Queen's "We Are the Champions" at football games, they are celebrating the fact that their team won. *Champion* comes from the Latin word *campionem* for "gladiator, fighter." Rarr! No need to grab your sword, but a *champion* is also a person who fights for a cause. If you are the *champion* of fundraising, you keep pushing to raise money. As a verb, to *champion* means to protect or fight for something. You champion your little brother by defending him against meanies — no matter what, you are always on his side.

Question 120

chasten

Answer 120

censure severely - **[v]** correct by punishment or discipline - **[v]** restrain - **[v]** To *chasten* someone is to correct him or her, often with the use of some pretty steep punishment. *Chasten* can also mean "to restrain." Either of these actions may be necessary when someone isn't behaving like they're supposed to. The verb *chasten* is often used with the verb "to be" as in "be *chastened*." If students are caught writing graffiti on the bathroom wall, you can expect them to "be *chastened*" by both the school and their parents. *Chasten* is related to the word *chastise*, meaning "to punish severely." Both words can be traced back to the Latin root *castus*, meaning "morally pure." So keep yourself on the straight and narrow when it comes to morality and you can avoid being chastened.

Question 121

chicanery

Answer 121

the use of tricks to deceive someone (usually to extract money from them) - **[n]** Have you ever gotten the sense that politicians or corporate leaders will say anything to turn public opinion their way? This tricky kind of deceit and manipulation is called *chicanery*. Besides *chicanery*, another funny-sounding word for trickery is *shenanigans*. Whereas the former is always used in the singular and involves deceptive language, the latter is usually used in the plural and refers to the actions of a person. Your crazy neighbor is up to his old shenanigans if he has begun doing weird stuff again, but if a politician's chicanery is exposed, he will lose public trust and not be returned to office in the next election cycle.

Question 122

churlish

Answer 122

having a bad disposition; surly - **[adj]** rude and boorish - **[adj]** **churlish** as a bear- Shakespeare A *churlish* person is one whose middle name might as well be *Rude*. He’s the one who was never taught to mind his manners and avoid telling vulgar jokes at the dinner table. *Churlish* has its origins in late Old English, but its modern-day meaning of deliberately rude developed in the 14th century. It’s a fitting adjective to describe boorish or surly behavior. It can also describe a material that is difficult to work with, such as hard wood that’s resistant to quick whittling. Our prolific pal Shakespeare coined the phrase, as valiant as the lion, *churlish* as the bear.

Question 123

circuitous

Answer 123

deviating from a straight course - **[adj]** marked by obliqueness or indirection in speech or conduct - **[adj]** a long and **circuitous** journey by train and boat the explanation was **circuitous** and puzzling * Circuitous* means indirect or roundabout. If you're in a hurry to get to the hospital where your wife is having a baby, you want to take the straightest, fastest way, not a *circuitous* one! * Circuitous* comes from the Latin word *circuitus* meaning basically "a going around." If you're being *circuitous* it's like you're going around and around in circles. It can also refer to someone's manner or speech, if they are not being direct. For example, if you want someone to get you another piece of cake but just you sit there looking longingly at your empty plate, saying "More cake sure would be nice," then you're being *circuitous*. And annoying.

Question 124

clairvoyant

Answer 124

someone who has the power of clairvoyance - **[n]** perceiving things beyond the natural range of the senses - **[adj]** foreseeing the future - **[adj]** If you can predict the future, you may want to keep your *clairvoyant* powers to yourself. Otherwise everyone will be knocking down your door asking for the next winning lotto numbers. A clairvoyant individual is believed to possess psychic abilities or a higher level of insight than other humans who can only use the regular old five senses. Through dreams, visions, Ouija boards and crystal balls, they can see what happens in the future. But before 1851, *clairvoyant* didn't have the same mystical meaning that it does today — it merely meant a clear-sighted person.

Question 125

clamor

Answer 125

utter or proclaim insistently and noisily - **[v]** make loud demands - **[v]** compel someone to do something by insistent clamoring - **[v]** loud and persistent outcry from many people - **[n]** a loud harsh or strident noise - **[n]** The delegates **clamored** their disappointment he **clamored** for justice and tolerance They **clamored** the mayor into building a new park To *clamor* is to make a demand — LOUDLY. It's usually a group that *clamors* — like Americans might *clamor* for comprehensive health care coverage. The noun *clamor* is often used specifically to describe a noisy outcry from a group of people, but more generally, the word means any loud, harsh sound. You could describe the clamor of sirens in the night or the clamor of the approaching subway in the tunnel.

Question 126

clique

Answer 126

an exclusive circle of people with a common purpose - **[n]** A *clique* is an exclusive group of people or friends. Before Rudolph pulled Santa's sled through the fog, the *clique* of flying reindeer never let him play their reindeer games. In high school, the exclusive nature of cliques causes a lot of hurt feelings. *Clique* carries this less than nice feeling with it wherever it goes, whether it be a set of elites who surround a government official, a group of popular kids who don't let others join their group or the closed circle of people at the office who always make sure they get the best jobs.

Question 127

cloister

Answer 127

residence that is a place of religious seclusion (such as a monastery) - **[n]** a courtyard with covered walks (as in religious institutions) - **[n]** She **cloistered** herself in the office **cloister** the garden A *cloister* is an enclosed garden, usually surrounded by covered walkways. Because such spaces are often featured in buildings that house religious orders, *cloister* can be used to mean "monastery" or "convent." In enclosed religious orders, monks and nuns withdraw from society to devote themselves to prayer and contemplation. In order to provide them with access to the outdoors while protecting them from contact with the secular world, the cloister became a common element of convents and monasteries. When used as a verb, *cloister* generally loses its religious connotation and means "to seclude" or "isolate." Don't get a lunch detention or you'll be cloistered in the classroom while all the other kids are running around outside.

Question 128

coagulate

Answer 128

change from a liquid to a thickened or solid state - **[v]** cause to change from a liquid to a solid or thickened state - **[v]** transformed from a liquid into a soft semisolid or solid mass - **[adj]** **coagulated** blood When liquid starts to thicken and become solid, it *coagulates*. When you get a cut, the blood flowing from the wound will *coagulate*: it will start to clot and form a solid scab so you will stop bleeding. Many liquids have the potential to coagulate. If the cream you just poured into your coffee is spoiled, you'll see the cream coagulate as it curdles into little floating chunks. If someone has a heart condition that may result in a heart attack, he or she might take medication that keep the blood in the arteries from coagulating, or dangerously thickening.

Question 129

coalesce

Answer 129

fuse or cause to grow together - **[v]** mix together different elements - **[v]** Waiting for a plan to come together? You're waiting for it to *coalesce*. *Coalesce* is when different elements of something join together and become one. In *coalesce*, you see *co-*, which should tell you the word means "together." The other half of the word, *alesce*, appears in expressions having to do with growth. So if you are trying to start up a photography club at school, once you have an advisor, some interested students and support from the administration, things will be coalescing or growing together. Another way to remember that? An adolescent is one who is growing. A lot!

Question 130

coda

Answer 130

the closing section of a musical composition - **[n]** A *coda* is a concluding segment of a piece of music, a dance, or a statement. It's usually short and adds a final embellishment beyond a natural ending point. Like this. *Coda* comes from the Italian word *couda*, and it's good to think of it as a tail tacked onto something that in and of itself is already a whole. If you tell a story about your crazy experience getting lost in the country and sleeping at a farmer's house, you might add, as a coda, that the farmer ended up visiting you too, a year later.

Question 131

codify

Answer 131

organize into a code or system, such as a body of law - **[v]** Hammurabi **codified** the laws To *codify* is to arrange information in a logical order that others can follow. Legislators may try to *codify*, or gather and organize, all laws related to a particular issue to make it easier to understand. When you look at the word *codify* you can probably guess that it's related to the word *code*. Warriors live by a code. Building inspectors check that a building and its systems are up to code. Hockey players use "the code" to determine when — and why — to fight on the ice. All of these codes are clear to the people who use them because someone in the past made an effort to codify the various rules into an organized system.

Question 132

collage

Answer 132

a paste-up made by sticking together pieces of paper or photographs to form an artistic image - **[n]** any collection of diverse things - **[n]** he used his computer to make a **collage** of pictures superimposed on a map a **collage** of memories Have you ever cut out a bunch of pictures from magazines and pasted them together to make a big picture? If you have, you have made a *collage*. *Collage* came to English through French from the Greek word for glue, *kolla*, about 100 years ago. A collage is not only made from magazine pictures. In the world of fine art, it refers to a work made with various small objects sometimes with paint sometimes without. The word can also be used to mean a collection of different things. If it's very loud in your house, you might come home to a collage of sounds from the dog, the TV, your mom on the phone and your brother on the guitar. Years after you graduate, high school might just seem like a collage of memories.

Question 133

commensurate

Answer 133

corresponding in size or degree or extent - **[adj]** pay should be **commensurate** with the time worked The word *commensurate* has to do with things that are similar in size and therefore appropriate. Many people think the death penalty is a *commensurate* punishment for murder. In other words, the penalty fits the crime. When things are commensurate, they're fair, appropriate, and the right size. If you got a ticket for jaywalking, you shouldn't get ten years in prison — that penalty is not commensurate with the crime. The word *commensurate* is usually followed by *with* or *to*; one thing is commensurate with or to another.

Question 134

compendium

Answer 134

a publication containing a variety of works - **[n]** a concise but comprehensive summary of a larger work - **[n]** When you search an online encyclopedia, you are searching a *compendium* of information on just about everything. A *compendium* is a comprehensive collection of something. You can also use the word *compendium* to describe a collection of written works. If you gather all of the anecdotes your parents and grandparents have told you into a book, you'll have created a compendium of family stories. The plural of compendium is either compendiums or compendia.

Question 135

complaisant

Answer 135

showing a cheerful willingness to do favors for others - **[adj]** to close one's eyes like a **complaisant** husband whose wife has taken a lover If only the world were populated entirely with *complaisant* people! *Complaisant* means willing to do something to please others, and *complaisant* people or animals are wonderful to be around. Don't confuse *complaisant* with its near-homonym *complacent*. Both derive from the Latin *complacere* "to please," but while *complaisant* means willing to do something to please another, *complacent* means smug and self-satisfied, something that you want to avoid when you're on the winning team.

Question 136

complement

Answer 136

something added to complete or embellish or make perfect - **[n]** a complete number or quantity - **[n]** number needed to make up a whole force - **[n]** either of two parts that mutually complete each other - **[n]** a word or phrase used to complete a grammatical construction - **[n]** a fine wine is a perfect **complement** to the dinner a full **complement** a full **complement** of workers A *complement* is something that makes up a satisfying whole with something else. Those shiny red shoes you just bought *complement* your shiny red purse. *Complement* comes from the Latin *complementum*, "something that fills up or completes." *Complement* keeps both the *e* and the meaning. It's also a verb; if you and your partner complement each other, you make a perfect pair. Something that *complements* completes or adds a little something.

Question 137

compliant

Answer 137

disposed or willing to comply - **[adj]** children **compliant** with the parental will If you are willing to submit to someone's request, then you are *compliant*. Parents like it when their teenagers are *compliant* and follow the rules. Teenagers, on the other hand, are probably not as *compliant* as parents would like to think! The adjective *compliant* can also describe something that is agreeable. "The lawyers made sure that the man's will was fully *compliant* with state law, so that his children could not contest his desire to leave his entire estate to his dog, Fluffy." Or: "That software is not *compliant* with your operating system; you'll have to buy a different version."

Question 138

compunction

Answer 138

a feeling of deep regret (usually for some misdeed) - **[n]** When you feel *compunction* you feel very, very sorry, usually for something you did to hurt someone or mess something up. When you feel no *compunction*, you're not at all sorry. The noun *compunction* comes from the Latin verb *compungere*, meaning prick sharply. When you feel *compunction*, you feel a sharp prick of your conscience. The word *compunction* is often used in the negative in phrases like without compunction or "no compunction." You might say that the burglar acted without compunction when he stole your baseball card collection.

Question 139

concave

Answer 139

curving inward - **[adj]** *Concave* describes an inward curve; its opposite, *convex*, describes a curve that bulges outward. They are used to describe gentle, subtle curves, like the kinds found in mirrors or lenses. A valley is a *concave* curve, a mountain is a *convex* curve—you can remember this by thinking that things that vex you tend to stick out, and that caves tend to be holes that go in, like valleys or innie belly buttons. If you want to describe a bowl, you might say there is a large blue spot on the center of the *concave* side.

Question 140

conciliatory

Answer 140

making or willing to make concessions - **[adj]** intended to placate - **[adj]** a **conciliatory** visit If you're in a fight with a friend and you want to end it, you should make a *conciliatory* gesture, such as inviting her to a party you're having. *Conciliatory* describe things that make other people less angry. The context is often a situation in which a dispute is settled by compromise. A synonym is *propitiatory*, though this adjective usually refers to avoiding the anger of someone who has the power to harm. In the word *conciliatory*, the *–ory* suffix means "relating to or doing," and the root is from Latin *conciliatus,* from *conciliare* "to bring together, win over," from *concilium* "council."

Question 141

concoct

Answer 141

make a concoction (of) by mixing - **[v]** prepare or cook by mixing ingredients - **[v]** invent - **[v]** devise or invent - **[v]** **concoct** a strange mixture When you *concoct* something, you mix up different ingredients. If you want to become a mad scientist or a wizard, you'll have to learn how to *concoct* strange potions. If the word *concoction* makes you think of steaming caldrons or liquids bubbling in test tubes, you’ll be amused to know that it comes from a Latin word for digestion. Yum! On summer days, children sometimes concoct imaginative stews from grass, leaves and dirt. They may also concoct lies to explain why they tried feeding such concoctions to their little sister.

Question 142

concomitant

Answer 142

following or accompanying as a consequence - **[adj]** an event or situation that happens at the same time as or in connection with another - **[n]** * Concomitant* means accompanying. If you run into someone that you have a crush on you might feel nervousness with a *concomitant* forgetfulness. * Concomitant* is one of those Latin-based words you can break down into little pieces: *con* means with, and *comit* means companion. So something that is concomitant is like the companion of the main event. If you start training really hard at the gym, the main effect is that you become stronger, but there are concomitant effects, like better circulation, or a rosy glow, or getting happy from all those endorphins you’re releasing.

Question 143

condone

Answer 143

excuse, overlook, or make allowances for; be lenient with - **[v]** She **condoned** her husband's occasional infidelities If you *condone* something, you allow it, approve of it, or at least can live with it. Some teachers *condone* chewing gum, and some don't. Things that are condoned are allowed, even if everyone isn't exactly thrilled about it. People often say, "I don't *condone* what he did, but I understand it." Condoning is like excusing something. People seem to talk more about things they don't condone than things they do condone. Your mom might say, "I don't *condone* you staying up till 10, but I know you need to read." That's a way of giving approval and not giving approval at the same time.

Question 144

confound

Answer 144

be confusing or perplexing to; cause to be unable to think clearly - **[v]** mistake one thing for another - **[v]** If you have an identical twin, you've probably tried dressing alike so that people *confound* you with, or mistake you for, one another. You've also probably learned that, unfortunately, this trick doesn’t work on your mom. The verb *confound* means both "to mistake" and "to confuse." If you decide to treat yourself to a delicious dessert, you might find yourself confounded by the overwhelming number of choices. If you end up ordering the chocolate cake but the waiter brings you chocolate mousse, the waiter has somehow confounded those two options. Another meaning you may come across in literature is "to damn," as in "*Confound* it! You are the most exasperating person on the planet."

Question 145

congenial

Answer 145

suitable to your needs - **[adj]** (used of plants) capable of cross-fertilization or of being grafted - **[adj]** a **congenial** atmosphere to work in "two **congenial** spirits united...by mutual confidence and reciprocal virtues"- T.L.Peacock A *congenial* person is easy to get along with. If you're trying to decide which of your friends to take on a road trip, choose the most *congenial* one. *Congenial* means sharing the same temperament, or agreeing with your temperament. You can talk about a congenial person, place, or environment. Maybe you enjoy the congenial atmosphere of the library. Or perhaps for you the disco is more congenial. As you might expect for such a vaguely approving word, there are many synonyms: *agreeable, pleasant, delectable, delightful, enjoyable,* and so on.

Question 146

conjugal

Answer 146

of or relating to marriage or to the relationship between a wife and husband - **[adj]** **conjugal** visits The adjective *conjugal* describes all husband-and-wife matters, so if someone who is married says, "Single people don't understand how I feel," you can be sure it's a *conjugal* situation. The word *conjugal* comes from the Latin word, *conjux*, meaning "husband, wife." You’ve no doubt heard of the term *conjugal* visits, to describe private visits between a prisoner and a spouse. But it can describe anything that happens between married people, such as conjugal obligations, which are the things you do to keep a marriage going, or just general conjugal, or married, life.

Question 147

connoisseur

Answer 147

an expert able to appreciate a field; especially in the fine arts - **[n]** A *connoisseur* is a person who, through study and interest, has a fine appreciation for something, like the *connoisseur* who can identify the clarinet player on a jazz recording by the sound of his inhalations alone. A connoisseur is an authority in his field, someone who has expert knowledge and training, especially in the arts. A *connoisseur* may also be someone with an extremely developed sense of taste, like the connoisseur who can identify rare wine by a flavor others can't even detect. Then again, some people call themselves connoisseurs of just about anything they like — pizza, old vinyl albums, even cartoons — because they know so much about it.

Question 148

conscript

Answer 148

enroll into service compulsorily - **[v]** someone who is drafted into military service - **[n]** The men were **conscripted** If you’re ever drafted into the Turkish army, then you could be called a *conscript*, someone who is forced to join the military. At the root of *conscript* is the Latin word *conscriptus*, meaning enroll. *Conscript* does involve enrollment — but it’s a forced enrollment, used to describe someone who has been forced to join the military, such as someone who has been drafted. As a verb, *conscript* means "force to join," like a military that conscripts new soldiers. In contrast, those who choose to join are recruited; when they enter the service, they enlist.

Question 149

consecrate

Answer 149

give entirely to a specific person, activity, or cause - **[v]** dedicate to a deity by a vow - **[v]** render holy by means of religious rites - **[v]** appoint to a clerical posts - **[v]** solemnly dedicated to or set apart for a high purpose - **[adj]** **consecrate** your life to the church *Consecrate* means to make holy or to dedicate to a higher purpose. You need to *consecrate* a building to turn it into a church, but you can also *consecrate* a week in New York City to the pursuit of the perfect bagel. The *secr* part of *consecrate* comes from the Latin *sacer* "sacred." Remember that something consecrated is dedicated to God and thus sacred. And then remember that the meanings of words tend to stretch; over time this one moved from "dedicated to God" to "dedicated to whatever": jelly donuts, the perfect tan, finding a solution to Rubik's Cube.

Question 150

contend

Answer 150

compete for something; engage in a contest; measure oneself against others - **[v]** maintain or assert - **[v]** come to terms with - **[v]** Militant groups are **contending** for control of the country He **contended** that Communism had no future To defend a belief or keep affirming that it's true is to *contend*. A lot of supporters would contend that the earth was flat, but eventually, when no one dropped off the edge no matter how far they traveled, the "round" theory won. One of the meanings of *contend* is from the French "to strive with," and it is a literal fighting, as in "to contend with fists." Most contemporary uses of the verb *contend* illustrate competitions of proof or defense, where a person will contend that something is true, or better, or wrong. It is still a striving but more of a verbal kind, where what you contend is what you hope to convince others is correct.

Question 151

contentious

Answer 151

inclined or showing an inclination to dispute or disagree, even to engage in law suits - **[adj]** involving or likely to cause controversy - **[adj]** a style described as abrasive and **contentious**"a central and **contentious** element of the book"- Tim W.Ferfuson A *contentious* issue is one that people are likely to argue about, and a *contentious* person is someone who likes to argue or fight. Some issues — like abortion, the death penalty, and gun control — are very controversial. They're also contentious, because people tend to argue about them, and the arguments will probably go on forever. Contentious issues get people angry and in a fighting mood. On the other hand, some people always seem to be in a fighting mood, no matter what the issue is. People like that are contentious too.

Question 152

contiguous

Answer 152

having a common boundary or edge; abutting; touching - **[adj]** connecting without a break; within a common boundary - **[adj]** very close or connected in space or time - **[adj]** Utah and the **contiguous** state of Idaho the **contiguous** 48 states **contiguous** events Use the adjective *contiguous* when you want to describe one thing touching another thing, or next to it but not actually touching. Things that are contiguous are near or next to but not actually touching and yet they are also defined as "touching, sharing a border." You can use this adjective to describe people or things related to and nearby others. It comes from the Latin word *contiguus*, which means pretty much the same thing, "bordering upon." Because the word has two meanings that are very similar but not always the same it can be a bit confusing. This is an example of what's called "semantic ambiguity," when something can mean more than one thing or a word or phrase is not precise.

Question 153

continence

Answer 153

voluntary control over urinary and fecal discharge - **[n]** the exercise of self constraint in sexual matters - **[n]** *Continence* refers to self control. It’s the ability to hold it all in. The word *continence* come from the Latin *continentia* which means "a holding back. It hasn’t changed much — continence means holding back bodily functions. It’s often used in the negative, incontinence, which describes a situation you get into with babies or sick people, where they can’t control their bowels. In another sense, continence is a little like abstinence, but while abstinence is refraining from sex, usually for a religious reason, continence refers to the ability to do so.

Question 154

contrite

Answer 154

feeling or expressing pain or sorrow for sins or offenses - **[adj]** We are sorry to inform you that the adjective *contrite* means to feel regret, remorse, or even guilt. Someone who feels remorse or guilt is *contrite* and in addition to feeling sorry, part of the definition includes wanting to atone for a having done something wrong. The word comes from the Latin roots *com*- meaning "together" and *terere* which means "to rub." It's also related to the Latin word *conterere* and is defined as "to bruise." In the field of theology being *contrite* is "being remorseful for past sin and resolved to avoid future sin."

Question 155

contumacious

Answer 155

wilfully obstinate; stubbornly disobedient - **[adj]** That ornery horse that keeps heading back to the barn, no matter how much you coax and kick and try and convince him to stay on the trail? He's showing you his *contumacious* side, meaning he's stubbornly resisting authority. You might hear the word *contumacious* used in a courtroom to describe an uncooperative witness or someone who willfully disobeys an order given by the court. If you have a glove compartment full of unpaid parking tickets, when you finally land in court your disobedient behavior may cause the judge to tell you that you're a contumacious lout. You'll not only have to pay the tickets, you'll also be slapped with a big fine, and you'll never be contumacious again.

Question 156

conundrum

Answer 156

a difficult problem - **[n]** The tricky word *conundrum* is used to describe a riddle or puzzle, sometimes including a play on words or pun. One of the most famous *conundrums* is the riddle of the Sphinx, famously in the play *Oedipus the King* by Sophocles. Oedipus encounters the Sphinx, a mythical beast, who asks him, "What walks on four legs in the morning, two in the afternoon, and three in the evening?" The answer is "A person": crawling as a child, walking as an adult, and using a cane in old age. The scary thing is that if the Sphinx asked you the riddle and you didn't know, she'd eat you!

Question 157

convention

Answer 157

the act of convening - **[n]** something regarded as a normative example - **[n]** (diplomacy) an international agreement - **[n]** political **convention** the **convention** of not naming the main character A *convention* is a meeting, usually of a particular group. Political parties, teachers, plumbers, gardeners, toymakers and computer designers all hold *conventions*. In fact, lots of cities have built Convention Centers in hopes of attracting convention-goers. The best-known conventions happen every four years when the Democrats and Republicans meet to nominate presidential candidates. A convention can also be used to describe the normal or accepted way of doing things. It's the convention, for example, for your employer to give you a three-day weekend around the Fourth of July, even if it falls on a weekend.

Question 158

converge

Answer 158

be adjacent or come together - **[v]** approach a limit as the number of terms increases without limit - **[v]** move or draw together at a certain location - **[v]** come together so as to form a single product - **[v]** The lines **converge** at this point The crowd **converged** on the movie star Social forces **converged** to bring the Fascists back to power Use the verb *converge* to describe something that comes together at a common point: Thousands of Elvis fans plan to *converge* on the small Arkansas town where unconfirmed sightings of the deceased superstar eating at a local barbeque restaurant had been widely reported. Two roads, a roomful of politicians, or a group of rabid fans — when things come together from different points they *converge*. *Converge* traces back to the Latin word *vergere*, meaning to bend or to turn." The prefix *con-* means "with," a good way to remember that things that converge come together. Don't confuse it with *diverge*, which means the opposite: "move away," because the prefix dis- means apart.

Question 159

convex

Answer 159

curving or bulging outward - **[adj]** If something is bulging outwards in a curve, it's *convex* in shape. The surface of a soccer balls, old television screens, and eyeballs are all *convex* in shape. One of the most famous uses of a convex shape are the curving mirrors in a fun house. Not to be confused with its popular partner, the concave mirror, which curves inwards. How can you tell which is which? If you look like you're three feet tall and weigh 300 pounds, you're looking in a convex mirror. If you look like you're twelve feet tall weigh 30 pounds, you're looking in a concave mirror. Enjoy!

Question 160

convivial

Answer 160

occupied with or fond of the pleasures of good company - **[adj]** a **convivial** atmosphere at the reunion a woman of **convivial** nature Use the adjective *convivial* to describe your friend everyone seems to know and like. If someone is "the life of the party," she can also be called *convivial*. The Latin word *convivium* means "a feast," and when *convivial* was first coined in the 1660s, its meaning related to the excess of food and drink during such celebrations. You can also see *convivial* in *convivere*, meaning "to carouse together." Just when it seemed all *convivial* could ever do was describe people who overindulge, a new shade of meaning emerged: loving to be around people. After all, a big part of feasting is being with people you care about.

Question 161

convoluted

Answer 161

rolled longitudinally upon itself - **[adj]** highly complex or intricate and occasionally devious - **[adj]** * *convoluted** legal language * *convoluted** reasoning If something is *convoluted*, it's intricate and hard to understand. You'll need to read over your brother's *convoluted* investment scheme a few times before deciding whether or not to go in on it. *Convoluted* comes from the Latin *convolutus* for rolled up together. Its original meaning in English was exactly that, first for eaves coiled up on themselves, then for anything rolled or knotted together. Over time *convoluted* took on its metaphorical sense of complicated and intricate, which is how it's generally used today. People complain about convoluted legal language and the convoluted tax code.

Question 162

copious

Answer 162

large in number or quantity (especially of discourse) - **[adj]** affording an abundant supply - **[adj]** she took **copious** notes **copious** provisions If you have a *copious* amount of something, you have a lot of it. If you take *copious* notes, you'll do well when it comes time for review sessions — unless you can't read your own handwriting. *Copious* comes from the Latin *copia*, meaning "abundance." You can use *copious* for something quantitative, like your copious admirers, or for something qualitative, like the copious gratitude you feel for your admirers. You will often see the word *amounts* following *copious* since the adjective is often used to modify a measurement of something — like copious amounts of wine or copious amounts of hair gel.

Question 163

coquette

Answer 163

talk or behave amorously, without serious intentions - **[v]** a seductive woman who uses her sex appeal to exploit men - **[n]** A *coquette* is a flirt, a girl or woman who knows how to flatter and manipulate men with her charms in order to get what she wants. *Coquette* sounds French, and it is, borrowed into English from French in the mid-17th century. It's the feminine diminutive form of *coq*, which means "cock, a male bird" — so *coquette* refers to a little female bird, and, in fact, it's also the name of a kind of colorful hummingbird found in Latin America. If you imagine a *coquette* as a flamboyant little bird flitting about and teasing the male birds, you'll have a good picture of a *coquette*.

Question 164

cornucopia

Answer 164

a goat's horn filled with grain and flowers and fruit symbolizing prosperity - **[n]** the property of being extremely abundant - **[n]** A grocery store with a large selection of fruits and vegetables could be said to have a *cornucopia* of produce. A *cornucopia* is a lot of good stuff. Around Thanksgiving in the United States, you'll often see cornucopias or horn-shaped baskets filled with fruit and other goodies as centerpieces. Originally, a cornucopia was a goat's horn filled with corn and fruit to symbolize plenty. Nowadays, a cornucopia is probably made of some kind of plaster or wicker, but it still symbolizes the same thing — a good harvest season.

Question 165

covert

Answer 165

secret or hidden; not openly practiced or engaged in or shown or avowed - **[adj]** (of a wife) being under the protection of her husband - **[adj]** a flock of coots - **[n]** **covert** actions by the CIA **covert** funding for the rebels the brush provided a **covert** for game Think soldiers in masks secretly infiltrating an enemy stronghold, a *covert* operation is one that no one but the president and a few generals know is happening. *Covert* is the opposite of *overt*, which means obvious, something in full view. "The teachers weren't impressed by the students' *overt* attempt to derail the discussion. 'You aren't even pretending to try to like Shakespeare,' she complained."

Question 166

covetous

Answer 166

immoderately desirous of acquiring e.g. wealth - **[adj]** showing extreme cupidity; painfully desirous of another's advantages - **[adj]** casting **covetous** eyes on his neighbor's fields he was never **covetous** before he met her jealous of his success and **covetous** of his possessions To be *covetous* of something is to want it and to be a little jealous of anyone who has it. The advertising industry’s goal is to make you *covetous* of the things that other people have — that way, you'll buy them. If you feel the desire to own an object, specifically something that your friend owns, you are covetous of it. You might be covetous of her new high-speed digital camera. There is a commandment in Christianity about not feeling covetous toward your neighbor’s spouse: this could apply to a situation when you might find yourself attracted to your friend’s girlfriend, boyfriend, husband, or wife. Best to smother those feelings, if you want to keep that friendship.

Question 167

cozen

Answer 167

be false to; be dishonest with - **[v]** cheat or trick - **[v]** act with artful deceit - **[v]** He **cozened** the money out of the old man To *cozen* is to mislead, defraud, or fool someone through lies. *Cozen* rhymes with dozen, and if you say you had two wrong answers on your math test, but you really had a dozen, you might be trying to *cozen* your parents. While not related in roots, the first part of *cozen* sounds like the slang word "cuz." If someone asks why you lied, you might say "Cuz I didn't want you to know the truth." And to *cozen* is to keep the truth hidden and deceive or cheat. Using a trick to get something is one way to cozen, and if you tell a partial truth, there's still a part lie or an attempt to cozen and mislead.

Question 168

craven

Answer 168

lacking even the rudiments of courage; abjectly fearful - **[adj]** an abject coward - **[n]** the **craven** fellow turned and ran a **craven** proposal to raise the white flag A *craven* man is no Superman or Spiderman, nor is he a firefighter or a soldier. A *craven* man is the opposite of those guys: he has not an ounce of courage. In "The Wizard of Oz," the Cowardly Lion could have been called the Cravenly Lion, but that didn't sound quite right. Use *craven* as you would *cowardly*. A craven leader is scared to lead, while a craven gymnast stays on the mat and avoids the balance beam. You can also use the word to describe other things, besides humans. Craven policies, for example, are probably weak and do not take bold measures.

Question 169

credence

Answer 169

the mental attitude that something is believable and should be accepted as true - **[n]** a kind of sideboard or buffet - **[n]** he gave **credence** to the gossip *Credence* means truthfulness, or believability. A video of a funnel cloud entering Central Park would give *credence* to rumors of a tornado in Manhattan. Generally, credence is given to an idea or topic by something else. You'll see it often coming after words like lend, give, and impart. When something is given credence, it is made more believable. But it can also be used like this: Mary talked a lot about the poltergeist in her house. To most, her story had little credence, but I like a good ghost story, and so, decided to believe.

Question 170

credo

Answer 170

any system of principles or beliefs - **[n]** *Credo* is Latin for, literally, "I believe," and originally meant a particular religious belief. Now it has the far broader meaning of any system of principles that guide a person or group. There's often a faintly jokey air to the word as used today, perhaps in recognition that it once popularly held such a high-minded meaning. A hedonist's credo might be simply "party on," or "enjoy the ride;" an actor's "the show must go on." Politicians have credos, and so too, presumably, do rappers and weather forecasters.