Advanced Flashcards
(350 cards)
1
Q
alacrity
A
an eager willingness to do something
The first three weeks at his new job, Mark worked with suchalacritythat upper management knew it would be giving him a promotion.
2
Q
anathema
A
a detested person; the source of someone’s hate
Hundreds of years ago, Galileo wasanathemato the church; today the church isanathemato some on the left side of the political spectrum.
3
Q
apogee
A
the highest point
Theapogeeof the Viennese style of music, Mozart’s music continues to mesmerize audiences well into the 21st century.
4
Q
apostate
A
a person who has abandoned a religious faith or cause
Anapostateof the Republican Party, Sheldon has yet to become affiliated with any party and dubs himself an independent.
5
Q
arrant
A
complete and wholly (usually modifying a noun with negative connotation)
Anarrantfool, Lawrence surprised nobody when he lost all his money in a pyramid scheme that was every bit as transparent as it was corrupt.
6
Q
artless
A
without cunning or deceit
Despite the president’s seeminglyartlessspeeches, he was a skilled and ruthless negotiator.
7
Q
attenuate
A
to weaken (in terms of intensity); to taper off/become thinner
Her animosity towards Bobattenuatedover the years, and she even went so far as to invite him to her party.
8
Q
base
A
the lowest, without any moral principles
She was not sobaseas to begrudge the beggar the unwanted crumbs from her dinner plate.
9
Q
beg
A
verb:assume something is true (usu. followed by “the question”, meaning that you ask a question in which you assume something that hasn’t been proven true)
By assuming that Charlie was headed to college—which he was not—Maggiebeggedthe question when she asked him to which school he was headed in the Fall.
10
Q
byzantine
A
(of a system or situation) intricate and complex
Getting a driver’s license is not simply a matter of taking a test; the regulations and procedures are sobyzantinethat many have found themselves at the mercy of the Department of Motor Vehicles.
11
Q
catholic
A
of a broad scope; universal
Jonah’s friends said that Jonah’s taste in music was eclectic; Jonah was quick to point out that not only was his taste eclectic but it was alsocatholic: he enjoyed music from countries as far-flung as Mali and Mongolia.
12
Q
chary
A
cautious, suspiciously reluctant to do something
Having received three speeding tickets in the last two months, Jack wascharyof driving at all above the speed limit, even on a straight stretch of highway that looked empty for miles ahead.
13
Q
choleric
A
prone to outbursts of temper; easily angered
While a brilliant lecturer, Mr. Dawson came across ascholericand unapproachable—very rarely did students come to his office hours.
14
Q
churlish
A
lacking manners or refinement; rude in a mean-spirited and surly way.
“it seems churlish to complain”
15
Q
conciliate
A
to make peace with
His opponents believed his gesture to beconciliatory, yet as soon as they put down their weapons, he unsheathed a hidden sword.
16
Q
contentious
A
likely to argue
Since old grandpa Harry became verycontentiousduring the summer when only reruns were on T.V., the grandkids learned to hide from him at every opportunity.
17
Q
cow
A
to intimidate
Do not becowedby a 3,000-word vocabulary list: turn that list into a deck of flashcards!
18
Q
defray
A
to help pay the cost of, either in part or in full
In order for Sean to attend the prestigious college, his generous uncle helpeddefraythe excessive tuition with a monthly donation.
19
Q
diatribe
A
a strong verbal attack against a person or institution
Steve’s mom launched into adiatribeduring the PTA meeting, contending that the school was little more than a daycare in which students stare at the wall and teachers stare at the chalkboard.
20
Q
equivocate
A
to speak vaguely, usually with the intention to mislead or deceive
After Sharon brought the car home an hour after her curfew, sheequivocatedwhen her parents pointedly asked her where she had been.
21
Q
exegesis
A
critical explanation or interpretation of a text, especially of scripture.
The Bible is fertile ground forexegesis—over the past five centuries there have been as many interpretations as there are pages in the Old Testament.
22
Q
expansive
A
adjective:communicative, and prone to talking in a sociable manner
After a few sips of cognac, the octogenarian shed his irascible demeanor and becameexpansive, speaking fondly of the “good old days”.
23
Q
expunge
A
to eliminate completely
When I turned 18, all of the shoplifting and jaywalking charges wereexpungedfrom my criminal record.
24
Q
factious
A
adjective:produced by, or characterized by internal dissension
The controversial bill provedfactious, as dissension even within parties resulted
25
feckless
lazy and irresponsible
Two years after graduation, Charlie still lived with his parents and had no job, becoming more feckless with each passing day.
26
fractious
irritable and is likely to cause disruption
We rarely invite my fractious Uncle over for dinner; he always complains about the food, and usually launches into a tirade on some touchy subject.
27
hector
to bully or intimidate
The boss’s hectoring manner put off many employees, some of whom quit as soon as they found new jobs.
28
imbibe
to drink or absorb as if drinking
Plato imbibed Socrates’ teachings to such an extent that he was able to write volumes of work that he directly attributed, sometimes word for word, to Socrates.
29
indigent
(adj) poor, having very little OR (n) a poor or needy person
In the so-called Third World, many are indigent and only a privileged few have the resources to enjoy material luxuries.
The indigents, huddled under the overpass, tried to start a small bonfire in the hope of staying warm.
30
insufferable
intolerable, difficult to endure
Chester always tried to find some area in which he excelled above others; unsurprisingly, his co-workers found him insufferable and chose to exclude him from daily luncheons out.
31
jingoist
noun: a person who thinks their country is always right and who is in favor of aggressive acts against other countries
In the days leading up to war, a nation typically breaks up into the two opposing camps: doves, who do their best to avoid war, and jingoists, who are only too eager to wave national flags from their vehicles and vehemently denounce those who do not do the same.
32
kowtow
to bow or act in a subservient manner
Paul kowtowed to his boss so often the boss herself became nauseated by his sycophancy.
33
lascivious
lecherous; sexually perverted
Lolita is a challenging novel for many, not necessarily because of the elevated prose style but because of the depravity of the main character, Humbert Humbert, who, as an old, lascivious man, lusts after a girl.
34
malfeasance
misconduct or wrongdoing (especially by a public official)
35
nadir
the lowest point
For many pop music fans, the rap– and alternative-rock–dominated 90s were the nadir of musical expression.
36
overweening
arrogant, presumptuous
Mark was so convinced of his basketball skills that in his overweening pride he could not fathom that his name was not on the varsity list; he walked up to the basketball coach and told her she had forgotten to add his name.
37
pariah
an outcast
The once eminent scientist, upon being found guilty of faking his data, has become a pariah in the research community.
38
penurious
(adj) lacking money; poor OR (adj) miserly
Truly penurious, Mary had nothing more than a jar full of pennies.
Warren Buffett, famous multi-billionaire, still drives a cheap sedan, not because he is penurious, but because luxury cars are gaudy and impractical.
39
perfunctory
(of an action or gesture) done routinely and with little interest or care
The short film examines modern perfunctory cleaning rituals such as washing dishes, doing laundry and tooth-brushing.
40
ponderous
weighed-down; moving slowly
"her footsteps were heavy and ponderous"
41
precipitate
(adj) hasty or rash OR (v) to cause to happen
"I must apologize for my staff—their actions were precipitate"
"the incident precipitated a political crisis"
42
prosaic
dull and lacking imagination
Unlike the talented artists in his workshop, Paul had no such bent for the visual medium, so when it was time for him to make a stained glass painting, he ended up with a prosaic mosaic.
43
saturnine
morose or gloomy
Deprived of sunlight, humans become saturnine; that’s why in very northerly territories people are encouraged to sit under an extremely powerful lamp, lest they become morose.
44
sedulous
done diligently and carefully
An avid numismatist, Harold sedulously amassed a collection of coins from over 100 countries—an endeavor that took over fifteen years across five continents.
45
supercilious
haughty and disdainful; looking down on others
Nelly felt the Quiz Bowl director acted superciliously towards the underclassmen; really, she fumed, must he act so preternaturally omniscient each time he intones some obscure fact—as though everybody knows that Mt. Aconcagua is the highest peak in South America.
46
truculent
eager or quick to argue or fight; aggressively defiant. (n form: truculence)
Standing in line for six hours, she became progressively truculent, yelling at DMV employees and elbowing other people waiting in line.
47
turpitude
depravity; a depraved act
During his reign, Caligula indulged in unspeakable sexual practices, so it is not surprising that he will forever be remembered for his turpitude.
48
untoward
unfavorable, inconvenient
Some professors find teaching untoward as having to prepare for lectures and conduct office hours prevents them from focusing on their research.
49
vicissitude
change in one's circumstances, usually for the worse
Even great rulers have their vicissitudes—massive kingdoms have diminished overnight, and once beloved kings have faced the scorn of angry masses.
50
zeitgeist
spirit of the times
Each decade has its own zeitgeist—the 1990’s was a prosperous time in which the promise of the American Dream never seemed more palpable.
51
abjure
"verb formally reject or give up (as a belief).
While the church believed that Galileo abjured the heliocentric theory under threat of torture, he later wrote a book clearly supporting the theory."
52
abrogate
"verb repeal or do away with (a law, right, or formal agreement).
As part of the agreement between the labor union and the company, the workers abrogated their right to strike for four years in exchange for better health insurance."
OR
evade (a responsibility or duty).
"we believe the board is abrogating its responsibilities to its shareholders"
53
adjudicate
"verb to serve as a judge in a competition; to arrive at a judgment or conclusion.
Only those with the most refined palates were able to adjudicate during the barbecue competition."
54
afford
"verb provide with an opportunity.
The summit of Mt. Kilimanjaro affords a panoramic view that encompasses both Tanzania and Kenya."
55
anachronism
"noun something that is inappropriate for the given time period (usually something old).
Dressed in 15th century clothing each day, Edward was a walking anachronism."
56
anemic
"adjective lacking energy and vigor.
After three straight shows, the lead actress gave an anemic performance the fourth night, barely speaking loudly enough for those in the back rows to hear."
57
anodyne
not likely to provoke dissent or offense; inoffensive, often deliberately so
Muzak, which is played in department stores, is intended to be an anodyne, but is often so cheesy and over-the-top that customers become irritated.
Wilbur enjoyed a spicy Mexican breakfast, but Jill preferred a far more anodyne meal in the mornings.
58
antic
"adjective ludicrously odd.
The clown's antic act was too extreme for the youngest children, who left the room in tears."
59
aplomb
"noun great coolness and composure under strain.
Nancy acted with aplomb during dangerous situations--she once calmly climbed up an oak tree to save a. cat."
60
apothegm
noun a short, pithy instructive saying; a maxim; an aphorism
Winston Churchill is famous for many apothegms, but this might be his most famous: "It has been said that democracy is the worst form of government except all the others that have been tried."
61
apotheosis
"noun exaltation to divine status; the highest point of development.
As difficult as it is to imagine, the apotheosis of Mark Zuckerberg's career, many believe, is yet to come."
62
approbatory
"adjective expressing praise or approval.
Although it might not be her best work, Hunter's new novel has received generally approbatory reviews."
63
appropriate
"verb to take something by force OR to allocate.
The government appropriated land that was occupied by squatters, sending them scurrying for another place to live.
The committee appropriated the funds to its various members.
64
appurtenant
"adjective belonging; pertinent.
In hiking Mt. Everest, sherpas are appurtenant, helping climbers both carry gear and navigate treacherous paths."
65
arch
"adjective to be deliberately teasing.
The baroness was arch, making playful asides to the townspeople; yet because they couldn't pick up on her dry humor, they thought her supercilious."
66
arriviste
"noun a person who has recently reached a position of power; a social climber.
The city center was aflutter with arrivistes who each tried to outdo one another with their ostentatious sports cars and chic evening dress."
67
arrogate
"verb seize and control without authority.
Arriving at the small town, the outlaw arrogated the privileges of a lord, asking the frightened citizens to provide food, drink, and entertainment."
68
artifice
"noun cunning tricks used to deceive others.
The mayoral candidates both spent much of the campaign accusing each other of artifices designed to mislead the voting public."
69
artlessness
"noun the quality of innocence. without guile or deceit
I, personally, found the artlessness of her speech charming."
70
asperity
"noun harshness of manner.
The editor was known for his asperity, often sending severe letters of rejection to amateur writers."
71
assiduously
"adverb with care and persistence.
The top college football program recruits new talent assiduously, only choosing those who were the top in their county."
72
atavism
"noun a reappearance of an earlier characteristic; throwback.
Much of the modern art movement was an atavism to a style of art found only in small villages through Africa and South America."
73
autocratic
adjective. characteristic of an absolute ruler or absolute rule; having absolute sovereignty
OR offensively self-assured or given to exercising usually unwarranted power.
The last true autocratic country is certainly North Korea; nowhere does a leader exercise the absolute control over all aspects of a people the way that Kim Jong-un does.
The manager was finally fired for his autocratic leadership, which often bordered on rude and offensive."
74
baleful
"adjective threatening or foreshadowing evil or tragic developments.
Movies often use storms or rain clouds as a baleful omen of evil events that will soon befall the main character."
75
bastardization
"noun an act that debases or corrupts.
The movie World War Z is a complete bastardization of the book with little more in common than zombies and a title."
76
bemoan
"verb express discontent or a stong regret.
While the CFO carefully explained all the reasons for the cuts in benefits, after the meeting employees bemoaned the cuts as further evidence that management was against them."
77
benighted
adjective in a state of pitiful or contemptible intellectual or moral ignorance, typically owing to a lack of opportunity.
"they saw themselves as bringers of culture to poor benighted peoples"
78
bereft
"adjective unhappy in love; suffering from unrequited love.
After 64 years of marriage, William was bereft after the death of his wife."
OR
"adjective sorrowful through loss or deprivation.
You are not bereft if you haven't played on your Xbox in the past week, his mother said."
79
besotted
"adjective strongly affectionate towards.
Even though her father did not approve, Juliet became besotted with the young Romeo."
OR
"adjective very drunk.
Never before have I seen my mom so besotted, and honestly, I hope it's the last time she drinks so much."
80
bilious
"adjective irritable; always angry.
Rex was bilious all morning, and his face would only take on a look of contentedness when he'd had his morning cup of coffee."
81
blinkered
"adjective (as a horse wearing blinders) to have a limited outlook or understanding.
In gambling, the addict is easily blinkered by past successes and/or past failures, forgetting that the outcome of any one game is independent of the games that preceded it."
82
bowdlerize
"verb edit by omitting or modifying parts considered indelicate, especially with the result that the text becomes weaker or less effective; expurgate; censor
To receive an R rating, the entire movie was bowdlerized because it contained so much violence and grotesque subject matter."
83
bridle
bring (something) under control; curb.
"the fact that he was their servant bridled his tongue"
OR
show one's resentment or anger, especially by throwing up the head and drawing in the chin.
"ranchers have bridled at excessive federal control"
84
bristle
"verb react in an offended or angry manner.
As we discussed the painting, I noticed the artist's wife bristling at our criticisms, ready to defend her husband's work."
85
broadside
"noun a strong verbal attack.
Political broadsides are usually strongest in the weeks leading up to a national election."
86
bromide
noun a trite or obvious remark.
Instead of sharing his umbrella, the cheeky stranger offered Martha the following bromide: "Looks like it's raining."
87
brook
"verb put up with something or somebody unpleasant.
While she was at the chalkboard, the teacher did not brook any form of talking--even a tiny peep resulted in afternoon detention."
88
browbeat
verb be bossy towards; discourage or frighten with threats or a domineering manner
During the interrogation, the suspect was browbeaten into signing a false confession.
89
callow
"adjective young and inexperienced.
Both Los Angeles and New York are known for callow out-of-towners hoping to make it big."
90
canard
an unfounded rumor or story.
"The public will always be fooled by the media's canards."
"the old canard that LA is a cultural wasteland"
91
capitulate
"cease to resist an opponent or an unwelcome demand; surrender.
Paul, losing 19-0 in a ping-pong match against his nimble friend, basically capitulated when he played the last two points with his eyes closed."
92
cataclysm
"noun an event resulting in great loss and misfortune.
The introduction of smallpox was a cataclysm for Native Americans, killing off more than half of their population."
93
cede
"verb relinquish possession or control over.
Eventually, all parents must cede control of their growing children's educations and allow their offspring some autonomy."
94
celerity
"noun speed, rapidity.
We aim to respond to customers' questions with celerity and accuracy, with no longer than a 24 hour wait time."
95
chagrin
"noun strong feelings of embarrassment.
Much to the the timid writer's chagrin, the audience chanted his name until he came back on the stage."
OR
"verb cause to feel shame; hurt the pride of.
She never cared what others said about her appearance but was chagrined by the smallest comment from her mother."
96
charlatan
"noun a flamboyant deceiver; one who attracts customers with tricks or jokes.
You may call him a ""motivational speaker,"" but I call him a charlatan--he doesn't have any idea what he's really talking about."
97
chauvinism
"noun fanatical patriotism (jingoism)
OR belief that one's group/cause is superior to all other groups/causes.
Vegetarians argue that man is chauvinistic in his belief that animals do not consciously feel the pain we humans do."
98
chimera
"noun something desired or wished for but is only an illusion and impossible to achieve
Many believe that a world free of war is a chimera--a dream that ignores humanity's violent tendencies.
99
complaisant
"adjective showing a cheerful willingness to do favors for others.
On her first day at the job, Annie was complaisant, fulfilling every request of her new employer and anticipating future requests."
100
complicit
"adjective Associated with or participating in an activity, especially one of a questionable nature.
While the grand jury cleared the senator of all criminal charges, in the public mind he was still complicit in the corruption."
101
concomitant
"adjective describing an event or situation that happens at the same time as or in connection with another.
Concomitant with his desire for nature was a desire for the culture and energy of a big city."
102
conflagration
"noun a very intense and uncontrolled fire.
In the summer months, conflagrations are not uncommon in the southwest, do to the heat and lack of rain."
103
conflate
"verb mix together different elements or concepts.
In her recent book, the author conflates several genres--the detective story, the teen thriller, and the vampire romance--to create a memorable read."
104
corollary
"noun a practical consequence that follows naturally.
A corollary of Hurricane Sandy, which ravaged the east coast of the U.S., is a push to build higher sea walls to protect against future hurricanes."
105
cosseted
"verb treat with excessive indulgence.
The king and queen cosseted the young prince, giving him a prized miniature pony for his fifth birthday."
106
coterminous
"adjective being of equal extent or scope or duration.
The border of the state is coterminous with geographic limits on travel; the east and north are surrounded by a nearly uncrossable river and the south by a desert."
"the southern frontier was coterminous with the French Congo colony"
107
countermand
"verb a contrary command cancelling or reversing a previous command.
By the time the colonel countermanded his soldiers not to land in enemy territory, a few helicopters had already touched down amid heavy gunfire."
108
crestfallen
"adjective brought low in spirit.
I asked Maria on a date and she refused without a moment's thought; I was crestfallen."
109
crystallize
"verb cause to take on a definite and clear shape.
Only after fifteen minutes of brainstorming did Samantha's ideas for the essay crystallize."
110
cupidity
"noun greed for money.
Some believe people that amassing as much wealth as possible is the meaning to life--yet they often realize that cupidity brings anything but happiness."
111
curmudgeon
"noun a grouchy, surly person.
Since Uncle Mike was the family curmudgeon, each Thanksgiving he was plied with copious amounts of wine, in the hope that he would become less grouchy."
112
debonair
"adjective having a sophisticated charm.
James Bond is known for his good looks, high tech gadgets, and debonair manner."
113
decry
"verb express strong disapproval of; publicly denounce
The entire audience erupted in shouts and curses, decrying the penalty card issued by the referee."
114
deign
"verb do something that one considers to be below one's dignity.
The master of the house never deigned to answer questions from the servants."
115
demonstrative
"adjective given to or marked by the open expression of emotion.
When Sally told James that she wanted to break up with him, she expected he would react demonstratively, but he quietly nodded his head and left without saying a word."
116
denouement
"noun the final resolution of the many strands of a literary or dramatic work; the outcome of a complex sequence of events.
At the denouement of the movie, all questions were answered, and the true identity of the robber was revealed."
117
derelict
"adjective (of a person) not doing one's duties.
The teacher was derelict in her duties because she hadn't graded a single student paper in three weeks."
OR
"noun (of a building) abandoned.
At one time the waterfront factories were busy and productive, but now they stand derelict and will be torn down."
118
desiccated
"adjective uninteresting, lacking vitality.
Few novelists over 80 are able to produce anything more than desiccated works--boring shadows of former books.
119
desideratum
"noun something desired as a necessity.
The desideratum of the environmental group is that motorists should rely on carpooling."
120
despot
"noun a cruel and oppressive dictator.
The Emperor Claudius was regarded as a fair-minded leader; his successor, Nero, was an absolute despot."
121
diminutive
noun to indicate smallness.
He prefers to be called a diminutive of his name: "Bill" instead of "John William."
OR
"adjective very small.
When he put on his father's suit and shoes, his appearance was that of a diminutive youth."
122
disabuse
"verb to persuade somebody that his/her belief is not valid.
As a child, I was quickly disabused of the notion that Santa Claus was a rotund benefactor of infinite largess--one night I saw my mother diligently wrapping presents and storing them under our Christmas tree."
123
discursive
"adjective (of e.g. speech and writing) tending to depart from the main point.
Many readers find it tough to read Moby Dick since the author is discursive, often cutting the action short to spend 20 pages on the history of a whale."
124
disingenuous
"adjective not straightforward; giving a false appearance of frankness.
Many adults think that they can lie to children, but kids are smart and know when people are disingenuous."
125
dispensation
"noun an exemption from a rule or obligation.
Since her father is a billionaire, she is given dispensation from many of the school's policies."
126
dissemble
"verb conceal one's true motives, usually through deceit.
To get close to the senator, the assassin dissembled his intentions, convincing many people that he was a reporter for a well-known newspaper."
"an honest, sincere person with no need to dissemble"
127
dissipate
"verb squander or spend money frivolously.
The recent graduates dissipated their earnings on trips to Las Vegas and cruises in Mexico."
OR
"verb to disperse or scatter.
Kathleen's perfume was overwhelming in the cramped apartment, but once we stepped outside the smell dissipated and we could breathe once again."
128
dissolution
"noun a living full of debauchery and indulgence in sensual pleasure.
Many Roman emperors were known for their dissolution, indulging in unspeakable desires of the flesh."
129
doleful
"adjective filled with or evoking sadness.
No event is more doleful than the passing of my mother; she was a shining star in my life, and it brings me great sadness to think that she is now gone."
130
dolorous
"adjective showing sorrow.
Chopin's ballades are filled with sharp changes in moods--a dolorous melody can give way to a lighthearted tempo."
131
doughty
"adjective brave; bold; courageous.
I enjoy films in which a doughty group comes together to battle a force of evil."
132
dovetail
"verb fit together tightly, as if by means of a interlocking joint.
Although Darwin's evolution and Mendel's genetics were developed in isolation from one another, they dovetail each other very well."
133
duplicity
"noun deceitfulness, pretending to want one thing but interested in something else.
A life of espionage is one of duplicity: an agent must pretend to be a totally different person than who she or he actually is."
134
ebullient
"adjective joyously unrestrained.
Can you blame him for his ebullient mood? He just graduated from medical school."
135
effervescent
adjective marked by high spirits or excitement.
After the sales result, the manager was in an effervescent mood, letting several employees leave work early that day.
136
effrontery
"noun audacious (even arrogant) behavior that you have no right to.
The skateboarders acted with effrontery, skating through the church grounds and spray-painting signs warning trespassers."
137
elegiac
"adjective expressing sorrow.
Few can listen to the elegiac opening bars of the Moonlight sonata without feeling the urge to cry."
138
embryonic
"adjective in an early stage of development.
The Board of Directors is hoping to launch a new product soon, but planning for the Z7 is in an embryonic stages."
139
empiricism
"noun any method that derives knowledge from experience, used in experimental science as a way to gain insight and knowledge.
Empiricism does not always lead to knowledge; an experience or experiment may raise more questions than it answers."
140
enamor
"verb attraction or feeling of love.
She is completely enamored with Justin Bieber, and goes to all his concerts on the East coast."
141
encumber
"verb hold back.
The costume encumbered all my movements and caused me to sweat profusely."
cumbersome objects can encumber one's movement
142
enjoin
"verb give instructions to or direct somebody to do something with authority.
The government agency enjoined the chemical company to clean up the hazardous dump it had created over the years."
143
enormity
"noun an act of extreme wickedness.
The enormity of Pol Pot's regime is hard to capture in words--within months hundreds of thousands of Cambodians lost their lives.
OR
the great or extreme scale, seriousness, or extent of something perceived as bad or morally wrong.
"a thorough search disclosed the full enormity of the crime"
144
enthrall
"verb hold spellbound.
She was so enthralled by the movie that she never heard people screaming, ""Fire! Fire!"" in the neighboring theater."
145
epigram
"noun a witty saying; quip; witticism
My favorite epigram from Mark Twain is "A man who carries a cat by the tail learns something he can learn no other way.""
146
epiphany
"noun a sudden revelation or moment of insight.
Gary one day had an epiphany that he was a people person; he promptly quit his factory job and began working as a salesman."
147
eponym
"noun the name derived from a person (real or imaginary); the person for whom something is named.
Alexandria, Egypt is an eponym because it is named after Alexander the Great."
148
equitable
"adjective fair to all parties as dictated by reason and conscience.
The equitable distribution of ice cream to a group of 5 year olds will ensure little to no fighting--at least until the ice cream is gone."
149
ersatz
"adjective not real or genuine; phony.
The car dealer's ersatz laughter was immediately followed by a price quote, one that Shelley found highly inflated."
150
estimable
"adjective deserving of esteem and respect.
After serving thirty years, in which he selflessly served the community, Judge Harper was one of the more estimable people in town."
151
ethereal
extremely delicate and light in a way that seems too perfect for this world.
Because she dances with an ethereal style, ballet critics have called her Madame Butterfly."
152
evanescent
soon passing out of sight, memory, or existence; quickly fading or disappearing.
The storm flashed into existence above us and lasted only a short time--an evanescent turbulence of wind and cloud.
153
excoriate
"verb to criticize very harshly.
Entrusted with the prototype to his company's latest smartphone, Larry, during a late night karaoke bout, let the prototype slip into the hands of a rival company--the next day Larry was excoriated, and then fired."
154
execrate
"verb feel or express great loathing for; denounce
"they were execrated as dangerous and corrupt"
Though the new sitcom did decently in the ratings, Nelson railed against the show, saying that it was nothing more than an execrable (extremely bad or unpleasant) pastiche of tired cliches and canned laughter."
155
exemplar
"noun something to be imitated (adj form exemplary)
Lena's homework is on the wall because it is an exemplar of clean, neat, and thoughtful work."
156
exiguity
"noun the quality of being meager; scarcity
After two months at sea, the exiguity of the ship's supplies forced them to search for fresh water and food."
157
exorbitant
"adjective greatly exceeding bounds of reason or moderation.
Shelley made one exorbitant purchase after another, buying new clothes and taking vacations even though she earned a limited salary."
158
expurgate
"verb to remove objectionable material.
The censor expurgated every reference to sex and drugs, converting the rapper's raunchy flow into a series of bleeps."
159
extrapolate
v. extend the application of (a method or conclusion, especially one based on statistics) to an unknown situation by assuming that existing trends will continue or similar methods will be applicable.
By extrapolating from the data on the past three months, we can predict a 5% increase in traffic to our website.
160
facile
"adjective arrived at without due care or effort; lacking depth; (of an understanding) superficial
Many news shows provide facile explanations to complex politics, so I prefer to read the in-depth reporting of The New York Times."
161
factitious
adj. artificially created or developed.
"a largely factitious national identity"
The defendant's story was largely factitious and did not accord with eyewitness testimonies.
162
fecund
"adjective intellectually productive.
The artist had entered a fecund period, producing three masterpieces in the span of two months."
163
fell
"adjective terribly evil.
For fans of the Harry Potter series, the fell Lord Voldemort, who terrorized poor Harry for seven lengthy installments, has finally been vanquished by the forces of good--unless, that is, JK Rowling decides to come out of retirement."
164
firebrand
"noun someone who deliberately creates trouble.
Freddie is a firebrand: every time he walks into the office, he winds up at the center of heated argument."
165
flag
"verb droop, sink, or settle from or as if from pressure or loss of tautness; become less intense
After the three crushing defeats in the last three games, the team's enthusiasm began to flag."
166
flippant
"adjective showing inappropriate levity; irreverent.
Although Sam was trying to honor Mark's sense of humor, many found it quite flippant that he wore a comic nose and glasses mask to Mark's funeral."
167
flummox
"verb be a mystery or bewildering to.
Mary's behavoir completely flummoxes me: I never have any idea what her motivations might be."
168
gaffe
"noun a socially awkward or tactless act.
In a famous gaffe, Vice President Quayle attempted to correct the spelling of a grade school student, only to find that the child was correct."
169
gambit
"noun a manuveur or risk in a game or conversation, designed to secure an advantage.
Randy played a gambit, telling his boss that he would leave at the end of the week if he didn't get a raise."
170
gerrymander
"verb to manipulate voting districts in order to favor a particular political part
Years ago, savvy politicians had gerrymandered the city center to ensure their re-election."
171
graft
"noun corruption, usually through bribery.
In countries with rampant graft, getting a driver's license can require no more than paying an official."
172
grandiloquent
"adjective puffed up with vanity.
The dictator was known for his grandiloquent speeches, puffing his chest out and using big, important- sounding words."
173
gumption
"noun resourcefulness and determination.
Wallace Stegner lamented the lack of gumption in the U.S. during the sixties, claiming that no young person knew the value of work."
174
hagiographic
"adjective excessively flattering toward someone's life or work.
Most accounts of Tiger Woods life were hagiographic, until, that is, his affairs made headlines."
175
hail
"verb enthusiastically acclaim or celebrate something.
Many college superstar athletes are hailed as the next big thing, but then flop at the professional level."
176
halcyon
"adjective idyllically calm and peaceful; suggesting happy tranquillity; marked by peace and prosperity.
The first decade after WWI was a halcyon period in America with new-found wealth and rapidly improving technology."
177
hauteur
"noun overbearing pride evidenced by a superior manner toward inferiors.
As soon as she won the lottery, Alice begin displaying a hauteur to her friends, calling them dirty-clothed peasants behind their backs."
178
hedge
verb to limit or qualify a statement OR to avoid making a direct statement.
"experts usually hedge their predictions, just in case"
"When asked why he had decided to buy millions of shares at the very moment the tech companies stock soared, the CEO hedged, mentioning something vague about gut instinct."
179
histrionic
"adjective to be overly theatrical.
Though she received a B- on the test, she had such a histrionic outburst that one would have thought that she'd been handed a death sentence."
180
hoary
"adjective (of a person) having gray or white hair; aged.
"a hoary old fellow with a face of white stubble"
Most workout gurus are young, fit people, whereas most yoga gurus are hoary men with long white beards."
OR
old and trite.
"that hoary American notion that bigger is better"
181
hobble
"verb to hold back the progress of something; hinder
Bad weather has hobbled rescue efforts, making it difficult for crews to find bodies in the wreckage."
182
hoodwink
"verb to deceive or trick someone.
Someone tried to hoodwink Marty with an email telling him that his uncle had just passed away, and to collect the inheritance he should send his credit card information."
183
hubris
"noun overbearing pride or presumption.
Bill Clinton was criticized for his hubris, since he believed he could get away with anything once in the White House."
184
illustrious
"adjective widely known and esteemed; having or conferring glory
Einstein was possibly the most illustrious scientist in recent history."
185
imbroglio
"noun a confusing and potentially embarrassing situation.
The chef cook-off featured one gourmand who had the unfortunate distinction of mixing the wrong broths, creating an imbroglio that diners would not soon forget."
186
immure
"verb to enclose, usually in walls.
The modern supermarket experience makes many feel claustrophobic, as they are immured in walls upon walls of products."
187
impecunious
"adjective lacking money; poor.
In extremely trying times, even the moderately wealthy, after a few turns of ill-fortune, can become impecunious."
188
imperious
"adjective assuming power or authority without justification; arrogant and domineering
Children are imperious with each other before they learn that earning someone's respect is better than demanding."
189
impervious
adjective unable to be affected by OR not allowing fluid to pass through
I am not impervious to your insults; they cause me great pain
"an impervious layer of basaltic clay"
190
impetuous
"adjective characterized by undue haste and lack of thought or deliberation
Herbert is rarely impetuous, but on the spur of the moment, he spent thousands of dollars on a motorcycle today."
191
importune
"verb beg persistently and urgently.
After weeks of importuning the star to meet for a five-minute interview, the journalist finally got what she wanted."
192
improvident
"adjective not given careful consideration for one's future benefit (ant. provident)
Marty was improvident, never putting money aside for the future but spending it on decorating the interior of his home."
193
impugn
"verb attack as false or wrong.
Though many initially tried to impugn Darwin's theory, in scientific circles today, the is idea taken as truth."
194
impute
"verb attribute (responsibility or fault) to something; credit
He imputed his subpar performance on the test to a combination of stress and poor sleep."
I can't believe you dared to impute my work to yourself to cover up for your laziness!
Here again the desire makes itself felt to impute more to God's nature.
The political candidate tried to impute some rather unfortunate insults to his opponent.
195
inanity
"noun total lack of meaning or ideas.
Bill's poem was nothing more than a list of impressive sounding words, so there was no point in trying to take meaning from the inanity."
196
inchoate
"adjective only partly in existence; imperfectly formed.
Inchoate ideas about the relation of humans to other animals had been discussed since the Middle Ages but the modern theory really began with Darwin."
197
incontrovertible
"adjective necessarily or demonstrably true; impossible to deny or disprove.
Unless you can provide incontrovertible evidence, I will remain skeptical."
198
ineffable
"adjective too sacred to be uttered; defying expression or description; unable to be articulated
While art critics can occasionally pinpoint a work's greatness, much of why a piece captures our imaginations is completely ineffable."
199
ineluctable
"adjective impossible to avoid or evade
For those who smoke cigarettes for years, a major health crisis brought on by smoking is ineluctable."
200
inequity
"noun lack of fairness or justice.
After decades of racial inequity, the ""separate but equal"" doctrine was successfully overturned."
201
infelicitous
"adjective inappropriate; unfortunate
During the executive meeting, the marketing director continued to make infelicitous comments about the CEO's gambling habit."
202
inimitable
"adjective defying imitation; matchless.
Mozart's music follows a clear pattern that anyone could imitate, but his music gives an overall sense of effortlessness that is inimitable."
203
insouciance
"noun lack of concern.
Surprisingly, Hank had become a high-powered CEO; his high school friends remembered him as ""Hanky Panky"", who shrugged off each failed class with insouciance."
204
internecine
adjective (of conflict) within a group or organization.
The guerilla group, which had become so powerful as to own the state police, was finally destroyed by an internecine conflict.
OR
destructive to both sides in a conflict.
"the region's history of savage internecine warfare"
205
intimation
"noun an indirect suggestion.
At first the hostess tried intimation, praising the benefits of cutlery; when Cecil continued eating with his hands, the hostess told him to use a fork at dinner."
206
inure
"verb to make accustomed to something unpleasant.
Three years of Manhattan living has inured her to the sound of wailing sirens; she could probably sleep through the apocalypse."
207
invective
"noun abusive or denunciatory language.
"he let out a stream of invective"
208
invidious
"adjective likely to cause resentment.
At a time when many others in the office were about to be laid off, many considered Cheryl's fine clothes that day an invidious display."
209
inviolable
"adjective never to be broken, infringed, or dishonored.
To many, the grass at Wimbledon is inviolable and only greater tennis players are able to enjoy a game there."
210
inviolate
"adjective free or safe from injury or violation.
While the literary critic subjected most of the classics to the harshest reviews, he regarded Cervantes as inviolate, and had nothing but praise for him."
211
irrefutable
"adjective impossible to deny or disprove.
The existence of life on earth is irrefutable; the existence of intelligent life on earth is still hotly debated."
212
jaundiced
"adjective affected by bitterness, resentment, or envy.
Shelly was jaundiced towards Olivia; though the two had once been best friends, Olivia had become class president, prom queen, and, to make matters worse, the girlfriend of the one boy Shelly liked."
213
jejune
(of ideas or writings or, apparently, food) dry and uninteresting.
Although many top chefs have secured culinary foam's popularity in haute cuisine, Waters criticizes it for being jejune and unfilling."
"adjective immature; childish.
Her boss further cemented his reuptation for being jejune after throwing a fit when the water cooler wasn't refilled."
214
juggernaut
"noun a force that cannot be stopped.
Napoleon was considered a juggernaut until he decided to invade Russia in winter; after which, his once indomitable army was decimated by cold and famine."
215
lacerate
"verb criticize forcefully or severely.
The teacher was fired for lacerating a student who wrote a poor essay."
216
lachrymose
"adjective showing sorrow.
Lachrymose and depressed, Alexei Alexandrovich walked two miles home in the rain after learning that his wife was having an affair."
217
lampoon
"verb ridicule with satire.
Mark Twain understood that lampooning a bad idea with humor was the most effective criticism."
218
languish
"verb become feeble.
Stranded in the wilderness for four days, the hiker languished, eating protein bars and nuts."
219
limpid
"adjective clarity in terms of expression.
Her limpid prose made even the most recondite subjects accessible to all."
220
litany
"noun any long and tedious account of something.
Mr. Rogers spoke to a Senate committee and did not give a litany of reasons to keep funding the program, but instead, appealed to the basic human decency of all present."
221
loath
"adjective reluctant; unwilling. (usually followed by 'to')
I was loath to leave the concert before my favorite band finished playing."
222
lugubrious
"adjective excessively mournful.
At the funeral, lugubrious songs filled the small church."
223
machinate
"verb engage in plotting or enter into a conspiracy, swear together.
The rebels met at night in an abandoned barn to machinate."
224
magisterial
having or showing great authority.
Though she was only a third grade teacher, Ms. Martinet was magisterial in dealing with her class, lording over them like a queen.
225
malapropism
"noun the confusion of a word with another word that sounds similar.
Whenever I looked glum, my mother would offer to share ""an amusing antidote"" with me--an endearing malapropism of ""anecdote"" that never failed to cheer me up."
226
malingerer
"noun someone shirking their duty by pretending to be sick or incapacitated.
At one time, our country was full of hardworking respectful people, but now it seems that everyone is a malingerer with little inclination to work."
227
martinet
"noun a strict disciplinarian.
The job seemed perfect to Rebecca, until she found out that her boss was a total martinet; after each project the boss would come by to scrutinize--and inevitably criticize--every little detail of the work Rebecca had done."
228
maudlin
"adjective overly emotional and sad.
Just as those who were alive during the 70's are mortified that they once cavorted about in bellbottoms, many who lived during the 80's are now aghast at the maudlin pop songs they used to enjoy--really, just what exactly is a total eclipse of the heart?."
229
maunder
"verb wander aimlessly.
Max liked to maunder down by the seaside and pick up whatever sea shells he would stumble upon.
"verb speak (about unimportant matters) rapidly and incessantly; palaver
After drinking two expressos each, the animated couple would maunder loudly, annoying the other patrons in the coffee shop."
230
mellifluous
"adjective smooth and sweet-sounding.
Chelsea's grandmother thought Franz Schubert's music to be the most mellifluous ever written; Chelsea demurred, and to her grandmother's chagrin, would blast Rihanna on the home stereo speakers."
231
mendicant
"noun a pauper who lives by begging.
Tolstoy was an aristocrat, but he strove to understand the Christianity of the Russian peasants by wandering among them as a mendicant."
232
meteoric
"adjective like a meteor in speed or brilliance or transience.
The early spectacular successes propelled the pitcher to meteoric stardom, but a terribly injury tragically cut short his career."
233
mettlesome
"adjective filled with courage or valor.
For its raid on the Bin Laden's compound in Abbottabad, Seal Team Six has become, for many Americans, the embodiment of mettle."
234
misattribute
"verb to erroneously attribute; to falsely ascribe; used especially of authorship.
I made a mistake; I misattributed ""Crime and Punishment"" to Leo Tolstoy when it was actually written by Fyodor Dostoyevsky."
235
modicum
"noun a small or moderate or token amount.
If my sister had even a modicum of sense, she wouldn't be engaged to that barbarian."
236
mordant
"adjective biting and caustic in thought, manner, or style.
While Phil frequently made mordant remarks about company policy overall, he always was considerably gentler in discussing any person in particular."
237
moribund
"adjective being on the point of death; declining rapidly losing all momentum in progress.
Whether you like it or not, jazz as a genre is moribund at best, possibly already dead."
238
mulct
"verb to defraud or swindle.
The so-called magical diet cure simply ended up mulcting Maria out of hundreds of dollars, but did nothing for her weight."
239
nettlesome
"adjective causing irritation or annoyance.
Maria found her coworkers cell phone nettlesome, because every few minutes it would buzz to life with another text message."
240
noisome
"adjective having an extremely bad smell.
Each August, when the winds moved in a south easterly direction, the garbage dump would spread noisome vapors through the small town."
241
nonchalant
"adjective coming across as cooly uninterested.
The twenty-somethings at the coffee shop always irked Sheldon, especially the way in which they acted nonchalantly towards everything, not even caring when Sheldon once spilled his mocha on them."
242
objurgate
"verb express strong disapproval of; censure
The manager spent an hour objurgating the employee in the hopes that he would not make these mistakes again."
243
oblique
not explicit or direct in addressing a point.
Herbert never explicitly revealed anything negative about Tom's past, but at times he would obliquely suggest that Tom was not as innocent as he seemed.
244
obstreperous
"adjective noisily and stubbornly defiant; willfully difficult to control.
When the teacher asked the obstreperous student simply to bus his tray, the student threw the entire tray on the floor, shouted an epithet, and walked out."
245
obtain
adjective be valid, applicable, or true.
The custom of waiting your turn in line does not obtain in some countries, in which many people try to rush to front of the line at the same time.
246
obtuse
"adjective slow to learn or understand; lacking intellectual acuity; lacking in insight or discernment.
Jackson was the most obtuse member of the team: the manager's subtle ironies were always lost on him."
247
officious
"adjective assertive of authority in an annoyingly domineering way, especially with regard to petty or trivial matters; self-important
The professor had trouble concentrating on her new theorem, because her officious secretary would barge in frequently reminding her of some trivial detail involving departmental paperwork."
248
ossify
"verb make rigid and set into a conventional pattern.
Even as a young man, Bob had some bias against poor people, but during his years in social services, his bad opinions ossified into unshiftable views."
249
palatable
"adjective acceptable to the taste or mind.
MIkey didn't partake much in his friends' conversations, but found their presence palatable."
250
palaver
verb speak (about unimportant matters) rapidly and incessantly.
During the rain delay, many who had come to see the game palavered, probably hoping that idle chatter would make the time go by faster.
251
palimpsest
"noun something that has been changed numerous times but on which traces of former iterations can still be seen.
The downtown was a palimpsest of the city's checkered past: a new Starbucks had opened up next to an abandoned, shuttered building, and a freshly asphalted road was inches away from a pothole large enough to swallow a small dog."
252
panacea
"noun hypothetical remedy for all ills or diseases; a universal solution.
While the company credit card has made most large purchases easier, it is no panacea: some smaller basic transactions still must be conducted in cash."
253
panegyric
"noun a formal expression of praise.
Dave asked Andrew to do just a simple toast, but Andrew launched into a full panegyric, enumerating a complete list of Dave's achievements and admirable qualities."
254
paragon
"noun model of excellence or perfection of a kind; one having no equal.
Even with the rise of Kobe Bryant, many still believe that Michael Jordon is the paragon for basketball players."
255
parvenu
"noun a person who has suddenly become wealthy, but not socially accepted as part of a higher class.
The theater was full of parvenus who each thought that they were surrounded by true aristocrats."
256
patent
"adjective glaringly obvious.
Since the book had been through no fewer than six proof runs, the staff was shocked to see such a patent spelling mistake remaining, right in the middle of the front cover!."
257
pecuniary
"adjective relating to or involving money; financial; monetary
The defendant was found guilty and had to serve a period of community service as well as pay pecuniary damages to the client."
258
pellucid
"adjective transparently clear; easily understandable.
The professor had a remarkable ability make even the most difficult concepts seem pellucid."
259
percipient
"adjective highly perceptive.
Even the most percipient editor will make an occasional error when proofreading."
260
peremptory
"adjective bossy and domineering.
My sister used to peremptorily tell me to do the dishes, a chore I would either do perfunctorily or avoid doing altogether."
261
peripatetic
"adjective traveling by foot.
Jim always preferred a peripatetic approach to discovering a city: he felt that he could see so many more details while walking."
262
perspicacious
"adjective acutely insightful and wise.
Many modern observers regard Eisenhower as perspicacious, particularly in his accurate prediction of the growth of the military."
263
phantasmagorical
"adjective illusive; unreal.
Those suffering from malaria fall into a feverish sleep, their world a whirligig of phantasmagoria; if they recover, they are unsure of what actually took place and what was simply a product of their febrile imaginations."
264
philistine
adjective smug and ignorant towards artistic and cultural values.
Jane considered Al completely philistine, because he talked almost exclusive about video games; she was entirely unaware of how well read he really was.
265
phlegmatic
"adjective showing little emotion.
Arnold is truly noble, remaining reserved until an issue of significance arises, but Walter is simply phlegmatic: he doesn't have the energy or inclination to care about anything."
266
picayune
petty; worthless (as arguments or one who makes such an argument)
"the picayune squabbling of party politicians"
English teachers are notorious for being picayune; however, the English language is so nuanced and sophisticated that often such teachers are not being contrary but are only adhering to the rules.
267
pillory
"verb ridicule or expose to public scorn.
After the candidate confessed, the press of the opposing party took the opportunity to pillory him, printing editorials with the most blatantly exaggerated accusations."
268
pith
"noun the most essential part of something.
When Cynthia hears a speaker presenting a complex argument, she is always able to discard the irrelevant details and extract the pith of what the speaker is trying to convey."
269
plucky
"adjective marked by courage and determination.
Some scouts initially doubted Pedroia because of his short stature, but he is a plucky player, surprising everyone with his boundless energy and fierce determination."
270
Pollyannaish
"adjective putting a positive spin on everything, even things that call for sadness or discouragement
Even in the midst of a lousy sales quarter, Debbie remained Pollyannaish, never losing her shrill voice and wide smile, even when prospective customers hung up on her."
271
pontificate
"verb talk in a dogmatic and pompous manner.
The vice-president would often pontificate about economic theory, as if no one else in the room were qualified to speak on the topic."
272
portentous
"adjective ominously prophetic. (n form portent (omen))
When the captain and more than half the officers were sick on the very first night of the voyage, many of the passengers felt this was portentous, but the rest of the voyage continued without any problems."
273
presentiment
"noun a feeling of evil to come.
On the night that Lincoln would be fatally shot, his wife had a presentiment about going to Ford's Theater, but Lincoln persuaded her that everything would be fine."
274
primacy
"noun the state of being first in importance.
The primacy of Apple Computers is not guaranteed, as seen in the recent lawsuits and weak growth."
275
probity
"noun integrity, strong moral principles.
The ideal politician would have the probity to lead, but reality gravely falls short of the ideal of morally upright leaders."
276
prognostication
"noun a statement made about the future.
When the Senator was asked about where the negotiations would lead, he said that any guess he could make would be an unreliable prognostication."
277
prolixity
"noun boring verbosity; wordiness
I loved my grandfather dearly, but his prolixity would put me to sleep, regardless of the topic."
278
promulgate
"verb state or announce.
The President wanted to promulgate the success of the treaty negotiations, but he had to wait until Congress formally approved the agreement."
279
propitiate
"verb to placate or appease.
"the pagans thought it was important to propitiate the gods with sacrifices"
280
proscribe
"verb command against.
My doctor proscribes donuts with chocolate sauce and hamburger patties for breakfast."
281
proselytize
"verb convert to another religion, philosophy, or perspective.
Lisa loves her Mac but says little about it; by contrast, Jake will proselytize, interrogating anyone with an Android about why she didn't purchase an iPhone."
282
protean
"adjective readily taking on different roles; versatile.
Peter Sellers was truly a protean actor--in Doctor Strangelove he played three very different roles: a jingoist general, a sedate President and a deranged scientist."
283
provident
"adjective careful in regard to your own interests; providing carefully for the future.
In a move that hardly could be described as provident, Bert spend his entire savings on a luxurious cruise, knowing that other bills would come due a couple months later."
284
puerile
"adjective of or characteristic of a child; displaying or suggesting a lack of maturity.
Helen enjoyed blowing soap bubbles, but Jim regarded this as puerile, totally unworthy of a woman with a Ph.D."
285
puissant
"adjective having great power or influence.
Over the years of service, and quite to his surprise, he became a puissant advisor to the community."
286
punctilious
"adjective marked by precise accordance with details.
The colonel was so punctilious about enforcing regulations that men felt compelled to polish even the soles of their shoes."
287
pyrrhic
"adjective describing a victory that comes at such a great cost that the victory is not worthwhile
George W. Bush's win in the 2000 election was in many ways a pyrrhic victory: the circumstances of his win alienated half of the U.S. population."
288
quail
"verb draw back, as with fear or pain.
Craig always claimed to be a fearless outdoorsman, but when the thunderstorm engulfed the valley, he quailed at the thought of leaving the safety of his cabin."
289
quisling
"noun a traitor.
History looks unfavorably upon quislings; indeed they are accorded about the same fondness as Nero--he who watched his city burn down while playing the violin."
290
quixotic
"adjective wildly idealistic; impractical.
For every thousand startups with quixotic plans to be the next big name in e-commerce, only a handful ever become profitable."
291
raconteur
"noun a person skilled in telling anecdotes.
Jude is entertaining, but he is no raconteur: beyond the handful of amusing stories he has memorized, he has absolutely no spontaneous story-telling ability."
292
raillery
"noun light teasing.
The new recruit was not bothered by the raillery, finding most of it light-hearted and good-natured."
293
rapprochement
"noun the reestablishing of cordial relations.
Although Ann hoped that her mother and her aunt would have a rapprochement, each one's bitter accusations against the other made any reconciliation unlikely."
294
rarefied
adj. distant from the lives and concerns of ordinary people.
debates about the nature of knowledge can seem very rarefied
Jack's vulgar jokes were not so successful in the rarefied environment of college professors.
295
recapitulation
"noun a summary (think of recap).
Every point of the professors lesson was so clear that the students felt his concluding recapitulation was not necessary."
296
recrimination
"noun an accusation in response to one from someone else.
The two brothers sat and cried, pointing fingers and making elaborate recriminations of the other's guilt."
297
recrudesce
"verb to break out or happen again; resurgence; relapse
After years of gamblers anonymous, Tony thought he'd broken his compulsive slot machine playing, but it took only one trip to the Atlantic City for a full recrudescence--he lost $5k on the one armed bandit."
298
redoubtable
"adjective inspiring fear or awe.
On television basketball players don't look that tall, but when you stand in front of a seven-foot tall NBA player, he is truly redoubtable."
299
remonstrate
"verb to make objections while pleading; protest; complain
The mothers of the kidnapped victims remonstrated to the rogue government to release their children, claiming that the detention violated human rights."
300
reprisal
an act of retaliation.
The Old Testament doctrine of an eye for an eye is not the kind of retaliation practiced in war; rather, an. arm, a leg, and both ears are the reprisal for the smallest scratch.
301
ribald
"adjective humorously vulgar.
The speaker was famous for his ribald humor, but the high school principal asked him to keep the talk G- rated when he spoke to the student body."
302
row
"noun an angry dispute.
The Prime Minister looked very foolish after his row with the foreign dignitary was caught on video and posted on youtube."
303
sagacious
"adjective having good judgement and acute insight.
Steve Jobs is surely one of the most sagacious CEOs, making Apple one of the most recognizable and valuable companies in the world."
304
sangfroid
"noun calmness or poise in difficult situations.
The hostage negotiator exhibited a sangfroid that oftentimes was more menacing than the sword at his throat, or the gun at his head."
305
sardonic
"adjective grimly mocking or cynical.
A stand-up comedian walks a fine line when making jokes about members of the audience; such fun and joking can quickly become sardonic and cutting."
306
sartorial
"adjective related to fashion or clothes.
Monte was astute at navigating the world of finance; sartorially, however, he was found wanting--he typically would attempt to complement his beige tie with a gray suit and white pants."
307
schadenfreude
"noun joy from watching the suffering of others.
From his warm apartment window, Stanley reveled in schadenfreude as he laughed at the figures below, huddled together in the arctic chill."
308
effacing
"adjective reluctant to draw attention to yourself.
The most admirable teachers and respected leaders are those who are self-effacing, directing attention and praise to their students and workers."
309
semblance
"noun an outward or token appearance or form that is deliberately misleading.
While the banker maintained a semblance of respectability in public, those who knew him well were familiar with his many crimes."
310
sententious
"adjective to be moralizing, usually in a pompous sense.
The old man, casting his nose up in the air at the group of adolescents, intoned sententiously, ""Youth is wasted on the young.""."
311
simulacrum
"noun a representation of a person or thing (especially in the form of sculpture).
The Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Center showcases a simulacrum of all the present and approved buildings in the city of Shanghai."
"noun a bad imitation.
The early days of computer graphics made real people into a simalacrum that now seems comical."
312
sinecure
"noun an office that involves minimal duties.
The position of Research Director is a sinecure: the job entails almost no responsibilities, nor does the person in that position have to answer to anyone."
313
solecism
"noun a socially awkward or tactless act.
Mother Anna was always on guard against any solecism from her children and scolded them immediately if any of them talked out of place in public."
314
solicitous
"adjective showing hovering attentiveness (adj form of solicitude)
Our neighbors are constantly knocking on our door to make sure we are ok, and I don't know how to ask them to stop being so solicitous about our health."
315
solicitude
"noun a feeling of excessive concern (n form of solicitous)
I walked to his house in the rain to make sure he had enough to eat while he was sick, but he seemed not to appreciate my solicitude."
316
spartan
"adjective unsparing and uncompromising in discipline or judgment; practicing great self- denial.
After losing everything in a fire, Tim decided to live in spartan conditions, sleeping on the floor and owning as little furniture as a possible."
317
splenetic
"adjective very irritable.
Ever since the car accident, Frank has been unable to walk without a cane, and so he has become splenetic and unpleasant to be around."
318
squelch
"verb suppress or crush completely.
After the dictator consolidated his power, he took steps to squelch all criticism, often arresting any journalist who said anything that could be interpreted as negative about his regime."
319
stalwart
"adjective dependable; inured to fatigue or hardships.
Despite all the criticism directed at the President during this scandal, Lisa has remained his stalwart supporter."
320
stultify
cause to lose enthusiasm and initiative, especially as a result of a tedious or restrictive routine.
As an undergraduate Mark felt stultified by classes outside his area of study; only in grad school, in which he could focus solely on literary analysis, did he regain his scholarly edge.
321
subterfuge
"noun something intended to misrepresent the true nature of an activity.
Finally deciding to abandon all subterfuge, Arthur revealed to Cindy everything about his secret affair over the past two years."
322
surfeit
"noun an excessive amount of something.
There was no such thing as a surfeit of shopping for Nancy--she could stay at the outlet stores from opening to closing time."
323
surreptitious
"adjective stealty, taking pains not to be caught or detected.
Since his mom was a light sleeper, Timmy had to tiptoe surreptitiously through the entire house, careful to not make the floors creak, until he at last was able to enjoy his plunder: a box of chocolate chip cookies."
324
sybarite
"noun a person who indulges in luxury.
Despite the fact that he'd maxed out fifteen credit cards, Max was still a sybarite at heart: when the police found him, he was at a $1,000 an hour spa in Manhattan, getting a facial treatment."
325
temerity
"noun fearless daring.
No child has the temerity to go in the rundown house at the end of the street and see if it is haunted."
326
tempestuous
"adjective as if driven by turbulent or conflicting emotions; highly energetic and wildly changing or fluctuating.
Chuck and Kathy had always been stable and agreeable people on their own, but when they got involved, it was a tempestuous relationship."
327
tendentious
adj. expressing or intending to promote a particular cause or point of view, especially a controversial one.
Because political mudslinging has become a staple of the 24-hour media cycle, most of us, despite protestations to the contrary, are tendentious on many of today's pressing issues.
"a tendentious reading of the Arab Israeli conflict"
328
transmute
"verb change or alter in form, appearance, or nature.
One of the goals of alchemy was to find the substance or process that would transmute lead into gold."
329
trenchant
"adjective characterized by or full of force and vigor; having keenness and forcefulness and penetration in thought, expression, or intellect; incisive
Jill presented a rather superficial treatment of sales in Asia, but her trenchant analysis of sales in Europe inspired a number of insights into how to proceed in that market."
330
truculence
"noun defiant aggressiveness (adj form truculent)
When the boss confronted Aaron about his earlier remarks, Aaron responded with utter truculence, simply throwing a glass of water in the boss' face and walking away."
331
turgid
"adjective (of language) pompous and tedious.
The amount of GRE vocabulary he used increased with his years--by the time he was 60, his novels were so turgid that even his diehard fans refused to read them."
332
tyro
"noun someone new to a field or activity.
All great writers, athletes, and artists were tyros at one time--unknown, clumsy, and unskilled with much to learn."
333
umbrage
"noun a feeling of anger caused by being offended.
Since he was so in love with her, he took umbrage at her comments, even though she had only meant to gently tease him."
334
unassailable
"adjective immune to attack; without flaws.
Professor Williams is so self-assured as to seem arrogant, presenting each and every opinion as an unassailable fact."
335
unflappable
"adjective not easily perturbed or excited or upset; marked by extreme calm and composure.
The house shook and the ground quaked, but my dad was unflappable and comforted the family."
336
unforthcoming
"adjective uncooperative, not willing to give up information.
The teacher demanded to know who broke the window while he was out of the room, but the students understandably were unforthcoming."
337
unimpeachable
"adjective free of guilt; not subject to blame; beyond doubt or reproach.
After his long and unimpeachable service to the company, Sharat felt that a gold watch was a slap in the face rather than an honor."
338
unprepossessing
"adjective creating an unfavorable or neutral first impression.
World leaders coming to meet Gandhi would expect a towering sage, and often would be surprised by the unprepossessing little man dressed only in a loincloth and shawl."
339
unpropitious
"adjective (of a circumstance) with little chance of success.
With only a bottle of water and a sandwich, the hikers faced an unpropitious task: ascending a huge mountain that took most two days to climb."
340
unstinting
"adjective very generous.
Helen is unstinting with her time, often spending hours at the house of a sick friend."
341
untenable
"adjective (of theories etc) incapable of being defended or justified.
With the combination of Kepler's brilliant theories and Galileo's telescopic observations, the old geocentric theory became untenable to most of the educated people in Europe."
342
untrammeled
"adjective not confined or limited.
The whole notion of living untrammeled inspired the American Revolution and was enshrined in the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution."
343
unviable
"adjective not able to work, survive, or succeed (also spelled inviable).
The plan was obviously unviable considering that it lead to complete environmental destruction in the river valley."
344
vaunted
"adjective highly or widely praised or boasted about.
For years, they had heard of New York City's vaunted skyline, and when they finally saw it, the spectacular cityscape did not disappoint them in the least."
345
venial
"adjective easily excused or forgiven; pardonable.
His traffic violations ran the gamut from the venial to the egregious--on one occasion he simply did not come to a complete stop; another time he tried to escape across state lines at speeds in excess of 140 mph."
346
verisimilitude
"noun the appearance of truth.
All bad novels are bad for numerous reasons; all good novels are good for their verisimilitude of reality, placing the readers in a world that resembles the one they know."
347
veritable
"adjective truthfully, without a doubt.
Frank is a veritable life-saver -- last year, on two different occasions, he revived people using CPR."
348
vitriol
"noun abusive or venomous language used to express blame or bitter deep-seated ill will
His vitriol spewed forth from a deep-seated racism that consumed his whole life."
349
vitriolic
"adjective harsh or corrosive in tone.
While the teacher was more moderate in her criticism of the other student's papers, she was vitriolic toward Peter's paper, casting every flaw in the harshest light."
350
vituperate
"adjective to criticize harshly; to berate.
Jason had dealt with disciplinarians before, but nothing prepared him for the first week of boot camp, as drill sergeants vituperated him for petty oversights such as forgetting to double knot the laces on his boots."
