Collins Dictionary Flashcards
(507 cards)
1
Q
abdicate
A
If a king or queen abdicates, he or she gives up being king or queen.
2
Q
aberrant
A
Aberrant means unusual and not socially acceptable.
3
Q
aberrant
A
Aberrant means unusual and not socially acceptable.
4
Q
aberration
A
An aberration is an incident or way of behaving that is not typical.
5
Q
abhor
A
If you abhor something, you hate it very much, especially for moral reasons.
6
Q
abject
A
You use abject to emphasize that a situation or quality is extremely bad.
7
Q
abjure
A
If you abjure something such as a belief or way of life, you state publicly that you will give it up or that you reject it.
8
Q
ablute
A
thoroughly washed
9
Q
abnegation
A
a giving up of rights, etc.; self-denial; renunciation
10
Q
abstruse
A
You can describe something as abstruse if you find it difficult to understand, especially when you think it could be explained more simply.
11
Q
accede
A
- If you accede to someone’s request or demands, you do what they ask.
- When a member of a royal family accedes to the throne, they become king or queen.
12
Q
acquiesce
A
If you acquiesce in something, you agree to do what someone wants or to accept what they do.
13
Q
acrid
A
An acrid smell or taste is strong and sharp, and usually unpleasant.
14
Q
adage
A
An adage is something that people often say and that expresses a general truth about some aspect of life.
15
Q
addelpated
A
having an addle brain; muddled; stupid
16
Q
addle
A
If something addles someone’s mind or brain, they become confused and unable to think properly.
17
Q
admonish
A
If you admonish someone, you tell them very seriously that they have done something wrong.
18
Q
adulation
A
Adulation is uncritical admiration and praise of someone or something.
19
Q
adumbrate
A
- to outline in a shadowy way; sketch
- to suggest beforehand; foreshadow in a vague way
- to obscure; overshadow
20
Q
adust
A
- scorched; burned
- parched
- sunburned
- sallow and melancholy
21
Q
aeonian
A
lasting for eons; eternal
22
Q
afflatus
A
inspiration or powerful impulse, as of an artist or poet
23
Q
agape
A
If you describe someone as having their mouth agape, their mouth is open very wide, often because they are very surprised by something.
24
Q
agelast
A
a person who never laughs
25
agraphia
the partial or total loss of the ability to write
26
ajar
If a door is ajar, it is slightly open.
27
alameda
in the Southwest, a walk shaded as by alamos
28
allograph
1. any of the ways a unit of a writing system, as the letter of an alphabet, is formed or shaped
2. any of the units or combinations of units that can represent a single phoneme, morpheme, syllable, etc.
29
altitudinarian
1. relating to high ideals
2. a person who has lofty ideals
30
amalgamate
When two or more things, especially organizations, amalgamate or are amalgamated, they become one large thing.
31
ambivalent
If you say that someone is ambivalent about something, they seem to be uncertain whether they really want it, or whether they really approve of it.
32
ameliorate
If someone or something ameliorates a situation, they make it better or easier in some way.
33
amour
An amour is a love affair, especially one that is kept secret.
34
anaphora
repetition of a word or phrase at the beginning of successive clauses, lines of verse, etc.
35
anathema
If something is anathema to you, you strongly dislike it.
36
ancilla
an aid for use as in understanding or accomplishing something; often, specif., a handbook, or manual
37
anent
concerning; as regards; about
38
animus
If a person has an animus against someone, they have a strong feeling of dislike for them, even when there is no good reason for it.
39
anomia
the inability to name objects or to recognize the written or spoken names of objects
40
antiscian
1. relating to a person living on the other side of the equator at the same meridian
2. a person living on the other side of the equator at the same meridian
41
apocrypha
any writings, anecdotes, etc., of doubtful authenticity or authorship
42
apophenia
the tendency to perceive a connection or meaningful pattern between unrelated or random things (such as objects or ideas)
43
apoplectic
If someone is apoplectic, they are extremely angry about something.
44
apostasy
If someone is accused of apostasy, they are accused of abandoning their religious faith, political loyalties, or principles.
45
apostate
An apostate is someone who has abandoned their religious faith, political loyalties, or principles.
46
appraise
If you appraise something or someone, you consider them carefully and form an opinion about them.
47
apricate
1. to sunbathe or bask in the sun
2. to expose to sunlight
48
aprocryphal
An apocryphal story is one that is probably not true or did not happen, but that may give a true picture of someone or something.
49
arabesque
a complex and elaborate decorative design of intertwined lines suggesting flowers, foliage, animals, geometric patterns, etc., used in drawing, painting, low relief, metalwork, etc.
50
arabesque
1. a sinuous, spiraling, undulating, or serpentine line or linear motif
2. a pose in ballet in which the dancer stands on one leg with one arm extended in front and the other leg and arm extended behind
51
ardent
Ardent is used to describe someone who has extremely strong feelings about something or someone.
52
arduous
Something that is arduous is difficult and tiring, and involves a lot of effort.
53
ascribe
If you ascribe an event or condition to a particular cause, you say or consider that it was caused by that thing.
54
aslant
on a slant; slantingly; obliquely
55
astringent
having a harsh, biting quality
56
august
Someone or something that is august is dignified and impressive.
57
auspice
1. a watching for omens in the flight of birds; divination
2. an omen, esp. a favorable one
3. approval and support; guiding sponsorship; patronage
58
Barmecidal
giving only the illusion of plenty; Barmecidal
59
beatitude
perfect blessedness or happiness
60
behest
an order, command, or request
61
beleaguer
1. to besiege by encircling, as with an army
2. to beset, as with difficulties; harass
62
belligerent
A belligerent person is hostile and aggressive.
63
benediction
1. A benediction is a kind of Christian prayer.
2. You can refer to something that makes people feel protected and at peace as a benediction.
64
bequeath
If you bequeath your money or property to someone, you legally state that they should have it when you die.
65
bereft
If a person or thing is bereft of something, they no longer have it.
66
bevy
A bevy of people is a group of people all together in one place
67
bloviate
to speak at some length bombastically or rhetorically
68
boisterous
Someone who is boisterous is noisy, lively, and full of energy.
69
boisterous
Someone who is boisterous is noisy, lively, and full of energy.
70
braggart
1. an offensively boastful person
2. bragging; boastful
71
bruit
1. clamor
2. rumor
3. to spread a report of; rumor often with about
72
brumal
of, characteristic of, or relating to winter; wintry
73
burgeon
If something burgeons, it grows or develops rapidly.
74
burlesque
A burlesque is a performance or a piece of writing that makes fun of something by copying it in an exaggerated way. You can also use burlesque to refer to a situation in real life that is like this.
75
caducity
1. the infirmity or weakness of old age; senility
2. frailty; transitoriness
76
calumny
Calumny or a calumny is an untrue statement made about someone in order to reduce other people's respect and admiration for them.
77
capitulate
If you capitulate, you stop resisting and do what someone else wants you to do.
78
capricious
Someone who is capricious often changes their mind unexpectedly.
79
carnal
Carnal feelings and desires are sexual and physical, without any spiritual element.
80
cashmere
Cashmere is a kind of very fine, soft wool.
81
cavalcade
A cavalcade is a procession of people on horses or in cars or carriages
82
cavalier
If you describe a person or their behavior as cavalier, you are criticizing them because you think that they do not consider other people's feelings or take account of the seriousness of a situation.
83
censorious
If you describe someone as censorious, you do not like the way they strongly disapprove of and criticize someone else's behavior.
84
cerulean
a deep blue colour; azure
85
chafe
If your skin chafes or is chafed by something, it becomes sore as a result of something rubbing against it.
86
chauvinist
1. militant, unreasoning, and boastful devotion to one's country; jingoism
2. unreasoning devotion to one's race, sex, etc. with contempt for other races, the opposite sex, etc.
87
chiaroscuro
Chiaroscuro is the use of light and shade in a picture, or the effect produced by light and shade in a place.
88
chimerical
1. imaginary; fantastic; unreal
2. absurd; impossible
3. indulging in unrealistic fancies; visionary
89
chintzy
If you describe something as chintzy, you mean that it is showy and looks cheap.
90
chorale
1. A chorale is a piece of music sung as part of a church service.
2. A chorale is a group of people who sing together.
91
churlish
Someone who is churlish is unfriendly, bad-tempered, or impolite.
92
clarion
1. a trumpet of the Middle Ages producing clear, sharp, shrill tones
2. the sound of a clarion, or a sound like this
3. clear, sharp, and ringing
4. to announce forcefully or loudly
93
clathrate
resembling a net or lattice
94
clement
Clement weather is pleasantly mild and dry.
95
coalesce
If two or more things coalesce, they come together and form a larger group or system.
96
epistemic
of or having to do with knowledge or the act or ways of knowing
97
coeval
1. of the same age or period; contemporary
2. a contemporary
98
cogent
A cogent reason, argument, or example is strong and convincing.
99
cognoscenti
The cognoscenti are the people who know a lot about a particular subject.
100
commensurate
If the level of one thing is commensurate with another, the first level is in proportion to the second.
101
concinnity
a skillful arrangement of parts; harmony; elegance, esp. of literary style
102
concomitant
Concomitant is used to describe something that happens at the same time as another thing and is connected with it.
103
concordance
If there is concordance between two things, they are similar to each other or consistent with each other.
104
concupiscent
1. lustful or sensual
2. eagerly desirous
105
conflagration
A conflagration is a fire that burns over a large area and destroys property.
106
conflate
If you conflate two or more descriptions or ideas, or if they conflate, you combine them in order to produce a single one.
107
congeneric
belonging to the same group, esp (of animals or plants) belonging to the same genus
108
consign
To consign something or someone to a place where they will be forgotten about, or to an unpleasant situation or place, means to put them there.
109
contretemps
A contretemps is a small disagreement that is rather embarrassing.
110
copacetic
good, excellent, fine, etc.
111
corpulent
If you describe someone as corpulent, you mean they are fat.
112
coruscate
to give off flashes of light; glitter; sparkle
113
countenance
1. If someone will not countenance something, they do not agree with it and will not allow it to happen.
2. Someone's countenance is their face.
114
covetous
A covetous person has a strong desire to possess something, especially something that belongs to another person.
115
crenulate
having tiny notches or scallops, as some leaves or shells
116
crepitate
to make slight, sharp, repeated crackling sounds; crackle
117
crepuscular
Crepuscular means relating to twilight.
118
cretonne
a heavy, unglazed, printed cotton or linen cloth, used for curtains, slipcovers, etc.
119
crone
A crone is an insulting word for an old woman.
120
cur
A cur is an unfriendly dog, especially a mongrel.
121
curmudgeon
If you call someone a curmudgeon, you do not like them because they are mean or bad-tempered.
122
Cyclopean
1. huge; gigantic; enormous; massive
2. of the Cyclopes
123
daedal
1. skillfully made
2. highly wrought
124
dalliance
If two people have a brief romantic relationship, you can say that they have a dalliance with each other, especially if they do not take it seriously.
125
dally
If you dally, you act or move very slowly, wasting time
126
damask
Damask is a type of heavy cloth with a pattern woven into it.
127
debouch
1. to come forth from a narrow or shut-in place into open country
2. to come forth; emerge
128
defalcate
to steal or misuse funds entrusted to one's care; embezzle
129
defenestrate
to throw (a person or a thing) out of a window
130
degringolade
a rapid descent or deterioration
131
dejected
If you are dejected, you feel miserable or unhappy, especially because you have just been disappointed by something.
132
delectable
If you describe something, especially food or drink, as delectable, you mean that it is very pleasant.
133
dell
A dell is a small valley which has trees growing in it.
134
demagogue
If you say that someone such as a politician is a demagogue you are criticizing them because you think they try to win people's support by appealing to their emotions rather than using reasonable arguments.
135
denigrate
If you denigrate someone or something, you criticize them unfairly or insult them.
136
deportment
Your deportment is the way you behave, especially the way you walk and move.
137
deprecate
If you deprecate something, you criticize it.
138
desultory
Something that is desultory is done in an unplanned and disorganized way, and without enthusiasm.
139
diatribe
A diatribe is an angry speech or article which is extremely critical of someone's ideas or activities.
140
didactic
Something that is didactic is intended to teach people something, especially a moral lesson.
141
didactic
1. Something that is didactic is intended to teach people something, especially a moral lesson.
2. Someone who is didactic tells people things rather than letting them find things out or discussing things.
142
dilettante
You can use dilettante to talk about someone who seems interested in a subject, especially in art, but who does not really know very much about it.
143
diminutive
A diminutive person or object is very small.
144
dint
1. to dent
2. to drive in with force
145
disavow
If you disavow something, you say that you are not connected with it or responsible for it.
146
disparage
If you disparage someone or something, you speak about them in a way which shows that you do not have a good opinion of them.
147
divan
A divan is a long soft seat that has no back or arms.
148
divest
If you divest yourself of something that you own or are responsible for, you get rid of it or stop being responsible for it.
149
doctrinaire
If you say that someone is doctrinaire or has a doctrinaire attitude, you disapprove of them because they have fixed principles which they try to force on other people.
150
doldrum
1. low spirits; dull, gloomy, listless feeling
2. sluggishness or complete inactivity; stagnation
3. equatorial ocean regions noted for dead calms and light fluctuating breezes
151
domicile
Your domicile is the place where you live.
152
donnish
If you describe someone as donnish, you think they are rather serious and intellectual.
153
dote
If you say that someone dotes on a person or a thing, you mean that they love or care about them very much and ignore any faults they may have.
154
draconian
Draconian laws or measures are extremely harsh and severe.
155
droll
Something or someone that is droll is amusing or witty, sometimes in an unexpected way.
156
dulcet
1. soothing or pleasant to hear; sweet-sounding; melodious
2. sweet to taste or smell
157
eddy
An eddy is a movement in water or in the air that goes around and around instead of flowing in one continuous direction.
158
effeminate
If you describe a man or boy as effeminate, you think he behaves, looks, or sounds like a woman or girl.
159
effete
If you describe someone as effete, you are criticizing them for being weak and powerless.
160
effulgence
great brightness; radiance; brilliance
161
elephantine
If you describe something as elephantine, you mean that you think it is large and clumsy
162
eleutheromania
a manic yearning for freedom
163
elocution
Elocution is how clearly someone speaks or sings.
164
elucidate
If you elucidate something, you make it clear and easy to understand.
165
Elysian
in or like Elysium
166
emanate
1. If a quality emanates from you, or if you emanate a quality, you give people a strong sense that you have that quality.
2. If something emanates from somewhere, it comes from there.
167
emasculate
If someone or something is emasculated, they have been made weak and ineffective.
168
empyrean
of the empyrean; heavenly; sublime
169
ennui
Ennui is a feeling of being tired, bored, and dissatisfied.
170
ephemeral
If you describe something as ephemeral, you mean that it lasts only for a short time.
171
epistle
An epistle is a letter.
172
epithet
An epithet is an adjective or short phrase that is used as a way of criticizing or praising someone.
173
epoch
If you refer to a long period of time as an epoch, you mean that important events or great changes took place during it.
174
equipoise
1. equal distribution of weight; state of balance, or equilibrium
2. a weight or force that balances another; counterbalance
175
eschew
If you eschew something, you deliberately avoid doing it or becoming involved in it.
176
escutcheon
a shield or shield-shaped surface on which a coat of arms is displayed
177
espouse
If you espouse a particular policy, cause, or belief, you become very interested in it and give your support to it.
178
ethereal
Someone or something that is ethereal has a delicate beauty.
179
etiolate
1. to cause to be pale and unhealthy
2. to deprive of strength; weaken
3. to blanch or bleach by depriving of sunlight
180
evince
If someone or something evinces a particular feeling or quality, they show that feeling or quality, often indirectly.
181
ex cathedra
with the authority that comes from one's rank or office: often specif. with reference to papal pronouncements, on matters of faith or morals, that have authoritative finality
182
excoriate
1. To excoriate a person or organization means to criticize them severely, usually in public.
2. to strip, scratch, or rub off the skin of; flay, abrade, chafe, etc.
183
exculpate
to free from blame; declare or prove guiltless
184
execrable
If you describe something as execrable, you mean that it is very bad or unpleasant.
185
exhortation
If you exhort someone to do something, you try hard to persuade or encourage them to do it.
186
exhume
f a dead person's body is exhumed, it is taken out of the ground where it is buried, especially so that it can be examined in order to find out how the person died.
187
exigent
1. calling for immediate action or attention; urgent; critical
2. requiring more than is reasonable; demanding; exacting
188
exorbitant
If you describe something such as a price or fee as exorbitant, you are emphasizing that it is much higher than it should be.
189
expatiate
to speak or write in great detail; elaborate or enlarge (on or upon)
190
expiate
1. If you expiate guilty feelings or bad behavior, you do something to indicate that you are sorry for what you have done.
2. to make amends or reparation for (wrongdoing or guilt); atone for
3. to pay the penalty of; suffer for
191
expunge
If you expunge something, you get rid of it completely, because it causes problems or bad feelings.
192
facetious
If you say that someone is being facetious, you are criticizing them because they are making humorous remarks or saying things that they do not mean in a situation where they ought to be serious.
193
fastidious
If you say that someone is fastidious, you mean that they pay great attention to detail because they like everything to be very neat, accurate, and in good order.
194
feckless
If you describe someone as feckless, you mean that they lack determination or strength, and are unable to do anything properly.
195
fecund
1. Land or soil that is fecund is able to support the growth of a large number of strong healthy plants.
2. If you describe something as fecund, you approve of it because it produces a lot of good or useful things.
196
fervent
A fervent person has or shows strong feelings about something, and is very sincere and enthusiastic about it.
197
fete
1. A fete is a fancy party or celebration.
2. If someone is feted, they are celebrated, welcomed, or admired by the public.
198
filch
If you say that someone filches something, you mean they steal it, especially when you do not consider this to be a very serious crime.
199
floe
An ice floe is a large area of ice floating in the sea
200
flounce
If you flounce somewhere, you walk there quickly with exaggerated movements, in a way that shows you are annoyed or upset.
201
folderol
1. a showy but worthless trinket
2. mere nonsense
202
foment
If someone or something foments trouble or violent opposition, they cause it to develop.
203
foray
If you make a foray into a new or unfamiliar type of activity, you start to become involved in it.
204
torpid
If you are torpid, you are mentally or physically inactive, especially because you are feeling lazy or sleepy
205
frenetic
If you describe an activity as frenetic, you mean that it is fast and energetic, but rather uncontrolled.
206
frivolous
If you describe someone as frivolous, you mean they behave in a silly or light-hearted way, rather than being serious and sensible.
207
fructuate
to bear fruit
208
frugal
People who are frugal or who live frugal lives do not spend much money on themselves.
209
fruitlet
a small fruit, esp. one of those forming an aggregate fruit, as the raspberry
210
fugue
a period during which a person suffers from loss of memory, often begins a new life, and, upon recovery, remembers nothing of the amnesic phase
211
fulgurant
to give off flashes of or like lightning
212
fulminate
If you fulminate against someone or something, you criticize them angrily.
213
furtive
If you describe someone's behavior as furtive, you disapprove of them behaving as if they want to keep something secret or hidden.
214
gaiety
Gaiety is a feeling, attitude, or atmosphere of liveliness and fun.
215
gambit
1. A gambit is an action or set of actions which you carry out in order to try to gain an advantage in a situation or game.
2. A gambit is a remark which you make to someone in order to start or continue a conversation with them.
216
gambol
If animals or people gambol, they run or jump about in a playful way.
217
garrulous
If you describe someone as garrulous, you mean that they talk a great deal, especially about unimportant things.
218
genial
Someone who is genial is kind and friendly.
219
gentrify
When a street or area is gentrified, it becomes a more expensive place to live because wealthy people move into the area and buy the houses where people with less money used to live.
220
gentry
The gentry are people of high social status or high birth.
221
glaucous
bluish-green or yellowish-green
222
glib
If you describe what someone says as glib, you disapprove of it because it implies that something is simple or easy, or that there are no problems involved, when this is not the case.
223
gossamer
You use gossamer to indicate that something is very light, thin, or delicate.
224
hapless
A hapless person is unlucky.
225
harangue
If someone harangues you, they try to persuade you to accept their opinions or ideas in a forceful way.
226
hermitage
1. the place where a hermit lives
2. a place where a person can live away from other people; secluded retreat
227
hierophant
1. in ancient Greece, a priest of a mystery cult
2. a person confidently expounding, explaining, or promoting something mysterious or obscure as though appointed to do so
228
hircine
of or like a goat; esp., smelling like a goat
229
hobbledehoy
a boy or adolescent youth, esp. one who is awkward and gawky
230
hoodwink
If someone hoodwinks you, they trick or deceive you.
231
ideologue
An ideologue is the same as an ideologist.
232
idyll
If you describe a situation as an idyll, you mean that it is idyllic.
233
idyllic
If you describe something as idyllic, you mean that it is extremely pleasant, simple, and peaceful without any difficulties or dangers.
234
ignoble
If you describe something as ignoble, you mean that it is bad and something to be ashamed of.
235
ignominy
Ignominy is shame or public disgrace.
236
immanent
If you say that a quality is immanent in a particular thing, you mean that the thing has that quality, and cannot exist or be imagined without it.
237
immure
1. to shut up within or as within walls; imprison, confine, or seclude
2. to entomb in a wall
238
impertinent
If someone talks or behaves in a rather impolite and disrespectful way, you can say that they are being impertinent.
239
importune
If someone importunes another person, they ask them for something or ask them to do something, in an annoying way.
240
impudence
If you describe someone as impudent, you mean they are rude or disrespectful, or do something they have no right to do.
241
inane
If you describe someone's behavior or actions as inane, you think they are very silly or stupid.
242
incarnate
If you say that someone is a quality incarnate, you mean that they represent that quality or are typical of it in an extreme form.
243
incipient
An incipient situation or quality is one that is starting to happen or develop.
244
incondite
1. poorly constructed
2. lacking finish or refinement; crude
245
incontinent
Someone who is incontinent is unable to control urine or feces from coming out of their body.
246
incubus
an evil spirit or demon thought in medieval times to descend upon and have sexual intercourse with women
247
indefatigable
You use indefatigable to describe someone who never gets tired of doing something.
248
indolent
Someone who is indolent is lazy.
249
ingratiate
If someone tries to ingratiate themselves with you, they do things to try and make you like them.
250
iniquity
You can refer to wicked actions or very unfair situations as iniquity.
251
insipid
1. If you describe food or drink as insipid, you dislike it because it has very little taste.
2. If you describe someone or something as insipid, you mean they are dull and boring.
252
insouciance
Insouciance is lack of concern shown by someone about something that they are expected to take more seriously
253
intercession
Intercession is the act of interceding with someone.
254
intonation
Your intonation is the way that your voice rises and falls as you speak.
255
intransigent
If you describe someone as intransigent, you mean that they refuse to behave differently or to change their attitude to something.
256
inure
1. to make accustomed to something difficult, painful, etc.; habituate
2. to come into use or take effect
257
inveigh
If you inveigh against something, you criticize it strongly.
258
investiture
An investiture is a ceremony in which someone is given an official title.
259
invidious
1. If you describe a task or job as invidious, you mean that it is unpleasant because it is likely to make you unpopular.
2. An invidious comparison or choice between two things is an unfair one because the two things are very different or are equally good or bad.
260
iridescent
Something that is iridescent has many bright colors that seem to keep changing.
261
irreverent
If you describe someone as irreverent, you mean that they do not show respect for people or things that are generally respected.
262
jaunty
If you describe someone or something as jaunty, you mean that they are full of confidence and energy.
263
jaunty
If you describe someone or something as jaunty, you mean that they are full of confidence and energy.
264
jingoist
1. a person who boasts of his or her patriotism and favors an aggressive, threatening, warlike foreign policy; chauvinist
265
jocular
If you say that someone has a jocular manner, you mean that they are cheerful and often make jokes or try to make people laugh.
266
knave
If someone calls a man a knave, they mean that he is dishonest and should not be trusted
267
laud
If people laud someone, they praise and admire them.
268
laudable
Something that is laudable deserves to be praised or admired.
269
lave
1. to wash or bathe
2. to flow along or against
3. to dip or pour with or as with a ladle
270
lesion
A lesion is an injury or wound to someone's body.
271
levity
Levity is behavior that shows a tendency to treat serious matters in a nonserious way.
272
lexical
Lexical means relating to the words of a language.
273
libelous
If a statement in a book, newspaper, or magazine is libelous, it wrongly accuses someone of something, and is therefore against the law.
274
libertine
If you refer to someone as a libertine, you mean that they are sexually immoral and do not care about the effect their behavior has on other people.
275
lieu
1. If you do, get, or give one thing in lieu of another, you do, get, or give it instead of the other thing, because the two things are considered to have the same value or importance.
2. If you do, get, or give something in lieu, you do, get, or give it instead of something else, because the two things are considered to have the same value or importance.
276
lilt
If someone's voice has a lilt in it, the pitch of their voice rises and falls in a pleasant way, as if they were singing.
277
litany
If you describe what someone says as a litany of things, you mean that you have heard it many times before, and you think it is boring or insincere.
278
liturgy
A liturgy is a particular form of religious service, usually one that is set and approved by a branch of the Christian Church.
279
lofty
1. A lofty ideal or ambition is noble, important, and admirable.
2. A lofty building or room is very high.
3. If you say that someone behaves in a lofty way, you are critical of them for behaving in a proud and somewhat overbearing way, as if they think they are very important.
280
loquacious
If you describe someone as loquacious, you mean that they talk a lot.
281
ludic
expressive of a playful but aimless outlook
282
lurid
If you say that something is lurid, you are critical of it because it involves a lot of violence, sex, or shocking detail.
283
macabre
You describe something such as an event or story as macabre when it is strange and horrible or upsetting, usually because it involves death or injury.
284
madrigal
A madrigal is a song sung by several singers without any musical instruments. Madrigals were popular in England in the sixteenth century.
285
magnanimity
Magnanimity is kindness and generosity toward someone, especially after defeating them or being treated badly by them.
286
magniloquent
1. Magnanimity is kindness and generosity toward someone, especially after defeating them or being treated badly by them.
2. boastful or bombastic
287
malfeasance
wrongdoing or misconduct, esp. by a public official; commission of an act that is positively unlawful
288
malodorous
Something that is malodorous has an unpleasant smell.
289
manqué
1. You use manqué to describe someone who has never had the type of job indicated, although they had the ability for it or wanted
2. that falls short of the goal; unsuccessful or defective
3. potential but unrealized; would-be placed after the noun it modifies [a scholar manqué]: also used of a woman, in which case it is spelled manˈquée
290
mar
To mar something means to spoil or damage it.
291
matitutinal
of or in the morning; early
292
mauve
Something that is mauve is of a pale purple color.
293
mawkish
You can describe something as mawkish when you think it is sentimental and silly.
294
mendacious
A mendacious person is someone who tells lies. A mendacious statement is one that is a lie.
295
mercurial
If you describe someone as mercurial, you mean that they frequently change their mind or mood without warning.
296
metonymy
a figure of speech in which the name of one thing is used in place of that of another associated with or suggested by it ( Ex.: “the White House” for “the President”)
297
miasma
You can describe something bad or confused that seems to be in the air all around you as a miasma.
298
mire
1. You can refer to an unpleasant or difficult situation as a mire of some kind.
2. Mire is dirt or mud.
299
miscible
that can be mixed
300
morose
Someone who is morose is miserable, bad-tempered, and not willing to talk very much to other people.
301
mystagogue
person who interprets religious mysteries or initiates others into them
302
nacreous
like mother-of-pearl
303
nascent
Nascent things or processes are just beginning, and are expected to become stronger or to grow bigger.
304
natatorium
a swimming pool, esp. one indoors
305
nebulous
If you describe something as nebulous, you mean that it is vague and not clearly defined or not easy to describe.
306
neophyte
A neophyte is someone who is new to a particular activity.
307
nepenthe
1. a drug supposed by the ancient Greeks to cause forgetfulness of sorrow
2. anything causing such forgetfulness
308
nidor
the strong odour of cooking or burning animal products; thus, any strong unpleasant smell
309
nisus
1. effort; endeavor; impulse
2. a seasonal desire to mate
3. the muscular contractions used to expel waste, eggs, or a fetus from the body
310
nondescript
If you describe something or someone as nondescript, you mean that their appearance is rather dull, and not at all interesting or attractive.
311
obdurate
If you describe someone as obdurate, you think that they are being unreasonable in their refusal to change their decision or opinion.
312
obeisance
1. Obeisance to someone or something is great respect shown for them.
2. An obeisance is a physical gesture, especially a bow, that you make in order to show your respect for someone or something.
313
obfuscate
To obfuscate something means to deliberately make it seem confusing and difficult to understand.
314
oblong
An oblong is a shape which has two long sides and two short sides and in which all the angles are right angles.
315
obsequious
If you describe someone as obsequious, you are criticizing them because they are too eager to help or agree with someone more important than them.
316
obstinate
If you describe someone as obstinate, you are being critical of them because they are very determined to do what they want, and refuse to change their mind or be persuaded to do something else.
317
occident
the west
318
occlusion
1. to close, shut, or block (a passage)
2. to prevent the passage of; shut in or out
3. to conceal, hide, or obscure
319
odious
If you describe people or things as odious, you think that they are hateful or disgusting.
320
oleaginous
oily; greasy; unctuous
321
onerous
If you describe a task as onerous, you dislike having to do it because you find it difficult or unpleasant.
322
opalescent
Opalescent means colorless or white like an opal, or changing color like an opal.
323
orchidaceous
of, relating to, or belonging to the Orchidaceae, a family of flowering plants including the orchids
324
orgulous
excessively proud; haughty; arrogant
325
oscitancy
drowsiness, dullness, apathy, etc.
326
ostensibly
apparently; seemingly
327
ostentatious
1. If you describe something as ostentatious, you disapprove of it because it is expensive and is intended to impress people
2. If you describe someone as ostentatious, you disapprove of them because they want to impress people with their wealth or importance.
328
palatial
A palatial house, hotel, or office building is very large and impressive.
329
pallid
1. Someone or something that is pallid is pale in an unattractive or unnatural way.
2. You can describe something such as a performance or book as pallid if it is weak or not at all exciting.
330
pallor
If you refer to the pallor of someone's face or skin, you mean that it is pale and unhealthy.
331
palpable
You describe something as palpable when it is obvious or intense and easily noticed.
332
palpitate
If someone's heart palpitates, it beats very fast in an irregular way, because they are frightened or anxious.
333
palsied
Palsy is a medical condition in which a person is unable to move part of their body, or in which a part of their body shakes uncontrollably.
334
panache
If you do something with panache, you do it in a confident, stylish, and elegant way.
335
panoply
A panoply of things is a wide range of them, especially one that is considered impressive.
336
paradisiacal
of, like, or fit for paradise
337
parasol
A parasol is an object like an umbrella that provides shade from the sun.
338
pariah
If you describe someone as a pariah, you mean that other people dislike them so much that they refuse to associate with them.
339
paroxysm
1. A paroxysm of emotion is a sudden, very strong occurrence of it.
2. A paroxysm is a series of sudden, violent, uncontrollable movements that your body makes because you are coughing, laughing, or in great pain.
340
parsimonious
Someone who is parsimonious is very unwilling to spend money.
341
pastiche
A pastiche is something such as a piece of writing or music in which the style is copied from somewhere else, or which contains a mixture of different styles
342
patronage
Patronage is the support and money given by someone to a person or a group such as a charity.
343
paucity
If you say that there is a paucity of something, you mean that there is not enough of it.
344
pedagogy
Pedagogy is the study and theory of the methods and principles of teaching.
345
pejorative
A pejorative word or expression is one that expresses criticism of someone or something.
346
pensive
If you are pensive, you are thinking deeply about something, especially something that worries you slightly.
347
perambulate
When someone perambulates, they walk around for pleasure.
348
perdition
If you say that someone is on the road to perdition, you mean that their behavior is likely to lead them to failure and punishment.
349
perennial
You use perennial to describe situations or states that keep occurring or that seem to exist all the time; used especially to describe problems or difficulties.
350
perfunctory
A perfunctory action is done quickly and carelessly, and shows a lack of interest in what you are doing.
351
periscope
A periscope is a vertical tube that people inside submarines can look through to see above the surface of the water.
352
perpetuity
If something is done in perpetuity, it is intended to last for ever.
353
perspicacious
Someone who is perspicacious notices, realizes, and understands things quickly.
354
petrichor
a sweet smell that is produced when rain falls on parched earth
355
petulant
Someone who is petulant is unreasonably angry and upset in a childish way
356
pharisaic
pretending to be highly moral or virtuous without actually being so; hypocritical
357
philistine
1. If you call someone a philistine, you mean that they do not care about or understand good art, music, or literature, and do not think that they are important.
2. You can use philistine to describe people or organizations who you think do not care about or understand the value of good art, music, or literature.
358
phonograph
A phonograph is a record player.
359
pithy
A pithy comment or piece of writing is short, direct, and full of meaning.
360
placate
If you placate someone, you do or say something to make them stop feeling angry.
361
pejorative
A pejorative word or expression is one that expresses criticism of someone or something.
362
pleat
A pleat in a piece of clothing is a permanent fold that is made in the cloth by folding one part over the other and sewing across the top end of the fold.
363
pleonasm
1. the use of more words than are necessary for the expression of an idea; redundancy ( Ex.: “ plenty enough”)
2. an instance of this
3. a redundant word or expression
364
poignant
Something that is poignant affects you deeply and makes you feel sadness or regret.
365
poltroon
1. a thorough coward; craven
2. cowardly
366
popple
1. to heave, toss, bubble, or ripple, as water in a choppy sea
2. the action of poppling
367
portend
If something portends an event or occurrence, it indicates that it is likely to happen in the future
368
posh
If you describe something as posh, you mean that it is elegant, fashionable, and expensive.
369
posthumous
Posthumous is used to describe something that happens after a person's death but relates to something they did before they died.
370
potentate
A potentate is a ruler who has complete power over their people
371
praxis
1. practice, as distinguished from theory, of an art, science, etc.
2. established practice; custom
372
prescind
to detach, abstract, or isolate (a meaning, one's mind, etc.)
373
profundity
Profundity is great intellectual depth and understanding.
374
prosaic
Something that is prosaic is dull and uninteresting.
375
proselyte
a person who has been converted from one religion to another, or from one belief, sect, party, etc. to another
376
prosody
1. the science or art of versification, including the study of metrical structure, stanza forms, etc.
377
prosody
Quotidian activities or experiences are basic, everyday activities or experiences.
378
prurient
If you describe someone as prurient, you mean that they show too much interest in sexual matters.
379
puerile
If you describe someone or something as puerile, you mean that they are silly and childish.
380
puissant
powerful; strong
381
pundit
A pundit is a person who knows a lot about a subject and is often asked to give information or opinions about it to the public.
382
purl
1. to move in ripples or with a murmuring sound
2. to move in eddies; swirl
3. a purling stream or rill
4. the murmuring sound of purling water
383
purview
The purview of something such as an organization or activity is the range of things it deals with.
384
pustule
A pustule is a small infected swelling on the skin.
385
qua
in the function, character, or capacity of; as
386
quandary
If you are in a quandary, you have to make a decision but cannot decide what to do.
387
quiddity
1. the essential quality of a thing
2. a trifling distinction; quibble
388
quiesce
1. to become quiet or subdued
2. (of a letter) to be made silent
389
quondam
that was at one time; former
390
rambunctious
A rambunctious person is energetic in a cheerful, noisy way.
391
rancor
Rancor is a feeling of bitterness and anger.
392
rapport
If two people or groups have a rapport, they have a good relationship in which they are able to understand each other's ideas or feelings very well.
393
raucous
A raucous sound is loud, harsh, and rather unpleasant.
394
recondite
Recondite areas of knowledge or learning are difficult to understand, and not many people know about them.
395
redolent
If something is redolent of something else, it has features that make you think of that other thing.
396
refractory
Refractory people are difficult to deal with or control, usually because they are unwilling to obey orders.
397
remora
anything that hinders or impedes
398
repetend
a repeated sound, word, or phrase; refrain
399
repose
Repose is a state in which you are resting and feeling calm.
400
repose
Repose is a state in which you are resting and feeling calm.
401
reprieve
A reprieve is a delay before a very unpleasant or difficult situation which may or may not take place.
402
reticent
Someone who is reticent does not tell people about things.
403
rigamarole
You can describe a long and complicated process as a rigmarole.
404
rout
If an army, sports team, or other group routs its opponents, it defeats them completely and easily.
405
russet
Russet is used to describe things that are reddish brown in color.
406
sabbatical
A sabbatical is a period of time during which someone such as a university teacher can leave their ordinary work and travel or study.
407
salacious
If you describe something such as a book or joke as salacious, you think that it deals with sexual matters in an unnecessarily detailed way.
408
salient
The salient points or facts of a situation are the most important ones.
409
scion
A scion of a rich or famous family is one of its younger or more recent members.
410
screed
a long, tiresome speech or piece of writing
411
scrupulous
Someone who is scrupulous takes great care to do what is fair, honest, or morally right.
412
sedulous
1. working hard and steadily; diligent
2. constant; persistent
413
sequacious
easily influenced or led; servile; compliant
414
sequela
1. a thing that follows; consequence
2. a diseased condition following, and usually resulting from, a previous disease
415
seraglio
the palace of a Turkish sultan
416
serendipity
Serendipity is the luck some people have in finding or creating interesting or valuable things by chance
417
seriatim
one after another in order; point by point; serial(ly)
418
servile
If you say that someone is servile, you disapprove of them because they are too eager to obey someone or do things for them.
419
sesquipedalian
using, or characterized by the use of, long words
420
shadow play
a play produced by showing to the audience only the shadows of actors or puppets on a screen
421
shivaree
a noisy demonstration or celebration; esp., a mock serenade with kettles, horns, etc. to a couple on their wedding night; charivari
422
shorn
Shorn is the past participle of shear.
423
shrewd
A shrewd person is able to understand and judge a situation quickly and to use this understanding to their own advantage.
424
skein
A skein is a length of thread, especially wool or silk, wound loosely around itself.
425
sobriquet
A sobriquet is a humorous name that people give someone or something.
426
sojourn
A sojourn is a short stay in a place that is not your home.
427
solecism
1. a violation of the conventional usage, grammar, etc. of a language; ungrammatical use of words ( Ex.: “We done it” for “We did it”)
2. a violation of good manners; breach of etiquette
3. a mistake or impropriety
428
solipsism
1. the theory that the self can be aware of nothing but its own experiences and states
2. the theory that nothing exists or is real but the self
429
sonorous
A sonorous sound is deep and rich.
430
sordid
If you describe someone's behavior as sordid, you mean that it is immoral or dishonest.
431
sough
a soft, low, murmuring, sighing, or rustling sound
432
sough
1. a soft, low, murmuring, sighing, or rustling sound
2. to make a sough
433
spastic
1. Someone who is spastic is born with a disability which makes it difficult for them to control their muscles, especially in their arms and legs. Most people now refer to someone with this disability as having cerebral palsy.
2. pertaining to, of the nature of, or characterized by spasm, esp. tonic spasm
3. a person exhibiting such spasms
434
spinster
A spinster is a woman who has never been married; used especially when talking about an old or middle-aged woman
435
spurious
Something that is spurious seems to be genuine, but is false. A spurious argument or way of reasoning is incorrect, and so the conclusion is probably incorrect.
436
squall
A squall is a sudden strong wind which often causes a brief, violent rainstorm or snowstorm.
437
staccato
A staccato noise consists of a series of short, sharp, separate sounds.
438
prosody
1. the science or art of versification, including the study of metrical structure, stanza forms, etc.
2. a particular system or style of versification and metrical structure
439
stolid
If you describe someone as stolid, you mean that they do not show much emotion or are not very exciting or interesting.
440
stringent
Stringent laws, rules, or conditions are very severe or are strictly controlled
441
stupor
Someone who is in a stupor is almost unconscious and is unable to act or think normally, especially as a result of drink or drugs.
442
sublet
If you sublet a building or part of a building, you allow someone to use it and you take rent from them, although you are not the owner and pay rent for it yourself.
443
substratum
A substratum of something is a layer that lies under the surface of another layer, or a feature that is less obvious than other features.
444
succint
Something that is succinct expresses facts or ideas clearly and in few words.
445
succor
1. Succor is help given to people who are suffering or in difficulties.
2. If you succor someone who is suffering or in difficulties, you help them.
446
suffuse
If something, especially a color or feeling, suffuses a person or thing, it gradually spreads over or through them.
447
suffuse
1. If something, especially a color or feeling, suffuses a person or thing, it gradually spreads over or through them.
2. If something such as a book, movie, or piece of music is suffused with a quality, it is full of that quality.
448
sumptuous
Something that is sumptuous is grand and obviously very expensive
449
sumptuous
Something that is sumptuous is grand and obviously very expensive.
450
supercilious
If you say that someone is supercilious, you disapprove of them because they behave in a way that shows they think they are better than other people.
451
surreptitious
A surreptitious action is done secretly.
452
surreptitious
A surreptitious action is done secretly
453
Svengali
a person who dominates or manipulates another, esp. with evil intentions
454
sybarite
1. a person born or living in ancient Sybaris
2. anyone very fond of self-indulgence and luxury; voluptuary
455
tabulate
To tabulate information means to arrange it in columns on a page so that it can be analyzed.
456
taciturn
A taciturn person does not say very much and can seem unfriendly.
457
tact
Tact is the ability to avoid upsetting or offending people by being careful not to say or do things that would hurt their feelings.
458
tactile`
1. If you describe someone as tactile, you mean that they tend to touch other people a lot when talking to them.
2. Something such as fabric which is tactile is pleasant or interesting to touch.
3. Tactile experiences or sensations are received or felt by touch.
459
taupe
Something that is taupe is a pale brownish-gray color.
460
tendentious
Something that is tendentious expresses a particular opinion or point of view very strongly, especially one that many people disagree with.
461
indolent
Someone who is indolent is lazy.
462
tepid
Water or another liquid that is tepid is slightly warm.
463
testudinal
of or like a tortoise or its shell; testudinate
464
tetchy
If you say that someone is tetchy, you mean they are bad-tempered and likely to get angry suddenly without an obvious reason.
465
throng
1. A throng is a large crowd of people.
2. When people throng somewhere, they go there in great numbers.
466
timorous
1. If you describe someone as timorous, you mean that they are frightened and nervous of other people and situations.
2. If you describe someone's actions or decisions as timorous, you are criticizing them for being too cautious or weak, because the person is not very confident and is worried about the possible consequences of their actions.
467
torrid
1. Torrid weather is extremely hot and dry.
2. A torrid relationship or incident involves very strong emotions connected with love and sex.
468
transient
1. Transient is used to describe a situation that lasts only a short time or is constantly changing.
2. Transients are people who stay in a place for only a short time and then move somewhere else.
469
treacle
Treacle is a thick, sweet, sticky liquid that is obtained when sugar is processed. It is used in making cakes and desserts such as steamed puddings.
470
trenchant
You can use trenchant to describe something such as a criticism or comment that is very clear, effective, and forceful.
471
truculent
If you say that someone is truculent, you mean that they are bad-tempered and aggressive.
472
tumescent
1. swelling; slightly tumid
2. exhibiting or affected with many ideas or emotions; teeming
3. pompous and pretentious, esp. in the use of language; bombastic
473
ubiquity
If you talk about the ubiquity of something, you mean that it seems to be everywhere.
474
ululate
If someone ululates, they make quickly repeated loud sounds, often to express sorrow or happiness.
475
umbrage
1. foliage, considered as shade-giving
2. offense or resentment
476
unctuous
If you describe someone as unctuous, you are critical of them because they seem to be full of praise, kindness, or interest, but are obviously insincere.
477
unremit
1. not remitted, as a debt
2. unpardoned, as a sin
3. steadily maintained; uninterrupted; constant
478
ustulation
the use of heat to dry or scorch, esp. in preparing a medicine
479
vagary
1. Vagaries are unexpected and unpredictable changes in a situation or in someone's behavior that you have no control over.
2. an odd, eccentric, or unexpected action or bit of conduct
3. an odd, whimsical, or freakish idea or notion; oddity; caprice
480
venal
If you describe someone as venal, you disapprove of them because they are prepared to do almost anything in return for money, even things that are dishonest or immoral.
481
venerable
A venerable person deserves respect because they are old and wise.
482
venereal
1. having to do with sexual love or intercourse
2. serving to arouse sexual desire; aphrodisiac
3. transmitted only or chiefly by sexual intercourse with an infected individual
483
vermeil
gilded or gold-colored copper, bronze, or silver
484
versimilitude
Verisimilitude is the quality of seeming to be true or real.
485
vinculum
1. that which binds; bond; tie
2. a band or connecting fold
486
vindicate
If a person or their decisions, actions, or ideas are vindicated, they are proved to be correct, after people have said that they were wrong.
487
vindicitive
If you say that someone is vindictive, you are critical of them because they deliberately try to upset or cause trouble for someone who they think has done them harm.
488
vitiate
If something is vitiated, its effectiveness is spoiled or weakened.
489
vivify
1. to give life to; animate
2. to make more lively, active, striking, etc.
490
voluptuous
If you describe a woman as voluptuous, you mean that she has large breasts and hips and may be considered attractive in a sexual way.
491
wan
If you describe someone as wan, you mean that they look pale and tired.
492
weal
A weal is a swelling made on someone's skin by a blow, especially from something sharp or thin such as a sword or whip.
493
whinge
If you say that someone is whingeing, you mean that they are complaining in an annoying way about something unimportant.
494
winsome
If you describe a person or their actions or behavior as winsome, you mean that they are attractive and charming.
495
yonderly
1. aloof; reserved
2. morose; gloomy
496
yore
Of yore is used to refer to a period of time in the past.
497
zugzwang
a position in which one player can move only with loss or severe disadvantage
498
guile
Guile is the quality of being good at deceiving people in a clever way.
499
beguile
1. If something beguiles you, you are charmed and attracted by it.
2. If someone beguiles you into doing something, they trick you into doing it.
500
remonstrate
If you remonstrate with someone, you protest to them about something you do not approve of or agree with, and you try to get it changed or stopped.
501
commodious
A commodious room or house is large and has a lot of space.
502
foal
1. A foal is a very young horse.
2. When a female horse foals, it gives birth.
503
frond
A frond is a long leaf which has an edge divided into lots of thin parts.
504
despondent
If you are despondent, you are very unhappy because you have been experiencing difficulties that you think you will not be able to overcome.
505
rill
1. a little brook; rivulet
2. to flow in or like a rill
506
spate
A spate of things, especially unpleasant things, is a large number of them that happen or appear within a short period of time.
507
