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Flashcards - 2

0
Q

Defection

A

: conscious abandonment of allegiance or duty (as to a person, cause, or doctrine) : desertion

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1
Q

Homonymous

A

Having the same designation

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2
Q

Convivial

A

: of or relating to social events where people can eat, drink, and talk in a friendly way with others

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3
Q

Chide

A

: to express mild disapproval of (someone) : to scold (someone) gently

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4
Q

Muzzle

A

: to put a muzzle on (a dog) : to place a covering on (the mouth of a dog) to stop biting
: to prevent (a person or group) from speaking or writing in a free or normal way

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5
Q

Bespoke

A

1 a : custom-made <a>
b : dealing in or producing custom-made articles
2 dialect : engaged
Examples
a wealthy man who can easily afford bespoke suits
once the last decent-looking woman in town was bespoke, it was time for the luckless bachelor to move on</a>

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6
Q

Caveat

A

: an explanation or warning that should be remembered when you are doing or thinking about something

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7
Q

Dolt

A

: a stupid person

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8
Q

Contrivance

A

: something that causes things to happen in a story in a way that does not seem natural or believable
: the use of contrivances in a story
: a machine or piece of equipment made with skill and cleverness

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9
Q

Utilitarian

A

: made to be useful rather than to be decorative or comfortable
philosophy : of or relating to utilitarianism

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10
Q

Tradition

A

: a way of thinking, behaving, or doing something that has been used by the people in a particular group, family, society, etc., for a long time
: the stories, beliefs, etc., that have been part of the culture of a group of people for a long time
—used to say that someone has qualities which are like the qualities of another well-known person or group of people from the past

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11
Q

Doughty

A

: brave, strong, and determined
Full Definition
: marked by fearless resolution : valiant <a>
Other forms: dough·ti·er; dough·ti·est
dough·ti·ly \ˈdau̇-təl-ē\ adverb
dough·ti·ness \ˈdau̇-tē-nəs\ noun
Examples
the doughty heroes of old
Origin: Middle English, from Old English dohtig; akin to Old High German toug is useful, Greek teuchein to make.
First use: before 12th century
Synonyms: bold, courageous, dauntless, brave, fearless, gallant, greathearted, gutsy, gutty, heroic (also heroical), intrepid, lionhearted, manful, stalwart, stout, stouthearted, undauntable, undaunted, valiant, valorous
Antonyms: chicken, chickenhearted, chicken-livered, coward, cowardly, craven, dastardly, fainthearted, fearful, gutless, lily-livered, milk-livered [archaic], nerveless, poltroon, poor-spirited, pusillanimous, spineless, spiritless, timorous, uncourageous, ungallant, unheroic, weakhearted, yellow</a>

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12
Q

Frivolous

A

: not important : not deserving serious attention
: silly and not serious
Full Definition
1 a : of little weight or importance
b : having no sound basis (as in fact or law) <a>
2 a : lacking in seriousness
b : marked by unbecoming levity
friv·o·lous·ly adverb
friv·o·lous·ness noun
Examples
judges are getting sick of people bringing frivolous lawsuits
when asked by the waiter if we wanted anything else that evening, we made a frivolous request for free drinks
Origin: Middle English, from Latin frivolus.
First use: 15th century
Synonyms: fiddling, foolish, unimportant, incidental, inconsequential, inconsiderable, insignificant, little, Mickey Mouse, minor, minute, negligible, nugatory, slight, small, small-fry, trifling, trivial
Antonyms: big, consequential, eventful, important, major, material, meaningful, momentous, significant, substantial, unfrivolous, weighty</a>

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13
Q

Didactic

A

di·dac·tic\dī-ˈdak-tik, də-\
adjective
: designed or intended to teach people something
—used to describe someone or something that tries to teach something (such as proper or moral behavior) in a way that is annoying or unwanted
Full Definition
1 a : designed or intended to teach
b : intended to convey instruction and information as well as pleasure and entertainment
2 : making moral observations
di·dac·ti·cal -ti-kəl\ adjective
di·dac·ti·cal·ly -ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb
di·dac·ti·cism -tə-ˌsi-zəm\ noun
Examples
the poet’s works became increasingly didactic after his religious conversion
Origin: Greek didaktikos, from didaskein to teach.
First use: 1658
Synonyms: sermonic, homiletic (or homiletical), moralistic, moralizing, preachy, sententious

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14
Q

Zesty

A 
\: having a strong, pleasant, and somewhat spicy flavor
\: lively and pleasing : full of zest
Full Definition
\: having or characterized by zest : appealingly piquant or lively <a> 
Other forms: zest·i·er; zest·i·est
zest·i·ly \-tə-lē\ adverb
Examples
a zesty sauce
zesty humor
First use: 1868
Synonyms: pert, poignant, pungent, salty, savory (also savoury), piquant, zingy
Antonyms: insipid, zestless
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15
Q

Luxuriant

A

: having heavy and thick growth
: having an appealingly rich quality
Full Definition
1 a : yielding abundantly : fertile, fruitful
b : characterized by abundant growth : lush
2 : abundantly and often extravagantly rich and varied : prolific
3 : characterized by luxury : luxurious <a>
synonyms see profuse
lux·u·ri·ant·ly adverb
Examples
an older man who still has a luxuriant head of hair
a luxuriant coat of fur
luxuriant soil that yields endless fields of grain
First use: circa 1540
Synonyms: green, grown, leafy, lush, overgrown, verdant
Antonyms: barren, leafless</a>

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16
Q

Conform

A

: to be similar to or the same as something
: to obey or agree with something
: to do what other people do : to behave in a way that is accepted by most people
Full Definition
transitive verb
: to give the same shape, outline, or contour to : bring into harmony or accord
intransitive verb
1 : to be similar or identical; also : to be in agreement or harmony — used with to or with
2 a : to be obedient or compliant — usually used with to ll have to conform this new rule with existing policy regarding student-run organizations on campus
Origin: Middle English, from Anglo-French conformer, from Latin conformare, from com- + formare to form, from forma form.
First use: 14th century
Synonyms: accord, agree, answer, chord, cohere, coincide, comport, check, consist, correspond, dovetail, fit, go, harmonize, jibe, rhyme (also rime), sort, square, tally

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17
Q

Irksome

A 
\: annoying or irritating
Full Definition
\: tending to irk : tedious 
irk·some·ly adverb
irk·some·ness noun
Examples
the irksome habit of leaving all the kitchen cabinet doors open
First use: 15th century
Synonyms: abrasive, aggravating, bothersome, carking, chafing, disturbing, exasperating, frustrating, galling, annoying, irritating, maddening, nettlesome, nettling, peeving, pesky, pestiferous, pestilent, pestilential, pesty, plaguey (also plaguy), rankling, rebarbative, riling, vexatious, vexing
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18
Q

Facile

A

: too simple : not showing enough thought or effort
: done or achieved in a way that is too easy
: working, moving, or performing well and very easily
Full Definition
1 a (1) : easily accomplished or attained <a> (2) : shallow, simplistic <i>
b : used or comprehended with ease
c : readily manifested and often lacking sincerity or depth
2 archaic : mild or pleasing in manner or disposition
3 a : ready, fluent
b : poised, assured
synonyms see easy
fac·ile·ly -sə(l)-lē\ adverb
fac·ile·ness -səl-nəs\ noun
Examples
the movie takes a facile look at what happens when teens enter into serious romantic relationships
a few early facile victories misled the country into thinking that the war would be short and relatively painless
Origin: Middle French, from Latin facilis, from facere to do — more at do.
First use: 15th century
Synonyms: superficial, one-dimensional, shallow, skin-deep</i></a>

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19
Q

Glib

A

glib\ˈglib\
adjective
: said or done too easily or carelessly : showing little preparation or thought
: speaking in a smooth, easy way that is not sincere
Full Definition
1 a : marked by ease and informality : nonchalant
b : showing little forethought or preparation : offhand
c : lacking depth and substance : superficial
2 archaic : smooth, slippery
3 : marked by ease and fluency in speaking or writing often to the point of being insincere or deceitful <a>
Other forms: glib·ber; glib·best
glib·ly adverb
glib·ness noun
Examples
Politicians need to do more than provide glib answers to difficult questions.
glib generalizations
the actor’s glib portrayal of a drug addict
Origin: probably modification of Low German glibberig slippery.
First use: 1584</a>

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20
Q

Forlorn

A

: sad and lonely
: empty and in poor condition
: not having much chance of success : nearly hopeless
Full Definition
1 a : bereft, forsaken
b : sad and lonely because of isolation or desertion : desolate <a>
2 : being in poor condition : miserable, wretched
3 : nearly hopeless <a>
synonyms see alone
for·lorn·ly adverb
for·lorn·ness -ˈlȯrn-nəs\ noun
Examples
she was forlorn when she found out the trip had been cancelled
a forlorn wanderer far from home
a forlorn little town whose brief economic boom ended decades ago
Origin: Middle English forloren, from Old English, past participle of forlēosan to lose, from for- + lēosan to lose — more at lose.
First use: before 12th century
Synonyms: bad, blue, brokenhearted, cast down, crestfallen, dejected, depressed, despondent, disconsolate, doleful, down, downcast, downhearted, down in the mouth, droopy, sad, gloomy, glum, hangdog, heartbroken, heartsick, heartsore, heavyhearted, inconsolable, joyless, low, low-spirited, melancholic, melancholy, miserable, mournful, saddened, sorrowful, sorry, unhappy, woebegone, woeful, wretched</a></a>

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21
Q

Desolate

A

: lacking the people, plants, animals, etc., that make people feel welcome in a place
: very sad and lonely especially because someone you love has died or left
Full Definition
1 : devoid of inhabitants and visitors : deserted
2 : joyless, disconsolate, and sorrowful through or as if through separation from a loved one <a>
3 a : showing the effects of abandonment and neglect : dilapidated <a>
b : barren, lifeless <a>
c : devoid of warmth, comfort, or hope : gloomy
synonyms see alone, dismal
des·o·late·ly adverb
des·o·late·ness noun
Origin: Middle English desolat, from Latin desolatus, past participle of desolare to abandon, from de- + solus alone.
First use: 14th century
Synonyms: black, bleak, cheerless, chill, Cimmerian, cloudy, cold, comfortless, dark, darkening, depressing, depressive, gloomy, dire, disconsolate, dismal, drear, dreary, dreich [chiefly Scottish], elegiac (also elegiacal), forlorn, funereal, glum, godforsaken, gray (also grey), lonely, lonesome, lugubrious, miserable, morbid, morose, murky, plutonian, saturnine, sepulchral, solemn, somber (or sombre), sullen, sunless, tenebrific, tenebrous, wretched
Antonyms: bright, cheerful, cheering, cheery, comforting, cordial, festive, friendly, gay, heartwarming, sunshiny</a></a></a>

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22
Q

Doughty

A

: brave, strong, and determined
Full Definition
: marked by fearless resolution : valiant <a>
Other forms: dough·ti·er; dough·ti·est
dough·ti·ly \ˈdau̇-təl-ē\ adverb
dough·ti·ness \ˈdau̇-tē-nəs\ noun
Examples
the doughty heroes of old
Origin: Middle English, from Old English dohtig; akin to Old High German toug is useful, Greek teuchein to make.
First use: before 12th century
Synonyms: bold, courageous, dauntless, brave, fearless, gallant, greathearted, gutsy, gutty, heroic (also heroical), intrepid, lionhearted, manful, stalwart, stout, stouthearted, undauntable, undaunted, valiant, valorous</a>

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23
Q

Diverge

A

: to split and move out in different directions from a single point
: to be or become different
Full Definition
intransitive verb
1 a : to move or extend in different directions from a common point : draw apart
b : to become or be different in character or form : differ in opinion
2 : to turn aside from a path or course : deviate
3 : to be mathematically divergent
transitive verb
: deflect
synonyms see swerve
Other forms: di·verged; di·verg·ing
Examples
the deer abruptly diverged from its intended path the moment it spied the waiting lynx
at that point the road and the railroad tracks diverge
Origin: Medieval Latin divergere, from Latin dis- + vergere to incline — more at wrench.
First use: 1665
Synonyms: detour, deviate, turn, sheer, swerve, swing, turn off, veer, wheel

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24
Divulge
di·vulge\də-ˈvəlj, dī-\ transitive verb : to make (information) known : to give (information) to someone Full Definition 1 archaic : to make public : proclaim 2 : to make known (as a confidence or secret) synonyms see reveal Other forms: di·vulged; di·vulg·ing di·vul·gence \-ˈvəl-jən(t)s\ noun Examples we tried to make him divulge the name of the winner, but he wouldn't budge Origin: Middle English, from Latin divulgare, from dis- + vulgare to make known, from vulgus mob. First use: 15th century
25
Retrench
``` re·trench\ri-ˈtrench\ : to change the way things are done in order to spend less money Full Definition transitive verb 1 a : cut down, reduce b : to cut out : excise 2 : to pare away : remove intransitive verb : to make retrenchments; specifically : economize synonyms see shorten Origin: obsolete French retrencher (now retrancher), from Middle French retrenchier, from re- + trenchier to cut. First use: 1596 ```
26
Entrench
: to place (someone or something) in a very strong position that cannot easily be changed Full Definition transitive verb 1 a : to place within or surround with a trench especially for defense b : to place (oneself) in a strong defensive position c : to establish solidly 2 : to cut into : furrow; specifically : to erode downward so as to form a trenchintransitive verb 1 : to dig or occupy a trench for defensive purposes 2 : to enter upon or take over something unfairly, improperly, or unlawfully : encroach — used with on or upon en·trench·ment \-mənt\ noun Examples a father who entrenched in our minds the belief that hard work pays off Variants: also in·trench \in-\ First use: 1548 Synonyms: bed, embed (also imbed), enroot, fix, impact, implant, ingrain (also engrain), lodge, root Antonyms: dislodge, root (out), uproot
27
Sophistry
: the use of reasoning or arguments that sound correct but are actually false : a reason or argument that sounds correct but is actually false Full Definition 1 : subtly deceptive reasoning or argumentation 2 : sophism 1 First use: 14th century
28
Expiate
: to do something as a way to show that you are sorry about doing something bad Full Definition transitive verb 1 obsolete : to put an end to 2 a : to extinguish the guilt incurred by b : to make amends for intransitive verb : to make expiation Other forms: ex·pi·at·ed; ex·pi·at·ing ex·pi·a·ble \ˈek-spē-ə-bəl\ adjective ex·pi·a·tor \-spē-ˌā-tər\ noun Examples Yom Kippur is the holy day on which Jews are expected to expiate sins committed during the past year Origin: Latin expiatus, past participle of expiare to atone for, from ex- + piare to atone for, appease, from pius faithful, pious. First use: circa 1500 Synonyms: atone (for), mend, redeem, make amends for, make good for
29
Redemption
re·demp·tion\ri-ˈdem(p)-shən\ noun : the act of making something better or more acceptable : the act of exchanging something for money, an award, etc. Christianity : the act of saving people from sin and evil : the fact of being saved from sin or evil Full Definition : the act, process, or an instance of redeeming Origin: Middle English redempcioun, from Anglo-French redempcion, from Latin redemption-, redemptio, from redimere to redeem. First use: 14th century
31
Coruscating
1 : to give off or reflect light in bright beams or flashes : sparkle 2 : to be brilliant or showy in technique or style Other forms: cor·us·cat·ed; cor·us·cat·ing Examples a classic car from the 1950s, replete with yards of coruscating chrome Origin: Latin coruscatus, past participle of coruscare to flash.
32
Debilitate
: to make (someone or something) weak : to reduce the strength of (someone or something) Full Definition : to impair the strength of : enfeeble synonyms see weaken Other forms: de·bil·i·tat·ed; de·bil·i·tat·ing de·bil·i·ta·tion \-ˌbi-lə-ˈtā-shən\ noun Examples the heart surgery debilitated the college athlete beyond his worst fears Origin: Latin debilitatus, past participle of debilitare to weaken, from debilis weak.
33
Teleological
: exhibiting or relating to design or purpose especially in nature
34
Countenance
: the appearance of a person's face : a person's expression Full Definition 1 obsolete : bearing, demeanor 2 a : calm expression b : mental composure c : look, expression 3 archaic a : aspect, semblance b : pretense 4 : face, visage; especially : the face as an indication of mood, emotion, or character 5 : bearing or expression that offers approval or sanction : moral support Origin: Middle English contenance, from Anglo-French cuntenance, contenance, from Medieval Latin continentia, from Latin, restraint, from continent-, continens, present participle of continēre to hold together — more at contain. First use: 13th century Synonyms: cast, look, expression, face, visage Antonyms: agitation, discomposure, perturbation 2coun·te·nance\ˈkau̇n-tən-ən(t)s, ˈkau̇nt-nən(t)s\ transitive verb : to accept, support, or approve of (something) Full Definition : to extend approval or toleration to : sanction Other forms: coun·te·nanced; coun·te·nanc·ing coun·te·nanc·er noun Examples The city would not countenance a rock concert in the park. The leader did not officially countenance negotiations with the rebels. Origin: (see 1countenance ). First use: 1568
35
Consonant
: in agreement with something music : in harmony Full Definition 1 : being in agreement or harmony : free from elements making for discord 2 : marked by musical consonances 3 : having similar sounds 4 : relating to or exhibiting consonance : resonant con·so·nant·ly adverb Origin: Middle English, from Latin consonant-, consonans, present participle of consonare to sound together, agree, from com- + sonare to sound — more at sound. First use: 15th century Synonyms: balanced, congruous, harmonious, eurythmic (or eurhythmic), harmonic Antonyms: disharmonic, disharmonious, incongruous, inharmonic, inharmonious, unbalanced
36
Complaisant
com·plai·sance\kəm-ˈplā-sən(t)s, -zən(t)s; ˌkäm-plā-ˈzan(t)s, -plə-, -ˈzän(t)s\ noun : disposition to please or comply : affability Examples the complaisance of his girlfriend is such that she meekly goes along with everything he says First use: 1651 Synonyms: amenability, amiability, good-naturedness
40
Cadge
: to persuade someone to give you (something) for free Full Definition : beg, sponge Other forms: cadged; cadg·ing cadg·er noun Examples He spent his time trying to cadge drinks from the customers. She cadged money from her sister. Origin: back-formation from Scots cadger carrier, huckster, from Middle English cadgear. First use: circa 1812
41
Iridescent
``` ir·i·des·cent\-sənt\ adjective : shining with many different colors when seen from different angles Full Definition : having or exhibiting iridescence ir·i·des·cent·ly adverb Examples an iridescent soap bubble First use: 1796 Synonyms: nacreous, opalescent, pearlescent ```
42
Monocoque
1 : a type of construction (as of a fuselage) in which the outer skin carries all or a major part of the stresses 2 : a type of vehicle construction (as of an automobile) in which the body is integral with the chassis Origin: French, from mon- + coque shell, probably from Latin coccum kermes — more at cocoon. First use: 1913
43
Pavonine
``` pav·o·nine (pv-nn) adj. 1. Of or resembling a peacock. 2. Resembling a peacock's tail in color, design, or iridescence. [Latin pvnnus, from pv, peacock.] ```
44
Parietal
1 a : of or relating to the walls of a part or cavity b : of, relating to, or forming the upper posterior wall of the head 2 : attached to the main wall rather than the axis or a cross wall of a plant ovary — used of an ovule or a placenta 3 : of or relating to college living or its regulation; especially : of or relating to parietals Origin: Middle English, from Medieval Latin parietalis, from pariet-, paries wall of a cavity or hollow organ, from Latin, wall. First use: 15th century 2parietal noun 1 : a parietal part (as a bone, scale, or plate) 2 plural : the regulations governing the visiting privileges of members of the opposite sex in campus dormitories
45
Cauterized
medical : to burn (something, such as a wound) with heat or a chemical substance in order to destroy infected tissue Full Definition 1 : to sear with a cautery or caustic 2 : to make insensible : deaden Other forms: cau·ter·ized; cau·ter·iz·ing cau·ter·i·za·tion \ˌkȯ-tə-rə-ˈzā-shən\ noun Examples time had cauterized his bitterness, and he was willing to let bygones be bygones First use: 14th century
46
Ostracize
: to not allow (someone) to be included in a group : to exclude (someone) from a group Full Definition 1 : to exile by ostracism 2 : to exclude from a group by common consent Other forms: os·tra·cized; os·tra·ciz·ing Origin: Greek ostrakizein to banish by voting with potsherds, from ostrakon shell, potsherd — more at oyster.
47
Promulgate
: to make (an idea, belief, etc.) known to many people : to make (a new law) known officially and publicly Full Definition 1 : to make (as a doctrine) known by open declaration : proclaim 2 a : to make known or public the terms of (a proposed law) b : to put (a law) into action or force synonyms see declare Other forms: pro·mul·gat·ed; pro·mul·gat·ing pro·mul·ga·tion \ˌprä-məl-ˈgā-shən; ˌprō-(ˌ)məl-, (ˌ)prō-ˌ\ noun pro·mul·ga·tor \ˈprä-məl-ˌgā-tər; prō-ˈməl-, prə-ˈ, ˈprō-(ˌ)\ noun Examples the encyclical that promulgated the church's position on artificial birth control Origin: Latin promulgatus, past participle of promulgare, from pro- forward + -mulgare (probably akin to mulgēre to milk, extract) — more at emulsion.
49
Subvert
: to secretly try to ruin or destroy a government, political system, etc. : to make (something) weaker or less effective Full Definition 1 : to overturn or overthrow from the foundation : ruin 2 : to pervert or corrupt by an undermining of morals, allegiance, or faith sub·vert·er noun Examples by insisting that she pay me for helping her, she subverted my noble desire to do a good deed without reward Origin: Middle English, from Anglo-French subvertir, from Latin subvertere, literally, to turn from beneath, from sub- + vertere to turn — more at worth.
50
Tinker
: a person who in the past traveled to different places and made money by selling or repairing small items (such as pots and pans) Full Definition 1 a : a usually itinerant mender of household utensils b : an unskillful mender : bungler 2 chiefly Irish : gypsy Origin: Middle English tinkere. First use: 14th century 2tinker : to try to repair or improve something (such as a machine) by making small changes or adjustments to it Full Definition intransitive verb : to work in the manner of a tinker; especially : to repair, adjust, or work with something in an unskilled or experimental manner : fiddle transitive verb : to repair, adjust, or experiment with Other forms: tin·kered; tin·ker·ing \-k(ə-)riŋ\ tin·ker·er \-kər-ər\ noun
51
Exodus
: a situation in which many people leave a place at the same time Full Definition 1 capitalized : the mainly narrative second book of canonical Jewish and Christian Scripture — see bible table 2 : a mass departure : emigration Examples the mass exodus from the cities for the beaches and the mountains on most summer weekends Origin: Latin, from Greek Exodos, literally, road out, from ex- + hodos road. First use: before 12th century Synonyms: outflow, gush, outpour, outpouring Antonyms: flux, inflow, influx, inrush
52
Inextricable
in·ex·tri·ca·ble\ˌi-nik-ˈstri-kə-bəl, (ˌ)i-ˈnek-(ˌ)stri-\ adjective : impossible to separate : closely joined or related Full Definition 1 : forming a maze or tangle from which it is impossible to get free 2 a : incapable of being disentangled or untied b : not capable of being solved in·ex·tri·ca·bil·i·ty \ˌi-nik-ˌstri-kə-ˈbi-lə-tē, (ˌ)i-ˌnek-(ˌ)stri-\ noun in·ex·tri·ca·bly \ˌi-nik-ˈstri-kə-blē, (ˌ)i-ˈnek-(ˌ)stri-\ adverb Origin: Middle English, from Middle French or Latin; Middle French, from Latin inextricabilis, from in- + extricabilis extricable. First use: 15th century
53
Commission
com·mis·sion\kə-ˈmi-shən\ noun : a group of people who have been given the official job of finding information about something or controlling something : an amount of money paid to an employee for selling something : the act of committing a crime Full Definition 1 a : a formal written warrant granting the power to perform various acts or duties b : a certificate conferring military rank and authority; also : the rank and authority so conferred 2 : an authorization or command to act in a prescribed manner or to perform prescribed acts : charge 3 a : authority to act for, in behalf of, or in place of another b : a task or matter entrusted to one as an agent for another 4 a : a group of persons directed to perform some duty b : a government agency having administrative, legislative, or judicial powers c : a city council having legislative and executive functions 5 : an act of committing something 6 : a fee paid to an agent or employee for transacting a piece of business or performing a service; especially : a percentage of the money received from a total paid to the agent responsible for the business 7 : an act of entrusting or giving authority in commission or into commission 1 : under the authority of commissioners 2 of a ship : ready for active service 3 : in use or in condition for use on commission : with commission serving as partial or full pay for work done out of commission 1 : out of active service or use 2 : out of working order Origin: Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin commission-, commissio act of bringing together, from committere. First use: 14th century Synonyms: accreditation, authorization, delegation, empowerment, license (or licence), mandate Antonyms: nonfulfillment, nonperformance 2commission transitive verb : to order or request (something) to be made or done : to order or request (someone) to make or do something : to make (someone) an officer in the military Full Definition 1 : to furnish with a commission: as a : to confer a formal commission on b : to appoint or assign to a task or function 2 : to order to be made 3 : to put (a ship) in commission Other forms: commis·sioned; commis·sion·ing\-ˈmi-sh(ə-)niŋ\ Examples A portrait of the queen was commissioned.
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Triad
: a group of three usually related people or things : a secret Chinese criminal organization Full Definition 1 : a union or group of three : trinity 2 : a chord of three tones consisting of a root with its third and fifth and constituting the harmonic basis of tonal music tri·ad·ic \trī-ˈa-dik\ adjective tri·ad·i·cal·ly \-di-k(ə-)lē\ adverb Examples a triad of candlesticks on the mantle Origin: Latin triad-, trias, from Greek, from treis three. First use: 1546 Synonyms: threesome, trifecta, trinity, trio, triple, triplet, triumvirate
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Spawn
: to produce or lay eggs in water : to cause (something) to develop or begin : to produce or create (something) Full Definition intransitive verb 1 : to deposit or fertilize spawn 2 : to produce young especially in large numberstransitive verb 1 a : to produce or deposit (eggs) — used of an aquatic animal b : to induce (fish) to spawn c : to plant with mushroom spawn 2 : bring forth, generate spawn·er noun Examples Salmon spawn in late summer or fall. The health-food craze spawned a multimillion-dollar industry. the incident that spawned a generation of student protests Origin: Middle English, from Anglo-French espandre to spread out, shed, scatter, spawn, from Latin expandere to expand. First use: 15th century Synonyms: beget, breed, bring, bring about, bring on, catalyze, cause, create, do, draw on, effectuate, engender, generate, induce, invoke, make, occasion, produce, prompt, result (in), effect, translate (into), work, yield 2spawn noun : the eggs of a fish or frog Full Definition 1 : the eggs of aquatic animals (as fishes or oysters) that lay many small eggs 2 : product, offspring; also : offspring in great numbers 3 : the seed, germ, or source of something 4 : mycelium especially prepared (as in bricks) for propagating mushrooms Examples Pacific salmon return to Alaskan streams to deposit their spawn. sometimes I think those little brats are the spawn of Satan himself First use: 15th century
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Homily
: a usually short talk on a religious or moral topic : advice that is often not wanted Full Definition 1 : a usually short sermon 2 : a lecture or discourse on or of a moral theme 3 : an inspirational catchphrase; also : platitude Other forms: plural hom·i·lies Examples last Sunday's homily was about being kind to your neighbors a TV movie filled with the usual hokey homilies about people triumphing over life's adversities Origin: Middle English omelie, from Anglo-French, from Late Latin homilia, from Late Greek, from Greek, conversation, discourse, from homilein to consort with, address, from homilos crowd, assembly; akin to Greek homos same — more at same.
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Moratorium
: a time when a particular activity is not allowed Full Definition 1 a : a legally authorized period of delay in the performance of a legal obligation or the payment of a debt b : a waiting period set by an authority 2 : a suspension of activity Other forms: plural mor·a·to·riums or mor·a·to·ria \-ē-ə\ Examples the director of the blood bank called for a moratorium in donations until the surplus could be used up Origin: New Latin, from Late Latin, neuter of moratorius dilatory, from Latin morari to delay, from mora delay. First use: 1875 Synonyms: cold storage, deep freeze, doldrums, dormancy, holding pattern, latency, abeyance, quiescence, suspended animation, suspense, suspension Antonyms: continuance, continuation
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Benefactor
ben·e·fac·tor\ˈbe-nə-ˌfak-tər\ noun : someone who helps another person, group, etc., by giving money Full Definition : one that confers a benefit; especially : one that makes a gift or bequest Examples an anonymous benefactor gave the school a dozen new computers First use: 15th century Synonyms: angel, donator, donor, fairy godmother, Maecenas, patron, sugar daddy
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Trails
: to pull (something) behind you especially on the ground : to be pulled behind someone or something : to walk or move slowly as you follow behind (someone or something) Full Definition intransitive verb 1 a : to hang down so as to drag along or sweep the ground b : to extend over a surface in a loose or straggling manner c : to grow to such length as to droop over toward the ground 2 a : to walk or proceed draggingly, heavily, or wearily : plod, trudge b : to lag behind : do poorly in relation to others 3 : to move, flow, or extend slowly in thin streams 4 a : to extend in an erratic or uneven course or line : straggle b : dwindle 5 : to follow a trail : track gametransitive verb 1 a : to draw or drag loosely along a surface : allow to sweep the ground b : haul, tow 2 a : to drag (as a limb or the body) heavily or wearily b : to carry or bring along as an addition, burden, or encumbrance c : to draw along in one's wake 3 a : to follow upon the scent or trace of : track b : to follow in the footsteps of : pursue c : to follow along behind d : to lag behind (as a competitor) synonyms see chase Examples The dog was trailing its leash. The little girl went to her room, trailing her teddy bear behind her. The dog's leash was trailing along/on the ground. Origin: Middle English, perhaps from Anglo-French *trailer, alteration of trainer to drag, trail on the ground — more at train. First use: 13th century Synonyms: bird-dog, chase, course, dog, hound, pursue, run, shadow, tag, tail, trace, track, follow Antonyms: guide, lead, pilot 2trail noun : a path through a forest, field, etc. : the marks, signs, smells, etc., that are left behind by someone or something and that can often be followed : a route that someone follows to go somewhere or achieve something Full Definition 1 : something that trails or is trailed: as a : a trailing plant b : the train of a gown c : a trailing arrangement (as of flowers) : spray d : the part of a gun carriage that rests on the ground when the piece is unlimbered 2 a : something that follows or moves along as if being drawn along : train b (1) : the streak produced by a meteor (2) : a continuous line produced photographically by permitting the image of a celestial body (as a star) to move over the plate c : a chain of consequences : aftermath 3 a : a trace or mark left by something that has passed or been drawn along : scent, track b (1) : a track made by passage especially through a wilderness (2) : a marked or established path or route especially through a forest or mountainous region c : a course followed or to be followed trail·less \ˈtrāl-ləs\ adjective Examples Stay on the trail if we get separated. a bike/ski trail He left (behind) a trail of blood.
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Flog
flog\ˈfläg\ : to beat or whip (someone) severely Full Definition transitive verb 1 a : to beat with or as if with a rod or whip b : to criticize harshly 2 : to force or urge into action : drive 3 a chiefly British : to sell (as stolen goods) illegally b : sell 7 c : to promote aggressively : plug 4 British : steal 1 intransitive verb 1 : flap, flutter 2 British : to move along with difficulty : slog Other forms: flogged; flog·ging flog·ger noun Examples The sailors were flogged for attempting a mutiny. He is being flogged in the press for his failure to take action. Flogging was a common form of punishment in those days. Origin: perhaps modification of Latin flagellare to whip — more at flagellate. First use: circa 1676 Synonyms: birch, cowhide, flagellate, flail, whip, hide, horsewhip, lash, leather, rawhide, scourge, slash, switch, tan, thrash, whale Antonyms: breeze, coast, glide, slide, waltz, whisk
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Di rigueur
de ri·gueur\də-(ˌ)rē-ˈgər\ adjective : necessary if you want to be fashionable, popular, socially acceptable, etc. Full Definition : prescribed or required by fashion, etiquette, or custom : proper Examples though he was wearing a dinner jacket and a black bow tie, his jeans and tennis shoes were hardly de rigueur Origin: French. First use: 1833 Synonyms: befitting, correct, decent, decorous, proper, genteel, nice, polite, respectable, seemly Antonyms: improper, inappropriate, incorrect, indecent, indecorous, indelicate, unbecoming, ungenteel, unseemly
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Pilfer
: to steal things that are not very valuable or to steal a small amount of something Full Definition intransitive verb : steal; especially : to steal stealthily in small amounts and often again and againtransitive verb : steal; especially : to steal in small quantities synonyms see steal Other forms: pil·fered; pil·fer·ing \-f(ə-)riŋ\ pil·fer·able \-f(ə-)rə-bəl\ adjective pil·fer·age \-f(ə-)rij\ noun pil·fer·er \-fər-ər\ noun pil·fer·proof \-ˌprüf\ adjective Examples what sort of person would pilfer lunches from the office refrigerator? Origin: Middle French pelfrer, from pelfre booty. First use: circa 1548 Synonyms: appropriate, boost [slang], filch, heist, hook, lift, misappropriate, nick [British slang], nip, steal, pinch, pocket, purloin, rip off, snitch, swipe, thieve
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Endeavor
: to seriously or continually try to do(something) Full Definition transitive verb 1 archaic : to strive to achieve or reach 2 : to attempt (as the fulfillment of an obligation) by exertion of effort intransitive verb : to work with set purpose synonyms see attempt Other forms: en·deav·ored; en·deav·or·ing \-v(ə-)riŋ\ Origin: Middle English endeveren to exert oneself, from en- + dever duty — more at devoir. First use: 15th century Synonyms: bang away, beaver (away), dig (away), drudge, labor, fag, grub, hump, hustle, moil, peg (away), plod, plow, plug, slave, slog, strain, strive, struggle, sweat, toil, travail, tug, work 2en·deav·or\in-ˈde-vər\ noun : a serious effort or attempt Full Definition 1 : serious determined effort 2 : activity directed toward a goal : enterprise Examples His endeavors have gone unrewarded. He failed despite his best endeavors. She is involved in several artistic endeavors. Origin: (see 1endeavor ). First use: 15th century Synonyms: assay [archaic], bash [chiefly British], bid, crack, attempt, essay, fling, go, offer, pass, shot, stab, trial, try, whack, whirl
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Environ
: encircle, surround Examples a decaying, impoverished city environed by affluent suburbs Origin: Middle English envirounen, from Anglo-French enviruner, from envirun around, from en in (from Latin in) + virun circle, from virer to turn — more at veer.
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Modicum
: a small amount Full Definition : a small portion : a limited quantity Examples only a modicum of skill is necessary to put the kit together Origin: Middle English, from Latin, neuter of modicus moderate, from modus measure. First use: 15th century Synonyms: beans, bubkes (also bupkes or bupkus), continental, damn, darn (also durn), diddly [slang], diddly-squat [slang], doodley-squat (or doodly-squat), fig, ghost, hoot, iota, lick, jot, rap, squat [slang], syllable, tittle, whit, whoop
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Dunk
: to dip (food) quickly into a liquid (such as coffee or milk) while eating : to push (someone or something) under water or other liquid for a short amount of time basketball : to jump high in the air and push (the ball) down through the basket Full Definition transitive verb 1 : to dip (as a piece of bread) into a beverage while eating 2 : to dip or submerge temporarily in liquid 3 : to throw (a basketball) into the basket from above the rim intransitive verb 1 : to submerge oneself in water 2 : to make a dunk shot in basketball Examples I like to dunk my doughnut in my coffee. She dunked him while they were swimming. He dunked the ladle into the soup. Origin: Pennsylvania German dunke, from Middle High German dunken, from Old High German dunkōn — more at tinge. First use: 1919 Synonyms: douse (also dowse), duck, dip, immerse, souse, sop, submerge, submerse 2dunk noun basketball : a shot that is made by jumping high in the air and pushing the ball down through the basket Full Definition : the act or action of dunking; especially : dunk shot Examples The pass led to a dunk. First use: circa 1944
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Exotic
: very different, strange, or unusual of a plant or animal : not living or growing naturally in a particular area : from another part of the world Full Definition 1 : introduced from another country : not native to the place where found 2 archaic : foreign, alien 3 : strikingly, excitingly, or mysteriously different or unusual 4 : of or relating to striptease ex·ot·i·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb ex·ot·ic·ness \-tik-nəs\ noun Origin: Latin exoticus, from Greek exōtikos, from exō. First use: 1599 Synonyms: bizarro, fantastic (also fantastical), glamorous (also glamourous), marvelous (or marvellous), outlandish, romantic, strange Antonyms: familiar, nonexotic, nonglamorous, plain-Jane, unexotic, unglamorous, unromantic 2exotic noun : a plant or animal that does not live or grow naturally in a particular area Full Definition 1 : one (as a plant or animal) that is exotic 2 : stripteaser 3 : exotic shorthair Examples Some native species are being crowded out by exotics. the botanical garden boasts an array of horticultural exotics from around the world First use: 1645 Synonyms: curio, curiosity, objet d'art (also objet), oddity, oddment, rarity
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Referendum
: an event in which the people of a county, state, etc., vote for or against a law that deals with a specific issue : a public vote on a particular issue Full Definition 1 a : the principle or practice of submitting to popular vote a measure passed on or proposed by a legislative body or by popular initiative b : a vote on a measure so submitted 2 : a diplomatic agent's note asking for government instructions Other forms: plural ref·er·en·da \-də\ or ref·er·en·dums Origin: New Latin, from Latin, neuter of referendus, gerundive of referre to refer.
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Memorandum
: a usually brief written message or report from one person or department in a company or organization to another law : an informal written record of an agreement that has not yet become official Full Definition 1 : an informal record; also : a written reminder 2 : an informal written note of a transaction or proposed instrument 3 a : an informal diplomatic communication b : a usually brief communication written for interoffice circulation c : a communication that contains directive, advisory, or informative matter Other forms: plural mem·o·ran·dums or mem·o·ran·da\-də\ Examples I'm waiting for the memorandum that will explain the new vacation policy the studio executives depend on endless memoranda to keep track of what's going on at a movie shot on location dispatched a memorandum to her secretary about the assignment Origin: Middle English, to be remembered, from Latin, neuter of memorandus, gerundive of memorare. First use: 15th century Synonyms: directive, memo, notice Usage: Although some commentators warn against the use of memoranda as a singular and condemn the plural memorandas, our evidence indicates that these forms are rarely encountered in print. We have a little evidence of the confusion of forms, including use of memorandum as a plural, in speech (as at congressional hearings). As plurals memoranda and memorandums are about equally frequent.
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Lieu (in lieu of)
lieu\ˈlü\ noun archaic : place, stead in lieu : instead in lieu of : in the place of : instead of Examples In lieu of flowers, the family of the deceased has requested that donations be made to the church fund. You can use your ATM card in lieu of cash. Origin: Middle English liue, from Anglo-French liu, lieu, from Latin locus — more at stall. First use: 14th century
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Embezzle
em·bez·zle\im-ˈbe-zəl, em-\ transitive verb : to steal money that you have been trusted with Full Definition : to appropriate (as property entrusted to one's care) fraudulently to one's own use Other forms: em·bez·zled; em·bez·zling \-(ə-)liŋ\ em·bez·zle·ment \-zəl-mənt\ noun em·bez·zler \-z(ə-)lər\ noun Origin: Middle English embesilen, from Anglo-French embesiller to make away with, from en- + besiller to steal, plunder. First use: 15th century
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Knoll
``` : a small hill Full Definition : a small round hill : mound Origin: Middle English knol, from Old English cnoll; akin to Old Norse knollr mountaintop. First use: before 12th century 2knoll verb archaic : knell Origin: Middle English, probably alteration of knellen to knell. First use: 15th century ```
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Gullet
: the tube that leads from the mouth through the throat to the stomach Full Definition 1 : esophagus; broadly : throat 2 : an invagination of the protoplasm in various protozoans (as a paramecium) that sometimes functions in the intake of food 3 : the space between the tips of adjacent saw teeth Origin: Middle English golet, from Anglo-French, diminutive of gule throat, from Latin gula — more at glutton. First use: 14th century
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Ravine
: a small, deep, narrow valley Full Definition : a small narrow steep-sided valley that is larger than a gully and smaller than a canyon and that is usually worn by running water Examples he urged his horse down into the ravine where there was a thin stream of water flowing Origin: French, from Middle French, rapine, rush, from Latin rapina rapine. First use: circa 1772 Synonyms: col, couloir, defile, flume, gap, gill [British], gorge, gulch, gulf, kloof [South African], linn [chiefly Scottish], notch, pass, canyon, saddle
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Egress
: a way to get out of a place or the act of leaving a place Full Definition 1 : the action or right of going or coming out 2 : a place or means of going out : exit Origin: Latin egressus, from egredi to go out, from e- + gradi to go — more at grade. First use: 1538 Synonyms: exit, issue, outlet Antonyms: entrance, entranceway, entry, entryway, ingress 2egress\ē-ˈgres\ intransitive verb : to go or come out Origin: (see 1egress ). First use: 1578
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Stead
1 obsolete : locality, place 2 : advantage — used chiefly in the phrase to stand one in good stead 3 : the office, place, or function ordinarily occupied or carried out by someone or something else Origin: Middle English stede, from Old English; akin to Old High German stat place, Old English standan to stand — more at stand. First use: before 12th century Synonyms: better, bulge, catbird seat, drop, edge, high ground, inside track, jump, pull, advantage, upper hand, vantage, whip hand Antonyms: disadvantage, drawback, handicap, liability, minus, penalty, strike 2stead transitive verb : to be of avail to : help First use: 13th century
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Steadfast
stead·fast\ˈsted-ˌfast also -fəst\ adjective : very devoted or loyal to a person, belief, or cause : not changing Full Definition 1 a : firmly fixed in place : immovable b : not subject to change 2 : firm in belief, determination, or adherence : loyal synonyms see faithful stead·fast·ly adverb stead·fast·ness \-ˌfas(t)-nəs, -fəs(t)-\ noun Examples a steadfast supporter of women's rights Origin: Middle English stedefast, from Old English stedefæst, from stede + fæst fixed, fast. First use: before 12th century Synonyms: constant, dedicated, devoted, devout, down-the-line, fast, good, loyal, pious, staunch (also stanch), faithful, steady, true, true-blue Antonyms: disloyal, faithless, false, fickle, inconstant, perfidious, recreant, traitorous, treacherous, unfaithful, untrue
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Nuance
: a very small difference in color, tone, meaning, etc. Full Definition 1 : a subtle distinction or variation 2 : a subtle quality : nicety 3 : sensibility to, awareness of, or ability to express delicate shadings (as of meaning, feeling, or value) nu·anced \-ˌän(t)st, -ˈän(t)st\ adjective Origin: French, from Middle French, shade of color, from nuer to make shades of color, from nue cloud, from Latin nubes; perhaps akin to Welsh nudd mist.
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Art nouveau
: a style of art, design, and architecture that uses curving lines and shapes that look like leaves and flowers Full Definition Usage: often capitalized A&N : a design style of late 19th century origin characterized especially by sinuous lines and foliate forms
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Heathen
1 : of or relating to heathens, their religions, or their customs 2 : strange, uncivilized Origin: Middle English hethen, from Old English hǣthen; akin to Old High German heidan heathen, and probably to Old English hǣth heath. First use: before 12th century Synonyms: barbarian, barbaric, barbarous, savage, heathenish, natural, Neanderthal (or Neandertal), rude, uncivil, uncivilized, uncultivated, wild Antonyms: civilized 2heathen noun 1 : an unconverted member of a people or nation that does not acknowledge the God of the Bible 2 : an uncivilized or irreligious person Other forms: plural heathens or heathen hea·then·dom \-dəm\ noun hea·then·ism \-thə-ˌni-zəm\ noun hea·then·ize \-thə-ˌnīz\ transitive verb First use: before 12th century Synonyms: gentile, idolater (or idolator), pagan
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Viking
: a member of a group of Scandinavian people who attacked the coasts of Europe in the 8th to 10th centuries A.D. Full Definition 1 a : one of the pirate Norsemen plundering the coasts of Europe in the 8th to 10th centuries b not capitalized : sea rover 2 : scandinavian Origin: Old Norse vīkingr. First use: 1807
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Dexter
1 : relating to or situated on the right 2 : being or relating to the side of a heraldic shield at the right of the person bearing it dexter adverb Origin: Latin; akin to Old High German zeso situated on the right, Greek dexios. First use: 1562
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Perpetuate
: to make perpetual or cause to last indefinitely Other forms: per·pet·u·at·ed; per·pet·u·at·ing per·pet·u·a·tion \-ˌpe-chə-ˈwā-shən\ noun per·pet·u·a·tor \-ˈpe-chə-ˌwā-tər\ noun Examples we hope to perpetuate this holiday tradition Origin: Latin perpetuatus, past participle of perpetuare, from perpetuus. First use: 1530
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Endorse
en·dorse\in-ˈdȯrs, en-\ transitive verb : to publicly or officially say that you support or approve of (someone or something) : to publicly say that you like or use (a product or service) in exchange for money : to write your name on the back of (a check) Full Definition 1 a : to write on the back of; especially : to sign one's name as payee on the back of (a check) in order to obtain the cash or credit represented on the face b : to inscribe (one's signature) on a check, bill, or note c : to inscribe (as an official document) with a title or memorandum d : to make over to another (the value represented in a check, bill, or note) by inscribing one's name on the document e : to acknowledge receipt of (a sum specified) by one's signature on a document 2 a : to approve openly ; especially : to express support or approval of publicly and definitely b : to recommend (as a product or service) usually for financial compensation synonyms see approve Other forms: en·dorsed; en·dors·ing en·dors·able \-ˈdȯr-sə-bəl\ adjective en·dors·ee \in-ˌdȯr-ˈsē, ˌen-\ noun en·dors·er \in-ˈdȯr-sər\ noun Examples an increase in the number of parents who endorse the idea of school uniforms Variants: also in·dorse \in-\ Origin: alteration of obsolete endoss, from Middle English endosen, from Anglo-French endosser, to put on, don, write on the back of, from en- + dos back, from Latin dorsum. First use: 1581
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Accede
ac·cede\ak-ˈsēd, ik-\ intransitive verb : to agree to a request or a demand : to enter a high office or position Full Definition 1 a : to become a party (as to an agreement) b : to express approval or give consent : give in to a request or demand 2 archaic : approach 3 : to enter upon an office or position synonyms see assent Other forms: ac·ced·ed; ac·ced·ing Examples finally acceded to their pleas for more time to complete the project Origin: Middle English, from Latin accedere to go to, be added, from ad- + cedere to go. First use: 15th century
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Abolitionism
: principles or measures fostering abolition especially of slavery
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Presage
1 : something that foreshadows or portends a future event : omen 2 : an intuition or feeling of what is going to happen in the future 3 archaic : prognostication 4 : warning or indication of the future pre·sage·ful \pri-ˈsāj-fəl\ adjective Origin: Middle English, from Latin praesagium, from praesagus having a foreboding, from prae- + sagus prophetic — more at seek. First use: 14th century Synonyms: foreboding, premonition, presentiment, prognostication 2pre·sage\ˈpre-sij, pri-ˈsāj\ : to give or be a sign of (something that will happen or develop in the future) Full Definition transitive verb 1 : to give an omen or warning of : foreshadow 2 : foretell, predict intransitive verb : to make or utter a prediction Other forms: pre·saged; pre·sag·ing pre·sag·er noun, obsolete First use: 1562 Synonyms: augur, call, forecast, predict, foretell, prognosticate, prophesy, read, vaticinate
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Fjord
: a narrow part of the ocean between cliffs or steep hills or mountains Full Definition : a narrow inlet of the sea between cliffs or steep slopes Examples the fjords of Norway a cruise through the breathtaking fjords along the coast of Norway Variants: also fiord \fē-ˈȯrd, ˈfē-ˌ; ˈfyȯrd\ Origin: Norwegian fjord, from Old Norse fjǫrthr — more at ford. First use: 1674 Synonyms: arm, bay, bight, cove, creek [chiefly British], embayment, estuary, firth, gulf (also fiord), inlet, loch [Scottish]
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Verbalized
ver·bal·ize\ˈvər-bə-ˌlīz\ : to express (something) in words : to say (something) in speech or writing Full Definition intransitive verb 1 : to speak or write verbosely 2 : to express something in wordstransitive verb 1 : to convert into a verb 2 : to name or express in words Other forms: ver·bal·ized; ver·bal·iz·ing ver·bal·i·za·tion \ˌvər-bə-lə-ˈzā-shən\ noun ver·bal·iz·er \ˈvər-bə-ˌlī-zər\ noun Examples couldn't quite verbalize the cause of his mental distress First use: 1609 Synonyms: articulate, bring out, enunciate, pass, speak, state, talk, tell, utter, say, vocalize
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Altricial
al·tri·cial\al-ˈtri-shəl\ adjective : being hatched or born or having young that are hatched or born in a very immature and helpless condition so as to require care for some time — compare precocial Origin: Latin altric-, altrix, feminine of altor one who nourishes, from alere to nourish — more at old. First use: 1869
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Goad
: a pointed rod used to make an animal move forward : someone or something that urges or forces someone to do something Full Definition 1 a : something that pains as if by pricking : thorn b : something that urges or stimulates into action : spur 2 : a pointed rod used to urge on an animal synonyms see motive Examples He was goaded (on) by a sense of duty. The threat of legal action should goad them into complying/compliance. Origin: Middle English gode, from Old English gād spear, goad; akin to Langobardic gaida spear, and perhaps to Sanskrit hinoti he urges on. First use: before 12th century Synonyms: boost, encouragement, impulse, impetus, incentive, incitation, incitement, instigation, momentum, motivation, provocation, spur, stimulant, stimulus, yeast Antonyms: counterincentive, disincentive 2goad transitive verb : to urge or force (someone) to do something Full Definition 1 : to incite or rouse as if with a goad 2 : to drive (as cattle) with a goad Examples The threat of legal action is a powerful goad to companies that have ignored the regulations. the threat of skin cancer—not to mention the prospect of wrinkles—should be sufficient goad for using sunscreen
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Staves
: a group of people who work for an organization or business : a group of military officers who help a commanding officer but who do not take part in active fighting : a long stick that you carry in your hand for support while walking Full Definition 1 a : a long stick carried in the hand for support in walking b : a supporting rod: as (1) archaic : shaft 1a(1) (2) : a crosspiece in a ladder or chair : rung (3) : flagstaff (4) : a pivoted arbor c : club, cudgel 2 a : crosier b : a rod carried as a symbol of office or authority 3 : the horizontal lines with their spaces on which music is written —called also stave 4 : any of various graduated sticks or rules used for measuring : rod 5 plural staffs a : the officers chiefly responsible for the internal operations of an institution or business b : a group of officers appointed to assist a civil executive or commanding officer c : military or naval officers not eligible for operational command d : the personnel who assist a director in carrying out an assigned task e plural staff : a member of a staff Other forms: plural staffs \ˈstafs, ˈstavz\ or staves \ˈstavz, ˈstāvz\ staff adjective Examples The entire staff has done a great job this year. The staff is at a meeting. a teaching/sales/editorial/coaching/pitching staff Origin: Middle English staf, from Old English stæf; akin to Old High German stab staff, Sanskrit stabhnāti he supports. First use: before 12th century Synonyms: help, labor force, manpower, personnel, pool, force, workforce 2staff transitive verb : to supply (an organization or business) with workers : to work for (an organization or business) as a member of a staff Full Definition 1 : to supply with a staff or with workers 2 : to serve as a staff member of Examples We'll need 300 workers to properly staff the hotel. The department is staffed with an equal number of men and women. The office is fully staffed.

Gre Words (10 decks)

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