gre Flashcards

Question

vindictive

Answer 1

having or showing a strong or unreasoning desire for revenge. "the criticism was both vindictive and personalized" vengeful out for revenge revengeful avenging

Answer 2

to be extremely wicked like the devil. " they hatched a diabolical plan" devilish diabolic fiendish satanic

Answer 3

disturbing because concerned with or causing a fear of death; gruesome. "a macabre series of murders" gruesome grisly grim gory

Answer 4

to insult; to cause someone to lose respect or dignity. good potential MPs would not demean themselves by setting out to acquire popularity" degrading humiliating discredit lower

Answer 5

reserved, modest, and shy (typically used of a woman). "a demure young lady" modest unassuming meek mild

Answer 6

having a striking or revealing effect; significant. "a telling argument against this theory" revealing significant convincing persuasive

Answer 7

truthful and straightforward; frank. "his responses were remarkably candid" frank outspoken forthright unposed informal uncontrived

Answer 8

feeling or showing anger or annoyance at what is perceived as unfair treatment. "he was indignant at being the object of suspicion" aggrieved resentful affronted disgruntled

Answer 9

read (something), typically in a thorough or careful way. "he has spent countless hours in libraries perusing art history books and catalogues" read study scrutinize inspect

Answer 10

revealing, indicating, or betraying something. "the telltale bulge of a concealed weapon" revealing revelatory suggestive meaningful

Answer 11

be mistaken or incorrect; make a mistake. "the judge had erred in ruling that the evidence was inadmissible" make a mistake be wrong misbehave do wrong

Answer 12

to support financially the latest symphony broadcast was made possible with underwriting from the carneige endowment. sponsor support back insure

Answer 13

a fixed regular sum paid as a salary or as expenses to a clergyman, teacher, or public official.

Answer 14

involving or attending to every detail or aspect of something. "a thoroughgoing reform of the whole economy"

Answer 15

not even or regular in pattern or movement; unpredictable; strange and unconventional. She can be very erratic; one day she is friendly and the next shell hardly speak to you.

Answer 16

having or displaying a friendly and pleasant manner. "the amiable young man greeted me enthusiastically" friendly affable amicable cordial

Answer 17

the time at which something is most powerful or successful. the highest point; culmination. At the zenith of his artistic career, Elvis was outselling any other artist on the charts.

Answer 18

offer up something formally The government was loath to tender more money in the fear that it might set off inflation.

Answer 19

spending money wisely He was economical, spending his money thriftily and on items considered essential. provident prudent canny economical

Answer 20

originating in a certain area. "coriander is indigenous to southern Europe" native endemic local domestic

Answer 21

verb: to examine and remove objectionable material. "the report had been censored ‘in the national interest’" noun: an official who censors material The censor insisted that every reference to drugs should be removed from the manuscript.

Answer 22

noun: a person without morals who is disapproved of Mr. Smith’s two boys couldn’t be more different; one was a hard-working and principled, the other was the town reprobate, always having run-ins with the law. rogue rascal scoundrel

Answer 23

the highest point "he had reached the pinnacle of his career"

Answer 24

verb: to yearn for Standing forlornly by the window, she pined for her lost love.

Answer 25

unable to pay one's bills; bankrupt With credit card bills skyrocketing, a shockingly large number of Americans are truly insolvent.

Answer 26

to pursue relentlessly "she was hounded by the Italian press" harass persecute harry pester

Answer 27

the instance in which an accidental, fortunate discovery is made By pure serendipity, Sarah discovered, at a flea market in Peoria, a matching earring to replace the one that fell down the storm drain back home.

Answer 28

verb: to formally charge or accuse of wrong-doing The bankrobber was indicted on several major charges, including possession of a firearm.

Answer 29

wealthy "the affluent societies of the western world" wealthy rich prosperous opulent

Answer 30

carelessly and hastily put together. The office building had been constructed in a slapdash manner, so it did not surprise officials when, during a small earthquake, a large crack emerged on the façade of the building. careless slipshod lackadaisical hasty

Answer 31

an angry speech n terms of political change, a tirade oftentimes does little more than make the person speaking red in the face. diatribe invective polemic denunciation

Answer 32

likeable; easy to talk to For all his surface affability, Marco was remarkably glum when he wasn’t around other people. friendly amiable genial congenial

Answer 33

noun: something that speeds up an event Rosa Parks's refusal to give up her bus seat acted as a catalyst for the Civil Rights Movement, setting into motion historic changes for African-Americans. spur stimulus impetus prompt

Answer 34

eager to fight or argue; verbally combative The comedian told one flat joke after another, and when the audience started booing, he pugnaciously spat back at them, “Hey, you think this is easy – why don’t you buffoons give it a shot?” Similar: combative aggressive antagonistic belligerent

Answer 35

verb: to limit (usually modifying the growth of something) Deserted for six months, the property began to look more like a jungle and less like a residence—weeds grew unchecked in the front yard noun: the condition of being held back or limited When government abuses are not kept in check, that government is likely to become autocratic.

Answer 36

appropriate, and matches nicely Her dress was becoming and made her look even more beautiful. flattering fetching attractive lovely

Answer 37

a small amount (of money) "he paid his workers a pittance"

Answer 38

to confirm or lend support to (usually an idea or claim) "the witness had corroborated the boy's account of the attack" confirm verify endorse ratify authenticate

Answer 39

cheerful; optimistic With the prospect of having to learn 3,000 words during the course of the summer, Paul was anything but sanguine.

Answer 40

making a show of being pious; holier-than-thou making a show of being morally superior to other people. "what happened to all the sanctimonious talk about putting his family first?" self-righteous holier-than-thou churchy pious

Answer 41

marked by disreputable or unfortunate happenings One by one, the presidential candidates dropped out of the race, their respective checkered pasts— from embezzlement to infidelity—sabotaging their campaigns.

Answer 42

the highest point The Ivy League is considered the apex of the higher education system.

Answer 43

a lack of something There is a paucity of jobs hiring today that require menial skills, since most such jobs have either been automated or outsourced. scarcity sparseness sparsity dearth

Answer 44

completely stocked or furnished with something Only weeks after the hurricane made landfall, the local supermarket shelves were replete with goods, so quick was the disaster relief response. well fed sated satiated filled full

Answer 45

to be in abundance The exam's passage is flush with difficult words, words that you may have learned only yesterday.

Answer 46

to suddenly move in a particular direction All alone in the mansion, Henrietta started when she heard a sound. a sudden movement of surprise or alarm. jerk twitch flinch wince

Answer 47

describes someone who is brilliant and lively "the audience loved his scintillating wit" brilliant sparkling shining bright brilliant dazzling exciting exhilarating

Answer 48

a hater of mankind Kevin is such a misanthrope that he refused to attend the Christmas party, claiming that everyone's happiness was "fake" and "annoying." hater of mankind cynic sceptic churl

Answer 49

two things are fundamentally different The two cultures were so utterly disparate that she found it hard to adapt from one to the other. contrasting different differing dissimilar

Answer 50

a person who believes in the superiority of their group "she now reports to a new boss, who is a chauvinist" sexist male chauvinist anti-feminist bigot

Answer 51

a wild, confusing fight or struggle "several people were hurt in the melee" tumult(a loud, confused noise) disturbance rumpus commotion(a state of confused and noisy disturbance)

Answer 52

of primary importance; fundamental Most cultures consider gambling a cardinal sin and thus have outlawed its practice. fundamental basic main chief

Answer 53

to deceive Many people have been fleeced by Internet scams and never received their money back.

Answer 54

done before someone else can do it. just as Martha was about to take the only cookie left on the table, Noah preemptively swiped it

Answer 55

extreme greed for wealth or material gain. "he was rich beyond the dreams of avarice" greed acquisitiveness cupidity

Answer 56

a domineering, violent, or bad-tempered woman. Queen Eleanor of Aquitaine, a powerful virago of the 12th century, was imprisoned by her husband, King Henry II of England, after she encouraged their sons to rebel against him. harridan shrew

Answer 57

unimportant under the circumstances; irrelevant. "the difference in our ages is immaterial" irrelevant unimportant inconsequential insignificant

Answer 58

a confused mixture or jumble. "Rob's living room was a hodgepodge of modern furniture and antiques"

Answer 59

to willfully violate or destroy a sacred placed "more than 300 graves were desecrated" violate profane treat sacrilegiously

Answer 60

warlike; inclined to quarrel known for the bellicose ways, the Spartans were once the most feared people from Peloponnesus to Persia. belligerent aggressive hostile threatening

Answer 61

the highest point The Ivy league is considered the apex of the higher education system.

Answer 62

a factor that is difficult or impossible to estimate or assess or figure out . According to many lawmakers, the huge variety of factors affecting society make devising an efficient healthcare system an imponderable task.

Answer 63

making less guilty or more forgiving "even the fact that you once helped to save my life could not extenuate your offence" excuse mitigate palliate make allowances for

Answer 64

a large number of something "We've identified a whole raft of problems affecting traffic flow".

Answer 65

feeling or expressing blissful happiness. often we expect monks to wear a beatific smile of buddha, but like any of us, monk can have a bad day and not look very happy rapturous joyful ecstatic seraphic

Answer 66

extreme tiredness, either physical or mental "she was overcome by lassitude and retired to bed" lethargy listlessness weariness

Answer 67

to pester "Tom had finally badgered her into going" pester harass bother

Answer 68

an aggressive takeover by a group(usually the military), the group that executes such takeover. "the country's ruling military junta" faction group cabal clique

Answer 69

clear and persuasive A cogent argument will change the minds of even the most skeptical audience convincing compelling strong forceful

Answer 70

to be remorseful Though he stole his sisters candy, Chucky soon became contrite when his little sister wouldn't stop crying. remorseful repentant penitent regretful

Answer 71

to be wandering; not sticking to a circumscribed path. Unlike his peers who spent their hours studying in the library, Matthew preferred errant walks throughout the university.

Answer 72

the period of a person's or thing's greatest success, popularity, activity, or vigour. "the paper has lost millions of readers since its heyday in 1964" prime peak height high point

Answer 73

experienced in the imagination through the feelings or actions of another person. "this catalogue brings vicarious pleasure in luxury living" indirect second-hand secondary derivative

Answer 74

to gradually increase in size or intensity. Her enthusiasm for the diva's new album only waxed with each song; by the end of the album, it was her favourite CD yet.

Answer 75

to search for something persistently. Even the resourceful lexicographer, Fenton was able to ferret out the word origin of highly obscure words.

Answer 76

emaciated; gaunt very pale, thin, or bony. some actors take challenging roles in which they have to lose so much weight that they appear cadaverous.

Answer 77

unreasonable; unscrupulous; excessive The lawyers demands were so unconscionable that rather than pay an exorbitant sum or submit himself to any other inconveniences, the defendant decided to find a new lawyer.

Answer 78

to strongly urger on; encourage "I exhorted her to be a good child" urge encourage call on enjoin

Answer 79

intense hostility The governor's animosity towards his rival was only inflamed when the latter spread false lies regarding the governor's first term. antipathy hostility friction antagonism

Answer 80

to hold back or limit the flow or growth of something To stem the tide of applications the prestigious Ivy requires that the applicant score at least 330 on the revised GRE.

Answer 81

legitimate, honest, and open. "we felt the judging was all above board and fair"

Answer 82

significant and important value Despite the initial hullabaloo , the play was of no great moment in Hamptons writing career, and within a few years the public quickly forgot his foray into theater arts.

Answer 83

in a frenzied or uncontrolled state. "the kids are running amok around the house"

Answer 84

behave awkwardly; have difficulties Raj has excelled at advanced calculus, but ironically, when he has to deal with taxes he flounders.

Answer 85

characterized by jokes and humor. My uncle was always in a jocular mood at family gatherings, messing up people's hair or telling knock knock jokes to anyone who would listen. humorous funny witty comic

Answer 86

the power of creative imagination. the quality of being clever, original, and inventive. "considerable ingenuity must be employed in writing software"

Answer 87

recognize or perceive the difference. "babies can discriminate between different facial expressions"

Answer 88

lasting a very short time If we lived forever and life was not transitory, do you think we would appreciate life less or more? temporary transient brief short

Answer 89

adjective: (of weather) unpleasant, stormy After a week of inclement weather, we finally are able to go out and enjoy the sun. adjective: used of persons or behavior; showing no mercy Marcus, though a fair man, was inclement to Christians during his reign, persecuting them violently cold chilly bitter bleak

Answer 90

made less hopeful or enthusiastic. "a disheartened tone of voice"

Answer 91

state of uncertain or perplexity especially as requiring a choice between equally unfavourable options. I've had two job offers, and I'm in a real quandary about/over which one to accept.

Answer 92

deprive of voting The U.S. Constitution disenfranchised women until 1920 when they were given the right to vote.

Answer 93

to celebrate a person After World War II, war heroes were feted at first but quickly forgotten

Answer 94

get someone to do something through (often false)promises "a show which should entice a new audience into the theatre" tempt allure lure attract

Answer 95

fail to fulfill a promise or obligation We will no longer work with that vendor since it has reneged on nearly every agreement. default on fail to honour go back on break

Answer 96

reach a conclusion after a discussion or deliberation After much thought, Ted resolved not to travel abroad this summer because he didn't have much money in his bank account.

Answer 97

a person who pleads for a cause or propounds an idea "a strong proponent of the free market and liberal trade policies" advocate supporter upholder exponent

Answer 98

a lack or shortage I am surprised by the dearth of fast food chains; this is America and I assumed they were on every street. lack scarcity scarceness shortage

Answer 99

treat condescendingly She says she genuinely wanted to help me, but instead she patronized me, constantly pointing out how I was inferior to her.

Answer 100

Acting independently; self-governing (of a country) Many of the factory workers are worried about being replaced by machines and computers that will work completely autonomously.

Answer 101

a disease or sickness The town was struck by a malady throughout the winter that left most people sick in bed for two weeks. illness sickness ailment disorder

Answer 102

concise and full of meaning I enjoy reading the Daodejing for its pithy and insightful prose; it always gives me something to think about. succinct terse concise compact

Answer 103

adjective: young and inexperienced noun: any new participant in some activity Murray has years of experience in family practice, but he is just a fledgling in surgery.

Answer 104

ill-tempered and not inclined to talk; gloomy After Stanley found out he was no longer able to go on vacation with his friends, he sat in his room morosely. sullen sulky gloomy bad-tempered

Answer 105

open to argument or debate; undecidable in a meaningless or irrelevant way Since the Board just terminated Steve as the CEO, what the finance committee might have thought of his proposed marketing plan for next year is now a moot point.

Answer 106

to wander aimlessly A casual observer might have thought that Peter was meandering through the city, but that day he was actually seeking out those places where he and his long lost love had once visited. zigzag wind twist

Answer 107

verb: turn away from by persuasion His mother tried to deter him from joining the army, but he was too intoxicated with the idea of war to listen. verb: try to prevent; show opposition to The government's primary job should involve deterring paths to war, not finding ways to start them. put off discourage dissuade scare off

Answer 108

elaborately or highly decorated. The ornate Victorian and Edwardian homes spread throughout San Francisco are my favorite part of the city.

Answer 109

reduce in worth or character, usually verbally Jesse had mockingly pointed out all of Nancy's faults in front of their friends, publicly degrading the poor girl. demean debase cheapen devalue

Answer 110

unable to be persuaded or moved emotionally; stubborn; unyielding. No number of pleas and bribes would get him to change his obdurate attitude. stubborn obstinate unyielding unbending

Answer 111

expressive of contempt; derogatory or mocking in an indirect way "snide remarks about my mother" disparaging derogatory deprecating

Answer 112

slow and laborious Charlie may seem to run at a plodding pace, but he is an ultramarathoner

Answer 113

speak, plead, or argue in favor of While the senator privately approved of gay marriage, he was unwilling to advocate for the cause in a public venue.

Answer 114

does not allow fluids to pass through The sand bags placed on the river formed an impermeable barrier, protecting the town from flooding. watertight waterproof damp-proof water-resistant

Answer 115

so old as to appear to belong to a different period "prisons are run on archaic methods" obsolete obsolescent out of date anachronistic

Answer 116

laugh boisterously "both men guffawed at the remark" hearty laugh loud laugh

Answer 117

unconventional and slightly disreputable, especially in an attractive way. rakish jaunty dapper dashing

Answer 118

marked by active interest or enthusiasm "she was avid for information about the murder inquiry" keen eager enthusiastic ardent

Answer 119

the state that exists when one person or group has power over another "the ascendancy of good over evil" dominance domination supremacy superiority

Answer 120

having or revealing supreme mastery or skill Tyler was the consummate musician: he could play the guitar, and drum at the same time. To make perfect and complete in every respect. perfect exemplary supreme ultimate

Answer 121

difficult to capture or difficult to remember Many first time skydivers say that describing the act of falling from the sky is elusive.

Answer 122

hinder or prevent I wanted to spend a weekend in New York but the high travel costs thwarted my plans

Answer 123

having or revealing little emotion or sensibility; not easily aroused or excited. Elephants may appear stolid to casual observers, but they actually have passionate emotional lives. impassive phlegmatic unemotional calm

Answer 124

be a hindrance or obstacle to "the sap causes swelling which can impede breathing" hinder obstruct hamper handicap

Answer 125

sturdy and strong in form, constitution or construction. Chris preferred bland and mild beers, but Bhavin preferred a beer with more robust flavor

Answer 126

a desirable state; something helpful or beneficial. modern technology has been a boon to the travel industry. Very close and convivial he was a boon companion to many and will be sadly missed.

Answer 127

native; originating where it is found Ireland cuisine makes great use of potatoes but ironically potatoes are not endemic to Ireland

Answer 128

continuing without pause or interruption. I dont mind small children in brief doeses, but i think incessant exposure that their parents have to them would quickly wear me down. ceaseless unceasing constant continual

Answer 129

large or important enough to be noticed. There is an appreciable difference between people who say they can get the job done and those who actually get the job done. considerable substantial significant sizeable

Answer 130

capable of being shaped or bent or drawn out The clay was much malleable and easy to work with once water was added to it. easily influenced My little sister is malleable.

Answer 131

softened, subdued Helen preferred muted colours

Answer 132

a pause from doing something Every afternoon, the small company has a respite in which workers play foosball or board games rest break breathing space interval

Answer 133

making a certain situation or outcome likely or possible. Studying in a quiet room is conducive to learning; studying in a noisy environment makes learning more difficult.

Answer 134

changing frequently, especially as regards one's loyalties or affections. "celebs trying to appeal to an increasingly fickle public" capricious changeable variable volatile

Answer 135

noisy and lacking in restraint or discipline; unwilling to submit to authority Walk in to any preschool and I am sure that you will find an unruly and chaotic scene—unless it's nap time. : disorderly rowdy wild unmanageable

Answer 136

an example that is used to justify similar occurrences at a later time The principal explained that even though one student had done modelling work outside of school, the outfits that student wore in those photographs in no way established a precedent for what could be worn at school dances. model exemplar example pattern

Answer 137

lasting an indefinitely long time; eternal; everlasting "her perennial distrust of the men" everlasting perpetual eternal continuing

Answer 138

a characteristic language of a particular group To those with little training in medicine, the jargon of doctors can be very difficult to understand.

Answer 139

scornful, looking down at others with a sneering attitude "she was intolerant and contemptuous of the majority of the human race"

Answer 140

show submission or fear Every time Susan comes to the office, Frank grovels as if she were about to fire him. crawl creep

Answer 141

adjective: without fault or error He was impeccably dressed in the latest fashion without a single crease or stain.

Answer 142

courteous and refined in manner (typically used of a man). "the supposedly urbane, restrained English gentleman" suave sophisticated debonair worldly

Answer 143

a state of chaos, noise and confusion Riots broke out just in front of our apartment building, and the tumult continued late into the night.

Answer 144

the quality of unselfish concern for the welfare of others Albert Schweitzer spent most of his life doing missionary work as a doctor in Africa, seeking no reward, apparently motivated only by altruism. unselfishness selflessness self-sacrifice self-denial

Answer 145

uncertain how to act or proceed "she stood irresolute outside his door" indecisive hesitant tentative nervous

Answer 146

a slight or superficial understanding of a subject; a small amount of something know only a smattering of German, but Helen is able to read German newspapers and converse with natives.

Answer 147

made ineffective or powerless The FBI has made so many restrictions on the local police that they are absolutely hamstrung, unable to accomplish anything. cripple lame hock disable

Answer 148

showing understanding and ready comprehension of other peoples' states and emotions "she's compassionate and empathetic towards her daughter"

Answer 149

make something intense less severe Her fear that the new college would be filled with unknown faces was assuaged when she recognized her childhood friend standing in line. relieve ease alleviate soothe satisfy (an appetite or desire).

Answer 150

kind I remember my grandfather's face was wrinkled, benign, and calm. medicine) not dangerous to health; not recurrent or progressive

Answer 151

a conceited and self-centered person "he is a self-absorbed egotist"

Answer 152

devoid of intelligence, matter, or significance to the journalist's pointed question, the senator gave a vacuous response, empty blank vacant expressionless deadpan

Answer 153

effusively or insincerely emotional, especially in art, music, and literature I don't like romanticism for the same reason I don't like melodramatic acting and soap operas—overly sentimental.

Answer 154

cleverly amusing in tone Facetious behavior will not be tolerated during sex education class; it's time for all of you to treat these matters like mature adults. treating serious issues with deliberately inappropriate humour; flippant.

Answer 155

abusing vocally; expressing contempt or ridicule I was surprised by her derisive tone; usually, she is sweet, soft spoken, and congenial. mocking ridiculing jeering scoffing

Answer 156

gnaw into; make resentful or angry His constant whistling would rankle her, sometimes causing her to leave in a huff.

Answer 157

happening by chance or unexpectedly or unintentionally "an inadvertent administrative error occurred that resulted in an overpayment" unintentional unintended accidental unpremeditated

Answer 158

transparently clear; easily understandable Though Walters writes about physics and time travel, his writing is always lucid, so readers with little scientific training can understand difficult concepts. intelligible comprehensible rational sane in one's right mind

Answer 159

tastelessly showy; cheap and shoddy "tawdry jewellery" gaudy flashy showy garish

Answer 160

attack in speech or writing In the weekly paper, the editor assailed the governor for wasting hundreds of thousands of dollars in public projects that quickly failed. criticize censure attack condemn

Answer 161

inclined to anger or bad feelings with overtones of menace Every morning, Bhavin was a surly, unhappy person, but once he ate breakfast, he became loving, laughing, and a joy to be around. bad-tempered ill-natured grumpy glum

Answer 162

an abundant supply of something good The International Food Expo was a cornucopia of culinary delights: gourmet foods from every continent were under one roof.

Answer 163

speaking with ease but without sincerity I have found that the more glib the salesman, the worse the product.

Answer 164

marked by complexity and richness of detail Thomas, on returning from Morocco, replaced his dirty gray carpet with an elaborate one he'd brought back with him. explain in more detail Most high school physics teachers find themselves elaborating the same point over and over again, since many concepts confuse students.

Answer 165

determined by impulse or whim rather than by necessity or reason Adults look to kids and envy their whimsical nature at times, wishing that they could act without reason and play without limitation. volatile capricious temperamental impulsive fanciful playful mischievous waggish

Answer 166

verb: cause to continue If you do not let him do things for himself, you are merely perpetuating bad habits that will be even harder to break in the future.

Answer 167

suggesting war or military life Americans tend to remember Abraham Lincoln as kindly and wise, not at all martial, despite the fact that he was involved in the fiercest war America has even fought.

Answer 168

belief in something He placed no credence in psychics, claiming that they offered no special powers beyond the ability to make people part with their money. acceptance belief faith trust

Answer 169

causing harm or injury Many know that smoking is detrimental to your health, but processed sugar in large quantities is equally bad. harmful damaging injurious hurtful

Answer 170

not making concessions The relationship between Bart and Hilda ultimately failed because they were both so uncompromising, never wanting to change their opinions. The relationship between Bart and Hilda ultimately failed because they were both so uncompromising, never wanting to change their opinions.

Answer 171

agreeable, conducive to comfort Betty is a genial young woman: everyone she meets is put at ease by her elegance and grace. friendly affable cordial congenial

Answer 172

marked by refinement in taste and manners A live string quartet would provide a more genteel air to the wedding than would a folk singer. refined respectable polished decorous

Answer 173

contrary to or forbidden by law Though Al Capone was engaged in many illicit activities, he was finally arrested for income tax evasion, a relatively minor offense. illegal unlawful illegitimate against the law

Answer 174

worthy of high praise The efforts of the firefighters running into the burning building were commendable.

Answer 175

Unspoiled, untouched "a pristine white shirt" Immaculately clean and unused

Answer 176

enlarge or increase; improve "he augmented his summer income by painting houses"

Answer 177

resist The profits at our firm bucked the general downturn that affected the real estate industry. resist oppose contradict defy

Answer 178

a feeling of great (usually exaggerated) elation "in his euphoria, he had become convinced he could defeat them" elation happiness joy

Answer 179

having precise or logical relevance to the matter at hand "she asked me a lot of very pertinent questions" relevant to the point apposite appropriate

Answer 180

expel from a community, residence, or location; drive away The most difficult part of the fast was banishing thoughts of food.

Answer 181

reject with contempt She spurned all his flattery and proposals, and so he walked off embarrassed and sad.

Answer 182

wishing or appearing to wish evil to others; arising from intense ill will or hatred Villains are known for their malevolent nature, oftentimes inflicting cruelty on others just for enjoyment. malicious spiteful hostile evil-minded

Answer 183

To live off meager resources, to scrape by Stranded in a cabin over the winter, Terry was able to eke out an existence on canned food.

Answer 184

irritate or vex My little sister has a way of irking and annoying me like no other person. irritate annoy vex gall

Answer 185

make dirty or spotty, as by exposure to air; also used metaphorically Pete Rose was one of the best baseball players of his generation, but his involvement with gambling on baseball games has tarnished his image in the eyes of many.

Answer 186

spend thoughtlessly; waste time, money, or an opportunity Fearing his money would be squandered by his family, he gave all of it to charity when he died. waste misspend misuse throw away

Answer 187

lack of agreement or harmony "a prosperous family who showed no signs of discord" strife conflict friction hostility

Answer 188

resistant to guidance or discipline; stubbornly persistent The coach suggested improvements Sarah might make on the balance beam, but she remained obstinate, unwilling to modify any of the habits that made her successful in the past. stubborn headstrong wilful unyielding

Answer 189

disturb in mind or cause to be worried or alarmed Now that Henry is recovering from a major illness, he no longer lets the little trivialities, such as late mail, perturb him. worry upset unsettle disturb concern

Answer 190

advertize in strongly positive terms; show off At the conference, the CEO touted the extraordinary success of his company's Research & Development division.

Answer 191

noun: a perceptive understanding Although a great CEO, he did not have the political savvy to win the election. verb: get the meaning of something The student savvies the meaning of astrophysics with little effort. adjective: well-informed or perceptive With his savvy business partner, the company was able to turn a profit within a year. shrewd astute sharp-witted

Answer 192

consideration in dealing with others and avoiding giving offense In a tremendous display of tact, Shelly was able to maintain a strong friendship with Marcia, even though Marcia's husband, Frank, confessed to finding Shelly more attractive than Marcia.

Answer 193

something that is concise and instructive of a general truth or principle Sometimes I can't stand Nathan because he tries to impress everyone by being aphoristic, but he just states the obvious.

Answer 194

relating to the countryside in a pleasant sense Those who imagine America's countryside as a pastoral region are often disappointed to learn that much of rural U.S. is filled with cornfields extending as far as the eye can see.

Answer 195

marked by excessive complacency or self-satisfaction When Phil was dating the model, he had a smug attitude that annoyed his buddies.

Answer 196

a clever plan to turn a situation to one's advantage

Answer 197

be characteristic of Mozart exemplified the poor, starving artist who dies young. verb: clarify by giving an example of Please present some case studies that exemplify the results that you claim in your paper.

Answer 198

highly complex or intricate instead of solving the math problem in three simple steps, Kumar used a convoluted solution requiring fifteen steps. complicated complex involved intricate

Answer 199

an unstated doubt that prevents you from accepting something wholeheartedly "some generals voiced reservations about making air strikes" doubt qualm scruple misgivings

Answer 200

pull inward or towards a center; formally reject or disavow a formerly held belief, usually under pressure Email is wonderfully efficient, but once something awkward or damaging has been sent, there is no way to retract it.

Answer 201

in a blunt, direct manner Not one for social pleasantries, the Chief of Staff would brusquely ask his subordinates for anything he wanted, even coffee.

Answer 202

marked by defiant disregard for danger or consequences; imprudently incurring risk Although Bruce was able to make the delivery in time with a nighttime motorcycle ride in the rain, Susan criticized his actions as rash.

Answer 203

noun: an assumption that is taken for granted When Mr. Baker found out the family car was gone, he acted under the presumption that his rebellious son had taken the car, calling his son's phone and yelling at him; only later did Mr. Baker realize that Mrs. Baker had simply gone out to get her nails done. noun: audacious (even arrogant) behavior that you have no right to

Answer 204

agreement on a secret plot Many have argued that Lee Harvey Oswald, JFK's assassin, was in collusion with other criminals; others maintain that Oswald was a lone gunman.

Answer 205

a state of deep-seated ill-will The rude remark Charles made toward Sarah yesterday was due to his illness, not due to any real enmity toward Sarah. hostility animosity antagonism friction

Answer 206

easily irritated or annoyed Our office manager is peevish, so the rest of us tip-toe around him, hoping not to set off another one of his fits. irritable irascible fractious fretful

Answer 207

openly distrustful and unwilling to confide Without checking his references and talking to previous employers, I am leery of hiring the candidate. wary cautious careful guarded

Answer 208

use to the limit; exhaust The hike to the summit of Mt. Whitney was so taxing that I could barely speak or stand up. demanding exacting challenging burdensome

Answer 209

calm and peaceful "her eyes were closed and she looked very serene" calm composed collected cool cloudless

Answer 210

pass on or delegate to another The company was full of managers known for devolving tasks to lower management, but never doing much work themselves. grow worse (usually "devolve into") The dialogue between the two academics devolved into a downright bitter argument.

Answer 211

not easily irritated Doug is normally placid, so we were all shocked to see him yelling at the television when the Mets lost the game.

Answer 212

expressed as worthless or in negative terms Never before have we seen a debate between two political candidates that was so derogative and filthy.

Answer 213

characterized by care and perseverance in carrying out tasks Michael was a diligent gardener, never leaving a leaf on the ground and regularly watering each plant. industrious hard-working assiduous conscientious

Answer 214

close in time; about to occur The impending doom of our world has been discussed and debated for 2000 years—maybe even longer.

Answer 215

tendency to believe readily Virginia's wide-eyed credulity as a five-year old was replaced by suspicion after she learned that Santa Claus didn't really exist. gullibility naiveness

Answer 216

a short saying expressing a general truth "the maxim that actions speak louder than words" saying adage aphorism proverb

Answer 217

not in keeping with accepted standards of what is right or proper in polite society He acted in an unseemly manner, insulting the hostess and then speaking ill of her deceased husband. indecorous improper inappropriate unbecoming

Answer 218

immune to attack; incapable of being tampered with As a child, Amy would build pillow castles and pretend they were impregnable fortresses. invulnerable impenetrable unassailable

Answer 219

escape understanding "he tried to elude the security men by sneaking through a back door"

Answer 220

to irritate intensely As a child, I exasperated my mother with strings of never-ending questions. infuriate incense anger annoy

Answer 221

having never been done or known before; novel "the emphasis has been on shaping bold solutions to save lives and livelihoods in these unprecedented times" unparalleled unequalled unmatched unrivalled

Answer 222

marked by firm determination or resolution; not shakable A good captain needs to be steadfast, continuing to hold the wheel and stay the course even during the most violent storm. loyal faithful committed devoted

Answer 223

poor enough to need help from others "the charity cares for destitute children" completely wanting or lacking Now that the mine is closed, the town is destitute of any economic activity. devoid bereft deprived

Answer 224

showing smug or uncritical satisfaction with oneself or one's achievements. After the water polo team won their sixth championship, they became complacent and didn't even make it to the playoffs the next year. smug self-satisfied pleased with oneself proud of oneself

Answer 225

taking part in immoral and unethical plots With the help of the prince, the queen connived to overthrow the king conspire collude

Answer 226

a witty saying or remark In one of the most famous quips about classical music, Mark Twain said: "Wagner's music is better than it sounds." verb: to make a witty remark, to say in jest When an old English teacher criticized Churchill for ending a sentence with a preposition, he quipped, "This is the kind of criticism up with which we will not put!"

Answer 227

make more attractive by adding ornament, colour, etc.; make more beautiful "blue silk embellished with golden embroidery"

Answer 228

the quality of being honest and straightforward in attitude and speech Although I was unhappy that the relationship ended, I appreciated her candidness about why she was ready to move on from the relationship.

Answer 229

urge on with unpleasant comments Doug did not want to enter the race, but Jim, through a steady stream of taunts, goaded him into signing up for it. provoke spur prick sting

Answer 230

a behavioral attribute that is distinctive and peculiar to an individual When their new roommate sat staring at an oak tree for an hour, Marcia thought it indicated a mental problem, but Jeff assured her it was a harmless foible.

Answer 231

try to gain favor by extreme flattery The media fawned over the handsome new CEO, praising his impeccable sense of style instead of asking more pointed questions.

Answer 232

without partiality Teachers often have trouble being evenhanded to all of their varied students. fair just equitable impartial unbiased

Answer 233

showing a lack of proper concern; offhand. given to haughty disregard of others Percy dismissed the issue with a cavalier wave of his hand.

Answer 234

collect information bit by bit Herb has given us no formal statement about his background, but from various hints, I have gleaned that he grew up in difficult circumstances. obtain get take draw derive

Answer 235

characterized by directness in manner or speech; without subtlety or evasion I did not expect the insurance agent to give us any straight answers, but I was pleasantly surprised by how forthright he was.

Answer 236

lessen the importance, dignity, or reputation of A good teacher will never belittle his students, but will instead empower them. disparage denigrate run down deprecate

Answer 237

easily handled or managed; willing to be taught or led or supervised or directed "a cheap and docile workforce" compliant obedient pliant dutiful

Answer 238

treat or speak of with contempt The nun derided the students for trying to sneak insects and worms into the classroom. ridicule mock jeer at scoff at

Answer 239

something, especially an event, that causes difficulty and suffering As of 2013, nearly 1.5 million Syrians have fled their country hoping to escape the tribulations of a civil war tearing their country to pieces.

Answer 240

without check or limitation; showing no moral restraints to one's anger, desire, or appetites Due to wanton behavior and crude language, the drunk man was thrown out of the bar and asked to never return.

Answer 241

take the place of or have precedence over "many tables were already pre-empted by family parties" forestall prevent

Answer 242

excessively forward Many felt that Barney was presumptuous in moving into the large office before the management even made any official announcement of his promotion. brazen overconfident arrogant egotistical

Answer 243

mercy; lenience. In the final moments of the trial, during his closing speech, Phillips was nearly begging the judge for clemency.

Answer 244

dull and lacking excitement dull and lacking excitement mundane dull dreary boring

Answer 245

similar in some respects but otherwise different In many ways, the Internet's transformative effect on society has been analogous to that of the printing press.

Answer 246

cause annoyance in; disturb, especially by minor irritations Dan is usually calm and balanced, but it takes only one intense glare from Sabrina to rile him. irritate annoy bother vex

Answer 247

it is a duty or responsibility for someone to do something. It would behoove you to study hard and work for the future you desire.

Answer 248

be widespread in a particular area at a particular time; be current: During the labor negotiations, an air of hostility prevailed in the office. verb: prove superior Before the cricket match, Australia was heavily favored, but India prevailed.

Answer 249

attribute or credit to "a quotation ascribed to Thomas Cooper" regard something as being due to (a cause). "he ascribed Jane's short temper to her upset stomach"

Answer 250

turn away Afraid to see the aftermath of the car crash, I averted my eyes as we drove by. verb: ward off or prevent The struggling video game company put all of its finances into one final, desperate project to avert bankruptcy.

Answer 251

fraught with danger People smoke to relax and forget their cares, but ironically, in terms of health risks, smoking is far more precarious than either mountain-climbing or skydiving. dependent on chance; uncertain. "he made a precarious living as a painter" Similar: uncertain insecure unreliable unsure

Answer 252

to make holy or set apart for a high purpose "after the priest had consecrated the bread and wine, it was immortal and divine" sanctify bless make holy

Answer 253

involving intelligence rather than emotions or instinct A cerebral analysis of most pop music finds it to be simple and childish, but that ignores the point--the music's effect on the listener.

Answer 254

damage the good name and reputation of someone "he had besmirched the good name of his family"

Answer 255

a difficult problem Computers have helped solve some of the mathematical conundrums which have puzzled man for many centuries.

Answer 256

the property of being extremely abundant "a rich profusion of flowers" abundance lot mass host plenitude

Answer 257

make stronger or defensible China's economy has been buttressed by a global demand for the electronic parts the country manufactures.

Answer 258

achieve something by means of trickery or devious methods Steven was able to finagle one of the last seats on the train by convincing the conductor that his torn stub was actually a valid ticket.

Answer 259

an act of making something right Barry's redress for forgetting his wife's birthday two years in a row was surprising her with a trip to Tahiti. compensation reparation restitution recompense

Answer 260

fuse or cause to grow together Over time, the various tribes coalesced into a single common culture with one universal language. combine merge fuse unite

Answer 261

well integrated, forming a united whole A well-written, cohesive essay will keep on topic at all times, never losing sight of the main argument.

Answer 262

lacking energy Nothing can make a person more lethargic than a big turkey dinner.

Answer 263

suggesting the operation of supernatural influences; surpassing the ordinary or normal Reggie has an uncanny ability to connect with animals: feral cats will readily approach him, and sometimes even wild birds will land on his finger.

Answer 264

strive to equal or match, especially by imitating; compete with successfully To really become fluent in a new language, emulate the speech patterns of people who speak the language.

Answer 265

a deep, long-lasting sadness Hamlet is a figure of tremendous melancholy: he doesn't have a truly cheerful scene throughout the entire play. sad sorrowful desolate

Answer 266

to envy someone for possessing or enjoying something Sitting all alone in his room, Harvey begrudged the happiness of the other children playing outside his window. to give reluctantly We never begrudge money spent on ourselves.

Answer 267

make furious When Herb bought football tickets for a game on the day of their wedding anniversary, Jill was incensed.

Answer 268

necessary (for someone) as a duty or responsibility Middle managers at times make important decisions, but real responsibility for the financial well-being of the corporation is ultimately incumbent on the CEO. binding obligatory mandatory necessary currently holding office.

Answer 269

having an agreeably pungent taste The chef, with a mere flick of the salt shaker, turned the bland tomato soup into a piquant meal. pleasantly stimulating or exciting to the mind. intriguing stimulating interesting fascinating

Answer 270

covering consisting of a thin superficial layer that hides the underlying substance Mark Twain referred to the Victorian Period in America as the "Gilded Age", implying the ample moral corruption that lay beneath a mere veneer of respectability.

Answer 271

characterized by hard work and perseverance Pete was an industrious student, completing every assignment thoroughly and on time.

Answer 272

precede in time Harry was so unknowledgeable that he was unaware the Egyptian pharaohs antedated the American Revolution.

Answer 273

having or displaying a dashing, jaunty, or slightly disreputable quality or appearance. As soon as he arrived in the city, the rakish young man bought some drugs and headed straight for the seedy parts of town. debonair

Answer 274

stopping and starting at irregular intervals "intermittent rain"

Answer 275

recklessly bold or rash. marked by defiant disregard for danger or consequences The police regularly face dangerous situations, so for a police officer not to wear his bullet-proof vest is foolhardy.

Answer 276

convey a meaning; imply By saying that some of the guests were uncomfortable, the manager implicated to the hotel staff that it needed to be more diligent. verb: to indicate in wrongdoing, usually a crime The crime boss was implicated for a long list of crimes, ranging from murder to disturbing the peace.

Answer 277

quickly aroused to anger If Arthur's dog is not fed adequately, he becomes highly irascible, even growling at his own shadow.

Answer 278

highly unconventional or unusual (usually describes a person) Mozart was well-known for his eccentricities, often speaking words backward to confuse those around him.

Answer 279

dull and uninteresting The movie director was known for hiring beautiful actors in order to deflect attention away from the insipid scripts he would typically use. lacking flavour; weak or tasteless.

Answer 280

destroying or killing a large part of the population The decimation after atomic bombs were dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki is incomprehensible.

Answer 281

the acceptance of something unpleasant that can't be avoided Since Jack could not think of a convincing reason why he had to miss the seminar, he attended it with a sense of resignation. forbearance tolerance stoicism endurance

Answer 282

comprising many cultures; global in reach and outlook There are few cities in the world as diverse and cosmopolitan as New York.

Answer 283

old-fashioned; belonging to an earlier period in time Aunt Betty had antiquated notions about marriage, believing that a man should court a woman for at least a year before receiving a kiss.

Answer 284

avoiding or escaping from difficulty or danger or commitment His responses were clearly evasive; he obviously did not want to take on any responsibility or any new work. adjective: deliberately vague or ambiguous Every time I call the bank, I receive the same evasive answers about our mortgage and never get a clear response.

Answer 285

unable to express one's ideas or feelings clearly or easily. Although a brilliant economist, Professor Wilson was completely inarticulate, a terrible lecturer. tongue-tied lost for words

Answer 286

characterized by effort to the point of exhaustion; especially physical effort The most laborious job I've had was working 20 hours a day as a fisherman in King Salmon, Alaska.

Answer 287

extremely bad Coach Ramsey took his newest player off the field after watching a few painful minutes of her abysmal performance. very deep. profound extreme utter complete

Answer 288

make more intense, stronger, or more marked Her headache was compounded by the construction crew outside, which had six jackhammers going at the same time.

Answer 289

extremely painful After the boulder rolled a couple of feet, pinning my friend's arm, he experienced excruciating pain. very embarrassing, awkward, or tedious. "he explained the procedure in excruciating detail"

Answer 290

assign to a lower position When Dexter was unable to fulfill his basic duties, instead of firing him, the boss relegated him to kitchen cleanup.

Answer 291

to fight for a cause Martin Luther King Jr. championed civil rights fiercely throughout his short life.

Answer 292

expose as false ideas and claims, especially while ridiculing Richard Dawkins tries to debunk religious belief, but his ridicule tends to push people away from his points rather than convince them.

Answer 293

seemingly contradictory but nonetheless possibly true That light could be both a particle and a wave seems paradoxical, but nonetheless, it is true.

Answer 294

To undergo dramatic change in a seamless and barely noticeable fashion. "the characters can be morphed on screen"

Answer 295

so great in size or force or extent as to elicit awe Few appreciate the colossal scale of the sun: if hollow, it could contain a million Earths.

Answer 296

difficult to handle or use especially because of size or weight Only ten years ago, being an avid reader and a traveler meant carrying a cumbersome backpack stuffed with books--these days we need only an e-reader.

Answer 297

refuse to acknowledge; reject outright and bluntly Wheeler was completely qualified for the committee, but the board snubbed him, choosing an obviously lesser qualified candidate instead.

Answer 298

ill-mannered and coarse or contemptible in behavior or appearance Bukowski was known for being a boorish drunk and alienating close friends and family. coarse uncouth

Answer 299

harass, as with questions or requests; cause to feel distressed or worried After discovering a priceless artifact in her backyard, Jane was besieged by phone calls, emails, and reporters all trying to buy, hold or see the rare piece of history.

Answer 300

showing a cheerful willingness to do favors for others Even after all his success, I found him to be accommodating and obliging, sharing with me his "secret tips" on how to gain wealth and make friends.

Answer 301

a short instructive saying about a general truth Nietzsche was known for using aphorisms, sometimes encapsulating a complex philosophical thought in a mere sentence. saying maxim

Answer 302

hinder or prevent the progress or accomplishment of The engineers found their plans stymied at every turn and were ultimately able to make almost no progress on the project.

Answer 303

describing a lively atmosphere The wedding reception was convivial; friends who hadn't seen each other for ages drank and ate together before heading to the dance floor. friendly genial affable amiable congenial

Answer 304

the property of being prompt and efficient She finished her thesis with dispatch, amazing her advisors who couldn't believe she had written 60 scholarly pages so quickly. verb: dispose of rapidly and without delay and efficiently

Answer 305

a person who breaks the law "Come back you miscreant!" yelled the woman who just had her purse stolen.

Answer 306

prevent the progress or free movement of As the rain water began to collect in pools on the highway, it began to hamper the flow of traffic.

Answer 307

a right reserved exclusively by a particular person or group (especially a hereditary or official right) Even as the dishwasher at the French restaurant, Josh quickly learned that he had the perquisite of being able to eat terrific food for half the price diners would pay. perk fringe benefit additional benefit benefit

Answer 308

being attentive to women like an ideal knight Medieval tales are full of stories of chivalry, in which a young knight must commit deeds of heroism to win the hand of a fair maiden. gallant gentlemanly honourable respectful

Answer 309

characterized by dignity and propriety Frank came from a staid environment, so he was shocked that his college roommate sold narcotics. respectable quiet serious serious-minded

Answer 310

determine the number or amount of The survey enumerates the number of happy workers and the number of unhappy workers. verb: specify individually, one by one I sat and listened as she enumerated all of the things she did not like about the past three months.

Answer 311

deserving of praise but not that amazing Critics agreed the movie was creditable, but few gave it more than three out of five stars. laudable

Answer 312

in terrible condition The main house has been restored but the gazebo is still dilapidated and unusable.

Answer 313

producing no result or effect; unproductive of success I thought I could repair the car myself, but after two days of work with no success, I have to admit that my efforts were futile. vain pointless useless worthless

Answer 314

compete for something While the other teams in the division actively vie for the championship, this team seems content simply to go through the motions of playing. compete contend contest struggle

Answer 315

be a distinctive feature, attribute, or trait (sometimes in positive sense) Mozart's long melodic lines differentiate his compositions from other works of late 18th century music. verb: evolve so as to lead to a new species or develop in a way most suited to the environment Animals on Madagascar differentiated from other similar animal species due to many years of isolation on the island. transform metamorphose evolve convert

Answer 316

under terms not final or fully worked out or agreed upon Until the corporate office hands down a definitive decision on use of the extra offices, we will share their use in a provisional arrangement interim temporary

Answer 317

involving ignoble actions and motives; arousing moral distaste and contempt; foul and run-down and repulsive The nightly news simply announced that the senator had had an affair, but the tabloid published all the sordid details of the interaction. sleazy seedy dirty filthy

Answer 318

a person who dislikes women in particular Many have accused Hemingway of being a quiet misogynist, but recently unearthed letters argue against this belief.

Answer 319

having an unpleasant smell Some thermally active fountains spew sulfur fumes--the air around them is sometimes so malodorous that many have to plug their noses.

Answer 320

come out better in a competition, race, or conflict

Answer 321

refuse to comply The students were willing to clean up the broken glass, but when the teacher asked them to mop the entire floor, they balked, citing reasons why they needed to leave. eschew resist

Answer 322

more than is adequate The boat was amply supplied for its year at sea—no man would go hungry or thirsty.

Answer 323

something that limits or restricts We don't have many resources, so we'll have to work with some very tight constraints.

Answer 324

careful to protect one's speech or actions in order to avoid offense or draw attention The professor thought that he was discreet, subtly wiping the stain off of his shirt, but as soon as he stepped off the podium a heckler in the audience burst out, "You missed a spot". unobtrusive

Answer 325

enhancing each other's qualities (for two things or more). The head waiter was careful to tell the amateur diners that red wine was complementary with beef, each bringing out subtle taste notes in the other.

Answer 326

uneasiness about the fitness of an action While he could articulate no clear reason why Harkner's plan would fail, he nevertheless felt qualms about committing any resources to it. misgiving doubt reservation second thought

Answer 327

persistently petty and unjustified criticism or adjective continually complaining about trivial matters; hypercritical NOUN: The author was very upset about the constant carping of his critics who posted reviews on social media. ADJECTIVE: Although my mother seemed like a carping critic during my teenage years, her advice turned out to be wise and useful later in life.

Answer 328

a slight suggestion or vague understanding "the records give us an inkling of how people saw the world" idea vague idea notion glimmering

Answer 329

a mixture of multiple things The band’s music was an amalgam of hip-hop, flamenco and jazz, blending the three styles with surprising results.

Answer 330

to express strong disapproval After being caught in bed with a mistress, the mayor was quickly censured by the city council. condemn criticize castigate chastise

Answer 331

open to more than one interpretation "the election result was ambiguous" equivocal ambivalent open to debate

Answer 332

to be naïve and innocent Two-years in Manhattan had changed Jenna from an ingenuous girl from the suburbs to a jaded urbanite, unlikely to fall for any ruse, regardless of how elaborate. naive innocent simple childlike

Answer 333

shapeless His study plan for the GRE was at best amorphous; he would do questions from random pages in any one of seven test prep books.

Answer 334

prone to unexpected and unpredictable changes in mood The fact that Ella’s moods were as mercurial as the weather was problematic for her relationships—it didn’t help that she lived in Chicago. fickle volatile capricious temperamental excitable

Answer 335

to excite or inspire (someone) to action At mile 23 of his first marathon, Kyle had all but given up, until he noticed his friends and family holding a banner that read, “Go Kyle”; galvanized, he broke into a gallop, finishing the last three miles in less than 20 minutes. jolt shock startle impel

Answer 336

rashly or wastefully extravagant Successful professional athletes who do not fall prey to prodigality seem to be the exception—most live decadent lives.

Answer 337

a long pompous speech; a tirade Dinner at Billy's was more a punishment than a reward, since anyone who sat at the dinner table would have to listen to Billy's father's interminable harangues against the government. verb: to deliver a long pompous speech or tirade Tired of his parents haranguing him about his laziness and lack of initiative, Tyler finally moved out of home at the age of thirty-five. tirade lecture diatribe

Answer 338

to reprimand harshly Though chastised for eating the snacks for the party, Lawrence shrugged off his mother’s harsh words, and continued to plow through jars of cookies and boxes of donuts.

Answer 339

spending resources recklessly or wastefully Most lottery winners go from being conservative, frugal types to outright profligates who blow millions on fast cars, lavish homes, and giant yachts.

Answer 340

using very few words While Martha always swooned over the hunky, laconic types in romantic comedies, her boyfriends inevitably were very talkative—and not very hunky. brief concise terse succinct

Answer 341

unbiased; neutral "a banker is under an obligation to give disinterested advice" unbiased unprejudiced impartial neutral

Answer 342

to make less severe; to limit (a statement) Chris qualified his love for San Francisco, adding he didn't like the weather there as much as he liked the weather in Los Angeles.

Answer 343

extremely frugal; miserly Katie is so parsimonious that she only buys a pair of socks if all of her other socks have holes in them.

Answer 344

somebody who attacks cherished beliefs or institutions Lady Gaga, in challenging what it means to be clothed, is an iconoclast for wearing a "meat dress" to a prominent awards show. critic sceptic questioner heretic

Answer 345

harmless and doesn’t produce any ill effects Everyone found Nancy’s banter innocuous—except for Mike, who felt like she was intentionally picking on him.

Answer 346

to be in proportion or corresponding in degree or amount The convicted felon’s life sentence was commensurate with the heinousness of his crime. equivalent equal corresponding

Answer 347

the condition of being susceptible to bribes or corruption Even some of the most sacred sporting events are not immune to venality, as many of the officials have received substantial bribes to make biased calls.

Answer 348

standing out in a negative way; shockingly bad he dictator’s abuse of human rights was so egregious that many world leaders demanded that he be tried in an international court for genocide. shocking appalling horrific horrifying

Answer 349

still in existence (usually refers to documents.) Despite many bookstores closing, experts predict that some form of book dealing will still be extant generations from now.

Answer 350

exhibiting artistic skill Picasso is generally considered the most artful member of the Cubist movement. adjective: clever in a cunning way Bernie Madoff's artful Ponzi scheme stole billions of dollars from investors and is considered the largest financial fraud in U.S. history.

Answer 351

bitterness and ill will The acrimony between the president and vice-president sent a clear signal to voters: the health of the current administration was imperiled. bitterness rancour resentment rancour: bitterness or resentfulness, especially when long standing.

Answer 352

to be likely to socialize with others Often we think that great leaders are those who are gregarious, always in the middle of a large group of people; yet, as Mahatma Gandhi and many others have shown us, leaders can also be introverted. Similar-sounding words egregious: extremely bad

Answer 353

a deviation from what is normal or expected Aberrations in climate have become the norm: rarely a week goes by without some meteorological phenomenon making headlines. anomaly deviation divergence abnormality

Answer 354

to sap energy from "the heat enervated us all" lacking in energy or vitality.

Answer 355

complicated, and difficult to comprehend The physics lecture became so involved that the undergraduate’s eyes glazed over.

Answer 356

to respect deeply The professor, despite his sleep-inducing lectures, was venerated amongst his colleagues, publishing more papers yearly than all of his peers combined. revere reverence respect worship

Answer 357

making of a false statement meant to injure a person’s reputation With the presidential primaries well under way, the air is thick with calumny, and the mud already waist-high.

Answer 358

to object or show reluctance Wallace disliked the cold, so he demurred when his friends suggested they go skiing in the Alps. demur is sometimes confused with demure

Answer 359

easily persuaded Even though she did not like the outdoors, Shirley was generally amenable and so her brother was able to persuade her to go camping. compliant acquiescent biddable compliant acquiescent biddable

Answer 360

truthful While we elect our leaders in the hope that every word they speak will be veracious, history has shown that such a hope is naive. Similar-sounding words: voracious: eager reader, approach something with enthusiasm

Answer 361

mixed or conflicting emotions about something "some loved her, some hated her, few were ambivalent about her" Similar: equivocal uncertain unsure doubtful

Answer 362

to reproach; to scold Bob took a risk walking into the "Students Barbershop"—in the end he had to upbraid the apparently drunk barber for giving him an uneven bowl cut.

Answer 363

to assert The scientist maintained that the extinction of dinosaurs was most likely brought about by a drastic change in climate.

Answer 364

favorable, the opposite of sinister Despite an auspicious beginning, Mike’s road trip became a series of mishaps, and he was soon stranded and penniless, leaning against his wrecked automobile.

Answer 365

lacking She did not think her vocabulary was wanting, yet there were so many words that inevitably she found a few she didn't know.

Answer 366

to give a false representation to; misrepresent The smile on her face belies the pain she must feel after the death of her husband.

Answer 367

to reprimand harshly Drill sergeants are known to castigate new recruits so mercilessly that the latter often break down during their first week in training.

Answer 368

to weaken (usually paired with an abstract term) The student undermined the teacher’s authority by questioning the teacher’s judgment on numerous occasions.

Answer 369

narrowly restricted in scope or outlook Jasmine was sad to admit it, but her fledgling relationship with Jacob did not work out because his culinary tastes were simply too parochial; "After all," she quipped on her blog, "he considered Chef Boyardee ethnic food."

Answer 370

to speak in an evasive way The cynic quipped, “There is not much variance in politicians; they all seem to prevaricate”.

Answer 371

not normal According to those who do not believe in climate change, the extreme weather over the last five years is simply anomalous—daily temperatures should return to their old averages, they believe.

Answer 372

to suggest something subtly "he had already intimated that he might not be able to continue"

Answer 373

being disrespectful; improperly forward or bold Dexter, distraught over losing his pet dachshund, Madeline, found the police officer’s questions impertinent—after all, he thought, did she have to pry into such details as to what Madeline’s favorite snack was?

Answer 374

to clear of accusation, blame, suspicion, or doubt with supporting arguments or proof acquit

Answer 375

confusing or ambiguous The findings of the study were equivocal—the two researchers had different opinions on what the results signified.

Answer 376

to reveal or make known something, usually unintentionally With the gold medal at stake, the gymnast awaited his turn, his quivering lip betraying his intense emotions.

Answer 377

restless The crowd grew restive as the comedian’s opening jokes fell flat.

Answer 378

make unclear On the Smith's drive through the Grand Canyon, Mr. Smith's big head obscured much of Mrs. Robinson's view, so that she only saw momentary patches of red rock. adjective: known by only a few Many of the biggest movie stars were once obscure actors who got only bit roles in long forgotten films.

Answer 379

characteristic of rural life; awkwardly simple and provincial The vacation cabin had no electricity and no indoor plumbing, but despite these inconveniences, Nigel adored its rustic charm.

Answer 380

serving no useful purpose How can we hope to stay open if we don't eliminate all superfluous spending, like catered meetings and free acupuncture Tuesday? adjective: more than is needed, desired, or required The third paragraph in your essay is superfluous and can be deleted.

Answer 381

reach the highest or most decisive point "weeks of violence culminated in the brutal murder of a magistrate"

Answer 382

keep from happening or arising; make impossible The manager specified that all other gates be locked, to preclude the possibility of persons without tickets entering the arena undetected.

Answer 383

repeated too often; overfamiliar through overuse The professor used such banal expression that many students in the class either fell asleep from boredom or stayed awake to complete his sentences and humor friends. trite hackneyed clichéd platitudinous

Answer 384

improperly forward or bold In an impudent move, the defendant spoke out of order to say terribly insulting things to the judge. impertinent insolent cheeky audacious

Answer 385

difficult to penetrate; incomprehensible to one of ordinary understanding or knowledge I found Ulysses recondite and never finished the book, waiting instead to read it with someone else so we could penetrate its meaning together. obscure abstruse arcane esoteric

Answer 386

a trite or obvious remark The professor argued that many statements regarded as wise in previous times, such as the Golden Rule, are now regarded as mere platitudes.

Answer 387

to chuckle, laugh merrily, often in a breathy, muffled way Walking into the cafe, I could hear happy, chortling people and smell the rich aroma of roasted coffee beans.

Answer 388

marked by a lack of interest Mr. Thompson was so talented at teaching math that even normally apathetic students took interest.

Answer 389

conspicuously and offensively loud; given to vehement outcry In giving Marcia a particular vociferous response, Paul caused people at every other table in the restaurant to turn around and look at them angrily.

Answer 390

marked by extreme care in treatment of details The Japanese noodle maker was meticulous in making his noodles and would never let another person take over the task.

Answer 391

avoid and stay away from deliberately; stay clear of "he appealed to the crowd to eschew violence"

Answer 392

criticize severely or angrily Showing no patience, the manager utterly lambasted the sales team that lost the big account.

Answer 393

not serious in content or attitude or behavior Compared to Juliet's passionate concern for human rights, Jake's non-stop concern about football seems somewhat frivolous.

Answer 394

characterized by unusual lightness and delicacy The gossamer wings of a butterfly, which allow it to fly, are also a curse, so delicate that they are often damaged.

Answer 395

relating to the pleasant aspects of the country The noble families of England once owned vast expanses of beautiful, bucolic land. rustic rural pastoral

Answer 396

habitually complaining The querulous old woman was beginning to wear down even the happier members of the staff with her ceaseless complaining. petulant complaining pettish

Answer 397

the power to foresee the future Baxter's warnings about investing in technology stocks seemed like an act of prescience after the whole market declined significantly.

Answer 398

a strong liking Monte had a predilection for the fine things in life: Cuban cigars, 200 dollar bottles of wine, and trips to the French Riviera.

Answer 399

overly sentimental to the point that it is disgusting The film was incredibly mawkish, introducing highly likeable characters only to have them succumb to a devastating illness by the end of the movie.

Answer 400

showing respect If you ever have the chance to meet the president, stand up straight and be deferential. obsequious humble respectful considerate

Answer 401

inactivity resulting from lethargy and lack of vigor or energy After work, I was expecting my colleagues to be enthusiastic about the outing, but I found them in a state of complete torpor.

Answer 402

an excessive supply The Internet offers such a glut of news related stories that many find it difficult to know which story to read first. verb: supply with an excess of In the middle of economic crises, hiring managers find their inboxes glutted with resumes.

Answer 403

occurring by happy chance; having no cause or apparent cause Missing my train turned out to be quite fortuitous since I ran into a childhood friend on the next train and we were able to reconnect after so many years.

Answer 404

characterized by good taste in manners and conduct Sally's parties are decorous affairs, and instead of the usual beer and music, there is tea and intellectual conversation.

Answer 405

make worse Her sleeplessness exacerbated her cold--when she woke up the next day, her sinuses were completely blocked. Similar-sounding words exasperate: make furious

Answer 406

a state of guilt Since John had left his banana peel at the top of the stairwell, he accepted culpability for Martha's broken leg.

Answer 407

impossible to stop or prevent The rise of the computer was an inexorable shift in technology and culture. relentless intransigent unbending

Answer 408

fixed firmly or securely By the time we reach 60-years old, most of our habits are so entrenched that it is difficult for us to change.

Answer 409

the trait of being rude and impertinent The speeding car had the gall to switch five lanes at once, run through a red light, and then cut off a police car before finally coming to a stop in front of a sea of flashing red lights. feeling of deep and bitter anger and ill-will to strongly bother, vex, annoy, exasperate

Answer 410

highly opinionated, not accepting that one's own beliefs may not be correct Bryan is dogmatic in his belief that the earth is flat, claiming that all pictures of a spherical earth are computer generated. opinionated peremptory assertive imperative

Answer 411

showing modest reserve; lacking self-confidence As a young girl she was diffident and reserved, but now as an adult, she is confident and assertive. shy bashful modest self-effacing

Answer 412

willing to be bold in social situations or to take risks As all of the other campers cowered in their tents, Bill, armed only with a flashlight, audaciously tracked down the bear that had raided their food.

Answer 413

concerned with the appreciation of beauty The director, not known for his aesthetic sensibilities, decided not to use costumes at all, and put on the play in everyday clothing. a set of principles underlying and guiding the work of a particular artist or artistic movement. Tip Similar-sounding words ascetic: characterized by severe self-discipline and abstention

Answer 414

one who professes great sensitivity to the beauty of art and nature A true aesthete, Marty would spend hours at the Guggenheim Museum, staring at the same Picasso.

Answer 415

an act of deliberate betrayal; a breach of a trust Sure, he was the best salesman in the company; but Michael had abused the trust of the firm, sharing product secrets with a competitor, and for such perfidy he was terminated.

Answer 416

having or demonstrating ability to recognize or draw fine distinctions The lawyer had an incisive mind, able in a flash to dissect a hopelessly tangled issue and isolate the essential laws at play.

Answer 417

expecting unquestioning obedience; characteristic of an absolute ruler The coach was dictatorial in his approach: no players could ever argue or question his approach. autocratic tyrannical domineering despotic

Answer 418

acknowledge defeat I concede. You win! admit (to a wrongdoing) After a long, stern lecture from her father, Olivia conceded to having broken the window. verb: give over; surrender or relinquish to the physical control of another

Answer 419

make less severe or harsh I can only spend so much time mitigating your disagreements with your wife, and at certain point, you need to do it on your own. lessen the severity of an offense

Answer 420

mysterious or vague, usually intentionally Since Sarah did not want her husband to guess the Christmas present she had bought him, she only answered cryptically when he would ask her questions about it. enigmatic mysterious

Answer 421

instructive (especially excessively) Tolstoy's The Death of Ivan Ilyich is a didactic novel, instructing the reader on how to live a good life.

Answer 422

deny or contradict; speak against or oppose I can't gainsay a single piece of evidence James has presented, but I still don't trust his conclusion

Answer 423

the quality of talking or writing easily and continuously The professor's volubility knows no bounds; he could talk through a hurricane and elaborate a point from one St. Patrick's Day to the next. loquacity

Answer 424

without any attempt at concealment; completely obvious "he was very thin, with a conspicuous Adam's apple"

Answer 425

give rise to The restrictions of the Treaty of Versailles were so severe that they engendered deep hatred and resentment in the German people.

Answer 426

disinclined to talk, not revealing one's thoughts When asked about her father, Helen lost her outward enthusiasm and became rather reticent.

Answer 427

relevant and appropriate The professor wanted to tell the jury in detail about his new book, but the lawyer said it wasn't germane to the charges in the cases.

Answer 428

distinctive and showy elegance Jim, with his typical panache, came to the wedding reception with a top hat and cane. flamboyance

Answer 429

having or showing arrogant superiority to and disdain of those one views as unworthy The haughty manager didn't believe that any of his subordinates could ever have an insight as brilliant as his own. conceited snobbish

Answer 430

of or occurring every day; daily. "the car sped noisily off through the quotidian traffic"

Answer 431

free of deceit At first I thought my niece was guileless, but I then found myself buying her ice cream every time we passed a shop. ingenuous

Answer 432

being essentially equal to something In many situations, remaining silent is tantamount to admitting guilt, so speak to prove your innocence.

Answer 433

working in a subtle but destructive way Plaque is insidious: we cannot see it, but each day it eats away at our enamel, causing cavities and other dental problems.

Answer 434

to make someone who is angry less angry; placate In the morning, Janine was unable to mollify Harry, if he happened to become angry, unless he'd had his cup of coffee.

Answer 435

marked by extreme intensity of emotions or convictions While the other employees responded to the bad news in a measured way, Andrew responded in a vehement manner, tipping over his desk and shouting at the top of his lungs.

Answer 436

not able to be changed Taxes are one of the immutable laws of the land, so there is no use arguing about paying them.

Answer 437

spread negative information about Todd was noble after the divorce, choosing to say only complimentary things about Barbara, but Barbara did not hesitate to vilify Todd.

Answer 438

a person who holds unorthodox opinions in any field (not merely religion) Though everybody at the gym told Mikey to do cardio before weights, Mikey was a heretic and always did the reverse.

Answer 439

not original but drawing strongly on something already in existence, especially in reference to a creative product (e.g. music, writing, poetry etc.). Because the movies were utterly derivative of other popular movies, they did well at the box office.

Answer 440

full of high-spirited delight because of triumph or success My hardwork paid off, and I was jubilant to receive a perfect score on the GRE.

Answer 441

noble and generous in spirit, especially towards a rival or someone less powerful He was a great sportsman: in defeat he was complimentary and in victory he was magnanimous.

Answer 442

tending to betray Even though Jesse James was an outlaw, his killer, Robert Ford, is remembered more for his treacherous actions than for eliminating a criminal and murderer. dangerously unstable and unpredictable

Answer 443

characterized by or characteristic of exceptionally early development or maturity (especially in mental aptitude) Though only seven years old, she was a precocious chess prodigy, able to beat players twice her age.

Answer 444

practicing self-denial His ascetic life is the main reason he inspired so many followers, especially since he gave up wealth and power to live in poverty. Historically, ascetics like Gandhi are often considered wise men partially because of their restraint.

Answer 445

lacking in harmony or compatibility or appropriateness The vast economic inequality of modern society is incongruous with America's ideals.

Answer 446

be a sign or indication of; have as a meaning Even if the text is not visible, the red octagon denotes "stop" to all motorists in America.

Answer 447

of a belief that is based on faulty reasoning The widespread belief that Inuit have forty different words for "snow" has been considered fallacious, based on a single report by Anthropologist Franz Boas.

Answer 448

traveling from place to place to work Doctors used to be itinerant, traveling between patients' homes.

Answer 449

place side by side for contrast The appeal of her paintings comes from a classical style which is juxtaposed with modern themes.

Answer 450

describe in detail After a brief summary of proper swimming technique, the coach delineated the specifics of each stroke, spending 30 minutes alone on the backstroke.

Answer 451

leaving no doubt; unambiguous. The President's first statement on the subject was vague and open to competing interpretations, so when he spoke to Congress about the same subject later, he was careful to make his position completely unequivocal.

Answer 452

to pull off a plan or scheme, usually through skill or trickery Despite a low GPA, he contrived to get into college, going so far as to write his own glowing letters of recommendation.

Answer 453

characteristic of one eager to fight Tom said that he was arguing the matter purely for philosophical reasons, but his belligerent tone indicated an underlying anger about the issue.

Answer 454

standing above others in quality or position Shakespeare is an eminent author in the English language, but I find his writing uninteresting and melodramatic.

Answer 455

dissatisfied, especially with people in authority or a system of control. After watching his superior take rations from the soldiers, he quickly became disaffected and rebelled. dissatisfied disgruntled discontented

Answer 456

stubbornly unyielding Even the most tenacious advocates for gun ownership must admit some of the dangers that firearms present.

Answer 457

lasting a very short time The lifespan of a mayfly is ephemeral, lasting from a few hours to a couple of days. transitory transient

Answer 458

excessively greedy "avaricious corporate bosses looking to maximize profits"

Answer 459

fanatical patriotism North Korea maintains intense control over its population through a combination of jingoism and cult of personality.

Answer 460

not inclined towards physical exertion or effort; slow and relaxed As the sun beat down and the temperature climbed higher, we spent a languid week lying around the house.

Answer 461

marked by or showing hopelessness After her third pet dog died, Marcia was simply forlorn: this time even the possibility of buying a new dog no longer held any joy.

Answer 462

hinder or prevent (the efforts, plans, or desires) of I thought I would finish writing the paper by lunchtime, but a number of urgent interruptions served to frustrate my plan. thwart

Answer 463

cleverly find a way out of one's duties or obligations One way of circumventing the GRE is to apply to a grad school that does not require GRE scores.

Answer 464

being in the earliest stages of development; being or involving basic facts or principles I would love to be able to present a fully polished proposal to the board, but right now, our plans for the product are still in the most rudimentary stages.

Answer 465

choose not to consume or take part in (particularly something enjoyable) Considered a health nut, Jessica abstained from anything containing sugar--even chocolate.

Answer 466

plausible but false When listening to a politician speak, it is hard to distinguish the spurious claims from the authentic ones.

Answer 467

come from; be connected by a relationship of blood, for example Many words in the English language are derived from Latin, including the word "derive." reason by deduction; establish by deduction

Answer 468

make something bad better "Three Cups of Tea" tells the story of western man who hopes to ameliorate poverty and the lack of education in Afghanistan.

Answer 469

so small as to be meaningless; insignificant The GRE tests cumulative knowledge, so if you cram the night before it is, at best, likely to only have a negligible impact on your score.

Answer 470

firm and dependable especially in loyalty No longer a staunch supporter of the movement, Todd now will openly question whether its goals are worthwhile. stalwart loyal

Answer 471

take the place or move into the position of "domestic production has been supplanted by imports and jobs have been lost"

Answer 472

: contain or include The rogue wave quickly subsumed the pier and boardwalk, destroying everything in its path.

Answer 473

make clearer and easier to understand Youtube is great place to learn just about anything--an expert elucidates finer points so that even a complete novice can learn.

Answer 474

an absurd presentation of something; a mockery What I expected to be an intelligent, nuanced historical documentary turned out to be a poorly-produced travesty of the form.

Answer 475

stubbornly resistant to authority or control Used to studious high school students, Martha was unprepared for the refractory Kindergarteners who neither sat still nor listened to a single word she said.

Answer 476

an absence of emotion or enthusiasm Widespread apathy among voters led to a very small turnout on election day.

Answer 477

charge falsely or with malicious intent; attack the good name and reputation of someone "doom and gloom merchants who denigrate their own country"

Answer 478

propriety in manners and conduct "You will obey the rules of decorum for this courtroom or spend the night in a jail cell," said the judge to the prosecutor.

Answer 479

unwilling to change one's beliefs or course of action Despite many calls for mercy, the judge remained intransigent, citing strict legal precedence.

Answer 480

worthy of high praise To say that Gandhi's actions were laudable is the greatest understatement; he overthrew an empire without violence.

Answer 481

being of questionable authenticity The web is notorious for sandwiching apocryphal stories between actual news.

Answer 482

add details or explanation; clarify the meaning; state in depth The CEO refused to expound on the decision to merge our department with another one, and so I quit.

Answer 483

constituting a separate entity or part What was once known as Czechoslovakia has since split into two discrete, independent nations. Tip Similar-sounding words: discreet

Answer 484

a behavioral attribute that is distinctive and peculiar to an individual Peggy's numerous idiosyncrasies include wearing mismatched shoes, laughing loudly to herself, and owning a pet aardvark.

Answer 485

a gathering of persons representative of some larger group A small contingent of those loyal to the king have gathered around the castle to defend it. adjective: dependent on (usually used with upon) Whether the former world champions can win again this year is contingent upon none of its star players getting injured.

Answer 486

interpreted in a particular way The author's inability to take a side on the issue was construed by both his opponents and supporters as a sign of weakness.

Answer 487

lacking significance through having been overused Cheryl rolled her eyes when she heard the lecturer's hackneyed advice to "be true to yourself."

Answer 488

the trait of seeming not to care In an effort to fight indifference, the president of the college introduced a new, stricter grading system.

Answer 489

praise or glorify The teenagers exalted the rock star, covering their bedrooms with posters of him.

Answer 490

characteristic of a limited perspective; not fashionable or sophisticated Maggie's enthusiasm about her high school teams seemed provincial to her college classmates, all of whom were following a nationally ranked college team.

Answer 491

markedly different from an accepted norm When the financial director started screaming and throwing food at his co-workers, the police had to come in to deal with his aberrant behavior.

Answer 492

serving to warn; expressing reproof or reproach especially as a corrective At the assembly, the high school vice-principal gave the students an admonitory speech, warning them of the many risks and dangers of prom night.

Answer 493

incapable of making less angry or hostile Win or lose, the coach was always implacable, never giving the athletes an easy practice or a break.

Answer 494

difficult to understand; incomprehensible Physics textbooks can seem so abstruse to the uninitiated that readers feel as though they are looking at hieroglyphics. obscure arcane esoteric

Answer 495

requiring and demanding accuracy Though his childhood piano teacher was so exacting, Max is thankful now, as a professional pianist.

Answer 496

marked by a narrow focus on or display of learning especially its trivial aspects Professor Thompson was regarded as an expert in his field, but his lectures were utterly pedantic, focused on rigorous details of the most trivial conventions in the field.

Answer 497

having or showing no moral principles; not honest or fair. "unscrupulous landlords might be tempted to harass existing tenants"

Answer 498

dishonorable In 1919, the World Series was rigged--an ignoble act which baseball took decades to recover from.

Answer 499

available when required or as promised The President announced that the senators were about to reach a compromise, and that he was eager to read the forthcoming details of the bill. at ease in talking to others

Answer 500

the trait of avoiding excesses Welles wasn't known for his temperance--he usually ate enough for two and drank enough for three.

Answer 501

without any attempt at concealment; completely obvious Allen was often punished in school for blatantly disrespecting teachers.

Answer 502

lacking foresight or imagination The company ultimately went out of business because the myopic managers couldn't predict the changes in their industry.

Answer 503

harsh in tone Most movie critics are acerbic towards summer blockbusters, often referring to them as garbage.

Answer 504

to completely destroy I tried eradicating the mosquitos in my apartment with a rolled up newspaper, but there were too many of them.

Answer 505

inducing mental lethargy; sleep inducing Although the professor is brilliant, his bland monotone gives his lectures a soporific effect. somnolent

Answer 506

extreme generosity and giving Uncle Frank was known for his largess, so his nephew was sad when he did not receive a present for his birthday.

Answer 507

easily irritated or annoyed Although the three year old was often described as mature for his age, he was petulant and whiny whenever his father forgot to remove the crust from his sandwiches.

Answer 508

in abundant supply In midsummer, there are copious popsicle stands at the beach; in the winter, there are none.

Answer 509

describing a statement that is not believable The teacher found it implausible that the student was late to school because he had been kidnapped by outlaws on horseback.

Answer 510

marked by repeated turns and bends; not straightforward "the route is remote and tortuous"

Answer 511

pronounce not guilty of criminal charges The document clearly indicated that Nick was out of the state at the time of the crime, and so served to exonerate him of any charges. absolve clear acquit

Answer 512

give extra weight to (a communication)

Answer 513

gain favor with somebody by deliberate efforts Even though Tom didn't like his new boss, he decided to ingratiate himself to her in order to advance his career.

Answer 514

lacking physical movement skills, especially with the hands Within a week of starting, the bumbling new waiter was unceremoniously fired.

Answer 515

not clearly understood or expressed The meaning of the professor's new research was opaque to most people, so no one asked any questions.

Answer 516

grow and flourish China's housing market is burgeoning, but some predict that the growth is merely a bubble and will burst much like the U.S. real estate bubble of 2008.

Answer 517

impervious to correction by punishment "he's an incorrigible liar" Similar: inveterate habitual confirmed

Answer 518

prove to be false or incorrect No one could refute his theories or propositions, and that is why he was esteemed by all his colleagues in the philosophy department.

Answer 519

criticizing or attacking cherished beliefs or institutions. Jackson Pollock was an iconoclastic artist, totally breaking with tradition by splashing paint on a blank canvas. critical sceptical questioning heretical

Answer 520

to adopt or support an idea or cause As a college student, Charlie espoused Marxism, growing his beard out and railing against the evils of the free-market.

Answer 521

guided by practical experience and observation rather than theory "a pragmatic approach to business ethics"

Answer 522

make (one thing) compatible with (another) Peggy was unable to reconcile her kind friend Jane with the cruel and merciless character Jane played on television.

Answer 523

intended to attract notice and impress others; tawdry or vulgar "a simple design that is glamorous without being ostentatious"

Answer 524

to cause confusion Though Harry loved numbers, calculus confounded him. mistake one thing for another Americans often confound sweet potatoes with yams, and refer to both vegetables by the same name.

Answer 525

refusing to change one's mind "he is adamant that he is not going to resign"

Answer 526

someone who has been admitted to membership in a scholarly field Steven Pinker's credentials are unquestioned as a pundit; he has taught at MIT and Stanford, teaches at Harvard, and has published a number of influential books on cognition, language, and psychology.

Answer 527

lacking imagination While Nan was always engaged in philosophical speculation, her brother was occupied with far more pedestrian concerns: how to earn a salary and run a household.

Answer 528

give authority or permission to The authorities have sanctioned the use of the wilderness reserve for public use; a legal penalty for a forbidden action International sanctions have been placed on certain shipping lanes that were thought to be involved in human trafficking.

Answer 529

cancel officially The man's driver's license was rescinded after his tenth car accident, which meant he would never be allowed to legally drive again. revoke

Answer 530

a person who tries to please someone in order to gain a personal advantage The CEO was unaware of the damaging consequences of his choices, largely because he surrounded himself with sycophants who would never dare criticize him.

Answer 531

try to stir up public opinion After having his pay cut, Phil spread vicious rumors about his boss, hoping to foment a general feeling of discontent.

Answer 532

not easily understood; unfathomable His speech was so dense and confusing that many in the audience found it inscrutable. enigmatic

Answer 533

rising again as to new life and vigor The team sank to fourth place in June, but is now resurgent and about to win the division.

Answer 534

readily reacting to suggestions and influences; easily managed (controlled or taught or molded) Compared to middle school students, who have an untamed wildness about them, high school students are somewhat more tractable.

Answer 535

an amateur who engages in an activity without serious intentions and who pretends to have knowledge "a wealthy literary dilettante"

Answer 536

charming in a childlike or naive way She was winsome by nature, and many people were drawn to this free and playful spirit.

Answer 537

emotionally touching After the Montagues and Capulets discover the dead bodies of Romeo and Juliet, in the play's most poignant moment, the two grief-stricken families agree to end their feud once and for all.

Answer 538

assign great social importance to "modern sportsmen are lionized and feted"

Answer 539

repeated too often; overfamiliar through overuse Many style guides recommend not using idioms in writing because these trite expressions are uninteresting and show a lack of imagination on the part of the writer. hackneyed banal

Answer 540

recurring in scattered and irregular or unpredictable instances The signals were at first sporadic, but now we detect a clear, consistent pattern of electromagnetic radiation emanating from deep space.

Answer 541

aggressive boldness in social situations Mike was upset at the man who not only cut in front of him at the ticket counter but also had the audacity to cut in front of him at the bathroom line.

Answer 542

dominance over a certain area "Germany was united under Prussian hegemony after 1871"

Answer 543

in opposition to an established system or institution. The ruling political party has begun a campaign to shut down subversive websites that it deems as a threat to "national safety."

Answer 544

excessively talkative, especially on trivial matters. Lynne was garrulous: once, she had a fifteen minute conversation with a stranger before she realized the woman didn't speak English.

Answer 545

habitual He is an inveterate smoker and has told his family and friends that there is no way he will ever quit.

Answer 546

to warn strongly, even to the point of reprimanding Before the concert began, security personnel admonished the crowd not to come up on stage during the performance. reprimand

Answer 547

an award or praise granted as a special honor Jean Paul-Sartre was not a fan of accolades, and as such, he refused to accept the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1964.

Answer 548

bold and without shame. Their large "donations" to the local police department gave the drug cartel the brazen confidence to do their business out in the open.

Answer 549

attentive in an ingratiating or servile manner; attempting to win favor from influential people by flattery The obsequious waiter did not give the couple a moment's peace all through the meal, constantly returning to their table to refill their water glasses and to tell them what a handsome pair they made.

Answer 550

characterized by extreme care and great effort Because of his scrupulous nature, Mary put him in charge of numbering and cataloging the entire collection of rare stamps. adjective: having a sense of right and wrong; principled

Answer 551

very generous Uncle Charley was known for his munificence, giving all seven of his nephews lavish Christmas presents each year.

Answer 552

hostile (usually describes conditions or environments) Venus, with a surface temperature that would turn rubber to liquid, is inimical to any form of life.

Answer 553

rude and arrogant Lilian could not help herself from being insolent, commenting that the Queen's shoes were showing too much toe.

Answer 554

restrict or confine Their tour of South America was circumscribed so that they saw only popular destinations and avoided the dangerous parts of cities.

Answer 555

extremely hungry; devouring or craving food in great quantities John didn't eat much at all during the week he had the flu, so now that he is regaining his health, it's not surprising that he has a ravenous appetite.

Answer 556

fearless Captain Ahab was an intrepid captain whose reckless and fearless style ultimately led to his downfall.

Answer 557

severe or strict in manner or attitude. (of living conditions or a way of life) having no comforts or luxuries. "conditions in the prison could hardly be more austere" having a plain and unadorned appearance. "the cathedral is impressive in its austere simplicity"

Answer 558

based on a random, groundless decision One of the arbitrary decrees in place during the emperor's rule is that all citizens pay him weekly homage at his palace.

Answer 559

exceedingly harmful; working or spreading in a hidden and injurious way "the pernicious effects of air pollution"

Answer 560

a large indefinite number There are a myriad of internet sites hawking pills that claim to boost energy for hours on end.

Answer 561

exclude from a community or group Later in his life, Leo Tolstoy was ostracized from the Russian Orthodox Church for his writings that contradicted church doctrine.

Answer 562

marked by great carelessness; dependent upon or characterized by chance Many golf courses are designed with great care, but the greens on the county golf course seem entirely haphazard.

Answer 563

reject as untrue or unfounded Many in the public believed the rumors of a UFO crash outside town, so the chief of police did everything he could to repudiate the rumors.

Answer 564

so great in size or force or extent as to elicit awe After the relatively small homerun totals in the "dead ball" era, Babe Ruth's homerun totals were truly prodigious: every year, he set a new all-time record. colossal

Answer 565

waver between different opinions or actions; be indecisive. Some students vacillate between schools when deciding which to attend, while others focus only on one school. dither

Answer 566

habitually reserved and uncommunicative While the CEO enthusiastically shares his plans and agenda with all who will listen, the CFO is far more taciturn, rarely revealing his perspective. reticent

Answer 567

requiring secret or mysterious knowledge Most college fraternities are known for arcane rituals that those hoping to join the fraternity must learn.

Answer 568

(of an action) done suddenly and without careful consideration. Instead of calling his financial advisor, Harold acted precipitously, buying 4,000 shares of the latest "hot" stock, only to find out that the company had a history of inflating its year end numbers.

Answer 569

a citizen who is represented in a government by officials for whom he or she votes The mayor's constituents are no longer happy with her performance and plan to vote for another candidate in the upcoming election. an abstract part of something

Answer 570

lacking social polish unsophisticated and socially awkward. Sylvester says the most gauche things, such as telling a girl he liked that she was much prettier when she wore makeup.

Answer 571

incapable of being retracted or revoked Once you enter your plea to the court, it is irrevocable so think carefully about what you will say.

Answer 572

intellectually productive Schubert was the most prolific composer, producing hundreds of hours of music before he died at the age of 31.

Answer 573

presenting favorable circumstances; likely to result in or show signs of success The child's heartbeat is still weak, but I am seeing many propitious signs and I think that she may be healing.

Answer 574

moderated in effect The wide-eyed optimism of her youth was now tempered after she had worked many years in the criminal justice system.

Answer 575

feeling or showing profound respect or veneration The professor could speak objectively about the other composers, but he always lectured about Brahms with a particularly reverent air, unable to offer a single criticism of his compositions.

Answer 576

sharply contrasted in character or purpose His deep emotional involvement with these ideas is, in fact, antithetical to the detachment Buddhism preaches.

Answer 577

avoiding waste, efficient Journalists favor an economical style of writing, in which no unnecessary words are used and every sentence is as short as possible.

Answer 578

an intense feeling of dislike or aversion Maria had an antipathy for tour groups, often bolting to the other side of the museum as soon as she saw a chaperone leading a group of wide-eyed tourists.

Answer 579

unsure how to act or respond Shirley was totally nonplussed when the angry motorist cut her off and then stuck his finger out the window.

Answer 580

assume as fact Initially, Einstein posited a repulsive force to balance Gravity, but then rejected that idea as a blunder.

Answer 581

determined by chance or impulse or whim rather than by necessity or reason Nearly every month our capricious CEO had a new plan to turn the company around, and none of them worked because we never gave them the time they needed to succeed.

Answer 582

a strong verbal or written attack on someone or something. The professor launched into a polemic, claiming that Freudian theory was a pack of lies that absolutely destroyed European literary theory.

Answer 583

to express criticism towards At first, Sarah was going to yell at the boy, but she didn't want to reproach him for telling the truth about the situation.

Answer 584

wealth as evidenced by sumptuous living Russian oligarchs are famous for their opulence, living in fancy homes and dining on expensive caviar.

Answer 585

the feeling of remorse or guilt that comes from doing something bad Those who show contrition during their prison terms--especially when under review by a parole board--often get shortened sentences.

Answer 586

cause to be more favorably inclined; gain the good will of I was able to placate the angry mob of students by promising to bring cookies on Monday.

Answer 587

something that is not normal, standard, or expected After finding an anomaly in the data, she knew that she would have to conduct her experiment again.

Answer 588

compulsory force or threat The witness said he signed the contract under duress and argued that the court should cancel the agreement.

Answer 589

cause to become widely known Before the effects of anesthesia were disseminated, patients had to experience the full pain of a surgery.

Answer 590

troubled persistently especially with petty annoyances With a team of new hires to train, Martha was constantly harried with little questions and could not focus on her projects.

Answer 591

not in keeping with accepted standards of what is right or proper in polite society Eating with elbows on the table is considered indecorous in refined circles.

Answer 592

cheerful and friendly. full of or showing high-spirited merriment The presidential candidate and her supporters were jovial once it was clear that she had won.

Answer 593

with a look of suspicion or disapproval The old couple looked askance on the teenagers seated next to them, whispering to each other, "They've got rings through their noses and purple hair!"

Answer 594

pathetically cowardly Though the man could have at least alerted the police, he crouched cravenly in the corner as the old woman was mugged.

Answer 595

support and strengthen The case for the suspect's innocence was bolstered considerably by the fact that neither fingerprints nor DNA were found at the scene.

Answer 596

harmful to living things The BP oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico was deleterious to the fishing industry in the southern states.

Answer 597

reduce the length of something The soccer game was truncated when the monsoon rain began to fall.

Answer 598

timid by nature or revealing fear and nervousness Since this was her first time debating on stage and before an audience, Di's voice was timorous and quiet for the first 10 minutes.

Answer 599

a subtle difference in meaning or opinion or attitude Because of the nuances involved in this case, I hired an outside consultant to advise us and help.

Answer 600

the tendency to be untruthful I can forgive her for her mendacity but only because she is a child and is seeing what she can get away with.

Answer 601

a trite or obvious remark Herbert regarded the minister's remark as a mere banality until Sharon pointed out profound implications to the seemingly obvious words.

Answer 602

someone who exhibits great independence in thought and action Officer Kelly was a maverick, rarely following police protocols or adopting the conventions for speech common among his fellow officers.

Answer 603

pacify by acceding(agreeing) to the demands of Neville Chamberlain, the British prime minister during WWII, tried to appease Hitler and in doing so sent a clear message: you can walk all over us.

Answer 604

interpret in the wrong way The politician never trusted journalists because he thought that they would misconstrue his words and misrepresent his positions.

Answer 605

having or showing profound knowledge Before the Internet, the library was typically where you would find erudite readers.

Answer 606

enlightening or uplifting so as to encourage intellectual or moral improvement I recently read an article in the Times about whether good literature is edifying or not; specifically, does reading more make a person more moral.

Answer 607

confined to and understandable by only an enlightened inner circle

Answer 608

a state of uncertainty about what should be done (usually following some important event) Ever since Elvira resigned as the head of marketing, everything about our sales strategy has been in a state of flux.

Answer 609

lasting a very short time The unpredictable and transient nature of deja vu makes it a very difficult phenomenon to study properly.

Answer 610

overly concerned with details; fussy Whitney is fastidious about her shoes, arranging them on a shelf in a specific order, each pair evenly spaced.

Answer 611

not wise not showing care for the consequences of an action; rash. Hitler, like Napoleon, made the imprudent move of invading Russia in winter, suffering even more casualties than Napoleon had.

Answer 612

expressing disapproval (usu. refers to a term) Most psychologists object to the pejorative term "shrink", believing that they expand the human mind, not limit it.

Answer 613

showing a brooding ill humor Herbert took board games too seriously, often appearing sullen after losing.

Answer 614

based on pretense; deceptively pleasing Almost every image on TV is specious and not to be trusted. adjective: plausible but false He made a career out of specious arguments and fictional lab results, but lost his job and reputation when his lies were exposed by an article in The New York Times.

Answer 615

demanding considerable mental effort and skill; testing powers of endurance In order to deal with the arduous cross-country journey, truck drivers often survive on a string of caffeinated drinks, staying awake for up to 30 hours at a time.

Answer 616

producing the intended result Since Maggie's cough syrup, which had expired five years back, was no longer efficacious, she coughed through the night.

Answer 617

marked by quiet and caution and secrecy; taking pains to avoid being observed While at work, George and his boss Regina felt the need to be as furtive as possible about their romantic relationship.

Answer 618

repetitive and boring; not spiritual Nancy found doing dishes a thoroughly mundane task, although Peter found a kind of Zen pleasure in the chore. adjective: relating to the ordinary world

Answer 619

unaffected by strong emotion or prejudice A good scientist should be dispassionate, focusing purely on what the evidence says, without personal attachment.

Answer 620

call forth (emotions, feelings, and responses) Just smiling--even if you are depressed--can elicit feelings of pleasure and happiness.

Answer 621

demanding strict attention to rules and procedures Most of the students disliked the teacher because of his stringent homework policy, but many students would later thank him for demanding so much from them

Answer 622

(used of conduct or character) deserving or bringing disgrace or shame Since the politician preached ethics and morality, his texting of revealing photographs was ignominious, bringing shame on both himself and his party.

Answer 623

free from undue bias or preconceived opinions The judge was not impartial since he had been bribed by the witness's family.

Answer 624

criticize severely or angrily; censure The police chief rebuked the two officers whose irresponsible decisions almost led to the deaths of seven innocent by-standers.

Answer 625

clumsy As a child she was quite maladroit, but as an adult, she has become an adept dancer.

Answer 626

wasting time Lawyers use dilatory tactics so that it takes years before the case is actually decided.

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