I Flashcards
(424 cards)
0
Q
tip of the iceberg
A
A small evident part of something much larger that lies concealed.
1
Q
Iambic
A
(adj) of or using a metaphorical foot (the iamb or iambus) with one short or unstressed syllable followed by one long or stressed syllable. Iambics: (pl n) lines of verse in iambic metre.
2
Q
icon
A
(n)(in the Eastern Church) a painting or mosaic of a sacred person, itself regarded as sacred.
3
Q
iconoclast
A
(n) a person who attacks cherished beliefs.
4
Q
icy
A
(adj)(icier, iciest)1. Very cold, as cold as ice, (icy winds). 2. Covered with ice, (icy roads). 3. Very cold and unfriendly in manner, (an icy voice). Icily (adv), iciness (n).
5
Q
idealist
A
(n) a person who has high ideals (a person or thing or idea that is regarded as perfect or as a standard for attainment or imitation) and tries in an unrealistic way to achieve these. Idealise (v).
6
Q
identifiable
A
(adj) able to be identified.
7
Q
ideology
A
(n) the ideas that form the basis of an economic or political theory etc., (in Marxist ideology). Ideological (adj).
8
Q
idiocy
A
(n)1. The state of being an idiot. 2. Extreme stupidity. 3. Stupid behaviour, a stupid action.
9
Q
idiosyncrasy
A
(n) a person’s own attitude of mind or way of behaving etc. that is unlike that of others. Idiosyncratic (adj).
10
Q
idolatry
A
(n)1. Worship of idols. 2. Excessive admiration or devotion. Idolatrous (adj). Idolise (v), idolaters (n).
11
Q
idyll
A
(n)1. A short description (usually in verse) of a peaceful or romantic scene or incident, especially in country life. 2. A scene or incident of this kind. Idyllic (adj), idyllically (adv).
12
Q
ignite
A
(v)1. To set fire to. 2. To catch.
13
Q
ignoble
A
(adj) not noble in character or aims or purpose. Ignobly (adv).
14
Q
ignominious
A
(adj) bringing contempt or disgrace, humiliation. Ignominiously (adv), ignominy (n).
15
Q
ignoramus
A
(n)(pl ignoramuses) an ignorant person.
16
Q
ilk
A
(n)(informal) kind, (others of that ilk).
17
Q
ill-advised
A
(adj) unwise
18
Q
ill at ease
A
uncomfortable, embarrassed.
19
Q
ill-bred
A
(adj) having bad manners.
20
Q
ill-fated
A
(adj) unlucky.
21
Q
ill-gotten
A
(adj) gained by evil or unlawful means.
22
Q
ill-natured
A
(adj) unkind.
23
Q
ill will
A
hostility, unkind feeling.
24
illegitimate
(adj)1. Born of parents not married to each other. 2. Contrary to law or to rules. 3. (of a conclusion in an argument etc.) not logical, wrongly inferred. Illegitimately (adv), illegitimacy (n).
25
illicit
(adj) unlawful, not allowed. Illicitly (adj).
26
illiterate
(adj) unable to read and write, showing lack of education. (n) an illiterate person. Illiteracy (n).
27
illogical
(adj) not logical, contrary to logic. Illogically (adv), illogicality (n).
28
illusory
(adj) based on illusion, not real.
29
illustrious
(adj) famous and distinguished.
30
imagery
(n)1. Images. 2. the use of metaphorical language to produce pictures in the minds of readers or hearers.
31
imaginable
(adj) able to be imagined. Imaginary: (adj) existing only in the imagination, not real. Imaginative (v), imaginatively (adv).
32
imam
(n)1. The leader of prayers in a mosque. 2. (Imam), the title of various Muslim religious leaders.
33
imbalance
(n) lack of balance, disproportion.
34
imbecile
(n)1. A mentally deficient person, an adult whose intelligence is equal to that of an average five-year-old child. 2. A stupid person. (adj) idiotic. Imbecility (n).
35
imbibe
(v)1. To drink. 2. To absorb (ideas etc.) into the mind.
36
imbroglio
(n)(pl imbroglios) a confused situation, usually involving a disagreement.
37
imbue
(v) to fill (a person) with certain feelings or qualities or opinions.
38
IMF
International Monetary Fund.
39
imitable
(adj) able to be imitated. Imitative (adj): imitating.
40
immaculate
(adj)1. Spotlessly clean. 2. Free from moral blemish. 3. Free from fault, right in every detail. Immaculately (adv), immaculacy (n).
41
immaterial
(adj)1. Having no physical substance, (as immaterial as a ghost). 2. Of no importance or relevance, (it is now immaterial whether he goes or stays).
42
immature
(adj) not mature. Immaturity (n).
43
immeasurable
(adj) not measurable, immense. Immeasurably (adv).
44
immemorial
(adj) existing from before what can be remembered or found recorded, (from time immemorial).
45
immense
(adj) exceedingly great. Immensity (n). Immensely (adv): extremely.
46
immigrate
(v) to come into a foreign country as a permanent resident. Immigration (n). Immigrant (n).
47
imminent
(adj) (of events) about to occur, likely to occurs at any moment. Imminence (n).
48
immobile
(adj)1. Immovable. 2. Not moving. Immobility (n). Immobilise (adj), immobilisation (n).
49
immodest
(adj)1. Lacking in modesty, indecent. 2. Conceited. Immodestly (adv), immodesty (n).
50
immolate
(v) to sacrifice. Immolation (n).
51
immoral
(adj) not conforming to the accepted rules of morality, morally wrong (especially in sexual matters). Immorally (adv), immorality (n).
52
immortalise
(v) to make immortal (living for ever; famous for all time (immortality - n)).
53
immovable
(adj)1. Unable to be moved. 2. Unyielding, not changing in one's purpose. Immovably (adv).
54
immunity
(n)1. The ability of an animal or plant to resist infection. 2. Special exemption from a tax or duty or penalty. Immunise (v), immunisation (n).
55
immutable
(adj) unchangeable. Immutably (adv), immutability (n).
56
imp
(n)1. A small devil. 2. A mischievous child. Impish (adj): of or like an imp. Impishly (adv), impishness (n).
57
impair
(v) to damage, to cause weakening of, (impair one's health). Impairment (n).
58
impale
(v)1. To fix or pierce by passing a sharp-pointed object into or through. Impalement (n).
59
impart
(v)1. To give. 2. To reveal or make (information etc.) known.
60
impartial
(adj) not favouring one more than another. Impartially (adv), impartiality (n).
61
impassable
(adj)(of roads or barriers) impossible to travel on or over.
62
impassioned
(adj) full of deep feeling, (an impassioned appeal).
63
impeach
(v)1. To accuse of treason or other serious crime against the State, and bring for trial. 2. To call in question. Impeachment (n).
64
impeccable
(adj) faultless. Impeccably (adv).
65
impecunious
(adj) having little or no money. Impecuniosity (n).
66
impede
(v) to hinder. Impediment (n).
67
impel
(v)(impelled, impelling)1. To urge or drive to do something, (curiosity impelled her to investigate). 2. To send or drive forward, to propel.
68
impending
(adj) imminent.
69
impenetrable
(adj) unable to be penetrated. Impenetrability (n).
70
impenitent
(adj) not penitent, not repentant. Impenitently (adv), impenitence (n).
71
imperative
(adj)1. Expressing a command. 2. Essential, obligatory, (further economies are imperative). (n)1. A command, a form of a verb used in making commands (eg. 'come' in 'come here!') 2. Something essential or obligatory, (survival is the first imperative).
72
imperceptible
(adj) not perceptible, very slight or gradual and therefore difficult to see. Imperceptibly (adv).
73
imperial
(adj)1. Of an empire or emperor or empress. 2. Majestic. 3. (of weights and measures) used by statute in the UK, formerly for all goods and still for certain goods, (an imperial gallon). Imperially (adv). Imperialism (n): belief in the desirability of acquiring colonies and dependencies; imperialist (n), imperialistic (adj).
74
imperil
(v)(imperilled, imperilling) to endanger.
75
imperious
(adj) commanding, bossy. Imperiously (adv).
76
impermanent
(adj) not permanent. Impermanence (n), impermanency (n).
77
impermeable
(adj) not able to be penetrated, especially by a liquid. Impermeability (n).
78
impertinent
(adj) insolent, not showing proper respect. Impertinently (adv), impertinence (n).
79
imperturbable
(adj) not excitable, calm. Imperturbably (adv), imperturbability (n).
80
impervious
(adj)1. Not able to be penetrated, (impervious to water). 2. Not influenced by, (impervious to fear).
81
impetuous
(adj)1. Moving quickly or violently, (an impetuous dash). 2. Acting or done on impulse. Impetuously (adv), impetuosity (n).
82
impetus
(n)1. The force or energy with which a body moves. 2. A driving force, (the treaty gave an impetus to trade).
83
impinge
(v)1. To make an impact. 2. To encroach.
84
implacable
(adj) not able to be placated, relentless. Implacably (adv), implacability (adv).
85
implausible
(adj) not plausible.
86
implement (2)
(v) to put into effect, (we implement the scheme). Implementation (n).
87
implicate
(v) to involve or show (a person) to be involved in a crime etc.
88
implicit
(adj)1. Implied though not made explicit. 2. Absolute, unquestioning, (implicit obedience). Implicitly (adv).
89
implore
(v) to request earnestly, to entreat. Imploringly (adv).
90
imponderable
(adj) not able to be estimated. Imponderables (pl n) things such as emotions, qualities, etc., the effect of which is imponderable.
91
import
(n)1. The importing of goods etc., something imported. 2. Meaning. 3. Importance.
92
impose
(v)1. To put (a tax or obligation etc.), (imposed heavy duties on tobacco). 2. To inflict, (imposed a great strain on us). 3. To force to be accepted, (imposed his ideas on the group). 4. To take unfair advantage, (we don't want to impose on your hospitality).
93
impostor
(n) a person who fraudulently pretends to be someone else.
94
impotent
(adj)1. Powerless, unable to take action. 2. (of a man) unable to procreate. Impotently (adv), impotence (n).
95
impound
(v)1. To take (another person's property) into a pound or into legal custody, to confiscate. 2. To shut into an enclosed place. 3. (of a dam etc.) to collect or confine (water) in a natural or artificial lake.
96
impoverish
(v)1. To cause to become poor. 2. To exhaust the natural strength or fertility of, (impoverished soil). Impoverishment (n).
97
impracticable
(adj) incapable of being put into practice. Impracticability (n).
98
impractical
(adj)(Amer.) not practical, unwise.
99
imprecation
(n) a spoken curse.
100
imprecise
(adj) not precise. Imprecision (n).
101
impregnate
(v)1. To introduce sperm or pollen into and fertilise (a female animal or plant). 2. To penetrate all parts of (a substance), to fill or saturate, (the water was impregnated with salts). Impregnation.
102
be under the impression
to think (that something is a fact).
103
impressionable
(adj) easily influenced.
104
imprint (2)
(v)1. To impress or stamp a mark etc. on. 2. To establish firmly in the mind. 3. To make or become recognised by (a young bird or animal) as a parent or object of trust etc. Imprinting (n).
105
imprison
(v)1. To put into prison. 2. To keep in confinement. Imprisonment (n).
106
improbable
(adj) not likely to be true or to happen. Improbably (adv), improbability (n).
107
improper
(adj)1. Wrong, incorrect, (made improper use of the blade). 2. Not conforming to the rules of social or lawful conduct. 3. Indecent. Improperly (adv). Impropriety (n).
108
improvident
(adj) not providing for future needs, wasting one's resources. Improvidently (adv), improvidence (n).
109
improvise
(v)1. To compose (a thing) impromptu. 2. To provide, in time of need, using whatever materials are at hand, (improvised a bed from cushions and rugs). Improvisation (n), improviser (n).
110
imprudent
(adj) unwise, rash. Imprudently (adv), imprudence (n).
111
impudent
(adj) impertinent, cheeky. Impudently (adv), impudence (n).
112
impugn
(v) to express doubts about the truth or honesty of, to try to discredit, (we do not impugn their motives).
113
impulse
(n)1. A push or thrust, impetus. 2. A stimulating force in a nerve, causing a muscle to react. 3. A sudden inclination to act, without thought for the consequences, (did it on impulse).
114
impunity
(n) freedom from punishment or injury.
115
impure
(adj) not pure.
116
impute
(v) to attribute, to ascribe. Imputation (n): imputing; an accusation of wrongdoing.
117
be in for
to be about to experience, (she is in for a surprise); to be competing in.
118
be in on
(informal) to be aware of or sharing in (a secret or activity).
119
in so far as
to the extent that, (he carried out orders only in so far as he did not openly disobey them).
120
in-tray
(n) a tray to hold documents awaiting the owner's attention.
121
in-depth
(adj) thorough, very detailed, (an in-depth survey).
122
in memoriam
in memory of a person who has died.
123
inability
(n) being unable.
124
inaccessible
(adj) not accessible, unapproachable. Inaccessibility (n).
125
inaccurate
(adj) not accurate. Inaccurately (adv), inaccuracy (n).
126
inaction
(n) lack of action, doing nothing.
127
inadequate
(adj)1. Not adequate, insufficient. 2. Not sufficiently able or competent. Inadequately (adv), inadequacy (n).
128
inadmissible
(adj) not allowable.
129
inadvertent
(adj) unintentional. Inadvertently (adv), inadvertency (n).
130
inadvisable
(adj) not advisable.
131
inalienable
(adj) not able to be given away or taken away, (an inalienable right).
132
inane
(adj) silly, lacking sense. Inanely (adv).
133
inanimate
(adj)1. (of rocks and other objects) lifeless, (of plants) lacking animal life. 2. Showing no sign of life.
134
inapplicable
(adj) not applicable.
135
inapprehensible
(adj) that cannot be grasped by the mind or perceived by the senses.
136
inarticulate
(adj)1. Not expressed in words, (an inarticulate cry). 2. Unable to speak distinctly, (was inarticulate with rage). 3. Unable to express one's ideas clearly.
137
inartistic
(adj) not artistic. Inartistically (adv).
138
inattentive
(adj) not attentive, not paying attention.
139
in audible
(adj) not audible, unable to be heard. Inaudibly (adv), inaudibility (n).
140
inaugural
(adj) of or for an inauguration, (the inaugural ceremony).
141
inauspicious
(adj) not auspicious.
142
inborn
(adj) existing in a person or animal from birth, natural, (an inborn ability).
143
in calculable
(adj) unable to be calculated.
144
incandescent
(adj) glowing with heat, shining. Incandescent lamp: a lamp in which a white-hot filament gives off light. Incandescence (n).
145
incantation
(n) words or sounds to be uttered as a magic spell, the uttering of these.
146
incapable
(adj) not capable. Incapability (n).
147
incapacitate
(v)1. To disable. 2. To make ineligible. Incapacitation (n).
148
incarcerate
(v) to imprison. Incarceration (n).
149
incarnate
(adj) embodied, in human form, (a devil incarnate). Incarnation (n).
150
incendiary
(adj)1. (of a bomb etc) designed to cause a fire, containing chemicals that ignite. 2. Of arson, guilty of arson. 3. Tending to stirrup strife, inflammatory. (n)1. An incendiary bomb etc. 2. A arsonist. 3. A person who stirs up strife.
151
incense (2)
(v) to make angry.
152
incentive
(n) something that rouses or encourages a person to some action or effort.
153
inception
(n) the beginning of the existence of something.
154
in certitude
(n) uncertainty.
155
incessant
(adj) unceasing, continually repeated. Incessantly (adv).
156
incidence
(n)1. The rate at which something occurs or affects people or things, (studied the incidence of the disease). 2. The falling of something (eg. a ray of light) on a surface. Incident (n)1. An event, especially a minor one. 2. A piece of hostile activity, (frontier incidents). 3. A public disturbance or accident. 4. An event that attracts general attention. Incident (adj)1. Liable to happen, accompanying something, (the risks incident to a pilot's career. 2. (of rays of light etc.) falling on a surface.
157
incidental
(adj)1. Occurring in consequence of or in connection with something, (the incidental hazards of exploration). 2. Casual, occurring by chance.
158
incinerate
(v) to reduce to ashes, to destroy by fire. Incineration (n), incinerator (n): a furnace or enclosed device for burning rubbish.
159
incipient
(adj) in its early stages, beginning, (incipient decay).
160
incisive
(adj) clear and decisive, (made incisive comments). Incisively (adv), incisiveness (n).
161
incite
(v) to urge on to action, to stir up. Incitement (n).
162
inclement
(adj)(of weather) cold or wet or stormy. Inclemency (n).
163
inclination
(n)1. A slope or slant, a leaning or bending movement. 2. A tendency. 3. A liking or preference.
164
incognito
(adj & adv) with one's identity kept secret, (she was travelling incognito). (n) the identity assumed by one who is incognito.
165
incoherent
(adj) rambling in speech or in reasoning. Incoherently (adv), incoherence (n).
166
incombustible
(adj) not able to be burnt by fire.
167
income
(n) money received during a certain period (especially a year) as wages or salary, interest on investments, etc. Income tax: tax that must be paid on annual income.
168
incoming
(adj)1. Coming in, (the incoming tide). 2. Succeeding another person, (the incoming president).
169
incommunicado
(adj) not allowed to communicate with others, (the prisoner was held incommunicado).
170
incompatible
(adj) not compatible; (the two statements are incompatible), cannot both be true. Incompatibility (n).
171
incompetent
(adj) not competent. Incompetently (adv), incompetence (n).
172
incomprehensible
(adj) not able to be understood. Incomprehensibly (adv). Incomprehension (n): failure to understand.
173
inconceivable
(adj)1. Unable to be imagined. 2. (informal) impossible to believe.
174
inconclusive
(adj)(of evidence or an argument etc.) not fully convincing, not decisive. Inconclusively (adv).
175
incongruous
(adj) unsuitable, not harmonious. Incongruously (adv), incongruity (n).
176
inconsequential
(adj) not following logically, irrelevant. Inconsequentially (adv).
177
inconsolable
(adj) not able to be consoled. Inconsolably (adv).
178
inconspicuous
(adj) not conspicuous. Inconspicuously (adv).
179
incontestable
(adj) indisputable. Incontestably (adv).
180
Incontinent
(adj) unable to control the excretion of one's urine and faeces. Incontinence (n).
181
incontrovertible
(adj) indisputable, undeniable. Incontrovertibly (adv), incontrovertibility (n).
182
incorrigible
(adj) (of a person or his faults etc.) not able to be reformed or improved, (an incorrigible liar). Incorrigibly (adv).
183
incorruptible
(adj)1. Not liable to decay. 2. Not able to be corrupted morally eg. by bribes. Incorruptibility (n).
184
incredulous
(adj) unbelieving, showing disbelief. Incredulously (adv), incredulity (n).
185
increment
(n) an increase, an added amount, (a salary with annual increments of £100).
186
incriminate
(v) to indicate as involved in wrongdoing, (his statement incriminated the guard). Incrimination (n).
187
incubator
(n)1. An apparatus for hatching eggs by artificial warmth. 2. An apparatus in which babies born prematurely can be kept in a constant controlled heat and supplied with oxygen etc. Incubation (n).
188
inculcate
(v) to implant (ideas or habits) by persistent urging, (desiring to inculcate obedience in the young). Inculcation (n).
189
incumbent
(adj) forming an obtain or duty, (it is incumbent on you to warn people of the danger). (n)1. A person who holds a particular office. 2. The holder of a church benefice, a rector or vicar.
190
incurable
(adj) unable to be cured. (n) a person with an incurable disease. Incurably (adv).
191
incursion
(n) a raid or brief invasion into someone else's territory etc.
192
indebted
(adj) owing money or gratitude. Indebtedness (n).
193
indecisive
(adj) not decisive
194
indefatigable
(adj) not becoming tired. Indefatigably (adv).
195
indefensible
(adj) unable to be defended, unable to be justified.
196
indefinable
(adj) unable to be defined or described clearly.
197
indefinitely
(adv)1. In an indefinite way (not clearly defined or stated or decided, vague). 2. For an unlimited period.
198
indelible
(adj)1. (of a mark or stain or feeling) unable to be removed or washed away. 2. (of a pencil etc.) making an indelible mark. Indelibly (adv).
199
indemnify
(v)(indemnified, indemnifying)1. To protect or insure (a person) against penalties incurred by his actions etc. 2. To compensate (a person) for injury suffered. Indemnity (n).
200
indent (2)
(n) an official order for goods or stores.
201
indescribable
(adj) unable to be described, too great or beautiful or bad etc. to be describe. Indescribably (adv).
202
indestructible
(adj) unable to be destroyed. Indestructibility (n).
203
indeterminable
(adj) impossible to discover or decide. Indeterminably (adv).
204
indicative
(adj)1. Giving an indication (the style is indicative of the author's origin). 2. (of a form of a verb) used in making a statement, not in a command or wish etc. eg. 'he said' or 'he is coming'.
205
indictment
(n)1. A written statement of charges against an accused person. 2. An accusation, especially of serious wrongdoing.
206
indifferent
(adj)1. Feeling or showing no interest or sympathy, unconcerned. 2. Neither good nor bad. 3. Not of good quality or ability, (an indifferent footballer). Indifferently (adv). Indifference (n).
207
indigenous
(adj)(of plants or animals or inhabitants) native.
208
indignation
(n) anger aroused by something thought to be unjust or wicked etc. Indignant (adj), indignantly (adv).
209
indiscreet
(adj)1. Not discreet, revealing secrets. 2. Not cautious, unwise. Indiscreetly (adv). Indiscretion (n): an indiscreet action or statement.
210
indiscriminate
(adj) showing no discrimination, doing or giving things without making a careful choice. Indiscriminately (adv).
211
indispensable
(adj) not able to be dispensed with, essential. Indispensability (n).
212
indisputable
(adj) not able to be dispute, undeniable. Indisputably (adv).
213
indistinct
(adj) not distinct. Indistinctly (adv), indistinctness (n).
214
indistinguishable
(adj) not distinguishable.
215
indoctrinate
(v) to fill (a person's mind) with particular ideas or doctrines. Indoctrination (n).
216
indolent
(adj) lazy. Indolently (adv), indolence (n).
217
indomitable
(adj) having an unyielding spirit, stubbornly persistent when faced with difficulty or opposition.
218
indubitable
(adj) that cannot reasonably be doubted. Indubitably (adv).
219
induce
(v)1. To persuade. 2. To produce or cause. Inducement (n):1. Inducing, being induced. 2. An attraction or incentive.
220
indulge
(v)1. To allow (a person) to have what he wishes. 2. To gratify (a wish). 3. To allow oneself something that gives pleasure, (he indulges in a cigar after lunch). Indulgence (n):1. Indulging. 2. Being indulgent. 3. Something allowed as a pleasure or privilege. Indulgent (adj): indulging a person's wishes too freely, kind and lenient. Indulgently (adv).
221
industrious
(adj) hard-working. Industriously (adv), industriousness (n).
222
industry
(n)1. The manufacture or production of goods. 2. A particular branch of this, any business activity, (the tourist industry). 3. The quality of being industrious.
223
inebriated
(adj) drunken.
224
ineffective
(adj)1. Not effective. 2. (of a person) inefficient. Ineffectively (adv).
225
inessential
(adj) not essential. (n) an inessential thing.
226
inestimable
(adj) too great or intense or precious etc. to be estimated.
227
inevitable
(adj) not able to be prevented, sure to happen or appear. Inevitably (adv), inevitability (n).
228
inexact
(adj) not exact. Inexactly (adv). Inexactitude (n).
229
inexcusable
(adj) unable to be excused or justified. Inexcusably (adv).
230
inexhaustible
(adj) not able to be totally used up, available in unlimited quantity.
231
inexorable
(adj) relentless (relent: (v) to abandon one's harsh intentions and be more lenient), unable to be persuaded by request or entreaty (entreat: (v) to request earnestly or emotionally). Inexorably (adv).
232
inexpedient
(adj) not expedient. Inexpediency (n).
233
inexplicable
(adj) unable to be explained or accounted for. Inexplicably (adv).
234
infabllible
(adj)1. Incapable of making a mistake or being wrong. 2. Never failing, (an infallible remedy). Infallibly (adv), infallibility (n).
235
infamous
(adj) having or deserving a very bad reputation, detestable. Infamy (n).
236
infancy
(n)1. Early childhood, babyhood. 2. An early stage of development.
237
infantry
(n) troops who fight on foot.
238
infectious
(adj)1. (of a disease) able to spread by air or water etc. 2. Infecting with disease. 3. Quickly spreading to others, (his fear was infectious). Infectiousness (n).
239
inferiority complex
a strong and persistent feeling of inferiority; great lack of self-confidence.
240
infernal
(adj)1. Of hell, (the infernal regions). 2. (informal) detestable, tiresome, (an infernal nuisance). Infernally (adv). Inferno (n)(pl infernos): a place resembling hell, somewhere intensely hot, a raging fire.
241
infertile
(adj) not fertile. Infertility (n).
242
infest
(v)(of pests or vermin etc) to be numerous and troublesome in (a place). Infestation (n).
243
infidelity
(n) unfaithfulness (n).
244
infiltrate
(v)1. To enter gradually and without being noticed, eg. as settlers or spies. 2. To cause to do this. Infiltration (n), infiltrator (n).
245
infinite
(adj)1 having no limit, endless. 2. Too great or too many to be measured or counted. 3. (of a set in mathematics) having an infinite number of elements. Infinitely (adv).
246
infinitesimal
(adj) extremely small.
247
infirm
(adj) physically weak, especially from old age or illness; (infirm of purpose), not resolute, hesitant. Infirmary: (n)1. A hospital. 2. A room or rooms for sick people in a school or monastery etc. Infirmity: (n)1. Being infirm. 2. A particular physical weakness.
248
inflame
(v)1. To provoke to strong feeling or emotion, to arouse anger in. 2. To cause inflammation in. Inflammatory (adj) (inflammatory speeches).
249
inflammable
(adj) able to be set on fire.
250
inflatable
(adj) able to be inflated.
251
inflation
(n)1. Inflating, being inflated. 2. A general increase of prices and fall in the purchasing value of money. Inflationary (adj): causing inflation.
252
inflexible
(adj)1. Not flexible, unable to be bent. 2. Not able to be altered, (an inflexible rule). 3. Refusing to alter one's demands etc., unyielding. Inflexibly (adv), inflexibility (n).
253
inflict
(v) to cause (a blow or penalty etc.) to be suffered. Infliction (n).
254
inflow
(n) an inward flow, the amount that flows in, (a large inflow of cash).
255
influential
(adj) having great influence.
256
influx
(n) an inflow, especially of people or things into a place.
257
informant
(n) a person who gives information.
258
informer
(n) a person who reveals information to the police etc. about secret or criminal activities.
259
infrequent
(adj) not frequent. Infrequently (adv), infrequency (n).
260
infringe
(v)1. To break or act against (a rule or agreement etc), to violate. 2. To encroach, (do not infringe upon his rights). Infringement (n).
261
infuriate
(v) to enrage. Infuriating (adj).
262
infuse
(v)1. To imbue, to instil, (infused them with courage); (infused courage into them). 2. To steep (tea or herbs etc) in a liquid in order to make flavour or soluble constituents pass into the liquid, to allow (tea etc.) to undergo this process. Infusion (n) (an infusion of new blood to improve the breed).
263
ingenious
(adj)1. Clever at inventing new things or methods. 2. Cleverly contrived, (an ingenious machine). Ingeniously (adv), ingenuity (n).
264
ingenuous
(adj) without artfulness, unsophisticated, (an ingenuous manner). Ingenuously (adv), ingenuousness (n).
265
inglorious
(adj)1. Ignominious. 2. Not bringing glory, obscure.
266
ingot
(n) a brick-shaped lump of cast metal.
267
ingrained
(adj)1. (of habits of feelings or tendencies) firmly fixed. 2. (of dirt) marking a surface deeply.
268
ingratiate
(v) to bring (oneself) into a person's favour, especially in order to gain an advantage.
269
ingratitude
(n) lack of due gratitude.
270
inhabitable
(adj) able to be inhabited. Inhabitant (n): one who inhabits a place.
271
inhaler
(n) a device that produces or sends out a medicinal vapour to be inhaled. Inhalant (n): a medicinal substance to be inhaled.
272
inherent
(adj) existing in something as a natural or permanent characteristic or quality. Inherently (adv).
273
inheritance
(n)1. Inheriting. 2. A thing that is inherited.
274
inhibition
(n)1. Inhibiting, being inhibited. 2. Repression of or resistance to an instinct or impulse of feeling.
275
inhospitable
(adj)1. Not hospitable. 2. (of a place or climate) giving no shelter or no favourable conditions.
276
inhumane
(n) not humane.
277
inimical
(adj) hostile.
278
inimitable
(adj) impossible to imitate.
279
iniquitous
(adj) very unjust. Iniquity (n): great injustice; wickedness.
280
initiative
(n)1. The first step in a process. 2. The power or right to begin something. 3. The ability to initiate things, enterprise, (he lacks initiative). Have the initiative: to be in a position to control the course of events eg. in a war. On one's initiative: without being prompted by others. Take the initiative: to be the first to take action.
281
injunction
(n) an order or command, especially an order from a law court stating that something must or must not be done.
282
injurious
(adj) causing or likely to cause injury.
283
injustice
(n)1. Lack of justice. 2. An unjust action or treatment. Do a person an injustice: to make an unfair judgment about him.
284
inkling
(n) a hint, a slight knowledge or suspicion.
285
inlay (1)
(v)(inlaid, inlaying) to set (pieces of wood or metal etc.) into a surface so that they lie flush with it and form a design.
286
inmate
(n) one of a number of inhabitants of a house or other building, especially a hospital or prison or other institution.
287
inmost / innermost
(adj) furthest inward.
288
innards
(pl n)(informal)1. The stomach and bowels, entrails. 2. Any inner parts.
289
innocuous
(adj) harmless.
290
innovate
(v) to introduce a new process or way of doing things. Innovation (n), innovator (n).
291
innuendo
(n)(pl innuendoes) an unpleasant insinuation.
292
innumerable
(adj) too many to be counted.
293
inoculate
(v) to treat (a person or animal) with vaccines or serums etc., especially in order to protect him or it against a disease. Inoculation (n).
294
inoffensive
(adj) not offensive, harmless.
295
inoperative
(adj) not functioning.
296
inopportune
(adj) coming or happening at an unsuitable time.
297
inquest
(n)1. A judicial investigation to establish facts, especially about a death which may not be the result of natural causes. 2. (informal) a detailed discussion of something that is over, eg. the playing of a card game.
298
innate
(adj) inborn.
299
inlet
(n)1. A strip of water extending into the land from a sea or lake, or between islands. 2. A piece of material inserted in a garment etc. 3. A way in, eg. for water into a tank, (the inlet pipe).
300
inquiry
(n) an investigation, especially an official one.
301
inquisition
(n) a detailed questioning or investigation. The Inquisition: a tribunal of the Roman Catholic Church in the Middle Ages, especially the very severe one in Spain, to discover and punish heretics.
302
inquisitive
(adj)1. Eagerly seeking knowledge. 2. Prying. Inquisitively (adv).
303
inroad
(n) a sudden attack made into a country. Make inroads on / into: to use up large quantities of (resources etc.)
304
insalubrious
(adj)(of a place or climate) unhealthy.
305
insatiable
(adj) unable to be satisfied, (an insatiable appetite). Insatiably (adv).
306
inscription
(v) words or names inscribed (written or cut on a surface) on a monument or coin or stone etc.
307
inscrutable
(adj) baffling, impossible to understand or interpret.
308
insensible
(adj)1. Unconscious. 2. Without feeling, unaware, (seemed insensible of his danger). 3. Callous. 4. (of changes) imperceptible.
309
insensitive
(adj) not sensitive. Insensitivity (n).
310
inseparable
(adj)1. Unable to be separated. 2. Liking to be constantly together.
311
insert (2)
(n) a thing inserted.
312
insider
(n) an accepted member of a certain group.
313
insidious
(adj) spreading or developing or acting inconspicuously but with harmful effect. Insidiously (adv), insidiousness (n).
314
insight
(n)1. The ability to perceive and understand the true nature of something. 2. Knowledge obtained by this.
315
insignia
(pl n)1. The symbols of authority or office (eg. the crown and sceptre of a king). 2. The identifying badge of a regiment etc.
316
insincere
(adj) not sincere. Insincerely (adv), insincerity (n).
317
insinuate
(v)1. To insert gradually or craftily, (insinuate oneself into a person's good graces). 2. To hint artfully or unpleasantly. Insinuation (n).
318
insipid
(adj)1. Lacking in flavour. 2. Lacking in interest or liveliness. Insipidity (n).
319
insistent
(adj)1. Insisting, declaring or demanding emphatically. 2. Forcing itself on one's attention, (the insistent throb of the engines). Insistently (adv), insistence (n).
320
insolent
(adj) behaving insultingly, arrogant, contemptuous. Insolently (adv), insolence (n).
321
insolvent
(adj) unable to pay one's debts. Insolvency (n).
322
insomnia
(n) inability to sleep sufficiently.
323
instability
(n) lack of stability.
324
instalment
(n) any of the parts in which something is presented or supplied, or a debt is paid, over a period of time.
325
instance
(n) a case or example of something. (v) to mention as an instance. In the first instance: firstly.
326
instant (n)
(n)1. An exact point of time, the present moment, (come here this instant!) 2. A very short space of time, a moment.
327
instigate
(v) to urge or incite, to bring about by persuasion, (instigated them to strike); (instigated an inquiry). Instigation (n), instigator (n).
328
instil
(v)(instilled, instilling) to implant (ideas etc.) into a person's mind gradually.
329
instinct
(n)1. An inborn impulse or tendency to perform certain acts or behave in certain ways. 2. A natural ability, (has an instinct for finding a good place). Instinctive (adj), instinctively (adv).
330
instrumental
(adj)1. Serving as an instrument or means of doing something, (was instrumental in finding her a job). 2. Performed on musical instruments. Instrumentalist (n): a musician who plays a musical instrument. Instrumentation (n):1. The arrangement or composition of music for instruments. 2. The provision of use of mechanical or scientific instruments.
331
insubordinate
(adj) disobedient, rebellious. Insubordination (n).
332
insubstantial
(adj)1. Not existing in reality, imaginary. 2. Not made of a strong or solid substance; (insubstantial evidence), weak, not well founded.
333
insufferable
(adj)1. Unbearable. 2. Unbearably conceits or arrogant.
334
insular
(adj)1. Of or on an island. 2. Of or like people who live on an island and are isolated from outside influences, narrow-minded, (insular prejudices). Insularity (n).
335
insuperable
(adj) unable to be overcome, (an insuperable difficulty).
336
insupportable
(adj) unbearable.
337
insurance
(n)1. A contract undertaking to provide compensation for loss or damage or injury etc., in return for a payment made in advance once or regularly. 2. The business of providing such contracts. 3. The amount payable to the company etc. providing the contract, a premium. 4. The amount payable by the company etc. in compensation. 5. Anything done as a safeguard against loss or failure etc.
338
insurgent
(adj) rebellious, rising in revolt. (n) a rebel.
339
insurmountable
(adj) unable to be surmounted, insuperable.
340
insurrection
(n) rising in open resistance to established authority, rebellion.
341
insusceptible
(adj) not susceptible.
342
intake
(n)1. The process of taking something in, the place where liquid or air etc. is channelled into something. 2. The number or quantity of people or things etc. accepted or received, (a school's annual intake of pupils).
343
intact
(adj) undamaged, complete.
344
integral (adj)
(adj) 1. (of a part) constituent, necessary to the completeness of a whole, (Cornwall is an integral part of England). 2. Complete, forming a whole, (an integral design). 3. Being an integer or integers.
345
integrity
(n) honesty, Incorruptibility.
346
intelligence
(n)1. Mental ability, the power of learning and understanding. 2. Information, news, especially that of military value. 3. The people engaged in collecting this. Intelligence quotient: a number that shows how a person's intelligence compares with that of an average person.
347
intelligible
(adj) able to be understood. Intelligibly (adv), intelligibility (n).
348
intemperate
(adj) drinking alcohol excessively. Intemperance (n).
349
intentional
(adj) done on purpose, not accidental. Intentionally (adv).
350
intercede
(v) to intervene on behalf of another person or as a peacemaker.
351
interchangeable
(adj) able to be interchanged. Interchangeability (n).
352
intercontinental
(adj) connecting or carried on between two continents, (of missiles) able to be fired from one continent to another.
353
interdependent
(adj) dependent on each other. Interdependence (n).
354
interdict
(v) to prohibit or forbid authoritatively. Interdiction (n). (n) an authoritative prohibition.
355
interested
(adj)1. Feeling or showing interest or curiosity. 2. Having a private interest in something, (interested parties).
356
interim
(n) an intervening period of time, (in the interim). (adj) of or in such a period; (an interim report), one made before the main report, showing what has happened so far.
357
interject
(v) to put in (a remark) when someone is speaking. Interjection (n):1. Interjecting. 2. An interjected remark. 3. An exclamation such as 'oh!' or 'good heavens!'
358
interlace
(v) to weave or lace together.
359
interloper
(n) an intruder, one who interferes in the affairs of others.
360
interment
(n) burial.
361
interminable
(adj) endless, long and boring. Interminably (adv).
362
intermittent
(adj) occurring at intervals, not continuous. Intermittently (adv).
363
internecine
(adj) destructive to each other, (internecine war).
364
interplanetary
(adj) between planets.
365
interplay
(n) interaction
366
Interpol
International Criminal Police Commission, an organisation that coordinates investigations made by the police forces of member countries into crimes with an international basis.
367
interrogate
(v) to question closely or formally. Interrogation (n), interrogator (n).
368
intersperse
(v) to insert contrasting material here and there in (a thing).
369
intertwine
(v) to twine together, to entwine.
370
intervene
(v)1. To occur in the time between events, (in the intervening years). 2. To cause hindrance by occurring, (we should have finished harvesting but a storm intervened). 3. To enter a discussion or dispute etc. in order to change its course or resolve it. Intervention (n).
371
intestate
(adj) not having made a valid will before death occurs, (he died intestate). Intestacy (n).
372
intimidate
(v) to subdue or influence by frightening with threats or force. Intimidation (n).
373
intolerable
(adj) unbearable. Intolerably (adv).
374
intone
(v) to recite in a chanting voice, especially on one note.
375
intoxicated
(adj)(of a person) drunk; (intoxicated by success), made greatly excited or reckless by it. Intoxication (n).
376
intractable
(adj) unmanageable, hard to deal with or control, (an intractable difficulty). Intractability (n).
377
intransigent
(adj) unwilling to compromise, stubborn. Intransigence (n).
378
intrepid
(adj) fearless, brave. Intrepidly (adv), intrepidity (n).
379
intrigue
(v)1. To plot with someone in an underhand way, to use secret influence. 2. To rouse the interest or curiosity of, (the subject intrigues me). (n)1. Underhand plotting, an underhand plot. 2. A secret love affair.
380
intrinsic
(adj) belonging to the basic nature of a person or thing; (the intrinsic value of a coin), the value of the metal in it as opposed to its face value. Intrinsically (adv).
381
intrude
(v)1. To thrust or force (a thing) into. 2. To come or join in without being invited or wanted. Intruder (n):1. A person who intrudes. 2. A burglar. 3. An enemy aircraft over one's territory. Intrusion (n). Intrusive (adj).
382
intuition
(n) the power of knowing or understanding something immediately without reasoning or being taught. Intuitive (adj), intuitively (adv).
383
inundate
(v)1. To flood, to cover with water. 2. To overwhelm as if with a flood. Inundation (n).
384
inure
(v) to accustom, especially to something unpleasant.
385
invalid (1)
(n) a person who is weakened by illness or injury, one who suffers from ill health for a long time. (v) to remove from active service because of ill health or injury, (he was invalidated out of the army).
Invalid (2): (adj) not valid. Invalidity (n). Invalidate (v): to make invalid. Invalidation (n).
386
invaluable
(adj) having a value that is too great to be measured.
387
invariable
(adj) not variable, always the same. Invariably (adv).
388
invasion
(n) invading, being invaded.
389
invective
(n) a violent attack in words, abusive language.
390
inveigh
(v) to attack violently or bitterly in words.
391
inveigled
(v) to entice.
392
invest
(v)1. To use (money) to buy stocks or shares or property etc. in order to earn interest or bring profit for the buyer. 2. To spend money or time or effort on something that will be useful, (invest in a freezer). 3. To confer a rank or office or power upon. 4. To endow with a quality. Investment (n).
393
inveterate
(adj).1. Habitual, (an inveterate smoker). 2. Firmly established, (inveterate prejudices).
394
invigilate
(v) to supervise candidates At an examination. Invigilation (n), invigilator (n).
395
invigorate
(v) to fill with vigour, to give strength or courage to.
396
invincible
(adj) unconquerable. Invincibly (adv), invincibility (n).
397
inviolable
(adj) not to be violated. Inviolability (n).
398
invocation
(n) invoking, calling upon God in prayer.
399
involved
(adj)1. Complicated. 2. Concerned in something.
400
iota
(n)1. The Greek letter i. 2. The smallest possible amount, a jot, (it doesn't make an iota of difference).
401
irascible
(adj) irritable, hot-tempered.
402
irate
(adj) angry, enraged. Irately (adv).
403
ire
(n) anger
404
iridescent
(adj) showing rainbow-like colours, showing a change of colour when its position is altered. Iridescence (n).
405
irk
(v) to annoy, to be tiresome to.
406
irony
(n)1. The expression of one's meaning by using words of the opposite meaning in order to make one's remarks forceful, eg. (that will please him) (used of something that will not please him at all). 2. (of an occurrence) the quality of being so unexpected or ill-timed that it appears to be deliberately perverse.
407
irradiate
(v) to shine upon, to subject to radiation. Irradiation (n).
408
irrational
(adj)1. Not rational, not guided by reasoning, illogical, (irrational behaviour). 2. Not capable of reasoning. 3. (of numbers) that cannot be exactly expressed as a fraction eg. pi or the square root of 2. Irrationally (adv), irrationality (n).
409
irreconcilable
(adj) unable to be reconciled.
410
irrecoverable
(adj) unable to be recovered. Irrecoverably (adv).
411
irrefutable
(adj) unable to be refuted. Irrefutably (adv).
412
irreparable
(adj) unable to be repaired or made good, (irreparable damage or loss).
413
irrepressible
(adj) unable to be repressed or restrained.
414
irreproachable
(adj) blameless, faultless.
415
irrespective
(adj) not taking something into account, (prizes are awarded to winners irrespective of nationality).
416
irretrievable
(adj) not retrievable. Irretrievably (adv).
417
irreverent
(adj) not reverent, not respectful. Irreverently (adv), irreverence (n).
418
irrevocable
(adj) unable to be revoked, final and unalterable. Irrevocably (adv).
419
irrigate
(v) 1. To supply (land or crops) with water by means of streams, channels, pipes, etc. 2. To wash (a wound) with a constant flow of liquid. Irrigation (n), irrigator (n).
420
irritant
(adj) causing irritation. (n) something that causes irritation.
421
isthmus
(n) (pl isthmuses) a narrow strip of land connecting two masses of land that would otherwise be separated by water.
422
itinerant
(adj) travelling from place to place, (an itinerant preacher).
423
itinerary
(n) a route, a list of places to be visited on a journey.
