Majortest + Vocabulary.com

Question 1

Metaphorically

Answer 1

Metaphorically

symbolically; figuratively

Question 1

Conventional

Answer 1

Conventional

usual; customary; common

Conventional is an adjective for things that are normal, ordinary, and following the accepted way. Ho-hum.

This word describes what is typical and ordinary and that which follows accepted standards of behavior or taste. This is a word that’s current definition is still very similar to its Latin root, conventionalis, which is “pertaining to an agreement.” One way this word is used is with respect to conventional weapons, as in those “not using, making, or involving nuclear weapons or energy; nonnuclear.”

Question 2

Titter

Answer 2

Titter

giggle quietly

A titter is an awkward laugh at something that you shouldn’t be laughing at, like during dinner when Uncle Marvin makes a joke about your mother’s new hairstyle. If you try to hide your laugh, it’s probably a titter.

A laugh that you can’t keep in but also can’t let out, that’s a titter. It usually happens in situations where you shouldn’t be laughing, like listening to your English teacher talk about a date he went on the night before, or when someone tells you a joke in a library. A titter is kinder than a snicker, less noticeable than a giggle, quieter than a chuckle, and way less fun than a chortle. Life’s a joke, laugh it up!

Question 2

Instigate

Answer 2

Instigate

to start; provoke

When you instigate something, you start it, but the word carries conflict with it. If you are suspended for wearing a political t-shirt, the incident might instigate days of protest by students and faculty.

Instigate comes from the Latin word instigare “to incite.” People who are instigators often begin trouble but then back off and let others break the rules. If you instigate a food fight in the cafeteria, you might throw the first spoonful of mashed potatoes, but then you stop and let all the other students carry on the chaos. When something is instigated, the outcome tends to be unknown. The plan you instigate might not lead to the desired result.

Question 2

Whet

Answer 2

Whet

sharpen

To whet is to sharpen. You could whet a knife’s blade with a whetting stone, or you could whet your appetite by having some Doritos.

The verb whet can mean “to stimulate or make more acute,” and the word is often used in the phrase “whet [your] appetite,” which can be used literally or figuratively. You could serve light appetizers to whet everyone’s appetite for dinner or you could whet an actor’s appetite by giving him a small role that inspires him for greater roles. You can whet other things in this sense as well — such as curiosity, fear, or pleasure.

Question 3

Ambiguity

Answer 3

Ambiguity

uncertainty; vagueness

Something with ambiguity is unclear. Think about the sentence, “Jill saw the man with binoculars.” If you are wondering whether Jill or the man had the binoculars, you are noticing the ambiguity, or the double meaning, of this sentence.

Lawyers word contracts to avoid ambiguity, but in doing so prevent anyone who is not a lawyer from understanding what they have written! If you can’t choose between two decisions because both seem somehow wrong, you are dealing with moral ambiguity. Imagine if a friend who has helped you out many times asks you to cheat. It’s wrong to cheat but it also seems wrong not to help someone who has been there for you.

Question 3

Mire

Answer 3

Mire

swamp; muddy ground

A mire is mushy ground like quicksand, so if you feel yourself trapped in a sticky situation, consider yourself mired. One gets mired IN something — like in a dispute or in a love triangle.

Mire still has its original, though less-used, sense of a slushy, muddy bit of land that gives way underfoot, also known as a quagmire. One of the most famous mires in literary history was the one haunted by the Hound of the Baskervilles in Conan Doyle’s classic. Have the fibs you told your beloved come back to haunt you? You’re stuck in a mire then, a treacherous situation it’s going to be pretty hard to squirm out of.

Question 4

Anecdote

Answer 4

Anecdote

a brief amusing story

A short, amusing true story is an anecdote. You might come back from a crazy spring break with a lot of anecdotes to tell.

The roots of anecdote lie in the Greek word anekdota, meaning “unpublished.” The word’s original sense in English was “secret or private stories” — tales not fit for print, so to speak. It can still have connotations of unreliability, as in the phrase “anecdotal information.” But the most common sense today is that of “a funny story about something that happened.”

Question 5

Clairvoyant

Answer 5

Clairvoyant

psychic; mystic

If you can predict the future, you may want to keep your clairvoyant powers to yourself. Otherwise everyone will be knocking down your door asking for the next winning lotto numbers.

A clairvoyant individual is believed to possess psychic abilities or a higher level of insight than other humans who can only use the regular old five senses. Through dreams, visions, Ouija boards and crystal balls, they can see what happens in the future. But before 1851, clairvoyant didn’t have the same mystical meaning that it does today — it merely meant a “clear-sighted person.”

Question 5

Conspicuous

Answer 5

Conspicuous

easily seen; prominent

Keep your eye on the adjective conspicuous for something that stands out so much you notice it right away — like that zit in the center of your friend’s forehead.

Conspicuous is the adjectival form of the Latin verb, conspicere, meaning “to look at.” Conspicuous can mean either very obvious to the eye (like something that is conspicuous from a distance) or attracting attention (like conspicuous consumption). If you are doing something wrong, it’s wise not to be conspicuous about it!

Question 6

Circumvent

Answer 6

Circumvent

avoid

To circumvent is to avoid. Someone who trains elephants but somehow gets out of picking up after them has found a way to circumvent the cleaning of the circus tent.

Circum in Latin means “around” or “round about,” and vent- comes from venire, “to come,” but painting a picture from these two parts of the word helps. Picture someone circling around a barrier instead of climbing over it. That’s what you do when you circumvent. You find a smart way around rules or barriers, or avoid doing something unpleasant altogether.

Question 6

Strut

Answer 6

Strut

swagger; show off

When you strut, you walk with a proud swagger that has a little arrogance thrown in, like the prance of a running back who has just flown past the 250-pound linebackers and planted the ball in the end zone.

You can’t strut and be shy about it — when you strut, you know people are watching you. The big boss in a gangster film, a model on the runway, and the rap artist whose album has just gone platinum all know how to strut. The noun form of strut has a little less flash and refers to a vertical or horizontal support that holds something up, like the long steel bars holding up a building.

Question 6

Regale

Answer 6

Regale

entertain

You may have heard it said that the fastest way to a person’s heart is through his stomach. So, if you need to please or impress someone, regale them — that is, treat them to lavish food and drink.

While food is reliable way to regale someone, regale can also involve providing forms of entertainment such as music or storytelling. Regale is akin to the word gala, meaning “a festive party,” and gallant, which can mean “spirited and adventurous” (though gallant can also mean “noble and brave”). If you regale someone with a gala attended by partygoers who are gallant, in either sense of the word, everyone should have a pretty good time.

Question 6

Novel

Answer 6

Novel

new; unusual

If something is so new and original that it’s never been seen, used or even thought of before, call it novel.

New and novel come from the same Indo-European source but by different paths. Whereas new is a Germanic word coming from Old English, novel is based on Latin novellus “new, young, fresh.” If something is novel, it is new but also original, fresh and unique. Companies are always looking for that novel idea that will earn them millions and skydiving is a novel experience, especially if you’re not adventurous.

Question 7

Hallowed

Answer 7

Hallowed

worshipped; consecrated

The adjective hallowed is used to describe something that is sacred and revered, usually something old and steeped in tradition.

The word hallowed often has a religious connotation, but it can also be used playfully to convey a sense of reverence about something that isn’t religious in nature but that nonetheless inspires worship. A football fan, for example, may talk about the hallowed tradition of tailgating on a game day Saturday, or an avid shopper may describe the hallowed grounds of the Macy’s shoe department. In the Gettysburg Address, Lincoln used the word with its more traditional sense to ponder man’s inability to show the proper reverence to those men who died in battle: “But, in a larger sense, we cannot dedicate…we cannot consecrate…we cannot hallow…this ground.”

Question 8

Precedent

Answer 8

Precedent

a previous occurrence used as a guide

A precedent is something that sets a standard for future events. It’s hard to say what the legal community would do without the word precedent, since so many legal judgments and decisions are based on what came before.

Lawyers and judges often look for a precedent can be used as a guide for a similar case. This word is used elsewhere too. Your mom might not let you stay up late because it would set a bad precedent for future bedtimes. A teacher who lets kids chew gum is setting a precedent that gum-chewing will be OK in the future. People often refer to a precedent later on as a reference point for how things should be.

Question 8

Furrow

Answer 8

Furrow

groove

A furrow is a groove or a depression. Originally, furrows were created in soil for water to flow. Now, its most common meaning is of a deep line or wrinkle on the face, as in a “furrowed brow.”

Furrow is related to the old English word farrow, meaning “to root like a swine,” which makes sense, seeing as both acts create trenches in the earth. Sometimes a furrow simply means the impression left by a cart wheel or tire track in the mud. In a non-agricultural sense, a furrow is also simply a slight groove or depression or series of indentations in the surface of any object.

Question 8

Pious

Answer 8

Pious

very religious

If someone is deeply religious and visibly follows all the moral and ethical codes of his religion, he is pious. Don’t become a priest if you’re not prepared to live a pious life.

Pious comes from the Latin pius, which means dutiful. It doesn’t always have to be used to talk about organized religion. If someone believes deeply in something, and lets everyone see it through their behavior, then they are pious, whether they’re pious Christians or pious environmentalists. It differs from its synonym devout, which implies deep religious sentiment, whereas pious emphasizes the public display of feeling.

Question 9

Serrated

Answer 9

Serrated

jagged; saw-like

A serrated edge is jagged. When a knife is described as having a serrated blade, its edge is lined with small teeth, similar to a saw’s. It will cut tomatoes, bread, and meat more effectively than a smooth-edged blade.

The adjective serrated comes from the Latin word serratus, meaning “notched like a saw.” Most often, it is swords and knives that are described as serrated, but some leaves, like those of the Ash and Maple trees, as well as certain flower petals, like carnations and some tulips, also have serrated edges. Great White sharks have serrated teeth so they can more easily rip the flesh of their prey. Yum.

Question 9

Commandeer

Answer 9

Commandeer

take possession of

What is that person doing, interrupting everyone and changing the subject every minute? He is trying to commandeer, or take control, of the conversation.

You can probably tell from the look of the word that commandeer is somehow related to commander in meaning. A commander is someone who is officially in charge, giving orders and making decisions for a group such as a nation or a military. Many groups don’t have a commander, but this doesn’t stop some people from trying to take charge. If you commandeer something — whether it’s a car or a conversation — you use force to try to take over.

Question 9

Virulent

Answer 9

Virulent

dangerous; harmful

A virulent disease is one that’s infectious, spreading and making lots of people sick, while a virulent rant is just a verbal attack, causing sickness of the emotional kind. Either way, something virulent puts a strain on the people who get it.

Two meanings come out of the roots for virulent: one being “poisonous” and the other, “spiteful.” The virus-carrying meaning of virulent often gets combined with strain, such as in a “virulent strain of the flu.” Those who aren’t carrying disease but are still considered virulent most likely lash out at others with a biting tone. Unleashing acid-tongued words on someone would be considered a virulent attack.

Question 10

Bombast

Answer 10

Bombast

“arrogant, pompous language”

Bombast is a noun meaning pretentious or boastful talk. If your football coach is known for his bombast, he probably gives a pompous speech before each game about the greatness of the team and, of course, his coaching.

Originally, bombast was cotton padding used to stuff or pad things like seat cushions. The meaning was extended to include padded and overstuffed speaking or writing, especially speech that’s pretentious and showy. Other words with bombast at their roots include the adjective bombastic and the adverb bombastically. For all your coach’s bluster and bombast, he’s a pretty nice guy — too bad his overblown rhetoric turns people off before they get to know him.

Question 11

Blighted

Answer 11

Blighted

damaged; destroyed; ruined

Use the adjective blighted to describe something that has a condition that makes it weak or unable to grow, like a blighted lawn with more brown patches than green.

Language experts can’t agree on the exact origins of the word blighted, but when it entered English in the sixteenth century it was used to describe a skin condition. Today, you’ll hear the word applied to plants that are affected by a condition that causes them to wither and die, like a blighted tomato crop, or to describe the neglect and decay of places, such as blighted buildings that pose safety hazards.

Question 11

Obsolete

Answer 11

Obsolete

no longer valid

Use the adjective obsolete for something that is out of date. As the Rolling Stones song “Out of Time” goes, “You’re obsolete, my baby, my poor old-fashioned baby.”

Obsolete is from the Latin obsolescere “to fall into disuse,” and it is a very handy adjective for anything that is no longer used, from words to factories to computer software to ways of thinking. Something that is obsolete has usually been displaced by a newer, shinier innovation. Compact discs made records and cassettes obsolete, and then downloadable digital music files made compact discs obsolete.

Question 11

Stereotype

Answer 11

Stereotype fixed image A *stereotype* is a preconceived notion, especially about a group of people. Many *stereotypes* are racist, sexist, or homophobic. Have you ever heard someone say Irish people are all drunks, or African-American people are always late, or women are bad drivers? Those are stereotypes: commonly held ideas about specific groups. You most often hear about negative stereotypes, but some are positive. For example, there's a stereotype that Asian people do better in school. One of many problems with any stereotype is that even if it's true in some cases, it's certainly not true in all cases.

Question 12

Myriad

Answer 12

Myriad in large numbers If you've got *myriad* problems it doesn't mean you should call a *myriad* exterminator, it means you've got countless problems; loads of them; too many to count. Welcome to the club. *Myriad* is one of those words rarely used in speech but only in written form. You would usually use a phrase like "lots of" or "loads of" instead. I mean, you could say "I've got *myriad* problems," but everyone would probably just laugh at you, and rightly so. Originally from ancient Latin and Greek words meaning "ten thousand" — so perhaps you can put a number on myriad, after all.

Question 13

Maelstrom

Answer 13

Maelstrom whirlpool; storm in the ocean A *maelstrom* is a powerful whirlpool. A luckless ship might go down in one, conflicting ocean currents might cause one. You hear it more often metaphorically, to describe disasters where many competing forces are at play. When an economy or a government fails, the situation is often described as a *maelstrom*. Following some precipitous event, all the forces at play––banks, governments, consumers––are trying as hard as they can to protect themselves. This creates a maelstrom — a perfect storm, so to speak — that drags any potential for rescue down with it. *Maelstrom* comes from an obsolete Dutch phrase meaning "whirling stream."

Question 13

Pejorative

Answer 13

Pejorative derogatory Call a word or phrase *pejorative* if it is used as a disapproving expression or a term of abuse. Tree-hugger is a *pejorative* term for an environmentalist. Coming from the Latin word for "worse," *pejorative* is both an adjective and a noun. As an adjective, it means disapproving or disparaging. Hack is a pejorative term for a bad writer. If you call someone a politician in the pejorative sense, you mean that they are scheming and out for personal gain. Terms of abuse such as jerk and negative euphemisms such as bottom feeder are pejoratives, words you use when you want to call someone a bad name.

Question 13

Confound

Answer 13

Confound confuse If you have an identical twin, you've probably tried dressing alike so that people *confound* you with, or mistake you for, one another. You've also probably learned that, unfortunately, this trick doesn’t work on your mom. The verb *confound* means both "to mistake" and "to confuse." If you decide to treat yourself to a delicious dessert, you might find yourself confounded by the overwhelming number of choices. If you end up ordering the chocolate cake but the waiter brings you chocolate mousse, the waiter has somehow confounded those two options. Another meaning you may come across in literature is "to damn," as in "*Confound* it! You are the most exasperating person on the planet."

Question 14

Innovate

Answer 14

Innovate create; introduce something new *Innovate* means to bring something new to something. If you love cranberry seltzers, you might *innovate* by adding limeade or by making the drink with cran-raspberry juice instead. In our culture obsessed with finding the next new thing, the word *innovate* is very popular––behind every "new and improved" label slapped onto the packaging of some perfectly useful product is some eager beaver buried in the ranks of a company, scheming ways to *innovate*.

Question 14

Nefarious

Answer 14

Nefarious wicked; immoral; disreputable Describe a person's actions as *nefarious* if they are evil or wicked. Batman and Superman are always fighting evildoers and stopping their *nefarious* plots. *Nefarious* comes from the Latin *nefas* "crime, impiety." If something is nefarious, it is criminal, evil, malicious and wicked. Thinking of superheroes can help you remember the meaning of the word, but it is often used in much less exciting circumstances. News reporters investigate corrupt politicians in order to uncover the nefarious activities. And, if you don't pay for your downloaded music, you have gotten it by nefarious means.

Question 15

Exacerbate

Answer 15

Exacerbate make worse For a formal-sounding verb that means to make worse, try *exacerbate*. If you're in trouble, complaining about it will only *exacerbate* the problem. *Exacerbate* is related to the adjective *acrid*, often used to describe sharp-smelling smoke. Think of *exacerbate* then as a sharp or bitter thing that makes something worse. A drought will exacerbate a country's food shortage. *Worsen*, *intensify*, *aggravate* and *compound* are similar, but *exacerbate* has the sense of an irritant being added in to make something bad even worse.

Question 17

Tangible

Answer 17

Tangible can be touched When you can touch something, it's *tangible*: "I need *tangible* proof that aliens exist — I want to shake their little green hands!" *Tangible* is from Latin *tangere* "to touch," and it simply means something that can be touched or felt, though it can be used in metaphorical senses: "*tangible* assets" have a value that can be precisely measured, and "*tangible* grief" can be clearly sensed by an onlooker. So you might not need to physically touch something for it to be tangible, but it has to be grounded in the real world of facts: "Has the teen pop star demonstrated any *tangible* ability to sing?"

Question 18

Anthropocentrism

Answer 18

Anthropocentrism putting man at the center of one's philosophy

Question 18

Soporific

Answer 18

Soporific inducing sleep Something that is *soporific* is sleep-inducing. Certain medicines, but also extreme coziness, can have a *soporific* effect. In the 1680’s, *soporific*, which doubles as both adjective and noun, was formed from the French *soporifique*. That word, in turn, came from the Latin *sopor* "deep sleep." Beloved *Peter Rabbit* author Beatrix Potter once noted that, "It is said that the effect of eating too much lettuce is '*soporific*'."

Question 18

Receptacle

Answer 18

Receptacle container; vessel; holder A *receptacle* is a container that's used for holding or storing things. If you are having a party on a rainy day, you can put a *receptacle* outside your door for your guests' umbrellas. The noun *receptacle* means any kind of container. For example, a trash receptacle holds your garbage and a receptacle for loose change can keep you from scattering coins all over your house. In botany, *receptacle* refers to the part of a stem that holds a plant's organs. The word *receptacle* comes from the Latin root word *receptaculum*, which describes a place to receive and store things.

Question 19

Hinder

Answer 19

Hinder obstruct The verb *hinder* means to block or put something in the way of, so if you’re in a high-speed car chase with the police, they might put up a blockade to *hinder* your progress. The word *hinder* came from the Old English *hindrian*, which means to "injure or damage." That's a little more extreme than what it means today, because, now it just means to get in the way of something or someone. People might not like you too much if you make it a practice to hinder their progress or get in the way of things they want, even it's a small hindrance like blocking someone from getting to the cookie jar.

Question 19

Dubious

Answer 19

Dubious doubtful Choose the adjective *dubious* for something you have doubts about or you suspect is not true. That bridge you just "bought" might be of *dubious* value. *Dubious* stems from Latin *dubiosus* "doubtful" or "uncertain" and contains the Latin root *duo* in this case meaning "of two minds." This is apparent in that *dubious* generally describes something that appears one way but is truly another. A dubious claim is probably not true, whereas a dubious website or character is of questionable quality. *Dubious* can also be synonymous with *doubtful* when referring to a person as in "she was *dubious* about the idea."

Question 20

Malady

Answer 20

Malady illness A *malady* is an illness, like a *malady* that keeps you home, sick in bed for days, or something that causes you to have trouble or to suffer, like jet lag — a *malady* that affects travelers. *Malady*, pronounced "MAL-uh-dee," comes from the Latin words *male*, meaning "bad or ill" and *habitus* for "have, hold." When you have a malady, it is like something bad is holding you, such as an illness — the common cold: a malady of winter. Some bad habits cause maladies, such as never having any money — the malady of people who spend freely, not thinking of the future.

Question 21

Incipient

Answer 21

Incipient just beginning * Incipient* means something is in an early stage of existence. In its *incipient* form, basketball was played with a soccer ball and peach baskets for goals. Bouncy orange balls and nets came later. * Incipient* comes from the Latin *incipere* "to begin." The related, and more commonly used, word *inception* means the beginning or the start. It is important to note that when something is in an incipient stage, there is a chance it will never come to completion. So be on the lookout for incipient trouble or an incipient crisis — you might be able to prevent it from happening.

Question 22

Equivocate

Answer 22

Equivocate speak ambiguously; avoid telling the truth When you are unwilling to make a decision and almost intentionally go back and forth between two choices, you are *equivocating*. When politicians *equivocate*, they are often afraid of upsetting, and thus alienating, voters with their decisions. A key part of *equivocate* is the root *vocate* which come from the Latin *vocare* or "voice." When you give your voice to two opposing views in order to mislead or keep your options open, you're equivocating. Think of the expression, to talk out of both sides of your mouth. If you want to go to a party and your parents keep saying "maybe, it depends," tell them to stop equivocating and give you a straight answer.

Question 22

Impecunious

Answer 22

Impecunious having no money If you are hard up, broke, penniless, or strapped for cash, you could describe yourself as *impecunious*. Then maybe you could make some money teaching vocabulary words. *Impecunious* comes from the old Latin word for money, *pecunia*, combined with the prefix *im*, meaning not or without. But *impecunious* doesn’t just mean having no money. It means that you almost never have any money. If you go into the arts, you are most likely facing an impecunious future. If you gamble away your cash instead of saving it for rent, your landlord might throw you out for being impecunious.

Question 23

Lamentation

Answer 23

Lamentation expression of regret or sorrow *Lamentation* usually occurs when someone dies or a tragedy occurs. At the funeral, you could hardly hear the speaker above the wails of *lamentation*. From the Latin *lamenta*, meaning "weeping" or "wailing," *lamentation* means more than just shedding a few tears. Lamentation is when grief pours out. If you lose a nice pencil that's no cause for lamentation, but if you lose all your money in a stock market crash, that might be. If someone tells you you'll be late to your own funeral, you can always say: "At least I'll get to enjoy the lamentation!"

Question 24

Lavish

Answer 24

Lavish on a grand scale; wasteful Lavish means generous and extravagant as an adjective and to give generously as a verb. If you don't like it when people *lavish* you with attention, you might appreciate a *lavish* spread of excellent food instead. *Lavish* comes from the Old French *lavache* meaning "deluge, torrent" referring to rain. When you see it, think of a shower of good things coming down on you as you never use *lavish* with something bad. Didn't your parents lavish you with praise and love when you were small? With *lavish* as an adjective, you can rephrase that question like this: Didn't your parents offer you lavish praise and love when you were little?

Question 24

Merge

Answer 24

Merge come together The verb *merge* means to seamlessly join something. For example, when you *merge* onto the highway, you need to smoothly join the traffic, forgetting everything you learned riding the bumper cars at the fair. If two or more things become one, they *merge*. If your favorite deli, The Cheese Stop, merges with a sandwich shop called Chez Lui, the two restaurants might also merge their names, becoming Chez Cheese. You can also use *merge* when things only appear to blend. You know it's time to go to sleep when the words in your book begin to merge together.

Question 25

Proscribe

Answer 25

Proscribe forbid To *proscribe* something is to forbid or prohibit it, as a school principal might *proscribe* the use of cell phones in class. *Proscribe* sounds similar to the word *prescribe*, but be careful: these words are essentially opposite in meaning. While *proscribe* means forbid, *prescribe* is used when a doctor recommends a medicine or remedy. Of course, if you want an excuse for not following your doctor’s orders, you could say you were confused about the meaning of these two words — but that would be lying, which is proscribed by most people’s value systems. And it would also be bad for your health.

Question 26

Obscured

Answer 26

Obscured hidden; covered; buried If something is *obscure*, it's vague and hard to see. Be careful if you're driving in heavy rain — the painted lines can be *obscure*. *Obscure* comes from Latin *obscurus*, which can mean "dark, dim," "unclear, hard to understand," or "insignificant, humble." We tend to use *obscure* in the metaphorical senses: an obscure sound is unclear, an obscure village is hidden away in the countryside, and an obscure poet is little known and probably insignificant. *Obscure* can also be used as a verb. If you get really nervous when you speak during a debate, your embarrassing twitches and shaking hands can obscure your argument.

Question 27

Malingerer

Answer 27

Malingerer person who deliberately tries to avoid work Have you ever pretended to be sick or hurt to get out of taking a test or doing a chore? Then you, my dear, are a *malingerer,* and should be ashamed of yourself. Shape up! Knowing that the prefix *mal* is from the Latin for "bad," we can tell right off that being a *malingerer* is not a good thing. This noun form of the verb *malinger* comes from the French *malingre* which means "sickly." (Obviously, it’s bad to pretend to be sick.) In Jack London’s *Call of the Wild*, the new dog, Pike, is referred to as "a clever *malingerer* and thief," giving a clear negative context to the word.

Question 28

Libertarian

Answer 28

Libertarian someone who opposes tyranny Someone who is a *libertarian* advocates the importance of the individual over government control — *libertarians* believe strongly in freedom. A *libertarian* holds onto the idea of a person's free will and individualism, with the word based on the Latin root *liber*, meaning "free." In the U.S., libertarians can be to the left or the right of the political spectrum. A libertarian believes that someone should make his or her own decisions rather than rely on a political party line. If you think the government should keep its nose out of your business, then you might be a libertarian.

Question 28

Red tape

Answer 28

Red tape formalities; paperwork; official procedure Use the phrase *red tape* when you're talking about something that takes much longer than it should and involves more procedures, forms, or rules than make sense. Applying for a passport or a driver's licence is well known for the amount of red tape involved. In other words, there are lines to stand in, forms to fill out and sign, and various proofs of identity required. Most people complain about the red tape they deal with when they're registering a car or buying a house, working with an impersonal business or government branch. The term comes from the actual red tape that was used to bind documents in colonial America and in Great Britain.

Question 29

Catharsis

Answer 29

Catharsis purging of pent-up emotions Use the noun, *catharsis,* to refer to the experience a person can have of releasing emotional tension and feeling refreshed afterwards. Conceived by Aristotle as the cleansing effect of emotional release that tragic drama has on its audience, *catharsis* stems from a Greek verb meaning "to purify, purge." Today, it can be used to describe any emotional release, including a good long laugh or cry that is followed by a sense of balance and freshness afterwards.

Question 29

Devoured

Answer 29

Devoured greedily eaten/consumed Proper ladies poke at a meal, gentlemen eat a meal, and teenagers *devour* a meal like ravenous cowhands who haven't seen the inside of a bowl since Christmas, and here it is July. *Devour* means to eat greedily. The meaning of *devour* has grown to include the consumption of things other than food. If sit down to start a book, and look up ten hours later having turned the last page, you have *devoured* that book. If your after school job is *devouring* all your free time, chances are your grades are going to drop.

Question 29

Atheist

Answer 29

Atheist person who does not believe in God An *atheist* believes there is no such thing as god, or any other deity. The root *-theist* means "belief in a god." The prefixes *mono-,* *poly-,* and *a-,* mean "one," "many," and "no," respectively. So a monotheist is someone who believes in a single god, a polytheist is someone who believes in many gods, and an atheist is someone who believes there is no god at all.

Question 29

Irksome

Answer 29

Irksome annoying; infuriating If your little brother keeps saying the same phrase over and over again, you might find it *irksome* — that is, annoying in a tiresome way. If you are a person who likes to know exactly where words come from, you might find it irksome that the etymology of *irksome*'s 15th century ancestor *irken* is unknown. If you complain about this to all of your friends, they might start to find you irksome also.

Question 30

Pedestrian

Answer 30

Pedestrian common; mundane; banal A *pedestrian* is someone traveling by foot. If you're walking, you might get angry at the drivers who don't stop so you can cross the street. But if you're driving, you might fight the urge to run those annoying *pedestrians* over! *Pedestrian* comes from the Latin *pedester* meaning "going on foot" but also "plain." As a noun, it's someone walking around — sidewalks are for pedestrians. As an adjective it means "lacking wit or imagination." If someone calls your new poem pedestrian, they mean it's dull. If you want to impress your friends while also making them feel worthless, mutter "these people are SO pedestrian," at a party, loud enough for everyone to hear.

Question 31

Aesthetic

Answer 31

Aesthetic concerning art or beauty The adjective *aesthetic* comes in handy when the subject at hand is beauty or the arts. A velvet painting of dogs playing poker might have minimal *aesthetic* appeal. *Aesthetic*, from a Greek word meaning "perception," comes to us from German philosophers who used it for a theory of the beautiful. From this technical sense, it soon came to refer to good taste and to artistry in general; if something has "*aesthetic* value," it has value as a work of art (even if nobody will pay much for it). It does not, however, refer to the objects themselves; do not talk about an "*aesthetic* painting."

Question 31

Tractable

Answer 31

Tractable obedient; dutiful; polite If your little brother quietly obeys your instructions and waits for you at the food court while you and your friends wander around the mall, he's probably a *tractable* child, meaning he's obedient, flexible, and responds well to directions. Note the similarity between *tractable* and *tractor*. Both come from the Latin word *tractare*, which originally meant "to drag about." You can think of a tractable person as someone who can be dragged about easily, like a plow being dragged by a tractor.

Question 31

Mettle

Answer 31

Mettle courage; bravery; valor *Mettle* is the courage to carry on. If someone wants to "test your *mettle*," they want to see if you have the heart to follow through when the going gets tough. Having the *mettle* to do something means you have guts. In short, you're a pretty impressive person. If you have the intellectual *mettle* to enter a political debate, not only do you know a lot about politics, but you have the spunk to show it off. *Metal* and *mettle* were used interchangeably meaning a solid material like gold, and the "stuff a person is made of" until everyone got confused and the words went their separate ways.

Question 32

Fervor

Answer 32

Fervor passion; enthusiasm Use *fervor* to describe an intensity of emotion or expression. Fans of the Los Angeles Dodgers show so much *fervor* that they "bleed Dodger blue." This noun comes to us from Latin *fervere*, meaning "to boil, glow." In the English word *fervor*, the suffix *–or* means "a condition or property of something." There is another *–or* suffix that means "a person or thing that does the thing expressed by the verb." A corresponding adjective is *fervent*; synonyms of the noun and adjective are *ardor* and *ardent*.

Question 33

Sybarite

Answer 33

Sybarite lover of luxury If you know someone who's totally addicted to luxurious things and all of life's pleasures, call them a *sybarite*. Unless she's inviting you over for champagne brunches and showering you with gifts — in which case you should keep your mouth shut. *Sybarite* was first recorded in the 1600s, meaning a "person devoted to pleasure." The literal translation of this noun is "inhabitant of Sybaris," which was an ancient Greek town full of citizens who loved nice things. Today, the word still has the same two meanings: it's either a person who could be described as addicted to pleasures and luxury (like a *hedonist*), or an actual person who lives in Sybaris.

Question 34

Laconic

Answer 34

Laconic using few words; brief; to the point *Laconic* is an adjective that describes a style of speaking or writing that uses only a few words, often to express complex thoughts and ideas. A more *laconic* way to write that last sentence might be this: *laconic* means brief. There’s a friend of yours who doesn’t talk very much, and when he does, he says maybe three words and then becomes quiet again. You could describe that friend as laconic. The word comes from Laconia, a region in ancient Greece where the local Spartan rulers gave very short speeches. Being laconic can be bad when it sounds rude to be so brief, but it can be good if you’re in a rush to get somewhere.

Question 35

Blunderbuss

Answer 35

Blunderbuss 1. ancient weapon (type of gun); 2. a clumsy person

Question 35

Prosaic

Answer 35

Prosaic dull; boring; ordinary *Prosaic* means ordinary or dull. Most of us lead a *prosaic* everyday life, sometimes interrupted by some drama or crisis. This adjective is from Latin *prosa* "prose," which is ordinary writing intended to communicate ideas and information. *Prose* is often contrasted with poetry, which usually has a more imaginative and original style.

Question 35

Articulate

Answer 35

Articulate clear; lucid; eloquent To *articulate* is to say something. And, if you say it well, someone might praise you by saying you are *articulate*. Confused yet? It's all in the pronunciation. Reach for *articulate* when you need an adjective meaning "well-spoken" (pronounced ar-TIC-yuh-lit) or a verb (ar-TIC-yuh-late) meaning "to speak or express yourself clearly." The key to understanding *articulate*'s many uses is to think of the related noun *article*: an articulate person clearly pronounces each article of his or her speech (that is, each word and syllable), and an articulated joint is divided up into distinct articles, or parts.

Question 36

Dynamic

Answer 36

Dynamic lively; vibrant; energetic If a person, place, or thing is energetic and active, then it's *dynamic*. When things are *dynamic*, there's a lot going on. Even the most exciting rural town won't be as dynamic as a big city: there are just more things happening in a city. Someone with a dynamic personality is probably funny, loud, and excitable; a quiet, mousy person isn't dynamic. You can also talk about the dynamic aspect of music, which has to do with how the music uses *dynamics*, which means "changes in volume." When things are dynamic, changes and energy are in the air.

Question 36

Endurance

Answer 36

Endurance staying power; patience; stamina *Endurance* is the power to withstand something challenging. If you decide to run a marathon, you will need lots of *endurance* to run over 26 miles. The noun *endurance* contains *endure* means "suffer or undergo" and the suffix *-ance* means "the state of." It can be used to describe the physical strength to keep going, as in a marathon or giving birth, but it can also be used when discussing a exhausting mental situation or stressful time — the endurance to bounce back from heartbreak, perhaps.

Question 38

Renown

Answer 38

Renown fame *Renown* is fame and acclaim — the kind of celebrity that most people only dream about. *Renown* is not only about celebrity, though, it also means to be highly respected in one's field. Actors, musicians, and artists practice their art, sometimes for many years, to gain the kind of *renown*, or fame, that will launch their faces onto the covers of magazines and make their name known in every household. Greta Garbo, Luciano Pavarotti, and Salvador Dali all became *renowned* in their respective fields. They won numerous awards, and who isn't familiar with their names? Even things or places can achieve *renown* if they offer something worth celebrating. An ice cream parlor can become renowned for its incredible mint chip ice cream, or a bank can be renowned for its excellent customer service.

Question 38

Disapprobation

Answer 38

Disapprobation disapproval If you show up for Thanksgiving dinner an hour late and covered in mud from a tag football game, your parents will give you a look of *disapprobation*. This means they seriously disapprove of your actions, despite the fact that you scored the winning touchdown. *Disapprobation* is a noun for the state of total disapproval and condemnation. It is often used in conjunction with a moral or social offense. Acts such as stealing an old lady's purse, defying your teachers or parents, vandalizing, or being a lying sneak are all things that are going to earn you disapprobation. But if you decide to change your evil ways and do something wonderful to earn praise, you'll find yourself back on the side of *approbation*.

Question 39

Soothsayer

Answer 39

Soothsayer fortuneteller A *soothsayer* is someone who can foretell the future. If the convincing *soothsayer* at the state fair tells you you'll soon meet someone tall, dark, and handsome, you'll probably keep your eye out for someone who fits that description. A fortune teller is also known as a soothsayer, or someone who claims to be able to predict the future. Long ago, a soothsayer might have been considered a useful consultant, even for a government, but today soothsayers are more likely to be scoffed at. Still, there are many soothsayers who have successful businesses telling people's fortunes and giving advice. *Soothsayer* comes from the Old English word for "truth," combined with "say," together meaning "an act of speaking the truth."

Question 40

Bellicose

Answer 40

Bellicose war-like; aggressive If you walk into a high school where you know no one, find the toughest looking girl in the halls and tell her she's ugly, them's fighting words. Or *bellicose* ones. *Bellicose* means eager for war. *Bellicose* is from Latin *bellum* "war." A near synonym is *belligerent*, from the same Latin noun. You may wonder if they're connected to the Latin *bellus* "pretty, handsome," which gives us the names Bella or Isabella, as well as *belle* "a beautiful woman." They're not. War and beauty are not related, except in the case of Helen of Troy.

Question 42

Plausible

Answer 42

Plausible can be believed; reasonable If something is *plausible*, it's reasonable or believable. Things that are *plausible* could easily happen. A woman becoming President is very *plausible*. A giraffe becoming President is not. Plausible things are not far-fetched at all. Things in fantasy stories — such as wizards, dragons, and unicorns — are not plausible. On the other hand, some things in science fiction stories might be plausible: who knows where spaceships will eventually go? If something really seems like it could happen, then it's plausible. One of the many tricky parts of life is figuring out what's plausible and what's not.

Question 42

Oust

Answer 42

Oust push out of a position A teacher may *oust* you from class if you are being disruptive, or you might *oust* your class president from her position if you beat her in the election. To *oust* is to "expel," "kick out," or "remove and replace." When you oust someone, you are "giving them the boot." A sports team is *ousted* from a tournament if they lose an elimination round. *Oust* often implies both removal and replacement. The automobile, for instance, ousted the horse as the preferred means of travel. Likewise, when a politician ousts someone from office they are taking that person’s place in office. And if you beat the all-time record in a hot-dog eating tournament, then you oust the previous record holder from their position.

Question 42

Profundity

Answer 42

Profundity depth * Profundity* describes being thoughtful, deep, and wise. Your *profundity* might inspire friends to come to you for advice. * Profundity* comes from the word *profound* and it means a quality of depth or wisdom that is meaningful or even transformational. The profundity of a piece of music might move you to tears, and the profundity of certain philosophies can be deep — and a bit confusing. *Profundity* can describe something that's intense, like the profundity of the silence in the room following the announcement of bad news.

Question 42

Recluse

Answer 42

Recluse someone who cuts himself off from life A *recluse* lives alone, works alone, eats alone, and generally stays away from other people. Anti-social old hermits are *recluses*, as are a lot of students during exam time. In the early 13th century, a *recluse* was a person who shut out the world to go meditate on religious issues. But nowadays recluses can think about whatever they want while they're sitting in solitude — they're simply people who shy away from social interaction and live secluded lives. Or think of the Brown Recluse spider, who likes to hide out in dark old boots or undisturbed corners of the basement.

Question 42

Zenith

Answer 42

Zenith summit * Zenith* means the high point––it comes from astronomy, where it describes the highest point in an arc traveled by a star or a planet or another celestial body. The sun reaches its *zenith* when it is as high in the sky as it is going to go on that day. * Zenith* — and it's opposite, "nadir" — have been appropriated by non-astronomers and are used to describe high and low points in non-astronomical contexts. "The party lasted all night, but the zenith was definitely the moment when we climbed up onto the roof deck and watched the fireworks. It was all downhill from there."

Question 43

Cower

Answer 43

Cower recoil in fear or servility; shrink away from To *cower* is to shrink in fear. Whether they live in the country or city, any mouse will *cower* when a huge, hungry cat approaches. When you *cower*, you're not just afraid. You're so terrified that your whole body cringes, crouches, and shrinks in on itself to hide from the source of your fear. Victims of a school bully *cower* whenever he comes near. They're in no rush to have their lunch money stolen again, or to get another wedgie, so they cower to avoid being seen. Although a *coward* might *cower* in fear, the two words aren't related.

Question 43

Revere

Answer 43

Revere worship

Question 44

Tentative

Answer 44

Tentative not certain Choose the adjective, *tentative* to describe something you are unsure or hesitant about. On Monday, you can make *tentative* plans for the weekend but it's too early to commit to one party or another. *Tentative*, from the Latin *tentātīvus* "testing, trying," always describes something that is uncertain. If you make a tentative appointment, write it down in pencil, not pen, because it might have to be changed. Here the opposite of *tentative* is *definite* or *set*. If someone gives you a tentative smile or nod, the person feels hesitant or unsure about something. In this case, its opposite is *confident*.

Question 44

Collusion

Answer 44

Collusion plotting and planning If you are making secret agreements with someone, then you are in *collusion* with them. Every time gas prices jump, consumers suspect the gas station owners of *collusion* and price fixing. The noun *collusion* almost always implies that plans are being made because of some nefarious, most likely illegal, purpose. An art thief could be in collusion with a museum director to steal a famous painting from an art museum. Things get sticky when there is collusion between government and business, between union and management, or between your siblings.

Question 45

Smorgasbord

Answer 45

Smorgasbord a Swedish buffet of cold dishes A *smorgasbord* is an assortment of different things — a magazine might feature a *smorgasbord* of stories on a wide variety of subjects. Use the noun *smorgasbord* when you're talking about a selection of things, like a fabulous breakfast buffet, a long list of college classes you could take, or a motley group of camping companions. In Swedish, a *smörgåsbord* is a table full of different sandwich offerings. It literally means "butter goose table," from *smörgås*, which alternately means "bread and butter," and "bread and goose," plus *bord*, or "table."

Question 45

Gravity

Answer 45

Gravity seriousness The noun *gravity* means being grave or very serious. In physics, *gravity* is the natural force that causes things to fall toward the earth. Someone who conducts themselves with an air of gravity is someone who takes what they are doing seriously. You might be amused to see a three year old serving her dolls tea with an air of gravity appropriate to the Queen of England. *Gravity* was borrowed through French from Latin *gravitās*, from *gravis* "heavy."

Question 46

Expatriate

Answer 46

Expatriate refugee; emigrant; someone living away from his own country An *expatriate* is someone who lives in another country by choice. If you leave your split-level ranch in Ohio and move to a writers' commune in Paris for good, you've become an *expatriate*. *Expatriate* can also be a verb, so that American in Paris has *expatriated*. There was a scene of *expatriates*, or *expats*, living in Paris in the roaring '20s that included writers like F. Scott Fitzgerald and Gertrude Stein. The word used to mean to get kicked out of your native country — it's from the French word *expatrier* which means "banish." The prefix *ex* means "out of" and the Latin *patria* "one's native country," but the word took a turn and now refers to people who left without getting shoved out.

Question 47

Exposition

Answer 47

Exposition clear explanation An *exposition* takes place when you "expose" something — like at a fair or convention for showing off goods, art, or similar wares. An *exposition* can also be the section of a story that explains the basics of the tale. In classical music, the first part of a piece is often an *exposition*, in which the composer lets you hear the tunes and themes that will get worked over during the rest of the piece. Most movies spend a lot of time at the beginning on exposition, as well. The director wants you to know where the story is set, who the characters are, and what it is they want. Exposition is important to set the scene, so the rest of the story makes sense. *Exposition* can also mean a big fair, often called an "expo." ComicCon is a famous exposition.

Question 48

Amiable

Answer 48

Amiable friendly A friendly, pleasant person could be described as *amiable*. Airline flight attendants tend to be *amiable*. The people monitoring the school's cafeteria? Maybe not. An *amiable* person is good-natured and easy to get along with. Add one letter and you get *amicable*, a word with a common ancestor (Latin *amicabilis*) and a similar meaning. But while *amiable* refers to friendly people, *amicable* refers to friendly relations between them; two amiable people who no longer want to be married to one another might have an amicable divorce.

Question 49

Clandestine

Answer 49

Clandestine secret; covert; stealthy Pick the adjective, *clandestine,* to describe something that is done in secret, like your *clandestine* attempts to steal your brother's Halloween candy. *Clandestine,* an adjective imported from Latin, describes a secret, usually illegal activity. Often these things have to do with political and spy organizations. The CIA might run a clandestine operation to infiltrate terrorist organizations. Words with similar meanings include *secret*; *covert*, used especially for military matters; *undercover*, common in espionage; and *surreptitious* which emphasizes a person's efforts to keep something secret.

Question 50

Parochial

Answer 50

Parochial narrow-minded; concerned only with local matters If an issue or a matter is *parochial*, it is trivial or only concerns a local area. Likewise, a person with a *parochial* mentality is narrow-minded, or not open to new ideas. *Parochial* comes to English from Greek through Latin with the meaning "of a parish." As a parochial school is a school that is affiliated with a particular church, the connection is easy to see. In general though, *parochial* refers to a narrow or limited point of view — that is, an outlook that extends no further than the limits of the parish. You may feel that there is no room in your life for the parochial attitudes of the older generation. Let's hope you remain open-minded as you age!

Question 50

Discern

Answer 50

Discern to distinguish one thing from another If you can make out, pick out, or distinguish something, you can *discern* it. This is a word for recognizing and perceiving things. Discerning has to do with being able to see or hear something. In a loud room, it can be hard to discern one person's voice. If there's not much light, you'll have trouble discerning the words on a page well enough to read. If you have sloppy handwriting, then it's hard to discern what you wrote. When you can discern something, you can tell what it is; you can identify it.

Question 50

Stagnant

Answer 50

Stagnant still; not moving There is a tone to the word *stagnant* that sounds like what it is: lacking movement, stale, and inactive, especially with exaggerated pronunciation, "staaaagnant." *Stagnant* came into use in the 17th century as a description for water or air that wasn't moving or circulating, like in a scum-covered pond or a closed-off room. Often things that are stagnant also have a smell from sitting too long in one place. Not that this happens to everyone, but sitting in front of a TV playing video games without moving more than the fingers can make a person stagnant, sometimes with an accompanying odor.

Question 51

Raucous

Answer 51

Raucous rough and unpleasant (of sounds) * Raucous* means unpleasantly loud, or behaving in a noisy and disorderly way. It can be hard to give an oral report in the front of a classroom when the kids in the back are being *raucous*. * Raucous* is often used to refer to loud laughter, loud voices, or a loud party, all of which can be harsh or unpleasant. Near synonyms are *strident* and *rowdy*. This adjective is from Latin *raucus* "hoarse." Think of raucous as people whose hoarseness can't come on too soon.

Question 52

Hypochondriac

Answer 52

Hypochondriac a person obsessed with health; having imaginary illnesses If you obsess about your health and imagine you have the symptoms of a disease (or diseases), you may well be a *hypochondriac* and should seek therapy. The original Greek *hypochondriakos* referred to the region of the abdomen, an area that ancient doctors believed to be the seat of misery or melancholia. It stands to reason, then, that hypochondriacs are usually unhappy, simply because they always imagine they're sick.

Question 54

Labyrinth

Answer 54

Labyrinth a maze A *labyrinth* is a structure with many connected paths or passages in which it is hard to find your way. In figurative use, a *labyrinth* is a complicated situation: our tax code is a *labyrinth* of rules and regulations. In Greek mythology, the *Labyrinth* was the structure built for King Minos of Crete to confine the Minotaur, a monster with the head of a bull and the body of a man. The word *maze* is a near synonym for *labyrinth*, and is also used figuratively, as in, "After war broke out, trying to figure out how to get a visa to leave the country was like navigating a *maze*, a veritable *labyrinth* of wrong turns and false hope."

Question 54

Mercenary

Answer 54

Mercenary concerned only with money You might not want to call a *mercenary* a "hireling" to his face, but a mercenary is, after all, a soldier who gets paid to fight where needed, sometimes taking a heroic stand and other times just wanting payment for fighting. The word *mercenary* comes from the Latin *mercēnārius,* "hireling," which defines someone who will do anything in exchange for money. In history, a mercenary was often a fighter who followed the next paycheck, but in recent decades it's also been used for fighters who pursue a good cause in areas where soldiers are in short supply. A synonym for mercenary is "soldier of fortune," and this phrase sometimes glorifies the mercenary, turning the meaning of "fortune" from "cash" to "luck in battle."

Question 54

Coalesce

Answer 54

Coalesce come together; merge Waiting for a plan to come together? You're waiting for it to *coalesce*. *Coalesce* is when different elements of something join together and become one. In *coalesce*, you see *co-*, which should tell you the word means "together." The other half of the word, *alesce*, appears in expressions having to do with growth. So if you are trying to start up a photography club at school, once you have an advisor, some interested students and support from the administration, things will be coalescing or growing together. Another way to remember that? An adolescent is one who is growing. A lot!

Question 55

Callow

Answer 55

Callow immature If you're a rookie or new to something, you could be described as *callow* — like *callow* freshmen in high school or the *callow* receptionist who can't figure out how to transfer a call. The word *callow* comes from the Old English word *calu*, which meant "bald or featherless." It was used to describe young, fledgling birds. Over time, the meaning expanded to include young, inexperienced people. You'll most often see the adjective paired with the noun *youth*. Think of the callow youth as people who haven't tested their wings yet.

Question 55

Patron

Answer 55

Patron one who give support (usually financial) A *patron* supports someone or something. A *patron* of a business supports the business by being a loyal customer. A *patron* of the arts helps support starving artists — financially, not with food rations. The word *patron* comes from the Latin *pater* or *patr-* meaning "father." Think of how a father is supposed to financially support his kids. A patron of the arts is someone who shows his appreciation or support for the arts by donating money to arts organizations. And a patron of the Red Lobster is a frequent customer who can be seen in the same corner booth every Sunday night, noshing on cheddar biscuits.

Question 55

Insurgent

Answer 55

Insurgent a rebel An *insurgent* is a rebel or a revolutionary, someone who takes up arms against the authorities. *Insurgent* is from the Latin word "insurgentem," literally meaning "to rise against," so think of an insurgent as a fighter who rises against the people in power. Often insurgents are considered terrorists because they use violence to intimidate people.

Question 56

Larceny

Answer 56

Larceny theft; robbery; stealing * Larceny* is the legal term for stealing. Grand *larceny* is when you take something worth a lot of money, petty *larceny* when the stolen item is worth relatively little. * Larceny* is used when talking about stealing someone's property in regards to the law. If you illegally download music or plagiarize a text, that may be theft, but it is not larceny because there was no physical property involved. If you take a friend's yoyo and don't give it back, it's stealing — unless your friend calls the police and has you arrested on charges of larceny.

Question 57

Marred

Answer 57

Marred damaged; spoiled If something is *marred*, it’s damaged due to a flaw. If the big football game on Sunday ends with a fight among fans of the opposing teams, commentators will say that the game was *marred* by violence. The verb *marred* can be traced back to the Old English word *merran*, meaning "to waste or spoil." *Marred* often carries with it the sense of spoiling perfection. It can be a flaw that makes something outstanding less than perfect, such as a movie star’s face marred by a scar or a career marred by controversy.

Question 58

Debility

Answer 58

Debility weakness; incapacity

Question 58

Recapitulate

Answer 58

Recapitulate summarize To *recapitulate* means to go back and summarize. At the end of an oral report, you might say, "So, to *recapitulate*, I've made three points," and then you name them. *Recapitulate* is a long, scary-looking word that actually means something simple and easy. It comes from the Latin *re-* "again" and *capitulum* "chapter," which comes from the word *caput* "head." Think of *recapitulating*––or *recapping*, for short––as putting nice little caps on all the bottles you've opened up––tightening everything up.

Question 59

Impartial

Answer 59

Impartial unbiased; neutral If you're in a contest you'd better hope the judges are *impartial*, that is, that they aren't biased toward one competitor over another. When someone's *partial* to something they take its part. *Impartial* means no part has yet been taken. In most high school elections, teachers strive to create an impartial atmosphere, to keep it from appearing to be a popularity contest.

Question 59

Undermined

Answer 59

Undermined damaged; attacked To *undermine* literally means to dig a hole underneath something, making it likely to collapse. But we more often use the word to describe sabotage or the act of weakening someone else's efforts. Originally spelled with a ‘y’ instead of an ‘i’, *undermine* has Germanic roots and means to weaken, hinder, or impair. Accidentally *undermine* the foundation of a house by digging a tunnel to China beneath it and you might be forgiven. *Undermine* your teacher’s authority by speaking out of turn and throwing spitballs and odds are you’ll get in trouble.

Question 59

Maladroit

Answer 59

Maladroit clumsy; unskillful If you are clumsy, you are *maladroit*. But the word can mean all kinds of clumsy. Trip over your words? You are verbally *maladroit*. Stumble in social situations? You're socially *maladroit*. When someone is adroit, they are graceful and nimble; they show a lot of dexterity. *Maladroit* is the opposite of that. It means clumsy, but with a hint of overall incompetence. If someone calls you maladroit, or says that you are a maladroit, they're not being the least bit nice. They mean that you've bungled something up with your fumbling.

Question 59

Disinterested

Answer 59

Disinterested unbiased If you can't decide whether to purchase the shirt with orange polka dots or the purple paisley-patterned one, you might seek input from a *disinterested*, or unbiased, party (who will probably tell you not to buy either one). Depending on whom you ask, *disinterested* is either one of the most commonly misused words in the English language, or a perfect example of usage experts and English teachers being way too uptight. While everyone agrees that *disinterested* can mean "unbiased," the debate rages on as to whether it can also mean "uninterested" or "indifferent." Sticklers are vehemently opposed to this secondary meaning. (Of course, you’ll also find the disinterested — or uninterested? — folks who couldn’t care less.)

Question 59

Contemporary

Answer 59

Contemporary living or happening at the same time Things that are *contemporary* are either happening at the same time or happening now. *Contemporary* art is recent art. In history class, if you hear that one famous person was a contemporary of another, that means they lived at the same time. Contemporaries are people and things from the same time period. *Contemporary* can also describe things happening now or recently. It's common to speak of contemporary music or contemporary furniture, for example. Those things are new, not old. Anything characteristic of the present day can be called *contemporary*.

Question 60

Corrugated

Answer 60

Corrugated highly folded *Corrugated* means molded into tight ridges and valleys. You've probably seen *corrugated* cardboard, or *corrugated* metal roofs. Materials are put into a corrugated shape to ensure elasticity and strength––cardboard boxes hold their shape because the cardboard is reinforced with a corrugated layer inside the two flat pieces. To remember *corrugated*, think about corduroy pants––which also have ridges and valleys. If you're lucky enough to have had ribbon candy, that's corrugated as well.

Question 61

Palliative

Answer 61

Palliative a remedy that improves but doesn't cure That which is *palliative* relieves and soothes, but isn’t expected to cure. A heating pack is a commonly employed *palliative* for temporarily reducing the pain of strained muscles. From the French *palliatif*, which in turn came from the Middle Latin *palliates*, *palliative* was first recorded as an adjective in the 1540’s, and then later as a noun in 1724. To *palliate* is to alleviate without curing, so it makes sense that a *palliative* is the agent for this type of relief. "Life as we find it, is too hard for us: it brings us too many pains, disappointments and impossible tasks," said the founder of psychoanalysis Sigmund Freud. "In order to bear it, we cannot dispense with *palliative* measures…"

Question 61

Fortitude

Answer 61

Fortitude bravery *Fortitude* refers to strength in the face of adversity or difficulty. Eating fried worms might require a lot of intestinal *fortitude*. When someone has *fortitude* it means that they have emotional power or reserves and the ability to withstand adversity. People who have *fortitude* are described in an admiring way for their courage and this word comes from the Latin word *fortitudo*, meaning "strength." Jacueline Bisset, someone who knows about beauty, said, "Character contributes to beauty. It fortifies a woman as her youth fades. A mode of conduct, a standard of courage, discipline, fortitude and integrity can do a great deal to make a woman beautiful."

Question 62

Apathetic

Answer 62

Apathetic indifferent; uninterested; lethargic *Apathetic* is an adjective that describes the feeling of being bored with what’s going on around you. If you don’t care one way or another, you’re *apathetic*. The Greek word *pathos* describes a type of emotional suffering that afflicts people who are super sensitive to their environment. *Pathos* is a root word of *apathetic*, but the prefix *a*- turns it into the opposite: emotional boredom, insensitivity, and a lack of enthusiasm. Maybe you feel apathetic because nothing around you stirs your interest, or maybe it’s because you need some coffee.

Question 63

Therapeutic

Answer 63

Therapeutic medicinal; curative Whether you’re talking about a *therapeutic* drug or a *therapeutic* exercise plan, something that is *therapeutic* helps to heal or to restore health. The adjective *therapeutic* can be traced all the way back to the Greek word *therapeutikos* (from *therapeuein*, meaning "to attend" or "to treat"). Although the word relates to healing or soothing, *therapeutic* isn’t reserved only for drugs or medical treatments. You’ve probably heard particular activities referred to as *therapeutic*, which just means that doing that activity makes you feel rejuvenated. You might consider shopping for shoes, for example, to be a therapeutic activity — at least until the credit card bill arrives.

Question 63

Aloof

Answer 63

Aloof distant; detached; cold That emotionally cold and detached fellow who keeps to himself, smoking clove cigarettes and reading French philosophy, would best be described as *aloof*. In Middle English, *aloof* was originally a nautical term; the *loof* (now spelled *luff*) is the windward side of a ship. Smart sailors wanting to avoid a hazard on the leeward side would give the order, "A loof!" From this command we get the idea of steering clear of something (or someone). In modern usage the word has taken on a negative connotation: an *aloof* person is certainly not one most of us want to associate with.

Question 65

Abrasive

Answer 65

Abrasive rough; coarse; harsh What does an obnoxious person have in common with sandpaper? Both are *abrasive*. Anything that grates or irritates — physically or metaphorically — can be described using this adjective. The history of the word *abrasive* illustrates how a word typically enters the English language and then changes with time. The English verb *abrade* "to wear down by scraping" entered the language from Latin *abradere* "to scrape off" in the late 1600s. Some 200 years later, the adjective form of the word — *abrasive* — came into use to describe a type of grinding tool. By the 1920s, *abrasive* had acquired the more figurative sense of annoying and infuriating. If you find someone abrasive, he or she grinds away at your nerves.

Question 65

Paragon

Answer 65

Paragon a perfect example *Paragon* applies to someone who is a model of perfection in some quality or trait. We link *paragon* with other words that follow it, such as "*paragon* of virtue" or "*paragon* of patience." A *paragon* means someone or something that is the very best. The English noun *paragon* comes from the Italian word *paragone*, which is a touchstone, a black stone that is used to tell the quality of gold. You rub the gold on the touchstone and you can find out how good the gold is. You are hoping that it is the paragon of "goldness."

Question 66

Redundant

Answer 66

Redundant unnecessary; superfluous The word *redundant* applies to things that are unnecessary or could be left out. Calling a blank sheet of paper empty is *redundant*. Teachers often tell students to avoid being redundant — meaning avoid saying something twice or more. Have you ever heard someone tell a story and repeat the same thing over and over? The repeated parts are redundant. Sometimes being redundant can make things clear, but it can also be annoying. *Redundant* can apply to anything that's overflowing or unnecessary. If a business has two stores on the same street, one is redundant. When you hear *redundant*, think "Too much!"

Question 67

Begrudge

Answer 67

Begrudge resent To *begrudge* someone something is to wish them ill for it or to envy them. Try not to *begrudge* his getting the promotion over you — he's been at the company longer. An understudy might *begrudge* the lead her role and even go so far as to put glass in her shoes so she can't perform. An easy way to remember the meaning of this verb is to note the noun *grudge* lurking inside it. A grudge is ill will that you hold toward someone: to begrudge is to hold that grudge. If you begrudge your friend his happiness because he got the nicer car, your friendship will suffer.

Question 68

Knotty

Answer 68

Knotty complex; difficult to solve Whether it’s pine or problems, sometimes the word *knotty* can apply to both. *Knotty* can describe something that has a lot of knots, either literally or figuratively. The adjective *knotty* is a way to describe something that’s covered in knots. It can be used in a literal sense to refer to wood that is covered in hard, irregular knots — you’ve probably seen these circular, knobby imperfections that sometime appear on wood. The word can also be used figuratively to describe something that is intricate and difficult to solve, such as a knotty political problem involving two warring nations or a knotty legal issue involving complicated constitutional issues.

Question 68

Lummox

Answer 68

Lummox clumsy person

Question 68

Coddle

Answer 68

Coddle pamper; fuss over; indulge While it is okay for parents to *coddle*, spoil, or pamper a young child, it’s a little unnerving when parents *coddle,* or pamper adult children. And downright weird when adult children wear Pampers. *Coddle* is an old word. Originally, it meant to cook gently in water that is near boiling, as in coddling an egg. It most likely gained its association with pampering and taking care of someone via a drink made for invalids that was prepared by coddling. "Mollycoddle," a synonym for *coddle*, originally meant a person who coddles himself, or an effeminate man.

Question 69

Indulgent

Answer 69

Indulgent pampering; satisfying desires Someone who is self-*indulgent* gives themselves a lot of treats. Parents who are *indulgent* cave to ever desire their child expresses. *Indulgent* means lenient, or overly generous. *Indulgent* is a word that, here in Puritanical North America, is hard to know how to take. Is it okay to "*indulge* yourself" as so many spa advertisements suggest? Or is *indulgent* always associated with excess? You can *indulge* fantasies of figuring out the answer, or you can give in to an *indulgent* shrug and move on to another word.

Question 70

Ogle

Answer 70

Ogle stare at; observe in an obvious manner When you *ogle* someone, you look at them with love or desire in mind. And if you're a cartoon character, you might also be drooling. Though it's most often used to refer to the way people gaze at each other, the verb *ogle* can also be used when talking about any object of desire — like when you ogle those designer jeans or that red Ferrari. The word comes from the 1680s German word *oeglen*, meaning "look at." Men are known to *ogle* women much more frequently than women *ogle* men. Ever seen a scene in a movie where a pretty lady walks into a bar and all the men turn on their bar stools to watch her pass by? That's classic *ogling*.

Question 70

Certitude

Answer 70

Certitude certainty If you're absolutely convinced your team is going to the Super Bowl, you state it with *certitude* or confidence. Your team didn't make it? Oh dear, you were guilty of certitude — an absolute conviction that the outcome of the game did not support. In other words, you were a tad cocky. *Certitude* is very similar to *certainty,* and often used interchangeably, but there's a hint of danger about certitude; someone who displays it may well be overconfident. Certainty is more certain.

Question 71

Congenital

Answer 71

Congenital present from birth * Congenital* refers to something present at birth but not necessarily inherited from the parents. Babies with heart disorders developed in utero can live long and productive lives, in spite of their *congenital* birth defect. * Congenital* derives from the Latin *genus,* to beget. Something that is present at one’s begetting, during fetal development, or at birth is congenital. Fetal alcohol syndrome, which develops in fetuses if their mothers are drinking heavily while pregnant, is a congenital disorder. You might also use *congenital* to describe something seemingly inborn "a *congenital* sense of humor," or a "*congenital* faith."

Question 72

Solace

Answer 72

Solace comfort for grief If something eases your disappointment or grief, consider it a *solace*. If you're sad, you might find *solace* in music or in talking to your friends. It is no surprise that *consolation* and *solace* are similar in meaning as they share a root in the Latin verb *sōlārī* "to comfort." In fact, *solace*, *consolation* and *comfort* are synonyms meaning relief from grief or disappointment. When you go to sleepover camp, your parents will miss you, but they'll find solace in knowing that you are having fun.

Question 72

Collage

Answer 72

Collage picture made from fragments of other pictures Have you ever cut out a bunch of pictures from magazines and pasted them together to make a big picture? If you have, you have made a *collage*. *Collage* came to English through French from the Greek word for glue, *kolla*, about 100 years ago. A collage is not only made from magazine pictures. In the world of fine art, it refers to a work made with various small objects sometimes with paint sometimes without. The word can also be used to mean a collection of different things. If it's very loud in your house, you might come home to a collage of sounds from the dog, the TV, your mom on the phone and your brother on the guitar. Years after you graduate, high school might just seem like a collage of memories.

Question 73

Adulation

Answer 73

Adulation strong admiration; worship If you've ever been to a pop concert filled with screaming fans you've probably been exposed to *adulation* — praise so over-the-top it's almost embarrassing. The Latin word *adulatio* means "flattery." It's made up of the roots *ad* ("to") and *ulos* ("tail"), and if you're thinking of a dog wagging its tail to and fro to get a treat from its owner, you're on the right track. As anyone who's seen a crazed fan drooling over a celebrity knows, adulation is one of the more doglike of human behaviors.

Question 74

Bulwark

Answer 74

Bulwark fortification; barricade; wall A *bulwark* is a wall built for protection or defense. If you and your pals build a secret fort for girls only, you might want to build a *bulwark* to surround it — with a "No Boys Allowed" sign posted prominently. A seawall that runs perpendicular to the shore is sometimes called a bulwark, because it defends the beach, not against invaders, but against beach erosion. Although the noun *bulwark* can refer to any fortified wall, it often specifically refers to an earthen wall, like a rampart. As a verb, *bulwark* means to fortify with a wall or to provide protection: "The volunteers used sandbags to *bulwark* the levee in an attempt to prevent the flooded river from overflowing its banks."

Question 74

Puerile

Answer 74

Puerile childish Some people like their movies to have sophisticated humor and others prefer the more *puerile* humor of pratfalls or jokes about smelly underwear, inappropriate belching, and passing gas. Although the adjective, *puerile* can be used to describe anything related to childhood, more often than not, it is used in a derisive manner to comment on the immaturity, silliness, or juvenile nature of something or someone. So if you hear someone talk about *puerile* toys, they may merely be remarking on the toys of childhood, but it is more likely they are discussing whoopee cushions, fake dog poo, and the like.

Question 75

Kindle

Answer 75

Kindle to start a fire When you start a fire burning, you can say you *kindle* the fire. Knowing how to *kindle* a campfire is an important survival skill. It can help keep you warm at night, and keep you from eating cold beans for dinner. The verb *kindle* not only means to start a fire, but also to catch fire. Another meaning for *kindle* is to arouse interest or passion. A dynamic music teacher could kindle the students' interest in learning an instrument. Or, romance can also be kindled: "As they danced together, a spark of romance *kindled* between them."

Question 76

Lithe

Answer 76

Lithe flexible; supple Have you ever seen people who can bend so easily, they can touch their heels to the back of their heads? That person is, in a word, *lithe*. *Lithe* comes to us from Old English and originally meant "mild, meek." As a meek person bends to the will of others, the meaning of *lithe* has broadened to flexible and even graceful. Think of a dancer or the ease of a sleek cat when you think of *lithe*. You can use it to describe a person or the way someone moves.

Question 77

Hasten

Answer 77

Hasten hurry; accelerate; rush The verb *hasten* means to move at a high speed. If you *hasten* to your room, no one will know that you came in late. *Hasten* comes from the word *haste,* which means "excessive speed or urgency." The words *hurry* and *hasten* are synonyms. *Hasten* can also mean "to make happen quickly," like when you open a window in the kitchen when you are cooking to hasten the room's cooling down. *Hasten* also means "to be quick," like when you *hasten* to tell everyone that the rumor going around about you isn't true.

Question 78

Deprecate

Answer 78

Deprecate criticize; denounce; opposite of appreciate To *deprecate* is to show disapproval or to make someone feel unimportant by speaking to them disrespectfully, like seniors who *deprecate* younger students just for fun. To deprecate is to diminish, or to oppose, like when someone deprecates your dream of climbing Mt. Everest by calling it "a little walk up a hill." Some people deprecate themselves, which is called being self-deprecating. People who do are self-deprecating play down their abilities because they are humble — or want to appear that way. So if you do climb Everest and you are self-deprecating, you'll say it wasn't such a big deal, even if it was the proudest moment of your life.

Question 78

Fatuous

Answer 78

Fatuous silly; foolish * Fatuous* means lacking intelligence. When your mother outlaws calling your brother stupid, use *fatuous* instead. * Fatuous* derives from the Latin *fatuus* meaning "foolish." It sounds like it should have something to do with being fat, but it actually has no relation to size. Back in Old English times, when the word *fat* was emerging, food was a lot more scarce than it is today, and the word *fat* meant simply plump or well-fed. Times have changed, and now that we have more food than we know what to do with, fat people are thought to lack self control, which makes them seem foolish, or even fatuous, which is hardly the case.

Question 78

Galleon

Answer 78

Galleon ancient type of sailing ship Though a *galleon* was a large ship with multiple decks, it was no cruise liner and probably didn’t offer round-the-clock buffets. A *galleon* refers to a type of sailboat used in the 15th to 18th centuries mostly for battles and carrying consumer goods. Galleons had big square sails rigged onto several masts. They were built and sailed by many Europeans, but they are most commonly associated with the Spanish. In fact, this word is derived from the Spanish word *galeón*, which means "armed merchant ship."

Question 79

Indelible

Answer 79

Indelible cannot be wiped out If something is *indelible*, you better hope you never regret it, like the *indelible* tattoo of the name of your favorite band or the *indelible* first impression it might give people you meet years from now, especially if your taste in music changes. The adjective *indelible* describes something that can't be erased or removed, like marks made by an indelible marker, or an indelible moment you will never forget, like your first day of kindergarten or the first time you visit a new, exotic place. It comes from the Latin word *indelebilis*, meaning "not able to be destroyed."

Question 80

Quarantine

Answer 80

Quarantine isolation to prevent the spread of disease If you contract something highly infectious, such as pinkeye, please *quarantine* yourself so that you don’t infect others with it. This means you’ll have to stay in isolation and avoid contact with other people. Starting in the 16th century, a quarantine lasted specifically 40 days. The word is in fact derived from the Latin *quadraginta,* which means "forty." Originally, this referred to the amount of time a widow could remain in her deceased husband’s house, then referred to the period of time a ship had to wait off a country’s port if its passengers were disease-stricken. Now, it can mean a period of isolation of any length, and can be used as both a verb and a noun.

Question 81

Incessant

Answer 81

Incessant without stopping Something *incessant* continues without interruption. When you're on a cross country flight, it's tough to tolerate the *incessant* crying of a baby. In Latin, *cessare* means 'to stop,' so when you add the negative prefix *in*- you get a word meaning never stopping. A near synonym is *continual*, but something *incessant* is more relentless; *ceaseless* is a closer synonym. It's rare to find *incessant* used in a positive way. Even incessant sunshine would grow boring.

Question 81

Peripheral

Answer 81

Peripheral on the edge; not important Scanners, printers, and speakers are *peripheral* devices for a computer because they aren't central to the working of the computer itself. Anything *peripheral* is on the margin, or outside, while main things, like a computer's processor, are not *peripheral*. Outside of computer jargon, *peripheral* is a common term in eye exams, which measure peripheral vision to see how far toward the outer right and left edges you can see. *Peripheral* also describes nerves from the body's peripheral system, which are secondary to the main system but branch off of it — like the wires between peripheral devices and a computer.

Question 82

Overt

Answer 82

Overt obvious; not hidden *Overt* means open and done in plain sight. An *overt* attempt to get your teacher off-track might fail. Instead, try asking subtle questions about her kids, and she'll stay off topic all class. If you speak French, remember that *overt* is the same as the French *ouvert* "open." If you don't speak French, give up all hope of ever learning this word. Just kidding –– forgive the overt attempt at humor. English speakers, here's your trick for remembering the difference between *overt* and *covert*: *overt* = "open," *covert* = "covered."

Question 82

Clientele

Answer 82

Clientele customers Your customers are your *clientele*. If you own a pet food store, your *clientele* might be two-footed and four-pawed. The noun *clientele* is often preceded by an adjective to describe the exact type of customer. Little boutiques in upscale neighborhoods probably cater to an exclusive clientele, while the kids' hair salon might have Barney on video to keep the young clientele motionless in their chairs. Regardless of business type, you are always trying to please the clientele.

Question 83

Discordancy

Answer 83

Discordancy cacophony; harshness; jarring

Question 83

Pyromania

Answer 83

Pyromania compulsion to start fires It is never a good idea to leave a person who suffers from *pyromania* alone with a box of matches, since *pyromania* is a strong urge to start fires. Manias, compulsions or obsessions, are rarely good things, and this one is especially undesirable: an uncontrollable impulse to set fires. The *pyr-* part, from Greek for "fire," appears in *pyramid*, *pyrotechnic*, and *empyreal*; the English word *fire* is also distantly related. The *mania* part means "madness" in Greek, and "fire madness" is a good way to think of *pyromania*.

Question 83

Drone

Answer 83

Drone 1. monotonous noise?(n); 2. to speak with no emotion?(v); 3.male bee A *drone* is a male bee whose only job — and only purpose in life — is to fertilize the queen bee's eggs. That's why some workers who do their jobs robotically, not trying to innovate but just get through each day, are sometimes, and negatively, called drones. *Drone* can be a noun and a verb: it is both a low, monotonous sound, like the drone of a boring teacher that makes students struggle to stay awake, and the act of making that sound — that teacher drones on and on, never noticing that everyone is staring out the window. *Drone* can also refer to a worker whose low level of ambition suggests he or she will never rise through the ranks to become a top decision-maker at the company.

Question 84

Malediction

Answer 84

Malediction a curse "Darn you!" "Go bury your head in the sand." "You ugly nincompoop!" Each of those nasty curses is a *malediction* (and, I’m sure, nothing *you* would ever say to another human being). A *malediction* is a curse. Not like the kind a witch puts on someone, but close. More like what the schoolyard bully says to hurt someone’s feelings. On purpose. *Malediction* has *male* in it, but it’s not a slur against men or boys. *Mal* comes from the Latin for "evil" and "diction," and as you may remember, has to do with what we say. So a *malediction* is an evil statement directed at someone else. Pretty nasty, if you ask me.

Question 85

Drivel

Answer 85

Drivel nonsense *Drivel* is useless, boring information. If you *drivel*, you talk stupidly or actually drool. Your parent might think the articles in your favorite fashion magazine are *drivel*. Etymologists suspect *drivel* comes to us from the Old Norse word *draf*, meaning "malt dregs." This would make sense, given that *drivel* is usually talk or writing about as useless as dregs. If you don't prepare for an oral report, the unfortunate result may be that your teacher finds your disorganized ramblings to be pure drivel. *Drivel* also means to dribble saliva. If a friendly dog licks your hand, leaving it wet and gooey, you can assume he driveled on it.

Question 85

Gibbering

Answer 85

Gibbering making meaningless noises

Question 86

Diffident

Answer 86

Diffident lacking confidence The adjective *diffident* describes someone who is shy and lacking in self-confidence. If you are shy and have a *diffident* manner, you should probably not choose one of these professions: substitute teacher, stand-up comic, or lion-tamer. *Diffident* can describe someone who is reserved and restrained. Some may mistake your diffident manner for coolness or aloofness. Although it may be in your nature to be diffident, you will find it impossible to remain so when you visit my family. They are a big, noisy, outgoing bunch and they will make you join in the fun until you let loose and open up. Don't say you weren't warned!

Question 87

Infallible

Answer 87

Infallible perfect; flawless; cannot make mistakes "Fallible" means capable of making mistakes — or, easier to remember — capable of failing. *Infallible* means exactly the opposite — incapable of failing. This word is often used to describe human capacity for error — no one is infallible. And yet, we are able to be infallible in certain ways: children are infallibly curious, teenagers infallibly hungry. Interestingly, *infallible* derives from the Latin *in-* "not" + *fallere* "deceive." When did making a mistake and deception become the same thing?

Question 89

Hidebound

Answer 89

Hidebound rigid in opinions

Question 89

Pernicious

Answer 89

Pernicious destructive; harmful * Pernicious* means harmful and subtle, such as a poison gas that causes cancer in those exposed to it over the course of years. * Pernicious* comes from the Latin *perniciosus,* for destructive, which in turn comes from *pernicies,* for death or ruin. You might have heard your parents and teachers talk about the pernicious effects of watching too much TV and playing video games all day––they'll turn your brain to mush.

Question 90

Paradox

Answer 90

Paradox apparently contradictory statement Here's a mind-bender: "This statement is false." If you think it's true, then it must be false, but if you think it's false, it must be true. Now, that's a *paradox*! A paradox is a logical puzzler that contradicts itself in a baffling way. "This statement is false" is a classic example, known to logicians as "the liar's *paradox*." Paradoxical statements may seem completely self-contradictory, but they can be used to reveal deeper truths. When Oscar Wilde said, "I can resist anything except temptation," he used a paradox to point to our fundamental weakness to give in to tempting things (like chocolate or a pretty smile), all the while imagining that we can hold firm and resist them.

Question 90

Mallet

Answer 90

Mallet 1. wooden hammer; 2. stick used for polo A *mallet* is a tool with a large, barrel-shaped, head — used to pound on something. You might use a mallet to strike an instrument or in playing croquet. Yeah, right. A mallet is a long-handled implement with a barrel-shaped head used in games like croquet or polo. In music, a mallet is a stick with a rounded end that is sometimes padded, used to strike percussion instruments like timpani, bells, or a marimba. Use your yarn or rubber mallets to play the marimba, and use your wooden mallets to play the xylophone.

Question 90

Austere

Answer 90

Austere severely plain The adjective *austere* is used to describe something or someone stern or without any decoration. You wouldn't want someone to describe you or your home as *austere*. *Austere* is not usually a positive word because it means that a person or a thing isn't pleasurable. For example, if you go on an austere diet, it's likely you wouldn't ever get to have candy. The adjective comes into English by way of French, Latin, and Greek, meaning "harsh" and "dry." It's pronounced as "o-stir," with an emphasis on the second syllable.

Question 91

Vapid

Answer 91

Vapid dull; uninspiring Reserve the adjective *vapid* for the airhead in your office that brings nothing to the table, except maybe the doughnuts. *Vapid* is an adjective to describe someone or something that is dull or uninspiring. "We prefer not to consider the shockingly *vapid* and primitive comments uttered by athletes in postcontest interviews," David Foster Wallace wrote. The word was originally used in English in a much more literal sense, describing beverages that lacked flavor. It comes from the Latin word *vapidus*, literally "having exhaled its vapor."

Question 92

Usurp

Answer 92

Usurp take someone's position (usually by force) If you take over your neighbor's backyard and claim his in-ground swimming pool as your own, you might seize control of, or *usurp* his yard, but he'll probably call the cops on you. Leaders who usurp power don't ask for permission to take control of their country. They seize power, often with the help of a large army of followers. A usurper doesn't have to be human. A brand-new radio station can usurp the most popular station in town by playing a better mix of music.

Question 93

Fitful

Answer 93

Fitful not continuous; stopping and starting An adjective that sounds a little like what it means, *fitful* means stopping and starting, on-again off-again, switching suddenly. I had a *fitful* night's sleep: I woke up several times throughout the night. A fit is a disturbance that happens without warning, like a tantrum, tremor, or spasm. If something is fitful, it's "full of fits." A night at the opera is a night of fitful pleasures: the arias are cool, but the rest of the show is boring. I've made only fitful progress trying to lose weight, because I lose only a few pounds at a time, and they almost always come right back: my progress is fitful because it comes in "fits and starts."

Question 94

Parsimony

Answer 94

Parsimony stinginess; frugality; cost-cutting *Parsimony* is a noun to use when you are watching your money very carefully. So you're not just saving your pennies for a rainy day — you're clipping coupons, re-using dryer sheets, and refusing to pay full price for anything. It's not a bad thing to engage in a little parsimony. Related to an ancient Latin word meaning "to spare," *parsimony* keeps your checking account in the black and your retirement plan well funded. But get a little too parsimonious and you might start to look like Uncle Scrooge — an old miser who learned the hard way that practicing extreme parsimony doesn't win you love and admiration.

Question 95

Contrite

Answer 95

Contrite sorry We are sorry to inform you that the adjective *contrite* means to feel regret, remorse, or even guilt. Someone who feels remorse or guilt is *contrite* and in addition to feeling sorry, part of the definition includes wanting to atone for a having done something wrong. The word comes from the Latin roots *com*- meaning "together" and *terere* which means "to rub." It's also related to the Latin word *conterere* and is defined as "to bruise." In the field of theology being *contrite* is "being remorseful for past sin and resolved to avoid future sin."

Question 97

Timorous

Answer 97

Timorous cowardly; fearful A *timorous* person is timid or shy, like your *timorous* friend who likes to hang out with close pals but gets nervous around big groups of new people. The adjective *timorous* is actually the Latin word for "fearful." But *timorous* is a specific kind of fearfulness — the kind that strikes people before giving a speech, or walking into a crowded place where people are socializing. Also called "shy" or "timid," timorous people often become more comfortable when they see a familiar face in the crowd.

Question 97

Eccentric

Answer 97

Eccentric unusual; quirky; odd You're most likely to encounter the adjective *eccentric* in a description of an unusual or quirky person — like a scatter-brained aunt who leaves her life savings to her cat. From the Greek *ekkentros*, "out of the center," this word originally had to do with the orbits of planets that were observed to be slightly out of whack. Eventually it came to describe people who were a little kooky, both as an adjective and as a noun, too: *an eccentric* is an unconventional, odd person. Think of them as following a slightly different orbit from the rest of society.

Question 98

Acuity

Answer 98

Acuity sharpness (mental or visual) *Acuity* has to do with sharpness and smartness. Do you always get A's in math? Then you have an *acuity* for numbers. People often talk about "mental *acuity*," which is a fancy way of saying intelligence, brains, or smartness. There are specific kinds of *acuity,* too. As people become very old, they tend to lose their acuity in many areas, including their vision, which is one reason very old people don't drive as well. A 40-year-old quarterback isn't going to have the same acuity for seeing receivers and throwing the ball as a 25-year-old quarterback.

Question 98

Ominous

Answer 98

Ominous threatening If something looks or sounds *ominous*, be careful, a threat or an unpleasant event is at hand. If you see an *ominous* frown on your boss's face, you're in trouble! *Ominous,* and the related word *omen* both come from the 16th century Latin word *ōmen* "foreboding." However, unlike *omen,* which is a sign of something good or bad to come, *ominous* always describes something unpleasant or threatening. If the future looks ominous, you've got nothing to look forward to. Figuratively, an ominous sky or ominous clouds promise rain or a storm.

Question 98

Anarchy

Answer 98

Anarchy chaos; lack of government Use the noun *anarchy* to describe a complete lack of government — or the chaotic state of affairs created by such an absence. A substitute teacher might worry that an unruly classroom will descend into *anarchy*. From the Greek for "without a ruler" we get this word for the political philosophy that the best government is no government at all — a movement that enjoyed surprising success worldwide in the early and middle parts of the twentieth century. Today, the word is more commonly used to describe not a political ideal but a state of total disorder, chaos and even violence: "A type of bloody *anarchy* is beginning to reign." A good synonym would be "lawlessness."

Question 98

Perpetuity

Answer 98

Perpetuity eternity The word *perpetuity* means the property of being perpetual, or lasting forever. The *perpetuity* of an eternal flame means that it will burn forever, while an ordinary candle flame will eventually extinguish. First appearing in the 15th century, the noun *perpetuity* derives from the Latin word *perpetuus* meaning "continuing throughout." It can mean the quality of being perpetual, continuing forever, or everlasting. If a person sent into exile from their native country is never allowed to return, they have been banished "in *perpetuity*."

Question 99

Lynch

Answer 99

Lynch assassinate; kill; illegal hanging

Question 100

Nondescript

Answer 100

Nondescript having no special features; dull and ordinary *Nondescript* is a word used to describe something that isn't special or unusual in any way. You might have trouble finding a *nondescript* apartment building because it looks exactly like every other apartment building around it. You could use the word *nondescript* to describe your blind date if she was completely uninteresting and dull, both in looks and personality. Some houses are so nondescript that you have to drive by several times just to make sure it's the right one.

Question 101

Byline

Answer 101

Byline the line that tells you who wrote an article

Question 102

Eclectic

Answer 102

Eclectic taking things from different sources She listens to hip-hop, Gregorian chant, and folk music from the '60s. He's been seen wearing a handmade tuxedo jacket over a thrift-store flannel shirt. They both have *eclectic* tastes. The English word *eclectic* first appeared in the seventeenth century to describe philosophers who did not belong to a particular school of thought, but instead assembled their doctrines by picking and choosing from a variety of philosophical systems. Today, the word can refer to any assemblage of varied parts. You can have an eclectic group of friends (friends from diverse groups), eclectic taste in furniture (a mixture of 18th-century French chairs, Andy Warhol paintings, and Persian rugs), or enjoy eclectic cuisine (fusion cooking that uses ingredients from different national cuisines).

Question 103

Discord

Answer 103

Discord disagreement * Discord* is the strife and tension that arises when two sides disagree on something, like the high pitched screaming of two kids fighting over the front seat of the car. * Discord* can be broken down into the prefix *dis*, meaning "different," and *cord*, which stems from an old word for "heart." So that leaves us with "different hearts." So if we're talking about music, discord means a lack of harmony — tones that clash so badly your ears bleed. But when there's discord between people, their hearts are in different places — which usually results in more than a few raised voices clashing disharmoniously.

Question 103

Quirk

Answer 103

Quirk oddity A *quirk* is a unique, odd, and sometimes charming trait that makes a person stand out from the crowd. Country comedian Minnie Pearl was known for her *quirk* of wearing a $1.98 price tag dangling from her hat. A *quirk* can be an adorable little habit, like wearing flowery dresses and big sun bonnets or bow ties every day. Someone who has one or many *quirks* is said to be *quirky* — a little odd, but usually in a fun way. When it's not being used to describe people's unusual traits, *quirk* can mean a quick curve, or a groove, that runs along or separates the molding in a building.

Question 103

Gullibility

Answer 103

Gullibility unwariness; trustfulness; being easily fooled *Gullibility* is the quality of believing in things too quickly. Someone with a lot of *gullibility* can be easily tricked. There's an old joke: "Did you know *gullible* isn't in the dictionary?" If you say "Really?" in response, then you are proving to be gullible: a little too ready to believe what you hear. The word for this quality or tendency is *gullibility*. Being superstitious shows gullibility. Believing tabloid newspapers shows gullibility. Falling easily for jokes and pranks shows gullibility. People with high gullibility are a little too trusting: they’re not suspicious of anyone.

Question 104

Pristine

Answer 104

Pristine unspoiled If something is *pristine* it's immaculately clean or has never been used. So please check your shoes before walking on a *pristine* white carpet. A long, long time ago *pristine* was used to describe primitive or ancient things. It wasn’t until 1899 that the word grew to mean "unspoiled" or "pure." Ecologists strive to preserve pristine rain forests, just as vacationers are always looking for a pristine strip of beach to lounge on. A new car should arrive to you in pristine condition, and hopefully you'll do your best to keep it that way.

Question 105

Objective

Answer 105

Objective unbiased; not subjective If a police officer falls in love with a witness in a case, it might be hard for him to stay *objective* — that is, looking at things in a detached, impartial, fact-based way. The opposite of *objective* is *subjective*, "influenced by personal feelings or opinions." Of course, an objective view isn't always preferable to a subjective one; it would be hard to imagine an art critic who stayed objective. The word comes from the Latin *ob* "against" + *jacere* "to throw"; an objective view is one that considers only things that have been "thrown against" your eyes, so to speak. *Objective* has also been used as a noun meaning "a goal," as in "military *objectives*."

Question 105

Trinket

Answer 105

Trinket something of little value; knick-knack The word *trinket* refers to an inexpensive, flashy ornament or piece of jewelry. A rhinestone brooch to pin to your jacket is a showy *trinket* that won't break the bank. Trinkets aren't always made to be worn like jewelry. The word *trinket* can also refer to novelty items such as silly magnets with sayings on them or keepsake spoons. If you've ever stopped into a store at the airport that sells goods like keychains, mugs, and buttons, then you've seen trinkets. Trinkets are often purchased on a vacation — they're small enough to stick into your pockets before you board the plane home.

Question 105

Tyro

Answer 105

Tyro novice; beginner A *tyro* is a beginner, a new recruit, or someone who is just learning something. If you are the new guy at the job and you're wearing a big dorky badge that says "Trainee" on it, you are a *tyro*. *Tyro* isn't used much these days but it's similar to *newbie*, *novice*, or *recruit*. We have all been tyros at some point, but it doesn't necessarily prevent us from hazing the new kid, the next-generation tyro. *Tyro* can also be used as an adjective to describe someone new to a particular scene — such as "the *tyro congressman*" or "the *tyro quarterback*."

Question 105

Profound

Answer 105

Profound having deep meaning When you need a word that's deeper than "deep," consider *profound*. *Profundus* meant literally "deep" in Latin, and *profound* had the same meaning when it entered English in the 14th century. But even then, it also meant "figuratively deep" — that is, very great or intense: "The new laws have had a *profound* impact." Of people, it means "very knowledgeable or insightful," but sometimes if a person tries to sound profound they're really just giving you superficial knowledge dressed up with big words.

Question 106

Vehement

Answer 106

Vehement forceful You can use the adjective *vehement* to describe an extremely strong, powerful, or intense emotion or force. The teenager argued for a much later curfew in a vehement speech to her parents; her parents responded with an equally vehement "No way!" *Vehement* is from Latin and was originally applied to intense natural phenomena: pain, heat, wind, etc. It is now more commonly used for intense emotions or beliefs. With the adverb form, people can be vehemently in favor of something, but the more common usage is for people to be vehemently opposed to something. Many people, for example, are vehemently opposed to politicians they didn't vote for, other people spoiling the endings of movies or books, or someone else taking the last piece of chocolate. The stress is on the first syllable (VEE-uh-ment).

Question 107

Garrulous

Answer 107

Garrulous talkative A *garrulous* person just won’t stop talking (and talking, and talking, and talking...). *Garrulous* comes from the Latin word *garrire* for "chattering or prattling." If someone is garrulous, he doesn't just like to talk; he indulges in talking for talking’s sake — whether or not there’s a real conversation going on. If you discover that you have a garrulous neighbor sitting next to you on the plane, you might just want to feign sleep, unless you really want to hear everything going through his mind for the entire trip.

Question 108

Underscore

Answer 108

Underscore emphasize To *underscore* is to draw special attention to a fact, idea, or situation. When you're involved in a debate, it’s wise to *underscore* the points that best support your argument. Literally, *underscore* means "to underline," or draw a line beneath a word to emphasize it. In common speech, to underscore something is to call attention to it. If a worker sustained an injury on the job, for instance, the event would underscore the need for workplace safety. *Underscore* is also used to mean "emphasize." During a job interview, you want to underscore any experience that relates to the job you are applying for.

Question 109

Annex

Answer 109

Annex take possession of; seize; capture An *annex* is an extension of, or an addition to a building. A small room off of a main room is an *annex,* and attics are another type of annex. As a noun, an *annex* is part of a building or an addition to a main structure, or it can be an attachment, as in "an annex to the current plans." When used as a verb, the word means something a little different. Sometimes *annex* is used as a nice word for "take" or "grab," as when Nazi Germany took the Sudetenland from Czechoslovakia in 1938 and added it to their own territory. In order to *annex* something to what is yours, you have to take it away from someone else.

Question 111

Counterfeit

Answer 111

Counterfeit fake; false A *counterfeit* is a fake or a forgery. If you painted an uncanny copy of the "Mona Lisa" and tried to pass it off as the original, you'd have a *counterfeit* on your hands. An exact imitation of anything — a work of art, a ten dollar bill — is a counterfeit, and the act of creating the fake copy is the verb to *counterfeit*. You can also describe the forgery using the adjective form of *counterfeit*: a counterfeit Rolex watch. In Old French, the word *contre*, "counter or against", together with the word *faire*, "to make," joined together to mean "to make in imitation," which led to our *counterfeit*.

Question 111

Exemplify

Answer 111

Exemplify to serve as a good example If you *exemplify* something, you're the perfect example of it. Say you wear frilly shirts, knee-high boots, and black eye-make-up — you *exemplify* the fashion world's obsession with pirates. Exemplifying something can also mean make it clearer by offering an illustration or an example. If you want to exemplify your argument that, say, pirate gear is fashionable, you might want to show your friends some pictures of celebrities wearing eye patches.

Question 113

Largess

Answer 113

Largess generosity

Question 114

Effigy

Answer 114

Effigy a model of a person In modern usage, *effigy* most often refers to a likeness, such as a dummy, that is hanged, burned, or otherwise abused when protesting the despised person's actions. If you've encountered the phrase "in *effigy*," it's probably been in a news report about protesters burning a stuffed figure made to look like a loathed corporate leader or head of state. Since the 18th century or longer, effigies have been destroyed in place of individuals who, as far as the angry crowd is concerned, have escaped justice. *Effigy* can also refer to a sculptural portrait of the deceased reclining upon a burial monument.

Question 115

Wily

Answer 115

Wily cunning Did you fall for that *wily* door to door salesman's pitch? He must be very slick and tricky to have convinced you to buy a set of new tires, considering you don't have a car. How can you remember the meaning of the adjective *wily*? Just think about the old Warner Brothers Looney Tunes cartoons. Their aptly named cartoon character, Wile E. Coyote, got his name from a clever play on words. Wile E. is supposed to be cunning, crafty, and clever — in other words, wily. Wile E. is all those things, but unfortunately he was usually bested by that pesky roadrunner anyway. Meep. Meep.

Question 116

Saccharin

Answer 116

Saccharin falsely sweet

Question 116

Scrupulous

Answer 116

Scrupulous careful; diligent; painstaking *Scrupulous* means very careful to do things properly and correctly, such as paying friends back for money borrowed right away, or not returning a pair of shoes after they've been worn outdoors. A *scrupulous* person is full of *scruples,* which are concerns about doing things that are morally right. Such a person is hesitant or doubtful, and might have trouble deciding what is morally right or wrong. The adjective *scrupulous* is from Latin *scrūpulōsus*, from *scrūpulus* "scruple." A near synonym is *punctilious*.

Question 117

Itinerant

Answer 117

Itinerant nomadic; wandering from place to place An *itinerant* is a person who moves from place to place, typically for work, like the *itinerant* preacher who moves to a new community every few years. *Itinerant* is pronounced "eye-TIN-er-ant." It might remind you of *itinerary*, the traveler's schedule that lists flights, hotel check-in times, and other plans. It's no surprise that both words come from the Latin word *itinerare*, meaning "to travel." *Itinerant* was first used in the 16th century to describe circuit judges who traveled to faraway courtrooms. Today, almost anyone can be an itinerant.

Question 118

Repudiate

Answer 118

Repudiate shun; eschew To *repudiate* something is to reject it, or to refuse to accept or support it. If you grow up religious, but *repudiate* all organized religion as an adult, you might start spending holidays at the movies, or just going to work. This verb usually refers to rejecting something that has authority, such as a legal contract, doctrine, or claim. In connection with debts or other obligations, *repudiate* is used in the specialized sense "to refuse to recognize or pay." If referring to a child or a lover, *repudiate* is used in the sense "to disown, cast off." This verb is derived from Latin *repudiare* "to put away, divorce."

Question 120

Ephemeral

Answer 120

Ephemeral short-lived Something that is fleeting or short-lived is *ephemeral*, like a fly that lives for one day or text messages flitting from cellphone to cellphone. *Ephemeral* (ə-FEM-ər-əl) was originally a medical term with the specific meaning "lasting only one day," as a fever or sickness (*Hemera* means "day" in Greek.) The word became more general, coming to mean "lasting a short time," covering the life spans of plants or insects and then eventually anything that is fleeting or transitory. A related word is the plural noun *ephemera*, meaning "things that are meant to last for only a short time." Posters for a rock concert are often ephemera, unless the band is so famous that they get saved and sold on eBay.

Question 121

Quaint

Answer 121

Quaint picturesque *Quaint* means strange and unusual in an old-fashioned and charming way. It's a word you'd use to describe a little store that sells tea cozies and antique tea services, or your grandmother's habit of calling the radio the "wireless." There is a commonly used sarcastic sense of quaint––when something is run down or shabby and you're trying to say something positive, you might substitute "How...quaint" for "How...interesting." In Middle English, this adjective meant clever or cunning. Its origin is Old French *queinte, cointe*, from Latin *cognitus* "known," from *cognōscere* "to learn."

Question 122

Vehemence

Answer 122

Vehemence violence; fervor; forcefulness Something with *vehemence* is forceful and energetic. If you passionately believe that your neighbor is mistreating his dog, speak to him with *vehemence*. *Vehemence* is the quality of being vehement, or powerful. We often describe passionate speeches as having vehemence. You could also describe a violent natural event as vehement. A hurricane sweeps onto coastal land with destructive vehemence. If your dancing style is wild and involves throwing your limbs every which way as fast as possible, then you dance with vehemence.

Question 123

Extrapolate

Answer 123

Extrapolate extend; predict on the basis of known data When you *extrapolate*, you use specific details to make a general comment. For example, if you travel to Canada and encounter only friendly, kind natives, you might *extrapolate* that all Canadians are friendly. The verb *extrapolate* can mean "to predict future outcomes based on known facts." For example, looking at your current grade report for math and how you are doing in class now, you could extrapolate that you'll likely earn a solid B for the year. Another meaning of *extrapolate* is "estimate the value of." You could extrapolate how much your antique watch is worth by finding how much similar watches sold for at recent auctions.

Question 124

Preclude

Answer 124

Preclude prevent or make impossible To *preclude* something is to prevent it from happening. A muzzle *precludes* a dog from biting. This is a very formal word, but it has a simple meaning: when something is precluded, it can't happen. See the prefix *pre* in *preclude* and in *prevent*? It is signaling that these words are all about things done before another action would happen — to make it impossible. Staying away from water precludes the possibility of drowning, though it also precludes any chance of having fun swimming.

Question 126

Epistolary

Answer 126

Epistolary concerned with letters; through correspondence Any correspondence or communication written in the form of a letter or series of letters is said to be *epistolary.* They've gone out of fashion now, but in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries the "epistolary novel," written in the form of fictional letters to and from various corespondents, was all the rage. One of the most famous such novels (or at least part epistolary) is Bram Stoker's "Dracula." *Epistolary* is related to the word *epistle,* a fancy term for "letter."

Question 126

Cacophony

Answer 126

Cacophony discordant loud noises A *cacophony* is a mishmash of unpleasant sounds, often at loud volume. It's what you'd hear if you gave instruments to a group of four-year olds and asked them to play one of Beethoven's symphonies. A *cacophony* is a jarring, discordant mix of sounds that have no business being played together. When the orchestra tunes up before a show, it sounds like a cacophony because each musician is playing a completely different tune, at different times, and at different volumes. Once the show begins, that cacophony had better turn into a melody, or audiences will demand a refund. This allegedly occurred during the first time Igor Stravinsky's score for the ballet "The Rite of Spring" was performed because its difficult composition and discordant tone was shocking.

Question 127

Prot�g�

Answer 127

Prot�g� "person under protection of, or guided by another"

Question 127

Tactile

Answer 127

Tactile concerned with the sense of touch *Tactile* has to do with the sense of touch. There's a huge *tactile* difference between smooth glass and rough sandpaper. Anything to do with touch can be described as tactile. Even notice how a dog would rather sleep on a soft blanket than a rubbery leather couch? That's because dogs have tactile preferences: the softer the better. Different textures of food are tactile — they feel different in your mouth, aside from how they taste. You deal with the world of tactile things every day — you use your tactile sense whenever you touch anything.

Question 128

Digress

Answer 128

Digress wander off the subject If we're talking about science fiction, and you suddenly go off on a long tangent about the cost of grape soda, you *digress*. When a person *digresses*, they stray from the topic. It's easy to understand why you digressed from the main topic. You were incredibly excited, speeding on caffeine, and, let's face it, you've never been at a loss for words. Don't get me wrong: I love your wanderings — how you drift from one topic to the next, letting your mind explore. The problem was that the meeting was running late and there was no time to let you digress. I had to pull you back to the main topic. I didn't want our potential new partners to get the idea that these digressions were typical.

Question 128

Benignity

Answer 128

Benignity compassion; gentleness; fondness

Question 129

Castigate

Answer 129

Castigate scold strongly Use *castigate* when you mean reprimand but in an especially harsh way. If you take a mean teacher's books, even accidently, you might worry that she's going to *castigate* you as soon as she finds out. *Castigate* means punish, and punish harshly, but the punishment is always a severe scolding. Sometimes it means criticize severely. Politicians in the Senate are always *castigating* each other for their alliances and opinions. *Castigate* and *chasten*, which also means "to reprimand" but is less severe, share the Latin root *castus* which means "pure." Ideally, if you castigate someone, you mean to guide someone away from the wrong path and toward a more pure one. But it sure doesn't feel like that when you're being castigated!

Question 129

Redress

Answer 129

Redress put right something that was wrong The verb *redress* is used when you are supposed to fix a problem and make amends. You want your parents to *redress* the fact that you don't have a pet. Your parents offer to get a hamster, but instead, you say you want a monkey. *Redress* can be used as both a noun and a verb. In the noun form, it is the compensation for setting something right. As a verb it means to correct, right a wrong, or make restitution for something. The union organizers wanted the company to redress the fact that workers weren't getting lunch breaks.

Question 130

Quaff

Answer 130

Quaff drink down quickly To *quaff* is to gulp. You’re in a desert; you haven’t had water in days; you’re wicked thirsty. Then you find an oasis! You lean over and *quaff* the water. If you’re in a room with your favorite foods, you might stuff the food into your mouth. Quaffing is the same fun, but with beverages instead of foods. But just like with stuffing food, quaffing means you drink a little too much. Often, quaffing refers to alcoholic drinks, but it can mean any beverage in general, like milkshakes. Quaff a milkshake and you’ll get a headache, but you’ll have fun doing it.

Question 131

Enshroud

Answer 131

Enshroud cover

Question 132

Protagonist

Answer 132

Protagonist "main character in film, book, play etc." A *protagonist* is the central character in a story: the protagonist of *Huckleberry Finn* is — guess who? — Huckleberry Finn. A novel, movie, or play might have many main characters, but it can really only have one *protagonist* — or maybe two in the case of, say, *Romeo and Juliet*. That's because *protos* means "first" in Greek, and *agonistes* means "competitor" or "actor." It can also mean a leading figure in a real-life situation: "Abraham Lincoln and Jefferson Davis were the *protagonists* of the U.S. Civil War." Don't use it to mean "a supporter of an idea or cause"; the word you're looking for in that situation is *proponent*.

Question 133

Egalitarianism

Answer 133

Egalitarianism belief in equality *Egalitarianism* is the belief that all people are created equal. Remember the Reverend Martin Luther King? He was a fervent believer in *egalitarianism*. Egalitarianism is a set of beliefs that generally promote equality for all mankind — regardless of gender, race, religious orientation, etc. An egalitarian is someone who practices egalitarianism, perhaps by promoting laws giving equal protection to women in the workplace or by advocating for illegal immigrants to have the same rights as citizens. The opposite of *egalitarianism* is *elitism*, which is the belief that certain people have a right to have their opinions heard more than others.

Question 134

Jocular

Answer 134

Jocular in a joking manner Do you like to make a lot of jokes? Are you often silly? Are you usually happy? If so, then you are a *jocular* person. Being *jocular* has to do with being both jokey and fun. A jocular suggestion is not a serious suggestion — it's a joke. Some people are more jocular than others: anyone who is ultra-serious and always frowning is not jocular. A comedian makes a job of being jocular. Class clowns can't stop being jocular, though the teacher might just see them as obnoxious. Being jocular is usually considered a good thing: it's not just about making a lot of jokes; it's about being happy and pleasant to be around.

Question 135

Subtle

Answer 135

Subtle not obvious Something that is *subtle* is not obvious: a professional food taster might be able to perceive subtle differences of flavor that most people don't notice. *Subtle* is used for things that are hard to describe because of their complexity or delicacy: a way of thinking, arguing, or creating a work of art. The word is pronounced like "suttle" and it was originally spelled that way when it was borrowed from Old French, but the *b* got imported to make the word look more like its ultimate source, the Latin adjective *subtilis*. If you try to pronounce the *b*, your ignorance of how to say the word properly won't be very subtle!

Question 136

Ruse

Answer 136

Ruse trick; stratagem Movie bank robbers always seem to pull some kind of *ruse*, a deceptive trick or tactic like hiding the money underneath the bank while they drive off in the getaway car to avoid capture by the police. You'd use a *ruse* if you were up to something sneaky and were trying to get away with it without being discovered. The wife planning a surprise birthday party for her husband could send him out to the supermarket as a *ruse*, a trick so she could sneak one hundred of his closest friends into the house without him noticing.

Question 137

Inertia

Answer 137

Inertia inactivity; lethargy * Inertia* is resistance to change. You hate looking at people's feet and yet you stay in your job as a shoe salesman year after year. Why? *Inertia*. * Inertia* is a physics term. Isaac Newtown discovered that a body at rest would stay at rest and a body moving through space would continue moving through space unless an external force (like friction or gravity) caused it to slow down or stop. Sometimes we need an external force to help us get going or to change direction, too, like a friend to tell us to get off the couch or to quit that job at the shoe store.

Question 137

Verbosity

Answer 137

Verbosity using too many words *Verbosity* is a quality possessed by people who talk a lot while saying very little at all. The root *verb* — also seen in *verbal* — is a clue this word has to do with talking. Specifically, verbosity is the quality of gabbing and blabbing at length. That might sound like a talent, and it sort of is, but usually the words are a bit empty. You could be accused of verbosity if you like to exaggerate or wax poetic. Most of the time, verbosity is empty talk — a whole lot of nothing dressed up in too many words.

Question 138

Furtive

Answer 138

Furtive hidden and secret If you're looking for a formal adjective to describe something sly or secret, sneak in *furtive.* Let's hope the teacher doesn't see your *furtive* attempts to pass notes in class! The adjective, *furtive,* is related to *fūrtum,* the Latin word for theft or robbery. This is apparent as the expressions "to give someone a *furtive* glance" and "to steal a glance at someone" mean the same thing. If a person's manner is furtive, he or she is acting suspiciously. *Secret*, *stealthy* and *sly* are all similar in meaning, but they lack this image of a thief's actions.

Question 138

Pivotal

Answer 138

Pivotal of central importance High school graduation is a *pivotal* moment in most people's lives — an important point that signifies a shift in direction. You see the word *pivot* in *pivotal*. That is because when something is pivotal, it is central, and everything related to the topic turns or depends on it. An election can be a pivotal moment in a nation's history if the direction the country takes depends on it. Your belief in reincarnation may be pivotal to how you treat animals. *Pivotal* means important, but it has the sense of centrality and turning.

Question 139

Lofty

Answer 139

Lofty snooty; arrogant; haughty *Lofty* is a good word for describing something that's high above the ground, or someone who acts like she's high above everyone else. Dating from the 15th century, *lofty* originally meant "exalted," or spiritually high, but soon came to mean physically high as well. A towering mountain can be called "lofty." So can someone who walks around with her nose in the air and speaks in a fake English accent. Even if she's only five-foot-two.

Question 140

Deplete

Answer 140

Deplete use up; lessen To *deplete* is to use up or consume a limited resource. Visiting relatives might *deplete* your refrigerator of food, or a pestering friend might *deplete* your patience. The verb *deplete* is used like "to drain." A long, exhausting day can deplete your body of energy and a summer drought can deplete a region’s water supply. If you *de*plete your body of hydration after a lot of exercise, be sure to *re*plete yourself with a nice glass of water.

Question 140

Maverick

Answer 140

Maverick a loner A *maverick* is a rebel, someone who shows a lot of independence. A *maverick* on a motorcycle might blaze his own trail, or show a *maverick* touch in a rough sport by wearing a helmet with the word "Mom" inside a heart. Samuel A. Maverick owned a lot of cattle, and he let them roam around Texas without a brand, or identification mark, seared into their skins. Samuel was a maverick for going against the common practice of tracking his animals, and his last name became part of the English language as both an adjective and a noun in the 19th century. Someone who acts very independently is a maverick, and individual actions that stand out are maverick, as in "her *maverick* jumping style on the ice was both wild and delicate."

Question 140

Intermittent

Answer 140

Intermittent sporadic; irregular Reach for the adjective *intermittent* to describe periodic movement and stopping and starting over a period of time. The adjective *intermittent* modifies things that work or stop and start at periodic intervals. An interesting use of something *intermittent* is a *metronome*, a device that marks off time in music by making a sound in a regular pattern. It provides structure for musicians, especially when there are several instruments all playing different melodies at the same time. Other *intermittent* things are the windshield wipers on your car and thank goodness for them when it rains!

Question 141

Deteriorate

Answer 141

Deteriorate worsen; decline When something gets worse due to neglect or an unfortunate health problem, stuff starts to *deteriorate* — or fall apart. The word *deteriorate* describes anytime something gets worse. Due to neglect, a relationship can deteriorate but so can the American highway system. Sadly, there seems to be no end to applications for the word *deteriorate*. And, the truth is at a certain age we all start deteriorating too.

Question 141

Relegate

Answer 141

Relegate dismiss to a lower position * Relegate* means assign to a lower position. If the quarterback of the football team stops making decent throws he might be *relegated* to the position of benchwarmer, while another kid is given the chance to play. * Relegate* rhymes with *delegate*––both words derive from the Latin *legare* "send." *Relegate* means to send someone down in rank. *Delegate* means to send someone in your place to complete a task. In the workplace, managers who can't figure out how to delegate may get relegated to a lesser rank.

Question 142

Lukewarm

Answer 142

Lukewarm 1. unenthusiastic; 2. neither hot nor cold Something *lukewarm* is just a teeny bit warm. *Lukewarm* feelings are also not very strong. *Lukewarm* is a word for things that are warm, but only barely. A forgotten cup of hot coffee will get lukewarm before it eventually gets cold. It's disappointing when food at a restaurant is served lukewarm; most people like their food hot. Also, people can have lukewarm feelings and reactions. If someone asks you out to lunch and you say, "Well, I guess that would be OK," that's a lukewarm response.

Question 142

Fractious

Answer 142

Fractious irritable; difficult to control If you're prone to picking fights, making snarky comments, and being frustratingly stubborn, you're *fractious*. And odds are you're not invited to too many parties. Someone who is *fractious* is cranky, rebellious and inclined to cause problems. Tempers and children are commonly described as such. In *To Kill A Mockingbird*, author Harper Lee uses the word to describe the trouble-making Calpurnia: "She had always been too hard on me, she had at last seen the error of her *fractious* ways, she was sorry and too stubborn to say so."

Question 143

Hieroglyphics

Answer 143

Hieroglyphics 1. picture writing; 2. writing which is difficult to read or enigmatic If your written language consists of pictures rather than letters and words, your written communication would be *hieroglyphic* in nature. Ancient Egyptian writing was *hieroglyphic*. The pictures that make up hieroglyphic language are called hieroglyphs. The word descended from the Greek *hierogluphikos* which could be translated to mean "sacred carvings." Back when written communication was literally carved in stone, most of what was written was important, or "sacred." Today if someone describes your handwriting as hieroglyphic, they mean something quite different - your writing is awful and illegible.

Question 144

Servile

Answer 144

Servile overly submissive; groveling If you want to get someone to like you, don't offer to fetch them a Coke, rub their feet, or do their homework. They won't like you any better, and your *servile* attitude will only cost you their respect. To remember *servile*, just think of the word *servant*––they both derive from the Latin *servus* "slave." In fact, *servile* also means anything characteristic of a slave. "After winning the lottery, the ex-slave shed first his servile clothes, later his servile manner. The transformation was complete."

Question 145

Cringe

Answer 145

Cringe recoil; flinch; shy away When you *cringe*, your body language shows you don't like what you see and hear. You close your eyes and grimace. You may even jerk your body away from the offensive sight or sound, like the old picture of you in an "awkward stage" that makes you *cringe* whenever you see it. Whether it's a song you hate or someone mentioning an embarrassing moment from the past, you *cringe* at things that are unpleasant. If you think about the way your body involuntarily flinches or bends in those situations, you won’t be surprised to learn that the word *cringe* can be traced back to the Old English word *cringan*, meaning "give way, fall (in battle), become bent." That’s exactly what your body does when you *cringe*!

Question 145

Hedonist

Answer 145

Hedonist a pleasure seeker Your parents might want to visit the museum while you want to hike in the forest, but your brother, the hedonist, just wants to lounge by the hotel pool and eat cake. A *hedonist* values sensual pleasure above all else. *Hedonist* comes from the Greek word *hedone* "pleasure" and is related to *hedys*, which means "sweet." Although this noun did not make its first appearance until 1822, the word was created as a reference to an ancient Greek philosophical system known as the Cyrenaic school. The Cyrenaics taught that pleasure — particularly physical pleasure — is the greatest good. If you need some examples of modern day hedonists, think the many celebrities today who are only famous for going to parties.

Question 145

Arable

Answer 145

Arable can be cultivated If you describe land as *arable*, it means that something can grow there. If you're looking to raise crops, you better find yourself a patch of *arable* land. *Arable* has its Latin roots in the word *arare*, which means "to plow." Arable soil is ground that can be plowed and cultivated. Chances are — if you are using the word *arable*, then either the word *land* or the word *soil* is following it; however, you might also see the phrase "*arable* crops" — meaning those crops that are able to be grown on arable land.

Question 145

Philistine

Answer 145

Philistine uncultured person

Question 147

Tirade

Answer 147

Tirade stream of verbal abuse A *tirade* is a speech, usually consisting of a long string of violent, emotionally charged words. Borrow and lose your roommate’s clothes one too many times, and you can bet you’ll be treated to a heated *tirade*. The noun *tirade* is related to the Italian word *tirata*, which means "volley." So imagine a very angry person lobbing harsh words and strings of profanity in your direction when you want to remember what *tirade* means. Although, *tirades* don't necessarily have to include bad words — any long, drawn out speech or epic declaration can be called a *tirade*.

Question 147

Bureaucracy

Answer 147

Bureaucracy officialdom A *bureaucracy* is an organization made up of many departments and divisions that are administered by lots of people. If you've ever had to deal with health insurance or financial aid, you're familiar with the dark side of *bureaucracy*. *Bureaucracy* has a bad reputation because it has come to mean an organization or government that is chin-deep in red tape and unnecessary procedures. When dealing with a *bureaucracy*, expect to fill out lots of forms and wait. *Bureaucracies* are mocked in the hilarious film "Brazil," where people have mind-numbing jobs they do while sitting at desks. *Bureaucracy* is an organization administered by people behind desks, or bureaus. Bureaus, get it?

Question 148

Pathos

Answer 148

Pathos evoking sadness or pity *Pathos* is a quality that stirs emotions. A song with a lot of *pathos* hits you right in the heart. You ever notice how some songs or movies appeal to your brains, while others appeal to your feelings? The ones that are all about feeling are full of pathos, an appeal to emotions that originally meant "suffering" in Greek. Often, this word has to do specifically with pity and sympathy: when someone tells a story about people suffering that makes you feel for them, that's pathos.

Question 149

Glacial

Answer 149

Glacial hostile; unfriendly; cold; icy Things that are *glacial* are super cold. A place can be *glacial* — like the South Pole — but a person can be *glacial*, too, like that unfriendly girl who gave you a *glacial* stare. The word *glacial* is related to the word *glacier*, which is a huge piece of ice. If something or someone is glacial, that thing or person is icy. You can give someone you don’t like a glacial look, or you can go skiing on a glacial morning. *Glacial* comes from the Latin *glacies*, which sounds like the name of a frozen dessert, but which actually just means "ice."

Question 151

Adamant

Answer 151

Adamant forceful; inflexible If you stubbornly refuse to change your mind about something, you are *adamant* about it. This word's story begins in ancient Greece, where philosophers spoke about a legendary unbreakable stone or metal they called *adamos* (literally, "invincible"). In English, people began to use the word to refer to something that cannot be altered, and then in the twentieth century — after *adamant* had been in English for about a thousand years — it came to be used as an adjective to mean "unyielding as stone." If you're adamant about something, no amount of persuasion is going to convince you otherwise.

Question 152

Vivify

Answer 152

Vivify enliven When you *vivify* something, you bring new excitement or life to it. If you decide to liven up your boring apartment by painting the walls every color of the rainbow, you can say that you're trying to *vivify* your home. You might vivify your family's meals by experimenting with exotic spices or vivify your school by hiring circus performers to ride unicycles up and down the halls. The Latin root word of *vivify* is *vivus*, or "alive," which is also the origin of the closely related word *vivid*.

Question 153

Inevitable

Answer 153

Inevitable cannot be avoided If something is *inevitable*, it will definitely happen, like death or tax season. *Inevitable* comes from the Latin word *inevitabilis*, which means unavoidable. If you say something is inevitable, you give the sense that no matter what scheme you come with to get around it, it's going to happen sooner or later. You can use all the skin products you want, but wrinkles are inevitable.

Question 154

Coercion

Answer 154

Coercion force * Coercion* is making something happen by force, like when bullies use *coercion* to make kids give them their lunch money. * Coercion* can be a threat, "The shady lawyer uses *coercion* when he threatens to get the waiter fired if he doesn't rat out his boss," or it can be actual brute force, as when the gangster breaks the messenger's leg to keep her from talking to the police. The police might use *coercion*, too, to get a confession. The prefix *co-* is derived from the Latin word for "together." So you can't use *coercion* on yourself; you need someone else to force into doing something.

Question 154

Modicum

Answer 154

Modicum small amount If you want to describe a small amount of something, try *modicum.* If you have a *modicum* of interest in something, you are a little bit interested. *Modicum* comes from the Latin *modicus,* for moderate, and *modus,* for measure. We often use it to mean "any at all," as if "If you had a *modicum* of sense (i.e. any sense at all), you'd be able to see that the pencil you've spent the last five minutes looking for is tucked behind your ear."

Question 155

Advocate

Answer 155

Advocate support You can refer to a person who's a public supporter of a cause as an *advocate*. As a noun, *advocate* (AD-və-kit) can mean a person who represents someone's interests, such as a lawyer. It can also mean someone who supports or works toward a particular course of action, as in "an advocate for civil rights." The verb *advocate* (AD-və-kate) means "to argue for" or "to publicly recommend": "I advocate stricter standards of online safety." The word comes from Latin *advocare*, "to call," as a witness in court.

Question 156

Tranquil

Answer 156

Tranquil peaceful When a place or your state of mind is peaceful, quiet and serene, it is *tranquil*. Like a pond with no ripples, *tranquil* means calm and placid. A pleasant state of mind, with nothing to agitate or cause anxiety, can also be considered *tranquil*. As you struggle through your yoga poses, the teacher might annoyingly exclaim how *tranquil* you should be feeling, and when you and your siblings bicker over every little thing, your parents are wishing the house were more *tranquil*.

Question 157

Droll

Answer 157

Droll dryly amusing Need a mental picture for the word *droll*? Think of one of those cute-homely troll dolls — blend those two words together — "doll" and "troll" — and you get *droll*, a description of a figure that is adorably strange and whimsically cute. The word *droll* comes from the archaic French word *drolle*, referring to a jolly good fellow. The French word comes perhaps from the Middle Dutch *drolle*, or "imp." The word came into English as both noun ("funny person, buffoon") and adjective ("funny, quaint, strange") in the 17th century.

Question 158

Cerebral

Answer 158

Cerebral intellectual If you are a *cerebral* person, no one would ever call you a drama queen. You make decisions using your intelligence and cold, hard facts, instead of your emotions. The word *cerebral* gets its meaning from *cerebrum*, which is Latin for brain. Cerebral people use their brains instead of their hearts. The cerebrum is a particular section of the brain, and anything related to that part is also cerebral, like in medicine. A *cerebral* hemorrhage, for example, means a hemorrhage has occurred in the brain — a phrase you'd never want to hear coming from a doctor.

Question 159

Truant

Answer 159

Truant shirker; someone absent without permission A *truant* is a student who is out of school without permission. If you skip school to go shopping with your friends, you are a *truant*. A person can be a truant, and behavior can be described as truant too, since it's both a noun and an adjective. Your teacher might call you a truant if you skip school and if you didn't show up at your donut shop job, you would also be a truant donut slinger. In fact, anyone who's unexpectedly absent can be described as truant. The Old French *truant* describes a beggar, especially one who lives this way by choice.

Question 159

Intransigence

Answer 159

Intransigence stubbornness If you refuse to compromise with your sister about whose turn it is to do the dishes, your mother might accuse you both of *intransigence*. *Intransigence* is a stubborn refusal to change your views. Inside of *intransigence* you see the Latin *transigere* which means to come to an understanding. People who show intransigence refuse to do this. Nations are often accused of intransigence when they refuse to comply with international standards or will.

Question 160

Trepidation

Answer 160

Trepidation fear When plain old "fear" isn't enough to get across a deep feeling of dread about something on the horizon, use the more formal word *trepidation*. "It was with a certain *trepidation* that I attended an advance screening of Rob Zombie's *Halloween* in Hollywood last night," wrote a film reviewer. Some dictionaries note that *trepidation* carries connotations of apprehension about an upcoming threat. In most cases, though, you can get by with the simpler word *fear* — why use three syllables when you could make do with one? The word comes from the Latin verb *trepidare*, "to tremble."

Question 161

Impious

Answer 161

Impious wicked; profane To be *impious* is to be disrespectful of god or duty. When someone is being *impious* they are doing things that their church, synagogue, temple, mosque, school principal, government or parents would find unacceptable. When you don’t show reverence for religion or god, you are impious. The adjective *impious* is related to the word *piety*, which means religious reverence. To be impious is to be without piety. Being impious is similar to being blasphemous, but it’s a little more passive to be impious, while blasphemy is more actively insulting. Also, when you act out against tradition or dutifulness, you could be considered impious. If you dodge a military draft, you will likely be considered impious.

Question 161

Frugal

Answer 161

Frugal economical; not wasting anything A person who lives simply and economically can be called *frugal*. Buying clothes at a consignment shop would be considered *frugal*. Not getting your mom a gift for her birthday — that's just cheap. *Thrifty*, *spartan*, and *prudent* are synonyms for *frugal*, a word that often has positive connotations when used to describe a person who lives a simple life. "The question for retailers is whether shoppers will remain *frugal* or slowly resume their old spending habits whenever they get more money in their pockets," wrote *The Wall Street Journal*. You might also speak of "a frugal meal" — a very plain, cheap one. The word is from Latin *frux*, meaning "fruit" (in the sense of "profit").

Question 162

Gritty

Answer 162

Gritty coarse; granular

Question 163

Subpoena

Answer 163

Subpoena summons to court A *subpoena* is a document that requires its recipient to appear in court as a witness. If you receive a *subpoena*, it doesn't mean you've done anything wrong; it just means you may have information that's needed by the court. *Subpoena* can also be a verb: You can subpoena someone by giving them a subpoena. If you receive a subpoena but fail to carry out its instructions, you're in big trouble. This fact is suggested by the Latin roots of this word: the prefix *sub-* means "under" and *poena* means "penalty." One nice thing about a subpoena is that it's not a summons; if you get one of those, it means you're being sued.

Question 164

Scale

Answer 164

Scale to climb How much do you love pizza? Rate it on a *scale* of one to ten, with one being blech and ten being amazing. A *scale* is a series that climbs up or down in a step-wise fashion. To *scale* something is to climb it, as in "scale a ladder," where you work your way up step by step. Think of a musical scale: do-re-mi-fa-so-la-ti-do, and then think of a scale you weigh yourself on––it counts up the pounds one after another after another. *Scale* can be a ratio too––when maps are drawn "to scale," that means one mile of real road might translate to one inch of road on the map. Even fish scales can be understood this way––they repeat the same shape row after row after row.

Question 165

Acquiesce

Answer 165

Acquiesce to agree to; give in to To *acquiesce* is to agree to something or to give in. If your kid sister is refusing to hand over the television remote, you hope she *acquiesces* before your favorite show comes on. The verb *acquiesce* comes from the Latin word *acquiescere*, meaning "to rest." If you "rest" or become passive in the face of something to which you object, you are giving tacit agreement, you acquiesce. If you want to go hiking with your family and your children are not interested, it will be a very tough day on the trail until they *acquiesce*.

Question 165

Frivolous

Answer 165

Frivolous not serious *Frivolous* things are silly or unnecessary. If something is *frivolous*, then you don't need it. Frivolous things are goofy, useless, or just plain dumb. The word is often used to describe lawsuits. A frivolous lawsuit has no value and will be a waste of the court's time, like someone suing McDonald's for making the coffee too hot (which actually happened). If someone is frivolous, that person shouldn't be taken seriously because he's always fooling around and never gets anything done. *Frivolous* is pretty much the opposite of *essential*.

Question 166

Plumage

Answer 166

Plumage feathers of a bird If you like the looks of the color and pattern formed by a bird’s feathers, then you like its *plumage*. The word *plumage* traces back to the French word *plume*, meaning feather, and it’s a way of referring to all the feathers that form the color and patterns of a particular bird. For example, birdwatchers study illustrations of birds so that they can recognize, say, a golden hawk in flight by its plumage.

Question 167

Profanity

Answer 167

Profanity swearing; cursing *Profanity* is a type of language that includes dirty words and ideas. Swear words, obscene gestures, and naughty jokes are all considered *profanity*. You know those four-letter words you're not supposed to say? They're profanity: language that's vulgar and obscene. R-rated movies and cable stations like HBO have a lot of profanity, but you won't hear it on a station like NBC or ABC. Profanity tends to be about off-color subjects, like sex and going to the bathroom. Everyone probably spews some profanity at some point, but you better be careful about who's listening.

Question 168

Proponents

Answer 168

Proponents promoters; supporters *Proponent* means someone who is in favor of something. You might be a *proponent* of longer vacations, but your parents are *proponents* of a longer school year. If you’re in favor of long school vacations, you’re *pro* or "for" long vacations. The prefix *pro-* also carries the meaning of "forward," "ahead," or "before." All of these senses are at work in *proponent*: someone who suggests (puts forward) an idea or who is in favor of an idea. A *proponent* *pro*poses an idea or advocates for a *pro*posal or a *pro*position.

Question 169

Derogatory

Answer 169

Derogatory uncomplimentary Something that's *derogatory* is insulting or disrespectful. If you make *derogatory* comments, that means you say things that are unflattering, unkind, or demeaning. *Derogatory* means about the same as *insulting*. Derogatory language is meant to hurt, and it usually does. If you feel offended or insulted by what someone says, the person probably said something derogatory. Racial, sexist, and homophobic slurs are all derogatory. Insults that mean someone is stupid or crazy are derogatory. Making a joke about someone's mother is derogatory.

Question 169

Emulate

Answer 169

Emulate to imitate something admired When you *emulate* someone, you imitate them, especially with the idea of matching their success. When someone is impressive because of their great skills, brains, strength, or accomplishments, other will emulate. To emulate is to imitate and model yourself after someone. People emulate role models — people they want to be like. After Michael Jordan retired from the NBA, player after player tried to emulate Jordan's game and success. It's hard to be as good as someone like that, but having a hero to emulate can be helpful in many areas of life.

Question 170

Desecration

Answer 170

Desecration spoiling something holy *Desecration* is a type of behavior that disrespects the sacredness or holiness of something. Words and actions that are offensive to a religion could be considered acts of *desecration*. Swearing is church is a type of desecration. Destroying a tombstone is a type of desecration. Depending on the religion, taking God's name in vain could be considered desecration. This word means something close to blasphemy or sacrilege. Sometimes, *desecration* is used in non-religious contexts, when an idea people care about is treated disrespectfully.

Question 171

Appease

Answer 171

Appease pacify; soothe; calm down; make peace with *Appease* means to make or preserve peace with a nation, group, or person by giving in to their demands, or to relieve a problem, as in "the cold drink *appeased* his thirst." The word often implies abandoning your moral principles to satisfy the demands of someone who is greedy for power: Think of British Prime Minister Chamberlain's attempt to *appease* the Nazis at Munich. The cold drink *appeased* his thirst. *Appease* is from Middle English *apaisen,* from *apaisier,* formed from the prefix *a-* "to" plus *pais* "peace," from Latin *pax*.

Question 171

Gratis

Answer 171

Gratis free of charge; without payment When there’s a concert you want to go to and your best friend gets tickets and takes you *gratis,* be grateful: that means you’re going for free. You can use *gratis* as a synonym for "free" or "without payment" as either an adjective or an adverb. For example, you buy a new smart phone and immediately download several free apps. You get your first bill, and see you’ve been charged for all those apps. When you call the phone company, you can say, "Those apps were labeled as *gratis*. I downloaded them *gratis.* Why are you charging me?"

Question 172

Indolence

Answer 172

Indolence laziness If your boss catches you sleeping with your head on your desk, she's likely to comment on your *indolence*. *Indolence* is another word for *laziness*. The noun *indolence* means a habit of laziness, especially when avoiding work. In the 1600s, *indolence* was mostly used to mean "insensitivity to pain," from the Latin *indolentia*, "freedom from pain." About 100 years later, *indolence* came to have its current meaning, possibly because of the phrase "taking pains," which means "being careful." If you are so careful that you never leave the house, people might think of you as lazy.

Question 174

Potable

Answer 174

Potable suitable for drinking If something is *potable* that means it's safe to drink. In developed countries, tap water is usually *potable*. Puddle water is not. I know you want to take a sip of that puddle water, but please, restrain yourself. *Potable* can also be a noun, meaning any drinkable liquid. The word comes from the Latin *potare*, meaning "to drink." Not only did the Romans come up with that word; they built some of the world's first aqueducts, above-ground channels that brought potable water from the mountains to the cities. Potable water is often in short supply after natural catastrophes like earthquakes and hurricanes, and its availability is often discussed on the news.

Question 174

Omnipotent

Answer 174

Omnipotent all-powerful If you want to describe someone who can do absolutely anything, reach for the adjective *omnipotent*. *Omnipotent* comes from the Latin words for total (*omni*) and power (*potent*). *Omnipotent* is frequently used for deities, but can apply to any exaggerated description of power. If you think that love rules the world, then to you, love is omnipotent. On the other hand, if you think that brute force wins, then maybe your idea of an omnipotent person is a mob boss. The stress is on the second syllable: om-NIP-uh-tent.

Question 174

Quarry

Answer 174

Quarry 1. something that is hunted; 2. mine for stone Both meanings of *quarry* have to do with going after something. An animal being hunted is called *quarry*, and when you dig a hole in the earth looking for rocks, both the digging and the hole are called *quarry* as well. Gross fact: *Quarry* derives from the Latin *cor* "heart," because hunters used to drape the entrails of their chosen *quarry* on their dogs' backs. The origin in a word for "heart" can help you remember both *quarries*: a rock *quarry* is searching down toward the heart of the earth; a stag's heart is considered a hunter's greatest prize.

Question 175

Rescind

Answer 175

Rescind retract; repeal If get a call saying a company has decided to *rescind* your job offer, it's back to the classifieds for you. *Rescind* is an official reversal. Things that are *rescinded:* policies, court decisions, regulations, and official statements. What all these examples have in common is that they are on the record. Also, *rescind* usually refers to promises instead of tangible objects. You can't *rescind* a shirt a friend has borrowed from you, but you can *rescind* your offer to loan them your jeans.

Question 176

Misogynist

Answer 176

Misogynist hater of women If you're someone who believes women belong in the kitchen and shouldn't be accorded the same respect as men, you might be a *misogynist*. A *misogynist* is a person who hates or doesn't trust women. *Misogynist* is from Greek *misogynḗs,* from the prefix *miso-* "hatred" plus *gynḗ* "a woman." The English suffix *-ist* means "person who does something." The prefix *mis-*, a variant of *miso-* before a vowel, appears in the opposite term *misandrist,* which is a person who hates or doesn't trust men. The corresponding nouns are *mysogyny* and *misandry*.

Question 177

Sallow

Answer 177

Sallow yellowish *Sallow* means unhealthy in appearance––often yellow in color––and is almost invariably used to describe someone's complexion. His smile was as engaging as ever, but from his *sallow* complexion, I knew he was sick. Usually we say that when someone is sick they turn "green." You could also say their skin takes on a *sallow* look, and you'd mean the same thing. *Sallow* also describes the way someone looks if they have lost blood or are pale from fever.

Question 177

Cogitate

Answer 177

Cogitate think over something; ponder * Cogitate* is a fancy was of saying think hard on. If you spend a lot of time figuring out exactly how your French teacher does her hair, you are *cogitating* in order to avoid conjugating. * Cogitate* can be used both transitively or intransitively, which means you can cogitate on something, like your history project or your why your computer never seems to work the way you want it to. Or you can simply sit in your room and cogitate.

Question 178

Err

Answer 178

Err make a mistake *Err* is just a formal way of saying you've made a mistake or done something wrong. A married man might *err* by going on a date with another woman, but he will surely feel the repercussions of his wrongdoing when he gets home! By itself, *err* means to make a mistake. The old proverb "To *err* is human, to forgive divine," is an old-fashioned way of saying, "Hey, everyone makes mistakes. Why don't you be the bigger person and let it go?" *Err* can also mean to go in a certain direction, as in another common saying, "*Err* on the side of caution," which just means, "Play it safe."

Question 178

Lobbyist

Answer 178

Lobbyist person who tries to persuade someone to support a particular cause A *lobbyist* is someone hired by a business or a cause to persuade legislators to support that business or cause. Lobbyists get paid to win favor from politicians. For example, oil companies send lobbyists to Washington to try to make life easier for oil companies. Sometimes they do it by making a great case for their cause, but often it involves fancy dinners and golf outings. If that sounds kind of shady, it is. But remember that women's rights groups and cancer research foundations have lobbyists, too — it's just one way to get your voice heard on the Hill.

Question 179

Personable

Answer 179

Personable attractive If you're *personable*, you're friendly and get along well with other people. Being *personable* is part of what makes you the star of the sales team — people just seem to like you. Someone who's personable can be outgoing, charming, nice, bubbly, amiable, pleasing, or generous, but he doesn’t have to be all of those things — it just all needs to add up to being pleasant. You may be pleasant but not bubbly, and that’s personable. In fact, if you're too bubbly, you might stop being personable and become annoying, which is not personable.

Question 181

Exasperated

Answer 181

Exasperated frustrated; annoyed It’s understandable if you get *exasperated,* or really frustrated, if you’re standing in the supermarket's express lane and everyone in front of you has way more than the 10-item maximum. Over the centuries, nothing much has happened to the definition of this word — the Latin original means "irritated to anger." Speaking of which, let's get back to the supermarket, a veritable hotbed of exasperated people pushing wobbly-wheeled shopping carts their children try to fill with cartoon-branded junk food, brushing past unstable store displays that come tumbling down, enduring inoffensive but flavorless supermarket music, and emerging into the cold light of day unable to remember where they parked the car.

Question 182

Ambulatory

Answer 182

Ambulatory able to walk around (used of hospital patients) An *ambulatory* surgery is the kind of procedure where the patient walks in and walks out. *Ambulatory* means able to walk, or related to walking. To remember *ambulatory*, think of *ambulance*, which essentially means a walking hospital. (Its meaning derives from the time when it was pulled by horses, which would be walking.) You can also think of the old fashioned word for baby carriage, *perambulator* (it's been shorted to "pram") which means a carriage you push by walking.

Question 182

Negate

Answer 182

Negate cancel; deny If something neutralizes the effect of something else, then you can say the effect is *negated*. Hanging a disco ball from your living room ceiling *negates* the sleek modern effect created by the contemporary furniture. If something is proved false or untrue, it has been *negated*. The discovery of one dinosaur jaw negated the conventional wisdom that all dinosaurs were vegetarians, since the tooth structure proved that guy definitely ate meat. The verb *negate* can also mean to counteract or counterbalance — so a really strong serve can negate your other weaknesses on the tennis court.

Question 182

Bestial

Answer 182

Bestial behaving like a beast; brutal * Bestial* sounds like beast, and that is precisely what it means, beast-like. When a human acts like an animal, their behavior is called *bestial.* * Bestial* is often used to describe behavior that is primitive or uncivilized. If someone living on a desert island took to grunting and crawling on all fours searching for bugs in dirt, you could say she had descended to the *bestial.*

Question 183

Euphemism

Answer 183

Euphemism a polite phrase to cover something unpleasant Pardon me, but when a polite term is substituted for a blunt, offensive one, you should call it a *euphemism*. *Euphemism* is from Greek *euphemismos*, meaning "good speech," and it's a way that we paper over uncomfortable things with more pleasant-sounding words. These days we tend to use euphemisms when talking about anything having to do with elimination of bodily waste: *toilet*, *bathroom*, and *water closet* were all originally euphemisms. The military is also notorious for using euphemisms, like saying "neutralizing the target" instead of "killing someone."

Question 183

Prodigious

Answer 183

Prodigious very large Something exceptional, substantial, or great is *prodigious*. A blizzard includes *prodigious* wind and snow. A *prodigious* writer is one who can write a lot and do it well. *Prodigious* is a word for things that are impressive. If you have prodigious strength, you're very strong. If your cat had a prodigious litter of kittens, then you've got a houseful of kittens. This is a strong word that's also kind of formal. Save it for things that really blow you away because of their quality or quantity. A little drizzle isn't a prodigious rain, but a storm that floods a whole city certainly is.

Question 183

Consecrate

Answer 183

Consecrate dedicate *Consecrate* means to make holy or to dedicate to a higher purpose. You need to *consecrate* a building to turn it into a church, but you can also *consecrate* a week in New York City to the pursuit of the perfect bagel. The *secr* part of *consecrate* comes from the Latin *sacer* "sacred." Remember that something consecrated is dedicated to God and thus sacred. And then remember that the meanings of words tend to stretch; over time this one moved from "dedicated to God" to "dedicated to whatever": jelly donuts, the perfect tan, finding a solution to Rubik's Cube.

Question 184

Wax

Answer 184

Wax to increase; to grow The verb *wax* is most often found in the company of its opposite, "wane." To *wax* is to grow larger or increase, whereas wane means to grow smaller or decrease. As the moon grows towards fullness, it waxes. It wanes, or diminishes in size, as the new moon approaches. This is the most common context for the verb *wax*, but it is also used to describe other phenomena that grow or increase, particularly those that are cyclical. Figuratively, if you wax eloquent, lyrical or poetic about something, you talk about it at great length and with growing enthusiasm. The noun *wax* refers to chemical compounds that can be shaped and molded, for example into candles, when warm.

Question 185

Hangar

Answer 185

Hangar storage area (like garage) for a plane Use the word *hangar* to describe a structure used to house or a repair an aircraft. Think of it as a *hang*out for your Learjet. If you need to hang up a shirt, you’ll want to use the word *hanger* (a device used for hanging clothing). If you want to park your jet plane, the word *hangar* is more appropriate. The two words are homophones, which means they’re pronounced the same way but have different spellings and meanings.

Question 186

Succinct

Answer 186

Succinct concise Something that is *succinct* is short and clear. If you're going to be interviewed on television about your new book and only have a five minute slot, you'll need to come up with a *succinct* version of your story. *Succinct*, meaning "short and to the point," is from the Latin *succingere*, "to tuck up." Often after you write a long essay, you realize you probably could have said the same thing in one or two succinct pages. If something is too succinct, we might call it *terse*. Another synonym is *concise*, which implies that unnecessary material has been removed. It's the opposite of *wordy*.

Question 188

Onerous

Answer 188

Onerous burdensome; hard to undertake If one teacher gives you three hours of homework a night, that's rough. But if all of your teachers do it, that makes the task of completing your homework an *onerous* one, to say the least. If something is *onerous*, it is very difficult to deal with or do. A near synonym is *burdensome*. In legal usage, *onerous* describes a contract or lease that has more obligations than advantages. *Onerous* derives from Middle English, from Old French *onereus*, from Latin *onerōsus*, from *onus* "burden." In English, an *onus* is a task or duty that is *onerous,* or very difficult.

Question 189

Fly-by-night

Answer 189

Fly-by-night unreliable; disreputable

Question 190

Labyrinthine

Answer 190

Labyrinthine complicated; highly convoluted *Labyrinthine* is a good word to describe a place that feels like an enormous maze. A new student at a huge, sprawling high school is likely to find the building *labyrinthine* as he wanders the halls looking for his math class. If you've ever been lost in a hedge maze, you know what a labyrinth is. The adjective *labyrinthine* describes something that is as confusing, complex, or maze-like as a labyrinth. This could be an actual maze, a city, or even a convoluted idea. The word comes from the Greek *labyrinthos*, the structure built to contain the mythological Minotaur. In the story, Daedalus did such a good job making the building labyrinthine that he nearly couldn't find his way out.

Question 190

Voluminous

Answer 190

Voluminous very large; spacious Consider that volume is a measure of size. That will help you understand that *voluminous* refers to something very large in size or extent. Suppose instead of calling a book a *book*, you called it a *volume*. Suddenly, it seems to be part of a much bigger thing. And what if it were only Volume I, with 23 more volumes to go? Even bigger, right? In fact, it's more than big; it’s *voluminous*. *Voluminous* describes very large things. The flouncy skirt of a wedding dress? *Voluminous*. Media coverage of some movie star's divorce? Also *voluminous*. The word *voluminous* describes something ample, extensive, and just plain huge.

Question 191

Neologism

Answer 191

Neologism newly coined word A *neologism* is a made-up or new word. *Neologisms* can be fun-ti-ful, but the problem is making sure others understand what you mean. The word *neologism* was once a neologism itself. It was created by gluing the French prefix *neo-* onto the Greek *logos* or "word." People coin neologisms all the time, linguists track which ones stick, and eventually, we all feel they're old friends. Or maybe not: random samples from words coined in 2003 include: *adultolescence*, *pastability*, *pre-zactly*, and *neomaxizoomdweebie.*

Question 192

Dilatory

Answer 192

Dilatory slow; falling behind with one's work Something *dilatory* creates a delay. If you are a high school student, once in a while you might have used *dilatory* tactics if you forgot to do your homework. The adjective *dilatory* comes from the Latin root word *dilator*, a noun that means someone who puts off things, or a procrastinator. If you are always late to appointments, people may accuse you of being dilatory, especially if they think you don't have a good excuse.

Question 193

Asylum

Answer 193

Asylum place of refuge or safety Any mom taking care of the kids day in and day out is probably more than ready to seek *asylum*, or refuge, at a local spa. You may have heard *asylum* used to describe an institution where insane people are housed, but did you know that an *asylum* can also be somewhere you’d happily and willingly go? An asylum offers shelter and protection, like the awning of a building in a downpour. Or a country that takes in refugees in danger of persecution — otherwise known as "political asylum."

Question 193

Stupefying

Answer 193

Stupefying astonishing; shocking; stunning into silence

Question 194

Deride

Answer 194

Deride ridicule; make fun of; mock The verb *deride* means to show a low opinion of someone or something. The jerk would deride the other kids on the bus by calling them names or pulling their hair until the driver decided to de-ride him by kicking him off the bus. To "ride" people is to get on their case or give them a hard time, and to *deride* is to do the same with insulting language or poor treatment. *Deride* comes from the Latin root *dērīdēre,* meaning "to ridicule, to scorn," and it's often used to express dislike or even hatred. Criticizing something with words is a common way to deride, and politicians often deride each other in their speeches during election campaigns.

Question 195

Credulous

Answer 195

Credulous gullible; ready to believe anything People who believe things easily without having to be convinced are *credulous*. Sales people are always hoping that someone *credulous* picks up the phone during a sales call. *Credulous* comes from the 16th-century Latin *credulus,* or "easily believes." A synonym for *credulous* is *gullible*, and both terms describe a person who accepts something willingly without a lot of supporting facts. Calling someone *credulous* can imply that the person is naive and simple. An individual isn't necessarily insulted by being called credulous, though, because some objects of belief, like religions and unicorns, come with a willing leap of faith for believing in what is unseen.

Question 195

Persnickety

Answer 195

Persnickety fastidious; fussy *Persnickety* is a lively, fancy word for "fussy." If you've sent your salad back to the kitchen three times, you might be a *persnickety* eater. The adjective *persnickety* sounds prickly like a porcupine, and persnickety people can indeed be sharp and prickly when they don't get things precisely as they wish. I don't mean to be persnickety about grammar, but you shouldn't use "ain't" in an academic paper. If you're persnickety about your coffee, you'll probably want to put the cream and sugar in yourself.

Question 196

Flippant

Answer 196

Flippant making jokes about serious matters When a parent scolds a teenager for missing a curfew or blowing off a test and the teen snaps back, "Whatever," you could say the teen is being *flippant*. His reply was casual to the point of sarcasm and disrespect. When it first showed up in the English language around the 17th century, *flippant* meant glib and talkative. But over the years it has developed a more negative connotation. Today *flippant* is used to describe a blasé attitude or comment in a situation that calls for seriousness. Make a flippant comment about your friend's mother and the odds are good that they'll be offended.

Question 197

Peripatetic

Answer 197

Peripatetic nomadic; moving from place to place

Question 198

Infer

Answer 198

Infer deduce; conclude When you *infer* something, you read between the lines. To *infer* is to make a well informed guess — if you see your mom’s bag on the table, you might *infer* that she’s home. When you infer, you listen closely to someone and guess at things they mean but haven't actually said. It’s like guessing, but not making wild guesses. You're making deductions — guesses based on logic. Another kind of inferring is more scientific, like when a scientist has part of a dinosaur fossil and can infer what the rest of the dinosaur looked like. When you see the word *infer*, think "educated guess."

Question 199

Ramble

Answer 199

Ramble wander aimlessly You *ramble* when your talking or your walking goes on and on and on. And on. You’re in no hurry to make a point or get to your destination — if there is one at all. The word *ramble* comes from similar roots as *roam.* They both mean *wander,* but they’re often used a little differently. You might roam around on vacation to relax or find adventure. If you’re a shark, you roam the deep sea for food. On the other hand, if the person on the plane next to you chatters nervously and can’t stop, you wish they wouldn’t ramble on like that.

Question 200

Suspect

Answer 200

Suspect doubtful A *suspect* is a person who is believed to be guilty of a crime. If you leave the scene of a murder with blood on your hands and a weapon in your pocket, you’re likely to become a prime *suspect*. If others believe you have committed a crime, you are a suspect. The word can also be used as a verb and an adjective. To suspect someone of something is to believe that they probably did it. Do you ever suspect your parents of taking some of your Halloween candy? If something such as someone's excuse or motive is suspect, it seems a bit off. That bad-smelling piece of fish is *suspect* — you'd better not eat it.

Question 201

Astute

Answer 201

Astute perceptive; sharp-witted Someone who is *astute* is clever and has good judgment. The kid running around with a bucket stuck on his head? Not so *astute*. *Astute* (from Latin) is a formal and flattering adjective for someone with a good head on their shoulders. It differs from its synonym *shrewd* in placing less emphasis on hardheadedness than on sensitivity: we talk about a *shrewd* bargainer but an *astute* interpretation. Other synonyms are *perceptive* (emphasizing insight) and *discerning* (emphasizing an ability to distinguish).

Question 202

Archives

Answer 202

Archives collections of old records; place of storage of old documents * Archives*, a noun, refers to records or historical documents, or the place where those records are kept, like the famous writer's *archives* that scholars can see by visiting the library *archives*. * Archives* are typically records or documents used when researching an event, a person, or even a building. Use archives to research your family tree, which might include birth, marriage, and death certificates, immigration records, tax files, and so on. The noun is also used to describe where historical documents and records are kept, like the National Archives and Record Administration, which holds important records of the Federal government.

Question 203

Dupe

Answer 203

Dupe to fool someone A *dupe* is a furry, ceremonial hat occasionally worn during ancient pagan rituals... or not. *Dupe* actually means "trick or deceive." We’re sorry we tried to *dupe* you into believing the wrong definition. *Dupe* can also refer to the victim of a trick or hoax, and — used in this sense — it sometimes conveys the idea that the victim is easily fooled. *Dupe* comes from the French word for a type of bird called the *hoopoe*, which has an extravagant crest and a reputation for being dim-witted. (And no, that's not another attempt to dupe you; it's the truth!)

Question 205

Burgeon

Answer 205

Burgeon grow; flourish; put forth new shoots Use the verb *burgeon* to describe something that is growing, expanding, and flourishing. If you have a green thumb, in the spring your flower gardens will *burgeon* in a cacophony of color. If you don't have a green thumb, your collection of plastic plants will burgeon. Although *burgeon* means to grow and flourish, it doesn't necessarily have to apply only to plants. Your town can have burgeoning downtown development. Your tiny retirement account can burgeon into an excellent emergency fund if you invest even a small amount each month. You may have a burgeoning career as a villain if you overthrow a planet by using your mind-controlling ray gun on the populace.

Question 206

Superlative

Answer 206

Superlative extremely good; the best A *superlative* is the highest attainable level or degree of something. As an adjective *superlative* means highest in quality. When your history test results are superlative, it means you've gotten a perfect score — you've done as well as can be done, if not better than everyone else. There are times, however, when a *superlative* is an exaggerated expression of praise, as when a movie reviewer gets carried away with compliments and says in January that this is "the best film of the year."

Question 207

Luscious

Answer 207

Luscious juicy; moist; succulent Calling something *luscious* means it's juicy, delicious and otherwise incredibly pleasing to the senses. That goes for good looking people as well as a fine piece of chocolate cake. An adjective meaning richly appealing or scrumptious, *luscious* is actually believed to be a shortened version of *delicious*. Synonyms include *succulent*, *savory* and *enticing* — all words that can also be used to either describe a perfectly cooked steak or your crush's unbelievable, irresistible lips.

Question 207

Skeptical

Answer 207

Skeptical doubting; not gullible If a friend told you that her family was perfect and they never had any problems, would you believe her? If not, you may be *skeptical*. *Skeptical* people look at the world with a certain amount of doubt. This word comes from ancient Greece, where a philosopher named Pyrrho taught his followers that we can never really understand the true nature of things, only how they appear to us. (So basically, we should stop searching for the meaning of life and just relax.) In Pyrrho's view, the true sage was someone who realized that it was impossible to be certain about anything. His followers were called *Skeptikoi,* or Skeptics; the Greek word *skeptikos* means "given to asking questions."

Question 208

Pliable

Answer 208

Pliable flexible; not stubborn *Pliable* means bendable but not breakable. Wax is *pliable*, good leather is *pliable*. If you describe a person as *pliable*, it usually means that he's easily influenced, like a nightclub owner who takes orders from a crime boss. When Madame barks "Plier!" (rhymes with "okay") in ballet class, all the students obediently bend their knees into a graceful semi-crouch. *Plier* is French for bend and it's the root of the word *pliable*. The word *pliable* itself is quite pliable, an apt description for everything from building materials to a person's character.

Question 208

Unalloyed

Answer 208

Unalloyed undiluted; total

Question 208

Parry

Answer 208

Parry ward off; avoid Here comes someone who only ever talks to you when he needs a favor. Quick, *parry*! When you *parry*, you avoid doing things. As the needy friend approaches, say, "I wish I had time to catch up!" and hurry off. Or, hide under a table. The word *parry* is often used to describe blocking or evading a movement, like parrying a punch, but it can also refer to an evasion that is verbal rather than physical. For example, if you are put on the spot and asked about something you’d rather avoid, you can *parry* to get out of it — change the subject or ask a question in return. When used in this way *parry* retains its sense of defending yourself through evasion.

Question 209

Dilemma

Answer 209

Dilemma puzzling situation A *dilemma* is a tough choice. When you're in a difficult situation and each option looks equally bad, you're in a *dilemma*. *Dilemma* is from a Greek for "double proposition." It was originally a technical term of logic, but we use it now for any time you have a problem with no satisfactory solution. If you're at the mall choosing between red or blue socks, that's not really a dilemma. But if you have to choose whether to save your cat or your dog from a burning building, that's an awful dilemma.

Question 210

Vilification

Answer 210

Vilification blackening someone's name

Question 212

Credible

Answer 212

Credible believable Someone who's *credible* is honest and believable. A pathological liar, for example, might not be the most *credible* witness for your case against the bank robber. Similar to words like *reliable* and *plausible*, *credible* is an adjective that comes to us from the Latin *credibilis*, meaning "worthy to be believed." A *credible* reputation is often earned through consistent good behavior and an overall trustworthy personality. Spill a secret you promised to keep, or lie under oath in a courtroom, and you lose all credibility.

Question 213

Insentient

Answer 213

Insentient unfeeling

Question 213

Stoic

Answer 213

Stoic known for fortitude; indifferent to pleasure or pain In Athens around 300 BC, Zeno of Citium founded a school of philosophy called Stoicism, and a person who followed the idea was called a *Stoic*. The main goal of a *Stoic* was to avoid unnecessary emotions. Stoics believed that certain feelings, like joy and sorrow, were destructive to people and should be avoided and that a virtuous life could result in peace and harmony with nature. The adjective *Stoic* describes something that relates to this particular school of philosophy. Major Stoic philosophers included Marcus Aurelius and Seneca the Younger. *Stoic* is always capitalized.

Question 215

Odious

Answer 215

Odious hateful If something is *odious* it's hateful. If you become a historian of slavery, you'll learn all the details of that *odious* trade. *Odious* is from the Latin noun *odium*, which means hatred. It is a strong word, so don't call someone odious unless you want to accuse someone of being loathsome or vile. Actions can also be called odious. A typical use is Shakespeare's in *Othello*: "You told a lie, an odious damned lie." Some synonyms are *hateful, contemptible, detestable,* and *abominable*.

Question 215

Sparse

Answer 215

Sparse spare; bare; meager Something that’s *sparse* is thin, not dense. If you’re looking for the perfect place to build a tree house, a *sparse* forest is probably not your best bet. From the Latin *sparsus*, meaning "scattered," we get the adjective *sparse*, which means "few and scattered." Thinning hair is sparse, as is the population of an endangered species. Or a small and scattered crowd for an unpopular band. Synonyms include *dispersed*, *infrequent*, and *scanty*. Antonyms, on the other hand, include *full*, *lush*, and *plentiful*.

Question 216

Extraneous

Answer 216

Extraneous irrelevant *Extraneous* means coming from or belonging to the outside—*extraneous* noise is what you hear when you're in a theater and a train passes by, *extraneous* wires bring your cable connection into the house. In Latin, *extra* means outside, as in *extraordinary* "outside the ordinary," or *extraterrestrial* 'coming from outside earth.' (Bonus points––ding! ding!––if you knew that *terra* is Latin for "earth.") The meaning of *extraneous* also extends to more abstract things that come from the outside: extraneous details are ones that don't matter.

Question 216

Subterfuge

Answer 216

Subterfuge a trick If you want to surprise your mom with a sweatshirt, but don't know her size, it might take an act of *subterfuge*, like going through her closet, to find it out. *Subterfuge* is the use of tricky actions to hide, or get something. It's pronounced "SUB-ter-fyooj." As a countable noun, a *subterfuge* is a tricky action or device: She employed a very clever *subterfuge* to get the information she needed. *Subterfuge* is from French, from Old French *suterfuge*, from Late Latin *subterfugium*, from Latin *subterfugere* "to escape," from *subter* "secretly, under" plus *fugere* "to flee."

Question 218

Transcribe

Answer 218

Transcribe copy If someone asks you to *transcribe* something, they want you to listen to it and write down what was said, word for word. Speeches, interviews, and trials are often *transcribed* for records. From the Latin *transcribere*, which means "to copy, write over, or transfer," the verb *transcribe* means just that: to write out a copy. You might want to transcribe a recording of an interview onto paper, or maybe you need to transcribe all the notes you collected from an important meeting. If you can remember that *trans* means "over" and that a *scribe* is a writer, you shouldn’t forget this word. Fun fact: to *transcribe* poorly is to *transcribble*.

Question 219

Germane

Answer 219

Germane relevant *Germane* means relevant; it fits in. If you are giving a speech on dog training, stick to the *germane*, canine stuff. Topics that would not be *germane*? Catnip toys, hamster wheels, and the use of a saddle. You can thank Shakespeare for the modern meaning of the adjective *germane*. The word originally referred to people who have the same parents. Shakespeare added the word's figurative meaning of objects being closely related or relevant when he used it in the play *Hamlet*. You might want to bring up all sorts of complaints during an argument with your best friend, but she says the two of you should only discuss issues that are *germane* to the current fight.

Question 220

Sophomoric

Answer 220

Sophomoric juvenile; immature

Question 220

Stevedore

Answer 220

Stevedore dockworker You can call a dock worker who loads cargo onto boats a *stevedore*. You don't have to be named Steve to be one (the word means docker or longshoreman), but the spelling of the English given name probably influenced the modern appearance of this word, from the Spanish *estivar*, "to stow cargo." The ultimate root is the Latin word *stipare* , "pack down or press," and the archaic English verb *steeve*, or stow, is a relative.

Question 221

Staunch

Answer 221

Staunch loyal; faithful; dependable As an adjective, *staunch* means firm. You might want to go to that concert Friday night, but your parents' staunch opposition prevents you. *Staunch* is sometimes used as a verb to mean "to stop the flow of a liquid," but most usage books will tell you it's better to use the word *stanch* for the verb. Think of a soldier stopping and standing still, and you will understand the connection between the two meanings. The adjectival form should make you think of "stand," as in "stand firm," or "take a stand." It comes from the French *estanche* meaning "watertight" and the Latin *stanticare,* which is probably from *stans* for "stand."

Question 221

Jurisprudence

Answer 221

Jurisprudence science or study of law You want a word that’s a whole mouthful? Try *jurisprudence*, the study and philosophy of law. You want to study *jurisprudence*? Get ready for law school, where you’ll find even longer, more troubling words. The Latin-based word *jurisprudence* is made up of two parts, *juris* "of law" and *prudence* which goes back to mean "knowledge." If you study law, you study jurisprudence. You can modify it to show a specific type of law, so you will find terms such as medical, human rights, Islamic or American jurisprudence. Sometimes the word is used as a collective to mean the legal world. This is a new issue that jurisprudence will have to deal with.

Question 222

Manipulatable

Answer 222

Manipulatable influencable; controllable

Question 223

Banality

Answer 223

Banality ordinariness; dullness A *banality* is a trite, boring, or overused remark. That includes clichés like "life is short" and your basic small talk about the weather. *Banalities* are sayings that almost everyone uses, and because they're so well-known, they've lost all their power. These expressions are clichéd and many people find them annoying. "When life hands you lemons, make lemonade" is one good example. When you're writing or speaking, you're much better off trying to find fresh language because one needs to hear the same old banalities again and again.

Question 224

Felicitous

Answer 224

Felicitous apt * Felicitous* describes something that's really pleasant. If someone behaves in a *felicitous* manner, she's being agreeable and appropriate. You know, the way you should behave when your great aunt offers you those stale candies. * Felicitous* also describes something that's happy or lucky. When you plan a trip to the amusement park and it turns out that the sun is shining, that’s felicitous. If you need to mail a package by a certain date and you make it to the post office just in time, that’s also felicitous. *Felicitous* can also describe something that's well chosen. Planning an outdoor wedding for the dead of winter would not be felicitous.

Question 225

Irrevocable

Answer 225

Irrevocable cannot be cancelled; unchangeable If you're on a diet but eat one tiny piece of chocolate, it might start an *irrevocable* slide into bad eating. Describe something as *irrevocable* if it cannot be undone or taken back. If you break down *irrevocable*, you wind up with *ir* "not," *re* "back" and *vocable* from the Latin *vocare* "to call." So if something is irrevocable, you cannot call it back — it is permanent. You must fulfill an irrevocable promise and live with an irrevocable decision. A law is irrevocable if it states within the law that it cannot be nullified. Now that's final!

Question 225

Nonchalance

Answer 225

Nonchalance an appearance of indifference; calm and composed *Nonchalance* is a casual lack of concern, a relaxed state without anxiety or enthusiasm. Like how you'd act if the girl you've had a secret crush on since grade school asks you to the prom. (Or maybe not.) It's hard to achieve nonchalance. If you're like most people, there's always going to be something that will rattle you. And you can forget about behaving with chalance, because chalance isn't a word. Sometimes you hear people say that so-and-so acted with "studied *nonchalance*," which means to sort of fake it. Oddly, the word's origins go back to the Latin *calere*, which is the same word as the root of *calorie*. A calorie is a unit of energy, and to act with nonchalance is to refrain from showing too much energy or excitement, so actually, it makes sense.

Question 226

Exorcism

Answer 226

Exorcism getting free/rid of; eliminating (especially demons) A kid who's having an hour-long screaming temper tantrum probably needs either an *exorcism* or a nap. You can use the noun *exorcism* to describe getting rid of evil spirits. *Exorcism*, when it's used literally to mean evicting bad spirits, is a religious term. Plenty of horror movies feature a priest performing the ritual of exorcism on a demonically possessed person, and some version of exorcism really does exist in Catholic, Muslim, Hindu, and Jewish traditions. The word can also be used as a metaphor for getting rid of something negative: "Finally telling you the truth felt like an *exorcism*."

Question 226

Dotard

Answer 226

Dotard foolish old man

Question 227

Garner

Answer 227

Garner gather; collect To *garner* means to gather or earn. If you want to run for office without belonging to a political party, you must *garner* enough signatures — usually a few thousand — to get onto the ballot. The word *garner* comes from the Latin *granarium* which means "store-house," usually for grain. The current use of the word carries with it the sense of something being stored up. It’s not only that you can gather enough yes-votes to overcome the opposition, there is the sense that all the things you have garnered have some weight of their own. In its other use, *garner* means "earn" or "merit." Think of movie stars garnering Oscar nominations for their excellent work.

Question 228

Voluble

Answer 228

Voluble talkative *Voluble* describes someone who talks a lot, like your aunt who can’t stop telling you to cut your hair or a political candidate who makes twenty speeches on the day before the election. Have you ever found it especially hard to interrupt someone who talks a lot when he or she gets on a roll? If so, it won’t surprise you that the adjective *voluble* traces back to the Latin word *volvere*, meaning "to roll." The word *voluble* describes talking continuously, fluently, at great length, in a steady flow. You’ll know it when you meet *voluble* talkers: they just keep rolling on and on.

Question 229

Conciliate

Answer 229

Conciliate to bring together; end a dispute The verb *conciliate* means to placate, appease, or pacify. If you are eating at a restaurant and the waiter accidentally spills a drink on you, the manager may try to *conciliate* you by picking up the tab for your meal. You may be more familiar with the term conciliation––it can mean the flowers you bring to conciliate your girlfriend after a fight, or a politician's conciliatory offer a new playground to a community that's just lost its school. *Conciliate* comes from the Latin word *conciliare*, meaning to unite. *Conciliare* in turn comes from the Latin word *concilium*, meaning council. If you remember their common etymology, you can remember that, like *council*, *conciliate* is spelled with only has one *L*.

Question 231

Lucid

Answer 231

Lucid clear Something that's *lucid* is clear and understandable. *Lucid* writing is important in journalism, so that readers easily get the point of the article they're reading. When what you write or say is lucid, it's straightforward and its meaning is crystal clear. You can also use the adjective *lucid* to describe your mind or thoughts when you're thinking in a rational, sensible way: "I was worried about my grandmother's confusion yesterday, but she seems really *lucid* today." Another meaning is "translucent," or letting light shine through — which makes sense since *lucid* comes from the Latin *lucidus*, "light or clear," with its root of *lux*, "light."

Question 232

Sanguinary

Answer 232

Sanguinary bloodthirsty; bloody When something is *sanguinary* it involves a lot of blood or, at least, the pursuit of blood. Vampire movies are *sanguinary*: Romper Room is not. If you're familiar with French, then you'll recognize the French word for "blood," *sang*, in *sanguinary*. And if you do, then you'll have no trouble remembering the meaning, "having a bloodthirsty quality." Movies have become increasingly sanguinary. Why all the blood and gore? What happened to good old-fashioned suspense?

Question 233

Sycophant

Answer 233

Sycophant bootlicker; flatterer A *sycophant* is a person who tries to win favor from wealthy or influential people by flattering them. Also known as brown-nosers, teacher's pets or suck-ups. *Sycophant* is from Latin *sycophanta,* from Greek *sykophantēs,* from *sykon* "fig" and *phainein* "to show, make known." The original sense was that of an informer, a person who gives information about criminal activities. "Showing the fig" was a vulgar gesture made by sticking the thumb between two fingers. The gesture was used to taunt an opponent or to make an accusation against someone.

Question 234

Mendacious

Answer 234

Mendacious given to lying A *mendacious* person is one who tells lies habitually and intentionally. Don't get stuck at the water cooler or bus stop next to someone you consider *mendacious*! People may tell "white lies" if they forgot your birthday or really don't like your new haircut, but if you catch someone intentionally manipulating you with a falsehood, that person is just plain *mendacious*. So think of the most deceptive, insincere, perfidious, duplicitous, false person you've ever met, and then add the word *mendacious* to that list.

Question 235

Matriarchy

Answer 235

Matriarchy society governed by women If you ever heard "Just wait until your mother gets home!" when you did something wrong as a child, you may have grown up in a *matriarchy*. In a *matriarchy*, women call the shots. The word *matriarchy*, pronounced "MAY-tree-ar-kee," derives from the Latin word *mater*, meaning "mother," and *archein*, or "to rule." A matriarchy is a social system is which women have more power in the community than men. *Matriarchy* can also be used more broadly to describe a family that is ruled by a powerful woman. The opposite of matriarchy is patriarchy, a system in which men are the ones holding the power.

Question 235

Elusive

Answer 235

Elusive hard to pin down Things that are *elusive* hard to find, pin down, or remember. They slip right out of your grasp. Ever try to catch a mouse? It's not easy, because mice are quick and elusive — they're tough to catch. Rabbits are speedy, so they're elusive too. Also, things that are tough to understand or describe are elusive — like the concepts of love and beauty. If you had an idea and then forgot it, the idea is elusive: it slipped away. Anything you can't get hold of, with your hands or with your brain, is elusive.

Question 235

Refute

Answer 235

Refute disprove The verb *refute* is to prove that something is wrong. When the kids you're babysitting swear they brushed their teeth, you can *refute* their claim by presenting the dry toothbrushes. Evidence and arguments are used to refute something. So are facts. For example, if children who eat chocolate before going to bed go straight to sleep, that refutes the idea that sugar keeps them up. *Refute* comes from the Latin *refutare* for "to check, suppress." A near synonym is *confute*, but save *refute* as an everyday word for proving something is false.

Question 236

Tardy

Answer 236

Tardy slow; late; overdue; delayed When you're *tardy,* you're late. If you've ever been late for school, you know about *tardy,* and you may have a stash of notes your teacher has sent home to your parents, informing them of your tardiness. You may be tardy for an appointment because you got stuck in traffic, or maybe you just slept late and you don't have good time management skills. Whatever the excuse, being tardy almost always annoys whoever's waiting for you. As a reality TV star once crooned, "Don't be tardy for the party." The word comes from the Latin *tardus,* meaning "slow."

Question 237

Banal

Answer 237

Banal common; dull If something is boring and unoriginal, it's *banal*. *Banal* things are dull as dishwater. Ever notice how some TV shows, songs, and even phrases are boring and unoriginal? It's like you've seen or heard the same thing a million times. Anything that's unoriginal and dull is *banal* — a fancy word for things that bore you to tears. When you're writing, try not to be banal. Clichés and dull topics are banal. New ideas, fresh language, and unusual subject matter can keep your writing from being dreary and banal.

Question 238

Predicament

Answer 238

Predicament dilemma; difficult situation If you're engaged to get married, but suddenly fall in love with someone else, you have got yourself in quite a predicament. A *predicament* is a difficult, confusing, and unpleasant situation. The Greek word that predicament originally descends from means "a state of being." Which makes sense considering the words that sound like predicate are all about states of being––*predict*, or say what's going to happen in the future, and *predicate* the second part of a sentence that's led by the verb. Think of *predicament* as an unpleasant state of being.

Question 240

Ornate

Answer 240

Ornate highly decorated If something is *ornate* — whether it's a ball gown, a set of dishes, or a poem — it seems to be covered in ornaments. It's lavish, flowery, or heavily adorned. Look at the first four letters of *ornate*, and you'll spot the beginning of its close relative *ornament*. *Ornate* most often describes how something looks, but it doesn't have to be visual. The prose in Victorian love letters was more ornate than the email messages people send today. The ornate gilded mirrors and enormous chandeliers in the palace at Versailles were the height of fashion in Marie Antoinette's time, but home decor is simpler today. Now, it seems too ornate.

Question 240

Animosity

Answer 240

Animosity hatred; antagonism * Animosity* is hatred. If your (supposed) best buddy embarrasses you in front of a big crowd, your friendship could turn into *animosity*. * Animosity* comes from the Latin word *animus*, meaning "spirit" or "mind." That's also the root of the word *animated* — literally, "full of spirit." So how did *animosity* get so negative? Over the centuries, the original meaning of "high spirits" soured into "hatred." Today we most often speak of animosity *toward, between, among,* or *against* people. Keeping your animosity in check might make steam come out your ears.

Question 242

Precipice

Answer 242

Precipice steep slope Cartoon characters often end up on a *precipice,* the edge of a steep cliff, where their chubby toes curl and cling as they totter and eventually fall, making a hole in the ground below and getting up again. Most real people avoid *precipices*. Unless you're a skilled climber or mountain-sport enthusiast, a precipice is a scary thing. Some imagine falling off and making the sharp drop, while others get dizzy just thinking about looking down. This makes sense, considering that the 17th-century English word *precipice* comes, through French, from Latin words meaning "headlong" and even "abrupt descent." In modern use, *precipice* also describes how it feels to fall, or fail, in areas of life that don't involve mountains, such as being "on the *precipice* of losing everything."

Question 243

Caucus

Answer 243

Caucus type of private political meeting The noun *caucus* is a closed meeting of members from the same political party. The Iowa *caucuses* get a lot of attention during the presidential primary season. Who knows how we got the noun *caucus*? One theory is that it comes from an Algonquin word that means an elder or leader of the tribe. Another theory is that the word comes from a social and political club in Boston in the 1700s that was perhaps named for the Greek word for drinking cup. However the word slipped into American English, today it refers to a closed political meeting, often used to choose party leaders.

Question 244

Remorse

Answer 244

Remorse regret; sorrow; contrition *Remorse*, a noun, is what you feel if you regret your actions or wish for another outcome. The noun *remorse* has a very vivid origin. It comes from the Latin roots *re* for "again" and *mordere* "to bite." So, if you feel *remorse*, it means that your conscience is working on you, your past actions are biting you back, and making you feel very regretful. Synonyms for this word are "penitence," "rue," and "contrition." If you took a cookie from the cookie jar and ate it you can't return it; all you can feel is *remorse* for what you did!

Question 245

Fortuitous

Answer 245

Fortuitous happening by chance *Fortuitous* means by chance, like a lucky accident. If you and your best friend's families happen to go on vacation to the same place at the same time, that’s a *fortuitous* coincidence! Something fortuitous is random like an accident, but there’s no downside. A rock falling on your head is an accident, dollar bills falling on your head is fortuitous. The meaning of *fortuitous* is changing from "happening by chance" to "lucky chance" because people get it mixed up with *fortunate*. But watch out: If you say *fortuitous* to mean just plain lucky without the element of chance –– that's a usage error.

Question 247

Brevity

Answer 247

Brevity being brief The noun *brevity* means shortness or conciseness. If you give a report on agriculture in the northern hemisphere in 3 minutes, you have done it with incredible *brevity*. *Brevity* comes from *brevis*, which means "brief" in Latin. You can use brevity for things that are literally short, like the brevity of an elevator meeting, or the quality of fleetingness, like the brevity of youth. Brevity is also a style of speaking or writing with economy. "Brevity is the soul of wit," remarks Polonius in Shakespeare's "Hamlet," suggesting that witty people know how to make a point without unnecessary words.

Question 247

Cavalcade

Answer 247

Cavalcade procession of vehicles If you are traveling with a procession of people on horseback, you are part of a *cavalcade.* The word *cavalcade* comes from the Latin word for horse, *caballus*. The word *cavalry,* which means soldiers on horseback, comes from the same Latin root. So strictly speaking, a *cavalcade* is group of people on horseback or in horse-drawn carriages, moving together in some kind of ceremony or parade. But cavalcades can include vehicles or people walking, like the motorcycle cavalcades that sometimes accompany a funeral procession.

Question 249

Precipitous

Answer 249

Precipitous done in a hurry A sharp, steep drop — whether it's in a stock price, a roller coaster, or a star's popularity — could be described as a *precipitous* one. Put simply, *Precipitous* means perilously steep. Look closely and you'll spot most of the word *precipice* (a sheer, almost vertical cliff) in *precipitous*. Now imagine how you'd feel standing at the edge peering over, and you'll grasp the sense of impending danger that *precipitous* tends to imply. *Precipitous* declines in sales lead to bankruptcy. *Precipitous* mountainside hiking trails are not for the acrophobic. It can describe an ascent, but *precipitous* is most often used for things going literally or figuratively downhill.

Question 249

Infamous

Answer 249

Infamous famous for something bad Someone who is *infamous* has a very bad reputation. If you become a Hollywood star and find yourself on the pages of gossip magazines for your affairs and addictions, you will have succeeded in becoming *infamous*. *Infamous* is from Latin *infamis*, for negative fame. If you're bad but unknown, then you're not infamous — it's reserved for those wicked and well-known people that capture our collective imagination. It is a strong and resonant term. Some synonyms are *notorious, disgraceful,* and *odious*. The stress is on the first syllable.

Question 250

Belabor

Answer 250

Belabor explain in unnecessary detail * Belabor* means to go at something with everything you've got. When you say, "Don't *belabor* or agonize over the decision," it means, "Move on." * Belabor* is made up of the Latin roots *be* and *labor* meaning "to exert one's strength upon." You can belabor a point by using excessive detail, or you could belabor the obvious by stating over and over what everyone already knows. Belaboring can be a physical attack as well. A person can belabor or beat the living daylights out of you with a club.

Question 251

Perfunctory

Answer 251

Perfunctory superficial; cursory *Perfunctory* means done as part of a routine or duty. If you give someone a gift and they look at it like it's roadkill and say nothing about it but a *perfunctory* "thank you," you might not be giving them another one anytime soon. A person who does something in a perfunctory way shows little enthusiasm or interest in what they are doing. Many of our everyday greetings are *perfunctory*. For example, when we say hello and how are you, it's usually done out of habit. *Perfunctory* is from Latin *perfunctus,* from *perfungi* "to get through with, perform," formed from the Latin prefix *per-* "completely" plus *fungi* "to perform."

Question 252

Totter

Answer 252

Totter walk unsteadily If you spin yourself around until you are dizzy, you will likely *totter* if you try to step forward. *Totter* is a verb that means "move unsteadily, as though you are about to fall down." To totter is to move in a wobbly, unsteady manner. When a person totters, they look like they are going to fall down. In a boxing match, a boxer might totter after taking a blow to the head. During an earthquake, buildings may totter, or sway, appearing as though they may fall down. *Totter* can also imply a rocking motion; a playground seesaw, for instance, is sometimes called "a teeter-*totter*."

Question 252

Evacuate

Answer 252

Evacuate vacate; empty; abandon To *evacuate* is to flee, like how people leave an area when a hurricane is coming. It also means to empty something completely. If you have to evacuate your home, something horrible is probably happening, like a natural disaster. People evacuate when something like a tornado or act of terrorism makes their homes unsafe. To evacuate also means to empty completely, in the bathroom-oriented sense of evacuating (emptying) your bowels. Similarly, if a chemist empties and therefore creates a vacuum in a flask, she has evacuated the flask. When you evacuate, you clear out.

Question 253

Alibi

Answer 253

Alibi an excuse that shows someone was not at a crime scene Your *alibi* is evidence that proves your innocence. If you were making cookies with your mom when someone raided your sister's piggy bank, your mom is your *alibi*, since she knows you were with her when the crime was committed. The noun *alibi* is the same word as its Latin root, *alibi*, which means "excuse." When you provide an alibi, you are giving proof — a certified excuse — that you could not have committed a crime. *Alibi* is easy to confuse with *alias*, which means "an assumed, or false, name."

Question 254

Emaciated

Answer 254

Emaciated very thin; withered Someone who is dangerously skinny and skeletal-looking can be described as *emaciated*. It's probably how you'd start to look after a few weeks in the wilderness with only berries and bugs for dinner. The adjective *emaciated* evolved from the Latin *emaciatus*, meaning to "make lean, waste away." An *emaciated* person or animal isn't just thin. They're bony, gaunt, and most likely undernourished, often from illness. So if an emaciated stray cat shows up on your doorstep, give it a bowl of milk and maybe pay a visit to the vet.

Question 255

Flagrant

Answer 255

Flagrant clearly wrong Something *flagrant* is bad — so bad you can't ignore it. A *flagrant* foul in sports might send you to the bench, and a *flagrant* violation of the law might send you to the slammer. The current meaning of the adjective *flagrant* — "obviously offensive or disgraceful" — is thought to derive from the Latin legal term *in flagrante delicto*, which literally meant "with fire still blazing" and is used figuratively to describe a situation in which the criminal is caught red handed. Aside from a flagrant abuse of the law, the word can also be used to describe anything that is obviously bad — like flagrant bad taste or flagrant abuse of the rules of grammar.

Question 255

Surreptitious

Answer 255

Surreptitious secret; sneaky; stealthy When someone behaves in a *surreptitious* way, they're being secretive. They're doing something that they don't want to be seen doing. While *surreptitious* means secret, it has the added sense of "sneaky" or "hidden." During the Jewish Passover meal of Seder, an adult will *surreptitiously* place a piece of matzoh somewhere in the house for the children to hunt for later in the meal. You'll see *surreptitious* applied mostly to actions, rather than to things or ideas. We do things surreptitiously. The members of the secret society hold surreptitious meetings because, well, they're a secret society. I was very surreptitious in how I organized the surprise party: she never knew!

Question 256

Eloquent

Answer 256

Eloquent fluent and persuasive in speech When you're *eloquent*, you have a way with words. An *eloquent* speaker expresses herself clearly and powerfully. Even though *eloquent* usually describes oral speech, it can also be used to describe powerful writing. Being eloquent is about using words well. All the great writers from English class — such as Shakespeare, Mark Twain, Emily Dickinson, and Virginia Woolf — were eloquent. A great orator or speaker like Martin Luther King was eloquent. When something is beautifully, gorgeously, perfect said (or written), it's eloquent. Being eloquent requires your words to be smooth, clear, powerful, and interesting. To write or speak in an eloquent way takes a lot of work.

Question 257

Peccadillo

Answer 257

Peccadillo minor weakness; trivial offence A *peccadillo* is a minor offense or sin. Parents recognize that their kids have a few *peccadilloes*: they don't always remember to say please and thank you, don't put their dirty clothes in the hamper, and worst of all, they keeping finding the chocolate stash! *Peccadillo* is based on the Spanish word *peccado*, meaning "sin," with a diminutive added, making *peccadillo* a small sin. How big a sin is a *peccadillo*? Well, that depends on who you ask. The person committing the offense is likely to try to pass off any number of transgressions and mistakes as peccadilloes. If you apologize and are forgiven, it's probably a peccadillo. If your transgression could get you fired, it's probably not!

Question 258

Decoy

Answer 258

Decoy lure; trap; trick A *decoy* is a fake version of something used to play a trick or lead you into danger, like the cork duck *decoys* hunters put on the pond to make the real ducks think it's safe to stop by. *Decoy* most often refers to bait used for trapping or killing an animal, but it can be any object or plan used to lead someone or something into trouble. Fisherman use worm decoys on their lures to catch fish, just like police use people as undercover decoys to catch criminals. While etymologists aren't positive, they suspect *decoy* comes from the Dutch *kooi*, which means "a cage." So think of luring a mouse into a cage with a big slice of decoy cheese.

Question 259

Gullible

Answer 259

Gullible easily fooled If you are *gullible,* the joke is on you because you are easily fooled. It is thought that *gullible* might be derived from the verb *gull,* meaning "to swallow." This would be a funny coincidence as *gullible* describes an overly trusting person who tends to swallow the stories he hears whole. The related word, *gull,* can be used as a noun "don't be such a *gull!*" or as a verb "you can't *gull* me into believing that!"

Question 260

Peerless

Answer 260

Peerless without equal Do you ever feel like one of a kind? Then maybe you are *peerless*, a word for someone (or something) unique, excellent, and superior. *Peerless* is a variation of *peer* — a word for folks in the same boat as you, or at least the same class. A teacher's peers are other teachers, but if she's a much better teacher than anyone, you could call her a peerless teacher. One of the many compliments given to Michael Jordan is that he was peerless. Amazing, one-of-a-kind people like Picasso, Gandhi, and Shakespeare are considered peerless. The rest of us have a lot of peers.

Question 261

Plethora

Answer 261

Plethora an excess * Plethora* means an abundance or excess of something. If you have 15 different people who want to take you on a date, you have a *plethora* of romantic possibilities. * Plethora* comes from the Greek for "fullness." Although it was originally used only in old-fashioned medicine to describe the condition of having too much blood, we use it to talk about any excessive supply. If you run a theater and all the seats are taken, that's a full house. But if the seats are full and people are standing in the aisles, you have a plethora of patrons. The stress is on the first syllable: PLETH-uh-ruh.

Question 263

Candor

Answer 263

Candor frankness; openness *Candor* usually means the quality of being open, honest, and sincere. If someone tells you they think you are dumb, you might reply with, "While I appreciate your *candor*, I don't think we need to be friends anymore." The corresponding adjective is *candid*, as in "I want you to be *candid*. Do these pants make me look fat?" *Candor* is from French *candeur,* from Latin *candor,* from *candēre* "to shine, be white." The color white is associated with purity, which is a now obsolete meaning of *candor*.

Question 263

Pallid

Answer 263

Pallid pale Santa looks a little *pallid*, meaning that he has a pale complexion, from spending too much time at the North Pole. A few days in Hawaii might do wonders to add color to his pale, bearded face. *Pallid* means pale, or lacking color. It's often used together with *complexion* to describe someone who has a pale face, either due to a lack of sunshine or some kind of emotional distress. A reclusive author could be pallid from spending too much time indoors. His books can also be called pallid if they're lacking in color and excitement.

Question 264

Circumlocution

Answer 264

Circumlocution using too many words; long-windedness * Circumlocution* is a long, complicated word which means a long, complicated way of expressing something. To cut to the chase, *circumlocution* means to beat around the bush. * Circumlocution* comes from the Latin words *circum*, "circle," and *loqui*, "to speak." So circumlocution is speaking in circles, going round and round in a wordy way without ever getting to the heart of the matter. It's an evasive style of argument, best employed when you really don't want to say what's on your mind.

Question 265

Chimerical

Answer 265

Chimerical changeable; unstable Use the adjective *chimerical* to describe something that is wildly fanciful or imaginative — like the *chimerical* illustrations of unicorns in a children's book. A *chimera* was a fire-breathing monster from Greek mythology made from three different animals: a lion at its head, a goat in the middle, and a serpent at the end. The first surviving mention of the beast is in Homer's *The Iliad*. From this fantastical creature, English created the adjective *chimerical* to describe wild figments of the imagination.

Question 266

Alleviate

Answer 266

Alleviate make less severe Do all these words make your head ache? If so, take an aspirin to *alleviate*, or relieve, your pain. The verb, *alleviate,* stems from the Latin root, *levis* "light" and is related to modern English words such as *elevator* and *levitate* — both words implying a lightening of one's load. *Alleviate* also has this sense of lightening a burden such as physical pain or emotional duress. You can take medicine to alleviate symptoms or do exercise to alleviate stress. Or if you want a bigger challenge: try alleviating traffic congestion or world hunger.

Question 267

Verbose

Answer 267

Verbose talkative; long-winded; rambling *Verbose* describes a person, speech, or piece of writing that uses many words, usually more words than necessary. If you talk too much, you can be described as *verbose*, and so can your history paper if you didn't do the research and are just tried to take up space with words. Near synonyms are *wordy* and *prolix*. *Verbose* is from Latin *verbosus* "full of words," from *verbum* "word, verb." As you can guess from the spelling, English *verb* was borrowed from Latin *verbum*. And English *word* happens to be related to Latin *verbum*, though it dates back to Old English and was not borrowed from Latin.

Question 268

Palatable

Answer 268

Palatable good to eat; agreeable Something that is *palatable* is acceptable to one’s sense of taste—literally or figuratively. If it's palatable, then you can put up with it — whether it's leftovers or a mediocre made-for-TV movie. The palate is the roof of the mouth, the combination of structures that separates the mouth from the nose. Early anatomists believed that the sense of taste was located in the palate, and, just as taste is metaphorically expanded to include sensibilities beyond the experience of food and drink, so *palatable* can be used to describe phenomena beyond the culinary. And, while *palatable* can mean pleasing or agreeable, it generally means merely tolerable—edible, rather than delicious.

Question 268

Flamboyant

Answer 268

Flamboyant showy; ornate *Flamboyant* means elaborate and ostentatious. When you think of *flamboyant,* think of Las Vegas showgirls: feathers, sequins, three-inch heels, enough make-up to disguise any irregularity. Flamboyant means showy, and though we often roll our eyes at it, it's not a hateful thing. Liberace was flamboyant. So was Elvis. The word comes from the French *flamboyer,* to flame. Think of passion and pageantry all rolled into one, and you'll have a good idea what *flamboyant* should mean at its best. If that doesn't do it for you, think of a man playing a shiny white grand piano at a rock concert, wearing a white satin jump suit and 8-foot wide, fully-feathered wings. See? Flamboyant.

Question 268

Enduring

Answer 268

Enduring lasting Many people have an *enduring* love for ice cream, that is, they have loved it for a long time and will continue to love it into the future. *Enduring* means long-lasting. *Enduring* has roots that go back about 1,500 years to the Late Latin period. It is quite an enduring word! The original root meant hard, so your enduring friendship or your enduring interest in sports is solid enough to stand the test of time. Besides meaning long-lasting, *enduring* sometimes means long-suffering as when someone has an enduring disposition, but this meaning is found in the verb more than in the adjective.

Question 269

Endorse

Answer 269

Endorse give support or approval to To *endorse* is to give support to someone or something. "I *endorse* this!" means "I think this is a good thing, and so should you." People endorse in many ways. When someone endorses a politician, it means "You should vote for this person, and I'm putting my reputation on the line to say so." When someone endorses a product in a commercial, it means "Go buy this! You'll like it." To *endorse* is to give support. You can also endorse a check, which means writing your name or someone else's on the back so that you or the other person can cash or deposit it.

Question 270

Specious

Answer 270

Specious FALSE Use *specious* to describe an argument that seems to be good, correct, or logical, but is not so. We live on the earth, therefore the earth must be the center of the universe has been proven to be a *specious* theory of the solar system. *Specious* is pronounced "SPEE-shuhs." Something that is *specious* is attractive in a deceptive way, and if you follow the word's etymology, you'll see why. In Middle English, this adjective meant "attractive," from Latin *speciōsus* "showy, beautiful," from *speciēs* "appearance, kind, sort." Latin *speciēs* is also the source of English *species*.

Question 271

Obdurate

Answer 271

Obdurate stubborn *Obdurate* is a formal word meaning stubborn. If you want to major in English, but your parents are *obdurate* that you should go premed, they might go so far as to threaten not to pay your tuition. This adjective descends from Latin *obdurare* "to harden." A near synonym is *adamant*, from Latin *adamas* "hard metal, diamond." So both of these synonyms derive from the quality of hardness being associated with a stubborn personality.

Question 271

Ambiguous

Answer 271

Ambiguous unclear in meaning; can be interpreted in different ways Look to the adjective *ambiguous* when you need to describe something that's open to more than one interpretation, like the headline "Squad helps dog bite victim." Newspaper headlines can be unintentionally funny when they're *ambiguous*. In "Squad helps dog bite victim," is the squad helping a victim of a dog bite or helping a dog bite a victim? The *ambi-* prefix means "both ways," while the *guous* part is from the Latin verb *agere*, "to lead or drive." Thus an ambiguous sentence or situation drives us in two different directions at once. The accent is on the second syllable, "big," which you can remember since something that's ambiguous can lead to big misunderstandings.

Question 272

Meager

Answer 272

Meager in short supply * Meager* means small and often applies to portions. *Meager* is the serving of chocolate cake your mother will allows you––or the amount of vegetables you actually want to eat before getting to that cake. * Meager* doesn't mean adequate––it means not enough. People with a limited supply of food may try to subsist on meager portions. People who make a meager amount of money probably have a hard time making rent. *Meager* and *emaciated* both derive from the Old French *maigre*. If you can remember that you will look emaciated if your diet is meager, you’ll use the word correctly.

Question 272

Conundrum

Answer 272

Conundrum a puzzle The tricky word *conundrum* is used to describe a riddle or puzzle, sometimes including a play on words or pun. One of the most famous *conundrums* is the riddle of the Sphinx, famously in the play *Oedipus the King* by Sophocles. Oedipus encounters the Sphinx, a mythical beast, who asks him, "What walks on four legs in the morning, two in the afternoon, and three in the evening?" The answer is "A person": crawling as a child, walking as an adult, and using a cane in old age. The scary thing is that if the Sphinx asked you the riddle and you didn't know, she'd eat you!

Question 274

Abstain

Answer 274

Abstain desist; go without; withdraw If you *abstain* from something, you restrain yourself from consuming it. People usually *abstain* from things that are considered vices — like drinking alcohol or eating chocolate. Roots of the word *abstain* are from the 14th-century French, "to withhold oneself," and the word often refers to people who abstain or keep themselves from drinking liquor. The noun form *abstinence* also pops up often in reference to abstinence programs that urge teens to abstain from premarital sex. *Abstain* can also mean to withhold a vote, and sometimes a difficult decision is held up when government representatives abstain from voting one way or another.

Question 275

Annex

Answer 275

Annex a building which is an addition to an existing building An *annex* is an extension of, or an addition to a building. A small room off of a main room is an *annex,* and attics are another type of annex. As a noun, an *annex* is part of a building or an addition to a main structure, or it can be an attachment, as in "an annex to the current plans." When used as a verb, the word means something a little different. Sometimes *annex* is used as a nice word for "take" or "grab," as when Nazi Germany took the Sudetenland from Czechoslovakia in 1938 and added it to their own territory. In order to *annex* something to what is yours, you have to take it away from someone else.

Question 277

Abstemious

Answer 277

Abstemious self denying; refraining from indulging Reserve *abstemious* for someone who exercises restraint, especially with regard to alcohol. A rock musician may sing about enjoying wine and women, but in his private life he may be *abstemious*. You might get the idea that *abstemious* is a relative of *abstain* with a change of consonant, but in fact the two words only share the *abs-* prefix, meaning "away." The *-temious* bit in this adjective is from Latin *temetum*, "intoxicating drink," so it came to refer to someone who keeps alcohol (or other temptations) at arm's length. This word has the vowels *a*, *e*, *i*, *o* and *u* in alphabetical order; the adverb *abstemiously* adds the *y*!

Question 279

Cryptic

Answer 279

Cryptic puzzling; enigmatic "White bunny. Moon. Square." Do you understand what that means? Of course not! It's totally *cryptic*. *Cryptic* comments or messages are hard to understand because they seem to have a hidden meaning. *Cryptic* is from Late Latin *crypticus,* from Greek *kryptikos,* from *kryptos* "hidden." This Greek adjective is the source of our English word *crypt*, referring to a room under a church in which dead people are buried. That might account for why the word *cryptic* has an eerie tone to it.

Question 281

Rigor

Answer 281

Rigor thoroughness When a private school boasts of its academic *rigor*, it means its students learn a lot and work really hard. *Rigor* means thoroughness and exhaustiveness––the gold standard for a good teacher. You may have heard of "*rigor* mortis"––which is a medical term describing the stiffness of a body after death. *Rigor* used to mean stiffness outside of the corpse context, i.e., sternness. The word changes meaning along with our changing standards for what we want teachers to be.

Question 281

Condone

Answer 281

Condone tacitly support; overlook If you *condone* something, you allow it, approve of it, or at least can live with it. Some teachers *condone* chewing gum, and some don't. Things that are condoned are allowed, even if everyone isn't exactly thrilled about it. People often say, "I don't *condone* what he did, but I understand it." Condoning is like excusing something. People seem to talk more about things they don't condone than things they do condone. Your mom might say, "I don't *condone* you staying up till 10, but I know you need to read." That's a way of giving approval and not giving approval at the same time.

Question 282

Adversity

Answer 282

Adversity hardship When circumstances or a situation works against you, you face *adversity.* *Adversity,* a noun which has been part of the English language for over 800 years, comes from the Latin *adversitatem* "opposition" and is related to the preposition, *versus,* a word common in legal or battle language meaning "against." When things seem against you — circumstances or a stoke of bad luck — you are facing *adversity.* Sometimes people use a form of the phrase, "turning *adversity* into opportunity/advantage." This refers to the ability some people or companies have to take a bad situation and make it into a successful one.

Question 283

Caustic

Answer 283

Caustic burning Use the adjective *caustic* to describe any chemical that is able to burn living tissue or other substances, or, figuratively, a statement that has a similarly burning effect. *Caustic* in this sense means harshly critical. In the chemical sense, a near synonym is *corrosive*. In the figurative sense, near synonyms are *biting*, *scathing*, and *sarcastic*. The source of the word *caustic* is Latin *causticus,* from Greek *kaustikos,* from *kaiein* "to burn."

Question 284

Exculpate

Answer 284

Exculpate free someone from blame; pardon; acquit To *exculpate* means to find someone not guilty of criminal charges. If you've been wrongly convicted of robbery, you better hope a judge will *exculpate* you, unless you want to go to jail because you've heard prison food is amazing. *Exculpate* comes from two Latin words: *ex-*, meaning "from," and *culpa*, meaning "blame." *Exculpate* is similar in meaning to *exonerate*. When you exonerate someone, you clear a person of an accusation and any suspicion that goes along with it. *Exculpate* usually refers more directly to clearing the charges against someone. So if that judge exculpates you from the robbery charge, everyone in town might still think you did it. Get him to exculpate and exonerate you.

Question 285

Cajole

Answer 285

Cajole coax To *cajole* someone is to persuade them by using insincere compliments or promises. If you say "Please, pretty-please, I'll be your best friend," when asking for a stick of gum, you are *cajoling* the gum holder. The origin of this word is probably a blend of two French words meaning "to chatter like a jaybird" and "to lure into a cage." When you cajole that guy into lending you some money, picture him as the bird going into the cage. In fact, the word *cajole* may be associated with another French word meaning "to put in jail."

Question 286

Palpable

Answer 286

Palpable easily felt; easily perceived When something is *palpable*, you can touch or handle it, even though the word is often used to describe things that usually can't be handled or touched, such as emotions or sensations. You probably won't see *palpable* used to describe, say, an egg or a doorknob or a motorcycle. *Palpable* is usually reserved for situations in which something invisible becomes so intense that it feels as though it has substance or weight. When the towers came down, the sense of sadness was so great, it was palpable.

Question 286

Finesse

Answer 286

Finesse skill Having *finesse* means you can handle difficult situations with diplomacy and tact, like the *finesse* it takes to help two friends work out their differences — without taking sides or alienating either one. Finesse is having grace under pressure. It's handling the rantings of an angry customer with a smile and a calm tone. Someone who has finesse says the right thing at the right time — or knows when to say nothing at all. *Finesse* looks like *fineness* and in fact comes from the Middle French word that means exactly that — delicate in nature. People with finesse can handle anything — with a delicate approach that really works.

Question 288

Talisman

Answer 288

Talisman lucky charm A *talisman* is a charm that is supposed to ward off evil or illness. Your rabbit's foot key chain may be your lucky *talisman*, but it wasn't so lucky for that rabbit, of course. The word *talisman* has been around in English since the 1630s and it has roots in both Arabic and Greek words. A talisman is usually worn around the neck but could exist in other forms, like a ring or inscribed stone. You can think of a talisman as a good luck charm, but people tend to take talismans more seriously — as if they are empowered with magic to ward off evil spirits.

Question 289

Loquacious

Answer 289

Loquacious talkative A *loquacious* person talks a lot, often about stuff that only they think is interesting. You can also call them chatty or gabby, but either way, they're *loquacious*. Whenever you see the Latin *loqu-*, you can be sure that the word has something to do with "talking." So a loquacious person is a person who talks a lot, and often too much. Sitting next to a loquacious person at a dinner party can make dinner a real drag. Of course, if you've got nothing to say, a loquacious person might make a good dinner companion, because they'll do all the talking. All you will have to do is smile and eat.

Question 290

Wane

Answer 290

Wane grow less Things that wax and *wane* grow larger and smaller, like the moon. Things that *wane* simply grow smaller. "My initial enthusiasm for helping *waned* when I saw the pile of envelopes that needed licking." You may have heard the expression "on the *wane*." It means a fad, or a fashion, or a disease, that is on its way out the door. "The face mask fad at school was on the *wane* as new reports of kids infected with a dreaded new fly virus *waned.*"

Question 292

Robust

Answer 292

Robust strong; healthy; tough Use *robust* to describe a person or thing that is healthy and strong, or strongly built. This adjective also commonly describes food or drink: a *robust* wine has a rich, strong flavor. If your school has a robust sports program, it means they offer lots of different kinds of sports and that a lot of kids participate. If you have a robust speaking voice, it means you have a voice that's deep and loud and strong. *Robust* is from Latin *robustus* "of oak, hard, strong," from *robur* "oak tree, strength."

Question 294

Overwrought

Answer 294

Overwrought worked up; in an emotional state High on drama and lacking any emotional restraint, *overwrought* is an adjective that means deeply, excessively agitated or nervous. Say your favorite soap star gets killed off in episode 12. If you sob uncontrollably, tear at your hair, and refuse to leave the couch for a week, most would say your response was overwrought — in other words, a bit much. But it's not just emotions that can go over the top. The gaudy, golden McMansion covered in ornate Italian statuary where your soap star lives in real life? Totally overdone, or overwrought, with details.

Question 295

Penury

Answer 295

Penury poverty * Penury* means extreme poverty to the point of homelessness and begging in the streets. Economic downturns, job loss, shopping sprees, and weekends at the high rollers' table in Vegas can lead to *penury*. * Penury* comes from the Latin word *penuria*, which, though it sounds like something contagious, actually means scarcity. It's not a word that turns up often in casual conversation or even on nightly newscasts. You're more apt to spot it in a college textbook or maybe an editorial in *The New York Times*.

Question 297

Incarceration

Answer 297

Incarceration putting in prison *Incarceration* is the state of being in prison. If you don't fancy *incarceration,* don't go through with that bank heist. The noun *incarceration* comes from the Latin word *carcer,* meaning "jail." There are many different types of incarceration. If you commit a crime and get locked up, that's one form of incarceration. Some people might feel that school is a form of incarceration. Some highly religious people think of the body as an incarceration of the spirit. A great synonym for this word is *captivity*.

Question 298

Beguile

Answer 298

Beguile mislead; lure To *beguile* is to trick someone, either with deception or with irresistible charm and beauty. You could be *beguiled* by a super model or by a super con artist. *Beguile* doesn't always mean that the person or thing beguiling is tricking you, but there is a sense with this word of enchantment that takes away the viewer's normal powers of judgment. A beautiful place or idea can beguile as easily as a person. You might be so beguiled by the idea of a picnic on the beach that you forgot there are two feet of snow on the ground.

Question 298

Susceptible

Answer 298

Susceptible vulnerable If you are *susceptible* to something such as infections or earaches, it means you are likely to become sick with these things. Have you ever received something you don't want? Well, with *susceptible* meaning "likely to be influenced or affected by" that is probably going to be the case. If you're susceptible to flattery, and someone wants something from you, all they have to do is give you a compliment or two and you'll do what they want. Material that's susceptible to cracking won't be in good condition for long.

Question 300

Respite

Answer 300

Respite a break; intermission A *respite* is a break from something that's difficult or unpleasant. If you're cramming for exams, take an occasional walk to give yourself a *respite* from the intensity. *Respite* may look like it rhymes with *despite*, but this word has a stress on its first syllable (RES-pit). It comes from the Latin word *respectus*, meaning refuge, but we almost always use *respite* to describe a time, not a place, of relief. If you've been fighting with your partner, a visit from a friend might offer a brief respite from the argument, but the fight will pick up again when she leaves.

Question 300

Misanthrope

Answer 300

Misanthrope hater of the rest of mankind A *misanthrope* is a person who hates or mistrusts other people. Your great aunt Edna who lashes out at anyone who approaches, convinced they'll steal the jewelry she keeps in her handbag on her lap? A *misanthrope* indeed. This is a formal word, derived from Greek *misanthrōpos* "hating mankind," from *misein* "to hate" plus *anthrōpos* "a man." From the same root, we get the English word *anthropology* "the study of humans." If you make a statement or do something that is particularly hostile or untrusting, you can call that *misanthropic*.

Question 301

Inductee

Answer 301

Inductee novice; beginner

Question 302

Plaintiff

Answer 302

Plaintiff petitioner (in court of law) In a courtroom, the *plaintiff* is the person or group who is accusing another person or group of some wrongdoing. If you’re the *plaintiff*, you are claiming that a law was broken, and you’re in court to present your case. The *plaintiff* accuses, the *defendant* tries to prove that accusation wrong. You’ve seen this relationship on television shows about lawyers, or maybe you’ve been to court yourself. The Old French root word translates as "complain" and the Latin root is literally "beating of the breast," or explaining your grief in a dramatic way. *Plaintiff* shares roots with the adjective *plaintive*, which describes a sorrowful sound. The plaintiff made a plaintive cry when the defendant was declared not guilty.

Question 303

Rebuttal

Answer 303

Rebuttal denial When two people debate, one of them makes an argument, and the other follows with a *rebuttal,* which, plainly put, is the "no, you're wrong and this is why" argument. We often associate rebuttals with arguments made in the courtroom or public debates that occur around election time, but the word can really apply to any situation in which an argument is put forth and someone disagrees, and explains why. Sports fans, for instance, like to argue about the likely winner of an upcoming game and when you make a case for why your friend is wrong, you are offering a rebuttal of his argument.

Question 304

Befuddle

Answer 304

Befuddle confuse To *befuddle* is to confuse. A sticky exam question can *befuddle* you, or an awkward question about your whereabouts the night before (how can you remember? You were *befuddled,* after all.) In sixteenth century Britain a popular thing to do (about the only thing to do) after the hogs had been fed and the chickens put away for the night was *fuddle* — in other words get pretty drunk. *Befuddled* was simply the confused state too many pots of mead put your poor brain in, and that's still its basic meaning today. Nowadays, *befuddle* has a more general meaning of confusion and uncertainty not necessarily caused by too much booze.

Question 304

Negligence

Answer 304

Negligence carelessness When you are careless or reckless and you don’t take care of a person, object or situation like you ought to, you are practicing *negligence*. "Her *negligence* of the house resulted in its being condemned by the city." The noun *negligence* comes from a Latin word that means "carelessness." *Negligence* can come in many forms: *negligence* of one's children can lead to foster care, *negligence* while driving can cause fatal accidents, *negligence* of work can lead to the loss of a job, and *negligence* of nutrition can cause health problems. There is culpability in *negligence*. *Negligence* is when one neglects to do things that should be done, and there are usually consequences.

Question 305

Scapegoat

Answer 305

Scapegoat person on whom blame is placed for faults of others The Bible depicts a ritual in which a goat is sent out into the desert bearing the faults of the people of Israel. The word *scapegoat* first occurred in the earliest English translation of the Bible, and it has come to mean any individual punished for the misdeeds of others. When a politician gets caught lying, he or she might use an assistant as a scapegoat. Somehow the lie will wind up being the assistant's fault. Your mom might tell you to use her as a scapegoat if you need to. So if your friends want you to go to a wild party and you don't want to, you should tell them your mom won't let you. That way, they will be mad at her and not at you. A fall guy is similar to a scapegoat, but it is mostly used if your scheme has been found out and one of your group of schemers must take the consequences.

Question 306

Bilk

Answer 306

Bilk cheat; defraud Ever paid a restaurant bill only to discover they charged you for stuff you never had? What they did was *bilk* you — cheat you out of money that was justly yours. Shady companies are forever *bilking* their investors. To bilk someone is slightly different from plain robbing them, though the effect is the same; it implies a non-violent, subtle and devious method masquerading as legitimate. Bernie Madoff, the Ponzi scheme king, was a classic bilker. On a more enjoyable note, one of the greatest bilkers in TV history was the appropriately named Sergeant Bilko, played by the comedian Phil Silvers. His eternal card games, promotions and get-rich-quick schemes were all designed to part some poor sucker from their cash. Watch and learn from the master.

Question 307

Milieu

Answer 307

Milieu environment Whatever he carried on the inside after more than 25 years in prison, Nelson Mandela reentered society focusing on the *milieu,* or surrounding culture, of South Africans and not the prison *milieu* he had left behind. A *milieu* is both "surroundings" and everything that makes up the surroundings. Your milieu is your world, or the context you come from. Sometimes a milieu shapes a person, as when a "milieu of abuse and poverty," inspires someone to improve things for others. Milieu sounds a lot like "mildew" without the "d," but unless you grew up in a moldy bathtub, mildew probably has little to do with your *milieu,* or environment.

Question 308

Emerge

Answer 308

Emerge come out; appear To *emerge* means to come out into view or come forth. You might hope to *emerge* from an epic perming session looking like a beauty queen, but chances are it will just look like you got electrocuted. From the Latin *emergere*, meaning to "rise out or up, bring forth, bring to light," *emerge* is an intransitive verb that might bring to mind the image of a whale rising up from the depths of the sea, or of a person popping out from a dark corner to spook you. *Appear* and *peep* are synonyms, while *dip* and *sink* are antonyms.

Question 309

Beleaguer

Answer 309

Beleaguer besiege; attack * Beleaguer* means to pester or badger with persistence. A babysitter might find annoying the children who *beleaguer* her with requests for candy, cookies, games, and piggyback rides all at the same time. * Beleaguer* originally meant to lay siege to, and originates from a 16th century Dutch term which meant to camp all around. It was not until later that *beleaguer* came to mean harass or bother in a determined way. Remember that there is a *league* in the middle of *be-league-r* and the spelling will be easy.

Question 310

Charlatan

Answer 310

Charlatan trickster who claims knowledge he doesn't have A *charlatan* is a quack, a person who is trying to deceive you with false claims. Beware of *charlatans* who try to sell you access to the fountain of youth or to a Ponzi scheme disguised as an exclusive investment fund. A *charlatan* is one who pretends to possess knowledge he or she lacks. From the 16th century Italian *ciarlatano* "a quack," the usage of *charlatan* has not shifted much. Other words for *charlatan* are *impostor*, *cheat*, or *pretender*. *Charlatans* are marked by the elaborate schemes they cook up. Russian playwright Anton Chekhov said, "No psychologist should pretend to understand what he does not understand...Only fools and *charlatans* know everything and understand nothing."

Question 311

Didactic

Answer 311

Didactic intended to teach; instructive When people are *didactic*, they're teaching or instructing. This word is often used negatively for when someone is acting too much like a teacher. When you're didactic, you're trying to teach something. Just about everything teachers do is didactic: the same is true of coaches and mentors. *Didactic* is often used in a negative way. If you heard that a movie is overly didactic, that's probably not good. Most people want to see a story and be entertained when going to the movies, and if it feels like the movie is just telling you what to think, that's didactic in a bad way.

Question 312

Artifice

Answer 312

Artifice deception; trickery If a politician pretends to be angry as a way of rousing the anger of the voters and getting more votes, he's guilty of *artifice* — a subtle and crafty trick. Before taking on its current meaning, *artifice* meant a skilled piece of workmanship. A beautiful diamond bracelet might have been considered a piece of artifice, for example; now it would only be called artifice if the diamonds were fake.

Question 312

Intransigent

Answer 312

Intransigent stubborn; unyielding * Intransigent* means inflexible, stubborn, entrenched. Argue all you like with an *intransigent* three-year-old. He will never back down from the position that he wants the lollipop NOW. * Trans* has to do with movement — think *transportation*, or a package *in transit*, i.e. "on the way." The *in-* of *intransigent* means "not," so something or someone who is intransigent is not moving. If one political party wants to raise funds to improve schools but the other is *intransigent* on the subject of higher taxes, the debate will get nowhere.

Question 314

Impoverished

Answer 314

Impoverished destitute; poor * Impoverished* describes being really, really poor, either from having no money or being in bad health. A person who lives on the street is *impoverished*, and a country may become *impoverished* after a devastating war. * Impoverished* comes from the Old French word *povre*, which means "poor," and you can almost see the word *poverty* inside *impoverished*. Living an impoverished life means that your finances and health are not in good shape, and in fact you could die because you can’t support yourself. A corrupt and greedy government makes its citizens impoverished, and too much pollution will create impoverished soil that isn’t healthy enough to grow delicious vegetables.

Question 314

Niggardly

Answer 314

Niggardly miserly; stingy While this looks like a certain racial slur, it's really just a way of saying meager, stingy or ungenerous. If you get a *niggardly* share of cake, it means someone gave you a very small piece. This word is so close to a nasty racial slur that people have gotten in trouble for using it correctly. The words are not related in any way, they just sound alike. If you use the word *niggardly*, and someone is taken aback or offended, they either misheard you or don't know what they are talking about. In this situation, aim for generosity. Don't be niggardly with patience and understanding of their ignorance.

Question 315

Arbitrary

Answer 315

Arbitrary random; for no definite reason Something that's *arbitrary* seems like it's chosen at random instead of following a consistent rule. Team members would dislike their coach using a totally *arbitrary* method to pick starting players. Even though *arbitrary* comes from a word meaning "judge" (*arbiter*), that doesn't mean judges are always fair. Calling a decision-maker *arbitrary* is usually a negative thing, suggesting the person is making rules based on whim rather than justice. A coach who selects starting players arbitrarily isn't strictly applying a rule; he could just be picking names out of a hat.

Question 317

Detrimental

Answer 317

Detrimental harmful *Detrimental* is a formal way of saying "harmful." Anything *detrimental* hurts, hinders, or puts a damper on something. *Detrimental* things do damage. Have you ever heard "Smoking may be *detrimental* to your health" and wondered what it meant? It means that smoking is bad for your health: it's going to harm you in a bunch of ways. *Detrimental* is a more official, formal way of talking about things that do harm. A dog who likes digging holes can be detrimental to a garden. If you're writing a paper and want to pick an alternative to *harmful* that sounds more formal, *detrimental* is a great choice.

Question 318

Altruism

Answer 318

Altruism putting others first; being self-sacrificing If you see a stranger getting beat up on the playground and you rush in to rescue them, you have done something unselfish to help another person, otherwise known as an act of *altruism*. Use the noun *altruism* to refer to feelings or actions that show an unselfish concern for other people. In science, *altruism* refers to animal behavior that could be harmful to the animal itself but that contributes to the survival of the animal group. It's related to the adjective *altruistic*. Someone known for their altruism is an *altruist*.

Question 320

Acrophobia

Answer 320

Acrophobia fear of heights Want to go to the top of the Empire State Building? You must not have *acrophobia*. Someone who is terrified of heights will just wait for you in the gift shop — which is on the ground floor. You can see the word *phobia*, or extreme fear, in *acrophobia*. *Acro* comes from the Greek word *akron*, which means "summit" or "high point." When you put it all together, you have a word that means "fear of heights." Whoever named Akron, Ohio, must have studied Greek; it is located on a plateau in *Summit* County.

Question 321

Liniment

Answer 321

Liniment soothing lotion

Question 323

Epicure

Answer 323

Epicure someone who appreciates good food and drink We call a person who truly loves food—food at the highest levels—an *epicure*. Occasionally, you might find the word *epicure* used for a person who loves something else, but an *epicure* is usually someone who delights in fine food. Epicurus was the Greek philosopher whom we credit with thinking the most about cooking and food. So any time you see the word *epicure*, remember that that person follows the philosopher Epicurus and therefore loves food. Being an epicure ain't cheap. Most fine restaurants these days will charge you an arm and a leg for a meal good enough to satisfy a real epicure: a good bottle of wine alone could cost the choosy epicure a couple of Benjamins ($100 bills).

Question 324

Monotonous

Answer 324

Monotonous dull; unvarying When something goes on and on and on and on and on, the same way, for a long time, that's *monotonous*. *Monotonous* things are boring and repetitive, like that long story you've heard your brother tell a hundred times before. Ever hear a song that just sounds like the same thing over and over? Ever hear a dog that keeps barking all day? Or a voice that's dull and unchanging in tone? All those things are monotonous: they don't change much, and they're dull as dishwater. Anything tedious or humdrum is probably monotonous. If someone says you're being monotonous, try to vary your tone of voice or the things you're talking about.

Question 324

Vivacity

Answer 324

Vivacity liveliness; animation If someone says you're full of *vivacity*, that means you have high spirits and are full of life. Your *vivacity* makes you a great comedic actor because you attack the stage with endless energy. *Vivacity* comes from the Latin *vīvācitāt-*, meaning "life force," and shares a root with the word *vital*. You may know from medical dramas that if someone's vital signs are not good, that means he's dying. But if he is full of vivacity, that means the opposite: he's totally energetically fully alive! If you don't have much vivacity, don't become a motivational speaker.

Question 325

Edifice

Answer 325

Edifice building; structure; construction *Edifice* means a building, but it doesn't mean just any building. To merit being called an *edifice*, a building must be important. A mini temple can be an *edifice*, or a towering sky scraper. The meaning of *edifice* has expanded to include a system of ideas––when it is complicated enough to be considered to have walls and a roof, then it is an *edifice*. You could say that basic facts of addition and subtraction are the foundation on which the *edifice* of higher math rests.

Question 326

Harangue

Answer 326

Harangue "noisy, attacking speech" A *harangue* is more than a speech, louder than a discussion, and nastier than a lecture. It is a verbal attack that doesn't let up, delivered as a verb or received as a noun. Either way, it's pretty unpleasant. The word *harangue* developed its modern spelling around 1530, when the word was recorded as *harangue* in French. The word, meaning a strong, nasty rant, appears to have evolved from the Old Italian word *aringa*, probably from the word for a public square or place for public speaking. This in turn appears to have evolved from a Germanic word related to *ring*, as in "circular gathering," which is clearly similar to the Italian meaning.

Question 328

Plummet

Answer 328

Plummet fall suddenly and steeply The verb *plummet* means "to drop sharply," like eagles that *plummet* toward earth, seeking prey, or school attendance that *plummets* when there is a flu outbreak. To correctly pronounce *plummet*, say "PLUH-met." This verb describes something that drops sharply or quickly, like a roller coaster that plummets down a hill, temperatures that plummet overnight, or sales of roses and candy that plummet after Valentine's Day. If something plummets, this doesn't mean it will stay down or low forever, just that it has experienced a sharp drop.

Question 330

Abhor

Answer 330

Abhor hate If you *abhor* something, it gives you a feeling of complete hatred. Chances are you *abhor* that kid who used to torture the frogs in biology class. *Abhor* is from Latin *abhorrere* — "to shrink back in horror." It is the strongest way in English to express hatred, even stronger than *loathe*. We only use abhor in formal contexts; you might say "I abhor that man," but you would be less likely to say "I abhor spinach" unless you tend to express yourself in highfalutin terms no matter what the occasion.

Question 331

Unwitting

Answer 331

Unwitting not deliberate; unconscious Use the adjective *unwitting* to describe someone who doesn't know certain important information, such as *unwitting* computer users who don't know that an online shopping site is tracking all their activity. *Unwitting* can also describe something you do almost automatically, like the *unwitting* way you double-check that the door is locked when leaving the house. It can also indicate that something is done without intention, like an unwitting arrival at a by-invitation-only event. *Wit* means "clever," so something that is unwitting is not clever.

Question 331

Concise

Answer 331

Concise stated in few words If something is *concise*, it's short and gets right to the point. A *concise* edition of your diary might be 50 pages of the most important entries. *Concise* comes from the Latin word *concidere*, which means to cut down. When we use *concise*, we're talking about words that have been cut down. There are no concise trees, but there are concise works of political philosophy. A concise Italian-English dictionary, is shorter than an unabridged one. If you're good at quick explanations, you have a concise manner. A good synonym is *succinct*.

Question 333

Resplendent

Answer 333

Resplendent shining; glowing Someone or something that is *resplendent* has great beauty and is a pleasure to behold. "She was there, at the base of the stairs, *resplendent* in her flowing gown and jewels." When people or things are *resplendent*, they are dazzling, splendiferous, glorious, or lovely. The adjective *resplendent* comes from a Latin word that means "to shine brightly." The gilded entranceway was *resplendent* in the golden glow of the afternoon light. When he flashed his *resplendent* smile, she was helpless against his charms.

Question 333

Arcane

Answer 333

Arcane obscure; known only to a few people Something *arcane* is understood or known by only a few people. Almost everyone knows the basics of baseball, but only an elite few possess the *arcane* knowledge of its history that marks the true fan. A near synonym is *esoteric*, as in remote information or knowledge. Experts in academic fields often show off the depth of their knowledge by mentioning some arcane and esoteric fact as if it was common for everyone to know. The origin of *arcane* is Latin *arcānus* "secret, closed," from arca "a chest, box." *Arcana* (singular *arcanum*) are pieces of mysterious knowledge or information.

Question 334

Taciturn

Answer 334

Taciturn quiet; saying little Someone who is *taciturn* is reserved, not loud and talkative. The word itself refers to the trait of reticence, of seeming aloof and uncommunicative. A *taciturn* person might be snobby, naturally quiet, or just shy. Having its origin in the Latin *tacitus*, "silent," *taciturn* came to be used in mid-18th-century English in the sense "habitually silent." Taciturnity is often considered a negative trait, as it suggests someone uncommunicative and too quiet. Jane Austen wrote, "We are each of an unsocial, *taciturn* disposition, unwilling to speak, unless we expect to say something that will amaze the whole room, and be handed down to posterity with all the éclat of a proverb."

Question 335

Ingrate

Answer 335

Ingrate ungrateful person If your kind act of buying a donut for your friend gets you nothing but a complaint that the chocolate icing looks runny, then it sounds like your pal is an *ingrate*, someone who is not thankful for others' kindness. The noun *ingrate* comes for the Latin word *ingratus*, a combination of *in-*, meaning "not," and *gratus*, or "grateful." That pretty much sums up an ingrate: not grateful. It describes someone who tends to act this way in general, rarely acknowledging others' generosity, or even worse, seeming to expect special treatment. You can tell someone is an ingrate but what isn't said: "thank you" and "I appreciate what you've done for me."

Question 337

Deference

Answer 337

Deference respect Sure you wear ripped jeans to school every day, but you don't wear them to your grandmother's house out of *deference* to her. When you show *deference* to someone, you make a gesture of respect. The noun *deference* goes with the verb *defer*, which means "to yield to someone's opinions or wishes out of respect for that person." If you and your dad disagree about the best route to the grocery store, you might defer to him, and take his route. You're taking his route out of deference to his opinion and greater experience.

Question 339

Headstrong

Answer 339

Headstrong stubborn; willful *Headstrong* describes something that's disobedient or willful. If you're *headstrong*, you want to do what you want to do. When you refuse to complete your homework because you want to watch a football game, you're being *headstrong*. A closer look at the word *headstrong* can give you a hint to its meaning — the combination of the words *head* and *strong*. You're determined to have your own way because you have a strong belief that your view — what you have in your head — is the best one. Being a headstrong person is not always a bad thing. Sometimes headstrong people make history because they fight traditional values or outdated rules that need to be changed.

Question 339

Magnanimous

Answer 339

Magnanimous generous; big-hearted A *magnanimous* person has a generous spirit. Letting your little sister have the last of the cookies, even though you hadn't eaten since breakfast, would be considered a *magnanimous* act. *Magnanimous* comes from Latin *magnus* "great" and *animus* "soul," so it literally describes someone who is big-hearted. A person can show that over-sized spirit by being noble or brave, or by easily forgiving others and not showing resentment. It implies superiority, and is something you should say of others rather than of yourself. Being magnanimous doesn't require doling out tons of cash — just being an understanding and tolerant soul will do the trick.

Question 340

Vagrant

Answer 340

Vagrant person wandering without a home A *vagrant* is someone who is homeless and poor and may wander from place to place. In fiction a vagrant often is a criminal, but a real-life vagrant might just be a person who has lost a job and family and lives off the streets with help from charity. Many synonyms for *vagrant* imply laziness and criminal behavior, such as "bum," "tramp," and "vagabond," and some vagrants do make money through crime. Often, though, a vagrant is a down-on-his-luck person who has lost work, family, or health and lives on the streets. European roots for *vagrant* point to "wander" or "wander about," and a vagrant is a wanderer — a man or woman without a place to call home.

Question 341

Fanaticism

Answer 341

Fanaticism passion; excessive devotion * Fanaticism* occurs when someone is unwilling or unable to accept a differing point of view. You can use the word to describe the endless war between fans of the Boston Red Sox and the New York Yankees. * Fanaticism* come from the Latin word *fanaticus*, a word with a meaning that includes the word *mad* — in both senses. If you're mad, you might be angry — or you might be insane. Fanaticism involves both kinds of madness. Anger at those who disagree with you, taken so far that there's a desire to stop or even harm the dissenters? That's madness — and also fanaticism.

Question 342

Tumult

Answer 342

Tumult uproar; noise If a principal steps into a classroom and is greeted by a *tumult* of voices, with the teacher shouting for her kids' attention, he will not be pleased. A *tumult* is a state of noisy confusion. Very often a crowd of people will cause a *tumult*. But your mind can also be in *tumult*, which means that you are very confused by strong emotions. If you want an adjective to describe these types of confused situations, use *tumultuous*. *Tumult* is from the Latin *tumultus* "an uproar," which is related to the Latin verb *tumēre* "to swell."

Question 342

Dike

Answer 342

Dike dam; embankment A *dike* is a structure made of earth or stone that's used to hold back water. If you visit the Netherlands, you can see their elaborate system of *dikes*, without which much of the country would be underwater. The verb *dike* means to enclose with a structure, like a wall or embankment, intended to hold back water. The Netherlands diked an inland sea, used pumping and other water control measures, and was able to reclaim flooded areas. The Dutch have used dikes to prevent flooding since the 12th century, and the word itself has the same roots as the Dutch word *dijk*.

Question 342

Colloquial

Answer 342

Colloquial local and informal (used of language) *Colloquial* language is casual and conversational: it's the difference between "What are you going to do?" and "Whatchagonnado?" The word *colloquial* comes from the Latin word *colloquium*, which means "speaking together." The roots are the prefix *com-*, which means "together," and the suffix *-loqu*, which means "speak." Some may think that colloquial language is not good, when in fact it may just not be appropriate for the context. While it is OK to be colloquial and chatty with friends, it is not acceptable to be colloquial in an essay for school or work.

Question 343

Indigenous

Answer 343

Indigenous native to a particular area Use *indigenous* to describe a plant, animal or person that is native or original to an area. Though Switzerland is known for its chocolates, chocolate, which comes from the cocoa plant, is *indigenous* to South America. *Indigenous*, *aboriginal* and *native* all mean the same thing. *Aboriginal*, however, is commonly used in connection with Australia, and *native* with North America. The most neutral of the three terms, *indigenous* comes from the Latin word, *indigena* meaning "a native." An indigenous ceremony or religion is one traditionally used by a certain group of people.

Question 345

Unfrock

Answer 345

Unfrock to remove a priest from his position

Question 346

Curtail

Answer 346

Curtail cut short To *curtail* something is to slow it down, put restrictions on it, or stop it entirely. If I give up cake, I am *curtailing* my cake-eating. *Curtail* is an official-sounding word for stopping or slowing things down. The police try to curtail crime — they want there to be less crime in the world. A company may want to curtail their employees' computer time, so they spend more time working and less time goofing around. Teachers try to curtail whispering and note-passing in class. When something is curtailed, it's either stopped entirely or stopped quite a bit — it's cut short.

Question 347

Veracity

Answer 347

Veracity truthfulness *Veracity* sounds like some kind of disease you don't want to catch, but in fact, it means truthfulness. If you question the *veracity* of a statement or story, you wonder whether it is truthful or accurate. Veracity is linked to the adjective *veracious* or "truthful." But don't confuse *veracious* with *voracious*. A *voracious* person eats very large amounts of food. If you were *veracious*, or "truthful," you'd tell them they look fat.

Question 349

Posterity

Answer 349

Posterity future generations *Posterity* is a noun meaning "future generations." These people of the future could be your children and great-great grandchildren, or any people who are born after you. If you save something "for posterity," you're hoping that years later people will appreciate it, like a time capsule you bury in the yard. The word comes from the Latin word for "post, after." It's also related to the word *posterior*, which means "behind, to come after in time." In legal terms, *posterity* refers to the offspring of a person and it often has to do with inheriting property and who is entitled to do so.

Question 349

Prescient

Answer 349

Prescient having fore-knowledge To be *prescient* is to have foresight or foreknowledge. We can use this word to describe people themselves, or what they say or do at a given moment. You probably know that the Latin prefix *pre-* means "before," so you might be able to figure out that the word *prescient,* from the verb *praescire,* means to "know beforehand." People like economists, sports commentators, and political analysts often get tagged with this word, because it's part of their job to sift through the data and make predictions — and sometimes they get it right. And when they're not just lucky, we might say they're prescient.

Question 350

Zeal

Answer 350

Zeal enthusiasm * Zeal* is dedication or enthusiasm for something. If you have *zeal*, you're willing, energized, and motivated. * Zeal* is often used in a religious sense, meaning devotion to God or another religious cause, like being a missionary. Zeal doesn't have to be religious, though: a feeling of gusto and enthusiasm for anything can be called *zeal*. People have zeal for sports teams, bands, causes, and (often, but not always) their jobs. If you have passion for something, you have zeal, which is kind of a mix of eagerness and energy and devotion.

Question 351

Irreproachable

Answer 351

Irreproachable cannot be criticized; perfect Use the adjective *irreproachable* to describe something or someone blameless or not deserving of criticism. It can be annoying, but your parents strive to give you *irreproachable* advice when they tell you, "Study hard in school," and not "Party on!" The adjective *irreproachable* comes the Old French word *reprocher*, which meant "to blame." With the addition of the prefix *ir-*, meaning "not," and the suffix *-able*, meaning "capable," we get the English meaning of "not capable of being blamed." It is the rare politician who has an irreproachable reputation. So if your background is not irreproachable and you run for office, be prepared for the press to dig up all the skeletons in your closet.

Question 351

Pillage

Answer 351

Pillage plunder To *pillage* is a term of war that means to take everything of value from a place that you've conquered, but these days, *pillage* can be used to talk about anyone who takes what's not theirs. It wasn't enough just to win a battle. A conquering army had to *pillage* entire cities, taking everything of value that wasn't nailed down. Recently, several European families have won cases in international courts against museums displaying art that was looted by the Nazis during World War II. These families claim that the art was pillaged during the war and that, rather than being displayed on museum walls, it should be returned to its rightful owners.

Question 353

Ruminate

Answer 353

Ruminate think over something; ponder When you *ruminate*, it means you are thinking very deeply about something. You're likely to be so lost in thought that you stare off into space and don't hear people when they call your name. Another meaning of *ruminate* is to "chew the cud," which can mean "to turn it over and over in your mind." Or, if you're a cow, to turn food over and over in your stomachs in order to digest it. Whether you're a human or a cow, if you ruminate, it will take a LONG time.

Question 354

Purloin

Answer 354

Purloin steal You can use the verb *purloin* to mean "steal" or "take," especially if it's done in a sneaky way. If you sneak a dollar out of your mom's purse, you *purloin* it. Kids might purloin apples from a neighbor's tree, and a crooked cashier might purloin cash from her boss's convenience store. Originally, *purloin* meant "put at a distance" in Middle English. The word comes from the Anglo-French *purloigner*, "put away."

Question 355

Concatenation

Answer 355

Concatenation linking into chains *Concatenation* refers to a series of things — ideas, events, animals — that are somehow interconnected, individual parts that are linked to form a single unit, like the links in a chain. If you think about a chain, you can imagine the individual links — they move separately, yet are linked so they always move together as well. This aptly describes *concatenation*, the state of several things being bound together. We can see the meaning from the word's source, the Latin *concatēnāre*. It comes from *catēnāre*, "to make a chain, to link," which itself comes from *catena*, "a chain." Add the prefix *con-*, meaning "together," and we get the meaning "to link together."

Question 356

Parched

Answer 356

Parched dried up Something *parched* is excessively dry and hot, in extreme need of water, like a desert, a neglected plant, or your throat after a five-kilometer run. Some foods, like corn, beans, or grains, may be *parched*, or toasted, to bring out their flavor and help preserve them. American Indians parched corn to make it keep and remain edible over the winter. They taught this to the new colonists, and *parched* corn later became a staple of explorers like Lewis and Clark, as well as soldiers during the Civil War. Laura Ingalls Wilder wrote of parched corn, "It crackled and crunched, and its taste was sweet and brown."

Question 357

Engender

Answer 357

Engender cause *Engender* is a fancy way of saying "to make happen," like when you *engender* the spirit of teamwork and cooperation by encouraging others and doing your share of the group's work. The verb *engender* has nothing to do with being male or female, though originally, it did mean "beget, procreate." Today, *engender* means "to produce or bring about." When students come to class prepared, meaning they've read their assignment, this engenders better class discussions, just as mutual trust and the desire to help each other engenders a meaningful friendship.

Question 358

Noxious

Answer 358

Noxious harmful; poisonous; lethal Something *noxious* is harmful and could be even fatal — whether it is colorless, odorless, and invisible like carbon monoxide, or dark, strong-smelling, and obvious, like black smoke from a fire. People are called noxious too when they hurt others with cruelty or mental anguish. English and Latin roots for *noxious* are related to the meanings of "harm," "damage," and "injury." While *obnoxious* might come to mind when seeing the word *noxious,* *obnoxious* is a much less damaging adjective to describe someone annoying. Most uses for *noxious* involve real physical or emotional damage unless the word is used in exaggeration. Examples range from "the *noxious* gas fumes made the dog pass out" to "his cologne was so *noxious* I had to exit the elevator and take the stairs."

Question 360

Plaudit

Answer 360

Plaudit statement giving strong praise As its sound might suggest, *plaudit* is indeed related to "applaud" and "applause." In fact it's really just a fancy way of saying "praise" or "acclamation." *Plaudit* is used more in a literary sense than in spoken English, and particularly applies to the reception of a work of art, most notably a play. In fact, the word comes from the Latin *plaudite,* loudly uttered by Roman actors at the end of a play and meaning "applaud!" Kind of like cue cards for game show audiences now.

Question 361

Innate

Answer 361

Innate inherited; inborn If a characteristic or ability is already present in a person or animal when they are born, it is *innate.* People have the *innate* ability to speak whereas animals do not. *Innate* can also be used figuratively for something that comes from the mind rather than from external sources. Do you know someone with an innate sense of style? Some kids seem to have an innate sense of fairness where others seem to be natural bullies. In some contexts, *innate* means inherent. There is an innate sadness in certain types of ceremonies.

Question 363

Salutary

Answer 363

Salutary something which teaches you a lesson; beneficial Use *salutary* to describe something that's good for your health, like the *salutary* benefits of exercise, laughter, and getting enough sleep every night. When you look at the word *salutary*, you might expect it to have something to do with showing respect to military personnel, perhaps by saluting. In fact, *salutary* and *salute* do share a Latin root: *salus*, which means "good health." When you salute someone, or say "Salud!" before clinking glasses and taking a first sip, you're essentially giving your salutary wish — in other words, hoping a person enjoys good health.

Question 363

Serendipity

Answer 363

Serendipity fortunate coincidence; unsought discovery If you find good things without looking for them, *serendipity* — unexpected good luck — has brought them to you. *Serendipity* does not come from Latin or Greek, but rather was created by a British nobleman in the mid 1700s from an ancient Persian fairy tale. The meaning of the word, good luck in finding valuable things unintentionally, refers to the fairy tale characters who were always making discoveries through chance. You can thank serendipity if you find a pencil at an empty desk just at you walk into an exam and realize that you forgot yours.

Question 365

Falter

Answer 365

Falter hesitate; waver *Falter* means to hesitate, stumble, or waver, and everything from faith to voices can do it. So if you want to keep your bride or groom happy, it's best not to *falter* when it's your turn to say "I do." Experts may falter if you ask them where *falter* came from, because the origins are pretty unclear. But everyone agrees on the current meaning: someone who falters is unsteady, wobbly, or unsure. You might falter while reciting a poem if you forget some of the lines, or falter crossing a rickety rope bridge when fear gets the most of you. But you certainly won't falter when someone asks you the meaning of this word.

Question 366

Elucidate

Answer 366

Elucidate make clear If you *elucidate* something, you explain it very clearly. If you don't understand fractions, a visit to the pie shop may *elucidate* the subject for you. *Elucidate* is from Late Latin *elucidare,* from the Latin prefix *e-* "thoroughly" plus *lucidus* "clear, bright." This Latin adjective is the source of English *lucid,* which describes someone who thinks clearly or something that is clear enough to understand.

Question 368

Placid

Answer 368

Placid calm; peaceful Call a body of water *placid* if it has a smooth surface and no waves. Call a person *placid* if they don't tend to make waves by causing a fuss. Coming from the Latin *placidus* "pleasing or gentle," *placid* is most commonly used to describe a person who is not easily irritated or a body of water such as a lake that does not have waves to disturb the surface. Synonyms of *placid* in both meanings include *calm,* *serene* and *tranquil.* In other uses, *placid* describes something with little disruption — like "a *placid* neighborhood."

Question 370

Demur

Answer 370

Demur hesitate; refuse Your mother asks you to pick up your room. You refuse: you *demur.* Your friend wants to go to the Death Metal Forever concert, but you hesitate: you *demur.* Whether you strongly object, politely disagree, or hesitate to agree, you *demur.* If Aunt Tilly offers to knit you a sweater, you might politely *demur,* being reluctant to accept. When she describes the bunnies she plans for the sweater, you would want to strongly *demur,* explaining that you plan to move to Texas next week and will no longer need sweaters. And if you find yourself the defendant in a civil suit, you might file a *demurrer* to object to the plaintiff’s complaint. When you file that demurrer, you *demur.*

Question 371

Pragmatic

Answer 371

Pragmatic practical To describe a person or a solution that takes a realistic approach, consider the adjective *pragmatic*. The four-year-old who wants a unicorn for her birthday isn't being very pragmatic. The opposite of *idealistic* is *pragmatic*, a word that describes a philosophy of "doing what works best." From Greek *pragma* "deed," the word has historically described philosophers and politicians who were concerned more with real-world application of ideas than with abstract notions. A pragmatic person is sensible, grounded, and practical — and doesn't expect a birthday celebration filled with magical creatures.

Question 373

Lance

Answer 373

Lance spear; spike; javelin A warrior during the Middle Ages most often carried a *lance*, or a long, pointed spear, as a weapon. Throughout history, soldiers mounted on horseback have often carried some variation of a lance — something long and sharp for jabbing at enemy warriors. Lances were carried as far back as ancient Roman armies and as recently as Plains Indians after they were introduced to horses in the eighteenth century. The Latin root word, *lancea* , means "light spear" or "Spanish spear."

Question 374

Deter

Answer 374

Deter put off; prevent *Deter* means to discourage. Many believe that the use of capital punishment *deters* people from committing murder. Others think that is hogwash. From the Latin *de* meaning "away" and *terrere* meaning "frighten," *deter* means to frighten away. "Hopefully the idea of being expelled will *deter* kids from cheating in school." Teddy Roosevelt's foreign policy dictum "walk softly but carry a big stick" was meant to *deter* other countries from messing with the United States.

Question 376

Heed

Answer 376

Heed listen to *Heed* is an old word, meaning to listen to and follow. It can also be used as a noun: "Take *heed* of my instructions, little boy," said the old bearded man. "My potion will only work for the one who wears the ring." The most common use of *heed* is with warnings. The word derives from Old English *hēdan* and is related to the Dutch *hoeden* and German *hüten*––from Germanic cultures where fairy tales with mysterious warnings and magical consequences abound.

Question 377

Marsupial

Answer 377

Marsupial pouched mammal (like a kangaroo) Like primates, *marsupials* are a type of mammal. One thing all members of this family have in common is a pouch. The most famous marsupial is the kangaroo, but there are many others, such as wallabies, opossums, koalas, and wombats. What makes marsupials different from primates or rodents (who are also mammals) is that the mothers have pouches to hold their young. This is because when marsupial babies are born, they're not quite ready for the world, so the pouch gives them a chance to grow and be safe before having to live on their own. When you think *marsupial*, think "pouch."

Question 378

Assiduous

Answer 378

Assiduous thorough; diligent If you call someone *assiduous*, it's a compliment. It means they're careful, methodical and very persistent. Good detectives are classically *assiduous* types. *Assiduous* comes from two Latin words: *assiduus,* meaning "busy incessant, continual or constant," and *assidere,* meaning "to sit down to" something. (Funnily enough, we also get the word *sedentary,* meaning someone who doesn't move around much, a lazy couch potato, from this same last word.) Although we tend to think of sedentary types as being the very opposite of assiduous ones, many assiduous activities (like writing, thinking, or detective work) are best done sitting in a chair.

Question 379

Uproarious

Answer 379

Uproarious hilarious; hysterical; very funny *Uproarious* situations are very loud, a little out of control, and often hilarious. You might encounter an *uproarious* crowd at a soccer match, or even in your school cafeteria. Your neighbors might like to throw uproarious dinner parties filled with screams of glee and pounding music, disturbing your sleep. Notice the word *roar* in there, because whether it’s an uproarious gathering or just one uproarious joke, it’s always an event of stunning and dramatic volume, like a lion’s roar.

Question 380

Surreptitiously

Answer 380

Surreptitiously secretly; furtively; stealthily When you're doing things secret and sneakily, you're doing them *surreptitiously*. This is an adverb that applies to actions that you're trying to do covertly: you don't want anyone to know about them, so you have to be sneaky. Burglars approach a house surreptitiously. If you plan a surprise party for your mother, you have to go about it surreptitiously or she'll find out and the surprise will be ruined. Anything you don't reveal fully or do on the sly is an example of going about it surreptitiously.

Question 381

Inexorable

Answer 381

Inexorable relentless When a person is *inexorable*, they're stubborn. When a thing or process is *inexorable*, it can't be stopped. This is a word for people and things that will not change direction. An inexorable person is hard-headed and cannot be convinced to change their mind, no matter what. You can also say that a process, like the progress of a deadly illness, is inexorable because it can't be stopped. A speeding train with no brakes is inexorable; it's not stopping till it crashes. When you see the word *inexorable*, think "No one's stopping that."

Question 381

Cogent

Answer 381

Cogent lucid; well argued When you make a *cogent* argument, it means your argument is clear and persuasive. In these days of 24-hour entertainment news and sound-bite sized explanations of complex government policy, it’s hard to find a *cogent* argument amidst all the emotional outbursts. *Cogent* comes from a Latin word meaning to drive together, so cogent thinking is well-organized: it hangs together. If you try to convince your mayor to build a new park by saying that playgrounds are good, seeing the sky is nice, and raccoons are cool…well that’s not a cogent argument; it’s just random. But you could cogently argue that parks contribute to civic happiness by providing space for exercise, community, and encounters with nature.

Question 382

Placebo

Answer 382

Placebo harmless medicine with no effect; dummy medicine A patient's symptoms sometimes disappear just because they believe that they are being treated. Even when doctors give them a biologically inactive drug, otherwise known as a *placebo*, the patients swear they are cured. In clinical drug-trials, to rule out what is called the *placebo* effect, scientists give half of the trial participants a placebo. If a government replaces food stamps with a coloring book give-away, it might be dismissed by child advocates as nothing more than a placebo. *Placēbō* is Latin for "I'll please (you)," in other words, I'll keep you happy, even though I'm just giving you a placebo.

Question 383

Efface

Answer 383

Efface wipe out; remove all trace of If something is erased or rubbed out, it has been *effaced*. Teachers get annoyed to find that someone has *effaced* the blackboard — even the part clearly marked, "Do Not Erase!" You can also efface things that are not physical — like effacing feelings, impressions, or memories. When you efface a memory, you wipe it out as well. Some people believe that their good deeds are able to efface their past wrongs. They'll have to rely on others' opinions to see how well that works.

Question 384

Panacea

Answer 384

Panacea remedy for all ills

Question 386

Extradite

Answer 386

Extradite deport from one country back to the home country

Question 387

Inveterate

Answer 387

Inveterate habitual If you're an *inveterate* doodler, all your notebooks are covered with drawings. If you're an *inveterate* golf player, you probably get twitchy if you haven't been out on a course in a week. In Middle English *inveterate* was associated with chronic disease. Now it simply refers to something that is a signature habit with a person. Unless you're an *inveterate* gambler, drinker or smoker––in which case you're addicted and we're back to talking about being sick.

Question 389

Unctuous

Answer 389

Unctuous oily; using excessive flattery You might know the idea of the adjective *unctuous* by other words like "oily," "smarmy," or overly "flattering." When a person is *unctuous*, you can't trust their kindness, because they usually want something in return. Interestingly, *unctuous* is derived from the Latin *unctus* which means "anointed with oil," which is where the "oily" connotation comes from. *Unctuous* and "oily" are synonyms that both suggest that someone is trying to butter you up; they're being nice, because they're hoping you'll give them what they want. Talk-show hosts, used-car salesmen, people who want your job: all of these are people we think of (rightly or wrongly) as being unctuous. Being an *unctuous* jerk, he gave me a gift, hoping I'd give him a record deal.

Question 390

Drawl

Answer 390

Drawl speak slowly with words running together

Question 390

Moribund

Answer 390

Moribund on the point of death Something that is *moribund* is almost dead, like the *moribund* plant you didn't water for months, or so without change or growth that it seems dead, like a *moribund* town that seems trapped in the 1950s. In Latin, *mori* means "to die." You probably recognize this root in words like *mortal*, *mortician*, and *mortuary*. *Moribund* means "near death," but it can also mean something that is coming to an end, nearly obsolete, or stagnant. For example, as streaming videos over the Internet becomes a more and more popular way to watch movies and television shows, the DVD has become a *moribund* medium.

Question 392

Thwart

Answer 392

Thwart prevent; frustrate A villain's worst nightmare is the superhero who always seems to *thwart* his efforts, preventing him from carrying out his plans to take over the world. *Thwart* is a word you'll hear in a lot of action movies, and usually it's the hero who is trying to thwart the evil plan of some super-villain. Yet even mere mortals can be thwarted in their efforts; the word simply means to prevent someone from carrying out his or her plans. An aggressive driver can thwart your attempt to snag a parking space at a crowded mall by pulling into the space before you. An aggressive shopper at that same mall can thwart your efforts to buy the last Dancing Snoopy doll by grabbing it off the shelf first.

Question 393

Upshot

Answer 393

Upshot outcome The *upshot* of an action is the end result, whatever happens last as a consequence of the original action. The *upshot* of reading this sentence is that you will understand what the word *upshot* means. In the 16th century, the last arrow launched in an archery competition was called the *upshot*. Like that final arrow, the upshot is the conclusion, the outcome. Sure, you can eat ice cream really fast, but the upshot is that you’ll have a brain freeze. The upshot of eating ice cream slowly is that it will melt. Decisions, decisions.

Question 395

Ostentatious

Answer 395

Ostentatious showy Reach for the adjective *ostentatious* when you want a flashy way to say — well, "flashy" or "showy." No one wants to be described as *ostentatious*, a word whose cousins include *pretentious*, *flamboyant*, and *gaudy*. It originates from the Latin word *ostentare*, "to display," but in English it's often used for displays of the crass or vulgar sort. A rapper's diamond-encrusted teeth might be an ostentatious display of "bling," and someone wailing especially loudly at a funeral of a distant acquaintance might be making an ostentatious show of sorrow.

Question 397

Brusque

Answer 397

Brusque blunt; abrupt If you ask a salesperson with help finding something and all you get in response is a brusque "Everything's out on the shelves," you'll probably take your business elsewhere. A *brusque* manner of speaking is unfriendly, rude, and very brief. *Brush* and *brusque* are not related, but they sound similar––when someone is brusque, you often feel that they are trying to give you the "brush off." Near synonyms for *brusque* are *curt*, *short*, and *gruff*. *Brusque* (pronounced "brusk") was borrowed from the French word meaning "lively, fierce," from Italian *brusco* "coarse, rough."

Question 398

Pertinent

Answer 398

Pertinent relevant Something *pertinent* is relevant and on-point. If you give your best friend *pertinent* advice, that means the advice is appropriate for the situation. Something pertinent is related to the current topic or situation — and probably helpful too. If you're in math class and you make a comment about World War I, that's likely not pertinent. If you're in music class and you talk about a cello, that probably is pertinent. Pertinent things are appropriate and logical. In most situations, people like to get comments and questions that are pertinent — anything else can just seem like a distraction.

Question 399

Tenuous

Answer 399

Tenuous flimsy; not solid If something is *tenuous* it's thin, either literally or metaphorically. If you try to learn a complicated mathematical concept by cramming for 45 minutes, you will have a *tenuous* grasp of that concept, at best. *Tenuous* comes from the Latin word *tenuis*, for thin, and is related to our word *tender*. Something can be physically tenuous, like a spiderweb or ice on a pond. We more often use it in a metaphorical sense, to talk about weak ideas. Tenuous arguments won't win any debate tournaments. Synonyms for *tenuous*, also used physically or metaphorically, are *flimsy* and *shaky*.

Question 399

Whimsical

Answer 399

Whimsical capricious; changeable * Whimsical* means full of or characterized by *whims*, which are odd ideas that usually occur to you very suddenly. If you decide at the last minute to fly to Europe, you could say you went there on a *whim*. * Whimsical* can also mean tending toward odd or unpredictable behavior. Both *whimsical* and *whim* are derived from an earlier English word *whim-wham*, which is of unknown origin. *Whim-wham* had about the same meaning as *whim*, but could also refer to an odd object or piece of clothing.

Question 399

Contrition

Answer 399

Contrition sorrow and repentance In the truest sense, *contrition* is feeling sorry for committing a religious sin and being scared about the consequences. But anyone can feel general *contrition* for something they've done wrong. Contrition is a strong, powerful feeling that people get when they've done something wrong. Originally, this feeling came from having sinned and a fear of going to hell for it. But over the years, the idea of contrition has gotten broader. Anyone can feel contrition if they do something wrong, whether it's a tiny thing like littering or a huge thing like murdering. If you did wrong and feel bad about it, you're feeling contrition — you're *contrite*.

Question 400

Misrepresentation

Answer 400

Misrepresentation deliberately deceiving A *misrepresentation* is when you misrepresent, or lie about, something that happened. If you say you were the quarter back of the football team but really you were the mascot, that’s a *misrepresentation*. A misrepresentation is a misstatement of the facts. It’s more than casting a different light on something; it’s deceptive and untrue. It’s a misrepresentation to tell your parents you went to the principal’s office to talk about books if you really got sent there for talking in class. Misrepresentations are deliberately misleading. They’re lies.

Question 401

Execrable

Answer 401

Execrable "very, very bad" If something's *execrable* it's really and truly, unbelievably, absolutely the worst. *Execrable* is often used as a harshly critical term in the arts, when a reviewer really wants to throw the book at something. Not surprisingly, the word comes from a Latin word meaning "to utter a curse; to hate or abhor." Tough words for bad art. Perhaps part of the power and nastiness of *execrable* lies in the word's similarity to *excrement* — but that's a vocabulary word we're not touching in this entry!

Question 402

Dispassionate

Answer 402

Dispassionate neutral; objective * Dispassionate* describes someone who is not getting carried away by—or maybe not even having—feelings. It's something you'd want to see in a surgeon, who keeps cool under pressure, but not in a romantic partner. * Dispassionate* is the opposite of *passionate*, and while *passions* are said to run "hot," dispassionate people are often described as "cold." A city marshal whose job is it to evict people behind on their rents must conduct their job with *dispassionate* fairness, but still, no one wants to be their friend.

Question 403

Affable

Answer 403

Affable friendly; social; easygoing *Affable* means friendly, pleasant, and easy to talk to. An *affable* host offers you something to drink and makes you feel at home. The adjective *affable* entered English by way of the Latin word *affābilis*, which means "kind, friendly." If you’re stuck on an airplane next to someone affable, the trip won’t be so bad because that person will be easy to chat with but won’t talk your ear off. Synonyms of *affable* also refer to a pleasant and mild friendliness, such as *genial*, *hospitable*, and *gracious*. Affable people generally seem like they’re in a good mood and are happy to see you.

Question 404

Meander

Answer 404

Meander wander from side to side To *meander* means to wander aimlessly on a winding roundabout course. If you want some time to yourself after school, you might meander home taking the time to window shop and look around. *Meander* comes from a river in modern-day Turkey, the Maiandros, which winds and wanders on its course. Today, a stream or a path meanders, as does a person who walks somewhere in a roundabout fashion. If your speech meanders, you don't keep to the point. It's hard to understand what your teacher is trying to impart if he keeps meandering off with anecdotes and digressions. Pronounce *meander* with three syllables not two — me-AN-der.

Question 405

Virtuoso

Answer 405

Virtuoso an accomplished musician A *virtuoso* is an incredibly talented musician. You can also be a *virtuoso* in non-musical fields. A politician who helps pass a lot of bills might be called a legislative *virtuoso*. A baseball player who hits a lot of home runs is a slugging *virtuoso*. Usually, this word applies to music. It's very common for a talented pianist or guitar play to be called a *virtuoso*. Whatever your talent, it's a huge compliment to be called a *virtuoso.*

Question 407

Carping

Answer 407

Carping constant criticism *Carping* is petty and unjustified criticism that just won’t stop. People who find fault with you at every turn, who appreciate nothing and complain, complain, complain, are *carping*. Enough already! Your annoying aunt Mildred who constantly picks on you, listing all the things she thinks are wrong about the way you dress, the style of your hair, who you’re dating, and where you’re working? She’s carping. *Carping* can also be used as an adjective, to describe someone who is overly critical and impossible to please — like that carping food critic who ruined the debut of your new restaurant.

Question 408

Cartographer

Answer 408

Cartographer person who makes maps Unless you’re the one guy in America who actually asks for directions, you’ve probably broken down and used a map at some point in your life. The *cartographer* is the person you should thank for getting you un-lost — the mapmaker. A *cartographer* is a person who creates maps, whether they’re of the world, the local bus routes, or buried pirate treasure. It comes to us from the Latin word *charta-*, which means "tablet or leaf of paper," and the Greek word *graphein*, meaning to write or draw. These days, a cartographer doesn’t have to work on paper––it's all computers, making electronic maps as part of GPS software. Technically, a cartographer can make charts, too.

Question 409

Perpetuated

Answer 409

Perpetuated caused to continue Some things should last forever and others should not be *perpetuated* at all. Things that should NOT be *perpetuated*? Ugly rumors, arms races, and your Aunt Martha's annual fruit cake. Be careful not to confuse *perpetuate* with *perpetrate*. Although they differ in spelling by only one letter, they differ greatly in meaning. If you *perpetuate* something, you help it last. *Perpetrate*, on the other hand, means to commit a criminal act. Needless to say, you wouldn't want to perpetuate the acts of perpetrators!

Question 410

Pedant

Answer 410

Pedant person who insists on strict adherence to rules or narrow learning A *pedant* is an annoying person who is focused on minor details and book knowledge rather than ordinary common sense. In war, it can be dangerous to have a pedant as commander––he'll insist on textbook maneuvers instead of adapting to circumstances on the ground. This word was borrowed from French *pédant* or Italian *pedante* "teacher, schoolmaster," but its ultimate origin is unknown. One theory is that the original meaning of Italian *pedante* was "foot soldier," associated with the Italian word *pedagogo* "teacher" because teachers are always on their feet. Another theory is that Italian *pedante* was formed from the root of Greek *paideuein* "to teach," which happens to be the source of English *pedagogue* "teacher." In fact, a *pedagogue* is a pedantic teacher.

Question 410

Gaunt

Answer 410

Gaunt emaciated; bony and angular You can never be too rich or too thin, but you certainly can be too *gaunt.* It means you look skinny like you're sick, not skinny like you have a personal nutritionist slapping your hand when you reach for a bonbon. A good way to remember *gaunt* is that it rhymes with *haunt,* and *gaunt* people look pale, drawn, and wasted — like you'd expect a haunting ghost to appear. Another way to remember it is that g- + *aunt* is like *great-aunt*, and often when you appear to be *gaunt* you look like you're old — like your Great Aunt Mildred.

Question 412

Profane

Answer 412

Profane unholy *Profane* is the sort of language that gets bleeped on TV but it's also whenever you deeply offend people with how little respect you show something (usually religious). The Latin root *profanus* means "unholy," and that's where it all started. If you take the Lord's name in vain, you've profaned Him and probably made your mom pretty angry too. Don't even try the curse words so vital to a truly great hip-hop track but perhaps not recommended for dinner with Grandma.

Question 413

Wispy

Answer 413

Wispy flimsy; frail; delicate * Wispy* describes something that's vague or flimsy. If your explanation of why you didn't help your mom paint the kitchen was weak and didn't help her understand your reasons, you'd call that a *wispy* explanation. * Wispy* can be used more literally to describe things that are physically not very substantial, like the delicate necklace that breaks as soon as you wear it. A person who looks weak and thin could also be described as wispy. A wisp is something flimsy, but in its original meaning, it was a handful of hay or grass — again, something very light.

Question 415

Brawny

Answer 415

Brawny muscular Someone *brawny* is bulky and muscular. Most football players are *brawny*. Brawn refers to muscles and physical strength: people often contrast brains and brawn. Therefore, if someone is brawny, they have large muscles and are quite strong. Many athletes are brawny, especially ones such as weightlifters and football players. Tennis players and jockeys are usually smaller and not so brawny. A brawny person is big, strong, rugged, and tough. If you'd like to be brawnier, go to the gym.

Question 416

Sagacious

Answer 416

Sagacious wise Use the formal adjective, *sagacious,* to describe someone who is wise and insightful like an advisor to the president or a Supreme Court justice. Someone like an inspirational leader or an expert in a field who seeks knowledge and has foresight can be described as sagacious. If you comment on something at a deeper level, you are making a sagacious observation. The word is a descendent of Latin *sagus* "prophetic" and is related to the Old English word *seek*. Synonyms include *discerning*, *insightful* and another formal word *perspicacious*.

Question 418

Opulent

Answer 418

Opulent wealthy; rich; magnificent *Opulent* is a word that you will hear a lot around rich people looking to show off. "Remember the *opulent* buffet at Carrie’s sweet sixteen? Sixteen chocolate cakes iced in gold leaf!" If you want to remember that *opulent* is a word describing lavish displays of wealth, you can think of the word *opal* to help you remember it––opal being a rare gem. And if you are lucky enough to be able to afford opulence yourself, don’t describe it that way. The word contains connotations of *pretentious*. And gold leaf cake aside, who wants that?

Question 419

Belittle

Answer 419

Belittle to demean To *belittle* means to put down, or to make another person feel as though they aren't important. Saying mean things about another person literally makes them feel "little." To belittle someone is a cruel way of making someone else seem less important than yourself. A candidate for office might belittle his opponent by pointing out during a press conference that his fellow candidate has an inferior intellect. Belittling doesn't have to come in the form of verbal abuse. A manager who forces his administrative assistant to scrub his office floor with a toothbrush belittles her as well.

Question 420

Ratify

Answer 420

Ratify approve; consent To *ratify* a treaty or contract is to officially approve it by signing or voting for it. You and your brothers and sisters might devise a plan for a family vacation to Disney World, but it would need to be ratified by your parents. You are most likely to hear the word *ratify* when talking about laws. In the US, Congress writes bills, but they need to be *ratified* before they become law. An amendment to the U.S. Constitution must be *ratified* by three-fourths of the states, either passed by the state legislatures or by state conventions.

Question 421

Nettle

Answer 421

Nettle annoy If you know what a *nettle* is—that is, a barbed seed that gets stuck in your clothes and hair—then you'll have no trouble remembering the verb *nettle*: it means to annoy, bother, irritate, or bedevil. A kid sister, a mosquito, an angry boyfriend, or a hot, muggy day: all of these are examples of things that might *nettle* a person. When you nettle someone, you act like a nettle; you annoy, bother, and generally tick off a person. The person who nettles you can be called nettlesome, which means that they're acting like a nettle. I find that the very sound of his voice nettles me. The sound alone makes me wish he would just shut up.

Question 423

Abstruse

Answer 423

Abstruse difficult to understand; obscure *Abstruse* things are difficult to understand because they are so deep and intellectually challenging. It might be hard to figure out how a toilet flushes but the technology that goes into making the Internet function is *abstruse*. The Latin roots of the word *abstruse* are about concealing or hiding something, which is a good way to remember the meaning of this word. It is useful when describing something that is overly confusing, or if someone is deliberately making a story or a situation more complicated than necessary. It sounds and looks like *obtuse*, but *abstruse* is almost its opposite. *Obtuse* is dull or lacking a sharpness of intellect. While *Abstruse* is president of the chess club, *Obtuse* is hanging out by the parking lot smoking cigarettes.

Question 424

Incongruous

Answer 424

Incongruous not fitting in; out of place Something that's *incongruous* is inconsistent or incompatible with something else. Remember that Sesame Street song "One of these things is not like the other"? They were talking about that one thing being *incongruous*. If we break it down into its Latin roots, *incongruous* is formed by adding *in*, meaning "not," to *congruous*, which means "suitable, proper." So, something that is incongruous is "not suitable or proper" — in other words, not in harmony with everything else. That's why burping at the dinner table could be called incongruous behavior: it's not proper and certainly doesn't go well with the main course.

Question 424

Antagonism

Answer 424

Antagonism hostility; strong opposition *Antagonism* means hostility. You might feel *antagonism* to the teacher who gave you a D on your last test, and she might be angry at you for not working harder––there's *antagonism* between you. Antagonism is one of the few things you can share easily with someone you don't like. You might feel antagonism toward your school, or at least the idea of going to school. If you're an antagonistic person, you feel antagonism to lots of people and things.

Question 426

Reprieve

Answer 426

Reprieve a respite; postponement of a sentence A *reprieve* is a break in or cancellation of a painful or otherwise lousy situation. If you're being tortured, a *reprieve* is a break from whatever's tormenting you. For some, a night at the opera is a night of punishing boredom during which the only reprieve is the intermission. For others, it's baseball that feels like torture. The seventh-inning stretch is the only reprieve from a night of endless waiting. Often, you'll hear *reprieve* used when a court or governor decides not to execute a prisoner. That prisoner is given a reprieve and will be allowed to live. He probably won't get a reprieve from prison, though, unless he's found innocent.

Question 428

Anomaly

Answer 428

Anomaly something which does not fit in a pattern; irregularity An *anomaly* is an abnormality, a blip on the screen of life that doesn’t fit with the rest of the pattern. If you are a breeder of black dogs and one puppy comes out pink, that puppy is an *anomaly*. The noun *anomaly* comes from the Greek word *anomolia*, meaning "uneven" or "irregular." When something is unusual compared to similar things around it, it’s the anomaly. If you are an Olympian who comes from a family of bookish types who all find it strenuous to walk the dog, you are an anomaly.

Question 429

Flout

Answer 429

Flout defy; reject To *flout* is to scorn or show contempt for. "I *flout* the law and the concept of civilian safety by making a concerted effort to jaywalk every time I cross a street." Oddly enough, when *flout* came into existence in the 1550s, it had a much different sense to it than it does now; it's believed that it evolved from the Middle English *flowten* "to play the flute." As a verb, it means to scorn, as in, for example, to scorn a law, person, or social norm by defying it. As a noun, it is a contemptuous remark or insult. Wrote William Shakespeare, "*Flout* 'em, and scout 'em; and scout 'em and *flout* 'em; Thought is free."

Question 429

Belie

Answer 429

Belie contradict To *belie* means to contradict. If you are 93 but look like you are 53, then your young looks *belie* your age. We get *belie* from the Old English *beleogan*, which meant "to deceive by lying." It suggests characteristics or behavior that inadvertently or deliberately hide the truth. To remember it, just think "be lying." Snow White's decision to barge into the Seven Dwarfs' home without invitation belied her gentle nature.

Question 430

Defoliate

Answer 430

Defoliate cause leaves to fall off *Defoliate* means to take the leaves or branches off of a tree or bush. When your mom asks you to defoliate the rose bushes, she wants you to trim them back. In *defoliate* you see part of the word *foliage*, which means "leaves." When your family takes a trip to Vermont to look at the foliage, you’re going leaf peeping. If the trees of Vermont are defoliated, there'll be nothing to look at on your leaf peeping trip except the poor quality black and white television in your motel room. The adjective *defoliated* describes a tree or bush that has had its leaves stripped.

Question 431

Stolid

Answer 431

Stolid impassive; dull; indifferent A *stolid* person can’t be moved to smile or show much sign of life, in much the same way as something solid, like a giant boulder, is immovable. Both are expressionless. It's hard to get excited about the word *stolid.* It refers to emotionless people or things, and it even sounds pretty dull. Your face may be stolid, as you plod through the unemotional history of the word born in the 17th century of little more than Latin words for "foolish." In some definitions, *stolid* does have more complimentary synonyms, such as "dependable" or "calm," but these can be overshadowed by other words for stolid — "empty," "blank," and "vacant," to name a few.

Question 431

Rant

Answer 431

Rant use bombastic language A *rant* is an argument that is fueled by passion, not shaped by facts. When the shouting starts on talk radio, or when a blog commenter resorts to ALL CAPS — you're almost certainly encountering an instance of *ranting*. *Rant* comes from the Dutch *ranten*, "to talk nonsense." *Rave* is a close synonym — in fact, "to *rant* and rave" is a popular expression. When *rant* is used as a noun, it means something like *tirade*. The first recorded usage of *rant* is from the end of the sixteenth century, in Shakespeare's *The Merry Wives of Windsor*. By the middle of the turbulent seventeenth century, the name *Ranters* was used as a catchall pejorative for various groups of radical Christian dissenters.

Question 432

Corpulent

Answer 432

Corpulent fat *Corpulent* is a formal word that describes a fat person. If you are trying to be respectful when describing a fat man, you might refer to him as a "*corpulent* gentleman." There are certainly many other ways to describe a fat person: *obese*, *overweight*, and *stout* are only a few. *Corpulent* is from Latin *corpulentus*, from *corpus* "body." The Latin suffix *-ulentus*, corresponding to English *-ulent*, has the meaning "full of, having in quantity."

Question 433

Vitriolic

Answer 433

Vitriolic corrosive; strongly attacking Mean, nasty, and caustic as the worst acid, *vitriolic* words can hurt feelings, break hearts, and even lead to violence. *Vitriolic* is an adjective related to the noun *vitriol* — which means a metal sulphate. However, you will most likely NOT hear *vitriolic* used to describe a chemical reaction. You are more likely to hear *vitriolic* used to describe caustic words. We've seen some examples in recent political campaigns, and the results are always embarrassing. Avoid using *vitriolic* language whenever possible, and you will keep your friends — and your dignity.

Question 434

Insipid

Answer 434

Insipid dull; bland; boring Some *insipid* is lacking in flavor or interest. You'll probably find the generic poems inside of greeting cards *insipid*. *Insipid* comes from the Latin *insipidus*, the opposite of *sapidus* which means flavorful. Because spices and salts are left out, hospital food is usually insipid. The most common use of the word is in a metaphorical sense for dull or flat. You might think that your goody-two-shoes cousin is the most insipid girl you've ever met.

Question 436

Inclination

Answer 436

Inclination tendency; a leaning toward You can see the word "incline" inside *inclination*, which clues you in to the fact that *inclination* has to do with leaning. Sometimes the *inclination* is literal; in most cases it's about what you *incline* toward in a figurative sense. An inclination is something you are leaning toward, a tendency you have. You could have a specific inclination for chocolate, or you could have an inclination that applies to a decision you are about to make: "Looking at this dessert menu, my *inclination* is to skip everything and just go home and have a chocolate bar."

Question 436

Perjury

Answer 436

Perjury telling lies under oath *Perjury* is the act of deliberately lying under oath. A defendant in a murder trial commits *perjury* when he swears he never met the murder victim before, even though he had a two-year relationship with her. Although the word *perjury* contains *jury*, members of the jury aren't likely to commit perjury, because they're not under oath and haven't sworn to be truthful. A witness in a trial can commit perjury by willfully lying about facts related to the case. *Perjury* isn't just a little white lie. It's a crime that can land the person who commits it in jail.

Question 438

Obstreperous

Answer 438

Obstreperous noisy and boisterous *Obstreperous* means boisterous, noisy, aggressive, defiant. You’ve probably seen an *obstreperous* child in the grocery store, pulling away from her mother, screaming at the top of her lungs. If you’ve been to a large concert where the band doesn't come on stage for hours, you might have been part of an obstreperous crowd: increasingly impatient, with fights breaking out, things thrown up onto the stage, and demands being shouted, "Give us some music before the night is out!" Some people are kind and gentle with strangers, but around their own family turn obstreperous, shouting "You never loved me!" at their mom when she gives them the smaller of two cookies.

Question 440

Hedonism

Answer 440

Hedonism self indulgence; pleasure-seeking Strictly speaking, *hedonism* is the belief that pursuing pleasure leads to the greatest ethical good. In practice, though, the ethical part sometimes gets lost in the pleasure part. *Hedonism* originally hails from the Greek word *hedone,* meaning "pleasure." In Ancient Greece, hedonism really did have an ethical component, and its adherents really believed that society would be best served if you as an individual cultivated those things that gave you the greatest pleasure, instead of the self-denial inherent in other philosophies and religions. Over time the philosophical aspect of hedonism has faded and we are left an idea that looks to us very much like, well, Las Vegas.

Question 440

Transgress

Answer 440

Transgress go astray; disobey; commit a sin When you go beyond the boundaries, either physically or morally, you *transgress*. A river will *transgress* its banks as it floods, and students who cheat *transgress* school rules. *Transgress* sounds like and means nearly the same thing as *trespass*. When you transgress a rule, you're breaking it. Religions often talk about transgressing: for Christians, breaking a commandment is transgressing against God by violating his wishes. Any transgression is pushing through a boundary: like a neighbor transgressing by letting their dog into your yard: that's a physical and a legal type of transgressing. The dog got into your territory, and the owners broke a rule.

Question 441

Jubilant

Answer 441

Jubilant ecstatic; delighted; rejoicing If you were the quarterback that threw the touchdown pass that won the Super Bowl, you would be *jubilant*: filled with joy. When you feel jubilant, you’re full of extreme happiness. Usually people are jubilant after great victories, whether in sports, politics, or life. When you're jubilant, it's a moment of extreme happiness, like giving birth or watching a child graduate. There can also be jubilant songs, jubilant performances, even jubilant periods in history, times when people are especially proud and filled with triumph. The end of World War II was just such a jubilant moment.

Question 442

Interminable

Answer 442

Interminable never-ending Use *interminable* to describe something that has or seems to have no end. Your math class. Your sister's violin recital. A babysitting job where five kids are going through your purse and the parents didn't leave a number. Something that is *interminable* is often boring, annoying, or hard to bear, such as an *interminable* noise. A near synonym is *incessant,* which also refers to something unpleasant that continues without stopping. It descends from the Latin prefix *in-* "not," *terminare* "to end," and the suffix *-abilis* "able to." Latin *terminare* is also the source of the English verb *terminate* "to end" and the corresponding noun *termination* "an act of ending something."

Question 442

Zany

Answer 442

Zany crazy; wacky If you've been called *zany,* you are goofy, wacky, and clownish. *Zany* describes very silly people and behaviors. If you break into a bad, old-guy imitation of hip-hop, you might be trying too hard to be *zany*. There's an old character in comedies from the 15th through the 19th centuries who always had the Italian name Gianni, or Giovanni, another form of which was "Zanni" — from which we get the adjective *zany.* Just as there are good clowns and kind of scary, weird clowns, *zany* describes both truly funny and laughable people and things, as well as foolish, or ludicrous, attempts at being funny. Something zany makes people laugh, unless it's weird zany and just makes them cringe.

Question 443

Innocuous

Answer 443

Innocuous harmless; inoffensive Something that's *innocuous* isn't harmful or likely to cause injury. Public figures like mayors and governors have to expect they'll get critical or even hurtful emails and phone calls, as well as more *innocuous* feedback. The adjective *innocuous* is useful when you're talking about something that doesn't offend or injure anyone. Innocuous remarks or comments are meant kindly, and innocuous germs won't make you sick. An innocuous question is innocently curious, rather than aimed to hurt someone's feelings. The word comes from the Latin roots *in-*, "not," and *nocere*, "to injure or harm."

Question 443

Stanza

Answer 443

Stanza section of a poem *Stanzas* are the building blocks of formal poetry, like paragraphs in a story or verses in a song. They usually have the same number of lines each time, and often use a rhyming pattern that repeats with each new *stanza*. Shakespeare was the master of the stanza. His sonnets had three stanzas that were each four lines long, and then a two-line stanza at the end, all with a very particular rhyme and rhythm pattern. Poems with stanzas always have some sort of structure to them, but not all poetry uses stanzas, for example — free verse tends to be wild poetry without structural rules.

Question 444

Berate

Answer 444

Berate scold; criticize A strong verb for harshly cutting someone down with words is *berate.* "He didn't just correct the cashier who gave him the wrong change, he started to *berate* her, calling her names in front of the whole store." When you *berate* someone it is more than just raising your voice at them; it implies putting them down by insulting their character. *Berate* comes from the 16th-century English and French for "to scold" or "to blame." Often the anger behind the scolding seems over-the-top, as in "When the young man behind the counter dropped the scoop of vanilla, the manager *berated* him excessively by declaring him worthless and weak."

Question 445

Iconoclast

Answer 445

Iconoclast person who opposes orthodoxy Are you always challenging the establishment? Or provoking popular thought by attacking traditions and institutions? Then you're definitely an *iconoclast*. To be called an iconoclast today is usually kind of cool — they're rugged individualists, bold thinkers who don't give a hoot what tradition calls for. But back in medieval Greece, the iconoclasts had a more thuggish reputation. Stemming from the Greek words *eikon*, meaning "image," and *klastes*, meaning "breaker," an iconoclast was someone who destroyed religious sculptures and paintings.

Question 446

Tenacious

Answer 446

Tenacious stubborn; resolute; holding firm to a purpose Use *tenacious* to mean "not easily letting go or giving up," like a clingy child who has a *tenacious* grip on his mother's hand. A strong grip or an unyielding advocate might both be described as *tenacious*, a word whose synonyms include *resolute*, *firm*, and *persistent*. The word comes from the Latin root *tenax*, which means "holding fast." The basketball commentator Marv Albert, impressed by a defender's skill, once uttered the sound bite, "That's some tenacious D!" ("D" is short for "defense.") The musicians Jack Black and Kyle Gass borrowed the phrase for the name of their comedy-rock band, Tenacious D.

Question 446

Transient

Answer 446

Transient short-lived; ephemeral Use the adjective *transient* to describe something that always changes or moves around, like how a teenage girl can have a temporary crush on one boy one week and another boy the next week. *Transient* is most often used to modify nouns like *nature, threat, source* and *cause*, which suggests that the word often shows up in formal contexts, such as analysis of finance or global terrorism. But it can also be used for anything that moves quickly from one thing to another, like a transient feeling or facial expression. *Transient* is also a noun meaning "a person who moves from place to place; a homeless person." The word comes from Latin *transire*, "to pass over," so you can think of it as describing things that are quickly passed over.

Question 448

Rotund

Answer 448

Rotund round * Rotund* describes anything that's plump or round, like a teapot or your chubby Aunt Agnes. * Rotund* describes someone who is round in shape, or obese. It's not a compliment. That's why it's probably okay to call Santa Claus *rotund*, but not your neighbor — at least not to his face! It's fine to call round things *rotund*, however, like a rotund vase full of flowers, which particularly makes sense when you know that the root of *rotund* is the Latin word *rotundus*, meaning round, circular, like a wheel.

Question 449

Tangent

Answer 449

Tangent going off the main subject A *tangent* is an entirely different topic or direction. When you want a break from geometry class, you might ask your teacher about his hobby of woodworking, a topic that's always good for a ten-minute *tangent*. *Tangent* is mainly a mathematical term, meaning a line or plane that touches a curved surface but doesn't intersect it. The non-mathematical meaning of *tangent* comes from this sense of barely touching something: when a conversation heads off on a tangent, it's hard to see how or why it came up. When talking about history, someone suddenly brings last night's basketball game? Definitely a tangent.

Question 450

Resignation

Answer 450

Resignation acceptance of fate *Resignation* can either mean to step down from a job or office, or to accept an unpleasant but inevitable situation. You could even feel *resignation* as you announce your *resignation*. Once you've announced or handed in your formal resignation to a job, organization, or political office, you're finished. You've formally quit or stepped down. If you've left the position due to budget cuts, you'll probably leave with a feeling of resignation — acknowledging that there's absolutely nothing you can do about it.

Question 452

Chicanery

Answer 452

Chicanery trickery Have you ever gotten the sense that politicians or corporate leaders will say anything to turn public opinion their way? This tricky kind of deceit and manipulation is called *chicanery*. Besides *chicanery*, another funny-sounding word for trickery is *shenanigans*. Whereas the former is always used in the singular and involves deceptive language, the latter is usually used in the plural and refers to the actions of a person. Your crazy neighbor is up to his old shenanigans if he has begun doing weird stuff again, but if a politician's chicanery is exposed, he will lose public trust and not be returned to office in the next election cycle.

Question 453

Reticent

Answer 453

Reticent restrained; holding something back; uncommunicative *Reticent* means either quiet or restrained. If you're *reticent* about your feelings, you like to keep them to yourself, and you're probably quiet in rowdy groups where everyone is talking over each other. The original meaning of *reticent* describes someone who doesn’t like to talk. Be careful in your context, however. *Reticent* can refer to someone who is restrained and formal, but it can also refer to someone who doesn’t want to draw attention to herself or who prefers seclusion to other people. Don’t confuse *reticent* with *reluctant,* which means unwilling.

Question 454

Pragmatist

Answer 454

Pragmatist practical person; one who is concerned with usefulness If you have a friend whose head is always in the clouds, always dreaming, and taking risks without thinking of the consequences, you might say that she isn’t much of a *pragmatist*. A pragmatist is someone who is *pragmatic*, that is to say, someone who is practical and focused on reaching a goal. A pragmatist usually has a straightforward, matter-of-fact approach and doesn’t let emotion distract her. A pragmatist can also ignore her own ideals to get the job done, so in this way it can have a slightly negative meaning. The word is often used in reference to politicians to mean that they are either sensible or willing to cut corners for their cause.

Question 455

Expedient

Answer 455

Expedient convenient; practical The adjective *expedient* describes something that provides an easy way to achieve a goal or result, but it's not necessarily a moral solution. *Politically expedient* means something you do to advance yourself politically. Use *expedient* when you want to hint that a particular solution or strategy has certain benefits and advantages but is not completely fair. However, *expedient* can also be used to describe something practical for a particular purpose.

Question 456

Prerogative

Answer 456

Prerogative right or privilege A *prerogative* is someone's special right or privilege. As Bobby Brown once sang, "I don't need permission / Make my own decisions / That's my *prerogative*." *Prerogative* goes back to a Latin root for a group having the right to vote first (*prae-* 'pre-' + *rogare* 'to ask') and thus came to mean "privileged rank." In current use, it refers to a right or privilege held by any person or group. A near synonym is *privilege*, which puts more emphasis on the fact that others do not have it. The self-justifying phrase "That's my prerogative" (for example, in reference to changing one's mind) is quite common.

Question 458

Hone

Answer 458

Hone sharpen; increase; whet The verb *hone* means to sharpen skills. When you practice shooting baskets every day after school, you are *honing* your skills as a basketball player. *Hone*, the verb, literally means to sharpen with a hone, a whetstone used to sharpen cutting tools. Use *hone* to describe someone working hard, perfecting or sharpening skills, as in "She is *honing* her skills as an actress by working in community theater." *Hone*, which rhymes with phone, is from the Old English word, *han*, meaning "stone, rock."

Question 459

Envenom

Answer 459

Envenom to cause bitterness and bad feeling

Question 460

Volatile

Answer 460

Volatile dangerously unstable; evaporates easily Watch out when a situation becomes *volatile* — it is likely to change for the worse suddenly. You fight and then make up with your partner often if you two have a *volatile* relationship. *Volatile* from Latin *volatilis* "fleeting, transitory" always gives the sense of sudden, radical change. Think of it as the opposite of *stable*. A person who is volatile loses his or her temper suddenly and violently. A volatile political situation could erupt into civil war. When the stock market is volatile, it fluctuates greatly. And in scientific language, a volatile oil evaporates quickly.

Question 461

Spurious

Answer 461

Spurious FALSE Something false or inauthentic is *spurious*. Don't trust *spurious* ideas and stories. *Spurious* statements often are lies, just as a *spurious* coin is a counterfeit coin — a fake. Anytime you see the word *spurious*, you're dealing with things that can't be trusted or accepted at face value. A spurious claim is one that's not backed up by the facts. A spurious argument relies on faulty reasoning — and maybe some lies. Politicians often accuse each other of saying things that are spurious and meant to deceive the voters. As long as you're honest, clear, and not trying to trick anyone, nobody can say you're being spurious.

Question 462

Sacrosanct

Answer 462

Sacrosanct very holy; inviolable You might be enraged at the idea of doing homework on a Saturday if you consider your weekends *sacrosanct* — meaning they are too special or important to interrupt. *Sacrosanct* is often used to describe religious rituals and traditions, which isn’t surprising considering that this adjective comes from the Latin word for something that is protected by a religious sanction. A church, for example, might consider its Sunday service to be sacrosanct — a very important and holy ritual that cannot be changed or canceled. It’s a bad idea to criticize or change any custom or tradition that people consider sacrosanct — they won’t be happy about it.

Question 462

Strident

Answer 462

Strident loud and harsh Feminists are often characterized by people who don't like them as *strident*. *Strident* describes their voices, raised in anger, as loud and harsh. Being a *strident* feminist isn't very ladylike. But making less money than a man when you do the same work is worse. *Strident* is related to the Latin word *strix* "screech owl." This is a kind of owl that doesn't hoot. It screeches in a *strident* way. Don't confuse strident with *striding*, which means walking quickly, with a wide step. If you're angry at your brother, you might come striding into his room and begin making a strident case for why he has done you wrong.

Question 463

Discrepancy

Answer 463

Discrepancy something which does not match up; inconsistency A *discrepancy* is a lack of agreement or balance. If there is a *discrepancy* between the money you earned and the number on your paycheck, you should complain to your boss. There is a *discrepancy* when there is a difference between two things that should be alike. For example, there can be a wide *discrepancy* or a slight *discrepancy* between two objects, stories, or facts. The noun *discrepancy* is from Latin *discrepare* "to sound differently," from the prefix *dis-* "from" plus *crepare* "to rattle, creak."

Question 465

Abasement

Answer 465

Abasement humiliation; degradation *Abasement* means humiliation or disgrace. Losing an important football game because of several stupid mistakes might result in *abasement* for the whole team. The noun *abasement* is good for describing the feeling of shame or disgrace that overcomes people who do something embarrassing or dishonorable. A political scandal or huge election loss can result in abasement for an entire party, and tripping and falling in the middle school cafeteria can cause a thirteen year-old's abasement. *Abasement* and its related verb, *abase*, come from an Old French root, *abaissier*, "diminish, or make lower in value or status."

Question 466

Parsimonious

Answer 466

Parsimonious economical; frugal; thrifty A *parsimonious* person is unwilling to spend a lot of money. You know those people who count up every penny when it's time to split a restaurant bill? You can call them *parsimonious*. Or cheap. *Stingy* is the most common and general synonym, but there are many other near synonyms: *thrifty, frugal, penurious, niggardly, penny-pinching, miserly, tight-fisted, tight.* The adjective *parsimonious* was formed in English from the noun *parsimony* "the quality of being careful in spending" (from Latin *parcimonia,* from *parcere* "to spare") plus the suffix *–ous* "having the quality of."

Question 467

Prostration

Answer 467

Prostration 1. lying face down; 2. be overcome with extreme weakness

Question 469

Burnish

Answer 469

Burnish polish That seductive gleam on that Porsche behind the dealer's window? It's called a *burnish,* a gloss only achieved by loads of polishing. Likewise, you can *burnish* resume, by polishing it until it's perfect. A caution about usage: *burnish* in the physical sense is usually reserved for inanimate objects — a woman will not be happy to hear that her appearance is "*burnished* to perfection." But your car will thank you. Also, one of the most common non-physical things to be burnished? A reputation. People are forever burnishing them — and its opposite, *besmirching* them (i.e., making them dirty).

Question 470

Sanguine

Answer 470

Sanguine optimistic; cheerful If you're *sanguine* about a situation, that means you're optimistic that everything's going to work out fine. *Sanguine* is from Latin *sanguis* "blood" and originally meant "bloody" — in medieval medicine it described someone whose ruddy complexion was a sign of an optimistic outlook. That was back when people thought that "bodily humors" like blood were responsible for your attitudes. Now that we no longer believe in humors, *sanguine* has settled down as a fancy way to say someone is cheerfully confident. Experts are frequently described as feeling sanguine about a political or economic situation — or not sanguine, if they think we're going to hell in a handbasket.

Question 471

Irascible

Answer 471

Irascible easily angered If you're *irascible*, you get angry easily — perhaps blowing up in rage when someone brushes into you. *Irascible* comes from the Latin root *ira*, which means "anger" or "rage," the same root that gives us the word *ire*, "anger." The *-sc* in the middle of *irascible*, means "becoming," so *irascible* doesn't just mean you're angry — it's got action built into it. If you're looking for a fight most of the time, then you're irascible — ready for the spark that's going to set you on fire.

Question 472

Gregarious

Answer 472

Gregarious extroverted; sociable; outgoing If you know someone who's outgoing, sociable, and fond of the company of others, you might want to call her *gregarious*. The word was originally used to describe animals that live in flocks — it's from the Latin word *grex*, meaning "herd." Not surprisingly, people began using it to describe humans who liked being in groups. Today biologists still speak of *gregarious species*, but you're more likely to hear it in reference to people. Despite what you might suspect, it has no historical connection to the name *Gregory* — but if you know an outgoing fellow with that name, you could call him Greg-arious.

Question 473

Pensive

Answer 473

Pensive in a thoughtful mood; thinking deeply See that person staring out the window who looks so sad and lost in thought? He is *pensive*, the opposite of cheery and carefree. If you've studied Spanish, you know that the verb *pensar* means "to think." If you're pensive, you might simply be thinking hard about something. Having no expression or maybe even frowning can be a result of being so engrossed in your thoughts — it might not reflect a melancholy attitude. Remember this the next time you're about to ask a pensive person, "What's wrong?" It could very well be nothing.

Question 475

Urbane

Answer 475

Urbane sophisticated; suave *Urbane* people are sophisticated, polished, cultured, refined. Spend enough time in an *urban* setting–-going to concerts, museums, spending time in crowds––and you'll be *urbane* too. Both *urbane* and *urban* derive from the Latin *urbanus*, "city," but while *urban* has connotations of gritty living and crime, *urbane* assumes that everyone sees the city from the roof deck of their penthouse apartment, drinking champagne and exchanging *bon mots* with friends. Add a Cole Porter soundtrack and the image is complete.

Question 476

Billowing

Answer 476

Billowing swelling; fluttering; waving If you've ever seen a space shuttle launch, you probably remember seeing all the white smoke *billowing,* or swelling and rolling forth, underneath. You'll most often see the word *billowing* when someone is talking about smoke, steam, or the wind blowing through something, like hair or a flag. The word *bylgja,* from which *billow* derives, comes from an unusual source for English words: Old Norse.

Question 477

Veneer

Answer 477

Veneer surface coating You know how some furniture looks like solid oak or maple until it gets chipped and reveals itself to be nothing more than some cheap particle-board covered with a thin layer of fancy wood? That thin layer is called a *veneer*. A veneer can be anything that makes something look more elegant or attractive than it is. Originally it was a furniture word, but over time its meaning expanded. If someone smiles at you while making some passive-aggressive remark, like, "Gee, you actually look really nice today," you could say that her inner meanness is showing through her veneer of sweetness.

Question 478

Defunct

Answer 478

Defunct no longer in existence *Defunct* describes something that used to exist, but is now gone. A magazine that no longer publishes, like *Sassy*, the girl-power mag from the '90s, is *defunct*, for example. Although *defunct* comes from the Latin word *defunctus* meaning "dead," it's not usually used to describe a person who's no longer with us, but rather institutions, projects, companies and political parties — you know, the boring stuff. Keep digging and you'll find that *defunctus* comes from *defungi*, meaning, "to finish," which is closer to how it's used today. *Defunct* can also refer to a rule or law that's no longer used or has become inactive, like prohibition.

Question 479

Haughtiness

Answer 479

Haughtiness arrogance; pride If you are shy and have a hard time talking to others, people might wrongly interpret your quietness as *haughtiness*. *Haughtiness* is thinking a lot of yourself and not much of others. The word *haughtiness* originally comes from the Old French adjective *haut* meaning "high" and later developed to mean having a high estimation of yourself. When you think of the word, imagine a Queen riding by on a horse, chin upturned, not paying any mind to her subjects below. Her Highness might as well be called Her Haughtiness up there.

Question 480

Wistful

Answer 480

Wistful melancholy; pensive; expressing a longing for Only one letter separates the two words, but "wishful" is having hope for something, and *wistful* is having sadness or melancholy about something. "Wist" isn't even a word that's used anymore, but you can still be *wistful.* People who appear *wistful* often show a longing for something or a look of serious reflection. One way to describe the adjective *wistful* is as the sad appearance of someone looking back and thinking "if only..." A thoughtful or pensive mood centered on something good in the past that is missed or something not so good in the present that could have been better "if only" something had gone differently — these things make for a wistful outlook.

Question 481

Benign

Answer 481

Benign kindly; harmless Someone or something that is *benign* is gentle, kind, mild, or unharmful: a benign soul wouldn't hurt a fly. *Benign* describes a range of qualities, all of them positive. When talking about a person, it means "gentle." In reference to weather or climate, it means "mild." In some other contexts, it simply means "not harmful"; you might speak of "a benign tumor" or "an environmentally benign chemical." The word comes from a Latin root *benignus* meaning "well born," but the implied meaning is "kind" or "pleasant" — it's hard to get mad at someone who has a benign disposition.

Question 482

Misnomer

Answer 482

Misnomer wrong name A *misnomer* is a wrong or unsuitable name. It’s a *misnomer* to call your grandmother "Grandfather," the same way it’s a *misnomer* to call a chair with four legs that doesn’t move unless you drag it across the floor, a rocking chair. From the Middle-French *misnomer* "to misname" evolved our English *misnomer*, a noun indicating a lack of fit when it comes to naming. Synonyms include, predictably, *misnamed*, but also *mistermed* and *miscalled*. You’ll notice the repetition of the *mis-* at the front of all those words. It comes from the French *mes-*, which means "wrongly."

Question 484

Antagonistic

Answer 484

Antagonistic opposed; hostile; aggressive If you're *antagonistic*, you're hard to get along with. Harmony is not your friend — you prefer hostility and struggle. If you're antagonistic to your little brother, you're always picking on him and giving him a hard time — causing him *agony* — a word that's buried in *antagonistic*. Even drugs or chemicals can be antagonistic: if you take a sleeping pill and then follow it with a few cups of espresso, the interaction is likely to be antagonistic. The sleeping pill and the caffeine struggle against each other and you're not likely to get much sleep.

Question 485

Jargon

Answer 485

Jargon specialized language used by experts *Jargon* usually means the specialized language used by people in the same work or profession. Internet advertising jargon includes the new words "click throughs" and "page views." This noun can also refer to language that uses long sentences and hard words. If you say that someone's speech or writing is full of *jargon*, this means you don't approve of it and think it should be simplified. In Middle English, this word referred to chattering, so its origin is probably imitative: it echoes the sound of chatter or meaningless words.

Question 487

Ordain

Answer 487

Ordain 1. destine; 2. confer holy orders on a priest An *ordained* minister is one who's been appointed to the job by a special church authority. If you've ever had to sit through a lecture about the evils of too much TV, you know that a person doesn't need to be *ordained* in order to preach. When you say that people have been ordained, you usually mean that they've been invested with special powers. After a priest has been ordained in the Catholic church, he can perform sacraments. Such priests are higher up in the church hierarchy than others, and those below them can be called their "subordinates," a word also related to *ordain*.

Question 489

Impromptu

Answer 489

Impromptu unrehearsed; spontaneous Some of the best kinds of parties are *impromptu* ones, when you decide at the last minute to get together. The adjective *impromptu* describes things done or said without previous thought or preparation. *Impromptu* is also used as an adverb: Most people are not able to speak *impromptu* in front of an audience. This word was borrowed from French, from Latin *in prōmptū* "at hand, in readiness" from *in* "in" plus *prōmptū*, a form of *prōmptus* "readiness," from *prōmere* "to bring forth." As you can guess from the spelling, the adjective and verb *prompt* is related to *impromptu*; they are from the same Latin verb.

Question 490

Incantation

Answer 490

Incantation chant; invocation; prayer "Double, double toil and trouble / Fire burn, and cauldron bubble." These lines, cackled by the Weird Sisters in Shakespeare's "Macbeth," are part of the most famous *incantation* –- or magic spell made of words -– in English literature. *Incantation* shares a Latin source with *enchant*, both of which are related to *chant*. An incantation, then, summons a thing or action into being with words that are sung, spoken, or written. Long before it became the catchword of stage magicians, *abracadabra* was regarded as a powerful incantation capable of warding off serious disease. The phrase *hocus pocus* may be a corruption of a seventeenth-century incantation spoken during the Roman Catholic liturgy of the Eucharist, "hoc est corpus."

Question 490

Sporadic

Answer 490

Sporadic not continuous; intermittent *Sporadic* is an adjective that you can use to refer to something that happens or appears often, but not constantly or regularly. The mailman comes every day but the plumber visits are *sporadic*––he comes as needed. A specialized use of *sporadic* is to describe a disease that appears only occasionally in random cases, and is therefore not an *epidemic*. English borrowed the word *sporadic* from Greek *sporadikós* "scattered." A very near synonym is *intermittent*.

Question 491

Augment

Answer 491

Augment increase; make bigger Do you need to make something bigger, better, or stronger? Then you need to *augment* it. To *augment* is to increase the amount or strength of something. Maybe your bike isn't getting around very well on hills: the bike needs to be augmented with a better set of tires. People augment their computers and phones all the time, adding new gadgets and apps. They augment the storage space in their cars by buying roof racks. If the President decides to augment taxes, taxes are going up. When you see the word *augment*, think "More!"

Question 493

Diorama

Answer 493

Diorama model of a scene If you use a shoebox and tiny toys to recreate the Battle of Normandy, you are creating a *diorama*, or three dimensional model, of the event. At the Museum of Natural History in New York, you'll see *dioramas*, or scenes of animals or ancient peoples in their habitats. Before things like movies, television, and computers became common, the best way for large numbers of people to get an idea of what a lion might look like devouring its prey was by *diorama*.

Question 494

Crepuscular

Answer 494

Crepuscular active at dawn and dusk The adjective *crepuscular* describes anything that's related to twilight, like the *crepuscular* glow of the dimming light on a lake as darkness falls. If the light outside is fading, you can call it crepuscular. Anything that resembles dusk, or happens at that time of day, is crepuscular, whether it's gloomy indoor light or the sky at twilight. Some animals are also crepuscular: they tend to be most active in the evening. The Latin root word says it all — *crepusculum* means "twilight."

Question 495

Aversion

Answer 495

Aversion a dislike of If you have an *aversion* to something, you have an intense dislike for it. Commonly its food, but you could have an *aversion* to black and white movies, driving with the windows open, taking calls from salespeople or being barefoot outdoors. An *aversion* is also the person or thing that is the object of such intense dislike: her *aversions* included all kinds of vegetables and fruits. This noun is from Latin *avertio*, ultimately from *avertere* "to turn away," from the prefix *a-* "from" plus *vertere* "to turn." Near synonyms are *repugnance* and *antipathy*.

Question 497

Machinations

Answer 497

Machinations plots and plans When a James Bond villain comes up with a plan to destroy the world, he doesn’t use a simple plan. No, he uses a *machination* — a complex plot that relies on numerous elements coming together to work. Not surprisingly, *machination* derives from the Medieval French *machina*, meaning "machine." And, like many a machine, a machination is subject to going wrong, often comically (see James Bond movies). Politicians love a good machination, and their machinations are frequently exposed in the press as scandals.

Question 498

Accolade

Answer 498

Accolade tribute; honor; praise A knight being honored with the tap of a sword-blade was the earliest form of *accolade*. Today, an *accolade* is more than a way to bestow knighthood, it is a form of praise or an award. In the early 17th century, the French *accoler* meant to "embrace the neck," which was done as part of a knighthood ceremony. By the 19th century, *accolade* came to mean "award." A person who achieves a goal in research or service may receive an official paper certificate or trophy, an accolade of achievement, while a performer or speaker might get an accolade in the form of applause from the audience. Rarely does either of these types of accolade involve a sword.

Question 500

Deplore

Answer 500

Deplore regret The verb *deplore* is used to express strong disapproval of something. If you really, really hate the way your mom makes meatloaf, then it's safe to say you *deplore* it. *Deplore* comes from Latin roots that mean to bewail or lament. So if you *deplore* something, you object to it because it brings you sorrow or grief. People often deplore things that they regret or feel bad about. You might deplore the inhumane treatment of animals or the deforestation of the Amazon. Or maybe you just deplore your wardrobe choices from middle school.

Question 501

Desecrate

Answer 501

Desecrate to damage or pollute a holy place To *desecrate* means to treat a sacred place or thing with violent disrespect. The news sometimes reports on vandals who have *desecrated* tombstones or places of worship. The word *consecrate* from the Latin *consecrare* means "to make sacred." Substituting the prefix *con-* with *de-* reverses the meaning. When preparing for a foreign occupation, the military instructs troops not to desecrate sacred sites and risk offending the local population. You can also desecrate someone's memory if you spread malicious lies about him after his death.

Question 502

Percipient

Answer 502

Percipient perceptive; insightful

Question 503

Mitigate

Answer 503

Mitigate lessen; make less severe Choose the verb, *mitigate,* when something lessens the unpleasantness of a situation. You can *mitigate* your parents' anger by telling them you were late to dinner because you were helping your elderly neighbor. The somewhat formal verb, *mitigate,* comes from the Latin roots *mītis* "soft" and *agere* "to do/act," which add up to "to soften." It is often used with words that indicate an outcome or something harmful. When you buy car insurance, you are trying to mitigate the risks involved with driving. Sunscreen is used to mitigate the effects of the sun on your skin.

Question 504

Officious

Answer 504

Officious domineering; intrusive; meddlesome Though *officious* sounds like official, it means being annoyingly eager to do more than is required. "The *officious* lunch lady made everyone's food choices her business, and made nasty comments when students chose cookies over carrots." *Officious* is a tricky word as it seems like it might mean something like office or official. Instead, it is a word to describe someone that acts more official than they actually are. People who are *officious* are busybodies. They want to make their opinions known and followed, despite not having any kind of real power.

Question 504

Mellow

Answer 504

Mellow soft; melodious; ripe When something becomes *mellow*, it gets softer or more relaxed. People are often said to *mellow* with age, meaning their aggressiveness, their sarcasm, and their short temper have given way to a more easygoing, genial manner. Wine and other foods mellow just like people, and can be described as "having mellowed" when they reach a full and pleasing flavor, without sharpness. The laid-back quality of jazz pieces like John Coltrane’s "My Favorite Things" is often described as mellow. Sometimes the musicians who play them are mellow too. When people are slightly and pleasantly intoxicated, they often claim to be feeling mellow, having attained a relaxed and agreeable state without even having to grow old.

Question 505

Pervasive

Answer 505

Pervasive spreading everywhere When something is *pervasive*, it's everywhere. Common things are *pervasive* — like greed and cheap perfume. Ever notice how certain trends seem to spread all over the place? When something — like a hairstyle — is super-common, it's pervasive. Pervasive things can't be escaped. Playing video games is pervasive among kids. Talking about the weather is pervasive among adults. Ideas, diseases, habits, and all sorts of things can be pervasive. If you're sick of seeing something because you're seeing it again and again, it must be pervasive.

Question 506

Bigot

Answer 506

Bigot "narrow-minded, prejudiced person" A *bigot* is someone who doesn't tolerate people of different races or religions. If you have an uncle who is a *bigot* and tells racist jokes at Thanksgiving, you may need to talk to him and tell him it's not okay. A *bigot* can also be someone who refuses to accept other ideas, as in politics. This word was borrowed from Middle French, but the French word is of uncertain origin. In Old French *bigot* was a term of abuse for Normans, and possibly related to the oath *bi got* "by God." In English and French, a *bigot* was originally a hypocrite, a person who claims to have certain moral beliefs but whose behavior doesn't match those beliefs. A *bigot* was specifically a hypocritical professor of religion, but the connection with the current sense of *bigot* is not clear.

Question 507

Abrogate

Answer 507

Abrogate cancel; deny; repeal *Abrogate* means to abolish or avoid. When someone cuts in front of you in line, they are *abrogating* your right to be the next one served. When you cut in line, you are *abrogating* your responsibility to those who were in line before you. The Latin root of this word is made up of the prefix *ab-* "away" and *rogare* "to propose a law." What does it mean if you propose a law away? You repeal it, of course, so *abrogate* means to officially revoke, cancel or abolish. The meaning of this word has expanded a bit since its earliest usage, but it still appears most often in a legal or political context, or when serious rights and responsibilities are being discussed.

Question 507

Effusive

Answer 507

Effusive gushing; demonstrative Getting a compliment from your *effusive* Aunt Sally can be a little embarrassing. Since she's so *effusive*, Aunt Sally holds nothing back, gushing with enthusiasm. The adjective *effusive* means "extravagantly demonstrative," and if you know someone who know who expresses positive emotions in a heartfelt, bubbly way, you understand just what it means. The word *effusive* has a surprisingly similar definition in geology; it describes a particular kind of volcanic eruption, one in which lava bubbles up out of the volcano and flows around it.

Question 509

Blithe

Answer 509

Blithe free-spirited; carefree The adjective *blithe* used to mean happy and carefree, but over time it's acquired a new understanding of someone who isn't paying attention the way they should. If you have a *blithe* disregard for authority, you might just smile vaguely when a teacher is yelling at you to continue writing on the lockers with a Sharpie. If you're dancing to music while driving, and pass *blithely* through a red light, chances are you will be pulled over and given either a ticket or a talking to.

Question 510

Phenomenon

Answer 510

Phenomenon an event or happening (plural: phenomena) A *phenomenon* is an extraordinary occurrence or circumstance. In the 1950s, rock-n-roll was considered a new cultural *phenomenon,* while today we think of crop circles as a mysterious *phenomenon*. Like many words with Greek roots, *phenomenon* started out as a science term. Scientists used it (and still do) to describe any event or fact that could be observed, amazing or not. An earthquake, for example, was a phenomenon, because you could see it (and hear it and feel it). *Phenomenon* is an example of a word having a specific meaning for one group of people that gets changed when used by the general public.

Question 512

Amity

Answer 512

Amity friendship The word *amity* refers to a peaceful, friendly nature, much like the French word for *friend* — "ami." From the Latin *amicus* "friend," *amity* means "friendly relations." That strong sense of friendship lends irony to the name of the book, and later the movie, called "The Amityville Horror," about a horrifying town with a weirdly cheerful name. In truth, though, *amity* means mutual understanding and peace. Wouldn't it be nice if all of the world's nations lived in amity?

Question 513

Precarious

Answer 513

Precarious unstable; risky Grab for the adjective *precarious* when something is unstable, dangerous or difficult and likely to get worse. Are you totally broke and the people you owe money to keep calling? You're in a *precarious* financial situation! The Latin root of *precarious* means "obtained by asking or praying." This fits well as *precarious* always signals that help is needed desperately. If your life is precarious or you are in a precarious situation, things could become difficult, maybe even dangerous, for you. If your footing or hold on something is precarious, it is unstable or not firmly placed, so that you are likely to slip or lose your grip.

Question 513

Collate

Answer 513

Collate arrange in order Although the verb *collate* specifically means to put pages in a correct order, the word can be used more generally to mean to put anything into the proper sequence. *Collating* can mean the mindless job of putting papers in order before stapling them, or it can mean the high-brow analytical job of critically comparing multiple texts. Both usually involve paper, only the latter involves higher-order thinking. "The genealogists *collated* data from several sources, which made them realize, based on the dates, that Henry the VIII could not have been on the family tree."

Question 515

Braggart

Answer 515

Braggart someone who boasts If you know someone who is a real show off and is always bragging about how great they are, then you might call this boaster a *braggart*. *Braggart* is a pejorative word, which means it is used as an insult, so you shouldn’t call your boss or your teacher a *braggart* — unless you’re looking for trouble. *Braggart* is similar to other pejoratives like *blowhard* or *bigmouth*. Braggarts are characterized by talking loudly (usually in praise of themselves, their possessions, or their accomplishments) and are quick to assert their superiority over others.

Question 517

Ambivalence

Answer 517

Ambivalence lack of clarity; wavering; being undecided Someone who shows *ambivalence* about a person or thing has conflicting feelings. If you love your mom but find her totally embarrassing you might feel *ambivalent* about having her give a presentation at your school. Originally a psychological term, *ambivalence* was borrowed from the German word *Ambivalenz*, coined in 1910 by the Swiss psychologist Eugen Bleuler. The German word was formed from the Latin prefix *ambi*- "in two ways" plus Latin *valentia* "vigor, strength."

Question 519

Hamper

Answer 519

Hamper hinder; obstruct Use the verb *hamper* to describe an action that slows progress or makes it difficult to do something, like the presence of your parents that *hamper* your ability to look cool at the mall. The verb *hamper* is for those times when normal progress is slow but not shut down completely. *Hamper* often describes travel during bad weather, like icy conditions that could hamper holiday travel. *Hamper* means "slow going." You may have heard of noun form of *hamper*, a container for holding dirty laundry: If your hamper is full, the need to do laundry could hamper your plans of going out and having fun.

Question 520

Speckled

Answer 520

Speckled spotted; freckled; dotted

Question 522

Sentinel

Answer 522

Sentinel guard; sentry A *sentinel* is a guard, a lookout, a person keeping watch. It's often a soldier, but not always. If you're watching a pot, waiting for it to boil, you're standing *sentinel* over it. (Incidentally, it won't boil until you leave.) Etymologists think *sentinel* stems from the Old Italian words *sentina*, meaning "vigilance," and *sentire*, "to watch." It's a close cousin of *sentry*, which means the same thing. You can use *sentinel* as a noun or a verb. A kid in a snowball war might be the sentinel, patrolling the entrance to the fort. Wolves stand sentinel over their kill, stepping aside only for the alpha male, who always eats first.

Question 523

Novice

Answer 523

Novice a beginner; tyro If you're a *novice* at snowboarding, you're just learning the sport. On the Internet, a *novice* might be called a newbie, but your parents would call one a beginner. *Novice* is derived from the Latin word *novus*, which means new. A *novice* is new to what they do, so a novice photographer is just learning how to take nice pictures. Other words related to *novice* are *novel* "new, unusual," and *innovate* "to invent, begin with new ideas." *Novice* can also mean a member of a Christian order who has not yet taken their vows.

Question 524

Apathy

Answer 524

Apathy lack of interest or emotion Use the noun *apathy* when someone is not interested in the important things that are happening. You might feel *apathy* for the political process after watching candidates bicker tediously with one another. Although *apathy* is a lazy-sounding word that indicates a lack of interest, action or emotion towards something, it has traveled through many languages to arrive in English. Originating from the Greek *apatheia* meaning "without emotion," the word has been a part of the English language since the 17th century. Not only a single person, but a whole segment of the population can be accused of inaction, indifference or emotional detachment: the expressions *voter apathy, student apathy,* and *consumer apathy* show just how unenthusiastic large groups of people can be.

Question 525

Stifle

Answer 525

Stifle suppress To *stifle* is to cut off, hold back, or smother. You may *stifle* your cough if you don't want to interrupt a lecture or you may *stifle* the competition if you fear losing. The verb *stifle* means "to choke, suffocate, drown." It can describe a claustrophobic feeling, like getting smothered by kisses from your great aunt. At its most extreme, *stifle* means to kill by cutting off respiration. The metaphoric sense of *stifle* didn’t develop until well after the word was first recorded as a verb: "I can always tell — but never let on for fear of damaging his ego — that my boyfriend attempts to *stifle* tears during sappy parts of movies; his eyes well up at the corners and he’ll sniffle uncontrollably, claiming allergies."

Question 526

Vindicate

Answer 526

Vindicate prove right; remove blame * Vindicate* means to justify, prove, or reinforce an idea — or to absolve from guilt. If your family thinks you hogged the last piece of pie on Thanksgiving, you'll be *vindicated* when your younger brother fesses up. * Vindicate* derives from the Latin *vindicatus*, which is the past tense of *vindicare*, meaning "lay claim to" or "avenge." When a physicist proves a theory that his colleagues derided, he vindicates it. When a lawyer clears her client's name in a trial, she vindicates him. Machiavelli argued that the results he got vindicated his tactics — in other words, the ends justified the means.

Question 527

Egregious

Answer 527

Egregious outstandingly, obviously bad Something that is *egregious* stands out, but not in a good way — it means "really bad or offensive," like a tattoo on a man misspelling his girlfriend's name. "My massage therapist gave me bruises," someone complained recently on Twitter, asking, "When does it cease to be deep tissue massage therapy and become *egregious* and unabashed manhandling?" An *egregious* error is hardly forgivable. Some synonyms are *shocking, appalling,* and *intolerable*. The word has made a 180-degree turn from its original sense in Latin, when it meant "exceptionally good." Word historians have speculated that the negative usage was originally meant to be ironic, but it is the only sense that has survived. Be careful not to use it to mean "outstanding," since no one wants to be called *egregious*.

Question 528

Contumacious

Answer 528

Contumacious stubborn That ornery horse that keeps heading back to the barn, no matter how much you coax and kick and try and convince him to stay on the trail? He's showing you his *contumacious* side, meaning he's stubbornly resisting authority. You might hear the word *contumacious* used in a courtroom to describe an uncooperative witness or someone who willfully disobeys an order given by the court. If you have a glove compartment full of unpaid parking tickets, when you finally land in court your disobedient behavior may cause the judge to tell you that you're a contumacious lout. You'll not only have to pay the tickets, you'll also be slapped with a big fine, and you'll never be contumacious again.

Question 529

Guileless

Answer 529

Guileless frank; straightforward; honest If you are *guileless*, you are not a liar; you are innocent, and you might be a touch on the gullible side. To be guileless is to be without guile. *Guile* is "deceit, duplicity and trickery." The young and uninitiated are the ones we call *guileless*, and they are the ones who often get stung by the more heartless among us. You might recall being a guileless freshman trying out for the school play, and being told by a veteran performer that it would be best to come to the audition for *Our Town* in a chicken costume, so you did.

Question 530

Goad

Answer 530

Goad prod; urge A *goad* is a pointy stick or other instrument used to prod something along. To *goad* is to poke something with that pointy stick. Either way, the pointiness is really essential for making things leap into action. Originally spelled *gad*, meaning "spearhead," *goad* first came into use as a verb in the 1570s. But say you left your pointy goading stick at home. Have no fear! You can goad people with words, too. Literally or figuratively, a *goad* prods and pokes and provokes people into doing something. A sheep herder might hustle his flock along with a goad, just as your mom's constant nagging and goading might finally get you sit up straight at the dinner table.

Question 532

Flaunt

Answer 532

Flaunt show off; display in a showy manner *Flaunt* is "to display proudly or show off," like when you *flaunt* your new Italian leather jacket by wearing it to the beach and pretending you're cold to make sure everyone sees it. Although we love it when a peacock *flaunts* his colorful feathers, when a person does the same thing we feel bad. *Flaunt* is like bragging, which can bum people out because they don't have whatever you're showing off, like that cool jacket. When rich people *flaunt* their wealth by speeding past you in their limo, they may as well splash a mud puddle on your white clothes. Leave the flaunting for peacocks and stars in bad reality TV shows.

Question 533

Desist

Answer 533

Desist stop; discontinue; cease You can use the verb *desist* as a way to say "stop" or "cease." Instead of yelling "Cut it out!" the new neighbor asked the tween girls to desist from playing any more loud, screeching music from that long-haired boy-band. If you want to insist that someone stop doing something, the word *desist* is a solid choice. It's often used as part of a legal order called a "cease and desist," which forces an action to come to a halt. "Cease" is a synonym for *desist,* so using the two together says "stop it!" loud and clear — and kind of redundantly. "If she will *desist* from camping on the lawn in front of the star's Hollywood home, she won’t be arrested."

Question 535

Archaic

Answer 535

Archaic ancient; outdated; old fashioned If you use the adjective *archaic* you are referring to something outmoded, belonging to an earlier period. Rotary phones and cassette players already seem so *archaic*! The adjective *archaic* means something that belongs to an earlier or antiquated time. It can also mean something that is outdated but can still be found in the present and therefore could seem out of place. The word comes from Greek, *archaikos*, and literally means "from Classical Greek culture," though it's meaning has broadened as it's been used in English. So, while Greek clay pots and urns are *archaic*, so are the parents of all teenagers!

Question 536

Alacrity

Answer 536

Alacrity eagerness; enthusiasm; quickness Someone with *alacrity* shows cheerful willingness and eager behavior, like a kid whose mother has told him he can buy anything in a candy store. While the noun *alacrity* normally refers to someone's peppy behavior, it can also describe a certain mood or tempo of a musical composition, indicating how the music should be played. *Alacrity* comes from the Latin *alacritas*, and the Italian musical term *allegro* is a near relation.

Question 538

Candid

Answer 538

Candid frank; honest Straightforward and truthful talk might be described with the adjective *candid*. If you're too *candid* in your personal blog, a future employer might discover your penchant for nude skydiving. A serious-minded politician might suggest engaging in a "*candid* discussion" about a complicated topic like health care or the environment, because *candid* means "open" or "frank." Remember that TV show *Candid Camera*? It was called that because its hidden cameras supposedly showed a candid view of reality. In photography, *candid* has become a noun meaning "an unposed photo." The word comes from Latin *candidus*, meaning "white," which was later extended to mean "pure." Candid talk provides the pure, unvarnished truth.

Question 539

Obtuse

Answer 539

Obtuse mentally dull The adjective *obtuse* is good for describing someone slow on the uptake: "Don't be so *obtuse*: get with the program!" The adjective *obtuse* literally means "rounded" or "blunt," but when it's used for a person, it means "not quick or alert in perception" — in other words, not the sharpest tool in the shed. It's not just for dull people, but also dull angles: in geometry, an obtuse angle is one that is not so sharp (between 90 and 180 degrees).

Question 540

Ramifications

Answer 540

Ramifications branches; subdivisions of a complex system; outcomes A *ramification* is an accidental consequence that complicates things. Remember that time you borrowed your father's car without asking? The *ramification* was that Dad missed an important meeting, his company went under, and he had to sell the car. Oops! The *ramifications* are the broader effects that fan out into the world from one situation, or decision, that kicks it all off. *Ramification* also refers to something branching out, like limbs on a tree — which is what bad decisions tend to do. *Ramification* is like *consequence*, but usually unintended and bad. The word is often used in political discussions about laws or government decisions because they might be made locally but could affect people worldwide.

Question 541

Sanction

Answer 541

Sanction give approval to *Sanction* has two nearly opposite meanings: to sanction can be to approve of something, but it can also mean to punish, or speak harshly to. Likewise, a sanction can be a punishment or approval. Very confusing––the person who invented this word should be publicly sanctioned! See if you can guess the meaning of sanction in the following contexts. Before invading Iraq, the US and its allies first imposed sanctions on the country, refusing to supply the country with much-needed trade items. Did you guess sanction=punishment? You were right! But by trading with China at the same time, the US quietly sanctioned that nation's known instances of human rights abuses. Did you guess sanction=approval? You're right again!

Question 542

Replete

Answer 542

Replete full * Replete* means full, often in a satisfying way. "The library was *replete* with bound first volumes, and Lucy, a bookworm, was happier there than any place else." * Replete* shares a root with the word *plenty*. When you have plenty of cookies and cake, you can say your table is *replete* with goodies. Another cousin of *replete* is *replenish*. When your cabinets are bare, you go to the store to replenish them. When you unpack your groceries, your pantry is *replete* with essentials.

Question 544

Lackluster

Answer 544

Lackluster dull; monotonous; bland *Lackluster* is a compound adjective that means what it sounds like: if something is *lackluster* it lacks luster; in other words, it is without brilliance, shine, or vitality. Think *dull*. Shakespeare gave us the compound *lackluster*, first using the term in his play *As You Like It*. In 2:7, the character Jacques says, "And then he drew a dial from his poke, And, looking on it with lack-lustre eye..." Since Shakespeare first coined this word, it has been used to describe anything "blah"; *lackluster* sales would worry shop owners and a lackluster prom dress might help you blend in with the wallpaper.

Question 546

Inconsequential

Answer 546

Inconsequential unimportant; insignificant; negligible If something is considered of little worth or importance, it is *inconsequential.* If astronomers forecast a tremendous meteor shower, it might turn out to be no more than space junk, too *inconsequential* to record. You can use the adjective *inconsequential* to describe things that just don’t matter or are of no relevance, as in "the rainy forecast is totally *inconsequential* — the bowling tournament is inside!" It also describes things that don't make sense in a certain order, "trying to win their votes is *inconsequential*: the election's over." Something small or minor can be inconsequential too, though the red bump on your nose on picture-day may not seem as inconsequential to you as it does to the photographer.

Question 547

Delineation

Answer 547

Delineation demarcation; explanation; definition; outlining *Delineation* is the act of representing something or describing it. The portrait you paint of your best friend is a *delineation* of that person. A *delineation* can refer to any kind of pictorial representation of something else, like a geometric sketch or a map of a city. A *delineation* more generally means any kind of accurate or vivid portrayal of something else. So, a lively summary of a book that makes the listener feel she read it herself can be a delineation. Telling someone else what you dreamed about last night is a delineation of that dream.

Question 549

Levity

Answer 549

Levity flippancy; joking about serious matters Joking that your dead grandmother "never looked better" could inject some *levity*, or frivolity, into her funeral, but your relatives might find your joke inappropriate to the occasion. *Levity* literally means "lightness," and it's often an attempt to inject some lightness or humor into an otherwise somber situation. Telling your Aunt Edna a joke while she recuperates from a skiing accident could provide the levity needed to brighten her mood. Yet *levity* is often used to describe humor that's not appropriate to the occasion, like telling your Aunt the joke, "Two corpses walk into a bar..." after her husband has just died.

Question 550

Perceptive

Answer 550

Perceptive observant If someone calls you *perceptive*, they mean you are good at understanding things or figuring things out. *Perceptive* people are insightful, intelligent, and able to see what others cannot. *Perceive* means "to see"; so, *perceptive* is a word to describe someone who is good at seeing. *Perceptive* is derived from the Latin word *percipere* which means "to obtain or gather." A *perceptive* person is good at gathering information and using her senses to take in the world. If you are upset but trying to hide it, a *perceptive* person is the one who will notice.

Question 550

Judicious

Answer 550

Judicious correct in judgment; wise If you're *judicious*, you've got a good head on your shoulders and make good decisions. Humpty Dumpty's decision to sit on a wall? NOT *judicious*. As its sound implies, *judicious* comes from the same Latin word from which we get *judge* and *judiciary,* and not surprisingly a judicious decision is one that only comes after all sides have been weighed up and opposing points of view taken into consideration. Judicious decisions are never split-second decisions.

Question 551

Jaded

Answer 551

Jaded tired; bored; worn out If you've done something so much that it doesn't excite you anymore but just leaves you tired, consider yourself *jaded.* If someone says you look a little *jaded*, it just means that you look tired. The history of *jaded* is not clear, but perhaps it is related to the noun *jade,* an old term for a worn-out horse. Even if not, picturing a tired old horse may be a nice way to remember that *jaded* means dulled or tired from too much of something. The word can also mean cynical because of bad experiences with something, like a jaded journalist who doesn't see the person behind the politician.

Question 553

Blasphemy

Answer 553

Blasphemy speech which offends religious sentiments Saying offensive things about God or religion is *blasphemy*. *Blasphemy* can be used for offensive ideas in other areas too. If you're saying something bad about a god, or taking the Lord's name in vain, or questioning a religious institution in any way, you could be accused of blasphemy — insulting something sacred. You can use this word in a lot of other ways too. At a meeting of conservatives, a liberal idea could be considered blasphemy (and vice versa). You might even jokingly cry "Blasphemy!" if a friend said your favorite ice cream flavor stinks.

Question 555

Martinet

Answer 555

Martinet person who believes in strict discipline Use the noun *martinet* to describe someone is a stickler when it comes to following rules, such as the teacher who won't accept homework if it is written in a color other than blue. Pronounce *martinet* with the accent on the last syllable: "mar-ti-NET." Jean Martinet, the man for whom the word was coined, would insist you say his name correctly. He was a legendary drillmaster for the French army during the reign of Louis XIV. A hundred years later, in 1779, *martinet* came to mean any officer who was as strict and demanding in adhering to the rules as Martinet himself.

Question 556

Perspicacious

Answer 556

Perspicacious insightful; sharp; wise *Perspicacious* is an adjective that means "shrewd" and "wise." A *perspicacious* child can't be fooled when her parents try to keep a secret by talking in Pig Latin. The adjective *perspicacious* is a long word for a short definition: "keen" or "shrewd." This word is descended from the Latin word *perspicere*, which means "to look closely." In other words, if you look closely at something you are paying attention to it and know it well. A definition of *perspicacious* that is out of date but still relevant is "having keen eyesight" and people who can see clearly are also aware and attentive!

Question 557

Dogmatic

Answer 557

Dogmatic having stubbornly held opinions Someone who is *dogmatic* has arrogant attitudes based on unproved theories. If you *dogmatically* assert that the moon is made of green cheese, you'll just get laughed at. The most basic definition of the adjective *dogmatic* is that it is related to *dogma* — doctrines relating to morals and faith — but what it has come to mean is attitudes that are not only based on unproved theories but are also arrogant in nature. The root of *dogmatic* is the Greek word *dogmatikos*. A synonym of *dogmatic* is "dictatorial" and because there are religious associations to the root word *dogma*, someone who is *dogmatic* tends to "pontificate."

Question 559

Analogous

Answer 559

Analogous comparable Use the adjective *analogous* to describe something that is similar to something else and can be compared to another. *Analogous* things can be compared to each other, so a near synonym is the adjective *comparable*. *Analogous* is a term used in biology to refer to body parts that have a similar function but differ in structure, such as the wings of a bird and the wings of an airplane. *Analogous* is from Latin *analogus*, from Greek *analogos*, meaning "according to a proper ratio or proportion."

Question 560

Petulant

Answer 560

Petulant sulky; peevish Choose the adjective, *petulant,* to describe a person or behavior that is irritable in a childish way. The adjective, *petulant,* is a disapproving term used to describe a bad-tempered child, an adult behaving like an angry child or behavior or this type. *Angry* or *annoyed* mean the same thing, but if you choose the word, *petulant,* you are indicating that it is unreasonable or unjustified. *Petulant* came to English in the late 16th century from the Latin *petulantem* "forward, insolent" but was not recorded to mean childishly irritable until the late 1700s.

Question 561

Redolent

Answer 561

Redolent smelling of; giving off odors When something is *redolent* of something, it makes you think of that thing by making a pretty strong impression on you. He had a shifty eye *redolent* of years of lying and petty crime. People used to use *redolent* of something with a strong, distinctive odor. Now, think of it as "stinks of" — but in a fancy way. If you're touring an old castle, you might say that the worn carpet and handsome woodwork are *redolent* of the place's former glory, though otherwise it's a dump.

Question 562

Precinct

Answer 562

Precinct district of a city A *precinct* is an area of town marked off for official purposes, often to vote, or to organize the police force. When a cop hears of a crime on the police blotter that's happening in his *precinct*, he knows to hop in his car and head over there. The word *precinct* comes from the Latin *precinctum* meaning "enclosure, boundary line." A precinct is an area that has a clear boundary line around it, making it easier for the police to know where a crime is taking place, or where you should go to vote. The word *precinct* has also come to mean police headquarters in a particular district. If you're being held at the precinct, you're at the police station local to where you committed your crime.

Question 563

Choleric

Answer 563

Choleric easily angered Are you easy to tick off? Known to have a short fuse? Then, you could be described as *choleric*. Don't worry; it's not a disease related to cholera. *Choleric* just means you're testy and irritable. Before the advent of modern medicine, most folks believed that health and disease were the result of the balance of "humors" in the body. If you were quick to anger, you were thought to have too much choler in your system. You were called *choleric*. W. C. Fields, Richard Nixon, and Ebinezer Scrooge are just a few people famous for being choleric, easy to tick off.

Question 565

Decorum

Answer 565

Decorum "dignified, correct behavior [decorous (a)]" *Decorum* is proper and polite behavior. If you let out a big belch at a fancy dinner party, you're not showing much *decorum*. This noun is from Latin *decōrus* "proper, becoming, handsome," from *décor* "beauty, grace," which is also the source of English *décor*. The corresponding adjective is *decorous*, meaning "well-behaved in a particular situation." Both *decorum* and *decorous* are often used to describe behavior in a classroom or courtroom.

Question 566

Indifferent

Answer 566

Indifferent 1. neutral; 2. not outstanding * Indifferent* is an adjective that refers to a lack of opinion or interest, or being just plain, old, average. If you are *indifferent* about something it means that you don't much care one way or another. A synonym for *indifferent* is *average*, and both words refer to situations that call for being unbiased or impartial. You can also think of *indifferent* in relation to its root, the Latin *indifferens*, which means "not differing" and in this case it means "not set apart." In particular, we want to consider the law as *indifferent*.

Question 567

Recuperate

Answer 567

Recuperate get better after illness To *recuperate* is to get something back that you have lost — could be good health, or money lost in a bad investment. When you *recuperate*, you heal and recover. *Recuperate* comes from the Latin word *recuperare* "to take back," so when you recuperate you gain something back that was yours before — health or money. *Recuperate* is usually something people do after an illness. If you break your knee playing rugby in college, you might go home to recuperate. If you don't want to sound fancy, just say you're recovering. It also means to get money back, so you can also try to recuperate your losses by staying in the poker game.

Question 568

Vociferous

Answer 568

Vociferous noisy; loud in speech * Vociferous* describes loudmouths, such as the *vociferous* mob at the soccer game. * Vociferous* is from the Latin *vociferari* meaning "to shout, yell." If you break it down to the first part, take *vox* meaning "voice" and add it to *ferre* meaning "to carry," then *vociferous* describes voices that carry; you can hear a *vociferous* person from across the room at a dance party. *Vociferous* isn't just loud, but annoying, too, like when the *vociferous* fans of the opposing team chant insults in unison. Try yanking a cookie out of a little kid's hand if you want to hear a *vociferous* reaction.

Question 569

Legion

Answer 569

Legion in large numbers A *legion* is a horde or a large number of people or things. It was originally a term for a military unit. In Roman times, a legion was a large unit of men in the army, and the word is still used in many militaries. However, it also means a whole bunch of people doing anything. If someone has many fans, you can say *legion of fans* or *legions of fans*, but either way, that's a lot of fans. There are legions of stars in the sky. When you see *legion*, you can be sure there's an awful lot of something.

Question 569

Anthology

Answer 569

Anthology a book which is a collection of poems or stories A collection of writings is an *anthology.* The heavy textbooks that span the literature of an entire culture and that school children transport in over-sized backpacks with wheels? Those are anthologies. An *anthology* used to be just a collection of poetry, and the word came from the 17th-century Greek word *anthologia* for "flower gathering" or "collecting." A contemporary anthology can include anything from classic literature to rap music lyrics. Often an anthology focuses on one type, or genre, of writing, as in an anthology of horse riding haikus, or even an anthology of writings on writing. However, sometimes textbook-style anthologies — like *Global Literature* — will ambitiously try to include works from writers throughout the ages *and* from throughout the world.

Question 570

Peremptory

Answer 570

Peremptory in a commanding manner *Peremptory* comments are like orders. If you say something in a *peremptory* manner, you want people to stop what they’re doing and do what you say. *Peremptory* comments put an end to a discussion, and that’s final! The word *peremptory* comes from the Latin *peremptorius* for "decisive, final." Trace it further and find that *peremptor* means "destroyer," from *perimpere* for "destroy, cut off." Basically, peremptory commands destroy the conversation. They are given with an air of authority, and they are often barked. In the courtroom, peremptory orders are not open to appeal; they’re final. Outside of the courtroom, a peremptory manner is just plain rude.

Question 571

Germinal

Answer 571

Germinal just growing; not developed; immature

Question 572

Caldron

Answer 572

Caldron huge cooking pot A *caldron* is a large cooking pot, often with handles. If you're planning to cook chili for an entire Super Bowl crowd, it is recommended you use the *caldron* and not the saucepan. A famous scene from William Shakespeare's play *Macbeth* shows the three witches casting a spell as they add ingredients into a caldron. Each time they add something to the big pot, like eye of newt or lizard's leg, they repeat the chorus of their spell in unison: "Double, double toil and trouble; Fire burn, and *caldron* bubble."

Question 572

Atrophy

Answer 572

Atrophy waste away from lack of use Wearing a cast on a broken leg can cause *atrophy*, or withering, in the leg, because it is immobilized and gets no exercise. Appearing in English in the 17th century, the word *atrophy* originally described a lack of nourishment. *Atrophy* occurs in parts of the body that can't move or be "fed" because of disease or injury. It also is used to describe things that go dull through lack of use, like skills in sports or artistic creativity. The (unrelated) word "trophy" refers to something that sits on a shelf and is admired, while *atrophy* is a condition of being "shelved," or made inactive and lifeless.

Question 574

Longevity

Answer 574

Longevity long life Something with *longevity* has the ability to last for a long time. While tortoises are not known for their quickness, their *longevity* is amazing. Just ask the Hare. At the root of *longevity* is the word *long*. So when you see *longevity*, think "a long time." In fact, this word has some serious longevity, since it's been around since the 1600s. *Longevity* is most commonly used to describe the length of one’s lifetime, but it can also mean a long duration, such as one’s longevity working for a certain company for an extended period of time.

Question 575

Hypocritical

Answer 575

Hypocritical insincere * Hypocritical* involves acting in a way that goes against your stated beliefs. If you drive drunk despite the fact that you are the president of Students Against Drunk Driving, you are truly *hypocritical*. * Hypocritical* comes from the Greek *hypokritikos* which means acting a part. The word comes up most often when discussing political and religious figures who are sometimes caught engaging in behavior that goes against their professed beliefs. A person who engages in hypocritical behavior could be called a hypocrite, their behavior, an act of hypocrisy.

Question 576

Jollity

Answer 576

Jollity gaiety; happiness Use the noun *jollity* to describe having fun and being in an extremely good mood, like the *jollity* you feel when you are with your best friends at your favorite amusement park. You can see the word *jolly* in *jollity* and that is a big clue that it means "full of cheer and good will." We might say that Jolly Old Saint Nicholas — Santa Claus — is the king of jollity. But you can join his court — you are the picture of jollity when you are laughing uncontrollably with good friends or whooping it up at a Country Western dance. We are talking mirth and merriment: that's jollity.

Question 578

Poised

Answer 578

Poised calm; collected; self-possessed If you're *poised* you're self-possessed and in full control of your faculties. You're balanced, grounded, and ready for action. A poised person exhibits composure and self-assuredness, which comes in handy, for instance, during a job interview, giving a public talk or debate, or playing sports. Watching the Olympics, you may wonder how gymnasts remain so poised when competing on the balance beam, considered the sport's most mentally and physically challenging event. *Poised* also means ready or on the verge: You can be poised for a leadership position, poised for battle, or poised to become music's next pop star.

Question 579

Rancor

Answer 579

Rancor resentment; animosity; bad feeling The word *rancor* is best when you're not just talking about anger, you're talking about deep, twisted bitter type of anger in your heart. The open *rancor* in political discussion prevents cooperation between political parties. The most helpful way to remember *rancor* with all its dark, miserable bitterness is to think of how *rancor* rhymes with canker, as in canker sore, the horrible painful burning on your lip. Or, you might want to remind yourself that *rancor* has its roots in the word rancid meaning "rotten." *Rancor* refers particularly to the sort of ill-will associated with resentment, envy, slow-brewing anger, and a very personal sort of hatred.

Question 580

Dolt

Answer 580

Dolt stupid person *Dolt* refers a person who isn't very smart. You might be called a *dolt* if you do something dumb, like stand outside your car complaining that you locked your keys inside — even though the window is wide open. Let's be honest — you never want to be called a dolt. And if you're a kind person, you'll never call anyone else a dolt — unless they do something so frustratingly stupid that you can't take it anymore. *Dolt* probably came from the Middle English word *dullen*, meaning "to dull, make or become dazed or stupid." To help remember what *dolt* means, say it out loud, with gusto. With its guttural sound, the word itself sounds not very bright.

Question 582

Precept

Answer 582

Precept guiding principle A *precept* is a rule or direction, often with some religious basis, dictating a way you should act or behave. *Precepts* are little life lessons that are usually passed down to children by authority figures such as parents, teachers, or religious figures. They are not as simple or practical as "eat your vegetables"; they tend to be more weighty and pretentious. In *Hamlet*, the character Polonius dished out a few choice precepts to his son Laertes: "neither a borrower nor a lender be" and "give every man thy ear, but few thy voice." Of course Laertes never lived long enough to benefit from Polonius's sage advice, since Hamlet offed him with his own poisoned blade.

Question 582

Grate

Answer 582

Grate 1. to annoy; aggravate; vex; 2. shred When you *grate* something you rip it to shreds, like a pound of solid cheese that you shred for a recipe. The verb *grate* entered the English language in the fourteenth century by way of the French word *grater*, meaning "to scrape." Using *grate* in this sense, you might grate your teeth or grate a carrot, meaning rub or pulverize. By the sixteenth century the word had taken on the additional meaning of "sound harshly" and "annoy." This evolution makes sense if you think about it: If you’ve ever had anything really annoy you — "*grate* on your nerves" — it can almost seem as if a cheese grater has been applied to your nerves and is slowly ripping them to shreds.

Question 583

Retraction

Answer 583

Retraction withdrawal; cancellation of a statement

Question 584

Connoisseur

Answer 584

Connoisseur person with refined taste and good judgment A *connoisseur* is a person who, through study and interest, has a fine appreciation for something, like the *connoisseur* who can identify the clarinet player on a jazz recording by the sound of his inhalations alone. A connoisseur is an authority in his field, someone who has expert knowledge and training, especially in the arts. A *connoisseur* may also be someone with an extremely developed sense of taste, like the connoisseur who can identify rare wine by a flavor others can't even detect. Then again, some people call themselves connoisseurs of just about anything they like — pizza, old vinyl albums, even cartoons — because they know so much about it.

Question 586

Inexpedient

Answer 586

Inexpedient not advisable

Question 587

Extol

Answer 587

Extol praise If you have a crush on a guy who likes your best friend, it can be very depressing to listen to him *extol* your friend's virtues, while you just nod and smile. If you *extol* something, you praise it very highly. The Bible says: "Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise and *extol* and honor the King of heaven..." Nebuchadnezzar II was king of the second Babylonian Empire, the one who sent the Jews into exile. In some translations of the Bible, the word *honor* is replaced with *glorify*. *Praise, extol, honor, glorify* all mean about the same. The Bible often uses five words when one would be enough.

Question 588

Exceptionable

Answer 588

Exceptionable very bad (something which we should object to) If something is *exceptionable*, someone is bound to find something wrong with it. Be careful not to confuse *exceptionable* with *exceptional,* which means something remarkable and particularly unusual, or with *unexceptionable,* which means the exact opposite of *exceptionable* — something quite ordinary and hardly to be noticed. "Puppies are cute" is about as unexceptionable a sentence as you are likely to find. Unless you're a puppy hater, of course.

Question 589

Condoning

Answer 589

Condoning overlooking; disregarding; ignoring If you *condone* something, you allow it, approve of it, or at least can live with it. Some teachers *condone* chewing gum, and some don't. Things that are condoned are allowed, even if everyone isn't exactly thrilled about it. People often say, "I don't *condone* what he did, but I understand it." Condoning is like excusing something. People seem to talk more about things they don't condone than things they do condone. Your mom might say, "I don't *condone* you staying up till 10, but I know you need to read." That's a way of giving approval and not giving approval at the same time.

Question 591

Magnate

Answer 591

Magnate powerful businessman If you’re a hugely successful businessman, particularly if you’ve cornered the market in a particular area, you’re a *magnate*. *Magnates* are often larger than life characters. Donald Trump, he of the hair, is a classic real estate *magnate*. Historically, a magnate was a man of noble birth (from the Latin *magnus*, meaning "a nobleman," or at least someone distinguished by his achievements. In the twentieth century, the stock of a magnate has rather fallen. If you’re vulgar and loud-spoken as well as rich, you’re probably a magnate. Thanks to the legendary movie producer Samuel Goldwyn, all film studio heads are now "studio *magnates*."

Question 592

Irrational

Answer 592

Irrational unreasonable; absurd If you're a straight-A student and still you worry about failing all of your classes, you're being *irrational*. Your fears are not based on fact and not likely to come true. Usually you use *irrational* to describe ideas and thoughts that are not based on reason, although emotions and behavior can be irrational too if they don't seem reasonable. Do you jump onto a chair and scream when you see a mouse? If so, you have an irrational fear of mice, or musophobia. If someone takes a swing at you for failing to say excuse me when you burp, both their anger and their actions could be called irrational.

Question 594

Eulogy

Answer 594

Eulogy praise At every funeral, there comes a moment when someone who knew the dead person speaks about their life. They are delivering what is known as a *eulogy*. A *eulogy* is a formal speech that praises a person who has died. Usually a eulogy makes the dead person sound a lot more impressive than they really were. A couple of less common synonyms for this kind of "praise the dead" speech are *panegyric* and *encomium*. Sometimes the dead person was so unimpressive that there's nothing nice to say. And sometimes they were so awful that the only appropriate speech is a *dyslogy* that describes their faults and failings.

Question 595

Etymology

Answer 595

Etymology the study of word origins Since you're reading this, then you probably have some interest in *etymology*, because it's the study of the history and derivations of words. What *genealogy* is to a family, *etymology* is to words. A genealogist studies the history of a family. A person who studies etymology does the same thing with words. Etymology looks at the roots of words — for example, whether they started out as Latin, Greek, or as some other language — and how they took on their current meaning. When you learn that the *-logy* part of *etymology* almost always means "the study of," that is, in itself, etymology.

Question 596

Marshal

Answer 596

Marshal to gather together A federal *marshal* knocks on your door. You panic: a *marshal* is a law officer. What do you do? You *marshal* your thoughts, that is, put them in order. *Marshal* derives from the Old French *mareschal,* for stable officer. The stable officer had charge of the horses, tending to them, putting them in order, readying them for action. If you are a marshal, you're an officer. If you marshal yourself, you get yourself ready, preparing for action.

Question 597

Ensconce

Answer 597

Ensconce establish firmly in a position If you *ensconce* yourself somewhere, you settle in for quite a while, such as when you're home with the flu and *ensconce* yourself on the couch with the remote control, tissues, your phone, and a big glass of orange juice. *Ensconce* dates to the 1580s, when it literally meant "to cover with a fort." It isn't quite clear whether the word can be traced to French or Dutch, which has a word *schans* that describes "earthwork." Today, you don't need a protective structure like a fort in order to be ensconced, but the idea of being surrounded is key to the word's meaning.

Question 598

Vertigo

Answer 598

Vertigo dizziness If you're standing still but the room is inexplicably spinning, you might want to let someone know you're suffering from *vertigo* — the sensation of dizziness or whirling. Contrary to popular belief, *vertigo* is not exactly the same thing as *acrophobia*, the fear of heights. However, acrophobia can result in the symptoms associated with vertigo. Interestingly, when legendary director Alfred Hitchcock created a film about a detective with an intense fear of heights, he named the film *Vertigo*, not *Acrophobia*; perhaps he thought *Vertigo* was catchier.

Question 600

Oblivious

Answer 600

Oblivious totally unaware If you don't notice or aren't aware, it means that the adjective *oblivious* applies to you! When we think of the adjective *oblivious*, it is usually in situations that involve being totally unaware of what's staring us right in the face. It can also mean being forgetful and absent-minded. The cartoon character Mr. Magoo is a perfect example of someone who is *oblivious*; his eyesight is so bad that he always gets himself into various scrapes and mishaps. For example, Mr. Magoo mistakes an airplane for a theater and instead of watching a movie, he takes a seat on a departing airplane!

Question 602

Inebriation

Answer 602

Inebriation drunkenness; intoxication

Question 603

Antiquated

Answer 603

Antiquated outdated; old fashioned Something is *antiquated* when it is so old that it is no longer useful. If your parents believe that you shouldn't use the Internet when you write papers for school, you might call their ideas *antiquated*. Something is antiquated when it is so old, it's like an antique or recognizable from another era and has the negative feel of being thoroughly outmoded. Things like typewriters, sealing wax for letters, and ideas of proper etiquette all seem antiquated in modern society. Currently, things get antiquated ever faster — 5-inch floppy disks for computers and dial-up modems were very modern fifteen years ago, but now they're antiquated.

Question 604

Reprehensible

Answer 604

Reprehensible shameful; very bad *Reprehensible* means deserving of blame or strong criticism. It is a strong word––your mother might forgive you for doing something bad, but something *reprehensible*? That's worse. Near synonyms are *blameworthy* and *culpable*. Antonyms are *blameless* and *praiseworthy*. The adjective *reprehensible* is from Middle English, from Latin *reprehensus,* from *reprehendere* plus the suffix *-ibilis* "deserving of, capable of." If someone is *reprehended*, they are blamed or strongly criticized.

Question 605

Juxtapose

Answer 605

Juxtapose place next to See the word "pose" in *juxtapose*? When you *juxtapose*, you are "posing" or positioning things side by side. The verb *juxtapose* requires contrasting things placed next to one other: "The collage *juxtaposed* pictures of Jane while she was growing up and as an adult." *Juxtapose* is used often when referring to contrasting elements in the arts. "The music *juxtaposed* the instrumentation of jazz with the harmonies of soul."

Question 606

Illuminate

Answer 606

Illuminate to light up or make clear To *illuminate* is to light up — with physical light or with an idea. A spotlight might *illuminate* an actor on stage, and a good Chemistry teacher might *illuminate* students with a lesson on the atomic structure of hydrogen. Originally, the verb *illuminate* referred to decorating handwritten manuscripts with bright lettering or pictures. Monks illuminated manuscripts with colors like gold, silver, bright red, and blue. Nowadays you can illuminate anything in the dark — either literally or figuratively. If you are afraid of the dark, illuminate your bedroom. In the dark when it comes to Organic Chemistry? Get an illuminating tutor.

Question 607

Nuzzle

Answer 607

Nuzzle cuddle; snuggle

Question 608

Portent

Answer 608

Portent a warning sign; omen While you might love crows, your father will shudder when he sees them if he superstitiously believes they're a *portent* — a sign or warning — of death. A portent is an omen of something momentous, which can be good, but is more often negative. You can use *portent* to mean a magical foretelling or symbol, but you can also use it to talk about something real, the way you could describe big, dark storm clouds as a portent of a thunderstorm.

Question 610

Circumspect

Answer 610

Circumspect cautious; considering all sides If you are *circumspect*, you think carefully before doing or saying anything. A good quality in someone entrusted with responsibility, though sometimes boring in a friend. The word *circumspect* was borrowed from Latin *circumspectus*, from *circumspicere* "to be cautious." The basic meaning of Latin *circumspicere* is "to look around." Near synonyms are *prudent* and *cautious*, though *circumspect* implies a careful consideration of all circumstances and a desire to avoid mistakes and bad consequences.

Question 611

Discursiveness

Answer 611

Discursiveness long windedness; indirectness

Question 612

Inscrutable

Answer 612

Inscrutable mysterious; impenetrable Any person or thing that's mysterious, mystifying, hard to read, or impossible to interpret is *inscrutable*. You ever notice how it's hard to tell what some people are thinking? Those folks are *inscrutable*. A good way to think about what *inscrutable* means is to consider cats and dogs. Dogs wear their hearts on their sleeves, shaking when they're afraid and bouncing up and down when they're happy. Dogs are definitely not inscrutable, because you can tell what they're thinking and feeling. On the other hand, cats are very difficult to read. Even longtime cat owners aren't always sure what's going on with their kitty. Cats are very inscrutable animals.

Question 612

Raze

Answer 612

Raze destroy; demolish; tear down * Raze* means to tear an object down to the ground. Before Donald Trump can *raze* that family's home to build another skyscraper, he's going to have to cut them a big check. * Raze* is most often used to refer to knocking buildings down for construction projects, but it can also describe tearing down other objects. You can raze the sand dunes in order to make the beach perfectly flat. *Raze* comes from the word *rasen*, meaning "to scrape or erase," and it sounds similar to the word *erase*, which can help you remember its meaning. If you *raze* something, in a way it has been erased — it no longer exists in its previous form.

Question 613

Masochist

Answer 613

Masochist person who intentionally inflicts pain on himself If you call someone a *masochist*, you either mean that they take pleasure in pain, or — perhaps more commonly — that they just seem to. *Masochism* is an eponym — a word named for a person. Leopold von Sacher-Masoch was an Austrian writer in the nineteenth century who described the gratification he got from his own pain and humiliation. There are many self-proclaimed masochists out there today — and, one would have to imagine, at least as many *sadists*, those who enjoy inflicting pain on others (from the name of the Marquis de Sade). But these days you're most likely to hear the word used jokingly by someone who doesn't understand another's motivations for doing something painful or difficult: "You're still building that stone wall? What are you, some kind of masochist?"

Question 615

Feasible

Answer 615

Feasible possible and practicable If something is *feasible*, then you can do it without too much difficulty. When someone asks "Is it *feasible*?" the person is asking if you'll be able to get something done. Feasible things are possible. If you have enough time, money, or energy to do something, it's feasible. Something might be feasible at one time and then not feasible at another time. Because of technological advances and competition with the Russians, going to the moon was feasible for the United States in the sixties. Often, people disagree about what's feasible, especially in politics, where how feasible a project is counts for a lot.

Question 616

Livid

Answer 616

Livid very angry If you're *livid*, you're furious, in a black cloud of anger. The Latin root this word comes from means "bluish-gray" or "slate-colored," and you can also use *livid* to describe the color, such as a *livid* bruise or a *livid* sea. *Livid*, even when it means "bluish-gray," has the sense of something not quite right. If the sky is *livid*, there's something ominous about it. Similarly, if your skin is *livid*, there's something wrong — you're either covered with bruises or you're at death's door, anemic and ashen. But *livid* is used most often to describe fury. What if you waited in line 15 hours and the person in front of you got the last seat for the hottest concert of the summer? You'd be *livid*!

Question 617

Mutinous

Answer 617

Mutinous very rebellious A mutiny is a revolt, when the led no longer obey the leader. To be *mutinous* is to behave this way, like when the entire class rises up against a substitute teacher. Mutinous behavior is largely associated with the behavior of unhappy crews at sea. A mutinous crew can really mess up a ship captain's day, but then again serve as a fantastic source of material for books and movies. There's something inspiring about mutinous behavior — it shows a certain defiant independent spirit that is admirable, unless of course you're the leader being mutinied against.

Question 618

Epitomized

Answer 618

Epitomized typified; characterized; personified If you *epitomize* something, you’re a perfect example of that thing. If you never get nervous when playing basketball and can always make that last-second shot, your teammates might say you *epitomize* mental toughness. A person can epitomize something — usually an abstract quality, like grace or greed — but *epitomize* can apply to other things as well. A popular band might epitomize the spirit of the new decade, which means it has all the main characteristics associated with the era's music, like long folksy beards, pretty harmonies, and earnest lyrics. A frustrating situation at work involving careless coworkers might make you say that they epitomize everything that’s wrong with your job.

Question 618

Buttress

Answer 618

Buttress strengthen; support You can *buttress* an argument with solid facts or your financial portfolio with safe investments. You may find that giving compliments to everyone you meet *buttresses* your popularity. To *buttress* is to sustain or reinforce. A *buttress* is a structure that adds stability to a wall or building, and this innovation played a significant role in the evolution of architecture. Think of a medieval cathedral. It's an incredibly tall, open building filled with light from vast windows. Without buttresses supporting the walls and carrying the weight of the ceiling away from the building and down to the ground, this cathedral would be impossible. Picture this when you use *buttress* figuratively as a verb meaning to strengthen and support.

Question 620

Covert

Answer 620

Covert hidden; undercover Think soldiers in masks secretly infiltrating an enemy stronghold, a *covert* operation is one that no one but the president and a few generals know is happening. *Covert* is the opposite of *overt*, which means obvious, something in full view. "The teachers weren't impressed by the students' *overt* attempt to derail the discussion. 'You aren't even pretending to try to like Shakespeare,' she complained."

Question 622

Bolster

Answer 622

Bolster support; prop up When you cheer up a friend who's feeling down, you *bolster* them. To *bolster* is to offer support or strengthen. A bolster is also the name of a long pillow you might use to make your back feel better. And the two uses are not dissimilar. When you bolster your friends, you support them and prop them up, just like the pillow does for your back. When you're trying to bolster your credibility, you find people and/or documents that support you or your view. Bolster efforts to learn this word!

Question 623

Balk

Answer 623

Balk hinder and prevent; hesitate over If you *balk* at your mother's suggestion that you take on more responsibility, you're saying no to added chores. To *balk* means to refuse to go along with. A donkey balks when it refuses to move forward. This is a good picture for *balk* which is often used in conjunction with demands. Demands are something people often balk at like a donkey refusing to move. In baseball, a pitcher balks when he or she begins a pitch by winding up, but does not complete it. It is as if he is refusing to complete a started pitch, and it is against the rules.

Question 625

Unfetter

Answer 625

Unfetter set free

Question 626

Capacious

Answer 626

Capacious spacious When something is really big and holds a lot it is *capacious*, like a woman's *capacious* purse that is so big, people mistake it for a piece of luggage. Have you ever seen a Fourth of July hot dog eating contest? As you watch people wolf down 60 or more hot dogs in a matter of minutes, you must be thinking, "Where do they put all that food?" Well, it helps to have a capacious stomach. The suffix *-ous* adds "full of" to *capacity*; *capacious* is literally "full of capacity." If something is *capacious*, it has plenty of extra room.

Question 628

Dilettante

Answer 628

Dilettante person who dabbles in a subject without serious study Though *dilettante* might sound like a nice French word, don't use it on your friend who thinks he can play the guitar after several short lessons. A *dilettante* is an amateur, often one who pretends to be very knowledgeable. The meaning of *dilettante* has changed since it was borrowed from the Italian in the mid 1700s. Originally, it meant "lover of the arts," but began to take on a negative slant as the idea of doing something as a professional took hold strongly during the 18th century. A dilettante was a mere lover of art as opposed to one who did it professionally. Today, the word implies you're pretending to be more of an artist than you're interested in or capable of being, so if you call your friend who likes to paint a dilettante, it's like you're calling him or her a poser.

Question 629

Phlegmatic

Answer 629

Phlegmatic calm; imperturbable Yes, *phlegmatic* has roots in that colorless, mucous stuff called phlegm, but people who are *phlegmatic* aren't called that because they have lots of mucous. They are just a little dull in expressing feelings or showing emotion. It may be their training more than their natural behavior, but those palace guards who wear the red coats and big hats and show absolutely no expression on their faces are phlegmatic. Attempts to make them laugh, smile, or twist their faces in irritation won’t work, because being phlegmatic is important to their role as stone-faced keepers of the palace. Phlegmatic people show less emotion on the outside — but who knows, they may be jumping up and down on the inside.

Question 630

Harbingers

Answer 630

Harbingers indicators; bringers of warnings A *harbinger* is something that comes before and that shows what will follow in the future. The robin is a *harbinger* of spring––its presence means spring is coming soon. The appearance of a ghost is often thought of as a *harbinger* of death. Middle English *herbergere* is from Old French *herbergeor* "host," from *herberge* "camp, shelter," a word ultimately borrowed from a Germanic language.

Question 630

Torpor

Answer 630

Torpor dormancy; sluggishness; inactivity * Torpor* is a state of mental and physical inactivity. "After a huge Thanksgiving meal, my family members fall into a *torpor*; no one can even pick up the TV remote." * Torpor* can be used in everyday speech, but it's also a scientific term for a state of deep sleep that allows animals to conserve energy. Certain species of bats, birds, and frogs rely on *torpor* for survival during tough times. While humans don't technically belong to this group of animals, they certainly appear to, especially after a large meal and on most Monday mornings.

Question 631

Rife

Answer 631

Rife common If your supervisor at work describes your new position as "*rife* with opportunities for advancement," then rejoice! That means your position offers many opportunities for advancement. Not to be confused with the word *ripe* ("fully grown or developed"), the adjective *rife* means "abundant" or "frequently occurring." When used in a sentence, *rife* can follow the word that it’s describing, as in "development was *rife* during his administration" or "speculation was *rife* before the announcement." More commonly, however, *rife* comes before the word it modifies and is used with the preposition *with*, as in "the class was *rife* with enthusiasm" or "her story was *rife* with inconsistencies."

Question 633

Upbraid

Answer 633

Upbraid scold; tell off; reprimand No, *upbraid* isn’t what girls get done at a salon before prom. When you *upbraid* people, you scold them, tell them off and criticize them. (You could, however, *upbraid* your stylist after a bad haircut.) The word *upbraid* comes from the Old English word *upbregdan*, which literally means "bring up quickly." Although this word doesn't have anything to do with hair, *upbraid* and *braid* are, in fact, related. The original meaning of *braid* was "to move quickly from side to side," which is what you do with your fingers when you're braiding someone's hair. When you upbraid someone, you're quickly bringing up different reasons why you're mad at them.

Question 634

Ameliorate

Answer 634

Ameliorate make better To *ameliorate* is to step in and make a bad situation better. You could try introducing a second lollipop to *ameliorate* a battle between two four-year-olds over a single lollipop. The verb *ameliorate* comes from the Latin word *meliorare*, meaning "improve." Food drives can ameliorate hunger. Aspirin can ameliorate a headache. A sympathy card can ameliorate grief. Family therapy can ameliorate severe sibling rivalry. Anything that can lift a burden can ameliorate.

Question 635

Wary

Answer 635

Wary hesitant; cautious Describe yourself as *wary* if you don't quite trust someone or something and want to proceed with caution. Be *wary* of risky things like wild mushrooms and Internet deals! You can trace *wary* through Old English back to Old High German *giwar* "aware, attentive." If you keep a wary eye on something, you are attentive for signs that it is becoming dangerous. Likewise, if you give someone a wary glance, your face conveys the suspicion and caution you feel. When you are wary of driving alone at night or making promises, you fear something bad might happen if you do these things.

Question 636

Obviate

Answer 636

Obviate avoid; make unnecessary To *obviate* means to eliminate the need for something or to prevent something from happening. If you want to *obviate* the possibility of a roach infestation, clean your kitchen regularly. The prefix *ob* means "to go against." That makes sense when you look at the words *obstruct* and *obstacle*, but how about *obstetrics*? Why does the name of the branch of medicine dealing with birth have the same root as words that mean "stop" or "get in the way"? Because a midwife stands opposite to, or against, the woman giving birth.

Question 637

Guile

Answer 637

Guile cunning; craftiness Use the noun *guile* for cunning, craftiness, and artful duplicity. Acting like you have a job on Wall Street when you're actually unemployed would take a lot of *guile*. The noun *guile* has quite negative connotations, as it refers to the kind of knowledge and skill that can be used by comic book villains for evil and not good! People who have *guile* are also thought of as being *wily* (which is also a related word), *sneaky*, and *deceitful*. Those who are free of guile are pure and upstanding, and Henry David Thoreau affirms those feelings when he wrote: "It is the work of a brave man surely, in whom there was no guile!"

Question 639

Cantankerous

Answer 639

Cantankerous bad-tempered; quarrelsome If someone is *cantankerous* he has a difficult disposition. Take care not to throw your ball into the yard of the *cantankerous* old man down the street — he'll cuss you out and keep your ball. The origin of *cantankerous* is unclear (it may be at least partly from Middle English *contek* 'dissension'), but ever since it first appeared in plays from the 1770s, it's been a popular way to describe someone who is quarrelsome and disagreeable. It is usually applied to people, but stubborn animals like mules are also described as cantankerous. Events can be cantankerous too, like a cantankerous debate. Some synonyms are *cranky, bad-tempered, irritable, irascible*.

Question 640

Deliberate

Answer 640

Deliberate to think over deeply To *deliberate* means to carefully think or talk something through — it also means slow and measured, the pace of this kind of careful decision making. If you chose *deliberately*, you make a very conscious, well-thought-through choice. The verb *deliberate* ends with an "ate" sound — at the end of a trial, after the evidence is presented, the twelve members of a jury retreat to a room to deliberate, i.e., talk through the trial and come to a verdict. The adjective *deliberate* ends with an "it" sound. If you walk with a deliberate pace, you're slow and steady.

Question 642

Preamble

Answer 642

Preamble introductory material A *preamble* is a brief introduction to a speech, like the *Preamble* to the Constitution that starts out "We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union...do ordain and establish this Constitution." *Preamble* comes from the Latin *praeambulus* which means "walking before." And that's what a *preamble* does — it "walks" before a speech, often explaining what's coming. It's like the White Rabbit introducing the Queen of Hearts in *Alice in Wonderland*. Since it goes before a speech, think of it as a *pre-ramble*. A *preamble* is usually used for formal documents; you wouldn't include one in a text to your best friend.

Question 643

Docile

Answer 643

Docile gentle and easily lead If someone is *docile*, he is easily taught or handled. If you suddenly became a trouble-maker in class, your teachers would long for the days when you were sweet and *docile*. *Docile* comes from Latin root for teaching, *docere*, so someone docile is easy to teach. A docile student is willing to be taught. A docile animal is easy to handle. If you behave well and do what people tell you to do, you're a docile person. *Docile* might be a word of praise, but it can also be a criticism of someone for being overly submissive. Some synonyms are *amenable* and *compliant*.

Question 644

Concatenate

Answer 644

Concatenate link together Did you just link together several memories of your brother to form one longer story for his wedding toast? If so, you *concatenated* without knowing it! That’s because *concatenate* means to link things together to form a series or chain. In truth, the word *concatenate* is really a mouthful. It's hard to imagine anyone using it when they could use a synonym, such as *link* for the verb form and *linked* for the adjective form, just as well. But if you’re looking to impress with big words, try it out! To understand the situation in the Middle East, you have to concatenate the events of the past 50 years. You can tell others about that book you really love which is really a concatenate series of related poems.

Question 645

Stratagem

Answer 645

Stratagem plot; plan; trick A *stratagem* is a scheme or a clever plot. You can have a *stratagem* for winning a chess game, getting the girl (or boy), and avoiding a punishment. However, your opponents, crushes, and parents may have a trick or two of their own. Sometimes a stratagem is a gem of an idea, really clever and worth trying. Great generals start a battle plan with a stratagem, and businesses might have a stratagem for making more money. A stratagem is often a trick or a way to deceive an enemy or get something through a plot or ploy, but it can also mean just a great idea that outwits someone. Your teacher probably has a stratagem for helping you remember and spell words.

Question 646

Prevaricate

Answer 646

Prevaricate speak misleadingly and evasively When you *prevaricate*, you lie or mislead. Now, go ahead and tell me whether you already knew that meaning, and don’t *prevaricate* about it — give me the story straight! While *prevaricate* basically means to lie, it also has the sense of making it hard to know exactly what the lie was. You talk in a confusing way, go back and forth, and as deliberately as possible mislead someone. Government officials, bureaucrats, and sneaky types prevaricate in the hopes that it will be too difficult to figure out whether they've been doing something wrong. Don't prevaricate with your parents — it will definitely make you look guilty, but they just won't be sure of what!

Question 647

Creditable

Answer 647

Creditable praiseworthy

Question 649

Lax

Answer 649

Lax careless; not strict That dad who buys beer for his teenage kids? His parenting style might be described as *lax*. A paperclip chain used as a bike lock? That would be an example of *lax* security. While contemplating the word *lax*, you may note that it's the same as the first syllable in *laxative*. This is not a coincidence: *lax* entered English as a noun describing a substance taken or administered to relax the bowels. Interestingly, the modern definition of *lax* is closer to the Latin source word, *laxus* — an adjective meaning "loose." Now, *lax* can refer to any phenomenon that is insufficiently stringent or so slack as to be basically ineffectual. For example, "The entire class performed incredibly well on the test, largely due to the sleepy professor's *lax* supervision."

Question 650

Vacuous

Answer 650

Vacuous empty; silly; meaningless Reserved for the harmlessly stupid and truly meaningless, *vacuous* is a smart-sounding way to describe something dumb. Celebrity gossip and reality TV is usually pretty *vacuous*, even if it's fun. If someone smiles at you in a way that seems fake or empty, you could describe the smile as vacuous. An example of a vacuous comment would be a politician promising to make things better without explaining how. If something is vacuous, it's like a vacuum — hollow, empty, devoid of substance.

Question 651

Obsequious

Answer 651

Obsequious servile; submissive If you disapprove of the overly submissive way someone is acting — like the teacher's pet or a celebrity's assistant — call them by the formal adjective *obsequious*. There are many words in the English language for a person or an action that is overly obedient and submissive. Obsequious people are usually not being genuine; they resort to flattery and other fawning ways to stay in the good graces of authority figures. An obsequious person can be called a bootlicker, a brownnoser or a toady. You can also say that someone gives an obsequious bow, a gesture that means, "your wish is my command."

Question 652

Emancipate

Answer 652

Emancipate set free If you *emancipate* someone, you set them free from something. At the end of the Civil War, slaves were *emancipated* and became free men and women. If you break down *emancipate*, you have *e-* "out," *-man-* from the Latin *manus* "hand," and *-cip-* from the Latin verb "to take." Put it together, and you have "to be taken out of someone's hands" — a good definition of freedom. The American Revolution was about colonists emancipating themselves from British rule. As a legal term, if a child is emancipated, he or she is declared independent from parental control.

Question 654

Scuttle

Answer 654

Scuttle sink When you *scuttle*, you move with quick anxious steps, like a bug running for cover when a light is turned on. Use the word *scuttle* when you want to describe running or fast walking that’s characterized by short, hasty steps, like someone or something that tries to hurry — a person who is late for work scuttling through a crowd of slow-moving pedestrians — but can't. It is also found in these well-known lines from T.S. Eliot's poem "The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock": "I should have been a pair of ragged claws / Scuttling across the floors of silent seas."

Question 656

Unequivocal

Answer 656

Unequivocal clear; obvious If there is no doubt about it, it's *unequivocal*. An *unequivocal* response to a marriage proposal? "Yes. Yes! A thousand times yes!" *Equivocal* is from a Latin word meaning of equal voice, so *unequivocal* means of unequal voice — unmistakable, unambiguous, without question. There might be unequivocal evidence tying a suspect to a crime, or unequivocal support for a popular leader. If you explain something in unequivocal terms, then your words should be clear to everyone.

Question 658

Disdain

Answer 658

Disdain contempt; strong dislike If you feel that something isn't worthy of your consideration, you may *disdain* it (or treat it with *disdain*). In Old French, *deignier* meant "to treat something as worthy." To *dis*dain something, then, is to treat it with contempt: "Management at [the company] displayed a certain *disdain* for safety and appeared to regard safety-conscious workers as wimps in the organization." As a verb, *disdain* carries an air of self-righteousness not associated with similar words like *despise, abhor, detest, loathe* and *scorn*. So if you disdain something, you might reject it with a haughty scoff, "Ha!"

Question 658

Munificent

Answer 658

Munificent generous; charitable If you give your best friend a bracelet for her birthday, then you’re a good friend. If you give her a diamond bracelet, a racehorse, and an oil well, then you’re a *munificent* friend, meaning you are very lavish when it comes to giving gifts. (And it’s possible you may also be broke.) If you’re the generous type, you may already know that the word *munificent* traces back to the Latin word *unificus*, meaning "generous, bountiful, liberal," which in turn originated from the word *munus*, meaning "gift or service." Put those two concepts together and you have big-time gift giving on a lavish scale. Use the word *munificent* to describe instances of over-the-top generosity — think Oprah on a gift-giving binge at Christmastime.

Question 659

Ascetic

Answer 659

Ascetic without luxuries; severely simple Want to live an *ascetic* lifestyle? Then you better ditch the flat panel TV and fuzzy slippers. To be *ascetic*, you learn to live without; it's all about self-denial. *Ascetic* is derived from the Greek *asketes*, meaning "monk," or "hermit." Later that became *asketikos*, meaning "rigorously self-disciplined," which gives us the Modern English *ascetic*. *Ascetic* can be a noun: a person with incredible self-discipline and the ability to deprive herself, or an adjective that describes such a people or their lifestyle.

Question 660

Nebulous

Answer 660

Nebulous vague Use the adjective *nebulous* for situations that are "hazy, indistinct" and also "cloudy" or "fuzzy." *Nebulous* comes from its Latin relative *nebulosus* and they mean "fuzzy," "hazy," and "without distinct outlines." They both come from the noun form, *nebula*, which is a "mist" or "fog." In astronomy, a nebula is a fuzzy cloud of gaseous matter and something nebulous is made up of such ingredients hydrogen and galactic dust.

Question 661

Benevolent

Answer 661

Benevolent kindly Choose the adjective *benevolent* for someone who does good deeds or shows goodwill. If your teacher collects homework with a *benevolent* smile, she's hoping that you've done a good job. *Benevolent* comes from the Latin *bene* "well" and *volent* from the verb "to wish" so you can imagine that this word brings goodness with it. A benevolent society is a charity group organized to serve a community through programs, sponsorships and donations. The expression, benevolent dictatorship, may seem like an oxymoron, but it is a political term for an authoritative government that works for the good of the people under its rule.

Question 663

Disparage

Answer 663

Disparage criticize; belittle If you haven't got anything nice to say, then it's time to *disparage* someone. It means to belittle or degrade a person or idea. *Disparage* is a specific way to describe a certain kind of insult, the kind that secures the insulter's place as superior. It often refers to an opinion or criticism lobbed in print or via word of mouth, not necessarily an act done to someone's face. If someone or something is being disparaged, you will often find a competing interest in the wings.

Question 664

Supercilious

Answer 664

Supercilious proud and haughty *Supercilious* people think very highly of themselves, more highly than of others. Think of them as a "super silly ass," and you'll remember the basic sense of *supercilious*. You might expect Nobel Prize winners to be supercilious. After all, they've reached the very heights of their profession. But Dagmar was incredibly humble and fun to talk to: she was anything but a "super silly ass." Most often, it's people who have no right to be arrogant, rude, and holier-than-thou who behave in the most supercilious way. It's the people who really are exceptional who don't feel the need to behave *superciliously*, because they've got nothing to prove. Most supercilious people are just insecure.

Question 666

Precocious

Answer 666

Precocious developing early That high school hoops phenom who plays like an NBA pro? The sixth grader who's already asking questions about organic chemistry? They're both *precocious* — meaning they're way beyond their years in skill or knowledge. When you look at the Latin roots of *precocious*, it all makes sense. When *pre* (meaning "before") joins *coquere* (meaning "to ripen"), you have something that is ripening prematurely. And in the case of *precocious*, you are usually describing young people who have some adult-like quality about them. Maybe it's their vast vocabulary, maybe it's their ease with Calculus, or maybe it's just applying lipstick.

Question 668

Tedium

Answer 668

Tedium boredom You can call the state of being really bored while doing something repetitive, *tedium*. You may loathe the *tedium* of eating dinner with the family — after all, what is more boring than talking to mom and dad, especially if you could be texting friends? The noun *tedium* comes from the Latin root word *taedere*, meaning to weary of, and that's still what *tedium* means today: bored and weary of it all. The noun can also mean a tedious period of time — school concerts and assemblies are always two hours of tedium. *Tedious* is a related adjective form of the word. In order to relieve the tedium of homework, you should pick less tedious tasks, try fencing or painting to add some excitement to the day.

Question 670

Laud

Answer 670

Laud praise To *laud* someone doesn't mean to give them knighthood, but to praise them extravagantly — usually in a very public manner. Being *lauded,* of course, can have the same tonic effect as having been made a lord. Fun fact: the word *laud* is related to the drug *laudanum,* a potent combo of alcohol and opium first invented in the sixteenth century. Its creator, the alchemist Parcelsus, clearly knowing the effect it had on people, took its name from the Latin word *laudere,* meaning "to praise." Not surprisingly, it remained one of the world's most lauded drugs until its use became strictly controlled in the early twentieth century.

Question 671

Solicit

Answer 671

Solicit to ask for; seek * Solicit* means to ask for. It is what those people on the street are doing, when they ask, "Do you have a moment to talk about the destruction of the planet?" They are *soliciting* donations for their cause. * Solicit* has an official sounding impressiveness to it––doesn't *soliciting* donations sound better than begging for money? It can also have a more sinister cast. "When the teacher left the room, two girls *solicited* their friends to throw all the textbooks out the windows, injuring members of the cheer squad below — where they were *soliciting* signatures for a petition banning smoking in the football locker rooms."

Question 673

Torpid

Answer 673

Torpid inactive; lazy; stagnant While the adjective *torpid* sounds a lot like the noun *torpedo*, it actually describes something slow or even inactive, like the torpedo that's just sitting around before it's launched. *Torpid* comes from the Latin word *torpere*, meaning "numb," which is exactly how torpid things act. A hibernating bear and a caterpillar holed up in a cocoon are two good examples. You might feel torpid sitting in front of the fire after a big meal. The mind, too, can become torpid. The writer Samuel Johnson said, "It is a man’s own fault, it is from want of use, if his mind grow torpid in old age."

Question 674

Censure

Answer 674

Censure blame *Censure* is a noun referring to very strong criticism; the verb means to criticize very strongly. If you take your dad's car without telling him, you can expect him to *censure* you severely, and maybe even ground you as well. The noun and verb are most closely associated with official expressions of disapproval, as when Congress *censures* a senator. The noun is from Latin *cēnsūra* "censorship," from *cēnsor* "an ancient Roman censor." The job of a Roman *censor* was to take the census and to supervise public morals and behavior. Our English word *censor*––which means to suppress speech or other forms of expression––is from this Latin word.

Question 675

Complacent

Answer 675

Complacent self-satisfied; smug Someone who is *complacent* has become overly content — the junk-food-eating couch potato might be feeling complacent about his health. The literal meaning of this word's Latin root is "very pleased," but even though *complacent* people may seem pleased with themselves, we are rarely pleased with them. They are unconcerned by things that should concern them, and they may neglect their duties. A complacent person might be heard saying, "Ehh, don't worry about it!" — when there really is something to worry about.

Question 677

Meticulous

Answer 677

Meticulous very careful; painstaking People who are *meticulous* can be pretty annoying, what with their extreme attention to detail. But if that person is, say, your surgeon or your accountant, you'll want them to be *meticulous*. The Latin root of *meticulous* is *metus*, which means "fear," so it's easy to see how eventually *meticulous* got its meaning. Someone who's *meticulous* is afraid of what will happen if they're not careful enough to get every detail right. "Detail oriented" and "perfectionist" are other ways of describing someone who cares deeply about the small things and about getting things exactly right, every time. Concert pianists must be meticulous, because audiences are always listening for wrong notes.

Question 678

Whelp

Answer 678

Whelp young dog It doesn't sound as cute as "puppy," but *whelp* means the same thing: a baby dog or wolf. This can also be a verb, as in "The mama poodle *whelped* six *whelps*." Besides applying to canines such as wolves and coyotes, *whelp* is sometimes used to describe a young person. This usually isn't a compliment. If an older person calls a young person a *whelp* or says, "I don't know what's wrong with you whelps these days!," you can be sure they're not impressed by youngsters. To someone who studies animals, *whelp* is just the word for a puppy or for birthing. Like so many other words, the meaning depends on who's saying it and why.

Question 679

Navigable

Answer 679

Navigable suitable for sailing If you can get your ship through, then both the ship and the waterway are *navigable*. If people of average intelligence could wade their way through the federal tax code without help, the IRS would be navigable. Alas. On the other hand, the New York City subway system is quite navigable, as are any of its functioning trains. If one can get through a passageway or system, it is considered navigable. Likewise, if a truck, car, boat, plane, train, or other vessel can be steered then it, too, is navigable.

Question 680

Guffaw

Answer 680

Guffaw sudden loud laughter A *guffaw* is a belly laugh: a laugh that bubbles up with good feeling and plenty of volume. At the end of a stressful day of work, it’s good to have some *guffaws* with your friends. *Guffaw* operates just like the word laugh: you can give a *guffaw*, or you can *guffaw*. It comes from the Scottish word *gawf*, which is onomatopoetic, meaning that it’s spelled the way it sounds. Imagine a big happy Scotsman snorting "gawf, gawf, gawf" at the end of a joke, and you’ll know what a *guffaw* is. Refined ladies and gentlemen don’t guffaw––and are much the worse for it.

Question 682

Antediluvian

Answer 682

Antediluvian outdated; prehistoric; very old-fashioned *Antediluvian* means "before the flood" — that is, the Biblical flood with Noah's ark. Generally, though, the word is used — often humorously — to describe something really, really old. In popular language, *antediluvian* is almost always used to exaggerate how comically, ridiculously old and out-of-date something is. You may laugh at your parents' antediluvian ideas of what's proper for going out on a date. And how about those antediluvian computers they still insist are fine! When the word was coined in the seventeenth century, however, it was meant literally. Back then, the science of reconstructing the Earth's history used the Bible as a frame of reference.

Question 684

Illusory

Answer 684

Illusory deceptive; false; misleading If something is based on something that is not real, you can say it is *illusory*. Tales of seeing Elvis and Big Foot eating together at McDonalds are probably based on an *illusory* experience. Although the adjective *illusory* can describe anything that's based on an illusion, it often has the negative connotation of being deliberately deceptive. Like a bogus investment scheme that seems to make money for investors: any real profits are totally illusory. Or the illusory claims that fad diets work — they only work while you're on the diet, and no one can survive on cabbage soup forever.

Question 686

Vacillate

Answer 686

Vacillate waver; hesitate *Vacillate* means to waver back and forth, unable to decide. You might *vacillate* between ordering waffles and pancakes at your favorite diner — it’s hard to pick just one when both are so tasty! Something that *vacillates* sways or fluctuates, often quite unsteadily. So use this verb to describe the staggering motions of a person who has had too much to drink, as well as the opinions of someone who can’t make up her mind. Synonyms include *vibrate*, *hesitate*, and *waver*. A wise Ethiopian proverb advises, "Do not *vacillate* or you will be left in between doing something, having something, and being nothing."

Question 687

Parasite

Answer 687

Parasite 1. scrounger; 2. animal which takes digested food from another A creature that lives off another organism is a *parasite*. The *parasite* might not hurt the host, but it doesn't do anything to help it, either. If you call someone a *parasite*, you are really hurling an insult! The Ancient Greeks used the word *parasitos* to describe someone who ate at your table but never invited you back. Some telling synonyms include *leech*," *toady*, *sponge*, and *hanger-on*." Nice, huh? Some crafty birds, such as the cowbird or cuckoo, are called social *parasites*, laying their eggs in other birds' nests and expecting those mamas to raise their young for them. Unfortunately, there are some people like that, too.

Question 689

Capitulate

Answer 689

Capitulate surrender; give in to *Capitulate* means to give in to something. "The teachers didn't want to have class outside, but the students begged so hard, she *capitulated.*" Because *capitulate* relates to the military, and Romans were all about their military, Latin has a lot to say about this word. In Latin, *caput* means head, *capitulum* little head. Think with this word how, at the end of a battle, someone bows their head in defeat, and often that is when heads roll.

Question 690

Plagiarism

Answer 690

Plagiarism taking credit for someone else's writing or ideas When you rip off someone else's ideas or work and pretend it's your own, that's *plagiarism*. There's a fine line between borrowing and stealing — between *plagiarism* and theft — and it's often open to debate what actually constitutes an outright taking of someone's material. As Einstein once said, "The secret to creativity is knowing how to hide your sources." From the Latin word for "kidnapped," when you plagiarize, you are being an intellectual thief, kidnapping someone else's ideas or words for your own purposes.

Question 691

Quagmire

Answer 691

Quagmire marsh; bog A *quagmire* is a dangerous place, like the muddy shoreline of a pond. The more you try to climb out of a *quagmire*, the more you seem to slip. That's because as you step on the mud, it oozes everywhere. Long ago, *quag* was a synonym for "bog" or "marsh," a swampy area where water seems to sit instead of drain out. *Mire* is another word to describe such a place. As a verb *mire* means "stuck," like someone who is mired in quicksand or mired in work — both prevent you from going anywhere. In a quagmire, you get stuck physically — or, using its other meaning, in a situation that is hard to escape because there is no easy solution.

Question 691

Ire

Answer 691

Ire anger [irate (a)?= very angry] * Ire* is another word for "anger." So if you routinely steal your neighbor's newspaper, don't be surprised to be on the receiving end of his *ire*. * Ire* comes almost directly from the Latin word for anger, *ira.* While it means pretty much the same thing, *ire* usually stems from a specific grievance, rather than just general irritation with the world. And if you provoke someone's ire, you're probably going to feel their wrath. Shakespeare used both *ire* and *anger* in one famous sentence from his play "Pericles": "Yet cease your ire, you angry stars of heaven!"

Question 692

Momentous

Answer 692

Momentous very important *Momentous* describes an important event or moment in time. It is used for a time of great consequence or for a major accomplishment, and is almost always reserved for good things. The day Barack Obama was elected president was a *momentous* day for America. When a moment is so great you know you'll never forget it, you have just experienced something *momentous*. It can be personal — perhaps the day you were named prom queen; or something historic — like the day Elizabeth was named Queen of England. *Momentous* and momentary share the root word *moment* but *momentary* describes just one fleeting moment in time. A momentary occurrence can certainly be *momentous*, but it's not always the case.

Question 694

Menagerie

Answer 694

Menagerie collection of animals A *menagerie* (pronounced muh-NA-juh-ree, with NA as in "national") is a collection of live animals that people visit, study, or keep as pets. If you really want a backyard *menagerie* of farm animals after visiting the petting zoo, take a long sniff and remember what comes with them. Pet lovers can have a menagerie of cats, dogs, and birds or exotic animals such as snakes, ferrets, and piranhas. Zoos have animal collections like the menagerie of sea creatures in the aquarium and the swinging apes in the jungle menagerie. And a science or medical center may have a menagerie of rats for studying behavior. If you want a menagerie, an ant farm is a good one: lots of animals in a container, always working, and never stinking up the place.

Question 695

Fanatical

Answer 695

Fanatical obsessive; fixated If you are excessively enthusiastic about something — a sports team, an actor, your religion, saving the whales, a certain brand of chocolate — then you are *fanatical* about it. *Fanatical* comes from the word *fanatic*, which itself came from the Latin *fanaticus*, meaning "mad" or "inspired by a deity." The root word is *fanum*, or "temple." The original English meanings of both *fanatic* and *fanatical* implied that the person being described was insane with enthusiasm, like a religious zealot. The word *fan* is likely shortened from *fanatic*, and thus shares the same roots, but that word doesn't imply the same obsessiveness that *fanatical* does.

Question 696

Destitution

Answer 696

Destitution hardship; poverty; misery *Destitution* is an unfortunate state in which a person lacks something important — like money, food, companionship, or even hope. Everyone is down on their luck sometimes. Most people will get seriously sick at some point, lose a job, or have a marriage fall apart. However, most people won't fall into *destitution*, which is a truly hopeless state. Homeless people are in a state of destitution. People starving or without medical care are in a state of destitution. If someone is in a state of destitution, he is experiencing utter despair.

Question 698

Ubiquitous

Answer 698

Ubiquitous found everywhere; omnipresent It's everywhere! It's everywhere! When something seems like it's present in all places at the same time, reach for the adjective *ubiquitous*. "Cities like Singapore aim to cloak themselves in ubiquitous, free Wi-Fi in the next few years," The Wall Street Journal reported recently — meaning that those savvy Singaporeans will find a wireless connection everywhere they go. The word, comes from the Latin *ubique*, meaning — you guessed it — "everywhere." The usual pronunciation is "yoo-BIK-wih-tihs," but Joseph Heller must have had the older variant "ooh-BIK-wih-tihs" in mind when he wrote in *Catch-22* that a character "padded through the shadows fruitlessly like an ubiquitous spook."

Question 699

Languish

Answer 699

Languish decay; fade away; get weaker To *languish* is to become pitiful or weak because you're sick, in love, or stuck somewhere. A prisoner might *languish* in jail, longing for her freedom. *Languish*, like *languid*, is from the Latin word *languere* which means to "be weak or faint." Your houseplants might *languish* in a dark dry corner. A Romantic poet might *languish* on a velvet couch with the back of her hand to her forehead. People in operas love to *languish*: The main character in *La Traviatta*, Violetta, *languishes* from longing and eventually tuberculosis.

Question 701

Analgesic

Answer 701

Analgesic medicine to combat pain An *analgesic* is a medicine that takes away physical pain. If you ask for pain relief, and the nurse says "Here's an *analgesic,*" she's not trying to worsen your headache with a difficult word; she's just giving you a painkiller. Breaking apart the word *analgesic* helps with pronunciation, ann-ull-JEE-zick. This isn't a proper root-word study, but the last three letters of the word look like "sick." If you're sick and have some pain and discomfort, you might get relief from an analgesic. As a noun, *analgesic* is the actual medicine, and as an adjective, it describes the effect of the medicine — a pill will have an analgesic effect, relieving the pain — unless it's really bad pain, in which case you'll need two.

Question 702

Exemplary

Answer 702

Exemplary outstandingly good; setting a fine example *Exemplary* people excel at what they do and are excellent examples to others. Something *exemplary* is so good that it is an example for others to follow. When something is the best it can be or reaches the highest point, it is exemplary and thus worth imitating. *Exemplary* comes from the Latin *exemplum,* meaning "sample" or "example." While some people and things are held as examples of what *not* to do, an exemplary person or thing is always a positive example. A country can have an exemplary record of preventing pollution, and a person may have an exemplary reputation just for being all-around praiseworthy or noble.

Question 703

Nonentity

Answer 703

Nonentity a person of no importance; not famous The noun *nonentity* refers to a person of no significance or importance. If you are a member of a sports team, but spend all your time sitting on the bench watching the rest of the team play, you will probably feel like a *nonentity*. Something that is an entity exists, and if you are considered a nonentity, you might as well not exist. A political nonentity has no power, and a social nonentity blends in with the wallpaper. Not only people are considered nonentities; groups or things can be nonentities too. If a nonentity beats a nationally ranked team, that's a real upset. The cereal brand that stays on the shelf and is ignored can also be considered a nonentity in the cereal market.

Question 705

Paramount

Answer 705

Paramount of supreme importance To the President, protecting our nation's security is of *paramount* importance — it's at the very top of his to-do list. *Paramount* goes way beyond "important." It's absolutely critical. Something that is of paramount importance has a great urgency to it. Getting your oil changed is important, but making sure your car's brakes are working before you drive down a steep, icy slope is absolutely paramount.

Question 706

Salubrious

Answer 706

Salubrious health-giving *Salubrious* is a fancy way to describe something that’s good for you or is generally favorable to mind or body, but it need not be limited to describing healthy foods or liquids. We salute each other with the cheer, "To your health!" as we chug down something that probably isn’t that good for us. But if it were salubrious, it would be. The two words, *salute* and *salubrious* stem from the same *salus*, meaning "welfare, health." Maybe next time, raise a glass of wheatgrass instead of vino!

Question 707

Embezzle

Answer 707

Embezzle defraud; steal When a person *embezzles*, it usually means that he is stealing money from his employer. If he is caught *embezzling*, it probably also means that he will soon be unemployed. The word *embezzle* implies more than simply "to steal." When a person embezzles, he or she takes advantage of an employer's trust for personal gain. Embezzling is a so-called "white-collar crime" which often involves some sort of cover-up, like falsifying financial records or stealing small amounts of money over a long period of time. The word *embezzle* comes from an Old French word meaning "maltreat or ravage," *besillier*, and an embezzler can be said to ravage someone else's money.

Question 708

Jaundiced

Answer 708

Jaundiced cynical; pessimistic So you wake up in the morning and look in the mirror. To your surprise, and horror, instead of your usual rosy complexion, your skin is yellow and the whites of your eyes are yellow, too! You, my friend, are *jaundiced*. *Jaundice* is from the Greek, *ikteros*, which referred to both the disease and a rare, yellow bird. It was thought that someone with *jaundice* could stare at this yellow bird, and the *jaundice* would be magically transferred to the bird. *Jaundiced* can also refer to ideas or feelings being distorted by negative views or qualities, since yellow has been associated with bitterness and envy. Too bad there is no bird to get rid of that!

Question 710

Pellucid

Answer 710

Pellucid transparently clear A sentence that teaches a new vocabulary word should always be *pellucid,* that is, its style and meaning should be easily understandable so that you can derive the definition from the sentence. You may have heard the word *lucid*, which means clear. Both *lucid* and *pellucid* derive from a Latin word that means "to shine through." Pellucid water is clear, a pellucid sky is a particularly intense shade of blue, pellucid prose is writing that's easy to understand, and pellucid singing is clear and light in tone.

Question 711

Genre

Answer 711

Genre a category; type A *genre* is a specific type of music, film, or writing. Your favorite literary *genre* might be science fiction, and your favorite film *genre* might be horror flicks about cheerleaders. Go figure. In music, *genre* refers to musical style such as jazz, salsa or rock. In film or literature, the genre is determined by the subject, setting or plot of the story. When you are wandering around a book store, books are usually arranged by genre. Many genres, such as "mystery" or "fantasy," overlap in film and literature, while others, such as "romantic comedy" in film or "historical fiction" in books, are specific to one or the other.

Question 713

Turpitude

Answer 713

Turpitude depravity If you are guilty of *turpitude*, you should be ashamed of yourself. *Turpitude* is a word that represents depraved behavior. Prisons are filled with criminals who have engaged in acts of moral *turpitude*. *Turpitude* comes from the Latin word *turpitudo*, which means "repulsiveness." Corrupt politicians get booted out of office for acts of turpitude, like taking bribes in exchange for lucrative government contracts. *Turpitude* often follows the word *moral*, and acts of moral turpitude are usually crimes that are unusually sick or corrupt.

Question 714

Chary

Answer 714

Chary wary of; cautious about; reluctant to give Being *chary* (pronounced CHAIR-ee) is being wary or cautious. If you lost two teeth in last year’s rugby season, you should be *chary* of signing up again this year. *Chary* comes from the Old English word *cearig* for "sorrowful, careful," which is basically what you are if you’re chary. If you’re a little suspicious of something and mulling it over, you’re being chary. A synonym of *chary* is *wary*, and both include caution, but some definitions suggest that it's obvious when someone is wary — it shows — while being chary is more of an inside, or hidden, distrust.

Question 716

Fickle

Answer 716

Fickle unpredictable; whimsical; easily swayed People who are *fickle* change their minds so much you can't rely on them. If your best friend suddenly decides that she doesn't like you one week, and then the next week she wants to hang out again, she's being *fickle*. *Fickle* comes from the Old English word *ficol*, for deceitful. We usually use *fickle* to talk about people, but it can also be used for abstract things that alternately favor you and abuse you, like the weather. If you win the lottery and then lose everything else in the world that's important to you, fate is being fickle.

Question 717

Gambol

Answer 717

Gambol frolic; leap; bound To *gambol* is to run around playing excitedly. There are some really fun-sounding synonyms for *gambol,* such as "frolic," "romp," and "cavort," and though it sounds like "gamble," when you *gambol* with an "ol" you never lose — you just have a great time! If you've ever sprinted around, jumping up and down, yelling "woo-hoo!," you already know how to gambol. Being really excited or even just slap-happy makes people gambol, and it's so energizing that animals do it too. Dogs gambol when they rise on two legs to greet each other, and squirrels gambol when they chase each other up and down trees. And when springtime comes after a long winter, it seems to make every living thing gambol with extra life.

Question 718

Clich�

Answer 718

Clich� overused expression; something unoriginal

Question 719

Recant

Answer 719

Recant disclaim; retract statement If you're someone who speaks before you think, you may need to *recant*, or take back, that overly honest assessment of your friend's new haircut. *Recant* comes from two Latin roots: the prefix *re-*, meaning "back," and the verb *cantare*, meaning "to sing." It has been suggested that *recant* was first used when someone reversed a charm, curse, or some other type of magical spell that would have been chanted or sung. Regardless of whether this is true or not, we suggest that you refrain from singing when you need to recant — unless you've been casting nasty spells on people.

Question 721

Clemency

Answer 721

Clemency mercy Say you're playing a role-playing game and you end up in one of the other player's dungeons. You could try begging him for *clemency* — compassion shown by people in power towards people who rebel or break the law. *Clemency* is also a weather word, though nowadays it's much more common to hear people talk about "inclement weather" than, say, "the *clemency* of the storm." Derived from the Latin for "gentle", it came into usage in the 1550s. If you have trouble remembering its meaning, get rid of the "cle" and replace the "n" with an "r". You're left with *"mercy"*, which more or less means the same thing.

Question 723

Divert

Answer 723

Divert 1. entertain; 2. distract; 3. cause a detour To *divert* means to shift or turn from one thing to another. A magician might attempt to *divert* your attention as he shoves the rabbit into the hat. The police will divert traffic if there has been an accident that blocks the road, and it's a good idea to divert some of your income into a savings account so you don't spend it all. Are you throwing a surprise party for a friend at his house? Have a neighbor divert him for a little while if he comes home early so that you can finish getting ready. While these uses concern physically guiding something to a different location, *divert* can also be used to mean "distract" or "entertain." If your friend can't stop worrying about her grades, you might want to divert her with the latest school gossip.

Question 725

Lethargic

Answer 725

Lethargic tired; without energy When you feel *lethargic*, you're sluggish or lacking energy. Being sleepy or hungry can make anyone *lethargic*. Being lethargic makes it hard to get anything done: you feel weak and sleepy. Whatever the reason, a lethargic person needs to snap out of it and get some energy, maybe by eating something or by taking a nap. Being lethargic also goes well with watching TV, since that takes almost no energy at all. When you feel lethargic, you don't have any energy to spare.

Question 726

Punctilious

Answer 726

Punctilious paying attention to small details A *punctilious* person pays attention to details. Are you always precisely on time? Is your room perfectly neat? Do you never forget a birthday or a library book's due date? Then you are one of the *punctilious* people. The adjective *punctilious*, pronounced "punk-TIL-ee-us," is related to the Italian word *puntiglio*, meaning "fine point." For someone who is *punctilious* no point is too fine, no detail too small, to be overlooked. The word is often used to describe people, but it can be used more broadly to apply to observations, behavior, or anything else that is characterized by close attention to detail.

Question 727

Acrid

Answer 727

Acrid sharp; pungent (used of smells and tastes) *Acrid* is almost always used to describe a smell, and it ain't a pretty one. *Acrid* is the nasty sting that you feel in your nose when you walk by a building that just burned down––it's sulfur mixed with smoke. You can also use *acrid* to describe someone's tone or general demeanor when they are being nasty. Someone about to do something evil might first give an *acrid* sneer, or speak in a chillingly *acrid* tone of voice, or even shudder as if they'd just bit into something with an *acrid* taste.

Question 728

Nomadic

Answer 728

Nomadic wandering from place to place A nomad is someone who lives by traveling from place to place. *Nomadic* thus means anything that involves moving around a lot. *Nomadic* hunter-gatherer tribes follow the animals they hunt, carrying tents with them. You don't have to be a nomad to live a nomadic lifestyle. People who work for the state department travel from foreign country to foreign country in four-year postings––they might call this nomadic. If you change schools a lot because of your parents' moves, you could say you've had a nomadic education.

Question 729

Futile

Answer 729

Futile useless; hopeless When something fails to deliver a useful result, you can call it *futile*. Hopefully all the time you're spending studying vocabulary won't turn out to be *futile*! *Futile* comes from the Latin *futilis*, which originally meant "leaky." Although we use *futile* to talk about more than buckets, the image of a leaky vessel is a good illustration of the adjective. Pouring water into a leaky bucket is futile. Your exercise program will be futile if you don't stop chowing down on chocolate. *Futile* fancier than its synonym *useless*. Other synonyms are *fruitless* or *vain*. The *i* can be either short (FYOO-t'l) or long (FYOO-tile).

Question 730

Apocryphal

Answer 730

Apocryphal of doubtful origin

Question 732

Prudent

Answer 732

Prudent cautious; wise Describe an action as *prudent* if it is the wise thing to do under the existing circumstances. If you're getting in trouble, it is probably *prudent* to keep your mouth closed and just listen. If you show good and careful judgment when handling practical matters, you can be described as prudent. Similarly, a wise and well-thought-through decision or action can be called prudent. The word comes from a contracted form of the Latin *prōvidēns* from the verb "to foresee." The English word *provident* "wise in planning for the future" is the non-contracted descendent of the same Latin root.

Question 734

Staid

Answer 734

Staid dull; sober; serious Something that is *staid* is dignified, respectable — possibly even boring, like a *staid* dinner party that is heavy on the important guests but light on the laughs. *Staid* is pronounced just like "stayed" — in fact, it comes from *stay*, meaning "fixed" or "permanent." Something that is staid is sedate, slightly dull, and tends to stay the same. Whether it’s a middle-class lifestyle, a conservative law firm, your unadventurous aunt, or an old navy plaid sofa, the word *staid* can be used to describe anything that maintains a respectable self-restraint and takes no chances.

Question 735

Bane

Answer 735

Bane troublesome influence The noun *bane* refers to anything that is a cause of harm, ruin, or death. But we often use it for things that aren't that bad, just feel like it. You might say mosquitoes are *the bane of* your existence. The source of this word is Middle and Old English bana, meaning "destroyer, murderer." The now obsolete meaning of "deadly poison" is seen in the names of poisonous plants such as *wolfsbane* and *henbane*. Although "bane of my existence" is a commonly heard phrase, there's something deliciously archaic about the word *bane*. It conjures up villages preyed upon by dragons, or witches adding one bane or another to a steaming kettle.

Question 736

Hackneyed

Answer 736

Hackneyed common and over-used * Hackneyed* is a word for language that doesn't pack a punch since it's overused and trite. "Roses are red, violets are..." — enough already?! That's hackneyed stuff. * Hackneyed* is usually used to describe tired writing, but you can also refer to the hackneyed plots of television sit-coms or the hackneyed jokes of your Uncle Fred. But, most often, you will see *hackneyed* before the word *phrase* to refer to a specific cliché that is annoying the heck out of someone.

Question 737

Procrastinate

Answer 737

Procrastinate delay; put off *Procrastinates* means putting off doing something until a future time. When people sit down to write term papers, they can find all kinds of clever ways to procrastinate: reorganizing the paperclips, calling everyone they know, typing "I am bored" fifty times in a row. The verb *procrastinate* is from Latin *prōcrāstināre*, from *prō-* "forward" plus *crāstinus* "of tomorrow," from *crās* "tomorrow." Some synonyms are *defer*, *postpone*, and *delay*, though these words often apply to more positive reasons for inaction. The reason for procrastination is often assumed to be laziness, or just that the task or action is unpleasant and difficult to begin.

Question 738

Sardonic

Answer 738

Sardonic mocking If someone is being scornful and mocking in a humorous way, call her *sardonic*. If you want to write comic sketches for late-night talk shows, work on being *sardonic*. *Sardonic* comes from the Greek adjective *Sardonios*, which actually describes a plant from a place called Sardinia that supposedly made your face contort into a horrible grin...right before you died from its poison. The Greeks used *sardonic* for laughter, but we only use it when someone's humor is also mocking or ironic.

Question 739

Sanctimonious

Answer 739

Sanctimonious hypocritically holy The *sanctimonious* person sounds like a hypocrite when he preaches to a friend about the evils of drugs, while he drinks one beer after another. *Sanctimonious* is a twist on the words *sanctity* and *sacred*, which mean holy or religious. A sanctimonious person might think he's holy, but their attitude comes across more like "holier-than-thou." Though sanctimonious people might try to act like saints, their actions are far from pure or holy, which just makes them sound like hypocrites.

Question 740

Hiatus

Answer 740

Hiatus interruption; pause A temporary gap, pause, break, or absence can be called a *hiatus*. When your favorite TV show is on *hiatus*, that means there are no new episodes — not forever, just for a little while. Even things that go on for a long time take a break once in a while: one kind of break is a hiatus. If someone has to leave her job for a time, she's going on hiatus. A touring band will need to take a hiatus if the lead singer gets in an accident. The key thing about a hiatus is that it's an interruption of something that was happening, but it's not a permanent break.

Question 742

Dirge

Answer 742

Dirge mournful song A *dirge* is a song of mourning, performed as a memorial to someone who’s died. As you might imagine, a *dirge* is usually quite sad. Another word with a similar meaning that you might know is "requiem." The noun *dirge* comes from the Latin *dirige*, which means "direct," and is the beginning of a prayer that translates as "Direct my way in your sight, O Lord my God." *Dirge* can still have a religious meaning, but it can also be any sad and mournful song, poem, or hymn composed or performed in memory of someone who has died. You can also say that something mournful sounds like a dirge, using the word in a more poetic sense.

Question 743

Bemoan

Answer 743

Bemoan complain about Some people love to complain, don't they? Complainers also tend to *bemoan* things, which can be translated to "Oh no! Why me?" A more casual expression for *bemoan* is to moan and groan. If you step in a puddle and get your shoes wet, you might moan and groan about, or bemoan, your bad luck to whoever will listen. Just about any bad or annoying thing can be bemoaned. In fact, people love to bemoan how much other people are moaning and groaning about things!

Question 744

Embroil

Answer 744

Embroil involve in hostility or argument To *embroil* is to drag someone in to a mess. If you're *embroiled*, you're in ... DEEP. It's far worse, far messier, and generally far more long-term, than simply being "involved" with something. Nothing good can come of being *embroiled.* *Embroil* can refer to any sort of situation — love affairs, political events, scandals — but it's probably most commonly used in reference to law suits. The classic law suit that embroiled its participants was the fictional one of Jarndyce. v. Jarndyce, in Dickens's novel *Bleak House* — which went on for so many generations that all the characters' money was eaten up entirely by lawyers' fees. Let us repeat: nothing good comes of getting embroiled.

Question 745

Mundane

Answer 745

Mundane ordinary; worldly An ordinary, unexciting thing can be called *mundane*: "Superman hid his heroic feats by posing as his *mundane* alter ego, Clark Kent." *Mundane*, from the Latin word *mundus*, "world," originally referred to things on earth. Such things were supposed to be uninteresting when compared to the delights of Heaven; hence the word's present meaning. Writing about reality TV shows, a *Newsweek* writer opined, "In reality bizarro-world, the *mundane* is presented as the spectacular" — in other words, people's everyday routines are now televised as entertainment.

Question 746

Epistle

Answer 746

Epistle a letter (form of communication)

Question 747

Fastidious

Answer 747

Fastidious overly particular; finicky If you want to describe a person who insists on perfection or pays much attention to food, clothing and cleanliness, the right word is *fastidious.* *Fastidious* is a funny-sounding adjective from the Latin *fastidium* "loathing" that has several equally strange-sounding synonyms — persnickety, fussbudgety, finicky and punctilious. Fussy and hard to please will also do the trick. *Fastidious* is occasionally used as a compliment to describe someone whose attention to detail gives them good organizing abilities, but it is usually used as a disapproving term.

Question 748

Quandary

Answer 748

Quandary dilemma; puzzle How to define the word *quandary*? Wow, this is quite a dilemma. What to do, what to do? Hmmm. Looks like this moment itself is a *quandary*: a tough situation that will be really hard to resolve. If you’re uncertain what to do because all of your options seem unpleasant, you’re probably in a quandary. Some voters find themselves in a quandary when they dislike all of the candidates. A more common quandary is when you plan two events at the same time and can’t decide which one to attend. Some synonyms are *predicament*, *dilemma*, *plight*, and *pickle* — and choosing which word to use is a quandary in itself.

Question 749

Gustatory

Answer 749

Gustatory concerned with the sense of taste If you want to improve the *gustatory* appeal of a grapefruit, you might add a spoonful of sugar. *Gustatory* is an adjective that refers to tasting or the sense of taste. You may be tempted to link *gustatory* with the word *gust*, meaning "a quick, strong rush of wind." However, *gustatory* has its roots in the Latin *gustare*, meaning "to taste," while *gust* can be traced back to the Old Norse *gustr*, meaning to "to gush." But if a gust of wind brings with it the savory aroma of a nearby backyard barbecue, you might find yourself licking the air in gustatory frustration.

Question 750

Contusion

Answer 750

Contusion a bruise *Contusion* is really just a fancy word for a bad bruise. Professional athletes are often benched suffering from *contusions.* After all, if they're being paid millions, it sounds kinda wimpy to pull them because they're suffering from a...bruise. A *contusion* is any damage to the body that doesn't break the skin but ruptures the blood capillaries beneath, resulting in a handsome-looking discoloration. For once, it's a medical term not used widely to describe a broader emotional or psychological state. You could talk about an "emotional *contusion,*" but please, better not to. There are better terms around (see *heartbroken,* *wounded,* *forlorn,* etc.). Your audience will thank you.

Question 752

Prolific

Answer 752

Prolific producing a lot Someone or something that is *prolific* is fruitful or highly productive. A *prolific* songwriter can churn out five hit tunes before breakfast. It is interesting to note that many of the words used to describe the adjective *prolific* are relayed in biological terms, such as "to give birth," "nourish," and "fertile." Other uses of the word pertain to having many ideas or an active and expressive mind, such as a "*prolific* writer." Clearly, people like to consider that the ideas or things that they make are in some way produced by them like flowers or fruit!

Question 753

Petrify

Answer 753

Petrify 1. terrify; 2. turn to stone If you scare someone so much they can't move, you *petrify* them. *Petrify* is to make something like a stone or to literally turn to stone. At the heart of the word *petrify* is the Latin word *petra* which means "stone." In the scientific sense, wood petrifies in an environment without oxygen, say when it is buried by lava, and minerals such as silica enter the wood and fill the cells, making it hard as stone. More commonly, something petrifies a person or an animal when it scares them very much. During thunderstorms, the dog is so petrified that it hides under the bed. If you are in a store when it is being robbed, you might be petrified too.

Question 754

Despondent

Answer 754

Despondent having no hope; miserable If you are *despondent*, you are discouraged, very sad, and without hope. If you are depressed, you might describe your mood as *despondent*. This adjective is often followed by *over* or *about*: He was despondent over the loss of his job. If you want a noun, use the words *despondency* or *despondence*. The adjective *despondent* is from Latin *despondens*, from *despondere* "to lose courage, give up," from the prefix *de-* "from" plus *spondere* "to promise." The Latin words originally referred to promising a woman in marriage.

Question 756

Proletarian

Answer 756

Proletarian member of the working class Working class, blue collar, plebeian and certainly not aristocratic — that's what the adjective *proletarian* means. *Proletarian* has roots in the Latin word *proles*, which means "offspring." That's because back in ancient Rome, a proletarian was a member of the proletariat, the class of society that had no wealth and didn't own property. The only thing these proletarians had to offer was their hard work and their children. Today's proletarians are a little better off; they're considered the working class and just might have better benefits through their unions than some white-collar workers out there.

Question 757

Olfactory

Answer 757

Olfactory concerned with the sense of smell Something *olfactory* has to do with the sense of smell. The odor from that factory is a symphony of *olfactory* delights. Not. Though we typically think of dogs as the olfactory champions of the world, what with their remarkable ability to sniff out practically anything, the true title belongs to the polar bear. Healthy, adult polar bears possess *olfactory* gifts that boggle the mind: they can smell a seal under the ice from over a kilometer away. One way to try to remember the meaning of the word *olfactory* is to think of *factory*. Your nose is the "factory" where odors are processed. What *visual* is to the eyes, *olfactory* is to the nose.

Question 758

Allay

Answer 758

Allay to lessen The verb *allay* is used when you want to make something better or eliminate fears and concerns. When you *allay* something, you are calming it or reducing difficulties. It is used commonly in the context of to *allay* concerns and to comfort and some of its many synonyms are *alleviate*, *decrease*, *mitigate*, *assuage* and *mollify*. *Allay* comes from the Old English word *alecgan*, which means "to put down," as in literally "to lighten." So, if you can *allay* someone's fears, you are lightening their mood!

Question 759

Perspicacity

Answer 759

Perspicacity insight If you devote long hours to the arts of attention and analysis, you might develop the *perspicacity* required to become a really good detective. *Perspicacity* comes from the Latin word for penetrating sight. If you have perspicacity, you are good at discerning what is really going on where others might only see surface clues. Perspicacity is a quality that many professionals need, from detectives to doctors to therapists. If someone is perspicacious, we might also say they have a "shrewd mind," or a "keen intelligence."

Question 761

Palisade

Answer 761

Palisade fence made of posts A *palisade* is a heavy-duty fence that's strong enough to keep out intruders, like one you might see around a military camp. Traditionally, palisades were built with wooden stakes around small forts or castles as a way to keep out enemies. There's evidence that this kind of fence was often used in ancient Greece and Rome. More modern palisades are made out of metal and give protection to houses in dangerous neighborhoods, for example. The root word is the Latin *palus*, which means "stake."

Question 763

Debunking

Answer 763

Debunking exposing false claims or myths

Question 764

Ironic

Answer 764

Ironic satiric; unexpected If something is *ironic* it's unexpected, often in an amusing way. If you're the world chess champion, it would be pretty *ironic* if you lost a match to someone who just learned to play yesterday. *Ironic* is the adjective for the noun *irony*. In contemporary speech, when we call something ironic, we often mean *sarcastic*. If you spill coffee all over drawings you've been working on all morning, you might ironically tell your coworker, "I've done something wonderful!" An ironic outcome is the opposite of what's intended. Having someone splash mud on you is always annoying, but it would be ironic if they had splashed you because they were running up to wipe dirt off you.

Question 766

Ing�nue

Answer 766

Ing�nue "na?ve, unsophisticated person"

Question 767

Immoderate

Answer 767

Immoderate excessive; extreme Something that goes way overboard or is excessive is *immoderate*. *Immoderate* exercise can lead to pulled muscles and sprains. If someone's behavior is unreasonable or extreme, you can call it *immoderate*. Immoderate spending results in arms full of shopping bags and a whole lot of credit card debt, and immoderate eating at a huge breakfast buffet can give you a stomach ache for the rest of the day. *Immoderate* is the opposite of the adjective *moderate*, which means calm or restrained. Both words have the same Latin root, *moderatus*, "within bounds, or observing moderation."

Question 768

Ludicrous

Answer 768

Ludicrous ridiculous; silly * Ludicrous* things are funny, absurd, or nonsensical. If someone says something silly or far-fetched, you could say "That's *ludicrous*!" * Ludicrous* originally meant something that was funny, playful, or joking: a ludicrous comment was just a really funny comment. Over time, *ludicrous* took on a more negative flavor. Now a ludicrous statement might be funny, but it's also ridiculous, hard to believe, off the wall, or even stupid. When people say "That idea is ludicrous!" it usually means the idea could never happen: the notion is laughable. Saying Neil Armstrong was the third President would be a ludicrous statement.

Question 769

Tome

Answer 769

Tome large book A *tome* is a large book. If you're pre-med, chances are you're going to have one heck of a *tome* for your biology class. *Tome* is often used to refer to a book that is not only really large but also unusually important. If you generally carry more than one *tome* to class, invest in a bag with wheels so you don't hurt your back. A tome is big and heavy. "Wow! This tome weighs a ton!" Whatever you do, don't leave your tome at home—you'll wind up in detention! You can also use *tome* sarcastically to describe a book that clearly isn't large or important. But sarcasm is for advanced users only.

Question 770

Trivial

Answer 770

Trivial unimportant Something that is *trivial* is not important or significant, such as the *trivial* details you shared with me about your trip to the post office this morning. *Trivial* can also describe something that isn't deep or meaningful, like a trivial movie that you'll forget about after the credits roll. It comes from the Latin word *trivium*: *tri* means "three" and *via* is "road." So a *trivium* is a "place where three roads meet," meaning a crossroads — just something ordinary. So something that is trivial is not worth remembering; it just isn't important.

Question 771

Stringent

Answer 771

Stringent strict or severe That teacher's demands are *stringent* — she wants the homework typed in her favorite font, on special paper, and each essay must be exactly 45 lines! While the word *stringent* might seem foreign, if you're afflicted with pimples, you'll know the word *astringent*. An astringent causes your skin to tighten like it's shrinking your pores. This tightening, constricting feel describes *stringent* with regard to rules. Stringent safety procedures prevent accidents in a dangerous work environment. And restaurants must adhere to stringent health regulations.

Question 772

Paucity

Answer 772

Paucity shortage The word *paucity* means not enough of something. If you've got a *paucity* of good cheer, for example, you'd better cheer up! One good way to remember the meaning of *paucity* is that it's a bit like *pauper*, as in The Prince and the Pauper. The prince had too much money, and the pauper had a paucity. There are a lot of words that mean "little" or "small," but *paucity* is used when you mean specifically "not enough" or "too little." People in LA don't understand how New Yorkers can live with such a paucity of space. For what New Yorkers pay for a tiny apartment, Angelenos get a house and a yard.

Question 773

Erratic

Answer 773

Erratic wandering; irregular The adjective *erratic* describes things that are unpredictable, unusual, and that deviate from the norm. An *erratic* quarterback might completely confuse his receivers waiting for a pass. Like its linguistic relative, *error*, the adjective *erratic* means "deviating from the norm," or "wrong." It also implies behavior or qualities that are unpredictable or odd. The word comes from the Latin verb *errare*, or "to wander" off course. In the field of geology, a rock that is *erratic* is unlike others in its environment because it has been transported by glacial activity. Likewise, someone driving a car that veers out of its lane is said to be driving *erratically*.

Question 775

Expedite

Answer 775

Expedite make faster To *expedite* something is to make it go faster or speed up the process. *Expediting* that package might get it to Alaska by tomorrow, instead of next Tuesday. If someone says, "Let me *expedite* the process," that's probably a good thing: they're offering to speed things up. If you've ever waited in line a long time, then you must have wished someone could expedite things. A driver can expedite his commute by going in the faster car-pool lane. Whenever there's a lot of paperwork for something, it's nice to know someone who can expedite the process. When you see the word *expedite*, think "Make faster!"

Question 776

Nuance

Answer 776

Nuance something subtle; a fine shade of meaning Use *nuance* to refer to a very small difference in color, meaning, or feeling. What makes singers brilliant is not how loud they can sing a note, but how many *nuances* they can evoke through their approach. Pronounced "NOO-ahns," this noun was borrowed from French in the 18th century and derives ultimately from Latin *nūbēs* "a cloud." Think of clouds––subtle gradations in color to understand this word. When you say a work of art was nuanced, it means there was a lot to it, but incorporated subtly.

Question 778

Temper

Answer 778

Temper to moderate; soften * Temper* can refer to a tendency to become unreasonably angry. If you’re not sure whether you have a *temper*, ask your friends — but don’t get mad if you dislike what they have to say. * Temper* has a number of related yet distinct meanings. In addition to describing a tendency to anger, *temper* can also refer to one’s mood in general; if you use the word in this sense, you might describe someone's temper as "angry" or "mild." *Temper* can also be used as a verb meaning "to restrain." If you have a nasty temper, you might try tempering your temper by counting to ten whenever you’re tempted to throw a "temper tantrum," or fit.

Question 779

Mercurial

Answer 779

Mercurial volatile; changeable

Question 780

Bequeath

Answer 780

Bequeath leave something in one's will to be given after one's death To *bequeath* is to leave your possessions to another person after you die. A man might love his classic cars but would be happy to bequeath them to his grandsons when he writes out his last will and testament. *Bequeath* often is used about making plans to give away property and possessions after a person's death: "It was strange to leave a house to a one-year-old baby, but he planned what he would *bequeath* in his will while he was young, and the baby would be 23 when he finally did die." Sometimes *bequeath* is used for things handed down without death, as when living parents and grandparents pass, or bequeath, a legacy of stories or family traits and talents as an inheritance.

Question 782

Dichotomy

Answer 782

Dichotomy a division into two parts A *dichotomy* is an idea or classification split in two. When you point out a *dichotomy*, you draw a clear distinction between two things. A dichotomy is a contrast between two things. When there are two ideas, especially two opposed ideas — like war and peace, or love and hate — you have a dichotomy. You often hear about a "false *dichotomy*," which occurs when a situation is unfairly represented as an "either/or" scenario. For example, the statement "All cars are either small and efficient or large and polluting" creates a false dichotomy because there are some cars that don't fit into either category.

Question 784

Perdition

Answer 784

Perdition damnation *Perdition* is mainly a religious concept from Christianity that means hell or eternal damnation. *Perdition* doesn't sound like a lot of fun. If you hear someone say "the fires of *perdition*," they're talking about the fires of Hell. Perdition refers to hell, and especially the religious idea of eternal damnation: suffering for an endless period of time after death. You can also use this word for a more earthly kind of suffering. Just as people say "I'm in hell!" when they're unhappy, you could say someone in a bad situation is caught in perdition. When you see the word *perdition*, think "Suffering!"

Question 786

Enunciation

Answer 786

Enunciation clear pronunciation; accent; articulation * Enunciation* is the act of pronouncing words. Make sure your *enunciation* is clear when ordering in a restaurant so you don’t get French flies instead of French fries. * Enunciation* is from the Latin word *enuntiationem*, meaning "declaration." Enunciation is more than pronouncing words clearly; it’s expressing them well, too. No one would mutter a declaration! People with excellent enunciation (also known as diction) are likely to end up broadcasters, announcers, actors, or in other jobs that require public speaking. Politicians need to have good enunciation. People who mumble or speak too quickly have poor enunciation: it's hard to understand them, because their words slur together.

Question 787

Idiosyncrasy

Answer 787

Idiosyncrasy a personal peculiarity; something unique to an individual If a person has an *idiosyncrasy*, he or she has a little quirk, or a funny behavior, that makes him or her different. If you only say goodbye in French, never in English, that would be an *idiosyncrasy*. *Idio* seems like it means stupid, but really it is Latin for "one's own," as an *idiosyncrasy* is one's own particular, usually odd, behavior. Putting salt in your hot chocolate or needing the light on to sleep or tapping your head while you think are all idiosyncrasies. A machine such as a DVD player has an idiosyncrasy if you have to do something weird to it to make it work like having to bang it on the back left-hand side to stop it from skipping.

Question 788

Belligerent

Answer 788

Belligerent aggressive; ready to fight If someone is *belligerent*, they're eager to fight. It's a good idea to avoid hardcore hockey fans after their team loses — they tend to be *belligerent*. *Belligerent* comes from the Latin word *bellum*, for "war." You can use it to talk about actual wars — the nations taking part in a war are called *belligerents* — but usually *belligerent* describes a psychological disposition. If you're running a school for aggressive boys, do plenty of arts and crafts to prevent them from becoming too belligerent. The stress is on the second syllable: bə-LIJ-ə-rənt.

Question 789

Celerity

Answer 789

Celerity speed While it looks a lot like celery, *celerity* means something that vegetables are not — fast moving. Gossip often travels with *celerity*, as do children trying to get to a big plate of cookies. When you see the word *celerity*, think accelerate, like a car when you step on the gas. Both words share the Latin root *celer* which means swift. You may want to study for exams with celerity, but using a slower, more methodical approach will often yield better results.

Question 790

Bard

Answer 790

Bard poet If you’ve heard the word *bard*, it was probably in English class. William Shakespeare has been known as "The Bard" since the nineteenth century, but the word has a much older history, and, when it's not capitalized, it simply means "lyric poet." In civilizations without written histories, poets and singers were the ones to spread the word from place to place and across generations. In ancient and medieval Gaelic societies, the professional storytellers were called *bards* (or *bardds*, in Wales). Irish bards were part of a chieftain's household, and their job was to record and proclaim the exploits of their lord — although a bard might also compose blistering satires if he was displeased with his employer.

Question 791

Ignominy

Answer 791

Ignominy shame [ignominious (a) = shameful] Walk into class in your underwear is to feel what the word *ignominy* means. *Ignominy* is a noun meaning great public shame, disgrace, or embarrassment, or a situation or event that causes this. The shame can be major or minor: to suffer the *ignominy* of defeat/the *ignominies* of old age. When pronouncing this word, the main accent is on the first syllable, and the secondary accent is on the third syllable. *Ignominy* is from French *ignominie,* from Latin *ignominia,* formed from the prefix *in-* "no, not" plus *nomen* "a name." The corresponding English adjective is *ignominious.*

Question 792

Invidious

Answer 792

Invidious arousing envy Something can be described as *invidious* when it is resentful, discriminatory or envious, as in: "Fred was angered by the *invidious* gossip about his divorce being spread by his ex-wife's allies." The adjective *invidious* is used to describe an act, thought, opinion or critique that is full of ill will or prejudice. It comes from a Latin word that means "hostile." When the captain of a cheerleading squad says nasty things about an opposing cheer captain's new party dress, those are *invidious* comments.

Question 794

Heresy

Answer 794

Heresy against orthodox opinion Heresies are beliefs that do not agree with the official beliefs of a particular religion; *heresy* is the maintaining of such contrary beliefs. *Heresy* can be used figuratively: To disagree with the school committee's decisions is considered pure *heresy* by the faculty. This noun is from Middle English *heresie,* from Old French, from Late Latin *haeresis* "school of thought, sect," from Greek, "action of taking, choice," from *hairein* "to take, choose." A person who believes or speaks heresies is a *heretic*.

Question 795

Opaque

Answer 795

Opaque does not let light through Use the adjective *opaque* either for something that doesn't allow light to pass through (like a heavy curtain) or for something difficult to understand (like bureaucratic gobbledygook). *Opaque* is from a Latin word meaning "dark," and that was its original sense in English, but it now means literally "not transparent" or metaphorically "hard to understand; unclear": "Some of his sentences are really *opaque*." It used to be spelled *opake*, which made the pronunciation clearer, but we then borrowed the more opaque French spelling. Come to think of it, English spelling is often pretty opaque, which makes it hard for learners of the language to master.

Question 796

Alchemy

Answer 796

Alchemy medieval chemistry; attempt to change base metal into gold If your favorite but perpetually losing team picks up a couple of new players and the result is suddenly an unbeatable combo, that's *alchemy* — any seemingly magical act involving the combining of elements into something new. In medieval times *alchemy* meant the mysterious science of trying to convert one form of matter into another using fire, potions, spells, and all kind of other tricks. Alchemists often got a bad rap for their obsession with trying to turn base metals into gold, but in fact true alchemy was concerned with a far loftier ideal — that of finding a "universal elixir" that could overcome death.

Question 798

Euphony

Answer 798

Euphony pleasant sounds Shakespeare's language is a good example of *euphony*: pleasant, musical sounds in harmony, as with "To-morrow, and to-morrow, and to-morrow / Creeps in this petty pace from day to day." Use *euphony* to describe music or poetry. To understand it, break it down: *eu-* means good; *phon-* means sound or voice. Of course, just as beauty is in the eye of the beholder, euphony is in the ear of the listener — it's subjective. Kids and their parents rarely find euphony in the same song.

Question 800

Resonant

Answer 800

Resonant echoing * Resonant* describes sound that is deep and rich. It also can mean deeply evocative. A *resonant* speech moves you by bringing to mind all that is good in the world: family, friends, laughter. * Resonant* comes from the Latin *re*, meaning again, and *sonare*, meaning to sound––or literally to sound again or echo. So *resonant's* meanings all have that sense of reverberating or echoing. Not only does it mean echoing or evoking meaning, but it also refers to sound that echoes through a room. Don't confuse the spellings of resonant (the adjective) and resonate (the verb).

Question 801

Obscure

Answer 801

Obscure difficult to understand; partially hidden If something is *obscure*, it's vague and hard to see. Be careful if you're driving in heavy rain — the painted lines can be *obscure*. *Obscure* comes from Latin *obscurus*, which can mean "dark, dim," "unclear, hard to understand," or "insignificant, humble." We tend to use *obscure* in the metaphorical senses: an obscure sound is unclear, an obscure village is hidden away in the countryside, and an obscure poet is little known and probably insignificant. *Obscure* can also be used as a verb. If you get really nervous when you speak during a debate, your embarrassing twitches and shaking hands can obscure your argument.

Question 802

Boorish

Answer 802

Boorish ill-mannered If your cousin tells revolting jokes, belches, and smells like he spent the winter in a cave, he could be described as *boorish* — an adjective used for people with bad manners and a sloppy appearance. We almost always use the word *boorish* for men. This may be because it can be traced back to a 13th century word for "herdsman." Herdsmen spent a lot of time alone with their sheep, sleeping in tents, and cooking over open fires, so it was no wonder that they didn't have the same refined manners as city folk. If someone offends you by acting boorishly — say, by cutting you off in traffic — you could exclaim, "What a *boor*!" Just don't confuse *boor* with *bore*: bad manners may be offensive, but they're rarely boring.

Question 804

Scrutinize

Answer 804

Scrutinize examine carefully If you want to examine something closely and go over every single detail, then you should *scrutinize* it. Like the way your mom probably assesses your outfit before you leave the house for school. *Scrutinizing* is very different from glancing or gazing. It's even more than a long, hard look. To *scrutinize* something, you have to look at it really critically, investigating every nook and cranny. Often things are scrutinized to verify if they're correct or authentic. So it makes perfect sense that this verb is rooted in the Latin word *scrutari*, which means "to search."

Question 805

Beret

Answer 805

Beret type of cap

Question 807

Legend

Answer 807

Legend 1. key to map; 2. myth or story A *legend* is a larger-than-life story that gets passed down from one generation to the next — like the *legends* of Beowulf, Robin Hood, or even Big Foot. *Legend* comes from the Latin *legere,* "to read." The Latin word was originally limited to written stories, but in English, *legend* lost that limitation. Often a legend lives on in the stories that people tell each other. A person can be a legend too. Anne Frank is a legend for keeping a diary of hidden life in war time, and a less famous person, like a long-serving local teacher, can be a legend to neighborhood kids.

Question 809

Salacious

Answer 809

Salacious lecherous; erotic Something *salacious* is full of juicy details — but they're the kind of raunchy, lusty, dirty details you probably don't want to hear. Implying a certain kind of moral looseness, *salacious* is often used to describe nasty gossip, obscene reports and steamy tales. Salacious things are usually not fit for general public consumption and probably need some kind of parental guidance warning. Think of the tawdry accounts of some politician's affair with a staffer, or a particularly sex-filled reality show on TV.

Question 811

Compliant

Answer 811

Compliant easy to control; submissive If you are willing to submit to someone's request, then you are *compliant*. Parents like it when their teenagers are *compliant* and follow the rules. Teenagers, on the other hand, are probably not as *compliant* as parents would like to think! The adjective *compliant* can also describe something that is agreeable. "The lawyers made sure that the man's will was fully *compliant* with state law, so that his children could not contest his desire to leave his entire estate to his dog, Fluffy." Or: "That software is not *compliant* with your operating system; you'll have to buy a different version."

Question 812

Circuitous

Answer 812

Circuitous indirect * Circuitous* means indirect or roundabout. If you're in a hurry to get to the hospital where your wife is having a baby, you want to take the straightest, fastest way, not a *circuitous* one! * Circuitous* comes from the Latin word *circuitus* meaning basically "a going around." If you're being *circuitous* it's like you're going around and around in circles. It can also refer to someone's manner or speech, if they are not being direct. For example, if you want someone to get you another piece of cake but just you sit there looking longingly at your empty plate, saying "More cake sure would be nice," then you're being *circuitous*. And annoying.

Question 813

Laceration

Answer 813

Laceration a cut A *laceration* is a tear, cut, or gash. Your heart can also get a more figurative *laceration* when you see your love kissing another. Either way, ouch. A *laceration* implies that there is a tearing or jaggedness to the wound. A surgeon would not make a laceration on a patient, but an *incision*. Lacerations are reserved for things like barbed wire, errant nails, and fickle loves.

Question 814

Broach

Answer 814

Broach start to discuss; approach As a verb, *broach* means to bring up or introduce a sensitive issue. As a noun, a *broach* is one of those dowdy pins your Great Aunt Edna wears. Telling her not to wear it is a subject you should probably not *broach*. Let's say you want to go on vacation with a friend and you ask your dad because he is more likely to say yes. He will probably tell you that he will broach the subject with your mom and let you know. In a less common (and older) usage of *broach*, if you put a hole in something in order to get out what's inside you broach it. The piercing tool you use is also called a broach. Think of piercing someone with your idea the next time you broach a touchy issue.

Question 816

Tawdry

Answer 816

Tawdry of little value; gaudy *Tawdry* means cheap, shoddy, or tasteless. It can be used to describe almost anything from clothes to people to even events or affairs. You know that shiny black slip you picked up for nothing at a garage sale and used as the skirt of your lion-tamer Halloween costume? It's a bit tawdry. But it would really be tawdry if you wore it on a regular day out. Tawdry things often have a hint of desperation and immorality — like tawdry extramarital affairs or tawdry tales. With tawdry decorations and jewelry, think of gaudy as quality has been exchanged for lots of flash and shine.

Question 817

Conflagration

Answer 817

Conflagration big fire A *conflagration* isn't just a few flames; it's an especially large and destructive fire that causes devastation. That tiny campfire that somehow turned into a raging forest inferno? You could call that intense, uncontrolled blaze a conflagration. Mrs. O'Leary's cow knew a thing or two about conflagrations: It was that unknowing animal that kicked over a kerosene lamp in the night, setting the O'Leary's barn on fire and sending four square miles of the Windy City into that blistering conflagration known as the Great Chicago Fire of 1871.

Question 818

Retention

Answer 818

Retention preservation; withholding You can use *retention* to mean the ability to keep or hold. If you have extraordinary powers of *retention*, you remember everything you hear or learn. Are your ankles ever swollen after a long flight? This comes from the lack of movement which can cause the retention of water. The roots of the word, Latin *re-* "back" and *tenere* "to hold," say it all. You often use the word in the military or business contexts to talk about keeping soldiers, or employees, from leaving. If you're lucky, they might offer you a retention bonus to prevent you from quitting.

Question 819

Sage

Answer 819

Sage a wise person Use the word *sage* for someone or something wise and judicious. Thanks to the *sage* advice of your friend, you didn't write your teacher an angry e-mail! Although you might think of a wizard when you hear the word *sage*, really it means a wise man. Today you see it used to refer to someone who has insight in a particular field. If someone is a policy sage, he knows just what advice to give politicians to make them understand the issue and respond successfully to it. In a totally unrelated use, there is also a plant called sage that is useful in home remedies and cooking.

Question 820

Exhaustive

Answer 820

Exhaustive complete and thorough *Exhaustive* means performed comprehensively and completely. When you recruit a new employee (or spouse), you undertake an *exhaustive* search for the best talent. When you are exhaustive about something, you are testing all possibilities or considering all elements. If you want to become an attorney you will need an exhaustive knowledge of the leather bound books in the law library. When you exhaust something, you use it up entirely, so something exhaustive is complete. After your exhaustive tour of Rome, you're exhausted.

Question 821

Garish

Answer 821

Garish gaudy Use the adjective *garish* to describe something that is overly vivid, bright, showy, and in bad taste — like the DJ's *garish* outfit that is a flashback to the disco era. *Garish* comes to English from the Old Norse word *gaurr*, meaning "rough fellow." It is often used to describe colors, clothing, decorations, and other things that can be elegant and tasteful. Because the word connotes bad taste, however, it is rarely used in a complimentary way. If you say to your friend, "I like your *garish* hair and makeup," she is not likely to take it well, unless, of course, you are going to a 70s flashback party.

Question 822

Philanthropy

Answer 822

Philanthropy charity; love of mankind If you donate money to a charity or volunteer to help people in need, you can call your good deeds *philanthropy.* *Philanthropy* is made up of two parts — Greek *phil* "loving" and *anthrop* "mankind." It refers to the desire to help people or the actual deeds a person does to benefit mankind. *Philanthropy* most often refers to the large amounts of money the wealthy donate to a cause such as world hunger or an organization such as a museum. A private organization that promotes the welfare of people can also be called a philanthropy.

Question 823

Proclivity

Answer 823

Proclivity tendency towards A *proclivity* is a natural tendency to like something, such as your sister's *proclivity* for restaurants that serve hot, spicy food. When you have a proclivity, it feels automatic — you like what you like; you don't even have to think about it. The origin of the word *proclivity* supports this feeling. *Proclivity* comes from the Latin word *proclivis*, which literally means "sloping forward." You slide toward a proclivity — no effort is needed. You just give in to it, since you're headed in that direction naturally.

Question 824

Sequester

Answer 824

Sequester isolate The word *sequester* describes being kept away from others. If your sister tells you to stay out of the way so she can cook dinner for her new boyfriend, you might *sequester* yourself in your room. Legal types may be familiar with the word *sequester* since it’s often used in relation to a jury for an important trial. In that case, members of the jury are *sequestered*, meaning they aren't allowed to watch the news or read articles that could influence their judgment. However, *sequester* can describe anyone who is isolated or hidden away from others, like a pop star *sequestered* in a hotel room, protected from fans' mania below.

Question 826

Clamor

Answer 826

Clamor shout; scream To *clamor* is to make a demand — LOUDLY. It's usually a group that *clamors* — like Americans might *clamor* for comprehensive health care coverage. The noun *clamor* is often used specifically to describe a noisy outcry from a group of people, but more generally, the word means any loud, harsh sound. You could describe the clamor of sirens in the night or the clamor of the approaching subway in the tunnel.

Question 827

Decathlon

Answer 827

Decathlon an athletic competition with ten events

Question 829

Immutable

Answer 829

Immutable unchanging; permanent If you can't change it, it's *immutable*. There are many things in life that are immutable; these unchangeable things include death, taxes, and the laws of physics. The adjective *immutable* has Latin roots that mean "not changeable." The Latin prefix for not is *in*, but the spelling changes when the prefix is put before the consonant *m*. It is *im* before a root word starting with *m* as in *immutable*. If you learn this rule, you'll know the immutable fact that immutable begins with *i*-*m*-*m*.

Question 830

Ponderous

Answer 830

Ponderous weighty; slow and heavy When you call Frankenstein *ponderous*, it's not because he likes to *ponder* the great questions of life. It's because he moves like a Mack truck, only slower and less gracefully. *Ponderous* also describes a person's manner, or their manner of speaking. If it does, this is a person you will want to avoid. They're solemn, speak slowly about things that are boring, and get to the punchline of a joke about seven years after anyone with half a brain has figured it out for themselves.

Question 831

Presentiment

Answer 831

Presentiment a feeling that something might happen Do you ever have the feeling that something bad is about to happen? That’s called a *presentiment*. The word *presentiment* comes from the Latin word *præsentire*, meaning "to sense beforehand." Some people call it a "gut feeling." For example, if you leave for a trip and something doesn't feel right, you may chalk it up to just being nervous. But later, when your flight is cancelled and you lose your luggage, you may remember that little twinge — the presentiment that something bad was about to happen.

Question 832

Ebullient

Answer 832

Ebullient very lively; cheerful; jovial; happy More than chipper, more than happy, more than delighted is *ebullient* — meaning bubbling over with joy and delight. There are two senses of the word of *ebullient.* One describes an immediate, and ultimately short-lived, reaction to a particular event — for example if you've just won the lottery, you are ebullient. The other describes someone who is perpetually upbeat and cheerful, for example, as in "an *ebullient* personality." Watch out for ebullient personalities: they can often be "over the top" as well.

Question 834

Auspicious

Answer 834

Auspicious favorable; promising to turn out well Use the adjective *auspicious* for a favorable situation or set of conditions. If you start a marathon by falling flat on your face, that's not an auspicious start. If something seems likely to bring success — either because it creates favorable conditions or you just consider it a lucky sign — label it *auspicious*. The word is related to *auspice*, "a divine omen," an old word with a colorful history. In Latin, an *auspex* was a person who observed the flight of birds to predict things about the future. Luckily, you no longer have to be a bird-watching fortune-teller to guess whether something is auspicious or not.

Question 835

Pinnacle

Answer 835

Pinnacle topmost point Going as far into the sky as you can go on foot, you'll reach the highest point, or *pinnacle,* of the Himalayas. A successful climb like that might also become the *pinnacle,* or peak, of your success. Two synonyms for *pinnacle* also start with the letter "p," "peak" and "point." A pinnacle can be a physical thing, like the top of a high mountain or the antenna on the very top of a building, or it can be a high point that can’t be measured with a ruler, like an achievement or a goal. Whatever the pinnacle is, reaching it is almost always a completion of something where you have gone the highest you can go. "Acme" is a great synonym for *pinnacle.*

Question 837

Perfidy

Answer 837

Perfidy treachery If you shared your most embarrassing secrets with a friend who then told them to everyone he knows, his betrayal could be described as *perfidy*. The noun *perfidy* means "deceitfulness" or "treachery," so it's not just being mean, but deliberately betraying a trust. The Latin root of *perfidy* is made up of *per*, or "through," and *fidem*, or "faith." So in order for perfidy to happen, there has to have first been a sense of faith in place, which was then broken or betrayed.

Question 838

Somnambulist

Answer 838

Somnambulist sleepwalker If you ever find yourself standing in the backyard in your pajamas at 4:00 in the morning and wondering how you got there, you may be a *somnambulist* — someone who walks in her sleep. In Roman mythology, Somnus was the god of sleep; the Greeks called him Hypnos. His mother was Night (Nix) and his brother was Death (Thanatos). He lived in a dark cave and presumably never had to get up in time for school.

Question 839

Artisan

Answer 839

Artisan craftsman An *artisan* has both the creativity and the skill to make a product. Wandering around a local craft fair, you will often see *artisans* selling handicrafts like pot holders or beaded jewelry. In medieval times, blacksmiths, carpenters, and masons were artisan trades. Unskilled laborers were not. The hierarchy of skill and prestige among artisans, from apprentice to journeyman to master, is sometimes reflected in ranks among today’s trade union members. But today an artisan can just be someone who makes attractive and creative work with their hands, like jewelry or pottery. Although, if they're trying to sell their goods, it probably helps if they're very skilled.

Question 840

Waylay

Answer 840

Waylay accost; stop; approach; hinder When you *waylay* someone, you stop them from doing what they were going to do, either by using violence or some other tactic. To waylay, or to be waylaid, is usually not a good thing: Mom would not be proud. Robbers waylay their victims. Outlaws waylaid stagecoaches in the Old West. The verb's origin, from *wegelage*, means "lying in wait, with evil or hostile intent." You might also use *waylay* to show someone being interrupted from finishing the task at hand: "I should’ve been studying, but was *waylaid* by my friend's invitation to go bungee jumping."

Question 841

Subversive

Answer 841

Subversive rebellious; revolutionary You might want to call someone *subversive* if they are sneakily trying to undermine something, from the social structure of your high school to an entire system of government. You can use *subversive* as a noun or an adjective without changing it one whit. Note the prefix *sub* meaning "underneath" with the remainder coming from the Latin *vertere* "to turn." Think about a subversive as a sneaky kind of revolutionary who tries to turn the system from underneath. Art or literature is considered subversive if it attempts to undermine the morals and traditions of a society.

Question 843

Hyperbole

Answer 843

Hyperbole grossly exaggerated speech Praising your favorite sports team is one thing, but if you call the team the most incredible group of humans ever to walk the earth, then you're going overboard and indulging in *hyperbole*. The *hyper-* in *hyperbole* means "beyond," so it's a good sign that the word has to do with going above and beyond what's necessary. Someone who gets hyperactive about something and ends up hyperventilating (breathing too hard) might be prone to the exaggerated style of speaking known as *hyperbole*. If you find yourself talking about the absolutely best (or worst) thing of all time, it's time to take it down a notch and cut down on the hyperbole.

Question 845

Unprecedented

Answer 845

Unprecedented never having happened before Something that is *unprecedented* is not known, experienced, or done before. If you've never gone on a family beach vacation but you're planning one now, you could refer to it as an *unprecedented* decision. The root of this word is *precedent*, a noun referring to something done or said that is used as an example to be followed in the future. In law, a *precedent* is a legal decision that is used as a standard in future cases. So the adjective *unprecedented*, meaning "having no precedent," was formed from the prefix *un-* "not," the noun *precedent*, and the suffix *–ed* "having."

Question 846

Moratorium

Answer 846

Moratorium temporary prohibition or halt to activity A *moratorium* is the suspension of a particular activity––you could have a *moratorium* on fishing, baking, the use of candles, the wearing of matching socks. Generally, *moratoriums* go into effect when something becomes seen as being not okay for now, but might go back to being okay later. After the water fountain started to burble up green sludge, the principal put a *moratorium* on drinking any water at school until the fountains were fixed and the water tested.

Question 847

Bastion

Answer 847

Bastion fortress; stronghold When the battle is getting long and the odds are getting longer, retreat to your *bastion* to regroup and prepare for the next round of fighting. A *bastion* is a stronghold or fortification that remains intact. French Independence Day, or Bastille Day (July 14), commemorates the storming in 1789 of the French king's prison/fort, the Bastille. *Bastion* and *Bastille* share the root *bast*, which means "build." *Bastion* can refer to any place to which one turns for safety; that can include not only buildings but also concepts, ideas, and even beliefs. The Church, for example, is a bastion of many religious beliefs.

Question 848

Smelt

Answer 848

Smelt refine an ore No, this verb doesn't involve using your nose. When you *smelt* metal, you remove it from ore, or rock. Heat is required to *smelt* iron. *Smelt* looks a lot like *melt* and that is an easy way to remember what this process involves. To smelt metal, you have to heat the rock, which is called ore, until the metal inside it melts or liquefies. That metal is the part that has use and value, but hard work is needed to extract it.

Question 849

Peruse

Answer 849

Peruse read carefully Traditionally, *peruse* has meant to read or examine something carefully. But informally, it can have the opposite meaning, to read something casually and quickly. To understand the two meanings, think about the way people like to talk about doing things thoroughly, even when they aren't. If you are visiting a library or a bookstore, you might find yourself *perusing* the shelves. Synonyms are *browse* and *skim*. *Peruse* is from Middle English *perusen* "to use up," from the Latin prefix *per-* "thoroughly" plus Middle English *usen* "to use."

Question 850

Jeopardize

Answer 850

Jeopardize put at risk; endanger * Jeopardize* means to put at risk or pose a threat. *Jeopardize* your career by posting silly pictures of yourself on Facebook. *Jeopardize* your friendships by posting silly pictures of your friends on Facebook. * Jeopardize* stems from the Old French *jeu parti*, which literally translates to a game with divided, or even, chances. An even chance of winning hardly seems a risky endeavor, but maybe our forefathers weren't big risk-takers. Whatever the reason, *jeopardize* has come to mean the act of putting yourself or something at risk, through circumstance or behavior. Think of double-jeopardy on the gameshow "Jeopardy" and you'll better understand what it means to jeopardize your savings.

Question 851

Espouse

Answer 851

Espouse promote; take up; support Use the verb *espouse* to describe the actions of someone who lives according to specific beliefs, such as your friends who *espouse* environmentalism and as a result walk whenever possible instead of taking the car. You can see the word *spouse* in *espouse*, so you may be wondering what husbands and wives have to do with it. Originally *espouse* did mean "to marry," but its meaning has evolved to include other long-term commitments as well, such as support for a principle or a cause. Similar to marriage, if you espouse a belief system, the idea is that you've chosen to wed yourself to it.

Question 853

Sensuous

Answer 853

Sensuous appealing to the senses Anything that is pleasing to the senses can be called *sensuous*. The feel of a soft cashmere sweater on your skin, the taste of dark chocolate, even the smell of your favorite person — all of these can be *sensuous* experiences. *Sensuous* describes anything that feels, tastes, smells, looks, or sounds good. Eating delicious food or relaxing in a warm bath are sensuous activities. But something intellectually satisfying, like doing a crossword puzzle or solving a math problem, is not exactly sensuous, even if you really like doing it. Use *sensuous* to describe stuff that makes your five senses happy.

Question 854

Lampoon

Answer 854

Lampoon ridicule; spoof When you make fun of something by imitating it in a humorous way, you're *lampooning* it. The writers at The Onion, Saturday Night Live and FunnyOrDie.com are all experts in the art of the *lampoon*. *Lampoon* can be both a verb and a noun. To *lampoon* is ridicule. A *lampoon* is a parody or satire. Imagine you were frustrated by having your allowance reduced, so you wrote a funny play portraying mom and dad as dictators extracting lots of unfair taxes from their people. That's *lampooning*. And it probably won't help your allowance situation.

Question 855

Pontificate

Answer 855

Pontificate speak pompously or dogmatically To *pontificate* is to talk in a dogmatic and pompous manner. To *pontificate* properly, you need to be a know-it-all with very strong opinions and the urge to share them. *Pontificate* comes from the French word *pontiff,* another word for the Pope, the leader of the Roman Catholic Church. As a verb (pronounced pon-TIF-i-kate), it meant "to perform the functions of the Pope or other high official in the Church." The noun *pontificate* (pronounced pon-TIF-i-kit) refers to the government of the Roman Catholic Church. Another word for this is the *papacy*.

Question 856

Intrepid

Answer 856

Intrepid brave *Intrepid* is just a fancy word for describing a person or action that is bold and brave. Super heroes are *intrepid* in their struggle for truth, justice and the American way. Some synonyms are *fearless*, *courageous*, *dauntless*, or *valiant*, but the word *intrepid* suggests a lack of fear in dealing with something new or unknown. This adjective comes from Latin *intrepidus,* formed from the prefix *in-* "not" plus *trepidus* "alarmed."

Question 857

Ossify

Answer 857

Ossify 1. turn to bone; 2. become fixed and rigid * Ossify* means to become bony. When a baby is born, some of their "bones" are actually soft cartilage, which allows for growth. As the child grows, these soft areas *ossify* into actual bone. The knee cap, for example, begins to ossify between ages 3 and 6. From the literal "to become bony" meaning of *ossify*, we get the more figurative meaning: to become rigid or hardened. Although you and other young people may be willing to effect social changes, many older voters have ossified in their opinions. Convincing these rigid thinkers that these changes are good for the country will be quite the challenge. If your kids sneak food to their rooms, you may find ossified cheese under the beds. Even mice won't touch that!

Question 858

Inconspicuous

Answer 858

Inconspicuous not easily seen; subtle; not noticeable * Inconspicuous* describes something that doesn't stand out or attract attention. The bad news? You just got pizza sauce on your shirt. The good news? It landed in an *inconspicuous* spot, so no one will notice. * Inconspicuous* comes from the Latin word *inconspicuus*, or "not visible," and the original meaning of *inconspicuous* was "invisible," until around 1828. Today, it describes anything that blends in or isn't very noticeable. If you have ever tried to find your black luggage among all the other pieces of black luggage at the airport, you know that sometimes, being inconspicuous makes things harder.

Question 859

Amass

Answer 859

Amass accumulate *Amass* means bring together or assemble. It can be a real shock to enter a room and see your *amassed* friends shouting "Surprise!" Although the word *amass* should not be confused with "a mass," as in the thing you never want to hear has been found on your lung, they both derive from the Latin *massa* "lump." When you think about it, this makes sense. Whether soldiers or cancer cells, things that come together to form a whole — in this case, a tumor or an army — are amassed.

Question 860

Voracious

Answer 860

Voracious ravenous * Voracious* is an adjective used to describe a wolflike appetite. It might be a craving for food or for something else, such as power, but the word usually denotes an unflattering greediness. * Voracious* comes from the Latin *vorāre*, "to devour." The word is usually associated with swallowing or devouring food in a ravenous manner, but it can be used of someone intensely involved in any activity. Pierre Salinger referred to President Kennedy as a "*voracious* reader," while Robert Bakker once likened the IRS to a "voracious, small-minded predator."

Question 861

Disparity

Answer 861

Disparity an inequality If there is a disparity between how great you think you are at tennis, and how you actually play, you are probably surprised by how often you lose. *Disparity* is the condition of being unequal, and a *disparity* is a noticeable difference. *Disparity* usually refers to a difference that is unfair: economic *disparities* exist among ethnic groups, there is a *disparity* between what men and women earn in the same job. This noun derives from Latin *dispar* "unequal." The opposite of *disparity* is *parity*, the condition of being equal or the same.

Question 862

Cynical

Answer 862

Cynical believing that people act only out of selfish motives If you think public officials are nothing but a bunch of greedy buffoons, you have a *cynical* attitude about politics. A *cynical* person has a bleak outlook about others, always imagining that people are ruled by their worst instincts. H.L. Mencken was famous for saying cynical things like, "Nobody ever went broke underestimating the intelligence of the American public." The original Cynics were ancient Greek philosophers who never had a good word to say about anyone. The Greek word *kynikos* actually means "canine," maybe because all of that sneering seemed a little dog-like.

Question 863

Zealot

Answer 863

Zealot fanatic

Question 864

Variegated

Answer 864

Variegated multicolored; speckled Something *variegated* has many different colors, as in the trees of autumn or the feathers of a peacock. Whenever you see "vari" at the beginning of a word, you know that the idea of difference or change is involved. Using *vari* is a good way to start thinking about this word. It's the same root as in *various*, *variable*, *varied*, and *variety*. All these words mean something similar: lots of different versions of something. The scales of a fish can appear quite variegated from one angle and then strangely uniform from another. A tiger's variegated coat helps it stay hidden.

Question 865

Vital

Answer 865

Vital essential; alive; important A patient's *vital signs* are their important body functions, such as pulse rate, that shows they are still alive. Use the adjective *vital* to describe something that is important and necessary, or a person full of energy. *Vital* descends from Middle English, from Old French, from Latin *vītālis*, from *vīta* "life." If you are vital to the organization you work for, it means they cannot live without you––or at least that you're an important part of the team. If you're a vital force in your church volunteer group, you probably are a leader with lots of energy to give.

Question 866

Portend

Answer 866

Portend foretell * Portend* means to show a sign that something calamitous is about to happen. The teetering, tottering, pile of fine china piled up after the dinner party *portends* an imminent crash of broken plates and dishes. * Portend* is a verb warning of omens, or bad signs. Dark clouds rumbling in over a county fair in Kansas portend the thunderstorm and even tornado that is likely to ruin the festivities. *Portend* is a helpful way for authors to foreshadow dark events ahead in their stories.

Question 867

Podium

Answer 867

Podium raised platform A *podium* is a raised platform like the kind Olympians stand on when they win a medal or like the overturned crate in the garage where you pretend to accept your Academy Award. Stepping up to a podium means taking center stage. A person might be receiving an honor or giving a speech and the added height of a podium makes that person the focus. If you wave a baton as the conductor of an orchestra or band, you'll need to stand on a podium so the musicians can see you. And, if you deliver a rousing message in a church you might use a podium, but probably shouldn't be waving a baton.

Question 868

Omniscient

Answer 868

Omniscient all-knowing To be *omniscient* is to know everything. This often refers to a special power of God. If you combine the Latin roots *omnis* (meaning "all") and *scientia* (meaning "knowledge"), you'll get *omniscient*, meaning "knowledge of all." It would be nice to be omniscient: then you would know absolutely everything in the world. Many religions have a god who is all-powerful and omniscient. This is how a god is supposed to know when you sinned, or what's going to happen in the future.

Question 870

Unscathed

Answer 870

Unscathed unharmed; intact; without a scratch If you walked away from a nasty bike accident without a scratch, you walked away *unscathed*, meaning you came out unharmed. You can also come through a scandal *unscathed*, with your reputation untarnished, or your dog-walking business may emerge from the financial crisis *unscathed* and more profitable than ever. With the word *unscathed*, there's always a sense of something bad that might have happened but didn't.

Question 871

Chronicler

Answer 871

Chronicler person who records historical information

Question 872

Traverse

Answer 872

Traverse to move across The verb *traverse* means to travel across an extended area. "Her dream was to *traverse* the country by car, so she could meet new people and see all the kitschy sites — like the giant roadside tire in Michigan or the shoe house in Pennsylvania." The verb *traverse* can also mean "to span," to span a physical space or time. "The bridge *traversed* the river, linking the two cities." *Traverse* can be used for any crossing, but it often is used when implying the crossing will be difficult. "She was exhausted from traveling in the snowy conditions, but she still had to *traverse* an icy bridge before she would arrive safely home."

Question 874

Inadvertent

Answer 874

Inadvertent not intentional When something happens by accident, it's *inadvertent*, or unintentional. The gas company assured you that the error in your bill was *inadvertent* and that they would fix it, but not before you blew off some steam. If you break down the adjective *inadvertent* you find the word *vert*, from the Latin *vertere*, meaning "to turn." *Advertent* comes to mean "turning the mind to," and as the prefix *in-* means "not," *inadvertent* means "not turning the mind to," or "not intending to." When your actions are *inadvertent* you're not paying attention to their consequences. Remember that *inadvertent* ends with *-ent* by remembering this sentence: "We inadvertently ripped the *tent*."

Question 875

Enfranchise

Answer 875

Enfranchise give voting rights The verb *enfranchise* is used when a group of people are given voting rights or freedoms they didn't have before. Many people under the age of 18 would like lawmakers to *enfranchise* their peer group so they can vote. *Enfranchise* traces back to the Old French word *enfranchiss*, a combination of *en-*, meaning "make, put in," and *enfranchir*, meaning "to set or make free." In the 1680s, *enfranchise* came to mean "to admit to membership in a state," something that usually came with the right to vote. You may know the word *disenfranchised*, an adjective that describes people who lack rights or liberties. To enfranchise is to give or restore rights to the disenfranchised.

Question 876

Sluggard

Answer 876

Sluggard slow-moving; lethargic person Do you know anyone lazy or slothful? Then you know a *sluggard*: an idle or sluggish person. If you know that *sluggish* means slow-moving, then you have a clue to the meaning of *sluggard*. A sluggard is a lazy, sleepy, slow-moving person. A sluggard is likely to oversleep and even snooze through class or work. If you're alert and hard-working, no one will ever call you a sluggard or a slug. Being a sluggard is a great way to fail a class, lose a job, or just fall behind in general.

Question 877

Protean

Answer 877

Protean changeable When Picasso is described as a *protean* genius, it means that not only was he brilliant, but he changed the way he worked many times. *Protean* means able to change shape. Proteus was a Greek god who could tell the future, but when he was asked a question he didn't want to answer, he would change shapes. With someone or something protean, you get all the power of shape-shifting, plus some of the menace of a god you cannot control.

Question 878

Diurnal

Answer 878

Diurnal active in daytime If it’s 9:00 at night and your mom wants you to do the dishes, you could try to put it off until the next day by politely pointing out that you are a *diurnal* animal. That means you get most of your activities done during the day. The adjective *diurnal* can be used to describe anything that takes place in the daytime, but it is most often used in the field of biology to describe animals that are active during the day and then sleep at night. Animals with the opposite schedule are said to be *nocturnal*, which means they’re active at night and sleep in the daytime. *Diurnal* can also be used to describe something that has a daily cycle, such as a diurnal tide that occurs once each day.

Question 879

Deleterious

Answer 879

Deleterious harmful If something is *deleterious*, it does harm or makes things worse. Smoking has obvious *deleterious* effects on your health, not to mention your social life. My parents were worried that their divorce would have a deleterious effect on us kids, but in the end it was less harmful than watching them fight all the time. For most plants, a lack of sunlight has very deleterious consequences, but there are some plants that actually do very well in the dark. It's a wonder, given how well-established the science is, that we continue to do things that are deleterious to the fragile ecosystem. We must be willing to live with the deleterious effects.

Question 881

Obsession

Answer 881

Obsession a dominating concern If you have an *obsession*, you're totally fixated on something and unhealthily devoted to it. Some common *obsessions* include fantasy football leagues, celebrity gossip, and Elvis memorabilia. *Obsession* is kind of like a passion for something that crosses the line into crazy territory. Sometimes people get so preoccupied with their obsessions that it makes them anxious or emotionally unstable. If you have an obsession with the Yankees, for example, you might go to every single game, skip work to watch spring training, paper your room with Yankees posters, and write love notes to Derek Jeter.

Question 882

Querulous

Answer 882

Querulous always complaining * Querulous* means "having a tendency to complain" or, more directly put, "whiny." Sure, no one can be happy all the time, but that’s no excuse for being *querulous*. * Querulous* may remind you of the word *query*, which means "question." However, the two words are not closely related. It’s perfectly reasonable to make a query; just don’t be querulous if you don’t like the answer you get. Querulous does share its origins with the word *quarrel*, which means "argument" -– and that’s what’s likely to happen if you complain too much.

Question 883

Nostalgia

Answer 883

Nostalgia longing for the past Think of the noun, *nostalgia,* when you long for the good old days of the past. The noun *nostalgia* was invented by a Swiss doctor in the late 1600s. He put together the Greek *nostos* "homecoming" and *algos* "pain, distress" as a literal translation of the German *Heimweh* "homesickness." Originally, it was a medical diagnosis for mercenary soldiers. Today, it describes a bittersweet longing for the past. Think of the dreamy way your grandpa tells stories of his childhood — he's got nostalgia.

Question 884

Congeal

Answer 884

Congeal to solidify *Congeal* means to jell — to solidify or become gelatinous. Sounds gross? But wiggly Jell-O is actually *congealed* liquid, so it can't be that bad, right? This word comes to us from the Old French word *congeler*, which means "to freeze." So when something congeals it goes from liquid to solid form, almost like freezing. No one usually likes congealed anything — whether it's chunkified old soup in the fridge or dried blood on a wound. See? Pretty gross. Jell-O is about as good as congealed gets!

Question 885

Referendum

Answer 885

Referendum public vote A *referendum* is an official vote on a specific issue. It's often part of a larger election. On many issues, our elected representatives argue, negotiate, and make a law, but sometimes there's a referendum — the issue is put directly to the people for a vote as part of an election. Past referendums have been on gay marriage and the legalization of marijuana. Usually, a referendum is a yes or no question. Smaller groups can have referendums too — like a school system deciding whether or not to have school uniforms or a longer school year.

Question 886

Pusillanimous

Answer 886

Pusillanimous cowardly You can describe someone who lacks courage as *pusillanimous*, such as a *pusillanimous* student who is too afraid to speak out against someone who is bullying others. Its Latin origin — *pusillus* and *animus* — tells us that *pusillanimous* means "very small spirit." If you are pusillanimous, pronounced "pew-sill-AN-ih-mus," you don't have the spirit — or the confidence or drive — to step up when it matters. The pusillanimous person stays quiet, doesn't get involved, waits for someone else to take a stand — not out of laziness, but out of fear.

Question 887

Truncate

Answer 887

Truncate cut short The verb *truncate* means to cut off or shorten. You can *truncate* a board that is too long using a power saw, a chain saw, or perhaps even a karate kick. The word *truncate* is from a Latin word, *truncare*, which means "to maim or to cut off." Although this brings to mind a more grisly image ("*truncate* a limb in an accident"), you can actually truncate things that are not related to anatomy. You could truncate an essay by omitting a paragraph or two, or you could even truncate your vacation in Belize by heading home early.

Question 888

Obliterate

Answer 888

Obliterate destroy; demolish; eradicate When you see *obliterate*, think of evil alien invaders that zap a planet with a destructive ray. In one blast, the planet and all of the people on it are vaporized. The planet is truly *obliterated*, or completely wiped out. A long time ago, *obliterate* had to do with blotting out words on a page. This is why you see the word *literate* in there. Today it means to erase or destroy completely so that there is nothing left. While you can still obliterate text, you can also obliterate hope, an opponent, or all traces of your presence. Whatever you obliterate is completely gone.

Question 889

Prodigal

Answer 889

Prodigal wasteful; extravagant In the Bible, the *Prodigal* Son leaves home and wastes all his money, but when he returns, he feels sorry. Use the adjective *prodigal* to describe someone who spends too much money, or something very wasteful. *Prodigal* usually applies to the spending of money. In the Bible, the Prodigal Son leaves home and wastes all his money, but when he returns, he feels sorry. You could also use this word to describe something that is very abundant or generous in quantity, such as *prodigal* praise. *Prodigal* comes from Latin *prodigere* "to drive away, waste," from the prefix *prod-* "forth" plus *agere* "to drive."

Question 890

Poseur

Answer 890

Poseur someone who puts on an act "Strike a pose," sang Madonna in her most famous song, "Vogue." But if the pose you're striking is fake, pretentious, or arrogant, you're a *poseur*. Be yourself: it's cooler. It's one thing to be smart, funny, or cool. It's another thing to pretend to be that way: that's the life of a poseur. (Say it in the French way: poh-ZUHR.) It's all too easy to spot a poseur from their ridiculous posing. Why poseurs think that they come across as anything other than fake is beyond me. They must be really insecure to think they need to pretend to be something they're not. Every once in a while, though, a poseur can fake it till they make it. Then they're no longer a poseur.

Question 891

Seminary

Answer 891

Seminary an institution in which priests are trained What do ministers, priests, rabbis, and children have in common? They all might attend a school that has the word *seminary* in its name. A *seminary* is a school, especially one where people train to be religious leaders. *Seminary* comes from the Latin word *seminarium*, meaning "plant nursery," which can be interpreted as, "breeding ground." Like a greenhouse that provides ideal conditions for seeds to grow into hearty plants, a seminary was first a place for young men to become priests. *Seminary* typically describes religious institutions but it can apply to nonreligious schools as well.

Question 892

Vignette

Answer 892

Vignette small sketch A *vignette* is a brief but powerful scene. A good *vignette* leaves you wanting more. Over the centuries a vignette has taken on different forms. Originally it was one of those small sketches you find in the front of old books, often with decorative bands of ivy around its edges (the word comes from the French *vigne* for vineyard). When cinema came along, a vignette became a quick portrait in film of a character. Some films, like Robert Altman's *Short Cuts,* are essentially just a compilation of individual vignettes.

Question 893

Savant

Answer 893

Savant person with knowledge You know that girl in your school with a GPA over 100? She is a *savant* in the making. A *savant* is someone over-the-top smart, a scholar. It might take a *savant* only five minutes to do an entire math test. *Savant* is the French word for "learned" and it goes back to the Latin word "to be wise", *sapere*. There are *savants* who are wise and learned, and then there are *idiot savants*, who are brilliant in very specific areas, but not in others, like an idiot savant who knows absolutely everything about the American Civil War but has no ability with learning a foreign language.

Question 894

Fallacious

Answer 894

Fallacious FALSE Something *fallacious* is a mistake that comes from too little information or unsound sources. Predictions that the whole state of California will snap off from the rest of North America and float away have proven to be *fallacious* — for now, anyway. *Fallacious* comes ultimately from the Latin *fallax,* "deceptive." The word *fallacious* might describe an intentional deception or a false conclusion coming from bad science or incomplete understanding. A tween's assumption that anyone over 20 can't understand her situation would be fallacious; we have all been young once too.

Question 895

Stoke

Answer 895

Stoke add fuel to; strengthen To *stoke* is to poke a fire and fuel it so that it burns higher. It can also mean "incite"––a principal's impassive silence in the face of requests for more tater tots might *stoke* the flames of student anger. When a surfer says, "I am so *stoked*," it means they are excited––the fire of enthusiasm is burning hotter. It's interesting to reflect on how many words in our language have to do with the tending of fires, an activity that has become much less common in recent human history.

Question 896

Instigator

Answer 896

Instigator troublemaker; person who entices others to do something

Question 897

Consummate

Answer 897

Consummate complete; total; supremely good If a restaurant is a *consummate* example of fine dining, you might say there's nothing more to say about fine dining that what this restaurant represents. *Consummate* means complete or finished. *Consummate* can be used to describe something good or bad: *consummate* joy, a *consummate* liar. To *consummate* means to bring something to completion, but it often refers specifically to making a marriage complete by having sexual relations. The adjective is pronounced KÄN-sə-mit, but the verb is pronounced KÄN-sə-māt.

Question 898

Condescend

Answer 898

Condescend talk down to A snooty waiter might *condescend* to serve you dinner at a fancy restaurant, meaning that he'd consider himself far too important to carry out the mundane task of delivering your hamburger and fries. You might have noticed that *condescend* contains the word *descend*, meaning to move down from a higher place. You can think of *condescend* as lowering yourself to do a task that you feel is far beneath you. Kings and queens would never condescend to do their own laundry at the palace, for example. If they even knew how to do the laundry, you can be sure they'd do it in a condescending, or superior, way to let everyone know that housework is no task for a monarch.

Question 900

Adroit

Answer 900

Adroit skilful / skillful Someone who is *adroit* is clever and skillful. An *adroit* leader will be able to persuade people to go with his ideas. An *adroit* sculptor can turn a lump of clay into an object of great beauty. If you've ever studied French you know that *droit* means "right," both as in "right of free speech" and as in "left and right," and *à droit* means both "turn right" and "properly." Once English people borrowed *à droit,* they changed the meaning slightly, from doing something "properly" to "doing something well." You may have heard the expression "surprisingly *adroit*," as in, "For a guy whose wife does all the cooking, he is surprisingly *adroit* in the kitchen."

Question 901

Placate

Answer 901

Placate pacify; soothe; calm When a husband shows up with flowers after he's fought with his wife, he's trying to *placate* her. If you *placate* someone, you stop them from being angry by giving them something or doing something that pleases them. If your little sister is mad that the dog ate her favorite teddy bear, you could placate her by buying her an ice cream cone. A near synonym for *placate* is *appease*. The origin of *placate* is Latin *placare* "to calm or soothe." The related Latin verb *placere* is the source of English *please*.

Question 903

Amelioration

Answer 903

Amelioration improvement *Amelioration* is a process that makes something better. A crying baby definitely needs some *amelioration*, usually in the form of a bottle or a fresh diaper. Any time there's amelioration, something negative is becoming more positive. If your landlord improves the water pressure and lowers the rent, that's amelioration. Often this word has to do with words themselves and how some change in meaning over the years, becoming more positive. A good example is *terrific*, which once meant "causing terror" and now means "wonderful" or "awesome." Through amelioration, *terrific* went from a negative meaning to a positive one.

Question 904

Notoriety

Answer 904

Notoriety infamy; known for wrong doing *Notoriety* is fame you get from doing something bad or being part of a misfortune or scandal. Just remember: *Notoriety*'s not al-righty. Charles Manson earned *notoriety* for his grisly crimes. In our celebrity culture, it's hard not to think that seizing your 15 minutes of fame is worth the shame of earning it through stupidity, scandal, or evil. (See: people's motives for going on reality television.) The rest of us can comfort ourselves with in our boringness that most people who become notorious fade from the public mind quickly.

Question 905

Postulate

Answer 905

Postulate hypothesize; propose Assume something or present it as a fact and you *postulate* it. Physicists *postulate* the existence of parallel universes, which is a little mind-blowing. Anyone who has suffered through geometry class is familiar with some of the greatest hits, like Euclid's postulate and the point-line-plane postulate. Those are propositions that have to be assumed for other mathematical statements to follow logically. As a verb (pronounced "POST-you-late") it describes the act of presenting an idea, theory, belief, or concept.

Question 906

Presumptuous

Answer 906

Presumptuous assuming too much; arrogant When someone takes liberties, doing things too boldly, you can describe them with the adjective *presumptuous*. *Presumptuous* comes from the Latin verb *praesumere* which means to take for granted. It means taking for granted your access to someone or power to do something. It's a very satisfying word and effective word because it belittles someone at the same time as criticizing him. In Shakespeare's "Henry VI," Northumberland calls Warwick "presumptuous and proud" for trying to get rid of the king. It's usually pronounced with all four syllables, pre-ZUMP-choo-us, although pre-ZUMP-chus is acceptable as well.

Question 907

Languid

Answer 907

Languid tired; slow Describe a slow-moving river or a weak breeze or a listless manner with the slightly poetic adjective, *languid.* *Languid* comes from the Latin verb, *languere* "to be weak or faint" and is a somewhat literary word for something that doesn't use much energy. If someone says goodbye to you with a languid wave of the hand, there's not too much movement involved. You can describe yourself as languid when you have that feeling of not being entirely awake — kind of lazy in the mind.

Question 908

Apprehensive

Answer 908

Apprehensive worried; fearful If you're *apprehensive*, you're anxious or fearful. If you just got run over by a crazy bicyclist, you might be a bit *apprehensive* crossing the street. *Apprehensive* is from a Latin word meaning "to seize," and it originally meant "quick to seize impressions or ideas, perceptive, intelligent." Now it means "anticipating something bad, fearful of what may happen." Synonyms are *afraid*, which suggest a more immediate fear, and *fearful*, which suggests a more general temperament ("a fearful child"). You can be *apprehensive* about a situation while being an optimistic and courageous person in general.

Question 909

Inept

Answer 909

Inept incompetent; unskilled; useless A clumsy, incompetent person — or an ineffective action — is *inept*. When you're *inept*, you don't know what you're doing or just can't get it done. Someone inept is bumbling, clueless, and ineffective. Inept people are dumb or clueless; they don't understand things. More than that, inept people are bad at what they do. An inept lawyer always loses cases. An inept figure skater wipes out on the ice. An inept postal worker loses mail and puts it in the wrong box. An inept person is downright bad at something. The opposite of *inept* is *competent*.

Question 910

Consensus

Answer 910

Consensus general agreement When there's a *consensus*, everyone agrees on something. If you're going to a movie with friends, you need to reach a *consensus* about which movie everyone wants to see. Ever notice how people disagree about just about everything, from who's the best baseball player to how high taxes should be? Whenever there's disagreement, there's no consensus: consensus means everyone is on the same page. When you're talking about all the people in the world, it's hard to find a consensus on anything. There are just too many opinions. However, in a smaller group, reaching a consensus is possible.

Question 911

Nullify

Answer 911

Nullify to counter; make unimportant To *nullify* something means to make it invalid or ineffective. A peace treaty is an attempt to nullify aggression and division within a region. If you take a null, or a zero, and make it into an action you can take, and you’ve got *nullify* — the act of making something void or zero-like. If you have an argument with your friend, it might nullify the fun you had together that day. This word is particularly used in legal language — a divorce nullifies a marriage — or in business disputes where you are trying to nullify someone else’s actions or plans.

Question 912

Exonerates

Answer 912

Exonerates acquits; absolves; removes blame To *exonerate* someone is to declare him not guilty of criminal charges. This word is pretty much only used in reference to proceedings in a court of law. A word with a similar meaning that might be familiar is "acquit." When your next door neighbor was arrested for painting smiley faces on the front doors of all the houses on your block, evidence to exonerate him was discovered when the police found a young hooligan from the next street over with a basement full of paint canisters. The verb comes from the Latin *exonerat-*, meaning "freed from burden." A criminal charge is certainly a burden, and when you're exonerated, you're freed from that burden.

Question 913

Vestigial

Answer 913

Vestigial not developed *Vestigial* describes an organ or body part that continues to exist without retaining its original function, such as our appendix. The adjective *vestigial* derives from the Latin word *vestigium,* meaning "footprint, trace." It's most often used in biology to describe something that either didn't finish developing or has become, through evolution, pretty much useless. An ostrich's wings are vestigial because it's unable to fly — or do much of anything — with them. A penguin's wings, on the other hand, are not vestigial because it has found another use for them — to help it swim.

Question 914

Lachrymose

Answer 914

Lachrymose tearful; sad A good place to see a display of *lachrymose* sorrow is at a funeral — people sobbing openly or sniffling quietly into their hankies. To be *lachrymose*, in other words, is to be tearful. *Lachrymose* is not a word used much in everyday speech; you wouldn't say, for example, "I feel a bit *lachrymose* today." No, you'd probably say, "I feel a bit weepy today." *Lachrymose* is generally confined to use as a written critical term, often meaning much the same as *sentimental.* Books and plays and films can all be lachrymose, if their intent is to induce shameless sniveling.

Question 915

Extrinsic

Answer 915

Extrinsic irrelevant; on the outside Extrinsic means not connected to the essential nature of something. New cleats are *extrinsic* to making the soccer team. How you play is what gets you on the team, whether your cleats are old or new. If the *ex* in *extrinsic* makes you think of *external* or *extra* you’re on the right track––all these *ex* words are talking about something that is outside, or above and beyond. You often hear *extrinsic* paired with its opposite, *intrinsic*, which means part of something or someone's essential nature. If being sweet-tempered is intrinsic to your personality, you might not even know how to get mad.

Question 916

Bourgeois

Answer 916

Bourgeois middle class The adjective *bourgeois* means relating to or typical of the middle class. If someone says, "Oh, how *bourgeois*!" it's probably an insult, meaning you're preoccupied with middle class small mindedness. As a noun, a *bourgeois* is a member of the middle class, originally a member of the middle class in France. The word was borrowed from French, from Old French *burgeis* "citizen of a town," from *borc* "town, village," from Latin *burgus* "fortress, castle." The derived word *bourgeoisie* "the middle class" is a later borrowing from French.

Question 917

Esoteric

Answer 917

Esoteric obscure and difficult to understand Pssst... do you know the secret handshake? If you haven't been brought into the inner circle of those with special knowledge, *esoteric* things will remain a mystery to you. In the olden days, achieving *esoteric* knowledge meant getting initiated into the mystical arts, learning secrets unknown to regular folks. Now when a subject is called *esoteric* it's usually something not so mystical but still hard to penetrate: financial accounting might seem esoteric for people who get easily stumped filling out their tax forms. Americans might find the sport of cricket to be esoteric, but the rules of baseball can be just as impenetrable to outsiders. The infield fly rule? Totally esoteric.

Question 918

Ineffable

Answer 918

Ineffable cannot be expressed in words When you find something hard to express or difficult to pin down, it's *ineffable*. The feeling when you get a new puppy is *ineffable* — too strange and wonderful to define. You could call something "indescribable", but it wouldn't be quite the same as calling it *ineffable*. An ineffable feeling, for example, has an almost ghostly quality. You can almost touch it, but it slips away just before you do. The bubbles in a glass of champagne have an *ineffable* joy to them. The sense of sadness that you feel watching certain TV commercials is often *ineffable*: you simply can't explain it. You know that strange feeling of satisfaction you feel when you learn a new word? That's an *ineffable* feeling.

Question 919

Jingoistic

Answer 919

Jingoistic extremely patriotic; nationalistic If your car sports a bumper sticker that reads, "my country, right or wrong," you might be accused of being *jingoistic*, or of taking your love for your country way too far. The line between patriotic and jingoistic can sometimes seem vague and confusing. Both adjectives describe a devotion to one's country, but *jingoistic* implies a fanatical allegiance that goes beyond pride, and often includes aggression toward other countries. The word *jingo*, "mindless, gung-ho patriot," arose from a popular 1878 song that praised Britain's warlike stance toward Russia at the time, and came into American use in the 1890s during the Spanish-American war.

Question 921

Diligent

Answer 921

Diligent hard-working Someone who is *diligent* works hard and carefully. If you want to write the epic history of your family, you'll have to be very diligent in tracking down and interviewing all of your relatives. *Diligent* comes from the Latin *diligere*, which means "to value highly, take delight in," but in English it has always meant careful and hard-working. If you're a diligent worker, you don't just bang away at your job; you earnestly try to do everything right. Although being lucky and talented doesn't hurt, it's the diligent person who eventually succeeds.

Question 922

Posthumous

Answer 922

Posthumous after death If something happens after someone dies, it is described as *posthumous* — like the *posthumous* interest in the music of a singer who died "a nobody." The adjective *posthumous* comes from Latin — *post* means "after" and *humare*, "to bury." (You might also think of *humus*, which means "dirt" or "earth.") So something that is posthumous happens after a person is dead, like the posthumous discovery that your humble neighbor who lived very modestly was actually a multi-millionaire, or the posthumous publication of a book that the writer finished just before she died.

Question 923

Disseminating

Answer 923

Disseminating circulating; broadcasting; spreading (information) *Disseminate* means to spread information, knowledge, opinions widely. *Semin-* derives from the Latin word for seed; the idea with *disseminate* is that information travels like seeds sown by a farmer. Think about a teacher distributing a hand out at the beginning of a class. The *dis-* of *disseminate* and *distribute* come from the same Latin, which means "abroad." But unlike papers distributed in class, information cannot be pulled back in. Think about false rumors or political smear campaigns and you'll understand that dissemination is usually a one-way process.

Question 924

Surly

Answer 924

Surly grumpy; rude * Surly* describes behavior nobody wants to be around. Think of the irritable old guy who lives on your street and always seems to be simmering with some sullen nasty anger, whose every utterance he spits out with a rude snarl. He's the poster boy for *surly*. * Surly* behavior is always frowned upon, but the word's origins are in the behavior of English nobility. *Surly's* roots are in *sirly*, as in *sir*, meaning arrogant, haughty and superior. Its current meaning implies all that and more, none of it appealing. To be rude, snotty, sullen, mean and cranky can be added to the list. Generally speaking, if you find yourself in a *surly* mood, avoid your friends and loved ones.

Question 925

Depravity

Answer 925

Depravity moral corruption *Depravity* goes beyond mere bad behavior — it is a total lack of morals, values, and even regard for other living things, like the *depravity* of a serial killer. You can see the verb *deprave* in *depravity*. To deprave is to make something bad, often to the point of moral corruption, like the parental fear that a bad influence will deprave their good kids. So, depravity is behavior that is morally corrupt or otherwise deemed wicked. Don't confuse *depravity* with *deprivation*, meaning "being denied something that is necessary."

Question 926

Waive

Answer 926

Waive surrender; give up To *waive* is to give up one's right to do something. If you *waive* your right to help name your family's new puppy, you can't complain if he ends up being called "Mr. Tinkerbell Sweetheart Lovey-Face." *Waive* comes from a Middle English word meaning to abandon; the word *waif*, which refers to a neglected or orphaned child, shares the same root. However, while abandoning a child on a street corner is not okay, waiving one's right to do something is in most cases perfectly acceptable. A document stating one's decision to give up one's rights is appropriately called a waiver.

Question 927

Polemical

Answer 927

Polemical causing debate or argument The adjective *polemical* describes something related to an argument or controversy. To keep the peace, avoid discussing politics at Thanksgiving, which usually deteriorates into a *polemical* argument with Uncle Bob. Better stick to football or apple versus pumpkin pie. *Polemical* is the adjective form of the noun *polemic*, which itself comes from the Greek word, *polemos*, meaning "war." Use *polemical* to describe a controversy or argument that could end up as a huge conflict, because *polemical* refers to a major disagreement. The word is often used to describe speech and writing — a polemical discussion or a polemical essay — that usually starts a war of words.

Question 928

Protocol

Answer 928

Protocol procedure; code of behavior *Protocol* is most often used when talking about the rules of government or official agencies. It is derived from the French and refers to the correct rules of etiquette for diplomats. The term *protocol* is used in many areas besides diplomatic ones. School marching bands or college admissions offices follow protocols, and doctors use them to treat patients with specific conditions. In tech circles, a protocol is a set of standards that programmers follow so that their work can be decoded by other computers. The p in the http of a web address is short for *protocol*. Without this type of protocol, you would not able to read this page.

Question 929

Preeminent

Answer 929

Preeminent famous; outstanding Calling someone *preeminent* means they're truly outstanding or better than everyone else — not in general, but in a specific field or specialty. Such as a *preeminent* geologist. The adjective *preeminent* was first recorded in the mid 15th century and has its roots in the Latin *praeeminentem*, which means "to project forward, rise above." And anything that's been described as preeminent certainly does rise above the rest. Preeminent scholars or universities or craftsmen are the best at what they do and are well known because of it.

Question 930

Venal

Answer 930

Venal corrupt; can be bribed Someone with *venal* motives is corrupt and maybe a little evil. Nobody wants to be thought of as *venal*. Venal actions include taking bribes, giving jobs to your friends, and cheating. *Venal* means about the same thing as "corrupt" or "corruptible." Venal people are considered sleazy and untrustworthy. They're often criminals. No one is perfect, and most of us have venal motives at some point.

Question 931

Fecund

Answer 931

Fecund fertile The adjective *fecund* describes things that are highly fertile and that easily produce offspring or fruit. Rabbits are often considered to be *fecund* animals, and you may hear jokes in poor taste about people reproducing like rabbits if they have a lot of children. The word *fecund* comes from the Latin word *fecundus*, meaning fruitful. But the English word does not just describe something or someone fertile, the adjective *fecund* can also be used to describe someone who is innovative or highly intellectually productive. Your fecund imagination will be an asset if you have to tell ghost stories around the fire at camp while eating s'mores but that same fecund imagination could be less helpful if you're at home alone on a stormy night and you think you hear a knock at the door!

Question 932

Orthodox

Answer 932

Orthodox conventional

Question 933

Predecessor

Answer 933

Predecessor one who came before A *predecessor* is something that came before the current version. The person you replaced at work is your *predecessor*, just like Pac Man is the *predecessor* of modern video games. If you break the word *predecessor* down to its Latin roots, you get *pre*, meaning "beforehand," and *decessor*, which means "retiring officer." So that's how we get to our definition of "someone who has held an office or position before the present holder." But predecessors aren't just found in the business world: these days predecessors include our ancestors, earlier car models, and all kinds of other forerunners.

Question 934

Degradation

Answer 934

Degradation deprivation; poverty; debasement *Degradation* is the act of lowering something or someone to a less respected state. A president resigning from office is a *degradation*. It’s also a downcast state. Once the president has resigned, he might feel *degradation*. The noun *degradation* is related to the verb *degrade*, which comes from the Latin *degradare*. *Degradare* comes from *de-*, meaning "down," and *gradus*, meaning "step." You can think of a degradation as a step down, or feeling as though you’re a step below.

Question 935

Blatant

Answer 935

Blatant obvious Something *blatant* is very obvious and offensive. Don't get caught in a *blatant* lie, because you won't be able to weasel your way out of it. *Blatant* acts are done without trying to hide them. This adjective is probably from Latin *blaterare* "to chatter, croak" or Latin *blatīre* "to chatter, gossip." A near synonym is *flagrant*.

Question 936

Parity

Answer 936

Parity equality * Parity* refers to equality of an amount or value, and it's used most often to refer to finance. * Par* means "equality" — for example, something "not up to par" is not equal to what it should be. In a similar vein, *parity* means "equivalence." Farm parity is a system under which farm-produce prices are supported by the government to give farmers prices equal to a set level, thus supporting the farmers even if the market prices should fall.

Question 937

Fraudulent

Answer 937

Fraudulent fake; false Something *fraudulent* is intentionally false and meant to harm or deceive. That email message from the Sultan of Brunei offering you millions of dollars just might be *fraudulent*. From the fact that the word *fraudulent* is frequently teamed with the word *scheme*, you can get the idea that something fraudulent is sneaky, snarky, and just plain wrong. A fraudulent scheme is one designed to gain something at the expense of someone else. It might be small — trying to use an expired coupon — or bigger — lying on your taxes. Whatever its form, planning something fraudulent is cheating, and it's wrong.

Question 939

Morose

Answer 939

Morose gloomy; bad tempered A *morose* person is sullen, gloomy, sad, glum, and depressed — not a happy camper. When someone is morose, they seem to have a cloud of sadness hanging over them. This word is stronger than just *sad* — *morose* implies being extremely gloomy and depressed. We all can be morose at times, like after the death of a friend or family member. Whether you're morose due to an event or just because you're feeling blue, you should try skipping or whistling a little tune to perk things up.

Question 940

Gratuitous

Answer 940

Gratuitous unwarranted * Gratuitous* means "without cause" or "unnecessary." Telling ridiculous jokes at a somber occasion would be a display of *gratuitous* humor. * Gratuitous* can be used to refer to something that’s unnecessary and mildly annoying. If a friend frequently gives you fashion tips, even though you’ve expressed no interest in receiving them, you’d be correct in labeling her advice as gratuitous. In addition, *gratuitous* can be used to indicate that something is not only unnecessary but also inappropriate. Some people claim that some films and video games contain gratuitous violence — that is, violence that is excessive and offensive.

Question 941

Willful

Answer 941

Willful stubborn *Willful* means "deliberate" or "stubborn." A child who exhibits *willful* disobedience knows she is doing something wrong (even if she tries to convince you otherwise). While being full of will, or determination, doesn’t necessarily seem like a bad thing, the word *willful* is negative in meaning. Use it when someone is behaving in a stubborn or uncooperative manner. To describe someone who possesses dedication or perseverance in a positive sense, consider *determined*, *driven*, or *decisive* — and that’s just the *d*'s!

Question 942

Censorious

Answer 942

Censorious disapproving; critical * Censorious*, an adjective, describes people who are so critical, they find something wrong in everything. Do not let *censorious* guests come to your next dinner party! * Censorious*, pronounced "sen-SOAR-ee-us," comes from the Latin word *censura*, meaning "judgment." Someone who is censorious judges everyone and everything, ruining everyone's good time with harsh criticisms. The sky is too blue. Your dog is too friendly. The zebra has too many stripes. You get the idea. A censorious person makes others say, "So...is there anything you do like?"

Question 943

Obfuscate

Answer 943

Obfuscate deliberately make something difficult to understand Some people are experts at *obfuscating* the truth by being evasive, unclear, or obscure in the telling of the facts. The people who are good at *obfuscating* would include defense lawyers and teenagers asked about their plans for Saturday night. Although the verb *obfuscate* can be used in any case where something is darkened, less clear, or more obscure, it is most frequently used in reference to things like ideas, facts, issues, or the truth. The usual implied meaning is that this obfuscation is done deliberately. Politicians often obfuscate the truth about the issues to win support for their positions so they can win elections.

Question 944

Restorative

Answer 944

Restorative a tonic

Question 945

Serene

Answer 945

Serene calm; peaceful Choose the adjective, *serene,* to describe someone who is calm and untroubled. If you tell someone horrible news and they remain *serene*, you might wonder if they heard you! Related to the Latin word *serenus* "peaceful, calm, clear," *serene* was originally used in English, as in Latin, to describe calm weather. By the mid 1600s, however, it was used figuratively to describe a calm, untroubled person as well. Though people show their emotions pretty openly today, Victorian novels are full of characters who remain serene no matter how terrible the news.

Question 946

Skirmish

Answer 946

Skirmish minor battle A *skirmish* is a small fight — more a dust-up than a full-out battle — and it can refer to a physical fight or just a battle of words. It is definitely confrontational, though. Think of a skirmish as kind of a mini-battle, although a military skirmish can end with casualties. Still, although such an encounter can be serious, even the very word *skirmish* sounds slight, like a stirring of dust in the breeze. Shakespeare referred to the combative nature of his characters Beatrice and Benedick, in "Much Ado About Nothing," as "a kind of merry war betwixt Signior Benedick and her: they never meet but there's a *skirmish* of wit between them."

Question 947

Pretentious

Answer 947

Pretentious pompous; self-important Use the adjective *pretentious* as a way to criticize people who try to act like they are more important or knowledgeable than they really are. You might not be surprised to learn that *pretentious* is related to the word *pretend*, and it is an adjective that fits the bill for describing someone who's only concerned with making an impressive appearance. If you don't want to be accused of being pretentious, just act naturally and don't put on airs!

Question 949

Patronize

Answer 949

Patronize condescend to; behave in an arrogant manner towards If you *patronize* a business, you shop there regularly. But if someone *patronizes* you, it's not so pleasant — they talk to you as if you were inferior or not very intelligent. *Patronize* comes from Latin *patronus* "protector, master," related to *pater* "father." So if you patronize a person, you talk down to them like a father might do to his child or a master to his apprentice. If you want to take an advanced class and your advisor warns you of all the hard work, you can tell him to stop patronizing you — you know a hard class involves hard work. This sounds much better than saying, "I'm not stupid!"

Question 950

Histrionic

Answer 950

Histrionic theatrical; exaggerated Anything that has to do with actors or acting can be called *histrionic*, like a Broadway actor's *histrionic* voice projection that would sound strange in everyday life but is perfect for the stage. The adjective *histrionic*, pronounced "his-tree-ON-ic," comes from the Latin words *histrionicus* and *histrio* which mean "actor." It can describe things that have to do with acting on the stage, but it can also describe a person who in regular life is a little too dramatic and even over-acts, like your friend whose histrionic rantings make a trip to the grocery store seem like a matter of life and death.

Question 951

Trite

Answer 951

Trite unoriginal; dull When you want to indicate that something is silly or overused, you would call it *trite*. A love song with lyrics about holding hands in the sunshine? Totally *trite*. *Trite* has a Latin root, the past participle of *terere*, meaning "wear out." An old-fashioned or outdated definition of the word is "frayed or worn out by use," and you can see how the meaning for an object that is worn out can be applied to an idea that has been used to the point of being meaningless. The antonym of this word is *original*.

Question 952

Forensic

Answer 952

Forensic concerned with argument or debate (esp. for legal evidence) The adjective *forensic* describes scientific methods used to investigate crimes. If you're looking for *forensic* evidence, you're using your scientific know-how to find proof that will help solve crimes. The adjective *forensic* comes from the Latin word *forensis*, meaning "in open court" or "public." When you describe something as forensic you usually mean that is has to do with finding evidence to solve a crime. It could also mean that it has to do with the courts or legal system. You could have a forensic advantage — meaning an advantage in court — if the forensic team — meaning the investigators — found no forensic evidence of you being involved.

Question 953

Terse

Answer 953

Terse concise; to the point *Terse* means brief, or using very few words. If your teacher tells you to make your writing in your essay style *terse* and to the point, he's saying use as few words as you can and be simple and clear. A *terse* reply or command may seem rude or unfriendly––but the word *terse* itself doesn't mean unfriendly or rude. Synonyms are *succinct* or *concise*, though these words have a more positive tone. The adjective *terse* is from Latin *tersus* "clean, neat," from *tergere* "to rub off, wipe, polish." Polished language is neatly concise.

Question 954

Malinger

Answer 954

Malinger deliberately avoid work; shirk When you *malinger*, you pretend to be sick. If you ever claimed to have a stomach ache in order to stay home from school, you know what it means to *malinger*. The word *malinger* comes from the French *malingre*, which can mean "ailing or sickly," but the word part *mal*, means "wrongly," which suggests the sick person is just faking. Lying about a stomach ache, holding the thermometer near a light bulb, refusing to get out of bed, moaning — all of these are classic tactics of those who malinger, or pretend to be too sick to do anything but lie around the house.

Question 955

Hoary

Answer 955

Hoary old Use the adjective *hoary* to describe something that is old and worn out — like the *hoary* jokes your great uncle Albert clings to. The word *hoary* can also be used to describe something that is white or gray with age. Santa is usually depicted with a hoary beard and hoary hair, although sometimes mall Santas have to fake this with wigs and artificial beards. *Hoary* can also mean covered with white down — "The *hoary* leaves felt like velvet to the touch."

Question 956

Riddled

Answer 956

Riddled full of (usually full of holes)

Question 958

Venerate

Answer 958

Venerate revere; worship To *venerate* is to worship, adore, be in awe of. You probably don't venerate your teacher or boss; however, you may act like you do! The word hasn't come far from its Latin roots in *venerari*, "to worship." Although you can certainly *venerate* a deity, a person can deserve it, too. Find part of the word *Venus* in there, meaning "love, desire" and dang, if someone *venerates* you, you're doing okay. We don't usually *venerate* our sweethearts; we often save it for those higher powers, or for remarkable people we're in awe of. Mother Teresa was *venerated* for her work with the poor, and Gandhi was *venerated* for his efforts for peace, but most people aren't *venerated* for normal stuff, like being someone's sweetie.

Question 959

Remuneration

Answer 959

Remuneration payment for work done When you politely refuse your neighbor’s offer of *remuneration* for your efforts with the lawn, you may have made a mistake. *Remuneration* refers to payment for a service, so the neighbor was basically offering you cash. If it makes you uncomfortable to talk about your wages, you can use the word *remuneration* instead — the word has a remote sound to it that makes it seem like you aren’t talking about money even though you are. It’s a formal way to refer to payment for work or other services. You might see this word in contracts, policies, and other official documents that refer to payments.

Question 960

Malleable

Answer 960

Malleable flexible; can be shaped A *malleable* personality is capable of being changed or trained, and a *malleable* metal is able to be pounded or pressed into various shapes. It's easier to learn when you're young and *malleable*. Similarly, there are *ductile* metals that can be hammered out into wire or thread; gold, silver, and platinum are examples. The adjective *malleable* dates back to Middle English, from Old French, from Medieval Latin *malleābilis*, from *malleāre* "to hammer," from Latin *malleus* "a hammer."

Question 961

Provincial

Answer 961

Provincial unsophisticated; narrow-minded A *provincial* person comes from the backwaters. Someone from a small province outside of Provence, France, might seem a little more *provincial* and less worldly than someone from, say, Paris. Something or someone provincial belongs to a province, or region outside of the city. *Provincial* has a straightforward meaning when describing where someone is from, but it has some other shades of meaning too. Something provincial can be quaint and in a pleasing rural or country style, but it also can imply someone less sophisticated, as in someone with provincial, or simple, tastes. Individuals or groups of people who are considered narrow-minded are often labeled *provincial,* even if they're from the city.

Question 962

Amorphous

Answer 962

Amorphous lacking in shape In a scientific sense *amorphous* means lacking a crystalline structure, something without solid form. In a broader sense, the word describes anything that lacks a distinct shape or organizing theme, be it a work of art, a political movement, or even someone's direction in life. The Latin roots of this word are clear — *morph* means form and *a* means lacking. Lacking form. When used to describe creative works or ideas, it usually refers to a lack of organization and would rarely be considered a compliment. If your writing is amorphous, it's probably not fully formed. An *amorphous* crowd of people seem to be random and unconnected, until they all start dancing the Macarena in unison.

Question 963

Pariah

Answer 963

Pariah an outcast from society A *pariah* is someone that has been soundly rejected by their community. Your constant gossiping might make you a *pariah* on campus. *Pariah* takes its name from a tribe in Southeast India. The pariahs were drummers, sorcerers, and servants who became untouchables in Indian society because of the unsanitary jobs they did. *Pariah* maintains this sense of untouchableness. Pariahs are not just unliked, they are avoided at all costs. Imagine how a once popular restaurant could gain pariah status if it fails health inspections three times in a row.

Question 964

Suffragist

Answer 964

Suffragist someone who campaigns for voting rights Before 1920, women did not have the right to vote in the U.S. The *suffragist* movement fought for these rights, and the people who were part of that movement were *suffragists*. The word *suffrage* means the right to vote in elections. It does not have to do with suffering. In America, the individual states determine who may vote. However, the U.S. Constitution states in the 19th Amendment that women shall not be denied the vote based upon their sex. Suffragists fought hard to bring this constitutional amendment about. Back then, female suffragists were known as suffragettes.

Question 965

Egress

Answer 965

Egress exit If you want to leave a place, you need a means of *egress,* or a way to exit, such as a door or window. It was a beautiful old house, but without enough ways of egress, they needed outdoor fire-stairs for reaching the upper floors. *Egress* comes from a Latin word meaning "going out." An egress is basically the same thing as an exit. (*Egress* can also be used as a verb, "to exit," but less frequently than as a noun.) When buildings undergo inspection, one of the main safety features under review is the number and placement of doors and windows, the "means of *egress*," in case of fire or other emergency.

Question 966

Denounce

Answer 966

Denounce condemn; speak out against To *denounce* is to tattle, rat out, or speak out against something. When you stand on your desk and tell the class that your partner is cheating, you *denounce* him or her. The prefix *de-* means "down," as in *destroy* or *demolish* (tear down). Add that to the Latin root *nuntiare*, meaning "announce," and *destroy* plus *announce* equals *denounce*. It's a word that shows up in the headlines often, as a country might *denounce* a corrupt election. Politicians love to *denounce* each other's shady doings, or *denounce* some underhanded activities of people in their party in order to separate themselves. *Denounce* can also mean the official end of something, like a treaty.

Question 967

Exegesis

Answer 967

Exegesis scholarly explanation or interpretation If your teacher gives an explanation of a difficult text you are reading, she is giving you an *exegesis* on it. An *exegesis* is a critical look at a text. *Exegesis* comes from the Greek word for interpret and it's often used in connection with the Bible. Often times, religious rules are based on an exegesis of a text. For instance, some Jewish people do not eat meat and dairy in the same meal based on an exegesis of a law in the Torah that says you should not eat a calf cooked in its mother's milk.

Question 968

Absolution

Answer 968

Absolution forgiveness; pardon; release *Absolution* is a religious concept for purging someone of sin, granting them *absolution*. The word is used for other kinds of forgiveness too. When you sin or make a mistake, you usually want absolution — which is like forgiveness. In many religions, if you confess your sins, you can be granted absolution: the sin is forgiven, forgotten, wiped clean. Usually, the sinning person has to do some kind of penance to atone for the sin to achieve absolution. Absolution is a serious concept: if you jaywalked, you probably won't worry about absolution. If you killed somebody, absolution is going to be more important.

Question 969

Incoherent

Answer 969

Incoherent not clear *Incoherent* thoughts don't follow each other logically. *Incoherent* speech is mumbled or jumbled. *Incoherent* means that something is difficult to understand because it's not holding together. A lot of people use *incoherent* to mean unintelligible, which is a perfectly fine usage. But it specifically means unintelligible due to a lack of cohesion, or sticking together. An *incoherent* argument may sound something like this. "I deserve to go to the dance because it is the second Tuesday of the month and my feet are a size ten." The reasons do not follow each other logically and to not even relate. It's an *incoherent* mess.

Question 970

Utilitarian

Answer 970

Utilitarian useful The adjective *utilitarian* describes something that is useful or functional. If you are attracted to a car for its storage space and gas mileage — as opposed to its sparkly tire rims — then chances are you value a car's utilitarian features. The word *utilitarian* was coined by the philosopher and judge Jeremy Bentham, who argued that his principle of utility would create the "greatest happiness for the greatest number of people." The noun form of *utilitarian* refers to a person who adheres to this philosophy of usefulness. "They couldn't agree on the decor for their living room. She wanted whimsy — delicate tables, fragile statues of fairies and unicorns, and cushions on the floor to sit on. He wanted something more *utilitarian* and useful — comfortable chairs, a giant TV, and sturdy tables to put your feet on."

Question 971

Potent

Answer 971

Potent powerful; compelling; strong *Potent* means really strong, but not like a body builder. Use *potent* instead to describe things like intense smells, powerful magic potions, and very influential people. From the Latin *potentum*, meaning "powerful," *potent* is just that: having tremendous strength or influence in either a moral or physical sense. A potent question gets to the heart of the matter and sparks serious discussion. Really stiff drinks can be potent, as can your breath after a garlicky meal. And as the composer Igor Stravinsky once asked, "What force is more potent than love?"

Question 972

Weighty

Answer 972

Weighty serious

Question 973

Poignant

Answer 973

Poignant deeply moving; strongly affecting the emotions Something that is *poignant* touches you deeply. Watching a *poignant* YouTube video about baby penguins chasing their mothers, for example, might give you a lump in your throat. *Poignant* comes from the Latin *pungere* "to prick," the same root as *pungent*. But something that's *pungent* pricks your sense of smell, whereas *poignant* refers to something that pricks your emotions, especially in a melancholy way. Movie critics might describe a touching portrayal as *poignant* if there isn't a dry eye in the house.

Question 974

Inimical

Answer 974

Inimical hostile Censorship is *inimical* to freedom. So, most teenagers would argue, are curfews. To be *inimical* is to be harmful, antagonistic, or opposed to — like smoking two packs a day is to healthy lungs. *Inimical* comes from the Latin word *inimicus*, meaning "enemy." It suggests acting like someone's enemy––being adverse, damaging, or downright hostile. It can refer to anything from emotions and actions to public policy. Be careful not to mix it up with *inimitable*, which means too good to be copied.

Question 975

Substantiate

Answer 975

Substantiate give supporting evidence To *substantiate* is to give support to a claim. We’d really like to believe in the Tooth Fairy; however, more evidence is needed to *substantiate* her existence (besides that quarter in your pocket). *Substantiate* is related to the word *substantial*, which means "solid." So, to substantiate a claim is to make it solid or believable. If the evidence given in support of an argument is weak and unconvincing, that evidence can be described as insubstantial. Of course, in special cases like the Tooth Fairy, having substantial evidence doesn’t seem to matter; fans just keep on believing.

Question 976

Venial

Answer 976

Venial minor; unimportant Some crimes are unforgivable. Others are *venial* — *venial* crimes and sins are excusable. They're not a big deal. In school, there are so many things that are against the rules: talking during class, tossing spitballs, pulling the fire alarm, stealing a basketball, etc. Something *venial* would be something against the rules but forgivable. For example, if you were late for school because your parents were in the hospital, that lateness is venial. If you burned the gym down, that could never be considered venial. When you see *venial*, think "forgivable," "excusable," and "no biggie."

Question 977

Prosody

Answer 977

Prosody study of versification * Prosody* is the rhythm and sounds used in poetry. Kids who can freestyle rap fit the *prosody* of their words to a rhythm that's already laid down. * Prosody* can also mean the study of the rhythms and sounds of language, and sometimes you can talk about the prosody of prose. It's about where the emphasis falls in the words and how those work together. When you read great writers like Alice Munro aloud, you will see that their prosody, as much as anything, is what carries the story forward.

Question 978

Enhance

Answer 978

Enhance improve; make better or clearer Many people use the expression "enhance your chance" to point out ways to increase your chances of winning or earning a contest or prize. When you *enhance* something, you heighten it or make it better. "Hance" is not a word, but the addition of "en-" does something to *enhance* it and improve its sound. You can enhance the size of something, too, by altering it or raising it, which is what the word original meant (the "hance" part came via French from Latin *altus*, meaning "high"). When you *enhance* something you take it to a higher level, like adding salt to French fries to enhance flavor or adding words to enhance your vocabulary.

Question 979

Flustered

Answer 979

Flustered worked-up; not calm To be *flustered* is to lose your cool. When you're *flustered*, you're embarrassed, agitated, or just confused. If your pants fell down in the middle of class while you were giving a presentation, you'd probably be flustered: highly embarrassed, out of breath, and a little freaked out. It's hard to concentrate when you're flustered — it's a distracting state of mind. Being flustered isn't quite as bad as being panicked, but it's close. People can also get flustered by good things, like if someone you had a crush on kissed you.

Question 980

Discriminate

Answer 980

Discriminate to make a clear distinction; see the difference When you *discriminate* between two things, you can tell the difference between them and can tell them apart. The ability to discriminate between similar objects is important. For example, if you want to be a good root farmer, it helps if you can discriminate between a turnip and a parsnip. However, some people take it too far and discriminate against other people, treating them differently based on their physical characteristics or abilities. To be able to discriminate between a turnip and a radish is good, but to discriminate against people is not.

Question 981

Parody

Answer 981

Parody a mockery; imitation for ridicule; spoof A *parody* is a humorous or mocking imitation of something, using the same form as the original. To *parody* a poem, you have to write another poem. A parody is a form of humor that spoofs — or satirizes — something using the same form. For example, shows like "Saturday Night Live" and "The Daily Show" have parodied real newscasts by doing fake newscasts that look like the real thing. Whoever is President always gets parodied by various comedians and comedy writers. Anything in the public eye could be the victim of a parody.

Question 982

Onus

Answer 982

Onus burden Take the noun, *onus,* as a formal word for responsibility or obligation. If your teacher assigns *onus* as a vocabulary word, it puts the *onus* on you to find out what it means. *Onus* is a formal or sophisticated way to say "responsibility" or "duty." It sounds a little like the unrelated word *owner*, so think about the person with onus as owner of the responsibility. If the onus is on you to organize a fund raiser, you have to set the whole thing up. Have you ever heard the legal term *onus probandi*? It means the burden of proof, which requires the accuser to prove the case against the accused.

Question 983

Garble

Answer 983

Garble distort; confuse; muddle When you *garble* something, you warp or distort it, making it hard to understand. Talking with marbles in your mouth is one sure way of *garbling* your speech. When *garble* first emerged on the scene in the early 15th century, it meant "to sift" or "sort through." So imagine a sentence so scrambled that you have to sort through each word, trying to figure out what everything means. Garbling can happen by accident, like when your radio signal is bad and the songs get all distorted. But spies often jumble up their secret messages on purpose to protect them from prying eyes and ears.

Question 984

Archetype

Answer 984

Archetype classic example of An *archetype* is a perfect example of something. If you have blond hair, a perfect size six body and are on the cheerleading squad, you're the *archetype* of a high school cheerleader. In the psychology of Carl Jung, an *archetype* is an inherited pattern of thought derived from the past experience of the whole race and present in our unconscious minds––Cinderella might be an archetype for girls in our culture; the boogey man is another. This noun is from Latin *archetypum,* from Greek *archetypon,* from *archetypos* "of the first mold," from *archein* "to begin" plus *typos* "type."

Question 985

Resolution

Answer 985

Resolution determination The noun *resolution* has a few related meanings having to do with being firmly determined about something. If you lack determination, you'll never fulfill your New Year's *resolutions*. *Resolution* is the noun form of the verb *resolve*, which comes from Latin *resolvere*, "to loosen, undo, settle." We can still see this meaning in *resolution*, in the sense of "an explanation" or "a solution"; when a problem, conflict or mystery reaches its resolution, it has been "undone," so to speak. Another common meaning is "determination, resolve": "Jose approached the task with *resolution*." A related sense is "a decision to do something": "My *resolution* is to go to the gym three times a week."

Question 986

Utopian

Answer 986

Utopian a believer in an ideal world

Question 987

Chastises

Answer 987

Chastises punishes *Chastise* is a fancy word for telling someone that something they did was really bad. If you pick your nose, your mom's gonna yell at you. If you do it in front of the Queen of England, your mom will *chastise* you. Back in the Middle Ages, *chastise* used to also come with a beating––that sense of the word has passed, and in fact, people tend to use *chastise* when they are trying to accuse someone else of overreacting. "You're *chastising* me for forgetting to feed the cat, but it's not like the cat died!"

Question 988

Malefactor

Answer 988

Malefactor a wrong-doer A *malefactor* has done something illegal and has been or will be convicted, such as the *malefactor* who was videotaped stealing money from a cash register. To correctly pronounce *malefactor*, remember that the first syllable, *mal* rhymes with *pal*. A malefactor, however, is no friend you should have. *Mal-* comes from Latin and means "bad, evil," and *facere* means "to perform." A malefactor performs evil acts, or to put it a little less dramatically, does really bad things.

Question 989

Circumscribe

Answer 989

Circumscribe limit To *circumscribe* is to limit or restrict. If you spend too much time watching TV instead of fulfilling other obligations, you might circumscribe your TV-watching time to one hour daily (or two hours, if your favorite show is on). *Circumscribe* comes from the Latin words *circum*, meaning "around," and *scribere*, meaning "to write." If the word *circumscribe* causes you to think of geometry class, give yourself a pat on the back. In geometry, *circumscribe* means to draw one geometric figure around another figure so that the two figures touch but don’t intersect. If you studied geometry but this sounds unfamiliar, perhaps you should have taken our advice about watching too much TV.

Question 990

Oblique

Answer 990

Oblique indirect; slanting If something is *oblique*, it has a slanting position or direction. In figurative use, *oblique* means indirect or purposely misleading. "What is two plus two?" "Fish!" as an answer is completely *oblique*. In math, this adjective refers to geometric lines or planes that are not parallel or perpendicular to a line or surface. A playground is positioned at an oblique angle to the ground. By correcting the clerk's "Mrs." with "That's Ms. now," the woman made an oblique reference to her change in marital status.

Question 991

Bristle

Answer 991

Bristle to show irritation A *bristle* is a stiff hair — the kind men shave off their face or the kind badgers have all over. *Bristle* also means to get angry. Tell an animal rights activist you use a badger's *bristle* shaving brush and you'll get the idea. The emotional meaning of to *bristle* comes from the fact that most animal bristles used by man are so-called erectile hairs — the ones that stand up on the neck or along the back of animal when it's angry or surprised. A common word associated with *bristle* is *hackle,* another name for such erectile animal hairs. Thus the saying "to get one's hackles up," which is pretty much identical to bristling.

Question 992

Dexterous

Answer 992

Dexterous skilful with hands If you're *dexterous*, you're good with your hands. To be *dexterous* is an essential trait for knitters and sleight-of-hand magicians. The adjective *dexterous* often refers to skill and agility with the hands, but it can mean any skillful or clever physical movement. A kid's dexterous ball handling and footwork can aid him on the soccer field. *Dexterous* can also be used to describe mental skill and agility — like the *dexterous* handling of an uncomfortable situation at work.

Question 993

Attenuate

Answer 993

Attenuate weaken *Attenuate* is a verb that means to make or become weaker. The effects of aging may be *attenuated* by exercise. (Or by drinking from the fountain of youth.) The versatile word *attenuate* denotes a weakening in amount, intensity, or value. As a verb, *attenuate* is usually transitive, meaning it needs an object to be complete, such as in the sentence: "This tanning process tends to *attenuate* the deer hide, making it softer." The word can be intransitive in past tense, as in "The rain attenuated, ending the storm." And it can even be used as an adjective to describe something weakened: "Even an *attenuated* solution will remove the stain."

Question 994

Ignominious

Answer 994

Ignominious shameful Losing a football game stinks, but losing a game where, at the end, you are lying face down in a puddle of mud and the fans are burning effigies of you in the streets? That is an *ignominious* defeat. Although *ignominious* can modify other words, it is nearly always attached to "defeat." It derives from the word *ignominy*, which means public shame or defeat. *Ignominy* derives from the Latin *in-* "not" + a variant of *nomen* "name."

Question 995

Inviolable

Answer 995

Inviolable cannot be invaded Wedding vows and vault combinations that can’t be broken are considered *inviolable*. (Of course, divorce lawyers and bank robbers consider this a challenge.) The word can refer to a physical structure (a fortress, for instance) or something more conceptual (human rights or morals, perhaps). *Inviolable* has changed little from its Latin origin of *inviolabilis*, which combines the prefix *in*- (meaning "not") with the verb *violare* ("to violate"). *Inviolable* turns up in religious settings too, usually in reference to texts or rites. In that context, it means "sacred." No surprise: the antonym of *inviolable* is *violable* ("accessible or penetrable").

Question 996

Partisan

Answer 996

Partisan biased; one-sided; committed to one group If something is prejudicial towards a particular point of view, you can call it *partisan*. You'll often hear of the *partisan* politics in the US — since politicians seem to be so devoted to either the Republican or Democratic parties. *Partisan* can be used to describe rabid supporters of any person or activity. In American English, however, it is most often used to refer to politics and the American two-party system of Democrats and Republicans. A bill introduced may have partisan support from the party that introduced the bill, or — more rarely it seems to American voters — the bill may even have bipartisan support. The prefix *bi* is added to show the support from both parties.

Question 997

Jaunt

Answer 997

Jaunt short pleasure trip Running out to get pizza to bring back before the big game? This short, quick, pleasurable trip could be called a *jaunt* (unless of course, you get your pizza from Italy, that’s called "time to get a closer pizza place"). *Jaunt* was used in the 17th century to describe a journey on a horse just long enough to tire the horse out. Nebraska has what they call a Junk Jaunt, which is a yard sale that includes up to 40 towns and stretches nearly 300 miles and draws up to 20,000 people. That’s more than enough to make any horse tired, but they call it a *jaunt* nevertheless.

Question 998

Enigma

Answer 998

Enigma puzzle; mystery Take the noun, *enigma,* for something that is a puzzle or a mystery. Why do you have to learn difficult words like this? That is an *enigma*. Traveling to English from the Greek through the Latin words for "riddle," *enigma* refers to something or someone that is mysterious, puzzling or difficult to figure out. As a funny-sounding word with an interesting meaning, many things have been named enigma such as a rock band, a video game, a rollercoaster ride, and a very famous coding machine used in World War II.

Question 999

Paradigm

Answer 999

Paradigm 1. example; 2. model; 3. way of looking at things A *paradigm* is a standard, perspective, or set of ideas. A *paradigm* is a way of looking at something. A paradigm is a new way of looking or thinking about something is needed. This word comes up a lot in the academic, scientific, and business worlds. A new paradigm in business could mean a new way of reaching customers and making money. In education, relaying on lectures is a paradigm: if you suddenly shifted to all group work, that would be a new paradigm. When you change paradigms, you're changing how you think about something.

Question 1000

Assuage

Answer 1000

Assuage to calm If you *assuage* an unpleasant feeling, you make it go away. *Assuaging* your hunger by eating a bag of marshmallows may cause you other unpleasant feelings. The most common things that we *assuage* are *fears, concerns, guilt, grief, anxiety,* and *anger*. That makes a lot of sense — these are all things we seek relief from. The word comes from Old French *assouagier*, from the Latin root *suavis*, "sweet" — think of adding a bit of honey to something unpleasant. A word with a similar meaning is *mollify*.