Roget's Thesaurus of Words for Writers: Over 2,300 Emotive ...

ROGET’STHESAURUSofWORDSforWriters

Over2,300Emotive,Evocative,DescriptiveSynonyms,

Antonyms,&RelatedTermsEVERYWRITERSHOULDKNOW

DAVIDOLSEN,MICHELLEBEVILACQUA,JUSTINCORDHAYES,ANDROBERTBLY

Avon,Massachusetts

Contents

TitlePageIntroductionABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXY

ZCopyright

Introduction

Allwriters,fromtimetotime,needareferencesource—aplacewecangotofindthetermthatwillfitjustrightintoourwriting.Whetherit’sromance,mystery,sciencefiction,oradventure,therightwordintherightplacecanmakeahugedifference.That’swherethisthesauruscomesin.TheobjectofRoget’sThesaurusof

WordsforWritersisnotonlytogiveyouanarrayoftermsrelatedtocommonwords;unlikeastandardthesaurus,it’salsointendedtoshowyouhowthesewordsareusedinsentences,whethermade-upexamplesorquotationsfromwell-knownsources.Thewordsselectedhereareonesweuseaswriters:expressive,nuanced,andcreative—aswellasabitunusual.Foreachkeywordyou’llfindalistofrelatedwordssortedbytheirpartof

speech:adjectives,adverbs,nouns,verbs,andantonyms.Gothroughthemuntilyoufindtheonebestsuitedtothesentenceyou’recrafting.Asyoudoso,you’llbebuildingyourwordskillsandmakingyourselfabetterwriter.Asacreativepersonworkingwithwords,yourespecttheirimportance.You

knowthepleasureoffindingjusttherightphrase,ofcontemplatingitforamomentonthescreenofyourcomputerbeforemovingon.There’sanalmostphysicalthrillfromlisteningtoapieceofgreatwritinginwhicheverywordislikeanoteinasymphony,allsoundinginharmony.Youalsoknowthatwritingislikefinechina:Asinglemisplacedword,aturn

ofphrasethatstumbles,andsuddenlyyourworkisinpiecesatyourfeet,andyou’vegottobeginthepainfulprocessofpickingitupandputtingitbacktogether.Forthemostpart,thewordsweuseareformedbywhoweare.Our

vocabularygrowsandisshapedbyourinteractionswithfamilyandfriends,byoureducation,andbythebooksweread.Thebroaderyourerudition,themoreversatilewillbeyourwordusage.Aswell,yourwritingwillgrowstronger,and

yourwordswillhavemorepowertomoveyourreaders.Justasacarpenterhashisorherboxoftools,soasawriteryouhavetools

youuseinpursuitofyourtrade.Thisthesaurusissuchatool.Useittokeepyourvocabularyfinelyhonedandyoucanexpecttoexcelatyourcraft.

A

1.Abuse

(uh-BYOOZ),verb

Touseinsulting,harsh,orunjustlanguagetoorabout;touseimproperly,misuse;toharmbytreatingbadly;totreatinanoffensiveway.

ADJECTIVES

contumelious(kon-too-MEE-lee-us).Insolentlyhumiliatingandabusive;contemptuous;insulting.Thedefendantpassivelyenduredtheprosecutor’sCONTUMELIOUSspeech.

opprobrious(uh-PRO-bree-us).Abusive;disrespectful.Marthawascaughtoffguardbyherfriend’ssuddenOPPROBRIOUSattackonherbehaviorofthepreviousnight.

scurrilous(SKUR-ih-luss).Offensivetocivilizeddiscourse;verballyabusive;vulgar;coarse;slanderous.BecausetheyweremadeontheflooroftheSenate,thesenator’sSCURRILOUSaccusationsagainstmewereprotected,butifheshoulddaretorepeattheminanothersetting,Iwillsuehimforeverypennyhe’sworth.

truculent(TRUK-yu-lent).Rude;mean;scathinglyharsh.Heknewtheplaywasnothisbest,butJameswasnotpreparedfortheTRUCULENTreviewsbyallthecritics.

virulent(VEER-yuh-lent).Poisonouslyorintenselyhostile.

Marla’sVIRULENTwordsweremeanttohurthersisterdeeply.

vitriolic(vit-ree-AWL-ik).Acidic;harsh;caustic.McCarthy’sVITRIOLICattacksonorganizationswithnoactualCommunisttieswentcompletelyunchallengedintheSenate.

vituperative(vie-TOO-per-uh-tive).Scathingandharshlyabusive,ascriticism.Youcan’thideyourVITUPERATIVEattackbehindafewsurfacepleasantries!

NOUNS

invective(in-VEK-tiv).Criticismornegativeobservationsexpressedinthestrongest,harshestpossibleterms.“TheartofINVECTIVEresemblestheartofboxing.Veryfewfightsarewonwiththestraightleft.Itistooobvious,anditcanbetooeasilycountered.”—GilbertHighet,Scottish-bornAmericanbiographerandessayist

obloquy(OB-luh-kwee).Censureorverbalabuseofaperson,especiallybymanypeopleorthepublic;publicdiscredit.ThereappearstobenoendtothenumberofcelebritieswhoseactivitiesresultindramaticandlengthyOBLOQUY.

VERBS

revile(rih-VILE).Tocurseorabuseinharshlanguage.RealizingthathewasREVILEDbythoseopposinghisstandonthemilitarybuildup,thesenatordecidedtocancelhisappearanceatthecampus.

ANTONYMS

extol(eks-TOLE).Topraisewithgreatenthusiasm.WilliamhasnotceasedtoEXTOLthevirtuesofhisnewgirlfriend.

laud(LAWD).Commend;praise.RebeccalovesherhistoryteacherandLAUDShimconstantly.Seealso:Criticize

2.Achievement

(uh-CHEEV-muhnt),noun

Somethingaccomplished,especiallybyskill,work,courage,etc.;feat;exploit;agreatdeed.

ADJECTIVES

venerable(VEN-er-uh-bull).Respectedandrevered,especiallyduetoachievement,intelligence,orcharacter.Aftermanyyearsofperformingtothehigheststandards,ourorchestrahasachievedaVENERABLEreputation.

NOUNS

accomplishment(uh-KOM-plish-muhnt).Somethingsuccessfullycompleted.Tothecasualobserveritwasjustasidewalk,butSimonwasproudofhisACCOMPLISHMENT.

attainment(uh-TAYN-muhnt).Anachievement.“Ideclare,onmysoulandconscience,thattheATTAINMENTofpower,orofagreatnameinliterature,seemedtomeaneasiervictorythanasuccesswithsomeyoung,witty,andgraciousladyofhighdegree.”—HonorédeBalzac,Frenchnovelist

capstone(CAP-stone).Acrowningachievement;afinishingtouch;originally,aprotectivestoneatthetopofanarch.WhenshewonthePulitzerPrizeforherlastnovel,itwastheCAPSTONEtoalonganddistinguishedliterarycareer.

eminence(EM-ih-nence).Superiorityoroutstandingnotability;havinggreatachievementsorhighrank.DoctorPowers’sEMINENCEasasurgeoniswellknown.

fruition(froo-ISH-un).Thatwhichhasarisenfromdevelopment,possession,use,oreffort;theachievementofsomethingdesiredorlaboredfor.Thenovelwas,inasense,theFRUITIONofalifetimeofworkforMelville.

masterpiece(MAS-ter-peece).Aperson’sgreatestwork;achievementofalifetime.“Whenloveandskillworktogether,expectaMASTERPIECE.”—JohnRuskin,Englishartcritic

ANTONYMS

debacle(dih-BAH-kull).Uttercollapseorrout;acomplete(oftenludicrous)failure.Theinitiativeseemedpromisingenough,butturnedouttobeanotherofGeorge’sDEBACLES.

3.Aggrandize

(uh-GRAN-dyz),verb

Toexaggerate,putonafalsefront,andmakesomethinglookgreaterandgranderthanitreallyis.

ADJECTIVES

bumptious(BUMP-shuss).Loudandassertiveinacrudeway.Theclub’sgolfprowasfiredduetohisBUMPTIOUSbehavioronthelinks.

faux(FOH).Fake;phony;artificial.Sheworeacheapsecond-handdressandaFAUXpearlnecklacemadeoutofwhitebeads.

ostentatious(ah-sten-TAY-shuss).Pretentious;presentedinashowymannersoastoimpressothers;meanttoflauntone’swealthorsuccess.“ThemanwhoisOSTENTATIOUSofhismodestyistwintothestatuethatwearsafig-leaf.”—MarkTwain

unbridled(un-BRY-duld).Withoutlimitationsorboundaries;uncontrolledandunrestrained.Thecustomer’sUNBRIDLEDfuryatbeingdeniedarefundwasasighttobehold.

vainglorious(vayn-GLOR-ee-us).Conceited;boastful;pronetoshowingoffandbragging.Althoughthescionofawell-establishedfamily,GordonissoVAINGLORIOUSthatyou’dthinkhimaparvenu!

NOUNS

façade(fuh-SOD).Thefrontofabuilding;adeceptiveappearancemaskingathing’struenature.“Agoodmanoftenappearsgauchesimplybecausehedoesnottakeadvantageofthemyriadmeanlittlechancesofmakinghimselflookstylish.Preferringtruthtoform,heisnotconstantlyatworkupontheFAÇADEofhisappearance.”—IrisMurdoch,Irishwriterandphilosopher

hyperbole(high-PER-buh-lee).Anover-exaggerationmadeforeffect.“ThefinalkeytothewayIpromoteisbravado.Iplaytopeople’sfantasies.Peoplemaynotalwaysthinkbigthemselves,buttheycanstillgetveryexcitedbythosewhodo.That’swhyalittleHYPERBOLEneverhurts.”—DonaldTrump,Americanentrepreneur

jactitation(jak-ti-TAY-shun).Afalseboast,especiallyonethatisharmfultoothers.BeatricetriedimpressherclassmatesbytellingthemherlastnamewasKennedy.However,herJACTITATIONwasdiscoveredandherpeersreturnedtoignoringher.

VERBS

bloviate(BLOH-vee-ayt).Tospeakpompouslyandatlength.MaxwellBLOVIATESabouthis“excellent”golfgame,buteveryoneknowshecheatsoutrageously.

ANTONYMS

diffident(DIFF-ih-dent).Uncertainorunsureaboutmakingadecisionortakinganaction;lackingconfidenceandboldness.IfyoufeelDIFFIDENTaboutdrivingaRolls-Royce,youcanalwaysbuyaBentley.

laconic(luh-KAWN-ik).Offewwords;expressingoneselfwithaneconomyofwords.HaroldmaybeLACONIC,butwhenhedoesspeak,heisworthlisteningto.

4.Agree

(uh-GREE),verb

Toconsentorconcede;tobeinharmony;tohavethesameopinion;tocometoanunderstanding.

ADJECTIVES

amenable(ah-MEE-nah-bull).Agreeabletothewishesanddesiresofothers.MarkconsidershimselfAMENABLE,buttherestofusjustthinkhe’sapushover.

complaisant(kuhm-PLAY-zuhnt).Agreeableandeagertoplease.EleanorisfartooCOMPLAISANTwithcommonstrangers.

conciliatory(kon-SILL-ee-ah-tore-ee).Reconciling;abletosettleadisputeorresolveaconflictinamannerthatleavesnohardfeelingsoneitherside.“Ifyouarenotveryclever,youshouldbeCONCILIATORY.”—BenjaminDisraeli,Britishstatesmenandliteraryfigure

palatable(PAL-uh-tuh-bull).Agreeable;acceptable.Youhavetwooptions,Mr.Mayor,neitherveryPALATABLE.

NOUNS

accord(uh-KORD).Officialagreementortreaty;harmony.Afteraprolongedstrike,withtheissueofhealthcarebenefitsresolved,therepresentativesfinallyreachedanACCORDacceptabletobothlaborandmanagement.

appeasement(uh-PEEZ-ment).Theactofmakingothershappybyagreeingtotheirdemands.CharlenerealizedtoolatethatherpolicyofAPPEASEMENTmightpleaseWarren,butitwouldnotcausehimtotreatherwithmorerespect.

assent(uh-SENT).Agreementthatanopinion,view,orproposaliscorrect;corroboration.Youforget,Mr.Jameson,thatitisonlywiththeASSENTofthestockholdersthattheCEOcanbeousted.

collusion(kuh-LOO-zhun).Aconspiratorialorsecretunderstandingoragreemententeredintoforanillicitorfraudulentend.TheleaderswerearraignedonpriceCOLLUSIONinviolationofantitrustlaws.

conspiracy(kun-SPEER-uh-see).Atreacherousplaninvolvingtwoormorepersons;anagreementamongconspirators.YourcontentionthatBillandHillaryClintonwerepartofaCONSPIRACYtoassassinateVincentFosteramountstowhat,inanearlierday,wouldhavebeencalledseditiouslibel,Mr.Oliver.

VERBS

accede(ak-SEED).Togiveconsentorapproval.ThecollegepresidenteventuallyACCEDEDtothedemandsofthestudentdemonstrators.

acquiesce(ak-wee-ESS).Toacceptorconsentsilentlywithoutprotestorenthusiasm.Whenhesawthepolicemanapproachwithhisgundrawn,thebanditACQUIESCEDtohisarrest.

mollify(MOL-uh-fye).Tosoothe,softenintemper;pacify;appease.Theumpire’sattemptstoMOLLIFYthetwoscreamingmanagerswithsomerisquéhumorweretonoavail.

pacify(PASS-uh-fye).Toappease;bringtoastateofpeaceorcalm;tranquilize.

HersuggestionthatsheofferawrittenapologytotheoffendedclientseemedtoPACIFYMr.Peters.

placate(PLAY-kayt).Toreducetheangerof;appease.Althoughthecompanywasunabletoraisewages,itdidmakeanefforttoPLACATEtheunionbyextendingtheafternooncoffeebreak.

ANTONYMS

dissension(dih-SEN-shun).Disagreement,especiallyamongpeopleinagroup.NewrulesfavoringoldermembersoftheclubcausedgreatDISSENSIONandafracturingoflong-standingalliances.

5.Alone

(uh-LOHN),adjective,adverb

Apartfromanythingandanyoneelse;separate;withinnothingmore;only;solitary.

ADJECTIVES

monastic(muh-NAS-tik).Relatingtothepracticeofwithdrawingfromsocietytoliveaquiet,contemplativelife,oftendedicatedtoreligiousfaith.SaintPachomiusfoundedthefirstorganizedChristianMONASTICcommunity.

NOUNS

monophobia(mon-uh-FOE-bee-uh).Anabnormaldreadofbeingalone.Al’sMONOPHOBIAhasgottenmuchworsesincethedeathofhiswife.

recluse(REK-loos).Apersonwholivesapartfromsociety,orinseclusion,oftenforreligiouscontemplation.WhenJimreachesacertainage,hissolitarylifestylemightbrandhimasahermit,butfornowheconsidershimselfaRECLUSE.

VERBS

disenfranchise(dis-en-FRAN-chyz).Todenysomeonearightorprivilege;tomakesomeonefeelrejectedandapart.Oftenspecificallyappliedtovotingrights.“SomestatesspecifyfeloniesthatcondemnthecitizentoDISENFRANCHISEMENTforlife.”—AndrewHacker,Americanpoliticalscientist

immure(ih-MYOOR).Toconfine,imprison,orenclosebehindwalls.WhitneyremainedIMMUREDinherroomassheponderedtheitineraryforherluxuryvacationtoItaly.

prescind(pree-SIND).Todetach,separate,orisolate;tocutoff,terminate.WorkingonthelatestprojecthasmademewanttoPRESCINDmythoughtsfromallcontactwiththeteam.

sequester(see-KWESS-ter).Toremoveandisolateaportionfromalargerwhole.“Agreatdealofgeneticengineeringmustbedonebeforewehavecarbon-eatersSEQUESTERINGcarboninsufficientquantitytocounteracttheburningoffossilfuels.”—FreemanDyson,English-bornAmericanphysicistandmathematician

ANTONYMS

gregarious(grih-GAIR-ee-us).Enjoyingthecompanyofotherpeople,sociable.

“Weareeasytomanage,aGREGARIOUSpeople,/Fullofsentiment,cleveratmechanics,andweloveourluxuries.”—RobinsonJeffers,AmericanpoetSeealso:Eliminate,Isolated

6.Ambiguity

(am-bih-GYOO-ih-tee),noun

Uncertainty;lackofcleardefinition.

ADJECTIVES

amorphous(ah-MORE-fis).Withoutdefiniteshape,substance,orform;lackingdefinitionandboundaries.“Ofcoursetheillusionofartistomakeonebelievethatgreatliteratureisveryclosetolife,butexactlytheoppositeistrue.LifeisAMORPHOUS,literatureisformal.”—FrançoiseSagan,Frenchnovelistandplaywright

enigmatic(en-ig-MATT-ik).Mysterious,puzzling,anddifficulttofigureout.“Theinterestinlifedoesnotlieinwhatpeopledo,norevenintheirrelationstoeachother,butlargelyinthepowertocommunicatewithathirdparty,antagonistic,ENIGMATIC,yetperhapspersuadable,whichonemaycalllifeingeneral.”—VirginiaWoolf,Britishessayistandnovelist

nebulous(NEB-yoo-luss).Vagueandnotwellthoughtout;ill-defined;lackingconcretes.Jay’splansforwhathewoulddowhenhegraduatedfromcollegewereNEBULOUSatbest.

opaque(oh-PAYK).Hardtounderstand;obscure.

“ThebottomofbeingisleftlogicallyOPAQUEtous,assomethingwhichwesimplycomeuponandfind,andaboutwhich(ifwewishtoact)weshouldpauseandwonderaslittleaspossible.”—WilliamJames,Americanpsychologistandphilosopher

NOUNS

zelig(ZEH-lig).Achameleonlikepersonwhoseemsomnipresent.TheparvenustrysohardtobeZELIGS,blendinginseamlesslyatourfunctions,butwecanalwaysspotthemfortheintruderstheyare.

VERBS

misconstrue(miss-kuhn-STROO).Tomisinterpretortotakeinawrongsense.ThedisagreementoverthepriceoftheyachtwasduemerelytothefactthatDavidMISCONSTRUEDthetermsoftheoffer.

vacillate(VASS-uh-layt).Toswingbackandforthbetweentwopoints.“Butmoderncharacterisinconstant,divided,VACILLATING,lackingthestone-likecertitudeofarchaicman….”—SaulBellow,Americanauthor

ANTONYMS

motjuste(MOW-zhoost).Theperfectwordorphrasetocommunicatepreciselywhatyoumeantosay.YearsofelocutionlessonshaveleftPaulinacapableofleaveningeveryoccasionwithasuitableMOTJUSTE.

7.Angry

(ANG-gree),adjective

Feeling,showing,orresultingfromanger,strongresentment,orwrath.

ADJECTIVES

acrimonious(ak-rih-MOAN-ee-us).Bitterorcaustic,especiallyinlanguageormanner;disputed.“Thereissomethingabouttheliterarylifethatrepelsme,allthisdesperatebuildingofcastlesoncobwebs,thelong-drawnACRIMONIOUSstruggletomakesomethingimportantwhichweallknowwillbegoneforeverinafewyears…”—RaymondChandler,Americanauthor

apoplectic(ap-uh-PLECK-tik).Inanextremelyagitatedstateofrage.Emily’scarelesseventplanningmakesmeAPOPLECTIC,andIjustwanttostepinandplantheluncheonmyself.

fractious(FRAK-shuss).Easilyangeredorirritable;quarrelsome;unruly.Inmoviesofacertainvintage,thelocalpolicewerealwaysportrayedasFRACTIOUS.

livid(LIHV-id).Enragedorextremelyangry.JenniferwasLIVIDwhenwesuggestedthathernewoutfitwasoutofdate.

NOUNS

cholers(KOH-lers).Themoodofanger,irritability,grumpiness,orbeingshort-temperedandimpatient.WhenFranklinisinthegripofCHOLERS,evenhisclosestfriendsavoidhistableattheclub.

ANTONYMS

placid(PLASS-id).Calm;peaceful;serene.

Incontrasttomyexcitableandangryfather,mymotherwasalwaysPLACIDandabletokeepthepeaceinourhousehold.

8.Animals

(AN-uh-muhls),noun

Anylivingorganismscapableoflocomotionbutnotofmakingtheirownfoodbyphotosynthesis;distinguishedfromplants;membersofthekingdomAnimalia.

ADJECTIVES

anthropomorphic(an-thruh-puh-MOOR-fik).Attributinghumancharacteristicstoanimals.Children’sliterature,andmuchadultfantasy,isfilledwithANTHROPOMORPHICanimals.

aquiline(ACK-wuh-line).Resemblinganeagleorcurvinglikeaneagle’sbeak.Neilwasn’tsurethatitwasacomplimentwhenJuliedescribedhisfeaturesasAQUILINE.

bovine(BO-vine).Oforresemblingacoworox;dull.ThehardestpartofteachinghighschoolformehasbeengettingusedtothelookofBOVINEsubmissivenessonmostofmystudents’faces.

leonine(LEE-uh-nine).Havingcharacteristicsofalion.Ben’sLEONINEmaneofhairmakesmostofhisgirlfriendsjealous.

lupine(LOO-pine).Likeawolf;savageandpredatory.Sid’sLUPINEbehaviormakesyoufeellikeyoushouldgohomeandtakeashowerafteryou’vebeenaroundhimforalittlewhile.

ophidian(oh-FIDD-ee-un).Ofsnakesorsnakelike;dishonestormean-spirited.Thelawyer’sOPHIDIANeyesmademesecond-guessmyselfwitheveryquestionheasked.

ovine(OH-vine).Characteristicofsheep.TheearliestclassesatschoolweremarkedbytheOVINEmigrationofstudentstolecturehalls.

oviparous(oh-VIP-er-uss).Producingeggsthatmatureandhatchafterbeingdepositedoutsidethebody,asbirds,mostreptiles,andfishes.Becausetheyareunprotectedmuchofthetime,eggsofOVIPAROUSanimalsoftenhaveatoughandleatheryshell.

ovoviviparous(oh-voh-vye-VIP-er-uss).Producingeggsthatarehatchedwithinthemother’sbodysothattheyoungarebornalive,ascertainreptilesandfishes.ItseemsasifOVOVIVIPAROUSanimalscouldn’tdecidewhethertolayeggsorproduceliveyoung.

porcine(PORE-sine).Reminiscentof,resembling,orpertainingtoapig.Mike’sconstantdescriptionofhisheavysetblinddateas“myPORCINEcompanion”mayhavehadsomethingtodowithherearlydeparturefromtheparty.

simian(SIM-ee-uhn).Characteristicoforpertainingtoapesormonkeys.Takingcareofthechildrenforthedaywasfun,eveniftheirSIMIANanticsresultedinalotofmisunderstandingsandtears.

ursine(UR-sine).Characteristicofbears.Mr.Hesswassogladtoseemethatheranacrossthehallandgavemeafierce(ImightsayURSINE!)embrace.

viviparous(vye-VIP-er-uss).Producingliveyounginsteadofeggs,asmammalsandsomereptilesandfishes.TheyoungofVIVIPAROUSanimalsrequirealongperiodofcarebeforetheycansurviveontheirown.

vulpine(VUHL-pine).Likeafox;cunningorcrafty.Myson’sVULPINEgrinletmeknowhewasuptosomethingofwhichIwouldnotapprove.

zoomorphic(zoh-uh-MOOR-fik).Pertainingtoadeityorotherbeingconceivedofinanimalformorwithanimalfeatures.SomeculturesworshippedZOOMORPHICbeingsthathadspecialqualities.

NOUNS

fauna(FAW-nuh).Theanimalpopulationofaparticularregionortimeperiod.Accordingtothisarticle,theFAUNAofAustraliaincludemoremarsupialsthanarefoundonanyothercontinent.

marsupial(mar-SOOP-ee-uhl).Amammalthatcarriesitsyounginapouchontheoutsideofherbody,wherethebabycontinuestodevelop.Thekangarooisthebest-knownMARSUPIAL,butwombatsalsocarrytheirbabiesinapouch.

ANTONYMS

herbaceous(hur-BAY-shuss).Characteristicofanherb;plantlike.SomewinescanhaveanHERBACEOUSodorandatastethatisquitedisagreeable.

9.Annoy

(uh-NOY),verb

Toirritateorbother,asbyarepeatedaction;tomakeangry.

ADJECTIVES

irascible(ih-RASS-uh-bull).Easilyirritatedorannoyed;pronetolosingone’stemper;quicktoanger.“Ihaveneverknownanyoneworthadamnwhowasn’tIRASCIBLE.”—EzraPound,Americanexpatriatepoet

niggling(NIG-ling).Petty;annoying.Icouldusuallydealwithmyroommate’sNIGGLINGcomplaintsabouthairsinthesinkandmyforgettingtotakeoutthetrash,butIwasinnomoodforittoday.

officious(oh-FISH-us).Assertingauthorityorpowerinanobnoxious,overbearing,orpompousmanner.“Thereisimmunityinreading,immunityinformalsociety,inofficeroutine,inthecompanyofoldfriendsandinthegivingofOFFICIOUShelptostrangers,butthereisnosanctuaryinonebedfromthememoryofanother.”—CyrilConnolly,Britishliterarycriticandwriter

NOUNS

gadfly(GAD-fly).Aflythatbiteslivestock;also,apersonwhoannoys,irritates,orprovokes.Withhisconstantgrumblingandirritatinghabits,MortonhasturnedintotheGADFLYofourdepartment.

vexation(vek-SAY-shun).Frustration,annoyance,orirritationresultingfromsomeaction,occurrence,orstatement.“ThereisnotmuchlessVEXATIONinthegovernmentofaprivatefamilythaninthemanagingofanentirestate.”—MicheldeMontaigne,Renaissancescholar

VERBS

glower(GLOU-ur).Togiveabrooding,annoyed,orangrylook.MarkhopedGLOWERINGatourmotherwouldconveythathedidn’tappreciatehertellinghisnewgirlfriendhowdifficulthehadbeentotoilettrain,butMomdidn’tseemtonotice.

nettle(NET-uhl).Toprovoke,irritate,orannoy.“Thecomicspiritisgiventousinorderthatwemayanalyze,weigh,andclarifythingsinuswhichNETTLEus,orwhichweareoutgrowing,ortryingtoreshape.”—ThorntonWilder,Americanplaywrightandnovelist

ANTONYMS

affable(AF-uh-bull).Pleasantandpolite;agreeable;warm.NooneweknewhadamoreAFFABLEpersonalitythanGrace,andwealwaysenjoyedbeinginhercompanynomattertheoccasion.

complaisant(kuhm-PLAY-zuhnt).Agreeableandeagertoplease.EleanorisfartooCOMPLAISANTwithcommonstrangers.

10.Answer

(AN-ser),verb

Toreplytoaquestion,argument,letter,etc.;torespondinkind;toretaliate.

NOUNS

NOUNS

acknowledgment(ak-NOL-ij-muhnt).Arecognitionandexpressionofreceipt.JunealwayssentaformalACKNOWLEDGMENTinanswertoanyinvitation.

rejoinder(rih-JOIN-der).Acleverorwittyreplytoaquestionorcomment.Lydia’softencattyREJOINDERSquicklymadeherthebaneofourgroup.

riposte(rih-POST).Aquick,oftenwittyorcutting,responsetoacommentorquestion.EileenwasunabletoofferoneofherusualRIPOSTESwhenwedecriedherdecisiontoeschewtheseason’sfashion.

VERBS

countervail(KOWN-tur-VAIL).Touseequalforceagainst;tocompensate.Thechallengerhitthechampionwithtwoquickleftjabsandarightuppercut,butthechampionCOUNTERVAILEDwithalefthook.

rebut(ree-BUT).Toprovideareplythatopposesaposition.Billneversimplyansweredquestions;hesawthemasopportunitiestoREBUTotherpeoples’opinions.

reciprocate(rih-SIP-ruh-kayt).Togiveoractinturnfollowingtheleadofanother;toreplywithacourtesy,gift,orexamplefromanother.Mr.Powershasshownevidencethathewantstoendthefeud;theleastyoucandoisRECIPROCATE.

refute(ree-FYOOT).Toproduceevidenceorproofthatanargumentisincorrect;todenythetruthoraccuracyofsomething.MylawyercouldREFUTEhisownexistenceifnecessary.

retort(rih-TORT).Toreplyinasharp,retaliatorymanner.

CarlhadtobitebackasharpRETORTwhenSalleecriticizedthecouturegownhismotherworetothesoiree.

ANTONYMS

inquisitorial(in-kwiz-ih-TOR-ee-uhl).Havingthenatureofaninvestigator;extremelycurious;inquisitive.AsNickwasgrowingup,hewouldfaceanINQUISITORIALconfrontationwithhismothereverytimehecamehomelate.

11.Anxiety

(ang-ZY-uh-tee),noun

Astateofunease,apprehension,ormisgiving.

ADJECTIVES

frenetic(fruh-NET-ik).Franticandfrenzied.“IlovemyworkwithaFRENETICandperverselove,asanasceticlovesthehairshirtwhichscratcheshisbelly.”—GustaveFlaubert,Frenchwriter

NOUNS

angst(ANGKST).Afeelingofanxiety,dread,oranguish.Carolyn’sself-doubtscausedhermuchANGSTpriortothemeetingwithherpotentialin-laws.

apprehension(ap-ruh-HEN-shun).Uneasinessaboutthefuture;suspicionofimpendingbadfortune.AvaguefeelingofAPPREHENSIONcameoverGordonashesteppedintotheoldhouse.

compunction(kuhm-PUNGK-shun).Anxietycausedbyregretfordoinganotherharm.ThomasneverfeelsCOMPUNCTIONforthebruisesheleavesonthelacrossefield.

inquietude(in-KWY-ih-tood).Astateofdisturbance;restlessness;uneasiness.Amy’sINQUIETUDEattheprospectofgoingtoschoolmadeherfeelphysicallysick.

solicitude(suh-LIS-ih-tood).Thestateofbeingconcernedandanxious.Thenumberofcommentsonthelocalblogindicatedthetown’sgrowingSOLICITUDEoverapossibleincreaseinpropertytaxes.

trepidation(trep-ih-DAY-shun).Astateoffearoragitation.Atfirst,IapproachedthetaskofwritingthisbookwithsomeTREPIDATION.

VERBS

disquiet(dis-KWY-it).Tomakeanxious,restless,oruneasy;disturb.TheabsolutesilenceoftheforestwouldDISQUIETanyone.

ANTONYMS

aplomb(uh-PLOM).Self-possession;assurance;poise.Evenunderconditionsthatwouldmakethemostresoluteamongusanxious,Ralph’sAPLOMBwasintact.

certitude(SUR-ti-tood).Absenceofdoubt;assurance.Forthefirsttimeinhiscollegecareer,ArthurhadstudiedsufficientlyfortheexamandwalkedtoclasswithapleasantfeelingofCERTITUDE.

12.Appropriate

(ah-PRO-pree-it),adjective

Fittingorsuitableforaparticularpurpose;proper;especiallycompatible.

ADJECTIVES

apposite(APP-uh-zit).Relevant,pertinent,orappropriatetoagivensituation.YourobjectionsareextremelyAPPOSITE,butIwishyouwouldletmefinishdescribingmyplanbeforeyoushootitfullofholes!

apt(APT).Suitableforthepurposeoroccasion;fitting.RogercouldalwaysbecountedontoprovideanAPTcomment,whatevertheoccasion.

concinnous(kon-SIN-us).Characterizedbyaharmoniousarrangementofparts;acongruousstyleespeciallyinliteraryworks.PeterfoundtheCONCINNOUSexpressionsofbaroquesymphoniesparticularlypleasingandsatisfying.

condign(kon-DINE).Fitting,suitable;deserved:usedespeciallyinconnectionwithpunishmentforwrongdoing.TwentyyearsathardlaborwasaperfectlyCONDIGNpunishmentforBill’sviciouscrime.

derigueur(duh-rih-GUR).Conformingtocurrentstandardsofbehavior,fashion,style,andetiquette.Atwo-caratdiamondengagementringthatcostayoungmanayear’ssalarywasDERIGUEURforproposingtoagirlinthe1950s.

felicitous(fih-LISS-ih-tuss).Wellsuitedforaparticularoccasion.

“Otobeadragon/asymbolofthepowerofHeaven—ofsilkworm/sizeorimmense;attimesinvisible.FELICITOUSphenomenon!”—MarianneMoore,ModernistAmericanpoetandwriter

germane(jer-MANE).Relevant,pertinent,andfitting.“QuotesfromMao,Castro,andCheGuevara…areasGERMANEtoourhighlytechnological,computerizedsocietyasastagecoachonajetrunwayatKennedyairport.”—SaulAlinksy,Americanactivist

ADVERBS

apropos(ap-rih-POE).Appropriate,oratanopportunetime.Charliebeganscreamingthewords“Toolate!Toolate!”APROPOSofnothing.

NOUNS

decorum(dih-COR-um).Socialpropriety;dignifiedconduct.Thoughthedelegateswereextremelyfrustratedatthechairman’smove,theybetrayednoemotion,andstrictDECORUMwasobservedinthemeetinghall.

ANTONYMS

aberrant(AB-uh-runt).Abandoningthecorrect,expected,orproperwayofdoingthings;strayingfromthe“right”ornorm.Alice’sdecisiontoquitcollegeandtourthecountryonamotorcycleseemedsoABERRANTtoherparentsthattheyaskedhertogetapsychiatricevaluation.

gratuitous(grah-TOO-ih-tuss).Unnecessary;inappropriatelyexcessive;uncalledfor.“BeingaccusedofmakingmoneybysellingsexinHollywood,homeofthecastingcouchandtheGRATUITOUSnudescene,issorichwithironythatit’sa

bettersubjectforacomicnovelthanacolumn.”—AnnaQuindlen,Americanauthorandopinioncolumnist

impropriety(im-pro-PRY-ih-tee).Somethingthathasthequalityofbeingimproper.Beverly’sminorIMPROPRIETYatthedinnertablewasoverlooked;theconversationturnedquicklytoothertopics.

incongruous(in-KONG-groo-us).Describessomethingthatdoesnotbelonginitscurrentplace,setting,orrole;outofplace;notfittingin.“Thetasteforquotations(andforthejuxtapositionofINCONGRUOUSquotations)isaSurrealisttaste.”—SusanSontag,Americanliterarytheorist,philosopher,andpoliticalactivist

solecism(SOLL-ih-siz-um).Somethingthatdeviatesfromthenormal,accepted,orproperorder;inconsistency.Shetoldherhusbandnottoworry,thatforgettingahost’snamewasonlyaminorSOLECISMandcertainlynothingtobeconcernedabout.

unseemly(un-SEEM-ly).Inappropriate;unbecoming.ThefamilyfeltthatBill’spresenceatthememorialservicewouldhavebeenUNSEEMLY,ashehadbeenmysister-in-law’sbitterestbusinessrival.

unsuitable(un-SOO-tuh-bull).Notsuitable,inappropriate;unfitting.“Thismodeofelectioneeringsuitedneithermytastenormyprinciples.IthoughtitequallyUNSUITABLEtomypersonalcharacterandtothestationinwhichIamplaced.”—JohnQuincyAdams,Americanpresident

13.Approval

(uh-PROOV-uhl),noun

Theactofapproving;afavorableattitudeoropinion;consent;sanction.

Theactofapproving;afavorableattitudeoropinion;consent;sanction.

NOUNS

approbation(ap-ruh-BAY-shun).Officialapprovalorcommendation.“Inavirtuousandfreestate,norewardscanbesopleasingtosensibleminds,asthosewhichincludetheAPPROBATIONofourfellowcitizens.Mygreatpainis,lestmypoorendeavoursshouldfallshortofthekindexpectationsofmycountry.”—ThomasJefferson

commendation(komm-uhn-DAY-shun).Somethingthatcommends;arecommendation;approval;praise.Forbraverybeyondthecall,JonesreceivedanofficialCOMMENDATIONattheceremony.

imprimatur(im-pruh-MAW-ter).Sanction;approval,usuallybytheRomanCatholicChurch,topublishabook.Afterdirectingseveralrevisionsofthecontroversialbook’stext,theChurchfinallygaveitsIMPRIMATUR.

VERBS

acclaim(uh-KLAYM).Togreetwithloudandboisterousapproval;applaud.Notcontentwithapplauseandshoutsofjoy,thecitizenswouldACCLAIMthedictatorbyfiringriflesintotheair.

countenance(KOUN-tih-nunce).Toindicateapprovalof,tosanction.I’mafraidIcan’tCOUNTENANCEyourdangerousexploits,sopleasetakemehome.

ANTONYMS

askance(uh-SKANTS).Withsuspicion,mistrust,ordisapproval;withanobliquelookatanobject,person,orsituation.IlookedASKANCEatPhilipwhenheleftthestorewithoutpayingforhisbubblegum.

stigmatize(STIG-muh-tyz).Tomarkordescribesomethinginawaythatshowsdisgraceorstrongdisapproval.ManypeoplewithAIDSfindthatcopingwiththephysicaltraumaoftheirdiseaseisonlypartoftheirdifficulty;anotherpartisbeingSTIGMATIZEDbyothersassomehowdeservingofpunishment.Seealso:Help,Support

14.Argue

(AR-gyoo),verb

Topresentreasonsfororagainstaproposal,proposition,etc.;todisputeorcontendsomethingwithoragainstanotherperson.

ADJECTIVES

bellicose(BELL-ih-kohss).Belligerent,surly,readytoargueorfightattheslightestprovocation.Dougissotouchyabouthisnewcarthathe’llinstantlyturnBELLICOSEifyousomuchasbrushagainstit.

contentious(kuhn-TEN-shuss).Havingthetendencytoargue;quarrelsome;characterizedbydisputeorcontroversy.IwalkedawaywhenthediscussionheatedupandbecametooCONTENTIOUS.

dialectical(die-uh-LEK-tih-kul).Havingtodowithlogicalarguments.

PaulemployedaDIALECTICALthoroughnesstodestroyanopponent’sargument.

eristic(ur-ISS-tik).Characterizedbyargumentorcontroversywithoftensubtleandsuperficialreasoning.Henrytriedtounderstand,butMartha’sERISTICexplanationlefthimascluelessashehadbeenbeforeshestartedspeaking.

pugnacious(pug-NAY-shuss).Alwayswantingtoargueanddebateeverylastthing;quarrelsome.TeenagersarePUGNACIOUSbynature:ifIsay“no,”heinvariablyasks“why?”

NOUNS

imbroglio(im-BRO-lee-oh).Aninvolvedandconfusingorbitterdisagreement,asbetweenpersonsornations.OurinabilitytodecidewhichNewYear’sEvepartytoattendcreatedanIMBROGLIOthatdisruptedoursocialcalendarformonths.

logomachy(low-GOM-uh-kee).Anargumentordisputedistinguishedbytheincorrectorrecklessuseofwords;meaninglessbattleofwords.Oneoftheprimarysourcesofentertainmentduringelectionseasonisthecandidates’LOGOMACHY.

polemic(puh-LEM-ik).Anaggressiveargumentagainstorrefutationoftheopinionsofanother;apersonwhoarguesinoppositiontoanother;controversialist.“HehadastrongwillandatalentforPOLEMIC.”—SaulBellow,Americanauthor

sophistry(SOFF-iss-tree).Aseeminglyconvincingargumentthatislogicallyflawed.IbelievethisjuryistoosophisticatedtobetakeninbytheSOPHISTRIESthedefensehasoffered.

VERBS

controvert(KON-truh-vert).Toopposewithlogicalreasoning;todisputeorcontradict.NomatterhowmanyattemptsthedefensemakestoCONTROVERTthedetailsofthissequenceofevents,thefactremainsthatthedefendantwasseenleavingthebuildingimmediatelyafterthemurder.

expostulate(ek-SPOSS-chuh-layt).Toreasonearnestlywithapersoninoppositiontosomethinghehasdoneorintendstodo.IEXPOSTULATEDwithNoraaboutthemistakeIbelievedshewasabouttomake,butshewasimmutable.

oppugn(uh-PYOON).Toreasonagainst;opposewithargument;callinquestion;fightagainst.AlicebridledeasilyandwouldOPPUGNeveryjudgmentherbossmadeaboutherwork.

quibble(KWIB-ul).Toargueoveraminormatter;tovoiceanigglingobjection.Ifyouarenot100percentsatisfied,yourmoneywillpromptlyberefundedwithoutquestionorQUIBBLE.

remonstrate(rih-MON-strayt).Toprotest,object,orshowdisapproval.WhenCarlottaREMONSTRATEDoursnubbingofJulia,wesimplybegantosnubCarlottaaswell.

ANTONYMS

incontestable(in-kuhn-TES-tuh-bull).Inarguablebecauseunquestionable.ThefactthatLloydthinkshistalentforbirdcallswillbefoundattractivebywomenisINCONTESTABLEproofthathewillremainalifelongbachelor.

indubitable(in-DOO-bih-tuh-bull).Absolutelyunquestionableandcompletelybeyonddoubt.Warren’sconfidenceinhisjudgmentisINDUBITABLE,whichisnottosaythatitiswarranted.

unimpeachable(un-ihm-PEE-chuh-bull).Abovereproach;impossibletodiscreditorslander.Jasonisnotagreatmanager,buthistechnicalcredentialsareUNIMPEACHABLE.

15.Arrogance

(AIR-uh-gunce),noun

Conditionofunjustifiedprideorself-importance.

ADJECTIVES

fastuous(FASS-chew-us).Patronizingandsupercilious.Despiteherbeauty,Jennyrarelygotaskedout,duetoherFASTUOUSbehavior.

haughty(HAW-tee).Snobbishanddisdainful.“TheHAUGHTYsommelier,withhistalismanictastingcupandsometimesirritatingself-assurance,isperceivedmoreasthehighpriestofsomearcaneritethanasadiningroomfunctionarypaidtohelpyouenjoytheevening.”—FrankJ.Prial,formerNewYorkTimeswinecolumnist

imperious(im-PEER-ee-us).Self-important;dictatorial.

Mrs.Banksrushedaroundthekitchen,issuingaseriesofIMPERIOUScommandstothecook.

presumptuous(pri-ZUMP-choo-us).Tooboldorforward;showingoverconfidence;takingtoomuchforgranted;takingliberties.MichaelwasPRESUMPTUOUSinassumingonhisfirstdaythathewouldbeinvitedtoboardmeetings.

supercilious(soo-per-SILL-ee-us).Havingalowopinionoforcontemptforothersbasedonabeliefinone’ssuperiority.Toomanyget-rich-quickpromotersimbuetheiradvertisementswithaSUPERCILIOUSattitudetowardthewealth-seekerstheyprofesstowanttohelp.

NOUNS

braggadocio(brag-uh-DOH-see-oh).Emptyboastingorbragging.Ericclaimsheisaconsummatewineconnoisseur,butitisjustBRAGGADOCIO.

jackanapes(JACK-uh-napes).Anarrogantorimpertinentperson;especially,animpudentyoungman.IfthatJACKANAPEStellsyoutoputhisphotoonthebookjacketonemoretime,itwillbethelastdayheworkshereasaneditor.

ANTONYMS

unassuming(un-uh-SOOM-ing).Modestandunpretentious.TheBinghamtonsjustboughtalovely,UNASSUMINGstarterhomeinthetownwheretheirfamilieslive.

16.Art

(ARHT),noun

Theabilitytomakethings;creativeness;thecreativeprocessappliedtoaestheticprinciples;theobjectssubjecttoaestheticstandards;worksofartincludingpainting,sculpture,architecture,music,literature,drama,thedance,etc.

NOUNS

artnouveau(ARTnoo-VOH).Apopularformofdesignthatoriginatedinthe1880s,characterizedbywavyobjectssuchasflowerstems,flowinghair,flames,etc.Thatmuseum’scollectionofARTNOUVEAUjewelryisoneofthetown’sbest-keptsecrets.

auteur(oh-TUR).Afilmmakerwhoestablishescompletecontrolandimposeshisdistinctivestyleonafilm.“MilesissocaughtupwithbeinganAUTEURthathe’sruiningtheproduction!”Marlacomplained.

avant-garde(uh-vahntGARD).Relatingtothelatesttrends,especiallyintheworldofart;ofaneworexperimentalnature.Asasculptor,MiltonfoundkeepingpacewiththeAVANT-GARDEbothchallengingandrewardingforhisownwork.

baroque(buh-ROKE).AstyleofartandarchitectureoriginatinginItalyintheearlyseventeenthcenturyandcharacterizedbymuchornamentationandcurvedlines.PauladecidednottobuythehousebecauseshefeareditsBAROQUEdecorwouldmakeitadifficultresell.

chiaroscuro(kee-are-uh-SKURE-oh).Apatternoflightanddark(orlightandshadow)inapaintingorliterarywork.

ThepowerofthepaintingcomesfromitsCHIAROSCURO,whichseemstoindicateloomingdisaster.

expressionism(ex-PRESH-uh-niz-um).Anartmovementwithrootsinthelatenineteenthandearlytwentiethcenturiesinwhichexternalformsofrealityaredistortedasameansofcommunicatinganinteriorvisionoftheartist.ForEdvardMunch,whosepaintingTheScreamisperhapsthesinglemostrecognizableimageofEXPRESSIONISM,thethemesofisolationandanxietywereofparamountimportance.

futurism(FYOO-chur-iz-um).Anearlytwentieth-centuryartsmovementstressingthedynamicsandmovementsoftheindustrialage.Joneswasfascinatedbyearlyindustrialart;lastsemesterhetookacourseonFUTURISM.

genre(ZHAWN-ruh).Aparticularstylethatcharacterizesatypeofmusic,art,literature,film,etc.ThoughtheirGENREdoesn’tmakeforpleasantoreasyreading,onehastoadmiremuckrakerslikeUptonSinclair,whoaimedtobringaboutimportantsocialreformswiththeirnovels.

impressionism(im-PRESH-uh-niz-um).Anartmovementofthelatenineteenthcenturydedicatedtoreproducingtheeffectoflightonobjects,typicallybymeansofshortbrushstrokes.ThepainterandsculptorEdgarDegaswasoneoftheforemostpractitionersofIMPRESSIONISM.

Labanotation(la-beh-no-TAY-shun).Anomenclatureusedtochoreographballets,moderndance,andotherperformancessothedancerscanfollowthesteps.

Evenwiththebest-availableLABANOTATION,WalkerwasunabletoadequatelyperformaViennesewaltzatNatasha’scoming-outparty.

leitmotif(LIGHT-moe-teef).Arecurringthemeinamusicaloroperaassociatedwithaparticularcharacter,situation,setting,etc.;adominanttheme.Ian’sLEITMOTIFisthesmellofnever-washedandoften-wornclothing.

libretto(li-BRET-oh).Thetextofamusicalwork,suchasacantataoropera,oftenaccompaniedbyatranslation.AssheisfluentinItalian,MariararelyneedstorefertotheLIBRETTOwhenattendingtheopera.

mimesis(mi-MEE-sis).Imitationorrepresentation,especiallyofhumanspeech,behavior,etc.Theplay’sMIMESISmademetemporarilyforgetIwaswatchingactors.

minimalism(MIN-ih-mull-iz-um).Aschoolofartinwhich“lessismore”—cleanandunclutteredpaintings;sculpturewithsimplelines;fictionwritteninaleanandsparestyle;musicwithuncomplicatedscoresandminimalinstruments.JohnCage’sMINIMALISTcomposition433consistsoffourandahalfminutesofsilence.

modernism(MOD-er-niz-um).Describesamodernavant-gardestyleofpainting,sculpture,orarchitecture.“PostmodernismisMODERNISMwiththeoptimismtakenout.”—RobertHewison,Britishhistorian

montage(mon-TAHZH).Aworkofartmadeupofavarietyofvisuals—photographs,filmclips,etc.—broughttogethertopresentanidea.Thedocumentary’sexcellentuseofMONTAGEreallybroughttolifethetriumphsandheartbreaksofWorldWarII.

muse(MEWS).Thesourceofone’screativeorartisticinspiration,namedafterthemythicalGreekMusessaidtobepatronsofthefinearts.“OforaMUSEoffire,thatwouldascend/Thebrightestheavenofinvention.”—WilliamShakespeare

pastiche(pah-STEESH).Apieceofmusic,writing,orartmadeupmostlyofmaterialtakenfromexistingsources.Somefolksconsiderhip-hopmusicnothingbutmindlessPASTICHE,butIheartilydisagree.

repertoire(REH-per-twahr).Alibraryofworksthatagroupknowsandregularlyperforms.Thephilharmonic’sREPERTOIREincludesmostoftheclassicalstandardsfromBach,Beethoven,Brahms,andMozart.

rococo(ruh-KOH-koh).AstyleofarchitectureanddesigndevelopedinFrancefromthebaroqueandcharacterizedbyelaborateandprofusedelicateornamentation.HenryenjoystheelaborateshelldesignsofROCOCOart,althoughIconsideritexcessivelyornate.

surrealism(suh-REE-uh-liz-um).Atwentieth-centurymovementinartandliteraturethatemphasizedthesubconsciousorirrationalnatureofperceivedformsthroughtheillogicalplacingandpresentationofsubjectmatter.Dali’sThePersistenceofMemory,whichfeaturesthenow-famousmeltingwatches,wasimmediatelyhailedasamasterpieceofSURREALISM.

thespian(THESS-pee-un).Anactor;especiallyapersonwhoperformsonstageinaplay.SirLaurenceOlivierwasrightlyregardedasthemostversatileTHESPIANofhisera.

tragedian(truh-JEE-dee-un).Anactornotedforperformingtragicparts.RichardBurbagewasthepremierTRAGEDIANoftheElizabethanera.

triptych(TRIP-tik).Apictureorcarvingonthreepanels,orasetofthreeassociatedpaintingsorotherworksofart.Scottwantedtobuyjustthecenterpainting,butthegalleryownerrefusedtobreakuptheTRIPTYCH.

trompel’oeil(trompLOY).Aninstanceofvisualtrickery,as,forinstance,anopticalillusiongivingtheimpressionofthreedimensionsinatwo-dimensionalartisticmedium.ThepainterspecializedinTROMPEL’OEILmuralsthatoftenfooledpassersbyintothinkingtheywerewalkingtowardastorefront.

verism(VAIR-iz-uhm).Thetheorythatartandliteratureshouldcloselyrepresentreality,includingtheuglyanddistasteful.TheartistsfromtheVERISMschoolareusuallyresponsiblefortheworksthatcreatethemostpublicoutrage.

virtu(ver-TOO).Aknowledgeoforappreciationforartisticobjectsorcurios;thequalityofbeingartistic,beautiful,rare,orotherwiseofinteresttocollectors.UncleDavidwasknownforhisVIRTUandhisgiftswereeagerlyanticipated.

ANTONYMS

elemental(el-uh-MEN-tul).Primitive;starklysimple;basic.Itwascleareventotheuntrainedeyehowtheartist’sworkprogressedfromELEMENTALdepictionstomoresophisticatedformslaterinhiscareer.

vestigial(ve-STIJ-ee-uhl).Imperfectlydeveloped.ThispotteryshowsVESTIGIALattemptsatartistrythatwouldmaturelater.

17.Ask

17.Ask

(ASK),verb

Toseektheanswertoaquestion;inquireof;request;solicit;beg.

ADJECTIVES

precatory(PREK-uh-tor-ee).Expressingorcharacterizedbyanentreatyorwish.ThegovernmentministerslistenedintentlytothePRECATORYaddressandafterthirtysecondsofconsideration,dismisseditasimpractical.

suppliant(SUH-plee-unt).Characterizedbyhumbleimploring.Afterhehadanaffair,Steve’sSUPPLIANTbehaviortowardhiswifebecamealmostnauseatingtohisfriends.

NOUNS

invocation(in-vuh-KAY-shun).Theprocessoractofinvoking;acalltoahigherpower(usuallyGod)forhelp.ThepriestofferedaspecialINVOCATIONatthebeginningoftheservice.

mendicant(MEN-dih-kunt).Beggar.There,amongthecastoffsofsociety,thelepers,MENDICANTS,andprostitutesofthecity,hedecidedtobeginhisministry.

VERBS

adjure(uh-JOOR).Toentreatearnestlyorrequestsolemnly.ThewitnesseswereADJUREDtoavoidanycontactwiththeaccused.

beseech(bih-SEECH).Tobeg,implore,orask,withgreatpoliteness,fawning,orurgency.WeBESEECHyou,Mr.PrimeMinister:thinktwicebeforecommittingthelivesofsomanyofourcountrymentothiscause.

canvass(KAN-vus).Tosolicitsupport,opinions,votes,subscriptions,etc.VirgilandIspentallSundaywalkingaroundthecityCANVASSINGforourcandidate.

catechize(KAT-ih-kyz).Toquestionfullyorclosely;toquestionwithreferencetosomeone’sbeliefs.ThehiringmanagerCATECHIZEDeveryapplicanttoweedoutanywithnegativeattitudes.

entreat(en-TREET).Toaskearnestlyfor(something);appeal;supplicate.Smittenbyremorse,TedENTREATEDLornatotakehimbackonceagain.

exhort(ig-ZORT).Tourge;topleadwith(usuallyinanattempttowarnoradvise).“ThefunctionofthemoralistisnottoEXHORTmentobegoodbuttoelucidatewhatthegoodis.”—WalterLippmann,Americanjournalist

implore(im-PLORE).Tobeseechorbegforfervently;crave;todemandurgently.SheIMPLOREDhimtoattendtheparty.

importune(im-poor-TOON).Tobotherwithrequestsordemands;urgeordemandpersistentlyorrepeatedly.AftermonthsofIMPORTUNINGhisemployerforpromotiontoapositionthatdidnotyetexist,Hankwasaskedtoleavethecompany.

interpellate(in-tur-PELL-ayt).Toformallyaskaboutanofficialactionorpolicyorpersonalconduct.ProtocoldictatedthattheambassadorINTERPELLATEthroughproperchannels.

obtest(ob-TEST).Tobegfor;supplicate;beseech.HigginsdecidedthathewouldwaitaslongasnecessaryinordertoOBTESTthekingforclemency.

supplicate(SUP-lih-kayt).Tomakeahumble,sincere,andearnestrequestofsomeone.Thedepartmentheadsdecidedtheirbestbetwastoassembleasagroupinthepresident’sofficeandSUPPLICATEhertoapprovethebudgetincreases.

ANTONYMS

affirm(uh-FURM).Tostatepositively;declare;asserttobetrue.“ThemoreIread,themoreImeditate;andthemoreIacquire,themoreIamenabledtoAFFIRMthatIknownothing”—Voltaire,Frenchphilosopherandwriter

profess(pro-FESS).Tomakeanopendeclarationof;affirm.MarciawasquicktoPROFESSherinvolvementintheschemewhenasked.

18.Attractive

(uh-TRAK-tihv),adjective

Pleasinginappearanceormanner;alluring.

ADJECTIVES

aesthetic(ess-THET-ik).Oforrelatedtoasenseofwhatisattractiveorbeautiful.CoveringyourwallswithpicturestornfromthenewspaperdoesnottestifytoagenuineAESTHETICsense,Harold.

beguiling(bee-GUY-ling).Charming;bewitching;enchanting.TheBEGUILINGcharmMonicalearnedatfinishingschoolmorethanmakesupforhervapidpersonality.

bucolic(byoo-KALL-ik).Expressiveofruralserenityandcharm.WeboughtaweekendplaceinaBUCOLIClittlevillage.

comely(KUM-lee).Pleasingorattractive.JaneisCOMELY,buthermotherfearsthatthemensheattractswillnotmakeherhappy.

idyllic(eye-DILL-ik).Pleasing;peaceful;ideal.OurIDYLLIChoneymooninthetropicswasinterruptedbyahurricane.

meretricious(mer-i-TRISH-us).Attractingattentioninanunseemlyorinappropriatefashion.HisfavoritebrandofbeerusedMERETRICIOUSads—TVcommercialsshowingscantilycladyoungwomen—toattractmoreattention.

pulchritudinous(pul-krih-TOOD-in-us).Havingorcharacterizedbyphysicalbeauty;comely.Manyinthecrowdwerenotparticularlyinterestedinthefootballgameitself,butattendedtheeventtoobservefirsthandthePULCHRITUDINOUScheerleaders.

statuesque(statch-oo-ESK).Havingatallandwell-proportionedform;likeorresemblingastatue;graceful;shapely.

Althoughhehadwonmanygoldmedals,newsreportersonlyfocusedontheswimmer’sSTATUESQUEphysique.

winsome(WIN-suhm).Winningandengaging;charming.LydialookedquiteWINSOMEthroughouthercoming-outparty.

NOUNS

siren(SY-ren).Adestructivebutseductivelybeautiful,beguilingwoman;anythingconsidereddangerouslyseductive.“Itisnaturaltoindulgeintheillusionsofhope.WeareapttoshutoureyestothatSIRENuntilshe‘allures’ustoourdeath.”—GertrudeStein,Americanauthor

VERBS

captivate(KAP-tih-vayt).Tocapturetheaffectionorattentionof,asbybeauty;charm.Ofallthegirlsatthedance,onlyBettycouldCAPTIVATEtheboyswithoutseemingtotry.

enthrall(en-THRAWL).Tocharmorcaptivate;toputunderstronginfluence;enchant.Garbo’sperformancewassimplyENTHRALLING.

entice(en-TYSS).Totemptinapleasingfashion;toattractorlure.ThedeliciousaromaemanatingfromthebakeshopoftenENTICESmetostopinandpickupadoughnutormuffinonmywaytowork.

inveigle(in-VAY-gull).Tolure,entice;towinoverbyingenuityorflattery.CraigINVEIGLEDthedeanintoallowinghimtograduateeventhoughhefailedtomeettheforeign-languagerequirementoftheuniversity.

ANTONYMS

repugnant(rih-PUG-nunt).Distasteful;objectionable.“Theveryword‘secrecy’isREPUGNANTinafreeandopensociety;andweareasapeopleinherentlyandhistoricallyopposedtosecretsocieties,tosecretoaths,andtosecretproceedings.”—JohnF.Kennedy,Americanpresident

repulsive(rih-PUHL-siv).Causingstrongdislikeoraversion;offensive;disgusting.Kathywassurprisedbythenewartexhibit;insteadofbeautiful,well-formed,andharmoniousimages,theyweredistinctlyandutterlyREPULSIVE.

19.Augur

(AW-ger),verb

Topredictorforetellthefuture.

ADJECTIVES

arcane(ar-KAYN).Strangeandmysterious;understoodbyonlyafew.Bill’sARCANEknowledgeofallLexusmodelsandtheiraccessoriesisjustawasteofgraymatter.

auspicious(aw-SPISH-us).Promising;seeminglyfavorableorlikelytobeaccompaniedbygoodfortune;havingencouragingsignalsorreasonsforoptimismatthebeginningofanundertaking.TheblinddatedidnothaveanAUSPICIOUSstartbecauseMaxkeptcallinghisfriend’scousin“Mallory”insteadof“Mary.”

inscrutable(in-SKROO-tuh-bull).Mysteriousandnoteasytounderstand.

“IsupposeInowhavethereputationofbeinganINSCRUTABLEdipsomaniac.OnewomanhereoriginatedtherumourthatIamextremelylazyandwillneverdoorfinishanything.”—JamesJoyce,Irishauthorandplaywright

premonitory(preh-MAWN-ih-tor-ee).Stronglyindicativethatsomethingisgoingtohappen.TheHarrisonssoldtheirstockinthatcompanybecausetheyhadaPREMONITORYvisionthatthecompanywouldsoongobankrupt.

NOUNS

bellwether(BELL-weh-thur).Aleadingindicatororimportantfactorindeterminingacourseofactionoroutcome.ThefactthatRobertgotthrownoutofGrotonandExeterwasaBELLWETHERforhislackadaisicalyearsatDartmouth.

harbinger(HAR-bin-jer).Aforerunnerorwarningsignofafutureeventortrend.Theasteroid’sshadowblottedoutthesunasitspeededonacollisioncoursewithEarth,aHARBINGERofimpendingdoom.

portent(POOR-tent).AsignthatsomethingisgoingtohappenInRayBradbury’snovelSomethingWickedThisWayComes,thecarnivalcomingtotownisaPORTENTofevilthingstocome.

VERBS

betoken(bee-TOE-kin).Toforeshadow;toindicatesomethingisabouttooccur.ForMaryandPaul,thebreakdownoftheirnewPorschewhiletheywerestilltwohoursawayfromtheirsummerhomeBETOKENEDadisastrousvacation.

ANTONYMS

belie(bee-LYE).Tocontradictormisrepresent.Luther’smild-mannered,almostsicklyappearanceBELIEDhisphysicalconditioningandsurprisingstrength.

educe(ee-DYOOCE).Tocometoaconclusionorsolveaproblemthroughreasoningbasedonthoughtfulconsiderationofthefacts.AfterRoger’sfamilypurchasedaMercedesCclass,ratherthanitsusualMercedesEclass,weEDUCEDtheWallertonswereenduringfinancialdifficulties.

misconstrue(miss-kuhn-STROO).Tomisinterpretortotakeinawrongsense.ThedisagreementoverthepriceoftheyachtwasduemerelytothefactthatDavidMISCONSTRUEDthetermsoftheoffer.

20.Authority

(uh-THAWR-ih-tee),noun

Thepowerorrighttogivecommands,enforceobedience,takeaction,ormakefinaldecisions;jurisdiction.

ADJECTIVES

contumacious(kon-too-MAY-shuss).Obstinatelyresistingauthority;disobedient;insubordinate.TheCONTUMACIOUSdefendanteventuallyhadtobegagged.

insubordinate(in-suh-BOR-dn-it).Failingtoacceptorobeyproperauthority.Frank,noteagertobebrandedINSUBORDINATE,didhisbesttocarryoutthecolonel’sstrangeorders.

magisterial(madj-ih-STEER-ee-uhl).Havingtheauthority,weight,andgravityofsomeoneconsideredamasterofaparticularart,task,ability,etc.WithMAGISTERIALgrace,theconductorliftedherbaton.

martial(MAR-shull).Appropriatetowartime;pertainingtomilitarycontroloveracivilianpopulation.AftercapturingRichmond,thecommanderissuedanorderplacingitunderMARTIALlaw.

officious(oh-FISH-us).Assertingauthorityorpowerinanobnoxious,overbearing,orpompousmanner.Billwasanold-schoolmanagerwhobelieveditwaspropertobeOFFICIOUSandcondescendinginthetreatmentofhisemployees.

NOUNS

bureaucracy(byoo-RAWK-ruh-see).Theconcentrationofpowerandauthorityinadministrativebodies;anadministrativebody;agroupofnonelectivegovernmentofficials.Asthecompanygrew,theentrenchedBUREAUCRACIESintheaccountingandfinancedepartmentsgainedmoreandmoreinfluence.

fiat(FEE-aht).Anauthoritativedecreeororder.EveryoneinterestedinreceivingasizeableportionofhisinheritancesimplyallowsgrandfathertorulethehouseholdbyFIAT.

hegemony(hih-JEM-uh-nee).Dominationofaregionortheentireworldbyasinglenation,ortheauthorityofoneindividualoveranentiregroup.AlisonshouldnotachieveHEGEMONYovertherestofusmerelybecauseherlistofsocialcontactsisslightlylongerthanours.

hierarchy(HIGH-uh-rahr-key).Apeckingorderorrankingaccordingtostatusorlevelofauthority.IntheHIERARCHYofthemilitary,amedicaldoctor,whoisassignedtherankofcaptainbutisnotamilitaryman,automaticallyoutranksalieutenant,whomayhaveyearsofbattleexperience.

judicature(JOO-dih-kuh-choor).Theauthorityofjurisdictionofacourtoflaw.ThiscaseisinfactwithinmyJUDICATURE,despitecounsel’sargumentstothecontrary.

purview(PURR-vyoo).Aperson’srangeofauthorityandcontrol.Yes,Junior,I’mafraidthattakingoutthegarbageDOESinfactfallintoyourPURVIEW.

recusancy(REK-yuh-zun-see).Therefusaltorecognizeorobeyestablishedauthority.Atonetime,anindividual’sreligiousRECUSANCYcouldresultinpunishment.

sedition(sih-DISH-uhn).Anactionthatpromotesdiscontentorrebellionagainstauthority.InanactofchildishSEDITION,Alexquittheclubafterwerefusedtoplayaroundofgolfwithhim.

suzerainty(SOO-zer-en-tee).Paramount,unquestionedauthority.“TheaccountexecutivesaresufficientlymaturetomanageeveryphaseoftheiraccountswithoutchallengingtheultimateSUZERAINTYofthecopywriter.”—DavidOgilvy,Britishadvertisingexecutive

VERBS

arrogate(AIR-uh-gayt).Todemandsomethingforoneselfortotakecontrolwithoutauthority.

ThewayNelsonARROGATESofficemeetingsdriveshiscoworkerscrazy!

depose(dih-POZE).Tooustorremovefromofficeorapositionofpowerandauthority.AfterthedictatorwasDEPOSED,thecountrysetabouthealingthewoundsofalongcivilwar.

usurp(yoo-SURP).Toassumecontrolforciblyand/orwithoutrightorauthority;totakeover.TheauthorityofCongresswasindeedUSURPEDbyLincolnduringthewar,butlegislatorsbrisklyreassertedthemselvesoncethecrisiswaspast.

ANTONYMS

derelict(dair-uh-LIKT).Willfullyneglectful;shirkingresponsibility;knowinglyfailingtoperformone’sduty.Thesheriffwastypicallydrunk,usuallynasty,andalwaysDERELICTintheperformanceofhisduties.

lax(LAX).Notstrict;careless;notstringent.ThenewteacherwasLAXinassertinghisauthorityandcouldnotcontroltheclassroom.

21.Avoid

(uh-VOID),verb

Tokeepawayfrom;topreventcontact;topreventfromhappening.

NOUNS

pariah(puh-RYE-uh).Anoutcast;onewhoisshunned,avoided,ordespised.

Afterhisfiring,MiltonhadthenervetoshowupunannouncedatthecompanypicnicandthenseemedsurprisedwhenhewastreatedasaPARIAH.

VERBS

abscond(ab-SKOND).Todepartquicklyandinsecret,especiallytoavoidcriminalcharges.ThebankrobbersimmediatelyABSCONDEDwiththemoneytoMexico.

circumvent(sir-kum-VENT).Toavoidbymeansofartfulcontrivance;tomaneuveraround;bypass.InCIRCUMVENTINGthewilloftheboardofdirectors,theCEOknewhewastakingarisk.

eschew(ess-CHOO).Toshun;tostayawayfrom,especiallyasaresultofmoralorethicalconcerns.ChuckESCHEWEDhiscoworkers’nightsoutonthetown,knowingtheyalmostalwaysconcludedwithavisittoastripclub.

evade(ee-VADE).Tosidestepordodge;tofleefrom(apursuer).ThefugitivesEVADEDtheauthoritiesforthreemonthsbutwerefinallyapprehendednearScottsdale,Arizona.

malinger(muh-LING-gur).Toavoidworkbymakingupexcuses.“TherewillbenoMALINGERINGinthisoffice,”thenewsupervisorsaidsternly.

preclude(pri-KLOOD).Tohinder;prevent;makeimpossible,especiallyinadvance.“Don’truleoutworkingwithyourhands.ItdoesnotPRECLUDEusingyourhead.”—AndyRooney,Americanjournalistandwriter

shun(shun).Tokeepawayfromoravoid.Wade’sparentsthoughthewouldbegladtheyhadagreedtochaperonetheschooldanceandseemedsurprisedwhenheSHUNNEDthemfortheentireevening.

ANTONYMS

accost(uh-KAWST).Toapproachandspeakto;toconfront.Astimewenton,theoldmanbecamelessandlessstableandwouldACCOSTeveryonehemetonthestreet,askingquestionsnoonecouldanswer.

confront(kuhn-FRUHNT).Toface;standormeetface-to-face;tofaceindefiance;oppose.“Allofthegreatleadershavehadonecharacteristicincommon:ItwasthewillingnesstoCONFRONTunequivocallythemajoranxietyoftheirpeopleintheirtime.”—JohnKennethGalbraith,Canadian-Americaneconomist

22.Aware

(uh-WEAR),adjective

Havingknowledgeofsomethingthroughalertobservationorinterpretationofwhatonesees,hears,orfeels;conscious.

ADJECTIVES

astute(uh-STUTE).Skilled;quicktolearnorgrasp;shrewd;sharp-witted.CarlwasanASTUTEinvestorwhoknewwhentofollowthecrowdandwhentoignoreit.

aucourant(ohkuh-RONT).Up-to-date;current.

MaryAnnpridedherselfonherabilitytostayAUCOURANTwiththelatesttrendsinfashion.

cognizant(KOG-nih-zint).Awareoftherealitiesofasituation;wellinformed.TheattorneyangrilydeniedthechargesthathisclienthadbeenCOGNIZANToftheschemetodefraudconsumers.

discerning(dih-SUR-ning).Showinggoodinsight,judgment,andunderstanding;discriminating.AlthoughJamieisexcellentatacquiringreferenceworks,sheisnotthemostDISCERNINGeditorwhenitcomestoevaluatingchildren’sbookproposals.

percipient(pur-SIP-ee-int).Keenlyorreadilyperceiving;discriminating.ArthurwasaPERCIPIENTgourmet,sowealwayslethimchoosetherestaurantforacelebratorymeal.

perspicacious(pur-spi-KAY-shuss).Characterizedbyacutementalperceptionandunderstanding.Amanda’sPERSPICACIOUSpowersofobservationmadeherparticularlyeffectiveasapsychologist.

pervious(PUR-vee-us).Openoraccessibletoreason,influence,orargument.ThenewteacherwasthrilledattheprospectofaclassroomfullofsmilingfacesandPERVIOUSminds.

sentient(SEN-tee-ent).Havingorcapableofperceptionorfeeling;conscious.“Manyyearsago,aparticularcreaturewasselectedtodevelopintothedominantlifeformonthisplanet.Itwasgivencertainbreaksandcertainchallenges,allofwhich,whenutilizedorovercome,markeditindeliblywithparticulartraitsasitmovedalongtheroadtoahigherSENTIENCE.”—RogerZelazny,Americansciencefictionwriter

subliminal(sub-LIM-inn-uhl).Operatingbelowthethresholdofconsciousness,butstillhavinganeffectonthemind.SUBLIMINALadvertisingwasabigfadinadvertisinginthe1970s.

trenchant(TREN-chunt).Keen;sharplyperceptive;incisive;discerning.Michael’sTRENCHANTcommentaryonAmericanpoliticsandsocietyhavemadehimapopularradiotalkshowhost.

VERBS

annunciate(uh-NUN-see-ayt).Toproclaimorannounce.JackiechosetoANNUNCIATEherengagementathersister’sbirthdaypartyandturnedtheattentiononherself.

apprise(uh-PRYZ).Tonotify;tocausetobeawareof.HaveyoubeenAPPRISEDofthemostrecentnewsfromhome?

disabuse(diss-uh-BYOOZ).Tofreeoneselforsomeoneelsefromanincorrectassumptionorbelief.WehadtoDISABUSELorraineofherbeliefthatherfamilyconnectionswouldimmediatelymakeheramemberofourgroup.

promulgate(PROM-ul-gayt).Toputforwardpublicly;toannounceinanofficialcapacity.ThenewsoftheBritishattackwasPROMULGATEDbytowncriers.

ANTONYMS

heedless(HEED-liss).Unmindful;careless;thoughtless.JackwasHEEDLESSoftheeffectsofhiscommentsand,withoutmeaningto,oftenhurtthefeelingsofhisfriendsandfamily.

nescience(NESH-uhns).Ignorance;lackofknowledge.Thetownspeoplewerenotevilbynature,butfromtheirNESCIENCEwereafraidofandhostiletostrangers.

B

23.Bad

(bad),adjective

Notgood;defectiveinquality;notsound;notanacceptablestandard;lackingworth;unfit.

ADJECTIVES

calamitous(kuh-LAM-uh-tuss).Catastrophic;disastrous.Thestockmarket’sCALAMITOUScrashgaverisetoanationwidepanic.

cataclysmic(kat-uh-KLIZ-mihk).Oforcausedbyacataclysm(deluge);disastrous.TheassassinationoftheprimeministerwasaCATACLYSMICeventthatledtoalengthycivilwar.

egregious(eh-GREE-juss).Remarkableinabadway;havingextremelyundesirablequalities.PaulinemadetheEGREGIOUSmistakeofaskingthepriceofapieceofjewelrythatcaughthereye,ratherthansimplyaskingtopurchasethenecklace.

grievous(GREE-vuhss).Flagrantandoutrageous;atrocious;causinggriefandgreatsorrow.“JealousyisaGRIEVOUSpassionthatjealouslyseekswhatcausesgrief.”—FranzGrillparzer,Austrianpoet

hellacious(hel-AYE-shuss).Extremelybrutal,violent,andsevere;remarkablydifficult.Madison’sHELLACIOUSforayintothecorporateworldresultedinherquicklygoingbacktobeingsupportedsolelybyhertrustfund.

macabre(muh-KAH-bruh).Horrifying;ghastly;reminiscentofdeath.Theoldman’sMACABREtalesfrightenedthechildren.

odious(OH-dee-us).Offensiveordisgusting;causingrevulsion.“TodependuponaprofessionisalessODIOUSformofslaverythantodependuponafather.”—VirginiaWoolf,Britishessayistandnovelist

odoriferous(oh-duh-RIFF-er-us).Bad-smelling;foul.EleanorbelievedshewouldenjoyherweekendtrekthroughtheSouthAmericanrainforest,butshefoundtheanimalstoonoisy,theconstantrainunpleasant,andtheforest’sODORIFEROUSvegetationdistasteful.

putrescent(pyoo-TRESS-unht).Rotten;decayed;decomposed.Rogerwasconcernedonlywiththewelfareofbigcatsandaftermanyyearsinthefieldwasn’tbotheredbythePUTRESCENTremainsoftheirpreyanimals.

NOUNS

abomination(uh-bom-ih-NAY-shen).Anythingdisgustingorhateful;ashameful,vile,ordisgustingactorcondition.“Notjustavileact,yourhonor,thedefendantcommittedanABOMINATION!”thunderedtheprosecutor,pointingatmyclient.

nadir(NAY-der).Rock-bottom,theworstasituationcangetorbecome;pointofgreatestdespairoradversity.WealwayshavetoattendtheWallingtons’Christmasparty,becauseoftheirstanding,butintruth,thatdreadfullyboringeventisalwaystheNADIRofour

socialcalendar.

ANTONYMS

pukka(PUCK-uh).Authentic;genuine;proper;first-class.Hehadneverdrivenonebefore,butFrankcouldrecognizeimmediatelythatthisclassicautomobilewasaPUKKA.

recherché(ruh-shair-SHAY).Soughtwithcare;rare;choice;uncommon.BrianwasnotcontenthavingthesamepossessionsasotherpeopleandcontinuallysearchedforRECHERCHÉitemstoshowoff.Seealso:Abuse,Crimes,Evil

24.Banter

(BAN-ter),noun

Good-naturedteasingorlight,playfulremarks.

NOUNS

badinage(bah-dih-NAHZH).Light-heartedbanter,notmeanttobetakenseriously.“Ifyoudon’tcareforme,youcanmoveoutnow.I’mfranklynotuptoBADINAGE.”—HarlanEllison,Americanauthor

chaff(CHAF).Good-naturedteasingorridicule.Itseemedeasyatfirst,butkeepinguptheCHAFFthroughoutthepartyturnedouttobequiteachore.

facetiousness(fuh-SEE-shuss-ness).Conversationthatlacksseriousintentandisconcernedwithsomethingnonessentialandamusing.

IcouldseebytheamountofliquorflowingthatthepartywouldbecharacterizedbyawkwarddancingandFACETIOUSNESS.

persiflage(PUR-suh-flahzh).Alight,flippant,orfrivolousstyleofwritingorspeaking;banter.Theroomwasfilledwiththesoundsofthestringquartetandtheguests’PERSIFLAGE.

pleasantry(PLEZ-uhn-tree).Thequalityofbeingpleasantorplayfulinconversation;courteoussocialremark.HenowfacedanenemyonthebattlefieldwhowasoncehisgoodneighborwithwhomhehadexchangedmanyPLEASANTRIES.

raillery(RAY-luh-ree).Good-naturedteasing.“RAILLERY,”saidMontesquieu,is“awayofspeakinginfavorofone’switattheexpenseofone’sbetternature.”

repartee(rep-er-TAY).Conversationcharacterizedbywittybanter.OurgalasandballsarealwaysmarkedbydelightfulREPARTEEaroundthegranddinnertable.

ANTONYMS

churlishness(CHUR-lish-ness).Amean,boorish,orrudeoutlook;lackofcivilityorgraciousness.NeilwassurprisedbySusan’sCHURLISHNESSwhendiscussingamutualfriend.

disputatious(dis-pyoo-TAY-shuss).Inclinedtodispute;fondofarguing;contentious.LaurabroughtherDISPUTATIOUSbrotherwithhertothemovie,sowewerepreparedforanunpleasantevening.

25.Bathos

(BAY-thoss),noun

Asuddenchangeinmoodfromthesolemnandserioustoamorelight-hearted,relaxed,andhumorousoutlook.Also,insincerepathos.

ADJECTIVES

capricious(kuh-PREE-shuss).Pronetoquicklychangingone’smind,decision,orcourseofactionatthedropofahatoronimpulse.“IdonotunderstandtheCAPRICIOUSlewdnessofthesleepingmind.”—JohnCheever,Americannovelist

effervescent(ef-ur-VESS-ent).Bubbly;upbeat;cheerful;possessingapositiveattitudeandjoyfulpersonality.AftergettingtheacceptanceletterfromCornell,SabrinawasEFFERVESCENTandcelebratedwithatriptoNeimanMarcus.

NOUNS

bonhomie(bon-uh-MEE).Agood-natured,genialmanner.Eventhoughhehasnofamilypedigree,WalkerisacceptedintoourgroupbecauseofhiscontagiousBONHOMIE.

VERBS

prattle(PRAT-l).Tobabble;totalknonstopwithoutregardtowhetherwhatyouaresayingmakessenseorisofanyinteresttothelistener.“Infancyconformstonobody:allconformtoit,sothatonebabecommonlymakesfourorfiveoutoftheadultswhoPRATTLEandplaytoit.”

—RalphWaldoEmerson,Americanpoet,essayist,andtranscendentalist

ANTONYMS

dyslogistic(diss-luh-JISS-tik).Showingdisapprovalorcensure.WegaveElizabethDYSLOGISTICglanceswhenshetoldusshehaddecidedtostopshoppingatCartier.

equable(ECK-wuh-bull).Unvarying,steady,andfreefromextremes.“Hespakeoflove,suchloveasspiritsfeel/InworldswhosecourseisEQUABLEandpure.”—WilliamWordsworth,BritishRomanticpoet

26.Behave

(bee-HAYV),verb

Tomanageorconductoneself,especiallyinaproperorcorrectway;toactorreact.

ADJECTIVES

inveterate(in-VET-er-it).Neverchanging;persistingbyhabit.“Takeallthegardenspills,/INVETERATE,/prodigalspender/justassummergoes.”—HildaDoolittle,Americanpoetandmemoirist

NOUNS

demeanor(dih-MEE-ner).Outwardconduct;deportment.Inanefforttoteachbehavior,primaryschoolsgradedstudentsontheirDEMEANOR.

habitude(HAB-uh-tyood).Customarybehaviororcustomaryprocedure.

Alistair’sHABITUDEisfortheservantstoawakehimjustpriortonoon.

portance(PORT-ens).Conduct;carriage,bearing;demeanor.Mygrandmothergrewupinamorecivilizedperiod,orsosheclaimed,andappreciatedthevalueofproperPORTANCE.

praxis(PRAK-sis).Establishedpractice;custom.Atonetime,killingandstuffingspecimenswasthePRAXISformanybranchesofbiology.

propriety(pro-PRY-uh-tee).Behavinginawaythatconformstothemannersandmoralsofpolitesociety.“PROPRIETYistheleastofalllaws,andthemostobserved.”—FrançoisdeLaRochefoucauld,Frenchauthor

VERBS

acquit(uh-KWIT).Tobehaveinaccordancewithaperson’spositionorobligations.Ithadbeenyearssincetheactorshadworkedtogetheronstage,buttheybothACQUITEDthemselveslikeprofessionals.

bestir(bee-STUR).Torousetoaction;stirup;busyorexert(oneself).Havingmadeelaboratepreparationstowatchthegamewithoutinterruption,ArthurdidnotplantoBESTIRhimselffortherestoftheafternoon.

comport(kum-PORT).Toconductoneself;tobehaveinaparticularway.RogeralwaysembarrassesusbecauseheseemstothinkhisfamilynamefreeshimtoCOMPORThimselffoolishly.

discharge(dis-CHARJ).Toperform,execute,orfulfilladutyorfunction.

ThesoldiertookhispositionseriouslyandalwaysDISCHARGEDhisdutiestothebestofhisability.

ANTONYMS

dysfunctional(diss-FUNK-shun-uhl).Characterizedbyabnormalfunctioning,orpoorinterpersonalbehaviorwithinagroup.CharliealwaysblameshisrottenbehavioronbeingtheproductofaDYSFUNCTIONALfamily.

27.Belief

(bee-LEEF),noun

Astateofmindinwhichconfidenceisplacedinapersonorthing;aconvictionthatcertainthingsaretrue;faith.

ADJECTIVES

existential(eggs-ih-STEN-shul).Pertainingtoideas,beliefs,andphilosophiesthatsupporttheconceptoffreewillandthefreedomoftheindividual.“Nophallichero,nomatterwhathedoestohimselfortoanothertoprovehiscourage,evermatchesthesolitary,EXISTENTIALcourageofthewomanwhogivesbirth.”—AndreaDworkin,Americanradicalfeministandauthor

implausible(im-PLAWZ-ih-bull).Difficulttobelieve;highlyunlikelytobetrue.“Atfirstglance,mostfamousfairytalesseemsoIMPLAUSIBLEandirrelevanttocontemporarylifethattheirsurvivalishardtounderstand.”—AlisonLurie,Americannovelistandacademic

monistic(moh-NIS-tik).Characterizedbytheideathateverything—includingphilosophy,religion,andmysticism—canbereducedtoasinglesubstanceorexplainedbyasingleprinciple.OfcoursewebelievetheworldisMONISTIC.Wealthisthesourceofeverythingintheuniverse.

orthodox(OR-thuh-docks).Mainstream;conventional;adheringtothestrictestinterpretationofalaworreligion.ORTHODOXmedicinehaslongignoredtheobviouseffectdietandnutritionhaveonhealthandillness.

staunch(stonch).Firminresolutionorbelief;fixed.Mr.West,aSTAUNCHconservative,believedthatgovernmentwastewasthemainproblemrequiringattentioninWashington.

syncretistic(sin-krih-TIH-stik).Pertainingtoasetofbeliefsobtainedbycombiningelementsofmultiplecultures,religions,societies,orschoolsofthought.Pauline’sSYNCRETISTICworldviewcomesfromthefactthatherfamilyhastraveledextensivelyacrosstheglobe.

teleological(tee-lee-uh-LOJ-ih-kuhl).Concerningthebeliefthatthingsexistforapurpose.Thefactthatwehaveunsurpassablewealthandtaste,whileotherswhoarelessimportantendurehardship,issurelyproofthatweliveinaTELEOLOGICALuniverse.

NOUNS

agnostic(ag-NOS-tik).Apersonwhobelievesitisimpossibletoknowtheessentialnatureofthingsandwhetherornotanultimatecause(asGod)exists.

Frank,whohadbeenraisedinadeeplyreligioushome,knewthatitwouldhurthisparentsiftheydiscoveredhewasanAGNOSTIC.

determinism(dih-TUR-muh-niz-um).Thebeliefthataperson’scourseofactionisnotfreebutpredeterminedbyexternalcircumstances.AtruediscipleofDETERMINISM,Jerryfeltheshouldnotbeheldaccountableforhavingmarriedthreewomen—since,asheargued,eachoftherelationshipshadbeen“meanttobe.”

ethos(EE-thos).Thecoreprinciplesorbeliefsofareligion,culture,orcommunity.EventheeatingofcheeseviolatestheETHOSoftheveganculture.

humanism(HEW-muh-niz-um).Thephilosophyorbeliefthatthehighestidealsofhumanexistencecanbefulfilledwithoutregardtoreligionorsupernaturalintervention.“ThefourcharacteristicsofHUMANISMarecuriosity,afreemind,beliefingoodtaste,andbeliefinthehumanrace.”—E.M.Forster,Englishnovelist

hypothesis(hy-POTH-uh-sis).Aprinciplederivedfromlimitedevidence,seenassensiblebasedonananalysisofavailabledata,butnotproventothepointwhereitisanacceptedtheory,rule,orlaw.“InordertoshakeaHYPOTHESIS,itissometimesnotnecessarytodoanythingmorethanpushitasfarasitwillgo.”—DenisDiderot,Frenchphilosopher

iconoclast(eye-KAHN-uh-clast).Anindividualwhoiscontrarianinthought,rebelliousinspirit,andoppositional,andwhoapplieshimselftobattlingestablishedinstitutions,existinggovernments,religiousdoctrine,andpopularnotionsandbeliefs.ThelateGeorgeCarlinsawtheroleofthecomicinsocietyasoneofICONOCLAST.

ideologue(EYE-dee-uh-log).Apersonwhorigidlyadherestoanideologywithaclosedmindregardingotherpointsofview.“AnIDEOLOGUEmaybedefinedasamadintellectual.”—CliftonFadiman,Americancritic

martyrdom(MAR-ter-dum).Theconditionofhavingsuffereddeathasamartyr,apersonwhohasdiedorbeenkilledratherthangiveuphisfaithorprinciples.ManysaythatJohnBrown’sMARTYRDOMservedhiscausemoreeffectivelythananythinghedidatHarper’sFerry.

mores(MORE-ayz).Theacceptednormsofsocialbehaviorforthetimeandsocietyinwhichonelives.GrantlearnedthehardwaythatMORESvaryfromcountrytocountrywhenhemadethefauxpasoftryingtoshakethehandoftheThaibusinessman.

nihilism(NIE-uh-liz-im).Thebeliefthatlifeismeaningless.AprofoundNIHILISMseemstohavefallenoverthepoetduringthelastsixmonthsshespentinLondon;herletterstohermotherindicateaseveredepression.

pragmatism(PRAG-muh-tiz-um).Thebeliefthatone’sactionsshouldbeguidedprimarilybasedonknowledgeoropinionofwhatislikelytoworkbestinagivensituation;theimperativetoalwaysdowhatispracticalandeffective.Ourfamilieshavesucceededinamassinggreatwealthovermanygenerationsbecauseweareall,atheart,practitionersofPRAGMATISM.

predestination(pree-dess-tih-NAY-shun).Thebeliefthatwedonothavefreewillandthatourlivesanddestiniesarepreordainedandbeyondourcontrol.TheproblemwithPREDESTINATIONisthatwhateverhappens,youcansaythatitwasmeanttobe,andnoonecanproveyouwrong.

solipsism(SAHL-ip-sihz-uhm).Thenotionthatone’sownexperiencesandthoughtsaretheonlysourceoftrueknowledge.TheSOLIPSISMofsomemembersoftheleisureclassisdistastefultothoseofuswho,forexample,knowwhatourservantsneedevenmorethantheydo.

tabularasa(TAB-yuh-luhRAH-suh).Acleanslate;lackingpreconceivednotions,prejudices,beliefs,andattitudes;receptivetoinstructionandinformation.“Classicwriter’sfearoftheblankpage:callitTABULA-RASA-phobia.”—JohnJerome,Americannonfictionwriter

Taoism(DOW-is-um).AsystemofphilosophyidentifiedwiththesageLao-tzuandembodiedmostnotablyinhisworkTaoTeChing,whichholdsthatlifelivedsimplyandinaccordancewithnaturallawsandeventsismostinkeepingwiththeTao,orway,thatunderliesallexistence.ScholarsmaydebatethefinepointsofarationalunderstandingofTAOISM,butatruepractitionerprobablyexpressesitbestwhenshegracefullyandthankfullyacceptsaprofferedcupoftea.

tenet(TEN-it).Acentraldoctrine;acorebelief;aruleorprincipleonelivesby.“ChristianwritersfromthethirdcenturyonpointedoutthedeleteriouseffectofPlatonismonChristianbelief—evenwhileadoptingmanyofitsfundamentalTENETS.”—HaroldAttridge,DeanofYaleUniversityDivinitySchool

weltschmerz(VELT-shmertz).Alingeringsorrowthatsomebelieveisagiveninlife.WhenwesnubbedMargaretforbuyingsomanyfashionknockoffs,herWELTSCHMERZlasteduntilweforgaveher.

zealot(ZEL-it).Arabidfollower;atruebeliever;afanaticaladvocate.

“WhatanobleaimisthatoftheZEALOTwhotortureshimselflikeamadmaninordertodesirenothing,lovenothing,feelnothing,andwho,ifhesucceeded,wouldendupacompletemonster!”—DenisDiderot,Frenchphilosopher

zeitgeist(ZITE-gyst).Theprevailingviewpoints,attitudes,andbeliefsofagivengenerationorperiodinhistory.Inthetwenty-firstcentury,“goinggreen”isverymuchattheforefrontofthenation’sZEITGEIST,aspeoplehavebeenmadeawareoftheimportanceofbeinggoodstewardsofourplanet’snaturalresources.

ANTONYMS

apostasy(uh-POSS-tah-see).Theactofabandoning,ignoring,oropenlyfloutinganacceptedprincipleorbelief.Paulwasabelieverinhisparents’religionformostofhislife,untilhisfaithwasoverrunandcrushedbyunstoppableAPOSTASY.

dubiety(doo-BY-ih-tee).Thestateofdoubt;doubtfulness;uncertainty.Thefinancialreportswereinconsistentandconfusing,andtheycausedrampantDUBIETYwithinbothchambersofCongress.

28.Best

(BEST),adjective

Havingthehighestquality,standing,orexcellence;mostsuitable,desirable,oradvantageous;superiortoallothers.

ADJECTIVES

efflorescent(ef-luh-RESS-uhnt).Describessomethingthathasreachedthefinalstageofitsdevelopmentorisatthepeakofperfection.ThomasisconvincedthattheBugattiVeyronFbgrepresentstheEFFLORESCENTautomobile.

empyreal(em-PEER-ee-uhl).Elevatedandsublime;or,ofthesky.Thebeautifulthree-caratsapphireherfiancégavehershonewithanEMPYREAL,almostcelestial,light.

maximal(MAK-suh-mull).Thehighestorgreatestpossible;attheupperlimit.OnceitreacheditsMAXIMALheight,thetestplanecouldbereturnedtobaseforexamination.

nonpareil(non-pah-RELL).Withoutequalorpeer.WecouldtellJeanettewasatypicalparvenuwhensheattemptedtoconvinceusthatBenningtonPoshCouturegolfbagsareNONPAREIL.

optimum(OP-tih-mum).Themostfavorabledegree,point,orcondition;thebestresultforgivenconditions.GeorgeknewhisfishandarrivedatthebestspotonthelakeattheOPTIMUMmoment.

paramount(PAIR-uh-mount).Supreme;superior;excellent.ItisofPARAMOUNTimportancethatwecompletethisprojectontime.

peerless(PEER-luss).Withoutpeer;aboveotherswithregardtoabilityorquality;beyondcompare.Mrs.Reilly’sPEERLESSskillsasamediatorsoonearnedheraspecialpositionofrespectontheschoolboard.

quintessential(kwin-tuh-SEN-shul).Themostnearlyperfectortypicalexampleofitscategoryorkind.

“Cravingthatoldsweetonenessyetdreadingengulfment,wishingtobeourmother’sandyetbeourown,westormilyswingfrommoodtomood,advancingandretreating—theQUINTESSENTIALmodeloftwo-mindedness.”—JudithViorst,Americanauthorandpsychoanalyst

rarefied(RAIR-uh-fyed).Lofty;exalted;ofhighclassorcaliber.Mostcopywritersdon’toperateintheRAREFIEDenvironmentinwhichClaytonmakeshismillions.

superlative(soo-PURR-luh-tiv).Thequalityofsomething’sbeingthebestinitsclass.Ourfamily’sshowhorsesareSUPERLATIVEineveryway.

NOUNS

apotheosis(ah-paw-thee-OH-sis).Theculminationorhighestpoint.WinningtheSilverGutterAwardathislocalbowlingalleywastheAPOTHEOSISofWendell’sless-than-stellarsportslegacy.

epitome(ee-PIT-uh-mee).Thehighestorsupremeexample.ManypeopleconsiderTheMaryTylerMooreShowtobetheEPITOMEofa1970ssituationcomedy.

exemplar(ig-ZEM-plar).Arolemodel,ashiningexampleofadesiredstate,status,orbehavior.“Thesystem—theAmericanone,atleast—isavastandnobleexperiment.IthasbeenpolestarandEXAMPLARforothernations.”—PhyllisMcGinley,Americanpoet

neplusultra(nayplooceOOL-truh).Thehighestpossibleembodiment(ofsomething).ManyconsiderOedipusRextragicdrama’sNEPLUSULTRA.

paragon(PAIR-uh-gone).Apeerlessmodelorpatternofperfection.EvenifwecouldliveourlivesinaccordancewiththePARAGONSofrightliving,wouldwenotstillexperienceconflictandmisunderstandingwithothers?

primacy(PRY-muh-see).Qualityofbeingfirstinorder,rank,orimportance.Physicsisthought,byphysicists,toholdPRIMACYoverothersciences.

zenith(ZEE-nith).Thehighestpointattained;thepeak.“Thisdeadofmidnightisthenoonofthought,/AndWisdommountsherZENITHwiththestars.”—AnnaLaetitiaBarbauld,Englishpoetandchildren’sauthor

ANTONYMS

nadir(NAY-der).Rock-bottom,theworstathingcangetorbecome;pointofgreatestdespairoradversity.EveryonequietlyprayedthatthemarkethadreacheditsNADIRandwouldbouncebackquicklyandcompletely.Seealso:Grand

29.Bonafide

(BO-nahfyed),adjective

Legitimate,therealthing,thegenuinearticle.

ADJECTIVES

unimpeachable(un-ihm-PEE-chuh-bull).Abovereproach;impossibletodiscreditorslander.

WepromotedCarlatoupstairsmaidbecauseherjobperformancehasbeenUNIMPEACHABLE.

veritable(VER-ih-tuh-bull).Genuine;therealthing;representingaperfectspecimenorexample.“Forme,thechildisaVERITABLEimageofbecoming,ofpossibility,poisedtoreachtowardswhatisnotyet,towardsagrowingthatcannotbepredeterminedorprescribed.”—MaxineGreene,Americanphilosopherandeducator

NOUNS

exemplar(ig-ZEM-plar).Arolemodel,ashiningexampleofadesiredstate,status,orbehavior.“Thesystem—theAmericanone,atleast—isavastandnobleexperiment.IthasbeenpolestarandEXAMPLARforothernations.”—PhyllisMcGinley,Americanpoet

rectitude(REHK-tih-tood).Moralvirtue;rightness.“Themindthat’sconsciousofitsRECTITUDE,/Laughsattheliesofrumor.”—Ovid,Romanpoet

veracity(ver-ASS-ih-tee).Thecharacteristicorhabitofbeingtruthfulandconformingtoacceptedstandardsofbehavior.“TheworldisupheldbytheVERACITYofgoodmen:theymaketheearthwholesome.”—RalphWaldoEmerson,Americanpoet,essayist,andtranscendentalist

VERBS

vindicate(VIN-dih-kayt).Toproveyouropinioniscorrect,oryouractionjustified,orthatyouareinnocentofamisdeedyoustandaccusedof,despiteopinionsandevidencetothecontrary.

WelaughedatPaulette’spredictionsabouttheimminentfallfashions,butoncethecouturewasunveiled,PaulettewasVINDICATED.

ANTONYMS

aggrandize(uh-GRAN-dyz).Toexaggerate,putonafalsefront,andmakesomethinglookgreaterandgranderthanitreallyis.PhiltriestoAGGRANDIZEhisreputationbystatingthatheisachartermemberoftheBillO’Reillyfanclub,buteverybodyjustthinksthis“feat”makeshimpathetic.

clandestine(klan-DES-tin).Pertainingtoactivitiesthataresecret,covert,andperhapsnotfullyauthorizedorsanctioned.“CLANDESTINEstepsuponimaginedstairs/Climbthroughthenight,becausehiscuckooscall.”—WallaceStevens,Americanpoet

fallacious(fuh-LAY-shuss).Basedononeormorefalseassumptions.Sincemyonlinesubscriberlistisdoubleopt-in,accusingmeofbeingaspammerisawhollyFALLACIOUSassumption.

faux(FOH).Fake;phony;artificial.Sheworeacheapsecond-handdressandaFAUXpearlnecklacemadeoutofwhitebeads.

inveigle(in-VAY-gull).Toconvinceorpersuadesomeonethroughtrickery,dishonesty,orflattery.CraigINVEIGLEDthedeanintoallowinghimtograduateeventhoughhefailedtomeettheforeignlanguagerequirementoftheuniversity.

traduce(truh-DOOCE).Tospeakmaliciouslyof;slander.WehavesnubbedKatrinapermanentlybecauseshehas,atonetimeoranother,TRADUCEDeachoneofusinthesocietypages.

usurper(you-SIR-per).Apersonwhoseizesapositionofpowerthroughillegalmeans,force,ordeception.“AUSURPERintheguiseofabenefactoristheenemythatwearenowtoencounterandovercome.”—WilliamLeggett,Americanpoetandfictionwriter

30.Brave

(BRAYV),adjective

Thecharacteristicoffearlessnessinmeetingdangerordifficulty;havingcourage.

ADJECTIVES

audacious(aw-DAY-shuss).Extremelybold;reckless;daring;adventurous;defiantinthefaceofconvention.HisAUDACIOUSbehavioratthefamilyreunionshockedevenhisbrothersandsisters.

dauntless(DAWNT-liss).Fearless,intrepid,andbold.“ForThoughthasapairofDAUNTLESSwings.”—RobertFrost,Americanpoet

intrepid(in-TREP-id).Resolutelybrave.TheINTREPIDclimbermadeherwaydowntheicymountainalone.

valorous(VAL-er-uss).Characterizedbyfearlessnessandbravery,especiallyinbattle.Myuncle’sofficewasfilledwithcitationscommemoratinghismanyVALOROUSactsinWorldWarII.

NOUNS

bravado(bruh-VAW-doe).Anopenshowofbravery;characterizedbyadisplayofboldness.Themayor’sswaggeringattitudeofBRAVADOwasoflittlehelpwhenthetownwasfinallyattacked.

sangfroid(san-FWAH).Theattitudeorstateofpossessingacoolheadandsteadfastcomposureinthefaceofdanger,adversity,orstressfulsituations.Thecarcrashshookhim,butwithinsecondsherecoveredhisSANGFROIDandwenttocheckonhisdriver.

ANTONYMS

pavid(PAV-id).Timidandfearful.Charlie’scatmusthavebeenabusedasakitten,becauseitsleepswithonePAVIDeyeopen.

pusillanimous(pyoo-suh-LAN-ih-muss).Beingmildortimidbynature;ashrinkingviolet;apersonwhoseekstoavoidconflict,challenge,anddanger.L.FrankBaum’smostPUSILLANIMOUSfictionalcreationistheCowardlyLionofOz.

recreant(REHK-ree-ant).Craven;cowardly;cryingformercy.VictoryseemedlikelybecausewewerefacingareputedlyRECREANTfoe.

tremulous(TREHM-yuh-luss).Timidandfearful.WithTREMULOUSmien,AnthonyaskedGwendolynifshewouldconsenttoajoiningoftheirfamilies.

trepidation(trep-ih-DAY-shun).Astateoffearoragitation.ContinualtremorscreatedTREPIDATIONintheentirepopulation.

31.Burgeon

(BURR-jin),verb

Tosprout,togrow;toblossomandflourish.

ADJECTIVES

ebullient(eh-BULL-yuhnt).Feelingjoyandpositiveemotionsatanextremelevel;thestateofbeingwildlyenthusiasticaboutsomething.LornewasEBULLIENTwhenhefoundthathismotherhadgiventhecollegeenoughmoneytooverturnhisrejection.

efflorescent(ef-luh-RESS-uhnt).Havingreachedthefinalstageofitsdevelopment,orbeingatthepeakofperfection.ThomasisconvincedthattheBugatiVeyronFbgrepresentstheEFFLORESCENTautomobile.

fervent(FUR-vuhnt).Showinggreatenthusiasmandintensityofspirit.Packingupthefamily’scastoffsformyriadcharitieseachDecemberplacesContessainaFERVENTstate.

germinal(JUHR-mih-nuhl).Relatedtotheearlieststageofdevelopment.Roland’sforayintoart-buyingisinitsGERMINALphase.

NOUNS

apotheosis(ah-paw-thee-OH-siss).Theculminationorhighestpoint.WinningtheSilverGutterAwardathislocalbowlingalleywastheAPOTHEOSISofWendell’sless-than-stellarsportslegacy.

concupiscence(kon-KYOO-pih-suhns).Unbridledlustintheextreme—horniness.“You’retalkingtoayoungvampire,afountainofCONCUPISCENCE.”

—MarioAcevedo,Americanfantasyauthor

VERBS

foment(foe-MENT).Torouseorincite.“IfperticuliarcareandattentionisnotpaidtotheLaidieswearedeterminedtoFOMENTaRebelion,andwillnotholdourselvesboundbyanyLawsinwhichwehavenovoice,orRepresentation.”—AbigailAdams,secondFirstLadyoftheUnitedStates

metastasize(meh-TASS-tih-size).Tospreadharmfullyfromanoriginalsource,aswithcancercells.Byron’suglynaturequicklyMETASTASIZEDinourgroup,ashespreadliesandgossipamongmoreandmoreofoursocialcontacts.

ANTONYMS

entropy(EN-troh-pee).Thetendencyofanysystemtorundownandreverttototalchaos.“JustastheconstantincreaseofENTROPYisthebasiclawoftheuniverse,soitisthebasiclawoflifetobeevermorehighlystructuredandtostruggleagainstENTROPY.”—VáclavHavel,Czechplaywright,writer,andpolitician

C

32.Cabal

(kuh-BAHL),noun

Anundergroundsociety,secretreligioussect,orotherprivategroupassembledforpurposeshiddenfromthosearoundthem.

ADJECTIVES

furtive(FUR-tihv).Actingguiltyofsomemissteporpossessingknowledgeonewouldjustassoonkeepsecret.“Forawhilethetwostaredateachother—Denisonembarrassed,SelenealmostFURTIVE.”—IsaacAsimov,Russian-bornAmericanauthorandbiochemist

inscrutable(in-SKROO-tuh-bull).Mysteriousandnoteasytounderstand.“IsupposeInowhavethereputationofbeinganINSCRUTABLEdipsomaniac.OnewomanhereoriginatedtherumourthatIamextremelylazyandwillneverdoorfinishanything.”—JamesJoyce,Irishauthorandplaywright

Machiavellian(mack-ee-uh-VEL-ee-uhn).Unscrupulousandself-centered;manipulative;cunning.WecanhardlybecalledMACHIAVELLIANsimplybecausewedowhatweneedtodotoholdontotheluxuriouslifestyletowhichwehavebecomeaccustomed.

NOUNS

coup(koo).Forcibleseizureofpowerorcontrol.

Sophiatookcontrolofherfather’scompanywhilehewasinthehospital,anacttheinvestorsconsideredabitofaCOUP.

minion(MIN-yuhn).Afollowerofsomeoneinanimportantposition.“Icaughtthismorningmorning’sMINION,king-/domofdaylight’sdauphin,dapple-dawn-drawnFalcon,inhisriding.”—GerardManleyHopkins,EnglishpoetandJesuitpriest

oligarchy(OH-lih-gar-kee).Anation,state,orotherplacewherethepopulationisgovernedbyarelativelysmallgroupofpeople,especiallywhenallaremembersofthesamefamily.MostfamilyownedbusinessesareOLIGARCHIES,notdemocracies.

sedition(sih-DISH-uhn).Anactionthatpromotesdiscontentorrebellion.InanactofchildishSEDITION,Alexquittheclubafterwerefusedtoplayaroundofgolfwithhim.

VERBS

encipher(en-SY-fur).Toscrambleorconvertdataintoasecretcode,priortotransmission.MathematicianswereemployedbytheArmytocrackENCIPHEREDmessagesduringthewar.

ANTONYMS

gregarious(greh-GAIR-ee-us).Extroverted;outgoing;friendlyandcheerfulinnature.“Weareeasytomanage,aGREGARIOUSpeople,/Fullofsentiment,cleveratmechanics,andweloveourluxuries.”—RobinsonJeffers,Americanpoet

ostentatious(awe-sten-TAY-shuss).Pretentious;presentedinashowymannersoastoimpressothers;meanttoflauntone’swealthorsuccess.“ThemanwhoisOSTENTATIOUSofhismodestyistwintothestatuethatwearsafig-leaf.”—MarkTwain

33.Careful

(KAYR-full),adjective

Exercisingcaution;dealingthoughtfullywithasituation;wary;showingcloseattentionorgreatconcern.

ADJECTIVES

chary(CHAIR-ee).Verycautiousorwary.IwasCHARYofLillian’snewbusinessschemebecauseher“great”ideasalwaysresultinspectaculardisasters.

circumspect(SIR-kum-spekt).Prudent,cautious;consideringfromallsides.“Ismiled,/Iwaited,/IwasCIRCUMSPECT;/Onever,never,neverwritethatI/missedlifeorloving.”—HildaDoolittle,Americanpoetandmemoirist

fastidious(fah-STID-ee-us).Particularaboutthings,expeciallygoodhousekeepingandpersonalhygiene;placinggreatimportanceoneventhesmallestofdetails.“AFASTIDIOUSpersoninthethroesofloveisarichsourceofmirth.”—MarthaDuffy,Artseditor,Timemagazine

meticulous(meh-TIK-yuh-luhss).Extremelyprecise;fussyaboutdetails.Asaradiologist,ArthurwasrequiredtogiveMETICULOUSattentiontoreadingtestresults.

parsimonious(par-sih-MOAN-ee-us).Conservativeinspendingandtightwithadollar;partingwithmoneyorotherresourcesonlygrudginglyandaftermuchcajoling.EsmereldacanbesurprisinglyPARSIMONIOUS,consideringthatherfamily’sfortuneisamongthegreatestpossessedbyoursocialcontacts.

punctilious(punk-TILL-ee-uss).Overlyattentivetotriflingdetails;takinggreatcaretodisposeofseeminglysmallmattersinaformallycorrectway.ThePUNCTILIOUSMrs.Smithtookissuewiththeseatingarrangementswehadsuggested.

scrupulous(SKROO-pyoo-luss).Characterizedbyaconscientiousadherencetowhatisconsideredtrue,right,oraccurate.TheCFOwasreplacedbyafinancialexpertwhoalsoexercisedSCRUPULOUScontrolofthecompany’sexpenseaccounts,muchtothechagrinofthesalesforce.

NOUNS

preciosity(presh-ee-OSS-uh-tee).Carefullyaffectedorfastidiousrefinement.ItwasunclearwhyRalphadoptedhisPRECIOSITY,butweknowhedidn’tinherititfromhisguilelessparents.

ANTONYMS

prodigal(PRAHD-ih-gull).Characterizedbyrecklesswastefulness;spendthrift;excessivelygenerous.KnownforhisPRODIGALspendinghabits,Williamalwayscausedastiramongwaitstaffintherestaurantshefrequented.

profligate(PROF-lih-git).Extravagant;wasteful;excessive.

“TheofficialaccountoftheChurch’sdevelopmentviewedalternativevoicesasexpressingtheviewsofamisguidedminority,cravenfollowersofcontemporaryculture,PROFLIGATEsinners,orworse.”—HaroldAttridge,DeanofYaleUniversityDivinitySchool

slatternly(SLAT-urn-lee).Untidyandcareless;slovenly;disorderly.Dorothy’sSLATTERNLYhabitsmakeheraninterestingchoicefor“motheroftheyear.”

slovenly(SLUHV-in-lee).Dirtyoruntidyinone’spersonalhabits.Burt’sSLOVENLYroomisatoddswithhistidypersonalappearance.

34.Chance

(CHANSS),noun

Happeningsthatoccurunpredictablyintheabsenceofcauseordesign;fortuity;luck;uncertainty.

ADJECTIVES

aleatory(A-lee-uh-tore-ee).Unplanned,spontaneous,orspurofthemoment;dependingonluck,randomness,orchance.“Ofcourseyoulosttheelection!”Mirandayelled.“AnALEATORY,fly-by-the-seat-of-your-pantscampaignisnevergoingtobearecipeforsuccess!”

auspicious(aw-SPISH-us).Promising;seeminglyfavorableorlikelytobeaccompaniedbygoodfortune;encouragingoptimismatthebeginningofanundertaking.ThetripdidnotbeginAUSPICIOUSLY;ourcarbrokedownwithinanhour.

fortuitous(for-TOO-ih-tuss).Ahappyeventtakingplacebyaccidentorchance.

“ThemostFORTUITOUSeventofmyentirelifewasmeetingmywifeEleanor.”—FranklinDelanoRoosevelt

hapless(HAP-liss).Luckless;unfortunate.OliverpresentedaratherHAPLESSfigureduringhisfirstfewdaysonthejob,buthesoonmasteredhisnewresponsibilities.

inauspicious(in-aw-SPISH-uss).Accompaniedbyorpredictiveofillluck;notfavorableinportent.WhocouldhavepredictedthatfromsuchINAUSPICIOUSbeginningsGrantwouldrisetocommandgreatarmiesand,eventually,leadhisnation?

precarious(prih-KAIR-ee-us).Tenuous;dependentuponcircumstances;uncertain;unsecured.Duringthattimeofcivilunrest,JackthoughtfrequentlyabouthisPRECARIOUSfuture.

propitious(pruh-PISH-us).Presentingagoodomen;auspicious.WeallhopedthatthebeautifulsunsetwasaPROPITIOUSomenforourcampingvacation.

providential(prahv-uh-DEN-shul).Fortunate;asifoccurringbyorresultingfromdivineintervention.FasteningmyseatbeltwasaPROVIDENTIALact,astheaccidentmadeapparent.

NOUNS

deusexmachina(DAY-uhseksMA-keh-nuh).Anunexpectedandfortunateeventsolvingaproblemorsavingsomeonefromdisaster;astrokeofgoodluck.Harryhadreachedafinancialthreshold,anditwouldtakeaDEUXEXMACHINAtorescuehimfrombankruptcy.

entropy(EN-troh-pee).Thetendencyofanysystemtorundownandreverttototalchaos.“JustastheconstantincreaseofENTROPYisthebasiclawoftheuniverse,soitisthebasiclawoflifetobeevermorehighlystructuredandtostruggleagainstENTROPY.”—VáclavHavel,Czechplaywright,writer,andpolitician

kismet(KIHZ-met).Fateordestiny.Ahopelessromantic,BrianbelievedKISMETwasresponsibleforhisarrangedmarriage.

serendipity(ser-en-DIP-ih-tee).Theattainingofsuccess,goodfortune,oranobjectofdesirethroughluckandrandomcircumstance.WhatmadehimanInternetbillionairewasSERENDIPITYmorethanbrainsortalent.

ANTONYMS

ascribe(uh-SKRYBE).Toattributeorassigncausalresponsibilitytoapersonorthing.ThisworkhasbeenASCRIBEDtoRousseau,buthisauthorshipnowseemsuncertain.

etiology(ee-tee-OL-uh-gee).Theassignmentofacause;thescienceoforiginsorcauses.TheETIOLOGYofthediseasewasclear;Daviddevelopedmesotheliomafromhisyearsofworking,unprotected,withasbestos.

35.Change

(CHEYNJ),noun,verb

Atransformation;substitution;alterationormodification;tocausetobecomedifferent;convert

different;convert

ADJECTIVES

capricious(kuh-PREE-shuss).Pronetoquicklychangingone’smind,decision,orcourseofactionatthedropofahatoronimpulse.“IdonotunderstandtheCAPRICIOUSlewdnessofthesleepingmind.”—JohnCheever,Americannovelist

malleable(MAL-yuh-bull).Easilymoldedintodifferentshapes;easilyinfluencedtochangeone’sopinionoractions.“Ididnotknowthatmankindwassufferingforwantofgold.Ihaveseenalittleofit.IknowthatitisveryMALLEABLE,butnotsoMALLEABLEaswit.”—HenryDavidThoreau,Americanauthorandtranscendentalist

mercurial(mer-KYOOR-ee-uhl).Volatile,fickle,anderratic.JoethoughthisMERCURIALbosswasexhaustingbuthighlyentertaining.

pliable(PLY-uh-bull).Abletobechangedinshape,form,orinclination;capableofbeingdirectedorinfluenced.Gold,oneoftheworld’smostvaluablemetals,isalsooneofthemostPLIABLE.

protean(PRO-tee-en).Highlychangeable;readilytakingondifferentcharactersorforms.Awilling,brave,andPROTEANactresswilltendtobeemployedmorefrequently.

NOUNS

acculturation(ah-kul-chuh-RAY-shin).Theprocessofadaptingtoadifferentculture;culturalmodification.

NewcitizensareformedthroughACCULTURATIONatthecostoftheirheritageandculture.

flux(FLUKS).Unceasingchange.Theorganization’splanswereinastateofconstantFLUX.

mutability(myoo-tuh-BIL-ih-tee).Theconditionofbeingabletochangeatamoment’snotice.“Itisthesame!For,beitjoyorsorrow,/Thepathofitsdeparturestillisfree:/Man’syesterdaymayne’erbelikehismorrow;/NoughtmayendurebutMUTABILITY”—PercyByssheShelley,EnglishRomanticpoet

permutation(per-myoo-TAY-shun).Atransformationleadingtoacompletechange.AfterexploringnumerousPERMUTATIONSofitsstyle,thebandreturnedtothesoundwithwhichithadfirstattractedfans.

transubstantiation(tran-sub-stan-she-A-shun).Thechangingofonesubstanceintoanother;transmutation;transformation.TRANSUBSTANTIATIONisusedasatechniqueinmarketing,transformingshabbyandgaucheitemsintosupposedexamplesoftastefulluxury.

vicissitudes(vhi-SISS-ih-toods).Theconstantchangesinone’ssituationorcondition,commonthroughoutlife.“VICISSITUDESoffortune,whichsparesneithermannortheproudestofhisworks,whichburiesempiresandcitiesinacommongrave.”—EdwardGibbon,Britishhistorian

VERBS

abrade(uh-BRADE).Towearawayorruboff;toweardowninspirit.

Thecampaignhadhopedforahard-hitting,informativetelevisioncommercial,butthead—widelyperceivedasnegativeandmean-spirited—servedonlytoABRADEvotersupport.

acclimate(AK-lih-mayt).Toadaptorbecomeaccustomedtoanewaltitude,climate,environment,orsituation.AtfirstJoanfoundcollegelifelonelyandstressful,butafterafewweeksshewasabletoACCLIMATE,andsheneverlongedforhomeagain.

assimilate(uh-SIM-uh-layt).Toacquireandincorporateasone’sown;toabsorb;toalterbyadoption.DorothycouldASSIMILATEinformationmorequicklyandthoroughlythananyotherstudentintheschool.

emend(ee-MEND).Tochangebymeansofediting;tocorrect(atextorreading).ManyofShakespeare’smostfamouslines,suchas“Arosebyanyothernamewouldsmellassweet,”aretheresultofacritic’schoicetoEMENDatroublesomesourcetext.

macerate(MASS-uh-rayt).Towasteaway;tobecomethinoremaciated;tosoftenordecompose.ItwaspainfulforhisfamilytowatchHarold,whohadbeensovigorousandrobust,slowlyMACERATE.

metamorphose(met-uh-MORE-fohz).Tochangecompletelyincharacterornature;tochangeintoadifferentphysicalform.TheboardingschoolexperiencegaveMarthanewfriendsandtheimpetustoMETAMORPHOSEintoayoungwoman.

permute(per-MYOOT).Toalter;tomakedifferent;tochangetheorderorsequenceof.

JohnhadspentmorethanfiftyhourscreatingwhathethoughtwastheperfectpresentationuntilhisbossaskedhimtoPERMUTEmuchofthestatisticaldata.

shunt(SHUNT).Tochangethedirectionof;todivert.Whenhisproposalwasdismissedafterlessthanaminuteofdiscussion,MarkfeltmorethaneverthathisideaswerebeingSHUNTEDasidewithoutdueconsideration.

ANTONYMS

immutable(ih-MYOO-tuh-bull).Unchangeable.“Idon’tknowwhatIMMUTABLEdifferencesexistbetweenmenandwomenapartfromdifferencesintheirgenitals.”—NaomiWeisstein,Americanfeminist

incorrigible(in-KORE-ih-juh-bull).Incapableofbeingreformed;noteasilychangedorinfluenced.YoungPetewasanINCORRIGIBLEboy,forevergettingintoscrapesandcausingmischief.

ossify(OS-uh-fye).Tohardenandbecomeunabletochange.Duetohislackofcontactwithothers,Jack’sopinionshaveOSSIFIED.

Rubicon(ROO-bih-kawn).Apointbeyondwhichpermanentchangeisunavoidable.Insigningthebill,thegovernormayhavecrossedtheRUBICONandforeverclosedthedooronhisprisonreformprogram.Seealso:Reduce

36.Cogent

(KOH-jent),adjective

Reasoned;well-thought-out;logical;compelling;persuasive.

Reasoned;well-thought-out;logical;compelling;persuasive.

ADJECTIVES

apropos(ap-rih-POE).Appropriate,oratanopportunetime.Charliebeganscreamingthewords“Toolate!Toolate!”APROPOSofnothing.

cognizant(KOG-nih-sint).Awareoftherealitiesofasituation.AmandaisalwaysCOGNIZANTofheracquaintances’pedigrees.

germane(jehr-MANE).Relevant,pertinent,andfitting.“QuotesfromMao,Castro,andCheGuevara…areasGERMANEtoourhighlytechnological,computerizedsocietyasastagecoachonajetrunwayatKennedyairport.”—SaulAlinksy,Americanactivist

salient(SALE-yent).Relevant;germane;important;somethingthatstandsoutandgetsnoticed.ThepondinthefrontyardisthemostSALIENTfeatureofournewhome.

tendentious(ten-DEN-shuss).Promotingone’sbeliefsorpointofview.LauraisTENDENTIOUSinextollingherbeliefintheefficacyofprayerinhealingallillnesses.

NOUNS

raisond’être(RAY-zohndeh-truh).Thecorereasonwhysomethingexists;itscentralpurposeand,literally,“reasonforbeing.”WhenJane’schildrenwentofftocollege,herRAISOND’ÊTREdisappeared,andshefellintoadeepdepression.

sagacity(suh-GASS-ih-tee).Wisdom;soundnessofjudgment.

“OurmindsareendowedbynaturewithsuchactivityandSAGACITYthatthesoulisbelievedtobeproducedfromheaven.”—Quintilian,Romanrhetorician

VERBS

adjudicate(uh-JOO-dih-kayt).Topresideoverorlistentoopposingargumentsandhelptwopartiessettletheirdifferencesandcometoanagreement.Asmydaughterspummeledeachotherwhilescreamingattopvolume,ItrieddesperatelytoADJUDICATEtheirquarrel.

educe(ee-DYOOCE).Tocometoaconclusionorsolveaproblemthroughreasoningbasedonthoughtfulconsiderationofthefacts.AfterRoger’sfamilypurchasedaMercedesCclass,ratherthanitsusualMercedesEclass,weEDUCEDtheWallertonswereenduringfinancialdifficulties.

ANTONYMS

feckless(FEK-less).Possessinganairofcasualindifference;lackingdefinitivenessofpurpose.SomeaccuseusofbeingFECKLESS,buttheyhavenoideahowdifficultitistoliveawealth-infusedlifestyle.

obtuse(ob-TOOCE).Lackingunderstanding,intelligence,andperception;unabletocomprehend;havingadensemind.ThomaswassoOBTUSEthathedidn’trealizehisinappropriatebehaviorwasmakinghisfriendsuncomfortable.

opaque(oh-PAYK).Hardtounderstand;obscure.“ThebottomofbeingisleftlogicallyOPAQUEtous,assomethingwhichwesimplycomeuponandfind,andaboutwhich(ifwewishtoact)weshouldpause

andwonderaslittleaspossible.”—WilliamJames,Americanpsychologistandphilosopher

tangential(tan-JEHN-shull).Divergentordigressive;havinglittletodowiththesubjectormatterathand.“NewYorkisfullofpeople…withafeelingfortheTANGENTIALadventure,theriskyadventure,theinterludethat’snotlikelytoendinanydouble-ringceremony.”—JoanDidion,Americanjournalist

37.Color

(KULL-er),noun

Theportionofthevisiblelightspectrumreflectedbyanobject;theresultingsensationoflightwavesontheeye.

ADJECTIVES

cerulean(suh-RUE-lee-uhn).Beingtheblueofthesky.BoyslinedupeverywherethatJaniswentjusttolookintoherCERULEANeyes.

monochromatic(mawn-owe-kruh-MAT-ik).Ofasinglecolor.ThesweepandpowerofAnselAdams’sMONOCHROMATICphotographyproveshowmuchcanbeaccomplishedwitharollofblack-and-whitefilm.

olivaceous(all-uh-VAY-shuss).Darkgreen,olive.TheSpringfieldGolfClubwasknownforitsOLIVACEOUSfairways.

pallid(PAL-id).Pale;faint;lackingincolor.Nancy’sPALLIDcomplexionwastheresultofpoorhealthratherthanadesiretoavoidUVrays.

pavonine(PAHV-uh-nine).Resemblingthecolorsofapeacock;rainbowlike.Natureatitsfinestisdemonstratedbythepeacock’sPAVONINEtailfeathers.

pied(PYED).Havingblotchesoftwoormorecolors.ThepoetGerardManleyHopkinsbelievedthestrangenessofPIEDcreaturesandplantswasasignofGod’sgrace.

polychrome(PAWL-ee-krome).Havingmanycolors.TheofficewasamorecheerfulplacewithMary’sPOLYCHROMEoutfits.

roseate(ROH-zee-it).Rosy;rose-colored.TheROSEATEglassinthewindowsgavetheroomafaintlybordelloflavor.

sallow(SAL-low).Sickly;grayishgreenishyellow.TheSALLOWtoneofMelanie’sskinledustowonderwhethershewasill.

spadiceous(spay-DISH-uhs).Ofabrightbrowncolor.Ittookyearsforthepaintmakertodevelopabrightbrown,buttheyfinallyreleasedaSPADICEOUSenamel.

variegated(VAIR-ee-uh-gay-tid).Changingcolororcontainingdifferenthuesofthesamecolor.AlawncoveredinVARIEGATEDfallenleavesisthesignthatAutumnisfinallyhere.

verdant(VUR-duhnt).Green,especiallywithfoliage.Withitscarefulmixofplants,theWhittingtons’formalgardenremainsVERDANTyear-round.

xanthic(ZAN-thik).Ofyellow;yellowish.Carrie’spantsuitwaselectrifiedbytheadditionofaXANTHICscarf.

NOUNS

bice(BYSS).Azuriteblue;mediumblue.PeterandMarthasimultaneouslydecidedthatBICEwouldbethebestcolorforthediningroom.

cyan(SY-an).Greenishblue;oneoftheprimarycolorsusedinprinting.TheentireprintingrunhadtobediscardedbecauseCYANwasmissing.

jacinth(JAY-sinth).Reddishorange.JACINTHseemedlikeagoodchoiceforthekitchenuntilJohnfinishedpaintingonewall.

metachromatism(met-uh-KRO-muh-tiz-um).Achangeofcolor,especiallyastheresultofachangeintemperature.SpringcausesawelcomeMETACHROMATISMoftheforest.

murrey(MURR-ee).Adarkpurplish-red.Peter’s“black”eyeactuallyhadaMURREYcast.

ocher(OH-kur).Darkyellow.Thetrafficlightsintheartists’colonydisplayedred,OCHER,andgreen.

opalescence(OH-puh-LESS-enss).Characterizedbyaplayofcolors;iridescence.ArandommixtureoftintsgavethevaseanOPALESCENCEthatNancycouldn’treproducedespiteherbestefforts.

oxblood(OKS-blud).Dark,dullred.GregboughtOXBLOODshoesbecausehebelievedhecouldwearthemwithblue,gray,andbrownsuits.

perse(PURSS).Verydarkblueorpurple.Luckily,BettythoughtbetterofbuyingaPERSEpurse.

puce(PYOOCE).Darkorbrownishpurple.Eventually,Peter’sbruiseturnedPUCE.

raddle(RAD-uhl).Redocher.RADDLEwasnotabetterchoiceforthediningroomwallsasitturnedout.

sepia(SEE-pee-uh).Brown,grayishbrown,orolivebrown.TheSEPIAofthephotographsgavethemavintagefeel.

solferino(sowl-fuh-REE-noh).Vivid,purplishpink.Jane’sscarfdemonstratedthatalittleSOLFERINOgoesalongway.

vermilion(vur-MILL-yun).Scarletred;brightred.InhertrademarkVERMILIONpantsuit,Carriereallystoodoutinacrowd.

ANTONYMS

achromatic(ak-ruh-MAT-ik).Havingnocolor.MarciawasquiteinsistentinaskingustohelpherinterpretherACHROMATICdreams.

neutral(NOO-truhl).Havinglittleornocolor;notvivid.Havingbecomewearyofherhome’svibrantcolorscheme,AnnedecidedtotrytheoppositetackandpaintedallherwallswithNEUTRALshades.

38.Combine

(kuhm-BYN),verb

Tobringtogetherintoawhole;gather;assembleoraccumulate.

ADJECTIVES

concerted(kun-SUR-tid).Mutuallydevisedorplanned;doneorperformedincooperationortogether.ThetwomadeaCONCERTEDefforttogetViviantochangehermind,butshewasresolute.

NOUNS

cache(KASH).Somethinghiddenorstored.EveryonewasjealouswhentheylearnedofMoira’sCACHEofacceptancestothefinestschools.

miscellany(MISS-uh-lay-nee).Agroupingorcollectionofvariouselements.Thevolume,whichfeaturedahodgepodgeofessays,poems,andinterviewsrelatingtotheBeats,wasanintriguingMISCELLANYofwritingsfromthebohemianworldofthefifties.

pastiche(pah-STEESH).Ahaphazardcollectionofitemsfromvarioussources.Ronald’scarefullycraftedsculpturelookedlikeaPASTICHEtoouruntrainedeyes.

synergy(SIN-er-jee).Thecombinedeffortoftwoormoregroups,agents,businesses,etc.toaccomplishacommongoal.TheSYNERGYdemonstratedbythetwodepartmentsquicklysparkedamazingresults.

synthesis(SIN-thuh-suss).Acombinationofelementstoformanewwhole.Thewriter’slatestbookisanintriguingSYNTHESISofclassicalGreektragedyandcyberpunkelements.

VERBS

accrete(uh-KREET).Toaccumulateorcausetobecomeattached.

EverytimeIparkmycarunderatree,alayerofbirddroppingsACCRETESonitscandyappleredfinish.

agglomerate(uh-GLAHM-uh-rayt).Togatheritemsintoaballorcluster.PhilissolazyheseemstothinkhisjobisjusttoAGGLOMERATEallthepiecesofpaperintherecyclebin.

aggregate(AG-rih-gayt).Tocombineorcollectpartsintoawholeormass.ManysocialwebsitesareattemptingtoAGGREGATEothersocialsitestocaptureasmuchtrafficaspossible.

amalgamate(uh-MAL-guh-mayt).Toblendintoacoherentsingleunit;tocombineanumberofelementsintoawhole.ThetwoboardsvotedtoAMALGAMATEthefirmsassoonaspossible.

conjoin(kuhn-JOIN).Tojointogetherorunite;towed.AfterthebattlingfactionsCONJOINED,theywereabletoaccomplishpeacefullymostoftheirseparategoals.

convene(kon-VEEN).Tobringtogetherorassembleinabody,usuallyforsomepublicpurpose.TheboardoftrusteeswillCONVENEonthefirstTuesdayofeachmonthuntilfurthernotice.

cull(KULL).Togatherorcollectaportionofalargergroup.ConsumerbehaviordatawasCULLEDfromonlinesurveysandfocusgroups.

marshal(MAR-shul).Tobringtogetheralltheresourcesatone’sdisposaltoachieveagoal.PatriciaMARSHALEDallofhersocialcontactstotrytogetafront-rowticketforfashionweek.

muster(MUSS-ter).Togatherorassemble(soldiers,etc.)forrollcall,inspection,etc.;tosummon.ThebystanderspausedforamomenttoMUSTERtheircouragebeforerushingintotheburningbuilding.

syncretize(SING-krih-tize).Tocombineorunitevaryingparties,ideas,principles,etc.Asthedenomination’slocalattendancebegantofallsharply,severalchurchesSYNCRETIZEDtheireffortstoimproveoverallattendance.

ANTONYMS

apportion(uh-POOR-shun).Todistribute,divide,orassignappropriatesharesof.Itwasthelawyer’sdutytoAPPORTIONthesadremainsofaonce-proudmanufacturingempire.

disseminate(diss-SEM-in-ayt).Todistributesomethingsoastomakeitavailabletoalargepopulationorarea.TheInternetisrapidlyreplacingnewspapersastheprimarymediumfortheDISSEMINATIONofnews.

mete(MEET).Todistributeorallot.AfterElyssia’sshoppingspree,herfatherMETEDoutsubstantialpunishmentbytakingawayhercreditcards.

39.Command

(kuh-MAND),verb

Toissueanorderororders;directwithauthority;tohaveauthorityover;control.

ADJECTIVES

peremptory(puh-REMP-tuh-ree).Allowingfornorebuttaloroverturning.KingsmayissuePEREMPTORYdeclarationsofwar,Mr.Secretary;presidentsareobligedtodiscusssuchmatterswithCongress.

NOUNS

imperative(im-PAIR-uh-tiv).Acommandoranessentialobjective.Peggy’smotherconsideredthe11:00P.M.curfewasanonnegotiableIMPERATIVEeveniftheteenagerhadamorecasualinterpretation.

mandate(MAN-dayt).Authoritativecommand,endorsement,orinstruction;anorderissuedbyonecourtoflawtoanother,lowercourt.WhentheMANDATEwasissued,wediscoveredourbusinessplanhadbecomeillegal.

VERBS

adjure(uh-JOOR).Tocommandsolemnlyasifunderoath,oftenunderthethreatofsomesortofpenalty.ThewitnesseswereADJUREDtoavoidanycontactwiththeaccused.

enjoin(ehn-JOYN).Todirectorordersomeonetodosomething.AfterpurchasingonetoomanyBentleys,AlexwasENJOINEDbyhisfathertobemorefrugal.

interdict(in-ter-DIKT).Toprohibit;toforbidtheuseofsomething.Thecourt’semergencydecisionwasdesignedtoINTERDICTthestrikeandpreventtheviolencethathadoccurredduringthelastworkers’demonstration.

proscribe(pro-SCRIBE).Toforbidorprohibit.

StatelawPROSCRIBESthekeepingofwildanimalsashousepets.

stipulate(STIP-yoo-layt).Tomakeaspecificdemandorarrangementasaconditionofagreement.Thecontractwasquiteclear;itSTIPULATEDthedeliverydate.

ANTONYMS

countermand(KOUNT-er-mand).Tocancelofficially,especiallytocancelapreviousorder.OnceHaroldbegansmokingagain,heCOUNTERMANDEDtheno-smokingpolicyhe’drecentlyadoptedforhisbusiness.Seealso:Authority

40.Commotion

(kuh-MOH-shun),noun

Violentmotion;turmoil;agitation;confusion;disturbance.

ADJECTIVES

clamorous(KLAM-uhr-uss).Loud;expressivelyvehement;noisyanddemanding.ThethrongsinthestreetroaredwithCLAMOROUSapplause.

clarion(KLAR-ee-uhn).Clearandshrill.Onthefirstdaybacktoschool,RobbygroanedattheCLARIONcallofhismorningalarm.

tempestuous(tem-PESS-chew-uss).Tumultuousandturbulent,asapersonality.

Claire’sTEMPESTUOUSpersonalityismostlikelylinkedtothefactthatherfatherhasmarriedandremarriedanexcessivenumberoftimes.

vociferous(vo-SIF-er-uss).Loudandinsistentsoastogainthelistener’sattention.“Letthesingingsingers/Withvocalvoices,mostVOCIFEROUS,/Insweetvociferationout-vociferize/Evensounditself.”—HenryCarey,Englishpoet

NOUNS

fracas(FRAK-us).Commotion;anoisydisagreement.ThenightlyFRACASbetweenthecouplenextdoorisalwaysloudenoughtowakemeoutofasoundsleep.

hubbub(HUB-ub).Noiseandconfusion;anoutburst.TheHUBBUBoutsideourwindowcameasasurprise;theparadewasnotdueforanhour,yetthestreetswerealreadythrongedwithpeople.

perturbation(purr-ter-BAY-shun).Anydisturbancethataltersthenormalfunctioningofasystem,movingobject,person,orprocess.“OpolishedPERTURBATION!goldencare!/Thatkeep’sttheportsofslumberopenwide/Tomanyawatchfulnight.”—WilliamShakespeare

yawp(YAWP).Araucous,clamorousnoise.“IsoundmybarbaricYAWPovertheroofsoftheworld.”—WaltWhitman,Americanpoetandhumanist

ANTONYMS

halcyon(HAL-see-un).Calm,peaceful,tranquil.Afterahard,stormywinter,townspeoplewereentrancedbytheHALCYONweatherofourspring.

tranquility(trang-KWIL-ih-tee).Thestateofbeingtranquil;calmness;serenity;peacefulness.Afteralongdayinthecity,AndrewlongedfortheTRANQUILITYofhishouseburiedinthecountry.

41.Complain

(kuhm-PLAYN),verb

Toexpresspainordissatisfaction;tofindfault;todeclareannoyance,resentment,orgrief.

ADJECTIVES

querulous(KWAIR-eh-luss).Habituallywhiningandgriping.TheirQUERULOUSmannerwiththewaitermadethemunpleasantandembarrassingdinnercompanions.

NOUNS

malcontent(mal-kuhn-TENT).Adiscontented,resentful,orrebelliousperson.HarveyissuchaMALCONTENTthathe’llarguewithyouifyoutellhimit’saniceday!

VERBS

carp(KARP).Toraisepicky,trivialobjections;complainpeevishly.AlltheCARPINGatthestaffmeetingkeptanythingsubstantivefrombeingdone.

cavil(KAV-il).Tofindfaultwithsomething;toraiseobjectionsneedlessly.TownmeetingstaketwiceaslongastheyshouldbecausesomecitizensusetheeventasaforumtoCAVIL.

grouse(GRAUSS).Tocomplainorgrumbleaboutone’ssituation.Wedecidednottoreturntotherestaurantafterthemaîtred’continuouslyGROUSEDabouttheslovenlinessofhiswaitstaff.

inveigh(in-VAY).Toproteststrongly;torail.ThecrowdINVEIGHEDagainstthegovernor’sdecisiontocommuteDavidson’ssentence.

remonstrate(rih-MON-strayt).Toprotest,object,orshowdisapproval.WhenCarlottaREMONSTRATEDagainstoursnubbingofJulia,wesimplybegantosnubCarlottaaswell.

ANTONYMS

rejoice(rih-JOYCE).Tobegladandtakedelightin.“Timeistooslowforthosewhowait,tooswiftforthosewhofear,toolongforthosewhogrieve,tooshortforthosewhoREJOICE,butforthosewholove,timeiseternity.”—HenryVanDyke,Americanshortstorywriterandpoet

revel(REV-uhl).Totakemuchpleasure,delight.“Fromeveryblushthatkindlesinthycheeks,/Tenthousandlittlelovesandgracesspring/ToREVELintheroses.”—NicholasRowe,Englishdramatistandpoet

42.Complex

(kuhm-PLEKS),adjective

Notsimple;complicated;elaborate;characterizedbymanyrelatedparts.

ADJECTIVES

anfractuous(an-FRACK-chuh-wuss).Fullofwindingsandintricacies,likeagoodmysterynovel.Thenovel’sANFRACTUOUSplotworkedonpaper,butitbecamestupefyinglyconfusing—actually,justplainstupid—onscreen.

convoluted(KON-vuh-loo-tid).Complicated;twistedandcoiled.AfterlisteningtohisCONVOLUTEDdirections,IthankedthefarmeranddroveawayvowingtobuyaGPSdeviceassoonaspossible.

daedal(DEE-duhl).Extremelyintricateandcomplex;skillfullymade.IthoughtIcouldrepairmycomputeruntilIgotalookatthemachine’sDAEDALcircuitry.

inextricable(in-eck-STRICK-uh-bull).Incapableofbeingdisentangledoruntied;hopelesslycomplex.TheINEXTRICABLEproblemremainedunsolved,evenafterthecompany’sbestmindsspentthreedaysattackingit.

involute(IN-vuh-loot).Intricate;involved.TheINVOLUTEdiagramsintheowner’smanualdidnothelpGeorgesortouthisoldsportscar’selectricalsystem.

tortuous(TORE-choo-uss).Winding;fulloftwistsandturns.Drivesafely;theroadleadingfromthecenteroftownupthesideofthemountainisaTORTUOUSone.

VERBS

obfuscate(OB-fuss-kayt).Tomuddyorconfuseanissue;tomuddlefactsimportanttosomeoneelse’sjudgmentordecision.ThedefensehasputupwithenoughoftheseattemptstoOBFUSCATE,YourHonor.

ANTONYMS

unalloyed(un-uh-LOID).Notmixedwithanyothermaterials;pure.Johnfounditrefreshingtowatchhistoddler’sUNALLOYEDpleasurewhenplayingwithsoapbubbles.

unpretentious(un-prih-TEN-shuss).Modest;withoutshowydisplay;simple;plain.“Thosewhoarefirm,enduring,simpleandUNPRETENTIOUSarethenearesttovirtue.”—ConfuciusSeealso:Difficult

43.Compliment

(KOM-pluh-ment),verb

Toexpressorconveyacompliment;conferadmiration,respect,orpraise;politelyflatter.

ADJECTIVES

adulatory(AJ-uh-luh-tore-ee).Complimentary;givingeffusivepraise.“HeincludesinhisfinalchapterapassageofADULATORYprosefromHenryJames.”—JoyceCarolOates,Americanauthor

laudable(LAW-duh-bull).Commendable;deservingofpraise.Rebecca’sdecisiontotellhermotherthatshelosttheemeraldbroochsheborrowedwithoutpermissionwasLAUDABLE.

NOUNS

blandishments(BLAN-dish-ments).Complimentsrenderedprimarilytoinfluenceandgainfavorwiththepersonyouarepraising.TheBLANDISHMENTSheapedupontheconsultantbyhisclientswerenotsufficienttopersuadehimtotakeastaffpositionwiththem.

claque(KLAK).Agroupofpeoplehiredtoapplaudatanentertainmentevent.Thefirstcomedianwasabsolutelyterrible;ifithadn’tbeenfortheCLAQUEthemanagementhadassembledatthelastminute,therewouldn’thavebeenanyapplauseatall.

encomium(en-KO-me-um).Effusivepraisegiveninapublicforum.TheCEO’sENCOMIUMatPhil’sretirementdinnercausedhiseyestomistover.

hagiography(hag-ee-OG-ruh-fee).Abiographythatidealizesitssubject.TheVanGeldersweredisappointedwiththevolumewrittenabouttheirillustriousdescendantsbecausethebookfellfarshortofbeingaHAGIOGRAPHY.

hosanna(ho-ZAN-uh).Anexpressionofpraise,exaltation,andadorationtypicallyheardinreligiousceremonies;aninstanceofexcessivepraise.Mel’sagentwarnedhimnottotaketooseriouslytheHOSANNASthatcamehiswayafterhewontheactingaward.

plaudit(PLAW-dit).Anexpressionofgratitudeorpraise;applause.Iamunworthy,myfriends,ofthePLAUDITSyouhavebestowedonmethisevening.

sycophant(SIK-uh-fuhnt).Aself-seekingpersonattemptingtogainanadvantageusingflattery.Outwardlypolite,therockstarsecretlyviewedhisfansasslobberingSYCOPHANTS.

VERBS

extol(eks-TOLE).Topraisewithgreatenthusiasm.IrishasnotceasedtoEXTOLthevirtuesofhernewRomainJeromeDay&Nightwatch.

ANTONYMS

deprecate(DEP-rih-kayt).Toexpressseveredisapprovalofanother’sactions.“ThosewhoprofesstofavorfreedomandyetDEPRECATEagitation,aremenwhowantcropswithoutplowinguptheground.”—FrederickDouglass,Americanabolitionistandorator

disparage(dih-SPAIR-ihj).Tobringreproachordiscreditupon;belittle.“ButtheDISPARAGINGofthosewelovealwaysalienatesusfromthemtosomeextent.Wemustnottouchouridols;thegiltcomesoffinourhands.”—GustaveFlaubert,Frenchnovelist

44.Concise

(kun-SICE),adjective

Briefandtothepoint;expressingagreatdealinafewwords.

ADJECTIVES

compendious(kuhm-PEN-dee-us).Concise,succinct;tothepoint.SheilaisunabletotellCOMPENDIOUSstoriesabouthertripstotheRiviera.

elliptical(uh-LIP-tuh-kuhl).Expressedwithextremeeconomy,freeofextraneousmatter.

ErnestHemingwaywasknownforhisELLIPTICALstyleofwriting.

epigrammatic(eh-pih-gruh-MAT-ik).Similartoanepigram;terseandcleverinexpression.AllofusintheofficelookedforwardtoreceivingoneofTony’sEPIGRAMMATICe-mailmessages.

gnomic(NOH-mik).Pithy;pertainingtoawriterofaphorisms.Itwasdifficulttograspwhetherthespeaker’sGNOMICremembrancesweremeanttobecomplimentary.

laconic(luh-KAWN-ik).Offewwords;expressingoneselfwithaneconomyofwords.HaroldmaybeLACONIC,butwhenhedoesspeak,heisworthlisteningto.

pauciloquent(paw-SIL-oh-kwent).Usingfewwords;conciseinspeech.Myfather,PAUCILOQUENTtotheend,simplysaid“Goodbye”andexpired.

sententious(sen-TEN-shuss).Tendingtousemanypithyaphorismsormaximsinordertoenlightenothers.Polonius’sSENTENTIOUSmannerofspeakingclearlyirritatesHamletinthisscene.

succinct(suck-SINKT).Brief;pithy;concise.NormanpreferredtosayaSUCCINCTgoodbyetohisbrotherbeforegettingintothecab,ratherthanengaginginalong,drawn-outsceneatthetrainstation.

synoptic(sin-OP-tik).Formingorinvolvingasynopsisorsummary.ThecloseofapresentationshouldbeSYNOPTICinnature.

taciturn(TASS-ih-turn).Reserved;uncommunicative;speakingfewwords.

“Natureisgarruloustothepointofconfusion,lettheartistbetrulyTACITURN.”—PaulKlee,German-bornSwisspainter

NOUNS

brevity(BREV-ih-tee).Shortness;terseness.Paine’sargumentwasstatedwithsuchBREVITYandpassionthatwithinoneshortmonthofitspublicationeverycolonistseemedtobeinfavorofindependencefromBritain.

VERBS

recapitulate(ree-kuh-PITCH-uh-layt).Tosummarizeinconciseform;restatebriefly.Sgt.Dennis,aneyewitness,RECAPITULATEDtheincidenttohissuperiorsatheadquarters.

ANTONYMS

diffuse(dih-FYOOS).Widelyspread;characterizedbygreatlengthinwritingorspeech;wordy.“Togettherightwordintherightplaceisarareachievement.TocondensetheDIFFUSEDlightofapageofthoughtintotheluminousflashofasinglesentence,isworthytorankasaprizecompositionjustbyitself.”—MarkTwain,Americanhumoristandwriter

expansive(ik-SPAN-siv).Widelyextended;broad;extensive.Havingbeenseverelycriticizedforhisreticenceduringpreviouspressconferences,thespokesmangaveanEXPANSIVEaccountofthesituationfortheaudience.Seealso:Change,Reduce

45.Conflict

45.Conflict

(KON-flikt),noun

Afight,battle,orstruggle;controversy;incompatibility.

NOUNS

contention(kuhn-TEN-shun).Strife,especiallyverbalconflict;argument.Suddenly,thetownmeetingwasthesceneofheatedpoliticalCONTENTION.

contravention(kon-truh-VEN-shun).Aninstanceofcontradictionoropposition;violation;theconditionofbeingoverruledordisobeyed.YourappearanceherewithoutthefullreportisinblatantCONTRAVENTIONoftheinstructionslaidoutinmymemo.

discord(DIS-kord).Lackofharmony;disagreement;quarrelingbetweenparties.LackofcommunicationskillsisresponsibleformuchmaritalDISCORD.

dissension(dih-SEN-shun).Disagreement,especiallyamongpeopleinagroup.NewrulesfavoringoldermembersoftheclubcausedgreatDISSENSIONandafracturingoflong-standingalliances.

melee(MAY-lay).Aconfusedstruggleinvolvingmanypeople.“ThemanwhoisintheMELEEknowswhatblowsarebeingstruckandwhatbloodisbeingdrawn.”—WoodrowWilson

nemesis(NEM-uh-sis).Anopponentoneisunabletodefeat.“Howwonderfultolivewithone’sNEMESIS!Youmaybemiserable,butyoufeelforeverintheright.”—EricaJong,Americanauthorandteacher

rancor(RANG-ker).Conflictbetweenindividualsorgroups,usuallyresultingfromdisagreementoveranactionorissue,andaccompaniedbyillwill,bad

feelings,andanescalationofthedisputeovertime.“Theynolongerassumeresponsibility(asbeatcopsusedtodo)foravertingRANCORbetweenantagonisticneighbors.”—HarlanEllison,Americanauthor

ANTONYMS

conciliation(kuhn-sill-ee-A-shun).Theactofmakingpeace;reconciliation;appeasement.“IappealtoallIrishmentopause,tostretchoutthehandofforbearanceandCONCILIATION,toforgiveandforget,andtojoinwithmeinmakingforthelandtheyloveaneweraofpeace,contentmentandgoodwill.”—GeorgeV,Englishking

concord(KON-kord).Friendlyandpeacefulrelations,asbetweennations;agreement;harmony.“IfthereisacountryintheworldwhereCONCORD,accordingtocommoncalculation,wouldbeleastexpected,itisAmerica.”—ThomasPaine,English-Americanwriterandpoliticalpamphleteer

46.Confused

(kon-FYOOZD),adjective

Perplexedordisconcerted;disordered;mixedup.

ADJECTIVES

addled(ADD-ulld).Thrownintoconfusion;confounded.Afterstudyingallnight,Aaron’sADDLEDbraincouldn’tfocusontheexam.

bemused(bee-MYOOZD).Bewildered,perplexed,orlostinreflection.

VictorstaredBEMUSEDatthephotographofhisfatherinfullmilitarydress—amanhehadneverthoughtofinquitethatway.

discombobulated(diss-kum-BOB-yoo-layt-ed).Confusedorthrownintoanawkwardpredicament;utterlydisconcerted.ThefrenziedpaceofeighthoursonthetradingfloorhadleftmeutterlyDISCOMBOBULATED.

flummoxed(FLUHM-uckst).Completelybewildered.Theappearanceofhisex-wifewassounexpectedthatJasonwasmomentarilyFLUMMOXED.

nebulous(NEB-yoo-luss).Vagueandnotwellthoughtout;ill-defined;lackingconcretes.Jay’splansforwhathewoulddowhenhegraduatedcollegewereNEBULOUSatbest.

obscurant(uhb-SKYOOR-unt).Tendingtomakeobscure;preventingunderstanding.JasonoftenusedOBSCURANTtermswhentalkingwithpeoplehedidn’tlike.

quizzical(KWIHZ-ih-kuhl).Showingpuzzledamusementordisbelief.TheQUIZZICALlookonAmanda’sface,whenaperfectstrangerproposedmarriage,wasabsolutelypriceless.

NOUNS

farrago(fuh-RAWG-oh).Acareless,confusedmixture;mish-mash.Myfour-year-old,whopickedouthisownoutfitforthefirsttimethismorning,walkedintothekitchensportingaFARRAGOofmismatchedclothing.

nonplussed(non-PLUSST).Astateofutterperplexityinwhichoneisunabletoactfurther.ArthuradmittedlaterthathewasNONPLUSSEDbyJean’sunexpectedadmissionofcomplicityintheplottostealthephysicsfinalexam.

quandary(KWON-dree).Astateofuncertaintyaboutone’snextmove.Estellerealizedthatherunrestrainedcommentstothesocietypageshadlefttherestofusquiteupset,andshewasinaQUANDARYastohowtorepairthesituation.

snafu(snah-FOO).Anegregiousbutcommonerror.Supposedly,theword“SNAFU”isanacronymofthephrase“Situationnormal,allfouledup”orsomethingsimilar.

VERBS

conflate(kuhn-FLAYT).Tofusetogether;especiallytomistakenlythinkofseparateconcepts,actions,orthingsasidentical.ThelawyertoldthejurytheyshouldnotCONFLATEawarningwithathreat.

obfuscate(AHB-fuh-skayt).Totalkorwriteaboutasubjectinawaythatdeliberatelymakesitunclear,selectivelyomitscertainfacts,orcommunicateswrongideasorimpressions,sothatthelistenerorreaderdoesnotgraspthewholetruthofthesituation.DespitehisIvyLeagueeducation,AlexanderseemsableonlytoOBFUSCATEanysubjectuponwhichhetouches.

ANTONYMS

decipher(dih-SY-fer).Totranslatefrommeaninglesscode;todiscoverthemeaningof;tointerpret.

“Allinall,thecreativeactisnotperformedbytheartistalone;thespectatorbringstheworkincontactwiththeexternalworldbyDECIPHERINGandinterpretingitsinnerqualificationsandthusaddshiscontributiontothecreativeact.”—MarcelDuchamp,Frenchartist

illuminate(ih-LOO-muh-nayt).Tomakeclear;toenlightenintellectually.“Derivehappinessinoneselffromagoodday’swork,fromILLUMINATINGthefogthatsurroundsus.”—HenriMatisse,Frenchpainter

47.Consistent

(kuhn-SIS-tuhnt),adjective

Holdingtothesamepracticeorprinciples;constantadherence;compatible;harmonious.

ADJECTIVES

assiduous(uh-SID-joo-us).Constant;unceasingineffort;persistent;diligent;unremittingandattentive.KarenwasASSIDUOUSincompletingherfinalproject,butwasstillonedaylate.

coherent(koh-HEER-uhnt).Logicallyarranged;consistent;harmonious.ThemarketingteamwasabletodevelopaCOHERENTpromotionalplanformaximumeffect.

homogeneous(ho-mo-JEE-nee-uss).Thesamethroughout;madeupoflikeparts;notheterogeneous.TheislandsupportedasmallHOMOGENEOUSpopulationofaboriginaltribes.

isochronous(eye-SOCK-ruh-ness).Occurringconsistentlyatregularintervals.

ThetickingofaclockisISOCHRONOUS,butthearrivaloftheelevatoratdifferentfloorsisnot.

symmetrical(sih-MET-rih-kuhl).Havingashapeorformthatisregularanduniform.BecausethediseasewasSYMMETRICALinitsprogression,treatmentcouldbedirectedmoreaccurately.

ANTONYMS

erratic(ih-RAT-ik).Inconsistent;lackingasetcourse;wanderingorfluctuatingunpredictably.Elaine’sERRATICwritingstyleirritatedhersuperiors,whohadnotimetopuzzleoveranindecipherableandmeanderingmemo.

oscillate(OSS-ih-layt).Toswaybackandforth;vacillate.Mytwo-year-oldnephewwasmesmerizedbythefishtank,withitscolorfulfish,OSCILLATINGplants,andsoftlighting.

48.Correct

(kuh-REKT),verb

Tomakeright,accurate,ortrue;removeerrorsfrom;tocausetoconformtoastandard;topointouttheerrors;toscold(someone)inordertomakeimprovements.

ADJECTIVES

curative(KYOOR-uh-tiv).Providingaremedy;abletoprovidealleviationofanailment.

TheCURATIVEmeasureswereslowbuteffective;Josepheventuallyrecoveredcompletely.

VERBS

ameliorate(uh-MEEL-yuh-rayt).Toimproveorupgrade;tomakeanunacceptablestateofaffairsbetterorputright.Theambassador’smidnightvisitwasthefirststeptakentoAMELIORATEthepoorrelationsbetweenthetwocountries,andmayactuallyhaveavertedwar.

amend(uh-MEND).Tomodifyorupdate;toremoveorcorrectfaults;improve.Inlightofthetestimonywe’veheardtonight,MadamePresident,I’dliketoAMENDmyearlierremarks.

castigate(KAS-tuh-gayt).Toscoldorcriticizeharshly,withtheobjectiveofassigningblameandmotivatingotherstocorrecttheirerrors.ThebartenderwasCASTIGATEDbyhisbossforservingalcoholtotwoteenagegirlswithoutcheckingtheirIDsfirst.

emend(ee-MEND).Tocorrectorremovefaults,asfromatext.BlancheEMENDEDherholidaywishlist,removingtheFerrariwatchandreplacingitwithaVersacedinnerplate.

rectify(REK-tih-fy).Toputright;tocorrect.EllenRECTIFIEDherpreviousmistakesandfiledthereport.

redress(ree-DRESS).Toremedy;rectify.“Whengripinggrieftheheartdothwound,/anddolefuldumpsthemindopress,thenmusic,withhersilversound,/withspeedyhelpdothlendREDRESS.”—WilliamShakespeare

revamp(ree-VAMP).Toredo;torenovatethoroughly.

TheplaywrightdecidedtoREVAMPseveraloftheweakerscenesinthefirstact.

ANTONYMS

irremediable(ihr-ree-MEE-dee-uh-bull).Unabletoberepaired,cured,orremedied.OnetoomanyargumentsbetweenRoseandJimfinallycausedanIRREMEDIABLEriftintheirfragilerelationship.

49.Crimes

(KRYMZ),noun

Actscommittedinviolationofalawprohibitingthemoromittedinviolationofalaworderingthem;wrongfulactsthatarepunishablebylaw.

ADJECTIVES

felonious(fuh-LONE-ee-uss).Criminal;villainous;reminiscentoforrelatingtoafelonycrime.AlthoughnocourtinthelandwouldconsideritFELONIOUS,mybrother’sattempttoblackmailmeoverthatlittledentIputinmyparent’scarwas,inmymind,worthyofalongjailsentence.

illicit(ih-LISS-it).Illegalormorallyunjustifiable;somethingnotsanctionedbycustomorlaw.WeallknownowthatthemoneywasacquiredthroughILLICITmeans,don’twe?

NOUNS

arson(AR-suhn).Theactofdestroyingpropertywithfire.

AfterCouncilorPerry’scampaignheadquartersburneddown,hissupporterswerequicktoaccusetheiropponentsofARSON;infact,oneoftheirownneglectedcigarettebuttswastoblame.

bigamy(BIG-uh-mee).Thecrimeoftakingmarriagevowswhilestilllegallymarriedtosomeoneelse.BymarryingJunebeforeherdivorcewasfinalized,StanleywastechnicallyguiltyofBIGAMY.

complicity(kum-PLISS-uh-tee).Tobeinvolvedinorassociatedwith,ortoparticipateinorhavepreviousknowledgeof,aninstanceofwrongdoing.Althoughhedidnotreceivemoneyforthrowingthe1919WorldSeries,BuckWeaverwasneverthelesssuspendedfrombaseballforlife,becausehisfailuretoexposetheschemewasseenasCOMPLICITYinhisteammates’plans.

contraband(KON-truh-band).Illegalorprohibitedgoods.Jeantriedtosmuggleataperecorderintotheconcert,butherCONTRABANDwasquicklydiscoveredandtakenfromher.

pyromania(pye-roe-MAY-nee-uh).Thecompulsiontosetfires.Policebelievethattheblazeisnottheworkofanarsonistoutforcommercialgain,aswasinitiallysuspected,butanactofPYROMANIA.

transgression(trans-GRESH-un).Aviolationofarule;thebreakingofalaworguideline.DavidwasperhapsalittletooeagertocrossoverintoMr.Peterson’syardtoplayball,butthiswasaminorTRANSGRESSION.

uxoricide(uk-SOR-ih-syd).Thecrimeofmurderingone’swife.Eventually,thedefendantwasacquittedofUXORICIDEwhenhiswife’sdeathwasruledasuicide.

vaticide(VAT-uh-syd).Theactofmurderingaprophet.Tomtookthereviewer’snegativearticleonhisreligiouspoetryasanacttantamounttoVATICIDE.

VERBS

embezzle(im-BEZ-ul).Toappropriateforoneselffundsthatwereplacedinone’scareforanotherparty.Billhadalwaysseemedtobeamodelemployee,sothenewsthathehadbeenEMBEZZLINGmoneyfromthecompanyforsomeyearscameasacompleteshocktousall.

indict(in-DITE).Tochargeformallywithacrimeoroffense.RumorsthatMr.BrownwouldsoonbeINDICTEDforhispartinthescandalsweptthecity.

pilfer(PIL-fer).Totakewithoutauthorizationorpermission;tosteal.IhadafeelingtheticketsWaynewastryingtosellmehadbeenPILFEREDfromsomeone,butheassuredmethatwasnotthecase.

ANTONYMS

sanctioned(SANGK-shund).Officiallyauthorized;approved;allowed;permitted.“Theprinciplesonwhichweengaged,ofwhichthecharterofourindependenceistherecord,wereSANCTIONEDbythelawsofourbeing,andwebutobeyedtheminpursuingundeviatinglythecoursetheycalledfor.”—ThomasJefferson,Americanpresident

scrupulous(SKROO-pyoo-lus).Characterizedbyaconscientiousadherencetowhatisconsideredtrue,right,oraccurate;honest.

ThesuccessofJohn’snefariousplandependedonhisassumptionthatlawenforcementwaslessSCRUPULOUSinthatpartoftheworld.Seealso:Dishonest

50.Criticize

(KRIT-uh-syz),verb

Toanalyzeandjudgeasacritic;tofindfaultwithorcensure;tomakejudgments.

ADJECTIVES

censorious(sen-SOR-ee-us).Critical;easilyfindingfault.Whenitcametogradingtermpapers,Mrs.EdwardswasseenbymanyasoverlyCENSORIOUS,eventakingoffpointsforusingapaperclipinsteadofastaple.

hypercritical(hy-purr-KRIT-ih-kuhl).Excessivelyormeticulouslycritical.“Goodwritershavetwothingsincommon:theywouldratherbeunderstoodthanadmired,andtheydonotwriteforhairsplittingandHYPERCRITICALreaders.”—FriedrichNietzsche,Germanphilosopher

NOUNS

diatribe(DIE-uh-tryb).Aspeechrailingagainstinjustice;avehementdenunciation.Theeditorialwasamean-spiritedDIATRIBEagainstschoolvouchers,writtentopreventchildrenfromothertownsfrombeingsentbybustoCentervilleHighSchool.

screed(SKREED).Alongwrittenargument;anargumentativeessay;along,monotonousspeechorpieceofwriting;adiatribe.Thenewspaper’seditorwastherecipientofamountainofSCREEDSfromoutragedcitizenscriticizingtheboardofselectmen’spolicies.

VERBS

castigate(KAS-tuh-gayt).Toscoldorcriticizeharshly,withtheobjectiveofassigningblameandmotivatingtheotherpersontocorrecthisorhererror.ThebartenderwasCASTIGATEDbyhisbossforservingalcoholtotwoteenagegirlswithoutcheckingtheirIDfirst.

cavil(KAV-uhl).Tofindfaultintrivialmattersorraisepettyobjections.SusanCAVILLEDforsometimeaboutthelatenessofthemilkdelivery,butsinceitwasonlyamatterofminutes,sheeventuallygaveinandpaidthebill.

chide(chyd).Toscoldorlecture;toreprove.MybrotherCHIDEDmeforneglectingtovisitourgrandparentsduringmytriptoCalifornia.

disparage(dih-SPAIR-ihj).Tobringreproachordiscreditupon;belittle.“Man’sconstantneedtoDISPARAGEwoman,tohumbleher,todenyherequalrights,andtobelittleherachievements—allareexpressionsofhisinnateenvyandfear.”—ElizabethGouldDavis,Americanfeministandauthor

excoriate(ik-SKORE-ee-ayt).Tocriticize;toattempttocensureorpunish.WeEXCORIATEDMelanieforinvitingpeoplewithnofamilyconnectionstoherbirthdayparty.

fulminate(FULL-mih-nayt).Toexplode.Also:todenounceloudlyorforcefully.

EdmondFULMINATEDagainstthebillontheflooroftheSenate,butheknewhedidnothavethevotestodefeatit.

lambaste(lam-BAYST).Toberateorcriticizeharshly,especiallyinanunkindway.WeLAMBASTEDMarlafornotvisitingCommedesGarçonsduringherrecentweekendertoBeijing.

objurgate(OB-jur-gayt).Tochidesharply;rebuke;upbraidvehemently;berate.Mr.WilliamsworkedhimselfintoafrenzywaitingtoOBJURGATEhisnewsalesmanforlosingtheDuckhornaccount.

oppugn(uh-PYOON).Toreasonagainst;opposewithargument;callinquestion.MattmadeacriticalmistakewhenheOPPUGNEDhisrival’scredentials.

reprehend(rep-ruh-HEND).Tofindfaultwith;voicedisapprovalof.ThatArnoldREPREHENDShisdaughter’swaywardbehaviorseemssomewhathypocriticaltothoseofuswhoknewhiminhisyouth.

reprove(ree-PROOV).Tocriticizeandcorrectothers.WehadtoREPROVEElyssiaforsomeofherquestionablefashionchoices.

scarify(SKAIR-ih-fy).Towoundwithharshcriticism.WedeemeditnecessarytoSCARIFYEileenforhavingthenervetocriticizeourmotives.

upbraid(up-BRAYD).Tocensureortofindfaultwith.RogerUPBRAIDEDthebutlerseverelywhenwelearnedhewasgossipingtoothermembersofourstaff.

ANTONYMS

unimpeachable(un-ihm-PEE-chuh-bull).Abovereproach;impossibletodiscreditorslander.WepromotedCarlatoupstairsmaidbecauseherjobperformancehasbeenUNIMPEACHABLE.Seealso:Abuse

51.Cross

(KRAWSS),adjective

Contrary;ill-tempered;cranky;easilyannoyed.

ADJECTIVES

bellicose(BELL-ih-kohss).Belligerent,surly,readytoargueorfightattheslightestprovocation.Dougissotouchyabouthisnewcarthathe’llinstantlyturnBELLICOSEifyousomuchasbrushagainstit.

cantankerous(kan-TANG-ker-us).Ill-tempered;grumpy.“Youkidsstayoffmylawn!”ourCANTANKEROUSoldneighborbarked.

captious(KAP-shuss).Fondoffindingfaultsinothers;ill-naturedandoverlycritical;carping.Ed’sCAPTIOUSremarkswereentirelyinappropriateandshowedhislackofself-esteem.

churlish(CHUR-lish).Surly;mean;boorish;rude;characterizedbyalackofcivilityorgraciousness.WefounditalmostimpossibletobelievethatDiane’snewboyfriendwasmoreCHURLISHthanhispredecessor.

dyspeptic(diss-PEP-tik).Irritableandill-humored.NowonderFredcan’tgetagirlfriend.HisDYSPEPTICtemperamentdrivesallpotentialmatesaway.

farouche(fuh-ROOSH).Unsociable;cranky;withdrawn;fierce.YourFAROUCHEbehaviorwillnotwinyouanyfriends.Infact,itwillsimplyalienateyoufromeveryone.

peevish(PEE-vish).Irritable;fretful;hardtoplease;easilyandoftenshowingimpatienceorillhumor.Brockisnormallypleasantandgood-humored,buthisillnesswithitspersistentfeverhasmadehimPEEVISH.

petulant(PETCH-uh-lunt).Impatientlypeevish;showinggreatannoyanceorirritationwithminorproblems.HedismissedtheirquestionswithaPETULANTwaveofthehandandquicklychangedthesubject.

pugnacious(pug-NAY-shuss).Inclinedtoargueanddebateeverylastthing.JoeywasPUGNACIOUSbynatureandcouldneverletgoofanargumentuntilhebelievedhehadwon.

splenetic(splih-NET-ik).Bad-tempered;irritable;spiteful;malevolent.Assoonaswemethermother,wecouldseethatJane’sSPLENETICcommentswereaself-defensemechanism.

waspish(WAWS-pish).Irascibleandpetulant;giventoresentment.RebeccacanbeWASPISH,butweforgiveherbecauseshethrowsthebestgalas.

NOUNS

Xanthippe(zan-TIP-ee).WifeofSocrates;anill-tempered,shrewishwoman.

FeliciaisfarfromaXANTHIPPEsimplybecausesheinteractsonlywithcertainmembersofthehouseholdstaff.

ANTONYMS

affable(AFF-uh-bull).Pleasantandpolite;agreeable;warm.WebelievedthatGracehadsuchanAFFABLEpersonalitybecauseshegrewupwithsevensiblings.

sympathetic(sim-puh-THET-ik).Inagreementwithanother’smood,feelings,disposition,etc.;congenial.“Resolvetobetenderwiththeyoung,compassionatewiththeaged,SYMPATHETICwiththestriving,andtolerantwiththeweakandthewrong.Sometimeinyourlifeyouwillhavebeenallofthese.”—RobertGoddard,Americanrocketengineer

D

52.Deceitful

(dih-SEET-fuhl),adjective

Tendingorapttodeceive,lie,orcheat;misleading;false;fraudulent.

ADJECTIVES

duplicitous(doo-PLIS-ih-tus).Characterizedbyhypocriticaldeceptionorcunning;double-dealing.HisDUPLICITOUSbehaviordisappointedandhurthisfriends,andeventuallyMikefoundhimselfalone.

gullible(GULL-ih-bull).Easilycheated,tricked,ordeceived.I’mafraidTerryisalittletooGULLIBLEtosurviveforlongasanaspiringactorinacitylikeNewYork.

illusory(ih-LOO-suh-ree).Givingafalseappearanceofbeingreal;seeminggenuinebutprobablyfakeordeceptive.Aftershemovedtothebeach,LornaexpectedtofeeljoybutinsteadfoundthatjoyILLUSORY.

insidious(in-SIHD-ee-uss).Designedtoentrap;happeningorspreadingharmfullybutsubtly;stealthilyandseductivelytreacherous.Mark’schessgameswerefullofINSIDIOUStrapsmeanttolullhisopponentintoasenseofcomplacency.

Machiavellian(mack-ee-uh-VEL-ee-uhn).Unscrupulousandself-centered;manipulative;cunning.WecanhardlybecalledMACHIAVELLIANsimplybecausewedowhatweneedtodotoholdontotheluxuriouslifestyletowhichwehavebecomeaccustomed.

perfidious(per-FID-ee-us).Faithless;treacherous;notabletobetrusted.Onceagain,Heather’sheartwasbrokenbyaPERFIDIOUSlover.

sanctimonious(sank-tih-MOWN-ee-us).Overbearinglyself-righteous;smug;hypocriticallyrighteous.“NotbutI’veeveryreasonnottocare/Whathappenstohimifitonlytakes/SomeoftheSANCTIMONIOUSconceit/Outofoneofthosepiousscalawags.”—RobertFrost,Americanpoet

unctuous(UNK-chew-us).Possessinganuntrustworthyordubiousnature;characterizedbyaninsinceremanner.LocalcardealersdoingtheirownTVcommercialsoftencommunicateinanUNCTUOUS,almostlaughablemanner.

NOUNS

artifice(AR-tih-fiss).Theuseofcleverstrategiesandcunningmethodstofoolorbestothersandtipanoutcomeinone’sfavor.“EveryartandARTIFICEhasbeenpracticedandperpetratedtodestroytherightsofman.”—RobertIngersoll,Americanorator

charlatan(SHAR-luh-tun).Afake;fraud;apersonfalselyclaimingtopossessagivenlevelofstatus,skills,orknowledgeinordertodeceiveothers.Thedefendant,ithasbeenclaimed,isaCHARLATANandaliar—butwhereistheevidenceforthis?

chicanery(shih-KAIN-uh-ree).Cheatingordeception,especiallythroughtheuseoflanguage.ThewaythecandidateconsistentlyquibbledabouttheprecisemeaningofhisstatementsmademefeelhewasguiltyofCHICANERY.

mountebank(MOUNT-uh-bank).Acharlatan;onewhosellsworthlessmedicines,potions,andthelike;afake;anunscrupulouspretender.ThelinebetweenvisionaryromanticandcommonMOUNTEBANK,formyfather,wasoftenathinone.

poseur(poh-ZUR).Apersonwhoattemptstoimpressorobtaintheapprovalofothersbyassumingcharacteristicsnottrulyhisown;anaffectedperson.WheneverBobbysawaPOSEUR,hewouldcomment,“Bighat,nocattle.”

redherring(redHAIR-ing).Somethingintendedtomisleadothersfromtherealissueorproblem;adeception.Theboardofselectmen’sdiscussionofsewerswasaREDHERRINGandhadnothingtodowiththeincreaseintaxes.

sophistry(SOF-iss-tree).Subtlymisleadingargumentorreasoning.IbelievethisjuryistoosophisticatedtobetakeninbytheSOPHISTRIESthedefensehasoffered.

subterfuge(SUB-tur-fyooj).Amisleadingruseorcunningevasion;astrategicavoidanceemployingdeceit.NickknewhewouldhavetocomeupwithacleverSUBTERFUGEtogetoutofgoingtoanotherboringSundaydinnerathisgrandparents’home.

wile(WYL).Aclevertrickmeanttoattainagoal;aninstanceofortalentforbeguilingdeceit.Headquarterstrusts,asalways,thattheinformationyouhavebeengivenissecureevenfromtheWILESofaspyoftheoppositesex.

VERBS

bamboozle(bam-BOO-zul).Todeceive;trick.FredwasBAMBOOZLEDoutof$15,000byaconartistwhoconvincedhimtoinvestmoneyinnonexistentrealestate.

dissemble(dih-SEM-bul).Toactwithaninsincereordisguisedmotive.AlthoughmanyonthecommitteewereconvincedthattheundersecretarywasDISSEMBLINGabouthowmuchheknewofrebelactivities,therewasnohardprooftosupportthisview.

finagle(fih-NAY-gul).Towangle;touseclever,oftenunderhandedmethodstoachieveone’sdesires.JustinFINAGLEDhiswayintothepressconferencebyborrowingapassfromanotherreporter.

purport(per-PORT).Toclaimtobesomethingyouarenot;topretendtodosomethingyouaren’tinfactdoing.“DorisLessingPURPORTStorememberinthemostminutedetailthemoth-eatenpartydressesshepulled,atagethirteen,fromhermother’strunk.”—TimParks,Britishnovelist

wangle(WANG-guhl).Toaccomplishbyunderhandedmethods.JennifermanagedtoWANGLEaninvitationtotheClarksons’party,eventhoughsheisthegauchestofthearea’snewcomers.

ANTONYMS

guileless(GYL-liss).Withoutguile;candid;frank.“ThereisastrangeglowonthefaceofaGUILELESSperson.Innercleanlinesshasitsownsoapandwater—thesoapofstrongfaithandthewaterofconstant

practice.”—SriSathyaSaiBaba,Indianspiritualleader

veracious(vuh-RAY-shuss).Honest;truthful.YourHonor,Iaskthatthedefense’sassertionthatnoneoftheprosecution’switnessesareVERACIOUSbestrickenfromtherecord.

53.Declare

(dih-KLAIR),verb

Tomakeclearlyknown;stateorannounceindefiniteorformalterms;toannounceofficiallyoremphatically.

NOUNS

avowal(uh-VOW-uhl).Anopenadmissionorstatement.HehadrunasaDemocratforoverthirtyyears,sohisAVOWALofsupportfortheRepublicanticketshockedmanyvoters.

VERBS

allege(uh-LEJ).Tostatewithoutproof;todeclareasareasonorexcuse.ThemediaareusuallyquicktoALLEGEacelebrity’smistakeorwrongdoinginordertocreateinterest.

aver(uh-VER).Toassertthetruthfulnessofastatement.“‘Hasshenofaults,then(Envysays),sir?’/Yes,shehasone,ImustAVER:/Whenalltheworldconspirestopraiseher,/Thewoman’sdeaf,anddoesnothear.”—AlexanderPope,Britishpoet

contend(kuhn-TEND).Tomaintain;toholdtobeafact;assert.Afteryearsinprison,ArthurstillCONTENDSthatheisinnocent.

postulate(POSS-chuh-layt).Atheory,belief,hypothesis,orprinciplebasedonananalysisofknownfacts.“TheprimacyofhumanpersonalityhasbeenaPOSTULATEbothofChristianityandofliberaldemocracy.”—JulianHuxley,Englishevolutionarybiologist

tout(TOWT).Topublicizeinaboastful,extravagantmanner.ThestudioTOUTEDitslatestpictureas“thegreateststoryevertold.”

ANTONYMS

gainsay(GANE-say).Todeny,dispute,orcontradict.MichaelhasmadenoattempttoGAINSAYthepersistentrumorsthathisfamily’sfortunerestssolelyoninsidertrading.

recant(rih-KANT).Towithdrawordisavowformally.“IcannotandwillnotRECANTanything,fortogoagainstconscienceisneitherrightnorsafe.”—MartinLuther,thefatherofProtestantism

54.Defense

(dee-FENSE),noun

Protectionfromharmordanger;guardingfromattack;supportagainstafoe.

NOUNS

aegis(EE-jis).Theprotection,support,andhelprenderedbyaguardian,supporter,backer,ormentor.Jillthinksshe’sabovereproachbecauseshe’sundertheAEGISofthatmarketingvicepresidentwithapenchantforyoungerwomen.

bastion(BASS-chuhn).Aninstitution,individual,orsomethingelseprotectingorpreservingaparticularwayoflife,society,setofbeliefs,ormoralcode.CliffgraduatedfromYale,aBASTIONofrespectabilityandprivilege.

bulwark(BULL-werk).Adefensive,protectivebarrier,wall,orforce.“Sinceheaimsatgreatsouls,hecannotmiss.Butifsomeoneshouldslandermeinthisway,noonewouldbelievehim.Forenvygoesagainstthepowerful.Yetslightmen,apartfromthegreat,arebutaweakBULWARK.”—Sophocles,Greektragedian

cannonade(kan-uh-NAYD).Acontinuous,relentlessbombardmentoreffort.ACANNONADEofquestioninggreetedEva’sstatementthatshewasquittingtheclub’stennisteam.

muniment(MYOO-nuh-munt).Ameansofdefense;inlaw,adocument,suchasatitleordeed,usedtodefendormaintainrightsorprivileges.SamwaspreparedtosupporthisclaimstoownershipandbroughtallthenecessaryMUNIMENTStothehearing.

paladin(PAL-uh-din).Aknightorheroicchampion,adefenderoradvocateofanoblecause;anyofthetwelvepeerswhoattendedCharlemagne.ThefictionalcharacterofSupermanrepresentedsociety’sneedforaPALADINduringthe1950s.

palisade(pal-ih-SADE).Adefensivebarrierorfencecomprisingarowoftallstakesdrivenintotheground;also,alineofsteepcliffsalongariver.AswedrovealongthePALISADESoftherivergorge,mywifeandIlamentedthatwehadforgottentobringourcamera.

VERBS

adduce(uh-DUCE).Tociteasanexampleorjustification;tobringsomethingforwardforconsideration.IwouldADDUCEthefollowingreasonsinsupportofrewritingtheclubcharter.

forfend(for-FEND).Toprotect,defend,secure,etc.Afterheboughtatelevisionwithafifty-five-inchscreen,KeithboughtanalarmsystemtoFORFENDit.

indemnify(in-DEM-nih-fy).Toprotectfromorprovidecompensationfordamages;toshieldagainsttheloss,destruction,ordamageofsomething.ThispolicyINDEMNIFIESmyhouseagainstfire,flood,andburglary.

vindicate(VIN-dih-kayt).Toproveanopinioncorrectoranactionjustified;toproveinnocence;todefendone’srights;toavenge.WelaughedatPaulette’spredictionsabouttheimminentfallfashions,but,oncethecouturewasunveiled,PaulettewasVINDICATED.

ANTONYMS

untenable(uhn-TEN-uh-bull).Notpossibletodefend,asanargumentorposition.“ArethelegitimatecompensationandhonorsthatshouldcomeastheresultofabilityandmerittobedeniedontheUNTENABLEgroundofsexaristocracy?”—BerthaHonorePotterPalmer,Americansocialite

55.Defiant

(dih-FYE-unht),adjective

Characterizedbydefiance;resistantorchallenging;rebellious

ADJECTIVES

contumacious(kon-teh-MAY-shuss).Obstinatelyresistingauthority;disobedient;insubordinate.TheCONTUMACIOUSdefendanteventuallyhadtobegagged.

obstreperous(ob-STREP-er-us).Uncontrollablyaggressive;defiant,boisterous.Beforeannouncingtheplanformassivelayoffstohisworkers,thebosshiredanextrasecurityforcetopreventcertainOBSTREPEROUSpersonsfromincitingariot.

recalcitrant(rih-KAL-sih-trunt).Unwillingtocooperatevoluntarily;resistingcontrolorauthority;hesitanttostepforwardanddowhatoneisaskedortoldtodo.Onthewitnessstand,themobsterwasRECALCITRANTanduncommunicative.

renitent(REN-eh-tent).Steadfastlyresistingpressure,constraint,orcompulsion.Dorothy’sRENITENTeffortsprovedsuperiortohermother’sattemptstomodifyherbehavior.

subversive(sub-VER-sihv).Describesanactperformedtochallengeoroverthrowtheauthorityofthoseinpower.“IfsexandcreativityareoftenseenbydictatorsasSUBVERSIVEactivities,it’sbecausetheyleadtotheknowledgethatyouownyourownbody.”—EricaJong,Americanauthorandteacher

NOUNS

dissentient(dih-SEN-shunt).Apersonwhodissents,especiallyinoppositiontothemajorityopinion.Thegroupofclose-knitpoliticalactivists,foralltheirdiscussionoffreethought,couldnevertolerateatrueDISSENTIENT.

recusancy(REK-yuh-zun-see).Therefusaltorecognizeorobeyestablishedauthority.Atonetime,anindividual’sreligiousRECUSANCYcouldresultinpunishment.

sedition(sih-DISH-uhn).Anactionthatpromotesdiscontentorrebellionagainstauthority.InanactofchildishSEDITION,Alexquittheclubafterwerefusedtoplayaroundofgolfwithhim.

VERBS

beard(BEERD).Todefyboldly;oppose.Toensurethemeasurewouldpass,supportersneededtobereadytoBEARDtheopposition.

contravene(kawn-truh-VEEN).Togoagainstordeny;toopposesomethingbyactionorargument.TheordersIleftweretobeCONTRAVENEDbynoonebutthecolonel.

remonstrate(rih-MON-strayt).Toprotest,object,orshowdisapproval.WhenCarlottaREMONSTRATEDoursnubbingofJulia,wesimplybegantosnubCarlottaaswell.

restive(RESS-tiv).Impatientandstubborn;contrary.AudreywasRESTIVEaboutherupcomingvacationabroadandthusfounditdifficulttoconcentrateonherschoolwork.

ANTONYMS

milquetoast(MILK-toast).Anunassertive,timid,spinelesspersonwhoiseasilyintimidated.

Unlessyoujustwanttobeapencil-pusherallyourlife,you’vegottostopbeingsuchaMILQUETOAST,Arthur!

verecund(VER-ih-kuhnd).Bashful;modest.Paul’sVERECUNDmannermakesitdifficulttocarryonaconversationwithhim.

56.Descant

(des-KANT),verb

Totalkfreelyandwithoutinhibition.

ADJECTIVES

convivial(kuhn-VIV-ee-ull).Fondoffeasting,drinking,andcompanionship.“OnedoesnotleaveaCONVIVIALpartybeforeclosingtime.”—WinstonChurchill,Britishstatesmanandorator

discursive(dis-KER-siv).Amannerorstyleoflecturinginwhichthespeakerramblesamongmanytopics.Paul’sDISCURSIVElecturesonAmericanhistoryjumpedfromcenturytocentury,yetitallcametogetherinanunderstandableandfreshfashion.

facile(FASS-ul).Accomplishedeasilyandwithlittleeffort.“ThehungerforFACILEwisdomistherootofallfalsephilosophy.”—GeorgeSantayana,authorandphilosopher

loquacious(loh-KWAY-shuss).Verbose;chatty;giventotalkingnonstop.AmyandDonnaarebothsoLOQUACIOUS,theiraveragephonecalllastsninetyminutes.

mellifluous(meh-LIH-flu-us).Ofmusic,speech,orothersoundthatissweetandpleasanttolistento.TheMELLIFLUOUStonesofhisvoicebroughtMartinmanyhigh-payinggigsforvoice-overs.

verbose(ver-BOHSS).Describesapersonorcompositionusingmorewordsthanareneededtogetthepointacross.Long-windedandVERBOSE,Mitchmadehisteammembersgroanwheneverhestooduptospeakatacharityevent.

NOUNS

badinage(bah-dih-NAHZH).Light,good-natured,evenplayfulbanter.“Ifyoudon’tcareforme,youcanmoveoutnow.I’mfranklynotuptoBADINAGE.”—HarlanEllison,Americanauthor

diatribe(DYE-uh-tryb).Aspeechrailingagainstinjustice;avehementdenunciation.Theeditorialwasamean-spiritedDIATRIBEagainstschoolvoucherswrittentopreventchildrenfromothertownsfrombeingsentbybustoCentervilleHighSchool.

filibuster(FILL-ih-bus-ter).Aprolongedspeechorothertacticstodelaylegislativeactionsorotherimportantdecisions.Theroombreathedacollectivesighwhenthesenatorfinallyendedhiseight-hourFILIBUSTER.

garrulity(gah-ROO-lih-tee).Thehabitoftalkingwaytoomuch.“TheinterviewisanintimateconversationbetweenjournalistandpoliticianwhereinthejournalistseekstotakeadvantageoftheGARRULITYofthe

politicianandthepoliticianofthecredulityofthejournalist”—EmoryKlein,Americanjournalist

kaffeeklatsch(KAW-fee-klatch).Aninformalsocialgathering,typicallyincludingcoffeeandgossip.JeanetteisnotwelcomeatourKAFFEEKLATSCHbecausesherefusestogossipabouthersocialcontacts.

VERBS

bloviate(BLOH-vee-ayt).Tospeakpompouslyandatlength.MaxwellBLOVIATESabouthis“excellent”golfgame,buteveryoneknowshecheatsoutrageously.

confabulate(kuhn-FAB-yuh-layt).Tochatorconverseinformally.JarodproceededtoCONFABULATEaboutthewinesmostrecentlyaddedtothefamilycellar.

natter(NATT-er).Totalkceaselessly;babble.ThewayEmilyNATTERSendlesslyaboutherfamily’snewyachtisrevoltingtothoseofuswhohaveownedseveralyachtsovertheyears.

prattle(PRAT-l).Tobabble;totalknonstopwithoutregardastowhetherwhatyouaresayingmakessenseorisofanyinteresttothelistener.“Infancyconformstonobody:allconformtoit,sothatonebabecommonlymakesfourorfiveoutoftheadultswhoPRATTLEandplaytoit.”—RalphWaldoEmerson,Americanpoet,essayist,andtranscendentalist

ANTONYMS

farouche(fah-ROOSH).Tobecomesullen,shy,orwithdrawninthepresenceofcompany.

HisFAROUCHEdemeanorgavepeopletheimpressionthathedidn’tlikethem,wheninfacthewasmerelyanintrovert.

laconic(luh-KAWN-ik).Offewwords;expressingoneselfwithaneconomyofwords.HaroldmaybeLACONIC,butwhenhedoesspeak,heisworthlisteningto.

taciturn(TASS-ih-turn).Reserved;uncommunicative;apersonoffewwords.“Natureisgarruloustothepointofconfusion,lettheartistbetrulyTACITURN.”—PaulKlee,German-bornSwisspainter

57.Desire

(dih-ZYR),verb

Towantorcrave.

ADJECTIVES

esurient(ih-SOOR-ee-uhnt).Hungry;greedy;voracious.Becausehewasraisedbywolves,JackoftendisplayedESURIENThabits.

orectic(aw-REK-tik).Characterizedbyappetiteordesire.Unfortunately,MichaelwasobsessedwithORECTICthoughtsaboutgirlstotheexclusionofanyinterestinschoolwork.

wistful(WIHST-full).Yearning,pensive;havinganunfulfilleddesire.“Ineversawamanwholooked/WithsuchaWISTFULeye/Uponthatlittletentofblue/Whichprisonerscallthesky.”—OscarWilde,Irishplaywrightandpoet

NOUNS

ardor(AR-der).Emotionalwarmth;passion;eagerness;intensedevotion.Theauthor’sARDORfortheenvironmentisobviousinallofhiswritings.

aspiration(ass-puh-RAY-shun).Goal;desire;somethingonewishestoachieve.Marco,whoseASPIRATIONwastobeaconcertviolinist,practicedhisinstrumentatleasteighthoursaday.

desideratum(deh-sih-deh-RAY-tum).Somethingthatonecovetsordesires.Eversinceshewasanadolescent,Evangeline’sDESIDERATUMhasbeenafirsteditionofVirginiaWoolf’sfirstnovel,TheVoyageOut.

ebullition(ebb-uh-LISH-un).Asuddenoutpouringofstrongemotion;passion.TheconcertclosedwithaninspiredEBULLITIONfromtheentireorchestra.

yen(YEN).Astrongdesireorurge.“PerhapsonesubtextofthehealthcaredebateisaYENtobetreatedlikeawholeperson,notjustaneye,anear,anoseorathroat.”—AnnaQuindlen,Americanauthorandopinioncolumnist

VERBS

covet(KUHV-it).Tostronglydesire;todesiresomethingthatanotherpersonhas.Asayoungboy,IwastaughtnottoCOVETmyneighbor’stricycle.

ANTONYMS

animosity(an-ih-MOSS-ih-tee).Strongdislikefor;openandactivehostilitytoward.“LifeappearstometooshorttobespentnursingANIMOSITY,orregisteringwrongs.”—CharlotteBrontë,Englishnovelist

spurn(SPURN).Torejectwithscorn;disdain.“IftherichesoftheIndies,orthecrownsofallthekingdomsofEurope,werelaidatmyfeetinexchangeformyloveofreading,IwouldSPURNthemall.”—RalphWaldoEmerson,Americanpoet

58.Determined

(dih-TUR-minnd),adjective

Havingone’smindmadeup;settled;decided;resolved.

ADJECTIVES

indefatigable(in-deh-FAT-uh-guh-bull).Capableofcontinuingalongone’scurrentcourseofactionwithoutwavering,tiring,orfaltering.“WearetrulyINDEFATIGABLEinprovidingfortheneedsofthebody,butwestarvethesoul.”—EllenWood,Britishplaywright

indomitable(in-DOM-ih-tuh-bull).Noteasilydiscouragedorsubdued;unyielding;unconquerable.Whenitcametoacauseshebelievedin,Paula’sINDOMITABLEspiritwasnottobedenied.

intractable(in-TRAK-tuh-bull).Difficulttocontrolormanage;stubborn.“Itispreciselyhere,wherethewriterfightswiththeraw,theINTRACTABLE,thatpoetryisborn.”—DorisLessing,Britishauthor

intransigent(in-TRAN-zih-jent).Stubborn;refusingtoconsideropinionsotherthanone’sown.“LamontstaredforamomentinfrustrationbutBurt’sexpressionwasaclearlyINTRANSIGENTonenow.”—IsaacAsimov,Russian-bornAmericanauthorand

biochemist

obdurate(OB-doo-rit).Stubbornandunyielding;hardhearted;unsympathetic.“ThefatesarenotquiteOBDURATE;/Theyhaveagrim,sardonicway/Ofgrantingthemwhosupplicate/Thethingtheywantedyesterday.”—RoselleMercierMontgomery,Americanpoet

obstinate(OB-stih-nit).Inflexibleinone’sopinionsandattitudes;refusingtochangeoraccedetothewishesofothers.“ThemalesexstillconstitutesinmanywaysthemostOBSTINATEvestedinterestonecanfind.”—FrancisPakenham,Britishsocialreformer

pertinacious(per-tih-NAY-shuss).Persistentorobstinatetothepointofannoyance.Thecarsalesman’sPERTINACIOUSpattercausedmetoleavethelotimmediately.

resolute(REZ-uh-loot).Unyieldingindetermination;firmofpurpose.WeremainRESOLUTEonthequestionofthehostages:theymustbereleasedwithoutprecondition.

sedulous(SEJ-yuh-luss).Doneorcraftedwithperseverance,diligence,andcare.Theteen’sSEDULOUSlaborsatthedesertsitewererewardedbythediscoveryoftriceratopsbonesinthethirdweekofthedig.

staunch(STONCH).Firminresolutionorbelief;fixed.Mr.West,aSTAUNCHconservative,believedthatgovernmentwastewasthemainproblemrequiringattentioninWashington.

tenacious(tuh-NAY-shuss).Persistent,stubborn,obstinate.“WomenareTENACIOUS,andallofthemshouldbeTENACIOUSofrespect;withoutesteemtheycannotexist;esteemisthefirstdemandthattheymakeof

love.”—HonorédeBalzac,Frenchnovelistandplaywright

VERBS

indurate(IN-duh-rayt).Tobecomehard;harden;stubborn.HisfriendswereconcernedthatPaul’srejectionbyhislatestgirlfriendwouldINDURATEhimtofuturerelationships.

ANTONYMS

falter(FAWL-ter).Toacthesitantly;showuncertainty;waver.“WeshallneitherfailnorFALTER;weshallnotweakenortire....Giveusthetoolsandwewillfinishthejob.”—WinstonChurchill,Britishstatesmanandorator

vacillate(VASS-uh-layt).Towaver;showindecision;beirresolute.“Itseemstomethattheproblemwithdiaries,andthereasonthatmostofthemaresoboring,isthateverydayweVACILLATEbetweenexaminingourhangnailsandspeculatingoncosmicorder.”—AnnBeattie,Americannovelist

59.Didactic

(dy-DAK-tik),adjective

Designed,made,ortailoredforpurposesofeducation,self-improvement,orethicalbetterment.

ADJECTIVES

erudite(AIR-yoo-dyte).Sophisticated;welleducated;deeplylearned;knowledgeable;scholarly.

BeneathhisERUDITEimage,Dr.JohnBrinkleywasamoney-grubbingconman.

hypercritical(hy-per-KRIT-ih-kuhl).Excessivelyormeticulouslycritical.“Goodwritershavetwothingsincommon:theywouldratherbeunderstoodthanadmired,andtheydonotwriteforhairsplittingandHYPERCRITICALreaders.”—FriedrichNietzche,Germanphilosopher

meticulous(meh-TIK-yuh-luss).Extremelyprecise;fussy.TheoverlyMETICULOUSmaîtred’madeusself-consciousanddetractedfromourenjoymentofthemeal.

niggling(NIG-ling).Demandingagreatdealofcare,attention,ortime;or,triflingandinsignificant.Peoplejustdon’tunderstandhowdifficultitisforustoattendtoalltheNIGGLINGneedsofourservants.

NOUNS

autodidact(aw-toe-DY-dakt).Aself-educatedperson.Inthetwentiethcentury,thelibrarywastheuniversityoftheAUTODIDACT;inthetwenty-firstcentury,itistheInternet.

lyceum(LIE-see-um).Aschoolorotherplaceoflearning.“[Television]shouldbeourLYCEUM,ourChautauqua,ourMinsky’s,andourCamelot.”—E.B.White,Americanauthor

pedagogue(PED-ah-gog).Astrict,humorless,no-nonsenseteacher.“Thenegativecautionsofscienceareneverpopular.Iftheexperimentalistwouldnotcommithimself,thesocialphilosopher,thepreacher,andthePEDAGOGUEtriedthehardertogiveashort-cutanswer.”—MargaretMead,Americanculturalanthropologist

VERBS

elucubrate(ih-LOO-kyoo-brayt).Toproduceawrittenworkthroughlengthy,intensiveeffort.Thankstoafewhundredbuckspassedalongtoaclassmate,MilesdidnothavetoELUCUBRATEhistermpaperandcould,instead,attendpartieswithus.

quibble(KWIB-ul).Toargueoveraminormatter;tovoiceanigglingobjection.Ifyouarenot100percentsatisfied,yourmoneywillpromptlyberefundedwithoutquestionorQUIBBLE.

ANTONYMS

dilettante(DILL-ih-tont).Apersonwhostudiesasubjectinacasualfashion,learningthetopicforthefunofitratherthantoapplyittosolverealproblems.JosephPriestlycouldbeconsideredaDILETTANTE,andyethisworkledtothediscoveryofoxygen.

vacuous(VAK-yoo-uss).Devoidofemotion,intelligence,oranynormalhumanthoughtprocesses;stupid;moronic.TheVACUOUSstarefromhertwoeyes,lookinglikeraisinspushedintoalumpofdough,madehimshiverwithloathingandcontempt.

60.Difficult

(DIF-ih-kult),adjective

Noteasytodo,make,orunderstand;requiringsignificantlabor,skill,orknowledgetobeperformedsuccessfully.

ADJECTIVES

abstruse(ab-STROOS).Arcane,complex,difficulttounderstandandlearn.Bobbegantowishtherewas,infact,aSantaClausbecausehefoundthe“simpleinstructions”tohisson’sbicyclefartooABSTRUSE.

anfractuous(an-FRACK-chuh-wuss).Fullofwindingsandintricacies,likeagoodmysterynovel.Thenovel’sANFRACTUOUSplotworkedonpaper,butitbecamestupefyinglyconfusing—actually,justplainstupid—onscreen.

arduous(AR-joo-us).Requiringexceptionaleffortorcare;mentallyorphysicallychallenging;laborious.StacyhasbeenpreparingallweekfortheARDUOUSmarathoncompetition.

byzantine(BIZ-un-teen).Convoluted;overlycomplicated;difficulttofigureoutbecauseofitscomplexity.WefounditimpossibletofollowtheBYZANTINEplotofhowEileenmadeMariahalaughingstockbyreplacingherPradashoeswithnearlyidenticalknockoffs.

circuitous(sir-KYOO-uh-tuss).Extremelytwistyandwinding;indirect.Blanchecalleditashortcut,butherCIRCUITOUSroutecausedustoarriveverylatetotheparty.

herculean(her-kyuh-LEE-uhn).Ofextraordinarypowerordifficulty.OftencapitalizedbecausethewordalludestoHercules.“WefounditaHERCULEANeffortnottochortleattheoutlandishclothingofthenouveauricheattendeesofourparty,”saidLillian.

impalpable(im-PAL-puh-bull).Difficulttounderstand;intangible.“ThesoulissoIMPALPABLE,sooftenuseless,andsometimessuchanuisance,thatIfeltnomoreemotiononlosingitthanif,onastroll,Ihadmislaidmyvisitingcard.”—CharlesBaudelaire,Frenchpoet,critic,andtranslator

insuperable(in-SOO-per-uh-bull).Impossibletoovercomeorsurmount.“ConceitisanINSUPERABLEobstacletoallprogress.”—EllenTerry,Britishactress

onerous(OH-nerr-us).Difficult;imposingheavyresponsibility.Caringforhisson’slargeaquariumquicklywentfromaninterestinghobbytoanONEROUSburden.

NOUNS

asperity(ah-SPAIR-ih-tee).Roughness;harshness.Sorry,Ican’thandletheASPERITYofhispolitics.Couldweskipthespeech?

conundrum(kuh-NUN-drum).Adifficultproblemorsituationthatisnoteasilyresolved.ChoosingwhethertoattendMIT,Yale,orHarvardwasquiteaCONUNDRUM:MIThadthecourseshewanted,butHarvardandYaleofferedhimfullsportsscholarships.

labyrinth(LAB-uh-rinth).Amazelikeseriesofconnectedtunnelsandpassages.Heran,terrified,astheMinotaurchasedhimthroughtheLABYRINTH.

morass(muh-RASS).Aconfusingortroublesomesituationfromwhichitisdifficulttodisentangleoneself.“Oneideaisenoughtoorganizealifeandprojectit/Intounusualbutviableforms,butmanyideasmerely/LeadonethitherintoaMORASSoftheirowngoodintentions.”—JohnAshbery,Americanpoet

nodus(NOH-dus).Adifficultpoint;aknottysituation.JasonreachedaNODUSinhisrelationshipwithGailandwasdeterminedtofindasolutionwhiletherewasstillachance.

straits(STRAYTS).Apositionofdifficultyandchallenge.Afteraseriesofbadinvestments,IfoundmyselfindirefinancialSTRAITS.

ANTONYMS

elementary(el-uh-MEN-tuh-ree).Offirstprinciples;oftherudimentsorfundamentalsofsomething;introductory;simple.“ByrespectforlifewebecomereligiousinawaythatisELEMENTARY,profound,andalive.”—AlbertSchweitzer,Germanmissionaryandtheologian

facile(FASS-ul).Accomplishedeasilyandwithlittleeffort.“SometimesthereisagreaterlackofcommunicationinFACILEtalkingthaninsilence.”—FaithBaldwin,Americanauthor

61.Dirty

(DUR-tee),adjective

Unclean;soiledwithdirt;foul;vile;mean.

ADJECTIVES

bedraggled(bee-DRAG-uld).Harriedorinaconditionofdisarray;unkempt;dirtyandlimp.AgroupofBEDRAGGLEDorphansstoodoutsidebeggingbytheflickeringgaslight.

sordid(SOR-did).Characterizedbygrossnessorbaseness;vile;wretched;squalid.ThemovieopenedwithasceneshowingtheheroboldlywalkingintoaSORDIDtenementhousetofindthevillain.

NOUNS

NOUNS

squalor(SKWALL-ur).Thestateorqualityofbeingfilthy.Mymotherknewfullwellthatmyroommateswerenotthetidiestmenintheworld,butshestillseemedshockedwhenconfrontedwiththeunrepentantSQUALORofourapartment.

VERBS

contaminate(kuhn-TAM-uh-nayt).Tomakeunclean,impure,orcorruptbycontact;tomakeunusableorharmfulbyaddingimpurematerials.Ifthereactorisbreached,thecoolingwaterwillCONTAMINATEthebayandrenderitsmarineliferadioactive.

defile(dih-FYL).Topollute;tocorruptormakeunclean.TheriverthatonlyafewyearsagorancleanandclearisnowDEFILEDwithawitches’brewofchemicals,thankstothenewtanningplant.

sully(SUL-ee).Tobesmearormakefoul;tocastaspersions.IwillnotallowyoutoSULLYthegoodnameofmyfamilywithsuchbaselessaccusations.

taint(TAYNT).Tomakemorallycorrupt;toinfect,contaminate,orspoil;toaffectwithsomethingharmfulorunpleasant.Thesenator’sactions,nomatterhownobleinintent,areforeverTAINTEDbyhisprevioustransgressions.

ANTONYMS

hygienic(hy-jee-EN-ik).Promotinghealth;healthful;sanitary.AuntCharlotte’sHYGIENICpracticesmadeitquitesafetoeatoffherfloors.

immaculate(ih-MAK-yuh-lit).Perfectlyclean;withoutaspotorstain;unsoiled.

“Hiswordsarebonds,hisoathsareoracles;hislovesincere,histhoughtsIMMACULATE;histearspuremessengerssentfromhisheart;hisheartasfarfromfraud,asheavenfromearth.”—WilliamShakespeare,Englishdramatist

62.Disagree

(dis-uh-GREE),verb

Todiffer;dissent;toquarrelaboutordisapproveofsomething.

ADJECTIVES

bilious(BILL-yuss).Havinganastytemperamentordisagreeabledisposition;tobe“fullofbile”andhatred.Thepoloteam’sBILIOUScaptainmadehisteammiserableasheproceededtocriticizetheireverymove.

discordant(dis-KOR-dunt).Conflicting;lackinginharmony.Ifindthatcomposer’sDISCORDANTstyledifficulttolistento.

dyslogistic(diss-luh-JISS-tik).Showingdisapprovalorcensure.WegaveElizabethDYSLOGISTICglanceswhenshetoldusshehaddecidedtostopshoppingatCartier.

NOUNS

apostasy(uh-POSS-tah-see).Theactofabandoning,ignoring,oropenlyfloutinganacceptedprincipleorbelief.“ItwashisideaofgrandAPOSTASYtodrivetothereformsynagogueonthehighholidaysandparkhispink-eyenagamongtheluxurious,whirl-wiredtouringcarsoftherich.”—SaulBellow,Americanauthor

dissidence(DISS-uh-dehnts).Strongdisagreement,especiallywithagovernment.ThenewlyformedgovernmentdecidedtocrackdownonDISSIDENCEbyjailinganyonewhodisagreedwithgovernmentalpolicies.

VERBS

demur(di-MURR).Tomakeanobjectiononthegroundsofscruples.“Assent,andyouaresane;/DEMUR,—you’restraightwaydangerous,/Andhandledwithachain.”—EmilyDickinson,Americanpoet

deprecate(DEP-rih-kayt).Toexpressseveredisapprovalofanother’sactions.“ThosewhoprofesstofavorfreedomandyetDEPRECATEagitation,aremenwhowantcropswithoutplowinguptheground.”—FrederickDouglass,Americanabolitionistandorator

gainsay(GANE-say).Todeny,dispute,orcontradict.MichaelhasmadenoattempttoGAINSAYthepersistentrumorsthathisfamily’sfortunerestssolelyoninsidertrading.

harangue(huh-RANG).Verballyaccost;yellat;berate.“ButonthathotJulydayshebreaks—HARANGUINGstrangersinthestreet.”—OliverSacks,Britishneurologist

inveigh(in-VAY).Toprotestorcomplainstrongly.ThecrowdINVEIGHEDagainstthegovernor’sdecisiontocommuteDavidson’ssentence.

negate(nih-GAYT).Tocausetobeineffectual;todeny;toreverse.IimaginethatdoublehotfudgesundaeIatecompletelyNEGATEDtheeffectsofmymorningexercises.

ANTONYMS

ANTONYMS

amenable(ah-MEE-nuh-bull).Readilyagreeabletothewishesanddesiresofothers.MarkconsidershimselfAMENABLE,buttherestofusjustthinkhe’sapushover.

complaisant(kuhm-PLAY-zuhnt).Agreeableandeagertoplease.EleanorisfartooCOMPLAISANTwithcommonstrangers.

63.Dishonest

(dis-AWN-ist),adjective

Nothonest;thetendencytolie,cheat,orsteal;untrustworthy;fraudulent.

ADJECTIVES

collusive(kuh-LOO-siv).Involvingorcharacterizedbycollusion;conspiringforfraudulentpurposes.Thebrothers’COLLUSIVEtendencieswerewellknowntohighschooladministrators.

disingenuous(diss-in-JEN-yoo-uss).Notinclinedtowardopendealing;lessthantruthful;otherthanappearanceswouldsuggest;insincere.Themayor’scarefullywordeddenialsneverexplicitlytouchedonherinvolvementinhercampaign’sallegedefforttobuyvotes,leadingmanytoconcludethatshewasbeingDISINGENUOUS.

duplicitous(doo-PLIS-ih-tus).Characterizedbyhypocriticaldeceptionorcunning;double-dealing;intentionallydeceptive.

HisDUPLICITOUSactsweresecondnaturetoJimafteryearsoflivingonthemeanstreetsofNewark.

knavish(NAYV-ish).Untrustworthy,dishonest,andmischievous.Despite,orperhapsbecauseof,hisKNAVISHbehavior,Jonathanisalwaysasuccessatoursocietyballs.

smarmy(SMAR-mee).Insincerelyearnest.Inbetweensyrupylovesongs,theSMARMYloungesingerrepeatedlyassuredthecrowdtheywerebyfarthebestaudiencehe’deverperformedfor.

unconscionable(un-KON-shu-nuh-bull).Lackinginprinciplesorconscience;beyondanyreasonableboundary.Yourdecisiontodestroythoseletterswithoutattemptingtogetpermissionfromthepoet’swidowwasUNCONSCIONABLE.

NOUNS

covin(KUV-in).Inlaw,aconspiracyoftwoormorepeopletodefraudorswindleothers.Afterthecovenmemberswerefoundguilty,theirCOVINmadenewspaperheadlinefodderfordays.

grifter(GRIFF-ter).Apersonwhoengagesinunseemlyactivities;aswindler,adishonestgambler,etc.Thesmall-townbarwasfilledwithreprobates,toothlesslegions,andGRIFTERS.Ifeltrightathome.

pettifoggery(PET-ee-fog-er-ee).Pettydishonestyortrickery.“Let’sputallthisPETTIFOGGERYbehindus,”saidMr.Powers,“andstartdealingwitheachotherinamorestraightforwardmanner.”

rogue(rohg).Ascoundrel;adishonestperson;apersonknowntohavelowmoralsandhabits.EveryoneinSavannahknewthatRhettwasaROGUE,butsomehowhemanagedtousethatfacttohisadvantage.

VERBS

bilk(bilk).Toswindleorcheat.Theaccountant,investigatorslearned,hadbeenBILKINGthecompanyofnearlyaquarterofamilliondollarsayear.

filch(FILCH).Tosteal,especiallytostealpettyamountsorinexpensivegoods.Brianisproudofhowmanymoteltowelshe’sFILCHEDovertheyears.

mulct(MUHLKT).Togetsomethingfromsomeoneelsebyfraudorextortion;swindle.TheconmanMULCTEDtenbucksfromtheunsuspectingcouple.

perjure(PUR-jer).Tolieorgivefalseandmisleadingtestimony;tocommitthecrimeoftestifyingtosomethingoneknowsisuntrue.AlthoughMr.Frattoriwasnotconvictedonthemainchargeshefaced,hemayservetimeinprisonforhavingPERJUREDhimselfduringthetrial.

purloin(PUR-loyn).Tostealortotakebydishonestmeans.BobbyPURLOINEDalmostallthecontentsofhisdad’schangejarbeforebeingdiscovered.

ANTONYMS

conscionable(KON-shuh-nuh-bull).Thatwhichagreeswithone’sideasofrightandwrong;just.

ArthurandCarolynconsideredtheirrelationshipwithfriendsandneighborsandtriedtotreateveryoneasCONSCIONABLEpeoplewould.

reputable(REP-yuh-tuh-bull).Respectable;honorable.Whenanaturaldisasteroccurs,oneunfortunateresultistheappearanceofcharitableorganizationsthatarenotcompletelyREPUTABLE.

64.Dull

(DUHL),adjective

Lackingsensitivityorspirit;causingboredom;tedious.

ADJECTIVES

aseptic(uh-SEP-tik).Lackingemotionorvibrancy.Jordan’sASEPTICperformanceatthejobinterviewisprobablythereasonhedidn’tgetthejob,despitehisqualifications.

banal(buh-NAL).Trite;lackingoriginality.AaronalwaysdismissedtheinsightsoftheotherphilosophersasBANAL,butIforoneneverheardhimutterasingleprofoundidea.

bourgeois(boor-ZHWA).Characteristicofthemiddleclass;havingmaterialconcerns,aninterestinrespectability,andatendencytowardmediocrity.DaveissoBOURGEOIShegoestoaliquorstoreacrosstownsohisneighborswon’tknowhedrinks.

bromidic(bro-MIHD-ik).Triteandcommonplace.ThemarketingexecutivegroanedasoneBROMIDICadcampaignafteranothercrossedherdesk.

insipid(in-SIP-id).Lackinginvigor;unexciting.InFrank’sopinion,thenovel’splotwasINSIPIDandleftmuchtobedesired.

jaded(JAY-did).Wornout;dulledorsatiatedduetooverindulgence.HerparentsthoughtthatprovidingTracywitheverythingherheartdesiredasachildwouldmakeherahappyperson,butshegrewuptobeaJADEDandselfishwoman.

lackluster(LACK-lus-ter).Flat;notshinyorbrilliant.Wanda’sLACKLUSTERperformanceasHeddaGablerledonecritictoremarkthatsheprobablyhadalongcareeraheadofherinthetheater—asastageweight.

mundane(mun-DAYN).Ordinary,practical,oreveryday.Everett’sconcernswereMUNDANEenough:keeparoofoverhishead,trackdowntheoccasionalmeal.

pedestrian(puh-DESS-tree-uhn).Lackinginoriginalityorvitality.Ifyoureallywanttoadvanceinthiscompany,you’regoingtohavetocomeupwithsomethingbetterthanthePEDESTRIANideaswe’vealreadytriedandrejected.

trite(TRYT).Lackingineffectivenessorfreshnessduetocontinualuseandexcessiverepetition;hackneyed;stale.“TheTRITEsubjectsofhumanefforts,possessions,outwardsuccess,luxuryhavealwaysseemedtomecontemptible.”—AlbertEinstein

vapid(VAP-id).Voidofintellectualcuriosityorintelligence;lackingspiritandenthusiasm;routine,unchallenging.Whatirkedhimmostabouthissister-in-lawwasherVAPIDstaresinresponsetosimplequestions,conversation,andjokes.

NOUNS

NOUNS

pabulum(PAB-yuh-lum).Writingorspeechthatissimplistic,insipid,orbland.ChristiecouldbecountedontodeliverthesortofPABULUMthatwoulddistractthemediafromtherealandsordidactivitiesoftheactor.

ANTONYMS

exuberant(ig-ZOO-ber-uhnt).Overflowingwithspirit;uninhibitedlyenthusiastic;aboundinginvitality.“NothingeversucceedswhichEXUBERANTspiritshavenothelpedtoproduce.”—FriedrichNietzsche,Germanphilosopher

provocative(pruh-VAWK-uh-tiv).Tendingtoprovoke;inciting;stimulating.Andrew’svisitstotheartmuseumfilledhimwithPROVOCATIVEimagesandgavehimnewenergy.

E

65.Eat

(EET),verb

Toconsumefornourishment;takeinfood.

ADJECTIVES

bibulous(BIB-yuh-luss).Relatedtodrinkingortodrunkenness;fondofalcoholicbeverages.Youmaythinkyou’re“fine,”butyourBIBULOUSactivitieswillputyouinthepoorhouseorinjailoneofthesedays!

crapulous(KRAP-yuh-luss).Pertainingtoeatinganddrinkingtoomuch,ortheconsequencesofeatinganddrinkingtoomuch.JimspentthedayafterthepartyinaCRAPULOUSstate.

dipsomaniacal(dip-suh-muh-NIE-ih-kul).Havinganuncontrolledcravingforalcohol.Theprivatedetectivesummeduphislatestclient,abooze-lovinggolddigger,asthe“DIPSOMANIACALdame.”

gustatory(GUSS-tuh-tore-ee).Ofthesenseoftaste.“Foodhasitoversexforvariety.Hedonistically,GUSTATORYpossibilitiesaremuchbroaderthancopulatoryones.”—JosephEpstein,Americanauthorandcritic

herbivorous(hur-BIV-er-us).Eatingplantsratherthanmeat.

TheHERBIVOROUSanimalsarenotconsideredpredatorsunlessplantscanbethoughtofasprey.

macrobiotic(mack-row-by-OT-ik).Ofadietrichinwholegrainsandbeans,whichsomebelievelengthensone’slifespan.Aftershehadafewhealthscares,JeanturnedtoaMACROBIOTICdiet.

omnivorous(om-NIV-er-uss).Accustomedtoeatingbothanimalandvegetablefooditems.TheCantonese,Iamtold,areOMNIVOROUS,anditissaidthatthetravelerisbestadvisednottoinquiretoocloselyintoexactlywhatheiseating.

omophagous(oh-MOH-fuh-guss).Eatingrawfood,especiallyrawmeat.PeggyconsideredbecomingOMOPHAGOUS,butwasconcernedaboutherabilitytodigestrawfood.

seminivorous(sem-uh-NIV-er-us).Eatingseeds.NowthatDianehasadoptedSEMINIVOROUShabits,weoftenseeherhoveringnearbirdfeeders.

voracious(vuh-RAY-shuss).Possessingahugeandinsatiableappetite,whetherforfood,knowledge,amusement,orsomethingelse.HersonalwayshadaVORACIOUSdesireforknowledge.Hereadanythinghecouldgethishandsonandwasalwayswillingtoexperiencesomethingnew.

NOUNS

polydipsia(pol-ee-DIP-see-uh).Anabnormalorexcessivethirst.Thebartender,clearlyuninterestedinRalph’sclaimtosufferfromPOLYDIPSIA,toldhimflatlythathe’dhadenough.

polyphagia(pol-ee-FAY-jee-uh).Anexcessivedesiretoeat.

Ray’sPOLYPHAGIAwassuccessfullydivertedintoanexcessivedesiretotalk.

refection(ri-FEK-shun).Foodanddrink;nourishment;refreshment.AsIrecall,REFECTIONSwerenotthehighpointofmycollegeexperience.

repast(ri-PAST).Foodprovidedorconsumedforameal.Obviouslyafrustratedcomedian,JackentitledhismostrecentpaintingTheLastREPAST.

vegan(VEE-guhn).Apersonwhoeatsonlyvegetables,fruits,andgrainsandnoanimalproductswhatsoever.AVEGANsincecollege,Wandahadahardtimefindingrestaurantsthatofferedentreesshecouldeat.

viand(VY-und).Anarticleoffood.ChefJacquesthoughtthatanyVIAND,whetherprimeribormeatloaf,shouldbeservedtothecustomerinavisuallyappealingway.

VERBS

gormandize(GORE-mun-dyz).Toeatlikeaglutton,asifonewerestarving.WefindGORMANDIZINGoneventhefinestFrenchcuisinetobequitetastelessand,therefore,tobeavoided.

imbibe(im-BYB).Todrink,especiallyalcoholicbeverages.Donaldoncehadadrinkingproblem,butnowhenolongerIMBIBES.

masticate(MASS-tih-kayt).Tochew,especiallytochewthoroughly.ThebestwaytoappreciatethegustatoryartsistoMASTICATEyourpersonalchef’screationsatasrelaxedapaceaspossible.

quaff(KWOFF).Todrinkwithgustoandinlargevolume.

“WeQUAFFthecupoflifewitheagerhastewithoutdrainingit,insteadofwhichitonlyoverflowsthebrim.”—WilliamHazlitt,Englishliterarycriticandphilosopher

raven(RAV-un).Toeatorfeedgreedilyorvoraciously.TowatchHaroldRAVENhismealsistoobservethemostprimitiveofhumaninstincts.

ANTONYMS

emaciated(ih-MAY-see-a-tihd).Abnormallylean;wastedawayasfromstarvation.Janethadlostthewilltoliveandthedesiretoeat,becomingmoreEMACIATEDwitheachpassingweek.

malnourished(mal-NUR-isht).Poorlynourished;badlyfed;sufferingfrommalnutrition.ExpertsinthefieldbelievethatwealreadyhavethemeanstohelpalltheMALNOURISHEDoftheworld.Seealso:Foods

66.Élan

(a-LON),noun

Enthusiasm,energy,flair,zest.

ADJECTIVES

ebullient(eh-BULL-yuhnt).Feelingjoyandpositiveemotionsatanextremelevel;thestateofbeingwildlyenthusiasticaboutsomething.

LornewasEBULLIENTwhenhefoundthathismotherhadgiventhecollegeenoughmoneytooverturnhisrejection.

effervescent(ef-ur-VESS-ent).Bubbly;upbeat;cheerful;possessingapositiveattitudeandjoyfulpersonality.AftergettingtheacceptanceletterfromCornell,SabrinawasEFFERVESCENTandcelebratedwithatriptoNeimanMarcus.

effulgent(ih-FULL-jent).Shiningbrightly;glowing;radiant.ThelightningstormmadetheeveningskypositivelyEFFULGENT.

fervent(FUR-vuhnt).Showinggreatenthusiasmandintensityofspirit.Packingupthefamily’scastoffsformyriadcharitieseachDecemberplacesContessainaFERVENTstate.

jocund(JOE-kund).Havingalustforlife;possessingapositiveattitudeanddesiretoenjoylifetothefullest.Ron’sJOCUNDfaçadeshatteredwhenhefoundhimselfthevictimofidentitytheft.

NOUNS

alacrity(uh-LAK-rih-tee).Cheerfulcooperationrenderedwithenthusiasm,promptness,andpoliteness.TheALACRITYwithwhichSteverespondedtoHelen’sinvitationisnothingshortofastonishing.

fillip(FILL-uhp).Somethingthatrevivesorarousesexcitement.“Faithfulhoroscope-watching,practiceddaily,providesjustthesortofsmall,butwarmandinfinitelyreassuringFILLIPthatgetsmattersofftoaspiritedstart.”—ShanaAlexander,Americanauthor

zeal(ZEEL).Greatenthusiasmandenergyforacauseoractivity.“Theliving,vitaltruthofsocialandeconomicwell-beingwillbecomearealityonlythroughtheZEAL,courage,thenon-compromisingdeterminationofintelligentminorities,andnotthroughthemass.”—EmmaGoldman,Bolshevikanarchist

zest(ZEHST).Extremeenjoyment;alustforlife.“Suchepithets,likepepper,/GiveZESTtowhatyouwrite;/And,ifyoustrewthemsparely,/Theywhettheappetite:/Butifyoulaythemontoothick,/Youspoilthematterquite!”—LewisCarroll,Englishauthorandlogician

ANTONYMS

enervate(EN-er-vayt).Torobaperson,organization,place,orthingofitsenergy,strength,andvitality.GreenhousegasesENERVATEtheprotectiveozonelayersurroundingtheEarth.

lassitude(LASS-ih-tood).Havinglittleenergyormotivation;weariness.“Weknowwhatboredomis:itisadull/Impatienceorafiercevelleity,/Achampingwish,stalledbyourLASSITUDE,/Tomakeordo.”—RichardWilbur,Americanpoet

logy(LOW-gee).Characterizedbylethargyandsluggishness.“TobescaredissuchareleasefromalltheLOGYweightofprocrastination,ofdallyingandpokiness!Youburnintowork.Itisasthoughgravitywereremovedandyouwalkedlightlytothemoonlikeanangel.”—BrendaUeland,Americanauthor

pallid(PAL-id).Havingawan,sickly,washed-outappearanceindicatingillnessorweakness,orlackofenergy,strength,andvitality.

ManyofusmaintainaPALLIDpallorbecausewewanttomakeitclearthatwedonotneedtogooutdoorsunlesswesochoose.

tepid(TEHP-id).Characterizedbyalackofenthusiasm.Wegreetedthenewopera,withitsmawkishplotandpooracting,withTEPIDapplause.

67.Eliminate

(uh-LIM-uh-nayt),verb

Totakeout;remove;getridof;toremovefromconsideration;reject;eradicate.

NOUNS

catharsis(kuh-THAR-siss).Thepurgingofthesensesthroughtragicdramaorthroughmusic;or,ingeneral,adischargeofnegativeemotions.Afterlosingmatchesattheclub’scourts,CelestefindsthatPuccini’sMadamaButterflyalwaysleadstoCATHARSIS.

VERBS

depose(dih-POZE).Tooustorremovefromofficeorapositionofpowerandauthority.AfterthedictatorwasDEPOSED,thecountrysetabouthealingthewoundsofalongcivilwar.

deracinate(dee-RASS-ih-nayt).Touprootortoremovebyforce.ThehurricaneDERACINATEDpopulationsallovertheisland.

efface(ih-FAYSS).Toerase,obliterate,makeinconspicuous.“ItisalsotruethatonecanwritenothingreadableunlessoneconstantlystrugglestoEFFACEone’sownpersonality.Goodproseislikea

windowpane.”—GeorgeOrwell,Britishauthor

estrange(ih-STRANJ).Toalienateorremovefromapositionorrelationship.Michelle’srefusaltogiveupherself-destructivehabitsESTRANGEDherbrother.

eviscerate(ee-VISS-uh-rayt).Todisembowel;toremoveessentialcomponents.HavingEVISCERATEDthenovel’skeychapter,thecensorwascontenttolettheearlierexpositionstand.

excise(EK-syz).Tocutapassagefromatextor,ingeneral,tocutsomethingoutoroff.IwenttothedermatologistandhadthatmoleEXCISED.

expunge(eks-PUHNJ).Toridoneselfofanannoyance;tocastout;togetridof;toforciblyeject.“Thereisnoman,howeverwise,whohasnotatsomeperiodofhisyouthsaidthings,orlivedinawaytheconsciousnessofwhichissounpleasanttohiminlaterlifethathewouldgladly,ifhecould,EXPUNGEitfromhismemory.”—MarcelProust,Frenchnovelist,essayist,andcritic

expurgate(EK-spur-gayt).Topurgesexuallyinappropriate,objectionable,orotherwiseundesirablematerialpriortopresentation.Forherparents’benefit,MarinaEXPURGATEDstoriesrelatedtotheweekendshespentslumminginGreenwichVillage.

extirpate(EK-ster-payt).Todoawaywith;removeordestroycompletely;exterminate.JohnhopedthathisnewinsecticidewouldsuccessfullyEXTIRPATEtheantsinhiskitchen.

extricate(EK-strih-kayt).Toremovefromanentanglement.

Havinggottenusintoanimpossibledilemma,WarrenappearedtohavenoideahowweshouldgoaboutEXTRICATINGourselvesfromit.

ostracize(OS-truh-syz).Toexcludefromsociety,friendship,community,etc.OncewelearnedthatSashahadbeenplantingstoriesaboutusinthesocietypages,we,ofcourse,hadtoOSTRACIZEherpermanentlyfromourgroup.

redact(ree-DAKT).Toremoveacomment,thought,orpassagefromawrittendocumentbeforegoingpublicwithit.“YoumaywanttoREDACTyouropiniononyouropponent’shealthcarepolicies,”hiscampaignmanagerwarnedhim.

rescind(ree-SIND).Takeaway,revoke,cancel,withdraw,remove.RichardRESCINDEDhisorderforayacht,optinginsteadtopurchaseaprivateaircraft.

winnow(WIN-oh).Toanalyzecarefullyinordertoseparatevaluablepartsfromworthlessparts.IWINNOWEDthroughthestackofpersonalpapers,lookingfortheonesIneededtopresenttotheIRS.

ANTONYMS

adjoin(uh-joyn).Tobeclosetoorincontactwith;toattachorappend.Thearchitect’splansclearlyshowanumberofsecondarybuildingsADJOININGthemainstructure.

annex(uh-NEKS).Toaddonorattach,asasmallerthingtoalarger;toadd;toincorporate,asacountryorterritory.“EveryothersinhathsomepleasureANNEXEDtoit,orwilladmitofanexcuse:envyalonewantsboth.”—RobertBurton,Englishwriterandclergyman

68.Embarrassment

68.Embarrassment

(em-BAYR-uhs-ment),noun

Thestateofbeingillateaseandlosingcomposure;self-consciousness;confusion;disconcertment.

ADJECTIVES

invidious(in-VID-ee-us).Designedtogiveoffenseortocreateillwill.“InthenameofalllechersandboozersImostsolemnlyprotestagainsttheINVIDIOUSdistinctionmadetoourprejudice.”—AldousHuxley,Britishauthorandhumanist

NOUNS

effrontery(eh-FRON-ter-ee).Offensiveandaggressivebehavior;audacity.Afterdoingaterriblejobontheproject,hehadtheEFFRONTERYtoaskme,“CanIdoextracredit?”

humiliation(hyoo-mill-ee-A-shun).Thestateinwhichone’sprideordignityisreducedorfeelingshurt.WhenshewasdiscoveredwithherarmsaroundHarry,Janet’sHUMILATIONwassoprofoundthatshecouldneveragainlookhimintheeye.

ignominy(ig-NOM-uh-nee).Personalshameanddisgrace.Afterheaccidentallyburneddownthewriter’shome,Wally’sIGNOMINYwassuchthathewasforcedtomoveoutoftown.

opprobrium(uh-PRO-bree-uhm).Disgraceincurredbyoutrageouslyshamefulconduct.

NatashaincurredOPPROBRIUMwhen,inafitofanger,shedeliberatelysmashedherWaterfordcrystalwineglassattheSmythingtons’annualThanksgivinggala.

VERBS

discomfit(diss-KUM-fit).Toembarrasssomeonetothepointwheretheybecomeuncomfortable.Maggie’spublicmispronunciationoftheorganizer’snameatthecharitybenefitDISCOMFITEDhermother.

mortify(MOR-tuh-fy).Toshameorhumiliate;toinjuresomeone’sprideordignity.Oscarhadnoshame,andwhendiscoveredincompromisingsituationsthatwouldMORTIFYanyoneelse,hewasunrepentant.

ANTONYMS

amenity(uh-MEN-ih-tee).Anyfeaturethatprovidescomfortorconvenience;acourteousact;civility.Edith,unsureofherselfandterriblyshy,wasbuoyedbyhermentor’sAMENITY.

reassure(ree-uh-SHOOR).Torestoretoconfidence.“ItisfarbettertograsptheUniverseasitreallyisthantopersistindelusion,howeversatisfyingandreassuring.”—CarlSagan,Americanastronomerandwriter

69.Empty

(EMP-tee),adjective

Containingorhavingnothing;vacant;unoccupied.

ADJECTIVES

arid(AIR-id).Unproductiveduetolackofrain;unfertile;barren;sterile.Theinstructor’spresentation,roteandARID,puttheentireclasstosleep.

bereft(beh-REFT).Lackingacertaincharacteristic,possession,ortrait.“Awomanmovedislikeafountaintroubled./Muddy,ill-seeming,thick,BEREFTofbeauty,/Andwhileitisso,nonesodryorthirsty/Willdeigntosiportouchonedropofit.”—WilliamShakespeare

desolate(DESS-uh-let).Lackingsignsoflife;barren;deserted.WedroveoverahillandsuddenlythelandscapewasasDESOLATEasifwehadlandedonthemoon.

devoid(dih-VOYD).Lackingutterly;without.“Nomatterhowskilledasurgeonyoubecome,”Dr.Smithtoldtheintern,“you’llfailasadoctorifyoucontinuetobeDEVOIDofcompassionandsympathyforpatients.”

vacuous(VAK-yoo-uss).Lackingcontentorsubstance;empty.TeleviseddebatesaresopotentiallydangerousthatmostcandidatessettleforofferingVACUOUSrecitationsofcampaignspeechesratherthansayingsomethingnewandunexpected.

VERBS

deplete(dih-PLEET).Touseupcompletely;toexhaust.OncethecoaldepositsinthevalleyhadbeenDEPLETED,thetownofHarlenville,whichhadthrivedforthirtyyears,virtuallyceasedtoexist.

disembogue(dis-em-BOHG).Toemptybydischarging;topourforth.

ManystreamsDISEMBOGUEintoandcreatealargeriverthatemptiesintotheocean.

purge(purj).Tofree(someoneorsomething)ofallthatisperceivedasbad;totakestepstocleanseorpurify.ItriedtoPURGEmysystemofthefluvirusbydrinkingendlessglassesoffruitjuice,butIstillendedupmissingaweekofwork.

ANTONYMS

permeated(PER-mee-ayt-ed).Diffusedthrough;saturated;pervaded.Astheconcertstarted,afeelingofgoodwillandbrotherhoodPERMEATEDthecrowd.

turgescent(tur-JESS-ent).Becomingorappearingswollenordistended.Therainsovernightweresointensethatbymorningalltheregion’sriverswereTURGESCENTwithwater.

70.End

(END),verb

Toconclude.

ADJECTIVES

climactic(kly-MAK-tik).Oforpertainingtoaclimax;concerningthelastpointinaseriesofevents.TheCLIMACTICmomentoftheplaycomeswhenHamletfinallykillsClaudius.

defunct(dih-FUNKT).Nolongerexistingorfunctioning.

“Practicalmen,whobelievethemselvestobequiteexemptfromanyintellectualinfluence,areusuallytheslavesofsomeDEFUNCTeconomist.”—JohnMaynardKeynes,Britisheconomist

moribund(MOR-ih-bund).Lackingvigor;soontobedeadordefunct.EversinceitsheadchefleftfortheFoodNetwork,thatgourmetrestauranthasbecomeMORIBUNDandislikelytoclosesoon.

NOUNS

cessation(sess-SAY-shun).Theconditionofdrawingtoaclose;ceasingorreachingapointofabatement.ContinueddiplomaticeffortmaywellbringaboutaCESSATIONofhostilities.

coupdegrace(koo-deh-GRAHS).Deathblow;adecisiveactoreventthatbringsasituationtoaclose;thefinishingblow.TheCOUPDEGRACEcamewhenPaulthrewhisbowlofoatmealatMona’sfeet,leadinghertoreevaluatetheirrelationship.

dénouement(day-noo-MAH).Theresolutionofanycomplexseriesofevents,especiallyinadramaornovel.IwasdisappointedwiththeplaybecauseIfeltitsDENOUEMENTlefttoomanylooseends.

desuetude(DESS-wih-tood).Disuse;discontinuance.Telephonespluggedintowallsareoneofmanyonce-ubiquitousitemsthathavefallenintoDESUETUDE.

dissolution(diss-so-LOO-shun).Theconditionofdissolvingintofragmentsorparts;disintegration.Theunion’sDISSOLUTIONseemedimminent,butachangeofleadershipforestalledthatcrisis.

perdition(per-DISH-in).Completeandirreversibleloss;theconditionoffinalspiritualruin.Hermother’sconfiscationofLaura’sphoneandiPodcastherintoteenagedPERDITION.

quietus(kwy-EE-tuhs).Somethingthatendsorsettlesasituation.“Forwhowouldbearthewhipsandscornsoftime,/Th’oppressor’swrong,theproudman’scontumely,/Thepangsofdisprizedlove,thelaw’sdelay,/Theinsolenceofoffice,andthespurns/Thatpatientmeritofth’unworthytakes,/WhenhehimselfmighthisQUIETUSmake/Withabarebodkin?”—WilliamShakespeare

VERBS

abrogate(AB-ro-gayt).Tonullifyorcancel;toformallyandunilaterallyconcludeanagreementordeed.TheUnitedStatesABROGATEDthetreatyafterevidenceappearedsuggestingthattheothernationshadfailedtohonortheagreement.

consummate(KON-sum-mayt).Tocompleteorfinalize;tobringtoapointoffinalityoradesiredend.TherealestateagentCONSUMMATINGthedealrealizedasubstantialcommission.

wane(WAYN).Tograduallydecrease;tofadeaway;tobecomediminished.OnceshefinallyreceivedtheCartierwatchfromherfather,Karen’sinterestinthetimepiecequicklyWANED.

ANTONYMS

adinfinitum(adin-fi-NY-tum).Withoutendorlimit.

Wilburremarkedwrylythathecouldprobablydiscussthetreatmentfacility’sweaknessesADINFINITUM.

interminably(in-TUR-min-uh-blee).Seeminglywithoutendorgoingonforanindeterminateperiodoftime.“Thebodydies;thebody’sbeautylives./Soeveningsdie,intheirgreengoing,/Awave,INTERMINABLYflowing.”—WallaceStevens,Americanmodernistpoet

perpetuity(pur-pih-TOO-ih-tee).Thestateorqualityofbeingperpetual;ofindefiniteduration;endless.Inhiswill,HoracebequeathedhishomeandpropertytothetowninPERPETUITY.

Sisyphean(siss-uh-FEE-uhn).Unavailingandendless,asatask.Somedays,keepingpaperworkundercontrolseemsaSISYPHEANtask.

71.Enthusiasm

(en-THOO-zee-az-im),noun

Intenseoreagerinterest;zeal;fervor.

ADJECTIVES

ardent(AR-dent).Intense,passionate,devoted;characterizedbyhighemotion.Barbara,anARDENTstampcollector,hasthemostimpressivecollectionofFrenchstampsintheschool.

fervent(FUR-vuhnt).Showinggreatenthusiasmandintensityofspirit.Packingupthefamily’scastoffsformyriadcharitieseachDecemberplacesContessainaFERVENTstate.

perfervid(per-FUR-vid).Overlyintenseandpassionate;overblownanddramatic.WelaughedatthedistastefullyPERFERVIDlovelettersthatRolandsenttoGermaine.

rambunctious(ram-BUNGK-shuss).Difficulttohandle;wildandboisterous.“Thegoldenage,whenRAMBUNCTIOUSspiritswereregardedasthesourceofevil.”—FriedrichNietzsche,nineteenth-centuryGermanphilosopher

unbridled(un-BRY-duld).Withoutlimitationsorboundaries;uncontrolledandunrestrained.Thecustomer’sUNBRIDLEDfuryatbeingdeniedarefundwasasighttobehold.

NOUNS

aficionado(uh-fish-ee-uh-NAW-doe).Adevotee;someonewhoisenthralledwithandsupportsaparticularactivity;enthusiast.Mydadcan’tgetenoughofit,butI’veneverreallybeenabaseballAFICIONADO.

alacrity(uh-LAK-rih-tee).Cheerfulcooperationrenderedwithenthusiasm,promptness,andpoliteness.TheALACRITYwithwhichSteverespondedtoHelen’sinvitationisnothingshortofastonishing.

élan(a-LON).Enthusiasm,energy,flair,zest.BryannareactedwithÉLANwhenshewastappedtobepartofafeatureforEliteTravelmagazine.

monomania(mon-uh-MAY-nee-uh).Anexcessiveorobsessiveinterestinasinglething;apsychosischaracterizedbyfocusonasinglesubject.

BirdwatchinghasbecomeaMONOMANIAformyparents,butit’sharmlessandappearstomakethemhappy.

verve(vurv).Aspiritedandenthusiasticmanner,particularlywhenembodiedinanartisticperformance;anairofvitality.Thecriticswereunanimousintheiropinionthat,althoughtheplotoftheplaywasimplausibleanditsproductionvaluespoor,theactressplayingthelibrarianbroughtauniqueVERVEtotherole.

ANTONYMS

tepid(TEHP-id).Characterizedbyalackofenthusiasm.Wegreetedthenewopera,withitsmawkishplotandpooracting,withTEPIDapplause.

72.Essence

(ESS-uhns),noun

Somethingthatexists;theintrinsic,fundamentalnatureandfeaturesofsomething.

ADJECTIVES

basal(BAY-suhl).Fundamentalandbasic.“TheBASALissuehere,”Donnysaid,“iswhatisrightversuswhatiswrong!”

fundamental(fuhn-duh-MEN-tul).Oforformingafoundationorbasis;basic;underlying;essential.Thediscussionwaswide-ranging,butRogerinsistedonbringingthefocusbacktotheFUNDAMENTALissuesfacingthecompany.

intrinsic(in-TRIN-zik).Intheessentialnatureofathing.TheINTRINSICvalueofgoldwasoneofthefewcommoneconomicfactorsthenationscouldtakeadvantageof.

NOUNS

milieu(mill-YEW).Cultural,social,andphysicalsurroundings;environment.WhenIwalkedintotheskateboardstore,IknewimmediatelythatIwasoutofmyMILIEU.

ontology(on-TALL-uh-jee).Abranchofmetaphysicsconcernedwiththenatureofbeingandexistence.Forseveralminutes,wehadalivelyconversationabouttheONTOLOGYofhumanperceptions.

quintessence(kwin-TESS-uhns).Thepure,concentratedembodimentofsomething.“TheearthistheveryQUINTESSENCEofthehumancondition.”—HannahArendt,German-Americanpoliticaltheorist

statusquo(STA-tusKWO).Theexistingstateofaffairsorcondition.AlthoughBilldesperatelywantedtogetmarried,MelaniewasmoreinterestedinpreservingtheSTATUSQUO.

ANTONYMS

nihility(ny-HILL-uh-tee).Theconditionofnothingness.BenjaminwonderedifanythingexistedafterthislifeorifdeathbroughtaboutNIHILITY.

nonexistence(non-ig-ZIS-tehns).Theconditionofnotexisting;somethingthatdoesnotexist.

“Exceptingforknowledgenothinghasanymeaning,andtohavenomeaningistobeNONEXISTENCE.”—RichardBurdonHaldane,Britishpoliticianandphilosopher

73.Ethos

(EE-thoss),noun

Thecoreprinciplesorbeliefsofareligion,culture,orcommunity.

ADJECTIVES

dogmatic(DAWG-matt-ik).Apersonwhoadheresrigidlytoprinciples,rules,andbeliefs,evenwhenthereisampleevidencethatdoingsomaynotbethebestcourseofaction.LeroyisDOGMATICinhisassertionthattheMaseratiGranTurismoissuperiortotheMercedes-BenzSLRMcLaren.

egalitarian(ih-gal-uh-TAIR-ee-uhn).Tobefairandbalancedintheextreme;toactinthebeliefthatallpeoplearecreatedequalandshouldbetreatedso.“ChinksinAmerica’sEGALITARIANarmorarenothardtofind.Democracyisthefigleafofelitism.”—FlorenceKing,Americanauthor

holistic(ho-LISS-tik).Concerningthewholepersonandnotjustaspecificorgan,condition,ordisease.Marsha’sHOLISTICapproachtohealinginvolveschannelingenergythroughcrystals.

NOUNS

demiurge(DEM-ee-urj).Apowerfulcreativeforceoracreativepersonality.

Aftertryingafewdifferentprofessions,Jacksonrealizedthathisabilitywithartifice,combinedwithhisfamilyconnections,wouldmakehimamarketingDEMIURGE.

gestalt(geh-SHTALT).Aunifiedwhole.“FeminismisanentireworldvieworGESTALT,notjustalaundrylistofwomen’sissues.”—CharlotteBunch,Americanfeminist

humanism(HEW-mun-iz-um).Thephilosophyorbeliefthatthehighestidealsofhumanexistencecanbefulfilledwithoutregardtoreligionorsupernaturalintervention.“ThefourcharacteristicsofHUMANISMarecuriosity,afreemind,beliefingoodtaste,andbeliefinthehumanrace.”—E.M.Forster,Englishnovelist

ideologue(EYE-dee-uh-log).Apersonwhorigidlyadherestoanideologywithaclosedmindregardingotherpointsofview.“AnIDEOLOGUEmaybedefinedasamadintellectual.”—CliftonFadiman,Americancritic

monotheism(mawn-uh-THEE-iz-um).Abeliefinoneomnipotent,omniscientGodwhoisactivelyinvolvedintheworkingsofboththephysicaluniversethatHecreatedandthesocietyofpeoplewhodwellinit.Christianity,Judaism,andIslamareallexamplesofMONOTHEISM.

nationalism(NASH-eh-nul-iz-um).Theideathatcitizensshouldtakegreatprideintheircountryandsupportittothehilt;extremepatriotism.AlbertEinsteincalledNATIONALISM“themeaslesofmankind.”

nominalism(NOM-ih-nuh-liz-um).Aphilosophythatdeniestheexistenceofuniversaltruths.Somescientistssuspectthat,ratherthanbeinguniversal,thelawsofphysicsmayvaryindifferentregionsoftheuniverse—astrongsupportingargumentfor

NOMINALISM.

pragmatism(PRAG-muh-tiz-um).Thebeliefthatone’sactionsshouldbeguidedprimarilybasedonknowledgeoropinionofwhatislikelytoworkbestinagivensituation;theimperativetoalwaysdowhatispracticalandeffective.Ourfamilieshavesucceededinamassinggreatwealthovermanygenerationsbecauseweareall,atheart,practitionersofPRAGMATISM.

ANTONYMS

abjure(ab-JOOR).Torenounceorturnyourbackonabelieforpositionyouonceheldnearanddear.OnceJoditastedmymouth-watering,medium-rarefiletmignon,sheABJUREDthevegetarianlifestyleforever.

apostasy(uh-POSS-tah-see).Theactofabandoning,ignoring,oropenlyfloutinganacceptedprincipleorbelief.“ItwashisideaofgrandAPOSTASYtodrivetothereformsynagogueonthehighholidaysandparkhispink-eyenagamongtheluxurious,whirl-wiredtouringcarsoftherich.”—SaulBellow,Americanauthor

sacrilegious(sak-reh-LIJ-uss).Openlyinsultingordisrespectfultothebeliefs,religion,ideas,andpracticesofothers—especiallytheonestheyholdmostsacred.Bryson’sinsistencethatMiróismorecollectiblethanWarholispositivelySACRILEGIOUS.

74.Evil

(EE-vuhl),adjective

Wrongorbadmorally;wicked.

ADJECTIVES

abhorrent(ab-HOR-ent).Loathsomeorcontemptible;reprehensible;repulsive;repugnant;detestable.Juliefoundthebook’srecountingofthedetailsofserialmurdersparticularlyABHORRENT.

barbarous(BAR-ber-uss).Uncivilizedorprimitive;characterizedbybrutalityorsavagery;cruelandbrutal.TheircaptivitywasmarkedbyBARBAROUSlivingconditions,psychologicalabuse,andlittleornonewsofoutsideevents.

diabolical(dy-uh-BAWL-ih-kul).Devilish,evil;wickedorcruel.Theterrorists,thepapersclaimed,hadaDIABOLICALagenda.

draconian(dray-KO-nee-ihn).Strict;mean-spirited;excessivelyharsh;cruel,aspunishmentorrestriction.OpheliawasdistraughtovertheDRACONIANwaythatherfatherforcedhertostaywithherchaperonethroughouttheirvacationontheGreekIsles.

execrable(EK-si-kruh-bull).Disgusting;detestable;vulgar.CollectorsofunauthorizedBeatlesrecordsmustbepreparedtopayhighpricesfortheillegaldiscs,whichoftenfeaturetracksofEXECRABLErecordingquality.

Faustian(FOW-stee-in).Relatingtoactionstakenforselfishpresentgainwithoutcareforfutureconsequences,asinapactwiththeDevil.ThecandidatemadeaFAUSTIANbargainandalignedhimselfwithapopularrabblerouser.

flagitious(fluh-JISH-uss).Shamefullywickedorparticularlyheinous.

Nowthatthatthepaparazzihangonhereverymove,NatashagoesoutofherwaytoengageinFLAGITIOUSbehavior.

heinous(HAY-nuss).Evil;reprehensible;exceedingtheboundsofmorality.BecauseoftheHEINOUSnatureofthiscrime,Iamforcedtopassasternsentence.

infernal(in-FER-nul).Fiendish;devilish;oforpertainingtohell.ThisINFERNALcopierkeepsbreakingdown!

malicious(muh-LISH-uss).Spitefullymean;evil;badinintent.Fredsaidhiscommentswereallintendedasconstructivecriticism,butIdetectedaMALICIOUSnoteinsomeofhissuggestions.

miscreant(MISS-kree-unt).Villainous;depraved;vicious.ExamplesofArthur’sMISCREANTbehaviorfilledpolicefilesinthreecities.

nefarious(nih-FAIR-ee-us).Inherentlyevil,malicious,andunjust.“YouwereprecededbyyourNEFARIOUSreputation,”thesheriffsaidtothegunslingerwhohadjustsidleduptothebar.

reprehensible(rep-ri-HEN-sih-bull).Abhorrent;morallyinexcusable.IagreethatthecrimeswereREPREHENSIBLE;theywerenot,however,committedbymyclient.

sadistic(suh-DISS-tik).Markedbydelightinbeingcrueltoothers.OnlyaSADISTICcreepwouldgiveoutasmuchhomeworkasMr.Thomas.

sinister(SIN-uh-ster).Unfavorableandpotentiallyharmfulordangerous;havinganevilappearance.TheSINISTERmusicgavemegooseflesh.

venal(VEE-null).Abletobebought,bribed,orotherwisepersuadedtodeviate

fromtheirbeliefsandpurpose;mercenary;corrupt.“Givemebutthelibertyofthepress,andIwillgivetotheministeraVENALHouseofCommons.”—RichardBrinsleySheridan,Irishplaywrightandstatesman

NOUNS

anathema(uh-NATH-eh-muh).Apersonorthingregardedaswronginthehighestdegree;aloathsome,detestableentity.Theambassadorwarnedusnottoattempttodiscusstheissueofdroppingsanctionsagainstthedictator;thatsubjectisANATHEMAtohisgovernment.

iniquity(ih-NIK-wih-tee).Injusticeorimmoralaction.ThemanyINIQUITIESsufferedbyNativeAmericansatthehandsofgovernmentauthoritiesarenowbeingwidelyacknowledged.

maleficence(muh-LEF-ih-sence).Theundertakingofevilorharmfulacts.Thelong-ignoredMALEFICENCEofthecounty’scorruptprisonsystemwasfinallyexposedbyarookieGlobereporter.

reprobate(REH-pro-bait).Apersonwhoroutinelycommitsillegal,immoral,orunethicalactswithouthesitationorremorse.OnereasonthatAnthonycontinuestobeaREPROBATEisbecausehisfather,aswellashissocialcontacts,keepsbailinghimoutofjail.

turpitude(TUR-phi-tood).Vileness;baseness;depravity.It’sastonishinghowmanyuntalentedmusicianshaveturnedacaseofTURPITUDEintoasuccessfulcareer.

ANTONYMS

benign(bih-NYN).Kindly,gentle,generousofspirit,notharmful.

“TheuniverseseemsneitherBENIGNnorhostile,merelyindifferent.”—CarlSagan,Americanastronomerandwriter

clement(KLEM-uhnt).Forbearing;lenient;mercifulindispositionorcharacter.ThedefendantwasfortunatethathistrialwasheldbeforeaCLEMENTjudge.

75.Exaggerate

(ig-ZAJ-uh-rayt),verb

Tothink,write,orspeakofsomethingasgreaterthanitis;magnifybeyondthetruth;overstate.

ADJECTIVES

magniloquent(mag-NILL-uh-kwuhnt).Pompous,bombastic,andboastful.ThenouveaurichetrytoatonefortheirlackofpolishwithMAGNILOQUENTspeech,buttheresultisludicrous.

NOUNS

hyperbole(hy-PUR-buh-lee).Extravagantoverstatement.IthinkyoucansafelyregardhispromisetoeathishatifprovenwrongasHYPERBOLE.

jactitation(jak-ti-TAY-shun).Afalseboast,especiallyonethatisharmfultoothers.BeatricetriedtoimpressherclassmatesbytellingthemherlastnamewasKennedy.However,herJACTITATIONwasdiscoveredandherpeersreturnedtoignoringher.

VERBS

aggrandize(uh-GRAN-dyz).Toexaggerate,putonafalsefront,andmakesomethinglookgreaterandgranderthanitreallyis.PhiltriestoAGGRANDIZEhisreputationbystatingthathebelongstotheyachtclub,buteverybodyjustthinksthiselaborationmakeshimpathetic.

apotheosize(uh-POTH-ee-uh-syz).Tomakeintoagod;deify;glorify.MarkAPOTHEOSIZEDhisnewgirlfriendfortherestoftheevening.

embellish(em-BELL-ish).Toornamentandbeautify;toimproveinappearancebyadornment;aconvenientexaggerationofthefacts.Marie’sgownwasEMBELLISHEDwithtinypearls.

embroider(em-BROY-dur).Toaddfancifuldetailsto;embellish.MatthasbeenknowntoEMBROIDERthehistoryofhislovelife.

ANTONYMS

deemphasize(dee-EM-fuh-syz).Toreduceinimportance;placeloweremphasisupon.Aftersideswipingatelephonepolewithmyfather’scaronthewayhomefromadate,IdidmybesttoDEEMPHASIZEthedamage.

understate(uhn-der-STAYT).Tomakeaweakerstatementthaniswarrantedbytruth,accuracy,orimportance;tostatesomethingweakly.Understatementcanbeseenasavirtueinthefriendoracquaintance,butwhencompaniesUNDERSTATEtheirdebtandmisrepresentthemselvestoinvestorsandthepublic,thepracticeisdistinctlymalicious.

76.Excite

(ek-SYT),verb

Toarouseorprovokesensations,feelings,oremotions;toawaken;tostirto

action.

ADJECTIVES

incendiary(in-SEN-dee-ayr-ee).Inflammatoryorexciting;deliberatelyprovocative.Adam’sINCENDIARYremarksaboutmymother’sparentageresultedinabloodynoseforhimandanightinjailforme.

lascivious(luh-SIV-ee-us).Arousingsexualdesire.GrandmotherJones,uponbeinginformedthatthedancersattheclubhaddoneacan-canforus,denouncedsuchLASCIVIOUSgoings-on.

NOUNS

brouhaha(BROO-ha-ha).Aneventthatinvolvesorinvokesexcitement,turmoil,orconflict.TheBROUHAHAinthehotellobbywastheresultofarockstarmakinghiswayfromhislimousinetotheelevator.

fillip(FILL-uhp).Somethingthatrevivesorarousesexcitement.“Faithfulhoroscope-watching,practiceddaily,providesjustthesortofsmall,butwarmandinfinitelyreassuringFILLIPthatgetsmattersofftoaspiritedstart.”—ShanaAlexander,Americanauthor

frenzy(FREN-zee).Astateofwildexcitement;extremeemotionalormentalagitation.Whatwithstudyingforthebarexamandplanningherwedding,SarahadbeeninanalmostconstantFRENZYfornearlytwomonths.

frisson(FREE-son).Asuddenstrongfeelingofexcitement,conflict,ordanger.

“Pregnantwomen!TheyhadthatweirdFRISSON,anauraofmagicthatcombinedawkwardlywithanearthysenseofduty.”—RuthMorgan,Americannovelist

furor(FYOOR-ur).Widespreadexcitementoranger;furyoruproaramongpersonsorinstitutions.GovernorWhite’sindictmentforembezzlementcausedaFURORinthestate.

VERBS

exhilarate(ig-ZILL-uh-rayt).Tomakelively;toexciteorenergize.ThoseeveningrunsinthecoolairofthespringalwaysEXHILARATEDTom,especiallyafteradayspentcoopedupinastuffyoffice.

ferment(fur-MENT).Tocauseagitationorexcitement,typicallyinordertoincitedrasticchange.HighoilpricesbegantoFERMENTeffortstofindalternativefuelsources.

foment(foe-MENT).Torouseorincite.“IfperticuliarcareandattentionisnotpaidtotheLaidieswearedeterminedtoFOMENTaRebelion,andwillnotholdourselvesboundbyanyLawsinwhichwehavenovoice,orRepresentation.”—AbigailAdams,secondFirstLadyoftheUnitedStates

titillate(TIT-l-ayt).Toexciteinanagreeableway.WithitsstirringperformanceofBeethoven’sEroicaSymphony,thefullorchestraTITILLATEDusattheVanGelders’gala.

ANTONYMS

blasé(blah-ZAY).Unimpressed;bored;apathetictopleasurebecauseofexcessiveindulgence.

ItoldJimthathestoodaverygoodchanceofbeingfiredthisweek,buttotellyouthetruth,heseemedratherBLASÉaboutthewholething.

imperturbable(im-per-TUR-buh-bull).Describessomeoneorsomethingincapableofbeingagitatedordisturbed.Duringtheairturbulence,Ifeltcalmerduetomyfather’sIMPERTURBABLEdemeanor.

phlegmatic(fleg-MAT-ik).Havingacalm,unexcitabletemperament.Allan’sPHLEGMATICpersonalitywascertainlyhelpfulduringthedeadlinecrunchinkeepingusallfrompanicking.

F

77.Facile

(FASS-ul),adjective

Accomplishedeasilyandwithlittleeffort.

ADJECTIVES

adroit(uh-DROYT).Skilledorcleverinaparticularpursuit.“It’skindofsad,”BettysaidtoBarbara,“thatWillthinksbeingADROITatplayingcat’scradlewillimpresswomen.”

efficacious(eff-ih-KAY-shuss).Capableofhavingadesiredeffect.“ExampleisalwaysmoreEFFICACIOUSthanprecept.”—SamuelJohnson,Britishmoralistandpoet

lissome(LISS-um).Lithe;supple;flexible.MoiraacquiredherLISSOMEframefromyearsofswimminginherfamily’sOlympic-sizedpool.

lithe(lythe).Havingabodyand/ormindthatislimber,flexible,andsupple.“Thecoconuttrees,LITHEandgraceful,crowdthebeach…likeaminuetofslenderelderlyvirginsadoptingflippantposes.”—WilliamManchester,Americanhistorian

tractable(TRAK-tuh-bull).Easygoing;easilymanaged.TheoccasionalkindcommentseemsratherenoughtokeepourservantsTRACTABLE.

NOUNS

NOUNS

alacrity(uh-LAK-rih-tee).Cheerfulcooperationrenderedwithenthusiasm,promptness,andpoliteness.TheALACRITYwithwhichSteverespondedtoHelen’sinvitationisnothingshortofastonishing.

fecundity(fe-KUN-di-tee).Thequalityofbeingexceptionallyproductive,creative,fertile,orfruitful.“BlisteringheatsuddenlytooktheplaceofCarboniferousmoistureandFECUNDITY.”—SimonWinchester,Britishauthorandjournalist

ANTONYMS

abstruse(ab-STROOS).Arcane,complex,difficulttounderstandandlearn.Bobbegantowishtherewas,infact,aSantaClausbecausehefoundthe“simpleinstructions”tohisson’sbicyclefartooABSTRUSE.

obtuse(ob-TOOS).Lackingunderstanding,intelligence,andperception;unabletocomprehend;havingadensemind.ThomaswassoOBTUSE,hedidn’trealizehisinappropriatebehaviorwasmakinghisfriendsuncomfortable.

quagmire(KWAG-myer).Athornyproblemforwhichthereisnoreadysolution;amessysituationfromwhichthereisnoexpeditiousmeansofescape.“Yourhomeisregardedasamodelhome,yourlifeasamodellife.Butallthissplendor,andyoualongwithit…it’sjustasthoughitwerebuiltuponashiftingQUAGMIRE.”—HenrikIbsen,Norwegianplaywright

78.False

(FALCE),adjective

Notcorrectortrue;fake;deceptive;notgenuine;erroneous.

ADJECTIVES

ersatz(AIR-zotz).Phony,fake,counterfeit;inferiorasanimitationofanoriginal.Beforehissentencingandjailterm,theartistmadeanimpressivelivingsellingERSATZRembrandtpaintings.

factitious(fak-TISH-uss).Contrived;fabricated.Atfirst,wethoughttherumorFACTITIOUS,butthenwelearnedthatHermesdoes,infact,plantodesignandmarketahelicopter.

fallacious(fuh-LAY-shuss).Basedononeormorefalseassumptions.Sincemyonlinesubscriberlistisdoubleopt-in,accusingmeofbeingaspammeriswhollyFALLACIOUS.

faux(FOH).Fake;phony;artificial.Sheworeacheapsecond-handdressandaFAUXpearlnecklacemadeoutofwhitebeads.

sophistic(suh-FIS-tik).Soundingreasonable,yetpatentlyfalse.OnecanarguethatwhatislearnedinlawschoolislargelytheskillofmakingSOPHISTICargumentsthatajurycanbelieve.

specious(SPEE-shuss).Somethingthatappearscorrectonthesurfacebutisinfactwrong.ThejudgesummarilyrejectedtheSPECIOUSargumentsputforthbythedefendant,whichseemedtohavenoevidencetobackthemup.

spurious(SPYOOR-ee-us).False;inauthentic;notwellthoughtout.

EveryweekIgetSPURIOUSaccusationsofbeingaspammereventhoughmylistisentirelydoubleopt-in.

supposititious(suh-poz-ih-TISH-us).Substitutedwiththeintentofdeceivingordefrauding;counterfeit.TheSUPPOSITITIOUSdocumentslookedgenuine,evenbearingthesecretmarkingsdesignedtopreventdeception.

NOUNS

canard(kuh-NARD).Afabricationorunfoundedstory.Theclaimthatthepresidentofthecompanyislikelytoresignsoonhasbeenthoroughlydiscredited,butyouwillstillhearsomemembersoftheoppositionspreadingtheCANARD.

fallacy(FOWL-uh-see).Amisconception;anerroneousperception;adeceit.Forsome,childhoodisatimeofinnocence;butit’saFALLACYtosayitislikethisforallchildren.

feint(faynt).Afalseadvanceorattackintendedtocatchanopponentoffguard.JimmadeaFEINTwithhisleftbeforedeckinghisopponentwithafiercerightcross.

subreption(sub-REP-shun).Thedishonestmisrepresentationorconcealmentoffacts.Theboard’sreportwasrepletewithstatistics,butasasummaryofthesituation,itwasacompleteSUBREPTION.

VERBS

gainsay(GAYN-say).Todeclarefalse;toopposeorcontradict.TheprinciplesoftheBillofRights,Mr.Secretary,willadmitnoGAINSAYING.

misconstrue(miss-kuhn-STROO).Tomisinterpretortotakeinawrongsense.ThedisagreementoverthepriceoftheyachtwasduemerelytothefactthatDavidMISCONSTRUEDthetermsoftheoffer.

ANTONYMS

unerring(uhn-UR-ing).Consistentlyaccurate;invariablypreciseorcorrect.“TheBritishpublichasalwayshadanUNERRINGtasteforungiftedamateurs.”—JohnOsborne,Britishplaywright

veracious(vuh-RAY-shuss).Honest;truthful.ManyreadersofanovelwillfeelcheatedandcomplainifitfailstoprovideaVERACIOUSaccountoffictionalcircumstances.Seealso:Mistake

79.Fealty

(FEE-ul-tee),noun

Asenseofobligationorloyalty,usuallyexistingbecauseonepersonfeelsbeholdentoanother.

ADJECTIVES

obsequious(uhb-SEE-kwee-us).Subservient;eagertolistenandtopleaseotherstoanexcessivedegree;behavinginthemannerofaservantorslave.“[Thepoliticalmind]isastrangemixtureofvanityandtimidity,ofanOBSEQUIOUSattitudeatonetimeandadelusionofgrandeuratanothertime.—CalvinCoolidge

NOUNS

encomium(en-KO-me-um).Effusivepraisegiveninapublicforum.TheCEO’sENCOMIUMatPhil’sretirementdinnercausedhiseyestomistover.

hierarchy(HY-uh-rar-kee).Apeckingorderorrankingaccordingtostatusorlevelofauthority.IntheHIERARCHYofthemilitary,amedicaldoctor,whoisassignedtherankofcaptainbutisnotamilitaryman,automaticallyoutranksalieutenantwhomayhaveyearsofbattleexperience.

homage(HOM-ij).Respectpaidanddeferenceshowntoasuperiororotherpersononeadmires,fears,orwishestoemulateorpraise.GarytookblackandwhitephotoswithanondigitalcamerainHOMAGEtoAnselAdams,whoseworkshegreatlyadmired.

honorific(on-uh-RIFF-ik).Atributeorrewardgiveninanefforttohonorsomeoneasasignofdeeprespect.Lifetimeachievementawardsaren’tforanysinglework,butanHONORIFICforlongserviceandatrackrecordofexcellence.

obeisance(o-BAY-since).Deferentialrespectorhomage,oranactorgestureexpressingthesame.RachaelexpressedOBEISANCEbyallowingtheelderlywomantositinherplushoperabox,ratherthaninthemezzanine.

VERBS

truckle(TRUK-uhl).Tosubmitobsequiouslytoacommand.WehavetrainedourservantstoTRUCKLEtooureverywhim.

ANTONYMS

antidisestablishmentarianism(ant-eye-diss-es-STAB-lish-men-tare-ee-uh-nizm).Amovementorprotestagainstanestablishedinstitutionorauthority.No,Walter,bringingyourowncoffeetoStarbucksisnotanexampleofANTIDISESTABLISHMENTARIANISM.It’sjustfoolish.

quisling(KWIZ-ling).Atraitor;apersonwhoconspireswiththeenemy.TheleaderofNorway’sNationalUnitymovementwasexecutedforbeingaQUISLINGin1945.

sedition(sih-DISH-uhn).Anactionthatpromotesdiscontentorrebellion.InanactofchildishSEDITION,Alexquittheclubafterwerefusedtoplayaroundofgolfwithhim.

80.Fight

(FYT),verb

Tobeinvolvedinaphysicalstruggleorbattle;totrytoovercomesomeoneorsomething;contend.

ADJECTIVES

bellicose(BELL-ih-kohss).Belligerent,surly,readytoargueorfightattheslightestprovocation.DougissotouchyabouthisnewJaguarthathe’llinstantlyturnBELLICOSEifyousomuchasbrushagainstit.

belligerent(buh-LIJ-er-ent).Aggressiveorpugnacious;eagertoinstigateafight.DonbecameoverbearingandBELLIGERENTwithhisemployeesafterhisdivorce,causingmanyofthemtoresign.

internecine(in-ter-NEH-seen).Involvingorrelatingtoconflictwithinagroup.TheINTERNECINEconflictbecamesointensethatitpreventedtheboardfromfunctioning.

pugnacious(pug-NAY-shuss).Inclinedtofightorquarrel;belligerent;quarrelsome.TeenagersarePUGNACIOUSbynature:ifIsay“no,”heinvariablyasks“why?”

truculent(TRUK-yu-lent).Belligerent;argumentative;alwaysreadyforafight.Short-temperedandTRUCULENT,Lucycouldbesetoffbytheslightestincidentorcomment.

NOUNS

donnybrook(DAWN-ee-brook).Afree-for-all,knock-down,drag-outfight.PoliceexpectedaDONNYBROOKattheprotestmarch,butboththoseforandthoseagainsttheissuewerepeacefulandcourteous.

guerrilla(guh-RILL-uh).Amemberofaninformalgroupoffightersthatattacksenemieswithsurpriseraids,sabotage,boobytraps,etc.Thenation’sarmycouldnotdefeattheGUERRILLAS,whoseemedtoswoopdowninvisiblyfromthemountains,wreakhavoc,andthendisappear.

pugilist(PYOO-juh-list).Apersonwhofistfights;aboxer.Finally,thetwoPUGILISTSsteppedintothering;thematchwasabouttobegin.

sciamachy(sy-AM-uh-kee).Fightingwithimaginaryenemies;ashamfight.Arthurrefusedtobelievethatwesupportedhim;believingtheworst,heengagedinaSCIAMACHYofhisownmaking.

ANTONYMS

conciliatory(kon-SILL-ee-ah-tor-ee).Actionsorwordsmeanttosettleadisputeorresolveaconflictinamannerthatleavesnohardfeelingsoneitherside.“Ifyouarenotveryclever,youshouldbeCONCILIATORY.”—BenjaminDisraeli,Britishstatesmanandliteraryfigure

harmony(HAR-muh-nee).Agreementinfeeling,action,ideas,interests,etc.;peaceableorfriendlyrelations.“WithaneyemadequietbythepowerofHARMONY,andthedeeppowerofjoy,weseeintothelifeofthings.”—WilliamWordsworth,Englishpoet

81.Flawed

(FLAWD),adjective

Imperfectordefectiveinawaythatimpairsthequalityof,anddetractsfrom,one’scharacter.

ADJECTIVES

bibulous(BIB-yuh-luss).Relatedtodrinkingortodrunkenness.Arthurthinkshe’s“fine,”buthisBIBULOUSactivitiesarecausingtheclubtoconsiderpermanentexpulsion.

bilious(BILL-yuss).Havinganastytemperamentordisagreeabledisposition;tobe“fullofbile”andhatred.Thepoloteam’sBILIOUScaptainmadehisteammiserableasheproceededtocriticizetheireverymove.

bumptious(BUMP-shuss).Overbearingorcrudelyassertive;overlypushyorimpertinent.

WehaddifficultycrossingtheborderbecauseNangotintoasquabblewithaBUMPTIOUSborderguard.

capricious(kuh-PREE-shuss).Pronetoquicklychangingone’smind,decision,orcourseofactionatthedropofahatoronimpulse.“IdonotunderstandtheCAPRICIOUSlewdnessofthesleepingmind.”—JohnCheever,Americannovelist

captious(KAP-shuss).Fondoffindingfaultsinothers;ill-naturedandoverlycritical;carping.Ed’sCAPTIOUSremarkswereentirelyinappropriateandshowedhislackofself-esteem.

churlish(CHUR-lish).Surly;mean;boorish;rude;characterizedbyalackofcivilityorgraciousness.WefounditalmostimpossibletobelievethatDiane’snewboyfriendwasmoreCHURLISHthanhispredecessor.

déclassé(day-kluh-SAY).Ofafallensocialpositionorinferiorstatus.Jeanthoughtherimitationdesignerbaglookedexactlyliketherealthing,buttheothergirlsinherexclusiveprivateschoolquicklyridiculedJean—andherbag—forbeingDÉCLASSÉ.

desultory(DEH-sul-tor-ee).Lackingguidanceorprogressingrandomly;aimless;fitful.Unabletobelieveitwashislastdayonthejob,Bill’sDESULTORYthoughtswanderedthroughhismind.

effete(eh-FEET).Depletedandlackinginvigorduetodecadenceorself-indulgence.TheEddingtonsbelongtoanAmericanclubofEFFETEsnobswhoclaimtotracetheirlineagebacktotheBritishroyalfamily

farouche(fuh-ROOSH).Unsociable;cranky;withdrawn;fierce.YourFAROUCHEbehaviorwillnotwinyouanyfriends.Infact,itwillsimplyalienateyoufromeveryone.

gauche(GOHSH).Sorelylackinginthesocialgracesandgoodmanners;crudebehavior.Rhettwasundertheimpressionthatoneneededonlymoneytojointhecountryclub.However,hisGAUCHEdemeanorcausedhimtobedeniedmembership.

hapless(HAP-liss).Luckless;unfortunate.OliverpresentedaratherHAPLESSfigureduringhisfirstfewdaysonthejob,buthesoonmasteredhisnewresponsibilities.

hidebound(HYD-bownd).Inflexibleandholdingnarrowopinions.ArthurcanberatherHIDEBOUNDwhenpontificatingonthevirtuesoftheclassiceraversustheconditionoftheautomobileindustryatpresent.

jaundiced(JAWN-dist).Demonstratingprejudice,duetoenvyorresentment.TheBlythingtons’JAUNDICEDviewofourdinnerpartiesisduetotheirfinancialinabilitytoentertainsolavishly.

maladroit(mal-uh-DROIT).Lackingadroitness;inept;awkward.ErniecameinforalotofteasingforhisMALADROITnegotiationswiththeused-cardealer.

parasitic(pair-uh-SIT-ik).Describessomethingor—moreoften—someonewhoactslikeaparasiteandlivesoffofanotherwhiledoinglittleifanythinguseful.MyPARASITICbrother-in-lawsaidhewasjustgoingtostaywithusuntilhegotbackonhisfeet,buthe’sbeensittingaroundonourcouchfornearlyamonthnow!

pedantic(puh-DAN-tik).Intellectuallyshowyoroverblown;makingagreatdisplayofknowledge;overlyconcernedwithformalrules.IfoundJames’sPEDANTICmannerquitecondescending.

ungainly(un-GAYN-lee).Graceless.Wilma,whohadalwaysthoughtofherselfasUNGAINLY,wassurprisedattheeasewithwhichsheandClivemovedacrossthedancefloor.

NOUNS

Achilles’heel(uh-KILL-eezHEEL).Avulnerablepoint.Bobwasahardworker,butheoftenlostjobsbecauseofhisACHILLES’HEEL,histemper.

bibliomania(bib-lee-oh-MAY-nee-uh).Apreoccupationwiththeacquisitionandownershipofbooks.Lauren’sBIBLIOMANIAextendsonlytoherstockpileofcatalogsforexclusiveshops.

foible(FOY-bull).Asmallflaw,weakness,ordefect.ForallhisflawsandFOIBLES,RichardNixonwasperhapsthemosteffectivepresidentonforeignpolicyinthetwentiethcentury.

histrionics(hiss-tree-ON-iks).Over-the-top,unnecessarilydramaticbehavior.“EnoughwiththeHISTRIONICS!”hismotherscolded,immediatelyshuttingofftheflowoftearsandsilencinghisbawling.

hypocrisy(hih-POK-ruh-see).Pretendingtobesomethingoneisnot,orpretending,forthesakeofappearance,tohavehighmoralbeliefs;pretense.InMarilyn’sview,amarriagecounselorwhoadvisesotherstoliveuptotheidealoffidelitybutwhocheatsonhisownwifeexemplifiestheworstkindofHYPOCRISY.

schadenfreude(SHAH-dn-froy-duh).Satisfactionorpleasurefeltatthemisfortuneofanother.Wilson’sconvictiononperjurychargessetoffafestivalofSCHADENFREUDEamonghismanyconservativedetractors.

ANTONYMS

impeccable(im-PEK-uh-bull).Withoutdefectorerror;faultless;flawless.“Noofficeanywhereonearthissopuritanical,IMPECCABLE,elegant,sterileorincorruptibleasnottocontaintheyeastforatleastoneaffair,probablymore.”—HelenGurleyBrown,Americaneditor

paragon(PAIR-uh-gone).Apeerlessmodelorpatternofperfection.“Whatapieceofworkisaman!Hownobleinreason,howinfiniteinfaculty,informandmovinghowexpressandadmirable,inactionhowlikeanangel,inapprehensionhowlikeagod—thebeautyoftheworld,theparagonofanimals!”—WilliamShakespeare,Englishdramatist

82.Foods

(FOODS),noun

Substancesconsumedbyeatingordrinkingfornourishment,toprovideenergy,tosustainlife,orpromotegrowth.

ADJECTIVES

culinary(KYOO-lih-nare-ee).Relatingtocookingorthepreparationoffood.MyCULINARYeffortsthesedaysaremuchhumblerthanmylibraryofcookbookswouldleadyoutobelieve.

julienne(joo-lee-EN).Inthinstrips(ofvegetables).LisaknewJULIENNEvegetableswouldlookmoreelegantontheplatesofherdinnergueststhanthosecutinthenormalway.

NOUNS

aperitif(uh-pair-uh-TEEF).Analcoholicbeverageconsumedbeforeameal.Theclockstrucksixo’clockandtheguestsatthedinnerpartywereservedAPERITIFS.

bisque(BISK).Athickandcreamysoupmadewithmeat,fish,orshellfish.Momdidn’tcarewhatelsewasonthemenu,aslongastherestaurantofferedlobsterBISQUE.

bouillabaisse(boo-yuh-BASE).Astewmadefromvariouskindsoffish,usuallyshellfish.AfterUncleCharliehelpeduscleanthefishandclamswe’dcaught,AuntPattieshowedushowtomakeherfamousBOUILLABAISSE.

compote(KOM-pote).Astewedfruitandsugardessert.Inadditiontoanunidentifiablebrownishmeatinadark,concealingsauce,manyoftheTVdinnersIateasachildincludedaratherleadenstrawberryCOMPOTE.

grenadine(GREN-uh-deen).Apomegranate-flavoredsyrupusedinpreparingmixeddrinks.TedhadplannedtomakeTequilaSunrisesfortheparty,butashehadnoGRENADINEtoaddahintofred,hecalledthedrinks“TequilaSunbursts.”

gruel(GROOL).Athin,soup-likedishmadefromcookedcerealorgrain.InoneofthemostmemorablescenesDickenseverwrote,youngOliverTwistlosesalotteryamongtheworkhouseboysandmustaskforanunprecedented

secondhelpingofGRUEL.

haggis(HAG-iss).AdishoriginatinginScotlandmadebycombingthedicedheart,liver,andlungsofasheeporcowwithonions,suet,oatmeal,andseasonings,andplacingthemixtureintotheanimal’sstomach,andboilingit.IvanhadbeenenjoyingtheHAGGISMrs.MacIntyrehadpreparedforhimuntilheaskedherhowitwasmade.

hardtack(HARD-tak).Ahardbiscuitoncecommonintherationsofsailorsandsoldiers.Hardtackdidnotspoil—amajorlogisticalbenefit.Bytheendofthewar,theUnionsoldierswerethoroughlysickoftheHARDTACKandvegetablesoupthathadbeenthemainstayoftheirdiet.

jambalaya(jam-buh-LY-uh).AspicyCajundishfeaturingricecookedwithham,sausage,chicken,shrimp,oroysters,andseasonedwithherbs.AnnahadsomuchhamleftoverfromEasterdinnerthatshedecidedtotrytowhipupaJAMBALAYA.

marzipan(MAR-zuh-pan).Apopularcandymadefromalmonds,eggwhites,andsugar,oftenmoldedintotheshapesofanimals.InEuropeitisquitecommontodecorateaChristmastreewithedibledecorations,includinggingerbreadmen,MARZIPANanimals,andminiaturefruitcakes.

petitfour(PET-eeFOR).Asmalldecoratedcake.Plural:petitsfours(PET-eeFORS).AuntMarciaalwaysservedteaandPETITSFOURSatthreeo’clock.

quahog(KO-hawg).AnedibleclamfoundoffoftheAtlanticcoastlineofNorthAmerica.EverysummerGrandpawouldtakeustohisbeachhouseinMaine,wherewe’dfishanddigforQUAHOGSinthequiethoursbeforedawn.

sake(SAH-kee).Awine-likeJapanesebeveragemadewithfermentedrice.WhenhereturnedfromCalifornia,myfatherandIdinedonsushianddrankwarmSAKEathisfavoriteJapaneserestaurant.

tangelo(TAN-juh-lo).Akindofcitrusfruit;hybridofatangerineandagrapefruit.Thecornerfruitmarketspecializedinstockingthemoreexoticfruitsandvegetables,andformostoftheyearwastheonlyplaceintownwhereonecouldregularlypurchaseTANGELOS.

VERBS

flambé(flom-BAY).Toserveinflamingliquor(usuallybrandy).Althoughthedinnerwasonlyso-so,theraspberrycustardthatthewaiterFLAMBÉDatourtablewasbothdramaticanddelicious.

ANTONYMS

abstain(ub-STAYN).Torefrainfrom;torefusetopartakein;togowithoutvoluntarily.Maria,whohadABSTAINEDfromeatingmeatwhileinhighschool,waspersuadedtotryacheeseburgeronhergraduationnight.

83.Fool

(FOOL),verb

Totrick;deceive;dupe.

ADJECTIVES

oblique(oh-BLEEK).Indirectlyordeviouslyachieved;evasive;underhanded.Ifdirectappealsdonotwork,AmandaisalwaysquicktouseOBLIQUEmethodsinordertogetherfathertobuyherwhateverluxuryitemshewants.

NOUNS

artifice(AR-ti-fiss).Theuseofcleverstrategiesandcunningmethodstofoolorbestothersandtipanoutcomeinyourfavor.“EveryartandARTIFICEhasbeenpracticedandperpetratedtodestroytherightsofman.”—RobertIngersoll,Americanorator

gambit(GAM-bit).Aremarkusedtoredirectaconversation;or,amaneuverusedtoseekadvantage.“Thecatchphrasepositivelyrejoicesinbeingaformula,anacceptedGAMBIT,aready-madereaction.”—JohnGross,Britishliterarycritic

guile(GYL).Deceit;treachery.IwasamazedattheGUILERicharddisplayedingoingaftermybiggestaccount.

legerdemain(lej-uhr-duh-MAYN).Magictricks;generallyspeaking,trickeryanddeception.TheWilkinsonsareoneofthefewofourfamilieswhoseinitialwealthdidnotcomeasaresultoffinancialLEGERDEMAIN.

VERBS

equivocate(ee-KWIV-uh-kayt).Todeceivethroughtheuseofambiguouslanguage.ThecandidateseemedtoEQUIVOCATEontheenergycrisiswitheachspeechhemade.

palter(PAWL-ter).Totalkoractinsincerely;dealcrookedly.ItseemedthatineveryconversationIhadwithher,JanicewouldPALTERandIwouldpretendtobelieveit.

prevaricate(pruh-VAIR-uh-kayt).Toavoidrevealingthetruenatureofone’sposition,actions,feelings,etcetera;tobeuntruthful.MyopponenthaschosentoPREVARICATEratherthanaddresshisroleinthescandal.

temporize(TEM-puh-ryz).Togaintimebybeingevasiveorindecisive.IunleashedalongwindedbackstoryinanefforttoTEMPORIZEandcomeupwithalogicalexplanationformyearlierbehavior.

ANTONYMS

ingenuous(in-JEN-yoo-us).Candid;frank;open;sincere;freefromreserveorrestraint.Dorothy’sINGENUOUSremarksrevealedthedepthofherfriendshiptowardthedeceased.

naïveté(nah-eev-TAY).Thestateofbeingnaïve;simplicity;artlessness.Mother’sNAÏVETÉwasnoact;shecouldnotdeceiveandfirmlybelievedeveryoneelsewasjustashonest.

84.Forgive

(fer-GIV),verb

Togiveupthedesiretopunishorresentmentagainst;tostopbeingangrywith;grantremissionofanoffense;pardon.

ADJECTIVES

venial(VEE-nee-uhl).Forgivable;notserious;excusable.StealingakissmaybeaVENIALoffensedependingonthecircumstances.

NOUNS

amnesty(AM-nuh-stee).Freedomfromimprisonmentforlargenumbersofpeople,initiatedbyagovernment.TheprisonersofwarwaitedyearsforAMNESTY.

clemency(KLEM-uhn-see).Forbearanceormercytowardawrongdoeroropponent;lenienceincaseswherecircumstanceswarrant.Thegovernor’sshowofCLEMENCYforCallahanmaycomebacktohaunthimatelectiontime.

VERBS

absolve(ab-ZOLV).Toformallypronounceguiltlessorblameless;torelieveofanyresponsibilityforanactualorallegedmisdeed.ThejudgeABSOLVEDtheaccusedofanywrongdoing.

acquit(uh-KWIT).Toreleasefromadutyorobligation;todeclarenotguilty(ofsomething);exonerate.Withlittleevidenceofguilt,thejuryhadtoACQUITthedefendant.

exculpate(EK-skull-payt).Tofreesomeonefromanobligationorburden,orprovetheinnocenceofsomeonesuspectedofbeingguilty.GeraldFord’spardonEXCULPATEDRichardNixonlegally,buthistoryconsignedhimtotheroleofadisgracedpresidentforever.

exonerate(ig-ZON-uh-rayt).Toclearorfreefromblameorguilt;torestore(one’sreputation).

AfterthechargeswerethrownoutandBrianwascompletelyEXONERATED,hewasfreetocontinuehisworkinthesecuritiesindustry.

ANTONYMS

chastise(chass-TYZ).Topunishinordertocorrect;tocriticizeseverely.TheboardingschoolliveduptoitsreputationasasevereenvironmentwhereaboywouldbeCHASTIZEDforeveryinfractionnomatterhowsmall.

oppressed(uh-PREST).Keptdownbytheunjustorcrueluseofauthorityorpower;burdenedwithharsh,rigorousimpositions.“Freedomisnevervoluntarilygivenbytheoppressor;itmustbedemandedbytheOPPRESSED.”—MartinLutherKing,Jr.,Americanministerandcivil-rightsleader

85.Fun

(FUHN),noun

Asourceorcauseofamusementormerriment;enjoyment.

ADJECTIVES

facetious(fuh-SEE-shuss).Meanttogetalaughratherthantobetakenseriously;sarcastic.“Boardingschoolmannersandattitudes—stoicdenial,FACETIOUSirony—arestilldeeplyentrenchedinthecharacterofthecountry.”—JonathanRaban,Britishtravelwriterandnovelist

gamesome(GAYM-suhm).Playfulandfrolicsome.

“[Nature]isGAMESOMEandgood,/Butofmutablemood,—/Nodrearyrepeaternowandagain,/Shewillbeallthingstoallmen.”—RalphWaldoEmerson,Americanpoet,essayist,andtranscendentalist

risible(RIZZ-uh-bull).Capableofcausinglaughterduetoitsludicrousnature.Janine’sdecisiontosummerintheHamptonsinsteadofontheFrenchRivierawasdeemedRISIBLEbytherestofus.

waggish(WAG-ish).Joking,witty,andmischievous;occasionally,dog-like.“Thisspeciesof‘fame’aWAGGISHacquaintancesayscanbemanufacturedtoorder,andsometimesissomanufactured.”—HermanMelville,Americanauthor

NOUNS

disport(dih-SPORT).Adiversionoramusement.FeliciahasturnedtheactofarguingwiththeproprietorsofherfavoriteboutiquesintoaDISPORT.

revelry(REV-uhl-ree).Boisterousfestivityandmerrymaking.“MidnightshoutandREVELRY,/Tipsydanceandjollity.”—JohnMilton,Englishpoet

VERBS

carouse(kuh-ROWZ).Toengageinboisteroussocialactivity.WeCAROUSEDuntildawnattheNewYear’sEvepartythattheWeathertonsholdeveryyear.

gambol(GAM-bull).Torun,skip,orjumpaboutinaplayfulorjoyousfashion.“WeallhavetheseplaceswhereshyhumiliationsGAMBOLonsunnyafternoons.”—W.H.Auden,Anglo-Americanpoet

ANTONYMS

ANTONYMS

dishearten(dis-HAR-tun).Todepriveofenthusiasm;todepressthespiritsorcourageof;discourage.“AcyniccanchillandDISHEARTENwithasingleword.”—RalphWaldoEmerson,Americanpoet

somber(SAWM-ber).Depressedordepressing;gloomy;dismal,melancholy;sad.Duetotheseriousnessofthesituation,thetelevisionannouncerspokeinSOMBERtones.

G

86.Gauche

(GOHSH),adjective

Sorelylackinginthesocialgracesandgoodmanners;crudebehavior.

ADJECTIVES

benighted(bee-NYE-ted).Tobelost,ignorant,orunenlightened.ThemedievalperiodwasaBENIGHTEDeraofsuperstition.

bumptious(BUMP-shuss).Loudandassertiveinacrudeway.Theclub’sgolfprowasfiredduetohisBUMPTIOUSbehavioronthelinks.

fatuous(FATCH-oo-us).Trivial,silly,absurd,unimportant,pointless.“I’msickofpretendingthatsomeFATUOUSmale’sself-importantpronouncementsaretheobjectsofmyundividedattention.”—GermaineGreer,Australianwriterandscholar

odious(OH-dee-us).Offensiveordisgusting;causingrevulsion.“TodependuponaprofessionisalessODIOUSformofslaverythantodependuponafather.”—VirginiaWoolf,Britishessayistandnovelist

ribald(RIB-uld).Lewd;off-color;somewhatdirtyandinappropriate.“Itis…usefultodistinguishbetweenthepornographic,condemnedineverysociety,andthebawdy,theRIBALD,thesharedvulgaritiesandjokes,whicharethesafetyvalvesofmostsocialsystems.”—MargaretMead,Americanculturalanthropologist

NOUNS

NOUNS

philistine(FILL-ih-steen).Acrudeandignorantpersonwhoisdisinterestedinanddoesnotappreciatecultureandthearts.“APHILISTINEisafull-grownpersonwhoseinterestsareofamaterialandcommonplacenature,andwhosementalityisformedofthestockideasandconventionalidealsofhisorhergroupandtime.”—VladimirNabokov,Russian-Americannovelist

troglodyte(TRAWG-luh-dyt).Apersonconsideredtobeprimitive,outofdate,coarse,uncouth,ill-mannered,orbrutish.SickandtiredofgoingoutwithTROGLODYTES,Janettoldherfriendsshewasthroughwithblinddates.

yahoo(YAH-hoo).Aboorish,uncultivated,commonperson.“Factorywindowsarealwaysbroken./Somebody’salwaysthrowingbricks,/Somebody’salwaysheavingcinders,/PlayinguglyYAHOOtricks.”—VachelLindsay,Americanpoet

yob(YAWB).Acruelandloutishyoungman;abully.“MickJagger,alternatelyslurringYOBandlispinglordling,isclasslessnessapotheosised.”—PhilipNorman,Britishauthor

VERBS

yawp(YAWP).Tomakearaucous,clamorousnoise.“IsoundmybarbaricYAWPovertheroofsoftheworld.”—WaltWhitman,Americanpoetandhumanist

ANTONYMS

beguiling(bee-GY-ling).Charming;bewitching;enchanting.

TheBEGUILINGcharmMonicalearnedatfinishingschoolmorethanmakesupforhervapidpersonality.

savoirfaire(SAV-wahr-FAYR).Anevidentsenseofconfidence,optimism,andproficiencyinthetaskathand.EileenhostedacharityluncheonforfortypeoplewithherusualSAVOIRFAIRE.

87.Gift

(GIFT),noun

Somethinggivenorbestowed;apresent.

ADJECTIVES

eleemosynary(ell-uh-MOSS-uh-nair-ee).Havingtodowithcharityorcharitableactivity.Ourbossisalwaysremindingusthatwe’reafor-profitbusiness,notanELEEMOSYNARYorganization.

NOUNS

bequest(bih-KWEST).Something(property,etc.)giventoanotherinawill;alegacy.Myuncle’sBEQUESTwasthestuffoffantasy:ahouseinthesouthofFrance.

douceur(doo-SIR).Abribeoraconciliatorygift.AfterFrancine’sfatherrefusedtobuyheranotherpolopony,heofferedhertheDOUCEURofaweekendatanexclusivespa.

endowment(en-DOW-munt).Incomederivedfromdonations;agrant.

Theresearchprojectdidnotneedtocampaignformoney,asitsexpenseswerefundedbyanENDOWMENT.

lagniappe(lan-YAP).Anunexpectedbonusgiftorextrabenefit;theicingonthecake.Frederickwouldhaveboughttheexpensivecar,evenwithouttheLAGNIAPPEofavoice-activatednavigationsystem.

largesse(lar-JESS).Thegenerousbestowalofgifts;generosityingeneral.“ALARGESSuniversal,likethesun,/Hisliberaleyedothgivetoeveryone,/Thawingcoldfear.”—WilliamShakespeare

oblation(uh-BLAY-shun).Areligiousoffering;aholygifttypicallyofferedatanaltarorshrine.SophiacouldbecountedontosayaprayerandofferanOBLATIONeverydayshewashealthyenoughtowalktochurch.

offertory(AW-fer-tor-ee).AnelementusedduringaChristiancommunionservice.TheOFFERTORYisprecededandfollowedbyaprayer.

recompense(REK-um-pence).Somethingofvaluegiventomakeupforinjuryorinconvenience,eitheraccidentalordeliberate.“Toberememberedafterwearedead,isbutpoorRECOMPENSEforbeingtreatedwithcontemptwhileweareliving.”—WilliamHazlitt,Englishliterarycriticandphilosopher

subvention(sub-VEN-shun).Moneygranted,usuallyfromagovernmentorotherauthority,tobeusedinthesupportofaninstitution,study,orprogram;subsidy;grant.Manynonprofitartandhumanitarianorganizationsowetheirexistencetogovernment’sSUBVENTION.

ANTONYMS

forfeit(FOR-fit).Somethingapersonlosesorhastogiveup;afine;penalty.“IfonceyouFORFEITtheconfidenceofyourfellowcitizens,youcanneverregaintheirrespectandesteem.”—AbrahamLincoln,Americanpresident

relinquish(ri-LING-kwish).Togiveup;tosurrenderorforswearsomething.“TimedoesnotRELIQUISHitsrights,eitheroverhumanbeingsorovermountains.”—JohannWolfgangvonGoethe,Germanplaywrightandnovelist

88.Grand

(GRAND),adjective

Imposingbecauseofsize,beauty,orextent;magnificent;splendid;majestic.

ADJECTIVES

august(aw-GUHST).Inspiringawe,reverence,oradmiration;imposing;eminent.Afterwaitingforhours,wewerefinallyescortedtothedean’sofficeandfoundourselvesinhisAUGUSTpresence.

epic(EP-ik).Ofmajorproportions;extraordinary.RosaPark’srefusaltositatthebackofthebuswouldtakeonlegendarystatusintheEPICstruggleforcivilrights.

regal(REE-gull).Fitfororcharacteristicofaking;royal.ThekingexercisedhisREGALpowersforthebenefitofhissubjectsandkingdom.

reginal(ri-JY-nul).Likeorcharacteristicofaqueen;queenly;royal.Intheeventsherisetothethrone,theprincesswasgiveninstructionandtraininginREGINALdutiesandconduct.

resplendent(reh-SPLEN-dent).Fullofsplendor;shiningbrightly;dazzling.ThebridewasRESPLENDENTinabeadedsilkgown.

sublime(suh-BLYM).Reachingnewlevelsofqualityandperfectionunduplicatedelsewhere;ofsuchimmensebeautythattheviewer’sbreathistakenaway,metaphoricallyspeaking.“TheSUBLIMEandtheridiculousareoftensonearlyrelated,thatitisdifficulttoclassthemseparately.OnestepabovetheSUBLIMEmakestheridiculous,andonestepabovetheridiculousmakestheSUBLIMEagain.”—ThomasPaine,Englishrevolutionaryandintellectual

suigeneris(SOO-ayeJEN-er-is).Ofitsownkind;individual;unique.TheroyalweddingwasaSUIGENERISevent.

sumptuous(SUMP-choo-us).Extravagant;lavish.ASUMPTUOUSfeastawaitedthecoupleatthehotel.

transcendent(tran-SEN-dent).Goingbeyondnormaleverydayexperience;existingbeyondtheknownphysicaluniverseanditslimitations.“Genius…meanstheTRANSCENDENTcapacityoftakingtrouble.”—ThomasCarlyle,Scottishsatiristandhistorian

ANTONYMS

menial(MEE-nee-uhl).Oforfitforservants;low;mean.“SuchMENIALduties;butherway/Oflookingatthemlentagrace/Tothingstheworlddeemedcommonplace.”—EllaWheelerWilcox,Americanpoetandwriter

unassuming(un-uh-SOOM-ing).Modestandunpretentious.TheBinghamtonsjustboughtalovely,UNASSUMINGstarterhomeinthetownwheretheirfamilieslive.

89.Greed

(GREED),noun

Excessivedesiretoacquirepossessions,wealth,etc.;cravingmorethanisnecessaryorappropriate.

ADJECTIVES

edacious(ih-DAY-shuss).Greedy,eager,andconsumedwithconsumption.It’snotfairtolabelRosellaEDACIOUSbecausesheonlywantsthesameluxuryitemstherestofusdesire.

rapacious(ruh-PAY-shuss).Takingbyforce;plundering;predatory.ItappearedthatJonsetouttoprovethatpowercorruptswithhisRAPACIOUShabits.

voracious(vuh-RAY-shuss).Possessingahugeandinsatiableappetite,whetherforfood,knowledge,amusement,orsomethingelse.HersonalwayshadaVORACIOUSdesireforknowledge.Hereadanythinghecouldgethishandsonandwasalwayswillingtoexperiencesomethingnew.

ANTONYMS

munificent(myoo-NIFF-uh-suhnt).Characterizedbygreatgenerosity.ThePattersonsaresoMUNIFICENTthattheygivetocharityyear-roundratherthanmerelyattimeswhengivingofferstaxbenefits.

noblesseoblige(no-BLESSoh-BLEEZH).Anactofgenerosity,charity,orkindnessperformedbyarichpersonforthebenefitofsomeonelessfortunatethanhimself,viewedbythegiveraspayingtheuniversebackforhisgoodfortune.Donaldgavetheyoungmanajobnotoutofasenseofpityorguilt,butoutofasenseofNOBLESSEOBLIGE.

philanthropist(fill-ANN-throw-pist).Apersonwhogenerouslygivesofhisorhertime,energy,andmoneytocharity.BillGatesisthemostproactivePHILANTHROPISToutofallthebillionaireswhocaretoinvesttheirtimeincontributingtocharitablecauses.

90.Group

(GROOP),noun

Acollectionorassemblyofpersonsorthings;ameeting.

ADJECTIVES

sectarian(sek-TARE-ee-in).Relatingtothepractices,nature,oractivitiesofasect.“Intheearly1990s,astheinsurgencytookonamoreunambiguouslyreligiousandSECTARIANflavor,severalPanditswerekilled,andmostoftherestfledfortheirlives.”—WilliamDalrymple,Scottishhistorianandauthor

NOUNS

cabal(kuh-BAL).Anundergroundsociety,secretreligioussect,orotherprivategroupassembledforpurposeshiddenfromthosearoundthem.

IwasshockedwhenourneighborsaskedustojoinaCABALofdevilworshippers;afterall,heisadeaconatthelocalchurch!

cadre(KAH-dray).Agroupoftrainedpersonnelcapableofformingandtrainingalargerorganization,typicallyagovernmentormilitaryagency.Evenafterthewarended,anumberofofficerswerelefttoformaCADREinordertoquellfutureunrestintheregion.

cartel(kar-TELL).Agroupassembledwiththeobjectiveofestablishingmutualcontroloverprices,production,andmarketingofgoodsbythemembers;acoalitionofpoliticalfiguresunitedforaparticularcause.TheoilCARTELhadsucceededindrivingworldenergypricesupsignificantly.

confraternity(kahn-fruh-TUR-nih-tee).Anassociationofpeopleunitedforacommoncause.Eagertoimprovetheconditionofourneighborhoodplaygrounds,CarolandIjoinedatownCONFRATERNITYthathadformedforthatpurpose.

consortium(kun-SOR-tee-um).Aunion,partnership,oralliance,especiallyoneamongfinancialorbusinessentities.Mr.SparksrepresentedaCONSORTIUMoffirms.

convocation(kon-vo-KAY-shun).Anassemblyofpeoplegatheredinresponsetoasummons.TheaddressMr.FrelinggaveattheCONVOCATIONchallengedallgraduatestoexcel.

coterie(KOH-tuh-ree).anexclusivegroupofpeople,oftenmeetingwithaspecificgoalinmind.ThoseinfavoroftheproposalformedaCOTERIEthatquicklybecameaveryvocalminority.

faction(FAK-shin).Asmalldissentinggroupwithinalargerone.“Iwillkeepwherethereiswitstirring,andleavetheFACTIONoffools.”—WilliamShakespeare

guild(gild).Agroupofpeoplededicatedtocommoninterestsorgoals;anassociationoflike-mindedindividuals.Althoughsheknewitwasonlyafirststep,Andreacouldn’thelpfeelingthatjoiningtheScreenActorsGUILDmeantshewasonherwaytobecomingastar.

kaffeeklatsch(KAW-fee-klatch).Aninformalsocialgathering,typicallyincludingcoffeeandgossip.JeanetteisnotwelcomeatourKAFFEEKLATSCHbecausesherefusestogossipabouthersocialcontacts.

phalanx(FAY-lanks).Agroupofcloselyassembledpeopleoranimals,usuallyworkingtogetherforaspecificpurpose,suchaslaunchinganattack.Thegeektriednottoshowhisfearinthehallway,asthePHALANXofjockswalkedinhisdirection.

retinue(RET-n-oo).Agroupofcompanionsorfollowers(ofapersonofgreatimportance);anentourage.ThepresidentandhisRETINUEareexpectedherejustbeforenoon.

ANTONYMS

anchorite(ANG-kuh-ryt).Apersonwholivesaloneandapartfromsocietyforreligiousmeditation;recluse;hermit.“Andeveninthemostrefinedcirclesandwiththebestsurroundingsandcircumstances,onemustkeepsomethingoftheoriginalcharacterofanANCHORITE,forotherwiseonehasnorootinoneself.”—VincentvanGogh,Dutchpainter

eremite(AIR-uh-myt).Ahermit;religiousrecluse.JohnchosethelifeofanEREMITEasthewaytospiritualsalvationandmoralredemption.

ochlophobia(ock-luh-FO-be-uh).Anillogicalfearordreadofcrowds.BettyneverrealizedshesufferedfromOCHLOPHOBIAuntilshemovedtothecity,whereshehadgreatdifficultywalkingtoandfromworkduringrushhour.

91.Grouse

(GROUSS),verb

Tocomplainorgrumbleaboutone’ssituation.

ADJECTIVES

acrimonious(ak-rih-MOAN-ee-us).Angry;bitter;disputed.“Thereissomethingabouttheliterarylifethatrepelsme,allthisdesperatebuildingofcastlesoncobwebs,thelong-drawnACRIMONIOUSstruggletomakesomethingimportantwhichweallknowwillbegoneforeverinafewyears…”—RaymondChandler,Americanauthor

fractious(FRAK-shuss).Easilyangeredorirritable;quarrelsome;unruly.“Sexismetaphysicalformen,asitisnotforwomen.Womenhavenoproblemtosolvethroughsex.Physicallyandpsychologically,theyareserenelyself-contained.Theymaychoosetoachieve,buttheydonotneedit.TheyarenotthrustintothebeyondbytheirownFRACTIOUSbodies.”—CamillePaglia,Americanauthor,feminist,andsocialcritic

jaundiced(JAWN-dist).Demonstratingprejudice,duetoenvyorresentment.

TheBlythingtons’viewofourdinnerpartiesisJAUNDICEDbythefactthatourpersonalchefissuperiortotheirs.

querulous(KWAIR-eh-luss).Habituallywhiningandgriping.TheirQUERULOUSmannerwiththewaitermadethemunpleasantandembarrassingdinnercompanions.

NOUNS

animadversion(an-uh-mad-VER-zhun).Veryharshcriticismthatsuggestsdisapprovalofwhatisbeingcriticized.Myboss’sfrequentANIMADVERSIONShaveledtohighstaffturnover.

bêtenoire(bett-NWAR).Athingforwhichonehasanintensedislikeorgreatfear;adreadedenemyorfoe.SunlightwasDracula’sgreatestBÊTENOIRE.

cholers(KOH-lers).Themoodofanger,irritability,grumpiness,orbeingshort-temperedandimpatient.WhenFranklinisinthegripofCHOLERS,evenhisclosestfriendsavoidhistableattheclub.

jeremiad(jare-uh-MY-uhd).Adocumentorspeechinwhichtheauthorbitterlyrailsagainsttheinjusticesofsocietyorwarnsofimpendingdeath,destruction,ordoom.TheUnabomber’sManifestowasanintelligentlywrittenJEREMIAD.

misanthrope(MISS-un-throwp).Apersonofantisocialnaturewhodislikesotherpeopleandthinkspoorlyofthemuntiltheygivehimreasonnotto.HaroldhasbecomeaveritableMISANTHROPEsinceAnabellerefusedtoattendtheregattawithhim.

VERBS

VERBS

abominate(uh-BOM-in-ayt).Toloathe;hate;detest.“Formypart,IABOMINATEallhonorablerespectabletoils,trials,andtribulationsofeverykindwhatsoever.”—HermanMelville,Americanauthor

castigate(KAS-tuh-gayt).Toscoldorcriticizeharshly.ThebartenderwasCASTIGATEDbyhisbossforservingalcoholtotwoteenagegirlswithoutcheckingtheirIDfirst.

denigrate(DEN-ih-grayt).Insult;putdown;demean;belittle.“Everythingweshutoureyesto,everythingwerunawayfrom,everythingwedeny,DENIGRATEordespise,servestodefeatusintheend.”—HenryMiller,Americanauthorandpainter

harry(HAIR-ee).Totormentwithconstantattacks.“Atmiddlenightgreatcatswithsilverclaws,/Bodiesofshadowandblindeyeslikepearls,/Cameupoutofthehole,andred-earedhounds/Withlongwhitebodiescameoutoftheair/Suddenly,andranatthemandHARRIEDthem.”—WilliamButlerYeats,Irishpoetanddramatist

ANTONYMS

encomium(en-KO-me-um).Effusivepraisegiveninapublicforum.TheCEO’sENCOMIUMatPhil’sretirementdinnercausedhiseyestomistover.

levity(LEV-ih-tee).Lackofappropriateseriousness;or,inconstantinnature.“Love,whichistheessenceofGod,isnotforLEVITY,butforthetotalworthofman.”—RalphWaldoEmerson,Americanpoet,essayist,andtranscendentalist

waggish(WAG-ish).Joking,witty,andmischievous.

“Thisspeciesof‘fame’aWAGGISHacquaintancesayscanbemanufacturedtoorder,andsometimesissomanufactured.”—HermanMelville,Americanauthor

92.Grow

(GROH),verb

Todevelopnaturally,asanylivingorganism;increaseinsizeoramount.

VERBS

burgeon(BURR-jin).Tosprout,togrow;toblossomandflourish.NataliadoesherpartfortheBURGEONING“green”movementbyhavinghergardenerturnmanurefromherstablesintofertilizer.

coalesce(ko-uh-LESS).Touniteorgrowintoasinglewhole.NoamountofpleadingfromJonescouldconvincethetwounionstoCOALESCE.

dilate(DIE-layt).Toexpand.Therockstar’spupilshadDILATED,leadingsometobelievethathehadbeenexperimentingagainwithnarcotics,andquiterecently.

maturate(MATCH-uh-rayt).Tomature;ripen;develop.ThepediatriciantoldAlicethathersonwouldonedayMATURATE,buthisteenyearshavecomeandgoneandsheisstillwaitingfortheevidence.

propagate(PROP-uh-gayt).Togrow,breed,orcausetomultiplyandflourish.“ThefictionofhappinessisPROPAGATEDbyeverytongue.”—SamuelJohnson,Britishmoralistandpoet

ripen(RY-puhn).Tobecomeripe;toreachmaturityorastateoffullphysicaland/oremotionaldevelopment.

ArthurwaspleasedtowatchhisgranddaughtergrowandRIPENintellectually.

ANTONYMS

subside(sub-SYD).Tobecomelessactive;tobecomequiet;abate.“Friendshipmay,andoftendoes,growintolove,butloveneverSUBSIDESintofriendship.”—LordByron,Englishpoet

wither(WITHE-er).Todryup;shrivel;tolosevigororfreshness;becomewastedordecayed.“Thepersonwhotriestolivealonewillnotsucceedasahumanbeing.HisheartWITHERSifitdoesnotansweranotherheart.Hismindshrinksawayifhehearsonlytheechoesofhisownthoughtsandfindsnootherinspiration.”—PearlBuck,Americanauthor

H

93.Happy

(HAP-ee),adjective

Having,showing,orcausingafeelingofgreatpleasure,contentment,orjoy;lucky.

ADJECTIVES

convivial(kuhn-VIV-ee-ull).Fondoffeasting,drinking,andcompanionship.“OnedoesnotleaveaCONVIVIALpartybeforeclosingtime.”—WinstonChurchill,Britishstatesmanandorator

ebullient(eh-BULL-yuhnt).Feelingjoyandpositiveemotionsatanextremelevel;thestateofbeingwildlyenthusiasticaboutsomething.LornewasEBULLIENTwhenhefoundthathismotherhadgiventhecollegeenoughmoneytooverturnhisrejection.

effervescent(ef-ur-VESS-ent).Bubbly;upbeat;cheerful;possessingapositiveattitudeandjoyfulpersonality.AftergettingtheacceptanceletterfromCornell,SabrinawasEFFERVESCENTandcelebratedwithatriptoNeimanMarcus.

gregarious(greh-GAIR-ee-us).Anextrovert;anoutgoingperson;onewhoisfriendlyandcheerfulinnature.“Weareeasytomanage,aGREGARIOUSpeople,/Fullofsentiment,cleveratmechanics,andweloveourluxuries.”—RobinsonJeffers,Americanpoet

halcyon(HAL-see-un).Calm,peaceful,carefree,prosperous.“ItwasthemostHALCYONsummerIeverspent.”—RickBass,Americanauthorandenvironmentalactivist

jocose(joe-KOSE).Humorous,playful,andcharacterizedbygoodhumor.Herson’sJOCOSEnaturemarkedhimforacareerinsales,ratherthanadministration.

jocund(JOE-kund).Havingalustforlife;possessingapositiveattitudeanddesiretoenjoylifetothefullest.Ron’sJOCUNDfaçadeshatteredwhenhefoundhimselfthevictimofidentitytheft.

orgiastic(or-jee-AS-tik).Arousingunrestrainedemotionalrelease.WilliambecomesloathsomelyORGIASTICwhenheattendsandbidsatartauctions.

sanguine(SANG-gwin).Acceptingofcircumstanceswithgoodcheerandapositiveattitude.“ManymarketerswereSANGUINEabouttheDoNotCallintroduction,sayingthatithelpedbetterfocustheirtelephonecommunications.”—EleanorTrickett,DMNewseditor

NOUNS

beatitude(bee-AT-it-tood).Beinginthehighestpossiblestateofhappiness,goodhumor,andcontentment.“Kindnessisavirtueneithermodernnorurban.Onealmostunlearnsitinacity.TownshavetheirownBEATITUDE;theyarenotunfriendly;theyofferavastandsolacinganonymityoranequallyvastandsolacinggregariousness.”—PhyllisMcGinley,Americanauthorandpoet

bonvivant(bonvee-VAWN).Apersonwhoenjoyslivingwell.InPariswithherrichaunt,JanicelivedthelifeofaBONVIVANT,shoppinganddiningouttoherheart’scontent.

felicity(fih-LISS-ih-tee).Astateofblissfulhappiness.“NeverlosesightofthefactthatallhumanFELICITYliesinman’simagination,andthathecannotthinktoattainitunlessheheedsallhiscaprices.”—MarquisdeSade,Frencharistocratandrevolutionary

levity(LEV-ih-tee).Lightness;insubstantiality.Gentlemen,withallduerespect,wefaceacrisis;thisisnotimeforLEVITY.

roisterer(ROY-stir-er).Party-goer,celebrator,onewhohasagoodtimeinaloudandboisterousmanner.TheROISTERERS’enjoymentofthepartywassoinfectious,theirneighborsjoinedtheminsteadofcomplainingaboutthenoise.

ANTONYMS

defeatist(dih-FEET-ist).Acceptingdefeatasanunavoidableconsequenceoflife;pessimistic.Sheldon’sDEFEATISTattitudeledMonica,hissupervisor,towonderwhetherhewouldevercompletetheprojecthewasworkingon.

malcontent(mal-kuhn-TENT).Adiscontented,resentful,orrebelliousperson.HarveyissuchaMALCONTENTthathe’llarguewithyouifyoutellhimit’saniceday!

saturnine(SAT-ur-nyn).Moody;morose;gloomy;unhappy;havingapessimisticoutlookonlife.EversincehisfathertoldhimhecouldnothaveanotherLotusEsprit,WilliamshasactedpositivelySATURNINE.

94.Harass

(huh-RASS),verb

Tobotherpersistently;disturbcontinually;pester;persecute.

VERBS

badger(BAJ-er).Totormentasifbaitingabadger;tourgepersistently;nag.MarthawasconvincedthatshehadtoBADGERherdaughtertodoherhomework.

beleaguer(beh-LEE-ger).Topersistentlysurround,harry,orbotheruntilyougetwhatyouwant.Totheembarrassmentofherfriends,KristenBELEAGUEREDthesommelieruntilhebroughtherasatisfactoryBordeaux.

besiege(bih-SEEJ).Tosubmitapersonorbodytoinsistentdemandsfromallsides;tocrowdaround.Everywherehewent,themovieidolwasBESIEGEDbycrazedfanslookingforautographsandevenpiecesofhishairorclothing.

harry(HAIR-ee).Totorturewithconstantattacks.“Atmiddlenightgreatcatswithsilverclaws,/Bodiesofshadowandblindeyeslikepearls,/Cameupoutofthehole,andred-earedhounds/Withlongwhitebodiescameoutoftheair/Suddenly,andranatthemandHARRIEDthem.”—WilliamButlerYeats,Irishpoetanddramatist

hector(HEK-ter).Tobully;dominate.ThecoachHECTOREDtheboyssooftenthattheyquittheteamindisgust.

inculcate(IN-kul-kayt).Toimpressanideaorbeliefuponsomeonebyrepeatingittothatpersonoverandoveruntiltheideaisfirmlylodgedinhisbrain.NewcultmembersarequicklyINCULCATEDwiththecultleader’sbeliefsandworldview.

ANTONYMS

facilitate(fuh-SIL-ih-tayt).Tomakeeasier;tolightentheworkof;help;assist.“Everyhumanbeingmustfindhisownwaytocopewithsevereloss,andtheonlyjobofatruefriendistoFACILITATEwhatevermethodhechooses.”—CalebCarr,Americannovelist

respite(RESS-pit).Atemporarydelayorpostponement,especiallyofsomethingdistressing.“SweetFlowerofHope!freeNature’sgenialchild!/Thatdidstsofairdisclosethyearlybloom,/Fillingthewideairwitharichperfume!/Fortheeinvainallheavenlyaspectssmiled;/FromthehardworldbriefRESPITEcouldtheywin.”—SamuelTaylorColeridge,Englishpoet

95.Harm

(HARM),verb

Tohurt,damage,orimpair;injure.

ADJECTIVES

baleful(BAIL-ful).Ominous;signalingeviltocome.ItalwaysseemedtomethatMrs.HowardhadaBALEFULgleaminhereyeasshepassedoutherabsurdlydifficulttests.

baneful(BAYN-ful).Venomous;deadly;ruinous.AustinrelaxedwhenhelearnedthattheoutbackdidnotcontainalltheBANEFULplantsandanimalsthathehadimagined.

deleterious(dell-ih-TEER-ee-us).Harmful;damaging.SmokinghasbeenproventohaveaDELETERIOUSeffectonone’shealth.

internecine(in-ter-NESS-een).Characterizedbyslaughter;deadly.TheINTERNECINEconflictwasparticularlyunfortunateinitsthoroughness.

noisome(NOY-sum).Harmfulorinjurioustothehealth;offensive.TheNOISOMEchemicalswereplacedinalockedroom.

noxious(NOK-shuss).Morallyharmfulandpernicious.Evenwithhiswealth,goodlooks,andcharm,StevenhassuchaNOXIOUSpersonalitythatwealwaysfeelawfulafterspendingtimewithhim.

pernicious(purr-NISH-us).Resultingindamageorharm;havingadebilitatingeffect.Webelievethat,oncetheproducersofluxuryitemsbecomepubliclytradedcompanies,theresultswillbePERNICIOUS.

NOUNS

juggernaut(JUG-er-nawt).Alarge,overpowering,destructiveforce.OncehebeginsarguingaboutthesuperiorityofMaseratis,JeffersonbecomesaJUGGERNAUT,capableofdeflatinganyoneelse’sarguments.

maleficence(muh-LEF-ih-sense).Actionthatdeliberatelycausesharm;behaviordrivenbyevilintentions.Ourupstairsmaid’svariousactsofMALEFICENCEfinallycausedhertobereleasedfromourfamily’semployment.

scourge(SKURJ).Acauseofwidespreadorgreataffliction.Famineisoneofhumanity’smosthorrificSCOURGES.

VERBS

debilitate(dih-BILL-uh-tayt).Tomakeweakorfeeble.SeveralhoursonthepolofieldsareenoughtoDEBILITATEeventhemostrobustplayer.

decimate(DESS-ih-mayt).Toreducesomethinggreatly,tothepointofwipingitout.“EverydoctorwillallowacolleaguetoDECIMATEawholecountrysidesoonerthanviolatethebondofprofessionaletiquettebygivinghimaway.”—GeorgeBernardShaw,Irishplaywright

deface(dih-FACE).Todisfigureordamage.Itbreaksmyhearttoseetheoldstonebridge,myoneunchangingcompanionfromboyhood,DEFACEDwiththespray-paintedgrumblingsofdrunkenteenagers.

defile(dih-FYL).Topollute;tocorruptormakeunclean.TheriverthatonlyafewyearsagorancleanandclearisnowDEFILEDwithawitches’brewofchemicals,thankstothenewtanningplant.

desecrate(DESS-ih-krayt).Toabusethesacredcharacterofathing;totreatdisrespectfullyorirreverently.Suchprofanelanguagefromourorganization’scurrentleaderservesonlytoDESECRATEthememoryofthefounder.

enervate(EN-er-vayt).Torobaperson,organization,place,orthingofitsenergy,strength,andvitality.GreenhousegasesENERVATEtheprotectiveozonelayersurroundingtheEarth.

exacerbate(ig-ZASS-er-bayt).Totakeactionthatmakesasituationworseoraggravatesitfurther.TheproblemwiththemissionwasfurtherEXACERBATEDwhentheoutertilesrippedawayfromthespaceshuttle.

raze(RAYZ).Toteardownordemolish.WehadtoRAZEourCapeCodhomeandrebuilditentirely,duetosomestructuraldamagecausedbyhighwinds.

vitiate(VISH-ee-ayt).Tospoilorimpairthequalityof;corrupt.“AVITIATEDstateofmorals,acorruptedpublicconscience,isincompatiblewithfreedom.”—PatrickHenry,Americanpatriot

ANTONYMS

innocuous(ih-NAWK-yew-us).Notharmfuloroffensive;innocent,incidental,andhardlynoticeable.“IknowthoselittlephrasesthatseemsoINNOCUOUSand,onceyouletthemin,pollutethewholeofspeech.”—SamuelBeckett,Irishwriter,dramatist,andpoetSeealso:Abuse

96.Hate

(HAYT),verb

Tohaveintensedislikeorillwillfor;despise;detest;loathe.

ADJECTIVES

contemptuous(kun-TEMP-choo-us).Feelingorexpressingdisdain,disapproval,deephatred,orscorn.Thedefendant’sCONTEMPTUOUSbehavioronthestandwas,amazingly,overlookedbythejudge.

xenophobic(zee-nuh-FOE-bik).Havinganirrationalfearorhatredofforeignersandimmigrants.WearenotXENOPHOBIC;wedislikeallstrangers,regardlessoftheirbackgrounds,unlesstheyarebroughttousbyothersocialcontacts.

NOUNS

animadversion(an-uh-mad-VER-zhun).Veryharshcriticismthatsuggestsdisapprovalofwhatisbeingcriticized.Myboss’sfrequentANIMADVERSIONShaveledtohighstaffturnover.

animus(AN-uh-muss).Prejudicedillwill.Don’sANIMUStowardaformercolleaguedrovehimtothoughtsofviolenceuntiltherapyhelpedhimtodiminishhishatred.

aversion(uh-VUR-zhun).Extremedislike;loathing.MyAVERSIONtosoapoperasleavesmewithlittletodiscussatcoffeebreaks.

enmity(EN-mih-tee).Mutualdislike,animosity,hatred,antagonism,ordisagreementbetweentwogroupsorparties.WastheENMITYbetweenMuhammadAliandJoeFrasieranact,genuine,oracombinationofboth?

misandry(mih-SAN-dree).Hatredofmen.Aftertwentyyearsoffeelingtheeffectsoftheglassceiling,shewasentitledtoMISANDRYinallitsmanifestations.

misanthrope(MISS-en-throwp).Apersonofantisocialnaturewhodislikesotherpeopleandthinkspoorlyofthemuntiltheygivehimreasonnotto.HaroldhasbecomeaveritableMISANTHROPEsinceAnabellerefusedtogoonanymoredateswithhim.

misogamy(mih-SOG-uh-mee).Hatredofmarriage.Afterhisdivorce,Brent’smistrustofmarriageborderedonMISOGAMY.

misogyny(mih-SOJ-uh-nee).Hatredofwomen.AlifetimeofrejectionhadfilledhimwitharabidMISOGYNY.

rancor(RANG-ker).Conflictbetweenindividualsorgroups,usuallyresultingfromdisagreementoveranactionorissue,andaccompaniedbyillwill,badfeelings,bitterness,andanescalationofthedisputeovertime.“Theynolongerassumeresponsibility(asbeatcopsusedtodo)foravertingRANCORbetweenantagonisticneighbors.”—HarlanEllison,Americanauthor

repugnance(rih-PUG-nunce).Toshowstrongaversion,dislike,ordisgustforsomething.WecangreetthenewsoftheterroristbombingonlywithREPUGNANCE.

vitriol(VIT-ree-ohl).Anattitudeofbitterness,hatred,ormean-spiritedness.TheschoolboardreprimandedthecoachwithVITRIOL.

VERBS

abhor(ab-HOR).Toexperienceafeelingofgreatrepugnanceordisgust.ItwasclearalmostassoonasthedinnerpartyhadbegunthatJenniferABHORREDherhalf-sister.

execrate(EK-sih-krayt).Toloathe;tosubjecttoscornandderision.

WeEXECRATEDWilliamforweeksduetohiscasualrejectionofaninvitationtojoinYale’sSkullandBones.

ANTONYMS

adulate(AJ-uh-layt).Toshowexcessivepraiseoradmiration;flatteroradmireservilely.“Ihavebeenveryhappy,veryrich,verybeautiful,muchADULATED,veryfamousandveryunhappy.”—BrigitteBardot,Frenchactress

esteem(ih-STEEM).Tovaluehighly;havegreatrespectandregardfor;prize.“Thehardertheconflict,themoregloriousthetriumph.Whatweobtaintoocheap,weESTEEMtoolightly;itisdearnessonlythatgiveseverythingitsvalue.”—ThomasPaine,English-Americanwriterandpoliticalpamphleteer

97.Haughty

(HAW-tee),adjective

Snobbishandarrogant.

ADJECTIVES

austere(aw-STEER).Stern;grimandlackinghumororwarmth;cleanandunornamented;severeorstrictinmanner.InthemovieDeadPoetsSociety,RobinWilliamsclasheswithanAUSTEREheadmasterataprivateboys’school.

derigueur(duh-rih-GUR).Conformingtocurrentstandardsofbehavior,fashion,style,andetiquette.

Atwo-caratdiamondengagementringthatcostayoungmanayear’ssalarywasDERIGUEURforproposingtoagirlinthe1950s.

vainglorious(vayn-GLOR-ee-us).Conceited;boastful;pronetoshowingoffandbragging.Althoughthescionofawell-establishedfamily,GordonissoVAINGLORIOUSthatyou’dthinkhimaparvenu!

NOUNS

affectation(ah-fek-TAY-shun).Behaviorsormannerismsthatareexaggerated,extreme,eccentric,anddeliberatelyshowy,oftenanefforttoattractattention.“AFFECTATIONisawkwardandforcesimitationofwhatshouldbegenuineandeasy.”—JohnLocke,Britishphilosopher

doyen/doyenne(doy-EN).Amanorwomanwhoistheseniormemberofagroup,basedonrank,age,experience,etc.Thoughsheistheyoungestmemberofourgroup,BrittanyisourDOYENNE,basedonherextensivefamilyconnections.

hautecouture(OATko-TOOR).Highlyfashionableclothingonthecuttingedgeofthelatestdesignfadsandtrends.“HAUTECOUTUREshouldbefun,foolish,andalmostunwearable.”—ChristianLacroix,Frenchfashiondesigner

hautmonde(ohMOND).Highsociety.“Theliterarywiseacresprognosticateinmanylanguages,astheyhavethroughoutsomanycenturies,settingthestagefornewHAUTMONDEinlettersandmakingupthepublic’smind.”—FannieHurst,Americannovelist

ANTONYMS

déclassé(day-kluh-SAY).Ofafallensocialpositionorinferiorstatus.Jeanthoughtherimitationdesignerbaglookedexactlyliketherealthing,buttheothergirlsinherexclusiveprivateschoolquicklyridiculedJean—andherbag—forbeingDÉCLASSÉ.

egalitarian(ih-gal-uh-TAIR-ee-uhn).Fairandbalancedintheextreme;ofthebeliefthatallpeoplearecreatedequalandshouldbetreatedso.“ChinksinAmerica’sEGALITARIANarmorarenothardtofind.Democracyisthefigleafofelitism.”—FlorenceKing,Americanauthor

gauche(GOHSH).Sorelylackinginthesocialgracesandgoodmanners;crudebehavior.Rhettwasundertheimpressionthatoneneededonlymoneytojointhecountryclub.However,hisGAUCHEdemeanorcausedhimtobedeniedmembership.

hoipolloi(HOYpuh-LOY).Apejorativetermusedtodescribethemassesorthecommonpeople.“MypracticeistoignorethepatheticwishesanddesiresoftheHOIPOLLOI,”thegovernorsaidhaughtily.

98.Help

(HELP),verb

Togiveassistanceandmakeitpossibleoreasiertoaccomplishatask;toaid.

NOUNS

aegis(EE-jis).Theprotection,support,andhelprenderedbyaguardian,supporter,backer,ormentor.Jillthinksshe’sabovereproachbecauseshe’sundertheAEGISofthatmarketingvice-presidentwithapenchantforyoungerwomen.

VERBS

abet(uh-BET).Toencourageorassistaplanoractivity,usuallyamisdeed.ThoughMichaeldidnotparticipateintheactualkidnapping,heABETTEDtheperpetratorsbyhidingthemfromthepolice.

adjudicate(uh-JOO-dih-kayt).Topresideoverorlistentoopposingargumentsandhelptwopartiessettletheirdifferencesandcometoanagreement.Asmydaughterspummeledeachotherwhilescreamingattopvolume,ItrieddesperatelytoADJUDICATEtheirquarrel.

assuage(uh-SWAYJ).Toputsomeoneatease;tocomfortorsoothe;toerasedoubtsandfears.“Buthistorymustnotyettellthetragediesenactedhere;lettimeinterveneinsomemeasuretoASSUAGEandlendanazuretinttothem.”—HenryDavidThoreau,Americanauthorandtranscendentalist

exhort(ig-ZORT).Tourgeoradviseearnestly.“ThefunctionofthemoralistisnottoEXHORTmentobegoodbuttoelucidatewhatthegoodis.”—WalterLippmann,Americanjournalist

minister(MIN-us-stur).Togivehelp;fillwants;toserveasanurse.ItwastouchingtowatchCalvinMINISTERtohiswifeduringherrecovery.

mitigate(MITT-ih-gayt).Tomakeorbecomemilder,lesssevere,orlesspainful.ThemedicationshouldMITIGATEJohn’ssymptomswithintwenty-fourhours.

ANTONYMS

sabotage(SAB-uh-tawzh).Intentionalobstructionofordamagetosomeprocessoractivity;theunderminingofacause.

“Self-SABOTAGEiswhenwewaywewantsomethingandthengoaboutmakingsureitdoesn’thappen.”—AlyceP.Cornyn-Selby,Americanmanagerandauthor

thwart(THWART).Tohinder,obstruct,frustrate,ordefeataperson,plans,etc.“InstinctmustbeTHWARTEDjustasoneprunesthebranchesofatreesothatitwillgrowbetter.”—HenriMatisse,Frenchpainter

99.Hide

(HYD),verb

Toplaceorkeepoutofsight;conceal;secrete;tokeepfromtheknowledgeofothers;keepsecret.

ADJECTIVES

covert(KUV-ert).Concealed;disguised;secret.Tryaswemight,wenevermanagedtogetouruncletodiscusshisexperiencesconductingCOVERTopsattheCIA.

ulterior(ul-TEER-ee-er).Beyondwhatisbeingshown,asmotives.“Whenonehasextensivelyponderedaboutmen,asacareerorasavocation,onesometimesfeelsnostalgicforprimates.AtleasttheydonothaveULTERIORmotives.”—AlbertCamus,Algerian-bornFrenchauthorandphilosopher

NOUNS

occultation(awk-uhl-TAY-shin).Theactofhidingorblockingfromview.WithdisguisesofferingabitofneededOCCULTATION,wewereabletohitManhattan’shotspotsawayfromtheglareofthedreadedpaparazzi.

VERBS

VERBS

camouflage(KAM-uh-flazh).Tohideormakesomethinglessvisiblebychangingitsappearance.Davebecameoneofthecompany’sbestsalesmenbecausehewasabletoCAMOUFLAGEhisrealfeelings.

dissimulate(dih-SIM-yuh-layt).Tohideone’sfeelingsfromanother,oftenbyusinguntruths.Feelingextremelyguiltyabouthisaffair,JakewouldDISSIMULATEbehindawallofangerwheneverTriciaaskedhimpointedquestions.

seclude(sih-KLOOD).Tohideorkeepapart;tokeepinisolation.JaredSECLUDEDhimselfinhisroominordertomeettheproject’sdeadline.

ANTONYMS

manifest(MAN-uh-fest).Tomakeclearorobvious;clear;plain;patent.“MANIFESTplainness,embracesimplicity,reduceselfishness,havefewdesires.”—Lao-tzu,ChineseTaoistphilosopher

overt(oh-VURT).Open,public,andobservable.Americansmustinsistthatlocal,state,andfederalgovernmentoperationsremainOVERT.

100.Hoary

(HOAR-ee),adjective

Impressivelyold;ancient.

ADJECTIVES

hidebound(HYD-bownd).Inflexibleandholdingnarrowopinions.WallacecanberatherHIDEBOUNDwhenpontificatingonthevirtuesofclassicMercedes-Benzmodelsversustheconditionoftheautomobilecompanyatpresent.

moribund(MOR-ih-bund).Lackingvigor;soontobedeadordefunct.EversinceitsheadchefleftfortheFoodNetwork,thatgourmetrestauranthasbecomeMORIBUNDandislikelytoclosesoon.

venerable(VEN-err-uh-bull).Anindividualorinstitutionthatisrespectedandrevered,sometimesbecauseofachievement,intelligence,orcharacter;butjustasoftenasaresultofbeingaroundalongtime.“Isthebabeyoung?WhenIbeholdit,itseemsmoreVENERABLEthantheoldestman.”—HenryDavidThoreau,Americanauthorandtranscendentalist

NOUNS

anachronism(uh-NAK-ruh-niz-em).Aperson,place,thing,orideawhosetimehaspastandthatseemstobelongtoanearlierage.Histhreerecordplayers—andthefactthathedoesn’tevenknowwhatanMP3is—makeJimsomethingofanANACHRONISM.

xerosis(zih-ROH-sis).Thetypicalhardeningofagingskinandtissue.OpheliaconstantlyvisitsEuropeanspastoslowtheonsetofXEROSIS.

VERBS

wane(WAYN).Tograduallydecrease;tofadeaway;tobecomediminished.OnceshefinallyreceivedtheCartierwatchfromherfather,Karen’sinterestinthetimepiecequicklyWANED.

ANTONYMS

élan(a-LON).Enthusiasm,energy,flair,zest.BryannareactedwithÉLANwhenshewastappedtobepartofafeatureforEliteTravelMagazine.

jocund(JOE-kund).Havingalustforlife;possessingapositiveattitudeanddesiretoenjoylifetothefullest.Ron’sJOCUNDfaçadeshatteredwhenhefoundhimselfthevictimofidentitytheft.

nascent(NAY-sent).Havingjustbeenbornorinventedandstillintheearlystagesofgrowthanddevelopment.It’salwaysamusingtowatchthenouveauricheduringtheNASCENTperiodoftheiradjustmenttoluxury.

101.Honor

(ON-ur),noun

Greatregardorrespectgivenorreceived;glory;fame;renown;strongsenseofrightandwrong;theapplicationofintegrityandprinciples.

ADJECTIVES

dauntless(DAWNT-liss).Fearless,intrepid,andbold.“ForThoughthasapairofDAUNTLESSwings.”—RobertFrost,Americanpoet

emeritus(ih-MAIR-ih-tuss).Retiredbutstillholdinganhonorarytitlecorrespondingtothepositionheldpriortoretirement.WatkinshasbeenawardedthepositionofProfessorEMERITUS.

honorific(on-uh-RIFF-ik).Atributeorrewardgiveninanefforttohonorsomeoneasasignofdeeprespect.

Lifetimeachievementawardsaren’tforanysinglework,butanHONORIFICforlongserviceandatrackrecordofexcellence.

meritorious(mair-uh-TORE-ee-uss).Worthyofpraise,laudable.Earl’sworkatthehomelessshelterwasMERITORIOUS,butitlefthimlittletimeforhisfamilyandfriends.

NOUNS

accolade(AK-uh-layd).Amarkofacknowledgmentorexpressionofpraise;thatwhichconferspraiseorhonor.Thefirm’spresidenthadhungonhisofficewallmanyplaques,citations,andACCOLADES.

éclat(a-KLAW).Greatpublicacclaim;or,greatpublicnotoriety.AlthoughtheyaretheheightofParisfashion,Martina’sfive-inchheelsearnedhermuchÉCLATinthesocietypages.

fealty(FEE-ul-tee).Asenseofobligationorloyalty,usuallyexistingbecauseonepersonfeelsbeholdentoanother.TheonlyreasonthatBrysonpledgedFEALTYtoDavidisbecauseDavid’ssocialconnectionshelpedBrysongetajobonWallStreet.

homage(HOM-ij).Respectpaidanddeferenceshowntoasuperiororotherpersononeadmires,fears,orwishestoemulateorpraise.GarytookblackandwhitephotoswithanondigitalcamerainHOMAGEtoAnselAdams,whoseworkshegreatlyadmired.

laureate(LORE-ee-it).Apersonwhohasbeensingledoutforaparticularhighhonororaward.Thegroupincludedaremarkablecross-sectionofaccomplishedscientists,someofwhomwereNobelLAUREATES.

obeisance(oh-BAY-since).Deferentialrespectorhomage,oranactorgestureexpressingthesame.InanactofOBEISANCE,Rachaelbroughttheelderlywomanuptositinherplushoperabox,ratherthaninthemezzanine.

panegyric(pan-uh-JEER-ik).Formal,elaboratepraise.AfterCoachHenryretired,herformerathletesfilledthelocalpaperwithPANEGYRICSconcerninghercharacterandaccomplishments.

perquisite(PUR-kwih-zit).Anincidentalprivilegeotherthanpaymentthataccompaniesapositionofresponsibility;anextrapaymentbeyondwhatisowed.Amongthepresident’sPERQUISITESweretwofront-rowseatstoalltheCeltics’regular-seasonhomegames.

ANTONYMS

ignoble(ig-NO-bull).Dishonorableinnature;notdeservingrespect;characterizedbybasenessorlowness.Peter’sIGNOBLEaimswerewellknowntoallintheroom.

infidelity(in-fih-DEL-ih-tee).Thequalityoractofhavingbeenuntrueorinconsistentwithan(oftenimplied)standard;disloyalty;maritalunfaithfulness.AlthoughGwensuspectedherhusbandofINFIDELITY,shehadnotcomeacrossanytangibleproof.

renege(ri-neg).Togoback(onone’sword);tobreakapromiseorcommitment.Daltonwassupposedtohavebeennamedvicepresidentinexchangeforhissupport,butPetersonRENEGEDonthedealafterassumingcontrol.

I

102.Illness

(IL-niss),noun

Anunhealthyconditionofthebodyormind;sickness;disease.

NOUNS

autism(AW-tiz-um).Aconditioncharacterizedbydifficultywithorindifferencetosocialcontactandimpairedabilitytocommunicate.Oftensubjectedtoabuseandinhumanetreatmenttwoorthreedecadesago,peoplewithAUTISMarenowmorelikelytoreceiveameaningfultherapeuticregimen.

bulimia(buh-LEE-mee-uh).Aneatingdisorderinwhichsufferersalternatelybinge,thenpurge,forcingthemselvestovomit.ThefacultyhealthcenterfeaturedanursewithspecialtrainingindealingwithBULIMIAandothereatingdisorders.

carbuncle(KAR-bunk-uhl).Apainfulinflammationoftheskinsimilarto,butmoreseriousthan,aboil.Jimmy’sinventiveexcusesforhisabsencesreachedanewlevelwhenhetoldhisteacherhehadbeenunabletoattendSpanishclassbecauseofaCARBUNCLE.

eczema(EG-zuh-muh).Aninflammatoryskincondition,characterizedbyred,itchingskinthateruptsintolesionsthatlaterbecomescaly,hard,andcrusty.TheskincleanserNoxzemawasnamedafteritssupposedabilityto“knockECZEMA.”

gingivitis(jin-jih-VY-tuss).Agumdisease;theconditionofhavingswollengums.TherinsepromisedlifetimeprotectionagainstGINGIVITIS,aclaimFredviewedwithsomeskepticism.

hemophilia(hee-muh-FEEL-ee-uh).Ablooddefectusuallyaffectingmalesbuttransmittedbyfemalesinwhichthebloodfailstoclotnormally,oftenleadingtouncontrolledhemorrhaging.BecausesomanyHEMOPHILIApatientshavecontractedtheAIDSvirusfromcontaminatedblood,manywillonlyaccepttransfusionsusingbloodthathasbeendonatedbyfamilyandfriends.

hypertension(hy-pur-TEN-shun).Highbloodpressure.Someover-the-countercough,cold,andallergymedicinestendtocauseelevatedbloodpressure,andincludeawarningthattheymaybehazardoustothosesufferingfromHYPERTENSION.

hyperthermia(hy-pur-THUR-mee-uh).Extremeincreaseofbodyheat.Thereadingis105degrees;wearedealingnotwithasimplefever,butwithsevereHYPERTHERMIA.

hypothermia(hy-po-THER-mee-uh).Extremelossofbodyheat.Afterseveralhoursinthefreezingwater,thevictimshadalreadysuccumbedtotheeffectsofHYPOTHERMIA.

influenza(in-floo-EN-zuh).Acontagiousrespiratoryviruscharacterizedbyinflammationofthemucousmembrane,fever,prostration,aches,andpains.DavidwasstillweakfromhisboutwithINFLUENZA.

kyphosis(ki-FOE-sis).Excessivecurvatureofthespinesufferedbyhunchbacks.AfterWilliam’sfatherforcedhimtohelpoutthefamilygardener,WilliamcomplainedforweeksafterwardthattheoutdoorworkgavehimKYPHOSIS.

migraine(MY-grayn).Anexcruciatingheadache,causedbyexpandingcapillaries,thatoccursonone(usuallytheleft)sideofthehead,andcausesthesufferernausea,vomiting,andextremesensitivitytolight.AsatreatmentformyMIGRAINES,thedoctorgavemeanewprescription,suggestingItaketwotabletsandliedowninaverydarkroomwheneverIfeltonecomingon.

mononucleosis(mawn-oh-noo-klee-OH-siss).Aninfectiousillnesscausedbyanincreaseofmononuclearleukocytesintheblood,andcharacterizedbyextremelyswollenglands,asorethroat,andexhaustion.Erika’sMONONUCLEOSIScausedhertomissnearlytwomonthsofschool.

narcolepsy(NAR-kuh-lep-see).Thedisorderofsuddenlyandunpredictablyfallingasleep.AfterlearninghesufferedfromNARCOLEPSY,Brianrealizedhowdangerousitwouldbeforhimtodrive,andvoluntarilyreturnedhislicensetotheregistry.

osteoporosis(oss-tee-oh-puh-ROE-sis).Aconditionoffragile,brittlebones,particularlycommoninwomenofadvancedage.ThedoctoradvisedallofhisfemalepatientsoverfiftytomakesuretheytookinplentyofcalciumasaprecautionagainstOSTEOPOROSIS.

psoriasis(suh-RY-uh-suss).Achronicskindiseasecausingtheskintobecomecoveredwithredpatchesandwhitescales.EmmetttreatedhisfirstboutofPSORIASISbyapplyingcopiousamountsofmoisturizer,butitdidnogood.

schizophrenia(skit-suh-FREE-nee-uh).Amentalconditionthatcancausesuffererstohallucinate,tobedisoriented,andtowithdrawfromsociety.ItisacommonmisconceptionthatSCHIZOPHRENIAistheconditionofhavingmultiplepersonalities.

ANTONYMS

eupepsia(yoo-PEP-see-uh).Gooddigestion.JohnenjoyedEUPEPSIAandcouldeatalmostanything,includingveryspicyfoods,withoutgastricdistressorphysicalregret.

euphoria(yoo-FOR-ee-uh).Afeelingofwell-being;anabnormalfeelingofbuoyantvigorandhealth.“Thewriterwholoseshisself-doubt,whogiveswayashegrowsoldtoasuddenEUPHORIA,toprolixity,shouldstopwritingimmediately:thetimehascomeforhimtolayasidehispen.”—SidonieGabrielleColette,Frenchnovelist

103.Imagine

(ih-MAJ-in),verb

Tocreateamentalimageof;formanideaornotion;tothinkorfancy;conceiveinthemind.

ADJECTIVES

apocryphal(uh-POK-rih-fuhl).Ofdubiousauthenticity;havingbeenfabricatedlongafterthefact.ThestoryofShakespeare’shavingsharedamistresswithRichardBurbageisalmostcertainlyAPOCRYPHAL.

factitious(fak-TISH-uss).Contrived;fabricated.Atfirst,wethoughttherumorFACTITIOUS,butthenwelearnedthatcouture-producerHermesdoes,infact,plantodesignandmarketahelicopter.

pensive(PEN-siv).Thoughtful;havingwistfulordreamythoughts.

Mygirlfriendwasreadyforariotousnightonthetown,butIwasfeelingPENSIVE,soweendedupgoingtoacafeandtalkingwellintothenight.

ADVERBS

vicariously(vye-KAIR-ee-uss-lee).Toenjoyimaginedfeelingsandexperienceslargelybyobservingorhearingaboutanotherperson’slifeandadventures.Marriedforovertwenty-fiveyears,RogeroftentoldhissinglefriendsthathelivedVICARIOUSLYthroughthem.

NOUNS

chimera(kih-MEER-uh).Anillusionofthemindoradreamthatcan’tpossiblyberealized.Leon’sideaoftheperfectwomanisaCHIMERAthatkeepshimfromrealizinghisgoaloffindingtruelove.

epiphany(ih-PIF-uh-nee).Asudden,unexpectedinsightthatseemstocomefromnowhereandthrowsgreatilluminationonasubjectpreviouslynotwellunderstood.OnedayMarcushadanEPIPHANYandrealizedthat,tofindtruehappiness,heshouldbecomeaphilanthropist.

phantasmagoria(fan-taz-muh-GORE-ee-uh).Adreamlike,constantlychangingseriesofvisions.Theavant-gardefilmhadnodialogueorplotinthetraditionalsense;itwasessentiallyaPHANTASMAGORIAsettomusic.

VERBS

envisage(en-VIZ-ij).Toenvision,imagine,orcreateamentalpicture.

“Idon’tENVISAGEcollectivism.Thereisnosuchanimal,itisalwaysindividualism.”—GertrudeStein,Americanauthor

fabricate(FAB-rih-kayt).Tocreatesomething;oftenusednegatively,tosuggestthatoneislying,or“creating”falseinformation.MomshookherheadbecauseshecouldtellIwasjustFABRICATINGmyexplanations.

ANTONYMS

discerning(dih-SURN-ing).Showinggoodinsight,judgment,andunderstanding;discriminating.“Children,whoplaylife,DISCERNitstruelawandrelationsmoreclearlythanmen,whofailtoliveitworthily,butwhothinkthattheyarewiserbyexperience,thatis,byfailure.”—HenryDavidThoreau,Americanessayist,poet,andphilosopher

percipient(pur-SIP-ee-int).Keenlyorreadilyperceiving;discriminating.ArthurwasaPERCIPIENTgourmet,sowealwayslethimchoosetherestaurantforacelebratorymeal.

104.Impatient

(im-PAY-shunt),adjective

Feelingorshowingalackofpatience;annoyanceduetodelayoropposition;restless.

ADJECTIVES

brusque(BRUSK).Short;abruptorcurtinmanner.

HerBRUSQUEexteriorputTomoffatfirst,buthelaterdiscussedmanyimportantissueswithAnnindepth.

bumptious(BUMP-shuss).Overbearingorcrudelyassertive;overlypushyorimpertinent.WehaddifficultycrossingtheborderbecauseNangotintoasquabblewithaBUMPTIOUSborderguard.

impetuous(im-PETCH-oo-us).Impulsive;drivenbysuddenforceoremotion.Dirk’simpetuousremarkmaywellcosthimhisjob.

importunate(im-PORE-chuh-nit).Demandingorimpatientinissuingrepeatedrequests.Two-year-olds,thoughlovable,canbeIMPORTUNATE;Wesleyseemedunpreparedforthis.

irascible(ih-RASS-uh-bull).Easilyprovokedorannoyed;pronetolosingone’stemper;quicktoanger.“Ihaveneverknownanyoneworthadamnwhowasn’tIRASCIBLE.”—EzraPound,Americanexpatriatepoet

restive(RESS-tiv).Impatientandstubborn;contrary.AudreywassoworkedupaboutherfirstsummerabroadthatherexcitementcameacrossasRESTIVE.

unceremonious(un-sair-uh-MONE-ee-uss).Rudeorabrupt;tactlesslyhasty;inappropriate.JunemadeanUNCEREMONIOUSexitjustasthechairmanwasbeginninghisremarksontheFentworthproject.

ANTONYMS

abide(uh-BYD).Towithstand,patientlywaitfor,ortolerate.IcouldABIDEmydinnercompanion’sbigotryforonlysolong;byevening’send,Ihadtochallengehim.

philosophic(fil-uh-SOFF-ik).Rational;sensiblycomposed;calm.Harryhatedtowait,butovertimehesawthathisimpatienceharmedonlyhimself,andwhennecessary,wasPHILOSOPHICaboutperiodsofforcedinactivity.

105.Improve

(im-PROOV),verb

Tomakebetter;toraisetoabetterqualityorcondition;increasetheworthof.

ADJECTIVES

didactic(dy-DAK-tik).Designed,made,ortailoredforpurposesofeducation,self-improvement,orethicalbetterment.“Theessentialfunctionofartismoral.Butapassionate,implicitmorality,notDIDACTIC.”—D.H.Lawrence,Britishauthor

NOUNS

meliorism(MEE-lee-uh-riz-um).Aphilosophyofoptimismthatsaystheworldisgraduallyimprovingthroughdivineinterventionorhumaneffort—orboth.ThomasHardy’sphilosophyofMELIORISMshowedinhisbeliefintheultimategoodnessofhumankind.

VERBS

aggrandize(uh-GRAN-dyz).Toexaggerate,putonafalsefront,andmakesomethinglookgreaterandgranderthanitreallyis.PhiltriestoAGGRANDIZEhisreputationbystatingthatheisachartermemberoftheBillO’Reillyfanclub,buteverybodyjustthinksthis“feat”makeshimpathetic.

augment(awg-MENT).Tomakegreaterinsize,amount,strength,etc.ThecontributionscollectedforthelibraryadditionwereAUGMENTEDbyalargeanonymousdonation.

bowdlerize(BODE-ler-ize).Toremoveobscenity,violence,andotherinappropriatecontentfromanovel,play,orstorysoastomakeitappropriateforayoungerreader.HollywoodBOWDLERIZEDhisscript,so,insteadofbeingR-rated,thefilmwasratedPG-13.

elevate(EL-ih-vayt).Toraiseup,makehigher;toraisetoahigherintellectualormorallevel;toraisethespirits;lift.OnlyavisitfromherfavoritenephewcouldELEVATEAnn’sspiritsandcalmherfeelingsofdepressionandloss.

gentrify(JENN-truh-fy).Totakesomethingrundown,suchasaneighborhood,andimproveit.AttemptstoGENTRIFYthehistoricneighborhoodfailedbecauseofcommunityapathy.

ANTONYMS

deteriorate(dih-TEER-ee-uh-rayt).Tomakeorbecomeworse;lowerinqualityorvalue;depreciate.

“Writing,atitsbest,isalonelylife.Organizationsforwriterspalliatethewriter’sloneliness,butIdoubtiftheyimprovehiswriting.HegrowsinpublicstatureasheshedshislonelinessandoftenhisworkDETERIORATES.—ErnestHemingway,Americannovelist

exacerbate(ig-ZASS-er-bayt).Totakeactionthatmakesasituationworseoraggravatesitfurther.TheproblemwiththemissionwasfurtherEXACERBATEDwhentheoutertilesrippedawayfromthespaceshuttle.

106.Indicate

(IN-dih-kayt),verb

Toshow;pointout,ordirectattentionto;togiveasignof;signify.

NOUNS

bellwether(BELL-weh-thur).Aleadingindicatororimportantfactorinpredictingatrendoroutcome.ThefactthatRobertgotthrownoutofGrotonandExeterwasaBELLWETHERforhislackadaisicalyearsatDartmouth.

indicant(IN-di-kuhnt).Somethingthatindicatesorpointsout.ThelossofelectricitywasthefirstINDICANTthatthepresentationwouldnotbesuccessful.

premonition(pree-muh-NISH-un).Afeelingofanticipation;aforewarning.BobhaddailyPREMONITIONSofdisaster,buttheywereallunfounded.

VERBS

augur(AW-gur).Toforetellfutureevents,asthoughbysupernaturalknowledgeorpower;todivine;toindicateafuturetrendorhappening.Thechairman’ssourmoodthismorningdoesnotAUGURwellforthatbudgetproposalwemade.

denote(de-NOTE).Toindicateormakeclear;toserveassignorsymbolforsomethingelse.Herchillsanddiscoloration,Dr.Smithobserved,DENOTEDseverehypothermia.

evince(ee-VINCE).Torevealorindicatethepresenceofaparticularfeelingorcondition.TheblockylinesofVanGogh’spaintingsEVINCEafeelingofdepressionandmadness.

presage(PRESS-ij).Toforetellorindicate.SuchprovocationmayPRESAGEarmedconflictintheregion.

ANTONYMS

ensconce(en-SKONTS).Tohidesomethinginasecureplace.PaulhopedthatoncethestatuewasENSCONCEDonboardship,theywouldhavenotroublewithcustomsofficers.

veil(VAYL).Tocoverorconceal;tohidetheactualnatureofsomething;mask;disguise.“Apoetdaresbejustsoclearandnoclearer....HeunzipstheVEILfrombeauty,butdoesnotremoveit.Apoetutterlyclearisatrifleglaring.”—E.B.White,Americanwriter

107.Ineffable

(in-EF-uh-bull),adjective

Somethingsofantastic,incredible,ordifficulttograspthatitcannotbedescribedinwords.

ADJECTIVES

auspicious(aw-SPISH-us).Agoodbeginninggivingrisetothebeliefthattheventure,journey,oractivitywillendinsuccess.TheblinddatedidnothaveanAUSPICIOUSstartbecauseMaxkeptcallinghisfriend’scousin“Mallory”insteadof“Mary.”

efflorescent(ef-luh-RES-uhnt).Atthefinalstageofdevelopment;atthepeakofperfection.ThomasisconvincedthattheBugatiVeyronFbgrepresentstheEFFLORESCENTautomobile.

empyreal(em-PEER-ee-uhl).Elevatedandsublime;or,ofthesky.Thebeautifulthree-caratsapphireherfiancégavehershonewithanEMPYREAL,almostcelestial,light.

ethereal(eh-THEER-ee-uhl).Lightandairy;possessingaheavenlyorcelestialquality.“ETHEREAL,theirmauve/almostatransparentgray,/theirdarkveinsbruise-blue.”—DeniseLevertov,British-bornAmericanpoet

impalpable(im-PAL-puh-bull).Difficulttounderstandeasily;or,intangible.“ThesoulissoIMPALPABLE,sooftenuseless,andsometimessuchanuisance,thatIfeltnomoreemotiononlosingitthanif,onastroll,Ihadmislaidmyvisitingcard.”—CharlesBaudelaire,Frenchpoet,critic,andtranslator

outré(oo-TRAY).Radicallyunconventional;outsidethelimitsofexpectedconductorbehavior.“Oneoflife’sintriguingparadoxesisthathierarchicalsocialordermakescheaprentsandOUTRÉartists’coloniespossible.”—FlorenceKing,Americanauthor

surreal(suh-REEL).Possessingaqualitythatmakessomethingseemunreal;strange;bizarre;almostotherworldly.“Heseemedtotossthemallintothemixedsaladsofhispoetrywiththesameindifferencetoformandlogic,thesamedomesticatedSURREALISM,thatcharacterizedmuchoftheAmericanavant-gardeoftheperiod.”—FrankO’Hara,Americanpoet

NOUNS

chimera(kih-MEER-uh).Anobject,place,event,orcombinationofthingssostrange,odd,andimprobablethatitlogicallyshouldnotexistintherealworld—andyet,itdoes.“WhataCHIMERAthenishumankind.Whatanovelty!Whatamonster,whatachaos!”—BlaisePascal,Frenchphilosopher

eidolon(eye-DOH-luhn).Aphantomorapparition;or,theimageofanideal.“Byarouteobscureandlonely,/Hauntedbyillangelsonly,/WhereanEIDOLON,namedNight,/Onablackthronereignsupright.”—EdgarAllanPoe,Americanauthorandpoet

metaphysics(met-uh-FIZ-iks).Thestudyofarguments,thoughts,andprinciplesbasedprimarilyonthinkingandabstractreasoningratherthanhardfactsthatcanbedemonstratedthroughphysicalevidence.“DuringmyMETAPHYSICSfinal,Icheatedbylookingintothesoulofthepersonsittingnexttome.”—WoodyAllen,Americanfilmdirector,writer,and

comedian

VERBS

postulate(POSS-chuh-layt).Toarriveatatheory,belief,hypothesis,orprinciplebaseduponananalysisofknownfacts.DarwinPOSTULATEDhistheoryofevolutionbynaturalselectionmanyyearsbeforepublishingTheOriginofSpeciesin1859.

zen(ZEHN).Generallyspeaking,tofigureouttheanswertoadifficultproblemwithaflashofsuddeninsight.Afterdaysofindecisionregardingwhichgalatoattendonaparticularnight,DaniellemanagedtoZENtheanswerandmakeherchoice.

ANTONYMS

orthodox(OR-thuh-dox).Mainstream;conventional;adheringtothestrictestinterpretationofalaworreligion.ORTHODOXmedicinehaslongignoredtheobviouseffectdietandnutritionhaveonhealthandillness.

sacrilegious(sak-reh-LIJ-uss).Openlyinsultingordisrespectfultothebeliefs,religion,ideas,andpracticesofothers—especiallytheonestheyholdmostsacred.Bryson’sinsistencethatMiróismorecollectiblethanWarholispositivelySACRILEGIOUS.

108.Inevitable

(in-EV-uh-tuh-bull),adjective

Unavoidable;suretooccur;certain;necessary.

ADJECTIVES

assured(ah-SHOORD).Certain;guaranteed;withgreatconfidence.“JustasIknowthesunwillrisetomorrow,”mylawyertoldme,“youcanbeASSUREDthatyou’llbeacquitted.”

ineluctable(in-eh-LUCK-tuh-bull).Unavoidable,inevitable,withasenseofbeingunfortunate,sad,oreventragic.OurinabilitytoprocurePratesilinensforourColoradoskilodgecreatedanINELUCTABLEsadnessamongthemembersofourfamily.

inescapable(in-eh-SKAY-puh-bull).Incapableofbeingavoided,ignored,orescaped.“WearecaughtinanINESCAPABLEnetworkofmutuality,tiedinasinglegarmentofdestiny.”—MartinLutherKing,Jr.,Americanministerandcivil-rightsleader

inexorable(in-EK-sur-uh-bull).Unstoppable;relentless;persistent.“IknowenoughtoknowthatmostofthevisiblesignsofagingaretheresultoftheINEXORABLEvictoryofgravityovertissue.”—IsaacAsimov,Russian-bornAmericanauthorandbiochemist

irrevocable(ih-REV-uh-kuh-bull).Nottoberecalledorrevoked;unalterable.“EducationisourgreatestopportunitytogiveanIRREVOCABLEgifttothenextgeneration.”—ErnieFletcher,governorofKentuckyandU.S.representative

obligatory(uh-BLIG-uh-tor-ee).Havingthenatureofanobligation;binding;required;mandatory.BymakingtaxesOBLIGATORY,we’vemadetheminevitable.

VERBS

VERBS

ordain(or-DAYN).Todecree;order;predetermine.JohnfeltthatfatehadORDAINEDthathewouldencounterhisministerattheworstpossibletime.

ANTONYMS

adventitious(add-vin-TISH-us).Arisingoroccurringsporadicallyorinunusuallocations;accidental.EverytimeIplantagarden,ADVENTITIOUSwildflowerspopuptoruinmydesign.

aleatory(A-lee-uh-tore-ee).Unplanned,spontaneous,onthespurofthemomentratherthandeliberatelythoughtoutandcarefullyconsidered;dependentonluck,randomness,orchance.MostsportingeventshaverulesthatattempttoeliminateoratleastdiminishALEATORYfactorssotheskilloftheparticipantsbecomestheprimaryinfluenceontheoutcome.

109.Insane

(in-SANE),adjective

Notsane;mentallyillorderanged;completelysenseless.

ADJECTIVES

frenetic(fruh-NET-ik).Wild;frenzied;excessivelyexcited.Wilbur’sFRENETICbehaviorhasresultedinhospitalizationonmorethanoneoccasion.

ludicrous(LOO-dih-kruss).Absurdtothepointofbeinglaughable;obviouslyimplausibleorimpractical.YourproposalthatIaccepta75percentpaycutisLUDICROUS,Mr.Robinson.

maniacal(muh-NYE-uh-kull).Overlyemphatic;frenzied;havingafanaticaldevotiontoacertainpursuit.Chuck’sobsessionwithbaseballstatisticsborderedontheMANIACAL.

noncomposmentis(nonKAHM-puhsMEN-tiss).Notinone’srightmind.WhenBrycesuggestedhewasconsideringtheministryratherthanjoiningthefamilybondbusiness,wewerecertainhewasNONCOMPOSMENTIS.

pathological(path-uh-LOJ-ih-kuhl).Involvingorcausedbydisease;evidencingorcausedbyanabnormalorextremecondition.Diane’sPATHOLOGICALneedforattentionhascausedher,onmorethanoneoccasion,toplantliesaboutherselfinthesocietypages.

quixotic(kwik-SOT-ik).Absurdlyromantic;impractical;impulsiveandrash;inthemannerofCervantes’scharacterDonQuixote.WealllovedArthurdearlybutcouldnotsupporthiscontinualQUIXOTICqueststosavetheenvironment.

unhinged(uhn-HINJD).Confused;disordered;distraught;unbalanced.RosebecameUNHINGEDatthenewsofthedeathofhercollegeroommate.

NOUNS

dementia(dih-MEN-shuh).Amentalillnesscharacterizedbylossofreason.Owingtothedeceased’sDEMENTIAatthetimethewillwassigned,therewasconsiderablelegalwranglingovertheestate.

imbecility(im-buh-SILL-ih-tee).Foolishness;simplemindedness.

AlthoughhedisdainedtheIMBECILITYofmainstreamtelevision,ArniewasnotaboveanoccasionalviewingofKeepingUpwiththeKardashians.

megalomania(meg-uh-lo-MAY-nee-uh).Apsychopathologicalconditioninwhichapersonisobsessedwithfantasiesofriches,grandeur,orauthority;peoplewhoseambitionsandsenseofself-importanceareoverblown.Somehaveinterpretedthetycoon’spurchaseoftheoldcastleasanuncharacteristicallybadrealestatedeal;IseeitaspureMEGALOMANIA.

quirk(KWIRK).Apeculiarityofone’spersonalityormanner.OneofthemostomnipresentQUIRKSofthenouveauricheisthattheystillaskthepriceofaluxuryitem,ratherthansimplyofferingtopurchaseit.

sociopath(SO-see-uh-path).Apersonwho,becauseofmentalillness,lacksrestraintormoralresponsibilitytowardfellowmembersofsociety.Althoughmotionpicturesandpopularfictionhaveshownanunendingfascinationwithserialkillers,thefactisthatsuchSOCIOPATHSarequiterare.

ANTONYMS

lucid(LOO-sid).Possessedofaclearmentalstate;havingfulluseofone’sfaculties;intelligible.Althoughhelostconsciousnessforafewminutes,GlennwasLUCIDbeforetheambulancearrived.

rational(RASH-uh-nul).Havingtheabilitytoreasonlogicallywithoutemotion.“ManisaRATIONALanimalwhoalwaysloseshistemperwhenheiscalledupontoactinaccordancewiththedictatesofreason.”—OscarWilde,Irishpoet,novelist,anddramatist

110.Insensitive

(in-SEN-sih-tiv),adjective

Lackinginhumansensibility;notcapableofbeingimpressedorinfluenced.

ADJECTIVES

aloof(uh-LOOF).Indifferentoruninterested;unsociable.Chuck’sALOOFattitudeatourdinnerpartymadeuswonderifourusuallytalkativefriendwastryingtotellussomething.

blithe(blythe).Cheerfulormerryindisposition;carefreeorindifferent;unconcernedwithpettycaresorproblems.Roddismissedtheaccountant’sobjectionswithaBLITHEwaveofhishand.

callous(KAL-uss).Unfeeling;insensitive;hardened.Thechauffeurcouldn’tunderstandhowMr.JensencouldbesoCALLOUSastoridebythecrowdofhomelesspeopleeverydaywithouttakingtheleastnoticeofthem.

pachydermatous(pak-uh-DER-mah-tus).Havingathickskin;notsensitivetocriticism,ridicule,etc.Asausedcarsalesman,EdhaddevelopedaPACHYDERMATOUSoutlookonlife.

reflexive(reh-FLEK-siv).Happeningthroughreflexorhabitratherthanconsideredaction.Wedon’tmeantoactimperiouslytowardthenouveauriche;it’sjustaREFLEXIVEandconditionedresponse.

stoic(STOH-ik).Abletoendurepainorsufferingwithoutcomplaining.

“HesoldieredthroughhisdutieswithwhatlookedlikecheerfulSTOICISM.”—ThomasPynchon,Americanauthor

stolid(STALL-id).Unemotionalandimpassive.Thomas’sSTOLIDdemeanorhidestheheartofajet-settingplayboy.

ANTONYMS

impressionable(im-PRESH-uh-nuh-bull).Easilyaffectedbyimpressions;capableofbeinginfluenced;sensitive.Brianwasagoodfriendandquitebright,buthewasasIMPRESSIONABLEastheaveragetwelve-year-oldchild.

susceptible(suh-SEP-tuh-bull).Easilyaffectedemotionally;havingasensitivenatureorfeelings;responsive.“HistoryhasinformedusthatbodiesofmenaswellasindividualsareSUSCEPTIBLEofthespiritoftyranny.”—ThomasJefferson,Americanpresident

111.Insular

(IN-suh-ler),adjective

Self-containedandthereforeisolatedfromtheworldandunaffectedbyoutsideinfluences,usuallytoone’sdetriment.

ADJECTIVES

geopolitical(jee-oh-poh-LIH-tih-kull).Anythinghavingtodowiththepoliticsaffectingtherelationshipsoftwoormorecountries,especiallywheninfluencedbygeographicalfactors.

GEOPOLITICALinstabilityintheMiddleEastisfuelingrisingcrudeoilprices.

hermetic(her-MET-ik).Isolated,orunaffectedbyoutsideinfluences.“Reality,whetherapproachedimaginativelyorempirically,remainsasurface,HERMETIC.”—SamuelBeckett,Irishwriter,dramatist,andpoet

monastic(muh-NAS-tik).Relatingtothepracticeofwithdrawingfromsocietytoliveaquiet,contemplativelife,oftendedicatedtoreligiousfaith.SaintPachomiusfoundedthefirstorganizedChristianMONASTICcommunity.

NOUNS

cabotage(KAB-uh-tazh).Therightofacountrytocontrolallairtrafficflyinginitsskies.After9/11,CABOTAGEbecameamajorconcernofNewYorkCityanditsmayor.

isolationism(eye-suh-LAY-shin-iz-um).Aforeignpolicyinwhichacountrydeliberatelykeepsitsrelationshipsandinteractionswithothernationstoabareminimum,effectivelyisolatingitselffromworldaffairs.Intheearlytwentiethcentury,AmericanISOLATIONISMstoppedtheU.S.fromjoiningtheLeagueofNations.

jingoism(JIN-go-iz-um).Extremenationalism,backedupbytheexplicitorimpliedthreatofmilitaryforce;morebroadly,extremeenthusiasmandsupportforanideaorpositionwithoutbeingopentocontraryargumentsornotions.WecannotcountenanceJINGOISM,especiallysinceithassuchanegativeimpactonoverseasmarkets.

separatists(SEP-rah-tists).Thosewhobelieveaparticularregionorgroupshouldbeseparatedfromalargerwhole.

SomeCanadianSEPARATISTSwantQuébectobeaseparatenationfromtherestofCanada.

solipsism(SOLL-ip-sihz-um).Thenotionthatone’sownexperiencesandthoughtsaretheonlysourceoftrueknowledge.TheSOLIPSISMofsomemembersoftheleisureclassisdistastefultothoseofuswho,forexample,knowwhatourservantsneedevenbetterthantheydo.

ANTONYMS

acculturation(ah-kul-chuh-RAY-shin).Theprocessofadaptingtoadifferentculture.Justbecausesushimakesmequeasy,thatdoesn’tmeanI’mopposedtoACCULTURATION.

disseminate(diss-SEM-in-ayt).Todistributesomethingsoastomakeitavailabletoalargepopulationorarea.TheInternetisrapidlyreplacingnewspapersastheprimarymediumfortheDISSEMINATIONofnews.

éclat(a-KLAW).Greatpublicacclaim;or,greatpublicnotoriety.AlthoughtheyaretheheightofParisfashion,Martina’sfive-inchheelsearnedhermuchÉCLATinthesocietypages.

globalization(glow-bull-ih-ZAY-shun).Themovementtowardatrueworldeconomywithopenandfreetradingacrossnationalborders.“ProponentsofGLOBALIZATIONinsistthat,astradeandinvestmentmoveacrossborders,economicefficienciesraisethestandardsoflivingonbothsidesoftheexchange.”—ArthurGoldwag,Americanauthor

populism(POP-yuh-liz-um).Apoliticalmovementorpolicythatappealstothemasses—theaverageworkingmanorwoman—nottheupperclass.

“Beingnakedapproachesbeingrevolutionary;goingbarefootismerePOPULISM.”—JohnUpdike,Americannovelistandliterarycritic

urbane(ur-BANE).Suave,sophisticated,refined,cosmopolitan,andwellversedinthewaysofhighsociety.Eveninhisknock-aroundtenniswhites,BrettalwaysmanagestoappearURBANE.

112.Insult

(in-SULT),verb

Toattackthefeelingsofanother;totreatwithscornandindignity.

ADJECTIVES

derogatory(dih-ROG-uh-tor-ee).Tendingtolessenorimpairsomeoneorsomething;disparagingandnegative.Butch’sDEROGATORYremarksaboutmygirlfriendweremeanttogoadmeintoafight,butIwasdeterminedtokeepmycool.

insolent(IN-suh-luhnt).Rudeandarrogant;insultingandcontemptuous.HerINSOLENTretortstoJoan’swell-intentionedqueriesstunnedthedinnerparty.

pejorative(pih-JOR-uh-tiv).Insulting;meantasaput-downortobelittle.“Wordsmith”isacorporatetermusedtodenotesomeonewhoisagoodwriter,butprofessionalwritersseeitasPEJORATIVE.

NOUNS

defamation(def-uh-MAY-shun).False,baselessattackonaperson’sorgroup’sreputation.Afterthelastofthemagazine’sarticlesonher,VirginiadecidedshehadputupwithenoughDEFAMATIONanddecidedtosue.

umbrage(UM-brij).Totakeexceptiontoandbeoffendedbyacommentoractionseenasaslightorinsult.“ItakeUMBRAGEwithpeoplewhopostcommentsonmyblogthatarepatentlyfalse,”Bobsaid.

VERBS

denigrate(DEN-ih-grayt).Insult;putdown;demean;belittle.“Everythingweshutoureyesto,everythingwerunawayfrom,everythingwedeny,DENIGRATEordespise,servestodefeatusintheend.”—HenryMiller,Americanauthorandpainter

malign(muh-LINE).Todefame;tobesmirch(thereputationof).Themuch-MALIGNEDteamowner’sdecisiontotradehisstarquarterbackturnedouttobeoneofthebestmovesheevermade.

traduce(truh-DOOCE).Tospeakmaliciouslyof;slander.WehavesnubbedKatrinapermanentlybecauseshehas,atonetimeoranother,TRADUCEDeachoneofusinthesocietypages.

vilify(VILL-ih-fy).Todefame;toslander.Myopponent’sceaselessattemptstoVILIFYmeduringthiscampaignreachedanewlowwhensheaccusedmeofbeinganeo-Nazi.

ANTONYMS

felicitate(fih-LISS-ih-tayt).Tocompliment;tocongratulate;wishhappinessto.

“Remindme,”saidRobin’smother,“toFELICITATEyoursisteronhavingreceivedan‘A’inbiology.”

plaudit(PLAW-dit).Anexpressionofgratitudeorpraise;applause.“NotintheshoutsandPLAUDITSofthethrong,butinourselves,aretriumphanddefeat.”—HenryWadsworthLongfellow,Americanpoet

113.Introduce

(in-truh-DOOCE),verb

Toputintoplace;insert.

VERBS

infuse(in-FYOOZ).Tointroduce;causetopenetrate;instill.ThedynamiccommissionerINFUSEDanewsenseofprideintothebeleaguereddepartment.

insinuate(in-SIN-yu-ayt).Tointroduceslowly,indirectly,butskillfully.Ihadgreatconfidencethatwewereheadedintherightdirectionuntiltheguide’scommentsINSINUATEDdoubtsinmymind.

intercalate(in-TUR-kuh-layt).Tointerposebetweenoramongexistingelements;toinsertoneormoredaysintothecalendar.Thebook’sdesignwasimprovedbyINTERCALATINGquotationsandaphorismsbetweensectionsofstraighttext.

interject(in-ter-JEKT).Toinsertinbetween;interpose.MymotheralwaystriedtoINTERJECTherselfwhenmybrotherandIwerefighting.

interpolate(in-TER-puh-layt).Tointroducesomething—oftensomethingunnecessaryorincorrect—betweenotherthingsorparts.DextercouldnothelpbutcontinuouslyINTERPOLATEcriticalremarksintothedescriptionsofthelatestParisiandesigns.

interpose(in-ter-POZE).Toaggressivelyinsertunsolicitedopinion,assistance,orpresenceintoasituation.“IhopeIamnotINTERPOSING,”Eileensaidasshewalkedinonourmeeting—whichofcourse,shewas.

intersperse(in-ter-SPURSE).Toscatterhereandthere;todistributeorplaceatintervals.INTERSPERSEDthroughoutthestudioaudiencewere“clappers”whosesolepurposewastomotivatetherestofthecrowdintolaughingandapplaudingfortheshow.

intromit(in-truh-MIT).Toadmit;tocausetoenter;putin.“InevertireofINTROMITTINGahardboiledeggintoamilkbottle,shellandall.”—RaymondSokolov

obtrude(ub-TROOD).Toimposeoneselforone’sideasonothers.PaulsawnoproblemOBTRUDINGhisopinionsoncompletestrangers.

ANTONYMS

rescind(re-SIND).Takeaway,revoke,cancel,withdraw,remove.ThetownRESCINDEDalltheirrestrictionsonwateruseafterwereceivedtwoweeksofheavyrain.

revoke(rih-VOKE).Totakebackorwithdraw;reverse;rescind.“Knowledgeisthatpossessionthatnomisfortunecandestroy,noauthoritycanrevoke,andnoenemycancontrol.Thismakesknowledgethegreatestofall

freedoms.”—BryantH.McGill,Americaneditorandauthor

114.Isolated

(EYE-suh-lay-ted),adjective

Separatedfromotherpersons.

ADJECTIVES

cloistered(KLOI-sturd).Secluded;isolated;removedorhidden.Shockedbythenewsoftheshootingonourstreet,weremainedCLOISTEREDinourhousefordaysafterward.

hermetic(her-MET-ik).Isolated,orunaffectedbyoutsideinfluences.“Reality,whetherapproachedimaginativelyorempirically,remainsasurface,HERMETIC.”—SamuelBeckett,Irishwriter,dramatist,andpoet

insular(IN-suh-ler).Self-containedandthereforeisolatedfromtheworldandunaffectedbyoutsideinfluences,usuallytoone’sdetriment.ThePricewatersmovedfromthefamily’straditionalhometoamoreINSULARcompoundfartherupthecoast.

taciturn(TASS-ih-turn).Reserved;uncommunicative;apersonoffewwords.“Natureisgarruloustothepointofconfusion,lettheartistbetrulyTACITURN.”—PaulKlee,German-bornSwisspainter

NOUNS

segregation(seg-ruh-GAY-shun).Theseparationofpeoplebyclass,race,orethnicity,eitherenforcedorvoluntarily,geographicallyorbytherestrictionofaccesstofacilitiesorservices.

Asthejudgeseemeddoomedtohavetopointoutfortherestofhislife,hisorderaffectedonlythoseschooldistrictswhoseofficialsdeliberatelypracticedSEGREGATIONinviolationoflaw—notSEGREGATIONthatwaspurelytheresultofexistingdemographicpatterns.

solitude(SAWL-ih-tood).Thestateofseclusion.AlthoughPetermaintainedthathethoughtbetterinSOLITUDE,weconsideredhimantisocial.

VERBS

quarantine(KWOR-un-teen).Tosetapart;toisolatefromothersinordertopreventthespreadofdisease.AnelementaryknowledgeofpublichealthprocedureswouldhaveledyoutoQUARANTINEthisareaimmediately,Dr.Miller.

ANTONYMS

commingle(kuh-MING-guhl).Tomixtogether;combine.“AllhumanbeingsareCOMMINGLEDoutofgoodandevil.”—RobertLouisStevenson,Scottishessayist,poet,andauthor

integrate(IN-tih-grayt).Tobringtogetherorcombinepartsintoawhole;touniteorcombine.“Ifwemakeroomforeverybody,therewillbemoreroomforeverybody.AnINTEGRATEDAmerica,whereeachandeveryAmericanistreatedwiththesamedignityandrespect,isabetterAmericaforeveryone.”—GeneralWesleyClark,Americangeneral

J

115.Jaunt

(JAWNT),noun

Ashortjourneytakenforpleasure.

ADJECTIVES

gamesome(GAYM-suhm).Playfulandfrolicsome.“[Nature]isGAMESOMEandgood,/Butofmutablemood,—/Nodrearyrepeaternowandagain,/Shewillbeallthingstoallmen.”—RalphWaldoEmerson,Americanpoet,essayist,andtranscendentalist

peripatetic(per-ih-pa-TET-ik).Wanderingfromcareertocareer,jobtojob,companytocompany,orplacetoplace,seeminglywithoutacleargoalordefinitenessofpurpose.Whilewaitingtoreceivehistrustfundatagethirty,GileslivedaPERIPATETIClifestyle.

wayfaring(WAY-fair-ing).Travelingonfoot.WespentmanyWAYFARINGweekendsduringourmonth-longjauntinFrancelastyear.

NOUNS

disport(dih-SPORT).Adiversionoramusement.FeliciahasturnedtheactofarguingwiththeproprietorsofherfavoriteboutiquesintoaDISPORT.

pied-à-terre(pyay-duh-TARE).Asecondhomeorapartment,usuallysmall,usedasaplacetostayforshorttripstothelocationinlieuofrentingahotelroom.WewereamazedthatAlisonandherfamilycouldsurviveinaPIED-À-TERREcontainingjust2,500squarefeet.

wanderlust(WAWN-der-lust).Astrongandinnatedesiretotravelfarfromhome.“InourWANDERLUST,weareloverslookingforconsummation.”—AnatoleBroyard,literarycriticfortheNewYorkTimes

VERBS

gallivant(GAL-ih-vant).Towanderwidely;toconstantlytraveltomanydifferentplaces,withoutanitineraryorplan;tofreelygowhereverandwheneverthemoodstrikesyou,anddoingsofrequently.SomeaccuseusofGALLIVANTINGaroundtheworld,butculturalknowledgeisderigueurforcocktailconversation.

gambol(GAM-bull).Torun,skip,orjumpaboutinaplayfulorjoyousfashion.“WeallhavetheseplaceswhereshyhumiliationsGAMBOLonsunnyafternoons.”—W.H.Auden,Anglo-Americanpoet

meander(me-AN-duhr).Towanderaimlessly.WefiredthatparticularservantbecauseheMEANDEREDfartooslowlyfromtasktotask.

wend(WEND).Togo;toproceed.“AstheyWENDaway/Avoiceisheardsinging/OfKitty,orKaty,/Asifthenamemeantonce/Alllove,allbeauty.”—PhilipLarkin,Britishpoet,novelist,andjazzcritic

ANTONYMS

ANTONYMS

laggard(LAG-urd).Apersonwholoiters;onewhoissluggishandreactsslowly.“Reviewers…mustnormallyfunctionashuff-and-puffartistsblowingLAGGARDtheatergoersstageward.”—WalterKerr,Americantheatercritic

116.Jinn

(JIN),noun

AmythicalcreaturecreatedfromfirelongbeforemaninhabitedtheEarth.

ADJECTIVES

arcane(ar-KAYN).Strangeandmysterious;understoodbyonlyafew.Bill’sARCANEknowledgeofallLexusmodelsandtheiraccessoriesisjustawasteofgraymatter.

Brobdingnagian(brahb-ding-NAG-ian).Ofenormoussize;huge.AndretheGiantwasamanofBROBDINGNAGIANproportions,standingseven-foot-five-inchesandweighingoverfivehundredpounds.

resplendent(reh-SPLEN-dent).Garbedordecoratedinlushfabricsandrich,vibrantcolors.ThebridewasRESPLENDENTinabeadedsilkgown.

transcendent(tran-SEN-dent).Goingbeyondnormaleverydayexperience;existingbeyondtheknownphysicaluniverseanditslimitations.“Genius…meanstheTRANSCENDENTcapacityoftakingtrouble.”—ThomasCarlyle,Scottishsatiristandhistorian

NOUNS

NOUNS

allegory(AL-eh-gor-ee).Astorytoldtocommunicateahiddenmeaningordeepertheme.ManyoftheGrimmBrothers’fairytalesareclearALLEGORIESoftheconsequencesofchildren’srottenbehavior.

juggernaut(JUG-er-nawt).Alarge,overpowering,destructiveforce.OncehebeginsarguingaboutthesuperiorityofMaseratis,JeffersonbecomesaJUGGERNAUT,capableofdeflatinganyoneelse’sarguments.

legerdemain(le-juhr-duh-MAYN).Magictricks;or,generallyspeaking,trickeryanddeception.TheWilkinsonsareoneofthefewofourfamilieswhoseinitialwealthdidnotcomeasaresultoffinancialLEGERDEMAIN.

leviathan(le-VY-uh-thun).Agiganticcreature,structure,orthing,awe-inspiringinitssheersize.“WilsonlookedoutthroughthewindowattheLEVIATHANglitteroftheterminal.”—RichardMatheson,Americansciencefictionwriter

ANTONYMS

Lilliputian(lil-uh-PEW-shen).Smallinstature;tinyincomparisontoone’speers.JulesVern’sLILLIPUTIANappearancemadepeopletreathimlikeachild.

minimalism(MIN-ih-mull-iz-um).Aschoolofartinwhich“lessismore”—cleanandunclutteredpaintings;sculpturewithsimplelines;fictionwritteninaleanandsparestyle;andmusicwithuncomplicatedscoresandminimalinstruments.

JohnCage’sMINIMALISTcomposition433consistsoffourandahalfminutesofsilence.

117.Judgment

(JUHJ-muhnt),noun

Aformedopinion;adecisionmadebyobjectivedeliberation;thecapacitytojudge.

ADJECTIVES

sagacious(suh-GAY-shuss).Perceptive;showingsoundjudgment.Brianistheperfectcandidateforchairmanoftheboard;experienced,patient,andSAGACIOUSenoughtohelpuscounterthethreatfromourcompetitor.

NOUNS

acumen(uh-CUE-men).Keennessofjudgment;theabilitytomakequick,accuratedecisionsandevaluations;characterizedbyrapiddiscernmentandinsight.Afteronlytwoyearsasarestaurantowner,ClydedevelopedaremarkablebusinessACUMEN;ina“badlocation,”heattractedmanycustomers.

inference(IN-fer-ence).Theprocessofreachingalogicalconclusionbyexaminingandanalyzingtheevidence.WatsonsolvedcasesthroughINFERENCE,whileSherlockHolmeswasseeminglygiftedwithflashesofbrilliantinsight.

noesis(no-EE-sis).Thefunctioningoftheintellect;theexerciseofreason.

ResearchersinthefieldofartificialintelligencededicatemuchoftheirtimetothestudyofhumanNOESIS.

osmosis(oz-MOW-siss).Asubtleandeffortlessassimilationofideasorinfluences.JusthangingoutwithBob,whowasanAstudent,seemedtohelpVincentimprovehisgrades,asifhewerelearningwhatBobknewthroughOSMOSIS.

rumination(roo-muh-NAY-shun).Theactofthinkingaboutsomethingingreatdetail,weighingtheprosandconsoverandoverinyourmind.Forbusypeopleunderstress,RUMINATIONaftergoingtobedisafrequentcontributortoinsomnia.

VERBS

glean(GLEEN).Todiscoverorlearnslowlyanddeliberately.JacobGLEANEDfromthedropinFerrarisalesthataloomingrecessionevenhadsomeofhissocialcontactsfeelingnervous.

ANTONYMS

impolitic(im-PAWL-uh-tik).Notprudent;injudicious;unwise.Afterafewdrinks,UncleRolandhasanunfortunatehabitofmakingIMPOLITICremarksaboutmyfather’sfailedbusinessventures.

indiscreet(in-dih-SKREET).Lackinggoodjudgmentandprudence;apttotalkaboutthingsthatotherswouldlikeleftprivate.Don’tgetalcoholnearMelanie.ItmakeshergofromprudenttoINDISCREETinlessthansixtyseconds!

indiscriminate(in-dih-SKRIM-uh-net).Lackingclearjudgmentandcarefuldistinction;haphazard;random.

TheINDISCRIMINATEshelvingofbooksmadeitalmostimpossibletodoanysuccessfulbrowsinginthebookshop.

myopic(my-OP-ik).Narrow-mindednessorshort-sightednessinone’sviews;lackofdiscernment.YourMYOPICviewswillwinyoufewvotesduringtheelection,Senator.

promiscuous(prom-ih-SKYOO-uhs).Notrestrictedbytype;indiscriminate;casual;irregular.ThecomparativelytolerantattitudetowardthePROMISCUOUSbehaviorofthelate1970sandearly1980schangeddramaticallywiththeonsetoftheAIDScrisis.Seealso:Learn,Think,Understanding

K

118.Kill

(KIL),verb

Tocausethedeathof;depriveoflife;putanendto.

NOUNS

fratricide(FRAT-rih-syd).Theactofkillingabrother;themurderofamalesibling.ItisonlywhenHamletistoldoftheking’sFRATRICIDEthatatragicchainofeventsisinitiated.

genocide(JENN-uh-syd).Thedeliberate,systematicdestructionofaculture,people,ornation.TheHolocausthasbeenthemostdramaticexampleofagovernmentattemptingtocommitGENOCIDEagainstanentirepeople—inthiscase,theJews.

herbicide(URB-ih-syd).Achemicalthatkillsplants,especiallythatwhicheradicatesweeds.AlthoughoriginallydescribedasacomparativelyharmlessHERBICIDE,AgentOrangewas(asthousandsofsoldierslearnedmuchlater)anythingbut.

sororicide(suh-RAWR-uh-syd).Theactofkillingone’sownsister.Oncepasttheirteenageyears,mostsistersgetovertheurgetocommitSORORICIDE.

uxoricide(uk-SOR-ih-syd).Thecrimeofmurderingone’swife.

Eventually,thedefendantwasacquittedofUXORICIDE;hiswife’sdeathwasruledasuicide.

vaticide(VAT-uh-syd).Theactofmurderingaprophet.Tomtookthereviewer’snegativearticleonhisreligiouspoetryasanacttantamounttoVATICIDE.

VERBS

decapitate(dee-KAP-ih-tayt).Toremovetheheadof.Althoughtheguillotinewasinitiallyproposedasahumanemethodofexecution,theideaofusingamachinetoDECAPITATEcriminalsnowstrikesmostpeopleasbarbaric.

defenestrate(de-FEN-uh-strayt).Tothrowsomethingorsomeonethroughorfromawindow.SuccessfulcompletionoftheplantoDEFENESTRATEthedictatordependedupontiming,luck,andcourage.

fumigate(FYOO-mih-gayt).Toreleasefumesinordertogetridofinsectsorotherpests.WehadtheplaceFUMIGATED,usedsoundwaves,andsetdozensoftraps,butourhousecontinuedtobeplaguedbycockroaches.

immolate(IM-uh-layt).Tokillasifasasacrifice,especiallybyfire.Themonk’sdramaticactofself-IMMOLATIONmadeheadlinesaroundtheworld.

lapidate(LAP-ih-dayt).Tostonetodeath.Becauseofworldwideoutrageanddiplomaticpressure,thedecisiontoLAPIDATEapersonforinfidelitywasrescinded.

martyr(MAR-ter).Toputtodeathforadheringtoabelieforparticularfaith.ManyreligionshavehistoricallyseenfittoMARTYRdisbelievers.

ANTONYMS

contrive(kuhn-TRYV).Toinvent;design;fabricate;tobringabout.“ThereisnothingwhichhasyetbeenCONTRIVEDbyman,bywhichsomuchhappinessisproducedasbyagoodtavern.”—SamuelJohnson,Englishpoet,criticandwriter

spawn(SPAWN).Tobringforthorbethesourceof;togivebirthto;togiveriseto.ThenationalgamesservedtoSPAWNathletesforfutureOlympiccompetitions.

119.Kind

(KYND),adjective

Possessingsympatheticorgenerousqualities;ofabenevolentnature.

ADJECTIVES

avuncular(A-VUNG-kyew-ler).Tolerant;genial;likeanuncle.Myron’sAVUNCULARpersonalitymakeswomenthinkofhimasafriend,notasalover.

beneficent(beh-NEF-ih-sent).Magnanimousinaction,purpose,orspeech.InaBENEFICENTgesture,theneighborhoodraised$10,000tohelppayfortheyoungboy’sleukemiatreatments.

benevolent(beh-NEV-uh-lent).Characterizedbyfeelingsofcharityandgoodwill.

Asspringapproachesandtheweatherwarms,itseemsthatBENEVOLENTattitudesareingreatersupply.

benign(beh-NYN).Softhearted;gentle;mild;notharmful.WethoughtAmandaBENIGNuntilshebegantoinflateherfamilypedigree.

magnanimous(mag-NAN-ih-muss).Forgiving;unselfish;noble.“InaseriousstrugglethereisnoworsecrueltythantobeMAGNANIMOUSataninopportunetime.”—LeonTrotsky,BolshevikrevolutionaryandMarxisttheorist

NOUNS

bonhomie(bon-uh-MEE).Agood-natured,genialmanner.Eventhoughhehasnofamilypedigree,WalkerisacceptedintoourgroupbecauseofhiscontagiousBONHOMIE.

chivalry(SHIV-ul-ree).Brave,kind,courteous,orgentlemanlybehavior.“WehearmuchofCHIVALRYofmentowardswomen;but…itvanisheslikedewbeforethesummersunwhenoneofuscomesintocompetitionwiththemanlysex.”—MarthaCoston,Americanauthor

ANTONYMS

malevolent(muh-LEV-uh-luhnt).Wishingharmoreviltoothers;havingillwill;malicious.“Writerstakewordsseriously...andtheystruggletosteertheirownthroughthecrosswindsofmeddlingeditorsandcarelesstypesettersandobtuseandMALEVOLENTreviewersintothelapoftheidealreader.”—JohnUpdike,Americanwriter

malignant(muh-LIG-nuhnt).Havinganevilinfluence;wishingevil;veryharmful.“Doubtlesscriticismwasoriginallybenignant,pointingoutthebeautiesofaworkratherthatitsdefects.ThepassionsofmenhavemadeitMALIGNANT.”—HenryWadsworthLongfellow,Americanpoet

120.Kismet

(KIZ-met),noun

Fateordestiny.

ADJECTIVES

ineffable(in-EFF-uh-bull).Somethingsofantastic,incredible,ordifficulttograspitcannotbedescribedinwords.PoetEzraPoundwroteof“theinfiniteandINEFFABLEqualityoftheBritishempire.”

NOUNS

afflatus(uh-FLAY-tuss).Inspirationthatseemstocomefromdivineorigin.TheNobelPrize–winningnovelistattributedherabilitiestoAFFLATUS,ratherthantoherownabilities.

humanism(HEW-man-iz-um).Thephilosophyorbeliefthatthehighestidealsofhumanexistencecanbefulfilledwithoutregardtoreligionorsupernaturalintervention.“ThefourcharacteristicsofHUMANISMarecuriosity,afreemind,beliefingoodtaste,andbeliefinthehumanrace.”—E.M.Forster,Englishnovelist

manifestdestiny(MAN-ih-festDESS-tin-ee).Expansionintoforeignlands,justifiedasbeingnecessaryorbenevolent.“It’snotgreedandambitionthatmakeswars—it’sgoodness.Warsarealwaysfoughtforthebestofreasons,forliberationorMANIFESTDESTINY,alwaysagainsttyrannyandalwaysinthebestinterestsofhumanity.”—JamesGarnerinTheAmericanizationofEmily

ANTONYMS

iconoclast(eye-KAHN-uh-klasst).Anindividualwhoiscontrarianinthought,rebelliousinspirit,andoppositional,andwhoapplieshimselftobattlingestablishedinstitutions,existinggovernments,religiousdoctrine,andpopularnotionsandbeliefs.ThelateGeorgeCarlinsawtheroleofthecomicinsocietyasoneofICONOCLAST.

121.Kowtow

(kao-TAO),verb

Togiveintosomeone’severywish;togrovelandbehaveinasubservientmanner.

ADJECTIVES

complaisant(kuhm-PLAY-zuhnt).Agreeableandeagertoplease.EleanorisfartooCOMPLAISANTwithcommonstrangers.

conciliatory(kon-SILL-ee-ah-tore-ee).Actionsorwordsmeanttosettleadisputeorresolveaconflictinamannerthatleavesnohardfeelingsoneitherside.

“Ifyouarenotveryclever,youshouldbeCONCILIATORY.”—BenjaminDisraeli,Britishstatesmanandliteraryfigure

malleable(MAL-yuh-bull).Easilymoldedintodifferentshapes;easilyinfluencedtochangeone’sopinionoractions.“Ididnotknowthatmankindwassufferingforwantofgold.Ihaveseenalittleofit.IknowthatitisveryMALLEABLE,butnotsoMALLEABLEaswit.”—HenryDavidThoreau,Americanauthorandtranscendentalist

NOUNS

appeasement(uh-PEEZ-meant).Theactofmakingothershappybyagreeingtotheirdemands.CharlenerealizedtoolatethatherpolicyofAPPEASEMENTmightpleaseWarren,butitwouldnotcausehimtotreatherwithmorerespect.

capitulation(kuh-pitch-uh-LAY-shun).Theactofsurrenderingorgivingup.RossofferedJamesnoCAPITULATIONduringtheconfrontationallacrossegame.

homage(HOM-ij).Respectpaidanddeferenceshowntoasuperiororotherpersononeadmires,fears,orwishestoemulateorpraise.GarytookblackandwhitephotoswithanondigitalcamerainHOMAGEtoAnselAdams,whoseworkshegreatlyadmired.

zealot(ZEL-it).Arabidfollower;atruebeliever;afanaticaladvocate.“WhatanobleaimisthatoftheZEALOTwhotortureshimselflikeamadmaninordertodesirenothing,lovenothing,feelnothing,andwho,ifhesucceeded,wouldendupacompletemonster!”—DenisDiderot,Frenchphilosopher

VERBS

abjure(ab-JOOR).Torenounceorturnyourbackonabelieforpositionyouonceheldnearanddear.OnceJoditastedmymouth-watering,medium-rarefiletmignon,sheABJUREDthevegetarianlifestyleforever.

assuage(uh-SWAYJ).Toputsomeoneatease;tocomfortorsoothe;toerasedoubtsandfears.“Buthistorymustnotyettellthetragediesenactedhere;lettimeinterveneinsomemeasuretoASSUAGEandlendanazuretinttothem.”—HenryDavidThoreau,Americanauthorandtranscendentalist

propitiate(pro-PISH-ee-ayt).Towinover;togaintheapprovalandadmirationof.“Thelifethatwentonin[manyofthestreet’shouses]seemedtomemadeupofevasionsandnegations;shiftstosavecooking,tosavewashingandcleaning,devicestoPROPITIATEthetongueofgossip.”—WillaCather,Americanauthor

ANTONYMS

anathema(uh-NATH-eh-muh).Apersonorthingregardedaswronginthehighestdegree;aloathsome,detestableentity.ReligiousserviceswereanANATHEMAtoRuss,whatwithhimbeingadedicatedatheistandall.

intransigent(in-TRAN-zih-jent).Stubborn;refusingtoconsideropinionsotherthanone’sown.“LamontstaredforamomentinfrustrationbutBurt’sexpressionwasaclearlyINTRANSIGENTonenow.”—IsaacAsimov,Russian-bornAmericanauthorandbiochemist

L

122.Laconic

(luh-KAWN-ik),adjective

Offewwords;expressingoneselfwithaneconomyofwords.

ADJECTIVES

austere(aw-STEER).Stern;grimandlackinghumororwarmth;cleanandunornamented;severeorstrictinmanner.InthemovieDeadPoetsSociety,RobinWilliamsclasheswithanAUSTEREheadmasterataprivateboys’school.

farouche(fah-ROOSH).Tobecomesullen,shy,orwithdrawninthepresenceofcompany.HisFAROUCHEdemeanorgavepeopletheimpressionthathedidn’tlikethem,wheninfact,hewasmerelyanintrovert.

opaque(oh-PAYK).Hardtounderstand;obscure.“ThebottomofbeingisleftlogicallyOPAQUEtous,assomethingwhichwesimplycomeuponandfind,andaboutwhich(ifwewishtoact)weshouldpauseandwonderaslittleaspossible.”—WilliamJames,Americanpsychologistandphilosopher

quiescent(kwee-ESS-ehnt).Beingatrest,inactive,ormotionless.“Thereisabrieftimeforsex,andalongtimewhensexisoutofplace.ButwhenitisoutofplaceasanactivitytherestillshouldbethelargeandquietspaceintheconsciousnesswhereitlivesQUIESCENT.”—D.H.Lawrence,Britishauthor

taciturn(TASS-ih-turn).Reserved;uncommunicative;apersonoffewwords.“Natureisgarruloustothepointofconfusion,lettheartistbetrulyTACITURN.”—PaulKlee,German-bornSwisspainter

ANTONYMS

badinage(bah-dih-NAHZH).Light,good-natured,evenplayfulbanter.“Ifyoudon’tcareforme,youcanmoveoutnow.I’mfranklynotuptoBADINAGE.”—HarlanEllison,Americanauthor

garrulity(gah-ROO-lih-tee).Thehabitoftalkingwaytoomuch.“TheinterviewisanintimateconversationbetweenjournalistandpoliticianwhereinthejournalistseekstotakeadvantageoftheGARRULITYofthepoliticianandthepoliticianofthecredulityofthejournalist”—EmoryKlein,Americanjournalist

natter(NATT-er).Totalkceaselessly;babble.ThewayEmilyNATTERSendlesslyaboutherfamily’snewyachtisrevoltingtothoseofuswhohaveownedseveralyachtsovertheyears.

palaver(pa-LAH-ver).Arambling,meanderingstream-of-consciousnessconversationspokentoproveormakeapoint.Don’taskEileenaboutcollectingart.Theresultwillbetwentyminutesofmind-numbingPALAVER.

prattle(PRAT-l).Tobabble;totalknonstopwithoutregardastowhetherwhatyouaresayingmakessenseorisofanyinteresttothelistener.“Infancyconformstonobody:allconformtoit,sothatonebabecommonlymakesfourorfiveoutoftheadultswhoPRATTLEandplaytoit.”—RalphWaldoEmerson,Americanpoet,essayist,andtranscendentalist

123.Language

(LANG-gwij),noun

Acollectionofwordsandtherulesandmethodsfortheirusecommontoapeoplelivinginacommunity,geographicalarea,ornation;themeansofcommunicatingthroughsoundsandsymbols;speech.

ADJECTIVES

colloquial(kuh-LOW-kwee-ul).Informal,conversational,everydaylanguage.“COLLOQUIALpoetryistotherealartasthebarber’swaxdummyistosculpture.”—EzraPound,Americanexpatriatepoet

demotic(dih-MAH-tik).Relatingtosimplified,commonlanguage.EileenalwaysavoidsDEMOTICspeechbecauseshedoesnotwanttobemistakenforsomeonefromthemiddleclass.

proverbial(pruh-VER-bee-ul).Callingtomind(afamiliar)proverb;showinganimmediateparallelwithawell-knownsaying,story,ormaxim.StanconsideredhisyoungerbrotheraboutasusefulasthePROVERBIALfifthwheel.

sesquipedalian(ses-kwi-pih-DAL-yin).Preferringorhavinglong,complexwordswithmanysyllables.“RecentlyastrangewhimsyhasstartedtocreepinamongtheSESQUIPEDALIANproseofscientificjournals.”—StephenHall,Americanarchitect

stilted(STILL-tihd).Stiffandformal;rigidandunspontaneousinnature.TheletterwascomposedinsuchSTILTED,elaboratelycorrectlanguagethatSergeantRyansurmiseditwaswrittenbysomeonewhosenativelanguagewasnotEnglish.

NOUNS

aphasia(uh-FAY-zhuh).Theinability,broughtonbybraindamage,tounderstandwordsand/orideas.Afterhiscaraccident,MarcusretainedallofhisphysicalfacultiesbutsufferedminorAPHASIAthatmadeitdifficultforhimtospeakcoherently.

argot(ar-GO).Specialwordsandidiomsusedbyparticulargroupsorprofessions.Withtheadventoftextmessaging,ithasbecomeevenmoredifficulttofollowtheARGOTofteenagers.

circumlocution(sir-kum-low-KEW-shun).Languagethatispompous,overlyformal,wordy,andredundant.Grant’sCIRCUMLOCUTIONwasanattempttosuggestthatheattendedaprepschool,butallofusknowheisaproductofpubliceducation.

etymology(et-ih-MOLL-uh-gee).Thestudyofthedevelopmentandhistoryofwords;thederivationofaword.ItookalittleGreekinschool,soIthinkIcanmakeaneducatedguessatthisword’sETYMOLOGY.

euphemism(YU-feh-miz-im).Asynonymthatislessoffensivethantheworditisusedtoreplace.“ThedoctortoldmeI’mbigboned,”saidChuckdefensively.“That’sjustaEUPHEMISMforfat,”hisbrothersaidmeanly.

euphuism(YU-few-iz-im).Ornate,flowery,overlyelaboratelanguage,oftenmakingtheexactmeaningdifficulttodiscern.Felicia’swordsarefullofEUPHUISM,particularlywhendescribingthearchitectureofherfamily’svarioushouses.

homonym(HOM-uh-nim).Awordwiththesamepronunciationandspellingasanotherbutwithadifferentmeaning.MostseriouswritingdoesnotuseHOMONYMSexceptoccasionallybyaccident.

lexicon(LEK-sih-kahn).Thelanguageorvocabularyofaspecializeddisciplineorprofession.“IntheLEXICONoflip-smacking,anepicureisfastidiousinhischoiceandenjoymentoffood,justasoupçonmoreexpertthanagastronome.”—WilliamSafire,Americanjournalistandpresidentialspeechwriter

neologism(nee-AHL-uh-jiz-uhm).Anewword,oran“old”wordusedinanewway.WilliamShakespearecoinedsuchNEOLOGISMSas“gossip,”“swagger,”and“domineering.”

nomenclature(NO-men-klay-cherr).Alabelingornamingsystemusedinaspecializedfieldorindustry.EvenanactivityasseeminglysimpleasgardeninghasaNOMENCLATUREallitsown,indecipherabletothelaypersonornewbie.

onomatopoeia(on-uh-mat-uh-PEE-uh).Wordsthatsoundlike,orsuggest,theirmeaning.Thespringgala,withitspoppingcorks,fizzingchampagneglasses,andthumpingmusicwasacornucopiaofONOMATOPOEIA.

oxymoron(awk-see-MORE-on).Aphrasemadebycombiningtwowordsthatarecontradictoryorincongruous.MelissasheepishlyusedtheOXYMORON“accidentallyonpurpose”toexplaintoherfatherwhyheremergencycreditcardincludedachargefor$500ManoloBlahnikheels.

palindrome(PAL-in-drohm).Awordorsentencethatreadsthesameforwardas

backward.InEnglishclass,EvelynlearnedaboutPALINDROMES,including,“Madam,I’mAdam.”

philology(fi-LOL-uh-gee).Thestudyofancientwrittenrecordsandtexts.Arthur’sinterestinlinguisticsandtheoriginsofwordsnaturallyledhimtoaseriousinvolvementinPHILOLOGY.

pidgin(PIJ-in).Atypeoflanguagecreatedbytheinteractionoftwodistinctlanguages,usedtohelppeoplecommunicateacrosslanguagebarriers.WespokePIDGINtoeachother,andIfinallywasabletounderstandhowtogettothenearestbathroom.

polyglot(PAWL-ee-glot).Apersonwhospeaksanumberoflanguages.Thepresident’stranslator,aPOLYGLOT,servedhimwellinmissionstoGermany,Portugal,andMexico.

rhetoric(RET-er-ik).Theartorscienceofusingwordseffectivelyinwritingorspeakingasameansofcommunicationandpersuasion.PlatocalledRHETORIC“theartofrulingthemindsofmen.”

semantics(suh-MAN-tix).Thescienceofthewaymeaningiscommunicatedthroughlanguage.Whetherwesaythecompensationwillbe“appropriate”or“competitive”isreallyamatterofSEMANTICS;weknowexactlyhowmuchweintendtopaythepersonwefinallyhire.

solecism(SOLL-ih-siz-um).Aviolationofrulesofgrammarandusage.Weallwaitedeagerlyforthepresident’snextSOLECISM.

synecdoche(sih-NEK-duh-kee).Atypeofshorthandspeechinwhichapartialdescriptionisunderstoodbythereaderorlistenertorepresentthewhole;e.g.,

saying“NewYork”inadiscussionofbaseballwhenyoumean“theNewYorkYankees.”MarlacouldnotstopusingSYNECDOCHEaftershereturnedfromhertriptoEnglandduringwhichshemettheroyalfamily,sayingrepeatedlythatshehadmetandsocializedwith“thecrown.”

vernacular(ver-NAK-yu-ler).Thelanguageofaparticularregionorspecificgroupofpeople.CommunicatingwithstockbrokersisdifficultformanyinvestorsbecausetheydonotspeaktheVERNACULARofthefinancialworld.

ANTONYMS

abridge(uh-BRIJ).Toshortenbydecreasingthenumberofwords;shorten;curtail.“ManyalongdisputeamongdivinesmaybethusABRIDGED:Itisso.Itisnotso.Itisso.Itisnotso.”—BenjaminFranklin,AmericanstatesmanandscientistSeealso:Speech,Talk

124.Learn

(LURN),verb

Toacquireknowledgeorskillbystudy;tobecomewellinformed.

NOUNS

clerisy(KLARE-uh-see).Learnedpersonsasaclass;intellectualscollectively.ThesocietystruggledforrecognitionbecauseitcouldnotsupportaCLERISY.

cognoscente(kon-yuh-SHEN-tee).Personwithsuperiorknowledgeorunderstandingofaparticularfield.

AsaresultofmymanyyearslivingintheBordeauxregionofFrance,IamverymuchaCOGNOSCENTEofwineandwinemaking.

intelligentsia(in-tell-ih-JENT-see-uh).Theclassofpeoplewhoarecultured,educated,intellectual,andinterestedinartandliterature.“Youseethesegrayhairs?Well,makingwhoopeewiththeINTELLIGENTSIAwasthewayIearnedthem.”—DorothyParker,Americanauthorandpoet

literati(lit-uh-RAH-tee).Thesegmentofsocietymadeupoflearnedorliterarymenandwomen.WeattracttheLITERATIbecauseofourconstantlycarefreeandexcitingexploits.

luminary(LOO-muh-nair-ee).Apersonrecognizedasaninspirationalleaderinhisorherfield.Frederick’sfatherisaLUMINARYinthefieldofcircumventingmostincometax.

lyceum(LIE-see-um).Aschoolorotherplaceoflearning.“[Television]shouldbeourLYCEUM,ourChautauqua,ourMinsky’s,andourCamelot.”—E.B.White,Americanauthor

mentat(MEN-tat).Ahumanbeingcapableofperformingmentaltaskswiththeaccuracyandspeedofacomputer.ThewordwasinventedbyauthorFrankHerbertforhissciencefictionclassicDune.OuraccountantisaveritableMENTAT!Didyouseehowfasthedeterminedallofourcharitabledeductions!

oracle(OR-uh-kul).Someonewhoisseenaswiseandauthoritative,whoofferscompletelydependablecounseloradvice.AfterAppomattox,Grant’swordsseemed(muchtohissurprise)toberegardedashavingissuedfromanORACLE.

pedagogue(PED-ah-gog).Astrict,humorless,no-nonsenseteacher.“Thenegativecautionsofscienceareneverpopular.Iftheexperimentalistwouldnotcommithimself,thesocialphilosopher,thepreacher,andthePEDAGOGUEtriedthehardertogiveashort-cutanswer.”—MargaretMead,Americanculturalanthropologist

polymath(PAWL-ee-math).Apersonwithawiderangeofintellectualinterestsorabroadbaseofknowledgeinmanydifferentdisciplines.“Ihadaterriblevision:IsawanencyclopediawalkuptoaPOLYMATHandopenhimup.”—KarlKraus,Austrianwriter

savant(sah-VONT).Apersonwithanaturaltalentorgeniusinaparticularfieldorskill.Withherfamily’sbackgroundinfinance,itwasagiventhatFrancinewouldbeaWallStreetSAVANT.

tutelage(toot-uhl-ij).Guidedinstructionorprotection.ItwasunderDr.Clay’sTUTELAGEthathecametounderstandhowmuchcraftwasrequiredtowriteasolidplay.

yeshiva(yeh-SHEE-vuh).AplaceofinstructionintheOrthodoxJewishtraditionforchildrenofelementaryschoolage.WhentheYESHIVAreleaseditschildrenintheafternoon,thesoundsoflaughterechoedthroughtheneighborhood.

VERBS

indoctrinate(in-DOK-truh-nayt).Toteach;toimpartwiththeknowledgeorviewsofaparticulargroup,philosophy,ortheory.Max’searnestattemptstoINDOCTRINATEmewiththeidealsoftheCommunistPartyleftmeunimpressed.

ANTONYMS

illiteracy(ih-LIT-er-uh-see).Theinabilitytoreadandwrite;lackofeducation.“IgnoranceandILLITERACYareobviouslynotsynonymous;evenilliteratemassescancasttheirballotswithintelligence,oncetheyareinformed.”—WilliamDouglas,associateSupremeCourtjusticeSeealso:Judgment,Think,Understanding

125.Limited

(LIM-ih-tid),adjective

Confinedwithinbounds;restricted.

ADJECTIVES

topical(TOP-uh-kul).Havingtodowithmattersoflocalorcurrentinterest.JohnwantedtolearnabouteventsintheMiddleEast,butthenewscastonlycoveredTOPICALoccurrences.

VERBS

circumscribe(SUR-kuhm-skryb).Toencircleorencompass;confine.Aftertheincidentinthestudentunion,oursocialactivitieswereCIRCUMSCRIBEDfortheremainderofthesemester.

constrain(kuhn-STRAYN).Toforceintoorholdinboundaries;confine.AlicefeltthesocialmoresofherfamilyandfriendswouldeventuallyCONSTRAINhertoalifeofmediocrityandunhappiness.

constrict(kuhn-STRIKT).Tomakesmallerortighterbybindingorcompressing.

RefusingtobeCONSTRICTED,Jackjoyfullycoloredoutsidethelines.

delimit(dih-LIM-it).Toestablishormarktheboundariesorlimitsof;demarcate.Aftersquabblingwiththeneighborsforyears,wehadprofessionalsurveyorsDELIMITthepropertyonceandforall.

demarcate(dih-MAHR-kayt).Tosetthelimitsof;todistinguish;separate.AllofourworkingareaswereDEMARCATEDwithcubiclesofvarioussizes.

prescribe(prih-SKRYB).Tosetdownorgiverulesordirectionstobefollowed;direct.Wethoughtwecouldbuildwhateverwewantedontheland,butdiscoveredthatthetownhadPRESCRIBEDthenatureofallconstruction.

ANTONYMS

boundless(BOWND-liss).Unlimited;infinite;vast.“Theworldofrealityhasitslimits;theworldoftheimaginationisBOUNDLESS.”—Jean-JacquesRousseau,Frenchphilosopherandwriter

fathomless(FATH-uhm-lis).Toodeeptobemeasured;bottomless;boundless.Tryaswemight,noneofthestudentsinclasshavestumpedtheprofessorwithaquestiononanytopic;hisknowledgeseemsFATHOMLESS.

126.Literature

(LIT-er-uh-chur),noun

Thebodyofwritingsofaspecificlanguage,people,orperiod;theprofessionandoutputofanauthor,especiallycreativeproseorverse.

NOUNS

belles-lettres(bell-LET-ruh).Literatureconsideredasfineart;fictionalworkhavingasolelyaestheticfunction.Thosewhostudyrhetoricspeakderisivelyofliteraturethatexistsforanaestheticpurposeonly,andthereforeignoreBELLES-LETTRES.

bibliomania(bib-lee-oh-MAY-nee-uh).Apreoccupationwiththeacquisitionandownershipofbooks.Lauren’sBIBLIOMANIAextendsonlytoherstockpileofcatalogsforexclusiveshops.

bildungsroman(BILL-dungs-roh-man).Acoming-of-agenovel,suchasTheCatcherintheRyeorAPortraitoftheArtistasaYoungMan.AlexhasstartedwritingaBILDUNGSROMANabouthisexperiencesinprepschool.

breviary(BREE-vee-air-ee).Abriefsummaryorabridgement.ShecalleditaBREVIARY,butLana’srecountingofherfamily’smonthontheRivierawasanythingbutshort.

corrigendum(kor-ih-JEN-dum).Anerrortobecorrectedinamanuscript.TheproofreaderhandedthemanuscriptbacktoBill,whowashorrifiedtofindthatitstillcontainedhundredsofCORRIGENDA.

gazetteer(gaz-ih-TEER).Ageographicalindexordictionaryofplacesorganizedbyname.TheRothschildsprefertheirpilotsimplyheadforthesun,ratherthanconsultaGAZETTEERpriortoshortflights.

lexicography(lex-ih-KOG-ruh-fee).Thecompiling,writing,andeditingofdictionaries.ThoughhehadneverintendedtopursueacareerinLEXICOGRAPHY,JeremyspenttwentyyearswithMerriam-Webster,workinghiswayupfromresearcher

toeditor.

lexicon(LEK-sih-kawn).Adictionarycomposedforaspecific,narrowlydefined(professional)audience;thevocabularyassociatedwithaspecificdisciplineorgroup.Arthur,thoughnotadoctor,waswellversedintheLEXICONofmedicine.

magnumopus(MAG-numOH-pess).Agreatwork,especiallyofartorliterature;thechiefworkofanartistorauthor.AlltheKing’sMencouldbeconsideredRobertPennWarren’sMAGNUMOPUS.

monograph(MON-uh-graff).Ascholarlyarticleoressayonacertaintopic,usuallyintendedforanacademicaudienceandnotforthegeneralpublic.Peterson’sMONOGRAPHontheoreticalphysicswaswellreceivedinthescientificcommunity,althoughitcertainlymakesfortoughreadingforthelayman.

necrology(nuh-KROL-uh-jee).Alistofpeoplewhohaverecentlydied;anobituary.BenjaminscouredthelongNECROLOGYforthenameofhisfather,butitwasnotthere.

oeuvre(OO-vruh).Anartist’s,writer’s,orcomposer’sbodyofwork,treatedasawhole.EsmereldaisfamiliarwithandadoresallofPuccini’sOEUVRE,butmanyfindhisoperasoverlymawkish.

opus(OH-puss).Amajorliteraryormusicalwork.TheBreckinridgescommissionedthecomposer’snextOPUS,whichwillbedebutedatthefamily’sfallball.

paleography(pay-lee-OG-ruh-fee).Thestudyofancientwritingsandinscriptions.Inordertounderstandtheirdiscoveries,archeologistsstudyPALEOGRAPHY.

palimpsest(PAL-imp-sest).Aparchmentmanuscriptonwhichthetextiswrittenoverolder,earliertext,muchlikeanoilportraitorlandscapepaintedoveranotherpainting.ThenewestadditiontothePattersons’raremanuscriptcollectionturnedouttobeaPALIMPSEST,coveringatextnearlyonethousandyearsold.

précis(pray-SEE).Aconcisesummary;abridgement;abstract.TheauthorsweretooinvestedintheworktobeabletowriteanacceptablePRÉCIS.

protagonist(pro-TAG-uh-nist).Theleadcharacterinastory,play,novel,etc.IstoppedreadingthebookbecauseIfoundthePROTAGONISTsounbelievable.

recension(ree-SEN-shun).Acriticalrevisionofaliterarywork.ChangesinliterarytastesmakeaRECENSIONofstandardworksseemlikeagoodidea.

romanàclef(ro-MONahKLAY).Apurportedlyfictionalworkthatonlythinlyveilstheactualexperiencesoftheauthororofcharactersbasedonrealpersonages.TrumanCapotewasostracizedbythoseinhiscirclewhenhepublishedadevastatingexcerptfromaROMANÀCLEF,UnansweredPrayers,thatlampoonedthefrailtiesandindiscretionsofthepeoplewhohadbeenclosesttohim.

strophe(STRO-fee).Astanzacontaininglinesthatdonotconformtothetype,style,orformofthepoeminwhichtheyappear.ThosenotwearinghautecouturestickoutatourgatheringslikeSTROPHES

stickoutinshortpoems.

tome(TOAM).Alargeorscholarlybook.“Shecarriesabookbutitisnot/theTOMEoftheancientwisdom,/thepages,Iimagine,aretheblankpages/oftheunwrittenvolumeofthenew.”—HildaDoolittle,Americanpoetandmemoirist

tractate(TRAK-tayt).Atreatise.JasonspentmorethansixmonthspolishinghisfirstTRACTATE.

treatise(TREE-tiss).Aformalandsystematicwrittenworkontheprinciples,facts,evidence,andconclusionsofasubject.Mill’sTREATISEontheequalityofwomenwasrevolutionaryforitstime.

variorum(vair-ee-OR-em).Aneditionofaliteraryworkcontainingalternativereadingsornotesbyvariouseditorsorscholars.ThepublisherbelievedthatthequantityofreviewswarrantedissuingaVARIORUM.

vignette(vin-YET).Abriefstory,incident,orepisode,usuallytoldtoillustratesomepoint.AddingaVIGNETTEortwotoaspeechcanhelpmakeabstractideasclearer.

VERBS

emend(ee-MEND).Tochangebymeansofediting;tocorrect(atextorreading).ManyofShakespeare’smostfamouslines,suchas“Arosebyanyothernamewouldsmellassweet,”aretheresultofacritic’schoicetoEMENDatroublesomesourcetext.

ANTONYMS

token(TOH-kuhn).Somethingusedtorepresentafactorevent.ArchaeologistshaveevidencethattheuseofTOKENSpredatedwriting.

127.Livid

(LIHV-id),adjective

Enragedorextremelyangry.

ADJECTIVES

acrimonious(ak-rih-MOAN-ee-us).Angry;bitter;disputed.“Thereissomethingabouttheliterarylifethatrepelsme,allthisdesperatebuildingofcastlesoncobwebs,thelong-drawnACRIMONIOUSstruggletomakesomethingimportantwhichweallknowwillbegoneforeverinafewyears…”—RaymondChandler,Americanauthor

apoplectic(ap-up-PLECK-tic).Anextremelyagitatedstateofrage.Emily’scarelesseventplanningmakesmesoAPOPLECTICthatIjustwanttostepinandplantheluncheonmyself.

bellicose(BELL-ih-kohss).Belligerent,surly,readytoargueorfightattheslightestprovocation.DougissotouchyabouthisnewJaguarthathe’llinstantlygrowBELLICOSEifyousomuchasbrushagainstit.

intemperate(in-TEM-prit).Indulgingone’sownwhimsandfancieswithoutregardtootherpeople’sfeelingsorinconvenience;immoderate,particularlyindrinkingalcoholicbeverages.“Certainlyitwasordainedasascourgeupontheprideofhumanwisdom,thatthewisestofusall,shouldthusoutwitourselves,andeternallyforegoour

purposesintheINTEMPERATEactofpursuingthem.”—LaurenceSterne,Irish-bornEnglishnovelistandAnglicanclergyman

irascible(ih-RASS-uh-bull).Easilyirritatedorannoyed;pronetolosingone’stemper;quicktoanger.“Ihaveneverknownanyoneworthadamnwhowasn’tIRASCIBLE.”—EzraPound,Americanexpatriatepoet

NOUNS

anathema(uh-NATH-eh-muh).Apersonorthingregardedaswronginthehighestdegree;aloathsome,detestableentity.ReligiousserviceswereanANATHEMAtoRuss,whatwithhimbeingadedicatedatheistandall.

cholers(KOH-lers).Themoodofanger,irritability,grumpiness,orbeingshort-temperedandimpatient.WhenFranklinisinthegripofCHOLERS,evenhisclosestfriendsavoidhistableattheclub.

rancor(RANG-ker).Conflictbetweenindividualsorgroups,usuallyresultingfromdisagreementoveranactionorissue,andaccompaniedbyillwill,badfeelings,andanescalationofthedisputeovertime.“Theynolongerassumeresponsibility(asbeatcopsusedtodo)foravertingRANCORbetweenantagonisticneighbors.”—HarlanEllison,Americanauthor

Xanthippe(zan-TIP-ee).Anill-tempered,shrewishwoman.FeliciaisfarfromaXANTHIPPEsimplybecausesheinteractsonlywithcertainmembersofthehouseholdstaff.

VERBS

abominate(uh-BOM-in-ayt).Toloathe;hate;detest.“Formypart,IABOMINATEallhonorablerespectabletoils,trials,andtribulationsofeverykindwhatsoever.”—HermanMelville,Americanauthor

execrate(EK-sih-krayt).Toloathe;tosubjecttoscornandderision.WeEXECRATEDWilliamforweeksduetohiscasualrejectionofaninvitationtojoinYale’sSkullandBones.

ANTONYMS

effervescent(ef-ur-VESS-ent).Bubbly;upbeat;cheerful;possessingapositiveattitudeandjoyfulpersonality.AftergettingtheacceptanceletterfromCornell,SabrinawasEFFERVESCENTandcelebratedwithatriptoNeimanMarcus.

felicity(fih-LISS-ih-tee).Astateofblissfulhappiness.“NeverlosesightofthefactthatallhumanFELICITYliesinman’simagination,andthathecannotthinktoattainitunlessheheedsallhiscaprices.”—MarquisdeSade,Frencharistocratandrevolutionary

gambol(GAM-bull).Torun,skip,orjumpaboutinaplayfulorjoyousfashion.“WeallhavetheseplaceswhereshyhumiliationsGAMBOLonsunnyafternoons.”—W.H.Auden,Anglo-Americanpoet

jocose(joe-KOSS).Humorous,playful,andcharacterizedbygoodhumor.Thepony’sJOCOSEanticsmarkeditforacareerinpolo,ratherthanontheracetrack.

vivacious(vih-VAY-shuss).Joyful;happy,spirited;possessingapositiveattitudeaboutandenthusiasmforlife;apersonwholiveslifetothefullest.Evenafterherfamilymaintainedsomesteeprevenuelosses,SandraretainedherVIVACIOUScharacter.

128.Love

(LUHV),noun

Astrongandpassionateaffectionorattachmenttoanotherpersonorpersons.

ADJECTIVES

amatory(AM-uh-tore-ee).Havingtodowithsexuallove.Petehasn’tstoppedsulkingsinceAlicespurnedhisAMATORYadvancesattheofficeChristmasparty.

narcissistic(nar-sis-SIS-tik).Self-loving;egotistic;indifferenttoothers.Self-promotionisonething;theNARCISSISTICzealwithwhichGeraldassertshimselfisquiteanother.

smitten(SMIT-uhn).Verymuchinlove;struck,asthoughbyahardblow.WarrenissoSMITTENwithEllenthathe’snolongerproductive.

uxorious(uk-SORE-ee-us).Submissiveordotingtowardone’swife.AlthoughGrandpamakesashowofrebellionagainstGrandma’sstrictureseverynowandthenforoursake,he’sasUXORIOUSastheycome.

NOUNS

agape(ah-GAH-pay).InChristianity,divineloveforhumanity,orhumanlovethattranscendscustomaryboundaries;oftenusedtodescribeanunselfishlovethatgoesbeyondsexualityorworldlyconcerns.Thenurse’sworkamongthepooranddispossessedseemedrootednotinawell-meaningandtemporaryhumanitarianinstinctbutinadeeperandmoreprofoundAGAPEtotallyunfamiliartomostofus.

billet-doux(bill-a-DOO).Aloveletter.Plural:billets-doux(bill-a-dooz).TheyoungcoupleexchangedBILLETS-DOUXalmosteverydaythesummertheywereapart.

Casanova(kass-uh-NO-vuh).Amannotedforhisamorousactivities.PhillikestothinkofhimselfasaCASANOVA,butmostwomenjustthinkhe’spathetic.

paramour(PAIR-uh-more).Anillicitlover.Althoughthewomeninhercirclemadehigh-mindedspeechesabouthermorality,Mrs.AbleknewfullwellthatmostofthemhadhadaPARAMOURatonetimeoranother.

philogyny(fi-LOJ-uh-nee).Theloveoforfondnessforwomen.Zack’sPHILOGYNYcamenaturallytohim,havinggrownupwithsevensisters.

polyandry(PAWL-ee-an-dree).Thepracticeofhavingtwoormorehusbandsatthesametime.WomenwhopracticePOLYANDRY,whenquestionedclosely,typicallyadviseagainstit.

polygamy(puh-LIG-uh-mee).Thesocietalpracticeofhavingmorethanonespouse(especially,morethanonewife)atatime.Thesect’sadvocacyofPOLYGAMYandgroupparentingeventuallybroughtitintobitterconflictwiththestern-mindedtownsfolkofHarrisHollow.

polygyny(puh-LIJ-uh-nee).Thepracticeofhavingtwoormorewivesatthesametime.POLYGYNYismorecommonthanmostpeoplerealize,butwhenrevealed,suchexamplesalwayscreatepublicoutrage.

swain(SWAYN).Amalelover.

Theregencyromancewasteemingwithwould-beSWAINS.

tryst(TRIST).Anappointmentmadebyloverstomeetatacertainplaceandtime.Sincetheirfamiliesareofequalstation,nooneworriesmuchaboutthesupposedlysecretTRYSTSbetweenJosephineandBrock.

VERBS

ogle(OH-guhl).Tolookatinanamorousorimpertinentway.NoonewouldwanttotradeplaceswithusiftheyonlyknewhowtiresomeitbecomestohavethepaparazziconstantlyOGLINGyou.

osculate(OS-kyuh-layt).Tokiss.Withpractice,JackwasabletoperfecthisabilitytoOSCULATE.

ANTONYMS

abhor(ab-HOR).Toexperienceafeelingofgreatrepugnanceordisgust.ItwasclearalmostassoonasthedinnerpartyhadbegunthatJenniferABHORREDherhalf-sister.

antagonistic(an-tag-uh-NISS-tik).Actinginahostile,unfriendlymanner;inopposition.“TheremustalwaysremainsomethingthatisANTAGONISTICtogood.”—Plato,GreekphilosopherSeealso:Sex

M

129.Magniloquent

(mag-NILL-uh-kwuhnt),adjective

Pompous,bombastic,andboastful.

ADJECTIVES

adulatory(AJ-uh-luh-tore-ee).Complimentary;givingofeffusivepraise.“HeincludesinhisfinalchapterapassageofADULATORYprosefromHenryJames.”—JoyceCarolOates,Americanauthor

bumptious(BUMP-shuss).Loudandassertiveinacrudeway.Theclub’sgolfprowasfiredduetohisBUMPTIOUSbehavioronthelinks.

grandiloquent(grand-EL-oh-kwent).Havingapompous,overlyinflated,hyperbolic,orpretentiouswayofpresentingoneselfinspeechandmannerism.ThearchitectwaxedGRANDILOQUENTaboutthevisionarydesignofhisnewskyscraper.

verbose(ver-BOHS).Describesapersonorcompositionusingmorewordsthanareneededtogetthepointacross.Long-windedandVERBOSE,Mitchmadehisteammembersgroanwheneverhestooduptospeakatacharityevent.

NOUNS

braggadocio(brag-uh-DOH-see-oh).Emptyboastingorbragging.

Ericclaimsheisaconsummatewineconnoisseur,butitisjustBRAGGADOCIO.

demagogue(DEM-ah-gog).Apoliticianwhooweshispopularitylargelytopanderingtopopularopinionandcateringtothewishesofhisconstituency.“ADEMAGOGUEisapersonwithwhomwedisagreeastowhichgangshouldmismanagethecountry.”—DonMarquis,Americanjournalistandhumorist

litany(LIT-n-ee).Aprolongedandboringaccount.“WiththesupermarketasourtempleandthesingingcommercialasourLITANY,arewelikelytofiretheworldwithanirresistiblevisionofAmerica’sexaltedpurposeandinspiringwayoflife?”—AdlaiStevenson,Americanpolitician

locution(low-KEW-shin).Aperson’smannerandstyleofspeaking.NeilprideshimselfonhispreciseLOCUTION,butsomeoftheguysthinkhesoundsratherprissy.

VERBS

aggrandize(uh-GRAN-dyz).Toexaggerate,putonafalsefront,andmakesomethinglookgreaterandgranderthanitreallyis.PhiltriestoAGGRANDIZEhisreputationbystatingthatheisachartermemberoftheBillO’Reillyfanclub,buteverybodyjustthinksthis“feat”makeshimpathetic.

bloviate(BLOH-vee-ayt).Tospeakpompouslyandatlength.MaxwellBLOVIATESabouthis“excellent”golfgame,buteveryoneknowshecheatsoutrageously.

descant(des-KANT).Totalkfreelyandwithoutinhibition.EloiseisalwaysmorethanwillingtoDESCANTconcerningherpastliaisons.

harangue(huh-RANG).Verballyaccost;yellat;berate.“ButonthathotJulydayshebreaks—HARANGUINGstrangersinthestreet.”—OliverSacks,Britishneurologist

ANTONYMS

austere(aw-STEER).Stern;grimandlackinghumororwarmth;cleanandunornamented;severeorstrictinmanner.InthemovieDeadPoetsSociety,RobinWilliamsclasheswithanAUSTEREheadmasterataprivateboys’school.

colloquial(kuh-LOW-kwee-ul).Informal,conversational,everydaylanguage.“COLLOQUIALpoetryistotherealartasthebarber’swaxdummyistosculpture.”—EzraPound,Americanexpatriatepoet

diffident(DIFF-ih-dent).Uncertainorunsureaboutmakingadecisionortakinganaction;lackingconfidenceandboldness.IfyoufeelDIFFIDENTaboutdrivingaRolls-Royce,youcanalwaysbuyaBentley.

laconic(luh-KAWN-ik).Offewwords;expressingoneselfwithaneconomyofwords.HaroldmaybeLACONIC,butwhenhedoesspeak,heisworthlisteningto.

stolid(STAHL-id).Unemotionalandimpassive.Thomas’sSTOLIDdemeanorhidestheheartofajet-settingplayboy.

130.Meeting

(MEE-ting),noun

Theprocessbywhichpeoplecometogether;anassemblyoforencounterbetweenpeople.

betweenpeople.

NOUNS

assignation(ass-ig-NAY-shun).Asecretmeetingbetweenlovers.Thecountess’sASSIGNATIONSwiththestableboycausedtonguestowagthroughoutthetown.

conclave(KON-klave).Asecretmeeting;also,theroominwhichthismeetingisheld.Fearinghemightcrackunderpressure,therebelsdidnotincludeEliintheCONCLAVEinwhichtheyplannedtheirattackstrategy.

confluence(KON-flu-ence).Apointofmeetingorflowingtogether.ItisontheissueofhumanspiritualgrowththatthetwophilosophiesfindtheirCONFLUENCE.

forum(FOR-um).Agathering,meeting,orprogramheldforthepurposeofdiscussingmattersofpublicorcommonconcern.“AlthoughIamsureyourneighbor’sconstantlybarkingdogisirritating,Mrs.Wakefield,”thechairmanintoned,“thepurposeofthisFORUMistodiscusstheproposedwastesite.”

liaison(lee-A-zawn).Aromanticaffair;themeetingoflovers.MyLIAISONSwithMargaretwereheldinsuchromanticlocalesthatIbelievedweshouldarriveonhorsebacktocompletetheimage.

rendezvous(RON-day-voo).Ameeting;especially,asecretmeetingbetweenlovers.ClaireknewthatifhermotherfoundoutaboutherRENDEZVOUSwithElton,shewouldbegroundedforatleastaweek.

symposium(sim-POZE-ee-um).Agatheringofexpertsbeforeanaudiencewhosemembersmayposequestions.TheSYMPOSIUMwasadisaster;bothprofessorsarrivedanhourlate,aftermostoftheaudiencehadgivenupandleft.

tête-à-tête(TET-ah-tet).Aface-to-facemeeting.Someofushadbeguntobelievethatneighborhoodchildrenwerepilferingfromus,sowesatdowntheallegedlyguiltypartiesandhadaTÊTE-À-TÊTE.

tryst(TRIST).Anappointmentmadebyloverstomeetatacertainplaceandtime.Sincetheirfamiliesareofequalstation,nooneworriesmuchaboutthesupposedlysecretTRYSTSbetweenJosephineandBrock.

VERBS

convoke(kuhn-VOKE).Tocalltogetherforameeting;tosummon.AnannouncementwentoutovertheintercomtoCONVOKEseminarparticipants.

ANTONYMS

discrete(dih-SKREET).Separateanddistinct;apartordetachedfromothers.EachworkwasDISCRETEandstoodonitsown.

divergent(dih-VUR-juhnt).Differing;divergingfromothers.“Musiccreatesorderoutofchaos:forrhythmimposesunanimityupontheDIVERGENT,melodyimposescontinuityuponthedisjointed,andharmonyimposescompatibilityupontheincongruous”—YehudiMenuhin,Russian-Americanviolinist

131.Memory

(MEM-uh-ree),noun

Theactorprocessofremembering;thementalabilitytoretainandrevivefacts,events,orimpressions;thesumofwhatoneremembers.

ADJECTIVES

eidetic(EYE-det-ik).Describesamemoryormentalimagerecalledwithperfectclarity.I’dstudiedthetravelbrochuressomuchthatIhadaperfectlyEIDETICvisionofwhattoexpectonthecruiseship.

nepenthean(ni-PEN-thee-uhn).Inducingapleasurablefeelingofforgetfulness,especiallythatofsorrowortrouble.AttendingtheconcertandlosinghimselfinthebeautifulmelodieshadaNEPENTHEANeffectonJack.

NOUNS

anamnesis(an-am-NEE-sis).Arecallingorrecollectionofthepast.Jack’sanamneseswerevividandpainful,evokingpowerfulrecollectionsoftheonetrueloveofhislife,nowlost.

memoir(MEM-wahr).Aseriesofwrittenreminiscencesaboutpeople,places,andeventscomposedbyandfromthepointofviewofsomeonewithintimateknowledgeofthedetails.SinceRichardNixon,virtuallyallAmericanpresidentshavefeltcompelledtopublishMEMOIRSfocusingontheirtimeinoffice.

memorabilia(mem-er-uh-BIL-ee-uh).Thingsworthrememberingorrecording;thingsthatstirrecollections;mementos;souvenirs.

JohnhadaseparatecollectionofMEMORABILIAforeachofthefamily’svacations.

mnemonic(neh-MON-ik).Arhyme,sentence,orotherwordpatterndesignedtohelponememorizefacts.“RoyG.Biv”isaMNEMONICforthecolorsofarainbow:red,orange,yellow,green,blue,indigo,violet.

reminiscence(rem-uh-NISS-uhns).Theactofremembering;amentalimpression;memory.Confinedtoherbed,unabletoreadduetofailingeyesight,Jane’sdyinggrandmotherhungontothemanyhappyREMINISCENCESofherlife.

VERBS

evoke(ee-VOKE).Tocallforthorsummon;tobringbacktolifethroughappealtomemory.ThesightoftheoldmansionEVOKEDmanybittersweetmemoriesforCharles.

ANTONYMS

amnesia(am-NEE-zhuh).Partialortotallossofmemory.“AnationthatforgetsitspastcanfunctionnobetterthananindividualwithAMNESIA.”—DavidMcCullough,Americanauthor

oblivion(uh-BLIV-ee-un).Thestateofbeingbeyondmemoryandutterlyforgotten;losttohumanrecollection.ToTim,thefactthathisbookwasbeingallowedtogooutofprintmeantthatheasanauthorhadbeenconsignedtoOBLIVION.

132.Minion

(MIN-yuhn),noun

Afollowerofsomeoneinanimportantposition.

NOUNS

aficionado(uh-fish-ee-uh-NAH-doe).Adevotee,someonewhoisenthralledwithandsupportsaparticularactivity.DwightoftenreferstohimselfasanAFICIONADOofAmerican-mademicrobrews.

faction(FAK-shin).Asmalldissentinggroupwithinalargerone.“Iwillkeepwherethereiswitstirring,andleavetheFACTIONoffools.”—WilliamShakespeare

fealty(FEE-ul-tee).Asenseofobligationorloyalty,usuallyexistingbecauseonepersonfeelsbeholdentoanother.TheonlyreasonthatBrysonpledgedFEALTYtoDavidisbecauseDavid’ssocialconnectionshelpedBrysongetajobonWallStreet.

ideologue(EYE-dee-uh-log).Apersonwhorigidlyadherestoanideologywithaclosedmindregardingotherpointsofview.“AnIDEOLOGUEmaybedefinedasamadintellectual.”—CliftonFadiman,Americancritic

phalanx(FAY-lanks).Alargedivisionorgroupofsoldiersgroupedcloselytogetherinanorderlyfashionformarchingorfighting.PhilipofMacedonarmedeachmanwithalongspearsothePHALANXbristledlikeaporcupine.

VERBS

inculcate(IN-kul-kayt).Toimpressanideaorbeliefuponsomeonebyrepeatingittothatpersonoverandoveruntiltheideaisfirmlylodgedinhisbrain.NewcultmembersarequicklyINCULCATEDwiththecultleader’sbeliefsandworldview.

ANTONYMS

iconoclast(eye-KAHN-uh-clast).Anindividualwhoiscontrarianinthought,rebelliousinspirit,andoppositional,andwhoapplieshimselftobattlingestablishedinstitutions,existinggovernments,religiousdoctrine,andpopularnotionsandbeliefs.ThelateGeorgeCarlinsawtheroleofthecomicinsocietyasoneofICONOCLAST.

maverick(MAH-ver-ik).Anunorthodoxorunconventionalpersonwhodoeswhatittakestogetthingsdone.“Theruggedindividualististoooftenmistakenforthemisfit,theMAVERICK,thespoilsport,thesorethumb.”—LewisH.Lapham,formereditorofHarper’sMagazine

quisling(KWIZ-ling).Atraitor;apersonwhoconspireswiththeenemy.In1945theleaderofNorway’sNationalUnitymovementwasexecutedforbeingaQUISLING.

133.Mistake

(mi-STAYK),noun

Anerrorinunderstandingorperception;ablunder;fault.

NOUNS

aberration(ab-uh-RAY-shun).Adeparturefromwhatistrue,correct,orright;adeviationfromthenormalortypical.“Whenwillwereachthepointthathunting,thepleasureinkillinganimalsforsport,willberegardedasamentalABERRATION?”—AlbertSchweitzer,Germanmissionaryandphilosopher

blunder(BLUHN-der).Asignificant,foolish,orthoughtlessmistake;stupidandcarelesserror.DrivingdrunkisaBLUNDERthatmostthoughtfulpeoplemakeonlyonce.

contretemps(KON-treh-tahn).Aninopportuneoccurrencewithembarrassingresults.“Panhadbeenamongstthem…thelittlegodPan,whopresidesoversocialCONTRETEMPSandunsuccessfulpicnics.”—E.M.Forster,Englishnovelist

fauxpas(FOHpah).Aseriousbreachofsocialprotocoloretiquette.LookingaJapanesebusinesscustomerdirectlyintheeyeduringconversationisconsideredanegregiousFAUXPAS.

gaffe(GAF).Asocialblunder.Whenhewasshownthedoor,JackrealizedthathislatestthoughtlessremarkwasabiggerGAFFEthanhe’dsuspected.

meaculpa(me-uh-KULP-uh).Anacknowledgement,usuallypublic,ofablunderormistake.Afterthepoliticianmaderaciallytingedcomments,hespentthebetterpartofamonthofferingMEACULPASonnationaltelevision.

solecism(SOLL-ih-siz-um).Somethingthatdeviatesfromthenormal,accepted,orproperorder;inconsistency.ShewassurethatherSOLECISMwouldbeforgivenandforgottenintime.

ANTONYMS

ANTONYMS

definitude(dih-FIN-ih-tyood).Definiteness;precision.Therewasnoquestionaboutthesolution;JasonhadstudiedtheproblemandcouldprovidethecorrectanswerwithDEFINITUDE.

faultless(FAWLT-lis).Withoutfaultordefect;perfect.“WhoeverthinksaFAULTLESSpiecetosee,/Thinkswhatne’erwas,noris,nore’ershallbe.”—AlexanderPope,EnglishpoetSeealso:False

134.Moderation

(mod-uh-RAY-shun),noun

Anabsenceofexcessorextremes;calmness;thepracticeofrestraint.

ADJECTIVES

abstemious(ab-STEE-me-us).Eatingplainandsimplefoodinmoderation,avoidingoverindulgenceindrinkandgluttonyatthetable.GandhiledanABSTEMIOUSlife.

monastic(muh-NAS-tik).Relatingtothepracticeofwithdrawingfromsocietytoliveaquiet,contemplativelife,oftendedicatedtoreligiousfaith.SaintPachomiusfoundedthefirstorganizedChristianMONASTICcommunity.

spartan(SPAR-tin).Self-disciplined,frugal,andstoic.PeoplewholivedintheancientGreekcityofSpartawereknownfortheirdisciplineandausterity.PaullivessuchaSPARTANlifethathisapartmenthasmoreexerciseequipmentthanfurniture.

staid(STAYD).Fixedandsettled;notdistinctive;sedate;prim.EventhoughtheSandersonsareanimportantfamily,wecouldhardlylasttherequisitehouratthefamily’sSTAIDwinterball.

NOUNS

abstinence(AB-steh-nence).Thevoluntarilyforgoingoftheindulgenceofanappetite;denialofcertainfoodsanddrinksthoughttobeharmfultoone’shealth;refrainingfrombehaviorconsideredimmoral.Afteryearsofindulgence,itwasdifficultforEvelyntofollowherdoctor’sorderofcompleteABSTINENCEfromliquor.

ascetic(uh-SET-ik).Apersonwhodeliberatelychoosestoliveaplainandsimplelife;characterizedbylackofmaterialpossessionsandstrongself-disciplineinallmattersofbehavior.WhenSteveJobsstartedApple,amagazineprofileportrayedhimasanASCETIC,notingthathehadnofurnitureinhisapartment.

temperance(TEM-per-ence).Moderationineatinganddrinking;abstinencefromconsumingalcoholicbeverages.CicerosaidthatTEMPERANCEis“thefirmandmoderatedominionofreasonoverpassionandotherunrighteousimpulsesofthemind.”

VERBS

sublimate(SUB-lih-mayt).Totransfertheforceofanunacceptableinclinationorimpulsetoapursuitconsideredproperorwholesome.Thereisapopular—butunproven—notionthatbutchersaresecretlyviolent,andthattheychoosetheirprofessionasameansofSUBLIMATINGtheirpassions.

ANTONYMS

libertine(LIB-er-teen).Licentiousandfreeofmoralrestraint;or,apersonsocharacterized.“ItiseasiertomakeasaintoutofaLIBERTINEthanoutofaprig.”—GeorgeSantayana,authorandphilosopher

licentious(ly-SEN-shuss).Promiscuous;slutty;someonewhoissexuallyuninhibitedandfree.Janine’sLICENTIOUSbehaviorwasreallyacryforattention,theschoolpsychologistwasconvinced.

profligate(PROF-lih-git).Extravagant;wasteful;givetoactivity,expenditures,orindulgencesbeyondthoseofanyreasonableperson.MyPROFLIGATEexpendituresquicklycametoahaltwhenmybankaccountreachedzero.

roué(roo-AY).Alicentiousman;alibertineorlecher.AlthoughErnest’sdalliancesmighthavebeenunderstandablewhenhewasayoungman,theyweremoredifficultforhisfamilytoforgiveinhislateryears,whenhecametoresemblenothingsomuchasatiredandlonelyoldROUÉ.

135.Modest

(MOD-ist),adjective

Havingorshowinganunassumingorhumbleopinionofone’sownachievements,merits,abilities,etc.;freefromvanityorpretension.

ADJECTIVES

chary(CHAIR-ee).Shy;timid;careful;wary.

MarthawasCHARYoftryinganythingnew,whetherrestaurants,movies,vacationdestinations,orevengrocerystores.

circumspect(SIR-kum-spekt).Prudent,cautious,consideringfromallsides.“Ismiled,/Iwaited,/IwasCIRCUMSPECT;/Onever,never,neverwritethatI/missedlifeorloving.”—HildaDoolittle,Americanpoetandmemoirist

deferential(def-uh-REN-shul).Showingrespecttosomeoneasasuperior;havingahumbledemeanor.ADEFERENTIALattitudehasnoplaceinarespectfulrelationship.

demure(di-MYOOR).Affectingareservedandshyappearance;outwardlyretiring.Mr.AtkinsfoundtheHallistwinsDEMURE,andwonderedwhattheywouldsayabouthimwhenheleft.

diffident(DIFF-ih-dent).Uncertainorunsureaboutmakingadecisionortakinganaction;lackingconfidenceandboldness.IfyoufeelDIFFIDENTaboutdrivingaRolls-Royce,youcanalwaysbuyaBentley.

dubious(DOO-bee-uss).Tendingtobeskeptical,uncertain,ordoubtful.HislackofesteemmadehimDUBIOUSaboutformingrelationships.

reticent(REH-tih-sent).Reluctancetoopenlyexpressone’sthoughts,feelings,andpersonalbusinesstootherpeople;reserved;behavinglikeanintrovertinsocialsituations.“TheshorterpoemstendtobeRETICENT,psychologicallyacutelovepoemsabouttheshiftinginequalitiesoflove.”—EdwardMendelson,ProfessorofEnglishandComparativeLiteratureatColumbiaUniversity

unassuming(un-uh-SOOM-ing).Modestandunpretentious.

TheBinghamtonsjustboughtalovely,UNASSUMINGstarterhomeinthetownwheretheirfamilieslive.

verecund(VER-ih-kuhnd).Bashful;modest.Paul’sVERECUNDmannermakesitdifficulttocarryonaconversationwithhim.

ANTONYMS

brazen(BRAY-zuhn).Havingnoshame;impudent;bold.Theprosecutorexpertlysummarizedthedefendant’sBRAZENdisregardforthehealthandsafetyofinnocentbystandersinthecommissionofhisheinouscrime.

depraved(dih-PRAYVD).Morallybad;corrupt;perverted.“WeAmericanshavealwaysconsideredHollywood,atbest,asinkholeofDEPRAVEDvenality.And,ofcourse,itis.”—DavidMamet,AmericanplaywrightSeealso:Moderation

136.Mourn

(MAWRN),verb

Tofeelorexpresssorrow;lament;grieve;toshowtheconventionalsignsofgrief.

ADJECTIVES

bereaved(bih-REEVD).Inastateofmourning;deeplysorrowfulbecauseofthelossofalovedone.

ThemostdifficultpartofFatherMaurice’sjobwasprovidingsolaceforthoseinhisparishwhowereBEREAVED.

funereal(fyoo-NEER-ee-uhl).Reminiscentofafuneral;dark,brooding,andmournful.Thefunerealtoneofthemeetingwasnotatallwhatwehadinmindtoraisemorale.

lugubrious(loo-GOO-bree-us).Mournfulintheextreme.YoumayconsiderSteven’spoems“dark”;tome,theyaresimplyLUGUBRIOUS.

plaintive(PLAIN-tive).Expressingsorroworsadness;mournful.EventhesingingofbirdshadaPLAINTIVEsoundatthehouseforweeksafterourdogSashadied.

NOUNS

dirge(durj).Afuneralsong;asongofmourning.TheDIRGEfromCymbeline,accordingtoProfessorAlpert,istheonlyworthwhilepassagetobefoundinthatseldom-producedShakespeareplay.

elegy(ELL-uh-jee).Apoemofmourning;apoemreflectingonandpraisingthedeceased.Atthefuneral,MitchreadatouchingELEGYforhisgrandmother,remindingallpresentofthelifeofkindnessandsacrificeshehadled.

eulogy(YOO-luh-jee).Speechorwritinginpraiseofaperson,typicallyusedforapersonwhohasrecentlydied.DianedeliveredaEULOGYforherunclethatmanagedtobesimultaneouslysadandheart-warming.

lamentation(lam-en-TAY-shun).Anexpressionofmourning.KarlheardgroansofLAMENTATIONfromhismother’sroom.

solace(SOL-uss).Consolation;tosympathizewithandconsole.ThefactthathehadthrownthreetouchdownswaslittleSOLACEtoJim:allhecouldthinkaboutwaslosingthegame.

VERBS

rue(roo).Tobesorrowful;tomournorregretbitterly.Afterspendingpromnightathomewatchingmoviesbyherself,SusanbegantoRUEthedayshehadrejectedMarksocruelly.

ANTONYMS

exult(ig-ZULT).Torejoicegreatly;bejubilant;tofeeltriumphantjoy.“Armsareinstrumentsofillomen.Whenoneiscompelledtousethem,itisbesttodosowithoutrelish.Thereisnogloryinvictory,andtoglorifyitdespitethisistoEXULTinthekillingofmen.”—LaoTzu,ChineseTaoistphilosopher

fete(FAYT).Tocelebrate;tohonororentertain.Inhonoroftheirvictory,thebaseballteamwasFETEDatacelebratorydinnersponsoredbythetown’srecreationdepartment.Seealso:Sad

137.Mysterious

(mih-STEER-ee-us),adjective

Of,containing,implying,orcharacterizedbymystery;thatwhichexcitescuriosityandwonderbutisdifficultorimpossibletoexplain.

ADJECTIVES

ADJECTIVES

arcane(ar-KAYN).Strangeandmysterious;understoodonlybytheinitiated.Bill’sARCANEknowledgeofallLexusmodelsandtheiraccessoriesisjustawasteofgraymatter.

enigmatic(en-ig-MATT-ik).Mysterious,puzzling,anddifficulttofigureout.“Theinterestinlifedoesnotlieinwhatpeopledo,norevenintheirrelationstoeachother,butlargelyinthepowertocommunicatewithathirdparty,antagonistic,ENIGMATIC,yetperhapspersuadable,whichonemaycalllifeingeneral.”—VirginiaWoolf,Britishessayistandnovelist

inscrutable(in-SKROO-tuh-bull).Mysteriousandnoteasytounderstand.“IsupposeInowhavethereputationofbeinganINSCRUTABLEdipsomaniac.OnewomanhereoriginatedtherumourthatIamextremelylazyandwillneverdoorfinishanything.”—JamesJoyce,Irishauthorandplaywright

metaphysical(met-uh-FIZ-ih-kuhl).Beyondthephysicalormaterial;supernaturalortranscendental.“ArtisthehighesttaskandproperMETAPHYSICALactivityofthislife.”—FriedrichNietzsche,Germanphilosopher

spiritual(SPIR-ih-choo-uhl).Oforpertainingtothespiritasdistinguishedfromthebody;supernatural.“Militarypowerwinsbattles,butSPIRITUALpowerwinswars.”—GeneralGeorgeMarshall,Americanmilitarycommander

NOUNS

prestidigitation(PRESS-tih-dih-ji-TAY-shun).Theperformanceofsleight-of-handmagictricks.

TheNewYear’sEvegalaattheWorthingtonsincludedsumptuousmeals,afullorchestra,andevenapractitionerofPRESTIDIGITATIONwhoamazedthechildrenwithherperformance.

ANTONYMS

palpable(PAL-puh-bull).Capableofbeingtouched,felt,orhandled;tangible.“Popularopinions,onsubjectsnotPALPABLEtosense,areoftentrue,butseldomorneverthewholetruth.”—JohnStuartMill,Englishethicaltheorist

tangible(TAN-juh-bull).Abletobetouchedorfeltbyhand;havingformandsubstance;realoractual;definite.“ThedistinctivenatureofachildistoalwaysliveintheTANGIBLEpresent.”—JohnRuskin,Englishwriterandcritic

N

138.Nanosecond

(NAN-uh-sek-uhnd),noun

Atimeperiodequaltoonebillionthofasecond.

ADJECTIVES

capricious(kuh-PREE-shuss).Pronetoquicklychangingone’smind,decision,orcourseofactionatthedropofahatoronimpulse.“IdonotunderstandtheCAPRICIOUSlewdnessofthesleepingmind.”—JohnCheever,Americannovelist

ephemeral(eh-FEM-er-uhl).Short-lived;temporary;fleeting.“ThereremainsometruthstooEPHEMERALtobecapturedinthecoldpagesofacourttranscript.”—IrvingKaufman,ChiefJudge,UnitedStatesCourtofAppeals

temporal(tem-POR-uhl).Relatingtotime.“ScienceisthelanguageoftheTEMPORALworld;loveisthatofthespiritualworld.”—HonorédeBalzac,Frenchnovelistandplaywright

yare(YAIR).Quickandagile;lively.Thankstothegymnasticssheperformedatfinishingschool,AmandahasaYAREandlimberbody.

NOUNS

alacrity(uh-LAK-rih-tee).Cheerfulcooperationrenderedwithenthusiasm,promptness,andpoliteness.TheALACRITYwithwhichSteverespondedtoHelen’sinvitationisnothingshortofastonishing.

celerity(suh-LAIR-ih-tee).Speed;swiftnessofactionormotion.IwillcarryoutyourorderswithCELERITY,sir.

tempo(TEM-po).Thespeedorpaceofsomething(particularlyofmusic).OuraerobicsinstructorwillonlyplaymusicwithafastTEMPOandastrongbeat,althoughtherearetimes,generallyafteraharddayatwork,whenIfeellikeintroducinghertothewondersofMantovani.

ANTONYMS

interminably(in-TUR-min-uh-blee).Seeminglywithoutendorgoingonforanindeterminateperiodoftime.“Thebodydies;thebody’sbeautylives./Soeveningsdie,intheirgreengoing,/Awave,INTERMINABLYflowing.”—WallaceStevens,Americanmodernistpoet

languid(LANG-gwid).Characterizedbyweaknessandfatigue;or,lackingspiritandanimation.“Indoinggood,wearegenerallycold,andLANGUID,andsluggish;andofallthingsafraidofbeingtoomuchintheright.”—EdmundBurke,Anglo-Irishstatesman,orator,andauthor

sedentary(SED-n-tair-ee).Restingagreatdealandtakinglittleexercise.AllwehavetodoishireapersonaltrainerifourSEDENTARYhabitsbegintohavenegativeeffectsonourwell-being.

uniformitarianism(yu-ni-for-mih-TAIR-ee-uh-niz-uhm).ThebeliefthatchangeonEarthtakesplaceslowly,gradually,andatauniformrateratherthan

throughshort,sudden,catastrophicevents.Thefactthatthefamiliesofourservantshavebeenwithusformany,manygenerationswouldseemtobeproofofUNIFORMITARIANISM.

139.Narrow-minded

(NAIR-oh-MYN-did),adjective

Limitedinoutlook;bigoted;notreceptivetonewideas.

ADJECTIVES

bourgeois(boor-ZHWAH).Pertainingorrelatingtomiddle-classvalues;conventionalviewpoints.“TherepresentationofthegarrisonthusturnedouttobeincomparablymoremoderateandBOURGEOISthanthesoldiermasses.”—LeonTrotsky,BolshevikrevolutionaryandMarxisttheorist

doctrinaire(DOK-truh-NAIR).Toapplytheorieswithoutconsiderationforpracticalproblems;impracticallyvisionary;dictatorial.Whenhereturnedfromthemanagementworkshop,DavewassomewhatlessDOCTRINAIREinhisapproachwiththeteam.

hidebound(HYD-bownd).Inflexibleandholdingnarrowopinions.ArthurcanberatherHIDEBOUNDwhenpontificatingonthevirtuesoftheclassiceraversustheconditionoftheautomobileindustryatpresent.

myopic(my-AHP-ik).Narrow-mindednessorshort-sightednessinone’sviews;lackofdiscernment.YourMYOPICviewswillwinyoufewvotesduringtheelection,senator.

parochial(puh-ROH-kee-uhl).Veryrestrictedinoutlook;narrowviews.

Theymaytalk“bigpicture”butvoterscangenerallybecountedontoexpressPAROCHIALviewsattheballotbox.

provincial(pruh-VIN-shuhl).Havingthecharacteristicsofsomeoneunsophisticated;limitedinoutlook.FromhisPROVINCIALoutlookonlife,youwouldneverguessthatPaulattendedanIvyLeaguecollege.

puritanical(pyoor-ih-TAN-ih-kuhl).Extremelyorexcessivelystrictinmattersofmoralsandreligion.JudithcouldalmostseethePURITANICALfireinhermother’seyeswhentheystartedtodiscussdatinghabits.

sectarian(seck-TAIR-ee-un).Narrow-mindedandlimitedinoutlook.Thecompetingcliques’SECTARIANsquabblescapturedtheinterestoftheentireschool.

NOUNS

Babbitt(BAB-it).Apersonwhoclingstonarrow-minded,materialisticidealsofthemiddleclass;themaincharacterinSinclairLewis’snovelBabbitt(1922).Jeromemaynotbethemostopen-mindedbusinessman,buthe’snoBABBITT.

ANTONYMS

catholic(KATH-uh-lik).Havingbroadsympathiesorunderstanding;universalinextent;liberal.Margaret’sCATHOLICtasteinartwaswellknown,andherhousewasanexplosionofstylesandgenres.

cosmopolitan(koz-muh-POL-ih-tuhn).Belongingtothewholeworld,notnationalorlocal;apersonwhoisfreefromlocalorprovincialbias.

“TobereallyCOSMOPOLITAN,amanmustbeathomeeveninhisowncountry.”—ThomasW.Higginson,Americanclergymanandauthor

140.Necessary

(NESS-uh-sare-ee),adjective

Thatwhichcannotbedispensedwith;essential;indispensable.

ADJECTIVES

derigueur(duh-rih-GUR).Strictlyrequiredbyetiquette,taste,fashion,orusage.SinceblacktieandtailswereDERIGUEURforthesocialeventshisnewwifeattendedregularly,Julianfoundhimselfbuyingatuxedoforthefirsttimeinhislife.

inherent(in-HAIR-unt).Intrinsic;necessary;animportantoressentialpartofsomething.Dwayne’sINHERENTreluctancetoentrustnewcomerswithtasksofanysignificancewasamajorproblemforthecompany.

NOUNS

manifestdestiny(MAN-ih-fest-DESS-tin-ee).Expansionintoforeignlands,justifiedasbeingnecessaryorbenevolent.“It’snotgreedandambitionthatmakeswars—it’sgoodness.Warsarealwaysfoughtforthebestofreasons,forliberationorMANIFESTDESTINY,alwaysagainsttyrannyandalwaysinthebestinterestsofhumanity.”—JamesGarnerinTheAmericanizationofEmily

requisite(REK-wiz-it).Amandatoryaction,requirement,orcondition;or,necessaryandmandatory.BeingphysicallyfitisaREQUISITEforgettingajobasafireman.

sinequanon(sin-uhkwahNON).Anessentialfeature(ofsomething).ManypeopleconsiderahappyendingtobetheSINEQUANONofapropercomedy.

VERBS

necessitate(nuh-SESS-ih-tayt).Tomakenecessary;toobligate.“Eachcomingtogetherofmanandwife,eveniftheyhavebeenmatedformanyyears,shouldbeafreshadventure;eachwinningshouldNECESSITATEafreshwooing.”—MarieCarmichaelStopes,Britishscientistandbirth-controlpioneer

ANTONYMS

extrinsic(eks-TRINZ-ik).Notpartofthetruenatureofsomething;notessential.Therevolutionwaslessofaspontaneouseruptionofangeragainstcapitalismasasystem,andmoreofareactiontoEXTRINSICforcesliketheconstantoilshortagesthatcameaboutbecauseofinternationalsanctions.

gratuitous(gruh-TOO-ih-tuss).Unnecessary;inappropriatelyexcessive;uncalledfor.HisGRATUITOUSattacksonthepopulargovernoronlyweakenedhisstandingamongvoters.

obviate(OB-vee-ayt).Toanticipate,andthereforeprevent,difficultiesordisadvantages;makeunnecessary.Theresearchdepartmentprovidedsufficientdata,thustheproblemwasOBVIATEDbeforeitreachedcrisisproportions.

rigmarole(RIG-muh-roll).Absurdlycomplicatedproceduresandinstructions.Theclubhadsomevaluetohiminbusiness,buthequicklygrewtiredofalltheRIGMAROLEatmeetings.

superfluous(soo-PER-flew-us).Excessiveandunnecessary.SomepeopleneverseemtobeawarethatwearingmorethanahintoffinejewelryisSUPERFLUOUS.

141.Necromancy

(NEH-kroh-man-see),noun

Theabilitytogainnewknowledgebycommunicatingwiththedead;magicandtrickeryingeneral.

ADJECTIVES

Faustian(FOW-stee-in).Evil;malicious;darkandbroodingwithmalevolentintent;demonic;satanic;havingsoldone’ssoultothedevil—metaphoricallyorliterally—inexchangeforwealthandpower.InthemovieTheEndofDays,agroupofpoliceofficersmakeaFAUSTIANbargainwithSatanhimself.

nefarious(nih-FAIR-ee-us).Inherentlyevil,malicious,andunjust.“YouwereprecededbyyourNEFARIOUSreputation,”thesheriffsaidtothegunslingerwhohadjustsidleduptothebar.

nether(NETH-ur).Locatedbeloworundersomethingelse.“IknowaladyinVenicewouldhavewalkedbarefoottoPalestineforatouchofhisNETHERlip.”—WilliamShakespeare

odious(OH-dee-us).Offensiveordisgusting;causingrevulsion.

“TodependuponaprofessionisalessODIOUSformofslaverythantodependuponafather.”—VirginiaWoolf,Britishessayistandnovelist

sacrilegious(sak-reh-LIJ-uss).Openlyinsultingordisrespectfultothebeliefs,religion,ideas,andpracticesofothers—especiallytheonestheyholdmostsacred.Bryson’sinsistencethatMiróismorecollectiblethanWarholispositivelySACRILEGIOUS.

NOUNS

anathema(uh-NATH-eh-muh).Apersonorthingregardedaswronginthehighestdegree;aloathsome,detestableentity.ReligiousserviceswereanANATHEMAtoRuss,whatwithhimbeingadedicatedatheistandall.

frisson(FREE-son).Asuddenstrongfeelingofexcitement,conflict,ordanger.“Pregnantwomen!TheyhadthatweirdFRISSON,anauraofmagicthatcombinedawkwardlywithanearthysenseofduty.”—RuthMorgan,Americannovelist

Gnosticism(NAH-stih-sih-zim).Thereligiousbeliefthatsalvationisattainedthroughsecretknowledgeratherthanthroughprayer,ritual,faith,divinegrace,orgoodworks.ManyofthekeyprinciplesofChristianitywereformedasadirectresponsetoGNOSTICISM.

legerdemain(le-juhr-duh-MAYN).Magictricks;or,generallyspeaking,trickeryanddeception.TheWilkinsonsareoneofthefewofourfamilieswhoseinitialwealthdidnotcomeasaresultoffinancialLEGERDEMAIN.

thaumaturge(THAW-mah-turj).Apersonwhoworksmiracles.IfyouwereevertoseeHannahearlyinthemorning,justaftershehasawoken,thenyouwouldknowHannah’spersonalmake-upartististheepitomeofaTHAUMATURGE.

VERBS

gorgonize(GORE-guh-nize).Toparalyzeormesmerizewithone’slooksorpersonality.Evenwithoutherfamily’swealthandconnections,MarlawouldlikelyGORGONIZEallthemenwhoenterherorbit.

ANTONYMS

panacea(pan-uh-SEE-uh).Auniversalsolutionforallproblems,diseases,orwoes.ParentstodayseebuyingtheirkidseverythingtheywantasaPANACEAformisery,boredom,andunhappiness.

phoenix(FEE-nix).Amythicalbirdaboutthesizeofaneagle,butwithbrilliantlycoloredplumage,thatdiesbyfireandthenisrebornfromtheashes.OnedaythePHOENIXappearedintheforestsofFrance,andlegendhasitthatalltheotherbirdsbecomeinstantlyjealous.

sacrosanct(SACK-roh-sankt).Beyondcriticismbecauseitisconsideredsacred.“Ifmencouldgetpregnant,maternitybenefitswouldbeasSACROSANCTastheG.I.Bill.”—LettyCottinPogrebin,Americaneditorandwriter

142.Novice

(NOV-iss),noun

Onewhoisnewtoaprofession,trade,orsport;abeginner.

Onewhoisnewtoaprofession,trade,orsport;abeginner.

ADJECTIVES

callow(KAL-oh).Lackingexperience,immature.Ellis,aCALLOWyouthaccompanyingMadameHempstead,seemednottounderstandthathisjokeabouttheambassador’schoiceofunderwearwasinappropriateforastatedinner.

fledgling(FLEJ-ling).Youngorinexperienced.TheFLEDGLINGreporterhadlittlerespectaroundthenewsroom.

puerile(PYOO-er-ill).Immature,babyish,infantile.“AnadmiralwhosePUERILEvanityhasbetrayedhimintoatestimonial…[is]sufficienttolurethehopefulpatienttohispurchase.”—SamuelHopkinsAdams,Americanjournalist

NOUNS

abecedarian(a-bee-see-DAIR-ee-un).Abeginner;someonejustlearningtherudimentsofatask,skill,job,etc.Paulisanexpertinaseakayak,butwhenitcomestosnowskiing,he’sanABECEDARIAN.

ingénue(AHN-zhuh-noo).FromtheFrench,meaning“naive,”anactresswhospecializesinplayingthepartofaninnocentorunworldlyyoungwoman.“Ialwayschosesophisticatedpartsbecauseyoucan’treallybeinterestingasayounggirloroutstandingasanINGÉNUE.”—NormaShearer,Americanactress

juvenilia(joo-vuh-NILL-yuh).Earlyworkbyacreativeartist,usuallyproducedwhentheartistwasyoung.

LornaturnedtowardthestockmarketandawayfrompoetryafterwereadherJUVENILIAandlaugheduproariously.

neophyte(NEE-uh-fyt).Arecentconvert;someonewhosenewfoundzealisnotbalancedbyexperience.“Likefootmenandupstairsmaids,winestewardsareportrayedasacolytesoftheprivileged,evereagertointimidatetheNEOPHYTEandspurntheunwary.”—FrankJ.Prial,formerNewYorkTimeswinecolumnist

parvenu(PAR-veh-noo).Someonewhohasrecentlygainedwealth,prestige,oranimportantpositionbuthasnotyetfiguredouthowtoactappropriatelyinthatnewposition.JedClampett,ofclassictelevision’sBeverlyHillbillies,isagreatexampleofaPARVENU.

protégé(PRO-tuh-zhay).Someoneaidedbyanotherinfluentialperson;apersonwhoisprotected,encouraged,orhelped(forinstance,incareermatters)byanotherofsuperiorstatusorrank.HarrywasalwayswillingtomentornewhiresandwouldoftenseekoutawillingPROTÉGÉtosupport.

tenderfoot(TEN-der-foot).Anewcomer.Walkingintotheprojectteammeeting,Alicehopedthatshedidn’tlooklikeacompleteTENDERFOOT.

tyro(TIE-roh).FromtheLatin,meaning“recruit,”abeginneroranovice.ThoughaTYRO,Madelinequicklymasteredcross-countryskiingduringherjaunttoSwitzerland.

whelp(hwelp).Theoffspringofafemaledogorofcertainotheranimals.Dorothythoughtitamusingtorefertohernewassistantbytheterm“WHELP.”

wunderkind(VOON-der-kinnd).Onewhosucceedsinbusiness,orasimilarendeavor,atacomparativelyyoungage.AlexwouldbeaWUNDERKINDinthefirmevenwithouthisfather’sconnections.

yearling(YEER-ling).Ananimalthathasentereditssecondyear;also,ahorsethatisoneyearold,datingfromthebeginningoftheyearfollowingitsfoaling.Manyofourfamily’sracehorsesareYEARLINGS,whichweputtopastureaftertheirretirement.

ANTONYMS

adroit(uh-DROYT).Skilledorcleverinaparticularpursuit.YearsofexperiencehavemadeJanetanADROITorganizerandhereventsarealwaysflawless.

doyen/doyenne(doy-EN).Amanorwomanwhoistheseniormemberofagroup,basedonrank,age,experience,etc.Thoughsheistheyoungestmemberofourgroup,BrittanyisourDOYENNE,basedonherextensivefamilyconnections.

O

143.Obeisance

(oh-BAY-since),noun

Deferentialrespectorhomage,oranactorgestureexpressingthesame.

ADJECTIVES

adulatory(ADJ-uh-luh-tor-e).Complimentary;givingofeffusivepraise.“HeincludesinhisfinalchapterapassageofADULATORYprosefromHenryJames.”—JoyceCarolOates,Americanauthor

complaisant(kuhm-PLAY-zuhnt).Agreeableandeagertoplease.EleanorisfartooCOMPLAISANTwithcommonstrangers.

fulsome(FULL-sum).Excessivelypraisingorflattering.Katie’sintroductionofthekeynotespeakerwassoFULSOMEthatheledhisspeechwithafewself-effacingremarks.

NOUNS

appeasement(ah-PEEZ-meant).Theactofmakingothershappybyagreeingtotheirdemands.CharlenerealizedtoolatethatherpolicyofAPPEASEMENTmightpleaseWarren,butitwouldnotcausehimtotreatherwithmorerespect.

approbation(ap-ruh-BAY-shun).Officialapprovalorcommendation.“Inavirtuousandfreestate,norewardscanbesopleasingtosensibleminds,asthosewhichincludetheAPPROBATIONofourfellowcitizens.Mygreatpain

is,lestmypoorendeavoursshouldfallshortofthekindexpectationsofmycountry.”—ThomasJefferson

capitulation(kuh-pitch-uh-LAY-shun).Theactofsurrenderingorgivingup.RossofferedJamesnoCAPITULATIONduringtheconfrontationallacrossegame.

hagiography(hag-ee-OG-ruh-fee).Abiographythatidealizesitssubject.TheVanGeldersweredisappointedwiththevolumewrittenabouttheirillustriousdescendantsbecausethebookfellfarshortofbeingaHAGIOGRAPHY.

VERBS

assuage(uh-SWAYJ).Toputsomeoneatease;tocomfortorsoothe;toerasedoubtsandfears.“Buthistorymustnotyettellthetragediesenactedhere;lettimeinterveneinsomemeasuretoASSUAGEandlendanazuretinttothem.”—HenryDavidThoreau,Americanauthorandtranscendentalist

kowtow(KOW-tow).Togiveintosomeone’severywish;togrovelandbehaveinasubservientmanner.AmytoldAndrewthatshewassickandtiredofKOWTOWINGtohiseveryneed.

ANTONYMS

disparage(dih-SPAIR-ihj).Tobringreproachordiscredituponthroughone’swordsoractions.“Man’sconstantneedtoDISPARAGEwoman,tohumbleher,todenyherequalrights,andtobelittleherachievements—allareexpressionsofhisinnateenvyandfear.”—ElizabethGouldDavis,Americanfeministandauthor

excoriate(ik-SKORE-ee-ayt).Tocriticize;toattempttocensureorpunish.WeEXCORIATEDMelanieforinvitingpeoplewithnofamilyconnectionstoherbirthdayparty.

execrate(EK-sih-krayt).Toloathe;tosubjecttoscornandderision.WeEXECRATEDWilliamforweeksduetohiscasualrejectionofaninvitationtojoinYale’sSkullandBones.

144.Obstruct

(uhb-STRUKT),verb

Toblockorstopupwithobstaclesorimpediments;bar;hinder.

VERBS

encumber(en-KUHM-ber).Toloadsomething—orsomeone—downwithburdens;inlegalterms,toplacealienonsomething.Youcan’tliftyourbackpackifyouENCUMBERitwithallsortsofstuffyoudon’tneed!

fetter(FET-er).Toputrestraintson;confine.UnnaturalfearsFETTERDavid’simaginationandkeephimlockedinsidehishouse.

impede(im-PEED).Toobstructprogress;toblock.Thefireregulationsarequiteclearonthequestionofstorageinthishallway;nothingisallowedtoIMPEDEaccesstothemainexit.

mire(MYR).Tocausetobestuckinmire;hamper;holdback.Intheearlygoing,theadministrationfounditselfMIREDinissuesfarfromitsstatedgoalofimprovingtheeconomy.

occlude(uh-KLOOD).Toblockorobstruct;tocloseoffapassageorentranceway.Debrisfromthesecond-floorconstructionOCCLUDEStheentrywaytothelaundryroominLinda’sbeachhouse.

stymie(STY-mee).Tothwart;toprevent(another)fromachievingagoal.Thereporter’sattemptstogettothebottomofthescandalwereSTYMIEDbytherefusaloftheprincipalstotalktohim—eitheronorofftherecord.

trammel(TRAM-uhl).Toentangle;confine;restrain.Jasonisanintelligentperson,soitsurpriseduswhenheexplainedhistheorythateducationTRAMMELSthethoughtprocess.

ANTONYMS

expedite(EK-spi-dyt).Tospeedupormakeeasytheprogressof;hasten;facilitate.“TheartofstatesmanshipistoforeseetheinevitableandtoEXPEDITEitsoccurrence.”—CharlesM.deTalleyrand,Frenchstatesman

precipitate(pri-SIP-ih-tayt).Tohastentheoccurrenceof;tocausetohappenbeforeexpected.“Itisalwaysone’svirtuesandnotone’svicesthatPRECIPITATEone’sdisaster.”—RebeccaWest,Englishwriter

145.Ogle

(OH-guhl),verb

Tolookatinanamorousorimpertinentway.

ADJECTIVES

amatory(AM-uh-tore-ee).Havingtodowithsexuallove.Petehasn’tstoppedsulkingsinceAlicespurnedhisAMATORYadvancesattheofficeChristmasparty.

besotted(bih-SOT-ed).Madefoolish,stupid,ordullduetoaninfatuationwithlove,money,thepursuitofpower,etc.AlinethinksJakeisBESOTTEDwithher,buthe’sreallyBESOTTEDwithherfather’sstockportfolio.

salacious(suh-LAY-shuss).Havinganunhealthy,obsessive,oraddictiveinterestinsex.Forweeks,thesocietypageswererifewithSALACIOUSgossip,whichturnedouttooriginatefromMallory,whohadlostherbeautoJeannette.

NOUNS

concupiscence(kon-KYOO-pih-suhns).Unbridledlustintheextreme—horniness.“You’retalkingtoayoungvampire,afountainofCONCUPISCENCE.”—MarioAcevedo,Americanfantasyauthor

coquette(ko-KET).Awomanwhodressespromiscuouslyorflirtsexcessivelytomakementhinksheissexuallyavailablewheninfactshehasnointentionofsleepingwiththem.Marladoesn’tintendtoplaytheCOQUETTEatsocietyballs,butheralluringlooksattractotherdebutantes’datesconstantly.

dalliance(DAL-ee-ance).Abrief,casualflirtationwithorinterestinsomeoneorsomething;theactoftarryingratherthanproceedingswiftlyanddeliberately.HerDALLIANCEwiththepoolboymadeherhusbandangryandjealous.

roué(roo-AY).Adissolutemaninfashionablesociety;arake.

“AprettywifeissomethingforthefastidiousvanityofaROUÉtoretireupon.”—ThomasMoore,Irishpoetandsongwriter

satyr(SAY-ter).Alascivious,lecherousman.Harold’sgracefulmannersdisappearoncehehashadafewglassesofchampagne,andhebecomesaveritableSATYR.

ANTONYMS

chivalry(SHIV-ul-ree).Brave,kind,courteous,orgentlemanlybehavior.“WehearmuchofCHIVALRYofmentowardswomen;but…itvanisheslikedewbeforethesummersunwhenoneofuscomesintocompetitionwiththemanlysex.”—MarthaCoston,Americanauthor

uxorious(uhk-SAWR-ee-us).Dotingonone’swifetoanexcessivedegree.“Thesamethingschangetheirnamesatsucharate;/Forinstance—passioninalover’sglorious,/ButinahusbandispronouncedUXORIOUS.”—LordByron,BritishRomanticpoet

146.Opinion

(uh-PIN-yuhn),noun

Abeliefnotbasedonabsolutecertaintyorrealknowledgebutonwhatseemstobetrue,valid,orlikelytoone’sownmind;whatonethinks;judgment.

ADJECTIVES

heterodox(HET-uh-ruh-docks).Holdingunorthodoxopinions,especiallyopinionsconcernedwithreligion.IbelieveGeorgewillgrowoutofhisHETERODOXbeliefsashegetsolder.

NOUNS

NOUNS

manifesto(man-ih-FESS-toe).Apublicdeclarationofone’sintentionsormotives,typicallyofapoliticalnature.Insteadofgalvanizingthecrowdtoaction,thepoet’sMANIFESTOcollapsedtheaudienceinlaughter.

obiterdictum(OB-ih-terDIK-tuhm).Anincidentalopinionorremark;anincidentalandnonbindingremarkexpressedbyajudge.Frankcouldn’trefrainfromofferinganOBITERDICTUMeverytimewemadeaturnwithoutconsultingthemap.

pundit(PUN-dit).Apersonwhogivesopinionsasanauthority.TheconservativepoliticalPUNDITShadalldecreedthatObamawouldbedefeatedinahead-to-headcontestwithMittRomney,butthevotershadotherideas.

voxpopuli(VOKS-POP-yu-lye).Expressionoftheprevailingmood,concerns,andopinionsinacountry.InresponsetoanenvironmentallyfriendlyVOXPOPULI,moreandmorecorporationsare“goinggreen.”

VERBS

concur(kun-KUR).Toagree;tosharethesameopinion.TheprosecutorfeltthatJim’scrimedeservedthemaximumpenalty,butthejudgedidnotCONCUR.

counsel(KOWN-sul).Todiscussideasoropinions.Katrina’sadvisorwasalwaysavailabletoCOUNSELheraboutwork-relatedissues.

opine(oh-PYNE).Togiveanopinion.ThewaythatCharlotteOPINESaboutfashion,you’dthinkshecreatedcoutureratherthanjustpurchasedit.

ANTONYMS

apathetic(ap-uh-THET-ik).Feelingnoemotion;notinterested;indifferent.“Hewasn’texactlyhostiletofacts,buthewasAPATHETICaboutthem.”—WolcottGibbs,Americanwriter

egocentric(ee-goh-SEN-trik).Viewingeverythinginrelationtooneself;havinglittleregardforinterestsotherthanone’sown.WeareconditionedtoanticipatetheEGOCENTRICHollywoodcelebrity,andtheyrarelydisappoint.

147.Opposite

(OP-uh-zit),adjective

Inoppositionto;exactlycontraryinrelationto.

ADJECTIVES

antipodal(an-TIP-uh-del).Directlyopposite;completelyopposed.Asayoungster,HarrywasconvincedhecoulddighiswaytoOhio’sANTIPODALpoint,China.

bipolar(by-POE-luhr).Possessingtwosidesorpoles;markedbydiametricallyopposedextremes;arelationshipbetweentwooppositesorcounterparts.Frank’sbehavioronthejobwasgenerallyunremarkable,butwelaterlearnedthathisseveremoodswingsweresymptomsofaBIPOLARpersonalitydisorder.

disparate(dis-PER-iht).Describestwoormorethingsthatdiffergreatlyfromoneanotherandcannotbelogicallyreconciled.“Asif,asif,asiftheDISPARATEhalves/Ofthingswerewaitinginabetrothalknown/Tonone.”—WallaceStevens,Americanmodernistpoet

inimical(ih-NIM-ih-kull).Workinginoppositiontoyourgoal;havingaharmfuleffect,particularlyonanenterpriseorendeavor.Clarissa’sworkethicisINIMICALtoearninganadvanceddegreeinbotany.

NOUNS

antithesis(an-TITH-ih-siss).Theexactopposite;athingthatiscompletelydifferentfromanotherthing.Hetriessohardtobesmooth,butCharlesistheANTITHESISofcool.

antonym(AN-tuh-nim).Awordhavinganoppositemeaningtothatofanotherword.“Rapid”and“slow”areANTONYMS.

brummagem(BRUHM-uh-juhm).Describessomethingthatlooksgreatbutperformspoorly.“Ourpressiscertainlybankruptin…reverencefornickelplateandBRUMMAGEM.”—MarkTwain

dichotomy(dy-KOT-uh-me).Divisionintotwoparts,especiallyintotwoseeminglycontradictoryparts.ADICHOTOMYbetweengoodandevilispresentineveryhumanheart.

ANTONYMS

coequal(koh-EE-kwuhl).Equalwithanotherinability,extent,etc.

TheUnitedStatesCongressisCOEQUALtotheexecutivebranchofgovernment.

fungible(FUN-jih-bull).Freelyexchangeableforanotheroflikenature;interchangeable.StellawasincensedtofindthatdiamondsarenotFUNGIBLEcommodities.

P

148.Pallid

(PAL-id),adjective

Awan,sickly,washed-outappearanceindicatingillnessorweakness,orlackofenergy,strength,andvitality.

ADJECTIVES

diffident(DIFF-ih-dent).Uncertainorunsureaboutamakingadecisionortakinganaction;lackingconfidenceandboldness.IfyoufeelDIFFIDENTaboutdrivingaRolls-Royce,youcanalwaysbuyaBentley.

ethereal(eh-THEER-ee-uhl).Lightandairy;possessingaheavenlyorcelestialquality.“ETHEREAL,theirmauve/almostatransparentgray,/theirdarkveinsbruise-blue.”—DeniseLevertov,British-bornAmericanpoet

languid(LANG-gwid).Characterizedbyweaknessandfatigue;or,lackingspiritandanimation.“Indoinggood,wearegenerallycold,andLANGUID,andsluggish;andofallthingsafraidofbeingtoomuchintheright.”—EdmundBurke,Anglo-Irishstatesman,orator,andauthor

wan(WAWN).Showingorsuggestingillhealthorunhappiness.“Soshakenasweare,soWANwithcare,/Findweatimeforfrightedpeacetopant.”—WilliamShakespeare

NOUNS

melanin(MEL-uh-nin).Thepigmentthatdeterminesthecolorofone’shair,eyes,andskin.Tamaraisunwillingtoacceptthat,nomatterhowmuchtimeshespendsonthesunnybeachesoftheMediterranean,shewillnotachieveherdesiredtanduetoherlackofMELANIN.

miasma(my-AZ-mah).Anunhealthyatmosphereorenvironment;anunpleasantfeelingpervadingtheair.“Theseappearances,whichbewilderyou,aremerelyelectricalphenomenanotuncommon—oritmaybetheretheyhavetheirghastlyoriginintherankMIASMAofthetarn”—EdgarAllanPoe,Americanauthorandpoet

VERBS

enervate(EN-er-vayt).Torobaperson,organization,place,orthingofitsenergy,strength,andvitality.GreenhousegasesENERVATEtheprotectiveozonelayersurroundingtheEarth.

wane(WAYN).Tograduallydecrease;tofadeaway;tobecomediminished.OnceshefinallyreceivedtheCartierwatchfromherfather,Karen’sinterestinthetimepiecequicklyWANED.

ANTONYMS

florid(FLOOR-id).Excessivelyornateandshowy,asprose.“Allmenarereallymostattractedbythebeautyofplainspeech,andtheyevenwriteinaFLORIDstyleinimitationofthis.”—HenryDavidThoreau,Americanauthorandtranscendentalist

refulgent(rih-FULL-jent).Radiant,gleaming;shiningbrightly.

WhenAnastasiamovedherbejeweledhandwhilelounginginthemiddaysunshine,hersparklingdiamondswereREFULGENT.

stygian(STY-gee-an).Sodarkastobealmostpitchblack.“STANDclosearound,yeSTYGIANset,/WithDirceinoneboatconvey’d!/OrCharon,seeing,mayforget/Thatheisoldandsheashade”—WalterSavageLandor,Britishwriterandpoet

tenebrous(TEN-uh-bruss).Darkandgloomy.EloiseandMarcusspentthedayexploringtheTENEBROUSforestthatsurroundedtheirfamily’sMainecompound.

149.Pandemic

(pan-DEM-ik),noun

Anoutbreakofadiseasethatthreatenstospreadrapidlyandendangerthepopulationofanentirenationorplanet.

ADJECTIVES

bereaved(beh-REEVD).Inastateofgriefastheresultofthedeathofsomeoneloved.“LaughterwouldbeBEREAVEDifsnobberydied.”—PeterUstinov,Britishwriteranddramatist

endemic(en-DEM-ik).Widespread,asaconditionorcharacteristicfoundinacertainregion,area,orgroup.AffluenceandinfluenceseemtobejustENDEMICtoourgroup.

irremediable(eer-ree-MEE-dee-uh-bull).Impossibletocureorremedy.Sylvia’soutdatedconceptofcoutureiscompletelyIRREMEDIABLE.

ubiquitous(yu-BIK-wih-tuss).Everywhere;allaround;constantlysurrounding;inescapable.WirelesscommunicationintheUnitedStatesbecameUBIQUITOUStowardthecloseofthetwentiethcentury.

unbridled(un-BRY-duld).Withoutlimitationsorboundaries;uncontrolledandunrestrained.Thecustomer’sUNBRIDLEDfuryatbeingdeniedarefundwasasighttobehold.

NOUNS

convalescence(kon-vah-LESS-sense).Thetimespentrecoveringfromanillnessandgettingbacktofullhealth,oftenwhilebeingtakencareofbyothers.“CONVALESCENCEisthepartthatmakestheillnessworthwhile.”—GeorgeBernardShaw,Irishplaywright

homeopathy(ho-mee-OP-uh-thee).Themedicalpracticeofgivingpatientsminerals,metals,herbs,andotherbioactivecompoundsinextremelydilutedform.MostmodernscientistsbelievetheeffectivenessofHOMEOPATHYinsomecasesisduemainlytotheplaceboeffect.

nostrum(NAH-strum).AnineffectivesolutionthatisaquickfixorBand-Aid,coveringupaproblemormaskingitssymptoms,butneveraddressingitsrootcauseforapermanentfix.“America’spresentneedisnotNOSTRUMSbutnormalcy.”—WarrenG.Harding

VERBS

metastasize(meh-TASS-tih-size).Tospreadharmfullyfromanoriginalsource,aswithcancercells.Byron’suglynaturequicklyMETASTASIZEDinourgroup,ashespreadliesandgossipamongmoreandmoreofoursocialcontacts.

permeate(PUR-mee-ayt).Topenetrate;tospreadthroughout.ThescentofDonna’sexclusiveperfumequicklyPERMEATEDtheentrancehalloftheBlakelys’statelyhome.

sequester(see-KWESS-ter).Toremoveandisolateaportionfromalargerwhole.“Agreatdealofgeneticengineeringmustbedonebeforewehavecarbon-eatersSEQUESTERINGcarboninsufficientquantitytocounteracttheburningoffossilfuels.”—FreemanDyson,English-bornAmericanphysicistandmathematician

ANTONYMS

hermetic(her-MET-ik).Isolated,orunaffectedbyoutsideinfluences.“Reality,whetherapproachedimaginativelyorempirically,remainsasurface,HERMETIC.”—SamuelBeckett,Irishwriter,dramatist,andpoet

rarefied(RAIR-uh-fyed).Lofty;exalted;ofhighclassorcaliber.Mostcopywritersdon’toperateintheRAREFIEDenvironmentinwhichClaytonmakeshismillions.

salubrious(suh-LOO-bree-us).Favorabletoone’shealth.Afterfather’sasthmareasserteditself,thefamilybegantospendmoretimeatitsArizonacompoundbecauseofthearea’sdryweather,whichisSALUBRIOUStowardasthmatics.

150.Persuade

(pur-SWAYD),verb

Toinfluenceapersontoanaction,belief,etc.;tourgeorinduce;toconvincethroughreasoning.

ADJECTIVES

tendentious(ten-DEN-shuss).Promotingone’sbeliefsorpointofview.LauraisTENDENTIOUSinextollingherbeliefintheefficacyofprayerinhealingallillnesses.

NOUNS

leverage(LEHV-er-ij).Possessinganadvantageorextradegreeofinfluenceinagivensituation.Withhisfamily’sconnections,EldridgerequirednoLEVERAGEtoobtainasinecureinthefinancialindustry.

VERBS

adumbrate(ADD-um-brayt).Tosuggestordisclosesomethingpartially.ThefactoryworkerswerenervouswhentheylearnedtheownerhadADUMBRATEDaplanforlayoffs.

blandish(BLAN-dish).Tocoaxsomeonetodosomethingforyouthroughtheuseofflattery.YourattemptstoBLANDISHmeintogivingintoyourpointofviewwillnotwork.

inveigle(in-VAY-gull).Toconvinceorpersuadesomeonethroughtrickery,dishonesty,orflattery.

CraigINVEIGLEDthedeantoallowhimtograduateeventhoughhefailedtomeettheforeignlanguagerequirementoftheuniversity.

jawbone(JAW-bone).Toattempttogetsomeonetodosomethingthroughpersuasionratherthanbyforce.NomatterhowmuchheJAWBONED,KarlcouldnotgetAlisontosellherstockpriortotheunveilingofthecompany’sdisastrousnewlineofparvenufashion.

posit(PAWZ-it).Tosuggestorproposeatheoryorexplanation,especiallyonethatrepresentsnew,unusual,ornonobviousthinkingandconclusions.AstronomersPOSITthatJupitermaysustainlifeinitsclouds.

ANTONYMS

dissuade(dih-SWADE).Toconvincetotakealternateaction;toadviseagainst.MargeDISSUADEDherbrotherfromjoiningthearmy.

151.Phobia

(FO-bee-uh),noun

Anirrational,excessive,andpersistentfearofaparticularthingorsituation.

NOUNS

acrophobia(ak-ruh-FO-bee-uh).Anabnormalfearofheights.Ofcourse,hisACROPHOBIAruledoutanyrideinthehot-airballoon.

monophobia(mon-uh-FOE-bee-uh).Anabnormaldreadofbeingalone.Susan’sMONOPHOBIAnevermanifesteduntilshemovedtoadifferentcitytostartanewjob.

nyctophobia(nik-toh-FO-bee-uh).Aseverefearofthedark.

WilliamneveroutgrewhisNYCTOPHOBIAandstillsleepswiththelighton.

ochlophobia(ok-luh-FO-bee-uh).Anillogicalfearordreadofcrowds.BettyneverrealizedshesufferedfromOCHLOPHOBIAuntilshemovedtothecity,whereshehadgreatdifficultywalkingtoandfromworkduringrushhour.

ophidiophobia(oh-fid-ee-oh-FO-bee-uh).Anabnormalfearofsnakes.Myfatherwasn’tafraidofmuch,buthiswell-developedcaseofOPHIDIOPHOBIAindicatedabadexperiencewithsnakesatsomepointinhisyouth.

taphephobia(taff-uh-FOE-bee-uh).Theabnormalfearofbeingburiedalive.Afterseeingthefinalsceneofthathorrorfilm,TheGraveClaimsItsOwn,Icouldn’tsleep,andIhadaninklingofwhatitmustbeliketosufferfromTAPHEPHOBIA.

trypanophobia(try-pan-uh-FO-bee-uh).Anabnormalfearofmedicalproceduresinvolvinginjectionsorhypodermicneedles.Mynephew,sufferingfromTRYPANOPHOBIA,consideredterminatinghiseducationbeforehighschoolsoastoavoidthephysicalexam.

xenophobia(zee-nuh-FOE-bee-uh).Havinganirrationalfearorhatredofforeignersandimmigrants.WearenotXENOPHOBIC;wedislikeallstrangers,regardlessoftheirbackgrounds,unlesstheyarebroughttousbyothersocialcontacts.

ANTONYMS

impavid(im-PAV-id).Notafraid;fearless.OurIMPAVIDguidewasnotaversetotanglingwithsnakes,spiders,scorpions,oranyothernastyandintimidatingcreatureweencounteredonthetrip.

valiant(VAL-yuhnt).Brave;courageous;stout-hearted.“Cowardsdiemanytimesbeforetheirdeaths;theVALIANTnevertastedeathbutonce.”—WilliamShakespeare,Englishdramatist

152.Place

(PLAYSS),noun

Definedportionofspacethatcanbeoccupied,whetheractuallyorvirtually;areaorlocationrealorimagined.

NOUNS

domicile(DOM-ih-syl).Aresidence;one’slegal,permanenthome.ThedefendantatthattimehadnoDOMICILE,yourhonor;shewasahomelessperson.

environs(en-VY-ruhnz).Theareasurroundingatownorcity;suburbs;vicinity.WashingtonD.C.anditsENVIRONScontainasmanylobbyistsasgovernmentworkers.

epicenter(EP-ih-cen-tuhr).ThespotonthesurfaceoftheEarthdirectlyabovethesitewhereanearthquakeoccurs;thefocalpointororiginofanactivity,event,fad,etc.IwonderwhenitwasthatSeattlebecametheEPICENTERofgourmetcoffee.

hinterland(HIN-ter-land).Anareaborderingonacoastorriver;inlandregion;anarearemovedfrompopulatedareas;backcountry.Tiredofthepressuresandcompromisesofurbanliving,MarthamovedherfamilytothemoregentleHINTERLAND.

hovel(HUV-ul).Amodest,humblehomeorhut;arudeordirtydwellingplace.

InthestormscenesofKingLear,EdwardisdisguisedasPoorTom,alunaticwhohassoughtshelterinaHOVELonthebarrenheath.

natatorium(nay-tuh-TOR-ee-um).Anindoorswimmingpool.Althoughhehadswuminhundredsofvenues,Melvinstillhadadreamofcompetingintheworld’slargestNATATORIUM.

periphery(puh-RIFF-uh-ree).Theareaattheextremeofagivenboundary.Thereamongthehomeless,atthefurthestperipheryofsociety,Mariafoundhercalling.

pied-à-terre(pyay-duh-TARE).Asecondhomeorapartment,usuallysmall,usedasaplacetostayforshorttripstothelocationinlieuofrentingahotelroom.AlisonandherfamilyacquiredaPIED-À-TERREinthecitybecauseherworkoftenrequireshertospenddaysatcorporateheadquarters.

sanctum(SANK-tum).Aholy,sacredplace;aprivateplace;retreat.Brandon’ssmallhomeofficecontainedlittlemorethanacomputer,anencyclopedia,andafewpiecesoffurniture,butitwasinthisunprepossessingSANCTUMthathewrotehisPulitzerPrize–winningplay.

VERBS

egress(ee-GRESS).Exit;togoout;toleaveaplace.Thestewardess’searnestrequestthatwetrytoEGRESSfromtheburningplaneinanorderlyfashionhadlittleeffect.

ANTONYMS

abyss(uh-BISS).Abottomlessgulf;deepfissure;vastchasm;anythingprofoundorinfinite.

“Whoeverfightsmonstersshouldseetoitthatintheprocesshedoesnotbecomeamonster.Andifyougazelongenoughintoanabyss,theABYSSwillgazebackintoyou.”—FriedrichNietzsche,Germanphilosopher

vacuity(va-KYOO-ih-tee).Thestateofemptiness;withoutcontents.“OnceyoufullyapprehendtheVACUITYofalifewithoutstruggle,youareequippedwiththebasicmeansofsalvation.”—TennesseeWilliams,Americanplaywright

153.Poor

(PAWR),adjective

Lackingmaterialpossessions;havinglittleornomeanstosupportoneself;impoverished.

ADJECTIVES

destitute(DES-ti-toot).Withoutthemeansofself-support;unabletosubsist.“Whenarichmanbecomespooritisamisfortune,itisnotamoralevil.WhenapoormanbecomesDESTITUTE,itisamoralevil,teemingwithconsequencesandinjurioustosocietyandmorality.”—LordActon,Englishthinkerandprofessor

impecunious(im-puh-KYOON-ee-us).Tobepoororbroke;tohavelittleornomoney.AlexhasbeenravingabouthisIMPECUNIOUSstateeversincehistrustfundwascut.

impoverished(im-POV-er-isht).Reducedtopoverty.

“ThePilgrimsmadeseventimesmoregravesthanhuts.NoAmericanshavebeenmoreIMPOVERISHEDthanthesewho,nevertheless,setasideadayofthanksgiving.”—H.U.Westermayer

indigent(IN-dih-junt).Lackingtheessentialsoflife;impoverished.Attheshelter,IcameacrossmanyINDIGENTfamilieswhohadfallenvictimtothefailingeconomy.

penurious(peh-NOOR-ee-uss).Lackinginmeans;extremelypoor;destitute.Joan,raisedincomfortablesurroundings,wasnotcutoutforsuchaPENURIOUSlifestyle.

proletarian(pro-luh-TAIR-ee-un).Thepoorestclassofpeople;theworkingclass.Thepolitician’sappealstoherPROLETARIANconstituentsearnedhermanyvotesduringtheelection.

ANTONYMS

opulent(OP-yoo-luhnt).Reflectingwealthandaffluence.DonaldTrumpshowcaseshisOPULENTlifestylebywearingdesignersuits,drinkingCristalchampagne,andtravelinginprivateairplanes.

154.Powerful

(POW-ur-full),adjective

Havingorshowinggreatpowerorforce;mighty;influential;strong.

ADJECTIVES

authoritarian(aw-thor-uh-TAIR-ee-un).Describesaformofsocialcontrolinwhichthegovernmentdemandsabsolute,blindassentofitscitizens.Theeerie,AUTHORITARIANworldofGeorgeOrwell’s1984continuestoresonatetoday.

Herculean(hur-kyuh-LEE-un).Strongandpowerful;reminiscentoftheGreekheroHerculesinvitality.RobertmadeaHERCULEANefforttocompletetheprojectbeforemidnight.

omnipotent(om-NIP-uh-tuhnt).Allpowerful.“AnOMNIPOTENTGodistheonlybeingwithnoreasontolie.”—MasonCooley,Americanauthor

redoubtable(rih-DOW-tuh-bull).Thequalityofbeingaformidableopponent.Michael’sREDOUBTABLEnaturemadehimasuccessfulnegotiatorandtrialattorney.

stalwart(STAL-wart).Strong,steadfast,loyal;astaunchsupporterofagrouporcause.AlthoughWayneisnolongeraworkingengineer,heisaSTALWARTmemberoftheAmericanInstituteofChemicalEngineers.

vehement(VEE-uh-muhnt).Actingwithgreatforceandenergy;intenselyemotional;passionate.Milly,achronicworrywart,wasVEHEMENTaboutherchildrencallingheriftheyweregoingtobelategettinghomefromschool.

NOUNS

carteblanche(kartblonsh).Unrestrictedpower,access,orprivilege;permissiontoactentirelyasonewishes.

JeanhadCARTEBLANCHEduringherfirstmonthorsoasofficemanager,butthevicepresidenteventuallycametosupervisehermuchmoreclosely.

forte(fort).One’snicheorstrongpoint;thatatwhichoneexcels.InteriordecoratingwasFrank’sFORTE,butheresistedmakingacareerofitforfearofwhattheguyswouldsay.

juggernaut(JUG-ur-not).Anobjectorforcesopowerfulthatitflattensordestroysanythinginitspath.Theearthquakedidsomeminorstructuraldamagetothecity,butthetornadothatfollowedaweeklaterwasaJUGGERNAUT,destroyingeveryhomeandbuildingittouched.

magnate(MAG-nayt).Anindustrialleader;apowerfulbusinessfigure.YourHonor,IamnocommunicationsMAGNATE;Irunasmall-townnewspaper.

potentate(POH-ten-tayt).Apowerfuldictator,king,leader,orruler.Amuch-fearedPOTENTATE,VictorVonDoomruledLatveriawithanironfist.

ANTONYMS

tenuous(TEN-yu-us).Unsubstantiatedandweak.Roland’sargumentstoprovetousthatit’sbettertogivethantoreceivewereTENUOUSatbest.

titular(TITCH-uh-luhr).Apersonwhoisaleaderbytitleonly,butlacksanyrealpower.ThequeenistheTITULARheadoftheUnitedKingdom.

155.Predict

(pri-DIKT),verb

Tostateinadvance;makeknownbeforehand;foretell.

ADJECTIVES

delphic(DELL-fik).Obscurelyprophetic.Foryears,othereconomists,reporters,andjustplainfolksscrambledtointerpretFederalReserveChairmanAlanGreenspan’sDELPHICcommentsaboutthestrengthorweaknessoftheeconomy.

prophetic(pruh-FET-ik).Oforhavingthepowersofaprophetorprophecy;predictive.WhenIwasgrowingup,mymotherseemedtohaveaPROPHETICgiftwhenitcametopredictingmyfuture.

NOUNS

bellwether(BELL-weh-thur).Aleader,orsomethingthatindicatesfuturedevelopments.Wemayhavetochangeourplans.I’mafraidthosedarkcloudsareaBELLWETHERoftoday’sweathershifts.

bibliomancy(BIB-lee-oh-man-see).Tellingordiviningthefutureusingabook,especiallytheBible,throughinterpretationofapassagechosenatrandom.OurexperiencewiththepractitionerofBIBLIOMANCYwasbriefandunprofitable.

necromancy(NEH-kroh-man-see).Theabilitytogainnewknowledgebycommunicatingwiththedead;magicandtrickeryingeneral.

“Theso-calledscienceofpoll-takingisnotascienceatallbutmereNECROMANCY.”—E.B.White,Americanauthor

numerology(noo-muh-RAWL-uh-jee).Thesupposedpracticeofdiviningthefuturethroughanalyzingtheoccultsignificanceofnumbers.Judy’sinterestinNUMEROLOGYisthelatestinaseriesofmysticdoings;shewasverybigontarotcardslastweek.

presentiment(prih-ZEN-tuh-ment).Afeelingthatsomething—especiallysomethingbad—isgoingtohappen.Theflightwasuneventful,despiteClyde’sPRESENTIMENTthatamid-airdisasterwouldoccur.

pyromancy(PY-ruh-man-see).Diviningofthefuturebymeansoffireorflames.BrianskillfullyparlayedaloveofsittingaroundcampfiresintoaprofitablebusinessofPYROMANCY.

VERBS

augur(AW-ger).Topredictorforetellthefuture.ThethreewitchesofShakespeare’sMacbethAUGURthecataclysmicfateoftheplay’stitularcharacter.

portend(por-TEND).Tosuggestorforetell.ThetoneofJoan’svoicethismorningPORTENDStrouble.

prognosticate(prog-NOSS-tih-kayt).Topredict;toforetellthefuture.Astothegame’sfinaloutcome,IrefusetoPROGNOSTICATE.

vaticinate(vuh-TIS-uh-nayt).Toprophesy.

TheominousdarkcloudsandrisingwindseemedtoVATICINATEtheendoftheworldorjustathunderstorm.

ANTONYMS

myopia(mye-OH-pee-uh).Inabilitytoseeclosethingsclearly;tolackforesight.Myfeelingisthatbyturningdownthatproject,FenstershowedonceagainthathesuffersfromMYOPIAwhenitcomestomarketingnewconsumerproducts.

156.Pride

(PRYD),noun

Asenseofone’sowndignityorworth;self-respect;anoverlyhighopinionofoneself;self-esteem;conceit;satisfactioninone’sownachievements,possessions,children,etc.

ADJECTIVES

grandiose(GRAN-dee-ose).Pompous;havingpretentionsorambitionsthatexceedone’sabilities,sensitivities,ormeans.HisGRANDIOSEschemeforcareeradvancementsimplywillnotpanout.

haughty(HOT-ee).Snobbishlyproud.Itriedtoapologizeforbumpingintothewoman,butsheonlygavemeaHAUGHTYglanceandinspectedherfurcoatfordamage.

overweening(OH-ver-WEE-ning).Extremelypresumptuous,arrogant,andoverconfident.“GolfisanopenexhibitionofOVERWEENINGambition,couragedeflatedbystupidity,skillsouredbyawhiffofarrogance.”—AlistairCooke,British-born

Americanjournalistandbroadcaster

tumid(TOO-mid).Pompousandswollenwithpride.WecannotstanditwhenKatherinewinsargumentsaboutcoutureandartcollectingbecausetheTUMIDexpressionthatcrossesherfaceafteraconversationalvictoryissoloathsome.

vainglorious(vayn-GLOR-ee-us).Conceited;boastful;pronetoshowingoffandbragging.Althoughthescionofawell-establishedfamily,GordonissoVAINGLORIOUSthatyou’dthinkhimaparvenu!

NOUNS

hubris(HYOO-briss).Excessivepride.Colinmayhavebegunasapleasantandunassumingclerk,butbythetimehetookoverthecompanyin1987heshowedsignsoftheHUBRISthatwouldaccompanyhisdownfall.

VERBS

pique(peek).Toinjureaperson’sprideandtherebyengenderharshfeelings.MarciawasPIQUEDatnothavingbeeninvitedtotheparty.

preen(preen).Totakepride(inoneselforone’saccomplishments).BarryPREENEDhimselfonhavingreceivedBroadcasteroftheYearawardsforthreeconsecutiveyears.

ANTONYMS

chagrin(shuh-GRIN).Afeelingofdisappointment,humiliation,embarrassment,etc.causedbyfailureofsomekind;mortification.

Muchtotheteam’sCHAGRIN,theycouldnotscoreasinglepointintheentirelasthalfofthegame,andlosttoamuchinferioropponent.

contrite(kuhn-TRYT).Crushedinspiritbyafeelingofremorseorguilt.Afterthemediareportedhisdrunkenandloutishbehavior,theactorappearedCONTRITEbutitwasclearthathewassorryonlyforhavingbeencaught.

157.Problem

(PROB-luhm),noun

Aquestionproposedforconsiderationorsolution;aperplexingordifficultmatter.

NOUNS

conundrum(kuh-NUN-drum).Ariddleorpuzzle.“Idon’tunderstandanything,”Stansaid,inthemonthsfollowinggraduation.“NowthatI’moutonmyown,mywholelifeisonebigCONUNDRUM.”

dilemma(dih-LEM-uh).Anargumentnecessitatingachoicebetweenequallyunfavorableordisagreeablealternatives.“OurDILEMMAisthatwehatechangeandloveitatthesametime;whatwereallywantisforthingstoremainthesamebutgetbetter.”—SydneyHarris,Americanjournalist

exigency(EKS-ih-jen-see).Aconditionofsomeurgencyrequiringanimmediateefforttoalleviateorsolveit.“Weshouldneverdespair,ourSituationbeforehasbeenunpromisingandhaschangedforthebetter,soItrust,itwillagain.Ifnewdifficultiesarise,wemustonlyputforthNewExertionsandproportionourEffortstotheEXIGENCYofthetimes.”—GeorgeWashington

imbroglio(im-BRO-lee-oh).Colloquiallyreferredtoasa“stickysituation”—apredicamentthatisdifficulttogetoutof.OurinabilitytodecidewhichNewYear’sEvepartytoattendcreatedanIMBROGLIOthatdisruptedoursocialcalendarformonths.

parameter(pah-RAM-ih-terr).Afactororvariablethatmustbetakenintoaccountwhensolvingaproblemorunderstandingasituation.TheweightofPaul’sgrandpianoisaPARAMETERthatmustbeconsideredwhenbuildingthemansion’snewmusicroomandballroom.

predicament(prih-DIK-ih-muhnt).Aconditionorsituationthatisdangerous,unpleasant,orembarrassing;quandary.HavingmovedinwithMax,AlicenowfacedthePREDICAMENTofwantingtobealone.

quagmire(KWAG-myr).Athornyproblemforwhichthereisnoreadysolution;amessysituationfromwhichthereisnoexpeditiousmeansofescape.Afteryearsoffightingduringwhichnovisibleprogressoccurred,themediaandmanyvocalopponentsstartedtorefertotheAfghanWarasaQUAGMIRE.

ANTONYMS

exposition(ek-spuh-ZISH-uhn).Asettingforthoffacts;detailedexplanation.“PeoplewholeanonlogicandphilosophyandrationalEXPOSITIONendbystarvingthebestpartofthemind.”—WilliamButlerYeats,Irishdramatistandpoet

resolution(rez-uh-LOO-shun).Asolving,asofapuzzle;answering,asofaquestion;solution.“Throughthecenturies,menoflawhavebeenpersistentlyconcernedwiththeRESOLUTIONofdisputesinwaysthatenablesocietytoachieveitsgoalswitha

minimumofforceandmaximumofreason.”—ArchibaldCox,Americanlawyer

158.Punishment

(PUHN-ish-muhnt),noun

Theactorfactofpunishing;apenaltyimposedonanoffenderforawrongdoing.

ADJECTIVES

baculine(BAK-yuh-lin).Concerningarodorstick,orwithpunishmentadministeredwitharod.Itwasn’tthatlongagowhenBACULINEdisciplinewascommoninAmericanschoolrooms.

NOUNS

ferule(FARE-uhl).Astickusedtopunishchildren;punishment.SparetheFERULEandspoilthechild.

reparations(reh-par-AYE-shuns).Paymentsmadebynationsdefeatedinwartothevictors,whoimposethesepaymentstorecoversomeofthecostsofbattle.AfterWorldWarI,REPARATIONSof132billiongoldmarkswereimposedonGermanybytheFrench.

forfeiture(FOR-fih-cher).Aforfeiting;paymentofapenaltyorfine.Thevandal’sFORFEITUREwasthirtydaysofpublicserviceandsixmonthsprobation.

mortification(mor-tuh-fi-KAY-shun).Thepracticeofpenitentialdisciplinebycontrollingphysicaldesiresandpassions.

Inmoderntimes,thepracticeofMORTIFICATIONhaseitherdecreasedormanifestsitselfdifferentlyfrombygonedays.

penance(PEN-uhns).Apunishmentundertakenorimposedasrepentanceforasinorwrongdoing.AsPENANCE,Mattchosetogiveupchocolateicecream.

retribution(ret-ruh-BYOO-shun).Punishment(asfromGod)forpastwrongdoing.SomesawtheMafiadon’sdebilitatingillnessasaformofdivineretributionforalifeofcrime.

sanction(SANGK-shun).Apenaltyasdisciplineorpunishment.TheUnitedNationsimposesSANCTIONSoncountriesthatviolateinternationalrulesorregulations.

VERBS

amerce(uh-MERSS).Topunish,especiallytopunishwithamonetaryamountsetbyacourt.BarbaraalwayswatchesherspeedsinceshewasAMERCEDtothetuneofaweek’spay.

ANTONYMS

dispensation(dis-puhn-SAY-shun).Areleasefromobligation;specialexemptionorremission;thesuspensionofastatuteforextenuatingcircumstances.Fortunatelyforhim,WilliamreceivedaDISPENSATIONandhewasabletocompletethebuildingalthoughitviolateduserestrictionsofthetown.

impunity(im-PYOO-nih-tee).Freedomfrompunishmentorpenalty.

WecannotletsuchanactofnakedaggressionstandwithIMPUNITY.

Q

159.Quash

(KWAHSH),verb

Torepressorsubduecompletely.

ADJECTIVES

defunct(dih-FUNKT).Aninstitution,object,etc.,thathasceasedtoexist.“Practicalmen,whobelievethemselvestobequiteexemptfromanyintellectualinfluence,areusuallytheslavesofsomeDEFUNCTeconomist.”—JohnMaynardKeynes,Britisheconomist

hapless(HAP-liss).Unluckyandunfortunate.“Exileisthenobleanddignifiedterm,whilearefugeeismoreHAPLESS.”—MaryMcCarthy,Americanauthor

pejorative(pih-JOR-uh-tiv).Insulting;meantasaput-downortobelittletheotherperson.“Wordsmith”isacorporatetermusedtodenotesomeonewhoisagoodwriter,butprofessionalwritersseeitasPEJORATIVE.

vapid(VAH-pid).Dull;voidofintellectualcuriosityorintelligence;lackingspiritandenthusiasm;dull,routine,unchallenging.Whatirkedhimmostabouthissister-in-lawwasherVAPIDstaresinresponsetosimplequestions,conversation,andjokes.

NOUNS

bêtenoire(bett-NWAR).Athingforwhichonehasanintensedislikeorgreatfear;adreadedenemyorfoe.SunlightwasDracula’sgreatestBÊTENOIRE.

ordinance(OR-dih-nance).Aspecificlaworregulation.ThelavishtreehouseRogerbuiltforhiskidswasinclearviolationofatleasthalfadozenlocalORDINANCES.

VERBS

impugn(ihm-PYOON).Toattackasfalseorwrong.“IdonotIMPUGNthemotivesofanyoneopposedtome.Itisnopleasuretometotriumphoveranyone.”—AbrahamLincoln

proscribe(pro-SKRYB).Toforbidorprohibit;frequentlyconfusedwiththeword“prescribe.”StatelawPROSCRIBESthekeepingofwildanimalsashousepets.

quell(KWELL).Tosuppressorextinguish;or,toquietone’sownoranother’sanxieties.“Otheorator’sjoys!/Toinflatethechest,torollthethunderofthevoiceoutfromtheribsandthroat,/Tomakethepeoplerage,weep,hate,desire,withyourself,/ToleadAmerica—toQUELLAmericawithagreattongue.”—WaltWhitman,Americanpoetandhumanist

raze(RAYZ).Toteardownordemolish.WehadtoRAZEourCapeCodhomeandrebuilditentirely,duetosomestructuraldamagetothehomecausedbyhighwinds.

ANTONYMS

approbation(ap-ruh-BAY-shun).Officialapprovalorcommendation.

“Inavirtuousandfreestate,norewardscanbesopleasingtosensibleminds,asthosewhichincludetheAPPROBATIONofourfellowcitizens.Mygreatpainis,lestmypoorendeavoursshouldfallshortofthekindexpectationsofmycountry.”—ThomasJefferson

inurement(in-UR-ment).Acceptancewithoutresistanceorfightingbackofpunishment,poortreatment,orunpleasantcircumstancesorconditions.PerhapsothersmightrespondtothistreatmentwithINUREMENT,Eloisehissed,butIwillbuymydiamondsatanotherboutiquefromthispointforward.

malleable(MAL-yah-bull).Easilymoldedintodifferentshapes;easilyinfluencedtochangeone’sopinionoractions.“Ididnotknowthatmankindwassufferingforwantofgold.Ihaveseenalittleofit.IknowthatitisveryMALLEABLE,butnotsoMALLEABLEaswit.”—HenryDavidThoreau,Americanauthorandtranscendentalist

160.Quotidian

(kwo-TID-ee-an),adjective

Familiar;commonplace;nothingoutoftheordinary.

ADJECTIVES

colloquial(kah-LOW-kwee-ul).Informal,conversational,everydaylanguage.“COLLOQUIALpoetryistotherealartasthebarber’swaxdummyistosculpture.”—EzraPound,Americanexpatriatepoet

orthodox(OR-thuh-docks).Mainstream;conventional;adheringtothestrictestinterpretationofalaworreligion.

ORTHODOXmedicinehaslongignoredtheobviouseffectdietandnutritionhaveonhealthandillness.

proforma(pro-FOR-muh).Standard;followingacommonlyacceptedformatorprocess.“Don’tworryaboutreadingthefineprint,”themanagertoldtheyoungsingerasheshovedthecontractinfrontofhimandputapeninhishand.“It’sjustPROFORMA.”

trumpery(TRUM-puh-ree).Somethingwithoutvalue;atrifle.TheTRUMPERYthattheSmythingtonscollectandcall“art”is,clearly,distastefuldreck.

utilitarian(you-till-ih-TAYR-ee-an).Showingpreferenceforthingsandideasthatarepracticalandutterlypragmaticwhileeschewingthefancifulanduseless.Paul’sUTILITARIANmindsetmakeshimanidealtraderonWallStreet.

NOUNS

ennui(on-WEE).Apathyandlackofenergycausedbyboredomanddisinterest.“AndhespokeofENNUI,ofjadedappetites,ofnightsanddaysaboardamoonstonevesselaslargeasacity.”—HarlanEllison,Americanauthor

homeostasis(ho-me-oh-STAY-sis).Adynamicsysteminwhichbalancebetweeninputandoutputhasbeenachieved,sononetchangestakeplace.WhenHOMEOSTATISisachievedinasealedbiosphere,theanimalsandplantscanlivewithoutoutsideair,food,orwater.

ANTONYMS

arcane(ar-KAYN).Strangeandmysterious;understoodbyonlyafew.

Bill’sARCANEknowledgeofallLexusmodelsandtheiraccessoriesisjustawasteofgraymatter.

clandestine(klan-DES-tin).Pertainingtoactivitiesthataresecret,covert,andperhapsnotfullyauthorizedorsanctioned.“CLANDESTINEstepsuponimaginedstairs/Climbthroughthenight,becausehiscuckooscall.”—WallaceStevens,Americanpoet

maverick(MAH-ver-ik).Anunorthodoxorunconventionalpersonwhodoeswhatittakestogetthingsdone.“Theruggedindividualististoooftenmistakenforthemisfit,theMAVERICK,thespoilsport,thesorethumb.”—LewisH.Lapham,formereditorofHarper’sMagazine

ruritanian(roor-ih-TAYNE-ee-in).Anythingrelatedtoaromanticadventureoritsenvironment.ThetwoloversfoundBarbadostobeaRURITANIANparadise.

R

161.Rash

(RASH),adjective

Actingtoohastilywithoutdeliberationorcaution;reckless.

ADJECTIVES

brash(brash).Impudent;hasty;actingimpetuouslyandquickly.TheactionyouhavetakenisBRASH;youwillregretyourrecklessness.

foolhardy(FOOL-har-dee).Rash;hasty;unthinking.Mack’sFOOLHARDLYdecisiontoleavehisjobandvisitTrinidadandTobagofortwoyearswasapparentlytheresultofachanceencounterwithapalmreaderhemetinaGreyhoundstationinWestCovina,California.

improvident(ihm-PRAHV-ih-dent).Notplanningforthefuture;actingwithoutthinking.Itwascutewhenhewasyounger,butnowMike’sIMPROVIDENTbehaviorjustmakeshimlooklikeatotalloser.

impulsive(im-PUHL-siv).Inclinedtoactwithoutconsciousthought.TeenagerstendtobeIMPULSIVE,butmostlearnfromtheiractionsandgrowuptoberationaladults.

quixotic(kwik-SOT-ik).Impractical;foolishlyimpulsive;rash;unpredictableinthemannerofCervantes’scharacterDonQuixote.

WealllovedArthurdearly,butcouldnotsupporthiscontinualQUIXOTICqueststosavetheenvironment.

reckless(REK-less).Disregardingconsequences.Jane’sapproachtoaffairsoftheheartwasRECKLESSandsheinvariablypaidaterribleprice.

NOUNS

temerity(tuh-MAIR-uh-tee).Rashness;recklessness.YouhavetheTEMERITYtoaskforaraiseaftershowinguplatefortypercentofthetimeoverthelastthreemonths?

ANTONYMS

discreet(dih-SKREET).Carefulaboutwhatonesaysordoes;prudent.“WeareDISCREETsheep;wewaittoseehowthedroveisgoing,andthengowiththedrove.”—MarkTwain,Americanhumoristandwriter

judicious(joo-DISH-uhs).Havingorapplyingsoundjudgment;wiseandcareful.“OriginalityisnothingbutJUDICIOUSimitation.Themostoriginalwritersborrowedfromoneanother.”—Voltaire,Frenchphilosopherandwriter

162.Raze

(RAYZ),verb

Toteardownordemolish.

ADJECTIVES

asunder(ah-SUN-derr).Splitintoparts;separated,asaformerunion.HismarriagetornASUNDER,Mikedecidedtoquithisjob,movetoTangiers,andbecomeayear-roundbeachbum.

deleterious(dell-ih-TEER-ee-us).Harmful;damaging.SmokinghasbeenproventohaveaDELETERIOUSeffectonone’shealth.

defunct(dih-FUNKT).Aninstitution,object,etc.,thathasceasedtoexist.“Practicalmen,whobelievethemselvestobequiteexemptfromanyintellectualinfluence,areusuallytheslavesofsomeDEFUNCTeconomist.”—JohnMaynardKeynes,Britisheconomist

NOUNS

cannonade(kan-uh-NAYD).Acontinuous,relentlessbombardmentoreffort.ACANNONADEofquestioninggreetedEva’sstatementthatshewasquittingtheclub’stennisteam.

maelstrom(MAYL-struhm).Asituationmarkedbyviolence,turbulence,anduncertainty.ManyfamilieswholosttheirfortunesduringtheMAELSTROMofthe1929stockmarketcrasharestilltryingtoregaintheirsocialstatustoday.

tabularasa(TAB-yuh-luhRAH-suh).Acleanslate;lackingpreconceivednotions,prejudices,beliefs,andattitudes;receptivetoinstructionandinformation.“Classicwriter’sfearoftheblankpage:callitTABULA-RASA-phobia.”—JohnJerome,Americannonfictionwriter

VERBS

decimate(DESS-ih-mayt).Toreducesomethinggreatly,tothepointofwipingitout.“EverydoctorwillallowacolleaguetoDECIMATEawholecountrysidesoonerthanviolatethebondofprofessionaletiquettebygivinghimaway.”—GeorgeBernardShaw,Irishplaywright

efface(ih-FAYSS).Toerase,obliterate,makeinconspicuous.“ItisalsotruethatonecanwritenothingreadableunlessoneconstantlystrugglestoEFFACEone’sownpersonality.Goodproseislikeawindowpane.”—GeorgeOrwell,Britishauthor

expunge(eks-PUNJ).Toridoneselfofanannoyance;tocastout;togetridof;toforciblyeject.“Thereisnoman,howeverwise,whohasnotatsomeperiodofhisyouthsaidthings,orlivedinawaytheconsciousnessofwhichissounpleasanttohiminlaterlifethathewouldgladly,ifhecould,EXPUNGEitfromhismemory.”—MarcelProust,Frenchnovelist,essayist,andcritic

quash(KWAHSH).Torepressorsubduecompletely.ShequicklyQUASHEDtherebellionoftheothermembersofthePTObyremindingthemofthesuperiorityofhersocialcontacts.

quell(KWELL).Tosuppressorextinguish;or,toquietone’sownoranother’sanxieties.“Otheorator’sjoys!/Toinflatethechest,torollthethunderofthevoiceoutfromtheribsandthroat,/Tomakethepeoplerage,weep,hate,desire,withyourself,/ToleadAmerica—toQUELLAmericawithagreattongue.”—WaltWhitman,Americanpoetandhumanist

ANTONYMS

ameliorate(uh-MEEL-yuh-rayt).Tocorrectadeficiencyordefect;tomakerightawrong;totakeactionsthatmakeup,atleastinpart,fornegativeactionsorfailuretotakeactionpreviously.Afteryouinsultedhermother,Idon’tthinkeventhemostexpensivepieceofjewelrywillbeenoughtoAMELIORATEyourrelationshipwithMarcia.

bulwark(bull-WARK).Adefensive,protectivebarrier,wall,orforce.“Sinceheaimsatgreatsouls,hecannotmiss.Butifsomeoneshouldslandermeinthisway,noonewouldbelievehim.Forenvygoesagainstthepowerful.Yetslightmen,apartfromthegreat,arebutaweakBULWARK.”—Sophocles,Greektragedian

immutable(im-MYOO-tuh-bull).Unchanging;notabletobechanged.“Idon’tknowwhatIMMUTABLEdifferencesexistbetweenmenandwomenapartfromdifferencesintheirgenitals.”—NaomiWeisstein,Americanfeminist

163.Real

(REEL),adjective

Existingorhappeninginfact;actual;true;authentic;genuine.

ADJECTIVES

bonafide(BO-nah-fyed).Legitimate,therealthing,thegenuinearticle.Hemaynotcomeacrossasparticularlyintelligent,butBrian’sPhiBetaKappakeyis,infact,BONAFIDE.

corporeal(kor-PORE-ee-ul).Tangible;havingmaterialexistence.Theestatesoldthelateauthor’sCORPOREALassets,butitretainedthecopyrightofallhisintellectualproperties,bothpublishedandunpublished.

defacto(dih-FAK-toe).Existinginfact,butwithoutofficialtitle.Althoughweeschewtitles,SashaclearlyistheDEFACTOheadofourarts-patronageclub.

equable(ECK-wuh-bull).Unvarying,steady,andfreefromextremes.“Hespakeoflove,suchloveasspiritsfeel/InworldswhosecourseisEQUABLEandpure.”—WilliamWordsworth,BritishRomanticpoet

palpable(PAL-pah-bull).Capableofbeingtouched,felt,orhandled;tangible.WhenAlistairdidnotgiveLorissatheluxurywatchshewasexpectingforherbirthday,thesilencewasPALPABLE.

veritable(VER-ih-tah-bull).Genuine;perfectasaspecimenorexample.“Forme,thechildisaVERITABLEimageofbecoming,ofpossibility,poisedtoreachtowardswhatisnotyet,towardsagrowingthatcannotbepredeterminedorprescribed.”—MaxineGreene,Americanphilosopherandeducator

viable(VY-uh-bull).Capableofoccurringorworking;practicable;real;capableofliving.MikearguedquitepersuasivelythattheonlyVIABLEsolutiontothecompany’sfinancialdilemmawasforittogopublicandraisemoneybysellingstock.

VERBS

corroborate(kuh-ROB-uh-rayt).Tomakemorecertain;toconfirm.ThewitnesswasabletoCORROBORATEthedefendant’stestimony.

substantiate(sub-STAN-shee-ayt).Togivesubstanceortrueexistenceto:toshowtoberealortruebygivingevidence;prove;confirm.JacktriedforyearstoSUBSTANTIATEhisrightfulclaimtoownershipoftheproperty.

vet(VET).Toappraiseorevaluateforauthenticity.ThecampaignmanagerthoroughlyVETTEDtheshortlistofvicepresidentialcandidates.

ANTONYMS

conjectural(kuhn-JEK-chur-uhl).Ofthenatureofguesswork;involvinginferenceandtheories.“Thepresentpolicypathmakescurrentpromises,atleastinrealterms,highlyCONJECTURAL.”—AlanGreenspan,formerchairmanoftheFederalReserve

incorporeal(in-core-PORE-ee-al).Lackingform.ThemoaningsandlowrumblingsintheoldhousesuggestedINCORPOREALvisitorstoKate.

164.Reduce

(ri-DOOS),verb

Tolesseninanyway,suchassize,amount,numberetc.

ADJECTIVES

curtate(KUR-tayt).Reduced;shortened;abbreviated.ThecommitteecouldnotgetagoodideaofthebuildingplansfromtheCURTATEdescriptionsattheluncheon.

NOUNS

diminution(dim-ih-NOO-shen).Reductionordecreaseduetooutsideinfluence.Thestockfellinvalueby75percentinjustoverthreehours;fewissuescanfullyrecoverfromsuchDIMINUTION.

VERBS

abate(uh-BAIT).Toreduceoreliminateatax,claim,fine,etc.;todiminish,subside.JohnsoldhiscarinFebruaryand,whenhereceivedabillfortheyear’sexcisetax,askedthetowntoABATEtheamount.

curtail(ker-TALE).Toabridgeortruncate;tolessen,usuallybytakingorcuttingawayfrom.Hisnewoffice’s8:00A.M.meetingsmeantDwightwouldhavetoCURTAILhislate-nighttelevisionwatching.

decimate(DESS-ih-mayt).Toreducesomethinggreatly,tothepointofwipingitout.“EverydoctorwillallowacolleaguetoDECIMATEawholecountrysidesoonerthanviolatethebondofprofessionaletiquettebygivinghimaway.”—GeorgeBernardShaw,Irishplaywright

dilute(die-LOOT).Tomakesomething,suchasamixture,thinnerorweakerbyaddingadditionalobjects,ingredients,compounds,etc.toit;toreduceforce,strength,oreffectivenessof.FredericaneverDILUTESherwords.She’lltellyouexactlyhowshefeels.

extenuate(ik-STEN-yoo-ayt).Toreduceinseriousness,externalaspect,orextent;tomakeafaultorerrorlessgrave.ThecasewasdismissedbecausecircumstancesEXTENUATEDhisnegligence.

ANTONYMS

accretion(uh-KREE-shun).Growthinsize,especiallybyadditionoraccumulation.

“ThemostsuccessfulmenintheendarethosewhosesuccessistheresultofsteadyACCRETION.”—AlexanderGrahamBell,Scottish-Americaninventor

aggrandizement(uh-GRAN-diz-muhnt).Anincreaseinpower,position,riches,etc.;wideninginscopeorintensity.Margarethadawell-developedskillforself-AGGRANDIZEMENT.Seealso:Change,Harm

165.Refulgent

(rih-FULL-jent),adjective

Radiant,gleaming;shiningbrightly.

ADJECTIVES

effulgent(ih-FULL-jent).Shiningbrightly;glowing;radiant.ThelightningstormmadetheeveningskypositivelyEFFULGENT.

luciferous(loo-SIH-fuh-ruhs).Providinginsightorenlightenment;illuminating.BlakedidnotfindtheIvyLeagueLUCIFEROUS,sohedecidedtodevotehislifetoworldtravelinstead.

nitid(NIHT-id).Brightandlustrous.BrockandJennyflewthroughNITIDmoonbeamsinBrock’snewGulfstreamGIVpersonaljet.

resplendent(reh-SPLEN-dent).Garbedordecoratedinlushfabricsandrich,vibrantcolors.ThebridewasRESPLENDENTinabeadedsilkgown.

NOUNS

élan,(a-LON).Enthusiasm,energy,flair,zest.BryannareactedwithÉLANwhenshewastappedtobepartofafeatureforEliteTravelMagazine.

exemplar(ig-ZEM-plar).Arolemodel,ashiningexampleofadesiredstate,status,orbehavior.“Thesystem—theAmericanone,atleast—isavastandnobleexperiment.IthasbeenpolestarandEXAMPLARforothernations.”—PhyllisMcGinley,Americanpoet

felicity(fih-LISS-ih-tee).Astateofblissfulhappiness.“NeverlosesightofthefactthatallhumanFELICITYliesinman’simagination,andthathecannotthinktoattainitunlessheheedsallhiscaprices.”—MarquisdeSade,Frencharistocratandrevolutionary

VERBS

zonk(ZAWNK).Tostunorstupefy.WewerepositivelyZONKEDbyMarie’schoiceofcouturefortheveryimportantSandersongala.

ANTONYMS

austere(aw-STEER).Stern;grimandlackinghumororwarmth;cleanandunornamented;severeorstrictinmanner.InthemovieDeadPoetsSociety,RobinWilliamsclasheswithanAUSTEREheadmasterataprivateboys’school.

innocuous(ih-NAHK-yew-us).Notharmfuloroffensive;innocent,incidental,andhardlynoticeable.“IknowthoselittlephrasesthatseemsoINNOCUOUSand,onceyouletthemin,pollutethewholeofspeech.”—SamuelBeckett,Irishwriter,dramatist,and

poet

166.Regret

(ree-GRET),verb,noun

Tofeelsorrowover;mournfor;tofeelremorsefor.

ADJECTIVES

penitent(PEN-ih-tent).Feelingsorryandregretfulthatyouhavedonesomethingwrong.AccordingtoAmbroseBierce’sjadedview,thePENITENTaretypicallythoseundergoingorawaitingpunishment.

rueful(ROO-full).Regretful;pitiable.Intheterminal,JeangaveaRUEFULsighasshestaredattheplanethatwastocarryherawayfromSanFranciscoforever.

NOUNS

compunction(kum-PUNK-shun).Unrestoruneasinessarisingoutofafeelingofguilt;asensationofremorseoruncertaintyaboutadecisionorcourseofaction.IwillsignherdismissalnoticemyselfwithoutCOMPUNCTION;sheiseasilythemostincompetentsalespersonIhaveeverworkedwith.

contrition(kuhn-TRISH-uhn).Afeelingofremorseforsinsorguilt.“IshallneversendforapriestorreciteanActofCONTRITIONinmylastmoments.IdonotmindifIlosemysoulforalleternity.”—MaryMcCarthy,Americanauthor

qualm(KWAHM).Asuddenfeelingofuneasiness,oftenlinkedtoapanginone’sconscience.OfcoursewefeelnoQUALMSaboutwantingthefinestthingsinlife;thatisthelegacyourforefathersbequeathedtous.

repentance(rih-PEN-tense).Afeelingofsorrowforawrongdoing.“Prostituteshaveveryimproperlybeenstyledwomenofpleasure;theyarewomenofpain,orsorrow,ofgrief,ofbitterandcontinualREPENTANCE,withoutahopeofobtainingapardon.”—Anonymous

VERBS

bemoan(bih-MOWN).Toregretpassionatelyortocomplainaboutanillturnofevents.JoelcouldnotstopBEMOANINGthefactthathewasonlythreenumbersoffofthePowerballjackpot.

ANTONYMS

appeased(uh-PEEZED).Placated;soothedorsatisfied.SallywaseasilyAPPEASED,rarelyfeelingnegativeemotionsorbehavinginawaythatwouldcauseregret.

complacent(kum-PLAY-suhnt).Satisfiedwithoneself;smug;content.BrianwassoCOMPLACENTduringthepracticescrimmagesbeforethebiggamethathiscoachconsideredbenchinghimandplayingthebackupquarterbackinstead.Seealso:Sad

167.Relationship

(ri-LAY-shun-ship),noun

Astateofbeingrelated;aconnectionorassociation.

ADJECTIVES

collegial(kuh-LEE-juhl).Ofaworkingrelationshipamongcolleaguescharacterizedbycollectiveresponsibilityandminimalsupervision.TheCOLLEGIALstructureoftheorganizationisonereasonthere’sverylittleturnoverthere.

consanguineous(con-san-GWIN-ee-us).Relatedbyblood;ofcommonlineage.ThetwobrotherslearnedoftheirCONSANGUINEOUSrelationshipafteraseriesofbloodtests.

filial(FILL-ee-ull).Thatwhichisduefromorbefittingasonordaughter;pertainingtoasonordaughter.MotherconsidereditmyFILIALresponsibilitytotakeoverthefamilybusinesswhenIgraduated,butIwantedtopursueacareerofmyown.

platonic(pluh-TAWN-ik).Freeofsexualorromanticrelations;alsoreferstotheidealformofsomething.EmilyknewthatherrelationshipwithPaulhadtoremainPLATONICiftheyweregoingtocontinueworkingtogether.

symbiotic(sim-bee-OTT-ik).Characteristicofanintimateormutuallyadvantageousrelationship,especially(inbiology)onebetweendissimilarorganisms.InoceanlifeyouoftenseeSYMBIOTICrelationshipsbetweenlargeandsmallfish,inwhichthesmallerfeedoffoforganismsexistingonthelarger,therebykeepingthelargerfishcleanandhealthy.

NOUNS

dalliance(DAL-ee-ehnss).Abrief,casualflirtationwithorinterestinsomeoneorsomething;theactoftarryingratherthanproceedingswiftlyanddeliberately.HerDALLIANCEwiththepoolboymadeherhusbandangryandjealous.

détente(day-TAWNT).FromtheFrench,meaning“toslacken,”alooseningofstrainedrelations.AfterGrahamandHeatherstoppedyellingatandstartedlisteningtoeachother,theDÉTENTEbetweenthembegan.

liaison(lee-A-zawn).Anadulterousrelationship;or,akindofillicitsexualrelationship.LIAISONSaremuchmorecommonwithinourgroupthanarestablemarriages.

lineage(LIN-ee-ij).Ancestry;familytree.WestillconsiderRachelnouveaurichebecauseherfamilycanonlytraceitsAmericanLINEAGEtothemid-eighteenthcentury.

nepotism(NEP-uh-tiz-um).Thepracticeoffavoringrelatives.ThecompanypracticedshamelessNEPOTISM,regularlypassingupqualifiedapplicantsandhiringtheunderqualifiedsons,daughters,andcousinsofboardmembers.

rapport(rah-PORE).Atrustingandharmoniousrelationship.AlthoughtheWilsonsfoundtheirneighborsoddatfirst,thefoursoondevelopedastrongRAPPORT.

rapprochement(rah-prosh-MOHN).Re-establishmentoffriendlyrelationsbetweennationsfollowingaperiodofhostility.LydiaspokeatlengthabouthowRAPPROCHEMENTbetweentheUnitedStatesandsomeformerSovietnationshasbeenarealboontoherfamily’sprestigeandwealth.

schism(SKIZ-um).Adivision;abreakorruptureofrelations,especiallyoneduetoideologicalorpoliticaldifferences.TheSCHISMinthepartyovertheissueofslaveryreflectedadivisioninthecountryitself.

scion(SY-uhn).Adescendantorheir.“SCIONofchiefsandmonarchs,whereartthou?/Fondhopeofmanynations,artthoudead?”—LordByron,BritishRomanticpoet

sociometry(so-see-OM-uh-tree).Thedeterminationofpreferenceamongmembersofdistinctsocialgroups.Whatwefoundisthatthebrand’ssuccessorfailureinagivenareawasduenotmainlytoincomelevel,buttoSOCIOMETRY.

VERBS

correlate(KORE-uh-layt).Torelatelogicallyorsystematically;tolink.IbelieveIcandemonstrateconvincinglythattheincreasedcancerrateinthetowncanbedirectlyCORRELATEDtothedumpingpracticesofyourfirmoverthepasttwentyyears.

ANTONYMS

estrange(ih-STRAYNJ).Toalienateorremovefromapositionorrelationship.Michelle’srefusaltogiveupherself-destructivehabitsESTRANGEDherbrother.

misanthrope(MISS-en-throwp).Apersonofantisocialnaturewhodislikesotherpeopleandthinkspoorlyofthemuntiltheygivehimreasonnotto.HaroldhasbecomeaveritableMISANTHROPEsinceAnabellerefusedtogoonanymoredateswithhim.

168.Relieve

168.Relieve

(rhi-LEEV),verb

Toease,lighten,reduce,orfreefrompain,anxiety,etc.

NOUNS

anodyne(an-uh-DYNE).Anythingthatrelievesorlessenspain;somethingthatsoothes.“NovelssooftenprovideanANODYNEandnotanantidote,glideoneintotorpidslumbersinsteadofrousingonewithaburningbrand.”—VirginiaWoolf,Britishnovelist

unguent(UNG-gwent).Alocallyappliedointmentorsalve.Intreatingpoisonivy,calaminelotionorsomesimilarUNGUENTisusuallyrecommended.

VERBS

alleviate(uh-LEEV-ee-ayt).Tomakemorebearable;torelieve.TheonlythingthatwillALLEVIATEthefatigueI’mfeelingrightnowisagoodnight’ssleep.

assuage(uh-SWAYJ).Toease;tomakelesssevere;tomitigate.GarytriedtoASSUAGEhisgriefatthelossofhisloverbytakingalongtriptoEurope.

palliate(PAL-ee-ayt).Totreatapatientsothathissymptomsabateeventhoughhestillhasthedisease.WeintroducedAmandatoRoberto,inattempttoPALLIATEthebrokenheartthatAmandasufferedoverherbreakupwithoneofthescionsoftheChesterfieldfamily.

salve(SAVV).Tosootheaswithsalve(medicinalointment).LuckilyforJim,roseswouldusuallySALVEhiswife’sdistresswheneverheforgottheiranniversary.

temper(TEM-per).Tomoderateormitigate;soften.Aftertheaccident,PaulfoundthatthemonetarysettlementwasabletoTEMPERhisdiscomforttoagreatextent.

ANTONYMS

aggravate(AG-ruh-vayt).Tomakeworseormoresevere;tointensify.“Truthisneitheralivenordead;itjustAGGRAVATESitselfallthetime.”—MarkTwain,Americanhumoristandwriter

foment(foe-MEHNT).Torouseorincite.ManysocialadvocateshavebeenconsideredasrebelliousandoftenarearrestedforattemptingtoFOMENTtrouble.

169.Repeat

(ree-PEET),verb

Tosay,utter,do,ormakeagain;toreproduce.

ADJECTIVES

recursive(ree-KURSS-iv).Pertainingtoaprocessinwhicheachstepmakesuseoftheresultsoftheearliersteps.ThestudyofmathematicsisaRECURSIVElearningexperience.

NOUNS

iteration(it-uh-RAY-shun).Theprocessofperformingaseriesofinstructionsorstepsrepeatedly;alsoreferstoonerepetitionofthoserepeatedsteps.“ThouhastdamnableITERATION,andartindeedabletocorruptasaint.”—WilliamShakespeare

tautology(taw-TALL-uh-jee).Aneedlessrepetitionofanideaorstatement;redundancy.Afterhiswealthyfather’sdeath,GeraldconsistentlyreferredtohismotherwiththeTAUTOLOGY,“widowwoman.”

VERBS

echo(EK-oh).Toresoundwithanecho;reverberate;torepeatanother’swordsorideas.“Kindwordsareshortandeasytospeak,buttheirECHOESaretrulyendless.”—MotherTeresa

perpetuate(purr-PETCH-oo-ayt).Tomakeeverlasting;toprolongmemoryoruse(ofathing).TherumorthatIamresigninghasbeenPERPETUATEDbyanumberofsources,allcompletelyunreliable.

recapitulate(ree-kuh-PITCH-uh-layt).Torepeatsomething,butinamoreconciseform.“ToRECAPITULATE:alwaysbeontimeformyclass,”theprofessortoldhisfreshmanclassonthefirstdayofthesemester.

replicate(REP-li-kayt).Toduplicate,repeat,orreproduce,particularlyforexperimentalpurposes.Johnhadsuccessfullydevelopedacureforthecommoncold,butcouldnotREPLICATEtheprocess.

ANTONYMS

ANTONYMS

conclusive(kuhn-KLOO-sive).Abletosettleaquestion;definitive;final.Marywastiredofcontinuallyarguingwithherparentsaboutresponsibilityandfeltthatgettingafull-timejobwouldbeaCONCLUSIVEdemonstration.

unambivalent(un-am-BIV-uh-luhnt).Notambivalent;definite;certain.ThescoreattheendofthegamegaveUNAMBIVALENTtestimonyofourteam’ssuperiority.

170.Replace

(ri-PLAYSS),verb

Toplaceagain;putbackinthepreviousposition;toprovideasubstituteorequivalentfor.

ADJECTIVES

supposititious(sup-poz-ih-TISH-uhs).Spuriouslysubstitutedorpretended;fraudulent;notgenuine.ThecookpreparedthedessertaccordingtoaSUPPOSITITIOUSlistofingredients.

tantamount(TAN-tuh-mownt).Equivalentinvalueoreffect.EleanorconsideredoursnubofherTANTAMOUNTtobetrayal,and,intruth,shewascorrect.

ADVERBS

vicariously(vye-KAIR-ee-uss-lee).Throughanother,asenjoyingimaginedfeelingsandexperiencesbyobservingorhearingaboutanotherperson’slifeand

adventures.Marriedforovertwenty-fiveyears,RogeroftentoldhissinglefriendsthathelivedVICARIOUSLYthroughthem.

NOUNS

quidproquo(KWID-pro-kwo).Afairexchangeofassetsorservices;afavorgiveninreturnforsomethingofequalvalue.InaQUIDPROQUO,StephenhelpedAlexwithhismathhomework,whileAlexdidStephen’schores.

prosthesis(pross-THEE-sis).Anartificiallyconstructedmembermeanttoreplaceadamagedormissingpartofthehumanbody.Severalmonthsaftertheaccident,GregwasfittedforaPROSTHESISforhislowerleftlegthatwouldallowhimtowalkagain.

subrogation(sub-roe-GAY-shun).Thesubstitutionofonepersonforanotherwithrespecttoalawfulclaimorright.TheSUBROGATIONclauseintheleasesaysthatifthelandlordcannotcollectrentfromthetenant,shehastherighttocollectfromtheco-signeroftheleasingagreement.

VERBS

supersede(su-per-SEED).Whenonethingtakestheplaceofanotherorrenderstheformerobsolete.“Theclassicallaws[ofphysics]wereSUPERSEDEDbyquantumlaws.”—StephenHawking,Britishtheoreticalphysicist

supplant(suh-PLANT).Totaketheplaceof.“IfwewouldSUPPLANTtheopinionsandpolicyofourfathersinanycase,weshoulddosouponevidencesoconclusive,andargumentssoclear,thateven

theirgreatauthorityfairlyconsideredandweighted,cannotstand.”—AbrahamLincoln

ANTONYMS

abiding(uh-BYD-ing).Continuingwithoutchange;enduring.“Onlyonpaperhashumanityyetachievedglory,beauty,truth,knowledge,virtue,andABIDINGlove.”—GeorgeBernardShaw,Irishplaywright

perdure(per-DYOOR).Tocontinueorlastpermanently;endure.Kevinknewthathislifewouldchangeandfriendswouldcomeandgo,buthisrelationshipwithJanewouldPERDURE.

171.Reputation

(rep-yuh-TAY-shun),noun

Theestimationinwhichapersoniscommonlyheld,whetherfavorableornot;characterintheviewofothers;repute;fame.

NOUNS

calumny(KAL-um-nee).Theactoflibelorslander;besmirchingofaperson’sreputationbyspreadingfalsestatementsandrumors.“Topersevereinone’sdutyandbesilentisthebestanswertoCALUMNY.”—GeorgeWashington,Americanpresident

innuendo(in-yu-ENN-doe).Asubtleintimation;anindirectinsinuation.ThroughhintsandINNUENDOheropponentmanagedtoplantseedsofdoubtaboutGovernorWilliams’spast.

libel(LIE-bull).Awritten,printed,orpictorialstatementorassertionthatisunjustlynegative,defaming,orhurtfultoone’scharacterandreputation.

SeveralcelebritieshavesuedthesupermarkettabloidforLIBEL,buttheparadeofluridandpreposterousheadlineshascontinuedunabated.

VERBS

exonerate(ig-ZON-uh-rayt).Toclearorfreefromblameorguilt;torestore(one’sreputation).AfterthechargeswerethrownoutandBrianwascompletelyEXONERATED,hewasfreetocontinuehisworkinthesecuritiesindustry.

insinuate(in-SIN-yu-ayt).Tohintatdarkly;tosuggest(typically,withnegativeconnotations).Ihopeyoudon’tmeantoINSINUATEthatmyhusbandisseeinganotherwoman.

slander(SLAN-dur).Tomakeanuntrueandmaliciousstatementintendedtodamagethereputationofanother.IfyoucontinuetoSLANDERmyfather,Mr.Caen,youwillbehearingfrommyattorney.

ANTONYMS

notoriety(no-tuh-RY-ih-tee).Thestateofbeingwidelyandunfavorablyknown.“Ittakesverylittlefiretomakeagreatdealofsmokenowadays,andNOTORIETYisnotrealglory.”—LousiaMayAlcott,Americanauthor

unsavory(un-SAYV-err-ee).Distasteful;unpleasant;disreputable;ofdubiousreputation.“OurfutureisinextricablylinkedtowhathappensinWashington,D.C.,andweknowthatisaveryUNSAVORYreality.”—DonLibey,directmarketingadvisor

172.Responsibility

(ri-spon-suh-BIL-uh-tee),noun

Theconditionorstateofbeingresponsible;obligation;duty.

ADJECTIVES

onerous(OH-nerr-us).Difficult;imposingheavyresponsibility.Caringforhisson’slargeaquariumquicklywentfromaninterestinghobbytoanONEROUSburden.

NOUNS

onus(OH-nuss).Obligation,responsibility,duty,orburden.TheONUSforchoosingthecolorschemeforournewlacrosseuniformsfellultimatelytoTabitha,whohadpreviouslychosenthedesignforourpolouniforms.

VERBS

ascribe(uh-SKRYB).Toattributeorassigncausalresponsibilitytoapersonorthing.ThisworkhasbeenASCRIBEDtoRousseau,buthisauthorshipnowseemsuncertain.

ANTONYMS

abdicate(AB-dih-kayt).Toformallygiveupapositionorresponsibility;tostepdownfromahighgovernmentofficeorotherpowerfulposition.TheKing,asweallknow,ABDICATEDratherthangiveupthewomanheloved.

dereliction(dair-uh-LIK-shun).Willfulneglect;shirkingofresponsibility;theknowingfailuretoperformone’sduty.

Thesergeant’sinactionthatnightledtotroublingaccusationsofDERELICTIONofduty.

exculpate(EK-skull-payt).Toremoveresponsibilityorguiltfrom.ThefactthatIwasconvictedisimmaterial;IhavebeenfullyEXCULPATED.

fickle(FIK-uhl).Changeableorunstableininterestoraffection;capricious.“O,swearnotbythemoon,theFICKLEmoon,theinconstantmoon,thatmonthlychangesinhercircleorb,Lestthatthyloveprovelikewisevariable.”—WilliamShakespeare,Englishdramatist

remiss(rih-miss).Negligentorcareless.JonwasREMISSinhisrelationships,neverthankinganyoneforthekindnesseshereceived.

sociopath(SO-see-uh-path).Apersonwho,becauseofmentalillness,lacksrestraintormoralresponsibilitytowardfellowmembersofsociety.Althoughmotionpicturesandpopularfictionhaveshownanunendingfascinationwithserialkillers,thefactisthatsuchSOCIOPATHSarequiterare.

173.Revenge

(rih-VENJ),verb

Toinflictpunishment,damage,orinjuryinreturnforaninsult,injury,etc.

ADJECTIVES

vindictive(vin-DIK-tiv).Mean-spirited;eagerforrevenge.Whenangered,LynncanbequiteVINDICTIVE;thosewhoworkwithherknowthatthemostpainlesscourseistostayonhergoodside.

NOUNS

NOUNS

nemesis(NEM-ih-sis).Anactoragentofretribution;anopponentmotivatedbyrevenge.Thingslookedbleak:Harold’snemesis,Mike,wasinchargeofallhiringdecisions.

reprisal(rih-PRYZ-uhl).Aninstanceortheactofretaliation.Peterwasconfidentthathewascorrect,butwasjustassurehefacedaREPRISALforspeakingupduringthemeeting.

retribution(ret-ruh-BYOO-shun).Deservedpunishmentforevildone.SomesawtheMafiadon’sdebilitatingillnessasaformofdivineRETRIBUTIONforalifeofcrime.

vendetta(ven-DETT-uh).Abitterfeudorgrudge,especiallyoneinvolvingvengeanceforawrongdoing.Mark’sargumentsagainstmyproposedprojecthadlesstodowithitsmeritsthanwiththeVENDETTAhehaswagedagainstmesinceIwashiredforthejobhewanted.

VERBS

reciprocate(rih-SIP-ruh-kayt).Togiveoractinturnfollowingtheleadofanother;toreplyinkind.Wecannotignoreanactofaggression;ifweareattacked,thenwemustRECIPROCATE.

requite(rih-KWYT).Toreturn;toretaliateforanactualorassumedwrong.“Certainsetsofhumanbeingsareveryapttomaintainthatothersetsshouldgiveuptheirlivestothemandtheirservice,andthentheyREQUITEthembypraise”—CharlotteBrönte,Britishnovelist

ANTONYMS

condone(kuhn-DOHN).Toforgive,pardon,oroverlooksomething.“OnewhoCONDONESevilisjustasguiltyastheonewhoperpetratesit.”—MartinLutherKing,Jr.,Americanministerandcivil-rightsleader

vindicate(VIN-dih-kayt).Toclearfromcriticism,censure,suspicion,etc.;tojustifyordefend.“Havepatienceawhile;slandersarenotlong-lived.Truthisthechildoftime;erelongsheshallappeartoVINDICATEthee.”—ImmanuelKant,Germanphilosopher

174.Reverence

(REV-er-uhns),noun

Afeelingofdeeprespect,awe,andlove;veneration.

NOUNS

deification(DEE-if-ih-kay-shin).Theprocessofmakingsomeoneorsomethinginto—andworshippingthemas—agod.“PoetryistheDEIFICATIONofreality.”—EdithSitwell,Britishpoet

fetish(FETT-ish).Anyobject,idea,leader,etc.inspiringunquestionedaweandreverence.“Itsickensme,”Norasaid,“howsomanycollegeshavemadeaFETISHofhighgradesonstandardizedtests.”

VERBS

exalt(ig-ZAWLT).Toraiseinhonor,character,quality;topraise.

“CivilizationdegradesthemanytoEXALTthefew.”AmosBronsonAlcott,Americanreformerandphilosopher

extol(ik-STOHL).Topraisehighly;laud.Whentalkingabouthisnewgirlfriend,LarrywouldEXTOLhervirtuesinreverentialterms.

hallow(HAL-low).Toestablishasholy;tosanctify.“But,inalargersense,wecannotdedicate,wecannotconsecrate,wecannotHALLOWthisground.”—AbrahamLincoln,GettysburgAddress

lionize(LIE-uh-nize).Topraiseexcessively;toidolize.ForyearsyoungbaseballfansLIONIZEDBabeRuth,whosemanyindiscretionswereusuallyoverlookedbythepress.

venerate(VEN-uh-rayt).Toregardortreatwithreverence.“ThewaytheUnitedStatesVENERATEScelebritiescanbequiteannoying,”Sylviasaid.

ANTONYMS

desecrate(DESS-ih-krayt).Toabusethesacredcharacterofathing;totreatdisrespectfullyorirreverently.Suchprofanelanguagefromourorganization’scurrentleaderservesonlytoDESECRATEthememoryofthefounder.

impiety(im-PY-ih-tee).Lackofreverenceforsacredthings;disrespectforpersonsorthingstowhichoneshouldbedevoted.“TobeinangerisIMPIETY;Butwhoismanthatisnotangry?”WilliamShakespeare,Englishdramatist

175.Ridicule

(RID-ih-kyool),verb

Tomakefunof;tomaketheobjectofcontempt;mock.

NOUNS

contumely(kon-TYOO-muh-lee).Arudedisplayinspeechordeed;contemptuousbehavior;humiliatingderision.NomatterhowlonghehadheldthegrudgeagainstAaron,hisCONTUMELYattheweddingwasuncalledfor.

VERBS

caricature(KAR-ih-kuh-chur).Toexaggeratethepeculiaritiesordefectsofsomeoneorsomethingforpurposesofridicule.ZealotsofallstripestendtoCARICATUREthosetheydespiseinordertomakethemseemlesspowerfulandfrightening.

decry(dih-CRY).Tocondemn,ridicule,ordenounceasharmful.ItisunconscionabletoDECRYdueprocessjustbecausethesystemissometimesabused.

deride(dih-RYD).Toridiculewithcruelty;tolaughatandmakefunof.HisclassmatesDERIDEDJoeforwearingargylesockstotheprom.

lampoon(lam-POON).Tomockorsatirize.ManyfeltthatTrinawascrueltoLAMPOONJessica’sperformance,includinghernervoustic.

pillory(PILL-uh-ree).Tosubjectsomeonetomercilesspublicridiculeorabuse.Isippedmymorningcoffeeastherespectiveparties’punditsPILLORIEDeachother.

scoff(SKAWF).Toshowmockingcontempt;scorn.“YoumaySCOFFallyouwant,”Davetoldthecrowdasheclimbedintothebasketofthehotairballoon“butyou’llseewhogetstotheweddingfirst.”

ANTONYMS

applaud(uh-PLAWD).Toexpressapproval;acclaim;givepraise.“ItoftenhappensthatthosewhointheirliveswereAPPLAUDEDandadmired,arelaidatlastinthegroundwithoutthecommonhonorofastone.”—SamuelJohnson,Englishpoetandcritic

esteem(ih-STEEM).Tovaluehighly;havegreatrespectandregardfor;prize.“Thehardertheconflict,themoregloriousthetriumph.Whatweobtaintoocheap,weESTEEMtoolightly,itisdearnessonlythatgiveseverythingitsvalue.”—ThomasPaine,English-Americanwriterandpoliticalpamphleteer

S

176.Sad

(SAD),adjective

Havingorexpressingsorrow,grief,orlowspirits;melancholy;mournful.

ADJECTIVES

disconsolate(dis-KON-suh-lut).Beyondconsolation;unabletobecomforted;deepingrieforsorrow.JamiewasDISCONSOLATEaftermissingwhatshouldhavebeenthegame-winningfieldgoal.

doleful(DOLE-full).Causingorexpressinggrieforaffliction.IdecidedtorescueRexfromtheanimalshelterbecauseIwasentrancedbyhisDOLEFULexpression.

lachrymose(LAK-rih-mose).Inclinedtocryeasily.ShewassoLACHRYMOSE,shecriedatcommercialsforlong-distancephonecompanies.

morose(muh-ROHSS).Gloomyandill-humored.Nowthathisparentshavetakenawayhisprivateplane,AnthonyhasbecomepositivelyMOROSE.

plangent(PLAN-jent).Havinganexpressiveandparticularlyplaintivequality.ThePLANGENTlocomotivewhistlemadeHenrydropatearinhisbeer.

sepulchral(suh-PUHL-kruhl).Suggestingatomb;funerealordismal.

TheSEPULCHRALtonesoftheorganemphasizedthesolemnityoftheservice.

woeful(WOH-full).Filledwithsorroworwoe;inasorrystate.Whenthehometeamlostthegameinthefinalseconds,theWOEFULcrowdgasped,thenwentsilent.

NOUNS

pathos(PAY-thoss).Aqualityarousingorevokingpityorsorroworelicitingtendersympathyfromanobserver.Chaplin’sdevelopmentofPATHOSasacomponentoffilmcomedywasoneofhismostsignificantachievements.

tribulation(trib-yuh-LAY-shun).Greatmiseryordistress,asfromoppression.“RiversofwingssurroundusandvastTRIBULATION.”—JohnAshbery,Americanpoetandcritic

weltschmerz(VELT-shmertz).Alingeringsorrowthatsomebelieveisagiveninlife.WhenwesnubbedMargaretforbuyingsomanyfashionknockoffs,herWELTSCHMERZlasteduntilweforgaveher.

VERBS

bewail(bih-WAYL).Toexpressdeepsorroworregretoversomething,usuallybyweeping.Afterhismarriageended,ChuckspentmonthsBEWAILINGhisfate.

commiserate(kuh-MIZ-uh-rayt).Toshareinanother’ssorrowordisappointment.JaneandAnitaCOMMISERATEDwithFrankoverthefailureofthebusiness.

ANTONYMS

ANTONYMS

ebullient(eh-BULL-yuhnt).Feelingjoyandpositiveemotionsatanextremelevel;thestateofbeingwildlyenthusiasticaboutsomething.LornewasEBULLIENTwhenhefoundthathismotherhadgiventhecollegeenoughmoneytooverturnhisrejection.

jubilant(JOO-buh-luhnt).Joyfulandtriumphant;elated.Afterahard-foughtgame,thewinnerswereJUBILANT.Seealso:Regret

177.Sapient

(SAY-pee-ent),adjective

Wise.

ADJECTIVES

erudite(AIR-yu-dyte).Sophisticated;welleducated;deeplylearned;knowledgeable;scholarly.BeneathhisERUDITEimage,Dr.JohnBrinkleywasamoney-grubbingconman.

omniscient(ahm-NIH-shent).All-knowing.“Thegodoflove,ifomnipotentandOMNISCIENT,mustbethegodofcancerandepilepsyaswell.”—GeorgeBernardShaw,Irishplaywright

venerable(VEN-err-uh-bull).Respectedandrevered,sometimesbecauseofachievement,intelligence,orcharacter,butjustasoftenasaresultofbeingaroundalongtime.

“Isthebabeyoung?WhenIbeholdit,itseemsmoreVENERABLEthantheoldestman.”—HenryDavidThoreau,Americanauthorandtranscendentalist

NOUNS

hypothesis(hy-POTH-uh-sis).Aprinciplederivedfromlimitedevidence,seenassensiblebasedonananalysisofavailabledata,butnotproventothepointwhereitisanacceptedtheory,rule,orlaw.“InordertoshakeaHYPOTHESIS,itissometimesnotnecessarytodoanythingmorethanpushitasfarasitwillgo.”—DenisDiderot,Frenchphilosopher

literati(elit-uh-RAH-tee).Thesegmentofsocietycomprisedoflearnedorliterarymenandwomen.WeattracttheLITERATIbecauseofourconstantlycarefreeandexcitingexploits.

sagacity(suh-GASS-ih-tee).Wisdom;soundnessofjudgment.“OurmindsareendowedbynaturewithsuchactivityandSAGACITYthatthesoulisbelievedtobeproducedfromheaven.”—Quintilian,Romanrhetorician

VERBS

adjudicate(uh-JOO-dih-kayt).Topresideoverorlistentoopposingargumentsandhelptwopartiessettletheirdifferenceandcometoanagreement.AsmydaughterspummeledeachotherwhilescreamingattopvolumeItrieddesperatelytoADJUDICATEtheirquarrel.

educe(ee-DYOOCE).Tocometoaconclusionorsolveaproblemthroughreasoningbasedonthoughtfulconsiderationofthefacts.AfterRoger’sfamilypurchasedaMercedesCclass,ratherthanitsusualMercedesEclass,weEDUCEDtheWallertonswereenduringfinancialdifficulties.

ANTONYMS

fatuous(FATCH-oo-us).Trivial,silly,absurd,unimportant,pointless.“I’msickofpretendingthatsomeFATUOUSmale’sself-importantpronouncementsaretheobjectsofmyundividedattention.”—GermaineGreer,Australianwriterandscholar

jejune(jih-JOON).Thoughtsandactionsthatarenotwellthoughtoutorfullyformed;apoorperformanceorinferiorwork.SamanthasnidelyinformedBlakethatherJEJUNEentertainingeffortsmightsomedaygrowtomaturity.

noncomposmentis(nonKAHM-puhsMEN-tiss).Crazy;insane;notinone’srightmind.WhenBrycesuggestedhewasconsideringtheministry,ratherthanjoiningthefamilybondbusiness,wewerecertainhewasNONCOMPOSMENTIS.

tyro(TIE-roh).Abeginnerornovice.ThoughaTYRO,Madelinequicklymasteredcross-countryskiingduringherjaunttoSwitzerland.

178.Science

(SY-ehnss),noun

Abodyofknowledgeconcernedwithestablishingfacts,principles,andmethodsthroughexperimentationandstudy.

NOUNS

biogenesis(by-oh-JEN-ih-siss).Theprocessoflifearisingfromotherlivingthings.

BIOGENESISinvolvesanunendingregenerativecycleoflifeanddeath.

entomology(en-tuh-MOL-uh-jee).Thestudyofinsects.Judy’slittleboysolovedtocollectbugsfromthegardenthatwewonderedifhemightgrowuptostudyENTOMOLOGY.

eustasy(YEW-stah-see).Achangeinsealevelcausedbymeltingofice,movementofoceanfloors,ormajordepositsofsediment.GlobalwarmingisalreadytriggeringEUSTASYbymeltingthepolaricecaps.

kinesiology(kih-nee-see-OL-uh-jee).Thescienceofmusclesandtheirfunction,physicalmovement,andmusculardevelopment.Asabodybuilder,hestudiedbothnutritionandKINESIOLOGY.

morphology(moe-FALL-uh-jee).Thestudyofsomething’sformorstructure.WespentasurprisinglyinterestingfewminutesdiscussingtheMORPHOLOGYoftheduck-billedplatypus.

nanosecond(NAN-oh-sek-uhnd).Atimeperiodequaltoone-billionthofasecond.CertainprocessescannowbemeasuredinNANOSECONDS.

ornithology(or-nih-THOLL-uh-jee).Thestudyofbirds.HerlifelongloveofbirdsledStellatoseekadegreeinORNITHOLOGY.

taxonomy(tak-SON-uh-mee).Thescienceofformalclassificationandnaming.Thenewlydiscoveredinsectwasdubbed“Lilliput”bytheresearchers,althoughitsformalnamewasaquestionofTAXONOMYthatnoonefelthurriedtoresolve.

xenogamy(zih-NAHG-uh-me).Cross-pollinationamongplantspecies.

Thesecretofouraward-winningformalgardensisthecarefuluseofXENOGAMY.

ANTONYMS

sorcery(SOR-suh-ree).Theuseofsupernaturalpowersandevilspirits;witchcraft.“Theteachingofthechurch,theoreticallyastute,isalieinpracticeandacompoundofvulgarsuperstitionsandSORCERY.”—LeoTolstoy,Russiannovelist,philosopher

wizardry(WIZ-er-dree).Theartofawizard;magic;sorcery.Brianwasanaccomplishedpolitician;hisdiplomaticandrhetoricalskillsapproachedWIZARDRY.

179.Secret

(SEE-krit),adjective,noun

Tokeepfrompublicknowledge;somethingnotrevealed.

ADJECTIVES

clandestine(klan-DES-tin).Pertainingtoactivitiesthataresecret,covert,andperhapsnotfullyauthorizedorsanctioned.“CLANDESTINEstepsuponimaginedstairs/Climbthroughthenight,becausehiscuckooscall.”—WallaceStevens,Americanpoet

cryptic(KRIP-tik).Havingahiddenorambiguousmeaning;mysterious,secret.Inanefforttomaketheirmessagesinteresting,advertisershavemadethemmoreCRYPTICsothat,attimes,it’sunclearwhatisbeingadvertisedorwhy.

incognito(in-cog-NEE-toe).Hiddenorunknown;withanintentionalchangeinappearancetomakeone’srealidentityunknown.ThenovelistworesunglassesinhopesofremainingINCOGNITOatrestaurants,buthewasstillpesteredbyautographhounds.

surreptitious(suh-rep-TISH-us).Doneinsecret.WithlittlemorethanSURREPTITIOUSglances,AlisonwasabletoenticeQuentintohersideatthespringgala.

NOUNS

cache(KASH).Somethinghiddenorstored.EveryonewasjealouswhentheylearnedofMoira’sCACHEofacceptancestothefinestschools.

machination(mak-uh-NAY-shun).Aconnivingplot;acraftyschememeanttoachieveanillicitend.CarriewasfamiliarwithDesmond’sMACHINATIONSwhenitcametowinningraises.

VERBS

encipher(en-SY-fur).Toscrambleorconvertdataintoasecretcode,priortotransmission,therebymakingitimpossibleforunauthorizeduserstounderstandordecipher.MathematicianswereemployedbytheArmytocrackENCIPHEREDmessagesduringthewar.

ANTONYMS

candid(KAN-did).Honest;outspoken.

“Blamewhereyoumust,beCANDIDwhereyoucan,andbeeachcriticthegood-naturedman.”—RobertBurns,Scottishpoet

overt(oh-VURT).Open,public,andobservable.Theenemy’sOVERTactsdemonstratedabravadoindicatingtheircompleteconfidenceinsuccess.

180.Sensuous

(SEN-shoo-us),adjective

Affecting,appealingto,orperceivedbythesenses;enjoyingthepleasuresofthesenses.

ADJECTIVES

epicurean(ep-ih-kyoo-REE-uhn).Fondofluxuryandindulgenceinsensualpleasures.PeterwasfondofEPICUREANdelightsofallkinds,butcouldonlyaffordthemostbasic.

hedonistic(heed-in-IS-tik).Characteristicofabeliefthatpleasureorhappinessisthechiefgoalinlife.Wewereallamazedthatoursmall-townfriendcouldgrowupandadoptsuchaHEDONISTIClifestyle.

luxurious(lug-ZHOOR-ee-us).Characterizedbyluxury;lovingluxuryorpleasure.“Thesixtieswereanoysterdecade:slippery,LUXURIOUS,andreportedlyaphrodisiactheyslippeddownthehistoricalthroatwithouttouchingthesides.”—JulianBarnes,Britishcriticandauthor

sybaritic(sih-bar-IT-ik).Relatingtoself-indulgentsensuousluxuryandpleasure.Selenarubbedthesuntanlotionoverhertannedmiddleslowly,andthewholethinghadanerotic,SYBARITICqualitythatmadethemen’seyespopoutoftheirheads.

toothsome(TOOTH-suhm).Voluptuousandsexuallyalluring.DorienneisTOOTHSOMEthanksmainlytoherplasticsurgeonandherfamily’sfortune.

voluptuous(vuh-LUP-chew-us).Anythingarisingfromorgivingextremesensoryorsensualpleasure.AVOLUPTUOUSbanquetwasthehighlightoftheMasterlys’Thanksgivinggala.

ANTONYMS

astringent(uh-STRIN-jent).Severe;harsh;austere.HerASTRINGENTstylewasaperfectcomplementtothecold,chastemaincharacter.

austere(aw-STEER).Severeinappearanceornature;self-disciplinedorstricttoahighdegree.GeorgechoseanAUSTERElifestylebecausehebelieveditwasmorewholesomeandhealthy.Seealso:Sex

181.Sex

(SEKS),noun

Thedivisionbygender;themanifestationofthephysicalandemotionalattractionbetweenindividuals.

attractionbetweenindividuals.

ADJECTIVES

Dionysian(die-uh-NIH-she-un).Frenzied;uninhibited;hedonistic;orgiastic;unrestrained.Thefraternity’sDIONYSIANexploitswerefunforawhile,butwhentheyresultedinhisfailingtwoclasses,Emmettdecidedtogobacktothequietlife.

lascivious(luh-SIV-ee-us).Interestedinandeagertoengageinsexualactivity;sexualinnature.“AnimpersonalandscientificknowledgeofthestructureofourbodiesisthesurestsafeguardagainstprurientcuriosityandLASCIVIOUSgloating.”—MarieCarmichaelStopes,Britishscientistandbirth-controlpioneer

lubricious(loo-BRISH-us).Arousingorsuggestiveofsexualdesire;lustful.AllcorporationsrequireemployeestoattendaworkshoponharassmentinordertocurblatentLUBRICIOUSinstincts.

nubile(NOO-bile).Sexuallymatureand/orpreparedformarriage;sexuallyattractive.Artlookedathis“baby”daughterMarieandrealizedthatshehadsomehowbecomeaNUBILEyoungwomanofeighteen.

phallic(FAL-ik).Oforpertainingtothephallus,orpenis;reminiscentofapenis;reminiscentofthelife-givingforceofnature,asinancientDionysianfestivalsthatmadethephallusacentralelement.AccordingtoFreud,PHALLICsymbols(suchastheswordofUnferthusedbyBeowulf)aboundinbothancientandmodernliterature.

prurient(PROOR-ee-ent).Anexcessivefocusonsex.

“Theidea,”JudgeCotlinwrote,“thatJoyce’sUlyssesisdesignedmainlytoexcitethereader’sPRURIENTinterestisabsurd.”

salacious(suh-LAY-shuss).Havinganunhealthy,obsessive,oraddictiveinterestinsex.Forweeks,thesocietypageswererifewithSALACIOUSgossip,whichturnedouttooriginatefromMallory,whohadlostherbeautoJeannette.

scabrous(SKAB-russ).Indelicate;risqué;salacious.JoebelievedthatSCABROUSjokeswerethemosthumorous.

sultry(SUL-tree).Suggestiveofpassionorsmolderingsexuality.Marjoriedidnothingtoaccentuateherfigureorappearance,butshestillincurredthewrathofmanywomenintheofficewhoconsideredhertobenaturallySULTRY.

tantric(TAN-trik).Relatedtoviewsofsexasasacredanddeeplyspiritualact.“Bothreligions[HinduismandBuddhism]werepatronizedbythesamekings,ministers,andmerchants,manyofwhomindulgedinthesameTANTRICheterodoxies.”—WilliamDalrymple,Scottishhistorianandauthor

wanton(WAHN-tuhn).Loose,lascivious,andlewd.RobertissoWANTONthatwomenstayawayfromhiminspiteofhisfamily’sconnections.

NOUNS

androgynous(an-DRAWJ-eh-nus).Somethingorsomeonewhoisofindeterminatesex;orhermaphrodite(havingcharacteristicsofbothamaleandafemale).ThemodelsatfashionweekweresoANDROGYNOUSthatKatherinecouldn’ttelliftheclothesweredesignedformenorwomen.

coitus(KO-uh-tus).Sexualintercourse.ProfessorWellssternlyinformedmethathewouldpreferthatIusetheterm“COITUS”indescribingtheactivitiesofthetestcouples,ratherthanthelessformal“makingwhoopee.”

concupiscence(kon-KYOO-pih-suhns).Unbridledlustintheextreme;horniness.“You’retalkingtoayoungvampire,afountainofCONCUPISCENCE.”—MarioAcevedo,Americanfantasyauthor

debauchery(de-BAW-chuh-ree).Frequentindulgenceinsensualpleasures.“Thegeniuses,themaddreamers,thosewhospeakofDEBAUCHERYinthespirit,theyarethecondemnedofourtimes.”—HarlanEllison,Americanauthor

demimonde(DEMM-ee-mond).Womenwhoareconsideredtohaveloosemoralsduetotheirindiscreetorpromiscuousbehavior.Unlessyou’retryingtogetyourselflabeledaDEMIMONDE,Sylvia,youneedtostophangingoutwithguyslikeRoger.

flagrantedelicto(fluh-GRAN-teedi-LIK-toh).Intheactofcommittinganoffense;mostwidelyusedtodaytodescribeacouplecaughtintheactofsexualintercourse.“Nocheatingspouse,noteenwithawreckedfamilycar,nomayorofWashington,D.C.,videotapedinFLAGRANTEDELICTOhasevercomeupwithanythingasfarfetchedasU.S.farmpolicy.”—P.J.O’Rourke,Americansatirist

hermaphrodite(hur-MAFF-ruh-dite).Onewhopossessesbothmaleandfemalereproductiveorgans.Sheldonbroughtbackminiaturestatuesoftheisland’smythichero,aHERMAPHRODITEwarrior.

lothario(lo-THAR-ee-oh).Amanwhoseduceswomen.

Ryanisfriendly,I’lladmit,butheiscertainlynoLOTHARIO.

necrophilia(nek-ruh-FILL-ee-uh).Aneroticattractiontocorpses.Fortheloverconcernedaboutrejection,NECROPHILIAmaybetheanswer.

panderer(PAN-dur-ur).Apersonwhoobtainsprostitutesforclientsorsuppliesclientstoprostitutes;apimp.RalphwassoineptatmeetingwomenthatheseriouslyconsideredgettingadvicefromaPANDERER.

roué(roo-A).Alicentiousman;alibertineorlecher.AlthoughErnest’sdalliancesmighthavebeenunderstandablewhenhewasayoungman,theyweremoredifficultforhisfamilytoforgiveinhislateryears,whenhecametoresemblenothingsomuchasatiredandlonelyoldROUÉ.

sapphism(SAFF-iz-im).Lesbianism.Afterseveralfailedrelationshipswithmen,MarthawasreadytotrySAPPHISM.

saturnalia(sat-uhr-NAY-lee-uh).Unrestrained,licentiousmerrymaking.Anyonelookingattheparty’saftermaththenextdaywouldhavethoughtitwasaSATURNALIA,notafairlyquietreunionoffiveoldfriends.

satyr(SAY-ter).Alascivious,lecherousman.Harold’sgracefulmannersdisappearoncehehashadafewglassesofchampagne,andhebecomesaveritableSATYR.

VERBS

eroticize(ih-ROT-uh-syz).Totakesomething“tame”andsexualizeit.There’snoneedtoEROTICIZEShakespearebecausehisworksarealreadyfilledwithbawdy—sometimesdownrightfilthy—puns.

philander(fih-LAN-der).Toengageinamorousflirtationsorexploitswithsomeonewhomonecannotordoesnotintendtomarry.TheseaccusationsofPHILANDERING,whetherbasedinfactornot,havelittletodowiththequestionofwhetherthecandidatewillserveourstatewellintheUnitedStatesSenate.

ANTONYMS

celibacy(SELL-ih-buh-see).Thequalityofbeingchaste;thestateofabstainingfromsexualactivity.AlthoughhetookHolyOrders,DavideventuallyfoundthathecouldnotlivealifeofCELIBACYandleftthepriesthood.

chaste(CHAYST).Notindulginginsexualactivity;virginal;celibate.“TooCHASTEayouthleadstoadissoluteoldage.”—AndreGide,FrenchwriterSeealso:Love

182.Shape

(SHAYP),noun

Thequalityofathingthatdefinesitsexternalsurfaceandphysicalform;somethingseeninoutline;contour.

ADJECTIVES

conoidal(kuh-NOYD-uhl).Shapedlike,ornearlylike,acone.Myson’spaintingsofCONOIDALobjectsarealltherageinhispreschool.

infundibular(in-fuhn-DIB-yoo-lar).Havingtheshapeofafunnel.

Fromyearsoferosionbyrapidlymovingwater,thevalleyhasacquiredanINFUNDIBULARappearance.

lunate(LOO-nayt).Crescent-shaped.Lookinglikeapartiallyeatencookie,theLUNATEmoonroseoverthelake.

ovoid(OH-void).Havingtheshapeofanegg.TheOVOIDdroppingswereleftbyanunidentifiedbutfastidiousanimal.

pyriform(PIR-uh-form).Havingapearshape.WiththeirPYRIFORMoutline,theappleslookedlikepearsfromadistance.

serriform(SAIR-uh-form).Shapedlikeasaw-edge;havingridgesreminiscentofsaw-teeth.ThetwoSERRIFORMpiecesfittogetherperfectly,makingasolidjoint.

sigmoid(SIG-moid).Havingadoublecurveliketheletter“S.”TheratherlargeserpentwasrestingintheclassicSIGMOIDposition.

sinuous(SIN-yoo-uhs).Bendinginandout;havingmanycurves;wavy.Flowingslowlyacrosstheplain,thegreatriverfollowedaSINUOUSpathtotheocean.

spheroidal(sfi-ROID-uhl).Intheshapeofasphere.Seeminglywithouteffort,thetoddlerswereabletotransformtheSPHEROIDALballintoonethatwasdistinctlyovoid.

symmetrical(sih-MET-rih-kul).Characterizedbyaregularityoffeaturesandform;well-proportioned;agreeablyarranged.ThetreewassoperfectlySYMMETRICALthatwewonderedifitwasreal.

tauriform(TAWR-uh-form).Havingtheshapeofabullortheheadorhornsofabull.

ArthurwastemporarilystumpedwhenaskedtodrawanobjectwithaTAURIFORMshape.

xiphoid(ZIE-foid).Shapedlikeasword.WecanalwaysspotCarlson’sprivateplanebecauseitiscoveredwiththesameXIPHOIDshapesthatadornhisfamily’screst.

ANTONYMS

amorphous(ah-MORE-fis).Withoutdefiniteshape,substance,orform;lackingdefinitionandboundaries.“Ofcoursetheillusionofartistomakeonebelievethatgreatliteratureisveryclosetolife,butexactlytheoppositeistrue.LifeisAMORPHOUS,literatureisformal.”—FrançoiseSagan,Frenchnovelistandplaywright

incoherent(in-koh-HEER-uhnt).Notlogicallyconnected;disjointed;rambling.“DreamsarenothingbutINCOHERENTideas,occasionedbypartialorimperfectsleep.”—BenjaminRush,Americanphysicianandpoliticalleader

183.Short-lived

(SHORT-LYVD),adjective

Livingonlyashorttime.

ADJECTIVES

caducous(kuh-DOO-kuss).Transitory;short-lived;perishable.“Something,whichIfanciedwasapartofme,fallsofffrommeandleavesnoscar.ItwasCADUCOUS.”—RalphWaldoEmerson,Americanpoet,essayist,andtranscendentalist

deciduous(dih-SIJ-oo-uhs).Notpermanent.AftermeetingMartha,ArnoldwascontenttogiveupallofhisDECIDUOUSpleasures.

ephemeral(eh-FEM-er-uhl).Describesashort-livedcondition,temporaryevent,orfleetingmoment.“ThereremainsometruthstooEPHEMERALtobecapturedinthecoldpagesofacourttranscript.”—IrvingKaufman,ChiefJudge,UnitedStatesCourtofAppeals

evanescent(ev-eh-NESS-ent).Havingthequalitiesofamistorvapor,capableofvanishingseeminglyintothinair.“Nobodythinksit’ssillytoinvesttwohours’workintwominutes’enjoyment;butifcookingisEVANESCENT,well,soistheballet.”—JuliaChild,Americancook,author,andtelevisionpersonality

fugacious(fyoo-GAY-shuss).Fleeting,transitory,short-lived.TheFUGACIOUSmid-summercoldsnapwasawelcomerelieffromtheheat.

transitory(TRAN-si-tor-ee).Lastingonlyashorttime;notpermanent.“Allformsofbeauty,likeallpossiblephenomena,containanelementoftheeternalandanelementoftheTRANSITORY—oftheabsoluteandoftheparticular.”—CharlesBaudelaire,Frenchpoet

ANTONYMS

incessant(in-SES-uhnt).Notstopping;neverceasing;continuingwithoutend.“ThelongestabsenceislessperiloustolovethantheterribletrialsofINCESSANTproximity.”—EdnaSt.VincentMillay,Americanpoetanddramatist

perdurable(per-DURE-uh-bull).Extremelydurableorlasting;permanent;imperishable.Oscar’saphorismsalwaysexpressedaPERDURABLEtruth.

perennial(puh-REN-ee-uhl).Lastingforalongtime;enduring.“FollyisPERENNIALandyetthehumanracehassurvived.”—BertrandRussell,Englishlogicianandphilosopher

184.Similar

(SIM-uh-ler),adjective

Havingageneralresemblanceorlikeness;nearlybutnotexactlythesame.

ADJECTIVES

akin(uh-KIN).Showingasimilarfeatureorquality;comparableorrelatedinsomeimportantway.IfeelthatHarry’srepeatedfalsificationofhisrecordsismuchmorethanabreachofpolicy:itisAKINtooutrightperjury.

alliterative(uh-LIT-er-uh-tive).Usingtherepetitionofinitialconsonantsoundsinlanguage.“PeterPiperpickedapeckofpickledpeppers”isanALLITERATIVEtongue-twister.

analogous(an-AL-uh-gus).Similarorcomparableinsomerespects.NikkitriedtoarguethatattendingpublicschoolinManhattanwasANALOGOUStoattendingtheprestigiousboardingschoolinthecountry,butherargumentwasweakandhergrandmotherwasn’tbuyingit.

derivative(deh-RIV-uh-tiv).Copiedoradaptedfromothers.

“OnlyathismaximumdoesanindividualsurpassallhisDERIVATIVEelements,andbecomepurelyhimself.”—D.H.Lawrence,Britishauthor

isomorphic(aye-seh-MAWR-fik).Havingasimilarform,shape,orstructure.JerryenjoyedtravelingbeforeallcitiesseemedtobecomeendlessmazesofISOMORPHICstructures.

NOUNS

metaphor(MET-uh-for).Asentenceorphraseinwhichawordordinarilyassociatedwithonethingisappliedtosomethingelse,toindicatethatinsomewaytheyaresimilar.“IfweareaMETAPHORoftheuniverse,thehumancoupleisthemetaphorparexcellence,thepointofintersectionofallforcesandtheseedofallforms.”—OctavioPazLozano,Mexicanwriter,poet,anddiplomat

parity(PAIR-ih-tee).Theconditionofeveryonebeingmoreorlessequal.ThefiremenreceivedaraisetohelpthemachievepayPARITYwiththesanitationworkersandpolicedepartment.

propinquity(pro-PING-kwi-tee).Nearnessintimeorplace;anaffinityofnature.Asmoreandmoreofthesmallranchesinhisneighborhoodwereknockeddownandreplacedbymansion-likedwellings,RalphfeltwealthybyvirtueofPROPINQUITY.

similitude(sih-MIL-ih-tood).Likenessorsimilarity.BeaandRosahaveaSIMILITUDEofhabitswhenitcomestocooking.

simulacrum(sim-yuh-LAY-krum).Aminor,unreal,oreeriesimilarity.TheboypossessedonlythebarestSIMULACRUMoftheclassicDeBerrisbrow,butsomethingtoldmehisclaimtobeadescendantwasvalid.

ANTONYMS

heterogeneity(het-uh-roh-juh-NEE-ih-tee).Characterizedbydissimilarity;disparateness.HETEROGENEITYisfoundthroughouttheanimalandplantworldwitheachindividualvirtuallyunique.

imparity(im-PAIR-ih-tee).Inequalityordisparity.JoycewascontinuallyamazedbytheIMPARITYofherchildren.

185.Skilled

(SKILD),adjective

Havingaparticularabilityfromtrainingorexperience.

ADJECTIVES

adroit(uh-DROYT).Skilledorcleverinaparticularpursuit.“It’skindofsad,”BettysaidtoBarbara,“thatWillthinkshisbeingADROITasanoperasingerwillimpresswomen.”

consummate(KON-suh-mitt).Completeorperfect;showingsupremeskill.“[JohnF.Kennedyis]anewstarwithatremendousnationalappeal,theskillofaCONSUMMATEshowman.”—RussellBaker,Americanauthor

efficacious(eff-ih-KAY-shuss).Capableofhavingadesiredeffect.“ExampleisalwaysmoreEFFICACIOUSthanprecept.”—SamuelJohnson,Britishmoralistandpoet

habile(HAB-ill).Skillfulandable;handy.

OurHABILEgardenerhashelpedrenderourtopiaryintotheshapesofdollarandpoundsigns.

NOUNS

demiurge(DEM-ee-urj).Apowerfulcreativeforceoracreativepersonality.Aftertryingafewdifferentprofessions,Jacksonrealizedthathisabilitywithartifice,combinedwithhisfamilyconnections,wouldmakehimaDEMIURGEofthemarketingworld.

journeyman(JUR-nee-man).Apersonwho,althoughnotatopmasterofhisprofession,hasbecomeextremelycompetent,throughlongyearsofpractice,ataparticularcraftorskill.“Sothisishappiness,/thatJOURNEYMAN.”—AnneSexton,Americanpoetandauthor

virtuoso(vir-choo-OWE-so).Asupremelyskilledartist.GeenaisapianoVIRTUOSOwhohaswondozensofcompetitions.

ANTONYMS

inept(in-EPT).Withoutjudgment,discretion,aptitude,orskill.Williams,anINEPTcraftsman,soonfoundthathisgoodswouldneverfetchtopdollar.

jejune(jih-JOON).Notwellthoughtoutorfullyformed;poorinperformance.SamanthasnidelyinformedBlakethatherJEJUNEentertainingeffortsmightsomedaygrowtomaturity.

186.Sleepy

(SLEE-pee),adjective

Inclinedtosleep;characterizedbyanabsenceofactivity;drowsy;idle.

Inclinedtosleep;characterizedbyanabsenceofactivity;drowsy;idle.

ADJECTIVES

hypnopompic(hip-nuh-PAHM-pik).Havingtodowiththesemiconsciousstatethatprecedeswakefulness.Withallofherpartyingatexclusiveclubs,MadisonspendsmostofherlifeinaHYPNOPOMPICstate.

lassitude(LASS-ih-tood).Havinglittleenergyormotivation;weariness.“Weknowwhatboredomis:itisadull/Impatienceorafiercevelleity,/Achampingwish,stalledbyourLASSITUDE,/Tomakeordo.”—RichardWilbur,Americanpoet

lethargic(luh-THAR-jik).Drowsyandsluggish;lackingvigor.“Greattalents,bytherustoflongdisuse,/GrowLETHARGICandshrinkfromwhattheywere.”—Ovid,Romanpoet

logy(LOW-gee).Characterizedbylethargyandsluggishness.“TobescaredissuchareleasefromalltheLOGYweightofprocrastination,ofdallyingandpokiness!Youburnintowork.Itisasthoughgravitywereremovedandyouwalkedlightlytothemoonlikeanangel.”—BrendaUeland,Americanauthor

oscitant(OSS-ih-tuhnt).Drowsy,inattentive;dull.Before10:00A.M.,anylecturehallonanycampuswillbefilledwithOSCITANTstudents.

recumbent(rih-KUM-bent).Inactive,idle;lyingdown.DuringourItaliancruise,wespentmostofourtimeRECUMBENTonthebowoftheyacht,soakingupthesun’srays.

somniferous(som-NIFF-er-us).Inducingsleep.Theprofessor’sSOMNIFEROUSvoicecausedmanystudentstofallasleepduringherlectures.

somnolent(SOM-nuh-lunt).Tired,sleepy.Havingworkedallnightonthepaper,Gaylorddraggedhimselfintothelecturehallandspentthehourcastingawell-meaningbutSOMNOLENTgazeinthedirectionofhisprofessor.

soporific(sop-uh-RIFF-ik).Boring,tedious,orexhaustingsuchthatitbringsonsleep.IfCassandraweren’tsuchanimportantsocialcontact,herSOPORIFICspeechwouldsurelycauseustoavoidher.

NOUNS

inertia(in-UR-shuh).Sluggishness;thequalityofbeinginert.Itisnotalackofopportunitythathashamperedyou,Jackson,butsimpleINERTIA.

narcoma(nar-KO-muh).Ahazystatebetweensleepandwakefulnessreminiscentoforsignalinguseofnarcotics.Becauseshehadworkedinacityemergencyroomforfouryears,EllenknewthattheboyhadslippedintoNARCOMA.

opiate(OPE-ee-ut).Anaddictivenarcotic,especiallyonewithnumbingorsleep-inducingqualities;anythingthatcausesdullnessorinaction.WheneverRogerwasagitatedbyoverwork,hewouldrelaxwithclassicalmusicandallowitscalmingeffecttoactlikeanOPIATEonhismind.

torpor(TORE-pur).Temporarylossofthepowerofmotionorsensation;dormant;apathy;indifference.

“Amultitudeofcausesunknowntoformertimesarenowactingwithacombinedforcetobluntthediscriminatingpowersofthemind,andunfittingitforallvoluntaryexertiontoreduceittoastateofalmostsavageTORPOR.”—WilliamWordsworth,BritishRomanticpoet

ANTONYMS

animated(AN-uh-mate-id).Vigorous;lively.TheirdiscussionwasANIMATEDbytheassurancethateachwascorrectandtheotherswerefools.

astir(uh-STUR).Inmotion;inexcitedactivity.Myuncle’senergywassuchthathewasconstantlyASTIR;heeventalkedinhissleep.

187.Small

(SMAWL),adjective

Little;oflessthantheusualquantity,size,amount,value,importance,etc.

ADJECTIVES

diminutive(dih-MIN-yuh-tiv).Smallinstature.Marcia’sforcefulpersonalityovercomesherDIMINUTIVEstature.

exiguous(ex-IG-yu-uss).Meager;small;scanty.DinnerturnedouttobeanEXIGUOUSofferingoftwothinslicesofchicken,threegreenbeans,andapotato—albeitquiteartisticallyarranged.

infinitesimal(in-fin-uh-TESS-ih-mull).Sosmallthatitcan’taccuratelybemeasured.

WhichcolorlipsticktoweartonightisanINFINITESIMAL,notamajor,issue,solet’sgetgoingalready!

Lilliputian(lil-uh-PEW-shen).Smallinstature;tinyincomparisontoone’speers.JulesVerne’sLILLIPUTIANappearancemadepeopletreathimlikeachild.

minuscule(MIN-uss-kyool).Extremelysmall.Sometimes,tryingtodeciphertheMINUSCULEnames,numbers,andsignsonamaponlymakesmefeelmorelost.

nominal(NOM-ih-nuhl).Relativelyminorinimportance;insignificantasanamountorvolumeofsomething.ForaNOMINALfee,thestoredeliversyournewwide-screenTVtoyourhomeandsetsitupforyou.

trifling(TRY-fling).Insignificant;unimportant;trivial.Thefactis,youareunlikelytobecalledinforanauditoversuchaTRIFLINGamountofmoney.

NOUNS

globule(GLOB-yewl).Asmallglobeorball.“Inyourselfisthelawofallnature,andyouknownotyethowaGLOBULEofsapascends.”—RalphWaldoEmerson,Americanpoet,essayist,andtranscendentalist

iota(eye-OH-tuh).Aminutequantity;anextremelysmallamount.Thefactthattheprisoner’sreprieveomitshismiddleinitialdoesn’tmatteroneIOTA,WardenHolloway.

microcosm(my-kruh-KAHZ-uhm).Arepresentationofsomethingonaverysmallscale.“EachparticleisaMICROCOSM,andfaithfullyrendersthelikenessoftheworld.”—RalphWaldoEmerson,Americanpoet,essayist,andtranscendentalist

minutiae(mih-NOO-she-ee).Small,triflingmattersthatoneencountersonanaverageday.TheMINUTIAEofgolf,tennis,andspatreatmentsattheclubcanbecomeutterlytiresome.

modicum(MAWD-ih-kuhm).Amodestamount;asmallquantity.“Tobehumanistohaveone’slittleMODICUMofromancesecretedawayinone’scomposition.”—MarkTwain

paucity(PAW-si-tee).Alackofsomething,asmallsupplyorlimitedselection.“Itisverystrange,andverymelancholy,thatthePAUCITYofhumanpleasuresshouldpersuadeusevertocallhuntingoneofthem.”—SamuelJohnson,Britishmoralistandpoet

pittance(PIT-unce).Averysmallamount.Myallowanceinthosedays,ofcourse,wasaPITTANCEcomparedtomybrother’s.

scintilla(sin-TILL-uh).Aspark;atinytraceamount.“TheairtwitteredwithbrightSCINTILLASoffadinglight.”—HarlanEllison,Americanauthor

smattering(SMAT-er-ing).Alittlebit;asmallamountofsomething.DeanpickedupaSMATTERINGofItalianduringhisvisittoVenice.

tincture(TINK-chur).Atraceamountorslighttinge.ThetragicoperawasleavenedwithaTINCTUREofcomicrelief.

VERBS

dwindle(DWIN-dul).Tobecomesmaller;toshrinkorwasteaway;todecrease.Ihadplannedtorunawayforever,butmysupplyofcookiesandpenniesDWINDLED,forcingmetoreturnhomebynightfall.

truncate(TRUN-kayt).Toshortenbycutting(asegment).Thedirectorleftthelongpassageaboutthe“willowthatgrowsaslantthebrook”intact,butdecidedtoTRUNCATEanearlierscenethathadsomethingtodowithHecuba.

ANTONYMS

ponderous(PON-der-us).Massive;heavy.“EversinceIwasaboy,IregardedoperaasaPONDEROUSanachronism,almosttheequivalentofsmoking.”—FrankLloydWright,Americanarchitect

prodigious(proh-DIJ-is).Extraordinaryinsize,extent,amount,degree,bulk,etc.;enormous;monstrous.Clark’sPRODIGIOUScollectionofoldmoviepostersledmanyofhisfriendstoaskwhetherhehadonceownedatheatre.

188.Sojourn

(SO-jern),noun

Atemporaryvisitorstay.

ADJECTIVES

bucolic(byoo-KALL-ik).Apeaceful,serene,ruralobject,place,orenvironment.

WeboughtaweekendplaceinaBUCOLIClittlevillageinthecountry.

desultory(DES-ul-tor-ee).Actingwithoutplanorpurpose;activitythatseemsrandomorhaphazard.“Findtimestilltobelearningsomewhatgood,andgiveupbeingDESULTORY.”—MarcusAurelius,RomanEmperor

halcyon(HAL-see-un).Calm,peaceful,carefree,prosperous.“ItwasthemostHALCYONsummerIeverspent.”—RickBass,Americanauthorandenvironmentalactivist

NOUNS

convalescence(con-vah-LESS-ense).Thetimespentrecoveringfromanillnessandgettingbacktofullhealth,oftenwhilebeingtakencareofbyothers.“CONVALESCENCEisthepartthatmakestheillnessworthwhile.”—GeorgeBernardShaw,Irishplaywright

dalliance(DAL-ee-anss).Abrief,casualflirtationwithorinterestinsomeoneorsomething;theactoftarryingratherthanproceedingswiftlyanddeliberately.HerDALLIANCEwiththepoolboymadeherhusbandangryandjealous.

dilettante(DILL-ih-tont).Apersonwhostudiesasubjectinacasualfashion,learningthetopicforthefunofitratherthantoapplyittosolverealproblems.JosephPriestlycouldbeconsideredaDILETTANTE,andyethisworkledtothediscoveryofoxygen.

hedonism(HEE-duh-niz-im).Thenonstoppursuitofpersonalpleasureasone’sprimarygoal.“[Bad]tastesupervenesupongoodtasteasadaringandwittyHEDONISM.Itmakesthemanofgoodtastecheerful,wherebeforeherantheriskofbeing

chronicallyfrustrated.”—SusanSontag,Americanliterarytheorist,philosopher,andpoliticalactivist

hiatus(hi-A-tuss).Aninterruptionorbreakintimeorcontinuity.Lorelei’scoming-outpartywasawelcomeHIATUSinourotherwiseuneventfulsocialcalendar.

wanderlust(WAWN-der-lust).Astrongandinnatedesiretotravelfarfromhome.“InourWANDERLUST,weareloverslookingforconsummation.”—AnatoleBroyard,literarycriticfortheNewYorkTimes

VERBS

disport(dih-SPORT).Toamuseoneself.FelicialovedtoDISPORTwiththeproprietorsofherfavoriteboutiquesbyarguingoverprice.

meander(me-AN-duhr).Towanderaimlessly.WefiredthatparticularservantbecauseheMEANDEREDfartooslowlyfromtasktotask.

ANTONYMS

edacious(ih-DAY-shuss).Greedy,eager,andconsumedwithconsumption.It’snotfairtolabelRosellaEDACIOUSbecausesheonlywantsthesameluxuryitemstherestofusdesire.

histrionics(hiss-tree-AWN-iks).Over-the-top,unnecessarilydramaticbehavior.“EnoughwiththeHISTRIONICS!”hismotherscolded,immediatelyshuttingofftheflowoftearsandsilencinghisbawling.

189.Solution

189.Solution

(suh-LOO-shun),noun

Themethodoractofsolvingaproblem;explanation;clarification;answer.

NOUNS

catholicon(kuh-THOL-ih-kuhn).Auniversalremedy;panacea.MoneyisoftenconsideredaCATHOLICONformanyoftheworld’sills.

elixir(e-LIX-ur).Asolutionmeanttobeusedformedicinalpurposes;inmedievaltimes,asupposedlycurativedrinkmadefrommixingalcoholanddrugsinwater.Dr.Callahan’sELIXIRofLife,apatentmedicinepopularinKansasinthelate1880s,mayhaveowedpartofitspopularitytothecocaleavesusedinitspreparation.

panacea(pan-uh-SEE-uh).Auniversalsolutionforallproblems,diseases,orwoes.ParentstodayseebuyingtheirkidseverythingtheywantasaPANACEAformisery,boredom,andunhappiness.

VERBS

elucidate(ee-LOO-sih-dayt).Tolecture,explain,orpontificateaboutasubjectingreatdetailsoastomakeitexceedinglyclear.“It[was]themissionofthetwentiethcenturytoELUCIDATEtheirrational.”—MauriceMerleau-Ponty,Frenchphilosopher

ratiocinate(rash-ee-OSS-inn-ayt).Toworktowardthesolutionofaproblemthroughlogicalthinkingandreason.

Sincethedawnofhumanity,ourbestmindshavefailedtoRATIOCINATEamethodofprovingGod’sexistence.

ANTONYMS

impasse(IM-pass).Asituationthatseemstooffernosolutionorescape;apointofstalemate.Literally,adead-endstreetorpassage.TomrealizedthathisrelationshipwithBettyhadcometoanIMPASSE;divorcewasnowonhermind,andheknewit.

nostrum(NAH-strum).Anuntestedandquestionableremedymadeofsecretingredients;anineffectivesolution.“America’spresentneedisnotNOSTRUMSbutnormalcy.”—WarrenG.Harding

190.Sound

(SOWND),noun

Thatwhichcanbeheard;thesensationproducedwhentheorgansofhearingarestimulatedbyvibrationstransmittedthroughtheairoranothermedium;noise.

ADJECTIVES

euphonious(yu-FONE-ee-uss).Pleasingtotheear.Thelow,EUPHONIOUSthrummingofthecricketsoutsidemywindowthosesummernightsalwaysputmetosleepquickly.

guttural(GUTT-er-ul).Harshorraspy;reminiscentofdeepsoundsproducedinthethroat.

Thedogletoutalow,GUTTURALgrowlthatwaslikelytogivepausetowhoeverwasstandingontheothersideofthedoor.

plangent(PLAN-jent).Resoundingloudlyand,typically,sorrowfully.ThelocomotivewhistleisconsideredbymanytobeaPLANGENTsound.

polyphonic(poll-ee-FAHN-ik).Havingmanydifferentsounds.“Theguitarisasmallorchestra.ItisPOLYPHONIC.Everystringisadifferentcolor,adifferentvoice.”—AndresSegovia,Spanishclassicalguitarist

sonorous(SAWN-er-uss).Adeep,rich,resonantsound.TheB-flatbasssaxophoneisthemostSONOROUSmemberofthesaxophonefamily,withthebaritonesaxophonecominginaclosesecond.

stentorian(sten-TOR-ee-un).Asoundcharacterizedasloudandpowerful.Theannouncer’sSTENTORIANvoicecouldbeheardevenafterastormknockedoutthepowertohismicrophone.

strident(STRY-duhnt).Harsh;obtrusivelygrating.Dennis’sappealsformoneybecamemorecommon—andmoreSTRIDENT—astheyearworeon.

NOUNS

cacophony(kuh-KOFF-uh-nee).Harsh,unpleasantsoundsthatcancreateadisturbingfeeling.TheCACOPHONYofthenearbyconstructionsitemadeitalmostimpossibleformetogetanyworkdone.

crescendo(kruh-SHEN-doe).Agradualincreaseinvolumeorintensity(usedespeciallyinrelationtomusicalworks).

AstheorchestrareachedathunderingCRESCENDO,mysix-year-oldsoncontinuedtosleeppeacefullybymyside.

knell(NELL).Thesoundofabell,especiallywhenrungsolemnlyatafuneral.“Theyareofsickanddiseasedimaginationswhowouldtolltheworld’sKNELLsosoon.”—HenryDavidThoreau,Americanauthorandtranscendentalist

sibilance(SIB-uh-lence).Ahissingsound.ElectronicengineerstrymightilytoeliminateanySIBILANCEintroducedbysound-reproductionequipment.

spirant(SPY-ruhnt).Asoundproducedbythepassageofbreaththroughthepartiallyclosedoralcavity;fricative.The“sh”and“v”soundsarebothSPIRANTS.

susurration(suss-uh-RAY-shun).Asoft,whisperingsound.Isatthereontheporchofmyparents’farmhouse,listeningtotheSUSURRATIONofwind-drivenstalksofwheat.

timbre(TAM-bur).Aqualityofsound,usuallymusical,determinedbyitsovertones;adistinctivequalityortone.IfeelthatthehauntingTIMBREoftheoboe,whenplayedbyamaster,ismoremovingthanthatofanyothermusicalinstrument.

tintinnabulation(tin-ti-nab-yuh-LAY-shun).Thesoundofringingbells.Inmyoldneighborhood,wewerealwayswokenonSundaymorningsbytheTINTINNABULATIONofthelocalchurches.

tremolo(TREMM-uh-lo).Aqualityofmusicalsoundmarkedbyrapidrepetitionofoneortwonotes.Thepianistplayedextravagantly,addingembellishmentsandtrillsofTREMOLOfartoooftenformytaste.

VERBS

crepitate(KREP-uh-tayt).Tocrack,crinkle,orpop.Joejumpedupandsatdownseveraltimes,asiftoprovethathischair—andnothe—wasCREPITATING.

ANTONYMS

aphonic(a-FON-ik).Notsounded;havingaphonia,lossofvoice.IncertainEnglishwords,theinitial“k”isAPHONIC.

inaudible(in-AW-duh-bull).unabletobeheard.Thestormpassedfartothesouth;wecouldseethelightningflashesbutthethunderwasINAUDIBLE.

191.Speech

(SPEECH),noun

Theactofspeaking;communicatingorexpressingthoughtsandideasbyspokenwords,sounds,andgestures.

ADJECTIVES

bombastic(bom-BAS-tik).Characterizedbyhaughty,overblown,orpompoustalkorwriting.Weexpectedacompellingargumentfromourattorney,buthecametocourtofferinglittlemorethanaBOMBASTICharangue.

discursive(dis-KER-siv).Amannerorstyleoflecturinginwhichthespeakerramblesbetweenmanytopics.

Paul’sDISCURSIVElecturesonAmericanhistoryjumpedfromcenturytocentury,yetitallcametogetherinanunderstandableandfreshfashion.

extemporaneous(eks-tem-puh-RAYN-ee-us).Offthecuff;donewithoutpreparation.HisEXTEMPORANEOUSdeliverymadeeveryoneinthepublicspeakingclasswonderwhyhehadenrolled.

grandiloquent(grand-IL-oh-kwent).Havingapompous,overlyinflated,hyperbolic,orpretentiouswayofpresentingoneselfinspeechandmannerism.ThearchitectwaxedGRANDILOQUENTaboutthevisionarydesignofhisnewskyscraper.

laconic(luh-KAWN-ik).Offewwords;expressingoneselfwithaneconomyofwords.HaroldmaybeLACONIC,butwhenhedoesspeak,heisworthlisteningto.

prolix(pro-LIKS).Tediouslywordy;longandverbose.ThereportwassoPROLIX,Igaveuptryingtofinishreadingit.

reticent(REH-tih-sent).Reluctancetoopenlyexpressone’sthoughts,feelings,andpersonalbusinesstootherpeople;uncommunicative;behavinglikeanintrovertinsocialsituations.“TheshorterpoemstendtobeRETICENT,psychologicallyacutelovepoemsabouttheshiftinginequalitiesoflove.”—EdwardMendelson,ProfessorofEnglishandComparativeLiteratureatColumbiaUniversity

sententious(sen-TEN-shuss).Tendingtousemanyclichésormaximsinordertoenlightenothers.Polonius’sSENTENTIOUSmannerofspeakingclearlyirritatesHamletinthisscene.

NOUNS

NOUNS

elocution(el-oh-KEW-shun).Theabilitytodeliverapublicspeechinaclearandpersuasivemanner.He’sabrilliantman,butheneedstoworkonhisELOCUTION.

euphony(YU-fun-ee).Thearrangementoremphasisofwordsorphrasessotheyarepleasingtotheearandrolloffthetonguewithgreaterease.Infinishingschool,AlsacelearnedtheartofEUPHONY,andshehasparlayedthatintoahobbyofearningrolesintelevisioncommercials.

filibuster(FILL-ih-bus-ter).Aprolongedspeechusedtodelaylegislativeactionsorotherimportantdecisions.Theroombreathedacollectivesighwhenthesenatorfinallyendedhiseight-hourFILIBUSTER.

locution(low-KEW-shin).Aperson’smannerandstyleofspeaking.NeilprideshimselfonhispreciseLOCUTION,butsomeoftheguysthinkhesoundsratherprissy.

malapropism(MAL-uh-prop-ism).MisuseofawordormanglingoftheEnglishlanguage,oftendoneforcomiceffect.SinceEmilyrefusedtotakeelocutionlessonsliketherestofus,herspeechisconstantlymarredbyridiculousMALAPROPISMS.

metaphor(MET-uh-for).Asentenceorphraseinwhichawordordinarilyassociatedwithonethingisappliedtosomethingelsetoindicatethatinsomewaytheyaresimilar.“IfweareaMETAPHORoftheuniverse,thehumancoupleisthemetaphorparexcellence,thepointofintersectionofallforcesandtheseedofallforms.”—OctavioPazLozano,Mexicanwriter,poet,anddiplomat

motjuste(MOE-zshoost).Theperfectwordorphrasetocommunicatepreciselywhatyoumeantosay.YearsofelocutionlessonshaveleftPaulinacapableofleaveningeveryoccasionwithasuitableMOTJUSTE.

orator(OR-ah-ter).Askilledandpersuasivepublicspeaker.TomoverestimatedhisabilitiesasanORATORand,consequently,stayedatthepodiumfarlongerthantheaudiencewantedhimto.

palaver(pa-LAH-ver).Arambling,meanderingmonologuespokentoproveormakeapoint.Don’taskEileenaboutcollectingart.Theresultwillbetwentyminutesofmind-numbingPALAVER.

parlance(PAR-lunss).Vernacularorjargonusedbyaparticularindustry,profession,orgroup.Byusingtheterms“discourse,”“pedagogy,”and“literarycriticism,”theprofessorsspokeinthePARLANCEofacademia.

patois(PAT-wah).Ruralspeechorjargon;anylanguagethatdeviatesfromstandardusage.“I’vegivenuptryingtofollowthePATOISofteenagers,”theteachercomplained.

periphrasis(puh-RIF-ruh-sis).Theuseofmanywordswhereoneorafewwouldsuffice.Thelecturealwaysranlateduetotheprofessor’shabitofPERIPHRASIS.

raconteur(RAK-on-tur).Someonewhoenjoystellingstories,doessofrequently,andisgoodatit.“O’Harawritesasapoeticone-manband,shiftingrapidlyamonghisrolesasRACONTEUR,sexualadventurer,Europeantraveler…”—EdwardMendelson,

ProfessorofEnglishandComparativeLiteratureatColumbiaUniversity

soliloquy(suh-LIL-ih-kwee).Adramaticorliterarymonologueinwhichacharacterrevealshisinnermostthoughts.ThemostfamousSOLILOQUYinallofliteratureisthe“Tobeornottobe”speechinHamlet.

VERBS

pontificate(pon-TIF-ih-kayt).Tospeakinadogmaticorpompousmanner.CanIassumetheSenatornowintendstoPONTIFICATEonthemanyvirtuesofourcurrenttradepolicy?

ANTONYMS

censor(SEN-ser).Toexamine,review,andchangeordeleteawordorpassagefromawrittenworkbasedonmoralorpoliticalgrounds.“Ifinotherlandsthepressandbooksandliteratureofallkindsarecensored,wemustredoubleoureffortsheretokeepthemfree.”—FranklinD.Roosevelt,Americanpresident

inarticulate(in-ar-TIK-yuh-lit).Theinabilitytoexpressoneself;lackingclearandexpressivespeech.“TheINARTICULATEspeaklongest.”—JapaneseproverbSeealso:Language,Talk

192.Stupid

(STOO-pid),adjective

Lackingnormalintelligence,understanding,orkeennessofmind;slow-witted;dull;foolish.

ADJECTIVES

asinine(ASS-ih-nine).Showingaverynoticeablelackofintelligenceand/orgoodsense.IlefthalfwaythroughthelatestthrillerbecauseIcouldfeelitsASININEplotdepletingmybraincells.

benighted(bih-NY-tid).Tobelost,ignorant,orunenlightened.ThemedievalperiodwasaBENIGHTEDeraofsuperstition.

besotted(bih-SOT-ed).Madefoolish,stupid,ordullduetoinfatuation.AlinethinksJakeisBESOTTEDwithher,buthe’sreallyBESOTTEDwithherfather’sstockportfolio.

inane(in-ANE).Pointlessorlackinginsubstance;empty;vacuous.AmongotherINANEsuggestions,Jeffproposedpaintingthelunchroominapolka-dotpattern.

obtuse(ob-TOOCE).Lackingunderstanding,intelligence,andperception;unabletocomprehend;havingadensemind.ThomaswassoOBTUSE,hedidn’trealizehisinappropriatebehaviorwasmakinghisfriendsuncomfortable.

vacuous(VAK-yoo-uss).Characterizedbyemptiness;devoidofemotionorintelligence;stupid;moronic.TheVACUOUSstarefromhertwoeyes,lookinglikeraisinspushedintoalumpofdough,madehimshiverwithloathingandcontempt.

NOUNS

duffer(DUFF-uhr).Anincompetentorineffectualperson.

Maxwellcan’thelpbeingaDUFFER.Afterall,hisfamilyhasonlybeenwealthyfortwogenerations.

lummox(LUM-ux).Adim-wittedorclumsyperson;anoaf.Shermanhadaheartofgold,butwhenitcametosocialetiquette,hewassomethingofaLUMMOX.

nescience(NESH-uhns).Lackofknowledge;ignorance.Sociologistsweresenttotheregiontodetermineiftheinhabitants’povertyresultedintheirNESCIENCEorviceversa.

yokel(YOH-kuhl).Agullibleinhabitantofaruralarea;bumpkin.“[Ahumanbeing]istheYOKELparexcellence,theboobyunmatchable,thekingdupeofthecosmos.”—H.L.Mencken,Americanmagazineeditor,essayist,andcritic

ANTONYMS

acuity(uh-CUE-ih-tee).Keennessofperception;theabilitytomakequick,accuratedecisionsandevaluations.Jane’smentalACUITYenabledhertothinkandrespondquicklyinacrisis.

ingenious(in-JEEN-yuhs).Havinggreatmentalability;clever;resourceful;inventive.“Itwillbefound,infact,thattheINGENIOUSarealwaysfanciful,andthetrulyimaginativeneverotherwisethananalytic.”—EdgarAllanPoe,Americanwriterandcritic

193.Style

(STYL),noun

Amannerofexpressionorcustomofbehaving;mannerofconduct.

Amannerofexpressionorcustomofbehaving;mannerofconduct.

ADJECTIVES

findesiècle(fan-deh-see-ECK-luh).Relatedtothefashions,art,ideas,etc.associatedwiththeendofthenineteenthcentury.MartinisanaficionadoofFINDESIÈCLEEuropeanart.

sartorial(sar-TOR-ee-al).Relatedtoclothing,especiallytailoredclothing.Jonathan’spersonaltailoralwaysmakessurethatJonathanradiatesSARTORIALsplendor.

soigné(swahn-YEY).Welltakencareof,well-groomed,well-dressed.Arthurenjoyedinteractingwiththestaffatthebesthotels,eventheSOIGNÉparkingattendants.

tawdry(TAW-dree).Gaudy,showy,andcheap,asclothes;or,baseandmean,asmotives.“Farfrombeingthebasisofthegoodsociety,thefamily,withitsnarrowprivacyandTAWDRYsecrets,isthesourceofallourdiscontents.”—SirEdmundLeach,Britishauthor

urbane(ur-BAYN).Suave,sophisticated,refined,cosmopolitan,andwellversedinthewaysofhighsociety.Eveninhisknock-aroundtenniswhites,BrettalwaysmanagestoappearURBANE.

NOUNS

couture(ko-TOOR).Clothinginthelatestandmostpopularstylescreatedbyin-voguefashiondesigners.

IfAlyssiadoesnothavethelatestCOUTUREpriortoitsdebutonParisrunways,shewillnotdeigntoconsiderwearingit.

dishabille(dis-uh-BEEL).Casualdress,oracasualmanner.JensenissuchasticklerforproperattirethathefeelsheisinastateofDISHABILLEifheleavesthehousewithoutanascot.

hautecouture(OAT-ko-TOOR).Highlyfashionableclothingonthecuttingedgeofthelatestdesignfadsandtrends.“HAUTECOUTUREshouldbefun,foolish,andalmostunwearable.”—ChristianLacroix,Frenchfashiondesigner

hautmonde(oh-MOND).Highsociety.“Theliterarywiseacresprognosticateinmanylanguages,astheyhavethroughoutsomanycenturies,settingthestagefornewHAUTMONDEinlettersandmakingupthepublic’smind.”—FannieHurst,Americannovelist

panache(puh-NASH).Adistinctiveflairorstyle;aflamboyantmanner.Rosamundwassweptawaybythecharmingstranger’sPANACHE—heseemedsodashingandromantic.

savoirfaire(SAV-wharFAIR).Tactorsocialskill.I’mafraidHelenjustdoesn’thavetheSAVOIRFAIREnecessarytobuildcoalitionsinsuchafractiousorganization.

ANTONYMS

dowdy(DOW-dee).Lackingstylishnessorsmartness;old-fashioned.Aftermygrandmotherretired,shedroppedherDOWDYpantsuitsandbegantowearskirtsandshoulder-exposingblouses.

passé(pah-SAY).Nolongerfashionableorcurrent.

Marge’sinsistencethatplatformshoeswerePASSÉledmetobelievethatshehadn’tbeenkeepingupwithfashiontrends.Seealso:Tasteful

194.Subservient

(sub-SUR-vee-ehnt),adjective

Actingorservinginasubordinatecapacity;subordinate.

ADJECTIVES

ancillary(AN-sih-lair-ree).Secondaryorsubordinate;servinganauxiliaryorsupportivefunction.Hetookagreatdealofprideinhiswork,eventhoughthepaywaspoorandmostofhisdutieswereANCILLARYtothoseoftheregionaldirector.

obsequious(uhb-SEE-kwee-us).Subservient;eagertolistentoandpleaseotherstoanexcessivedegree;behavinginthemannerofaservantorslave.“[Thepoliticalmind]isastrangemixtureofvanityandtimidity,ofanOBSEQUIOUSattitudeatonetimeandadelusionofgrandeuratanothertime.—CalvinCoolidge,Americanpresident

sequacious(si-KWAY-shuss).Giventofollowinganotherperson,especiallywithoutreason.ThekingdrewmuchofhisstrengthfromtheSEQUACIOUSpeasants.

servile(SUR-vil).Overlyeagertoserve;slavish.Marion’suncharacteristicallySERVILEdemeanorcanonlymeanonething:Hewantsaraise.

subaltern(sub-AWL-turn).Lowerinpositionorrank;secondaryinimportance.

StopgivingmealltheseSUBALTERNreasonsforyourbehaviorandtellmewhatyourtruemotivationis!

tractable(TRACK-tuh-bull).Easygoing;compliant;easilymanaged.TheoccasionalkindcommentseemsratherenoughtokeepourservantsTRACTABLE.

NOUNS

minion(MIN-yuhn).Afollowerofsomeoneinanimportantposition.Theboss’sMINIONSwereallyes-men,blindlyfaithfulandprotectiveoftheirpositioninthecompanyhierarchy.

underling(UHN-der-ling).Apersonwithlittleauthorityorrankincomparisontothepersonheserves;subordinate.ThepoliceknewthatthecrimefamilieswerefightingbecauseofalltheUNDERLINGSwhodisappeared.

VERBS

genuflect(JEN-yu-flect).Tobendonekneetothefloor;toactinaservileoroverlyreverentialwaytowardsomeoneelse.“ThewayHaroldGENUFLECTStoMr.Thomasatstaffmeetingsjustmakesmewanttobarf,”Alicesaid.

prostrate(PROSS-trayt).Toliefacedownonthegroundduetobeingweary,overthrown,orhelpless,orasanactofhumility.WewereallembarrassedwhenMiltalmostPROSTRATEDhimselfinfrontoftheboss.

subjugate(SUB-juh-gayt).Tocausetobecomesubservient;tobringundercompletecontrol.

Thedictator’sattemptstoSUBJUGATEhiscountry’ssmallerneighborswillendinfailure;markmywords.

truckle(TRUK-uhl).Tosubmitobsequiouslytoacommand.WehavetrainedourservantstoTRUCKLEtooureverywhim.

ANTONYMS

eminent(EM-ih-nent).Prominentornoted;ofhighesteem;outstandinganddistinguished.IfoundtheprospectofstudyingphysicsunderanEMINENTprofessorlikeDr.Maxwell,whohadjustwonaNobelPrize,dauntingtosaytheleast.

supercilious(su-per-SILL-ee-us).Feelingsuperiortoothers;haughtilydisdainfulorcontemptuous.LindagrewupsurroundedbywealthandprivilegeandconsequentlyadoptedaSUPERCILIOUSattitudewitheveryoneshemet.

195.Support

(suh-PORT),verb

Togivecomfort,courage,faithto;toapprove;maintain;help;strengthen.

NOUNS

adherent(ad-HEER-unt).Someonewhoadherestoanopinion;onewhoisdevotedtoorstronglyassociatedwithacauseoropinion.Themeasure’sADHERENTSwereoutspentbyitsopponents.

benediction(ben-ih-DIK-shun).Aformalblessing,anexpressionofgoodwishes.

AsthepriestpronouncedtheBENEDICTION,Juliathoughtabouthowitwouldhelpherfacethearduousdayahead.

succor(SUCK-ur).Aidorassistance;relief.Althoughshedidnotparticipateinthecrime,Mrs.HelmwassentencedtofiveyearsinprisonforgivingSUCCORtomensheknewtobekidnappers.

VERBS

abet(uh-BET).Toencourageorassistaplanoractivity;toenticeorhelp,usuallyinamisdeed.ThoughMichaeldidnotparticipateintheactualkidnapping,heABETTEDtheperpetratorsbyhidingthemfromthepolice.

advocate(AD-voe-kayt).Topleadinfavorofanother;recommendpublicly.Ifyouneedarecommendation,I’dbehappytoADVOCATEforyou.

buttress(BUT-riss).Tosupport;tostrengthenbyaddingsupportivefeatures.ThespokesmanwaspreparedtoBUTTRESSthepresident’sargumentforshuttingdownthebranchofficewithalistofstatistics.

espouse(ih-SPOWZ).Toadvocateasthoughone’sown.DoyouhaveanyideahowcomplicateditwouldbetoimplementtheplansyouareESPOUSING?

underwrite(UN-dur-ryt).Tosupportasbysubsidy;tosupportinfullasthoughundertaking(ariskorventure)oneself.AgroupofphilanthropistsUNDERWRITESourdramadepartment’sannualplaywritingcompetition.

ANTONYMS

discommode(dis-kuh-MOHD).Toinconvenience;trouble;disturb.ElizabethturnedoveralltheformsandpaperworkforherbusinesstoherlawyersoitwouldnotDISCOMMODEheranyfurther.

interdict(in-ter-DIKT).Toprohibit;forbidtheuseofsomething.TheborderpatrolattemptstoINTERDICTtheflowofillegalorbannedsubstances.Seealso:Approval,Help

196.Sweet

(SWEET),adjective

Havingtheflavorortastecharacteristicofsugarorhoney;notsour,bitter,orsalty.

ADJECTIVES

cloying(KLOY-ing).Sickeninglysweet,sappy,orsentimental.“MinervasaveusfromtheCLOYINGsyrupofcoercivecompassion!”—CamillePaglia,Americanauthor,feminist,andsocialcritic

mellifluous(muh-LIF-loo-us).Flowingsweetlyandsmoothly.Jane’sMELLIFLUOUScelloplayingwastheenvyoftheothermusicians.

saccharine(SAK-er-in).Verysweettothetaste;sickeninglysweet.ThereisalucrativemarketforSACCHARINEbooksandtelevisionprograms.

NOUNS

confection(kuhn-FEK-shun).Asweetfoodofnonutritionalvalue;afrivolousoramusingartisticwork.

SheknewtheplaywasmerelyaCONFECTIONforthemasses,butBeatriceenjoyedthemusicandactingimmensely.

VERBS

dulcify(DULL-suh-fy).Tosweeten;tomakemoreagreeable.AddingenoughsugarwillDULCIFYalmostanything.

edulcorate(ih-DUHL-kuh-rayt).Tomakepleasant;tofreefromharshness;tofreefromimpuritiesbywashing.TheambassadorhopedtoEDULCORATEtherelationshipwithhisintransigenthosts.

mull(MUHL).Toheat,sweeten,andflavorwithspices.BetsylovedtoMULLcider;itfilledherhousewithawonderfularoma.

ANTONYMS

acerbic(uh-SUR-bik).Sourintaste;severeorharsh.Manypeople,oblivioustohisquietattention,werecrushedcompletelybyDan’sACERBICwit.

piquant(PEE-kuhnt).Bitingortart;pungent;stimulating.MarylovedthePIQUANTflavorofsalsaanduseditonalmosteverything.

T

197.Take

(TAYK),verb

Togetpossessionofbyskillorforce;seize;capture.

ADJECTIVES

rapacious(ruh-PAY-shuss).Giventoplunderortheforcibleoverpoweringofanother.ThefoewefaceisaRAPACIOUSonewhothinksnothingofoverrunningtheweakifitsuitshispurposes.

NOUNS

brigand(BRIG-und).Onewholivesasabandit,plunderingriches.TheBRIGANDSheldupthestagecoachandterrifiedthepassengers.

usurper(yu-SIR-per).Apersonwhoseizesapositionofpowerthroughillegalmeans,force,ordeception.“AUSURPERintheguiseofabenefactoristheenemythatwearenowtoencounterandovercome.”—WilliamLeggett,Americanpoetandfictionwriter

VERBS

arrogate(AIR-uh-gayt).Todemandsomethingforoneselfortotakecontrolwithoutauthority.ThewayNelsonARROGATESofficemeetingsdriveshiscoworkerscrazy!

despoil(dih-SPOIL).Todepriveofpossessions,thingsofvalue,etc.byforce;rob;plunder.TheunarmedcitizenscouldonlywatchasthesoldiersDESPOILEDtheirtown.

expropriate(eks-PRO-pree-ayt).Toseizepropertyorwealthfromitsownerforthepublic’suseorbenefit,aswhenthestatetakessomeone’shomeundereminentdomaintobuildaroadthroughit.TheBradfordsarestillreelingfromthefactthatthestateEXPROPRIATEDaportionoftheirgardensforanewhighway.

garnish(GAR-nihsh).Tolegallytakeaportionofaperson’swages,property,andassetstopayhisdebts.Ifyoudonotpayyourtaxeswithinthirtydays,thecountyreservestherighttoGARNISHaportionofyourwagesuntilthebacktaxesarepaidinfull.

maraud(muh-ROD).Tolootorinvadefortreasure.TheshipwaswaylaidbypiratesMARAUDINGonthefourteenthofMay.

procure(pro-KYOOR).Toseekandeventuallygainownershipofsomething.MybookdealerrecentlyPROCURED,atconsiderableexpense,afirsteditionofGreatExpectationsforourlibrary.

usurp(yoo-SURP).Toassumeforciblyand/orwithoutright;totakeover.TheauthorityofCongresswasindeedUSURPEDbyLincolnduringthewar,butlegislatorsbrisklyreassertedthemselvesoncethecrisiswaspast.

wrest(REST).Topullaway;totakesomethingbyforceorthreat.“WRESToncethelawtoyourauthority:/Todoagreatright,doalittlewrong.”—WilliamShakespeare

ANTONYMS

inalienable(in-AY-lee-un-a-bull).Incapableofbeingtakenaway.AlthoughIhavealwaysbelievedfreedomofspeechtobetheINALIENABLErightofeveryAmerican,Imustadmitthatthediatribesofthosewhopreachhateandviolenceagainstmembersofmyraceareawfullytoughtostomach.

proffer(PROF-er).Toplace(something)beforesomeone;tooffer.Johnself-consciouslyPROFFEREDhishomeworktotheteacherasifitwereavaluablegift.

198.Talk

(TAWK),verb

Toputthoughtsintoandcommunicatebyspokenwords;speak;converse.

ADJECTIVES

loquacious(loh-KWAY-shuss).Verbose;chatty;thehabitoftalkingnonstop.AmyandDonnaareeachsoLOQUACIOUS,theiraveragephonecalllastsninetyminutes.

orotund(OR-uh-tund).Distinguishedbystrength,fullness,andclearness,asavoice.InabeguilinglyOROTUNDvoice,theconductorofferedasynopsisoftheevening’sopera.

voluble(VOL-yuh-bull).Characterizedbyareadyflowofwords;talkative;glib.WechoseaVOLUBLEcandidatefortheimportantpublicrelationsposition.

NOUNS

garrulity(gah-ROO-lih-tee).Thehabitoftalkingwaytoomuch.

“TheinterviewisanintimateconversationbetweenjournalistandpoliticianwhereinthejournalistseekstotakeadvantageoftheGARRULITYofthepoliticianandthepoliticianofthecredulityofthejournalist”—EmoryKlein,Americanjournalist

phraseology(fray-zee-AH-lo-jee).Thewayphrasesandwordsareemployed.Withherexcellentdiction,articulation,andPHRASEOLOGY,Hollyhadagiftforpublicspeakinganddebate.

somniloquence(som-NIL-oh-kwence).Theactoftalkinginone’ssleep.Jean’sSOMNILOQUENCEwasresponsibleforrevealingmuchmoreofherpastthanshehadintended.

VERBS

aver(uh-VER).Toassertthetruthfulnessofastatement.“‘Hasshenofaults,then(Envysays),sir?’/Yes,shehasone,ImustAVER:/Whenalltheworldconspirestopraiseher,/Thewoman’sdeaf,anddoesnothear.”—AlexanderPope,Britishpoet

blather(BLATHE-r).Togabbleortalkridiculously;totalknonsenseordiscussmeaninglessissuesforextendedperiods.Wetriedtoleavetheparty,butMarkinsistedonBLATHERINGendlesslytothehostessabouthisnewcar.

bloviate(BLOH-vee-ate).Tospeakpompouslyandatlength.MaxwellBLOVIATESabouthis“excellent”golfgame,buteveryoneknowshecheatsoutrageously.

confabulate(kuhn-FAB-yuh-layt).Tochatorconverseinformally.JarodproceededtoCONFABULATEaboutthewinesmostrecentlyaddedtothefamilycellar.

descant(des-KANT).Totalkfreelyandwithoutinhibition.EloiseisalwaysmorethanwillingtoDESCANTconcerningherpastliaisons.

elide(ee-LYD).Toleaveoutasoundorsyllablewhenspeaking;toeliminatethedistinctivebarrierseparatinglevels.WhenCatherineELIDESthe“g”attheendofcertainwords,shebetraysherSouthernorigins.

elucidate(ee-LOO-sih-dayt).Tolecture,explain,orpontificateaboutasubjectingreatdetailsoastomakeitexceedingclear.“It[was]themissionofthetwentiethcenturytoELUCIDATEtheirrational.”—MauriceMerleau-Ponty,Frenchphilosopher

enunciate(ee-NUN-see-ayt).Topronouncewordscarefullyandclearly;tospeakinamannerthatmakesyoueasilyunderstood.NoonewilllistentohimuntilhestopsmumblingandlearnstoENUNCIATE.

expatiate(ik-SPAY-she-ayt).Tospeakorwriteindetailoratlength.IjusttunedoutTyroneashebegantoEXPATIATEagainonhistroubledrelationshipwithMavis.

gesticulate(jes-TIH-cue-layt).Tousegestureswhentalking,especiallywheneagerorexcitedtogetideasacross.“Okay,themanintheyellowshirt,”theseminarleadersaid,pointingtoanaudiencememberwhowasGESTICULATINGwildly.

natter(NATT-er).Totalkceaselessly;babble.ThewayEmilyNATTERSendlesslyaboutherfamily’snewyachtisrevoltingtothoseofuswhohaveownedseveralyachtsovertheyears.

perorate(PER-uh-rayt).Tospeakatlength;toconcludeaspeech.

WhileLincolncouldbeconcise,EdwardEverettwasknownforhisabilitytoPERORATE.

prattle(PRAT-l).Tobabble;totalknonstopwithoutregardastowhetherwhatyouaresayingmakessenseorisofanyinteresttothelistener.“Infancyconformstonobody:allconformtoit,sothatonebabecommonlymakesfourorfiveoutoftheadultswhoPRATTLEandplaytoit.”—RalphWaldoEmerson,Americanpoet,essayist,andtranscendentalist

reiterate(re-IT-uh-rayt).Torestateorsayagain;torepeat.LetmeREITERATE:Therewillbenoexceptiontotheofficialpolicyonremovingunauthorizedrecordingsfromthestudio.

ANTONYMS

mute(MYOOT).Unableorunwillingtospeak;silent.Throughoutthelongandcontentioustrial,thedefendantremainedimpassiveandMUTE.

tacit(TAS-it).Makingnosound;silent;sayingnothing.Seekingeveryadvantage,CarolynofferedaTACITprayerbeforeherphysicsexam.Seealso:Language,Speech

199.Tasteful

(TAYST-fuhl),adjective

Havingorshowingagoodsenseofaestheticdiscernment,judgment,orappreciation.

ADJECTIVES

decorous(DEK-er-us).Behavinginamanneracceptabletopolitesociety;havinggoodtasteandgoodmanners.“AnotherweekwiththeseDECOROUSdronesandI’lljumpoutthewindow,”theyounggirlcomplainedtohermotherofherfellowdebutantes.

discriminative(dih-SKRIM-uh-nay-tiv).Discriminating;discerning;makingdistinctions.WeappreciatedAlan’sDISCRIMINATIVEsensibilitiesandlookedtohimforguidancebeforeanygastronomicouting.

genteel(jen-TEEL).Well-bredandpossessingarefinedtemperament.“[Iam]ajournalistinthefieldofetiquette.ItrytofindoutwhatthemostGENTEELpeopleregularlydo,whattraditionstheyhavediscarded,whatcompromisestheyhavemade.”—AmyVanderbilt,Americanetiquetteexpert

NOUNS

epicure(EP-ih-kyoor).Onewhocultivatesrefinedtastes,especiallyinreferencetofoodanddrink;connoisseur.Matt,whoneverseemedatallinterestedingourmetdining,hassuddenlybecomesomethingofanEPICURE.

punctilio(pungk-TIL-ee-o).Afinepointofetiquette.“Don’tusedessertforksduringthemaincourse,please,”mygrandmotherintoned,referingtooneofherfavoritePUNCTILIOS.

ANTONYMS

brassy(BRASS-ee).Brazen;cheaporshowy.ThepromotionalcampaignstruckaBRASSY,daringtonethatinstantlywonconsumerattention.

crass(KRASS).Coarseandcrudeinactions,manner,andlanguage.Willyoupleaserememberthatyou’reoverfiftyandstopbeingsoCRASS?

ribald(RIB-uld).Lewd;off-color,ashumor.“Itis…usefultodistinguishbetweenthepornographic,condemnedineverysociety,andthebawdy,theRIBALD,thesharedvulgaritiesandjokes,whicharethesafetyvalvesofmostsocialsystems.”—MargaretMead,Americanculturalanthropologist

uncouth(un-KOOTH).Crude,withoutmanners,unrefined.Carlhadanunfortunatewayofbelchingloudlyinpublicplaces,guessing(accuratelyandloudly)whetherornotsomeonehejustmethadundergoneplasticsurgery,andotherwiseactinginanUNCOUTHmannerinfrontofstrangers.

unsavory(un-SAYV-err-ee).Distasteful;unpleasant;disreputable;ofdubiousreputation.“OurfutureisinextricablylinkedtowhathappensinWashington,D.C.,andweknowthatisaveryUNSAVORYreality.”—DonLibey,directmarketingadvisorSeealso:Style

200.Teem

(TEEM),verb

Toaboundorswarm.

ADJECTIVES

rife(RYF).Prevalent,abundant,abounding.ThehotelwasRIFEwithtourists,sowequicklywentupstairstothepenthouse.

NOUNS

brouhaha(BROO-ha-ha).Aconfusing,exciting,andturmoil-rifeevent.MadelinecausedaBROUHAHAwhenshetoldherparentsshewaseschewingHarvardforastateschoolinordertobeclosertoherboyfriend.

melee(MAY-lay).Aconfusedstruggleinvolvingmanypeople.“ThemanwhoisintheMELEEknowswhatblowsarebeingstruckandwhatbloodisbeingdrawn.”—WoodrowWilson

VERBS

disseminate(diss-SEM-in-ayt).Todistributesomethingsoastomakeitavailabletoalargepopulationorarea.TheInternetisrapidlyreplacingnewspapersastheprimarymediumfortheDISSEMINATIONofnews.

harry(HAIR-ee).Totormentwithconstantattacks.“Atmiddlenightgreatcatswithsilverclaws,/Bodiesofshadowandblindeyeslikepearls,/Cameupoutofthehole,andred-earedhounds/Withlongwhitebodiescameoutoftheair/Suddenly,andranatthemandHARRIEDthem.”—WilliamButlerYeats,Irishpoetanddramatist

ANTONYMS

insular(IN-suh-ler).Self-containedandthereforeisolatedfromtheworldandunaffectedbyoutsideinfluences,usuallytoone’sdetriment.ThePricewatersmovedfromthefamily’straditionenclavetoamoreINSULARcompoundfurtherupthecoast.

isolationism(eye-so-LAY-shin-iz-um).Aforeignpolicyinwhichacountrydeliberatelykeepsitsrelationshipsandinteractionswithothernationstoabare

minimum,effectivelyisolatingitselffromworldaffairs.Intheearlytwentiethcentury,AmericanISOLATIONISMstoppedtheU.S.fromjoiningtheLeagueofNations.

sequester(see-KWESS-ter).Toremoveandisolateaportionfromalargerwhole.“Agreatdealofgeneticengineeringmustbedonebeforewehavecarbon-eatersSEQUESTERINGcarboninsufficientquantitytocounteracttheburningoffossilfuels.”—FreemanDyson,English-bornAmericanphysicistandmathematician

201.Tenacious

(tuh-NAY-shuss),adjective

Persistent,stubborn,obstinate.

ADJECTIVES

dauntless(DAWNT-liss).Fearless,intrepid,andbold.“ForThoughthasapairofDAUNTLESSwings.”—RobertFrost,Americanpoet

indefatigable(in-deh-FAT-uh-guh-bull).Capableofcontinuingalongone’scurrentcourseofactionwithoutwavering,tiring,orfaltering.“WearetrulyINDEFATIGABLEinprovidingfortheneedsofthebody,butwestarvethesoul.”—EllenWood,Britishplaywright

intractable(in-TRAK-tuh-bull).Difficulttocontrolormanage.“Itispreciselyhere,wherethewriterfightswiththeraw,theINTRACTABLE,thatpoetryisborn.”—DorisLessing,Britishauthor

NOUNS

avarice(AV-uh-riss).Theinsatiabledesiretohavealotofmoney,greed.“WhatyoucallAVARICE,”Marysaid,“Ijustcallgettingmyshare.”

leverage(LEV-er-ij).Possessinganadvantageorextradegreeofinfluenceinagivensituation.Withhisfamily’sconnections,EldridgerequirednoLEVERAGEtoobtainasinecureinthefinancialindustry.

VERBS

beleaguer(beh-LEE-gir).Topersistentlysurround,harass,orpesteruntilyougetwhatyouwant.Totheembarrassmentofherfriends,KristenBELEAGUEREDthesommelieruntilhebroughtherasatisfactoryBordeaux.

wrest(REST).Topullaway;totakesomethingbyforceorthreat.“WRESToncethelawtoyourauthority:/Todoagreatright,doalittlewrong.”—WilliamShakespeare

ANTONYMS

abjure(ab-JOOR).Torenounceorturnyourbackonabelieforpositionyouonceheldnearanddear.OnceJoditastedmymouth-watering,medium-rarefiletmignon,sheABJUREDthevegetarianlifestyleforever.

perfunctory(per-FUNK-ter-ee).Implementedorexecutedquickly,withoutmuchcareorthoughtputintoit.“ThetaleissocontrivedandPERFUNCTORYthatmanyreaderswillbetemptedtoskiptotherealstoryinthesecondhalfofthebook.”—TimParks,Britishnovelist

temporize(TEM-puh-ryz).Togaintimebybeingevasiveorindecisive.Whenanofficioussocialitetriestogettooclosetous,wedonotfeeltheneedtoTEMPORIZEwithourresponse;wesimplyremindherofherplace.

202.Think

(THINK),verb

Toexerciserationaljudgment;toproduceideas,decisions,memories,etc.;toreflectupon.

NOUNS

metaphysics(met-uh-FIZ-iks).Thestudyofabstractideasandprinciplesthatcannotbedemonstratedthroughphysicalevidence.“DuringmyMETAPHYSICSfinal,Icheatedbylookingintothesoulofthepersonsittingnexttome.”—WoodyAllen,Americanfilmdirector,writer,andcomedian

VERBS

cogitate(KOJ-ih-tayt).Tothinkaboutorponderseriously.Thepresident,neveronetobepressuredintoadecision,closedthediscussionbysayingheneededanotherweektoCOGITATEonthematter.

educe(ee-DYOOCE).Tocometoaconclusionorsolveaproblemthroughreasoningbasedonthoughtfulconsiderationofthefacts.Whenwenoticedthattheirhouseappearedtobeabandoned,weEDUCEDthattheWallertonswereenduringfinancialdifficulties.

excogitate(ex-KAWJ-ih-tayt).Tothinksomethingthroughcarefully;todevise.

DadspentsomuchtimeEXCOGITATINGaroutetotheairportthatwemissedourflight.

muse(MYOOZ).Tomeditateon;toconsiderclosely.PhyllisMUSEDovertheadvertisingcampaignforsomedaysbeforefinallyapprovingit.

ruminate(ROO-muh-nayt).Toponderorreview;togooverinthemindrepeatedly.ElainewasstillRUMINATINGoverwhetherornottoattendcollegeinthefall.

speculate(SPEK-yoo-layt).Toconsiderpossiblefutureevents;toconjecture.Toinvestmoneyinastockmarketorbusinessventure.“Therearetwotimesinaman’slifewhenheshouldnotSPECULATE:whenhecan’taffordit,andwhenhecan.”—MarkTwain,Americanhumoristandauthor

surmise(sur-MYZ).Toguess;tocometoaconclusion(oftenwithoutstrongevidence).WeSURMISEDthatLeannahaddeclinedtheinvitationtoArthur’sbirthdaypartysimplybecauseshedidn’twanttobuyhimagift.

ANTONYMS

disregard(dis-rhi-GARD).Topaylittleornoattentionto;neglect.“Paintingisafaith,anditimposesthedutytoDISREGARDpublicopinion.”—VincentvanGogh,Dutchpainter

inconscient(in-KON-shuhnt).Mindless;unconscious.AlanactedwithINCONSCIENTabandonatschoolandwasconsequentlyexpelled.Seealso:Learn,Understanding

203.Time

203.Time

(TYM),noun

Theperiodbetweentwoeventsduringwhichsomethinghappens,exists,oracts;durationconsideredasthatinwhicheventsoccurandsucceedeachother;asystemtomeasuretherelationbetweentheoccurrenceofevents.

ADJECTIVES

biennial(by-EN-ee-hl).Happeningeverysecondyear.Ms.WebsterarguesthatthesummerOlympics,whichnowoccurseveryfouryears,shouldbecomeaBIENNIALevent.

coeval(koh-EE-vuhl).Ofthesameperiod,havingthesameduration,orbeingofthesameage.It’sinterestingtothinkthatthesqueakycleanCleaversofLeaveIttoBeaverandthesociety-shunningmembersoftheBeatGenerationwereCOEVAL.

diurnal(dy-UR-nuhl).Takingplaceorbeingactiveduringdaylighthours.ThehousestaffknowsnoteventoapproachNora’sbedroomdoorbeforetwilightbecauseshetotallyrejectsaDIURNALlifestyle.

ephemeral(ih-FEM-uh-ruhl).Lastingonlyashortwhile.Ourschool’sjoyatwinningthestatebasketballchampionshipturnedouttobeEPHEMERAL,asthetitlewassuspendedwhenofficialslearnedofthepresenceofanineligibleplayerontheteam’sroster.

mensal(MEN-suhl).Monthly.TheboardestablishedMENSALmeetings.

prevenient(pruh-VEEN-yuhnt).Comingbefore;preceding.

ItwasnecessarytoholdaPREVENIENTmeetingtopreparefortheprimarymeeting.

quondam(KWAHN-dumm).Former;at-one-time.YoushouldnothiretheWilkersons’QUONDAMservantbecauseshehasbeenknowntobreakmanyobjetsd’art.

quotidian(kwo-TID-ee-uhn).Familiar;commonplace;occurringeveryday.DespiteclosetsfullofthelatestParisiancouture,Alison’sQUOTIDIANcomplaintisthatshehas“nothingtowear.”

neolithic(nee-oh-LITH-ik).OforpertainingtothelatterpartoftheStoneAge,whengroundstoneweaponsandtoolsfirstcameintouse;unsophisticated;outdated;passé.Inthesedaysofcomputersandwordprocessors,manyconsidertheold-fashionedmanualtypewriterpositivelyNEOLITHIC.

retrograde(RET-ruh-grayd).Revertingtoanearlierstate,condition,orstyle;harkeningtoanearliertimeandplace.WilliamwasunabletorecognizehisfamilyorrememberanyeventsofhispastduetoacaseofRETROGRADEamnesia.

senescent(si-NESS-uhnt).Growingold;aging;characteristicofoldage.HisSENESCENTviewpointputhimatadisadvantagewhencompetingwithyoungercandidates.

sesquicentennial(ses-kwuh-sen-TEN-ee-uhl).Pertainingtoaperiodof150years.AcommitteewasformedtoplanCivilWarSESQUICENTENNIALeventsforthetown.

synchronous(SING-kruh-nus).Takingplaceatthesametime.

TheSmythingtonsandtheLyttonscausedquiteastiramongtheirsocialcontactsaftertheyscheduledSYNCHRONOUSgalas.

temporal(TEM-por-uhl).Relatingtotime.“ScienceisthelanguageoftheTEMPORALworld;loveisthatofthespiritualworld.”—HonorédeBalzac,Frenchnovelistandplaywright

topical(TOP-ih-kuhl).Havingtodowithissuesofcurrentorlocalinterest.GlendaisalwaysreadingmagazinessoshecankeepupwithTOPICALissuesandhavesomethingtosaywhenencounteringnewclients.

transient(TRAN-zee-unt).Temporary;lackingpermanence.“Totheartistissometimesgrantedasudden,TRANSIENTinsightwhichservesinthismatterforexperience.Aflash,andwherepreviouslythebrainheldadeadfact,thesoulgraspsalivingtruth!Atmomentsweareallartists.”—ArnoldBennett,Englishnovelist

ultimo(UL-tih-mo).Oforinthecalendarmonthprecedingthecurrentone.Onthe23rdULTIMO,Iwasinformedbycounselthatanindictmentwouldbeforthcoming.

vernal(VER-nul).Relatedtospring.“OneimpulsefromaVERNALwood/Mayteachyoumoreofman,/Ofmoralevilandofgood,/Thanallthesagescan.”—WilliamWordsworth,BritishRomanticpoet

NOUNS

equinox(EK-wih-nox).Thepointinayearwhenthesuncrossestheequator,causingnightanddaytobeofroughlyequallengtheverywhereonEarth.Thevernal(orspring)EQUINOXgenerallyoccursaroundMarch21;theautumnalequinox,aroundSeptember22.

hiatus(hi-A-tuss).Aninterruptionorbreakintimeorcontinuity.Lorelei’scoming-outpartywasawelcomeHIATUSinourotherwiseuneventfulsocialcalendar.

moratorium(mor-uh-TOR-ee-um).Anauthorizedperiodofdelay.Thecitycouncilvotedtoplaceasix-monthMORATORIUMonnewcommercialdevelopment.

nanosecond(NAN-o-sek-und).Onebillionthofasecond;anextremelyshortperiodoftime.ItseemedthephonewasonthehookforonlyaNANOSECONDbeforeitrangagain.

respite(RESS-pit).Areprieve;atemporarydelay;aninstanceoftemporaryrelief.TheaccusedwasgrantedaRESPITEbeforeservinghissentence.

solstice(SOUL-stiss).Adayoftheyearduringwhichthesunisatitshighestorlowestpointinthesky,causingtheshortestdayoftheyearonDecember21(wintersolstice)andthelongestdayoftheyearonJune21(summersolstice).WeopenourlakehouseforthesummerseasoneveryyearattheSOLSTICE.

VERBS

temporize(TEM-puh-ryz).Togaintimebybeingevasiveorindecisive;tosuitone’sactionstothetimeoroccasion;toagreeorcomplytemporarily.IunleashedalongwindedbackstoryinanefforttoTEMPORIZEwhileIcameupwithalogicalexplanationformybehavior.

ANTONYMS

amaranthine(am-uh-RAN-thin).Unfading;undying;deathless;everlasting.

SallyvowedherAMARANTHINElovetoBrian.

infinite(IN-fuh-nit).Lackinglimitsorbounds;ofanunmeasurableduration.Therecitallastedjustforty-fiveminutes,butforJoyce,listeningtothescreechingviolinsanddiscordanttones,itseemedINFINITE.

204.Travel

(TRAV-uhl),verb

Togofromoneplacetoanother;takeatrip;journey.

ADJECTIVES

errant(AIR-unt).Giventotravel;wanderingaboutaimlessly.ThebuzzingofERRANTfliespracticallywreckedthecontentmentIhadbeenfeelingwhilesittingonthedock.

itinerant(eye-TIN-er-unt).Travelingfromplacetoplacewithapurpose.WhileIwasbetweenjobs,IworkedasanITINERANTfarmer.

peripatetic(per-ih-pa-TET-ik).Wanderingwithoutacleargoalordefinitenessofpurpose.Whilewaitingtoreceivehistrustfundatagethirty,GileslivedaPERIPATETIClifestyle.

wayfaring(WAY-fair-ing).Travelingonfoot.WespentmanyWAYFARINGweekendsduringourmonth-longjauntinFrancelastyear.

NOUNS

conveyance(kuhn-VAY-unts).Adevicethatservestotransportsomethingorsomeone.Ourvisittothe“wildwest”sitewasgreatlyenhancedbyarideonanauthenticCONVEYANCE:aConestogawagon.

jaunt(JAWNT).Ashortjourneytakenforpleasure.NicoleplanstotakeaJAUNTacrossthesoutherntipofAfricanextyear.

sojourn(SO-jern).Atemporaryvisitorstay.TheIsraelites’SOJOURNinthedesertlastedforfortylongyears.

wanderlust(WAWN-der-lust).Astrongandinnatedesiretotravelfarfromhome.“InourWANDERLUST,weareloverslookingforconsummation.”—AnatoleBroyard,literarycriticfortheNewYorkTimes

VERBS

amble(AM-bul).Towalkinaneasyorleisurelymanner;tosaunterorstroll.Theday’slastcustomerAMBLEDfromoneendoftheshoptotheother;noamountofstaringfromtheclerk,itseemed,couldmakehimcometotheregister.

gallivant(GAL-uh-vant).Towanderaboutseekingamusementorpleasure;togoaboutindiscreetlywithmembersoftheoppositesex.Becauseherequiredlittlesleep,MarkcouldGALLIVANTalmostcontinuously.

gambol(GAM-bull).Torun,skip,orjumpaboutinaplayfulorjoyousfashion.“WeallhavetheseplaceswhereshyhumiliationsGAMBOLonsunnyafternoons.”—W.H.Auden,Anglo-Americanpoet

maraud(muh-ROD).Towanderinsearchofbooty;tolootorinvadefortreasure.TheshipwaswaylaidbypiratesMARAUDINGonthefourteenthofMay.

meander(me-AN-duhr).Towanderaimlessly.WefiredthatparticularservantbecauseheMEANDEREDfartooslowlyfromtasktotask.

perambulate(puh-RAM-byuh-layt).Towalkaround;tostrollorsaunter.TheelderlycouplePERAMBULATEDthecitystreetseverynightafterdinner.

peregrinate(PER-ih-gruh-nayt).Totravelaboutonfoot.TheasceticspreferredtoPEREGRINATE,eschewingallmotorizedtravel.

saunter(SON-tur).Towalkleisurelyorforpleasure.OnSundayafternoons,Mr.WeekswouldSAUNTERthroughCentralParkgatheringmaterialforhisshortstories.

skulk(skulk).Tomoveaboutfurtivelyorquietly.Aftershelostherjob,LeaSKULKEDaroundthetownatoddhours,hopingtoavoidherformercolleagues.

wend(WEND).Togo;toproceed.“AstheyWENDaway/Avoiceisheardsinging/OfKitty,orKaty,/Asifthenamemeantonce/Alllove,allbeauty.”—PhilipLarkin,Britishpoet,novelist,andjazzcritic

ANTONYMS

bide(BYD).Toabide;dwell;wait;remain.MartindidnotliketotravelbutwouldBIDEathomewithouttheleastcuriosityaboutotherplaces.

tarry(TAR-ee).Todelay;linger;loiter;betardy.“Thelifeofmanisalongmarchthroughthenight,surroundedbyinvisiblefoes,torturedbywearinessandpain,towardsagoalthatfewcanhopetoreach,andwherenonemayTARRYlong.”—BertrandRussell,Englishlogicianandphilosopher

205.True

(TROO),adjective

Inaccordancewithfact;agreeingwithreality;notfalse;loyal;faithful.

ADJECTIVES

incontrovertible(in-kahn-trah-VER-tih-bull).Beyondquestionordispute.“Somemindsareaslittlelogicalorargumentativeasnature;theycanoffernoreasonor“guess,”buttheyexhibitthesolemnandINCONTROVERTIBLEfact.”—HenryDavidThoreau,Americanauthorandtranscendentalist

veritable(VER-ih-tuh-bull).Authentic;true;undeniablylegitimateoractual.ThecardboardboxescontainedaVERITABLEtreasuretroveofCivilWarartifacts,probablyworthtensofthousandsofdollars.

NOUNS

paradox(PAIR-uh-doks).Aseeminglyabsurdandself-contradictingsituationthatseemsimpossiblebutmayinfactbetrue.ThearticleprofiledamanwhowasarealPARADOX;hewasgrosslyoverweight,yethadtremendousathleticstamina.

veracity(ver-ASS-ih-tea).Thecharacteristicorhabitofbeingtruthfulandconformingtoacceptedstandardsofbehavior.“TheworldisupheldbytheVERACITYofgoodmen:theymaketheearthwholesome.”—RalphWaldoEmerson,Americanpoet,essayist,andtranscendentalist

verisimilitude(ver-uh-si-MIL-ih-tood).Havingtheappearanceoftruth;probability.Thespeech,whileobviouslyheartfelt,unfortunatelylackedVERISIMILITUDE.

ANTONYMS

aspersion(uh-SPUR-zhun).Falseaccusation;slander.IwillnotallowyoutocasttheseASPERSIONSonamanwhosecareerhasbeensodistinguished.

fabulist(FAB-yuh-list).Aliar;someonewhotellsoutrageouslyuntruestories.SirGerald,anotoriousFABULIST,wasnotconsultedforanauthoritativeaccountofthecrime.

mendacity(Men-DA-sit-tee).Atendencytowardorhabitofbeingdishonest.“Thehumanconditioniscomposedofunequalpartsofcourage,friendship,ethics,self-sacrifice,brutality,degeneracy,andMENDACITY.”—HarlanEllison,Americanauthor

U

206.Umbrage

(UM-brij),noun

Totakeexceptiontoandbeoffendedbyacommentoractionseenasaslightorinsult.

ADJECTIVES

acrimonious(ak-rih-MOAN-ee-us).Angry;bitter;disputed.“Thereissomethingabouttheliterarylifethatrepelsme,allthisdesperatebuildingofcastlesoncobwebs,thelong-drawnACRIMONIOUSstruggletomakesomethingimportantwhichweallknowwillbegoneforeverinafewyears…”—RaymondChandler,Americanauthor

bellicose(BELL-ih-kohss).Belligerent,surly,readytoargueorfightattheslightestprovocation.DougissotouchyabouthisnewJaguarthathe’llinstantlygrowBELLICOSEifyousomuchasbrushagainstit.

importunate(ihm-PORE-chuh-nitt).Urgentandpersistentinsolicitation,tothepointofannoyance.“Sistersarealwaysdryingtheirhair./Lockedintorooms,alone,/Theyposeatthemirror,shouldersbare,/Tryingthiswayandthattheirhair,/OrflyIMPORTUNATEdownthestair/Toanswerthetelephone.”—PhyllisMcGinley,Americanpoet

NOUNS

contretemps(KON-treh-tahn).Aninopportuneoccurrencewithembarrassingresults.“Panhadbeenamongstthem…thelittlegodPan,whopresidesoversocialCONTRETEMPSandunsuccessfulpicnics.”—E.M.Forster,Englishnovelist

imprecation(IM-pre-kay-shun).Acursespokenaloud.ThomasmutteredIMPRECATIONSashecircledtheairfield,waitingforclearancetolandhisAirbus380.

VERBS

deprecate(DEPP-rih-kayt).Toexpressseveredisapprovalofanother’sactions.“ThosewhoprofesstofavorfreedomandyetDEPRECATEagitation,aremenwhowantcropswithoutplowinguptheground.”—FrederickDouglass,Americanabolitionistandorator

execrate(EK-sih-krayt).Toloathe;tosubjecttoscornandderision.WeEXECRATEDWilliamforweeksduetohiscasualrejectionofaninvitationtojoinYale’sSkullandBones.

impugn(ihm-PYOON).Toattackasfalseorwrong.“IdonotIMPUGNthemotivesofanyoneopposedtome.Itisnopleasuretometotriumphoveranyone.”—AbrahamLincoln

ANTONYMS

badinage(bah-dih-NAHZH).Light,good-natured,evenplayfulbanter.“Ifyoudon’tcareforme,youcanmoveoutnow.I’mfranklynotuptoBADINAGE.”—HarlanEllison,Americanauthor

conciliatory(kon-SILL-ee-ah-tore-ee).Actionsorwordsmeanttosettleadisputeorresolveaconflictinamannerthatleavesnohardfeelingsoneither

side.“Ifyouarenotveryclever,youshouldbeCONCILIATORY.”—BenjaminDisraeli,Britishstatesmenandliteraryfigure

innocuous(ih-NAHK-yew-us).Notharmfuloroffensive;innocent,incidental,andhardlynoticeable.“IknowthoselittlephrasesthatseemsoINNOCUOUSand,onceyouletthemin,pollutethewholeofspeech.”—SamuelBeckett,Irishwriter,dramatist,andpoet

207.Uncaring

(uhn-KAR-ing),noun

Thestateofunconcern;lackofworry;inattentiveness;thoughtlessness;apathy.

ADJECTIVES

cavalier(kav-uh-LEER).Unconcernedwithwhatisconsideredimportant;nonchalantlyunengaged,especiallywithregardtoseriousmatters.HisCAVALIERattitudetowardfinancialmanagementmaybehiscompany’sundoing.

cursory(KUR-suh-ree).Performedwithhasteandwithoutcare.Mrs.WallaceavoidedgivingtestsontheFridaybeforeavacation,assheknewherstudents’effortswouldbeCURSORYatbest.

desultory(DEH-sul-tor-ee).Lackingguidanceorprogressingrandomly;aimless;fitful.Unabletobelieveitwashislastdayonthejob,Bill’sDESULTORYthoughtswanderedthroughhismind.

feckless(FEK-less).Ineffective;careless;lackingdefinitivenessofpurpose.SomeaccuseusofbeingFECKLESS,buttheyhavenoideahowdifficultitistoliveawealth-infusedlifestyle.

incogitant(in-KOJ-uh-tuhnt).Thoughtless,inconsiderate.BillneverbecameaccustomedtoAnn’scontinualINCOGITANTacts.

indolent(IN-duh-lnt).Lazy,asawayoflife;inactiveandunlikelytoexertoneself.Peter,anINDOLENTyoungman,spenthisyoungdaysgazingoutthewindowdaydreaming.

insensate(in-SENS-ayt).Withouthumanfeeling,orlackingjudgmentandgoodsense.Owen’sINSENSATEbehaviorthemorningaftertheirtrystmadeAmyrealizeshe’dmadeamistakeinaskinghimtostaythenight.

insouciant(in-SOO-see-unt).Actingasifonehasnotacareintheworld;freeofworryandangst.WeareneverINSOUCIANTaboutourwealthbecausewemustworkatalltimestoensureitsprotection.

intemperate(in-TEM-prit).Referstoapersonwhoindulgeshisownwhimsandfancieswithoutregardtootherpeople’sfeelingsorinconvenience.“Certainlyitwasordainedasascourgeupontheprideofhumanwisdom,thatthewisestofusall,shouldthusoutwitourselves,andeternallyforegoourpurposesintheINTEMPERATEactofpursuingthem.”—LaurenceSterne,Irish-bornEnglishnovelistandAnglicanclergyman

lackadaisical(lack-uh-DAY-zih-kuhl).Lazyandindolent;lackingdetermination.Nomatterhowmanytimesaweekherfatherallowshertogoonaspending

spree,MillicentisneverLACKADAISACALabouthertripstoCartier.

laggard(LAG-uhrd).Movingsluggishlyandreactingslowly.“Reviewers…mustnormallyfunctionashuff-and-puffartistsblowingLAGGARDtheatergoersstageward.”—WalterKerr,Americantheatercritic

perfunctory(per-FUNK-ter-ee).Implementedorexecutedquickly,withoutmuchcareorthoughtputintoit.“ThetaleissocontrivedandPERFUNCTORYthatmanyreaderswillbetemptedtoskiptotherealstoryinthesecondhalfofthebook.”—TimParks,Britishnovelist

remiss(rih-miss).Negligentorcareless.OurservantsknowthatiftheyeverareREMISSintheirduties,wewillquicklyfirethem.

supine(SOO-pine).Apathetic;indolent;passive.DamonfoundthemarketingdepartmentSUPINEwhenitcametoimplementingideas.

NOUNS

ennui(on-WEE).Apathyandlackofenergycausedbyboredomanddisinterest.“AndhespokeofENNUI,ofjadedappetites,ofnightsanddaysaboardamoonstonevesselaslargeasacity.”—HarlanEllison,Americanauthor

fainéant(fay-nay-AHNT).Someonewhoislazyandidle.IspentmyvacationasaFAINÉANT,soIfoundithardtofocusonworkonceIreturnedtomy“reallife.”

improvidence(im-PRAH-vih-dense).Arashactionperformedwithoutcarefulconsiderationordeliberation.

“Thismadehimthinkofallthenights…spendinghisyouthwiththecasualIMPROVIDENCEofamillionaire.”—RichardMatheson,Americansciencefictionwriter

lotus-eater(LOH-tus-ee-ter).Apersonwholeadsalifeofindolenceandease,unawareofrealityandduty.RaymondconsideredadoptingthelifestyleofaLOTUS-EATER,butcouldnotreconcilehisincometothetask.

torpor(TORE-purr).Temporarylossofthepowerofmotionorsensation;dormancy;apathy;indifference.“Amultitudeofcausesunknowntoformertimesarenowactingwithacombinedforcetobluntthediscriminatingpowersofthemind,andunfittingitforallvoluntaryexertiontoreduceittoastateofalmostsavageTORPOR.”—WilliamWordsworth,BritishRomanticpoet

ANTONYMS

discernment(dih-SURN-muhnt).Thepowerofdiscerning;keenperceptionorjudgment;insight.“ThesupremeendofeducationisexpertDISCERNMENTofallthings.”—SamuelJohnson,Englishpoetandcritic

solicitude(suh-LIS-ih-tood).Thestateofbeingconcernedandanxious.Amy’sSOLICITUDEforJohn’swelfarewhilehewasoverseasdemonstratedanewfoundconcernforhimasafriend.

208.Understanding

(uhn-der-STAN-ding),noun

Thementalstateandprocessofapersonwhounderstands;comprehension;discernment.

discernment.

ADJECTIVES

cognizant(KOG-nih-sint).Awareoftherealitiesofasituation.AmandaisalwaysCOGNIZANTofheracquaintances’pedigrees.

implicit(im-PLIH-set).understoodbutnotstateddirectly.“Thevanityofmen,aconstantinsulttowomen,isalsothegroundfortheIMPLICITfeminineclaimofsuperiorsensitivityandmorality.”—PatriciaMeyerSpacks,Americanliterarycritic

lucid(LOO-sid).Intelligible;cleartotheunderstanding.Thedocumentarygavealucidaccountoftheunderlyingcausesoftheevents.

luciferous(loo-SI-fuh-ruhs).Providinginsightorenlightenment;illuminating.BlakedidnotfindhiscollegecoursesLUCIFEROUS,sohedecidedtodevotehislifetoworldtravelinstead.

recondite(REHK-un-dite).Beyondtypicalknowledgeandunderstanding.Formostpeople,opera,polo,andfinewineremainRECONDITEsubjects.

tacit(TASS-it).Implied;understoodwithoutbeingopenlyexplainedorexpressed.Thementooktheirsergeant’sharshlanguagetowardNedasTACITapprovaloftheirownabusivebehaviortowardhim.

NOUNS

perspicacity(per-spih-KASS-ih-tee).Insightfuness;keenunderstanding.TheproblemwasacomplexonethatrequiredtheanalysisofsomeonewithgreatPERSPICACITY.

profundity(pruh-FUN-dih-tee).Depthofreasoningorinsight;greatunderstandingandintellectualincisiveness.Apaper’slengthisnoindicationofitsPROFUNDITY.

savoirfaire(SAV-wahr-FAIR).Anevidentsenseofconfidence,optimism,andproficiencyinthetaskathand.EileenhostedacharityluncheonforfortypeoplewithherusualSAVOIRFAIRE.

VERBS

peruse(puh-ROOZ).Toreadthroughwithattention;toexaminewithaneyetodetail.ThewitnessPERUSEDthedocumentforsometime,thendeclaredthatitwasnottheonehehadsigned.

ANTONYMS

transcendent(tran-SEN-dent).Beyondtherealmofnormalexperienceorunderstanding;transcendingcustomaryboundsofperception.WhiletheastronautsreactedindifferentwaystotheTRANSCENDENTexperienceofspacetravel,allwereprofoundlyaffectedbytheexperience.Seealso:Judgment,Learn,Think

209.Unreal

(uhn-REE-uhl),adjective

Notrealoractual;imaginary;fantastic;illusory;false;artificial.

ADJECTIVES

incorporeal(in-core-PORE-ee-al).Lackingform.ThemoaningsandlowrumblingsintheoldhousesuggestedINCORPOREALvisitorstoKate.

ineffable(in-EF-uh-bull).Sofantastic,incredible,ordifficulttograspitcannotbedescribedinwords.PoetEzraPoundwroteof“theinfiniteandINEFFABLEqualityoftheBritishempire.”

intangible(in-TAN-juh-bul).Incapableofbeingtouched,felt,orcalculated.FriendsberatedmeforbreakingupwithMatthew,buttherewassomethingINTANGIBLEmissingfromtherelationship,somethingIcouldn’tdowithout.

spectral(SPEK-trul).Reminiscentofghostsorspirits;gruesomeandotherworldly.Scrooge’sSPECTRALvisitorstakedifferentforms,buteachisinterestedinthesamething:theredemptionoftheoldman’sheart.

surreal(suh-REEL).Possessingaqualitythatmakessomethingseemunreal;strange;bizarre;almostother-worldly.“Heseemedtotossthemallintothemixedsaladsofhispoetrywiththesameindifferencetoformandlogic,thesamedomesticatedSURREALISM,thatcharacterizedmuchoftheAmericanavant-gardeoftheperiod.”—FrankO’Hara,Americanpoet

NOUNS

chimera(kih-MEER-uh).Anillusionorfabrication;animaginarymonster.“WhataCHIMERAthenishumankind.Whatanovelty!Whatamonster,whatachaos!”—BlaisePascal,Frenchphilosopher

dystopia(diss-TOPE-ee-uh).Animaginarysocietycharacterizedbyhumanmisery,squalor,fear,oppression,andhunger.ApopulargenreofmotionpicturesfeaturesthepostapocalypticDYSTOPIA.

eidolon(eye-DOH-luhn).Aphantomorapparition;or,theimageofanideal“Byarouteobscureandlonely,/Hauntedbyillangelsonly,/WhereanEIDOLON,namedNight,/Onablackthronereignsupright.”—EdgarAllanPoe,Americanauthorandpoet

nonentity(non-EN-tih-tee).Apersonorthingconsideredcompletelyunimportantorthatexistsonlyintheimagination.YoumaysafelyregardthisclauseofthecontractasaNONENTITY;itisobsoleteandcompletelyunenforceable.

phantasmagoria(fan-taz-muh-GORE-ee-uh).Adreamlike,constantlychangingseriesofvisions.Theavant-gardefilmhadnodialogueorplotinthetraditionalsense;itwasessentiallyaPHANTASMAGORIAsettomusic.

philter(FIL-tur).Amagicallovepotion.ThinkingtheglasscontainedEvianwater,VeronicadrainedthePHILTERtoitsdregs;hereyesmetthoseofthestartledbutler,andshemeltedwithtenderness.

phoenix(FEE-niks).Amythicalbirdaboutthesizeofaneagle,butwithbrilliantlycoloredplumage,thatdiesbyfireandthenisrebornfromtheashes.OnedaythePHOENIXappearedintheforestsofFrance,andlegendhasitthatalltheotherbirdsbecomeinstantlyjealous.

thaumaturge(THAW-mah-turj).Apersonwhoworksmiracles.IfyouwereevertoseeHannahearlyinthemorning,justaftershehasawoken,thenyouwouldknowherpersonalmake-upartististheepitomeofaTHAUMATURGE.

Triton(TRY-ton).Amythicalcreature,similartoamermaid,withahumantorsoandarms,gillsundertheears,andataillikeadolphin.TRITONSservedNeptuneashisattendants.

utopia(you-TOE-pee-uh).Aperfectoridealsociety.ManyofuswhoareaccustomedtowealthhavelearnedtoacceptthatwemustmakeourownUTOPIAS,ratherthantorelyontheactionsofoutsideforcesoragencies.

Xanadu(ZAN-uh-dyoo).Aplaceofperfect,idyllicbeauty.“InXANADUdidKublaKhan/Astatelypleasure-domedecree:/WhereAlph,thesacredriver,ran/Throughcavernsmeasurelesstoman/Downtoasunlesssea”—SamuelTaylorColeridge,Englishpoet

yeti(YEH-tee).The(legendary)AbominableSnowman.CarlclaimstohavephotographicevidenceoftheLochNessMonster,severalUFOs,andalargegrayYETI,butIhaveyettoseeanyofit.

ANTONYMS

defacto(dee-FAK-toe).Existinginfactbutnotofficially.Althoughweeschewtitles,SashaclearlyistheDEFACTOheadofourarts-patronageclub.

substantive(SUHB-stuhn-tiv).Existingindependently;havingarealexistence;actual.Aftertheelection,thelocalblogswerefullofcriticismwrittenbypeoplewhodidnotvoteandhadnoSUBSTANTIVEcomplaints.

210.Utopia

(you-TOE-pee-uh),noun

Aperfectoridealsociety.

ADJECTIVES

halcyon(HAL-see-un).Calm,peaceful,carefree,prosperous.“ItwasthemostHALCYONsummerIeverspent.”—RickBass,Americanauthorandenvironmentalactivist

luciferous(loo-SI-fuh-ruhs).Providinginsightorenlightenment;illuminating.BlakedidnotfindtheIvyLeagueLUCIFEROUS,sohedecidedtodevotehislifetoworldtravelinstead.

salutary(SAL-you-tore-ee).Tohaveasoothingorhealingeffect;helpingrecoverorbenefitfromasituation.Tuberculosispatientswereoftensenttothemountains,wherethefreshairwasthoughttohaveaSALUTARYeffectontheircondition.

sybaritic(sih-bar-IT-ik).Relatingtoself-indulgentsensuousluxuryandpleasure.Selenarubbedthesuntanlotionoverhertannedmiddleslowly,andthewholethinghadanerotic,SYBARITICqualitythatmadethemen’seyespopoutoftheirheads.

NOUNS

eidolon(eye-DOH-luhn).Aphantomorapparition;or,theimageofanideal.“Byarouteobscureandlonely,/Hauntedbyillangelsonly,/WhereanEIDOLON,namedNight,/Onablackthronereignsupright.”—EdgarAllanPoe,Americanauthorandpoet

panacea(pan-uh-SEE-uh).Auniversalsolutionforallproblems,diseases,orwoes.ParentstodayseebuyingtheirkidseverythingtheywantasaPANACEAformisery,boredom,andunhappiness.

VERBS

consecrate(KON-seh-KRAYT).Todeclaresomethingsacred,true,sacrosanct,orinvoluble.“ItisregardedasnormaltoCONSECRATEvirginityingeneralandtolustforitsdestructioninparticular.”—KarlKraus,Austrianwriter

ANTONYMS

Draconian(drah-KONE-ee-an).Strict;mean-spirited;excessivelyharsh;cruel;punishmentorrestrictionmeanttocausemiserytothosereceivingit.OpheliawasdistraughtovertheDRACONIANwaythatherfatherforcedhertostaywithherchaperonethroughouttheirvacationontheGreekIsles.

V

211.Verdant

(VUR-dant),adjective

Lushwithtrees,bushes,ferns,andothergreenfoliage.

ADJECTIVES

bucolic(byoo-KALL-ik).Apeaceful,serene,ruralobject,place,orenvironment.WeboughtaweekendplaceinaBUCOLIClittlevillageinthecountry.

effusive(eh-FEW-siv).Profuseandoverflowing,withoutreservation.Inanefforttobutterupthesenator,thelobbyistwastransparentlyEFFUSIVEinhispraiseofthenewbill.

florid(FLOOR-id).Excessivelyornateandshowy,asprose.“Allmenarereallymostattractedbythebeautyofplainspeech,andtheyevenwriteinaFLORIDstyleinimitationofthis.”—HenryDavidThoreau,Americanauthorandtranscendentalist

jocund(JOE-kund).Havingalustforlife;possessingapositiveattitudeanddesiretoenjoylifetothefullest.Ron’sJOCUNDfaçadeshatteredwhenhefoundhimselfthevictimofidentitytheft.

NOUNS

fecundity(Fe-KUN-di-tee).Aperson,organization,resource,oractivitythatisexceptionallyproductive,creative,fertile,orfruitful.“BlisteringheatsuddenlytooktheplaceofCarboniferousmoistureandFECUNDITY.”—SimonWinchester,Britishauthorandjournalist

fruition(froo-ISH-un).Thecompletionofatask;theachievementofagoalastheresultofsignificantandpersistenteffort.JohnNash,amathematicianwhoselifewasfeaturedinABeautifulMind,receivedtheNobelPrizefortheFRUITIONofhisworkingametheorydecadesafterhecompletedit.

renaissance(REN-ah-sonce).Aperiodofgreatlearning,thinking,andcreativity—inart,literature,science,economics,andphilosophy.WeweresopleasedbytheRENAISSANCEofwealthacquisitionthataroseduringtheclosingyearsofthetwentiethcentury.

ANTONYMS

defoliate(dee-FOH-lee-ayt).Tostripbareofleaves.DuringtheVietnamWar,theU.S.militaryDEFOLIATEDlargepartsofthecountry.

hoary(HOAR-ee).Impressivelyold;ancient.“Feminismhastriedtodismissthefemmefataleasamisogynistlibel,aHOARYcliché.Butthefemmefataleexpresseswomen’sancientandeternalcontrolofthesexualrealm.”—CamillePaglia,Americanauthor,feminist,andsocialcritic

stagnation(stag-NAY-shin).Theconditionofbeinginactiveortheslowingofforwardprogressorlesseningofactivity.“Economists’statisticaltechniquesarenotrefinedenoughtoanalyzeunambiguouslythecausesofthislong-termSTAGNATION.”—JeffMadrick,

directorofpolicyresearchattheSchwartzCenterforEconomicPolicyAnalysis,TheNewSchool.

212.Virtuous

(VUR-choo-us),adjective

Havingorcharacterizedbyrighteousnessormoralvirtue.

ADJECTIVES

exemplary(ig-ZEM-pluh-ree).Servingasanexampleormodel;worthimitatingbyothers.William’sEXEMPLARYbehaviorwasrepeatedsofrequentlyandembellishedsoenthusiastically,thattherestofuseventuallyturnedtoalifeofcrime.

inculpable(in-KUHL-puh-bull).Blameless;guiltless.BecauseJohnwasn’tatthedrinkingparty,hewasdeemedINCULPABLE.

seraphic(si-RAF-ik).Characteristicofaseraph;angelic.UnderneathherSERAPHICappearance,Marjorieactuallyhadaheartofgold.

NOUNS

probity(proh-bi-tee).Integrity;uprightnessinone’sdealingswithothers;completehonesty.Thenewparentswereconvincedthatbysettingagoodexample,theirchildwouldgrowuptoembracethevirtuesofcleanlinessandPROBITY.

rectitude(REHK-ti-tood).Conductaccordingtomoralprinciples;moralvirtue;stricthonesty;rightness.

“Themindthat’sconsciousofitsRECTITUDE,/Laughsattheliesofrumor.”—Ovid,Romanpoet

veracious(vuh-RAY-shuss).Honest;truthful.YourHonor,Iaskthatthedefense’sassertionthatnoneoftheprosecution’switnessesareVERACIOUSbestrickenfromtherecord.

ANTONYMS

nefarious(nih-FAIR-ee-us).Inherentlyevil,malicious,andunjust.“Onlyagovernmentthatisrichandsafecanaffordtobeademocracy,fordemocracyisthemostexpensiveandNEFARIOUSkindofgovernmenteverheardofonearth.”—MarkTwain,Americanhumoristandwriter

peccadillo(pek-uh-DIL-oh).Aslightoffense;triflingfault,indiscretion.BobknewthatshopliftingthepackageofgumwasjustaPECCADILLO,buthissecrettormentedhimforhisentireadultlife.

213.Visage

(VIZ-aj),noun

Faceoroverallappearance.

NOUNS

countenance(KOWN-teh-nanss).Appearance,particularlytheexpressiononone’sface.Cervantes’sDonQuixoteissometimesreferredtoastheKnightoftheDolefulCOUNTENANCE.

face(FAYSS).Thefrontpartofthehead,includingtheforehead,eyes,nose,cheeks,mouth,andchin.One’sfacialexpression.

YourFACEremindsmeoftheexpressionsonclassicalstatuesfromancientGreece.Yourexpressionistimeless.

mien(MEEN).Aperson’slookormanner.Dan’scountry-bumpkinMIENeffectivelyhideshisshrewdbusinesstactics.

physiognomy(fizz-ee-AH-no-mee).One’sfaceasanexpressionofone’scharacter.Thefeaturesofyourfacethatshowwhatkindofapersonyouare.”You’reeithersexyoryou’renot.I’mveryself-consciousaboutmyPHYSIOGNOMY.”—BobbyDarin,Americansinger

tête-à-tête(TET-ah-tet).Aface-to-facemeeting.Someofushadbeguntobelievethatourservantswerepilferingfromus,sowesatdownwiththeallegedlyguiltypartiesandhadaTÊTE-À-TÊTE.

VERBS

envisage(en-VIZ-ij).Toenvision,imagine,orcreateamentalpicture.“Idon’tENVISAGEcollectivism.Thereisnosuchanimal,itisalwaysindividualism.”—GertrudeStein,Americanauthor

overlook(OH-ver-LUK).Don’tnotice,eitherunintentionallyor,moreoften,intentionally.Robertwassodevotedtohistwo-year-oldsonthathetendedtoOVERLOOKtheboy’sexhibitionsofspoiledbrattiness.

ANTONYMS

androgynous(Ann-DRAH-gen-us).Somethingorsomeonewhoissexless;ofindeterminatesex;orhermaphrodite(havingcharacteristicsofbothamaleandafemale).

ThemodelsatfashionweekweresoANDROGYNOUSthatKatherinecouldn’ttelliftheclothesweredesignedformenorwomen.

efface(ih-FAYSS).Toerase,obliterate,makeinconspicuous.“ItisalsotruethatonecanwritenothingreadableunlessoneconstantlystrugglestoEFFACEone’sownpersonality.Goodproseislikeawindowpane.”—GeorgeOrwell,Britishauthor

W

214.Waif

(WAFE),noun

Astraypersonoranimal.

ADJECTIVES

bereft(beh-REFT).Lackingacertaincharacteristic,possession,ortrait;isolatedandlonely.“Awomanmovedislikeafountaintroubled./Muddy,ill-seeming,thick,BEREFTofbeauty,/Andwhileitisso,nonesodryorthirsty/Willdeigntosiportouchonedropofit.”—WilliamShakespeare

impecunious(im-puh-KYOON-ee-us).Tobepoororbroke;tohavelittleornomoney.AlexhasbeenravingabouthisIMPECUNIOUSstateeversincehistrustfundwascutfrom$25,000to$20,000permonth.

Lilliputian(lil-ee-PEW-shun).Smallinstature;tinyincomparisontoone’speers.JulesVern’sLILLIPUTIANappearancemadepeopletreathimlikeachild.

pusillanimous(pyoo-suh-LAN-ih-muss).Beingmildortimidbynature;ashrinkingviolet;apersonwhoseekstoavoidconflict,challenge,anddanger.FrankL.Baum’smostPUSILLANIMOUSfictionalcreationistheCowardlyLionofOz.

wan(WAHN).Showingorsuggestingillhealthorunhappiness.“Soshakenasweare,soWANwithcare,/Findweatimeforfrightedpeacetopant.”—WilliamShakespeare

NOUNS

gamine(gah-MEEN).Agirlwithaboyishdemeanorandmischievousnaturewhoissomehowstillappealing.HerGAMINEbehaviorandlooksonlymadeherthatmuchmoreattractivetoteenageboysherage.

paucity(PAW-city).Alackofsomething,asmallsupplyorlimitedselection.“Itisverystrange,andverymelancholy,thatthePAUCITYofhumanpleasuresshouldpersuadeusevertocallhuntingoneofthem.”—SamuelJohnson,Britishmoralistandpoet

VERBS

debilitate(dih-BILL-uh-tayt).Tomakeweakorfeeble.SeveralhoursonthepolofieldsareenoughtoDEBILITATEeventhemostrobustplayer.

ostracize(OS-truh-size).Toexcludefromsociety,friendship,community,etc.OncewelearnedthatSashahadbeenplantingstoriesaboutusinthesocietypages,we,ofcourse,hadtoOSTRACIZEherpermanentlyfromourgroup.

scarify(SKAIR-ih-fy).Towoundwithharshcriticism.WedeemeditnecessarytoSCARIFYEileenforhavingthenervetocriticizeourfashionsense.

ANTONYMS

hermetic(her-MET-ik).Isolated,orunaffectedbyoutsideinfluences.“Reality,whetherapproachedimaginativelyorempirically,remainsasurface,HERMETIC.”—SamuelBeckett,Irishwriter,dramatist,andpoet

insouciant(in-SOO-see-unt).Actingasifonehasnotacareintheworld;freeofworryandangst.WeareneverINSOUCIANTaboutourwealthbecausewemustworkatalltimestoensureitsprotection.

vivacious(vy-VAY-shuss).Joyful;happy,spirited;possessionapositiveattitudeaboutandenthusiasmforlife;apersonwholiveslifetothefullest.Evenafterherfamilymaintainedsomesteeprevenuelosses,SandraretainedherVIVACIOUScharacter.

215.Warn

(WAWRN),verb

Tocautionothersaboutadanger,impendingevil,misfortune,etc.;tourgeoradvisetoexercisecare;caution.

ADJECTIVES

premonitory(preh-MAHN-ih-tor-ee).Stronglyindicativeoforintuitingthatsomethingisgoingtohappen.TheHarrisonssoldtheirstockinthatcompanybecausetheyhadaPREMONITORYvisionthatthecompanywouldsoongobankrupt.

NOUNS

caveat(KAV-ee-ott).Aprecautionorwarning.

BeforeArthurappliedtocollege,hissisterofferedhimaCAVEAT:“ManyofusdonotconsiderColumbiatobeatrueIvyLeagueschool.”

harbinger(HAR-bin-jer).Aforerunnerorwarningsignofafutureeventortrend.Theasteroid’sshadowblottedoutthesunasitspeededonacollisioncoursewithEarth,aHARBINGERofimpendingdoom.

portent(POR-tent).Awarningsignthatsomethingbadisgoingtohappen.InRayBradbury’snovelSomethingWickedThisWayComes,thecarnivalcomingtotownisaPORTENTofevilthingstocome.

VERBS

admonish(ad-MON-ish).Towarn;cautionagainstspecificfaults;toadvise;exhort.Onourfirstday,thecounselorADMONISHEDallcamperstoavoidthepoisonivy,thedeependofthelake,andthescrambledeggs.

betoken(bee-TOE-ken).Toserveasawarning.ForMaryandPaul,thebreakdownoftheirnewcarwhiletheywerestilltwohoursawayfromtheirsummerhomeBETOKENEDadisastrousvacation.

presage(press-ij).Toforetellorindicate.SuchprovocationmayPRESAGEarmedconflictintheregion.

ANTONYMS

dissemble(diss-SEM-bul).Toactwithaninsincereordisguisedmotive.AlthoughmanyonthecommitteewereconvincedthattheundersecretarywasDISSEMBLINGabouthowmuchheknewofrebelactivities,therewasnohardprooftosupportthisview.

obscure(uhb-SKYOOR).Tomakeunclearorconcealbyconfusing.TheofficialexplanationOBSCUREDthefactthatanumberofpeoplehadbeenhurtbyusingtheproductinthewayitwasintended.

216.Wayfaring

(WAY-fair-ing),adjective

Travelingonfoot.

ADJECTIVES

circuitous(sir-CUE-uh-tuss).Extremelytwistyandwinding;indirect.Blanchecalleditashortcut,butherCIRCUITOUSdirectionscausedustoarriveverylateatthedebutanteball.

peripatetic(per-ih-pa-TET-ik).Wanderingfromcareertocareer,jobtojob,companytocompany,orplacetoplace,seeminglywithoutacleargoalordefinitenessofpurpose.Whilewaitingtoreceivehistrustfundatagethirty,GileslivedaPERIPATETIClifestyle.

serpentine(SUR-pen-teen).Snakelikeinshapeormovement.“ForitisnotpossibletojoinSERPENTINEwisdomwithcolumbineinnocency,exceptmenknowexactlyalltheconditionsoftheserpent.”—FrancisBacon,Englishphilosopher,author,andstatesman

NOUNS

wanderlust(WON-dehr-lust).Astrongandinnatedesiretotravelfarfromhome.

“InourWANDERLUST,weareloverslookingforconsummation.”—AnatoleBroyard,literarycriticfortheNewYorkTimes

VERBS

meander(me-AN-duhr).Towanderaimlessly.WefiredthatparticularservantbecauseheMEANDEREDfartooslowlyfromtasktotask.

ANTONYMS

geostationary(JEE-oh-STAY-shin-air-ee).Pertainingtoasatelliteinorbit22,300milesabovetheEarth’ssurfacesothatthesatelliteisalwaysdirectlyoverthesamespotofground.ArthurC.ClarkwasthefirsttoproposethatthreeGEOSTATIONARYsatellitesorbitingEarthcouldprovideaglobalcommunicationsnetworkeffectivelycoveringeverylocationontheplanet.

immutable(im-MYOO-tuh-bull).Unable,orunwilling,tochange.“Idon’tknowwhatIMMUTABLEdifferencesexistbetweenmenandwomenapartfromdifferencesintheirgenitals.”—NaomiWeisstein,Americanfeminist

insular(IN-suh-ler).Self-containedandthereforeisolatedfromtheworldandunaffectedbyoutsideinfluences,usuallytoone’sdetriment.ThePricewatersmovedfromthefamily’straditionenclavetoamoreINSULARcompoundfurtherupthecoast.

sedentary(SED-n-tair-ee).Restingagreatdealandtakinglittleexercise.AllwehavetodoishireapersonaltrainerifourSEDENTARYhabitsbegintohavenegativeeffectsonourwell-being.

217.Weak

(WEEK),adjective

Notstrong;havingnostrength,stamina,vigor,power,etc.

ADJECTIVES

anemic(uh-NEE-mik).Oforpertainingtoamedicalconditioninwhichone’sbloodisdeficientinredcorpuscles;extraordinarilyweak.ImadeafewANEMICeffortstogetsomeworkdonelastnight,butIcouldn’treallyfocusonthejobathand.

decrepit(di-KREP-it).Enfeebledorweakenedbyoldage;wornout;infirm.Thecar’sDECREPITappearancewasdeceiving;Colinfounditcapableof75mphonthehighway,anditgotverygoodmileage.

flaccid(FLASS-id).Lackingfirmness,stiffness,vigor,orforce.Thecandidate’sFLACCIDspeechleftthelistenersunimpressed.

languid(LANG-gwid).Characterizedbyweaknessandfatigue;or,lackingspiritandanimation.“Indoinggood,wearegenerallycold,andLANGUID,andsluggish;andofallthingsafraidofbeingtoomuchintheright.”—EdmundBurke,Anglo-Irishstatesman,orator,andauthor

pallid(PAL-id).Awan,sickly,washed-outappearanceindicatingillnessorweakness,orlackofenergy,strength,andvitality.ManyofusmaintainaPALLIDpallorbecausewewanttomakeitclearthatwedonotneedtogooutdoorsunlesswesochoose.

NOUNS

infirmity(in-FUR-mih-tee).Aphysicalweaknessorailment;mentalormoralweakness.Randall,getoveryourself.Aningrowntoenailisannoying.It’snotanINFIRMITY.Youcannotparkinthehandicappedspot!

lassitude(LASS-ih-tood).Alackofenergyormotivation;weariness.“Weknowwhatboredomis:itisadull/Impatienceorafiercevelleity,/Achampingwish,stalledbyourLASSITUDE,/Tomakeordo.”—RichardWilbur,Americanpoet

VERBS

attenuate(a-TEN-you-ayt).Toweakenorreduce;spreadthin;tocauseadecreaseinamount,value,power,orseverity.Jim’sstrategywastoATTENUATEtheimpactofJoan’saccusationsofharassmentbysuggestingthatshehadsomehowinvitedhisovertures.

debilitate(dih-BIIL-ih-tayt).Toenfeebleorweaken;todevitalizeordepletestrength.Fran’sDEBILITATINGillnessslowlysappedherwilltolive.

dilute(die-LOOT).Tothinorweakenbyaddingadditionalingredients;toreducetheforce,strength,oreffectivenessof.FredericaneverDILUTESherwords.She’lltellyouexactlyhowshefeels.

enervate(EN-ur-vayt).Toweaken;todepriveofvitality,strength,orendurance.Thevacation’swhirlwindpaceactuallyservedtoENERVATEMadge.

ANTONYMS

omnipotent(ahm-NIP-uh-tuhnt).Allpowerful.

“AnOMNIPOTENTGodistheonlybeingwithnoreasontolie.”—MasonCooley,Americanauthor

puissant(PYOO-uh-suhnt).Powerful;mighty.“MethinksIseeinmymindanobleandPUISSANTnationrousingherselflikeastrongmanaftersleep,andshakingherinvinciblelocks.”—JohnMilton,Englishpoetandhistorian

218.Work

(WURK),noun

Physicalormentaleffortexertedtodoormakesomething;labor;toil;employment.

ADJECTIVES

laborious(luh-BORE-ee-us).Requiringagreatdealofhardworkandperseverance.EventhoughtheyearsinschoolwereLABORIOUS,theywereworththeeffortwhenIearnedmyPhD.

operose(OP-uh-roass).Laborious;tedious;industrious.What’sthepointoftakingonOPEROSEworkwhenoursocialconnectionshelpustoachievesuccesswithlittleeffort?

sedulous(SEJ-yuh-luss).Doneorcraftedwithperseverance,diligence,andcare.Theteen’sSEDULOUSlaborsatthedesertsitewererewardedbythediscoveryoftriceratopsbonesinthethirdweekofthedig.

yeoman(YOH-muhn).Pertainingtooronewhoperformsarduoustasksinaloyalandworkmanlikemanner.

WepromotedHelgatoupstairsmaidbecauseofherYEOMANworkethic.

NOUNS

métier(MAY-tee-yay).One’soccupation,profession,fieldofwork,etc.SinceherfamilystartedoneofWallStreet’smostprofitablehouses,it’sonlynaturalthatEllen’sMÉTIERwouldbefinance.

moil(MOYL).Hard,grindingwork.TheMOILofpaperworkmadeSheilalongforearlyretirement.

sinecure(SIN-eh-KYOOR).Ajoborofficewithoutregulardutiesbutwithregularpay;apositionrequiringminimallaborbutconveyingprestigeorstatustoonewhoholdsit.BeingelectedasthenewpresidentofhistradeassociationbestowedonBillamuch-neededSINECURE.

travail(truh-VALE).Hardwork,especiallyworkcausingphysicalpain;thelaborofchildbirth.Itisnotsurprisingthat,giventheTRAVAILSofthelongjourneywestward,somesettlersoptedtoreturnEastratherthantrytomakealifeonthefrontier.

VERBS

lucubrate(LOO-kyoo-breyt).Towork,study,orwritelaboriously,particularlyatnight.Anightowl,PhyllisalwaysLUCUBRATEDintotheweehours.

ANTONYMS

disport(dih-SPORT).Toamuseoneself.

FelicialovedtoDISPORTwiththeproprietorsofherfavoriteboutiquesbyarguingoverprice.

diversion(dih-VUR-zhuhn).Apastime;amusement.“PoliticsistheDIVERSIONoftrivialmenwho,whentheysucceedatit,becomeimportantintheeyesofmoretrivialmen.”—GeorgeJeanNathan,Americanjournalistandcritic

219.Worthless

(WURTH-lis),adjective

Withoutvalueorworth;ofnouseorimportance.

ADJECTIVES

brummagem(BRUHM-uh-juhm).Describessomethingthatlooksgreatbutperformspoorly.“Ourpressiscertainlybankruptin…reverencefornickelplateandBRUMMAGEM.”—MarkTwain

nugatory(NOO-guh-tore-ee).Trifling,worthless,andineffective.WespendourtimewiththeNUGATORYpastimesofpolo,tennisongrasscourts,andweekendsinEurope.

paltry(PAHL-tree).Trivial;insignificant;worthless.ThePALTRYsumfoundinthecashregistermadeusregrethavingpickedthisstoreforourfirstrobbery.

picayune(pik-ee-YOON).Petty;triflingorunimportant.Mr.Franksapparentlycouldn’tbebotheredwithsuchPICAYUNEconcernsaswhatcolorshirttowear.

NOUNS

chaff(chaff).Worthlessstuff;materialtobecastaway.Iusuallywriteforanhourstraightinmyjournal,knowingfullwellthatmuchofwhatcomesoutwillbedrivel,andallowingmyselftogobacklaterandseparatethewheatfromtheCHAFF.

cipher(SIE-fur).Apersonorthingwithoutmeaningorvalue;amystery;literally,themathematicalsymbolforzero.Despitethebesteffortsoftheintelligencecommunitytogatherevidenceagainsthim,DoctorLysenkoremainedaCIPHER.

dregs(DREGS).Theleftover,leastappealingorvaluablepart.Thoughmanyinhertownlookedonex-convictsastheDREGSofsociety,itwasDebbie’sjobasasocialworkertotrytorehabilitateeveryonewhocamethroughherdoor,regardlessofpasthistory.

gimcrack(JIHM-krack).Ashowyobjectoflittleornovalue.“Haulthemoff!Hidethem!/Theheartwinces/ForjunkandGIMCRACK,/forjerrybuiltthings.”—RichardWilbur,Americanpoet

inutility(in-yoo-TIL-ih-tee).Somethingthat’suseless.ThepuddleofoilbeneaththecarconfirmedthatithadbecomeaveryexpensiveINUTILITY.

kitsch(KIHCH).Art,artifacts,orotherobjectsofacheaporjunkynatureproducedbythepopularculture.HisroomwasfilledwithKITSCH:lavalamps,FarrahFawcettandCherylTiegsposters,andplasticmodelsofFrankensteinandDracula.

obsolescence(ob-suh-LESS-uhnts).Thestateofbeingnolongercurrentoruseful.

Roderickfound,tohisdismay,thatsomeofthenewMaseratimodelshadlapsedintoOBSOLESCENCEalmostassoonastheyhittheshowroomfloor.

trumpery(TRUHM-puh-ree).Somethingwithoutvalue;atrifle.TheTRUMPERYthattheSmythingtonscollectandcall“art”is,clearly,distastefuldreck.

VERBS

marginalize(MAR-jin-ul-eyes).Todismisssomethingaslessimportantthanitactuallyis.Francinehastoomanyconnectionsforustosnubhercompletely,butwehavedoneourbesttoMARGINALIZEherinfluence.

nullify(NUHL-uh-fy).Tomakesomethingvaluelessorineffective.Wekeepourcollectionsunderlockandkeybecause,sometimes,merelybreathingonthemNULLIFIEStheirvalue.

ANTONYMS

heirloom(AIR-loom).Apossessionofcommercialorsentimentalvaluehandeddownfromgenerationtogeneration.Astheoldestchild,IwasgiventhemostpreciousfamilyHEIRLOOM,ouroldgrandfatherclock,whenmymotherpassedaway.

valuation(val-you-AYE-shun).Thecalculatedworthorvalueofanasset,basedonarigorousappraisal.Oneoftheaccountingfirm’sservicesisbusinessVALUATION,whichprovidesanaccurateappraisalofwhatyourbusinesswouldsellforifacquired.

220.Writing

(RY-ting),noun

Theactofapersonwhowrites;somethingwritten,suchasabook,letter,document,inscription,etc.

ADJECTIVES

verbose(ver-BOHS).Describesapersonorcompositionusingmorewordsthanareneededtogetthepointacross.Long-windedandVERBOSE,Mitchmadehisteammembersgroanwheneverhestooduptospeakatacharityevent.

NOUNS

elegy(EL-eh-gee).Apoemoflamentandpraiseforthedead.“ModernELEGIEStendtobeunconvincingbecausethepoetsoclearlybelievesintheimmortalitythatanELEGYtraditionallyclaimsforitssubject.”—EdwardMendelson,ProfessorofEnglishandComparativeLiteratureatColumbiaUniversity

kenning(KEN-ing).Ametaphoricalcompoundwordorphrase,usedofteninepicpoetry.Cliff’slettertoNatashaincludedsuchKENNINGSas“pearl-eyeddove”and“crinklygownedangel.”It’snowondershebrokeupwithhimsoonafter.

missive(MISS-iv).Anofficialorformalletter.HesentoutaMISSIVEinformingallemployeesthat,henceforth,therewouldbenosmokingintheirquarters—butheforgottoremovetheashtrays.

passim(PASS-im).Awordusedtoindicatethatagivensourceorelementisusedfrequentlythroughoutawrittenwork.

ReferencestoafictitiouswriternamedKilgoreTroutappearPASSIMinanumberofKurtVonnegut’snovels.

verbiage(VER-bee-ij).Words;inparticular,prosewrittentofillspaceandimpressothersratherthancommunicateideasandinformation.“There’ssomewhitespaceonthebackpageofthesalesbrochure,”themarketingmanagertoldhisadagency,“solet’sfillitwithsomeVERBIAGEaboutserviceandquality.”

verslibre(VERSS-LEE-breh).Freeverse,astyleofpoetryrequiringnorhymeormeter.H.L.MenckenobservedthatVERSLIBREis“adeviceformakingpoetryeasiertowriteandhardertoread.”

VERBS

elucubrate(ih-LOO-kyoo-brait).Toproduceawrittenworkthroughlengthy,intensiveeffort.Thankstoafewhundredbuckspassedalongtoaclassmate,MilesdidnothavetoELUCUBRATEatermpaperandcould,instead,attendpartieswithus.

euphuism(YOU-few-iz-im).Ornate,flowery,overlyelaboratelanguage,oftenmakingtheexactmeaningdifficulttodiscern.Felicia’swordsarefullofEUPHUISM,particularlywhendescribingthearchitectureofherfamily’svarioushouses.

indite(in-DITE).Towriteorcomposealiterarywork.“Butif,bothforyourloveandskill,yourname/YouseektonurseatfullestbreastsofFame,/Stellabehold,andthenbegintoINDITE.”—SirPhilipSidney,Englishcourtier,soldier,andpoet

limn(LIM).Tooutlineindetail,portrayinwords.

Withalloftheexpressivetermshecouldmuster,thetheologianproceededtoLIMNanexpositionofthepiouslife.

paraphrase(PAIR-uh-frayz).Arestatementofatextorpassagewithanewmeaningorasaclarification.TocallthisworkanewtranslationoftheoriginalGreektextsisanoverstatement;itisacapable,butbynomeansgroundbreaking,efforttoPARAPHRASEexistingEnglisheditions.

ANTONYMS

legible(LEJ-uh-bull).Capableofbeingread.John’shandwritingwasLEGIBLEbuthisprosewasincomprehensible.

peruse(puh-ROOZ).Toreadthroughwithattention;toexaminewithaneyetodetail.ThewitnessPERUSEDthedocumentforsometime,thendeclaredthatitwasnottheonehehadsigned.Seealso:Language

X

221.Xenophile

(ZEN-uh-file),noun

Someonewhoisattractedtoforeignstyles,customs,manners,etc.

ADJECTIVES

geopolitical(gee-oh-poh-LIH-tih-kull).Anythinghavingtodowiththepoliticsaffectingtherelationshipsoftwoormorecountries,especiallywheninfluencedbygeographicalfactors.GEOPOLITICALinstabilityintheMiddleEastisfuelingrisingcrudeoilprices.

geostationary(GEE-oh-STAY-shin-air-ee).Anobjectorbitingalargerbodythatsynchronizesitsmovementwiththatofthebodysoitalwaysremainsinthesamepositionrelativetoit.ArthurC.ClarkewasthefirsttoproposethatthreeGEOSTATIONARYsatellitesorbitingEarthcouldprovideaglobalcommunicationsnetworkeffectivelycoveringeverylocationontheplanet.

NOUNS

acculturation(ah-kul-chuh-RAY-shin).Theprocessofadaptingtoadifferentculture.Justbecausesushimakesmequeasydoesn’tmeanI’mopposedtoACCULTURATION.

gazetteer(gaz-ih-TEERr).Ageographicalindexordictionaryofplacesorganizedbyname.TheRothschildsprefertheirpilotsimplyheadforthesun,ratherthanconsultaGAZETTEERpriortoshortflights.

globalization(glow-bull-ih-ZAY-shin).Themovementtowardatrueworldeconomywithopenandfreetradingacrossnationalborders.“ProponentsofGLOBALIZATIONinsistthat,astradeandinvestmentmoveacrossborders,economicefficienciesraisethestandardsoflivingonbothsidesoftheexchange.”—ArthurGoldwag,Americanauthor

humanism(HEW-man-iz-um).Thephilosophyorbeliefthatthehighestidealsofhumanexistencecanbefulfilledwithoutregardtoreligionorsupernaturalintervention.“ThefourcharacteristicsofHUMANISMarecuriosity,afreemind,beliefingoodtaste,andbeliefinthehumanrace.”—E.M.Forster,Englishnovelist

jaunt(JAWNT).Ashortjourneytakenforpleasure.NicoleplanstotakeaJAUNTacrossthesoutherntipofAfricanextyear.

VERBS

gallivant(GAL-ih-vant).Towanderwidely;toconstantlytraveltomanydifferentplaces,withoutanitineraryorplan;tofreelygowhereverandwheneverthemoodstrikesyou,anddoingsofrequently.SomeaccuseusofGALLIVANTINGaroundtheworld,butculturalknowledgeisderigueurforcocktailconversation.

ANTONYMS

apartheid(uh-PART-hyt).SouthAfrica’sformergovernment-sanctionedpolicyofsegregationandracialdiscrimination.

SinceAPARTHEIDendedin1994,SouthAfricahaselectedthreenativeAfricanpresidents.

insular(IN-suh-ler).Self-containedandthereforeisolatedfromtheworldandunaffectedbyoutsideinfluences,usuallytoone’sdetriment.ThePricewatersmovedfromthefamily’straditionenclavetoamoreINSULARcompoundfurtherupthecoast.

jingoism(JIN-go-iz-um).Extremenationalism,backedupbytheexplicitorimpliedthreatofmilitaryforce;morebroadly,extremeenthusiasmandsupportforanideaorpositionwithoutbeingopentocontraryargumentsornotions.WecannotcountenanceJINGOISM,especiallysinceithassuchanegativeimpactonoverseasmarkets.

xenophobic(zee-nuh-FOE-bik).Havinganirrationalfearofforeignersandimmigrants.WearenotXENOPHOBIC;wedislikeallstrangers,regardlessoftheirbackgrounds,unlesstheyarebroughttousbyothersocialcontacts.

yokel(YOH-kuhl).Agullibleinhabitantofaruralarea.“[Ahumanbeing]istheYOKELparexcellence,theboobyunmatchable,thekingdupeofthecosmos.”—H.L.Mencken,Americanmagazineeditor,essayist,andcritic

Y

222.Yare

(YAIR),adjective

Quickandagile;lively.

ADJECTIVES

adroit(uh-DROYT).Skilledorcleverinaparticularpursuit.“It’skindofsad,”BettysaidtoBarbara,“thatWillthinkshisADROITopera-singingabilitieswillimpresswomen.”

ebullient(eh-BULL-yuhnt).Feelingjoyandpositiveemotionsatanextremelevel;thestateofbeingwildlyenthusiasticaboutsomething.LornewasEBULLIENTwhenhefoundthathismotherhadgiventhecollegeenoughmoneytooverturnhisrejection.

effervescent(ef-ur-VESS-ent).Bubbly;upbeat;cheerful;possessingapositiveattitudeandjoyfulpersonality.AftergettingtheacceptanceletterfromCornell,SabrinawasEFFERVESCENTandcelebratedwithatriptoNeimanMarcus.

effusive(eh-FEW-siv).Profuseandoverflowing,withoutreservation.Inanefforttobutterupthesenator,thelobbyistwastransparentlyEFFUSIVEinhispraiseofthenewbill.

jocund(JOE-kund).Havingalustforlife;possessingapositiveattitudeanddesiretoenjoylifetothefullest.

Ron’sJOCUNDfaçadeshatteredwhenhefoundhimselfthevictimofidentitytheft.

NOUNS

élan,(a-LON).Enthusiasm,energy,flair,zest.BryannareactedwithÉLANwhenshewastappedtobepartofafeatureforEliteTravelMagazine.

fillip(FILL-uhp).Somethingthatrevivesorarousesexcitement.“Faithfulhoroscope-watching,practiceddaily,providesjustthesortofsmall,butwarmandinfinitelyreassuringFILLIPthatgetsmattersofftoaspiritedstart.”—ShanaAlexander,Americanauthor

VERBS

gambol(GAM-bull).Torun,skip,orjumpaboutinaplayfulorjoyousfashion.“WeallhavetheseplaceswhereshyhumiliationsGAMBOLonsunnyafternoons.”—W.H.Auden,Anglo-Americanpoet

ANTONYMS

bovine(BO-vyn).Anythingrelatedtoorreminiscentofcowsorotherdull,docile,slow-moving,grazingmammals.“ThecowisoftheBOVINEilk;Oneendismoo,theother,milk.”—OgdenNash,Americanpoet

enervate(EN-er-vayt).Torobaperson,organization,place,orthingofitsenergy,strength,andvitality.GreenhousegasesENERVATEtheprotectiveozonelayersurroundingtheEarth.

etiolate(EE-tee-uh-layt).Tocausetobecomeweakandappearsickly.

Overtime,Brad’sexcesses—andhisrefusaltoseeaplasticsurgeon—increasinglyETIOLATEDhisonce-handsomeappearance.

lugubrious(loo-GOO-bree-us).Pessimistic,emotionallydowntrodden,spirituallylow,sad,ordepressed.Prozacfailedtoamelioratethepatient’sLUGUBRIOUSoutlookonlife.

morose(muh-ROHSS).Gloomyandill-humored.Nowthathisparentshavetakenawayhisprivateplane,AnthonyhasbecomepositivelyMOROSE.

Z

223.Zephyr

(ZEFF-uhr),noun

Agentlebreeze.

ADJECTIVES

bucolic(byoo-KALL-ik).Apeaceful,serene,ruralobject,place,orenvironment.WeboughtaweekendplaceinaBUCOLIClittlevillageinthecountry.

caducous(kuh-DOO-kuss).Transitory;short-lived;perishable.“Something,whichIfanciedwasapartofme,fallsofffrommeandleavesnoscar.ItwasCADACOUS.”—RalphWaldoEmerson,Americanpoet,essayist,andtranscendentalist

gossamer(GOSS-uh-muhr).Somethingdelicate,light,andflimsythatwillflutterintheslightestbreeze.FairiesflittedamongtheflowersonGOSSAMERwings.

VERBS

burgeon(BURR-jin).Tosprout,togrow;toblossomandflourish.NataliadoesherpartfortheBURGEONING“green”movementbyhavinghergardenerturnmanurefromherstablesintofertilizer.

ANTONYMS

miasma(my-AZ-mah).Anunhealthyatmosphereorenvironment;anunpleasantfeelingpervadingtheair.“Theseappearances,whichbewilderyou,aremerelyelectricalphenomenanotuncommon—oritmaybetheretheyhavetheirghastlyoriginintherankMIASMAofthetarn.”—EdgarAllanPoe,Americanauthorandpoet

odoriferous(oh-duh-RIFF-er-us).Bad-smelling;foul.EleanorbelievedshewouldenjoyherweekendtrekthroughtheSouthAmericanrainforest,butshefoundtheanimalstoonoisy,theconstantrainunpleasant,andtheforest’sODORIFEROUSvegetationdistasteful.

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ContainsmaterialadaptedandabridgedfromRoget’sThesaurusofWordsforIntellectualsbyDavidOlsen,MichelleBevilacqua,andJustinCordHayes,copyright©2011byF+WMedia,Inc.,ISBN10:1-4405-2898-5,ISBN13:978-1-4405-2898-9;andTheWordsYouShouldKnowtoSoundSmartbyRobertW.Bly,copyright©2009byRobertW.Bly,ISBN10:1-59869-886-9,ISBN13:978-1-59869-886-2.

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