Most Important Words for Synonyms and Antonyms

Apprehend: Arrest (someone) for a crime

For Example: It was a good thing those police officers were still there, and they apprehended her easily.

Anticipate: Regard as probable; expect or predict

For Example: I probably didn’t anticipate the gravity of what the media was going to do, how they were going to respond to this.

Comprehend: Grasp mentally; understand

For Example: There’s something else afoot, something I will never understand or comprehend.

Engross: Absorb all the attention or interest of

For Example: The notes totally engrossed him.

Possession: The state of having, owning, or controlling something

For Example: Police charged her with possession and sale of illegal drugs.

Enormous: Very large in size, quantity, or extent.

For Example: He did an enormous amount of work.

Decade: A period of ten years.

For Example: He taught at the university for nearly a decade.

Proliferation: Rapid increase in the number or amount of something.

For Example: A continuing threat of nuclear proliferation.

Begging: Ask (someone) earnestly or humbly for something.

For Example: He begged his fellow passengers for help.

Affluent: (especially of a group or area) Having a great deal of money; wealthy.

For Example: It’s a very affluent area and I like pretending I live there!

Sumptuous: Splendid and expensive-looking.

For Example: The most sumptuous painting in this show is Titian’s Diana and Actaeon.

Necessitous: (of a person) Lacking the necessities of life; needy.

For Example: I want also to see panels of voluntary nurses who can be detailed off to attend to necessitous patients in their own home.

Eminent: (of a person) Famous and respected within a particular sphere or profession.

For Example: One of the world’s most eminent statisticians.

Fortify: Strengthen (a place) with defensive works so as to protect it against attack.

For Example: The whole town was heavily fortified.

Dissuade: Persuade (someone) not to take a particular course of action.

For Example: His friends tried to dissuade him from flying.

Unfasten: open the fastening of; undo (something).

For Example: I slowly removed my earphones, secured my book, and unfastened my seatbelt.

Reprimanded: Rebuke (someone), especially officially.

For Example: Officials were dismissed or reprimanded for poor work.

Exalted: (of a person or their rank or status) Placed at a high or powerful level; held in high regard.

For Example: It had taken her years of hard infighting to reach her present exalted rank

Mystery: Something that is difficult or impossible to understand or explain.

For Example: When we came to understand the customs of this extraordinary people the mystery was explained.

Departure: The action of leaving, typically to start a journey.

For Example: The day of departure.

Debased: Reduced in quality or value.

For Example: The debased traditions of sportsmanship.

Castigated: Reprimand (someone) severely.

For Example: A friend used to castigate me for not wearing a belt.

Dignified: Having or showing a composed or serious manner that is worthy of respect.

For Example: She maintained a dignified silence

Despised: Feel contempt or a deep repugnance for.

For Example: He despised himself for being selfish.

Neglected: Suffering a lack of proper care.

For Example: Some severely neglected children.

Detested: Dislike intensely.

For Example: Of all birds the carrion crow is the most detested by gamekeepers

Abandon: Give up completely (a course of action, a practice, or a way of thinking).

For Example: He had clearly abandoned all pretense of trying to succeed.

Drudgery: Hard, menial, or dull work.

For Example: Domestic drudgery.

Mirth: Amusement, especially as expressed in laughter.

For Example: Laughter, joy and mirth should be considered some of our most primary objectives.

Erudition: The quality of having or showing great knowledge or learning; scholarship.

For Example: He was known for his wit, erudition, and teaching skills.

Tedious: Too long, slow, or dull: tiresome or monotonous.

For Example: This movie is tedious and tiring for the audience simply because it is overwhelming.

Protester: A person who publicly demonstrates strong objection to something; a demonstrator.

For Example: The decision was hailed by protesters against the closure as a triumph.

Interim: In or for the intervening period; provisional or temporary.

For Example: In the interim I’ll just keep my fingers crossed.

Scampered: (especially of a small animal or child) Run with quick light steps, especially through fear or excitement.

For Example: He turned to see several younger children scamper off.

Cursory: Hasty and therefore not thorough or detailed.

For Example: A cursory glance at the figures.

Crude: In a natural or raw state; not yet processed or refined.

For Example: The bulk of exports are crude oil, refined products, and natural gas liquids.

Intemperate: Having or showing a lack of self-control; immoderate.

For Example: Intemperate outbursts concerning global conspiracies.

Specious: Superficially plausible, but actually wrong.

For Example: His presentation was very polished and, I would imagine, speciously appealing to many not familiar with the facts.

Spurious: Not being what it purports to be; false or fake.

For Example: For a variety of spurious reasons, our network is being changed.

Desirous: Having or characterized by desire.

For Example: Whether you believe in evolution, creation or intelligent design, the human male is uniquely designed and desirous to accomplish these tasks.

Wanting: Lacking in a certain required or necessary quality.

For Example: They weren’t wanting in confidence.

Modest: Unassuming or moderate in the estimation of one's abilities or achievements.

For Example: Why is he so modest about his own contribution to the process?

Chased: Pursue in order to catch or catch up with.

For Example: Police chased the stolen car through the city.

Dragged: Pull (someone or something) along forcefully, roughly, or with difficulty.

For Example: We dragged the boat up the beach.

Rebuke: An expression of sharp disapproval or criticism.

For Example: Before rebuking someone, ask yourself, `Why am I doing this?’

Admonish: Warn or reprimand someone firmly.

For Example: She admonished me for appearing at breakfast unshaven.

Applaud: Show approval or praise by clapping.

For Example: The crowd whistled and applauded.

Turbulent: Characterized by conflict, disorder, or confusion; not stable or calm.

For Example: The flows can also be turbulent , which means there is little hope of solving the necessary equations.

Elegant: Pleasingly graceful and stylish in appearance or manner.

For Example: She will look elegant in black

Distinct: Recognizably different in nature from something else of a similar type.

For Example: The patterns of spoken language are distinct from those of writing.

Sporadic: Occurring at irregular intervals or only in a few places; scattered or isolated.

For Example: It is unfortunate that this movie could not have been produced entirely in Spanish, with asides in English for the sporadic encounters where they are warranted.

Mundane: Lacking interest or excitement; dull.

For Example: We put fancy, bubbly skins on the dull and mundane and think that we’re making it all the more interesting.

Monotonous: Dull, tedious, and repetitious; lacking in variety and interest.

For Example: The statistics that he quotes with monotonous regularity

Credible: Able to be believed; convincing.

For Example: She gave important oral evidence and I found her to be a sensible and credible witness.

Deceptive: Giving an appearance or impression different from the true one; misleading.

For Example: He put the question with deceptive casualness.

Tenderness: Gentleness and kindness.

For Example: He picked her up in his arms with great tenderness.

Altruism: Disinterested and selfless concern for the well-being of others.

For Example: A phenomenon that has been well studied in birds is altruism.

Comply: (of a person or group) Act in accordance with a wish or command.

For Example: We are unable to comply with your request

Enlighten: Give (someone) greater knowledge and understanding about a subject or situation.

For Example: Still, I was wondering if any readers might know more details, and enlightenme on the subject.

Cladding: A covering or coating on a structure or material.

For Example: A range of roofing and cladding products.

Pilgrim : A person regarded as journeying through life.

For Example: We should recognize our status as mere pilgrims in this world.

Corrode: Destroy or damage (metal, stone, or other materials) slowly by chemical action.

For Example: Acid rain poisons fish and corrodes buildings.

Slab: A large, thick, flat piece of stone, concrete, or wood, typically rectangular.

For Example: A concrete slab on grade or floor is going to crack.

Nurturing: Care for and encourage the growth or development of.

For Example: My father nurtured my love of art.

Plinths: A heavy base supporting a statue or vase.

For Example: Thieves appear to have tried to pull the 3ft-high lion down from its plinth on top of a 12 ft stone pillar.

Faltered: Start to lose strength or momentum.

For Example: This is the one hurdle at which most listeners coming in hope, tend to falter and often lose heart and turn away.

Scrupulously: In a very careful and thorough way.

For Example: A scrupulously researched biography.

Endeavors: An attempt to achieve a goal.

For Example: An endeavor to reduce serious injury.

Annoyed: Slightly angry; irritated.

For Example: Kelly was annoyed with him.

Moat: A deep, wide ditch surrounding a castle, fort, or town, typically filled with water and intended as a defense against attack.

For Example: Around the building was a deep moat with crystal sparkling water.

Apathy: Lack of interest, enthusiasm, or concern.

For Example: She came to see me at a local clinic and I was very concerned about her, particularly her very marked apathy.

Pact: A formal agreement between individuals or parties.

For Example: The main obstacle for all of the nationalist parties remains the preamble to the current pact.

Emancipation: The fact or process of being set free from legal, social, or political restrictions; liberation.

For Example: The emancipation of feminist ideas.

Aspirations: A hope or ambition of achieving something.

For Example: He had nothing tangible to back up his literary aspirations.

Commensurate: Corresponding in size or degree; in proportion.

For Example: Many people may not find the rewards commensurate with the time and effort required.

Segregation: The action or state of setting someone or something apart from other people or things or being set apart.

For Example: The segregation of pupils with learning difficulties.

Inherently: In a permanent, essential, or characteristic way.

For Example: The work is inherently dangerous.

Femininity: The quality of being female; womanliness.

For Example: She celebrates her femininity by wearing makeup and high heels.

Coherent: (of an argument, theory, or policy) logical and consistent.

For Example: In fact I was more coherent about the general approach than I can remember being.

Choking: (of a person or animal) Have severe difficulty in breathing because of a constricted or obstructed throat or a lack of air.

For Example: Willie choked on a mouthful of soda.

Endured: Suffer (something painful or difficult) patiently.

For Example: It seemed impossible that anyone could endure such pain

Soothed: Gently calm (a person or their feelings).

For Example: A shot of brandy might soothe his nerves.

Drought: A prolonged period of abnormally low rainfall; a shortage of water resulting from this.

For Example: Crops have failed because of drought.

Threatening: Having a hostile or deliberately frightening quality or manner.

For Example: Her mother had received a threatening letter

Prelude: An action or event serving as an introduction to something more important.

For Example: Education cannot simply be a prelude to a career.

Persist: Continue firmly or obstinately in an opinion or a course of action in spite of difficulty, opposition, or failure.

For Example: If symptoms persist you might consider surgery to remove the scar tissue.

Eager: (of a person) Wanting to do or have something very much.

For Example: The man was eager to please.

Adamant: Refusing to be persuaded or to change one's mind.

For Example: He is adamant that he is not going to resign.

Callous: Showing or having an insensitive and cruel disregard for others.

For Example: His callous comments about the murder made me shiver.

Euphemism: A mild or indirect word or expression substituted for one considered to be too harsh or blunt when referring to something unpleasant or embarrassing.

For Example: The jargon has given us ‘downsizing’ as a euphemism for cuts.

Fugacious: Tending to disappear; fleeting.

For Example: She was acutely conscious of her fugacious youth.

Ludicrous: So foolish, unreasonable, or out of place as to be amusing; ridiculous.

For Example: The other thing about tattoos is that people seem to want to cover themselves with the most ludicrous things.

Doleful: Expressing sorrow; mournful.

For Example: He said: ‘We shall all miss her but it won’t be a sad, doleful funeral.

Resemble: Have qualities or features, especially those of appearance, in common with (someone or something); look or seem like.

For Example: In a waiting room resembling an interrogation room, we made an official report.

Consecutive: Following continuously.

For Example: These sessions will continue for four consecutive Thursday evenings.

Cistern: A tank for storing water.

For Example: Rain flowing from the roof is collected in an underground cistern & reused.

Endurance: The fact or power of enduring an unpleasant or difficult process.

For Example: She was close to the limit of her endurance.

Impeller: The rotating part of a centrifugal pump, compressor, or other machine designed to move a fluid by rotation.

For Example: Clear any broken pieces of the old impeller that could clog water flow.

Erosion: The process of eroding or being eroded by wind, water, or other natural agents.

For Example: The problem of soil erosion.

Ointment: A smooth oily preparation that is rubbed on the skin for medicinal purposes.

For Example: She was prescribed sulphur ointment , which began to heal her infected skin.

Quotation: A group of words taken from a text or speech and repeated by someone other than the original author or speaker.

For Example: A quotation from Mark Twain.

Obscure: Not discovered or known about; uncertain.

For Example: His origins and parentage are obscure.

Rupture: An instance of breaking or bursting suddenly and completely.

For Example: A small hairline crack could develop into a rupture.

Covenant: An agreement.

For Example: There was a covenant between them that her name was never to be mentioned.

Intrepid: Fearless; adventurous (often used for rhetorical or humorous effect).

For Example: Look around and find a place to go chat with some other intrepid young adventurers.

Intramural: Situated or done within the walls of a building.

For Example: Both intramural and churchyard graves.

Intricate: Very complicated or detailed.

For Example: An intricate network of canals.

Fascinating: Extremely interesting.

For Example: Fascinating facts.

Worthless: Having no real value or use.

For Example: That promise is worthless.

Dexterous: Demonstrating neat skill, especially with the hands.

For Example: Apart from the huge variety of dice games, there were many games of dextrous skill such as knucklebones.

Adroit: Clever or skillful in using the hands or mind.

For Example: He was adroit at tax avoidance

Idiom: A form of expression natural to a language, person, or group of people.

For Example: He had a feeling for phrase and idiom.

Orchards: A piece of land planted with fruit trees.

For Example: The lower region with its more fertile land is home to many market gardens, orchards and vineyards.

Emission: The production and discharge of something, especially gas or radiation.

For Example: Radiation emission from mobile phones must be cut by 80 per cent, a group of UK MPs said yesterday.

Accused: A person or group of people who are charged with or on trial for a crime.

For Example: The accused was ordered to stand trial on a number of charges.

Pleaded: Make an emotional appeal.

For Example: They pleaded with Carol to come home again.

Meagre: (of something provided or available) Lacking in quantity or quality.

For Example: They were forced to supplement their meager earnings.

Delirious: in an acutely disturbed state of mind resulting from illness & characterized by restlessness, illusions, & incoherence of thought & speech.

For Example: I neither wish to feel deliriously happy nor miserably sad.

Litigate: go to law; be a party to a lawsuit.

For Example: I need legal representation to litigate this matter.

Gigantic: of very great size or extent; huge or enormous.

For Example: The ground floor is a gigantic L-shaped open-plan dining room, kitchen and living room.

Nuisance: A person, thing, or circumstance causing inconvenience or annoyance.

For Example: An unreasonable landlord could become a nuisance.

Latent: (of a quality or state) existing but not yet developed or manifest; hidden; concealed.

For Example: Discovering her latent talent for diplomacy.

Punk: In poor or bad condition.

For Example: A tall punk with flaming red hair had his arm slung tightly around her waist in a possessive manner.

Intermittent: Occurring at irregular intervals; not continuous or steady.

For Example: Intermittent rain.

Contiguous: Sharing a common border; touching.

For Example: The continental United States is contiguous with Canada to the north and Mexico to the south.

Daunting: Seeming difficult to deal with in anticipation; intimidating.

For Example: It’s a daunting task for any Government to ensure the health of the citizens.

Insolence: Rude and disrespectful behavior.

For Example: She was sacked for insolence.

Substituted: Use or add in place of.

For Example: Dried rosemary can be substituted for the fresh herb.

Unbiased: Showing no prejudice for or against something; impartial.

For Example: Sometimes its news stories aren’t as fair and unbiased as the government would want them to be.

Contradict: Deny the truth of (a statement), especially by asserting the opposite

For Example: That evaporation seems to contradict one of the most fundamental principles of physics

Starving: (of a person or animal) Suffer severely or die from hunger.

For Example: She left her animals to starve.

Distinction: A difference or contrast between similar things or people.

For Example: There is a sharp distinction between domestic politics & international politics.

Benevolence: The quality of being well meaning; kindness.

For Example: I grew up happily under the benevolent influence of my Uncle Walt.

Proscribe: Forbid, especially by law.

For Example: Current rules proscribe relationships between soldiers of different rank, or soldiers and officers.

Forbid: Refuse to allow (something).

For Example: Environmental laws forbid alteration of the coast

Jubilant: Feeling or expressing great happiness and triumph.

For Example: ‘I told you it was him,’ said a blond-haired girl, jubilantly.

Bizarre: Very strange or unusual.

For Example: A bizarre situation.

Indomitable: Impossible to subdue or defeat.

For Example: A woman of indomitable spirit.

Innocuous: Not harmful or offensive.

For Example: Similarly, is it possible to develop or tweak software so that innocuous sites aren’t blocked?

Tardy: Delaying or delayed beyond the right or expected time; late.

For Example: She broke up with me via a tardy phone call and letter for my birthday in May 2017 (a month late) and I haven’t spoken to her since.

Dormant: (of an animal) Having normal physical functions suspended or slowed down for a period of time; in or as if in a deep sleep.

For Example: Dormant butterflies.

Equivocal: Open to more than one interpretation; ambiguous.

For Example: The equivocal nature of her remarks.

Apathetic: Showing or feeling no interest, enthusiasm, or concern.

For Example: At a time when apathetic youngsters are the hot topic of political debate, he is the exception that proves the rule.

Hardened: Having become or been made hard or harder.

For Example: Hardened steel.

Anxious: Experiencing worry, unease, or nervousness, typically about an imminent event or something with an uncertain outcome.

For Example: She was extremely anxious about her exams.

Squeaky: Having or making a high-pitched sound or cry.

For Example: A high, squeaky voice.

Exaggerated: Represent (something) as being larger, greater, better, or worse than it really is.

For Example: They were apt to exaggerate any aches and pains.

Misspelled: Spell (a word) wrongly.

For Example: This essay is full of misspellings.

Incarnation: A person who embodies in the flesh a deity, spirit, or abstract quality.

For Example: Rama was Vishnu’s incarnation on earth.

Prostration: The action of lying stretched out on the ground.

For Example: The refusal to call a strike reflects the union leadership’s prostration before the company.

Agonized: Manifesting, suffering, or characterized by great physical or mental pain.

For Example: Since I don’t write very quickly, this tendency makes most any review I write take agonized hours.

Absorbent: (of a material) Able to soak up liquid easily.

For Example: Drain on absorbent paper towels.

Granule: A small compact particle of a substance.

For Example: She was spooning coffee granules into cups.

Arrogant: Having or revealing an exaggerated sense of one's own importance or abilities.

For Example: This is an arrogant young man who has forgotten who his audience is and how to behave.

Pretzels: A crisp biscuit baked in the form of a knot or stick and flavored with salt.

For Example: And I can’t think of any better vehicle for crunchy grains of coarse salt than pretzels.

Ought: Used to indicate duty or correctness, typically when criticizing someone's actions.

For Example: They ought to respect the law.

Stir: A slight physical movement.

For Example: I stood, straining eyes and ears for the faintest stir.

Jewish: Relating to, associated with, or denoting Jews or Judaism.

For Example: Meanwhile, an appeal is being made to councillors by members of the Jewish community.

Exiles: The state of being barred from one's native country, typically for political or punitive reasons.

For Example: He knew now that he would die in exile.

Jolt: An abrupt rough or violent movement

For Example: He suddenly gave a jolt of surprise when he spotted her.

Asylum: An institution offering shelter and support to people who are mentally ill.

For Example: He’d been committed to an asylum.

Abridged: Shorten (a book, movie, speech, or other text) without losing the sense.

For Example: The cassettes have been abridged from the original stories.

Pitch: The quality of a sound governed by the rate of vibrations producing it; the degree of highness or lowness of a tone.

For Example: A car engine seems to change pitch downward as the vehicle passes you.

Bandaged: Bind (a wound or a part of the body) with a protective strip of material.

For Example: Bandage the foot so that the ankle is supported.

Mysterious: Difficult or impossible to understand, explain, or identify.

For Example: His colleague had vanished in mysterious circumstances

Horrific: Causing horror.

For Example: Horrific injuries.

Ripe: (of fruit or grain) Developed to the point of readiness for harvesting & eating.

For Example: The tree was dripping with ripe , juicy peaches that looked so soft and succulent that they’d burst in your mouth at first bite.

Bitter: Having a sharp, pungent taste or smell; not sweet.

For Example: The bright green fruits are said to have a sour, sweet, bitter , and astringent taste, with a cooling energy.

Obscured: Keep from being seen; conceal.

For Example: With all the obscure allusions, the play is difficult to understand without assistance..

Grimy: Covered with or characterized by grime.

For Example: Pulling himself out from under the car, Jonnie Adair grabs a rag and wipes his grimy hands.

Strike: A sudden attack, typically a military one.

For Example: The threat of nuclear strikes.

Overwhelming: Very great in amount.

For Example: The overwhelming majority of voters supported their calls for reform and the end of scandalous political behavior.

Acquainted: Make someone aware of or familiar with.

For Example: New staff should be acquainted with fire exit routes

Participle: A word formed from a verb and used as an adjective.

For Example: I found myself piling on participial phrases to capture some of that.

Scandalous: Causing general public outrage by a perceived offense against morality or law.

For Example: Clearly this scandalous abuse of public funds must be stopped.

Nomads: A member of a people having no permanent abode

For Example: The Touareg people are nomads who traveled through the desert.

Commence: Begin; start.

For Example: Full planning permission has been granted with construction due to commence this year.

Seldom: Not often; rarely.

For Example: The needs and priorities of the people at the grassroot level are seldom taken into account.

Irrefutable: Impossible to deny or disprove.

For Example: Irrefutable evidence.

Tributary: A river or stream flowing into a larger river or lake.

For Example: The Illinois River, a tributary of the Mississippi.

Illogical: Lacking sense or clear, sound reasoning.

For Example: An illogical fear of the supernatural.

Auxiliary: Providing supplementary or additional help and support.

For Example: An auxiliary American to help with pronunciation would be a good thing, but only as an auxiliary.

Infinitive: The basic form of a verb, without an inflection binding it to a particular subject or tense.

For Example: Infinitive clauses.

Fallen: Subject to sin or depravity.

For Example: Fallen human nature.

Constituted: Be (a part) of a whole.

For Example: There were enough members present to constitute a quorum.

Fastidious: Very attentive to and concerned about accuracy and detail.

For Example: He chooses his words with fastidious care.

Prolific: (of a plant, animal, or person) Producing much fruit or foliage or many offspring.

For Example: In captivity, tigers are prolific breeders.

Symbolizes: Be a symbol of.

For Example: The steam locomotive symbolised the glorious service rendered by the Railways to the people in the early years.

Disclosing: Make (secret or new information) known.

For Example: They disclosed her name to the press.

Convincing: Capable of causing someone to believe that something is true or real.

For Example: There is no convincing evidence that advertising influences total alcohol consumption

Glance: A brief or hurried look.

For Example: I waited for a few girls to come down the stairs, smiled distractedly at their approving glances , and then hurried upstairs.

Curious: Eager to know or learn something.

For Example: I began to be curious about the whereabouts of the bride and groom.

Critical: Expressing adverse or disapproving comments or judgments.

For Example: A critical success factor that the research team found related to strong product knowledge.

Nadir: The lowest point in the fortunes of a person or organization.

For Example: They had reached the nadir of their sufferings.

Culminating: Reach a climax or point of highest development.

For Example: The tensions and disorders which culminated in World War II.

Spills: A quantity of liquid that has spilled or been spilled.

For Example: John spills water on a photo slide he is examining, the red color appearing as spilled blood.

Sheds: A simple roofed structure, typically made of wood or metal, used as a storage space, a shelter for animals, or a workshop.

For Example: It keeps your feet dry as it sheds water and defies mud.

Prejudice: Preconceived opinion that is not based on reason or actual experience.

For Example: English prejudice against foreigners.

Delicacy: Fineness or intricacy of texture or structure.

For Example: Miniature pearls of exquisite delicacy.

Surety: A person who takes responsibility for another's performance of an undertaking.

For Example: The judge granted bail with a surety of $1000.

Conscience: An inner feeling or voice viewed as acting as a guide to the rightness or wrongness of one's behavior.

For Example: He had a guilty conscience about his desires.

Anxiety: A feeling of worry, nervousness, or unease, typically about an imminent event or something with an uncertain outcome.

For Example: He felt a surge of anxiety.

Inference: A conclusion reached on the basis of evidence and reasoning.

For Example: Researchers are entrusted with drawing inferences from the data.

Inadequate: Lacking the quality or quantity required; insufficient for a purpose.

For Example: These labels prove to be wholly inadequate.

Dilute: Made thinner or weaker by having had water or another solvent added to it.

For Example: Finally, the cotton cloth was colored using a dilute brown paint mixture applied by brush..

Contradicting: Deny the truth of (a statement), especially by asserting the opposite.

For Example: The survey appears to contradict the industry’s claims.

Striking: Attracting attention by reason of being unusual, extreme, or prominent.

For Example: She was a striking young woman – beautiful, cheerful, confident, proud and remarkably outgoing.

Sponsored: Provide funds for (a project or activity or the person carrying it out).

For Example: Joe is being sponsored by his church.

Mystery: Something that is difficult or impossible to understand or explain.

For Example: When we came to understand the customs of this extraordinary people the mystery was explained.

Utterly: Completely and without qualification; absolutely.

For Example: He looked utterly ridiculous.

Investigating: Carry out a systematic or formal inquiry to discover and examine the facts of (an incident, allegation, etc.) so as to establish the truth.

For Example: Police are investigating the alleged beating.

Discarded: Get rid of (someone or something) as no longer useful or desirable.

For Example: Hilary bundled up the clothes she had discarded.

Dominant: Most important, powerful, or influential.

For Example: They are now in an even more dominant position in the market

Worth: Sufficiently good, important, or interesting to be treated or regarded in the way specified.

For Example: The museums in the district are well worth a visit.

Cornering: Force (a person or animal) into a place or situation from which it is hard to escape.

For Example: The man was eventually cornered by police dogs.

Seeking: Attempt to find (something).

For Example: They came here to seek shelter from biting winter winds.

Stubborn: Having or showing dogged determination not to change one's attitude or position on something, especially in spite of good arguments or reasons to do so.

For Example: He accused her of being a silly, stubborn old woman.

Phrasing: Put into a particular form of words.

For Example: It’s important to phrase the question correctly.

Intergalactic: Of, relating to, or situated between two or more galaxies.

For Example: Intergalactic gas.

Drizzle: Rain lightly.

For Example: Authorities had requested a minute’s silence but many people in Madrid stood in drizzly , chilly weather for about 10 minutes.

Speculation: The forming of a theory or conjecture without firm evidence.

For Example: There has been widespread speculation that he plans to quit.

Emit: Produce and discharge (something, especially gas or radiation).

For Example: Coal-fired power stations continue to emit large quantities of sulfur dioxide.

Apparently: As far as one knows or can see.

For Example: The child nodded, apparently content with the promise.

Condenses: Change or cause to change from a gas or vapor to a liquid.

For Example: The storms act as a pump, moving warm, moist air into the atmosphere, where it condenses into liquid water or ice and eventually falls back to Earth.

Busiest: Having a great deal to do.

For Example: He had been too busy to enjoy himself.

Courage: The ability to do something that frightens one.

For Example: She called on all her courage to face the ordeal.

Eloquence: Fluent or persuasive speaking or writing.

For Example: A preacher of great power and eloquence.

Fidelity: Faithfulness to a person, cause, or belief, demonstrated by continuing loyalty and support.

For Example: He sought only the strictest fidelity to justice.

Revolutionary: engaged in or promoting political revolution.

For Example: Doctors in Britain are set to start trials of a revolutionary treatment for heart disease using stem cells, it emerged yesterday.

Combat: Fighting between armed forces.

For Example: All four of his sons fought in combat in World War I and his daughter served as a Red Cross nurse in France.

Rebellion: An act of violent or open resistance to an established government or ruler.

For Example: The authorities put down a rebellion by landless colonials.

Trumpet: A brass musical instrument with a flared bell and a bright, penetrating tone.

For Example: I play a number of different instruments including guitar, trumpet , flute and saxophone, but my main interest is composing.

Trample: Tread on and crush.

For Example: He caught me before I could hit the ground and be trampled by my horse.

Courageous: Not deterred by danger or pain; brave.

For Example: The decision to come out fighting to restore standards in higher education was principled and courageous.

Courteous: Polite, respectful, or considerate in manner.

For Example: More people were coming inside and Sarah was polite and courteous to every one of them.

Cowardice: Lack of bravery.

For Example: Some have dismissed this as cowardice by the court, but it’s not really.

Patron: A person who gives financial or other support to a person, organization.

For Example: Charles became a patron of Rubens and van Dyck.

Wondrous: Inspiring a feeling of wonder or delight; marvelous.

For Example: Spring is a wondrous time full of marvelous sights, sounds and smells.

Circulatory: Of or relating to the circulation of blood or sap.

For Example: A circulatory problem causes him to stop for a rest every now and then, but he is in good health.

Whirring: (of something rapidly rotating or moving to and fro) make a low, continuous, regular sound.

For Example: The ceiling fans whirred in the smoky air.

Greased: Smear or lubricate with grease.

For Example: Place on a greased baking sheet.

Rubbing: The action of rubbing something.

For Example: Avoid scrubs, because rubbing can irritate this skin condition and exacerbate the flushing.

Kneading: work (moistened flour or clay) into dough or paste with the hands.

For Example: make (bread or pottery) by kneading flour or clay.

Busting: Break, split, or burst (something).

For Example: Passport control officers entered the train, and immediately started busting the chops of everyone in our cabin.

Withstand: Remain undamaged or unaffected by; resist.

For Example: Structure had been designed to withstand winds of more than 100 mph.

Conclusion: The end or finish of an event or process.

For Example: The conclusion of World War Two.

Illustrations: A picture illustrating a book, newspaper, etc..

For Example: Including poems and illustrations , it is a beautifully produced book which shows the city in all its facets.

Catchy: (of a tune or phrase) Instantly appealing and memorable.

For Example: There are a few catchy tunes for the kids to sing along with, but even these seem to be too few and far between.

Emerging: Becoming apparent or prominent.

For Example: Established and emerging artists.

Exceeds: Be greater in number or size than (a quantity, number, or other measurable thing).

For Example: Production costs have exceeded $60,000

Departure: The action of leaving, typically to start a journey.

For Example: The day of departure.

Boosts: A source of help or encouragement leading to increase or improvement.

For Example: He gave me a boost over the wall then looked over at his house one more time then went over the wall as well.

Knight: A man who served his sovereign or lord as a mounted soldier in armor.

For Example: The crossbow was really the first handheld weapon that could be used by an untrained soldier to injure or kill a knight in plate armour.

Substances: A particular kind of matter with uniform properties.

For Example: A steel tube coated with a waxy substance.

Fortune: Chance or luck as an external, arbitrary force affecting human affairs.

For Example: Some malicious act of fortune keeps them separate.

Favors: An attitude of approval or liking.

For Example: The legislation is viewed with favor.

Preceded: Come before (something) in time.

For Example: A gun battle had preceded the explosions.

Accordance: In a manner conforming with.

For Example: The police in all three cases were acting in accordance with a policy not to knock before entry.

Grazed: Scrape the skin of (a part of the body) so as to break the surface but cause little or no bleeding.

For Example: She fell down and grazed her knees.

Lodging: A place in which someone lives or stays temporarily.

For Example: She reasoned that there are three different ways in which a convex polygon encloses all five points.

Incurred: Become subject to (unpleasant) as a result of one's own behavior.

For Example: I will pay any expenses incurred.

Polygon: A plane figure with at least three straight sides and angles, and typically five or more.

For Example: Tara was my agent in Prague and her assignment had been to locate cheap lodging for my two days there.

Progression: A movement or development toward a destination or a more advanced state, especially gradually or in stages.

For Example: The normal progression from junior to senior status.

Velocity: The speed of something in a given direction.

For Example: The velocities of the emitted particles.

Bisects: Divide into two parts.

For Example: A landscape of farmland bisected by long straight roads.

Earthly: Relating to the earth or human life.

For Example: As the new and improved body grows, memories of earthly life can be encoded in its new brain.

Ethereal: Extremely delicate and light in a way that seems not to be of this world.

For Example: Interlocking together, the white lights gave off an almost ethereal glow.

Cosmic: Relating to the universe or especially as distinct from the earth.

For Example: It all adds up to a huge mess of cosmic change, collectively called galaxy evolution.

Petty: Little importance.

For Example: It seems petty , no matter your feelings about religion, not to value any expression of concern.

Magnanimous: Generous or forgiving, especially towards a rival or less powerful person.

For Example: It is easy to be magnanimous , of course, when things go well for you.

Agitate: Make (someone) troubled or nervous.

For Example: She was slightly agitated and upset, but not upset enough to run away.

Soothe: Gently calm.

For Example: Many Gujarati Hindu women in fact shared it; they showed little inclination to soothe the pain of the victims and survivors.

Altruism: Practice of disinterested and selfless concern for the well-being of others.

For Example: Some may choose to work with vulnerable elderly people out of altruism

Repugnant: Extremely distasteful; unacceptable.

For Example: Initially, Anna is shocked again by Gregor’s repugnant appearance.

Selfishness: The quality or state of being selfish; lack of consideration for other people.

For Example: Selfishness is one of the biggest problems in marriages.

Diaspora: People who have spread or been dispersed from their homeland.

For Example: It could be argued that Ross didn’t visit enough places, since the diaspora is limited to Paris, London, Brazil, Toronto and Ghana.

Scattering: A small, dispersed amount of something.

For Example: The amount of scattering depends on the wavelength (hence colour) of the light.

Fickle: Changing frequently, especially as regards one's loyalties or affections.

For Example: This is a fickle business where tastes, music and fashions can change at a whim.

Lame: An explanation or excuse.

For Example: It was a lame statement and there was no excusing his behavior.

Fiddle: An act of defrauding, cheating, or falsifying.

For Example: Amy says that, for her daughter’s sake, she has to be careful and that she no longer drinks; she starts to fiddle with her gold hoop earrings.

Volatile: Liable to change rapidly and unpredictably, especially for the worse.

For Example: The political situation was becoming more volatile.

Deliberated: Done consciously and intentionally.

For Example: A deliberate attempt to provoke conflict.

Unintended: Not planned or meant.

For Example: The unintended consequences of people’s actions.

Instigate: Bring about or initiate (an action or event).

For Example: The unintended consequences of people’s actions.

Instigate: Bring about or initiate (an action or event).

For Example: Until we use what rights we do have to instigate change, get used to being laughed off.

Deceive: Deliberately cause (someone) to believe something that is not true, especially for personal gain.

For Example: I didn’t intend to deceive people into thinking it was French champagne.

Constituent: Being a part of a whole.

For Example: On Tuesday, the new German parliament met in constituent session.

Citizen: A legally recognized subject.

For Example: A building of this high quality should be restored and given back to the citizens of Manchester.

Veteran: A person who has had long experience in a particular field.

For Example: Army veterans who served in World War Two have joined the campaign to save their former regiment.

Exceptional: Unusual; not typical.

For Example: The Dolby Digital 5.1 also sounds exceptional , with outstanding separation in the mix.

Spectacle: A visually striking performance or display.

For Example: Jewellery (including metal tubes covering an entire arm) was tailored directly into the clothes for the show, creating an impressive spectacle.

Hymns: A religious song or poem, typically of praise to God or a god.

For Example: Author of five books, he has also compiled an equal number, including ‘Arul Maalai’, containing devotional hymns and articles on religion.

Humming: Make a low, steady continuous sound like that of a bee.

For Example: She did a little shopping and drove home, humming a tune.

Humorous: A visually striking performance or display.

For Example: A humorous and entertaining talk.

Comical: Amusing, especially in a ludicrous or absurd way.

For Example: It made me jump at first, but once I was used to it, I found them strangely comical.

Chaos: Complete disorder and confusion.

For Example: Snow caused chaos in the region.

Requisite: Made necessary by particular circumstances or regulations.

For Example: The application will not be processed until the requisite fee is paid.

Vital: Absolutely necessary or important; essential.

For Example: The sciences are a vital part of the school curriculum.

Agrarian: Relating to cultivated land or the cultivation of land.

For Example: Brazil is rapidly diversifying its agrarian economy.

Suburban: Characteristic of a suburb.

For Example: Almost all roads can be considered as either urban or suburban in character.

Unerring: Always right or accurate.

For Example: She came from an aristocratic family, yet had an unerring sense of fashion.

Vocation: A strong feeling of suitability for a particular career or occupation.

For Example: I imagine that most people who go into the Police Service have a strong sense of vocation.

Premeditate: Think out or plan (an action, especially a crime) beforehand.

For Example: He is definitely planning, premeditating the next murder.

Clarify: Make (a statement or situation) less confused and more clearly comprehensible.

For Example: Could you please clarify which of these days it is?

Resolve: Settle or find a solution to (a problem, dispute, or contentious matter).

For Example: The firm aims to resolve problems within 30 days.

Pompous: Affectedly and irritatingly grand, solemn, or self-important.

For Example: He is arrogant, pompous , never misses a chance to show off his superiority, and drinks to excess.

Benevolent: Well meaning and kindly.

For Example: Bruno had many friends and it is heartwarming to know that so many people loved and respected this benevolent and generous man.

Boastful: Showing excessive pride and self-satisfaction in one's achievements, possessions, or abilities.

For Example: Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude.

Opulent: Ostentatiously rich and luxurious or lavish.

For Example: The town became an opulent centre of a powerful and prosperous state.

Ghoulish: Morbidly interested in death or disaster.

For Example: There are even some scary werewolves and other ghoulish creatures to battle.

Gruesome: Causing repulsion or horror; grisly.

For Example: In front of him was one of the most gruesome scenes he had ever seen in his lifetime.

Peevish: Easily irritated, especially by unimportant things.

For Example: It just means that you do have license to break; that you are not just being peevish.

Garrulous: Excessively talkative, especially on trivial matters.

For Example: Everyone became equally loud, crude and garrulous , the technically sober behaving identically to the genuinely drunk.

Hinder: Create difficulties for (someone), resulting in delay or obstruction.

For Example: Language barriers hindered communication between scientists.

Impede: Delay or prevent (someone or something) by obstructing them; hinder.

For Example: I have fallen off three times already, which is starting to impede my progress.

Bolster: A strong feeling of suitability for a particular career or occupation.

For Example: If you can’t reach the floor, use a pillow or bolster to prop up your feet.

Abet: Encourage or assist to do something wrong.

For Example: He was not guilty of murder but was guilty of aiding and abetting others

Aid: Help, typically of a practical nature

For Example: Exercise is an important aid to recovery after heart attacks.

Pacify: Quell the anger, agitation, or excitement of.

For Example: The traffic policeman, who arrives late, tries to pacify everyone.

Succumb: Fail to resist (pressure, temptation, or some other negative force).

For Example: Young people who feel good about themselves are less likely to succumb to negative pressure.

Conquer: Successfully overcome (a problem or weakness).

For Example: A fear she never managed to conquer.

Archaic: Very old or old-fashioned.

For Example: Prisons are run on archaic methods.

Ancient: Belonging to the very distant past and no longer in existence.

For Example: His room is narrow, high-roofed, and cold, his mattress worn, his blankets ancient , but he does not care.

Migrant: A person who moves from one place to another, especially in order to find work or better living conditions.

For Example: migrant worker

Industrious: Diligent and hard-working.

For Example: An industrious people striving to make their country prosperous.

Native: Associated with the country, region, or circumstances of a person's birth.

For Example: He’s a native New Yorker

Stern: (of a person or their manner) Serious and unrelenting, especially in the assertion of authority and exercise of discipline.

For Example: A smile transformed his stern face.

Crabby: Irritable.

For Example: I also feel vaguely crabby and irritable right now, and I’m not sure why.

Worthless: Having no real value or use.

For Example: That promise is worthless.

Invincible: Too powerful to be defeated or overcome.

For Example: Many companies don’t have bad weather closure policies; they expect that you be invincible.

Endorse: Declare one's public approval or support of.

For Example: The report was endorsed by the college.

Tentative: Not certain or fixed; provisional.

For Example: It made me nervous just thinking back to it, but tentatively I agreed.

Speculative: Engaged in, expressing, or based on conjecture rather than knowledge.

For Example: Discussion of the question is largely speculative

Empathy: The ability to understand and share the feelings of another.

For Example: It was an act, first and foremost, of solidarity with the victims and of empathy with their families.

Splendid: Magnificent; very impressive.

For Example: Who could wish for a more beautiful and splendid area in which to work?

Radiant: sending out light; shining or glowing brightly.

For Example: We installed a radiant heater, and it usually runs only at night when it’s really cold outside.

Sorrow: A feeling of deep distress caused by loss, disappointment, or other misfortune suffered by oneself or others.

For Example: He understood the sorrow and discontent underlying his brother’s sigh.

Animosity: Strong hostility.

For Example: He no longer felt any animosity toward her.

Evasion: The action of evading something.

For Example: Police officers and revenue inspectors issued 32 penalty fines for fare evasions after boarding buses stopping in London Road, Thornton Heath, last Wednesday.

Verbiage: Speech or writing that uses too many words or excessively technical expressions.

For Example: Even I can’t read all that much excessive verbiage , so I certainly don’t expect you to do so.

Blunders: A stupid or careless mistake.

For Example: There are also complicated reasons why societies blunder into these mistakes.

Vogue: The prevailing fashion or style at a particular time.

For Example: Dance films were in vogue in the 1980s.

Furious: Extremely angry.

For Example: She was furious at this attempt to manipulate her

Arid: (of land or a climate) having little or no rain; too dry or barren to support vegetation.

For Example: Hot and arid conditions.

Lace: A fine open fabric, typically one of cotton or silk, made by looping, twisting, or knitting thread in patterns and used especially for trimming garments.

For Example: She wore a white dress edged with lace and puffed sleeves, white shoes on her feet.

Famished: Extremely hungry.

For Example: She had to admit she was quite hungry, famished even.

Lessened: Make or become less; diminish.

For Example: The years have lessened the gap in age between us

Equitable: Fair and impartial.

For Example: An equitable balance of power

Judicious: Having, showing, or done with good judgment or sense.

For Example: Do people with fewer resources have to be more judicious than those with more?

Abandon: Give up completely (a course of action, a practice, or a way of thinking).

For Example: He had clearly abandoned all pretense of trying to succeed

Pretense: An attempt to make something that is not the case appear true.

For Example: He asked me questions without any pretense at politeness.

Relieve: Cause (pain, distress, or difficulty) to become less severe or serious.

For Example: The drug was used to promote sleep and to relieve pain.

Leisurely: Acting or done at leisure; unhurried or relaxed.

For Example: I must wake up early every day to exercise and read the newspapers leisurely.

Fatigued: Cause (someone) to feel tired or exhausted.

For Example: They were fatigued by their journey.

Stale: (of food) No longer fresh and pleasant to eat; hard, musty, or dry.

For Example: I felt a little embarrassed; my kitchen was full of stale food.

Superfluous: Unnecessary, especially through being more than enough.

For Example: The purchaser should avoid asking for superfluous information.

Breezy: Pleasantly windy.

For Example: It was a bright, breezy day.

Probationer: A person who is serving a probationary or trial period in a job or position to which they are newly appointed.

For Example: Police probationers with less than one year’s experience are unable to respond to emergency calls at high speed with the blue lights flashing on patrol cars.

Mitigate: Make less severe, serious, or painful.

For Example: He wanted to mitigate misery in the world.

Antipathy: A deep-seated feeling of dislike; aversion.

For Example: Might it not, however, be more accurate to call it antipathy ?

Tease: Make fun of or attempt to provoke (a person or animal) in a playful way.

For Example: Suddenly I felt guilt, I knew I had also upset him by teasing him about Josh.

Culminate: Reach a climax or point of highest development.

For Example: The tensions and disorders which culminated in World War II.

Victorious: Having won a victory; triumphant.

For Example: I pushed him off me as hard as I could, a victorious smile painted in my mind as he lay flat on the ground.

Altercation: A noisy argument or disagreement, especially in public.

For Example: I had an altercation with the ticket collector

Confront: Meet (someone) face to face with hostile or argumentative intent.

For Example: Like many ethical issues, the confidentiality of the doctor-patient relationship sounds straightforward until you are confronted with difficult cases.

Prevalent: Widespread in a particular area at a particular time.

For Example: So where does it come from, who is responsible and why is it more prevalent today than at any time previously?

Squandered: Waste (especially money or time) in a reckless and foolish manner.

For Example: Entrepreneurs squander their profits on expensive cars.

Deterrent: A thing that discourages or is intended to discourage someone from doing something.

For Example: So it is a mistake to say that nuclear weapons are about deterrence and survival.

Amidst: Between, amidst, in, during

For Example: First of all what strikes a nature lover is that it is a green jungle island amidst an ocean of concrete jungle.

Amazed: Surprise (someone) greatly.

For Example: He was amazed at how modern everything was.

Acquainted: Make someone aware of or familiar with.

For Example: New staff should be acquainted with fire exit routes.

Restrained: Characterized by reserve or moderation; unemotional or dispassionate.

For Example: Restrained eating – applying excessive control – also leads to overeating.

Dispersed: Distribute or spread over a wide area.

For Example: Storms can disperse seeds via high altitudes.

Enactment: The process of passing legislation.

For Example: Working with government is essential to successful enactment of legislation.

Valet: A man's personal male attendant, responsible for his clothes and appearance.

For Example: The valet opened up my door, escorting me out of the car.

Depleted: Use up the supply or resources of.

For Example: Reservoirs have been depleted by years of drought.

Guarded: Cautious and having possible reservations.

For Example: He has given a guarded welcome to the idea.

Perfunctory: (of an action or gesture) Carried out with a minimum of effort or reflection.

For Example: Without individualized merit pay, teacher evaluations will remain perfunctory at best.

Manifestation: An event, action, or object that clearly shows something abstract.

For Example: The first obvious manifestations of global warming.

Obdurate: Stubbornly refusing to change one's opinion or course of action.

For Example: One Cape Town newspaper headline screamed: ‘Just say yes, Mr President’ but Mbeki remained obdurate.

Propitious: Giving or indicating a good chance of success; favourable.

For Example: The timing for such a meeting seemed propitious.

Delectable: (of food or drink) Delicious.

For Example: This is a stylish cosy bar with delectable drinks and soul-filled sounds.

Harness: A set of straps and fittings by which a horse or other draft animal is fastened to a cart, plow, etc., and is controlled by its driver.

For Example: James returned as the morning was fading into the afternoon, a second horse harnessed to his.

Extinguish: Cause (a fire or light) to cease to burn or shine.

For Example: Firemen were soaking everything to extinguish the blaze

Diligent: Having or showing care and conscientiousness in one's work or duties.

For Example: Many caves are located only after a diligent search.

Extinct: (of a species, family, or other larger group) having no living members

For Example: Global climatic changes may have been responsible for the extinction of the dinosaurs. 

Turbulent: Characterized by conflict, disorder, or confusion; not controlled or calm.

For Example: Jimmy took off & flew all the way through turbulent air to land at Newark.

Peculiar: Strange or odd; unusual.

For Example: The young woman thought this style of dress very peculiar and abnormal.

Nascent: (especially of a process or organization) Just coming into existence and beginning to display signs of future potential.

For Example: Indian book retailing is also a relatively nascent industry.

Impetus: The force or energy with which a body moves.

For Example: Hit the booster coil before the flywheel loses all its impetus.

Proliferate: Increase rapidly in number; multiply.

For Example: The science fiction magazines which proliferated in the 1920s.

Credence: Belief in or acceptance of something as true.

For Example: Psychoanalysis finds little credence among laymen.

Abdication: An act of abdicating or renouncing the throne.

For Example: King Hussein took the throne in 1952 following the abdication of his ailing father.

Jeopardized: Put into a situation in which there is a danger of loss, harm, failure.

For Example: No one wants to put their finest athletes at risk & this would jeopardize lives.

Incurring: Become subject to (something unpleasant) as a result of one's own behavior.

For Example: He is pitched off, incurring a painful knee injury that puts paid to his cycling the following day.

Tenure: The conditions under which land or buildings are held or occupied.

For Example: The tenures range between six and 24 months and approval may be given in 48 hours.

Begged: Ask (someone) earnestly or humbly for something

For Example:  I begged him for mercy.

Bribed: Persuade (someone) to act in one's favor, typically illegally or dishonestly, by a gift of money or other inducement.

For Example: An undercover agent bribed the judge into giving a lenient sentence.

Greedy: Showing an intense & selfish desire for something

For Example: I made two bowls, because I know you guys are so greedy.

Negligence: Failure to take proper care in doing something.

For Example: Some of these accidents are due to negligence.

Inane: Silly; stupid.

For Example: This question, as inane as it might seem, is extremely important and far deeper than one would suppose

Ample: Enough or more than enough; plentiful.

For Example: During my trip I stayed in a hotel two times, it’s actually very nice to have the comfort of a room and bathroom to yourself and an ample bed to sleep in.

Flimsy: Comparatively light and insubstantial; easily damaged.

For Example: A flimsy barrier.

Distant: Far away in space or time.

For Example: Distant parts of the world.

Cautious: (of a person) Careful to avoid potential problems or dangers.

For Example: A cautious driver.

Ambivalent: Having mixed feelings or contradictory ideas about something or someone.

For Example: I’m actually starting to feel positive about the upcoming test, as opposed to mildly ambivalent.

Jubilant: Feeling or expressing great happiness and triumph.

For Example: ‘I told you it was him,’ said a blond-haired girl, jubilantly.

Greasy: (of a person or their manner) Effusively polite in a way that is felt to be insincere and repulsive.

For Example: The greasy little man from the newspaper.

Enormous: Very large in size, quantity, or extent.

For Example: Her enormous blue eyes.

Culinary: of or for cooking.

For Example: Night after night they endure such culinary imperfections at the hands of the nation’s top chefs.

Detest: Dislike intensely.

For Example: I know you detest them; hate doesn’t do justice to how you must feel, but you have to calm down.

Beastly: Very unpleasant.

For Example: It doesn’t make you any more special than the rest of us, or excuse you for being so beastly.

Hideous: Ugly or disgusting to look at.

For Example: His smile made him look more hideous than ever.

Factual: Concerned with what is actually the case rather than interpretations of or reactions to it.

For Example: A mixture of comment and factual information.

Stifle: Make (someone) unable to breathe properly; suffocate.

For Example: And, well, I simply couldn’t stifle my giggles.

Curb: A stone or concrete edging to a street or path.

For Example: Blackbirds flirt and do their mating flutter at the curb on Main Street.

Unbiased: Showing no prejudice for or against something; impartial.

For Example: I’d like to invite you to lunch there so you can give an unbiased outsider’s view.

Evident: Plain or obvious; clearly seen or understood.

For Example: She ate the cookies with evident enjoyment.

Syndrome: A group of symptoms that consistently occur together.

For Example: A rare syndrome in which the production of white blood cells is damaged.

Amnesia: A partial or total loss of memory.

For Example: Total amnesia may also result from a medical operation that goes wrong.

Inhibition: A feeling that makes one self-conscious and unable to act in a relaxed and natural way.

For Example: A powerful tranquilizer that causes lack of inhibition.

Renounce: Formally declare one's abandonment of (a claim, right, or possession).

For Example: Isabella offered to renounce her son’s claim to the French crown.

Renege: Go back on a promise, undertaking, or contract.

For Example: The government had reneged on  its election promises.

Forewarn: Inform (someone) of a danger or possible problem.

For Example: He had been forewarned of a coup plot

Curious: Eager to know or learn something.

For Example: I began to be curious about the whereabouts of the bride and groom

Aggravate: Make (a problem, injury, or offence) worse or more serious.

For Example: Military action would only aggravate the situation.

Impeded: Delay or prevent (someone or something) by obstructing them; hinder.

For Example: The sap causes swelling which can impede breathing.

Criticize: Indicate the faults of (someone or something) in a disapproving way.

For Example: The opposition criticized the government’s failure to consult adequately.

Mollify: Appease the anger or anxiety of (someone).

For Example: ‘She’s right Chris, don’t look so put out, ’Betty said, attempting to mollify Chris.

Aggravating: Make (a problem, injury, or offense) worse or more serious.

For Example: Military action would only aggravate the situation

Frankness: The quality of being open, honest, and direct in speech or writing.

For Example: Lisa spoke with disarming frankness about the accident.

Squalid: (of a place) Extremely dirty & unpleasant, especially as a result of poverty.

For Example: The squalid, overcrowded prison.

Bitter: Having a sharp, pungent taste or smell; not sweet.

For Example: The raw berries have an intensely bitter flavor

Provocative: Causing anger or another strong reaction, especially deliberately.

For Example: A provocative article.

Reprimand: A formal expression of disapproval.

For Example: The golfer received a reprimand for a breach of rules.

Impute: Represent (something, especially something undesirable) as being done or possessed by someone; attribute.

For Example: Consumers would make their own judgments and the resulting demand would impute value to these warranties.

Gaunt: (of a person) Lean & haggard, especially because of suffering, hunger, or age.

For Example: She was gaunt , painfully thin, expressionless, wearing a sleeveless top, dark pants, and sandals.

Emaciated: Abnormally thin or weak, especially because of illness or a lack of food.

For Example: She was so emaciated she could hardly stand.

Obese: Grossly fat or overweight.

For Example: It can also be used to determine if people are at a healthy weight, overweight or obese.

Indulge: Allow oneself to enjoy the pleasure of.

For Example: She was able to indulge a growing passion for literature.

Rash: Displaying or proceeding from a lack of careful consideration of the possible consequences of an action.

For Example: It would be extremely rash to make such an assumption.

Stodgy: Dull and uninspired.

For Example: Some of the material is rather stodgy and top-heavy with facts.

Hypnotize: Produce a state of hypnosis in (someone).

For Example: A witness had been hypnotized to enhance his memory.

Fallible: Capable of making mistakes or being erroneous.

For Example: Experts can be fallible.

Mutilated: Inflict a violent and disfiguring injury on.

For Example: The leg was badly mutilated.

Pessimistic: Tending to see the worst aspect of things or believe that the worst will happen.

For Example: He was pessimistic about the prospects.

Skeptic: A person inclined to question or doubt all accepted opinions.

For Example: It is not aimed at the total sceptic , but rather the serious seeker.

Altruistic: Showing a disinterested and selfless concern for the well-being of others; unselfish.

For Example: It was an entirely altruistic act.

Fatiguing: Cause (someone) to feel tired or exhausted.

For Example: They were fatigued by their journey.

Quietened: Make or become quiet and calm.

For Example: Her mother was trying to quieten her.

Capricious: Given to sudden and unaccountable changes of mood or behavior.

For Example: A capricious and often brutal administration.

Whimsical: Playfully quaint or fanciful, especially in an appealing and amusing way.

For Example: Last night, our coach got a little whimsical and changed up the infield a bit.

Flamboyant: (of a person or their behavior) Tending to attract attention because of their exuberance, confidence, and stylishness.

For Example: A flamboyant display of aerobatics.

Pretentious: Attempting to impress by affecting greater importance, talent, culture, etc., than is actually possessed.

For Example: But at the same time this pretentiousness puts me off.

Sporadic: Occurring at irregular intervals or only in a few places; scattered.

For Example: Sporadic fighting broke out.

Remedy: A medicine or treatment for a disease or injury.

For Example: Herbal remedies for aches and pains.

Sparing: Moderate; economical.

For Example: Physicians advised sparing use of the ointment.

Ephemeral: Lasting for a very short time.

For Example: Fashions are ephemeral.

Transient: Lasting only for a short time; impermanent.

For Example: Short term memory refers to the transient memories that last from minutes to hours.

Opalescent: Showing many small points of shifting colour against a pale or dark ground.

For Example: An opalescent sky.

Primeval: Of the earliest time in history.

For Example: I imagined the Tasmanian tiger stopping here en route from one primeval forest valley to another.

Misdemeanour: A minor wrongdoing.

For Example: The player can expect a lengthy suspension for his latest misdemeanour.

Musty: Having a stale, mouldy, or damp smell.

For Example: A dark musty library.

Phlegmatic: (of a person) Having an unemotional and stolidly calm disposition.

For Example: The phlegmatic British character.

Waif: A homeless, neglected, or abandoned person, especially a child.

For Example: She is foster mother to various waifs and strays.

Sagacious: Having or showing keen mental discernment and good judgement; wise or shrewd.

For Example: They were sagacious enough to avoid any outright confrontation.

Ecstatic: Feeling or expressing overwhelming happiness or joyful excitement.

For Example: Ecstatic fans filled the stadium.

Elated: Make (someone) ecstatically happy.

For Example: I felt elated at beating Dennis.

Perennial: Lasting or existing for a long or apparently infinite time; enduring or continually recurring.

For Example: Ecstatic fans filled the stadium.

Perennial: Lasting or existing for a long or apparently infinite time; enduring or continually recurring.

For Example: His perennial distrust of the media.

Astonished: Greatly surprised or impressed; amazed.

For Example: He was astonished at the change in him.

Ostentatious: Characterized by pretentious or showy display; designed to impress.

For Example: A simple design that is glamorous without being ostentatious.

Conceit: Excessive pride in oneself.

For Example: He was puffed up with conceit.

Cherubic: Having the innocence or plump prettiness of a young child.

For Example: A round, cherubic face.

Uxorious: Having or showing a great or excessive fondness for one's wife.

For Example: He had always impressed me as home-loving and uxorious.

Cunning: Having or showing skill in achieving one's ends by deceit or evasion.

For Example: There was no doubt that they would be able to intercept the fugitives, but it would take skill and cunning and not a little luck to close the jaws and trap the prey between them.

Impish: Inclined to do slightly naughty things for fun; mischievous.

For Example: He had an impish look about him.

Pert: (of a bodily feature or garment) Attractive because neat and jaunty.

For Example: She had a pert nose and deep blue eyes

Piquant: Having a pleasantly sharp taste or appetizing flavor.

For Example: Herbs and spices add a piquant taste that ketchup can’t match.

Facile: Ignoring the true complexities of an issue; superficial.

For Example: Facile generalizations.

Benediction: The utterance of a blessing, especially at the end of a religious service.

For Example: Immediately he remembered Brahma, and he prayed to him, ‘I want to use that benediction, that special benediction.

Belligerent: Hostile and aggressive.

For Example: The mood at the meeting was belligerent.

Timidity: Lack of courage or confidence.

For Example: She believes everyone can overcome their timidity.

Disparity: A great difference.

For Example: He believes that the growing disparity between the rich and poor of the world is a disaster that will lead to more terrorist outrages.

Retribution: Punishment inflicted on someone as vengeance for a wrong or criminal act.

For Example: Employees asked not to be named, saying they feared retribution.

Trepidation: A feeling of fear or anxiety about something that may happen.

For Example: If the body movements are shaky with trepidation , physical aging has affected the person.

Fortunate: Favored by or involving good luck or fortune; lucky.

For Example: Police said the driver of the Range Rover was fortunate to escape without serious injury.

Succinct: (especially of something written or spoken) Briefly and clearly expressed.

For Example: Use short, succinct sentences.

Lewd: Crude and offensive in a sexual way.

For Example: Official charges are public indecency and public lewdness.

Vague: Of uncertain, indefinite, or unclear character or meaning.

For Example: Many patients suffer vague symptoms.

Devour: Eat (food or prey) hungrily or quickly.

For Example: He helped himself to a slice of bread and cheese and devoured the food hungrily.

Elegiac: (especially of a work of art) Having a mournful quality.

For Example: The movie score is a somber effort, elegiac in its approach.

Satirical: Containing or using satire.

For Example: His first job was for a satirical magazine in Tokyo.

Cynical: Believing that people are motivated purely by self-interest; distrustful of human sincerity or integrity.

For Example: He was brutally cynical and hardened to every sob story under the sun.

Dormant: (of an animal) Having normal physical functions suspended or slowed down for a period of time; in or as if in a deep sleep.

For Example: Dormant butterflies.

Legitimate: Conforming to the law or to rules.

For Example: They think it’s not legitimate theater, it’s not reality.

Foeticide: Destruction or abortion of a fetus.

For Example: Female foeticide and infanticide have become major areas of concern.

Tempted: Entice or attempt to entice (someone) to do or acquire something that they find attractive but know to be wrong or not beneficial.

For Example: There’ll always be someone tempted by the rich pickings of poaching.

Alarmingly: In a worrying or disturbing way.

For Example: All of a sudden, the bell sounds, rather alarmingly.

Agrees: Have the same opinion about something; concur.

For Example: I completely agree with your recent editorial.

Perpetuate: Make (something, typically an undesirable situation or an unfounded belief) continue indefinitely.

For Example: The law perpetuated the interests of the ruling class.

Prodding: Poke (someone) with a finger, foot, or pointed object.

For Example: He prodded her in the ribs to stop her snoring.

Downgrade: Reduce to a lower grade, rank, or level of importance.

For Example: Some jobs had gradually been downgraded from skilled to semiskilled.

Percolate: (of a liquid or gas) Filter gradually through a porous surface or substance.

For Example: It’s a process of alteration of this ash as the water percolates through.

Proclaimed: Announce officially or publicly.

For Example: He proclaimed King James II as King of England.

Proliferating: Increase rapidly in numbers; multiply.

For Example: The science fiction magazines that proliferated in the 1920.

Scathing: witheringly scornful; severely critical.

For Example: Recently she wrote scathingly about people putting themselves at needless risk, causing responsible, hard-working and caring individuals to put their lives in danger in an effort to rescue them.

Proliferating: Increase rapidly in numbers; multiply.

For Example: The science fiction magazines that proliferated in the 1920.

Concurrence: The fact of two or more events or circumstances happening or existing at the same time.

For Example: The incidental concurrence of two separate tumours.

Deficit: An excess of expenditure or liabilities over income or assets in a given period.

For Example: An annual operating deficit.

Cereal: A grain used for food, such as wheat, oats, or corn.

For Example: A bowl of cereal.

Uniformity: The quality or state of being uniform.

For Example: An attempt to impose administrative and cultural uniformity.

Abundance: A very large quantity of something.

For Example: I offered my profuse apologies.

Profuse: (especially of something offered or discharged) very plentiful; abundant.

For Example: An attempt to impose administrative and cultural uniformity.

Absurd: Wildly unreasonable, illogical, or inappropriate.

For Example: The taxi driver was complaining to them, about their rather absurd behaviour and making him wait the whole day.

Typify: Be characteristic or a representative example of.

For Example: What can you and the people you typify or represent do, in terms of leadership?

Shabby: In poor condition through long or hard use or lack of care.

For Example: Yet their fictional lives are placed in direct contrast with their shabby and poor surroundings..

Ignite: Catch fire or cause to catch fire.

For Example: Furniture can give off lethal fumes when it ignites.

Semblance: The outward appearance or apparent form of something, especially when the reality is different.

For Example: She tried to force her thoughts back into some semblance of order

Aura: The distinctive atmosphere or quality that seems to surround and be generated by a person, thing, or place.

For Example: The ceremony retains an aura of mystery.

Barren: (of a place or building) bleak and lifeless.

For Example: The sports hall turned out to be a rather barren concrete building.

Obligatory: Required by a legal, moral, or other rule; compulsory.

For Example: Use of seat belts in cars is now obligatory.

Futile: Incapable of producing any useful result; pointless.

For Example: A futile attempt to keep fans from mounting the stage.

Appease: Pacify or placate (someone) by acceding to their demands.

For Example: Amendments have been added to appease local pressure groups.

Alleviate: Make (suffering, deficiency, or a problem) less severe.

For Example: He couldn’t prevent her pain, only alleviate it.

Lament: A passionate expression of grief or sorrow.

For Example: His mother’s night-long laments for his father.

Wretched: (of a person) in a very unhappy or unfortunate state.

For Example: The man was poor and wretched and had no claim upon the ruler, no right even to lift a solicitous hand.

Admonish: warn or reprimand someone firmly.

For Example: They thrust them on me, admonishing me to be sure to boil them well before eating, as they were rock hard.

Corpulent: (of a person) Fat.

For Example: I assumed Troy was referring to the corpulent kid.

Reckless: (of a person or their actions) without thinking or caring about the consequences of an action.

For Example: Reckless driving.

Vent: An opening that allows air, gas, or liquid to pass out of or into a confined space

For Example: A proper attic vent system consists of an intake and an exhaust.

Peripatetic: Traveling from place to place

For Example: The peripatetic nature of military life.

Garnish: Decorate or embellish (something, especially food).

For Example: Reserve a few watercress leaves for a garnish.

Inculcate: Instill (an attitude, idea, or habit) by persistent instruction.

For Example: The tsunami disaster, in a way, has brought the public closer, reiterated the significance of humanism and inculcate the habit of helping those in distress.

Egregious: Outstandingly bad; shocking.

For Example: The Gazette is abusing its powers egregiously.

Chafe: Rub (a part of the body) to restore warmth or sensation.

For Example: A shiver passed through Darius, and he began to chafe his arms to push some warmth back into them.

Dilatory: Slow to act.

For Example: When I make a motion to enforce my decision, she complies – but it’s always a dilatory effort.

Unseemly: (of behaviour or actions) Not proper or appropriate.

For Example: She knew her behavior was unseemly , but at the moment she couldn’t bring herself to care.

Assume: Suppose to be the case, without proof.

For Example: You’re afraid of what people are going to assume about me.

Dough: A thick, malleable mixture of flour and liquid, used for baking into bread or pastry.

For Example: It is this technique that allows pastry doughs to rise and pie crusts to flake.

Inferred: Conclude (information) from evidence and reasoning rather than from explicit statements.

For Example: From these facts we can infer that crime has been increasing.

Residing: Have one's permanent home in a particular place.

For Example: People who work in the city actually reside in neighboring towns.

Barely: Only just; almost not.

For Example: She nodded, barely able to speak.

Transcend: Be or go beyond the range or limits of (something abstract, typically a conceptual field or division).

For Example: This was an issue transcending party politics.

Ambitious: Having or showing a strong desire and determination to succeed.

For Example: His mother was hard-working and ambitious for her four children.

Perimeter: The continuous line forming the boundary of a closed geometric figure.

For Example: The idea of trained guards patrolling a secure perimeter is a good one.

Inhabitants: A person or animal that lives in or occupies a place.

For Example: Fluttering inhabitants occupy birdcages at either side of the porch.

Antique: (of a collectible object) Having a high value because of considerable age.

For Example: What I like is the collection of antique clocks on display in the inner part of the ground floor.

Strive: Make great efforts to achieve or obtain something.

For Example: We are striving to achieve sustainable and sensible use of the world’s resources.

Redeploy: Assign (troops, employees, or resources) to a new place or task.

For Example: The US is planning to redeploy troops from South Korea to Iraq.

Critique: A detailed analysis and assessment of something, especially a literary, philosophical, or political theory.

For Example: A critique of Marxist historicism.

Legislation: Laws, considered collectively.

For Example: It will require legislation to change this situation.

Emitting: Produce and discharge (something, especially gas or radiation).

For Example: Even the best cars emit carbon dioxide.

Imposed: Force (something unfamiliar) to be accepted or put in place.

For Example: The decision was theirs and was not imposed on them by others.

Amends: Reparation or compensation.

For Example: If you could only tell me what I’ve done, I will do my best to offer amends.

Repercussions: An unintended consequence occurring some time after an event or action, especially an unwelcome one.

For Example: The move would have grave repercussions for the entire region.

Scintillating: Sparkling or shining brightly.

For Example: The scintillating sun.

Echelon: A level or rank in an organization, a profession, or society.

For Example: Many people assumed that I was masterminding a great shift at the top echelons of government.

Saddle: A seat fastened on the back of a horse or other animal for riding, typically made of leather and raised at the front and rear.

For Example: Put a saddle on a horse.

Forfeit: Lost or surrendered as a penalty for wrongdoing or neglect.

For Example: Leah suddenly realized something and shouted, We win the race by forfeit.

Abjure: Solemnly renounce (a belief, cause, or claim).

For Example: I want to look closely at the first lines of the poem, in which Smith seems to abjure any claim of authority.

Syndicate: A group of individuals or organizations combined to promote some common interest.

For Example: Large-scale buyouts involving a syndicate of financial institutions

Cataract: A large waterfall.

For Example: The rain enveloped us in a deafening cataract.

Derail: Cause (a train or trolley car) to leave its tracks accidentally.

For Example: A train was derailed after it collided with a herd of cattle

Rebut: Claim or prove that (evidence or an accusation) is false.

For Example: One, a lawyer, makes detailed submissions rebutting the prosecution evidence.

Repellent: Causing disgust or distaste.

For Example: The idea was slightly repellent to her.

Buoyancy: A high level of activity in an economy or stock market.

For Example: There is renewed buoyancy in the demand for steel.

Exhilarated: Make (someone) feel very happy, animated, or elated.

For Example: The children were exhilarated by a sense of purpose.

Affirmation: The action or process of affirming something or being affirmed.

For Example: Are you prepared to take the oath, or will you make an affirmation ?

Peasants: An ignorant, rude, or unsophisticated person.

For Example: That is a civilized drink, you peasant.

Fable: A short story, typically with animals as characters, conveying a moral.

For Example: Buddha Stories is a collection of animal fables that teach the moral principles of Buddhism.

Didactic: Intended to teach, particularly in having moral instruction as an ulterior motive.

For Example: A didactic novel that set out to expose social injustice.

Anecdote: A short and amusing or interesting story about a real incident or person.

For Example: His wife’s death has long been the subject of rumor and anecdote.

Myth: A traditional story, especially one concerning the early history of a people or explaining some natural or social phenomenon, and typically involving supernatural beings or events.

For Example: Another similar myth is the story of Cybele and Attis.

Curator: A keeper or custodian of a museum or other collection.

For Example: The curator of drawings at the National Gallery.

Slander: Crime of making a false spoken statement damaging to a person's reputation.

For Example: I would like to point out at this juncture that I have never slandered her.

Inevitable: Certain to happen; unavoidable.

For Example: War was inevitable.

Zenith: The highest point reached by a celestial or other object.

For Example: The sun was well past the zenith.

Sacrosanct: (especially of a principle, place, or routine) Regarded as too important or valuable to be interfered with.

For Example: The individual’s right to work has been upheld as sacrosanct.

Profane: Devoted to that which is not sacred or biblical; secular rather than religious.

For Example: A talk that tackled topics both sacred and profane.

Defamatory: (of remarks, writing, etc.) Damaging the good reputation of someone.

For Example: A defamatory allegation.

Sectarian: Denoting or concerning a sect or sects.

For Example: Ethnic and sectarian differences.

Ramshackle: (especially of a house or vehicle) In a state of severe disrepair.

For Example: A ramshackle cottage.

Enfranchise: Give the right to vote to.

For Example: A proposal that foreigners should be enfranchised for local elections.

Quell: Put an end to (a rebellion or other disorder), typically by the use of force.

For Example: Extra police were called to quell the disturbance.

Suppress: Forcibly put an end to.

For Example: The uprising was savagely suppressed.

Subjugate: Bring under domination or control, especially by conquest.

For Example: The invaders had soon subjugated most of the native population.

Liberate: Set (someone) free from a situation, especially imprisonment or slavery.

For Example: The serfs had been liberated.

Resuscitate: Revive (someone) from unconsciousness or apparent death.: Bring under domination or control, especially by conquest.

For Example: An ambulance crew tried to resuscitate him.

Ossify: Turn into bone or bony tissue.

For Example: Growth of a bone ceases when the growth plate ossifies , and this occurs at different times for different bones.

Levitate: Rise or cause to rise and hover in the air, especially by means of supernatural or magical power.

For Example: He seems to levitate about three inches off the ground.

Torpor: A state of physical or mental inactivity; lethargy.

For Example: They veered between apathetic torpor and hysterical fanaticism

Alacrity: Brisk and cheerful readiness.

For Example: She accepted the invitation with alacrity.

Sloth: Reluctance to work or make an effort; laziness.

For Example: He should overcome his natural sloth and complacency

Dormancy: The state in which a plant is alive but not actively growing.

For Example: Dormancy allows woody plants to survive these unfavourable conditions.

Chagrin: Distress or embarrassment at having failed or been humiliated.

For Example: She says she always dreamed of becoming an actress but, to her chagrin , opportunity and ambition didn’t seem to go hand in hand.

Anguish: Severe mental or physical pain or suffering.

For Example: She shut her eyes in anguish.

Scrupulous: (of a person or process) Diligent, thorough, and extremely attentive to details.

For Example: The research has been carried out with scrupulous attention to detail.

Persnickety: Placing too much emphasis on trivial or minor details; fussy.

For Example: I watched them in disgust, thanking the Lord Almighty I am nothing near as persnickety as they are.

Meticulous: Showing great attention to detail; very careful and precise.

For Example: He had always been so meticulous about his appearance.

Exacting: Making great demands on one's skill, attention, or other resources.

For Example: Living up to such exacting standards.

Mercenary: (of a person or their behavior) Primarily concerned with making money at the expense of ethics.

For Example: She’s nothing but a mercenary little gold digger.

Remiss: Lacking care or attention to duty; negligent.

For Example: It would be very remiss of me not to pass on that information.

Effervescent: (of a liquid) Giving off bubbles; fizzy.

For Example: An effervescent mixture of cheap wine, fruit flavours, sugar, and carbon dioxide.

Nuptial: Relating to marriage or weddings.

For Example: All we hear is how our nuptials will lead to the downfall of western civilization by eroding heterosexual marriage.

Mettlesome: (of a person or animal) Full of spirit and courage.

For Example: Their horses were beasts of burden, not mettlesome chargers.

Zippy: Bright, fresh, or lively.

For Example: It completely gummed up my otherwise zippy system.

Amity: A friendly relationship.

For Example: She said this would also remove misunderstanding and foster amity and friendship among the people of the two countries.

Malediction: A magical word or phrase uttered with the intention of bringing about evil or destruction; a curse.

For Example: We got into yet another argument over something stupid that turned into exchanging insults and maledictions.

Forbearance: Patient self-control; restraint and tolerance.

For Example: Forbearance from taking action.

Enmity: The state or feeling of being actively opposed or hostile to someone or something.

For Example: This was also brought on by the bitter enmity between many players and their employers.

Comity: Courtesy and considerate behavior toward others.

For Example: Considerations of comity arise in one case but not in the other.

Acrid: Having an irritatingly strong and unpleasant taste or smell.

For Example: The acrid smell of burning tyre rubber is in the air.

Poignant: Evoking a keen sense of sadness or regret.

For Example: A poignant reminder of the passing of time.

Astringent: Causing the contraction of body tissues, typically of the skin.

For Example: An astringent skin lotion.

Emollient: Having the quality of softening or soothing the skin.

For Example: A rich emollient shampoo.

Saccharine: Excessively sweet or sentimental.

For Example: One of many saccharine Army songs, this one is a letter home from a kid in boot camp.

Placid: (of a person or animal) Not easily upset or excited.

For Example: This horse has a placid nature.

Paramount: More important than anything else; supreme.

For Example: At peak times, when children are going to or coming from school, their safety is of paramount importance.

Predominant: Present as the strongest or main element.

For Example: It is a long established principle that cash flows are the predominant force in the valuation of a business.

Tantamount: Equivalent in seriousness to; virtually the same as.

For Example: The resignations were tantamount to an admission of guilt.

Winsome: Attractive or appealing in appearance or character.

For Example: His smile was charming, and his eyes bright and winsome.

Morbid: Of the nature of or indicative of disease.

For Example: The treatment of morbid obesity.

Livid: Furiously angry.

For Example: He was livid , furious at his father and his anger grew with every tear his mother shed.

Conspicuous: Standing out so as to be clearly visible.

For Example: Early in 1798 he was appointed to lead the Army of Italy, which he did with conspicuous success.

Indefensible: Not able to be protected against attack.

For Example: The towns were tactically indefensible

Overwrought: In a state of nervous excitement or anxiety.

For Example: She was too overwrought to listen to reason.

Surreptitious: kept secret, especially because it would not be approved of.

For Example: Today during afternoon break I went for a surreptitious puff with two co-workers.

Abhorrent: Inspiring disgust and loathing; repugnant.

For Example: When are we going to understand that debt slavery is an abomination, is abhorrent to God?

Palatable: (of food or drink) Pleasant to taste.

For Example: Most food is equally palatable hot or cold, apart from very high-fat foods, which stick around the mouth unpleasantly when cold.

Nefarious: (typically of an action or activity) Wicked or criminal.

For Example: The nefarious activities of the organized-crime syndicates

Munificent: (of a gift or sum of money) Larger or more generous than is usual or necessary.

For Example: A munificent gesture

Infamous: Well known for some bad quality or deed.

For Example: An infamous war criminal.

Canvass: An act or process of attempting to secure votes or ascertain opinions.

For Example: I will not go into those in detail, as we canvassed them during the Committee stage of this debate.

Inundate: Overwhelm (someone) with things or people to be dealt with.

For Example: We’ve been inundated with complaints from listeners.

Amass: Gather together or accumulate (a large amount or number of valuable material or things) over a period of time.

For Example: Starting from nothing he had amassed a huge fortune.

Hale: (of a person, especially an elderly one) Strong and healthy.

For Example: only just sixty, very hale and hearty.

Tenacious: Tending to keep a firm hold of something; clinging or adhering closely.

For Example: A tenacious grip.

Rickety: (of a structure or piece of equipment) Poorly made and likely to collapse.

For Example: Everyone knew that the stairs were rickety , that everything was old and rotting!

Obedient: Complying or willing to comply with orders or requests; submissive to another's will.

For Example: She was totally obedient to him.

Coquettish: Behaving in such a way as to suggest a playful sexual attraction; flirtatious.

For Example: A coquettish grin.

Tractable: (of a person or animal) easy to control or influence.

For Example: The enemy is more tractable if he is confused about the source of the attack and thinks it may be coming from his next-door neighbor.

Subterranean: Existing, occurring, or done under the earth's surface.

For Example: The stuffiness was a result of subterranean humidity.

Critical: Expressing adverse or disapproving comments or judgments.

For Example: More than a dozen were in critical condition with head and chest wounds and severe burns.

Peripheral: Of, relating to, or situated on the edge or periphery of something.

For Example: It is designed for new mass storage devices and other peripheral devices that require very high bandwidth.

Immaterial: Unimportant under the circumstances; irrelevant.

For Example: So long as the band kept the beat, what they played was immaterial.

Tangential: Of, relating to, or along a tangent.

For Example: A tangential line.

Destitute: Without the basic necessities of life.

For Example: The charity cares for destitute children.

Avaricious: Having or showing an extreme greed for wealth or material gain.

For Example: When the conversation shifted away from him for a moment he glanced avariciously around the dining hall.

Stingy: Unwilling to give or spend; ungenerous.

For Example: My dad usually was stingy with money, and had never given me more than twenty dollars for shopping before in my life.

Affluent: (especially of a group or area) Having a great deal of money; wealthy.

For Example: There are many artists who are not members of the party living affluently , with enough opportunities to practice their arts.

Bereft: Deprived of or lacking something, especially a nonmaterial asset.

For Example: Her room was stark and bereft of color.

Affable: Friendly, good-natured, or easy to talk to.

For Example: An affable and agreeable companion.

Cordial: Warm and friendly.

For Example: I’ve always had a very cordial and warm personal relationship with the President of the United States.

Conceited: Excessively proud of oneself; vain.

For Example: Not to be vain or conceited , but it was the truth and anyone sensible would agree.

Sordid: Involving ignoble actions and motives; arousing moral distaste and contempt.

For Example: The story paints a sordid picture of bribes and scams.

Surly: Bad-tempered and unfriendly.

For Example: He left with a surly expression.

Dilatory: Slow to act.

For Example: He had been dilatory in appointing a solicitor.

Ambulatory: Relating to or adapted for walking.

For Example: After five years, she switched to ambulatory dialysis, which she could do at home – and tried to live as full a life as possible.

Fictive: Creating or created by imagination.

For Example: The novel’s fictive universe.

Accelerated: (of a vehicle or other physical object) Begin to move more quickly.

For Example: The car accelerated toward her.

Sanguinary: Involving or causing much bloodshed.

For Example: This week, however, the fighting was particularly sanguinary , with reported casualties being suffered on both sides.

Lingering: Lasting for a long time or slow to end.

For Example: There are still some lingering doubts in my mind.

Transgression: An act that goes against a law, rule, or code of conduct; an offense.

For Example: I’ll be keeping an eye out for further transgressions.

Righteousness: The quality of being morally right or justifiable.

For Example: conviction of his own moral righteousness gave his oratory an irresistible power.

Misdemeanor: A minor wrongdoing.

For Example: Children as young as 14 are also working illegally, while minor workplace misdemeanours are frequently met with corporal punishment or punitive wage reductions.

Contravention: An action that violates a law, treaty, or other ruling.

For Example: Publishing of misleading advertisements was a contravention of the Act.

Nuance: A subtle difference in or shade of meaning, expression, or sound.

For Example: The nuances of facial expression and body language.

Alibi: A claim or piece of evidence that one was elsewhere when an act, typically a criminal one, is alleged to have taken place.

For Example: She has an alibi for the whole of yesterday evening.

Obliterate: Destroy utterly; wipe out.

For Example: It is the ultimate human city, which likes to pretend it has obliterated nature under a blanket of asphalt.

Exculpate: Show or declare that (someone) is not guilty of wrongdoing.

For Example: ‘No one arranged my speech,’ he said, as if exculpating his colleagues from what he was about to say.

Lacerate: Tear or make deep cuts in (flesh or skin).

For Example: The point had lacerated his neck.

Bemuse: Puzzle, confuse, or bewilder (someone).

For Example: Her bemused expression.

Forge: Make or shape (a metal object) by heating it in a fire and heating or hammering it.

For Example: For a dark blade, the metal is forged in a magical fire of burning ice.

Extirpate: Root out and destroy completely.

For Example: The use of every legal measure to extirpate this horrible evil from the land.

Candor: The quality of being open and honest; frankness.

For Example: A man of refreshing candour.

Veracity: Conformity to facts; accuracy.

For Example: Officials expressed doubts concerning the veracity of the story.

Sincerity: The quality of being free from pretense, deceit, or hypocrisy.

For Example: His sincerity , honesty, and determination cannot be challenged, nor can the unique value of his findings.

Wistful - having or showing a feeling of vague or regretful longing

For Example: When I visit my mother’s grave, I feel wistful.

Esoteric - intended for or likely to be understood by only a small number of people with a specialized knowledge or interest.

For Example: Lighting is probably the most esoteric element of photography.

Forlorn - something or someone with a very poor condition, or is pitifully lonely or sad.

For Example: He pressed his face against the window and managed a forlorn goodbye wave.

Atypical - Not conforming to the normal type; unusual or irregular.

For Example: Panna cotta makes an excellent and atypical dessert.

Wile - to trick or to spend time leisurely.

For Example: Novels can be used to wile away long winter evenings by the fireplace

Maudlin - Effusively sad or full of self-pity; extremely sentimental.

For Example: This play may be sad in tone, but is never maudlin or cynical.

Devout - Very religious; pious.

For Example: He was also very devout, and his morals were irreproachable.

Sleuth - to act as a detective.

For Example: The opportunity to play sleuth is an amazingly frequent occurrence.

Impious - someone or something that shows a lack of respect for God

For Example: Their hands were cleaner but their thoughts were more impious, for they pretended to divine inspiration

Apprentice - To place or take on as a beginner or learner.

For Example: He served as an apprentice to the village carpenter for seven years.

Diabolic - characteristic of the Devil, or so evil as to be suggestive of the Devil.

For Example: The criminal was a diabolical man who deserved his life sentence.

Espionage - the practice of spying or of using spies

For Example: It was a crime of espionage and carried the death penalty.

Aberrant - departing from an accepted standard.

For Example: If my aunt does not take her medicines she will have aberrant mood swings

Genial - friendly and cheerful.

For Example: As a general rule, the Viennese are gay, pleasure-loving and genial.

Vexatious - causing annoyance, or full of annoyance.

For Example: The slavery question presented vexatious difficulties in conducting the war

Copious - something of which there is a large amount.

For Example: He was yards behind and took copious notes.

Congenial - Having the same tastes, habits, or temperament; sympathetic

For Example: Bees find a highly congenial habitat in Mexico, and some honey is exported.

Brazen - Unrestrained by a sense of shame; rudely bold.

For Example: Needless to say, it takes a brazen gal to pull this magic off.

 

Lethargy - drowsiness or a lack of energy.

For Example: We also must do something about our mental and physical lethargy.

Prudent - someone who has good judgment and is careful and practical.

For Example: Now as he sat and waited he wondered if the decision had been a prudent one.

Crotchety - someone grumpy, stubborn or irritable

For Example: Her gush made Katie feel old and crotchety.

Quirky - a strange or unique action or personality.

For Example: A quirky drama about a thief who cons her way to becoming a housewife to avoid arrest.

Repose - Freedom from worry; peace of mind.

For Example: The repose of a constitutional king may suit me

Haphazard - Random; chaotic; incomplete

For Example: The office looked like a haphazard jumble of cubicles and machines.

Convict - to declare someone guilty of something, especially when done formally by a judge or jury in a court of law.

For Example: About a mile to the south is the convict prison for Scotland.

 

Affable - Easy and pleasant to speak to; approachable.

For Example: The interviewer greeted her in the most affable manner and put her at ease.

Wreckage - The debris or remains of something destroyed or damaged

For Example: Recently, a group of bottles was recovered from the wreckage of a ship that sank 200 years ago.

 

Reiterate - To say or do again or repeatedly.

For Example: I would reiterate the earlier suggestion that references be implemented.

Morose - Ill-tempered; gloomy, sullen

For Example: Neither am I feeling morbid, or in any way morose.

Divest - To strip off clothing, equipment, etc.

For Example: The jury must divest itself from all personal feelings and emotions when weighing the motives of the witnesses.

Perturbed - Disturbed; flustered.

For Example: Even during this perturbed time he pursued his studies and teaching.

Subvert - to overthrow, destroy or undermine.

For Example: That the Russians involved in the peace keeping will not subvert the process on the ground.

Valiant - someone or something very brave or determined.

For Example: Ali was a valiant man, but had no great talent as a ruler.

Slump - To fall or sink heavily; collapse.

For Example: The economic slump of the early 1990s heralded an uncertain time for Japan.

Umbrage - resentment or annoyance.

For Example: This second intervention gave umbrage to France, who by way of a counterpoise sent a force to occupy Ancona.

Indignation - A self-righteous anger or disgust.

For Example: His arrest had caused great indignation.

Refurbish - to renovate something or fix something up.

For Example: We’ve found a handyman who can refurbish the shop quite cheaply.

Inveterate - something longstanding, ingrained or unlikely to change.

For Example: Both here and elsewhere his great fault was an inveterate superficiality.

Lunatic - a person who is either actually crazy or who is acting crazy and wild in his behavior.

For Example: She didn’t seem like the lunatic kind.

Thwart - to hinder or stop something from happening.

For Example: I would ask that you bestow defenses upon them to thwart his inevitable attack.

Meek - Patient and mild; not inclined to anger or resentment.

For Example: Others are bold and firm, but not meek and gentle.

EXTEMPORANEOUS - something done or spoken with little or no preparation.

For Example: He showed a marked talent for extemporaneous speaking during his college days

ACQUIESCENCE - Passive assent or agreement without protest.

For Example: It is true that silence does not necessarily mean acquiescence.

Assent - Agreement; concurrence.

For Example: Dean nodded his  assent.

Resistance - A force that tends to oppose or retard motion.

For Example: The girl yesterday offered no resistance.

 

Pragmatic - practical or logical.

For Example: The decision was pragmatic in nature.

Quixotic - Impulsive or Acting within brief time intervals

For Example: She chose to elect her friend as the chairperson and that decision was rather quixotic

 

Baffle - to confuse or deceive

For Example: The bad news he received consecutively baffled him.

Abate - To end, eliminate, do away with, or make null and void

For Example: Taking pain medicine can cause headaches to abate.

 

Cognizant - Aware; fully informed; having understanding.

For Example: Parents and teachers need to be cognizant of the nature of the child’s dysfunction.

Tenant - One that pays rent to use or occupy land, a building, or other property owned by another.

For Example: If the tenant paid his rent, the landlord could not forbid subletting.

Bane - something that will kill, destroy or distress someone.

For Example: The winter was the army’s bane; his freezing forces had to retreat.

 

Venial - Easily excused or forgiven

For Example: I did not think you would call these venial errors !

Innate - something that has existed from birth.

For Example: He had an innate musicality.

Obtuse - someone who is slow to understand things.

For Example: I was obtuse in seeing that all the preliminary parts of his speech did lead up to the point

Novice - A person new to a field or activity; a beginner.

For Example: As a novice, remember that practice does make perfect.

Overt - Open and observable; not hidden, concealed, or secret.

For Example: The new guest smiled in return but gave no overt sign of knowing the woman

Accolade - To praise or honor.

For Example: The New York awards are the media industry’s highest accolade.

Reticent - Reluctant; unwilling.

For Example: Even the reticent members participated enthusiastically

Permeate - to get into, soak into or spread throughout.

For Example: The aromas of different varieties of wood permeate the air and add to the ambiance.