Words in This Listchicanery

noun

trickery or deception by quibbling or sophistry

indigenous

adjective

originating in and characteristic of a particular region or country

trepidation

noun

tremulous fear, alarm, or agitation

admonitory

adjective

tending or serving to admonish

alleviate

verb

make easier to endure

amalgamate

verb

mix or merge so as to make a combination

ambidextrous

adjective

able to use both hands equally well

apotheosis

noun

elevation or exaltation of a person to the rank of a god

arboreal

adjective

or pertaining to trees

asperity

noun

harshness or sharpness of tone, temper, or manner

benevolence

noun

desire to do good to others

castigation

noun

criticize or reprimand severely

commodious

adjective

spacious and convenient

contumacious (adjective)Stubbornly perverse or rebelliousdereliction

noun

deliberate or conscious neglect

detumescence ( noun) reduction or subsidence of swellingdisencumber

verb

free from a burden or other encumbrance

efficacy

noun

capacity for producing a desired result or effect

effluvia

noun

slight or invisible exhalation or vapor

effrontery

noun

shameless or impudent boldness

empirical

adjective

derived from or guided by experience or experiment

encomium

noun

formal expression of high praise

exigency

noun

exigent state or character

exoneration

noun

clear, as of an accusation

expatiate (verb)enlarge in discourse or writing

fulmination (noun)violent denunciation or censure

ignominious

adjective

marked by or attended with ignominy

inimical

adjective

adverse in tendency or effect

insouciant (adjective)free from concern, worry, or anxiety

intransigent

adjective

refusing to agree or compromise

labyrinthine

adjective

of, pertaining to, or resembling a labyrinth

laudatory

adjective

containing or expressing praise

machination

noun

instance of machinating

obstreperous (adjective)resisting control or restraint in a difficult manner

palatial

adjective

of, pertaining to, or resembling a palace

penurious

adjective

extremely stingy

perfidious (adjective)deliberately faithless

propinquity

noun

nearness in place

recalcitrant (adjective)resisting authority or control

recidivism

noun

repeated or habitual relapse, as into crime

recreancy (adjective)cowardly or craven

redoubtable

adjective

that is to be feared

sophomoric (adjective)or pertaining to a sophomore or sophomores

soporific

adjective

causing or tending to cause sleep

stentorian

adjective

very loud or powerful in sound

tautology (noun)needless repetition of an idea

ubiquitous

adjective

existing or being everywhere, esp. at the same time

vacillation (noun)instance of vacillating

vituperate (verb)use or address with harsh or abusive language

Words in This List (Similar to Irony and related concepts)

dramatic irony

n.

irony that is inherent in speeches or a situation of a drama and is understood by the audience but not grasped by the characters in the play.

irony

n.,

the use of words to convey a meaning that is the opposite of its literal meaning:

sarcasm

n.

harsh or bitter derision or irony.

sardonicism

adj.

characterized by bitter or scornful derision; mocking; cynical; sneering:

satire

n.

the use of irony, sarcasm, ridicule, or the like, in exposing, denouncing, or deriding vice, folly, etc.

schadenfreude

n.

satisfaction or pleasure felt at someone else's misfortune.

socratic-irony

n.

pretended ignorance in discussio

Words in This List (GRE)abase

v.t.,

to reduce or lower, as in rank, office, reputation, or estimation; humble; degrade.

abate

v.t.

to reduce in amount, degree, intensity, etc.; lessen; diminish:

abdicate

v.i.

to renounce or relinquish a throne, right, power, claim, responsibility, or the like, esp. in a formal manner:

aberrant

adj.

departing from the right, normal, or usual course.

abeyance

n.

temporary inactivity, cessation, or suspension:

abjure

v.t.,

to renounce, repudiate, or retract, esp. with formal solemnity; recant:

abscond

v.i.

to depart in a sudden and secret manner, esp. to avoid capture and legal prosecution:

abstain

v.i.

to hold oneself back voluntarily, esp. from something regarded as improper or unhealthy (usually fol. by from):

abstemious

adj.

sparing or moderate in eating and drinking; temperate in diet.

abyss

n.

a deep, immeasurable space, gulf, or cavity; vast chasm.

accretion

n.

an increase by natural growth or by gradual external addition; growth in size or extent.

acme

n.

the highest point; summit; peak:

aerie

n.

the nest of a bird of prey, as an eagle or a hawk.

alacrity

n.

cheerful readiness, promptness, or willingness:

amalgamate

v.t.

to mix or merge so as to make a combination; blend; unite; combine:

ameliorate

v.t., v.i.,

to make or become better, more bearable, or more satisfactory; improve; meliorate.

amortize

v.t.,

to liquidate or extinguish (a mortgage, debt, or other obligation), esp. by periodic payments to the creditor or to a sinking fund.

amulet

n.

a small object worn to ward off evil, harm, or illness or to bring good fortune; protecting charm.

anachronism

n.

something or someone that is not in its correct historical or chronological time, esp. a thing or person that belongs to an earlier time:

analgesia

n.

absence of sense of pain.

anodyne

n.

a medicine that relieves or allays pain.

anomaly

n.,

a deviation from the common rule, type, arrangement, or form.

antagonize

v.t.

to make hostile or unfriendly; make an enemy or antagonist of:

antipathy

n.,

a natural, basic, or habitual repugnance; aversion.

apathy

n.,

absence or suppression of passion, emotion, or excitement.

apocryphal

adj.

of doubtful authorship or authenticity.

apostate

n.

a person who forsakes his religion, cause, party, etc.

approbation

n.

approval; commendation.

arbitrate

v.t.

to decide as arbitrator or arbiter; determine.

archaic

adj.

marked by the characteristics of an earlier period; antiquated:

ardor

n.

great warmth of feeling; fervor; passion:

arrogate

v.t.,

to claim unwarrantably or presumptuously; assume or appropriate to oneself without right:

articulate

adj.

uttered clearly in distinct syllables.

assail

v.t.

to attack vigorously or violently; assault.

assuage

v.t.,

to make milder or less severe; relieve; ease; mitigate:

attenuate

v.t.

to weaken or reduce in force, intensity, effect, quantity, or value:

audacious

adj.

extremely bold or daring; recklessly brave; fearless:

august

adj.

inspiring reverence or admiration; of supreme dignity or grandeur; majestic:

austere

adj.

severe in manner or appearance; uncompromising; strict; forbidding:

axiom

n.

a self-evident truth that requires no proof.

banal

adj.

devoid of freshness or originality; hackneyed; trite:

belfry

n.,

a bell tower, either attached to a church or other building or standing apart.

bevy

n.,

a group of birds, as larks or quail, or animals, as roebuck, in close association.

bifurcate

v.t., v.i.

to divide or fork into two branches.

bilk

v.t.

to defraud; cheat:

blight

v.t.

to destroy; ruin; frustrate:

blithe

adj.,

joyous, merry, or gay in disposition; glad; cheerful:

bombastic

adj.

(of speech, writing, etc.) high-sounding; high-flown; inflated; pretentious.

bonhomie

n.

frank and simple good-heartedness; a good-natured manner; friendliness; geniality.

burgeon

v.i.

to grow or develop quickly; flourish:

burnish

v.t.

to polish (a surface) by friction.

cabal

n.

a small group of secret plotters, as against a government or person in authority.

cacophony

n.,

harsh discordance of sound; dissonance:

calumny

n.,

a false and malicious statement designed to injure the reputation of someone or something:

canard

n.,

a false or baseless, usually derogatory story, report, or rumor.

candid

adj.

frank; outspoken; open and sincere:

capricious

adj.

subject to, led by, or indicative of caprice or whim; erratic:

cartography

n.

the production of maps, including construction of projections, design, compilation, drafting, and reproduction.

castigate

v.t.,

to criticize or reprimand severely.

catalyst

n.

a substance that causes or accelerates a chemical reaction without itself being affected.

catholic

adj.

universal in extent; involving all; of interest to all.

caustic

adj.

capable of burning, corroding, or destroying living tissue.

chauvinist

n.

biased devotion to any group, attitude, or cause.

chicanery

n.,

trickery or deception by quibbling or sophistry:

circumspect

adj.

watchful and discreet; cautious; prudent:

coalesce

v.i.

to grow together or into one body:

coffer

n.

a box or chest, esp. one for valuables.

cogent

adj.

convincing or believable by virtue of forcible, clear, or incisive presentation; telling.

collusion

n.

a secret agreement, esp. for fraudulent or treacherous purposes; conspiracy:

condone

v.t.,

to disregard or overlook (something illegal, objectionable, or the like).

connoisseur

n.

a person who is especially competent to pass critical judgments in an art, particularly one of the fine arts, or in matters of taste:

corroborate

v.t.

to make more certain; confirm:

coterie

n.

a group of people who associate closely.

craven

adj.

cowardly; contemptibly timid; pusillanimous.

credulous

adj.

willing to believe or trust too readily, esp. without proper or adequate evidence; gullible.

crescendo

n.

a gradual, steady increase in loudness or force.

cupidity

n.

eager or excessive desire, esp. to possess something; greed; avarice.

curmudgeon

n.

a bad-tempered, difficult, cantankerous person.

debutante

n.

a young woman making a debut into society.

declivity

n.,

a downward slope, as of ground (

decorous

adj.

characterized by dignified propriety in conduct, manners, appearance, character, etc.

decorum

n.

dignified propriety of behavior, speech, dress, etc.

deface

v.t.,

to mar the surface or appearance of; disfigure:

deference

n.

respectful submission or yielding to the judgment, opinion, will, etc., of another.

deleterious

adj.

injurious to health:

demagogue

n.

a person, esp. an orator or political leader, who gains power and popularity by arousing the emotions, passions, and prejudices of the people.

demur

v.i.

to make objection, esp. on the grounds of scruples; take exception; object:

deride

v.t.,

to laugh at in scorn or contempt; scoff or jeer at; mock.

desiccate

v.t.

to dry thoroughly; dry up.

desultory

adj.

lacking in consistency, constancy, or visible order, disconnected; fitful:

diaphanous

adj.

very sheer and light; almost completely transparent or translucent.

diatribe

n.

a bitter, sharply abusive denunciation, attack, or criticism:

dictum

n.,

an authoritative pronouncement; judicial assertion.

diffident

adj.

lacking confidence in one's own ability, worth, or fitness; timid; shy.

dilatory

adj.

tending to delay or procrastinate; slow; tardy.

dilettante

n.

a person who takes up an art, activity, or subject merely for amusement, esp. in a desultory or superficial way; dabbler.

dirge

n.

a funeral song or tune, or one expressing mourning in commemoration of the dead.

disabuse

v.t.,

to free (a person) from deception or error.

discern

v.t.

to perceive by the sight or some other sense or by the intellect; see, recognize, or apprehend:

disparate

adj.

distinct in kind; essentially different; dissimilar:

dissemble

v.t.

to give a false or misleading appearance to; conceal the truth or real nature of:

dissonance

n.

inharmonious or harsh sound; discord; cacophony.

distend

v.t., v.i.

to expand by stretching, as something hollow or elastic:

dither

n.

a trembling; vibration.

diurnal

adj.

of or pertaining to a day or each day; daily.

divine

v.t.

to discover or declare (something obscure or in the future) by divination; prophesy.

doctrinaire

n.

a person who tries to apply some doctrine or theory without sufficient regard for practical considerations; an impractical theorist.

dogma

n.,

a system of principles or tenets, as of a church.

dogmatic

adj.

asserting opinions in a doctrinaire or arrogant manner; opinionated.

droll

adj.

amusing in an odd way; whimsically humorous; waggish.

dupe

n.

a person who is easily deceived or fooled; gull.

ebullient

adj.

overflowing with fervor, enthusiasm, or excitement; high-spirited:

edify

v.t.,

to instruct or benefit, esp. morally or spiritually; uplift:

effigy

n.,

a representation or image, esp. sculptured, as on a monument.

effrontery

n.,

shameless or impudent boldness; barefaced audacity:

elegy

n.,

a mournful, melancholy, or plaintive poem, esp. a funeral song or a lament for the dead.

embellish

v.t.

to enhance (a statement or narrative) with fictitious additions.

encomium

n.,

a formal expression of high praise; eulogy:

endemic

adj.

natural to or characteristic of a specific people or place; native; indigenous:

enervate

v.t.

to deprive of force or strength; destroy the vigor of; weaken.

engender

v.t.

to produce, cause, or give rise to:

enigma

n.,

a puzzling or inexplicable occurrence or situation:

ephemeral

adj.

lasting a very short time; short-lived; transitory:

epicure

n.

a person who cultivates a refined taste, esp. in food and wine; connoisseur.

equivocate

v.i.,

to use ambiguous or unclear expressions, usually to avoid commitment or in order to mislead; prevaricate or hedge:

ersatz

adj.

serving as a substitute; synthetic; artificial:

erudite

adj.

characterized by great knowledge; learned or scholarly:

eschew

v.t.

to abstain or keep away from; shun; avoid:

esoteric

adj.

understood by or meant for only the select few who have special knowledge or interest; recondite:

estimable

adj.

worthy of esteem; deserving respect or admiration.

ethos

n.

the fundamental character or spirit of a culture; the underlying sentiment that informs the beliefs, customs, or practices of a group or society; dominant

assumptions of a people or period:

eulogy

n.,

a speech or writing in praise of a person or thing, esp. a set oration in honor of a deceased person.

euphemism

n.

the substitution of a mild, indirect, or vague expression for one thought to be offensive, harsh, or blunt.

euphony

n.,

agreeableness of sound; pleasing effect to the ear, esp. a pleasant sounding or harmonious combination or succession of words:

exacerbate

v.t.,

to increase the severity, bitterness, or violence of (disease, ill feeling, etc.); aggravate.

exculpate

v.t.,

to clear from a charge of guilt or fault; free from blame; vindicate.

exigent

adj.

requiring immediate action or aid; urgent; pressing.

exonerate

v.t.,

to clear, as of an accusation; free from guilt or blame; exculpate:

exponent

n.

a person or thing that is a representative, advocate, type, or symbol of something:

expurgate

v.t.,

to amend by removing words, passages, etc., deemed offensive or objectionable:

fallow

adj.

not in use; inactive:

fatuous

adj.

foolish or inane, esp. in an unconscious, complacent manner; silly.

fecund

adj.

producing or capable of producing offspring, fruit, vegetation, etc., in abundance; prolific; fruitful:

fervid

adj.

heated or vehement in spirit, enthusiasm, etc.:

forestall

v.t.

to prevent, hinder, or thwart by action in advance:

fortuitous

adj.

happening or produced by chance; accidental:

fractious

adj.

refractory or unruly:

frenetic

adj.

frantic; frenzied.

frugality

adj.

economical in use or expenditure; prudently saving or sparing; not wasteful:

furtive

adj.

taken, done, used, etc., surreptitiously or by stealth; secret:

gambol

v.i.

to skip about, as in dancing or playing; frolic.

garner

v.t.

to gather or deposit in or as if in a granary or other storage place.

garrulous

adj.

excessively talkative in a rambling, roundabout manner, esp. about trivial matters.

glib

adj.,

readily fluent, often thoughtlessly, superficially, or insincerely so:

glower

v.i.

to look or stare with sullen dislike, discontent, or anger.

gradation

n.

any process or change taking place through a series of stages, by degrees, or in a gradual manner.

gregarious

adj.

fond of the company of others; sociable.

grievous

adj.

causing grief or great sorrow:

grovel

v.i.,

to humble oneself or act in an abject manner, as in great fear or utter servility.

guile

n.

insidious cunning in attaining a goal; crafty or artful deception; duplicity.

gullible

adj.

easily deceived or cheated.

hapless

adj.

unlucky; luckless; unfortunate.

hegemony

n.,

leadership or predominant influence exercised by one nation over others, as in a confederation.

hermetic

adj.

made airtight by fusion or sealing.

hoary

adj.,

gray or white with age:

husband

v.t.

to manage, esp. with prudent economy.

hyperbole

n.

obvious and intentional exaggeration.

iconoclast

n.

a person who attacks cherished beliefs, traditional institutions, etc., as being based on error or superstition.

idiosyncrasy

n.,

a characteristic, habit, mannerism, or the like, that is peculiar to an individual.

ignoble

adj.

of low character, aims, etc.; mean; base:

imbue

v.t.,

to saturate or impregnate with moisture, color, etc.

impasse

n.

a position or situation from which there is no escape; deadlock.

impecunious

adj.

having little or no money; penniless; poor.

impervious

adj.

not permitting penetration or passage; impenetrable:

impetuous

adj.

of, pertaining to, or characterized by sudden or rash action, emotion, etc.; impulsive:

impious

adj.

not pious or religious; lacking reverence for God, religious practices, etc.; irreligious; ungodly.

implacable

adj.

not to be appeased, mollified, or pacified; inexorable:

imprecation

n.

the act of imprecating; cursing.

impugn

v.t.

to challenge as false (another's statements, motives, etc.); cast doubt upon.

incarnadine

adj.

blood-red; crimson.

inchoate

adj.

not yet completed or fully developed; rudimentary.

inculcate

v.t.,

to implant by repeated statement or admonition; teach persistently and earnestly (usually fol. by upon or in):

indolent

adj.

having or showing a disposition to avoid exertion; slothful:

inexorable

adj.

unyielding; unalterable:

ingenuous

adj.

free from reserve, restraint, or dissimulation; candid; sincere.

ingrate

n.

an ungrateful person.

ingratiate

v.t.,

to establish (oneself) in the favor or good graces of others, esp. by deliberate effort (usually fol. by with):

inimical

adj.

unfriendly; hostile:

iniquity

n.,

a violation of right or duty; wicked act; sin.

innocuous

adj.

not harmful or injurious; harmless:

inquest

n.

a legal or judicial inquiry, usually before a jury, esp. an investigation made by a coroner into the cause of a death.

insipid

adj.

without distinctive, interesting, or stimulating qualities; vapid:

insurrection

n.

an act or instance of rising in revolt, rebellion, or resistance against civil authority or an established government.

inter

v.t.,

to place (a dead body) in a grave or tomb; bury.

interregnum

n.,

an interval of time between the close of a sovereign's reign and the accession of his or her normal or legitimate successor.

intractable

adj.

not easily controlled or directed; not docile or manageable; stubborn; obstinate:

intransigent

adj.

refusing to agree or compromise; uncompromising; inflexible.

intrepid

adj.

resolutely fearless; dauntless:

inundate

v.t.,

to flood; cover or overspread with water; deluge.

inure

v.t.

to accustom to hardship, difficulty, pain, etc.; toughen or harden; habituate (usually fol. by to):

invective

n.

an insulting or abusive word or expression.

investiture

n.

the formal bestowal, confirmation, or presentation of rank, office, or a possessory or prescriptive right, usually involving the giving of insignia or an

official title.

invidious

adj.

calculated to create ill will or resentment or give offense; hateful:

irascible

adj.

easily provoked to anger; very irritable:

itinerant

adj.

traveling from place to place, esp. on a circuit, as a minister, judge, or sales representative; itinerating; journeying.

jargon

n.

unintelligible or meaningless talk or writing; gibberish.

jettison

v.t.

to throw off (something) as an obstacle or burden; discard.

jocular

adj.

given to, characterized by, intended for, or suited to joking or jesting; waggish; facetious:

judicious

adj.

using or showing judgment as to action or practical expediency; discreet, prudent, or politic:

juncture

n.

a point of time, esp. one made critical or important by a concurrence of circumstances:

keen

adj.,

finely sharpened, as an edge; so shaped as to cut or pierce substances readily:

kindle

v.t.

to excite; stir up or set going; animate; rouse; inflame:

knell

n.

the sound made by a bell rung slowly, esp. for a death or a funeral.

lachrymose

adj.

suggestive of or tending to cause tears; mournful.

laconic

adj.

using few words; expressing much in few words; concise:

lampoon

n.

a sharp, often virulent satire directed against an individual or institution; a work of literature, art, or the like, ridiculing severely the character or

behavior of a person, society, etc.

languid

adj.

lacking in vigor or vitality; slack or slow:

lapidary

n.

a worker who cuts, polishes, and engraves precious stones.

lassitude

n.

weariness of body or mind from strain, oppressive climate, etc.; lack of energy; listlessness; languor.

latent

adj.

present but not visible, apparent, or actualized; existing as potential:

laud

v.t.

to praise; extol.

lavish

adj.

expended, bestowed, or occurring in profusion:

leery

adj.,

wary; suspicious (usually fol. by of):

legerdemain

n.

trickery; deception.

lethargic

adj.

of, pertaining to, or affected with lethargy; drowsy; sluggish.

levity

n.,

lightness of mind, character, or behavior; lack of appropriate seriousness or earnestness.

liberal

adj.

open-minded or tolerant, esp. free of or not bound by traditional or conventional ideas, values, etc.

libertine

n.

a freethinker in religious matters.

licentious

adj.

unrestrained by law or general morality; lawless; immoral.

limpid

adj.

clear, transparent, or pellucid, as water, crystal, or air:

lionize

v.t.

to treat (a person) as a celebrity:

lissome

adj.

lithesome or lithe, esp. of body; supple; flexible.

listless

adj.

having or showing little or no interest in anything; languid; spiritless; indifferent:

livid

adj.

having a discolored, bluish appearance caused by a bruise, congestion of blood vessels, strangulation, etc., as the face, flesh, hands, or nails.

lugubrious

adj.

mournful, dismal, or gloomy, esp. in an affected, exaggerated, or unrelieved manner:

lumber

v.i.

to move clumsily or heavily, esp. from great or ponderous bulk:

luminous

adj.

radiating or reflecting light; shining; bright.

machination

n.

an act or instance of machinating.

maelstrom

n.

a restless, disordered, or tumultuous state of affairs:

magnate

n.

a person of great influence, importance, or standing in a particular enterprise, field of business, etc.:

malediction

n.

a curse; imprecation.

malinger

v.i.

to pretend illness, esp. in order to shirk one's duty, avoid work, etc.

martinet

n.

a strict disciplinarian, esp. a military one.

maudlin

adj.

tearfully or weakly emotional; foolishly sentimental:

mendacious

adj.

telling lies, esp. habitually; dishonest; lying; untruthful:

mendicant

adj.

begging; practicing begging; living on alms.

mercurial

adj.

changeable; volatile; fickle; flighty; erratic:

meretricious

adj.

alluring by a show of flashy or vulgar attractions; tawdry.

meticulous

adj.

taking or showing extreme care about minute details; precise; thorough:

missive

n.

a written message; letter.

mitigate

v.t.

to lessen in force or intensity, as wrath, grief, harshness, or pain; moderate.

mollify

v.t.,

to soften in feeling or temper, as a person; pacify; appease.

molt

v.i.

(of birds, insects, reptiles, etc.) to cast or shed the feathers, skin, or the like, that will be replaced by a new growth.

monastic

adj.

of, pertaining to, or characteristic of a secluded, dedicated, or austere manner of living.

monotony

n.

the continuance of an unvarying sound; monotone.

multifarious

adj.

numerous and varied; greatly diverse or manifold:

myopic

adj.

unable or unwilling to act prudently; shortsighted.

nadir

n.

the lowest point; point of greatest adversity or despair.

nascent

adj.

beginning to exist or develop:

neologism

n.

a new word, meaning, usage, or phrase.

neophyte

n.

a beginner or novice:

nettle

v.t.

to irritate, annoy, or provoke.

noisome

adj.

offensive or disgusting, as an odor.

nominal

adj.

being such in name only; so-called; putative:

nuance

n.,

a subtle difference or distinction in expression, meaning, response, etc.

obdurate

adj.

unmoved by persuasion, pity, or tender feelings; stubborn; unyielding.

oblique

adj.

neither perpendicular nor parallel to a given line or surface; slanting; sloping.

obsequious

adj.

characterized by or showing servile complaisance or deference; fawning:

obstinate

adj.

firmly or stubbornly adhering to one's purpose, opinion, etc.; not yielding to argument, persuasion, or entreaty.

obviate

v.t.,

to anticipate and prevent or eliminate (difficulties, disadvantages, etc.) by effective measures; render unnecessary:

occlude

v.t.

to close, shut, or stop up (a passage, opening, etc.).

officious

adj.

objectionably aggressive in offering one's unrequested and unwanted services, help, or advice; meddlesome:

onerous

adj.

burdensome, oppressive, or troublesome; causing hardship:

opaque

adj.

not transparent or translucent; impenetrable to light; not allowing light to pass through.

opine

v.t., v.i.,

to hold or express an opinion.

opprobrium

n.

the disgrace or the reproach incurred by conduct considered outrageously shameful; infamy.

orotund

adj.

(of a style of speaking) pompous or bombastic.

ossify

v.t.

to convert into or cause to harden like bone.

ostensible

adj.

apparent, evident, or conspicuous:

ostentation

n.

the act of showing or exhibiting; display.

overwrought

v.t.

to cause to work too hard, too much, or too long; weary or exhaust with work (often used reflexively):

palatial

adj.

of, pertaining to, or resembling a palace:

palliate

v.t.,

to relieve or lessen without curing; mitigate; alleviate.

pallid

adj.

pale; faint or deficient in color; wan:

panache

n.

a grand or flamboyant manner; verve; style; flair:

panegyric

n.

formal or elaborate praise.

panoply

n.,

a wide-ranging and impressive array or display:

paradox

n.

a statement or proposition that seems self-contradictory or absurd but in reality expresses a possible truth.

paragon

n.

a model or pattern of excellence or of a particular excellence.

pare

v.t.,

to reduce or remove by or as by cutting; diminish or decrease gradually (often fol. by down):

pariah

n.

an outcast.

parley

n.

an informal conference between enemies under a truce, esp. to discuss terms, conditions of surrender, etc.

parry

v.t.

to ward off (a thrust, stroke, weapon, etc.), as in fencing; avert.

pastiche

n.

a literary, musical, or artistic piece consisting wholly or chiefly of motifs or techniques borrowed from one or more sources.

pathogenic

adj.

capable of producing disease:

peccadillo

n.,

a very minor or slight sin or offense; a trifling fault.

pedant

n.

a person who makes an excessive or inappropriate display of learning.

pejorative

adj.

having a disparaging, derogatory, or belittling effect or force:

penury

n.

extreme poverty; destitution.

peregrinate

v.i.

to travel or journey, esp. to walk on foot.

perfidious

adj.

deliberately faithless; treacherous; deceitful:

perfunctory

adj.

performed merely as a routine duty; hasty and superficial:

peripatetic

n.

a person who walks or travels about.

permeate

v.t.

to pass into or through every part of:

perspicacious

adj.

having keen mental perception and understanding; discerning:

pervade

v.t.,

to become spread throughout all parts of:

phalanx

n.

any body of troops in close array.

philistine

n.

a person who is lacking in or hostile or smugly indifferent to cultural values, intellectual pursuits, aesthetic refinement, etc., or is contentedly

commonplace in ideas and tastes.

phlegmatic

adj.

not easily excited to action or display of emotion; apathetic; sluggish.

pithy

adj.,

brief, forceful, and meaningful in expression; full of vigor, substance, or meaning; terse; forcible:

placate

v.t.,

to appease or pacify, esp. by concessions or conciliatory gestures:

plastic

adj.

capable of being molded or of receiving form:

plebeian

adj.

belonging or pertaining to the common people.

plethora

n.

overabundance; excess:

plucky

adj.,

having or showing pluck or courage; brave:

polemic

n.

a controversial argument, as one against some opinion, doctrine, etc.

politic

adj.

shrewd or prudent in practical matters; tactful; diplomatic.

polyglot

adj.

able to speak or write several languages; multilingual.

potentate

n.

a person who possesses great power, as a sovereign, monarch, or ruler.

pragmatic

adj.

of or pertaining to a practical point of view or practical considerations.

prattle

v.i.

to talk in a foolish or simple-minded way; chatter; babble.

precipitate

v.t.

to hasten the occurrence of; bring about prematurely, hastily, or suddenly:

precis

n.

a concise summary.

prescient

n.

knowledge of things before they exist or happen; foreknowledge; foresight.

prevaricate

v.i.,

to speak falsely or misleadingly; deliberately misstate or create an incorrect impression; lie.

pristine

adj.

having its original purity; uncorrupted or unsullied.

probity

n.

integrity and uprightness; honesty.

proclivity

n.,

natural or habitual inclination or tendency; propensity; predisposition:

prodigal

adj.

wastefully or recklessly extravagant:

profligate

adj.

utterly and shamelessly immoral or dissipated; thoroughly dissolute.

proliferate

v.i., v.t.,

to grow or produce by multiplication of parts, as in budding or cell division, or by procreation.

propitiate

v.t.

to make favorably inclined; appease; conciliate.

propriety

n.,

conformity to established standards of good or proper behavior or manners.

prudence

n.

caution with regard to practical matters; discretion.

puerile

adj.

childishly foolish; immature or trivial:

pugilism

n.

the art or practice of fighting with the fists; boxing.

pulchritude

n.

physical beauty; comeliness.

pungent

adj.

sharply affecting the organs of taste or smell, as if by a penetrating power; biting; acrid.

pusillanimous

adj.

lacking courage or resolution; cowardly; faint-hearted; timid.

querulous

adj.

full of complaints; complaining.

quiescent

adj.

being at rest; quiet; still; inactive or motionless:

quixotic

adj.

impulsive and often rashly unpredictable.

quotidian

adj.

daily:

raconteur

n.,

a person who is skilled in relating stories and anecdotes interestingly.

rarefy

v.t.

to make rare or rarer; make less dense:

redress

n.

the setting right of what is wrong:

rejoinder

n.

an answer to a reply; response.

repast

n.

the time during which a meal is eaten; mealtime.

replete

adj.

abundantly supplied or provided; filled (usually fol. by with):

repose

n.

peace; tranquillity; calm.

repudiate

v.t.,

to reject as having no authority or binding force:

requite

v.t.,

to make repayment or return for (service, benefits, etc.).

restive

adj.

impatient of control, restraint, or delay, as persons; restless; uneasy.

reticent

adj.

disposed to be silent or not to speak freely; reserved.

rhetoric

n.

the art or science of all specialized literary uses of language in prose or verse, including the figures of speech.

ribald

adj.

vulgar or indecent in speech, language, etc.; coarsely mocking, abusive, or irreverent; scurrilous.

rococo

n.

a style of architecture and decoration, originating in France about 1720, evolved from Baroque types and distinguished by its elegant refinement in

using different materials for a delicate overall effect and by its ornament of shellwork, foliage, etc.

rustic

adj.

of, pertaining to, or living in the country, as distinguished from towns or cities; rural.

sacrosanct

adj.

extremely sacred or inviolable:

sagacious

adj.

having or showing acute mental discernment and keen practical sense; shrewd:

salient

adj.

prominent or conspicuous:

salubrious

adj.

favorable to or promoting health; healthful:

sanguine

adj.

cheerfully optimistic, hopeful, or confident:

sardonic

adj.

characterized by bitter or scornful derision; mocking; cynical; sneering:

satiate

v.t.

to satisfy to the full; sate.

scintilla

n.

a minute particle; spark; trace:

sedition

n.

incitement of discontent or rebellion against a government.

sentient

adj.

having the power of perception by the senses; conscious.

sinecure

n.

an office or position requiring little or no work, esp. one yielding profitable returns.

slake

v.t.

to allay (thirst, desire, wrath, etc.) by satisfying.

sobriquet

n.,

a nickname.

solecism

n.

a nonstandard or ungrammatical usage, as unflammable and they was.

soporific

adj.

causing or tending to cause sleep.

spartan

adj.

brave; undaunted.

specious

adj.

apparently good or right though lacking real merit; superficially pleasing or plausible:

sportive

adj.

playful or frolicsome; jesting, jocose, or merry:

stentorian

adj.

very loud or powerful in sound:

stolid

adj.

not easily stirred or moved mentally; unemotional; impassive.

stratagem

n.

a plan, scheme, or trick for surprising or deceiving an enemy.

sublime

adj.

elevated or lofty in thought, language, etc.: Paradise Lost is sublime poetry.

sully

v.t.

to soil, stain, or tarnish.

supplant

v.t.

to take the place of (another), as through force, scheming, strategy, or the like.

surfeit

n.

excess; an excessive amount:

sybarite

n.

a person devoted to luxury and pleasure.

symbiosis

n.,

the living together of two dissimilar organisms, as in mutualism, commensalism, amensalism, or parasitism.

tacit

adj.

understood without being openly expressed; implied:

taciturn

adj.

inclined to silence; reserved in speech; reluctant to join in conversation.

talon

n.

a claw, esp. of a bird of prey.

tangential

adj.

divergent or digressive, as from a subject under consideration:

tawdry

adj.

(of finery, trappings, etc.) gaudy; showy and cheap.

toady

n.

an obsequious flatterer; sycophant.

tome

n.

a volume forming a part of a larger work.

torpor

n.

sluggish inactivity or inertia.

transitory

adj.

not lasting, enduring, permanent, or eternal.

trenchant

adj.

incisive or keen, as language or a person; caustic; cutting:

turgid

adj.

swollen; distended; tumid.

tyro

n.,

a beginner in learning anything; novice.

umbrage

n.

offense; annoyance; displeasure:

unconscionable

adj.

not guided by conscience; unscrupulous.

unequivocal

adj.

absolute; unqualified; not subject to conditions or exceptions:

upbraid

v.t.

to find fault with or reproach severely; censure:

usury

n.,

the lending or practice of lending money at an exorbitant interest.

vacillate

v.i.,

to waver in mind or opinion; be indecisive or irresolute:

venerate

v.t.,

to regard or treat with reverence; revere.

veracity

n.,

conformity to truth or fact; accuracy:

verbose

adj.

characterized by the use of many or too many words; wordy:

verdant

adj.

green with vegetation; covered with growing plants or grass:

vernal

adj.

of or pertaining to spring:

vestige

n.

a footprint; track.

vex

v.t.

to irritate; annoy; provoke:

vicissitude

n.

a change or variation occurring in the course of something.

vim

n.

lively or energetic spirit; enthusiasm; vitality.

viscous

adj.

of a glutinous nature or consistency; sticky; thick; adhesive.

vituperate

v.i., v.t.,

to use or address with harsh or abusive language; revile.

volatile

adj.

evaporating rapidly; passing off readily in the form of vapor:

voluble

adj.

characterized by a ready and continuous flow of words; fluent; glib; talkative:

wan

adj.

of an unnatural or sickly pallor; pallid; lacking color:

wanton

adj.

done, shown, used, etc., maliciously or unjustifiably:

whimsical

adj.

erratic; unpredictable:

wily

adj.,

full of, marked by, or proceeding from wiles; crafty; cunning.

winsome

adj.

sweetly or innocently charming; winning; engaging:

wraith

n.

an apparition of a living person supposed to portend his or her death.

xenophobia

n.

an unreasonable fear or hatred of foreigners or strangers or of that which is foreign or strange.

yoke

v.t.

to join, couple, link, or unite.

zeal

n.

fervor for a person, cause, or object; eager desire or endeavor; enthusiastic diligence; ardor.

zenith

n.

a highest point or state; culmination.

zephyr

n.

a gentle, mild breeze.

lucid

adjective

easily understood; completely intelligible or comprehensible

convoluted

adjective

twisted or coiled; complicated or intricately involved

misanthrope

noun

a person who dislikes other people

foment

verb

to instigate or foster discord or ill feeling

fetid

adjective

having an offensive odor; stinking

waver

noun

an act of fluttering or vacillating

flag

verb

to fall off in vigor, energy, activity, interest; to hang loosely or droop

mar

verb

to damage or spoil to a certain extent; to disfigure, deface, or scar

posit

verb

to lay down or assume as a fact or principle; postulate

venerable

adjective

commanding respect because of great age or impressive dignity; worthy of veneration or reverence

boor

noun

a churlish, rude, or unmannerly person; a country bumpkin, rustic or yokel

zealot

noun

a person who shows a great deal of enthusiasm, a fanatic

malleable

adj.

capable of being extended or shaped by hammering or by pressure from rollers.

largess

n.

generous bestowal of gifts.

variegated

v.t.,

to make varied in appearance, as by adding different colors.

ford

n.

a place where a river or other body of water is shallow enough to be crossed by wading.

affected

adj.

assumed artificially; unnatural; feigned:

mirth

n.

gaiety or jollity, esp. when accompanied by laughter:

numismatics

n.

the study or collecting of coins, medals, paper money, etc.

wizened

v.i., v.t.

to wither; shrivel; dry up.

surly

adj.,

churlishly rude or bad-tempered:

kudos

n.,

honor; glory; acclaim:

gestating

v.t.

to carry in the womb during the period from conception to delivery.

Words in This List (Similar to GRE words commonly found in literature)

approbation

n

approval; commendation.

effrontery

n

shameless or impudent boldness; barefaced audacity

ennui

n

a feeling of utter weariness and discontent resulting from satiety or lack of interest; boredom

laud

vo

to praise; extol.

nebulous

a

hazy, vague, indistinct, or confused

onerous

a

burdensome, oppressive, or troublesome; causing hardship

reticent

a

disposed to be silent or not to speak freely; reserved.

cacophony

n

harsh discordance of sound; dissonance

inveigle

vo

to entice, lure, or ensnare by flattery or artful talk or inducements (usually followed by )

ubiquitous

a

existing or being everywhere, especially at the same time; omnipresent

penurious

a

extremely stingy; parsimonious; miserly.

urbane

a

reflecting elegance, sophistication, etc., especially in expression

bombast

n

speech too pompous for an occasion; pretentious words.

fortuitous

a

happening or produced by chance; accidental

brusque

a

abrupt in manner; blunt; rough

petulant

a

moved to or showing sudden, impatient irritation, especially over some trifling annoyance

imperturbable

a

incapable of being upset or agitated; not easily excited; calm

lugubrious

a

mournful, dismal, or gloomy, especially in an affected, exaggerated, or unrelieved manner

surreptitious

a

obtained, done, made, etc., by stealth; secret or unauthorized; clandestine

censure

vo

to criticize or reproach in a harsh or vehement manner

fatuous

a

foolish or inane, especially in an unconscious, complacent manner; silly.

uxorious

a

doting upon, foolishly fond of, or affectionately submissive toward one's wife.

propinquity

n

nearness of relation; kinship.

blithe

a

joyous, merry, or gay in disposition; glad; cheerful

precipitant

a

hasty; rash.

piquant

a

agreeably stimulating, interesting, or attractive

mien

n

air, bearing, or demeanor, as showing character, feeling, etc.

fastidious

a

requiring or characterized by excessive care or delicacy; painstaking.

pique

vo

to arouse an emotion or provoke to action

assiduous

a

constant in application or effort; working diligently at a task; persevering; industrious; attentive

probity

n

integrity and uprightness; honesty.

subterfuge

n

an artifice or expedient used to evade a rule, escape a consequence, hide something, etc.

banal

a

devoid of freshness or originality; hackneyed; trite

flippant

a

frivolously disrespectful, shallow, or lacking in seriousness; characterized by levity

capricious

a

subject to, led by, or indicative of caprice or whim; erratic

august

a

venerable; eminent

recalcitrant

a

resisting authority or control; not obedient or compliant; refractory.

affability

a

pleasantly easy to approach and to talk to; friendly; cordial; warmly polite

coquetry

n

the behavior or arts of a coquette; flirtation.

inured

vo

to accustom to hardship, difficulty, pain, etc.; toughen or harden; habituate (usually followed by )

dilatory

a

tending to delay or procrastinate; slow; tardy.

sententious

a

given to excessive moralizing; self-righteous.

ribald

a

vulgar or indecent in speech, language, etc.; coarsely mocking, abusive, or irreverent; scurrilous.

tutelage

n

the act of guarding, protecting, or guiding; office or function of a guardian; guardianship.

temerity

n

reckless boldness; rashness.

inchoate

a

not yet completed or fully developed; rudimentary.

imbibe

vo

to take or receive into the mind, as knowledge, ideas, or the like

fecund

a

producing or capable of producing offspring, fruit, vegetation, etc., in abundance; prolific; fruitful

ineffable

a

incapable of being expressed or described in words; inexpressible

vociferous

a

crying out noisily; clamorous.

stultify

vo

to make, or cause to appear, foolish or ridiculous.

unctuous

a

characterized by excessive piousness or moralistic fervor, especially in an affected manner; excessively smooth, suave, or smug.

amenable

a

ready or willing to answer, act, agree, or yield; open to influence, persuasion, or advice; agreeable; submissive; tractable

intrepid

a

resolutely fearless; dauntless

obfuscate

vo

to confuse, bewilder, or stupefy.

quixotic

a

extravagantly chivalrous or romantic; visionary, impractical, or impracticable.

disparage

vo

to speak of or treat slightingly; depreciate; belittle

GRE (by RYAN ) 23 wordsostentatious

adj.

characterized by or given to pretentious or conspicuous show in an attempt to impress others:

phlegmatic

adj.

not easily excited to action or display of emotion; apathetic; sluggish.

probity

n.

integrity and uprightness; honesty.

proclivity

n.,

natural or habitual inclination or tendency; propensity; predisposition:

profligate

adj.

utterly and shamelessly immoral or dissipated; thoroughly dissolute.

prosaic

adj.

commonplace or dull; matter-of-fact or unimaginative:

quixotic

adj.

resembling or befitting Don Quixote.

quotidian

adj.

daily:

rarefy

v.i.

to become rare or less dense; become thinned:

recondite

adj.

dealing with very profound, difficult, or abstruse subject matter:

refulgent

adj.

shining brightly; radiant; gleaming:

renege

v.i.

to go back on one's word:

sedulous

adj.

diligent in application or attention; persevering; assiduous.

spendthrift

n.

a person who spends possessions or money extravagantly or wastefully; prodigal.

tacit

adj.

understood without being openly expressed; implied:

terse

adj.

neatly or effectively concise; brief and pithy, as language.

trenchant

adj.

incisive or keen, as language or a person; caustic; cutting:

truculent

adj.

fierce; cruel; savagely brutal.

untenable

adj.

incapable of being defended, as an argument, thesis, etc.; indefensible.

vacillate

v.i.,

to waver in mind or opinion; be indecisive or irresolute:

vexation

n.

the act of vexing.

vituperate

v.i., v.t.,

to use or address with harsh or abusive language; revile.

variegated

v.t.,

to make varied in appearance, as by adding different colors

Words in This List (Letter P deck 2) 73 wordspropitious

a

presenting favorable conditions; favorable

proponent

a person who argues in favor of something; an advocate. an opposite of opponent.

propriety

n

the conventional standards of proper behavior; manners

propulsive

n

a means of propelling propelling force, impulse, etc.

prosaic

a

commonplace or dull; matter-of-fact or unimaginative

proscenium

n

the arch that separates a stage from the auditorium. pros.

proscribe

vo

to denounce or condemn (a thing) as dangerous or harmful; prohibit.

proselytize

vo,vw

to convert or attempt to convert as a proselyte recruit.

proselyte

n

a person who has changed from one opinion, religious belief, sect, or the like, to another; convert.

prosody

n

the science or study of poetic meters and versification.

prostrate

vo

to cast (oneself) face down on the ground in humility, submission, or adoration.

protean

a

readily assuming different forms or characters; extremely variable.

protégé

person receiving protection and support from a patron.

protocol

n

the customs and regulations dealing with diplomatic formality, precedence, and etiquette.

prototype

n

the original or model on which something is based or formed.

protrude

vo

to thrust forward; cause to project.

protract

vo

to draw out or lengthen, especially in time; extend the duration of; prolong.

protuberance

n

the condition, state, or quality of being protuberant

provenance

n

place or source of origin

purport

vo

to present, especially deliberately, the appearance of being; profess or claim, often falsely

purported

vo

to present, especially deliberately, the appearance of being; profess or claim, often falsely

purse

vo

to contract into folds or wrinkles; pucker

purveyor

n

a person who purveys provides, or supplies

pusillanimous

a

lacking courage or resolution; cowardly; faint-hearted; timid.

putative

a

commonly regarded as such; reputed; supposed

putrid

a

in a state of foul decay or decomposition, as animal or vegetable matter; rotten.

pylon

n

a marking post or tower for guiding aviators, frequently used in races.

pyromaniac

n

a compulsion to set things on fire.

provender

n

dry food, as hay or oats, for livestock or other domestic animals; fodder.

provident

a

having or showing foresight; providing carefully for the future.

provincial

a

belonging or peculiar to some particular province local

provisional

a

providing or serving for the time being only; existing only until permanently or properly replaced; temporary

proviso

n

a stipulation or condition.

provocative

a

tending or serving to provoke inciting, stimulating, irritating, or vexing.

prowess

exceptional valor, bravery, or ability, especially in combat or battle.exceptional or superior ability, skill, or strength

proxy

n

the agency, function, or power of a person authorized to act as the deputy or substitute for another.

prude

n

a person who is excessively proper or modest in speech, conduct, dress, etc.

prudent

a

wise or judicious in practical affairs; sagacious; discreet or circumspect; sober.

prune

vo

to remove (anything considered superfluous or undesirable).

prurient

a

having, inclined to have, or characterized by lascivious or lustful thoughts, desires, etc.

preen

vw

to make oneself appear striking or smart in dress or appearance

pry

vw

to inquire impertinently or unnecessarily into something

pseudonym

n

a fictitious name used by an author to conceal his or her identity; pen name.

Psyche

n

the human soul, spirit, or mind.

psychiatrist

n

a physician who practices psychiatry

psychopathic

a

of, pertaining to, or affected with psychopathy

psychopathy

n

any mental disease.

psychosis

n

any severe form of mental disorder, as schizophrenia or paranoia.

pterodactyl

n

any of a number of genera of flying reptiles of the extinct order Pterosauria, from the Jurassic and Cretaceous periods, having a highly reduced tail

and teeth and a birdlike beak.

puerile

a

of or pertaining to a child or to childhood.

pugilist

n

a person who fights with the fists; a boxer, usually a professional.

pugnacity

a

inclined to quarrel or fight readily; quarrelsome; belligerent; combative.

puissant

a

powerful; mighty; potent.

pulchritude

n

physical beauty; comeliness.

pulmonary

a

of or pertaining to the lungs.

pulsate

vw

to expand and contract rhythmically, as the heart; beat; throb.

pulverize

vo

to reduce to dust or powder, as by pounding or grinding.

pummel

vo

to beat or thrash with or as if with the fists.

punctilious

a

extremely attentive to punctilios strict or exact in the observance of the formalities or amenities of conduct or actions.

punctilios

n

a fine point, particular, or detail, as of conduct, ceremony, or procedure.

punctiliousness

a

extremely attentive to punctilios strict or exact in the observance of the formalities or amenities of conduct or actions.

pundit

n

a learned person, expert, or authority.

punitive

a

serving for, concerned with, or inflicting punishment

purgative

a

purging or cleansing, especially by causing evacuation of the bowels.

purgatorial

a

removing or purging sin; expiatory

purgatory

n

(in the belief of Roman Catholics and others) a condition or place in which the souls of those dying penitent are purified from venial sins, or undergo

the temporal punishment that, after the guilt of mortal sin has been remitted, still remains to be endured by the sinner.

purge

vo

to rid of whatever is impure or undesirable; cleanse; purify.

pun

n

the humorous use of a word or phrase so as to emphasize or suggest its different meanings or applications, or the use of words that are alike or

nearly alike in sound but different in meaning; a play on words.

parlance

n

a way or manner of speaking; vernacular; idiom

parterre

n

the rear section of seats, and sometimes also the side sections, of the main floor of a theater, concert hall, or opera house.

primeval

a

of or pertaining to the first age or ages, especially of the world

priapism

n

continuous, usually nonsexual erection of the penis, especially due to disease.

posterity

n

all descendants of one person

Words in This List (Similar to 199 Words to Master for the GMAT)199 words.

pedantic

adjective

ostentatious in one's learning, overly concerned with minute details or formalisms, especially in teaching

ambiguous

adjective

open to or having several possible meanings or interpretations; difficult to comprehend, distinguish, or classify

repudiate

verb

to reject as having no authority or binding force, to cast off or disown

paradigm

noun

a set of forms all of which contain a particular element, an example serving as a model or pattern

paradox

noun

a statement or proposition that seems self-contradictory or absurd but in reality expresses a possible truth

refute

verb

to prove to be false or erroneous, as an opinion or charge

innocuous

adjective

not harmful or injurious; harmless

austere

adjective

severe in manner or appearance, rigorously self-disciplined and severely moral; lacking softness

arcane

adjective

known or understood by very few; mysterious, secret or obscure

anomaly

noun

a deviation from the common rule, type, arrangement, or form; an odd or peculiar condition

pernicious

adjective

causing insidious harm or ruin, injury or hurt

spurious

adjective

not genuine, authentic, or true; pretended or counterfeit

petulant

adjective

moved to or showing sudden, impatient irritation, especially over some trifling annoyance

propensity

noun

a natural inclination or tendency

mercurial

adjective

changeable, volatile, fickle, flighty and erratic

nascent

adjective

beginning to exist or develop

sporadic

adjective

appearing or happening at irregular intervals in time; scattered or isolated instances

arduous

adjective

requiring great exertion; laborious, using much energy and vigor; full of hardships

cogent

adjective

convincing or believable by virtue of forcible, clear, or incisive presentation

perfunctory

adjective

performed merely as a routine duty; hasty and superficial; lacking interest, care, or enthusiasm; indifferent or apathetic

pithy

adjective

brief, forceful, and meaningful in expression; full of vigor, substance, or meaning; terse

catalyst

noun

a person or thing that precipitates an event or change

tacit

adjective

understood without being openly expressed; implied, unvoiced or unspoken

placate

verb

to appease or pacify, especially by concessions or conciliatory gestures

ascetic

noun

a person who dedicates his or her life to a pursuit of contemplative ideals and practices extreme self-denial for religious reasons

ostensible

adjective

outwardly appearing, professed or pretended

terse

adjective

neatly or effectively concise, brief and pithy

abscond

verb

to depart in a sudden and secret manner, especially to avoid capture and legal prosecution

obdurate

adjective

unmoved by persuasion, pity, or tender feelings; stubborn, unyielding

guile

noun

insidious cunning in attaining a goal; crafty or artful deception

impede

verb

to retard in movement or progress by means of obstacles or hindrances

maverick

noun

an unbranded calf that is separated from its mother, or a lone dissenter who takes an independent stand apart from his or her associates

levity

noun

lightness of mind, character, or behavior; lack of appropriate seriousness or earnestness

phlegmatic

adjective

not easily excited to action or display of emotion; self-possessed, calm, or composed

abeyance

noun

temporary inactivity, cessation, or suspension

aberrant

adjective

departing from the right, normal, or usual course; exceptional

umbrage

noun

offense, annoyance or displeasure; the slightest indication or vaguest feeling of suspicion, doubt or hostility

partisan

noun

an adherent or supporter of a person, group, party, or cause, especially one that shows a biased, emotional allegiance

lassitude

noun

weariness of body or mind from strain; a condition of indolent indifference

apposite

adjective

suitable, well-adapted, pertinent, relevant or apt

salubrious

adjective

favorable to or promoting health

reprobate

adjective

morally depraved, unprincipled or bad; rejected by God and beyond hope of salvation

castigate

verb

to criticize or reprimand severely, or punish in order to correct

chicanery

noun

trickery or deception by quibbling or sophistry

recondite

adjective

dealing with very profound or difficult subject matter; beyond ordinary knowledge or understanding

imperious

adjective

domineering in a haughty manner; dictatorial or overbearing

laud

verb

to praise, extol

reverent

adjective

feeling, exhibiting, or characterized by reverence; deeply respectful

pedestrian

adjective

lacking in vitality, imagination or distinction; commonplace or dull

impecunious

adjective

having little or no money; penniless, poor

sedulous

adjective

diligent in application or attention; persistently or carefully maintained

trenchant

adjective

incisive or keen, as language or a person; vigorous, effective and energetic

mendacious

adjective

telling lies, habitually dishonest, untruthful

mollify

verb

to soften in feeling or temper; pacify or appease; reduce or soften

perfidious

adjective

deliberately faithless, treacherous or deceitful

torpid

adjective

inactive or sluggish; slow; dull or lethargic

objective

noun

something that one's efforts or actions are intended to attain or accomplish; a purpose, goal or target

sanguine

adjective

cheerfully optimistic or confident; reddish, ruddy

moot

adjective

open to discussion or debate; doubtful

mitigate

verb

to lessen in force or intensity, as wrath, grief, harshness, or pain; moderate

astute

adjective

of keen penetration or discernment; clever or shrewd

obtuse

adjective

not quick or alert in perception, feeling, or intellect; dull

sycophant

noun

a person who uses flattery to win favor; one who fawns, a toady

nefarious

adjective

extremely wicked or villainous; iniquitous

clandestine

adjective

characterized by secrecy or concealment, especially for purposes of subversion or deception

manifest

verb

to make clear or evident, to prove beyond a doubt

solace

noun

comfort in sorrow, misfortune, or trouble; something that gives comfort, consolation, or relief

innate

adjective

existing in one from birth; inherent in the essential character of something

ephemeral

adjective

lasting a very short time; short-lived or transitory

perpetual

adjective

continuing or enduring forever or an indefinitely long time

futile

adjective

incapable of producing any result; useless

trite

adjective

lacking in freshness or effectiveness because of constant use or excessive repetition; hackneyed and stale

laconic

adjective

expressing much in few words; concise

implicit

adjective

implied rather than expressly stated; unquestioning or unreserved

implication

noun

something suggested as naturally to be inferred or understood

prosaic

adjective

commonplace or dull; having the character of prose rather than poetry

jaded

adjective

dulled by overindulgence; worn out or wearied, as by overwork or overuse

resolution

noun

a formal opinion or intention made after voting by a formal organization, a legislature or a club

affable

adjective

pleasantly easy to approach and to talk to; friendly or cordial

rhetorical

adjective

concerned with mere style or effect; tending to use bombast

obfuscate

verb

to confuse, bewilder, or stupefy, to make obscure or unclear

stigma

noun

a mark of disgrace or infamy; a stain or reproach, as on one's reputation

reiterate

verb

to say or do again; to repeat excessively

pejorative

adjective

having a disparaging, derogatory, or belittling effect or force

infer

verb

to derive by reasoning; conclude or judge from premises or evidence; to indicate, hint or suggest

chagrin

noun

a feeling of vexation, marked by disappointment or humiliation

nexus

noun

a means of connection; the core or center, as of a matter or situation

nebulous

adjective

hazy, vague, indistinct, or confused; cloudy or cloudlike

idiosyncrasy

noun

a characteristic, habit, mannerism, or the like, that is peculiar to an individual

haughty

adjective

disdainfully proud, snobbish or scornfully arrogant

protocol

noun

the customs and regulations dealing with diplomatic formality, precedence, and etiquette

abhor

verb

to regard with extreme aversion or to detest utterly

fortitude

noun

mental and emotional strength in facing difficulty, adversity, danger, or temptation courageously

incorrigible

adjective

bad beyond correction or reform

abstruse

adjective

hard to understand, esoteric or secretive

maudlin

adjective

tearfully or weakly emotional; foolishly sentimental

furtive

adjective

taken and used by stealth; secret, sly or shifty

abrogate

verb

to abolish by official means; annul by an authoritative act; repeal

tepid

adjective

lukewarm; characterized by a lack of force or enthusiasm

impervious

adjective

not permitting entrance; incapable of being injured, influenced or persuaded

omniscient

adjective

having complete or unlimited knowledge, awareness, or understanding; perceiving all things

incessant

adjective

continuing without interruption; ceaseless or unending

xenophobia

noun

an unreasonable fear or hatred of foreigners or strangers

censure

verb

to criticize or reproach in a harsh or vehement manner

inchoate

adjective

not yet completed or fully developed

cache

noun

a hiding place in the ground, for ammunition, food or treasure

wanton

adjective

done maliciously or unjustifiably; deliberate and without motive or provocation

juxtapose

verb

to place close together or side by side for comparison or contrast

mandate

noun

a command or authorization to act in a particular way on a public issue given by the electorate to its representative

allude

verb

to refer casually or indirectly; to make an allusion

tenet

noun

any opinion, principle, doctrine, dogma held as true by members of a profession, group, or movement

ramification

noun

a related or derived subject, problem; an outgrowth, consequence or implication

forbearance

noun

a refraining from something, patient endurance or self-control

cohort

noun

a group or company, companion or associate

heed

noun

careful attention, notice or observation

hone

verb

to enlarge or finish; to make more acute or effective

raconteur

noun

a person who is skilled in relating stories and anecdotes interestingly

pecuniary

adjective

pertaining to money; exacted in monetary payments or involving a fine

bucolic

adjective

pertaining to shepherds or suggesting an idyllic rural life

adroit

adjective

nimble in the use of the hands or body; cleverly skillful, resourceful, or ingenious

stagnant

adjective

not flowing or running, such as water or air; characterized by lack of development, advancement, or progressive movement

obviate

verb

to anticipate and prevent by effective measures; render unnecessary

odious

adjective

deserving or causing hatred; highly offensive or disgusting

heresy

noun

an opinion at variance with the orthodox or accepted doctrine, especially of a church or religious system

soporific

adjective

tending to cause sleep; sleepy or drowsy

superlative

adjective

of the highest kind, surpassing all else or others; supreme; extreme

abstemious

adjective

moderate in eating and drinking, temperate in diet

prevaricate

verb

to speak falsely or misleadingly; deliberately misstate or create an incorrect impression; lie

realm

noun

the region, sphere, or domain within which anything occurs, prevails, or dominates

guise

noun

general external appearance; aspect or semblance

static

adjective

characterized by a stationary condition showing little or no change; lacking movement, development or vitality

inculcate

verb

to implant by repeated statement or admonition; teach persistently and earnestly

impasse

noun

a position or situation from which there is no escape; deadlock

urbane

adjective

having the polish regarded as characteristic of sophisticated social life in major cities; reflecting elegance and sophistication

rectify

verb

to make or set right; remedy; to correct

indelible

adjective

making marks that cannot be erased or removed

truculent

adjective

fierce, cruel, brutally harsh or aggressively hostile

opulence

noun

wealth, riches, or affluence

parochial

adjective

pertaining to a parish or the education they provide; very limited or narrow in scope or outlook; provincial

impartial

adjective

not biased; fair and just

indemnify

verb

to compensate for damage or loss sustained; to secure against anticipated loss

mercenary

adjective

working or acting merely for money or other reward; venal

indomitable

adjective

that cannot be subdued or overcome, as persons, will, or courage; unconquerable

bellicose

adjective

inclined to fight; aggressively hostile

uncouth

adjective

awkward, clumsy, or unmannerly; strange and ungraceful in appearance or form

steadfast

adjective

fixed in direction, firm in purpose, resolution, faith or attachment; unwavering

inimical

adjective

adverse in effect; unfavorable, harmful and unfriendly

chimera

noun

a mythological monster, commonly represented with a lion's head, a goat's body, and a serpent's tail; any horrible creature of the imagination

fret

verb

to express worry, annoyance or discontent

wry

adjective

produced by a distortion or lopsidedness of the facial features, devious in course or purpose; misdirected

bereft

adjective

deprived

brusque

adjective

abrupt in manner; blunt or rough

surfeit

noun

an excessive amount or overindulgence in eating or drinking

cessation

noun

a temporary or complete stopping; discontinuance

berate

verb

to scold or rebuke

imbue

verb

to impregnate or inspire, as with feelings, opinions, moisture or color

garner

verb

to gather or deposit in or as if in a granary

calumny

noun

a false and malicious statement designed to injure the reputation of someone or something

taut

adjective

tightly drawn, not slack; emotionally or mentally strained or tense

collusion

noun

a secret agreement for fraudulent or treacherous purposes; conspiracy

frenetic

adjective

frantic; frenzied

rant

verb

to speak or declaim extravagantly or violently; talk in a wild or vehement way; rave

harangue

noun

a long, passionate, vehement speech delivered before a public gathering

accede

verb

to give consent or approval

suave

adjective

smoothly agreeable or polite; agreeably or blandly urbane

callow

adjective

immature or inexperienced; a featherless young bird

rancor

noun

bitter, rankling resentment or ill will; hatred or malice

perdition

noun

a state of final spiritual ruin; loss of the soul

abase

verb

to reduce or lower, as in rank, office, reputation, or estimation

initiate

verb

to begin or to introduce into the knowledge of some art or subject

gauche

adjective

lacking social grace, sensitivity, or acuteness

miscreant

noun

a vicious or depraved person; a villain

artifice

noun

a clever trick or stratagem; a cunning, crafty device

parity

noun

equality in amount, status, or character; equivalence or correspondence

mellifluous

adjective

sweetly or smoothly flowing; sweet-sounding

foray

noun

a quick raid, a quick, sudden attack

amity

noun

friendship, mutual understanding and a peaceful relationship

tawdry

adjective

gaudy; showy and cheap; low, mean or base

mire

verb

to plunge and fix in marshy land; to involve or entangle

gaffe

noun

a social blunder, a faux pas

disperse

verb

to move apart in different directions without order or regularity; become scattered

recidivism

noun

habitual relapse, as into crime or antisocial behavior

staid

adjective

of settled character, not flighty or capricious

metamorphosis

noun

a complete change of form, structure, or substance, appearance, character or circumstance

lateral

adjective

pertaining to the side; situated at, proceeding from, or directed to a side

innovate

verb

to introduce something new; make changes in anything established

strident

adjective

making a harsh sound; having a shrill, irritating quality or character

syllogism

noun

using deductive reasoning; an extremely subtle, sophisticated, or deceptive argument

galvanize

verb

to stimulate by an electric current

flux

noun

the flowing in of the tide; continuous change or movement

gravity

noun

heaviness or weight; serious or critical nature

inundate

verb

to flood with water; deluge or overwhelm

goad

verb

to prick or drive with, to prod or incite

caliber

noun

the diameter of something of circular section, especially the inside of a tube

beseech

verb

to make an urgent appeal

odium

noun

intense hatred or dislike toward a person or thing regarded as contemptible, despicable, or repugnant

obeisance

noun

a movement of the body expressing deep respect or deferential courtesy; a bow or curtsy

infamy

noun

extremely bad reputation, public reproach, or strong condemnation as the result of a shameful, criminal, or outrageous act

savant

noun

a person of profound or extensive learning; a learned scholar

Words in This List ($20) – 27words.homologize

To make or show to be corresponding.

merism

A synecdoche in which a thing is expressed by a description of several of its parts.

exiguous

Scanty; meager; small.

ana

A collection of miscellaneous information about a particular subject or thing, or an item in such a collection, as an anecdote, a memorable saying, etc.

altiloquent

High-flown or pretentious.

perpend

To consider; to deliberate.

illume

To make clear.

erudiate

To educate or instruct.

concatenate

To link together; unite in a series or chain.

fugacious

Fleeting; transitory.

exigent

Requiring immediate action or aid; urgent; pressing.

roman-fleuve

A saga.

Bildungsroman

A type of novel concerned with the education, development, and maturing of a young protagonist.

adduce

To bring forward in argument as evidence; cite as pertinent or conclusive.

sedulous

Diligent in application or attention; persevering.

euphuism

Any ornate style of writing or speaking; high-flown, periphrastic language.

catachresis

Misuse or strained use of words, as in a mixed metaphor, occurring either in error or for rhetorical effect.

anacoenosis

A figure of speech in which an appeal is made to one's listeners or opponents for their opinion or judgment as to the subject under discussion.

antiphrastic

Of, or relating to the use of a word in a sense opposite to its proper meaning.

inveigh

To protest strongly or attack vehemently with words; rail (usually followed by against).

adumbrate

To foreshadow; prefigure.

fatuous

Unreal; illusory.

amphibological

Of or pertaining to the ambiguity of speech, especially from uncertainty of the grammatical construction rather than of the meaning of the words.

promulgate

To make known by open declaration; publish; proclaim formally or put into operation (a law, decree of a court, etc.).

paralipsis

The suggestion, by deliberately concise treatment of a topic, that much of significance is being omitted.

erotema

A rhetorical question.

tautology

Needless repetition of an idea, especially in words other than those of the immediate context, without imparting additional force or clearness.

Words in This ListWords in This List (Similar to Irony and related concepts)

Words in This List (GRE)Words in This List (Similar to GRE words commonly found in literature)

Words in This List (Letter P deck 2) 73 wordsWords in This List (Similar to 199 Words to Master for the GMAT)

Words in This List ($20) – 27words.