remittance /rɪˈmɪt(ə)ns/ Learn to pronounce noun a sum of money sent in payment or as a gift. "complete your booking form and send it together with your remittance" Similar: payment settlement money fee cheque money order transfer of funds negotiable instrument monies allowance sum of money consideration the action of sending money in payment or as a gift. "remittance may be made by credit card" --- Ad hominem (Latin for "to the person"), short for argumentum ad hominem, typically refers to a fallacious argumentative strategy whereby genuine discussion of the topic at hand is avoided by instead attacking the character, motive, or other attribute of the person making the argument, or persons associated with the argument, rather than attacking the substance of the argument itself. The terms ad mulierem and ad feminam have been used specifically when the person receiving the criticism is female. Example: such as the attacks on the character of Greta Thunberg by Donald Trump (US president) and Emmanuel Jean-Michel Frédéric Macron (France president). Greta Tintin Eleonora Ernman Thunberg (born 3 January 2003) is a Swedish environmental activist on climate change whose campaigning has gained international recognition. Thunberg is known for her straightforward speaking manner, both in public and to political leaders and assemblies, in which she urges immediate action to address what she describes as the climate crisis. --- The President of France, officially the President of the French Republic (French: président de la République française, French pronunciation: [pʁezidɑ̃ də la ʁepyblik fʁɑ̃sɛːz]), is the executive head of state of France in the French Fifth Republic. In French terms, the presidency is the supreme magistracy of the country. The powers, functions and duties of prior presidential offices, as well as their relation with the Prime Minister and Government of France, have over time differed with the various constitutional documents since the French Second Republic. The President of the French Republic is also the ex officio Co-Prince of Andorra, Grand Master of the Legion of Honour and of the National Order of Merit. The officeholder is also honorary proto-canon of the Basilica of St. John Lateran in Rome (although some have rejected the title in the past). The current President of the French Republic is Emmanuel Macron, who succeeded François Hollande on 14 May 2017. --- hold someone's feet to the fire Also, keep someone's feet to the fire. Pressure someone to consent to or undertake something, as in The only way you'll get him to agree is to hold his feet to the fire. This idiom alludes to an ancient test of courage or form of torture in which a person's feet were so placed. It began to be used figuratively in the second half of the 1900s. Also see hold a gun to someone's head. --- in-your-face /ɪnjəˈfeɪs/ adjectiveINFORMAL blatantly aggressive or provocative; impossible to ignore or avoid. "hard-boiled, in-your-face action thrillers" --- winnow /ˈwɪnəʊ/ Learn to pronounce verb verb: winnow; 3rd person present: winnows; past tense: winnowed; past participle: winnowed; gerund or present participle: winnowing; verb: win-now; 3rd person present: win-nows; past tense: win-nowed; past participle: win-nowed; gerund or present participle: win-nowing 1. blow a current of air through (grain) in order to remove the chaff. "a combine cuts, threshes, and winnows the grain in one operation" remove (chaff) from grain. "women winnow the chaff from piles of unhusked rice" Similar: separate divide sort out remove get rid of remove (people or things) from a group until only the best ones are left. "guidelines that would help winnow out those not fit to be soldiers" find or identify (a valuable or useful part of something). "amidst this welter of confusing signals, it's difficult to winnow out the truth" Similar: separate out sift out filter out isolate sort out find identify ferret out 2. LITERARY (of the wind) blow. "the autumn wind winnowing its way through the grass" (of a bird) fan (the air) with its wings. "the emperors of the sky winnowing the air" Origin --- cookie cutter nounNORTH AMERICAN noun: cookie cutter; plural noun: cookie cutters a device with sharp edges for cutting biscuit dough into a particular shape. denoting something mass-produced or lacking any distinguishing characteristics. modifier noun: cookie-cutter "a cookie-cutter apartment in a high-rise building" --- precinct /ˈpriːsɪŋ(k)t/ Learn to pronounce noun noun: precinct; plural noun: precincts 1. the area within the walls or perceived boundaries of a particular building or place. "a former MP who still works in the precincts of the House" Similar: bounds boundaries limits confines surrounding area environs surroundings purlieus surrounds neighbourhood vicinity locality an enclosed or clearly defined area of ground around a cathedral, church, or college. "the precincts of the abbey church" Similar: enclosure close quadrangle court courtyard quad 2. BRITISH an area in a town designated for specific or restricted use, especially one which is closed to traffic. "a pedestrian precinct" Similar: area zone sector district section quarter region 3. NORTH AMERICAN a district of a city or town as defined for policing purposes. the police station situated in a precinct. "at the precinct a desk sergeant ran through her ID" an electoral district of a city or town served by a single polling station. "with 35 per cent of the precincts declaring, he had 51 per cent of the vote" Origin --- burglarize /ˈbəːɡlərʌɪz/ verb verb: burglarize; 3rd person present: burglarizes; past tense: burglarized; past participle: burglarized; gerund or present participle: burglarizing; verb: burglarise; 3rd person present: burglarises; past tense: burglarised; past participle: burglarised; gerund or present participle: burglarising enter (a building) illegally with intent to commit a crime, especially theft; burgle. "our summer house has been burglarized" --- burgle /ˈbəːɡ(ə)l/ Learn to pronounce verbBRITISH verb: burgle; 3rd person present: burgles; past tense: burgled; past participle: burgled; gerund or present participle: burgling enter (a building) illegally with intent to commit a crime, especially theft. "our house in London has been burgled" Similar: break into force (an) entry into force one's way into steal from rob loot plunder rifle sack ransack pillage do Origin --- stalemate /ˈsteɪlmeɪt/ noun CHESS 1. a position counting as a draw, in which a player is not in check but cannot move except into check. "last time I played him it ended up in stalemate" 2. a situation in which further action or progress by opposing or competing parties seems impossible. plural noun: stalemates "the war had again reached stalemate" Similar: deadlock impasse standstill dead end stand-off draw tie dead heat verb verb: stalemate; 3rd person present: stalemates; past tense: stalemated; past participle: stalemated; gerund or present participle: stalemating bring to or cause to reach stalemate. "the group played a key role in stalemating the negotiations" Origin mid 18th century: from obsolete stale (from Anglo-Norman French estale ‘position’, from estaler ‘be placed’) + mate2. --- cohort /ˈkəʊhɔːt/ noun plural noun: cohorts 1. an ancient Roman military unit, comprising six centuries, equal to one tenth of a legion. Similar: unit outfit force army group corps division brigade battalion regiment squadron company commando battery troop section patrol cadre crew detachment contingent column squad detail band legion 2. a group of people with a shared characteristic. "a cohort of civil servants patiently drafting legislation" a group of people with a common statistical characteristic. "the 1940–4 birth cohort of women" Similar: group grouping category categorization grade grading classification class set section division order batch list age group generation 3. DEROGATORY a supporter or companion. "young Jack arrived with three of his cohorts" Origin --- harrow /ˈharəʊ/ Learn to pronounce noun an implement consisting of a heavy frame set with teeth or tines which is dragged over ploughed land to break up clods, remove weeds, and cover seed. verb 1. draw a harrow over (land). "they ploughed and harrowed the heavy clay" 2. cause distress to. "Todd could take it, whereas I'm harrowed by it" Similar: distress trouble afflict grieve torment torture crucify rack --- phenomenological /fəˌnɒmɪnəˈlɒdʒɪk(ə)l/ Learn to pronounce adjectivePHILOSOPHY adjective: phenomenological relating to the science of phenomena as distinct from that of the nature of being. "phenomenological parameters" denoting or relating to an approach that concentrates on the study of consciousness and the objects of direct experience. "the phenomenological approach's reliance solely on personal experience" --- high fidelity noun noun: high fidelity; modifier noun: high-fidelity the reproduction of sound with little distortion, giving a result very similar to the original. "high-fidelity speakers" --- prudish /ˈpruːdɪʃ/ Learn to pronounce adjective having or revealing a tendency to be easily shocked by matters relating to sex or nudity; excessively concerned with sexual propriety. "the prudish moral climate of the late 19th century" Similar: puritanical puritan priggish prim prim and proper formal --- snafu /snaˈfuː,ˈsnafuː/ Learn to pronounce INFORMAL•NORTH AMERICAN noun a confused or chaotic state; a mess. "an enormous amount of my time was devoted to untangling snafus" adjective in utter confusion or chaos. "our refrigeration plant is snafu" verb throw (a situation) into chaos. "you ignored his orders and snafued everything" --- befuddle /bɪˈfʌd(ə)l/ Learn to pronounce verb past tense: befuddled; past participle: befuddled cause to become unable to think clearly. "even in my befuddled state I could see that they meant trouble" Similar: confused muddled addled bewildered disoriented --- haggle /ˈhaɡ(ə)l/ Learn to pronounce verb gerund or present participle: haggling dispute or bargain persistently, especially over the cost of something. "the two sides are haggling over television rights" Similar: barter bargain negotiate discuss terms quibble wrangle beat someone down drive a hard bargain deal wheel and deal trade traffic dicker treat chaffer palter Origin --- isopraxism / mirroring: An impulsive tendency to, e.g., a. stand and clap as audience members nearby stand and applaud, or b. wear the same style of jewelry, clothing, or shoes. Usage I: Isopraxism explains why we dress like our colleagues and adopt the beliefs, customs, and mannerisms of the people we admire. --- uncannily /ʌnˈkanɪli/ Learn to pronounce adverb in a strange or mysterious way, especially one that is unsettling. "Bobby looks uncannily like his father" --- plough /plaʊ/ Learn to pronounce verb past tense: plowed; past participle: plowed 1. turn up the earth of (an area of land) with a plough, especially before sowing. "the fields had all been ploughed up" Similar: cultivate till work furrow harrow ridge break up turn up cut (a furrow or line) with or as if with a plough. "icebergs have ploughed furrows on the seabed" (of a ship or boat) travel through (an area of water). "cruise liners plough the long-sailed routes" unearth something while using a plough. "some day someone will plough up the bomb and lose a leg" 2. (especially of a vehicle) move in a fast and uncontrolled manner. "the car ploughed into the side of a van" Similar: career plunge crash smash bulldoze hurtle cannon lurch drive run careen barrel crash into smash into collide with be in collision with hit strike ram smack into slam into bang into meet head-on run into drive into bump into crack into/against dash against impact advance or progress laboriously or forcibly. "they ploughed their way through deep snow" Similar: trudge plod toil clump push one's way wade flounder press move laboriously slog trog persevere persist continue carry on go on keep at it keep on keep going keep it up not give up be persistent be determined see/follow something through show determination press on/ahead plod on stay with something not take no for an answer be tenacious be pertinacious insist be patient be diligent stand one's ground stand fast/firm hold on hold out go the distance stay the course grind away struggle on hammer away stop at nothing leave no stone unturned plug away peg away stick at it soldier on hang on stick to one's guns stick it out hang in there bash on continue steadily despite difficulties or warnings to stop. "he ploughed on, trying to outline his plans" 3. NORTH AMERICAN clear snow from (a road) using a snowplough. "he could use the car only in summer because the roads weren't ploughed in winter" 4. INFORMAL•DATED fail (an examination). "not many people plough Greats and become a professor of Latin" Origin late Old English plōh, of Germanic origin; related to Dutch ploeg and German Pflug . The spelling plough became common in England in the 18th century; earlier (16th–17th centuries) the noun was normally spelled plough, the verb plow . ploughed /plaʊd/ Learn to pronounce adjective adjective: plowed 1. (of an area of land) having had the earth turned up with a plough, especially before sowing. "a ploughed field" 2. NORTH AMERICAN (of a road) having been cleared of snow using a snowplough. "we remained on the town's ploughed streets rather than venturing onto the country roads" --- burrowing /ˈbʌrəʊɪŋ/ Learn to pronounce adjective adjective: burrowing denoting an animal that makes holes or tunnels, typically for use as a dwelling. "burrowing earthworms" burrow /ˈbʌrəʊ/ Learn to pronounce verb gerund or present participle: burrowing (of an animal) make a hole or tunnel, typically for use as a dwelling. "moles burrowing away underground" Similar: tunnel dig (out) excavate grub mine bore drill channel hollow out gouge out scoop out cut out delve dig into or through something solid. "worms that burrow through dead wood" hide underneath or press close to something. "the child burrowed deeper into the bed" make a thorough inquiry; investigate. "journalists are burrowing into the prime minister's business affairs" Origin --- simmer /ˈsɪmə/ Learn to pronounce verb verb: simmer; 3rd person present: simmers; past tense: simmered; past participle: simmered; gerund or present participle: simmering (of water or food that is being heated) stay just below boiling point while bubbling gently. "the goulash was simmering slowly in the oven" Similar: boil gently not quite boil cook gently stew poach bubble seethe keep (food) just below boiling point when cooking or heating it. "simmer the sauce gently until thickened" exist in a suppressed state. "the disagreement simmered for years and eventually boiled over" show or feel barely suppressed anger or other strong emotion. "she was simmering with resentment" Similar: be furious be enraged be angry be incensed be infuriated be beside oneself have lost one's temper have a fit boil seethe be boiling over chafe rage be in a rage rant rave rant and rave storm fume smoulder spit breathe fire burn be livid be wild jump up and down froth/foam at the mouth be steamed up be hot under the collar do one's head/nut in become calmer and quieter. "she gave him time to simmer down after their argument" Similar: become less angry cool off cool down be placated contain oneself control oneself become calmer calm down become quieter quieten down loosen up settle (down) Opposite: get steamed up noun noun: simmer; plural noun: simmers a state or temperature just below boiling point. "bring the water to a simmer" Origin --- baffle /ˈbaf(ə)l/ Learn to pronounce verb past tense: baffled; past participle: baffled 1. totally bewilder or perplex. "an unexplained occurrence that baffled everyone" Similar: perplex puzzle bewilder mystify bemuse confuse confound nonplus disconcert throw set someone thinking flummox discombobulate faze stump beat fox be all Greek to floor fog buffalo wilder gravel maze cause to be at a stand pose obfuscate puzzling bewildering perplexing mystifying bemusing confusing unclear difficult/hard to understand beyond one above one's head mysterious enigmatic obscure abstruse unfathomable inexplicable incomprehensible impenetrable cryptic opaque wildering Opposite: enlighten clear comprehensible 2. restrain or regulate (a fluid, sound, etc.). "to baffle the noise further, I pad the gunwales" Similar: thwart frustrate foil balk check block hinder obstruct bar prevent deflect divert Opposite: further Origin --- fangled 1 : a fashion especially when foppish or silly —used with new and usually derogatorily. 2 obsolete : a silly or fantastic contrivance : gewgaw, gaud. fangle. --- stupor /ˈstjuːpə/ Learn to pronounce noun a state of near-unconsciousness or insensibility. "a drunken stupor" Similar: daze state of stupefaction state of senselessness -- coriander / धनिया /ˌkɒrɪˈandə/ Learn to pronounce noun noun: coriander an aromatic Mediterranean plant of the parsley family, the leaves and seeds of which are used as culinary herbs. Origin Middle English: from Old French coriandre, from Latin coriandrum, from Greek koriannon . --- squelch /skwɛltʃ/ Learn to pronounce verb past tense: squelched; past participle: squelched make a soft sucking sound such as that made by treading heavily through mud. "bedraggled guests squelched across the lawns" INFORMAL forcefully silence or suppress. "property developers tried to squelch public protest" --- harbinger /ˈhɑːbɪn(d)ʒə/ Learn to pronounce noun noun: harbinger; plural noun: harbingers a person or thing that announces or signals the approach of another. "witch hazels are the harbingers of spring" Similar: herald sign indicator indication signal prelude portent omen augury forewarning presage announcer forerunner precursor messenger usher avant-courier foretoken a forerunner of something. "these works were not yet opera but they were the most important harbinger of opera" Origin --- desolate adjective adjective: desolate /ˈdɛs(ə)lət/ 1. (of a place) uninhabited and giving an impression of bleak emptiness. "a desolate Pennine moor" Similar: barren bleak stark bare dismal grim desert waste arid sterile wild windswept inhospitable exposed deserted uninhabited unoccupied depopulated forsaken godforsaken abandoned unpeopled untenanted evacuated empty vacated vacant unfrequented unvisited solitary lonely secluded isolated remote Opposite: fertile populous 2. feeling or showing great unhappiness or loneliness. "I suddenly felt desolate and bereft" Similar: miserable sad unhappy melancholy gloomy glum despondent comfortless depressed mournful disconsolate broken-hearted heavy-hearted grief-stricken wretched downcast cast down dejected downhearted dispirited devastated despairing inconsolable anguished crushed forlorn crestfallen upset distressed grieving woebegone bereft in low spirits blue down cut up Opposite: joyful verb verb: desolate; 3rd person present: desolates; past tense: desolated; past participle: desolated; gerund or present participle: desolating /ˈdɛsəleɪt/ 1. make (a place) appear bleakly empty. "the droughts that desolated the dry plains" Similar: devastate ravage ruin make/leave desolate leave in ruins destroy wreck lay waste to wreak havoc on level raze demolish wipe out obliterate annihilate gut depopulate empty depredate spoliate 2. make (someone) feel utterly wretched and unhappy. "he was desolated by the deaths of his treasured friends" Similar: dishearten dispirit daunt distress depress make sad/unhappy sadden cast down deject make miserable make gloomy/despondent weigh down oppress shatter floor Opposite: cheer Origin --- ingratiate /ɪnˈɡreɪʃɪeɪt/ Learn to pronounce verb verb: ingratiate; 3rd person present: ingratiates; past tense: ingratiated; past participle: ingratiated; gerund or present participle: ingratiating bring oneself into favour with someone by flattering or trying to please them. "a sycophantic attempt to ingratiate herself with the local aristocracy" Similar: curry favour with find the favour of cultivate win over get on the good side of get in someone's good books toady to crawl to grovel to fawn over be obsequious towards kowtow to bow and scrape to play up to truckle to pander to be a yes man/woman to be a sycophant to flatter court dance attendance on keep someone sweet suck up to rub up the right way lick someone's boots Origin --- cadence /ˈkeɪd(ə)ns/ Learn to pronounce noun noun: cadence; plural noun: cadences 1. a modulation or inflection of the voice. "the measured cadences that he employed in the Senate" Similar: rhythm tempo metre measure rise and fall beat pulse rhythmical flow/pattern swing lilt cadency intonation modulation inflection speech pattern a rhythmical effect in written text. "the dry cadences of the essay" a fall in pitch of the voice at the end of a phrase or sentence. rhythm. "the thumping cadence of the engines" 2. a sequence of notes or chords comprising the close of a musical phrase. "the final cadences of the Prelude" Origin --- fawning /ˈfɔːnɪŋ/ Learn to pronounce adjective adjective: fawning displaying exaggerated flattery or affection; obsequious. "fawning adoration" fawn1 /fɔːn/ Learn to pronounce verb gerund or present participle: fawning (of a deer) produce young. "the forest was closed for hunting when the does were fawning" Origin late Middle English: from Old French faon, based on Latin fetus ‘offspring’; compare with fetus. fawn2 /fɔːn/ Learn to pronounce verb gerund or present participle: fawning (of a person) give a servile display of exaggerated flattery or affection, typically in order to gain favour. "congressmen fawn over the President" Similar: be obsequious to be sycophantic to be servile to curry favour with pay court to play up to crawl to creep to ingratiate oneself with dance attendance on fall over oneself for kowtow to toady to truckle to bow and scrape before grovel before cringe before abase oneself before flatter praise sing the praises of praise to the skies praise to excess eulogize sweet-talk soft-soap brown-nose suck up to make up to smarm around be all over fall all over butter up lick someone's boots rub up the right way lay it on thick lay it on with a trowel smoodge to obsequious servile sycophantic flattering ingratiating unctuous oleaginous oily toadyish slavish bowing and scraping grovelling abject crawling creeping cringing prostrate Uriah Heepish bootlicking smarmy slimy sucky soapy brown-nosing saponaceous vulgar slangkiss someone's arse arse-kissing bum-sucking kiss-ass ass-kissing suckholing (of a dog) show slavish devotion, especially by rubbing against someone. "the dogs started fawning on me" Origin --- grumbly /ˈɡrʌmbli/ Learn to pronounce adjective 1. inclined to complain. "he's been getting very grumbly and difficult lately" 2. making a low rumbling sound. "a grumbly bass" --- concur /kənˈkəː/ Learn to pronounce verb 1. be of the same opinion; agree. "the authors concurred with the majority" Similar: agree be in agreement be in accord be in accordance accord go along fall in be in harmony be in sympathy see eye to eye be of the same mind be of the same opinion Opposite: disagree 2. happen or occur at the same time; coincide. "in tests, cytogenetic determination has been found to concur with enzymatic determination" Similar: coincide happen/occur together happen/occur simultaneously happen/occur at the same time be simultaneous be concurrent synchronize coexist clash Tip Similar-sounding words concur is sometimes confused with conquer --- garrison /ˈɡarɪs(ə)n/ Learn to pronounce noun noun: garrison; plural noun: garrisons a group of troops stationed in a fortress or town to defend it. "the entire garrison was mustered on the parade ground" Similar: armed force force military detachment military unit unit platoon brigade regiment squadron battalion company legion corps troops militia soldiers the building occupied by a garrison. "forces from these garrisons have been used against governments" Similar: fortress fort fortification stronghold blockhouse citadel camp encampment cantonment command post base station barracks billet quarters casern verb verb: garrison; 3rd person present: garrisons; past tense: garrisoned; past participle: garrisoned; gerund or present participle: garrisoning provide (a place) with a group of troops. "air reconnaissance showed the Germans had not garrisoned the island" Similar: defend guard protect preserve fortify barricade shield secure man occupy supply with troops station (troops) in a particular place. "French troops were garrisoned at Phillipsburg" Similar: station post put on duty assign billet deploy install base site place position locate situate Origin --- cede /siːd/ Learn to pronounce verb verb: cede; 3rd person present: cedes; past tense: ceded; past participle: ceded; gerund or present participle: ceding give up (power or territory). "in 1874, the islands were ceded to Britain" Similar: surrender concede relinquish yield part with give up hand over deliver up turn over give over make over transfer bequeath grant remit renounce resign abandon forgo sacrifice waive forsake Opposite: keep gain Origin --- wunderkind /ˈvʊndəkɪnd/ noun noun: wunderkind; plural noun: wunderkinds; plural noun: wunderkinder a person who achieves great success when relatively young. "the economics wunderkind who was a tenured professor at 29" Origin late 19th century: from German, from Wunder ‘wonder’ + Kind ‘child’. --- prescient /ˈprɛsɪənt/ Learn to pronounce adjective adjective: prescient having or showing knowledge of events before they take place. "a prescient warning" Similar: prophetic predictive visionary psychic clairvoyant far-seeing far-sighted with foresight prognostic divinatory oracular sibylline apocalyptic fateful revelatory insightful intuitive perceptive percipient foreknowing previsional vatic mantic vaticinal vaticinatory prognosticative augural adumbrative fatidic fatidical haruspical pythonic Origin --- plough /plaʊ/ Learn to pronounce verb gerund or present participle: plowing 1. turn up the earth of (an area of land) with a plough, especially before sowing. "the fields had all been ploughed up" Similar: cultivate till work furrow harrow ridge break up turn up cut (a furrow or line) with or as if with a plough. "icebergs have ploughed furrows on the seabed" (of a ship or boat) travel through (an area of water). "cruise liners plough the long-sailed routes" unearth something while using a plough. "some day someone will plough up the bomb and lose a leg" 2. (especially of a vehicle) move in a fast and uncontrolled manner. "the car ploughed into the side of a van" Similar: career plunge crash smash bulldoze hurtle cannon lurch drive run careen barrel crash into smash into collide with be in collision with hit strike ram smack into slam into bang into meet head-on run into drive into bump into crack into/against dash against impact advance or progress laboriously or forcibly. "they ploughed their way through deep snow" Similar: trudge plod toil clump push one's way wade flounder press move laboriously slog trog persevere persist continue carry on go on keep at it keep on keep going keep it up not give up be persistent be determined see/follow something through show determination press on/ahead plod on stay with something not take no for an answer be tenacious be pertinacious insist be patient be diligent stand one's ground stand fast/firm hold on hold out go the distance stay the course grind away struggle on hammer away stop at nothing leave no stone unturned plug away peg away stick at it soldier on hang on stick to one's guns stick it out hang in there bash on continue steadily despite difficulties or warnings to stop. "he ploughed on, trying to outline his plans" 3. NORTH AMERICAN clear snow from (a road) using a snowplough. "he could use the car only in summer because the roads weren't ploughed in winter" 4. INFORMAL•DATED fail (an examination). "not many people plough Greats and become a professor of Latin" Origin late Old English plōh, of Germanic origin; related to Dutch ploeg and German Pflug . The spelling plough became common in England in the 18th century; earlier (16th–17th centuries) the noun was normally spelled plough, the verb plow . --- deflated /dɪˈfleɪtɪd/ Learn to pronounce adjective adjective: deflated 1. having been emptied of air or gas. "a deflated balloon" 2. having suddenly lost confidence or optimism. "the news left him feeling utterly deflated" deflate /dɪˈfleɪt/ Learn to pronounce verb past tense: deflated; past participle: deflated 1. let air or gas out of (a tyre, balloon, or similar object). "he deflated one of the tyres" Similar: let down empty the air out of collapse flatten void puncture Opposite: inflate blow up be emptied of air or gas. "the balloon deflated" Similar: go down collapse shrink contract flatten Opposite: inflate expand 2. make (someone) suddenly lose confidence or feel dispirited. "his response deflated me" Similar: subdue humble cow humiliate mortify chasten chagrin dispirit dismay discourage dishearten squash crush flatten bring down bring low take down a peg or two cut down to size knock the stuffing out of put down Opposite: aggrandize reduce the level of (an emotion or feeling). "her anger was deflated" 3. ECONOMICS bring about a general reduction of price levels in (an economy). "the budget deflated the economy" Similar: reduce slow down make less active diminish lessen lower devalue depreciate depress Opposite: inflate Origin --- aghast /əˈɡɑːst/ Learn to pronounce adjective adjective: aghast filled with horror or shock. "she winced, aghast at his cruelty" Similar: horrified appalled astounded amazed dismayed thunderstruck stunned shocked shell-shocked in shock flabbergasted staggered taken aback speechless awestruck open-mouthed wide-eyed floored gobsmacked Origin --- green light verb past participle: greenlighted NORTH AMERICAN give permission to go ahead with (a project). "they refused to green-light his script until he did a major rewrite" --- jettison /ˈdʒɛtɪs(ə)n,ˈdʒɛtɪz(ə)n/ Learn to pronounce verb past tense: jettisoned; past participle: jettisoned throw or drop (something) from an aircraft or ship. "six aircraft jettisoned their loads in the sea" abandon or discard (someone or something that is no longer wanted). "the scheme was jettisoned" Similar: dump drop ditch discharge eject throw out empty out pour out tip out unload throw overboard throw over the side discard dispose of throw away get rid of toss out reject scrap dispense with cast aside/off abandon relinquish have done with shed slough off shrug off throw on the scrapheap chuck (away/out) fling axe bin junk get shut of get shot of trash Opposite: load keep retain Origin --- fatuous /ˈfatjʊəs/ Learn to pronounce adjective adjective: fatuous silly and pointless. "a fatuous comment" Similar: silly foolish stupid inane nonsensical childish puerile infantile idiotic brainless mindless vacuous imbecilic asinine witless empty-headed hare-brained pointless senseless ridiculous ludicrous absurd preposterous laughable risible daft moronic cretinous dumb gormless Opposite: intelligent sensible Origin --- rangy /ˈreɪn(d)ʒi/ Learn to pronounce adjective adjective: rangy; comparative adjective: rangier; superlative adjective: rangiest 1. (of a person) tall and slim with long, slender limbs. "a pale, rangy boy in his late teens" Similar: long-legged long-limbed leggy tall slender slim lean thin gangling gangly lanky spindly skinny size-zero spare scrawny bony gaunt Opposite: stocky 2. NORTH AMERICAN (of a place) having room for ranging; expansive or spacious. "rangy pasture filled with horses and cattle" --- pedantic /pɪˈdantɪk/ Learn to pronounce adjective adjective: pedantic excessively concerned with minor details or rules; overscrupulous. "his analyses are careful and even painstaking, but never pedantic" Similar: overscrupulous scrupulous precise exact over-exacting --- colossus /kəˈlɒsəs/ Learn to pronounce noun noun: colossus; plural noun: colossi; plural noun: colossuses a statue that is much bigger than life size. "two statues known as the Colossi of Memnon" a person or thing of enormous size, importance, or ability. "the Russian Empire was the colossus of European politics" Phrases bestride something like a colossus — totally dominate a place or area of activity. "he bestrode French cinema like a colossus" Origin --- delve /dɛlv/ Learn to pronounce verb 1. reach inside a receptacle and search for something. "she delved in her pocket" Similar: search (through) hunt through scrabble about/around in root about/around in ferret (about/around) in fish about/around in poke about/around in dig in grub about/around in go through burrow in rifle through scour ransack turn upside down turn inside out rootle around in fossick through roust around in 2. ARCHAIC dig; excavate. "when Adam delved and Eve span, who was then the gentleman?" --- ineptitude /ɪˈnɛptɪtjuːd/ Learn to pronounce noun noun: ineptitude; plural noun: ineptitudes lack of skill or ability. "the officials displayed remarkable ineptitude" --- disingenuous /ˌdɪsɪnˈdʒɛnjʊəs/ Learn to pronounce adjective adjective: disingenuous not candid or sincere, typically by pretending that one knows less about something than one really does. "this journalist was being somewhat disingenuous as well as cynical" Similar: dishonest deceitful underhand underhanded duplicitous double-dealing --- oasis /əʊˈeɪsɪs/ Learn to pronounce noun noun: oasis; plural noun: oases; noun: Oasis 1. a fertile spot in a desert, where water is found. "a country of oases and burning desert sands" Similar: watering hole watering place water hole spring gnamma claypan a pleasant or peaceful area or period in the midst of a difficult or hectic place or situation. "the park is an oasis of calm in the centre of the city" Similar: refuge haven safe haven retreat sanctuary sanctum shelter resting place hiding place harbour asylum hideaway hideout 2. TRADEMARK a type of rigid foam into which the stems of flowers can be secured in flower arranging. "cover the ball of Oasis with leaves and moss" Origin --- fetishize /ˈfɛtɪʃʌɪz/ Learn to pronounce verb past tense: fetishized; past participle: fetishized make (something) the object of a sexual fetish. "women's bodies are so intensely fetishized" have an excessive and irrational commitment to (something). "an author who fetishizes privacy" --- fetish /ˈfɛtɪʃ/ Learn to pronounce noun noun: fetish; plural noun: fetishes 1. a form of sexual desire in which gratification is linked to an abnormal degree to a particular object, item of clothing, part of the body, etc. "a man with a fetish for surgical masks" Similar: fixation sexual fixation obsession compulsion mania weakness fancy taste fascination craze fad idée fixe thing hang-up an excessive and irrational devotion or commitment to a particular thing. "the western fetish for all things North African" 2. an inanimate object worshipped for its supposed magical powers or because it is considered to be inhabited by a spirit. Similar: juju talisman charm amulet totem icon idol image effigy doll statue figure figurine periapt Origin --- vituperative /vɪˈtjuːp(ə)rətɪv,vʌɪˈtjuːp(ə)rətɪv/ Learn to pronounce adjective bitter and abusive. "a vituperative outburst" --- despondent /dɪˈspɒnd(ə)nt/ Learn to pronounce adjective in low spirits from loss of hope or courage. "she grew more and more despondent" Similar: disheartened discouraged dispirited downhearted low-spirited --- lurid /ˈl(j)ʊərɪd/ Learn to pronounce adjective adjective: lurid unpleasantly bright in colour, especially so as to create a harsh or unnatural effect. "lurid food colourings" Similar: brightly coloured bright over-bright brilliant glaring fluorescent flaming dazzling vivid intense showy gaudy loud Opposite: muted subtle presented in vividly shocking or sensational terms. "the more lurid details of the massacre were too frightening for the children" Similar: sensational sensationalist melodramatic exaggerated overdramatized extravagant colourful trashy rubbishy cheap pulp tasteless kitschy salacious graphic explicit unrestrained prurient ribald suggestive shocking startling dirty filthy gruesome gory grisly macabre repugnant revolting disgusting ghastly morbid unearthly grotesque hideous horrifying appalling tacky shock-horror juicy full-frontal Opposite: restrained discreet Origin --- lucid /ˈluːsɪd/ Learn to pronounce adjective adjective: lucid 1. expressed clearly; easy to understand. "a lucid account" Similar: intelligible comprehensible understandable cogent coherent communicative articulate eloquent clear clear-cut crystal clear transparent plain simple direct vivid sharp straightforward perspicuous unambiguous graphic explicit joined-up Opposite: confusing unclear ambiguous showing or having the ability to think clearly, especially in intervals between periods of confusion or insanity. "he has a few lucid moments every now and then" Similar: rational sane in one's right mind of sound mind able to think clearly normal balanced well balanced sensible clear-headed right-minded sober compos mentis all there with all one's marbles Opposite: muddled PSYCHOLOGY (of a dream) experienced with the dreamer feeling awake, aware of dreaming, and able to control events consciously. 2. LITERARY bright or luminous. "birds dipped their wings in the lucid flow of air" Similar: bright shining gleaming luminous radiant brilliant glowing dazzling lustrous luminescent phosphorescent lucent lambent effulgent refulgent Opposite: dark dull Origin --- hassle /ˈhas(ə)l/ Learn to pronounce INFORMAL noun plural noun: hassles irritating inconvenience. "the hassle of child care" Similar: inconvenience bother nuisance problem struggle difficulty annoyance irritation thorn in one's flesh/side bane of one's life trials and tribulations fuss trouble aggravation aggro stress headache pain pain in the neck/backside pain in the butt vulgar slang: pain in the arse verb 3rd person present: hassles harass; pester. "you want to sit and relax and not get hassled" Similar: harass pester nag go on at keep on at keep after --- entomology /ˌɛntəˈmɒlədʒi/ Learn to pronounce noun the branch of zoology concerned with the study of insects. Tip Similar-sounding words entomology is sometimes confused with etymology --- dapper /ˈdapə/ Learn to pronounce adjective adjective: dapper; superlative adjective: dapperest (of a man) neat and trim in dress and appearance. "he looked very dapper in a dark silk suit" Similar: smart spruce trim debonair neat tidy neat and tidy crisp well dressed besuited well groomed well turned out smartly dressed elegant chic dashing soigné snazzy snappy natty sharp nifty sassy spiffy fly kicky swagger trig Opposite: scruffy Origin --- the gift of the gab phrase of gab the ability to speak with eloquence and fluency. "my friend had the gift of the gab and gradually defused the situation" synonyms: eloquence, fluency, clarity of speech, expressiveness, articulateness, articulacy, good command of the language; More --- punch above your weight engage in an activity or contest perceived as being beyond your capacity or abilities. This is a metaphor from boxing, in which contests are arranged between opponents of nearly equal weight. --- coloring outside the lines: Used other than with a figurative or idiomatic meaning: see color, outside, lines. (intransitive) To behave in creative or unconventional ways, to break the rules. --- commutative /kəˈmjuːtətɪv,ˈkɒmjʊˌtətɪv/ Learn to pronounce adjective adjective: commutative 1. MATHEMATICS involving the condition that a group of quantities connected by operators gives the same result whatever the order of the quantities involved, e.g. a × b = b × a. 2. RARE relating to or involving substitution or exchange. --- ramification /ˌramɪfɪˈkeɪʃ(ə)n/ Learn to pronounce noun plural noun: ramifications a complex or unwelcome consequence of an action or event. "any change is bound to have legal ramifications" Similar: consequence result aftermath outcome effect upshot issue sequel complication development implication product by-product outgrowth spin-off a subdivision of a complex structure or process. "an extended family with its ramifications of neighbouring in-laws" FORMAL•TECHNICAL the action of ramifying or the state of being ramified. "a coronary angiogram showed ramification of the right coronary artery close to the ostium" Origin mid 17th century: from French, from ramifier ‘form branches’ (see ramify). --- sartorial /sɑːˈtɔːrɪəl/ Learn to pronounce adjective relating to tailoring, clothes, or style of dress. "sartorial elegance" --- nuance /ˈnjuːɑːns/ Learn to pronounce noun a subtle difference in or shade of meaning, expression, or sound. "he was familiar with the nuances of the local dialect" Similar: fine distinction subtle distinction/difference shade shading gradation variation modulation degree subtlety nicety refinement overtone verb give nuances to. "the effect of the music is nuanced by the social situation of listeners" --- avid /ˈavɪd/ Learn to pronounce adjective having or showing a keen interest in or enthusiasm for something. "an avid reader of science fiction" Similar: keen eager enthusiastic ardent passionate devoted dedicated fervent fervid zealous fanatical voracious insatiable wholehearted earnest as keen as mustard Opposite: apathetic half-hearted having an eager desire for. "she was avid for information about the murder inquiry" --- ineffable /ɪnˈɛfəb(ə)l/ Learn to pronounce adjective too great or extreme to be expressed or described in words. "the ineffable mysteries of the soul" Similar: inexpressible indescribable beyond words beyond description beggaring description undefinable unutterable untold unheard of unthought of unimaginable overwhelming marvellous wonderful breathtaking staggering astounding amazing astonishing fantastic fabulous not to be uttered not to be spoken not to be said unmentionable taboo forbidden off limits out of bounds no go not to be uttered. "the ineffable Hebrew name that gentiles write as Jehovah" --- symbiotic /ˌsɪmbɪˈɒtɪk/ Learn to pronounce adjectiveBIOLOGY adjective: symbiotic involving interaction between two different organisms living in close physical association. "the fungi form symbiotic associations with the roots of plant species" denoting a mutually beneficial relationship between different people or groups. "the reader can have a symbiotic relationship with the writer" --- marasmus /məˈrazməs/ nounMEDICINE undernourishment causing a child's weight to be significantly low for their age. --- disequilibrium /dɪsiːkwɪˈlɪbrɪəm,ˌdɪsɛkwɪˈlɪbrɪəm/ Learn to pronounce noun noun: disequilibrium; plural noun: disequilibria a loss or lack of equilibrium or stability, especially in relation to supply, demand, and prices. --- preconscious /priːˈkɒnʃəs/ Learn to pronounce adjectivePSYCHOANALYSIS adjective: preconscious; adjective: pre-conscious of or associated with a part of the mind below the level of immediate conscious awareness, from which memories and emotions that have not been repressed can be recalled. "beliefs and values which are on a preconscious level" nounPSYCHOLOGY noun: preconscious; noun: pre-conscious the part of the mind in which preconscious thoughts or memories reside. --- plume /pluːm/ Learn to pronounce noun 1. a long, soft feather or arrangement of feathers used by a bird for display or worn by a person for ornament. "a hat with a jaunty ostrich plume" Similar: feather crest quill plumule pinion 2. a long cloud of smoke or vapour resembling a feather as it spreads from its point of origin. "as he spoke, the word was accompanied by a white plume of breath" verb 1. spread out in a shape resembling a feather. "smoke plumed from the chimneys" 2. ARCHAIC (of a bird) preen itself. --- ruminate /ˈruːmɪneɪt/ Learn to pronounce verb gerund or present participle: ruminating 1. think deeply about something. "we sat ruminating on the nature of existence" Similar: think about contemplate consider give thought to give consideration to mull over meditate on muse on ponder on/over deliberate about/on cogitate about/on dwell on brood on/over agonize over worry about chew over puzzle over turn over in one's mind pore on 2. (of a ruminant) chew the cud. "goats ruminated nonchalantly around them" Similar: chew the cud Origin --- impetuous /ɪmˈpɛtjʊəs/ Learn to pronounce adjective acting or done quickly and without thought or care. "she might live to rue this impetuous decision" Similar: impulsive rash hasty overhasty reckless heedless foolhardy incautious imprudent injudicious ill-conceived ill-considered unplanned unreasoned unthought-out unthinking spontaneous impromptu spur-of-the-moment precipitate precipitous headlong hurried rushed Opposite: cautious considered moving forcefully or rapidly. "an impetuous but controlled flow of water" Similar: torrential powerful forceful vigorous violent raging rampant --- haughty /ˈhɔːti/ Learn to pronounce adjective arrogantly superior and disdainful. "a look of haughty disdain" Similar: proud vain arrogant conceited snobbish stuck-up pompous --- inoculate /ɪˈnɒkjʊleɪt/ Learn to pronounce verb past tense: inoculated; past participle: inoculated treat with a vaccine to produce immunity against a disease; vaccinate. "he inoculated his tenants against smallpox" Similar: immunize vaccinate inject protect from shield from safeguard from give someone a jab give someone a shot introduce (an infective agent) into an organism. "the microorganism can be inoculated into laboratory animals" introduce (cells or organisms) into a culture medium. "0.5 ml of the specimen was inoculated into each tissue culture flask" Origin --- Anglophile /ˈaŋɡlə(ʊ)fʌɪl/ Learn to pronounce noun noun: Anglophile; plural noun: Anglophiles a person who is fond of or greatly admires England or Britain. adjective adjective: Anglophile fond or greatly admiring England or Britain. "the Anglophile General Marshall" --- chauvinist /ˈʃəʊv(ɪ)nɪst/ Learn to pronounce noun noun: chauvinist; plural noun: chauvinists a person displaying aggressive or exaggerated patriotism. a person displaying excessive or prejudiced support for their own cause, group, or sex. "we don't want to lay ourselves open to charges that we're chauvinists" Similar: sexist male chauvinist misogynist woman-hater anti-feminist male supremacist male chauvinist pig MCP adjective adjective: chauvinist relating to or characteristic of a chauvinist. "a chauvinist rejection of foreign interference" Similar: jingoistic chauvinistic excessively patriotic --- precocious /prɪˈkəʊʃəs/ Learn to pronounce adjective adjective: precocious (of a child) having developed certain abilities or inclinations at an earlier age than is usual or expected. "a precocious, solitary boy" Similar: advanced old beyond one's years forward ahead of one's peers mature prematurely developed ahead gifted talented clever intelligent quick smart rathe-ripe Opposite: backward slow (of behaviour or ability) having developed at an earlier age than is usual or expected. "a precocious talent for computing" (of a plant) flowering or fruiting earlier than usual. Origin --- flaky /ˈfleɪki/ Learn to pronounce adjective 1. breaking or separating easily into flakes. "she ate flaky rolls spread with cherry jam" Similar: flaking peeling cracking scaly blistering scabrous desquamative exfoliative furfuraceous 2. INFORMAL liable to act in an unconventional or eccentric way. "a game-show host with a penchant for flaky blondes" --- reverberate /rɪˈvəːbəreɪt/ Learn to pronounce verb 1. (of a loud noise) be repeated several times as an echo. "her deep booming laugh reverberated around the room" Similar: resound echo re-echo repeat resonate pulsate vibrate ring peal boom rumble roll pound thump drum thrum 2. have continuing and serious effects. "the statements by the professor reverberated through the Capitol" --- divulge /dʌɪˈvʌldʒ,dɪˈvʌldʒ/ Learn to pronounce verb verb: divulge; 3rd person present: divulges; past tense: divulged; past participle: divulged; gerund or present participle: divulging make known (private or sensitive information). "I do not want to divulge my plans at the moment" Similar: disclose reveal make known tell impart communicate pass on publish broadcast proclaim promulgate declare expose uncover make public go public with bring into the open give away let slip let drop blurt out leak confess betray admit come out with spill the beans about let on about tell all about blow the lid off squeal about blow the gaff on discover unbosom Opposite: conceal Origin --- propaganda /prɒpəˈɡandə/ Learn to pronounce noun noun: propaganda; noun: Propaganda 1. information, especially of a biased or misleading nature, used to promote a political cause or point of view. "he was charged with distributing enemy propaganda" Similar: information promotion advertising advertisement publicity advocacy spin newspeak agitprop disinformation counter-information brainwashing indoctrination the big lie info hype plugging the dissemination of propaganda as a political strategy. "the party's leaders believed that a long period of education and propaganda would be necessary" 2. a committee of cardinals of the Roman Catholic Church responsible for foreign missions, founded in 1622 by Pope Gregory XV. Origin --- dogma /ˈdɒɡmə/ Learn to pronounce noun plural noun: dogmas a principle or set of principles laid down by an authority as incontrovertibly true. "the dogmas of faith" Similar: teaching belief conviction tenet principle ethic precept --- emancipated /ɪˈmansɪpeɪtɪd/ Learn to pronounce adjective adjective: emancipated free from legal, social, or political restrictions; liberated. "emancipated young women" emancipate /ɪˈmansɪpeɪt/ Learn to pronounce verb past tense: emancipated; past participle: emancipated set free, especially from legal, social, or political restrictions. "the citizen must be emancipated from the obsessive secrecy of government" Similar: liberated independent unconstrained unrepressed uninhibited free and easy free free-spirited LAW set (a child) free from the authority of its parents. "the plaintiffs had not been entirely emancipated from their father's control" free (someone) from slavery. "it is estimated that he emancipated 8,000 slaves" Similar: free liberate set free release let loose/out set loose/free discharge unchain unfetter unshackle untie unyoke uncage unbridle give rights to manumit disenthral Opposite: enslave Origin --- regurgitate /rɪˈɡəːdʒɪteɪt/ Learn to pronounce verb gerund or present participle: regurgitating 1. bring (swallowed food) up again to the mouth. "gulls regurgitate food for the chicks" Similar: vomit bring up disgorge regorge MEDICINE (of a fluid) flow through a vessel or valve in the body in a direction opposite to normal. "an incompetent mitral valve allows blood to regurgitate into the left atrium throughout ventricular contraction" 2. repeat (information) without analysing or comprehending it. "facts which can then be regurgitated at examinations" Similar: repeat say again restate recapitulate iterate reiterate recite rehearse parrot trot out Origin --- primeval /prʌɪˈmiːv(ə)l/ Learn to pronounce adjective adjective: primeval; adjective: primaeval of the earliest time in history. "mile after mile of primeval forest" Similar: ancient earliest first prehistoric antediluvian antique primordial primitive primal pristine original untouched by humans aboriginal indigenous autochthonous autochthonic primigenial Opposite: modern (of emotion or behaviour) strongly instinctive and unreasoning. "a primeval desire" Similar: instinctive primitive basic primal primordial intuitive intuitional involuntary inborn innate inherent inbred natural congenital hereditary inherited in the blood ingrained Origin --- nebula /ˈnɛbjʊlə/ Learn to pronounce noun noun: nebula; plural noun: nebulae; plural noun: nebulas 1. ASTRONOMY a cloud of gas and dust in outer space, visible in the night sky either as an indistinct bright patch or as a dark silhouette against other luminous matter. DATED a galaxy. 2. MEDICINE a clouded spot on the cornea causing defective vision. Origin mid 17th century (as a medical term): from Latin, literally ‘mist’. --- horrified /ˈhɒrɪfʌɪd/ Learn to pronounce adjective adjective: horrified filled with horror; extremely shocked. "the horrified spectators" horrify /ˈhɒrɪfʌɪ/ Learn to pronounce verb past tense: horrified; past participle: horrified fill with horror; shock greatly. "they were horrified by the very idea" Similar: frighten scare terrify petrify alarm panic terrorize scare stiff scare/frighten to death fill with fear throw into a panic make someone's blood run cold scare the pants off make someone's hair curl throw into a blue funk put the wind up scare the bejesus out of spook affright shock appal outrage scandalize offend dismay throw off balance disgust revolt repel nauseate sicken rattle faze knock sideways knock for six pother scare shitless scare the shit out of Opposite: please Origin --- wringing /ˈrɪŋɪŋ/ Learn to pronounce adjective adjective: wringing extremely wet; soaked. "he was wringing with sweat" wring /rɪŋ/ Learn to pronounce verb gerund or present participle: wringing 1. squeeze and twist (something) to force liquid from it. "she wrung the cloth out in the sink" Similar: twist squeeze screw scrunch knead press mangle dry squeeze dry screw the water out of extract (liquid) by squeezing and twisting something. "I wrung out the excess water" squeeze (someone's hand) tightly, especially with sincere emotion. "he fervently wrung Rose's hand" obtain (something) with difficulty or effort. "few concessions were wrung from the government" Similar: extract elicit force coerce exact extort wrest wrench screw squeeze milk bleed 2. break (an animal's neck) by twisting it forcibly. "the chicken shrieked as one of the women wrung its neck" 3. cause pain or distress to. "the letter must have wrung her heart" Similar: rend tear at harrow pierce stab wound lacerate rack distress pain hurt torment torture Origin Old English wringan (verb), of West Germanic origin; related to Dutch wringen, also to wrong. --- tenement /ˈtɛnəm(ə)nt/ Learn to pronounce noun noun: tenement; plural noun: tenements 1. (especially in Scotland or the US) a room or a set of rooms forming a separate residence within a house or block of flats. a house divided into and let as separate residences. noun: tenement house; plural noun: tenement houses 2. a piece of land held by an owner. LAW any kind of permanent property, e.g. lands or rents, held from a superior. Origin --- regale /rɪˈɡeɪl/ Learn to pronounce verb entertain or amuse (someone) with talk. "he regaled her with a colourful account of that afternoon's meeting" Similar: entertain amuse divert delight fascinate captivate beguile treat to lavishly supply (someone) with food or drink. "he was regaled with excellent home cooking" Similar: supply lavishly entertain lavishly/sumptuously ply wine and dine --- bemoan /bɪˈməʊn/ Learn to pronounce verb 3rd person present: bemoans express discontent or sorrow over (something). "it was no use bemoaning her lot" Similar: lament bewail deplore complain about express regret about mourn grieve over express sorrow about sorrow for sigh over cry over weep over shed tears over wail over keen over beat one's breast about plain over Opposite: applaud Origin --- facile /ˈfasʌɪl,ˈfasɪl/ Learn to pronounce adjective adjective: facile 1. ignoring the true complexities of an issue; superficial. "facile generalizations" Similar: simplistic superficial oversimple oversimplified schematic black and white shallow pat glib slick jejune naive dime-store bubblegum Opposite: thorough profound (of a person) having a superficial or simplistic knowledge or approach. "a man of facile and shallow intellect" 2. (especially of success in sport) easily achieved; effortless. "a facile seven-lengths victory" Similar: effortless easy undemanding unexacting painless trouble-free unchallenged leisurely simple uncomplicated straightforward elementary easy-peasy as easy as pie as easy as falling off a log as easy as ABC a piece of cake child's play kids' stuff a cinch no sweat a doddle a breeze a pushover money for old rope money for jam duck soup a snap a bludge Opposite: hard-won Origin --- pastime /ˈpɑːstʌɪm/ Learn to pronounce noun noun: pastime; plural noun: pastimes an activity that someone does regularly for enjoyment rather than work; a hobby. "his favourite pastimes were shooting and golf" Similar: hobby leisure activity/pursuit sport game recreation amusement avocation diversion divertissement distraction relaxation pleasure entertainment fun interest sideline enthusiasm passion fad craze mania obsession bug thing Origin --- upholstery /ʌpˈhəʊlst(ə)ri,ʌpˈhɒlst(ə)ri/ Learn to pronounce noun noun: upholstery soft, padded textile covering that is fixed to furniture such as armchairs and sofas. "leather upholstery" the art or practice of upholstering furniture. --- blight /blʌɪt/ Learn to pronounce noun noun: blight; plural noun: blights 1. a plant disease, typically one caused by fungi such as mildews, rusts, and smuts. "the vines suffered blight and disease" Similar: disease canker infestation fungus mildew mould rot decay 2. a thing that spoils or damages something. "the vacant properties are a blight on the neighbourhood" Similar: affliction scourge bane curse plague menace evil misfortune woe calamity trouble ordeal thorn in one's flesh/side trial tribulation visitation nuisance pest pollution contamination cancer canker Opposite: blessing an ugly, neglected, or rundown condition of an urban area. "the city's high-rise social housing had become synonymous with urban blight" verb verb: blight; 3rd person present: blights; past tense: blighted; past participle: blighted; gerund or present participle: blighting 1. have a severely detrimental effect on. "the scandal blighted the careers of several leading politicians" Similar: ruin wreck spoil disrupt undo mar play havoc with make a mess of put an end to end bring to an end put a stop to prevent frustrate crush quell quash dash destroy scotch shatter devastate demolish sabotage mess up screw up louse up foul up make a hash of do in put paid to put the lid on put the kibosh on stymie queer nix banjax blow a hole in scupper dish euchre cruel bring to naught 2. infect (plants) with blight. "a peach tree blighted by leaf curl" Similar: infect wither shrivel blast mildew nip in the bud kill destroy Origin --- transference /ˈtransf(ə)r(ə)ns,ˈtrɑːnsf(ə)r(ə)ns,ˈtranzf(ə)r(ə)ns,ˈtrɑːnzf(ə)r(ə)ns/ Learn to pronounce noun noun: transference the action of transferring something or the process of being transferred. "education involves the transference of knowledge" PSYCHOANALYSIS the redirection to a substitute, usually a therapist, of emotions that were originally felt in childhood (in a phase of analysis called transference neurosis ). noun: transference neurosis "therapy is aided by the patient's transference to the analyst as mother" --- homicide /ˈhɒmɪsʌɪd/ Learn to pronounce nounNORTH AMERICAN noun: homicide; plural noun: homicides the killing of one person by another. "he was charged with homicide" Similar: murder killing assassination liquidation extermination execution slaughter butchery massacre manslaughter patricide matricide parricide fratricide sororicide filicide infanticide uxoricide regicide slaying the police department that deals with the crime of murder. noun: Homicide "a man from Homicide" DATED a murderer. Similar: murderer killer liquidator terminator slaughterer slayer Origin --- canonize /ˈkanənʌɪz/ verb 3rd person present: canonizes 1. (in the Roman Catholic Church) officially declare (a dead person) to be a saint. "he was the last English saint to be canonized prior to the Reformation" Similar: beatify declare to be a saint treat or regard as being above reproach or of great significance. "the former president was canonized by the Republican Party" 2. place in or regard as belonging to a canon of literary or artistic works. "they have become cult classics, canonized in American literature by many critics" 3. sanction by Church authority. Origin --- refract /rɪˈfrakt/ Learn to pronounce verb past tense: refracted; past participle: refracted (of water, air, or glass) make (a ray of light) change direction when it enters at an angle. "the rays of light are refracted by the material of the lens" measure the focusing characteristics of (an eye) or of the eyes of (someone). "when refracting patients an ophthalmologist relies on verbal reports" Origin early 17th century: from Latin refract- ‘broken up’, from the verb refringere, from re- ‘back’ + frangere ‘to break’. --- malevolent /məˈlɛv(ə)l(ə)nt/ Learn to pronounce adjective adjective: malevolent having or showing a wish to do evil to others. "the glint of dark, malevolent eyes" Similar: malicious spiteful hostile evil-minded baleful bitter evil-intentioned poisonous venomous evil malign malignant rancorous vicious vindictive revengeful vengeful pernicious cruel fierce nasty unfriendly unkind ill-natured malefic maleficent Opposite: benevolent Origin --- perfunctory /pəˈfʌŋ(k)t(ə)ri/ Learn to pronounce adjective adjective: perfunctory (of an action) carried out without real interest, feeling, or effort. "he gave a perfunctory nod" Similar: cursory desultory quick brief hasty hurried rapid passing fleeting summary token casual superficial uninterested careless half-hearted unthinking sketchy mechanical automatic routine offhand indifferent inattentive dismissive Opposite: careful thorough Origin --- complicity /kəmˈplɪsɪti/ Learn to pronounce noun noun: complicity the fact or condition of being involved with others in an activity that is unlawful or morally wrong. "they were accused of complicity in the attempt to overthrow the government" Similar: collusion involvement collaboration connivance abetment conspiracy being in cahoots Opposite: ignorance Origin --- rear2 /rɪə/ Learn to pronounce verb gerund or present participle: rearing 1. bring up and care for (a child) until they are fully grown. "Nigel was born and reared in Bath" Similar: bring up care for look after nurture parent educate train instruct raise (of an animal) care for (its young) until they are fully grown. breed and raise (animals). "the calves are reared for beef" Similar: breed raise keep tend grow or cultivate (plants). adjective: -reared "laboratory-reared plantlets" Similar: grow cultivate 2. (of a horse or other animal) raise itself upright on its hind legs. "the horse reared in terror" (of a building, mountain, etc.) extend or appear to extend to a great height. "houses reared up on either side" Similar: rise rise up tower soar loom (of a person) show anger or irritation. "if anyone said the wrong thing, I used to rear up" ARCHAIC set upright. "at once the mast we rear, at once unbind the spacious sheet" Origin --- boisterous /ˈbɔɪst(ə)rəs/ Learn to pronounce adjective adjective: boisterous noisy, energetic, and cheerful. "a group of boisterous lads" Similar: lively active animated exuberant spirited bouncy frisky excited overexcited in high spirits high-spirited ebullient vibrant rowdy unruly wild uproarious unrestrained undisciplined uninhibited uncontrolled abandoned rough romping rollicking disorderly knockabout riotous rip-roaring rumbustious roistering tumultuous noisy loud clamorous clangorous Opposite: quiet restrained (of weather or water) wild or stormy. "the boisterous wind was lulled" Similar: blustery gusting gusty breezy windy stormy wild squally rough choppy turbulent tempestuous howling roaring raging furious blowy Opposite: calm quiet Origin --- para1 /ˈparə/ INFORMAL noun noun: para; plural noun: paras 1. a paratrooper. 2. a paragraph. para2 /ˈpɑːrə/ noun noun: para; plural noun: para; plural noun: paras a monetary unit of Serbia, equal to one hundredth of a dinar. Origin Turkish, from Persian pāra ‘piece, portion’. para-1 /ˈparə/ prefix prefix: para-; prefix: par- 1. beside; adjacent to. "parataxis" beyond or distinct from, but analogous to. "paramilitary" 2. CHEMISTRY denoting substitution at diametrically opposite carbon atoms in a benzene ring, e.g. in 1,4 positions. "paradichlorobenzene" Origin from Greek para ‘beside’; in combinations often meaning ‘amiss, irregular’ and denoting alteration or modification. para-2 /ˈparə/ prefix prefix: para- denoting something that protects or wards off. "parachute" Origin from French, from the Italian imperative singular of parare ‘defend, shield’ (originally meaning ‘prepare’, from Latin parare ). par. abbreviation symbol: para. paragraph. "see par. 3.1 above" --- transference /ˈtransf(ə)r(ə)ns,ˈtrɑːnsf(ə)r(ə)ns,ˈtranzf(ə)r(ə)ns,ˈtrɑːnzf(ə)r(ə)ns/ Learn to pronounce noun noun: transference the action of transferring something or the process of being transferred. "education involves the transference of knowledge" PSYCHOANALYSIS the redirection to a substitute, usually a therapist, of emotions that were originally felt in childhood (in a phase of analysis called transference neurosis ). noun: transference neurosis "therapy is aided by the patient's transference to the analyst as mother" --- recumbent /rɪˈkʌmb(ə)nt/ Learn to pronounce adjective adjective: recumbent (especially of a person or effigy) lying down. "recumbent statues" Similar: lying flat horizontal stretched out sprawled spreadeagled reclining resting lounging prone prostrate supine lying down lying flat (flat) on one's back on one's stomach/front (flat) on one's face procumbent Opposite: erect standing upright (of a plant) growing close to the ground. "recumbent shrubs" noun noun: recumbent; plural noun: recumbents a type of bicycle designed to be ridden lying almost flat on one's back. Origin --- abdicate /ˈabdɪkeɪt/ Learn to pronounce verb verb: abdicate; 3rd person present: abdicates; past tense: abdicated; past participle: abdicated; gerund or present participle: abdicating 1. (of a monarch) renounce one's throne. "in 1918 Kaiser Wilhelm abdicated as German emperor" Similar: resign retire quit stand down step down bow out renounce the throne demit resign from relinquish renounce give up hand over turn over deliver up surrender vacate forswear abjure cede disclaim Opposite: be crowned accede to 2. fail to fulfil or undertake (a responsibility or duty). "the government was accused of abdicating its responsibility" Similar: disown turn down spurn reject renounce give up avoid refuse abnegate relinquish abjure repudiate waive yield forgo abandon surrender deliver up disgorge cast aside drop turn one's back on wash one's hands of shirk forsake Opposite: accept take on Origin --- gleefully /ˈɡliːf(ə)li/ Learn to pronounce adverb adverb: gleefully in an exuberantly or triumphantly joyful manner. "audiences laughed gleefully" --- Landed gentry DescriptionThe landed gentry, or simply the gentry, is a largely historical British social class consisting in theory of landowners who could live entirely from rental income, or at least had a country estate. --- subversive /səbˈvəːsɪv/ Learn to pronounce adjective seeking or intended to subvert an established system or institution. "subversive literature" Similar: disruptive troublemaking inflammatory insurgent insurrectionary insurrectionist agitational rabble-rousing seditious revolutionary treasonous treacherous mutinous rebellious rebel renegade unpatriotic dissident disloyal perfidious insubordinate underground undermining corrupting discrediting destructive harmful noun a subversive person. "the government claimed we were subversives or terrorists" Similar: troublemaker dissident agitator revolutionary revolutionist insurgent --- congratulatory /kənɡratʃʊˈleɪtəri,kənˈɡratʃələt(ə)ri/ Learn to pronounce adjective conveying good wishes or praise to someone in response to an achievement or special occasion. "as well as a congratulatory message from the Queen, Elsie received many cards and flowers" --- dynamo /ˈdʌɪnəməʊ/ Learn to pronounce nounBRITISH a machine for converting mechanical energy into electrical energy, typically by means of rotating coils of copper wire in a magnetic field. INFORMAL an extremely energetic person. "she was a dynamo in London politics" --- vagrant /ˈveɪɡr(ə)nt/ Learn to pronounce noun a person without a settled home or regular work who wanders from place to place and lives by begging. Similar: tramp drifter down-and-out derelict beggar itinerant wanderer nomad wayfarer traveller gypsy rover vagabond transient migrant homeless person beachcomber knight of the road bird of passage rolling stone hobo bagman knockabout overlander sundowner whaler streety bag lady bum bindlestiff outie derro adjective relating to or living the life of a vagrant. "vagrant beggars" Similar: homeless drifting transient roving roaming floating unsettled --- groundwork /ˈɡraʊn(d)wəːk/ Learn to pronounce noun preliminary or basic work. "the inquiry's findings are expected to lay the groundwork for a complete overhaul of the system" Similar: preliminary work preliminaries preparations preparatory measures basic work --- conferred brass camo pants faction forebears sterling snarl lobbing commiserated predicament weary stealth unmanly tout --- ontology /ɒnˈtɒlədʒi/ Learn to pronounce noun 1. the branch of metaphysics dealing with the nature of being. 2. a set of concepts and categories in a subject area or domain that shows their properties and the relations between them. "what's new about our ontology is that it is created automatically from large datasets" --- glossary /ˈɡlɒs(ə)ri/ Learn to pronounce noun noun: glossary; plural noun: glossaries an alphabetical list of words relating to a specific subject, text, or dialect, with explanations; a brief dictionary. "a glossary of Inuktitut words" Origin late Middle English: from Latin glossarium, from glossa (see gloss2). --- demarcation /diːmɑːˈkeɪʃ(ə)n/ Learn to pronounce noun the action of fixing the boundary or limits of something. "the demarcation of the maritime border" Similar: separation distinction differentiation division delimitation marking off definition a dividing line. plural noun: demarcations "a horizontal band that produces a distinct demarcation two inches from the top" Similar: boundary border borderline frontier bound limit dividing line line divide BRITISH the practice of requiring that specific jobs be assigned to members of particular trade unions. "strikes over job demarcation" --- ironclad adjective /ʌɪənˈklad/ covered or protected with iron. nounHISTORICAL /ˈʌɪənklad/ a 19th-century warship with armour plating. --- conform /kənˈfɔːm/ Learn to pronounce verb 3rd person present: conforms comply with rules, standards, or laws. "the kitchen does not conform to hygiene regulations" Similar: comply with abide by obey observe follow keep to hold to adhere to satisfy match up to meet fulfil be in accordance with stick to stand by act in accordance with uphold heed pay attention to agree to/with consent to accede to accept acquiesce in go along with fall in with adapt to accommodate to adjust to acknowledge respect defer to Opposite: flout (of a person) behave according to socially acceptable conventions or standards. "the pressure to conform" Similar: follow convention be conventional follow tradition follow custom fit in adapt adjust follow the crowd run with the pack swim with the stream comply acquiesce do what one is told toe the line obey the rules comply with the rules observe the rules abide by the rules adhere to the rules follow the rules keep to the rules stick to the rules submit yield play it by the book play by the rules keep in step go with the flow Opposite: rebel be similar in form or type; agree. "the countryside should conform to a certain idea of the picturesque" Similar: match fit suit answer agree with be like be similar to --- revelatory /ˌrɛvəˈleɪt(ə)ri,ˈrɛv(ə)lət(ə)ri/ Learn to pronounce adjective adjective: revelatory revealing something hitherto unknown. "a revelatory experience" --- staple1 /ˈsteɪp(ə)l/ Learn to pronounce noun noun: staple; plural noun: staples a piece of thin wire with two short right-angled end pieces which are driven by a stapler through sheets of paper to fasten them together. a U-shaped metal bar with pointed ends for driving into wood to hold things such as wires in place. verb verb: staple; 3rd person present: staples; past tense: stapled; past participle: stapled; gerund or present participle: stapling attach or secure with a staple or staples. "Merrill stapled a batch of papers together" Origin Old English stapol, of Germanic origin; related to Dutch stapel ‘pillar’ (a sense reflected in English in early use). staple2 /ˈsteɪp(ə)l/ Learn to pronounce noun noun: staple; plural noun: staples 1. a main or important element of something. "bread, milk, and other staples" a main item of trade or production. "rubber became the staple of the Malayan economy" 2. the fibre of cotton or wool considered with regard to its length and degree of fineness. "jackets made from long-staple Egyptian cotton" 3. HISTORICAL a centre of trade, especially in a specified commodity. "proposals were made for a wool staple at Pisa" adjective adjective: staple main or important, especially in terms of consumption. "the staple foods of the poor" Similar: main principal chief major primary leading foremost first most important predominant dominant (most) prominent key crucial vital indispensable essential basic fundamental standard critical pivotal prime central premier number-one most important in terms of trade or production. "rice was the staple crop grown in most villages" Similar: main principal chief major primary leading foremost first most important predominant dominant (most) prominent key crucial vital indispensable essential basic fundamental standard critical pivotal prime central premier number-one Origin --- swindle /ˈswɪnd(ə)l/ verb past tense: swindled; past participle: swindled use deception to deprive (someone) of money or possessions. "a businessman swindled investors out of millions of pounds" obtain (money) fraudulently. "he was said to have swindled £62.5 million from the state-owned cement industry" Similar: defraud cheat trick fleece dupe deceive exploit squeeze milk bleed fool take advantage of mislead delude hoax hoodwink bamboozle string along embezzle do con sting diddle fiddle rook swizzle swizz rip off take for a ride pull a fast one on put one over on sell a pup to take to the cleaners bilk gull finagle gazump stiff euchre bunco hornswoggle cozen sharp mulct Origin --- essence /ˈɛs(ə)ns/ Learn to pronounce noun noun: essence 1. the intrinsic nature or indispensable quality of something, especially something abstract, which determines its character. "conflict is the essence of drama" Similar: quintessence soul spirit ethos nature life lifeblood core heart centre crux nub nucleus kernel marrow meat pith gist substance principle central part fundamental quality basic quality essential part intrinsic nature sum and substance reality actuality quiddity esse nitty-gritty PHILOSOPHY a property or group of properties of something without which it would not exist or be what it is. plural noun: essences "Locke's scepticism about our ability to penetrate to the real essences of things" 2. an extract or concentrate obtained from a plant or other matter and used for flavouring or scent. "vanilla essence" Similar: extract concentrate concentration quintessence distillate elixir abstraction decoction juice tincture solution suspension dilution scent perfume Phrases in essence basically and without regard for peripheral details; fundamentally. "in detail the class system is complex but in essence it is simple" of the essence critically important. "time will be of the essence during negotiations" Origin --- naivety /nʌɪˈiːvti,nɑːˈiːvti/ Learn to pronounce noun noun: naiveté; noun: naivete; noun: naïveté lack of experience, wisdom, or judgement. "his appalling naivety in going to the press" Similar: innocence lack of sophistication lack of experience ingenuousness guilelessness lack of guile unworldliness childlikeness trustfulness simplicity naturalness gullibility credulousness credulity over-trustfulness lack of suspicion blind faith immaturity callowness greenness ignorance Opposite: sophistication innocence or unsophistication. "the charm and naivety of the early to mid fifties" a naive act. plural noun: naiveties; plural noun: naïvetés Origin late 17th century: from French naïveté, from naïf, -ive (see naive). --- impasse /amˈpɑːs,ˈampɑːs/ Learn to pronounce noun noun: impasse; plural noun: impasses a situation in which no progress is possible, especially because of disagreement; a deadlock. "the current political impasse" Similar: deadlock dead end stalemate checkmate stand-off standstill halt stop stoppage full stop Origin mid 19th century: from French, from im- (expressing negation) + the stem of passer ‘to pass’. --- suffice /səˈfʌɪs/ Learn to pronounce verb verb: suffice; 3rd person present: suffices; past tense: sufficed; past participle: sufficed; gerund or present participle: sufficing be enough or adequate. "a quick look should suffice" Similar: be enough be sufficient be adequate do serve meet requirements satisfy demands answer/fulfil/meet one's needs answer/serve the purpose pass muster fit/fill the bill make the grade cut the mustard hit the spot meet the needs of. "simple mediocrity cannot suffice them" Phrases suffice to say — used to indicate that one is saying enough to make one's meaning clear while withholding something for reasons of discretion or brevity. "suffice it to say that they were not considered suitable for this project" --- bogeyman /ˈbəʊɡɪman/ Learn to pronounce noun plural noun: bogeymen an imaginary evil spirit or being, used to frighten children. a person or thing that is widely regarded as an object of fear. "nuclear power is the environmentalists' bogeyman" --- self-inflicted adjective adjective: self-inflicted (of a wound or other harm) inflicted on oneself. "self-inflicted injuries" --- antagonist /anˈtaɡ(ə)nɪst/ Learn to pronounce noun 1. a person who actively opposes or is hostile to someone or something; an adversary. "he turned to confront his antagonist" Similar: adversary opponent enemy foe nemesis rival competitor contender opposition competition the other side corrival Opposite: ally friend supporter 2. BIOCHEMISTRY a substance which interferes with or inhibits the physiological action of another. "LSD is a serotonin antagonist" --- peril /ˈpɛrɪl,ˈpɛr(ə)l/ Learn to pronounce noun serious and immediate danger. "you could well place us both in peril" Similar: danger jeopardy risk riskiness hazard insecurity uncertainty menace threat perilousness pitfall problem Opposite: safety security verbARCHAIC expose to danger; threaten. "Jonathon perilled his life for love of David" --- peculiar /pɪˈkjuːlɪə/ Learn to pronounce adjective adjective: peculiar 1. different to what is normal or expected; strange. "he gave her some very peculiar looks" Similar: strange unusual odd funny curious bizarre weird uncanny queer unexpected unfamiliar abnormal atypical anomalous untypical different out of the ordinary out of the way exceptional rare extraordinary remarkable puzzling mystifying mysterious perplexing baffling unaccountable incongruous uncommon irregular singular deviant aberrant freak freakish suspicious dubious questionable eerie unnatural unco outré fishy creepy spooky rum bizarro backasswards eccentric idiosyncratic unconventional outlandish offbeat quirky quaint droll zany off-centre wacky freaky kooky screwy kinky oddball cranky off the wall wacko dilly Opposite: normal ordinary INFORMAL slightly and indefinably unwell. "I felt a little peculiar for a while" Similar: unwell ill poorly bad out of sorts indisposed not oneself sick queasy nauseous nauseated peaky liverish green about the gills run down washed out off off colour under the weather below par not up to par funny rough lousy rotten awful terrible dreadful crummy seedy grotty ropy wabbit peely-wally crook peaked peakish vulgar slangcrappy 2. particular; special. "any attempt to explicate the theme is bound to run into peculiar difficulties" Similar: distinctive characteristic distinct different individual individualistic distinguishing typical special specific representative unique idiosyncratic personal private essential natural identifiable unmistakable conspicuous notable remarkable singular belonging exclusively to. "some languages are peculiar to one region" Similar: characteristic of typical of representative of belonging to indicative of symptomatic of suggestive of exclusive to like in character with nounBRITISH noun: peculiar; plural noun: peculiars a parish or church exempt from the jurisdiction of the diocese in which it lies, and subject to the direct jurisdiction of the monarch or an archbishop. "deans and canons of royal peculiars, notably Westminster Abbey and Windsor" Origin -- Capuchin /ˈkapʊtʃɪn/ Learn to pronounce noun noun: Capuchin; plural noun: Capuchins; noun: capuchin; plural noun: capuchins; noun: capuchin monkey; plural noun: capuchin monkeys; noun: brown capuchin; plural noun: brown capuchins 1. a friar belonging to a branch of the Franciscan order that observes a strict rule drawn up in 1529. 2. a cloak and hood formerly worn by women. 3. a South American monkey with a cap of hair on the head which has the appearance of a cowl. 4. a pigeon of a breed with head and neck feathers resembling a cowl. Origin late 16th century: from obsolete French, earlier form of capucin, from Italian cappuccino, from cappuccio ‘hood, cowl’, from cappa (see cape1), the friars being so named because of their sharp-pointed hoods. --- derisory /dɪˈrʌɪs(ə)ri,dɪˈrʌɪz(ə)ri/ Learn to pronounce adjective adjective: derisory 1. ridiculously small or inadequate. "they were given a derisory pay rise" Similar: inadequate insufficient tiny small minimal trifling paltry pitiful miserly miserable negligible token nominal ridiculous laughable ludicrous risible preposterous absurd insulting contemptible outrageous measly stingy lousy pathetic piddling piffling mingy poxy nickel-and-dime 2. another term for derisive. "his derisory gaze swept over her" Similar: mocking ridiculing jeering scoffing jibing pillorying teasing derisive snide disdainful disparaging denigratory dismissive slighting detracting contemptuous sneering scornful taunting insulting caustic scathing sarcastic satirical lampooning snidey sarky contumelious Opposite: respectful praising Origin --- pariah /pəˈrʌɪə/ Learn to pronounce noun noun: pariah; plural noun: pariahs 1. an outcast. "they were treated as social pariahs" Similar: outcast persona non grata leper reject untouchable undesirable unperson 2. HISTORICAL a member of an indigenous people of southern India originally functioning as ceremonial drummers but later having a low caste. Origin early 17th century: from Tamil paṛaiyar, plural of paṛaiyan ‘(hereditary) drummer’, from paṛai ‘a drum’. --- clandestinely /klanˈdɛstɪnli/ Learn to pronounce adverb adverb: clandestinely in a secretive and illicit way. "traffickers operate clandestinely" --- bust1 /bʌst/ Learn to pronounce noun noun: bust; plural noun: busts 1. a woman's chest as measured around her breasts. "a 36-inch bust" Similar: chest bosom breasts mammary glands mammae boobs boobies tits titties knockers bazookas melons jubblies bubbies orbs globes jugs bristols charlies baps bazooms casabas chi-chis hooters norks dugs paps embonpoint a woman's breasts, especially considered in terms of their size. "a woman with big hips and a big bust" Similar: chest bosom breasts mammary glands mammae boobs boobies tits titties knockers bazookas melons jubblies bubbies orbs globes jugs bristols charlies baps bazooms casabas chi-chis hooters norks dugs paps embonpoint 2. a sculpture of a person's head, shoulders, and chest. Similar: sculpture carving effigy statue torso head Origin mid 17th century (denoting the upper part or torso of a large sculpture): from French buste, from Italian busto, from Latin bustum ‘tomb, sepulchral monument’. bust2 /bʌst/ Learn to pronounce INFORMAL verb verb: bust; 3rd person present: busts; past tense: bust; past participle: bust; past tense: busted; past participle: busted; gerund or present participle: busting 1. break, split, or burst. "they bust the tunnel wide open" Similar: break crack snap fracture shatter smash smash to smithereens fragment splinter disintegrate fall to bits fall to pieces split burst rupture tear rend sever separate divide shiver (of a group or couple) separate, typically after a quarrel. "now they've bust up, she won't inherit the house" violently disrupt. "men hired to bust up union rallies" NORTH AMERICAN strike violently. "Tamara bust him in the eye" escape. "she busted out of prison" (in blackjack and similar card games) exceed the score of 21, so losing one's stake. 2. NORTH AMERICAN (of the police) raid or search (premises where illegal activity is suspected). "my flat got busted" Similar: raid search make a search of swoop on make a raid on do over arrest. "two roadies were busted for drugs" Similar: arrest apprehend take into custody seize take in take prisoner detain put in jail throw in jail pick up run in pull in haul in pinch cop nab nail do collar feel someone's collar nick Opposite: release be caught in the act of doing something wrong. "I sneaked up on them and told them they were busted" US reduce (a soldier) to a lower rank; demote. "he was busted to private" noun noun: bust; plural noun: busts 1. a period of economic difficulty or depression. "the boom was followed by the present bust" 2. a raid or arrest by the police. "a drug bust" 3. a worthless thing. "cynics remain convinced the political process is a bust" 4. NORTH AMERICAN a violent blow. "a bust on the snout" adjective adjective: bust 1. BRITISH damaged or broken. "the vacuum cleaner's bust" 2. bankrupt. "six of their sponsors have gone bust" Similar: fail collapse crash fold (up) go under founder be ruined cave in go bankrupt become insolvent cease trading go into receivership go into liquidation be liquidated be wound up be closed (down) be shut (down) go broke go bump go to the wall go belly up come a cropper flop flatline Phrases — or bust — used to indicate that a supreme effort will be made to achieve the stated goal, with utter failure as the only alternative. "it's gold medal or bust for both of our basketball teams" --- nefarious /nɪˈfɛːrɪəs/ Learn to pronounce adjective adjective: nefarious (typically of an action or activity) wicked or criminal. "the nefarious activities of the organized-crime syndicates" Similar: wicked evil sinful iniquitous villainous criminal heinous atrocious appalling abhorrent vile foul base abominable odious depraved corrupt shameful scandalous monstrous fiendish diabolical devilish unholy ungodly infernal satanic dark unspeakable despicable outrageous shocking disgraceful knavish dastardly egregious flagitious Opposite: good admirable Origin --- Faux leather is one of several names given to artificial or synthetic leather. These names are often used to describe specific end uses of synthetic leather products such as faux leather (sofa, chair and headboard upholstery), leatherette (auto upholstery, clothing), and koskin (consumer goods). --- abrogate /ˈabrəɡeɪt/ Learn to pronounce verbFORMAL 1. repeal or do away with (a law, right, or formal agreement). "a proposal to abrogate temporarily the right to strike" Similar: repudiate revoke repeal rescind overturn overrule override do away with annul cancel break off invalidate nullify void negate dissolve countermand veto declare null and void discontinue renege on go back on backtrack on reverse retract remove withdraw abolish put an end to get rid of suspend end stop quash scrap disaffirm avoid vacate vitiate axe ditch dump chop give something the chop knock something on the head deracinate Opposite: institute introduce 2. evade (a responsibility or duty). "we believe the board is abrogating its responsibilities to its shareholders" --- Representatives and Senators are both congresspeople. The US congress consists of two effectively co-equal chambers: the Senate and the House of Representatives. There are a few functional differences: Senators serve for six year terms, representatives have to run for election every two years. There are two senators from each state, but representatives are based on population (California has 53 representatives, Wyoming has one). But both chambers have to pass a bill in order for it to become a law, which is the primary function of congress. Traditionally, the Senate is thought of as the loftier, more deliberative, more elite body. Once upon a time, Senators were appointed by the state legislature, to keep some separation from the popular vote. Nowadays, though, Senators are directly elected. The main difference is that representatives have specific districts that elect them, while Senators are elected by the state as a whole. Because being a Senator is somewhat more prestigious, Senators are usually referred to as such, though they're technically congresspeople. Representatives are usually referred to as "congressman" or "congresswoman". But the only distinction is which part of congress they're in. --- teeter-totter ˈtiːtətɒtə/ North Americandialect noun noun: teeter-totter; plural noun: teeter-totters 1. a see-saw. "a playground with swings and teeter-totters" verb verb: teeter-totter; 3rd person present: teeter-totters; past tense: teeter-tottered; past participle: teeter-tottered; gerund or present participle: teeter-tottering 1. teeter; waver. "between ego and object, we teeter-totter" Origin late 19th century: reduplication of teeter or totter1. -------- Pauperism is a term meaning poverty or generally the state of being poor, but in English usage particularly the condition of being a "pauper", i.e. in receipt of relief administered under the English Poor Laws. ----- kindred ˈkɪndrɪd/Submit noun 1. one's family and relations. synonyms: family, relatives, relations, kin, family members, connections, kith and kin, one's own flesh and blood, clan, tribe, house, lineage; More adjective 1. similar in kind; related. "books on kindred subjects" synonyms: related, allied, connected, closely connected/related, comparable, similar, like, alike, parallel, associated, corresponding, cognate, analogous, interconnected, affiliated "the centre collects works on industrial relations and kindred subjects" -- wherefore ˈwɛːfɔː/Submit archaic adverb adverb: wherefore 1. for what reason. "she took an ill turn, but wherefore I cannot say" adverb & conjunction conjunction: wherefore 1. as a result of which. "truly he cared for me, wherefore I title him with all respect" - partake pɑːˈteɪk/Submit verbformal verb: partake; 3rd person present: partakes; past tense: partook; gerund or present participle: partaking; past participle: partaken 1. eat or drink (something). "he partook of a well-earned drink" synonyms: consume, have, eat, drink, take, devour, polish off, ingest; More 2. join in (an activity). "visitors can partake in golfing or clay pigeon shooting" synonyms: participate in, take part in, engage in, enter into, join in, get involved in, share in, play a part in, contribute to, have a hand in, have something to do with "video conferencing allows executives to partake in negotiations abroad" 3. be characterized by (a quality). "the birth of twins became an event which partook of the mythic" synonyms: have the qualities/attributes of, suggest, evoke, be characterized by, hint at, evince, manifest "Bohemia is where eastern and western Europe meet, partaking of both, part of neither" -- conjure ˈkʌndʒə/Submit verb verb: conjure; 3rd person present: conjures; past tense: conjured; past participle: conjured; gerund or present participle: conjuring 1. cause (a spirit or ghost) to appear by means of a magic ritual. "they hoped to conjure up the spirit of their dead friend" make (something) appear unexpectedly or seemingly from nowhere. "Anne conjured up a delicious home-made hotpot" synonyms: make something appear, produce, materialize, magic, summon, generate; whip up "he conjured another cigarette out of the air" call (an image) to the mind. "she had forgotten how to conjure up the image of her mother's face" synonyms: bring to mind, call to mind, put one in mind of, call up, evoke, summon up, recall, recreate; More (of a word, sound, smell, etc.) cause someone to think of (something). "a special tune that conjures up a particular time and place" 2. archaic implore (someone) to do something. "she conjured him to return" ------ peril ˈpɛrɪl,ˈpɛr(ə)l/Submit noun noun: peril; plural noun: perils 1. serious and immediate danger. "you could well place us both in peril" synonyms: danger, jeopardy, risk, riskiness, hazard, insecurity, uncertainty, menace, threat, perilousness; More antonyms: safety, security the risks or difficulties that arise from a particular situation or activity. "she first witnessed the perils of pop stardom a decade ago" verbarchaic verb: peril; 3rd person present: perils; past tense: perilled; past participle: perilled; past tense: periled; past participle: periled; gerund or present participle: perilling; gerund or present participle: periling 1. expose to danger; threaten. "Jonathon perilled his life for love of David" -------- inter ɪnˈtəː/Submit verb past tense: interred; past participle: interred place (a corpse) in a grave or tomb, typically with funeral rites. "he was interred with the military honours due to him" synonyms: bury, lay to rest, consign to the grave, entomb, inurn; More antonyms: exhume -------- hosier ˈhəʊzɪə/Submit noun noun: hosier; plural noun: hosiers a manufacturer or seller of hosiery. --- hosiery ˈhəʊzɪəri,ˈhəʊʒəri/Submit noun noun: hosiery stockings, socks, and tights collectively. synonyms: stockings, tights, stay-ups, nylons; More ---------- wheelbarrow ˈwiːlbarəʊ/Submit noun noun: wheelbarrow; plural noun: wheelbarrows a small cart with a single wheel at the front and two supporting legs and two handles at the rear, used typically for carrying loads in building work or gardening. ------ preferment prɪˈfəːm(ə)nt/Submit noun noun: preferment; plural noun: preferments promotion or appointment to a position or office. "after ordination, preferment was fast" ------- gouge ɡaʊdʒ,ɡuːdʒ/Submit noun noun: gouge; plural noun: gouges 1. a chisel with a concave blade, used in carpentry, sculpture, and surgery. 2. an indentation or groove made by gouging. verb verb: gouge; 3rd person present: gouges; past tense: gouged; past participle: gouged; gerund or present participle: gouging 1. make (a groove, hole, or indentation) with or as if with a gouge. "the channel had been gouged out by the ebbing water" synonyms: scoop out, burrow (out), hollow out, excavate; More make a rough hole or indentation in (a surface), especially so as to mar or disfigure it. "he had wielded the blade inexpertly, gouging the grass in several places" cut or force something out roughly or brutally. "one of the young man's eyes had been gouged out" AUSTRALIAN dig for minerals, especially opal. "he was gouging for ore" 2. NORTH AMERICANinformal overcharge or swindle (someone). "drugs sold by the same manufacturers who are gouging patients in this country" obtain money by swindling or extortion. "he'd gouged wads out of Morty" ---------- assiduously əˈsɪdjʊəsli/Submit adverb adverb: assiduously with great care and perseverance. "leaders worked assiduously to hammer out an action plan" ------ diligently ˈdɪlɪdʒ(ə)ntli/Submit adverb adverb: diligently in a way that shows care and conscientiousness in one's work or duties. "he spends his nights diligently working on his dissertation" ----- acquit əˈkwɪt/Submit verb gerund or present participle: acquitting 1. free (someone) from a criminal charge by a verdict of not guilty. "she was acquitted on all counts" synonyms: absolve, clear, exonerate, exculpate, declare innocent, find innocent, pronounce not guilty; More antonyms: convict 2. conduct oneself or perform in a specified way. "the goalkeeper acquitted himself well" synonyms: conduct oneself, bear oneself; More archaic discharge (a duty or responsibility). "they acquitted themselves of their charge with vigilance" synonyms: discharge, execute, perform, do, carry out, effect, implement, bring about, bring off, accomplish, achieve, fulfil, complete; More Origin -- crest krɛst/Submit noun noun: crest; plural noun: crests 1. a comb or tuft of feathers, fur, or skin on the head of a bird or other animal. "a large game bird with a conspicuous erect red crest" synonyms: comb, plume, tuft, topknot, mane; More a plume of feathers on a helmet. 2. the top of a mountain or hill. "she reached the crest of the hill" synonyms: summit, peak, highest point, top, mountaintop, tip, pinnacle, brow, crown, head, cap, brink, apex, vertex, apogee, zenith; More antonyms: bottom ANATOMY a ridge along the surface of a bone. "biopsy specimens of the iliac crest were obtained under local anaesthesia" the upper line of the neck of a horse or other mammal. "take hold of the mane halfway up the horse's crest" 3. the curling foamy top of a wave. "a high wave formed by the meeting of two crests" 4. HERALDRY a distinctive device representing a family or corporate body, borne above the shield of a coat of arms (originally as worn on a helmet) or separately reproduced, for example on writing paper. synonyms: insignia, regalia, badge, emblem, ensign, device, heraldic device, coat of arms, arms, armorial bearing, escutcheon, shield; More verb verb: crest; 3rd person present: crests; past tense: crested; past participle: crested; gerund or present participle: cresting 1. reach the top of (a hill or wave). "she crested a hill and saw the valley spread out before her" US (of a river, flood, etc.) rise to its highest level. 2. (of a wave) form a curling foamy top. "the swell begins to curl and crest" 3. have attached at the top. "his helmet was crested with a fan of spikes" Origin ---------- pickaxe ˈpɪkaks/Submit noun noun: pickaxe; plural noun: pickaxes; noun: pickax; noun: pick-axe; plural noun: pick-axes; noun: pick-ax 1. another term for pick2 (sense 1). verb verb: pickaxe; 3rd person present: pickaxes; past tense: pickaxed; past participle: pickaxed; gerund or present participle: pickaxing; verb: pickax; verb: pick-axe; 3rd person present: pick-axes; past tense: pick-axed; past participle: pick-axed; gerund or present participle: pick-axing; verb: pick-ax 1. break or strike with a pickaxe. ----- heraldry ˈhɛr(ə)ldri/Submit noun noun: heraldry the system by which coats of arms and other armorial bearings are devised, described, and regulated. "the use of the rose in heraldry" armorial bearings or other heraldic symbols. "the monument shows the heraldry of William Paget" colourful ceremony. "all the pomp and heraldry provided a splendid pageant" - stout staʊt/Submit adjective adjective: stout; comparative adjective: stouter; superlative adjective: stoutest 1. (of a person) rather fat or of heavy build. "stout middle-aged men" synonyms: fat, fattish, plump, portly, rotund, roly-poly, pot-bellied, round, dumpy, chunky, broad in the beam, overweight, fleshy, paunchy, corpulent; More antonyms: thin, slender 2. (of an object) strong and thick. "Billy had armed himself with a stout stick" synonyms: strong, sturdy, heavy, solid, substantial, robust, tough, strongly made, durable, hard-wearing; thick "Billy had armed himself with a stout stick" antonyms: flimsy, fragile 3. having or showing courage and determination. "he put up a stout defence in court" synonyms: determined, full of determination, vigorous, forceful, spirited, stout-hearted; More antonyms: half-hearted, feeble, cowardly noun noun: stout; plural noun: stouts 1. a kind of strong, dark beer brewed with roasted malt or barley. "microbreweries specialize in ales and stouts" Origin ------ alacrity əˈlakrɪti/Submit noun noun: alacrity brisk and cheerful readiness. "she accepted the invitation with alacrity" synonyms: eagerness, willingness, readiness; More antonyms: apathy -------- swerve swəːv/Submit verb gerund or present participle: swerving change or cause to change direction abruptly. "a lorry swerved across her path" synonyms: veer, change direction, go off course, deviate, skew, diverge, sheer, curve, twist, weave, zigzag, turn aside, branch off, sidetrack; More Origin -- desultory ˈdɛs(ə)lt(ə)ri,ˈdɛz(ə)lt(ə)ri/Submit adjective adjective: desultory lacking a plan, purpose, or enthusiasm. "a few people were left, dancing in a desultory fashion" synonyms: casual, half-hearted, lukewarm, cursory, superficial, token, perfunctory, passing, incidental, sketchy, haphazard, random, aimless, rambling, erratic, unmethodical, unsystematic, automatic, unthinking, capricious, mechanical, offhand, chaotic, inconsistent, irregular, intermittent, occasional, sporadic, inconstant, fitful More antonyms: keen, systematic, lasting (of conversation or speech) going from one subject to another in a half-hearted way. "the desultory conversation faded" occurring randomly or occasionally. "desultory passengers were appearing" Origin ----------- intrepid ɪnˈtrɛpɪd/Submit adjective adjective: intrepid fearless; adventurous (often used for rhetorical or humorous effect). "our intrepid reporter" synonyms: fearless, unafraid, undaunted, dauntless, undismayed, unalarmed, unflinching, unshrinking, unblenching, unabashed, bold, daring, audacious, adventurous, dashing, heroic, dynamic, spirited, mettlesome, confident, indomitable; More antonyms: fearful, cowardly Origin ----- cohort ˈkəʊhɔːt/Submit noun plural noun: cohorts 1. an ancient Roman military unit, comprising six centuries, equal to one tenth of a legion. synonyms: unit, outfit, force; More 2. a group of people with a shared characteristic. "a cohort of civil servants patiently drafting legislation" a group of people with a common statistical characteristic. "the 1940–4 birth cohort of women" synonyms: group, grouping, category, categorization, grade, grading, classification, class, set, section, division, order, batch, list; More 3. derogatory a supporter or companion. "young Jack arrived with three of his cohorts" Origin ---------- detest dɪˈtɛst/Submit verb past tense: detested; past participle: detested dislike intensely. "she really did detest his mockery" synonyms: abhor, hate, loathe, despise, abominate, execrate, regard with disgust, feel disgust for, feel repugnance towards, feel distaste for, shrink from, recoil from, shudder at, be unable to bear, be unable to abide, feel hostility to, feel aversion to, feel animosity to, find intolerable, dislike, disdain, have an aversion to; archaicdisrelish "I do detest social climbers" --------- vexation vɛkˈseɪʃ(ə)n/Submit noun the state of being annoyed, frustrated, or worried. "Jenna bit her lip in vexation" synonyms: annoyance, irritation, irritability, exasperation, anger, rage, fury, temper, bad temper, hot temper, wrath, spleen, chagrin, pique, crossness, indignation, displeasure, discontent, dissatisfaction, disgruntlement, ill humour, peevishness, petulance, testiness, tetchiness, gall, resentment, umbrage; More a cause of annoyance, frustration, or worry. plural noun: vexations "the vexations of life under canvas" ----- avarice ˈav(ə)rɪs/Submit noun noun: avarice extreme greed for wealth or material gain. "he was rich beyond the dreams of avarice" synonyms: greed, acquisitiveness, cupidity, covetousness, avariciousness, rapacity, rapaciousness, graspingness, materialism, mercenariness; More antonyms: generosity ------ lassitude ˈlasɪtjuːd/Submit noun noun: lassitude a state of physical or mental weariness; lack of energy. "she was overcome by lassitude and retired to bed" synonyms: lethargy, listlessness, weariness, languor, sluggishness, enervation, tiredness, exhaustion, fatigue, sleepiness, drowsiness, torpor, torpidity, ennui, lifelessness, sloth, apathy "prolonged periods of lassitude which she ascribed to the heat" antonyms: vigour, energy ------ dawdle ˈdɔːd(ə)l/Submit verb past tense: dawdled; past participle: dawdled waste time; be slow. "she mustn't dawdle—she had to make the call now" synonyms: linger, dally, take one's time, drag one's feet, be slow, waste time, kill time, fritter time away, idle; More antonyms: hurry move slowly and idly in a particular direction. "Ruth dawdled back through the wood" synonyms: amble, stroll, go/walk slowly, loiter (along), move at a snail's pace, not keep pace, hold back, lag behind, fall behind, trail behind; More antonyms: speed ----- sully ˈsʌli/Submit verbliterary past tense: sullied; past participle: sullied damage the purity or integrity of. "they were outraged that anyone should sully their good name" synonyms: taint, defile, soil, tarnish, stain, blemish, besmirch, befoul, contaminate, pollute, spoil, mar, spot, make impure, disgrace, dishonour, injure, damage "he never sullied his lips with swear words" antonyms: purify make dirty. "she wondered if she dared sully the gleaming sink" Origin ---- vicissitude vɪˈsɪsɪtjuːd,vʌɪˈsɪsɪtjuːd/Submit noun plural noun: vicissitudes 1. a change of circumstances or fortune, typically one that is unwelcome or unpleasant. "her husband's sharp vicissitudes of fortune" synonyms: change, alteration, alternation, transformation, metamorphosis, transmutation, mutation, modification, transition, development, shift, switch, turn; More 2. literary alternation between opposite or contrasting things. "the vicissitude of the seasons" Origin ------ temerity tɪˈmɛrɪti/Submit noun noun: temerity excessive confidence or boldness; audacity. "no one had the temerity to question his conclusions" synonyms: audacity, boldness, audaciousness, nerve, effrontery, impudence, impertinence, cheek, barefaced cheek, gall, presumption, presumptuousness, brazenness, forwardness, front, rashness; More antonyms: shyness, bashfulness --- chevalier ˌʃɛvəˈlɪə/Submit nounhistorical noun: chevalier; plural noun: chevaliers a knight. a member of certain orders of knighthood or of modern French orders such as the Legion of Honour. BRITISHhistorical a title of the Old and Young Pretenders. noun: Chevalier; plural noun: Chevaliers ------- besiege bɪˈsiːdʒ/Submit verb past tense: besieged; past participle: besieged surround (a place) with armed forces in order to capture it or force its surrender. "the king marched north to besiege Berwick" synonyms: lay siege to, beleaguer, blockade, surround; More surround and harass. "she spent the whole day besieged by newsmen" synonyms: surround, mob, crowd round, swarm round, throng round, ring round, encircle; More be inundated by large numbers of requests or complaints. "the television station was besieged with calls" synonyms: overwhelm, inundate, deluge, flood, swamp, snow under; bombard "the television station was besieged with calls from worried homeowners" ----- ostensibly ɒˈstɛnsɪbli/Submit adverb adverb: ostensibly as appears or is stated to be true, though not necessarily so; apparently. "the party secretary resigned, ostensibly from ill health" synonyms: apparently, seemingly, on the face of it, to all appearances, on the surface, to all intents and purposes, outwardly, superficially, allegedly, professedly, supposedly, purportedly; More antonyms: genuinely, really, truly ------- bayonet ˈbeɪənɪt/Submit noun plural noun: bayonets 1. a sword-like stabbing blade which may be fixed to the muzzle of a rifle for use in hand-to-hand fighting. synonyms: blade, knife, sword, spear, lance, pike, javelin, shaft, harpoon "a man armed with a bayonet" 2. denoting a fitting for a light bulb, camera lens, etc. which is engaged by being pushed into a socket and then twisted to lock it in place. "a bayonet fitting" verb 3rd person present: bayonets 1. stab (someone) with a bayonet. "stragglers were bayoneted where they fell" synonyms: stab, pierce, spear, knife, gore, spike, stick, impale, run through, transfix, prick, puncture, gash, slash "stragglers were bayoneted where they fell" Origin late 17th century (denoting a kind of short dagger): from French baïonnette, from Bayonne, the name of a town in SW France, where they were first made. ----- aver əˈvəː/Submit verbformal verb: aver; 3rd person present: avers; past tense: averred; past participle: averred; gerund or present participle: averring state or assert to be the case. "he averred that he was innocent of the allegations" LAW allege as a fact in support of a plea. "the defendant does not aver any performance by himself" Origin ------ inure ɪˈnjʊə,ɪˈnjɔː/Submit verb past tense: inured; past participle: inured 1. accustom (someone) to something, especially something unpleasant. "these children have been inured to violence" synonyms: harden, toughen, season, temper, condition; More antonyms: sensitize 2. LAW variant spelling of enure (sense 1). ------ cassock ˈkasək/Submit noun noun: cassock; plural noun: cassocks a full-length garment worn by certain Christian clergy, members of church choirs, and others having an office or role in a church. Origin --- assuage əˈsweɪdʒ/Submit verb gerund or present participle: assuaging make (an unpleasant feeling) less intense. "the letter assuaged the fears of most members" synonyms: relieve, ease, alleviate, soothe, mitigate, dampen, allay, calm, palliate, abate, lull, temper, suppress, smother, stifle, subdue, tranquillize, mollify, moderate, modify, tone down, attenuate, dilute, lessen, diminish, decrease, reduce, lower; More antonyms: aggravate satisfy (an appetite or desire). "an opportunity occurred to assuage her desire for knowledge" synonyms: satisfy, fulfil, gratify, appease, indulge, relieve, slake, sate, satiate, quench, quell, overcome, check, keep in check, dull, blunt, allay, take the edge off, diminish "her physical hunger could be quickly assuaged" antonyms: intensify Origin ----------- ransack ˈransak/Submit verb past tense: ransacked; past participle: ransacked go through (a place) stealing things and causing damage. "burglars ransacked her home" synonyms: plunder, pillage, steal from, raid, rob, loot, rifle, sack, strip, denude; More search (a place or receptacle) thoroughly, especially in such a way as to cause harm. "man has ransacked the planet for fuel" synonyms: rummage through, hunt through, search (through), rake through, scour, rifle, look all round, go through, comb, scrabble around in, poke around in, rummage around in, hunt around in, explore, turn inside out, turn over "she ransacked the wardrobe for something to wear" ------ malt mɔːlt,mɒlt/Submit noun noun: malt 1. barley or other grain that has been steeped, germinated, and dried, used for brewing or distilling and vinegar-making. short for malt whisky. plural noun: malts NORTH AMERICAN short for malted milk. verb verb: malt; 3rd person present: malts; past tense: malted; past participle: malted; gerund or present participle: malting 1. convert (grain) into malt. "barley is grown for malting" ------ mason ˈmeɪs(ə)n/Submit noun noun: mason; plural noun: masons; noun: Mason; plural noun: Masons 1. a person skilled in cutting, dressing, and laying stone in buildings. "the chief mason at Westminster Abbey" 2. a Freemason. "a Mason's handshake" verb verb: mason; 3rd person present: masons; past tense: masoned; past participle: masoned; gerund or present participle: masoning 1. build from or strengthen with stone. "the other building was masoned up out of hewn limestone" cut or dress (stone). "one course of massive stones, roughly masoned" Origin ------ thrifty ˈθrɪfti/Submit adjective adjective: thrifty; comparative adjective: thriftier; superlative adjective: thriftiest 1. using money and other resources carefully and not wastefully. "he had been brought up to be thrifty and careful" synonyms: careful with money, provident, prudent, canny, economical, frugal, energy-efficient, energy-saving, fuel-efficient, fuel-saving, sparing, scrimping, abstemious, parsimonious, penny-pinching, miserly; forehanded "Gran brought me up to be thrifty and never to get into debt" antonyms: profligate, extravagant 2. archaicdialect (of livestock or plants) strong and healthy. "the sheep are vigorous and thrifty" archaic prosperous. ------- probity ˈprəʊbɪti,ˈprɒbɪti/Submit nounformal noun: probity the quality of having strong moral principles; honesty and decency. "financial probity" synonyms: integrity, honesty, uprightness, decency, morality, rectitude, goodness, virtue, right-mindedness, trustworthiness, truthfulness, honour, honourableness, justice, fairness, equity; More antonyms: untrustworthiness ------- pro forma prəʊ ˈfɔːmə/Submit adjective adjective: proforma 1. done or produced as a matter of form. "pro forma reports" denoting a standard document or form, especially an invoice sent in advance of or with goods supplied. "a pro forma invoice" (of a financial statement) showing potential or expected income, costs, assets, or liabilities, especially in relation to some planned act or situation. "revenues in excess of 35 million dollars on a pro forma basis" adverb adverb: proforma 1. as a matter of form or politeness. "he nodded to him pro forma" noun noun: proforma 1. a pro forma document or form. "please return the enclosed pro forma" ------- amenity əˈmiːnɪti,əˈmɛnɪti/Submit noun plural noun: amenities a desirable or useful feature or facility of a building or place. "the property is situated in a convenient location, close to all local amenities" synonyms: facility, service, convenience, resource, utility, system, appliance, aid, advantage, comfort, benefit, arrangement, opportunity; More the pleasantness or attractiveness of a place. "developments which would clash with amenity" synonyms: pleasantness, agreeableness, pleasurableness, enjoyableness, niceness "gravel working means lorries, dust, noise, and a general loss of amenity" ------- ascendant əˈsɛnd(ə)nt/Submit adjective adjective: ascendant; adjective: ascendent 1. rising in power or influence. "the newly ascendant liberal party" synonyms: rising (in power), in the ascendant, on the up and up, on the way up, up-and-coming, on the rise, growing, increasing, flourishing, prospering, burgeoning, developing, budding "by the late 1990s liberal ideas were ascendant in much of the developed world" antonyms: declining 2. ASTROLOGY (of a planet, zodiacal degree, or sign) on or close to the intersection of the ecliptic with the eastern horizon. nounASTROLOGY noun: ascendant; plural noun: ascendants; noun: ascendent; plural noun: ascendents 1. the point on the ecliptic at which it intersects the eastern horizon at a particular time, typically that of a person's birth. --- unscrupulous ʌnˈskruːpjʊləs/Submit adjective adjective: unscrupulous having or showing no moral principles; not honest or fair. "unscrupulous landlords might be tempted to harass existing tenants" synonyms: unprincipled, unethical, immoral, amoral, conscienceless, untrustworthy, shameless, reprobate, exploitative, corrupt, corrupted, dishonest, fraudulent, cheating, dishonourable, deceitful, devious, underhand, guileful, cunning, furtive, sly, wrongdoing, unsavoury, disreputable, improper, bad, evil, wicked, villainous, roguish, sinful, ignoble, degenerate, venal; More antonyms: ethical, honest --------- shoddy ˈʃɒdi/Submit adjective adjective: shoddy; comparative adjective: shoddier; superlative adjective: shoddiest 1. badly made or done. "we're not paying good money for shoddy goods" synonyms: poor-quality, inferior, second-rate, third-rate, low-grade, cheap, cheapjack, tawdry, rubbishy, trashy, gimcrack, jerry-built, crude, tinny; More antonyms: well made, careful lacking moral principle; sordid. "a shoddy misuse of the honours system" noun noun: shoddy; noun: shoddies 1. an inferior quality yarn or fabric made from the shredded fibre of waste woollen cloth or clippings. "the production of shoddy and mattress stuffing" -------- cozen ˈkʌz(ə)n/Submit verbliterary past tense: cozened; past participle: cozened trick or deceive. "do not think to cozen your contemporaries" obtain by deception. "he was able to cozen a profit" Origin --------- cutler ˈkʌtlə/Submit noun noun: cutler; plural noun: cutlers a person who makes or sells cutlery. -------- cutlery ˈkʌtləri/Submit noun noun: cutlery knives, forks, and spoons used for eating or serving food. NORTH AMERICAN cutting utensils, especially knives. Origin -- roguery ˈrəʊɡ(ə)ri/Submit noun noun: roguery; plural noun: rogueries conduct characteristic of a rogue, especially acts of dishonesty or playful mischief. "there has always been roguery associated with horse dealing" -- manna ˈmanə/Submit noun noun: manna 1. (in the Bible) the substance miraculously supplied as food to the Israelites in the wilderness (Exod. 16). something beneficial that appears or is provided unexpectedly or opportunely. "a major aircraft accident is manna to lawyers" (in Christian contexts) spiritual nourishment, especially the Eucharist. 2. a sweet gum obtained from the manna ash or a similar plant, used as a mild laxative. Origin --- outlay ˈaʊtleɪ/Submit noun noun: outlay; plural noun: outlays an amount of money spent on something. "a modest outlay on local advertising" synonyms: expenditure, expenses, spending, outgoings, money spent, cost, price, charge, payment, disbursement, investment, injection of capital "the project involved comparatively little financial outlay" ------- levity ˈlɛvɪti/Submit noun noun: levity; plural noun: levities the treatment of a serious matter with humour or lack of due respect. "as an attempt to introduce a note of levity, the words were a disastrous flop" synonyms: light-heartedness, carefreeness, light-mindedness, high spirits, vivacity, liveliness, conviviality, cheerfulness, cheeriness, humour, gaiety, fun, jocularity, hilarity, frivolity, frivolousness, amusement, mirth, laughter, merriment, glee, comedy, funniness, wit, wittiness, jollity, joviality, joking, drollery, good cheer, sportiveness, nonsense, irreverence, facetiousness, flippancy, blitheness, triviality, silliness, foolishness, childishness, giddiness, skittishness More antonyms: seriousness, gravity, constancy ---------- bequeath bɪˈkwiːð/Submit verb gerund or present participle: bequeathing leave (property) to a person or other beneficiary by a will. "he bequeathed his art collection to the town" synonyms: leave, leave in one's will, will, make over, pass on, hand on, hand down, cede, consign, commit, entrust, grant, transfer, convey; More pass (something) on or leave (something) to someone else. "he ditched the unpopular policies bequeathed to him" synonyms: hand down, hand on, pass on, impart, transmit "they bequeathed their expertise to those who built the railways" Origin -------------- infidel /ˈɪnfɪd(ə)l/ archaic noun noun: infidel; plural noun: infidels 1. a person who has no religion or whose religion is not that of the majority. "a crusade against infidels and heretics" synonyms: unbeliever, disbeliever, non-believer, heathen, pagan, idolater, idolatress, heretic, agnostic, atheist, non-theist, nihilist, apostate, freethinker, libertine, dissenter, nonconformist; More adjective adjective: infidel 1. adhering to a religion other than that of the majority. "the infidel foe" ------------ durst dəːst/Submit archaic or regional past of dare. ------- hustings ˈhʌstɪŋz/Submit noun noun: hustings; plural noun: hustings a meeting at which candidates in an election address potential voters. "he could hold his own in an election hustings" the campaigning associated with an election. plural noun: the hustings "I was out on the hustings, talking to people" Origin -- prudence ˈpruːd(ə)ns/Submit noun noun: prudence; plural noun: prudences the quality of being prudent; cautiousness. "we need to exercise prudence in such important matters" synonyms: wisdom, judgement, good judgement, judiciousness, sagacity, shrewdness, advisability, common sense, sense More antonyms: folly, recklessness ------- penurious pɪˈnjʊərɪəs/Submit adjectiveformal adjective: penurious 1. extremely poor; poverty-stricken. "a penurious old tramp" synonyms: poor, as poor as a church mouse, poverty-stricken, destitute, necessitous, in penury, impecunious, impoverished, indigent, needy, in need/want, badly off, in reduced circumstances, in straitened circumstances, hard up, on one's beam-ends, unable to make ends meet, underprivileged, penniless, without a sou, moneyless, bankrupt, bust, insolvent; More antonyms: wealthy characterized by poverty. "penurious years" 2. unwilling to spend money; mean. "his stingy and penurious wife" synonyms: mean, miserly, niggardly, parsimonious, penny-pinching, close-fisted, cheese-paring, scrimping, grasping, greedy, avaricious, Scrooge-like, ungenerous, illiberal, close; More antonyms: generous ----------- splendid ˈsplɛndɪd/Submit adjective adjective: splendid magnificent; very impressive. "a splendid view of Windsor Castle" synonyms: magnificent, sumptuous, grand, impressive, imposing, superb, spectacular, resplendent, opulent, luxurious, palatial, deluxe, rich, fine, costly, expensive, lavish, ornate, gorgeous, glorious, dazzling, elegant, handsome, beautiful; More antonyms: modest, unimpressive, ordinary, undistinguished informal excellent; very good. "a splendid fellow" synonyms: excellent, wonderful, marvellous, magnificent, superb, glorious, sublime, lovely, delightful, first-class, first-rate; More antonyms: dreadful, awful, horrible ------- magnificent maɡˈnɪfɪs(ə)nt/Submit adjective adjective: magnificent 1. extremely beautiful, elaborate, or impressive. "a dramatic landscape of magnificent mountains" synonyms: splendid, spectacular, impressive, striking, glorious, superb, majestic, awesome, awe-inspiring, breathtaking More antonyms: uninspiring, modest, tawdry, cheap 2. very good; excellent. "she paid tribute to their magnificent efforts" synonyms: admirable, fine, great, wonderful, notable More antonyms: feeble, weak, poor ---- limpet ˈlɪmpɪt/Submit noun a marine mollusc which has a shallow conical shell and a broad muscular foot, found clinging tightly to rocks. used in comparisons to refer to people and things that cling tightly. "the couples on the floor were clinging to each other like limpets" Tip Similar-sounding words limpet is sometimes confused with limpid ---- inculcate ˈɪnkʌlkeɪt/Submit verb verb: inculcate; 3rd person present: inculcates; past tense: inculcated; past participle: inculcated; gerund or present participle: inculcating instil (an idea, attitude, or habit) by persistent instruction. "I tried to inculcate in my pupils an attitude of enquiry" synonyms: instil, implant, fix, ingrain, infuse, impress, imprint, introduce; More teach (someone) an attitude, idea, or habit by persistent instruction. "they will try to inculcate you with a respect for culture" --- contrive kənˈtrʌɪv/Submit verb verb: contrive; 3rd person present: contrives; past tense: contrived; past participle: contrived; gerund or present participle: contriving create or bring about (an object or a situation) by deliberate use of skill and artifice. "his opponents contrived a cabinet crisis" synonyms: bring about, engineer, cause to happen, manufacture, orchestrate, stage-manage, create; More manage to do something foolish or create an undesirable situation. "he contrived to flood the flat three times" synonyms: manage, find a way, engineer a way, arrange; More Origin --- thriftless ˈθrɪftləs/Submit adjective adjective: thriftless (of a person or their behaviour) spending money in an extravagant and wasteful way. synonyms: extravagant, profligate, spendthrift, unthrifty, improvident, wasteful, free-spending, prodigal, squandering, lavish; More antonyms: thrifty -- prodigal ˈprɒdɪɡ(ə)l/Submit adjective adjective: prodigal 1. spending money or using resources freely and recklessly; wastefully extravagant. "prodigal habits die hard" synonyms: wasteful, extravagant, spendthrift, improvident, imprudent, immoderate, profligate, thriftless, excessive, intemperate, irresponsible, self-indulgent, reckless, wanton "prodigal habits die hard" antonyms: thrifty, economical, parsimonious 2. having or giving something on a lavish scale. "the dessert was prodigal with whipped cream" synonyms: generous, lavish, liberal, unstinting, unsparing, bountiful; More antonyms: mean noun noun: prodigal; plural noun: prodigals 1. a person who spends money in a recklessly extravagant way. "the government wished to clip the wings of the local authority prodigals" a person who leaves home to lead a prodigal life but later makes a repentant return. noun: prodigal daughter; plural noun: prodigal daughters; noun: prodigal son; plural noun: prodigal sons ----- scrub1 skrʌb/Submit verb verb: scrub; 3rd person present: scrubs; past tense: scrubbed; past participle: scrubbed; gerund or present participle: scrubbing 1. rub (someone or something) hard so as to clean them, typically with a brush and water. "he had to scrub the floor" synonyms: scour, rub, brush, sponge, swab, clean, cleanse, wash, wipe "he scrubbed the kitchen floor" remove dirt by rubbing hard. "it took ages to scrub off the muck" thoroughly clean one's hands and arms before performing surgery. "the doctor scrubbed up and donned a protective gown" BRITISHinformal (of a person) have a smart and well-groomed appearance after making a deliberate effort. "the band scrub up well to play weddings and parties" 2. informal cancel or abandon (something). "the first two races had to be scrubbed because of blustery winds and rough seas" synonyms: abolish, scrap, throw out, abandon, drop, do away with, give up, discontinue, take away, stop, put an end to, cancel, call off, eliminate, cut, jettison, discard, forget (about), abort; More antonyms: keep, restore 3. use water to remove impurities from (gas or vapour). "the vapour is scrubbed by the condensate" 4. MOTORSPORTS (of a driver) allow (a tyre) to slide or scrape across the road surface so as to reduce speed. "I usually only scrub the front tyre when I get into a turn too hot" (of a driver) reduce (speed) by allowing the tyres to slide or scrape across the road surface. "he slammed the bike down on the cases to scrub off speed" 5. (of a rider) rub the arms and legs urgently on a horse's neck and flanks to urge it to move faster. "by now the field was spreadeagled and scrubbing to keep in touch with the hounds" noun noun: scrub; plural noun: scrubs 1. an act of scrubbing something or someone. "give the floor a good scrub" 2. a semi-abrasive cosmetic lotion applied to the face or body in order to cleanse the skin. "don't use facial scrubs if your skin is sensitive" 3. special hygienic clothing worn by surgeons during operations. "Bill emerged from the delivery room in green scrubs" Origin late 16th century: probably from Middle Low German, Middle Dutch schrobben, schrubben . scrub2 skrʌb/Submit noun noun: scrub; modifier noun: scrub 1. vegetation consisting mainly of brushwood or stunted forest growth. "a desert plain dotted with scrub" synonyms: brush, brushwood, scrubland, undergrowth, coppice, copse, thicket "there the buildings ended and the scrub began" land covered with scrub vegetation. plural noun: scrubs "the wind tore across scrub and heathland" synonyms: brush, brushwood, scrubland, undergrowth, coppice, copse, thicket "there the buildings ended and the scrub began" 2. denoting a shrubby or small form of a plant. "scrub apple trees" NORTH AMERICAN denoting an animal of inferior breed or physique. "a scrub bull" 3. informal an insignificant or contemptible person. "you are a mean scrub" NORTH AMERICAN a sports team or player not among the best or most skilled. "a former All-Star reduced to the role of scrub" short for scrubber (sense 2). 4. NORTH AMERICAN an informal team game played by children in a public area. "hardly anyone ever plays scrub these days" Origin late Middle English (in the sense ‘stunted tree’): variant of shrub1. ----- tallow ˈtaləʊ/Submit noun noun: tallow 1. a hard fatty substance made from rendered animal fat, used (especially formerly) in making candles and soap. verbarchaic verb: tallow; 3rd person present: tallows; past tense: tallowed; past participle: tallowed; gerund or present participle: tallowing 1. smear (something, especially the bottom of a boat) with tallow. "I tallowed my boats with our candles" Origin --------- chandler ˈtʃɑːndlə/Submit noun noun: chandler; plural noun: chandlers; noun: ship chandler; plural noun: ship chandlers 1. a dealer in supplies and equipment for ships and boats. 2. historical a dealer in household items such as oil, soap, paint, and groceries. a person who makes and sells candles. ------------ poignant ˈpɔɪnjənt/Submit adjective adjective: poignant evoking a keen sense of sadness or regret. "a poignant reminder of the passing of time" synonyms: touching, moving, sad, saddening, affecting, pitiful, piteous, pitiable, pathetic, sorrowful, mournful, tearful, wretched, miserable, bitter, painful, distressing, disturbing, heart-rending, heartbreaking, tear-jerking, plaintive, upsetting, tragic "the father of the murder victim bade a poignant farewell to his son" archaic sharp or pungent in taste or smell. "the poignant scent of her powder" ----------- scrutinize ˈskruːtɪnʌɪz/Submit verb verb: scrutinize; 3rd person present: scrutinizes; past tense: scrutinized; past participle: scrutinized; gerund or present participle: scrutinizing; verb: scrutinise; 3rd person present: scrutinises; past tense: scrutinised; past participle: scrutinised; gerund or present participle: scrutinising examine or inspect closely and thoroughly. "customers were warned to scrutinize the small print" synonyms: examine carefully, inspect, survey, scan, study, look over, peruse; More antonyms: glance at ------- earl əːl/Submit noun noun: earl; plural noun: earls a British nobleman ranking above a viscount and below a marquess. Origin -- mortify ˈmɔːtɪfʌɪ/Submit verb past tense: mortified; past participle: mortified 1. cause (someone) to feel very embarrassed or ashamed. "she was mortified to see her wrinkles in the mirror" synonyms: embarrass, humiliate, chagrin, shame, discomfit, abash, horrify, appal, crush "I'd be mortified if my friends found out I was learning ballroom dancing" antonyms: be pleased, be proud 2. subdue (the body or its needs and desires) by self-denial or discipline. "return to heaven by mortifying the flesh" synonyms: subdue, suppress, subjugate, control, restrain, get under control; More antonyms: indulge 3. (of flesh) be affected by gangrene or necrosis. "a scratch or cut in Henry's arm had mortified" synonyms: become gangrenous, fester, putrefy, gangrene, rot, decay, decompose; More antonyms: heal ------- genteel dʒɛnˈtiːl/Submit adjective adjective: genteel characterized by exaggerated or affected politeness, refinement, or respectability. "her genteel upbringing" synonyms: refined, respectable, polished, decorous, proper, polite, correct, seemly, well mannered, well bred, cultivated, cultured, sophisticated, courteous, ladylike, gentlemanly, civil, elegant, stylish, urbane, civilized, courtly, dignified, gracious, punctilious; More antonyms: uncouth Origin ---------- hull (1) hʌl/Submit noun plural noun: hulls 1. the main body of a ship or other vessel, including the bottom, sides, and deck but not the masts, superstructure, rigging, engines, and other fittings. synonyms: framework, body, frame, skeleton, shell, structure, basic structure; exterior "the wooden hull of the ship" verb 3rd person present: hulls 1. hit and pierce the hull of (a ship) with a missile. "the ship was being hulled and all would die" Origin Middle English: perhaps the same word as hull2, or related to hold2. hull2 hʌl/Submit noun plural noun: hulls 1. the outer covering of a fruit or seed, especially the pod of peas and beans, or the husk of grain. synonyms: shell, husk, pod, case, casing, covering, seed case; More the green calyx of a strawberry or raspberry. verb 3rd person present: hulls 1. remove the hulls from (fruit, seeds, or grain). "a cup of hulled strawberries" synonyms: shell, husk, peel, pare, skin; More Origin ----- reproach rɪˈprəʊtʃ/Submit verb verb: reproach; 3rd person present: reproaches; past tense: reproached; past participle: reproached; gerund or present participle: reproaching 1. express to (someone) one's disapproval of or disappointment in their actions. "her friends reproached her for not thinking enough about her family" accuse someone of. "his wife reproached him with cowardice" synonyms: rebuke, reprove, scold, chide, reprimand, admonish, chastise, upbraid, remonstrate with, berate, take to task, pull up, castigate, lambaste, read someone the Riot Act, give someone a piece of one's mind, haul over the coals, lecture, criticize, find fault with, censure, express disapproval of; More antonyms: praise, commend archaic censure or rebuke (an offence). noun noun: reproach; plural noun: reproaches 1. the expression of disapproval or disappointment. "he gave her a look of reproach" synonyms: rebuke, reproof, reproval, admonishment, admonition, scolding, reprimand, remonstration, lecture, upbraiding, castigation, lambasting, criticism, censure, disapproval, disapprobation; More antonyms: praise, commendation a thing that makes the failings of (someone or something else) more apparent. "his elegance is a living reproach to our slovenly habits" synonyms: disgrace, discredit, source of shame, outrage; More antonyms: credit (in the Roman Catholic Church) a set of antiphons and responses for Good Friday representing the reproaches of Christ to his people. plural noun: Reproaches Origin ---- ignominious ˌɪɡnəˈmɪnɪəs/Submit adjective adjective: ignominious deserving or causing public disgrace or shame. "no other party risked ignominious defeat" synonyms: humiliating, undignified, embarrassing, mortifying, shameful, disgraceful, dishonourable, discreditable, ignoble, inglorious, abject, sorry, wretched, miserable, pitiful; More antonyms: glorious, admirable ----- callous ˈkaləs/Submit adjective adjective: callous 1. showing or having an insensitive and cruel disregard for others. "his callous comments about the murder made me shiver" synonyms: heartless, unfeeling, uncaring, cold, cold-hearted, hard, as hard as nails, hard-hearted, with a heart of stone, stony-hearted, insensitive, lacking compassion, hard-bitten, cold-blooded, hardened, case-hardened, harsh, cruel, ruthless, brutal; More antonyms: kind, compassionate noun noun: callous; plural noun: callouses 1. variant spelling of callus. Origin late Middle English (in the Latin sense): from Latin callosus ‘hard-skinned’. callus ˈkaləs/Submit noun noun: callous a thickened and hardened part of the skin or soft tissue, especially in an area that has been subjected to friction. MEDICINE the bony healing tissue which forms around the ends of broken bone. BOTANY a hard formation of tissue, especially new tissue formed over a wound. "the exposed surface will quickly form healing callus" Origin --------- valiant ˈvalɪənt/Submit adjective adjective: valiant possessing or showing courage or determination. "she made a valiant effort to hold her anger in check" synonyms: brave, fearless, courageous, valorous, plucky, intrepid, heroic, stout-hearted, lionhearted, manly, manful, bold, daring, audacious, gallant, confident, spirited, stout, undaunted, dauntless, doughty, mettlesome, unalarmed, unflinching, unshrinking, unblenching, unabashed, undismayed; More antonyms: cowardly, irresolute ------- ordain ɔːˈdeɪn/Submit verb past tense: ordained; past participle: ordained 1. make (someone) a priest or minister; confer holy orders on. "he was ordained a minister before entering Parliament" synonyms: confer holy orders on, appoint, induct, install, invest, anoint, consecrate; archaicfrock "the Church of England voted to ordain women" 2. order (something) officially. "equal punishment was ordained for the two crimes" synonyms: decree, rule, order, command, enjoin, lay down, set down, establish, fix, enact, legislate, dictate, prescribe, pronounce "it was ordained that anyone hunting in the forest without permission was to pay a fine" (of God or fate) decide (something) in advance. "the path ordained by God" synonyms: predetermine, predestine, preordain, foreordain, destine, prescribe, fate, will, determine, designate "the path ordained by God" ---------- drudgery ˈdrʌdʒəri/Submit noun noun: drudgery hard menial or dull work. "domestic drudgery" synonyms: hard work, menial work, donkey work, toil, toiling, labour, hard/sweated labour, chores, plodding; More antonyms: relaxation ---- foundry ˈfaʊndri/Submit noun noun: foundry; plural noun: foundries a workshop or factory for casting metal. ------ sedulous ˈsɛdjʊləs/Submit adjective (of a person or action) showing dedication and diligence. "he watched himself with the most sedulous care" synonyms: diligent, careful, meticulous, thorough, assiduous, attentive, industrious, laborious, hard-working, conscientious, ultra-careful, punctilious, scrupulous, painstaking, searching, close, elaborate, minute, studious, rigorous, particular; More ------- hewer ˈhjuːə/Submit noundated noun: hewer; plural noun: hewers a person who cuts wood, stone, or other materials. a miner who cuts coal from a seam. ---- solace ˈsɒlɪs/Submit noun 1. comfort or consolation in a time of great distress or sadness. "she sought solace in her religion" synonyms: comfort, consolation, cheer, support, relief "they tried to find solace in pictures of their little girl as they wanted to remember her" verb 1. give solace to. "the soundlessness of nature impressed and solaced her" synonyms: comfort, give solace to, console, cheer, support, relieve, soothe, calm "Miss Wharton was driven home to be solaced with tea and sympathy" - glee ɡliː/Submit noun plural noun: glees 1. great delight, especially from one's own good fortune or another's misfortune. "his face lit up with impish glee" synonyms: delight, pleasure, happiness, joy, joyfulness, gladness, elation, euphoria, exhilaration, cheerfulness, amusement, mirth, mirthfulness, merriment, joviality, jollity, jocularity; More antonyms: gloom, disappointment 2. a song for men's voices in three or more parts, usually unaccompanied, of a type popular especially c. 1750–1830. -- oboe ˈəʊbəʊ/Submit noun noun: oboe; plural noun: oboes a woodwind instrument with a double-reed mouthpiece, a slender tubular body, and holes stopped by keys. an organ stop resembling an oboe in tone. -- oratorio ˌɒrəˈtɔːrɪəʊ/Submit noun plural noun: oratorios a large-scale, usually narrative musical work for orchestra and voices, typically on a sacred theme, performed without costume, scenery, or action. Well-known examples include Bach's Christmas Oratorio, Handel's Messiah, and Haydn's The Creation. Origin --------- derision dɪˈrɪʒ(ə)n/Submit noun noun: derision contemptuous ridicule or mockery. "my stories were greeted with derision and disbelief" synonyms: mockery, ridicule, jeering, jeers, sneers, scoffing, jibing, taunts; More antonyms: respect, praise ------- zest zɛst/Submit noun noun: zest; plural noun: zests 1. great enthusiasm and energy. "they campaigned with zest and intelligence" synonyms: enthusiasm, gusto, relish, zestfulness, appetite, eagerness, keenness, avidity, zeal, fervour, ardour, passion, love, enjoyment, joy, delight, excitement; More antonyms: apathy, indifference, distaste a quality of excitement and piquancy. "I used to try to beat past records to add zest to my monotonous job" synonyms: piquancy, tang, sharpness, tartness, flavour, flavouring, savour, taste, tastiness, pungency, spice, spiciness, relish, bite; More antonyms: blandness 2. the outer coloured part of the peel of citrus fruit, used as flavouring. "add 3 tablespoons of lemon zest" synonyms: rind, peel, skin, covering, outer layer; More verb verb: zest; 3rd person present: zests; past tense: zested; past participle: zested; gerund or present participle: zesting 1. scrape off the outer coloured part of the peel of (a piece of citrus fruit) for use as flavouring. "zest the orange and lemon, taking care to discard all of the white pith" Origin -------- contempt /kənˈtɛm(p)t/ noun: contempt the feeling that a person or a thing is worthless or beneath consideration. "Pam stared at the girl with total contempt" synonyms: scorn, disdain, disrespect, deprecation, disparagement, denigration, opprobrium, odium, obloquy, scornfulness; More antonyms: respect disregard for something that should be considered. "this action displays an arrogant contempt for the wishes of the majority" synonyms: disrespect, disregard, slighting, neglect; contumacy "he is guilty of contempt of court" antonyms: respect the offence of being disobedient to or disrespectful of a court of law and its officers. plural noun: contempts; noun: contempt of court; plural noun: contempts of court "when he was found to have lied to the House this was a contempt" ---- predilection ˌpriːdɪˈlɛkʃ(ə)n/Submit noun noun: predilection; plural noun: predilections a preference or special liking for something; a bias in favour of something. "your predilection for pretty girls" synonyms: liking, fondness, preference, partiality, taste, penchant, weakness, soft spot, fancy, inclination, leaning, bias, propensity, bent, proclivity, proneness, predisposition, tendency, affinity, appetite, love; archaicgusto "her predilection for married men" antonyms: dislike, disinclination --------- sheltie ˈʃɛlti/Submit noun noun: shelty a Shetland pony or sheepdog. ---- cottier ˈkɒtɪə/Submit noun noun: cottier; plural noun: cottiers 1. archaic a rural labourer living in a cottage. 2. historical an Irish peasant holding land by cottier tenure. ------ incredulity ɪnkrəˈdjuːləti/Submit noun noun: incredulity the state of being unwilling or unable to believe something. "he stared down the street in incredulity" synonyms: disbelief, incredulousness, lack of belief, unbelief, lack of credence, doubt, doubtfulness, dubiety, dubiousness, lack of conviction; More antonyms: credulity, belief ------- derision dɪˈrɪʒ(ə)n/Submit noun noun: derision contemptuous ridicule or mockery. "my stories were greeted with derision and disbelief" synonyms: mockery, ridicule, jeering, jeers, sneers, scoffing, jibing, taunts; More antonyms: respect, praise --- baronet /ˈbar(ə)nɪt/ noun noun: baronet; plural noun: baronets a member of the lowest hereditary titled British order, with the status of a commoner but able to use the prefix ‘Sir’. -------- rouse /raʊz/ verb past tense: roused; past participle: roused 1. cause to stop sleeping. "she was roused from a deep sleep by a hand on her shoulder" synonyms: wake, wake up, awaken, waken, arouse; More cease to sleep or to be inactive; wake up. "she roused and looked around" synonyms: wake up, wake, awaken, come to, get up, get out of bed, rise, bestir oneself; formalarise "she roused and looked around" antonyms: go to sleep bring out of inactivity. "once the enemy camp was roused, they would move on the castle" startle (game) from a lair or cover. 2. make angry or excited. "the crowds were roused to fever pitch by the drama of the race" synonyms: stir up, excite, galvanize, electrify, stimulate, inspire, move, fire up, fire the enthusiasm of, fire the imagination of, get going, whip up, inflame, agitate, goad, provoke; More antonyms: calm, pacify, appease give rise to (an emotion or feeling). "his evasiveness roused my curiosity" synonyms: arouse, awaken, give rise to, prompt, provoke, stimulate, pique, stir up, trigger, spark off, touch off, kindle, elicit; More antonyms: allay 3. stir (a liquid, especially beer while brewing). "rouse the beer as the hops are introduced" --------- inert ɪˈnəːt/Submit adjective adjective: inert 1. lacking the ability or strength to move. "she lay inert in her bed" synonyms: unmoving, motionless, immobile, still, stock-still, stationary, static, dormant, sleeping; More antonyms: moving, active lacking vigour. "an inert political system" 2. chemically inactive. synonyms: chemically inactive "the inert gases in meteorites" Origin ----------- archbishop ɑːtʃˈbɪʃəp,ˈɑːtʃbɪʃəp/Submit noun noun: archbishop; plural noun: archbishops the chief bishop responsible for a large district. "the Archbishop of York" -------- appal əˈpɔːl/Submit verb past tense: appalled; past participle: appalled greatly dismay or horrify. "bankers are appalled at the economic incompetence of some ministers" synonyms: horrify, shock, dismay, distress greatly, outrage, scandalize, alarm; More Origin -------- totter1 ˈtɒtə/Submit verb gerund or present participle: tottering move in a feeble or unsteady way. "a hunched figure tottering down the path" synonyms: teeter, walk unsteadily, stagger, wobble, stumble, dodder, shuffle, shamble, falter, reel, toddle, hobble, sway, roll, lurch "she tottered off on her four-inch heels" (of a building) shake or rock as if about to collapse. "tottering, gutted houses" synonyms: shake, sway, tremble, quiver, teeter, shudder, judder, rock, quake, reel, lurch; More be insecure or about to fail. "the pharmaceutical industry has tottered from crisis to crisis" synonyms: be unstable, be unsteady, be shaky, be insecure, be precarious, be on the point of collapse, falter; informalwobble "the Habsburg Empire was tottering" Origin ----- exalt ɪɡˈzɔːlt,ɛɡˈzɔːlt/Submit verb gerund or present participle: exalting 1. think or speak very highly of (someone or something). "the party will continue to exalt their hero" synonyms: glorify, extol, praise, acclaim, pay homage to, pay tribute to, revere, reverence, venerate, worship, hero-worship, lionize, idolize, deify, esteem, hold in high regard, hold in high esteem, hold in awe, look up to; More antonyms: disparage, despise 2. raise to a higher rank or position. "this naturally exalts the peasant above his brethren in the same rank of society" synonyms: elevate, promote, raise, advance, boost, upgrade, ennoble, dignify, aggrandize; More antonyms: lower make noble in character; dignify. "romanticism liberated the imagination and exalted the emotions" synonyms: elevate, promote, raise, advance, boost, upgrade, ennoble, dignify, aggrandize; More antonyms: lower, depress Origin -- sanguine ˈsaŋɡwɪn/Submit adjective adjective: sanguine 1. optimistic or positive, especially in an apparently bad or difficult situation. "he is sanguine about prospects for the global economy" synonyms: optimistic, bullish, hopeful, buoyant, positive, disposed to look on the bright side, confident, cheerful, cheery, bright, assured; More antonyms: pessimistic, gloomy (in medieval science and medicine) of or having the constitution associated with the predominance of blood among the bodily humours, supposedly marked by a ruddy complexion and an optimistic disposition. archaic (of the complexion) florid or ruddy. 2. HERALDRYliterary blood-red. 3. archaic bloody or bloodthirsty. noun noun: sanguine 1. a blood-red colour. a deep red-brown crayon or pencil containing iron oxide. HERALDRY a blood-red stain used in blazoning. Origin ---- peculiar pɪˈkjuːlɪə/Submit adjective adjective: peculiar 1. different to what is normal or expected; strange. "he gave her some very peculiar looks" synonyms: strange, unusual, odd, funny, curious, bizarre, weird, uncanny, queer, unexpected, unfamiliar, abnormal, atypical, anomalous, untypical, different, out of the ordinary, out of the way; More antonyms: normal, ordinary informal slightly and indefinably unwell. "I felt a little peculiar for a while" synonyms: unwell, ill, poorly, bad, out of sorts, indisposed, not oneself, sick, queasy, nauseous, nauseated, peaky, liverish, green about the gills, run down, washed out; More 2. particular; special. "any attempt to explicate the theme is bound to run into peculiar difficulties" synonyms: distinctive, characteristic, distinct, different, individual, individualistic, distinguishing, typical, special, specific, representative, unique, idiosyncratic, personal, private, essential, natural; More belonging exclusively to. "some languages are peculiar to one region" synonyms: characteristic of, typical of, representative of, belonging to, indicative of, symptomatic of, suggestive of, exclusive to, like, in character with "attitudes and mannerisms peculiar to the islanders" nounBRITISH noun: peculiar; plural noun: peculiars 1. a parish or church exempt from the jurisdiction of the diocese in which it lies, and subject to the direct jurisdiction of the monarch or an archbishop. "deans and canons of royal peculiars, notably Westminster Abbey and Windsor" Origin --------- superfluous suːˈpəːflʊəs/Submit adjective adjective: superfluous unnecessary, especially through being more than enough. "the purchaser should avoid asking for superfluous information" synonyms: surplus, redundant, unneeded, not required, excess, extra, spare, to spare, remaining, unused, left over; More antonyms: necessary, essential ---- gentry ˈdʒɛntri/Submit noun noun: gentry people of good social position, specifically the class of people next below the nobility in position and birth. "a member of the landed gentry" synonyms: the upper classes, the upper middle class, the privileged classes, the wealthy, the elite, high society, the establishment, the haut monde, the county set, the smart set; More Origin -------- plead pliːd/Submit verb 1. make an emotional appeal. "she pleaded with them not to gag the boy" synonyms: beg, entreat, beseech, implore, appeal to, petition, supplicate, importune, pray to, request, ask earnestly, call on, adjure; More 2. present and argue for (a position), especially in court or in another public context. "the idea that in public relations work someone is paid to plead a special case is disliked" synonyms: claim, use as an excuse, assert, allege; More ----------- wail weɪl/Submit noun 1. a prolonged high-pitched cry of pain, grief, or anger. "Christopher let out a wail" synonyms: howl, bawl, yowl, keening; More verb 1. utter a wail. "Tina ran off wailing" synonyms: howl, weep, cry, sob, moan, groan, keen, lament, yowl, blubber, snivel, whimper, whine, squall, bawl, shriek, scream, yelp, caterwaul, waul; More Tip Similar-sounding words wail is sometimes confused with wale -- perilous ˈpɛrɪləs/Submit adjective adjective: perilous full of danger or risk. "a perilous journey south" synonyms: dangerous, fraught with danger, hazardous, risky, unsafe, treacherous; More antonyms: safe, secure exposed to imminent risk of disaster or ruin. "the economy is in a perilous state" Origin ---- solicitude səˈlɪsɪtjuːd/Submit noun noun: solicitude care or concern for someone or something. "I was touched by his solicitude" synonyms: concern, care, attentiveness, mindfulness, consideration, considerateness, thoughtfulness, solicitousness, carefulness; More Origin ---- beleaguer bɪˈliːɡə/Submit verb past tense: beleaguered; past participle: beleaguered lay siege to. "he led a relief force to the aid of the beleaguered city" synonyms: besieged, under siege, blockaded, surrounded, encircled, hemmed in, under attack "English forces came to relieve the beleaguered garrison" put in a very difficult situation. "the board is supporting the beleaguered director" synonyms: hard-pressed, troubled, in difficulties, under pressure, under stress, with one's back to the wall, in a tight corner, in a tight spot; More Origin -------- convoy ˈkɒnvɔɪ/Submit noun noun: convoy; plural noun: convoys 1. a group of ships or vehicles travelling together, typically one accompanied by armed troops, warships, or other vehicles for protection. "a convoy of lorries" synonyms: group, fleet, cavalcade, motorcade, cortège, caravan, company, line, train, procession; informalcrocodile "the convoy of vehicles left at 11.30 p.m." verb verb: convoy; 3rd person present: convoys; past tense: convoyed; past participle: convoyed; gerund or present participle: convoying 1. (of a warship or armed troops) accompany (a group of ships or vehicles) for protection. "American destroyers helped to convoy much-needed supplies to Britain in 1917–18" synonyms: escort, accompany, attend, flank; More Origin --------- scorch skɔːtʃ/Submit verb past tense: scorched; past participle: scorched 1. burn the surface of (something) with flame or heat. "surrounding houses were scorched by heat from the blast" synonyms: burn, sear, singe, char, blacken, discolour; raretorrefy "the buildings around us were scorched by the fire" become burnt when exposed to heat or a flame. "the meat had scorched" synonyms: dry up, desiccate, parch, wither, shrivel; More (of the heat of the sun) cause (vegetation or a place) to become dried out and lifeless. "a desolate, scorched landscape" 2. INFORMAL (of a person or vehicle) move very fast. "a sports car scorching along the expressway" synonyms: speed, zoom, whizz, blast; More Origin ----- obtrude əbˈtruːd/Submit verb verb: obtrude; 3rd person present: obtrudes; past tense: obtruded; past participle: obtruded; gerund or present participle: obtruding become noticeable in an unwelcome or intrusive way. "a sound from the reception hall obtruded into his thoughts" impose or force (something) on someone in an unwelcome or intrusive way. "I felt unable to obtrude my private sorrow upon anyone" Origin ------ contemn kənˈtɛm/Submit verbarchaic gerund or present participle: contemning treat or regard with contempt. "it lay in Deronda's nature usually to contemn the feeble" synonyms: despise, scorn, treat with contempt, feel contempt for, look down on, disdain, slight, undervalue, disregard, deride, scoff/jeer at, mock, revile, spurn "would he contemn her for forwardness?" antonyms: value ----------- wont wəʊnt/Submit nounformalhumorous noun: wont 1. one's customary behaviour. "Constance, as was her wont, had paid her little attention" synonyms: custom, habit, way, practice, convention, routine, use, rule "Paul, as was his wont, was driving far too fast" adjectiveliterary adjective: wont 1. (of a person) in the habit of doing something; accustomed. "he was wont to arise at 5.30 every morning" synonyms: accustomed, used, given, inclined; in the habit of "he was wont to arise at 5.30 every morning" verbarchaic verb: wont; 3rd person present: wonts; 3rd person present: wont; past tense: wont; past participle: wont; past tense: wonted; past participle: wonted; gerund or present participle: wonting 1. make or be or become accustomed. "wont thy heart to thoughts hereof" -------- Bayard is a magic bay horse in the legends derived from the chansons de geste, renowned for his spirit, and possessed the supernatural ability to adjust his size to his riders. --------- archetype ˈɑːkɪtʌɪp/Submit noun noun: archetype; plural noun: archetypes 1. a very typical example of a certain person or thing. "he was the archetype of the old-style football club chairman" an original which has been imitated; a prototype. "an instrument which was the archetype of the early flute" synonyms: typification, type, prototype, representative, stereotype; More 2. PSYCHOANALYSIS (in Jungian theory) a primitive mental image inherited from the earliest human ancestors, and supposed to be present in the collective unconscious. 3. a recurrent symbol or motif in literature, art, or mythology. "mythological archetypes of good and evil" --------------- macrocosm ˈmakrə(ʊ)kɒz(ə)m/Submit noun noun: macrocosm; plural noun: macrocosms the whole of a complex structure, especially the world or the universe, contrasted with a small or representative part of it. synonyms: universe, cosmos, world, wide world, globe, creation, solar system, galaxy, outer space More antonyms: microcosm ----------- microcosm ˈmʌɪkrə(ʊ)kɒz(ə)m/Submit noun noun: microcosm; plural noun: microcosms a community, place, or situation regarded as encapsulating in miniature the characteristics of something much larger. "the city is a microcosm of modern Malaysia" humankind regarded as the representation in miniature of the universe. "the belief in correspondences between the Universe and Man—between microcosm and macrocosm" ... Macrocosm and microcosm refers to a vision of cosmos where the part (microcosm) reflects the whole (macrocosm) and vice versa. It is a feature "present in all esoteric schools of thinking", according to scholar Pierre A. Riffard.[2] It is closely associated with Hermeticism and underlies practices such as astrology, alchemy and sacred geometry with its premise of "As Above, So Below".[3] Today, the concept of microcosm has been dominated by sociology to mean a small group of individuals whose behavior is typical of a larger social body encompassing it. A microcosm can be seen as a special kind of epitome. Conversely, a macrocosm is a social body made of smaller compounds. In physics, scale invariance describes the same phenomenon, although the universe as a whole is not physically scale invariant according to the modern understanding. However, scale invariance does appear in some physical systems, such as electrical breakdown. This theory was initiated by Pythagoras who saw the cosmos and the body as a harmonious unity. He expressed this connection with his concept of microcosm and macrocosm. --------- caduceus kəˈdjuːsɪəs/Submit noun noun: caduceus; plural noun: caducei an ancient Greek or Roman herald's wand, typically one with two serpents twined round it, carried by the messenger god Hermes or Mercury. Origin Latin, from Doric Greek karukeion from Greek kērux ‘herald’. -------- herald ˈhɛr(ə)ld/Submit noun noun: herald; plural noun: heralds 1. an official employed to oversee state ceremonial, precedence, and the use of armorial bearings, and (historically) to make proclamations, carry official messages, and oversee tournaments. synonyms: messenger, courier, bearer of tidings; More (in the UK) an official of the College of Arms or the Lyon Court ranking above a pursuivant. 2. a person or thing viewed as a sign that something is about to happen. "they considered the first primroses as the herald of spring" synonyms: harbinger, sign, indicator, indication, signal, prelude, portent, omen, augury, forewarning, presage, announcer; More 3. a brown moth with dull orange markings, often hibernating in houses and old buildings. verb verb: herald; 3rd person present: heralds; past tense: heralded; past participle: heralded; gerund or present participle: heralding 1. be a sign that (something) is about to happen. "the speech heralded a change in policy" synonyms: signal, indicate, announce, point to, spell, presage, augur, portend, promise, prefigure, foreshadow, foretell, usher in, show in, pave the way for, open the way for, be a harbinger of, be a forerunner, be a precursor of; More acclaim. "the band have been heralded as the great hope for the nineties" ------------- immaculate ɪˈmakjʊlət/Submit adjective 1. perfectly clean, neat, or tidy. "an immaculate white suit" synonyms: clean, spotless, pristine, unsoiled, unstained, unsullied, speckless, ultra-clean; More 2. BOTANY•ZOOLOGY uniformly coloured without spots or other marks. ------------ spouse spaʊz,spaʊs/Submit noun a husband or wife, considered in relation to their partner. synonyms: husband, wife, partner, mate, consort; More ------------- contagion kənˈteɪdʒ(ə)n/Submit noun the communication of disease from one person or organism to another by close contact. "the rooms held no risk of contagion" DATED a disease spread by close contact. plural noun: contagions "through personal hygiene the spread of common contagions is discouraged" synonyms: contamination, infection, disease, illness, infirmity, pestilence, plague, blight; More FIGURATIVE the spreading of a harmful idea or theory. "the contagion of disgrace" ------------ Celestine or celestite is a mineral consisting of strontium sulfate. The mineral is named for its occasional delicate blue color. Celestine and the carbonate mineral strontianite are the principal sources of the element strontium, commonly used in fireworks and in various metal alloys. ------------ surreal səˈrɪəl/Submit adjective having the qualities of surrealism; bizarre. "a surreal mix of fact and fantasy" --------- layover ˈleɪəʊvə/Submit nounNORTH AMERICAN noun: layover; plural noun: layovers a period of rest or waiting before a further stage in a journey. "there was only a forty-eight minute layover" ---------- underpay ʌndəˈpeɪ/Submit verb verb: underpay; 3rd person present: underpays; past tense: underpaid; past participle: underpaid; gerund or present participle: underpaying; verb: under-pay; 3rd person present: under-pays; past tense: under-paid; past participle: under-paid; gerund or present participle: under-paying pay too little to (someone). "many firms were illegally underpaying workers" pay less than is due for (something). "late or underpaid tax" --------- cynically ˈsɪnɪk(ə)li/Submit adverb adverb: cynically 1. in a distrustful way that expresses a belief that people are motivated purely by self-interest. "many cynically dismiss the way of peace as naive and impossible" in a way that expresses doubt as to whether something will happen or whether it is worthwhile. "the public has cynically disregarded the good news" 2. in a way that is concerned only with one's own interests and disregards accepted standards in order to achieve them. "he was accused of cynically exploiting a terrible tragedy" -------- indignantly ɪnˈdɪɡnəntli/Submit adverb adverb: indignantly in a manner indicating anger or annoyance at something perceived as unfair. "he indignantly rejected the claim" --------- jolt dʒəʊlt,dʒɒlt/Submit verb past tense: jolted; past participle: jolted push or shake (someone or something) abruptly and roughly. "a surge in the crowd behind him jolted him forwards" synonyms: push, thrust; More give a surprise or shock to (someone) in order to make them act or change. "she tried to jolt him out of his depression" synonyms: startle, surprise, shock, stun, shake, take aback; More move with sudden lurches. "the train jolted into motion" synonyms: bump, bounce, jerk, rattle, lurch, shudder, vibrate; More --------------- petunia pɪˈtjuːnɪə/Submit noun plural noun: petunias a South American plant of the nightshade family which has white, purple, or red funnel-shaped flowers, with many ornamental varieties. ------- begonia bɪˈɡəʊnɪə/Submit noun plural noun: begonias a herbaceous plant of warm climates, the flowers of which have brightly coloured sepals but no petals. Numerous cultivars are grown for their flowers or striking foliage. --------- sepal ˈsɛp(ə)l,ˈsiːp(ə)l/Submit nounBOTANY plural noun: sepals each of the parts of the calyx of a flower, enclosing the petals and typically green and leaf-like. ------ deputation dɛpjʊˈteɪʃ(ə)n/Submit noun a group of people appointed to undertake a mission or take part in a formal process on behalf of a larger group. "he had been a member of a deputation to Napoleon III" synonyms: delegation, delegacy, legation, commission, committee, (diplomatic) mission; More ----------- apocryphal əˈpɒkrɪf(ə)l/Submit adjective (of a story or statement) of doubtful authenticity, although widely circulated as being true. "an apocryphal story about a former president" synonyms: fictitious, made-up, untrue, fabricated, false, spurious; More of or belonging to the Apocrypha. "the apocryphal Gospel of Thomas" --- impropriety ˌɪmprəˈprʌɪəti/Submit noun plural noun: improprieties failure to observe standards of honesty or modesty; improper behaviour or character. "she was scandalized at the impropriety of the question" synonyms: wrongdoing, misconduct, dishonesty, corruption, unscrupulousness, illegitimacy, unprofessionalism, irregularity; More antonyms: propriety -------- papal ˈpeɪp(ə)l/Submit adjective adjective: papal relating to a pope or to the papacy. "a papal visit" ---- precarious prɪˈkɛːrɪəs/Submit adjective adjective: precarious not securely held or in position; dangerously likely to fall or collapse. "a precarious ladder" dependent on chance; uncertain. "he made a precarious living as a painter" synonyms: uncertain, insecure, unreliable, unsure, unpredictable, undependable, risky, hazardous, dangerous, unsafe, hanging by a thread, hanging in the balance, perilous, treacherous, on a slippery slope, on thin ice, touch-and-go, built on sand, doubtful, dubious, delicate, tricky, problematic; More antonyms: safe, secure ----------- hail1 heɪl/Submit verb past tense: hailed; past participle: hailed 1. hail falls. "it hailed so hard we had to stop" synonyms: beat, shower, rain, fall, pour, drop; More 2. (of a large number of objects) fall or be hurled forcefully. "missiles and bombs hail down from the sky" Origin Old English hagol, hægl (noun), hagalian (verb), of Germanic origin; related to Dutch hagel and German Hagel . hail2 heɪl/Submit verb past tense: hailed; past participle: hailed 1. call out to (someone) to attract attention. "I hailed her in English" synonyms: greet, salute, address, halloo, speak to, call out to, shout to, say hello to, initiate a discussion with, talk to; More antonyms: say goodbye to signal (an approaching taxi) to stop. "she raised her hand to hail a cab" synonyms: flag down, wave down, signal to stop, gesture to stop, make a sign to; More 2. praise (someone or something) enthusiastically. "he has been hailed as the new James Dean" synonyms: acclaim, praise, applaud, commend, rave about, extol, eulogize, vaunt, hymn, lionize, express approval of, express admiration for, pay tribute to, speak highly of, sing the praises of, make much of; More antonyms: criticize, condemn 3. have one's home or origins in (a place). "they hail from Turkey" synonyms: come from, be from, be a native of, have been born in, originate in, have one's roots in; More Origin Example, as in: "hailed a cab in the broadway" ------------ broadway ˈbrɔːdweɪ/Submit noun noun: broadway; plural noun: broadways a large open or main road. "Fulham Broadway" ------- twilight ˈtwʌɪlʌɪt/Submit noun noun: twilight 1. the soft glowing light from the sky when the sun is below the horizon, caused by the reflection of the sun's rays from the atmosphere. "she looked out on the beautiful twilight" synonyms: half-light, semi-darkness, dimness, gloom "it was scarcely visible in the evening twilight" the period of the evening when twilight is visible, between daylight and darkness. "a pleasant walk in the woods at twilight" synonyms: dusk, early evening, evening, close of day; More antonyms: dawn, daybreak 2. a period or state of obscurity, ambiguity, or gradual decline. "he was in the twilight of his career" synonyms: decline, waning, downturn, ebb; More antonyms: peak, height --- demeanour dɪˈmiːnə/Submit noun noun: demeanour; plural noun: demeanours; noun: demeanor; plural noun: demeanors outward behaviour or bearing. "his happy demeanour" synonyms: manner, air, attitude, appearance, look, aspect, mien, cast; More Origin --------- musty ˈmʌsti/Submit adjective adjective: musty; comparative adjective: mustier; superlative adjective: mustiest having a stale, mouldy, or damp smell. "a dark musty library" synonyms: mouldy, stale, fusty, damp, dank, mildewed, mildewy, decayed, smelly, stuffy, airless, unventilated; More antonyms: fresh, fragrant having a stale taste. "the beer tasted sour, thin, and musty" lacking freshness or vitality; old-fashioned. "the musty formalities of the occasion" synonyms: unoriginal, uninspired, unimaginative, hackneyed, derivative, stale, flat, tired, banal, trite, clichéd, dry as dust, old-fashioned, antiquated, antediluvian, out of date, outdated, hoary, moth-eaten, worn out, threadbare, out of fashion, behind the times, obsolete; More antonyms: fresh, modern Origin --- Peru is a country in South America that's home to a section of Amazon rainforest and Machu Picchu, an ancient Incan city high in the Andes mountains. The region around Machu Picchu, including the Sacred Valley, Inca Trail and colonial city of Cusco, is rich in archaeological sites. On Peru’s arid Pacific coast is Lima, the capital, with a preserved colonial center and important collections of pre-Columbian art. Capital: Lima Currency: Sol Co-official languages: Quechua; Aymara -------- arid ˈarɪd/Submit adjective 1. (of land or a climate) having little or no rain; too dry or barren to support vegetation. "the arid plains north of Cape Town" synonyms: dry, dried up, waterless, as dry as a bone, moistureless, parched, scorched, baked, thirsty; More 2. lacking in interest, excitement, or meaning. "his arid years in suburbia" synonyms: dreary, dull, drab, dry, sterile, banal, colourless, monochrome, unstimulating, uninspiring, flat, boring, uninteresting, monotonous, lifeless, tedious, vapid, jejune, soul-destroying "this town has an arid, empty feel" ---- satchel ˈsatʃ(ə)l/Submit noun plural noun: satchels a bag carried on the shoulder by a long strap and closed by a flap, used especially for school books. ------ covertly ˈkəʊvəːtli,kəʊˈvəːtli/Submit adverb adverb: covertly without being openly acknowledged or displayed; secretly. "a transcript of a covertly taped meeting" ----------- chime1 tʃʌɪm/Submit verb past tense: chimed; past participle: chimed 1. (of a bell or clock) make melodious ringing sounds, typically to indicate the time. "the clock chimed eight" synonyms: ring, peal, toll, sound; More 2. BRITISH be in agreement with. "his poem chimes with our modern experience of loss" synonyms: accord, correspond, be consistent, be compatible, agree, be in agreement, be in accordance, fit in, be in harmony, harmonize, be in tune, be consonant, be similar; informalsquare "some of his remarks chimed in with the ideas of Adam Smith" Origin --------- unduly ʌnˈdjuːli/Submit adverb adverb: unduly to an unwarranted degree; inordinately. "there is no need to be unduly alarmed" synonyms: excessively, immoderately, intemperately, disproportionately, out of all proportion, inordinately; More antonyms: duly, appropriately --- donee dəʊˈniː/Submit noun plural noun: donees a person who receives a gift. LAW a person who is given a power of appointment -- purport verb verb: purport; 3rd person present: purports; past tense: purported; past participle: purported; gerund or present participle: purporting pəˈpɔːt/Submit 1. appear to be or do something, especially falsely. "she is not the person she purports to be" synonyms: claim, lay claim, profess, pretend; More noun noun: purport ˈpəːpɔːt/Submit 1. the meaning or sense of something, typically a document or speech. "I do not understand the purport of your remarks" synonyms: gist, substance, drift, implication, intention, meaning, significance, signification, sense, essence, import, tenor, thrust, message, spirit "the purport of his remarks is already familiar" the purpose or intention of something. "the purport of existence" synonyms: intention, purpose, intent, object, objective, aim, goal, target, end, plan, scheme, design, idea, ambition, desire, wish, hope "the purport of the attack was to prove him wrong" ------ ingenious ɪnˈdʒiːnɪəs/Submit adjective adjective: ingenious (of a person) clever, original, and inventive. "he was ingenious enough to overcome the limited budget" synonyms: inventive, creative, imaginative, original, innovative, resourceful, enterprising, insightful, inspired, perceptive, intuitive; More antonyms: unimaginative (of a machine or idea) cleverly and originally devised and well suited to its purpose. "ingenious devices" Origin late Middle English: from French ingénieux or Latin ingeniosus, from ingenium ‘mind, intellect’; compare with engine. Translate ingenious to Tip Similar-sounding words ingenious is sometimes confused with ingenuous --------- greenmail ˈɡriːnmeɪl/Submit nounSTOCK MARKET noun: greenmail the practice of buying enough shares in a company to threaten a takeover, forcing the owners to buy them back at a higher price in order to retain control. Origin 1980s: blend of green and blackmail. -------- outlay ˈaʊtleɪ/Submit noun plural noun: outlays an amount of money spent on something. "a modest outlay on local advertising" synonyms: expenditure, expenses, spending, outgoings, money spent, cost, price, charge, payment, disbursement, investment, injection of capital "the project involved comparatively little financial outlay" ---------- lampoon lamˈpuːn/Submit verb gerund or present participle: lampooning publicly criticize (someone or something) by using ridicule, irony, or sarcasm. "the actor was lampooned by the press" synonyms: satirize, mock, ridicule, make fun of, poke fun at, caricature, burlesque, parody, take off, guy, make a fool of, rag, tease; More ------- lucidity luːˈsɪdɪti/Submit noun noun: lucidity 1. clarity of expression; intelligibility. "his lecture combined intellectual lucidity and passion" the ability to think clearly, especially in intervals between periods of confusion or insanity. "she had moments of lucidity" 2. LITERARY brightness; luminosity. "the lucidity of his paintings" ---- amortize əˈmɔːtʌɪz/Submit verb past tense: amortized; past participle: amortized gradually write off the initial cost of (an asset) over a period. "the vessel's owners could not amortize her high capital costs" reduce or pay off (a debt) with regular payments. "eighty per cent of the proceeds has been used to amortize the public debt" HISTORICAL transfer (land) to a corporation in mortmain. "lands amortized without licence" --- parochialism pəˈrəʊkɪəlɪz(ə)m/Submit noun noun: parochialism a limited or narrow outlook, especially focused on a local area; narrow-mindedness. "accusations of parochialism" synonyms: narrow-mindedness, localism, provincialism, insularity, narrowness, small-mindedness --- laconic ləˈkɒnɪk/Submit adjective adjective: laconic (of a person, speech, or style of writing) using very few words. "his laconic reply suggested a lack of interest in the topic" synonyms: brief, concise, terse, succinct, short, economical, elliptical, crisp, pithy, to the point, incisive, short and sweet, compendious; More antonyms: verbose, long-winded, loquacious Origin ----- parochial pəˈrəʊkɪəl/Submit adjective adjective: parochial 1. relating to a Church parish. "the parochial church council" 2. having a limited or narrow outlook or scope. "parochial attitudes" synonyms: narrow-minded, small-minded, provincial, insular, narrow, small-town, inward-looking, limited, restricted, localist, conservative, conventional, short-sighted, petty, close-minded, blinkered, myopic, introverted, illiberal, hidebound, intolerant; More antonyms: cosmopolitan, broad-minded, liberal Origin ------ liability lʌɪəˈbɪlɪti/Submit noun noun: liability 1. the state of being legally responsible for something. "once you contact the card protection scheme your liability for any loss ends" synonyms: accountability, responsibility, legal responsibility, answerability; More antonyms: immunity a thing for which someone is responsible, especially an amount of money owed. plural noun: liabilities "valuing the company's liabilities and assets" synonyms: financial obligation, debt, indebtedness, debit; More antonyms: asset 2. a person or thing whose presence or behaviour is likely to put one at a disadvantage. "she said the party had become a liability to green politics" synonyms: hindrance, encumbrance, burden, handicap, nuisance, inconvenience; More antonyms: asset, advantage --------- leeway ˈliːweɪ/Submit noun noun: leeway 1. the amount of freedom to move or act that is available. "the government had greater leeway to introduce reforms" synonyms: freedom, scope, room to manoeuvre, latitude, elbow room, slack, space, room, liberty, room to spare, room to operate, scope for initiative, freedom of action, freedom from restriction, a free hand, flexibility, independence, licence, self-determination, free rein, free play, unrestrictedness, indulgence, margin, play, give, laxity, leisure; More antonyms: constraint, restriction margin of safety. "there is little leeway if anything goes wrong" 2. the sideways drift of a ship to leeward of the desired course. "the leeway is only about 2°" -- gospel ˈɡɒsp(ə)l/Submit noun noun: gospel; noun: Gospel; plural noun: Gospels; noun: gospel music; plural noun: gospel musics 1. the teaching or revelation of Christ. "it is the Church's mission to preach the gospel" synonyms: Christian teaching, Christ's teaching, the life of Christ, the word of God, the good news, Christian doctrine, the New Testament, the writings of the evangelists "the Gospel was spread informally by missionaries" a thing that is absolutely true. noun: gospel truth; plural noun: gospel truths "they say it's sold out, but don't take that as gospel" synonyms: the truth, the whole truth, the naked truth, gospel truth, God's truth, the honest truth; More antonyms: a lie a set of principles or beliefs. "the gospel of market economics" synonyms: doctrine, dogma, teaching, principle, ethic, creed, credo, theory, thesis, ideology, idea, ideal, position; More 2. the record of Christ's life and teaching in the first four books of the New Testament. each of the first four books of the New Testament. plural noun: gospels a portion from one of the Gospels read at a church service. 3. a fervent style of black American evangelical religious singing, developed from spirituals sung in Southern Baptist and Pentecostal Churches. Origin ---- lemming ˈlɛmɪŋ/Submit noun noun: lemming; plural noun: lemmings; noun: Norway lemming; plural noun: Norway lemmings a small, short-tailed, thickset rodent related to the voles, found in the Arctic tundra. a person who unthinkingly joins a mass movement, especially a headlong rush to destruction. Origin -- compendium kəmˈpɛndɪəm/Submit noun noun: compendium; plural noun: compendia; plural noun: compendiums a collection of concise but detailed information about a particular subject, especially in a book or other publication. "an invaluable compendium of useful information about language" synonyms: collection, compilation, anthology, treasury, digest; More a collection or set of similar items. "a compendium of tools" a package of stationery for writing letters. Origin ------------ cadence ˈkeɪd(ə)ns/ noun 1. a modulation or inflection of the voice. "the measured cadences that he employed in the Senate" synonyms: rhythm, tempo, metre, measure, rise and fall, beat, pulse, rhythmical flow/pattern, swing, lilt, cadency; More 2. a sequence of notes or chords comprising the close of a musical phrase. "the final cadences of the Prelude" ---------- restitution ˌrɛstɪˈtjuːʃ(ə)n/Submit noun 1. the restoration of something lost or stolen to its proper owner. "the ANC had demanded the restitution of land seized from blacks" synonyms: return, restoration, handing back, replacement, surrender, yielding, recovery "the claims were for restitution of land allegedly seized by the occupying power" 2. recompense for injury or loss. "he was ordered to pay £6,000 in restitution" synonyms: compensation, recompense, reparation, damages, indemnification, indemnity, reimbursement, repayment, remuneration, reward, redress, satisfaction; More -------- hapless ˈhapləs/Submit adjective (especially of a person) unfortunate. "the hapless victims of the disaster" synonyms: unfortunate, unlucky, luckless, out of luck, ill-starred, ill-fated, jinxed, cursed, doomed; More ------- unequivocal ʌnɪˈkwɪvək(ə)l/Submit adjective leaving no doubt; unambiguous. "an unequivocal answer" synonyms: unambiguous, unmistakable, indisputable, incontrovertible, indubitable, undeniable; More ----- money laundering noun the concealment of the origins of illegally obtained money, typically by means of transfers involving foreign banks or legitimate businesses. "he was convicted of money laundering and tax evasion" Money laundering is the act of concealing the transformation of profits from illegal activities and corruption into ostensibly "legitimate" assets. The dilemma of illicit activities is accounting for the origin of the proceeds of such activities without raising the suspicion of law enforcement agencies. ----- incur ɪnˈkəː/Submit verb 3rd person present: incurs become subject to (something unwelcome or unpleasant) as a result of one's own behaviour or actions. "I will pay any expenses incurred" synonyms: suffer, sustain, experience, bring upon oneself, expose oneself to, lay oneself open to; More antonyms: avoid Origin ------ vacuous ˈvakjʊəs/Submit adjective 1. having or showing a lack of thought or intelligence; mindless. "a vacuous smile" synonyms: blank, vacant, expressionless, deadpan, inscrutable, inexpressive, poker-faced, emotionless, impassive, absent, absent-minded, uninterested, empty, glassy, stony, wooden, motionless, lifeless, inanimate More 2. ARCHAIC empty. -------- odious ˈəʊdɪəs/Submit adjective adjective: odious extremely unpleasant; repulsive. "a pretty odious character" synonyms: revolting, repulsive, repellent, repugnant, disgusting, offensive, objectionable, vile, foul, abhorrent, loathsome, nauseating, nauseous, sickening, hateful, detestable, execrable, abominable, monstrous, appalling, reprehensible, deplorable, insufferable, intolerable, unacceptable, despicable, contemptible, beyond the pale, unspeakable, poisonous, noxious, obscene, base, hideous, grisly, gruesome, horrendous, heinous, atrocious, awful, terrible, dreadful, frightful, obnoxious, unsavoury, unpalatable, unpleasant, disagreeable, nasty, distasteful, dislikeable, off-putting, displeasing; More antonyms: delightful, pleasant, agreeable, charming Origin --- egregious ɪˈɡriːdʒəs/Submit adjective adjective: egregious 1. outstandingly bad; shocking. "egregious abuses of copyright" 2. ARCHAIC remarkably good. Origin mid 16th century (in sense 2): from Latin egregius ‘illustrious’, literally ‘standing out from the flock’, from ex- ‘out’ + grex, greg- ‘flock’. Sense 1 (late 16th century) probably arose as an ironic use. Translate egregious to Tip Similar-sounding words egregious is sometimes confused with gregarious ------ gregarious ɡrɪˈɡɛːrɪəs/Submit adjective adjective: gregarious (of a person) fond of company; sociable. "he was a popular and gregarious man" synonyms: sociable, social, company-loving, companionable, convivial, clubbable; More antonyms: unsociable, reserved (of animals) living in flocks or loosely organized communities. "gregarious species forage in flocks from colonies or roosts" synonyms: social, organized, living in shoals/flocks/herds "these fish are small and gregarious" (of plants) growing in open clusters or in pure associations. "in the wild, trees are usually gregarious plants" Origin mid 17th century: from Latin gregarius (from grex, greg- ‘a flock’) + -ous. Translate gregarious to Tip Similar-sounding words gregarious is sometimes confused with egregious ------ unfettered ʌnˈfɛtəd/Submit adjective adjective: unfettered not confined or restricted. "his imagination is unfettered by the laws of logic" synonyms: unrestrained, unrestricted, unconstrained, free, unbridled, untrammelled, unchecked, unconfined, unimpeded, unhampered, uncontrolled, unbound, untied, unchained, unshackled, loose "the choice between a planned economy and an unfettered market" antonyms: restricted, fettered ------------ unfetter ʌnˈfɛtə/Submit verb past tense: unfettered; past participle: unfettered release from restraint or inhibition. "his imagination is unfettered by the laws of logic" --------- stifle1 ˈstʌɪf(ə)l/Submit verb past tense: stifled; past participle: stifled 1. make (someone) unable to breathe properly; suffocate. "those in the streets were stifled by the fumes" synonyms: suffocate, choke, asphyxiate; More antonyms: cold, chilly 2. restrain (a reaction) or stop oneself acting on (an emotion). "she stifled a giggle" synonyms: suppress, smother, restrain, keep back, hold back, hold in, fight back, choke back, gulp back, withhold, check, keep in check, swallow, muffle, quench, curb, silence, contain, bottle up; More antonyms: let out prevent or constrain (an activity or idea). "high taxes were stifling private enterprise" synonyms: constrain, hinder, hamper, impede, hold back, curb, check, restrain, prevent, inhibit; More antonyms: encourage Origin --------- recalcitrant rɪˈkalsɪtr(ə)nt/Submit adjective adjective: recalcitrant 1. having an obstinately uncooperative attitude towards authority or discipline. "a class of recalcitrant fifteen-year-olds" noun noun: recalcitrant; plural noun: recalcitrants 1. a person with a recalcitrant attitude. "a stiff-necked recalcitrant and troublemaker" -------- fervour ˈfəːvə/Submit noun noun: fervor 1. intense and passionate feeling. "he talked with all the fervour of a new convert" synonyms: passion, ardour, intensity, zeal, vehemence, vehemency, emotion, warmth, sincerity, earnestness, avidness, avidity, eagerness, keenness, enthusiasm, excitement, animation, vigour, energy, fire, fieriness, heat, spirit, zest, appetite, hunger, urgency; More antonyms: apathy 2. ARCHAIC intense heat. ----- upturn noun plural noun: upturns ˈʌptəːn/Submit 1. an improvement or upward trend, especially in economic conditions or someone's fortunes. "an upturn in the economy" synonyms: increase, rise, jump, leap, surge, upswing, upsurge, boost, acceleration, escalation, soaring, step up More antonyms: fall, slump, downturn verb 3rd person present: upturns ʌpˈtəːn/Submit 1. turn (something) upwards or upside down. "a sea of upturned faces" ---------- anaemic əˈniːmɪk/Submit adjective adjective: anemic suffering from anaemia. "the doctor said you were a bit anaemic" synonyms: colourless, bloodless, pale, pallid, wan, ashen, white, white as a ghost/sheet, grey, jaundiced, waxen, chalky, chalk-white, milky, pasty, pasty-faced, whey-faced, peaky, sickly, tired-looking, washed out, sallow, drained, drawn, sapped, ghostly, deathly, deathlike, bleached; rareetiolated "his naturally anaemic face became even paler" antonyms: ruddy lacking in colour, spirit, or vitality. "an anaemic aspidistra stood in the grate" synonyms: feeble, weak, insipid, pallid, pale, wishy-washy, vapid, bland, poor, puny, flat, inadequate; More antonyms: punchy ---- surmise səˈmʌɪz/Submit verb verb: surmise; 3rd person present: surmises; past tense: surmised; past participle: surmised; gerund or present participle: surmising 1. suppose that something is true without having evidence to confirm it. "he surmised that something must be wrong" synonyms: guess, conjecture, suspect, deduce, infer, come to the conclusion, conclude, theorize, speculate, glean, divine; More antonyms: know noun noun: surmise; plural noun: surmises 1. a supposition that something may be true, even though there is no evidence to confirm it. "Charles was glad to have his surmise confirmed" Origin late Middle English (in the senses ‘formal allegation’ and ‘allege formally’): from Anglo-Norman French and Old French surmise, feminine past participle of surmettre ‘accuse’, from late Latin supermittere ‘put in afterwards’, from super- ‘over’ + mittere ‘send’. ------- commensurate kəˈmɛnʃ(ə)rət,kəˈmɛnʃ(ə)rət/Submit adjective adjective: commensurate corresponding in size or degree; in proportion. "salary will be commensurate with age and experience" synonyms: equivalent, equal, corresponding, correspondent, comparable, proportionate, proportional; More antonyms: disproportionate Origin mid 17th century: from late Latin commensuratus, from com- ‘together’ + mensuratus, past participle of mensurare ‘to measure’. Translate commensurate to Tip Similar-sounding words commensurate is sometimes confused with commiserate ------------- commiserate kəˈmɪzəreɪt/Submit verb verb: commiserate; 3rd person present: commiserates; past tense: commiserated; past participle: commiserated; gerund or present participle: commiserating express or feel sympathy or pity; sympathize. "she went over to commiserate with Rose on her unfortunate circumstances" synonyms: offer sympathy to, be sympathetic to, express sympathy for, send condolences to, offer condolences to, condole with, sympathize with, empathize with, feel pity for, feel sorry for, feel for, be moved by, mourn for, sorrow for, grieve for; More ARCHAIC feel or express pity for (someone). "she did not exult in her rival's fall, but, on the contrary, commiserated her" ----------- sympathy ˈsɪmpəθi/Submit noun noun: sympathy 1. feelings of pity and sorrow for someone else's misfortune. "they had great sympathy for the flood victims" synonyms: commiseration, pity, condolence, consolation, comfort, solace, support, encouragement; More antonyms: indifference the formal expression of pity or sorrow for someone else's misfortune. plural noun: sympathies; plural noun: one's sympathies "all Tony's friends joined in sending their sympathies to his widow Jean" 2. understanding between people; common feeling. "the special sympathy between the two boys was obvious to all" synonyms: rapport, fellow feeling, affinity, empathy, harmony, accord, compatibility; More antonyms: hostility support in the form of shared feelings or opinions. plural noun: sympathies "his sympathies lay with his constituents" synonyms: agreement, harmony, favour, approval, approbation, support, encouragement, goodwill, commendation, partiality; More antonyms: disapproval agreement with or approval of an opinion or aim; a favourable attitude. "I have some sympathy for this view" relating harmoniously to something else; in keeping. noun: in sympathy; plural noun: in sympathies "repairs had to be in sympathy with the original structure" 3. the state or fact of responding in a way similar or corresponding to an action elsewhere. "the magnetic field oscillates in sympathy" ------------ incongruity ˌɪnkɒŋˈɡruːɪti/Submit noun noun: incongruity; plural noun: incongruities the state of being incongruous; incompatibility. "the incongruity of his fleshy face and skinny body disturbed her" synonyms: inappropriateness, incongruousness, unsuitability, lack of harmony, discordance, inharmoniousness, dissonance, incompatibility, inconsistency, difference, disparity, discrepancy, irreconcilability; More antonyms: appropriateness ------ deplore dɪˈplɔː/Submit verb verb: deplore; 3rd person present: deplores; past tense: deplored; past participle: deplored; gerund or present participle: deploring feel or express strong condemnation of (something). "we deplore all violence" synonyms: abhor, be shocked by, be offended by, be scandalized by, find unacceptable, be against, frown on; More antonyms: admire, applaud --------- unsolicited ʌnsəˈlɪsɪtɪd/Submit adjective not asked for; given or done voluntarily. "unsolicited junk mail" synonyms: uninvited, unsought, unasked for, unrequested, undemanded, uncalled for, not required, unprompted, unbidden, unwelcome, gratuitous, volunteered, voluntary, spontaneous "he did not take easily to unsolicited advice" ------ lapse laps/Submit noun noun: lapse; plural noun: lapses 1. a brief or temporary failure of concentration, memory, or judgement. "a lapse of concentration in the second set cost her the match" synonyms: failure, failing, slip, error, mistake, blunder, fault, omission, oversight, negligence, dereliction; More a decline from previously high standards. "tracing his lapse into petty crime" synonyms: decline, downturn, fall, falling, falling away, slipping, drop, deterioration, worsening, degeneration, dereliction, backsliding, regression, retrogression, decay, descent, sinking, slide, ebb, waning, corruption, debasement, tainting, corrosion, impairment "his lapse into petty crime" LAW the termination of a right or privilege through disuse or failure to follow appropriate procedures. 2. an interval or passage of time. "there was a considerable lapse of time between the two events" synonyms: interval, gap, pause, intermission, interlude, lull, hiatus, break; More verb verb: lapse; 3rd person present: lapses; past tense: lapsed; past participle: lapsed; gerund or present participle: lapsing 1. (of a right, privilege, or agreement) become invalid because it is not used, claimed, or renewed; expire. "he let his membership of CND lapse" synonyms: expire, become void, become invalid, run out, terminate, become obsolete More antonyms: current, valid (of a state or activity) fail to be maintained; come to an end. "if your diet has lapsed it's time you revived it" synonyms: end, cease, come to an end, stop, terminate, vanish, disappear, pass, fade, fall away, dwindle, wilt, wither, die "do not let friendships lapse" cease to follow the rules and practices of a religion or doctrine. "many Christians in Britain have lapsed" synonyms: non-practising, lacking faith, backsliding, recidivist, apostate; formalquondam "a lapsed Catholic" antonyms: practising, devout 2. pass gradually into (an inferior state or condition). "the country has lapsed into chaos" synonyms: deteriorate, decline, fall, fall off, drop, worsen, degenerate, decay, rot, backslide, regress, retrogress, get worse, sink, wane, slump, fail; More antonyms: improve, strengthen revert to (a previous or more familiar style of speaking or behaviour). "the girls lapsed into French" synonyms: revert, relapse, fall back; More Origin late Middle English: from Latin lapsus, from labi ‘to glide, slip, or fall’; the verb reinforced by Latin lapsare ‘to slip or stumble’. ------------ impropriety ˌɪmprəˈprʌɪəti/Submit noun noun: impropriety; plural noun: improprieties failure to observe standards of honesty or modesty; improper behaviour or character. "she was scandalized at the impropriety of the question" synonyms: wrongdoing, misconduct, dishonesty, corruption, unscrupulousness, illegitimacy, unprofessionalism, irregularity; More antonyms: propriety --- facilitation fəsɪlɪˈteɪʃn/Submit noun the action of facilitating something. "third-party facilitation seeks to promote the resolution of conflict" PHYSIOLOGY the enhancement of the response of a neuron to a stimulus following prior stimulation. "the response is dependent on the frequency of stimulation and on neuromuscular facilitation" ------------------ Disgorgement is repayment of ill-gotten gains that is imposed on wrongdoers by the courts. Funds that were received through illegal or unethical business transactions are disgorged, or paid back, with interest to those affected by the action. Disgorgement is a remedial civil action, rather than a punitive civil action. ---------- diligence1 ˈdɪlɪdʒ(ə)ns/Submit noun noun: diligence careful and persistent work or effort. "few party members challenge his diligence as an MP" synonyms: conscientiousness, assiduousness, assiduity, industriousness, rigour, rigorousness, punctiliousness, meticulousness, carefulness, thoroughness, sedulousness, attentiveness, heedfulness, earnestness, intentness, studiousness; More antonyms: laziness, carelessness Origin Middle English (in the sense ‘close attention, caution’): via Old French from Latin diligentia, from diligent- ‘assiduous’ (see diligent). diligence2 ˈdɪlɪdʒ(ə)ns/Submit nounHISTORICAL noun: diligence; plural noun: diligences a public stagecoach. ---------- stagecoach ˈsteɪdʒkəʊtʃ/Submit noun noun: stagecoach; plural noun: stagecoaches; noun: stage-coach; plural noun: stage-coaches a large closed horse-drawn vehicle formerly used to carry passengers and often mail along a regular route between two places. --- pursuant pəˈsjuːənt/Submit adverbFORMAL adverb: pursuant 1. in accordance with (a law or a legal document or resolution). "the local authority applied for care orders pursuant to section 31 of the Children Act 1989" adjectiveARCHAIC adjective: pursuant 1. following; going in pursuit. Origin --- trove trəʊv/Submit noun noun: trove; plural noun: troves a store of valuable or delightful things. "the cellar contained a trove of rare wines" Origin late 19th century: from treasure trove. ---------- detriment ˈdɛtrɪm(ə)nt/Submit noun the state of being harmed or damaged. "he is engrossed in his work to the detriment of his married life" a cause of harm or damage. plural noun: detriments "such tests are a detriment to good education" synonyms: harm, damage, injury, hurt, impairment, loss, prejudice, disadvantage, disservice, ill, wrong, mischief; disbenefit "some light industry can generally be carried out in a residential area without detriment to its amenities" ------- sluggard ˈslʌɡəd/Submit noun a lazy, sluggish person. "I'm waiting for those sluggards to bring my steak" ---- rhetoric ˈrɛtərɪk/Submit noun noun: rhetoric the art of effective or persuasive speaking or writing, especially the exploitation of figures of speech and other compositional techniques. "he is using a common figure of rhetoric, hyperbole" synonyms: oratory, eloquence, power of speech, command of language, expression, way with words, delivery, diction "he was considered to excel in this form of rhetoric" language designed to have a persuasive or impressive effect, but which is often regarded as lacking in sincerity or meaningful content. "all we have from the Opposition is empty rhetoric" synonyms: bombast, loftiness, turgidity, grandiloquence, magniloquence, ornateness, portentousness, pomposity, boastfulness, boasting, bragging, heroics, hyperbole, extravagant language, purple prose, pompousness, sonorousness; More Origin ----- pennant ˈpɛnənt/Submit noun noun: pennant; plural noun: pennants 1. a tapering flag on a ship, especially one flown at the masthead of a vessel in commission. a long triangular or swallow-tailed flag, especially as the military ensign of lancer regiments. synonyms: banner, banderole, streamer, flag, standard, ensign, jack, pennon, colour(s); More NORTH AMERICAN a flag denoting a sports championship or identifying a team. 2. NAUTICAL a short rope hanging from the head of a ship's mast; a pendant. -- bailiwick ˈbeɪlɪwɪk/Submit noun plural noun: bailiwicks 1. one's sphere of operations or area of interest. "after the war, the Middle East remained his bailiwick" 2. LAW the district or jurisdiction of a bailie or bailiff. "the warden had the right to arrest all poachers found within his bailiwick" -------- tailwind ˈteɪlwɪnd/Submit noun plural noun: tailwinds a wind blowing in the direction of travel of a vehicle or aircraft; a wind blowing from behind. ------- capricious kəˈprɪʃəs/Submit adjective adjective: capricious given to sudden and unaccountable changes of mood or behaviour. "a capricious and often brutal administration" synonyms: fickle, inconstant, changeable, variable, unstable, mercurial, volatile, erratic, vacillating, irregular, inconsistent, fitful, arbitrary; More antonyms: stable, consistent changing according to no discernible rules; unpredictable. "a capricious climate" ---------- idyllic ɪˈdɪlɪk/Submit adjective adjective: idyllic like an idyll; extremely happy, peaceful, or picturesque. "an attractive hotel in an idyllic setting" synonyms: perfect, ideal, idealized, wonderful, blissful, halcyon, happy; More antonyms: hellish ---------- idyll ˈɪdɪl/Submit noun noun: idyll; plural noun: idylls; noun: idyl; plural noun: idyls an extremely happy, peaceful, or picturesque period or situation, typically an idealized or unsustainable one. "the rural idyll remains strongly evocative in most industrialized societies" synonyms: perfect time, ideal time, wonderful time, moment of bliss, honeymoon; More antonyms: hell on earth a short description in verse or prose of a picturesque scene or incident, especially in rustic life. synonyms: pastoral, eclogue, georgic, rural poem "the poem began as a two-part idyll" Origin late 16th century (in the Latin form): from Latin idyllium, from Greek eidullion, diminutive of eidos ‘form, picture’. Translate idyll to Tip Similar-sounding words idyll is sometimes confused with idle and idol ------ ante ˈanti/Submit noun noun: ante; plural noun: antes 1. a stake put up by a player in poker or brag before receiving cards. "the antes were at the $10,000–$20,000 level" verb verb: ante; 3rd person present: antes; past tense: anted; past participle: anted; gerund or present participle: anteing 1. put up an amount as an ante in poker or brag and similar games. INFORMAL•NORTH AMERICAN pay an amount of money in advance. "he anted up $925,000 of his own money" Origin early 19th century: from Latin, literally ‘before’. ante- ˈanti/ prefix prefix: ante- before; preceding. "antechapel" Origin from Latin ante ‘before’. ----- cushy ˈkʊʃi/Submit adjectiveINFORMAL adjective: cushy; comparative adjective: cushier; superlative adjective: cushiest 1. (of a job or situation) undemanding, easy, or secure. "he doesn't have anything like the cushy life you professors have" synonyms: easy, undemanding, untaxing; More antonyms: difficult, demanding 2. NORTH AMERICAN (of furniture) comfortable. "cushy chairs and couches" Origin ----------- scrum [skrəm] NOUN rugby an ordered formation of players, used to restart play, in which the forwards of a team form up with arms interlocked and heads down, and push forward against a similar group from the opposing side. The ball is thrown into the scrum and the players try to gain possession of it by kicking it backward toward their own side. a set of practices used in agile project management that emphasize daily communication and the flexible reassessment of plans that are carried out in short, iterative phases of work. VERB rugby form or take part in a scrum. ------ vet [vet] VERB vetted (past tense) · vetted (past participle) make a careful and critical examination of (something). "proposals for vetting large takeover bids" synonyms: screen · assess · evaluate · appraise · weigh up · examine · look over · review · consider · scrutinize · study · inspect · investigate · censor · [more] investigate (someone) thoroughly, especially in order to ensure that they are suitable for a job requiring secrecy, loyalty, or trustworthiness. "each applicant will be vetted by police" ----------- nascent ˈnas(ə)nt,ˈneɪs(ə)nt/Submit adjective adjective: nascent (especially of a process or organization) just coming into existence and beginning to display signs of future potential. "the nascent space industry" CHEMISTRY (chiefly of hydrogen) freshly generated in a reactive form. -- pep pɛp/Submit INFORMAL noun 1. energy and high spirits; liveliness. "he was an enthusiastic player, full of pep" synonyms: dynamism, life, go, energy, spirit, liveliness, animation, bounce, sparkle, effervescence, fizz, verve, spiritedness, ebullience, high spirits, enthusiasm, initiative, vitality, vivacity, fire, dash, panache, elan, snap, zest, zeal, exuberance, vigour, gusto, drive, push, brio; More verb 1. make someone or something more lively or interesting. "measures to pep up the economy" synonyms: improve, enliven, animate, liven up, put some/new life into, invigorate, vitalize, revitalize, vivify, ginger up, energize, electrify, galvanize, put some spark into, stimulate, get something going, add zest to, perk up, brighten up, cheer up; More ---- relegate ˈrɛlɪɡeɪt/Submit verb past tense: relegated; past participle: relegated assign an inferior rank or position to. "they aim to prevent women from being relegated to a secondary role" synonyms: downgrade, lower, lower in rank/status, put down, move down; More BRITISH transfer (a sports team) to a lower division of a league. "United were relegated to division two" ------ bezzle. Verb. (third-person singular simple present bezzles, present participle bezzling, simple past and past participle bezzled) (obsolete) To plunder; to lay waste to, in riot. (obsolete) To drink to excess; to revel. ----- astutely əˈstjuːtli/Submit adverb accurately assessing situations or people; perceptively. "she astutely pointed out that usually you have to be dead to be a legend" ----- erg1 əːɡ/Submit nounPHYSICS noun: erg; plural noun: ergs a unit of work or energy, equal to the work done by a force of one dyne when its point of application moves one centimetre in the direction of action of the force. Origin late 19th century: from Greek ergon ‘work’. erg2 əːɡ/Submit noun noun: erg; plural noun: ergs; plural noun: areg an area of shifting sand dunes in the Sahara. --------- roost1 ruːst/Submit noun noun: roost; plural noun: roosts 1. a place where birds regularly settle or congregate to rest at night, or where bats congregate to rest in the day. "birds were hurrying to their evening roosts" verb verb: roost; 3rd person present: roosts; past tense: roosted; past participle: roosted; gerund or present participle: roosting 1. (of a bird or bat) settle or congregate for rest or sleep. "migrating martins and swallows were settling to roost" Origin Old English hrōst, related to Dutch roest ; of unknown ultimate origin. roost2 ruːst/Submit noun noun: roost; plural noun: roosts (in the Orkneys and Shetlands) a tidal race. ---------- entourage ˈɒntʊrɑːʒ,ˌɒntʊ(ə)ˈrɑːʒ/Submit noun noun: entourage; plural noun: entourages a group of people attending or surrounding an important person. "an entourage of loyal courtiers" synonyms: retinue, escort, company, cortège, train, suite, court, staff, bodyguard; More Origin --------- egregious ɪˈɡriːdʒəs/Submit adjective adjective: egregious 1. outstandingly bad; shocking. "egregious abuses of copyright" 2. ARCHAIC remarkably good. Origin mid 16th century (in sense 2): from Latin egregius ‘illustrious’, literally ‘standing out from the flock’, from ex- ‘out’ + grex, greg- ‘flock’. Sense 1 (late 16th century) probably arose as an ironic use. Translate Egregious to Tip Similar-sounding words Egregious is sometimes confused with gregarious -------- metastasize mɛˈtastəˌsʌɪz/Submit verbMEDICINE gerund or present participle: metastasizing (of a cancer) spread to other sites in the body by metastasis. "his cancer had metastasized to the liver" ------- metastasis mɪˈtastəsɪs/Submit nounMEDICINE noun: metastasis the development of secondary malignant growths at a distance from a primary site of cancer. "an increased risk of metastasis" a metastatic growth. plural noun: metastases "the patient developed pleural and liver metastases" ------------- beguile bɪˈɡʌɪl/Submit verb past tense: beguiled; past participle: beguiled 1. charm or enchant (someone), often in a deceptive way. "he beguiled the voters with his good looks" synonyms: charm, attract, enchant, entrance, win over, woo, captivate, bewitch, spellbind, dazzle, blind, hypnotize, mesmerize, seduce, tempt, lead on, lure, entice, ensnare, entrap; More antonyms: repel, be straight with, unappealing trick (someone) into doing something. "they were beguiled into signing a peace treaty" 2. LITERARY help (time) pass pleasantly. "to beguile some of the time they went to the cinema" synonyms: entertain, amuse, delight, please, occupy, absorb, engage, distract, divert, interest, fascinate, enthral, engross, preoccupy, hold the attention of More antonyms: bore ------- portend pɔːˈtɛnd/Submit verb past tense: portended; past participle: portended be a sign or warning that (something, especially something momentous or calamitous) is likely to happen. "the eclipses portend some major events" synonyms: presage, augur, foreshadow, foretell, prophesy; More ----------- accrue əˈkruː/Submit verb past tense: accrued; past participle: accrued (of a benefit or sum of money) be received by someone in regular or increasing amounts over time. "financial benefits will accrue from restructuring" synonyms: result, arise, follow, ensue, emanate, stem, spring, flow; More accumulate or receive (payments or benefits) over time. "they accrue entitlements to holiday pay" synonyms: accumulate, collect, gather, build up, mount up, amass, grow, increase, augment, be added "interest is added to the account as it accrues" make provision for (a charge) at the end of a financial period for work that has been done but not yet invoiced. "at 31 December the amount due for the final quarter is accrued" ------- Arrears (or arrearage) is a legal term for the part of a debt that is overdue after missing one or more required payments. The amount of the arrears is the amount accrued from the date on which the first missed payment was due. ---------- parlance ˈpɑːl(ə)ns/Submit noun a particular way of speaking or using words, especially a way common to those with a particular job or interest. "dated terms that were once in common parlance" ----- bona fide ˌbəʊnə ˈfʌɪdi/Submit adjective adjective: bonafide 1. genuine; real. "she was a bona fide expert" synonyms: authentic, genuine, real, true, actual, sterling, sound, legal, legitimate, lawful, valid, unadulterated, unalloyed, proper, straight, fair and square; More adverbLAW adverb: bonafide 1. without intention to deceive. "the court will assume that they have acted bona fide" ---------- pragmatic /praɡˈmatɪk/ adjective dealing with things sensibly and realistically in a way that is based on practical rather than theoretical considerations. "a pragmatic approach to politics" relating to philosophical or political pragmatism. LINGUISTICS relating to pragmatics. ----- groufies: From selfies to groufies how the evolution of a trend what is definition meaning 'groufies'definition selfie in english by oxford dictionaries, merriam webster. Definition of groufie collins dictionary new word suggestion urban dictionary. ------ Charles Thomas Munger is an American investor, businessman and philanthropist. He is vice chairman of Berkshire Hathaway, the conglomerate controlled by Warren Buffett; Buffett has described Munger as his partner. Munger served as chairman of Wesco Financial Corporation from 1984 through 2011. Wikipedia Born: 1 January 1924 (age 94 years), Omaha, Nebraska, United States Net worth: 180 crores USD (2018) Salary: US$100,000 Books: Poor Charlie's Almanack, On Success Children: Molly Munger, Wendy Munger, Charles T. Munger, Jr., Philip R. Munger, Barry A. Munger, Emilie Munger Ogden Spouse: Nancy Barry (m. 1956–2010), Nancy Huggins (m. 1945–1953) -------- Omaha is a city in the U.S. state of Nebraska, on the Missouri River close to the Iowa border. A stop on the Lewis & Clark National Historic Trail, it's known for its pioneer history, museums and cultural centers. The Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium spearheads conservation work and features a big cat complex as well as indoor jungle, rainforest and desert habitats. Area: 338.2 km² Local time: Thursday, 1:09 AM Weather: 4 °C, Wind NW at 24 km/h, 77% Humidity ZIP codes: 68022, 68101–68164 Population: 4.47 lakhs (2016) Area code: Area codes 402 and 531 Omaha travel guide 3-star hotel averaging ₹ 8,191 25 h 44 min flight, from ₹ 1,39,247 Did you know: Omaha is the most-populous city in Nebraska (408,958). wikipedia.org ----- Preferred stock (also called preferred shares, preference shares or simply preferreds) is a type of stock which may have any combination of features not possessed by common stock including properties of both an equity and a debt instrument, and is generally considered a hybrid instrument. ------ bane beɪn/Submit noun 1. a cause of great distress or annoyance. "the telephone was the bane of my life" synonyms: scourge, ruin, death, plague, ruination, destruction; More 2. ARCHAIC something, especially poison, which causes death. -------- albeit ɔːlˈbiːɪt/Submit conjunction conjunction: albeit though. "he was making progress, albeit rather slowly" Origin late Middle English: from the phrase all be it ‘although it be (that’). --------- progenitor prə(ʊ)ˈdʒɛnɪtə/Submit noun noun: progenitor; plural noun: progenitors a person or thing from which a person, animal, or plant is descended or originates; an ancestor or parent. "his children were the progenitors of many of Scotland's noble families" synonyms: ancestor, forefather, forebear, parent; More a person who originates a cultural or intellectual movement. "the progenitor of modern jazz" synonyms: originator, founder, instigator, source; More Origin late Middle English: from Old French progeniteur, from Latin progenitor, from progenit- ‘begotten’, from the verb progignere, from pro- ‘forward’ + gignere ‘beget’. -------- ersatz ˈəːsats,ˈɛːsats/Submit adjective adjective: ersatz (of a product) made or used as a substitute, typically an inferior one, for something else. "ersatz coffee" synonyms: artificial, substitute, imitation, synthetic, fake, false, faux, mock, simulated; More antonyms: genuine not real or genuine. "ersatz emotion" Origin --- conscript verb past tense: conscripted; past participle: conscripted kənˈskrɪpt/Submit enlist (someone) compulsorily, typically into the armed services. "they were conscripted into the army" synonyms: call up, enlist, recruit, mobilize, raise, muster; More Origin ---------- schizoid ˈskɪtsɔɪd/Submit adjective adjective: schizoid 1. PSYCHIATRY denoting or having a personality type characterized by emotional aloofness and solitary habits. INFORMAL having inconsistent or contradictory elements; mad or crazy. "it's a frenzied, schizoid place" noun noun: schizoid; plural noun: schizoids 1. a schizoid person. -------------- proctor ˈprɒktə/Submit verbNORTH AMERICAN past tense: proctored; past participle: proctored invigilate (an examination). "18% of the faculty reported that graduate assistants frequently proctored exams" ----- communiqué /kəˈmjuːnɪkeɪ/ noun an official announcement or statement, especially one made to the media. "the country's foreign ministry issued a communique" synonyms: official communication, press release, bulletin, message, missive, dispatch, statement, report, news flash, notification, announcement, declaration, proclamation, pronouncement; More ----------- croupier ˈkruːpɪə,ˈkruːpɪeɪ/Submit noun noun: croupier; plural noun: croupiers 1. the person in charge of a gaming table, responsible for gathering in and paying out money or tokens. 2. HISTORICAL the assistant chairman at a public dinner, seated at the lower end of the table. ------- forfeit ˈfɔːfɪt/Submit verb verb: forfeit; 3rd person present: forfeits; past tense: forfeited; past participle: forfeited; gerund or present participle: forfeiting 1. lose or be deprived of (property or a right or privilege) as a penalty for wrongdoing. "those unable to meet their taxes were liable to forfeit their estates" lose or give up (something) as a necessary consequence of something else. "she didn't mind forfeiting an hour in bed to muck out the horses" synonyms: surrender, relinquish, hand over, deliver up, part with, yield, sacrifice, give up, renounce, be stripped of/deprived of, lose; More antonyms: retain noun noun: forfeit; plural noun: forfeits 1. a fine or penalty for wrongdoing. "the loser must pay a forfeit" synonyms: penalty, financial penalty, fine, fee, charge, sanction, punitive action, penance; More LAW an item of property or a right or privilege lost as a legal penalty. a game in which trivial penalties are exacted for minor misdemeanours. the action of forfeiting something. adjective adjective: forfeit 1. lost or surrendered as a penalty for wrongdoing. "his possessions were declared forfeit" --------- What is collusive and non collusive oligopoly? Give the differences between collusive and non-collusive oligopoly. ... Collusive oligopoly is a form of market in which few firms form a mutual agreement to avoid competition. They form a cartel and fix the output quotas and the market price. Leading firm in the market is accepted by the cartel as a price leader. -------- multitude ˈmʌltɪtjuːd/Submit noun plural noun: multitudes a large number of people or things. "a multitude of medical conditions are due to being overweight" synonyms: a lot, a great/large number, a great/large quantity, host, horde, mass, mountain, droves, swarm, army, legion, sea, abundance, profusion; More the mass of ordinary people without power or influence. noun: the multitude "placing ultimate political power in the hands of the multitude" synonyms: crowd, gathering, assembly, group, assemblage, congregation, flock, throng, horde, mob; More ARCHAIC the state of being numerous. "they would swarm over the river in their multitude" ----------- en masse ɒ̃ ˈmas/Submit adverb adverb: en masse; adverb: enmasse in a group; all together. "the cabinet immediately resigned en masse" synonyms: (all) together, as a group, in a body, as one, as a whole, in a mass, wholesale; More antonyms: singly Origin ---------- endemic ɛnˈdɛmɪk/Submit adjective adjective: endemic 1. (of a disease or condition) regularly found among particular people or in a certain area. "complacency is endemic in industry today" (of an area) in which a particular disease is regularly found. "the persistence of infection on pastures in endemic areas" 2. (of a plant or animal) native or restricted to a certain place. "a marsupial endemic to north-eastern Australia" noun noun: endemic; plural noun: endemics 1. an endemic plant or animal. "there are three types of island endemics" ------- spurt spəːt/Submit verb verb: spurt; 3rd person present: spurts; past tense: spurted; past participle: spurted; gerund or present participle: spurting 1. gush out in a sudden and forceful stream. "he cut his finger, and blood spurted over the sliced potatoes" synonyms: squirt, shoot, spray, fountain, jet, erupt; More cause to gush out suddenly. "the kettle boiled and spurted scalding water" 2. move with a sudden burst of speed. "the other car had spurted to the top of the ramp" noun noun: spurt; plural noun: spurts 1. a sudden gushing stream. "a sudden spurt of blood gushed into her eyes" synonyms: squirt, spray, fountain, jet, spout; More 2. a sudden marked burst or increase of activity or speed. "late in the race he put on a spurt and reached second place" synonyms: burst of speed, turn of speed, increase of speed, burst of energy, sprint, rush "Daisy put on a spurt to hurry down to the river" Origin --- Salomon Brothers was an investment bank founded in 1910 by three American brothers (Arthur, Herbert and Percy) along with a clerk named Ben Levy, it remained a partnership until the early 1980s, when it was acquired by the commodity trading firm Phibro Corporation and became Salomon Inc. Eventually, Salomon (NYSE:SB) was acquired by Travelers Group in 1998; and, following the latter's merger with Citicorp that same year, Salomon became part of Citigroup. Although the Salomon name carried on as Salomon Smith Barney, which were the investment banking operations of Citigroup, the name was abandoned in October 2003 after a series of financial scandals that tarnished the bank's reputation. Salomon Brothers Former type: Acquired Industry: Financial services Fate: Acquired by Travelers Group in 1998 Successor: Salomon Smith Barney (1998-2004), Smith Barney (2003 - 2009), Morgan Stanley Smith Barney (2009-2012), Morgan Stanley Wealth Management (since 2012) Founded: 1910 Founder: Arthur Salomon, Herbert Salomon, Percy Salomon Defunct: 2003 (name dropped by Citigroup) Headquarters: New York, US Products: Investment banking Revenue: Increase $4.018 billion (June 1997)[1] Net income Increase: $443 million (June 1997)[1] Number of employees: 7,100 (June 1997)[1] ------------ exhilarating /ɪɡˈzɪləreɪtɪŋ,ɛɡˈzɪləreɪtɪŋ/ adjective making one feel very happy, animated, or elated; thrilling. "an exhilarating two-hour rafting experience" --------- mesmerize /ˈmɛzmərʌɪz/ verb past tense: mesmerized; past participle: mesmerized capture the complete attention of (someone); transfix. "they were mesmerized by his story" ARCHAIC hypnotize (someone). "he was mesmerized when at the point of death" synonyms: enthral, spellbind, entrance, hold spellbound, dazzle, bewitch, charm, captivate, enrapture, enchant, fascinate, transfix, transport, grip, magnetize, hypnotize; informalget under someone's skin "they were mesmerized by his performance" ----------- Dialectical behavior therapy is an evidence-based psychotherapy designed to help people suffering from borderline personality disorder. It has also been used to treat mood disorders as well as those who need to change patterns of behavior that are not helpful, such as self-harm, suicidal ideation, and substance abuse. -------------- dialectical dʌɪəˈlɛktɪk(ə)l/Submit adjective adjective: dialectical 1. relating to the logical discussion of ideas and opinions. "dialectical ingenuity" 2. concerned with or acting through opposing forces. "a dialectical opposition between social convention and individual libertarianism" ---------------- rudder ˈrʌdə/Submit noun noun: rudder; plural noun: rudders a flat piece hinged vertically near the stern of a boat or ship for steering. a vertical aerofoil pivoted from the tailplane of an aircraft, for controlling movement about the vertical axis. application of a rudder in steering a boat, ship, or aircraft. "bring the aircraft to a stall and apply full rudder" Origin Old English rōther ‘paddle, oar’, of West Germanic origin; related to Dutch roer, German Ruder, also to the verb row2. ..... A rudder is a primary control surface used to steer a ship, boat, submarine, hovercraft, aircraft, or other conveyance that moves through a fluid medium (generally air or water). On an aircraft the rudder is used primarily to counter adverse yaw and p-factor and is not the primary control used to turn the airplane. A rudder operates by redirecting the fluid past the hull (watercraft) or fuselage, thus imparting a turning or yawing motion to the craft. In basic form, a rudder is a flat plane or sheet of material attached with hinges to the craft's stern, tail, or after end. Often rudders are shaped so as to minimize hydrodynamic or aerodynamic drag. ------------ pit stop noun MOTORSPORTS a stop at a pit for servicing and refuelling, especially during a race. INFORMAL a brief rest, especially during a journey. -------------- fellow ˈfɛləʊ/Submit noun plural noun: fellows 1. INFORMAL a man or boy. "he was an extremely obliging fellow" synonyms: man, boy; More 2. a person in the same position, involved in the same activity, or otherwise associated with another. "he was learning with a rapidity unique among his fellows" synonyms: companion, friend, crony, comrade, partner, associate, co-worker, colleague; More ------ arbitrageur ˌɑːbɪtraˈʒəː/Submit noun plural noun: arbitrageurs a person who engages in arbitrage. ---------- A homily is a commentary that follows a reading of scripture. ----------- extol ɪkˈstəʊl,ɛkˈstəʊl/Submit verb gerund or present participle: extolling praise enthusiastically. "he extolled the virtues of the Russian peoples" synonyms: praise enthusiastically, go into raptures about/over, wax lyrical about, sing the praises of, praise to the skies, heap praise on, eulogize, rhapsodize over, rave about, enthuse about/over, gush about/over, throw bouquets at, express delight over, acclaim; More ----------- sanatorium ˌsanəˈtɔːrɪəm/Submit noun an establishment for the medical treatment of people who are convalescing or have a chronic illness. synonyms: infirmary, clinic, sickbay, sickroom, medical centre, hospital, hospice, nursing home, convalescent home, rest home; More BRITISH a room or building for sick children in a boarding school. ------ convalesce ˌkɒnvəˈlɛs/Submit verb gerund or present participle: convalescing recover one's health and strength over a period of time after an illness or medical treatment. "he spent eight months convalescing after the stroke" synonyms: recuperate, get better, recover, get well, regain one's strength/health, get back on one's feet, get over something, get back to normal; More antonyms: deteriorate --------- clout klaʊt/Submit noun 1. INFORMAL a heavy blow with the hand or a hard object. "a clout round the ear" synonyms: smack, slap, thump, punch, blow, hit, knock, bang, cuff, box, spanking, spank, tap, clip; More 2. INFORMAL influence or power, especially in politics or business. "I knew she carried a lot of clout" synonyms: influence, power, pull, weight, sway, leverage, control, say, mastery, dominance, domination, advantage; More verb 1. INFORMAL hit (someone or something) hard. "I clouted him round the head" synonyms: hit, strike, punch, smack, slap, cuff, thump, beat, batter, pound, pummel, thrash, rap, spank, buffet, hammer, bang, knock, box someone's ears; More 2. ARCHAIC mend with a patch. "he helps the women clout their pans" --------- BATNA is a term coined by Roger Fisher and William Ury in their 1981 bestseller, Getting to Yes: Negotiating Without Giving In.[1] It stands for "Best ALTERNATIVE TO a negotiated agreement." --------- unduly ʌnˈdjuːli/Submit adverb to an unwarranted degree; inordinately. "there is no need to be unduly alarmed" synonyms: excessively, immoderately, intemperately, disproportionately, out of all proportion, inordinately; More ---- unequivocal ʌnɪˈkwɪvək(ə)l/Submit adjective adjective: unequivocal leaving no doubt; unambiguous. "an unequivocal answer" synonyms: unambiguous, unmistakable, indisputable, incontrovertible, indubitable, undeniable; More antonyms: equivocal, ambiguous, vague -------- ju-jitsu dʒuːˈdʒɪtsuː/Submit noun noun: jujitsu a Japanese system of unarmed combat and physical training. Tip Similar-sounding words jujitsu is sometimes confused with jiujitsu --------- ju-jitsu dʒuːˈdʒɪtsuː/Submit noun noun: jiujitsu a Japanese system of unarmed combat and physical training. Origin Japanese jūjutsu, from jū ‘gentle’ + jutsu ‘skill’. Translate jiujitsu to Tip Similar-sounding words jiujitsu is sometimes confused with jujitsu --------- incredulously ɪnˈkrɛdjʊləsli/Submit adverb adverb: incredulously in a manner indicating disbelief. ""What ?" I asked incredulously" ---------- stipulation ˌstɪpjʊˈleɪʃn/Submit noun noun: stipulation; plural noun: stipulations a condition or requirement that is specified or demanded as part of an agreement. "they donated their collection of prints with the stipulation that they never be publicly exhibited" synonyms: condition, precondition, proviso, provision, prerequisite, requisite, specification; More ----------- ranch rɑːn(t)ʃ/Submit noun noun: ranch; plural noun: ranches; noun: ranch dressing; plural noun: ranch dressings 1. a large farm, especially in North America or Australia, where cattle or other animals are bred. "a beef cattle ranch" NORTH AMERICAN a single-storey house. noun: ranch house; plural noun: ranch houses 2. TRADEMARK IN UK•NORTH AMERICAN a type of thick white salad dressing made with sour cream. verb verb: ranch; 3rd person present: ranches; past tense: ranched; past participle: ranched; gerund or present participle: ranching 1. run a ranch. "cattle ranching" breed (animals) on a ranch. "ranched salmon" use (land) as a ranch. "we've ranched this area for almost two decades" Origin ------------- Medical definition of gastrology: the art or science of caring for the stomach either medically or gastronomically. ------------ conciliatory /kənˈsɪlɪətəri/Submit adjective intended or likely to placate or pacify. "a conciliatory approach" synonyms: propitiatory, placatory, appeasing, pacifying, pacific, mollifying, so as to pour oil on troubled waters, peacemaking, reconciliatory; More ----------- charade /ʃəˈrɑːd/Submit noun noun: charade; plural noun: charades an absurd pretence intended to create a pleasant or respectable appearance. "talk of unity was nothing more than a charade" synonyms: farce, pantomime, travesty, mockery, parody, pretence, act, masquerade, sham, fake, false display, show, front, facade; raresimulacrum "the race for the presidential nomination has been a shameless charade" a game in which players guess a word or phrase from a written or acted clue given for each syllable and for the whole item. Origin late 18th century: from French, from modern Provençal charrado ‘conversation’, from charra ‘chatter’, perhaps of imitative origin. --- passivity /paˈsɪvɪti/Submit noun noun: passivity 1. acceptance of what happens, without active response or resistance. "the perceived passivity of the populace is deceptive" 2. CHEMISTRY the state of inactivity of a metal made unreactive by a thin inert surface layer of oxide. "nickel increases the overall passivity of the iron" ------- populace /ˈpɒpjʊləs/Submit noun noun: populace; plural noun: populaces the people living in a particular country or area. "the party misjudged the mood of the populace" synonyms: population, inhabitants, residents, natives, occupants, occupiers; More Origin late 16th century: from French, from Italian popolaccio ‘common people’, from popolo ‘people’ + the pejorative suffix -accio . Translate populace to Tip Similar-sounding words populace is sometimes confused with populous --- linoleum /lɪˈnəʊlɪəm/Submit noun noun: linoleum; plural noun: linoleums a material consisting of a canvas backing thickly coated with a preparation of linseed oil and powdered cork, used especially as a floor covering. Origin ---- treble1 /ˈtrɛb(ə)l/Submit adjective adjective: treble 1. consisting of three parts; threefold. "the fish were caught with large treble hooks" multiplied or occurring three times. "she turned back to make a double and treble check" (of a number) occurring three times in succession. "call Kate on 0500 403 treble zero" predeterminer determiner: treble 1. three times as much or as many. "the tip was at least treble what she would normally have given" noun noun: treble; plural noun: trebles 1. BRITISH three sporting victories or championships in the same season, event, etc. "the victory completed a treble for the horse's trainer" 2. DARTS a hit on the narrow ring enclosed by the two middle circles of a dartboard, scoring treble. 3. BRITISH a type of bet in which three selections are made, with any winnings from the first being transferred to the second and then (if successful) to the third. 4. a threefold quantity or thing, in particular: (in showjumping) a fence consisting of three elements. "the mare failed to tuck her hind feet up quite high enough at the last bar of the treble" a crochet stitch made with three loops of wool on the hook at a time. a drink of spirits of three times the standard measure. pronoun pronoun: treble 1. a number or amount which is three times as large as a contrasting or usual number or amount. "by paying treble, he had a double room to himself" verb verb: treble; 3rd person present: trebles; past tense: trebled; past participle: trebled; gerund or present participle: trebling 1. make or become three times as large or numerous. "rents were doubled and probably trebled" Origin Middle English: via Old French from Latin triplus (see triple). treble2 /ˈtrɛb(ə)l/Submit noun noun: treble; plural noun: trebles; modifier noun: treble 1. a high-pitched voice, especially a boy's singing voice. "the boy replied in a shrill treble" a boy (or girl) with a high-pitched singing voice. "we had sung together as trebles in the choir" a part written for a high voice or an instrument of a high pitch. "we have studied the treatment of melodic lines in treble and bass separately" 2. denoting a relatively high-pitched member of a family of similar instruments. "a treble viol" the smallest and highest-pitched bell of a ring or set. noun: treble bell; plural noun: treble bells 3. the high-frequency output of a radio, or audio system, corresponding to the treble in music. Origin late Middle English: from treble1, because it was the highest part in a three-part contrapuntal composition. ------- recess /rɪˈsɛs,ˈriːsɛs/Submit noun noun: recess; plural noun: recesses 1. a small space created by building part of a wall further back from the rest. "a table set into a recess" a hollow space inside something. "the concrete block has a recess in its base" synonyms: alcove, bay, niche, nook, corner, inglenook; More a remote, secluded, or secret place. "the recesses of the silent pine forest" synonyms: innermost parts/reaches, remote/secret places, dark corners, heart, inner sanctum, interior; More 2. a period of time when the proceedings of a parliament, committee, court of law, or other official body are temporarily suspended. "talks resumed after a month's recess" NORTH AMERICAN a break between school classes. "the mid-morning recess" synonyms: adjournment, break, interlude, interval, rest, intermission, respite, temporary closure, temporary cessation of business; More verb verb: recess; 3rd person present: recesses; past tense: recessed; past participle: recessed; gerund or present participle: recessing 1. attach (a fitment) by setting it back into the wall or surface to which it is fixed. "recessed ceiling lights" 2. NORTH AMERICAN (of formal proceedings) be temporarily suspended. "the talks recessed at 2.15" suspend (formal proceedings) temporarily. "the trial was recessed for the weekend" (of an official body) suspend its proceedings for a period of time. "Parliament recessed for the summer on Tuesday" synonyms: adjourn, suspend proceedings, take a recess, break, stop, take a break; More Origin ------ fester /ˈfɛstə/Submit verb verb: fester; 3rd person present: festers; past tense: festered; past participle: festered; gerund or present participle: festering (of a wound or sore) become septic; suppurate. "a festering abscess" synonyms: suppurate, become septic, form pus, secrete pus, discharge, run, weep, ooze; More (of food or rubbish) become rotten and offensive to the senses. "piles of mouldy grey paper festered by the sink" synonyms: rot, moulder, decay, decompose, putrefy, go bad, go off, perish, spoil, deteriorate, disintegrate, degrade, break down, break up; More (of a negative feeling or a problem) become worse or more intense, especially through long-term neglect or indifference. "below the surface, the old antagonisms festered" synonyms: rankle, chafe, gnaw (at one's mind), eat away at one's mind, ferment, brew, smoulder; More (of a person) deteriorate physically and mentally in isolated inactivity. "remand prisoners are left to fester in our jails while they wait for trial" Origin ------------- houseful noun. /ˈhaʊs.fʊl/ a lot of people or things in your house: We've got a houseful of visitors at the moment. Measurements of volume: informal. ---------- womenfolk /ˈwɪmɪnfəʊk/Submit noun the women of a particular family or community considered collectively. "the men in the family never let their womenfolk down" ---------- genocide /ˈdʒɛnəsʌɪd/Submit noun the deliberate killing of a large group of people, especially those of a particular nation or ethnic group. "a campaign of genocide" synonyms: racial killing, massacre, wholesale slaughter, mass slaughter, wholesale killing, indiscriminate killing; More -- stonewall /ˈstəʊnwɔːl,stəʊnˈwɔːl/Submit verb past tense: stonewalled; past participle: stonewalled delay or obstruct (a request, process, or person) by refusing to answer questions or by being evasive. "she has also stonewalled queries about her love life" CRICKET bat extremely defensively. ------- gamut /ˈɡamət/Submit noun noun: gamut; plural noun: gamuts 1. the complete range or scope of something. "the whole gamut of human emotion" synonyms: range, spectrum, span, sweep, compass, scope, area, breadth, width, reach, extent, catalogue, scale, sequence, series; variety "the complete gamut of human emotion" 2. MUSIC a complete scale of musical notes; the range of a voice or instrument. "the orchestral gamut" HISTORICAL a scale consisting of seven overlapping hexachords, containing all the recognized notes used in medieval music, covering almost three octaves from bass G to treble E. HISTORICAL the lowest note in the gamut scale. Origin ------ insure /ɪnˈʃɔː,ɪnˈʃʊə/Submit verb verb: insure; 3rd person present: insures; past tense: insured; past participle: insured; gerund or present participle: insuring 1. arrange for compensation in the event of damage to or loss of (property), or injury to or the death of (someone), in exchange for regular payments to a company or to the state. "the table should be insured for £2,500" secure the payment of (an amount in compensation) in this way. "your new sum insured is shown on your renewal notice" provide insurance cover in respect of. "subsidiaries set up to insure the risks of a group of companies" synonyms: protect, indemnify, cover, underwrite, assure, guarantee, warrant "they had failed to insure the building against fire" 2. secure or protect someone against (a possible contingency). "by appeasing Celia they might insure themselves against further misfortune" 3. another term for ensure. Origin ------ turnstile /ˈtəːnstʌɪl/Submit noun a mechanical gate consisting of revolving horizontal arms fixed to a vertical post, allowing only one person at a time to pass through. -------- Samaritan /səˈmarɪt(ə)n/ noun 1. a charitable or helpful person (with reference to Luke 10:33). "suddenly, miraculously, a Good Samaritan leaned over and handed the cashier a dollar bill on my behalf" 2. a member of a people inhabiting Samaria in biblical times, or of the modern community claiming descent from them, adhering to a form of Judaism accepting only its own ancient version of the Pentateuch as Scripture. adjective 1. relating to Samaria or the Samaritans. "Jesus's words to the Samaritan woman" ----------- elude /ɪˈl(j)uːd/Submit verb 3rd person present: eludes 1. escape from or avoid (a danger, enemy, or pursuer), typically in a skilful or cunning way. "he tried to elude the security men by sneaking through a back door" synonyms: evade, avoid, get away from, dodge, flee, escape (from), run (away) from; More 2. (of an achievement or something desired) fail to be attained by (someone). "sleep still eluded her" ----------- protracted /prəˈtraktɪd/Submit adjective adjective: protracted lasting for a long time or longer than expected or usual. "a protracted and bitter dispute" protract /prəˈtrakt/Submit verb past tense: protracted; past participle: protracted prolong. "he had certainly taken his time, even protracting the process" ----- arbitration /ɑːbɪˈtreɪʃ(ə)n/Submit noun noun: arbitration; plural noun: arbitrations the use of an arbitrator to settle a dispute. "Tayside Regional Council called for arbitration to settle the dispute" synonyms: adjudication, mediation, mediatorship, negotiation, conciliation, intervention, interceding, interposition, peacemaking; More ---------- arbitrator /ˈɑːbɪtreɪtə/Submit noun noun: arbitrator; plural noun: arbitrators an independent person or body officially appointed to settle a dispute. "the facts of the case are put to an independent arbitrator" synonyms: adjudicator, arbiter, judge, umpire, referee, assistant referee, linesman, line judge; More ---------- harrowing /ˈharəʊɪŋ/Submit adjective adjective: harrowing acutely distressing. "a harrowing film about racism and violence" harrow /ˈharəʊ/Submit verb gerund or present participle: harrowing 1. draw a harrow over (land). "they ploughed and harrowed the heavy clay" 2. cause distress to. "Todd could take it, whereas I'm harrowed by it" synonyms: distress, trouble, afflict, grieve, torment, torture, crucify, rack, sear, pain, wound, mortify, cause agony to, cause suffering to; More antonyms: calm, comfort, heartening ---- acutely /əˈkjuːtli/Submit adverb adverb: acutely 1. (with reference to something unpleasant or unwelcome) intensely. "the whole situation was acutely embarrassing" synonyms: extremely, exceedingly, very, markedly, severely, intensely, in the extreme, deeply, profoundly, keenly, sharply, painfully, desperately, awfully, terribly, tremendously, enormously, thoroughly, heartily; More antonyms: slightly (in relation to illness) in a way that progresses rapidly but lasts for a short period. "an acutely inflamed gall bladder" 2. in a way that shows a perceptive understanding or insight. "we are all acutely aware of the fragility of our world" ----- polity /ˈpɒlɪti/Submit noun a form or process of civil government or constitution. "the civic humanist's polity" an organized society; a state as a political entity. "the period in which West Germany was a distinct polity" ---------- allure /əˈljʊə,əˈljɔː/Submit noun 1. the quality of being powerfully and mysteriously attractive or fascinating. "people for whom gold holds no allure" synonyms: attraction, lure, draw, pull, appeal, glamour, allurement, enticement, temptation, bewitchment, enchantment, charm, seduction, persuasion, fascination, magnetism "the nostalgic allure of Paris in the fifties" verb 1. powerfully attract or charm; tempt. "will sponsors really be allured by such opportunities?" synonyms: attract, lure, entice, tempt, appeal to, whet the appetite of, make someone's mouth water, captivate, draw, beguile, bewitch, enchant, win over, charm, seduce, persuade, lead on, tantalize; More ------- clamour /ˈklamə/Submit verb gerund or present participle: clamoring (of a group of people) shout loudly and insistently. "the surging crowds clamoured for attention" synonyms: yell, shout loudly, bay, scream, shriek, roar "the surging crowds clamoured for attention" make a vehement protest or demand. "scientists are clamouring for a ban on all chlorine substances" synonyms: demand, call, bay; More -------- vehement /ˈviːɪm(ə)nt/Submit adjective adjective: vehement showing strong feeling; forceful, passionate, or intense. "her voice was low but vehement" synonyms: passionate, forceful, ardent, impassioned, heated, spirited, urgent, fervent, fervid, strong, forcible, powerful, emphatic, vigorous, animated, intense, violent, fierce, earnest, eager, keen, enthusiastic, zealous, fanatical; More antonyms: mild, apathetic -------- apparition /apəˈrɪʃ(ə)n/Submit noun noun: apparition; plural noun: apparitions a ghost or ghostlike image of a person. "a headless apparition" synonyms: ghost, phantom, spectre, spirit, wraith, shadow, presence; More a remarkable or unexpected appearance of someone or something. "an apparition of the Virgin Mary" synonyms: appearance, manifestation, materialization, emergence; More Origin ----- disconsolate /dɪsˈkɒns(ə)lət/Submit adjective adjective: disconsolate very unhappy and unable to be comforted. "she left Fritz looking disconsolate" synonyms: sad, unhappy, doleful, woebegone, dejected, downcast, downhearted, despondent, dispirited, crestfallen, cast down, depressed, fed up, disappointed, disheartened, discouraged, demoralized, crushed, desolate, heartbroken, broken-hearted, inconsolable, heavy-hearted, low-spirited, forlorn, in the doldrums, melancholy, miserable, long-faced, wretched, glum, gloomy, dismal; More antonyms: cheerful, happy ------ dictum /ˈdɪktəm/Submit noun noun: dictum; plural noun: dicta; plural noun: dictums a formal pronouncement from an authoritative source. "the dicta of High Court Judges" synonyms: pronouncement, proclamation, direction, injunction, assertion, statement; More a short statement that expresses a general truth or principle. "the old dictum ‘might is right’" synonyms: saying, maxim, axiom, proverb, adage, aphorism, saw, precept, epigram, epigraph, motto, truism, platitude, commonplace; More LAW short for obiter dictum. ---------- whip /wɪp/Submit noun noun: whip; plural noun: whips 1. a strip of leather or length of cord fastened to a handle, used for flogging or beating a person or for urging on an animal. synonyms: lash, scourge, thong, strap, belt; More a blow with a whip or similar implement. used to refer to something causing pain or acting as a stimulus to action. "the team management had decided to crack the whip on player indiscipline" 2. an official of a political party appointed to maintain parliamentary discipline among its members, especially so as to ensure attendance and voting in debates. BRITISH a written notice from a whip requesting attendance for voting. BRITISH membership of the group of MPs that form the official, elected representation of a particular political party, together with the duties or rights associated with such membership. noun: the whip "he resigned the Tory whip in protest at mine closures" 3. a dessert consisting of cream or eggs beaten into a light fluffy mass with fruit, chocolate, or other ingredients. 4. short for whipper-in. 5. a slender, unbranched shoot or plant. 6. NORTH AMERICAN a scythe for cutting specified crops. "a grass whip" 7. a rope-and-pulley hoisting apparatus. 8. INFORMAL•US a car. "I just got new wheels for my whip" verb verb: whip; 3rd person present: whips; past tense: whipped; past participle: whipped; gerund or present participle: whipping 1. beat (a person or animal) with a whip or similar instrument, especially as a punishment or to urge them on. "Lewis whipped the boy twenty times" synonyms: flog, scourge, flagellate, lash, birch, switch, tan, strap, belt, cane, thrash, beat, leather, tan/whip someone's hide, give someone a hiding, beat the living daylights out of "Lewis whipped the boy twenty times" (of a flexible object or rain or wind) strike or beat violently. "the wind whipped their faces" INFORMAL (of a player or team) defeat (a person or team) heavily in a sporting contest. "he whipped the Brazilian 6-1, 6-2, 6-3" 2. move fast or suddenly in a specified direction. "he whipped round to face them" take out or move (something) fast or suddenly. "he whipped out his revolver and shot him" synonyms: pull, whisk, snatch, pluck, tug, jerk, remove, take; More 3. beat (cream, eggs, or other food) into a froth. synonyms: whisk, beat, mix, stir "whip the cream until it forms soft peaks" 4. INFORMAL•BRITISH steal (something). "the escaper had whipped his overcoat" 5. bind (something) with spirally wound twine. "the side linings are whipped or hemmed" sew or gather (something) with overcast stitches. "she began whipping narrow lace along the top of the garment" Origin Middle English: probably from Middle Low German and Middle Dutch wippen ‘swing, leap, dance’, from a Germanic base meaning ‘move quickly’. The noun is partly from the verb, reinforced by Middle Low German wippe ‘quick movement’. --------------- miser /ˈmʌɪzə/Submit noun a person who hoards wealth and spends as little money as possible. "a typical miser, he hid his money in the house in various places" synonyms: penny-pincher, pinchpenny, niggard, cheese-parer, Scrooge; More ----------- morsel /ˈmɔːs(ə)l/Submit noun a small piece or amount of food; a mouthful. "Juliet pushed a morsel of toast into her mouth" synonyms: mouthful, bite, nibble, bit, small piece, soupçon, taste, sample, spoonful, forkful, crumb, grain, particle, fragment, fraction, scrap, sliver, shred, pinch, drop, dollop, whit, atom, granule, segment, spot, modicum, gobbet; More a small piece or amount. "there was a morsel of consolation for the British team" --------- paraplegic /parəˈpliːdʒɪk/Submit adjective 1. affected by or relating to paralysis of the legs and lower body. "a paraplegic war veteran" noun 1. a person affected by paralysis of the legs and lower body. "researchers hope the treatment might enable paraplegics to walk again" --------- screech /skriːtʃ/Submit verb gerund or present participle: screeching (of a person or animal) give a loud, harsh, piercing cry. "she hit her brother, causing him to screech with pain" synonyms: shriek, squeal, squawk, howl, shout, yell, bellow, bawl, cry out, call out, yawp, yelp, wail, squall, caterwaul, whoop; informalholler "‘Look what you've made me do!’ she screeched" make a loud, harsh, squealing sound. "she brought the car to a screeching halt" move rapidly with a loud, harsh, squealing sound. "the van screeched round a bend at speed" --- domineer /ˌdɒmɪˈnɪə/Submit verb gerund or present participle: domineering assert one's will over another in an arrogant way. "Cathy had been a martyr to her gruff, domineering husband" synonyms: browbeat, bully, intimidate, pressurize, menace, hector, boss (about/around), push around/about, order about/around, give orders to, lord it over, tyrannize, terrorize, persecute, oppress, dictate to, be overbearing, ride roughshod over, trample on, have under one's thumb, rule with an iron hand, rule with a rod of iron, use strong-arm tactics on, impose one's will on, bend to one's will, subjugate; More antonyms: meek ------ brusque /brʊsk,bruːsk,brʌsk/Submit adjective adjective: brusque abrupt or offhand in speech or manner. "she could be brusque and impatient" synonyms: curt, abrupt, blunt, short, sharp, terse, brisk, crisp, clipped, monosyllabic, peremptory, gruff, bluff; More antonyms: polite, verbose ---- acquiesce /ˌakwɪˈɛs/Submit verb verb: acquiesce; 3rd person present: acquiesces; past tense: acquiesced; past participle: acquiesced; gerund or present participle: acquiescing accept something reluctantly but without protest. "Sara acquiesced in his decision" -- ornery /ˈɔːnəri/Submit adjectiveINFORMAL•NORTH AMERICAN adjective: ornery bad-tempered or difficult to deal with. "an ornery old military man" -- admonition /ˌadməˈnɪʃ(ə)n/Submit noun plural noun: admonitions a firm warning or reprimand. "he received numerous admonitions for his behaviour" synonyms: reprimand, rebuke, reproof, remonstrance, reproach, admonishment, stricture, lecture, criticism, recrimination, tirade, diatribe, philippic, harangue, attack; More antonyms: commendation, pat on the back, praise ------ congenital /kənˈdʒɛnɪt(ə)l/Submit adjective adjective: congenital (of a disease or physical abnormality) present from birth. "a congenital malformation of the heart" synonyms: inborn, inherited, hereditary, in the blood, in the family, innate, inbred, constitutional, built-in, inbuilt, ingrown, natural, native, original, inherent, unlearned, instinctual, deep-rooted, deep-seated; More antonyms: acquired (of a person) having a particular trait from birth or by firmly established habit. "a congenital liar" synonyms: inveterate, compulsive, persistent, chronic, regular, pathological, established, long-established, long-standing, hardened, confirmed, committed, seasoned, habitual, obsessive, obsessional; More Origin ---------- guerrilla /ɡəˈrɪlə/Submit noun plural noun: guerrillas a member of a small independent group taking part in irregular fighting, typically against larger regular forces. "this town fell to the guerrillas" synonyms: freedom fighter, underground fighter, irregular soldier, irregular, resistance fighter, member of the resistance, partisan; More referring to actions or activities performed in an impromptu way, often without authorization. adjective: guerrilla "guerrilla gigs" Origin early 19th century (introduced during the Peninsular War): from Spanish, diminutive of guerra ‘war’. ----------- delirious /dɪˈlɪrɪəs/Submit adjective in an acutely disturbed state of mind characterized by restlessness, illusions, and incoherence; affected by delirium. "he became delirious and couldn't recognize people" synonyms: incoherent, raving, babbling, irrational, hysterical, wild, feverish, frenzied; More in a state of wild excitement or ecstasy. "there was a great roar from the delirious crowd" synonyms: ecstatic, euphoric, elated, thrilled, overjoyed, beside oneself, walking on air, on cloud nine/seven, in seventh heaven, jumping for joy, in transports of delight, carried away, transported, rapturous, in raptures, exultant, jubilant, in a frenzy of delight, hysterical, wild with excitement, frenzied; More ------- imminent /ˈɪmɪnənt/Submit adjective adjective: imminent 1. about to happen. "they were in imminent danger of being swept away" synonyms: impending, at hand, close, near, approaching, fast approaching, coming, forthcoming, on the way, about to happen, upon us, in store, in the offing, in the pipeline, on the horizon, in the air, in the wind, brewing, looming, looming large; More antonyms: remote 2. ARCHAIC overhanging. Origin late Middle English: from Latin imminent- ‘overhanging, impending’, from the verb imminere, from in- ‘upon, towards’ + minere ‘to project’. Translate imminent to Tip Similar-sounding words imminent is sometimes confused with eminent and immanent -- Medical Definition of Distention. Distention: The state of being distended, enlarged, swollen from internal pressure. For example, on inhalation there is distention of the lungs due to the increased air pressure within the lungs. The word "distention" comes from a Latin root "tendere," to extend. -- acrimonious /ˌakrɪˈməʊnɪəs/Submit adjective (typically of speech or discussion) angry and bitter. "an acrimonious dispute about wages" synonyms: bitter, rancorous, caustic, acerbic, scathing, sarcastic, acid, harsh, sharp, razor-edged, cutting, astringent, trenchant, mordant, virulent; More ----- tensor /ˈtɛnsə,ˈtɛnsɔː/Submit noun 1. MATHEMATICS a mathematical object analogous to but more general than a vector, represented by an array of components that are functions of the coordinates of a space. 2. ANATOMY a muscle that tightens or stretches a part of the body. "the tensor tympani muscle of the middle ear" ----------- Yanqui /ˈjaŋki/Submit noun variant spelling of Yankee, typically used in Latin American contexts. --- fervent /ˈfəːv(ə)nt/Submit adjective adjective: fervent 1. having or displaying a passionate intensity. "a fervent supporter of the revolution" synonyms: impassioned, passionate, intense, vehement, ardent, sincere, feeling, profound, deep-seated, heartfelt, deeply felt, emotional, animated, spirited; More antonyms: apathetic 2. ARCHAIC hot, burning, or glowing. Origin ---- coup d'état /ˌkuː deɪˈtɑː,French ku deta/Submit noun unpunctuated: coup détat another term for coup (sense 1). synonyms: seizure of power, coup, overthrow, takeover, ousting, deposition, regime change; More Origin French, literally ‘blow of state’. coup /kuː/Submit noun noun: coup d'état 1. a sudden, violent, and illegal seizure of power from a government. "he was overthrown in an army coup" synonyms: seizure of power, overthrow, takeover, ousting, deposition, regime change; More antonyms: election 2. an instance of successfully achieving something difficult. "it was a major coup to get such a prestigious contract" synonyms: success, triumph, feat, successful manoeuvre, stunt, accomplishment, achievement, attainment, stroke, master stroke, stroke of genius; More an unusual or unexpected but successful tactic in card play. 3. BILLIARDS a direct pocketing of the cue ball, which is a foul stroke. 4. HISTORICAL (among North American Indians) an act of touching an enemy, as a deed of bravery, or an act of first touching an item of the enemy's in order to claim it. Origin ----- condone /kənˈdəʊn/Submit verb gerund or present participle: condoning accept (behaviour that is considered morally wrong or offensive). "the college cannot condone any behaviour that involves illicit drugs" synonyms: deliberately ignore, not take into consideration, disregard, take no notice of, take no account of, accept, allow, make allowances for, let pass, turn a blind eye to, overlook, forget, wink at, blink at, connive at; More antonyms: condemn, punish approve or sanction (something), especially with reluctance. "those arrested were released and the exhibition was officially condoned a few weeks later" Origin ---------- rappel /raˈpɛl/Submit noun & verb gerund or present participle: rappelling another term for abseil. Origin 1930s: from French, literally ‘a recalling’, from rappeler in the sense ‘bring back to oneself’ (with reference to the rope manoeuvre). -------- alpine /ˈalpʌɪn/Submit adjective adjective: alpine 1. relating to high mountains. "alpine and subalpine habitats" relating to the Alps. adjective: Alpine "Alpine guides" SKIING relating to or denoting skiing downhill. "an alpine ski team" noun noun: alpine; plural noun: alpines 1. a plant native to mountain districts, often suitable for growing in rock gardens. "a collection of alpines and dwarf bulbs" 2. a North American butterfly which has brownish-black wings with orange-red markings. Origin -- enmesh /ɪnˈmɛʃ,ɛnˈmɛʃ/Submit verb past tense: enmeshed; past participle: enmeshed cause to become entangled in something. "whales enmeshed in drift nets" synonyms: entangle, ensnare, snare, trap, entrap, ensnarl, embroil, involve, catch up, mix up, bog down, mire; raretrammel "the party became increasingly enmeshed in the parliamentary system" involve (someone) in a difficult situation from which it is hard to escape. "he is enmeshed in an adulterous affair" - mice /mʌɪs/ plural form of mouse. mouse /maʊs/ noun plural noun: mice 1. a small rodent that typically has a pointed snout, relatively large ears and eyes, and a long tail. (in general use) any small mammal similar to a mouse, such as a shrew or vole. a shy, timid, and quiet person. "Jane may be a bit of a mouse, but she is very nosy" a dull light brown colour reminiscent of a mouse's fur. "her flaxen hair dulled to mouse" 2. a small handheld device which is moved across a mat or flat surface to move the cursor on a computer screen. "copy the file with a click of the mouse" 3. INFORMAL a lump or bruise on or near the eye. "she touched the mouse under her eye" Origin -------- horrendous /hɒˈrɛndəs/Submit adjective extremely unpleasant, horrifying, or terrible. "she suffered horrendous injuries" ----- palpable /ˈpalpəb(ə)l/Submit adjective adjective: palpable 1. (of a feeling or atmosphere) so intense as to seem almost tangible. "a palpable sense of loss" synonyms: perceptible, perceivable, visible, noticeable, appreciable, discernible, detectable, observable, tangible, recognizable, notable, unmistakable, transparent, indisputable, self-evident, incontrovertible, incontestable, undeniable; More antonyms: intangible, imperceptible plain to see or comprehend. "to talk of dawn raids in the circumstances is palpable nonsense" 2. able to be touched or felt. "the palpable bump at the bridge of the nose" synonyms: tangible, touchable, noticeable, detectable, solid, concrete, material, substantial, real "a palpable bump at the bridge of the nose" Origin ------- subversive /səbˈvəːsɪv/Submit adjective adjective: subversive 1. seeking or intended to subvert an established system or institution. "subversive literature" synonyms: disruptive, troublemaking, inflammatory, insurgent, insurrectionary, insurrectionist, rabble-rousing; More noun noun: subversive; plural noun: subversives 1. a subversive person. "the government claimed we were subversives or terrorists" synonyms: troublemaker, dissident, agitator, revolutionary, revolutionist, insurgent, insurrectionist, insurrectionary, renegade, rebel, mutineer, traitor "she was designated as a dangerous subversive" Origin ------ wistfully /ˈwɪs(t)fʊli,ˈwɪs(t)f(ə)li/Submit adverb adverb: wistfully with a feeling of vague or regretful longing. "he smiled wistfully as he spoke of her" ---- automaton /ɔːˈtɒmət(ə)n/Submit noun plural noun: automatons a moving mechanical device made in imitation of a human being. "a collection of 19th century French automata: acrobats, clowns, and musicians" a machine which performs a range of functions according to a predetermined set of coded instructions. "sophisticated automatons continue to run factory assembly lines" used in similes and comparisons to refer to a person who seems to act in a mechanical or unemotional way. "like an automaton, she walked to the door" Origin ---- fratricidal /ˌfratrɪˈsʌɪd(ə)l/Submit adjective adjective: fratricidal relating to or denoting conflict within a single family or organization. "the fratricidal strife within the Party" -------- furlough /ˈfəːləʊ/Submit noun noun: furlough; plural noun: furloughs 1. leave of absence, especially that granted to a member of the services or a missionary. "a civil servant home on furlough" verbUS verb: furlough; 3rd person present: furloughs; past tense: furloughed; past participle: furloughed; gerund or present participle: furloughing 1. grant leave of absence to. "furloughed workers" Origin early 17th century: from Dutch verlof, modelled on German Verlaub, of West Germanic origin and related to leave2. ----------- Noun. (plural pet projects) A project, activity or goal pursued as a personal favorite, rather than because it is generally accepted as necessary or important. Don't bother him about his pet project. You'll never tear him away from it. ----- crude /kruːd/Submit adjective 1. in a natural or raw state; not yet processed or refined. "crude oil" synonyms: unrefined, unpurified, unprocessed, untreated; More 2. constructed in a rudimentary or makeshift way. "a relatively crude nuclear weapon" synonyms: primitive, simple, basic, rudimentary, rough, rough and ready, rough-hewn, make-do, makeshift, improvised, cobbled together, thrown together, homespun, unfinished, unpolished, unformed, undeveloped; datedrude "Prussian infantrymen lined the crude barricade" noun 1. natural mineral oil. "the ship was carrying 80,000 tonnes of crude" ----------- implore /ɪmˈplɔː/ verb beg someone earnestly or desperately to do something. "he implored her to change her mind" synonyms: plead with, beg, entreat, beseech, appeal to, pray, ask, request, solicit, supplicate, importune, call on; More ARCHAIC beg earnestly for. "I implore mercy" ------------- hapless /ˈhapləs/Submit adjective (especially of a person) unfortunate. "the hapless victims of the disaster" synonyms: unfortunate, unlucky, luckless, out of luck, ill-starred, ill-fated, jinxed, cursed, doomed; More -------- intransigent /ɪnˈtransɪdʒ(ə)nt/Submit adjective adjective: intransigent 1. unwilling or refusing to change one's views or to agree about something. "her father had tried persuasion, but she was intransigent" synonyms: uncompromising, inflexible, unbending, unyielding, unshakeable, unwavering, resolute, unpersuadable, unmalleable, unaccommodating, uncooperative, stubborn, obstinate, obdurate, pig-headed, bull-headed, single-minded, iron-willed, hard-line, hard and fast, diehard, immovable, unrelenting, inexorable, inveterate, rigid, tough, firm, determined, adamant, tenacious; More antonyms: compliant, flexible noun noun: intransigent; plural noun: intransigents 1. an intransigent person. Origin ------------ disburse /dɪsˈbəːs/Submit verb past tense: disbursed; past participle: disbursed pay out (money from a fund). "$67 million of the pledged aid had already been disbursed" synonyms: pay out, lay out, spend, expend, dole out, hand out, part with, donate, give; More antonyms: claim Origin ------- forgo /fɔːˈɡəʊ,fəˈɡəʊ/Submit verb verb: forgo; 3rd person present: forgoes; past tense: forwent; gerund or present participle: forgoing; past participle: forgone; verb: forego; 3rd person present: foregoes; past tense: forewent; gerund or present participle: foregoing; past participle: foregone go without (something desirable). "she wanted to forgo the tea and leave while they could" synonyms: do without, go without, give up, waive, renounce, surrender, disavow, relinquish, part with, drop, sacrifice, forswear, abjure, swear off, steer clear of, abandon, cede, yield, abstain from, refrain from, eschew, cut out; More antonyms: keep refrain from. "we forgo any comparison between the two men" Origin ---------- despotic /dɪˈspɒtɪk/Submit adjective adjective: despotic of or typical of a despot; tyrannical. "a despotic regime" synonyms: autocratic, dictatorial, totalitarian, authoritarian, absolute, absolutist, arbitrary, unconstitutional, undemocratic, anti-democratic, uncontrolled, unaccountable, summary; More antonyms: democratic, accountable ---------- A madrassa is an Islamic religious school. Many of the Taliban were educated in Saudi-financed madrassas in Pakistan that teach Wahhabism, a particularly austere and rigid form of Islam which is rooted in Saudi Arabia. ------------ austere /ɒˈstɪə,ɔːˈstɪə/Submit adjective severe or strict in manner or attitude. "he was an austere man, with a rigidly puritanical outlook" synonyms: severe, stern, strict, harsh, unfeeling, stony, steely, flinty, dour, grim, cold, frosty, frigid, icy, chilly, unemotional, unfriendly, formal, stiff, stuffy, reserved, remote, distant, aloof, forbidding, mean-looking, grave, solemn, serious, unsmiling, unsympathetic, unforgiving, uncharitable; More (of living conditions or a way of life) having no comforts or luxuries. "conditions in the prison could hardly be more austere" synonyms: strict, self-denying, self-abnegating, moderate, temperate, sober, simple, frugal, spartan, restrained, self-restrained, self-disciplined, non-indulgent, ascetic, puritanical, self-sacrificing, hair-shirt, abstemious, abstinent, celibate, chaste, continent; More having a plain and unadorned appearance. "the cathedral is impressive in its austere simplicity" synonyms: plain, simple, basic, functional, modest, unadorned, undecorated, unornamented, unembellished, unostentatious, unfurnished, uncluttered, unfussy, without frills, subdued, muted, restrained; More ------- burgeon /ˈbəːdʒ(ə)n/Submit verb gerund or present participle: burgeoning begin to grow or increase rapidly; flourish. "manufacturers are keen to cash in on the burgeoning demand" synonyms: grow rapidly, increase rapidly/exponentially, expand, spring up, shoot up, swell, explode, boom, mushroom, proliferate, snowball, multiply, become more numerous, escalate, rocket, skyrocket, run riot, put on a spurt; More antonyms: shrink ARCHAIC•LITERARY put forth young shoots; bud. Origin ------------ In 2004, Maytag shut down the refrigerator factory that for decades was Galesburg’s largest employer and moved much of the work to Mexico. Barack Obama, then running to represent Illinois in the Senate, described the Maytag workers as victims of globalization in his famous speech that year at the Democratic National Convention. ----------- rhetoric /ˈrɛtərɪk/Submit noun the art of effective or persuasive speaking or writing, especially the exploitation of figures of speech and other compositional techniques. "he is using a common figure of rhetoric, hyperbole" synonyms: oratory, eloquence, power of speech, command of language, expression, way with words, delivery, diction "he was considered to excel in this form of rhetoric" language designed to have a persuasive or impressive effect, but which is often regarded as lacking in sincerity or meaningful content. "all we have from the Opposition is empty rhetoric" synonyms: bombast, loftiness, turgidity, grandiloquence, magniloquence, ornateness, portentousness, pomposity, boastfulness, boasting, bragging, heroics, hyperbole, extravagant language, purple prose, pompousness, sonorousness; More ------------ patron /ˈpeɪtr(ə)n/Submit noun noun: patron; plural noun: patrons 1. a person who gives financial or other support to a person, organization, or cause. "a celebrated patron of the arts" synonyms: sponsor, backer, financier, subsidizer, underwriter, guarantor, benefactor/benefactress, contributor, subscriber, donor; More a distinguished person who takes an honorary position in a charity. "the Mental Health Foundation, of which Her Royal Highness is Patron" 2. a customer of a shop, restaurant, etc., especially a regular one. "we surveyed the plushness of the hotel and its sleek, well-dressed patrons" synonyms: customer, client, frequenter; More 3. ROMAN HISTORY a patrician in relation to a client. the former owner and (frequently) protector of a freed slave. 4. HISTORICAL•BRITISH a person or institution with the right to grant a benefice to a member of the clergy. Origin --------- perpetual /pəˈpɛtʃʊəl/Submit adjective adjective: perpetual 1. never ending or changing. "deep caves in perpetual darkness" synonyms: everlasting, never-ending, eternal, permanent, unending, endless, without end, lasting, long-lasting, constant, abiding, enduring, perennial, timeless, ageless, deathless, undying, immortal; More antonyms: transitory, temporary, intermittent denoting or having a position, job, or trophy held for life. "a perpetual secretary of the society" (of an investment) having no fixed maturity date; irredeemable. "a perpetual bond" 2. occurring repeatedly; so frequent as to seem endless and uninterrupted. "their perpetual money worries" synonyms: interminable, incessant, ceaseless, endless, without respite, relentless, unrelenting, persistent, frequent, continual, continuous, non-stop, never-ending, recurrent, repeated, unremitting, sustained, round-the-clock, always-on, habitual, chronic, unabating; informaleternal "Clara could recall her mother's perpetual nagging at her father" 3. (of a plant) blooming or fruiting several times in one season. "he grows perpetual flowering carnations" Origin --------- vest /vɛst/Submit noun 1. BRITISH an undergarment worn on the upper part of the body, typically having no sleeves. 2. a garment worn on the upper part of the body for a particular purpose. "a running vest" verb 1. confer or bestow (power, authority, property, etc.) on someone. "executive power is vested in the President" synonyms: entrust to, invest in, bestow on, confer on, grant to, give to; More 2. (of a chorister or member of the clergy) put on vestments. "he approaches the altar to vest for Mass" -------- behove /bɪˈhəʊv/Submit verbFORMAL 3rd person present: behooves it is a duty or responsibility for someone to do something. "it behoves the House to assure itself that there is no conceivable alternative" synonyms: be incumbent on, be obligatory for, be required of, be appropriate for, be expected of, be advisable for, be sensible for, be wise for More it is appropriate or suitable; it befits. "it ill behoves Opposition Members to decry the sale of arms to friendly countries" Origin ------ Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) Information for 2019 Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits for more than 67 million Americans will increase 2.8 percent in 2019. The 2.8 percent cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) will begin with benefits payable to more than 62 million Social Security beneficiaries in January 2019. Increased payments to more than 8 million SSI beneficiaries will begin on December 31, 2018. (Note: some people receive both Social Security and SSI benefits.) -------------- morsel /ˈmɔːs(ə)l/Submit noun noun: morsel; plural noun: morsels a small piece or amount of food; a mouthful. "Juliet pushed a morsel of toast into her mouth" synonyms: mouthful, bite, nibble, bit, small piece, soupçon, taste, sample, spoonful, forkful, crumb, grain, particle, fragment, fraction, scrap, sliver, shred, pinch, drop, dollop, whit, atom, granule, segment, spot, modicum, gobbet; More a small piece or amount. "there was a morsel of consolation for the British team" Origin ---- delve /dɛlv/Submit verb verb: delve; 3rd person present: delves; past tense: delved; past participle: delved; gerund or present participle: delving 1. reach inside a receptacle and search for something. "she delved in her pocket" synonyms: rummage (about/around/round) in, search (through), hunt through, scrabble about/around in, root about/around in, ferret (about/around) in, fish about/around in, poke about/around in, dig in, grub about/around in, go through, burrow in; More research or make painstaking enquiries into something. "the society is determined to delve deeper into the matter" synonyms: investigate, conduct investigations into, make enquiries into, enquire into, probe, examine, explore, research, study, look into, go into; try to get to the bottom of "the society is determined to delve deeper into the matter" 2. ARCHAIC dig; excavate. "when Adam delved and Eve span, who was then the gentleman?" Origin ------------ parlay /ˈpɑːleɪ/Submit NORTH AMERICAN verb verb: parlay; 3rd person present: parlays; past tense: parlayed; past participle: parlayed; gerund or present participle: parlaying 1. turn an initial stake or winnings from a previous bet into (a greater amount) by gambling. "parlaying a small bankroll into big winnings" INFORMAL transform into (something greater or more valuable). "a banker who parlayed a sizeable inheritance into a financial empire" noun noun: parlay; plural noun: parlays 1. a cumulative series of bets in which winnings accruing from each transaction are used as a stake for a further bet. Origin ----- tripe /trʌɪp/Submit noun noun: tripe 1. the first or second stomach of a cow or other ruminant used as food. 2. INFORMAL nonsense; rubbish. "you do talk tripe sometimes" Origin Middle English: from Old French, of unknown origin. -------- plight1 /plʌɪt/Submit noun plural noun: plights a dangerous, difficult, or otherwise unfortunate situation. "we must direct our efforts towards relieving the plight of children living in poverty" Origin Middle English: from Anglo-Norman French plit ‘fold’. The -gh- spelling is by association with plight2. plight2 /plʌɪt/Submit verbARCHAIC 3rd person present: plights pledge or solemnly promise (one's faith or loyalty). "men to plighted vows were faithful" be engaged to be married to. Origin Old English plihtan ‘endanger’, of Germanic origin; related to Dutch plicht and German Pflicht ‘duty’. The current sense is recorded only from Middle English, but is probably original, in view of the related Germanic words. ------------- gorge /ɡɔːdʒ/Submit noun 1. a narrow valley between hills or mountains, typically with steep rocky walls and a stream running through it. synonyms: ravine, canyon, gully, pass, defile, couloir, deep narrow valley; More 2. ARCHAIC the throat. verb 1. eat a large amount greedily; fill oneself with food. "they gorged themselves on Cornish cream teas" synonyms: stuff, cram, fill; More --------- evangelical /iːvanˈdʒɛlɪk(ə)l,ɛvanˈdʒɛlɪk(ə)l/Submit adjective adjective: evangelical 1. of or according to the teaching of the gospel or the Christian religion. synonyms: scriptural, biblical, Bible-believing, fundamentalist, orthodox "evangelical Christianity" of or denoting a tradition within Protestant Christianity emphasizing the authority of the Bible, personal conversion, and the doctrine of salvation by faith in the Atonement. synonyms: evangelistic, evangelizing, missionary, crusading, propagandist, propagandizing, converting, proselytizing, televangelical; More zealous in advocating or supporting a particular cause. "she was evangelical about organic farming" noun noun: evangelical; plural noun: evangelicals 1. a member of the evangelical tradition in the Christian Church. Origin -------- zealous /ˈzɛləs/Submit adjective adjective: zealous having or showing zeal. "the council was extremely zealous in the application of the regulations" synonyms: fervent, ardent, fervid, fiery, passionate, impassioned, devout, devoted; More antonyms: apathetic, indifferent Origin ----- keep someone posted phrase of post keep someone informed of the latest developments or news. "I'll keep you posted on his progress" synonyms: keep informed, inform, keep up to date, keep in the picture, keep briefed, brief, give someone the latest information, update, fill in, let someone know, advise, notify, apprise, report to; More ----------- pandemic /panˈdɛmɪk/Submit noun plural noun: pandemics an outbreak of a pandemic disease. "the AIDS pandemic" Origin mid 17th century: from Greek pandēmos (from pan ‘all’ + dēmos ‘people’) + -ic. ----------- wariness /ˈwɛːrɪnəs/Submit noun caution about possible dangers or problems. "her mother's wariness of computers" synonyms: caution, carefulness, care, circumspection, prudence, guardedness, alertness, attention, heed, heedfulness, watchfulness, vigilance, observance, awareness, mindfulness, canniness; More lack of trust; suspicion. "they had all regarded her with wariness" synonyms: suspicion, distrust, mistrust, caution, unease, scepticism, doubt, chariness; informalcaginess "they have the same wariness of strangers as everyone else" ------ befit /bɪˈfɪt/Submit verb past tense: befitted; past participle: befitted be appropriate for; suit. "as befits a Quaker, he was a humane man" synonyms: in keeping with, as befits, fitting, appropriate to, fit for, suitable for, suited to, apt for, proper to, right for, compatible with, consistent with, in character with; archaicmeet for "the gowns were of good material, befitting the bride's status" antonyms: out of keeping with ------ republican /rɪˈpʌblɪk(ə)n/Submit adjective adjective: republican; adjective: Republican 1. (of a form of government, constitution, etc.) belonging to or characteristic of a republic. "a republican government" advocating republican government. "the republican movement" 2. (in the US) supporting the Republican Party. noun noun: republican; plural noun: republicans; noun: Republican; plural noun: Republicans 1. an advocate of republican government. "in the old days, the argument between radical-reform monarchists and the straight republicans was academic" 2. (in the US) a member or supporter of the Republican Party. 3. an advocate of a united Ireland. -------- republic /rɪˈpʌblɪk/Submit noun noun: republic; plural noun: republics a state in which supreme power is held by the people and their elected representatives, and which has an elected or nominated president rather than a monarch. ARCHAIC a group with a certain equality between its members. "the community of scholars and the republic of learning" ----------- Noun. dictatress (plural dictatresses) A female dictator. -------- preordain /ˌpriːɔːˈdeɪn/Submit verb past tense: preordained; past participle: preordained decide or determine (an outcome or course of action) beforehand. "you might think the company's success was preordained" synonyms: predestine, destine, foreordain, ordain, fate, doom, foredoom, predetermine, determine, mark out, prescribe "he believes that everything we do is preordained" -------- archipelago /ˌɑːkɪˈpɛləɡəʊ/Submit noun noun: archipelago; plural noun: archipelagoes; plural noun: archipelagos an extensive group of islands. "the Indonesian archipelago" a sea or stretch of water having many islands. -------------- realpolitik /reɪˈɑːlpɒlɪˌtiːk/Submit noun noun: realpolitik a system of politics or principles based on practical rather than moral or ideological considerations. "commercial realpolitik had won the day" Origin early 20th century: from German Realpolitik ‘practical politics’. --------- untenable /ʌnˈtɛnəb(ə)l/Submit adjective adjective: untenable (especially of a position or view) not able to be maintained or defended against attack or objection. "this argument is clearly untenable" synonyms: indefensible, undefendable, unarguable, insupportable, refutable, unsustainable, unjustified, unwarranted, unjustifiable, inadmissible, unsound, ill-founded, flimsy, weak, shaky, flawed, defective, faulty, implausible, specious, groundless, unfounded, baseless, invalid, absurd, illogical, irrational, preposterous, senseless, unacceptable "the Government's position is untenable" antonyms: tenable, defensible ----- hotbed /ˈhɒtbɛd/Submit noun noun: hotbed; plural noun: hotbeds 1. an environment promoting the growth of something, especially something unwelcome. "the country was a hotbed of revolt and dissension" synonyms: breeding ground, nursery, cradle, nest, den, seedbed, forcing house "the country was a hotbed of revolt and dissension" 2. a bed of earth heated by fermenting manure, for raising or forcing plants. ---- gangsterism. [gang-stuh-riz-uh m] noun. the methods or behavior of gangsters. the use of tactics associated with gangsters, as intimidation or violence, in order to achieve something. --- idealism /ʌɪˈdɪəlɪz(ə)m,ʌɪˈdiːəlɪz(ə)m/Submit noun 1. the unrealistic belief in or pursuit of perfection. "the idealism of youth" synonyms: utopianism, wishful thinking, romanticism, fantasizing, quixotism, daydreaming, impracticability More 2. PHILOSOPHY any of various systems of thought in which the objects of knowledge are held to be in some way dependent on the activity of mind. -- hard-headed /ˌhɑːdˈhɛdɪd/Submit adjective adjective: hardheaded practical and realistic; not sentimental. "a hard-headed businessman" synonyms: unsentimental, practical, pragmatic, businesslike, realistic, sensible, rational, tough, clear-thinking, cool-headed, hard-bitten, down-to-earth, matter-of-fact, no-nonsense, with one's/both feet on the ground; More antonyms: idealistic ---- hubris /ˈhjuːbrɪs/Submit noun noun: hubris excessive pride or self-confidence. "the self-assured hubris among economists was shaken in the late 1980s" synonyms: arrogance, conceit, conceitedness, haughtiness, pride, vanity, self-importance, self-conceit, pomposity, superciliousness, feeling of superiority; More antonyms: modesty (in Greek tragedy) excessive pride towards or defiance of the gods, leading to nemesis. Origin ------- commode /kəˈməʊd/Submit noun noun: commode; plural noun: commodes 1. a piece of furniture containing a concealed chamber pot. NORTH AMERICAN a toilet. HISTORICAL•NORTH AMERICAN a movable washstand. 2. a chest of drawers or chiffonier of a decorative type popular in the 18th century. Origin mid 18th century (in sense 2): from French, literally ‘convenient, suitable’, from Latin commodus . Sense 1 dates from the early 19th century. ---------- electioneer /ɪˌlɛkʃəˈnɪə/Submit verb gerund or present participle: electioneering (of a politician or political campaigner) take part actively and energetically in a campaign to be elected to public office. "the election will not be lost or won as the result of a few weeks of electioneering" synonyms: campaign, canvass, go on the hustings, doorstep; informalgo out on the knocker "he accused the opposition of electioneering by raising the issue" ------ corps /kɔː/Submit noun noun: corps; plural noun: corps a main subdivision of an army in the field, consisting of two or more divisions. "the 5th Army Corps" a branch of an army assigned to a particular kind of work. "the Royal Army Medical Corps" a body of people engaged in a particular activity. "at 9:30 a.m., the press corps was handed what looked to be a routine list of orders" synonyms: unit, division, detachment, section, company, troop, contingent, squad, squadron, regiment, garrison, battalion, brigade, platoon, force; More short for corps de ballet. Origin late 16th century: from French, from Latin corpus ‘body’. Translate corps to Tip Similar-sounding words corps is sometimes confused with core --------- jingoism /ˈdʒɪŋɡəʊɪz(ə)m/Submit nounDEROGATORY noun: jingoism extreme patriotism, especially in the form of aggressive or warlike foreign policy. "the popular jingoism that swept the lower–middle classes" synonyms: extreme patriotism, blind patriotism, chauvinism, extreme nationalism, flag-waving, excessive loyalty to one's country, xenophobia; More --- capricious /kəˈprɪʃəs/Submit adjective adjective: capricious given to sudden and unaccountable changes of mood or behaviour. "a capricious and often brutal administration" synonyms: fickle, inconstant, changeable, variable, unstable, mercurial, volatile, erratic, vacillating, irregular, inconsistent, fitful, arbitrary; More antonyms: stable, consistent changing according to no discernible rules; unpredictable. "a capricious climate" ---------- rudderless /ˈrʌdəlɪs/Submit adjective adjective: rudderless lacking a rudder. lacking a clear sense of one's aims or principles. "today's leadership is rudderless" ---------- rudder /ˈrʌdə/Submit noun noun: rudder; plural noun: rudders a flat piece hinged vertically near the stern of a boat or ship for steering. a vertical aerofoil pivoted from the tailplane of an aircraft, for controlling movement about the vertical axis. application of a rudder in steering a boat, ship, or aircraft. "bring the aircraft to a stall and apply full rudder" Origin ---- tawdry /ˈtɔːdri/Submit adjective adjective: tawdry; comparative adjective: tawdrier; superlative adjective: tawdriest 1. showy but cheap and of poor quality. "tawdry jewellery" synonyms: gaudy, flashy, showy, garish, loud; More antonyms: tasteful, refined sordid or unpleasant. "the tawdry business of politics" nounARCHAIC noun: tawdry 1. cheap and gaudy finery. Origin ---- communism /ˈkɒmjʊnɪz(ə)m/Submit noun noun: communism a theory or system of social organization in which all property is owned by the community and each person contributes and receives according to their ability and needs. synonyms: collectivism, state ownership, socialism, radical socialism; More Origin ----- bolster1 /ˈbəʊlstə/Submit verb gerund or present participle: bolstering 1. support or strengthen. "the fall in interest rates is starting to bolster confidence" synonyms: strengthen, support, reinforce, make stronger, boost, fortify, give a boost to; More antonyms: undermine 2. provide (a seat) with padded support. "I snuggled down into the heavily bolstered seat" Origin -------- fester /ˈfɛstə/Submit verb gerund or present participle: festering (of a wound or sore) become septic; suppurate. "a festering abscess" synonyms: suppurate, become septic, form pus, secrete pus, discharge, run, weep, ooze; More (of food or rubbish) become rotten and offensive to the senses. "piles of mouldy grey paper festered by the sink" synonyms: rot, moulder, decay, decompose, putrefy, go bad, go off, perish, spoil, deteriorate, disintegrate, degrade, break down, break up; More (of a negative feeling or a problem) become worse or more intense, especially through long-term neglect or indifference. "below the surface, the old antagonisms festered" synonyms: rankle, chafe, gnaw (at one's mind), eat away at one's mind, ferment, brew, smoulder; More (of a person) deteriorate physically and mentally in isolated inactivity. "remand prisoners are left to fester in our jails while they wait for trial" Origin ---------- overarching /ˌəʊvərˈɑːtʃɪŋ/Submit adjective adjective: overarching; adjective: over-arching comprehensive or all-embracing. "a single overarching principle" overarch /əʊvərˈɑːtʃ/Submit verb gerund or present participle: overarching form an arch over. "an old dirt road, overarched by forest" -------- imperative /ɪmˈpɛrətɪv/Submit noun plural noun: imperatives 1. an essential or urgent thing. "free movement of labour was an economic imperative" a factor or influence making something necessary. "the biological imperatives which guide male and female behaviour" 2. GRAMMAR a verb or phrase in the imperative mood. the imperative mood. noun: the imperative Origin --------- cargo /ˈkɑːɡəʊ/Submit noun noun: cargo; plural noun: cargoes; plural noun: cargos goods carried on a ship, aircraft, or motor vehicle. "transportation of bulk cargo" synonyms: freight, load, haul, consignment, delivery, shipment, contents, baggage, burden; More Origin ------ mandate noun /ˈmandeɪt/Submit 1. an official order or commission to do something. "a mandate to seek the release of political prisoners" synonyms: instruction, directive, direction, decree, command, order, injunction, edict, charge, commission, bidding, warrant, ruling, ordinance, law, statute, fiat; More 2. the authority to carry out a policy, regarded as given by the electorate to a party or candidate that wins an election. "he called an election to seek a mandate for his policies" synonyms: authority, approval, acceptance, ratification, endorsement; More verb /manˈdeɪt/Submit 1. give (someone) authority to act in a certain way. "the rightful king was mandated and sanctioned by God" 2. HISTORICAL (of territory) be assigned to (another power) under a mandate of the League of Nations. "mandated territories" ------------- drop the ball phrase of drop INFORMAL•NORTH AMERICAN make a mistake; mishandle things. "I really dropped the ball on this one" -------------- In absentia, a legal term, is Latin for "in the absence" or "while absent". (In) absentia may also refer to: Award in absentia. ------- arid /ˈarɪd/Submit adjective 1. (of land or a climate) having little or no rain; too dry or barren to support vegetation. "the arid plains north of Cape Town" synonyms: dry, dried up, waterless, as dry as a bone, moistureless, parched, scorched, baked, thirsty; More 2. lacking in interest, excitement, or meaning. "his arid years in suburbia" synonyms: dreary, dull, drab, dry, sterile, banal, colourless, monochrome, unstimulating, uninspiring, flat, boring, uninteresting, monotonous, lifeless, tedious, vapid, jejune, soul-destroying "this town has an arid, empty feel" --- fierce /fɪəs/Submit adjective superlative adjective: fiercest having or displaying a violent or ferocious aggressiveness. "fierce fighting continued throughout the day" synonyms: ferocious, savage, vicious; More antonyms: gentle, tame, mild (of the weather or temperature) powerful and destructive. "fierce storms lashed the country" synonyms: powerful, strong, violent, forceful, bitter; More antonyms: gentle showing a heartfelt and powerful intensity. "his fierce loyalty" synonyms: aggressive, cut-throat, competitive; More antonyms: mild (of a mechanism) having a jolting and powerful abruptness of action. "the fire door had a fierce pneumatic return" Origin Middle English: from Old French fiers ‘fierce, brave, proud’, from Latin ferus ‘untamed’. ------- insurgency /ɪnˈsəːdʒ(ə)nsi/Submit noun noun: insurgency; plural noun: insurgencies an active revolt or uprising. "rebels are waging an armed insurgency to topple the monarchy" ----- raw /rɔː/Submit adjective comparative adjective: rawer -------- semblance /ˈsɛmbləns/Submit noun noun: semblance; plural noun: semblances the outward appearance or apparent form of something, especially when the reality is different. "she tried to force her thoughts back into some semblance of order" synonyms: appearance, outward appearance, approximation, show, air, guise, pretence, facade, front, veneer "there remained at least a semblance of discipline" ARCHAIC resemblance; similarity. "it bears some semblance to the thing I have in mind" Origin ------ dubious /ˈdjuːbɪəs/Submit adjective adjective: dubious 1. hesitating or doubting. "I was rather dubious about the whole idea" synonyms: doubtful, uncertain, unsure, in doubt, hesitant; More antonyms: certain, definite 2. not to be relied upon; suspect. "extremely dubious assumptions" synonyms: suspicious, suspect, under suspicion, untrustworthy, unreliable, undependable, questionable; More antonyms: trustworthy, decisive, clear, definite morally suspect. "timeshare has been brought into disrepute by dubious sales methods" synonyms: suspicious, suspect, under suspicion, untrustworthy, unreliable, undependable, questionable; More antonyms: trustworthy of questionable value. "he holds the dubious distinction of being relegated with every club he has played for" synonyms: equivocal, ambiguous, indeterminate, indefinite, unclear, vague, imprecise, hazy, puzzling, enigmatic, cryptic; More antonyms: decisive, clear, definite Origin ---- backlash /ˈbaklaʃ/Submit noun noun: backlash; plural noun: backlashes 1. a strong negative reaction by a large number of people, especially to a social or political development. "a public backlash against racism" synonyms: adverse reaction/response, counteraction, counterblast, comeback, recoil; More 2. recoil arising between parts of a mechanism. degree of play between parts of a mechanism. "typical gearbox backlash in these systems is 2°" ------ alley2 /ˈali/Submit noun plural noun: allies a toy marble made of marble, alabaster, or glass. Origin early 18th century: perhaps a diminutive of alabaster. ally1 /ˈalʌɪ/Submit noun plural noun: allies 1. a state formally cooperating with another for a military or other purpose. "debate continued among NATO allies" a person or organization that cooperates with or helps another in a particular activity. "he was forced to dismiss his closest political ally" synonyms: associate, colleague, friend, confederate, partner, supporter, accomplice, helper, accessory, abetter "he was forced to dismiss his closest political ally" antonyms: enemy, opponent the countries that fought with Britain in the First and Second World Wars. plural noun: Allies; plural noun: the Allies "they were caught between the German army of occupation and the advancing Allies" verb 3rd person present: allies /ˈalʌɪ,əˈlʌɪ/Submit 1. combine or unite a resource or commodity with (another) for mutual benefit. "he allied his racing experience with his father's business acumen" synonyms: combine, marry, couple, merge, amalgamate, join, pool, fuse, weld, knit "he allied his racing experience with his father's business acumen" antonyms: split side with or support. "he allied himself with the forces of change" synonyms: unite, join, join up, join forces, band together, go into partnership, team up, combine, collaborate, side, align oneself, league, go into league, affiliate, confederate, form an alliance, throw in one's lot, make common cause "the Catholic powers in France had allied with Philip II" antonyms: split Origin Middle English (as a verb): from Old French alier, from Latin alligare ‘bind together’, from ad- ‘to’ + ligare ‘to bind’; the noun is partly via Old French alie ‘allied’. Compare with alloy. ally2 noun plural noun: allies variant spelling of alley2. Origin ----------- soviet /ˈsəʊvɪət,ˈsɒvɪət/Submit noun noun: soviet; plural noun: soviets; noun: Soviet; plural noun: Soviets 1. an elected local, district, or national council in the former Soviet Union. a revolutionary council of workers or peasants in Russia before 1917. 2. a citizen of the former Soviet Union. adjective adjective: Soviet 1. of or concerning the former Soviet Union. "the Soviet leader" Origin early 20th century: from Russian sovet ‘council’. ------- indigenous /ɪnˈdɪdʒɪnəs/Submit adjective adjective: indigenous originating or occurring naturally in a particular place; native. "the indigenous peoples of Siberia" synonyms: native, aboriginal, local; More antonyms: expatriate, migrant, adventitious Origin ------------ reverberate /rɪˈvəːbəreɪt/Submit verb verb: reverberate; 3rd person present: reverberates; past tense: reverberated; past participle: reverberated; gerund or present participle: reverberating 1. (of a loud noise) be repeated several times as an echo. "her deep booming laugh reverberated around the room" synonyms: resound, echo, re-echo, repeat, resonate, pulsate, vibrate, ring, peal, boom, rumble, roll, pound, thump, drum, thrum "her voice reverberated around the classroom" (of a place) appear to vibrate because of a loud noise. "the hall reverberated with laughter" ARCHAIC return or re-echo (a sound). "oft did the cliffs reverberate the sound" 2. have continuing and serious effects. "the statements by the professor reverberated through the Capitol" Origin ------ pandemic /panˈdɛmɪk/Submit adjective adjective: pandemic 1. (of a disease) prevalent over a whole country or the world. synonyms: widespread, prevalent, pervasive, rife, rampant, epidemic; More noun noun: pandemic; plural noun: pandemics 1. an outbreak of a pandemic disease. "the AIDS pandemic" Origin ----- communism /ˈkɒmjʊnɪz(ə)m/Submit noun noun: communism a theory or system of social organization in which all property is owned by the community and each person contributes and receives according to their ability and needs. synonyms: collectivism, state ownership, socialism, radical socialism; More Origin mid 19th century: from French communisme, from commun (see common). ------ unilateral /juːnɪˈlat(ə)r(ə)l/Submit adjective adjective: unilateral 1. (of an action or decision) performed by or affecting only one person, group, or country involved in a situation, without the agreement of another or the others. "unilateral nuclear disarmament" 2. relating to or affecting only one side of an organ, the body, or another structure. "unilateral cerebral lesions" ------ imperialism /ɪmˈpɪərɪəlɪz(ə)m/Submit noun noun: imperialism a policy of extending a country's power and influence through colonization, use of military force, or other means. "the struggle against imperialism" HISTORICAL rule by an emperor. "in Russia, imperialism had developed alongside a semi-feudal agrarian structure" ----- freight /freɪt/Submit noun noun: freight 1. goods transported in bulk by truck, train, ship, or aircraft. "a decline in the amount of freight carried by rail" synonyms: cargo, load, haul, consignment, delivery, shipment; More the transport of bulk goods by truck, train, ship, or aircraft. "the truck-based system can outperform air freight at distances of up to seven hundred miles" synonyms: transportation, transport, conveyance, freightage, carriage, carrying, portage, haulage, distribution, delivery; traffic "the Panama Canal has lost importance because of air freight" a charge for transport by freight. "a bill indicating that the freight has been paid" verb verb: freight; 3rd person present: freights; past tense: freighted; past participle: freighted; gerund or present participle: freighting 1. transport (goods) in bulk by truck, train, ship, or aircraft. "the metals had been freighted from the city" synonyms: transport, transport in bulk, convey, carry, ship, drive; More 2. be laden or burdened with. "each word was freighted with anger" Origin ---------- genocide /ˈdʒɛnəsʌɪd/Submit noun noun: genocide; plural noun: genocides the deliberate killing of a large group of people, especially those of a particular nation or ethnic group. "a campaign of genocide" synonyms: racial killing, massacre, wholesale slaughter, mass slaughter, wholesale killing, indiscriminate killing; More Origin ------ obfuscate /ˈɒbfʌskeɪt/Submit verb verb: obfuscate; 3rd person present: obfuscates; past tense: obfuscated; past participle: obfuscated; gerund or present participle: obfuscating make obscure, unclear, or unintelligible. "the spelling changes will deform some familiar words and obfuscate their etymological origins" synonyms: obscure, confuse, make obscure/unclear, blur, muddle, jumble, complicate, garble, muddy, cloud, befog; muddy the waters "the debate all too often obfuscates the issue" antonyms: clarify bewilder (someone). "the new rule is more likely to obfuscate people than enlighten them" synonyms: bewilder, mystify, puzzle, perplex, baffle, confound, bemuse, befuddle, nonplus; More Origin late Middle English: from late Latin obfuscat- ‘darkened’, from the verb obfuscare, based on Latin fuscus ‘dark’. ------------- aggravate /ˈaɡrəveɪt/Submit verb gerund or present participle: aggravating 1. make (a problem, injury, or offence) worse or more serious. "military action would only aggravate the situation" 2. INFORMAL annoy or exasperate. "she found him thoroughly aggravating and unprofessional" ---
Word Meanings 20200112
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