[
{
"Index": " 1-1"
,
"Word": " PARAPHRASE"
,
"Pronunciation": " PAR-uh-frayz"
,
"Definition": ["To restate", "put what someone else has expressed into different words"]
},
{
"Index": " 1-2"
,
"Word": " OSTENSIBLE"
,
"Pronunciation": " ah-STEN-suh-buul"
,
"Definition": ["Apparent", "appearing or seeming to be true", "professed or declared as true without being demonstrated or proved"]
,
"Synonyms": ["plausible", "specious"]
},
{
"Index": " 1-3"
,
"Word": " DIGRESS"
,
"Pronunciation": " di-GRES or dy-GRES"
,
"Definition": ["To wander", "stray from the point", "ramble", "deviate", "go off in another direction"]
,
"Corresponding_nouns": ["digression"]
,
"Related_words": " ingress, the place you walk in, the entrance; egress, the place you walk out, the exit"
,
"Additional_useful_words": ["archaic (ar-KAY-ik)", "old-fashioned"]
},
{
"Index": " 1-4"
,
"Word": " UNCANNY"
,
"Pronunciation": " uhn-KAN-ee"
,
"Definition": ["Eerie", "strange", "weird", "mysterious"]
},
{
"Index": " 1-5"
,
"Word": " CANDOR"
,
"Pronunciation": " KAN-dur"
,
"Definition": ["Frankness", "openness", "sincere expression"]
,
"Synonyms": ["straightforwardness", "outspokenness", "forthrightness", "ingenuousness (in-JENyoo-us-nis)"]
,
"Corresponding_adjectives": ["candid", "frank", "open", "sincere. Synonyms of candid include forthright and ingenuous"]
},
{
"Index": " 1-6"
,
"Word": " MOROSE"
,
"Pronunciation": " muh-ROHS"
,
"Definition": ["Gloomy", "moody", "glum", "grumpy", "ill-tempered", "depressed"]
,
"Synonyms": ["sullen", "dolorous", "lugubrious", "saturnine"]
,
"Antonyms": ["optimistic", "jovial", "sanguine"]
,
"Corresponding_nouns": ["moroseness"]
,
"Additional_useful_words": ["misanthropy", "hatred of humankind"]
},
{
"Index": " 1-7"
,
"Word": " ADEPT"
,
"Pronunciation": " uh-DEPT"
,
"Definition": ["Skilled", "handy"]
,
"Synonyms": ["clever", "able", "deft", "expert", "dexterous", "proficient", "adroit (Level 3", "Word 41)"]
,
"Corresponding_nouns": ["adept (AD-ept)", "a highly skilled person", "an expert"]
},
{
"Index": " 1-8"
,
"Word": " SATURATED"
,
"Pronunciation": " SACH-uh-ray-tid"
,
"Definition": ["Soaked", "drenched", "thoroughly wet", "full of moisture"]
,
"Synonyms": ["steeped", "permeated", "impregnated", "imbued", "sodden"]
,
"Corresponding_nouns": ["saturation"]
},
{
"Index": " 1-9"
,
"Word": " PRAGMATIC"
,
"Pronunciation": " prag-MAT-ik"
,
"Definition": ["Practical", "having to do with actual practice", "concerned with everyday affairs as opposed to theory or speculation"]
},
{
"Index": " 1-10"
,
"Word": " CONGENIAL"
,
"Pronunciation": " kun-JEE-nee-ul"
,
"Definition": ["Sympathetic", "agreeable", "having the same taste", "nature", "or temperament"]
,
"Synonyms": ["compatible", "kindred", "harmonious"]
,
"Antonyms": ["alien", "dissident", "incongruous (in-KAHNG-groo-us)"]
},
{
"Index": " 1-11"
,
"Word": " CAPRICIOUS"
,
"Pronunciation": " kuh-PRISH-us"
,
"Definition": ["Unpredictable", "tending to change abruptly for no apparent or logical reason"]
,
"Synonyms": ["flighty", "changeable", "impulsive", "fickle", "erratic", "whimsical", "volatile", "mercurial"]
,
"Antonyms": ["stable", "reliable", "unwavering", "steadfast", "abiding"]
,
"Corresponding_nouns": ["caprice", "a sudden change of mind or change in the emotions"]
,
"Pronunciation_tip": " caprice is pronounced kuhPREES; capricious should rhyme with delicious"
},
{
"Index": " 1-12"
,
"Word": " BLATANT"
,
"Pronunciation": " BLAY-tint"
,
"Definition": ["Noisy", "disagreeably or offensively loud", "boisterous", "clamorous; also", "sticking out in a glaring way", "obtrusive", "flagrant"]
},
{
"Index": " 1-13"
,
"Word": " OBLIGATORY"
,
"Pronunciation": " uh-BLIG-uh-tor-ee"
,
"Definition": ["Required", "necessary", "binding", "mandatory"]
,
"Antonyms": ["optional", "voluntary"]
},
{
"Index": " 1-14"
,
"Word": " NEGLIGIBLE"
,
"Pronunciation": " NEG-li-juh-buul"
,
"Definition": ["Unimportant", "trifling", "of little consequence"]
,
"Synonyms": ["trivial", "insignificant"]
},
{
"Index": " 1-15"
,
"Word": " ADAMANT"
,
"Pronunciation": " AD-uh-mint"
,
"Definition": ["Unyielding", "immovable", "inflexible", "refusing to give in"]
,
"Synonyms": ["unshakable", "unrelenting", "implacable"]
},
{
"Index": " 1-16"
,
"Word": " SPORADIC"
,
"Pronunciation": " spor-RAD-ik"
,
"Definition": ["Occasional", "infrequent", "irregular", "not constant", "happening from time to time", "occurring in scattered or random way"]
,
"Antonyms": ["constant", "incessant", "unremitting"]
},
{
"Index": " 1-17"
,
"Word": " VANGUARD"
,
"Pronunciation": " VAN-gard"
,
"Definition": ["The forefront of an action or movement", "leading position or persons in a movement"]
},
{
"Index": " 1-18"
,
"Word": " CONCUR"
,
"Pronunciation": " kun-KUR"
,
"Definition": ["(1) To agree", "be in accord with", "unite in opinion. (2) To act together", "combine in having an effect. (3) To happen together", "occur at the same time", "coincide"]
,
"Etymology": " One meaning of the Latin prefix con- is \"together.\" By derivation, that which concurs happens together, acts together, or is together in opinion"
},
{
"Index": " 1-19"
,
"Word": " PRECOCIOUSNESS"
,
"Pronunciation": " pruh-KOH-shus-nis"
,
"Definition": ["Early development or maturity", "especially in mental ability"]
,
"Antonyms": ["retardation"]
,
"Corresponding_adjectives": ["precocious"]
},
{
"Index": " 1-20"
,
"Word": " ALOOF"
,
"Pronunciation": " uh-LOOF"
,
"Definition": ["Apart", "at a distance", "removed", "withdrawn", "not wishing to speak or associate with others"]
,
"Synonyms": ["unsympathetic", "unapproachable", "standoffish", "indifferent"]
},
{
"Index": " 1-21"
,
"Word": " CREED"
,
"Pronunciation": " KREED, rhymes with seed"
,
"Definition": ["Belief", "professed faith or opinion", "especially a system of religious belief"]
,
"Synonyms": ["doctrine", "dogma", "credo (KREE-doh or KRAY-doh)"]
,
"Related_words": " incredible, credible, credulous. Credulous means willing to accept something as true without questioning. Credulous and gullible are synonymous"
},
{
"Index": " 1-22"
,
"Word": " TAWDRY"
,
"Pronunciation": " TAW-dree"
,
"Definition": ["Cheap and showy", "gaudy", "garish", "sleazy"]
,
"Etymology": " Tawdry comes from the phrase \"tawdry lace,\" a corruption of \"Saint Audrey lace,\" an inferior type of lace sold at Saint Audrey's fair in England"
},
{
"Index": " 1-23"
,
"Word": " PEEVISH"
,
"Pronunciation": " as spelled, PEE-vish"
,
"Definition": ["Irritable", "cross", "complaining", "fretful", "ill-humored and impatient", "difficult to please", "full of complaints"]
,
"Corresponding_nouns": ["peeve", "something that irritates or annoys"]
,
"NB": " Compare cantankerous (Level 1, Word 41)"
},
{
"Index": " 1-24"
,
"Word": " ARDUOUS"
,
"Pronunciation": " AHR-joo-us"
,
"Definition": ["Very difficult", "hard to achieve or accomplish", "requiring great effort"]
,
"Synonyms": ["strenuous", "laborious", "toilsome"]
},
{
"Index": " 1-25"
,
"Word": " REASONABLE"
,
"Pronunciation": " PUR-suh-nuh-buul"
,
"Definition": ["Attractive", "pleasing in appearance"]
,
"Synonyms": ["handsome", "comely", "fair", "presentable"]
,
"Usage": " Avoid using personable to mean having nice personality. Sociable, affable, and amiable already suggest people who are friendly, pleasant, and approachable. An awkward or unbecoming person, no matter how friendly and pleasant, cannot correctly be personable. Reserve personable either for someone who is attractive in appearance or attractive both in appearance and personality"
},
{
"Index": " 1-26"
,
"Word": " RESOLUTE"
,
"Pronunciation": " REZ-uh-loot"
,
"Definition": ["Firmly determined or settled", "resolved", "having a set opinion or purpose"]
,
"Synonyms": ["steadfast", "unwavering", "persevering"]
,
"Antonyms": ["irresolute", "unsteady", "vacillating"]
,
"Corresponding_verbs": ["resolve", "to decide", "determine", "settle once and for all"]
},
{
"Index": " 1-27"
,
"Word": " SUPPOSITION"
,
"Pronunciation": " SUHP-uh-ZISH-un"
,
"Definition": ["An assumption", "theory", "hypothesis", "conjecture"]
},
{
"Index": " 1-28"
,
"Word": " ARBITRARY"
,
"Pronunciation": " AHR-bi-trair-ee"
,
"Definition": ["(1) Unreasoned; based on personal feelings or preferences rather than on reason", "logic", "or law; making discretionary judgments or decisions that may or may not be fair or reasonable. (2) Determined or arrived at in a random or illogical manner. (3) Exercising unrestrained or absolute power"]
,
"Related_words": " Arbiter and arbitrator both mean a judge or umpire who makes a final decision or resolves a dispute"
},
{
"Index": " 1-29"
,
"Word": " MONOTONOUS"
,
"Pronunciation": " muh-NAH-tub-nus"
,
"Definition": ["Lacking variety", "tediously uniform", "unvarying and dull; literally", "having one continuous sound or tone"]
,
"Etymology": " The prefix mono- means \"one, single,\" as in the related words monogamy, monocle, and monogram"
},
{
"Index": " 1-30"
,
"Word": " LEGACY"
,
"Pronunciation": " LEG-uh-see"
,
"Definition": ["Something handed down from the past"]
,
"Synonyms": ["inheritance", "bequest"]
},
{
"Index": " 1-31"
,
"Word": " MANIFOLD"
,
"Pronunciation": " MAN-i-fohld"
,
"Definition": ["Numerous and varied", "consisting of many kinds", "containing many elements", "features", "or characteristics"]
,
"Synonyms": ["multifarious", "multitudinous"]
},
{
"Index": " 1-32"
,
"Word": " PLIANT"
,
"Pronunciation": " PLY-int"
,
"Definition": ["Bending easily", "flexible"]
,
"Synonyms": ["adaptable", "workable", "pliable", "supple"]
},
{
"Index": " 1-33"
,
"Word": " RETORT"
,
"Pronunciation": " ri-TORT"
,
"Definition": ["A quick reply", "especially one that is cutting or witty"]
,
"Synonyms": ["rejoinder"]
},
{
"Index": " 1-34"
,
"Word": " OBSTINATE"
,
"Pronunciation": " AHB-sti-nit"
,
"Definition": ["Stubborn", "inflexible", "unwilling to give in or compromise", "not yielding to argument or persuasion"]
,
"Synonyms": ["hidebound", "intractable", "intransigent", "adamant (Level 1", "Word 15)"]
,
"Pronunciation_tip": " Obstinate is sometimes mispronounced as if it were spelled obstinant. Take care to spell obstinate correctly and pronounce it AHB-sti-nit"
},
{
"Index": " 1-35"
,
"Word": " LACERATE"
,
"Pronunciation": " LAS-ur-ayt"
,
"Definition": ["Literally", "to tear", "cut roughly", "rend", "mangle. Figuratively", "to wound", "afflict", "cause pain"]
},
{
"Index": " 1-36"
,
"Word": " OMNIPOTENT"
,
"Pronunciation": " ahm-NIP-uh-tint"
,
"Definition": ["All-powerful", "almighty", "having unlimited power or authority"]
,
"Etymology": " The element omni- means \"all,\" as in omnidirectional, omnipresent, and omniscient (ahm-NISH-int), all-knowing"
},
{
"Index": " 1-37"
,
"Word": " UNSCRUPULOUS"
,
"Pronunciation": " uhn-SKROO-pyoo-lus"
,
"Definition": ["Untrustworthy", "dishonorable", "deceitful", "corrupt", "lacking integrity or moral principles"]
,
"Related_words": " scruple, something that causes hesitation or doubt in determining what is appropriate and proper; scrupulous, having scruples-hence, taking pains to do something exactly right"
},
{
"Index": " 1-38"
,
"Word": " RENAISSANCE"
,
"Pronunciation": " ren-uh-SAHNS orREN-uh-sahns"
,
"Definition": ["A revival", "renewal of life or vigor"]
,
"Synonyms": ["rebirth", "resurgence"]
},
{
"Index": " 1-39"
,
"Word": " GENESIS"
,
"Pronunciation": " JEN-i-sis"
,
"Definition": ["A coming into being", "beginning"]
,
"Synonyms": ["origin", "birth", "creation"]
},
{
"Index": " 1-40"
,
"Word": " WARRANT"
,
"Pronunciation": " WAH-rint or WAR-int"
,
"Definition": ["(1) To justify", "give good reason for", "authorize", "sanction. (2) To guarantee", "promise", "give formal assurance of"]
,
"Related_words": " unwarranted, without good reason or authorization, unjustifiable"
},
{
"Index": " 1-41"
,
"Word": " CANTANKEROUS"
,
"Pronunciation": " kan-TANGK-uh-rus"
,
"Definition": ["Difficult to deal with", "disagreeable", "argumentative", "quick to quarrel or to exhibit ill will"]
,
"Synonyms": ["contentious", "malicious", "irascible (i-RAS-uh-buul)"]
,
"NB": " Compare peevish (Level 1, Word 23)"
},
{
"Index": " 1-42"
,
"Word": " FLIPPANT"
,
"Pronunciation": " FLIP-int"
,
"Definition": ["Disrespectful in a frivolous way", "treating something serious in a trivial manner"]
,
"Synonyms": ["cheeky", "fresh", "thoughtless", "impertinent"]
,
"Antonyms": ["solemn", "sober", "sedate", "grave"]
},
{
"Index": " 1-43"
,
"Word": " SUBJUGATE"
,
"Pronunciation": " SUHB-juh-gayt"
,
"Definition": ["To conquer", "defeat", "vanquish", "overwhelm completely", "bring under rigid control", "make submissive", "dominate", "enslave"]
,
"Corresponding_nouns": ["subjugation"]
},
{
"Index": " 1-44"
,
"Word": " WRY"
,
"Pronunciation": " like rye, rhymes with why"
,
"Definition": ["Twisted", "crooked", "lopsided", "askew", "distorted in an odd", "amusing way"]
},
{
"Index": " 1-45"
,
"Word": " URBANE"
,
"Pronunciation": " ur-BAYN"
,
"Definition": ["Polished", "sophisticated", "suave", "cosmopolitan"]
,
"Related_words": " urban, pertaining to or living in a city. Urbane suggests the polished sophistication of a city dweller"
},
{
"Index": " 1-46"
,
"Word": " JARGON"
,
"Pronunciation": " JAHR-gun"
,
"Definition": ["Specialized and often pretentious language; unnecessarily complex phraseology; speech or writing that is highly technical and difficult to understand; specifically", "obscure language or a private vocabulary used and understood only by members of a particular group or profession"]
},
{
"Index": " 1-47"
,
"Word": " PRUDENT"
,
"Pronunciation": " PROO-dint"
,
"Definition": ["(1) Cautious", "careful", "planning wisely", "exercising sound judgment in practical matters. Synonyms: discreet", "circumspect (Level 3", "Word 21). (2) Spending carefully", "using one's resources wisely"]
,
"Synonyms": ["thrifty", "economical", "frugal (Level 2", "Word 35)"]
,
"Related_words": " provide, provident (Level 4, Word 1)"
},
{
"Index": " 1-48"
,
"Word": " INVIOLABLE"
,
"Pronunciation": " in-VY'l-uh-buul"
,
"Definition": ["Secure; safe from assault", "infringement", "or destruction"]
,
"Synonyms": ["sacred", "untouchable", "unassailable", "incorruptible"]
,
"Etymology": " Inviolable combines the prefix in-, not, the suffix -able, and the verb to violate, and means literally \"not able to be violated.\""
},
{
"Index": " 1-49"
,
"Word": " COMMODIOUS"
,
"Pronunciation": " kuh-MOH-dee-us"
,
"Definition": ["Spacious", "having plenty of room", "comfortably convenient"]
,
"Synonyms": ["ample", "capacious (kuh-PAY-shus)"]
,
"Related_words": " commode, accommodate, accommodations"
},
{
"Index": " 1-50"
,
"Word": " PROXIMITY"
,
"Pronunciation": " prahk-SIM-i-tee"
,
"Definition": ["Nearness", "closeness", "the state of being in the vicinity of something"]
,
"Usage": " Avoid using the common phrase \"close proximity.\" It's a redundancy. Proximity means closeness; therefore \"close proximity\" means \"close closeness.\" Drop close and let proximity do its work alone"
},
{
"Index": " 2-1"
,
"Word": " ADVOCATE"
,
"Pronunciation": " AD-vuh-kayt"
,
"Definition": ["To support", "plead for", "be in favor of", "defend by argument; especially", "to speak or write in favor or in defense of a person or cause"]
,
"Synonyms": ["champion", "endorse", "espouse"]
,
"Corresponding_nouns": ["advocate", "a supporter or defender of a cause", "a champion", "or a person who speaks for another"]
,
"Related_words": " (from the Latin vocare, to call, summon): vocation; avocation; vocational; vocal; convoke, to call together; convocation, the act of calling together, or a group that has been summoned; evoke, to call out, call forth; and evocative, calling forth a response, especially an emotional one"
},
{
"Index": " 2-2"
,
"Word": " DELEGATE"
,
"Pronunciation": " DEL-uh-gayt"
,
"Definition": ["To entrust with authority or power", "deliver to another's care or management", "hand over to an agent or representative"]
},
{
"Index": " 2-3"
,
"Word": " UNPRECEDENTED"
,
"Pronunciation": " uhn-PRES-uh-den-tid"
,
"Definition": ["Unheard-of", "novel", "new", "having no precedent or parallel", "having no prior example or justification"]
},
{
"Index": " 2-4"
,
"Word": " POIGNANT"
,
"Pronunciation": " POYN-yint"
,
"Definition": ["Piercing", "sharp", "penetrating; specifically", "piercing or penetrating to the senses", "to the emotions", "or to the intellect"]
,
"Synonyms": ["biting", "cutting", "keen", "acute"]
,
"Related_words": " (from the Latin pungere, to pierce or prick): puncture; pungent, piercing to the smell or taste; expunge, to punch out, erase, delete"
},
{
"Index": " 2-5"
,
"Word": " NEBULOUS"
,
"Pronunciation": " NEB-yuu-lus"
,
"Definition": ["Unclear", "vague", "obscure", "hazy", "indefinite", "indistinct"]
,
"Related_words": " nebula, a cloudy mass of dust or gas visible between stars in space (plural, nebulae)"
},
{
"Index": " 2-6"
,
"Word": " CLANDESTINE"
,
"Pronunciation": " klan-DES-tin"
,
"Definition": ["Kept secret", "done in secrecy", "especially for an evil", "immoral", "or illegal purpose"]
,
"Synonyms": ["private", "concealed", "covert", "underhand", "sly", "stealthy", "furtive", "surreptitious"]
,
"Pronunciation_tip": " Avoid the recent variants klanDES-tyn, klan-DES-teen, KLAN-destyn, and KLAN-des-teen. The traditional and preferred pronunciation is klan-DES-tin"
},
{
"Index": " 2-7"
,
"Word": " TIRADE"
,
"Pronunciation": " TY-rayd or ty-RAYD"
,
"Definition": ["A long-drawn-out speech", "especially a vehement and abusive one"]
,
"Additional_useful_words": ["protracted", "drawn out to great length (see Level 3", "Word 25); vituperative", "full of harsh", "abusive language; censorious", "tending to censor", "to blame or condemn"]
},
{
"Index": " 2-8"
,
"Word": " RECUR"
,
"Pronunciation": " ri-KUR or nee-KUR"
,
"Definition": ["To happen again", "occur again", "especially at intervals or after some lapse of time"]
,
"NB": " This discussion explains the distinction between the verbs recur and reoccur"
},
{
"Index": " 2-9"
,
"Word": " TACIT"
,
"Pronunciation": " TAS-it"
,
"Definition": ["Unspoken", "silent", "implied or understood without words", "done or made in silence", "not expressed or declared openly"]
,
"Related_words": " taciturn (Level 3, Word 2)"
},
{
"Index": " 2-10"
,
"Word": " ALLEGATION"
,
"Pronunciation": " AL-uh-GAY-shin"
,
"Definition": ["An assertion or declaration", "especially one made without proof. In law", "an allegation is an assertion. of what one intends to prove"]
},
{
"Index": " 2-11"
,
"Word": " GULLIBLE"
,
"Pronunciation": " GUHL-uh-buul"
,
"Definition": ["Easily deceived", "fooled", "or cheated"]
,
"Synonyms": ["credulous"]
,
"Related_words": " gull and dupe, which both mean to fool, cheat, deceive, take advantage of"
},
{
"Index": " 2-12"
,
"Word": " BENIGN"
,
"Pronunciation": " buh-NYN, rhymes with a sign"
,
"Definition": ["(1) Kindly", "good-natured", "gracious", "mild", "having or showing a gentle disposition. (2) Favorable", "positive", "propitious. (3) Of the weather or climate", "healthful", "beneficial", "wholesome", "salubrious. (4) In medicine: mild", "not deadly", "or severe"]
},
{
"Index": " 2-13"
,
"Word": " PERIPHERAL"
,
"Pronunciation": " puh-RIF-uh-rul"
,
"Definition": ["External", "outer", "lying at or forming the outside or boundary of something; hence", "not essential", "irrelevant"]
},
{
"Index": " 2-14"
,
"Word": " REBUFF"
,
"Pronunciation": " ri-BUF or ree-BUF"
,
"Definition": ["To refuse bluntly", "reject sharply", "turn down abruptly", "snub", "spurn"]
,
"Corresponding_nouns": ["rebuff", "an abrupt refusal or rejection"]
},
{
"Index": " 2-15"
,
"Word": " ANIMOSITY"
,
"Pronunciation": " AN-i-MAH-si-tee"
,
"Definition": ["Ill will", "hostility", "antagonism", "strong dislike or hatred"]
,
"Synonyms": ["malice", "aversion", "malevolence", "antipathy", "rancor", "enmity"]
},
{
"Index": " 2-16"
,
"Word": " TENUOUS"
,
"Pronunciation": " TEN-yoo-us"
,
"Definition": ["Thin", "slender", "slight", "flimsy", "weak", "not dense or substantial", "lacking a strong basis", "having little substance or strength"]
},
{
"Index": " 2-17"
,
"Word": " COMPLACENT"
,
"Pronunciation": " kum-PLAY-sint"
,
"Definition": ["Self-satisfied", "smug", "overly pleased with oneself"]
,
"Usage": " Take care to distinguish between complacent and complaisant, which is pronounced kum-PLAY-zint and means inclined to please, gracious, obliging, courteous, affable, and urbane (Level l, Word 45)"
},
{
"Index": " 2-18"
,
"Word": " ACME"
,
"Pronunciation": " AK-mee"
,
"Definition": ["The peak", "highest point", "especially the point of culmination", "the highest possible point in the development or progress of something"]
,
"Synonyms": ["summit", "zenith"]
,
"Corresponding_adjectives": ["acmatic"]
},
{
"Index": " 2-19"
,
"Word": " DEFUNCT"
,
"Pronunciation": " di-FUNGKT or dee-FUNGKT"
,
"Definition": ["Dead", "extinct", "obsolete; no longer in existence", "effect", "operation", "or use"]
},
{
"Index": " 2-20"
,
"Word": " ABET"
,
"Pronunciation": " uh-BET"
,
"Definition": ["To encourage", "support", "help", "aid", "promote", "assist in achieving a purpose (either good or evil)"]
,
"Usage": " Abet is often used to mean assist in wrongdoing, as in the legal cliché \"to aid and abet,\" but abet may also be used favorably to mean assist in achieving a good purpose"
},
{
"Index": " 2-21"
,
"Word": " HAGGARD"
,
"Pronunciation": " HAG-urd"
,
"Definition": ["Worn out", "tired", "drawn; wild-eyed and wasted", "as from exhaustion", "illness", "or grief"]
,
"Synonyms": ["gaunt", "emaciated"]
},
{
"Index": " 2-22"
,
"Word": " WAIVE"
,
"Pronunciation": " like wave"
,
"Definition": ["To relinquish voluntarily", "give up", "forgo; also", "to postpone", "defer", "or dispense with"]
},
{
"Index": " 2-23"
,
"Word": " CARNAL"
,
"Pronunciation": " KAHR-nul"
,
"Definition": ["Bodily", "pertaining to the flesh as opposed to the spirit"]
,
"Synonyms": ["sensual", "corporeal"]
,
"Usage": " Carnal is used of basic physical appetities"
},
{
"Index": " 2-24"
,
"Word": " SANCTION"
,
"Pronunciation": " SANGK-shin, be sure to pronounce the C"
,
"Definition": ["To approve", "allow", "permit", "authorize", "certify", "ratify"]
},
{
"Index": " 2-25"
,
"Word": " AMBIGUOUS"
,
"Pronunciation": " am-BIG-yoo-us"
,
"Definition": ["Uncertain", "unclear", "doubtful", "dubious", "questionable", "puzzling", "having an obscure or indefinite meaning"]
,
"Synonyms": ["enigmatic", "cryptic", "equivocal"]
,
"Antonyms": ["distinct", "apparent", "evident", "conspicuous", "manifest"]
},
{
"Index": " 2-26"
,
"Word": " SPENDTHRIFT"
,
"Pronunciation": " pronounced as spelled, stress on spend"
,
"Definition": ["Wasteful", "spending extravagantly or foolishly", "squandering one's resources"]
,
"Synonyms": ["improvident", "prodigal", "profligate"]
},
{
"Index": " 2-27"
,
"Word": " MOLLIFY"
,
"Pronunciation": " MAH-li-fy"
,
"Definition": ["To calm", "soothe", "soften in feeling or tone", "make less harsh or severe"]
,
"Synonyms": ["pacify", "appease", "assuage (Level 2", "Word 37)"]
,
"Related_words": " emollient (adjective), softening, soothing, mollifying; (noun) a softening or soothing agent"
},
{
"Index": " 2-28"
,
"Word": " UNEQUIVOCAL"
,
"Pronunciation": " UHN-i-KWIV-uh-kul"
,
"Definition": ["Clear and direct", "definite", "straightforward", "certain; having a single", "obvious meaning; capable of being interpreted in only one way"]
,
"Antonyms": ["equivocal", "ambiguous (Level 2", "Word 25)"]
,
"Pronunciation_tip": " Many people mispronounce (and misspell) unequivocal as unequivocable. Unequivocal ends with -vocal, not -vocable. Take care to pronounce the word in five syllables: un-e-qui-vo-cal"
},
{
"Index": " 2-29"
,
"Word": " MALLEABLE"
,
"Pronunciation": " MAL-ee-uh-buul or MAL-yuhbuul"
,
"Definition": ["Capable of being shaped", "able to be molded or manipulated"]
,
"Synonyms": ["adaptable", "impressionable", "tractable"]
,
"Antonyms": ["inflexible", "unyielding", "stubborn", "adamant", "obstinate", "intransigent"]
},
{
"Index": " 2-30"
,
"Word": " VERBOSE"
,
"Pronunciation": " vur-BOHS"
,
"Definition": ["Wordy", "having too many words", "long-winded", "full of verbiage"]
,
"Synonyms": ["garrulous (Level 4", "Word 8)", "loquacious", "voluble (Level 5", "Word 1)", "prolix (Level 9", "Word 1)"]
,
"Corresponding_nouns": ["verbosity"]
,
"Related_words": " (from the Latin verbum, word): verbal; verbatim, expressed in precisely the same words; verbiage, an excess or overabundance of words"
,
"Additional_useful_words": ["proffer", "to put forward for acceptance", "present as a gift"]
,
"Pronunciation_tip": " Carriage and marriage have two syllables, but verbiage and foliage have three. Don't say VUR-bij and FOH-lij (or FOY-lij). Take care to pronounce these words in three syllables: VUR-bee-ij and FOH-lee-ij"
,
"NB": " This discussion concludes with a \"Word to the Wise\" on the proper distinction between oral and verbal"
},
{
"Index": " 2-31"
,
"Word": " TRANSIENT"
,
"Pronunciation": " TRAN-shint"
,
"Definition": ["Temporary", "passing away with time", "lasting or staying only a short while", "momentary", "fleeting", "short-lived"]
,
"Synonyms": ["transitory", "evanescent", "ephemeral (Level 4", "Word 12)", "fugitive", "fugacious"]
,
"Antonyms": ["permanent", "timeless", "eternal", "everlasting"]
,
"Pronunciation_tip": " Pronounce transient in two syllables, with the same sh sound as in ancient. Also, in the words short-lived and long-lived, the second half, -lived, does not come from the verb to live but from the noun life plus the suffix -ed. Therefore the preferred pronunciation for the I is long, as in the adjective alive"
},
{
"Index": " 2-32"
,
"Word": " NETTLE"
,
"Pronunciation": " NET'l"
,
"Definition": ["To irritate", "annoy", "vex", "harass", "pester", "provoke"]
},
{
"Index": " 2-33"
,
"Word": " REPUDIATE"
,
"Pronunciation": " ri-PYOO-dee-ayt"
,
"Definition": ["(1) To reject", "cast off", "disown", "renounce", "refuse to accept as one's own. (2) To reject as false", "deny the authority of", "refuse to accept as true"]
},
{
"Index": " 2-34"
,
"Word": " IMPETUOUS"
,
"Pronunciation": " im-PETCH-oo-us"
,
"Definition": ["Hasty", "rash", "overeager; acting in a sudden", "vigorous", "emotional way", "with little thought"]
,
"Synonyms": ["impulsive"]
,
"Antonyms": ["prudent (Level 1", "Word 47)", "discreet", "circumspect (Level 3", "Word 21)"]
},
{
"Index": " 2-35"
,
"Word": " FRUGAL"
,
"Pronunciation": " FROG-gul"
,
"Definition": ["Spending carefully and wisely; also", "involving little expense", "not wasteful or lavish"]
,
"Synonyms": ["thrifty", "economical", "provident", "parsimonious"]
},
{
"Index": " 2-36"
,
"Word": " INCONGRUOUS"
,
"Pronunciation": " in-KAHNG-groo-us"
,
"Definition": ["Out of place", "inappropriate", "inconsistent", "unsuitable", "lacking harmony of parts or agreement in character"]
,
"Related_words": " congruous and congruent, which both mean coming together harmoniously, fitting in consistently"
},
{
"Index": " 2-37"
,
"Word": " ASSUAGE"
,
"Pronunciation": " uh-SWAYJ"
,
"Definition": ["To relieve", "ease", "make less severe or intense; also", "to satisfy", "appease", "make content"]
,
"Synonyms": ["allay", "mollify (Level 2", "Word 27)", "mitigate"]
,
"Pronunciation_tip": " Don't pronounce the G in assuage like the G in garage or the Z in azure. In assuage, the A is long (as in day) and the G is pronounced like J: uh-SWAYJ"
},
{
"Index": " 2-38"
,
"Word": " CORROBORATE"
,
"Pronunciation": " kuh-RAHB-uh-rayt"
,
"Definition": ["To confirm", "support", "make more certain or believable", "strengthen by providing additional evidence or proof"]
,
"Synonyms": ["authenticate", "verify", "substantiate"]
},
{
"Index": " 2-39"
,
"Word": " EMBELLISH"
,
"Pronunciation": " em-BEL-ish"
,
"Definition": ["To decorate", "dress up", "adorn", "enhance with ornamentation", "make more beautiful", "elegant", "or interesting"]
,
"Corresponding_nouns": ["embellishment", "an ornament", "decoration"]
},
{
"Index": " 2-40"
,
"Word": " AVARICIOUS"
,
"Pronunciation": " AV-uh-RISH-us"
,
"Definition": ["Greedy", "money-grubbing", "miserly", "consumed with a selfish desire to accumulate money or property"]
,
"Synonyms": ["covetous", "mercenary (Level 3", "Word 14)"]
,
"Corresponding_nouns": ["avarice", "greed", "an inordinate desire for wealth"]
},
{
"Index": " 2-41"
,
"Word": " CURSORY"
,
"Pronunciation": " KUR-suh-ree or KUR-sur-ee"
,
"Definition": ["Quick", "hasty", "not methodical", "done rapidly with little attention to detail", "passing quickly over or through something that deserves closer examination"]
,
"Synonyms": ["hurried", "haphazard", "slapdash", "superficial"]
,
"Antonyms": ["thorough", "careful", "scrupulous", "exhaustive", "prolonged", "protracted"]
,
"Related_words": " (from the Latin currere, to run): course, curriculum, courier"
},
{
"Index": " 2-42"
,
"Word": " VACILLATE"
,
"Pronunciation": " VAS-i-layt"
,
"Definition": ["To waver", "fluctuate", "be indecisive", "show uncertainty", "hesitate in making up one's mind"]
},
{
"Index": " 2-43"
,
"Word": " CLEMENT"
,
"Pronunciation": " KLEM-int"
,
"Definition": ["(1) Mild", "calm", "tranquil", "moderate", "temperate", "not severe or extreme. (2) Merciful", "lenient", "inclined to pardon or forgive"]
,
"Corresponding_nouns": ["clemency"]
},
{
"Index": " 2-44"
,
"Word": " LUCRATIVE"
,
"Pronunciation": " LOO-kruh-tiv"
,
"Definition": ["Profitable", "producing wealth", "money-making", "financially productive", "remunerative"]
,
"Related_words": " lucre (LOO-kur), money, profit, especially tainted money, ill-gotten gains (as in the cliché \"filthy lucre\")"
},
{
"Index": " 2-45"
,
"Word": " ALLOCATE"
,
"Pronunciation": " AL-uh-kayt or AL-oh-kayt"
,
"Definition": ["To assign", "designate", "earmark", "set aside for a specific purpose"]
},
{
"Index": " 2-46"
,
"Word": " RECONCILE"
,
"Pronunciation": " REK-un-syl or rek-un-SYL"
,
"Definition": ["(1) To make friendly again", "restore friendly relations between", "settle", "resolve", "bring into harmony or agreement. (2) To bring into agreement", "make consistent. (3) To resign oneself to accept something undesirable"]
},
{
"Index": " 2-47"
,
"Word": " PARAGON"
,
"Pronunciation": " PAR-uh-gahn"
,
"Definition": ["A model of excellence", "perfect example"]
},
{
"Index": " 2-48"
,
"Word": " ANALOGOUS"
,
"Pronunciation": " uh-NAL-uh-gus"
,
"Definition": ["Similar", "alike in certain ways", "corresponding partially", "sharing some aspects of form", "function", "or content"]
,
"Synonyms": ["akin", "comparable"]
,
"Related_words": " analogy, a partial similarity, likeness, or resemblance that allows for a comparison between things"
},
{
"Index": " 2-49"
,
"Word": " DIURNAL"
,
"Pronunciation": " dy-URN-'l"
,
"Definition": ["(1) Daily", "recurring each day", "performed or happening in the course of a day. (2) Active during the day", "as opposed to nocturnal", "active at night"]
},
{
"Index": " 2-50"
,
"Word": " PRETEXT"
,
"Pronunciation": " PREE-tekst"
,
"Definition": ["An excuse", "ostensible reason or motive", "professed purpose; specifically", "an excuse or false reason given to hide the true reason or purpose"]
},
{
"Index": " 3-1"
,
"Word": " DEFRAY"
,
"Pronunciation": " di-FRAY"
,
"Definition": ["To pay", "provide money for", "cover the cost or expenses of"]
},
{
"Index": " 3-2"
,
"Word": " TACITURN"
,
"Pronunciation": " TAS-i-turn"
,
"Definition": ["Silent", "not talkative", "holding one's tongue", "habitually silent and withdrawn"]
,
"Synonyms": ["reserved", "uncommunicative", "reticent"]
,
"Antonyms": ["garrulous (Level 4", "Word 8)", "loquacious", "effusive", "voluble (Level 5", "Word 1)"]
,
"Related_words": " tacit (Level 2, Word 9), unspoken, done or made in silence"
},
{
"Index": " 3-3"
,
"Word": " TERSE"
,
"Pronunciation": " rhymes with curse"
,
"Definition": ["Brief and to the point", "free of superfluous words", "expressed in a pointed and polished way"]
,
"Synonyms": ["concise", "pithy", "succinct", "laconic (Level 3", "Word 18)"]
,
"Antonyms": ["long-winded", "redundant", "verbose (Level 2", "Word 30)", "prolix (Level 9", "Word 1)"]
,
"Beastly_mispronunciation": "  suh-SINGKT for succinct. Take care to pronounce the double C like KS: suhk-SINGKT"
},
{
"Index": " 3-4"
,
"Word": " BOON"
,
"Pronunciation": " rhymes with moon"
,
"Definition": ["A blessing", "timely and welcome benefit", "something beneficial bestowed upon one", "something to be thankful for"]
,
"Additional_useful_words": ["yore", "time long past; supplicant", "a person who begs for something; supplication", "the act of begging for something humbly and earnestly; archaic", "old-fashioned", "of a former time"]
},
{
"Index": " 3-5"
,
"Word": " PROLETARIAT"
,
"Pronunciation": " PROH-Iuh-TAIR-ee-it"
,
"Definition": ["The working class", "especially the industrial wageearning class", "which earns its living by manual labor", "the lowest and poorest class of people in society"]
,
"Corresponding_adjectives": ["proletarian", "of or relating to the working class"]
},
{
"Index": " 3-6"
,
"Word": " HETEROGENEOUS"
,
"Pronunciation": " HET-uh-roh-JEE-nee-us"
,
"Definition": ["Varied", "composed of parts of different kinds", "made up of unrelated or diverse elements", "mixed", "dissimilar", "miscellaneous"]
,
"Antonyms": ["homogeneous (HOH-moh-JEE-nee-us)"]
,
"Useful_information": "  The prefix homo- means same, similar, like; the prefix heteromeans other, different, unlike"
},
{
"Index": " 3-7"
,
"Word": " PITTANCE"
,
"Pronunciation": " PIT'ns, rhymes with admittance"
,
"Definition": ["A small amount", "portion", "or share", "especially a small or meager amount of money"]
,
"Memory_aid": "  Think of the pit of a fruit, which is . small and hard, and you'll easily remember that a pittance is a small amount of money that is hard to live on"
},
{
"Index": " 3-8"
,
"Word": " GLIB"
,
"Pronunciation": " rhymes with rib"
,
"Definition": ["Smooth-spoken", "speaking in a ready", "fluent manner", "with natural or offhand ease", "talkative in a nonchalant way"]
,
"Synonyms": ["suave", "facile", "bland", "voluble (Level 5", "Word 1)", "flippant", "unctuous"]
,
"Useful_information": "  The synonym unctuous means having a slimy, slippery, or smarmy manner; self-serving and insincere"
,
"Additional_useful_words": ["unguent", "a medicinal ointment", "salve"]
},
{
"Index": " 3-9"
,
"Word": " PENCHANT"
,
"Pronunciation": " PEN-chint"
,
"Definition": ["A liking", "leaning", "strong inclination", "decided taste"]
,
"Synonyms": ["propensity", "proclivity"]
},
{
"Index": " 3-10"
,
"Word": " SOLICITOUS"
,
"Pronunciation": " suh-LIS-i-tus"
,
"Definition": ["Concerned", "showing care and attention", "especially in a worried", "anxious", "or fearful way"]
,
"Usage": " In the above sense, solicitous may be followed by the prepositions of, for, or about. When used to mean eager, full of desire, willing, solicitous is followed by the preposition to"
},
{
"Index": " 3-11"
,
"Word": " CIRCUMSCRIBE"
,
"Pronunciation": " SUR-kum-SKRYB"
,
"Definition": ["To limit", "restrict", "confine", "hem in", "fix the boundaries of (literally", "to draw a line around)"]
,
"Related_words": " circum- means around. You can see this combining form in the words circumstance; circumcision; circumvent, to go around, bypass, especially in a clever or resourceful way; circumlocutory, expressed in a roundabout way; and circumnavigate, to navigate or sail around"
},
{
"Index": " 3-12"
,
"Word": " DEARTH"
,
"Pronunciation": " rhymes with earth"
,
"Definition": ["A lack", "scarcity", "insufficiency", "inadequate supply of something needed"]
,
"Synonyms": ["paucity (Level 10", "Word 2)"]
,
"Antonyms": ["abundance", "surplus", "excess", "superfluity", "plethora", "surfeit"]
},
{
"Index": " 3-13"
,
"Word": " INGRATIATING"
,
"Pronunciation": " in-GRAY-shee-ay-ting"
,
"Definition": ["Flattering", "attempting to win approval or curry favor", "trying to gain acceptance", "done to charm or please another"]
,
"Synonyms": ["unctuous"]
,
"Usage": " Dictionaries and thesauruses often give charming, pleasing, and agreeable as synonyms of ingratiating, but today the word invariably has the negative suggestion of insincerely charming, pleasing or agreeable so as to gain approval or get into the good graces of another"
},
{
"Index": " 3-14"
,
"Word": " MERCENARY"
,
"Pronunciation": " MUR-suh-ner-ee"
,
"Definition": ["Greedy", "done for payment only", "motivated by a selfish desire for money or other reward"]
,
"Synonyms": ["covetous", "avaricious (both discussed in Level 2", "Word 40)"]
,
"Related_words": "  venal, corruptible, capable of being bribed or bought off"
,
"Corresponding_nouns": ["mercenary", "a hired soldier", "one who fights not for a cause or for love of country but for money"]
},
{
"Index": " 3-15"
,
"Word": " EXTEMPORIZE"
,
"Pronunciation": " eks-TEM-puh-ryz"
,
"Definition": ["To improvise", "to speak or compose with little or no preparation or practice", "perform something in an offhand or unpremeditated way"]
,
"Corresponding_adjectives": ["extemporaneous (eks-TEM-puh-RAY-nee-us)", "spoken or composed with little or no preparation or practice"]
},
{
"Index": " 3-16"
,
"Word": " ERUDITE"
,
"Pronunciation": " preferably, ER-uu-dyt or AIR-uu-dyt; commonly, AIR-yoo-dyt"
,
"Definition": ["Learned", "scholarly", "possessing extensive knowledge acquired chiefly from books"]
,
"Corresponding_nouns": ["erudition (preferably ER- or AIR-uu-DISH-un; commonly", "AIRyoo-DISH-un)", "extensive knowledge acquired from reading books"]
,
"Usage": " erudite may be used either of people or things"
},
{
"Index": " 3-17"
,
"Word": " AUSTERE"
,
"Pronunciation": " aw-STEER"
,
"Definition": ["Severe", "serious", "characterized by strict selfdiscipline or severe self-denial", "stern in appearance", "manner", "or practice"]
,
"Synonyms": ["somber", "grim", "grave", "forbidding", "dour (rhymes with poor)"]
},
{
"Index": " 3-18"
,
"Word": " LACONIC"
,
"Pronunciation": " luh-KAHN-ik"
,
"Definition": ["Using few words", "briefly and often bluntly expressed"]
,
"Synonyms": ["succinct", "concise", "pithy", "succinct", "terse (Level 3", "Word 3)"]
,
"Etymology": " Laconic comes from the Greek lakonikos, a resident of the ancient city state of Sparta, which was renowned for its austere and warlike people. By derivation laconic refers to the Spartans' reputation for rigorous self-discipline and reticence. Like the ancient Spartans, the laconic speakers and writers of today are determined to use no more words than are necessary to get the point across, even at the risk of giving offense"
,
"Useful_information": "  Julius Caesar's three-word pronouncement, Veni, vidi, vici (\"I came, I saw, I conquered\"), is one of the most famous laconic statements of all time"
},
{
"Index": " 3-19"
,
"Word": " AMELIORATE"
,
"Pronunciation": " uh-MEEL-yuh-rayt"
,
"Definition": ["To make or become better or more tolerable", "raise the condition or state of"]
,
"Synonyms": ["improve", "amend", "correct", "reform", "rectify"]
,
"Usage": " Ameliorate is used chiefly of improving something that needs help because it is inferior, oppressive, or intolerable"
},
{
"Index": " 3-20"
,
"Word": " EXPUNGE"
,
"Pronunciation": " ek-SPUNJ"
,
"Definition": ["To erase", "delete", "cancel; punch", "strike", "or wipe out something completely so it appears as though it had never existed"]
,
"Synonyms": ["eradicate", "obliterate"]
},
{
"Index": " 3-21"
,
"Word": " CIRCUMSPECT"
,
"Pronunciation": " SUR-kum-spekt"
,
"Definition": ["Careful", "cautious", "wary", "watchful", "carefully considering all circumstances before acting or making a judgment"]
,
"Synonyms": ["discreet", "vigilant", "prudent (Level 1", "Word 47)"]
,
"Etymology": " Circumspect comes from the Latin circum-, around, and specere, to look at carefully, observe. The Latin specere is also the source of the words spectator, spectacle, and spectacular, wonderful to behold"
},
{
"Index": " 3-22"
,
"Word": " QUIESCENT"
,
"Pronunciation": " kwy-ES-int"
,
"Definition": ["Still", "quiet", "tranquil", "inactive", "at rest or repose"]
,
"Antonyms": ["vigorous", "animated", "sprightly", "vivacious", "ebullient"]
,
"Related_words": " latent, which applies to something that has not yet been revealed; dormant, which applies to something inactive or that seems asleep"
,
"Useful_information": " Quiescent suggests a temporary cessation of activity, a period of rest or repose"
},
{
"Index": " 3-23"
,
"Word": " FOIBLE"
,
"Pronunciation": " FOY-buul"
,
"Definition": ["A weak point", "slight fault or flaw", "", "-minor failing", "especially a (usually forgivable) weakness in a person's character"]
,
"Etymology": " By derivation foible means the weak part of a sword, and it is related to the word feeble, weak, frail"
},
{
"Index": " 3-24"
,
"Word": " FERVENT"
,
"Pronunciation": " FUR-vint"
,
"Definition": ["Passionate", "having or showing great warmth or intensity of feeling", "fiery", "earnest", "impassioned"]
,
"Synonyms": ["vehement", "ardent", "fervid", "zealous"]
,
"Antonyms": ["lukewarm", "listless", "apathetic", "indifferent", "impassive", "phlegmatic (fleg-MATik)"]
,
"Etymology": "  Fervent and fervid both come from the Latin fervere, to boil, glow. Fervent suggests great warmth and earnestness. Fervid is stronger and suggests intense, even violent emotion"
},
{
"Index": " 3-25"
,
"Word": " PROTRACT"
,
"Pronunciation": " proh-TRAKT"
,
"Definition": ["To draw out", "drag out", "extend in time", "lengthen", "prolong", "especially to excess"]
,
"Antonyms": ["abbreviate", "condense", "curtail", "truncate (Level 7", "Word 5)"]
,
"Etymology": " Protract comes from the Latin tractare, to draw, drag around. It suggests drawing or dragging something out needlessly, often to the point of irritation or boredom"
},
{
"Index": " 3-26"
,
"Word": " OSTENTATIOUS"
,
"Pronunciation": " AH-sten-TAY-shus"
,
"Definition": ["Showy", "extremely conspicuous", "extravagant", "flamboyant; specifically", "displayed or done in a flashy", "vain manner"]
,
"Antonyms": ["simple", "plain", "modest", "unassuming N.B. This discussion distinguishes the words pretentious", "pompous", "and ostentatious", "all of which refer to persons or things that are showy", "extravagant", "and self-important"]
},
{
"Index": " 3-27"
,
"Word": " QUANDARY"
,
"Pronunciation": " KWAHN-duh-ree"
,
"Definition": ["A state of uncertainty", "perplexity", "or doubt"]
,
"Synonyms": ["predicament", "dilemma"]
},
{
"Index": " 3-28"
,
"Word": " CENSURE"
,
"Pronunciation": " SEN-shur"
,
"Definition": ["To blame", "condemn", "find fault with", "criticize harshly", "express stern disapproval of"]
,
"Synonyms": ["denounce", "reprimand", "reprehend"]
,
"Antonyms": ["commend", "extol", "laud"]
,
"Useful_information": " Censure usually implies condemnation of irresponsible behavior rather than condemnation of character"
,
"Usage": " Be careful not to confuse the words censure, to blame, condemn, find fault with, and censor (SEN-sur), to suppress or delete something objectionable"
},
{
"Index": " 3-29"
,
"Word": " CAVIL"
,
"Pronunciation": " KAV'l"
,
"Definition": ["To criticize or complain unnecessarily", "point out petty flaws", "raise trivial or frivolous objections"]
,
"Synonyms": ["nitpick", "niggle", "carp", "quibble. (All these words suggest making unnecessary criticisms or complaining about trivial things.)"]
},
{
"Index": " 3-30"
,
"Word": " ASSIMILATE"
,
"Pronunciation": " uh-SIM-i-layt"
,
"Definition": ["To absorb", "take in; also", "to adapt to or become absorbed by a system or culture"]
,
"Synonyms": ["comprehend", "incorporate", "appropriate"]
},
{
"Index": " 3-31"
,
"Word": " RESCIND"
,
"Pronunciation": " ri-SIND"
,
"Definition": ["To cancel", "take back", "take away", "remove; also", "to render void", "annul", "repeal"]
},
{
"Index": " 3-32"
,
"Word": " DISCERNIBLE"
,
"Pronunciation": " di-SURN-i-buul"
,
"Definition": ["Recognizable", "detectable", "perceptible", "capable of being recognized by the senses or by the mind"]
,
"Synonyms": ["apparent", "evident", "distinguishable", "manifest"]
,
"Antonyms": ["obscure", "invisible", "indistinct", "imperceptible"]
,
"Related_words": "  Discernible (adjective), discern (verb), discernment (noun), and discerning (adjective) come from a Latin word meaning to sift, separate, distinguish between, and all of these words pertain to sifting or separating things in order to distinguish them. Challenging synonyms of discernment include astuteness, acumen (uh-KYOO-min), and perspicacity (PUR-spi-KAS-i-tee)"
},
{
"Index": " 3-33"
,
"Word": " CATACLYSM"
,
"Pronunciation": " KAT-uh-kliz'm"
,
"Definition": ["A disaster", "great mishap", "catastrophe", "violent upheaval"]
,
"NB": " This discussion distinguishes the synonyms disaster, catastrophe, calamity, debacle (di-BAHK'l), and cataclysm, all of which refer to accidents, misfortunes, and sudden or violent changes"
,
"Etymology": "  The negative prefix dis- denotes the absence or reverse of what follows: dislike is an absence of affection, discomfort is the absence of comfort, disadvantage is the reverse of an advantage. Catastrophe and cataclysm begin with the Greek kata-, which means \"down.\""
,
"Additional_useful_words": ["deluge (DEL-yooj)", "a great flood or downpour; inundate (INun-dayt)", "to overflow or overwhelm"]
},
{
"Index": " 3-34"
,
"Word": " NARCISSISM"
,
"Pronunciation": " NAR-si-SIZ'm"
,
"Definition": ["Self-love", "excessive admiration of oneself"]
,
"Synonyms": ["vanity", "conceit", "egotism", "amour-propre (ah-MOOR PROH-pruh)"]
,
"Antonyms": ["humbleness", "modesty", "humility"]
,
"Etymology": " Narcissism comes from Narcissus, a character in Greek mythology who fell in love with his reflection in a pool of water"
,
"Related_words": " narcissist, a person afflicted with narcissism, self-love; narcissistic (adjective) means full of admiration for one's own appearance, abilities, or achievements"
},
{
"Index": " 3-35"
,
"Word": " INCRIMINATE"
,
"Pronunciation": " in-KRIM-i-nayt"
,
"Definition": ["To charge with a crime", "accuse of wrongdoing", "implicate", "present evidence or proof of involvement in a wrongful act"]
},
{
"Index": " 3-36"
,
"Word": " STIGMA"
,
"Pronunciation": " STIG-muh"
,
"Definition": ["A mark of shame or disgrace", "a moral blemish", "a stain on one's character or reputation"]
,
"Etymology": " Stigma, from Greek, means literally a mark, brand, tattoo; in its original but no longer common sense, stigma refers to a brand or, scar made with a red-hot iron in the flesh of slaves and criminals. Later it came to be used of anything that branded a person as unwholesome or disgraceful, a mark of shame, stain on one's character or reputation"
,
"Corresponding_verbs": ["stigmatize", "to brand as shameful", "set a mark of disgrace upon"]
,
"NB": " The plural of stigma is either stigmas or stigmata (preferably STIG-muh-tuh, often stigMAH-tuh). Stigmata, the Latinate plural, may also refer to marks resembling the wounds on the crucified body of Jesus Christ that are believed to have been supernaturally impressed on the bodies of certain persons, such as St. Francis of Assisi"
,
"Additional_useful_words": ["anglicize", "to make English", "conform to English modes of spelling", "pronunciation", "and usage"]
},
{
"Index": " 3-37"
,
"Word": " BREVITY"
,
"Pronunciation": " BREV-i-tee"
,
"Definition": ["(1) Shortness", "briefness. (2) Brief expression", "shortness of speech"]
,
"Synonyms": ["(sense 2) conciseness", "succinctness", "terseness", "pithiness"]
,
"Etymology": " Brief and brevity both come from the Latin brevis, short, the source also of the unusual word breve (rhymes with leave). A breve is one of the diacritical marks or symbols used to indicate pronunciation: It's a small curve, like a tiny smile, placed over a vbwe1 to indicate a short sound, as in the e in pet or the a in cat"
},
{
"Index": " 3-38"
,
"Word": " PERQUISITE"
,
"Pronunciation": " PUR-kwi-zit"
,
"Definition": ["A benefit", "incidental gain or reward; specifically", "an expected or promised benefit", "privilege", "or advantage received in addition to one's normal salary or wages"]
},
{
"Index": " 3-39"
,
"Word": " INDIGENT"
,
"Pronunciation": " IN-di-jint"
,
"Definition": ["Poor", "needy", "penniless", "impoverished", "down-and-out"]
,
"Synonyms": ["destitute", "impecunious (IM-pi-KYOO-nee-us)"]
},
{
"Index": " 3-40"
,
"Word": " CLAIRVOYANT"
,
"Pronunciation": " klair-VOY-int"
,
"Definition": ["Having exceptional powers of perception", "unusually clear-sighted or discerning; specifically", "able to see objects or events that others cannot", "having extra-sensory perception or the power of divination"]
,
"Etymology": " the Latin clarus, clear, and videre, to see (literally, \"to see clearly what others cannot\")"
,
"Related_words": " clairvoyance (noun), exceptional insight or perception; clairvoyant (noun), a person who supposedly possesses the power to see into the future, a medium, soothsayer"
},
{
"Index": " 3-41"
,
"Word": " ADROIT"
,
"Pronunciation": " uh-DROYT"
,
"Definition": ["Skillful", "clever", "dexterous; specifically", "showing skill in using one's hands or in using one's brains"]
,
"Synonyms": ["deft", "resourceful", "ingenious", "artful", "adept (Level 1", "Word 7)"]
,
"Antonyms": ["awkward", "clumsy", "inept", "maladroit (mal-uh-DROYT)"]
,
"Etymology": "  Adroit comes from Latin through the French droit, right, and means literally \"to the right.\" The Latin dexter means on the right side; hence, skillful. From dexter we inherit the word dexterous, skilled with the hands or body. The Latin sinister means left, on the left side, and also wrong, evil, unfavorable, adverse, the meaning of the English word sinister today. People who are ambidextrous are equally skillful or dexterous with both hands. The unusual word ambisinister means literally having two left hands, equally awkward with both hands. In French gauche means left, but also crooked, awkward, clumsy; in English gauche refers to a person who is awkward, crude, or blundering, or to behavior that lacks culture or social grace"
,
"Usage": " Adroit may refer either to physical dexterity or mental ingenuity"
},
{
"Index": " 3-42"
,
"Word": " PLATITUDE"
,
"Pronunciation": " (PLAT-i-tyood)"
,
"Definition": ["A flat", "dull", "ordinary", "remark", "a trite statement or hackneyed saying", "especially one uttered as if it were original or profound"]
,
"Synonyms": ["cliche", "truism", "bromide (BROH-myd)"]
,
"Etymology": " Platitude comes from the French word for flat, and means literally \"a flat remark.\""
,
"Related_words": " platitudinous (adjective) refers to speech or expression that is dull, ordinary, commonplace, insipid, banal. Platitudinize (verb) means to utter platitudes. A platitudinarian (noun) is a person who habitually utters platitudes-flat, dull, ordinary remarks"
},
{
"Index": " 3-43"
,
"Word": " FASTIDIOUS"
,
"Pronunciation": " fa-STID-ee-us"
,
"Definition": ["(1) Extremely delicate", "sensitive", "or particular", "especially in matters of taste or behavior. Synonyms: dainty", "fussy", "finicky", "overnice. (2) Hard to please", "extremely picky or demanding", "exacting", "critical to a fault"]
,
"Etymology": "  Fastidious descends from Latin words meaning squeamish, disgusted, disdainful, and conceited. The fastidious person is so excessively concerned with details that he may become squeamish or disgusted if things are not just right. The fastidious person may also be so hard to please, so critical and demanding, that she appears contemptuous of others"
,
"NB": " This discussion distinguishes the words scrupulous, meticulous, punctilious, and fastidious, all of which suggest demanding standards and careful attention to detail"
},
{
"Index": " 3-44"
,
"Word": " VENDETTA"
,
"Pronunciation": " ven-DET-uh"
,
"Definition": ["A bitter", "protracted feud or rivalry"]
,
"Etymology": " Vendetta comes through Italian from the Latin vindicta, revenge, vengeance"
,
"Related_words": " vindictive, vengeful, seeking a revenge"
,
"Usage": " Vendetta refers specifically to the violent tradition of revenging the murder of a relative by killing the murderer or a member of his family. Vendetta is now also used more generally to mean any long, bitter feud or rivalry, not necessarily between families and not necessarily attended by bloodshed"
},
{
"Index": " 3-45"
,
"Word": " LUCID"
,
"Pronunciation": " LOO-sid"
,
"Definition": ["(1) Clear", "easy to see or understand", "plainly expressed. (2) Clear of mind", "mentally sound", "rational", "sane"]
,
"Synonyms": ["(sense 1) intelligible", "comprehensible", "limpid", "perspicuous (pur-SPIK-yoous)"]
,
"Antonyms": ["murky", "obscure", "befuddled", "nebulous (Level 2", "Word 5)", "ambiguous (Level 2", "Word 25)", "abstruse"]
,
"Related_words": " pellucid (pe-LOO-sid), exceptionally clear, extremely easy to see or understand"
},
{
"Index": " 3-46"
,
"Word": " SALIENT"
,
"Pronunciation": " SAY-lee-int"
,
"Definition": ["Conspicuous", "noticeable", "prominent; sticking or jutting out"]
,
"Synonyms": ["protruding", "manifest", "obtrusive", "protuberant"]
,
"Antonyms": ["inconspicuous", "unassuming", "unobtrusive", "indiscernible", "unostentatious"]
,
"Etymology": "  Salient comes from the Latin verb salire, to leap, jump, spring. That which is salient seems to leap out at you, jump into view, or spring forward to command your attention. Salient may apply to things that are conspicuously attractive or unattractive"
},
{
"Index": " 3-47"
,
"Word": " CATEGORICAL"
,
"Pronunciation": " KAT-uh-GOR-i-kuul"
,
"Definition": ["Absolute", "unqualified", "explicit; without exceptions", "conditions", "or qualifications"]
,
"Antonyms": ["ambiguous (Level 2", "Word 25)", "doubtful", "dubious", "indefinite", "enigmatic", "equivocal"]
,
"Usage": " Categorical refers to statements or assertions that are absolute, unqualified, direct and explicit. The word often suggests a statement or state of mind that is rigid, narrow, arrogant, or arbitrary"
},
{
"Index": " 3-48"
,
"Word": " INSCRUTABLE"
,
"Pronunciation": " in-SKROO-tuh-buul"
,
"Definition": ["Incomprehensible", "unfathomable", "extremely difficult to understand", "not open to investigation or analysis"]
,
"Synonyms": ["mysterious", "impenetrable", "esoteric", "arcane (ar-KAYN)"]
,
"Antonyms": ["lucid (Level 4", "Word 45)", "perspicuous"]
,
"Etymology": " Inscrutable combines the negative prefix in-, which means not, with the Latin scrutari, to examine, inspect, search thoroughly"
,
"Related_words": " scrutinize, to investigate, examine closely; scrutiny, a close examination"
,
"Usage": "  The phrase \"an inscrutable smile\" is a cliche, a hackneyed expression; unless you're trying to be humorous, it's best to avoid it altogether. Also, in the past inscrutable was often applied to Asians or to the Asian race. Today this use is considered not only cliche but also derogatory and offensive"
},
{
"Index": " 3-49"
,
"Word": " CONSTRUE"
,
"Pronunciation": " kun-STROO"
,
"Definition": ["To interpret", "explain the meaning or intention of"]
,
"Related_words": " construct, construction"
,
"Etymology": " By derivation, the verb to construe means to put a particular construction on something, to interpret it, explain its underlying meaning or intention"
},
{
"Index": " 3-50"
,
"Word": " ALLUDE"
,
"Pronunciation": " uh-LOOD"
,
"Definition": ["To refer to something indirectly", "make a casual reference"]
,
"Synonyms": ["suggest", "hint", "insinuate", "intimate (IN-ti-mayt)"]
,
"Antonyms": ["indicate", "specify", "detail", "enumerate"]
,
"Corresponding_nouns": ["allusion", "an indirect", "casual", "or passing reference"]
},
{
"Index": " 4-1"
,
"Word": " PROVIDENT"
,
"Pronunciation": " PRAH-vi-dint"
,
"Definition": ["Thrifty", "economical", "saving or providing for future needs"]
,
"Synonyms": ["prudent (Level l", "Word 47)", "frugal (Level 2", "Word 35)"]
,
"Related_words": " provide"
},
{
"Index": " 4-2"
,
"Word": " IMPUTE"
,
"Pronunciation": " im-PYOOT"
,
"Definition": ["To charge or attribute", "especially with a fault or misconduct", "lay the responsibility or blame upon", "ascribe", "assign"]
,
"Usage": " The verb to credit has a favorable connotation. The verbs to assign and to ascribe are neutral. The verb to impute often has a negative connotation: \"We usually ascribe good, but impute evil\" (Samuel Johnson)"
,
"Corresponding_nouns": ["imputation", "a charge or accusation"]
},
{
"Index": " 4-3"
,
"Word": " ASTUTE"
,
"Pronunciation": " (uh-STYOOT)"
,
"Definition": ["Shrewd", "clever", "perceptive", "discerning", "acute", "keenly aware", "quick-witted"]
,
"Synonyms": ["sagacious", "perspicacious", "sapient (SAY-pee-int)"]
},
{
"Index": " 4-4"
,
"Word": " NEOPHYTE"
,
"Pronunciation": " NEE-uh-fyt"
,
"Definition": ["A beginner", "novice", "amateur", "tyro; specifically", "a new member of or convert to a religion"]
,
"NB": " This discussion distinguishes the words tyro, amateur, dilettante, novice, and neophyte"
},
{
"Index": " 4-5"
,
"Word": " ENIGMA"
,
"Pronunciation": " i-NIG-muh"
,
"Definition": ["A mystery", "puzzle", "riddle; perplexing problem; something or someone hard to understand or explain; anything baffling", "inexplicable", "or inscrutable"]
},
{
"Index": " 4-6"
,
"Word": " CREDENCE"
,
"Pronunciation": " KREE-dins"
,
"Definition": ["Belief", "acceptance", "especially belief in a published report or acceptance of another's opinion or testimony"]
,
"Related_words": " credence, creed, credible, and credulous all come from the Latin credere, to believe"
,
"Usage": " Credence is often used with the verbs to give or lend"
},
{
"Index": " 4-7"
,
"Word": " VENERATE"
,
"Pronunciation": " VEN-uh-rayt"
,
"Definition": ["To respect deeply", "revere", "regard with awe and adoration"]
,
"Corresponding_adjectives": ["venerable", "worthy of veneration", "of being venerated. Venerable is often used of something or someone old or long-established"]
},
{
"Index": " 4-8"
,
"Word": " GARRULOUS"
,
"Pronunciation": " GAR-uh-lus, also GAR-yuh-lus"
,
"Definition": ["Talkative", "especially in a rambling", "annoying", "pointless", "or long-winded way"]
,
"Synonyms": ["verbose (Level 2", "Word 30)", "loquacious", "voluble (Level 5", "Word 1)", "and prolix (Level 9", "Word 1)"]
,
"Antonyms": ["reserved", "reticent", "taciturn (Level 3", "Word 2)", "laconic (Level 3", "Word 18)"]
,
"Etymology": " Garrulous comes from the Latin garrire, to chatter, babble, talk in a rambling and tiresome way (literally, \"to chatter like a jaybird\")"
},
{
"Index": " 4-9"
,
"Word": " TRENCHANT"
,
"Pronunciation": " TREN-chent"
,
"Definition": ["Keen", "penetrating", "vigorously effective", "sharp and to the point"]
,
"Synonyms": ["forceful", "acute", "incisive"]
},
{
"Index": " 4-10"
,
"Word": " AUTONOMOUS"
,
"Pronunciation": " aw-TAHN-uh-mus"
,
"Definition": ["Independent", "self-governing", "not under the control of something or someone else"]
,
"Etymology": " The Greek autos, self, is the source of the English combining form auto-, self, which appears in many words, including autobiography, autograph, automobile, automatic, and autocracy, rule by one self or one personhence, dictatorship, tyranny, despotism"
},
{
"Index": " 4-11"
,
"Word": " PANACEA"
,
"Pronunciation": " PAN-uh-SEE-uh"
,
"Definition": ["A cure-all", "universal antidote", "remedy for all diseases and difficulties"]
,
"Etymology": " The English prefix pan- (from Greek), means \"all.\" This prefix appears in front of a number of useful English words, including panorama, pantheism, and pantheon"
,
"Usage": " The common expression \"a panacea for all ills\" is redundant. Panacea by itself means a cure for all ills, a universal remedy"
},
{
"Index": " 4-12"
,
"Word": " EPHEMERAL"
,
"Pronunciation": " e-FEM-ur-ul"
,
"Definition": ["Short-lived", "passing", "fleeting", "lasting for a short time"]
,
"Synonyms": ["transitory", "evanescent", "fugitive", "fugacious. For more on these words", "review the discussion of transient (Level 2", "Word 31)"]
,
"Usage": " The common expression \"daily journal\" is redundant, for by derivation journal (from the French jour, day) means something written or published each day"
},
{
"Index": " 4-13"
,
"Word": " ONEROUS"
,
"Pronunciation": " AHN-ur-us"
,
"Definition": ["Burdensome", "troublesome", "oppressive", "hard to bear", "difficult to accomplish or endure"]
,
"Related_words": " onus (OH-nus, rhymes with bonus), a burden, obligation, especially a disagreeable responsibility"
},
{
"Index": " 4-14"
,
"Word": " LAITY"
,
"Pronunciation": " LAY-i-tee"
,
"Definition": ["Nonprofessionals", "laypeople collectively", "all the people outside of a given profession or specialized field; specifically", "all who do not belong to the clergy", "religious worshipers in general"]
,
"Corresponding_adjectives": ["lay", "nonprofessional", "not belonging to a particular profession; specifically", "not a member of the clergy"]
},
{
"Index": " 4-15"
,
"Word": " PUNGENT"
,
"Pronunciation": " PUN-jint"
,
"Definition": ["Sharp", "penetrating", "biting", "acrid", "caustic"]
,
"Etymology": "  Pungent comes from the same Latin source as poignant and expunge-the Latin pungere, to pierce, prick. Pungent may refer to that which is sharp to the sense of taste or smell or to that which penetrates the mind or emotions"
},
{
"Index": " 4-16"
,
"Word": " PROSAIC"
,
"Pronunciation": " proh-ZAY-ik"
,
"Definition": ["Dull", "ordinary", "uninteresting", "unimaginative"]
,
"Synonyms": ["commonplace", "humdrum", "tedious", "dry", "stale", "mediocre", "matter-of-fact", "insipid", "pedestrian", "vapid", "jejune (Level 10", "Word 1)"]
},
{
"Index": " 4-17"
,
"Word": " CHARLATAN"
,
"Pronunciation": " SHAR-luh-tin"
,
"Definition": ["A fake", "quack", "impostor", "fraud", "humbug; specifically", "a person who pretends to have a special skill or knowledge"]
,
"NB": " This discussion distinguishes the words charlatan and mountebank, which are close in meaning"
,
"Memory_aid": "  In The Wizard of Oz, the Wizard is a classic example of a charlatan"
},
{
"Index": " 4-18"
,
"Word": " PERFUNCTORY"
,
"Pronunciation": " pur-FUNGK-tuh-ree"
,
"Definition": ["Mechanical", "routine", "listless; done merely as a duty; performed in an indifferent", "halfhearted", "superficial", "and often careless way", "without interest or enthusiasm"]
},
{
"Index": " 4-19"
,
"Word": " MORASS"
,
"Pronunciation": " muh-RAS or maw-RAS"
,
"Definition": ["Literally", "a swamp", "marsh", "bog; figuratively", "some-thing that traps", "confines", "or confuses", "a sticky situation or troublesome state of affairs"]
},
{
"Index": " 4-20"
,
"Word": " SOPHISTRY"
,
"Pronunciation": " SAH-fis-tree"
,
"Definition": ["Deceptive reasoning", "subtle and misleading argument"]
,
"Related_words": " sophisticated"
,
"Corresponding_adjectives": ["sophistic or sophistical"]
},
{
"Index": " 4-21"
,
"Word": " PROLIFIC"
,
"Pronunciation": " proh-LIF-ik"
,
"Definition": ["Fruitful", "fertile", "productive"]
,
"Antonyms": ["unproductive", "barren", "sterile", "impotent", "effete"]
},
{
"Index": " 4-22"
,
"Word": " MUNDANE"
,
"Pronunciation": " muhn-DAYN"
,
"Definition": ["Of the world", "worldly", "earthly", "material as distinguished from spiritual"]
,
"Synonyms": ["terrestrial", "temporal", "secular", "sublunary (suhb-LOO-nuh-ree)"]
,
"Antonyms": ["lofty", "heavenly", "sublime", "celestial", "ethereal", "extraterrestrial"]
,
"Usage": " Some usage experts object to the use of mundane as a synonym of ordinary, humdrum, commonplace, banal, unimaginative, and prosaic. In strict usage, mundane is reserved for things that are worldly as opposed to heavenly, material as opposed to spiritual, secular as opposed to religious"
},
{
"Index": " 4-23"
,
"Word": " MYRIAD"
,
"Pronunciation": " MIR-ee-id"
,
"Definition": ["Countless", "innumerable", "infinite", "consisting of a great or indefinite number"]
,
"Corresponding_nouns": ["myriad", "a great or indefinite number"]
},
{
"Index": " 4-24"
,
"Word": " DISSIDENT"
,
"Pronunciation": " DIS-uh-dint"
,
"Definition": ["Disagreeing", "disaffected", "dissenting", "nonconformist"]
,
"Etymology": " Dissident comes from the Latin dis-, apart, and sedere, to sit, and by derivation means to sit apart; hence, to withdraw one's approval or belief, disagree"
,
"Corresponding_nouns": ["dissident", "a person who disagrees with a prevailing opinion", "method", "or doctrine"]
},
{
"Index": " 4-25"
,
"Word": " LAUDABLE"
,
"Pronunciation": " LAW-duh-buul"
,
"Definition": ["Praiseworthy", "commendable", "worthy of approval or admiration"]
,
"Synonyms": ["meritorious", "estimable"]
,
"Antonyms": ["contemptible", "deplorable", "ignominious"]
,
"Corresponding_verbs": ["laud", "to praise", "commend", "extol (ek-STOHL)"]
},
{
"Index": " 4-26"
,
"Word": " INIMITABLE"
,
"Pronunciation": " in-IM-i-tuh-buul"
,
"Definition": ["Unable to be imitated", "copied", "or reproduced; beyond compare"]
,
"Synonyms": ["matchless", "unrivaled", "peerless", "unparalleled", "surpassing"]
,
"Etymology": " The prefix in- often means \"in\" or \"into,\" as in the words inhale, to breathe in; ingrain, to rub in, fix in the mind; and ingress, the way in, the entrance. However, it is just as often privative (PRIV-uh-tiv), meaning it deprives or takes away the meaning of the word to which it is affixed. Like the prefix un-, the prefix in- often means \"not,\" as in the words informal, not formal; inaudible, not audible, unable to be heard; and injustice, something that is not fair or just. Inimitable combines this privative prefix in- with the somewhat unusual word imitable, able to be imitated, to mean \"not able to be imitated.\""
},
{
"Index": " 4-27"
,
"Word": " JADED"
,
"Pronunciation": " JAY-did"
,
"Definition": ["Worn out", "tired", "fatigued", "weary", "exhausted"]
,
"Related_words": "  One meaning of the noun jade is a worn-out or brokendown horse, a nag. The verb to jade means to be or become like a worn-out or brokendown horse. The adjective jaded means like that broken-down horse; specifically, worn out from overwork or overindulgence"
},
{
"Index": " 4-28"
,
"Word": " MYOPIC"
,
"Pronunciation": " my-AHP-ik"
,
"Definition": ["Short-sighted; not able to see the long-range picture; having a narrow or circumscribed view; lacking discernment", "foresight", "or perspective"]
,
"Synonyms": ["narrowminded", "purblind", "obtuse"]
,
"NB": " This discussion distinguishes the adjectives purblind, obtuse, and myopic"
,
"Antonyms": ["broadminded", "liberal", "tolerant", "catholic", "latitudinarian Corresponding_noun: myopia (my-OH-pee-uh)", "nearsightedness"]
},
{
"Index": " 4-29"
,
"Word": " DEMONSTRABLE"
,
"Pronunciation": " di-MAHN-struh-buul"
,
"Definition": ["(1) Capable of being demonstrated", "able to be proved. (2) Obvious", "apparent", "self-evident"]
,
"Corresponding_verbs": ["demonstrate"]
},
{
"Index": " 4-30"
,
"Word": " CALLOW"
,
"Pronunciation": " KAL-oh"
,
"Definition": ["Immature", "inexperienced", "unsophisticated", "green", "naive", "lacking experience in and knowledge of the world"]
,
"NB": " Callow was formerly used of very young birds to mean without feathers, unfledged. Today callow and the word fledgling are used of persons, behavior, or things that are immature or inexperienced. A fledgling is a young bird that has just acquired its feathers and is learning to fly. From that original sense fledgling has come to refer either to a young and inexperienced person or to some thing that is just getting off the ground, as a fledgling enterprise. Callow suggests an immaturity or inexperience manifested by a lack of sophistication. Because callow means immature, it sometimes also suggests childishness or foolishness. Synonyms of callow in this unfavorable sense include juvenile, sophomoric, and puerile (PYOOR-ul or PYOO-ur-ul)"
},
{
"Index": " 4-31"
,
"Word": " ACQUIESCE"
,
"Pronunciation": " ak-wee-ES"
,
"Definition": ["To agree without protest", "accept without argument or resistance", "give in quietly"]
,
"Synonyms": ["consent", "comply", "submit", "assent", "accede"]
,
"NB": " This discussion distinguishes the verbs to assent, accede, and acquiesce"
,
"Corresponding_nouns": ["acquiescence (AK-wee-ES-ins)", "passive agreement", "quiet acceptance"]
,
"Usage": " Acquiesce is sometimes followed by the preposition in, as to acquiesce in a decision"
},
{
"Index": " 4-32"
,
"Word": " PONTIFICATE"
,
"Pronunciation": " pahn-TIF-i-kayt"
,
"Definition": ["To speak in a pompous and overbearing way; make pretentious or categorical statements; express one's opinion as though it were an official", "authoritative decree"]
,
"Corresponding_nouns": ["pontification (pahn-TIF-iKAY-shin)"]
,
"Related_words": " pontiff, the Roman Catholic pope, also known as the Bishop of Rome. The pontiff issues official decrees on church doctrine called papal bulls. To these decrees the pontiff affixes a seal called a bulla (BUUL-uh)"
,
"Additional_useful_words": ["dogmatic (dawg-MATik)", "means opinionated", "dictatorial", "expressing an opinion as if it were fact"]
},
{
"Index": " 4-33"
,
"Word": " DELETERIOUS"
,
"Pronunciation": " DEL-i-TEER-ee-us"
,
"Definition": ["Harmful", "destructive", "injurious", "detrimental; especially", "harmful to health or well-being"]
,
"Synonyms": ["ruinous", "noxious", "pernicious", "malignant"]
,
"Antonyms": ["healthful", "advantageous", "wholesome", "salutary (SAL-yuh-ter-ee)"]
},
{
"Index": " 4-34"
,
"Word": " AMBIVALENT"
,
"Pronunciation": ""
,
"Definition": ["Uncertain", "indecisive; having conflicting feelings or desires; simultaneously drawn in opposite directions; attracted to and repulsed by something at the same time"]
,
"Corresponding_nouns": ["ambivalence", "a state of uncertainty or indecisiveness"]
,
"Etymology": "  One meaning of the combining form ambi- is \"both,\" as in the words ambidextrous, skilled with both hands, and ambivert, a person who is both introverted, innerdirected, and extroverted, outer-directed. The word ambivalent combines ambi-, both, with the Latin valere, to be strong, to mean literally \"having strong feelings both ways\"; hence, uncertain, indecisive"
},
{
"Index": " 4-35"
,
"Word": " PENSIVE"
,
"Pronunciation": " rhymes with intensive"
,
"Definition": ["Thoughtful", "absorbed in thought", "especially in a deep", "dreamy", "or melancholy way"]
,
"Synonyms": ["reflective", "meditative", "wistful", "contemplative (kuhn-TEM-pluh-tiv)"]
,
"NB": " This discussion distinguishes the words pensive, contemplative, and wistful"
,
"Etymology": " Pensive comes ultimately from the Latin pensare, to ponder, consider, weigh in the mind. When you are pensive, you are thinking deeply about something, pondering it, weighing it in your mind"
,
"Corresponding_nouns": ["pensiveness"]
},
{
"Index": " 4-36"
,
"Word": " IMPROMPTU"
,
"Pronunciation": " (im-PRAHMP-tyoo)"
,
"Definition": ["Made up or done on the spur of the moment", "uttered or performed without preparation", "improvised for the occasion"]
,
"Synonyms": ["offhand", "spontaneous", "extemporaneous (see extemporize", "Level 3", "Word 15)"]
,
"Usage": " Impromptu may apply either to spontaneous expression or activity: an impromptu speech; an impromptu party"
},
{
"Index": " 4-37"
,
"Word": " CONJECTURE"
,
"Pronunciation": " kuhn-JEK-chur"
,
"Definition": ["To guess; especially", "to make an educated guess; to form an opinion or make a judgment based on insufficient evidence"]
,
"Synonyms": ["suppose", "imagine", "suspect", "presume"]
,
"NB": " This discussion distinguishes the verbs to guess, speculate, surmise, and conjecture, all of which mean to form an opinion or reach a conclusion based upon uncertain or insufficient evidence"
,
"Corresponding_nouns": ["conjecture", "an educated guess", "an assumption or conclusion based on insufficient evidence"]
},
{
"Index": " 4-38"
,
"Word": " SURREPTITIOUS"
,
"Pronunciation": " SUH- or SUR-rip-TISH-us"
,
"Definition": ["Stealthy; characterized by secrecy and caution; done", "made", "obtained", "or enjoyed in a secret and often sly or shifty manner", "so as to avoid notice"]
,
"Synonyms": ["crafty", "furtive", "covert", "underhand", "clandestine (Level 2", "Word 6)"]
,
"NB": " This discussion distinguishes the adjectives stealthy, furtive, clandestine, covert, and surreptitious, all of which mean secret, hidden from the knowledge or view of others"
,
"Antonyms": ["evident", "unconcealed", "overt", "aboveboard", "manifest"]
,
"Etymology": "  Surreptitious comes from the Latin verb surripere, to snatch, pilfer, take away or withdraw secretly. By derivation surreptitious means snatched while no one is looking, and in modern usage the word combines the deliberate, cautious secrecy suggested by stealthy with the crafty, evasive secrecy suggested by furtive"
,
"Pronunciation_tip": " The traditional pronunciation of covert is KUH-vurt (like cover with a t at the end). Until the 1960s, KUH-vurt was the only pronunciation recognized by dictionaries. Since then the variant KOH-vurt has become so popular that several dictionaries now list it first. Dictionaries still list KUH-vurt and many older educated speakers prefer it out of respect for the word's tradition, which dates back to the 14th century. Another popular variant, koh-VURT, is often not listed at all (and is best avoided). Those who preferto say KOH-vurt are not wrong; that pronunciation is now fully standard (meaning \"acceptable\"). On the other hand, if you are not afraid to distinguish yourself as a cultivated speaker at the risk of raising a few eyebrows, then consider using the traditional pronunciation, KUH-vurt"
},
{
"Index": " 4-39"
,
"Word": " EXEMPLARY"
,
"Pronunciation": " eg-ZEM-pluh-ree"
,
"Definition": ["Worthy of imitation", "praiseworthy", "commendable", "serving as a model of excellence", "appropriateness", "or correctness"]
,
"Synonyms": ["ideal", "admirable", "meritorious", "estimable", "laudable (Level 4", "Word 25)"]
,
"Antonyms": ["shameful", "disreputable", "contemptible", "deplorable", "ignominious", "odious", "heinous (HAY-nus)"]
,
"Etymology": " Exemplary comes from the same Latin source as the word example. By derivation, something exemplary sets an example, and is therefore worthy of imitation"
},
{
"Index": " 4-40"
,
"Word": " IMPECCABLE"
,
"Pronunciation": " im-PEK-uh-buul"
,
"Definition": ["(1) Perfect", "faultless", "flawless; free from faults or imperfections. (2) Unable to do wrong", "incapable of sin"]
,
"Synonyms": ["unimpeachable", "irreproachable"]
,
"Antonyms": ["reprehensible", "censurable", "culpable"]
,
"NB": " This discussion distinguishes the words impeccable, immaculate, and infallible"
,
"Etymology": " Impeccable combines the privative prefix in-, meaning \"not,\" with the Latin peccare, to make a mistake, do wrong, blunder, sin. By derivation, impeccable means not able to make a mistake, incapable of sinning or doing wrong; hence, perfect, faultless"
,
"NB": " When the prefix in- is attached to a word beginning with the letter B, P, or M, the N changes to an M: imbalanced means not balanced; impossible means not possible; and immutable means not mutable, not changeable, fixed. When the prefix inappears before a word beginning with L or R, the N changes to an L or an R: illogical means not logical; irreproachable means not reproachable, without fault or blame. These alterations in the spelling of the prefix in- have occurred to make these and dozens of other analogous words easier to pronounce"
,
"Additional_useful_words": ["fallible (FAL-i-buul)", "capable of error or likely to be wrong; macula (MAK-yuh-luh)", "a spot or stain", "specifically a blemish on the skin or a sunspot; maculate (MAKyuh-lit)", "stained", "blemished", "impure", "corrupt; peccadillo (PEK-uh-DILoh)", "a small sin", "minor fault or flaw; peccant (PEK-int)", "guilty", "sinful", "culpable; and peccable (PEK-uh-buul)", "liable to sin or do wrong"]
},
{
"Index": " 4-41"
,
"Word": " ATTEST"
,
"Pronunciation": " uh-TEST"
,
"Definition": ["(1) To affirm to be true", "genuine", "or correct; certify or authenticate officially; stand as proof or evidence of. (2) To bear witness to", "give testimony"]
,
"Etymology": " Attest comes from the Latin ad, to, and testari, to bear witness, and ultimately from testis, a witness, the source also of the words testify; testimony; testimonial; testator (TES-tay-tur), a person who has made a valid will; and intestate (in-TES-tayt), not having made a legal will"
},
{
"Index": " 4-42"
,
"Word": " COPIOUS"
,
"Pronunciation": " KOH-pee-us"
,
"Definition": ["Abundant", "plentiful", "large in amount or number"]
,
"Synonyms": ["ample", "bountiful", "profuse"]
,
"Antonyms": ["scanty", "meager", "sparse", "paltry"]
,
"Etymology": " Copious comes from the Latin copia, abundance, plenty, the source also of the English word cornucopia, a horn of plenty, hence, any overflowing stock or supply"
},
{
"Index": " 4-43"
,
"Word": " FALLACIOUS"
,
"Pronunciation": " fuh-LAY-shus"
,
"Definition": ["False", "misleading", "deceptive", "invalid", "based on a fallacy"]
,
"Synonyms": ["erroneous", "spurious", "untenable", "illusory", "sophistical"]
,
"Related_words": " A fallacy is a false or misleading idea or statement, an argument that violates the laws of reasoning. Sophistry (Level 4, Word 20) refers to reasoning that deliberately uses fallacies (misleading arguments) to confuse or deceive"
,
"Etymology": " Fallacy and fallacious come from the Latin fallere, to deceive, lead astray"
},
{
"Index": " 4-44"
,
"Word": " STOIC"
,
"Pronunciation": " STOH-ik"
,
"Definition": ["Showing no feelings", "unemotional", "unaffected by pleasure or pain", "bearing pain or suffering without complaint"]
,
"Synonyms": ["impassive", "dispassionate", "indifferent", "apathetic", "placid", "languid", "phlegmatic", "imperturbable"]
,
"Antonyms": ["ardent", "vehement", "zealous", "fervid", "fervent (Level 3", "Word 24)"]
,
"Corresponding_nouns": ["stoicism", "indifference to pleasure or pain"]
,
"Etymology": " Stoic and stoicism come from the Greek stoa, a porch or covered walkway specifically, the famous Painted Porch in ancient Athens where the philosophical doctrine of Stoicism was born"
},
{
"Index": " 4-45"
,
"Word": " RECRIMINATION"
,
"Pronunciation": " ri-KRIM-i-NAY-shin"
,
"Definition": ["A countercharge or counter accusation"]
,
"Etymology": " Recrimination combines the prefix re-, which means \"back\" or \"again,\" with the Latin verb criminari, to accuse, bring a charge against, and means literally to accuse in return, accuse again"
,
"Corresponding_nouns": ["recriminate", "to bring a countercharge against", "denounce in return"]
,
"Corresponding_adjectives": ["recriminative or recriminatory"]
},
{
"Index": " 4-46"
,
"Word": " AFFINITY"
,
"Pronunciation": " uh-FIN-i-tee"
,
"Definition": ["(1) Close resemblance or relationship; a strong likeness", "similarity", "or connection"]
,
"Synonyms": ["kinship", "correspondence", "compatibility", "consanguinity"]
,
"Definition": ["(2) A natural attraction to", "or liking for", "a person or thing"]
,
"Synonyms": ["penchant (Level 3", "Word 9)", "propensity", "proclivity"]
},
{
"Index": " 4-47"
,
"Word": " VOLATILE"
,
"Pronunciation": " VAHL-uh-tuul"
,
"Definition": ["(1) Changeable", "unstable", "inconstant", "likely to change or shift rapidly and unpredictably"]
,
"Synonyms": ["fickle", "flighty", "capricious (Level 1", "Word 11)", "erratic", "protean", "mercurial"]
,
"Antonyms": ["stable", "fixed", "steadfast", "invariable", "immutable", "quiescent (Level 3", "Word 22)"]
,
"NB": " Volatile, which entered English in the early 1600s, has a volatile history, full of many shifts and changes in meaning. The word may also mean: (a) evaporating quickly, easily vaporized; (b) fleeting, vanishing swiftly, transient, ephemeral; (c) lighthearted, lively and carefree, whimsical, prone to flights of fancy; (d) explosive, likely to erupt into violence"
,
"Etymology": " Volatile comes from the Latin volare, to fly, and its original meaning was \"flying\" or \"having the power to fly.\" Today volatile is rarely used in this sense, and instead we have the word volant (VOH-lint), from the same Latin volare, to fly. Volant means flying, able to fly, or quick, nimble, agile"
,
"Memory_and_usage_tip": "  Remember that in all of its senses volatile describes that which can swiftly fly away from one condition or mood into another"
,
"Corresponding_nouns": ["volatility"]
,
"Pronunciation_tip": " The pronunciation VAH-luh-tyl (-tyl like tile) is British"
},
{
"Index": " 4-48"
,
"Word": " SQUALID"
,
"Pronunciation": " SKWAH-lid"
,
"Definition": ["Dirty and run-down as a result of poverty or neglect", "foul or filthy from lack of care", "wretched", "miserable", "degraded"]
,
"Synonyms": ["seedy", "unkempt", "dilapidated", "slovenly (see also abject", "Level 5", "Word 50)"]
,
"Antonyms": ["unsullied", "immaculate", "pristine"]
,
"Corresponding_nouns": ["squalor", "filthiness", "foulness", "degradation; a wretched", "miserable condition resulting from poverty or neglect"]
,
"NB": " This discussion distinguishes between the adjectives squalid and sordid"
},
{
"Index": " 4-49"
,
"Word": " EXPEDITE"
,
"Pronunciation": " EKS-puh-dyt"
,
"Definition": ["To speed up", "hasten", "facilitate", "accelerate the progress of", "handle or perform quickly and efficiently"]
,
"Antonyms": ["delay", "postpone", "hinder", "retard", "slacken", "protract (Level 3", "Word 25)"]
,
"Etymology": " Expedite comes from the Latin verb expedire, to set free, disentangle, get ready for action"
},
{
"Index": " 4-50"
,
"Word": " ABJECT"
,
"Pronunciation": " AB-jekt or ab-JEKT"
,
"Definition": ["Degraded", "brought low in condition or status; hence", "lacking self-respect", "contemptible", "wretched"]
,
"Synonyms": ["debased", "despicable", "ignoble", "groveling", "servile", "squalid (Level 4", "Word 48)"]
,
"Antonyms": ["noble", "dignified", "lofty", "majestic", "eminent", "illustrious"]
,
"Corresponding_nouns": ["abjection", "a degraded", "wretched", "contemptible state"]
,
"Etymology": " In Middle English abject meant \"outcast.\" The word comes ultimately from the Latin ab, meaning \"away\" or \"off,\" and the verb jacere, to throw, and means literally \"thrown away, cast off.\""
},
{
"Index": " 5-1"
,
"Word": " VOLUBLE"
,
"Pronunciation": " VAHL-yuh-buul"
,
"Definition": ["Talkative", "talking much and easily", "characterized by a great and continuous flow of words"]
,
"Synonyms": ["long-winded", "glib (Level 3", "Word 8)", "garrulous (Level 4", "Word 8)", "loquacious", "verbose (Level 2", "Word 30)", "effusive"]
,
"Antonyms": ["reticent", "terse (Level 3", "Word 3)", "laconic (Level 3", "Word 18)", "taciturn"]
},
{
"Index": " 5-2"
,
"Word": " COMMISERATE"
,
"Pronunciation": " kuh-MIZ-uh-rayt"
,
"Definition": ["To sympathize", "feel or express sympathy", "show sorrow or pity for"]
,
"Synonyms": ["condole"]
,
"Usage": " Commiserate is often followed by with: \"They commiserated with her.\""
},
{
"Index": " 5-3"
,
"Word": " DILEMMA"
,
"Pronunciation": " di-LEM-uh"
,
"Definition": ["A predicament; specifically", "a predicament in which one must choose between equally undesirable alternatives"]
,
"Synonyms": ["quandary (Level 3", "Word 27)", "quagmire"]
,
"Usage": " Dilemma is often used today of any difficult problem or troublesome situation, but many good writers and speakers object to that as loose usage. Strictly speaking, dilemma should be used only of situations in which one faces a choice between equally undesirable alternatives. Officials often face the dilemma of either voting for what their constituents want and going against their conscience, or voting their conscience and losing the support of their constituents"
},
{
"Index": " 5-4"
,
"Word": " TRANSITORY"
,
"Pronunciation": " TRAM-si-tor-ee or TRAN-zi-for-ee"
,
"Definition": ["Passing", "temporary", "fleeting", "not permanent or enduring"]
,
"Synonyms": ["transient (Level 2", "Word 31)", "ephemeral (Level 4", "Word 12)", "evanescent"]
,
"Etymology": " Transitory, transient, transit, and transition all come from the Latin transire, to go or pass over"
},
{
"Index": " 5-5"
,
"Word": " PHILANTHROPIC"
,
"Pronunciation": " FIL-an-THRAHP-ik"
,
"Definition": ["Charitable", "benevolent", "humane; motivated by or done out of a desire to help or improve the welfare of others"]
,
"Corresponding_nouns": ["philanthropy"]
,
"Etymology": " Philanthropy and philanthropic both come from the Greek philein, to love (as in philosophy, literally \"love of wisdom,\" and philharmonic, literally \"loving or devoted to music\"), and anthropos, man (as in anthropology, the study of mankind, of human customs, habits, and traditions, and anthropomorphic, shaped like or resembling a man or human being)"
,
"NB": " This discussion distinguishes the words philanthropic, humanitarian, altruistic, and charitable, all of which mean \"helping others.\""
},
{
"Index": " 5-6"
,
"Word": " LETHARGY"
,
"Pronunciation": " LETH-ur-jee"
,
"Definition": ["Lack of energy", "sluggishness", "dullness; an abnormally dull", "drowsy", "inactive condition or state of mind"]
,
"Synonyms": ["apathy", "stupor", "torpor", "somnolence", "lassitude", "languor", "stupefaction"]
,
"Corresponding_adjectives": ["lethargic"]
},
{
"Index": " 5-7"
,
"Word": " EXONERATE"
,
"Pronunciation": " eg-ZAHN-uh-rayt"
,
"Definition": ["To free from blame; free from a charge or the imputation of guilt; declare blameless or innocent"]
,
"Synonyms": ["acquit", "absolve", "exculpate (ek-SKUHLpayt or EKS-kul-payt)"]
,
"Etymology": " Exonerate combines the Latin ex-, out, with onus, a burden; in modern usage, removing the burden of guilt"
},
{
"Index": " 5-8"
,
"Word": " PUGNACIOUS"
,
"Pronunciation": " puhg-NAY-shus"
,
"Definition": ["Given to fighting", "combative", "quarrelsome", "ready and willing to fight"]
,
"Synonyms": ["contentious", "belligerent", "bellicose"]
,
"Antonyms": ["peaceable", "clement (Level 2", "Word 43)", "amicable"]
,
"Etymology": " Pugnacious comes from the Latin pugnare, to box, fight with the fists, ready to put up his dukes"
},
{
"Index": " 5-9"
,
"Word": " CONTRITION"
,
"Pronunciation": " kun-TRISH-in"
,
"Definition": ["Remorse", "penitence", "repentance", "deep and devastating sorrow for one's sins or for something one has done wrong"]
},
{
"Index": " 5-10"
,
"Word": " ABROGATE"
,
"Pronunciation": " AB-ruh-gayt"
,
"Definition": ["To abolish by legal or authoritative action or decree"]
,
"Synonyms": ["cancel", "revoke", "repeal", "annul", "nullify", "rescind (Level 3", "Word 31)"]
},
{
"Index": " 5-11"
,
"Word": " OFFICIOUS"
,
"Pronunciation": " uh-FISH-us"
,
"Definition": ["Meddlesome", "nosy", "intrusive", "interfering", "prying; specifically", "offering unwanted advice or unnecessary services", "especially in a highhanded", "overbearing way"]
,
"Related_words": " quidnunc (KWID-nungk), a busybody, nosy person"
},
{
"Index": " 5-12"
,
"Word": " INTRACTABLE"
,
"Pronunciation": " in-TRAK-tuh-buul"
,
"Definition": ["Hard to manage or control", "stubborn", "unruly"]
,
"Antonyms": ["obedient", "compliant", "malleable (Level 2", "Word 29)", "docile", "tractable"]
,
"Etymology": " The antonyms tractable and intractable, and the familiar words traction and tractor, come from the Latin tractare, to drag around, haul; also, to manage, control"
},
{
"Index": " 5-13"
,
"Word": " ALTRUISM"
,
"Pronunciation": " AL-troo-iz'm"
,
"Definition": ["Selflessness", "unselfish concern for the welfare of others"]
,
"Antonyms": ["egoism", "self-centeredness; specifically", "the doctrine that self-interest is the proper goal of the individual"]
,
"Usage": " Egoism is distinguished from egotism, which denotes extreme selfinvolvement, excessive reference to oneself in speech or writing"
,
"Corresponding_nouns": ["altruist", "a person who puts the needs of others and of society first"]
},
{
"Index": " 5-14"
,
"Word": " ACCOLADE"
,
"Pronunciation": " ak-uh-LAYD, but see tip below"
,
"Definition": ["An award; sign of respect or esteem; expression of praise; mark of acknowledgment; anything done or given as a token of appreciation or approval"]
,
"Etymology": " Accolade comes from the Latin accollare, to embrace, which comes in turn from ad-, meaning \"to,\" and collum, the neck, the source of the word collar. Originally, an accolade was an embrace, specifically the ritual embrace used in conferring knighthood"
,
"Pronunciation_tip": " Accolade may also acceptably be pronounced AK-uh-layd, ak-uhLAHD, and AKuh-lahd"
},
{
"Index": " 5-15"
,
"Word": " VERNACULAR"
,
"Pronunciation": " vur-NAK-yuh-lur"
,
"Definition": ["The native language of a people; especially", "the common", "everyday", "informal language of ordinary people"]
,
"Corresponding_adjectives": ["vernacular", "of or pertaining to the common", "everyday language of ordinary people; also", "native as opposed to foreign"]
,
"Related_expression": "  \"In the vernacular\" means in ordinary and unpretentious language"
,
"NB": " The vernacular comprises all language that is common and informal, any word or expression that ordinary people use-whether it is considered bad or good, acceptable or improper"
},
{
"Index": " 5-16"
,
"Word": " JUDICIOUS"
,
"Pronunciation": " joo-DISH-us"
,
"Definition": ["Wise and careful", "having or showing sound judgment"]
,
"Synonyms": ["sensible", "levelheaded", "prudent (Level 1", "Word 47)", "discreet"]
,
"Antonyms": ["thoughtless", "foolhardy", "impetuous", "temerarious"]
,
"Etymology": " From the Latin judex, a judge, and judicare, to judge, pass judgment, we inherit the words judge, judgment, judicial, judiciary, and judicious"
,
"Spelling_tip": ["Judge has an E at the end", "but in American English there is no E in the middle of the word judgment (the British spell it judgement)"]
},
{
"Index": " 5-17"
,
"Word": " CHRYSALIS"
,
"Pronunciation": " KRIS-uh-lis"
,
"Definition": ["(1) The pupa of a butterfly; the stage during which the insect is enclosed in a case or cocoon. (2) A sheltered and undeveloped state or stage of being"]
},
{
"Index": " 5-18"
,
"Word": " GENTEEL"
,
"Pronunciation": " jen-TEEL"
,
"Definition": ["Refined", "polite", "well-bred", "sophisticated; elegantly stylish or fashionable; pertaining or belonging to high society"]
,
"Usage": " In current usage genteel often suggests an excessive or affected refinement"
},
{
"Index": " 5-19"
,
"Word": " JOVIAL"
,
"Pronunciation": " JOH-vee-u1"
,
"Definition": ["Merry", "full of good humor", "hearty and fun-loving", "jolly"]
,
"Synonyms": ["sociable", "jolly", "convivial (Level 5", "Word 46)"]
,
"Etymology": " Jovial comes from the name Jove (also Jupiter), the chief deity in Roman mythology, called Zeus by the ancient Greeks. Jove was renowned for his love of feasting and merriment"
},
{
"Index": " 5-20"
,
"Word": " SUBTERFUGE"
,
"Pronunciation": " SUHB-tur-fyooj"
,
"Definition": ["A deception", "trick", "underhanded scheme"]
,
"Synonyms": ["stratagem", "artifice", "ruse (rhymes with fuse and choose)"]
,
"Usage": " Subterfuge applies to any secret or illicit plan or activity designed to conceal a motive, escape blame, or avoid something unpleasant"
,
"Pronunciation_tip": " Don't soften the G and say SUHB-tur-fyoozh. The fuge should rhyme with huge"
},
{
"Index": " 5-21"
,
"Word": " EBULLIENCE"
,
"Pronunciation": " i-BUHL-yints or i-BUUL-yints"
,
"Definition": ["Lively enthusiasm", "high spirits", "bubbly excitement"]
,
"Synonyms": ["exuberance", "exhilaration", "effervescence"]
,
"Etymology": " The Latin ebullire, to boil, bubble, is the source of the English words ebullition, ebullient, and ebullience"
,
"Pronunciation_tip": " In the words ebullience and ebullient, the second syllable, -bul-, may be pronounced either like bul- in bulk or in bull"
},
{
"Index": " 5-22"
,
"Word": " IMPERVIOUS"
,
"Pronunciation": " im-PUR-vee-us"
,
"Definition": ["Impenetrable", "incapable of being entered or passed through; hence", "unable to be moved or affected by something"]
,
"Synonyms": ["impassable", "impermeable", "opaque"]
,
"Antonyms": ["penetrable", "passable", "accessible", "permeable", "translucent", "diaphanous"]
},
{
"Index": " 5-23"
,
"Word": " REMONSTRATE"
,
"Pronunciation": " ruh-MAHN-strayt"
,
"Definition": ["To object", "protest", "reprove", "rebuke", "argue or plead against"]
,
"Synonyms": ["expostulate"]
},
{
"Index": " 5-24"
,
"Word": " EFFACE"
,
"Pronunciation": " i-FAYS"
,
"Definition": ["(1) To rub out", "wipe out", "erase. (2) To withdraw from notice", "make oneself inconspicuous"]
,
"Synonyms": ["obliterate", "expunge"]
,
"Usage": " Take care to distinguish efface and deface, to spoil the appearance of, ruin, disfigure"
},
{
"Index": " 5-25"
,
"Word": " CHIMERA"
,
"Pronunciation": " ky-MEER-uh, also ki-MEER-uh"
,
"Definition": ["A foolish fancy", "fantastic notion or idea", "figment of the imagination"]
,
"Synonyms": ["whimsy", "crotchet", "maggot", "caprice"]
,
"Etymology": " In Greek mythology, the Chimera was a fire-breathing monster with the head of a lion, the body of a goat, and the tail of a serpent. In modern usage chimera may refer to that fabulous creature or to any absurd and fabulous creation of the mind"
,
"Corresponding_adjectives": ["chimerical", "imaginary", "fantastic", "preposterous", "absurd"]
},
{
"Index": " 5-26"
,
"Word": " INCORRIGIBLE"
,
"Pronunciation": " in-KOR-ij-uh-buul"
,
"Definition": ["(1) Bad beyond correction or reform", "hopeless", "irreformable"]
,
"Synonyms": ["irredeemable", "irreclaimable", "unrepentant", "inveterate", "unregenerate"]
,
"Definition": ["(2) Unruly", "unmanageable", "difficult to control"]
,
"Synonyms": ["obstinate (Level 1", "word 34)", "willful", "intractable"]
,
"Antonyms": ["corrigible", "capable of being corrected", "amended", "or reformed"]
},
{
"Index": " 5-27"
,
"Word": " JUXTAPOSE"
,
"Pronunciation": " juks-tuh-POHZ"
,
"Definition": ["To place side by side or close together", "especially so as to compare or contrast"]
,
"Etymology": " Juxtapose comes from the Latin juxta, near, close by, and ponere, to put, place, the source also of position and posit (PAH-zit), to put forward as true, set down as a fact"
,
"Corresponding_nouns": ["juxtaposition"]
},
{
"Index": " 5-28"
,
"Word": " CONVERSANT"
,
"Pronunciation": " kun-VUR-sint"
,
"Definition": ["Familiar", "acquainted", "well-informed or well-versed"]
,
"Etymology": " Conversant comes from the Latin conversari, to associate with, the source also of converse and conversation"
,
"NB": " This discussion distinguishes the synonyms conversant and versed"
},
{
"Index": " 5-29"
,
"Word": " ESOTERIC"
,
"Pronunciation": " ES-o-TER-ik"
,
"Definition": ["Intended for or designed to be understood only by a select group", "known only by a few people; hence", "not public", "secret", "confidential"]
,
"Synonyms": ["mysterious", "impenetrable", "inscrutable (Level 3", "Word 48)", "cryptic", "abstruse", "arcane", "recondite (REK-un-dyt)"]
,
"Antonyms": ["plain", "apparent", "accessible", "manifest", "discernible (Level 3", "Word 32)", "lucid (Level 3", "Word 45)", "perspicuous. The direct antonym is exoteric"]
},
{
"Index": " 5-30"
,
"Word": " AUSPICIOUS"
,
"Pronunciation": " aw-SPISH-us"
,
"Definition": ["Favorable", "fortunate; marked by favorable circumstances or good fortune; conducive to success; boding well"]
,
"Synonyms": ["propitious"]
,
"Etymology": " Latin auspicium, the act of predicting the future by observing the flight of birds (from avis, bird, and specere, to look at, observe)"
},
{
"Index": " 5-31"
,
"Word": " ITINERANT"
,
"Pronunciation": " eye-TIN-ur-int"
,
"Definition": ["Wandering", "traveling about", "moving from place to place", "especially to perform work"]
,
"Synonyms": ["migratory", "wayfaring", "vagrant", "nomadic", "ambulatory", "peripatetic (Level 9", "Word 47)"]
,
"Etymology": " Itinerant and itinerary come from the Late Latin verb itinerari, to travel, go on a journey. An itinerary is a route or course taken on a journey, especially a detailed plan or list of places to visit while traveling"
,
"Corresponding_nouns": ["Itinerant", "an itinerant person", "a wanderer", "wayfarer", "someone who travels from place to place"]
,
"Usage": " Itinerary and agenda are not synonymous. An agenda is a list of things to be done or dealt with, especially a list of items to be addressed in a meeting. An itinerary is a list of places to go, a detailed plan for a journey"
,
"NB": " This discussion distinguishes the words itinerant, nomadic, vagrant, and ambulatory all of which mean moving or traveling about"
},
{
"Index": " 5-32"
,
"Word": " CULL"
,
"Pronunciation": " KUHL, rhymes with gull"
,
"Definition": ["To pick out", "select from various sources", "gather", "collect"]
,
"Etymology": " Cull comes from the Latin colligere, to gather, the source also of collect and collection"
,
"NB": " This discussion distinguishes the verbs cull and glean"
},
{
"Index": " 5-33"
,
"Word": " PROMULGATE"
,
"Pronunciation": " pruh-MUHL-gayt or PRAHM-ul-gayt"
,
"Definition": ["To make known", "publish", "proclaim", "make public in an official manner"]
,
"Synonyms": ["announce", "advertise", "broadcast", "disseminate", "bruit (like brute). All these words suggest bringing something to the attention of the public", "making it widely known"]
,
"Corresponding_nouns": ["promulgation", "the act of making something public or widely known; promulgator", "a person who makes something widely known", "who proclaims or publicizes it"]
,
"Etymology": "  Promulgate comes from the Latin promulgare, to publish, proclaim. The word applies chiefly to making something known in a formal or official way"
},
{
"Index": " 5-34"
,
"Word": " GRATUITOUS"
,
"Pronunciation": " (gruh-TYOO-i-tus)"
,
"Definition": ["(1) Free; given without charge or obligation. (2) Without legitimate cause or reason; uncalledfor", "unjustified", "baseless", "unwarranted"]
,
"Etymology": " Gratuitous comes from the Latin gratuitus, meaning not paid for, unprovoked, or spontaneous. From the same source come gratis (rhymes with lattice), free, without charge, and gratuity, a gift or favor given in return for a service"
,
"Usage": " This discussion concludes with an admonition to avoid the redundant phrases \"free gift\" (all gifts are free) and \"toll-free 800 number\" (all 800 numbers are tollfree), and to drop the unnecessary for in the illogical phrase \"for free.\" (You get something either free or for nothing, not for free.)"
,
"Related_words": "  joculism (as defined by William Safire, language columnist for The New York Times), \"a word or phrase intended to be an amusing error that is taken up as accurate by the unwary.\""
},
{
"Index": " 5-35"
,
"Word": " NOMENCLATURE"
,
"Pronunciation": " NOH-men-KLAY-chur"
,
"Definition": ["A system of names", "especially a system of names used in a science", "art", "or branch of knowledge"]
,
"Etymology": " Nomenclature combines the Latin nomen, name, with calare, to call. From the same source comes nomenclator (NOH-men-KLAY-tur), originally (in ancient Rome) an attendant who informed candidates for office of the names of the persons they met; in modern usage, a person who assigns names in scientific classification"
},
{
"Index": " 5-36"
,
"Word": " DROLL"
,
"Pronunciation": " rhymes with coal and hole"
,
"Definition": ["Amusing", "humorous", "comical; especially", "funny or witty in an odd or outrageous way"]
,
"Synonyms": ["ridiculous", "ludicrous", "farcical", "waggish"]
,
"Antonyms": ["sober", "sedate", "staid (rhymes with fade)", "austere (Level 3", "Word 17)"]
,
"Corresponding_nouns": ["drollery"]
},
{
"Index": " 5-37"
,
"Word": " INSATIABLE"
,
"Pronunciation": " in-SAY-shuh-buul"
,
"Definition": ["Greedy", "hungry", "unable to be satisfied or appeased"]
,
"Synonyms": ["ravenous", "voracious", "unquenchable", "unappeasable"]
,
"Antonyms": ["satiable", "capable of being satisfied"]
,
"Etymology": " From the Latin satis, enough, sufficient, English has inherited the words insatiable, satiable, satisfy, and satiate, to satisfy completely or somewhat to excess;and satiety, a state of excessive gratification, satisfaction beyond what one normally desires"
},
{
"Index": " 5-38"
,
"Word": " BEGUILE"
,
"Pronunciation": " bi-GYL, rhymes with a smile"
,
"Definition": ["(1) To deceive", "delude", "or mislead"]
,
"Synonyms": ["dupe", "gull", "hoodwink", "swindle", "bamboozle", "ensnare", "cozen (pronounced like cousin)"]
,
"Definition": ["(2) To charm", "amuse", "or delight"]
,
"Synonyms": ["enchant", "enrapture", "enthrall", "ensorcel (en-SOR-sul)"]
,
"Etymology": " The prefix be- at the beginning of the verb to beguile is an intensifier meaning \"completely, thoroughly,\" as in besmirch, befuddle, and beware. The word guile (craftiness, deceit, treacherous cunning) comes through Old French probably from an Old English word meaning sorcery or divination"
},
{
"Index": " 5-39"
,
"Word": " VINDICTIVE"
,
"Pronunciation": " vin-DIK-tiv"
,
"Definition": ["Seeking or wanting revenge", "vengeful", "characterized by a desire to get even"]
,
"NB": " This discussion distinguishes the synonyms vengeful and vindictive"
,
"Related_words": " retribution, repayment in the form of punishment in return for a wrong"
},
{
"Index": " 5-40"
,
"Word": " REPLETE"
,
"Pronunciation": " ri-PLEET"
,
"Definition": ["Fully or richly supplied", "well-stocked", "chock-full", "filled to capacity"]
,
"Synonyms": ["stuffed", "crammed", "gorged", "abounding", "brimming", "teeming", "laden", "surfeited"]
,
"Etymology": " Replete comes from the Latin replere, to refill, fill again, from reagain, and plere, to fill. From the Latin plere and the adjective plenus, full, come the English words plenty, plentiful, plenitude, an abundance, ample amount, and plenary (PLEE-nuh-ree), full or complete in all respects"
,
"NB": " This discussion distinguishes the words replete and fraught"
,
"Usage": " Replete and complete are not synonymous or interchangeable. Complete means lacking nothing, having all necessary elements, ingredients, or parts: a complete set of encyclopedias. Replete means well-stocked, fully or richly supplied: a river replete with fish"
},
{
"Index": " 5-41"
,
"Word": " PRECLUDE"
,
"Pronunciation": " pri-KLOOD"
,
"Definition": ["To prevent", "make impossible", "exclude or shut off all possibility of something happening"]
,
"Synonyms": ["avert", "obviate", "forestall"]
,
"Antonyms": ["incite", "instigate", "engender"]
,
"Etymology": " Latin prae-, before, and claudere, to shut, close up"
},
{
"Index": " 5-42"
,
"Word": " CASTIGATE"
,
"Pronunciation": " KAS-ti-gayt"
,
"Definition": ["To punish or criticize severely"]
,
"Synonyms": ["chasten", "chastise", "rebuke", "reprimand", "reprove", "censure (Level 3", "Word 28)"]
,
"Antonyms": ["approve", "reward", "praise", "commend", "laud", "extol", "eulogize"]
,
"NB": " This discussion distinguishes the verbs to castigate, to chasten, and to chastise (the corresponding noun, chastisement, may be pronounced either CHAS-tiz-mint or chasTYZ-mint.)"
,
"Corresponding_nouns": ["castigation"]
},
{
"Index": " 5-43"
,
"Word": " COLLOQUIAL"
,
"Pronunciation": " kuh-LOH-kwee-ul"
,
"Definition": ["Conversational; pertaining to", "characteristic of", "or used in spoken language; hence", "informal", "casual", "natural"]
,
"Etymology": " Colloquial comes from the Latin loqui, to speak, converse-the source also of loquacious, extremely talkative, a synonym of garrulous (Level 4, Word 8); colloquy (KAHLuh-kwee), a conversation-specifically, a formal or intellectual discussion; and colloquium (kuh-LOHkwee-um), a conference or meeting for discussion"
,
"Corresponding_nouns": ["colloquialism", "a colloquial expression; a bit of vernacular language; a word or phrase used in common", "everyday", "informal speech"]
,
"Dictionary_usage_tip": "  When you see the abbreviation coll. or colloq. in a dictionary, it means colloquial, appropriate to or characteristic of informal speech"
,
"Colloquial_usage_tip": "  Avoid the expression \"I could care less\"; instead say \"I could not care less.\" If you can care less, that means you still have some caring left in you; if you cannot care less, then you do not care at all"
,
"NB": " This discussion concludes with an exploration of the nature of colloquial speech and colloquialisms"
},
{
"Index": " 5-44"
,
"Word": " OBFUSCATE"
,
"Pronunciation": " uhb-FUHS-kayt or AHB-fuh-skayt"
,
"Definition": ["To make obscure", "cloud over", "darken", "make unclear or indistinct"]
,
"Synonyms": ["confuse", "complicate", "muddle", "bewilder", "shroud", "eclipse", "adumbrate (adUHMbrayt or AD-uhm-brayt)"]
,
"Antonyms": ["expose", "unveil", "clarify", "elucidate"]
,
"Corresponding_nouns": ["obfuscation"]
,
"Etymology": " Latin obfuscare, to darken"
},
{
"Index": " 5-45"
,
"Word": " FACILE"
,
"Pronunciation": " (FAS'l, rhymes with castle)"
,
"Definition": ["Easy", "easily done; performed or achieved in an easy", "effortless way; working or acting in a smooth", "free", "and unrestrained manner"]
,
"Synonyms": ["quick", "ready", "fluent", "nimble", "dexterous", "expert", "adroit (Level 3", "Word 41)"]
,
"Antonyms": ["difficult", "awkward", "unwieldy", "laborious", "irksome", "obstinate (Level 1", "Word 34)", "onerous (Level 4", "Word 13)", "intractable (Level 5", "Word 12)", "refractory (ri-FRAKtuh-ree)"]
,
"Etymology": " facile, facility, and facilitate all come through the Latin facilis, easy to do, from facere, to make or do"
},
{
"Index": " 5-46"
,
"Word": " CONVIVIAL"
,
"Pronunciation": " kun-VIV-ee-ul"
,
"Definition": ["Sociable", "merry", "festive"]
,
"Synonyms": ["jovial (Level 5", "Word 19)", "genial", "companionable", "affable", "gregarious"]
,
"Antonyms": ["unsociable", "reserved", "solitary", "aloof"]
,
"Etymology": " Latin convivium, a feast, banquet, from con-, meaning \"together,\" and vivere, to live. By derivation convivial means gathering together to eat, drink, and be merry"
},
{
"Index": " 5-47"
,
"Word": " ESCHEW"
,
"Pronunciation": " es-CHOO"
,
"Definition": ["To avoid", "shun", "abstain from; keep away from something harmful", "wrong", "or distasteful"]
,
"Usage": " Eschew has nothing to do with chewing-for which the fancy synonym is mastication"
},
{
"Index": " 5-48"
,
"Word": " PRODIGIOUS"
,
"Pronunciation": " pruh-DIJ-us"
,
"Definition": ["Enormous", "huge", "tremendous", "immense; extraordinary in size", "extent", "force", "or degree"]
,
"Synonyms": ["mammoth", "monumental", "colossal", "gargantuan", "elephantine (EL-uh-FAN-tin", "EL-uh-FAN-teen", "or EL-uh-FAN-tyn", "in order of preference)", "herculean (hur-KYOOlee-in or HUR-kyoo-LEE-in)", "Brobdingnagian (BRAHB-ding-NAG-ee-in; antonym: Lilliputian). The last four synonyms listed are discussed in detail"]
,
"Etymology": " Latin prodigiosus, strange, wonderful, marvelous, from prodigium, an omen, portent, sign. From the same source comes prodigy, a person of marvelous talent or wonderful ahilitv"
},
{
"Index": " 5-49"
,
"Word": " IDIOSYNCRASY"
,
"Pronunciation": " ID-ee-oh-SIN-kruh-see"
,
"Definition": ["A peculiarity; distinctive characteristic of a person or group; an identifying trait or mannerism"]
,
"NB": " This lesson distinguished the synonyms idiosyncrasy, eccentricity, and quirk, which designate behavior that is peculiar or distinctive"
,
"Corresponding_adjectives": ["idiosyncratic", "peculiar", "distinctive", "odd"]
},
{
"Index": " 5-50"
,
"Word": " APPROBATION"
,
"Pronunciation": " AP-roh-BAY-shin"
,
"Definition": ["Approval", "acceptance; especially", "official approval or authorization"]
,
"Synonyms": ["commendation", "endorsement", "sanction", "ratification", "acclamation"]
,
"Antonyms": ["rejection", "opposition", "disapprobation", "renunciation", "repudiation", "disavowal", "abjuration"]
,
"Etymology": " Latin approbare, to approve"
},
{
"Index": " 6-1"
,
"Word": " LEGERDEMAIN"
,
"Pronunciation": " LEJ-ur-duh-MAYN"
,
"Definition": ["Sleight of hand; a cleverly executed trick or deception"]
,
"Synonyms": ["magic", "prestidigitation", "thaumaturgy"]
,
"Etymology": "  Legerdemain comes from a Middle French phrase \"light of hand.\" Today the word may refer specifically to adroitness with the hands, as in performing magic tricks; to any display of clever skill and adroitness; or a cleverly executed trick or deception. Spelling_tip: There is no e at the end of legerdemain"
},
{
"Index": " 6-2"
,
"Word": " PUERILE"
,
"Pronunciation": " PYOOR-ul or PYOO-ur-ul"
,
"Definition": ["Childish", "immature; hence", "foolish", "silly. Etymology: Latin puerilis", "youthful", "from puer", "a child"]
,
"Synonyms": ["(\"childish or immature\") infantile", "juvenile; (\"foolish or silly\") inane;frivolous", "asinine", "fatuous", "sophomoric", "callow (Level 4", "Word 30)"]
,
"Corresponding_nouns": ["puerilism", "a psychiatric term for the abnormal appearance of childish behavior in an adult; puerility", "childishness", "immaturity", "or in civil law", "the status of a child between infancy and puberty"]
},
{
"Index": " 6-3"
,
"Word": " COMPLICITY"
,
"Pronunciation": " kuhm-PLIS-i-tee"
,
"Definition": ["Conspiracy", "partnership in wrongdoing", "criminal participation", "direct association in guilt", "the state of being an accomplice"]
,
"NB": " This discussion distinguishes the words conspiracy, confederacy, collusion, and complicity, all of which refer to partnership or participation in disreputable or illegal activities. It also explores a usage problem concerning the words connivance, feigning ignorance of wrong doing, and connive, to feign ignorance of wrong doing"
,
"Etymology": " Latin complicare, to fold up or fold together, the source also of the words complicate and accomplice"
},
{
"Index": " 6-4"
,
"Word": " TRANSMUTE"
,
"Pronunciation": " tranz-MYOOT"
,
"Definition": ["To transform; specifically", "to change from one nature", "form", "or substance into another", "especially to a higher", "better", "or more refined one. Etymology: Prefix trans-", "\"across\" or \"beyond", "\" and Latin mutare", "to change. Literally", "transmute means \"to change across the board\" or \"to change something beyond what it is.\""]
},
{
"Index": " 6-5"
,
"Word": " ABSTRUSE"
,
"Pronunciation": " ab-STROOS"
,
"Definition": ["Difficult to understand", "hard to grasp mentally", "deep", "profound", "incomprehensible", "unfathomable"]
,
"Synonyms": ["inscrutable (Level 3", "Word 48)", "esoteric (Level 5", "Word 29)", "occult", "cryptic", "enigmatic", "arcane", "recondite", "acroamatic"]
,
"Antonyms": ["manifest", "discernible (Level 3", "Word 32)", "lucid (Level 3", "Word 45)", "perspicuous"]
},
{
"Index": " 6-6"
,
"Word": " EDIFY"
,
"Pronunciation": " ED-i-fy"
,
"Definition": ["To instruct", "improve", "teach", "enlighten; especially", "to instruct or improve intellectually", "morally", "or spiritually"]
,
"Corresponding_nouns": ["edification", "enlightenment; intellectual", "moral", "or spiritual improvement"]
,
"Usage": " Except when used humorously, the phrase \"for your edification\" should probably be avoided; it has become cliché and often has a condescending overtone"
},
{
"Index": " 6-7"
,
"Word": " SUPERCILIOUS"
,
"Pronunciation": " SOO-pur-SIL-ee-us"
,
"Definition": ["Haughty", "proud", "scornful", "contemptuous", "disdainful"]
,
"Etymology": " Latin super-, over, above, and cilium, eyebrow; by derivation it means with raised eyebrows"
},
{
"Index": " 6-8"
,
"Word": " DISSEMBLE"
,
"Pronunciation": " di-SEM-buul"
,
"Definition": ["To disguise; conceal under a false appearance; speak or behave hypocritically; cover up the facts or one's true feelings or motives; mask under a pretense or deceptive manner"]
,
"Synonyms": ["feign", "affect", "simulate", "camouflage", "equivocate", "prevaricate"]
},
{
"Index": " 6-9"
,
"Word": " VACUOUS"
,
"Pronunciation": " VAK-yoo-us"
,
"Definition": ["Empty", "vacant; devoid of substance", "interest", "intelligence", "expression", "or meaning"]
,
"Synonyms": ["blank", "unintelligent", "shallow", "stupid", "senseless", "inane", "fatuous"]
,
"Corresponding_nouns": ["vacuity", "emptiness", "an absence of matter or intellectual content"]
,
"Etymology": " Latin vacuus, empty"
,
"Usage": " Vacuous is not used where the words empty or vacant would be appropriate: an empty box or a vacant apartment cannot be described as vacuous. Vacuous usually applies to a figurative lack of content, meaning, or interest: vacuous eyes, a vacuous discussion, a vacuous mind, a vacuous remark, a vacuous proposal"
},
{
"Index": " 6-10"
,
"Word": " CAPACIOUS"
,
"Pronunciation": " kuh-PAY-shus"
,
"Definition": ["Roomy", "spacious", "ample", "able to contain or hold a great deal"]
,
"Synonyms": ["When used literally", "capacious is a synonym of spacious and roomy: a capacious house; their capacious office. When used figuratively", "capacious is a synonym of broad and comprehensive: a capacious intellect; a capacious view; a capacious treatment of a subject"]
},
{
"Index": " 6-11"
,
"Word": " MNEMONIC"
,
"Pronunciation": " ne-MAHN-ik"
,
"Definition": ["Helping or pertaining to the memory", "assisting or improving the ability to recall"]
,
"Etymology": " Mnemonic comes from a Greek verb to remember, and by derivation means \"mindful.\" In Greek mythology, Mnemosyne was the goddess of memory and the mother of the nine Muses who preside over literature, the arts, and the sciences. A mnemonic device is a memory-aid, something that helps one to remember. Mnemonics refers to any technique or system for improving the memory"
},
{
"Index": " 6-12"
,
"Word": " SONOROUS"
,
"Pronunciation": " suh-NOR-us or SAHN-uh-rus"
,
"Definition": ["Resonant; deep", "full", "and rich in sound; having", "or capable of producing", "a powerful", "impressive sound"]
},
{
"Index": " 6-13"
,
"Word": " ADMONISH"
,
"Pronunciation": " ad-MANN-ish"
,
"Definition": ["To warn or notify of a fault or error", "especially in conduct or attitude; to criticize or reprove gently but earnestly"]
,
"Synonyms": ["advise", "counsel", "caution", "apprise", "exhort", "expostulate"]
,
"Corresponding_nouns": ["admonishment", "a gentle warning or mild criticism"]
,
"Etymology": " Latin admonere, to warn, remind"
},
{
"Index": " 6-14"
,
"Word": " PARADIGM"
,
"Pronunciation": " PAR-uh-dim or PAR-uh-dym"
,
"Definition": ["An example", "model", "or pattern"]
,
"Corresponding_adjectives": ["paradigmatic", "exemplary", "typical", "serving as a model or pattern"]
},
{
"Index": " 6-15"
,
"Word": " CIRCUITOUS"
,
"Pronunciation": " sur-KYOO-i-tus"
,
"Definition": ["Roundabout", "indirect", "not straightforward", "following a roundabout and often extended course"]
,
"Synonyms": ["devious", "meandering", "sinuous", "tortuous", "serpentine", "labyrinthine (like a labyrinth or maze)"]
,
"Etymology": " The adjective circuitous is formed by adding the suffix -ous to the noun circuit, a line or route that goes around and returns to where it started"
},
{
"Index": " 6-16"
,
"Word": " VINDICATE"
,
"Pronunciation": " VIN-di-kayt"
,
"Definition": ["To clear from blame", "free from suspicion of wrongdoing or dishonor; uphold or maintain the truth or innocence of something or someone in the face of criticism or imputations of guilt"]
,
"Corresponding_nouns": ["vindication"]
,
"NB": " This discussion distinguishes the verbs vindicate, exonerate, and acquit, which mean to free from blame"
},
{
"Index": " 6-17"
,
"Word": " BUCOLIC"
,
"Pronunciation": " byoo-KAHL-ik"
,
"Definition": ["Rural", "rustic", "of or pertaining to country life"]
,
"Synonyms": ["pastoral", "provincial", "agrarian", "idyllic", "Arcadian"]
,
"Antonyms": ["urban", "municipal", "civic", "metropolitan", "cosmopolitan"]
,
"Etymology": " Latin and Greek words meaning a herdsman, shepherd, ultimately from the Greek bous, an ox"
},
{
"Index": " 6-18"
,
"Word": " OSTRACIZE"
,
"Pronunciation": " AHS-truh-syz"
,
"Definition": ["To banish", "send into exile", "expel from a place; to bar", "exclude", "or reject from a group or from acceptance by society"]
,
"Corresponding_nouns": ["ostracism", "banishment"]
,
"Etymology": " Greek ostrakon, a potsherd, piece of broken pottery.Ostracism and petalism were forms of banishment employed by the ancient Greeks. Ostracism was practiced by the ancient Athenians; citizens would vote by writing the name of the person to be expelled on a potsherd or earthenware tablet, and banishment was for ten years. Petalism was practiced in ancient Syracuse; citizens would write the name of the person to be banished on an olive leaf, and the length of exile was five years"
},
{
"Index": " 6-19"
,
"Word": " PLETHORA"
,
"Pronunciation": " PLETH-uh-ruh"
,
"Definition": ["An excess", "surplus", "overabundance", "oversupply"]
,
"Synonyms": ["superabundance", "profusion", "superfluity", "surfeit (Level 8", "Word 49)"]
,
"Antonyms": ["scarcity", "insufficiency", "dearth (Level 3", "Word 12)", "paucity (Level 10", "Word 2)"]
,
"Etymology": " Greek plethein, to be full"
,
"Corresponding_adjectives": ["plethoric"]
,
"Pronunciation_tip": " Plethora is sometimes mispronounced ple-THOR-uh. Dictionaries do not recognize ple-THOR-uh. Be sure to stress the first syllable: PLETH-uh-ruh"
},
{
"Index": " 6-20"
,
"Word": " PROCLIVITY"
,
"Pronunciation": " pro-KLIV-i-tee"
,
"Definition": ["An inclination", "liking", "leaning; a strong natural bent or tendency", "often toward something disagreeable", "objectionable", "or wicked"]
,
"Synonyms": ["partiality", "penchant (Level 3", "Word 9)", "predisposition", "predilection (Level 8", "Word 42)", "propensity"]
},
{
"Index": " 6-21"
,
"Word": " COMMENSURATE"
,
"Pronunciation": " kuh-MEN-shur-it"
,
"Definition": ["Proportionate", "corresponding in amount", "measure", "or degree; also", "equal", "of the same size or extent"]
},
{
"Index": " 6-22"
,
"Word": " INCESSANT"
,
"Pronunciation": " in-SES-int"
,
"Definition": ["Constant", "uninterrupted", "continuous", "unceasing"]
,
"Etymology": " Incessant combines the privative prefix in-, not, and the Latin cessare, to stop, cease"
,
"Synonyms": ["interminable", "relentless", "unremitting", "continuous"]
,
"Antonyms": ["occasional", "irregular", "intermittent", "incidental", "sporadic", "fitful", "erratic"]
,
"NB": " This discussion distinguishes the words continuous and continual, which are often confused and misused. Continual means happening again and again at short intervals: continual reminders, continual attempts, continual laughter, the continual ringing of the telephone. Continuous means uninterrupted or unbroken: continuous noise, continuous rain, a continuous effort, the continuous rotation of the earth. This discussion also distinguishes continuous and incessant, which are close synonyms"
},
{
"Index": " 6-23"
,
"Word": " SYCOPHANT"
,
"Pronunciation": " SIK-uh-fint"
,
"Definition": ["A flatterer", "parasite", "toady", "fawning follower", "hanger-on"]
,
"NB": " This discussion explores the curious (and still uncertain) history of the word toady and sycophant"
,
"Corresponding_adjectives": ["sycophantic (SIK-uh-FAN-tik)"]
},
{
"Index": " 6-24"
,
"Word": " TANGENTIAL"
,
"Pronunciation": " tan-JEN-shul"
,
"Definition": ["Not closely related", "only slightly connected", "digressive", "divergent"]
,
"Related_words": " tangent, (geometry) a line that touches a curve but does not intersect it; the phrase to go off on a tangent means to make an abrupt change of course (usually in speech), diverge, digress"
},
{
"Index": " 6-25"
,
"Word": " TENABLE"
,
"Pronunciation": " TEN-uh-buul"
,
"Definition": ["Defensible", "reasonable; able to be defended", "maintained", "or upheld (as", "a tenable law", "a tenable reason)"]
,
"Etymology": " Latin tenere, to hold, grasp"
,
"Related_words": " tenaculum, a pointed, hooked instrument used in surgery for lifting and holding parts, such as blood vessels; tenacious, holding firmly (a tenacious grip, a tenacious memory)"
,
"Antonyms": ["untenable", "indefensible"]
},
{
"Index": " 6-26"
,
"Word": " IMPALPABLE"
,
"Pronunciation": " im-PAL-puh-buul"
,
"Definition": ["Incapable of being felt or understood", "not able to be perceived either by the sense of touch or by the mind"]
,
"Synonyms": ["untouchable", "imperceptible", "intangible"]
,
"Antonyms": ["palpable", "perceptible", "manifest", "tangible"]
,
"Etymology": " Palpable and impalpable come from the Latin palpare, to touch or stroke gently"
,
"Related_words": " palpate, (medicine) to examine or explore by touch; palpation, the act of examining by touch"
},
{
"Index": " 6-27"
,
"Word": " ODIOUS"
,
"Pronunciation": " OH-dee-us"
,
"Definition": ["Hateful", "detestable", "offensive", "revolting", "arousing strong dislike or aversion"]
,
"Synonyms": ["disgusting", "obnoxious", "objectionable", "disagreeable", "contemptible", "repellent", "repugnant", "loathsome", "abominable", "abhorrent", "heinous", "opprobrious", "flagitious", "execrable"]
,
"Etymology": " Latin odiosus, hateful, from odium, hatred, the direct source of the English noun odium, hatred (usually hatred experienced or incurred rather than felt)"
,
"Corresponding_nouns": ["odiousness", "the state or quality of being odious"]
,
"Usage": " Be careful to distinguish the words odious and odorous both in spelling and usage. Odorous means emitting an odor, having a distinct aroma or smell. Odious means hateful, detestable, revolting. Odorous armpits or odorous garbage may be odious, but there is nothing odious about odorous flowers"
},
{
"Index": " 6-28"
,
"Word": " UBIQUITOUS"
,
"Pronunciation": " yoo-BIK-wuh-tus"
,
"Definition": ["Existing or seeming to exist everywhere at the same time"]
,
"Antonyms": ["nonexistent"]
,
"Synonyms": ["ever-present", "universal", "pervading", "omnipresent"]
,
"Corresponding_nouns": ["ubiquity", "the state of being or seeming to be everywhere at once", "omnipresence"]
,
"Etymology": " Latin ubique, everywhere"
,
"Usage": " Because few things other than the air we breathe can accurately be described as ubiquitous, existing everywhere at the same time, ubiquitous is often used to mean seeming to exist everywhere at once, extremely widespread. Ubiquitous is also often used to achieve an exaggerated effect"
},
{
"Index": " 6-29"
,
"Word": " RUMINATE"
,
"Pronunciation": " ROO-mi-nayt"
,
"Definition": ["To turn over in the mind", "think about again and again", "consider carefully or at length"]
,
"Synonyms": ["ponder", "contemplate", "meditate", "deliberate", "muse", "cogitate", "mull"]
,
"Etymology": " Latin ruminare, to chew the cud; by derivation, ruminate means to chew the cud mentally, regurgitate a thought and turn it over and over in the mind"
,
"Related_words": " ruminant, (zoology) an animal that chews its cud; (adjective) chewing the cud; rumen, the first chamber of the multi-chambered stomachs of ruminant animals"
,
"Additional_useful_words": ["mastication", "the act of chewing"]
,
"Usage": " Just as we often say that we chew on something, we often say that we ruminate on something"
},
{
"Index": " 6-30"
,
"Word": " REMUNERATION"
,
"Pronunciation": " ri-MYOO-nuh-RAY-shin"
,
"Definition": ["Payment", "compensation", "or reward"]
,
"Synonyms": ["reimbursement", "recompense", "consideration", "indemnification", "emolument (Level 8", "Word 3)"]
,
"Corresponding_verbs": ["remunerate", "to pay or compensate for services rendered", "trouble taken", "or goods provided"]
},
{
"Index": " 6-31"
,
"Word": " PECCADILLO"
,
"Pronunciation": " PEK-uh-DIL-oh"
,
"Definition": ["A small sin", "slight offense", "minor fault or flaw"]
,
"Etymology": " Peccadillo means literally \"a small sin.\" It comes through Spanish and Italian ultimately from the Latin peccare, to make a mistake, blunder, sin"
,
"Related_words": " peccant, guilty, sinful, culpable; peccable, liable to sin or do wrong; and impeccable (Level 4, Word 40), incapable of sin, unable to do wrong-hence, free from all faults or imperfections"
,
"Synonyms": ["failing", "frailty", "foible (Level 3", "Word 23)"]
,
"Spelling_tip": "  The plural may be spelled either peccadilloes or peccadillos"
},
{
"Index": " 6-32"
,
"Word": " SUPINE"
,
"Pronunciation": " soo-PYN"
,
"Definition": ["Lying down on the back", "with the face turned upward"]
,
"Etymology": " Latin supinus, lying on the back with the face up"
,
"NB": " This discussion distinguishes the words supine, prone, prostrate, recumbent, which denote lying down in various ways"
,
"Usage": " Be careful not to confuse the adjective prostrate with the noun prostate. Prostrate means lying flat, stretched out, either on the back (supine) or the belly (prone). Prostate denotes the gland in men that contributes to the production of semen and helps control urination"
},
{
"Index": " 6-33"
,
"Word": " BANAL"
,
"Pronunciation": " BAY-nul or buh-NAL"
,
"Definition": ["Common", "ordinary", "unoriginal; flat", "dull", "and predictable; lacking freshness or zest"]
,
"Synonyms": ["trite", "commonplace", "conventional", "humdrum", "hackneyed", "shopworn", "stereotyped", "insipid", "vapid", "bromidic"]
,
"Antonyms": ["creative", "imaginative", "unconventional", "unorthodox", "ingenious", "innovative", "novel", "pithy"]
,
"Corresponding_nouns": ["banality", "the quality or state of being common", "ordinary", "and unoriginal"]
,
"Pronunciation_tip": " Most educated speakers pronounce banal either BAY-nul (rhyming with anal) or buh-NAL (rhyming with canal). The variant buh-NAHL is less frequently heard; it is more common among British speakers. The variant BAN-al, preferred by several early 20th-century authorities, is nearly obsolete"
},
{
"Index": " 6-34"
,
"Word": " HETERODOX"
,
"Pronunciation": " HET-ur-uh-dahks"
,
"Definition": ["Having or expressing an opinion different from the accepted opinion; not in agreement with established doctrine or belief"]
,
"Corresponding_nouns": ["heterodoxy", "an opinion or belief contrary to what is accepted and established"]
,
"Antonyms": ["orthodox", "agreeing with established opinion", "adhering to accepted beliefs"]
,
"Etymology": " The prefix hetero- means other, different, unlike; the -dox in heterodox comes from the Greek doxa, an opinion, which in turn comes from the verb dokein, to think"
,
"Related_words": " doxy, an opinion or doctrine, especially a religious opinion; doxastic, pertaining to opinion or to the formation of an opinion doxology, (Christian worship) an expression of praise to God, usually in the form of a brief hymn or chant"
,
"Additional_useful_information": "  The prefix ortho- means right, upright, proper, or correct. It appears in orthodontics, the dental specialty c correcting irregularities of the teeth; orthoscopic, having normal or correct vision; orthography, correct spelling; and orthoepy, the study of the proper pronunciation of words (pronounced OR-thoh-ep-ee or or-THOH-uh-pee)"
,
"NB": " This discussion concludes by distinguishing heterodox and heretical"
},
{
"Index": " 6-35"
,
"Word": " GRANDILOQUENT"
,
"Pronunciation": " gran-DIL-uh-kwint"
,
"Definition": ["Characterized by lofty", "high-flown language; full of grand or high-sounding words"]
,
"Synonyms": ["bombastic", "grandiose", "florid", "turgid"]
,
"Antonyms": ["plain-spoken", "forthright", "unaffected", "candid"]
,
"Etymology": " Grandiloquent combines the word grand with the suffix -iloquent, which comes from the Latin loqui, to speak. By derivation, grandiloquent means speaking in a grand manner. The Latin loqui is also the source of loquacious, talkative, and colloquial (Level 5, Word 43), pertaining to informal speech or conversation"
,
"Additional_grandiloquent_words": "  English has more than twenty words that incorporate the suffix -iloquent and designate different ways of speaking. This discussion covers the following selection: magniloquent, speaking pompously, using grand or high-flown language (magniloquent and grandiloquent are virtually interchangeable); multiloquent, using many words, talking up a storm; breviloquent, speaking briefly; suaviloquent, speaking in an urbane, sophisticated manner; doctiloquent, speaking like a scholar or an expert on some subject; sanctiloquent, speaking solemnly or of sacred matters; somniloquent, talking in one's sleep"
},
{
"Index": " 6-36"
,
"Word": " LUGUBRIOUS"
,
"Pronunciation": " luh-GOO-bree-us"
,
"Definition": ["Mournful and gloomy; expressing sadness or sorrow", "often in an exaggerated", "affected", "or ridiculous way"]
,
"Synonyms": ["dismal", "melancholy", "dreary", "funereal", "doleful", "dolorous", "disconsolate", "plaintive", "woeful", "lachrymose", "saturnine"]
,
"Antonyms": ["cheerful", "jubilant", "joyous", "gleeful", "mirthful", "jovial (Level 5", "Word 19)", "sanguine"]
,
"Etymology": " Latin lugere, to mourn or lament"
,
"Corresponding_nouns": ["lugubriousness"]
,
"Corresponding_adverb": "  lugubriously"
},
{
"Index": " 6-37"
,
"Word": " INFINITESIMAL"
,
"Pronunciation": " IN-fin-i-TES-i-mul"
,
"Definition": ["Too small to be measured or calculated"]
,
"Synonyms": ["tiny", "minute", "microscopic", "minuscule"]
,
"NB": " This discussion explores in detail the pronunciation, spelling, and history of the word minuscule. The traditional pronunciation is mi-NUHS-kyool; now also acceptable is MIN-i-skyool. Take care not to misspell minuscule as minuscule (an erroneous reflection of the pronunciation MIN-i-skyool). There is no mini- in minuscule"
,
"Usage": " In precise usage, infinitesimal is not interchangeable with tiny, minute, and minuscule, which mean very small, and microscopic, which means too small to be seen without a microscope. Properly, infinitesimal means too small to be measured or calculated. Loose usage: Scientists detected an infinitesimal amount of mercury and lead in the city's tap water. Precise usage: In a test of the city's tap water, scientists determined that if mercury and lead were present, the amounts were infinitesimal"
},
{
"Index": " 6-38"
,
"Word": " GOAD"
,
"Pronunciation": " GOHD, rhymes with road"
,
"Definition": ["To prod or urge to action", "stimulate", "arouse", "stir up"]
,
"Synonyms": ["egg on", "spur", "incite", "impel", "instigate"]
,
"Antonyms": ["soothe", "pacify", "appease", "assuage (Level 2", "Word 37)", "mollify"]
,
"Corresponding_nouns": ["goad", "a pointed stick used to prod animals and get them to move; figuratively", "a stimulus", "spur", "incitement", "anything that urges or drives something on"]
},
{
"Index": " 6-39"
,
"Word": " MALINGER"
,
"Pronunciation": " muh-LING-gur"
,
"Definition": ["To pretend to be sick or incapacitated so as to avoid work or duty; to shirk or dodge responsibility by feigning illness or inability"]
,
"Usage": " Don't be misled by the presence of the word linger in malinger, which does not mean to linger, loiter, or hang around in a shiftless or threatening way"
,
"Related_words": " malady, an illness or affliction. Corresponding_noun: malingerer, a person who malingers"
},
{
"Index": " 6-40"
,
"Word": " AVER"
,
"Pronunciation": " uh-VUR"
,
"Definition": ["To state positively", "declare with confidence"]
,
"Synonyms": ["assert", "affirm", "avow", "profess", "contend", "asseverate"]
,
"NB": " This discussion distinguishes the verbs to state, declare, assert, asseverate, affirm, and aver"
},
{
"Index": " 6-41"
,
"Word": " CACOPHONY"
,
"Pronunciation": " kuh-KAHF-uh-nee"
,
"Definition": ["A harsh", "jarring sound", "especially a harsh and unpleasant blend of sounds"]
,
"Synonyms": ["dissonance", "discord", "disharmony", "stridency"]
,
"Antonyms": ["silence", "tranquility", "serenity", "placidity", "quiescence"]
,
"Corresponding_adjectives": ["cacophonous", "having a harsh", "unpleasant", "jarring sound. Synonyms of cacophonous include dissonant", "discordant", "raucous", "and strident Etymology: Greek kakos", "bad", "and phone", "sound"]
,
"Additional_useful_information": "  The Greek phone, sound, occurs in a number of English words, including phonetic, pertaining to or representing the sounds of speech; symphony, which means literally \"sounding together\"; and telephone, which by derivation means \"a voice from afar.\" The Greek kakos, bad, is the source of the English prefix caco-, which appears in front of a number of English words to mean \"bad\" or \"wrong.\" Examples: cacography, bad writing; cacology, bad speaking or a bad choice of words; cacoepy, bad pronunciation (as opposed to orthoepy, good pronunciation); caconym, a bad or erroneous name; cacodoxy, a bad or unacceptable opinion (cacodoxy is a synonym of heterodoxy); cacoeconomy, bad economy or bad management; and cacoëthes (KAK-oh-EE-theez), a bad habit, incurable itch, or an insatiable urge or desire"
},
{
"Index": " 6-42"
,
"Word": " REFRACTORY"
,
"Pronunciation": " ri-FRAK-tur-ee"
,
"Definition": ["Stubborn and disobedient", "actively resisting authority or control", "unruly", "impossible to work with or manage"]
,
"Synonyms": ["willful", "headstrong", "ungovernable", "rebellious", "obstinate (Level 1", "Word 34)", "intractable (Level 5", "Word 12)", "perverse", "recalcitrant", "intransigent", "contumacious"]
,
"Antonyms": ["obedient", "submissive", "compliant", "deferential", "malleable (Level 2", "Word 29)", "docile", "tractable", "acquiescent", "obsequious"]
,
"NB": " This discussion distinguishes the words refractory, intractable, contumacious, intransigent, and recalcitrant, all of which suggest stubborn resistance to control"
},
{
"Index": " 6-43"
,
"Word": " ICONOCLAST"
,
"Pronunciation": " eye-KAHN-uh-klast"
,
"Definition": ["A person who attacks cherished or popular beliefs", "traditions", "or institutions; someone who destroys or denounces an established idea or practice"]
,
"Etymology": " Greek eikonoklastes, an imagebreaker, a person who smashes icons or images"
,
"Synonyms": ["radical", "extremist", "insurgent", "firebrand"]
,
"Corresponding_adjectives": ["iconoclastic", "attacking or opposing established or popular beliefs", "customs", "or institutions"]
},
{
"Index": " 6-44"
,
"Word": " ENERVATE"
,
"Pronunciation": " EN-ur-vayt"
,
"Definition": ["To weaken", "drain of energy", "deprive of force or vigor"]
,
"Synonyms": ["exhaust", "deplete", "devitalize", "debilitate"]
,
"Antonyms": ["energize", "invigorate", "stimulate", "revive", "enliven", "animate", "vitalize", "fortify"]
,
"NB": " Because enervate sounds like energize, many people are tempted to think the words are synonymous when in fact they are antonyms. Take care to distinguish these words: to energize is to infuse with energy, invigorate; to enervate is to weaken, drain of energy"
,
"Corresponding_adjectives": ["enervated", "lacking energy", "drained of vitality or strength"]
},
{
"Index": " 6-45"
,
"Word": " LEVITY"
,
"Pronunciation": " LEV-i-tee"
,
"Definition": ["Lightness or gaiety of manner or expression; specifically", "a lightness or lack of seriousness that is inappropriate or unbecoming"]
,
"Etymology": " Latin levitas, lightness, from levis, light, the source also of levitate and levitation"
,
"Synonyms": ["silliness", "foolishness", "frivolity", "flippancy", "tomfoolery", "triviality", "jocularity"]
,
"Antonyms": ["seriousness", "earnestness", "sobriety", "solemnity", "gravity"]
},
{
"Index": " 6-46"
,
"Word": " EQUANIMITY"
,
"Pronunciation": " EE-kwuh-NIM-i-tee"
,
"Definition": ["Composure", "calmness", "evenness of mind and temper"]
,
"Etymology": " French, through the Latin aequanimitas, calmness, ultimately from aequus, even or level, and animus, mind or spirit"
,
"Synonyms": ["poise", "self-possession", "serenity", "tranquility", "placidity", "imperturbability", "sangfroid (saw(n)-FWAH)"]
,
"NB": " This discussion distinguishes the words equanimity and composure"
},
{
"Index": " 6-47"
,
"Word": " STRICTURE"
,
"Pronunciation": " STRIK-chur"
,
"Definition": ["A criticism", "critical comment", "especially an unfavorable or hostile observation or remark"]
,
"Etymology": " Latin strictus, past participle of the verb stringere, to draw tight, bind, the source also of the English words strict and stringent, which means tight, constricted, or rigorous and severe"
,
"Synonyms": ["reproof", "censure", "condemnation", "disapprobation", "castigation", "objurgation", "animadversion"]
,
"Antonyms": ["praise", "compliment", "commendation", "acclamation", "plaudit"]
,
"Additional_useful_information": "  Plaudit, applause, and applaud all come from the Latin plaudere, to clap the hands, express approval. A plaudit is an enthusiastic expression of approval or praise"
,
"Usage": " Stricture is a noun, not a verb. You cannot stricture something, but if you have an unfavorable opinion of a person or a thing, you can express your strictures, sharp criticisms or hostile remarks"
},
{
"Index": " 6-48"
,
"Word": " OPULENT"
,
"Pronunciation": " AHP-yuh-lint"
,
"Definition": ["Rich", "wealthy", "very well-to-do", "having substantial means"]
,
"Etymology": " Latin opulentus, rich, wealthy, and opis, power, might, ultimately from Ops, the ancient Roman goddess of the harvest and the wife of Saturn, the god of agriculture who presided over the sowing of the fields"
,
"Antonyms": ["indigent", "destitute", "impecunious. These words are distinguished in the discussion of indigent (Level 3", "Word 39)"]
,
"NB": " This discussion distinguishes the adjectives opulent, affluent, and prosperous, which connote wealth and success"
,
"Corresponding_nouns": ["opulence", "great wealth or a display of great wealth"]
},
{
"Index": " 6-49"
,
"Word": " DISPARAGE"
,
"Pronunciation": " di-SPAR-ij"
,
"Definition": ["To belittle", "depreciate", "discredit", "lower in estimation or value", "speak of or treat as inferior"]
,
"Synonyms": ["abuse", "ridicule", "scorn", "slander", "defame", "censure (Level 3", "Word 28)", "denigrate", "malign", "vilify", "traduce", "calumniate"]
,
"Etymology": " Disparage comes from an Old French verb that meant to marry unequally, marry a person who was not a peer or on a par with your rank in society. Disparage is related to the noun peer, an equal, a person of equal status. Peer comes from the Latin par, equal, the source of the English par, which is perhaps most often heard in the phrase \"on a par with,\" on an equal footing"
,
"Corresponding_adjectives": ["disparaging"]
,
"Corresponding_nouns": ["disparagement"]
},
{
"Index": " 6-50"
,
"Word": " DISCURSIVE"
,
"Pronunciation": " dis-KUR-siv"
,
"Definition": ["Rambling", "roving", "covering a wide range of topics", "wandering from one subject to another"]
,
"NB": " Don't be confused by the presence of the word cursive in discursive. Discursive has nothing to do either with cursing or with cursive script, in which the letters are joined or flow together"
,
"Etymology": "  Latin discursus, running about, the past participle of the verb discurrere, to run to and fro or in different directions. In modern usage, discursive applies to speech or writing that runs to and fro or in many different directions"
,
"Synonyms": ["desultory (DES-ul-tor-ee)", "digressive. This discussion distinguishes these synonyms from the key word", "discursive"]
},
{
"Index": " 7-1"
,
"Word": " REDRESS"
,
"Pronunciation": " REE-dres or ri-DRES"
,
"Definition": ["Reparation", "compensation", "satisfaction for a wrong done"]
,
"Synonyms": ["amends", "recompense", "retribution", "rectification", "requital", "quittance"]
,
"Usage": " Redress may take the form of a monetary compensation or it may be an act or statement that makes amends, that repairs or compensates for a wrong"
,
"Corresponding_verbs": ["redress (ri-DRES)", "to repair", "set right", "make amends for"]
},
{
"Index": " 7-2"
,
"Word": " ANOMALOUS"
,
"Pronunciation": " uh-NAHM-uh-lus"
,
"Definition": ["Irregular", "abnormal", "out of place; deviating from what is usual or expected; not fitting in with a common type or conforming to a general rule"]
,
"Synonyms": ["inconsistent", "unnatural", "eccentric", "aberrant (uh-BER-int)"]
,
"Corresponding_nouns": ["anomaly", "a deviation from the norm", "an irregularity"]
},
{
"Index": " 7-3"
,
"Word": " OBSEQUIOUS"
,
"Pronunciation": " uhb-SEE-kwee-us"
,
"Definition": ["Subservient", "submissive", "obedient; ready and willing to serve", "please", "or obey"]
,
"Corresponding_nouns": ["obsequiousness", "subservience", "obedience", "an eager desire to serve or obey"]
,
"Synonyms": ["compliant", "servile", "slavish", "ingratiating (Level 3", "Word 13)", "deferential", "fawning", "toadying", "truckling", "sycophantic"]
,
"Antonyms": ["unruly", "defiant", "intractable (Level 5", "Word 12)", "refractory (Level 6", "Word 42)", "recalcitrant", "intransigent"]
},
{
"Index": " 7-4"
,
"Word": " DIDACTIC"
,
"Pronunciation": " dy-DAK-tik"
,
"Definition": ["Instructive", "designed or intended to teach"]
,
"Synonyms": ["edifying", "preceptive", "expository", "hortatory", "pedagogic"]
,
"NB": " Pedagogic is the adjective corresponding to the noun pedagogue. A pedagogue is a teacher, but today the word is sometimes used disparagingly to mean a teacher who is strict, narrowminded, or dogmatic"
,
"Etymology": " Greek didaktikos, skillful or adept at teaching"
,
"Useful_information": " Didactic often connotes morally instructive or edifying: A great work of fiction may be as didactic as it is entertaining. Sometimes didactic has the negative connotation of inclined to lecture others in a tedious or excessively moralistic way: \"His didactic manner of telling everyone how the organization should be run.\""
,
"Corresponding_nouns": ["didactics", "the art or science of teaching"]
,
"NB": " The word pedagogy may also refer to the art or science of teaching, but more often it means the teaching profession"
},
{
"Index": " 7-5"
,
"Word": " TRUNCATE"
,
"Pronunciation": " TRUNGK-ayt, like trunk + ate"
,
"Definition": ["To cut short", "shorten by cutting or lopping off"]
,
"Synonyms": ["condense", "abridge", "abbreviate", "curtail"]
,
"Antonyms": ["lengthen", "extend", "elongate", "prolong", "protract (Level 3", "Word 25)"]
,
"Etymology": " Latin truncare, to maim, mutilate, shorten by cutting off. Truncare comes in turn from truncus, (adjective) maimed, mutilated, cut short or lopped off; (noun) a tree that has been cut down"
,
"Usage": " Truncate usually suggests a more severe or substantial cutting or shortening than its synonyms condense, abridge, abbreviate, and curtail, which comes closest to the severity of truncate. Truncate may refer to a cutting short in number, length, or duration"
,
"Corresponding_adjectives": ["truncated", "cut short", "abbreviated", "terminated abruptly"]
},
{
"Index": " 7-6"
,
"Word": " ABSTEMIOUS"
,
"Pronunciation": " ab-STEE-mee-us"
,
"Definition": ["(1) Sparing or moderate", "especially in eating or drinking. (2) Characterized by abstinence", "not partaking or indulging", "especially in alcoholic beverages"]
,
"Etymology": " Latin abstemius, abstaining from liquor"
,
"Corresponding_nouns": ["abstemiousness"]
,
"Synonyms": ["sober", "temperate", "ascetic. Ascetic means rigorously abstemious", "practicing strict and extreme abstinence or self-denial"]
},
{
"Index": " 7-7"
,
"Word": " ETHEREAL"
,
"Pronunciation": " i-THEER-ee-ul"
,
"Definition": ["Heavenly", "not earthly; hence", "very light", "airy", "delicate", "or refined"]
,
"Synonyms": ["celestial", "lofty", "elevated", "tenuous", "rarefied", "sublime"]
,
"Antonyms": ["mundane (Level 4", "Word 22)", "terrestrial", "sublunary"]
,
"Related_words": " ether, which in one of its senses refers to an imaginary substance that the ancients believed filled the upper regions of space. Ether was the lightest and most subtle of the elements, which included earth, water, and fire"
},
{
"Index": " 7-8"
,
"Word": " BOMBASTIC"
,
"Pronunciation": " bahm-BAS-tik"
,
"Definition": ["Pompous", "pretentious", "inflated", "overblown"]
,
"Usage": " Bombastic applies to speech or writing that is pompous, overblown, or pretentious, or to people who express themselves in this way"
,
"NB": " This discussion distinguishes the synonyms bombastic, grandiloquent (Level 6, Word 35), and turgid, which denote extravagant language"
,
"Corresponding_nouns": ["bombast", "verbal padding; speech or writing that is wordy", "puffed-up", "and pretentious"]
},
{
"Index": " 7-9"
,
"Word": " SENESCENT"
,
"Pronunciation": " si-NES-int"
,
"Definition": ["Aging", "growing old", "on the decline"]
,
"Etymology": " Latin senex, old, the source also of senile and senate, which means literally \"a council of elders.\""
,
"Usage": " Senescent may apply to persons, things, or ideas that are growing old, decrepit, or outworn"
,
"Antonyms": ["juvenescent", "growing younger"]
,
"Corresponding_nouns": ["senescence", "the process of becoming old or the state of being old"]
},
{
"Index": " 7-10"
,
"Word": " PERNICIOUS"
,
"Pronunciation": " pur-NISH-us"
,
"Definition": ["Deadly", "fatal", "destructive", "causing great harm or injury"]
,
"Synonyms": ["injurious", "ruinous", "deleterious (Level 4", "Word 33)", "noxious", "baneful", "malign", "noisome (Level 9", "Word 38)"]
,
"Antonyms": ["healthful", "wholesome", "salutary", "salubrious"]
,
"Etymology": " Latin perniciosus, destructive, ruinous, and pernicies, destruction, disaster, ultimately from nex, a violent death"
},
{
"Index": " 7-11"
,
"Word": " CATHOLIC"
,
"Pronunciation": " KATH-uh-lik or KATH-lik"
,
"Definition": ["Universal", "all-inclusive", "all-embracing", "comprehensive; specifically", "broadminded", "tolerant", "or all-embracing in one's sympathies", "interests", "or tastes"]
,
"Usage": " Catholic, with a capital C, refers to the Roman Catholic Church, to the religion of Catholicism, or to a member of the Catholic Church. Catholic, with a small c, has nothing to do with religion. It comes directly from Latin and Greek words meaning universal, general, and suggests a broadminded, tolerant, all-embracing outlook on life"
,
"Synonyms": ["open-minded", "liberal", "ecumenical", "latitudinarian"]
,
"Antonyms": ["narrow-minded", "bigoted", "biased", "intolerant", "dogmatic", "parochial"]
,
"NB": " This discussion distinguishes the words ecumenical and catholic"
},
{
"Index": " 7-12"
,
"Word": " OBJURGATION"
,
"Pronunciation": " AHB-jur-GAY-shin"
,
"Definition": ["A harsh rebuke", "vehement scolding or denunciation"]
,
"Synonyms": ["reproof", "reproach", "upbraiding", "vilification", "vituperation"]
,
"Corresponding_verbs": ["objurgate (pronounced AHB-jur-gayt or uhb-JUR-gayt)", "to rebuke sharply", "chide harshly", "denounce vehemently. Etymology: Latin ob-", "against", "and jurgare", "to scold or quarrel"]
},
{
"Index": " 7-13"
,
"Word": " EFFUSIVE"
,
"Pronunciation": " i-FYOO-siv"
,
"Definition": ["Gushing", "overflowing", "overly demonstrative", "expressing emotion in an excessive or unrestrained manner"]
,
"Synonyms": ["exuberant", "profuse", "ebullient", "impassioned", "ecstatic", "rhapsodic"]
,
"Antonyms": ["undemonstrative", "reserved", "aloof", "indifferent", "reticent", "diffident", "taciturn (Level 3", "Word 2)", "laconic (Level 3", "Word 18)"]
,
"Etymology": " Latin effusio, a pouring forth, from effundere, to pour out or pour forth"
,
"Corresponding_nouns": ["effusion", "a pouring or gushing forth. Effusion may be used of a literal gushing (as of gas or fluid)", "or it may be used figuratively of an unrestrained emotional outburst in speech or writing"]
,
"Usage": " Effusive is nearly always used figuratively to mean gushing or overflowing with emotion, overly demonstrative"
},
{
"Index": " 7-14"
,
"Word": " UMBRAGE"
,
"Pronunciation": " UHM-brij"
,
"Definition": ["Offense", "resentment"]
,
"Synonyms": ["displeasure", "irritation", "indignation", "pique"]
,
"Usage": " Umbrage is most commonly used today in the phrase \"to take umbrage,\" meaning to take offense. You may also feel umbrage, resentment, at something, or give umbrage, offense, to someone else, but these constructions are less common"
},
{
"Index": " 7-15"
,
"Word": " VICISSITUDE"
,
"Pronunciation": " (vi-SIS-i-tyood)"
,
"Definition": ["A change", "variation"]
,
"Synonyms": ["alternation", "fluctuation", "mutation"]
,
"Usage": " Vicissitude is often used in the plural, vicissitudes, to refer to the changes that occur during the course of something, the ups and downs"
},
{
"Index": " 7-16"
,
"Word": " CONTENTIOUS"
,
"Pronunciation": " kuhn-TEN-shus"
,
"Definition": ["Argumentative", "quarrelsome; ready and eager to argue", "bicker", "or debate"]
,
"NB": " This discussion distinguishes the words contentious, litigious, pugnacious (Level 5, Word 8), disputatious, belligerent, and bellicose, all of which refer to quarrelsome or hostile parties who are inclined to engage in argument or conflict"
,
"Antonyms": ["peaceable", "obliging", "civil", "tolerant", "amiable", "amicable", "benevolent", "equable", "forbearing"]
,
"Etymology": " Latin contentio, striving, effort, ultimately from contendere, to strain or strive against another. From the same source we inherit the verb to contend and the noun contention, which may mean either a struggle, opposition, or an assertion made in an argument"
},
{
"Index": " 7-17"
,
"Word": " OBEISANCE"
,
"Pronunciation": " oh-BAY-sins"
,
"Definition": ["A gesture of respect or submission", "or an attitude of respect and submission"]
,
"Synonyms": ["deference", "homage", "adoration", "reverence", "veneration"]
,
"Usage": " Obeisance is used chiefly of formal situations in which respect or homage is paid to a god, a ruler, a religious leader, or a person of great influence or power"
},
{
"Index": " 7-18"
,
"Word": " ASSIDUOUS"
,
"Pronunciation": " uh-SIJ-oo-us"
,
"Definition": ["Hardworking", "industrious; done with persistent", "careful", "and untiring attention"]
,
"Synonyms": ["diligent", "painstaking", "persevering", "unremitting", "indefatigable", "sedulous"]
,
"Antonyms": ["lazy", "shiftless", "indolent", "languid", "phlegmatic (Level 9", "Word 33)", "otiose"]
,
"Etymology": " Latin adsiduus, sitting continuously in one place, engaged in an occupation, ultimately from sedere, to sit down, the source also of the English words sedate and sedentary"
,
"Corresponding_nouns": ["assiduousness", "hard and careful work"]
},
{
"Index": " 7-19"
,
"Word": " DUPLICITY"
,
"Pronunciation": " (diyoo-PLIS-i-tee)"
,
"Definition": ["Deceit", "cunning", "double-dealing", "hypocritical deception"]
,
"Synonyms": ["trickery", "dishonesty", "fraud", "guile", "chicanery", "casuistry", "mendacity"]
,
"Etymology": "  Latin duplicitas, doubleness, and duplicare, to double, ultimately from duplex, twofold, double. Literally, duplicity means doubleness of heart or speech; in modern usage it refers to double-dealing, an act of deception in which one uses hypocritical or misleading words or actions to hide one's true intentions"
,
"Corresponding_adjectives": ["duplicitous", "twofaced", "deceitful"]
},
{
"Index": " 7-20"
,
"Word": " INSOUCIANT"
,
"Pronunciation": " in-SOO-see-int"
,
"Definition": ["Carefree", "nonchalant", "lightheartedly unconcerned or indifferent", "free from worry or anxiety", "calm and unbothered"]
,
"Etymology": " The French phrase sans souci means without care or worry. Insouciant combines the privative prefix in-, not, with the French souci, care, worry, to mean literally not caring, free from worry, lightheartedly unconcerned"
,
"Usage": " Insouciant sometimes implies a carefree indifference or lack of concern for consequences"
,
"Corresponding_nouns": ["insouciance", "lighthearted indifference", "nonchalance", "a carefree lack of concern"]
},
{
"Index": " 7-21"
,
"Word": " MYRMIDON"
,
"Pronunciation": " MUR-mi-dahn or MUR-mi-dun"
,
"Definition": ["A loyal follower", "faithful servant or subordinate", "especially someone who is unquestioningly obedient"]
,
"Etymology": " In ancient Greek legend, the Myrmidons were a savage, warlike people of the region of Thessaly who fought in the Trojan War under their king, the great warrior Achilles. The Oxford English Dictionary traces myrmidon back to the year 1400, and shows that by the 17th century it had come to be used in a general sense to mean \"an unscrupulously faithful follower or hireling; a hired ruffian.\""
,
"Additional_useful_words": ["rapine (RAP-in", "rhymes with happen)", "the act of seizing and carrying off property by force", "plunder"]
},
{
"Index": " 7-22"
,
"Word": " NASCENT"
,
"Pronunciation": " NAS-int, also NAY-sent"
,
"Definition": ["Beginning to exist or develop; in the process of being born or begun; coming or having just come into being"]
,
"Synonyms": ["emerging", "dawning", "developing", "commencing", "embryonic", "incipient", "inchoate (Level 7", "Word 35)"]
,
"Antonyms": ["ancient", "extinct", "outworn", "outmoded", "antiquated", "obsolete", "senescent (Level 7", "Word 9)", "antediluvian. Antediluvian means of the time before the Deluge", "the great flood described in the first book of the Bible", "Genesis; hence", "extremely old or oldfashioned"]
,
"Etymology": " Latin nasci, to be born"
,
"Corresponding_nouns": ["nascency", "birth or beginning"]
},
{
"Index": " 7-23"
,
"Word": " ACCEDE"
,
"Pronunciation": " ak-SEED"
,
"Definition": ["To consent", "yield", "give in or agree to"]
,
"Synonyms": ["comply", "submit", "assent", "concur (Level 1", "Word 18)", "acquiesce (Level 4", "Word 31)"]
,
"Antonyms": ["resist", "disagree", "oppose", "protest", "contradict", "dispute", "dissent", "wrangle", "cavil (Level 3", "Word 29)"]
,
"Etymology": " Latin accedere, to approach, come near"
,
"NB": " This discussion distinguishes the verbs to accede, acquiesce, assent, concur, and consent"
,
"Usage": " Accede implies yielding a position or giving in to a demand or request, often under pressure. Accede may also be used to mean to attain or assume an office or title (to accede to the throne or to the presidency)"
},
{
"Index": " 7-24"
,
"Word": " MAGNANIMOUS"
,
"Pronunciation": " mag-NAN-i-mus"
,
"Definition": ["Noble", "honorable; generous in overlooking injury or insult; high-minded", "unselfish"]
,
"Synonyms": ["courageous", "exalted", "lofty (for the noble", "high-minded connotation);charitable", "altruistic", "beneficent (for the generous", "unselfish connotation)"]
,
"Antonyms": ["vile", "contemptible", "malicious", "despicable", "ignominious", "covetous", "avaricious (Level 2", "Word 40)", "mercenary (Level 3", "Word 14)", "venal (Level 9", "Word 14)", "vindictive (Level 5", "Word 39)", "churlish", "sordid", "abject", "servile", "sycophantic", "pusillanimous (Level 9", "Word 16)"]
,
"Etymology": " Latin magnus, great, and animus, spirit"
,
"NB": " This discussion distinguishes the words noble and magnanimous"
,
"Corresponding_nouns": ["magnanimity", "noble generosity", "greatness or dignity of mind or heart"]
},
{
"Index": " 7-25"
,
"Word": " NONAGE"
,
"Pronunciation": " NAHN-ij"
,
"Definition": ["Immaturity", "youth; especially the period of legal minority", "the state of being a minor in the eyes of the law"]
,
"Etymology": " Middle English, from AngloFrench, combining the prefix non-, not, with the word age (literally, \"not of age\")"
},
{
"Index": " 7-26"
,
"Word": " INVECTIVE"
,
"Pronunciation": " in-VEK-tiv"
,
"Definition": ["Vehement or abusive language involving bitter", "scathing accusations or denunciations"]
,
"Synonyms": ["slander", "defamation", "aspersion", "objurgation (Level 7", "Word 12)", "billingsgate", "vituperation", "obloquy"]
,
"Antonyms": ["praise", "commendation", "adulation", "eulogy", "encomium"]
,
"NB": " This discussion covers the origin and precise meaning of the words billingsgate, vituperation, and obloquy, and distinguishes the words abuse and invective"
,
"Etymology": " Latin invehere, to attack with words, the source also of the English verb to inveigh, to attack violently with words, protest furiously or express angry disapproval. Inveigh is always followed by against (inveigh against an unfair company policy; inveigh against an abuse of First Amendment rights)"
},
{
"Index": " 7-27"
,
"Word": " MACHINATION"
,
"Pronunciation": " MAK-i-NAY-shin"
,
"Definition": ["A crafty or treacherous plot", "malicious scheme", "cunning design or plan to achieve a sinister purpose (often used in the plural", "machinations)"]
,
"Synonyms": ["stratagem", "conspiracy", "contrivance", "ruse", "cabal (kuh-BAHL)"]
,
"Etymology": " Latin machinari, to plot, devise, contrive to do evil, from machina, a device or contrivance for performing work"
,
"Related_words": " The ch in machine is soft; the ch in machination is hard, like a K. Do not say mashination (a recent, erroneous variant). The preferred pronunciation is MAK-i-NAY-shin"
},
{
"Index": " 7-28"
,
"Word": " DOCILE"
,
"Pronunciation": " DAHS'l"
,
"Definition": ["Submissive", "obedient", "compliant; easy to direct", "manage", "or supervise; following instructions"]
,
"Synonyms": ["amenable", "deferential", "malleable (Level 2", "Word 29)", "tractable", "acquiescent", "obsequious (Level 7", "Word 3)"]
,
"Antonyms": ["willful", "wayward", "headstrong", "obstinate (Level 1", "Word 34)", "intractable (Level 5", "Word 12)", "intransigent", "refractory (Level 6", "Word 42)"]
,
"Etymology": " Latin docilis, teachable, from docere, to teach, instruct. From the same source comes docent (DOH-sint), which may mean either a teacher at a university who is not a member of the faculty, or a lecturing tour guide in a museum, cathedral, or some such place of cultural interest"
,
"NB": " Avoid the phrase docent guide, which is redundant"
,
"Corresponding_nouns": ["docility"]
,
"Pronunciation_tip": " The pronunciation DOH-syl is the preference of British and Canadian speakers. The preferred American pronunciation is DAHS'l (rhymes with fossil)"
},
{
"Index": " 7-29"
,
"Word": " REDOUBTABLE"
,
"Pronunciation": " ri-DOWT-uh-buul"
,
"Definition": ["Formidable", "fearsome", "arousing awe or dread; hence", "worthy of or commanding respect"]
,
"Etymology": " Middle English, through an Old French verb meaning to fear or dread, ultimately from the Latin dubitare, to doubt, waver in opinion or action, the source also of the words dubious and dubiety, doubtfulness, uncertainty, wavering"
,
"Usage": " Redoubtable may apply to people or things, as a redoubtable hero or a redoubtable problem. The word is sometimes used to achieve a humorous, gently mocking effect"
},
{
"Index": " 7-30"
,
"Word": " PROGNOSTICATE"
,
"Pronunciation": " prahg-NAHS-ti-kayt"
,
"Definition": ["To predict; especially", "to predict from signs", "symptoms", "or present indications"]
,
"Synonyms": ["foretell", "forecast", "foresee", "prophesy", "presage", "vaticinate"]
,
"Related_words": " prognostic (noun), an indication of something in the future; prognostic (adjective), pertaining to or serving as the basis of a prediction (prognostic powers, prognostic evidence); prognostication, a prediction, prophecy, forecast (economic prognostications); prognosticator, a person who makes predictions; prognosis, a prediction of the probable course and outcome of a disease or medical condition"
,
"NB": " Take care to distinguish the words prognosis and diagnosis. A diagnosis describes the nature of the medical condition; a prognosis predicts its likely course and outcome"
},
{
"Index": " 7-31"
,
"Word": " ENGENDER"
,
"Pronunciation": " en-JEN-dur"
,
"Definition": ["To bring about", "bring into being", "give rise to", "cause to exist", "sow the seeds of"]
,
"Synonyms": ["produce", "generate"]
,
"Antonyms": ["prevent", "suppress", "subdue", "quell", "quash"]
,
"Etymology": " Latin generare, to beget, produce, bring to life"
,
"Additional_useful_words": ["procreation", "sexual intercourse", "especially when it results in the creation of offspring"]
},
{
"Index": " 7-32"
,
"Word": " FETID"
,
"Pronunciation": " FET-id"
,
"Definition": ["Stinking", "foul-smelling; having an extremely offensive odor", "as of something rotten or decayed"]
,
"Synonyms": ["rank", "rancid", "malodorous", "putrid", "noisome", "mephitic", "graveolent"]
,
"Antonyms": ["fragrant", "scented", "perfumed", "aromatic", "redolent"]
,
"Etymology": " Latin fetidus, stinking, from fetere, to stink"
,
"Usage": " Fetid is usually reserved for an extremely offensive odor, such as that produced by rotting or decay"
,
"Spelling_tip": "  The spelling foetid and the pronunciation FEE-tid are British; If you're American, spell it fetid and pronounce, it with a short E: FET-id"
},
{
"Index": " 7-33"
,
"Word": " PEDANTIC"
,
"Pronunciation": " puh-DANT-ik"
,
"Definition": ["Absurdly learned; scholarly in an ostentatious way; making an inappropriate or tiresome display of knowledge by placing undue importance on trivial details", "rules", "or formalities"]
,
"Useful_phrase_noted": "  mea culpa, (Latin) \"my fault\"; pronounced MAY-uh KUUL-puh"
,
"Corresponding_nouns": ["pedant", "a person who overrates learning", "makes an inappropriate display of knowledge", "or lays undue stress on trivial points or on exact knowledge of detail; pedantry", "an inappropriate display of learning or a slavish or dogmatic attention to rules and minor details of learning"]
,
"Etymology": " Italian, through Latin, from the Greek paidagogos, a tutor of children, the source also of the word pedagogue, which may mean simply a teacher, or a teacher who is narrow-minded, dogmatic, and pedantic. The Greek paidagogos comes from pais, paidos, a boy or child, and agein, to lead or conduct, and means literally a leader or conductor of youngsters. \"Among the ancient Greeks and Romans,\" says the Century Dictionary, \"the pedagogue was originally a slave who attended the younger children of his master, and conducted them to school, to the theater, etc., combining in many cases instruction with guardianship.\""
},
{
"Index": " 7-34"
,
"Word": " CAPITULATE"
,
"Pronunciation": " kuh-PITCH-uh-layt"
,
"Definition": ["To yield", "surrender; specifically", "to surrender on specified terms or conditions"]
,
"Corresponding_nouns": ["capitulation", "the act of surrendering or yielding on specified terms or conditions"]
,
"Etymology": "  Latin caput, capitis, the head, the source also of decapitate. By derivation capitulate means to list the terms of surrender under various headings in a document; although some current dictionaries define capitulate as \"to surrender unconditionally or on stipulated terms,\" in precise usage capitulate means to yield or surrender only on stipulated terms, although the terms do not necessarily have to be drawn up in a document"
},
{
"Index": " 7-35"
,
"Word": " INCHOATE"
,
"Pronunciation": " in-KOH-it"
,
"Definition": ["Just begun; in an early stage of development; partly in existence; not fully formed; undeveloped; imperfect; incomplete"]
,
"Synonyms": ["elementary", "preliminary", "nascent (Level 7", "Word 22)", "rudimentary", "incipient"]
,
"Etymology": " Latin incohatus, just begun, not finished, incomplete, the past participle of the verb incohare, to begin, take in hand, start work on"
},
{
"Index": " 7-36"
,
"Word": " EXPONENT"
,
"Pronunciation": " eks-POH-nint"
,
"Definition": ["A person who stands or speaks for something", "a representative or advocate"]
,
"Etymology": " Latin exponere, to put forth, put on view, display, the source also of the English verb to expound, to explain, interpret, set forth point by point"
},
{
"Index": " 7-37"
,
"Word": " MENDACIOUS"
,
"Pronunciation": " men-DAY-shus"
,
"Definition": ["Not truthful", "lying", "false", "dishonest", "deceitful"]
,
"Etymology": " Latin mendacium, a lie, from mendax, lying, deceitful"
,
"Synonyms": ["fraudulent", "hypocritical", "disingenuous", "evasive", "equivocal", "duplicitous", "prevaricating"]
,
"Antonyms": ["truthful", "honorable", "upright", "ethical", "virtuous", "scrupulous", "veracious"]
,
"Corresponding_nouns": ["mendacity", "untruthfulness", "lying", "deceit"]
},
{
"Index": " 7-38"
,
"Word": " STRIDENT"
,
"Pronunciation": " STRY-dint"
,
"Definition": ["Loud and harsh-sounding", "grating", "shrill"]
,
"Synonyms": ["earsplitting", "screeching", "discordant", "clamorous", "cacophonous", "vociferous", "stentorian"]
,
"Antonyms": ["faint", "subdued", "melodious", "dulcet", "euphonious"]
,
"Etymology": "  Latin stridere, to make a harsh noise. From stridere, English has also inherited stridor (STRY-dur), a harsh grating or creaking sound or, in medicine, a harsh sound made when breathing in or out that indicates obstruction of the respiratory tract; stridulous (STRIJ-uh-lus), making a harsh or shrill noise; and stridulate (STRIJ-uh-layt), to make a shrill, high-pitched grating or chirping sound (like a cricket)"
},
{
"Index": " 7-39"
,
"Word": " OLIGARCHY"
,
"Pronunciation": " AHL-i-gahr-kee"
,
"Definition": ["Government by a few; rule or control exercised by a few persons or by a small", "elite group"]
,
"Etymology": " Greek oligos, few, little, and archein, to govern, rule"
,
"Usage": " Oligarchy may denote rule or control exercised by a few people, a state or an organization run by a few people, or the few dominant people themselves, and the word often suggests the hoarding of power for corrupt or selfish purposes"
,
"Corresponding_adjectives": ["oligarchic or oligarchical"]
,
"Pronunciation_tip": " Some speakers pronounce oligarchy with a long O: OH-ligarchy. This recent variant is listed second in two current dictionaries; all other authorities, past and present, do not recognize it. Properly, the initial O is short, as in olive and college: AHL-igarchy"
},
{
"Index": " 7-40"
,
"Word": " REFULGENT"
,
"Pronunciation": " ri-FUHL-jint"
,
"Definition": ["Shining brightly", "brilliant", "radiant", "resplendent"]
,
"Synonyms": ["gleaming", "blazing", "sparkling", "luminous", "incandescent", "scintillating", "coruscating. (The discussion defines and distinguishes the last three synonyms.)"]
,
"Antonyms": ["(easy) dull", "dim", "obscure", "gloomy", "murky; (hard) tenebrous", "dark and gloomy; umbrageous", "shady or overshadowed; subfuscous", "dusky or somber; crepuscular", "pertaining to twilight", "hence", "characterized by dim", "waning", "or glimmering light"]
,
"Etymology": " Latin refulgere, to shine brightly, from re-, back, and fulgere, to shine, flash, or gleam"
,
"Usage": " Refulgent may mean shining, brilliant, radiant, either literally (a refulgent smile, the refulgent beam of a flashlight) or figuratively (a refulgent wit, refulgent beauty)"
,
"Corresponding_nouns": ["refulgence", "brilliance", "radiance", "resplendence"]
},
{
"Index": " 7-41"
,
"Word": " NEPOTISM"
,
"Pronunciation": " NEP-uh-tiz'm"
,
"Definition": ["Favoritism shown to relatives"]
,
"Etymology": " Latin nepos, nepotis, a nephew or grandson"
,
"Usage": " Despite its specific derivation, nepotism may denote favoritism shown to any relative, and the word usually applies to situations in business and public life where relatives are shown preference over \"non-relatives\" and receive privileges or positions that they may not necessarily deserve"
,
"Corresponding_adjectives": ["nepotistic"]
},
{
"Index": " 7-42"
,
"Word": " RIBALD"
,
"Pronunciation": " RIB-uld"
,
"Definition": ["Humorous in a mildly indecent", "coarse", "or vulgar way"]
,
"Synonyms": ["gross", "indelicate", "lewd", "immodest", "sensual", "obscene"]
,
"NB": " Obscene suggests lewdness or indecency that is strongly offensive, whereas ribald applies to coarse vulgarity that is humorous and only mildly indecent"
,
"Antonyms": ["refined", "decent", "polite", "tasteful", "cultured", "polished", "cultivated", "decorous", "urbane (Level 1", "Word 45)"]
,
"Corresponding_nouns": ["ribaldry", "language or behavior that is humorous in a mildly indecent or vulgar way"]
,
"Pronunciation_tip": " Certain dictionaries that cater to the gross whims of the vulgar masses now record the indelicate spelling pronunciation RY-bald and the equally uncultivated RIB-ald. There is no rye and there is no bald in ribald. The word should rhyme with scribbled and dribbled, as this limerick illustrates: William Shakespeare, whenever he scribbled; Used a quill that incessantly dribbled; When his pen leaked a lot, It made Willy quite hot, And he wrote something suitably ribald"
},
{
"Index": " 7-43"
,
"Word": " AVUNCULAR"
,
"Pronunciation": " uh-VUNGK-yuh-lur"
,
"Definition": ["Like an uncle", "pertaining to an uncle", "or exhibiting some characteristic considered typical of an uncle (an avuncular smile", "an avuncular slap on the back", "avuncular concern", "avuncular generosity", "avuncular advice)"]
,
"Etymology": " The noun uncle and the adjective avuncular both come from the Latin avunculus, a mother's brother"
},
{
"Index": " 7-44"
,
"Word": " SUPPLICATE"
,
"Pronunciation": " SUHP-li-kayt"
,
"Definition": ["To ask", "beg", "or plead for humbly and earnestly"]
,
"Synonyms": ["entreat", "petition", "importune", "beseech"]
,
"Etymology": " Latin supplicare, to kneel, get on one's knees, from supplex, kneeling, on one's knees. By derivation, to supplicate means to beg or plead for something on bended knee. From the same source comes supple, bending easily"
,
"Corresponding_nouns": ["supplication", "a humble and earnest request or the act of begging or pleading for something humbly and earnestly. A person who supplicates or who makes a supplication may be called either a suppliant or a supplicant"]
},
{
"Index": " 7-45"
,
"Word": " IRASCIBLE"
,
"Pronunciation": " eye-RAS-i-buul or i-RAS-i-buul"
,
"Definition": ["Easily angered", "hot-tempered", "extremely irritable or touchy"]
,
"Synonyms": ["cranky", "testy", "peevish", "petulant", "irate", "cantankerous", "contentious (Level 7", "Word 16)", "snappish", "choleric", "captious", "splenetic"]
,
"Antonyms": ["calm", "unruffled", "placid", "amiable", "affable", "equable"]
,
"Etymology": " The words irascible and irate both come from the Latin verb irasci, to be angry, which comes in turn from ira, anger, wrath. This Latin ira is also the direct source of the English word ire, anger, wrath"
,
"NB": " Irate suggests temporary anger, the state of being infuriated or enraged at the moment or for the time being. Irascible suggests extreme irritability, and applies to a person easily provoked to anger. Irascible may also apply to that which displays anger or extreme irritability: irascible remarks"
},
{
"Index": " 7-46"
,
"Word": " INEXORABLE"
,
"Pronunciation": " in-EKS-uh-ruh-buul"
,
"Definition": ["Relentless", "unyielding", "merciless; not able to be stopped", "changed", "or moved by entreaty or persuasion"]
,
"Synonyms": ["unrelenting", "unswerving", "inflexible", "immovable", "uncompromising", "intransigent", "obdurate", "implacable"]
,
"Antonyms": ["flexible", "compromising", "obliging", "compliant", "docile (Level 7", "Word 28)", "tractable", "acquiescent", "complaisant (kum-PLAY-zint)"]
,
"Etymology": " Latin inexorabilis, not moved by entreaty or supplication"
,
"NB": " This discussion distinguishes the words inexorable and implacable"
},
{
"Index": " 7-47"
,
"Word": " PARVENU"
,
"Pronunciation": " (PAHR-vuh-nyoo)"
,
"Definition": ["An upstart; specifically", "a person who suddenly acquires wealth and power and rises to a higher class", "but who is not accepted by the members of that class"]
,
"Etymology": " French; literally, \"a person newly come into success.\""
,
"Usage": " Parvenu almost always is used in a negative sense of a person who gains wealth and standing, but who cannot gain the social acceptance of the wealthy and powerful. In the eyes of the established elite, the parvenu is an upstart-undeserving, uncultured, immodest, and often pretentious"
,
"Related_words": " arriviste (ar-ree-VEEST). This word also comes from French and means literally \"a person who has recently arrived.\" Arriviste is used today of someone who attains social prominence or a position of power, sometimes by unscrupulous means and always without paying the necessary dues"
,
"NB": " This discussion concludes by distinguishing parvenu and arriviste"
},
{
"Index": " 7-48"
,
"Word": " SALUBRIOUS"
,
"Pronunciation": " suh-LOO-bree-us"
,
"Definition": ["Healthful", "wholesome", "favorable or conducive to well-being"]
,
"Antonyms": ["insalubrious", "deleterious (Level 4", "Word 33)", "pernicious (Level 7", "Word 10)", "noxious", "baneful", "malign", "noisome (Level 9", "Word 38)"]
,
"NB": " This discussion distinguishes the synonyms salubrious, salutary, and wholesome"
,
"Etymology": " Both salutary and salubrious come from the Latin salus, health"
,
"Corresponding_nouns": ["salubriousness"]
},
{
"Index": " 7-49"
,
"Word": " HYPERBOLE"
,
"Pronunciation": " hy-PUR-buh-lee"
,
"Definition": ["Exaggeration in speech or writing; especially", "extravagant exaggeration that is intentional and obvious"]
,
"Corresponding_adjectives": ["hyperbolic (HY-pur-BAHL-ik); less often", "hyperbolical"]
,
"Pronunciation_tip": " Occasionally, you will hear an educated speaker who has learned this word from reading, but who has not bothered to check its pronunciation in a dictionary, say hyper-bowl. Hy-PUR-buh-lee is the only recognized pronunciation"
},
{
"Index": " 7-50"
,
"Word": " SANCTIMONIOUS"
,
"Pronunciation": " SANG-ti-MOH-nee-us"
,
"Definition": ["Self-righteous; holier-than-thou; characterized by insincere or affected righteousness", "virtuousness", "or religious piety"]
,
"Etymology": "  Latin sanctus, holy, sacred. In modern usage, sanctimonious refers to insincere, affected, or hypocritical holiness or righteousness"
,
"Corresponding_nouns": ["sanctimony", "righteousness or virtuousness that is affected or hypocritical"]
},
{
"Index": " 8-1"
,
"Word": " ALACRITY"
,
"Pronunciation": " uh-LAK-ri-tee"
,
"Definition": ["Cheerful readiness", "eagerness", "or promptness in action or movement: \"The duty of the firefighter is to answer every alarm with alacritv.\""]
,
"Synonyms": ["quickness", "liveliness", "briskness", "enthusiasm", "animation", "zeal", "celerity (suhLER-i-tee)"]
,
"NB": " This discussion distinguishes the words alacrity and celerity"
},
{
"Index": " 8-2"
,
"Word": " OBVIATE"
,
"Pronunciation": " AHB-vee-ayt"
,
"Definition": ["To prevent", "make unnecessary", "meet and dispose of", "clear out of the way"]
,
"Etymology": " Latin obviare, to prevent, from obvius, in the way, the source also of obvious, which means literally \"lying in the way.\""
},
{
"Index": " 8-3"
,
"Word": " EMOLUMENT"
,
"Pronunciation": " i-MAHL-yuh-ment"
,
"Definition": ["Wages", "salary", "payment received for work"]
,
"Synonyms": ["compensation", "recompense", "remuneration (Level 6", "Word 30)"]
,
"Etymology": "  Latin emolumentum, the fee a miller received for grinding grain, from emolere, to grind out. By derivation, emolument means \"that which is ground out by one's exertion.\" In the modern world, emolument has come to mean wages, pay, compensation for one's labor"
},
{
"Index": " 8-4"
,
"Word": " INTRANSIGENT"
,
"Pronunciation": " in-TRAN-si-jint"
,
"Definition": ["Uncompromising", "refusing to come to an agreement", "unwilling to modify one's position or give ground"]
,
"Synonyms": ["unreconcilable", "unyielding", "diehard", "hidebound", "obstinate (Level 1", "Word 34)", "resolute (Level 1", "Word 26)", "tenacious", "recalcitrant", "intractable", "refractory (Level 6", "Word 42)", "obdurate"]
,
"Antonyms": ["compromising", "flexible", "obliging", "submissive", "compliant", "malleable (Level 2", "Word 29)", "docile (Level 7", "Word 28)", "tractable", "deferential", "acquiescent", "complaisant (kumPLAY-zint)"]
,
"Etymology": " Intransigent combines the privative prefix in-, meaning \"not,\" with the Latin verb transigere, to come to a settlement, and means literally refusing to settle, unwilling to come to an agreement, uncompromising"
,
"NB": " This discussion distinguishes the words resolute, tenacious, obstinate, intractable, refractory, obdurate, and intransigent, which suggest firmness or fixity in ascending intensity"
},
{
"Index": " 8-5"
,
"Word": " MORDANT"
,
"Pronunciation": " MOR-dint or MORD'nt"
,
"Definition": ["Biting", "cutting", "keen", "sarcastic", "scathing"]
,
"Additional_synonyms": ["incisive", "caustic", "trenchant", "virulent", "acrimonious"]
,
"Mnemonic_device_etymology_and_usage": "  When you think of mordant, think of gnashing teeth. Mordant comes from Old French and Latin words meaning to bite, cut into, nip, or sting. Today mordant is chiefly used of speech or writing that is biting or cutting in a bitterly sarcastic way (mordant satire, mordant wit, mordant criticism)"
},
{
"Index": " 8-6"
,
"Word": " SAGACIOUS"
,
"Pronunciation": " suh-GAY-shus"
,
"Definition": ["Wise", "shrewd", "perceptive; showing sound judgment and keen insight", "especially in practical matters"]
,
"Synonyms": ["insightful", "discerning", "astute (Level 4", "Word 3)", "judicious (Level 5", "Word 16)", "percipient", "sage", "sapient", "perspicacious"]
,
"Antonyms": ["undiscriminating", "undiscerning", "simpleminded", "witless", "inane", "gullible", "credulous", "obtuse", "addlepated"]
,
"Corresponding_nouns": ["sagacity", "wisdom", "shrewdness", "keen insight or discernment"]
,
"Etymology": " Latin sagax, having keen senses, especially a keen sense of smell. Sagacious originally was used of hunting dogs to mean quick in picking up a scent"
},
{
"Index": " 8-7"
,
"Word": " ACERBIC"
,
"Pronunciation": " uh-SUR-bik"
,
"Definition": ["Sour", "bitter", "and harsh in flavor", "tone", "or character"]
,
"Synonyms": ["tart", "caustic", "pungent", "astringent", "acrid", "acidulous"]
,
"Direct_antonym": "  sweet"
,
"Usage": " Acerbic may be used literally to mean sour or bitter tasting (the lemon is an acerbic fruit). However, the word acidic probably is more often used in this literal sense, and acerbic usually is used figuratively to mean sour, bitter, and harsh in tone or character (an acerbic mood, acerbic words, are bitter words; an acerbic person)"
},
{
"Index": " 8-8"
,
"Word": " VARIEGATED"
,
"Pronunciation": " VAR-ee-uh-gay-tid"
,
"Definition": ["In a broad sense", "varied", "diverse", "showing variety of character or form; in a strict sense", "spotted", "streaked", "or dappled; having marks or patches of different colors (a variegated quilt", "variegated cat", "variegated design)"]
,
"NB": " The corresponding verb to variegate is now often used figuratively to mean to give variety to, diversify. The adjective variegated is, also frequently used in this way to mean varied, diverse, or multifaceted (variegated interests, a variegated selection, variegated accomplishments)"
},
{
"Index": " 8-9"
,
"Word": " SUCCOR"
,
"Pronunciation": " SUHK-ur, like sucker"
,
"Definition": ["To aid", "help", "relieve", "give assistance to in time of need or difficulty (to succor the wounded", "succor the sick)"]
,
"Corresponding_nouns": ["succor", "help", "aid", "relief", "assistance in time of need or distress (to give succor to the homeless)"]
,
"NB": " Succor and sucker have the same pronunciation but are otherwise unrelated"
},
{
"Index": " 8-10"
,
"Word": " IMPORTUNE"
,
"Pronunciation": " (IM-por-TYOON)"
,
"Definition": ["To trouble or annoy with requests or demands", "make urgent or persistent entreaties or solicitations"]
,
"Corresponding_adjectives": ["importunate (im-POR-chuu-nit)", "troublesomely demanding", "persistent in a vexatious way"]
},
{
"Index": " 8-11"
,
"Word": " PALLIATE"
,
"Pronunciation": " PAL-ee-ayt"
,
"Definition": ["To lessen the severity of", "gloss over", "make something seem less serious or severe"]
,
"Synonyms": ["soften", "diminish", "mitigate", "extenuate", "Antonyms[]: worsen", "intensify", "aggravate", "exacerbate. Exacerbate means to increase in bitterness or severity (to exacerbate a problem", "exacerbate a conflict)"]
,
"Etymology": " Latin palliare, to cloak or conceal, from pallium, a cloak"
,
"Usage": " Palliate means to conceal or cloak the seriousness of something, make it appear less severe or offensive than it is (to palliate suffering, palliate a social indiscretion, palliate the enormity of a crime). Palliate often connotes glossing over or disguising the seriousness of something by making excuses or apologies"
},
{
"Index": " 8-12"
,
"Word": " WIZENED"
,
"Pronunciation": " WIZ-ind"
,
"Definition": ["Dried up", "shriveled", "withered", "shrunken and wrinkled"]
,
"NB": " This discussion distinguishes the verbs to wither, shrivel, and wizen, which imply drying up"
,
"Usage": " The verb to wizen now is somewhat rare, but its past participle, wizened, is still often used of persons or parts of the body to mean shrunken and wrinkled, dried up by age or disease (a wizened face, a wizened body, a wizened man)"
},
{
"Index": " 8-13"
,
"Word": " CAPTIOUS"
,
"Pronunciation": " KAP-shus"
,
"Definition": ["Faultfinding", "quick to point out faults or raise trivial objections"]
,
"Synonyms": ["carping", "quibbling", "caviling", "censorious", "querulous. This discussion distinguishes the adjectives critical", "carping", "and captious"]
,
"NB": " Critical, though often used in a negative sense, is in fact a neutral word: The critical person tries to judge something fairly and objectively by weighing its merits and faults; a critical assessment is a fair, impartial assessment, and a critical examination may result in a supportive conclusion"
},
{
"Index": " 8-14"
,
"Word": " EMENDATION"
,
"Pronunciation": " EE-men-DAY-shin"
,
"Definition": ["A correction", "alteration", "change made to correct or improve", "especially a change made in a piece of writing to correct an error or restore the text to its original state"]
,
"Corresponding_verbs": ["emend", "to make scholarly corrections to a text"]
,
"NB": " Emendation may also mean the act of emending, correcting and improving a piece of writing"
},
{
"Index": " 8-15"
,
"Word": " TRUCULENT"
,
"Pronunciation": " TRUK-yuh-lint"
,
"Definition": ["Fierce", "ferocious", "especially in a brutal", "bullying", "threatening", "or aggressively defiant way"]
,
"Corresponding_nouns": ["truculence", "fierceness", "ferocity", "brutal aggression"]
,
"Synonyms": ["pugnacious", "belligerent", "malevolent", "rapacious", "feral (FEER-ul)"]
,
"Antonyms": ["humane", "merciful", "compassionate", "benevolent", "clement", "which suggest mercy or mildness", "and also timid", "demure", "diffident", "apprehensive", "and timorous", "which suggest shyness or fear"]
,
"Usage": " Truculent applies to fierce, savage, or ferocious people or to behavior that is brutal, threatening, bullying, or aggressively defiant. Truculent is now also used of speech or writing to mean scathing, vicious, or vitriolic"
},
{
"Index": " 8-16"
,
"Word": " EXPURGATE"
,
"Pronunciation": " EKS-pur-gayt"
,
"Definition": ["To cleanse by removing offensive material", "free from objectionable content"]
,
"Synonyms": ["censor", "purge", "bowdlerize"]
,
"NB": " Bowdlerize comes from Thomas Bowdler, an English editor who in the early 1800s published expurgated, or cleansed, editions of the Bible and Shakespeare's works"
,
"Etymology": " Expurgate comes from the Latin expurgare, to cleanse, purify, and by derivation is related to the verb to purge, to free from impurities, and the adjective pure"
},
{
"Index": " 8-17"
,
"Word": " REPROBATE"
,
"Pronunciation": " REP-ruh-bayt"
,
"Definition": ["Thoroughly bad", "wicked", "corrupt", "morally abandoned", "lacking all sense of decency and duty"]
,
"Synonyms": ["unprincipled", "shameless", "base", "vile", "degenerate", "depraved", "irredeemable", "incorrigible"]
,
"Antonyms": ["virtuous", "pure", "righteous", "honorable", "chaste", "unsullied", "exemplary"]
,
"Etymology": " Latin reprobate, to reprove, disapprove of strongly"
,
"Usage": " In theology, the adjective reprobate means damned, predestined for damnation; the noun reprobate means a person rejected by God and excluded from salvation. In general usage, the noun reprobate means a corrupt, unprincipled person, a scoundrel; the adjective reprobate means morally abandoned, bad-to-the-core, lacking all sense of decency and duty"
},
{
"Index": " 8-18"
,
"Word": " SPURIOUS"
,
"Pronunciation": " SPYOOR-ee-us"
,
"Definition": ["False", "counterfeit", "artificial; not true", "authentic", "or genuine"]
,
"Synonyms": ["sham", "bogus", "phony", "fictitious", "fabricated", "fraudulent", "illusory", "apocryphal (Level 9", "Word 2)", "supposititious"]
,
"Antonyms": ["genuine", "authentic", "valid", "bona fide"]
,
"Usage": " Spurious applies to that which is not what it claims or is claimed to be (a spurious document, spurious gems, spurious statements, spurious feelings, a spurious charge)"
},
{
"Index": " 8-19"
,
"Word": " VOLITION"
,
"Pronunciation": " voh-LISH-in"
,
"Definition": ["Will", "choice", "decision", "determination"]
,
"Etymology": "  In Latin, velle means to will or wish, and volo means \"I will.\" From these words comes the English noun volition, which may refer either to the power of using the will or the act of exercising it in making a conscious choice or decision"
},
{
"Index": " 8-20"
,
"Word": " INTERPOLATE"
,
"Pronunciation": " in-TUR-puh-layt"
,
"Definition": ["To insert", "introduce; specifically", "to insert words into a piece of writing or a conversation"]
,
"Corresponding_nouns": ["interpolation", "an insertion of words into a piece of writing or a conversation"]
,
"NB": " This discussion distinguishes the verbs interpolate, interject, and interpose, which mean to insert or place between"
},
{
"Index": " 8-21"
,
"Word": " ADDUCE"
,
"Pronunciation": " (uh-DYOOS)"
,
"Definition": ["To offer or cite as a reason", "as evidence", "or as authority for an opinion or course of action"]
},
{
"Index": " 8-22"
,
"Word": " MISCREANT"
,
"Pronunciation": " MIS-kree-int"
,
"Definition": ["An evil", "unscrupulous", "vicious person; someone without principles or conscience; a villain", "criminal"]
,
"Synonyms": ["scoundrel", "rascal", "rogue", "hoodlum", "hooligan", "ne'er-do-well", "varlet", "rapscallion", "blackguard", "desperado", "scapegrace", "scofflaw", "malefactor", "reprobate (Level 8", "Word 17)"]
,
"Etymology": "  Miscreant combines the prefix mis-, meaning \"bad\" or \"not,\" with the Latin credere, to believe. By derivation a miscreant is someone who does not believe. Miscreant was once used to mean a heretic, but since the time of Shakespeare it has been used to mean a morally bad person, vile wretch, detestable scoundrel"
,
"Corresponding_adjectives": ["miscreant", "villainous", "evil", "destitute of conscience"]
},
{
"Index": " 8-23"
,
"Word": " QUIXOTIC"
,
"Pronunciation": " kwik-SAHT-ik"
,
"Definition": ["Foolishly impractical or idealistic", "especially in an extravagantly chivalrous or romantic way; inclined to pursue lofty", "unreachable goals or far-fetched", "unworkable schemes"]
,
"Synonyms": ["fanciful", "whimsical", "visionary", "utopian", "impracticable", "chimerical (ki-MER-ikuul)"]
,
"Antonyms": ["realistic", "practical", "pragmatic", "utilitarian"]
,
"Etymology": " Quixotic comes from Don Quixote, the hero and title of a 17th-century satirical romance by Miguel de Cervantes"
,
"Usage": " Quixotic may refer to a person who is extravagantly idealistic or romantic, like Don Quixote, or to an idea or goal that is so impractical and far-fetched as to seem foolish"
},
{
"Index": " 8-24"
,
"Word": " SUPPURATE"
,
"Pronunciation": " SUHP-ur-ayt"
,
"Definition": ["To fester", "form or discharge pus"]
,
"Corresponding_nouns": ["suppuration"]
,
"Usage": " Suppurate applies to wounds, boils, ulcers, etc., that become infected and discharge pus"
,
"Additional_useful_words": ["lesion (LEE-zhun)", "a wound", "injury", "infection", "or harmful change in some part of the body; putrefy", "to rot or decay; putrid", "rotten", "foul-smelling", "fetid: putrefaction", "rotting", "decomposition", "foul-smelling decay"]
},
{
"Index": " 8-25"
,
"Word": " MARTINET"
,
"Pronunciation": " mahr-ti-NET"
,
"Definition": ["A strict disciplinarian", "taskmaster", "rigid enforcer of rules and regulations"]
,
"Etymology": " General Jean Martinet was a 17thcentury French drillmaster who became legendary for subjecting his troops to harsh discipline and for his rigid adherence to military rules and regulations"
,
"Usage": " A martinet may be a strict military disciplinarian, or any rigid, authoritarian enforcer of rules and regulations"
},
{
"Index": " 8-26"
,
"Word": " COMPUNCTION"
,
"Pronunciation": " kum-PUNGK-shin"
,
"Definition": ["A twinge of regret caused by an uneasy conscience; a pang of guilt for a wrong done or for pain that one has caused another"]
,
"Synonyms": ["remorse", "misgiving", "scruple", "qualm. A stronger synonym is contrition (Level 5", "Word 9)", "repentance", "deep and devastating sorrow for one's sins or for something one has done wrong"]
,
"Etymology": " Late Latin compunctio, a pricking of conscience, ultimately from the Latin pungere, to prick, sting, pierce, or stab. Pungere is also the source of puncture, to prick, pierce, or stab; pungent, piercing or stinging to the smell or taste; and poignant, piercing or penetrating to the senses, the emotions, or the intellect"
},
{
"Index": " 8-27"
,
"Word": " MERCURIAL"
,
"Pronunciation": " mur-KYOOR-ee-ul"
,
"Definition": ["Quick to change moods or change one's mind", "having an unpredictable temperament"]
,
"Synonyms": ["flighty", "impulsive", "fickle", "capricious (Level 1", "Word 11)", "volatile (Level 4", "Word 47)", "erratic", "protean"]
,
"Antonyms": ["stable", "fixed", "steadfast", "invariable", "immutable"]
,
"Etymology": " Mercurial comes from the ancient Roman god Mercury, known to the Greeks as Hermes. Mercury was the messenger or courier of the gods, but he was also the deity who conducted the souls of the dead to the underworld, and the god of commerce, travel, eloquence, and thievery. The element mercury (named after this god) is used in thermometers, and also goes by the name quicksilver"
,
"Additional_useful_words": ["caduceus (kuh-D(Y)OO-see-us)", "the winged staff with two serpents coiled around it", "carried by Hermes. The caduceus is the symbol of the medical profession"]
},
{
"Index": " 8-28"
,
"Word": " NOSTRUM"
,
"Pronunciation": " NAHS-trum"
,
"Definition": ["A quack remedy or medicine; a panacea; hence", "a dubious or dishonest plan or scheme for curing a social or political problem"]
,
"Etymology": "  Latin noster, meaning \"our.\" Nostrum means literally \"our remedy.\""
},
{
"Index": " 8-29"
,
"Word": " PROPITIATE"
,
"Pronunciation": " pruh-PISH-ee-ayt"
,
"Definition": ["To appease", "gain or regain the goodwill or favor of", "cause to become favorably inclined"]
,
"Synonyms": ["conciliate", "pacify", "mollify", "placate", "assuage (Level 2", "Word 37)"]
,
"Antonyms": ["alienate", "offend", "antagonize", "estrange", "disaffect"]
,
"Corresponding_nouns": ["propitiation", "appeasement", "conciliation", "the act of getting into the good graces of"]
,
"Related_words": " propitious, favorable, marked by favorable conditions"
},
{
"Index": " 8-30"
,
"Word": " EFFICACY"
,
"Pronunciation": " EF-i-kuh-see"
,
"Definition": ["Effectiveness; the power to produce a desired effect or result"]
,
"Usage": " Efficacy applies to things that have the power to produce an intended effect: the efficacy of a drug, a scientific method, or an advertising campaign"
,
"Corresponding_adjectives": ["efficacious", "effective", "capable of producing a desired effect or result (an efficacious law", "policy", "or marketing plan)"]
},
{
"Index": " 8-31"
,
"Word": " TANTAMOUNT"
,
"Pronunciation": " TAN-tuh-mownt"
,
"Definition": ["Equivalent; having equal force", "effect", "or value"]
,
"Etymology": "  Anglo-French, \"to amount to as much, be equal to\"; ultimately from the Latin tantus, so much, so great. In modern usage, when one thing is tantamount to another, it amounts to as much as the other, adds up to the same thing"
,
"NB": " Take care not to confuse tantamount and paramount, supreme in rank, preeminent"
},
{
"Index": " 8-32"
,
"Word": " PARIAH"
,
"Pronunciation": " puh-RY-uh"
,
"Definition": ["An outcast; a person despised or rejected by society"]
,
"Etymology": " Pariah entered English in the early 1600s from Tamil, one of the languages of India. In the traditional social system of India, people were divided into classes called castes (pronounced like casts), and the pariah caste was one of the lowest on the social ladder. Its members worked chiefly as agricultural and domestic laborers and as servants to the British when India was a British colony. From this sense of social inferiority, the word pariah came to be used in English of any person despised or rejected by society, an outcast"
},
{
"Index": " 8-33"
,
"Word": " GERMANE"
,
"Pronunciation": " jur-MAYN"
,
"Definition": ["Relevant", "fitting", "appropriate", "precisely to the point"]
,
"Synonyms": ["pertinent", "suitable", "applicable", "apposite", "apropos"]
,
"Antonyms": ["inappropriate", "unsuitable", "irrelevant", "inapplicable", "alien", "extraneous", "incongruous", "malapropos"]
,
"NB": " This discussion distinguishes the words germane, apposite, pertinent, and relevant"
},
{
"Index": " 8-34"
,
"Word": " LICENTIOUS"
,
"Pronunciation": " ly-SEN-shus"
,
"Definition": ["Sexually abandoned; lacking moral restraint", "especially in sexual conduct"]
,
"Synonyms": ["lewd", "loose", "lustful", "lecherous", "lascivious", "libertine", "lickerish", "libidinous", "lubricious", "bawdy", "wanton", "ribald", "prurient", "debauched", "dissolute", "salacious", "concupiscent"]
,
"Antonyms": ["pure", "chaste", "virtuous"]
,
"Etymology": "  Latin licentia, freedom, leave, liberty, the source also of the English word license. By derivation licentious means taking license, and the word implies doing something one is not supposed to do, especially something sexually immoral"
},
{
"Index": " 8-35"
,
"Word": " SUPERANNUATED"
,
"Pronunciation": " SOO-pur-AN-yoo-ay-tid"
,
"Definition": ["Retired because of age", "weakness", "or ineffective- ness; old and worn out; outdated", "outmoded", "obsolete"]
,
"Synonyms": ["timeworn", "antiquated", "decrepit", "passé", "effete"]
,
"Etymology": " Superannuated combines the prefix super-, beyond, with the Latin annum, a year, and by derivation means beyond the useful years"
},
{
"Index": " 8-36"
,
"Word": " EGREGIOUS"
,
"Pronunciation": " i-GREE-jus"
,
"Definition": ["Conspicuously bad", "remarkable or outstanding for some undesirable or offensive quality"]
,
"Synonyms": ["flagrant", "outrageous", "excessive", "shocking", "gross", "monstrous", "notorious", "grievous", "arrant"]
,
"Etymology": "  Latin egregius, not of the common herd, and therefore select or outstanding. Egregious was once used to mean outstanding or remarkable, but this sense is long obsolete, and for at least three hundred years the word has most often been used to mean outstanding or remarkable in a bad way, conspicuously bad, offensive, or undesirable"
},
{
"Index": " 8-37"
,
"Word": " VAPID"
,
"Pronunciation": " rhymes with rapid"
,
"Definition": ["Lifeless", "dull", "boring", "flat", "stale; lacking spirit", "interest", "or flavor"]
,
"Synonyms": ["unsavory", "insipid", "unpalatable", "trite", "prosaic (Level 4", "Word 16)", "pedestrian", "and jejune (Level 10", "Word 1)"]
,
"Antonyms": ["lively", "vigorous", "vivid", "animated", "robust", "vivacious", "emphatic"]
,
"Etymology": " Latin vapidus, spiritless, spoiled, flat"
},
{
"Index": " 8-38"
,
"Word": " CROTCHET"
,
"Pronunciation": " KRAHTCH-it"
,
"Definition": ["An odd notion or whim that one clings to stubbornly"]
,
"Corresponding_adjectives": ["crotchety"]
,
"Etymology": "  Crotchet comes from a Middle English word meaning a staff with a hook at the end. It is related to crochet, the form of needlework in which thread is looped with a hooked needle. In modern usage, a crotchet is an odd notion or whim that hooks you or that you cling to stubbornly, as if with a hook"
},
{
"Index": " 8-39"
,
"Word": " EPIGRAPH"
,
"Pronunciation": " EP-i-graf"
,
"Definition": ["An inscription; especially", "an inscription on a building or monument", "or a brief quotation at the beginning of a literary composition that suggests or is germane to its theme"]
,
"NB": " This discussion distinguishes an epigraph from an epigram, a short, witty poem or a short, pointed saying that displays terse wit or a clever twist of thought; and an epitaph, an inscription on a gravestone or tomb in memory of the person buried"
,
"Etymology": " Epigraph is formed from the prefix epi-, meaning \"on\" or \"above,\" and the Greek verb graphein, to write"
,
"NB": " Whenever you see a word containing graph, you can reasonably assume that it has something to do with writing"
},
{
"Index": " 8-40"
,
"Word": " EXPATIATE"
,
"Pronunciation": " ek-SPAY-shee-ayt"
,
"Definition": ["To elaborate", "speak or write at great length"]
,
"Synonyms": ["discourse", "expound", "descant"]
,
"Etymology": "  Latin expatiari, to wander. Expatiate suggests wandering at will over a subject"
},
{
"Index": " 8-41"
,
"Word": " SINECURE"
,
"Pronunciation": " SY-nuh-kyoor, also SIN-uh-kyoor"
,
"Definition": ["A position that provides a good income or salary but that requires little or no work; in colloquial terms", "a cushy job"]
,
"Etymology": " Latin beneficium sine cura, \"a benefice without cure.\" A benefice (BEN-uh-fis) is an endowed church position or office that provides a member of the clergy with a fixed income or guaranteed living. A \"benefice without cure\" means a paid position for a member of the clergy that does not require pastoral work-in other words, the curing of souls"
},
{
"Index": " 8-42"
,
"Word": " PREDILECTION"
,
"Pronunciation": " PRED-i-LEK-shin"
,
"Definition": ["A preference", "partiality", "preconceived liking; an inclination or disposition to favor something"]
,
"Synonyms": ["fondness", "leaning", "bias", "prejudice", "predisposition", "affinity (Level 4", "Word 46)", "penchant (Level 3", "Word 9)", "propensity", "proclivity"]
,
"Etymology": " French, from Medieval Latin praediligere, to prefer"
,
"Usage": " Unlike the words bias and prejudice, which are often used negatively, predilection has either a neutral or positive connotation and is used as a stronger synonym of preference and partiality"
},
{
"Index": " 8-43"
,
"Word": " IMBROGLIO"
,
"Pronunciation": " im-BROHL-yoh"
,
"Definition": ["A complicated or intricate situation; a difficult", "perplexing state of affairs; also", "a misunderstanding or disagreement of a complicated and confusing nature"]
,
"Synonyms": ["entanglement", "embroilment", "predicament", "quandary"]
,
"NB": " The unraveling of an imbroglio is a common plot in many plays, novels, and operas, but there are plenty of imbroglios in real life as well political imbroglios, financial imbroglios, marital imbroglios, and criminal imbroglios"
},
{
"Index": " 8-44"
,
"Word": " INEFFABLE"
,
"Pronunciation": " in-EF-uh-buul"
,
"Definition": ["Inexpressible", "unable to be expressed or described in words"]
,
"Synonyms": ["unutterable", "unspeakable", "indescribable"]
,
"Etymology": " Latin ineffabilis, unutterable, not able to be spoken"
,
"Usage": " Ineffable usually applies to good or pleasant things (ineffable beauty, ineffable joy), but it may occasionally apply to something unpleasant that is inexpressible (ineffable disgust)"
},
{
"Index": " 8-45"
,
"Word": " STOLID"
,
"Pronunciation": " STAHL-id"
,
"Definition": ["Not easily moved", "aroused", "or excited; showing little or no feeling or sensitivity; mentally or emotionally dull", "insensitive", "or obtuse"]
,
"Synonyms": ["unemotional", "unresponsive", "sluggish", "apathetic", "impassive", "indifferent", "phlegmatic (Level 9", "Word 33)"]
,
"Etymology": " Latin stolidus, stupid, dull, unmoving"
,
"Usage": " Unlike stoic people, who display firmness of mind and character in their thickskinned, unflinching indifference to pain and suffering, people who are stolid are not easily moved because they are oafs, dolts, louts, or half-wits. Stolid is sometimes also applied figuratively to behavior or things that are unresponsive, insensitive, or not easily moved (a stolid countenance or expression, a stolid bureaucracy, stolid opposition)"
},
{
"Index": " 8-46"
,
"Word": " OFFAL"
,
"Pronunciation": " like awful, also AHF-ul"
,
"Definition": ["Waste", "garbage", "refuse", "rubbish"]
,
"Etymology": "  Middle English, a combination of the words off and fall. Originally, offal applied to anything that fell off or was thrown off in the process of doing something. Since the early 1400s, offal has also been used of the waste parts removed in the process of butchering an animal. From that unsavory sense, the meaning of offal broadened to denote waste or garbage in general, anything thrown away as worthless"
},
{
"Index": " 8-47"
,
"Word": " LISSOME"
,
"Pronunciation": " LIS-um"
,
"Definition": ["Limber", "flexible", "moving with ease and grace"]
,
"Synonyms": ["nimble", "agile", "supple", "lithe"]
,
"NB": " This discussion distinguishes the words lissome, lithe, and limber"
},
{
"Index": " 8-48"
,
"Word": " MELLIFLUOUS"
,
"Pronunciation": " me-LIF-loo-us"
,
"Definition": ["Flowing smoothly and sweetly", "like honey"]
,
"Usage": " Mellifluous often applies to sounds or words, as a mellifluous voice, mellifluous music, a mellifluous speaker, mellifluous writing"
},
{
"Index": " 8-49"
,
"Word": " SURFEIT"
,
"Pronunciation": " SUR-fit"
,
"Definition": ["To supply", "fill", "or feed to excess", "especially to the point of discomfort", "sickness", "or disgust"]
,
"Synonyms": ["sate and satiate", "which may mean either to fill or supply to satisfaction or to fill or supply beyond what is necessary or desired; also", "stuff", "cram", "glut", "gorge", "choke", "inundate", "cloy"]
,
"Corresponding_nouns": ["surfeit", "an excess or oversupply"]
},
{
"Index": " 8-50"
,
"Word": " BLANDISHMENT"
,
"Pronunciation": " BLAN-dish-mint"
,
"Definition": ["Flattering or coaxing speech or action; an ingratiating remark or gesture"]
,
"Etymology": " Latin blandiri, to flatter, caress, coax, from blandus, flattering, fondling, caressing. By derivation, blandishment means speech or action that flatters, fondles, coaxes, or caresses in an attempt to win over or persuade a person"
,
"Usage": " The word is usually employed in its plural form, blandishments. Unlike flattery, which is generally perceived as self-serving, blandishments are not necessarily insincere. They may be expressions of honest affection, kindness, or desire"
,
"Corresponding_verbs": ["blandish", "to coax with flattering or ingratiating statements or actions"]
},
{
"Index": " 9-1"
,
"Word": " PROLIX"
,
"Pronunciation": " PROH-liks"
,
"Definition": ["Wordy and tiresome; longwinded and boring; verbose; using more than necessary to get the point across"]
,
"Synonyms": ["circumlocutory", "tautological", "pleonastic"]
,
"Antonyms": ["concise", "terse", "pithy", "succinct", "sententious"]
,
"Etymology": "  Latin prolixus, widely extended. Prolix applies to longwinded speech or writing that is tediously discursive, desultory, or protracted"
},
{
"Index": " 9-2"
,
"Word": " APOCRYPHAL"
,
"Pronunciation": " uh-PAHK-ruh-ful"
,
"Definition": ["Not genuine", "counterfeit", "illegitimate; specifically", "of doubtful authenticity or authorship"]
,
"Synonyms": ["spurious (Level 8", "Word 18)", "unauthorized", "unauthenticated", "fabricated", "fraudulent", "supposititious"]
,
"Antonyms": ["genuine", "authentic", "valid", "bona fide"]
,
"Etymology": " The Apocrypha are fourteen books of an early translation of the Old Testament into Greek called the Septuagint. The authenticity of these books was called into question. Today, apocrypha, spelled with a small a, refers to any writings of doubtful authenticity or authorship"
},
{
"Index": " 9-3"
,
"Word": " CUPIDITY"
,
"Pronunciation": " kyoo-PID-i-tee"
,
"Definition": ["Greed", "a strong desire for wealth or material things"]
,
"Synonyms": ["avarice", "acquisitiveness", "covetousness", "venality"]
,
"Etymology": " Latin cupidus, desirous, longing, eager; also, eager for power or money, avaricious. The corresponding Latin noun cupido, desire, is the source of Cupid, the cherubic god of love in Roman mythology"
},
{
"Index": " 9-4"
,
"Word": " VERNAL"
,
"Pronunciation": " VUR-nul"
,
"Definition": ["Pertaining to spring", "occurring in the spring; also", "having the qualities of spring: fresh", "warm", "and mild"]
,
"Antonyms": ["hibernal", "hiemal (pertaining to winter", "wintry)"]
,
"Additional_useful_words": ["Hibernia", "poetic name for Ireland; estival", "pertaining", "like", "or belonging to summer; estivate", "to pass the summer (the opposite of hibernate", "to pass the winter)"]
,
"Additional_useful_information": "  The vernal equinox, which occurs in March and marks the beginning of spring, and the autumnal equinox, which occurs in September and marks the beginning of fall, are the times during the year ` when the sun crosses the equator and day and night are approximately the same length"
},
{
"Index": " 9-5"
,
"Word": " TEMERITY"
,
"Pronunciation": " tuh-MER-i-tee"
,
"Definition": ["Recklessness", "rashness", "foolhardiness; reckless disregard for danger", "risk", "or consequences"]
,
"Synonyms": ["nerve", "cheek", "gall", "audacity", "heedlessness", "imprudence", "impetuosity", "presumptuousness", "effrontery"]
,
"Antonyms": ["timidity", "bashfulness", "faintheartedness", "sheepishness", "apprehension", "diffidence", "timorousness"]
,
"Corresponding_adjectives": ["temerarious"]
,
"Etymology": " Latin temere, rashly, blindly, heedlessly"
},
{
"Index": " 9-6"
,
"Word": " RAPPROCHEMENT"
,
"Pronunciation": " (rap-rohsh-MAHN)"
,
"Definition": ["Reconciliation", "a reestablishing of friendly relations"]
,
"Etymology": " Rapprochement comes from a French verb meaning to bring together, and means literally to approach again"
},
{
"Index": " 9-7"
,
"Word": " DISQUISITION"
,
"Pronunciation": " DIS-kwi-ZISH-un"
,
"Definition": ["A formal discussion of or inquiry into a subject; a discourse"]
,
"Synonyms": ["(general) treatise", "critique", "commentary; (specific) lecture", "thesis", "oration", "homily", "tract", "monograph", "dissertation"]
,
"NB": " This discussion distinguishes the words discourse, dissertation, and disquisition"
},
{
"Index": " 9-8"
,
"Word": " PROSCRIBE"
,
"Pronunciation": " proh-SKRYB"
,
"Definition": ["To prohibit", "forbid", "outlaw"]
,
"Synonyms": ["ban", "denounce", "disallow", "condemn", "censure", "ostracize", "expatriate", "interdict"]
,
"Antonyms": ["permit", "tolerate", "legalize", "authorize", "sanction"]
,
"Etymology": " Latin proscribere, to post or publish the name of an outlaw or a person to be banished or put to death"
,
"Usage": " Be careful to distinguish the verbs to proscribe and to prescribe, which are opposite in meaning"
},
{
"Index": " 9-9"
,
"Word": " MUNIFICENCE"
,
"Pronunciation": " myoo-NIF-i-sins"
,
"Definition": ["Great generosity", "lavish giving"]
,
"Synonyms": ["philanthropy", "liberality", "benevolence", "bountifulness", "bounteousness", "beneficence", "largess"]
,
"Antonyms": ["stinginess", "miserliness", "closefistedness", "penuriousness", "parsimony"]
,
"Corresponding_adjectives": ["munificent"]
,
"Etymology": " Latin munificus, generous, liberal, bountiful, from munus, a gift, present', or favor"
},
{
"Index": " 9-10"
,
"Word": " PROBITY"
,
"Pronunciation": " PROH-bi-tee"
,
"Definition": ["Honesty", "integrity; fairness", "straightforwardness. and sincerity in one's dealings with others"]
,
"Synonyms": ["uprightness", "trustworthiness", "scrupulousness", "veracity", "rectitude"]
,
"Antonyms": ["improbity", "dishonesty", "deceitfulness unscrupulousness", "duplicity", "malfeasance", "perfidy"]
},
{
"Index": " 9-11"
,
"Word": " PUISSANT"
,
"Pronunciation": " PYOO-i-sint; also, PWIS-int and pyoo-IS-int"
,
"Definition": ["Powerful", "mighty", "strong", "forceful"]
,
"Synonyms": ["vigorous", "potent", "dynamic", "stalwart"]
,
"Antonyms": ["weak", "feeble", "infirm", "debilitated", "enervated", "flaccid", "valetudinarian"]
,
"Corresponding_nouns": ["puissance", "power", "strength", "might"]
},
{
"Index": " 9-12"
,
"Word": " PECULATE"
,
"Pronunciation": " PEK-yuh-layt"
,
"Definition": ["To steal", "embezzle; specifically", "to steal or misuse money or property entrusted to one's care"]
,
"NB": " This discussion distinguishes the verbs to peculate and to defalcate"
,
"Corresponding_nouns": ["peculation"]
},
{
"Index": " 9-13"
,
"Word": " DIFFIDENT"
,
"Pronunciation": " DIF-i-dint"
,
"Definition": ["Shy", "timid", "bashful", "lacking in self-confidence", "hesitant to speak or act"]
,
"Etymology": " Latin dis-, not, and fidere, to trust, put confidence in"
},
{
"Index": " 9-14"
,
"Word": " VENAL"
,
"Pronunciation": " VEE-nal"
,
"Definition": ["Corruptible", "bribable", "capable of being bribed or bought off", "able to be obtained for a price"]
,
"Synonyms": ["mercenary (Level 3", "Word 14)"]
,
"Etymology": " Latin venalis, for sale"
,
"Usage": " The words venal and venial are often confused. Venial, means excusable, forgivable, minor, as a venial sin, offense, or error"
},
{
"Index": " 9-15"
,
"Word": " PARSIMONIOUS"
,
"Pronunciation": " PAHR-si-MOH-nee-us"
,
"Definition": ["Stingy", "miserly", "extremely tight with money"]
,
"Synonyms": ["grasping", "money-grubbing", "pennypinching", "close-fisted", "penurious", "niggardly"]
,
"Antonyms": ["generous", "liberal", "open-handed", "bountiful", "beneficent", "magnanimous", "munificent"]
,
"Corresponding_nouns": ["parsimony", "excessive or unnecessary economy or frugality"]
},
{
"Index": " 9-16"
,
"Word": " PUSILLANIMOUS"
,
"Pronunciation": " PYOO-si-LAN-i-mus"
,
"Definition": ["Cowardly", "lacking courage", "timid", "fainthearted", "irresolute"]
,
"Corresponding_nouns": ["pusillanimity"]
},
{
"Index": " 9-17"
,
"Word": " EXTANT"
,
"Pronunciation": " EK-stint"
,
"Definition": ["Existing", "still in existence", "not extinct", "not lost oi destroyed"]
,
"Etymology": " Latin exstare, to stand out, from ex, out, and stare, to stand"
},
{
"Index": " 9-18"
,
"Word": " MERETRICIOUS"
,
"Pronunciation": " MER-i-TRISH-is"
,
"Definition": ["Tawdry", "gaudy; attractive in a flashy or cheap way; falsely alluring; deceptively enticing"]
,
"Etymology": " By derivation, meretricious means pertaining to or like a meretrix, a prostitute"
,
"Usage": " The words meretricious and meritor ous are often confused, but they are nearly opposite in meaning. Meritorious means worth! of merit, deserving praise"
},
{
"Index": " 9-19"
,
"Word": " XENOPHOBIA"
,
"Pronunciation": " ZEN-uh-FOH-bee-uh"
,
"Definition": ["Fear or hatred of strangers or foreigners", "or of anything strange or foreign"]
,
"Antonyms": ["xenomania", "an inordinate attachment to anything or anyone foreign; xenophilia means love for or attraction to foreigners", "foreign cultures", "or foreign customs"]
,
"Etymology": " (Greek) prefix xeno-, alien, strange, and suffix -phobia, fear"
,
"Related_words": " xenophobe, a person who fears or hates strangers; xenophobic, affected with xenophobia"
,
"Pronunciation_tip": " In the words xenophobia, xenophobe, and xenophobic, the prefix xeno- should be pronounced ZEN-uh, not ZEE-nuh"
},
{
"Index": " 9-20"
,
"Word": " QUOTIDIAN"
,
"Pronunciation": " kwoh-TID-ee-in"
,
"Definition": ["(1) Daily", "recurring every day or pertaining to every day. (2) Of an everyday nature; ordinary", "commonplace", "trivial"]
,
"Synonyms": ["diurnal (Level 2", "Word 49)"]
},
{
"Index": " 9-21"
,
"Word": " EXIGENCY"
,
"Pronunciation": " EKS-i-jin-see"
,
"Definition": ["An urgency", "pressing need; a situation demanding immediate attention or action"]
,
"Etymology": " Latin exigere, to demand, force or drive out"
,
"NB": " This discussion distinguishes the words exigency, emergency, and crisis"
},
{
"Index": " 9-22"
,
"Word": " PULCHRITUDE"
,
"Pronunciation": " (PUHL-kri-tyood)"
,
"Definition": ["Beauty", "loveliness", "attractiveness"]
,
"Corresponding_adjectives": ["pulchritudinous"]
},
{
"Index": " 9-23"
,
"Word": " DENOUEMENT"
,
"Pronunciation": " (DAY-noo-MAHN)"
,
"Definition": ["The unraveling or resolution of a plot", "as of a novel or a drama; the outcome or resolution of any complex situation"]
},
{
"Index": " 9-24"
,
"Word": " FUGACIOUS"
,
"Pronunciation": " fyoo-GAY-shus"
,
"Definition": ["Fleeting", "passing quickly away"]
,
"Synonyms": ["transient (Level 2", "Word 31 )", "ephemeral (Level 4", "Word 12)", "transitory (Level 5", "Word 4)", "evanescent"]
,
"Etymology": " Fugacious and fugitive come from the Latin fugere, to flee, fly away"
},
{
"Index": " 9-25"
,
"Word": " TURBID"
,
"Pronunciation": " TUR-bid"
,
"Definition": ["Literally", "muddy", "clouded", "roiled", "murky", "as if from stirred-up sediment; figuratively", "muddled", "obscure", "confused", "not lucid"]
,
"Usage": " Turbid sometimes is confused with turgid and tumid, which mean swollen, inflated. Tumid usually is used literally to mean swollen or distended; turgid usually is used figuratively of language or style that is inflated pompous, pretentious, bombastic. Turbid never suggests swelling or inflation, but rather muddiness, cloudiness, disturbance, or confusion"
},
{
"Index": " 9-26"
,
"Word": " INDEFEASIBLE"
,
"Pronunciation": " in-de-FEEZ-uh-buul"
,
"Definition": ["Not capable of being undone", "taken away", "annulled", "or rendered void"]
,
"Related_words": " defeasance, the annulment or voiding of a deed or contract, or a clause within a deed or contract that provides a means for annulling it or rendering it void; defeasible, capable of being invalidated, undone, or rendered void"
,
"NB": " This discussion distinguishes the words . inalienable and indefeasible"
},
{
"Index": " 9-27"
,
"Word": " DISINGENUOUS"
,
"Pronunciation": " DIS-in-JEN-yoo-us"
,
"Definition": ["Insincere", "crafty", "sly", "not straightforward or frank"]
,
"Synonyms": ["wily", "subtle", "slippery", "deceptive", "hypocritical", "fraudulent", "mendacious"]
,
"Antonyms": ["ingenuous", "truthful", "frank", "candid", "unselfconscious", "unaffected", "guileless"]
,
"Corresponding_nouns": ["disingenuousness"]
,
"Etymology": " Disingenuous combines the prefix dis-, meaning \"not,\" with the Latin ingenuus, freeborn, of free birth; hence, noble, honorable, upright. From the Latin ingenuus, by way of French, English has also acquired the word ingénue, which the Century Dictionary defines as \"a woman or girl who displays innocent candor or simplicity; specifically, such a character represented on the stage, or the actress who plays it.\""
},
{
"Index": " 9-28"
,
"Word": " SCURRILOUS"
,
"Pronunciation": " SKUHR-i-lus"
,
"Definition": ["Foul-mouthed", "obscene; using or expressed in language that is coarse", "vulgar", "and abusive"]
,
"Synonyms": ["shameless", "indelicate", "lewd", "smutty", "ribald (Level 7", "Word 42)", "irreverent", "insolent", "disparaging", "derisive", "contumelious"]
,
"Antonyms": ["polite", "refined", "tasteful", "cultured", "sophisticated", "cultivated", "decorous", "urbane"]
,
"Etymology": " Latin scurrilis, mocking, jesting, or jeering like a buffoon"
,
"Corresponding_nouns": ["scurrility and scurrilousness"]
},
{
"Index": " 9-29"
,
"Word": " RECRUDESCENCE"
,
"Pronunciation": " REE-kroo-DES-ints"
,
"Definition": ["A revival", "renewal", "fresh outbreak after a period of inactivity or quiescence"]
,
"Etymology": "  Recrudescence comes from the Latin recrudescere, to become raw again, break out again, open afresh. In medicine, recrudescence is used of a wound or sore that partially heals and then reopens, or of a fever that abates and then breaks out again"
,
"Corresponding_verbs": ["recrudesce", "to break out again", "show renewed activity after an inactive period"]
,
"Corresponding_adjectives": ["recrudescent", "breaking out afresh (a recrudescent epidemic", "a recrudescent revolt)"]
},
{
"Index": " 9-30"
,
"Word": " DEFENESTRATE"
,
"Pronunciation": " dee-FEN-i-strayt"
,
"Definition": ["To throw something or someone out of a window"]
,
"Etymology": " prefix de-, out, and Latin fenestra, a window"
,
"Corresponding_nouns": ["defenestration", "the act of throwing something or someone out of a window"]
},
{
"Index": " 9-31"
,
"Word": " DILATORY"
,
"Pronunciation": " DIL-uh-for-ee"
,
"Definition": ["Delaying", "causing or intended to cause delay; also", "slow", "tardy", "characterized by delay or procrastination"]
},
{
"Index": " 9-32"
,
"Word": " VILIFY"
,
"Pronunciation": " VIL-uh-fy"
,
"Definition": ["To defame", "slander", "attack with vicious", "abusive language"]
,
"Synonyms": ["disparage", "denigrate", "stigmatize", "malign", "revile", "vituperate", "calumniate", "traduce"]
,
"Antonyms": ["praise", "commend", "laud", "extol", "glorify", "eulogize", "venerate"]
,
"Etymology": " Latin vilis, cheap, worthless"
,
"Corresponding_nouns": ["vilification"]
},
{
"Index": " 9-33"
,
"Word": " PHLEGMATIC"
,
"Pronunciation": " fleg-MAT-ik"
,
"Definition": ["Calm and unemotional; having a sluggish", "apathetic temperament; difficult to move to emotion or action"]
,
"Etymology": " Phlegmatic comes from the Greek phlegmatikos, pertaining to the humor phlegm. In ancient and medieval physiology, there were four humors, or bodily fluids, thought to determine a person's health or disposition: blood, also known as the sanguine humor, which made you upbeat, cheerful, and confident; choler, also known as yellow bile, which made you passionate or irascible; melancholy, also known as black bile, which made you gloomy or dejected; and phlegm, which made you either cool and indifferent or dull and sluggish. From this medieval humor phlegm we inherit the adjective phlegmatic, which by derivation means full of phlegm; hence, having a sluggish, apathetic temperament, calm and unemotional, difficult to move to emotion or action"
},
{
"Index": " 9-34"
,
"Word": " ADVENTITIOUS"
,
"Pronunciation": " AD-ven-TISH-us"
,
"Definition": ["Accidentally or casually acquired", "not belonging naturally to something", "associated by chance", "not inherent or integral"]
,
"Synonyms": ["foreign", "extrinsic", "incidental", "extraneous", "fortuitous", "supervenient"]
},
{
"Index": " 9-35"
,
"Word": " DESICCATED"
,
"Pronunciation": " DES-i-kay-tid"
,
"Definition": ["Dried or dried up", "dehydrated", "deprived of moisture"]
,
"Corresponding_verbs": ["desiccate", "to dry thoroughly"]
,
"Corresponding_nouns": ["desiccation", "the act of drying or dehydrating"]
,
"Etymology": " Latin desiccare, to dry completely"
},
{
"Index": " 9-36"
,
"Word": " COMITY"
,
"Pronunciation": " KAHM-i-tee"
,
"Definition": ["Courtesy", "civility", "politeness", "respectful and considerate behavior"]
,
"Etymology": " Latin comitas, courtesy, friendliness, from comis, courteous, kind, polite. Comity of nations: courteous and friendly relations between nations involving recognition and respect for each other's laws and institutions"
},
{
"Index": " 9-37"
,
"Word": " SPECIOUS"
,
"Pronunciation": " SPEE-shus"
,
"Definition": ["Appearing to be true", "genuine", "or correct but actually false or deceptive; superficially reasonable or just but not so in reality"]
,
"Etymology": " Latin speciosus, beautiful, splendid, handsome, from species, outward appearance, and specere, to look at. By derivation, something specious has an outward appearance that is beautiful, splendid, or handsome to look upon but that underneath is false, deceptive, or flawed"
,
"NB": " This discussion distinguishes the words specious and plausible"
},
{
"Index": " 9-38"
,
"Word": " NOISOME"
,
"Pronunciation": " NOY-sum"
,
"Definition": ["(1) Harmful to health or well-being", "unwholesome", "dangerous", "destructive"]
,
"Synonyms": ["injurious", "ruinous", "deleterious", "noxious", "baneful", "malign", "pernicious"]
,
"Definition": ["(2) Foul-smelling", "offensive", "disgusting"]
,
"Synonyms": ["rank", "rancid", "putrid", "fetid", "malodorous", "mephitic"]
,
"Antonyms": ["salutary", "salubrious"]
},
{
"Index": " 9-39"
,
"Word": " CALUMNY"
,
"Pronunciation": " KAL-um-nee"
,
"Definition": ["Defamation of character", "slander", "a false and malicious statement or accusation meant to injure a person's reputation"]
,
"Synonyms": ["backbiting", "denigration", "obloquy", "vilification"]
,
"Corresponding_adjectives": ["calumnious"]
,
"Corresponding_verbs": ["calumniate"]
,
"Etymology": " Latin calumniare, to accuse falsely, from calumnia, a trick"
},
{
"Index": " 9-40"
,
"Word": " EXCORIATE"
,
"Pronunciation": " ek-SKOR-ee-ayt"
,
"Definition": ["(1) To strip", "scrape", "or tear off the skin."]
,
"Synonyms": ["abrade", "chafe", "scalp", "gall", "flay"]
,
"Definition": ["(2) To rebuke or denounce harshly and severely"]
,
"Synonyms": ["censure", "castigate", "vituperate"]
,
"NB": " This discussion distinguishes the verbs to flay and to excoriate"
,
"Corresponding_nouns": ["excoriation"]
},
{
"Index": " 9-41"
,
"Word": " LASSITUDE"
,
"Pronunciation": " (LAS-i-tyood)"
,
"Definition": ["Weariness", "fatigue; a weak or exhausted state or feeling; a sluggish relaxation of body or mind"]
,
"Synonyms": ["listlessness", "lethargy", "debility", "indolence", "inertia", "enervation", "torpor", "languor", "oscitancy"]
,
"Additional_useful_words": ["osculation", "the act of kissing"]
,
"NB": " This discussion distinguishes the words fatigue, weariness, and lassitude"
},
{
"Index": " 9-42"
,
"Word": " TRADUCE"
,
"Pronunciation": " (truh-DYOOS)"
,
"Definition": ["To publicly disgrace or humiliate by making false and malicious statements; to make a mockery of; expose to public ridicule or contempt"]
,
"Synonyms": ["defame", "slander", "denigrate", "malign", "vituperate", "calumniate", "vilify (Level 9", "Word 32)"]
,
"Etymology": " Traduce comes from the Latin traducere, to lead across or lead in front of others; hence, to exhibit as a spectacle, expose to ridicule, disgrace or humiliate in public"
,
"Corresponding_nouns": ["traducement", "the act of traducing; traducer", "a person who traduces", "who makes false", "malicious", "humiliating statements"]
},
{
"Index": " 9-43"
,
"Word": " DISHABILLE"
,
"Pronunciation": " DIS-uh-BEEL"
,
"Definition": ["(1) The state of being partly clothed; partial undress. (2) The state of being casually or carelessly dressed", "as in one's night clothes or lounging attire"]
,
"Additional_useful_words": ["prurient (PRUUR-ee-int)", "characterized by or arousing lust"]
},
{
"Index": " 9-44"
,
"Word": " SATURNALIA"
,
"Pronunciation": " SAT-ur-NAY-lee-uh"
,
"Definition": ["An orgy", "licentious merrymaking", "unrestrained revelry"]
,
"Etymology": " Saturnalia (capital S) denotes the licentious seven-day festival of Saturn celebrated in December by the ancient Romans; from that, saturnalia (small s) has come to mean any period or occasion of unrestrained revelry"
},
{
"Index": " 9-45"
,
"Word": " EXTIRPATE"
,
"Pronunciation": " EK-stur-payt"
,
"Definition": ["To pull or dig up by the roots", "root out", "exterminate", "abolish or destroy completely"]
,
"Etymology": " Latin extirpare, to tear up by the roots, from ex-, out, and stirps, the stem and roots of a plant"
,
"Synonyms": ["eradicate", "deracinate"]
,
"Corresponding_nouns": ["extirpation"]
},
{
"Index": " 9-46"
,
"Word": " FLAGITIOUS"
,
"Pronunciation": " fluh-JISH-us"
,
"Definition": ["Extremely wicked; shamefully and scandalously criminal", "vice-ridden", "or corrupt"]
,
"Synonyms": ["atrocious", "egregious", "heinous", "diabolical", "nefarious", "odious", "execrable"]
,
"Etymology": " Latin flagitiosus, shameful, disgraceful, infamous, from flagitium, a shameful crime, disgraceful action"
,
"Usage": " Flagitious may be used of persons who are grossly wicked and guilty of atrocious crimes or vices, or of actions or things to mean shamefully wicked, villainous, or evil"
},
{
"Index": " 9-47"
,
"Word": " PERIPATETIC"
,
"Pronunciation": " PER-i-puh-TET-ik"
,
"Definition": ["Walking about", "going from place to place on foot"]
,
"Synonyms": ["ambulating", "itinerant"]
,
"Usage": " When spelled with a capital P, Peripatetic refers to the ancient Greek school of philosophy founded by Aristotle, who expounded his theories while strolling in the Lyceum in Athens. When spelled with a small p, peripatetic means walking about, traveling on foot"
,
"Corresponding_nouns": ["peripatetic", "a pedestrian or itinerant", "someone who walks or moves about on foot"]
},
{
"Index": " 9-48"
,
"Word": " CACHINNATE"
,
"Pronunciation": " KAK-i-nayt"
,
"Definition": ["To laugh loudly and immoderately", "laugh convulsively or hysterically"]
,
"Corresponding_nouns": ["cachinnation", "immoderate", "convulsive", "or hysterical laughter"]
},
{
"Index": " 9-49"
,
"Word": " MANUMIT"
,
"Pronunciation": " MAN-yoo-MIT"
,
"Definition": ["To set free", "liberate", "emancipate", "deliver from slavery or bondage"]
,
"Synonyms": ["unshackle", "unfetter", "enfranchise", "disenthrall"]
,
"Antonyms": ["enslave", "enthrall", "subjugate", "shackle", "fetter", "manacle", "trammel"]
,
"Etymology": " Latin manumittere, to free a slave, from manus, the hand, and mittere, to send, let go"
,
"NB": " This discussion distinguishes the verbs to manumit, emancipate, and enfranchise"
},
{
"Index": " 9-50"
,
"Word": " EXPIATION"
,
"Pronunciation": " EK-spee-AY-shin"
,
"Definition": ["Atonement; reparation for a sin", "crime", "or offense"]
,
"Etymology": " Latin expiare, to atone for, purify, engage in a ritual cleansing"
,
"Corresponding_verbs": ["expiate", "to atone for", "make amends for"]
},
{
"Index": " 10-1"
,
"Word": " JEJUNE"
,
"Pronunciation": " ji-JOON"
,
"Definition": ["Dull", "uninteresting", "or unsatisfying; devoid of nourishment", "substance", "or significance"]
,
"Synonyms": ["flat", "stale", "arid", "insipid", "vapid (Level 8", "Word 37)"]
,
"Etymology": " Latin jejunus, fasting, hungry, barren, dry, the source also of jejunum, the middle section of the small intestine, between the duodenum and the ileum, believed to be empty after death"
,
"Usage": "  If you look up jejune in a current dictionary, you will also see another definition of the word: youthful, childish, immature, puerile. This sense is objected to by certain usage experts who regard it as having developed through an erroneous analogy with the word juvenile. According to Jacques Barzun, one of the world's foremost authorities on English usage, \"the meaning `youthful, childish' for jejune has got into the dictionaries only as a concession to the misusers.\" On the other hand, William Safire, the language maven of The New York Times, believes that \"childish, puerile\" is the sense in which jejune is most commonly used today. \"At a certain point, what people mean when they use a word becomes its meaning,\" writes Safire. \"We should resist its adoption, pointing out the error, for years; mockery helps; if the meaning persists, though, it is senseless to ignore the new sense.\""
},
{
"Index": " 10-2"
,
"Word": " PAUCITY"
,
"Pronunciation": " PAW-si-tee"
,
"Definition": ["An insufficiency", "scarcity", "especially a serious or extreme one", "a dire lack"]
,
"Synonyms": ["dearth (Level 3", "Word 12)", "shortage", "deficiency", "exiguity (corresponding adjective: exiguous)"]
,
"Antonyms": ["superabundance", "superfluity", "plethora"]
,
"Etymology": " Latin paucitas, fewness, scarcity, from paucus, few"
},
{
"Index": " 10-3"
,
"Word": " MINATORY"
,
"Pronunciation": " MIN-uh-for-ee"
,
"Definition": ["Threatening", "menacing; having a threatening or menacing aspect or nature"]
,
"Synonyms": ["minacious"]
,
"Etymology": " Minatory and minacious come from the Latin minari, to threaten and are related to the word menace"
},
{
"Index": " 10-4"
,
"Word": " PUTATIVE"
,
"Pronunciation": " PYOO-tuh-tiv"
,
"Definition": ["Supposed", "reputed", "commonly considered or regarded as such; deemed to be so but not proved"]
,
"Antonyms": ["certain", "definite", "unquestionable", "indisputable", "indubitable", "incontrovertible", "irrefragable"]
,
"Etymology": " Latin putare, to consider, believe, think, suppose"
},
{
"Index": " 10-5"
,
"Word": " LUCUBRATION"
,
"Pronunciation": " LOO-kyoo-BRAY-shin"
,
"Definition": ["Nocturnal labor; study", "writing", "or work done late at night"]
,
"Etymology": " Latin lucubrate, to work by candlelight"
,
"Corresponding_adjectives": ["lucubratory", "literally \"done by candlelight\"; hence", "pertaining to nocturnal study or labor"]
,
"Corresponding_verbs": ["lucubrate", "to work", "study", "or write into the wee hours"]
,
"Usage": " Lucubrate may also mean to compose with laborious effort, and especially to write in a scholarly or pedantic fashion; lucubration has also come to mean anything produced by laborious study or effort, especially an elaborate, pedantic, or pretentious piece of writing"
},
{
"Index": " 10-6"
,
"Word": " TROGLODYTE"
,
"Pronunciation": " TRAHG-luh-dyt"
,
"Definition": ["(1) A cave dweller. (2) A person who lives or behaves in a primitive", "brutish", "or crude manner. (3) A person who lives in seclusion"]
,
"Corresponding_adjectives": ["troglodytic"]
,
"Etymology": " Greek, literally \"one who creeps into holes.\""
,
"Additional_useful_words": ["anchorite", "eremite (both mean \"a hermit", "recluse", "person who lives in seclusion\")"]
},
{
"Index": " 10-7"
,
"Word": " ALEATORY"
,
"Pronunciation": " AY-lee-uh-for-ee"
,
"Definition": ["Depending on luck", "chance", "or on some contingent event; hence", "uncertain", "unpredictable"]
,
"Etymology": " Latin aleator, a gamester, thrower of dice, crapshooter, which comes in turn from alea, a game of dice. Aleatory means literally depending upon the throw of the dice"
},
{
"Index": " 10-8"
,
"Word": " FARRAGO"
,
"Pronunciation": " fuh-RAY-goh, also fuh-RAH-goh"
,
"Definition": ["A mixture", "especially a confused or jumbled mixture"]
,
"Synonyms": ["conglomeration", "medley", "mishmash", "hodgepodge", "miscellany", "potpourri", "pastiche", "salmagundi"]
,
"Etymology": " Latin, literally \"mixed fodder for animals; a jumbled assortment of grains.\""
,
"Corresponding_adjectives": ["farraginous", "mixed", "jumbled", "miscellaneous", "heterogeneous"]
},
{
"Index": " 10-9"
,
"Word": " CYNOSURE"
,
"Pronunciation": " SY-nuh-shuur"
,
"Definition": ["A center of attention or interest", "focal point"]
,
"Etymology": " Greek kynosoura, a dog's tail, from kynos, a dog"
,
"NB": " This discussion explores the origin of the words cynical, cynic, and cynicism, and their relation to Diogenes of Sinope, a Cynic philosopher nicknamed kynos, or kyon, \"the dog,\" for his outrageous behavior"
,
"Usage": " Cynosure (capital C) refers to the constellation Ursa Minor or to Polaris, the North Star, also called the polestar, which is part of this constellation"
},
{
"Index": " 10-10"
,
"Word": " BADINAGE"
,
"Pronunciation": " bad'n-AHZH, also BAD'n-azh"
,
"Definition": ["Banter; playful", "teasing talk; good-natured joking or gently mocking conversation"]
,
"Synonyms": ["repartee", "raillery", "persiflage"]
,
"NB": " This discussion distinguishes the words banter, badinage, persiflage, and raillery, which suggest good-humored jesting"
},
{
"Index": " 10-11"
,
"Word": " HIERATIC"
,
"Pronunciation": " HY-ur-AT-ik"
,
"Definition": ["Priestly; pertaining to or used by priests; reserved for holy or sacred uses (hieratic writings", "vestments", "etc.)"]
,
"Synonyms": ["clerical", "ministerial", "pastoral", "ecclesiastical", "sacerdotal"]
,
"Related_words": " The prefix hiero- (or hier-) comes from Greek and means sacred, holy, divine. It appears in the words hierocracy, rule by priests, ecclesiastical government; hierarch, a person who rules over sacred things, a high priest, and also a person who occupies a high position in a hierarchy; and hierarchy, an organized body or system strictly arranged in order of rank, power, or class"
,
"Additional_useful_information": "  Hieratic may also designate a form of ancient Egyptian writing in which the traditional hieroglyphics took on a more cursive, or flowing, form. The hieratic style was opposed to the demotic style. Demotic (Greek demos, the people) means of the people, popular. From the same source comes democracy, rule by the people. Demotic may also refer to speech or writing that is vernacular, popular, informal"
},
{
"Index": " 10-12"
,
"Word": " SATURNINE"
,
"Pronunciation": " SAT-ur-nyn"
,
"Definition": ["Gloomy", "sullen", "or somber in appearance", "manner", "or temperament"]
,
"Synonyms": ["grave", "melancholy", "morose", "taciturn", "phlegmatic (Level 9", "Word 33)"]
,
"Antonyms": ["mercurial (Level 8", "Word 27)", "sanguine (Level 10", "Word 21)"]
,
"Etymology": " Literally, \"of or pertaining to the planet Saturn.\""
},
{
"Index": " 10-13"
,
"Word": " EXECRATE"
,
"Pronunciation": " EKS-uh-krayt"
,
"Definition": ["To denounce vehemently", "declare hateful or detestable; also", "to loathe", "abhor", "detest utterly. Etymology: Latin", "literally \"to put under a curse.\""]
,
"Corresponding_adjectives": ["execrable", "abomi nable", "abhorrent", "loathsome", "utterly detestable. Corresponding_noun: execration", "a vehement denunciation or the act of execrating", "declaring hateful or detestable"]
},
{
"Index": " 10-14"
,
"Word": " VITIATE"
,
"Pronunciation": " VISH-ee-ayt"
,
"Definition": ["To corrupt", "spoil", "ruin", "contaminate", "impair the quality of", "make faulty or impure; also", "to weaken morally", "defile", "debase"]
,
"Etymology": " Latin vitium, a fault, vice"
,
"Legal_usage": "  A vitiated contract or a vitiated claim has been corrupted or violated and is therefore invalid, rendered ineffective"
,
"Corresponding_nouns": ["vitiation", "corruption", "spoliation", "the act of vitiating or the state of being vitiated"]
},
{
"Index": " 10-15"
,
"Word": " VENIAL"
,
"Pronunciation": " VEE-nee-ul"
,
"Definition": ["Excusable", "forgivable", "pardonable", "able to be overlooked"]
,
"Etymology": " Latin venia, grace, indulgence"
,
"Religious_usage": "  In theology, venial is opposed to mortal. Venial sins are pardonable; mortal sins exclude one from grace"
,
"Usage": " Be careful to distinguish venal (Level 9, Word 14) and venial in spelling and meaning. Venal means corruptible, capable of being bribed or bought off"
},
{
"Index": " 10-16"
,
"Word": " RISIBLE"
,
"Pronunciation": " RIZ-i-buul"
,
"Definition": ["Provoking or capable of provoking laughter"]
,
"Synonyms": ["laughable", "amusing", "ludicrous", "hilarious", "ridiculous", "droll (Level 5", "Word 36)"]
,
"Etymology": " Risible, ridicule, and ridiculous all come from the Latin ridere, to laugh at"
},
{
"Index": " 10-17"
,
"Word": " LIONIZE"
,
"Pronunciation": " LY-uh-nyz"
,
"Definition": ["To treat a person as a celebrity or as an object of great interest or importance"]
,
"Related_words": " lion, an important, famous, or celebrated person (a lion in his profession, a lion of industry, a literary lion)"
},
{
"Index": " 10-18"
,
"Word": " CONTRETEMPS"
,
"Pronunciation": " (KAHN-truh-tan)"
,
"Definition": ["An embarrassing", "awkward", "unexpected situation or event; a sudden mishap or hitch; an inopportune occurrence"]
,
"Etymology": " French, literally \"against the time\" or \"out of time\"; first applied in English to the sport of fencing to mean (OED) \"a pass or thrust ... made at a wrong or inopportune moment.\""
,
"Usage": "  The plural is spelled the same, contretemps, but pronounced KAHN-truh-tah(n)z"
},
{
"Index": " 10-19"
,
"Word": " RODOMONTADE"
,
"Pronunciation": " RAHD-uh-mun-TAYD"
,
"Definition": ["Arrogant boasting or bragging"]
,
"Synonyms": ["bluster", "braggadocio", "vainglory", "gasconade", "fanfaronade", "jactitation"]
,
"Etymology": " The character Rodomont, a boastful warrior king in Boiardo's Orlando Inamorato and Ariosto's Orlando Furioso, from Italian rodomonte, literally \"one who rolls away mountains.\""
},
{
"Index": " 10-20"
,
"Word": " HEBETUDE"
,
"Pronunciation": " (HEB-i-tyood)"
,
"Definition": ["Stupidity", "dullness", "obtuseness", "lethargy of mind or spirit"]
,
"Corresponding_verbs": ["hebetate", "to make or become dull", "blunt", "or obtuse"]
,
"Corresponding_adjectives": ["hebetudinous", "dull", "stupid", "obtuse"]
,
"Etymology": " Latin hebes, blunt, dull"
},
{
"Index": " 10-21"
,
"Word": " SANGUINE"
,
"Pronunciation": " SANG-gwin"
,
"Definition": ["Confident", "cheerful", "hopeful", "optimistic"]
,
"Etymology": " (Latin sanguis, blood) Sanguine originally meant having blood as the dominant humor in one's system; hence, having a ruddy, healthy complexion and a warm temperament. Eventually this sense evolved into the current meaning: confident, cheerfully optimistic"
,
"NB": " This discussion distinguishes the words sanguine and sanguinary, which are sometimes confused"
},
{
"Index": " 10-22"
,
"Word": " DEIPNOSOPHIST"
,
"Pronunciation": " dyp-NAHS-uh-fist"
,
"Definition": ["An adept conversationalist", "especially one who enjoys conversing at the table"]
,
"Etymology": " Deipnosophist (noun), deipnosophistic (adjective), and deipnosophism (noun) come from the Greek deipnon, a meal, and sophistes, a wise man. The Deipnosophistai by Athenaeus details the conversation of a group of learned men who are dining together"
,
"Additional_useful_words": ["Symposium", "which means literally \"a drinking party", "\" comes from the title of a Platonic dialogue; preprandial", "before dinner; postprandial", "after dinner"]
},
{
"Index": " 10-23"
,
"Word": " FRANGIBLE"
,
"Pronunciation": " FRAN-ji-buul"
,
"Definition": ["Breakable", "fragile", "frail", "delicate", "easily damaged or destroyed"]
,
"Additional_useful_words": ["friable", "easily crumbled", "crushed", "or pulverized"]
},
{
"Index": " 10-24"
,
"Word": " APODICTIC"
,
"Pronunciation": " AP-uh-DIK-tik"
,
"Definition": ["Absolutely certain", "necessarily true", "proved or demonstrated beyond a shadow of a doubt"]
,
"Synonyms": ["incontestable", "incontrovertible", "irrefragable"]
},
{
"Index": " 10-25"
,
"Word": " FULMINATE"
,
"Pronunciation": " FUHL-mi-nayt"
,
"Definition": ["To explode", "especially to explode with invective and denunciations; to shout forth condemnation and censure"]
,
"Corresponding_nouns": ["fulmination", "an explosion", "detonation; also (especially) a thundering verbal explosion", "loud denunciation or condemnation"]
,
"Etymology": " Latin fulminare, to strike with lightning, from fulmen, a stroke of lightning, thunderbolt"
},
{
"Index": " 10-26"
,
"Word": " SCARIFY"
,
"Pronunciation": " SKAR-i-fy"
,
"Definition": ["(1) To wound the feelings of; make cutting remarks about; distress by criticizing sharply. (2) (medicine) To make a series of shallow cuts or punctures in the skin", "as in vaccinating. (3) (agriculture) To cut into the ground; loosen or break up the soil either to aerate it or in preparation for planting"]
,
"Synonyms": ["lacerate (Level 1", "Word 35)", "flay", "castigate", "vituperate", "excoriate (Level 9", "Word 40)"]
,
"Corresponding_nouns": ["scarification"]
,
"Etymology": " Literally, \"to scratch,\" from Greek skariphos, a pencil or stylus"
,
"Usage": " Scarify and scare are similar in spelling and sound but entirely unrelated in derivation and meaning"
},
{
"Index": " 10-27"
,
"Word": " HEBDOMADAL"
,
"Pronunciation": " heb-DAHM-uh-dul"
,
"Definition": ["Weekly; pertaining to a week or seven-day period"]
,
"Corresponding_nouns": ["hebdomad", "a group of seven or a seven-day period", "a week"]
,
"Etymology": " Latin and Greek words for the number 7"
},
{
"Index": " 10-28"
,
"Word": " DIVAGATE"
,
"Pronunciation": " DY-vuh-gayt"
,
"Definition": ["To wander", "ramble", "or drift about hence", "to digress"]
,
"Corresponding_nouns": ["divagation", "a digression or the act of wandering or rambling"]
,
"Etymology": " Latin divagari, to wander about, from dis-, \"apart,\" and vagari, to wander, ramble, roam"
},
{
"Index": " 10-29"
,
"Word": " IATROGENIC"
,
"Pronunciation": " eye-AT-truh-JEN-ik"
,
"Definition": ["Caused by medical examination or treatment"]
,
"Antonyms": ["pathological", "pertaining to or caused by disease"]
,
"Etymology": " Iatric, pertaining to medicine or medical doctors, and iatrogenic begin with the combining form iatro- (Greek iatros, a physician), which means \"medical\" or \"medicine.\" The combining form -genic means \"producing\" or \"generating.\""
},
{
"Index": " 10-30"
,
"Word": " TERGIVERSATION"
,
"Pronunciation": " TUR-jiv-ur-SAY-shin"
,
"Definition": ["Desertion; specifically", "the act of deserting something to which one was previously loyal", "such as a cause", "a party", "or a religious faith"]
,
"Synonyms": ["abandonment", "defection"]
,
"Corresponding_verbs": ["tergiversate (TUR-jiv-ursayt). Tergiversate and Apostatize are synonmous"]
,
"Etymology": " Latin, literally \"to turn one's back.\""
,
"Usage": " Tergiversate and tergiversation may also be used figuratively of language that is shifty and evasive, that does not take a firm stand. In this sense, tergiversate is a synonym of equivocate and tergiversation is a synonym of equivocation"
},
{
"Index": " 10-31"
,
"Word": " NACREOUS"
,
"Pronunciation": " NAY-kree-us"
,
"Definition": ["Pearly", "consisting of or resembling mother-ofpearl"]
,
"Synonyms": ["iridescent", "margaritaceous"]
,
"Corresponding_nouns": ["nacre (NAY-kur)", "a synonym of mother-of-pearl"]
},
{
"Index": " 10-32"
,
"Word": " FAMANT"
,
"Pronunciation": " FAY-nee-int"
,
"Definition": ["Lazy", "idle", "sluggish", "good-for-nothing"]
,
"Synonyms": ["do-nothing", "shiftless", "slothful", "lackadaisical", "lethargic", "indolent", "somnolent", "torpid", "otiose", "hebetudinous"]
,
"Pronunciation_tip": " There is no lax in lackadaisical; say LAK-uh-DAY-zuh-kul"
,
"Etymology": " French, literally \"to do nothing.\""
,
"Corresponding_nouns": ["faineant", "a lazy person", "an idler", "sluggard; faineance", "idleness", "inactivity", "indolence", "or the lazy", "do-nothing attitude of a faineant person"]
,
"Pronunciation_tip": " If you look up faineant in a current dictionary, you may find the French pronunciation, fay-nay-A(N), listed first or even listed alone. Despite what these sources say, the French pronunciation is not recommended because evidence shows that educated speakers have anglicized the word (made it sound English) since at least the 1920s. Two of the 20thcentury's most respected arbiters on pronunciation, the second edition of Webster's New International Dictionary (1934), and Kenyon and Knott's Pronouncing Dictionary of American English (1949), both prefer FAY-nee-int"
},
{
"Index": " 10-33"
,
"Word": " HISPID"
,
"Pronunciation": " HIS-pid"
,
"Definition": ["Covered with stiff hairs", "bristles", "or small spines; rough and bristly"]
,
"Etymology": " Latin hispidus, rough, hairy, bristly"
,
"NB": " This discussion distinguishes hispid and hirsute, which means extremely hairy or covered with hair"
},
{
"Index": " 10-34"
,
"Word": " LONGANIMITY"
,
"Pronunciation": " LAHNG-guh-NIM-i-tee"
,
"Definition": ["Long-suffering patience; the ability to calmly endure hardship or suffering"]
,
"Synonyms": ["forbearance"]
,
"Etymology": " Latin longus, meaning \"long,\" and animus, spirit, mind"
},
{
"Index": " 10-35"
,
"Word": " SCIOLIST"
,
"Pronunciation": " SY-uh-list"
,
"Definition": ["A person who has only superficial knowledge of a subject", "or who pretends to have knowledge"]
,
"Etymology": " Latin, literally \"a smatterer,\" ultimately from the Latin scire, to know"
,
"Corresponding_nouns": ["sciolism", "superficial or pretended knowledge"]
},
{
"Index": " 10-36"
,
"Word": " PROPINQUITY"
,
"Pronunciation": " pro-PING-kwi-tee"
,
"Definition": ["(1) Nearness in place or time", "proximity. (2) Nearness or similarity in nature", "kinship", "close relation"]
,
"Etymology": " Latin propinquitas, nearness, proximity, or friendship, relationship"
,
"NB": " This discussion distinguishes proximity and propinquity"
},
{
"Index": " 10-37"
,
"Word": " FACTITIOUS"
,
"Pronunciation": " fak-TISH-us"
,
"Definition": ["Not natural or genuine", "produced artificially"]
,
"Synonyms": ["sham", "contrived", "bogus", "fraudulent", "spurious (Level 8", "Word 18)"]
,
"Etymology": " Latin facticius, made by art, artificial, from facere, to make"
,
"NB": " This discussion distinguishes artificial and factitious"
},
{
"Index": " 10-38"
,
"Word": " PLEXIFORM"
,
"Pronunciation": " PLEK-si-form"
,
"Definition": ["In general", "complicated or elaborate; specifically", "like a plexus or network"]
,
"Related_words": " plexus, \"a network\" or \"any complex structure containing an intricate network of parts\" (Random House Webster's College Dictionary)"
,
"Etymology": " Latin plectere, to braid, intertwine, interweave"
},
{
"Index": " 10-39"
,
"Word": " SUSURRUS"
,
"Pronunciation": " suu-SUR-us"
,
"Definition": ["A soft", "subdued sound; a whispering", "murmuring", "muttering", "or rustling sound"]
,
"Synonyms": ["susurration (SOO-suh-RAY-shin)"]
,
"Corresponding_verbs": ["susurrate (suu-SUR-ayt)", "to whisper", "murmur"]
,
"Corresponding_adjectives": ["susurrant (suuSUR-int)", "softly whispering", "rustling", "or murmuring"]
,
"Etymology": " Latin susurrare, to whisper, murmer, mutter"
},
{
"Index": " 10-40"
,
"Word": " TRITURATE"
,
"Pronunciation": " TRICH-ur-ayt"
,
"Definition": ["To grind", "crush", "or pound into fine particles or powder"]
,
"Synonyms": ["pulverize", "comminute", "levigate"]
,
"Etymology": " Latin, \"to thresh grain\" or \"tread out corn.\""
,
"NB": " This discussion distinguishes the verbs to pulverize and to triturate"
,
"Corresponding_nouns": ["trituration"]
},
{
"Index": " 10-41"
,
"Word": " PROTEAN"
,
"Pronunciation": " PROH-tee-in"
,
"Definition": ["Highly variable or changeable; readily assuming different shapes", "forms", "characters", "or meanings"]
,
"Etymology": " Proteus, a sea god in ancient Greek mythology who could change his shape at will"
},
{
"Index": " 10-42"
,
"Word": " CREPITATE"
,
"Pronunciation": " KREP-i-tayt"
,
"Definition": ["To crackle; make a crackling", "snapping", "or popping noise"]
,
"Etymology": " Latin crepitare, to crackle, creak, rattle, or clatter, the source also of decrepit and the unusual word crepitaculum, the rattle or rattling organ of the rattlesnake"
,
"Corresponding_adjectives": ["crepitant", "crackling or creaking"]
,
"Corresponding_nouns": ["crepitation", "a crackling or creaking sound; in medicine", "the grating sound or sensation produced by rubbing together the fractured ends of a broken bone"]
},
{
"Index": " 10-43"
,
"Word": " NOCTIVAGANT"
,
"Pronunciation": " nahk-TIV-uh-gint"
,
"Definition": ["Wandering at night"]
,
"Etymology": " Latin noctivagus, wandering by night, from nox, night, and vagari, to wander about. Vagari is also the source of vague, vagabond, a wanderer, and vagary (properly vuh-GAIR-ee, now usually VAY-guh-ree), an odd, whimsical idea or an unpredictable, capricious action or event (the vagaries of the stock market)"
,
"Corresponding_nouns": ["noctivagation", "the act of wandering in the night"]
},
{
"Index": " 10-44"
,
"Word": " FULIGINOUS"
,
"Pronunciation": " fyoo-LIJ-i-nus"
,
"Definition": ["Sooty", "smoky; pertaining to", "resembling", "or consisting of soot or smoke"]
,
"Etymology": " Latin fuligo, soot"
},
{
"Index": " 10-45"
,
"Word": " HORTATORY"
,
"Pronunciation": " HOR-tuh-for-ee"
,
"Definition": ["Encouraging or urging to some course of action; giving earnest counsel or advice"]
,
"Related_words": " exhort, to urge or advise earnestly to do what is deemed right or proper; exhortation, a statement that exhorts, \"language intended to incite and encourage\" (Webster 2)"
,
"Etymology": " Latin hortari, to encourage, incite"
},
{
"Index": " 10-46"
,
"Word": " HELIOLATRY"
,
"Pronunciation": " HEE-lee-AHL-uh-tree"
,
"Definition": ["Worship of the sun"]
,
"Etymology": " Greek helios, the sun, and latreia, worship. The English combining form hello- means \"the sun\" and appears in heliotherapy, a form of medical treatment involving exposure to sunlight; heliocentric, regarding the sun as the center of our planetary system, as opposed to geocentric; and heliotropism (HEE-lee-AH-truhpiz'm), the tendency of plants to bend or move toward-or in some cases, away from-a source of light"
,
"Corresponding_nouns": ["heliolater", "a sun worshiper"]
,
"Corresponding_adjectives": ["heliolatrous", "sun worshiping"]
},
{
"Index": " 10-47"
,
"Word": " SCIAMACHY"
,
"Pronunciation": " sy-AM-i-kee"
,
"Definition": ["Shadow-boxing; the act of fighting a shadow or an imaginary enemy"]
,
"Etymology": " Greek skia, a shadow, and mache, a battle, contest, struggle. The English combining form -machy denotes a battle, contest, or struggle, as in theomachy, a battle against or between gods; gigantomachy, a war or battle between giants or superhuman beings; and logomachy (Greek logos, word), a battle of words"
},
{
"Index": " 10-48"
,
"Word": " GLABROUS"
,
"Pronunciation": " GLAB-rus"
,
"Definition": ["Smooth and bald"]
,
"Etymology": " Latin glaber, without hair, bald"
},
{
"Index": " 10-49"
,
"Word": " PETTIFOGGER"
,
"Pronunciation": " PET-ee-FAHG-ur"
,
"Definition": ["A mean", "tricky lawyer; especially", "a lawyer who handles petty cases in an unethical", "unscrupulous way"]
,
"Synonyms": ["shyster"]
,
"Corresponding_verbs": ["pettifog", "to carry on a law practice in a petty", "tricky", "unscrupulous way; by extension", "to engage in chicanery or unethical practices in a business of any sort"]
,
"Corresponding_nouns": ["pettifoggery", "legal tricks or chicanery"]
},
{
"Index": " 10-50"
,
"Word": " EPICENE"
,
"Pronunciation": " EP-i-seen"
,
"Definition": ["(1) Having characteristics or qualities of both sexes. (2) Not having the characteristics or qualities of either sex", "sexless", "neuter. (3) (of style) lacking appeal or potency", "feeble", "flaccid. (4) (of a man) not virile", "effeminate"]
,
"Etymology": " Greek, literally \"in common.\""
,
"Related_words": " hermaphroditic (adjective) and hermaphrodite (noun), which come from Hermaphroditus, in Greek mythology the son of Hermes, the messenger of the gods, and Aphrodite, the goddess of love and beauty. Hermaphroditus was united in one body with the water nymph Salmacis"
,
"Usage": " Epicene does not usually suggest having both male and female reproductive organs but rather having a range of characteristics of both sexes, emotional as well as physical"
,
"Corresponding_nouns": ["epicene (an epicene person)"]
}
]