English Honors

Aphrodisiac

A substance that increases sexual desire.

Arachnoid

Resembling a spider web; also a membrane surrounding the brain and spinal cord.

Palladium

A silver-white metal used in electronics and catalytic converters.

Euphemism

A mild word used in place of one that may be offensive.

Plutocracy

A government or state governed by the wealthy.

Icarian

Overly ambitious or rash, like Icarus in Greek mythology.

Jovial

Cheerful and friendly.

Junoesque

Tall and stately, resembling the Roman goddess Juno.

Labyrinth

A complex maze or network of paths.

Mercurial

Changeable in mood or temperament.

Muse

A source of inspiration, especially in art or literature.

Orator

A skilled public speaker.

Panacea

A remedy for all problems or diseases.

Stygian

Dark, gloomy, or infernal.

Apartheid

A policy of racial segregation, especially in South Africa.

Abstinent

Refraining from indulgence, especially in alcohol or sex.

Acrimonious

Bitter and angry in tone.

Alloy

A mixture of metals.

Agile

Quick and light in movement or thought.

Altercation

A noisy argument.

Amiable

Friendly and pleasant.

Amble

To walk slowly or leisurely.

Ambient

Relating to the surrounding environment.

Ambiguous

Unclear or having more than one meaning.

Magnanimous

Generous and forgiving.

Antebellum

Before a war, especially the American Civil War.

Antediluvian

Very old or outdated; before the biblical flood.

Philanthropy

The desire to help others, especially by donating money.

Aptitude

A natural ability or talent.

Archetype

An original model or perfect example.

Augment

To increase or improve.

Beguile

To charm or trick.

Belligerent

Aggressive or ready to fight.

Benevolent

Kind and generous.

Abridge

To shorten a text without losing meaning.

Candor

Honesty and openness.

Incantation

A chant with magical power.

Discord

Disagreement or conflict.

Discern

To recognize or detect.

Circuitous

Long and indirect.

Proclivity

A natural tendency to do something.

Cryptography

The art of writing or solving codes.

Exculpate

To clear from blame or guilt.

Succumb

To give in to something or die from it.

Demographics

Statistical data about populations.

Dichotomy

A division into two opposite parts.

Indignant

Angry at something unjust.

Didactic

Intended to teach, often with a moral.

Indubitable

Without doubt; certain.

Obdurate

Stubborn and unyielding.

Nefarious

Wicked or criminal.

Effervescent

Bubbly, lively, and enthusiastic.

Affluent

Wealthy or rich.