Freshmen English Vocabulary 2025

converge

To approach; come together; tend to meet

creep

To move with body close to the ground; move stealthily or slowly.

culminate

(v.) To reach a high point of development; to end, climax

desolate

Deserted and lonely

diverge

To go in different directions from the same point

duration

(n.) the length of time that something continues or lasts

immense

huge

structure

the arrangement of and relations between the parts or elements of something complex.

theoretical

Involving the theory of a subject or area of study rather than its practical application; existing only as an idea, or a speculation.

vicinity

a surrounding or nearby region

anguish

severe mental or physical pain or suffering

annihilation

complete destruction

eloquent

fluent or persuasive in speaking or writing.

ferocity

fierceness

harangue

a long, strongly expressed speech or lecture

indifference

Lack of concern, interest, or feeling; apathy

petition

A formal request

ruse

a crafty trick

succinct

briefly and clearly expressed

trek

A long, slow, and difficult journey.

articulate

adj. able to speak clearly and expressively, v. to speak clearly and expressively

bravado

false bravery

effusive

Overflowing with words or feelings; gushing

garrulous

excessively talkative

glib

(adj.) ready and fluent in speech but thoughtless, superficial, or insincere

histrionics

exaggerated dramatic behavior designed to attract attention

laconic

using few words

polemic

Involving a dispute, very argumentative

trite

commonplace; overused, stale,

shallow, superficial

verbosity

using too many words

bellicose

adj. Demonstrating aggression and willingness to fight.

belligerent

N.; Adj. Hostile and aggressive; aggressor

concise

short and to the point

evict

1. expel by legal process

2. oust

evince

to demonstrate clearly; to prove

fratricide

The act of killing one's brother

genocide

Deliberate extermination of a racial or cultural group

incisive

(adj.) sharp, keen, penetrating (with a suggestion of decisiveness and effectiveness)

invincible

not able to be defeated, unbeatable

vanquish

defeat thoroughly

charity

Generosity; kind feelings

cherish

to hold in great affection

emerge

to rise from; to become visible or known

gaunt

(adj.) thin and bony, starved looking; bare, barren

malice

the intention or desire to do evil; ill will

omen

an event regarded as a portent of good or evil.

perish

to die; to come to an end

shroud

a cloth or sheet in which a corpse is wrapped for burial; something that covers or hides from view

solemnity

the state or quality of being serious and dignified

subside

to go down, recede, settle, sink to a lower level

bedlam

a noisy uproar; a scene of wild confusion

boycott

A refusal to buy or use goods and services as a form of punishment or protest

herculean

requiring great strength or effort;

characterized by great strength

maudlin

excessively sentimental

maverick

a nonconformist; a rebel

mentor

A trusted advisor.

mesmerize

(v.) to hypnotize, entrance; to fascinate, enthrall, bewitch

nemesis

Someone or something a person cannot conquer or achieve; a hated enemy

procrustean

cruel or inflexible in enforcing conformity

quixotic

very idealistic; impractical; caught up in romantic notions

agnostic

one who believes that the existence of God is unknown and unknowable

cognomen

a nickname

diagnose

to identify the cause of something

docile

easily taught; submissive to instruction

doctrinaire

rigidly devoted to theories without regard for practicality; dogmatic

doctrine

a belief, principle, or teaching; a system of such beliefs or principles

incognito

In disguise

indoctrinate

to teach a certain point of view in a way that allows for little disagreement or discussion; to brainwash

orthodox

adhering to the traditional and established, especially in religion

paradox

a contradiction or dilemma

blasé

(adj.) indifferent, bored as a result of having enjoyed many pleasures; apathetic

cliché

An idea or expression that has become stale due to overuse

clientele

A group of customers

Entrée

entrance; a way in; right to enter; main dish of a meal

entrepreneur

A person who starts up and takes on the risk of a business

gauche

(adj.) awkward, lacking in social graces, tactless, clumsy

naive

(adj.) innocent, unsophisticated, showing lack of worldly knowledge and experience

nonchalant

Cool and confident, unconcerned

potpourri

(n.) a collection of diverse or miscellaneous items; a general mixture; petals mixed with spices for scent

rendezvous

a meeting planned at a certain time and place

accord

agreement

cardiac

pertaining to the heart

cordial

warm and friendly

cursive

having letters running together

cursory

quick

discord

angry disagreement

discursive

wide-ranging, rambling

precursor

forerunner

recourse

source of help or aid

recurrent

happening repeatedly

acculturate

to adapt to a culture

dominion

control

indigenous

native

plaintive

mournful

quell

suppressed

robust

strong

ruthless

cruelty

synthesis

combination

traverse

pass across

validate

to confirm