Vocab
abolish (verb) – to officially end or stop (something, such as a law); to completely do away with (something).
Example: The government abolished slavery in 1865.
Related: abolition (noun), abolitionism (noun)
abrupt (adjective) – sudden and unexpected.
Example: The car came to an abrupt stop.
Related: abruptly (adv.), abruptness (noun)
abundant (adjective) – existing or available in large quantities.
Example: There is abundant evidence to support the claim.
Related: abundance (noun)
accessible (adjective) – easy to reach or get to.
Example: The library is accessible to all members of the community.
Related: access (verb), accessibility (noun)
accommodate (verb) – provide a place or means of living for.
Example: The hotel can accommodate 200 guests.
Related: accomodations (noun), accomodating (adj.)
accumulate (verb) – gather or collect over time.
Example: The snow accumulated on the ground.
Related: accumulation (noun), cumulative (adj.)
accustomed (adjective) – used to or familiar with something.
Example: I am accustomed to getting up early.
acknowledge (verb) – admit the truth or existence of something.
Example: The teacher acknowledged that the student was correct.
Related: acknowledgment (noun)
acquire (verb) – get or obtain (something) as one’s own.
Example: The company acquired a new subsidiary.
Related: acquisition (noun), acquisitive (adj.)
adamant (adjective) – not able to be persuaded or moved.
Example: The president was adamant about his decision.
adequate (adjective) – sufficient or enough.
Example: The food was adequate, but not particularly good.
Related: adequacy (noun), inadequate (adj.)
adhere (verb) – stick to or follow closely.
Example: The students adhered to the rules of the classroom.
Related: adhesion (noun), adhesive (noun and adj.)
adjacent (adjective) – next to or close to something else.
Example: The two houses are adjacent to each other.
Related: adjacency (noun)
adverse (adjective) – unfavorable or harmful.
Example: The weather conditions were adverse, and the flight was cancelled.
advocate (verb) – speak or write in favor of something.
Example: The lawyer advocated for the rights of the accused.
Related: advocate (noun), advocacy (noun)
affinity (noun) – a natural liking or attraction for someone or something.
Example: There is an affinity between the two countries.
aggravate (verb) – make (something bad) worse.
Example: The noise from the construction site aggravated her headache.
Related: aggravation (noun), aggravating (adj.)
agitation (noun) – a state of excitement or disturbance.
Example: The crowd was in a state of agitation after the news of the terrorist attack.
Related: agitated (adj.)
allocate (verb) – distribute or apportion (something) to a particular person or purpose.
Example: The government allocated funds for education.
Related: allocation (noun)
alteration (noun) – a change or modification.
Example: The dress needed some alterations before it could be worn.
Related: alter (verb), altered (adj.)
ambiguous (adjective) – having two or more possible meanings and therefore open to interpretation.
Example: The ambiguous statement left the audience confused.
Related: ambiguity (noun)
ambitious (adjective) – having a strong desire to achieve success.
Example: The ambitious young executive was determined to make a name for herself.
Related: ambition (noun)
ambivalent (adjective) – having mixed feelings or contradictory emotions about something.
Example: The politician was ambivalent about the proposed legislation.
Related: ambivalence (adj.)
ameliorate (verb) –
amend (verb) – make changes to (a document or text) in order to correct errors or improve it.
Example: The constitution was amended to include the right to vote for women.
Related: amendment (noun), amends (noun, as in “make amends”)
ample (adjective) – more than enough.
Example: The company has ample resources to continue its operations.
animosity (noun) – strong or bitter hatred or hostility.
Example: The two countries have a long history of animosity.
Related: animus (noun)
annotate (verb) – provide (a text) with notes or comments.
Example: The professor annotated the student’s paper with suggestions for improvement.
Related: annotation (noun)
annual (adjective) – happening or done once a year.
Example: The company’s annual report was released yesterday.
Related: annualize (verb)
anomaly (noun) – something that is abnormal or unusual.
Example: The weather anomaly caused widespread flooding.
Related: anomalous (adj.)
Root: nom- (“law or rule”)
antagonize (verb) – deliberately provoke or annoy (someone).
Example: The politician’s comments
Related: antagonism (noun)
antecedent (noun) –
antipathy (noun) – a strong dislike or aversion.
Example: The teacher had an antipathy towards the student.
Related: sympathy, empathy, etc.
Root: path- (“feeling”)
apathetic (adjective) – showing or feeling no interest, enthusiasm, or concern.
Example: The apathetic audience didn’t even applaud after the performance.
Related: apathy (noun)
Root: path- (“feeling”)
apex (noun) – the highest point or summit.
Example: The mountain’s apex was covered in snow.
Related: apical (adj.)
apprehensive (adjective) – feeling or showing worry or anxiety.
Example: The student was apprehensive about taking the test.
Related: apprehension (noun)
arbitrary (adjective) – based on or determined by individual judgment or preference, rather than by any reason or system.
Example: The teacher’s grading was arbitrary, and the students were never sure how they were doing.
Related: arbitrate (verb)
arcane (adjective) – known or understood by only a few people.
Example: The ancient texts were arcane, and the scholars struggled to decipher them.
Related: arcana (noun)
arduous (adjective) – requiring great physical or mental effort.
Example: The climb up the mountain was arduous, and the hikers were exhausted by the time they reached the top.
aromatic (adjective) – having a pleasant or strong smell.
Example: The aromatic candles filled the room with a sweet scent.
Related: aroma (noun)
assuage (verb) – to make (an unpleasant feeling or situation) less severe or intense.
Example: The doctor gave the patient medication to assuage her pain.
attribute (verb) – regard (something) as being caused by (someone or something).
Example: The police attributed the crime to a gang of teenagers.
Related: attribute (noun), attribution (noun)
atypical (adjective) – not typical or normal.
Example: The patient’s symptoms were atypical, and the doctors were unable to diagnose her.
augment (verb) – increase or add to (something).
Example: The company augmented its workforce by hiring 100 new employees.
Related: augmentation (noun)
austere (adjective) – severe or strict in manner or appearance.
Example: The monk’s life was austere, and he lived on a very simple diet.
Related: austerity (noun)
autonomous (adjective) – able to operate independently or without outside control.
Example: The autonomous car was able to navigate the streets without human input.
Related: autonomy (noun)
B-C
begrudge (verb) – to feel envy or resentment towards someone who has something that you do not have.
Example: She begrudged her sister her new car.
Related: grudge (noun)
belligerent (adjective) – aggressively hostile or warlike.
Example: The belligerent crowd was threatening to riot.
Related: belligerrence (noun)
Root: bele- (“war”)
beneficiary (noun) – a person who receives a benefit, especially a financial one.
Example: The beneficiary of the will was her only child.
Related: benefit (noun), benefit (verb), benefactor (noun)
Root: bene (“good”)
benevolent (adjective) – having or showing a desire to help others.
Example: The benevolent old man donated money to the charity.
Related: benevolence (noun)
Root: bene- (“good”)
benign (adjective) – harmless or not harmful.
Example: The tumor was benign, so the doctor did not recommend surgery.
Root: bene- (“good”)
berate (verb) – scold or criticize someone severely.
Example: The teacher berated the student for not doing his homework.
bestow (verb) – give or confer something as a gift.
Example: The king bestowed a knighthood on the loyal subject.
bolster (verb) – give support or encouragement to.
Example: The team was bolstered by the arrival of the new player.
Related: bolster (noun)
buttress (verb) – support or strengthen something.
Example: The wall was buttressed by a series of pillars.
Related: buttress (noun)
cacophony (noun) – a harsh, discordant mixture of sounds.
Example: The cacophony of traffic noise made it difficult to think.
Related: cacophonous (adj.)
Root: phon- (“sound”)
catalyst (noun) – a substance that speeds up a chemical reaction without being changed itself.
Example: The catalyst in the experiment was a small amount of platinum.
Related: catalyze (verb)
catastrophic (adjective) – causing great and sudden damage or destruction.
Example: The hurricane was a catastrophic event that caused widespread damage.
Related: catastrophe (noun)
cease (verb) – stop or bring to an end.
Example: The fighting ceased after a week.
Related: cessation (noun)
censure (verb) – express strong disapproval of (something).
Example: The government was censured for its handling of the crisis.
Related: censure (noun)
circumvent (verb) – find a way to avoid or get around (a rule, restriction, or obstacle).
Example: The prisoners circumvented the security system and escaped.
Roots:
cling (verb) – hold tightly to something, especially out of fear or need.
Example: The child clung to her mother’s hand.
clout (noun) – power or influence.
Example: The politician had a lot of clout in the party.
coalesce (verb) – come together to form a single unit.
Example: The two companies coalesced to form a new entity.
coerce (verb) – force or persuade (someone) to do something by using pressure, intimidation, or threats.
Example: The government coerced the citizens into voting for the new leader.
Related: coercion (noun), coercive (adj.)
cognizant (adjective) – aware of something.
Example: The police were cognizant of the threat of terrorism.
Related: recognize (verb)
cohesion (noun) – the state of sticking together.
Example: The team’s cohesion was essential to their success.
Related: cohesive (adj.)
coincide (verb) – happen at the same time.
Example: The two events coincided perfectly.
Related: coincidence (noun)
commission (noun) – a group of people appointed to do a particular task.
Example: The commission was appointed to investigate the scandal.
Related: commit (verb)
comparable (adjective) – similar in nature or quality.
Example: The two cars are comparable in price and performance.
compelling (adjective) – very interesting or persuasive.
Example: The movie was a compelling story of love and loss.
Related: compulsion (noun)
complacent (adjective) – feeling satisfied with oneself or one’s situation, especially without awareness of potential danger or problems.
Example: The company’s complacent attitude led to its downfall.
Related: complacence (noun)
complementary (adjective) – serving to complete or enhance something else.
Example: The two flavors were complementary.
Related: supplementary (adj.)
compliance (noun) – the act of complying with a request or command.
Example: The employee’s compliance with the rules was exemplary.
Related: comply (verb), compliant (adj.)
complimentary (adjective) – expressing praise or admiration.
Example: The waiter gave us a complimentary glass of wine.
Related: compliment (verb)
compose (verb) – create or put together (something).
Example: The composer composed a symphony.
Related: composition (noun)
comprise (verb) – consist of or be made up of.
Example: The team comprises players from all over the world.
Related:
conceal (verb) – keep (something) secret or hidden.
Example: The spy concealed his identity.
Related: concealment (noun), concealed (adj.)
concede (verb) – admit or agree that something is true or valid.
Example: The politician conceded defeat.
Related: concession (noun)
conceptualize (verb) – form a concept of (something) in the mind.
Example: The artist conceptualized the painting before he started to paint it.
Related: concept (noun), conceptual (adj.)
concur (verb) – agree or coincide in opinion.
Example: The two experts concurred on the diagnosis.
Related: concurrence (noun)
condescension (noun) – an attitude of patronizing superiority.
Example: The teacher’s condescension made the students feel angry.
Related: condescend (verb), condescending (adj.)
conformist (noun) – a person who conforms to the prevailing standards or practices of a particular society or group.
Example: The conformist employee never spoke out against the company’s policies.
Related: conformity (noun), conformist (adj.)
congenital (adjective) – existing at or dating from birth.
Example: The child’s congenital heart defect required surgery
Roots:
conjecture (noun) – an opinion or conclusion formed on the basis of incomplete information.
Example: The police made a conjecture about the suspect’s identity.
Related: conjecture (verb)
conspicuous (adjective) –
constrain (verb) – restrict or limit (someone or something).
Example: The rules constrained the artist’s creativity.
Related: constraint (noun)
contemplate (verb) – consider or think deeply about (something).
Example: The philosopher contemplated the meaning of life.
Related: contemplation (noun), contemplative (adj.)
contentious (adjective) – likely to cause disagreement or argument.
Example: The issue of gun control is contentious.
Related: contention (noun), contend (verb)
contrived (adjective) – deliberately created or arranged in an artificial way.
Example: The plot of the movie was contrived.
Related: contrivance (noun), contrive (verb)
controversial –
conventional (adjective) – following or conforming to the traditional or accepted way of doing things.
Example: The dress code was conventional.
Related: convention (noun)
convey (verb) – to make known or communicate (something).
Example: The painting conveyed a sense of sadness.
Related: conveyor (noun)
copious (adjective) – large in quantity or amount.
Example: The rainfall was copious.
cordial (adjective) –
corroborate (verb) – provide support or confirmation for (something).
Example: The witness’s testimony corroborated the police officer’s story.
Related: corroboration (noun)
corrode (verb) – gradually destroy or eat away at (something).
Example: The acid corroded the metal.
Related: corrosion (noun), corrosive (adj.)
criteria (plural noun) – a set of standards or rules used to judge something.
Example: The criteria for the award were not clear.
culmination (noun) – the highest or most important point of something.
Example: The culmination of the project was the launch of the new product.
Related: culminate (verb)
cultivate (verb) – to grow (plants) by supplying them with the right conditions.
Example: The farmer cultivated the land.
Related: cultivation (noun), cultivated (adj.)
cumbersome (adjective) – large and heavy, and therefore difficult to handle.
Example: The old furniture was cumbersome.
curiosity (noun) – a strong desire to know or learn about something.
Example: The child’s curiosity led him to explore the world around him.
Related: curious (adj.)
curtail (verb) – to reduce or limit something.
Example: The government curtailed spending.
D
deceitful (adjective) – dishonest or misleading.
Example: The deceitful salesman lied about the quality of the product.
Related: deceit (noun), deceive (adj.)
decree (noun) – a formal order issued by a government or other authority.
Example: The decree banned the sale of alcohol.
Related: decree (verb)
delegate (verb) – give (a task or responsibility) to someone else.
Example: The manager delegated the task to his assistant.
Related: delegation (noun)
deplete (verb) – use up or reduce the amount of (something).
Example: The war depleted the country’s resources.
Related: depleted (adj.), depletion (noun)
depleted (adjective) – used up or reduced in amount.
Example: The depleted uranium used in the bombs was a major environmental concern.
Related: depletion (noun), deplete (verb)
deposit (noun) – a sum of money placed in a bank or other financial institution.
Example: The customer made a deposit of $100.
Related: deposit (verb)
detachment (noun) – a lack of emotional involvement or concern.
Example: The doctor showed a detachment that was unsettling to the patient.
Related: detach (verb), detached (adj.)
deter (verb) – discourage or prevent (someone) from doing something.
Example: The high price of the tickets deterred many people from attending the concert.
Related: deterrence (noun)
deviate (verb) – move away from a standard or accepted course.
Example: The train deviated from its usual route due to a landslide.
Related: deviation (noun)
devise (verb) – create or design (something) in a clever or ingenious way.
Example: The engineer devised a new way to extract oil from the ground.
diatribe (noun) – a long, forceful, and angry speech or piece of writing.
Example: The politician’s diatribe against the opposition party was widely condemned.
digress (verb) – move away from the main point of a discussion or piece of writing.
Example: The speaker digressed into a long discussion of his childhood.
Related: digression (noun)
dilemma (noun) – a situation in which there are two or more options, each of which has its own drawbacks.
Example: The company faced a dilemma: either lay off employees or risk bankruptcy.
diminish (verb) – make or become smaller or less in amount.
Example: The company’s profits diminished as the competition increased.
Related: diminution (noun)
discernible (adjective) – able to be seen, heard, or understood.
Example: The difference between the two paintings was barely discernible.
Related: discern
disconcerting (adjective) – causing confusion or unease.
Example: The sudden change of plans was disconcerting to the passengers.
disengage (verb) – release or free (something) from something else.
Example: The soldier disengaged his bayonet from his rifle.
dismay (noun) – a feeling of disappointment or discouragement.
Example: The news of the defeat caused widespread dismay.
Related: dismayed (adj.)
disorienting (adjective) – causing someone to become confused or lost.
Example: The disorienting fog made it difficult to see where we were going.
disparate (adjective) – very different or dissimilar.
Example: The group of students was disparate in terms of their backgrounds and interests.
dispatch (verb) – send (someone or something) on a mission or errand.
Example: The general dispatched a messenger to the enemy camp.
Related: dispatch (noun)
dispersed (adjective) – spread out or scattered over a wide area.
Example: The crowd dispersed after the rally.
Related: dispersion (noun)
disproportionate (adjective) – not in the correct or usual proportion.
Example: The punishment was disproportionate to the crime.
dispute (noun) – a disagreement or argument.
Example: The dispute between the two companies was settled out of court.
Related: dispute (verb)
disrupt (verb) – interrupt or disturb the normal course of something.
Example: The strike disrupted the flow of traffic.
Related: disruption (noun), disruptive (adj.)
diverge (verb) – move in different directions or opinions.
Example: The two parties diverged on the issue of immigration.
Related: divergence (noun)
divert (verb) – turn or direct (something) away from its intended course.
Example: The river was diverted to irrigate the fields.
divulge (verb) – reveal or make known (something that was previously secret or unknown).
Example: No matter how hard I tried, I couldn’t get him to divulge his password.
dogmatic (adjective) – showing or believing in opinions that are not supported by proof or evidence.
Example: The professor’s dogmatic views on the subject were not shared by his students.
Related: dogma (noun)
dominion (noun) – supreme authority or power.
Example: The king’s dominion extended over the entire country.
Related: dominance (noun)
dormant (adjective) – not active or functioning.
Example: The volcano was dormant for centuries before it erupted.
Related: dormancy (noun)
E-F
exactitude (noun) –
fabricate (verb) – make up (something) and present it as true.
Example: The politician fabricated evidence to support his claims.
Related: fabrication (noun)
fastidious (adjective) – very careful and particular about what one does or requires.
Example: The fastidious chef refused to use anything but the freshest ingredients.
feasible (adjective) – capable of being done or achieved.
Example: The project is feasible, but it will require a lot of hard work.
RelatedL feasibility (noun)
featureless (adjective) – having no distinctive features or characteristics.
Example: The featureless landscape was a monotonous expanse of desert.
finite (adjective) – having limits or boundaries.
Example: The universe is finite.
flawless (adjective) – without any flaws or defects.
Example: The diamond was flawless.
Related: flawlessness (noun)
fluctuate (verb) – vary or change irregularly.
Example: The stock market fluctuated wildly during the day.
Related: fluctuation (noun)
foreshadow (verb) – indicate or suggest the occurrence of (something) in the future.
Example: The movie foreshadowed the character’s death by showing him having a premonition.
Related: foreshadowing (noun)
foretell (verb) – predict or indicate the future course of events.
Example: The prophet foretold the coming of a great leader.
forfeiture (noun) – the loss of something as a punishment for a crime or offense.
Example: The driver’s license was forfeited for drunk driving.
Related: forfeit (verb)
fortify (verb) – strengthen or make stronger.
Example: The city was fortified against attack.
Related: fortified (adj.), fortification (noun)
foster (verb) – promote or encourage the growth or development of (something).
Example: The government fostered economic growth by investing in infrastructure.
framework (noun) – a basic structure or outline.
Example: The project is still in the framework stage.
frivolous (adjective) – not having any serious purpose or value.
Example: The lawsuit was frivolous and was quickly dismissed.
Related: frivolity (noun)
fruitless (adjective) – producing no results or benefits.
Example: The search for the missing child was fruitless.
fundamental (adjective) – forming the basis or foundation of something.
Example: The principles of democracy are fundamental to the American way of life.
Related: fundamentals (noun)
G-H
garner (verb) – obtain or accumulate (something) over time.
Example: The company garnered a lot of positive press.
garrulous (adjective) – talking a lot, especially in a way that is considered to be tedious or annoying.
Example: The garrulous old man talked our ears off.
grandiose (adjective) – impressive or impressive-looking in a way that is intended to impress or overawe.
Example: The grandiose building was a symbol of the city’s wealth and power.
Related: grandiosity (noun)
grapple with (verb) – struggle to deal with (a problem or difficult situation).
Example: The company grappled with the financial crisis.
gregarious (adjective) – fond of company and social activity.
Example: The gregarious student was always surrounded by friends.
hackneyed (adjective) – used so often that it has become boring or unoriginal.
Example: The hackneyed phrase “the pen is mightier than the sword” is no longer very effective.
haphazard (adjective) – done or arranged without care or thought.
Example: The haphazard way the project was managed led to its failure.
Related: haphazardness
hierarchy (noun) – a system in which people or things are ranked one above the other according to importance.
Example: The company has a strict hierarchy, with the CEO at the top.
hindrance (noun) – something that makes it difficult or impossible to do something.
Example: The lack of funding was a major hindrance to the project.
Related: hinder (verb)
homogenous (adjective) – of the same kind or type throughout.
Example: The population of the village was homogeneous.
Related: homogenize (verb), homogeneity (noun)
hypothesize (verb) –
I
immature (adjective) – not fully developed or grown.
Example: The child is still immature and needs a lot of guidance.
Related: immaturity (noun)
imminent (adjective) – about to happen or occur.
Example: The storm is imminent.
impair (verb) – damage or make worse.
Example: The accident impaired his vision.
impart (verb) – give or convey (information or knowledge).
Example: The teacher imparted her knowledge to the students.
impartial (adjective) – not biased or prejudiced.
Example: The judge was impartial in his ruling.
Related: impartiality (noun)
impending (adjective) –
impenetrable (adjective) – impossible to pass through or understand.
Example: The forest was impenetrable.
imperative (adjective) – extremely important or urgent.
Example: It is imperative that we act now.
imperceptible (adjective) – too slight to be noticed.
Example: The change was imperceptible.
implement (verb) – put (a plan, decision, or theory) into effect.
Example: The government implemented a new policy.
Related: implement (noun)
implication (noun) –
impose (verb) – force (something) to be accepted or done.
Example: The government imposed a curfew.
Related: imposition (noun), imposing (adj.)
impoverish (verb) – make (someone) poor.
Example: The war impoverished the country.
incentive (noun) – something that motivates or encourages someone to do something.
Example: The incentive to get a good grade motivated the student to study hard.
Related: incentivize (verb)
incessant (adjective) – continuing without interruption.
Example: The rain was incessant.
incidental (adjective) – happening by chance or in addition to what is planned or expected.
Example: The damage was incidental to the accident.
incite (verb) – stir up (violent or unlawful behavior).
Example: The speech incited the crowd to riot.
Related: incitement (noun)
inclination (noun) – a tendency or natural disposition to do something.
Example: She had an inclination to procrastinate.
incur (verb) – become liable to (something unpleasant or harmful).
Example: He incurred the wrath of his boss.
indecipherable (adjective) – impossible to decipher or understand.
Example: The writing was undecipherable.
indefatigable (adjective) – not easily tired or discouraged.
Example: The hiker was indefatigable and kept going even though he was tired.
indifferent (adjective) – not interested or concerned.
Example: The teacher was indifferent to the student’s needs.
Related: indifference (noun)
indigenous (adjective) – native or belonging to a particular place or country.
Example: The plants are indigenous to the region.
indiscriminate (adjective) – not making or showing careful choices.
Example: The police used indiscriminate force.
indispensable (adjective) – absolutely necessary.
Example: A good education is indispensable for success.
indisputable (adjective) – not open to doubt or question.
Example: The evidence is indisputable.
indistinct (adjective) – not clear or distinct.
Example: The shapes were indistinct in the fog.
induce (verb) – persuade or influence (someone) to do something.
Example: The teacher induced the students to study harder.
ineffective (adjective) – not producing the desired effect.
Example: The medication was ineffective.
inevitable (adjective) – certain to happen; unavoidable.
Example: Death is inevitable.
Related: inevitability (noun)
inexplicable (adjective) – impossible to explain or understand.
Example: The disappearance was inexplicable.
infallible (adjective) – incapable of making mistakes.
Example: The doctor was infallible in his diagnosis.
Related: infallibility (noun)
infrastructure (noun) – the basic physical and organizational structures and facilities (e.g., roads, power supplies, buildings) needed for the operation of a society or enterprise.
Example: The country’s infrastructure was damaged in the war.
inhibit (verb) – prevent or restrict (someone or something) from doing something.
Example: The antibiotic works by inhibiting the reproduction of bacteria.
Related: inhibition (noun)
insensible (adjective) –
J-K-L
jargon (noun) – technical or specialized language that is used by a particular group of people.
Example: The doctor used medical jargon that the patient did not understand.
keen (adjective) – having or showing a strong interest or enthusiasm.
Example: She was keen to learn more about the subject.
knack (noun) – a natural ability to do something well.
Example: He has a knack for making people laugh.
lampoon (verb) – make fun of (someone or something) in a way that is intended to be humorous.
Example: The newspaper lampooned the politician’s latest gaffe.
languish (verb) – to become weak or feeble because of illness or neglect.
Example: The prisoner languished in jail for many years.
latent (adjective) – existing but not yet developed or manifest.
Example: The latent talent of the young artist was soon recognized.
Related: latency
leery (adjective) – feeling or showing suspicion or distrust.
Example: She was leery of the stranger who approached her.
Related: leeriness (noun)
lenient (adjective) – showing mercy or forgiveness.
Example: The judge was lenient with the defendant because he was a first-time offender.
Related: leniency (noun)
localized (adjective) – restricted to a particular area or place.
Example: The outbreak of the disease was localized to a small area of the city.
Related: localize (verb)
lucrative (adjective) – producing a lot of money.
Example: The business was very lucrative.
Related: lucre (noun)
ludicrous (adjective) – extremely or absurdly foolish or ridiculous.
Example: The idea of a talking cat is ludicrous.
lure (verb) – attract or tempt someone to do something.
Example: The smell of food lured the dog into the kitchen.
Related: lure (noun)
M
magnanimous (adjective) – generous in spirit and especially in the forgiving of injuries.
Example: The magnanimous king pardoned his enemies.
Related: magnanimity (noun)
malevolence (noun) – ill will or spite.
Example: The villain’s malevolence knew no bounds.
Related: malevolent (adj.)
Root:
malleable (adjective) – able to be shaped or bent easily.
Example: The metal was malleable and could be easily shaped into a new form.
Root:
manifest (verb) –
manipulate (verb) – control or influence (a person or situation) cleverly or deviously.
Example: The politician manipulated the public opinion to his advantage.
Related: manipulation (noun), manipulative (adj.)
mediocre (adjective) – of only average quality.
Example: The movie was mediocre and did not receive good reviews.
melodramatic (adjective) – excessively dramatic or sensational.
Example: The actress’s performance was melodramatic and over the top.
menacing (adjective) – threatening or intimidating.
Example: The menacing stranger followed the woman down the street.
Related: menace (verb), menace (noun)
mimic (verb) – imitate (someone or something) closely, especially in order to make fun of them.
Example: The child mimicked the teacher’s voice.
Related: mimic (noun), mimicry (noun)
Root:
misrepresent (verb) – give a false or misleading account of (something).
Example: The politician misrepresented his record to the voters.
morose (adjective) – bad-tempered or sullen.
Example: The morose old man sat on the bench and stared into space.
Root:
mundane (adjective) – ordinary or unexciting.
Example: The job was mundane and the pay was low.
Root:
naïve (adjective) – lacking in experience, wisdom, or judgment.
Example: The naïve young woman was easily tricked by the con artist.
Related: naivety (noun)
negligent (adjective) – failing to take proper care in doing something.
Example: The driver was negligent and caused a car accident.
Related: negligence (noun), neglect (verb)
negligible (adjective) – so small or unimportant as to be not worth considering.
Example: The amount of money he donated was negligible.
nonchalant (adjective) – feeling or showing no concern or interest.
Example: The nonchalant waiter took our order without even looking at us.
nuanced (adjective) – having or showing delicate shades of meaning or expression.
Example: The novel was nuanced and explored complex themes.
Related: nuance (noun)
null (adjective) – having no legal or binding force.
Example: The contract was null and void.
Related: nullify (verb)
nurture (verb) – care for and protect (someone or something), especially from birth.
Example: The mother nurtured her child with love and attention.
O
obscure (adjective) – not clearly understood or known.
Example: The meaning of the poem was obscure to most readers.
Related: obscure (verb), obscurity (noun)
obsolete (adjective) – no longer in use or fashionable.
Example: The typewriter is now obsolete.
Related: obsolescence (noun)
obviate (verb) – make unnecessary or redundant.
Example: The invention of the car obviated the need for horses and carriages.
offhand (adjective) – without preparation or forethought.
Example: He gave an offhand answer to the question.
omnipotence (noun) – the power to do anything.
Example: God is said to be omnipotent.
Related: omnipotence
Roots: omni- (“all”); potent (powerful)
opaque (adjective) – not transparent or translucent.
Example: The window was opaque, so we could not see outside.
oppress (verb) – treat (someone) with cruelty or injustice, especially by the use of authority.
Example: The dictator oppressed his people.
Related: oppression (noun)
ornamental (adjective) – serving only to add beauty or decoration.
Example: The ornamental vase was not very useful.
Related: ornament (noun)
ornate (adjective) – elaborately decorated or ornamented.*
Example: The ornate palace was a sight to behold.
outweigh (verb) – have more weight or importance than something else.
Example: The importance of the election outweighed the inconvenience of voting.
overindulge (verb) – eat or drink too much of something.
Example: He overindulged in cake and ice cream and felt sick afterwards.
Related: overindulgence (noun)
overshadowed (adjective) – prevented from being noticed or appreciated because of something more impressive or important.
Example: The new star player overshadowed the rest of the team.
Related: overshadow (verb)
overt (adjective) –
overtake (verb) – move past (someone or something) while traveling in the same direction.
Example: The car overtook the truck on the highway.
P
pantheon (noun) – a temple or building dedicated to all the gods of a particular religion.
Example: The ancient Greeks had a pantheon of gods.
Roots: pan– (all); theo (GET THIS)
paradigm (noun) – a set of beliefs, values, and assumptions that forms the basis of how people understand the world.
Example: The scientific revolution led to a paradigm shift in our understanding of the universe.
Related: paradigmatic (adj.)
paramount (adjective) – of the highest importance or rank.
Example: The safety of the passengers is paramount.
parsimonious (adjective) – very careful with money or resources.
Example: The miser was a parsimonious man.
Related: parsimony (noun)
partake (verb) – take part in (something).
Example: We all partook of the feast.
partial (adjective) – having a preference for one thing or person over others.
Example: She is partial to chocolate.
paucity (noun) – a small or limited amount of something.
Example: There was a paucity of evidence to support his claims.
peculiar (adjective) – strange or unusual.
Example: The cat had a peculiar habit of licking its paws.
Related: peculiarity (noun)
pending (adjective) – awaiting a decision or action.
Example: The case is still pending.
peripheral (adjective) – not central or important.
Example: The peripheral details of the story were not important.
Related: periphery (noun)
permeate (verb) – spread through or over something.
Example: The smell of smoke permeated the room.
persist (verb) – continue in spite of opposition or difficulty.
Example: She persisted in her efforts to get a job.
Related: persistence (noun)
pertain (verb) – be relevant or related to something.
Example: This information does not pertain to you.
Related: pertinent (adj.)
pinnacle (noun) – the highest point of something.
Example: The mountain was the pinnacle of his hiking career.
Root:
postulate (verb) –
potent (adjective) – having a strong or powerful effect.
Example: The drug was very potent and caused him to hallucinate.
Related: potency (noun)
pragmatic (adjective) – dealing with practical matters in a realistic and sensible way.
Example: The politician was a pragmatic man who was more interested in getting things done than in making grand speeches.
Related: pragmatism (noun)
precarious (adjective) – dangerous or uncertain.
Example: The climber’s position was precarious and he could easily fall.
Related: precarity (noun)
precede (verb) – come before something in time or order.
Example: The appetizers preceded the main course.
Related: precedent (noun), precedence (noun)
precise (adjective) – exact or accurate.
Example: The doctor gave her a precise diagnosis.
Related: precision (noun)
preclude (verb) – prevent (something) from happening.
Example: The rain precluded any outdoor activities.
Roots:
precursor (noun) – something that comes before something else and indicates its arrival.
Example: The invention of the printing press was a precursor to the information age.
Related:
predatory (adjective) – seeking to exploit or harm others.
Example: The shark is a predatory fish.
Related: predator (noun)
predetermined (adjective) – decided or planned in advance.
Example: The outcome of the election was predetermined.
predictive (adjective) – able to forecast the future.
Example: The weather forecast was predictive and the storm hit as expected.
Related: predict (verb), prediction (noun)
premeditated (adjective) – planned or intended in advance.
Example: The murder was premeditated and the killer was caught.
prescribed (adjective) – ordered or directed to be done.
Example: The doctor prescribed antibiotics for the infection.
Related: prescription (noun), prescriptive (adj.)
presume (verb) to take for granted or without evidence.
Example: She presumed that he would be home for dinner.
Related: presumption (noun)
pretentious (adjective) – trying to impress others with one’s importance or knowledge.
Example: The professor was a pretentious man who thought he knew everything.
Related: pretension (noun), pretense (noun)
prevail (verb) to become the most powerful or influential.
Example: Good will always prevail over evil.
Related: prevalence (noun), prevalent (adj.)
proceed (verb) to continue or move forward.
Example: We proceeded with the plan as planned.
Related: procession (noun)
proficient (adjective) – having a high level of skill or knowledge in a particular area.
Example: The surgeon was proficient in his field.
Related: proficiency (noun)
profound (adjective) – deep or meaningful.
Example: The book was profound and made me think about my life in a new way.
Related: profundity (noun)
profusion (noun) – a large or great amount of something.
Example: The garden was in a profusion of flowers.
Related: profuse (adj.)
progeny (noun) – the children or descendants of a person or animal.
Example: The king’s progeny ruled the kingdom for many years.
promulgate (verb) – make (something) known or public.
Example: The government promulgated a new law.
Related: promulgation (noun)
proponent (noun) – a person who supports a particular idea or cause.
Example: He is a proponent of stricter gun control laws.
prosper (verb) – succeed or thrive.
Example: The business prospered under his leadership.
Related:
provoke (verb) – to cause (something, especially anger, violence, or trouble) to happen.
Example: The rude remark provoked a fight.
Related: provocation (noun)
proximity (noun) – the state of being near or close.
Example: The two houses were in close proximity.
Related: proximal (adj.)
prudent (adjective) –
Q-R
quarrel (noun) – an angry argument or disagreement.
Example: The couple had a quarrel and didn’t speak to each other for a week.
Related: quarrelsome (adj.), quarrel (verb)
rationalize (verb) –
rebuke (verb) – to express disapproval or criticism of (someone) in a sharp or angry way.
Example: The teacher rebuked the student for talking in class.
Related: rebuke (noun)
rebut (verb) – to argue against (something) effectively.
Example: The lawyer rebutted the witness’s testimony.
Related: rebuttal (noun)
recant (verb) – to withdraw or reject (a statement or belief) formally.
Example: The politician recanted his statement after it was revealed to be false
recapitulate (verb) – to present or summarize the main points of something.*
Example: The student recapitulated the lecture for the class.
Related: recapitulation (noun)
recede (verb) – to move back or away.
Example: The tide receded from the shore.
Related: recession (noun)
reciprocate (verb) – to give or do something in return for something received.
Example: The two countries agreed to reciprocate trade agreements.
Related: reciprocal (adj.), reciprocation (noun)
redress (verb) –
reductive (adjective) – over-simplifying something by focusing on only one aspect of it.
Example: The argument was reductive and did not address the real issues.
Related: reduce (verb), reduction (noun)
refute (verb) – to prove (a statement or theory) to be false.
Example: The scientist refuted the claim that climate change is not real.
Related: refutation (noun)
regression (noun) – a return to a less developed or earlier state.
Example: The patient’s condition showed signs of regression.
Related: regressive (adj.), regress (verb)
regulated (adjective) – controlled or governed by rules or laws.
Example: The government regulated the financial industry to prevent another crisis.
Related: regulation (noun), regulate (verb)
reinforce (verb) – strengthen or make stronger.
Example: The coach reinforced the team’s positive attitude.
Related: reinforcement (noun)
render (verb) – to produce or create something.
Example: The painter rendered the landscape in vivid detail.
Related: rendering (noun)
renounce (verb) – to give up or reject (something) formally.
Example: The monk renounced his worldly possessions and became a hermit.
Related: renunciation (noun)
repeal (verb) – cancel or abolish (a law, order, or treaty).
Example: The legislature repealed the law that had been passed the previous year.
Related: repeal (noun)
replicable (adjective) – able to be copied or repeated.
Example: The experiment was replicable and the results were reliable.
Related: replicate (verb), replication (noun)
repose (verb) – to lay at rest
Example: The cat reposed on the windowsill in the sunlight.
Related: repose (noun)
representative (noun) – a person who is chosen to speak or act for a group of people.
Example: The politician was a representative of the people.
Related: represent (verb), representative (adj.)
repressed (adjective) – forced to remain unconscious or unexpressed.
Example: The child’s memories of the abuse were repressed.
Related: repression (noun), repress (verb)
reproach (noun) – a severe or angry criticism.
Example: The teacher reproached the student for not doing his homework.
Related: reproach (verb)
repudiate (verb) – reject or refuse to accept (something) as valid.
Example: The company repudiated the contract and refused to pay.
Related: repudiation (noun)
resignation (noun) – the act of giving up a position or office.
Example: The employee submitted his resignation letter to the manager.
Related: resign (verb), resigned (adj.)
resilient (adjective) – able to recover quickly from difficult or unpleasant experiences.
Example: The company was resilient and was able to weather the economic downturn.
Related: resilience (noun)
restorative (adjective) – tending to restore something to a healthy or normal condition.
Example: The treatment was restorative and the patient made a full recovery.
Related: restore (verb), restoration (noun)
reticent (adjective) – not inclined to say much or to be open in giving information.
Example: The witness was reticent to testify about what she had seen.
Related: reticence (noun)
retract (verb) – withdraw or cancel (a statement or opinion).
Example: The scientist retracted his paper after it was revealed to contain errors.
Related: retraction (noun)
revere (verb) – feel deep respect for (someone or something).
Example: The people revered the old man as a wise sage.
Related: reverence (noun), revered (adj.)
rhetorical (adjective) – used to make an impression or to persuade rather than to state facts.
Example: The speech was rhetorical and did not offer any real solutions to the problems it addressed.
Related: rhetoric (noun)
rigid (adjective) – not flexible or adaptable.
Example: The rules were rigid and there was no room for flexibility.
Related: rigidity (noun)
rudimentary (adjective) – basic or undeveloped.
Example: The child’s knowledge of the alphabet was rudimentary.
Related: rudiments (noun)
S-T
safeguard (noun) – something that protects from danger or harm.
Example: The government implemented safeguards to protect the environment.
Related: safeguard (verb)
sanction (verb) –
scrupulous (adjective) – very careful and honest in one’s work and dealings.
Example: The detective was scrupulous in his investigation.
Related: scruples (noun)
scrutinize (verb) – to look at something very carefully and critically.
Example: The lawyer scrutinized the contract for any errors.
Related: scrutiny (noun)
singular (adjective) – unique or unusual.
Example: The painting was singular in its beauty.
Related: singularity (noun)
skeptical (adjective) – not easily believing or accepting something.
Example: The scientist was skeptical of the claims made by the psychic.
Related: skepticism (noun)
societal (adjective) – relating to society or its organization.
Example: The problems facing society are complex and multifaceted.
Related: society (noun)
solitary (adjective) – alone or isolated.
Example: The hiker was solitary in his journey through the wilderness.
Related: solitude (noun)
somber (adjective) – dark and gloomy.
Example: The mood was somber as the funeral procession passed by.
sparse (adjective) – having very few things or people in a particular place.
Example: The population of the island was sparse.
Related: sparseness (noun)
spawn (verb) – to produce young animals or eggs.
Example: The fish spawned in the shallow waters of the lake.
Related: spawn (noun)
spectacle (noun) – a very impressive or unusual sight.
Example: The parade was a spectacle of color and excitement.
Related: spectacular (adj.)
speculate (verb) – to form a theory or opinion about something without firm evidence.
Example: The economists speculated about the future of the economy.
Related: speculation (noun)
squalid (adjective) – dirty, neglected, and unpleasant.
Example: The neighborhood was squalid and rundown.
Related: squalor (noun)
stagnant (adjective) – not progressing or developing.
Example: The economy was stagnant and there was little growth.
Related: stagnate (verb)
stark (adjective) – very clear or obvious.
Example: The contrast between the rich and the poor was stark.
Related: starkness (noun)
static (adjective) – not moving or changing.
Example: The painting was static and there was no sense of movement.
Related: static (noun)
straightforward (adjective) – easy to understand or deal with.
Example: The instructions were straightforward and easy to follow
subsequent (adjective) – happening or coming after something else.
Example: The events that followed the assassination were subsequent to the event itself.
Related: subsequently (adverb), consequently (adverb)
Root: sequ- (“follow”)
substantiate (verb) – provide evidence to support (a claim or statement).
Example: The lawyer was able to substantiate the claims made by the client.
Related: unsubstantiated (adj.), substance (noun), substantial (adj.)
subsume (verb) – include or contain something as part of a larger whole.
Example: The theory subsumes all of the known facts about the phenomenon.
Related: subsumption (noun)
subtle (adjective) – delicate or refined in a way that is not obvious.
Example: The flavor was subtle and complex.
Related: subtlety (noun)
subversive (adjective) – seeking to overthrow or undermine a government or institution.
Example: The group was subversive and opposed to the government.
Related: subversive
succumb (verb) – give way to something, especially pressure or temptation.
Example: The victim succumbed to his injuries.
sufficient (adjective) – enough or as much as is needed.
Example: The amount of food was sufficient for everyone.
Related: suffice (verb), sufficiency (noun)
suffrage (noun) – the right to vote in political elections.
Example: The women were granted suffrage in the early 20th century.
summarize (verb) – give a brief account of the main points of something.
Example: The teacher summarized the main points of the lecture.
Related: summary (noun)
supervise (verb) – to oversee the work of others.
Example: The manager supervised the work of the employees.
Related: supervision (noun), supervisor (noun)
supplant (verb) – replace or take the place of someone or something else.
Example: The new technology supplanted the old one.
supplement (noun) – something that adds to something else to make it complete.
Example: The supplement provided additional information to the text.
Related: supplement (verb)
supremacy (noun) – the highest power or authority.
Example:
Related: supreme (adjective)
surmise (verb) – form an opinion or belief about something without certain knowledge.
Example: The detective surmised that the killer was still at large.
suspend (verb) – temporarily stop or delay something.
Example: The judge suspended the sentence of the convicted felon.
Related: suspension (noun)
synchronized (adjective) – happening or operating at the same time.
Example: The dancers synchronized their movements perfectly.
Related: synchronicity (noun), synchronization (noun), synchronize
Roots: syn- (“with,” “together”), chron– (“time”)
taut (adjective) – stretched tight.
Example: The taut rope was strung between two trees.
tedious (adjective) – very boring or tiresome.
Example: The tedious task of counting all the beans took hours.
Related: tedium (noun)
tenacious (adjective) – holding on firmly; not easily let go of.
Example: The tenacious dog refused to give up on the bone.
Related: tenacity (noun)
tenuous (adjective) – weak or unreliable.
Example: The tenuous peace between the two countries was threatened by the latest violence.
theoretical (adjective) –
U-V-W
unadorned (adjective) – without decoration or embellishment.
Example: The unadorned dress was simple but elegant.
Related: adorned (adj.), adorn (verb), ornate (adj.), ornament (noun)
root: orn- (“decorate”)
unanimous (adjective) – of one mind; in complete agreement.
Example: The unanimous vote of the council was a rare occurrence.
Related: unanimity (noun)
undermine (verb) – to weaken or destroy something gradually or secretly.
Example: The government’s efforts to undermine the opposition were met with failure.
underscore (verb) – to emphasize or draw attention to something.
Example: The teacher underscored the importance of the upcoming exam.
undertake (verb) – to take on a task or responsibility.
Example: The company undertook a major restructuring in order to stay afloat.
Related: undertaking (noun)
undulate (verb) – to move in waves or curves.
Example: The waves undulated gently on the surface of the lake.
Related: oscillate (verb)
unmitigated (adjective) – complete or absolute.
Example: The unmitigated disaster of the hurricane left thousands of people homeless.
Related: mitigate (verb), mitigation (noun)
unveil (verb) – to reveal something that has been hidden or secret.
Example: The magician unveiled the secret of his disappearing act.
Related: veil (verb), veil (noun), veiled (adj.)
upbeat (adjective) – cheerful and optimistic.
Example: The upbeat mood of the party was contagious.
Related: downbeat (adj.)
urbane (adjective) – sophisticated and well-mannered.
Example: The urbane man was well-dressed and well-spoken.
vacillate (verb) – to be undecided or to change one’s mind frequently.
Example: The politician vacillated between two different positions on the issue.
validate (verb) – to confirm the truth or accuracy of something.
Example: The scientist validated the findings of the study.
Related: valid (adj.), validity (noun), validation (noun)
venerable (adjective) – respected and honored because of one’s age, wisdom, or character.
Example: The venerable old man was a respected member of the community.
Related: venerate (verb)
verbose (adjective) – using or containing too many words.
Example: The verbose speaker went on and on, never seeming to take a breath.
Related: verbosity (noun)
Root: verb- (“word”)
verisimilitude (noun) – the appearance of being true or real.
Example: The verisimilitude of the painting was uncanny.
Roots: veri- (“true”), simil- (“similar”)
vestige (noun) – a small amount or trace of something that is no longer present in large amounts.
Example: The vestiges of the old civilization were still visible in the ruins.
Related: vestigial (adj.)
vilify (verb) – to speak evil of someone in a malicious way.
Example: The politician vilified his opponent in a speech.
Related: villain (noun)
voluminous (adjective) – large in size or quantity.
Example: The voluminous book was a daunting task to read.
Related: volume (noun)
waive (verb) – to give up or relinquish something.
Example: The defendant waived his right to a jury trial.
Related: waiver (noun)
warrant (noun) – a document that gives someone the authority to do something.
Example: The police officer presented a warrant for the suspect’s arrest.
Related: warrant (verb)
withdraw (verb) – to take something back or away.
Example: The company withdrew its offer to buy the property.
Related: withdrawal (noun)
withstand (verb) – to resist or oppose something successfully.
Example: The city withstood the storm’s powerful wind.
yield (verb) – to give in to someone or something.
Example: The army yielded to the enemy’s superior forces.
Related: yield (noun)