Complete Advanced Vocabulary List (A-C)
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Project Title: Complete Advanced Vocabulary List
Total Word Count: words
Date of Record:
Time of Record:
Source File: file:///Users/tony_w/Downloads/vocab_A_to_C.html
Scope: Definitions and context phrases for words beginning with the letters A, B, and C.
Advanced Vocabulary: Letter A
Abase: To lower in rank, prestige, or esteem; to humiliate.
Remember It: He wouldn't abase himself by begging.
Abate: To become less intense or widespread.
Remember It: The storm abated by morning.
Abet: To encourage or assist, especially in wrongdoing.
Remember It: Charged with aiding and abetting the crime.
Abhor: To regard with disgust and hatred.
Remember It: She abhors cruelty in any form.
Abjure: To solemnly renounce a belief or claim.
Remember It: He abjured his former political allegiance.
Abnegation: The act of renouncing or rejecting; self-denial.
Remember It: A life of abnegation devoted to service.
Abortive: Failing to produce the intended result.
Remember It: An abortive coup attempt that collapsed in hours.
Abridge: To shorten without losing the sense; to condense.
Remember It: An abridged edition for younger readers.
Abscond: To leave hurriedly and secretly to escape detection.
Remember It: The treasurer absconded with the funds.
Abstain: To restrain oneself from doing something.
Remember It: She abstained from voting on the resolution.
Abstinence: The practice of restraining oneself from indulging.
Remember It: Total abstinence from alcohol for a year.
Abut: To border on; to be next to.
Remember It: Their property abuts the national park.
Accede: To agree to a demand or request; to assume office.
Remember It: She acceded to their terms reluctantly.
Acclaim: To praise enthusiastically and publicly.
Remember It: A film acclaimed by critics worldwide.
Acclivity: An upward slope.
Remember It: The road followed a steep acclivity.
Accomplice: A person who helps another commit a crime.
Remember It: An accomplice who drove the getaway car.
Abash: To cause to feel embarrassed or ashamed.
Remember It: Abashed by the public correction.
Aberrant: Departing from the normal or accepted standard.
Remember It: Aberrant behavior that alarmed his colleagues.
Abeyance: A state of temporary suspension or inactivity.
Remember It: The project was held in abeyance pending funding.
Abject: Extremely bad, hopeless, or degrading.
Remember It: Living in abject poverty with no way out.
Ablution: The act of washing oneself; a cleansing ritual.
Remember It: Morning ablutions before heading to work.
Abominable: Causing moral revulsion; very unpleasant.
Remember It: An abominable act that shocked the nation.
Abrade: To scrape or wear away by friction.
Remember It: Rough sand that abraded the paint off.
Abrogate: To repeal or abolish a law or agreement formally.
Remember It: The treaty was abrogated without warning.
Absolve: To declare free from guilt or responsibility.
Remember It: The jury absolved him of all charges.
Abstemious: Not self-indulgent, especially in eating and drinking.
Remember It: An abstemious diet of water and plain rice.
Abstruse: Difficult to understand; obscure.
Remember It: An abstruse theory only specialists could follow.
Abysmal: Extremely bad; immeasurably deep.
Remember It: An abysmal performance that disappointed fans.
Accentuate: To make more noticeable or prominent.
Remember It: The dress accentuated her elegance.
Acclimate: To become accustomed to new conditions.
Remember It: It took weeks to acclimate to the altitude.
Accolade: An award or privilege granted as an honor.
Remember It: The highest accolade in the industry.
Accord: An official agreement or harmony.
Remember It: The two sides reached an accord on trade.
Accost: To approach and address someone boldly.
Remember It: A stranger accosted her on the street.
Accretion: Growth or increase by gradual accumulation.
Remember It: An accretion of power over many years.
Acetic: Relating to or containing vinegar or acetic acid.
Remember It: The acetic smell of the pickling brine.
Acme: The peak or highest point of achievement.
Remember It: The acme of her career came at .
Acquittal: A judgment that a person is not guilty.
Remember It: The acquittal came after a -week trial.
Acrimonious: Angry and bitter in tone or manner.
Remember It: An acrimonious divorce that dragged on for years.
Actuate: To cause to operate; to motivate.
Remember It: Actuated by a desire to prove himself.
Adage: A proverb or short statement expressing a truth.
Remember It: The old adage 'look before you leap'.
Addendum: An item of additional material added to a document.
Remember It: An addendum attached to the contract.
Adept: Very skilled or proficient.
Remember It: Adept at handling difficult conversations.
Adjunct: Something added as a supplement.
Remember It: An adjunct professor teaching course.
Admonition: A firm warning or reprimand.
Remember It: A gentle admonition to be more careful.
Adroit: Clever or skillful in using the hands or mind.
Remember It: An adroit maneuver that outflanked the competition.
Adulterate: To make impure by adding inferior substances.
Remember It: Wine adulterated with cheaper ingredients.
Adventitious: Happening by chance rather than design.
Remember It: An adventitious discovery in the lab.
Adversity: Difficulties; misfortune.
Remember It: She thrived in the face of adversity.
Advocate: To publicly recommend or support.
Remember It: He advocated for stricter regulations.
Affable: Friendly, good-natured, and easy to talk to.
Remember It: An affable host who made everyone welcome.
Affidavit: A written statement confirmed by oath.
Remember It: She signed an affidavit swearing to the facts.
Accoutre: To clothe or equip in something noticeable.
Remember It: Accoutred in full military regalia.
Acerbity: Sharpness or severity of speech or manner.
Remember It: The acerbity of her criticism stung deeply.
Acidulous: Sharp-tasting; sour; cutting in speech.
Remember It: An acidulous remark that silenced the table.
Acquiesce: To accept something reluctantly without protest.
Remember It: He acquiesced to the new arrangement.
Acrid: Having a strong, unpleasant smell or taste.
Remember It: Acrid smoke from the burning tires.
Acrophobia: An extreme fear of heights.
Remember It: Her acrophobia kept her off the observation deck.
Acuity: Sharpness of thought, vision, or hearing.
Remember It: Mental acuity that remained sharp into old age.
Adamant: Refusing to be persuaded; unyielding.
Remember It: She was adamant about not compromising.
Addle: To make unable to think clearly; to confuse.
Remember It: The noise addled his concentration.
Adherent: A supporter of a particular party or set of ideas.
Remember It: A loyal adherent of the old school of thought.
Admonish: To warn or reprimand firmly.
Remember It: The judge admonished the witness to tell the truth.
Adorn: To make more attractive; to decorate.
Remember It: Walls adorned with original paintings.
Adulation: Excessive admiration or praise.
Remember It: The pop star basked in the adulation of fans.
Advent: The arrival of a notable person or event.
Remember It: The advent of the internet changed everything.
Adverse: Preventing success; harmful or unfavorable.
Remember It: Adverse weather delayed the launch.
Advocacy: Public support for a particular cause.
Remember It: Her advocacy for education reform gained traction.
Aerie: A large bird's nest built high up.
Remember It: An eagle's aerie perched on the cliff face.
Affected: Artificial and designed to impress.
Remember It: An affected accent that fooled no one.
Affirmation: A declaration that something is true.
Remember It: Words of affirmation that boosted her confidence.
Affix: To attach or add to something.
Remember It: Affix your signature at the bottom.
Affront: An action or remark causing offense.
Remember It: His rudeness was an affront to the entire team.
Agglomeration: A mass of things gathered together.
Remember It: An agglomeration of small businesses in the district.
Aghast: Filled with horror or shock.
Remember It: Aghast at the destruction left behind.
Agrarian: Relating to cultivated land or farming.
Remember It: An agrarian economy dependent on the harvest.
Alcove: A recess in the wall of a room.
Remember It: A reading nook tucked into the alcove.
Alimentary: Relating to nourishment or the digestive tract.
Remember It: The alimentary canal from mouth to stomach.
Allay: To diminish or put to rest fears.
Remember It: Nothing could allay her fears about the surgery.
Alleviate: To make suffering or a problem less severe.
Remember It: Medication to alleviate the chronic pain.
Allude: To suggest or hint at indirectly.
Remember It: She alluded to problems without naming them.
Aloft: Up in or into the air.
Remember It: Flags held aloft by the cheering crowd.
Altercation: A noisy argument or disagreement.
Remember It: A heated altercation outside the bar.
Amass: To gather together in a large amount.
Remember It: She amassed a fortune through real estate.
Amble: To walk at a slow, relaxed pace.
Remember It: They ambled through the park on Sunday morning.
Ameliorate: To make something bad better; to improve.
Remember It: Policies designed to ameliorate poverty.
Amenities: Desirable or useful features of a place.
Remember It: A hotel with excellent amenities.
Amicable: Characterized by friendliness; without discord.
Remember It: An amicable separation with no hard feelings.
Amity: A friendly and peaceful relationship.
Remember It: A treaty promoting amity between nations.
Amorous: Showing or feeling sexual desire.
Remember It: Amorous glances exchanged across the room.
Affliction: Something that causes pain or suffering.
Remember It: Arthritis was her lifelong affliction.
Aftermath: The consequences of a significant event.
Remember It: Rebuilding in the aftermath of the earthquake.
Aggrandize: To increase power, status, or wealth.
Remember It: A scheme to aggrandize himself at others' expense.
Agitate: To make troubled; to campaign for change.
Remember It: Protesters agitated for workers' rights.
Alacrity: Brisk and cheerful readiness.
Remember It: She accepted the invitation with alacrity.
Alias: A false or assumed identity.
Remember It: The spy operated under an alias.
Alimony: Financial support paid to a spouse after separation.
Remember It: He paid alimony for years after the divorce.
Allege: To claim something without proof.
Remember It: He alleged that the documents were forged.
Alloy: A metal made by combining elements; to debase.
Remember It: Happiness alloyed with a tinge of sadness.
Allure: The quality of being powerfully attractive.
Remember It: The allure of Paris drew her back every year.
Aloof: Not friendly or forthcoming; detached.
Remember It: He remained aloof from office politics.
Amalgamate: To combine or unite to form one structure.
Remember It: The two firms amalgamated into company.
Ambidextrous: Able to use both hands equally well.
Remember It: An ambidextrous pitcher who baffled batters.
Ambulatory: Relating to walking; able to walk.
Remember It: An ambulatory patient recovering well.
Amenable: Open and responsive to suggestion.
Remember It: She was amenable to changing the schedule.
Amiable: Friendly and pleasant in manner.
Remember It: An amiable colleague everyone liked.
Amiss: Not quite right; inappropriate.
Remember It: Something felt amiss the moment she walked in.
Amnesia: A partial or total loss of memory.
Remember It: Amnesia wiped out his memory of the accident.
Amorphous: Without a clearly defined shape or form.
Remember It: An amorphous blob of ideas with no structure.
Amphibian: An animal living both on land and in water.
Remember It: Frogs are the most common amphibians.
Amputate: To cut off a limb by surgical operation.
Remember It: Surgeons were forced to amputate his leg.
Analgesic: A drug that relieves pain.
Remember It: An over-the-counter analgesic for headaches.
Ancillary: Providing necessary support; additional.
Remember It: Ancillary staff who kept the hospital running.
Anguish: Severe mental or physical pain.
Remember It: The anguish of losing a child.
Animus: Hostility or ill feeling.
Remember It: Personal animus drove the vendetta.
Annex: To append or add, especially territory.
Remember It: The empire annexed the neighboring province.
Annul: To declare invalid; to abolish.
Remember It: The court annulled the fraudulent marriage.
Anomalous: Deviating from what is standard or expected.
Remember It: An anomalous result that puzzled the researchers.
Antecedents: Ancestors or background; things that came before.
Remember It: His antecedents were humble farming folk.
Anthropocentric: Regarding humankind as the central element.
Remember It: An anthropocentric worldview that ignores other species.
Anthropomorphic: Attributing human characteristics to non-human things.
Remember It: Anthropomorphic animals in children's cartoons.
Antipathy: A deep-seated feeling of dislike.
Remember It: A mutual antipathy that made teamwork impossible.
Antiseptic: Preventing infection; scrupulously clean.
Remember It: The antiseptic smell of the hospital ward.
Aperture: An opening, hole, or gap.
Remember It: Light entering through a narrow aperture.
Aphasia: Loss of ability to understand or express speech.
Remember It: A stroke that left him with severe aphasia.
Apiary: A place where bees are kept.
Remember It: The apiary produced gallons of honey each year.
Apocalyptic: Describing complete destruction.
Remember It: Apocalyptic scenes after the wildfire.
Apogee: The highest point; the climax.
Remember It: The apogee of the Roman Empire.
Ample: Enough or more than enough; plentiful.
Remember It: Ample time to finish the project.
Amulet: An ornament worn as protection against evil.
Remember It: She wore an amulet around her neck for luck.
Anathema: Something one strongly dislikes.
Remember It: Compromise was anathema to the hardliners.
Anemia: A deficiency of red blood cells; lack of vitality.
Remember It: Creative anemia in a once-thriving industry.
Animosity: Strong hostility.
Remember It: Deep animosity between the rival factions.
Annals: A record of events year by year.
Remember It: of the worst defeats in the annals of war.
Annuity: A fixed sum of money paid each year.
Remember It: A retirement annuity that guaranteed income.
Anoint: To smear with oil ceremonially; to choose.
Remember It: Anointed as the party's next leader.
Antecede: To precede; to come before in time.
Remember It: Events that anteceded the revolution.
Antediluvian: Belonging to before the biblical flood; very old.
Remember It: Antediluvian views on gender roles.
Anthropoid: Resembling a human being in form.
Remember It: The anthropoid features of great apes.
Antidote: A medicine to counteract poison; a remedy.
Remember It: Humor as an antidote to stress.
Antiquated: Old-fashioned or outdated.
Remember It: Antiquated laws that no longer made sense.
Ape: To imitate in a clumsy or unthinking way.
Remember It: He aped the mannerisms of his idol.
Apex: The top or highest point of something.
Remember It: At the apex of her political career.
Aphorism: A pithy observation containing a general truth.
Remember It: 'Less is more' is a famous aphorism.
Aplomb: Self-confidence in a demanding situation.
Remember It: She handled the crisis with aplomb.
Apocryphal: Of doubtful authenticity; probably untrue.
Remember It: An apocryphal story about the company's founding.
Apologist: A person who defends something controversial.
Remember It: An apologist for the regime's harsh policies.
Apostate: One who renounces a religious or political belief.
Remember It: Branded an apostate by his former congregation.
Apparition: A ghost or ghostlike image.
Remember It: An apparition that vanished as quickly as it appeared.
Application: Diligent effort; putting something into operation.
Remember It: Success through sheer application and hard work.
Appraise: To assess the value or quality of.
Remember It: The jeweler appraised the ring at .
Apprehension: Anxiety about the future; arrest of a suspect.
Remember It: A growing apprehension about what lay ahead.
Approbation: Approval or praise.
Remember It: A nod of approbation from the committee chair.
Aquiline: Like an eagle, especially a curved nose.
Remember It: An aquiline nose that gave him a regal profile.
Arbiter: A person who settles a dispute.
Remember It: The Supreme Court as the final arbiter.
Arboretum: A botanical garden devoted to trees.
Remember It: A peaceful stroll through the arboretum.
Archetype: An original model; a quintessential example.
Remember It: The archetype of the tortured artist.
Arduous: Involving great effort; strenuous.
Remember It: An arduous climb to the summit.
Arid: Very dry; lacking interest.
Remember It: An arid desert with no rainfall for months.
Aromatic: Having a pleasant and distinctive smell.
Remember It: Aromatic herbs freshly picked from the garden.
Arraign: To call before court to answer a charge.
Remember It: The suspect was arraigned on multiple counts.
Arrears: Money owed that should already have been paid.
Remember It: months behind in rent arrears.
Artifice: Clever devices or expedients; trickery.
Remember It: Political artifice disguised as genuine concern.
Ascendancy: The state of being dominant or in control.
Remember It: The gradual ascendancy of tech companies.
Ascetic: Characterized by severe self-discipline.
Remember It: An ascetic monk who owned nothing.
Aseptic: Free from contamination by harmful bacteria.
Remember It: An aseptic operating room.
Appall: To greatly dismay or horrify.
Remember It: The conditions in the prison appalled inspectors.
Appellation: A name or title.
Remember It: The wine's appellation indicates its region.
Apposite: Apt or appropriate in the circumstances.
Remember It: An apposite quotation that fit perfectly.
Apprehend: To arrest someone; to understand.
Remember It: Police apprehended the suspect within hours.
Apprise: To inform or tell someone.
Remember It: Please apprise me of any developments.
Apropos: Very appropriate to a particular situation.
Remember It: An apropos remark that summed up the issue.
Arable: Suitable for growing crops.
Remember It: Fertile arable land along the river valley.
Arbitrator: A person appointed to settle a dispute.
Remember It: An independent arbitrator resolved the labor dispute.
Arcane: Understood by few; mysterious or secret.
Remember It: Arcane rituals known only to the initiated.
Ardent: Enthusiastic or passionate.
Remember It: An ardent supporter of the cause.
Aria: A long song for solo voice in an opera.
Remember It: A soprano aria that brought the audience to tears.
Armada: A fleet of warships.
Remember It: The Spanish Armada of .
Arousal: The action of stirring up feelings.
Remember It: The arousal of public interest in the scandal.
Array: An impressive display or range.
Remember It: An array of options spread across the table.
Arroyo: A steep-sided gully formed by fast-flowing water.
Remember It: A dry arroyo that flooded after the rain.
Artless: Without guile or deception; natural and simple.
Remember It: An artless charm that couldn't be faked.
Ascertain: To find out for certain.
Remember It: Investigators worked to ascertain the cause.
Ascribe: To attribute something to a cause.
Remember It: She ascribed her success to hard work.
Ashen: Very pale, as from shock.
Remember It: His face turned ashen when he heard the news.
Asinine: Extremely stupid or foolish.
Remember It: An asinine decision that backfired spectacularly.
Askew: Not in a straight or level position.
Remember It: A picture hanging askew on the wall.
Aspirant: A person with ambitions to achieve something.
Remember It: An aspirant to the corner office.
Assay: To examine or analyze in detail.
Remember It: They assayed the ore for gold content.
Assiduous: Showing great care and perseverance.
Remember It: Assiduous research that left no stone unturned.
Astigmatism: A defect in the eye causing distorted images.
Remember It: Glasses corrected her astigmatism.
Astringent: Sharp in manner; causing tissue contraction.
Remember It: An astringent critic who spared no one.
Asunder: Into pieces; apart.
Remember It: The earthquake tore the road asunder.
Atlas: A book of maps or charts.
Remember It: She paged through the atlas planning her route.
Atrophy: The gradual decline or wasting away.
Remember It: Muscles that atrophy from lack of use.
Attest: To provide evidence of; to declare true.
Remember It: Documents that attest to his identity.
Audacious: Showing willingness to take bold risks.
Remember It: An audacious plan that nobody expected to work.
Augury: A sign of what will happen; an omen.
Remember It: Dark clouds as an augury of trouble ahead.
Aureole: A circle of light; a halo.
Remember It: An aureole of golden light around the saint.
Auspicious: Indicating a good chance of success.
Remember It: An auspicious start to the new year.
Automaton: A mechanical device; one who acts mechanically.
Remember It: Going through life like an automaton.
Averse: Having a strong dislike or opposition.
Remember It: Averse to taking unnecessary risks.
Avert: To turn away; to prevent something bad.
Remember It: Quick thinking averted a disaster.
Avid: Having keen interest or enthusiasm.
Remember It: An avid reader who devoured books a week.
Askance: With suspicion or disapproval.
Remember It: She looked askance at his flimsy excuse.
Asperity: Harshness of tone or manner.
Remember It: She spoke with unexpected asperity.
Assail: To make a concentrated attack on.
Remember It: Assailed by doubts about his decision.
Assent: The expression of approval or agreement.
Remember It: The board gave its assent to the merger.
Assuage: To make an unpleasant feeling less intense.
Remember It: Kind words to assuage her grief.
Astral: Relating to the stars.
Remember It: Astral navigation by the ancient mariners.
Astute: Ability to assess situations accurately; shrewd.
Remember It: An astute observer of market trends.
Atavism: A reversion to earlier ancestral type or behavior.
Remember It: Violence as an atavism from our primitive past.
Atone: To make amends for wrongdoing.
Remember It: He tried to atone for years of neglect.
Attenuate: To reduce the force or value of.
Remember It: Distance attenuated the signal.
Attrition: Gradual wearing down or reduction.
Remember It: A war of attrition that exhausted both sides.
Augment: To make greater in size or value.
Remember It: She augmented her income with freelance work.
August: Respected and impressive; inspiring admiration.
Remember It: An august institution with centuries of tradition.
Auroral: Relating to the dawn or aurora borealis.
Remember It: An auroral glow spreading across the Arctic sky.
Austere: Severe in manner; without comfort.
Remember It: An austere room with bare white walls.
Avarice: Extreme greed for wealth.
Remember It: Avarice that consumed him until he had no friends.
Aversion: A strong dislike or disinclination.
Remember It: A lifelong aversion to public speaking.
Aviary: A large enclosure for keeping birds.
Remember It: An aviary full of tropical parrots.
Avow: To assert or confess openly.
Remember It: She avowed her commitment to the cause.
Awe: Reverential respect mixed with wonder.
Remember It: Standing in awe before the Grand Canyon.
Azure: Bright blue like a cloudless sky.
Remember It: An azure sea stretching to the horizon.
Avocation: A hobby or minor occupation.
Remember It: Photography was his avocation, not his career.
Avuncular: Kind and friendly like an uncle.
Remember It: His avuncular warmth put the interns at ease.
Awry: Away from the expected course; amiss.
Remember It: Plans that went awry from the very start.
Advanced Vocabulary: Letter B
Babble: To talk rapidly and foolishly.
Remember It: The toddler would babble nonsense all morning.
Badger: To pester or harass persistently.
Remember It: She badgered him until he finally agreed.
Baffle: To bewilder or perplex completely.
Remember It: The mystery baffled even the best detectives.
Baleful: Threatening harm; menacing.
Remember It: A baleful stare that made her blood run cold.
Ballast: Heavy material for stability; something stabilizing.
Remember It: Experience served as ballast in turbulent times.
Balmy: Pleasantly warm.
Remember It: A balmy evening perfect for dining outdoors.
Bandy: To pass back and forth; to exchange casually.
Remember It: They bandied accusations across the aisle.
Barb: A sharp projection; a hurtful remark.
Remember It: A barb disguised as a compliment.
Barterer: One who trades without using money.
Remember It: A skilled barterer who never paid full price.
Bate: To reduce force or intensity; to restrain.
Remember It: He waited with bated breath.
Bawdy: Humorously indecent; dealing with sexual matters.
Remember It: A bawdy comedy that had the crowd roaring.
Beatitude: Supreme blessedness; utmost bliss.
Remember It: A look of beatitude as she gazed at the sunset.
Bedraggle: To make wet, limp, and dirty.
Remember It: Bedraggled after trudging through the rain.
Befuddle: To confuse; to make unable to think clearly.
Remember It: Completely befuddled by contradictory instructions.
Begrudge: To envy someone's enjoyment; to give reluctantly.
Remember It: She begrudged him every success he had.
Beleaguer: To besiege; to cause persistent trouble.
Remember It: Beleaguered by lawsuits from every direction.
Bacchanalian: Characterized by wild, drunken revelry.
Remember It: A bacchanalian party that lasted until dawn.
Badinage: Humorous or witty conversation; playful banter.
Remember It: Light badinage over cocktails at the bar.
Bait: To deliberately annoy or taunt; a lure.
Remember It: Don't take the bait — he's trying to provoke you.
Balk: To hesitate or be unwilling to accept.
Remember It: She balked at the outrageous price.
Balm: A soothing substance; comfort.
Remember It: Her kind words were a balm to his wounded pride.
Banal: Lacking originality; obvious and boring.
Remember It: A banal speech full of empty clichés.
Bane: A cause of great distress or annoyance.
Remember It: Meetings were the bane of his existence.
Barrage: A concentrated bombardment; overwhelming number.
Remember It: A barrage of questions from the press.
Bask: To lie exposed to warmth for relaxation.
Remember It: Basking in the glow of her recent success.
Bauble: A showy trinket of little value.
Remember It: Cheap baubles sold at the tourist market.
Beatific: Blissfully happy; saintly.
Remember It: A beatific smile on the sleeping child's face.
Bedizen: To dress up or decorate gaudily.
Remember It: Bedizened in sequins and feathers for the carnival.
Beeline: To go directly and quickly toward something.
Remember It: She made a beeline for the exit.
Beget: To give rise to; to bring about.
Remember It: Violence begets more violence.
Belabor: To argue in excessive detail; to attack persistently.
Remember It: Don't belabor the point — we get it.
Belie: To fail to give a true impression of.
Remember It: Her calm exterior belied her inner panic.
Belittle: To make someone seem unimportant.
Remember It: Don't belittle her achievements — she worked hard.
Bemuse: To puzzle, confuse, or bewilder.
Remember It: The riddle left him thoroughly bemused.
Berate: To scold angrily and at length.
Remember It: The coach berated the players after the loss.
Berserk: Out of control with anger; frenzied.
Remember It: The crowd went berserk when the goal was scored.
Besmirch: To damage reputation; to soil or tarnish.
Remember It: Lies besmirched his good name.
Betrothed: Engaged to be married.
Remember It: The betrothed couple planned a June wedding.
Bigotry: Intolerance toward those with different opinions.
Remember It: Bigotry has no place in civil discourse.
Bilk: To cheat or defraud someone.
Remember It: The scammer bilked retirees of their savings.
Bivouac: A temporary camp without tents or cover.
Remember It: Soldiers set up a bivouac on the ridge.
Blare: To make a loud, harsh sound.
Remember It: Car horns blared through the traffic jam.
Blighted: Spoiled, harmed, or destroyed.
Remember It: A blighted neighborhood in need of renewal.
Bludgeon: To beat repeatedly; to bully into doing something.
Remember It: Bludgeoned into agreeing by peer pressure.
Blunder: A stupid or careless mistake.
Remember It: A costly blunder that lost the game.
Bluster: To talk loudly and aggressively with little effect.
Remember It: All bluster and no action.
Bolt: To move or run away suddenly.
Remember It: The horse bolted at the sound of thunder.
Bovine: Relating to cattle; sluggish or dull.
Remember It: A bovine stare, utterly vacant.
Braggart: A person who boasts about achievements.
Remember It: Nobody likes a braggart at the party.
Bravado: A bold manner to show courage, especially when afraid.
Remember It: His bravado masked genuine terror.
Brindled: Having brownish color with streaks of other colors.
Remember It: A brindled coat on the old dog.
Bellicose: Demonstrating aggression and willingness to fight.
Remember It: His bellicose tone started the argument.
Bent: A natural talent or inclination.
Remember It: A bent for mathematics from an early age.
Bereft: Deprived of; lacking something needed.
Remember It: Bereft of hope after so many rejections.
Beset: To trouble persistently; to attack from all sides.
Remember It: Beset by doubts, she couldn't decide.
Betoken: To be a sign of; to indicate.
Remember It: Dark clouds betoken a coming storm.
Bevy: A large group of people or things.
Remember It: A bevy of reporters crowded the entrance.
Bilious: Associated with nausea; bad-tempered.
Remember It: A bilious mood after a sleepless night.
Billowing: Swelling outward; moving in rolling masses.
Remember It: Billowing smoke poured from the chimney.
Blandishment: Flattering words used to persuade gently.
Remember It: No blandishment could change her mind.
Blatant: Completely obvious, especially offensively.
Remember It: A blatant lie that fooled no one.
Blithe: Showing casual and cheerful indifference.
Remember It: His blithe disregard for the rules was alarming.
Bluff: Direct in speech, often bluntly.
Remember It: His bluff manner hid a kind heart.
Blurt: To say something suddenly without thinking.
Remember It: She blurted out the secret by accident.
Bode: To be an omen of a particular outcome.
Remember It: This doesn't bode well for our plans.
Boorish: Rough and bad-mannered; coarse.
Remember It: His boorish behavior cleared the room.
Bowdlerize: To remove improper material, weakening the result.
Remember It: They bowdlerized the novel for children.
Brandish: To wave something, especially a weapon, as a threat.
Remember It: He brandished a sword at the intruder.
Brawn: Physical strength; muscular power.
Remember It: More brawn than brains.
Bristling: Reacting with anger or indignation.
Remember It: Bristling at the unfair accusation.
Broach: To raise a sensitive subject for discussion.
Remember It: She finally broached the topic of salary.
Browbeat: To intimidate with stern or abusive words.
Remember It: The lawyer browbeat the witness.
Buccaneer: A pirate, originally in the Caribbean.
Remember It: Tales of buccaneers on the high seas.
Buffoonery: Ridiculous but amusing behavior.
Remember It: Enough buffoonery — let's be serious.
Bungle: To carry out a task clumsily; to mishandle.
Remember It: He bungled the simple repair job.
Burly: Large and strong; heavily built.
Remember It: A burly bouncer blocked the door.
Bustle: To move in an energetic or noisy manner.
Remember It: The kitchen bustled with activity.
Buxom: Having a full, curvaceous figure.
Remember It: A buxom woman in a renaissance painting.
Brooch: An ornamental jewelry item for garments.
Remember It: A diamond brooch pinned to her lapel.
Brunt: The worst part or chief impact.
Remember It: She bore the brunt of the criticism.
Buffet: To strike repeatedly and violently.
Remember It: Waves buffeted the small boat.
Bumptious: Self-assertive to an irritating degree.
Remember It: A bumptious new hire who annoyed everyone.
Burlesque: A comic or exaggerated imitation.
Remember It: A burlesque of corporate culture.
Burnish: To polish by rubbing; to enhance or perfect.
Remember It: She burnished her résumé before applying.
Buttress: To provide support or reinforcement.
Remember It: Facts that buttress his argument.
Advanced Vocabulary: Letter C
Cabal: A secret political clique or faction.
Remember It: A cabal plotting behind closed doors.
Cachet: Prestige; the state of being respected.
Remember It: The brand carries real cachet.
Callous: Showing cruel disregard for others.
Remember It: A callous remark that stung deeply.
Calorific: Relating to energy content in food.
Remember It: The calorific value of butter is high.
Cameo: A small character part; carved jewelry.
Remember It: She made a cameo in the film.
Uncanny: Strange or mysterious, unsettling.
Remember It: An uncanny resemblance to his twin.
Cantankerous: Bad-tempered, argumentative, uncooperative.
Remember It: A cantankerous old neighbor.
Carat: A unit of weight for precious stones.
Remember It: A stunning -carat diamond ring.
Carnal: Relating to physical, especially sexual, needs.
Remember It: Driven by carnal desires.
Cascade: To pour downward rapidly and in quantity.
Remember It: Water cascaded down the cliffside.
Cataclysm: A large-scale violent upheaval.
Remember It: War brought cataclysm to the region.
Cache: A hidden collection of items.
Remember It: A cache of weapons found underground.
Cajole: To persuade by sustained coaxing or flattery.
Remember It: She cajoled him into helping.
Callow: Inexperienced and immature.
Remember It: A callow youth, eager but naive.
Calumny: False and defamatory statements; slander.
Remember It: Ruined by calumny and gossip.
Canny: Having good judgment; shrewd.
Remember It: A canny investor who timed it right.
Cant: Hypocritical talk; to tilt or slope.
Remember It: Political cant that means nothing.
Canvass: To solicit votes, opinions, or support.
Remember It: Volunteers canvassed the neighborhood.
Careen: To move swiftly and uncontrollably.
Remember It: The car careened off the road.
Carp: To complain about trivial matters continually.
Remember It: He carped about every minor detail.
Castigate: To reprimand someone severely.
Remember It: The coach castigated the lazy players.
Cataract: A large waterfall; clouding of the eye lens.
Remember It: Niagara is a famous cataract.
Catcall: A loud whistle or sexual comment.
Remember It: Catcalls from the crowd silenced the speaker.
Categorically: Unambiguously explicit and direct.
Remember It: She categorically denied the charges.
Caucus: A meeting of political party members.
Remember It: The caucus chose their candidate.
Cavalcade: A formal procession of people or vehicles.
Remember It: A cavalcade of limousines passed by.
Celerity: Swiftness of movement; speed.
Remember It: She completed the task with celerity.
Censure: To express severe disapproval formally.
Remember It: The senator faced censure from Congress.
Cessation: The process of ending.
Remember It: A cessation of hostilities at midnight.
Chafe: To become sore by rubbing; to feel irritated.
Remember It: New shoes that chafe the heel.
Chaffing: Light-hearted teasing or banter.
Remember It: Good-natured chaffing among friends.
Chalice: A large cup or goblet for wine.
Remember It: The priest raised the golden chalice.
Chasten: To have a restraining effect; to discipline.
Remember It: The failure chastened his arrogance.
Chicanery: Trickery for political or legal purposes.
Remember It: Legal chicanery that bent the rules.
Chisel: To cut with a chisel; to cheat.
Remember It: He chiseled them out of their deposit.
Chortle: To chuckle gleefully.
Remember It: He chortled at his own clever joke.
Cipher: A person of no importance; a zero.
Remember It: He felt like a cipher in the company.
Circumvent: To find a way around an obstacle cleverly.
Remember It: They circumvented the regulations.
Clamor: A loud, confused noise.
Remember It: A clamor of protests outside city hall.
Clasp: To grasp tightly; a fastening device.
Remember It: She clasped his hand in fear.
Clench: To squeeze together tightly.
Remember It: She clenched her fists in anger.
Catechism: A summary of religious doctrine in Q&A form.
Remember It: Children memorized the catechism.
Catholic: Including a wide variety; all-embracing.
Remember It: Catholic tastes in music and art.
Caulk: To seal joints against leaking.
Remember It: Caulk around the bathtub to stop leaks.
Cavil: To make petty or unnecessary objections.
Remember It: Stop caviling and make a decision.
Celibate: Abstaining from marriage and sexual relations.
Remember It: Monks live a celibate life.
Cerebration: The working of the brain; thinking.
Remember It: Deep cerebration over a hard problem.
Cede: To give up power or territory.
Remember It: They ceded the land after the war.
Chaff: Worthless material; husks separated from grain.
Remember It: Separate the wheat from the chaff.
Chagrin: Embarrassment at having failed.
Remember It: Much to his chagrin, he lost again.
Chary: Cautiously reluctant.
Remember It: Chary of making promises she can't keep.
Chastise: To rebuke or reprimand severely.
Remember It: The teacher chastised the cheater.
Chide: To scold or rebuke.
Remember It: She chided him for being late again.
Choleric: Bad-tempered or irritable.
Remember It: A choleric boss who yelled at everyone.
Churlish: Rude in a mean-spirited and surly way.
Remember It: It would be churlish to refuse the gift.
Circumspect: Wary; careful to consider all circumstances.
Remember It: A circumspect approach to the negotiation.
Clamber: To climb awkwardly, using hands and feet.
Remember It: Children clambered over the rocks.
Clapper: The tongue or striker of a bell.
Remember It: The clapper struck the bell at noon.
Cleave: To split apart; also, to adhere strongly.
Remember It: He cleaved the wood with an axe.
Clientele: Clients or customers collectively.
Remember It: The restaurant's wealthy clientele.
Clime: A region considered by its climate.
Remember It: She dreamed of warmer climes.
Cloying: Excessively sweet, rich, or sentimental.
Remember It: A cloying perfume that overwhelmed.
Coagulate: To change from fluid to a thickened mass.
Remember It: Blood coagulates to seal a wound.
Coddle: To treat indulgently or overprotectively.
Remember It: Stop coddling the child — let him try.
Cogent: Clear, logical, and convincing.
Remember It: A cogent argument that won the debate.
Cognizance: Knowledge or awareness.
Remember It: Take cognizance of the new policy.
Collate: To collect and combine in proper order.
Remember It: Collate the reports before the meeting.
Comely: Pleasant to look at; attractive.
Remember It: A comely face that drew attention.
Commandeer: To officially take possession.
Remember It: Police commandeered the vehicle.
Commiserate: To express sympathy or pity.
Remember It: Friends commiserated over her loss.
Compact: A formal agreement between parties.
Remember It: The nations signed a compact for peace.
Complaisant: Willing to please others; obliging.
Remember It: A complaisant host who anticipated every need.
Compunction: A feeling of guilt or moral scruple.
Remember It: He lied without compunction.
Conceit: Excessive pride in oneself.
Remember It: His conceit blinds him to his flaws.
Concession: Something granted in response to demands.
Remember It: A key concession in the negotiation.
Controvert: To deny the truth of; to argue about.
Remember It: Hard to controvert the evidence.
Convene: To come together for a meeting.
Remember It: The board convened an emergency session.
Converse: The opposite; to engage in conversation.
Remember It: The converse of his argument is also true.
Convoke: To call together for a formal meeting.
Remember It: The president convoked a special assembly.
Cloister: A covered walk in a monastery; a secluded place.
Remember It: Cloistered from the outside world.
Clump: A compacted mass or cluster.
Remember It: A clump of trees in the meadow.
Coalesce: To come together and form one mass.
Remember It: The groups coalesced into movement.
Codicil: An addition that modifies a will.
Remember It: She added a codicil to her will.
Cogitate: To think deeply; to ponder.
Remember It: He cogitated on the meaning of life.
Coiffure: A person's hairstyle.
Remember It: An elaborate coiffure for the gala.
Coma: A state of deep unconsciousness.
Remember It: He lay in a coma for weeks.
Comeuppance: A punishment someone deserves.
Remember It: The bully got his comeuppance at last.
Commensurate: Corresponding in size or degree.
Remember It: Pay commensurate with experience.
Commodious: Roomy and comfortable.
Remember It: A commodious apartment with high ceilings.
Compensatory: Making up for something.
Remember It: Compensatory damages awarded by the jury.
Comprise: To consist of; to be made up of.
Remember It: The team comprises members.
Concede: To admit something is true; to yield.
Remember It: She conceded defeat gracefully.
Conception: The forming of a plan or idea.
Remember It: From conception to completion in months.
Contrive: To create by deliberate skill and artifice.
Remember It: She contrived an excuse to leave early.
Contusion: A bruise where the skin is not broken.
Remember It: A painful contusion on his shin.
Conversant: Familiar with or knowledgeable about.
Remember It: She's conversant in languages.
Conveyance: A means of transport.
Remember It: A horse-drawn conveyance through the park.
Corollary: A natural consequence.
Remember It: Inflation is a corollary of printing money.
Cordon: A line of police preventing access.
Remember It: Police set up a cordon around the building.
Corroborate: To confirm or support a statement.
Remember It: Witnesses corroborated his alibi.
Coterie: A small group with shared interests.
Remember It: A coterie of artists in the café.
Countermand: To revoke or cancel an order.
Remember It: The general countermanded the retreat.
Cumbersome: Large, heavy, difficult to carry.
Remember It: A cumbersome suitcase she could barely lift.
Curmudgeon: A bad-tempered surly person.
Remember It: The old curmudgeon yelled at every passerby.
Corpulent: Fat; having a large bulky body.
Remember It: A corpulent man who struggled with stairs.
Corrugated: Shaped into alternate ridges and grooves.
Remember It: Corrugated cardboard boxes stacked high.
Countenance: A person's face; to accept or approve.
Remember It: She wouldn't countenance any cheating.
Culvert: A tunnel carrying a stream under a road.
Remember It: Water flowed through the culvert.
Cupidity: Greed for money or possessions.
Remember It: Driven by cupidity, he stole from partners.
Cynosure: The center of attention or admiration.
Remember It: She was the cynosure of all eyes.
Coquette: A woman who flirts lightheartedly.
Remember It: She played the coquette at every party.
Cornucopia: An abundant supply of good things.
Remember It: A cornucopia of fresh produce at the market.
Summary and Review Guidelines
Contextual Learning: Utilize the 'Remember It' phrases to visualize the application of each word. For example, use the phrase 'The Spanish Armada of ' to anchor the historical significance and weight of the term Armada.
Numerical Details: Pay specific attention to quantities associated with terms, such as the jeweler's appraisal of for Appraise and the -month duration for Arrears.
Proper Nouns: Keep in mind the formal names used in examples like the Grand Canyon, Paris, the Supreme Court, and Congress, as these reflect the standard of high-level discourse these words typically inhabit.