TOEFL VOCABULARY 1981 Questions with Verified Answers 2023 predicted - CORRECT ANSWER known beforehand provocative - CORRECT ANSWER arousing anger or interest; annoying tenacious - CORRECT ... ANSWER stubbornly unyielding benign - CORRECT ANSWER harmless capricious - CORRECT ANSWER impulsive and unpredictable diverse - CORRECT ANSWER many and different intricate - CORRECT ANSWER complicated, complex perception - CORRECT ANSWER awareness; insight reticent - CORRECT ANSWER reluctant to draw attention stimulate - CORRECT ANSWER cause to be alert and energetic anticipate - CORRECT ANSWER to expect beforehand convoluted - CORRECT ANSWER having too many twists and turns; overly complicated endorse - CORRECT ANSWER give support or one's approval to enhance - CORRECT ANSWER improve, augment partisan - CORRECT ANSWER devoted to or biased in support of a party, group, or cause prohibited - CORRECT ANSWER forbidden bombast - CORRECT ANSWER pompous or pretentious talk or writing debilitated - CORRECT ANSWER weak and feeble discerning - CORRECT ANSWER having or revealing keen insight and good judgment disparage - CORRECT ANSWER to degrade, to speak of someone or something in a derogatory manner eliminate - CORRECT ANSWER to get rid of; do away with indulged - CORRECT ANSWER pampered, spoiled innovative - CORRECT ANSWER original, new promote - CORRECT ANSWER contribute to the progress or growth of revolution - CORRECT ANSWER a drastic and far-reaching change in ways of thinking and behaving speculative - CORRECT ANSWER not based on fact or investigation spontaneous - CORRECT ANSWER said or done without having been planned or written in advance autonomy - CORRECT ANSWER independence; self-determination candid - CORRECT ANSWER openly straightforward and direct without reserve or secretiveness compromise - CORRECT ANSWER an accommodation in which both sides make concessions diplomacy - CORRECT ANSWER subtly skillful handling of a situation eclectic - CORRECT ANSWER random variety erroneous - CORRECT ANSWER incorrect erudition - CORRECT ANSWER profound scholarly knowledge legislation - CORRECT ANSWER the act of making or enacting laws mitigated - CORRECT ANSWER to relieve, alleviate nonchalant - CORRECT ANSWER not showing any concern or worry opponent - CORRECT ANSWER a contestant that you are matched against proximity - CORRECT ANSWER nearness remorse - CORRECT ANSWER regret reputation - CORRECT ANSWER how the public views or regards an individual restricted - CORRECT ANSWER curbed or regulated scrutiny - CORRECT ANSWER the act of examining something closely (as for mistakes) anomaly - CORRECT ANSWER an aberration; an irregularity; a deviation articulate - CORRECT ANSWER express or state clearly characterization - CORRECT ANSWER portrayal; description collaboration - CORRECT ANSWER the act of working together conjecture - CORRECT ANSWER inference; guesswork controversial - CORRECT ANSWER arousing argument, dispute, or disagreement curative - CORRECT ANSWER healing decorous - CORRECT ANSWER characterized by propriety and dignity and good taste in manners and conduct defense - CORRECT ANSWER protection from harm denounce - CORRECT ANSWER speak out against digress - CORRECT ANSWER to stray from the main subject dispassionate - CORRECT ANSWER impartial; calm, free from emotion docile - CORRECT ANSWER easily managed, obedient, passive dominate - CORRECT ANSWER to rule over by strength or power dubious - CORRECT ANSWER open to doubt or suspicion edifying - CORRECT ANSWER enlightening enigma - CORRECT ANSWER something that baffles understanding and cannot be explained enlighten - CORRECT ANSWER to inform or give new insight eradicate - CORRECT ANSWER to wipe out; to destroy fabricate - CORRECT ANSWER to make, build; to lie foresee - CORRECT ANSWER to know in advance foster - CORRECT ANSWER help develop, help grow intentions - CORRECT ANSWER plans to act in a certain way intuitive - CORRECT ANSWER knowing something by instinct loquacious - CORRECT ANSWER extremely talkative mercurial - CORRECT ANSWER liable to sudden unpredictable change mundane - CORRECT ANSWER ordinary, common ostentatious - CORRECT ANSWER displaying wealth paradox - CORRECT ANSWER a contradiction or dilemma pragmatic - CORRECT ANSWER concerned with practical matters presumption - CORRECT ANSWER assumed knowledge in advance of proof prolific - CORRECT ANSWER producing many things reconcile - CORRECT ANSWER to reestablish friendship, to resolve a dispute rousing - CORRECT ANSWER exciting, stirring secluded - CORRECT ANSWER hidden from general view or use simplistic - CORRECT ANSWER oversimplified skeptic - CORRECT ANSWER someone who habitually doubts accepted beliefs steadfast - CORRECT ANSWER firm and dependable especially in loyalty suppresses - CORRECT ANSWER to hold back or keep secret versatility - CORRECT ANSWER ability to do many things acknowledge - CORRECT ANSWER accept as true or valid aggressive - CORRECT ANSWER assertive, vigorously active, quick to attack allege - CORRECT ANSWER to assert without proof or confirmation altruism - CORRECT ANSWER unselfish regard for the welfare of others ambivalence - CORRECT ANSWER conflicting feelings amiable - CORRECT ANSWER agreeable; lovable; warmly friendly anachronism - CORRECT ANSWER something out of place in time asserts - CORRECT ANSWER to declare;state clearly augment - CORRECT ANSWER enlarge or increase averse - CORRECT ANSWER opposed; unwilling belligerence - CORRECT ANSWER hostile or warlike attitude or nature benevolent - CORRECT ANSWER generous in providing aid to others bolster - CORRECT ANSWER support and strengthen bungler - CORRECT ANSWER a clumsy or inept person buoyed - CORRECT ANSWER supported and encouraged cacophony - CORRECT ANSWER loud confusing disagreeable sounds callous - CORRECT ANSWER emotionally hardened cantankerous - CORRECT ANSWER bad-tempered; quarrelsome cathartic - CORRECT ANSWER emotionally purging (of e.g. art) chicanery - CORRECT ANSWER trickery or subterfuge complacent - CORRECT ANSWER satisfied with a situation that should be changed or improved comprehensive - CORRECT ANSWER thorough conciliatory - CORRECT ANSWER making or willing to make concessions conditional - CORRECT ANSWER qualified by reservations confirm - CORRECT ANSWER state or prove the truth of; substantiate; verify constitute - CORRECT ANSWER form or compose contempt - CORRECT ANSWER open disrespect for a person or thing convince - CORRECT ANSWER to be persuaded cynical - CORRECT ANSWER believing the worst of human nature and motives dearth - CORRECT ANSWER an insufficient quantity or number delude - CORRECT ANSWER to mislead or deceive deplete - CORRECT ANSWER use up (resources or materials) derived - CORRECT ANSWER formed or developed from something else despair - CORRECT ANSWER the feeling that everything is wrong and nothing will turn out well dilettante - CORRECT ANSWER an amateur who engages in an activity without serious intentions and who pretends to have knowledge discriminating - CORRECT ANSWER 1. able to make fine distinctions between; having good taste, 2. favoring one side/group and acting against another disdain - CORRECT ANSWER reject with contempt disingenuous - CORRECT ANSWER not straightforward or candid dispel - CORRECT ANSWER scatter; drive away; cause to vanish disposition - CORRECT ANSWER usual outlook or mood; getting rid of something disregard - CORRECT ANSWER willful lack of care and attention disseminate - CORRECT ANSWER to scatter or spread widely domestic - CORRECT ANSWER native to a country, not foreign; relating to the life or affairs of a household; a household servant election - CORRECT ANSWER a vote to select the winner of a position or political office elites - CORRECT ANSWER a group or class of persons enjoying superior intellectual or social or economic status empathetic - CORRECT ANSWER feeling another's pain as one's own environment - CORRECT ANSWER surroundings esoteric - CORRECT ANSWER confined to and understandable by only an enlightened inner circle exacerbate - CORRECT ANSWER make worse expansion - CORRECT ANSWER the act of increasing (something) in size or volume or quantity or scope experiment - CORRECT ANSWER to conduct a test or investigation harmony - CORRECT ANSWER agreement of opinions; pleasant-sounding music harsh - CORRECT ANSWER sharply disagreeable haughty - CORRECT ANSWER arrogant, condescending improvise - CORRECT ANSWER to do without preparation inaccessible - CORRECT ANSWER not easily reached or approached; out of the way incompetence - CORRECT ANSWER lack of ability ineffable - CORRECT ANSWER defying expression or description inscrutable - CORRECT ANSWER incapable of being understood insightful - CORRECT ANSWER perceptive instructive - CORRECT ANSWER serving to inform or provide knowledge irrelevant - CORRECT ANSWER having no bearing on or connection with the subject at issue irritable - CORRECT ANSWER easily annoyed judicious - CORRECT ANSWER proceeding from good sense or judgment meticulous - CORRECT ANSWER marked by extreme care in treatment of details munificent - CORRECT ANSWER very generous with money neglects - CORRECT ANSWER leave undone or leave out obtrusive - CORRECT ANSWER pushing, demanding attention, showy offend - CORRECT ANSWER cause to feel resentment or indignation ornate - CORRECT ANSWER elaborately decorated paucity - CORRECT ANSWER an insufficient quantity or number penchant - CORRECT ANSWER a strong attraction or inclination placid - CORRECT ANSWER calm, peaceful plague - CORRECT ANSWER an annoyance; a pestilence; to annoy precursor - CORRECT ANSWER forerunner; predecessor preserved - CORRECT ANSWER kept intact or in a particular condition prestige - CORRECT ANSWER a high standing achieved through success or influence or wealth etc. profound - CORRECT ANSWER very deep; deeply felt; intellectually deep prominence - CORRECT ANSWER importance publicity - CORRECT ANSWER information intended to attract public interest replica - CORRECT ANSWER a copy, close reproduction resilience - CORRECT ANSWER the ability to adapt effectively in the face of threats salvage - CORRECT ANSWER save from ruin, destruction, or harm subtle - CORRECT ANSWER not obvious superficial - CORRECT ANSWER concerned only with what is on the surface or obvious; shallow superfluous - CORRECT ANSWER exceeding what is sufficient or required, excess sustain - CORRECT ANSWER supply with necessities and support toxic - CORRECT ANSWER poisonous trivial - CORRECT ANSWER of little substance or significance undermine - CORRECT ANSWER to sabotage, thwart uniform - CORRECT ANSWER the same throughout in structure or composition; standardized clothing universal - CORRECT ANSWER present everywhere unpredictable - CORRECT ANSWER impossible to foretell venerable - CORRECT ANSWER worthy of respect because of advanced age, achievement, virtue, or historical importance verbose - CORRECT ANSWER wordy, very talkative whim - CORRECT ANSWER a sudden wish to do something without a particular reason; a fanciful idea absolutist - CORRECT ANSWER in favor of total control by a ruler abstruse - CORRECT ANSWER difficult to understand; obscure absurd - CORRECT ANSWER inconsistent with reason or logic or common sense accomplished - CORRECT ANSWER successfully completed or brought to an end adroit - CORRECT ANSWER quick or skillful or adept in action or thought advocate - CORRECT ANSWER speak, plead, or argue in favour of alleviate - CORRECT ANSWER to relieve, make more bearable aloof - CORRECT ANSWER reserved, distant amalgam - CORRECT ANSWER a combination of diverse elements; a mixture amateur - CORRECT ANSWER practicing an art or occupation for the love of it, but not as a profession. ambiguous - CORRECT ANSWER open to two or more interpretations antagonistic - CORRECT ANSWER arousing animosity or hostility antiquities - CORRECT ANSWER valuable objects from ancient times appease - CORRECT ANSWER pacify or soothe; relieve arrogant - CORRECT ANSWER overbearing; proud; haughty ascertain - CORRECT ANSWER learn or discover with certainty aspersion - CORRECT ANSWER a disparaging remark astronomy - CORRECT ANSWER the study of stars and planets astute - CORRECT ANSWER shrewd; clever austere - CORRECT ANSWER of a stern or strict bearing or demeanor avuncular - CORRECT ANSWER like an uncle in kindness or indulgence belied - CORRECT ANSWER contradicted bellicose - CORRECT ANSWER having or showing a ready disposition to fight blatantly - CORRECT ANSWER in an extremely obvious way; conspicuously catastrophic - CORRECT ANSWER disastrous celebrates - CORRECT ANSWER engage in joyous activities in honor of an occasion, person or event censure - CORRECT ANSWER harsh criticism or disapproval charlatan - CORRECT ANSWER one who claims to know something that he does not, a quack circumscribed - CORRECT ANSWER restricted or limited circumspect - CORRECT ANSWER careful, cautious circumvent - CORRECT ANSWER to avoid by going around cohesive - CORRECT ANSWER sticking or holding together; unified compunction - CORRECT ANSWER feeling of uneasiness or anxiety caused by guilt concise - CORRECT ANSWER short and to the point conclusive - CORRECT ANSWER forming an end or termination condemn - CORRECT ANSWER denounce, criticize, judge against condone - CORRECT ANSWER give tacit approval; excuse conformity - CORRECT ANSWER acting according to certain accepted standards contentious - CORRECT ANSWER involving or likely to cause controversy conventional - CORRECT ANSWER following accepted customs and proprieties corroborate - CORRECT ANSWER to confirm cosmopolitan - CORRECT ANSWER worldly; sophisticated counterfeited - CORRECT ANSWER to make a copy of; forge cowardice - CORRECT ANSWER ignoble fear in the face of danger cryptic - CORRECT ANSWER having a secret or hidden meaning decisive - CORRECT ANSWER resolute; determined; settled in a final way deliberate - CORRECT ANSWER by conscious design or purpose; to think over deeply demeanor - CORRECT ANSWER conduct, behavior, manner demonstrative - CORRECT ANSWER expressing emotion freely depicts - CORRECT ANSWER describe, give a picture of derail - CORRECT ANSWER obstruct; divert from its intended course devoid - CORRECT ANSWER lacking; empty; entirely without dilatory - CORRECT ANSWER wasting time diligence - CORRECT ANSWER persistent, conscientious hard work diminuitive - CORRECT ANSWER very small; tiny dispersion - CORRECT ANSWER a spreading or scattering or separating disputation - CORRECT ANSWER verbal controversy; debate; argument dissent - CORRECT ANSWER a difference of opinion dogma - CORRECT ANSWER an unproven principle or belief held to be true eccentric - CORRECT ANSWER a person with an unusual or odd personality egalitarian - CORRECT ANSWER believing in the social and economic equality of all people egotistical - CORRECT ANSWER excessively self-absorbed; very conceited elaborate - CORRECT ANSWER make more complex, intricate, or richer elusive - CORRECT ANSWER be difficult to detect or grasp by the mind embellished - CORRECT ANSWER to decorate; to make more interesting by adding fanciful details emotional - CORRECT ANSWER showing strong feelings endure - CORRECT ANSWER to carry on through despite hardships enormous - CORRECT ANSWER extraordinarily large in size or extent or amount or power or degree ensure - CORRECT ANSWER to make sure or certain enthralled - CORRECT ANSWER to hold spellbound or captivated equivocate - CORRECT ANSWER to give equal voice or consideration to two sides; to try to play something both ways erratic - CORRECT ANSWER likely to perform unpredictably established - CORRECT ANSWER settled securely and unconditionally exaggerated - CORRECT ANSWER overstated or overdone expedient - CORRECT ANSWER speedy because of convenience, not necessarily to do the right thing expeditious - CORRECT ANSWER done with speed and efficiency extolled - CORRECT ANSWER praised highly; exalted extravagant - CORRECT ANSWER spending, costing, or using more than is required facetious - CORRECT ANSWER humorous, not meant seriously fervent - CORRECT ANSWER characterized by intense emotion folly - CORRECT ANSWER foolish or senseless behavior founder - CORRECT ANSWER a person who founds or establishes some institution; break down, literally or metaphorically futile - CORRECT ANSWER useless genre - CORRECT ANSWER a major category or type of literature glorify - CORRECT ANSWER praise or honor hypothetical - CORRECT ANSWER based on assumptions; unproven iconoclastic - CORRECT ANSWER attacking cherished traditions idiosyncratic - CORRECT ANSWER peculiar; unique; eccentric illuminates - CORRECT ANSWER to provide light ; to make clear or understandable. impetuous - CORRECT ANSWER rash, impulsive impugned - CORRECT ANSWER challenged; called into question impulsive - CORRECT ANSWER without forethought inclined - CORRECT ANSWER disposed; willing inclusive - CORRECT ANSWER containing all; not keeping any out indecisive - CORRECT ANSWER characterized by lack of decision and firmness indigenous - CORRECT ANSWER native to a certain area indignant - CORRECT ANSWER angry at unfairness induce - CORRECT ANSWER persuade; bring about inept - CORRECT ANSWER generally incompetent and ineffectual inflexible - CORRECT ANSWER not capable of being changed; unyielding; obstinate innocuous - CORRECT ANSWER harmless, inoffensive; insignificant insolent - CORRECT ANSWER boldly rude or disrespectful intellectual - CORRECT ANSWER of or associated with or requiring the use of the mind intractable - CORRECT ANSWER stubborn irascible - CORRECT ANSWER irritable, easily angered, cranky, cross irresolute - CORRECT ANSWER lacking decisiveness of character jettison - CORRECT ANSWER to throw out; to discard jingoism - CORRECT ANSWER fanatical patriotism jocular - CORRECT ANSWER characterized by jokes and good humor lackadaisical - CORRECT ANSWER lacking interest or effort laconic - CORRECT ANSWER using few words laud - CORRECT ANSWER praise, glorify, or honor lobby - CORRECT ANSWER to try to persuade lucid - CORRECT ANSWER easily understood; clear lugbrious - CORRECT ANSWER mounful, dismal, or gloomy magnanimous - CORRECT ANSWER generous and understanding and tolerant maverick - CORRECT ANSWER someone who exhibits great independence in thought and action memorable - CORRECT ANSWER worth remembering metaphoric - CORRECT ANSWER used in a symbolic or non-literal way migrate - CORRECT ANSWER to move from one place to another misnomer - CORRECT ANSWER an unsuitable or misleading name mollified - CORRECT ANSWER soothed; calmed morality - CORRECT ANSWER concern with the distinction between good and evil or right and wrong negligible - CORRECT ANSWER not worth considering negotiate - CORRECT ANSWER to settle by discussing noteworthy - CORRECT ANSWER deserving attention novelty - CORRECT ANSWER originality by virtue of being new and surprising obligated - CORRECT ANSWER legally or morally bound obscure - CORRECT ANSWER difficult to understand; partially hidden overlook - CORRECT ANSWER leave undone or leave out; watch over pedestrian - CORRECT ANSWER a person who travels by foot; ordinary or dull perfidy - CORRECT ANSWER faithlessness, treachery perished - CORRECT ANSWER died; passed away permissible - CORRECT ANSWER allowable persistent - CORRECT ANSWER refusing to give up phlegmatic - CORRECT ANSWER calm; sluggish; unemotional polemic - CORRECT ANSWER an aggressive argument against a specific opinion precipitous - CORRECT ANSWER done with very great haste and without due deliberation precocious - CORRECT ANSWER exhibiting unusually early intellectual aptitude or maturity prevail - CORRECT ANSWER to win prosaic - CORRECT ANSWER lacking wit or imagination prosperity - CORRECT ANSWER good fortune and financial success prudent - CORRECT ANSWER careful and sensible pugnacious - CORRECT ANSWER ready and able to resort to force or violence pundit - CORRECT ANSWER an authority who expresses his/her opinions quest - CORRECT ANSWER the act of searching for something quixotic - CORRECT ANSWER idealistic but impractical recessive - CORRECT ANSWER a trait that is hidden reciprocate - CORRECT ANSWER to give in return regressed - CORRECT ANSWER return to a former condition repudiate - CORRECT ANSWER cast off or disown resisted - CORRECT ANSWER rejected or declined resonance - CORRECT ANSWER fullness of sound; familiarity respite - CORRECT ANSWER a temporary period of relief from harm or discomfort resurgence - CORRECT ANSWER rising again to life, use, acceptance, or prominence retraction - CORRECT ANSWER cancellation of a prior statement reverence - CORRECT ANSWER profound respect rigorous - CORRECT ANSWER demanding strict attention to rules and procedures sensitive - CORRECT ANSWER able to feel or perceive intensely spellbound - CORRECT ANSWER too interested to move; fascinated stable - CORRECT ANSWER maintaining equilibrium stature - CORRECT ANSWER high level of respect gained by impressive development or achievement stratagem - CORRECT ANSWER a maneuver in a game or conversation stringent - CORRECT ANSWER demanding strict attention to rules and procedures subdue - CORRECT ANSWER make subordinate, dependent, or subservient submission - CORRECT ANSWER the act of yielding to the authority of another subordinate - CORRECT ANSWER rank or order as less important or consider of less value succinct - CORRECT ANSWER brief, concise supercilious - CORRECT ANSWER having or showing arrogant superiority to and disdain of those one views as unworthy surrender - CORRECT ANSWER admitting defeat sweeping - CORRECT ANSWER having broad range or effect systematic - CORRECT ANSWER characterized by order and planning tacit - CORRECT ANSWER unspoken, silent; implied, inferred tact - CORRECT ANSWER consideration in dealing with others and avoiding giving offence tangential - CORRECT ANSWER merely touching or slightly connected; only superficially relevant theoretical - CORRECT ANSWER lacking practical application totalitarian - CORRECT ANSWER a single party and leader who suppress all opposition and control all aspects of people's lives tranquil - CORRECT ANSWER free from disturbance transform - CORRECT ANSWER change or alter in form, appearance, or nature truce - CORRECT ANSWER a pause in fighting, temporary peace tyrannical - CORRECT ANSWER characteristic of an absolute ruler or absolute rule unequivocal - CORRECT ANSWER admitting of no doubt or misunderstanding unprecedented - CORRECT ANSWER never done or known before vacuous - CORRECT ANSWER devoid of significance or point vast - CORRECT ANSWER unusually great in size or amount or degree or especially extent or scope vindication - CORRECT ANSWER proving right after prior doubt vulnerable - CORRECT ANSWER susceptible to attack; easily injured physically or emotionally worldly - CORRECT ANSWER experienced and sophisticated; cosmopolitan momentum - CORRECT ANSWER trend of moving forward with increasing speed abashed - CORRECT ANSWER embarrassed, ashamed, or nonplussed abate - CORRECT ANSWER to reduce in intensity or amount abridged - CORRECT ANSWER shortened accentuate - CORRECT ANSWER to stress, single out as important accessible - CORRECT ANSWER capable of being reached or understood acclaim - CORRECT ANSWER enthusiastic approval accorded - CORRECT ANSWER granted accusation - CORRECT ANSWER charge of crime, misdemeanor, or error. acquiesce - CORRECT ANSWER to give in, to comply activist - CORRECT ANSWER someone who takes direct action to achieve a political goal adamant - CORRECT ANSWER not capable of being swayed or diverted from a course adversaries - CORRECT ANSWER opponents, enemies affected - CORRECT ANSWER speaking or behaving in an artificial way to make an impression affluence - CORRECT ANSWER abundant wealth affordable - CORRECT ANSWER not too expensive afforded - CORRECT ANSWER gave; provided aggregation - CORRECT ANSWER several things grouped together or considered as a whole alacrity - CORRECT ANSWER eagerness, speed altered - CORRECT ANSWER changed in form or character without being completely changed amassed - CORRECT ANSWER collected or accumulated ambitious - CORRECT ANSWER having a strong desire for success or achievement analyses - CORRECT ANSWER break down a complex whole into its major parts anatomy - CORRECT ANSWER the study of body structure anecdotal - CORRECT ANSWER based on personal accounts rather than facts or research animated - CORRECT ANSWER lively; spirited anonymity - CORRECT ANSWER the condition of being unknown anthology - CORRECT ANSWER collection of literary works antipathy - CORRECT ANSWER a feeling of intense dislike antipodes - CORRECT ANSWER opposite sides (of the Earth) aplomb - CORRECT ANSWER great coolness and composure under strain applauded - CORRECT ANSWER showed approval; clapped apprehended - CORRECT ANSWER fully understood or grasped; caught and arrested arboreal - CORRECT ANSWER inhabiting or relating to trees archaeologist - CORRECT ANSWER a scientist who learns about ancient people by studying the things they left behind arduous - CORRECT ANSWER characterized by toilsome effort to the point of exhaustion arrest - CORRECT ANSWER cause to stop; bring into custody artistic - CORRECT ANSWER creative or imaginative skill in the arts artistry - CORRECT ANSWER a superior skill learned by study and practice and observation ascetic - CORRECT ANSWER practices self denial as spiritual discipline assuage - CORRECT ANSWER to make easier or milder, relieve; to quiet, calm assumed - CORRECT ANSWER accepted as real or true without proof assured - CORRECT ANSWER guaranteed; promised confidently astronomical - CORRECT ANSWER inconceivably large; relating or belonging to the science of astronomy atmosphere - CORRECT ANSWER a distinctive but intangible quality surrounding a person or thing; the mass of air surrounding the Earth auditor - CORRECT ANSWER a qualified accountant who inspects the accounting records and practices of a business or other organization authenticate - CORRECT ANSWER confirm as genuine autobiographical - CORRECT ANSWER the story of a person's own life written by the person averts - CORRECT ANSWER to prevent; to turn away backfire - CORRECT ANSWER a miscalculation that recoils on its maker banal - CORRECT ANSWER obvious and dull barrage - CORRECT ANSWER a rapid, large-scale outpouring of something befell - CORRECT ANSWER happened to belabor - CORRECT ANSWER to work at or to absurd length belittle - CORRECT ANSWER lessen the authority, dignity, or reputation of through criticism beneficial - CORRECT ANSWER promoting or enhancing well-being beneficiary - CORRECT ANSWER one who receives benefits bereft - CORRECT ANSWER deprived of; made unhappy through a loss bifurcation - CORRECT ANSWER division into two boomerang - CORRECT ANSWER return to the initial position from where it came breakthrough - CORRECT ANSWER making an important discovery brevity - CORRECT ANSWER shortness, conciseness bucolic - CORRECT ANSWER pleasant, idealized country life bureaucratization - CORRECT ANSWER a complicated organized system; rules and regulations bygone - CORRECT ANSWER well in the past cajole - CORRECT ANSWER influence or urge by gentle urging, caressing, or flattering camouflage - CORRECT ANSWER the act of concealing the identity of something by modifying its appearance catalyst - CORRECT ANSWER something that causes an important event to happen ceaseless - CORRECT ANSWER uninterrupted in time and indefinitely continuing celebrity - CORRECT ANSWER a famous person chaotic - CORRECT ANSWER completely unordered and unpredictable and confusing charismatic - CORRECT ANSWER having or exhibiting a special magnetic charm or appeal charity - CORRECT ANSWER showing kindness by giving money or gifts to organizations that need them cheapened - CORRECT ANSWER to decrease the quality of cherished - CORRECT ANSWER valued, prized chronicle - CORRECT ANSWER report; record churlish - CORRECT ANSWER rude and boorish clairvoyant - CORRECT ANSWER foreseeing the future clandestine - CORRECT ANSWER conducted with or marked by hidden aims or methods coerced - CORRECT ANSWER to compel by force, intimidation, or authority colleagues - CORRECT ANSWER fellow workers commending - CORRECT ANSWER praising, speak favorably commiseration - CORRECT ANSWER an expression of sympathy with another's grief commonplace - CORRECT ANSWER completely ordinary and unremarkable compatible - CORRECT ANSWER able to get along or work well together compensate - CORRECT ANSWER to make up for; to repay for services complex - CORRECT ANSWER complicated in structure complicit - CORRECT ANSWER being an accomplice in a wrongful act composite - CORRECT ANSWER put together from many different parts concessions - CORRECT ANSWER agreements made in response to demands concord - CORRECT ANSWER be in agreement concur - CORRECT ANSWER to agree conducive - CORRECT ANSWER supportive; encouraging; helping to bring about conduct - CORRECT ANSWER lead; guide; move along conflagration - CORRECT ANSWER a very intense and uncontrolled fire; an emotionally heated event confront - CORRECT ANSWER deal with (something unpleasant) head on connoisseur - CORRECT ANSWER an expert able to appreciate a field conscientious - CORRECT ANSWER diligent and careful consecrated - CORRECT ANSWER solemnly dedicated to or set apart for a high purpose consent - CORRECT ANSWER permission conservationists - CORRECT ANSWER people who work to protect the environment conservatism - CORRECT ANSWER a political philosophy based on tradition and social stability, favoring obedience to political authority and organized religion. conspicuous - CORRECT ANSWER obvious to the eye or mind constructive - CORRECT ANSWER serving a useful and positive purpose consummate - CORRECT ANSWER make perfect contaminating - CORRECT ANSWER that infects or taints contemplate - CORRECT ANSWER reflect deeply on a subject contemporary - CORRECT ANSWER belonging to the present time contend - CORRECT ANSWER maintain or assert contrived - CORRECT ANSWER showing effects of planning or manipulation convergence - CORRECT ANSWER the occurrence of two or more things coming together convivial - CORRECT ANSWER festive, sociable, genial cordial - CORRECT ANSWER warmth and friendliness correlation - CORRECT ANSWER similarity or relationship between corrosive - CORRECT ANSWER eating away; acidlike; bitterly sarcastic corrupt - CORRECT ANSWER changed from good to bad credence - CORRECT ANSWER belief or trust credulity - CORRECT ANSWER readiness to believe culpable - CORRECT ANSWER guilty cunning - CORRECT ANSWER shrewdness in deception dazzled - CORRECT ANSWER amazed or overwhelmed by a spectacular display deafening - CORRECT ANSWER loud enough to cause (temporary) hearing loss debate - CORRECT ANSWER argue deceit - CORRECT ANSWER dishonesty, deception decimation - CORRECT ANSWER extensive destruction decipher - CORRECT ANSWER to figure out decline - CORRECT ANSWER refuse to accept; grow worse deferential - CORRECT ANSWER respectful and polite in a submissive way deficient - CORRECT ANSWER inadequate in amount or degree defies - CORRECT ANSWER boldly oppose or resist defunct - CORRECT ANSWER no longer existing or functioning deleterious - CORRECT ANSWER harmful, injurious demagogue - CORRECT ANSWER rabble-rousing leader democracy - CORRECT ANSWER a form of government in which citizens govern themselves desolate - CORRECT ANSWER devastated or ravaged; despondent deterrent - CORRECT ANSWER something that acts to discourage detractor - CORRECT ANSWER someone who belittles something else diametrically - CORRECT ANSWER in complete opposition diaphonous - CORRECT ANSWER transparent, gauzy dichotomy - CORRECT ANSWER a division into two parts dictator - CORRECT ANSWER ruler with complete power dictum - CORRECT ANSWER an authoritative declaration diffident - CORRECT ANSWER lacking self-confidence dilemma - CORRECT ANSWER a difficult or perplexing situation or problem diminished - CORRECT ANSWER made to seem smaller or less (especially in worth) diminishing - CORRECT ANSWER lessening disaffected - CORRECT ANSWER having lost faith or loyalty; discontent discard - CORRECT ANSWER getting rid something that is regarded as useless or undesirable discrete - CORRECT ANSWER separate; unconnected disgrace - CORRECT ANSWER a state of dishonor disintegration - CORRECT ANSWER a separation into parts or fragments, disunity, decay dismantle - CORRECT ANSWER to take apart dismissal - CORRECT ANSWER being sent away; being removed from a duty, position, or employment displayed - CORRECT ANSWER to show or exhibit; make visible disposable - CORRECT ANSWER not worthy of being kept; easily given or thrown away; able to be easily replaced disrepute - CORRECT ANSWER disgrace, loss of reputation disrupt - CORRECT ANSWER interfere in someone else's activity dissolute - CORRECT ANSWER loose in one's morals or behavior distinguised - CORRECT ANSWER known for important things, dignified distort - CORRECT ANSWER alter the shape or meaning of distracted - CORRECT ANSWER having the attention diverted especially because of anxiety divisive - CORRECT ANSWER creating disunity or conflict dowager - CORRECT ANSWER an elderly woman of elevated social status dupe - CORRECT ANSWER to deceive; a person who is easily deceived duplicate - CORRECT ANSWER a copy that corresponds to an original exactly duplicitous - CORRECT ANSWER deliberately deceptive ebullient - CORRECT ANSWER exhilarated, full of enthusiasm and high spirits economize - CORRECT ANSWER reduce expenses; be frugal ecosystem - CORRECT ANSWER a system formed by the interaction of a community of organisms with their physical environment edible - CORRECT ANSWER suitable for use as food effusive - CORRECT ANSWER emotionally excessive; overly demonstrative elliptical - CORRECT ANSWER oval; ambiguous, either purposely or because key words have been left out eloquent - CORRECT ANSWER well-spoken; expressive; articulate embrace - CORRECT ANSWER hug; adopt or espouse eminent - CORRECT ANSWER standing above others in quality or position encroaching - CORRECT ANSWER trespassing, intruding enmity - CORRECT ANSWER a state of deep-seated ill-will entrepreneur - CORRECT ANSWER a person who starts up a business erode - CORRECT ANSWER to wear away eschew - CORRECT ANSWER to avoid, shun, keep away from essential - CORRECT ANSWER absolutely necessary estranged - CORRECT ANSWER separated; alienated ethical - CORRECT ANSWER in accordance with standards of right conduct eulogy - CORRECT ANSWER a formal speech praising a person who has died euphemism - CORRECT ANSWER an indirect, less offensive way of saying something that is considered unpleasant evade - CORRECT ANSWER to elude or avoid by cunning; to flee from a pursuer evasive - CORRECT ANSWER deliberately vague or ambiguous evolving - CORRECT ANSWER to develop gradually by process of growth and change exasperation - CORRECT ANSWER irritation, frustration excessive - CORRECT ANSWER too much; more than is reasonable exotic - CORRECT ANSWER foreign, unfamiliar exploit - CORRECT ANSWER use or manipulate to one's advantage;, a notable achievement explosive - CORRECT ANSWER sudden and loud extinction - CORRECT ANSWER no longer in existence extraordinary - CORRECT ANSWER very unusual; remarkable extremists - CORRECT ANSWER one who resorts to measures beyond normal, especially in politics facilitate - CORRECT ANSWER to make easier; to assist fascinated - CORRECT ANSWER held the attention of; captivated fathom - CORRECT ANSWER to understand, get to the bottom of; a measure of depth in water favored - CORRECT ANSWER blessed with advantages fictional - CORRECT ANSWER imaginary filial - CORRECT ANSWER pertaining to or befitting a son or daughter; Ex. filial respect fiscal - CORRECT ANSWER involving financial matters flippant - CORRECT ANSWER disrespectfully humorous or casual flotsam - CORRECT ANSWER the floating wreckage of a ship floundering - CORRECT ANSWER to struggle clumsily or helplessly flourish - CORRECT ANSWER a showy gesture; to thrive, to grow well foibles - CORRECT ANSWER a minor weakness or failing of character forebear - CORRECT ANSWER to be patient with or about forestall - CORRECT ANSWER prevent by taking action in advance forgo - CORRECT ANSWER refrain from consuming formidable - CORRECT ANSWER extremely impressive in strength or excellence fraudulent - CORRECT ANSWER cheating; deceitful frisky - CORRECT ANSWER lively and playful funerary - CORRECT ANSWER melancholy; gloomy furious - CORRECT ANSWER marked by extreme anger garnered - CORRECT ANSWER gathered and stored gaudy - CORRECT ANSWER marked by conspicuous decoration generosity - CORRECT ANSWER act of giving to others, willingness to contribute government - CORRECT ANSWER the ruling authority for a community graceless - CORRECT ANSWER lacking social polish gratifying - CORRECT ANSWER proud, fulfilled, satisfied guarantee - CORRECT ANSWER a pledge that something will happen or that something is true hackneyed - CORRECT ANSWER overused, cliched halted - CORRECT ANSWER stopped hampered - CORRECT ANSWER hindered, held back, restrained hardy - CORRECT ANSWER able to survive under unfavorable conditions holistic - CORRECT ANSWER concerning the whole rather than the parts hollow - CORRECT ANSWER empty hospitality - CORRECT ANSWER friendly welcome and treatment of guests hostile - CORRECT ANSWER characterized by enmity or ill will humane - CORRECT ANSWER kind, merciful hybrid - CORRECT ANSWER a cross between two varieties hypothesis - CORRECT ANSWER a tentative theory hysteria - CORRECT ANSWER nervous condition of uncontrolled laughing and crying usually brought on by unsual emotional stress icon - CORRECT ANSWER an important or enduring symbol or famous person illicit - CORRECT ANSWER illegal illusory - CORRECT ANSWER lacking in or not based on reality illustration - CORRECT ANSWER showing by example; a picture imitation - CORRECT ANSWER a copy that is represented as the original impede - CORRECT ANSWER to obstruct or interfere with; to delay imperative - CORRECT ANSWER requiring attention or action imperial - CORRECT ANSWER majestic, befitting an emperor implacable - CORRECT ANSWER unable to be appeased or pacified implement - CORRECT ANSWER pursue to a conclusion or bring to a successful issue; an instrument or tool impose - CORRECT ANSWER to force someone to accept or put up with; to take unfair advantage of; impressive imprecise - CORRECT ANSWER not exact impression - CORRECT ANSWER a feeling or understanding resulting from an experience improbable - CORRECT ANSWER unlikely impudent - CORRECT ANSWER disrespectful inane - CORRECT ANSWER without sense or meaning; silly inapt - CORRECT ANSWER inappropriate inaudible - CORRECT ANSWER unable to be heard incisive - CORRECT ANSWER very penetrating, clear and sharp inconclusive - CORRECT ANSWER providing no clear answer or solution incongruity - CORRECT ANSWER incompatibility; out of place inconsistency - CORRECT ANSWER contradictory incorrigible - CORRECT ANSWER incapable of being reformed or improved indelible - CORRECT ANSWER not able to be erased or removed; memorable independence - CORRECT ANSWER self-reliance and freedom from outside control indictment - CORRECT ANSWER the act of accusing; a formal accusation indifference - CORRECT ANSWER the trait of lacking enthusiasm or interest indigence - CORRECT ANSWER extreme poverty indispensable - CORRECT ANSWER absolutely necessary indistinguishable - CORRECT ANSWER exactly alike induction - CORRECT ANSWER reasoning from specific to general; ceremony by which one is made a member infectious - CORRECT ANSWER contagious inferiority - CORRECT ANSWER not being as good as others infighting - CORRECT ANSWER rivalry among members of the same organisation influenced - CORRECT ANSWER to have an effect on insecurity - CORRECT ANSWER lack of self-confidence insensitive - CORRECT ANSWER not caring; slow to feel or notice instantaneous - CORRECT ANSWER done in an instant; immediate instinctive - CORRECT ANSWER done automatically without thinking instrumental - CORRECT ANSWER essential insubstantial - CORRECT ANSWER lacking substance; insignificant; frail; immaterial integrity - CORRECT ANSWER honesty, high moral standards intensity - CORRECT ANSWER great strength or force interact - CORRECT ANSWER to communicate or work together intermittent - CORRECT ANSWER stopping and starting at irregular intervals interpretation - CORRECT ANSWER explanation of something not obvious or not meaning the same thing to everyone intimacy - CORRECT ANSWER close or warm friendship intimidated - CORRECT ANSWER frightened into submission or compliance intrigued - CORRECT ANSWER interested and curious invoke - CORRECT ANSWER call forth irony - CORRECT ANSWER a contrast between expectation and reality irrefutable - CORRECT ANSWER impossible to disprove; beyond argument jaded - CORRECT ANSWER wearied, dulled, or bored by having too much journalist - CORRECT ANSWER a writer for newspapers and magazines jubilant - CORRECT ANSWER full of high-spirited delight judgmental - CORRECT ANSWER critical; disapproving keenest - CORRECT ANSWER sharp or penetrating, in particular; having or showing eagerness or enthusiasm knack - CORRECT ANSWER ability to do something easily lackluster - CORRECT ANSWER dull; monotonous; bland lamented - CORRECT ANSWER mourned or grieved for lassitude - CORRECT ANSWER a feeling of lack of interest or energy lavish - CORRECT ANSWER extravagant legendary - CORRECT ANSWER famous lethargy - CORRECT ANSWER lack of energy; sluggishness levy - CORRECT ANSWER to impose a tax upon levity - CORRECT ANSWER humor liberating - CORRECT ANSWER set free lighthearted - CORRECT ANSWER carefree and happy liquefying - CORRECT ANSWER to make liquid literally - CORRECT ANSWER actually; in fact; true in reality logical - CORRECT ANSWER in accordance with reason or logic longevity - CORRECT ANSWER long-lived ludicrous - CORRECT ANSWER ridiculous, laughable, absurd lush - CORRECT ANSWER produced or growing in extreme abundance magnitude - CORRECT ANSWER relative importance mandate - CORRECT ANSWER an authoritative command manipulative - CORRECT ANSWER good at influencing other people do what they want marginal - CORRECT ANSWER insignificant marine - CORRECT ANSWER of or relating to the sea marred - CORRECT ANSWER damaged mediocre - CORRECT ANSWER poor to middling in quality mellifluous - CORRECT ANSWER pleasing to the ear mendacious - CORRECT ANSWER given to lying mentor - CORRECT ANSWER a wise and trusted guide and advisor merriment - CORRECT ANSWER high-spirited fun and enjoyment misconception - CORRECT ANSWER incorrect understanding milieu - CORRECT ANSWER the setting, surroundings, environment miltant - CORRECT ANSWER willing to fight for a belief or cause; strongly devoted minimize - CORRECT ANSWER make small or insignificant miscreants - CORRECT ANSWER troublemakers misleading - CORRECT ANSWER giving the wrong idea moderate - CORRECT ANSWER being within reasonable limits modicum - CORRECT ANSWER a small amount momentous - CORRECT ANSWER of great importance monotous - CORRECT ANSWER without variation, colorless, dreary morbid - CORRECT ANSWER in an unhealthy mental state, extremely gloomy or obsessed with death moribund - CORRECT ANSWER close to death; in a dying state motivated - CORRECT ANSWER very eager to do or achieve multifarious - CORRECT ANSWER having great variety; numerous and diverse muted - CORRECT ANSWER toned down or silenced myopic - CORRECT ANSWER lacking foresight myriad - CORRECT ANSWER a large indefinite number mystical - CORRECT ANSWER a spiritual sense beyond human understanding nascent - CORRECT ANSWER coming into existence; emerging nebulous - CORRECT ANSWER vague nomads - CORRECT ANSWER people who wander from place to place nostalgia - CORRECT ANSWER longing for the past obliterated - CORRECT ANSWER destroyed obsequious - CORRECT ANSWER overly submissive and eager to please observable - CORRECT ANSWER capable of being seen or noticed obstinacy - CORRECT ANSWER stubbornness obtuse - CORRECT ANSWER slow to learn or understand offset - CORRECT ANSWER to balance, counteract or compensate for onerous - CORRECT ANSWER burdensome oppose - CORRECT ANSWER be against optimism - CORRECT ANSWER hope or cheerfulness opulence - CORRECT ANSWER extreme wealth; luxuriousness; abundance ossified - CORRECT ANSWER become fixed and rigid outlook - CORRECT ANSWER point of view overweening - CORRECT ANSWER arrogant pacifists - CORRECT ANSWER people opposed to the use of violence painstaking - CORRECT ANSWER characterized by extreme care and great effort palpable - CORRECT ANSWER strongly perceived, as though actually felt through the senses panacea - CORRECT ANSWER cure-all paragon - CORRECT ANSWER a model of excellence or perfection paramount - CORRECT ANSWER chief in importance, above all others pedantic - CORRECT ANSWER tending to show off one's learning peeved - CORRECT ANSWER annoyed perfunctory - CORRECT ANSWER acting routinely with little interest or care perpetuate - CORRECT ANSWER to make permanent or long lasting perservere - CORRECT ANSWER to refuse to give up despite difficulties. perspective - CORRECT ANSWER point of view pertain - CORRECT ANSWER relate to; have to do with perused - CORRECT ANSWER examined; looked over carefully pervasive - CORRECT ANSWER widespread physiological - CORRECT ANSWER having to do with an organism's physical processes platitudes - CORRECT ANSWER a flat, dull, or trite remark, uttered as if it were fresh or profound plight - CORRECT ANSWER predicament poignant - CORRECT ANSWER deeply affecting, touching political - CORRECT ANSWER relating to social relationships involving authority or power politicized - CORRECT ANSWER made partisan polluting - CORRECT ANSWER contaminating popular - CORRECT ANSWER appealing to many people portent - CORRECT ANSWER a sign of something about to happen precede - CORRECT ANSWER come before predecessor - CORRECT ANSWER someone or something that came before another predilection - CORRECT ANSWER a preference toward someone or something preeminence - CORRECT ANSWER fame; top position premature - CORRECT ANSWER too soon or too hasty prescience - CORRECT ANSWER foresight prescriptive - CORRECT ANSWER giving directives or rules primarily - CORRECT ANSWER mainly prodigious - CORRECT ANSWER great in size or degree prodigy - CORRECT ANSWER an unusually gifted or intelligent young person productive - CORRECT ANSWER marked by great fruitfulness profitable - CORRECT ANSWER bringing advantage or monetary gain profiteer - CORRECT ANSWER person who takes advantage of a crisis to make money progenitor - CORRECT ANSWER ancestor prognosis - CORRECT ANSWER a prediction of the course of a disease progressive - CORRECT ANSWER moving forward; a person who favors a political philosophy of progress and reform and the protection of civil liberties proliferation - CORRECT ANSWER rapid growth; spread propensity - CORRECT ANSWER a natural inclination prophetic - CORRECT ANSWER foretelling events as if by supernatural intervention proposals - CORRECT ANSWER ideas to consider proposed - CORRECT ANSWER suggested prospectus - CORRECT ANSWER document issued to possible buyers of a stocks and bonds outlining the financial condition of the company issuing those securities provincial - CORRECT ANSWER lacking sophistication, narrow-minded punctilious - CORRECT ANSWER too much careful attention paid to every small exact detail purveyor - CORRECT ANSWER supplier; seller quarrel - CORRECT ANSWER an angry dispute raiment - CORRECT ANSWER especially fine or decorative clothing rancor - CORRECT ANSWER bitter resentment or ill-will random - CORRECT ANSWER by chance, not planned or prearranged; irregular rarefied - CORRECT ANSWER of high moral or intellectual value recalcitrance - CORRECT ANSWER having a stubborn or uncooperative attitude recant - CORRECT ANSWER to withdraw or to repudiate a statement or belief reclusive - CORRECT ANSWER seeking or preferring seclusion or isolation recognition - CORRECT ANSWER approval; remember; reward recollected - CORRECT ANSWER remembered reconnaissance - CORRECT ANSWER preliminary inspection or examination recounted - CORRECT ANSWER told in detail; narrated recrimination - CORRECT ANSWER blame regal - CORRECT ANSWER royal; splendid regulate - CORRECT ANSWER to control with rules rehabiliation - CORRECT ANSWER a program of care to restore or improve reinforced - CORRECT ANSWER to strengthen relative - CORRECT ANSWER not absolute or complete; person of the same family relinquish - CORRECT ANSWER to let go; give up renowned - CORRECT ANSWER well-known, famous, celebrated repetitive - CORRECT ANSWER over and over again repressive - CORRECT ANSWER keeping down or holding back reprimand - CORRECT ANSWER rebuke formally reputable - CORRECT ANSWER respectable; well thought of resenting - CORRECT ANSWER feeling bitterness resolute - CORRECT ANSWER firm in purpose or belief resolve - CORRECT ANSWER bring to an end; reach a decision resuscitate - CORRECT ANSWER to revive, bring back to consciousness or existence retrenchment - CORRECT ANSWER curtailment; reduction; retreat to reassess reunion - CORRECT ANSWER coming together again revelation - CORRECT ANSWER enlightening or astonishing disclosure revisionists - CORRECT ANSWER people who rewrite or reassess revitalizing - CORRECT ANSWER tending to impart new life and vigor to revived - CORRECT ANSWER restored to consciousness or life or vigor rivals - CORRECT ANSWER competitors robust - CORRECT ANSWER strong rudiment - CORRECT ANSWER basic, essential principle, element, or skill; an imperfect or undeveloped part salutary - CORRECT ANSWER beneficial, helpful; healthful, wholesome satellites - CORRECT ANSWER any object that revolves around another object in space satirize - CORRECT ANSWER mock saturate - CORRECT ANSWER to soak thoroughly scandalous - CORRECT ANSWER disgraceful; shameful or shocking; improper scholar - CORRECT ANSWER a learned person scrupulous - CORRECT ANSWER exact, careful, attending thoroughly to details; having high moral standards, principled sedulous - CORRECT ANSWER marked by care and persistent effort selective - CORRECT ANSWER very careful about choosing senator - CORRECT ANSWER a member of a senate serene - CORRECT ANSWER calm servile - CORRECT ANSWER submissive or fawning in attitude or behavior setback - CORRECT ANSWER something that interferes with progress shrewd - CORRECT ANSWER marked by practical hardheaded intelligence solace - CORRECT ANSWER comfort in disappointment or misery somber - CORRECT ANSWER dark, gloomy; depressed or melancholy in spirit sophisticated - CORRECT ANSWER wide-ranging knowledge and appreciation of many parts of the world arising from urban life and wide travel spare - CORRECT ANSWER refrain from harming; extra; not many sparse - CORRECT ANSWER meager; scant specific - CORRECT ANSWER particular and exact sprawling - CORRECT ANSWER spreading out carelessly squander - CORRECT ANSWER spend thoughtlessly stark - CORRECT ANSWER bare, without decoration; harsh, unrelieved, desolate; utterly status - CORRECT ANSWER condition at a particular time; social position that a person holds stipulate - CORRECT ANSWER specify as a condition or requirement stirred - CORRECT ANSWER to affect or move somene's feelings straightforward - CORRECT ANSWER direct and clear streamlined - CORRECT ANSWER stripped of nonessentials strenuous - CORRECT ANSWER requiring tremendous energy or stamina strict - CORRECT ANSWER severe and unremitting in making demands; unsparing and uncompromising in discipline or judgment strident - CORRECT ANSWER unpleasantly loud and harsh stylistic - CORRECT ANSWER the appearance or surface or way in which something is done, as opposed to the substance substantial - CORRECT ANSWER large, important; major, significant subterfuge - CORRECT ANSWER trickery subvert - CORRECT ANSWER to undermine sundry - CORRECT ANSWER Various; miscellaneous superiority - CORRECT ANSWER the quality of being better than others superstitious - CORRECT ANSWER having faith in magic or chance supplant - CORRECT ANSWER to take the place of, supersede surmise - CORRECT ANSWER infer from incomplete evidence sustenance - CORRECT ANSWER nourishment; something that gives strength symbiotic - CORRECT ANSWER a close relationship of mutual dependence syncopated - CORRECT ANSWER abbreviated; music stressing the weak beat synonymous - CORRECT ANSWER meaning the same as synthesize - CORRECT ANSWER combine parts or pieces into a whole taunted - CORRECT ANSWER teased; mocked teasing - CORRECT ANSWER playful vexation tedious - CORRECT ANSWER so lacking in interest as to cause mental weariness temperance - CORRECT ANSWER restraint or moderation terminate - CORRECT ANSWER bring to an end or halt theatricality - CORRECT ANSWER an artificial and mannered quality thrive - CORRECT ANSWER prosper; flourish thunderous - CORRECT ANSWER loud tout - CORRECT ANSWER to publicly praise or promote transgression - CORRECT ANSWER wrongdoing; sin transitory - CORRECT ANSWER short-lived or temporary translate - CORRECT ANSWER restate from one language into another language trenchant - CORRECT ANSWER clearly or sharply defined to the mind ubiquitous - CORRECT ANSWER present or existing everywhere unadorned - CORRECT ANSWER plain, not decorated unanticipated - CORRECT ANSWER unexpected unassuming - CORRECT ANSWER modest; not arrogant undertake - CORRECT ANSWER enter into an activity unearthed - CORRECT ANSWER to uncover unforeseen - CORRECT ANSWER not anticipated unimpressive - CORRECT ANSWER not deserving attention, admiration, or respect unpalatable - CORRECT ANSWER not pleasant or acceptable to the taste or mind unparalleled - CORRECT ANSWER having no equal unrelenting - CORRECT ANSWER never-ceasing unstinting - CORRECT ANSWER very generous unsubstantiated - CORRECT ANSWER not proven utterly - CORRECT ANSWER completely and without qualification vacillated - CORRECT ANSWER wavered; hesitated vanquished - CORRECT ANSWER conquered, overpowered variegated - CORRECT ANSWER having many parts or colors vector - CORRECT ANSWER contributing factor verified - CORRECT ANSWER proved to be true viable - CORRECT ANSWER capable of life or normal growth and development; workable vibrant - CORRECT ANSWER vigorous and active vicarious - CORRECT ANSWER experienced secondhand virtually - CORRECT ANSWER in essence or effect but not in fact; almost visceral - CORRECT ANSWER instinctive visionary - CORRECT ANSWER a person with unusual powers of foresight vivid - CORRECT ANSWER having striking color; with the clarity and freshness of immediate experience voracious - CORRECT ANSWER eager, greedy in appetite for something wavered - CORRECT ANSWER move back and forth; indecisive widespread - CORRECT ANSWER happening in many places or to many people wrongheaded - CORRECT ANSWER misguided and stubborn zealous - CORRECT ANSWER eager, earnest, devoted; fanatical accuracy - CORRECT ANSWER correctness, exactness salient - CORRECT ANSWER significant; relevant shallow - CORRECT ANSWER lacking depth of intellect or knowledge shrouded - CORRECT ANSWER covered or hidden from view skewed - CORRECT ANSWER distorted substantiated - CORRECT ANSWER supported or established by evidence or proof volatile - CORRECT ANSWER liable to lead to sudden change voluble - CORRECT ANSWER talkative bane - CORRECT ANSWER the cause of ruin, harm, distress benefactors - CORRECT ANSWER those who give gifts or benefits to someone captivated - CORRECT ANSWER to hold the interest of, to gain the attention of cartoonists - CORRECT ANSWER produce drawings that entertain, educate, and persuade viewers cataclysmic - CORRECT ANSWER disastrous catalyst - CORRECT ANSWER something that causes an important event to happen comical - CORRECT ANSWER humorous; amusing confrontational - CORRECT ANSWER inclined to start fights confusing - CORRECT ANSWER lacking clarity of meaning contradiction - CORRECT ANSWER a statement that is the opposite of another statement dire - CORRECT ANSWER fraught with extreme danger distinctively - CORRECT ANSWER clearly emboldened - CORRECT ANSWER made bold or courageous fortified - CORRECT ANSWER strengthened fragility - CORRECT ANSWER quality of being easily damaged or destroyed illegible - CORRECT ANSWER difficult or impossible to read interdisciplinary - CORRECT ANSWER covering more than one area or study mortality - CORRECT ANSWER the state of being subject to death nominal - CORRECT ANSWER insignificantly small notorious - CORRECT ANSWER widely and unfavorably known nutrition - CORRECT ANSWER the process by which the body takes in and uses food persuasive - CORRECT ANSWER capable of convincing philanthropic - CORRECT ANSWER humanitarian; benevolent; charitable precisely - CORRECT ANSWER exactly protege - CORRECT ANSWER a person under the guidance or training of another questionable - CORRECT ANSWER doubtful, uncertain Affinity - CORRECT ANSWER a natural attraction or feeling of kinship fledgling - CORRECT ANSWER young and inexperienced hackneyed - CORRECT ANSWER overused, cliched incessant - CORRECT ANSWER never stopping opulence - CORRECT ANSWER wealth as evidenced by sumptuous living proximity - CORRECT ANSWER nearness, closeness sagacious - CORRECT ANSWER having or showing acute mental discernment and keen practical sense; shrewd supplant - CORRECT ANSWER to take the place of, supersede unassailable - CORRECT ANSWER impossible to dispute or disprove; undeniable voluminous - CORRECT ANSWER large in volume or bulk brusque - CORRECT ANSWER Abrupt, blunt, with no formalities dispassionate - CORRECT ANSWER impartial; calm, free from emotion effervescent - CORRECT ANSWER bubbly, lively indefatigable - CORRECT ANSWER tireless; untiring; showing no sign of getting tired misanthrope - CORRECT ANSWER someone who dislikes people in general morose - CORRECT ANSWER Gloomy; sullen nonchalance - CORRECT ANSWER indifference, a showing of little interest progeny - CORRECT ANSWER descendants, offspring, children, followers, disciples stoic - CORRECT ANSWER seeming unaffected by pleasure or pain voracious - CORRECT ANSWER having a huge appetite, greedy, ravenous; excessively eager coalesce - CORRECT ANSWER combine; fuse decadence - CORRECT ANSWER decline, decay, or deterioration; a condition or period of decline or decay; excessive self-indulgence exemplary - CORRECT ANSWER outstanding, an example to others exuberance - CORRECT ANSWER joyful enthusiasm incidental - CORRECT ANSWER not essential; minor insolvent - CORRECT ANSWER unable to pay bills; bankrupt parsimonious - CORRECT ANSWER Excessively thrifty, stingy prodigal - CORRECT ANSWER wasteful, a person given to extravagance surreptitious - CORRECT ANSWER secret, stealthy writhe - CORRECT ANSWER twist in coils; contort in pain brevity - CORRECT ANSWER conciseness; shortness of duration clemency - CORRECT ANSWER mercy, humaneness; mildness, moderateness frivolous - CORRECT ANSWER not serious in content or attitude or behavior heist - CORRECT ANSWER commit a burglary lampoon - CORRECT ANSWER ridicule with satire querulous - CORRECT ANSWER inclined to complain; irritable reproach - CORRECT ANSWER a mild rebuke or criticism respite - CORRECT ANSWER a pause for relaxation torpor - CORRECT ANSWER dormancy; sluggishness; inactivity; drowziness unscathed - CORRECT ANSWER wholly unharmed, not injured copious - CORRECT ANSWER large in number or quantity (especially of discourse) dearth - CORRECT ANSWER a lack, scarcity, inadequate supply; a famine eloquent - CORRECT ANSWER persuasive and moving, especially in speech jargon - CORRECT ANSWER specialized technical terminology characteristic of a particular subject levity - CORRECT ANSWER lightness of manner meander - CORRECT ANSWER To wind and turn while proceeding in a course. peripheral - CORRECT ANSWER marginal; outer substantiate - CORRECT ANSWER to establish by evidence, prove; to give concrete or substantial form to unobstrusive - CORRECT ANSWER Acting in a manner that does not attract attention vacillate - CORRECT ANSWER To sway from one side to the other; oscillate appall - CORRECT ANSWER dismay; shock deeply cognizant - CORRECT ANSWER aware; conscious commiserate - CORRECT ANSWER to feel or express sympathy or compassion expedient - CORRECT ANSWER serving to promote your interest hindrance - CORRECT ANSWER block; obstacle kindle - CORRECT ANSWER start a fire; ignite; inspire; arouse lavish - CORRECT ANSWER generous; extravagant ludicrous - CORRECT ANSWER ridiculous, laughable, absurd obtuse - CORRECT ANSWER dull of mind, insensitive, stupid opaque - CORRECT ANSWER not clear paucity - CORRECT ANSWER an insufficient quantity or number; scarcity; dearth recapitulate - CORRECT ANSWER to summarize; to repeat briefly accolade - CORRECT ANSWER award of merit; strong praise and approval assuage - CORRECT ANSWER make less severe; ease or lessen (pain); satisfy (hunger); soothe (anger) cacophony - CORRECT ANSWER loud confusing disagreeable sounds censure - CORRECT ANSWER rebuke formally diatribe - CORRECT ANSWER bitter verbal attack edifice - CORRECT ANSWER a very large building gravity - CORRECT ANSWER seriousness, importance infraction - CORRECT ANSWER a breaking of a law or obligation profane - CORRECT ANSWER showing disrespect toward God or sacred things somber - CORRECT ANSWER dark, gloomy; depressed or melancholy in spirit; morose negligent - CORRECT ANSWER careless scrutinize - CORRECT ANSWER To examine closely clamor - CORRECT ANSWER utter or proclaim insistently and noisily contract - CORRECT ANSWER squeeze or press together duplicity - CORRECT ANSWER double-dealing, hypocrisy equivocal - CORRECT ANSWER ambiguous; intentionally vague irresolute - CORRECT ANSWER uncertain how to act or proceed rescind - CORRECT ANSWER repeal; annul; cancel (a law, decision, or agreement) stagnant - CORRECT ANSWER not moving uniform - CORRECT ANSWER consistent; unchanging; the same for everyone untenable - CORRECT ANSWER not able to be defended vilify - CORRECT ANSWER to speak evil of, defame affable - CORRECT ANSWER easy-going; friendly apocryphal - CORRECT ANSWER of questionable authority or authenticity desultory - CORRECT ANSWER without a plan or purpose; disconnected; random garbled - CORRECT ANSWER confused, mixed up irascible - CORRECT ANSWER irritable, easily angered loquacious - CORRECT ANSWER talkative, wordy; fond of talking blasphemy - CORRECT ANSWER speech which offends religious sentiments enmity - CORRECT ANSWER deep-seated hostility, often mutual erroneous - CORRECT ANSWER incorrect, containing mistakes garner - CORRECT ANSWER to gather and store heretic - CORRECT ANSWER someone who goes against accepted religious beliefs incite - CORRECT ANSWER provoke or stir up languish - CORRECT ANSWER lose vigor, health, or flesh, as through grief peruse - CORRECT ANSWER to read thoroughly and carefully recluse - CORRECT ANSWER hermit; loner renounce - CORRECT ANSWER leave (a job, post, post, or position) voluntarily indelible - CORRECT ANSWER Cannot be removed, washed away or erased duty - CORRECT ANSWER work that you are obliged to perform for moral or legal reasons messy - CORRECT ANSWER dirty and disorderly mend - CORRECT ANSWER the act of putting something in working order again heal - CORRECT ANSWER provide a cure for, make healthy again demise - CORRECT ANSWER a death, especially of a person in a lofty position depleted - CORRECT ANSWER emptied; drained; used up neat - CORRECT ANSWER clean or orderly ruminate - CORRECT ANSWER ponder, reflect, mull over, muse shrink - CORRECT ANSWER decrease in size, range, or extent footstool - CORRECT ANSWER a low stool to rest the feet of a seated person likely - CORRECT ANSWER has a good chance of being the case or of coming about sway - CORRECT ANSWER move back and forth or sideways mull - CORRECT ANSWER reflect deeply on a subject resemble - CORRECT ANSWER appear like concealed - CORRECT ANSWER put out of sight; hidden wisdom - CORRECT ANSWER the trait of utilizing knowledge and experience with common sense and insight wool - CORRECT ANSWER a fabric made from the hair of sheep blazing - CORRECT ANSWER a strong flame that burns brightly drowziness - CORRECT ANSWER state of being in torpor, sleepy catering - CORRECT ANSWER providing food and services wise - CORRECT ANSWER having or prompted by wisdom or discernment deceive - CORRECT ANSWER to make someone believe something that is not true shiv - CORRECT ANSWER a knife used as a weapon flunk - CORRECT ANSWER fail to get a passing grade impart - CORRECT ANSWER to make known, tell; to give, pass something on knob - CORRECT ANSWER a round handle fright - CORRECT ANSWER cause fear in vanish - CORRECT ANSWER become invisible or unnoticeable roll out - CORRECT ANSWER launch new products seizing - CORRECT ANSWER the act of gripping something firmly with the hands stem cell - CORRECT ANSWER unspecialized cell that can develop into a specialized cell under the right conditions trite - CORRECT ANSWER repeated too often embrace - CORRECT ANSWER take up the cause, ideology, practice, method, of someone and use it as one's own remain - CORRECT ANSWER continue in a place, position, or situation inmate - CORRECT ANSWER a person serving a sentence in a jail or prison lame - CORRECT ANSWER disabled in the feet or legs slight - CORRECT ANSWER insult to one's dignity; snub among - CORRECT ANSWER in, into, or through the midst of more than two points,objects, etc. ease - CORRECT ANSWER make easier snub - CORRECT ANSWER ignore, to treat with disdain or contempt chimera - CORRECT ANSWER a grotesque product of the imagination cease - CORRECT ANSWER put an end to a state or an activity swath - CORRECT ANSWER A path or strip; the space created by the swing of a scythe or the cut of a mowing machine ruse - CORRECT ANSWER an action designed to confuse or mislead, a trick donor - CORRECT ANSWER person who makes a gift of property snore - CORRECT ANSWER breathe noisily during one's sleep muck - CORRECT ANSWER fecal matter of animals, fertilization hold dear - CORRECT ANSWER be fond of, love swamp - CORRECT ANSWER low land that is seasonally flooded poultry - CORRECT ANSWER flesh of chickens or turkeys or ducks or geese raised for food stark - CORRECT ANSWER Strong, severe stage - CORRECT ANSWER any scene regarded as a setting for exhibiting or doing something sage - CORRECT ANSWER having wisdom that comes with age and experience stripes - CORRECT ANSWER Rayas, lines hatch - CORRECT ANSWER emerge from the eggs fast - CORRECT ANSWER abstaining from food dye - CORRECT ANSWER a usually soluble substance for staining or coloring e.g. fabrics or hair grief - CORRECT ANSWER something that causes great unhappiness smear - CORRECT ANSWER spread, cover or spot with a sticky substance breed - CORRECT ANSWER to raise and mate animals decay - CORRECT ANSWER a gradual decrease leery - CORRECT ANSWER suspicious; distrustful dimple - CORRECT ANSWER a small natural hollow in the cheek or chin blast - CORRECT ANSWER an explosion (as of dynamite) pledge - CORRECT ANSWER give as a guarantee deed - CORRECT ANSWER the official document transferring ownership from seller to buyer rot - CORRECT ANSWER (biology) decaying caused by bacterial or fungal action mole - CORRECT ANSWER a small congenital pigmented spot on the skin groan - CORRECT ANSWER an utterance expressing pain or disapproval blister - CORRECT ANSWER (pathology) an elevation of the skin filled with serous fluid wart - CORRECT ANSWER (pathology) a firm abnormal elevated blemish on the skin callus - CORRECT ANSWER thickened layer of skin burden - CORRECT ANSWER Problem, trouble, an onerous or difficult concern loaf - CORRECT ANSWER a shaped mass of baked bread shriking - CORRECT ANSWER making a annoying noise harsh - CORRECT ANSWER extremely unkind or cruel rash - CORRECT ANSWER hasty, incautious, reckless overwhelming - CORRECT ANSWER very intense crotch - CORRECT ANSWER the angle formed by the inner sides of the legs where they join the human trunk blade - CORRECT ANSWER the flat part of a tool or weapon that (usually) has a cutting edge seam - CORRECT ANSWER joint consisting of a line formed by joining two pieces upsetting - CORRECT ANSWER causing an emotional disturbance screech - CORRECT ANSWER a high-pitched noise resembling a human cry edge - CORRECT ANSWER the boundary of a surface wedge - CORRECT ANSWER a block of wood used to prevent the sliding or rolling of a heavy object hedge - CORRECT ANSWER a fence formed by a row of closely planted shrubs or bushes lease - CORRECT ANSWER a contract granting use or occupation of property during a specified time for a specified payment worthy - CORRECT ANSWER having high moral qualities rekindle - CORRECT ANSWER to restart as in restarting a fire sovereignty - CORRECT ANSWER power attributted to a country burst - CORRECT ANSWER the act of exploding or bursting something slaughter - CORRECT ANSWER kill a large number of people indiscriminately gorgeous - CORRECT ANSWER magnificent, wonderful stretch - CORRECT ANSWER make long, longer or bigger spree - CORRECT ANSWER a lively or wild outburst of activity bout - CORRECT ANSWER an occasion for excessive activity captivity - CORRECT ANSWER the state of being imprisoned spotter - CORRECT ANSWER a person employed to watch for something to happen bobbing - CORRECT ANSWER moving up and down gravel - CORRECT ANSWER rock fragments and pebbles sentient - CORRECT ANSWER aware; conscious; able to perceive binge - CORRECT ANSWER an occasion for excessive eating or drinking blow - CORRECT ANSWER forceful exhalation through the nose or mouth harm - CORRECT ANSWER any physical damage to the body caused by violence or accident or fracture etc. plea - CORRECT ANSWER a humble request for help from someone in authority claim - CORRECT ANSWER ask for legally, according to one's rights, as of debts, for example pulled - CORRECT ANSWER attracted haggle - CORRECT ANSWER to argue in a petty way, especially about a price endowed - CORRECT ANSWER given from birth thrifty - CORRECT ANSWER careful about money; economical struck - CORRECT ANSWER (used in combination) affected by something overwhelming sulky - CORRECT ANSWER (adj.) in a bad or nasty mood, resentful; gloomy; somber tuckered - CORRECT ANSWER tired, exhausted grim - CORRECT ANSWER stern, merciless; fierce, savage, cruel grudge - CORRECT ANSWER to be unwilling to give dire - CORRECT ANSWER causing fear or dread or terror blunt - CORRECT ANSWER characterized by directness in manner or speech stingy - CORRECT ANSWER selfishly unwilling to share with others snail - CORRECT ANSWER freshwater or marine or terrestrial gastropod mollusk usually having an external enclosing spiral shell slug - CORRECT ANSWER any of various terrestrial gastropods having an elongated slimy body and no external shell dentures - CORRECT ANSWER artificial teeth rinds - CORRECT ANSWER the chewy or crunchy outside layers on fruit. cheese, or meat upbeat - CORRECT ANSWER pleasantly (even unrealistically) optimistic fizz - CORRECT ANSWER an effervescent beverage (usually alcoholic), make a hissling noise gerbil - CORRECT ANSWER a small rodent that is often kept as a pet wreck - CORRECT ANSWER smash or break forcefully stale - CORRECT ANSWER showing deterioration from age put up with - CORRECT ANSWER endure, tolerate, accept steep - CORRECT ANSWER having a sharp inclination wilted - CORRECT ANSWER to become limp from lack of water or too much heat shed - CORRECT ANSWER pour out in drops or small quantities or as if in drops or small quantities slope - CORRECT ANSWER an elevated geological formation admonition - CORRECT ANSWER a firm rebuke mere - CORRECT ANSWER nothing more than; only hermit - CORRECT ANSWER one who lives in solitude, alone mischievous - CORRECT ANSWER deliberately causing harm or damage throw up - CORRECT ANSWER eject the contents of the stomach through the mouth loony - CORRECT ANSWER informal or slang terms for mentally irregular, lunatic, insane prank - CORRECT ANSWER childish trick squalid - CORRECT ANSWER sordid; wretched and dirty as from neglect; morally degraded whinning - CORRECT ANSWER crying like a child stroll - CORRECT ANSWER a leisurely walk (usually in some public place) clever - CORRECT ANSWER showing inventiveness and skill puddle - CORRECT ANSWER something resembling a pool of liquid greedy - CORRECT ANSWER wanting to eat or drink more than one can reasonably consume rough - CORRECT ANSWER lacking refinement or finesse keen - CORRECT ANSWER having a sharp cutting edge or point dull - CORRECT ANSWER not having a sharp edge or point soaked - CORRECT ANSWER when a cloth takes in water and becomes wet dreary - CORRECT ANSWER depressing in character or appearance; gloomy bribe - CORRECT ANSWER payment made to a person in a position of trust to corrupt his judgment gloomy - CORRECT ANSWER depressingly dark; dreary hen - CORRECT ANSWER female chicken lagging - CORRECT ANSWER hang back or fall behind in movement, progress, development wipe - CORRECT ANSWER to rub something lightly with a cloth or one's hand in order to clean it frantic - CORRECT ANSWER excessively agitated cock - CORRECT ANSWER adult male chicken sate - CORRECT ANSWER fill to satisfaction ribbing - CORRECT ANSWER the act of harassing someone playfully or maliciously (especially by ridicule) bear - CORRECT ANSWER endure, support or hold in a certain manner offspring - CORRECT ANSWER the immediate descendants of a person dean - CORRECT ANSWER an administrator in charge of a division of a university or college pouring - CORRECT ANSWER flowing profusely barely - CORRECT ANSWER by a small margin hasty - CORRECT ANSWER excessively quick flaw - CORRECT ANSWER a slight fault, defect, crack progeny - CORRECT ANSWER descendants, offspring, children, followers, disciples couch - CORRECT ANSWER an upholstered seat for more than one person screw - CORRECT ANSWER cause to penetrate, as with a circular motion repent - CORRECT ANSWER feel remorse for brash - CORRECT ANSWER presumptuously daring thick - CORRECT ANSWER not thin sly - CORRECT ANSWER stealthy, insidious, or secret; mischievous; foxy spouting - CORRECT ANSWER propelled violently in a usually narrow stream outnumber - CORRECT ANSWER be larger in number squirm - CORRECT ANSWER to move in a twisting or contorted motion, (especially when struggling) weird - CORRECT ANSWER strikingly odd or unusual wriggle - CORRECT ANSWER to twist to and from; to squirm regret - CORRECT ANSWER sadness associated with some wrong done or some disappointment retreat - CORRECT ANSWER pull back or move away or backward; withdrawal veal - CORRECT ANSWER meat from a calf fidget - CORRECT ANSWER a feeling of agitation expressed in continual motion, move restlessly hollow - CORRECT ANSWER having nothing inside beg - CORRECT ANSWER call upon in supplication bet - CORRECT ANSWER the act of gambling beef - CORRECT ANSWER meat from an adult domestic bovine peel - CORRECT ANSWER the rind of a fruit or vegetable pinch - CORRECT ANSWER squeeze tightly between the fingers calf - CORRECT ANSWER young of domestic cattle lean - CORRECT ANSWER to incline or bend from a vertical position shelter - CORRECT ANSWER a structure that provides privacy and protection from danger misleading - CORRECT ANSWER tending to give a wrong idea, often on purpose stooped - CORRECT ANSWER bend's one's head or body forward or downward bend - CORRECT ANSWER form a curve stir - CORRECT ANSWER to mix gently with a spoon in a rotary motion maize - CORRECT ANSWER a type of corn stiff - CORRECT ANSWER lacking ease in bending rug - CORRECT ANSWER floor covering consisting of a piece of thick heavy fabric (usually with nap or pile) cartons - CORRECT ANSWER a box made of cardboard hurtle - CORRECT ANSWER to move with great force and speed mock - CORRECT ANSWER to laugh at, make fun of, or imitate in a teasing way convey - CORRECT ANSWER make known dairy - CORRECT ANSWER food made from milk shore - CORRECT ANSWER support by placing against something solid or rigid outward - CORRECT ANSWER toward the outside flair - CORRECT ANSWER a natural talent flare - CORRECT ANSWER brief blaze of light, signal light; outbreak udder - CORRECT ANSWER mammary gland of bovids (cows and sheep and goats) swallow - CORRECT ANSWER pass through the esophagus as part of eating or drinking stride - CORRECT ANSWER the distance covered by a step mood - CORRECT ANSWER a characteristic (habitual or relatively temporary) state of feeling welfare - CORRECT ANSWER a contented state of being happy and healthy and prosperous bolster - CORRECT ANSWER to provide support or reinforcement limb - CORRECT ANSWER any projection that is thought to resemble an arm soothed - CORRECT ANSWER calmed or comforted relieve - CORRECT ANSWER alleviate or remove concern - CORRECT ANSWER something that interests you because it is important or affects you ailing - CORRECT ANSWER somewhat ill or prone to illness trustworthy - CORRECT ANSWER worthy of trust or belief grip - CORRECT ANSWER the friction between a body and the surface on which it moves (as between an automobile tire and the road) herd - CORRECT ANSWER a group of animals of a single kind widen - CORRECT ANSWER extend in scope or range or area obey - CORRECT ANSWER be obedient to preach - CORRECT ANSWER to speak puplicly in church; to deliver a sermon, to give a lecture whipping - CORRECT ANSWER beating with a whip or strap or rope as a form of punishment mug - CORRECT ANSWER rob at gunpoint or with the threat of violence clam - CORRECT ANSWER burrowing marine mollusk living on sand or mud gut - CORRECT ANSWER the part of the alimentary canal between the stomach and the anus burglary - CORRECT ANSWER breaking and entering for the purpose of committing a crime crop - CORRECT ANSWER the yield from plants in a single growing season cattle - CORRECT ANSWER domesticated bovine animals as a group regardless of sex or age orchard - CORRECT ANSWER garden consisting of a small cultivated wood without undergrowth turd - CORRECT ANSWER obscene terms for feces harvest - CORRECT ANSWER the gathering of a ripened crop quarrel - CORRECT ANSWER an angry dispute hassle - CORRECT ANSWER an angry disturbance steady - CORRECT ANSWER firmly fixed, constant, not subject to change or variation especially in behavior strain - CORRECT ANSWER a lineage or race of people clutch - CORRECT ANSWER a pedal or lever that engages or disengages a rotating shaft and a driving mechanism stubborn - CORRECT ANSWER persisting in a reactionary stand peak - CORRECT ANSWER the highest point (of something) glazed - CORRECT ANSWER (of foods) covered with a shiny coating by applying e.g. beaten egg or a sugar or gelatin mixture ground - CORRECT ANSWER broken or pounded into small fragments dazzling - CORRECT ANSWER shining intensely ripe - CORRECT ANSWER fully developed or matured and ready to be eaten or used doze - CORRECT ANSWER sleep lightly; nap dumb - CORRECT ANSWER lacking the power of human speech deaf - CORRECT ANSWER lacking the sense of hearing wholly or in part lead - CORRECT ANSWER a soft heavy toxic malleable metallic element rouse - CORRECT ANSWER to wake or provoke sober - CORRECT ANSWER not affected by a chemical substance (especially alcohol) sticky - CORRECT ANSWER having the properties of glue unpleasant - CORRECT ANSWER desagradable grated - CORRECT ANSWER To reduce something to small shreds by rubbing it on a grater. arousal - CORRECT ANSWER Activation of the central nervous system, the autonomic nervous system, and the muscles and glands copper - CORRECT ANSWER a ductile malleable reddish-brown corrosion-resistant diamagnetic metallic element shoplift - CORRECT ANSWER steal in a store rebuke - CORRECT ANSWER an act or expression of criticism and censure thorn - CORRECT ANSWER a sharp-pointed tip on a stem or leaf lump - CORRECT ANSWER a compact mass settle - CORRECT ANSWER become established mold - CORRECT ANSWER a fungus that produces a superficial growth on various kinds of damp or decaying organic matter lurches - CORRECT ANSWER makes and uncontrolled series of movements faint - CORRECT ANSWER a spontaneous loss of consciousness caused by insufficient blood to the brain churning - CORRECT ANSWER moving with or producing or produced by vigorous agitation draped - CORRECT ANSWER covered with or as if with clothes or a wrap or cloak trousers - CORRECT ANSWER (usually in the plural) a garment extending from the waist to the knee or ankle, covering each leg separately wholly - CORRECT ANSWER Completely. sparkle - CORRECT ANSWER to give off small flashes of light dare - CORRECT ANSWER a challenge to do something dangerous or foolhardy waist - CORRECT ANSWER the narrowing of the body between the ribs and hips flood - CORRECT ANSWER a large flow bared - CORRECT ANSWER uncovered; exposed; revealed savants - CORRECT ANSWER individuals with mental retardation who are extremely talented in one domain slum - CORRECT ANSWER a district of a city marked by poverty and inferior living conditions sweepings - CORRECT ANSWER the act of cleaning with a broom slump - CORRECT ANSWER fall heavily or suddenly dawn - CORRECT ANSWER the earliest period, the first light of day shingles - CORRECT ANSWER viral disease that affects the peripheral nerves and causes blisters on the skin endure - CORRECT ANSWER to carry on through despite hardships; to put up with roaring - CORRECT ANSWER a very loud utterance (like the sound of an animal) craze - CORRECT ANSWER an interest followed with exaggerated zeal hindsight - CORRECT ANSWER understanding the nature of an event after it has actually happened bind - CORRECT ANSWER fasten or secure with a rope, string, or cord squeeze - CORRECT ANSWER to compress with violence, out of natural shape or condition pursuit - CORRECT ANSWER the act of chasing or seeking silk - CORRECT ANSWER a fabric made from the fine threads produced by certain insect larvae feather - CORRECT ANSWER the light horny waterproof structure forming the external covering of birds stare - CORRECT ANSWER a fixed look with eyes open wide deter - CORRECT ANSWER try to prevent bend - CORRECT ANSWER form a curve denim - CORRECT ANSWER a coarse durable twill-weave cotton fabric partake - CORRECT ANSWER to take part; participate. Share. slippers - CORRECT ANSWER low footwear that can be slipped on and off easily coeds - CORRECT ANSWER a female student at a school for males and females. miff - CORRECT ANSWER bad-tempered mood curl - CORRECT ANSWER hair that is wrapped around the roller scrawl - CORRECT ANSWER write carelessly fancy - CORRECT ANSWER very nice looking; expensive slash - CORRECT ANSWER a strong sweeping cut made with a sharp instrument weeds - CORRECT ANSWER any plant that grows where yhou dont want it to prudish - CORRECT ANSWER exaggeratedly proper stunt - CORRECT ANSWER a difficult or unusual or dangerous feat feat - CORRECT ANSWER a notable achievement puffy - CORRECT ANSWER breathing heavily defy - CORRECT ANSWER to challenge to do something considered impossible; refuse to obey rely - CORRECT ANSWER have confidence or faith in dainty - CORRECT ANSWER something considered pleasant to eat dart - CORRECT ANSWER a small narrow piece of iron; move quickly fair - CORRECT ANSWER a traveling show cumbersome - CORRECT ANSWER difficult to handle or use especially because of size or weight garments - CORRECT ANSWER an article of clothing rage - CORRECT ANSWER something that is desired intensely rave - CORRECT ANSWER praise enthusiastically vogue - CORRECT ANSWER the popular taste at a given time fad - CORRECT ANSWER something that is very popular for a short time, then forgotten thigh - CORRECT ANSWER the part of the leg between the hip and the knee leniency - CORRECT ANSWER mercifulness as a consequence of being tolerant mild - CORRECT ANSWER moderate in type or degree or effect or force complaisant - CORRECT ANSWER showing a cheerful willingness to do favors for others loosely - CORRECT ANSWER without regard to specific details or exceptions heel - CORRECT ANSWER the back part of the human foot sew - CORRECT ANSWER create (clothes) with cloth awash - CORRECT ANSWER covered with water tide - CORRECT ANSWER the periodic rise and fall of the sea level under the gravitational pull of the moon wool - CORRECT ANSWER a fabric made from the hair of sheep knack - CORRECT ANSWER a special talent or skill; ability to do something easily whalebone - CORRECT ANSWER a horny material from the upper jaws of certain whales uncanny - CORRECT ANSWER strange, mysterious, weird, beyond explanation weave - CORRECT ANSWER create a piece of cloth by interlacing strands of fabric, such as wool or cotton groping - CORRECT ANSWER acting with uncertainty or hesitance or lack of confidence folly - CORRECT ANSWER the quality of being rash and foolish gauntlet - CORRECT ANSWER a glove with long sleeve culprit - CORRECT ANSWER one guilty of a crime leather - CORRECT ANSWER an animal skin made smooth and flexible by removing the hair and then tanning brag - CORRECT ANSWER an instance of boastful talk boast - CORRECT ANSWER speaking of yourself in superlatives paw - CORRECT ANSWER a clawed foot of an animal especially a quadruped aisles - CORRECT ANSWER spaces for walking between row of seats nave - CORRECT ANSWER the central area of a church clumsy - CORRECT ANSWER lacking grace in movement or posture silly - CORRECT ANSWER lacking seriousness moss - CORRECT ANSWER tiny leafy-stemmed flowerless plants praise - CORRECT ANSWER an expression of approval and commendation devise - CORRECT ANSWER arrange by systematic planning and united effort hobbling - CORRECT ANSWER walking awkwardly limp - CORRECT ANSWER walk impeded by some physical limitation or injury fetter - CORRECT ANSWER a shackle for the ankles or feet shackle - CORRECT ANSWER A ring or band put around the arm or leg to prevent free movement groovy - CORRECT ANSWER (British informal) very chic wax - CORRECT ANSWER type of structural lipid consisting of a long fatty acid chain joined to a long alcohol chain chuckle - CORRECT ANSWER laugh quietly or with restraint giggle - CORRECT ANSWER to laugh in a silly or uncontrolled way tickle - CORRECT ANSWER touch (the body) lightly so as to cause laughter; please jiggle - CORRECT ANSWER a slight irregular shaking motion undergo - CORRECT ANSWER to endure; to experience popsicle - CORRECT ANSWER ice cream or water ice on a small wooden stick skewer - CORRECT ANSWER a long pin for holding meat in position while it is being roasted downwind - CORRECT ANSWER towards the side away from the wind porch - CORRECT ANSWER a structure attached to the exterior of a building often forming a covered entrance bequest - CORRECT ANSWER (law) a gift of personal property by will amenable - CORRECT ANSWER disposed or willing to comply come about - CORRECT ANSWER happen adamant - CORRECT ANSWER very hard native crystalline carbon valued as a gem trustee - CORRECT ANSWER a person who manages another's property haphazard - CORRECT ANSWER random; by chance; happening in an unplanned manner comprised - CORRECT ANSWER included; consisted of haunt - CORRECT ANSWER be a regular or frequent visitor to a certain place besiege - CORRECT ANSWER surround so as to force to give up vex - CORRECT ANSWER to confuse or annoy amidst - CORRECT ANSWER Surrounded by; in the middle of eerie - CORRECT ANSWER so strange as to inspire a feeling of fear snap - CORRECT ANSWER the noise produced by the rapid movement of a finger from the tip to the base of the thumb on the same hand ridge - CORRECT ANSWER A long, narrow chain of hills or mountains fulfill - CORRECT ANSWER accomplish, satisfy, meet, suit convict - CORRECT ANSWER find or declare guilty stony - CORRECT ANSWER showing unfeeling resistance to tender feelings hail - CORRECT ANSWER precipitation of ice pellets when there are strong rising air currents fringe - CORRECT ANSWER an ornamental border consisting of short lengths of hanging threads or tassels spurious - CORRECT ANSWER intended to deceive, lacking authenticity or validity; false; counterfeit intricate - CORRECT ANSWER complicated; difficult to understand beneath - CORRECT ANSWER in a lower place; under; below distress - CORRECT ANSWER psychological suffering underneath - CORRECT ANSWER under or below an object or a surface pun - CORRECT ANSWER a humorous play on words touchy - CORRECT ANSWER irritable and looking for trouble disgruntled - CORRECT ANSWER in bad humor; displeased; discontented lousy - CORRECT ANSWER infested with lice jeopardy - CORRECT ANSWER danger, risk, hazard, peril drizzling - CORRECT ANSWER (of rain) falling lightly in very small drops rust - CORRECT ANSWER the formation of reddish-brown ferric oxides on iron by low-temperature oxidation in the presence of water deputy - CORRECT ANSWER an assistant with power to act when his superior is absent haze - CORRECT ANSWER atmospheric moisture or dust or smoke that causes reduced visibility seal - CORRECT ANSWER make tight; stamp odorless - CORRECT ANSWER having no odor riddle - CORRECT ANSWER a difficult problem poised - CORRECT ANSWER marked by balance or equilibrium and readiness for action ladder - CORRECT ANSWER steps consisting of two parallel members connected by rungs hue - CORRECT ANSWER the quality of a color as determined by its dominant wavelength stickler - CORRECT ANSWER perfectionist; person who insists things be exactly right onset - CORRECT ANSWER a start or a beginning clash - CORRECT ANSWER a state of conflict between persons, colors, objects aftermath - CORRECT ANSWER the consequences of an event (especially a catastrophic event) stun - CORRECT ANSWER to shock; to daze rehearse - CORRECT ANSWER practice for a performance, repetition of items to be remembered. crap - CORRECT ANSWER obscene terms for feces implement - CORRECT ANSWER tool,appliance,device in terms of - CORRECT ANSWER with regard to,with respect to inveigh against - CORRECT ANSWER criticize strongly monetary - CORRECT ANSWER financial,capital obtain - CORRECT ANSWER gain,earn,achieve,aquire outspoken - CORRECT ANSWER frank,open,candid pant - CORRECT ANSWER gasp/trouser patchy - CORRECT ANSWER irregular uneven, erratic promote - CORRECT ANSWER advance, further, encourage purified - CORRECT ANSWER cleansed, refined, clarified recreational - CORRECT ANSWER as a hobby recruit - CORRECT ANSWER obtain,enlist seize - CORRECT ANSWER grip, take, calsp, grasp,GRAB structure - CORRECT ANSWER arrange in definite pattern surreal - CORRECT ANSWER having a strange dream-like quality synthesis - CORRECT ANSWER unit, union, combination, mixture textile - CORRECT ANSWER cloth, fabric thereby - CORRECT ANSWER by that means, as a result of that title - CORRECT ANSWER ownership transcend - CORRECT ANSWER go beyond vulnerable - CORRECT ANSWER easily damaged, susceptible, weak wholly - CORRECT ANSWER completely, fully, in every respect, thoroughly forestall - CORRECT ANSWER prevent, hinder witness - CORRECT ANSWER observe, watch , notice / testimony, evidence provision - CORRECT ANSWER supply, food puzzle over - CORRECT ANSWER wonder about ruinous - CORRECT ANSWER destructive, catstrophic stray - CORRECT ANSWER wander,deviate,straggle,swerve troblesome - CORRECT ANSWER difficult, annoying unqualified - CORRECT ANSWER complete, absolute utter, thorough jubilant - CORRECT ANSWER exulting, joyful mode - CORRECT ANSWER form, fashion method, style ominous - CORRECT ANSWER foreboding, doomful establish - CORRECT ANSWER organize, constitue, set up, institute FOUND exorbitant - CORRECT ANSWER expensive, excessive, extravagant , immoderate frantic - CORRECT ANSWER hectic, desperate, frenzied hectic - CORRECT ANSWER full of excitement, feverish, fervid inaugurate - CORRECT ANSWER begin, commence, install incise - CORRECT ANSWER carve,cut,engrave praiseworthy - CORRECT ANSWER admirable, commendable,laudable, praisable perpetual - CORRECT ANSWER constant,ceaseless,enduring own - CORRECT ANSWER acknowledge, admit, allow explicit - CORRECT ANSWER clear, obvious, unambiguous, definite accomplish - CORRECT ANSWER achieve, workout, execute, put through accordingly - CORRECT ANSWER for that reason, consequently alarm - CORRECT ANSWER fear, fright, terror, dismay HORROR cargo - CORRECT ANSWER load, freight, shipment, burden composition - CORRECT ANSWER make-up, formation, organization conduit - CORRECT ANSWER pipe, channel dual - CORRECT ANSWER double encroach - CORRECT ANSWER invade,trespass,intrude ensue - CORRECT ANSWER follow, result,succeed spectrum - CORRECT ANSWER range,extent, scope stock - CORRECT ANSWER reserve, inventory, store strain - CORRECT ANSWER stretch, tighten, tension stroke - CORRECT ANSWER hit,striking, blow,BEAT sturdy - CORRECT ANSWER strong, robust, stalwart,MUSCULAR,STOUT tapered - CORRECT ANSWER narrow, tapering pension - CORRECT ANSWER subsidy, allowance pioneer - CORRECT ANSWER first develop, start, introduce, initiate potent - CORRECT ANSWER powerful, mighty, influential markedly - CORRECT ANSWER significantly, noticeably, substantially overwhelmingly - CORRECT ANSWER primarily, predominatly pension - CORRECT ANSWER subsidy, allowance quaint - CORRECT ANSWER bizarre, odd, weird, EXTRAORDINARY probe - CORRECT ANSWER search, examine, explore, investigate auxiliary - CORRECT ANSWER subsidiary, subordinate, additional bizarre - CORRECT ANSWER odd, erratic,strange,exotic,irregular broaden - CORRECT ANSWER enlarge,expand,develop check - CORRECT ANSWER stop cite - CORRECT ANSWER mention, refer to, specify consensus - CORRECT ANSWER agreement,unanimity ebb - CORRECT ANSWER subside, abate, recede, RETIRE cope with - CORRECT ANSWER deal with elementary - CORRECT ANSWER rudimentary, basic tension - CORRECT ANSWER pressure, strain ultimate - CORRECT ANSWER final, supreme,, utmost with respect to - CORRECT ANSWER in reference to, in terms of , with regard to ready - CORRECT ANSWER organized, prepared, arranged, set refuse - CORRECT ANSWER reject, decline, deny/garbage, waste,rubbish,trash revival - CORRECT ANSWER restoration, renewal, resurgence, rebirth sorrow - CORRECT ANSWER distress, anguish, grief Sadness, woe spot - CORRECT ANSWER see, detect, find steadfast - CORRECT ANSWER unwavering,firm, resolute, resolved, decided inconstant - CORRECT ANSWER volatile,instable, variable lay off - CORRECT ANSWER fire, discharge,dismiss motif - CORRECT ANSWER theme, subject, topic perilous - CORRECT ANSWER dangerous, hazardous, risky, precarious personnel - CORRECT ANSWER staff, employees, work force essentially - CORRECT ANSWER basically, primarily, originally, by nature identity - CORRECT ANSWER similitude, uniformity illuminate - CORRECT ANSWER clarify, elucidate' lightup, righten in a short space of time - CORRECT ANSWER very quickly forge - CORRECT ANSWER drive, advance /create, make, fabricate Fashion adjust - CORRECT ANSWER fit, adapt, suit a great deal of - CORRECT ANSWER a lot of alleviate - CORRECT ANSWER relieve, ease, lessen, abate aromatic - CORRECT ANSWER fragrant celebrated - CORRECT ANSWER renowned, famous, well-known distinguished characterize - CORRECT ANSWER distinguish certainly - CORRECT ANSWER adv. surely, assuredly compliment - CORRECT ANSWER commendation, honor tribute distinction - CORRECT ANSWER difference, divergence embed - CORRECT ANSWER fix,fasten,root abhor - CORRECT ANSWER loathe, hate, detest ambition - CORRECT ANSWER goal, desire charitable - CORRECT ANSWER tolerant, benign, generous, broad-minded confer - CORRECT ANSWER give, bestow,grant deny - CORRECT ANSWER negate,gainsay echo - CORRECT ANSWER reflect, mirror, resonate, resound/repeat, reiterate, parrot, copy eerie - CORRECT ANSWER strange, mysterious,weird,uneathly emulate - CORRECT ANSWER imitate, copy,follow, mimic glance - CORRECT ANSWER glimpse, a brief look, a cursory look abrupt - CORRECT ANSWER sharp, sudden, hasty adequate - CORRECT ANSWER sufficient, satisfactory advocate - CORRECT ANSWER urge, support /proponent, supporter, upholder appendix - CORRECT ANSWER supplement,adjunct bestow - CORRECT ANSWER give, grant, confer, award boldly - CORRECT ANSWER bravely, daringly, courageously choicest - CORRECT ANSWER best, matchless classic - CORRECT ANSWER typical, exemplary,model,standard constitute - CORRECT ANSWER make up , comprise, compose deposit - CORRECT ANSWER lay,place, save, store dogma - CORRECT ANSWER belief , credo, creed endorse - CORRECT ANSWER support,back, approve, advocate /sign, subscribe exponential - CORRECT ANSWER explosive, incremental foremost - CORRECT ANSWER most respected, preeminent, supreme fragrance - CORRECT ANSWER scent furthermore - CORRECT ANSWER moreover, in addition imposing - CORRECT ANSWER impressive, grand, magnificnet nurture - CORRECT ANSWER raise, rear, nurse offset - CORRECT ANSWER balance, counterbalance, counteract partially - CORRECT ANSWER incompletely, fractionally presumable - CORRECT ANSWER probable, likely, possible principle - CORRECT ANSWER original method, standard, precepty purveyor - CORRECT ANSWER supplier routine - CORRECT ANSWER ordinary, normal, habitual scold - CORRECT ANSWER reprove, reproach, reprimand rebuke sequence - CORRECT ANSWER string, series, succession / order startle - CORRECT ANSWER astonish, surprise, frighten, astound unshakable - CORRECT ANSWER firm, steadfast, fixed, unwavering yield - CORRECT ANSWER cede, surrende, submit, give in /produce, generate, cause typical* - CORRECT ANSWER common, ordinary, usual, normal abandon (v.) - CORRECT ANSWER to leave; to give up Ex: To save their lives, the sailors had to ~ the sinking ship. adversely (adj.) - CORRECT ANSWER in a harmful way; negatively Ex: Excessive rainfall early in the spring can ~ affect the planting of crops. Usage Tips: ~ is often followed by affect. aggregate (adj.) - CORRECT ANSWER gathered into or amounting to a whole Ex: It is impossible to judge last year's performance without knowing the ~ sales numbers. Usage Tips: ~ is often followed by a term like sum, total, or numbers. cultivation (n.) - CORRECT ANSWER preparing the land to grow crops; improvement for agricultural purposes Ex: With the development of land ~, hunters and gatherers were able to settle in one place. fertilize (v.) - CORRECT ANSWER to supply with nourishment for plants by adding helpful substances to the soil Ex: This farm ~+ tomatoes more than any other crop. intensify (v.) - CORRECT ANSWER to increase in power; to act with increased strength Ex: Jacob's long absence ~+ his certainty that he should marry Rose. irrigation (n.) - CORRECT ANSWER the supplying of water to dry land Ex: In dry areas of the country, you can see ditches all over the farm-land for ~. obtain (v.) - CORRECT ANSWER to gain possession of; to get Ex: After a series of difficult interviews, he finally was able to ~ the job. photosynthesis (n.) - CORRECT ANSWER the process by which green plants make their own food by combining water, salts, and carbon dioxide in the presence of light Ex: Oxygen is a by-product of the process of ~. precipitation (n.) - CORRECT ANSWER water that falls to the Earth's surface Ex: In the Pacific Northwest, the high level of ~ ensures rich, green plant life. anticipate (v.) - CORRECT ANSWER to expect; to sense something before it happens Ex: By placing sensors in earthquake-prone areas, scientists can ~ some tremors in time to warn the public. catastrophic (adj.) - CORRECT ANSWER extremely harmful; causing financial or physical ruin Ex: The architect died in a ~ elevator accident. collide (v.) - CORRECT ANSWER to come together with great or violent force Ex: As usual, their holiday was ruined when their in-laws' views on politics ~+ with their own. eruption (n.) - CORRECT ANSWER a sudden, often violent, outburst Ex: The ~ of Mount St. Helens in 1980 caused 57 deaths and immeasurable change to the face of the mountain. Usage Tips: ~ is often followed by an of phrase. famine (n.) - CORRECT ANSWER severe hunger; a drastic food shortage Ex: The potato ~ in Ireland in the mid-nineteenth century caused large numbers of Irish people to emigrate to America. flood (n.) - CORRECT ANSWER an overflowing of water; an excessive amount Ex: The constant rain and poor drainage system caused a ~ in town. Ex: The political party sent out a ~ of letters criticizing their opponents. impact (n.) - CORRECT ANSWER a strong influence Ex: The speech about the importance of education made an ~ on me. Usage Tips: ~ is usually followed by on or of. persevere (v.) - CORRECT ANSWER to keep going, despite obstacles or discouragement; to maintain a purpose Ex: The hikers ~+ despite the bad weather and the icy trail. plunge (v.) - CORRECT ANSWER to go down suddenly; to decrease by a great amount in a short time Ex: He jumped off the diving board and ~+ into the pool. Ex: The value of the company's stock ~+ after its chief executive was arrested. Usage Tips: ~ is often followed by an into phrase. unleash (v.) - CORRECT ANSWER to release a thing or an emotion Ex: When they saw the strange man on their property, they ~+ their dogs. Ex: He is from such an unemotional family, he will never learn to ~ his feelings. adapt (v.) - CORRECT ANSWER to adjust to the circumstances; to make suitable Ex: Dinosaurs could not ~ to the warmer temperatures. Ex: The teacher ~+ the exercises for his more advanced students. Usage Tips: ~ is often followed by to. diverse (n.) - CORRECT ANSWER various; showing a lot of differences within a group Ex: India is one of the most linguistically ~ countries in the world. Usage Tips: An -ly adverb (e.g., linguistically) often comes before ~. evolve (v.) - CORRECT ANSWER to develop; to come forth Ex: Modern-day sharks ~+ from their ancestor Eryops, which lived more than 200 million years ago. Usage Tips: ~ is often followed by into or from. feature (n.) - CORRECT ANSWER part, characteristic Ex: The best ~ of this car is its heated seats. Usage Tips: ~ is often followed by of. generation (n.) - CORRECT ANSWER a group of people born at about the same time Ex: As older managers retired, a new ~ of leaders took control of the company. Usage Tips: Before ~, an adjective like new, next, earlier, or older is common. ~ is often followed by of. inherent (adj.) - CORRECT ANSWER naturally characteristic; always found within something, because it's a basic part of that thing Ex: No job can be interesting all the time. Boredom is ~ in any kind of work. Usage Tips: ~ is often followed by in. migration (n.) - CORRECT ANSWER movement from one place to another by a group of people or animals Ex: The ~ of farm workers from one state to the next depends primarily on the harvest. Usage Tips: ~ is often followed by to or from. physical (adj.) - CORRECT ANSWER related to the body; related to materials that can be seen or felt Ex: Because of the shape of its throat, an ape does not have the ~ ability to speak. Ex: The mountains form a ~ barrier between the west and the east. Usage Tips: ~ usually comes before the noun it describes. process (n.) - CORRECT ANSWER a series of steps leading to a result Ex: To get a good job, most people go through a long ~ of letter-writing and interviews. Usage Tips: ~ is often followed by of plus the -ing form of a verb. survive (v.) - CORRECT ANSWER to continue living (despite some danger or illness) Ex: After getting lost in the mountains, Gordon ~+ by eating wild plants and catching fish. Usage Tips: ~ is often followed by a phrase with by. constraint (n.) - CORRECT ANSWER something that restricts thought or action Ex: The ~+ of military life kept Eileen from seeing Private Morris more than once a month. contamination (n.) - CORRECT ANSWER being made less clean by a germ or hazardous substance Ex: The ~ in the river came from the factory located just upstream. deplete (v.) - CORRECT ANSWER to greatly decrease the supply of a resource or material Ex: The prolonged war ~+ the country's national treasury. dispose of (v.) - CORRECT ANSWER to throw away; to get rid of; to kill Ex: She ~+ her unwanted possessions before moving. The tyrant cruelly disposed of all his enemies. Usage Tips: ~ should be learned as a unit. In this meaning, ~+ does not occur without of. elementally (adv.) - CORRECT ANSWER in terms of elements; basically Ex: ~, coal and diamonds are the same. emission (n.) - CORRECT ANSWER sending out from a small space into the general environment; a substance discharged into the air Ex: The Environmental Protection Agency regulates the ~ of pollutants into the air. Usage Tips: ~ is usually followed by an of phrase. extinction (n.) - CORRECT ANSWER complete disappearance; the end of existence Ex: Human beings have caused the ~ of many other species. Usage Tips: ~ implies an absolute end; an ~+ thing cannot be brought back into existence. reservoir (n.) - CORRECT ANSWER a place where a liquid is collected and stored Ex: Cult members threatened to poison the town's water ~. shrink (v.) - CORRECT ANSWER to become reduced in size, amount, or value Ex: If you dry your clothing on the "high heat" setting, they may ~. stable (adj.) - CORRECT ANSWER firm and dependable; showing little change Ex: He fell because the ladder wasn't ~. adjust (v.) - CORRECT ANSWER to change; to get accustomed to something Ex: Travelers are advised to ~ their watches before arriving in the new time zone. arbitrary (adj.) - CORRECT ANSWER chosen simply by whim or chance, not for any specific reason Ex: The decision to build a school in Blackberry Township was ~, without any thought to future housing patterns. denominator (n.) - CORRECT ANSWER the number written below the line in a fraction Ex: In the fraction 1⁄2, the number 2 is the ~. Usage Tips: The phrase lowest common ~ means "the most basic and unsophisticated things that most people share." exponentially (adv.) - CORRECT ANSWER at a very fast rate Ex: In Turkey, the value of the lira has decreased ~ in the last several decades. Usage Tips: ~ is taken from mathematics, where an ~+ is a number indicating how many times something is multiplied by itself. For example, 43 contains the ~+ "3", indicating 4 × 4 × 4. infinitesimal (adj.) - CORRECT ANSWER immeasurably small Ex: The number of contaminants in the water was ~, so the water was safe to drink. maximize (v.) - CORRECT ANSWER to increase or make as great as possible Ex: A coach helps each athlete ~ his or her potential. parallel (adj.) - CORRECT ANSWER being an equal distance apart everywhere Ex: The street where I live runs ~ to the main road through town. Usage Tips: ~ is often followed by to. proportion (n.) - CORRECT ANSWER a part in relation to the whole Ex: The average employee spends a large ~ of each workday answering e-mails. Usage Tips: ~ is often followed by of. rate (n.) - CORRECT ANSWER the cost per unit of a good or service; the motion or change that happens in a certain time Ex: Postal ~+ in Japan are among the highest in the world. Usage Tips: Some grasses grow at the ~ of one inch per day. sequence (v.) - CORRECT ANSWER to organize or arrange in succession Ex: Volunteers have been asked to ~ the files and organize the boxes. accuracy (n.) - CORRECT ANSWER precision; exactness Ex: The research department checks all our articles for ~ of facts before we print them. Usage Tips: ~ is often followed by of. adjacent (adj.) - CORRECT ANSWER next to Ex: Even though the villages are ~ to each other, their residents speak different languages. Usage Tips: ~ is often followed by to. compress (v.) - CORRECT ANSWER to press together Ex: To make the foundation stronger, they ~+ the soil before pouring the concrete. feasibly (adv.) - CORRECT ANSWER practically; in a way that can work Ex: Scientists can't ~ bring energy from deep ocean currents to where it is needed-on land. gut (v.) - CORRECT ANSWER to empty or hollow out Ex: In order to remodel the house, we must first ~ it and throw away all the old fixtures. Usage Tips: ~ also means "the stomach of an animal"; this verb makes an image, that the inside of a building is like the inside of an animal. integrally (adv.) - CORRECT ANSWER in a whole or complete manner Ex: Writing and spelling are taught ~ as part of the reading program. overlap (v.) - CORRECT ANSWER to lie over part of something; to have elements in common Ex: One of the two assistants will likely get fired, since most of their duties in the office ~. retain (v.) - CORRECT ANSWER to keep or hold Ex: The rain fell so heavily that the banks of the river could not ~ all the water. seep (v.) - CORRECT ANSWER to pass slowly for a long time, as a liquid or gas might Ex: As the containers rusted, the toxic waste ~+ into the ground. Usage Tips: ~ is often followed by into or through. structure (n.) - CORRECT ANSWER something constructed, such as a building Ex: Most companies have a social ~ that can't be understood by outsiders. circulate (v.) - CORRECT ANSWER to move throughout an area or group; to move along a somewhat circular route Ex: The gossip ~+ quickly through the small town. Ex: Blood ~+ more quickly during physical exercise. Usage Tips: ~ is often followed by through. corrode (v.) - CORRECT ANSWER to be slowly weakened by chemical reactions Ex: Sitting in salt water, the old coins ~+ and became very easy to break. Usage Tips: A familiar kind of ~+ produces rust, the reddish coating on iron or steel that has been exposed to air and water. derive (v.) - CORRECT ANSWER to come from, usually through a long, slow process Ex: The Cyrillic alphabet was ~+ from the Greek alphabet. Usage Tips: ~ is often followed by from. detection (n.) - CORRECT ANSWER discovering something that cannot easily be found Ex: With new medical technology, the ~ of cancer is much easier nowadays. Usage Tips: ~ is often followed by an of phrase. expeditiously (adv.) - CORRECT ANSWER quickly and efficiently Ex: Using carrier pigeons, the military commanders exchanged messages ~. implement (v.) - CORRECT ANSWER to make use of; to carry out Ex: Not until after the new software was installed could we ~ the new filing system. installation (n.) - CORRECT ANSWER setting something into position for use Ex: ~ of the new software takes only four minutes. maintenance (n.) - CORRECT ANSWER the act of keeping something in good condition Ex: The only problem with living in such a big house is that it requires a lot of ~. simulation (n.) - CORRECT ANSWER an imitation or representation Ex: To test car safety, automobile makers study crash ~+. innovative (adj.) - CORRECT ANSWER ahead of the times; novel Ex: The ~ use of props and lighting drew many favorable comments. combustion (n.) - CORRECT ANSWER the process of burning Ex: When air quality is poor, ~ of materials in a fireplace is prohibited. Usage Tips: ~ is often followed by of. component (n.) - CORRECT ANSWER one part of a system or whole Ex: Their home theater system has a number of separate ~+. Usage Tips: ~ is often followed or preceded by of. convey (v.) - CORRECT ANSWER to transport from one place to another; to transmit or make known Ex: A messenger ~+ the prince's letter to the commander of the army. Ex: The worst part about being a doctor was when she had to ~ bad news to a family. discretely (adv.) - CORRECT ANSWER separately; distinctly Ex: In order to understand how the engine worked, each component needed to be studied ~. nucleus (n.) - CORRECT ANSWER a central or essential part around which other parts are gathered; a core Ex: The ~ of many European cities is the town square. Usage Tips: ~ is often followed by of. permeate (v.) - CORRECT ANSWER to spread or flow through out ; to pass through or penetrate Ex: The smell of cooking ~+ the entire apartment building. rotate (v.) - CORRECT ANSWER to turn around; to take turns in sequence Ex: The planet ~+ on its axis once every 14 Earth days. Ex: The children ~ classroom responsibilities on a weekly basis. solar (adj.) - CORRECT ANSWER of, or relating to, the sun Ex: The ancient society kept time with a ~ calendar. source (n.) - CORRECT ANSWER the point of origin or creation Ex: The reporter was unable to identify the ~ of the information for his story. trigger (v.) - CORRECT ANSWER to set off or initiate Ex: I was certain any mention of politics would ~ a big argument. acquisition (n.) - CORRECT ANSWER the act of taking possession of something Ex: Our recent ~ of over 2,000 books makes ours the biggest library in the region. Usage Tips: ~ is often followed by of. anomaly (n.) - CORRECT ANSWER something unusual Ex: White tigers get their beautiful coloring from a genetic ~. consciously (adv.) - CORRECT ANSWER with awareness of one's actions Ex: He may have hurt her feelings, but he never would have done so ~. degrade (v.) - CORRECT ANSWER to reduce in value or strength Ex: The roads in cold or wet areas of the United States ~ faster than those in warm, sunny regions. gap (n.) - CORRECT ANSWER opening; a big difference in amount or quality Ex: The small ~ between the walls in the old house caused cold drafts to come in. indisputable (adj.) - CORRECT ANSWER beyond doubt; unquestionable Ex: The members of the jury found her guilty because they found the facts of the case ~. intervene (v.) - CORRECT ANSWER to come between Ex: A good mediator ~+ only as much as necessary to settle a dispute between other parties. intuitively (adv.) - CORRECT ANSWER by means of a natural sense about things that are hard to observe Ex: Many mothers know ~ when something is wrong with their children. recede (v.) - CORRECT ANSWER to move back or away from Ex: After the age of 30, his hairline began to ~ further back from his forehead. retrieve (v.) - CORRECT ANSWER to bring or get back Ex: Most dogs can be trained to ~ objects that their owners have thrown. agnostic (adj.) - CORRECT ANSWER believing that humans cannot know whether there is a god Ex: His devoutly Christian parents had problems with his ~ beliefs. animism (n.) - CORRECT ANSWER the belief that natural objects, such as trees, have souls Ex: Desert cultures that practice ~ often believe that winds contain spirits. atheist (n.) - CORRECT ANSWER one who does not believe in the existence of a supreme being Ex: He argued that his scientific training made it impossible for him to be anything but an ~. be inclined to (v.) - CORRECT ANSWER to favor an opinion or a course of action Ex: He couldn't say which candidate he favored, but he had always ~+ vote Republican. contemplate (v.) - CORRECT ANSWER to consider thoughtfully Ex: If you contemplate each step for so long, we will never complete this project on time. deify (v.) - CORRECT ANSWER to worship as a god Ex: When people ~ the leader of their country, the leader is able to abuse power more easily. ecclesiastical (adj.) - CORRECT ANSWER relating to a church Ex: He was looking specifically for a university where he could study ~ history. exalt (v.) - CORRECT ANSWER to praise or honor Ex: He would often ~ the virtues of his new wife. pious (adj.) - CORRECT ANSWER having or exhibiting religious reverence Ex: Sometimes she was so ~ that the rest of us felt like heathens. sacrifice (v.) - CORRECT ANSWER anything offered to a deity as a religious thanksgiving; giving up something in order to have something more valuable later on Ex: Every harvest time, the Fadeloni people ~+ vegetables to their gods as a show of thanks. Ex: In order to succeed in his career, he had to ~ his private life and his leisure time. aggravate (v.) - CORRECT ANSWER to make worse; to anger or intensify Ex: Running will ~ your sore knees. decrepit (adj.) - CORRECT ANSWER weakened or worn out because of age, illness, or excessive use Ex: The once-beautiful building was now dirty, ~, and roofless. disease (n.) - CORRECT ANSWER an unhealthful condition caused by an infection or a long-term physical problem Ex: Thanks to developments in medicine, many once-fatal ~+ can now be cured. fatally (adv.) - CORRECT ANSWER causing death or disaster Ex: The soldier was ~ wounded in the battle. forensics (n.) - CORRECT ANSWER the use of science and technology to investigate facts in criminal cases Ex: Advances in the study of ~ have made it much easier to identify criminals from very small traces of evidence. persist (v.) - CORRECT ANSWER to continue to exist; to hold to a purpose, despite any obstacle Ex: If your symptoms ~, you should go see a doctor. Ex: Lola ~+ in her efforts to become a lawyer. prognosis (n.) - CORRECT ANSWER an educated guess of how something will develop, especially a disease Ex: The room fell silent when the doctor gave Senator Grebe a grim ~ of months of treatment. terminal (adj.) - CORRECT ANSWER located at an end; approaching death Ex: The cancer ward at the hospital held both ~ and recovering patients. vein (n.) - CORRECT ANSWER any of the tubes that form a branching system, especially those that carry blood to the heart Ex: She became fascinated with human anatomy, especially when she learned how ~+ transport oxygen. wound (v.) - CORRECT ANSWER to inflict an injury on Ex: Sometimes he didn't realize his sharp humor could ~ as well as entertain. anesthesia (n.) - CORRECT ANSWER techniques for reducing sensation and feeling, especially to control pain Ex: The Civil War was the first American war when ~ was widely used in surgery on soldiers. Usage Tips: ~ and ~+ are often used interchangeably. augment (v.) - CORRECT ANSWER to make bigger or better by adding to Ex: In some types of popular cosmetic surgery people ~ parts of their bodies. Ex: The college ~+ its course offerings because students complained that there were too few choices. certifiably (adv.) - CORRECT ANSWER in a manner that is officially recognized Ex: He couldn't be institutionalized until he was declared ~ insane. complication (n.) - CORRECT ANSWER a factor that makes something more difficult or complex Ex: The surgeons could not easily stop the bleeding because of ~+ related to the patient's diabetes. cure (v.) - CORRECT ANSWER to restore to health Ex: They say laughter can help ~ many illnesses. implant (v.) - CORRECT ANSWER to set in firmly; to insert in the body surgically Ex: The actress had cheek ~+ to make her face look fuller. inject (v.) - CORRECT ANSWER to insert a liquid by means of a syringe Ex: The doctor used a needle to ~ the medicine slowly into her arm. obese (adj.) - CORRECT ANSWER excessively overweight Ex: More Americans are ~ now because U.S. culture encourages overeating and discourages exercise. procedure (n.) - CORRECT ANSWER a specific way of performing or doing something Ex: The flight attendant explained the emergency evacuation ~. scar (n.) - CORRECT ANSWER a mark on the skin left after a wound has healed; a lasting sign of damage, either mental or physical Ex: The surgery was successful, but it left a large ~ across her abdomen. astrological (adj.) - CORRECT ANSWER related to the study of the position of stars, the sun, and the planets in the belief that they influence earthly events Ex: Every day, Mona read her ~ forecast in the newspaper, and she was careful if the horoscope predicted trouble. divination (n.) - CORRECT ANSWER foretelling the future by finding patterns in physical objects Ex: In Turkey, women offer ~+ by reading the dregs from a coffee cup. haunt (v.) - CORRECT ANSWER to continually appear (in the form of a ghost) in the same place or to the same person Ex: Some say the ghost of Princess Hilda ~+ this castle, appearing as a headless form while she plays the piano. Ex: The pictures of children dying in war have ~+ me for a long time. horror (n.) - CORRECT ANSWER strong fear mixed with disgust Ex: On Halloween night, all the ~ movies were rented out. intermediary (n.) - CORRECT ANSWER acting as an agent between people or things Ex: The plaintiff's lawyer suggested that they hire an ~ to help them discuss their case. Usage Tips: ~ comes from the Latin words meaning "between the ways". invoke (v.) - CORRECT ANSWER to call on for support Ex: In many religions, believers ~ their god by holding out their hands. meditate (v.) - CORRECT ANSWER to reflect; to think quietly and deeply for a long time Ex: Every morning, the monks ~+ for three hours in complete silence. phantom (n.) - CORRECT ANSWER a dimly visible form, usually thought to be the spirit of a dead person, a sunken ship, etc. Ex: Many visitors reported seeing a ~ who appeared around the lake. psychic (adj.) - CORRECT ANSWER relating to the supposed ability of the human mind to sense things that cannot be observed Ex: The governor's assistant claimed to have unique ~ abilities enabling him to read people's minds. self-perpetuating (adj.) - CORRECT ANSWER having the power to renew oneself for an indefinite period of time Ex: It is difficult to escape from a lie, as they are often ~. assimilate (v.) - CORRECT ANSWER to consume and incorporate; to become similar Ex: Not all of the overseas students could ~ into the rigidly controlled school. Usage Tips: ~ is often followed by into. cremation (n.) - CORRECT ANSWER the act of burning the dead Ex: ~ is particularly common in Japan, where land for burial is very limited. domesticate (v.) - CORRECT ANSWER to make something suitable for being in a home (usually a plant or animal) Ex: The Barnes family hoped to ~ the tiger, but their neighbors were skeptical. Usage Tips: The object of ~ is usually a plant or animal. folklore (n.) - CORRECT ANSWER traditional myths of a people (beliefs, customs, and stories of a community) transmitted orally Ex: Through ~, archaeologists have learned about the migration of Native Americans in North America. fossilize (v.) - CORRECT ANSWER to become preserved in clay or stone or ash after death, so that a natural record is left of the original organism; to become rigid and stuck in old ways Ex: The dinosaur eggs had ~+ over thousands of years. relic (n.) - CORRECT ANSWER something left from a long-ago culture, time period, or person Ex: ~+ of the war can still be found in the sand dunes along this shore. rite (n.) - CORRECT ANSWER a ceremony meant to achieve a certain purpose Ex: Many cultures have fertility ~+ that supposedly make it more likely for women to bear children. ritually (adv.) - CORRECT ANSWER as part of a traditional ceremony or habit Ex: The children ~ kissed their parents on the cheek before bed. saga (n.) - CORRECT ANSWER a long story about important events long ago; a long story of heroic achievement Ex: Many American families tell ~+ about their ancestors' arrival in the United States. vestige (n.) - CORRECT ANSWER a visible trace that something once existed Ex: The wilted flowers were the only ~ of their romantic weekend. amend (v.) - CORRECT ANSWER to change for the better Ex: The residents voted to ~ their neighborhood policy on fences. biased (adj.) - CORRECT ANSWER leaning unfairly in one direction Ex: Her newspaper article was criticized for being heavily ~ toward the mayor's proposal. burden (n.) - CORRECT ANSWER something that is carried; a source of stress or worry Ex: The donkey walked slowly under the ~ of its heavy load. Ex: The failing company faced the ~ of bad debts and a poor reputation. counter (v.) - CORRECT ANSWER to act in opposition to; to offer in response Ex: The hockey player ~+ the punch with a smashing blow from his hockey stick. Ex: Jane ~+ every accusation with a specific example of her achievements. de facto (adj.) - CORRECT ANSWER truly doing a job, even if not officially Ex: Popular support established the Citizens Party as the ~ government. discriminate (v.) - CORRECT ANSWER to choose carefully among options; make an unjust or prejudicial distinction in the treatment of different categories of people or things, esp. on the grounds of race, sex, or age Ex: The governor wisely ~+ between urgent issues and those that could wait. notion (n.) - CORRECT ANSWER A belief; a fanciful impulse, a conception of or belief about something; an impulse or desire, esp. one of a whimsical kind Ex: The ~ that older office equipment is unreliable is inaccurate. Ex: One morning, she suddenly took the ~ to paint her kitchen red. Usage Tips: ~ can be followed by a that clause or a to phrase. oppress (v.) - CORRECT ANSWER to keep down by force; to weigh heavily on, by the unjust exercise of authority Ex: Factory management ~+ workers through intimidation. paradigm (n.) - CORRECT ANSWER a pattern or model; a set of assumptions Ex: The usual ~ for economic growth in developed countries does not apply to some poor nations. Usage Tips: ~ is often followed by for. prejudiced (adj.) - CORRECT ANSWER causing to judge prematurely and unfairly Ex: Many consumers are ~+ against commercial goods made in third-world countries. curriculum (n.) - CORRECT ANSWER the courses of study offered by an educational institution Ex: The teachers met to design a new ~ for the Intensive English Program. distinctly (adv.) - CORRECT ANSWER in a way that is readily distinguishable by the senses; clearly Ex: I ~ remember saying that we would meet at noon. erudite (adj.) - CORRECT ANSWER highly educated; having or showing great knowledge or learning Ex: Even though Stella was only a freshman, she was considered ~ by both her classmates and her professors. fortify (v.) - CORRECT ANSWER to strengthen; protect against attack Ex: The high-priced drink had extra vitamins and minerals to ~ the body. implicitly (adv.) - CORRECT ANSWER without being stated; unquestioningly; in a way that is not directly expressed Ex: By joining the competition, she agreed ~ to the rules. parochial (adj.) - CORRECT ANSWER restricted in outlook; relating to the local parish; small-minded, provincial, narrow, small-town Ex: Marla moved from her rural community to get away from its ~ thinking. Ex: Sending your children to a ~ school can cost as much as sending them to college. rigor (n.) - CORRECT ANSWER strictness; difficult situations that come from following rules strictly Ex: The wrestler followed his diet with ~. Ex: The ~+ of military life toughened the young men quickly. roster (n.) - CORRECT ANSWER a list, especially of names Ex: Two of the names on the ~ were misspelled. secular (adj.) - CORRECT ANSWER worldly rather than spiritual; not related to religion Ex: Few private schools in the United States are ~. suspend (v.) - CORRECT ANSWER to cause to stop for a period; to hang as to allow free movement Ex: The trial was ~+ when the judge learned that one of the jury members knew the defense lawyer. Ex: The circus acrobat was ~+ in midair. allegiance (n.) - CORRECT ANSWER loyalty, commitment Ex: My ~ to my country is based on respect for its principles. Usage Tips: ~ is commonly followed by a to phrase. artillery (n.) - CORRECT ANSWER large guns that shoot powerful shells; army units that handle such guns Ex: An ~ barrage broke down the city's thick walls within seconds. Ex: The 47th ~ fired on rebels camped in the city center. Usage Tips: When it means a part of an army, ~ is sometimes plural. battle (v.) - CORRECT ANSWER to fight against Ex: The Viet Minh ~+ French forces at Dien Bien Phu for nearly two months in 1954. cease (v.) - CORRECT ANSWER stop Ex: The lightning continued even after the thunder had ~+. Usage Tips: ~ is found in official statements, not usually in everyday speech. hierarchy (n.) - CORRECT ANSWER a system of levels that places people high or low according to their importance Ex: Starting as a lowly private, Burt Jones gradually rose through the ~ of the army. Usage Tips: ~ is often followed by an of phrase. in the trenches (adv'l.) - CORRECT ANSWER in the middle of the hardest fighting or work Ex: With their unrealistic view of this war, our generals don't know what things are like out ~. Usage Tips: ~ creates an image of soldiers fighting in a long, dug-out place in the battlefield. mobilize (v.) - CORRECT ANSWER to put members of a group into motion Ex: After a terrible storm, the governor ~+ the National Guard to rescue victims. rank (v.) - CORRECT ANSWER to put into a many-leveled order, depending on importance or achievement Ex: The Marines ~+ Jim Hurst highest among all their officer candidates. ratio (n.) - CORRECT ANSWER the relationship of one number or amount to another Ex: Military analysts say that the ~ of attackers to defenders in a battle should be about three to one for the attackers to win. Usage Tips: ~ is very often followed by an of ... to structure. strategic (adj.) - CORRECT ANSWER related to long-term plans for achieving a goal Ex: United States has formed ~ friendships with Tajikistan and Mongolia to have Central Asian bases in the future. Usage Tips: ~ is often used with nouns for plans. annex (v.) - CORRECT ANSWER to make something (usually land) part of another unit Ex: Bardstown grew by ~+ several farms at the north edge of town. apex (n.) - CORRECT ANSWER the highest point Ex: Gregory knew that his running skills had to be at their ~ during the tournament. Usage Tips: ~ is often used to describe the high point of someone's abilities. collapse (v.) - CORRECT ANSWER to fall down, usually because of weakness Ex: The roof ~+ on top of me. conquest (n.) - CORRECT ANSWER a takeover by force or continued effort Ex: The first recorded ~ of Mt. Everest was by Tensing Norgay and Sir Edmund Hilary. Usage Tips: ~ is usually followed by an of phrase. devise (v.) - CORRECT ANSWER to find an original way to make an object or a plan Ex: The soldiers ~ a way to cross the river into enemy territory without being seen. invasive (adj.) - CORRECT ANSWER aggressively entering into someone else's territory Ex: Surgery with a laser is less ~ than surgery with a knife or scalpel. prevailing (adj.) - CORRECT ANSWER strongest or most common Ex: The ~ attitude among our neighbors is to be friendly but not too friendly. resist (v.) - CORRECT ANSWER to refuse to give in to a strong force or desire Ex: Although many native nations ~+, the U.S. government eventually took over almost all Indian land. severely (adv.) - CORRECT ANSWER harshly; extremely Ex: Commanders ~ punished any soldier who criticized the battle plan. violation (n.) - CORRECT ANSWER an action that breaks a law or agreement; mistreatment of something that deserves respect Ex: The army's testing of new weapons was a ~ of the cease-fire agreement. Ex: The sculptures at Mt. Rushmore may be a ~ of sacred Indian land. Usage Tips: ~ is often followed by an of phrase. chronologically (adv.) - CORRECT ANSWER in order according to time Ex: Allen's book is arranged ~, from the First Crusade in 1095 to the fall of Granada in 1492. Usage Tips: ~ is often used with arranged, organized, listed, or some other word for order. coincide (v.) - CORRECT ANSWER happen or exist at the same time Ex: The Viking attacks on western Europe ~+ with an abnormally warm period in the Earth's climate. Usage Tips: ~ is often followed by a with phrase. consequence (n.) - CORRECT ANSWER a result, often one much later in time than the cause Ex: One ~ of global warming may be the flooding of low lying islands. Usage Tips: ~ usually implies something negative or serious about the result. core (n.) - CORRECT ANSWER an area or object at the center Ex: The ~ of India's film industry is in Bombay, where all but a few film studios are located. Usage Tips: ~ is often followed by another noun (e.g., ~ principle) or by an of phrase. deny (v.) - CORRECT ANSWER say that something is not true Ex: Movie star Allen Butcher ~+ that he and the Princess of Denmark were getting married. Usage Tips: ~ is often followed by the -ing form of a verb or by a that clause. diminish (v.) - CORRECT ANSWER make something smaller or weaker; become smaller or weaker Ex: The Protestant Reformation ~+ the power of the Roman Catholic Pope. Ex: Mr. Partridge's influence in the company ~+ after he relocated to a branch office. longitude (n.) - CORRECT ANSWER a system of imaginary lines running from north to south along the Earth's surface, where each line is numbered from 0° to 180° west or east Ex: The prime meridian, a line running through Greenwich, England, is marked as 0° ~. milieu (n.) - CORRECT ANSWER general environment or surroundings Ex: Many Vietnam veterans did not feel comfortable in the antiwar social ~ of the 1970s. Orwellian (adj.) - CORRECT ANSWER frightening and overcontrolled by a government that interferes in nearly every aspect of personal life Ex: Biometric devices like eye-scanners allow an ~ level of government knowledge about everyone's location. reconciliation (n.) - CORRECT ANSWER coming back together peacefully after having been enemies Ex: South Africa avoided a bloodbath after apartheid by setting up a Truth and ~ Commission. allocate (v.) - CORRECT ANSWER to give out different amounts for different purposes Ex: The budget ~+ $58 billion to the military and only about $2 billion to education. Usage Tips: Things that can be ~+ are things that can be "spent"; money, time, energy, etc. commodity (n.) - CORRECT ANSWER a thing that can be bought and sold, such as grain, oil, or wood Ex: Tulip bulbs were one of the most valuable ~+ in seventeenth-century Holland. Usage Tips: A thing is called a ~ only in the context of buying or selling it. decline (v.) - CORRECT ANSWER to decrease in power or amount; politely refuse Ex: America's railroads ~+ because the automobile dominated American life. equity (n.) - CORRECT ANSWER the value of one's share in an investment Ex: Barnard's ~ in the business was one-third, or about $350,000. Usage Tips: In this meaning, ~ is always singular and usually followed by an in phrase. inflation (n.) - CORRECT ANSWER a situation in which prices for many items rise quite fast Ex: During the rapid ~ of the 1970s, prices for food and fuel sometimes rose 20 percent in a single month. net (adj.) - CORRECT ANSWER after all costs have been subtracted from an amount Ex: My gross salary is around $35,000, but my ~ pay is closer to $29,000. per capita (adv.) - CORRECT ANSWER for each person Ex: Research shows we're likely to sell 15 light bulbs ~ per year in medium-sized cities. regulate (v.) - CORRECT ANSWER control according to a set of rules Ex: Trading on the NewYork Stock Exchange is ~+ by officials of the exchange and by federal law. subsidy (n.) - CORRECT ANSWER money given by a government or other organization to support an activity Ex: Federal ~+ to grain farmers have helped them stay in business despite three years of bad weather. tangible (adj.) - CORRECT ANSWER obviously real because it can be seen, touched, or otherwise observed Ex: One ~ benefit of putting electrical cables underground is a clearer view of the sky. accumulate (v.) - CORRECT ANSWER to build up a large amount of something Ex: Over several generations, the Hardington family ~+ vast wealth by buying and selling land. affluence (n.) - CORRECT ANSWER wealth and the style of life that goes with it Ex: Mohadzir grew up amid ~, which poorly prepared him for his grad student days in crowded apartments with no servants. elite (adj.) - CORRECT ANSWER belonging to a special, honored group; a group of people considered (by others or themselves) to be the best in a particular society or category, esp. because of their power, talent, or wealth Ex: Messner is an ~ climber who recently ascended an 8,000-meter mountain without extra oxygen. impoverish (v.) - CORRECT ANSWER to make a person or group poor Ex: The collapse of the steel industry ~+ several counties in eastern Ohio. luxury (n.) - CORRECT ANSWER extreme comfort, beyond what anyone needs Ex: Automakers try to give their cars an image of ~ by including extras like heated seats and satellite tracking systems. nobility (n.) - CORRECT ANSWER a group of socially prominent people with special titles given by a king or queen, such as "duke" or "countess" Ex: In the Middle Ages, the ~ supposedly followed a code that required them to take care of poorer people who lived near their estates. Usage Tips: ~ is used as a name for a group of distinguished people; it can also mean "a highly dignified form of behavior". prestige (n.) - CORRECT ANSWER honor and respect for being better than the average Ex: The Grassleys enjoyed the ~ of living in the historic town, but they did not feel at home there. privileged (adj.) - CORRECT ANSWER able to enjoy special advantages because of one's position (usually because of being born into a wealthy or powerful family); having special rights, advantages, or immunities Ex: Despite his ~+ position in one of America's most powerful families, the politician tried to portray himself as an ordinary person. prosper (v.) - CORRECT ANSWER to do very well in one's business or personal life Ex: Vargas ~+ after finally patenting his new inventions. Usage Tips: A person can ~; so can a group, a company, or an area. working class (n.) - CORRECT ANSWER people with low-paying (often unskilled) jobs who are not poor but who are not securely in the middle class Ex: The Farrelly family, like other members of the ~, were proud of their jobs and did not want any handouts from charity or the government. acquire (v.) - CORRECT ANSWER to get something, usually something with special value or meaning Ex: Bart hoped to ~ the 1898 D Indian Head penny, which would make his collection complete. Usage Tips: Unlike get, ~ implies that a possession has special value or meaning. assess (v.) - CORRECT ANSWER to estimate the value of something Ex: The Barnes building was ~+ at $1.3 million, but it can probably sell for much more than that. asset (n.) - CORRECT ANSWER a possession that has positive value Ex: The school is a ~ to the community. Usage Tips: Some examples of ~+ are real estate, cash, and stock shares. hazardous (adj.) - CORRECT ANSWER dangerous Ex: Parents have to be careful not to buy children's clothes and toys made of ~ materials. jointly (adv.) - CORRECT ANSWER together with one or more other parties Ex: In most states, a husband and wife are assumed to own all their possessions ~. lease (v.) - CORRECT ANSWER to rent something for a long time (several months or years) Ex: Some drivers prefer to ~ a car rather than buy one. liability (n.) - CORRECT ANSWER Legal responsibility for harming a person or property; a person or thing whose presence or behavior is likely to cause embarrassment or put one at a disadvantage Ex: Before you go river rafting, you sign a document releasing the trip leaders from ~ in case of injury. Ex: Henderson is just a ~ to our work team, because he never finishes anything on time. Usage Tips: In its second meaning, ~ is often followed by a to phrase. proprietor (n.) - CORRECT ANSWER owner, usually of a business or a building Ex: The ~ of Hekman's Windows is Nels Hekman, grandson of the people who established the factory. Usage Tips: Very often, ~ is followed by an of phrase. safeguard (v.) - CORRECT ANSWER to protect ; protect from harm or damage with an appropriate measure: Ex: A burglar-alarm system ~+ our house when we go away on vacation. Usage Tips: ~ implies continuous protection over a long time. sole (adj.) - CORRECT ANSWER only Ex: Many people have wanted to invest in Harry's publishing business, but he remains the ~ owner. Usage Tips: ~ almost always appears before the noun it modifies. It does not come after a linking verb like be. compensate (v.) - CORRECT ANSWER to give an employee money or other things in exchange for the work he or she does Ex: My pay doesn't properly ~ me for my efforts, but my other benefits, like health insurance, fill in the gap. Usage Tips: ~ is often followed by a for phrase. dynamic (adj.) - CORRECT ANSWER full of energy, activity, or progress Ex: This job requires a ~ person, someone who will look for opportunities instead of just waiting around for them. enterprising (adj.) - CORRECT ANSWER creative in thinking of ways to make money Ex: Immigrants are often among the most ~ members of society, partly because anyone brave enough to make an overseas move is likely to be a risk-taker. Usage Tips: There is no verb "to ~+". exploit (v.) - CORRECT ANSWER to take advantage of; to treat inconsiderately in order to profit; make full use of and derive benefit from (a resource) Ex: The company tried to ~ the low interest rates to expand operations. Usage Tips: The foreign mining company ~+ our copper resources and then simply left. incentive (n.) - CORRECT ANSWER a possible benefit that motivates a person to do a certain thing Ex: This city's willingness to support its public schools gave us an ~ to move here with our two young children. Usage Tips: ~ is usually followed by a to phrase. industrious (adj.) - CORRECT ANSWER willing to work hard Ex: The Dutch settlements in Ottawa County were founded by ~ farmers who objected to frivolous behavior such as dancing. Usage Tips: Only people can be ~; companies cannot. marginal (adj.) - CORRECT ANSWER not very significant or effective Ex: Our new advertising campaign had only ~ success, raising sales by a mere 3 percent. merit (n.) - CORRECT ANSWER value; success based on one's work, not on luck Ex: Pay raises at our company are based on ~, as determined by a committee of managers. Usage Tips: ~ is uncountable. promote (v.) - CORRECT ANSWER to move someone to a higher position in a company Ex: Because of his excellent handling of the Vredeman account, Jim Harris was ~+ to vice president. Usage Tips: ~ is very often followed by a to phrase indicating the position one has been moved up to. resign (v.) - CORRECT ANSWER to quit one's job Ex: Because of controversy over his leadership style, Morton ~+ from his job as president. distill (v.) - CORRECT ANSWER to remove one liquid from a mixture of liquids by boiling; to get something valuable from a confusing mix of ideas Ex: The forest peoples of Southeast Asia ~ an alcoholic drink called arak from a paste of palm berries. Ex: Most students are confused by her lectures, but Joe can always ~ her main idea. entrepreneurial (adj.) - CORRECT ANSWER able to create business opportunities from a wide variety of circumstances Ex: Many engineers of the 1970s made great computers, but only a few were ~ enough to see the business possibilities in the new machines. extract (v.) - CORRECT ANSWER to take out Ex: International mining companies came to the Malay Peninsula to ~ the region's massive tin deposits. haggle (v.) - CORRECT ANSWER To argue back and forth about a price Ex: The customer and the shopkeeper ~+ over the silver plate for more than an hour. Usage Tips: ~ is often followed by a phrase with over or about. intrepid (adj.) - CORRECT ANSWER fearless Ex: For nearly 200 years, only the most ~ colonists would cross the Appalachian Mountains. merchant (n.) - CORRECT ANSWER a person who makes a living by selling things Ex: The spice ~+ of the eastern markets charged top prices to the Dutch and British sailors, who had come too far to sail away without buying. Usage Tips: The word ~ might be preceded by another noun telling what the ~ sells (e.g., spice ~ or wine ~). proportionately (adv.) - CORRECT ANSWER in an amount appropriate to each of several recipients Ex: The food aid was distributed ~ per family, with larger families receiving more. prototype (n.) - CORRECT ANSWER the first one made of a machine or system Ex: The airplane manufacturer uses robots to test every ~, just in case there is a problem with the design. reward (n.) - CORRECT ANSWER something one gets for having done well Ex: The greatest ~ of being a parent is to see your child make a wise decision. Usage Tips: ~ might be followed by an of or for phrase naming what one has done well. shuttle (v.) - CORRECT ANSWER to move back and forth often between two places Ex: The small jet ~+ between Kuala Lumpur and Singapore nearly every two hours. advocate (v.) - CORRECT ANSWER to speak out in favor of something; publicly recommend or support Ex: Some environmentalists ~ removing large dams from the Columbia River. Usage Tips: ~ is usually followed by a term for a process or action, very often the -ing form of a verb authority (n.) - CORRECT ANSWER the power to make decisions, to tell others what to do. Ex: The governor has the ~ to call the legislature together for emergency sessions. Usage Tips: A to phrase often follows ~. bitterly (adv.) - CORRECT ANSWER strongly and with a lot of bad feelings Ex: Senator Thomas ~ opposed the movement to design a new state flag. candidate (n.) - CORRECT ANSWER someone who wants to be chosen, especially in an election, for a position Ex: In most U.S. elections, there are only two major-party candidates for president. Usage Tips: ~ is often followed by a for phrase. coalition (n.) - CORRECT ANSWER a group of several different groups or countries that are working together to achieve a certain goal. Ex: Several local churches, mosques, synagogues, and temples formed a ~ to promote understanding among people of different religions. contest (v.) - CORRECT ANSWER to challenge; oppose (an action, decision, or theory) as mistaken or wrong Ex: Dave Roper, who narrowly lost the mayor's race, ~+ the results, demanding a recount of the votes. Usage Tips: The noun ~ can mean a game, especially one played for a prize. election (n.) - CORRECT ANSWER a process in which people choose officials Ex: Because of problems with vote-counting four years ago, international observers monitored this year's ~ to make sure it was fair. inaugurate (v.) - CORRECT ANSWER to bring into public office; to start formally Ex: The U.S. president is elected in November but is not ~+ until the following January. Ex: An effort to bring electric service to farms and small towns was ~+ with the Rural Electrification Act of 1936. Usage Tips: When it means "bring into public office," ~ is usually in the passive voice. policy (n.) - CORRECT ANSWER an approved way for approaching a certain kind of situation Ex: The ~ said that government money could not be given to any private hospital. poll (v.) - CORRECT ANSWER to find out a small group's opinion so that you can guess what a much larger group thinks Ex: The newspaper ~+ 500 registered voters and found that only 27 percent were in favor of expanding the city zoo. accuse (v.) - CORRECT ANSWER to say that someone did something wrong (e.g., committed a crime) Ex: Jordan was ~+ of using a stolen credit card to buy about $300 worth of electronic equipment. Usage Tips: ~ is often used in the passive voice. allegedly (adv.) - CORRECT ANSWER according to what people say, although there is no proof Ex: The chief financial officer of the company ~ took company money for his personal use. civil (adj.) - CORRECT ANSWER involving a dispute between two citizens, not a criminal charge Ex: in a ~ suit against his neighbor, Barney claimed that the neighbor's dog had bitten him. Usage Tips: In a court context, ~ almost always appears in one of the following phrases: ~ suit, ~ action, ~ court, ~ proceedings, and ~ penalties. convict (v.) - CORRECT ANSWER to decide that someone is guilty of a crime; declare (someone) to be guilty of a criminal offense Ex: Dean was ~+ of assault after the jury saw a video of him striking another man. Usage Tips: ~ is often used in the passive voice. guilty (adj.) - CORRECT ANSWER responsible for doing something bad Ex: The jury found that the director was ~ of embezzlement. Usage Tips: ~ is often followed by an of phrase that names a crime or bad deed. offense (n.) - CORRECT ANSWER a specific act that breaks the law Ex: Convicted twice of reckless driving, Victor will lose his license if he commits another serious traffic ~. peer (n.) - CORRECT ANSWER a person who is one's social equal; a person of the same age, status, or ability as another specified person Ex: In requiring judgment by "a jury of one's ~+," U.S. law meant to protect lower-class defendants from the possibly biased judgment of upper-class juries. suspect (n.) - CORRECT ANSWER someone who, in the opinion of the police, might have committed a certain crime Ex: The police were investigating the activities of five ~+ in the liquor-store robbery. verdict (n.) - CORRECT ANSWER a judgment in a court case Ex: It took the jury only 30 minutes to reach a ~ of "guilty." Usage Tips: ~ is often the object of the verbs reach or arrive at. witness (v.) - CORRECT ANSWER to see something, especially a crime, happen Ex: After ~+ the car theft, Rodney called the police. apprehend (v.) - CORRECT ANSWER to capture; understand or perceive Ex: The police ~+ the robbery suspect as he tried to get on a bus to Chicago. ascertain (v.) - CORRECT ANSWER to make sure of Ex: The police failed to ~ that the man they arrested was the Gregory Brown they were really looking for. Usage Tips: ~ is often followed by a that clause. bureaucratic (adj.) - CORRECT ANSWER related to a large organization with a lot of complicated procedures Ex: Before I could speak with the chief, I had to go through a ~ run around of identity checks and written requests. Usage Tips: ~ implies that something is inefficient and unnecessarily complicated. condemn (v.) - CORRECT ANSWER to speak out against something in very strong terms; express complete disapproval of Ex: Religious radicals ~+ the government for allowing alcohol to be sold in restaurants. evidence (n.) - CORRECT ANSWER something that makes the truth of a statement seem more likely Ex: The most convincing ~ that Garner robbed the store was a videotape from surveillance cameras. implicate (v.) - CORRECT ANSWER to suggest that someone was involved in a crime or other wrong behavior; convey (a meaning or intention) indirectly through what one says Ex: No group claimed responsibility for the bombing, but the type of explosive used ~+ the Heartland Freedom Militia. Usage Tips: ~ is often followed by in. inquiry (n.) - CORRECT ANSWER an investigation; an act of asking for information Ex: The FBI launched an ~ into the relationship between organized crime and the trucking company. intrusively (adv.) - CORRECT ANSWER in a way that brings an unwanted person or thing into someone else's affairs Ex: The new consultant from company headquarters appeared ~ at meetings, staff parties, and other functions where he was not wanted. seize (v.) - CORRECT ANSWER to take something against its owner's will Ex: Federal agents can ~ private homes and other property possibly used in the production or sale of illegal drugs. surveillance (n.) - CORRECT ANSWER a process of watching something or someone for a long time, usually because the person is suspected of something Ex: Police ~ of one suspected car thief resulted in the arrest of a whole gang of carjackers. Usage Tips: ~ is often followed by an of phrase. analyze (v.) - CORRECT ANSWER to examine something by looking at its parts Ex: Chemists ~+ the white powder and found it to be only a mixture of sugar and salt. assail (v.) - CORRECT ANSWER to attack or criticize forcefully Ex: With DNA evidence from the crime scene, the defense lawyer ~+ the police for falsely arresting his client. contrary (adj.) - CORRECT ANSWER opposite Ex: ~ to most studies, Dr. Ito's work shows the world's climate is not getting warmer. Usage Tips: Common phrases are ~ to and on the ~. hypothesize (v.) - CORRECT ANSWER to make a guess, the correctness of which will eventually be investigated systematically. Ex: Scientists ~ that planets capable of supporting life exist beyond our solar system, but they have not yet seen any. Usage Tips: ~ is often followed by a that clause. impair (v.) - CORRECT ANSWER to make something less effective than usual Ex: The snow ~+ John's ability to hear anyone's footsteps. Usage Tips: The object of ~ is often [someone's] ability to. inference (n.) - CORRECT ANSWER a conclusion drawn from evidence Ex: Inspector Dowd's ~ that Ms. Miller was South African was based on her accent. objectively (adv.) - CORRECT ANSWER based on unbiased standards, not on personal opinion Ex: I don't like Mr. Rowan, but looking ~ at his sales numbers, I saw that he was a very valuable employee. suspicious (adj.) - CORRECT ANSWER believing that something is wrong; acting in a way that makes people believe you have done something wrong Ex: The neighbors became ~ of Jim when he bought a big new car and some fancy clothes. Ex: Jim's ~ purchases made his neighbors think he might be getting money illegally. tolerate (v.) - CORRECT ANSWER to avoid getting upset about something Ex: My math teacher ~+ a lot of talking in her class, but my history teacher tells us to be quiet. versus (prep.) - CORRECT ANSWER against (esp. in sports and legal use) Ex: In the debate, it was pro-war senators ~ antiwar senators. Usage Tips: ~ is often abbreviated as ~+ in sports contexts, or simply ~+ in legal contexts. bribery (n.) - CORRECT ANSWER giving money or other gifts to a government official or other person in authority in order to get special privileges Ex: ~ of police officers is common in countries where police salaries are very low. cynically (adv.) - CORRECT ANSWER disrespectfully; emphasizing the weaknesses of otherwise respected things Ex: Employees of the Roadways Department ~ referred to their boss as "the banker" because he took so many bribes. erode (v.) - CORRECT ANSWER to wear away and become smaller Ex: People's respect for the government ~+ as more officials were arrested for corruption. Usage Tips: ~ can be intransitive (the beach ~+) or transitive (the waves ~+ the beach). evade (v.) - CORRECT ANSWER to get away from something that tries to catch you Ex: The robbery suspects tried to ~ the police by fleeing to Canada. grotesque (adj.) - CORRECT ANSWER extremely unattractive, in a way that catches a lot of attention; comically or repulsively ugly or distorted Ex: Spending $3.5 million to redecorate the governor's house is a ~ misuse of public money. integrity (n.) - CORRECT ANSWER personal honesty and good character Ex: We don't have a problem with our employees stealing from the store because we hire only people with a lot of ~. prevalent (adj.) - CORRECT ANSWER common; easy to find because it exists in great amounts Ex: Distrust of elected officials was ~ in our county because many of them were friends with certain candidates. reform (v.) - CORRECT ANSWER to make big improvements (something, typically a social, political, or economic institution or practice) Ex: The new law was an attempt to ~ the system of giving money to political candidates. scandal (n.) - CORRECT ANSWER a case of wrongdoing that hurts someone's reputation Ex: In the Watergate ~, some of the president's top advisors were revealed to be criminals. unmask (v.) - CORRECT ANSWER reveal; expose something that is hidden Ex: The Forge Trucking Company was eventually ~+ as a front for organized crime. abduction (n.) - CORRECT ANSWER kidnapping; the action or an instance of forcibly taking someone away against their will Ex: Pirates got many crew members by ~, snatching unlucky citizens from seaport towns. coerce (v.) - CORRECT ANSWER to force; to put pressure on someone to do something Ex: A criminal's confession is not usable in court if the police ~ him or her into giving it. detain (v.) - CORRECT ANSWER to prevent someone, for a relatively short time, from going on their way Ex: The police ~+ at least 20 men for questioning, but charged none of them with a crime. deviant (adj.) - CORRECT ANSWER in a style that is not normal and is offensive to many Ex: The artist based his reputation on creating ~ works of art that disgusted most of the public. Usage Tips: ~ always implies a bad opinion of someone or something. distort (v.) - CORRECT ANSWER to twist or misrepresent; to make something seem different from what it really is Ex: If you hold a pencil in a glass of water, the water ~+ the appearance of the pencil. intentionally (adv.) - CORRECT ANSWER on purpose, not by accident Ex: Danny ~ lost his last golf ball because he was tired of playing. piracy (n.) - CORRECT ANSWER stealing a ship or taking the ship's cargo; the unlawful copying of books, CDs, etc. Ex: Modern-day ~ occurs mostly near groups of small, uninhabited islands where pirates can hide. Usage Tips: The software company constantly battled ~. predicament (n.) - CORRECT ANSWER a difficult situation, one that is hard to get out of Ex: College basketball stars face the ~ of wanting to graduate but being tempted by high professional salaries. smuggle (v.) - CORRECT ANSWER to illegally bring things into a country Ex: The pirate Ben Dewar ~+ guns to British and Indian fighters in North America. villainy (n.) - CORRECT ANSWER exceptional badness, as demonstrated by many serious evil deeds Ex: Fred was not a natural criminal, but he learned all kinds of ~ while being jailed for a minor crime. addictive (adj.) - CORRECT ANSWER making someone want it so much that the person feels ill without it Ex: Some drugs, like heroin or methamphetamines, are ~ to almost everyone who tries them. cartel (n.) - CORRECT ANSWER a small group controlling a certain area of business Ex: The world's major oil producers formed a ~ to control the price and supply of petroleum. concentrated (adj.) - CORRECT ANSWER strong because large amounts are in a certain space Ex: ~ lemon juice is very sour, so I mix it with water when I make lemonade. interdict (v.) - CORRECT ANSWER to keep something from reaching a certain place; prohibit or forbid Ex: With faster patrol boats, the Coast Guard can more easily ~ drugs being smuggled by sea. juxtapose (v.) - CORRECT ANSWER place next to one another Ex: If you ~ these two similar flowers, you can see clear differences between them. misconception (n.) - CORRECT ANSWER a mistaken belief; a view or opinion that is incorrect because it is based on faulty thinking or understanding Ex: A common ~ about rabbits is that they are a kind of rodent. modify (v.) - CORRECT ANSWER make small changes in order to get a certain result Ex: People who live in high mountains often ~ their car engines to run well in the thinner air. potent (adj.) - CORRECT ANSWER powerful; having great power, influence, or effect Ex: A very ~ type of marijuana with surprisingly strong effects became available in Burrytown. residual (adj.) - CORRECT ANSWER left behind after most of a thing has gone Ex: In the airplane, agents found ~ traces of heroin. Usage Tips: ~ is often followed by trace, amount, or some other word referring to "quantity." subtly (adv.) - CORRECT ANSWER in a quiet, hard-to-notice way Ex: By ~ changing the soft drink's formula, we improved its taste and made production cheaper. ancestral (adj.) - CORRECT ANSWER relating to family members from earlier generations Ex: Sweden is my ~ homeland, from which my great-grandfather emigrated in 1922. cohesion (n.) - CORRECT ANSWER ability to stay together as a unit Ex: Family ~ is difficult if young people have to go far away to find work. Usage Tips: ~ can also be used to describe forces that keep materials or structures together. descendant (n.) - CORRECT ANSWER a direct relative in a later generation (such as one's son, daughter, or grandchild) Ex: Billy Sobieski claimed to be a ~ of Jan Sobieski, a former king of Poland. Usage Tips: ~ is often followed by an of phrase. inheritance (n.) - CORRECT ANSWER things passed down to you from your ancestors Ex: My ~ from my grandmother included her favorite necklace. kin (n.) - CORRECT ANSWER relatives Ex: Even though my uncle didn't really like me, he was kind to me because we were ~. Usage Tips: A common phrase is next of ~, meaning "closest relative". legitimate (adj.) - CORRECT ANSWER true and respectable; in the context of family, born of a mother and father who were married to each other Ex: You can skip the meeting if you have a ~ reason. Ex: Harcourt had two ~ children with his wife Hannah and one ~+ son with a woman whom he met while traveling. Usage Tips: The opposite of ~ is ~+. paternal (adj.) - CORRECT ANSWER relating to a father Ex: My mother's parents have both died, but my ~ grandparents are still alive. Usage Tips: ~ may appear with ~+, meaning "relating to a mother". proximity (n.) - CORRECT ANSWER nearness Ex: The house was comfortable, except for its ~ to a busy road. Usage Tips: ~ can be followed by an of phrase or a to phrase. sentiment (n.) - CORRECT ANSWER feelings; opinion based on feelings Ex: I share your ~+ about air travel, but I disagree that cars are safer. Usage Tips: ~+ (the plural) is more common than ~. sibling (n.) - CORRECT ANSWER brother or sister Ex: My ~+ and I got together to buy our parents a gift for their anniversary. Usage Tips: ~ is often preceded by a possessive noun or pronoun. affection (n.) - CORRECT ANSWER an emotional closeness or warmth Ex: I show ~ for my girlfriend by spending time with her, not by spending money on her. Usage Tips: ~ is often followed by a for phrase. associate (v.) - CORRECT ANSWER to regularly spend time together Ex: Carol doesn't ~ with people who smoke. Usage Tips: ~ is often followed by a with phrase. bond (n.) - CORRECT ANSWER a close connection Ex: Some researchers say that there is an especially strong emotional ~ between twins. Usage Tips: A between phrase, indicating the things that are connected, often follows ~. clique (n.) - CORRECT ANSWER a small group of friends who are unfriendly to people outside the group Ex: High-schoolers form ~+ to gain security and acceptance. Usage Tips: ~ indicates a negative feeling toward a group. confide (v.) - CORRECT ANSWER to tell very personal things; tell someone about a secret or private matter while trusting them not to repeat it to others Ex: Teenagers are more willing to ~ in a friend than in a parent. Usage Tips: ~ almost always followed by an in phrase. exclusive (adj.) - CORRECT ANSWER keeping out all but a few people Ex: The most ~ universities accept only a small percentage of people who want to attend. Usage Tips: ~ can indicate a positive opinion, but in the context of friendship, it can mean "attached only to one person". fluctuate (v.) - CORRECT ANSWER to change often, from one condition to another Ex: Earth's climate ~+ between warm periods and cold periods. Usage Tips: ~ is usually followed by a between phrase (or by a from ... to structure). in common (adv.) - CORRECT ANSWER as a shared characteristic Ex: Billy and Heather have a lot in ~; basketball, a love of pizza, and an interest in snakes. Usage Tips: ~ very often appears with the verb to have. solidarity (n.) - CORRECT ANSWER standing together despite pressure to move apart Ex: Many student groups declared ~ with the Latino Student Association in their effort to get a Spanish-speaking principal. Usage Tips: ~ is usually used in political contexts. willing (adj.) - CORRECT ANSWER agreeable and ready to do something Ex: Because of their long friendship, Professor Gardner was ~ to say a few words at Jones's birthday celebration. Usage Tips: ~ is almost always followed by a to + verb structure. complex (adj.) - CORRECT ANSWER not simple; involving many parts that work together Ex: A modern car engine is too ~ for most car owners to repair by themselves. despondent (adj.) - CORRECT ANSWER extremely sad and without hope for the future Ex: After his girlfriend left him, Johnson was ~ and wouldn't talk to anyone. devotion (n.) - CORRECT ANSWER a willingness to keep supporting someone you admire Ex: Grant showed great ~ to his wife, supporting her during her long illness. Usage Tips: ~ is often followed by a to phrase. dilemma (n.) - CORRECT ANSWER a difficult choice between two things (equally undesirable ones) Ex: I was caught in a ~ between traveling by airplane and taking a train, which is slower but more comfortable. engender (v.) - CORRECT ANSWER to bring into being; to cause to exist Ex: The government's warnings about terrorism ~+ fear throughout the nation. Usage Tips: ~ is often followed by a noun for an emotion. loyal (adj.) - CORRECT ANSWER faithful; giving or showing firm and constant support or allegiance to a person or institution Ex: Carter was ~ to his girlfriend and would not date anyone else. Usage Tips: ~ is often followed by a to phrase. passion (n.) - CORRECT ANSWER an extremely strong emotion, like love or anger Ex: Debbie complained that there was no ~ in her marriage. proliferation (n.) - CORRECT ANSWER an increase in the number of something and in the number of places it can be found Ex: The ~ of fast-food restaurants has made it harder for Americans to eat healthy lunches. Usage Tips: ~ is very often followed by an of phrase. reciprocity (n.) - CORRECT ANSWER doing as much for another as he or she has done for you; the practice of exchanging things with others for mutual benefit Ex: Dan was giving a lot of attention to Kelly, but he felt no ~ in their relationship. vanish (v.) - CORRECT ANSWER to disappear suddenly Ex: When the sun came out, last night's light snowfall ~+. antipathy (n.) - CORRECT ANSWER a strong, long-lasting negative feeling Ex: My ~ toward telemarketers is so strong that I am often rude to them. Usage Tips: ~ is often followed by a toward phrase. arrogantly (adv.) - CORRECT ANSWER in a way that shows a high opinion of oneself and a low opinion of others Ex: Jenny told us about her party only one day in advance, ~ thinking we had nothing else to do. berate (v.) - CORRECT ANSWER to say insulting and disrespectful things Ex: The teacher lost his job because he cruelly ~+ students who made mistakes. Usage Tips: You can only ~ someone directly, only when he or she can hear you. contemptuous (n.) - CORRECT ANSWER having no respect Ex: Most scientists are ~ of reports that aliens from outer space have landed on the Earth. Usage Tips: A very common structure is be ~ of. despise (v.) - CORRECT ANSWER hate very much Ex: Tom grew to ~ his greedy and unfriendly boss. humiliation (n.) - CORRECT ANSWER an event that causes someone to feel that she or he has lost the respect of others Ex: Losing the chess tournament was a great ~ for Marie, and she never played chess again. obnoxious (adj.) - CORRECT ANSWER bothersome; doing small things that others don't like Ex: My ~ neighbor keeps talking to me while I'm trying to read in my backyard. shame (n.) - CORRECT ANSWER dishonor because one has done something wrong Ex: Feeling deep ~ because of their son's crimes, the Ford family moved to a different town. Usage Tips: ~ is often followed by an of or about phrase. stigmatize (v.) - CORRECT ANSWER to mark with a visible feature that makes other people think, perhaps incorrectly, that someone or something is wrong; describe or regard as worthy of disgrace or great disapproval Ex: Cadbury's beard and tattoos ~+ him as a bad match for Wall Street, so he couldn't find work as a financial analyst. vitriolic (adj.) - CORRECT ANSWER showing an extreme, hateful anger Ex: The mayor's ~ attacks against the city council only made him sound unreasonable. Usage Tips: The origin of ~ is ~+; a strong chemical that could cause painful burns. adolescent (adj.) - CORRECT ANSWER characteristic of a teenager; not fully grown up Ex: In policy meetings, George refuses to reason with anyone and just scowls in an ~ way. cause (n.) - CORRECT ANSWER a political or social goal that one believes is right and works to achieve Ex: Our river cleanup effort would be more effective if someone famous spoke out for the ~. conflict (v.) - CORRECT ANSWER to fit so poorly together that the differences cause a problem Ex: A teenager's need for security can ~ with his desire for independence from his family. delinquency (n.) - CORRECT ANSWER serious misbehavior; not doing what one should do; minor crime, esp. that committed by young people Ex: Because of his laziness and ~, Lefty was an unreliable friend. Usage Tips: A common combination is juvenile ~, meaning "criminal behavior by a teenager." fringe (n.) - CORRECT ANSWER edge; in social contexts, parts of society that look or act very different from most people Ex: Punk music got its start at the ~ of London's rock music culture. Usage Tips: ~ implies an edge that is uneven and not very solid. hedonistic (adj.) - CORRECT ANSWER excessively interested in seeking pleasure Ex: Suddenly wealthy, Allen fell into a ~ life of parties, expensive dinners, and heavy drinking. Usage Tips: ~ usually implies that the pleasures are wrong. hypocritically (adv.) - CORRECT ANSWER in a way that accuses other people of weaknesses that the speaker also possesses Ex: Henry spent $2,500 on a new suit and then ~ accused me of spending too much on clothes. manipulation (n.) - CORRECT ANSWER quietly moving or influencing people or things in order to get what you want Ex: Bob's ~ of the boss's feelings led to his promotion. rebel (v.) - CORRECT ANSWER To go against an established system or authority Ex: The people of Ghurdia ~+ against the dictator and set up a new government. Usage Tips: ~ works well in political contexts and in contexts of personal relationships. status quo (n.) - CORRECT ANSWER the systems and conditions that exist now Ex: Let's just maintain the ~ until we can think of a better way. abstract (adj.) - CORRECT ANSWER not concrete and realistic; not obviously related to every-day experience Ex: ~ painting became popular partly because early photography was very realistic. context (n.) - CORRECT ANSWER a larger environment that something fits into Ex: In the ~ of Soviet Russia, public art had to be about the triumph of communism and its leaders. Usage Tips: The preposition in often comes before ~, and an of phrase often comes after it. depict (v.) - CORRECT ANSWER to show in pictures Ex: Michelangelo's painting on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel ~+ nine scenes from the Bible. dimension (n.) - CORRECT ANSWER a direction or surface along which something can be measured; an aspect Ex: The three ~+ of physical objects are length, width, and depth. Ex: One ~ of the problem is their long history of competition. esthetically (adv.) - CORRECT ANSWER in a way that relates to beauty or appearance Ex: The outside of the office building is ~ pleasing, but the inside is dark and unpleasant. Usage Tips: ~ is often spelled with an "a" at the beginning: a~. intrinsic (adj.) - CORRECT ANSWER being part of the basic nature of something Ex: Frequent elections are ~ to a democratic system. perspective (n.) - CORRECT ANSWER a way of seeing from a particular location; a way of thinking about something Ex: From my ~, the entire town can be seen through a set of large windows. Ex: They held different ~+ on how to care for their aging parents. portrayal (n.) - CORRECT ANSWER a description or drawing that reflects a certain point of view Ex: Most ~+ of Abraham Lincoln emphasize his sense of humor and his honesty. Usage Tips: ~ is often followed by an of phrase to indicate what is being described. realism (n.) - CORRECT ANSWER a technique that tries to picture something as it really looks Ex: ~ was popular among seventeenth-century Flemish painters like Rembrandt van Rijn. spectrum (n.) - CORRECT ANSWER a range of different things, usually colors Ex: Bart's colorful designs include every color of the ~, from deep blue to vibrant red. Usage Tips: The phrase the ~ frequently means "the colors that the human eye can see". advent (n.) - CORRECT ANSWER coming; arrival; the arrival of a notable person, thing, or event Ex: The ~ of the automobile greatly increased the demand for petroleum. Usage Tips: ~ is usually followed by an of phrase. ambiguous (adj.) - CORRECT ANSWER having more than one possible meaning Ex: The sentence It's hard to say is ~, with different meanings in different contexts. connotation (n.) - CORRECT ANSWER a meaning implied, not stated directly Ex: When my boss says, "Thank you", the ~ is that she's done talking and I should leave. decipher (v.) - CORRECT ANSWER to figure out the meaning, even though it is written in a code or an unknown language Ex: The Rosetta Stone helped archaeologists ~ ancient Egyptian writing. Usage Tips: A ~+ is a code or puzzle; ~ means "solve a puzzle written in code." denote (v.) - CORRECT ANSWER to mean something clearly and directly Ex: An "X" next to a name on this list ~+ a person who has been chosen for the soccer team. illiterate (adj.) - CORRECT ANSWER unable to read Ex: In many villages nearly everyone was ~ and unschooled, and the few who could read held great power. ingenious (adj.) - CORRECT ANSWER very clever and imaginative Ex: Ann thought up an ~ way to keep other people from accidentally taking her pens. inscription (n.) - CORRECT ANSWER something written into a piece of rock or metal Ex: The ~ on my ring says "August 1," because that was the day of our wedding. phonetic (adj.) - CORRECT ANSWER related to the sounds in a language Ex: Children learning to write often make up ~ spellings, based on the way a word sounds. symbolic (adj.) - CORRECT ANSWER acting as a sign for some other thing or idea Ex: Since the 1970s, yellow ribbons have been ~ of hope that someone will return from a dangerous situation. Usage Tips: ~ is often followed by an of phrase indicating the meaning of a ~+. amateurish (adj.) - CORRECT ANSWER not good enough to be the work of professionals Ex: Whoever painted this room did an ~ job, with all sorts of uneven edges. cast (n.) - CORRECT ANSWER the group of actors in a play, movie, television show, etc. Ex: Some viewers mistakenly start thinking that a TV show's ~ members are really the characters they play. Usage Tips: In U.S. English, ~ is singular. In some other varieties of English it is plural. charismatic (adj.) - CORRECT ANSWER extremely attractive and charming Ex: Because of the sparkle in his eye and his confident style, John F. Kennedy was a ~ leader. gala (adj.) - CORRECT ANSWER expensive, elaborately arranged, and full of celebration Ex: A college graduation party should be a ~ affair, not a backyard barbecue. Usage Tips: ~ is somewhat old-fashioned, far more common in print than in speech. hilarious (adj.) - CORRECT ANSWER very funny Ex: In my opinion, the most ~ character on television was Basil Fawlty. improvisation (n.) - CORRECT ANSWER inventing a solution to an unexpected problem Ex: Boy Scouts take pride in their ~ when faced with trouble during a camping trip. incompetent (adj.) - CORRECT ANSWER unskilled; lacking the ability to perform a task Ex: Because we hired an ~ builder to replace our roof, we now have leaks everywhere. Usage Tips: Usually, ~ implies that someone tries to do something but fails. medium (n.) - CORRECT ANSWER a channel or way for a meaning to be expressed Ex: Watercolor art is often considered childish, but some artists have achieved great things working in that ~. Usage Tips: The plural of ~ is ~+. skit (n.) - CORRECT ANSWER a short, informal play Ex: Marnie and Chris spent a long time practicing their ~ for the school show. zeal (n.) - CORRECT ANSWER enthusiasm; a deep determination to do well Ex: Unfortunately, Tom's ~ to become a rock star distracted him from his studies. Usage Tips: ~ is often followed by to plus a verb or by a for phrase. bulk (n.) - CORRECT ANSWER largeness and a heavy appearance Ex: The ~ of Kevin's athletic body was too great for one small chair, so he sat on a bench. capricious (adj.) - CORRECT ANSWER moving unpredictably from one thing to another Ex: Your college studies will go on too long if you make ~ jumps from one major to another. Usage Tips: ~ comes from a Latin word meaning "goat"and implies a motion like the jumping of a goat. cumbersome (adj.) - CORRECT ANSWER difficult to wear or carry because of weight or shape Ex: To make it to the top of the mountain before dark, the hikers dumped their ~ tent. exotic (adj.) - CORRECT ANSWER interesting or unusual because of coming from a faraway place Ex: I walked into the restaurant and smelled the ~ aromas of Malaysian spices. inhibit (v.) - CORRECT ANSWER to discourage or to slow down Ex: This lotion will ~ the itching caused by mosquito bites. minimum (n.) - CORRECT ANSWER the smallest possible amount or level Ex: The ~ for being accepted to Cavill University is a score of 60 on the test. striking (adj.) - CORRECT ANSWER very noticeable; easily attracting attention Ex: Gordon had a ~ new attitude after he learned self-discipline at the army academy. Usage Tips: ~ comes from a verb that means "to hit". trend (n.) - CORRECT ANSWER a movement in one direction or a widespread change in fashion Ex: The ~ among some young men is to wear their caps with the bill off to one side. vanity (n.) - CORRECT ANSWER an excessive concern for one's appearance; excessive pride in or admiration of one's own appearance or achievements Ex: Mark's ~ led him to spend far too much money on haircuts and new clothes. vulnerable (adj.) - CORRECT ANSWER exposed to possible harm Ex: Babies and very old people are especially ~ to the new disease. Usage Tips: ~ is often followed by a to phrase." [Show More]
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