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abate
to lessen to subsideto become less strong; to make something less strong
The storm showed no signs of abating.They waited for the crowd's fury to
abate. abate somethingSteps are to be taken to abate pollution.
abdication
giving up control authority
to give up the position of being king or queen. He abdicated in favour of hisson. abdicate somethingShe was forced to abdicate the throne of Spain.
abdicate responsibility/your responsibilitiesto fail or refuse to perform a
duty.abdication
aberration
straying away from what is normala fact, an action or a way of behaving that is not usual, and that may beunacceptablea temporary aberration of his exhausted mind.A childless woman wasregarded as an aberration, almost a social outcast.
abet
help/encourage smb (in doing wrong)
abetting, abetted
abet somebodyto help or encourage somebody to do something wrong. He
was abetted in the deception by his wife.
abeyance
suspended action
in abeyancenot being used, or being stopped for a period of time. egal proceedings arein abeyance, while further en!uiries are made.
abhor
to hate to detest
abhorring, abhorred
(not used in the progressive tenses) abhor something(FORMAL) to hatesomething, for example a way of behaving or thinking, especially for moralreasons
"She abhors cats""The problem with Establishment Republicans is they abhor the unseemlinessof a political brawl"
Synonym
DETEST, LOATHE
abide be faithful to endure
abided, abided
Helpn sense ! abodeis also used for the past tense and past participle.
1"TRANSITIVE# can't/couldn't abide somebody/somethingto dislikesomebody/something so much that you hate having to be with or deal withthem
Synonym: BEA, STA!D" can't abide people with no sense of humour. Hecouldn't abide the thought of being cooped up in an office.""INTRANSITIVE# +
adverb/preposition(OLDUSEor FORMAL) to stay or live in a place. #ay $oy andpeace abide in us all.
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With her gracefu !e"#ie$ a%# e&"cati&e 'ric$( &ie%%a ha$
gar%ere# critica acclaima%# a ra)i#' gr"*i%g egi"% "f fa%$
thr"ugh"ut the *"r#+
Acclaimat fe$ti&a$ a%# "ther e&e%t$ thr"ugh"ut the c"u%tr'+
The critica acclaimf"r f"r$ter ha$ #i))e# #uri%g the a$t #eca#e+
Acclaim$u%#a%ce $ %e* $erie$ #e)e%#e%t u)"% the+ Hi$ ,--. fi! t"uchi%g the &"i# ear%e# *"r#*i#e acclaimf"r it$
gri))i%g true acc"u%t "f t*" ci!/er$ 0 )eri"u$ 1"ur%e' i% the
)eru&ia% a%#e$+
It a$" $ig%ae# the )"i%t at *hich the /a%# *a$ at it$ /e$t a%#
fee#i%g "ff the !a$$i&e au#ie%ce acclaim+
Acclaimfr"! critic$ acr"$$ the g"/e+
M"/' *"% g"/a acclaima$t 'ear f"r hi$ a/u! )a'+
I% the t"/acc" fact"r'( /ri$t" ha$ a% i%ti!ate( e%gagi%g
)erf"r!a%ce $)ace( *hich #e$er&e$ the %ati"%a acclaimit ha$
recei&e#+
The fi! a$" ")e%e# t" ra)tur"u$ acclaimi% a!erica( earier thi$'ear+
2"ur )er$"%a c"!!it!e%t t" the !eeti%g the chae%ge$ i% africa
ha&e ear%e# *i#e$)rea# acclaim+
accolade
praise approvalpraise or an award for an achievement that people admirespecial acknowledgment; an award
A% acc"a#e i$ $"!ethi%g gi&e% t" a )er$"% i% "r#er t" )rai$e "r
rec"g%i3e the )er$"% "r hi$ acc"!)i$h!e%t+
The %e* '"r4 a*ar#$ are the !e#ia i%#u$tr'0$ highe$t accolade+
Accoladei% the i%#u$tr'+ Accolade$ fr"! critic$ a%# au#ie%ce$ ai4e+
Accolade$ f"r /u$i%e$$ $ucce$$
accretion the growing of separate things into one1a layer of a substance that is slowly added to something"the process of new layers being slowly added to something . the accretionof sand by wind action.
Accreti"% refer$ t" a% e5te%$i"% "r a##iti"% "f e%gth "r "&era $i3e+6%"u%7
A% e5a!)e "f a% accreti"% i$ *he% a high*a' i$ e%gthe%e#+
Accreti"% i$ the )art "f $"!ethi%g that ha$ /ee% a##e#+ 6%"u%7
A% e5a!)e "f a% accreti"% i$ the garage $"!e"%e !a' /ui# "% hi$
h"!e+
Accreti"% i$ the $tate "f ha&i%g g"%e thr"ugh e5te%$i"% "r a##iti"% "f
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e%gth "r "&era $i3e+ 6%"u%7
A% e5a!)e "f accreti"% i$ a e5tra )art "f a fair' tae a##e# "&er !a%'
'ear$ "f re8tei%g+
It ha$ /ee% $ugge$te# that *here there i$ "* $e#i!e%t $u))'!a%gr"&e accretion!a' %"t /e a/e t" 4ee) )ace *ith )r"1ecte#
$ea8e&e ri$e$+
C""%i3ati"% i%#uce# ra)i# accretionrai$i%g the !ar$h $urface
/' u) t" 9+;! a%# c"&eri%g a !a5i!u! area "f +
accrue
%ccumulate
1"INTRANSITIVE# to increase over a period of time"nterest will accrue if you
keep your money in a savings account.accrue (to somebody) (from
something)economic benefits accruing to the country from tourism"
"TRANSITIVE# accrue somethingto allow a sum of money or debts to grow overa period of time
Synonym
A&&%(%LATEThe firm had accrued debts of over (m.
Accrualthe accrual of interest
I a!( h"*e&er( $ti )a'i%g "ff #e/t$ accrue# #uri%g the !arriage+
adamant
kind of stone inflexibledetermined not to change your mind or to be persuaded about something
)va was adamant that she would not come.
Adamantly
His family were adamantly opposed to the marriage T"%' /air re!ai%$ adamantthat *e *i %"t cha%ge the *a' *e
i&e+
The #"ct"r$ ha# /ee% a/$"ute' adamantthat $he *a$%0t g"i%g
t" get /etter+
?i ha# a$" $ee!e# )rett' adamanthe *a$%0t i% "&e *ith her+
admonitory containing warning
admonitiona warning to somebody about their behaviour
To &illiam he had written a letter full of the gravest admonitions, urging him
to think carefully about what he was committing himself to.
Behi%# the $ter% admonition$ $t""# a $a# tragic figure+
We $h"u# hee# thi$ admonitiona$ /eari%g #irect' "% "ur "*%
re$)"%$i/iit'+
But if he /e %egige%t( a%# caree$$ i% teachi%g the!( et hi! /e
#e)"$e# fr"! hi$ "ffice( after the thir# admonition+
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AdmonitoryThe sergeant lifted an admonitory finger at us.
Admonitoryetter t" the arch/i$h") "f ca%ter/ur'+
adorn
add beauty decorateto make something/somebody look more attractive by decorating it or them
with somethingadorn something/somebody*old rings adorned his fingers.(IRONIC) *raffiti
adorned the walls.adorn something/somebody/yourself with something
The walls were adorned with paintings. The children adorned themselves with
flowers.Adornment)A plain necklace was her only adornment.
adulteration
making unpure poorer in quality
adulterate something (with something)to make food or drink less pure by
adding another substance to it
Synonym
&O!TA(!ATEThe water supply had been adulterated with chemicals from the
soil.$ee a$"%!AD%LTEATED adulteration
affable
polite and friendlypleasant, friendly and easy to talk to
Synonym*E!AL
A++ability, a++ably
affinity
close connection relationship
1"SINGULAR# affinity (for/with somebody/something)& affinity (between A
and B)a strong feeling that you understand somebody/something and likethem or it
Synonym:A##OT Sam was born in the country and had a deep affinity with
nature. Humans have a special affinity for dolphins." affinity (with somebody/something)& affinity (between A and B)a closerelationship between two people or things that have similar qualities,structures or features. There is a close affinity between "talian and Spanish.
aggravate
make worse irritate
1aggra&ate $"!ethi%g t" !a4e a% i%e$$ "r a /a# "r u%)ea$a%t$ituati"% *"r$e
Synonym: *"r$e% @"uti"% ca% aggra&ate a$th!a+Miitar' i%ter&e%ti"%
*i "%' aggra&ate the c"%fict e&e% further+
!aggra&ate $"!e/"#' 6i%f"r!a7 t" a%%"' $"!e/"#'( e$)ecia'
#ei/erate'
Synonym: irritateAggravating"aggravating circumstances/factorsHer constantinterruptions were very aggravating.Aggra$ation)" don't need all this aggravation at work.The drug may cause an aggravationof the condition.
agile active quick'moving
1able to move quickly and easily
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Synonym: !(BLE a strong and agile athlete
"able to think quickly and in an intelligent way an agile mind/brainAgility) He had the agility of a man half his age.
agog
eager/excitedexcited and very interested to find out something
&e were all agog with curiosity.A% e5a!)e "f the *"r# ag"g *"u# /e t" #e$cri/e the a%tici)ati"% "f a
%e* father *hie the !"ther i$ i% a/"r+
Agogt" hear a/"ut the *e##i%g+
?u$t a !"+++ the ta figure $u##e%' !ateriai3e# at") the )ia%"
a$ )e")e $at agogi% their $eat$+
ail
trouble be ill
1ail something(FORMAL) to cause problems for somebody/something.They discussed the problems ailing the steel industry.
"ail somebody(OLDUSE) to make somebody ill/sick. &hat is ailing you+
alacrity
eager and cheerful readinessgreat -illingness or enthusiasmThey accepted the offer with alacrity.
S"!e"%e uic4' a%# cheerfu' acce)ti%g a% i%&itati"% t" a *e##i%g i$
a% e5a!)e "f a )er$"% acti%g *ith aacrit'+
A $ti /igger $ur)ri$e i$ that a reati&e' $!a ,+ iter #ie$e
e%gi%e ca% )u$h $uch a arge car a"%g *ith $uch alacrity+
A%# the% a %u!/er "f /ri$4 '"u%g !e% /ega% *ith re!ar4a/e
alacrityt" ti#' u) the g""#$ that re!ai%e# #i$tur/e#+
alcove
recess/partially enclosed placean area in a room that is formed by part of a wall being built farther backthan the rest of the wallThe bookcase fits neatly into the alcove.
A% ac"&e i$ a $!a rece$$e# $ecti"% i% a r""! $uch a$ a %""4
A% e5a!)e "f a% ac"&e *"u# /e a $!a area i% a re$taura%t( "%'
)artia' e%c"$e#( i%te%#e# f"r )ri&ate #i%i%g f"r a c"u)e "r $!a
gr"u)+
A curtai%e# alcove*hich c"%cea$ a t*i% /e#r""! i$ $ituate#here+
F"r $tarter$ there0$ the c"3' alcovei% the !ai% /ar that $eat$ a
!a5i!u! "f te%+
ale fermented alcoholic beverage similar to but heavier than beer
aleck one who considers himself smarter than others
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a person who behaves as if they know everything and likes to show people
this in an annoying way
allegiance
duty support loyaltya persons continued support for a political party, religion, ruler, etctoswitch/transfer/change allegiancean oath/a vow/a statement of
allegiance . eople of various party allegiances $oined thecampaign.allegiance (to somebody/something)topledge/swearallegiance. He affirmed his allegiance to the president.
Aegia%ce !ea%$ gi&i%g a )r"!i$e t" /e "'a "r the acti"% "f actua'
/ei%g "'a a%# "% $"!e"%e0$ $i#e+ 6%"u%7
9+ S*eari%g that '"u *i f""* the a*$ "f a c"u%tr' i$ a% e5a!)e
"f gi&i%g aegia%ce+
,+ A*a'$ #efe%#i%g '"ur frie%# a%# ""4i%g "ut f"r hi$ /e$t
i%tere$t$ i$ a% e5a!)e "f aegia%ce t" '"ur frie%#+
alleviate
make (pain) easier to bear
alleviate somethingto make something less severe
Synonym: EASEto alleviate suffering . A number of measures were taken toalleviate the problem.
Alle$iation) the alleviation of poverty
Ae&iate i$ t" !a4e $"!ethi%g ea$ier t" #ea *ith "r e%#ure+ 6&er/7
A% e5a!)e "f ae&iate i$ t" ta4e )ai% 4ier$ t" ea$e the te%$i"% "f a
hea#ache+
Higher ec"%"!ic gr"*th *ithi% the eu c"u# he) t" )artia'
alleviatethe )e%$i"%$ )r"/e!+
The$e t*" )r"/e!$ ca% /e $u/$ta%tia' alleviate# /' a%
i%tegrate# a%a'$i$ !eth"#+
alloyto debase by mixing with something inferiora metal that is formed by mixing two types of metal together, or by mixingmetal with another substance-rass is an alloy of copper and inc.alloy steel
aloof
reserved indifferentnot friendly or interested in other people
Synonym: DSTA!T, E(OTEHe was a cold man, aloof and distant.
She stayed aloof while the argument went on around her.
Aloo+ness) Her cool aloofness was seen as arrogance by some people.
amalgamate
mix combine unite societies
amalgamate (something) (with/into something)"
1if two organiations amalgamateor are amalgamated, they $ointogether to form one large organiation
Synonym: (E*EA number of colleges have amalgamated to form the newuniversity.
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amalgamate with/into something*The company has now amalgamated withanother local firm.
amalgamate something"They decided to amalgamate the two schools.
amalgamate something with/into somethingThe two companies wereamalgamated into one.
"amalgamate something (into/with something)to put two or more thingstogether so that they form one+
Synonym: (E*E This information will be amalgamated with informationobtained earlier.
amalgamation* the amalgamation of small farms into larger units.
ambidextrous able to use the left hand or the right equally well
ambiguous
doubtful uncertain
1that can be understood in more than one way; having different meanings
an ambiguous word/term/statement Her account was deliberately
ambiguous.
"not clearly stated or defined. His role has always been ambiguous.#pposite:%!A(B*%O%S
ambiguously: an ambiguously worded agreement
It #"e$ $ee! rather ambiguoust" $a' it i$ /ei%g $)e%t "% 0 )atie%t
care 0 +
Fir$t'( there are a %u!/er "f $)ecific i$$ue$ eft $"!e*hat
ambiguousi% the #"cu!e%t+
ambivalent
having both of two contrary meanings
ambivalent (about/towards somebody/something)having or showing both
good and bad feelings about somebody/something. She seems to feel
ambivalent about her new $ob. He has an ambivalent attitude towards her.
Ambi$alence) ambivalence (about/towards somebody/something)There
was ambivalence among church members about women becoming priests.
#any people feel some ambivalence towards television and its effect on our
lives.
ambi$alently
ambrosial
extremely pleasing to taste
A!/r"$ia refer$ t" a%' f""# "r ar"!a that i$ re!ar4a/' )ea$a%t t"
ta$te "r $!e "f "r fit f"r the g"#$ #i&i%e
Ambrosial#e*+
Ambrosialf""# that fructifie$ the $"u( the !i%#( the heart+
ameliorate improve make better
ameliorate something(FORMAL) to make something better. Steps have been
taken to ameliorate the situation. Amelioration
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approbation approval
apropos appropriate to the situation apt
apt well'suited quick'witted
arabesque a complex ornate design
arboreal of connected with trees
ardor enthusiasm
arduous steep difficult ascent laborious
argot $argon slang
arrant in the highest degree
arrogance proud superior manner of behaviour
articulate speak distinctly connect by $oints
ascend go or come up
ascertain get to know
ascetic practicing self'denial austere stark
ascribe consider to be the origin of or belonging to
aseptic surgically clean
asperity roughness harshness ill temper irritability
aspersion slander
assail with attack violently
assiduous diligent hard'working sedulous
assuage make something (pain desire) less
asterisk the mark + (e.g.. omitted letters)
astringent substance that shrinks
astute clever quick at seeing to get an advantage
atonement repayment death of esus
attenuate make thin. weaken enervate
attune bring into harmony
audacious daring foolishly bold impudent
augury omen sign
august ma$estic venerable
auspicious favorable successful prosperous
austere severely moral and strict simple and plain
auxiliary helping supporting
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aver affirm assert prove $ustify
aversion strong dislike
avid eager greedy
avow admit. -eclare openly
baleful harmful ominous causing evil
balk obstacle purposely to get on the way of
baneful causing harm or ruin pernicious destructive
barrage artificial obstacle built across a river
barren not good enough unable to have young ones without value
bask in en$oy warmth and light
beatify to bless make happy or ascribe a virtue to
bedien to adorn especially in a cheap showy manner
belabor beat hard
bellicose belligerent pugnacious warlike
belligerent (person nation) waging war
benefactor person who has given help
benevolence wish or activity in doing good
benign kind and gentle mild (climate)
bequest arrangement to give something at death
berate scold sharply
bereft rob or dispossess of something (material)
bewilder pule confuse
bigot stubborn narrow'minded person
bilge bulge the protuberance of a cask
blandishment flattery coaxing
blandness polite manner comforting uninteresting
blatant noisy and rough
blithe cheerful casual carefree
bogus sham counterfeit not genuine
boisterous loud noisy rough lacking restraint
bolster give greatly needed support
boorish crude offensive rude
brash hasty rush cheeky saucy
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brass yellow metal (mixing copper and inc)
braen made of brass
breach opening broken place breaking
brittle easily broken
broach bring up announce begin to talk about
brook to tolerate endure
buoyant able to float light'hearted
burgeon grow forth send out buds
burnish to polish rub to a shine
cabal a scheme or plot a group of plotters
cadge to beg to get by begging
ca$ole use flattery or deceit to persuade
calipers metal supports attached to the legs measuring instrument
calumny slander aspersion
candid frank straight'forward
cant insincere talk/$argon
cantankerous bad'tempered/quarrelsome
canvass discuss thoroughly sort of touting
castigate to chastise correct by punishing
castigation severe punishment
catalyst substance that causes speeding up
caustic biting sarcastic
cavalcade a possession
censure expression of blame or disapproval a rebuke
centurion leader of a unit of soldiers
chary cautious wary
chastened corrected punished
chastisement punishment
chauvinist a blindly devoted patriot
chicanery legal trickery/false argument
chisel steel tool for shaping materials
churl bad'tempered person
clamor shout complain with a lot of noise
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clientele customers
clinch come to grips/settle conclusively
cling to resist separation
clot half'solid lump formed from liquid
cloture closing device (in 0arliament) to end a debate by voting
coagulation change to a thick and solid state
coalescing coming together and uniting into one substance
coax get smb to do something by kindness
coda passage that completes a piece of music
coddle treat with care and tenderness
coerce compel to force to make obedient
coeval of the same period coexisting
cogent strong convincing
cogitate think deeply mediate
cogniant being fully aware of
cohort a group or band of people
colander bowl'shaped vessel with many holes used to drain off water
collusion secret agreement for a deceitful purpose
combustion process of burning
commemorate keep the memory of
commodious having plenty of space for what is needed
commuter person who travels regularly
complaisance tending to comply obliging willingness to please
compunction feeling of regret for ones action
conceal hide keep secret
conceit over'high opinion of too much pride
conciliatory reconciling soothing comforting mollifying
concord agreement or harmony
concur agree in opinion happen together
condense increase in density strength make laconic
1onduce 2o bring about
condone forgive
congeal make or become stiff and solid
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con$oin to $oin together
connoisseur a person with good $udgement (e.g.. in art)
connotation suggestion in addition to
consequential pompous self important
console give comfort or sympathy to
conspicuous easily seen remarkable
consternation surprise and fear dismay
constrain compel
constrict make tight or smaller
consume get to the end of
consummate perfect/make perfect/complete
contemn to scorn or despise
contentious argumentative pugnacious combative quarrelsome
contiguous touching neighboring near
contrite filled with deep sorrow for wrongdoing
contumacious insubordinate rebellious
conundrum a riddle dilemma enigma
conviction convincing firm belief
convoke call together summon
convoluted complicated coiled twisted
cordial warm and sincere
cordon line (of police acting as a guard)
cornucopia abundant supply
corporeal physical of or for the body
correlate have a mutual relation
corroboration additional strengthening evidence
countenance to favor or approve of
counterfeit forgery
countervail counterbalance
covert disguised
covetous eagerly desirous
cower crouch shrink back
coy shy/modest (esp of a girl)
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deprecate protest against express disapproval of
dereliction deserting and leaving to fall into ruins
derision ridicule mockery deriding
derivative unoriginal obtained from another source
derogatory insulting tending to damage
descry catch sight of see something in the distance
desiccant substance used to absorb moisture
desuetude cessation of use disuse
desultory aimless haphaard digressing at random
deter discourage hinder
detraction slandering verbal attack aspersion
detumescence diminishing or lessening of swelling
deviance being different in moral standards (from normal)
dexterity skill (esp. in handling)
diaphanous transparent gauy
diatribe bitter and violent attack in words
didactic intended to instruct
diffidence shyness
dilate speak comprehensively become wider large
disallow refuse to allow or accept as a correct
discern see with an effort but clearly
discomfit confuse embarrass
disconcert upset the self'possession of
discountenance refuse to approve of
discourse speech lecture
discredit refuse to believe
discreet careful/prudent
discrete individually distinct
disdain look on with contempt
disencumber free from encumbrance
disheveled untidy
disingenuous sophisticated artful trying to deceive cunning
disinter dig up from the earth
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dislodge move force from the place occupied
dismal sad gloomy miserable
disparate essentially different
disproof proof to the contrary
dissemble speak or behave so as to hide something (in mind)
disseminate distribute (esp. ideas)
dissent have a different opinion refuse to assent
dissolution disintegration looseness in morals
distraught distracted violently upset in mind
divergence getting farther apart from a point
divestiture taking off getting rid of giving up
divulge make known something secret
doggerel trivial poorly constructed verse
dogmatic positive certain arbitrary without room for discussion
dolt stupid fellow
dormant in a state of inactivity but awaiting development
dote show much fondness center ones attention
drawl slow way of speaking
droll $esting
drone male bee person who isnt self'employed
drowsiness feeling sleepy half asleep
dubious feeling doubt
dud no use person something that fails
dulcet melodious harmonious
dupe cheat make a fool of
duplicity deliberate deception
duress threats to compel smb
dwarf person or smb much below the usual sie
dynamo a generator something that produces electric current
earthenware dishes made of baked clay
ebullience exuberance outburst of feeling
ebullient overflowing with enthusiasm showing excitement
ecumenical representing the whole 1hristian world
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ensign flag/badge
entangle put into difficulties
enthral please greatly/enslave (fig)
entice tempt or persuade
entreat ask earnestly
enunciate pronounce (words)/express a theory
enyme catalyst
epicurean devoted to pleasure (sensuous en$oyment)
epistle letter
epithet ad$ective
epitome brief summary representative example a typical model
equable steady regular
equanimity calmness of temperament
equilibrium state of being balanced
equipoise equal distribution of weight equilibrium
equivocal having a double or doubtful meaning suspicious
equivocate try to deceive by equivocal language
eradicate get rid of pull up by the roots
erratic irregular in behaviour or opinion
erudite learned scholarly
eschew avoid
esoteric abstruse intended only for a small circle of
espouse marry give ones support to
eulogy formal praise panegyric
euphoria elation state of pleasant excitement
euthanasia easy and painless death
evasive tending to evade
evince to show clearly to indicate
evoke call up bring out
excoriation severe criticism
exculpate to clear from a charge of guilt
exhaustive complete thorough
exigency emergency an urgent situation
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exoneration set smb clear free (e.g.. from blame)
exorbitant much too high or great
expatiate to roam wander freely
expedient likely to be useful for a purpose
expiation ending expiring
exploit brilliant achievement develop use selfishly
expostulate argue earnestly to dissuade correct or protest
expurgate to remove obscenity purify censor
exscind to cut out cut away
extant still in existence
extempore without previous thought or preparation
extenuate reduce the strength of lessen seriousness partially excuse
extinct no longer active
extinguish end the existence of/wipe or put out
extirpate to destroy exterminate cut out exscind
extol praise highly
extort obtain by threats violence
extralegal outside the law
extricable that can be freed
extrovert cheerful person
exuberance state of growing vigorously being full of life
facetious humorous funny $ocular
facile easily done
fagged too tired, exhausted
fallacious based on error
falter waver/move in an uncertain manner
fatuous without sense foolish self'satisfaction
fawn young deer try to win smbs favor
feckless lacking purpose or vitality ineffective careless
fecund fertile
feint pretend
felicitous apt suitably expressed well chosen apropos
felon person guilty of murder
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ferment substance become excited
ferocity savage cruelty
ferret discover by searching search
fervid showing earnest feeling
fervor warmth of feelings earnestness
fetid stinking
fetter to shackle put in chains
feud bitter quarrel over a long period of time
fidelity loyalty accuracy
fidget move restlessly make nervous
figurehead carved image on the prow of a ship
finesse delicate way of dealing with a situation
finical too fussy about food clothing etc.
finicky finical
fission splitting or division (esp. of cells)
fixate stare at
flak criticism/anti'aircraft guns
flamboyant brightly colored florid
flaunting show off complacently
flax pale yellow (hair) a plant
fledged able to fly trained experienced
fleet number of ships quick'moving
flinch draw move back wince
floe a sheet of floating ice
flop fail/move/fall clumsily
florid very much ornamented naturally red (e.g.. of face)
flout re$ect mock to go against (as in going against tradition)
fluke lucky stroke
fluster make nervous or confused
foible defect of character (a person is wrongly proud)
foil prevent from carrying out contrast
foment put something warm (to lessen the pain)
foolproof incapable of failure or error
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foppish like a man who pays too much attention to his clothes
forage food for horses and cattle
forbear refrain from be patient ancestor
forbearance patience willingness to wait
ford shallow place in a river (to cross)
forestall prevent by taking action in advance preempt
forfeit suffer the loss of something
forge workshop for the shaping of metal to shape metal lead
forgery counterfeit
forswear renounce disallow repudiate
foster nurture care for
fracas noisy quarrel
fragile easily in$ured broken or destroyed
fragrant sweet'smelling
frantic wildly excited with $oy pain anxiety
frenetic frantic frenied
fret worry irritation wear away
fringe edge ornamental border part of hair over the forehead
froward intractable not willing to yield or comply stubborn
frugal careful economical
fulmination bitter protest
fulsome disgusting offensive due to excessiveness
gainsay to deny to oppose
garble make unfair selection from facts
garner to gather and save to store up
garrulity talkativeness
garrulous too talkative
gaucherie socially awkward tactless behavior
germane relevant pertinent to
gist the point general sense
glean gather facts in small quantities
glib ready and smooth but not sincere
glimmer weak/unsteady light
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gloat over look at with selfish delight
glut supply to much fill to excess
gnaw waste away bite steadily
goad something urging a person to action
gorge eat greedily/narrow opening with a stream
gossamer soft light delicate material
gouge tool for cutting grooves in wood
gourmand a person who is devoted to eating and drinking to excess
grandiloquent using pompous words
grave serious requiring consideration
grae touch or scrape lightly in passing
gregarious living in societies liking the company
grievous causing grief or pain serious dire grave
grovel crawl humble oneself
guile deceit cunning
gullible easily gulled
gush burst out suddenly/talk ardently
gust outburst of feeling sudden rain wind fire etc.
hack cut roughly hired horse
halcyon calm and peaceful
hallow to make holy consecrate
harangue a long passionate speech
harbinger something or smb that foretells the coming of
harrow to distress create stress or torment
haughty arrogant conceited
heed attention/give notice to
heinous odious (of crime)
heresy belief contrary to what is generally accepted
hermetic sealed by fusion
heterogeneous made up of different kinds
hew make by hard work cut (by striking)
highbrow (person) with superior tastes
hirsute hairy shaggy
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hoax mischievous trick played on smb for a $oke
hoi polloi the masses the rabble
hollow not soled with hole
holster leather case for a pistol
homiletics act of preaching
hone stone used for sharpening tools
hoodwink trick mislead
hospitable liking to give hospitality
hubris arrogant pride
hush make or become silent
husk worthless outside part of anything
hypocrisy falsely making oneself appear to be good
iconoclast person who attacks popular beliefs
idiosyncrasy personal mannerism
idolatry excessive admiration of
idyll a carefree episode or experience
ignoble dishonorable common undignified
ignominious shameful dishonorable undignified disgraceful
illicit unlawful forbidden
imbroglio complicated and embarrassing situation
immaculate pure faultless
imminent likely to come or happen soon
immutable that cannot be changed
impair worsen diminish in value
impassive unmoved feeling no sign of passion
impecunious having little or no money
impede hinder get in the way of
impediment something that hinders (e.g. stammer)
impending imminent being about to happen expected
imperative urgent essential
imperious commanding haughty arrogant
impermeable that cannot be permeated
imperturbable calm not capable of being excited
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impervious not allowing to pass through (of materials)
imperviousness haughty arrogant commanding
impetuous having sudden energy impulsive thrusting ahead forceful
impiety lack of reverence or dutifulness
implacable incapable of being placated unpleasable
implicate show that smb has a share
implicit implied though not plainly expressed
implosion collapse bursting inward
importune beg urgently solicit (of a prostitute)
imprecation an invocation of evil a curse
impromptu without preparation
impudent rash indiscreet
impugned challenged to be doubted
impute to attribute to a cause or source ascribe
inadvertent not paying proper attention
inane silly senseless
inasmuch since because
incense make angry
incessant often repeated continual
inchoate not yet fully formed rudimentary elementary
incipient beginning
incise engrave make a cut in
incite stir up rouse
inclined directing the mind in a certain direction
incongruous out of place not in harmony or agreement
incorrigibility cannot be cured or corrected
incredulous skeptical unwilling to believe
inculcate fix firmly by repetition
incumbents official duties
incursion a raid a sudden attack
indefatigability not easily exhaustible tirelessness
indelible that cannot be rubbed out
indigence poverty
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indigenous native
indistinct not easily heard seen clearly marked
indolence lainess
indomitable not easily discouraged or subdued
indulge gratify give way to satisfy allow oneself
indulgent inclined to indulge
ineffable to great to be described in words
ineluctable certain inevitable
inept unskillful said or done at the wrong time
ineptitude quality of being unskillful
inferno hell
infuriate fill with fury or rage
infuse put pour fill
ingenuous naive young artless frank honest sincere
ingest take in by swallowing
inimical harmful or friendly
inimitable defying imitation unmatchable
innocuous causing no harm
inscrutable incapable of being discovered or understood
insensible unconscious unresponsive unaffected
insinuate suggest unpleasantly make a way for something gently
insipid without taste or flavor
insouciant unconcerned carefree
insularity narrow'mindedness isolated
insurrection rising of people to open resistance to
interdict prohibit forbid
interim as an installment
intersperse place here and there
intransigence unwillingness to compromise stubbornness intractability
intransigent uncompromising
intrepid fearless brave undaunted
introspection examining ones own thoughts and feelings
inundate flood cover by overflowing
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inured accustomed to adapted
invective abusive language curses
inveigh to attack verbally denounce deprecate
inveterate deep'rooted. long'established
invincible too strong to be defeated
involute complex
irascible irritable easily angered
irate angry
ire anger
irksome tiresome
irresolute hesitating undecided
irrevocable final and unalterable
itinerate to travel from place to place to peregrinate
$abber talk excitedly utter rapidly
$agged notched, rough
$ibe gibe make fun of
$ocular meant as a $oke
$udicious sound in $udgment wise
knit draw together unite firmly
labyrinthine to entangle the state of affairs
lachrymose causing tears tearful
lackluster (of eyes) dull
lament show feel great sorrow
lampoon publicly mock or ridicule
lassitude weariness tiredness
latent present but not yet active developed or visible
laudatory expressing or giving praise
lavish giving or producing freely liberally or generously
legacy something handed down from ancestors
levee formal reception/embankment
levity lack of seriousness
libel statement that damages reputation
liberality free giving generosity
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libertine immoral person
lien legal claim until a debt on it is repaid
limn paint portray
limp lacking strength walking unevenly
lionie treat as a famous person
lithe bending twisting
loll rest to sit or stand in a lay way hang (dogs tongue)
lope move along with long strides
loquacious talkative garrulous
lucubrate write in scholarly fashion
luculent easily understood lucid clear
lugubrious mournful excessively sad
lull become quiet or less active
lumber move in a clumsy/noisy way
luminary star light'giving body
lurk be out of view ready to attack
lustrous being bright polished
macabre gruesome suggesting death
macerate make or become soft by soaking in water
machination plot scheme (esp. evil)
maladroit tactless clumsy
malapropism misuse of a word (for one that resembles it)
malevolence wishing to do evil
malign in$urious speak ill of smb tell lie
malinger to fake illness or in$ury in order to shirk a duty
malleable yielding easily shaped moldable adapting
manacle chains for the hands or feet
massacre cruel killing of a large number of people
matriculation be admitted enter a university as a student
maudlin sentimental in a silly or tearful way
maul hurt by rough handling
maverick rebel nonconformist
mellifluous sweetly flowing
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mendacity dishonesty
mendicant a beggar
mercurial quick changeable in character fleeting
meretricious attractive on the surface but of little value
mesmerie hypnotie
meticulous giving great attention to details
mettle quality of endurance or courage
mettlesome courageous high'spirited
middling fairly good but not very good
minatory menacing threatening
mince pronounce or speak affectedly euphemie
misanthrope person who hates mankind
mischievous harmful causing mischief
miser person who loves wealth and spends little
misogynist one who hates women/females
mite %very small amount, portion, or particle
moderation quality of being limited not extreme
mollify make calmer or quieter
molt moult lose hair feathers before new growing
morbid diseased unhealthy (e.g.. about ideas)
morose ill'tempered unsocial
muffler cloth worn round the neck/silencer
multifarious varied motley greatly diversified
mundane worldly as opposed to spiritual commonplace everyday
myriad very great number
nadir lowest weakest point
nascent coming into existence emerging
nebulous cloud'like hay vague indistinct
negligent taking too little care
neophyte person who has been converted to a belief
nexus a connection tie or link
nibble show some inclination to accept (an offer)
noisome offensive disgusting (smell)
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nonchalant not having interest
nonplused greatly surprised
nostrum a quack remedy an untested cure
noxious harmful
nugatory trifling/worthless
obdurate hardened and unrepenting stubborn inflexible
obfuscate to darken make obscure muddle
oblivious unaware having no memory
obloquy abusively detractive language sharp criticism vituperation
obsequious too eager to obey or serve
obstreperous noisy loud
obtain to be established accepted or customary
obtrusive pro$ecting prominent undesirably noticeable
obtuse blunt/stupid
obviate to make unnecessary get rid of
occluded blocked up
odious repulsive hateful
odium contempt dislike aversion
odor smell favor reputation
officious too eager or ready to help offer advice
ominous threatening
onerous needing effort burdensome
opaqueness dullness/not allowing light to pass through
opprobrious showing scorn or reproach
ossify to turn to bone to settle rigidly into an idea
ostensible seeming appearing as such professed
ostentation display to obtain admiration or envy
ostracism shut out from society refuse to meet talk
overhaul examine thoroughly to learn about the condition
overweening presumptuously arrogant overbearing immoderate being a $erk
paean song of praise or triumph
palate roof of the mouth sense of taste
palatial magnificent
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palliate lessen the severity of
palpability can be felt touched understood
palpitate tremble beat rapidly and irregularly
panegyric formal praise eulogy
paradigm a model example or pattern
parenthesis sentence within another one something separated
pariah an outcast a re$ected and despised person
parley negotiation, discussion between enemies
parsimonious too economical miserly
partisan one'sided committed to a party biased or pre$udiced
patron regular customer person who gives support
paucity scarcity a lacking of
peccadillo small sin small weakness in ones character
pedantic bookish showing off learning
pedestrian commonplace trite unremarkable
pellucid transparent easy to understand
penchant strong inclination a liking
penitent feeling or showing regret
penurious poor/stingy
penury extreme poverty
peregrination traveling about wandering
peremptory urgent imperative unchallengeable ending debate
perfidious treacherous faithless
perfidy treachery breaking of faith
perfunctory done as a duty without care
perilous dangerous
peripatetic wandering
perish be destroyed decay
per$ury willful 5%678 statement unlawful act
permeate spread into every part of
pernicious harmful in$urious
perpetrate be guilty commit (a crime)
personable pleasing in appearance attractive
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perspicacity quick $udging and understanding
pertain belong as a part have reference
pest destructive thing or a person who is nuisance
petrified taken away power (to think feel act)
petrify to make hard rocklike
petrous like a rock hard stony
petulant unreasonably impatient
philistine a smug ignorant person one who lacks knowledge
phlegmatic calm sluggish temperament unemotional
picaresque involving clever rogues or adventurers
pied of mixed colors
pinch be too tight take between the thumb and finger
pine waste away through sorrow or illness
pious dutiful to parents devoted to religion
piquant agreeably pungent stimulating
pique hurt the pride or self'respect stir (curiosity)
pitfall covered hole as a trap unsuspected danger
pith essential part force soft liquid substance
pivotal of great importance (others depend on it)
placate soothe pacify calm
plaintive mournful melancholy sorrowful
plaque flat metal on a wall as a memorial
platitude a trite or banal statement unoriginality
plea request
plead address a court of law as an advocate
plethora glut
pliant pliable easily bent shaped or twisted
plod continue doing something without resting
pluck pull the feathers off pick (e.g.. flowers)
plumb get to the root of
plummet fall plunge steeply
plunge move quickly suddenly and with force
poignant deeply moving keen
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poncho large piece of cloth
ponderous heavy bulky dull
portent omen marvelous threatening
precarious uncertain risky dangerous
precepts rules establishing standards of conduct
preclude prevent make impossible
precursory preliminary anticipating
predilection special liking mental preference
predominate have more power than others
preen tidy/show self'satisfaction
premature doing or happening something before the right time
preponderance greatness in number strength weight
presage warning sign
presumption arrogance
preternatural not normal or usual
prevalent common
prevaricate to equivocate to stray from the truth
prim neat formal
pristine primitive unspoiled pure as in earlier times unadulterated
probity uprightness incorruptibility principle
proclivity inclination
procrastination keeping on putting off
prodigal wasteful reckless with money
prodigious enormous wonderful
profane worldly having contempt for 3od
profligacy shameless immorality
profligate wasteful prodigal licentious extravagant
profundity depth
profuse abundant/lavish
proliferate grow reproduce by rapid multification
prolix tiring because too long
prone prostrate inclined to (undesirable things)
propagation increasing the number spreading extending
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propinquity nearness in time or place affinity of nature
propitiatory conciliatory appeasing mitigating
propitious auspicious presenting favorable circumstances
prosaic everyday mundane commonplace trite pedestrian
proscribe denounce as dangerous
protracted prolonged
provident frugal looking to the future
provisional of the present time only
provoke make angry vax
prudence careful forethought
prudish easily shocked excessively modest
prune dried plum silly person
pry get something inquire too curiously
pucker wrinkle
pugnacious fond of in the habit of fighting
puissance strength
punctilious precise paying attention to trivialities
pundit pedant authority on a sub$ect
pungency sharpness stinging quality
purvey provide supply
pusillanimous cowardly craven
putrefaction becoming rotten
pyre large pile of wood for burning
quack person dishonestly claiming to something
quaff drink deeply
quail lose courage turn frightened
qualm feeling of doubt temporary feeling of sickness
quandary state of doubt or perplexity
quell suppress subdue
quibble try to avoid by sophistication
quiescence state of being passive/motionless
quiescent at rest dormant torpid
quirk habit or action peculiar to smb or something
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quixotic generous unselfish
quotidian banal everyday
rabble mob crowd the lower classes of populace
raconteur person who tells anecdotes
raffish low vulgar base tawdry
ramify to be divided or subdivided to branch out
rancorous feeling bitterness spitefulness
rant use extravagant language
rapacious greedy (esp for money)
rarefy to make thin to make less dense to purify or refine
rave act with excessive enthusiasm
reactionary opposing progress
rebuff snub
recalcitrant disobedient
recant take back as being 5%678 give up
recast cast or fashion anew
recidivism relapse into antisocial or criminal behavior
reciprocity granting of privileges in return for similar
recitals a number of performance of music
recluse person who lives alone and avoids people
recompense make payment to reward punish
reconcile settle a quarrel restore peace
recondite little known abstruse
recreancy cowardice a cowardly giving up
recuperate become strong after illness loss exhaustion
redeem get back by payment compensate
redoubtable formidable causing fear
refine make or become pure cultural
refractory stubborn unmanageable untractable
refulgent shining brilliant
regale to delight or entertain to feast
regicide crime of killing a king
reiterate say or do again several times
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re$uvenation becoming young in nature or appearance
relapse fall back again
reminiscent viewing the past
remonstrate to protest ob$ect
render deliver provide represent
renovate restore something to better condition
renowned celebrated famous
repast meal
repel refuse to accept/cause dislike
repine at be discontented with
reproach scold upbraid
reprobate person hardened in sin one devoid of decency
repudiate disown refuse to accept or pay
repulsive causing a feeling of disgust
requite repay give in return
rescind repeal/annul/cancel
resigned unresisting submissive
resilience quality of quickly recovering the original shape
resort to frequently visit
restive refusing to move reluctant to be controlled
resuscitation coming back to consciousness
retard check hinder
reticent reserved untalkative silent taciturn
retrospective 6ooking back on past
revere have deep respect for
reverent feeling or showing deep respect
riddle puling person or thing
rift split crack dissension
rivet fix take up secure metal pin
roll call calling of names
rotund rich and deep plump and round
ruffian violent cruel man
rumple make rough
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sagacious having sound $udgment perceptive wise like a sage
salacious obscene
salubrious healthful
salutary remedial wholesome causing improvement
sanctimony self'righteousness hypocritical with 5%678 piety
sanction approval (by authority) penalty
sanguine cheerful confident optimistic
sanity health of mind soundness of $udgment
sash long strip worn round the waist
satiate satisfy fully
saturnine gloomy dark sullen morose
savant person of great learning
savor taste flavor something
sawdust tiny bits of wood
scabbard sheath for the blade
scent smell (especially pleasant)
scorch become discolored/dry up/go at high speed
scribble write hastily
scurvy mean contemptible
secular material (not spiritual) living outside monasteries
sedulous persevering
seminal like a seed constituting a source originative
sententious short and pithy full of maxims/proverbs
sequence succession connected line of
sere make hard and without feeling
sermon reproving a person for his faults
serrated having a toothed edge
serration having a toothed edge
servile like a slave lacking independence
sever break off
severance severing
shallow little depth not earnest
shard piece of broken earthenware
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sheath cover for the blade of a weapon or a tool
shrewd astute showing sound $udgement
shrill sharp piercing
shun keep away from avoid
shunt send from one track to another lay aside evade discussion
sidestep step to one side
simper (give a) silly/self'conscious smile
sinuous winding undulating serpentine
skiff small boat
skit short piece of humorous writing
slack sluggish dull not tight
slake to assuage to satisfy allay
slate king of blue'grey stone propose criticie
sluggard lay slow'moving person
slur $oin sounds/words (indistinct)
smolder burn slowly without flame
snare trap
snub treat with contempt
soar rise fly high
sober self'controlled
sobriety quality or condition of being sober
sodden soaked saturated
soggy heavy with water
solvent of the power of forming a solution
somatic of the body
soot black powder in smoke
sophisticated complex subtle refined
sophistry fallacious reasoning faulty logic
sophomoric self'assured though immature affected bombastic overblown
soporific producing sleep
sordid wretched comfortless contemptible
spear weapon with a metal point on a long shaft
specious illogical of questionable truth or merit
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splenetic bad'tempered irritable
splice $oin (two ends)
sponge porous rubber for washing live at once expense
spurious 5%678 counterfeit
spurn have nothing to do re$ect or refuse
squalid foul filthy
squander spend wastefully
squat crouch/settle without permission
stanch to stop the flow of a fluid
steeply rising or falling sharply
stentorian extremely loud and powerful
stickler person who insists on importance of something
stigma mark of shame or disgrace
stigmatie describe smb scornfully
sting something sharp
stingy spending using unwillingly
stint to be thrifty to set limits
stipple paint with dots
stipulate state or put forward as a necessary condition
stolid showing no emotion impassive
stray wander lose ones way
streak long thin move very fast
striated striped grooved or banded
stride walk with long steps
strut a supporting bar
stygian hence dark gloomy
stymie to hinder obstruct or block
subdue overcome bring under control
sublime extreme astounding
submerge put under water liquid sink out of sight
suborn induce by bribery or something to commit per$ury
subpoena written order requiring a person to appear in a low court
substantiation giving facts to support (statement)
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subsume include under a rule
succor assistance relief in time of distress
suffice be enough
suffocate cause or have difficulty in breathing
sullied to be stained or discredited
summarily briefly without delay
sumptuous magnificent
sundry various miscellaneous separate
supercilious disdainful characteried by haughty scorn
superfluous more then is needed or wanted
superimpose put something on the top
supersede take the place of
supine lying on the back slow to act passive
suppliant asking humbly beseeching
supplicate make a humble petition to
suppress prevent from being known put an end to
surcharge additional load/charge
surfeit satiate feed to fulness or to excess
susceptibility sensitiveness
swerve change direction suddenly
sycophant person who flatter to the rich and powerful
synopsis summary or outline
taciturn untalkative silent
tadpole form of a frog when it leaves the egg
talon claw of a bird of prey
tamp tap or drive down by repeated light blows
tamper interfere with
tangential suddenly changeable
tarnished lost brightness
tassel bunch of threads
taunt contemptuous reproach hurtful remark
taut tightly stretched
tautology a repetition a redundancy
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tawdry cheap gaudy showy tacky
teetotal oppose to alcohol
telltale 2hat gives warning or information
temerity boldness brashness intrepidness
temperance abstinence from alcohol self'control moderation
temperate showing self'control
tenacity firmness persistency adhesiveness tending to hang on
tenuous insubstantial flimsy weak
tepid lukewarm
terse brief and to the point
testiness witness/evidence
thrift care economy thriving prosperous
thwart obstruct/frustrate
timid shy easily frightened
timorous fearful timid afraid
toady obsequious flatterer
tonic something giving strength or energy
topple be unsteady and overturn
torment severe pain or suffering
torpid sleeping sluggish lethargic dormant
torque twisting force causing rotation
tortuous devious/not straightforward
tout person who worries others to buy something to use his service
tractable easily controlled or guided
transgress break go beyond (a limit)
transient temporary fleeting
transitory brief
travesty parody/imitation
trenchant forceful effective vigorous extremely perceptive incisive
trepidation alarm excited state of mind
trickle flow in drops
trifling unimportant
trite not new
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truce (agreement) stop of fighting for a time
truculence aggressiveness ferocity
trudge walk heavily
turbid muddy having the sediment stirred up
turbulence being uncontrolled violent
turgid excessively ornate swollen or bloated
turmoil trouble disturbance
turpitude wickedness shamefulness
turquoise greenish'blue precious stone
tyro tiro beginner
ubiquitous present everywhere
ulterior situated beyond
umbrage offense resentment
uncouth rough awkward
underbid make a lower bid then smb else
undermine weaken gradually at the base make something under
undulate to move in wavelike fashion fluctuate
unearth discover and bring to light
unencumbered easy'going trifle
unfeigned not pretended sincere
unscathed unharmed unhurt
untoward unfortunate inconvenient
upbraid scold reproach
urbane elegant refined in manners
vacillation being uncertain hesitating
vagary strange act or idea
vain without use result conceited
valiant brave
valorous brave
vanquish conquer
variegate 2o mark with different shade or colors
veer change direction
venal ready to do something dishonest
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veneer surface appearance covering the 29:8 nature
veneration regard with deep respect
veracity truth
verdant fresh and green
verisimilitude appearing 29:8 or real
veritable real rightly named
verve spirit vigor enthusiasm
vestige trace or sign
vex annoy distress trouble
vigilance watchfulness self'appointed group who maintain order
vigilant member of a vigilance committee
vigorous strong energetic
vilify slander say evil things
vindictive having a desire to revenge
virago a loud domineering woman a scold or nag
visceral of the internal organs of the body
viscous sticky/semi'fluid
vitiate lower the quality weaken the strength
vituperate curse abuse in words
vivacious lively high'spirited
volatile changeable inconstant fickle unstable explosive
volubility fluency verbosity easy use of spoken language
voluble fluent
waffle talk vaguely and without much result
waft scent waving movement carry lightly through
wag merry person
warmonger person who stirs up war
warrant authority written order guarantee
wean to turn away (from a habit)
weigh measure hoe heavy something is
welter turmoil a bewildering $umble
wend to go proceed
whimsical full of odd and fanciful ideas
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Synonym: E2O3E
That smell always con$ures up memories of holidays in /rance. He strained tocon$ure up her face and voice, but they had vanished.
"to make somebody/something appear by using special magic words
con0ure something +rom/out o+ somethingto create something or make something appear in a surprising or unexpectedway. He con$ured a delicious meal out of a few leftovers.
7orcery
4agic that uses evil spirits
Synonym" BLA&3(A*&
sorcery and witchcraft
%muleta piece of $ewellery that some people wear because they think it protects them
from bad luck, illness, etc
ncantationspecial words that are spoken or sung to have a magic effect; the act ofspeaking or singing these words
7ibyl
1in ancient times, a woman who was thought to be able to communicatemessages from a god"a woman who can predict the future
1lairvoyance
the power that some people are believed to have to be able to see future eventsor to communicate with people who are dead or far away&lair$oyant) a person -ho is supposed to ha$e these po-er
0rophet
1(in the 1hristian, ewish and 4uslim religions) a person sent by 3od to teach
the people and give them messages from 3od.
prophet (of something)a person who teaches or supports a new idea, theory,
etc. &illiam #orris was one of the early prophets of socialism.
7oothsayer a person who is believed to be able to tell what will happen in the future
0resagepresage something* to be a warning or sign that something will happen,usually something unpleasant. 0othing had presaged the dreadful fate about to
befall him. Heavy clouds were forming, presaging rain.
%ugur
to be a sign that something will be successful or not successful in the future
Synonym:BODE
1onflicts among the various groups do not augur well for the future of the peacetalks.
0rescient
knowing or appearing to know about things before they happen#rescience) She showed great prescience in selling her shares $ust before themarket crashed.
5oresight
the ability to predict what is likely to happen and to use this to prepare for the
futureShe had had the foresight to prepare herself financially in case of an
accident.The government's policies show a remarkable lack of foresight.
0ortent
a sign or warning of something that is going to happen in the future, especiallywhen it is something unpleasant
Synonym:O(E!
The event proved to be a portent of the disaster that was to come.&e shall tryto reach an agreement but the portents are not good.
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0remonition
a feeling that something is going to happen, especially something unpleasant
premonition (of something)a premonition of disaster
premonition (that.)He had a premonition that he would never see her again .
premonitory
4inatory2hreatening
4inatory words
0rognosis
1(MEDICAL) an opinion, based on medical experience, of the likely developmentof a disease or an illness to make a prognosis. The prognosis is not good.
"(FORMAL) a $udgement about how something is likely to develop in the future
Synonym: 4OE&AST
The prognosis is for more people to work part2time in the future.
5orecast
a statement about what will happen in the future, based on information that is
available
nowsales forecasts
"t is difficult to make long2term forecasts for a fast2growing industry. The
forecast said there would be sunny intervals and showers. The shippingforecast gave warnings of gales.
5oretell
to know or say what will happen in the future, especially by using magic powers
foretell somethingto foretell the futureforetell that.The witch foretold that
she would marry a prince.foretell what when etc.0one of us can foretellwhat lies ahead.
5oreshadowforeshadow something(FORMAL) to be a sign of something that will happen inthe future . His sudden death had been foreshadowed by earlier health scares.
minous
suggesting that something bad is going to happen in the future
Synonym: 4OEBOD!*
There were ominous dark clouds gathering overhead. She picked up the phone
but there was an ominous silence at the other end. ominously
0ortend
portend something(FORMAL) to be a sign or warning of something that is goingto happen in the future, especially something bad or unpleasant
Synonym: 4OESHADO5
5orebod1. o indicate the likelihood of; portend! harsh wor#s that forebo#e# estrangement%2. o have a premonition of a future misfortune#.
4inatorythreateningminatory words
7inister
seeming evil or dangerous; making you think something bad will happenThere was something cold and sinister about him.There is another, more
sinister, possibility.&e needn't assume that there was a sinister motive for whatshe did.
7molder smolderedalso smouldered$ smolderingalso smouldering$ smoldersalsosmoulders1. o burn with little smoke and no flame.2. o e%ist in a suppressed state! Re)olution smol#ere# in the masses%3. o show signs of repressed anger or hatred.
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3lower
glower (at somebody/something)to look in an angry, aggressive way
Synonym: *LAE She glowered across the table at me. 0icola stared at Tom,who glowered back. He stood behind her, eyes glowering.
5ume
1to be very angry about somethingfume (at/over/about somebody/something)
She sat in the car, silently fuming at the traffic $am. fume (with something)Hewas fuming with indignation.+ speech3This is intolerable45 she fumed."to produce smoke or fumes
9abid
1having very strong feelings about something and acting in an unacceptable
way . rabid right2wing fanatics . the rabid tabloid press
"violent or extreme rabid speculation
6suffering from rabies a rabid dog rabidly
7eethe
1to be extremely angry about something but try not to show other people howangry you are
Synonym: 4%(E She seethed silently in the corner. seethe with somethingHemarched off, seething with frustration. seethe at something"nwardly he was
seething at this challenge to his authority.
"seethe (with something)to be full of a lot of people or animals, especiallywhen they are all moving around The resort is seething with tourists all yearround. He became caught up in aseething massof arms and legs.
6(FORMAL) (OFLIUIDS) to move around quickly and violently The grey oceanseethed beneath them.
ncense o cause to be e%tremely angry; infuriate
6ivid
1extremely angry
Synonym: 4%O%S 6ad will be livid when he finds out."dark bluish'grey incoloura livid bruise
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ADVERB She coughed discreetly to announce her presence.
-iscrete
independent of other things of the same type
Synonym: SE#AATEThe organisms can be divided into discrete categories.discretely
ADVERBdiscreteness
7inge
singeing, singed, singed
singe (something)to burn the surface of something slightly, usually by mistake;
to be burnt in this way He singed his hair as he tried to light his cigarette. the
smell of singeing fur
0sage note"/ur%charscaldscorchsinge2hese words all meanto damage, in$ure, destroy or kill somebody/something with heat or fire.burntodamage, in$ure, destroy or kill somebody/something with fire, heat or acid; tobe damaged, etc. by fire, heat or acid* She burned all his letters.The houseburned downin 7889.char"usually passive# to make something black byburning it; to become black by burning* The bodies had been charred beyondrecognition.scaldto burn part of your body with very hot liquid orsteam.scorchto burn and slightly damage a surface by making it too hot* "scorched my dress when " was ironing it.singeto burn the surface of somethingslightly, usually by mistake; to be burnt in this way* He singed his hair as he
tried to light his cigarette.scorch or singe72hings are scorchedby heat orfire. 2hings can only be singedby fire or a flame.to burn/scald yoursel+/yourhandto burn/scorch/singe your hair/clothesburned out/charred/scorchedremains/ruins/buildings
7cald
scald something/yourselfto burn yourself or part of your body with very hot
liquid or steam-e careful not to scald yourself with the steam.(FIGURATIVE) Tears
scalded her eyes.
7cathe1. o harm or injure$ especially by fire.2. o critici&e or denounce severely; e%coriate.
7ear
1"TRANSITIVE# sear somethingto burn the surface of something in a way that is
sudden and powerful The heat of the sun seared their faces.Sear the meat first
(= cook the outside of it quickly at a high temperature)to retain its $uices.
""INTRANSITIVE, TRANSITIVE# (FORMAL) to cause somebody to feel sudden and great
pain+ adverb/prepositionThe pain seared along her arm. sear somebody
/eelings of guilt seared him.
7corch 1"TRANSITIVE, INTRANSITIVE# scorch (something)& scorch something + adjectiveto
burn and slightly damage a surface by making it too hot; to be slightly burned
by heat" scorched my dress when " was ironing it.6on't stand so near the fire:
your coat is scorching4
""TRANSITIVE, INTRANSITIVE# scorch (something)to become or to make something
become dry and brown, especially from the heat of the sun or from
chemicalsscorched grassThe leaves will scorch if you water them in the sun.
6"INTRANSITIVE# + adverb/preposition(BRITISHENGLISH, INFORMAL) to move very
fastThe car scorched off down the road.She scorched to victory in the sprint
final.
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7welter
to be very hot in a way that makes you feel uncomfortable
assengers sweltered in temperatures of over 8;
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over a period of time
She was a friend and mentor to many young actors.c"!)are(E!TEE mentoringa mentoring programmeThe point of the mentoring programme is toempoweryoung fathers with parenting skills.
0edagoguea teacher; a person who likes to teach people things, especially because theythink they know more than other people
0rot>g>
a young person who is helped in their career and personal development by amore experienced persona prot?g? of the great violinist %ehudi #enuhin
6imber
1. ending or fle%ing readily; pliable.2. (apable of moving$ bending$ or contorting easily; supple#hrasal $erbs
limber up" to do physical exercises in order to stretch and prepare yourmuscles before taking part in a race, sporting activity, etc.
Synonym: 5A(%#
6ithemoving or bending easily, in a way that is elegant a tall lithe figure
lithely* 7he moved lithely to the music.
?imble
1able to move quickly and easily
Synonym:A*LE
%ou need nimble fingers for that $ob. She was extremely nimble on her feet.
"(OFTHEMIND) able to think and understand quickly nimbly
%gile
1able to move quickly and easily
Synonym: !(BLE a strong and agile athlete
"able to think quickly and in an intelligent way an agile mind/brain
agility
He had the agility of a man half his age
7upple
1able to bend and move parts of your body easily into different positions her
slim, supple body . These exercises will help to keep you supple.
"soft and able to bend easily without cracking #oisturiing cream helps to keep
your skin soft and supple.suppleness
%droit
skilful and clever, especially in dealing with people
Synonym: S3L4%L an adroit negotiator adroitly
He adroitly avoided answering my !uestions. adroitness
%dept
adept (at/in something)& adept (at/in doing something)good at doingsomething that is quite difficult
Synonym: S3L4%L: He became adept at getting even the shyest students totalk . adept( adeptly
-eft 1(OFA@ERSON0SMOVEMENTS) skilful and quick deft hands/fingers/footwork
He finished off the painting with a few deft strokes of the brush. "n one, deftmovement, he had her hand locked behind her back.
"skilful * her deft command of the language. de+tly
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" threw her a towel which she deftly caught. They deftly avoided answering my
!uestions.de+tness
%ptitude
natural ability or skill at doing something
Synonym: TALE!T an aptitude test(= one designed to show whether somebody
has the natural ability for a particular $ob or course of education)aptitude for
somethingShe showed a natural aptitude for the work.aptitude for doingsomethingHis aptitude for dealing with children got him the $ob.
0rowess
great skill at doing somethingacademic=sporting prowess He was complimented on his prowess as anoarsman.
-extrous
1onsummate
extremely skilled; perfect
She was a consummate performer.He played the shot with consummate skill.
(DISA@@ROVING) a consummate liarconsummately
1onvoluted
1extremely complicated and difficult to followa convoluted
argument/explanation : a book with a convoluted plot"(FORMAL) having many twists or curves * a convoluted coastline
3narled
1(OFTREES) twisted and rough; covered with hard lumps* a gnarledoak=branch=trunk"(OFA@ERSONOR@ARTOFTHEBOD2) bent and twisted because of age or illness*gnarled hands
7inuous
turning while moving, in an elegant way; having many curves
a sinuous movement, the sinuous grace of a cat, the sinuous course of the
river. sinuously
2ortuous
1(USUALL2DISA@@ROVING) not simple and direct; long, complicated and difficult tounderstand
Synonym: &O!2OL%TEDtortuous languagethe long, tortuous process ofnegotiating peace
"(OFAROAD( @ATH( ETC+) full of bends
Synonym: 5!D!* a tortuous mountain tracka tortuously slow system
ntertwine
1"INTRANSITIVE, TRANSITIVE# if two or more things intert-ineor are intert-ined,they are twisted together so that they are very difficult to separate* intertwining
branches intertwine something (with something)a necklace of rubiesintertwined with pearls
""TRANSITIVE, USUALL2@ASSIVE, INTRANSITIVE# intertwine (something)to be or becomevery closely connected with something/somebody else* Their political careershad become closely intertwined.
7erpentinebending and twisting like a snake
Synonym: 5!D!* the serpentine course of the river
1ircuitous
(OFAROUTEOR?OURNE2) long and not direct
Synonym: O%!DABO%THe took us on a circuitous route to the hotel. The$ourney was circuitous and slow. circuitously
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a long and winding road
4eander
1"INTRANSITIVE# (+ adverb/preposition)(OFARIVER( ROAD( ETC+) to curve a lot ratherthan being in a straight line. The stream meanders slowly down to the sea.
""INTRANSITIVE# (+ adverb/preposition)to walk slowly and change directionoften, especially without a particular aim
Synonym:5A!DEThey meandered around the old town admiring thearchitecture.
6"INTRANSITIVE# (+ adverb/preposition)(OFACONVERSATION( DISCUSSION( ETC+) to
develop slowly and change sub$ect often, in a way that makes it boring or
difficult to understandmeander NOUN the meanders of a river
@yantine
1connected with @yantium or the 8astern 9oman 8mpire"used to describe architectureof the Ath to the Ath centuries in the @yantine8mpire, especially churches with high central domesand mosaics6(also by.antine) (FORMAL) (OFANIDEA( AS2STEM( ETC+) complicated, secret anddifficult to changean organiation of byantine complexity
%ffinity
1"SINGULAR# affinity (for/with somebody/something)& affinity (between A andB)a strong feeling that you understand somebody/something and like them orit
Synonym: A##OT Sam was born in the country and had a deep affinity withnature. Humans have a special affinity for dolphins.
""UNCOUNTABLE, COUNTABLE# affinity (with somebody/something)& affinity
(between A and B)a close relationship between two people or things that havesimilar qualities, structures or features* There is a close affinity between "talianand Spanish.
0roclivity
proclivity (for something/for doing something)(FORMAL) a natural tendency todo something or to feel something, often something bad
Synonym: #O#E!ST his sexual=criminal proclivities. the government'sproclivity for spendingmoney
0enchantpenchant for somethinga special liking for something
Synonym: 4O!D!ESS She has a penchant forchampagne.
@ent
1not straighta piece of bent wire6o this exercise with your knees bent (= not
with your legs straight). "(OFA@ERSON) not able to stand up straight, usuallyas a result of being old or ill/sicka small bent old womanHe was bent doublewith laughter.6(BRITISHENGLISH, INFORMAL) (OFA@ERSONINAUTHORIT2) dishonest
dioms
bent on something/on doing somethingdetermined to do something (usually something bad)She seems bent on making life difficult for me.$ee a$" HELL:BE!T
get bent out o+ shape ;about/o$er something
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