C2 Vocabulary
-
abate
(v.)become less intense or widespread -
abdicate
(v.)resign from a high office voluntarily -
aberration
(n.)departure from normal or expected course -
abet
(v.)encourage or assist in wrongdoing -
abeyance
(n.)temporary inactivity or suspension -
abhor
(v.)regard with disgust or hatred -
abiding
(adj.)lasting or enduring -
abject
(adj.)miserable, hopeless, or humiliating -
abjure
(v.)renounce or reject solemnly -
abrogate
(v.)cancel or revoke formally -
abrogation
(n.)act of abolishing or repealing -
abscond
(v.)secretly leave to avoid arrest or prosecution -
absolve
(v.)free from guilt or responsibility -
abstain
(v.)choose not to do or consume something -
abstention
(n.)act of refraining from voting or activity -
abstinence
(n.)act of avoiding certain behaviors or substances -
abstruse
(adj.)difficult to understand -
abyss
(n.)deep or seemingly bottomless pit -
accede
(v.)agree or give approval to -
accentuate
(v.)emphasize or highlight -
accession
(n.)attainment or acquisition of a position -
acclaimed
(adj.)publicly praised or admired -
acclamation
(n.)loud enthusiastic approval -
accolade
(n.)approval or praise; award or honor -
accomplice
(n.)partner in crime or wrongdoing -
accost
(v.)approach and address someone boldly -
accredit
(v.)officially recognize or authorize -
accreditation
(n.)official certification or approval -
accrue
(v.)accumulate or receive progressively -
acerbic
(adj.)bitter or sharp in tone or taste -
acquiesce
(v.)accept reluctantly but without protest -
acquiescence
(n.)passive acceptance or agreement -
acquit
(v.)declare not guilty of a crime -
acrimonious
(adj.)angry and hostile in tone -
acrimony
(n.)bitterness or rancor -
acuity
(n.)sharpness or keenness of thought or perception -
acumen
(n.)keen insight or intelligence -
adage
(n.)traditional saying expressing a common truth -
adamant
(adj.)refusing to be persuaded or change mind -
adherence
(n.)faithful attachment or devotion -
adherent
(n.)follower or supporter of a cause -
adjuration
(n.)solemn urging or command -
admittance
(n.)permission to enter or access -
admonish
(v.)warn or reprimand firmly -
adroit
(adj.)skillful and nimble with hands or mind -
adulation
(n.)excessive flattery or admiration -
advent
(n.)arrival or coming into being -
adversary
(n.)opponent or enemy -
adversity
(n.)hardships or difficulties -
aegis
(n.)protection or support -
affable
(adj.)friendly and easy to approach -
affectation
(n.)artificial or pretentious behavior -
affidavit
(n.)written statement verified by oath -
affinity
(n.)natural liking or attraction -
affliction
(n.)cause of pain or suffering -
alacrity
(n.)cheerful readiness or eagerness -
albeit
(conj.)although or even though -
alchemy
(n.)medieval chemistry aimed at turning base metals to gold -
allegiance
(n.)loyalty or faithfulness -
allegory
(n.)symbolic story or representation -
alleviate
(v.)make easier or less severe -
allude
(v.)refer indirectly to -
allusion
(n.)indirect reference -
aloof
(adj.)emotionally distant or reserved -
altercation
(n.)heated argument or dispute -
altruistic
(adj.)showing selfless concern for others -
amalgamation
(n.)combining or uniting into one -
ambiguity
(n.)uncertainty or inexactness -
ambivalent
(adj.)having mixed feelings -
ambrosial
(adj.)exceptionally pleasing to taste or smell -
ameliorate
(v.)improve or make better -
amenable
(adj.)open to influence or persuasion -
anachronism
(n.)something out of proper time -
anachronistic
(adj.)belonging to a different time period -
analogous
(adj.)comparable or similar in certain respects -
anarchy
(n.)state of disorder and lawlessness -
anathema
(n.)something intensely disliked or cursed -
anecdote
(n.)short amusing or interesting story -
anguish
(n.)severe mental or physical pain -
animosity
(n.)resentful or hostile feeling -
annihilation
(n.)total destruction or obliteration -
annum
(n.)year; annually -
anomaly
(n.)deviation from the norm or expectation -
antagonise
(v.)provoke or incur hostility -
antecedent
(n.)preceding event or condition -
antidote
(n.)substance that counteracts poison -
antipathy
(n.)strong dislike or aversion -
antiquated
(adj.)outdated or obsolete -
antiquity
(n.)ancient times or objects from that era -
antithesis
(n.)direct opposite or contrast -
apathetic
(adj.)showing no interest or emotion -
aperture
(n.)opening, hole, or gap -
apex
(n.)highest point or vertex -
aplomb
(n.)self-confidence or composure -
apostle
(n.)important early christian messenger -
apparatus
(n.)equipment or machinery -
apparition
(n.)ghost or ghostly figure -
appease
(v.)pacify or placate -
appellation
(n.)name or designation -
apprehension
(n.)anxiety or fear; understanding -
apprehensive
(adj.)fearful or anxious -
aptitude
(n.)natural ability or talent -
arbiter
(n.)one who judges or mediates conflicts -
arcane
(adj.)mysterious or secret knowledge -
archetype
(n.)original pattern or model -
archipelago
(n.)group of surrounding islands -
ardour
(n.)intense enthusiasm or passion -
arduous
(adj.)requiring strenuous effort; difficult -
arguably
(adv.)possibly; can be debated or questioned -
armistice
(n.)agreement to stop fighting -
arrogance
(n.)overbearing pride or self-importance -
artifice
(n.)clever or cunning device or trick -
artisan
(n.)skilled craftsperson or manual worker -
ascendancy
(n.)dominance or rising power -
ascertain
(v.)find out or discover certainly -
aspersion
(n.)harmful or critical remark -
assiduous
(adj.)showing persistent effort; diligent -
assuage
(v.)make less severe or intense -
astute
(adj.)shrewd; quick to notice and understand -
atone
(v.)make amends for a wrong deed -
attrition
(n.)gradual reduction or wearing down -
audacity
(n.)bold or daring behavior -
augment
(v.)increase or make larger -
auspicious
(adj.)conducive to success; favorable -
austere
(adj.)severe or strict in appearance or attitude -
autocracy
(n.)government by a single ruler with absolute power -
autocrat
(n.)one ruling with absolute authority -
avarice
(n.)extreme greed for wealth or possessions -
aversion
(n.)strong dislike or disinclination -
axiom
(n.)fundamental principle; self-evident truth -
axiomatic
(adj.)taken as given; self-evident
-
backlash
(n.)adverse reaction or resistance -
baleful
(adj.)harmful, threatening, or menacing -
balk
(v.)hesitate or refuse abruptly -
ballast
(n.)heavy material to stabilize a vessel -
balm
(n.)soothing or healing substance or influence -
banal
(adj.)boringly ordinary; overused -
bane
(n.)cause of ruin or harm -
barrage
(n.)concentrated artillery fire or overwhelming attack -
bastion
(n.)fortified place or stronghold -
bear up
(v.)endure or withstand hardship -
bedlam
(n.)scene of chaos or disorder -
beguile
(v.)charm, enchant, or deceive -
behemoth
(n.)enormous creature or entity -
beleaguer
(v.)besiege or beset; harass -
belie
(v.)contradict or give a false impression -
bellicose
(adj.)demonstrating aggression; warlike -
belligerent
(adj.)aggressive; eager to fight -
bellwether
(n.)leader or indicator of trends -
bemoan
(v.)express sorrow or disappointment -
benefactor
(n.)person who provides help or support -
benevolence
(n.)kindness or charitable attitude -
benevolent
(adj.)well meaning and kind -
bequeath
(v.)leave property or legacy to others -
bequest
(n.)property left by will; inheritance -
berate
(v.)scold or reprimand sharply -
bereavement
(n.)grief after a loved one’s death -
bereft
(adj.)deprived of; lacking something -
beseech
(v.)beg urgently or earnestly -
beset
(v.)surrounded or attacked -
besotted
(adj.)intensely infatuated or obsessed -
bestow
(v.)give or present as a gift -
bewitching
(adj.)enchanting or charming -
bigotry
(n.)intolerance toward different beliefs or opinions -
bilateral
(adj.)involving two sides or parties -
billow
(v.)large wave or surge of air or water -
blasphemy
(n.)disrespect or irreverence toward sacred things -
blithe
(adj.)cheerful, carefree, or lighthearted -
boisterous
(adj.)noisy, energetic, and rowdy -
bombastic
(adj.)pompous or overblown in speech -
boon
(n.)benefit or blessing; helpful thing -
boorish
(adj.)rude or insensitive -
bounty
(n.)generous gift or reward; abundance -
bourgeoisie
(n.)middle class; materialistic values -
brandish
(v.)wave or flourish threateningly -
bravado
(n.)show of daring or boldness -
bravura
(n.)brilliant performance or display -
brevity
(n.)briefness or succinctness -
brinkmanship
(n.)pushing dangerous situations to the edge -
brusque
(adj.)abrupt or curt in manner or speech -
bulwark
(n.)defensive wall or stronghold -
burgeon
(v.)grow rapidly or flourish -
buttress
(v.)support or reinforce; structural prop -
byword
(n.)common saying or epithet; symbol
-
cabal
(n.)secret group engaged in clandestine activities -
cache
(n.)hidden store of valuables or supplies -
cacophony
(n.)harsh discordant mixture of sounds -
cadence
(n.)rhythmic flow of sounds or words -
cajole
(v.)persuade through flattery or coaxing -
calibre
(n.)degree of excellence or quality -
callous
(adj.)emotionally insensitive or cruel -
camaraderie
(n.)friendship or mutual trust -
candour
(n.)openness and honesty; frankness -
cantankerous
(adj.)bad-tempered or arguing often -
capitulate
(v.)surrender or give up resistance -
capricious
(adj.)unpredictable or impulsive -
cardinal
(adj.)of primary importance; fundamental -
cartography
(n.)science of map-making -
caste
(n.)social class based on hereditary status -
castigate
(v.)reprimand severely or punish -
cataclysm
(n.)sudden disastrous event or change -
catharsis
(n.)emotional release or purification -
caustic
(adj.)burns and destroys; sarcastic or biting in tone -
cavalcade
(n.)a procession of riders or carriages -
caveat
(n.)a warning or cautionary note -
censure
(n./v.)formal disapproval or criticism -
cessation
(n.)the stopping or pausing of something -
chagrin
(n.)irritation or embarrassment -
charlatan
(n.)a fraud or con artist -
chasm
(n.)a deep fissure in the earth's surface -
chastise
(v.)to punish or scold severely -
chattel
(n.)personal property or possessions -
chicanery
(n.)deception or trickery -
chide
(v.)to scold or rebuke -
chronology
(n.)arrangement of events in time -
churlish
(adj.)rude or lacking manners -
circumspect
(adj.)cautious and careful -
circumvent
(v.)to avoid or bypass -
citadel
(n.)a fortress or stronghold -
clandestine
(adj.)secret or hidden -
cleave
(v.)to split or adhere firmly -
clemency
(n.)mercy or leniency -
clique
(n.)a small exclusive group -
cloister
(n.)a covered walk or monastery -
cloistered
(adj.)secluded or sheltered -
clout
(n.)influence or power -
coalesce
(v.)to come together as one -
coerce
(v.)to force or compel -
coercion
(n.)use of force to obtain compliance -
cogent
(adj.)clear, logical, and convincing -
cohesion
(n.)sticking together; unity -
collude
(v.)to secretly cooperate for fraudulent purpose -
collusion
(n.)secret agreement for deception -
colossal
(adj.)extremely large or great -
colossus
(n.)a giant statue or person -
commensurate
(adj.)proportional or corresponding -
commiserate
(v.)to sympathize or feel pity -
compatriot
(n.)fellow countryman -
complacency
(n.)self-satisfaction; lack of awareness -
complacent
(adj.)self-satisfied; unaware of potential problems -
complementary
(adj.)serving to complete or enhance -
complicity
(n.)guilt or involvement in wrongdoing -
compulsion
(n.)an irresistible urge to act -
concatenation
(n.)series of linked things -
conciliatory
(adj.)appeasing or making peace -
conclave
(n.)private meeting or assembly -
concordance
(n.)harmony or agreement -
condescension
(n.)patronizing attitude -
condone
(v.)to overlook or forgive -
confiscate
(v.)to seize or take possession -
conflagration
(n.)large destructive fire -
confluence
(n.)joining of rivers or events -
confound
(v.)to confuse or frustrate -
conjecture
(n.)an educated guess -
conjure
(v.)to call upon or create magically -
connive
(v.)to secretly cooperate in wrongdoing -
connoisseur
(n.)expert in art or taste -
connotation
(n.)implied meaning of a word -
conquest
(n.)simultaneous defeating or gaining -
consecration
(n.)making holy or sacred -
consortium
(n.)association or partnership -
consternation
(n.)great fear or anxiety -
construe
(v.)to interpret or understand -
consummation
(n.)finalization or completion -
contagion
(n.)spread of disease or influence -
contemptible
(adj.)deserving scorn or dislike -
contingency
(n.)possible future event -
continuum
(n.)continuous sequence or range -
contravene
(v.)to violate or oppose -
contrition
(n.)deep remorse for sins -
conundrum
(n.)a confusing or difficult problem -
convene
(v.)to assemble or call together -
convergence
(n.)coming together at one point -
convivial
(adj.)friendly and lively -
convoluted
(adj.)twisted or complicated -
copious
(adj.)abundant in quantity -
coquettish
(adj.)flirtatious or teasing -
cordial
(adj.)friendly and sincere -
cornucopia
(n.)abundant supply or horn of plenty -
corollary
(n.)a natural consequence -
corroborate
(v.)to confirm or support -
cortege
(n.)a solemn procession -
cosmology
(n.)study of the universe -
cosmos
(n.)the universe, orderly and harmonious -
countenance
(v.)facial expression or support -
covet
(v.)to strongly desire something -
craven
(adj.)cowardly or lacking courage -
credulous
(adj.)easily believing or trusting -
creed
(n.)system of beliefs or principles -
crevasse
(n.)deep, crack or fissure in ice -
crucible
(n.)severe test or trial -
crux
(n.)essential point or heart -
crypt
(n.)hidden underground room -
culminate
(v.)to reach highest point -
culpable
(adj.)guilty of wrongdoing -
culprit
(n.)the guilty person -
cunning
(adj.)crafty or clever -
cupidity
(n.)greed for money or possessions -
curmudgeon
(n.)bad-tempered or miserly person -
cursory
(adj.)quick and superficial -
curtail
(v.)to cut short or reduce
-
daft
(adj.)silly or foolish -
dalliance
(n.)brief love affair or flirtation -
daunting
(adj.)intimidating or discouraging in difficulty -
dawdle
(v.)waste time doing something unproductively -
dearth
(n.)insufficient supply; scarcity -
debacle
(n.)a sudden and total failure -
debilitate
(v.)weakens or enfeebles -
debonair
(adj.)courteous, stylish, and charming -
debunk
(v.)expose falsehood or myths -
decadence
(n.)moral decline or decay -
deceitful
(adj.)dishonest; misleading -
decimate
(v.)kill or destroy a large part -
decorous
(adj.)acting with proper manners -
decorum
(n.)behavior or conduct -
decree
(n.)official order or decision -
decrepit
(adj.)elderly, frail, or broken down -
decry
(v.)criticize openly; condemn -
defamation
(n.)damage to reputation -
deference
(n.)respect or courteous regard -
deflate
(v.)let air out of; reduce in size -
defunct
(adj.)no longer existing or functioning -
dehort
(v.)discourage strongly -
deign
(v.)condescend to do something -
deity
(n.)god or divine being -
deleterious
(adj.)harmful or damaging -
deliberation
(n.)careful consideration -
delineate
(v.)describe or outline precisely -
delineation
(n.)the act of describing sharply -
delirium
(n.)mental confusion or hallucination -
deliverance
(n.)rescue or relief from danger -
deluge
(n.)heavy flood or overwhelming rush -
demagogue
(n.)populist leader appealing to emotions -
demarcation
(n.)setting boundaries or limits -
demean
(v.)belittle or degrade someone -
demeanour
(n.)behavior or outward manner -
demise
(n.)death or end of existence -
demur
(v.)raise doubts or objections -
demure
(adj.)reserved, modest, and shy (typically used of a woman) -
denigrate
(v.)criticize unfairly or belittle -
denouement
(n.)final resolution of story -
deplete
(v.)use up or diminish gradually -
deplorable
(adj.)worthy of strong disapproval -
deplore
(v.)regret deeply or condemn -
depravity
(n.)moral corruption or wickedness -
derelict
(adj.)deserted or neglectful -
deride
(v.)ridicule or mock -
derisive
(adj.)mocking or ridiculing -
derogatory
(adj.)insulting or disapproving -
desecrate
(v.)harm or violate sanctity -
desolation
(n.)widespread destruction or loneliness -
despondency
(n.)state of hopelessness -
despondent
(adj.)feeling very down or hopeless -
destitute
(adj.)poverty-stricken; lacking resources -
desultory
(adj.)lacking plan or enthusiasm -
detachment
(n.)disconnection or aloofness -
deter
(v.)discourage from acting -
detestable
(adj.)causes intense dislike -
detriment
(n.)harm or damage -
detrimental
(adj.)harmful to health or progress -
deviation
(n.)departure from the norm -
devious
(adj.)winding or dishonest -
devoid
(adj.)lacking or empty of -
dexterity
(n.)skill in using hands or mind -
dexterous
(adj.)skillful and nimble -
dialectic
(n.)logical argument or discussion -
diaphanous
(adj.)light and translucent -
diaspora
(n.)dispersion of a population -
diatribe
(n.)biting verbal attack -
dichotomy
(n.)division into two parts -
didactic
(adj.)intended to teach; instructive -
diffident
(adj.)lacking self-confidence -
dilatory
(adj.)tending to delay or procrastinate -
diligence
(n.)steady effort and care -
diligently
(adv.)doing with careful persistence -
diminution
(n.)lessening or reduction -
dingy
(adj.)dull, grimy, or drab -
dirge
(n.)slow song of mourning -
disaffection
(n.)lack of loyalty or affection -
discern
(v.)perceive or recognize -
discernment
(n.)ability to judge well -
disciple
(n.)follower of a teacher or philosophy -
discord
(n.)lack of harmony or conflict -
discordant
(adj.)lacking harmony; unsuitable -
discrepancy
(n.)inconsistency or difference -
disdain
(n./v.)strong dislike or contempt -
dishevelled
(adj.)messy or untidy -
disillusionment
(n.)disappointment with reality -
disingenuous
(adj.)not candid or sincere -
disinterested
(adj.)impartial; lacking interest -
disjointed
(adj.)lacking coherence or connection -
dismay
(n./v.)shock or disappointment -
disparage
(v.)belittle or speak badly of -
disparate
(adj.)essentially different -
disparity
(n.)inequality or difference -
dispassionate
(adj.)calm and unbiased -
dispel
(v.)drive away or scatter -
dispensation
(n.)exemption from rules -
dispense
(v.)give out or distribute -
disposition
(n.)personality or mood -
disrepute
(n.)state of disgrace or bad reputation -
disseminate
(v.)spread or scatter widely -
dissension
(n.)disagreement or conflict -
dissent
(n.)differ in opinion or oppose -
dissertation
(n.)extended scholarly paper or thesis, detailed research study -
dissident
(n.)person who opposes official policy or authority -
dissipate
(v.)disperse or scatter something gradually and steadily -
dissolution
(n.)closing or separation into constituent parts or elements -
dissonance
(n.)lack of harmony or clash of sounds or ideas -
divination
(n.)seeking knowledge of the future through supernatural means -
divulge
(v.)reveal or disclose private or secret information -
dogged
(adj.)persistent, determined, and tenacious -
dogma
(n.)established set of beliefs or principles, especially religious -
dogmatic
(adj.)expressing strong opinions without open-mindedness -
doldrums
(n.)period of stagnation, inactivity, or depression -
domicile
(n.)a person's legal residence or home -
dominion
(n.)sovereignty, control, or rule over territory -
dormant
(adj.)inactive, sleeping, or temporarily not in use -
dossier
(n.)collection of documents or files about a particular subject -
dotage
(n.)decline of mental faculties in old age, excessive fondness -
drudgery
(n.)boring, menial, or monotonous work -
dubious
(adj.)doubtful, uncertain, or questionable -
duplicity
(n.)deceitfulness or double-dealing in conduct or speech -
duress
(n.)threats or force used to compel someone to act against their will -
dwindle
(v.)gradually become smaller, diminish, or decline -
dynasty
(n.)line of rulers from the same family or bloodline
-
ebullience
(n.)enthusiastic and lively expression of happiness -
ebullient
(adj.)overflowing with excitement or enthusiasm -
eccentric
(adj.)unconventional or slightly strange in behavior or appearance -
echelon
(n.)level or rank in an organization or society -
eclectic
(adj.)deriving ideas or tastes from diverse sources -
edict
(n.)official order or decree issued by authority -
edification
(n.)instruction, improvement, or moral upliftment -
edifice
(n.)large, imposing building or structure -
efficacious
(adj.)effective in producing a desired result -
effigy
(n.)sculpture or model of a person, often created for symbolism -
effrontery
(n.)shameless or impudent boldness -
effusion
(n.)pouring out of a fluid, or an unrestrained expression -
effusive
(adj.)expressing feelings of gratitude, pleasure, or approval -
egregious
(adj.)remarkably bad or shocking -
elated
(adj.)very happy or proud; delighted -
elation
(n.)feeling of joy and pride -
elicit
(v.)draw out or bring forth a response or answer -
eloquent
(adj.)fluent and persuasive in speaking or writing -
elucidate
(v.)make clear or explain thoroughly -
elusive
(adj.)difficult to find, catch, or understand -
emaciated
(adj.)abnormally thin or weak, especially from illness -
emanate
(v.)originate or issue from a source -
emancipate
(v.)set free from restrictions or bondage -
emancipation
(n.)act of freeing from slavery or restraint -
embargo
(n.)official ban on trade or movement -
embellish
(v.)enhance by adding decorative details -
embezzle
(v.)illegally take money entrusted for others -
emblem
(n.)symbol or sign representing an idea or entity -
embroil
(v.)involve in conflict or argument -
emissary
(n.)agent or representative sent on a mission -
emulate
(v.)imitate with the aim of matching or surpassing -
enclave
(n.)a distinct territorial, cultural, or social unit -
encroach
(v.)gradually infringe or intrude on territory or rights -
endemic
(adj.)regularly found in a specific area or population -
endow
(v.)provide with a quality, thing, or amount of money -
enervate
(v.)weaken or drain of energy or vitality -
engender
(v.)cause or give rise to a situation or feeling -
enigma
(n.)mysterious or difficult to understand person or thing -
enigmatic
(adj.)difficult to interpret or mysterious in nature -
enmity
(n.)deep-seated hostility or hatred -
ennui
(n.)boredom or listlessness arising from lack of interest -
enormity
(n.)very great or shocking extent or scale -
ensue
(v.)happen or occur afterward or as a result -
entail
(v.)involve as a necessary or inevitable part -
enthrall
(v.)capture complete attention or interest -
enticing
(adj.)attractive or tempting; alluring -
entourage
(n.)a group of attendants or associates -
entreat
(v.)plead or beg earnestly -
entrenchment
(n.)established position or stronghold -
entropy
(n.)measure of disorder or randomness in a system -
enumerate
(v.)list or count items one by one -
envoy
(n.)official diplomatic representative or messenger -
ephemeral
(adj.)lasting a very short time -
epicentre
(n.)point on earth's surface directly above the earthquake focus -
epicure
(n.)person who takes pleasure in fine food and drink -
epigram
(n.)witty or clever saying or remark -
epilogue
(n.)concluding section of a speech, literary work, or film -
epiphany
(n.)sudden realization or insightful revelation -
epitaph
(n.)inscription on a tombstone in memory of the deceased -
epitome
(n.)perfect example or embodiment of a quality -
epitomise
(v.)represent or embody collectively -
epoch
(n.)significant period in history or development -
equanimity
(n.)mental calmness and composure under stress -
equilibrium
(n.)state of balance or stability -
equivocal
(adj.)ambiguous or unclear in meaning -
eradicate
(v.)completely eliminate or destroy -
erotic
(adj.)related to sexual love or desire -
err
(v.)make a mistake or be incorrect -
erstwhile
(adj.)former, previous, or in the past -
erudite
(adj.)having or showing extensive knowledge -
erudition
(n.)extensive knowledge acquired through study -
escapade
(n.)adventurous, daring, or unconventional act -
escarpment
(n.)steep slope or cliff -
eschew
(v.)deliberately avoid or abstain from -
esoteric
(adj.)intended for or likely to be understood by few -
espouse
(v.)adopt or support a cause or belief -
esteem
(n.)respect and admiration -
ethereal
(adj.)light, delicate, and heavenly in appearance or quality -
ethos
(n.)fundamental character or spirit of a culture or community -
etymology
(n.)origin and history of a word -
eulogy
(n.)praise or high praise for someone deceased -
euphemism
(n.)mild expression replacing a harsh one -
euphoria
(n.)intense happiness or excitement -
evanescent
(adj.)soon fading or disappearing -
exacerbate
(v.)worsen or intensify a problem -
exacting
(adj.)strict or demanding standards -
exalt
(v.)praise or elevate highly -
exaltation
(n.)state of intense joy or elevation -
exchequer
(n.)government treasury or funds -
excoriate
(v.)criticize severely -
excruciating
(adj.)painfully intense or severe -
execrable
(adj.)detestably bad or evil -
exemplify
(v.)illustrate by example -
exhort
(v.)strongly urge or persuade -
exhortation
(n.)urgent recommendation or advice -
exigency
(n.)urgent need or demand -
exigent
(adj.)pressing or urgent -
exodus
(n.)large-scale departure or migration -
exonerate
(v.)absolve from blame or guilt -
exorbitant
(adj.)unreasonably high or excessive -
expatriate
(n.)one who lives outside their country -
expediency
(n.)practical convenience or advantage -
expedient
(adj.)immediately advantageous -
expedite
(v.)accelerate or facilitate -
exponent
(n.)advocate or proponent -
exposition
(n.)explanation or display -
expound
(v.)explain in detail -
expunge
(v.)remove or erase completely -
exquisite
(adj.)beautifully made or designed -
extol
(v.)praise highly -
extraneous
(adj.)irrelevant or unrelated -
extricate
(v.)free from difficulty or entanglement -
exuberant
(adj.)filled with energy or excitement -
exude
(v.)release gradually or display strongly -
exultation
(n.)great happiness or triumph
-
fabricate
(v.)invent or make up something -
fabrication
(n.)lying or false story -
facet
(n.)aspect or side of something -
facetious
(adj.)playfully humorous -
facile
(adj.)easily achieved or effortless -
facsimile
(n.)exact copy or reproduction -
fallacious
(adj.)containing false or mistaken ideas -
fallacy
(n.)incorrect belief or error -
fallibility
(n.)ability to make mistakes -
famine
(n.)severe shortage of food -
fanaticism
(n.)excessive zeal or obsession -
farce
(n.)comedy with improbable events -
farcical
(adj.)absurdly humorous -
fastidious
(adj.)attentive to detail or difficult to please -
fatalism
(n.)belief that events are predetermined -
fathom
(v.)understand deeply -
fatuous
(adj.)generally silly or foolish -
fauna
(n.)animal life of a specific region -
fawn over
(v.)to act excessively eager to please -
feckless
(adj.)ineffective or irresponsible -
feign
(v.)pretend or fake -
feisty
(adj.)lively and aggressive -
fermentation
(n.)chemical breakdown producing gases -
ferocious
(adj.)viciously fierce or violent -
ferret out
(v.)search for and find -
fervent
(adj.)passionate and sincere -
fervid
(adj.)intensely enthusiastic -
fervour
(n.)intense passion or zeal -
fetish
(n.)object believed to have magical power -
feud
(n.)long-standing argument or conflict -
fiasco
(n.)embarrassing failure -
fickle
(adj.)changing quickly and unpredictably -
fidelity
(n.)faithfulness or loyalty -
figment
(n.)imaginary or fabricated thing -
figurehead
(n.)leader without real power -
filibuster
(n.)delaying speech to obstruct legislation -
finesse
(n.)skillful handling or delicacy -
fissure
(n.)crack or opening in surface -
flagrant
(adj.)widely offensive or scandalous -
flaunt
(v.)display ostentatiously -
fleeting
(adj.)lasting a very short time -
flimsy
(adj.)poorly made or insubstantial -
flora
(n.)plant life of a region -
flotsam
(n.)floating debris or discarded objects -
flout
(v.)openly disregard or defy -
flux
(n.)continuous change or movement -
fodder
(n.)food for animals -
foible
(n.)minor weakness or eccentricity -
folly
(n.)lack of good sense -
foment
(v.)incite or stir up (trouble) -
foolhardiness
(n.)risky or reckless courage -
foray
(n.)brief attack or incursion -
forbearance
(n.)patience and restraint -
forerunner
(n.)predecessor or precursor -
forestall
(v.)prevent by acting first -
forfeiture
(n.)loss of right or property -
forgo
(v.)give up or omit voluntarily -
forlorn
(adj.)pitifully lonely or abandoned -
formidable
(adj.)arousing fear or respect -
forsake
(v.)abandon or give up -
forte
(n.)strong point or specialty -
fortitude
(n.)courage in adversity -
fortuitous
(adj.)accidental or lucky -
founder
(v.)collapse or stumble; establish -
fractious
(adj.)tending to argue or cause discord -
fraught
(adj.)filled with or destined to result in -
fray
(n.)a noisy fight or dispute -
frenetic
(adj.)fast and energetic in a wild way -
frenzy
(n.)a state of wild excitement or chaos -
freshman
(n.)a first-year student in college or high school -
fretful
(adj.)worried or distressed -
frivolous
(adj.)lacking seriousness or importance -
frugal
(adj.)careful with money or resources -
fruition
(n.)the point at which something is realized -
fulcrum
(n.)the pivot point of a lever -
fulsome
(adj.)excessively overdone or insincere -
furor
(n.)a sudden outburst of excitement -
furtive
(adj.)sneaky or secretive -
futile
(adj.)incapable of producing any result -
futility
(n.)pointlessness or uselessness
-
gaffe
(n.)a social blunder or mistake -
galvanise
(v.)to stimulate into activity -
gambit
(n.)a calculated move or strategy -
garish
(adj.)bright and excessively showy -
garner
(v.)to gather or collect -
garrison
(n.)a military post or station -
garrulous
(adj.)tending to talk excessively -
gauche
(adj.)lacking social grace or tact -
gauntlet
(n.)a challenge or ordeal -
genealogy
(n.)study of family history -
genesis
(n.)origin or beginning -
genial
(adj.)friendly and cheerful -
genuflect
(v.)to kneel and show respect -
germane
(adj.)relevant or appropriate -
gestation
(n.)period of development before birth -
gingerly
(adv.)with great care or delicacy -
gist
(n.)the main point or essence -
glean
(v.)to gather gradually -
glib
(adj.)smooth-talking but insincere -
glossary
(n.)a list of definitions of terms -
gluttony
(n.)excessive desire to eat -
grandeur
(n.)impressive or magnificent quality -
gratification
(n.)pleasure or satisfaction -
gratuitous
(adj.)unnecessary or free of charge -
gravitas
(n.)seriousness or weightiness -
gregarious
(adj.)sociable and outgoing -
grievance
(n.)a complaint or resentment -
grovel
(v.)to humble oneself excessively -
gruelling
(adj.)extremely tiring or demanding -
guile
(n.)cleverness in deception -
gullible
(adj.)easily deceived
-
hackneyed
(adj.)overused and unoriginal -
halcyon
(n.)calm and peaceful -
hallmark
(n.)a distinctive feature or characteristic -
halo
(n.)a circle of light around the head -
hamper
(v.)to hinder or obstruct -
haphazard
(adj.)lacking plan or order -
hapless
(adj.)unfortunate or unlucky -
harangue
(n./v.)angry, lengthy speech -
harbinger
(n.)indicator of what’s to come -
harness
(v.)control or utilize -
hasten
(v.)to hurry or accelerate -
haughty
(adj.)arrogantly proud -
havoc
(n.)widespread destruction -
hearsay
(n.)rumor or unverified information -
hedonistic
(adj.)pursuing pleasure excessively -
heed
(v.)pay attention or consider -
hegemony
(n.)dominance or leadership -
heinous
(adj.)shockingly evil -
heirloom
(n.)valuable family possession -
henceforth
(adv.)from now on -
henchman
(n.)follower or supporter -
herald
(v.)announce or signal the arrival of -
herbivore
(n.)animal that eats plants -
heresy
(n.)offensive or unorthodox belief -
heretical
(adj.)holding unorthodox beliefs -
hiatus
(n.)gap or interruption -
hindrance
(n.)obstacle or barrier -
hinterland
(n.)remote inland area -
histrionic
(adj.)exaggerated or overly emotional -
hitherto
(adv.)up to this time -
hoard
(v.)to accumulate and store -
holocaust
(n.)mass destruction or slaughter -
homage
(n.)special honour or respect shown publicly -
homogeneous
(adj.)uniform in composition -
hone
(v.)to sharpen or refine -
horoscope
(n.)astrological reading -
hospice
(n.)care facility for the terminally ill -
hubris
(n.)excessive pride or arrogance -
hybrid
(n.)combination of different elements -
hyperbole
(n.)exaggerated statement -
hypocrisy
(n.)pretending to have morals -
hypothetical
(adj.)based on a situation that isn't real -
hysteria
(n.)overwhelming fear or excitement
-
iconoclasm
(n.)destroying or opposing beliefs -
iconoclast
(n.)person who opposes tradition -
ideologue
(n.)strictly adheres to ideas -
idiosyncrasy
(n.)unique personal habit -
idiosyncratic
(adj.)peculiar to an individual -
idyllic
(adj.)extremely peaceful and beautiful -
ignominious
(adj.)deserving shame or disgrace -
ignominy
(n.)public shame or disgrace -
illicit
(adj.)forbidden by law or rules -
imbue
(v.)to fill or inspire with feelings -
immaculate
(adj.)pure; spotless; perfectly clean -
immeasurably
(adv.)extremely; beyond measure or limit -
immensity
(n.)vastness; great extent or size -
immortal
(adj.)never dying; everlasting -
immutable
(adj.)unchanging; unable to be altered -
impair
(v.)harm; weaken or damage -
impartial
(adj.)fair; unbiased; neutral -
impasse
(n.)no progress; deadlock or dead end -
impassive
(adj.)emotionless; showing no feeling -
impeachment
(n.)accusation; removal from office -
impeccable
(adj.)errorless; faultless; perfect -
impede
(v.)hinder; obstruct progress -
impediment
(n.)barrier; obstacle or hinderance -
imperative
(adj.)urgent; necessary; commanding -
imperceptibly
(adv.)barely noticeable; subtly -
imperialism
(n.)domination; extending authority over others -
imperil
(v.)endanger; pose a risk to -
imperious
(adj.)overbearing; authoritative; bossy -
impertinent
(adj.)insolent; rude; not relevant -
imperturbable
(adj.)calm; unshakable; tranquil -
impervious
(adj.)impermeable; not allowing passage or penetration -
impetuous
(adj.)hasty; impulsive; reckless -
impetus
(n.)intake of force; motivation; stimulus -
implacable
(adj.)relentless; unstoppable; unforgiving -
implausible
(adj.)unbelievable; doubtful -
impracticable
(adj.)impossible to do in practice; unfeasible -
impregnable
(adj.)invincible; unable to be conquered -
impromptu
(adj.)unscripted; spontaneous; without preparation -
impropriety
(n.)incorrectness, improper conduct -
impudence
(n.)rudeness, shameless boldness -
impugn
(v.)challenge, question validity or honesty -
impunity
(n.)exemption, freedom from punishment -
inadequacy
(n.)lack of sufficient quality or ability -
inadvertent
(adj.)unintentional, accidental, careless -
inane
(adj.)silly, lacking meaning or sense -
inaugurate
(v.)begin, initiate, formally start -
incarnation
(n.)manifestation, embodiment of a spirit or quality -
incendiary
(adj.)fire-starting, provocative, inflammatory -
incense
(v.)aromatic, scent, to incense, to infuriate -
inception
(n.)start, beginning of something -
incessant
(adj.)constant, continuous without stopping -
incisive
(adj.)sharp, clear, direct, perceptive -
incite
(v.)urge, stimulate, provoke into action -
inclement
(adj.)harsh, severe -
inclination
(n.)tendency, preference, leaning -
inclusive
(adj.)including all, comprehensive, broad-minded -
incomprehensible
(adj.)un understandable, impossible to understand -
inconceivable
(adj.)unbelievable, beyond understanding -
incongruity
(n.)discrepancy, lack of harmony or agreement -
incongruous
(adj.)not fitting, out of place -
incontrovertible
(adj.)indisputable, impossible to deny -
incorrigible
(adj.)unfixable, not correcting or changing -
incredulity
(n.)disbelief, skepticism -
incredulous
(adj.)doubting, unable to believe -
incumbency
(n.)office, period of holding a position -
incumbent
(n.)necessary, currently holding a position -
incursion
(n.)attack, invasion, sudden hostile entry -
indefatigable
(adj.)tireless, persistent, never gives up -
indelible
(adj.)permanent, unable to be erased -
indemnify
(v.)compensate, secure against loss or damage -
indifference
(n.)apathy, lack of interest or concern -
indifferent
(adj.)un concerned, neutral, having no preference -
indignant
(adj.)angry, upset at injustice -
indignation
(n.)anger caused by unfairness or wrong -
indiscretion
(n.)imprudence, lack of good judgment -
indoctrination
(n.)teaching, instruction with bias -
indolent
(adj.)lazy, habitually idle -
indomitable
(adj.)unconquerable, resilient -
inducement
(n.)encouragement, motivation to do something -
induction
(n.)initiation, formal introduction or acceptance -
indulgent
(adj.)lenient, permissive, yielding to desires -
industrious
(adj.)hardworking, diligent, productive -
ineffable
(adj.)indescribable, beyond words -
inept
(adj.)clumsy, lacking skill, unfit -
ineptitude
(n.)lack of skill, clumsiness -
inequity
(n.)inequality, injustice, unfairness -
inertia
(n.)resistance to change, inactivity -
inexhaustible
(adj.)limitless, never-ending -
inexorable
(adj.)relentless, unstoppable, inevitable -
infallible
(adj.)faultless, incapable of making mistakes -
infamy
(n.)notoriety, evil reputation, shame -
infatuation
(n.)obsession, intense but foolish love -
inferno
(n.)hell, large fire, place of destruction -
infirmary
(n.)hospital, medical facility for short-term care -
inflammatory
(adj.)causing anger, provoking, fiery -
influx
(n.)arrival, pouring in, inflow -
infraction
(n.)violations, breaches of rules or laws -
ingenious
(adj.)clever, inventive, resourceful -
ingenuity
(n.)creativity, cleverness, inventiveness -
ingenuous
(adj.)naive, innocent, frank and honest -
ingrained
(adj.)deep-rooted, embedded, habitual -
inhospitable
(adj.)unfriendly, unwelcoming, harsh climate -
inhumanity
(n.)cruelty, inhumane treatment -
inimical
(adj.)harmful, hostile, adverse -
iniquitous
(adj.)wicked, morally wrong, unjust -
injunction
(n.)court order, command or warning -
inkling
(n.)hint, slight suspicion or idea -
innocuous
(adj.)harmless, unlikely to offend -
innuendo
(n.)suggestion, indirect hint or reference -
innumerable
(adj.)countless, too many to count -
inquisition
(n.)investigation, questioning, inquiry -
insatiable
(adj.)impossible to satisfy -
inscrutable
(adj.)difficult to understand or interpret -
insidious
(adj.)growing harmful gradually without notice -
insipid
(adj.)lacking flavor, interest, or excitement -
insolent
(adj.)rude or disrespectful behavior -
insoluble
(adj.)not able to be dissolved or solved -
insouciant
(adj.)showing lack of concern or worry -
instigate
(v.)provoke action or trouble -
insurgency
(n.)rebellion against authority or government -
insurmountable
(adj.)impossible to overcome or surpass -
insurrection
(n.)violent uprising against authority -
intelligentsia
(n.)class of intellectuals or highly educated people -
inter alia
(adv.)among other things; among others -
interlude
(n.)pause or break between events -
intermittently
(adv.)occurring at irregular intervals -
internecine
(adj.)mutually destructive within a group -
intimation
(n.)indirect hint or suggestion -
intimidation
(n.)causing fear to influence actions -
intransigence
(n.)refusal to change stance or opinion -
intransigent
(adj.)unwilling to compromise or change -
intrepid
(adj.)courageous and fearless -
intrinsic
(adj.)belonging naturally; essential -
introspection
(n.)self-examination or reflection -
intrusive
(adj.)causing interruption or annoyance -
intuition
(n.)understanding without conscious reasoning -
inundate
(v.)overwhelm with things or people -
invasive
(adj.)tending to spread aggressively -
invective
(n.)harsh or abusive language -
inveterate
(adj.)long-established and unlikely to change -
invidious
(adj.)harmful, unfair, or hateful -
invocation
(n.)calling upon a higher power for help -
irascible
(adj.)easily angered or irritable -
ire
(n.)intense anger or wrath -
irk
(v.)to irritate or annoy -
irreproachable
(adj.)undeserving of criticism -
irreverent
(adj.)lacking respect for something sacred -
itinerant
(adj.)traveling from place to place -
itinerary
(n.)planned route or schedule of travel
-
jaded
(adj.)tired or bored due to overexposure -
jamboree
(n.)lively celebration or gathering -
jargon
(n.)specialized language of a group -
jaundiced
(adj.)affected by bitterness or prejudice -
jaunt
(n.)short pleasant trip or excursion -
jeopardise
(v.)possbly cause harm or failure -
jingoism
(n.)extreme patriotism often aggressive -
jocular
(adj.)playful or humorous -
jocularity
(n.)humor or joking behavior -
journeyman
(n.)experienced worker or professional -
joust
(n.)combat with lances on horseback -
jubilation
(n.)great happiness or celebration -
jubilee
(n.)celebration of an anniversary or event -
judicious
(adj.)showing good judgment or wisdom -
juggernaut
(n.)large unstoppable force or object -
juncture
(n.)critical point or connection -
jurisprudence
(n.)theory or philosophy of law -
jurist
(n.)legal expert or judge -
juxtapose
(v.)place side by side for comparison -
juxtaposition
(n.)act of placing side by side
-
kaleidoscope
(n.)optical instrument with changing patterns -
ken
(n.)one's understanding or knowledge -
kernel
(n.)core part of seed or idea -
keynote
(n.)main or central theme or speech -
kindle
(v.)to start a fire or ignite -
kindred
(n.)family, relatives, or similar nature -
kinship
(n.)relationship by blood or marriage -
knoll
(n.)small hill or mound -
kudos
(n.)praise or honor for achievement
-
labyrinth
(n.)maze or complicated network -
lackadaisical
(adj.)lacking enthusiasm or energy -
lacklustre
(adj.)dull or lacking shine or vitality -
laconic
(adj.)using few words; concise -
laggard
(n.)slow to advance or respond -
lambaste
(v.)criticize harshly -
lament
(v.)mourn or express grief -
lamentable
(adj.)causing sorrow or regret -
lampoon
(n.)publicly criticize with satire -
languid
(adj.)weak or lacking energy -
languish
(v.)suffer neglect or hardship -
lapse
(n.)temporary failure or interval -
larceny
(n.)theft or stealing -
largesse
(n.)generous giving or donations -
latent
(adj.)hidden but capable of emerging -
latitude
(n.)freedom of action or thought -
laud
(v.)praise highly -
laudable
(adj.)praiseworthy and admirable -
laureate
(n.)awarded for achievement in arts or sciences -
lectern
(n.)pedestal for reading or speaking -
leery of
(adj.)distrustful or wary of -
leeway
(n.)margin of freedom or flexibility -
lenient
(adj.)permissive or mild in discipline -
lethargic
(adj.)lacking energy or enthusiasm -
lethargy
(n.)sense of exhaustion or sluggishness -
levity
(n.)lightness of manner or speech -
levy
(v.)impose or collect (taxes or fees) -
lexicon
(n.)vocabulary or word list -
liaison
(n.)connection or communication link -
licentious
(adj.)lacking moral restraint or discipline -
limbo
(n.)state of uncertainty or neglect -
lineage
(n.)descent from ancestors -
linguist
(n.)expert in languages or linguistics -
liquidate
(v.)convert assets to cash; eliminate. -
liquidation
(n.)process of selling assets; dissolution. -
litany
(n.)repetitive list or prayer; tedious recitation. -
litigant
(n.)a person involved in a lawsuit. -
litigious
(adj.)inclined to sue; argumentative. -
liturgy
(n.)public worship; church rituals. -
loathe
(v.)strong dislike or hate. -
longevity
(n.)length of life; durability. -
loophole
(n.)legal gap or exception; escape route. -
loquacious
(adj.)very talkative; chatty. -
lore
(n.)traditions or stories passed down. -
lout
(n.)awkward or rude person. -
lucid
(adj.)clear and easily understood. -
ludicrous
(adj.)absurdly humorous; ridiculous. -
lugubrious
(adj.)sad or mournful; gloomy. -
lukewarm
(adj.)warm but not hot; indifferent. -
luminary
(n.)notable person; sources of light. -
luminous
(adj.)saving or shining brightly. -
lustre
(n.)shine or gloss on surface. -
luxuriant
(adj.)abundantly rich or lush.
-
machination
(n.)crafty or secret scheme. -
machismo
(n.)male dominance or strength. -
macrocosm
(n.)large universe or system. -
madcap
(adj.)wildly impulsive; reckless. -
maelstrom
(n.)violent whirlpool; turbulent situation. -
maestro
(n.)master musician or conductor. -
magnanimous
(adj.)generous and forgiving. -
magnate
(n.)great person of influence. -
mainstay
(n.)vital or central element. -
malady
(n.)illness or disease. -
malaise
(n.)general feeling of discomfort. -
malcontent
(n.)dissatisfied person; rebel. -
malevolent
(adj.)ill-willed; evil-minded. -
malfeasance
(n.)mistake or misconduct. -
malice
(n.)desire to harm or hurt. -
malign
(v.)speak harmful untruths about. -
malleable
(adj.)easily shaped or molded. -
malodorous
(adj.)bad smelling. -
manifestation
(n.)outward sign or display. -
mannerism
(n.)distinctive personal habit. -
manor
(n.)large country house estate. -
mantle
(n.)cloak or covering; responsibility. -
marauder
(n.)raider or plunderer. -
marquee
(n.)large tent for events; prominent. -
martyrdom
(n.)suffering for a cause. -
masochism
(n.)pleasure from self-pain. -
masquerade
(n.)disguise or false show. -
materialism
(n.)value placed on material possessions. -
matriarch
(n.)woman ruler or head. -
maudlin
(adj.)sentimental or tearful. -
maverick
(n.)independent-minded person. -
maxim
(n.)short, pithy statement. -
mayhem
(n.)violence or chaos. -
meagre
(adj.)lacking in amount; scanty. -
mediator
(n.)person who resolves disputes. -
mediocrity
(n.)ordinary or average quality. -
megalomania
(n.)delusion of greatness. -
melancholy
(n.)sad or depressed mood. -
melee
(n.)confused fight or skirmish. -
memento
(n.)reminder of past; keepsake. -
memorabilia
(n.)collectible objects; souvenirs. -
menacing
(adj.)threatening harm or danger. -
mendacious
(adj.)telling lies; untruthful. -
mercenary
(n.)motivated by money; soldier. -
meritocracy
(n.)rule by talent or ability. -
messiah
(n.)savior or liberator. -
metamorphosis
(n.)complete transformation. -
methodology
(n.)systematic method or approach. -
meticulous
(adj.)very precise and careful. -
mettle
(n.)courage and resilience. -
microcosm
(n.)small representative system. -
minion
(n.)follower or underling. -
minutiae
(n.)tiny, precise details. -
mirage
(n.)illusion of distant object. -
mire
(n.)swampy or muddy ground. -
misanthrope
(n.)person who dislikes mankind. -
mischievous
(adj.)playfully troublesome. -
misgiving
(n.)doubts or worries. -
mishap
(n.)small accident or mistake. -
misnomer
(n.)incorrect or misleading name. -
misogyny
(n.)hatred towards women. -
mitigate
(v.)to make less severe. -
modicum
(n.)a small amount. -
mogul
(n.)powerful person; magnate. -
mollify
(v.)to calm or soothe. -
moniker
(n.)name or nickname. -
monolith
(n.)large single stone; massive structure. -
monologue
(n.)speech by one speaker. -
montage
(n.)collection of images or clips. -
moratorium
(n.)temporary delay or suspension. -
mordant
(adj.)bitingly sarcastic. -
morgue
(n.)place for dead bodies. -
moribund
(adj.)nearing death or inactivity. -
morose
(adj.)sullen or gloomy. -
mortal
(adj./n.)causing death; human. -
mortifying
(adj.)embarrassingly humiliating. -
mosaic
(n.)art of creating images with tiles. -
muffle
(v.)to soften or reduce sound. -
multitude
(n.)large number of people or things. -
mundane
(adj.)ordinary; lacking interest. -
munificent
(adj.)extremely generous. -
munition
(n.)weapons or ammunition used in warfare -
mural
(n.)large painting on a wall or ceiling -
mutable
(adj.)able to change or be changed -
myopic
(adj.)lack of foresight or long-term perspective -
myriad
(n./adj.)countless or very many things -
mystique
(n.)mysterious or fascinating quality
-
nadir
(n.)lowest point or the worst moment -
nag
(v.)to repeatedly annoy or remind persistently -
naivety
(n.)lack of experience or sophistication -
namesake
(n.)person named after another; namesake relation -
narcissism
(n.)excessive self-love or self-centeredness -
nascent
(adj.)beginning to develop; emerging -
nebulous
(adj.)intangible, vague, or unclear -
nefarious
(adj.)having wicked or evil intentions -
negligence
(n.)failure to take proper care or caution -
nemesis
(n.)ultimate opponent or rival; just punishment -
neophyte
(n.)newcomer or beginner at something -
nepotism
(n.)favoritism shown to relatives -
nexus
(n.)connection or link between things -
nihilism
(n.)rejection of all religious or moral principles -
nirvana
(n.)state of perfect happiness and peace -
nomenclature
(n.)system of naming or terminology -
nonchalance
(n.)casual calmness or indifference -
nonchalant
(adj.)feeling or appearing casually calm or relaxed -
nonentity
(n.)an unimportant or insignificant person or thing -
notoriety
(n.)fame for something negative or undesirable -
novice
(n.)beginner or someone new to an activity -
noxious
(adj.)harmful, poisonous, or unhealthy -
nuance
(n.)subtle difference or distinction
-
oaf
(n.)clumsy or unintelligent person -
oasis
(n.)fertile spot in a desert with water -
obdurate
(adj.)stubborn, unyielding to persuasion -
obfuscate
(v.)makes unclear or confusing -
obfuscation
(n.)act of making something obscure -
obituary
(n.)notice of someone's death and biography -
obliterate
(v.)wipe out, destroy completely -
oblivion
(n.)state of being unaware or unconscious -
obscenity
(n.)offensive or indecent language or behavior -
obscure
(adj.)difficult to see or understand; unclear -
obscurity
(n.)state of being unknown or unclear -
obsequious
(adj.)excessively eager to please or obey -
observance
(n.)act of complying with a rule or custom -
obsolescence
(n.)process of becoming outdated or useless -
obsolete
(adj.)no longer in use or outdated -
obstinate
(adj.)stubborn; refusing to change opinions -
obstreperous
(adj.)noisy and difficult to control -
obtuse
(adj.)slow to understand; dull -
obviate
(v.)prevent or avoid; make unnecessary -
ode
(n.)poem or song expressing praise or admiration -
odyssey
(n.)long journey or adventurous voyage -
officious
(adj.)meddlesome, excessively eager to help -
oligarchy
(n.)small group ruling a country or organization -
omen
(n.)sign of future events, usually good or bad -
ominous
(adj.)giving a feeling of foreboding or worry -
omission
(n.)act of excluding or leaving out -
omnipotence
(n.)total power or authority -
omniscience
(n.)all-knowing; complete knowledge -
onerous
(adj.)burdensome, heavy, or oppressive -
onset
(n.)beginning or start of something -
onslaught
(n.)sudden, fierce attack or assault -
onus
(n.)burden of responsibility or duty -
opacity
(n.)degree to which something is opaque; not transparent -
opaque
(adj.)not allowing light to pass through; unclear -
opportunistic
(adj.)taking advantage of situations for personal gain -
opulence
(n.)luxury, wealth, or abundance -
opulent
(adj.)showing wealth; rich or luxurious -
oracle
(n.)person who predicts future events; prophet -
orator
(n.)speaker, especially in public, eloquent -
oratory
(n.)effective public speaking or persuasion -
ordeal
(n.)challenging or painful experience -
ordinance
(n.)official rule, law, or regulation -
ornate
(adj.)elaborately decorated or detailed -
orthodoxy
(n.)conventional or traditional beliefs or practices -
oscillation
(n.)moving back and forth in a regular rhythm -
ostensible
(adj.)seemingly true but not necessarily so -
ostentation
(n.)pretentious display of wealth or importance -
ostentatious
(adj.)characterized by showy display -
ostracise
(v.)push someone out of a group or society -
ostracism
(n.)exclusion from a group or society -
oust
(v.)remove someone from power or position -
outweigh
(v.)be more significant or important than -
ovation
(n.)enthusiastic public applause or praise -
oversight
(n.)mistake or failure to notice; supervision -
overweening
(adj.)excessively arrogant or confident -
oxymoron
(n.)combination of contradictory terms
-
pacifism
(n.)belief in peace and opposition to war -
pacify
(v.)appease or calm down; settle anger -
pageant
(n.)elaborate public entertainment or parade -
pageantry
(n.)showy display or ceremony -
painstaking
(adj.)showing great care and effort -
palatable
(adj.)pleasant to taste or accept -
palatial
(adj.)like a palace; grand or luxurious -
pallbearer
(n.)person who carries a coffin at a funeral -
palliate
(v.)relieve or lessen without curing -
pallid
(adj.)pale; lacking color or vitality -
pallor
(n.)pallid or unhealthy pale appearance -
palpable
(adj.)tangible; able to be touched or felt -
palpitation
(n.)irregular or rapid heartbeat -
paltry
(adj.)wretched, insignificant, or minimal -
pamper
(v.)care for or spoil excessively -
panacea
(n.)remedy for all problems or diseases -
panache
(n.)a flamboyant confidence or style -
pandemonium
(n.)a state of noisy chaos or wild uproar -
pang
(n.)a sudden sharp feeling of pain -
panorama
(n.)a wide-angle view of landscape -
parable
(n.)a simple story with moral lesson -
paradigm
(n.)a model or example of something -
paradox
(n.)a statement contradicting itself -
paragon
(n.)an ideal example of excellence -
paramount
(adj.)most important or supreme -
paraphernalia
(n.)equipment or personal belongings -
pariah
(n.)a social outcast or exile -
parity
(n.)equality or equivalence -
parlance
(n.)specific language or terminology -
parochial
(adj.)limited in scope; narrow-minded -
parody
(n.)humorous imitation of style or genre -
parsimonious
(adj.)unwilling to spend money; stingy -
parsimony
(n.)extreme reluctance to spend -
partisan
(adj./n.)a strong supporter of a cause -
partisanship
(n.)bias towards a particular cause -
patently
(adv.)clearly or openly -
pathos
(n.)appeal to emotion or feeling -
patriarch
(n.)a male head of a family or community -
patronage
(n.)support or sponsorship -
paucity
(n.)lack or scarcity -
pavilion
(n.)a temporary or portable structure -
pedagogy
(n.)the art or science of teaching -
pedant
(n.)a person who overemphasizes rules -
pedantic
(adj.)relating to excessive concern for rules -
pedantry
(n.)showy or tedious display of learning -
pedestal
(n.)support or foot of a column -
pedigree
(n.)lineage or ancestry -
peevish
(adj.)easily annoyed or irritated -
pejorative
(adj.)expressing disapproval or criticism -
penchant
(n.)strong habitual liking -
pending
(adj.)undecided or awaiting resolution -
penitence
(n.)sincere remorse for sins -
penitent
(adj.)feeling regret for sins -
pennant
(n.)a long, narrow flag -
pensive
(adj.)engaged in deep or serious thought -
penury
(n.)extreme poverty or destitution -
peremptory
(adj.)insisting on immediate attention -
perennial
(adj.)lasting or recurring yearly -
perfidious
(adj.)deceitful or untrustworthy -
perfunctory
(adj.)done without real effort -
peril
(n.)danger or risk -
perilous
(adj.)risky or dangerous -
perimeter
(n.)outer boundary of an area -
periphery
(n.)outer edge or boundary -
perjurer
(n.)person who commits perjury -
perjury
(n.)lying under oath -
permanence
(n.)state of lasting forever -
permeate
(v.)spread throughout -
permutation
(n.)change in arrangement -
pernicious
(adj.)harmful or destructive -
perpetrator
(n.)one who commits a crime -
perpetual
(adj.)never ending or changing -
perpetuate
(v.)cause to continue indefinitely -
perplexity
(n.)state of confusion -
persecute
(v.)harass or oppress persistently -
perseverance
(n.)persistence in effort -
perspicacious
(adj.)having keen insight -
perturbed
(adj.)anxious or unsettled -
peruse
(v.)read carefully or thoroughly -
pervade
(v.)spread throughout -
pervasive
(adj.)spreading widely throughout -
pervert
(v.)someone who corrupts or distorts -
pessimism
(n.)expectation of worst outcomes -
petulant
(adj.)impatient or irritable -
philanthropic
(adj.)charitable or humane -
philanthropist
(n.)someone who promotes welfare -
philistine
(n.)uncultured or materialistic person -
phlegmatic
(adj.)emotionally calm or unresponsive -
phoenix
(n.)mythical bird reborn from ashes -
piety
(n.)devout or religious reverence -
pillage
(v.)robbery or plundering -
pinnacle
(n.)highest point or peak -
pioneering
(adj.)innovative or trailblazing -
pious
(adj.)devout or religious -
pique
(n.)a sudden feeling of resentment -
piracy
(n.)act of illegally copying or stealing -
pitfall
(n.)a hidden danger or difficulty -
pithy
(adj.)concise and meaningful -
pittance
(n.)a small amount of money -
placate
(v.)calm or soothe anger -
placebo
(n.)inert substance for testing -
placid
(adj.)calm and peaceful -
plagiarism
(n.)copying another's work without credit -
plaintiff
(n.)one who sues in court -
plasticity
(n.)capable of being shaped or molded -
platitude
(n.)banal or overused remark -
playwright
(n.)person who writes plays -
plebiscite
(n.)direct vote by voting population -
plethora
(n.)an excess or abundance -
plight
(n.)difficult or dangerous situation -
ploy
(n.)cunning plan or maneuver -
plunder
(v.)steal goods by force -
podium
(n.)raised platform for speakers -
poignancy
(n.)deeply touching or affecting -
poignant
(adj.)moving, evoking strong emotion -
poise
(n.)composure or self-assurance -
polemic
(n.)a controversial argument or debate -
polyglot
(n.)person fluent in multiple languages -
pomp
(n.)graduation or ceremonydisplay with grandeur -
pompous
(adj.)self-important or arrogant -
ponder
(v.)think about carefully -
ponderous
(adj.)heavy or awkward -
pontificate
(v.)speak in a haughty manner -
populace
(n.)the general population or people -
populism
(n.)political approach appealing to common people -
portend
(v.)be a warning of something to come -
portent
(n.)sign indicating future events -
portentous
(adj.)ominous or significant -
posterity
(n.)future generations -
posthumous
(adj.)occurring after death -
postmortem
(n.)exam after death -
postulate
(v.)assume without proof -
pragmatism
(n.)focus on practical results -
pragmatist
(n.)person who values practical results -
preamble
(n.)introduction to a speech or document -
precarious
(adj.)unstable or uncertain -
precedence
(n.)priority in importance or order -
precipice
(n.)cliff with a vertical drop -
precipitate
(v.)cause suddenly or prematurely -
precipitous
(adj.)very steep or hasty -
preclude
(v.)prevent from happening -
precocious
(adj.)developing early -
precursor
(n.)forerunner or ancestor -
predilection
(n.)preference or liking -
predominance
(n.)superiority in influence or power -
preeminent
(adj.)outstanding or supreme -
preempt
(v.)take action to prevent -
prelude
(n.)introductory piece or event -
premonition
(n.)fear of future evil -
preponderance
(n.)greater influence or importance -
preposterous
(adj.)ridiculously unreasonable -
prerequisite
(n.)required beforehand -
prerogative
(n.)privilege or right -
presumption
(n.)assumption without proof -
presumptuous
(adj.)overconfident or arrogant -
pretence
(n.)fake or false appearance -
pretender
(n.)person claiming a claim falsely -
pretentious
(adj.)showy or affected -
pretext
(n.)false reasons to hide true motives -
prevalent
(adj.)widespread or common -
prevaricate
(v.)avoid directly answering -
primacy
(n.)state of being first or most important -
primeval
(adj.)extremely old or ancient -
pristine
(adj.)uncorrupted or original -
privation
(n.)lack of basic necessities -
probity
(n.)honesty and integrity -
proclamation
(n.)public announcement -
proclivity
(n.)tendency toward something -
procrastinate
(v.)delay action unnecessarily -
procure
(v.)obtain with effort -
procurement
(n.)act of obtaining -
prodigal
(adj.)wastefully extravagant -
prodigious
(adj.)remarkably large or impressive -
prodigy
(n.)child with extraordinary talents -
profane
(adj.)violate sacredness -
profanity
(n.)curse words or irreverence -
profess
(v.)declare openly -
proffer
(v.)present or offer -
proficiency
(n.)skill or competence -
profligate
(adj.)wasteful or reckless -
profusion
(n.)abundance or large quantity -
progeny
(n.)offspring or descendants -
prognosis
(n.)forecast of a disease or situation -
prohibitive
(adj.)so expensive as to prevent purchase -
proliferation
(n.)rapid increase or spread -
prolific
(adj.)producing many offspring or works -
prologue
(n.)introduction to a book or play -
promiscuity
(n.)lack of selectivity or restraint -
propagandist
(n.)person spreading ideas or beliefs -
propensity
(n.)tendency to behave a certain way -
prophecy
(n.)divine prediction -
propitious
(adj.)favorable or auspicious -
proponent
(n.)advocate or supporter -
proprietor
(n.)owner of a business or property -
propriety
(n.)moral correctness or manners -
prosaic
(adj.)lacking imagination -
proscribe
(v.)forbid or prohibit -
protagonist
(n.)the leading character in a story -
prototype
(n.)original model or first form -
protract
(v.)draw out or extend -
provenance
(n.)origin or source of something -
proverb
(n.)short saying with wisdom -
providence
(n.)divine guidance or care -
proviso
(n.)condition or limitation -
prowess
(n.)exceptional ability or bravery -
proximity
(n.)nearness in distance or time -
proxy
(n.)substitute authorized to act -
prudence
(n.)wisdom in decision-making -
prudent
(adj.)cautious and sensible -
pseudonym
(n.)fake name used by writers -
psyche
(n.)soul or mind -
puerile
(adj.)childish or immature -
pugnacious
(adj.)eager to fight -
pulpit
(n.)podium for sermons -
punctilious
(adj.)meticulous about etiquette -
pundit
(n.)expert commentator or analyst -
pungency
(n.)sharpness of taste or smell -
pungent
(adj.)having a sharply strong smell or taste -
purge
(n.)remove impurities or undesirable elements -
purist
(n.)person insisting on strict standards or traditionalism -
purport
(v.)appear to be or imply something falsely -
purveyor
(n.)seller or provider of goods or services -
pusillanimous
(adj.)lacking courage or resolve; timid
-
quack
(n.)swindler or fake expert in medicine -
quadrant
(n.)divided into four equal parts -
quagmire
(n.)difficult or precarious situation -
quaint
(adj.)charmingly unusual or old-fashioned -
qualm
(n.)uneasy feeling or doubt -
quandary
(n.)state of uncertainty or confusion -
quarantine
(n.)isolation to prevent disease spread -
quarry
(n.)large deep pit for extracting stone or minerals -
quartet
(n.)four performers or a set of four -
quash
(v.)put an end to or suppress -
quaver
(n.)vibrate or shake slightly; musical note -
quell
(v.)put an end to; suppress -
querulous
(adj.)complaining in a petulant manner -
quibble
(n.)argue over minor issues or details -
quicksand
(n.)unstable sand that traps objects -
quiescent
(adj.)in a state of inactivity or rest -
quintessence
(n.)most perfect or typical example -
quintessential
(adj.)representing the perfect example -
quintet
(n.)group of five people or things -
quip
(n.)clever or witty remark -
quiver
(n.)tremble or shake with rapid motion -
quixotic
(adj.)impractically idealistic; unrealistic -
quorum
(n.)minimum number for decision-making
-
rabble
(n.)disorganized or disorderly crowd -
radiance
(n.)gorgeous brightness or light -
radicalism
(n.)advocacy for fundamental change -
rambunctious
(adj.)noisy, unruly, energetic -
ramification
(n.)consequence or result of actions -
rancour
(n.)deep-seated bitterness or resentment -
ransom
(n.)payment demanded for release or rescue -
rapacious
(adj.)aggressively greedy or grasping -
rapacity
(n.)greed for wealth or possessions -
rapport
(n.)close relationship based on understanding -
rapture
(n.)ecstatic joy or delight -
rascal
(n.)mischievous or dishonest person -
rashness
(n.)hasty or reckless behavior -
ratification
(n.)formal approval or validation -
ratify
(v.)approve officially or formally -
rationale
(n.)underlying reasoning or explanation -
rationalism
(n.)belief in reason as primary guide -
raucous
(adj.)loud and harsh in sound -
ravage
(n.)damage or destroy violently -
ravine
(n.)deep narrow valley with steep sides -
rebuff
(v.)reject or refuse suddenly -
rebuke
(v.)scold or reprimand sharply -
rebuttal
(n.)response that contradicts or refutes -
recalcitrance
(n.)stubborn resistance to authority -
recalcitrant
(adj.)resisting authority or control -
recant
(v.)withdraw or retract a statement -
recidivism
(n.)repetition of criminal behavior -
reciprocal
(adj.)mutually exchanging or returning -
reciprocate
(v.)respond in kind or return favour -
reciprocity
(n.)mutual exchange or relationship -
recklessness
(n.)lack of caution or concern for danger -
reclamation
(n.)restoration or improvement of wasteland -
recluse
(n.)person who lives in seclusion -
reclusive
(adj.)preferring to be apart from society -
reconcile
(v.)restore friendly relationship -
recondite
(adj.)not easily understood; obscure -
reconnaissance
(n.)exploratory survey or preliminary inspection -
recourse
(n.)solution or options for help in difficulty -
recrimination
(n.)mutual accusations in response to accusations -
rectification
(n.)correction or adjustment of errors -
rectify
(v.)correct or make right -
rectitude
(n.)moral uprightness or virtue -
redeem
(v.)rescue from sin or error; buy back -
redemption
(n.)act of saving or being saved; repurchase -
redress
(n.)fix or remedy wrong or injury -
refinery
(n.)plant that purifies or processes substances -
reformation
(n.)change for the better; improvement -
refractory
(adj.)resisting control or authority -
refutation
(n.)proof that a statement is false -
refute
(v.)disprove honestly or logically -
regent
(n.)person appointed to administer a state -
registrar
(n.)official record keeper -
regression
(n.)return to earlier or less developed state -
reimbursement
(n.)recovery of expenses or expenses paid -
reincarnation
(n.)rebirth of a soul in new body -
reiteration
(n.)repetition for emphasis or clarity -
relegate
(v.)assign to an inferiores position -
relegation
(n.)assignment to a lower status or order -
relic
(n.)object surviving from the past -
relinquish
(v.)give up or let go of -
relish
(v.)enjoy greatly; flavorful condiment -
reluctance
(n.)unwillingness to do something -
remembrance
(n.)memory or act of recalling -
reminiscent
(adj.)strongly suggesting or reminding -
remiss
(adj.)negligent in duty or negligent -
remission
(n.)mitigation or disappearance of symptoms -
remit
(v.)send money or forgive a debt -
remnant
(n.)small remaining part of something -
remorse
(n.)deep regret or guilt -
remuneration
(n.)payment for work or services -
renaissance
(n.)rebirth of arts and culture -
rendition
(n.)performance or interpretation -
renegade
(n.)a person who deserts an organization or set of principles -
renege
(v.)break a promise or commitment -
renounce
(v.)give up voluntarily; reject or disown -
renown
(n.)fame and admiration -
reparation
(n.)amends made for a wrong or injury -
repatriation
(n.)the return of someone to their country -
repeal
(v.)revoke or annul a law or act -
repentance
(n.)sincere regret for wrongdoing -
repercussion
(n.)consequences or effects of an action -
repertoire
(n.)full range of skills or performances -
replenish
(v.)fill again or restore -
replete
(adj.)abundantly supplied; full -
repository
(n.)a place designated for storage -
reprehensible
(adj.)something deserving criticism or blame -
repression
(n.)forcible suppression or restraint -
reprieve
(n.)temporary relief from harm or sentence -
reprimand
(n./v.)stern disapproval or scolding -
reprisal
(n.)retaliation for an injury or offense -
reproach
(v.)expression of disapproval or blame -
repudiate
(v.)refuse to accept or support -
repudiation
(n.)rejection or denial -
repugnance
(n.)intense disgust or aversion -
repugnant
(adj.)causing disgust or aversion -
repute
(n.)general opinion or reputation -
requisite
(n.)necessary or essential -
requisition
(n.)formal demand or request -
rescind
(v.)revoke, cancel, or repeal -
residual
(adj.)leftover or remaining -
resilience
(n.)ability to recover quickly -
resilient
(adj.)able to bounce back quickly -
resolute
(adj.)firm and determined -
resolutely
(adv.)with determination -
resonance
(n.)deep, full, echoing sound -
respite
(n.)pause or rest from activity -
resplendent
(adj.)shining brilliantly -
restitution
(n.)restoring to original state -
restive
(adj.)restless or impatient -
resurgence
(n.)new growth or revival -
resurrection
(n.)coming back to life or existence -
retaliate
(v.)pay back; avenge -
reticence
(n.)restraint in speech or manner -
reticent
(adj.)reserved or restrained -
retort
(n.)sharp, quick reply -
retract
(v.)withdraw or pull back -
retraction
(n.)withdrawal of statement -
retribution
(n.)punishment for wrongdoing -
retrospection
(n.)looking back on past events -
revelry
(n.)lively celebration or party -
reverberation
(n.)repeated echo or vibration -
revere
(v.)regard with deep respect -
reverent
(adj.)showing deep respect -
reverential
(adj.)full of respect -
reverie
(n.)daydream or fanciful musing -
revisionism
(n.)altering history or facts -
revocation
(n.)reversal or cancellation -
revoke
(v.)cancel or withdraw -
rift
(n.)rift or split in unity -
righteousness
(n.)morally right conduct -
rigmarole
(n.)complicated procedure or story -
rigorous
(adj.)extremely thorough and careful -
rigour
(n.)strictness or severity -
ringleader
(n.)leader of a group or movement -
rite
(n.)ceremony or ritual -
rogue
(n.)dishonest or unprincipled person -
rostrum
(n.)platform for public speaking -
rout
(n.)defeat decisively; disorderly retreat -
rubric
(n.)set of rules or instructions -
ruckus
(n.)noisy commotion or disturbance -
rudiment
(n.)fundamental principle or element -
ruination
(n.)total destruction or downfall -
ruminate
(v.)think deeply or repeatedly -
rumination
(n.)contemplative thinking -
rupture
(v.)sudden break or breach -
ruse
(n.)deceptive trick or strategem
-
sabotage
(n.)deliberate destruction or obstruction -
saboteur
(n.)someone who causes destruction -
sacrilege
(n.)violation of sacredness -
sacrosanct
(adj.)intensely sacred and must be respected -
safeguard
(v.)protect or secure against harm -
saga
(n.)long story of heroic deeds -
sagacious
(adj.)wisely cautious -
sage
(n.)wise person -
sainthood
(n.)state of being a saint -
salacious
(adj.)indecently appealing -
salient
(adj.)most noticeable or important -
salubrious
(adj.)healthy or health-giving -
salutation
(n.)greeting or acknowledgment -
salvation
(n.)deliverance from harm or evil -
sanctimonious
(adj.)self-righteous; hypocritical -
sanctity
(n.)hallowedness or sacredness -
sanctuary
(n.)sacred or safe place -
sanguine
(adj.)optimistic or hopeful -
sarcasm
(n.)sharp irony or satire -
sardonic
(adj.)bitterly sarcastic -
satiate
(v.)fulfill to excess -
satire
(n.)humor criticizing flaws -
satirist
(n.)person who creates satire -
savagery
(n.)brutality or cruelty -
savant
(n.)learned person -
scaffold
(n.)temporary structure for execution -
scapegoat
(n.)someone blamed for others' faults -
scarcity
(n.)limited availability of something -
scathing
(adj.)severely critical or sarcastic -
schism
(n.)division or split within a group -
scion
(n.)descendant or heir of a family -
scorn
(v.)intense dislike or disdain -
scoundrel
(n.)dishonest or untrustworthy person -
scourge
(n.)source of great suffering or trouble -
scruple
(n.)doubt or hesitation about morality -
scrupulous
(adj.)extremely attentive to detail and ethics -
scrutinise
(v.)examine carefully and thoroughly -
scurrilous
(adj.)vulgar or abusive language -
secession
(n.)withdrawal from an organization or country -
seclusion
(n.)state of being private or hidden -
secretariat
(n.)administrative office or department -
sedentary
(adj.)characterized by sitting or inactivity -
sediment
(n.)solid material settled in liquid -
seditious
(adj.)inciting rebellion or resistance -
sedulous
(adj.)diligent and persistent in effort -
seer
(n.)person who predicts the future -
segregation
(n.)separation of groups based on characteristics -
seizure
(n.)act of capturing or taking possession -
semantics
(n.)study of meaning in language -
semblance
(n.)outward appearance or likeness -
seminal
(adj.)strongly influencing later developments -
senility
(n.)mental decline due to old age -
sequel
(n.)subsequent event or series -
sequestration
(n.)forced separation or confiscation -
serendipitous
(adj.)occurring by chance in a beneficial way -
serenity
(n.)state of peacefulness and calm -
serfdom
(n.)system where peasants are bound to land -
servile
(adj.)overly willing to serve or obey -
servility
(n.)excessive willingness to serve others -
servitude
(n.)state of being a slave or in bondage -
severance
(n.)act of cutting or breaking apart -
severity
(n.)harshness or strictness -
shackle
(n.)chain or restraint for ankles or wrists -
shambles
(n.)scene of disorder or destruction -
shard
(n.)broken piece of a brittle object -
sheen
(n.)soft shine or glow -
shirk
(v.)avoid or neglect responsibilities -
shoddy
(adj.)badly made or inferior quality -
shrewdness
(n.)astute or sharp judgment -
shrine
(n.)holy or sacred place -
shroud
(n.)cover that conceals or protects -
shrouded
(adj.)covered or hidden from view -
shun
(v.)intentionally avoid or stay away from -
siege
(n.)military blockade to capture a place -
silhouette
(n.)dark shape against lighter background -
simile
(n.)figure of speech comparing with like or as -
simpleton
(n.)person lacking in intelligence -
sinecure
(n.)easy job with little work but prestige -
singular
(adj.)unique or extraordinary -
singularity
(n.)state of being one of a kind -
siren
(n.)alluring but dangerous woman or sound -
skirmish
(n.)minor fight or battle -
skullduggery
(n.)underhanded or dishonest behavior -
slander
(n./v.)false spoken statement damaging reputation -
sloth
(n.)reluctance to work or act; laziness -
slumber
(n.)sleep or light sleep -
smattering
(n.)superficial knowledge or brief sample -
snare
(n.)trap for catching animals -
snooty
(adj.)condescending or snobbish attitude -
snub
(n.)treat with disdain or neglect -
sobriety
(n.)state of being sober or serious -
sojourn
(n.)temporary stay or visit -
solace
(n.)comfort in grief or distress -
solemn
(adj.)serious, grave, or formal -
solemnity
(n.)statefulness or ceremonial seriousness -
solicitor
(n.)person who seeks or offers business -
solicitous
(adj.)showing concern or care -
soliloquy
(n.)speech by a single speaker alone -
solitary
(adj.)existing alone or single -
solitude
(n.)state of being alone peacefully -
solstice
(n.)time when sun reaches the highest or lowest point -
sombre
(adj.)dark or dull in tone or mood -
sophistry
(n.)fallacious arguments or reasoning -
sophomore
(n.)second-year student in college -
sordid
(adj.)involving morally distasteful actions -
sovereign
(n.)supreme ruler or authority -
sow
(v.)plant seeds or scatter broadly -
spasm
(n.)sudden involuntary muscle contraction -
spate
(n.)large outpouring or burst of activity -
spawn
(v.)produce or generate in large quantities -
specious
(adj.)seemingly correct but false -
spectre
(n.)ghost or terrifying image -
speculator
(n.)person who invests or takes risks -
spinster
(n.)unmarried woman beyond typical marriage age -
splendour
(n.)impressive beauty or richness -
spontaneity
(n.)action done naturally and without planning -
sprawl
(n.)spread out awkwardly or carelessly -
spur
(n.)encourage or stimulate action -
spurious
(adj.)false or fake -
spurn
(v.)reject disdainfully or scornfully -
squadron
(n.)military unit of aircraft or ships -
squalid
(adj.)extremely dirty and unpleasant -
squalor
(n.)state of filth and misery -
squander
(v.)waste in reckless or foolish way -
stagnant
(adj.)not flowing or moving; stale -
staid
(adj.)serious, respectful, and unadventurous -
stalemate
(n.)deadlock with no progress possible -
stalwart
(n.)loyal, reliable, and hardworking -
stamina
(n.)endurance capacity for prolonged effort -
stampede
(n.)large chaotic rush of animals or people -
standoff
(n.)deadlock or stalemate situation -
standstill
(n.)complete stop or halt -
stanza
(n.)group of lines in a poem -
stasis
(n.)stable, unchanging condition -
stately
(adj.)majestic, dignified, or grand -
statesmanship
(n.)art of managing state affairs -
statute
(n.)law enacted by a legislative body -
staunch
(adj.)loyal, firm, or supportive -
steadfastness
(n.)quality of being unwavering -
stealth
(n.)secretive cautious movement -
stench
(n.)persistent foul smell -
steward
(n.)person managing others or property -
stewardship
(n.)administration or management role -
stickler
(n.)person insisting on strict adherence -
stifle
(v.)restrain or suppress or suffocate -
stigma
(n.)mark of shame or disgrace -
stint
(n.)limitation or fixed period of work -
stipulate
(v.)specify as a condition -
stoic
(adj.)indifferent to pleasure or pain -
stoicism
(n.)endurance of pain or hardship -
stolid
(adj.)emotionally unresponsive -
stopgap
(n.)temporary replacement -
stowaway
(n.)person secretly hiding aboard -
stratagem
(n.)clever plan or scheme -
strategist
(n.)person skilled in planning -
stratification
(n.)arrangement into social layers -
stratum
(n.)social or geological layer -
stricture
(n.)restriction or severe criticism -
strident
(adj.)loud, harsh, and grating -
strife
(n.)conflict or struggle -
stringency
(n.)strictness or severity -
stringent
(adj.)strict, severe, or rigorous -
stronghold
(n.)persistent position of defense -
stupor
(n.)near unconscious state -
subconscious
(n.)below conscious awareness -
subdue
(v.)overcome or bring under control -
subjugate
(v.)conquer or bring under control -
sublime
(adj.)impressively beautiful or noble -
subordinate
(adj./n.)placed below or lesser -
subordination
(n.)state of being subordinate -
subpoena
(n.)legal order to appear in court -
subservience
(n.)excessive obedience -
subsistence
(n.)support for existence -
substantiate
(v.)provide evidence for -
substantiation
(n.)evidence supporting claim -
subterfuge
(n.)deception or trickery -
subtlety
(n.)delicacy or nuance -
subversion
(n.)undermining or overthrow -
subversive
(adj.)intending to overthrow authority -
subvert
(v.)undermine or corrupt -
succinct
(adj.)briefly expressed -
succumb
(v.)yield to pressure or temptation -
sufficiency
(n.)adequate amount or size -
suffrage
(n.)right to vote -
suffragette
(n.)women advocating voting rights -
sullen
(adj.)gloomy or sulky attitude -
summation
(n.)final total or summary -
summons
(n.)legal order to appear -
sumptuous
(adj.)luxuriously rich or costly -
superficial
(adj.)lacking depth or substance -
superfluous
(adj.)unnecessary or excessive -
supersede
(v.)replace or take the place of -
superstition
(n.)irrational belief -
supine
(adj.)lying face upward -
supplant
(v.)replace, displace -
supple
(adj.)bending and moving easily and gracefully; flexible -
supremacist
(n.)believing in superiority -
supremacy
(n.)predominance or dominance -
surfeit
(n.)excess amount or overindulgence -
surmise
(v.)guess based on incomplete evidence -
surmount
(v.)overcome difficulty -
surpass
(v.)exceed or go beyond -
surreptitious
(adj.)secret and unauthorized -
surrogate
(n.)substitute or replacement -
susceptibility
(n.)predisposition to influence -
susceptible
(adj.)easily influenced or affected -
sustenance
(n.)food or nourishment -
swathe
(n.)wrap or enfold completely -
swindle
(n.)cheat or defraud -
sycophancy
(n.)flattery to gain favor -
sycophant
(n.)person who flatters others -
sycophantic
(adj.)excessively flattering -
syllabus
(n.)outline of a course or subject -
symbiosis
(n.)mutually beneficial relationship -
symbolism
(n.)use of symbols to represent ideas -
symposium
(n.)gathering for discussion -
syndicate
(n.)group working together -
synergy
(n.)combined effect greater than sum -
synopsis
(n.)brief summary of main points
-
tableau
(n.)visual scene or picture -
tabloid
(n.)newspaper with sensational stories -
taboo
(n.)social or cultural prohibition -
tacit
(adj.)implied or understood without words -
taciturn
(adj.)habitually silent or uncommunicative -
tact
(n.)sensitivity in dealing with others -
tactician
(n.)skilled strategist or planner -
taint
(n.)contaminate or stain -
talisman
(n.)amulet for luck or protection -
tangential
(adj.)peripheral or barely relevant -
tangible
(adj.)able to be touched or perceived physically -
tantamount
(adj.)equivalent in seriousness or effect -
tantrum
(n.)an outburst of childish temper or frustration -
tariff
(n.)tax on imported or exported goods -
tarnish
(v.)to lose luster or become discolored -
taskmaster
(n.)strict supervisor or overseer -
tawdry
(adj.)showy but cheap or poor quality -
tedious
(adj.)boring due to length or dullness -
tedium
(n.)state of boredom or monotony -
telepathy
(n.)mind-to-mind communication -
temerity
(n.)reckless boldness or rashness -
temperament
(n.)personality or natural disposition -
temperance
(n.)self-restraint or moderation -
tempestuous
(adj.)stormy or turbulent -
tempo
(n.)pacing or speed of music or movement -
temporal
(adj.)relating to worldly affairs or time -
tenacious
(adj.)holding firmly, persistent -
tenacity
(n.)persistence or determination -
tenet
(n.)principle or belief -
tenor
(n.)main or general meaning -
tentative
(adj.)uncertain or not finalized -
tenuous
(adj.)weak or flimsy -
termination
(n.)end or conclusion -
terminology
(n.)vocabulary of a specific field -
terminus
(n.)end of a route or boundary -
terse
(adj.)brief and to the point -
testament
(n.)evidence or declaration of belief -
testimonial
(n.)recommendation or endorsement -
tether
(n.)rope or chain to restrict movement -
theatricality
(n.)exaggerated or dramatic behavior -
theologian
(n.)scholar of religious studies -
theorem
(n.)a proven mathematical statement -
thesaurus
(n.)book of synonyms and antonyms -
thicket
(n.)dense group of bushes -
thoroughfare
(n.)busy street or road -
thrall
(n.)state of being under control or influence -
thrift
(n.)careful management of resources -
throwback
(n.)reversion to an earlier style or practice -
thwart
(v.)prevent or oppose successfully -
timbre
(n.)unique quality of a sound -
timidity
(n.)lack of confidence or courage -
timorous
(adj.)fearful or apprehensive -
tipster
(n.)person who gives tips or rumors -
tirade
(n.)long, angry speech -
titan
(n.)mighty or powerful person or thing -
tithe
(n.)one-tenth of income given as offering -
token
(n.)symbol or sign representing something -
tokenism
(n.)superficial promotion of a cause -
tombstone
(n.)stone marking a burial site -
tome
(n.)large scholarly book -
tonnage
(n.)weight or cargo capacity -
topography
(n.)study of earth's surface features -
torment
(n./v.)pain or suffering -
tornado
(n.)violent rotating storm -
torpid
(adj.)mentally or physically inactive -
torpor
(n.)lack of energy or enthusiasm -
torque
(n.)twisting force or moment -
torrent
(n.)fast-moving stream of water -
torrid
(adj.)hot and dry -
tortuous
(adj.)having many twists and turns -
totalitarian
(adj.)authoritarian government control -
touchstone
(n.)standard for evaluating quality -
tourniquet
(n.)device to stop bleeding -
toxicity
(n.)harmful or poisonous nature -
tract
(n.)area of land or thought passage -
tractable
(adj.)easy to influence or control -
tradesman
(n.)skilled worker or merchant -
traditionalism
(n.)adherence to tradition -
trafficker
(n.)supplier of illegal goods -
trailblazer
(n.)pioneer or innovator -
trajectory
(n.)path of moving object -
trance
(n.)half-conscious mental state -
tranquil
(adj.)peaceful and calm -
tranquillity
(n.)state of peace or quiet -
transcend
(v.)go beyond or rise above -
transcendence
(n.)state of exceeding limits -
transcribe
(v.)write out or record -
transgress
(v.)violate or go beyond bounds -
transgression
(n.)violation of rules or law -
transient
(adj.)lasting only a short time -
translucent
(adj.)allowing light but not clear -
travesty
(n.)mockery or parody -
treacherous
(adj.)hazardous or betraying trust -
treachery
(n.)violation of allegiance or trust -
treason
(n.)betrayal against one's country -
treatise
(n.)formal written work on a subject -
tremor
(n.)shaking or slight vibration -
trenchant
(adj.)vigorous or incisive -
trepidation
(n.)fear or agitation -
tribalism
(n.)strong loyalty to tribe -
tribulation
(n.)trouble or suffering -
tribunal
(n.)court or judgment body -
tribune
(n.)roman magistrate or advocate -
tributary
(n.)river feeding into larger stream -
trickery
(n.)deceptive tactics -
trickster
(n.)sly or dishonest person -
trifle
(n.)small amount or trivial thing -
trilogy
(n.)series of three related works -
trinket
(n.)small decorative object -
trite
(adj.)lacking originality or freshness -
troupe
(n.)group of performers or actors -
truculent
(adj.)aggressive and eager to fight -
trudge
(n.)walk slowly and with effort -
truism
(n.)obvious statement needing no proof -
truncate
(v.)shorten by cutting off the end -
trusteeship
(n.)position of managing assets for others -
tumult
(n.)loud confused noise or disorder -
tumultuous
(adj.)noisy and chaotic -
tundra
(n.)cold treeless arctic region -
turbulence
(n.)chaotic or unstable flow of air or water -
turbulent
(adj.)characterized by disorder or disturbance -
turmoil
(n.)state of confusion or disorder -
turncoat
(n.)person who switches allegiance -
turpitude
(n.)depraved or wicked behavior -
tutelage
(n.)instruction or teaching of a student -
twilight
(n.)soft diffused light before sunrise or sunset -
tycoon
(n.)wealthy influential business leader -
typhoon
(n.)powerful tropical storm in the pacific -
tyranny
(n.)oppressive and unjust government rule -
tyrant
(n.)cruel oppressive ruler
-
ubiquitous
(adj.)present everywhere simultaneously -
ubiquity
(n.)presence everywhere at once -
ultimatum
(n.)final demand or condition -
umbrage
(n.)offense or annoyance -
umpire
(n.)official overseeing sports matches -
unanimity
(n.)complete agreement or accord -
unanimous
(adj.)in complete agreement -
unctuous
(adj.)excessively flattering or insincere -
undaunted
(adj.)not discouraged or intimidated -
undercurrent
(n.)underlying feeling or influence -
underdog
(n.)weaker competitor or supporter -
underling
(n.)subordinate or lesser person -
underpinning
(n.)foundation or support for something -
understatement
(n.)less emphasis than deserved -
understudy
(n.)substitute performer -
undertaker
(n.)person who manages funerals -
undertaking
(n.)task or project assigned to someone -
undertone
(n.)underlying or implicit tone -
underworld
(n.)criminal world or hidden society -
underwriter
(n.)insurer or sponsor financially backing -
undoing
(n.)cause of failure or ruin -
unease
(n.)discomfort or anxiety -
unenviable
(adj.)undesirable or embarrassing -
unequivocal
(adj.)leaving no doubt or ambiguity -
unfathomable
(adj.)incapable of being understood -
unification
(n.)process of uniting or joining -
uniformity
(n.)sameness or consistency -
unison
(n.)simultaneous agreement or sound -
universality
(n.)ability to be applied everywhere -
unpalatable
(adj.)unpleasant or disagreeable -
unpretentious
(adj.)modest and simple -
unremitting
(adj.)continuous and persistent -
unrivalled
(adj.)without equal or competition -
unruly
(adj.)disorderly and disruptive -
unsullied
(adj.)pure, innocent or unspoiled -
untenable
(adj.)incapable of being defended -
unthinkable
(adj.)impossible to imagine or accept -
untrodden
(adj.)not walked on or explored -
unwieldy
(adj.)difficult to handle or carry -
unwitting
(adj.)unaware or unintentional -
upbraid
(v.)scold or reprimand severely -
upheaval
(n.)sudden change or disruption -
upkeep
(n.)maintenance or repair work -
uprising
(n.)rebellion or revolt -
uproar
(n.)loud noise or disturbance -
uproarious
(adj.)extremely funny or noisy -
upshot
(n.)final result or conclusion -
upsurge
(n.)sudden increase or rise -
upturn
(n.)change to a better or worse state -
urbane
(adj.)suave, courteous, and refined -
urgency
(n.)importance requiring immediate action -
usher
(n.)person who shows others in guides -
usurp
(v.)take power by force illegally -
usurpation
(n.)act of seizing power unlawfully -
utensil
(n.)tool or implement used in activities -
utilitarianism
(n.)focus on usefulness and practicality -
utmost
(adj.)greatest or highest degree -
utopia
(n.)perfect ideal society or place -
utopianism
(n.)pursuit of an ideal perfect society -
utterance
(n.)spoken word or statement
-
vacancy
(n.)unoccupied position or space -
vacillate
(v.)waver between different opinions -
vacillation
(n.)indecision or fluctuations -
vacuous
(adj.)empty or lacking intelligence -
vagary
(n.)unpredictable change or action -
vagrant
(n.)person wandering without a home -
vain
(adj.)excessively proud or without result -
validate
(v.)confirm or establish as true -
valour
(n.)courage and bravery -
valuation
(n.)estimate of worth or value -
vandal
(n.)person who destroys property -
vandalism
(n.)wilful destruction of property -
vanguard
(n.)leading position in movement -
vanity
(n.)excessive pride in appearance or worth -
vanquish
(v.)defeat thoroughly in battle -
vanquished
(adj.)defeated person or group -
vapid
(adj.)dull or lacking interest -
variance
(n.)difference or divergence -
variegated
(adj.)multicolored or diverse -
vastness
(n.)immense size or extent -
vault
(n.)arched structure or secure storage -
vehemence
(n.)intense force or passion -
vehemently
(adv.)expressing intense emotion or conviction strongly -
velocity
(n.)speed of something in a given direction -
velvet
(n.)luxurious soft fabric with dense pile -
venal
(adj.)easily bribed or corrupted for personal gain -
vendetta
(n.)long-standing personal feuding or rivalry -
veneer
(n.)thin decorative surface overlay -
venerable
(adj.)respected due to age or wisdom -
veneration
(n.)feelings of deep respect or reverence -
vengeance
(n.)revenge for a wrong or injury -
venom
(n.)bioactive toxic substance from animals -
vent
(n.)an outlet for emotions or gases -
veracity
(n.)truthfulness or accuracy -
verbatim
(adv.)word for word, exactly as spoken or written -
verbose
(adj.)using more words than necessary -
verdant
(adj.)green with lush vegetation -
verge
(n.)edge or border of something -
verification
(n.)process of establishing truth or accuracy -
verisimilitude
(n.)appearance of being true or real -
vermin
(n.)rodents or insects harmful to health -
vernacular
(n.)everyday language of a specific region -
versatility
(n.)ability to adapt or be used in many ways -
vertex
(n.)highest point or apex -
vertigo
(n.)sensation of spinning or dizziness -
verve
(n.)vigorous energy or enthusiasm -
vestige
(n.)trace or remnant of something lost -
veto
(n./v.)objected decision or rejection authority -
vexation
(n.)annoyance or irritation -
vexatious
(adj.)causing annoyance or irritation -
viability
(n.)ability to work or function successfully -
vicarious
(adj.)experienced through others' actions -
vicinity
(n.)nearby area or surroundings -
vicissitude
(n.)unpredictable change or fluctuation -
victor
(n.)one who wins or overcomes -
vigil
(n.)period of watchfulness -
vigilance
(n.)state of careful attention or watchfulness -
vigilante
(n.)person taking law enforcement into own hands -
vigour
(n.)energetic enthusiasm or physical strength -
vile
(adj.)extremely unpleasant or morally despicable -
vilification
(n.)making false or abusive statements -
vilify
(v.)to criticize harshly or slander -
villain
(n.)foe or evil character in story -
villainy
(n.)morally bad or wicked behavior -
vindicate
(v.)clear from blame or suspicion -
vindication
(n.)proof that someone is right or justified -
vindictive
(adj.)having a desire for revenge -
vindictiveness
(n.)craving revenge or retaliation -
vintage
(n.)collectible from a past era -
viper
(n.)venomous snake with slit eyes -
virtuosity
(n.)exceptional skill or talent -
virtuoso
(n.)highly skilled musician or artist -
virulence
(n.)severity or harmfulness of a disease -
virulent
(adj.)highly infectious or toxic -
visage
(n.)face or facial expression -
visceral
(adj.)relating to internal organs or deep feelings -
visionary
(n.)having original or foresight ideas -
vista
(n.)extensive view or prospect -
vitality
(n.)reliability, energy, and life force -
vitriolic
(adj.)filled with biting or harsh criticism -
vituperate
(v.)to blame or insult severely -
vivacious
(adj.)lively and full of energy -
vivacity
(n.)state of being lively or spirited -
vocation
(n.)strong feeling toward career or occupation -
vociferous
(adj.)ringing out loudly; noisy -
vogue
(n.)fashion or popularity at a particular time -
void
(n./adj.)empty space or vacuum -
volatile
(adj.)likely to change rapidly or unpredictably -
volatility
(n.)tendency to change unpredictably -
volition
(n.)act of making a conscious choice -
volley
(n.)multiple shots or attacks in quick succession -
voracious
(adj.)having a very eager appetite -
vortex
(n.)whirling mass of fluid or air -
voucher
(n.)proof or receipt for a payment -
voyeur
(n.)one who derives pleasure from watching -
vulgarity
(n.)lack of good taste or refinement
-
wager
(v.)bet or gamble on an outcome -
waiver
(n.)legal document relinquishing rights -
walkout
(n.)sudden protest by leaving a place -
wane
(v.)to decrease gradually in size or intensity -
wanton
(adj.)lacking restraint or moral discipline -
wantonness
(n.)shameless or reckless behavior -
warden
(n.)person in charge of a prison -
warlord
(n.)military leader with personal authority -
warranty
(n.)guarantee of product's quality -
wasteland
(n.)unproductive or neglected land -
watchdog
(n.)guardian or protector of property -
watchword
(n.)code word or guiding principle -
watershed
(n.)critical turning point in progress -
waver
(v.)to hesitate or fluctuate in decision -
wayward
(adj.)disobedient or unpredictable -
waywardness
(n.)refusal to obey or conform -
weaponry
(n.)weapons and military equipment -
weariness
(n.)loss of strength or energy -
wedlock
(n.)marriage or matrimonial union -
wharf
(n.)structure on water for loading ships -
wheedling
(adj.)persuading through flattery -
whereby
(adv.)by which or through which -
wherewithal
(n.)necessary resources or means -
whim
(n.)sudden desire or impulsive idea -
whimsical
(adj.)playfully or fancifully quaint -
whimsy
(n.)playful or fantastical quality -
whirlpool
(n.)spinning mass of water or air -
whirlwind
(n.)a rotating column of air causing chaos -
whistleblower
(n.)a person who exposes wrongdoing publicly -
whitewash
(n.)covering up wrongdoing or mistakes -
wickedness
(n.)immoral or evil behavior -
wield
(v.)hold and use a tool or weapon -
wilderness
(n.)remote natural uninhabited area -
wildfire
(n.)large destructive forest fire -
willfulness
(n.)stubborn or deliberate defiance -
windfall
(n.)unexpected large amount of money -
wisp
(n.)faint, thin strand or piece -
wistful
(adj.)longing mixed with sadness -
wistfulness
(n.)nostalgic or mournful longing -
witchcraft
(n.)practice of magic or sorcery -
withstand
(v.)endure or resist successfully -
witticism
(n.)oxymoron or clever remark -
wizardry
(n.)successful mastery of magic -
wizened
(adj.)shriveled or wrinkled with age -
woe
(n.)deep suffering or sorrow -
wordiness
(n.)excessive use of words -
workmanship
(n.)quality of craftsmanship -
wrath
(n.)intense anger -
wreckage
(n.)ruins or debris from destruction -
wretched
(adj.)miserable or unhappy -
wrongdoer
(n.)one who commits a crime -
wry
(adj.)dry humor or twisted expression
-
xenophobe
(n.)person afraid of foreigners -
xenophobia
(n.)dislike of foreigners
-
yardstick
(n.)measure for evaluation -
yarn
(n.)whimsical story or fiber thread -
yearning
(n.)deep longing or desire -
yoke
(n.)harness for oxen or burdens -
yokel
(n.)rural, unsophisticated person -
youngster
(n.)young child or adolescent
-
zeal
(n.)passion for a cause -
zealot
(n.)fanatical supporter -
zealotry
(n.)excessive zeal or fanaticism -
zealous
(adj.)full of passion or enthusiasm -
zeitgeist
(n.)cultural spirit of a period -
zenith
(n.)highest point or peak -
zest
(n.)enthusiasm or energy -
zigzag
(n.)sharp turns in a zigzag pattern -
zodiac
(n.)constellation-based astrological chart -
zoology
(n.)study of animals