TOEFL 1200 Vocabulary Extra

Classify by Letter Classify by Lesson Start Quiz

  • abate

    (v.) become less intense or widespread

  • abduct

    (v.) take someone away illegally by force

  • abhor

    (v.) regard with disgust or hatred

  • abject

    (adj.) miserable, degraded, or hopeless

  • abominable

    (adj.) causing moral revulsion or disgust

  • abstain

    (v.) refrain from doing something voluntarily

  • abstruse

    (adj.) difficult to understand, obscure

  • absurdity

    (n.) state of being ridiculous or absurd

  • abyss

    (n.) deep, immeasurable space or chasm

  • accommodation

    (n.) lodging or adjustment to needs or desires

  • accomplice

    (n.) partner in wrongdoing or crime

  • acquiesce

    (v.) accept reluctantly but without protest

  • acrid

    (adj.) having a strong, unpleasant smell or taste

  • adamant

    (adj.) refusing to change mind; firm

  • admonish

    (v.) warn or reprimand someone firmly

  • adoration

    (n.) deep love and respect for someone

  • adore

    (v.) love and admire deeply

  • adversary

    (n.) opponent or enemy in conflict

  • affable

    (adj.) friendly, easy to talk to

  • affirmative

    (adj.) expressing agreement or consent

  • agency

    (n.) organization that provides services or acts

  • aghast

    (adj.) shocked or filled with horror

  • agitate

    (v.) disturb or excite emotionally or physically

  • agrarian

    (adj.) relating to land and farming

  • aisle

    (n.) corridor between rows of seats or shelves

  • alacrity

    (n.) cheerful eagerness or readiness

  • albeit

    (conj.) although; even though

  • allegiance

    (n.) loyalty or committed support

  • alleviate

    (v.) make suffering or a problem less severe

  • alley

    (n.) narrow passage between buildings

  • allot

    (v.) distribute or assign as a share

  • ambiguous

    (adj.) unclear or having multiple meanings

  • ambush

    (n.) surprise attack from concealed position

  • amiable

    (adj.) having a friendly and pleasant manner

  • amicable

    (adj.) friendly; peaceable

  • amiss

    (adj.) not quite right; in error

  • amnesty

    (n.) official pardon for offenses

  • amorous

    (adj.) feeling or showing love or romance

  • amphitheater

    (n.) round or oval open-air theater

  • anarchy

    (n.) absence of government or law; chaos

  • animation

    (n.) lively or energetic movement or quality

  • ankle

    (n.) joint connecting foot to leg

  • annals

    (n.) historical records or chronicles

  • antagonism

    (n.) active hostility or opposition

  • antagonist

    (n.) opposing force or character

  • apathy

    (n.) lack of interest or emotion

  • appalling

    (adj.) causing shock or dismay

  • apparel

    (n.) clothing or garments

  • apparition

    (n.) ghost or ghostly image

  • appease

    (v.) satisfy or calm by giving in

  • appellation

    (n.) name or title of something or someone

  • appraise

    (v.) assess the value or quality of

  • apprehend

    (v.) understand or seize someone or something

  • apprehensive

    (adj.) anxious or fearful about future

  • apprise

    (v.) inform or notify officially

  • approbation

    (n.) approval or praise

  • apron

    (n.) garment covering the front of the body

  • arable

    (adj.) suitable for growing crops

  • arrogance

    (n.) overbearing pride or self-importance

  • arrogant

    (adj.) having or showing arrogance

  • ascending

    (adj.) moving upward or climbing

  • ascertain

    (v.) find out definitively

  • ascetic

    (n./adj.) self-denying; austerely simple

  • assail

    (v.) attack violently or persistently

  • assassination

    (n.) deliberate murder of a prominent person

  • assiduous

    (adj.) shows constant effort or diligence

  • assign

    (v.) allocate or designate for a purpose

  • astray

    (adv.) off the correct path or way

  • asunder

    (adv.) apart; divided into pieces

  • asylum

    (n.) protection granted to refugees or the mentally ill

  • atone

    (v.) make amends for a wrong or sin

  • atrocity

    (n.) extremely wicked or cruel act

  • attentive

    (adj.) paying close attention

  • attic

    (n.) space directly under a roof

  • audacious

    (adj.) daring or willingness to take risks

  • audacity

    (n.) boldness or daring; insolence

  • auditory

    (adj.) related to hearing

  • august

    (adj.) majestic or inspiring reverence

  • auspicious

    (adj.) conducive to success; favorable

  • austere

    (adj.) severe or strict in demeanor or attitude

  • automaton

    (n.) self-operating machine or robot

  • avarice

    (n.) extreme greed for wealth

  • avenge

    (v.) inflict harm in return for an offense

  • aver

    (v.) state confidently or declare as true

  • azure

    (n.) bright blue color; sky blue

  • bacchanalian

    (adj.) wild, drunken party or celebration

  • bacon

    (n.) cured pork meat

  • baffle

    (v.) confuse or perplex completely

  • bait

    (n.) lure or enticement used to trap

  • balcony

    (n.) platform projecting from a building’s wall

  • ballad

    (n.) narrative song or poem about a story

  • bamboo

    (n.) tall grass with hard woody stems

  • banish

    (v.) send away; exile or expel

  • baron

    (n.) noble landowner or titled aristocrat

  • bashful

    (adj.) shy or reserved

  • bathe

    (v.) wash oneself in water

  • beaver

    (n.) aquatic rodent with thick fur

  • beckon

    (v.) signal or gesture to come closer

  • bellicose

    (adj.) demonstrating aggression or willingness to fight

  • belligerent

    (adj.) hostile or aggressive in nature

  • belly

    (n.) abdomen or stomach area

  • benefactor

    (n.) a person who gives help or aid, especially financially

  • beneficiary

    (n.) a person who benefits from something

  • benevolent

    (adj.) wishing to do good and show kindness

  • bequeath

    (v.) to leave money or property by will

  • berth

    (n.) a ship's allotted place at dock or harbor

  • beseech

    (v.) to earnestly request or beg for

  • beset

    (v.) to surround or attack persistently

  • bicker

    (v.) to argue about trivial matters

  • birch

    (n.) a type of tree with smooth bark

  • blatant

    (adj.) shamelessly obvious or conspicuous

  • blot

    (n.) a stain or mark

  • blunder

    (n.) a careless mistake

  • bohemian

    (n.) an unconventional artist or writer

  • boisterous

    (adj.) noisy, energetic, and cheerful

  • bolt

    (n.) a metal fastener or a sudden dash

  • bother

    (v.) to annoy or disturb

  • bounty

    (n.) a generous gift or reward

  • bower

    (n.) a shady resting place in a garden

  • brace

    (n./v.) a pair of supports; to support or prepare

  • brake

    (n./v.) a device for slowing or stopping; to slow down

  • brand

    (n./v.) a mark burned on skin or product mark; to mark or label

  • brazen

    (adj.) shameless, bold, or disrespectful

  • breakthrough

    (n.) a significant advance or discovery

  • bribe

    (n./v.) gift for influence; to illegally influence

  • bridle

    (n./v.) a headgear for controlling a horse; to restrain or control

  • brilliant

    (adj.) exceptionally clever or bright

  • brink

    (n.) the edge of something, especially water

  • broach

    (n./v.) a suggestive mention; to bring up

  • brood

    (n./v.) a family of young animals; to dwell on something

  • brutal

    (adj.) cruel and savage

  • buck

    (n./v.) a male deer or similar animal; to oppose or resist

  • bucket

    (n.) a container for holding liquids or other items

  • bully

    (n./v.) a person who intimidates others; to intimidate

  • burial

    (n.) the act of placing a body in the ground

  • butcher

    (n./v.) a person who kills animals; to slaughter

  • buttress

    (n./v.) a support or reinforcement; to strengthen

  • cable

    (n./v.) a strong wire or bundle of wires; to send via cable

  • cajole

    (v.) to persuade through flattery or coaxing

  • calamity

    (n.) a disastrous event causing suffering

  • calendar

    (n.) a system for organizing days and months

  • canon

    (n.) a rule or principle, or a collection of works

  • canvass

    (v./n.) to seek opinions; an investigation

  • cape

    (n.) a piece of clothing; a headland extending into water

  • caprice

    (n.) a sudden change of mind or behavior

  • capricious

    (adj.) impulsive and unpredictable

  • captivate

    (v.) to attract and hold attention

  • carnage

    (n.) large-scale bloody destruction

  • carpenter

    (n.) a woodworker, especially a skilled tradesperson

  • caste

    (n.) a social class based on birth

  • cataclysm

    (n.) a sudden disastrous event

  • catalogue

    (n./v.) a complete list or collection; to list systematically

  • caustic

    (adj.) able to burn or corrode, sarcastically biting

  • cavalier

    (adj./n.) showing a lack of concern; a knightly horseman

  • cement

    (n./v.) a substance for sticking objects; to join or solidify

  • cemetery

    (n.) a burial ground

  • censor

    (n./v.) an official who suppresses content; to remove unacceptable parts

  • censure

    (n./v.) strong expression of disapproval; to criticize severely

  • certificate

    (n./v.) a document confirming something; to certify

  • cessation

    (n.) a stopping or discontinuance

  • champagne

    (n.) a sparkling wine from france

  • chant

    (n./v.) a repeated song or prayer; to sing or repeat

  • chasm

    (n.) a deep fissure or gap in the earth

  • chicanery

    (n.) deception or trickery

  • chide

    (v.) to scold or reprimand gently

  • chivalrous

    (adj.) displaying courteous behavior, especially to women

  • circus

    (n.) a traveling show with performers and animals

  • clandestine

    (adj.) kept secret or concealed

  • clasp

    (n./v.) a device for holding objects; to grasp or hold tightly

  • cleft

    (n./adj.) a split or indentation; having a split

  • cliche

    (n.) a overused phrase or idea

  • client

    (n.) a customer or patron

  • climax

    (n.) the most intense or important point

  • closet

    (n.) a small room for storage, or wardrobe

  • clump

    (n./v.) a bulky mass; to gather or grow together

  • comely

    (adj.) attractive or pleasing in appearance

  • commence

    (v.) to begin or start

  • commend

    (v.) to praise or recommend

  • commotion

    (n.) a state of confused activity or noise

  • compartment

    (n.) a separate section or part

  • compelling

    (adj.) persuasive or forceful

  • composure

    (n.) calmness or self-control

  • conceit

    (n.) excessive pride in oneself

  • conceivable

    (adj.) able to be imagined or believed

  • concession

    (n.) a thing granted, or a yielding

  • concoct

    (v.) to invent or devise, especially a story or plan

  • concord

    (n.) harmony or agreement

  • confidential

    (adj.) private or secret

  • confiscate

    (v.) to take or seize with authority

  • confound

    (v.) to confuse or frustrate

  • conjunction

    (n.) a joining or combination, a grammatical connector

  • console

    (v./n.) to comfort or lessen grief; a control panel

  • consummate

    (v./adj.) to bring to completion; highly skilled

  • contempt

    (n.) disregard or disdain

  • contemptible

    (adj.) deserving contempt

  • contemptuous

    (adj.) expressing disrespect

  • contradiction

    (n.) opposition or inconsistency

  • contribute

    (v.) to give or add to a cause

  • contrive

    (v.) to plan or scheme cleverly

  • convey

    (v.) to communicate or transport

  • conveyance

    (n.) the act of transporting or a vehicle

  • copious

    (adj.) abundant in quantity

  • cordial

    (adj.) warm and friendly; heartfelt

  • cork

    (n.) bark of cork oak; stopper for bottles

  • corporal

    (adj.) relating to the human body

  • corporeal

    (adj.) relating to the physical body

  • corpulent

    (adj.) having a large, bulky body

  • correspondent

    (n.) writer of letters; news reporter

  • corroborate

    (v.) to confirm or support with evidence

  • covenant

    (n.) formal agreement or contract

  • covert

    (adj.) hidden or secret

  • cowardice

    (n.) lack of bravery; fearfulness

  • cradle

    (n.) support for holding babies; a resting place

  • crafty

    (adj.) skilled in deception; clever

  • crave

    (v.) desire intensely; long for

  • crease

    (n./v.) fold or wrinkle; to fold or wrinkle

  • crisp

    (adj.) firm and crunchy

  • crouch

    (v.) to squat or bend low

  • crucial

    (adj.) extremely important; vital

  • cruise

    (n./v.) pleasure trip on a ship; travel smoothly

  • cryptic

    (adj.) mysterious or obscure

  • cumulative

    (adj.) gradually increasing in amount

  • curb

    (n./v.) limit or restraint; to control

  • curl

    (n./v.) twisted shape; tob form into spiral

  • curt

    (adj.) abrupt or rudely brief

  • curtail

    (v.) to cut short or reduce

  • custody

    (n.) legal right to take care of someone

  • cynical

    (adj.) distrustful of others' motives

  • dangle

    (v.) to hang loosely or swing

  • deceit

    (n.) dishonest trick or lie

  • decipher

    (v.) to decode or interpret

  • declivity

    (n.) downward slope or incline

  • dedicate

    (v.) to set apart for a special purpose

  • deem

    (v.) to consider or judge

  • define

    (v.) to explain or determine meaning

  • defraud

    (v.) to illegally obtain money

  • defy

    (v.) resist openly or boldly

  • degenerate

    (v.) decline or deteriorate

  • dejected

    (adj.) depressed or disheartened

  • deluge

    (n.) overwhelming flood or rush

  • delusion

    (n.) false belief or impression

  • demise

    (n.) death or end of existence

  • denial

    (n.) rejection of something; refusal

  • deputy

    (n.) a person appointed to represent

  • derelict

    (adj.) abandoned or neglectful

  • deride

    (v.) to mock or ridicule

  • descry

    (v.) to catch sight of by looking carefully

  • desecrate

    (v.) to treat sacredly with disrespect

  • desiccate

    (v.) to dry out or dehydrate

  • desist

    (v.) to cease or stop

  • destitute

    (adj.) lacking resources or possessions

  • desultory

    (adj.) aimless or disconnected

  • detach

    (v.) to separate or disengage

  • detain

    (v.) to hold back or keep prisoner

  • deviate

    (v.) to stray from the usual course

  • devout

    (adj.) deeply religious or sincere

  • dexterity

    (n.) skill in performing tasks

  • dexterous

    (adj.) skilled and agile

  • dingy

    (adj.) dirty or gloomy in appearance

  • dip

    (v./n.) to immerse briefly; act of dipping

  • disclose

    (v.) to reveal or make known

  • discord

    (n.) lack of harmony or agreement

  • discrepancy

    (n.) inconsistency or difference

  • disdain

    (n./v.) feeling of contempt; to refuse respectfully

  • disparity

    (n.) inequality or difference

  • dissolution

    (n.) disintegration or ending

  • ditch

    (n./v.) small channel dug for water; to abandon

  • diverge

    (v.) to separate or go in different directions

  • divulge

    (v.) to reveal or disclose

  • dock

    (n./v.) structure for ships to tie up; to deduct

  • dodge

    (v.) to avoid by quick movement

  • doleful

    (adj.) sad or sorrowful

  • dome

    (n.) rounded vault or roof

  • dose

    (n.) amount of medicine or substance

  • downcast

    (adj.) dispirited or discouraged

  • doze

    (v.) to nap lightly

  • dreadfully

    (adv.) terribly or extremely

  • drench

    (v.) to wet thoroughly

  • drown

    (v.) to die by suffocation in water

  • dubious

    (adj.) doubting the truth; questionable

  • duel

    (n.) combat between two people

  • dumbfound

    (v.) to astonish or amaze

  • dunce

    (n.) slow learner or stupid person

  • dwindle

    (v.) to gradually become less

  • ecology

    (n.) study of organisms and their environment

  • ecstasy

    (n.) intense happiness or joy

  • eddy

    (n.) whirling current of water or air

  • editorial

    (n.) article expressing opinions

  • eerie

    (adj.) suggesting horror or mystery

  • efface

    (v.) to erase or wipe out

  • effectual

    (adj.) successful in producing a desired result

  • elastic

    (adj./n.) stretchable; stretchy material

  • elderly

    (adj.) old or aged

  • electrical

    (adj.) relating to electricity

  • elucidate

    (v.) to clarify or explain

  • elude

    (v.) to escape or avoid capture

  • emanate

    (v.) to originate or emit

  • embark

    (v.) to begin or start out

  • embassy

    (n.) diplomatic mission representing a country

  • emerald

    (n.) bright green precious stone

  • emergency

    (n.) sudden and urgent situation

  • emulate

    (v.) to imitate with an aim to surpass

  • enamored

    (adj.) fond of or in love with

  • enchant

    (v.) to delight or captivate greatly

  • enchantment

    (n.) magic spell or delight

  • encomium

    (n.) praise or eulogy honoring someone

  • endorse

    (v.) to approve or support publicly

  • enforce

    (v.) to ensure obedience by authority

  • engender

    (v.) to produce or cause

  • enigma

    (n.) mysterious or puzzling person or thing

  • enlist

    (v.) to join or sign up voluntarily

  • enmity

    (n.) active opposition or hatred

  • ennui

    (n.) boredom or dissatisfaction

  • ensue

    (v.) to follow as a result

  • ensure

    (v.) to make certain or guarantee

  • enthrall

    (v.) to captivate or enchant

  • entice

    (v.) to lure or tempt

  • entreat

    (v.) to earnestly ask or beseech

  • entreaty

    (n.) urgent plea or request

  • enumerate

    (v.) to list or count off

  • enunciate

    (v.) to pronounce clearly

  • envisage

    (v.) to imagine or conceive of

  • epistle

    (n.) letter or written message

  • epitaph

    (n.) inscription on a tombstone

  • epithet

    (n.) descriptive nickname or phrase

  • equivocal

    (adj.) uncertain or ambiguous

  • erroneous

    (adj.) mistaken or false

  • eschew

    (v.) to avoid or shun

  • espouse

    (v.) to adopt or support

  • esteem

    (n.) regard or respect

  • eulogy

    (n.) praise for someone deceased

  • evacuate

    (v.) to remove or empty out

  • evade

    (v.) to escape or avoid

  • evanescent

    (adj.) fading quickly or fleeting

  • evenhanded

    (adj.) fair or unbiased

  • exacerbate

    (v.) to worsen or make worse

  • exaggeration

    (n.) overstated or amplified statement

  • exalt

    (v.) to praise highly or elevate

  • exaltation

    (n.) state of extreme happiness or praise

  • excerpt

    (n.) a selected passage from a larger work

  • executioner

    (n.) one who carries out execution

  • exhaustion

    (n.) fatigue or extreme tiredness

  • exhortation

    (n.) urgent or earnest urging

  • expedient

    (n.) useful for achieving purposes

  • expend

    (v.) to spend or use up

  • expendable

    (adj.) not necessary to keep

  • expose

    (v.) to reveal or make visible

  • expunge

    (v.) to erase or remove completely

  • extant

    (adj.) still in existence

  • extraneous

    (adj.) irrelevant or unrelated

  • extravagant

    (adj.) luxurious or excessively elaborate

  • facile

    (adj.) easy or superficial

  • falter

    (v.) to hesitate or waver

  • familiarity

    (n.) close acquaintance or knowledge

  • fare

    (n.) difficulty or progress

  • fascinating

    (adj.) extremely interesting

  • fathom

    (v.) to understand deeply

  • feign

    (v.) to pretend or fake

  • felicity

    (n.) intense happiness

  • fellowship

    (n.) companionship or community

  • ferocious

    (adj.) wild or savagely fierce

  • ferocity

    (n.) extreme fierceness or brutality

  • fertility

    (n.) ability to produce abundant offspring or crops

  • fervent

    (adj.) passionate or enthusiastic

  • fickle

    (adj.) changing frequently, unpredictable

  • fiend

    (n.) wicked or cruel person

  • filth

    (n.) dirt or refuse

  • filthy

    (adj.) very dirty or obscene

  • finite

    (adj.) having limits or bounds

  • firmament

    (n.) the sky or heavens

  • fiscal

    (adj.) relating to government revenue

  • fitting

    (adj.) appropriate or suitable

  • flagrant

    (adj.) shockingly obvious or conspicuous

  • flask

    (n.) a narrow-necked bottle or container

  • flatter

    (v.) to praise insincerely to gain favor

  • flavour

    (n.) taste or distinctive quality

  • flee

    (v.) to run away from danger

  • flimsy

    (adj.) fragile or insubstantial

  • fling

    (v.) to throw or cast suddenly

  • flip

    (v.) to turn over or toss

  • florid

    (adj.) elaborately ornate or flushed

  • flutter

    (v.) to wave or flap quickly

  • foam

    (n.) bubbles formed on liquid's surface

  • forbearance

    (n.) patience or self-control

  • forego

    (v.) to give up or abstain from

  • forfeit

    (v.) to lose or give up as penalty

  • forlorn

    (adj.) pessimistic or hopeless

  • forsake

    (v.) to abandon or turn away from

  • fortitude

    (n.) courage in adversity

  • frail

    (adj.) weak or delicate

  • frantic

    (adj.) wildly worried or excited

  • fraud

    (n.) deception or trickery

  • fraudulent

    (adj.) done to deceive or cheat

  • fret

    (v.) to worry or be anxious

  • frigate

    (n.) a warship

  • fugitive

    (n.) person fleeing from justice

  • fulfil

    (v.) to accomplish or complete

  • furnace

    (n.) an enclosed structure for heating

  • fuss

    (n.) unnecessary or excessive concern

  • futile

    (adj.) pointless or useless

  • gaiety

    (n.) lively or cheerful quality

  • gaily

    (adv.) joyfully or cheerfully

  • gainsay

    (v.) to deny or contradict

  • gait

    (n.) person's manner of walking

  • gale

    (n.) strong wind; sudden gust of wind

  • galley

    (n.) ship's kitchen or ship's secondary compartment

  • gallop

    (v.) run fast, typically of a horse; rapid motion

  • garrulous

    (adj.) excessively talkative; chatty

  • gaunt

    (adj.) extremely thin, bony, and grim

  • gentle

    (adj.) mild, kind, not harsh

  • gentry

    (n.) aristocratic or upper-class people

  • germane

    (adj.) relevant, fitting, appropriate

  • germinate

    (v.) begin to grow or develop; sprout

  • ghastly

    (adj.) horrifying, terrible, ghostly

  • giddy

    (adj.) dizzy, lightheaded, frivolous

  • girdle

    (n.) a belt or band around the waist

  • glee

    (n.) joy, happiness, exuberance

  • glimmer

    (n.) faint shining light; shine faintly

  • glisten

    (v.) shine with sparkling reflected light

  • glitter

    (v.) shine brightly with flashing points of light

  • goad

    (v.) urge, provoke, or annoy to action

  • gorge

    (n.) deep narrow valley with steep sides

  • grade

    (n.) level of quality or difficulty; ranking

  • grasping

    (adj.) eager to get; greedy

  • grate

    (v.) scrape or shred with a rough frame

  • gratification

    (n.) pleasure, satisfaction from achievement

  • gratify

    (v.) please or satisfy; give pleasure

  • grating

    (adj.) irritating; scraping sound

  • gratuitous

    (adj.) unnecessary, unwarranted, free

  • grave

    (n.) burial site; serious or important

  • gravel

    (n.) small stones used for paving or construction

  • grievance

    (n.) complaint or resentment

  • grieve

    (v.) feel deep sorrow or distress

  • grievous

    (adj.) causing severe pain; serious

  • grin

    (n./v.) broad smile; smile broadly

  • groom

    (n./v.) person who takes care of horses; clean and maintain

  • grotesque

    (adj.) comically or repulsively ugly or distorted

  • growl

    (v.) make a low, guttural sound of anger or fear

  • grudge

    (n.) persistent feeling of ill will or resentment

  • grueling

    (adj.) extremely tiring and demanding

  • guile

    (n.) cunning or deceitfulness

  • guise

    (n.) an external appearance or manner; disguise

  • gullible

    (adj.) easily deceived or tricked

  • gusto

    (n.) vigorous enthusiasm or enjoyment

  • haggle

    (v.) dispute or bargain persistently, especially over the cost of something

  • hairy

    (adj.) covered with hair; involving risk or danger

  • harangue

    (n./v.) lengthy, aggressive speech; deliver such speech

  • harass

    (v.) subject to repeated intimidation or attack

  • hasty

    (adj.) done quickly without proper thought

  • havoc

    (n.) widespread destruction or chaos

  • headlong

    (adj.) with sudden and reckless haste; impulsive

  • heath

    (n.) open uncultivated land with heather or moorland

  • hector

    (v.) to bully or intimidate

  • hedonist

    (n.) person who pursues pleasure as main goal

  • heedless

    (adj.) inattentive; unmindful of consequences

  • helm

    (n.) steering equipment for a ship; to lead or control

  • helmet

    (n.) protective headgear

  • herb

    (n.) plant used for flavor, medicine, or aroma

  • heresy

    (n.) belief opposed to orthodox doctrine

  • heretic

    (n.) person holding heretical beliefs

  • hermit

    (n.) person living in seclusion; recluse

  • hilarious

    (adj.) extremely funny and amusing

  • historic

    (adj.) famous or important in history

  • hoarse

    (adj.) rough or harsh sounding, especially of voice

  • hoax

    (n./v.) a deceptive trick or joke; to deceive

  • hoist

    (v.) raise or lift, especially weights or sails

  • holocaust

    (n.) large-scale destruction or slaughter

  • homely

    (adj.) plain or unattractive in appearance

  • hood

    (n.) cover for the head; neighborhood or district

  • hook

    (n.) curved piece of metal or wood for catching or holding

  • hospitality

    (n.) friendly reception and treatment of guests

  • hostage

    (n.) person held as security for the return of others

  • hound

    (n./v.) dog used for hunting; pursue relentlessly

  • howl

    (v./n.) emit a loud, long cry; the act of howling

  • hull

    (n.) main body of a ship; outer covering of fruit

  • humane

    (adj.) compassionate, kind, and sympathetic

  • hush

    (v./n.) silence or quiet down; silence

  • hymn

    (n.) religious song of praise

  • hyperbole

    (n.) exaggerated statement for emphasis

  • hypocrisy

    (n.) pretending to hold beliefs one doesn't

  • hypocrite

    (n.) person who pretends to be something they are not

  • hysterical

    (adj.) deriving from hysteria; uncontrollably funny or distressed

  • idiosyncrasy

    (n.) peculiar habit or characteristic

  • idiot

    (n.) person with low intelligence; fool

  • idle

    (adj./v.) inactive, not in use; waste time

  • idol

    (n.) object of worship or admiration

  • idolatry

    (n.) worship of idols; excessive admiration

  • ignoble

    (adj.) not honorable or noble; shameful

  • imminent

    (adj.) about to happen; impending

  • immoral

    (adj.) not conforming to moral laws; wicked

  • immortal

    (adj.) never dying; everlasting

  • immutable

    (adj.) unchangeable over time; fixed

  • impecunious

    (adj.) having little or no money

  • impenetrable

    (adj.) impossible to pass through or understand

  • imperceptible

    (adj.) impossible to perceive or detect

  • imperious

    (adj.) commanding, dominating, overbearing

  • impertinent

    (adj.) rude or inappropriate; irrelevant

  • impetuous

    (adj.) acting rashly; impulsive

  • implore

    (v.) beg urgently or desperately

  • impotent

    (adj.) lacking power or ability; helpless

  • impromptu

    (adj.) spontaneous, without preparation

  • impudence

    (n.) disrespectful boldness; rudeness

  • impunity

    (n.) exemption from punishment or harm

  • impute

    (v.) attribute or assign blame or fault

  • incipient

    (adj.) in initial stage; beginning to develop

  • incognito

    (adj.) concealed identity; hidden from view

  • inconceivable

    (adj.) impossible to believe or comprehend

  • increment

    (n.) small increase or addition

  • incriminate

    (v.) to accuse of a crime or wrongdoing

  • incumbent

    (adj.) necessary; currently holding office

  • indescribable

    (adj.) impossible to express in words

  • indict

    (v.) to formally charge with a crime

  • indigenous

    (adj.) original to a region; native

  • indigent

    (adj.) poor; lacking basic needs

  • indiscriminate

    (adj.) lacking selectiveness; random

  • indolent

    (adj.) habitually lazy or inactive

  • inept

    (adj.) lacking skill or competence

  • inevitable

    (adj.) certain to happen; unavoidable

  • inexhaustible

    (adj.) limitless; cannot be used up

  • inexplicable

    (adj.) impossible to explain

  • infamous

    (adj.) well known for negative reasons

  • inference

    (n.) conclusion based on evidence

  • infernal

    (adj.) hellish; relating to hell

  • infinite

    (adj.) limitless; endless

  • infinitesimal

    (adj.) extremely small; tiny

  • infringe

    (v.) to violate or encroach upon

  • infuriate

    (v.) to make extremely angry

  • ingenuity

    (n.) cleverness; inventive skill

  • ingenuous

    (adj.) naive; innocent; sincere

  • ingratitude

    (n.) lack of thankfulness

  • inimical

    (adj.) harmful or hostile

  • iniquity

    (n.) immoral or wicked act

  • initiative

    (n.) ability to assess and initiate action

  • injunction

    (n.) order requiring specific action or restraint

  • injurious

    (adj.) harmful or damaging

  • inland

    (adj.) away from the coast; interior

  • innocuous

    (adj.) harmless; unlikely to offend

  • inopportune

    (adj.) occurring at bad time

  • inordinate

    (adj.) unreasonable; excessive

  • inquisitive

    (adj.) curious; eager for knowledge

  • inroad

    (n.) sudden progress or advance

  • insane

    (adj.) lacking mental sanity

  • insensible

    (adj.) unaware; unconscious

  • insinuate

    (v.) to suggest indirectly

  • insipid

    (adj.) lacking flavor or interest

  • insolence

    (n.) rudeness or disrespect

  • insolent

    (adj.) contemptuously rude

  • insolvent

    (adj.) broke; unable to pay debts

  • instigate

    (v.) to provoke or stir up

  • insure

    (v.) to protect financially

  • insurrection

    (n.) revolt against authority

  • interim

    (n.) temporary; meantime

  • interminable

    (adj.) endless; unending

  • interpret

    (v.) to explain meaning

  • intervene

    (v.) to come between to help

  • intimidate

    (v.) to frighten or threaten

  • intractable

    (adj.) difficult to manage or control

  • intrude

    (v.) to enter without permission

  • intuition

    (n.) immediate understanding without reasoning

  • invalid

    (adj.) not valid or acceptable

  • invaluable

    (adj.) extremely valuable

  • invest

    (v.) to allocate money into assets

  • inveterate

    (adj.) habitual; deeply rooted

  • invincible

    (adj.) unbeatable; unconquerable

  • involve

    (v.) to include or entangle

  • irate

    (adj.) extremely angry

  • iris

    (n.) colored part of the eye; flower

  • isle

    (n.) small island

  • isolation

    (n.) separation from others

  • jeopardy

    (n.) danger of harm or loss

  • jerk

    (n.) sudden quick movement

  • jolly

    (adj.) cheerful; merry

  • jovial

    (adj.) good-humored; jovial

  • judicial

    (adj.) related to courts or justice

  • justification

    (n.) reason for an action

  • knack

    (n.) special skill or talent

  • knave

    (n.) untrustworthy or dishonest person

  • kneel

    (v.) to rest on one or both knees

  • knit

    (v.) to make fabric with yarn

  • knot

    (n.) intertwined loops of rope or string

  • laggard

    (n.) slow or sluggish person

  • lame

    (adj.) disabled in walking

  • lamentable

    (adj.) terribly unfortunate

  • lance

    (n.) long weapon for stabbing

  • languid

    (adj.) lacking energy or vitality

  • lapse

    (n.) temporary failure or interval

  • lark

    (n.) playful or mischievous adventure

  • lassitude

    (n.) mental or physical weariness

  • laud

    (v.) to praise highly

  • laurel

    (n.) wreath symbolizing victory

  • lax

    (adj.) not strict; relaxed

  • leaflet

    (n.) small printed sheet of information

  • legitimate

    (adj.) lawfully or properly accepted

  • lenient

    (adj.) merciful; tolerant

  • lever

    (n.) rigid bar used to lift or move heavy objects

  • levity

    (n.) lack of seriousness; frivolity

  • lewd

    (adj.) crude or offensive in nature

  • liaison

    (n.) communication between groups

  • licentious

    (adj.) morally unrestrained

  • limp

    (adj.) lacking firmness or stiffness

  • literal

    (adj.) exact; following the letter of the law

  • livid

    (adj.) extremely angry; discolored from bruising

  • loaf

    (n.) term for bread or idle time

  • lofty

    (adj.) very high; noble

  • lucid

    (adj.) clear; easy to understand

  • ludicrous

    (adj.) absurdly humorous or ridiculous

  • lugubrious

    (adj.) looking or sounding sad and dismal

  • lullaby

    (n.) soothing song for babies or children

  • lump

    (n.) small, solid piece of material or substance

  • lunatic

    (n.) mentally ill person; crazy or insane person

  • lurid

    (adj.) vivid, shocking, or sensational in appearance

  • lurk

    (v.) lie hidden or wait secretly

  • lust

    (n.) intense desire or craving, often for sex

  • lustre

    (n.) gentle sheen or glow on surface

  • luxuriant

    (adj.) rich, lush, or abundant in growth

  • malady

    (n.) physical or mental illness

  • malediction

    (n.) utterance of curse or evil wish

  • malice

    (n.) desire to harm others; ill will

  • malicious

    (adj.) intending harm or spiteful

  • malignant

    (adj.) very dangerous or harmful; cancerous

  • manifest

    (v.) display or show plainly; demonstrate

  • manifold

    (adj.) numerous or varied; many or multiple

  • mar

    (v.) spoil the appearance or quality of something

  • mare

    (n.) female horse; large ocean surface

  • martial

    (adj.) related to war or the military

  • martyr

    (n.) person who suffers or sacrifices for a cause

  • masculine

    (adj.) having qualities traditionally associated with men

  • massacre

    (n.) brutal and indiscriminate killing of many

  • mast

    (n.) tall pole on a ship for supporting sails

  • maternal

    (adj.) characteristic of motherhood or motherhood

  • mature

    (adj.) fully developed or grown; grown-up

  • maturity

    (n.) state of full development or readiness

  • maxim

    (n.) short statement expressing a general truth

  • meagre

    (adj.) lacking in quantity or fullness; scanty

  • meddle

    (v.) interfere in others' affairs without permission

  • meditation

    (n.) practice of focusing mind inwardly for relaxation

  • meek

    (adj.) submissive, gentle, and humble

  • mercurial

    (adj.) unpredictable or changeable in mood

  • mess

    (n.) disorder or untidy state; chaotic situation

  • metallic

    (adj.) having properties or appearance of metal

  • mien

    (n.) appearance or demeanor of a person

  • mirth

    (n.) amusement or cheerful joy

  • misappropriate

    (v.) wrongly take or use funds or property

  • mischievous

    (adj.) causing or showing playful mischief

  • misdemeanor

    (n.) minor wrongful act or offense

  • misrepresent

    (v.) give false or misleading account of something

  • moan

    (v.) long, low sound of pain, sorrow, or pleasure

  • molest

    (v.) harass or disturb in an inappropriate way

  • momentous

    (adj.) of great importance or significance

  • monastery

    (n.) religious residence or community for monks

  • monotony

    (n.) tedious sameness or repetitiveness

  • moor

    (n./v.) open area of high, barren land; secure boat

  • morbid

    (adj.) abnormal curiosity or unpleasant ideas

  • morsel

    (n.) small piece of food or delicacy

  • mortgage

    (n./v.) loan secured on property; secure property

  • mortify

    (v.) humiliate or cause suffering or embarrassment

  • motto

    (n.) phrase expressing guiding principle or slogan

  • mould

    (n./v.) container for shaping material; shape or cast

  • mourn

    (v.) feel or show deep sadness for loss

  • moustache

    (n.) facial hair above the upper lip

  • murky

    (adj.) dark, gloomy, or cloudy

  • muse

    (n./v.) source of inspiration; think deeply or meditate

  • muster

    (v./n.) gather or assemble; collection or group

  • mute

    (adj./n.) silent or unable to speak; silence

  • mutton

    (n.) meat from a mature sheep

  • nasty

    (adj.) unpleasant, offensive, or offensive-smelling

  • nausea

    (n.) feeling of sickness or desire to vomit

  • navigation

    (n.) process of planning and following a route

  • negligence

    (n.) failure to take proper care or pay attention

  • nibble

    (v./n.) take small bites; small amount or bite

  • nick

    (n./v.) small cut or indentation; make a small cut

  • nimble

    (adj.) quick and agile in movement or action

  • nominal

    (adj.) in name only; minimal or insignificant

  • nomination

    (n.) act of proposing or selecting someone for a position

  • notion

    (n.) idea or belief about something

  • nought

    (n.) nothing or zero

  • nuisance

    (n.) person or thing causing inconvenience or annoyance

  • nursery

    (n.) place for caring for young children or plants

  • obese

    (adj.) extremely overweight or fat

  • obituary

    (n.) published notice of someone's death

  • obliging

    (adj.) willing to help or do favors

  • oblique

    (adj.) slanting or inclined; indirectly expressed

  • oblivion

    (n.) state of being forgotten or unaware

  • oblivious

    (adj.) unaware of what is happening around

  • oblong

    (adj.) elongated or rectangular shape

  • obscene

    (adj.) offensive to morality or decency

  • obscurity

    (n.) state of being unclear or unknown

  • obsequious

    (adj.) overly eager to please or obey

  • observance

    (n.) act of following or honoring a custom

  • obstinate

    (adj.) stubbornly refusing to change; stubborn

  • obtrude

    (v.) force oneself into attention or affairs

  • odious

    (adj.) extremely unpleasant or repulsive

  • odour

    (n.) smell or scent, often unpleasant

  • offend

    (v.) cause someone to feel upset or annoyed

  • offense

    (n.) act causing displeasure or harm; violation

  • offhand

    (adj.) casual, informal, or without preparation

  • omen

    (n.) sign of future events, often good or bad

  • ominous

    (adj.) threatening or indicating bad luck

  • omission

    (n.) something left out or not included

  • opportune

    (adj.) well-timed or favorable

  • oppressive

    (adj.) weighing heavily or unjustly harsh

  • oracle

    (n.) spiritual guide or prophetic authority

  • orator

    (n.) skilled public speaker

  • oratory

    (n.) art of effective speaking in public

  • orderly

    (adj.) arranged neatly or systematically

  • orthodox

    (adj.) conforming to accepted beliefs or traditions

  • ostracize

    (v.) exclude or banish from a group or society

  • outrageous

    (adj.) shocking or extremely unacceptable

  • outskirt

    (n.) edge or border of a city or town

  • override

    (v.) to overrule or cancel something

  • overtake

    (v.) to catch up with and pass

  • overthrow

    (v.) to remove from power forcefully

  • overwhelming

    (adj.) very intense or overpowering

  • pacifist

    (n.) person who opposes war and violence

  • pacify

    (v.) to calm or soothe

  • pact

    (n.) formal agreement between parties

  • paddle

    (v.) to move through water with a small oar

  • pagan

    (n.) person following non-christian religion

  • palpable

    (adj.) easily perceived or felt

  • paltry

    (adj.) insignificant or worthless

  • panacea

    (n.) universal remedy for all problems

  • parched

    (adj.) dried out from heat or dehydration

  • parchment

    (n.) writing material made from animal skin

  • parliament

    (n.) legislative assembly of a country

  • partition

    (n.) division into parts or sections

  • pastor

    (n.) religious leader of a congregation

  • pastoral

    (adj.) relating to rural life or church duties

  • pathos

    (n.) emotion that evokes pity or compassion

  • pecuniary

    (adj.) relating to money

  • pedantic

    (adj.) overly concerned with trivial details

  • penance

    (n.) punishment for guilt or sin

  • penitent

    (adj.) showing remorse for sins

  • pension

    (n.) regular payment after retirement

  • perceptible

    (adj.) able to be perceived or noticed

  • perforate

    (v.) to make a hole or series of holes

  • peril

    (n.) serious danger

  • perilous

    (adj.) full of danger

  • pernicious

    (adj.) harmful or destructive

  • perpetual

    (adj.) never ending or changing

  • perplexity

    (n.) confusion or uncertainty

  • persecute

    (v.) to mistreat or oppress persistently

  • pertain

    (v.) to relate or be relevant

  • pervade

    (v.) to spread throughout

  • perverse

    (adj.) contrary or stubbornly unreasonable

  • petulant

    (adj.) childishly impatient or irritable

  • phantom

    (n.) ghost or illusion

  • pier

    (n.) structure built into water for docking ships

  • pilgrim

    (n.) someone on a religious journey

  • pillage

    (v.) to loot or plunder violently

  • pilot

    (n.) person who steers an aircraft or ship

  • pirate

    (n.) person who raids at sea

  • placate

    (v.) to calm or soothe angry feelings

  • placid

    (adj.) calm and peaceful

  • plaintive

    (adj.) mournful or expressing sadness

  • plausible

    (adj.) seemingly reasonable or probable

  • plea

    (n.) a request or appeal passionately

  • plead

    (v.) to beg or make an urgent request

  • plethora

    (n.) an excessive amount or number

  • plough

    (n.) to turn over soil with a tool

  • pluck

    (v.) to pick or pull something out

  • plunder

    (v.) to steal goods by force

  • poise

    (n.) balance or composure

  • poky

    (adj.) slow or dull

  • pomp

    (n.) magnificent display or ceremony

  • pompous

    (adj.) self-important or arrogant

  • ponder

    (v.) to think deeply about

  • populace

    (n.) the general public or population

  • posterity

    (n.) future generations

  • poultry

    (n.) birds like chickens or turkeys raised for food

  • pounce

    (v.) to jump or swoop suddenly

  • precept

    (n.) a guiding rule or principle

  • precipice

    (n.) steep cliff or edge

  • predicament

    (n.) difficult or unpleasant situation

  • preface

    (n.) introduction to a book or speech

  • prerogative

    (n.) exclusive right or privilege

  • presage

    (n.) sign or warning of future event

  • presentation

    (n.) act of presenting or showing

  • presumptuous

    (adj.) overstepping boundaries

  • pretext

    (n.) false reason given to justify action

  • prior

    (adj.) existing earlier or beforehand

  • procedure

    (n.) ordered series of actions

  • procure

    (v.) to obtain through effort

  • prodigal

    (adj.) recklessly wasteful or extravagant

  • profane

    (adj.) disrespectful of religious matters

  • profoundly

    (adv.) deeply or intensely

  • profuse

    (adj.) abundant or excessive

  • profusion

    (n.) lavish supply or quantity

  • promiscuous

    (adj.) lacking order or selectiveness

  • prophetic

    (adj.) foretelling future events

  • propriety

    (n.) appropriate behavior or manners

  • proscribe

    (v.) to forbid or prohibit

  • prostrate

    (adj.) lying face down; overwhelmed

  • provenance

    (n.) origin or source of something

  • provisional

    (adj.) temporary or conditional

  • pseudonym

    (n.) fake name used by an author

  • pulverize

    (v.) to crush into powder

  • quandary

    (n.) state of uncertainty or confusion

  • quay

    (n.) platform on water's edge for boats

  • query

    (n.) question or inquiry

  • quiver

    (n.) case for arrows; trembling movement

  • quote

    (v.) to repeat precisely or give an example

  • rabble

    (n.) disorganized or noisy crowd

  • rack

    (n.) framework for holding items

  • radiance

    (n.) bright or shining light

  • raiment

    (n.) clothing or garments

  • random

    (adj.) unplanned or unpredictable

  • ransom

    (n.) sum paid to free captive

  • rapture

    (n.) intense joy or delight

  • ratio

    (n.) relation of one quantity to another; proportion

  • recede

    (v.) move back gradually; withdraw

  • recess

    (n.) temporary withdraw; a break or resting period

  • reciprocal

    (adj.) mutual; involving two-way exchange

  • recompense

    (n.) payment; reward for effort or loss

  • reconcile

    (v.) make compatible; restore friendly relations

  • reconciliation

    (n.) harmony restored between parties

  • recouse

    (v.) restore to health or condition

  • recrimination

    (n.) accusation in reply; mutual blame

  • redeem

    (v.) save from sin or evil; regain possession

  • redemption

    (n.) saving from sin; reclaiming or buying back

  • redoubtable

    (adj.) worthy of respect; formidable

  • redress

    (n.) relief from wrong or injury

  • rein

    (n.) strap used to control a horse; control

  • rejoice

    (v.) feel happiness or joy

  • relegate

    (v.) demote; assign to lower position

  • relinquish

    (v.) give up; cease to hold

  • relish

    (v.) enjoy greatly; taste or savor

  • reluctance

    (n.) resistance; unwillingness

  • reminisce

    (v.) recollect with pleasure; recall past

  • remit

    (v.) send money; cancel or refrain from action

  • rendezvous

    (n.) meeting at a specific place

  • renown

    (n.) fame or great reputation

  • renowned

    (adj.) famous; widely recognized

  • repast

    (n.) meal or feast

  • repeal

    (v.) revoke or annul law or act

  • repercussion

    (n.) consequential effect; impact

  • reproach

    (n.) blame or disapproval

  • reprobate

    (n.) damned person; morally unprincipled

  • reproof

    (n.) reprimand; criticism

  • reprove

    (v.) scold or rebuke

  • repulsive

    (adj.) arousing intense distaste or disgust

  • requisite

    (adj.) necessary; essential

  • rescind

    (v.) cancel or repeal formally

  • resign

    (v.) yield; give up position or office

  • respite

    (n.) short relief from pain or work

  • resume

    (v.) begin again; continue after interruption

  • resurrection

    (n.) rising from the dead

  • retaliate

    (v.) respond to attack with counterattack

  • reticent

    (adj.) reserved; not revealing thoughts

  • retort

    (v.) reply sharply; quick witty reply

  • reverie

    (n.) fantasy; daydream

  • revoke

    (v.) retract or annul; cancel formally

  • ribbon

    (n.) long narrow strip of fabric or material

  • riddle

    (n.) puzzle; something that is hard to understand

  • rider

    (n.) additional clause or condition; rider on a horse

  • rotundity

    (n.) roundness; plumpness

  • rouse

    (v.) wake up; stir emotionally or physically

  • rout

    (n.) defeated disorderly retreat; defeat

  • route

    (n.) path or course; way to destination

  • ruddy

    (adj.) reddish; healthy-looking

  • ruinous

    (adj.) causing destruction or decay

  • rummage

    (v.) search thoroughly by moving around

  • rumour

    (n.) unverified information spread by word of mouth

  • ruthless

    (adj.) showing no mercy or pity

  • sagaity

    (n.) rare word; possibly wisdom or sagacity

  • sage

    (n.) wisdom; a wise person

  • salmon

    (n.) type of fish

  • salutary

    (adj.) beneficial; promoting health

  • salutation

    (n.) greeting or acknowledgment

  • salute

    (n.) gesture of respect; greet formally

  • salvage

    (v.) rescue from loss or ruin

  • sane

    (adj.) mentally healthy; reasonable

  • sanguine

    (adj.) optimistic; hopeful or confident

  • sarcasm

    (n.) harsh or satirical remarks

  • sate

    (v.) satisfy fully; fill to excess

  • sauce

    (n.) liquid condiment for food

  • scaffold

    (n.) temporary platform for building or hanging

  • scandalous

    (adj.) shocking; morally improper

  • scant

    (adj.) insufficient; barely enough

  • scanty

    (adj.) small in amount; meager

  • scar

    (n.) mark left by a healed wound

  • scarf

    (n.) piece of cloth worn around neck or head

  • schooner

    (n.) ship with two or more masts

  • scorch

    (v.) burn the surface lightly

  • scorn

    (n.) contempt or disdain

  • scourge

    (n.) punishment or cause of suffering

  • scribble

    (v.) writ quickly or carelessly

  • scrub

    (v.) clean by rubbing hard

  • scrutinize

    (v.) examine closely and thoroughly

  • scrutiny

    (n.) close inspection or examination

  • seasoned

    (adj.) experienced; flavored

  • secluded

    (adj.) hidden away; isolated

  • sedition

    (n.) incitement to rebellion against authority

  • seemly

    (adj.) appropriate; proper

  • semblance

    (n.) appearance; likeness

  • sensual

    (adj.) related to sensory pleasure

  • sentinel

    (n.) guard stationed to keep watch

  • sentry

    (n.) guard at a point of passage

  • serenity

    (n.) calm; peacefulness

  • servitude

    (n.) slavery or forced labor

  • sever

    (v.) cut off completely

  • shabby

    (adj.) poor in condition; dilapidated

  • sham

    (n.) fake; something that is not genuine

  • shatter

    (v.) break into pieces

  • shawl

    (n.) large cloth worn over shoulders

  • shear

    (v.) cut or clip hair or wool

  • sheriff

    (n.) law enforcement officer

  • shimmer

    (v.) shine with a flickering light

  • shipload

    (n.) amount carried by a ship

  • shipwreck

    (n.) ship destroyed at sea

  • shipwright

    (n.) person who builds or repairs ships

  • shiver

    (v.) shake lightly due to cold or fear

  • shortcut

    (n.) quick route shorter than the usual path

  • shred

    (n.) small strip torn from something

  • shrewd

    (adj.) clever and perceptive

  • shriek

    (n.) high-pitched scream

  • shrill

    (adj.) very high and piercing sound

  • shrine

    (n.) holy place for worship

  • shrub

    (n.) small bush or woody plant

  • shrug

    (v.) raise shoulders to express doubt or indifference

  • shun

    (v.) deliberately avoid or stay away from

  • shutter

    (n.) window covering that opens and closes

  • sidestep

    (v.) step aside to avoid something

  • signature

    (n.) name written by oneself for approval

  • singular

    (adj.) unique or one of a kind

  • sinister

    (adj.) suggesting evil or danger

  • sip

    (v.) drink small mouthfuls

  • sketchy

    (adj.) incomplete or lacking detail

  • slab

    (n.) thick flat piece of material

  • slack

    (adj.) loose or not tight

  • slander

    (v.) make false damaging statements

  • slash

    (v.) cut with a sharp object

  • slate

    (n.) fine-grained rock or schedule

  • slavish

    (adj.) showing no originality or independence

  • slim

    (adj.) slender or thin

  • slimy

    (adj.) covered with or having a greasy substance

  • slum

    (n.) impoverished urban district

  • smelt

    (v.) extract metal from ore

  • smog

    (n.) fog combined with smoke

  • smolder

    (v.) burn slowly with smoke

  • smother

    (v.) suffocate or extinguish

  • snare

    (n.) trap for catching animals

  • snatch

    (v.) quickly seize or grab

  • sneer

    (v.) make a contemptuous smile

  • snowdrift

    (n.) pile of snow shaped by wind

  • snowflake

    (n.) ice crystal with a unique shape

  • soak

    (v.) immerse in liquid

  • sojourn

    (n.) temporary stay

  • solace

    (n.) comfort during distress

  • solemnity

    (n.) serious and formal attitude

  • solicitation

    (n.) act of asking for something

  • solidify

    (v.) make solid or firm

  • soloist

    (n.) performer of a solo piece

  • soluble

    (adj.) able to dissolve in liquid

  • somber

    (adj.) dark or dull in mood

  • sophistication

    (n.) refined or cultured attitude

  • sophistry

    (n.) fallacious or deceptive reasoning

  • sordid

    (adj.) arousing moral distaste

  • spacecraft

    (n.) vehicle designed for space travel

  • sparkle

    (v.) shine brightly with flashes of light

  • sparrow

    (n.) small bird with a chirping sound

  • spartan

    (adj.) bare, disciplined, or austere

  • specialized

    (adj.) developed for specific purpose

  • spectrum

    (n.) range of different things or ideas

  • speculate

    (v.) form theories without full evidence

  • spin

    (v.) rotate rapidly around an axis

  • spinach

    (n.) leafy green vegetable

  • spine

    (n.) backbone supporting the body

  • spit

    (v.) eject saliva from mouth

  • splendid

    (adj.) magnificent or very impressive

  • splice

    (v.) join together by overlapping

  • sporadic

    (adj.) occurring irregularly

  • spotless

    (adj.) completely clean or pure

  • spouse

    (n.) partner in marriage

  • spurious

    (adj.) false or fake

  • squander

    (v.) waste money or resources

  • squash

    (v.) crush into a flat mass

  • stabilize

    (v.) make stable or steady

  • stack

    (n.) neatly arranged pile

  • stagecoach

    (n.) horse-drawn passenger vehicle

  • staid

    (adj.) respectable and conservative

  • stale

    (adj.) no longer fresh

  • stall

    (n.) stand used for selling goods

  • stalwart

    (adj.) loyal and robust

  • stark

    (adj.) harsh or extremely severe

  • sterile

    (adj.) completely clean or not able to reproduce

  • sterling

    (adj.) genuine or excellent

  • stickpin

    (n.) decorative pin worn on clothing

  • stimulation

    (n.) arousal of interest or energy

  • stimuli

    (n.) plural of stimulus causing response

  • stoic

    (adj.) indifferent to pain or pleasure

  • stonemason

    (n.) craftsman who builds with stone

  • stoop

    (v.) bend forward or downward

  • strait

    (n.) narrow passage of water

  • strap

    (n.) long narrow piece of material

  • streak

    (n.) long thin line of color or light

  • strife

    (n.) conflict or struggle

  • stringent

    (adj.) strict or severe

  • stripe

    (n.) long narrow band of color

  • stroll

    (v.) walk in a relaxed manner

  • stunning

    (adj.) extremely attractive or impressive

  • stunt

    (n.) action designed to grab attention

  • stupendous

    (adj.) extremely impressive

  • subdivision

    (n.) division into parts

  • sublime

    (adj.) inspiring awe or admiration

  • subordinate

    (n.) lower in rank or position

  • subsection

    (n.) smaller part of a section

  • subsidiary

    (n.) secondary support or branch

  • subsidy

    (n.) financial assistance

  • succinct

    (adj.) briefly and clearly expressed

  • suffrage

    (n.) right to vote

  • sullen

    (adj.) sulky or gloomy in expression or attitude

  • sulphur

    (n.) chemical element with burning and smelly properties

  • summon

    (v.) call someone to come or be present

  • sundry

    (adj.) various or several in kind or amount

  • superfluous

    (adj.) unnecessary; more than enough

  • supervise

    (v.) oversee or manage work or activities

  • supplementary

    (adj.) added to complete or enhance

  • supplicate

    (v.) beg earnestly or humbly for something

  • surcharge

    (n.) additional charge or payment

  • surfeit

    (n.) excess or overabundance

  • surly

    (adj.) bad-tempered or unfriendly

  • surpass

    (v.) be better or greater than

  • sustenance

    (n.) food or drink that sustains life

  • swine

    (n.) pigs or hogs collectively

  • symmetry

    (n.) balanced proportions and arrangement

  • sympathize

    (v.) share or feel compassion or understanding

  • synthesis

    (n.) combined or integrated elements or ideas

  • synthetic

    (adj.) man-made or artificial

  • syrup

    (n.) thick sweet liquid used in foods or medicines

  • systematize

    (v.) arrange into an organized method

  • tableware

    (n.) dishes and utensils for eating and serving

  • taciturn

    (adj.) reserved; unwilling to speak much

  • tackle

    (n.) equipment for a specific purpose

  • tact

    (n.) sense of appropriate social behavior

  • tactic

    (n.) strategy or plan to achieve a goal

  • tadpole

    (n.) larval stage of a frog or toad

  • taint

    (v./n.) contaminate or spoil; contamination

  • tamper

    (v.) meddle or interfere improperly

  • tangible

    (adj.) capable of being touched or felt

  • tangle

    (n.) twisted or complicated mass

  • tantalize

    (v.) tease or torment with something desirable

  • tantamount

    (adj.) equivalent in effect or value

  • tapering

    (adj.) gradually narrowing or diminishing

  • target

    (n.) goal or object aimed at

  • tarry

    (v.) delay or linger unnecessarily

  • tart

    (adj.) sharp in flavor or attitude

  • taunt

    (v.) tease or mock somebody

  • tautology

    (n.) redundant or repetitive statement

  • tawdry

    (adj.) cheap or gaudy in appearance

  • taxation

    (n.) the process of levying taxes

  • taxicab

    (n.) vehicle for transporting passengers

  • tease

    (v.) make fun of or provoke lightly

  • technical

    (adj.) related to technology or specialized knowledge

  • tectonics

    (n.) study of earth's structural features

  • temporal

    (adj.) relating to time or worldly things

  • tenement

    (n.) multi-tenant building or residence

  • tenor

    (n.) general meaning or tone of something

  • tensile

    (adj.) capable of being stretched or drawn out

  • tentacle

    (n.) elongated appendage in some animals

  • tentative

    (adj.) uncertain or not fully settled

  • tepid

    (adj.) moderately warm; unenthusiastic

  • terminal

    (n./adj.) end point or station; final

  • territorial

    (adj.) relating to a specific area or land

  • testify

    (v.) give evidence or furnish proof

  • tether

    (n.) rope or chain to hold something in place

  • textile

    (n.) fabric or cloth material

  • theatrical

    (adj.) related to drama or performance arts

  • theology

    (n.) study of religious beliefs and god

  • thermometer

    (n.) instrument measuring temperature

  • thicket

    (n.) dense growth of bushes or small trees

  • thrifty

    (adj.) careful or frugal with resources

  • thumb

    (n./v.) short digit of the hand; press or move with thumb

  • thwart

    (v.) oppose or prevent from happening

  • timely

    (adj.) happening at the right time

  • tinge

    (n./v.) slight trace or flavor; add a slight color or flavor

  • toast

    (n./v.) slice of bread toasted; raise glasses in celebration

  • toil

    (n./v.) hard and continuous work; work arduously

  • tolerable

    (adj.) able to be endured or accepted

  • tolerance

    (n.) acceptance of differing opinions or behaviors

  • topographical

    (adj.) relating to surface features of land

  • torch

    (n.) portable light source or torch used in lighting

  • tornado

    (n.) violent rotating windstorm

  • torpid

    (adj.) mentally or physically inactive

  • torture

    (n./v.) severe pain or suffering; cause harm intentionally

  • toss

    (v.) throw lightly or casually

  • toupee

    (n.) small wig worn to cover baldness

  • tournament

    (n.) series of contests or competitions

  • tout

    (v./n.) promote or boast loudly; person promoting

  • tractor

    (n.) vehicle used for pulling farm machinery

  • trajectory

    (n.) path followed by moving object

  • tramp

    (n./v.) person who travels on foot; walk heavily or aimlessly

  • trample

    (v.) step heavily and cause damage

  • tranquility

    (n.) state of peace and calm

  • transform

    (v.) change in form or appearance

  • transient

    (adj.) temporary or short-lived

  • transmitter

    (n.) device that sends signals or data

  • transmute

    (v.) change from one form to another

  • transplant

    (v./n.) move to a different place; transplanted organ

  • transpose

    (v.) change order or position of elements

  • traverse

    (v./n.) travel across or through; path or route

  • treadmill

    (n.) exercise machine or repetitive routine

  • treatise

    (n.) formal written work on a topic

  • tremor

    (n.) involuntary shaking or vibration

  • tremulous

    (adj.) shaking or quivering slightly

  • trepidation

    (n.) fear or apprehension

  • tribunal

    (n.) court of justice or judgment panel

  • tributary

    (n.) stream or river flowing into larger one

  • trigger

    (n./v.) mechanism that initiates action; cause to start

  • truce

    (n.) agreement to stop fighting temporarily

  • tug

    (n./v.) strong pull; pull with force

  • turf

    (n.) surface of earth or grass; territory or domain

  • turmoil

    (n.) community confusion or disorder

  • turquoise

    (adj.) shimmering blue-green color

  • tutorial

    (n.) instructional lesson or guide

  • twine

    (n.) long thin cord or thread

  • twinkle

    (v.) shine intermittently with a flickering light

  • tyrannical

    (adj.) exercising oppressive power

  • tyro

    (n.) newcomer inexperienced person

  • unaccountable

    (adj.) not explainable or justified

  • unanimity

    (n.) harmony of opinion or agreement

  • unbiased

    (adj.) free from prejudice or favoritism

  • uncanny

    (adj.) strangely unsettling or mysterious

  • uncouth

    (adj.) lacking good manners or sophistication

  • underlie

    (v.) serve as a basis or foundation

  • undue

    (adj.) exceeding appropriate limits

  • unearth

    (v.) to discover by digging

  • ungainly

    (adj.) awkward or clumsy

  • unilateral

    (adj.) done by one side only

  • unlikely

    (adj.) probably not to happen

  • unpromising

    (adj.) not showing promise of success

  • unruly

    (adj.) difficult to control

  • unscathed

    (adj.) not harmed or injured

  • unwieldy

    (adj.) difficult to handle due to size or weight

  • upkeep

    (n.) maintenance or care

  • upscale

    (adj.) relating to higher quality or cost

  • uptight

    (adj.) anxiously tense or worried

  • usurp

    (v.) take over without authority

  • vacate

    (v.) leave or give up possession

  • vacuous

    (adj.) lacking intelligence or ideas

  • vain

    (adj.) excessively proud of appearance or achievements

  • valedictory

    (adj.) relating to farewell speaking

  • valiant

    (adj.) courageous or brave

  • validate

    (v.) confirm the truth or value

  • valor

    (n.) courage in battle

  • vanguard

    (n.) front of an advancing army or movement

  • vanity

    (n.) excessive pride in appearance

  • variability

    (n.) likelihood to change or fluctuate

  • vehement

    (adj.) showing strong feeling

  • venerate

    (v.) regard with deep respect

  • ventilation

    (n.) introduction of fresh air

  • verbose

    (adj.) using more words than necessary

  • verge

    (n.) edge or border

  • veritable

    (adj.) used for emphasis, true or real

  • vertebrate

    (n.) animals with backbone

  • vex

    (v.) annoy or irritate

  • vexation

    (n.) state of being annoyed

  • viability

    (n.) feasibility or possibility of success

  • vibrant

    (adj.) lively or full of energy

  • vibration

    (n.) rapid back-and-forth motion

  • vicious

    (adj.) intensely cruel or violent

  • videocassette

    (n.) magnetic tape for recording video

  • vindicate

    (v.) clear from suspicion or accuse

  • visage

    (n.) facial appearance or face

  • visceral

    (adj.) relating to deep inward feelings

  • vogue

    (n.) popular fashion or trend

  • volley

    (n.) simultaneous attack or shot

  • voltage

    (n.) electric potential difference

  • voluptuous

    (adj.) curvaceous or sensually pleasing

  • vomit

    (v.) to eject matter from stomach

  • vow

    (n.) promise or solemn agreement

  • wag

    (v.) move rapidly from side to side

  • wage

    (n.) regular payment for work

  • wager

    (n.) bet or gamble

  • wail

    (v.) high-pitched cry of pain or grief

  • wander

    (v.) move aimlessly without destination

  • wane

    (v.) gradually decrease in size or intensity

  • wanton

    (adj.) reckless or promiscuous

  • ward

    (n.) child or minor under supervision

  • wardrobe

    (n.) closet or collection of clothing

  • warehouse

    (n.) storage building for goods

  • warp

    (v.) direct out of shape

  • weaver

    (n.) person who weaves fabric

  • whimsical

    (adj.) playfully quaint or fanciful

  • whirl

    (v.) spin rapidly in circles

  • whit

    (n.) a tiny amount

  • wholesale

    (adj.) selling in large quantities at lower prices

  • wicked

    (adj.) morally bad or evil

  • widespread

    (adj.) widely occurring or distributed

  • wildfire

    (n.) uncontrollable fire spreading rapidly

  • wile

    (n.) trick or stratagem

  • wily

    (adj.) skilled at gaining advantage

  • winsome

    (adj.) attractive or charming

  • wistful

    (adj.) longing tinged with sadness

  • withhold

    (v.) refuse to give or allow

  • woe

    (n.) great sorrow or distress

  • wrinkle

    (n.) small line on skin due to aging

  • writ

    (n.) legal document or court order

  • yearn

    (v.) long for deeply

  • yoke

    (n.) harness for animals or burden

  • yore

    (n.) time long past or former days