(KAYR-full), adjective
Exercising caution; dealing thoughtfully with a situation; wary; showing close attention or great concern.
chary (CHAIR-ee). Very cautious or wary; stingy.
I was CHARY of Lillian’s new business scheme because her “great” ideas always result in spectacular disasters.
circumspect (SIR-kum-spekt). Prudent, cautious; considering from all sides.
“I smiled, / I waited, / I was CIRCUMSPECT; / O never, never, never write that I / missed life or loving.” —Hilda Doolittle, American poet and memoirist
fastidious (fah-STID-ee-us). Particular about things, expecially good housekeeping and personal hygiene; placing great importance on even the smallest of details.
“A FASTIDIOUS person in the throes of love is a rich source of mirth.” —Martha Duffy, Arts editor, Time magazine
meticulous (meh-TIK-yuh-luhss). Extremely precise; fussy about details.
As a radiologist, Arthur was required to give METICULOUS attention to reading test results.
parsimonious (par-sih-MOAN-ee-us). Conservative in spending and tight with a dollar; parting with money or other resources only grudgingly and after much cajoling.
Esmerelda can be surprisingly PARSIMONIOUS, considering that her family’s fortune is among the greatest possessed by our social contacts.
punctilious (punk-TILL-ee-uss). Overly attentive to trifling details; taking great care to dispose of seemingly small matters in a formally correct way.
The PUNCTILIOUS Mrs. Smith took issue with the seating arrangements we had suggested.
scrupulous (SKROO-pyoo-luss). Characterized by a conscientious adherence to what is considered true, right, or accurate; honest.
The CFO was replaced by a financial expert who also exercised SCRUPULOUS control of the company’s expense accounts, much to the chagrin of the sales force.
preciosity (presh-ee-OSS-uh-tee). Carefully affected or fastidious refinement.
It was unclear why Ralph adopted his PRECIOSITY, but we know he didn’t inherit it from his guileless parents.
prodigal (PRAHD-ih-gull). Characterized by reckless wastefulness; spendthrift; excessively generous.
Known for his PRODIGAL spending habits, William always caused a stir among waitstaff in the restaurants he frequented.
profligate (PROF-lih-git). Extravagant; wasteful; excessive.
My PROFLIGATE expenditures quickly came to a halt when my bank account reached zero.
slatternly (SLAT-urn-lee). Untidy and careless; slovenly; disorderly.
Dorothy’s SLATTERNLY habits make her an interesting choice for “mother of the year.”
slovenly (SLUHV-in-lee). Dirty or untidy in one’s personal habits.
Burt’s SLOVENLY room is at odds with his tidy personal appearance.
(KAT-uhl-ist), noun
Something that increases the rate of a chemical reaction; a person or thing that makes a change happen or initiates a process of events.
kinetic (kih-NET-ik). Pertaining to, caused by, or producing motion.
Alexander Calder is credited for inventing the mobile, a KINETIC sculpture with hanging pieces that move and flow.
catharsis (kuh-THAR-siss). The purging of the senses through tragic drama or through music; in general, a discharge of negative emotions.
Characters in many novels undergo a CATHARSIS after dramatic or traumatic experiences, thereby revealing much to readers.
fruition (froo-ISH-un). The completion of a task; the achievement of a goal as the result of significant and persistent effort.
John Nash, a mathematician whose life was featured in A Beautiful Mind, received the Nobel Prize for the FRUITION of his work in game theory decades after he completed it.
transfiguration (tranz-FIG-yoor-ay-shun). A dramatic change in appearance, especially one that glorifies or exalts the one changed.
The popular makeover shows bring about physical and emotional TRANSFIGURATIONS for their participants.
consummate (KON-suh-mayt). To bring something such as a business deal to a conclusion or desired end; to achieve, fulfill, complete, or finalize. Also, for a couple to make a marriage legally valid by having sexual relations.
By CONSUMMATING an agreement, and then signing the letter of intent, the high school All-American football player committed to attending Notre Dame.
exacerbate (ig-ZASS-er-bayt). To worsen or aggravate an already bad situation; to make something even more unpleasant or severe.
Lying almost always EXACERBATES a bad situation; that’s one reason that honesty is the best policy.
galvanize (GAL-vuh-nyz). To stimulate someone or something into action, especially muscle fibers by means of electric current. In a technical sense, to coat a metal with zinc to prevent corrosion.
The hardships of winter GALVANIZE the isolated residents of Maine to help one another whenever needed.
abrogate (AB-ro-gayt). To formally (and with authority) repeal or cancel something, such as an agreement or a contract; to take official action leading to such an end.
The two business partners agreed to ABROGATE their contract after they discovered their venture was no longer profitable.
languid (LANG-gwid). Lacking vigor and energy; listless, indifferent, sluggish, or slow.
Those who are frequently LANGUID may be suffering from some malady or disability.
lethargic (luh-THAR-jik). Sluggish; inactive to such a degree as to resemble sleep or unconsciousness.
After many long hours of work, Pat and Corey were LETHARGIC but still unable to call it a night.
(CHANSS), noun
Happenings that occur unpredictably in the absence of cause or design; fortuity; luck; uncertainty.
aleatory (A-lee-uh-tore-ee). Unplanned, spontaneous, or spur of the moment; depending on luck, randomness, or chance.
Most sporting events have rules that attempt to eliminate or at least diminish ALEATORY factors so the skill of the participants becomes the primary influence on the outcome.
fortuitous (for-TOO-ih-tuss). A happy event taking place by accident or chance.
“The most FORTUITOUS event of my entire life was meeting my wife Eleanor.” —Franklin Delano Roosevelt
hapless (HAP-liss). Luckless; unfortunate.
Oliver presented a rather HAPLESS figure during his first few days on the job, but he soon mastered his new responsibilities.
inauspicious (in-aw-SPISH-uss). Accompanied by or predictive of ill luck; not favorable in portent.
Who could have predicted that from such INAUSPICIOUS beginnings Grant would rise to command great armies and, eventually, lead his nation?
precarious (prih-KAIR-ee-us). Tenuous; dependent upon circumstances; uncertain; unsecured.
During that time of civil unrest, Jack thought frequently about his PRECARIOUS future.
propitious (pruh-PISH-us). Presenting a good omen; auspicious.
We all hoped that the beautiful sunset was a PROPITIOUS omen for our camping vacation.
providential (prahv-uh-DEN-shul). Fortunate; as if occurring by or resulting from divine intervention.
Fastening my seat belt was a PROVIDENTIAL act, as the accident made apparent.
deus ex machina (DAY-uhs eks MA-keh-nuh). An unexpected and fortunate event solving a problem or saving someone from disaster; a stroke of good luck.
Harry had reached a financial threshold and it would take a DEUS EX MACHINA to rescue him from bankruptcy.
entropy (EN-troh-pee). The tendency of any system to run down and revert to total chaos.
“Just as the constant increase of ENTROPY is the basic law of the universe, so it is the basic law of life to be ever more highly structured and to struggle against ENTROPY.” —Václav Havel, Czech playwright, writer, and politician
kismet (KIHZ-met). Fate or destiny.
A hopeless romantic, Brian believed KISMET was responsible for his arranged marriage.
serendipity (ser-en-DIP-ih-tee). The attaining of success, good fortune, or an object of desire through luck and random circumstance.
What made him an Internet billionaire was SERENDIPITY more than brains or talent.
ascribe (uh-SKRYB). To attribute or assign causal responsibility to a person or thing.
This work has been ASCRIBED to Rousseau, but his authorship now seems uncertain.
etiology (ee-tee-OL-uh-jee). The assignment of a cause; the science of origins or causes.
The ETIOLOGY of the disease was clear; David developed mesothelioma from his years of working, unprotected, with asbestos.
(CHEYNJ), noun, verb
A transformation; substitution; alteration or modification; to cause to become different; convert.
capricious (kuh-PRISH-uss). Unpredictable, impulsive; prone to making sudden unplanned changes.
“I do not understand the CAPRICIOUS lewdness of the sleeping mind.” —John Cheever, American novelist
malleable (MAL-yuh-bull). Easily molded into different shapes; easily influenced to change one’s opinion or actions.
“I did not know that mankind was suffering for want of gold. I have seen a little of it. I know that it is very MALLEABLE, but not so MALLEABLE as wit.” —Henry David Thoreau, American author and transcendentalist
mercurial (mer-KYOOR-ee-uhl). Volatile, fickle, erratic.
Joe thought his MERCURIAL boss was exhausting but highly entertaining.
pliable (PLY-uh-bull). Able to be changed in shape, form, or inclination; capable of being directed or influenced.
Gold, one of the world’s most valuable metals, is also one of the most PLIABLE.
protean (PRO-tee-en). Highly changeable; readily taking on different characters or forms.
A willing, brave, and PROTEAN actress will tend to be employed more frequently.
acculturation (ah-kul-chuh-RAY-shin). The process of adapting to a different culture; cultural modification.
New citizens are formed through ACCULTURATION at the cost of their heritage and culture.
flux (FLUKS). Unceasing change.
The organization’s plans were in a state of constant FLUX.
mutability (myoo-tuh-BIL-ih-tee). The condition of being able to change at a moment’s notice.
“It is the same! For, be it joy or sorrow, / The path of its departure still is free: / Man’s yesterday may ne’er be like his morrow; / Nought may endure but MUTABILITY.” —Percy Bysshe Shelley, English Romantic poet
permutation (per-myoo-TAY-shun). A transformation leading to a complete change.
After exploring numerous PERMUTATIONS of its style, the band returned to the sound with which it had first attracted fans.
transubstantiation (tran-sub-stan-she-A-shun). The changing of one substance into another; transmutation; transformation.
TRANSUBSTANTIATION is used as a technique in marketing, transforming shabby and gauche items into supposed examples of tasteful luxury.
vicissitudes (vhi-SISS-ih-toods). The constant change of one’s situation or condition, common throughout life.
“VICISSITUDES of fortune, which spares neither man nor the proudest of his works, which buries empires and cities in a common grave.” —Edward Gibbon, British historian
acclimate (AK-lih-mayt). Adapting or becoming accustomed to a new altitude, climate, environment, or situation.
At first Joan found college life lonely and stressful, but after a few weeks she was able to ACCLIMATE, and never longed for home again.
assimilate (uh-SIM-uh-layt). To acquire and incorporate as one’s own; to absorb; to alter by adoption.
Dorothy could ASSIMILATE information more quickly and completely than any student in the school.
emend (ee-MEND). To change by means of editing; to correct (a text or reading).
Many of Shakespeare’s most famous lines, such as “A rose by any other name would smell as sweet,” are the result of a critic’s choice to EMEND a troublesome source text.
macerate (MASS-uh-rayt). To waste away; to become thin or emaciated; to soften or decompose.
It was painful for his family to watch Harold, who had been so vigorous and robust, slowly MACERATE.
metamorphose (met-uh-MORE-fohz). To change completely the character or nature of; to change into a different physical form.
The boarding school experience gave Martha new friends and the impetus to METAMORPHOSE into a young woman.
permute (per-MYOOT). To alter; make different; to change the order or sequence of.
John had spent more than fifty hours creating what he thought was the perfect presentation until his boss asked him to PERMUTE much of the statistical data.
shunt (SHUNT). To change the direction of; to divert.
When his proposal was dismissed after less than a minute of discussion, Mark felt more than ever that his ideas were being SHUNTED aside without due consideration.
immutable (ih-MYOO-tuh-bull). Unchanging; not able to be changed.
“I don’t know what IMMUTABLE differences exist between men and women apart from differences in their genitals.” —Naomi Weisstein, American feminist
incorrigible (in-KORE-ih-juh-bull). Incapable of being reformed; not easily changed or influenced.
Young Pete was an INCORRIGIBLE boy, forever getting into scrapes and causing mischief.
ossify (OS-uh-fye). To harden and become unable to change.
Due to his lack of contact with others, Jack’s opinions have OSSIFIED.
Rubicon (ROO-bih-kawn). A point beyond which permanent change is unavoidable.
In signing the bill, the Governor may have crossed the RUBICON and forever closed the door on his prison reform program.
See also: Reduce
(KULL-er), noun
The portion of the visible light spectrum reflected by an object; the resulting sensation of light waves on the eye.
cerulean (suh-RUE-lee-uhn). Being the blue of the sky.
Boys lined up everywhere that Janis went just to look into her CERULEAN eyes.
monochromatic (mawn-owe-kruh-MAT-ik). Of a single color.
The sweep and power of Ansel Adams’s MONOCHROMATIC photography proves how much can be accomplished with a roll of black-and-white film.
olivaceous (all-uh-VAY-shuss). Dark green, olive.
The Springfield Golf Club was known for its OLIVACEOUS fairways.
pallid (PAL-id). Pale; faint; lacking in color; lacking vitality.
Nancy’s PALLID complexion was the result of poor health rather than a desire to avoid UV rays.
pavonine (PAHV-uh-nine). Resembling the colors of a peacock; rainbowlike.
Nature at its finest is demonstrated by the peacock’s PAVONINE tail feathers.
pied (PYED). Having blotches of two or more colors.
The poet Gerard Manley Hopkins believed the strangeness of PIED creatures and plants was a sign of God’s grace.
polychrome (PAWL-ee-krome). Having many colors.
The office was a more cheerful place with Mary’s POLYCHROME outfits.
roseate (ROH-zee-it). Rosy; rose-colored.
The ROSEATE glass in the windows gave the room a faintly bordello flavor.
sallow (SAL-low). Sickly; grayish greenish yellow.
The SALLOW tone of Melanie’s skin led us to wonder whether she was ill.
spadiceous (spay-DISH-uhs). Of a bright brown color.
It took years for the paint maker to develop a bright brown, but they finally released a SPADICEOUS enamel.
variegated (VAIR-ee-uh-gay-tid). Changing color or containing different hues of the same color.
A lawn covered in VARIEGATED fallen leaves is the sign that Autumn is finally here.
verdant (VUR-duhnt). Lush with trees, bushes, and other green foliage.
With its careful mix of plants, the Whittingtons’ formal garden remains VERDANT year-round.
xanthic (ZAN-thik). Of yellow; yellowish.
Carrie’s pantsuit was electrified by the addition of a XANTHIC scarf.
bice (BYSS). Azurite blue; medium blue.
Peter and Martha simultaneously decided that BICE would be the best color for the dining room.
cyan (SY-an). Greenish blue; one of the primary colors used in printing.
The entire printing run had to be discarded because CYAN was missing.
jacinth (JAY-sinth). Reddish orange.
JACINTH seemed like a good choice for the kitchen until John finished painting one wall.
metachromatism (met-uh-KRO-muh-tiz-um). A change of color, especially as the result of a change in temperature.
Spring causes a welcome METACHROMATISM of the forest.
murrey (MURR-ee). A dark purplish-red.
Peter’s “black” eye actually had a MURREY cast.
ocher (OH-kur). Dark yellow.
The traffic lights in the artists’ colony displayed red, OCHER, and green.
opalescence (OH-puh-LESS-enss). Characterized by a play of colors; iridescence.
A random mixture of tints gave the vase an OPALESCENCE that Nancy couldn’t reproduce despite her best efforts.
oxblood (OKS-blud). Dark, dull red.
Greg bought OXBLOOD shoes because he believed he could wear them with blue, gray, and brown suits.
perse (PURSS). Very dark blue or purple.
Luckily, Betty thought better of buying a PERSE purse.
puce (PYOOCE). Dark or brownish purple.
Eventually, Peter’s bruise turned PUCE.
raddle (RAD-uhl). Red ocher.
RADDLE was not a better choice for the dining room walls as it turned out.
sepia (SEE-pee-uh). Brown, grayish brown, or olive brown.
The SEPIA of the photographs gave them a vintage feel.
solferino (sowl-fuh-REE-noh). Vivid, purplish pink.
Jane’s scarf demonstrated that a little SOLFERINO goes a long way.
vermilion (vur-MILL-yun). Scarlet red; bright red.
In her trademark VERMILION pantsuit, Carrie really stood out in a crowd.
achromatic (ak-ruh-MAT-ik). Having no color.
Marcia was quite insistent in asking us to help her interpret her ACHROMATIC dreams.
neutral (NOO-truhl). Having little or no color; not vivid.
Having become weary of her home’s vibrant color scheme, Anne decided to try the opposite tack and painted all her walls with NEUTRAL shades.
(kuhm-BYN), verb
To bring together into a whole; gather; assemble or accumulate.
concerted (kun-SUR-tid). Mutually devised or planned; done or performed in cooperation or together.
The two made a CONCERTED effort to get Vivian to change her mind, but she was resolute.
miscellany (MISS-uh-lay-nee). A grouping or collection of various elements.
The volume, which featured a hodgepodge of essays, poems, and interviews relating to the Beats, was an intriguing MISCELLANY of writings from the bohemian world of the fifties.
pastiche (pah-STEESH). A piece of music, writing, or art made up mostly of material taken from existing sources; a haphazard collection of items from various sources.
Ronald’s carefully crafted sculpture looked like a PASTICHE to our untrained eyes.
synergy (SIN-er-jee). The combined effort of two or more groups, agents, businesses, etc. to accomplish a common goal.
The SYNERGY demonstrated by the two departments quickly sparked amazing results.
synthesis (SIN-thuh-suss). A combination of elements to form a new whole.
The writer’s latest book is an intriguing SYNTHESIS of classical Greek tragedy and cyberpunk elements.
accrete (uh-KREET). To accumulate or cause to become attached.
Every time I park my car under a tree a layer of bird droppings ACCRETES on its candy apple red finish.
agglomerate (uh-GLAHM-uh-rayt). To gather items into a ball or cluster.
Phil is so lazy he seems to think his job is just to AGGLOMERATE all the pieces of paper in the recycle bin.
aggregate (AG-rih-gayt). To combine or collect parts into a whole or mass.
Many social websites are attempting to AGGREGATE other social sites to capture as much traffic as possible.
amalgamate (uh-MAL-guh-mayt). To blend into a coherent single unit; to combine a number of elements into a whole. In technical terms, to alloy or unite a metal with mercury.
Anticipating that the two departments would soon AMALGAMATE, the members held several strategic planning meetings.
conjoin (kuhn-JOIN). To join together or unite; to wed.
After the battling factions CONJOINED, they were able to accomplish peacefully most of their separate goals.
convene (kon-VEEN). To bring together or assemble in a body, usually for some public purpose.
The board of trustees will CONVENE on the first Tuesday of each month until further notice.
cull (KULL). To gather or collect a portion of a larger group.
Consumer behavior data was CULLED from online surveys and focus groups.
marshal (MAR-shul). To bring together all the resources at one’s disposal to achieve a goal.
Patricia MARSHALED all of her social contacts to try to get a front-row ticket for fashion week.
muster (MUSS-ter). To gather or assemble (soldiers, etc.) for roll call, inspection, etc.; to summon.
The bystanders paused for a moment to MUSTER their courage before rushing into the burning building.
syncretize (SING-krih-tyz). To combine or unite varying parties, ideas, principles, etc.
As the denomination’s local attendance began to fall sharply, several churches SYNCRETIZED their efforts to improve overall attendance.
apportion (uh-POOR-shun). To distribute, divide, or assign appropriate shares of.
It was the lawyer’s duty to APPORTION the sad remains of a once-proud manufacturing empire.
disseminate (diss-SEM-in-ayt). To distribute something so as to make it available to a large population or area.
The Internet is rapidly replacing newspapers as the primary medium for the DISSEMINATION of news.
mete (MEET). To distribute or allot.
After Elyssia’s shopping spree, her father METED out substantial punishment by taking away her credit cards.
(kuh-MAND), verb
To issue an order or orders; direct with authority; to have authority over; control.
peremptory (puh-REMP-tuh-ree). Allowing for no rebuttal or overturning.
Kings may issue PEREMPTORY declarations of war, Mr. Secretary; presidents are obliged to discuss such matters with Congress.
imperative (im-PAIR-uh-tiv). A command or an essential objective.
Peggy’s mother considered the 11:00 P.M. curfew as a nonnegotiable IMPERATIVE even if the teenager had a more casual interpretation.
mandate (MAN-dayt). Authoritative command, endorsement, or instruction; an order issued by one court of law to another, lower court.
When the MANDATE was issued, we discovered our business plan had become illegal.
adjure (uh-JOOR). To command as if under oath; to solemnly entreat or request.
The witnesses were ADJURED to avoid any contact with the accused.
enjoin (ehn-JOYN). To direct or order someone to do something.
After purchasing one too many Bentleys, Alex was ENJOINED by his father to be more frugal.
interdict (in-ter-DIKT). To prohibit; to forbid the use of something.
The border patrol attempts to INTERDICT the flow of illegal or banned substances.
proscribe (pro-SKRIBE). To forbid or prohibit.
State law PROSCRIBES the keeping of wild animals as house pets.
stipulate (STIP-yoo-layt). To make a specific demand or arrangement as a condition of agreement.
The contract was quite clear; it STIPULATED the delivery date.
countermand (KOUNT-er-mand). To cancel officially, especially to cancel a previous order.
Once Harold began smoking again, he COUNTERMANDED the no-smoking policy he’d recently adopted for his business.
See also: Authority
(kuh-MOH-shun), noun
Violent motion; turmoil; agitation; confusion; disturbance.
clamorous (KLAM-uhr-uss). Loud; expressively vehement; noisy and demanding.
The throngs in the street roared with CLAMOROUS applause.
clarion (KLAR-ee-uhn). Clear and shrill.
On the first day back to school, Robby groaned at the CLARION call of his morning alarm.
tempestuous (tem-PESS-chew-uss). Tumultuous and turbulent, as a personality.
Claire’s TEMPESTUOUS personality is most likely linked to the fact that her father has married and remarried an excessive number of times.
vociferous (vo-SIF-er-uss). Loud and insistent so as to gain the listener’s attention.
“Let the singing singers / With vocal voices, most VOCIFEROUS, / In sweet vociferation out-vociferize / Even sound itself.” —Henry Carey, English poet
fracas (FRAK-us). Commotion; a noisy disagreement.
The nightly FRACAS between the couple next door is always loud enough to wake me out of a sound sleep.
hubbub (HUB-ub). Noise and confusion; an outburst.
The HUBBUB outside our window came as a surprise; the parade was not due for an hour, yet the streets were already thronged with people.
perturbation (purr-ter-BAY-shun). Any disturbance that alters the normal functioning of a system, moving object, person, or process.
“O polished PERTURBATION! golden care! / That keep’st the ports of slumber open wide / To many a watchful night.” —William Shakespeare
yawp (YAWP). A raucous, clamorous noise.
“I sound my barbaric YAWP over the roofs of the world.” —Walt Whitman, American poet and humanist
halcyon (HAL-see-un). Calm, peaceful, carefree, prosperous.
After a hard, stormy winter, townspeople were entranced by the HALCYON weather of our spring.
tranquility (trang-KWIL-ih-tee). The state of being tranquil; calmness; serenity; peacefulness.
After a long day in the city, Andrew longed for the TRANQUILITY of his house buried in the country.
(kuhm-PLAYN), verb
To express pain or dissatisfaction; to find fault; declare annoyance, resentment, or grief.
querulous (KWAIR-eh-luss). Habitually whining and griping.
Their QUERULOUS manner with the waiter made them unpleasant and embarrassing dinner companions.
malcontent (mal-kuhn-TENT). A discontented, resentful, or rebellious person.
Harvey is such a MALCONTENT that he’ll argue with you if you tell him it’s a nice day!
carp (KARP). To raise picky, trivial objections; complain peevishly.
All the CARPING at the staff meeting kept anything substantive from being done.
cavil (KAV-uhl). To find fault in trivial matters or raise petty objections.
Town meetings take twice as long as they should because some citizens use the event as a forum to CAVIL.
grouse (GRAUSS). To complain or grumble about one’s situation.
We decided not to return to the restaurant after the maître d’ continuously GROUSED about the slovenliness of his waitstaff.
inveigh (in-VAY). To protest strongly; to rail.
The crowd INVEIGHED against the governor’s decision to commute Davidson’s sentence.
remonstrate (rih-MON-strayt). To protest, object, or show disapproval.
When Carlotta REMONSTRATED our snubbing of Julia, we simply began to snub Carlotta as well.
rejoice (rih-JOYCE). To be glad and take delight in.
“Time is too slow for those who wait, too swift for those who fear, too long for those who grieve, too short for those who REJOICE, but for those who love, time is eternity.” —Henry Van Dyke, American short story writer and poet
revel (REV-uhl). To take much pleasure, delight.
“From every blush that kindles in thy cheeks, Ten thousand little loves and graces spring To REVEL in the roses.” —Nicholas Rowe, English dramatist and poet
(kuhm-PLEKS), adjective
Not simple; complicated; elaborate; characterized by many related parts.
anfractuous (an-FRACK-chuh-wuss). Full of windings and intricacies, like a good mystery novel.
The novel’s ANFRACTUOUS plot worked on paper, but it became stupefyingly confusing—actually, just plain stupid—onscreen.
convoluted (kon-vuh-LOO-tid). Too complex or intricate to understand easily; complicated, with many twists or folds; an extreme state of complication, intricacy, or interdependency. Literally, folded into a coil or spiral.
Relationships can be CONVOLUTED and difficult, but they are ultimately worth the effort.
daedal (DEE-duhl). Extremely intricate and complex; skillfully made.
I thought I could repair my computer until I got a look at the machine’s DAEDAL circuitry.
inextricable (in-eck-STRICK-uh-bull). Incapable of being disentangled or untied; hopelessly complex.
The INEXTRICABLE problem remained unsolved, even after the company’s best minds spent three days attacking it.
involute (IN-vuh-loot). Intricate; involved.
The INVOLUTE diagrams in the owner’s manual did not help George sort out his old sports car’s electrical system.
tortuous (TORE-choo-uss). Winding; full of twists and turns.
Drive safely; the road leading from the center of town up the side of the mountain is a TORTUOUS one.
obfuscate (OB-fuss-kayt). To make something unclear or obscure, especially unnecessarily complicated; to muddy or confuse an issue; to make something dark or hard to see.
The defense has put up with enough of these attempts to OBFUSCATE, Your Honor.
unalloyed (un-uh-LOID). Not mixed with any other materials; pure.
John found it refreshing to watch his toddler’s UNALLOYED pleasure when playing with soap bubbles.
unpretentious (un-prih-TEN-shuss). Modest; without showy display; simple; plain.
“Those who are firm, enduring, simple and unpretentious are the nearest to virtue.” —Confucius
See also: Difficult
(KOM-pluh-ment), verb
To express or convey a compliment; confer admiration, respect, or praise; politely flatter.
adulatory (AJ-uh-luh-tore-ee). Complimentary; giving effusive praise.
“He includes in his final chapter a passage of ADULATORY prose from Henry James.” —Joyce Carol Oates, American author
laudable (LAW-duh-bull). Commendable; deserving of praise.
Rebecca’s decision to tell her mother that she lost the emerald brooch she borrowed without permission was LAUDABLE.
blandishments (BLAN-dish-ments). Compliments rendered primarily to influence and gain favor with the person you are praising.
The BLANDISHMENTS heaped upon the consultant by his clients were not sufficient to persuade him to take a staff position with them.
claque (KLAK). A group of people hired to applaud at an entertainment event.
The first comedian was absolutely terrible; if it hadn’t been for the CLAQUE the management had assembled at the last minute, there wouldn’t have been any applause at all.
encomium (en-KO-me-um). Effusive praise given in a public forum.
The CEO’s ENCOMIUM at Phil’s retirement dinner caused his eyes to mist over.
hagiography (hag-ee-OG-ruh-fee). A biography that idealizes its subject.
The Van Gelders were disappointed with the volume written about their illustrious ancestors because the book fell far short of being a HAGIOGRAPHY.
hosanna (ho-ZAN-uh). An expression of praise, exaltation, and adoration typically heard in religious ceremonies; an instance of excessive praise.
Mel’s agent warned him not to take too seriously the HOSANNAS that came his way after he won the acting award.
plaudit (PLAW-dit). An expression of gratitude or praise; applause.
“Not in the shouts and PLAUDITS of the throng, but in ourselves, are triumph and defeat.” —Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, American poet
sycophant (SIK-uh-fahnt). Someone who flatters a powerful person for personal gain; an ambitious flatterer who tries to improve his status by fawning over those in authority.
Presidents and world leaders should not surround themselves with SYCOPHANTS, for they need to hear critical and realistic views regarding critical issues.
extol (ik-STOHL). To praise highly; laud.
When talking about his new girlfriend, Larry would EXTOL her virtues in reverential terms.
deprecate (DEP-rih-kayt). To express severe disapproval of another’s actions.
“Those who profess to favor freedom and yet DEPRECATE agitation, are men who want crops without plowing up the ground.” —Frederick Douglass, American abolitionist and orator
disparage (dih-SPAIR-ihj). To bring reproach or discredit upon; belittle.
“But the DISPARAGING of those we love always alienates us from them to some extent. We must not touch our idols; the gilt comes off in our hands.” —Gustave Flaubert, French novelist
(KON-flikt), noun
A fight, battle, or struggle; controversy; incompatibility.
contention (kuhn-TEN-shun). Strife, especially verbal conflict; argument.
Suddenly, the town meeting was the scene of heated political CONTENTION.
contravention (kon-truh-VEN-shun). An instance of contradiction or opposition; violation; the condition of being overruled or disobeyed.
Your appearance here without the full report is in blatant CONTRAVENTION of the instructions laid out in my memo.
discord (DISS-kord). Lack of harmony; disagreement; quarreling between parties.
Lack of communication skills is responsible for much marital DISCORD.
dissension (dih-SEN-shun). Disagreement, especially among people in a group.
New rules favoring older members of the club caused great DISSENSION and a fracturing of long-standing alliances.
melee (MAY-lay). A confused struggle involving many people.
“The man who is in the MELEE knows what blows are being struck and what blood is being drawn.” —Woodrow Wilson
nemesis (NEM-ih-sis). An act or agent of retribution; an opponent motivated by revenge.
Things looked bleak: Harold’s NEMESIS, Mike, was in charge of all hiring decisions.
rancor (RANG-ker). Conflict between individuals or groups, usually resulting from disagreement over an action or issue, and accompanied by ill will, bad feelings, and an escalation of the dispute over time.
“They no longer assume responsibility (as beat cops used to do) for averting RANCOR between antagonistic neighbors.” —Harlan Ellison, American author
conciliation (kuhn-sill-ee-A-shun). The act of making peace; reconciliation; appeasement.
“I appeal to all Irishmen to pause, to stretch out the hand of forbearance and CONCILIATION, to forgive and forget, and to join with me in making for the land they love a new era of peace, contentment and goodwill.” —George V, English king
concord (KON-kord). Friendly and peaceful relations, as between nations; agreement; harmony.
“If there is a country in the world where CONCORD, according to common calculation, would be least expected, it is America.” —Thomas Paine, English-American writer and political pamphleteer
(kuhn-SIS-tuhnt), adjective
Holding to the same practice or principles; constant adherence; compatible; harmonious.
assiduous (uh-SID-joo-us). Constant; unceasing in effort; persistent; diligent; unremitting and attentive.
Karen was ASSIDUOUS in completing her final project, but was still one day late.
coherent (koh-HEER-uhnt). Logically arranged; consistent; harmonious.
The marketing team was able to develop a COHERENT promotional plan for maximum effect.
homogeneous (ho-mo-JEE-nee-uss). The same throughout; made up of like parts; not heterogeneous.
The island supported a small HOMOGENEOUS population of aboriginal tribes.
isochronous (eye-SOCK-ruh-ness). Occurring consistently at regular intervals.
The ticking of a clock is ISOCHRONOUS, but the arrival of the elevator at different floors is not.
symmetrical (sih-MET-rih-kuhl). Having a shape or form that is regular and uniform.
Because the disease was SYMMETRICAL in its progression, treatment could be directed more accurately.
erratic (ih-RAT-ik). Inconsistent; lacking a set course; wandering or fluctuating unpredictably.
Elaine’s ERRATIC writing style irritated her superiors, who had no time to puzzle over an indecipherable and meandering memo.
oscillate (OSS-ih-layt). To sway back and forth; vacillate.
My two-year-old nephew was mesmerized by the fish tank, with its colorful fish, OSCILLATING plants, and soft lighting.
(KON-tekst), noun
The words, phrases, or passages before and after a particular word or passage that help to explain its complete meaning; the circumstances or events related to an incident or action.
cogent (KOE-junt). Forceful, convincing, compelling; appealing effectively to the intellect or reason.
Although it took a while, he eventually convinced the rest of the student council with his COGENT arguments.
derivation (dare-uh-VAY-shun). The path of descent for something, such as a name or word, that traces back to the source; a mathematical or logical argument flowing from initial assumptions to proofs and then to conclusions.
Etymologists who study the DERIVATION of words should not be confused with entomologists, who study insects.
etymology (eh-tih-MAH-luh-jee). The study of word origins and how words have evolved into their current forms or meanings. The lineage of a word; description of origin and how the word came into its current use.
Those who have studied Greek or Latin can make educated and often correct guesses regarding a word’s ETYMOLOGY.
homonym (HOM-uh-nim). A word that is pronounced the same as another word of different meaning.
The relationship between the words “accept” and “except” is a good example of a HOMONYM.
idiom (IH-dee-uhm). A phrase whose usage is peculiar to a particular language, in terms of grammar or in meaning; an expression whose meaning cannot be determined from the grammatical combination of individual words.
For the recent immigrant from Brazil, the IDIOM “beating a dead horse” was both incomprehensible and disturbing.
lexicon (LEK-sih-kawn). A dictionary composed for a specific, narrowly defined or professional audience; the vocabulary associated with a specific discipline or group.
The LEXICON of rap music seems a different language to many parents, but it is an adaptation of street English.
semantics (suh-MAN-tiks). The study of how language conveys meaning; an excessive focus on the way something is phrased rather than what it says.
The coach’s urging to “play aggressive” rather than “hurt the opponents” was a matter of SEMANTICS, and its interpretation depended on which team you wanted to win.
thesaurus (thuh-SOR-us). A book that lists words related to each other in meaning, usually presenting synonyms and antonyms.
Today, word-processing software usually includes a dictionary, a THESAURUS, and a spell checker.
denote (dih-NOTE). To designate or refer to a person or thing in particular; to define something literally, as in a dictionary definition; to announce or make known.
Before the camping trip, each student received specific instructions regarding what would DENOTE a rules infraction for which they would be punished by being sent home.
anachronism (uh-NAK-ruh-niz-em). Something out of place because it is from a different period of time; a person, idea, or action that belongs to a different time in history.
Shakespeare was famous for surprising readers and audiences with ANACHRONISMS, such as clock chimes during the days of Julius Caesar.
convoluted (kon-vuh-LOO-tid). Too complex or intricate to understand easily; complicated, with many twists or folds; an extreme state of complication, intricacy, or interdependency. Literally, folded into a coil or spiral.
Relationships can be CONVOLUTED and difficult, but they are ultimately worth the effort.
eclectic (eh-KLEK-tik). Made up of parts from various sources or origins; diverse items, styles, or things.
ECLECTIC musical tastes are unusual in teenagers, as they most often focus on the most popular groups or styles.
(kuh-REKT), verb
To make right, accurate, or true; remove errors from; to cause to conform to a standard; to point out the errors; to scold (someone) in order to make improvements.
curative (KYOOR-uh-tiv). Able to restore health; curing; serving to provide a remedy.
The CURATIVE regimen of the spa involved diet and hot baths, as well as exercise and massage.
ameliorate (uh-MEEL-yuh-rayt). To improve or upgrade; to make better or put right.
The ambassador’s midnight visit was the first step taken to AMELIORATE the poor relations between the two countries, and may actually have averted war.
amend (uh-MEND). To modify or update; to remove or correct faults; improve.
Representative Smith’s expertise surfaced when she was asked to AMEND the appropriations bill in various ways amenable to both parties.
castigate (KAS-tuh-gayt). To scold or criticize harshly, with the objective of assigning blame and motivating others to correct their errors.
The bartender was CASTIGATED by his boss for serving alcohol to two teenage girls without checking their IDs first.
emend (ee-MEND). To change by means of editing; to correct (a text or reading).
Many of Shakespeare’s most famous lines, such as “A rose by any other name would smell as sweet,” are the result of a critic’s choice to EMEND a troublesome source text.
rectify (REK-tih-fy). To put right; to correct.
Ellen RECTIFIED her previous mistakes and filed the report.
redress (ree-DRESS). To remedy; rectify.
“When griping grief the heart doth wound, / and doleful dumps the mind opresses, / then music, with her silver sound, / with speedy help doth lend REDRESS.” —William Shakespeare
revamp (ree-VAMP). To redo; to renovate thoroughly.
The playwright decided to REVAMP several of the weaker scenes in the first act.
irremediable (ihr-ree-MEE-dee-uh-bull). Unable to be repaired, cured, or remedied.
One too many arguments between Rose and Jim finally caused an IRREMEDIABLE rift in their fragile relationship.
(KRYMZ), noun
Acts committed in violation of a law prohibiting them or omitted in violation of a law ordering them; wrongful acts that are punishable by law.
felonious (fuh-LONE-ee-uss). Criminal; villainous; reminiscent of or relating to a felony crime.
Although no court in the land would consider it FELONIOUS, my brother’s attempt to blackmail me over that little dent I put in my parents’ car was, in my mind, worthy of a long jail sentence.
illicit (ih-LISS-it). Illegal or morally unjustifiable; something not sanctioned by custom or law.
We all know now that the money was acquired through ILLICIT means, don’t we?
arson (AR-suhn). The act of destroying property with fire.
After Councilor Perry’s campaign headquarters burned down, his supporters were quick to accuse their opponents of ARSON; in fact, one of their own neglected cigarette butts was to blame.
bigamy (BIG-uh-mee). The crime of taking marriage vows while still legally married to someone else.
By marrying June before her divorce was finalized, Stanley was technically guilty of BIGAMY.
complicity (kum-PLISS-uh-tee). To be involved in or associated with, or to participate in or have previous knowledge of, an instance of wrongdoing.
Although he did not receive money for throwing the 1919 World Series, Buck Weaver was nevertheless suspended from baseball for life, because his failure to expose the scheme was seen as COMPLICITY in his teammates’ plans.
contraband (KON-truh-band). Illegal or prohibited goods.
Jean tried to smuggle a tape recorder into the concert, but her CONTRABAND was quickly discovered and taken from her.
pyromania (pye-roe-MAY-nee-uh). The compulsion to set fires.
Police believe that the blaze is not the work of an arsonist out for commercial gain, as was initially suspected, but an act of PYROMANIA.
transgression (trans-GRESH-un). A violation of a rule; the breaking of a law or guideline.
David was perhaps a little too eager to cross over into Mr. Peterson’s yard to play ball, but this was a minor TRANSGRESSION.
uxoricide (uk-SOR-ih-syd). The crime of murdering one’s wife.
Eventually, the defendant was acquitted of UXORICIDE when his wife’s death was ruled a suicide.
vaticide (VAT-uh-syd). The act of murdering a prophet.
Tom took the reviewer’s negative article on his religious poetry as an act tantamount to VATICIDE.
embezzle (im-BEZ-ul). To appropriate funds for oneself that were placed in one’s care for another party.
Bill had always seemed to be a model employee, so the news that he had been EMBEZZLING money from the company for some years came as a complete shock to us all.
indict (in-DITE). To charge formally with a crime or offense.
Rumors that Mr. Brown would soon be INDICTED for his part in the scandal swept the city.
pilfer (PIL-fer). To take without authorization or permission; to steal.
I had a feeling the tickets Wayne was trying to sell me had been PILFERED from someone, but he assured me that was not the case.
sanctioned (SANGK-shund). Officially authorized; approved; allowed; permitted.
“The principles on which we engaged, of which the charter of our independence is the record, were sanctioned by the laws of our being, and we but obeyed them in pursuing undeviatingly the course they called for.” —Thomas Jefferson, American president
scrupulous (SKROO-pyoo-luss). Characterized by a conscientious adherence to what is considered true, right, or accurate; honest.
The CFO was replaced by a financial expert who also exercised SCRUPULOUS control of the company’s expense accounts, much to the chagrin of the sales force
See also: Dishonest
(KRIT-uh-syz), verb
To analyze and judge as a critic; to find fault with or censure; to make judgments.
censorious (sen-SOR-ee-us). Critical; easily finding fault.
When it came to grading term papers, Mrs. Edwards was seen by many as overly CENSORIOUS, even taking off points for using a paper clip instead of a staple.
hypercritical (hy-per-KRIT-ih-kuhl). Excessively or meticulously critical.
“Good writers have two things in common: they would rather be understood than admired, and they do not write for hairsplitting and HYPERCRITICAL readers.” —Friedrich Nietzsche, German philosopher
diatribe (DYE-uh-tryb). A speech railing against injustice; a vehement denunciation.
The editorial was a mean-spirited DIATRIBE against school vouchers, written to prevent children from other towns from being sent by bus to Centerville High School.
screed (SKREED). A long written argument; an argumentative essay; a long monotonous speech or piece of writing; diatribe.
The newspaper’s editor was the recipient of a mountain of SCREEDS from outraged citizens criticizing the board of selectmen’s policies.
castigate (KAS-tuh-gayt). To scold or criticize harshly, with the objective of assigning blame and motivating others to correct their errors.
The bartender was CASTIGATED by his boss for serving alcohol to two teenage girls without checking their IDs first.
cavil (KAV-uhl). To find fault in trivial matters or raise petty objections.
Town meetings take twice as long as they should because some citizens use the event as a forum to CAVIL.
chide (chyd). To scold or lecture; to reprove.
My brother CHIDED me for neglecting to visit our grandparents during my trip to California.
disparage (dih-SPAIR-ihj). To bring reproach or discredit upon; belittle.
“But the DISPARAGING of those we love always alienates us from them to some extent. We must not touch our idols; the gilt comes off in our hands.” —Gustave Flaubert, French novelist
excoriate (ik-SKORE-ee-ayt). To criticize; to attempt to censure or punish.
We EXCORIATED Melanie for inviting people with no family connections to her birthday party.
fulminate (FULL-mih-nayt). To criticize or denounce loudly, dramatically, and forcefully. Also, to detonate an explosion.
Edmond FULMINATED against the bill on the floor of the Senate, but he knew he did not have the votes to defeat it.
lambaste (lam-BAYST). To berate or criticize harshly.
We LAMBASTED Marla for not visiting Comme des Garçons during her recent weekender to Beijing.
objurgate (OB-jur-gayt). To chide sharply; rebuke; upbraid vehemently; berate.
Mr. Williams worked himself into a frenzy waiting to OBJURGATE his new salesman for losing the Duckhorn account.
oppugn (uh-PYOON). To reason against; oppose with argument; call in question.
Matt made a critical mistake when he OPPUGNED his rival’s credentials.
reprehend (rep-ruh-HEND). To find fault with; voice disapproval of.
That Arnold REPREHENDS his daughter’s wayward behavior seems somewhat hypocritical to those of us who knew him in his youth.
reprove (ree-PROOV). To criticize and correct others.
We had to REPROVE Elyssia for some of her questionable fashion choices.
scarify (SKAIR-ih-fy). To wound with harsh criticism.
We deemed it necessary to SCARIFY Eileen for having the nerve to criticize our motives.
upbraid (up-BRAYD). To censure or to find fault with.
Roger UPBRAIDED the butler severely when we learned he was gossiping to other members of our staff.
unimpeachable (un-ihm-PEE-chuh-bull). Above reproach; impossible to discredit or slander.
Jason is not a great manager, but his technical credentials are UNIMPEACHABLE.
(KRAWSS), adjective
Contrary; ill-tempered; cranky; easily annoyed.
bellicose (BELL-ih-kohss). Ready or inclined to quarrel, fight, or go to war; warlike or hostile in manner or temperament.
Doug is so touchy about his new car that he’ll instantly turn BELLICOSE if you so much as brush against it.
cantankerous (kan-TANG-ker-us). Ill-tempered; grumpy.
“You kids stay off my lawn!” our CANTANKEROUS old neighbor barked.
captious (KAP-shuss). Fond of finding faults in others; ill-natured and overly critical; carping; intending to confuse.
Ed’s CAPTIOUS remarks were entirely inappropriate and showed his lack of self-esteem.
churlish (CHUR-lish). Surly; mean; boorish; rude; characterized by a lack of civility or graciousness.
We found it almost impossible to believe that Diane’s new boyfriend was more CHURLISH than his predecessor.
dyspeptic (diss-PEP-tik). Irritable and ill-humored.
No wonder Fred can’t get a girlfriend. His DYSPEPTIC temperament drives all potential mates away.
farouche (fuh-ROOSH). Unsociable; cranky; withdrawn; fierce.
His FAROUCHE demeanor gave people the impression that he didn’t like them, when in fact he was merely an introvert.
peevish (PEE-vish). Irritable; fretful; hard to please; easily and often showing impatience or ill humor.
Brock is normally pleasant and good-humored, but his illness with its persistent fever has made him PEEVISH.
petulant (PETCH-uh-lunt). Impatiently peevish; showing great annoyance or irritation with minor problems.
He dismissed their questions with a PETULANT wave of the hand and quickly changed the subject.
pugnacious (pug-NAY-shuss). Always wanting to argue and debate every last thing; quarrelsome.
Teenagers are PUGNACIOUS by nature: If I say “no,” he invariably asks “why?”
splenetic (splih-NET-ik). Bad-tempered; irritable; spiteful; malevolent.
As soon as we met her mother, we could see that Jane’s SPLENETIC comments were a self-defense mechanism.
waspish (WAWS-pish). Irascible and petulant; given to resentment.
Rebecca can be WASPISH, but we forgive her because she throws the best galas.
Xanthippe (zan-TIP-ee). Wife of Socrates; an ill-tempered, shrewish woman.
Felicia is far from a XANTHIPPE simply because she interacts only with certain members of the household staff.
affable (AFF-uh-bull). Pleasant and polite; agreeable; warm.
We believed that Grace had such an AFFABLE personality because she grew up with seven siblings.
sympathetic (sim-puh-THET-ik). In agreement with one’s mood, feelings, disposition, etc.; congenial.
“Resolve to be tender with the young, compassionate with the aged, SYMPATHETIC with the striving, and tolerant with the weak and the wrong. Sometime in your life you will have been all of these.” —Robert Goddard, American rocket engineer