(EET), verb
To consume for nourishment; take in food.
bibulous (BIB-yuh-luss). Related to drinking or to drunkenness; fond of alcoholic beverages.
You may think you’re “fine,” but your BIBULOUS activities will put you in the poorhouse or in jail one of these days!
crapulous (KRAP-yuh-luss). Pertaining to eating and drinking too much, or the consequences of eating and drinking too much.
Jim spent the day after the party in a CRAPULOUS state.
dipsomaniacal (dip-suh-muh-NIE-ih-kul). Having an uncontrolled craving for alcohol.
The private detective summed up his latest client, a booze-loving gold digger, as the “DIPSOMANIACAL dame.”
gustatory (GUSS-tuh-tore-ee). Of the sense of taste.
“Food has it over sex for variety. Hedonistically, GUSTATORY possibilities are much broader than copulatory ones.” —Joseph Epstein, American author and critic
herbivorous (hur-BIV-er-us). Eating only grass and plants, not meat.
Even HERBIVOROUS dinosaurs would have been intimidating by virtue of their size, thought not necessarily their eating habits.
macrobiotic (mack-row-by-OT-ik). Of a diet rich in whole grains and beans, which some believe lengthens one’s lifespan.
After she had a few health scares, Jean turned to a MACROBIOTIC diet.
omnivorous (om-NIV-er-uss). Accustomed to eating both animal and vegetable food items.
The Cantonese, I am told, are OMNIVOROUS, and it is said that the traveler is best advised not to inquire too closely into exactly what he is eating.
omophagous (oh-MOH-fuh-guss). Eating raw food, especially raw meat.
Peggy considered becoming OMOPHAGOUS, but was concerned about her ability to digest raw food.
seminivorous (sem-uh-NIV-er-us). Eating seeds.
Now that Diane has adopted SEMINIVOROUS habits, we often see her hovering near bird feeders.
voracious (vuh-RAY-shuss). Possessing a huge and insatiable appetite, whether for food, knowledge, amusement, or something else.
Her son always had a VORACIOUS desire for knowledge. He read anything he could get his hands on and was always willing to experience something new.
polydipsia (pol-ee-DIP-see-uh). An abnormal or excessive thirst.
The bartender, clearly uninterested in Ralph’s claim to suffer from POLYDIPSIA, told him flatly that he’d had enough.
polyphagia (pol-ee-FAY-jee-uh). An excessive desire to eat.
Ray’s POLYPHAGIA was successfully diverted into an excessive desire to talk.
refection (ri-FEK-shun). Food and drink; nourishment; refreshment.
As I recall, REFECTIONS were not the high point of my college experience.
repast (ri-PAST). Food provided or consumed for a meal.
Obviously a frustrated comedian, Jack entitled his most recent painting The Last REPAST.
vegan (VEE-guhn). A person who eats only vegetables, fruits, and grains and no animal products whatsoever.
A VEGAN since college, Wanda had a hard time finding restaurants that offered entrees she could eat.
viand (VY-und). An article of food.
Chef Jacques thought that any VIAND, whether prime rib or meatloaf, should be served to the customer in a visually appealing way.
gormandize (GORE-mun-dyz). To eat like a glutton, as if one were starving.
We find GORMANDIZING on even the finest French cuisine to be quite tasteless and, therefore, to be avoided.
imbibe (im-BYB). To drink something, especially alcoholic or alcoholic beverages; to take in or absorb something into the mind, like an idea.
Although it sounds much better to say “IMBIBE” and “inebriated,” you might as well say “booze it up” and “drunk.”
masticate (MASS-tih-kayt). To chew, especially to chew thoroughly.
The best way to appreciate the gustatory arts is to MASTICATE your personal chef’s creations at as relaxed a pace as possible.
quaff (KWOFF). To drink with gusto and in large volume.
“We QUAFF the cup of life with eager haste without draining it, instead of which it only overflows the brim.” —William Hazlitt, English literary critic and philosopher
raven (RAV-un). To eat or feed greedily or voraciously.
To watch Harold RAVEN his meals is to observe the most primitive of human instincts.
emaciated (ih-MAY-see-ay-tihd). Abnormally lean; wasted away as from starvation.
Janet had lost the will to live and the desire to eat, becoming more EMACIATED with each passing week.
malnourished (mal-NUR-isht). Poorly nourished; badly fed; suffering from malnutrition.
Experts in the field believe that we already have the means to help all the MALNOURISHED of the world.
See also: Foods
(a-LON), noun
Enthusiasm, energy, flair, zest.
ebullient (eh-BULL-yuhnt). Feeling joy and positive emotions at an extreme level; the state of being wildly enthusiastic about something.
Lorne was EBULLIENT when he found that his mother had given the college enough money to overturn his rejection.
effervescent (ef-ur-VESS-ent). Bubbly; upbeat; cheerful; possessing a positive attitude and joyful personality.
After getting the acceptance letter from Cornell, Sabrina was EFFERVESCENT and celebrated with a trip to Neiman Marcus.
effulgent (ih-FULL-jent). Shining brightly; glowing; radiant.
The lightning storm made the evening sky positively EFFULGENT.
fervent (FUR-vuhnt). Showing great enthusiasm and intensity of spirit.
Packing up the family’s castoffs for myriad charities each December places Contessa in a FERVENT state.
jocund (JOE-kund). Having a lust for life; possessing a positive attitude and desire to enjoy life to the fullest.
Ron’s JOCUND façade shattered when he found himself the victim of identity theft.
alacrity (uh-LAK-rih-tee). Cheerful cooperation rendered with enthusiasm, promptness, and politeness.
The ALACRITY with which Steve responded to Helen’s invitation is nothing short of astonishing.
fillip (FILL-uhp). Something that revives or arouses excitement.
“Faithful horoscope-watching, practiced daily, provides just the sort of small, but warm and infinitely reassuring FILLIP that gets matters off to a spirited start.” —Shana Alexander, American author
zeal (ZEEL). Great enthusiasm and energy for a cause or activity.
“The living, vital truth of social and economic well-being will become a reality only through the ZEAL, courage, the non-compromising determination of intelligent minorities, and not through the mass.” —Emma Goldman, anarchist
zest (ZEHST). Extreme enjoyment; a lust for life.
“Such epithets, like pepper, / Give ZEST to what you write; / And, if you strew them sparely, / They whet the appetite: / But if you lay them on too thick, / You spoil the matter quite!” —Lewis Carroll, English author and logician
enervate (EN-er-vayt). To rob a person, organization, place, or thing of its energy, strength, and vitality.
Greenhouse gases ENERVATE the protective ozone layer surrounding the Earth.
lassitude (LASS-ih-tood). Having little energy or motivation; weariness.
“We know what boredom is: it is a dull / Impatience or a fierce velleity, / A champing wish, stalled by our LASSITUDE, / To make or do.” —Richard Wilbur, American poet
logy (LOW-gee). Characterized by lethargy and sluggishness.
“To be scared is such a release from all the LOGY weight of procrastination, of dallying and pokiness! You burn into work. It is as though gravity were removed and you walked lightly to the moon like an angel.” —Brenda Ueland, American author
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.
tepid (TEHP-id). Characterized by a lack of enthusiasm.
We greeted the new opera, with its mawkish plot and poor acting, with TEPID applause.
(uh-LIM-uh-nayt), verb
To take out; remove; get rid of; to remove from consideration; reject; eradicate.
depose (dih-POZE). To oust or remove from office or a position of power and authority.
After the dictator was DEPOSED, the country set about healing the wounds of a long civil war.
deracinate (dee-RASS-ih-nayt). To uproot or to remove by force.
The hurricane DERACINATED populations all over the island.
efface (ih-FAYSS). To erase, obliterate, make inconspicuous.
“It is also true that one can write nothing readable unless one constantly struggles to EFFACE one’s own personality. Good prose is like a windowpane.” —George Orwell, British author
estrange (ih-STRAYNJ). To alienate or remove from a position or relationship.
Michelle’s refusal to give up her self-destructive habits ESTRANGED her brother.
excise (EK-syz). To cut a passage from a text or, in general, to cut something out or off.
I went to the dermatologist and had that mole EXCISED.
expunge (eks-PUHNJ). To rid oneself of an annoyance; to cast out; to get rid of; to forcibly eject.
“There is no man, however wise, who has not at some period of his youth said things, or lived in a way the consciousness of which is so unpleasant to him in later life that he would gladly, if he could, EXPUNGE it from his memory.” —Marcel Proust, French novelist, essayist, and critic
expurgate (EK-spur-gayt). To purge sexually inappropriate, objectionable, or otherwise undesirable material prior to presentation.
For her parents’ benefit, Marina EXPURGATED stories related to the weekend she spent slumming in Greenwich Village.
extirpate (EK-ster-payt). To do away with; remove or destroy completely; exterminate.
John hoped that his new insecticide would successfully EXTIRPATE the ants in his kitchen.
ostracize (OSS-truh-syz). To exclude or banish someone from a group, formally or informally.
It’s harsh when teens OSTRACIZE someone who was once a friend.
redact (ree-DAKT). To remove a comment, thought, or passage from a written document before going public with it.
“You may want to REDACT your opinion on your opponent’s health care policies,” his campaign manager warned him.
rescind (ree-SIND). Take away, revoke, cancel, withdraw, remove.
The town RESCINDED all their restrictions on water use after we received two weeks of heavy rain.
winnow (WIN-oh). To analyze carefully in order to separate valuable parts from worthless parts.
I WINNOWED through the stack of personal papers, looking for the ones I needed to present to the IRS.
adjoin (uh-joyn). To be close to or in contact with; to attach or append.
The architect’s plans clearly show a number of secondary buildings ADJOINING the main structure.
annex (uh-NEKS). To add on or attach, as a smaller thing to a larger; to add; to incorporate, as a country or territory.
“Every other sin hath some pleasure ANNEXED to it, or will admit of an excuse: envy alone wants both.” —Robert Burton, English writer and clergyman
(ih-LOO-si-dayt), verb
To explain, clarify, or provide key information; to throw light on and clarify a subject.
learned (LUR-nid). Well-educated and very knowledgeable. Describes behavior or knowledge that is acquired through training.
The LEARNED scholar was greatly respected among those who studied anthropology.
lucid (LOO-sid). Clear and easily understood; intelligible; rational and mentally clear. Also, filled with light.
After the accident, Alex was LUCID for a while, but he soon lost consciousness.
perspicacious (pur-spih-KAY-shuss). Characterized by acute mental perception and understanding.
Amanda’s PERSPICACIOUS powers of observation made her particularly effective as a psychologist.
sagacious (suh-GAY-shuss). Possessing excellent judgment and powers of discernment; able to make wise decisions; keen and farsighted in perception.
Professor Blake’s SAGACIOUS reputation made him one of the university’s most popular lecturers and advisers.
deduce (dee-DOOCE). To infer or derive from evidence or assumption; to reach a logical conclusion using what information is available, even if incomplete.
It is the job of detectives to DEDUCE the circumstances of crimes, for they rarely have all the facts.
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.
educe (ih-DOOS). To elicit, derive, or draw something out, often as a logical conclusion; to reason or conclude from given facts.
Myres’s attempts to EDUCE his sister’s whereabouts were futile.
ruminate (ROO-muh-nayt). To think carefully and at length about something; to ponder or review mentally, over and over.
Once they were admitted, the guidance counselor wanted the students to RUMINATE on which college admissions offer to accept.
scintillate (SIN-tuhl-ayt). To give off or reflect light as sparks or sudden flashes; to dazzle in a lively, clever, or witty way.
News about the new film has been hard to come by, but a few SCINTILLATING details have leaked out.
abstruse (ab-STROOCE). Arcane, complex, difficult to understand and learn. After the first few classes, Jack thought that calculus was an ABSTRUSE collection of ideas.
inscrutable (in-SKROO-tuh-bul). Mysterious and not easy to understand.
The Mona Lisa’s INSCRUTABLE smile has inspired eclectic emotions and thoughts in those privileged to view the painting.
mendacity (men-DA-suh-tee). Deliberate untruthfulness; a lie or falsehood.
Even after he was caught red-handed, Brian still thought his MENDACITIES would be believed.
(EMP-tee), adjective
Containing or having nothing; vacant; unoccupied.
arid (AIR-id). Unproductive due to lack of rain; unfertile; barren; sterile.
The instructor’s presentation, rote and ARID, put the entire class to sleep.
bereft (beh-REFT). Lacking or deprived of a certain characteristic, possession, or trait; bereaved.
“A woman moved is like a fountain troubled. / Muddy, ill-seeming, thick, BEREFT of beauty, / And while it is so, none so dry or thirsty / Will deign to sip or touch one drop of it.” —William Shakespeare
desolate (DESS-uh-let). Lacking signs of life; barren; deserted.
We drove over a hill and suddenly the landscape was as DESOLATE as if we had landed on the moon.
devoid (dih-VOYD). Lacking utterly; without.
“No matter how skilled a surgeon you become,” Dr. Smith told the intern, “you’ll fail as a doctor if you continue to be DEVOID of compassion and sympathy for patients.”
vacuous (VAK-yoo-uss). Devoid of emotion, intelligence, or any normal human thought processes; stupid; moronic.
The VACUOUS stare from her two eyes, looking like raisins pushed into a lump of dough, made him shiver with loathing and contempt.
deplete (dih-PLEET). To use up completely; to exhaust.
Once the coal deposits in the valley had been DEPLETED, the town of Harlenville, which had thrived for thirty years, virtually ceased to exist.
disembogue (diss-em-BOHG). To empty by discharging; to pour forth.
Many streams DISEMBOGUE into and create a large river that empties into the ocean.
purge (purj). To free (someone or something) of all that is perceived as bad; to take steps to cleanse or purify.
I tried to PURGE my system of the flu virus by drinking endless glasses of fruit juice, but I still ended up missing a week of work.
permeated (PER-mee-ayt-ed). Diffused through; saturated; pervaded.
As the concert started, a feeling of goodwill and brotherhood PERMEATED the crowd.
turgescent (tur-JESS-ent). Becoming or appearing swollen or distended.
The rains overnight were so intense that by morning all the region’s rivers were TURGESCENT with water.
(END), verb
To conclude.
climactic (kly-MAK-tik). Of or pertaining to a climax; concerning the last point in a series of events.
The CLIMACTIC moment of the play comes when Hamlet finally kills Claudius.
defunct (dih-FUNKT). No longer existing or functioning.
“Practical men, who believe themselves to be quite exempt from any intellectual influence, are usually the slaves of some DEFUNCT economist.” —John Maynard Keynes, British economist
moribund (MOR-ih-bund). Lacking vigor; soon to be dead or defunct.
Ever since its head chef left for the Food Network, that gourmet restaurant has become MORIBUND and is likely to close soon.
cessation (sess-SAY-shun). The condition of drawing to a close; ceasing or reaching a point of abatement.
Continued diplomatic effort may well bring about a CESSATION of hostilities.
coup de grace (koo-deh-GRAHS). Deathblow; a decisive act or event that brings a situation to a close; the finishing blow.
The COUP DE GRACE came when Paul threw his bowl of oatmeal at Mona’s feet, leading her to re-evaluate their relationship.
denouement (day-noo-MAH). The resolution of any complex series of events, especially in a drama or novel.
I was disappointed with the play because I felt its DENOUEMENT left too many loose ends.
dissolution (diss-so-LOO-shun). The condition of dissolving into fragments or parts; disintegration.
The union’s DISSOLUTION seemed imminent, but a change of leadership forestalled that crisis.
perdition (per-DISH-in). Complete and irreversible loss; the condition of final spiritual ruin.
Her mother’s confiscation of Laura’s phone and iPod cast her into teenaged PERDITION.
quietus (kwy-EE-tuhs). Something that ends or settles a situation.
“For who would bear the whips and scorns of time, / Th’oppressor’s wrong, the proud man’s contumely, / The pangs of disprized love, the law’s delay, / The insolence of office, and the spurns / That patient merit of th’unworthy takes, / When he himself might his QUIETUS make / With a bare bodkin?” —William Shakespeare
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.
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.
wane (WAYN). To gradually decrease; to fade away; to become diminished.
Once she finally received the Cartier watch from her father, Karen’s interest in the timepiece quickly WANED.
ad infinitum (ad in-fi-NY-tum). Without end or limit.
Wilbur remarked wryly that he could probably discuss the treatment facility’s weaknesses AD INFINITUM.
interminably (in-TUR-min-uh-blee). Seemingly without end or going on for an indeterminate period of time.
“The body dies; the body’s beauty lives. / So evenings die, in their green going, / A wave, INTERMINABLY flowing.” —Wallace Stevens, American Modernist poet
perpetuity (pur-pih-TOO-ih-tee). The state or quality of being perpetual; of indefinite duration; endless.
In his will, Horace bequeathed his home and property to the town in PERPETUITY.
(ih-PIH-fuh-nee), noun
A sudden intuitive leap of understanding, often with credit given to divine inspiration; a sudden manifestation of the essence or meaning of something; a revelation. When capitalized, refers to the Christian festival celebrating the manifestation of Christ to the Gentiles.
sagacious (suh-GAY-shuss). Possessing excellent judgment and powers of discernment; able to make wise decisions; keen and farsighted in perception.
Professor Blake’s SAGACIOUS reputation made him one of the university’s most popular lecturers and advisers.
serene (suh-REEN). Clear and calm; without worry, disturbance, or stress; bright without clouds.
Visiting the lake house always made her feel SERENE, so she went there before her wedding.
clairvoyance (klare-VOY-enss). The ability to see things beyond normal vision, events from the future, or those who have died.
Clare’s claims of seeing into the future and her amazing talent for predicting outcomes still didn’t prove her CLAIRVOYANCE.
prescience (PREH-shehns). Knowledge of actions or events before they take place; foreknowledge.
Parents hope to have enough PRESCIENCE to protect their children from future harm.
savant (SUH-vont). A wise or scholarly person, especially one with great knowledge in a very specialized field or area.
In an irony of nature, some autistic persons who cannot communicate normally possess intellectual powers that can only be described as those of a SAVANT.
tabula rasa (TAB-yuh-luh RAW-suh). Something that is pristine and new without any preconceptions or existing features. Literally, a clean slate; in psychological terms, the mind before it takes on any impressions from society or experience.
Teaching kindergarten is rewarding, for each child’s mind is in many ways a TABULA RASA.
proselytize (PRAH-suh-luh-tyz). To try to convert someone to a religious faith or political doctrine.
Many are suspicious that born-again Christians all seek to PROSELYTIZE others.
befuddle (bih-FUH-dil). To confuse, mystify, or confound; to make someone inebriated and/or unable to think clearly.
The absent-minded professor’s lectures so BEFUDDLED the students that they were quickly as confused as he was.
bemused (bih-MYOOZD). Bewildered, perplexed, or lost in reflection.
College students often appear BEMUSED right before an exam, since they are focusing intently on their studies.
discombobulate (DISS-kum-BOB-yoo-layt). To throw someone into a state of confusion; to utterly take aback.
The attempt to see everything at Disneyland in one day can DISCOMBOBULATE even the calmest parents.
immutable (ih-MYOO-tuh-bull). Not changing; 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
(ESS-ehns), noun
Something that exists; the intrinsic, fundamental nature and features of something.
basal (BAY-suhl). Fundamental and basic.
“The BASAL issue here,” Donny said, “is what is right versus what is wrong!”
fundamental (fuhn-duh-MEN-tul). Of or forming a foundation or basis; basic; underlying; essential.
The discussion was wide-ranging, but Roger insisted on bringing the focus back to the FUNDAMENTAL issues facing the company.
intrinsic (in-TRIN-zik). In the essential nature of a thing.
The INTRINSIC value of gold was one of the few common economic factors the nations could take advantage of.
milieu (mill-YEW). Cultural, social, and physical surroundings; environment.
When I walked into the skateboard store, I knew immediately that I was out of my MILIEU.
ontology (on-TALL-uh-jee). A branch of metaphysics concerned with the nature of being and existence.
For several minutes, we had a lively conversation about the ONTOLOGY of human perceptions.
quintessence (kwin-TESS-ehns). The pure, concentrated embodiment of something. In medieval philosophy, the fifth element after earth, air, fire, and water.
The announcer commented that those who competed in the triathlon were the QUINTESSENCE of speed, strength, and endurance.
nihility (ny-HILL-uh-tee). The condition of nothingness.
Benjamin wondered if anything existed after this life or if death brought about NIHILITY.
nonexistence (non-ig-ZIS-tehns). The condition of not existing; something that does not exist.
“Excepting for knowledge nothing has any meaning, and to have no meaning is to be NONEXISTENCE.” —Richard Burdon Haldane, British politician and philosopher
(EE-thoss), noun
The core principles or beliefs of a religion, culture, or community.
dogmatic (DAWG-matt-ik). A person who adheres rigidly to principles, rules, and beliefs, even when there is ample evidence that doing so may not be the best course of action.
Leroy is DOGMATIC in his assertion that the Maserati Gran Turismo is superior to the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren.
egalitarian (ih-gal-uh-TAIR-ee-uhn). Fair and balanced in the extreme; of the belief that all people are created equal and should be treated so.
“Chinks in America’s EGALITARIAN armor are not hard to find. Democracy is the fig leaf of elitism.” —Florence King, American author
holistic (ho-LISS-tik). Concerning the whole person and not just a specific organ, condition, or disease.
Marsha’s HOLISTIC approach to healing involves channeling energy through crystals.
demiurge (DEM-ee-urj). A powerful creative force or a creative personality.
After trying a few different professions, Jackson realized that his ability with artifice, combined with his family connections, would make him a marketing DEMIURGE.
gestalt (geh-SHTALT). A unified whole.
“Feminism is an entire world view or GESTALT, not just a laundry list of women’s issues.” —Charlotte Bunch, American feminist
humanism (HEW-muh-niz-um). The philosophy or belief that the highest ideals of human existence can be fulfilled without regard to religion or supernatural intervention.
“The four characteristics of HUMANISM are curiosity, a free mind, belief in good taste, and belief in the human race.” —E.M. Forster, English novelist
ideologue (EYE-dee-uh-log). A person who rigidly adheres to an ideology with a closed mind regarding other points of view.
“An IDEOLOGUE may be defined as a mad intellectual.” —Clifton Fadiman, American critic
monotheism (mawn-uh-THEE-iz-um). A belief in one omnipotent, omniscient God who is actively involved in the workings of both the physical universe that he created and the society of men who dwell in it.
Christianity, Judaism, and Islam are all examples of MONOTHEISM.
nationalism (NASH-eh-nul-iz-um). The idea that citizens should take great pride in their country and support it to the hilt; extreme patriotism.
Albert Einstein called NATIONALISM “the measles of mankind.”
nominalism (NOM-ih-nuh-liz-um). A philosophy that denies the existence of universal truths.
Some scientists suspect that, rather than being universal, the laws of physics may vary in different regions of the universe—a strong supporting argument for NOMINALISM.
pragmatism (PRAG-muh-tiz-um). The belief that one’s actions should be guided primarily based on knowledge or opinion of what is likely to work best in a given situation; the imperative to always do what is practical and effective.
Our families have succeeded in amassing great wealth over many generations because we are all, at heart, practitioners of PRAGMATISM.
abjure (ab-JOOR). To renounce, repudiate, or give up one’s previously held beliefs; to solemnly swear off or recant.
When taking the U.S. oath of citizenship, one must ABJURE allegiance to any other nation.
apostasy (uh-POSS-tuh-see). The act of abandoning, ignoring, or openly flouting an accepted principle or belief.
“It was his idea of grand APOSTASY to drive to the reform synagogue on the high holidays and park his pink-eye nag among the luxurious, whirl-wired touring cars of the rich.” —Saul Bellow, American author
sacrilegious (sak-reh-LIJ-uss). Openly insulting or disrespectful to the beliefs, religion, ideas, and practices of others—especially the ones they hold most sacred.
Bryson’s insistence that Miró is more collectable that Warhol is positively SACRILEGIOUS.
(EE-vuhl), adjective
Wrong or bad morally; wicked.
abhorrent (ab-HOR-ent). Loathsome or contemptible; reprehensible; repulsive; repugnant; detestable.
Julie found the book’s recounting of the details of serial murders particularly ABHORRENT.
barbarous (BAR-ber-uss). Uncivilized or primitive; characterized by brutality or savagery; uncivilized; cruel.
Their captivity was marked by BARBAROUS living conditions, psychological abuse, and little or no news of outside events.
diabolical (dy-uh-BAWL-ih-kul). Devilish, evil; wicked or cruel.
The terrorists, the papers claimed, had a DIABOLICAL agenda.
draconian (dray-KO-nee-ihn). Strict; mean-spirited; excessively harsh; cruel, as punishment or restriction.
Ophelia was distraught over the DRACONIAN way that her father forced her to stay with her chaperone throughout their vacation on the Greek Isles.
execrable (EK-si-kruh-bull). Disgusting; detestable; vulgar.
Collectors of unauthorized Beatles records must be prepared to pay high prices for the illegal discs, which often feature tracks of EXECRABLE recording quality.
Faustian (FOW-stee-in). Relating to actions taken for selfish present gain without care for future consequences, as in a pact with the Devil.
The candidate made a FAUSTIAN bargain and aligned himself with a popular rabble-rouser.
flagitious (fluh-JISH-uss). Shamefully wicked or particularly heinous.
Now that that the paparazzi hang on her every move, Natasha goes out of her way to engage in FLAGITIOUS behavior.
heinous (HAY-nuss). Evil; reprehensible; exceeding the bounds of morality.
Because of the HEINOUS nature of this crime, I am forced to pass a stern sentence.
infernal (in-FER-nul). Fiendish; devilish; of or pertaining to hell.
This INFERNAL copier keeps breaking down!
malicious (muh-LISH-uss). Spitefully mean; evil; bad in intent.
Fred said his comments were all intended as constructive criticism, but I detected a MALICIOUS note in some of his suggestions.
miscreant (MISS-kree-unt). Villainous; depraved; vicious.
Examples of Arthur’s MISCREANT behavior filled police files in three cities.
nefarious (nih-FAIR-ee-us). Inherently evil, malicious, and unjust.
“You were preceded by your NEFARIOUS reputation,” the sheriff said to the gunslinger who had just sidled up to the bar.
reprehensible (rep-ri-HEN-sih-bull). Abhorrent; morally inexcusable.
I agree that the crimes were REPREHENSIBLE; they were not, however, committed by my client.
sinister (SIN-uh-ster). Unfavorable and potentially harmful or dangerous; having an evil appearance.
The SINISTER music gave me gooseflesh.
venal (VEE-null). Refers to people who can be bought, bribed, or otherwise persuaded to deviate from their beliefs and purpose; mercenary; corrupt.
“Give me but the liberty of the press, and I will give to the minister a VENAL House of Commons.” —Richard Brinsley Sheridan, Irish playwright and statesman
anathema (uh-NATH-uh-muh). Someone or something that is greatly disliked, detested, or shunned; one that is cursed, denounced, or excommunicated by a religious authority.
The events of the Holocaust are ANATHEMA to all moral and civilized human beings.
iniquity (ih-NIK-wih-tee). Injustice or immoral action.
The many INIQUITIES suffered by American Indians at the hands of government authorities are now being widely acknowledged.
maleficence (muh-LEF-ih-sence). The undertaking of evil or harmful acts.
The long-ignored MALEFICENCE of the county’s corrupt prison system was finally exposed by a rookie Globe reporter.
reprobate (REH-pro-bait). A person who routinely commits illegal, immoral, or unethical acts without hesitation or remorse.
One reason that Anthony continues to be a REPROBATE is because his father, as well as his social contacts, keep bailing him out of jail.
turpitude (TUR-pi-tood). Vileness; baseness; depravity.
It’s astonishing how many untalented musicians have turned a case of TURPITUDE into a successful career.
benign (bih-NYN). Kindly, gentle, generous of spirit, not harmful.
“The universe seems neither BENIGN nor hostile, merely indifferent.” —Carl Sagan, American astronomer and writer
clement (KLEM-uhnt). Forbearing; lenient; merciful in disposition or character.
The defendant was fortunate that his trial was held before a CLEMENT judge.
(ig-ZAJ-uh-rayt), verb
To think, write, or speak of something as greater than it is; magnify beyond the truth; overstate.
magniloquent (mag-NILL-uh-kwuhnt). Pompous, bombastic, and boastful.
The nouveau riche try to atone for their lack of polish with MAGNILOQUENT speech, but the result is ludicrous.
hyperbole (hy-PUR-buh-lee). Extravagant overstatement.
“The final key to the way I promote is bravado. I play to people’s fantasies. People may not always think big themselves, but they can still get very excited by those who do. That’s why a little HYPERBOLE never hurts.” —Donald Trump, American entrepreneur
jactitation (jak-ti-TAY-shun). A false boast, especially one that is harmful to others.
Beatrice tried to impress her classmates by telling them her last name was Kennedy. However, her JACTITATION was discovered and her peers returned to ignoring her.
aggrandize (uh-GRAN-dyz). To increase the size, scope, power, wealth, status, or influence of someone or something; to exaggerate, put on a false front, and make something look greater and grander than it really is.
Phil tries to AGGRANDIZE his reputation by stating that he belongs to the yacht club, but everybody just thinks this elaboration makes him pathetic.
embellish (ihm-BELL-ish). To ornament and beautify; to improve in appearance by adornment; to exaggerate or add false details to facts.
Jim EMBELLISHED his tale of almost catching an elusive catfish until it began to resemble Ahab’s quest for the white whale.
embroider (em-BROY-dur). To add fanciful details to; embellish.
Matt has been known to EMBROIDER the history of his love life.
deemphasize (dee-EM-fuh-syz). To reduce in importance; place lower emphasis upon.
After sideswiping a telephone pole with my father’s car on the way home from a date, I did my best to DEEMPHASIZE the damage.
understate (uhn-der-STAYT). To make a weaker statement than is warranted by truth, accuracy, or importance; to state something weakly.
Understatement can be seen as a virtue in the friend or acquaintance, but when companies UNDERSTATE their debt and misrepresent themselves to investors and the public, the quality is distinctly malicious.
(ek-SYT), verb
To arouse or provoke sensations, feelings, or emotions; to awaken; to stir to action.
incendiary (in-SEN-dee-ayr-ee). Inflammatory or exciting; deliberately provocative.
Adam’s INCENDIARY remarks about my mother’s parentage resulted in a bloody nose for him and a night in jail for me.
brouhaha (BROO-ha-ha). An event that involves or invokes excitement, turmoil, or conflict.
The BROUHAHA in the hotel lobby was the result of a rock star making his way from his limousine to the elevator.
fillip (FILL-uhp). Something that revives or arouses excitement.
“Faithful horoscope-watching, practiced daily, provides just the sort of small, but warm and infinitely reassuring FILLIP that gets matters off to a spirited start.” —Shana Alexander, American author
frenzy (FREN-zee). A state of wild excitement; extreme emotional or mental agitation.
What with studying for the bar exam and planning her wedding, Sara had been in an almost constant FRENZY for nearly two months.
frisson (free-SOHn). A sudden strong feeling of excitement, conflict, or danger.
“Pregnant women! They had that weird FRISSON, an aura of magic that combined awkwardly with an earthy sense of duty.” —Ruth Morgan, American novelist
furor (FYOOR-ur). Widespread excitement or anger; fury or uproar among persons or institutions.
Governor White’s indictment for embezzlement caused a FUROR in the state.
exhilarate (ig-ZILL-uh-rayt). To make lively; to excite or energize.
Those evening runs in the cool air of the spring always EXHILARATED Tom, especially after a day spent cooped up in a stuffy office.
ferment (fur-MENT). To cause agitation or excitement, typically in order to incite drastic change.
High oil prices began to FERMENT efforts to find alternative fuel sources.
foment (foe-MENT). To rouse or incite.
“If perticuliar care and attention is not paid to the Laidies we are determined to FOMENT a Rebelion, and will not hold ourselves bound by any Laws in which we have no voice, or Representation.” —Abigail Adams, second First Lady of the United States
titillate (TIT-l-ayt). To excite in an agreeable way.
With its stirring performance of Beethoven’s Eroica Symphony, the full orchestra TITILLATED us at the Van Gelders’ gala.
blasé (blah-ZAY). Unimpressed; bored; sophisticated; apathetic to pleasure because of excessive indulgence.
I told Jim that he stood a very good chance of being fired this week, but to tell you the truth he seemed rather BLASÉ about the whole thing.
imperturbable (im-per-TUR-buh-bull). Describes someone or something incapable of being agitated or disturbed.
During the air turbulence, I felt calmer due to my father’s IMPERTURBABLE demeanor.
phlegmatic (fleg-MAT-ik). Having a calm, unexcitable temperament.
Allan’s PHLEGMATIC personality was certainly helpful during the deadline crunch in keeping us all from panicking.