(mag-NAH-nuh-muss), adjective
Forgiving; unselfish; noble.
benevolent (beh-NEV-uh-lent). Characterized by feelings of charity and good will.
The BENEVOLENT behavior of the wealthy sometimes appears insincere when it is widely publicized.
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
noblesse oblige (noh-BLESS oh-BLEEZH). The idea that people born to nobility or upper classes must behave generously toward those less privileged.
Many of the most famous foundations named for the wealthiest families, like Carnegie or Rockefeller, were founded on the principle of NOBLESSE OBLIGE.
paragon (PAIR-uh-gone). The very best example of something; a peerless model or pattern of perfection. Also, a perfect diamond or large pearl that is perfectly round.
“What a piece of work is a man! How noble in reason, how infinite in faculty, in form and moving how express and admirable, in action how like an angel, in apprehension how like a god—the beauty of the world, the PARAGON of animals!” —William Shakespeare, English dramatist
patrimony (PAT-rih-mo-nee). An inheritance from a father or male ancestor; the things that one generation inherits from its ancestors; an estate or endowment belonging to the church.
Much to the surprise of the children, who had never met their father, their PATRIMONY came to more than a million dollars.
bequeath (bih-KWEETH). To leave personal property to someone after death by means of a will; to hand down something from one generation to another.
Steve had always hoped that his grandfather would BEQUEATH him his classic 1965 Mustang convertible.
recompense (REH-kom-pents). To pay someone for work or services; to give compensation for suffering, loss, or injury.
To RECOMPENSE Mrs. Williams for all her suffering would be impossible.
antipathy (an-TIH-puh-thee). Anger, hostility, and aversion directed toward a particular person or thing; the object of someone’s anger, hostility, or disgust.
His ANTIPATHY toward animals originated from an attack he experienced as a youth.
avarice (A-vuh-riss). Unreasonably strong desire for money and riches; extreme greed.
Some believe that AVARICE drove the recent corporate wrongdoings, which resulted in several CEOs being tried and convicted of crimes.
cupidity (kyoo-PID-uh-tee). Greed; extreme desire for money and possessions.
Unrealistic CUPIDITY of youth, often expressed by spoiled children, should with time be replaced by the work ethic of an adult.
hubris (HYOO-briss). Excessive pride or arrogance; the excessive pride and ambition that often leads to the downfall of a hero in a classical tragedy.
It was clear that the immaturity and HUBRIS displayed by many corporate executives contributed to the recession.
parsimony (PAR-suh-moh-nee). Great frugality, stinginess, or unwillingness to spend money; the state of being exceptionally frugal or thrifty.
Mr. Bench was the personification of PARSIMONY and frugality.
(muh-TRICK-yoo-layt), verb
To enroll as a member of a specific group or body, especially a college or university.
erudite (AIR-yoo-dyt). Sophisticated; well educated; deeply learned; knowledgeable; scholarly.
Once you complete college, one should at least be able to describe you as ERUDITE.
literate (LIT-ehr-it). Having the ability to read and write; well educated; skilled and cultured, particularly in regard to literature and writing; having a good understanding of a particular subject.
LITERATE students are a teacher’s delight.
baccalaureate (BACK-uh-LOR-ee-it). The degree bestowed upon completion of a course of undergraduate college study (bachelor’s degree). Also, a farewell address to a graduating class.
I received my BACCALAUREATE in 1975 from the University of Pennsylvania, but my education truly began after commencement.
consortium (kun-SOR-tee-um). A union, partnership, or alliance, especially one among financial or business entities.
Mr. Sparks represented a CONSORTIUM of firms.
edification (eh-dih-fih-KAY-shun). Instruction or enlightenment, often involving moral or spiritual teachings.
The evangelical preacher’s EDIFICATION of church members and others in the community was known to all.
neophyte (NEE-uh-fyt). A beginner or novice; a recent convert.
“Like footmen and upstairs maids, wine stewards are portrayed as acolytes of the privileged, ever eager to intimidate the NEOPHYTE and spurn the unwary.” —Frank J. Prial, former New York Times wine columnist
newbie (NUE-bee). A new user of the Internet; someone new to any circumstance, organization, or institution.
Those planning the orientation session thought the term “NEWBIE” was appropriate as a theme for the program.
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.
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.
autonomous (aw-TAWN-uh-muss). Politically independent; self-governing with ability to make decisions; free from restraint, control, or regulation.
It is thought that AUTONOMOUS leaders have the potential to become dictators, so checks and balances were written into the Constitution.
(MEET-ing), noun
The process by which people come together; an assembly of or encounter between people.
assignation (ass-ig-NAY-shun). A secret meeting between lovers.
The countess’s ASSIGNATIONS with the stable boy caused tongues to wag throughout the town.
conclave (KON-klave). A secret meeting; also, the room in which this meeting is held.
Fearing he might crack under pressure, the rebels did not include Eli in the CONCLAVE in which they planned their attack strategy.
confluence (KON-flu-ence). A point of meeting or flowing together.
It is on the issue of human spiritual growth that the two philosophies find their CONFLUENCE.
forum (FOR-um). A gathering, meeting, or program held for the purpose of discussing matters of public or common concern.
“Although I am sure your neighbor’s constantly barking dog is irritating, Mrs. Wakefield,” the chairman intoned, “the purpose of this FORUM is to discuss the proposed waste site.”
liaison (lee-A-zawn). A meeting or exchange of information among groups or individuals; a person responsible for maintaining communication between one group and another; an intimate, romantic relationship; an adulterous relationship.
Nurse Sheffield was appointed to be the pediatric department’s LIAISON with the transplant unit.
rendezvous (RON-day-voo). A meeting; especially, a secret meeting between lovers.
Claire knew that if her mother found out about her RENDEZVOUS with Elton, she would be grounded for at least a week.
symposium (sim-POZE-ee-um). A gathering of experts before an audience whose members may pose questions.
The SYMPOSIUM was a disaster; both professors arrived an hour late, after most of the audience had given up and left.
tête-à-tête (TET-ah-tet). A face-to-face meeting.
Some of us had begun to believe that neighborhood children were pilfering from us, so we sat down with the allegedly guilty parties and had a TÊTE-À-TÊTE.
tryst (TRIST). An appointment made by lovers to meet at a certain place and time.
Since their families are of equal station, no one worries much about the supposedly secret TRYSTS between Josephine and Brock.
convoke (kuhn-VOKE). To call together for a meeting; to summon.
An announcement went out over the intercom to CONVOKE seminar participants.
discrete (dih-SKREET). Separate and distinct; apart or detached from others.
Each work was DISCRETE and stood on its own.
divergent (dih-VUR-juhnt). Differing; diverging from others.
“Music creates order out of chaos: for rhythm imposes unanimity upon the DIVERGENT, melody imposes continuity upon the disjointed, and harmony imposes compatibility upon the incongruous.” —Yehudi Menuhin, Russian-American violinist
(MEM-uh-ree), noun
The act or process of remembering; the mental ability to retain and revive facts, events, or impressions; the sum of what one remembers.
eidetic (EYE-det-ik). Describes a memory or mental image recalled with perfect clarity.
I’d studied the travel brochures so much that I had a perfectly EIDETIC vision of what to expect on the cruise ship.
nepenthean (ni-PEN-thee-uhn). Inducing a pleasurable feeling of forgetfulness, especially that of sorrow or trouble.
Attending the concert and losing himself in the beautiful melodies had a NEPENTHEAN effect on Jack.
anamnesis (an-am-NEE-sis). A recalling or recollection of the past.
Jack’s ANAMNESES were vivid and painful, evoking powerful recollections of the one true love of his life now lost.
memoir (MEM-wahr). A series of written reminiscences about people, places, and events composed by and from the point of view of someone with intimate knowledge of the details.
Since Richard Nixon, virtually all American presidents have felt compelled to publish MEMOIRS, focusing on their time in office.
memorabilia (mem-er-uh-BIL-ee-uh). Things worth remembering or recording; things that stir recollections; mementos; souvenirs.
John had a separate collection of MEMORABILIA for each of the family’s vacations.
mnemonic (neh-MON-ik). A rhyme, sentence, or other word pattern designed to help one memorize facts.
“Roy G. Biv” is a MNEMONIC for the colors of a rainbow: red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, violet.
reminiscence (rem-uh-NISS-ehns). The act of remembering; a mental impression; memory.
Confined to her bed, unable to read due to failing eyesight, Jane’s dying grandmother hung on to the many happy REMINISCENCES of her life.
evoke (ee-VOKE). To call forth or summon; to bring back to life through appeal to memory.
The sight of the old mansion EVOKED many bittersweet memories for Charles.
amnesia (am-NEE-zhuh). Partial or total loss of memory.
“A nation that forgets its past can function no better than an individual with AMNESIA.” —David McCullough, American author
oblivion (uh-BLIH-vee-yun). The state of being utterly forgotten; complete forgetfulness; utter lack of awareness of one’s surroundings.
To Tim, the fact that his book was being allowed to go out of print meant that he as an author had been consigned to OBLIVION.
(mih-STAYK), noun
An error in understanding or perception; a blunder; fault.
aberration (ab-uh-RAY-shun). A departure from what is normal, desirable, or expected; divergence from a moral standard. Also, a defect in a lens or mirror that causes a distorted image.
“When will we reach the point that hunting, the pleasure in killing animals for sport, will be regarded as a mental ABERRATION?” —Albert Schweitzer, German missionary and philosopher
blunder (BLUHN-der). A significant, foolish, or thoughtless mistake; stupid and careless error.
Driving drunk is a BLUNDER that most thoughtful people make only once.
contretemps (KON-treh-tahn). An inopportune occurrence with embarrassing results.
“Pan had been amongst them … the little god Pan, who presides over social CONTRETEMPS and unsuccessful picnics.” —E.M. Forster, English novelist
faux pas (FOH pah). A serious breach of social protocol or etiquette.
Looking a Japanese business customer directly in the eye during conversation is considered an egregious FAUX PAS.
gaffe (GAF). A social blunder.
When he was shown the door, Jack realized that his latest thoughtless remark was a bigger GAFFE than he’d suspected.
mea culpa (me-uh KULP-uh). An acknowledgement, usually public, of a blunder or mistake.
After the politician made racially tinged comments, he spent the better part of a month offering MEA CULPAS on national television.
solecism (SOLL-ih-siz-um). Something that deviates from the normal, accepted, or proper order; inconsistency.
She told her husband not to worry, that forgetting a host’s name was only a minor SOLECISM and certainly nothing to be concerned about.
definitude (dih-FIN-ih-tyood). Definiteness; precision.
There was no question about the solution; Jason had studied the problem and could provide the correct answer with DEFINITUDE.
faultless (FAWLT-lis). Without fault or defect; perfect.
“Whoever thinks a FAULTLESS piece to see, / Thinks what ne’er was, nor is, nor e’er shall be.” —Alexander Pope, English poet
See also: False
(mod-uh-RAY-shun), noun
An absence of excess or extremes; calmness; the practice of restraint.
abstemious (ab-STEE-me-us). Not overindulgent in food or drink; moderate in terms of consumption.
In these days of conspicuous consumption, it is harder to find individuals following an ABSTEMIOUS lifestyle.
monastic (muh-NAS-tik). Relating to the practice of withdrawing from society to live a quiet, contemplative life, often dedicated to religious faith.
Saint Pachomius founded the first organized Christian MONASTIC community.
spartan (SPAR-tin). Self-disciplined, frugal, and stoic. Originally used in reference to people who lived in the ancient Greek city of Sparta.
Paul lives such a SPARTAN life that his apartment has more exercise equipment than furniture.
staid (STAYD). Fixed and settled; not distinctive; sedate; prim.
Even though the Sandersons are an important family, we could hardly last the requisite hour at the family’s STAID winter ball.
abstinence (AB-steh-nence). The voluntarily forgoing of the indulgence of an appetite; denial of certain foods and drinks thought to be harmful to one’s health; refraining from behavior considered immoral.
After years of indulgence, it was difficult for Evelyn to follow her doctor’s order of complete ABSTINENCE from liquor.
ascetic (uh-SET-ik). A person who deliberately chooses to live a plain and simple life; characterized by lack of material possessions and strong self-discipline in all matters of behavior.
When Steve Jobs started Apple, a magazine profile portrayed him as an ASCETIC, noting that he had no furniture in his apartment.
temperance (TEM-per-ence). Moderation in eating and drinking; abstinence from consuming alcoholic beverages.
Cicero said that TEMPERANCE is “the firm and moderate dominion of reason over passion and other unrighteous impulses of the mind.”
libertine (LIB-er-teen). Licentious and free of moral restraint; or, a person so characterized.
“It is easier to make a saint out of a LIBERTINE than out of a prig.” —George Santayana, author and philosopher
licentious (ly-SEN-shuss). Promiscuous; slutty; someone who is sexually uninhibited and free.
Janine’s LICENTIOUS behavior was really a cry for attention, the school psychologist was convinced.
profligate (PROF-lih-git). Extravagant; wasteful; activity, expenditures, or indulgences beyond that any reasonable person would desire.
My PROFLIGATE expenditures quickly came to a halt when my bank account reached zero.
roué (roo-A). A licentious man; a libertine or lecher.
Although Ernest’s dalliances might have been understandable when he was a young man, they were more difficult for his family to forgive in his later years, when he came to resemble nothing so much as a tired and lonely old ROUÉ.
(MOD-ist), adjective
Having or showing an unassuming or humble opinion of one’s own achievements, merits, abilities, etc.; free from vanity or pretension.
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
deferential (def-uh-REN-shul). Showing respect to someone as a superior; having a humble demeanor.
A DEFERENTIAL attitude has no place in a respectful relationship.
demure (di-MYOOR). Affecting a reserved and shy appearance; outwardly retiring.
Mr. Atkins found the Hallis twins DEMURE, and wondered what they would say about him when he left.
diffident (DIFF-ih-dent). Uncertain or unsure about making a decision or taking an action; lacking confidence and boldness.
If you feel DIFFIDENT about driving a Rolls-Royce, you can always buy a Bentley.
dubious (DOO-bee-uss). Tending to be skeptical, uncertain, or doubtful.
His lack of esteem made him DUBIOUS about forming relationships.
reticent (REH-tih-sent). Reluctant to openly express one’s thoughts, feelings, and personal business to other people; uncommunicative; behaving like an introvert in social situations.
“The shorter poems tend to be RETICENT, psychologically acute love poems about the shifting inequalities of love.” —Edward Mendelson, professor of English and comparative literature at Columbia University
unassuming (un-uh-SOOM-ing). Modest and unpretentious.
The Binghamtons just bought a lovely, UNASSUMING starter home in the town where their families live.
verecund (VER-ih-kuhnd). Bashful; modest.
Paul’s VERECUND manner makes it difficult to carry on a conversation with him.
brazen (BRAY-zuhn). Having no shame; impudent; bold.
The prosecutor expertly summarized the defendant’s BRAZEN disregard for the health and safety of innocent bystanders in the commission of his heinous crime.
depraved (dih-PRAYVD). Morally bad; corrupt; perverted.
“We Americans have always considered Hollywood, at best, a sinkhole of DEPRAVED venality. And, of course, it is.” —David Mamet, American playwright
See also: Moderation
(MAWRN), verb
To feel or express sorrow; lament; grieve; to show the conventional signs of grief.
bereaved (bih-REEVD). In a state of mourning; deeply sorrowful because of the loss of a loved one.
The most difficult part of Father Maurice’s job was providing solace for those in his parish who were BEREAVED.
funereal (fyoo-NEER-ee-uhl). Reminiscent of a funeral; dark, brooding, and mournful.
The FUNEREAL tone of the meeting was not at all what we had in mind to raise morale.
lugubrious (loo-GOO-bree-us). Mournful in the extreme.
You may consider Steven’s poems “dark”; to me, they are simply LUGUBRIOUS.
plaintive (PLAIN-tive). Expressing sorrow or sadness; mournful.
Even the singing of birds had a PLAINTIVE sound at the house for weeks after our dog Sasha died.
dirge (durj). A funeral song; a song of mourning.
The DIRGE from Cymbeline, according to Professor Alpert, is the only worthwhile passage to be found in that seldom-produced Shakespeare play.
elegy (ELL-uh-jee). A poem of mourning; a poem reflecting on and praising the deceased.
At the funeral, Mitch read a touching ELEGY for his grandmother, reminding all present of the life of kindness and sacrifice she had led.
eulogy (YOO-luh-jee). Speech or writing in praise of a person, typically used for a person who has recently died.
Diane delivered a EULOGY for her uncle that managed to be simultaneously sad and heart-warming.
lamentation (lam-en-TAY-shun). An expression of mourning.
Karl heard groans of LAMENTATION from his mother’s room.
solace (SOHL-uss). To comfort someone at a time of sadness, disappointment or grief; to sympathize with and console.
The fact that he had thrown three touchdowns was little SOLACE to Jim: All he could think about was losing the game.
rue (roo). To be sorrowful; to mourn or regret bitterly.
After spending prom night at home watching movies by herself, Susan began to RUE the day she had rejected Mark so cruelly.
exult (ig-ZULT). To rejoice greatly; be jubilant; to feel triumphant joy.
“Arms are instruments of ill omen. When one is compelled to use them, it is best to do so without relish. There is no glory in victory, and to glorify it despite this is to EXULT in the killing of men.” —Lao Tzu, Chinese Taoist philosopher
fete (FAYT). To celebrate; to honor or entertain.
In honor of their victory, the baseball team was FETED at a celebratory dinner sponsored by the town’s recreation department.
See also: Sad
(mih-STEER-ee-us), adjective
Of, containing, implying, or characterized by mystery; that which excites curiosity and wonder but is difficult or impossible to explain.
arcane (ar-KAYN). Strange and mysterious; understood only by the initiated.
Bill’s ARCANE knowledge of all Lexus models and their accessories is just a waste of gray matter.
enigmatic (en-ig-MATT-ik). Mysterious, puzzling, and difficult to figure out.
“The interest in life does not lie in what people do, nor even in their relations to each other, but largely in the power to communicate with a third party, antagonistic, ENIGMATIC, yet perhaps persuadable, which one may call life in general.” —Virginia Woolf, British essayist and novelist
inscrutable (in-SKROO-tuh-bull). 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.
metaphysical (met-uh-FIZ-ih-kuhl). Beyond the physical or material; supernatural or transcendental.
“Art is the highest task and proper METAPHYSICAL activity of this life.” —Friedrich Nietzsche, German philosopher
recondite (REHK-un-dite). Beyond typical knowledge and understanding.
For most people, opera, polo, and fine wine remain RECONDITE subjects.
spiritual (SPIR-ih-choo-uhl). Of or pertaining to the spirit as distinguished from the body; supernatural.
“Military power wins battles, but SPIRITUAL power wins wars.” —General George Marshall, American military commander
prestidigitation (PRESS-tih-dih-ji-TAY-shun). The performance of sleight-of-hand magic tricks.
The New Year’s Eve gala at the Worthingtons included sumptuous meals, a full orchestra, and even a practitioner of PRESTIDIGITATION who amazed the children with her performance.
palpable (PAL-puh-bull). Capable of being touched, felt, or handled; tangible.
“Popular opinions, on subjects not PALPABLE to sense, are often true, but seldom or never the whole truth.” —John Stuart Mill, English ethical theorist
tangible (TAN-juh-bull). Able to be touched or felt by hand; having form and substance; real or actual; definite.
“The distinctive nature of a child is to always live in the TANGIBLE present.” —John Ruskin, English writer and critic