(RAYZ), verb
To tear down or demolish.
deleterious (deh-luh-TEE-ree-us). With harmful or damaging effect on something or someone. As a legal term, communicates the assessment of harm, injury, or loss.
It is now accepted as fact that smoking is DELETERIOUS to one’s health as well as highly addictive, but year after year more teenagers take it up.
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
cannonade (kan-uh-NAYD). A continuous, relentless bombardment or effort.
A CANNONADE of questioning greeted Eva’s statement that she was quitting the club’s tennis team.
maelstrom (MAYL-struhm). A situation marked by violence, turbulence, and uncertainty.
Many families who lost their fortunes during the MAELSTROM of the 1929 stock market crash are still trying to regain their social status today.
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.
decimate (DESS-ih-mayt). To reduce something greatly, to the point of wiping it out. Originally, the killing of every tenth person in a population.
“Every doctor will allow a colleague to DECIMATE a whole countryside sooner than violate the bond of professional etiquette by giving him away.” —George Bernard Shaw, Irish playwright
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
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
quash (KWAHSH). To repress or subdue completely.
She quickly QUASHED the rebellion of the other members of the PTO by reminding them of the superiority of her social contacts.
quell (KWELL). To suppress or extinguish; or, to quiet one’s own or another’s anxieties.
“O the orator’s joys! / To inflate the chest, to roll the thunder of the voice out from the ribs and throat, / To make the people rage, weep, hate, desire, with yourself, / To lead America—to QUELL America with a great tongue.” —Walt Whitman, American poet and humanist
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.
bulwark (bull-WARK). A defensive, protective barrier, wall, or force.
“Since he aims at great souls, he cannot miss. But if someone should slander me in this way, no one would believe him. For envy goes against the powerful. Yet slight men, apart from the great, are but a weak BULWARK.” —Sophocles, Greek tragedian
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
(re-kuh-PIT-choo-layt), verb
To summarize in concise form; to briefly retell the essential points of a story. In terms of biology, describes what a fetus does as it repeats the stages of the evolution of the species during its development.
compendious (kum-PEN-dee-us). Containing a wide range of information in a concise form; usually a piece of writing. Composed of all necessary or essential components, yet concise and succinct.
Roget’s Thesaurus of Words for Students is both COMPENDIOUS and helpful or you wouldn’t be reading it.
laborious (lah-BORE-ee-us). Requiring a great deal of effort. Showing signs of effort or difficulty, rather than ease, naturalness, or fluency.
Most high school boys find any work, no matter how short or easy, to be LABORIOUS.
iteration (ih-tuh-RAY-shun). An instance or the act of repeating something; a series of steps that is repeated to get closer to a desired outcome; a different version, as in a new version of a video game.
After several ITERATIONS, the chefs found the best recipe for chocolate cheesecake.
redundancy (rih-DUN-dunt-see). A duplication, as in computer backup systems created to reduce the risk of error or failure; use of a word or phrase whose meaning is already covered elsewhere in a document or passage. Fulfilling the role of something already in place and functional; superfluous, no longer needed or wanted.
Many functions of the spacecraft were designed as REDUNDANCIES in case the primary systems failed.
synopsis (sih-NOP-sis). A condensed version of a text; an outline or summary of principal points.
The small paperback books that contain a SYNOPSIS of books high school students are supposed to read should never take the place of reading the assigned book.
cram (KRAM). To study a subject intensively for an imminent exam; to eat food hastily; to force persons or objects into a space or container too small to comfortably fit them all.
To CRAM for exams means attempting to quickly force large quantities of facts into your memory.
inculcate (IN-kuhl-kayt). To fix something firmly in someone’s mind, using frequent and forceful repetition; to impress an idea upon someone with urging or earnest example.
Police use “scared straight” strategies with at-risk youth, INCULCATING them with lessons about the negative consequences of their actions.
regurgitate (ree-GUR-jih-tayt). To bring undigested or partially digested food from stomach to mouth; to repeat or reproduce what has been heard, read, or taught in a purely mechanical way without evidence of thought or understanding.
For some courses, all that is necessary to receive good grades is to memorize and then REGURGITATE facts, figures, or definitions.
reiterate (ree-IH-tuh-rayt). To say or do something repeatedly, often in a boring way.
The candidate REITERATED her views at each campaign stop and in every interview.
reminisce (REH-muh-NISS). To talk, write, or think about events remembered from the past.
It seems odd to parents to hear teens REMINISCING about their elementary school years.
parenthetical (pair-un-THEH-tuh-kul). An explanation added to text as a commentary, usually set off by punctuation such as parentheses. A remark that departs from the sense of a passage.
Some PARENTHETICAL additions to writings are significant, and others are just afterthoughts.
verbose (vur-BOHSS). Using language that is long-winded, unnecessary, or complicated; wordy.
I really wanted to vote for him, because he appears to be intelligent, but I find that his speeches are almost always VERBOSE.
(ri-DOOS), verb
To lessen in any way, such as in size or number.
curtate (KUR-tayt). Reduced; shortened; abbreviated.
The committee could not get a good idea of the building plans from the CURTATE descriptions at the luncheon.
diminution (dim-ih-NOO-shen). Reduction or decrease due to outside influence.
The stock fell in value by 75 percent in just over three hours; few issues can fully recover from such DIMINUTION.
abate (uh-BAYT). To reduce or eliminate a tax, claim, fine, etc.; to diminish, subside.
John sold his car in February and, when he received a bill for the year’s excise tax, asked the town to ABATE the amount.
curtail (ker-TALE). To abridge or truncate; to lessen, usually by taking or cutting away from.
His new office’s 8:00 A.M. meetings meant Dwight would have to CURTAIL his late-night television watching.
decimate (DESS-ih-mayt). To reduce something greatly, to the point of wiping it out. Originally, the killing of every tenth person in a population.
“Every doctor will allow a colleague to DECIMATE a whole countryside sooner than violate the bond of professional etiquette by giving him away.” —George Bernard Shaw, Irish playwright
dilute (die-LOOT). To make something, such as a mixture, thinner or weaker by adding additional objects, ingredients, compounds, etc. to it; to reduce force, strength, or effectiveness of.
Frederica never DILUTES her words. She’ll tell you exactly how she feels.
extenuate (ik-STEN-yoo-ayt). To reduce in seriousness, external aspect, or extent; to make a fault or error less grave.
The case was dismissed because circumstances EXTENUATED his negligence.
accretion (uh-KREE-shun). Growth in size, especially by addition or accumulation.
“The most successful men in the end are those whose success is the result of steady ACCRETION.” —Alexander Graham Bell, Scottish-American inventor
aggrandizement (uh-GRAN-diz-muhnt). An increase in power, position, riches, etc.; widening in scope or intensity.
Margaret had a well-developed skill for self-AGGRANDIZEMENT.
(rih-FULL-jent), adjective
Radiant, gleaming; shining brightly.
effulgent (ih-FULL-jent). Shining brightly; glowing; radiant.
The lightning storm made the evening sky positively EFFULGENT.
luciferous (loo-SIH-fuh-ruhs). Providing insight or enlightenment; illuminating.
Blake did not find the Ivy League LUCIFEROUS, so he decided to devote his life to world travel instead.
nitid (NIHT-id). Bright and lustrous.
Brock and Jenny flew through NITID moonbeams in Brock’s new Gulfstream GIV personal jet.
resplendent (reh-SPLEN-dent). Garbed or decorated in lush fabrics and rich, vibrant colors.
The bride was RESPLENDENT in a beaded silk gown.
élan (a-LON). Enthusiasm, energy, flair, zest.
Bryanna reacted with ÉLAN when she was tapped to be part of a feature for Elite Travel Magazine.
exemplar (ig-ZEM-plar). A role model; a shining example of a desired state, status, or behavior.
“The system—the American one, at least—is a vast and noble experiment. It has been polestar and EXEMPLAR for other nations.” —Phyllis McGinley, American poet
felicity (fih-LISS-ih-tee). A state of blissful happiness.
“Never lose sight of the fact that all human FELICITY lies in man’s imagination, and that he cannot think to attain it unless he heeds all his caprices.” —Marquis de Sade, French aristocrat and revolutionary
zonk (ZAWNK). To stun or stupefy.
We were positively ZONKED by Marie’s choice of couture for the very important Sanderson gala.
austere (aw-STEER). Stern; grim and lacking humor or warmth; clean and unornamented; severe or strict in manner.
In the movie Dead Poets Society, Robin Williams clashes with an AUSTERE headmaster at a private boys’ school.
innocuous (ih-NAWK-yew-us). Not harmful or offensive; innocent, incidental, and hardly noticeable.
“I know those little phrases that seem so INNOCUOUS and, once you let them in, pollute the whole of speech.” —Samuel Beckett, Irish writer, dramatist, and poet
(ree-GRET), verb, noun
To feel sorrow over; mourn for; to feel remorse for.
penitent (PEN-ih-tent). Feeling sorry and regretful that you have done something wrong.
According to Ambrose Bierce’s jaded view, the PENITENT are typically those undergoing or awaiting punishment.
rueful (ROO-full). Regretful; pitiable.
In the terminal, Jean gave a RUEFUL sigh as she stared at the plane that was to carry her away from San Francisco forever.
compunction (kuhm-PUNGK-shun). Anxiety caused by regret for doing harm to another.
Thomas never feels COMPUNCTION for the bruises he leaves on the lacrosse field.
contrition (kuhn-TRISH-uhn). A feeling of remorse for sins or guilt.
“I shall never send for a priest or recite an Act of CONTRITION in my last moments. I do not mind if I lose my soul for all eternity.” —Mary McCarthy, American author
qualm (KWAHM). A sudden feeling of uneasiness, often linked to a pang in one’s conscience.
Of course we feel no QUALMS about wanting the finest things in life; that is the legacy our forefathers bequeathed to us.
bemoan (bih-MOWN). To regret passionately or to complain about an ill turn of events.
Joel could not stop BEMOANING the fact that he was only three numbers off of the Powerball jackpot.
appeased (uh-PEEZED). Placated; soothed or satisfied.
Sally was easily APPEASED, rarely feeling negative emotions or behaving in a way that would cause regret.
complacent (kum-PLAY-suhnt). Satisfied with oneself; smug; content.
Brian was so COMPLACENT during the practice scrimmages before the big game that his coach considered benching him and playing the backup quarterback instead.
See also: Sad
(ri-LAY-shun-ship), noun
A state of being related; a connection or association.
collegial (kuh-LEE-juhl). Of a working relationship among colleagues characterized by collective responsibility and minimal supervision.
The COLLEGIAL structure of the organization is one reason there’s very little turnover there.
consanguineous (con-san-GWIN-ee-us). Related by blood; of common lineage.
The two brothers learned of their CONSANGUINEOUS relationship after a series of blood tests.
filial (FILL-ee-ull). That which is due from or befitting a son or daughter; pertaining to a son or daughter.
Mother considered it my FILIAL responsibility to take over the family business when I graduated, but I wanted to pursue a career of my own.
platonic (pluh-TAWN-ik). Free of sexual or romantic relations; also refers to the ideal form of something.
Emily knew that her relationship with Paul had to remain PLATONIC if they were going to continue working together.
symbiotic (sim-bee-OTT-ik). Characteristic of an intimate or mutually advantageous relationship, especially (in biology) one between dissimilar organisms.
In ocean life you often see SYMBIOTIC relationships between large and small fish, in which the smaller feed off of organisms existing on the larger, thereby keeping the larger fish clean and healthy.
dalliance (DAL-ee-ehnss). A brief, casual flirtation with or interest in someone or something; the act of tarrying rather than proceeding swiftly and deliberately.
Her DALLIANCE with the pool boy made her husband angry and jealous.
détente (day-TAWNT). From the French, meaning “to slacken,” a loosening of strained relations.
After Graham and Heather stopped yelling and started listening to each other, the DÉTENTE between them began.
liaison (lee-A-zawn). An intimate, romantic relationship; an adulterous relationship.
LIAISONS are much more common within our group than are stable marriages.
lineage (LIN-ee-ij). Ancestry; family tree.
We still consider Rachel nouveau riche because her family can only trace its American LINEAGE to the mid-eighteenth century.
nepotism (NEH-puh-tih-zum). The practice of favoring relatives.
The company practiced shameless NEPOTISM, regularly passing up qualified applicants and hiring the underqualified sons, daughters, and cousins of board members.
rapport (rah-PORE). A trusting and harmonious relationship.
Although the Wilsons found their neighbors odd at first, the four soon developed a strong RAPPORT.
rapprochement (rah-prosh-MOHN). Re-establishment of friendly relations between nations following a period of hostility.
Lydia spoke at length about how RAPPROCHEMENT between the United States and some former Soviet nations has been a real boon to her family’s prestige and wealth.
schism (SKIZ-um). A division; a break or rupture of relations, especially one due to ideological or political differences.
Presidential elections recently have created SCHISMS and anger among voters.
scion (SY-uhn). A descendant or heir.
“SCION of chiefs and monarchs, where art thou? / Fond hope of many nations, art thou dead?” —Lord Byron, British Romantic poet
correlate (KORE-uh-layt). To relate logically or systematically; to link.
I believe I can demonstrate convincingly that the increased cancer rate in the town can be directly CORRELATED to the dumping practices of your firm over the past twenty years.
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.
misanthrope (MISS-un-throwp). A person of antisocial nature who dislikes other people and thinks poorly of them until they give him reason not to.
Harold has become a veritable MISANTHROPE since Anabelle refused to attend the regatta with him.
(rhi-LEEV), verb
To ease, lighten, reduce, or free from pain, anxiety, etc.
anodyne (an-uh-DYNE). Anything that relieves or lessens pain; something that soothes.
“Novels so often provide an ANODYNE and not an antidote, glide one into torpid slumbers instead of rousing one with a burning brand.” —Virginia Woolf, British novelist
unguent (UNG-gwent). A locally applied ointment or salve.
In treating poison ivy, calamine lotion or some similar UNGUENT is usually recommended.
alleviate (uh-LEEV-ee-ayt). To make more bearable; to relieve.
The only thing that will ALLEVIATE the fatigue I’m feeling right now is a good night’s sleep.
assuage (uh-SWAYJ). To ease; to make less severe; to mitigate.
“But history must not yet tell the tragedies enacted here; let time intervene in some measure to ASSUAGE and lend an azure tint to them.” —Henry David Thoreau, American author and transcendentalist
palliate (PAL-ee-ayt). To treat a patient so that his symptoms abate even though he still has the disease.
We introduced Amanda to Roberto, in attempt to PALLIATE the broken heart that Amanda suffered over her breakup with one of the scions of the Chesterfield family.
salve (SAVV). To soothe as with salve (medicinal ointment).
Luckily for Jim, roses would usually SALVE his wife’s distress whenever he forgot their anniversary.
temper (TEM-per). To moderate or mitigate; soften.
After the accident, Paul found that the monetary settlement was able to TEMPER his discomfort to a great extent.
aggravate (AG-ruh-vayt). To make worse or more severe; to intensify.
“Truth is neither alive nor dead; it just AGGRAVATES itself all the time.” —Mark Twain, American humorist and writer
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
(ree-PEET), verb
To say, utter, do, or make again; to reproduce.
recursive (ree-KURSS-iv). Pertaining to a process in which each step makes use of the results of the earlier steps.
The study of mathematics is a RECURSIVE learning experience.
iteration (it-uh-RAY-shun). An instance or the act of repeating something; a series of steps that is repeated to get closer to a desired outcome; a different version, as in a new version of a video game.
After several ITERATIONS, the chefs found the best recipe for chocolate cheesecake.
tautology (taw-TALL-uh-jee). A needless repetition of an idea or statement; redundancy.
After his wealthy father’s death, Gerald consistently referred to his mother with the TAUTOLOGY, “widow woman.”
echo (EK-oh). To resound with an echo; reverberate; to repeat another’s words or ideas.
“Kind words are short and easy to speak, but their ECHOES are truly endless.” —Mother Teresa
perpetuate (purr-PETCH-oo-ayt). To make everlasting; to prolong memory or use (of a thing).
The rumor that I am resigning has been PERPETUATED by a number of sources, all completely unreliable.
recapitulate (ree-kuh-PITCH-uh-layt). To summarize in concise form; to briefly retell the essential points of a story. In terms of biology, describes what a fetus does as it repeats the stages of the evolution of the species during its development.
“To RECAPITULATE: always be on time for my class,” the professor told his freshman class on the first day of the semester.
replicate (REP-li-kayt). To duplicate, repeat, or reproduce, particularly for experimental purposes.
John had successfully developed a cure for the common cold, but could not REPLICATE the process.
conclusive (kuhn-KLOO-sive). Able to settle a question; definitive; final.
Mary was tired of continually arguing with her parents about responsibility and felt that getting a full-time job would be a CONCLUSIVE demonstration.
unambivalent (un-am-BIV-uh-luhnt). Not ambivalent; definite; certain.
The score at the end of the game gave UNAMBIVALENT testimony of our team’s superiority.
(rep-yuh-TAY-shun), noun
The estimation in which a person is commonly held, whether favorable or not; character in the view of others; repute; fame.
calumny (KAL-um-nee). The act of libel or slander; besmirching of a person’s reputation by spreading false statements and rumors.
“To persevere in one’s duty and be silent is the best answer to CALUMNY.” —George Washington, American president
innuendo (in-yew-ENN-doe). A subtle intimation; an indirect insinuation.
Through hints and INNUENDO her opponent managed to plant seeds of doubt about Governor Williams’s past.
libel (LIE-bull). A written, printed, or pictorial statement or assertion that is unjustly negative, defaming, or hurtful to one’s character and reputation.
Several celebrities have sued the supermarket tabloid for LIBEL, but the parade of lurid and preposterous headlines has continued unabated.
exonerate (ig-ZON-uh-rayt). To clear or free from blame or guilt; to relieve from obligation.
After the charges were thrown out and Brian was completely EXONERATED, he was free to continue his work in the securities industry.
insinuate (in-SIN-yew-ayt). To hint at darkly; to suggest (typically, with negative connotations).
I hope you don’t mean to INSINUATE that my husband is seeing another woman.
slander (SLAN-dur). To make an untrue and malicious statement intended to damage the reputation of another.
If you continue to SLANDER my father, Mr. Caen, you will be hearing from my attorney.
notoriety (no-tuh-RY-ih-tee). The state of being widely and unfavorably known.
“It takes very little fire to make a great deal of smoke nowadays, and NOTORIETY is not real glory.” —Lousia May Alcott, American author
unsavory (un-SAYV-err-ee). Distasteful; unpleasant; disreputable; of dubious reputation.
“Our future is inextricably linked to what happens in Washington, D.C., and we know that is a very UNSAVORY reality.” —Don Libey, direct marketing advisor
(ri-spon-suh-BIL-uh-tee), noun
The condition or state of being responsible; obligation; duty.
onerous (OWE-nur-uss). Difficult; imposing heavy responsibility.
Caring for his son’s large aquarium quickly went from an interesting hobby to an ONEROUS burden.
onus (OH-nuss). Obligation, responsibility, duty, or burden.
The ONUS for choosing the color scheme for our new lacrosse uniforms fell ultimately to Tabitha, who had previously chosen the design for our polo uniforms.
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.
abdicate (AB-dih-kayt). To formally give up a position or responsibility; to step down from a high government office or other powerful position.
King Edward VIII of England ABDICATED the throne rather than give up the woman he loved.
dereliction (dair-uh-LIK-shun). Willful neglect; shirking of responsibility; the knowing failure to perform one’s duty.
The sergeant’s inaction that night led to troubling accusations of DERELICTION of duty.
exculpate (EK-skul-payt). To free from blame or accusation of guilt.
DNA evidence has been used to EXCULPATE those accused and convicted of many serious crimes.
fickle (FIK-uhl). Changeable or unstable in interest or affection; capricious.
“O, swear not by the moon, the FICKLE moon, the inconstant moon, that monthly changes in her circle orb, Lest that thy love prove likewise variable.” — William Shakespeare, English dramatist
remiss (rih-miss). Negligent or careless.
Jon was REMISS in his relationships, never thanking anyone for the kindnesses he received.
sociopath (SO-see-uh-path). A person who, because of mental illness, lacks restraint or moral responsibility toward fellow members of society.
Although motion pictures and popular fiction have shown an unending fascination with serial killers, the fact is that such SOCIOPATHS are quite rare.
(rih-VENJ), verb
To inflict punishment, damage, or injury in return for an insult or injury.
vindictive (vin-DIK-tiv). Mean-spirited; eager for revenge.
When angered, Lynn can be quite VINDICTIVE; those who work with her know that the most painless course is to stay on her good side.
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.
reprisal (rih-PRYZ-uhl). An instance or the act of retaliation.
Peter was confident that he was correct, but was just as sure that he faced a REPRISAL for speaking up during the meeting.
retribution (ret-ruh-BYOO-shun). Deserved punishment for evil done.
Some saw the Mafia don’s debilitating illness as a form of divine RETRIBUTION for a life of crime.
vendetta (ven-DETT-uh). A bitter feud or grudge, especially one involving vengeance for a wrongdoing.
Mark’s arguments against my proposed project had less to do with its merits than with the VENDETTA he has waged against me since I was hired for the job he wanted.
reciprocate (rih-SIP-ruh-kayt). To give or act in turn following the lead of another; to reply with a courtesy, gift, or example from another.
Mr. Powers has shown evidence that he wants to end the feud; the least you can do is RECIPROCATE.
requite (rih-KWYT). To return; to retaliate for an actual or assumed wrong.
“Certain sets of human beings are very apt to maintain that other sets should give up their lives to them and their service, and then they REQUITE them by praise.” —Charlotte Brönte, British novelist
condone (kuhn-DOHN). To forgive, pardon, or overlook something.
“One who CONDONES evil is just as guilty as the one who perpetrates it.” — Martin Luther King Jr., American minister and civil-rights leader
vindicate (VIN-dih-kayt). To clear from criticism, censure, suspicion, etc.; to justify or defend.
“Have patience awhile; slanders are not long-lived. Truth is the child of time; ere long she shall appear to VINDICATE thee.” —Immanuel Kant, German philosopher
(REV-er-ehns), noun
A feeling of deep respect, awe, and love; veneration.
deification (DEE-if-ih-kay-shin). The process of making someone or something into—and worshipping them as—a god.
“Poetry is the DEIFICATION of reality.” —Edith Sitwell, British poet
fetish (FETT-ish). Any object, idea, leader, etc. inspiring unquestioned awe and reverence.
“It sickens me,” Nora said, “how so many colleges have made a FETISH of high grades on standardized tests.”
exalt (ig-ZAWLT). To raise in honor, character, quality; to praise.
“Civilization degrades the many to EXALT the few.” —Amos Bronson Alcott, American reformer and philosopher
extol (ik-STOHL). To praise highly; laud.
When talking about his new girlfriend, Larry would EXTOL her virtues in reverential terms.
hallow (HAL-low). To establish as holy; to sanctify.
“But, in a larger sense, we can not dedicate, we can not consecrate, we can not HALLOW this ground.” —Abraham Lincoln, Gettysburg Address
lionize (LIE-uh-nyz). To praise excessively; to idolize.
For years young baseball fans LIONIZED Babe Ruth, whose many indiscretions were usually overlooked by the press.
venerate (VEN-uh-rayt). To regard or treat with reverence.
“The way the United States VENERATES celebrities can be quite annoying,” Sylvia said.
desecrate (DESS-ih-krayt). To abuse the sacred character of a thing; to treat disrespectfully or irreverently.
Such profane language from our organization’s current leader serves only to DESECRATE the memory of the founder.
impiety (im-PY-ih-tee). Lack of reverence for sacred things; disrespect for persons or things to which one should be devoted.
“To be in anger is IMPIETY; But who is man that is not angry?” —William Shakespeare, English dramatist
(RID-ih-kyool), verb
To make fun of; to make the object of contempt; mock.
contumely (kon-TYOO-muh-lee). A rude display in speech or deed; contemptuous behavior; humiliating derision.
No matter how long he had held the grudge against Aaron, his CONTUMELY at the wedding was uncalled for.
caricature (KAR-ih-kuh-chur). To exaggerate the peculiarities or defects of someone or something for purposes of ridicule.
Zealots of all stripes tend to CARICATURE those they despise in order to make them seem less powerful and frightening.
decry (dih-CRY). To condemn, ridicule, or denounce as harmful.
It is unconscionable to DECRY due process just because the system is sometimes abused.
deride (dih-RYD). To ridicule with cruelty; to laugh at and make fun of.
His classmates DERIDED Joe for wearing argyle socks to the prom.
lampoon (lam-POON). To mock or satirize.
Many felt that Trina was cruel to LAMPOON Jessica’s performance, including her nervous tic.
pillory (PILL-uh-ree). To subject someone to merciless public ridicule or abuse.
I sipped my morning coffee as the respective parties’ pundits PILLORIED each other.
scoff (SKAWF). To show mocking contempt; scorn.
“You may SCOFF all you want,” Dave told the crowd as he climbed into the basket of the hot air balloon “but you’ll see who gets to the wedding first.”
applaud (uh-PLAWD). To express approval; acclaim; give praise.
“It often happens that those who in their lives were APPLAUDED and admired, are laid at last in the ground without the common honor of a stone.” —Samuel Johnson, English poet and critic
esteem (ih-STEEM). To value highly; have great respect and regard for; prize.
“The harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph. What we obtain too cheap, we ESTEEM too lightly, it is dearness only that gives everything its value.” —Thomas Paine, English-American writer and political pamphleteer
(ROO-muh-nayt), verb
To think carefully and at length about something; to ponder or review mentally, over and over.
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.
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.
judicious (joo-DISH-us). Showing wisdom, good sense, or discretion, often with the intention of avoiding trouble or waste.
Since his earlier troubles, Johan has been very JUDICIOUS whenever he parties with friends.
perceptive (purr-SEP-tuhv). Quick to understand or discern things; showing an understanding of a person or situation. Related to perception or the capability of perceiving.
As the older sister of three siblings, Stephanie was very PERCEPTIVE of the needs of younger children, and she made a great babysitter.
prudent (PROO-dunt). Having good sense, using care in managing practical matters and resources, and likely to evaluate situations carefully so as to avoid risk.
Purchasing automobile insurance is always a PRUDENT act and one required by the laws of most states.
meditation (meh-dih-TAY-shun). Prolonged consideration of an issue, question, or action; the act of extended thought. A process by which practitioners attempt to cleanse the mind of difficult or disturbing thoughts.
Sally, after a prolonged MEDITATION, gave as her opinion that the curry was too hot for the dish.
contemplate (KAHN-tem-playt). To look at or examine closely; to consider as a possible future action.
Mark and Sylvia are CONTEMPLATING the purchase of a new home, but first they need to sell the one they’re living in.
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.
elucidate (ih-LOO-si-dayt). To explain, clarify, or provide key information; to throw light on and clarify a subject.
“It [was] the mission of the twentieth century to ELUCIDATE the irrational.” — Maurice Merleau-Ponty, French philosopher
bluster (BLUSS-ter). To speak loudly, arrogantly, and boisterously; to behave in a bullying way; to blow in loud gusts, as in the wind.
Senators filibuster while bullies BLUSTER, and both verbal strategies yield little action.
precipitous (preh-SIH-pih-tus). Done too quickly, without enough thought. On the verge of a dangerous course of action.
Being an entrepreneur is a lofty goal, yet it can be a PRECIPITOUS position, requiring many risky decisions and much stress.