(IL-nis), noun
An unhealthy condition of the body or mind; sickness; disease.
autism (AW-tiz-um). A condition characterized by difficulty with or indifference to social contact and impaired ability to communicate.
Often subjected to abuse and inhumane treatment two or three decades ago, people with AUTISM are now more likely to receive a meaningful therapeutic regimen.
bulimia (buh-LEE-mee-uh). An eating disorder in which sufferers alternately binge, then purge, forcing themselves to vomit.
The faculty health center featured a nurse with special training in dealing with BULIMIA and other eating disorders.
carbuncle (KAR-bunk-uhl). A painful inflammation of the skin similar to, but more serious than, a boil.
Jimmy’s inventive excuses for his absences reached a new level when he told his teacher he had been unable to attend Spanish class because of a CARBUNCLE.
eczema (EG-zuh-muh). An inflammatory skin condition, characterized by red, itching skin that erupts into lesions that later become scaly, hard, and crusty.
The skin cleanser Noxzema was named after its supposed ability to “knock ECZEMA.”
gingivitis (jin-jih-VIE-tuss). A gum disease; the condition of having swollen gums.
The rinse promised lifetime protection against GINGIVITIS, a claim Fred viewed with some skepticism.
hemophilia (hee-mo-FEE-lee-uh). A blood defect usually affecting males but transmitted by females in which the blood fails to clot normally, often leading to uncontrolled hemorrhaging.
Because so many HEMOPHILIA patients have contracted the AIDS virus from contaminated blood, many will only accept transfusions using blood that has been donated by family and friends.
hypertension (hi-pur-TEN-shun). High blood pressure.
Some over-the-counter cough, cold, and allergy medicines tend to cause elevated blood pressure, and include a warning that they may be hazardous to those suffering from HYPERTENSION.
hyperthermia (hie-pur-THUR-mee-uh). Extreme increase of body heat.
The reading is 108 degrees; we are dealing not with a simple fever, but with severe HYPERTHERMIA.
hypothermia (hie-po-THER-mee-uh). Extreme loss of body heat.
After several hours in the freezing water, the victims had already succumbed to the effects of HYPOTHERMIA.
influenza (in-floo-EN-zuh). A contagious respiratory virus characterized by inflammation of the mucous membrane, fever, prostration, aches, and pains.
David was still weak from his bout with INFLUENZA.
kyphosis (ki-FOE-sis). Excessive curvature of the spine suffered by hunchbacks.
After William’s father forced him to help out the family gardener, William complained for weeks afterward that the outdoor work gave him KYPHOSIS.
migraine (MIE-grane). An excruciating headache, caused by expanding capillaries, that occurs on one (usually the left) side of the head, and causes the sufferer nausea, vomiting, and extreme sensitivity to light.
As a treatment for my MIGRAINES, the doctor gave me a new prescription, suggesting I take two tablets and lie down in a very dark room whenever I feel one coming on.
mononucleosis (mon-oh-noo-klee-OH-siss). An infectious illness caused by an increase of mononuclear leukocytes in the blood, and characterized by extremely swollen glands, a sore throat, and exhaustion.
Erika’s MONONUCLEOSIS caused her to miss nearly two months of school.
narcolepsy (NAR-ko-lep-see). The disorder of suddenly and unpredictably falling asleep.
After learning he suffered from NARCOLEPSY, Brian realized how dangerous it would be for him to drive, and voluntarily returned his license to the registry.
osteoporosis (oss-tee-oh-puh-ROE-sis). A condition of fragile, brittle bones, particularly common in women of advanced age.
The doctor advised all of his female patients over fifty to make sure they took in plenty of calcium as a precaution against OSTEOPOROSIS.
psoriasis (suh-RIE-uh-suss). A chronic skin disease causing the skin to become covered with red patches and white scales.
Emmett treated his first bout of PSORIASIS by applying copious amounts of moisturizer, but it did no good.
schizophrenia (skits-uh-FREEN-ee-uh). A mental condition that often causes sufferers to hallucinate, to be disoriented, and often to withdraw from society.
It is a common misconception that SCHIZOPHRENIA is the condition of having multiple personalities.
eupepsia (yoo-PEP-shuh). Good digestion.
John enjoyed EUPEPSIA and could eat almost anything, including very spicy foods, without gastric distress or physical regret.
euphoria (yoo-FAWR-ee-uh). A feeling of well-being; an abnormal feeling of buoyant vigor and health.
“The writer who loses his self-doubt, who gives way as he grows old to a sudden EUPHORIA, to prolixity, should stop writing immediately: the time has come for him to lay aside his pen.”
—Sidonie-Gabrielle Colette, French novelist
See also: Health
(ih-MAJ-in), verb
To create a mental image of; form an idea or notion; to think or fancy; conceive in the mind.
envisage (en-VIZ-ij). To envision, imagine, or create a mental picture.
“I don’t ENVISAGE collectivism. There is no such animal, it is always individualism.”
—Gertrude Stein, American author
fabricate (FAB-rih-kait). To create something; often used negatively, to suggest that one is lying, or “creating” false information.
Mom shook her head because she could tell I was just FABRICATING my explanations.
vicariously (vye-KARE-ee-uss-lee). To enjoy imagined feelings and experiences largely by observing or hearing about another person’s life and adventures.
Married for over twenty-five years, Roger often told his single friends that he lived VICARIOUSLY through them.
chimera (kih-MER-uh). An illusion of the mind or a dream that can’t possibly be realized.
Leon’s idea of the perfect woman is a CHIMERA that keeps him from realizing his goal of finding true love.
epiphany (eh-PIH-fan-ee). A sudden, unexpected insight that seems to come from nowhere and throws great illumination on a subject previously not well understood.
One day Marcus had an EPIPHANY and realized that, to find true happiness, he should become a philanthropist.
phantasmagoria (fan-taz-muh-GORE-ee-uh). A dreamlike, constantly changing series of visions.
The avant-garde film had no dialogue or plot in the traditional sense; it was essentially a PHANTASMAGORIA set to music.
apocryphal (uh-POK-ri-fuhl). Of dubious authenticity; having been fabricated long after the fact.
The story of Shakespeare’s having shared a mistress with Richard Burbage is almost certainly APOCRYPHAL.
factitious (fack-TISH-uss). Contrived; fabricated.
At first, we thought the rumor FACTITIOUS, but then we learned that couture-producer Hermes does, in fact, plan to design and market a helicopter.
pensive (PEN-siv). Thoughtful; having wistful or dreamy thoughts.
My girlfriend was ready for a riotous night on the town, but I was feeling PENSIVE, so we ended up going to a cafe and talking well into the night.
discerning (dih-SUR-ning). Showing good insight, judgment and understanding; discriminating.
“Children, who play life, DISCERN its true law and relations more clearly than men, who fail to live it worthily, but who think that they are wiser by experience, that is, by failure.”
—Henry David Thoreau, American essayist, poet, and philosopher
percipient (pur-SIP-ee-int). Keenly or readily perceiving; discriminating.
Arthur was a PERCIPIENT gourmet, so we always let him choose the restaurant for a celebratory meal.
(im-uh-CHOOR), adjective
Not developed emotionally or physically; not ripe or perfected; childish.
adolescent (ad-ih-LESS-uhnt). Of or relating to adolescence; behaving in an immature way.
Alan earned exemplary grades and athletic honors in college, but retained his ADOLESCENT outlook on life.
callow (KAL-oh). Lacking experience; immature.
Ellis, a CALLOW youth accompanying Madame Hempstead, seemed not to understand that his joke about the ambassador’s choice of underwear was inappropriate for a state dinner.
jejune (ji-JOON). Immature or lacking in insight; dull or lackluster.
Ralph’s JEJUNE fantasies of stardom brought only laughs of derision from his friends.
naïve (nah-EEV). Unaffectedly simple; childlike; innocent; unworldly.
Patricia was refreshingly but dangerously NAïVE about the world and all the people in it.
petulant (PET-chew-lant). Describes someone who sulks, complains, and whines like a child or is ill-tempered.
Emma was sick and tired of her husband’s PETULANT pouting.
puerile (PYOO-er-ill). Immature, babyish, infantile.
“An admiral whose PUERILE vanity has betrayed him into a testimonial . . . [is] sufficient to lure the hopeful patient to his purchase.”
—Samuel Hopkins Adams, American journalist
sophomoric (sof-uh-MORE-ik). Immature; overbearing in a conceited or pretentious way; characteristic of one with little learning but convinced that he or she is brilliant.
Preston was intrigued by the fraternity’s offer of fun and games, but I found their SOPHOMORIC initiation rituals and elitist attitudes tough to take.
cultivated (KUHL-tuh-vey-tid). Trained and developed; refined; cultured.
“I do not want to die . . . until I have faithfully made the most of my talent and CULTIVATED the seed that was placed in me until the last small twig has grown.”
—Käthe Kollwitz, German painter
seasoned (SEE-zuhnd). Matured, ripened, or experienced from exposure to suitable conditions or instruction.
We were amazed by the changes in Roy from just one year away at school; he left a confused youth and returned a SEASONED scholar.
See also: Novice
(im-PAY-shunt), adjective
Feeling or showing a lack of patience; annoyance due to delay or opposition; restless.
brusque (BRUSK). Short; abrupt or curt in manner.
Her BRUSQUE exterior put Tom off at first, but he later discussed many important issues with Ann in depth.
bumptious (BUMP-shuss). Overbearing or crudely assertive; overly pushy or impertinent.
We had difficulty crossing the border because Nan got into a squabble with a BUMPTIOUS border guard.
impetuous (im-PET-you-us). Impulsive; driven by sudden force or emotion.
Dirk’s IMPETUOUS remark may well cost him his job.
importunate (im-PORE-chuh-nit). Demanding or impatient in issuing repeated requests.
Two-year-olds, though lovable, can be IMPORTUNATE; Wesley seemed unprepared for this.
irascible (ih-RASS-uh-bull). Easily provoked or annoyed; prone to losing one’s temper; quick to anger.
“I have never known anyone worth a damn who wasn’t IRASCIBLE.”
—Ezra Pound, American expatriate poet
restive (RESS-tihv). Impatient and stubborn; contrary.
Audrey was so worked up about her first summer abroad that her excitement came across as RESTIVE.
unceremonious (un-sare-uh-MONE-ee-uss). Rude or abrupt; tactlessly hasty; inappropriate.
June made an UNCEREMONIOUS exit just as the chairman was beginning his remarks on the Fentworth project.
abide (uh-BIDE). To withstand, patiently wait for, or tolerate.
I could ABIDE my dinner companion’s bigotry for only so long; by evening’s end, I had to challenge him.
philosophic (fil-uh-SOF-ik). Rational; sensibly composed; calm.
Harry hated to wait, but over time he saw that his impatience harmed only himself, and when necessary, was PHILOSOPHIC about periods of forced inactivity.
(im-PROOV), verb
To make better; to raise to a better quality or condition; increase the worth of.
aggrandize (ah-GRAND-ize). 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 is a charter member of the Bill O’Reilly fan club, but everybody just thinks this “feat” makes him pathetic.
augment (awg-MENT). To make greater in size, amount, strength, etc.
The contributions collected for the library addition were AUGMENTED by a large anonymous donation.
bowdlerize (BOWED-ler-eyes). To remove obscenity, violence, and other inappropriate content from a novel, play, or story so as to make it appropriate for a younger reader.
Hollywood BOWDLERIZED his script, so, instead of being R-rated, the film was rated PG-13.
elevate (EL-ih-vayt). To raise up, make higher; to raise to a higher intellectual or moral level; to raise the spirits; lift.
Only a visit from her favorite nephew could ELEVATE Ann’s spirits and calm her feelings of depression and loss.
gentrify (JENN-truh-fie). To take something rundown, such as a neighborhood, and improve it.
Attempts to GENTRIFY the historic neighborhood failed because of community apathy.
meliorism (MEE-lee-uh-riz-um). A philosophy of optimism that says the world is gradually improving through divine intervention or human effort—or both.
Thomas Hardy’s philosophy of MELIORISM showed in his belief in the ultimate goodness of humankind.
didactic (dye-DAK-tik). Designed, made, or tailored for purposes of education, self-improvement, or ethical betterment.
“The essential function of art is moral. But a passionate, implicit morality, not DIDACTIC.”
—D. H. Lawrence, British author
deteriorate (dih-TEER-ee-uh-reyt). To make or become worse; lower in quality or value; depreciate.
“Writing, at its best, is a lonely life. Organizations for writers palliate the writer’s loneliness, but I doubt if they improve his writing. He grows in public stature as he sheds his loneliness and often his work DETERIORATES.
—Ernest Hemingway, American novelist
exacerbate (egg-ZASS-err-bayt). To take action that makes a situation worse or aggravate it further.
The problem with the mission was further EXACERBATED when the outer tiles ripped away from the space shuttle.
(in-uh-PRO-pree-it), adjective
Not appropriate, suitable, or usable; not fitting or proper; out of place.
eccentric (ik-SEN-trik). Deviating from the norm, as in conduct; odd; peculiar; unconventional.
Late in life, my uncle often walked to town, muttering to himself and gesticulating —acting with the ECCENTRIC mannerisms of the elderly and harmless, yet like someone who should be avoided.
disproportionate (dis-pruh-POOR-shun-it). Out of proportion in size or number.
Ralph always cooked a DISPROPORTIONATE amount of food for the number of guests at his dinner parties.
gratuitous (grah-TOO-ih-tuss). Unnecessary; inappropriately excessive; uncalled for.
“Being accused of making money by selling sex in Hollywood, home of the casting couch and the GRATUITOUS nude scene, is so rich with irony that it’s a better subject for a comic novel than a column.”
—Anna Quindlen, American author and opinion columnist
incongruous (in-KAHNG-grew-us). Describes something that does not belong in its current place, setting, or role; out of place; not fitting in.
“The taste for quotations (and for the juxtaposition of INCONGRUOUS quotations) is a Surrealist taste.”
—Susan Sontag, American literary theorist, philosopher, and political activist
indecorous (in-DEK-uh-rus). Lacking in decorum, propriety, good taste; unseemly.
The apartment’s INDECOROUS furnishings made it impossible for us to imagine living there.
unseemly (un-SEEM-ly). Inappropriate; unbecoming.
The family felt that Bill’s presence at the memorial service would have been UNSEEMLY, as he had been my sister-in-law’s bitterest business rival.
unsuitable (uhn-SOO-tuh-buhl). Not suitable, inappropriate; unfitting.
“This mode of electioneering suited neither my taste nor my principles. I thought it equally UNSUITABLE to my personal character and to the station in which I am placed.”
—John Quincy Adams, American president
apt (APT). Suitable for the purpose or occasion; fitting.
Roger could always be counted on to provide an APT comment, whatever the occasion.
congruous (KONG-groo-uhs). Fitting; appropriate.
They chose this particular concert hall for the performance because its acoustics were especially CONGRUOUS for their music.
(in-duh-PEN-dunce), noun
The condition of being free of the influence, determination, or control of others; self-determination; lack of bias.
autonomy (aw-TAHN-ah-mee). Independent thought and action; freedom; self-governance.
Herb claims he wants AUTONOMY, but he goes absolutely nuts whenever his boss gives him unstructured assignments.
discretion (dih-SKRESH-uhn). The freedom or authority to make decisions and choices; the power to act according to one’s own judgment.
Harry was not averse to use his DISCRETION as a member of the board of selectmen.
maverick (MAV-rik). An unorthodox or unconventional person who does what it takes to get things done.
“The rugged individualist is too often mistaken for the misfit, the MAVERICK, the spoilsport, the sore thumb.”
—Lewis H. Lapham, former editor of Harper’s magazine
separatists (SEP-prah-tists). Those who believe a particular region or group should be separated from a larger whole.
Some SEPARATIST Canadians want Quebec to be a separate nation from the rest of Canada.
sovereignty (SOV-rin-tee). A nation’s self-determination and right to exist as a separate, independent entity.
The border incursion should be accepted for what it is: an affront against the SOVEREIGNTY of our country.
nonpartisan (non-PAHR-tih-zuhn). Not in support of a particular political party or special interest group.
The Vallinghams pride themselves in being NONPARTISAN, but they have never been known to vote even for a moderate Democrat.
contingent (kuhn-TIN-juhnt). Dependent on something for existence or occurrence; conditional.
“The radical novelty of modern science lies precisely in the rejection of the belief, which is at the heart of all popular religion, that the forces which move the stars and atoms are CONTINGENT upon the preferences of the human heart.”
—Walter Lippmann, American journalist
subjection (suhb-JEK-shun). Under the authority or control of; owing allegiance to.
“There being nothing more evident than that creatures of the same species should be equal amongst one another without subordination or SUBJECTION.”
—John Locke, English philosopher
See also: Fair
(IN-dih-kate), verb
To show; point out, or direct attention to; to give a sign of; signify.
augur (AW-gur). To foretell future events, as though by supernatural knowledge or power; to divine; to indicate a future trend or happening.
The chairman’s sour mood this morning does not AUGUR well for that budget proposal we made.
denote (de-NOTE). To indicate or make clear; to serve as sign or symbol for something else.
Her chills and discoloration, Dr. Smith observed, DENOTED severe hypothermia.
evince (ee-VINCE). To reveal or indicate the presence of a particular feeling or condition.
The blocky lines of Van Gogh’s paintings EVINCE a feeling of depression and madness.
presage (press-ij). To foretell or indicate.
Such provocation may PRESAGE armed conflict in the region.
bellwether (BELL-weather). A leading indicator or important factor in predicting a trend or outcome.
The fact that Robert got thrown out of Groton and Exeter was a BELLWETHER for his lackadaisical years at Dartmouth.
indicant (IN-di-kuhnt). Something that indicates or points out.
The loss of electricity was the first INDICANT that the presentation would not be successful.
premonition (pree-muh-NISH-un). A feeling of anticipation; a forewarning.
Bob had daily PREMONITIONS of disaster, but they were all unfounded.
ensconce (en-SKONTS). To hide something in a secure place.
Paul hoped that once the statue was ENSCONCED on board ship, they would have no trouble with customs officers.
veil (VEYL). To cover or conceal; to hide the actual nature of something; mask; disguise.
“A poet dares be just so clear and no clearer. . . . He unzips the VEIL from beauty, but does not remove it. A poet utterly clear is a trifle glaring.”
—E. B. White, American writer
(in-EV-uh-tuh-bull), adjective
Unavoidable; sure to occur; certain; necessary.
assured (ah-SHOORD). Certain; guaranteed; with great confidence.
“Just as I know the sun will rise tomorrow,” my lawyer told me, “you can be ASSURED that you’ll be acquitted.”
ineluctable (In-el-LUCK-tah-bull). Unavoidable, inevitable, with a sense of being unfortunate, sad, or even tragic.
Our inability to procure Pratesi linens for our Colorado ski lodge created an INELUCTABLE sadness among the members of our family.
inescapable (in-uh-SKAY-puh-buhl). Incapable of being avoided, ignored, or escaped.
“We are caught in an INESCAPABLE network of mutuality, tied in a single garment of destiny.”
—Martin Luther King, Jr., American minister and civil-rights leader
inexorable (in-EKS-zor-ah-bull). Unstoppable; relentless; persistent.
“I know enough to know that most of the visible signs of aging are the result of the INEXORABLE victory of gravity over tissue.”
—Isaac Asimov, Russian-born American author and biochemist
irrevocable (ih-REV-uh-kuh-bull). Not to be recalled or revoked; unalterable.
“Education is our greatest opportunity to give an IRREVOCABLE gift to the next generation.”
—Ernie Fletcher, governor of Kentucky and U.S. representative
obligatory (uh-BLIG-uh-tawr-ee). Having the nature of an obligation; binding; required; mandatory.
By making taxes OBLIGATORY, we’ve made them inevitable.
ordain (or-DAYN). To decree; order; predetermine.
John felt that fate had ORDAINED that he would encounter his minister at the worst possible time.
adventitious (add-vin-TISH-us). Arising or occurring sporadically or in unusual locations; accidental.
Every time I plant a garden, ADVENTITIOUS wildflowers pop up to ruin my design.
aleatory (AIL-ee-ah-tore-ee). Unplanned, spontaneous, on the spur of the moment rather than deliberately thought out and carefully considered; dependent 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.
(in-SANE), adjective
Not sane; mentally ill or deranged; completely senseless.
frenetic (fruh-NET-ik). Wild; frenzied; excessively excited.
Wilbur’s FRENETIC behavior has resulted in hospitalization on more than one occasion.
ludicrous (LOO-dih-kruss). Absurd to the point of being laughable; obviously implausible or impractical.
Your proposal that I accept a 75 percent pay cut is LUDICROUS, Mr. Robinson.
maniacal (muh-NYE-uh-kull). Overly emphatic; frenzied; having a fanatical devotion to a certain pursuit.
Chuck’s obsession with baseball statistics bordered on the MANIACAL.
non compos mentis (NAHN-KAHM-pohs-MEN-tiss). Not in one’s right mind.
When Bryce suggested he was considering the ministry rather than joining the family bond business, we were certain he was NON COMPOS MENTIS.
pathological (Path-a-LODGE-ick-uhl). Involving or caused by disease; evidencing or caused by an abnormal or extreme condition.
Diane’s PATHOLOGICAL need for attention has caused her, on more than one occasion, to plant lies about herself in the society pages.
quixotic (kwik-SOT-ik). Absurdly romantic; impractical; impulsive and rash; in the manner of Cervantes’s character Don Quixote.
We all loved Arthur dearly but could not support his continual QUIXOTIC quests to save the environment.
unhinged (uhn-HINJD). Confused; disordered; distraught; unbalanced.
Rose became UNHINGED at the news of the death of her college roommate.
dementia (duh-MEN-chuh). A mental illness characterized by loss of reason.
Owing to the deceased’s DEMENTIA at the time the will was signed, there was considerable legal wrangling over the estate.
imbecility (im-buh-SILL-ih-tee). Foolishness; simplemindedness.
Although he disdained the IMBECILITY of mainstream television, Arnie was not above an occasional viewing of American Gladiators or Geraldo.
megalomania (meg-uh-lo-MAY-nee-uh). A psychopathological condition in which a person is obsessed with fantasies of riches, grandeur, or authority; people whose ambitions and sense of self-importance are overblown.
Some have interpreted the tycoon’s purchase of the old castle as an uncharacteristically bad real estate deal; I see it as pure MEGALOMANIA.
quirk (KWIHRK). A peculiarity of one’s personality or manner.
One of the most omnipresent QUIRKS of the nouveau riche is that they still ask the price of a luxury item, rather than simply offering to purchase it.
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.
lucid (LOO-sid). Possessed of a clear mental state; having full use of one’s faculties; intelligible.
Although he lost consciousness for a few minutes, Glenn was LUCID before the ambulance arrived.
rational (RASH-uh-nul). Having the ability to reason logically without emotion.
“Man is a RATIONAL animal who always loses his temper when he is called upon to act in accordance with the dictates of reason.”
—Oscar Wilde, Irish poet, novelist, and dramatist
(in-SEN-sih-tiv), adjective
Lacking in human sensibility; not capable of being impressed or influenced.
aloof (uh-LOOF). Indifferent or uninterested; unsociable.
Chuck’s ALOOF attitude at our dinner party made us wonder if our usually talkative friend was trying to tell us something.
blithe (BLITHE). Cheerful or merry in disposition; carefree or indifferent; unconcerned with petty cares or problems.
Rod dismissed the accountant’s objections with a BLITHE wave of his hand.
callous (KAL-uss). Unfeeling; insensitive; hardened.
The chauffeur couldn’t understand how Mr. Jensen could be so CALLOUS as to ride by the crowd of homeless people every day without taking the least notice of them.
pachydermatous (pak-ee-DERM-ah-tus). Having a thick skin; not sensitive to criticism, ridicule, etc.
As a used car salesman, Ed had developed a PACHYDERMATOUS outlook on life.
reflexive (reh-FLEK-siv). Happening through reflex or habit rather than considered action.
We don’t mean to act imperiously toward the nouveau riche; it’s just a REFLEXIVE and conditioned response.
stoic (STOH-ik). Able to endure pain or suffering without complaining.
“He soldiered through his duties with what looked like cheerful STOICISM.”
—Thomas Pynchon, American author
stolid (STAHL-id). Unemotional and impassive.
Thomas’s STOLID demeanor hides the heart of a jet-setting playboy.
impressionable (im-PRESH-uh-nuh-buhl). Easily affected by impressions; capable of being influenced; sensitive.
Brian was a good friend and quite bright, but he was as IMPRESSIONABLE as the average twelve-year-old child.
susceptible (suh-SEP-tuh-buhl). Easily affected emotionally; having a sensitive nature or feelings; responsive.
“History has informed us that bodies of men as well as individuals are SUSCEPTIBLE of the spirit of tyranny.”
—Thomas Jefferson, American president
(in-SUHLT), verb
To attack the feelings of another; to treat with scorn and indignity.
denigrate (DEN-ih-grayt). Insult; put down; demean; belittle.
“Everything we shut our eyes to, everything we run away from, everything we deny, DENIGRATE or despise, serves to defeat us in the end.”
—Henry Miller, American author and painter
malign (muh-LINE). To defame; to besmirch (the reputation of).
The much-MALIGNED team owner’s decision to trade his star quarterback turned out to be one of the best moves he ever made.
traduce (truh-DOOSS). To speak maliciously of; slander.
We have snubbed Katrina permanently because she has, at one time or another, TRADUCED each one of us in the society pages.
vilify (VIL-ih-fie). To defame; to slander.
My opponent’s ceaseless attempts to VILIFY me during this campaign reached a new low when she accused me of being a neo-Nazi.
derogatory (dih-ROG-uh-tore-ee). Tending to lessen or impair someone or something; disparaging and negative.
Butch’s DEROGATORY remarks about my girlfriend were meant to goad me into a fight, but I was determined to keep my cool.
insolent (IN-suh-lnt). Rude and arrogant; insulting and contemptuous.
Her INSOLENT retorts to Joan’s well-intentioned queries stunned the dinner party.
pejorative (pih-JOR-a-tiv). Insulting; meant as a put-down or to belittle.
“Wordsmith” is a corporate term used to denote someone who is a good writer, but professional writers see it as PEJORATIVE.
defamation (def-uh-MAY-shun). False, baseless attack on a person’s or group’s reputation.
After the last of the magazine’s articles on her, Virginia decided she had put up with enough DEFAMATION and decided to sue.
umbrage (UM-bridge). To take exception to and be offended by a comment or action seen as a slight or insult.
“I take UMBRAGE with people who post comments on my blog that are patently false,” Bob said.
felicitate (fi-LIS-ih-teyt). To compliment; to congratulate; wish happiness to.
“Remind me,” said Robin’s mother, “to FELICITATE your sister on having received an ‘A’ in biology.”
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
(in-tre-DOOS), verb
To put into place; insert.
infuse (in-FYUZE). To introduce; cause to penetrate; instill.
The dynamic commissioner INFUSED a new sense of pride into the beleaguered department.
insinuate (in-SIN-you-ate). To introduce slowly, indirectly, but skillfully.
I had great confidence that we were headed in the right direction until the guide’s comments INSINUATED doubts in my mind.
intercalate (in-TUR-kuh-layt). To interpose between or among existing elements; to insert one or more days into the calendar.
The book’s design was improved by INTERCALATING quotations and aphorisms between sections of straight text.
interject (in-ter-JEKT). To insert in between; interpose.
My mother always tried to INTERJECT herself when my brother and I were fighting.
interpolate (in-TER-poh-late). To introduce something—often something unnecessary or incorrect—between other things or parts.
Dexter could not help but continuously INTERPOLATE critical remarks into the descriptions of the latest Parisian designs.
interpose (in-ter-POZ). To aggressively insert unsolicited opinion, assistance, or presence into a situation.
“I hope I am not INTERPOSING,” Eileen said as she walked in on our meeting —which of course, she was.
intersperse (in-tur-SPURSE). To scatter here and there; to distribute or place at intervals.
INTERSPERSED throughout the studio audience were “clappers” whose sole purpose was to motivate the rest of the crowd into laughing and applauding for the show.
intromit (in-tra-MIT). To admit; to cause to enter; put in.
“I never tire of INTROMITTING a hardboiled egg into a milk bottle, shell and all.”
—Raymond Sokolov
obtrude (uhb-TROOD). To impose oneself or one’s ideas on others.
Paul saw no problem OBTRUDING his opinions on complete strangers.
rescind (ree-SINNED). Take away, revoke, cancel, withdraw, remove.
The town RESCINDED all their restrictions on water use after we received two weeks of heavy rain.
revoke (ri-VOKE). To take back or withdraw; reverse; rescind.
“Knowledge is that possession that no misfortune can destroy, no authority can REVOKE, and no enemy can control. This makes knowledge the greatest of all freedoms.”
—Bryant H. McGill, American editor and author
(EYE-suh-layt-ed), adjective
Separated from other persons.
cloistered (KLOI-sturd). Secluded; isolated; removed or hidden.
Shocked by the news of the shooting on our street, we remained CLOISTERED in our house for days afterward.
hermetic (her-MET-ick). Isolated, or unaffected by outside influences.
“Reality, whether approached imaginatively or empirically, remains a surface, HERMETIC.”
—Samuel Beckett, Irish writer, dramatist, and poet
insular (INN-suh-ler). Self-contained and therefore isolated from the world and unaffected by outside influences, usually to one’s detriment.
The Pricewaters moved from the family’s traditional home to a more INSULAR compound farther up the coast.
taciturn (TAS-ih-turn). Reserved; uncommunicative; a person of few words.
“Nature is garrulous to the point of confusion, let the artist be truly TACITURN.”
—Paul Klee, German-born Swiss painter
segregation (seg-ruh-GAY-shun). The separation of people by class, race, or ethnicity, either enforced or voluntarily, geographically or by the restriction of access to facilities or services.
As the judge seemed doomed to have to point out for the rest of his life, his order affected only those school districts whose officials deliberately practiced SEGREGATION in violation of law—not SEGREGATION that was purely the result of existing demographic patterns.
solitude (SOL-i-tood). The state of seclusion.
Although Peter maintained that he thought better in SOLITUDE, we considered him antisocial.
quarantine (KWOR-un-teen). To set apart; to isolate from others in order to prevent the spread of disease.
An elementary knowledge of public health procedures would have led you to QUARANTINE this area immediately, Dr. Miller.
commingle (kuh-MING-guhl). To mix together; combine.
“All human beings are COMMINGLED out of good and evil.”
—Robert Louis Stevenson, Scottish essayist, poet, and author
integrate (IN-ti-greyt). To bring together or combine parts into a whole; to unite or combine.
“If we make room for everybody, there will be more room for everybody. An integrated America, where each and every American is treated with the same dignity and respect, is a better America for everyone.”
—General Wesley Clark, American general
See also: Alone, Eliminate, Reject