Here is our top list of high-frequency words you can add to your writing.
Learning to pronounce, read, spell, and understand high-frequency words aids children and novice writers in reading and writing more efficiently. People who can easily recognize these words have more confidence in communicating with others.
Contents
- What Are High-Frequency Words?
- The Most Used Words in the English Language
- High-Frequency Words in Phase 2 Phonics
- High-Frequency Words in Phase 3 Phonics
- High-Frequency Words in Phase 4 Phonics
- High-Frequency Words in Phase 5 Phonics
- Author
What Are High-Frequency Words?
High-frequency words refer to the most commonly used terms in the English language. They are the recurring words in a text that help learners to form sentences better. These words may or may not have meaning, but they help complete a sentence’s context. Some high-frequency words are decodable or non-decodable. It’s the reason these words are sometimes called “sight words” or “tricky words.”
| A | Her | Only |
| About | Here | Out |
| All | Him | People |
| An | His | Put |
| And | House | Said |
| Any | I | See |
| Are | If | She |
| As | I’m | So |
| At | In | Some |
| Back | Into | That |
| Be | Is | The |
| Because | It | They |
| Big | Its | Them |
| But | Just | Then |
| By | Like | There |
| Can | Little | Their |
| Children | Live | This |
| Come | Look | Time |
| Dad | Make | To |
| Day | Me | Too |
| Do | Mr | Up |
| Don’t | Mrs | Very |
| Down | Mum | What |
| For | My | We |
| From | No | When |
| Get | Not | Where |
| Give | Now | Which |
| Go | Of | Why |
| Got | Off | Will |
| Have | Oh | With |
| He | Old | You |
| Help | One | Your |
Check out our list of action words to incorporate into your writing.
The Most Used Words in the English Language
These words are the most repeated not only in writing but also in verbal communication. There are many cases where it’s impossible to imagine these words, as they have a meaning that can only be understood or memorized.
- A
My mother wants to ask if you want a new blanket while you’re here.
- And
The Shawshank Redemption and The Godfather top the IMDb top 250 movies with a 9.2 rating.
- Be
Regardless of their shortcomings, always be respectful to your parents.
- Do
Do you know why he’s transferring schools?
- Get
You need to get out of here immediately!
- Have
I have to tell you something, but I don’t know how and where to start.
- I
I am here to reclaim everything that is mine.
- In
My grandmother likes to read her journal in the mornings.
- It
It is true that Jason’s father is cheating on his mother.
- Me
Stop asking me for advice when you don’t intend to use it.
- My
Greg, this is my little sister, Nicole.
- Not
That is not the right way to bake a cake.
- Of
Ricky is a friend and a coworker of mine, that’s all.
- That
Britches, now known as trousers, is an English word that people no longer use.
- The
Charles III is now the king of the United Kingdom.
- This
I don’t know why she’s so nervous; this is not her first performance.
- To
I want you to know that I can forgive but will never forget.
- What
Care to explain what this mess is all about?
- We
Father said we need to move again because of his work.
- You
Are you the one who always sends me cookies?
High-Frequency Words in Phase 2 Phonics
Phase 2 phonics is where kids learn the sounds a letter makes. It’s also known as phonemes. While there are 44 unique sounds, in phase 2, children only focus on 19 single letter sounds that are most persistent in the English language. See the examples below to use in your writing or teaching phonic lessons:
- An
My brother is training to be an architect.
- As
As much as I would like to stay for a sleepover, I need to go home.
- At
Can we meet later at the library to talk about the project?
- Back
I’ll be back soon, don’t worry.
- Big
That tall guy is Eric’s big brother.
- But
I don’t like its color, but this dress is way better than the other one, right?
- Can
Can you help me with my film project?
- Dad
Dad and I are in charge of today’s dinner.
- Go
I usually go to the local gym once a month with my friends.
- Got
I got pushed by people rushing to get on and off the train.
- Him
If you love him, why don’t you fight for him?
- His
Gio is trying to finish his homework as soon as possible.
- If
If we study hard, we’ll surely pass our exams.
- Into
Please put the dirty dishes into the sink.
- Is
Glenda is now a famous writer!
- Mum
My mum likes doing community service to help other people.
- No
There are no trains running today because of the typhoon.
- Off
Get into the habit of turning off lights you don’t use.
- Up
My eldest brother will pick me up at the airport.
High-Frequency Words in Phase 3 Phonics
These high-frequency words enhance English vocabulary. By reviewing the terms in phase 3 phonics, children develop their reception of more complex words. This phase is the continuation of phase 2, which introduces the remaining and less common phonemes. Here are the sample sentences with high-frequency words whose sounds come from two letters to form a proper word:
- All
All students will join the Christmas ball.
- Are
Are you sure this is the right way back to the camp?
- Down
I want to write down many things on my bucket list.
- For
I think this package from London is for you.
- Give
Please give me a reason why you think I should accept your apology.
- He
He is a very adventurous guy who wants to try many things in life.
- Her
I can’t believe our new professor is her mom.
- Live
If you dream of being a great singer, learn to sing live.
- Look
Please look at the board and tell me the answer to the third question.
- Now
Now is the right time to tell them about the surprise party.
- Only
Jay is the only child in their family.
- See
The teacher wants to see the classroom president after class.
- She
I hope she grows up kind, sweet, and beautiful.
- They
The board of directors said they want to evaluate all the candidates before choosing who will get the promotion.
- Them
Can you please tell them I cannot attend the meeting?
- Then
No, honey, finish your homework first, and then you can play.
- Too
The coffee is too hot to drink!
- Will
My grandmother will be a hundred years old next week.
- With
My cousin always jokes about marrying someone with a lot of money.
High-Frequency Words in Phase 4 Phonics
In the fourth phase, there are more tricky words and spelling patterns. The activities in phase 4 include reading and spelling CVCC (consonant-vowel-consonant-consonant) words, tricky words, frequency words, and writing sentences. Learning these words is essential to be more confident and expand your vocabulary.
- Any
Will she bring any friends to her birthday party?
- Because
I will not be able to go to school because I have a fever.
- Children
Angelica is raising her children alone
- Come
Do you think he will agree if I ask him to come with me?
- Help
My father likes to help us with our homework.
- From
I believe the transferee is from California.
- Its
The cheese on your fridge is past its best-before date.
- Just
You just have to believe in yourself to get through every challenge in life.
- Like
Do you like your birthday party to be grand or intimate?
- Little
My little brother always cries whenever I leave the house.
- One
Surprisingly, only one student got the correct answer.
- Out
Do you want to go out with me tonight?
- Said
The weather forecaster said it’ll rain tonight.
- So
I am so excited about this birthday surprise!
- Some
He hides some of the artist’s beautiful artworks in this closet.
- There
Will you still go there even if it’s raining hard?
- When
When will you return to Los Angeles?
- Where
Do you know where I put my eyeglasses?
- Which
This is the car which she wants to buy for her parents.
- Why
I wonder why the groom keeps looking at the church door instead of his bride.
High-Frequency Words in Phase 5 Phonics
This phase aims to widen an individual’s knowledge about graphemes and phonemes. Since it’s more advanced than the other phases, there are many activities included in this phase, one of which is learning how to spell and read high-frequency words. Here’s the list of decodable and tricky words used in this phase:
- About
Tell me about your life goals.
- By
A small family is living by the lake.
- Day
Chan’s mother works day and night at the convenience store.
- Don’t
Don’t let fear lead you to despair.
- Here
Professor, here is the list of students who want to join the dance competition.
- House
No one knows that Kyla lives in a fancy house.
- I’m
I’m afraid of failing my math class.
- Make
My friend said she’ll make a cake for my birthday.
- Mr
Mr. Smith is a good man.
- Mrs
Mrs. Andrews is a strict English teacher.
- Oh
Oh, what a pretty name for a pretty young lady!
- Old
I want to buy an old traditional house and renovate it a bit.
- People
People are free to say and do anything they want, but sometimes it’s too much.
- Put
Please put the groceries on the tabletop.
- Their
It’s the parents’ responsibility to look after their children.
- Time
What time will we meet tomorrow to do our project?
- Very
I am very thankful that I have a friend like you.
- Your
Please do not forget to tell your parents about the upcoming school events.
Are you looking for more ways to expand your vocabulary and improve your skills? Check out our list of compound words to make your writing more engaging.
Join over 15,000 writers today
Get a FREE book of writing prompts and learn how to make more money from your writing.
-
Maria Caballero is a freelance writer who has been writing since high school. She believes that to be a writer doesn’t only refer to excellent syntax and semantics but also knowing how to weave words together to communicate to any reader effectively.
View all posts
The Government sets out certain words that children should be secure on reading by certain ages in the National Curriculum. Many schools also use these as spelling targets too.
In the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), the focus tends to be on High-Frequency Words (HFW) and simple ‘tricky’ words that do not follow traditional phonetic spelling patterns.
In addition, in EYFS and Key Stage 1 (Years 1&2), the children may also be looking at securing the first 100 and next 200 HFW words for reading and spelling.
Year 1, Year 2, Year 3&4, Year 5&6 have progressively harder word lists known as Common Exception Words. This simply means words with an unusual spelling.
How many tricky words are there?
This is a little ‘tricky’ to answer. There are officially labelled ‘tricky words’ for each Phonic phase, however the common exception words are pretty ‘tricky’ to spell too. BUT I’m glad you’ve asked, because we’ve put together some handy lists for you to refer to.
HFW / Tricky Word List in Phonetic Phases
First 100 High Frequency Words (HFW)
Next 200 High Frequency Words (HFW)
Y1 (Year 1) Common Exception Words
Y2 (Year 2) Common Exception Words
Y3 & Y4 (Years 3 & 4) Common Exception Words
Y5 & Y6 (Years 5 & 6) Common Exception Words
Don’t forget, you children will be exposed to these words to help them read related words. For example if they can read ‘accommodate’, they could work out ‘accompany’, ‘accommodating’, ‘accommodation’ etc.
More About HFW and Tricky Words: The Basics
Children learn to segment (break down) and blend (put together) words from the start of their reading journey. However, some words crop up so much in everyday reading, that they are encouraged to ‘sight read’ some of these words to increase fluency in reading. These are known as High-Frequency Words or HFW. For example: it, and.
Your child will also be taught Tricky Words. Tricky words are also words that pop up frequently in our everyday reading but are ones that usually do not follow the phonetic patterns taught. They are ones that are difficult, if not possible to sound out. For example: the, we.
List of High-Frequency and Tricky Words for Learning to Read with Phonics
Here is a list of the HFW and Tricky Words that your child is going to be taught at school. This is one order that may be taught to your child, but it may vary depending on the teaching progeamme used by your child’s school.
READ: is, it, in, at, and, the, to, no, go, I, on, a
Phase 3 Words
READ: he, she, we, me, be, was, my, you, they, her, all, are
SPELL: the, to, no, go
Phase 4 Words
READ: said, so, have, like, some, come, were, there, little, one, do, when, out, what
Phase 5 Words
READ: oh, their, people, Mr, Mrs, looked, called, asked, water, where, who, again, thought, through, work, mouse, many, laughed, because, different, any, eyes, friends, once, please, very, I’m, by, time, please
SPELL: said, so, have, like, some, come, were, there, little, one, do, when, what, out, oh, their, people, water, there, where, again, thought, through, work, mouse, many, laughed, because, different
More PHonics Words
Need more ideas for words used using the sounds as your little learner discovers more? Check out our helpful list for phase appropriate words.
For more information, ideas and printables, we recommend you check out the Letters and Sounds website. MANY schools follow Letters and Sounds for sequence and activities.
A printable list that includes the first 100 high frequency words for young learners and flashcards for additional practice. The words are taken from Fry’s list. They’re organized into four sets of 25 and listed alphabetically, to make keeping track of words a little simpler!
What are High Frequency Words?
Our list uses the first 100 words from Fry’s High Frequency Word list. They’re organized into four sets of 25 words, listed in alphabetical order. Why? Well, it makes the list less overwhelming for kids and more user-friendly for parents and teachers.
But first things first. What are high frequency words?
High frequency words are the words that we see come up most often when reading English texts; Basically, the words used in highest frequency.
They include words from all parts of speech, and young readers need to practice and study these words in order to make reading books and understanding other texts easier.
About 75% of high-frequency words (also referred to as “HFW”) are actually decodable, and should be taught as such. The other 25% of words include irregular spelling patterns and require explicit teaching. Using the heart word method to teach irregular words is scientifically based and most effective.
Of course, high frequency words and irregular words are important for children to learn to improve reading and spelling, but teachers are then tasked with figuring out which words to teach to beginning readers first.
But worry not! That’s why go-to lists combining the most frequently used words (called Fry and Dolch) have been developed.
Using the Word List and Flashcards
Use the list as a study guide for children or to check words they already know or don’t know. I staple it to the inside of my students’ reading folders and assign at home tasks.
We spend time mastering each list of high frequency words with lots of explicit practice and repetition. We use them in sentences, recite fun poems, write and rewrite the words, play spelling games, and more.
And when they master the one list, we move on to the next. It works great! Kids love the sense of accomplishment they feel when they get to move on to the next set of words!
The flashcards are great for self-studying, group activities, playing games, homework practice, and more.
As a teacher, having the list organized in alphabetical order helps me tremendously when trying to quickly check the words that my students have mastered. It also tells me which ones they still need to work on. I use the flashcards to test the kids, and then use the one-page list to mark the words they know and don’t know. This makes collecting data super easy!
Fry Words vs. Dolch Words
Teaching phonics rules rather than just memorizing words helps our students to read more than just the words on this list. It enables them to apply those rules to read other words that follow similar spelling patterns! When you’re a reading teacher, this is the goal!
In general, most lists for high-frequency words come from either the Fry or Dolch lists. Both are lists compiled of high-frequency words. The Dolch list includes 220 words and is organized by grade level and frequency. The Fry list was created as a more extensive list of 1000 words organized in groups of 100, in order of occurrence.
Both lists are completely appropriate for young learners, but Fry’s is considered a little more up to date and includes words young learners will see more today. Both are great to use and in fact, include many of the same words!
So whichever list you prefer, the most important thing is to be consistent with your instruction and to teach these words in conjunction with your phonics instruction, if possible.
Related Posts
- CVC Words with Pictures
- CH Digraph Worksheets
- Phonics Roll & Read (19 Games)
Download the Printables
TERMS: All resources and printables are designed for personal use only in your own home and classroom. Each person must visit this site and download their own free copy. Please do not photocopy, email, or reproduce our printable resources for other teachers, and please do not reproduce our printables on the web or save them to a shared drive. Instead, please share the resources with others by using the social share links provided or by distributing the link to the blog post itself. This allows us to keep making free resources for everyone! If you have any questions, please email us. Please see our Creative Credits page for information regarding the licensed ClipArt used in our resources. Thank you!
Here we are going to look at the list of high frequency words for beginners to start their vocabulary learning. Before jumping into list let us see what these high frequency words are ?.
When you read so many text and come across same set of words, jumbled differently. Ever thought what these words which are popping up frequently called? Yes, these are called high frequency words.
Moreover, we have many texts, and each one a remix of high frequency words. Contrarily, these words are underrated that we live our life without noticing their importance. However the literary pieces without them would just be a dream. No matter how hard we try we cannot write without using them… the situation very much similar to our behavior towards people whose work we tend to leave unnoticed. Where in reality, it’s their work which is saving our life from falling apart. Surprisingly, these people are not from any distant land but the one’s we see everyday like the soldier, police, electrician and everyone who’s serving you for your betterment. (List goes on forever for everyone who you think is important… now.)
100+ High Frequency Words for Kindergarten
Therefore, with this purpose in our mind, let’s head towards a just world for both words and humans, because why no
| the | as | is | at | of | and | with |
| you | for | was | a | his | that | on |
| are | to | they | it | be | have | in |
| I | he | this | from | all | but | by |
| can | do | each | for | had | he | how |
| if | in | not | of | on | one | or |
| said | she | that | the | their | there | use |
| we | were | what | when | which | with | you |
| your | words |
High Frequency Words for 1st Grade
| a | came | had | make | people | ten | walk |
| all | can | has | many | play | than | want |
| am | come | have | me | please | thank | was |
| an | day | he | more | pretty | that | we |
| and | did | her | much | purple | the | were |
| any | do | here | must | put | them | what |
| are | down | hers | my | ran | then | when |
| as | eat | him | new | red | there | where |
| ask | eight | his | nice | run | these | which |
| at | find | how | nine | said | they | white |
| ate | five | if | no | saw | thing | who |
| away | for | in | not | say | this | why |
| be | four | into | now | see | three | with |
| because | from | is | of | seven | to | went |
| been | get | it | on | she | too | work |
| before | girl | jump | one | six | two | yellow |
| big | go | like | only | small | up | yes |
| black | going | little | or | so | very | you |
| blue | good | look | orange | some | soon | your |
| boy | great | other | our | out | over | green |
| but | by | brown | house | how | day | could |
| been | high | more | much | should | some | write |
2nd Grade High Frequency Words
| the | or | will | number | new | great |
| of | one | up | no | sound | where |
| and | had | other | way | take | help |
| a | by | about | could | only | through |
| to | word | out | people | little | much |
| in | but | many | my | work | before |
| is | not | then | than | know | line |
| you | what | them | first | place | right |
| that | all | these | water | year | too |
| it | were | so | been | live | mean |
| he | we | some | call | me | old |
| was | when | her | who | back | any |
| for | your | would | oil | give | same |
| on | can | make | now | most | tell |
| are | said | like | find | very | boy |
| as | there | him | long | after | follow |
| with | use | into | down | thing | came |
| his | an | time | day | our | want |
| they | each | has | did | just | show |
| I | which | look | get | name | also |
| at | she | two | come | good | around |
| be | do | more | made | sentence | form |
| this | how | write | may | man | three |
| have | their | go | part | think | small |
| from | if | see | over | say | set |
| put | kind | every | left | until | idea |
| end | hand | near | don’t | children | enough |
| does | picture | add | few | side | eat |
| another | again | food | while | feet | face |
| well | change | between | along | car | watch |
| large | off | own | might | mile | far |
| must | play | below | close | night | Indian |
| big | spell | country | something | walk | real |
| even | air | plant | seem | white | almost |
| such | away | last | next | sea | let |
| because | animal | school | hard | began | above |
| turn | house | father | open | grow | girl |
| here | point | keep | example | took | sometimes |
| why | page | tree | begin | river | mountain |
| ask | letter | never | life | four | cut |
| went | mother | start | always | carry | young |
| men | answer | city | those | state | talk |
| read | found | earth | both | once | soon |
| need | study | eye | paper | book | list |
| land | still | light | together | hear | song |
| different | learn | thought | got | stop | being |
| home | should | head | group | without | leave |
| us | America | under | often | second | family |
| move | world | story | run | late | it’s |
| try | high | saw | important | miss | afternoon |
Phew!, a long list has finally come to an end. However, there are many words which you’ll maybe notice now while reading and understand their importance. Also don’t forget the humans!
Learn words with Flashcards and other activities
Other learning activities
Full list of words from this list:
-
abdicate
give up power, duties, or obligations
-
aberrant
markedly different from an accepted norm
-
abeyance
temporary cessation or suspension
-
abject
of the most contemptible kind
-
abjure
formally reject or disavow a formerly held belief
-
abscission
the act of cutting something off
-
abscond
run away, often taking something or somebody along
-
abstemious
marked by temperance in indulgence
-
abstinence
the trait of refraining from something, especially alcohol
-
abysmal
exceptionally bad or displeasing
-
accretion
an increase by natural growth or addition
-
accrue
grow by addition
-
adamant
very hard native crystalline carbon valued as a gem
-
adjunct
something added to another thing but not essential to it
-
admonish
scold or reprimand; take to task
-
adulterate
make impure by adding a foreign or inferior substance
-
aesthetic
characterized by an appreciation of beauty or good taste
-
affected
influenced
-
affinity
a natural attraction or feeling of kinship
-
aggrandize
embellish; increase the scope, power, or importance of
-
aggregate
a sum total of many heterogeneous things taken together
-
alacrity
liveliness and eagerness
-
alchemy
a pseudoscientific forerunner of chemistry in medieval times
-
allay
lessen the intensity of or calm
-
alleviate
provide physical relief, as from pain
-
alloy
a mixture containing two or more metallic elements
-
allure
the power to entice or attract
-
amalgamate
bring or combine together or with something else
-
ambiguous
having more than one possible meaning
-
ambivalence
mixed feelings or emotions
-
ambrosia
the food and drink of the gods
-
ameliorate
make better
-
amenable
disposed or willing to comply
-
amenity
something that provides value, pleasure, or convenience
-
amulet
a trinket thought to be a magical protection against evil
-
anachronism
locating something at a time when it couldn’t have existed
-
analgesic
capable of relieving pain
-
analogous
similar or equivalent in some respects
-
anarchy
a state of lawlessness and disorder
-
anodyne
capable of relieving pain
-
anomalous
deviating from the general or common order or type
-
antecedent
a preceding occurrence or cause or event
-
antediluvian
of or relating to the period before the biblical flood
-
antipathy
a feeling of intense dislike
-
apathy
an absence of emotion or enthusiasm
-
apex
the highest point of something
-
apogee
the farthest point in an orbit around the Earth
-
apothegm
a short pithy instructive saying
-
appease
make peace with
-
appellation
identifying words by which someone or something is called
-
apposite
being of striking appropriateness and pertinence
-
apprise
inform somebody of something
-
approbation
official acceptance or agreement
-
appropriate
suitable for a particular person, place, or situation
-
apropos
of a suitable, fitting, or pertinent nature
-
arabesque
position in which the dancer has one leg raised behind
-
archeology
the branch of anthropology that studies prehistoric people and their cultures
-
ardor
feelings of great warmth and intensity
-
arduous
characterized by effort to the point of exhaustion
-
argot
a characteristic language of a particular group
-
arrest
take into custody
-
artifact
a man-made object
-
artless
simple and natural; without cunning or deceit
-
ascetic
someone who practices self denial as a spiritual discipline
-
asperity
harshness of manner
-
aspersion
a disparaging remark
-
assiduous
marked by care and persistent effort
-
assuage
provide physical relief, as from pain
-
astringent
tending to draw together or constrict soft organic tissue
-
asylum
a shelter from danger or hardship
-
atavism
a reappearance of an earlier characteristic
-
attenuate
become weaker, in strength, value, or magnitude
-
audacious
disposed to venture or take risks
-
austere
of a stern or strict bearing or demeanor
-
autonomous
existing as an independent entity
-
avarice
reprehensible acquisitiveness; insatiable desire for wealth
-
aver
declare or affirm solemnly and formally as true
-
avocation
an auxiliary activity
-
avuncular
being or relating to an uncle
-
axiomatic
evident without proof or argument
-
bacchanalian
used of riotously drunken merrymaking
-
banal
repeated too often; overfamiliar through overuse
-
banter
light teasing repartee
-
bard
a lyric poet
-
bawdy
humorously vulgar
-
beatify
make blessedly happy
-
bedizen
decorate tastelessly
-
behemoth
someone or something that is abnormally large and powerful
-
belie
be in contradiction with
-
beneficent
doing or producing good
-
bifurcate
split or divide into two
-
blandishment
flattery intended to persuade
-
blase
uninterested because of frequent exposure or indulgence
-
bolster
support and strengthen
-
bombastic
ostentatiously lofty in style
-
boorish
ill-mannered and coarse in behavior or appearance
-
bovine
any of various wild or domestic cattle
-
brazen
unrestrained by convention or propriety
-
broach
bring up a topic for discussion
-
bucolic
devoted to raising sheep or cattle
-
burgeon
grow and flourish
-
burnish
polish and make shiny
-
buttress
a support usually of stone or brick
-
cacophonous
having an unpleasant sound
-
cadge
obtain or seek to obtain by wheedling
-
callous
emotionally hardened
-
calumny
a false accusation of an offense
-
canard
a deliberately misleading fabrication
-
canon
a collection of books accepted as holy scripture
-
cant
a slope in the turn of a road or track
-
cantankerous
stubbornly obstructive and unwilling to cooperate
-
capricious
determined by chance or impulse rather than by necessity
-
captious
tending to find and call attention to faults
-
cardinal
a vivid red color
-
carnal
of or relating to the body or flesh
-
carping
persistent petty and unjustified criticism
-
cartography
the making of maps and charts
-
caste
a hereditary social class among Hindus
-
castigation
verbal punishment
-
cataclysm
a sudden violent change in the earth’s surface
-
catalyst
substance that initiates or accelerates a chemical reaction
-
categorical
relating to or included in a class or classes
-
caucus
meet to select a candidate or promote a policy
-
causal
involving an entity that produces an effect
-
caustic
capable of destroying or eating away by chemical action
-
celestial
relating to or inhabiting a divine heaven
-
centrifugal
tending to move away from the middle
-
centripetal
tending to move toward an area in the middle
-
champion
someone who has won first place in a competition
-
chasten
censure severely
-
chicanery
the use of tricks to deceive someone
-
chivalry
the medieval principles governing knightly conduct
-
churlish
having a bad disposition; surly
-
circuitous
deviating from a straight course
-
clairvoyant
someone who can perceive things not present to the senses
-
clamor
utter or proclaim insistently and noisily
-
clique
an exclusive circle of people with a common purpose
-
coagulate
change from a liquid to a thickened or solid state
-
cloister
residence that is a place of religious seclusion
-
coalesce
fuse or cause to come together
-
coda
the closing section of a musical composition
-
codify
organize into a system, such as a body of law
-
cognizant
having or showing knowledge or understanding or realization
-
collage
a paste-up of pieces to form an artistic image
-
commensurate
corresponding in size or degree or extent
-
compendium
a publication containing a variety of works
-
complacent
contented to a fault with oneself or one’s actions
-
complaisant
showing a cheerful willingness to do favors for others
-
complement
something added to embellish or make perfect
-
compliant
disposed to act in accordance with someone’s wishes
-
compunction
a feeling of deep regret, usually for some misdeed
-
concave
curving inward
-
conciliatory
making or willing to make concessions
-
concoct
make something by mixing
-
concomitant
following or accompanying as a consequence
-
condone
excuse, overlook, or make allowances for
-
confound
be confusing or perplexing to
-
congenial
suitable to your needs
-
conjugal
relating to the relationship between a wife and husband
-
connoisseur
an expert able to appreciate a field
-
conscript
enroll into service compulsorily
-
consecrate
give entirely to a specific person, activity, or cause
-
contend
compete for something
-
contentious
showing an inclination to disagree
-
continence
voluntary control over urinary and fecal discharge
-
contrite
feeling or expressing pain or sorrow
-
contumacious
willfully obstinate; stubbornly disobedient
-
conundrum
a difficult problem
-
contiguous
having a common boundary or edge
-
convention
the act of meeting formally
-
converge
be adjacent or come together
-
convex
curving or bulging outward
-
convivial
occupied with or fond of the pleasures of good company
-
convoluted
highly complex or intricate
-
copious
large in number or quantity
-
coquette
talk or behave amorously, without serious intentions
-
cornucopia
a horn filled with fruit and grain symbolizing prosperity
-
cosmology
metaphysical study of the origin and nature of the universe
-
covert
secret or hidden
-
covetous
immoderately desirous of acquiring something
-
cozen
be dishonest with
-
craven
lacking even the rudiments of courage; abjectly fearful
-
credence
the mental attitude that something is believable
-
credo
any system of principles or beliefs
-
daunt
cause to lose courage
-
dearth
an insufficient quantity or number
-
debauchery
a wild gathering
-
decorum
propriety in manners and conduct
-
defame
charge falsely or with malicious intent
-
default
an option that is selected automatically
-
deference
courteous regard for people’s feelings
-
defunct
no longer in force or use; inactive
-
delineate
represented accurately or precisely
-
demographic
a statistic characterizing human populations
-
demotic
of or for the common people
-
demur
politely refuse or take exception to
-
denigrate
attack the good name and reputation of someone
-
denizen
a plant or animal naturalized in a region
-
denouement
the outcome of a complex sequence of events
-
deride
treat or speak of with contempt
-
derivative
a compound obtained from another compound
-
desiccate
lacking vitality or spirit; lifeless
-
desuetude
a state of inactivity or disuse
-
desultory
marked by lack of definite plan, purpose, or enthusiasm
-
deterrent
something immaterial that interferes with action or progress
-
detraction
a petty disparagement
-
diaphanous
so thin as to transmit light
-
diatribe
thunderous verbal attack
-
dichotomy
a classification into two opposed parts or subclasses
-
diffidence
lack of self-assurance
-
diffuse
spread out; not concentrated in one place
-
digression
a message that departs from the main subject
-
dirge
a song or hymn of mourning as a memorial to a dead person
-
disabuse
free somebody from an erroneous belief
-
discerning
having or revealing keen insight and good judgment
-
discomfit
cause to lose one’s composure
-
discordant
not in agreement or harmony
-
discredit
the state of being held in low esteem
-
discrepancy
a difference between conflicting facts or claims or opinions
-
discrete
constituting a separate entity or part
-
discretion
power of making choices unconstrained by external agencies
-
disingenuous
not straightforward or candid
-
disinterested
unaffected by concern for one’s own welfare
-
disjointed
taken apart at the points of connection
-
dismiss
stop associating with
-
disparage
express a negative opinion of
-
disparate
fundamentally different or distinct in quality or kind
-
dissemble
behave unnaturally or affectedly
-
disseminate
cause to become widely known
-
dissident
a person who objects to some established policy
-
dissolution
separation into component parts
-
dissonance
disagreeable sounds
-
distend
cause to expand as if by internal pressure
-
distill
undergo condensation
-
distrait
having the attention diverted especially because of anxiety
-
diverge
move or draw apart
-
divest
take away possessions from someone
-
divulge
make known to the public information previously kept secret
-
doctrinaire
a stubborn person of arbitrary or arrogant opinions
-
document
a representation of a person’s thinking with symbolic marks
-
doggerel
a comic verse of irregular measure
-
dogmatic
pertaining to a code of beliefs accepted as authoritative
-
dormant
inactive but capable of becoming active
-
dross
worthless or dangerous material that should be removed
-
dupe
fool or hoax
-
ebullient
joyously unrestrained
-
eclectic
selecting what seems best of various styles or ideas
-
effervescence
the process of bubbling as gas escapes
-
effete
excessively self-indulgent, affected, or decadent
-
efficacy
capacity or power to produce a desired result
-
effrontery
audacious behavior that you have no right to
-
egoism
concern for your own interests and welfare
-
egotistical
having an inflated idea of one’s own importance
-
elegy
a mournful poem; a lament for the dead
-
elicit
call forth, as an emotion, feeling, or response
-
elixir
a substance believed to cure all ills
-
elysian
relating to the abode of the blessed after death
-
emaciated
very thin especially from disease or hunger or cold
-
embellish
make more attractive, as by adding ornament or color
-
emollient
a substance with a soothing effect when applied to the skin
-
empirical
derived from experiment and observation rather than theory
-
emulate
strive to equal or match, especially by imitating
-
encomium
a formal expression of praise
-
endemic
native to or confined to a certain region
-
enervate
weaken physically, mentally, or morally
-
engender
call forth
-
enhance
increase
-
entomology
the branch of zoology that studies insects
-
enunciate
express or state clearly
-
ephemeral
anything short-lived, as an insect that lives only for a day
-
epistemology
the philosophical theory of knowledge
-
equable
not varying
-
equanimity
steadiness of mind under stress
-
equivocation
intentional vagueness or ambiguity
-
errant
straying from the right course or from accepted standards
-
erudite
having or showing profound knowledge
-
esoteric
understandable only by an enlightened inner circle
-
essay
an analytic or interpretive literary composition
-
estimable
deserving of respect or high regard
-
ethnocentric
centered on a specific ethnic group, usually one’s own
-
etiology
the cause of a disease
-
etymology
a history of a word
-
eugenics
the promotion of controlled breeding in human populations
-
eulogy
a formal expression of praise for someone who has died
-
euphemism
an inoffensive expression substituted for an offensive one
-
euphoria
a feeling of great elation
-
euthanasia
the act of killing someone painlessly
-
evince
give expression to
-
evocative
serving to bring to mind
-
exacerbate
make worse
-
exact
marked by strict and complete accordance with fact
-
exculpate
pronounce not guilty of criminal charges
-
execrable
unequivocally detestable
-
exhort
spur on or encourage especially by cheers and shouts
-
exigency
a pressing or urgent situation
-
existential
relating to or dealing with the state of being
-
exorcise
expel through adjuration or prayers
-
expatiate
add details, as to an account or idea
-
expatriate
a person who is voluntarily absent from home or country
-
expiate
make amends for
-
explicate
elaborate, as of theories and hypotheses
-
expository
serving to expound or set forth
-
extant
still in existence; not extinct or destroyed or lost
-
extemporaneous
with little or no preparation or forethought
-
extirpate
destroy completely, as if down to the roots
-
extraneous
not belonging to that in which it is contained
-
extrapolation
an inference about the future based on known facts
-
extrinsic
not forming an essential part of a thing
-
facetious
cleverly amusing in tone
-
facilitate
make easier
-
factotum
a servant employed to do a variety of jobs
-
fallacious
containing or based on incorrect reasoning
-
fallow
left unplowed and unseeded during a growing season
-
fatuous
devoid of intelligence
-
fauna
all the animal life in a particular region or period
-
fawning
attempting to win favor by flattery
-
felicitous
exhibiting an agreeably appropriate manner or style
-
feral
wild and menacing
-
fervor
feelings of great warmth and intensity
-
fetid
offensively malodorous
-
fetter
a shackle for the ankles or feet
-
fiat
a legally binding command or decision
-
fidelity
the quality of being faithful
-
filibuster
a tactic for delaying legislation by making long speeches
-
finesse
subtly skillful handling of a situation
-
fissure
a long narrow depression in a surface
-
flag
a rectangular piece of cloth of distinctive design
-
fledgling
young bird that has just become capable of flying
-
flora
all the plant life in a particular region or period
-
florid
elaborately or excessively ornamented
-
flourish
grow vigorously
-
flout
treat with contemptuous disregard
-
flux
a state of constant change
-
foment
try to stir up
-
forbearance
a delay in enforcing rights or claims or privileges
-
forestall
keep from happening or arising; make impossible
-
formidable
extremely impressive in strength or excellence
-
forswear
formally reject or disavow
-
founder
a person who establishes some institution
-
fracas
a noisy quarrel
-
fractious
easily irritated or annoyed
-
fresco
a mural done with watercolors on wet plaster
-
frieze
an ornament consisting of a horizontal sculptured band
-
froward
habitually disposed to disobedience and opposition
-
frugality
prudence in avoiding waste
-
fulminate
cause to explode violently and with loud noise
-
fulsome
unpleasantly and excessively suave or ingratiating
-
fusion
the act of melding or melting together
-
futile
producing no result or effect
-
gainsay
take exception to
-
gambol
play or run boisterously
-
garrulous
full of trivial conversation
-
gauche
lacking social polish
-
geniality
a disposition to be friendly and approachable
-
gerrymander
divide voting districts unfairly and to one’s advantage
-
glib
artfully persuasive in speech
-
goad
stab or urge on as if with a pointed stick
-
gossamer
a gauze fabric with an extremely fine texture
-
gouge
an impression in a surface, as made by a blow
-
grandiloquent
lofty in style
-
gregarious
temperamentally seeking and enjoying the company of others
-
grouse
popular game bird having a plump body and feathered legs
-
guileless
innocent and free of deceit
-
guise
an artful or simulated semblance
-
gullible
naive and easily deceived or tricked
-
gustatory
of or relating to the sense of taste
-
halcyon
a mythical bird said to breed at the winter solstice
-
hallowed
worthy of religious veneration
-
harangue
a loud bombastic declamation expressed with strong emotion
-
harrowing
causing extreme distress
-
herbivorous
feeding only on plants
-
hermetic
completely sealed or airtight
-
heterodox
characterized by departure from accepted standards
-
hieroglyphic
a writing system using picture symbols
-
hirsute
having or covered with hair
-
histrionic
overly dramatic or emotional
-
homeostasis
metabolic equilibrium maintained by biological mechanisms
-
homily
a sermon on a moral or religious topic
-
homogeneous
all of the same or similar kind or nature
-
hyperbole
extravagant exaggeration
-
iconoclastic
characterized by attack on established beliefs
-
idolatry
the worship of objects or images as gods
-
igneous
produced by the action of fire or intense heat
-
imbroglio
an intricate and confusing interpersonal situation
-
immutable
not subject or susceptible to change or variation
-
impair
make worse or less effective
-
impassive
having or revealing little emotion or sensibility
-
impecunious
not having enough money to pay for necessities
-
impede
be a hindrance or obstacle to
-
impermeable
preventing especially liquids to pass or diffuse through
-
imperturbable
marked by extreme calm and composure
-
impervious
not admitting of passage or capable of being affected
-
impinge
infringe upon
-
implacable
incapable of being appeased or pacified
-
implausible
highly imaginative but unlikely
-
implicit
suggested though not directly expressed
-
implode
burst inward
-
imprecation
the act of calling down a curse that invokes evil
-
impute
attribute or credit to
-
inadvertently
without knowledge or intention
-
incarnate
possessing or existing in bodily form
-
inchoate
only partly in existence; imperfectly formed
-
incongruity
the quality of disagreeing
-
inconsequential
lacking worth or importance
-
incorporate
make into a whole or make part of a whole
-
incursion
the act of entering some territory or domain
-
indeterminate
not fixed or known in advance
-
indigence
a state of extreme poverty or destitution
-
indolent
disinclined to work or exertion
-
ineluctable
impossible to avoid or evade
-
inert
unable to move or resist motion
-
ingenuous
lacking in sophistication or worldliness
-
inherent
existing as an essential constituent or characteristic
-
innocuous
not injurious to physical or mental health
-
insensible
barely able to be perceived
-
insinuate
suggest in an indirect or covert way; give to understand
-
insipid
lacking interest or significance or impact
-
insouciant
marked by unconcern
-
insularity
lack of openness to new ideas; narrow-mindedness
-
insuperable
incapable of being surpassed or excelled
-
intangible
incapable of being perceived by the senses, especially touch
-
interdict
command against
-
internecine
within a group or organization
-
interpolate
insert words into texts, often falsifying it thereby
-
interregnum
the time between two reigns or governments
-
intimate
marked by close acquaintance, association, or familiarity
-
intractable
difficult to manage or mold
-
intransigence
stubborn refusal to compromise or change
-
introspective
given to examining own sensory and perceptual experiences
-
inundate
fill or cover completely, usually with water
-
inured
made tough by habitual exposure
-
invective
abusive language used to express blame or censure
-
inveigh
complain bitterly
-
inveigle
influence or urge by gentle urging, caressing, or flattering
-
inveterate
habitual
-
invidious
containing or implying a slight or showing prejudice
-
irascible
quickly aroused to anger
-
irresolute
uncertain how to act or proceed
-
itinerant
traveling from place to place to work
-
itinerary
an established line of travel or access
-
jaundiced
affected by yellowing of the skin
-
jibe
shift from one side of the ship to the other
-
jocose
characterized by jokes and good humor
-
juggernaut
a massive inexorable force
-
junta
a group of officers who rule a country after seizing power
-
juxtapose
place side by side
-
kudos
an expression of approval and commendation
-
labile
liable to change
-
laconic
brief and to the point
-
lambaste
censure severely or angrily
-
lascivious
driven by lust
-
lassitude
a feeling of lack of interest or energy
-
latent
potentially existing but not presently evident or realized
-
laud
praise, glorify, or honor
-
lethargic
deficient in alertness or activity
-
levee
an embankment built to prevent a river from overflowing
-
levity
a manner lacking seriousness
-
liberal
showing or characterized by broad-mindedness
-
libertine
unrestrained by convention or morality
-
libido
(psychoanalysis) a Freudian term for sexual urge or desire
-
lilliputian
very small
-
limn
make a portrait of
-
limpid
clear and bright
-
linguistic
consisting of or related to language
-
litany
a prayer led by clergy with responses from the congregation
-
literati
well-educated people who are interested in books
-
litigation
a legal proceeding in a court
-
log
a segment of the trunk of a tree when stripped of branches
-
loquacious
full of trivial conversation
-
lucid
transparently clear; easily understandable
-
lucre
informal terms for money
-
luminous
softly bright or radiant
-
lustrous
reflecting light
-
Machiavelli
a statesman of Florence who advocated a strong central government (1469-1527)
-
machination
a crafty and involved plot to achieve your ends
-
maelstrom
a powerful circular current of water
-
magnanimity
nobility and generosity of spirit
-
malign
speak unfavorably about
-
malinger
avoid responsibilities and duties, often by faking illness
-
malleable
capable of being shaped or bent
-
maverick
someone who exhibits independence in thought and action
-
megalomania
a psychological state characterized by delusions of grandeur
-
menagerie
a collection of live animals for study or display
-
mendacious
given to lying
-
mendicant
a pauper who lives by begging
-
meretricious
tastelessly showy
-
mesmerize
attract strongly, as if with a magnet
-
metamorphosis
striking change in appearance or character or circumstances
-
metaphysics
the philosophical study of being and knowing
-
meteorological
of or pertaining to atmospheric phenomena, especially weather and weather conditions
-
meticulous
marked by precise accordance with details
-
mettle
the courage to carry on
-
mettlesome
having a proud, courageous, and unbroken spirit
-
microcosm
a miniature model of something
-
militate
have force or influence; bring about an effect or change
-
minatory
threatening or foreshadowing evil or tragic developments
-
minuscule
very small
-
minutia
a small or minor detail
-
misanthrope
someone who dislikes people in general
-
miscellany
a collection containing a variety of sorts of things
-
miscreant
a person without moral scruples
-
misogynist
a misanthrope who dislikes women in particular
-
mitigate
lessen or to try to lessen the seriousness or extent of
-
mnemonic
of or relating to the practice of aiding the memory
-
modicum
a small or moderate or token amount
-
mollify
cause to be more favorably inclined
-
monolithic
imposing in size or bulk or solidity
-
morose
showing a brooding ill humor
-
motley
consisting of a haphazard assortment of different kinds
-
multifarious
having many aspects
-
mundane
found in the ordinary course of events
-
necromancy
conjuring up the dead, especially for prophesying
-
negate
make ineffective by counterbalancing the effect of
-
neologism
a newly invented word or phrase
-
neophyte
a participant with no experience with an activity
-
nexus
the means of connection between things linked in series
-
nonplussed
filled with bewilderment
-
nostalgia
a longing for something past
-
nostrum
patent medicine whose efficacy is questionable
-
nugatory
of no real value
-
obdurate
stubbornly persistent in wrongdoing
-
obsequious
attempting to win favor from influential people by flattery
-
obsequious
attempting to win favor from influential people by flattery
-
obviate
do away with
-
occlude
block passage through
-
occult
supernatural forces and events and beings collectively
-
odyssey
a long wandering and eventful journey
-
officious
intrusive in a meddling or offensive manner
-
olfactory
of or relating to the sense of smell
-
oligarchy
a political system governed by a few people
-
onerous
burdensome or difficult to endure
-
onomatopoeia
using words that imitate the sound they denote
-
opprobrium
a state of extreme dishonor
-
ornithologist
a scientist who studies birds
-
oscillate
move or swing from side to side regularly
-
ostentatious
intended to attract notice and impress others
-
overweening
presumptuously arrogant
-
paean
a hymn of praise
-
paleontology
the earth science that studies fossil organisms
-
pallid
pale, as of a person’s complexion
-
panegyric
formally expressing praise
-
paragon
a perfect embodiment of a concept
-
partisan
a fervent and even militant proponent of something
-
pathological
relating to the study of diseases
-
patois
a regional dialect of a language
-
paucity
an insufficient quantity or number
-
pedantic
marked by a narrow focus on or display of learning
-
pellucid
transmitting light; able to be seen through with clarity
-
penchant
a strong liking or preference
-
penury
a state of extreme poverty or destitution
-
peregrination
traveling or wandering around
-
peremptory
putting an end to all debate or action
-
perennial
lasting an indefinitely long time
-
perfidious
tending to betray
-
perfunctory
hasty and without attention to detail; not thorough
-
perigee
the nearest point in an orbit around the Earth
-
permeable
allowing fluids or gases to pass or diffuse through
-
perturb
disturb in mind or make uneasy or cause to be worried
-
pervasive
spreading or spread throughout
-
petulant
easily irritated or annoyed
-
phlegmatic
showing little emotion
-
phoenix
a legendary bird that burned to death and emerged reborn
-
physiognomy
the human face
-
piety
righteousness by virtue of being religiously devout
-
piquant
having an agreeably pungent taste
-
pique
call forth, as an emotion, feeling, or response
-
placate
cause to be more favorably inclined
-
placid
calm and free from disturbance
-
plaintive
expressing sorrow
-
plasticity
the property of being physically malleable
-
platitude
a trite or obvious remark
-
platonic
free from physical desire
-
plethora
extreme excess
-
plumb
exactly vertical
-
plume
the feather of a bird
-
plummet
drop sharply
-
plutocracy
a political system governed by the wealthy people
-
porous
full of holes
-
poseur
a person who habitually pretends to be something he is not
-
pragmatic
concerned with practical matters
-
prate
speak about unimportant matters rapidly and incessantly
-
prattle
speak about unimportant matters rapidly and incessantly
-
preamble
a preliminary introduction, as to a statute or constitution
-
precarious
not secure; beset with difficulties
-
precept
a rule of personal conduct
-
precipitate
bring about abruptly
-
precursor
something indicating the approach of something or someone
-
preempt
acquire for oneself before others can do so
-
prehensile
adapted for grasping especially by wrapping around an object
-
premonition
an early warning about a future event
-
presage
a foreboding about what is about to happen
-
presumptuous
going beyond what is appropriate, permitted, or courteous
-
preternatural
existing outside of or not in accordance with nature
-
prevaricate
be deliberately ambiguous or unclear
-
primordial
having existed from the beginning
-
pristine
immaculately clean and unused
-
probity
complete and confirmed integrity
-
problematic
making great mental demands
-
prodigal
recklessly wasteful
-
profound
situated at or extending to great depth
-
prohibitive
tending to discourage, especially of prices
-
proliferate
grow rapidly
-
propitiate
make peace with
-
propensity
a natural inclination
-
propriety
correct behavior
-
proscribe
command against
-
provident
giving something useful for the future
-
puissant
powerful
-
punctilious
marked by precise accordance with details
-
pungent
strong and sharp to the sense of taste or smell
-
purport
have the often misleading appearance of being or intending
-
pusillanimous
lacking in courage, strength, and resolution
-
quagmire
a soft wet area of low-lying land that sinks underfoot
-
quail
a small game bird
-
qualified
meeting the proper standards and requirements for a task
-
qualm
uneasiness about the fitness of an action
-
query
an instance of questioning
-
quibble
evade the truth of a point by raising irrelevant objections
-
quiescent
being quiet or still or inactive
-
quorum
a gathering of the minimal number of members of a group
-
raconteur
a person skilled in telling anecdotes
-
rail
a horizontal bar, usually of wood or metal
-
raiment
especially fine or decorative clothing
-
ramification
a consequence, especially one that causes complications
-
rarefied
of high moral or intellectual value
-
rationale
an explanation of the fundamental reasons
-
rebus
a puzzle consisting of pictures representing words
-
recalcitrant
stubbornly resistant to authority or control
-
recant
formally reject or disavow a formerly held belief
-
recluse
one who lives in solitude
-
recondite
difficult to understand
-
redoubtable
inspiring fear
-
refractory
stubbornly resistant to authority or control
-
refract
subject to change in direction of a propagating wave
-
refulgent
radiating or as if radiating light
-
refute
overthrow by argument, evidence, or proof
-
regale
occupy in an agreeable, entertaining or pleasant fashion
-
relegate
assign to a lower position
-
remonstrate
argue in protest or opposition
-
renege
fail to fulfill a promise or obligation
-
reparation
something done or paid in expiation of a wrong
-
repine
express discontent
-
reprise
a repetition of a short musical passage
-
reproach
express criticism towards
-
reprobate
a person without moral scruples
-
repudiate
refuse to acknowledge, ratify, or recognize as valid
-
rescind
cancel officially
-
resolution
a decision to do something or to behave in a certain manner
-
resolve
find a solution or answer
-
reticent
reluctant to draw attention to yourself
-
reverent
feeling or showing profound respect or veneration
-
riposte
a counterattack made immediately after successfully parrying
-
rococo
having excessive asymmetrical ornamentation
-
rubric
category name
-
rue
feel sorry for; be contrite about
-
ruse
a deceptive maneuver, especially to avoid capture
-
sage
a mentor in spiritual and philosophical topics
-
salacious
suggestive of or tending to moral looseness
-
salubrious
promoting health
-
salutary
tending to promote physical well-being; beneficial to health
-
sanction
official permission or approval
-
sardonic
disdainfully or ironically humorous
-
sartorial
of or relating to tailoring or clothing
-
satiate
fill to satisfaction
-
saturate
infuse or fill completely
-
saturnine
bitter or scornful
-
satyr
one of a class of woodland deities
-
savor
a particular taste or smell, especially an appealing one
-
schematic
represented in simplified or symbolic form
-
secrete
generate and separate from cells or bodily fluids
-
sedition
an illegal action inciting resistance to lawful authority
-
sedulous
marked by care and persistent effort
-
seismic
subject to or caused by an earthquake or earth vibration
-
sensual
marked by the appetites and passions of the body
-
sensuous
providing perceptible pleasure or gratification
-
sentient
endowed with feeling and unstructured consciousness
-
servile
submissive or fawning in attitude or behavior
-
sextant
an instrument for measuring angular distance
-
shard
a broken piece of a brittle artifact
-
sidereal
of or relating to the stars or constellations
-
simian
relating to or resembling an ape or a monkey
-
simile
a figure of speech expressing a resemblance between things
-
sinecure
a job that involves minimal duties
-
singular
being a single and separate person or thing
-
sinuous
curved or curving in and out
-
skeptic
someone who habitually doubts accepted beliefs
-
sobriety
the state of being unaffected or not intoxicated by alcohol
-
sodden
wet through and through; thoroughly wet
-
solicitous
full of anxiety and concern
-
soliloquy
speech you make to yourself
-
solvent
capable of meeting financial obligations
-
somatic
characteristic of the body as opposed to the mind or spirit
-
soporific
inducing sleep
-
sordid
foul and run-down and repulsive
-
specious
plausible but false
-
spectrum
a broad range of related objects, values, or qualities
-
spendthrift
someone who spends money freely or wastefully
-
sporadic
recurring in scattered or unpredictable instances
-
squalor
sordid dirtiness
-
staccato
(music) separating the notes
-
stanch
stop the flow of a liquid
-
stentorian
very loud or booming
-
stigma
a symbol of disgrace or infamy
-
stint
supply sparingly and with restricted quantities
-
stipulate
make an express demand or provision in an agreement
-
stolid
having or revealing little emotion or sensibility
-
stratified
deposited or arranged in horizontal layers
-
stria
a stripe or stripes of contrasting color
-
stricture
a principle that restricts the extent of something
-
strident
unpleasantly loud and harsh
-
strut
walk in a proud, confident way
-
stultify
deprive of strength or efficiency; make useless or worthless
-
stupefy
make someone dazed or foolish
-
Stygian
dark and dismal as of the river in Hades
-
subpoena
a writ issued to compel the attendance of a witness
-
subside
wear off or die down
-
substantiate
establish or strengthen as with new evidence or facts
-
substantive
having a firm basis in reality and therefore important
-
subsume
contain or include
-
subversive
in opposition to an established system or government
-
succor
assistance in time of difficulty
-
suffrage
a legal right to vote
-
sundry
consisting of a haphazard assortment of different kinds
-
supersede
take the place or move into the position of
-
supine
lying face upward
-
supplant
take the place or move into the position of
-
suppliant
humbly entreating
-
supplicant
someone who prays to God
-
supposition
the cognitive process of conjecturing
-
syllogism
reasoning in which a conclusion is derived from two premises
-
sylvan
relating to or characteristic of wooded regions
-
tacit
implied by or inferred from actions or statements
-
talisman
a trinket thought to be a magical protection against evil
-
tangential
of superficial relevance if any
-
tautology
useless repetition
-
taxonomy
a classification of organisms based on similarities
-
tenet
a basic principle or belief that is accepted as true
-
tenuous
lacking substance or significance
-
terrestrial
of or relating to or characteristic of the planet Earth
-
theocracy
a political unit governed by a deity
-
thespian
a theatrical performer
-
timbre
the distinctive property of a complex sound
-
tirade
a speech of violent denunciation
-
toady
a person who tries to please someone to gain an advantage
-
tome
a large and scholarly book
-
torpor
a state of motor and mental inactivity
-
torque
a twisting force
-
tortuous
marked by repeated turns and bends
-
tout
advertise in strongly positive terms
-
tractable
easily managed
-
transgression
the violation of a law or a duty or moral principle
-
transient
lasting a very short time
-
translucent
allowing light to pass through diffusely
-
travail
use of physical or mental energy; hard work
-
travesty
a composition that imitates or misrepresents a style
-
treatise
a formal text that treats a particular topic systematically
-
tremulous
quivering as from weakness or fear
-
trepidation
a feeling of alarm or dread
-
truculence
stubborn and defiant aggressiveness
-
tryst
a secret rendezvous, especially a romantic one
-
anomie
lack of moral standards in a society
-
tumid
abnormally distended especially by fluids or gas
-
turbid
clouded as with sediment
-
turgid
ostentatiously lofty in style
-
tutelary
providing protective supervision
-
uncanny
surpassing the ordinary or normal
-
undulation
wavelike motion
-
unfeigned
not pretended; sincerely felt or expressed
-
untenable
incapable of being defended or justified
-
untoward
not in keeping with accepted standards of what is proper
-
usury
the act of lending money at an exorbitant rate of interest
-
vacillate
be undecided about something
-
vacuous
devoid of matter
-
valedictory
a farewell oration
-
vapid
lacking significance or liveliness or spirit or zest
-
variegated
having an assortment of colors
-
vaunt
show off
-
venal
capable of being corrupted
-
vendetta
a blood feud between members of opposing parties
-
venerate
regard with feelings of respect and reverence
-
veracious
habitually speaking the truth
-
verbose
using or containing too many words
-
vertigo
a reeling sensation; a feeling that you are about to fall
-
vexation
anger produced by some annoying irritation
-
viable
capable of life or normal growth and development
-
vindictive
disposed to seek revenge or intended for revenge
-
virtuoso
someone who is dazzlingly skilled in any field
-
visage
the human face
-
viscous
having a relatively high resistance to flow
-
vitiate
make imperfect
-
vituperative
marked by harshly abusive criticism
-
vivisection
the act of operating on living animals
-
vogue
a current state of general acceptance and use
-
volatile
liable to lead to sudden change or violence
-
vortex
a powerful circular current of water
-
warrant
formal and explicit approval
-
wary
marked by keen caution and watchful prudence
-
welter
a confused multitude of things
-
whimsical
determined by chance or impulse rather than by necessity
-
whimsy
an odd or fanciful or capricious idea
-
wistful
showing pensive sadness
-
zealot
a fervent and even militant proponent of something
-
zealotry
fanatical devotion to a cause, belief, or idea
-
de facto
existing, whether with lawful authority or not
-
deviant
a person whose behavior does not conform to social norms
-
defer
yield to another’s wish or opinion
-
platonic
free from physical desire
-
discern
perceive, recognize, or detect
-
bionics
application of biological principles to engineering systems
-
heuristic
a commonsense rule to help solve some problem
-
equitable
fair to all parties as dictated by reason and conscience
-
guile
shrewdness as demonstrated by being skilled in deception
-
reductionism
a theory that all complex systems can be completely understood in terms of their components
-
inertia
the tendency of something to stay in rest or motion
-
pathos
a quality that arouses emotions, especially pity or sorrow
-
pedant
a person who pays too much attention to formal rules
Created on September 14, 2012