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- Though the English language has many quirks, one of its most interesting is homographs: words that are spelled identically but have different meanings or definitions.
- There are at least 10 words with hundreds of definitions each, like «go» and «put.»
- «Run» is anticipated to have approximately 645 different meanings in the next Oxford English Dictionary, set for a 2037 release.
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The English language is, indeed, a quirky one: it’s notoriously difficult to learn, and often words have more than one meaning.
Some of these words are called homographs. They’re spelled identically but have vastly different definitions. «Go» has 368, for instance, and «set» has 430. The word «run» is anticipated to have approximately 645 different meanings in the next Oxford English Dictionary, set for a 2037 release.
Keep scrolling to see which 10 words in the English language have the most definitions.
Run: 645 definitions
Syda Productions/Shutterstock
Though there is some debate surrounding the first place position of «run,» as one of the top homographs it has (an anticipated) 645 different definitions, according to a New York Times article from 2011.
The word is widely used to describe various activities: a computer runs a program, a car runs on gas, a candidate runs for office, etc. Of course, as with the rest of the English language, the word continues to evolve.
Set: 430 definitions
Keystone Features/Getty Images
Referred to as the «old chestnut» in the same New York Times article, «set» previously held the top position for the English word with the most definitions.
But «set» «hasn’t undergone as much development in the 20th and 21st centuries as has ‘run,'» Gilliver told the Times. Regardless, «set» holds strong at 430 definitions, per the 1989 O.E.D.
Go: 368 definitions
Prisma by Dukas/UIG via Getty Images
«Go» is one of the most ubiquitous everyday words in the English language. Like many others on this list, it can be a noun, adjective, and verb. It clocked in at 368 definitions in 1989’s O.E.D.
Its top meaning as a verb is «to move from one place to another; travel,» but it can also be «said in various expressions when angrily or contemptuously dismissing someone.» Used in a sentence: «Go and get lost!»
Take: 343 definitions
iStock
The word «take» is described by Merriam-Webster as «to get into one’s hands or into one’s possession, power, or control.» But its meanings stretch across a vast terrain: to «take something in» could also mean «to consider or view in a particular relation.»
It comes in a close fourth place, roughly 20 definitions less than «go:» 343 in the 1989 O.E.D.
Get: 289 definitions
Nicky J Sims/Getty Images
Like «go,» «getting» is one of those commonplace words that we use so much, we don’t even realize how much we use it. We «get» coffee.» We are «getting» dolled up for a date. We «got» a bad grade on that test.
According to the 1989 O.E.D., it has 289 definitions, to be exact.
Turn: 288 definitions
REUTERS/David Gray
The word «turn» is nestled closely behind, with only one less definition than «get.» It can take on many other meanings beyond «moving in a circular direction,» including «passing the age or time of» something. In a sentence: «I turned 40 last year.»
Put: 268 definitions
Valentyn Ogirenko/Reuters
«In terms of sheer size, the entry for ‘run’ is half as big again as that for ‘put,'» said the New York Times article. But that doesn’t make «put» any less impressive, with exactly 268 definitions in total.
«Put» also may be a reason for «set»‘s decline in popularity, as we tend to use the former in favor of the latter these days. For example: we «put» the drinking glass down, rather than «set» it down.
Fall: 264 definitions
Eduardo Munoz/Reuters
Perhaps the most embarrassing of the list (in verb form, that is), «fall» clocks in at about 264 definitions in the O.E.D.
Though we all know fall’s most common definition as a verb — «to descend freely by the force of gravity» — it’s interesting to note that «fall» is also used to refer to lambs giving birth, according to Merriam-Webster.
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If you are going to answer a trivia question about which English word has the most definitions, your answer might depend on when the question was written. The old champion was the word «set,» which had 430 definitions in the Second Edition of the Oxford English Dictionary published in 1989. This record was certified by the Guinness Book of World Records.
In that edition of the OED, the entry for set runs 60,000 words. It beats the others. Here are the runners-up for that edition:
Here’s how the others stack up:
- Run — 396 (definitions)
- Go — 368
- Take — 343
- Stand — 334
- Get — 289
- Turn — 288
- Put — 268
- Fall — 264
- Strike — 250
A New Champion for Number of Definitions
Language doesn’t stand still. While «set» was the champion since the first edition of the OED in 1928 (when it had a meager 200 meanings), it has been overtaken by the word «run.» However, since the next edition of the OED won’t be out until 2037, it hasn’t made it into the Guinness Book of World Records as the champion.
According to the OED’s chief editor, John Simpson, «run» has continued to evolve new meanings and had 645 as of 2011. In the interim, the word «put» has outpaced «set» in any case, and even replaces it in many usages. You might «put» something on a table rather than «set» it on a table.
How Should You Answer the Trivia Question?
This brings up a dilemma. How should you answer the question about which English word has the most definitions? If it’s possible to ask what authority has determined the answer, go with the word «set» if it is the second edition of the OED or the Guinness Book of World Records. If not, you may worry that the question is based on the New York Times interview with John Simpson in 2011 or a newer source.
Should You Use This Question in a Trivia Quiz?
If you are designing trivia or word game questions, it’s best just to drop this one as it is a moving target. According to the Oxford English Dictionary, «Modern English includes words from a wide variety of different sources around the world. Patterns of word-borrowing over time reflect the changing demography of its speakers; cultural and economic influences on Britain; the spread of English-speaking explorers, traders, and settlers; and encounters with other cultures.»
The English language has one of the largest vocabularies of all the languages of the world. The Oxford English Dictionary contains more than 600,000 words. They are all in a race to have more and more meanings. Even as new ones are added, older ones fall out of favor. You may not even recognize many of the uses of the words.
If you choose to use this as a question, you should cite which authority you are basing the answer on. Check the current Guinness World Record for a readily-accessible source.
This is a question whose answer surprised me when I first heard it many years ago. I was well aware that many words had more than one meaning, and could think of a few obvious examples. Still, the answer, though it certainly has a few obvious different meanings, was not what I was expecting.
The word is set.
Plain, simple, unassuming set. Seems odd, doesn’t it? Of course straight away you can probably think of a few different meanings for it. It can be a verb meaning to arrange or put in order. It can be a noun referring to a united group of entities, either in an abstract mathematical sense, or the more mundane sense of a chemistry set. And tennis matches are divided into sets. And you can set something aside, or down.
So yes, a few different meanings, but it probably still sounds surprising that the Second Edition of the Oxford English Dictionary contains 430 definitions for set, and most other dictionaries will have about the same number. Have a look for yourself if you have one to hand.
There are a few main reasons set has so many definitions. First, it’s a hot verb, meaning it doesn’t have one simple main definition, but can be used with many different meanings, depending on the context. Second, this also means it’s used a lot as a phrasal verb, e.g. set down, set out, set out to, set up, which all count as distinct definitions in the dictionary. Set also has the advantage of its ability to be used as a number of different types of words. It can, for example, be a verb (set your watch), a noun (a mathematical set), and an adjective (a set number of people).
Still, don’t get too used to set claiming the top spot. In fact, if you look in some modern editions of dictionaries, you might find that run and put take up more space. Officially though, the Second Edition of the OED is taken to be the definitive authority on words and their meanings. The problem is, it was published in 1989, and obviously things have evolved linguistically since then. Never fear though, the third edition is being worked on right now, and we can expect that once it’s published, set will have been replaced as the word with the most definitions. They’ve been working on it since 2000 and are about halfway through, so eh, not too long to wait now!
A list of 15 words by myth.
- pointwas added by myth and appears on 72 lists
- playwas added by myth and appears on 80 lists
- givewas added by myth and appears on 40 lists
- getwas added by myth and appears on 54 lists
- rollwas added by myth and appears on 62 lists
- setwas added by myth and appears on 68 lists
- markwas added by myth and appears on 76 lists
- linewas added by myth and appears on 75 lists
- deadwas added by myth and appears on 61 lists
- lightwas added by myth and appears on 142 lists
- goodwas added by myth and appears on 90 lists
- gowas added by myth and appears on 78 lists
- makewas added by myth and appears on 38 lists
- runwas added by myth and appears on 79 lists
- takewas added by myth and appears on 47 lists
-
I am not a native speaker and it sometimes surprise me how many different meanings some words have. An example is the word call — when I was learning English I thought it was only «shout» or «to ring someone» but the list of meanings is almost endless: http://www.thefreedictionary.com/call .
What are some other such words so that I can be careful when interpreting their meaning? As if I could execute the query «give me a top ten list of words with most definition lines on TheFreeDictionary».
asked Sep 19, 2011 at 22:43
6
For a long time, «set» had the most meanings in the OED, but now it is «run». From the New York Times of 25th May 2011:
Which is the most lustrously complex word among the three quarters of
a million or so words and senses that make up this vast mongrel tongue
we know as the English language?Well, according to the O.E.D.’s chief editor, John Simpson, we now
have a winner — and a winner that may well say something about the
current state of English-speaking humankind. For while in the first
edition of the O.E.D., in 1928, that richest-of-all-words was “set”
(75 columns of type, some 200 senses), the victor in today’s rather
more frantic and uncongenial world is, without a doubt, the
three-letter word “run.”… Mr. Gilliver has finally calculated that there are for the verb-form alone of “run” no fewer than 645 meanings. A record.
In terms of sheer size, the entry for “run” is half as big again as that for “put,” a word on which Mr. Gilliver also worked some years ago. But more significantly still, “run” is also far bigger than the old chestnut “set,” a word that, says Mr. Gilliver, simply “hasn’t undergone as much development in the 20th and 21st centuries as has ‘run.’ ”
answered Sep 20, 2011 at 12:33
HugoHugo
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This is what I get using WRI curated data. Click to see a larger image.
For the record, the script used is:
r = SortBy[{Length[#[[2]]], #[[1]]}&/@({#, WordData[#]} & /@ DictionaryLookup[]), -First@# &]
BarChart[Transpose[r1][[1]],
ChartLabels ->
Placed[Text[Style[#, Italic, 24]] & /@ Transpose[r1][[2]], Center, Rotate[#, Pi/2] &]]
Edit
Just answering comments and other answers, here are the 76 meanings of break
according to WRI.
1 Noun Flight
2 Noun Open Frame
3 Noun Dash
4 Noun Change Of Integrity
5 Noun Holdup
6 Noun Break Of Serve
7 Noun Shot
8 Noun Pause
9 Noun Modification
10 Noun Breach
11 Noun Fortuity
12 Noun Breakup
13 Noun Occurrent
14 Noun Crevice
15 Noun Hurt
16 Noun Interval
17 Verb Weaken
18 Verb Diminish
19 Verb Injure
20 Verb Fall
21 Verb Domesticate
22 Verb Change
23 Verb Turn
24 Verb Damage
25 Verb Change Integrity
26 Verb Divide
27 Verb Check
28 Verb Develop
29 Verb Break Off
30 Verb Interrupt
31 Verb Deaden
32 Verb Break Down
33 Verb Change Voice
34 Verb Go
35 Verb Lick
36 Verb Destroy
37 Verb Diphthongize
38 Verb Disrupt
39 Verb Pause
40 Verb Tell
41 Verb Get Out
42 Verb Outstrip
43 Verb Penetrate
44 Verb Become Punctured
45 Verb Detach
46 Verb Crumble
47 Verb Bust
48 Verb Disunite
49 Verb Shoot
50 Verb Modify
51 Verb Exchange
52 Verb Express Feelings
53 Verb Trip The Light Fantastic Toe
54 Verb Give Way
55 Verb Founder
56 Verb Appear
57 Verb Scatter
58 Verb Take Flight
59 Verb Get Away
60 Verb Change Direction
61 Verb Impoverish
62 Verb Designate
63 Verb Split
64 Verb Invalidate
65 Verb Break Away
66 Verb Ruin
67 Verb Disrespect
68 Verb Trespass
69 Verb Come About
70 Verb Emerge
71 Verb Violate
72 Verb Quit
73 Verb Give Up Habit
74 Verb Vary
75 Verb Finish
76 Interjection
answered Sep 20, 2011 at 1:45
Dr. belisariusDr. belisarius
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This trivia has already been studied. The top five words in the list are:
- set (464 definitions)
- run (396 definitions)
- go (368 definitions)
- take (343 definitions)
- stand (334 definitions)
answered Apr 24, 2012 at 5:45
BravoBravo
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I believe the answer is set. It has more than 200 definitions in the OED, organised thus:
-
To cause to sit, seat; to be seated, sit.
-
To sink, descend.
-
To put in a definite place (the manner of the action being implied either in the verb itself or in the context).
-
To place or cause to be in a position, condition, relation, or connection. (This group embraces a large number of uses in which the precise implication of sense depends mainly on the kind of construction employed.)
-
To appoint, prescribe, ordain, establish.
-
To arrange, fix, adjust.
-
To place mentally, suppose, estimate.
-
To put or come into a settled position or condition.
-
To put in the way of following a course, cause to take a certain direction.
-
Senses perhaps arising from reversal of construction or from ellipsis (their origin being often obscure).
-
With prepositions in specialized senses.
-
With adverbs in specialized senses.
This is just for the verb usage, set is also used as an adjective, noun, conjunction and comb. form.
answered Apr 24, 2012 at 4:52
J D OConalJ D OConal
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The most polysemous word in the OED is set.
answered Sep 20, 2011 at 4:57
ShoeShoe
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Just to concur with Shoe, I remember reading long long ago — in the Guinness Book of Records of all places — that set has the most (22) distinct different meanings in English.
Another common problem among non-native users of English are phrasal verbs which can appear very similar but have quite different meanings, eg set up, set out, set off, set about, set on, set down, etc. Often native speakers will use these verbs in an attempt to simplify their language when talking to non-native speakers (eg, by using «set up» instead of «establish»), often having the opposite effect.
answered Sep 20, 2011 at 12:13
MattMatt
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In practical usage rather than dictionary definitions, thingamy probably has the most different meanings — it can mean any noun, depending on context, and I think there are more nouns than other parts of speech. There are other four-letter words which also take multiple meanings depending on context.
Another word which can take multiple meanings is ‘buffalo’ which can act as a noun ( the animal ), and adjectival phrase ( pertaining to the city ) and a verb ( to harass ) so ‘Buffalo buffalo buffalo Buffalo buffalo’ is possibly the longest sentence made of the same word repeated, parsed in a similar way to ‘London cats annoy London cats’
answered Dec 5, 2014 at 22:38
1
José is in his third and final week with me on a home stay full immersion course and has come to the conclusion that the English Language is extremely confusing and frustrating! Especially when it comes to all those words that have multiple meanings. I have to confess that he has got a point.
Take the word “run” for example. It has 179 meanings according to Dictionary.com whilst the word “take” has 127 definitions! The following infographic that was compiled by Kaplan International together with Dictionary.com highlights the 10 English words with the most meanings in the English Language. You can view this infographic here on the Kaplan website.
Kaplan has taken each word and categorised them according to the different parts of speech, for example, verb, noun, adverb, adjective and so on as well as verb phrases and idioms. As this list is very long, I’ve decided to break this list in two parts.
Part 1 will deal with the first 5 words. I’ve shown some examples of the different verb and noun meanings and verb phrases for each word.
1. RUN
Verb
- My dog loves to run about in the park (move quickly with legs)
- She runs a very successful business (manages)
- The bus company runs a regular weekend service (offer a service)
- Don’t leave your car engine running/ try running the computer programme and see if it works (machine: working)
Noun
- I always go for a 10k run in the mornings.
- The play has had a successful run in the West End. (a period of time)
- I do the school run every morning and my husband does it in the afternoon (a journey that a train, ship, car and so on does regularly)
Verb Phrases
- Her withdrawal meant that her opponent was given a clear run for the nomination (you can progress without anyone stopping you)
- He gave Tom a good run for his money (competing so well with someone that they cannot defeat you)
- He is on the run from the law (trying to escape or hide from the police)
2. TAKE
Verb
- Don’t forget to take an extra pair of shoes (move something or someone from one place to another)
- Take a deep breath ◆ James took a sip of his drink ◆ I took a quick look at the audience (to perform an action or series of actions)
- I took a course in origami at college ◆ I’ve taken my driving test three times (to study or take an exam in a particular subject)
Verb Phrases
- I like chocolate but I can take it or leave it (to not care whether you have, see or do something – informal)
- It takes all sorts (used for saying that you find someone’s behaviour surprising or strange but will accept it – spoken)
- Take it from me, this restaurant is excellent. (used to emphasize that what you’re saying is true and people should believe it – spoken)
3. BREAK
Verb
- Be careful that you don’t break those glasses (separate into pieces by dropping)
- If you break the speed limit, the penalties are high ◆ break the law. (don’t obey rules or the law)
- When the news first broke, he was no where to be found ◆ breaking news ( if news breaks, it becomes publicly known)
- Why don’t we break now and meet again after lunch? (stop what you’re doing for a period of time)
Noun
- Doctors and nurses often work very long hours without a break ◆ Let’s take/have a break.
- This could be the lucky break he’s always wanted (an opportunity that helps you achieve success)
- She decided to make the break from marketing after eighteen years (a time of major change in one’s life).
Verb Phrases
- He’s been breaking his back getting the house ready in time for the baby’s arrival (working very hard)
- I think we’ve broken the back of this project now. (British English – to finish the hardest part of a task)
- In their first year, the company broke even. (when a company doesn’t make a profit or a loss)
- I want to break free (as sung by Freddy Mercury – to escape from someone or something that is holding you or controls you)
4. TURN
Verb
- She turned around and smiled at me (change position)
- When you get to the junction, turn right (change direction)
- She could not concentrate on her book. All she seemed to be doing was turning the pages without reading them.
- After years as an amateur dancer, she turned professional ( change and do something different)
- It has turned cold again ( change and become something else)
Noun
- Oh no, is it my turn again to wash the dishes?! ◆ Is it my turn to roll the dice? (in a group and it’s your time to do something)
- The debate over drugs in sport took an unexpected turn yesterday ◆ The situation took a turn for the better/worse (a change in a situation)
- He took the wrong turn and that took him miles away from his destination (change of direction)
Verb Phrases
- He was stopped at every turn by the rigid rules (wherever or whenever someone tries to do something)
- He did her a good turn by offering her the job (an action that helps someone – also applies in the opposite “a bad turn”)
- I hope I’m not speaking out of turn, but I preferred the original version (to say something that you shouldn’t say in case you offend someone or you have no right to say it)
- The mansion was built at the turn of the century ( the time at the end of one century and the beginning of the next)
5. SET
Verb
- “Tea is served,” he told them and set the tray on the table. (put something in a position)
- I’ve set the alarm for 6am ◆ You can set the iPhone so that it does an automatic backup (to make equipment ready)
- Have you set a date for the wedding? (to decide when something will happen)
- The Bank of England sets the interest rate ◆ They set the price of the house too high. (to decide the price or value of something)
- I have set the team three challenges/goals/objectives/tasks (to give someone something to achieve)
Noun
- a set of keys ◆ a set of guidelines ◆ a complete set ◆ a chess set ( a group of things)
- the literary set ◆ the jet set◆ a set of friends (a group of people that share the same interests)
- a film set ◆ a stage set (theatre, film – place where a film or play is made)
Verb Phrases
- The drivers’ demands were not met, setting the stage for a prolonged transport strike (create the conditions for something to happen)
- They are a company that has set the standard for excellence in service (perform an activity to a level that other people need to achieve)
- Dinner will be ready soon. Could you please set the table? (put cutlery and plates on the table)
- After lunch I set to work on the mountain of paperwork on my desk (start working in a determined and enthusiastic way)
The above examples are just a few that I have selected here. Please do share with me any other meanings you know and use.
I will deal with the other five words in my next post (Part 2) so look out for it!
If you liked this post, please share it and don’t forget to subscribe to my blog if you don’t want to miss out on my posts.
Ciao for now
Shanthi
Emo! Emo has the most definitions on Urban dictionary. At 915, it is coming very close to 1000 and will soon pass it.
Emo is the word with the most definitions on urban dictionary.
by Vozlezhaschikh May 23, 2006
The top 1,000 vocabulary words have been carefully chosen to represent difficult but common words that appear in everyday academic and business writing. These words are also the most likely to appear on the SAT, ACT, GRE, and ToEFL.
To create this list, we started with the words that give our users the most trouble and then ranked them by how frequently they appear in our corpus of billions of words from edited sources. If you only have time to study one list of words, this is the list.
1,000 words
255,839 learners
Learn words with Flashcards and other activities
Other learning activities
Full list of words from this list:
-
consider
deem to be
At the moment, artemisinin-based therapies are
considered the best treatment, but cost about $10 per dose — far too much for impoverished communities.Seattle Times (Feb 16, 2012) -
minute
infinitely or immeasurably small
The
minute stain on the document was not visible to the naked eye. -
accord
concurrence of opinion
The committee worked in
accord on the bill, and it eventually passed. -
evident
clearly revealed to the mind or the senses or judgment
That confidence was certainly
evident in the way Smith handled the winning play with 14 seconds left on the clock. -
practice
a customary way of operation or behavior
He directed and acted in plays every season and became known for exploring Elizabethan theatre
practices. -
intend
have in mind as a purpose
“Lipstick, as a product
intended for topical use with limited absorption, is ingested only in very small quantities,” the agency said on its website. -
concern
something that interests you because it is important
The scandal broke out in October after former chief executive Michael Woodford claimed he was fired for raising
concerns about the company’s accounting practices. -
commit
perform an act, usually with a negative connotation
In an unprecedented front page article in 2003 The Times reported that Mr. Blair, a young reporter on its staff, had
committed journalistic fraud.New York Times (Feb 15, 2012) -
issue
some situation or event that is thought about
As a result, the privacy
issues surrounding mobile computing are becoming ever-more complex. -
approach
move towards
-
establish
set up or found
A small French colony, Port Louis, was
established on East Falkland in 1764 and handed to the Spanish three years later. -
utter
without qualification
-
conduct
direct the course of; manage or control
Scientists have been
conducting studies of individual genes for years. -
engage
consume all of one’s attention or time
We had nearly two hundred passengers, who were seated about on the sofas, reading, or playing games, or
engaged in conversation.Field, Henry M. (Henry Martyn) -
obtain
come into possession of
He delayed making the unclassified report public while awaiting an Army review, but Rolling Stone magazine
obtained the report and posted it Friday night.New York Times (Feb 11, 2012) -
scarce
deficient in quantity or number compared with the demand
Meanwhile, heating oil could grow more
scarce in the Northeast this winter, the Energy Department warned last month.New York Times (Jan 21, 2012) -
policy
a plan of action adopted by an individual or social group
Inflation has lagged behind the central bank’s 2 percent target, giving
policy makers extra scope to cut rates. -
straight
successive, without a break
-
stock
capital raised by a corporation through the issue of shares
-
apparent
clearly revealed to the mind or the senses or judgment
But the elderly creak is beginning to become
apparent in McCartney’s voice. -
property
a basic or essential attribute shared by members of a class
Owing to these magic
properties, it was often planted near dwellings to keep away evil spirits.Parsons, Mary Elizabeth -
fancy
imagine; conceive of; see in one’s mind
-
concept
an abstract or general idea inferred from specific instances
-
court
an assembly to conduct judicial business
When Brown pleaded not guilty to assaulting Rihanna, their violent past came out in
court.Slate (Feb 16, 2012) -
appoint
assign a duty, responsibility, or obligation to
In 1863 he was
appointed by the general assembly professor of oriental languages at New College.Various -
passage
a section of text, particularly a section of medium length
His interpretation of many obscure scriptural
passages by means of native manners and customs and traditions is particularly helpful and informing.Sheets, Emily Churchill Thompson -
vain
unproductive of success
An attempt was made to ignore this brilliant and irregular book, but in
vain; it was read all over Europe.Various -
instance
an occurrence of something
In many
instances large districts or towns would have fewer representatives than smaller ones, or perhaps none at all.Clarke, Helen Archibald -
coast
the shore of a sea or ocean
Martello towers must be built within short distances all round the
coast.Wingfield, Lewis -
project
a planned undertaking
The funds are aimed at helping build public
projects including mass transit, electricity networks, water utility and ports, it said. -
commission
a special group delegated to consider some matter
-
constant
a quantity that does not vary
In 1929, Hubble independently put forward and confirmed the same idea, and the parameter later became known as the Hubble
constant.Nature (Nov 15, 2011) -
circumstances
one’s overall condition in life
The
circumstances leading up to the shootings was not immediately available. -
constitute
compose or represent
Oil and natural gas
constituted almost 50 percent of Russian government revenue last year. -
level
a relative position or degree of value in a graded group
-
affect
have an influence upon
The central bank will start distributing low-interest loans in early March to individuals and small- and medium-sized companies
affected by the flooding. -
institute
set up or lay the groundwork for
-
render
give an interpretation of
-
appeal
be attractive to
-
generate
bring into existence
Qualities such as these are not
generated under bad working practices of any sort.Hungerford, Edward -
theory
a well-substantiated explanation of some aspect of the world
-
range
a variety of different things or activities
Like American community colleges, admission at an open university is not competitive, but the schools offer a
range of programs, including doctoral degrees. -
campaign
a race between candidates for elective office
At the same point in 2004 — as an incumbent facing re-election — Mr. Bush had taken in about $145.6 million for his
campaign.New York Times (Feb 18, 2012) -
league
an association of sports teams that organizes matches
«When I broke into the big
leagues until a month ago, Gary kept in touch,» Mets third baseman David Wright said.Seattle Times (Feb 17, 2012) -
labor
any piece of work that is undertaken or attempted
More
labor is entailed, more time is required, greater delay is occasioned in cleaning up, and the amount of water used is much greater.Hoskin, Arthur J. -
confer
have a meeting in order to talk something over
Ms. Stewart said Mrs. Bachmann
conferred with her family and a few aides after her disappointing showing on Tuesday evening.New York Times (Jan 4, 2012) -
grant
allow to have
-
dwell
think moodily or anxiously about something
-
entertain
provide amusement for
The first Super Bowl in 1967 featured college marching bands
entertaining the crowds at halftime. -
contract
a binding agreement that is enforceable by law
Contracts with utilities will be signed starting next month, he said.
-
earnest
characterized by a firm, sincere belief in one’s opinions
Too much praise cannot be given to the
earnest and efficient missionaries who founded and have maintained this mission.Miller, George A. -
yield
give or supply
It is a very important honey plant, as it
yields an exceptionally pure nectar and remains in bloom a long time.Parsons, Mary Elizabeth -
wander
move or cause to move in a sinuous or circular course
-
insist
be emphatic or resolute and refuse to budge
Interior Department officials
insisted that they had conducted an extensive scientific inquiry before moving ahead with the spill response plan.New York Times (Feb 17, 2012) -
knight
a person of noble birth trained to arms and chivalry
-
convince
make realize the truth or validity of something
-
inspire
serve as the inciting cause of
-
convention
a large formal assembly
Last year, the industry’s main trade
convention, the Inside Self-Storage World Expo, organized workshops in Las Vegas focusing on lien laws and auction sales.New York Times (Feb 17, 2012) -
skill
an ability that has been acquired by training
He says many new drivers are terrified of motorway driving because they do not have the
skills or confidence needed. -
harry
annoy continually or chronically
-
financial
involving fiscal matters
-
reflect
show an image of
Teens ranting over chores and whatnot can often
reflect deeper feelings of alienation or perceived uncaring on the part of parents. -
novel
an extended fictional work in prose
Before Robert Barr publishes a
novel he spends years in thinking the thing out.Anonymous -
furnish
provide with objects or articles that make a room usable
Instead, according to court documents, the money went toward
furnishing mansions, flying in private jets, and retaining a $120,000-a-year personal hairstylist.BusinessWeek (Feb 1, 2012) -
compel
force somebody to do something
-
venture
proceed somewhere despite the risk of possible dangers
Clearly he would not
venture to descend while his enemy moved.Strang, Herbert -
territory
the geographical area under the jurisdiction of a state
On Friday, West Africa regional group Ecowas condemned the rebels, urging them to end hostilities and surrender all occupied
territory. -
temper
a characteristic state of feeling
Oscar Wilde, to do him justice, bore this sort of rebuff with astonishing good
temper and sweetness.Anonymous -
bent
fixed in your purpose
The business-oriented constituency of the Republican Party, Jacobs said, has been weakened by a faction
bent on lowering taxes and cutting spending. -
intimate
marked by close acquaintance, association, or familiarity
-
undertake
enter upon an activity or enterprise
An autopsy has reportedly been
undertaken but the results are not expected for several weeks. -
majority
more than half of the votes in an election
Republicans need just four seats in the Senate to take control as the
majority party. -
assert
declare or affirm solemnly and formally as true
In your talk you
asserted the pill’s risks of blood clotting, lung artery blockage, heart attack and stroke are minimal. -
crew
the people who work on a vehicle
Several pilots and
crew members would have to escape at once, while safety divers watched, ready to rescue anyone who became stuck.New York Times (Feb 6, 2012) -
chamber
a natural or artificial enclosed space
«Today,» said the old man, «you must push through with me into my most solitary
chamber, that we may not be disturbed.»Carlyle, Thomas -
humble
marked by meekness or modesty; not arrogant or prideful
-
scheme
an elaborate and systematic plan of action
Some companies in the Globe District of Arizona have started extensive underground
schemes for mining large tonnages very cheaply by «caving» methods.Hoskin, Arthur J. -
keen
demonstrating ability to recognize or draw fine distinctions
Not one of his movements escaped her
keen observation; she drank in every shiver.Wingfield, Lewis -
liberal
having political views favoring reform and progress
Romney’s actually done well in open primaries where fiscally conservative yet socially
liberal independents have backed him over his opponents. -
despair
a state in which all hope is lost or absent
There were wounded love, and wounded pride, and
despair, and coming madness, all in that piteous cry.Reade, Charles -
tide
the periodic rise and fall of the sea level
-
attitude
a complex mental state involving beliefs and feelings
«Behaviours have changed and
attitudes have changed,» Mr Taylor said. -
justify
show to be reasonable or provide adequate ground for
He felt sure that if the circumstances
justified it, the necessary proceedings could be taken.”Anonymous -
flag
a rectangular piece of cloth of distinctive design
-
merit
any admirable or beneficial attribute
Thus far in our inquiry extraordinary
merits have been offset by extraordinary defects.Ayres, Harry Morgan -
manifest
reveal its presence or make an appearance
A too rapid transformation of existing conditions might very easily lead to an economic crisis, symptoms of which are already beginning to
manifest themselves.Vay, P?ter -
notion
a general inclusive concept
-
scale
relative magnitude
-
formal
characteristic of or befitting a person in authority
-
resource
a new or reserve supply that can be drawn upon when needed
“Economists assume that, under normal conditions, markets will allocate
resources efficiently,” he added. -
persist
continue to exist
Old ideas, long after the conditions under which they were produced have passed away, often
persist in surviving.Ingersoll, Robert Green -
contempt
lack of respect accompanied by a feeling of intense dislike
And with his backhanded
contempt for all things ordinary, Blake is making some of the catchiest, most difficult music in recent memory. -
tour
a route all the way around a particular place or area
-
plead
enter a defendant’s answer
-
weigh
be oppressive or burdensome
So far, the political turmoil has not appeared to have discouraged visitors, but prolonged strife could
weigh on tourism.New York Times (Feb 11, 2012) -
mode
how something is done or how it happens
-
distinction
a discrimination between things as different
But such a
distinction is quite external; at heart the men may be very much alike.Anonymous -
inclined
at an angle to the horizontal or vertical position
Such an
inclined passage following a seam of coal is known as a slope.Hoskin, Arthur J. -
attribute
a quality belonging to or characteristic of an entity
The authors found that when the available prospects varied more in
attributes such as age, height, occupation and educational background, people made fewer dating proposals.Scientific American (Feb 13, 2012) -
exert
make a great effort at a mental or physical task
-
oppress
come down on or keep down by unjust use of one’s authority
Those who managed to survive were later
oppressed by Poland’s post-war communist authorities. -
contend
compete for something
But eight men, however bold and stout-hearted, could not long
contend with an enemy at least four times their number.Strang, Herbert -
stake
a strong wooden or metal post driven into the ground
His remains were buried in Cannon Street, and a
stake was driven through the body.Andrews, William -
toil
work hard
He
toiled in the sweat of his brow, tilling the stubborn ground, taking out stones, building fences.Adler, Felix -
perish
pass from physical life
Simon Wiesenthal’s parents are long since deceased, with his father dying in World War I and his mother
perishing in the Holocaust. -
disposition
your usual mood
-
rail
complain bitterly
Mr. Gray
railed against lengthy stage directions, saying he crossed them out in scripts before he would begin rehearsals with his actors.New York Times (Feb 7, 2012) -
cardinal
one of a group of prominent bishops in the Sacred College
-
boast
talk about oneself with excessive pride or self-regard
-
advocate
a person who pleads for a person, cause, or idea
Well, safety
advocates, consumers and the government dragged the automobile industry toward including seat belts, air bags, more visible taillights and other safety features.New York Times (Feb 19, 2012) -
bestow
present
-
allege
report or maintain
It is being fired into enclosed areas and homes, the human rights group
alleges. -
notwithstanding
despite anything to the contrary
-
lofty
of imposing height; especially standing out above others
-
multitude
a large indefinite number
Department store chains in general have been strained in recent years as a »
multitude» of alternatives has emerged, all competing for customers.Chicago Tribune (Dec 28, 2011) -
steep
having a sharp inclination
It was narrow and very
steep, and had precipices in all parts, so that they could not mount upward except one at a time.Various -
heed
pay close attention to
But Cain was already too far gone to
heed the warning voice.Adler, Felix -
modest
not large but sufficient in size or amount
A healthy person living in an unfashionable city with no student loans to pay off can get by on a fairly
modest income.Slate (Feb 17, 2012) -
partial
being or affecting only a segment
-
apt
naturally disposed toward
Another reason to display beds at an electronics show: consumers are
apt to use high-tech devices while tucked in.New York Times (Jan 9, 2012) -
esteem
the condition of being honored
Despite being held in the highest
esteem by his fellow poets, Redgrove never quite achieved the critical reception or readership he deserved. -
credible
appearing to merit belief or acceptance
Mike Mullen, then chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, has acknowledged receiving the memo but said he ignored it as not
credible.New York Times (Dec 19, 2011) -
provoke
provide the needed stimulus for
It
provoked a bigger reaction than we could ever have anticipated. -
tread
a step in walking or running
The farmer went down, his clumsy boots making no sound on the uncarpeted stairway, so careful was his
tread.Woolson, Constance Fenimore -
ascertain
learn or discover with confidence
Health care providers and manufacturers can
ascertain alternative treatment more effectively by tackling predicted drug shortage incidences early in the process.Forbes (Feb 13, 2012) -
fare
proceed, get along, or succeed
-
cede
relinquish possession or control over
Some militia chiefs say they will only
cede command of their fighters once an organized military and security apparatus is in place. -
perpetual
continuing forever or indefinitely
-
decree
a legally binding command or decision
While the
decree takes effect immediately, it requires Parliament’s approval within 60 days to remain in force. -
contrive
make or work out a plan for; devise
The wily Roc, never taken much by surprise,
contrived to escape, but old Tributor and his men were all captured.Thornbury, Walter -
derived
formed or developed from something else; not original
Modern kale, cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, and kohlrabi are all members of the same species,
derived from a single prehistoric plant variety.Slate (Feb 21, 2012) -
elaborate
marked by complexity and richness of detail
But the tobacco industry and owners of other convenience stores say tribal cigarette manufacturing is just an
elaborate form of tax evasion.New York Times (Feb 22, 2012) -
substantial
real; having a material or factual existence
Defence lawyers said the large number of forensic tests which had been carried out had failed to find any
substantial evidence linked to the accused. -
frontier
a wilderness at the edge of a settled area of a country
Adding to the precarious security situation, tribesmen kidnapped 18 Egyptian border guards along the
frontier with Israel in Sinai Peninsula.New York Times (Feb 9, 2012) -
facile
arrived at without due care or effort; lacking depth
-
cite
make reference to
The Federal Reserve has pledged low interest rates until late 2014,
citing in part the weakness of the job market. -
warrant
show to be reasonable or provide adequate ground for
In the United Kingdom and Europe the devices are not used unless the need is
warranted by the patient’s medical condition. -
sob
weep convulsively
He cried and trembled,
sobbing, while they spoke, like the child he was.Weyman, Stanley J. -
rider
a traveler who actively sits and travels on an animal
In horseback riding, a
rider will give commands by squeezing or lengthening the reins and altering the position of his legs. -
dense
permitting little if any light to pass through
Dense black smoke rose in the distance as demonstrators burned tires in Shiite villages.
-
afflict
cause physical pain or suffering in
Melanoma globally
afflicts nearly 160,000 new people each year. -
flourish
grow vigorously
His business had been all along steadily
flourishing, his patrons had been of high social position, some most illustrious, others actually royal.Petherick, Horace William -
ordain
invest with ministerial or priestly authority
One of the present bishops was consecrated when quite a young boy, and deacons are often
ordained at sixteen, and even much earlier.Bird, Isabella L. (Isabella Lucy) -
pious
having or showing or expressing reverence for a deity
Mother, you see, is a very
pious woman, and she attributes it all to Providence, saying that it was the Divine interference in her behalf.Various -
vex
disturb, especially by minor irritations
There are
vexing problems slowing the growth and the practical implementation of big data technologies.Forbes (Oct 21, 2011) -
gravity
the force of attraction between all masses in the universe
Once captured, the combined object will have a new center of
gravity and may be spinning in an uncontrolled way. -
suspended
supported or kept from sinking or falling by buoyancy
Frustrating enough at ground level, but can you imagine the agony about a stranded, ever-soggier Oreo being
suspended 11 feet above the ground?Washington Post (Feb 21, 2012) -
conspicuous
obvious to the eye or mind
Its bright scarlet fruits are
conspicuous in late autumn.Anonymous -
retort
a quick reply to a question or remark
-
jet
an airplane powered by gas turbines
Typhoon fighter
jets, helicopters, two warships and bomb disposal experts will also be on duty to guard against security threats.Seattle Times (Feb 20, 2012) -
bolt
run away
The blare of bugles was heard, and a few seconds afterwards Jackson, still facing the enemy, shouted: «By Jupiter, they’re
bolting, sir.»Strang, Herbert -
assent
agree or express agreement
His two companions readily
assented, and the promise was mutually given and received.Keightley, Thomas -
purse
a sum spoken of as the contents of a money container
She watched over her husband, kept his accounts, held the family
purse, managed all his affairs. Shorter, Clement K. -
plus
the arithmetic operation of summing
The survey’s margin of error was
plus or minus four percentage points. -
sanction
give authority or permission to
The Securities and Exchange Commission said last year it had
sanctioned 39 senior officers for conduct related to the housing market meltdown. -
proceeding
a sequence of steps by which legal judgments are invoked
Chu attended the special court-martial
proceeding on Monday in Hawaii, Hill said. -
exalt
praise, glorify, or honor
-
siege
an action of an armed force that surrounds a fortified place
Rebellion broke out, and finally the aged Caliph, after enduring a
siege of several weeks, was murdered in his own house.Nicholson, Reynold -
malice
the desire to see others suffer
He viewed the moths with
malice, their fluttering wings fanning his resentment.Lyman, Olin L. -
extravagant
recklessly wasteful
Advisers say new millionaires are prone to mistakes, like making
extravagant purchases or risky deals with friends. -
wax
increase in phase
Carols had existed for centuries, though their popularity
waxed and waned as different governments and religious movements periodically declared them sinful. -
throng
press tightly together or cram
Deafening cheers rent the air as he landed; hundreds
thronged around him to clasp his hand.Strang, Herbert -
venerate
regard with feelings of respect and reverence
-
assail
attack someone physically or emotionally
His campaign even issued a press release
assailing other rivals for, in Mr. Paul’s view, taking Mr. Romney’s quote about firing people out of context.New York Times (Feb 16, 2012) -
sublime
of high moral or intellectual value
He was uneven, disproportioned, saying ordinary things on great occasions, and now and then, without the slightest provocation, uttering the
sublimest and most beautiful thoughts.Ingersoll, Robert Green -
exploit
draw from; make good use of
As humans increasingly
exploit the deep seas for fish, oil and mining, understanding how species are dispersed is crucial, Copley said.Scientific American (Jan 3, 2012) -
exertion
use of physical or mental energy; hard work
-
kindle
catch fire
-
endow
furnish with a capital fund
The grammar school here, founded in 1533, is liberally
endowed, with scholarships and exhibitions.Various -
imposed
set forth authoritatively as obligatory
The Arab League has already suspended Syria and
imposed economic sanctions. -
humiliate
cause to feel shame
The letter claims pensioners are too often patronised,
humiliated, denied privacy or even medical treatment. -
suffrage
a legal right to vote
There has been a great deal said in this country of late in regard to giving the right of
suffrage to women.Ingersoll, Robert Green -
ensue
take place or happen afterward or as a result
An uproar
ensued months after the approval, when opponents realized the online gambling measure had been slipped in.New York Times (Feb 16, 2012) -
brook
a natural stream of water smaller than a river
-
gale
a strong wind moving 34–40 knots
The
gale was accompanied, as usual, by incessant rain and thick weather, and a heavy confused sea kept our decks always flooded.Fitzroy, Robert -
muse
reflect deeply on a subject
Musing about the Big Picture may be a lot more gratifying than focusing on the details of the specific policies that aren’t working.
-
satire
witty language used to convey insults or scorn
There’s plenty of humor on Russian television, though not much political
satire; Mr. Putin put a stop to that long ago.New York Times (Feb 13, 2012) -
intrigue
cause to be interested or curious
-
indication
something that serves to suggest
-
dispatch
send away towards a designated goal
More than one assassin was
dispatched by the Turkish authorities to murder Napoleon.Various -
cower
crouch or curl up
-
wont
an established custom
He made his customary slick feeds to open teammates, but as is their
wont, the Nets struggled at times to convert points on his passes.New York Times (Feb 20, 2012) -
tract
a system of body parts that serves some specialized purpose
When probiotics flourish in the digestive
tract, nutrients are better absorbed and bad bugs are held at bay, research suggests.Seattle Times (Jan 10, 2012) -
canon
a collection of books accepted as holy scripture
For me, all novels of any consequence are literary, and they take their place, high and low, in the
canon of English literature. -
impel
cause to move forward with force
-
latitude
freedom from normal restraints in conduct
Great employees often get more
latitude to bring up controversial subjects in a group setting because their performance allows greater freedom. -
vacate
leave behind empty; move out of
Their number diminished sharply after Villaraigosa announced last week that he wanted protesters to
vacate the grounds by Monday or be forcibly removed.Chicago Tribune (Nov 30, 2011) -
undertaking
any piece of work that is attempted
-
slay
kill intentionally and with premeditation
«It were shame,» said Lancelot, «for an armed to
slay an unarmed man.»Unknown -
predecessor
one who goes before you in time
-
delicacy
the quality of being exquisitely fine in appearance
This refinement appears in his works, which are full of artistic grace and dainty
delicacy.Drake, Samuel Adams -
forsake
leave someone who needs or counts on you; leave in the lurch
«I’m surprised,» said Philip, cautiously opening fire, «that you were ever allowed to
forsake your native land.»Hay, Ian -
beseech
ask for or request earnestly
Utterly distraught, he ran up and down the bank, hunting for his clothes, calling, crying out, imploring,
beseeching help from somewhere.Frank, Ulrich -
philosophical
relating to the investigation of existence and knowledge
-
grove
a small growth of trees without underbrush
-
frustrate
hinder or prevent, as an effort, plan, or desire
Frustrated after two years of missed budget targets, finance chiefs demanded Greek officials put their verbal commitments into law.
-
illustrious
widely known and esteemed
She will be joining an
illustrious list of recipients that include Winston Churchill, Nelson Mandela, Pope John Paul II and Princess Diana. -
device
an instrumentality invented for a particular purpose
You’ve probably also noticed that the telephone and computer are no longer the only
devices on your employees’ desks.Forbes (Feb 26, 2012) -
pomp
cheap or pretentious or vain display
Throughout U.S. history, Americans have been fascinated by royal
pomp — even on a movie screen. -
entreat
ask for or request earnestly
«Let me go now, please,» she
entreated, her eyes unable to meet his any longer.Hope, Anthony -
impart
transmit, as knowledge or a skill
Long before writing and books were in common use, proverbs were the principal means of
imparting instruction.Preston, Thomas -
propriety
correct behavior
I felt a trifle doubtful about the
propriety of taking a short cut across private grounds, and said as much.Sutphen, Van Tassel -
consecrate
render holy by means of religious rites
-
proceeds
the income or profit arising from a transaction
His own share in the
proceeds was about a hundred thousand dollars.Stark, James H. -
fathom
come to understand
-
objective
the goal intended to be attained
The
objective was to mobilize students from 18 high schools across the city to provide community services and inspire others.New York Times (Feb 5, 2012) -
clad
wearing or provided with clothing
A few of the villagers came behind,
clad in mourning robes, and bearing lighted tapers.Various -
partisan
devoted to a cause or political group
But given the bitter
partisan divide in an election year, Democrats said they would never be able to get such legislation passed.Chicago Tribune (Mar 30, 2012) -
faction
a dissenting clique
One
faction declared it would begin an armed struggle against the government of the United States.Slate (Feb 29, 2012) -
contrived
artificially formal
In lesser hands the story about a young man who discovers life among the dead could be impossibly cute and
contrived.New York Times (Mar 25, 2012) -
venerable
impressive by reason of age
Thus, after much more than two hundred years, the
venerable building looks almost as it did when the first students entered its doors.Faris, John T. (John Thomson) -
restrained
not showy or obtrusive
By contrast, Mr. Pei’s
restrained design took time to claim my attention, particularly since it sat quietly next door to Saarinen’s concrete gull wings.New York Times (Oct 6, 2011) -
besiege
harass, as with questions or requests
-
manifestation
a clear appearance
-
rebuke
an act or expression of criticism and censure
Afterward, the leaders fought court orders to release records showing what they had done, drawing an uncommonly sharp
rebuke from a federal judge.Washington Post (Mar 14, 2012) -
insurgent
in opposition to a civil authority or government
The Free Syrian Army, an
insurgent group made of defecting soldiers and based in southern Turkey, claimed responsibility for both attacks.New York Times (Nov 20, 2011) -
rhetoric
using language effectively to please or persuade
His fiery
rhetoric in support of limiting cuts to projected defense spending has surprised and impressed some of Obama’s toughest Republican critics. -
scrupulous
having ethical or moral principles
The reason is that the vast majority of businesses are
scrupulous and treat their employees well. -
ratify
approve and express assent, responsibility, or obligation
Company officials at Safeway said those replacement workers will remain on standby until the agreement is
ratified by union members.Washington Post (Mar 29, 2012) -
stump
cause to be perplexed or confounded
Though family members long suspected Evans, a local handyman who frequently hired local youths, the case
stumped investigators for years.Washington Post (Aug 30, 2011) -
discreet
marked by prudence or modesty and wise self-restraint
Sarkozy has attempted to tone down his image, becoming more
discreet about his private life. -
imposing
impressive in appearance
-
wistful
showing pensive sadness
-
mortify
cause to feel shame
Intensely
mortified at this humiliation, the king fell sick, and henceforth his health failed rapidly.Various -
ripple
stir up so as to form small waves
-
premise
a statement that is held to be true
-
subside
wear off or die down
Affliction is allayed, grief
subsides, sorrow is soothed, distress is mitigated.Webster, Noah -
adverse
contrary to your interests or welfare
-
caprice
a sudden desire
-
muster
summon up, call forth, or bring together
-
comprehensive
broad in scope
The United States Army developed a
comprehensive plan to address problematic race relations in the 1970s, recognizing that they were hampering military effectiveness.New York Times (Feb 6, 2012) -
accede
yield to another’s wish or opinion
-
fervent
characterized by intense emotion
But, to
fervent applause and scattered fist pumps from two sets of worshipers, he pledged to legally challenge the claims against him.New York Times (Sep 26, 2010) -
cohere
cause to form a united, orderly, and consistent whole
-
tribunal
an assembly to conduct judicial business
The military has historically been protected from civilian courts, with any crimes committed by soldiers being decided in closed military
tribunals. -
austere
severely simple
A certain
austere simplicity was noticeable all over Longfellow’s house.Anonymous -
recovering
returning to health after illness or debility
-
stratum
a group of people sharing similar wealth and status
She belonged to the upper
stratum of the profession, and, knowing it, could not sink.George, Walter Lionel -
conscientious
characterized by extreme care and great effort
A
conscientious hostess would be very much mortified if she served chicken out of its proper course.Reed, Myrtle -
arbitrary
based on or subject to individual discretion or preference
Sandra Nurse, a member of Occupy’s direct action working group, said police treated demonstrators roughly and made
arbitrary arrests.Time (Mar 18, 2012) -
exasperate
irritate
Shopkeepers,
exasperated at the impact of higher taxes and reduced consumer spending, are planning to close down for the day.New York Times (Feb 7, 2012) -
conjure
summon into action or bring into existence
-
ominous
threatening or foreshadowing evil or tragic developments
The Count’s words were so
ominous, so full of sinister meaning that for the moment he felt like crying out with fear.Hocking, Joseph -
edifice
a structure that has a roof and walls
They are here erecting a fine stone
edifice for an Episcopal Church.Clark, John A. -
elude
escape, either physically or mentally
But despite racking up world titles, Olympic gold was
eluding him. -
pervade
spread or diffuse through
-
foster
promote the growth of
Mr. Horne accused the district’s Mexican-American studies program of using an antiwhite curriculum to
foster social activism.New York Times (Mar 19, 2012) -
admonish
scold or reprimand; take to task
«Children, children, stop quarrelling, right here in public!»
admonished Mrs. Dering, in a low, shocked tone.Perry, Nora -
repeal
cancel officially
If Republicans
repeal the law, Ms. Schakowsky said, they would be “taking away benefits that seniors are already getting.”New York Times (Mar 19, 2012) -
retiring
not arrogant or presuming
-
incidental
not of prime or central importance
The models themselves are
incidental on “Scouted,” merely empty planets around which revolve some fascinating characters and plenty more dull ones.New York Times (Nov 27, 2011) -
acquiesce
agree or express agreement
-
slew
a large number or amount or extent
In fact, intense focus may be one reason why so-called savants become so extraordinary at performing extensive calculations or remembering a
slew of facts.Scientific American (Mar 3, 2012) -
usurp
seize and take control without authority
More than anything, though, officials expressed concern about reigniting longstanding Mexican concerns about the United States’
usurping Mexico’s authority.New York Times (Mar 15, 2011) -
sentinel
a person employed to keep watch for some anticipated event
The prisoners undressed themselves as usual, and went to bed, observed by the
sentinel.Drake, Samuel Adams -
precision
the quality of being exact
At this time, home ranges of small rodents can not be measured with great
precision, therefore any such calculations are, at best, only approximations.Douglas, Charles L. -
depose
force to leave an office
-
wanton
unprovoked or without motive or justification
I am not a sentimentalist by any means, yet I abominate
wanton cruelty.Stables, Gordon -
odium
state of disgrace resulting from detestable behavior
This was one of the men who bring
odium on the whole class of prisoners, and prejudice society against them.Henderson, Frank -
precept
a rule of personal conduct
-
deference
a courteous expression of esteem or regard
-
fray
a noisy fight
Armed rebels have joined the
fray in recent months. -
candid
openly straightforward and direct without secretiveness
-
enduring
unceasing
-
impertinent
improperly forward or bold
Imagine calling a famous writer by his first name—it seemed
impertinent, to say the least.Watkins, Shirley -
bland
lacking stimulating characteristics; uninteresting
Many critics were less than enamored with the kind of “easy listening” Mr. Williams embodied, deriding his approach as
bland and unchallenging.New York Times (Oct 9, 2011) -
insinuate
suggest in an indirect or covert way; give to understand
«Good heavens, do you mean to
insinuate that I did anything crooked?» said Bojo loudly, yet at the bottom ill at ease.Johnson, Owen -
nominal
insignificantly small; a matter of form only
He sought
nominal damages of one dollar from each defendant. -
suppliant
humbly entreating
The colonists asked for nothing but what was clearly right and asked in the most respectful and even
suppliant manner.Judson, L. Carroll -
languid
lacking spirit or liveliness
-
rave
praise enthusiastically
-
monetary
relating to or involving money
A hundred years ago,
monetary policy – control over interest rates and the availability of credit – was viewed as a highly contentious political issue.New York Times (Mar 29, 2012) -
headlong
in a hasty and foolhardy manner
“They may not be wishing to rush
headlong back into the same sort of risks just yet.” -
infallible
incapable of failure or error
But conductors are no more
infallible than other people, and once in a blue moon in going through a train they miss a passenger.Lynde, Francis -
coax
influence or persuade by gentle and persistent urging
He used his most enticing manner and did his best to
coax the little animal out again.Kay, Ross -
explicate
elaborate, as of theories and hypotheses
-
gaunt
very thin especially from disease or hunger or cold
-
morbid
suggesting the horror of death and decay
-
ranging
wandering freely
-
pacify
ease the anger, agitation, or strong emotion of
How they
pacified him I don’t know, but at the end of two hours he had cooled off enough to let us go aboard.Quincy, Samuel M. -
pastoral
idyllically rustic
He made a considerable reputation as an accomplished painter of quiet
pastoral subjects and carefully elaborated landscapes with cattle.Various -
dogged
stubbornly unyielding
Some analysts expect Mr. Falcone, who is known for his
dogged determination, to just continue to limp along while slashing costs.New York Times (Feb 15, 2012) -
ebb
fall away or decline
-
aide
someone who acts as an assistant
-
appease
cause to be more favorably inclined; gain the good will of
-
stipulate
make an express demand or provision in an agreement
The mayor has an executive order in place
stipulating that all top officials, except those granted a waiver, live in the city.New York Times (Sep 22, 2011) -
recourse
something or someone turned to for assistance or security
Bargain hunters and holiday shoppers are bad guys’ favorite targets and have little or no
recourse when shoddy or fake merchandise arrives.Forbes (Nov 22, 2011) -
constrained
lacking spontaneity; not natural
All his goodness, however, will be of a forced,
constrained, artificial, and at bottom unreal character.Hyde, William De Witt -
bate
moderate or restrain; lessen the force of
“You called her ‘an interfering, disagreeable old woman’!” whispered Bertha with
bated breath, glancing half fearfully at the door as she spoke.Vaizey, George de Horne, Mrs. -
aversion
a feeling of intense dislike
-
conceit
an artistic device or effect
An urban panorama is viewed from a high vantage point, a
conceit used in topographic art to render vast perspectives.New York Times (Sep 30, 2011) -
loath
strongly opposed
-
rampart
an embankment built around a space for defensive purposes
The night was gloomy, dark, and wet; the soldiers, wearied with watching at the
ramparts, dozed, leaning on their weapons.Sienkiewicz, Henryk -
extort
obtain by coercion or intimidation
The owners, in turn, have called the lawyers shakedown artists bent on ruining their good reputations to
extort money.New York Times (Jan 27, 2012) -
tarry
leave slowly and hesitantly
-
perpetrate
perform an act, usually with a negative connotation
-
decorum
propriety in manners and conduct
Wishing to observe the rules of
decorum she invited him to stay for supper, though absolutely nothing had been prepared for a guest.Sudermann, Hermann -
luxuriant
produced or growing in extreme abundance
-
cant
insincere talk about religion or morals
It was the familiar
cant of the man rich enough to affect disdain for money, and Wade was not impressed.Day, Holman -
enjoin
give instructions to or direct somebody to do something
He turned to beckon the others forward with one hand, while laying the other over his mouth in a gesture
enjoining silence.Breckenridge, Gerald -
avarice
extreme greed for material wealth
-
edict
a formal or authoritative proclamation
An
edict was issued by him forbidding any Christian to give instruction in Greek literature under any circumstances.Lightfoot, J. B. -
disconcert
cause to lose one’s composure
-
symmetry
balance among the parts of something
-
capitulate
surrender under agreed conditions
«Alas, no,» said Bergfeld, mournfully, «the day after the battle our brave soldiers were surrounded by overwhelming forces and obliged to
capitulate.»Meding, Johann Ferdinand Martin Oskar -
arbitrate
act between parties with a view to reconciling differences
The Scottish throne was now disputed by many claimants, and the Scots asked Edward to
arbitrate between them.Various -
cleave
separate or cut with a tool, such as a sharp instrument
Instead someone shouts «Go» and he is bearing down on me and almost
cleaves my shield in two with his first blow. -
append
add to the very end
Some specimens will appear in the papers
appended to this report.Various -
visage
the human face
-
horde
a moving crowd
-
parable
a short moral story
-
chastise
scold or criticize severely
She remembers an upsetting incident when a headmistress
chastised her for working too much. -
foil
hinder or prevent, as an effort, plan, or desire
On March 1st, a Turkish newspaper reported that the country’s intelligence service had
foiled an attempt by Syrian agents to kidnap the colonel. -
veritable
being truly so called; real or genuine
The heavy rain had reduced this low-lying ground to a
veritable quagmire, making progress very difficult even for one as unburdened as he was.Putnam Weale, B. L. (Bertram Lenox) -
grapple
work hard to come to terms with or deal with something
-
gentry
the most powerful members of a society
The mode of travel of the
gentry was riding horses, but most people traveled by walking.Reilly, S. A. -
pall
a sudden feeling of dread or gloominess
Residents who fled in recent days spoke of the smell of death and piles of garbage drifting like snowbanks, casting a
pall over the city.New York Times (Mar 7, 2012) -
maxim
a saying that is widely accepted on its own merits
The
maxim «All is fair in love and war» was applied literally.Thomson, Basil -
projection
a prediction made by extrapolating from past observations
Volume is down 25 percent from five years ago, and
projections show even further declines, said Postmaster General Patrick R. Donahoe.New York Times (Mar 22, 2012) -
prowess
a superior skill learned by study and practice
While our engineering
prowess has advanced a great deal over the past sixty years, the principles of innovation largely have not. -
dingy
thickly covered with ingrained dirt or soot
Though composed amid the unromantic surroundings of a
dingy, dusty, and neglected back room, the speech has become a memorable document.Herndon, William H. -
semblance
the outward or apparent appearance or form of something
He was perceptibly older, in the way in which people look older all at once after having long kept the
semblance of youth.King, Basil -
tout
advertise in strongly positive terms
-
fortitude
strength of mind that enables one to endure adversity
Leigh Hunt bore himself in his captivity with cheerful
fortitude, suffering severely in health but flagging little in spirits or industry.Colvin, Sidney -
asunder
into parts or pieces
-
rout
an overwhelming defeat
It’s how Seattle won Sunday’s game in Chicago, scoring 31 consecutive second-half points as an impressive comeback became an overwhelming
rout.Seattle Times (Dec 19, 2011) -
staid
characterized by dignity and propriety
He was prim and
staid and liked to do things in an orderly fashion.Doyle, A. Conan -
beguile
influence by slyness
I can no longer remain silent in the presence of the schemers who seek to
beguile you.Bolanden, Conrad von -
purport
have the often misleading appearance of being or intending
-
deprave
corrupt morally or by intemperance or sensuality
The people who make up this typical Gorky offering are drunkards, thieves,
depraved creatures of every kind.Kilmer, Joyce -
bequeath
leave or give, especially by will after one’s death
No matter how often she changed her will, she told me, that diamond pin was always
bequeathed to me.Wells, Carolyn -
enigma
something that baffles understanding and cannot be explained
Tails are often an
enigma; many creatures have them, but scientists know little about their function, particularly for extinct species. -
assiduous
marked by care and persistent effort
He’s an
assiduous diary-keeper and regularly rereads ancient entries to check up on himself. -
vassal
a person who owes allegiance and service to a feudal lord
And what was of still greater importance, he could only obtain taxes and soldiers from among the
vassals, by the consent of their feudal lords.Freytag, Gustav -
quail
draw back, as with fear or pain
He
quailed before me, and forgetting his new part in old habits, muttered an apology.Weyman, Stanley John -
outskirts
area relatively far from the center, as of a city or town
Ms. Waters talked about how she had spent the day at an organic farm on the
outskirts of Beijing looking at vegetables for the dinner.New York Times (Nov 14, 2011) -
bulwark
a protective structure of stone or concrete
The cliffs are of imposing height, nearly three hundred feet: a formidable
bulwark.White, Walter -
swerve
an erratic turn from an intended course
-
gird
prepare oneself for action or a confrontation
-
betrothed
pledged to be married
We are not
betrothed‘—her eyes filled with tears,—’he can never marry me; and he and my father have quarrelled.Fleming, George -
prospective
of or concerned with or related to the future
Most
prospective homesteaders make the same mistake I did in buying horses, unless they are experienced.Micheaux, Oscar -
advert
make reference to
-
peremptory
not allowing contradiction or refusal
This time it was not a request but a
peremptory order to go at once to Cuba and undertake the work.Johnson, Willis Fletcher -
rudiment
the elementary stage of any subject
He retraced his steps, and came to Cape Girardeau, in Missouri, where he remained some time, acquiring the
rudiments of the English language.Anonymous -
deduce
reason from the general to the particular
They then used models of global wind circulation to
deduce which dust sources have become stronger and which weaker. -
halting
proceeding in a fragmentary, hesitant, or ineffective way
-
ignominy
a state of dishonor
After all, we love nothing better than seeing the powerful and formerly smug dragged across the front pages in
ignominy. -
ideology
an orientation that characterizes the thinking of a group
Bill O’Reilly and others picked up on the theme, summing up left-wing
ideology as “San Francisco values.”Slate (Jan 19, 2012) -
pallid
lacking in vitality or interest or effectiveness
-
chagrin
strong feelings of embarrassment
-
obtrude
thrust oneself in as if by force
-
audacious
disposed to venture or take risks
In an
audacious operation that unfolded like a Hollywood thriller, the Navy Seals executed a daring raid deep into Pakistan to kill Osama bin Laden.New York Times (Sep 4, 2011) -
construe
make sense of; assign a meaning to
-
ford
cross a river where it’s shallow
Sometimes they drive their teams through unsettled country, without roads, swimming and
fording streams, clearing away obstructions, and camping where night overtakes them.Folsom, William Henry Carman -
repast
the food served and eaten at one time
Fragrant coffee, light rolls, fresh butter, ham and eggs, fried crocuses and soft crabs, formed the
repast.Reid, Mayne -
stint
an unbroken period of time during which you do something
-
fresco
a mural done with watercolors on wet plaster
The little church has an ancient
fresco of St. Christopher, placed, as usual, opposite the entrance.Conybeare, Edward -
dutiful
willingly obedient out of a sense of respect
Perhaps he thinks an engaged young lady should be demure and
dutiful, having no eyes or ears for any one except her betrothed.Harland, Marion -
hew
make or shape as with an axe
-
parity
functional equality
-
affable
diffusing warmth and friendliness
He was well liked and respected in these islands, for his
affable manners had obtained for him much popularity.Various -
interminable
tiresomely long; seemingly without end
All was going well, but slowly, the time taken for the last few feet seeming to be
interminable.Cumberland, Barlow -
pillage
steal goods; take as spoils
In addition great material losses were inflicted: seven hundred houses were destroyed, six hundred stores
pillaged, and thousands of families utterly ruined.Straus, Oscar S. -
foreboding
a feeling of evil to come
Mr. Harding had strong
forebodings that the trouble, so far from being ended, was only just beginning.Marsh, Richard -
rend
tear or be torn violently
In the distance heavy artillery was growling, and high explosive shells were bursting with a violence that seemed to
rend the sky.Tracy, Louis -
livelihood
the financial means whereby one supports oneself
With businesses shut, fields untended and fishing abandoned many have lost their
livelihoods as well as their homes, our correspondent says. -
deign
do something that one considers to be below one’s dignity
-
capricious
determined by chance or impulse rather than by necessity
Her admirers were
capricious, returning to her at times, and then holding aloof again; and as for suitors, they entirely disappeared.Schubin, Ossip -
stupendous
so great in size, force, or extent as to elicit awe
-
chaff
material consisting of seed coverings and pieces of stem
-
innate
not established by conditioning or learning
In other words, one of our most essential abilities as humans—reading—is the product of a combination of
innate and learned traits. -
reverie
an abstracted state of absorption
-
wrangle
quarrel noisily, angrily, or disruptively
Here were many fierce and bitter
wrangles over vexed questions, turbulent scenes, displays of sectional feelings.Raymond, Evelyn -
crevice
a long narrow opening
The disruptive power of tree roots, growing in the
crevices of rocks, is well known.Various -
ostensible
appearing as such but not necessarily so
This already-exhaustive book is studded with diary entries, academic papers and other
ostensible evidence that its fictitious stories of destruction are true.New York Times (Jun 6, 2010) -
craven
lacking even the rudiments of courage; abjectly fearful
Was it for them to follow the
craven footsteps of a cowardly generation?Robinson, Victor -
vestige
an indication that something has been present
-
plumb
examine thoroughly and in great depth
Tellingly, Ms. Liao said she had great difficulty finding three actors willing to
plumb their own personalities.New York Times (Jun 1, 2011) -
reticent
not inclined to talk or provide information
No questions were asked, and few indeed were the words spoken, his
reticent manner preventing any undue familiarity.Maclean, John -
propensity
an inclination to do something
A longtime colleague, Gate Theatre director Michael Colgan, noted Kelly’s old-school charms, punctuated by his
propensity for bow ties and smart suits.Seattle Times (Feb 15, 2012) -
chide
scold or reprimand severely or angrily
-
espouse
choose and follow a theory, idea, policy, etc.
He said Islam should not be equated with terrorism or the kind of violence
espoused by Bin Laden. -
raiment
especially fine or decorative clothing
-
intrepid
invulnerable to fear or intimidation
There are some very courageous and
intrepid reporters in Afghanistan, including some who work for American media outlets. -
seemly
according with custom or propriety
The Baron was less conscientious, for he ate more beefsteak than was
seemly, and talked a great deal of stupid nonsense, as was his wont.Hoffmann, Ernst Theordor Wilhelm -
allay
lessen the intensity of or calm
-
fitful
occurring in spells and often abruptly
She had lost her composure, her breath came in
fitful, uneven gasps, and as she sat there she pressed one hand over her heart.Davis, Owen -
erode
become ground down or deteriorate
Another report today showed home prices fell more than forecast in November,
eroding the wealth of families as they seek to rebuild savings. -
unaffected
free of artificiality; sincere and genuine
His conversation was
unaffectedly simple and frank; his language natural; always abounding in curious anecdotes.Conway, Moncure Daniel -
canto
a major division of a long poem
Folengo’s next production was the Orlandino, an Italian poem of eight
cantos, written in rhymed octaves.Various -
docile
easily handled or managed
Time and again humans have domesticated wild , producing tame individuals with softer appearances and more
docile temperaments, such as dogs and guinea pigs.Scientific American (Jan 25, 2012) -
patronize
treat condescendingly
Ms. Paul herself noted that “glib talk about appreciating dyslexia as a ‘gift’ is unhelpful at best and
patronizing at worst.”New York Times (Feb 6, 2012) -
teem
be full of or abuzz with
The coast, once
teeming with traffic, is now lonely and deserted.Mahaffy, J. P. -
estrange
arouse hostility or indifference in
An atmosphere of distrust, suspicion and fear can cause workers to feel
estranged from one another, Dr. Wright has written.New York Times (Jan 28, 2012) -
spat
a quarrel about petty points
Public
spats are rare in the asset-management industry, where companies typically resolve disputes behind closed doors. -
warble
sing or play with trills
Meadow larks, as you have undoubtedly noticed,
warble many different songs.Barrett, R. E. -
mien
a person’s appearance, manner, or demeanor
-
sate
fill to contentment
His appetite was not
sated by any means, but he knew the danger of overloading his stomach, so he stopped.Dewey, Edward Hooker -
constituency
the body of voters who elect a representative for their area
Each posited that the blue-collar Democratic
constituency rooted in the New Deal had grown increasingly conservative, alienated from “big government.”New York Times (Jan 14, 2012) -
patrician
characteristic of the nobility or aristocracy
Respectable ladies, long resident, wearing black poke bonnets and camel’s-hair shawls, lifted their
patrician eyebrows with disapproval.Brooks, Charles Stephen -
parry
avoid or try to avoid fulfilling, answering, or performing
The boys asked a few guarded questions, but gained no information whatever, their questions being
parried in every instance.Mears, James R. -
practitioner
someone who carries out a learned profession
In particular, modern medical
practitioners are coming around to the idea that certain illnesses cannot be reduced to one isolatable, treatable cause.Nature (Dec 21, 2011) -
ravel
disentangle or separate out
-
infest
occupy in large numbers or live on a host
Many lived in dilapidated apartments with leaky pipes, broken windows, rooms full of mold, and walls
infested with cockroaches and rats.New York Times (Jul 28, 2011) -
actuate
give an incentive for doing something
He knew that men were
actuated by other motives, good and bad, than self-interest.Blease, Walter Lyon -
surly
unfriendly and inclined toward anger or irritation
-
convalesce
get over an illness or shock
Patients
convalescing from pneumonia were evacuated to England or given Base Duty.Jahns, Lewis E. -
demoralize
lower someone’s spirits; make downhearted
The storm clobbered many communities still recovering from the flooding two months ago caused by Hurricane Irene, leaving weary homeowners exhausted and
demoralized.Washington Post (Nov 1, 2011) -
devolve
grow worse
As the rhetoric heated up inside, the violence outside
devolved into chaos. -
alacrity
liveliness and eagerness
Every one exerted himself not only without murmuring and discontent, but even with an
alacrity which almost approached to cheerfulness.Kippis, Andrew -
waive
do without or cease to hold or adhere to
Low rates have also led retail brokerages to
waive fees on money market funds to avoid negative returns for their clients. -
unwonted
out of the ordinary
He must rush off to see his people, who no doubt were quite confounded by his
unwonted energy.Speed, Nell -
seethe
be in an agitated emotional state
Outwardly quite calm and matter-of-fact, his mind was in a
seething turmoil.Douglas, Hudson -
scrutinize
look at critically or searchingly, or in minute detail
-
diffident
lacking self-confidence
-
execrate
curse or declare to be evil or anathema
When all Great Britain was
execrating Napoleon, picturing him as a devil with horns and hoofs, Byron looked upon him as the world’s hero.Hubbard, Elbert -
implacable
incapable of being appeased or pacified
-
pique
a sudden outburst of anger
A talented youngster who smashes his guitar in a fit of
pique finds it magically reassembled just in time for a crucial concert. -
mite
a slight but appreciable amount
I never saw anybody so pleased with monkeys as she is, and not one
mite afraid.Raymond, Evelyn -
encumber
hold back, impede, or weigh down
-
uncouth
lacking refinement or cultivation or taste
-
petulant
easily irritated or annoyed
The black eyes emitted an angry flash, the voice that answered was sharp and
petulant.Fleming, May Agnes -
expiate
make amends for
Wulphere was absolved on condition that he should
expiate his crime by founding churches and monasteries all over his kingdom.Clifton, A. B. -
cavalier
showing a lack of concern or seriousness
-
banter
light teasing repartee
-
bluster
act in an arrogant, overly self-assured, or conceited manner
Slade, despite his swaggers and
blustering, was at heart a coward.Landon, Herman -
debase
corrupt morally or by intemperance or sensuality
Long oppression had not, on the whole, either blunted their intellects or
debased their morals.Adler, Felix -
retainer
a person working in the service of another
This faithful and trusted
retainer is greatly valued by his employers.Black, Helen C. -
subjugate
make subservient; force to submit or subdue
The Confederacy was led by thoroughgoing racists who wanted to keep blacks
subjugated for all time because of the color of their skin.Slate (Apr 7, 2010) -
extol
praise, glorify, or honor
How I praised the duck at that first dinner, and
extolled Madame’s skill in cookery!Warren, Arthur -
fraught
filled with or attended with
-
august
profoundly honored
At all times reserved in his manner and his bearing full of dignity, never before had she realized the majesty of General Washington’s
august presence.Madison, Lucy Foster -
fissure
a long narrow depression in a surface
The brown bark is not very rough, though its numerous
fissures and cracks give it a rugged appearance.Step, Edward -
knoll
a small natural mound
Opened in 2008, the park serves as a true public space; elderly couples stroll around the artificial lake as toddlers roll down grassy
knolls.New York Times (May 7, 2010) -
callous
emotionally hardened
Outwardly merry and good-humoured, he was by nature coldly fierce, calculating,
callous.Wingfield, Lewis -
inculcate
teach and impress by frequent repetitions or admonitions
-
nettle
disturb, especially by minor irritations
Lincoln began these remarks by good-humored but
nettling chaffing of his opponent.Various -
blanch
turn pale, as if in fear
He is silent, as if struck dumb, his face showing
blanched and bloodless, while she utters a shriek, half terrified, half in frenzied anger.Reid, Mayne -
inscrutable
difficult or impossible to understand
The fashion industry is notoriously opaque and often
inscrutable for outsiders, even ones as well connected as him.Seattle Times (Oct 1, 2011) -
tenacious
stubbornly unyielding
She was a
tenacious woman, one who would even hold fast a thing which she no longer valued, simply because it belonged to her.Morris, Clara -
thrall
the state of being under the control of another person
-
exigency
a pressing or urgent situation
The
exigency of the situation roused Mr. Popkiss’ sluggish faculties into prompt action.Magnay, William -
disconsolate
sad beyond comforting; incapable of being soothed
-
impetus
a force that makes something happen
Critics say it has known mixed success at best, although supporters hope the U.S. drawdown could provide just the
impetus it needs to thrive. -
imposition
an uncalled-for burden
-
auspices
kindly endorsement and guidance
In March 2009, negotiations between Israel and Hamas were held in Cairo, under the
auspices of the Egyptian intelligence agency.New York Times (Nov 9, 2011) -
sonorous
full and loud and deep
-
exploitation
an act that victimizes someone
In a scathing report released last year, Amnesty International found there was widespread
exploitation of migrants in Malaysia. -
bane
something causing misery or death
-
dint
force or effort
If only certain puzzles could be solved by
dint of sheer hard thinking!Marsh, Richard -
ignominious
deserving or bringing disgrace or shame
The great Ottawa chief saw his partially accomplished scheme withering into
ignominious failure.Rudd, John -
amicable
characterized by friendship and good will
After a short colloquy the two men evidently came to an
amicable understanding, for they shook hands.Kraszewski, Jo?zef Ignacy -
onset
the beginning or early stages
-
conservatory
a schoolhouse with special facilities for fine arts
The young instrumental talent that is coming out of local music schools and
conservatories is as amazingly good as you are going to find anywhere. -
zenith
the highest point of something
In other words it never reaches the
zenith, a point directly overhead.George H. Lowery. -
voluble
marked by a ready flow of speech
I find him charming: shy – yet easy to talk to –
voluble and funny once he gets going. -
yeoman
a free man who cultivates his own land
On one extreme was the well-to-do
yeoman farmer farming his own land.Reilly, S. A. -
levity
a manner lacking seriousness
The same balance of seriousness and
levity runs through her plays, which put an absurdist spin on everyday problems.New York Times (May 7, 2010) -
rapt
feeling great delight and interest
She was watching the development of the investigation with
rapt, eager attention.Mitford, Bertram -
sultry
characterized by oppressive heat and humidity
New guidelines from the American Academy of Pediatrics arrive just as school sports ramp up in
sultry August temperatures.Washington Post (Aug 9, 2011) -
pinion
restrain or bind
The prisoners having dismounted, were placed in a line on the ground facing the guillotine, their arms
pinioned.Various -
axiom
a proposition that is not susceptible of proof or disproof
The fundamental
axiom of scientific thought is that there is not, never has been, and never will be, any disorder in nature.Huxley, Thomas H. -
descry
catch sight of
-
retinue
the group following and attending to some important person
Despite his
retinue of security personnel, Atambaev had been poisoned during his short tenure as prime minister. -
functionary
a worker who holds or is invested with an office
He was the
functionary of the assize court, impaneling its juries, bringing accused men before it, and carrying out its penalties.Reilly, S. A. -
imbibe
take in liquids
«We’re cornered at last,» he said suddenly, as the old man set the bottle down after having
imbibed the best half of its contents.Douglas, Hudson -
diversified
having variety of character or form or components
-
maraud
raid and rove in search of plunder
Its reporter says armed gangs and looters are
marauding the streets. -
grudging
petty or reluctant in giving or spending
Expect delays, scattered outages and surly,
grudging customer service in the interim. -
partiality
a predisposition to like something
She still showed a
partiality for bright colors, by her gown of deep crimson.Sage, William -
philology
the humanistic study of language and literature
I had determined to study
philology, chiefly Greek and Latin, but the fare spread out by the professors was much too tempting.Müller, F. Max (Friedrich Max) -
wry
humorously sarcastic or mocking
She also has a very understated but very
wry sense of humour; watch out for it. -
caucus
meet to select a candidate or promote a policy
Representative Ron Paul of Texas isn’t campaigning in Florida, instead focusing on Maine, which will
caucus in late February. -
permeate
spread or diffuse through
-
propitious
presenting favorable circumstances
With the Athens stock market down nearly 30 percent so far this year, it would not seem a
propitious time for initial public offerings.New York Times (Jun 2, 2010) -
salient
conspicuous, prominent, or important
Bullying has become an increasingly
salient problem for school-age children, and in rare cases has ended tragically with victims committing suicide. -
propitiate
make peace with
King Edward, having subdued the Welsh, “endeavoured to
propitiate his newly acquired subjects by becoming a resident in the conquered country.Frith, William Powell -
excise
remove by cutting
Wielding a razor, Jefferson
excised all passages containing supernaturalistic elements from the gospels, extracting what he took to be Jesus’s pure ethical teachings. -
betoken
be a signal for or a symptom of
The haggard face and sombre eyes
betokened considerable mental anguish.Young, F.E. Mills -
palatable
acceptable to the taste or mind
If nicely cooked in this way, cabbage is as
palatable and as digestible as cauliflower.Ronald, Mary -
upbraid
express criticism towards
When Kahn warned of a serious economic «depression», he was
upbraided by the White House for using such language. -
renegade
someone who rebels and becomes an outlaw
If he went off to another people he lost all standing among the Sioux and was thereafter treated as an outlaw and a
renegade.Robinson, Doane -
hoary
ancient
The device of the trapped young person saved by books is a
hoary one, but Ms. Winterson makes it seem new, and sulfurous.New York Times (Mar 8, 2012) -
pedantic
marked by a narrow focus on or display of learning
The reader is treated to
pedantic little footnotes, and given a good deal of information which is either gratuitous or uninteresting.Hay, Ian -
coy
showing marked and often playful evasiveness or reluctance
It was funny watching such a solid person, based in faith and education, grow a trifle
coy about the year of his birth.New York Times (Jul 11, 2010) -
troth
a solemn pledge of fidelity
She had pledged to him her
troth, and she would not attempt to go back from her pledge at the first appearance of a difficulty.Trollope, Anthony -
encroachment
entry to another’s property without right or permission
The move may mark yet another attempt by France to rein in what it sees as the
encroachment of online services on the country’s culture.BusinessWeek (Jan 8, 2010) -
belie
be in contradiction with
«It is a fine morning,» he said, taken aback by my sudden movement, but affecting an indifference which the sparkle in his eye
belied.Weyman, Stanley John -
armada
a large fleet
An
armada of three hundred ships manned by eighteen thousand marines assembled in the bay on their way to the conquest of Algiers.Douglas, Frances -
succor
assistance in time of difficulty
Given his health woes, succession worries and persistent isolation, Mr. Kim may simply be seeking
succor from what may be his last friend on earth.New York Times (May 5, 2010) -
imperturbable
marked by extreme calm and composure
-
irresolute
uncertain how to act or proceed
I stood for a moment before I entered on my arduous undertaking,
irresolute and hesitating, swayed by two conflicting impulses.Waugh, Joseph Laing -
knack
a special way of doing something
He had a special
knack of hunting out farm houses, engaging madame in conversation, and coming away with bread, eggs, or cheese in his knapsack.Price, Lucien -
unseemly
not in keeping with accepted standards of what is proper
The square mile’s upbeat mood may strike some as
unseemly at a time of national gloom. -
accentuate
stress or single out as important
This sparkling marvel lies modestly nestled among the law courts, whose plainer modern buildings serve but to
accentuate its wonderful beauty.Sherrill, Charles Hitchcock -
divulge
make known to the public information previously kept secret
-
brawn
the trait of possessing muscular strength
He believes Hollywood has often have had an over-reliance on physical
brawn as the deciding factor for portraying a strong man. -
burnish
polish and make shiny
Great cleanliness is enforced in all that belongs to a lighthouse, the reflectors and lenses being constantly
burnished, polished, and cleansed.Whymper, Frederick -
palpitate
beat rapidly
-
promiscuous
not selective of a single class or person
A
promiscuous assembly had gathered there—men of all creeds and opinions—and an «open-air» meeting was in progress.Whitney, Orson F. -
dissemble
make believe with the intent to deceive
Pictures have always
dissembled – there are millions of snaps of miserable families grinning bravely – but now they directly lie. -
flotilla
a fleet of small craft
She was guarded by a
flotilla of boats equipped with satellites, Global Positioning System devices, advanced navigation systems and shark shields.New York Times (Aug 11, 2011) -
invective
abusive language used to express blame or censure
There’s much more name-calling, shouting and personal
invective in American life than anywhere I’ve ever traveled outside the United States.Washington Post (Jan 15, 2011) -
hermitage
the abode of a recluse
All the rest of their time is passed in solitude in their
hermitages, which are built quite separate from one another.Various -
despoil
destroy and strip of its possession
Wherever his lordship’s army went, plantations were
despoiled, and private houses plundered.Campbell, Charles -
sully
make dirty or spotty
Why
sully the reputation of an otherwise fascinating online community with really deeply questionable, troubling content?Forbes (Feb 13, 2012) -
malevolent
having or exerting a malignant influence
-
irksome
tedious or irritating
It was pretty
irksome passing the time in his enforced prison, and finally Andy went to sleep.Webster, Frank V. -
prattle
speak about unimportant matters rapidly and incessantly
She
prattled on about the gossip of the town until Penny and her father were thoroughly bored.Clark, Joan -
subaltern
inferior in rank or status
The careful commanding officer of a regiment discourages his young
subalterns from taking leave to Hill Stations.Casserly, Gordon -
welt
a raised mark on the skin
But red, itchy
welts typically appear within 24 to 48 hours of being bitten. -
wreak
cause to happen or to occur as a consequence
-
tenable
based on sound reasoning or evidence
First, it is no longer really
tenable – and in fact a bit disrespectful – to call a country like China an emerging economy. -
inimitable
matchless
Leave aside Spain, where Barcelona breeds its own,
inimitable style, and the answer might be that we are rushing toward uniformity.New York Times (Sep 26, 2010) -
depredation
a destructive action
Wild elephants abound and commit many
depredations, entering villages in large herds, and consuming everything suitable to their tastes.Various -
amalgamate
bring or combine together or with something else
Where two weak tribes
amalgamated into one, there it exceptionally happened that two closely related dialects were simultaneously spoken in the same tribe.Engels, Friedrich -
immutable
not subject or susceptible to change or variation
We are mistaken to imagine a work of literature is or should be
immutable, sculpted in marble and similarly impervious to change. -
proxy
a person authorized to act for another
Ideally, everybody over 18 should execute a living will and select a health care
proxy — someone to represent you in medical matters.New York Times (Jan 17, 2011) -
dote
shower with love; show excessive affection for
-
reactionary
extremely conservative or resistant to change
Old people are often accused of being too conservative, and even
reactionary.Chinard, Gilbert -
rationalism
the doctrine that reason is the basis for regulating conduct
Offering a religious rationale for policy goals threatens what for many has become the cherished principle of secular
rationalism in public life. -
endue
give qualities or abilities to
To say the least of it, he was
endued with sufficient intelligence to acquire an ordinary knowledge of such matters.Various -
discriminating
showing or indicating careful judgment and discernment
Jobs’ Apple specializes in delighting the most
discriminating, hard-to-please customers.Forbes (Oct 12, 2011) -
brooch
a decorative pin
Upon her breast she wore a
brooch of gold set with many precious stones.Butler, Pierce -
pert
characterized by a lightly saucy or impudent quality
Her
pert, lively manner said she hadn’t taken any wooden nickels lately.Schoenherr, John -
disembark
exit from a ship, vehicle, or aircraft
The immigrants
disembarked from their ships tired and underfed—generally in poor health.Hughes, Thomas Proctor -
aria
an elaborate song for solo voice
-
trappings
ornaments; embellishments to or characteristic signs of
-
abet
assist or encourage, usually in some wrongdoing
«Since YouTube, digital culture has aided and enhanced — or maybe the better word is
abetted — the celebrity meltdown,» said Wired magazine senior editor Nancy Miller. -
clandestine
conducted with or marked by hidden aims or methods
For Jordan, this is a
clandestine relationship it would much prefer to have kept secret.BBC (Jan 5, 2010) -
distend
swell from or as if from internal pressure
-
glib
having only superficial plausibility
The other sort of engineer understands that
glib comparisons between computers and humans don’t do justice to the complexities of either. -
pucker
gather something into small wrinkles or folds
-
rejoinder
a quick reply to a question or remark
«Not at all!» was Aunt Susannah’s brisk
rejoinder.Various -
spangle
adornment consisting of a small piece of shiny material
Magdalen’s garments are rich with
spangles; her mantle is scarlet; she has flowers in her luxuriant tresses, and looks a vain creature.O’Shea, John Augustus -
blighted
affected by something that prevents growth or prosperity
Hudec, whose career has been
blighted by knee injuries and operations, won for the first time in more than four years.New York Times (Feb 4, 2012) -
nicety
conformity with some standard of correctness or propriety
-
aggrieve
infringe on the rights of
Some fallout appears evident in donations from Wall Street executives, who feel particularly
aggrieved by Mr. Obama’s criticisms and policies.New York Times (Feb 20, 2012) -
vestment
a gown worn by the clergy
And then a priest, arrayed in all his
vestments, came in at the open door, and the prince and princess exchanged rings, and were married.Glinski, A. J. -
urbane
showing a high degree of refinement
Polished,
urbane and gentlemanly—his manners were calculated to refine all around him.Judson, L. Carroll -
defray
bear the expenses of
-
spectral
resembling or characteristic of a phantom
-
munificent
very generous
They have shown themselves very loving and generous lately, in making a quite
munificent provision for his traveling.Carlyle, Thomas -
dictum
an authoritative declaration
-
fad
an interest followed with exaggerated zeal
According to Chinese media, the hottest new
fad in China involves selling small live-animal key chains.Time (Apr 5, 2011) -
scabbard
a sheath for a sword or dagger or bayonet
Drawing his own sabre from its
scabbard, he pointed to a stain on it, saying, «This is the blood of an Englishman.»Reed, Helen Leah -
adulterate
make impure by adding a foreign or inferior substance
Shady dealers along the supply chain frequently
adulterate olive oil with low-grade vegetable oils and add artificial coloring.New York Times (Dec 7, 2011) -
beleaguer
annoy persistently
Rock concert ticket sales dropped sharply last year, sounding another sour note for the
beleaguered music industry. -
gripe
complain
If America is going to
gripe about the yuan’s rate, then China will complain about the dollar’s role. -
remission
an abatement in intensity or degree
After a few hours there is a
remission of the pain, slight perspiration takes place, and the patient may fall asleep.Various -
exorbitant
greatly exceeding bounds of reason or moderation
Soon, stories began trickling across the Atlantic of crazed fans paying
exorbitant sums to get into London gigs.Slate (Oct 10, 2011) -
invocation
the act of appealing for help
These dances are prayers or
invocations for rain, the crowning blessing in this dry land.Roosevelt, Theodore -
cajole
influence or urge by gentle urging, caressing, or flattering
Hamilton, however, was not to be
cajoled into friendliness by superficial compliment.Fisher, Harrison -
inclusive
encompassing much or everything
We are going to adhere to our basic programing strategy of nonpartisan information
inclusive of all different points of view. -
interdict
command against
Failing to satisfy his examiners, he was
interdicted from practice, but ignored the prohibition, and suffered more than one imprisonment in consequence.Worley, George -
abase
cause to feel shame
Ashamed,
abased, degraded in his own eyes, he turned away his head.Caine, Hall, Sir -
obviate
do away with
Comfortable sleeping-cars
obviate the necessity of stopping by the way for bodily rest, provided the traveller be physically strong and in good health.Ballou, Maturin Murray -
hurtle
move with or as if with a rushing sound
The hurricane was expected to hit Washington in the early hours of Sunday before
hurtling toward New York City. -
unanimity
everyone being of one mind
On all other points of colonial policy, Mackenzie declared, people would be found to differ, but as regards the post office there was absolute
unanimity.Smith, William, Sir -
mettle
the courage to carry on
-
interpolate
insert words into texts, often falsifying it thereby
Most scholars agree that these lines are
interpolated, since they do not fit in with the rest of the poem.Various -
surreptitious
marked by quiet and caution and secrecy
-
dissimulate
hide feelings from other people
From infancy these people have been schooled to
dissimulate and hide emotion, and ordinarily their faces are as opaque as those of veteran poker players.Kephart, Horace -
ruse
a deceptive maneuver, especially to avoid capture
Overseas criminals use elaborate
ruses, including phony websites, to trick job-seekers into helping transfer stolen funds.BusinessWeek (Aug 4, 2011) -
specious
plausible but false
You might be tempted to think of the biggest airline as the one with the most aircraft, but capacity differences make this reasoning
specious. -
revulsion
intense aversion
After a first instinctive cry of horrified
revulsion, the men reached down under water with their hands and drew out—a corpse.Livingston, Arthur -
hale
exhibiting or restored to vigorous good health
From a hearty,
hale, corn-fed boy, he has become pale, lean, and wan.Adams, Abigail -
palliate
lessen or to try to lessen the seriousness or extent of
Divisions and inequalities persist, but government can
palliate their effects with hard cash. -
obtuse
lacking in insight or discernment
The affair had been mentioned so plainly that it was impossible for the most dense and
obtuse person not to have understood the allusion.Brazil, Angela -
querulous
habitually complaining
-
vagary
an unexpected and inexplicable change in something
Today such acquisitions are more likely to stay put, destined to survive both market fluctuations and the
vagaries of style.New York Times (Sep 29, 2010) -
incipient
only partly in existence; imperfectly formed
Above all, medical teams will need to establish quick surveillance to identify health needs and pinpoint
incipient outbreaks before they explode.Time (Jan 13, 2010) -
obdurate
stubbornly persistent in wrongdoing
Several appeared deeply affected, with tears of repentance standing in their eyes, others sullen and
obdurate.Huth, Alexander -
grovel
show submission or fear
The two young men who drove them had fallen flat and were
grovelling and wailing for mercy.Mitford, Bertram -
refractory
stubbornly resistant to authority or control
-
dregs
sediment that has settled at the bottom of a liquid
«Right got to go,» Ali says, draining the
dregs of his beer. -
ascendancy
the state when one person or group has power over another
But in a few days he had secured an almost incredible
ascendancy over the sullen, starved, half-clothed army.Various -
supercilious
having or showing arrogant superiority
A
supercilious, patronizing person—son of a wretched country parson—used to loll against the wall of your salon—with his nose in the air.Pinero, Arthur Wing, Sir -
pundit
someone who has been admitted to membership in a field
Pundits of agricultural science explore the sheds, I believe, the barns, stables, machine-rooms, and so forth, before inspecting the crops.Boyle, Frederick
-
commiserate
feel or express sympathy or compassion
We had spent countless hours together drinking wine and
commiserating about child-rearing, long Wisconsin winters and interrupted sleep.New York Times (Mar 24, 2011) -
alcove
a small recess opening off a large room or garden
They showed him where he would sleep, in a little closet-like
alcove screened from the big room by a gay curtain.Wilson, Harry Leon -
assay
make an effort or attempt
-
parochial
narrowly restricted in outlook or scope
-
conjugal
relating to the relationship between a wife and husband
-
abjure
formally reject or disavow a formerly held belief
-
frieze
an ornament consisting of a horizontal sculptured band
All the doorways mentioned above have cornices, and in those at Palmyra and Baalbec richly carved
friezes with side corbels.Various -
ornate
marked by complexity and richness of detail
-
inflammatory
arousing to action or rebellion
We don’t know whether
inflammatory language or images can incite the mentally ill to commit acts of violence.Time (Jan 13, 2011) -
machination
a crafty and involved plot to achieve your ends
He was continued a member of Congress until 1777 when his enemies succeeded in their long nursed
machinations against him.Judson, L. Carroll -
mendicant
a pauper who lives by begging
-
meander
move or cause to move in a winding or curving course
They paused beside one of the low stone walls that
meandered in a meaningless fashion this way and that over the uplands.Vance, Louis Joseph -
bullion
gold or silver in bars or ingots
-
diffidence
lack of self-assurance
His grave
diffidence and continued hesitation in offering an opinion confirmed me in my own.Froude, James Anthony -
makeshift
done or made using whatever is available
The house was still under construction, so he climbed up a ladder being used as a
makeshift stairway, fell and injured his leg.New York Times (Apr 12, 2012) -
husbandry
the practice of cultivating the land or raising stock
The U.S. can take a lesson from Denmark, which has efficiently raised livestock without hurting farmers, by using better animal
husbandry practices.Scientific American (Mar 22, 2011) -
podium
a platform raised above the surrounding level
Leyva beamed as he stood atop the
podium, nodding as the American flag was raised and “The Star-Spangled Banner” played in his honor.New York Times (Oct 22, 2011) -
dearth
an insufficient quantity or number
-
granary
a storehouse for threshed grain or animal feed
Here is where he does his husking, and the «clear corn» produced is stored away in some underground
granary till It is needed.Seton, Ernest Thompson -
whet
make keen or more acute
While he described the fishing as “pretty good,” the silver salmon running in the creek only
whetted his appetite to return to Alaska.Washington Post (Aug 17, 2011) -
imposture
pretending to be another person
He got somebody to prosecute him for false pretences and
imposture, on the ground that Madame was a man. Leland, Charles Godfrey -
diadem
an ornamental jeweled headdress signifying sovereignty
I dethrone monarchs and the people rejoicing crown me instead, showering
diadems upon my head.Tilney, Frederick Colin -
fallow
undeveloped but potentially useful
Several new prostate cancer drugs have been approved in the last couple of years, after a long
fallow period, and others are in advanced development.New York Times (Nov 3, 2011) -
hubbub
loud confused noise from many sources
There was some good-humoured pushing and thrusting, the drum beating and the church bells jangling bravely above the
hubbub.Weyman, Stanley J. -
dispassionate
unaffected by strong emotion or prejudice
-
harrowing
causing extreme distress
Belgium found itself in turmoil as hundreds of people came forward to offer
harrowing accounts of abuse over several decades.New York Times (Jan 16, 2012) -
askance
with suspicion or disapproval
A secret marriage in these days would be looked upon
askance by most people.Wood, Mrs. Henry -
lancet
a surgical knife with a pointed double-edged blade
-
rankle
make resentful or angry
He was feeling more like himself now, though the memory of the bully’s sneering words
rankled.Chadwick, Lester -
ramify
have or develop complicating consequences
Cometary science has
ramified in unexpected ways during the last hundred years.Various -
gainsay
take exception to
That Whitman entertained a genuine affection for men and women is, of course, too obvious to be
gainsaid. Rickett, Arthur -
polity
a governmentally organized unit
China needs a
polity that can address its increasingly sophisticated society, and to achieve that there must be political reform, Mr. Sun said.New York Times (Mar 21, 2012) -
credence
the mental attitude that something is believable
«Well-known brand names that promote new products receive more
credence than newcomers that people don’t know about.» -
indemnify
make amends for; pay compensation for
She put her affairs in order and left instructions that those whom she had unwittingly wronged should be
indemnified out of her private fortune.Butler, Pierce -
ingratiate
gain favor with somebody by deliberate efforts
He became kindly and coaxing, leaning across the table with an
ingratiating smile.King, Basil -
declivity
a downward slope or bend
-
importunate
making persistent or urgent requests
-
passe
out of fashion
-
whittle
cut small bits or pare shavings from
-
repine
express discontent
Those poor fellows above, accustomed to the wild freshness and freedom of the sea, how they must mourn and
repine!O’Shea, John Augustus -
flay
strip the skin off
Once at the moose and hastily
flaying the hide from the steaming meat my attention became centered on the task.Sinclair, Bertrand W. -
larder
a small storeroom for storing foods or wines
Mr. Goncalves’s
larder holds staples like beefsteak, salt cod, sardines, olives, artichokes, hot and sweet peppers and plenty of garlic.New York Times (Feb 18, 2011) -
threadbare
thin and tattered with age
-
grisly
shockingly repellent; inspiring horror
Television video showed a heavily damaged building and a
grisly scene inside, with clothing and prayer mats scattered across a blood-splattered floor.New York Times (Aug 19, 2011) -
untoward
not in keeping with accepted standards of what is proper
Responding to criticism that cash payments are a classic means of tax evasion, he said he had done nothing
untoward.New York Times (Aug 2, 2011) -
idiosyncrasy
a behavioral attribute peculiar to an individual
One of his well-known
idiosyncrasies was that he would never allow himself to be photographed.Le Queux, William -
quip
make jokes or witty remarks
«I could have joined the FBI in a shorter period of time and with less documentation than it took to get that mortgage,» she
quipped. -
blatant
without any attempt at concealment; completely obvious
There was no
blatant display of wealth, and every article of furniture bore signs of long though careful use.Bull, Charles Livingston -
stanch
stop the flow of a liquid
She did not attempt to
stanch her tears, but sat looking at him with a smiling mouth, while the heavy drops fell down her cheeks.Stockley, Cynthia -
incongruity
the quality of disagreeing
Hanging out wet clothes and an American flag at the North Pole seemed an amusing
incongruity.Cook, Frederick A. -
perfidious
tending to betray
The
perfidious Italian at length confessed that it was his intention to murder his master, and then rob the house.Billinghurst, Percy J. -
platitude
a trite or obvious remark
But details are fuzzy and rebel leaders often resort to
platitudes when dismissing suggestions of discord, saying simply that «Libya is one tribe.»Wall Street Journal (Jun 20, 2011) -
revelry
unrestrained merrymaking
-
delve
turn up, loosen, or remove earth
-
extenuate
lessen or to try to lessen the seriousness or degree of
Prosecutors often spend time weighing mitigating and
extenuating circumstances before deciding to seek the death penalty.Washington Post (Oct 15, 2011) -
polemic
a verbal or written attack, especially of a belief or dogma
Would it be a
polemic that denounced Western imperialism for using cinema to undermine emerging nations like Kazakhstan?New York Times (Oct 4, 2010) -
enrapture
hold spellbound
I was delighted,
enraptured, beside myself—the world had disappeared in an instant.Spielhagen, Friedrich -
virtuoso
someone who is dazzlingly skilled in any field
Each of the seven instrumentalists was a
virtuoso in his own right and had ample opportunity to prove it, often in long, soulful solos.New York Times (May 3, 2010) -
glower
look angry or sullen as if to signal disapproval
A moment later he would collapse, sit
glowering in his chair, looking angrily at the carpet.Hecht, Ben -
mundane
found in the ordinary course of events
Now, it would seem, that the Chinese are getting back to their everyday concerns, paying attention to events more
mundane and less cataclysmic.New York Times (Mar 20, 2012) -
fatuous
devoid of intelligence
They’re too stupid, for one thing; they go on burning houses and breaking windows in their old
fatuous way.McKenna, Stephen -
incorrigible
impervious to correction by punishment
She scolded and lectured her sister in vain; Cynthia was
incorrigible.Various -
postulate
maintain or assert
In fact, when Einstein formulated his cosmological vision, based on his theory of gravitation, he
postulated that the universe was finite.Scientific American (Jul 26, 2011) -
gist
the central meaning or theme of a speech or literary work
The syntax was a little off, even comical at times, but I got the
gist of what was going on.Time (May 6, 2010) -
vociferous
conspicuously and offensively loud
The complaints grew so loud and
vociferous that even President Obama was forced to address the backlash from Lisbon on Saturday.New York Times (Nov 23, 2010) -
purvey
supply with provisions
-
baleful
deadly or sinister
“But he is dead,” put in Fanning, wondering at the
baleful expression of hatred that had come into the man’s face.Burnham, Margaret -
gibe
laugh at with contempt and derision
So much did their taunts prey upon him that he ran away from school to escape their
gibes.Hubbard, Elbert -
dyspeptic
irritable as if suffering from indigestion
One may begin with heroic renunciations and end in undignified envy and
dyspeptic comments outside the door one has slammed on one’s self.Wells, H. G. (Herbert George) -
prude
a person excessively concerned about propriety and decorum
Criticising high-profile programmes about teenage sex education often means risking being written off as a
prude. -
luminary
a celebrity who is an inspiration to others
Founded in 1947, the group’s members have included such
luminaries as Walt Disney, Spencer Tracy and another American president, Ronald Reagan.Seattle Times (Apr 11, 2011) -
amenable
disposed or willing to comply
He, Jean Boulot, being so
amenable to sensible argument, would at once fall in with his views.Wingfield, Lewis -
willful
habitually disposed to disobedience and opposition
-
overbearing
having or showing arrogant superiority
«True; but——» «Just so,» interrupted Mr. Fauntleroy, in his decisive and rather
overbearing manner.Wood, Mrs. Henry -
dais
a platform raised above the surrounding level
The throne was elevated on a
dais of silver steps.Tracy, Louis -
automate
operate or make run by machines rather than human action
And because leap seconds are needed irregularly their insertion cannot be
automated, which means that fallible humans must insert them by hand. -
enervate
weaken physically, mentally, or morally
-
wheedle
influence or urge by gentle urging, caressing, or flattering
-
gusto
vigorous and enthusiastic enjoyment
The audience, surprisingly large given the inclement weather, responded with
gusto, applauding each song, including those within the Shostakovich cycle.New York Times (Mar 2, 2010) -
bouillon
a clear seasoned broth
The meat soups are called broths,
bouillon, or consommé, according to their richness.Ronald, Mary -
omniscient
knowing, seeing, or understanding everything
Robbe-Grillet responds that his work is in fact far less objective than the godlike,
omniscient narrator who presides over so many traditional novels. -
apostate
not faithful to religion or party or cause
They are atheist conservatives — Mr. Khan an
apostate to his family’s Islamic faith, Ms. Mac Donald to her left-wing education.New York Times (Feb 18, 2011) -
carrion
the dead and rotting body of an animal; unfit for human food
Habitually his diet is not carnivorous, but he will eat at times either
carrion or living flesh.Reid, Mayne -
emolument
compensation received by virtue of holding an office
As the TUC has pointed out, those incomes – except for senior executives, whose
emoluments seem to know few bounds – are rising more slowly than prices. -
ungainly
lacking grace in movement or posture
Thomas looked up furtively and saw that an
ungainly human figure with crooked legs was being led into the church.Gogol, Nikolai Vasilievich -
impiety
unrighteousness by virtue of lacking respect for a god
-
decadence
the state of being degenerate in mental or moral qualities
But there are people who really do not want to import what they regard as Western
decadence, especially public drunkenness.BBC (Jun 11, 2011) -
homily
a sermon on a moral or religious topic
In his New Year’s
homily, the pope said «words were not enough» to bring about peace, particularly in the Middle East. -
avocation
an auxiliary activity
Unlike many retired doctors, whom he says often have no life outside their profession, he always knew sailing would become his
avocation.Newsweek (Nov 17, 2010) -
circumvent
avoid or try to avoid fulfilling, answering, or performing
-
syllogism
reasoning in which a conclusion is derived from two premises
-
collation
assembling in proper numerical or logical sequence
In the case of early printed books or manuscripts, which are often not paged, special knowledge is needed for their
collation.Rooke, Noel -
haggle
wrangle, as over a price or terms of an agreement
Obama said while officials can
haggle over the makeup of spending cuts, the policy issues have no place in the measure. -
waylay
wait in hiding to attack
Sir Samuel Clithering was not, of course, a member of it; but he lurked about outside and
waylaid us as we went in.Birmingham, George A. -
savant
a learned person
Frank had studied something of almost everything and imagined himself a
savant.Roussel, John -
cohort
a group of people having approximately the same age
-
unction
excessive but superficial compliments with affected charm
-
adjure
command solemnly
-
acrimony
a rough and bitter manner
Relations with India have been slowly improving, although talks ended in
acrimony last July with the two sides indulging in a public spat over Kashmir. -
clarion
loud and clear
“He has been the single,
clarion voice for commuter rail in central Florida for 20 years,” said Mayor Ken Bradley of Winter Park.New York Times (Jun 27, 2011) -
turbid
clouded as with sediment
-
cupidity
extreme greed for material wealth
Well educated, but very corrupt at heart, he found in his insatiable
cupidity many ways of gaining money.Kraszewski, Jozef Ignacy -
disaffected
discontented as toward authority
The financial crisis, largely caused by banker incompetence, has created legions of
disaffected customers.Forbes (Sep 15, 2011) -
preternatural
surpassing the ordinary or normal
-
eschew
avoid and stay away from deliberately
-
expatiate
add details, as to an account or idea
-
didactic
instructive, especially excessively
Let us have a book so full of good illustrations that
didactic instruction shall not be needed.Various -
sinuous
curved or curving in and out
-
rancor
a feeling of deep and bitter anger and ill-will
The current session of Parliament has so far produced only
rancor, as opposition parties have shut down proceedings with angry, theatrical protests against corruption.New York Times (Aug 14, 2011) -
puissant
powerful
The ship was not fighting now, but yielding—a complacent leviathan held captive by a most
puissant and ruthless enemy.Tracy, Louis -
homespun
characteristic of country life
-
embroil
force into some kind of situation or course of action
But Mr. Marbury, often
embroiled in controversy during his N.B.A. days, seems to have found some measure of peace in China.New York Times (Apr 1, 2012) -
pathological
caused by or evidencing a mentally disturbed condition
«Fixated individuals» — mentally ill people with a
pathological focus on someone, often a stranger — make up the first group. -
resonant
characterized by a loud deep sound
His eyes were piercing but sad, his voice grand and
resonant, suiting well the wrathful, impassioned Calvinism of his sermons.Barr, Amelia Edith Huddleston -
libretto
the words of an opera or musical play
-
flail
thrash about
-
bandy
discuss lightly
Hillary Clinton’s name has been
bandied about, but she’s made it clear she’s not interested. -
gratis
costing nothing
«Would you admit them
gratis?» asked Mr. Castlemaine with a smile, «or would they have to pay, like ordinary residents in an hotel?»Hocking, Joseph -
upshot
a phenomenon that is caused by some previous phenomenon
The inevitable
upshot of their growing social power was that brands wanted an expanded visual presence. -
aphorism
a short pithy instructive saying
-
redoubtable
worthy of respect or honor
Captain Miles Standish was a
redoubtable soldier, small in person, but of great activity and courage.Mann, Henry -
corpulent
excessively large
Obesity is very common, but chiefly among the women, who while still quite young often become enormously
corpulent.D’Anvers, N. -
benighted
lacking enlightenment or knowledge or culture
I alone was magnificently and absurdly aware—everyone else was
benightedly out of it.James, Henry -
sententious
abounding in or given to pompous or aphoristic moralizing
He is the village wise man; very
sententious; and full of profound remarks on shallow subjects.Irving, Washington -
cabal
a clique that seeks power usually through intrigue
Supposedly, see, there’s this global
cabal of scientists conspiring to bring about socialist one-world government. -
paraphernalia
equipment consisting of miscellaneous articles
-
vitiate
make imperfect
His talent in writing is
vitiated by his affectation and other faults.Blair, Emma Helen -
adulation
exaggerated flattery or praise
And celebrities get all this
adulation for something that is not about character, it’s about talent. -
quaff
swallow hurriedly or greedily or in one draught
Meanwhile the officers under the tree had got served, and, cups in hand, were
quaffing joyously.Reid, Mayne -
unassuming
not arrogant
Parr’s conduct after his most heroic actions was thoroughly modest and
unassuming.Greely, Adolphus W. -
libertine
a dissolute person
Still, Mr. Awlaki was neither among the most conservative Muslim students nor among the
libertines who tossed aside religious restrictions on drinking and sex.New York Times (May 8, 2010) -
maul
injure badly
-
adage
a condensed but memorable saying embodying an important fact
-
expostulation
the act of expressing earnest opposition or protest
-
tawdry
tastelessly showy
It was a
tawdry affair, all Cupids and cornucopias, like a third-rate wedding cake.Wilde, Oscar -
trite
repeated too often; overfamiliar through overuse
The subject—a deathbed scene—might seem at first sight to be a
trite and common one.Lancey, Magdalene de -
hireling
a person who works only for money
Why should I?—a mere police detective, who had been hired to do a service and paid for it like any other
hireling.Hanshew, Thomas W. -
ensconce
fix firmly
Though she is firmly
ensconced in a writing career, Ms. Freud, 48, said that in the early days she missed acting terribly.New York Times (Oct 30, 2011) -
egregious
conspicuously and outrageously bad or reprehensible
-
cogent
powerfully persuasive
His thesis was too
cogent, and appealed too powerfully to all classes of the Upper Canada community, to be anything but irresistible.Morison, J. L. (John Lyle) -
incisive
demonstrating ability to recognize or draw fine distinctions
-
errant
straying from the right course or from accepted standards
As the crowd voiced its displeasure, the referees made sure Wisconsin got the ball, but pass was
errant and rolled out of bounds at midcourt.Seattle Times (Feb 28, 2012) -
sedulous
marked by care and persistent effort
-
incandescent
characterized by ardent emotion, intensity, or brilliance
Kirkwood’s anger cooled apace; at worst it had been a flare of passion—
incandescent.Vance, Louis Joseph -
derelict
in deplorable condition
Others are clustered under a tin awning by a
derelict railway station or in similarly run-down school buildings. -
entomology
the branch of zoology that studies insects
From the department of
entomology you expect to learn something about the troublesome insects, which are so universal an annoyance.Latham, A. W. -
execrable
unequivocally detestable
-
sluice
pour as if from a conduit that carries a rapid flow of water
-
moot
of no legal significance, as having been previously decided
The statement from Hermitage said even in the Soviet period no defendant had been tried after death, when charges were generally considered
moot.New York Times (Feb 7, 2012) -
evanescent
short-lived; tending to vanish or disappear
Time seems stopped but it is moving on, and every glimmer of light is
evanescent, flitting. -
vat
a large open vessel for holding or storing liquids
-
dapper
marked by up-to-dateness in dress and manners
Thoroughly
dapper, he took off his black-and-white pinstriped suit jacket — with its pocket-square flair — and weaved in and out among them, his voice ever rising.New York Times (Jan 22, 2011) -
asperity
harshness of manner
All this proceeds from the old man, whose proper character it is to be angry and bitter, and to exhibit rancor and
asperity.Arndt, Johann -
flair
a natural talent
In fact, while Lamarr qualified as an inventive genius for her artistic
flair, she fell somewhat short on her scientific acumen.Slate (Nov 28, 2011) -
mote
a tiny piece of anything
He took his discharge out of his pocket, brushed every
mote of dust from the table, and spread the document before their eyes.Auerbach, Berthold -
circumspect
careful to consider potential consequences and avoid risk
Obama administration officials argue that new regulations are forcing insurers to be more
circumspect about raising rates.New York Times (Sep 27, 2011) -
inimical
tending to obstruct or cause harm
The Hindu idea is that so long as justice and equity characterise a king’s rule, even beasts naturally
inimical are disposed to live in friendship.Kingscote, Mrs. Howard -
apropos
of a suitable, fitting, or pertinent nature
I found myself thinking vaguely about things that were not at all
apropos to the situation.Stockley, Cynthia -
gruel
a thin porridge
-
gentility
elegance by virtue of fineness of manner and expression
This was no rough bully of the seas; Carew’s bearing and dandified apparel bespoke
gentility.Springer, Norman -
disapprobation
an expression of strong disapproval
Mr Ruthven shook his head and declared that he regarded the conduct of her persecutors with grave moral
disapprobation.Wheeler, E.J. -
cameo
engraving or carving in low relief on a stone
The trinket was a small round
cameo cut out of mother-of-pearl and set in gold; it represented St. George and the dragon.J?kai, M?r -
gouge
swindle; obtain by coercion
Shortages also have raised concerns about higher prices and
gouging by wholesale drug companies that obtain supplies of hard-to-get drugs and jack up the costs.Seattle Times (Jan 20, 2012) -
oratorio
a musical composition for voices and orchestra
Mendelssohn had no sooner completed his first
oratorio, «St. Paul,» than he began to think about setting another Bible story to music.Edwards, Frederick George -
inclement
severe, of weather
-
scintilla
a tiny or scarcely detectable amount
Gardner «never expressed one
scintilla of remorse for his attack upon the victim» despite overwhelming evidence, prosecutors wrote in a sentencing memo. -
confluence
a flowing together
And indeed, before the 13th century, there was an extraordinary
confluence of genius and innovation, particularly around Baghdad.New York Times (Dec 28, 2010) -
squalor
sordid dirtiness
What can be expected of human beings, crowded in such miserable habitations, living in filth and
squalor, and often pinched with hunger?Field, Henry M. (Henry Martyn) -
stricture
severe criticism
While gratefully accepting the generous praises of our friends, we must briefly reply to some
strictures by our critics.Stanton, Elizabeth Cady -
emblazon
decorate with heraldic arms
-
augury
an event indicating important things to come
This is always an encouraging sign, and an
augury of success.Alger, Horatio -
abut
lie adjacent to another or share a boundary
-
banal
repeated too often; overfamiliar through overuse
Highly dramatic incidents are juxtaposed with comparatively
banal ones; particular attention is given to tales of doomed love affairs.New York Times (Dec 4, 2011) -
congeal
solidify, thicken, or come together
Boil down the syrup to half its original quantity, but take care that it does not boil long enough to
congeal or become thick.Baru?, Sulpice -
pilfer
make off with belongings of others
Many young people scavenge for reusable garbage, living on proceeds from
pilfered construction material and other recyclables.Seattle Times (Feb 8, 2012) -
malcontent
a person who is unsatisfied or disgusted
Now, unfortunately, some
malcontents among the hands here have spread their ideas, and a strike has been called.Maitland, Robert -
sublimate
direct energy or urges into useful activities
-
eugenic
causing improvement in the offspring produced
Eugenics was aimed at creating a better society by filtering out people considered undesirable, ranging from criminals to those imprecisely designated as “feeble-minded.”Washington Post (Aug 1, 2011)
-
lineament
the characteristic parts of a person’s face
The tears stood in Muriel’s eyes, and her face was very pale, but serenity marked every
lineament.Davidson, John -
firebrand
someone who deliberately foments trouble
-
fiasco
a complete failure or collapse
The Stuttgart protests became a national
fiasco in late September, when protesters clashed with police wielding batons and water cannons.Newsweek (Dec 14, 2010) -
foolhardy
marked by defiant disregard for danger or consequences
-
retrench
tighten one’s belt; use resources carefully
But there was only one way open to me at present—and that was to
retrench my expenses.Caine, Hall, Sir -
ulterior
lying beyond what is openly revealed or avowed
Shop window displays may help prettify shopping thoroughfares, but any savvy retailer has the
ulterior motive of self promotion.BBC (Feb 3, 2010) -
equable
not varying
-
inured
made tough by habitual exposure
But he had become
inured to the rush and whirr of missiles, and now paid no heed whatever to them.Mitford, Bertram -
invidious
containing or implying a slight or showing prejudice
«After an old-fashioned, all-round team performance … it might seem
invidious to single out one player,» admits the paper before singling out one player. -
unmitigated
not diminished or moderated in intensity or severity
In order to be well directed, sympathy must consider all men, and not the individual alone; only then is it an
unmitigated good.Williams, C. M. -
concomitant
an event or situation that happens at the same time
-
cozen
cheat or trick
Dicing-houses, where cheaters meet, and
cozen young men out of their money.Various -
phlegmatic
showing little emotion
Humanity, when surfeited with emotion, becomes calm, almost
phlegmatic.Tracy, Louis -
dormer
a gabled extension built out from a sloping roof
Other features, such as the front French doors and two roof
dormers with curved-top windows and operable shutters, give this home a pleasing, well-balanced presence.Southern Living (Apr 14, 2010) -
pontifical
denoting or governed by or relating to a bishop or bishops
The high priest made no resistance, but went forth in his
pontifical robes, followed by the people in white garments, to meet the mighty warrior.Lord, John -
disport
occupy in an agreeable, entertaining or pleasant fashion
Straightway the glade in which they sat was filled with knights, ladies, maidens, and esquires, who danced and
disported themselves right joyously.Spence, Lewis -
apologist
a person who argues to defend some policy or institution
Tories, and
apologists for Great Britain, have written much about a justification for this action, but there is no real justification.Barce, Elmore -
abeyance
temporary cessation or suspension
My feelings of home-sickness had returned with redoubled strength after being long in
abeyance.Boldrewood, Rolf -
enclave
an enclosed territory that is culturally distinct
And its suburban schools, rather than being exclusive
enclaves, include children whose parents can’t afford a house in the neighborhood.Washington Post (Jan 11, 2011) -
improvident
not supplying something useful for the future
He was industrious but
improvident; he made money and he lost it.Hubbard, Elbert -
disquisition
an elaborate analytical or explanatory essay or discussion
Cumulatively, what emerges from To Kill a Mockingbird is a thoughtful
disquisition that encompasses – and goes beyond – the question of racial bias at its worst. -
categorical
not modified or restricted by reservations
«European leaders were united,
categorical and crystal clear: Gaddafi must go,» British Prime Minister David Cameron said. -
placate
cause to be more favorably inclined
The East India Company was
placated by the concession of further exemptions in its favour.Smith, A. D. -
redolent
serving to bring to mind
Here, however, are congregated a vast number of curious and interesting objects, while the place is
redolent of vivid historical associations.Ballou, Maturin Murray -
felicitous
exhibiting an agreeably appropriate manner or style
The first book is the finest, sparkling with
felicitous expressions and rising frequently to true poetry.Dennis, John -
gusty
blowing in puffs or short intermittent blasts
Winds could get
gusty, occasionally blowing at more than 30 miles per hour. -
natty
marked by up-to-dateness in dress and manners
He wore a checked suit, very
natty, and was more than usually tall and fine-looking.Green, Anna Katharine -
pacifist
opposed to war
He was, furthermore, a real
pacifist, believing that war is debasing morally and disastrous economically.Seymour, Charles -
buxom
healthily plump and vigorous
Mrs. Connelly—a round, rosy,
buxom Irishwoman, with a mellow voice, laughing eye, and artist-red hair—was very much taken with their plan.Douglas, Amanda Minnie -
heyday
the period of greatest prosperity or productivity
-
herculean
displaying superhuman strength or power
He made
herculean efforts to get on terms with his examination subjects, and worked harder than he had ever done in his life before.Marshall, Archibald -
burgeon
grow and flourish
Brooklyn’s
burgeoning dining scene has even developed a following among Manhattan food lovers. -
crone
an ugly, evil-looking old woman
The aged
crone wrinkled her forehead and lifted her grizzled eyebrows, still without looking at him.Myrick, Frank -
prognosticate
make a prediction about; tell in advance
How strange it is that our dreams often
prognosticate coming events!Huth, Alexander -
lout
an awkward, foolish person
-
simper
smile in an insincere, unnatural, or coy way
Mrs. Barnett’s mouth
simpered at the implied flattery; but her eyes, always looking calculatingly for substantial results, were studying Reedy Jenkins.Hamby, William H. (William Henry) -
iniquitous
characterized by injustice or wickedness
This was some piece of wickedness concocted by the venomous brain of the
iniquitous Vicar, more abominable than all his other wickednesses.Trollope, Anthony -
rile
disturb, especially by minor irritations
The prospect of seeing Ms. Palin tour Alaska’s wild habitats may
rile some people who oppose her opinions about climate change.New York Times (Mar 25, 2010) -
sentient
endowed with feeling and unstructured consciousness
The money fluttered from his hand to the floor, where it lay like a
sentient thing, staring back as if mocking him.Hitchcock, Lucius W. -
garish
tastelessly showy
With its opulently
garish sets and knee-jerk realism, the production dwarfed the cast, no matter what stars were singing.New York Times (Jan 2, 2011) -
readjustment
the act of correcting again
While earpieces are not uncomfortable, they do sometimes come loose, requiring
readjustment.Slate (Apr 17, 2012) -
erstwhile
belonging to some prior time
Sony, whose
erstwhile dominance in consumer electronics has been eroded by the likes of Samsung, could beat rivals to a potentially new generation of devices. -
aquiline
curved down like an eagle’s beak
The nose slightly
aquiline, curving at the nostril; while luxuriant hair, in broad plaits, fell far below her waist.Various -
bilious
irritable as if suffering from indigestion
But his sleep had not refreshed him; he waked up
bilious, irritable, ill-tempered, and looked with hatred at his room.Garnett, Constance -
vilify
spread negative information about
The trial was televised and the victim’s identity became known, resulting in her being
vilified by almost the entire town. -
nuance
a subtle difference in meaning or opinion or attitude
-
gawk
look with amazement
-
refectory
a communal dining-hall, usually in a monastery
Meanwhile, the soup was getting cold in the
refectory, so that the assembled brotherhood at last fell to, without waiting any longer for the Abbot.Scheffel, Joseph Victor von -
palatial
suitable for or like a large and stately residence
-
mincing
affectedly dainty or refined
She went, carrying her little head very high indeed, and taking dainty,
mincing steps.Banks, Nancy Huston -
trenchant
having keenness and forcefulness and penetration in thought
They are written in a serio-comic tone, and for sparkling wit,
trenchant sarcasm, and dramatic dialectics surpass anything ever penned by Lessing.Lessing, Gotthold Ephraim -
emboss
raise in a relief
Requests may also be made of the stationer to use an
embossed plate so that the letters stand out in relief.Eichler, Lillian -
proletarian
a member of the working class
As yet, the true
proletarian wage-earner, uprooted from his native village and broken away from the organization of Indian society, is but insignificant.Stoddard, Lothrop -
careen
pitching dangerously to one side
I turned the steering wheel all the way to one side, and found myself
careening backward in a violent arc.Vogel, Nancy -
debacle
a sound defeat
The Broncos are coming off their worst season in franchise history, a 4-12
debacle that included issues on and off the field.Newsweek (Jan 9, 2011) -
sycophant
a person who tries to please someone to gain an advantage
-
crabbed
annoyed and irritable
He grew
crabbed and soured, his temper flashing out on small provocation.Weyman, Stanley J. -
archetype
something that serves as a model
Newport, R.I., looks like a perfect
archetype of a small, seaside New England town. -
cryptic
of an obscure nature
The authorities, beyond some
cryptic language about the death being sudden but not suspicious, have released no details.New York Times (Aug 24, 2011) -
penchant
a strong liking or preference
-
bauble
cheap showy jewelry or ornament
But men were buying Valentine’s
baubles for their honeys long before the first Zales ever opened its doors in a suburban shopping mall.Slate (Feb 14, 2012) -
mountebank
a flamboyant deceiver
They are singularly clever, these Indian
mountebanks, especially in sleight of hand tricks.Ballou, Maturin Murray -
fawning
attempting to win favor by flattery
-
hummock
a small natural mound
Captain Bill leaned back on a
hummock of earth, his arms folded behind his head.Grayson, J. J. -
apotheosis
model of excellence or perfection of a kind
Contrary to popular belief, however, she said Ms. Deen’s fat-laden cooking does not in fact represent the
apotheosis of Southern cuisine.New York Times (Jan 17, 2012) -
discretionary
not earmarked; available for use as needed
-
pithy
concise and full of meaning
As Moore isolated finer points of the passing game, Keller in neat penmanship jotted down
pithy phrases and punchy quotes, basic ideas and specific concepts.New York Times (Dec 10, 2011) -
comport
behave in a certain manner
Ironically, the one man on stage who did
comport himself with dignity, John Huntsman, is now being dismissed as having not made an impact. -
checkered
marked by changeable fortune
Both restaurants have
checkered histories with the health department; they were temporarily shut down for sanitary violations that included evidence of rodents.New York Times (Aug 22, 2010) -
ambrosia
the food and drink of the gods
«Frieda represents the lovely goddess, Hebe, who served nectar and
ambrosia to the high gods on Mount Olympus,» she explained.Vandercook, Margaret -
factious
dissenting with the majority opinion
Will it be answered that we are
factious, discontented spirits, striving to disturb the public order, and tear up the old fastnesses of society?Stanton, Elizabeth Cady -
disgorge
cause or allow to flow or run out or over
There are telephone poles and cinder blocks and living room chairs and large trash bins, overturned and
disgorging their soggy contents.New York Times (Oct 28, 2011) -
filch
make off with belongings of others
Then, in place of the real site, it displays a fake site created to
filch account numbers, login names and passwords.New York Times (Jul 13, 2010) -
wraith
a ghostly figure, especially one seen shortly before death
Whichever way he turns there loom past
wraiths, restless as ghosts of unburied Grecian slain.Lee, Carson Jay -
demonstrable
capable of being proved
The linkage between deposits and trade is definite, causal, positive, statistically
demonstrable.Anderson, Benjamin M. -
pertinacious
stubbornly unyielding
His temper, though yielding and easy in appearance, was in reality most obstinate and
pertinacious.Kavanagh, Julia -
emend
make corrections to
The following were identified as spelling or typographic errors and have been
emended as noted.Hopper, James -
laggard
someone who takes more time than necessary
-
waffle
pause or hold back in uncertainty or unwillingness
-
loquacious
full of trivial conversation
Pan soon found it needful to make conversation, in order to keep the
loquacious old stage driver from talking too much.Grey, Zane -
venial
easily excused or forgiven
-
peon
a laborer who is obliged to do menial work
For the most part, the men were wiry
peons, some toiling half naked, but there were a number who looked like prosperous citizens.Bindloss, Harold -
effulgence
the quality of being bright and sending out rays of light
Then, all at once, in a way that seemed to frighten her, the sunshine had burst the clouds, and dazzled her with its
effulgence.Fenn, George Manville -
lode
a deposit of valuable ore
Such local perturbations are regularly used in Sweden for tracing out the position of underground
lodes of iron ore.Gilbert, William -
fanfare
a gaudy outward display
It opened a month ago to considerable
fanfare, with television cameras trailing government officials meandering proudly around the bright new stores filled with imported goods.New York Times (Aug 22, 2010) -
dilettante
showing frivolous or superficial interest; amateurish
They dabbled in politics and art in the same
dilettante fashion.Cannan, Gilbert -
pusillanimous
lacking in courage, strength, and resolution
He was described by his friends as
pusillanimous to an incredible extent, timid from excess of riches, afraid of his own shadow.Motley, John Lothrop -
ingrained
deeply rooted; firmly fixed or held
The narrow prejudices of his country were
ingrained too deeply in his character to be disturbed by any change of surroundings.Fuller, Robert H. -
quagmire
a soft wet area of low-lying land that sinks underfoot
The heavy rain had reduced this low-lying ground to a veritable
quagmire, making progress very difficult even for one as unburdened as he was.Putnam Weale, B. L. (Bertram Lenox) -
reprobation
severe disapproval
Mr. Conway denounced this scheme as «utterly and flagrantly unconstitutional, as radically revolutionary in character and deserving the
reprobation of every loyal citizen.»Blaine, James Gillespie -
mannered
having unnatural behavioral attributes
-
squeamish
easily disturbed or disgusted by unpleasant things
But please note that this gunfire-fueled film is for mature audiences; given its content, young and/or
squeamish viewers should avoid this one.Washington Post (Aug 6, 2010) -
proclivity
a natural inclination
She received, under her father’s supervision, a very careful education, and developed her
proclivities for literary composition at an early age.Adams, W. H. Davenport -
miserly
characterized by or indicative of lack of generosity
Now, my uncle seemed so
miserly that I was struck dumb by this sudden generosity, and could find no words in which to thank him.Stevenson, Robert Louis -
vapid
lacking significance or liveliness or spirit or zest
How
vapid was the talk of my remaining fellow-passengers; how slow of understanding, and how preoccupied with petty things they seemed!Dawson, A. J. (Alec John) -
mercurial
liable to sudden unpredictable change
-
perspicuous
transparently clear; easily understandable
The statements are plain and simple, a perfect model of
perspicuous narrative.Smith, Uriah -
nonplus
be a mystery or bewildering to
-
enamor
attract
Young Indian audiences are so
enamored with reality television that they will not watch the soap operas and dramas that their parents or grandparents watch.New York Times (Jan 9, 2011) -
hackneyed
repeated too often; overfamiliar through overuse
Many speakers become so addicted to certain
hackneyed phrases that those used to hearing them speak can see them coming sentences away.Lewis, Arthur M. (Arthur Morrow) -
spate
a large number or amount or extent
French authorities are already reporting a rising
spate of calls to emergency services by homeowners whose once-frozen water mains have now burst. -
pedagogue
someone who educates young people
-
acme
the highest level or degree attainable
Scientifically speaking, it is the
acme of absurdity to talk of a man defying the law of gravitation when he lifts his arm.Huxley, Thomas H. -
masticate
bite and grind with the teeth
Food should be
masticated quietly, and with the lips closed.Cooke, Maud C. -
sinecure
a job that involves minimal duties
He would have repudiated the notion that he was looking for a
sinecure, but no doubt considered that the duties would be easy and light.Trollope, Anthony -
indite
produce a literary work
She
indited religious poems which were the admiration of the age.Brittain, Alfred -
emetic
a medicine that induces nausea and vomiting
The juice of this herb, taken in ale, is esteemed a gentle and very good
emetic, bringing on vomiting without any great irritation or pain.Smith, John Thomas -
temporize
draw out a discussion or process in order to gain time
So he
temporized and beat about the bush, and did not touch first on that which was nearest his heart.Erskine, Payne -
unimpeachable
beyond doubt or reproach
Whether we agree with the conclusions of these writers or not, the method of critical investigation which they adopt is
unimpeachable.Huxley, Thomas H. -
genesis
a coming into being
He found himself speculating on the
genesis of the moral sense, how it developed in difficulties rather than in ease.Miller, Alice Duer -
mordant
harshly ironic or sinister
Even Morgan himself, intrepid as he was, shrank from the awful menace of the
mordant words.Crawford, Will -
smattering
a small number or amount
-
suavity
the quality of being charming and gracious in manner
His combativeness was harnessed to his
suavity, and he could be forcible and at the same time persuasive.Windsor, William -
stentorian
very loud or booming
If a hundred voices shouted in opposition, his
stentorian tones still made themselves heard above the uproar.J?kai, M?r -
junket
a trip taken by an official at public expense
Mr. Abramoff arranged for
junkets, including foreign golfing destinations, for the members of Congress he was trying to influence.New York Times (Feb 26, 2010) -
appurtenance
a supplementary component that improves capability
In the center of this space stood a large frame building whose courtyard, stables, and other
appurtenances proclaimed it an inn.Madison, Lucy Foster -
nostrum
patent medicine whose efficacy is questionable
Just here a native «medicine man» dispenses
nostrums of doubtful efficacy, and in front a quantity of red Moorish pottery is exposed for sale.Meakin, Budgett -
immure
lock up or confine, in or as in a jail
Political prisoners, numbering as many as three or four hundred at a time, have been
immured within its massive walls.Boyd, Mary Stuart -
astringent
acidic or bitter in taste or smell
There was something sharply
astringent about her then, like biting inadvertently into a green banana.McFee, William -
unfaltering
marked by firm determination or resolution; not shakable
Still
unfaltering, the procession commenced to trudge back, the littlest boy and girl bearing themselves bravely, with lips tight pressed.Sabin, Edwin L. (Edwin Legrand) -
tutelage
attention and management implying responsibility for safety
It will do so under German leadership that grows less hesitant with each crisis, and without the American
tutelage it enjoyed for so many decades.Newsweek (Jan 23, 2011) -
testator
a person who makes a will
This will was drawn up by me some years since at the request of the
testator, who was in good health, mentally and bodily.Henty, G. A. (George Alfred) -
elysian
of such excellence as to suggest inspiration by the gods
Life seemed an
elysian dream, from which care and sorrow must be for ever banished.Hentz, Caroline Lee -
fulminate
criticize severely
But with people looking for almost any excuse to
fulminate against airlines these days, there’s a certain risk of embellishment. -
fractious
easily irritated or annoyed
He was a
fractious invalid, and spared his wife neither time nor trouble in attending to his wants.Brazil, Angela -
pummel
strike, usually with the fist
Another, with rubber bands wrapped tightly around his face, is
pummelled by a plastic boxing kangaroo. -
manumit
free from slavery or servitude
Moreover,
manumitted slaves enjoyed the same rights, privileges and immunities that were enjoyed by those born free.Various -
unexceptionable
completely acceptable; not open to reproach
All cowboys are from necessity good cooks, and the fluffy, golden brown biscuits and fragrant coffee of Red’s making were
unexceptionable.Mayer, Frank -
triumvirate
a group of three people responsible for civil authority
This
triumvirate approach has real benefits in terms of shared wisdom, and we will continue to discuss the big decisions among the three of us. -
sybarite
a person addicted to luxury and pleasures of the senses
He was not used to travelling on omnibuses, being something of a
sybarite who spared nothing to ensure his own comfort.Wallace, Edgar -
jibe
be compatible, similar, or consistent
Contemporary art has never quite
jibed with mainstream media. -
magisterial
offensively self-assured or exercising unwarranted power
“Now look here,” he said, making believe to take down my words and shaking his pencil at me in a
magisterial way.Fenn, George Manville -
roseate
of something having a dusty purplish pink color
Behind the trees rough, lichened rock and stony slopes ran up to a bare ridge, silhouetted against the
roseate glow of the morning sky.Bindloss, Harold -
obloquy
abusive, malicious, and condemnatory language
This is the real history of a transaction which, by frequent misrepresentation, has brought undeserved
obloquy upon a generous man.Purchas, H. T. (Henry Thomas) -
hoodwink
influence by slyness
The stories of the saints he regarded as preposterous fables invented to
hoodwink a gullible and illiterate populace. -
striate
mark with stripes of contrasting color
-
arrogate
seize and take control without authority
-
rarefied
of high moral or intellectual value
The debate over climate science has involved very complex physical models and
rarefied areas of scientific knowledge.New York Times (Apr 9, 2011) -
chary
characterized by great caution
There was no independent verification of the figure; the authorities have been
chary of releasing death tolls for fear of inflaming further violence.New York Times (Apr 24, 2011) -
credo
any system of principles or beliefs
She preferred to hang out with everyone but was best friends with no one, holding to the
credo: “You should be nice to people.”New York Times (Jan 21, 2011) -
superannuated
too old to be useful
Civil servants are
superannuated at fifty-five years of age and are sent home on a pension, seldom enjoying life longer than two years afterward.Hunt, Eleonora -
impolitic
lacking tact, shrewdness, or prudence
Bill Maher has always been a vocal critic of Islam, even at times making
impolitic statements about the religion. -
aspersion
a disparaging remark
Lord Sanquhar then proceeded to deny the
aspersion that he was an ill-natured fellow, ever revengeful, and delighting in blood.Thornbury, Walter -
abysmal
exceptionally bad or displeasing
-
poignancy
a quality that arouses emotions, especially pity or sorrow
-
stilted
artificially formal or stiff
But thanks to the
stilted writing and stiff acting, the characters still feel very much like one-dimensional figures from a dutiful fable.New York Times (Jul 12, 2011) -
effete
excessively self-indulgent, affected, or decadent
John Bull was an
effete old plutocrat whose sons and daughters were given up to sport and amusement.Moffett, Cleveland -
provender
food for domestic livestock
«Fools!» she cried, looking in her magic crystal, «he was in the big sycamore under which you stopped to give your horses
provender!»Housman, Laurence -
endemic
of a disease constantly present in a particular locality
-
jocund
full of or showing high-spirited merriment
-
procedural
of or relating to processes
-
rakish
marked by a carefree unconventionality or disreputableness
She wore her red cap in a
rakish manner on the side of her head, its tassel falling down over her forehead between her eyes.Sage, William -
skittish
unpredictably excitable, especially of horses
That combined with his calm and reassuring tone made me think of an animal trainer trying to woo
skittish wild animals. -
peroration
a flowery and highly rhetorical address
He had little hope that Gallagher, once embarked on a
peroration, would stop until he had used up all the words at his command.Birmingham, George A. -
nonentity
a person of no influence
-
abstemious
marked by temperance in indulgence
Raw, boozy, untethered performances are heralded as real; the
abstemious professional is yawned off the stage. -
viscid
having the sticky properties of an adhesive
Roads were quagmires where travellers slipped and laboured through
viscid mud and over icy fords.Buck, Charles Neville -
doggerel
a comic verse of irregular measure
-
sleight
adroitness in using the hands
The trick was performed Tuesday by Russell Fitzgerald, an amateur magician known to open meetings with a little
sleight of hand.Washington Post (Sep 29, 2011) -
rubric
category name
Ms. Moss took issue, not surprisingly, with the notion that grouping the performances under the
rubric of spirituality was a marketing ploy.New York Times (Nov 22, 2010) -
plenitude
a full supply
Of course at that season, amid the
plenitude of seeds, nuts, and berries, they were as plump as partridges.Reid, Mayne -
rebus
a puzzle consisting of pictures representing words
They wrote at times with pictures standing for sounds, as we now write in
rebus puzzles.Park, Robert Ezra -
wizened
lean and wrinkled by shrinkage as from age or illness
Kim Jong Il may be increasingly
wizened and frail, with fingernails white from kidney disease, but his propaganda apparatus is as vigorous as ever.Wall Street Journal (Mar 26, 2010) -
whorl
a round shape formed by a series of concentric circles
The flowers are waxy, tubular, fragrant, turning their yellow petals backward in a
whorl.Rogers, Julia Ellen -
fracas
a noisy quarrel
Other cops were battling each other, going after the kids and clutching empty air, cursing and screaming unheard orders in the
fracas.Freas, Kelly -
iconoclast
someone who attacks cherished ideas or institutions
-
saturnine
bitter or scornful
Only when Bill Lightfoot spoke did he look up, and then with a set sneer, growing daily more
saturnine.Dixon, Maynard -
madrigal
an unaccompanied partsong for several voices
Nevertheless we learn from Malvezzi’s publication that the pieces were all written in the
madrigal style, frequently in numerous voice parts.Henderson, W. J. (William James) -
discursive
tending to cover a wide range of subjects
“Tabloid,” like his previous films, consists largely of long,
discursive conversations — in effect monologues directed at an unseen, mostly unheard interlocutor.New York Times (Jul 22, 2011) -
zealot
a fervent and even militant proponent of something
-
moribund
not growing or changing; without force or vitality
-
modicum
a small or moderate or token amount
He volunteered a
modicum of advice, limited in quantity, but valuable.Bolderwood, Rolf -
connotation
an idea that is implied or suggested
In Arabic, the word “bayt” translates literally as house, but its
connotations resonate beyond rooms and walls, summoning longings gathered about family and home.New York Times (Feb 18, 2012) -
adventitious
associated by chance and not an integral part
-
recondite
difficult to understand
The mystery of verse is like other abstruse and
recondite mysteries—it strikes the ordinary fleshly man as absurd.Gosse, Edmund -
zephyr
a slight wind
The dwellings and public buildings throughout Cuba are planned to give free passage to every
zephyr that wafts relief from the oppressive heat.Various -
countermand
cancel officially
In the midst of executing this order, he got another order
countermanding it, and proceeding directly from his direct superior.Belloc, Hilaire -
captious
tending to find and call attention to faults
Miss Burton had been very irritable and
captious in class, more so even than usual, and most of her anger was vented upon Gerry.Chaundler, Christine -
cognate
having the same ancestral language
The synonyms are also given in the
cognate dialects of Welsh, Armoric, Irish, Gaelic, and Manx, showing at one view the connection between them. Jenner, Henry -
forebear
a person from whom you are descended
His
forebears were Greek immigrants who opened a small sandwich shop in Brooklyn, then moved, one after another, to Providence, to sell distinct, delectable wieners.New York Times (Sep 24, 2010) -
cadaverous
very thin especially from disease or hunger or cold
He looked gaunt and
cadaverous, and much of his old reckless joyousness had left him, though he brightened up wonderfully on seeing an old friend.Doyle, A. Conan -
foist
force onto another
-
dotage
mental infirmity as a consequence of old age
-
nexus
a connected series or group
Numerous innovators are also worrying away at this
nexus of problems. -
choleric
characterized by anger
Jonathan,
choleric with indignation, stood by his desk, clenching his hands.Mills, Weymer Jay -
garble
distort or make false by mutilation or addition
But the fact remains that the contradictory and inconsistent things said do reach the public, and usually in
garbled and distorted form.Unknown -
bucolic
idyllically rustic
Forty-four years ago, Bill Sievers moved into his neo-Colonial house in Douglaston, Queens, on
bucolic Poplar Street, lined with stately trees and equally stately homes.New York Times (Mar 26, 2012) -
denouement
the outcome of a complex sequence of events
Suppose the truly apocalyptic
denouement happens — no deal is reached, and taxes rise for everyone. -
animus
a feeling of ill will arousing active hostility
The youthful savages had each an armful of snowballs, and they were pelting the child with more
animus than seemed befitting.Murray, David Christie -
overweening
unrestrained, especially with regard to feelings
-
tyro
someone new to a field or activity
-
preen
dress or groom with elaborate care
-
largesse
liberality in bestowing gifts
After being saved by government
largesse, they say, big banks then moved to thwart reforms aimed at preventing future meltdowns caused by excessive risk-taking.New York Times (Jul 14, 2011) -
retentive
good at remembering
-
unconscionable
greatly exceeding bounds of reason or moderation
For generations in the New York City public schools, this has become the norm with devastating consequences rooted in
unconscionable levels of student failure.New York Times (Nov 4, 2011) -
badinage
frivolous banter
-
insensate
devoid of feeling and consciousness and animation
Men also are those brutal soldiers, alike stupidly ready, at the word of command, to drive the nail through quivering flesh or
insensate wood.Stowe, Harriet Beecher -
sherbet
a frozen dessert made primarily of fruit juice and sugar
-
beatific
resembling or befitting an angel or saint
-
bemuse
cause to be confused emotionally
They were marching in the middle of the street, chanting and singing and disrupting traffic while countless New Yorkers looked on, some
bemused, others applauding. -
microcosm
a miniature model of something
-
factitious
not produced by natural forces; artificial or fake
Indeed, the Chinese make a
factitious cheese out of peas, which it is difficult to discriminate from the article of animal origin.Cameron, Charles Alexander, Sir -
gestate
develop in the mind; have the idea for
-
traduce
speak unfavorably about
For Grover Cleveland there were no longer enemies to
traduce and vilify.Straus, Oscar S. -
sextant
an instrument for measuring angular distance
-
coiffure
the arrangement of the hair
They sat down, and Saint-Clair noticed his friend’s
coiffure; a single rose was in her hair.M?rim?e, Prosper -
malleable
easily influenced
-
rococo
having excessive asymmetrical ornamentation
The upper part of the case is decorated with elaborately carved and gilt
rococo motifs.Bedini, Silvio A. -
fructify
become productive or fruitful
-
nihilist
someone who rejects all theories of morality
-
ellipsis
a mark indicating that words have been omitted
He speaks in
ellipses, often leaving sentences hanging, and fiddles apologetically with his BlackBerry. -
accolade
a tangible symbol signifying approval or distinction
-
codicil
a supplement to a will
The
codicil to her will, which she had spoken of with so much composure, left three hundred pounds to Stella and me.Fothergill, Jessie -
roil
be agitated
Like thousands of fellow students, he was
roiled with emotions, struggling to come to grips with an inescapable reality.New York Times (Nov 26, 2011) -
grandiloquent
lofty in style
A large part of his duties will be to strut about on the stage, and mouth more or less unintelligible sentences in a
grandiloquent tone.Smith, Arthur H. -
inconsequential
lacking worth or importance
But as the months went by, Mr. Kimura had an unexpected epiphany: His business, which he thought was
inconsequential, mattered to a lot of people. -
effervescence
the property of giving off bubbles
Both were in the very sparkle and
effervescence of that fanciful glee which bubbles up from the golden, untried fountains of early childhood.Stowe, Harriet Beecher -
stultify
deprive of strength or efficiency; make useless or worthless
Far from being engines of economic growth, Egypt’s leading cities are
stultified. -
tureen
large deep serving dish with a cover
-
pellucid
transparently clear; easily understandable
Caribou Island is a scant 300 pages, and written in prose as
pellucid as the rivers he used to fish as a boy. -
euphony
any pleasing and harmonious sounds
-
apocryphal
being of questionable authenticity
We’re reminded of the story, possibly
apocryphal, that they used to play the Beach Boys’ Smiley Smile in psychiatric wards to calm patients. -
veracious
precisely accurate
For proof, we cite the following
veracious narrative, which bears within it every internal mark of truth, and matter for grave and serious reflection.Roby, John -
pendulous
hanging loosely or bending downward
And all around, far out of reach, the trees of the forest were swaying restlessly, their long,
pendulous branches, like tentacles, lashing out hungrily.Bates, Harry -
exegesis
an explanation or critical interpretation
Its musical significance has been presented with illuminating
exegesis by more than one commentator.Forkel, Johann Nikolaus -
effluvium
a foul-smelling outflow or vapor
However, acting on my best judgment, I struck a downward course, and then suddenly a horrible
effluvium was wafted to my nostrils.Mitford, Bertram -
apposite
being of striking appropriateness and pertinence
He was quite capable of meaningful,
apposite phrases about the game, even though distant sports editors did not encourage them enough. -
viscous
having the sticky properties of an adhesive
Sluggish, blind crawling things like three-foot slugs flowed across their path and among the tree trunks, leaving
viscous trails of slime behind them.Various -
misanthrope
someone who dislikes people in general
And shaking his head like a
misanthrope, disgusted, if not with life, at least with men, Patout led the horse to the stable.Dumas père, Alexandre -
vintner
someone who makes wine
The question remains, he said, whether established
vintners will change their winemaking practices or “continue to sell their schlock.”New York Times (Oct 27, 2010) -
halcyon
idyllically calm and peaceful; suggesting happy tranquility
He now seemed to have entered on a
halcyon period of life—congenial society, romantic and interesting surroundings.Kennard, Nina H. -
anthropomorphic
suggesting human features for animals or inanimate things
The same
anthropomorphic fallacy that accords human attributes to giant corporations like BP distorts clear thinking about how to limit their political influence. -
turgid
ostentatiously lofty in style
His waspish wit can make him entertaining company at a party, but there is little evidence of that in his largely
turgid prose. -
malaise
a feeling of mild sickness or depression
Initially, many doctors discounted sufferers’ feelings of generalized
malaise as nothing more than stress or normal fatigue. -
polemical
of or involving dispute or controversy
His works include several dogmatic and
polemical treatises, but the most important are the historical.Various -
gadfly
a persistently annoying person
-
atavism
a reappearance of an earlier characteristic
Criminal
atavism might be defined as the sporadic reversion to savagery in certain individuals.Symonds, John Addington -
contusion
an injury in which the skin is not broken
My falling companion, being a much stouter man than myself did not fare so well, as his right shoulder received a severe
contusion.Bevan, A. Beckford -
parsimonious
excessively unwilling to spend
Pill-splitting is catching on among
parsimonious prescription-takers who want to lower costs. -
dulcet
pleasing to the ear
-
reprise
a repetition of a short musical passage
The live set
reprises material from this remarkable group’s earlier Aurora CD. -
anodyne
capable of relieving pain
But philosophy failed, as it will probably fail till some far-off age, to find an
anodyne for the spiritual distresses of the mass of men.Dill, Samuel -
bemused
perplexed by many conflicting situations or statements
They were marching in the middle of the street, chanting and singing and disrupting traffic while countless New Yorkers looked on, some
bemused, others applauding.
Created on May 19, 2011
(updated May 12, 2012)