TỪ ĐIỂN TIẾNG ANH PHÁP LÝ - GS.TS ĐỖ HỮU VINH ( P5)

consider deem to be EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 EXAMPLE SENTENCE: The minute stain on the document was not visible to the naked eye. accord concurrence of opinion EXAMPLE SENTENCE: The committee worked in accord on the bill, and it eventually passed. evident clearly revealed to the mind or the senses or judgment EXAMPLE SENTENCE: That confidence was certainly evident in the way Smith handled the winning play with 14 seconds left on the clock. —Reuters (Jan 15, 2012) practice a customary way of operation or behavior EXAMPLE SENTENCE: He directed and acted in plays every season and became known for exploring Elizabethan theatre practices. —BBC (Feb 16, 2012) intend have in mind as a purpose EXAMPLE SENTENCE: “Lipstick, as a product intended for topical use with limited absorption, is ingested only in very small quantities,” the agency said on its website. —BusinessWeek (Feb 15, 2012) concern something that interests you because it is important or affects you EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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. —BBC (Feb 15, 2012) commit perform an act, usually with a negative connotation EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 EXAMPLE SENTENCE: As a result, the privacy issues surrounding mobile computing are becoming ever-more complex. —Time (Feb 16, 2012) approach move towards EXAMPLE SENTENCE: Spain’s jobless rate for people ages 16 to 24 is approaching 50 percent. —New York Times (Feb 15, 2012) establish set up or found EXAMPLE SENTENCE: A small French colony, Port Louis, was established on East Falkland in 1764 and handed to the Spanish three years later. —BBC (Feb 16, 2012) utter without qualification; used informally as (often pejorative) intensifiers EXAMPLE SENTENCE: No one can blame an honest mechanic for holding a wealthy snob in utter contempt. —Ingersoll, Robert Green conduct direct the course of; manage or control EXAMPLE SENTENCE: Scientists have been conducting studies of individual genes for years. —BusinessWeek (Feb 15, 2012) engage consume all of one's attention or time EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 EXAMPLE SENTENCE: Inflation has lagged behind the central bank’s 2 percent target, giving policy makers extra scope to cut rates. —BusinessWeek (Feb 15, 2012) straight successive (without a break) EXAMPLE SENTENCE: After three straight losing seasons, Hoosiers fans were just hoping for a winning record. —Seattle Times (Feb 15, 2012) stock the capital raised by a corporation through the issue of shares entitling holders to an ownership interest (equity) EXAMPLE SENTENCE: In other words, Apple’s stock is cheap, and you should buy it. —Forbes (Feb 16, 2012) apparent clearly revealed to the mind or the senses or judgment EXAMPLE SENTENCE: But the elderly creak is beginning to become apparent in McCartney’s voice. —Time (Feb 16, 2012) property a basic or essential attribute shared by all members of a class EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 EXAMPLE SENTENCE: For a time, indeed, he had fancied that things were changed. —Weyman, Stanley J. concept an abstract or general idea inferred or derived from specific instances EXAMPLE SENTENCE: As a psychologist, I have always found the concept of speed dating fascinating. —Scientific American (Feb 13, 2012) court an assembly (including one or more judges) to conduct judicial business EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 EXAMPLE SENTENCE: Martello towers must be built within short distances all round the coast. —Wingfield, Lewis project a planned undertaking EXAMPLE SENTENCE: The funds are aimed at helping build public projects including mass transit, electricity networks, water utility and ports, it said. —BusinessWeek (Feb 17, 2012) commission a special group delegated to consider some matter EXAMPLE SENTENCE: The developers are now seeking approval from the landmarks commission. —New York Times (Feb 16, 2012) constant a quantity that does not vary EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 your overall circumstances or condition in life (including everything that happens to you) EXAMPLE SENTENCE: The circumstances leading up to the shootings was not immediately available. —Chicago Tribune (Feb 19, 2012) constitute to compose or represent:"This wall forms the background of the stage setting" EXAMPLE SENTENCE: Oil and natural gas constituted almost 50 percent of Russian government revenue last year. —BusinessWeek (Feb 19, 2012) level a relative position or degree of value in a graded group EXAMPLE SENTENCE: Only last month did the men’s and women’s unemployment rates reach the same level. —New York Times (Feb 19, 2012) affect have an effect upon EXAMPLE SENTENCE: The central bank will start distributing low-interest loans in early March to individuals and small- and medium-sized companies affected by the flooding. —BusinessWeek (Feb 19, 2012) institute set up or lay the groundwork for EXAMPLE SENTENCE: Corporations have to be more and more focused on instituting higher labor standards. —Washington Post (Feb 7, 2012) render give an interpretation or rendition of EXAMPLE SENTENCE: But authorities had rendered the weapon and the explosive device inoperable, officials said. —Chicago Tribune (Feb 17, 2012) appeal be attractive to EXAMPLE SENTENCE: To get traditional women’s accessories to appeal to men, some designers are giving them manly names and styles. —New York Times (Feb 19, 2012) generate bring into existence EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 natural world; an organized system of accepted knowledge that applies in a variety of circumstances to explain a specific set of phenomena EXAMPLE SENTENCE: Testing that theory begins Saturday night, as the Capitals take on Tampa Bay in another important contest. —Washington Post (Feb 18, 2012) range a variety of different things or activities EXAMPLE SENTENCE: Like American community colleges, admission at an open university is not competitive, but the schools offer a range of programs, including doctoral degrees. —Time (Feb 19, 2012) campaign a race between candidates for elective office EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 for its members EXAMPLE SENTENCE: "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 EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 conference in order to talk something over EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 EXAMPLE SENTENCE: He had been granted entry into the White House only for the daily briefing, later that afternoon. —New York Times (Feb 17, 2012) dwell think moodily or anxiously about something EXAMPLE SENTENCE: But it is hardly necessary to dwell on so normal an event. —Vinogradoff, Paul entertain provide entertainment for EXAMPLE SENTENCE: The first Super Bowl in 1967 featured college marching bands entertaining the crowds at halftime. —Reuters (Feb 6, 2012) contract a binding agreement between two or more persons that is enforceable by law EXAMPLE SENTENCE: Contracts with utilities will be signed starting next month, he said. —BusinessWeek (Feb 16, 2012) earnest characterized by a firm and humorless belief in the validity of your opinions EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 to move or cause to move in a sinuous, spiral, or circular course EXAMPLE SENTENCE: While each animal wandered through the maze, its brain was working furiously. —New York Times (Feb 16, 2012) insist be emphatic or resolute and refuse to budge EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 originally a person of noble birth trained to arms and chivalry; today in Great Britain a person honored by the sovereign for personal merit EXAMPLE SENTENCE: The knight was gallant not only in war, but in love also. —Crothers, Samuel McChord convince make (someone) agree, understand, or realize the truth or validity of something EXAMPLE SENTENCE: But though he listened he was not convinced. —Reade, Charles inspire serve as the inciting cause of EXAMPLE SENTENCE: His surprising performance inspired an outpouring of fan adoration that has been dubbed "Linsanity." —Chicago Tribune (Feb 19, 2012) convention a large formal assembly EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 EXAMPLE SENTENCE: He says many new drivers are terrified of motorway driving because they do not have the skills or confidence needed. —BBC (Feb 20, 2012) harry annoy continually or chronically EXAMPLE SENTENCE: There’s something uplifting about hearing a string instrument when I’m feeling ragged or harried. —New York Times (Feb 9, 2012) financial involving financial matters EXAMPLE SENTENCE: Meanwhile, universities have raised tuition every year, putting many students in a financial bind. —New York Times (Feb 20, 2012) reflect show an image of EXAMPLE SENTENCE: Teens ranting over chores and whatnot can often reflect deeper feelings of alienation or perceived uncaring on the part of parents. —Time (Feb 17, 2012) novel an extended fictional work in prose; usually in the form of a story EXAMPLE SENTENCE: Before Robert Barr publishes a novel he spends years in thinking the thing out. —Anonymous furnish provide or equip with furniture EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 EXAMPLE SENTENCE: But the flames grew too large, compelling firefighters to call off the rescue. —New York Times (Feb 18, 2012) venture proceed somewhere despite the risk of possible dangers EXAMPLE SENTENCE: Clearly he would not venture to descend while his enemy moved. —Strang, Herbert territory the geographical area under the jurisdiction of a sovereign state EXAMPLE SENTENCE: On Friday, West Africa regional group Ecowas condemned the rebels, urging them to end hostilities and surrender all occupied territory. —BBC (Feb 18, 2012) temper a characteristic (habitual or relatively temporary) state of feeling EXAMPLE SENTENCE: Oscar Wilde, to do him justice, bore this sort of rebuff with astonishing good temper and sweetness. —Anonymous bent fixed in your purpose EXAMPLE SENTENCE: The business-oriented constituency of the Republican Party, Jacobs said, has been weakened by a faction bent on lowering taxes and cutting spending. —BusinessWeek (Feb 17, 2012) intimate marked by close acquaintance, association, or familiarity EXAMPLE SENTENCE: The female spider can choose when to cut off intimate relations by eating her partner, or kicking him out. —Scientific American (Jan 31, 2012) undertake enter upon an activity or enterprise EXAMPLE SENTENCE: An autopsy has reportedly been undertaken but the results are not expected for several weeks. —The Guardian (Feb 13, 2012) majority (elections) more than half of the votes EXAMPLE SENTENCE: Republicans need just four seats in the Senate to take control as the majority party. —Reuters (Feb 7, 2012) assert to declare or affirm solemnly and formally as true EXAMPLE SENTENCE: In your talk you asserted the pill's risks of blood clotting, lung artery blockage, heart attack and stroke are minimal. —Science Magazine (Feb 18, 2012) crew the men and women who man a vehicle (ship, aircraft, etc.) EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 EXAMPLE SENTENCE: "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 EXAMPLE SENTENCE: “Challenging yourself, playing up against stronger, tougher, and overall better competition will keep you humble.” —Washington Post (Jan 17, 2012) scheme an elaborate and systematic plan of action EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 having or demonstrating ability to recognize or draw fine distinctions EXAMPLE SENTENCE: Not one of his movements escaped her keen observation; she drank in every shiver. —Wingfield, Lewis liberal having political or social views favoring reform and progress EXAMPLE SENTENCE: Romney’s actually done well in open primaries where fiscally conservative yet socially liberal independents have backed him over his opponents. —Time (Feb 14, 2012) despair a state in which all hope is lost or absent EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 under the gravitational pull of the moon EXAMPLE SENTENCE: In the case of mobile connectivity, a rising tide does not lift all boats. —Slate (Feb 9, 2012) attitude a complex mental state involving beliefs and feelings and values and dispositions to act in certain ways EXAMPLE SENTENCE: "Behaviours have changed and attitudes have changed," Mr Taylor said. —BBC (Feb 16, 2012) justify show to be reasonable or provide adequate ground for EXAMPLE SENTENCE: He felt sure that if the circumstances justified it, the necessary proceedings could be taken.” —Anonymous flag emblem usually consisting of a rectangular piece of cloth of distinctive design EXAMPLE SENTENCE: Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas declared three days of mourning and ordered flags flown at half staff. —New York Times (Feb 16, 2012) merit any admirable quality or attribute EXAMPLE SENTENCE: Thus far in our inquiry extraordinary merits have been offset by extraordinary defects. —Ayres, Harry Morgan manifest reveal its presence or make an appearance EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 EXAMPLE SENTENCE: Does that old notion that defense wins championships still hold up these days? —Seattle Times (Jan 13, 2012) scale relative magnitude EXAMPLE SENTENCE: And there might not be much money, so fashion shows are done on a much smaller scale. —Seattle Times (Feb 17, 2012) formal characteristic of or befitting a person in authority EXAMPLE SENTENCE: A formal decision to call off the search is likely on Wednesday, rescue officials said. —New York Times (Jan 31, 2012) resource available source of wealth; a new or reserve supply that can be drawn upon when needed EXAMPLE SENTENCE: “Economists assume that, under normal conditions, markets will allocate resources efficiently,” he added. —BusinessWeek (Feb 17, 2012) persist continue to exist EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 EXAMPLE SENTENCE: And with his backhanded contempt for all things ordinary, Blake is making some of the catchiest, most difficult music in recent memory. —Time (Dec 20, 2011) tour a journey or route all the way around a particular place or area EXAMPLE SENTENCE: He typed in “South Park” and took senior executives on a tour of Web sites offering pirated episodes. —New York Times (Feb 8, 2012) plead enter a plea, as in courts of law EXAMPLE SENTENCE: Aria pleaded not guilty, but he acknowledged that he had violated some laws. —New York Times (Feb 18, 2012) weigh to be oppressive or burdensome EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 EXAMPLE SENTENCE: Speaking of science, he says, in language far in advance of his times: ‘There are two modes of knowing—by argument and by experiment. —Adams, W. H. Davenport (William Henry Davenport) distinction a discrimination between things as different and distinct EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 EXAMPLE SENTENCE: Such an inclined passage following a seam of coal is known as a slope. —Hoskin, Arthur J. attribute an abstraction belonging to or characteristic of an entity EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 EXAMPLE SENTENCE: School boards may come to exert even greater influence over what students read. —Forbes (Jan 23, 2012) oppress come down on or keep down by unjust use of one's authority EXAMPLE SENTENCE: Those who managed to survive were later oppressed by Poland's post-war communist authorities. —Reuters (Jan 18, 2012) contend compete for something; engage in a contest; measure oneself against others EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 with a point at one end so it can be driven into the ground EXAMPLE SENTENCE: His remains were buried in Cannon Street, and a stake was driven through the body. —Andrews, William toil work hard EXAMPLE SENTENCE: He toiled in the sweat of his brow, tilling the stubborn ground, taking out stones, building fences. —Adler, Felix perish pass from physical life and lose all bodily attributes and functions necessary to sustain life EXAMPLE SENTENCE: Simon Wiesenthal's parents are long since deceased, with his father dying in World War I and his mother perishing in the Holocaust. —BBC (Feb 14, 2012) disposition your usual mood EXAMPLE SENTENCE: Melancholia — the state of mind — can hide behind seemingly sunny dispositions. —Seattle Times (Dec 28, 2011) rail complain bitterly EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 (Roman Catholic Church) one of a group of more than 100 prominent bishops in the Sacred College who advise the Pope and elect new Popes EXAMPLE SENTENCE: Each time he names cardinals he puts his stamp on Roman Catholicism's future by choosing men who share his views. —Chicago Tribune (Feb 18, 2012) boast show off EXAMPLE SENTENCE: Mr. Estes was also well connected politically, boasting that the president of the United States took his calls. —New York Times (Dec 10, 2011) advocate a person who pleads for a cause or propounds an idea EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 EXAMPLE SENTENCE: He bestowed public buildings and river improvements in return for votes. —Gilbert, Clinton W. (Clinton Wallace) allege report or maintain EXAMPLE SENTENCE: It is being fired into enclosed areas and homes, the human rights group alleges. —BBC (Feb 7, 2012) notwithstanding despite anything to the contrary (usually following a concession) EXAMPLE SENTENCE: He seems to have taken things easily enough, notwithstanding the sorrow and suffering that surrounded him on every side. —Adams, W. H. Davenport (William Henry Davenport) lofty of imposing height; especially standing out above others EXAMPLE SENTENCE: He found himself in an enormous hall with a lofty ceiling. —Blasco Ib??ez, Vicente multitude a large indefinite number EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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; give heed to EXAMPLE SENTENCE: But Cain was already too far gone to heed the warning voice. —Adler, Felix modest not large but sufficient in size or amount EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 part; not total EXAMPLE SENTENCE: Generalizations of this sweeping order are apt to contain only partial truth. —Clarke, Helen Archibald apt (usually followed by `to') naturally disposed toward EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 (esteemed or respected or well regarded) EXAMPLE SENTENCE: Despite being held in the highest esteem by his fellow poets, Redgrove never quite achieved the critical reception or readership he deserved. —The Guardian (Feb 10, 2012) credible appearing to merit belief or acceptance EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 EXAMPLE SENTENCE: It provoked a bigger reaction than we could ever have anticipated. —The Guardian (Feb 10, 2012) tread a step in walking or running EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 certainty EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 or get along EXAMPLE SENTENCE: A recent study breaks down how graduates with various college degrees are faring in today’s difficult job market. —Washington Post (Feb 17, 2012) cede relinquish possession or control over EXAMPLE SENTENCE: Some militia chiefs say they will only cede command of their fighters once an organized military and security apparatus is in place. —Reuters (Jan 3, 2012) perpetual continuing forever or indefinitely EXAMPLE SENTENCE: The river is a perpetual enjoyment, always something going on. —Waddington, Mary King decree a legally binding command or decision entered on the court record (as if issued by a court or judge) EXAMPLE SENTENCE: While the decree takes effect immediately, it requires Parliament’s approval within 60 days to remain in force. —BusinessWeek (Jan 28, 2012) contrive make or work out a plan for; devise EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 having substance or capable of being treated as fact; not imaginary EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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. —BBC (Feb 23, 2012) frontier a wilderness at the edge of a settled area of a country EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 EXAMPLE SENTENCE: As one teacher remarks about a troubled student, “There is no facile solution.” —New York Times (Oct 11, 2011) cite make reference to EXAMPLE SENTENCE: The Federal Reserve has pledged low interest rates until late 2014, citing in part the weakness of the job market. —BusinessWeek (Feb 21, 2012) warrant show to be reasonable or provide adequate ground for EXAMPLE SENTENCE: In the United Kingdom and Europe the devices are not used unless the need is warranted by the patient's medical condition. —US News (Jan 17, 2012) sob weep convulsively EXAMPLE SENTENCE: He cried and trembled, sobbing, while they spoke, like the child he was. —Weyman, Stanley J. rider a traveler who actively rides an animal (as a horse or camel) EXAMPLE SENTENCE: In horseback riding, a rider will give commands by squeezing or lengthening the reins and altering the position of his legs. —Time (Jan 5, 2012) dense permitting little if any light to pass through because of denseness of matter EXAMPLE SENTENCE: Dense black smoke rose in the distance as demonstrators burned tires in Shiite villages. —BusinessWeek (Feb 14, 2012) afflict cause physical pain or suffering in EXAMPLE SENTENCE: Melanoma globally afflicts nearly 160,000 new people each year. —Reuters (Dec 16, 2011) flourish grow vigorously EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 cause annoyance in; disturb, especially by minor irritations EXAMPLE SENTENCE: There are vexing problems slowing the growth and the practical implementation of big data technologies. —Forbes (Oct 21, 2011) gravity (physics) the force of attraction between all masses in the universe; especially the attraction of the earth's mass for bodies near its surface EXAMPLE SENTENCE: Once captured, the combined object will have a new center of gravity and may be spinning in an uncontrolled way. —Science Magazine (Feb 15, 2012) suspended (of undissolved particles in a fluid) supported or kept from sinking or falling by buoyancy and without apparent attachment EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 EXAMPLE SENTENCE: Its bright scarlet fruits are conspicuous in late autumn. —Anonymous retort a quick reply to a question or remark (especially a witty or critical one) EXAMPLE SENTENCE: Having put him in ill humour with this retort, she fled away rejoicing. —Coster, Charles Th?odore Henri de jet an airplane powered by one or more jet engines EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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; usually includes taking something or somebody along EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 to agree or express agreement EXAMPLE SENTENCE: His two companions readily assented, and the promise was mutually given and received. —Keightley, Thomas purse a sum of money spoken of as the contents of a money purse EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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; calculating the sum of two or more numbers EXAMPLE SENTENCE: The survey’s margin of error was plus or minus four percentage points. —BusinessWeek (Dec 29, 2011) sanction give authority or permission to EXAMPLE SENTENCE: The Securities and Exchange Commission said last year it had sanctioned 39 senior officers for conduct related to the housing market meltdown. —BusinessWeek (Feb 19, 2012) proceeding (law) the institution of a sequence of steps by which legal judgments are invoked EXAMPLE SENTENCE: Chu attended the special court-martial proceeding on Monday in Hawaii, Hill said. —Reuters (Jan 30, 2012) exalt praise, glorify, or honor EXAMPLE SENTENCE: Some exalt themselves by anonymously posting their own laudatory reviews. —New York Times (Jan 26, 2012) siege the action of an armed force that surrounds a fortified place and isolates it while continuing to attack EXAMPLE SENTENCE: Rebellion broke out, and finally the aged Caliph, after enduring a siege of several weeks, was murdered in his own house. —Nicholson, Reynold malice feeling a need to see others suffer EXAMPLE SENTENCE: He viewed the moths with malice, their fluttering wings fanning his resentment. —Lyman, Olin L. extravagant recklessly wasteful EXAMPLE SENTENCE: Advisers say new millionaires are prone to mistakes, like making extravagant purchases or risky deals with friends. —Reuters (Feb 2, 2012) wax increase in phase EXAMPLE SENTENCE: Carols had existed for centuries, though their popularity waxed and waned as different governments and religious movements periodically declared them sinful. —Time (Dec 12, 2011) throng press tightly together or cram EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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; consider hallowed or exalted or be in awe of EXAMPLE SENTENCE: He venerated me like a being descended from an upper world. —Blasco Ib??ez, Vicente assail attack someone physically or emotionally EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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; elevated in nature or style EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 EXAMPLE SENTENCE: One day overcome by exertion, she fainted in the street. —Ingersoll, Robert Green kindle catch fire EXAMPLE SENTENCE: Then a match was kindled and fire applied. —Warner, Susan endow furnish with an endowment EXAMPLE SENTENCE: The grammar school here, founded in 1533, is liberally endowed, with scholarships and exhibitions. —Various imposed set forth authoritatively as obligatory EXAMPLE SENTENCE: The Arab League has already suspended Syria and imposed economic sanctions. —BusinessWeek (Feb 22, 2012) humiliate cause to feel shame; hurt the pride of EXAMPLE SENTENCE: The letter claims pensioners are too often patronised, humiliated, denied privacy or even medical treatment. —BBC (Feb 22, 2012) suffrage a legal right guaranteed by the 15th amendment to the US Constitution; guaranteed to women by the 19th amendment EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 issue or terminate (in a specified way, state, etc.); end EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 (and often a tributary of a river) EXAMPLE SENTENCE: He walked across the little bridge over the brook and at once his mood changed. —Mason, A. E. W. (Alfred Edward Woodley) gale a strong wind moving 45-90 knots; force 7 to 10 on Beaufort scale EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 EXAMPLE SENTENCE: Musing about the Big Picture may be a lot more gratifying than focusing on the details of the specific policies that aren’t working. —Time (Jan 24, 2012) satire witty language used to convey insults or scorn EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 EXAMPLE SENTENCE: Designing and building models that intrigue and educate without overwhelming has been challenging. —Science Magazine (Nov 24, 2011) indication something that serves to indicate or suggest EXAMPLE SENTENCE: Authorities said an autopsy found no indications of foul play or obvious signs of trauma on Houston. —Seattle Times (Feb 15, 2012) dispatch send away towards a designated goal EXAMPLE SENTENCE: More than one assassin was dispatched by the Turkish authorities to murder Napoleon. —Various cower crouch or curl up EXAMPLE SENTENCE: The knaves lowered their weapons and shrank back cowering before him. —Weyman, Stanley J. wont an established custom EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 together serve some particular purpose EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 especially the books of the Bible recognized by any Christian church as genuine and inspired EXAMPLE SENTENCE: For me, all novels of any consequence are literary, and they take their place, high and low, in the canon of English literature. —The Guardian (Jan 10, 2011) impel cause to move forward with force EXAMPLE SENTENCE: Some power beyond his comprehension was impelling him toward the neighboring city. —Blasco Ib??ez, Vicente latitude freedom from normal restraints in conduct EXAMPLE SENTENCE: Great employees often get more latitude to bring up controversial subjects in a group setting because their performance allows greater freedom. —Inc (Feb 21, 2012) vacate leave behind empty; move out of EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 undertaken or attempted EXAMPLE SENTENCE: "Let my epitaph be, Here lies Joseph, who was unsuccessful in all his undertakings." —Marvin, Frederic Rowland slay kill intentionally and with premeditation EXAMPLE SENTENCE: "It were shame," said Lancelot, "for an armed to slay an unarmed man." —Unknown predecessor one who precedes you in time (as in holding a position or office) EXAMPLE SENTENCE: Heller fills in the blanks about Taft, overshadowed by colorful predecessor Teddy Roosevelt. —Seattle Times (Feb 22, 2012) delicacy the quality of being beautiful and delicate in appearance EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 EXAMPLE SENTENCE: "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 EXAMPLE SENTENCE: Utterly distraught, he ran up and down the bank, hunting for his clothes, calling, crying out, imploring, beseeching help from somewhere. —Frank, Ulrich philosophical of or relating to philosophy or philosophers EXAMPLE SENTENCE: His arguments, like Einstein’s, were qualitative, verging on highly philosophical. —Scientific American (Jan 30, 2012) grove a small growth of trees without underbrush EXAMPLE SENTENCE: Soon after we came to Pasadena, father bought an orange grove of twenty-five acres. —Chamberlain, James Franklin frustrate hinder or prevent (the efforts, plans, or desires) of EXAMPLE SENTENCE: Frustrated after two years of missed budget targets, finance chiefs demanded Greek officials put their verbal commitments into law. —BusinessWeek (Feb 13, 2012) illustrious widely known and esteemed EXAMPLE SENTENCE: She will be joining an illustrious list of recipients that include Winston Churchill, Nelson Mandela, Pope John Paul II and Princess Diana. —BBC (Feb 24, 2012) device an instrumentality invented for a particular purpose EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 EXAMPLE SENTENCE: Throughout U.S. history, Americans have been fascinated by royal pomp -- even on a movie screen. —Reuters (Feb 21, 2011) entreat ask for or request earnestly EXAMPLE SENTENCE: "Let me go now, please," she entreated, her eyes unable to meet his any longer. —Hope, Anthony impart transmit (knowledge or skills) EXAMPLE SENTENCE: Long before writing and books were in common use, proverbs were the principal means of imparting instruction. —Preston, Thomas propriety correct or appropriate behavior EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 EXAMPLE SENTENCE: The building was consecrated as a Protestant Episcopal church in May, 1814. —Faris, John T. (John Thomson) proceeds the income or profit arising from such transactions as the sale of land or other property EXAMPLE SENTENCE: His own share in the proceeds was about a hundred thousand dollars. —Stark, James H. fathom come to understand EXAMPLE SENTENCE: But after flying for so many years, the idea of hanging up his sparkling wings is hard for him to fathom. —New York Times (Mar 17, 2012) objective the goal intended to be attained (and which is believed to be attainable) EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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; sometimes used in combination EXAMPLE SENTENCE: A few of the villagers came behind, clad in mourning robes, and bearing lighted tapers. —Various partisan devoted to a cause or party EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 EXAMPLE SENTENCE: One faction declared it would begin an armed struggle against the government of the United States. —Slate (Feb 29, 2012) contrived artificially formal EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 EXAMPLE SENTENCE: He can’t trot down the street without being besieged by paparazzi. —New York Times (Mar 18, 2012) manifestation a clear appearance EXAMPLE SENTENCE: Singing and dancing are manifestations of what many Syrians describe as a much broader cultural flowering. —New York Times (Dec 19, 2011) rebuke an act or expression of criticism and censure EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 EXAMPLE SENTENCE: His fiery rhetoric in support of limiting cuts to projected defense spending has surprised and impressed some of Obama's toughest Republican critics. —Reuters (Jan 5, 2012) scrupulous having scruples; arising from a sense of right and wrong; principled EXAMPLE SENTENCE: The reason is that the vast majority of businesses are scrupulous and treat their employees well. —The Guardian (Jun 4, 2010) ratify approve and express assent, responsibility, or obligation EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 EXAMPLE SENTENCE: Sarkozy has attempted to tone down his image, becoming more discreet about his private life. —BusinessWeek (Feb 8, 2012) imposing impressive in appearance EXAMPLE SENTENCE: These buildings were grand and stylized with intricate details and a bit of an imposing presence. —Scientific American (Mar 5, 2012) wistful showing pensive sadness EXAMPLE SENTENCE: She turned toward him, her face troubled, her eyes most wistful. —Mason, A. E. W. (Alfred Edward Woodley) mortify cause to feel shame; hurt the pride of EXAMPLE SENTENCE: Intensely mortified at this humiliation, the king fell sick, and henceforth his health failed rapidly. —Various ripple stir up (water) so as to form ripples EXAMPLE SENTENCE: That could precipitate higher interest rates that would ripple across the economy. —Washington Post (Jul 27, 2011) premise a statement that is assumed to be true and from which a conclusion can be drawn EXAMPLE SENTENCE: Success, real success, comes to the jack of all trades, a major premise handed down from pioneer days. —Gilbert, Clinton W. (Clinton Wallace) subside wear off or die down EXAMPLE SENTENCE: Affliction is allayed, grief subsides, sorrow is soothed, distress is mitigated. —Webster, Noah adverse contrary to your interests or welfare EXAMPLE SENTENCE: High doses can have adverse effects and even cause death. —Seattle Times (Mar 26, 2012) caprice a sudden desire EXAMPLE SENTENCE: Nobody is really in charge, and decisions are made on whim and caprice.” —New York Times (Apr 10, 2011) muster gather or bring together EXAMPLE SENTENCE: Yet Fox needed all the strength that he could muster. —Rosebery, Archibald Phillip Primrose comprehensive broad in scope EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 EXAMPLE SENTENCE: Therefore he made up his mind to accede to his uncle's desire. —Streckfuss, Adolph fervent characterized by intense emotion EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 aesthetically consistent whole EXAMPLE SENTENCE: Two antagonistic values may cohere in the same object. —Anderson, Benjamin M. (Benjamin McAlester) tribunal an assembly (including one or more judges) to conduct judicial business EXAMPLE SENTENCE: The military has historically been protected from civilian courts, with any crimes committed by soldiers being decided in closed military tribunals. —Wall Street Journal (Feb 15, 2012) austere severely simple EXAMPLE SENTENCE: A certain austere simplicity was noticeable all over Longfellow's house. —Anonymous recovering returning to health after illness or debility EXAMPLE SENTENCE: “The recovering economy is bringing more people back into the market. —Washington Post (Mar 22, 2012) stratum people having the same social, economic, or educational status EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 or sometimes impulse or caprice EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 exasperate or irritate EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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, often as if by magic EXAMPLE SENTENCE: Vacation homes typically conjure up dreams of blue skies, pristine sand and crystalline waters. —Wall Street Journal (Feb 28, 2012) ominous threatening or foreshadowing evil or tragic developments EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 and stands more or less permanently in one place EXAMPLE SENTENCE: They are here erecting a fine stone edifice for an Episcopal Church. —Clark, John A. elude escape, either physically or mentally EXAMPLE SENTENCE: But despite racking up world titles, Olympic gold was eluding him. —The Guardian (Feb 10, 2012) pervade spread or diffuse through EXAMPLE SENTENCE: An air of intense anticipation pervaded the General’s dining room. —Burnett, Carolyn Judson foster promote the growth of EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 take to task EXAMPLE SENTENCE: "Children, children, stop quarrelling, right here in public!" admonished Mrs. Dering, in a low, shocked tone. —Perry, Nora repeal cancel officially EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 EXAMPLE SENTENCE: Foster was an extremely modest, unworldly, retiring gentleman. —Rosenbach, A. S. W. incidental not of prime or central importance EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 to agree or express agreement EXAMPLE SENTENCE: American officials initially tried to resist President Karzai’s moves but eventually acquiesced. —New York Times (Mar 9, 2012) slew (often followed by `of') a large number or amount or extent EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 and possibly with force; take as one's right or possession EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 EXAMPLE SENTENCE: The prisoners undressed themselves as usual, and went to bed, observed by the sentinel. —Drake, Samuel Adams precision the quality of being reproducible in amount or performance EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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) EXAMPLE SENTENCE: Late Wednesday, Mr. Touré, the deposed president, spoke out from hiding for the first time. —New York Times (Mar 30, 2012) wanton occurring without motivation or provocation EXAMPLE SENTENCE: I am not a sentimentalist by any means, yet I abominate wanton cruelty. —Stables, Gordon odium state of disgrace resulting from detestable behavior EXAMPLE SENTENCE: This was one of the men who bring odium on the whole class of prisoners, and prejudice society against them. —Henderson, Frank precept rule of personal conduct EXAMPLE SENTENCE: The law of nature has but one precept, "Be strong." —Williams, C. M. deference a courteous expression (by word or deed) of esteem or regard EXAMPLE SENTENCE: Other rules, as indicated in Mr. Collins' book, concerned deportment, and demanded constant deference to superiors. —Faris, John T. (John Thomson) fray a noisy fight EXAMPLE SENTENCE: Armed rebels have joined the fray in recent months. —Reuters (Jan 27, 2012) candid openly straightforward and direct without reserve or secretiveness EXAMPLE SENTENCE: The actor was candid about his own difficult childhood growing up with alcoholic parents. —Seattle Times (Feb 17, 2012) enduring unceasing EXAMPLE SENTENCE: What makes the galumphing hubby such an enduring stock character? —Slate (Mar 26, 2012) impertinent improperly forward or bold EXAMPLE SENTENCE: Imagine calling a famous writer by his first name—it seemed impertinent, to say the least. —Watkins, Shirley bland lacking stimulating characteristics; uninteresting EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 give to understand EXAMPLE SENTENCE: "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 (`tokenish' is informal) EXAMPLE SENTENCE: He sought nominal damages of one dollar from each defendant. —Reuters (Jan 23, 2012) suppliant humbly entreating EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 EXAMPLE SENTENCE: Many viewers, bored by the languid pace of the show, tuned out early. —New York Times (Dec 30, 2011) rave praise enthusiastically EXAMPLE SENTENCE: I have heard lots of women simply rave about him. —Kauffman, Reginald Wright monetary relating to or involving money EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 EXAMPLE SENTENCE: “They may not be wishing to rush headlong back into the same sort of risks just yet.” —BusinessWeek (Dec 24, 2010) infallible incapable of failure or error EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 urge by gentle urging, caressing, or flattering EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 EXAMPLE SENTENCE: He urged judges to resist the rigid guidelines and to write opinions explicating their reasons for doing so. —New York Times (Jan 22, 2010) gaunt very thin especially from disease or hunger or cold EXAMPLE SENTENCE: Gaunt, starved, and ragged, the men marched northwards, leaving the Touat country upon their left hand. —Mason, A. E. W. (Alfred Edward Woodley) morbid suggesting the horror of death and decay EXAMPLE SENTENCE: Earlier in the day, however, his demise was watched by spectators with a morbid fascination. —New York Times (Aug 16, 2010) ranging wandering freely EXAMPLE SENTENCE: His detective work is fascinating and wide ranging. —Seattle Times (Feb 1, 2012) pacify cause to be more favorably inclined; gain the good will of EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 (used with regard to idealized country life) idyllically rustic EXAMPLE SENTENCE: He made a considerable reputation as an accomplished painter of quiet pastoral subjects and carefully elaborated landscapes with cattle. —Various dogged stubbornly unyielding EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 EXAMPLE SENTENCE: Although Gardner’s competitive appetite ebbed after 2004, other cravings did not. —New York Times (Jan 28, 2012) aide someone who acts as assistant EXAMPLE SENTENCE: She later found work as a teacher’s aide in a Head Start program in Harlem. —New York Times (Jan 12, 2012) appease cause to be more favorably inclined; gain the good will of EXAMPLE SENTENCE: The king also has tried to appease public anger over corruption. —New York Times (Feb 9, 2012) stipulate specify as a condition or requirement in a contract or agreement; make an express demand or provision in an agreement EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 EXAMPLE SENTENCE: “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 EXAMPLE SENTENCE: Already my passive dislike had grown into an active aversion. —Oppenheim, E. Phillips (Edward Phillips) conceit an artistic device or effect EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 (usually followed by `to') strongly opposed EXAMPLE SENTENCE: Friends and political allies are loath to talk about her, knowing the family’s intense obsession with privacy. —New York Times (Aug 14, 2011) rampart an embankment built around a space for defensive purposes EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 EXAMPLE SENTENCE: For two days I tarried in Paris, settling my little property. —Ford, Paul Leicester perpetrate perform an act, usually with a negative connotation EXAMPLE SENTENCE: Come on it’s just a cruel joke perpetrated by the airline industry.” —Forbes (Dec 11, 2011) decorum propriety in manners and conduct EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 EXAMPLE SENTENCE: Her luxuriant curly hair, restrained by no net, but held together simply by a flowering spray, waved over her shoulders in all its rich abundance. —Elisabeth Burstenbinder (AKA E. Werner) cant insincere talk about religion or morals EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 with authority EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 EXAMPLE SENTENCE: The old man's fears were assailed with threats, and his avarice was approached by bribes, and he very soon capitulated. —Abbott, John S. C. (John Stevens Cabot) edict a formal or authoritative proclamation EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 EXAMPLE SENTENCE: Perplexed and disconcerted, I found no words to answer such an amazing sally. —Chambers, Robert W. (Robert William) symmetry balance among the parts of something EXAMPLE SENTENCE: Even the staging displays symmetry, with actors lined up on either side in formal precision. —New York Times (Jan 24, 2011) capitulate surrender under agreed conditions EXAMPLE SENTENCE: "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 EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 EXAMPLE SENTENCE: Instead someone shouts "Go" and he is bearing down on me and almost cleaves my shield in two with his first blow. —BBC (Aug 7, 2011) append add to the very end EXAMPLE SENTENCE: Some specimens will appear in the papers appended to this report. —Various visage the human face (`kisser' and `smiler' and `mug' are informal terms for `face' and `phiz' is British) EXAMPLE SENTENCE: An honest, quiet laugh often mantled his pale earnest visage. —Turnbull, Robert horde a moving crowd EXAMPLE SENTENCE: Hordes of puzzled tourists, many with rolling suitcases attached, poured down the staircases. —New York Times (Jan 1, 2012) parable a short moral story (often with animal characters) EXAMPLE SENTENCE: In most instances, I have closed my visits by reading some interesting story or parable. —Frothingham, Octavius Brooks chastise censure severely EXAMPLE SENTENCE: She remembers an upsetting incident when a headmistress chastised her for working too much. —The Guardian (Jan 14, 2011) foil hinder or prevent (the efforts, plans, or desires) of EXAMPLE SENTENCE: On March 1st, a Turkish newspaper reported that the country's intelligence service had foiled an attempt by Syrian agents to kidnap the colonel. —Time (Mar 8, 2012) veritable often used as intensifiers EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 come to terms with EXAMPLE SENTENCE: But, he said, all coastal communities will have to grapple with rising seas. —New York Times (Mar 24, 2012) gentry the most powerful members of a society EXAMPLE SENTENCE: The mode of travel of the gentry was riding horses, but most people traveled by walking. —Reilly, S. A. pall a sudden numbing dread EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 EXAMPLE SENTENCE: The maxim "All is fair in love and war" was applied literally. —Thomson, Basil projection a prediction made by extrapolating from past observations EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 that you can learn by study and practice and observation EXAMPLE SENTENCE: While our engineering prowess has advanced a great deal over the past sixty years, the principles of innovation largely have not. —Time (Mar 21, 2012) dingy thickly covered with ingrained dirt or soot EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 an outward or token appearance or form that is deliberately misleading EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 advertize in strongly positive terms EXAMPLE SENTENCE: Testing is being touted as the means of making the U.S. education system competitive, even world-class. —Washington Post (Mar 23, 2012) fortitude strength of mind that enables one to endure adversity with courage EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 EXAMPLE SENTENCE: In 1854, as I have already remarked, Nicaragua was split asunder by civil war. —Powell, E. Alexander (Edward Alexander) rout an overwhelming defeat EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 EXAMPLE SENTENCE: He was prim and staid and liked to do things in an orderly fashion. —Doyle, A. Conan beguile influence by slyness EXAMPLE SENTENCE: I can no longer remain silent in the presence of the schemers who seek to beguile you. —Bolanden, Conrad von purport have the often specious appearance of being, intending, or claiming EXAMPLE SENTENCE: Of course, none of these purported medical benefits have any grounding in science. —Scientific American (Jan 28, 2012) deprave corrupt morally or by intemperance or sensuality EXAMPLE SENTENCE: The people who make up this typical Gorky offering are drunkards, thieves, depraved creatures of every kind. —Kilmer, Joyce bequeath leave or give by will after one's death EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 EXAMPLE SENTENCE: Tails are often an enigma; many creatures have them, but scientists know little about their function, particularly for extinct species. —Science Magazine (Jan 4, 2012) assiduous marked by care and persistent effort EXAMPLE SENTENCE: He's an assiduous diary-keeper and regularly rereads ancient entries to check up on himself. —The Guardian (Jul 17, 2010) vassal a person holding a fief; a person who owes allegiance and service to a feudal lord EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 EXAMPLE SENTENCE: He quailed before me, and forgetting his new part in old habits, muttered an apology. —Weyman, Stanley John outskirts outlying areas (as of a city or town) EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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; extends from shore into the water to prevent a beach from washing away EXAMPLE SENTENCE: The cliffs are of imposing height, nearly three hundred feet: a formidable bulwark. —White, Walter swerve an erratic deflection from an intended course EXAMPLE SENTENCE: However, I was not going to swerve from my word. —Johnstone, James Johnstone, chevalier de gird prepare oneself for a military confrontation EXAMPLE SENTENCE: Protesters are girding for another police raid as several City Council members have called on protesters to leave. —Washington Post (Nov 11, 2011) betrothed pledged to be married EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 EXAMPLE SENTENCE: Most prospective homesteaders make the same mistake I did in buying horses, unless they are experienced. —Micheaux, Oscar advert make reference to EXAMPLE SENTENCE: In the family circle it was rarely adverted to, and never except when some allusion to the approaching separation had to be made. —Werner, E. T. C. (Edward Theodore Chalmers) peremptory not allowing contradiction or refusal EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 stages of any subject (usually plural) EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 by deduction; establish by deduction EXAMPLE SENTENCE: They then used models of global wind circulation to deduce which dust sources have become stronger and which weaker. —Economist (Jan 6, 2011) halting fragmentary or halting from emotional strain EXAMPLE SENTENCE: “I so much love cricket,” he said, shyly, in halting English. —New York Times (Feb 22, 2012) ignominy a state of dishonor EXAMPLE SENTENCE: After all, we love nothing better than seeing the powerful and formerly smug dragged across the front pages in ignominy. —Time (Jun 7, 2011) ideology an orientation that characterizes the thinking of a group or nation EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 EXAMPLE SENTENCE: But too often the music sounded thin and pallid. —New York Times (Apr 25, 2010) chagrin strong feelings of embarrassment EXAMPLE SENTENCE: But he was feeling deeply chagrined and mortified over his last escapade. —White, Fred M. (Fred Merrick) obtrude thrust oneself in as if by force EXAMPLE SENTENCE: She had no right to obtrude herself into his life and to disturb it. —Packard, Frank L. (Frank Lucius) audacious disposed to venture or take risks EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 EXAMPLE SENTENCE: But nothing that was said Tuesday can be construed as good news. —Washington Post (Sep 14, 2011) ford cross a river where it's shallow EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 EXAMPLE SENTENCE: He found his unionized warehouse job after a stint working for his father, an accountant. —New York Times (Mar 21, 2012) fresco a mural done with watercolors on wet plaster EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 duty and respect EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 EXAMPLE SENTENCE: They bought a log chain, and lumber for a door; the window frames were hewed from logs. —Daughters of the American Revolution. Nebraska parity functional equality EXAMPLE SENTENCE: How many of the world’s problems would be solved, or at least greatly reduced, if women had true parity with men? —New York Times (Dec 15, 2011) affable diffusing warmth and friendliness EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 lives EXAMPLE SENTENCE: With businesses shut, fields untended and fishing abandoned many have lost their livelihoods as well as their homes, our correspondent says. —BBC (Apr 15, 2011) deign do something that one considers to be below one's dignity EXAMPLE SENTENCE: To Mr. Gompers' courteous letter Czar Gary did not deign to reply. —Foster, William Z. capricious determined by chance or impulse or whim rather than by necessity or reason EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 or force or extent as to elicit awe EXAMPLE SENTENCE: The fact was so stupendous that Terry felt almost frightened over the great good fortune. —Sabin, Edwin L. (Edwin Legrand) chaff material consisting of seed coverings and small pieces of stem or leaves that have been separated from the seeds EXAMPLE SENTENCE: The wheat, being heavy, falls, while the chaff is blown away. —Starr, Frederick innate not established by conditioning or learning EXAMPLE SENTENCE: In other words, one of our most essential abilities as humans--reading--is the product of a combination of innate and learned traits. —Time (Dec 9, 2011) reverie an abstracted state of absorption EXAMPLE SENTENCE: He stood still, seemingly lost in reverie, and quite oblivious to the group about him. —Frey, Hildegard G. (Hildegard Gertrude) wrangle to quarrel noisily, angrily or disruptively EXAMPLE SENTENCE: Here were many fierce and bitter wrangles over vexed questions, turbulent scenes, displays of sectional feelings. —Raymond, Evelyn crevice a long narrow opening EXAMPLE SENTENCE: The disruptive power of tree roots, growing in the crevices of rocks, is well known. —Various ostensible appearing as such but not necessarily so EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 EXAMPLE SENTENCE: Was it for them to follow the craven footsteps of a cowardly generation? —Robinson, Victor vestige an indication that something has been present EXAMPLE SENTENCE: Now, there was no vestige of vegetation; no living thing. —Hopkins, William John plumb examine thoroughly and in great depth EXAMPLE SENTENCE: Tellingly, Ms. Liao said she had great difficulty finding three actors willing to plumb their own personalities. —New York Times (Jun 1, 2011) reticent temperamentally disinclined to talk EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 censure severely or angrily EXAMPLE SENTENCE: He chided reporters as having “stalked” family members, demanding that his relatives be left alone. —New York Times (Nov 8, 2011) espouse choose and follow; as of theories, ideas, policies, strategies or plans EXAMPLE SENTENCE: He said Islam should not be equated with terrorism or the kind of violence espoused by Bin Laden. —Reuters (May 2, 2011) raiment especially fine or decorative clothing EXAMPLE SENTENCE: Clothed in fine raiment and faring sumptuously every day, he soon developed into a handsome lad. —Oxley, J. Macdonald (James Macdonald) intrepid invulnerable to fear or intimidation EXAMPLE SENTENCE: There are some very courageous and intrepid reporters in Afghanistan, including some who work for American media outlets. —Salon (Apr 5, 2010) seemly according with custom or propriety EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 EXAMPLE SENTENCE: Our boy was scared and confused; we tried to allay his fears. —New York Times (Mar 30, 2012) fitful occurring in spells and often abruptly EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 EXAMPLE SENTENCE: Another report today showed home prices fell more than forecast in November, eroding the wealth of families as they seek to rebuild savings. —BusinessWeek (Jan 31, 2012) unaffected free of artificiality; sincere and genuine EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 EXAMPLE SENTENCE: Folengo’s next production was the Orlandino, an Italian poem of eight cantos, written in rhymed octaves. —Various docile easily handled or managed EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 teeming, be abuzz EXAMPLE SENTENCE: The coast, once teeming with traffic, is now lonely and deserted. —Mahaffy, J. P. estrange arouse hostility or indifference in where there had formerly been love, affection, or friendliness EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 EXAMPLE SENTENCE: Public spats are rare in the asset-management industry, where companies typically resolve disputes behind closed doors. —BusinessWeek (Sep 16, 2011) warble sing or play with trills, alternating with the half note above or below EXAMPLE SENTENCE: Meadow larks, as you have undoubtedly noticed, warble many different songs. —Barrett, R. E. mien dignified manner or conduct EXAMPLE SENTENCE: Nevertheless, before going to meet Samuel, she assumed a calm and dignified mien. —Kraszewski, Jo?zef Ignacy sate fill to satisfaction EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 belonging to or characteristic of the nobility or aristocracy EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 (duties, questions, or issues) EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 practices a learned profession EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 EXAMPLE SENTENCE: Overcasting is done by taking loose stitches over the raw edge of the cloth, to keep it from ravelling or fraying. —Ontario. Ministry of Education infest occupy in large numbers or live on a host EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 action EXAMPLE SENTENCE: He knew that men were actuated by other motives, good and bad, than self-interest. —Blease, Walter Lyon surly inclined to anger or bad feelings with overtones of menace EXAMPLE SENTENCE: But Blake, being surly and quarrelsome even when sober, gave the lapel a savage jerk, and reached out with his other hand. —Chisholm, A. M. (Arthur Murray) convalesce get over an illness or shock EXAMPLE SENTENCE: Patients convalescing from pneumonia were evacuated to England or given Base Duty. —Jahns, Lewis E. demoralize lower someone's spirits; make downhearted EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 EXAMPLE SENTENCE: As the rhetoric heated up inside, the violence outside devolved into chaos. —Time (Feb 13, 2012) alacrity liveliness and eagerness EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 EXAMPLE SENTENCE: Low rates have also led retail brokerages to waive fees on money market funds to avoid negative returns for their clients. —Reuters (Jan 13, 2012) unwonted out of the ordinary EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 EXAMPLE SENTENCE: Outwardly quite calm and matter-of-fact, his mind was in a seething turmoil. —Douglas, Hudson scrutinize to look at critically or searchingly, or in minute detail EXAMPLE SENTENCE: Fans and commentators are scrutinizing every blemish: his turnovers, his weak left hand, his jump shot. —New York Times (Mar 5, 2012) diffident lacking self-confidence EXAMPLE SENTENCE: Shyly diffident in the presence of strangers, her head was lowered. —Packard, Frank L. (Frank Lucius) execrate curse or declare to be evil or anathema or threaten with divine punishment EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 placated EXAMPLE SENTENCE: This man was a savage in his implacable desire for revenge. —Kelly, Florence Finch pique a sudden outburst of anger EXAMPLE SENTENCE: A talented youngster who smashes his guitar in a fit of pique finds it magically reassembled just in time for a crucial concert. —The Guardian (May 31, 2010) mite a slight but appreciable amount EXAMPLE SENTENCE: I never saw anybody so pleased with monkeys as she is, and not one mite afraid. —Raymond, Evelyn encumber hold back EXAMPLE SENTENCE: Two others were making slower progress for the reason that each was encumbered by supporting a disabled man. —Westerman, Percy F. (Percy Francis) uncouth lacking refinement or cultivation or taste EXAMPLE SENTENCE: He had not stopped to consider her rough speech and uncouth manners. —Johnston, Annie F. (Annie Fellows) petulant easily irritated or annoyed EXAMPLE SENTENCE: The black eyes emitted an angry flash, the voice that answered was sharp and petulant. —Fleming, May Agnes expiate make amends for EXAMPLE SENTENCE: Wulphere was absolved on condition that he should expiate his crime by founding churches and monasteries all over his kingdom. —Clifton, A. B. cavalier given to haughty disregard of others EXAMPLE SENTENCE: Some would have given Nicklaus a cavalier response: polite nod while thinking, “Yeah, whatever.” —New York Times (Jun 18, 2011) banter light teasing repartee EXAMPLE SENTENCE: Our easy banter had suddenly been replaced by strained and awkward interaction. —Slate (Feb 15, 2012) bluster act in an arrogant, overly self-assured, or conceited manner EXAMPLE SENTENCE: Slade, despite his swaggers and blustering, was at heart a coward. —Landon, Herman debase corrupt morally or by intemperance or sensuality EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 (especially in the household) EXAMPLE SENTENCE: This faithful and trusted retainer is greatly valued by his employers. —Black, Helen C. subjugate make subservient; force to submit or subdue EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 EXAMPLE SENTENCE: How I praised the duck at that first dinner, and extolled Madame's skill in cookery! —Warren, Arthur fraught filled with or attended with EXAMPLE SENTENCE: But the ocean remains an unpredictable place, fraught with hazards. —Scientific American (Apr 5, 2012) august profoundly honored EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 EXAMPLE SENTENCE: The brown bark is not very rough, though its numerous fissures and cracks give it a rugged appearance. —Step, Edward knoll a small natural hill EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 EXAMPLE SENTENCE: Outwardly merry and good-humoured, he was by nature coldly fierce, calculating, callous. —Wingfield, Lewis inculcate teach and impress by frequent repetitions or admonitions EXAMPLE SENTENCE: But instruction in history has been for a long time systematically used to inculcate certain political sentiments in the pupils. —Liebknecht, Karl Paul August Friedrich nettle cause annoyance in; disturb, especially by minor irritations EXAMPLE SENTENCE: Lincoln began these remarks by good-humored but nettling chaffing of his opponent. —Various blanch turn pale, as if in fear EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 of an obscure nature EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 EXAMPLE SENTENCE: Then Kiss commenced in earnest, and quickly held his audience in thrall. —Farjeon, Benjamin Leopold exigency a pressing or urgent situation EXAMPLE SENTENCE: The exigency of the situation roused Mr. Popkiss' sluggish faculties into prompt action. —Magnay, William disconsolate sad beyond comforting; incapable of being consoled EXAMPLE SENTENCE: Was there a bereaved mother or disconsolate sister weeping over their dead? —Steward, T. G. (Theophilus Gould) impetus a force that moves something along EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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. —Reuters (Jan 10, 2012) imposition an uncalled-for burden EXAMPLE SENTENCE: On that far-away day he had considered the little, lost girl a nuisance and an imposition. —Chisholm, A. M. (Arthur Murray) auspices kindly endorsement and guidance EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 EXAMPLE SENTENCE: His voice rang out firmly now, a deep and sonorous bass. —Bedford-Jones, H. exploitation an act that exploits or victimizes someone (treats them unfairly) EXAMPLE SENTENCE: In a scathing report released last year, Amnesty International found there was widespread exploitation of migrants in Malaysia. —BBC (Apr 4, 2011) bane something causing misery or death EXAMPLE SENTENCE: Knee pain is the bane of many runners, sometimes causing them to give up altogether. —Seattle Times (Jun 7, 2010) dint interchangeable with `means' in the expression `by means of' EXAMPLE SENTENCE: If only certain puzzles could be solved by dint of sheer hard thinking! —Marsh, Richard ignominious (used of conduct or character) deserving or bringing disgrace or shame EXAMPLE SENTENCE: The great Ottawa chief saw his partially accomplished scheme withering into ignominious failure. —Rudd, John amicable characterized by friendship and good will EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 EXAMPLE SENTENCE: Thousands of families are living in makeshift camps as temperatures fall to freezing with the onset of winter. —New York Times (Nov 10, 2011) conservatory a schoolhouse with special facilities for fine arts EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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. —Chicago Tribune (Jun 1, 2011) zenith the point above the observer that is directly opposite the nadir on the imaginary sphere against which celestial bodies appear to be projected EXAMPLE SENTENCE: In other words it never reaches the zenith, a point directly overhead. —George H. Lowery. voluble marked by a ready flow of speech EXAMPLE SENTENCE: I find him charming: shy – yet easy to talk to – voluble and funny once he gets going. —The Guardian (Aug 21, 2010) yeoman in former times was free and cultivated his own land EXAMPLE SENTENCE: On one extreme was the well-to-do yeoman farmer farming his own land. —Reilly, S. A. levity a manner lacking seriousness EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 rapture or delight EXAMPLE SENTENCE: She was watching the development of the investigation with rapt, eager attention. —Mitford, Bertram sultry characterized by oppressive heat and humidity EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 bind the arms of EXAMPLE SENTENCE: The prisoners having dismounted, were placed in a line on the ground facing the guillotine, their arms pinioned. —Various axiom (logic) a proposition that is not susceptible of proof or disproof; its truth is assumed to be self-evident EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 EXAMPLE SENTENCE: Looking off seaward, I could descry no sails. —Drake, Samuel Adams retinue the group following and attending to some important person EXAMPLE SENTENCE: Despite his retinue of security personnel, Atambaev had been poisoned during his short tenure as prime minister. —Salon (Apr 9, 2010) functionary a worker who holds or is invested with an office EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 EXAMPLE SENTENCE: "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; or having increased variety EXAMPLE SENTENCE: Funds in both categories tend to be highly diversified, typically with 100 or more stocks across at least 10 industries. —Wall Street Journal (Feb 24, 2012) maraud raid and rove in search of booty EXAMPLE SENTENCE: Its reporter says armed gangs and looters are marauding the streets. —BBC (Apr 8, 2011) grudging petty or reluctant in giving or spending EXAMPLE SENTENCE: Expect delays, scattered outages and surly, grudging customer service in the interim. —Time (Aug 30, 2011) partiality a predisposition to like something EXAMPLE SENTENCE: She still showed a partiality for bright colors, by her gown of deep crimson. —Sage, William philology the humanistic study of language and literature EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 EXAMPLE SENTENCE: She also has a very understated but very wry sense of humour; watch out for it. —The Guardian (Oct 13, 2010) caucus meet to select a candidate or promote a policy EXAMPLE SENTENCE: Representative Ron Paul of Texas isn’t campaigning in Florida, instead focusing on Maine, which will caucus in late February. —BusinessWeek (Feb 1, 2012) permeate spread or diffuse through EXAMPLE SENTENCE: Florida’s summertime heat permeates almost every scene, becoming something like a character. —New York Times (Mar 13, 2012) propitious presenting favorable circumstances; likely to result in or show signs of success EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 having a quality that thrusts itself into attention EXAMPLE SENTENCE: Bullying has become an increasingly salient problem for school-age children, and in rare cases has ended tragically with victims committing suicide. —Reuters (Feb 8, 2012) propitiate make peace with EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 EXAMPLE SENTENCE: Wielding a razor, Jefferson excised all passages containing supernaturalistic elements from the gospels, extracting what he took to be Jesus's pure ethical teachings. —The Guardian (Apr 8, 2011) betoken be a signal for or a symptom of EXAMPLE SENTENCE: The haggard face and sombre eyes betokened considerable mental anguish. —Young, F.E. Mills palatable acceptable to the taste or mind EXAMPLE SENTENCE: If nicely cooked in this way, cabbage is as palatable and as digestible as cauliflower. —Ronald, Mary upbraid express criticism towards EXAMPLE SENTENCE: When Kahn warned of a serious economic "depression", he was upbraided by the White House for using such language. —The Guardian (Jan 12, 2011) renegade someone who rebels and becomes an outlaw EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 especially its trivial aspects EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 or irritating evasiveness or reluctance to make a definite or committing statement EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 EXAMPLE SENTENCE: "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 EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 not easily perturbed or excited or upset; marked by extreme calm and composure EXAMPLE SENTENCE: Ordinarily imperturbable, even in the face of unexpected situations, he was now visibly agitated. —Griggs, Sutton E. (Sutton Elbert) irresolute uncertain how to act or proceed EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 right or proper in polite society EXAMPLE SENTENCE: The square mile's upbeat mood may strike some as unseemly at a time of national gloom. —The Guardian (Jan 1, 2011) accentuate to stress, single out as important EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 that was previously known only to a few people or that was meant to be kept a secret EXAMPLE SENTENCE: She hectors her children not to divulge personal information like phone numbers online. —Seattle Times (Nov 15, 2011) brawn possessing muscular strength EXAMPLE SENTENCE: He believes Hollywood has often have had an over-reliance on physical brawn as the deciding factor for portraying a strong man. —Reuters (Jul 9, 2010) burnish polish and make shiny EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 EXAMPLE SENTENCE: After supper my heart started racing, palpitating like a tick. —Isaacson, Lauren Ann promiscuous not selective of a single class or person EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 EXAMPLE SENTENCE: Pictures have always dissembled – there are millions of snaps of miserable families grinning bravely – but now they directly lie. —The Guardian (Dec 4, 2010) flotilla a fleet of small craft EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 or venomous language used to express blame or censure or bitter deep-seated ill will EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 hermit EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 EXAMPLE SENTENCE: Wherever his lordship's army went, plantations were despoiled, and private houses plundered. —Campbell, Charles sully make dirty or spotty, as by exposure to air; also used metaphorically EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 EXAMPLE SENTENCE: So you don’t believe in evil, as an actual malevolent force? —New York Times (Oct 28, 2011) irksome so lacking in interest as to cause mental weariness EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 (as produced by the blow of a whip); characteristic of many allergic reactions EXAMPLE SENTENCE: But red, itchy welts typically appear within 24 to 48 hours of being bitten. —US News (Nov 23, 2010) wreak cause to happen or to occur as a consequence EXAMPLE SENTENCE: The burden of paying for college is wreaking havoc on the finances of an unexpected demographic: senior citizens. —Washington Post (Apr 1, 2012) tenable based on sound reasoning or evidence EXAMPLE SENTENCE: First, it is no longer really tenable – and in fact a bit disrespectful – to call a country like China an emerging economy. —The Guardian (Feb 18, 2011) inimitable defying imitation; matchless EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 (usually plural) a destructive action EXAMPLE SENTENCE: Wild elephants abound and commit many depredations, entering villages in large herds, and consuming everything suitable to their tastes. —Various amalgamate to bring or combine together or with something else EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 in form or quality or nature EXAMPLE SENTENCE: We are mistaken to imagine a work of literature is or should be immutable, sculpted in marble and similarly impervious to change. —The Guardian (May 27, 2010) proxy a person authorized to act for another EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 EXAMPLE SENTENCE: He doted on him, just dearly loved him, and thought he could do no wrong,” Kredell said. —Washington Post (Oct 17, 2011) reactionary extremely conservative EXAMPLE SENTENCE: Old people are often accused of being too conservative, and even reactionary. —Chinard, Gilbert rationalism the doctrine that reason is the right basis for regulating conduct EXAMPLE SENTENCE: Offering a religious rationale for policy goals threatens what for many has become the cherished principle of secular rationalism in public life. —Salon (Apr 24, 2011) endue give qualities or abilities to EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 especially in matters of taste EXAMPLE SENTENCE: Jobs’ Apple specializes in delighting the most discriminating, hard-to-please customers. —Forbes (Oct 12, 2011) brooch a decorative pin worn by women EXAMPLE SENTENCE: Upon her breast she wore a brooch of gold set with many precious stones. —Butler, Pierce pert characterized by a lightly pert and exuberant quality EXAMPLE SENTENCE: Her pert, lively manner said she hadn't taken any wooden nickels lately. —Schoenherr, John disembark go ashore EXAMPLE SENTENCE: The immigrants disembarked from their ships tired and underfed—generally in poor health. —Hughes, Thomas Proctor aria an elaborate song for solo voice EXAMPLE SENTENCE: Ms. Netrebko sang an elegantly sad aria with lustrous warmth, aching vulnerability and floating high notes. —New York Times (Sep 27, 2011) trappings (usually plural) accessory wearing apparel EXAMPLE SENTENCE: They were caparisoned in Indian fashion with gay colors and fancy trappings. —Roy, Lillian Elizabeth abet assist or encourage, usually in some wrongdoing EXAMPLE SENTENCE: "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. —Reuters (Mar 9, 2011) clandestine conducted with or marked by hidden aims or methods EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 EXAMPLE SENTENCE: Some kids said LaNiyah's distended abdomen looked like she was carrying a baby. —Seattle Times (Apr 7, 2011) glib having only superficial plausibility EXAMPLE SENTENCE: The other sort of engineer understands that glib comparisons between computers and humans don't do justice to the complexities of either. —Forbes (Jul 22, 2010) pucker to gather something into small wrinkles or folds EXAMPLE SENTENCE: Godmother,' she went on, puckering her forehead again in perplexity, 'it almost feels like feathers. —Molesworth, Mrs. (Mary Louisa) rejoinder a quick reply to a question or remark (especially a witty or critical one) EXAMPLE SENTENCE: "Not at all!" was Aunt Susannah's brisk rejoinder. —Various spangle adornment consisting of a small piece of shiny material used to decorate clothing EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 blight; anything that mars or prevents growth or prosperity EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 esthetic standard of correctness or propriety EXAMPLE SENTENCE: They accepted the invitation; but Mrs. Rowlandson did not appreciate the niceties of Indian etiquette. —Abbott, John S. C. (John Stevens Cabot) aggrieve infringe on the rights of EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 gown (especially ceremonial garments) worn by the clergy EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 and the assurance that comes from wide social experience EXAMPLE SENTENCE: Polished, urbane and gentlemanly—his manners were calculated to refine all around him. —Judson, L. Carroll defray bear the expenses of EXAMPLE SENTENCE: The legislation also calls for $1.6 billion in spending cuts to help defray the disaster costs. —Washington Post (Sep 26, 2011) spectral resembling or characteristic of a phantom EXAMPLE SENTENCE: Hawthorne’s figures are somewhat spectral; they lack flesh and blood. —Merwin, Henry Childs munificent very generous EXAMPLE SENTENCE: They have shown themselves very loving and generous lately, in making a quite munificent provision for his traveling. —Carlyle, Thomas dictum an authoritative declaration EXAMPLE SENTENCE: In other words, they seemed fully subscribed to Andy Warhol’s dictum that business art is the best art. —New York Times (Dec 10, 2011) fad an interest followed with exaggerated zeal EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 corrupt, debase, or make impure by adding a foreign or inferior substance; often by replacing valuable ingredients with inferior ones EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 EXAMPLE SENTENCE: Rock concert ticket sales dropped sharply last year, sounding another sour note for the beleaguered music industry. —The Guardian (Dec 30, 2010) gripe complain EXAMPLE SENTENCE: If America is going to gripe about the yuan’s rate, then China will complain about the dollar’s role. —Economist (Jan 20, 2011) remission an abatement in intensity or degree (as in the manifestations of a disease) EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 EXAMPLE SENTENCE: Hamilton, however, was not to be cajoled into friendliness by superficial compliment. —Fisher, Harrison inclusive including much or everything; and especially including stated limits EXAMPLE SENTENCE: We are going to adhere to our basic programing strategy of nonpartisan information inclusive of all different points of view. —Reuters (Sep 27, 2010) interdict command against EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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; hurt the pride of EXAMPLE SENTENCE: Ashamed, abased, degraded in his own eyes, he turned away his head. —Caine, Hall, Sir obviate do away with EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 EXAMPLE SENTENCE: The hurricane was expected to hit Washington in the early hours of Sunday before hurtling toward New York City. —Reuters (Aug 27, 2011) unanimity everyone being of one mind EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 EXAMPLE SENTENCE: The deployment will also test the emotional mettle of soldiers and their families. —New York Times (Jun 26, 2010) interpolate insert words into texts, often falsifying it thereby EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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; taking pains to avoid being observed EXAMPLE SENTENCE: He noticed that the peddler was eying the bag Scotty had picked up, and was trying to be surreptitious about it. —Goodwin, Harold L. (Harold Leland) dissimulate hide (feelings) from other people EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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) EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 EXAMPLE SENTENCE: You might be tempted to think of the biggest airline as the one with the most aircraft, but capacity differences make this reasoning specious. —Salon (May 6, 2010) revulsion intense aversion EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 EXAMPLE SENTENCE: Divisions and inequalities persist, but government can palliate their effects with hard cash. —The Guardian (Aug 14, 2010) obtuse lacking in insight or discernment EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 EXAMPLE SENTENCE: He was, at times, as querulous as a complaining old man. —Williams, Ben Ames vagary an unexpected and inexplicable change in something (in a situation or a person's behavior, etc.) EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 EXAMPLE SENTENCE: Several appeared deeply affected, with tears of repentance standing in their eyes, others sullen and obdurate. —Huth, Alexander grovel show submission or fear EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 EXAMPLE SENTENCE: Beyond them the gardener struggled with a refractory horse that refused to draw his load of brush and dead leaves. —Bacon, Josephine Dodge Daskam dregs sediment that has settled at the bottom of a liquid EXAMPLE SENTENCE: "Right got to go," Ali says, draining the dregs of his beer. —BBC (Feb 25, 2012) ascendancy the state that exists when one person or group has power over another EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 to and disdain of those one views as unworthy EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 scholarly field EXAMPLE SENTENCE: Pundits of agricultural science explore the sheds, I believe, the barns, stables, machine-rooms, and so forth, before inspecting the crops. —Boyle, Frederick commiserate to feel or express sympathy or compassion EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 larger room EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 EXAMPLE SENTENCE: He decided to assay one last project before giving up. —New York Times (Mar 30, 2012) parochial narrowly restricted in outlook or scope EXAMPLE SENTENCE: But Republicans in Pennsylvania also have narrower and more parochial things to worry about. —New York Times (Sep 17, 2011) conjugal of or relating to marriage or to the relationship between a wife and husband EXAMPLE SENTENCE: They even had conjugal visits for prisoners — five hours in a private room every three months with your wife. —New York Times (Nov 23, 2010) abjure formally reject or disavow a formerly held belief, usually under pressure EXAMPLE SENTENCE: The caste abstain from liquor, and some of them have abjured all flesh food while others partake of it. —Russell, R. V. (Robert Vane) frieze an architectural ornament consisting of a horizontal sculptured band between the architrave and the cornice EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 EXAMPLE SENTENCE: Unlike his literary icon, Herman Melville, he doesn’t adorn his writing with ornate flourishes or complicated scaffolding. —Scientific American (Dec 20, 2011) inflammatory arousing to action or rebellion EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 (usually sinister) ends EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 EXAMPLE SENTENCE: In others are the broken-down mendicants who live on soup-kitchens and begging. —Ritchie, J. Ewing (James Ewing) meander to move or cause to move in a sinuous, spiral, or circular course EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 EXAMPLE SENTENCE: In times of economic turmoil, more people tend to invest in bullion gold. —Washington Post (Mar 30, 2012) diffidence lack of self-confidence EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 to give prominence to the person on it EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 EXAMPLE SENTENCE: A continuing dearth of snow in many U.S. spots usually buried by this time of year has turned life upside down. —Washington Post (Jan 5, 2012) granary a storehouse for threshed grain or animal feed EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 EXAMPLE SENTENCE: I dethrone monarchs and the people rejoicing crown me instead, showering diadems upon my head. —Tilney, Frederick Colin fallow undeveloped but potentially useful EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 EXAMPLE SENTENCE: The commission sitting by, judicial, dispassionate, presided with cold dignity over the sacrifice, and pronounced it good. —Candee, Helen Churchill Hungerford, Mrs. harrowing extremely painful EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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; used for punctures and small incisions EXAMPLE SENTENCE: His left arm was held by the second physician, while the chief surgeon bent over it, lancet in hand. —Hay, Marie, Hon. (Agnes Blanche Marie) rankle gnaw into; make resentful or angry EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 EXAMPLE SENTENCE: Cometary science has ramified in unexpected ways during the last hundred years. —Various gainsay take exception to EXAMPLE SENTENCE: That Whitman entertained a genuine affection for men and women is, of course, too obvious to be gainsaid. —Rickett, Arthur polity a politically organized unit EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 and should be accepted as true EXAMPLE SENTENCE: "Well-known brand names that promote new products receive more credence than newcomers that people don't know about." —US News (Oct 6, 2010) indemnify make amends for; pay compensation for EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 EXAMPLE SENTENCE: He became kindly and coaxing, leaning across the table with an ingratiating smile. —King, Basil declivity a downward slope or bend EXAMPLE SENTENCE: In this frightful condition, the hunter grappled with the raging beast, and, struggling for life, they rolled together down a steep declivity. —Goodrich, Samuel G. (Samuel Griswold) importunate expressing earnest entreaty EXAMPLE SENTENCE: The young man was then passionately importunate in the protestations of his love. —Barr, Amelia Edith Huddleston passe out of fashion EXAMPLE SENTENCE: My friend is very keen on the new crowd; everything else he declares is "passe." —Holliday, Robert Cortes whittle cut small bits or pare shavings from EXAMPLE SENTENCE: Tad followed, whittling on a stick with his knife and kicking at the shavings as they fell. —Kjelgaard, James Arthur repine express discontent EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 having the nap worn away so that the threads show through EXAMPLE SENTENCE: They were all poor folk, wrapped in threadbare cloaks or tattered leather. —Brackett, Leigh Douglass grisly shockingly repellent; inspiring horror EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 right or proper in polite society EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 that is distinctive and peculiar to an individual EXAMPLE SENTENCE: One of his well-known idiosyncrasies was that he would never allow himself to be photographed. —Le Queux, William quip make jokes or quips EXAMPLE SENTENCE: "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. —Reuters (Oct 13, 2010) blatant without any attempt at concealment; completely obvious EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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; being unsuitable and inappropriate EXAMPLE SENTENCE: Hanging out wet clothes and an American flag at the North Pole seemed an amusing incongruity. —Cook, Frederick A. perfidious tending to betray; especially having a treacherous character as attributed to the Carthaginians by the Romans EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 EXAMPLE SENTENCE: But all this revelry — dancing, drinks, exuberant youth — can be hard to manage. —New York Times (Jun 3, 2010) delve turn up, loosen, or remove earth EXAMPLE SENTENCE: So she did what any reporter would do: she delved into the scientific literature and talked to investigators. —New York Times (Dec 27, 2010) extenuate lessen or to try to lessen the seriousness or extent of EXAMPLE SENTENCE: Prosecutors often spend time weighing mitigating and extenuating circumstances before deciding to seek the death penalty. —Washington Post (Oct 15, 2011) polemic a controversy (especially over a belief or dogma) EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 EXAMPLE SENTENCE: I was delighted, enraptured, beside myself--the world had disappeared in an instant. —Spielhagen, Friedrich virtuoso someone who is dazzlingly skilled in any field EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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, wrinkle one's forehead, as if to signal disapproval EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 EXAMPLE SENTENCE: She scolded and lectured her sister in vain; Cynthia was incorrigible. —Various postulate maintain or assert EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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; given to vehement outcry EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 EXAMPLE SENTENCE: And we will agree also to purvey food for these horses and people during nine months. —Villehardouin, Geoffroi de baleful deadly or sinister EXAMPLE SENTENCE: “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 EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 EXAMPLE SENTENCE: Criticising high-profile programmes about teenage sex education often means risking being written off as a prude. —The Guardian (Feb 11, 2011) luminary a celebrity who is an inspiration to others EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 EXAMPLE SENTENCE: I crossed my arms like a willful child. —New York Times (Aug 18, 2011) overbearing having or showing arrogant superiority to and disdain of those one views as unworthy EXAMPLE SENTENCE: "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 to give prominence to the person on it EXAMPLE SENTENCE: The throne was elevated on a dais of silver steps. —Tracy, Louis automate make automatic or control or operate automatically EXAMPLE SENTENCE: And because leap seconds are needed irregularly their insertion cannot be automated, which means that fallible humans must insert them by hand. —Economist (Jan 12, 2012) enervate weaken mentally or morally EXAMPLE SENTENCE: The reviewers have enervated men’s minds, and made them indolent; few think for themselves. —Rossetti, William Michael wheedle influence or urge by gentle urging, caressing, or flattering EXAMPLE SENTENCE: On one level, I expected incessant flattery in attempts to wheedle equipment or even money from American forces. —New York Times (Aug 16, 2010) gusto vigorous and enthusiastic enjoyment EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 EXAMPLE SENTENCE: The meat soups are called broths, bouillon, or consommé, according to their richness. —Ronald, Mary omniscient infinitely wise EXAMPLE SENTENCE: Robbe-Grillet responds that his work is in fact far less objective than the godlike, omniscient narrator who presides over so many traditional novels. —The Guardian (May 13, 2010) apostate not faithful to religion or party or cause EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 or having employment (usually in the form of wages or fees) EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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. —The Guardian (Jan 8, 2011) ungainly lacking grace in movement or posture EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 EXAMPLE SENTENCE: That, however, is unbelief, extreme impiety, and a denial of the most high God. —Bente, F. (Friedrich) decadence the state of being degenerate in mental or moral qualities EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 EXAMPLE SENTENCE: In his New Year's homily, the pope said "words were not enough" to bring about peace, particularly in the Middle East. —Reuters (Jan 2, 2011) avocation an auxiliary activity EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 (duties, questions, or issues) EXAMPLE SENTENCE: Mr. Bloomberg said he would take several steps to circumvent obstacles to his proposals posed by city labor unions. —New York Times (Jan 12, 2012) syllogism deductive reasoning in which a conclusion is derived from two premises EXAMPLE SENTENCE: The conclusions arrived at by means of syllogisms are irresistible, provided the form be correct and the premises be true. —Webster, W. F. (William Franklin) collation assembling in proper numerical or logical sequence EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 (over a price, terms of an agreement, etc.) EXAMPLE SENTENCE: Obama said while officials can haggle over the makeup of spending cuts, the policy issues have no place in the measure. —BusinessWeek (Apr 6, 2011) waylay wait in hiding to attack EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 someone who has been admitted to membership in a scholarly field EXAMPLE SENTENCE: Frank had studied something of almost everything and imagined himself a savant. —Roussel, John cohort a group of people having approximately the same age EXAMPLE SENTENCE: The current cohort of college students is, as many have pointed out, the first truly digital generation. —Washington Post (Dec 1, 2011) unction excessive but superficial compliments given with affected charm EXAMPLE SENTENCE: "You couldn't ask too much of me," he returned, with no unction of flattery, but the cheerfully frank expression of an ingenuous heart. —Ogden, George W. (George Washington) adjure command solemnly EXAMPLE SENTENCE: “I adjure thee,” she said, “swear to me that you will never go near those Christians again or read their books.” —Pennell, T. L. (Theodore Leighton) acrimony a rough and bitter manner EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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. —BBC (Feb 10, 2011) clarion loud and clear EXAMPLE SENTENCE: “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 (of liquids) clouded as with sediment EXAMPLE SENTENCE: The thick turbid sea rolled in, casting up mire and dirt from its depths. —Reynolds, Mrs. Baillie cupidity extreme greed for material wealth EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 EXAMPLE SENTENCE: The financial crisis, largely caused by banker incompetence, has created legions of disaffected customers. —Forbes (Sep 15, 2011) preternatural surpassing the ordinary or normal EXAMPLE SENTENCE: In fact, they regarded the Spaniards as superior beings endowed with preternatural gifts. —Gilson, Jewett Castello eschew avoid and stay away from deliberately; stay clear of EXAMPLE SENTENCE: Morrissey is among those seniors who are eschewing nursing homes in favor of independent living. —Washington Post (Mar 23, 2012) expatiate add details, as to an account or idea; clarify the meaning of and discourse in a learned way, usually in writing EXAMPLE SENTENCE: He then expatiated on his own miseries, which he detailed at full length. —Manzoni, Alessandro didactic instructive (especially excessively) EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 EXAMPLE SENTENCE: In origami parlance, Mr. Joisel was a wet-folder, dampening his paper so that he could coax it into sinuous curves. —New York Times (Oct 20, 2010) rancor a feeling of deep and bitter anger and ill-will EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 EXAMPLE SENTENCE: His rural, homespun demeanor ordinarily might elicit snickers from India’s urban elite. —New York Times (Aug 18, 2011) embroil force into some kind of situation, condition, or course of action EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 EXAMPLE SENTENCE: "Fixated individuals" — mentally ill people with a pathological focus on someone, often a stranger — make up the first group. —Time (Apr 26, 2011) resonant characterized by resonance EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 EXAMPLE SENTENCE: In many great operas, composers have had to whittle down an epic literary work into a suitable libretto. —New York Times (Mar 6, 2010) flail move like a flail; thresh about EXAMPLE SENTENCE: Exercise is prescribed, but when she joins an aqua aerobics class, she flails embarrassingly. —New York Times (Apr 12, 2012) bandy discuss lightly EXAMPLE SENTENCE: Hillary Clinton’s name has been bandied about, but she’s made it clear she’s not interested. —Time (Mar 20, 2012) gratis costing nothing EXAMPLE SENTENCE: "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 follows and is caused by some previous phenomenon EXAMPLE SENTENCE: The inevitable upshot of their growing social power was that brands wanted an expanded visual presence. —The Guardian (Jul 27, 2010) aphorism a short pithy instructive saying EXAMPLE SENTENCE: General Sherman's famous aphorism that "War is Hell," has become classic. —Fletcher, Samuel H. redoubtable worthy of respect or honor EXAMPLE SENTENCE: Captain Miles Standish was a redoubtable soldier, small in person, but of great activity and courage. —Mann, Henry corpulent excessively fat EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 EXAMPLE SENTENCE: He is the village wise man; very sententious; and full of profound remarks on shallow subjects. —Irving, Washington cabal a clique (often secret) that seeks power usually through intrigue EXAMPLE SENTENCE: Supposedly, see, there's this global cabal of scientists conspiring to bring about socialist one-world government. —Salon (Jul 7, 2010) paraphernalia equipment consisting of miscellaneous articles needed for a particular operation or sport etc. EXAMPLE SENTENCE: It's outfitted with cricket bats and other antique sports paraphernalia. —Seattle Times (Sep 27, 2011) vitiate make imperfect EXAMPLE SENTENCE: His talent in writing is vitiated by his affectation and other faults. —Blair, Emma Helen adulation servile flattery; exaggerated and hypocritical praise EXAMPLE SENTENCE: And celebrities get all this adulation for something that is not about character, it's about talent. —Salon (Jan 10, 2011) quaff to swallow hurriedly or greedily or in one draught EXAMPLE SENTENCE: Meanwhile the officers under the tree had got served, and, cups in hand, were quaffing joyously. —Reid, Mayne unassuming not arrogant or presuming EXAMPLE SENTENCE: Parr's conduct after his most heroic actions was thoroughly modest and unassuming. —Greely, Adolphus W. libertine a dissolute person; usually a man who is morally unrestrained EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 by beating EXAMPLE SENTENCE: Hundreds of concert goers were mauled as they left by what The New York Times called “bands of roving youths.” —New York Times (Aug 17, 2011) adage a condensed but memorable saying embodying some important fact of experience that is taken as true by many people EXAMPLE SENTENCE: So he focuses on the fans and embraces the adage, “Living well is the best revenge.” —New York Times (Mar 25, 2011) expostulation the act of expressing earnest opposition or protest EXAMPLE SENTENCE: He even believed he saw visions with his own bodily eyes, and no expostulations of his friends could drive this belief out of his head. —Hoffmann, E. T. A. (Ernst Theodor Amadeus) tawdry tastelessly showy EXAMPLE SENTENCE: It was a tawdry affair, all Cupids and cornucopias, like a third-rate wedding cake. —Wilde, Oscar trite repeated too often; overfamiliar through overuse EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 EXAMPLE SENTENCE: “These offenses are very serious, even egregious,” the judge said. —Washington Post (Sep 12, 2011) cogent powerfully persuasive EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 having or demonstrating ability to recognize or draw fine distinctions EXAMPLE SENTENCE: A half-hour of informed and incisive questioning by Mr. Russert would have demolished Mr. Trump. —New York Times (May 1, 2011) errant straying from the right course or from accepted standards EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 EXAMPLE SENTENCE: Sedulous attention and painstaking industry always mark the true worker. —Calhoon, Major A.R. incandescent characterized by ardent emotion or intensity or brilliance EXAMPLE SENTENCE: Kirkwood's anger cooled apace; at worst it had been a flare of passion—incandescent. —Vance, Louis Joseph derelict in deplorable condition EXAMPLE SENTENCE: Others are clustered under a tin awning by a derelict railway station or in similarly run-down school buildings. —Time (Jan 5, 2011) entomology the branch of zoology that studies insects EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 EXAMPLE SENTENCE: But minds were so overexcited at the time that the parties mutually accused each other, on all occasions, of the most execrable crimes. —Imbert de Saint-Amand, Arthur Léon, baron sluice pour as if from a sluice EXAMPLE SENTENCE: At 4:15 p.m., as the rain was sluicing off roofs in sheets, the firemen moved the trucks to higher ground. —New York Times (Aug 31, 2011) moot of no legal significance (as having been previously decided) EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 tending to vanish like vapor EXAMPLE SENTENCE: Time seems stopped but it is moving on, and every glimmer of light is evanescent, flitting. —The Guardian (Apr 15, 2010) vat a large open vessel for holding or storing liquids EXAMPLE SENTENCE: The cream remains in the large vat about twenty-four hours before it is churned. —Chamberlain, James Franklin dapper marked by up-to-dateness in dress and manners EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 (nontechnical usage) a tiny piece of anything EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 heedful of potential consequences EXAMPLE SENTENCE: Obama administration officials argue that new regulations are forcing insurers to be more circumspect about raising rates. —New York Times (Sep 27, 2011) inimical not friendly EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 an appropriate or pertinent nature EXAMPLE SENTENCE: I found myself thinking vaguely about things that were not at all apropos to the situation. —Stockley, Cynthia gruel a thin porridge (usually oatmeal or cornmeal) EXAMPLE SENTENCE: He says, keep them on just two pints of Indian-meal gruel—by which he appears to mean thin hasty pudding—a day, and no more. —Alcott, William A. (William Andrus) gentility elegance by virtue of fineness of manner and expression EXAMPLE SENTENCE: This was no rough bully of the seas; Carew's bearing and dandified apparel bespoke gentility. —Springer, Norman disapprobation an expression of strong disapproval; pronouncing as wrong or morally culpable EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 (as in a brooch or ring) EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 obtain by coercion or intimidation EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 based on a religious text EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 (of weather or climate) severe EXAMPLE SENTENCE: Be prepared for inclement weather and possible ice and snow on park roads. —Seattle Times (Oct 16, 2011) scintilla a tiny or scarcely detectable amount EXAMPLE SENTENCE: Gardner "never expressed one scintilla of remorse for his attack upon the victim" despite overwhelming evidence, prosecutors wrote in a sentencing memo. —Salon (Mar 3, 2010) confluence a flowing together EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 EXAMPLE SENTENCE: His coat of arms was emblazoned on the cover. —Mason, A. E. W. (Alfred Edward Woodley) augury an event that is experienced as indicating important things to come EXAMPLE SENTENCE: This is always an encouraging sign, and an augury of success. —Alger, Horatio abut lie adjacent to another or share a boundary EXAMPLE SENTENCE: It depicts a mountain landscape near Kingston, a historic town abutting the Hudson River. —New York Times (Jan 8, 2010) banal repeated too often; overfamiliar through overuse EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 become gelatinous EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 discontented or disgusted EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 EXAMPLE SENTENCE: They might instead have passionate friendships, or sublimate their urges into other pursuits. —New York Times (Jun 4, 2010) eugenic pertaining to or causing improvement in the offspring produced EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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: eyes and nose and mouth and chin EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 EXAMPLE SENTENCE: But Hassan is not some teenage firebrand hurling rocks; he’s a slight, graying scholar committed to peace. —New York Times (Jun 9, 2011) fiasco a sudden and violent collapse EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 EXAMPLE SENTENCE: Many mistakes—extravagant purchases, foolhardy investments—are made in the first months after a windfall. —Wall Street Journal (Feb 24, 2012) retrench tighten one's belt; use resources carefully EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 (especially being kept in the background or deliberately concealed) EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 EXAMPLE SENTENCE: His must have been that calm, equable temperament not easily ruffled, which goes with the self-respecting nature. —Hurll, Estelle M. (Estelle May) inured made tough by habitual exposure EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 EXAMPLE SENTENCE: "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. —The Guardian (Jun 24, 2010) unmitigated not diminished or moderated in intensity or severity; sometimes used as an intensifier EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 as or in connection with another EXAMPLE SENTENCE: The conclusion must be drawn that every epidemic of bubonic plague is caused by the concomitant rat plague. —Scientific American (Jan 21, 2011) cozen cheat or trick EXAMPLE SENTENCE: Dicing-houses, where cheaters meet, and cozen young men out of their money. —Various phlegmatic showing little emotion EXAMPLE SENTENCE: Humanity, when surfeited with emotion, becomes calm, almost phlegmatic. —Tracy, Louis dormer a gabled extension built out from a sloping roof to accommodate a vertical window EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 or justify some policy or institution EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 from the foreign territory that surrounds it EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 provident; not providing for the future EXAMPLE SENTENCE: He was industrious but improvident; he made money and he lost it. —Hubbard, Elbert disquisition an elaborate analytical or explanatory essay or discussion EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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. —The Guardian (Jul 9, 2010) categorical not modified or restricted by reservations EXAMPLE SENTENCE: "European leaders were united, categorical and crystal clear: Gaddafi must go," British Prime Minister David Cameron said. —Time (Mar 12, 2011) placate cause to be more favorably inclined; gain the good will of EXAMPLE SENTENCE: The East India Company was placated by the concession of further exemptions in its favour. —Smith, A. D. redolent serving to bring to mind EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 EXAMPLE SENTENCE: Winds could get gusty, occasionally blowing at more than 30 miles per hour. —Reuters (Mar 29, 2011) natty marked by up-to-dateness in dress and manners EXAMPLE SENTENCE: He wore a checked suit, very natty, and was more than usually tall and fine-looking. —Green, Anna Katharine pacifist opposed to war EXAMPLE SENTENCE: He was, furthermore, a real pacifist, believing that war is debasing morally and disastrous economically. —Seymour, Charles buxom (of a female body) healthily plump and vigorous EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 EXAMPLE SENTENCE: Playboy's most popular years are well behind it - the magazine enjoyed its heyday in the 1970s. —Washington Post (Jan 10, 2011) herculean displaying superhuman strength or power EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 EXAMPLE SENTENCE: Brooklyn's burgeoning dining scene has even developed a following among Manhattan food lovers. —Reuters (Oct 4, 2011) crone an ugly evil-looking old woman EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 EXAMPLE SENTENCE: How strange it is that our dreams often prognosticate coming events! —Huth, Alexander lout an awkward stupid person EXAMPLE SENTENCE: But this question was beyond the poor lout's intelligence; he could only blubber and fend off possible chastisement. —Williams, J. Scott (John Scott) simper smile affectedly or derisively EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 iniquity; wicked because it is believed to be a sin EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 cause annoyance in; disturb, especially by minor irritations EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 adjusting again (to changed circumstances) EXAMPLE SENTENCE: While earpieces are not uncomfortable, they do sometimes come loose, requiring readjustment. —Slate (Apr 17, 2012) erstwhile belonging to some prior time EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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. —Reuters (May 20, 2010) aquiline curved down like an eagle's beak EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 EXAMPLE SENTENCE: The trial was televised and the victim's identity became known, resulting in her being vilified by almost the entire town. —The Guardian (Jan 19, 2011) nuance a subtle difference in meaning or opinion or attitude EXAMPLE SENTENCE: By working so hard to simplify things, we lose any nuance or ability to deal with folks’ individual circumstances. —Washington Post (Oct 3, 2011) gawk look with amazement; look stupidly EXAMPLE SENTENCE: He speaks mainly of his humiliation at lying on the sidewalk as hipsters gawked. —New York Times (Apr 9, 2012) refectory a communal dining-hall (usually in a monastery) EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 palace EXAMPLE SENTENCE: The house was very large; its rooms almost palatial in size, had been finished in richly carved hardwood panels and wainscoting, mostly polished mahogany. —Hitchcock, Frederick L. (Frederick Lyman) mincing affectedly dainty or refined EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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, expression, or intellect EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 (not necessarily employed) EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 in order to gain a personal advantage EXAMPLE SENTENCE: The people around the king are sycophants who are looking after their own personal advantage. —Coffin, Charles Carleton crabbed annoyed and irritable EXAMPLE SENTENCE: He grew crabbed and soured, his temper flashing out on small provocation. —Weyman, Stanley J. archetype something that serves as a model or a basis for making copies EXAMPLE SENTENCE: Newport, R.I., looks like a perfect archetype of a small, seaside New England town. —Forbes (Nov 3, 2010) cryptic of an obscure nature EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 EXAMPLE SENTENCE: But sometimes, old Wall Street habits — including a penchant for expensive luxuries — are hard to break. —New York Times (Mar 31, 2012) bauble cheap showy jewelry or ornament on clothing EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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; one who attracts customers with tricks or jokes EXAMPLE SENTENCE: They are singularly clever, these Indian mountebanks, especially in sleight of hand tricks. —Ballou, Maturin Murray fawning attempting to win favor by flattery EXAMPLE SENTENCE: “As any cult leader, he was extremely good at milking the rich, at flattering and fawning,” Ms. Gordon said. —New York Times (Apr 16, 2010) hummock a small natural hill EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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; one having no equal EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 (especially of funds) not earmarked; available for use as needed EXAMPLE SENTENCE: Steeper prices for basic necessities have forced many to cut back on more discretionary purchases. —Washington Post (Oct 19, 2011) pithy concise and full of meaning EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 EXAMPLE SENTENCE: Ironically, the one man on stage who did comport himself with dignity, John Huntsman, is now being dismissed as having not made an impact. —Time (Sep 8, 2011) checkered marked by changeable fortune EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 (classical mythology) the food and drink of the gods; mortals who ate it became immortal EXAMPLE SENTENCE: "Frieda represents the lovely goddess, Hebe, who served nectar and ambrosia to the high gods on Mount Olympus," she explained. —Vandercook, Margaret factious dissenting (especially dissenting with the majority opinion) EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 (a solid substance) to flow or run out or over EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 mental representation of some haunting experience EXAMPLE SENTENCE: Whichever way he turns there loom past wraiths, restless as ghosts of unburied Grecian slain. —Lee, Carson Jay demonstrable capable of being demonstrated or proved EXAMPLE SENTENCE: The linkage between deposits and trade is definite, causal, positive, statistically demonstrable. —Anderson, Benjamin M. pertinacious stubbornly unyielding EXAMPLE SENTENCE: His temper, though yielding and easy in appearance, was in reality most obstinate and pertinacious. —Kavanagh, Julia emend make improvements or corrections to EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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; someone who lags behind EXAMPLE SENTENCE: Corporate data centers are the slowpoke laggards of information technology. —New York Times (Apr 10, 2012) waffle pause or hold back in uncertainty or unwillingness EXAMPLE SENTENCE: A few days of waffling back and forth and I ended up going out to a mediocre bistro with my parents. —Scientific American (Feb 8, 2011) loquacious full of trivial conversation EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 EXAMPLE SENTENCE: The confidence of ignorance, however venial in youth, is not altogether so excusable, in full grown men. —School, A Sexton of the Old peon a laborer who is obliged to do menial work EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 occurring within definite boundaries separating it from surrounding rocks EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 EXAMPLE SENTENCE: They dabbled in politics and art in the same dilettante fashion. —Cannan, Gilbert pusillanimous lacking in courage and manly strength and resolution; contemptibly fearful EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 (used especially of ideas or principles) deeply rooted; firmly fixed or held EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 mannerisms EXAMPLE SENTENCE: Nothing was mannered or pretentious; the texts came through with utter naturalness. —New York Times (May 29, 2011) squeamish excessively fastidious and easily disgusted EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 (used of persons or behavior) characterized by or indicative of lack of generosity EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 EXAMPLE SENTENCE: Wind energy is notoriously mercurial, with patterns shifting drastically over the course of years, days, even minutes. —Scientific American (Jan 4, 2012) perspicuous (of language) transparently clear; easily understandable EXAMPLE SENTENCE: The statements are plain and simple, a perfect model of perspicuous narrative. —Smith, Uriah nonplus be a mystery or bewildering to EXAMPLE SENTENCE: I shook my head and rushed from his presence, completely nonplussed, bewildered, frantic. —Cole, E. W. (Edward William) enamor attract; cause to be enamored EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 (often followed by `of') a large number or amount or extent EXAMPLE SENTENCE: French authorities are already reporting a rising spate of calls to emergency services by homeowners whose once-frozen water mains have now burst. —Time (Feb 13, 2012) pedagogue someone who educates young people EXAMPLE SENTENCE: His old pedagogue, Mr. Brownell, had been unable to teach him mathematics. —Pierce, H. Winthrop acme the highest level or degree attainable; the highest stage of development EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 chew (food); to bite and grind with the teeth EXAMPLE SENTENCE: Food should be masticated quietly, and with the lips closed. —Cooke, Maud C. sinecure an office that involves minimal duties EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 EXAMPLE SENTENCE: She indited religious poems which were the admiration of the age. —Brittain, Alfred emetic a medicine that induces nausea and vomiting EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 EXAMPLE SENTENCE: Even Morgan himself, intrepid as he was, shrank from the awful menace of the mordant words. —Crawford, Will smattering a small number or amount EXAMPLE SENTENCE: Only a smattering of fans remained for all four ghastly quarters. —Washington Post (Sep 24, 2011) suavity the quality of being bland and gracious or ingratiating in manner EXAMPLE SENTENCE: His combativeness was harnessed to his suavity, and he could be forcible and at the same time persuasive. —Windsor, William stentorian used of the voice EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 EXAMPLE SENTENCE: Political prisoners, numbering as many as three or four hundred at a time, have been immured within its massive walls. —Boyd, Mary Stuart astringent sour or bitter in taste EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 being of such surpassing excellence as to suggest inspiration by the gods EXAMPLE SENTENCE: Life seemed an elysian dream, from which care and sorrow must be for ever banished. —Hentz, Caroline Lee fulminate criticize severely EXAMPLE SENTENCE: But with people looking for almost any excuse to fulminate against airlines these days, there's a certain risk of embellishment. —Salon (Jun 25, 2010) fractious easily irritated or annoyed EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 EXAMPLE SENTENCE: Another, with rubber bands wrapped tightly around his face, is pummelled by a plastic boxing kangaroo. —The Guardian (Jan 22, 2011) manumit free from slavery or servitude EXAMPLE SENTENCE: Moreover, manumitted slaves enjoyed the same rights, privileges and immunities that were enjoyed by those born free. —Various unexceptionable completely acceptable; not open to exception or reproach EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 men responsible for public administration or civil authority EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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. —Salon (Jan 20, 2011) sybarite a person addicted to luxury and pleasures of the senses EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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; coincide in their characteristics EXAMPLE SENTENCE: Contemporary art has never quite jibed with mainstream media. —Salon (Jul 6, 2010) magisterial offensively self-assured or given to exercising usually unwarranted power EXAMPLE SENTENCE: “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 EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 a false accusation of an offense or a malicious misrepresentation of someone's words or actions EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 EXAMPLE SENTENCE: The stories of the saints he regarded as preposterous fables invented to hoodwink a gullible and illiterate populace. —The Guardian (Sep 19, 2010) striate mark with striae or striations EXAMPLE SENTENCE: The body is striated with clearly defined, often depressed lines, which run longitudinally and sometimes spirally. —Calkins, Gary N. (Gary Nathan) arrogate seize and take control without authority and possibly with force; take as one's right or possession EXAMPLE SENTENCE: Japanese manufacturers were accused of arrogating American technologies to churn out low-cost electronics. —New York Times (May 25, 2010) rarefied of high moral or intellectual value; elevated in nature or style EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 and wariness EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 not politic EXAMPLE SENTENCE: Bill Maher has always been a vocal critic of Islam, even at times making impolitic statements about the religion. —Salon (Mar 16, 2011) aspersion a disparaging remark EXAMPLE SENTENCE: Lord Sanquhar then proceeded to deny the aspersion that he was an ill-natured fellow, ever revengeful, and delighting in blood. —Thornbury, Walter abysmal resembling an abyss in depth; so deep as to be unmeasurable EXAMPLE SENTENCE: After all, many Americans regard this Congress as dysfunctional, with abysmal approval ratings. —New York Times (Dec 28, 2011) poignancy a quality that arouses emotions (especially pity or sorrow) EXAMPLE SENTENCE: They were curious about the “near loss” experience—specifically the feelings of poignancy that occur when what we cherish disappears. —Scientific American (Jan 17, 2011) stilted artificially formal EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 marked by excessive self-indulgence and moral decay EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 EXAMPLE SENTENCE: "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 or relating to a disease (or anything resembling a disease) constantly present to greater or lesser extent in a particular locality EXAMPLE SENTENCE: Mean-spirited chants and songs are also endemic in British soccer. —New York Times (Jan 27, 2012) jocund full of or showing high-spirited merriment EXAMPLE SENTENCE: Her jocund laugh and merry voice, indeed, first attracted my attention. —Lever, Charles James procedural of or relating to procedure EXAMPLE SENTENCE: In other words, the rejection was a bureaucratic/procedural decision. —Scientific American (Feb 1, 2012) rakish marked by a carefree unconventionality or disreputableness EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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) EXAMPLE SENTENCE: That combined with his calm and reassuring tone made me think of an animal trainer trying to woo skittish wild animals. —Time (May 20, 2011) peroration a flowery and highly rhetorical oration EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 EXAMPLE SENTENCE: Was he such a nonentity in every way that she could remain unconcerned as to any fear of danger from him? —Woolson, Constance Fenimore abstemious marked by temperance in indulgence EXAMPLE SENTENCE: Raw, boozy, untethered performances are heralded as real; the abstemious professional is yawned off the stage. —Salon (Jul 25, 2011) viscid having the sticky properties of an adhesive EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 EXAMPLE SENTENCE: He sang, with accompanying action, some dozen verses of doggerel, remarkable for obscenity and imbecility. —Ritchie, J. Ewing (James Ewing) sleight adroitness in using the hands EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 EXAMPLE SENTENCE: Of course at that season, amid the plenitude of seeds, nuts, and berries, they were as plump as partridges. —Reid, Mayne rebus a puzzle where you decode a message consisting of pictures representing syllables and words EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 (as formed by leaves or flower petals) EXAMPLE SENTENCE: The flowers are waxy, tubular, fragrant, turning their yellow petals backward in a whorl. —Rogers, Julia Ellen fracas noisy quarrel EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 traditional institutions EXAMPLE SENTENCE: Jobs is a classic iconoclast, one who aggressively seeks out, attacks, and overthrows conventional ideas. —BusinessWeek (Oct 12, 2010) saturnine bitter or scornful EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 2 or 3 voices; follows a strict poetic form EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 (of e.g. speech and writing) tending to depart from the main point or cover a wide range of subjects EXAMPLE SENTENCE: “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 EXAMPLE SENTENCE: "The public is going to just think of us as these zealots who want to ban smoking everywhere," he said. —Seattle Times (Feb 20, 2011) moribund not growing or changing; without force or vitality EXAMPLE SENTENCE: The entertainment sector there is booming, while Pakistan's is moribund. —Seattle Times (Dec 3, 2011) modicum a small or moderate or token amount EXAMPLE SENTENCE: He volunteered a modicum of advice, limited in quantity, but valuable. —Bolderwood, Rolf connotation an idea that is implied or suggested EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 EXAMPLE SENTENCE: The derivation of the word thus appears to be merely accidental and adventitious. —Stace, W. T. (Walter Terence) recondite difficult to penetrate; incomprehensible to one of ordinary understanding or knowledge EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 (usually refreshing) EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 to force onto another EXAMPLE SENTENCE: Mr. Knoll added that the 3-D “Star Wars” movies are not “going to be foisted on anybody against their will.” —New York Times (Sep 29, 2010) dotage mental infirmity as a consequence of old age; sometimes shown by foolish infatuations EXAMPLE SENTENCE: He is, as you say, a senile old man in his dotage. —Wilcox, Ella Wheeler nexus a connected series or group EXAMPLE SENTENCE: Numerous innovators are also worrying away at this nexus of problems. —Economist (Apr 28, 2011) choleric characterized by anger EXAMPLE SENTENCE: Jonathan, choleric with indignation, stood by his desk, clenching his hands. —Mills, Weymer Jay garble make false by mutilation or addition; as of a message or story EXAMPLE SENTENCE: But the fact remains that the contradictory and inconsistent things said do reach the public, and usually in garbled and distorted form. —Unknown bucolic (used with regard to idealized country life) idyllically rustic EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 EXAMPLE SENTENCE: Suppose the truly apocalyptic denouement happens -- no deal is reached, and taxes rise for everyone. —Salon (Nov 30, 2010) animus a feeling of ill will arousing active hostility EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 EXAMPLE SENTENCE: He had overweening ambitions even then, along with a highly developed sense of his own importance. —New York Times (Apr 19, 2010) tyro someone new to a field or activity EXAMPLE SENTENCE: As yet he was merely a tyro, gaining practical experience under a veteran Zeppelin commander. —Westerman, Percy F. (Percy Francis) preen dress or groom with elaborate care EXAMPLE SENTENCE: He preened on fight nights in a tuxedo, a bow tie and no shirt, and he favored showy rings and bracelets. —New York Times (Jul 24, 2011) largesse liberality in bestowing gifts; extremely liberal and generous of spirit EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 EXAMPLE SENTENCE: The child was very sharp, and her memory was extremely retentive. —Rowlands, Effie Adelaide unconscionable greatly exceeding bounds of reason or moderation EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 EXAMPLE SENTENCE: It was preposterous to talk to her of serious things, and nothing but an airy badinage seemed possible in her company. —Maugham, W. Somerset (William Somerset) insensate devoid of feeling and consciousness and animation EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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, but also containing milk or egg-white or gelatin EXAMPLE SENTENCE: "One person said it looks like a big lime sherbet ice cream cone!" —Southern Living (Apr 28, 2010) beatific marked by utter benignity; resembling or befitting an angel or saint EXAMPLE SENTENCE: She dozed at last, her face serene and beatific. —Beach, Rex Ellingwood bemuse cause to be confused emotionally EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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. —Time (Oct 28, 2011) microcosm a miniature model of something EXAMPLE SENTENCE: The building, he said, is "a microcosm of what Shanghai was all about." —Wall Street Journal (Apr 30, 2010) factitious not produced by natural forces EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 have the idea for EXAMPLE SENTENCE: Mr. Lucas’s most recent project, still gestating, is a collaboration with Cuban musicians. —New York Times (May 9, 2011) traduce speak unfavorably about EXAMPLE SENTENCE: For Grover Cleveland there were no longer enemies to traduce and vilify. —Straus, Oscar S. sextant a measuring instrument for measuring the angular distance between celestial objects; resembles an octant EXAMPLE SENTENCE: For example, a sextant could be used to sight the sun at high noon in order to determine one’s latitude. —Scientific American (Mar 8, 2012) coiffure the arrangement of the hair (especially a woman's hair) EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 EXAMPLE SENTENCE: “The Americans are seen as naïve malleable tools in the hands of the Brits.” —New York Times (Nov 30, 2011) rococo having excessive asymmetrical ornamentation EXAMPLE SENTENCE: The upper part of the case is decorated with elaborately carved and gilt rococo motifs. —Bedini, Silvio A. fructify become productive or fruitful EXAMPLE SENTENCE: Thence they grow, expand, fructify, and the result is Progress. —Stanton, Elizabeth Cady nihilist someone who rejects all theories of morality or religious belief EXAMPLE SENTENCE: “He’s a loner nihilist who believes in nothing,” Mr. Lu said. —New York Times (Nov 6, 2011) ellipsis omission or suppression of parts of words or sentences EXAMPLE SENTENCE: He speaks in ellipses, often leaving sentences hanging, and fiddles apologetically with his BlackBerry. —The Guardian (Jun 28, 2010) accolade a tangible symbol signifying approval or distinction EXAMPLE SENTENCE: The Nobel Prize, considered one of the highest accolades in literature, is given only to living writers. —Seattle Times (Oct 6, 2011) codicil a supplement to a will; a testamentary instrument intended to alter an already executed will EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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. —Wall Street Journal (Nov 11, 2011) effervescence the property of giving off bubbles EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 EXAMPLE SENTENCE: Far from being engines of economic growth, Egypt's leading cities are stultified. —Inc (Feb 12, 2011) tureen large deep serving dish with a cover; for serving soups and stews EXAMPLE SENTENCE: Soups are presented in big tureens and can be quite good. —New York Times (Apr 13, 2012) pellucid (of language) transparently clear; easily understandable EXAMPLE SENTENCE: Caribou Island is a scant 300 pages, and written in prose as pellucid as the rivers he used to fish as a boy. —The Guardian (Jan 1, 2011) euphony any agreeable (pleasing and harmonious) sounds EXAMPLE SENTENCE: It depends somewhat on usage and on euphony or agreeableness of sound. —Hamilton, Frederick W. (Frederick William) apocryphal being of questionable authenticity EXAMPLE SENTENCE: We're reminded of the story, possibly apocryphal, that they used to play the Beach Boys' Smiley Smile in psychiatric wards to calm patients. —The Guardian (Jan 20, 2011) veracious precisely accurate EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 having branches or flower heads that bend downward EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 (especially of the Bible) EXAMPLE SENTENCE: Its musical significance has been presented with illuminating exegesis by more than one commentator. —Forkel, Johann Nikolaus effluvium a foul-smelling outflow or vapor (especially a gaseous waste) EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 EXAMPLE SENTENCE: He was quite capable of meaningful, apposite phrases about the game, even though distant sports editors did not encourage them enough. —The Guardian (Aug 18, 2010) viscous having the sticky properties of an adhesive EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 tranquillity EXAMPLE SENTENCE: He now seemed to have entered on a halcyon period of life—congenial society, romantic and interesting surroundings. —Kennard, Nina H. anthropomorphic suggesting human characteristics for animals or inanimate things EXAMPLE SENTENCE: The same anthropomorphic fallacy that accords human attributes to giant corporations like BP distorts clear thinking about how to limit their political influence. —Salon (Jul 28, 2010) turgid ostentatiously lofty in style EXAMPLE SENTENCE: His waspish wit can make him entertaining company at a party, but there is little evidence of that in his largely turgid prose. —The Guardian (Jul 17, 2010) malaise physical discomfort (as mild sickness or depression) EXAMPLE SENTENCE: Initially, many doctors discounted sufferers’ feelings of generalized malaise as nothing more than stress or normal fatigue. —Time (Dec 22, 2011) polemical of or involving dispute or controversy EXAMPLE SENTENCE: His works include several dogmatic and polemical treatises, but the most important are the historical. —Various gadfly a persistently annoying person EXAMPLE SENTENCE: Mr. Phelps is regarded here as the ultimate example of an irritating local gadfly. —New York Times (Oct 9, 2010) atavism a reappearance of an earlier characteristic EXAMPLE SENTENCE: Criminal atavism might be defined as the sporadic reversion to savagery in certain individuals. —Symonds, John Addington contusion an injury that doesn't break the skin but results in some discoloration EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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 EXAMPLE SENTENCE: Pill-splitting is catching on among parsimonious prescription-takers who want to lower costs. —Forbes (Mar 4, 2010) dulcet pleasing to the ear EXAMPLE SENTENCE: Ever and anon the dulcet murmur of gurgling streams broke gently on the ear. —Madison, Lucy Foster reprise repeat an earlier theme of a composition EXAMPLE SENTENCE: The live set reprises material from this remarkable group's earlier Aurora CD. —The Guardian (Jan 6, 2011) anodyne capable of relieving pain EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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; filled with bewilderment EXAMPLE SENTENCE: 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. —Time (Oct 28, 2011)