# = NEUTRAL VIBE
+ = POSITIVE VIBE
- = NEGATIVE VIBE

A

• -abase [uh-beys] (v.) - to lower, demean, degrade

• -abate (v.) - to lessen, to reduce in severity

• -abdicate v. To give up (royal power or the like).

• -aberration [ab-uh-rey-shuh n] (n.) a deviation from the expected course

• -abeyance n. A state of suspension or temporary inaction.

• -abhorrence n. The act of detesting extremely.

• -abhorrent adj. Very repugnant; hateful. abide (v.) - to put up with, tolerate

• -abject [ab-jekt] (adj.) contemptible; despicable; base-spirited: an abject coward.

• -abnormality - an irregularity or something out of keeping with what is expected.

• -abominable adj. Very hateful.

• -abominate v. To hate violently.

• -abomination n. A very detestable act or practice.

• -abort (v.) - to give up unfinished

• -abridge [uh-brij] (v.) to shorten, cut down

• -abrogate [ab-ruh-geyt] (v.) to abolish, often by authority

• -abscond [ab-skond] (v.) to depart in a sudden and secret manner, especially to avoid capture and legal prosecution: The cashier absconded with the money.

• -abstruse [ab-stroos] (ab STRUSE) (adj.) deep and profound and hard to understand

• -accede (AK seed) (v.) - to agree, to consent or to yield under pressure

• +accentuate (v.) - to emphasize, to highlight

• +accessible adj. Approachable.

• accommodating (adj.) - obliging, helpful

• accost (v.) - to approach or confront aggressively

• accredit v. To give credit or authority to.

• accretion (uh KREE shun) – an addition, an increase in size by gradual accumulation

• -accursed adj. Doomed to evil, misery, or misfortune.

• -acerbic – biting, hurtful, caustic

• acerbity n. Sourness, with bitterness and astringency.

• Achillean adj. Invulnerable.

• acknowledge v. To recognize; to admit the genuineness or validity of.

• acquiescence [ak-wee-es-uh ns] (n.) Passive consent. the reluctant acceptance of something without protest. "in silent acquiescence, she rose to her feet"

• -acrid adj. Harshly pungent or bitter.

• -acrimonious adj. Full of bitterness.

• -acrimony n. Sharpness or bitterness of speech or temper.

• -actionable adj. Affording cause for instituting an action, as trespass, slanderous words.

• actuate (AK chu ate) – to put into action or to start a function

• +acumen (ah KYOO men) (n.) - keen insight – shrewdness, the ability to judge well, keenness and quickness in understanding and dealing with a situation

• acute - sharp, severe

• -ad nauseam (ad NAW zee um) – to a sickening or disgusting degree

• -adamant n. Any substance of exceeding hardness or impenetrability.

• #addendum (uh DEN dum) – an addition or a supplement

• -addle v. To make inefficient or worthless; muddle.

• adduce v. To bring forward or name for consideration.

• adjunct (AJ ungkt) – an addition, not always necessary –something added to a main thing, but not fundamentally a part of it

• adjuration n. A vehement appeal.

• admonish v. To warn of a fault.

• ado n. unnecessary activity or ceremony.

• adoration n. Profound devotion.

• adroit – skillful, resourceful, reacting and thinking quickly

• adulation [ aj-uh-ley-shuhn ] noun - excessive devotion to someone; servile flattery.

• -adverse (ad VURS) – Unfavorable, opposed, or antagonistic to your interests

• -adversity n. Misfortune.

• aesthetic (es THET ik) – artistic, pertaining to beauty or having good taste in the area of the arts

• affable - friendly, amiable

• affectation n. A studied or ostentatious pretense or attempt.

• affluence (AF lu ence) – an abundance of riches

• affluent (AF loo ent) (adj.) - rich, wealthy, prosperous

• -affront n. An open insult or indignity.

• afire adv. & adj. On fire, literally or figuratively.

• afoot adv. In progress.

• aforesaid adj. Said in a preceding part or before.

• agglomerate v. To pile or heap together.

• aggrandize (v.) - to increase or make greater

• aggregate (v.) - to gather, amass

• aggress v. To make the first attack.

• aggrieve v. To give grief or sorrow to.

• aghast (adj.) - struck by amazement or terror

• akin adj. Of similar nature or qualities.

• alacrity (n.) - speed, readiness

• albeit conj. Even though.

• alchemy (AL keh mee) – a great or magic power of change or transformation

• algid - frigid, cold

• alienate v. To cause to turn away.

• alignment (uh LIN munt) – an agreement between parties or powers

• allay (uh LAY) (v.) –to calm and quite fears - to sooth, assuage

• allegory (Al eh goree) – a story in which people and events symbolize or represent a deeper meaning

• alleviate (uh LEE vee ate) (v.) - To make less burdensome or less hard to bear.

• alliance n. Any combination or union for some common purpose.

• allude v. To refer incidentally, or by suggestion.

• allusion n. An indirect and incidental reference to something without definite mention of it.

• ally n. A person or thing connected with another, usually in some relation of helpfulness.

• aloof (adj.) - reserved, distant

• altercation (n.) - an argument, dispute

• altruistic – unselfishly devoted to the needs of others

• amalgamation (n.) - a union, a merger

• ambiance (AM bee ense) – the atmosphere or the overall mood and character that’s created by a special environment

• ambiguous adj. Having a double meaning.

• ambivalent (am BIV uh lent) - having contradictory or mixed feelings; simultaneously attracted and repelled by an object, situation or person

• amble (v.) - to stroll, walk

• ameliorate (v.) - to improve, to make better

• amenable – agreeable, open minded , too easily persuaded

• amend (v.) - to change for the better, improve

• amiable - friendly, affable

• amicable adj. Done in a friendly spirit.

• amoral (a MORE uhl) – not concerned with what is right or wrong

• amorous (adj.) - relating to or showing love

• amorphous (adj.) - without shape or borders

• amusement n. Diversion.

• anachronism n. Anything occurring or existing out of its proper time.

• analogous adj. Corresponding (to some other) in certain respects, as in form, proportion, relations.

• analogy (un NAL uh jee) – a partial similarity between two things that are being compared

• anathema [uh-nath-uh-muh] (n.) a person or thing detested or loathed:

• anecdote n. A brief account of some interesting event or incident.

• animadversion n. The utterance of criticism or censure.

• animadvert v. To pass criticism or censure.

• animosity n. Hatred.

• animus [ an-uh-muhs ] noun - strong dislike or enmity; hostile attitude; animosity.

• Annie Oakley – free ticket or pass

• annihilate v. To destroy absolutely.

• annotate v. To make explanatory or critical notes on or upon.

• annotation (an oh TAY shun) – an example to be followed under similar conditions

• annunciation n. Proclamation.

• anomaly (uh NOM uh lee) (n.) - something that does not fit into the normal order; an

• antagonistic () - One who opposes and contends against another

• Antebellum (AN tee BELL um) – refers specifically to any time before the American Civil War

• antecede v. To precede.

• anthropoid (AN thruh poid) – having many human characteristics

• antilogy n. Inconsistency or contradiction in terms or ideas.

• antipathize v. To show or feel a feeling of antagonism, aversion, or dislike.

• antiquate v. To make old or out of date.

• apathy (AP uh thee) – lack of emotion or interest

• apercu (ap er SU) – insight or a revealing quick impression

• aphorism (n.) - a short saying

• aplomb (uh PLUM) – self-assurance; calm poise

• apocalypse (n.) - total devastation, the end of the world

• apogee (AP uh jee) – the highest point

• apologist [ uh-pol-uh-jist ] noun - a person who makes a defense in speech or writing of a belief, idea, etc.

• Apotheosis noun, plural a·poth·e·o·ses [uh-poth-ee-oh-seez, ap-uh-thee-uh-seez] the elevation or exaltation of a person to the rank of a god. the ideal example; epitome; quintessence: This poem is the apotheosis of lyric expression.

• apparitional (adj.) - ghostly, spectral

• arbitrator (n.) - one who settles controversy between two sides

• arcane (r KANE) – understood by a few; needing special knowledge; mysterious

• arch – the most important or the principal thing or person

• arduous - characterized by effort to the point of exhaustion

• articulate [adjective, noun ahr-tik-yuh-lit; verb ahr-tik-yuh-leyt] using language easily and fluently

• artifact (AR tuh fact) – a handmade object

• artisan (AR tuh z’n) – craftsman skilled in some trade

• ascetic (uh SET ik) (n.) - one who practices restraint as a means of self-discipline, usually religious; one who leads a severely simple life without the ordinary pleasures

• aspiration (as puh RAY shun) – a strong ambition to achieve a goal

• assiduously (as SID u us lee) – diligent, hardworking, industrious

• assimilate [verb uh-sim-uh-leyt; noun uh-sim-uh-lit, -leyt] 1. to take in and incorporate as one's own; absorb: 2. to bring into conformity with the customs, attitudes, etc., of a group, nation, or the like; adapt or adjust

• assuage(uh SWAYJ) (v.) - to ease, pacify, soothe or moderate

• assumption – something taken for granted or accepted as true without proof

• astringent (uh Strin jent) – severe or austere – sharp or penetrating

• atone (v.) - to apologize, make amends

• attendant (uh TEN dahnt) – accompanying or as a logical consequence

• attrition [ uh-trish-uhn ] noun - a reduction or decrease in numbers, size, or strength - a wearing down or weakening of resistance, especially as a result of continuous pressure or harassment - a gradual reduction in work force without firing of personnel, as when workers resign or retire and are not replaced. the act of rubbing against something; friction. a wearing down or away by friction; abrasion.

• au fait (oh FAY) – capable, up to the mark and well informed – being socially sophisticated; knowing how to introduce people or handle difficult situations with skill

• audacious (ow DAY shus) - excessively bold

• augment (v.) - to increase or make larger

• austere - very bare, bleak, simple

• averse (uh VURS) – unwilling; reluctant or hesitant

B

• bailiwick (BAY lih wick) – a person’s area of authority, interest or skill

• baleful - harmful, threatening

• bastion (BASS chun) – stronghold or any well defended position

• belligerent - contentious, ready to fight

• benevolent - kind, good, caring

• berate - to scold severely

• bereft - without, devoid of

• bide (v.) - to wait, or remain in a condition

• bilk - to cheat, to swindle

• blandishment (BLAN dish ment) – a flattering remark or action intended to persuade or coax someone

• blatant [ bleyt-nt ] adjective - brazenly obvious; flagrant: a blatant error in simple addition; a blatant lie. offensively noisy or loud; clamorous: blatant radios. tastelessly conspicuous: the blatant colors of the dress.

• boisterous - loud, energetic

• bona fide (BO nuh fide) – Done or made in good faith – sincere or genuine

• bourgeois (adj.) - middle class

• brash (adj.) - hasty or lacking in sensitivity

• brazen (adj.) - excessively bold, brash

• broach (BROHCH) – to introduce or mention a topic for discussion

• brook – to tolerate, put up with, allow

• brouhaha (brew HA ha) – episode involving excitement, confusion and turmoil

• brumal (adj.) - wintry, relating to winter

• brusque (BRUSK) - short, abrupt, dismissive, blunt, rough; a certain sharpness or ungraciousness in manner

• burgeon (BUR jun) (v.) - to come forth, blossom

• buttress (BUR ris) – support or reinforcement

C

• cacophony - noise, discordant sound

• cadence (n.) - rhythm

• cajole (v.) - to urge, coax

• callous (adj.) - harsh, cold, unfeeling

• calumny - an attempt to defame another’s reputation

• camaraderie (n.) - cheerful unity among a group

• canvass – to ask for opinions

• capricious - impulsive, unpredictable, subject to whim, changeable

• captivate (v.) - to hold the interest of, to gain the attention of

• carouse (v.) - to revel, to party

• carp (KARP) – to raise petty and unnecessary questions

• carte blanche (cart BLAHNsh) – having unlimited authority or discretionary powers or having a free hand

• castigate [ kas-ti-geyt ] to criticize or reprimand severely. to punish in order to correct.

• cavort (v.) - to frolic, leap, prance

• chafe (CHAYF) – to become impatient

• chastise (v.) - to criticize, to scold

• chic (SHEEK) – stylish, especially or sell-dressed women in fashionable clothes

• chicanery [ shi-key-nuh-ree, chi- ] noun, plural chi·can·er·ies. trickery or deception by quibbling or sophistry: He resorted to the worst flattery and chicanery to win the job. a quibble or subterfuge used to trick, deceive, or evade.

• chimerical (kih MER ih K’L) – absurd, impracticable, or too visionary

• chutzpah (HOOTS pah) – shameless audacity or impudence

• circumlocution - indirect language – a round-about way of expressing yourself, taking a long time to get to the point

• circumspect – cautious

• circumvent (sur kum VENT) – to avoid or evade, to come around it

• cite (SITE) – to quote or mention something or someone else as an authority

• clairvoyant - able to see things that others cannot; extraordinary insight

• clandestine [klan-des-tin] (adj.) -- characterized by, done in, or executed with secrecy or concealment, especially for purposes of subversion or deception; private or contemptuously

• classic (KLAS ik) – of the highest quality – it serves as a standard

• cliché (n.) - a trite, overused expression

• clout (KLOWT) – to have influence or pull or power that comes from ability, wealth or position

• coalesce (ko ah LESS) (v.) - to combine into one

• coalition (koh uh LISH un) – a temporary alliance of groups or nations for a joint action or a common purpose

• cogent (KO jent) - intelligent, viable – convincing, compelling, sense of appealing to reason

• cogitate [ koj-i-teyt ] verb (used without object), cog·i·tat·ed, cog·i·tat·ing - to think hard; ponder; meditate: to cogitate about a problem. verb (used with object), cog·i·tat·ed, cog·i·tat·ing. to think about; devise:to cogitate a scheme.

• cognizable [ kog-nuh-zuh-buhl, kon-uh-, kog-nahy- ] adjective - capable of being perceived or known; being within the jurisdiction of a court - The adjective "cognizable" has two distinct (and unrelated) applications within the field of law. A cognizable claim or controversy is one that meets the basic criteria of viability for being tried or adjudicated before a particular tribunal. The term means that the claim or controversy is within the power or jurisdiction of a particular court to adjudicate. Conversely, a "cognizable group " of jurors or potential jurors refers to that common trait or characteristic among them that is recognized as distinguishing them from others, such as race, ethnicity, and gender. Trial counsel are generally prohibited from eliminating jurors who are in the same cognizable group as that of a party or litigant through discriminatory peremptory challenges when that distinction is the basis for the challenge.

• collusion (n.) - a conspiracy, a secret agreement

• colossus (n.) - an enormous structure

• commendable (adj.) - worthy of praise

• commodious (adj.) - spacious, roomy

• compel (v.) - to force

• compendium (com PEN dee um) – a short comprehensive summary of information

• -complacent [ kuhm-pley-suhnt ] adjective - pleased, especially with oneself or one's merits, advantages, situation, etc., often without awareness of some potential danger or defect; self-satisfied

• compliance (kum PLY ans) – an action in accordance with a request or a demand

• complicit (adj.) - being an accomplice in a wrongful act

• compliment (n.) - an expression of esteem or approval

• +composure [ kuhm-poh-zher ] noun - serene, self-controlled state of mind; calmness; tranquility

• comprise (kom PRIZE) – to consist of, contain or include

• compromise [ kom-pruh-mahyz ] noun - a settlement of differences by mutual concessions; an agreement reached by adjustment of conflicting or opposing claims, principles, etc., by reciprocal modification of demands.

• concede (kon SEED) (v.) - to give in, to accept, to acknowledge something as true

• conciliatory - agreeable, friendly

• concoct (v.) - to make up or invent

• concord (n.) – agreement

• condone (kun DOHN) – to overlook something, to treat it as if it didn’t exist

• confluence (n.) - a convergence, a coming together

• confiscatory [ kuhn-fis-kuh-tawr-ee, -tohr-ee ] adjective - characterized by, effecting, or resulting in confiscation. Being or imposing an excessive or unreasonable tax or cost: confiscatory taxes

• conformist (kun FORM ist) – one who automatically follows the customs, rules or styles of an age or group

• confound (v.) - to frustrate

• connotation (n.) - a meaning or association suggested by a word beyond its definition

• consensus (kun SEN sus) – an agreement of a majority of people

• construe (kon STROO) – to explain, to give the meaning or intention of; to interpret

• contemporary (kon TEMP puh rer ee) – modern or up-to-date; living or happening during the same period

• contemptuously [kuh n-temp-choo-uh s] (adj.) showing or expressing contempt or disdain; scornful; disrespectful

• contingency (con TIN jen see) – A possible or unforeseen occurrence. something unpredictable.

• convoluted (KON vuh loot id) – complicated, difficult to understand

• copious - abundant, plentiful

• corollary (COR uh lair ee) – a natural or obvious consequence

• coruscate (KOR us kate) – to glitter or to give off flashes of light—to be brilliant or keen

• cosmopolitan - worldly, sophisticated

• counterproductive - bringing about effects or results regarded as contrary to those intended

• covenant (KUV uh nunt) – a formal and binding agreement

• credulity (n.) - readiness to believe

• critique (krih TEEK) – a thorough evaluation of a book, work of art or a plan

• cryptic (KRIP tik) – having a hidden meaning or one that is mystifying

• cull (cull) – to select or examine carefully so as to choose or reject

• cursory - brief to the point of being superficial

• curt – implies a disconcerting shortness or an outright rude conciseness

D

• daft - insane, foolish

• daunting (adj.) – intimidating

• dearth (n.) - a lack, scarcity

• debacle (dih BAH kul) – catastrophe, an abrupt disastrous collapse or a downfall—a humiliating defeat

• defame (v.) - to destroy the reputation of

• deference (DEF uhr enz) – a submission or a yielding to the opinion or wishes of others; courteous or polite regard for the desires of others

• deft - skilled, adept

• defunct (adj.) - no longer used or existing

• deleterious (adj.) - harmful

• delude (v.) - to deceive, to mislead

• deluge (n.) - a great flood or something that overwhelms like a flood

• de·mar·ca·tion [ dee-mahr-key-shuhn ] n. The setting or marking of boundaries or limits. A separation; a distinction

• demographics (dem muh GRAF iks) – population statistics such as income, purchasing habits

• demonstrative (adj.) – expressing feelings openly

• denomination (dee nom ih NAY shun) – a unit of measurement; a series of kinds, values or sizes

• derelict (adj.) - run-down, abandoned

• deride (v.) – implies scorn or malicious contempt

• desolate (adj.) - deserted, lifeless

• despondent (adj.) - discouraged, hopeless, depressed

• destitute (adj.) – impoverished

• detrimental (de truh MEN tl) - causing detriment; damaging; harmful

• dexterity (dex TER ih tee) – agility or skill in using the hand or body

• diaphanous (adj.) - transparent, light, airy

• dictate (v.) - to pronounce, command, prescribe

• dictatorial [ dik-tuh-tawr-ee-uhl, -tohr- ] adjective - of or relating to a dictator or dictatorship. appropriate to, or characteristic of, a dictator; absolute; unlimited: dictatorial powers in wartime. inclined to dictate or command; imperious; overbearing

• differentiate (v.) - to distinguish, to make different

• diffident [ dif-i-duhnt ] adjective - lacking confidence in one's own ability, worth, or fitness; timid; shy. restrained or reserved in manner, conduct, etc.

• dilapidated (adj.) - in a state of disrepair

• diligent (adj.) - careful, showing care

• diminish (v.) - to decrease or make smaller

• diminution (dim uh NEW shun) (n.) – the process of decreasing

• diminutive - miniature, small

• dint – force or power and implies persistence as well as vigor

• disclaimer – a denial of or a refusal to accept responsibility

• disparage (v.) - to criticize, degrade, belittle

• disseminate [ dih-sem-uh-neyt ] verb (used with object), dis·sem·i·nat·ed, dis·sem·i·nat·ing. to scatter or spread widely, as though sowing seed; promulgate extensively; broadcast; disperse:

• dissonance (n.) - lack of harmony or agreement

• dissuade (dih SWADE) (v.) – to persuade not to do something

• divergent (adj.) - different, deviating, contrary

• diverse (adj.) - varied

• divisive - causing conflict, opposition

• doctrinaire (dock truh NAIR) – dogmatic and dictatorial, describes a type of mind that knows what’s best for you regardless of the circumstances; a rigid viewpoint

• dogma [ dawg-muh, dog- ] noun, plural dog·mas or (Rare) dog·ma·ta [dawg-muh-tuh]. an official system of principles or tenets concerning faith, morals, behavior, etc., as of a church. a specific tenet or doctrine authoritatively laid down, as by a church: the dogma of the Assumption; the recently defined dogma of papal infallibility. prescribed doctrine proclaimed as unquestionably true by a particular group: the difficulty of resisting political dogma. a settled or established opinion, belief, or principle: the classic dogma of objectivity in scientific observation.

• dogmatic (dog MAT ik) (adj.) – arrogantly asserting opinions as if one were the final authority

• domicile (n.) - a residence, a home

• doppelganger (n.) - a ghostly double of a living person

• doughty (DOUT ee) – strong, able and valiant with stouthearted courage

• douse (v.) - to drench, saturate

• draconian (dray KOH nee un) – very harsh or unusually severe or cruel

• duplicity (do PLIS ih tee) (n.) – deliberate deceptiveness or deceitfulness; double-dealing

• dutiful (adj.) - careful to fulfill obligations

• dynamic (adj.) – pertains to energy produced by force or power

• dynasty – a ruling family whose member reign one after another over a long period of time

# = NEUTRAL VIBE
+ = POSITIVE VIBE
- = NEGATIVE VIBE

E

• earthy – uninhibited, robust, crude, or indecent

• effrontery (ih FRUN tur ee) (n.) – shameless and audacious

• egregious [ ih-gree-juhs, -jee-uhs ] adjective - extraordinary in some bad way; glaring; flagrant

• El Dorado (el duh RAH doh) – any place thought to have unusual wealth and opportunity

• elliptical (eh LIP tuh k’l) – speaking in a style that tends not to be easily understood and may possibly be ambiguous; characterized by an extreme economy or words

• elocution (el oh KYOO shun) (n.) - the art of public speaking

• elucidate (v.) - to clarify

• emblematic [ em-bluh-mat-ik or em-bluh-mat-i-kuhl ] adjective - pertaining to, of the nature of, or serving as an emblem; symbolic.

• emendation (ih men DAY shun) – correction or an improvement in a text or the like

• empathetic (adj.) - feeling another’s pain as one’s own

• empathy (EM puh thee) (n.) - the experience of another’s feelings as one’s own

• empirical [ em-pir-i-kuhl ] adjective - derived from or guided by experience or experiment. provable or verifiable by experience or experiment.

• emulate (EM u layt) (v.) – imitate so as to equal, perhaps even outdo

• enervate (EN ur vate) (v.) - to weaken, make weary

• enervated - lacking energy, weakened, exhausted

• engross [ en-grohs ] verb (used with object) to occupy completely, as the mind or attention; absorb: Their discussion engrossed his attention. She is engrossed in her work. to write or copy in a clear, attractive, large script or in a formal manner, as a public document or record: to engross a deed. to acquire the whole of (a commodity), in order to control the market; monopolize

• enhance – to heighten or increase, as in quality, beauty, or reputation

• enmity [ en-mi-tee ] noun, plural [ en·mi·ties. ] a feeling or condition of hostility; hatred; ill will; animosity; antagonism.

• entail (en TAIL) – to necessitate; involve or require

• entente (ahn TAHNT) – friendly understanding between two or among several nations

• entity (n.) - something that exists as a discrete unit

• entreat – to request earnestly or to plead for

• envious (adj.) – jealous

• ephemeral [ ih-fem-er-uhl ] adjective - lasting a very short time; short-lived; transitory: the ephemeral joys of childhood. lasting but one day

• epic (EP ik) – dealing with an event of great importance, on a heroic or grand scale

• epigram (EP ih gram) (n.) – a brief and witty remark or verse often ending with a clever or witty thought, usually paradoxical

• epithet (EP ih thet) – a descriptive word or phrase that characterizes a person

• epitome (ih PIT oh me) (n.) – A part that typifies the whole or a brief summary, the embodiment of the object. – an example possessing the qualities or characteristics of something -- a simplified representation

• equanimity (n.) – evenness of disposition, calm under stress

• equilibrium – meaning equal weight or balance

• equipoise (EK wuh poise) - counterbalance

• erroneous (adj.) - mistaken, incorrect

• erudite [ er-yoo-dahyt, er-oo- ] adjective - characterized by great knowledge; learned or scholarly

• escapade (ES kuh paid) – prank or reckless adventure

• esoteric [ es-uh-ter-ik ] adjective - understood by or meant for only the select few who have special knowledge or interest; recondite: poetry full of esoteric allusions. belonging to the select few. private; secret; confidential. (of a philosophical doctrine or the like) intended to be revealed only to the initiates of a group

• espouse (v.) - to support, or to marry

• espy (v.)– - catch sight of, glimpse -- to keep close watch

• ethereal (adj.) - heavenly, exceptionally delicate or refined

• eulogize (YOU loh jize) – to praise someone in a formal speech

• euphemism (YOO fuh miz’um) (n.) – inoffensive expression that is a substitute for a blunter and more offensive statement

• euphoric - elated, overjoyed

• ex officio (eks uh FISH ee oh) – by virtue of office or because of one’s position

• exacerbate (v.) - to make more violent, intense

• exact (ig ZAKT) – to demand or force – it implies getting what one demands

• excerpt (EK surpt) – to extract, select or quote

• excoriate (ik SKOR ee ate) – to denounce harshly and scathingly

• exculpate (eks KUL pate) – to clear from blame or an alleged guilt

• excursion (n.) - a trip, an outing

• exemplary (adj.) – admirable, serving as an example

• exemplify (ig ZEM pluh fy) (v.) – to show or illustrate by example

• exhort (ig ZORT) – to urge or advise with an emotional or moving appeal

• exigent (adj.) - critical, urgent

• existential - relating to existence

• exorbitant (adj.) – excessive

• expediency (ik SPEE dee en cee) (n.) – practical necessity or whatever is appropriate to the purpose — carry a sense of being self-serving

• expend (ik SPEND) – to spend or consume, use up

• explicate (eks PLEE kate) (v.) – to explain fully -- to clear from involvement

• explicit (ik SPLIS it) – so clearly and precisely stated that there’s no doubt as to the meaning

• expound (ik SPOUND) – to explain in detail or to interpret

• expunge (ik SPUNG) – to obliterate or erase thoroughly

• extemporaneous (ek stem puh RAY nee us) – unrehearsed, offhand; suggests having as awareness of a subject, but not giving a prepared or memorized speech

• extemporize (ik STEM puh rise) – to make or do on the spur of the moment without preparation

• extenuate (ik STEN you ate) (v.) – to make a fault or bad action seem less serious or to excuse to some degree

• extirpate (EK stir pate) – to destroy thoroughly; to wipe out; to eradicate

• extol (ik STOHL) (v.) - to praise enthusiastically or lavishly

• extrapolate (eks TRAP uh late) – to estimate or draw a conclusion about something unknown based on available data

• extravagant (adj.) - excessive, over-the-top

• extricate (EK stree kated) (v.) – to free or disentangle oneself from a difficult situation

• exude (ig ZOOD) – to leak out slowly

• exult (ig ZULT) – to rejoice greatly

F

• fable (FA bul) – a short and simple story that generally tells about human foolishness

• fabricate (v.) - to invent, make-up, concoct

• fabulist (n.) - a teller of fables; a liar

• facile (FAS il) (adj.) – working or moving easily, seemingly without effort

• fallacious (adj.) - incorrect, misleading

• familial (adj.) - relating to family

• fastidious [ fa-stid-ee-uhs, fuh- ] adjective - excessively particular, critical, or demanding; hard to please: a fastidious eater. requiring or characterized by excessive care or delicacy; painstaking.

• fatuous (adj.) - silly, foolish

• fawn – to flatter and try to win favor

• fecund (adj.) - fertile, fruitful

• feign (v.) - to fake or pretend to

• feint – an apparent or intended attack meant to divert an enemy

• feisty – spirited, spunky, even a bit touchy

• feral - savage, wild, untamed

• fetter (v.) - to restrain, chain, tie

• fey - magical

• fiasco (fee AS ko) – a complete failure

• fickle (adj.) - characterized by changeableness, whimsical

• fief (FEEF) – territory or domain that someone controls or dominates

• figurative - symbolic

• firmament (n.) - the sky, the heavens

• flabbergasted - astounded, stupefied

• flattery (n.) - compliments, sycophancy

• flaunt (FLAWNT) – to show off in a way that attracts attention

• flout (v.) - to scorn, ignore, show contempt for, distain

• fluctuate (v.) - to vary irregularly

• flux (n.) - a state of constant change or a flow

• foil – to frustrate, prevent or keep from being successful

• foment [ foh-ment ] verb (used with object) to instigate or foster (discord, rebellion, etc.)

• forage (v.) - to rummage, scavenge, graze for food

• forbearance (n.) – patience, tolerance

• forestall (v.) - to delay, impede

• forlorn (adj.) - lonely, hopeless

• formidable (adj.) - arousing fear or alarm -- difficult to accomplish

• forsake (v.) - to abandon, forget

• forte (FOR TA) (n.) – a strong point or whatever it is you do easily and well

• fortify (v.) - to strengthen

• fortitude (n.) - strength, bravery -- patient courage

• fortuitous - lucky, occurring by chance

• foster (v.) - to stimulate, promote, encourage

• foursquare – firm and steady

• frenetic - frenzied, hectic, frantic

• fungible [ fuhn-juh-buhl ] (especially of goods) being of such nature or kind as to be freely exchangeable or replaceable, in whole or in part, for another of like nature or kind.

G

• gall – impudence or shameless insolence

• game (GAME) – plucky or spirited

• gamut (GAM ut) (n.) – the entire extent or range

• gape (v.) - to open the mouth and stare stupidly

• gargantuan (gar GAN chew ahn) – gigantic, enormous

• garner [gahr-ner] (v.) 1. to gather or deposit in or as if in a granary or other storage place. 2. to get; acquire; earn: He gradually garnered a national reputation as a financial expert. 3. to gather, collect, or hoard.

• garrulous (adj.) – extremely talkative especially about trival matters

• germane (jur MANE) (adj.) - relevant to the topic being discussed -- relevant

• gist (JIST) – the essence of something; the main point or the core

• gluttonous (adj.) - insatiable in appetite

• gnomic (NO mik) – wise and pithy

• goad (v.) - to urge, to provoke into action

• gourmand (n.) - one who likes eating and drinking

• grandiose (adj.) - extraordinary, grand in scope

• gratuitous [ gruh-too-i-tuhs, -tyoo- ] adjective - given, done, bestowed, or obtained without charge or payment; free; voluntary

• gregarious (adj.) - sociable, outgoing

• grotto (n.) - a small cave or cavern

• guile (GUY’L) (n.) - deceitful actions or behavior; crafty deception or treacherous cunning

• guileless (GUY’L less) (adj.) – straightforward and sincere

• gullible or gul·la·ble[ guhl-uh-buhl ] adjective - easily deceived or cheated.

H

• hackneyed (HAK need) (adj.) made commonplace or trite

• hail (v.) - to come from

• hallmark (HALL mark) – proof or genuineness

• hapless (adj.) - unlucky

• harmony (n.) - agreement, often of sound

• harrowing (adj.) - agonizing, distressing

• hector (HEK tor) – to harass, intimidate or bully

• hedonist (n.) - one whose primary pursuit is pleasure

• henchman (n.) - a trusted follower, goon

• herculean (hur kyu LEE un) – taking immense strength or courage

• hiatus (n.) - an interruption in continuity, a break

• hiemal (adj.) - wintry, relating to winter

• hierarchy (n.) - a ranking system of groups or individuals

• histrionic - excessively dramatic or emotional

• hyperbole (hi PUR buh lee) – an obvious exaggeration

• hypocrisy [ hi-pok-ruh-see ] noun, plural hy·poc·ri·sies. a pretense of having a virtuous character, moral or religious beliefs or principles, etc., that one does not really possess. a pretense of having some desirable or publicly approved attitude.

I

• ideology (I dee AHL uh gee) – body of ideas forming a basis for a political, economic or social system; sometimes thought of as vague theorizing or impractical views

• idiosyncratic [ id-ee-oh-sin-krat-ik, -sing- ] adjective - pertaining to the nature of idiosyncrasy, or something peculiar to an individual: The best minds are idiosyncratic and unpredictable as they follow the course of scientific discovery.

• idolatrous - worshiping excessively an object or person

• ignominy (IG nu miny) – a loss of reputation, shame, dishonor

• illusory (adj.) - deceiving of tending to deceive, as by false appearance

• immaculate (adj.) - impeccably clean, spotless, pure

• immutable (adj.) - not susceptible to change

• impasse (IM pass) – a difficulty offering no way out

• impecunious (adj.) - excessively poor

• imperative (adj.) - an obligation; a duty

• imperceptible [im-per-sep-tuh-buh l] (adj.) 1. very slight, gradual, or subtle: the imperceptible slope of the road. 2. not perceptible; not perceived by or affecting the senses. (n.) 3. something not capable of being perceived by the senses:

• imperious [ im-peer-ee-uhs ] adjective - domineering in a haughty manner; dictatorial; overbearing

• impertinent [ im-pur-tn-uhnt ] adjective - intrusive or presumptuous, as persons or their actions; insolently rude; uncivil: a brash, impertinent youth. not pertinent or relevant; irrelevant:

• impervious (adj.) - unable to be penetrated, unaffected, impenetrable

• impetuous [ im-pech-oo-uhs ] adj. Acting or done quickly with little or inadequate thought. Having or marked by violent force

• impinge (im PINJ) – to encroach and intrude

• implacable (im PLAK uh b’l) - relentless

• implausible (im PLAW zuh b’l) (adj.) – unlikely; doubtful or farfetched, hard to believe

• implicit (im PLIS it) (adj.) – suggested, implied, or understood but not directly stated

• imply (im PLI) – to suggest or hint, to insinuate

• impregnable (im PREG nuh b’l) (adj.) – unconquerable and strong enough to stand any attack

• impromptu (im PROMP tu) (n.) – on the spur of the moment; suggesting an immediate response to a need; spontaneity

• impulsive (adj.) - unpremeditated

• impunity (im PYOO nih tee) (n.) – freedom from penalty or from consequences

• inamorata (in am uh RAHT uh) – sweetheart or a woman loved by a man

• incessant (adj.) - without interruption

• incisive (adj.) - clear, sharp, direct

• inclement (adj.) - stormy, bad, severe

• inclination (n.) - a tendency, propensity

• incommunicado (in kuh mu nee KAH doh) – without any means or rights of communication

• incorrigible [in-kawr-i-juh-buh l, -kor-] (adj.) 1. not corrigible; bad beyond correction or reform: incorrigible behavior; an incorrigible liar. 2. impervious to constraints or punishment; willful; unruly; uncontrollable: an incorrigible child 3. firmly fixed; not easily changed: an incorrigible habit. 4. not easily swayed or influenced: an incorrigible optimist. (n.) 5. a person who is incorrigible.

• incriminating (in KRIM uh nate ing) – implied involvement in a wrongdoing

• incursion (in KUR zhon) – a sudden raid or invasion into another’s territory

• indelible [ in-del-uh-buhl ] adjective = making marks that cannot be erased, removed, or the like: indelible ink. that cannot be eliminated, forgotten, changed, or the like

• indicative (in DIK uh tuv) - serving to indicate

• indictment (n.) - accusation of wrongdoing

• indignation (n.) - anger due to an unfair situation

• indiscreet (in dih SKREET) – not showing caution or good judgment in what

• indolent (IN duh lent) (adj.) - lazy

• -indurate (IN duh rayt) – hardened physically or without soil or vegetation

• ineffable (in EF uh b’l) (adj.) – inexpressible or indescribable

• inept – awkward, all thumbs

• inertia (in UR shuh) – sluggishness or slowness to take action

• inexorable (in EK suh ruh b’l) (adj.)– inflexible, stubborn, ruthless, relentless finality

• inextricable - hopelessly confused or tangled

• infer (in FUR) – to conclude from known facts

• influx [ in-fluhks ] noun - act of flowing in.

• infrastructure (IN fruh struck chur) – the different parts of an organization’s framework

• infringe – to trespass or violate – to break a law or agreement or fail to observe the terms of the agreement

• infuse (v.) - to inject

• inherent = inborn; forming the essential quality of something

• inimical (adj.) - hostile, threatening, adverse

• iniquity (n.) - a wicked act, a sin; gross wrong or injustice

• innate (in NATE) (adj.) - inborn, native, inherent – not acquired; something that exists naturally rather than being acquired

• innocuous (adj.) - harmless

• inquisitor (n.) - someone who asks questions or makes an inquiry

• insolence (n.) - contemptuously rude or impertinent behavior or speech; pride or haughtiness exhibited in contemptuous and overbearing treatment of others

• integrity (in-TEG-ri-tee) (n.) - adherence to moral and ethical principles

• interdict (in TER dikt) (n.) – a decree that forbids a person or people from doing something

• interlocutor (in to LOCK you tor) – a person who takes part in a conversation or discussion and who may ask questions

• interpolate (in TUR puh late) – to alter a manuscript by inserting new and often misleading material

• -intractable [in-trak-tuh-buh l] (adj.) not easily controlled or directed; not docile or manageable; stubborn; obstinate

• intrinsic (in TRIN sik) (adj.) – whatever is built in; it comes with the package; it belongs to the essential nature of a thing or person; it’s the unique essence above and apart from all external conditions; inherent

• inundate (v.) - to flood

• invalidate (in VAL ih date) (v.) – to render invalid; discredit; to render of no force of effect

• invariable (adj.) - not susceptible to change

• invective (n.) - a verbal attack

• inveterate (adj.) - habitual, natural

• inviolable (in VY uh luh b’l) (adj.) – refers to laws, principles, agreements, persons and so forth that are safe from intrusion or change

• irascible (adj.) - easily angered

• irony (n.) – disguised sarcasm, a way of saying the opposite of what’s meant; censure of ridicule under cover of praise or compliment

• irreparable (ih REP ur uh b’l) (adj.) – cannot be repaired, recovered or restored; that cannot be rectified or made amends for

J

• jargon (JAR gun) (n.) – specialized vocabulary found in different professions

• jeopardy (JEP are dee) – danger or risk of loss

• jubilant (adj.) - joyful, happy

• judicious (adj.) - of sound judgment; prudent

• juvenile (adj.) - young or immature

• juxtapose (v.) - to put next to each other

K

• kismet (KIZ met) – destiny or fate

L

• labyrinthine (n.) - intricate, maze-like

• lachrymose (adj.) – tearful

• laconic (luh KON ik) – using few words

• lampoon (lam POON) – satire that ridicules or makes fun of people or society and the like

• lassitude (LAS ih tood) – feeling tired

• latent - present but hidden; dormant

• laud (v.) - to applaud or praise

• laudatory (adj.) - admiring, praising

• lavish (adj.) – extravagant

• legerdemain (lej er duh MAIN) – craftiness or trickery

• lethargic (lih THAR jik) - sluggish, weary, apathetic, lacking energy, indifferent

• lewd (adj.) - vulgar, offensive, rude

• libel (n.) - a statement that gives an unjust or unfavorable representation of a person or thing

• libertarian (lib ur TAIR ee un) – one who believes in freedom of action and thought

• libertine (LIB er teen) – one who lives an irresponsible and immoral life

• licentious (adj.) - amoral, lawless, lewd

• licit (adj.) - lawful

• limber (adj.) - bending or flexing readily, pliable

• linchpin (n.) - something that holds separate things together

• lithe (adj.) - graceful, flexible, supple

• logophile (LOGO file) – lover of words

• loquacious (adj.) – talkative – showing a disposition toward excessive talk

• lull (n.) - a relatively calm interval, as in a storm

• luminescence (n.) - light from non-thermal sources

• luscious (LUHSH uhs) (adj.) - richly satisfying to the senses or the mind

M

• machiavellian (mack ee ah VEL ee ahn) – someone crafty in either a deceitful or an amoral way

• maelstrom (MAL strum) – any violent, widespread influence; a situation where emotions are dangerously upset; turbulent confusion

• magnanimity (mag nuh NIM ih tee) – sense of being noble, big-spirited, generous, forgiving, free from vindictiveness, great-hearted

• maladroit – an inept person

• malaise (n.) - vague feeling of discomfort

• malevolent (adj.) - having intent to harm others; wishing evil to others

• malicious - malevolent, harmful

• malign (v.) - to slander, to smear, to libel, to defame, to speak evil of

• malleable (adj.) - easily shaped or formed

• mandatory (adj.) - required, not optional

• manifest (v.) - to show clearly

• martinet (MAR tin et) – a very strict disciplinarian

• masticate (v.) - to chew

• maudlin (MAWD lin) (adj.) – to be foolishly or excessively sentimental

• maverick (MAV eh rik) – a nonconformist or a person with unorthodox views; independent in thought and action

• mawkish (MAWK ish) (adj.) – to be objectionably sentimental; sickening or insipid

• maxim (n.) - a common saying of advice or virtue

• meager (adj.) - lacking in quality stature

• mediate (v.) - to intervene, to arbitrate, to sort out

• melodramatic - exaggeratedly emotional or sentimental; histrionic

• mendacious (adj.) - inclined to lie or mislead

• mercurial - quick and changeable in temperament

• meritorious - deserving of praise or merit

• mesmerize (MES muh rise) (v.) – to enthrall, enchant, spellbind, almost as if hypnotizing

• metamorphosis (n.) - a change of form, shape, substance

• metaphor (MET uh for) (n.) – an implied comparison between two unlike things; a figure of speech in which one object is likened to another, by speaking as if the other

• mimic (v.) - to imitate, to copy

• mire (MY’R) – to get bogged down, stuck or entangled

• miscellany (MIS eh lay nee) – collection of various items

• miscreant (MISS kree ant) – a scoundrel; person who behaves viciously

• mitigate (MIT uh gayt) (v.) – make less intense, it suggests moderation

• modicum (MOD ih cum) (n.) - a small amount of something

• modus operandi [ moh-duhs -op-uh-ran-dee, -dahy; Latin moh-doos -oh-pe-rahn-dee ] noun, plural mo·di op·e·ran·di [moh-dee -op-uh-ran-dee, moh-dahy -op-uh-ran-dahy; Latin moh-dee -oh-pe-rahn-dee]. mode of operating or working: to investigate the modus operandi of the natural world. one’s usual way of doing something

• mollify (v.) - to soften in temper

• moratorium (mor uh TOR ee um) (n.) – a temporary ban on an activity

• mores (n.) - moral attitudes

• moribund (MORE uh bund) – coming to an end

• morose (adj.) - gloomy or sullen

• mundane (mun DAYN) – commonplace or ordinary; referring to the ordinary rounds of daily activity

• munificent (adj.) - generous, benevolent

• mutability (n.) - capability of change

• myopic - short-sighted

• myriad (n.) - consisting of a very great number

N

• nadir (NAY dir) – lowest point or the time of greatest depression

• narrate (v.) - to tell a story

• nebulous - indistinct, hazy

• nefarious (adj.) - horribly villainous

• nemesis (NEM us sis) – deserved retributive justice; strong and victorious opponent

• neologism (n.) - the creation of new words, or a new word

• noisome (adj.) - foul, offensive, particularly to the sense of smell

• nonce word (“non” as in non) word coined usually for just one occasion

• notoriety (n.) - infamy, known in bad regard

• novel (adj.) - strikingly new, unusual, or different

• noxious (adj.) - harmful, toxic, hurtful

# = NEUTRAL VIBE
+ = POSITIVE VIBE
- = NEGATIVE VIBE

O

• obdurate (adj.) - unyielding to persuasion or moral influences; impassive to feelings of humanity or pity

• obfuscate (OB fus kate) (v.) - to render incomprehensible; to confuse or to make something difficult to understand; to make something more complex than it actually is

• obfuscate [ ob-fuh-skeyt, ob-fuhs-keyt ] verb (used with object), ob·fus·cat·ed, ob·fus·cat·ing. to confuse, bewilder, or stupefy. to make obscure or unclear

• obsequious (ob SEE kwee us) (adj.) - excessively compliant or submissive — showing excessive or sickeningly respectful behavior

• obstinate [ ob-stuh-nit ] adjective - firmly or stubbornly adhering to one's purpose, opinion, etc.; not yielding to argument, persuasion, or entreaty. characterized by inflexible persistence or an unyielding attitude; inflexibly persisted in or carried out: obstinate advocacy of high tariffs.

• obtuse (ob TUSE) – mentally slow or insensitive

• odious (adj.) - meriting strong displeasure; hateful

• officious (adj.) - offering unwanted help or service -- intermeddling with what is not one's concern

• oligarchy (OL uh gar kee) = a government in which the power is in the hands of a few people

• ominous (adj.) - foreboding or foreshadowing evil, portentous

• omnipotent (om NIP uh tent) (adj.) – unlimited power; all powerful

• onerous (ON uhr us) (adj.) – burdensome, laborious or troublesome

• opulence (OP you lence) (n.) – wealth, luxury, affluence

• oration (n.) - a dignified and formal speech

• ostentatious [os-ten-tey-shuh s, -tuh n-] (adj.) characterized by or given to pretentious or conspicuous show in an attempt to impress others

• ostentatious[ os-ten-tey-shuhs, -tuhn- ] adjective - characterized by or given to pretentious or conspicuous show in an attempt to impress others: an ostentatious dresser. (of actions, manner, qualities exhibited, etc.) intended to attract notice

• ostracize (OS truh size) (v.) - to exclude from a community

P

• pacify (v.) - to sooth, ease

• pallor (PAL ur) – unusual paleness from shock or fear

• palpable (pal puh b’l) (n.) – obvious, easily perceived by the senses

• panacea (PAN uh SEE uh) (n.) – cure for all problems

• panache (puh NASH) – having dashing elegance or verve

• pander (PAN der) – to try to satisfy another’s immoral or vulgar tastes

• parable – a short story illustrating a spiritual truth

• paradigm [ par-uh-dahym, -dim ] noun - an example serving as a model; pattern. a framework containing the basic assumptions, ways of thinking, and methodology that are commonly accepted by members of a scientific community.

• paradox (PAR uh doks) (n.) - a statement or proposition that seems self-contradictory or absurd but in reality expresses a possible truth

• paragon (n.) - model of perfection

• pariah (pa RY uh) (n.) - an outcast

• parody (n.) - a satirical imitation

• parse [ pahrs, pahrz ] verb (used with object), parsed, pars·ing. to analyze (a sentence) in terms of grammatical constituents, identifying the parts of speech, syntactic relations, etc. to describe (a word in a sentence) grammatically, identifying the part of speech, inflectional form, syntactic function, etc. to analyze (something, as a speech or behavior) to discover its implications or uncover a deeper meaning: Political columnists were in their glory, parsing the president's speech on the economy in minute detail.

• parvenu [ pahr-vuh-noo, -nyoo, pahr-vuh-noo, -nyoo ] (noun) - a person who has recently or suddenly acquired wealth, importance, position, or the like, but has not yet developed the conventionally appropriate manners, dress, surroundings, etc.

• patent - clear, apparent

• peccadillos (pek uh DILL ohz) (n.) – a slight or trifling fault -- a small breach of propriety or principle

• peer – person or object of the same standing as others in age or rank

• peerless (adj.) – to be unsurpassed or to have no rival -- of unequaled excellence or worth

• pejorative (pih JOR uh tiv) – Disparaging or belittling

• pellucid (adj.) - clear -- translucent

• penchant (n.) - a tendency, partiality, preference -- a bias in favor of something

• penury (PEN u ree) (n.)– extreme poverty -- indigence

• per se (per SAY) – by or in itself; intrinsically; belonging to the basic nature of a person or thing

• peregrinate (v.) - to travel from place to place on foot

• perfunctory (adj.) - showing little enthusiasm, done as duty, half-hearted

• peripatetic (per uh puh TET ik) – going from place to place

• permeate (v.) - to spread out, to pervade

• pernicious [ per-nish-uhs ] adjective - causing insidious harm or ruin; ruinous; injurious; hurtful

• persevere (v.) - to persist, remain constant

• personify (PER son nih fy) – to represent an idea in human form or a thing as having human characteristics

• perspicacious (adj.) – having penetrating insight into what is hidden or puzzling; shrewd

• persuade – suggesting to advise or argue

• pertinacious (adj.) - stubbornly persistent, holding to a belief or position

• peruse (peh ROOZ) (v.) - to examine carefully; to study something carefully

• pervasive (adj.) - to spread throughout

• petulance (n.) - irritability, impoliteness

• philippic (fih LIP ik) – bitter verbal denunciation or attack

• physiognomy (n.) - the art of judging human character from facial features

• pidgin (PIJ in) – stripped down form of spoken communication

• pinnacle [ pin-uh-kuhl ] noun - a lofty peak. the highest or culminating point, as of success, power, fame, etc.

• pique (v.) - to provoke or to cause indignation -- to excite a slight degree of anger in

• pithy (PITH ee) - succinctly meaningful; concise, succinct, terse

• pittance (n.)– - very small amount

• pivotal (PIV uh t’l) – a crucial point of critical importance or absolutely central to the issue

• placate (PLAY kate) (v.) - to soothe, appease, pacify

• placid (adj.) - calm, tranquil

• plangent (PLAN jent) – loud, deep, reverberating

• platitude (PLAT ih tude) – dull, or stock expression usually spoken as if an entirely new thought

• platonic (pluh TON ik) – describes an intellectual or spiritual relationship between people

• plethora (n.) - a great number, an abundance

• pliable (adj.) - flexible, bendable

• ploy – A maneuver or action to try to outwit someone or to upset or trick

• poach (v.) - to hunt or fish illegally

• +poise [ poiz ] noun - a dignified, self-confident manner or bearing; composure; self-possession

• poised (adj.) - balanced, readied

• polarize (POH luh riz) – to divide groups of people who have opposite extremes of opinions

• polemic (puh LEM ik) – an aggressive, often controversial argument or attack against a belief

• pompous [ pom-puhs ] adjective - characterized by an ostentatious display of dignity or importance; ostentatiously lofty or high-flown

• portend (poor TEND) – to give an omen of something harmful or unfortunage, to foreshadow

• portent [ pawr-tent, pohr- ] noun - an indication or omen of something about to happen, especially something momentous. threatening or disquieting significance

• portentous (adj.) - foreboding or foreshadowing evil, ominous

• pragmatic [prag-mat-ik] (adj.) of or relating to a practical point of view or practical considerations.

• precarious (adj.) - dangerously lacking in security or stability

• precedent (PRES ih dent) (n.) – an example to be followed under similar conditions

• precept (PREE sept) – a general rule or guide of conduct

• precipitous [ pri-sip-i-tuhs ] adjective - 3. Extremely rapid, hasty, or abrupt; precipitate: a precipitous collapse in prices.

• predestination (n.) - the concept of destiny or fate

• predicate (PRED ih kate) (v.) – to assert or affirm that something is true or that it’s an attribute or part of something

• premonition (n.) - a presentiment of the future -- foreboding

• preponderance (n.) - a great amount or frequency

• presage (n.) - an omen -- (v.) to foretell

• presentiment (pri ZEN tuh muh nt) (n.) - a feeling or impression that something is about to happen, esp. something evil; foreboding

• prestidigitation (n.) - a sleight of hand

• presumption (n.) – acceptance or belief based on reasonable evidence

• presumptuous (adj.) - disrespectfully bold -- assuming too much

• pretentious [pri-ten-shuh s] (adj.) attempting to impress by affecting greater importance, talent, culture, etc., than is actually possessed. making an exaggerated outward show

• probity (PRO bih tee) (n.) – integrity and uncompromising honesty

• profane - indecent, blasphemous

• profligate (PROF lih git) (adj.) – wasteful or recklessly extravagant

• profuse (adj.) - abundant, lavish, prolific

• promulgate [ prom-uhl-geyt, proh-muhl-geyt ] verb (used with object), prom·ul·gat·ed, prom·ul·gat·ing. to make known by open declaration; publish; proclaim formally or put into operation (a law, decree of a court, etc.). to set forth or teach publicly (a creed, doctrine, etc.).

• propensity (pruh PEN sih tee) (n.) – a tendency or natural inclination, preference; leaning or bent

• propriety (n.) - decency, state of being proper -- accordance with recognized usage, custom, or principles

• proscribe (proh SCRIBE) (v.) – to prohibit, denounce or condemn

• protean - readily taking on various shapes or forms – It describes someone or something that can assume different forms; as, a person with many talents.

• provident (PROV i duh nt) (adj.) - having or showing foresight; providing carefully for the future

• prudent (adj.) - cautious, careful

• puerile (adj.) - immature, childish

• pugnacious - belligerent

• pulchritude (n.) - physical beauty

• punctilious (punk TIL ee us) – careful or meticulous; very exacting in observing the fine points of ceremony, conduct, law, morality; eager to follow rules; paying excessive attention to details

• pungent (adj.) - having a sharp, strong quality especially related to smell

• purport (v.) - to present an intention that is often false -- (n.) intent

• putative (PYOO tuh tiv) – supposed to be, reputed to be; suggests something may be generally accepted, but still some residue of doubt exists

• pyrrhic (PEER ik) victory – a victory offset by such staggering losses that ultimately it’s almost equivalent to a defeat

Q

• quagmire (KWAG myer) – extremely difficult situation to get out of

• quaint (adj.) - old-fashioned

• quibble (KWIB’L) – to make petty objections, usually to evade the real point by twisting meanings or stressing unimportant details

• quid pro - (n., latin) – a mutually beneficial exchange

• quintessence (n.) – perfect example; as, Leonardo da Vinci is the quintessence of protean talent -- the most essential part of anything

• quixotic (kwiks OT ik) (adj.) – idealistic and unselfish to an impractical and exaggerated degree -- chivalrous or romantic to a ridiculous or extravagant degree

• quotidian - daily, everyday

R

• radiant (adj.) - bright, beaming

• rancor (RANG kor) (n.) – a continuing bitter sense of hate, resentment or ill will -- malice

• rankle (RANG k’l) (v.) – to irritate or cause continued resentment

• rapport (ruh POR) – having a sympathetic relationship

• ratiocinate (v.) - to think, contemplate

• rationalize (RASH uh nuh lize) – to relate self-satisfying but not necessarily the correct, thought, plausible reasons for whatever one has decided to do

• raze (v.) - to demolish

• realpolitik (ray AHL polih TEEK) – practical politics

• recalcitrant - defiant

• recalibrate (v.) - to readjust or make corrections to

• recapitulate (v.) - to repeat, reiterate -- to repeat again the principal points of

• recourse (REE kors) (n.) – source of help from either a person, organization or by taking a course of action

• rectify (v.) - to set right, correct

• redact (v.) - to revise, edit

• redolence (RED’l ence) – having or emitting a fragrance

• redoubtable (adj.) - formidable, commanding respect

• redress (ree DRESS) (v.) - to set right or remedy, as a wrong by compensation or the punishment of the wrong-doer

• reel (v.) - to be thrown off balance or feel dizzy

• refractory (ree FRAK tor ee) (adj.) – stubborn, obstinate, hard to manage

• refrain (v.) - to hold oneself back, forbear

• reiterate (v.) - to repeat

• rejoinder (rih JOIN dur) – a reply or answer to a question or remark edged with a keen wit

• relish (v.) - to take zestful pleasure in, enjoy the flavor of

• remiss (adj.) - negligent, exhibiting carelessness

• remonstrate [ ri-mon-streyt ] verb (used with object), re·mon·strat·ed, re·mon·strat·ing. to say or plead in protest, objection, or disapproval. Obsolete. to show. verb (used without object), re·mon·strat·ed, re·mon·strat·ing. to present reasons in complaint; plead in protest.

• renascent (ruh NAS n’t) showing of renewed vigor

• render (v.) - to say, or to make

• renovate (v.) - to restore, return to original state

• repartee (REP ahr TEE) (n.) – a quick and witty reply

• repose (n.) - rest, sleep

• reprehensible (adj.) - deserving criticism

• repudiate (v.) - to reject, turn down -- to refuse to have anything to do with

• repulse (v.) - to cause disgust or distaste, or to drive back, repel

• reputed – supposed, considered, assumed

• requisition (n.) - a demand for goods, often by an authority

• resilient [ ri-zil-yuhnt, -zil-ee-uhnt ] adjective - springing back; rebounding. returning to the original form or position after being bent, compressed, or stretched.

• restitution (n.) - compensation, reimbursement

• retaliation (n.) - revenge, punishment

• reticent (adj.) – cool, restrained -- habitually keeping silent or being reserved in utterance

• retract (v.) - withdraw

• retribution (n.) - vengeance, revenge, payback

• revel (v.) - to enjoy

• rhetoric (RET ahr rik) (n.) – the art of speaking impressively which has come today to mean artificial and pompous eloquence, or showy, exaggerated language -- the art of discourse

• ribald (RIB’ld) (adj.) – coarse, crude or indecent

• rife (adj.) – abundant

• rift – a split, a break or breach in relation or connections

• roil (ROY’L) – to make muddy; unsettle by stirring up

• ruse (ROOS) (n.) - a trick or deception

• rustic (adj.) - relating to country life

S

• saccharine (adj.) - overly sweet

• sacrosanct - sacred, holy, inviolable

• sagacious (adj.) - shrewd, showing sound judgment

• sage (SAYGE) – person widely respected for wisdom, judgment and experience

• salient (adj.) - significant, conspicuous -- standing out prominently

• salutary (SAL you ter ee) (adj.) – beneficial, wholesome or healthy

• salutation (n.) - a greeting

• sanguine - cheery, optimistic, hopeful

• sate (v.) - to satisfy (an appetite) fully.

• satiate (v.) - to satisfy excessively

• savor (v.) - to appreciate fully, enjoy

• scathing (SKAY thing) - hurtful, critical, bitterly severe, as in a critical remark

• scoff (SKOF) – to express scorn or mocking disbelief

• scope – wide range of thought—the overall extent of somethig

• scour (SKOWR) – to search thoroughly

• scourge (SKURJ) – to whip

• scrutinize (SKROOT’n ize) – examine in detail

• scurrilous (adj.) - grossly indecent, crude, or vulgar

• sedate (v.) - to calm, soothe

• sedentary (adj.) – sitting

• sedition [ si-dish-uhn ] noun - incitement of discontent or rebellion against a government. any action, especially in speech or writing, promoting such discontent or rebellion.

• seer (SEAR) (n.) - a fortune teller; a wise person

• seminal - original, ground-breaking

• sequester (sih KWES tur) (v.) – to seclude; to remove or set apart

• serendipity (n.) - the act of finding things not sought, luck

• servile [ sur-vil, -vahyl ] adjective - slavishly submissive or obsequious; fawning: servile flatterers. characteristic of, proper to, or customary for slaves; abject: servile obedience. yielding slavishly; truckling (usually followed by to). extremely imitative, especially in the arts; lacking in originality. being in slavery; oppressed. of, relating to, or involving slaves or servants.

• simile (SIM uh lee) – a figure of speech expressing likeness by use of such terms as, like, as, etc.

• skew (SKYOO) – to twist or swerve

• slander (n.) - a false statement to damage the reputation of another

• slough (SLUFF) – to shed or cast away; discard

• sobriety (n.) - moderation from excess, calm, tranquility

• solicit (so LIS it) – to obtain something by asking or persuasion

• solicitous – concerned, caring

• somnolent (adj.) - sleepy

• soothsayer (n.) - a fortune teller

• sop – a small concession or a kind or bribe to appease or to quiet

• sordid (adj.) – dirty -- of degraded character or nature

• spate (SPAYT) – a sudden rush or outpouring

• specious (SPEE shus) (adj.) – seemingly true but actually misleading and false

• spectral (adj.) - ghostly

• spurious (SPUR ee us) (adj.) - FALSE but intended to seem believable or possible

• stagnant (adj.) - still, not flowing

• stagnate (v.) - to be idle, to be still

• staid (STAYD) (adj.) – steady and serious

• static (adj.) - not moving, being at rest

• status quo (STAY tus kwo) – an existing condition or situation

• steadfast (adj.) - fixed or unchanging

• stratagem (STRAT uh jem) (n.) – a clever scheme to accomplish something or to outwit an enemy -- any cleaver trick or device for obtaining an advantage

• strenuous (adj.) - requiring tremendous strength or energy

• strident [ strahyd-nt ] adjective - making or having a harsh sound; grating; creaking: strident insects; strident hinges; having a shrill, irritating quality or character: a strident tone in his writings.

• strife (n.) - conflict

• stupefy (v.) - to astound

• submissive (adj.) - easily yielding to authority

• -subservient [ suhb-sur-vee-uhnt ] adjective - serving or acting in a subordinate capacity; subordinate. servile; excessively submissive; obsequious

• subsist (v.) - to live, exist -- to be maintained or sustained

• substantive (SUB stan tiv) (adj.) – relating to what is essential or directly bearing on a matter

• subterfuge (SUB ter fuge) (n.) – trickery, deceptive way to avoid blame or get out of a difficult situation

• succinct (adj.) - marked by compact precision -- concise

• suffice (v.) - to meet needs

• supercilious (su per SIL ee us) (adj.) – haughty, contemptuous, disdainful or arrogant

• superfluous [ soo-pur-floo-uhs ] adjective - being more than is sufficient or required; excessive. unnecessary or needless.

• supernumerary (sou pur NEW muh rer ee) (adj.) – an extra person or thing, that is usually unnecessary

• supervene (su per VEEN) (v.) - occur later than a specified or implied event or action, typically in such a way as to change the situation

• supplant (v.) - to displace and substitute for another

• supposition (suhp-uh-zish-uhn) (n.) – something supposed; an assumption; conjecture (also under like words or words easily confused)

• surfeit (n.) - an excess, a surplus, an overabundance

• surmise (v.) - to guess, infer, suppose

• surmount – to overcome difficulties or to conquer

• surreptitious (adj.) - done in a secret, or stealthy way -- clandestine

• swarthy (adj.) - of dark color or complexion

• sybarite (SIB uh rite) (n.) - someone devoted to pleasure and luxury, a voluptuary

• sycophant [sik-uh-fant] (n.) - a person who acts obsequiously toward someone important in order to gain advantage.

• sympathetic (adj.) - compassionate

• sympathy (n.) - an expression of pity for another, compassion

• symposium (sim POSE ee um) – a conference to discuss a particular topic

• synopsis (n.) - a summary

T