Saturday - September 04, 2010
supersede [soo-per-seed] (verb)
Definition - To replace to cause to be set aside because of superiority.
Usage - By the 1960s, airplanes had superseded ships as the most common means for long-distance travel.
Definition - To replace to cause to be set aside because of superiority.
Usage - By the 1960s, airplanes had superseded ships as the most common means for long-distance travel.
Friday - September 03, 2010
porous [pawr-uhs] (adjective)
Definition - Full of tiny holes or spaces; easily pentrated by gas or liquid.
Usage - The amount of clay in the soil of our yard prevents it from being very porous, so rainwater often accumulates in large pools.
Definition - Full of tiny holes or spaces; easily pentrated by gas or liquid.
Usage - The amount of clay in the soil of our yard prevents it from being very porous, so rainwater often accumulates in large pools.
Thursday - September 02, 2010
paucity [paw-si-tee] (noun)
Definition - Scarcity; smallness in number or amount.
Usage - The paucity of the harvest became very clear when we looked at the half-empty corn crib.
Definition - Scarcity; smallness in number or amount.
Usage - The paucity of the harvest became very clear when we looked at the half-empty corn crib.
Wednesday - September 01, 2010
idyll [ahyd-l] (noun)
Definition - An episode or experience that is calm and carfree.
Usage - Our summer idyll ended when the boat came to take us off the island.
Definition - An episode or experience that is calm and carfree.
Usage - Our summer idyll ended when the boat came to take us off the island.
Tuesday - August 31, 2010
furor [fyoor-awr] (noun)
Definition - An uproar; a state of great anger or excitement.
Usage - When the surprise witness for the prosecution turned out to be the best friend of the accused, the courtroom was thrown into a furor.
Definition - An uproar; a state of great anger or excitement.
Usage - When the surprise witness for the prosecution turned out to be the best friend of the accused, the courtroom was thrown into a furor.
Monday - August 30, 2010
fallacy [fal-uh-see] (noun)
Definition - A false or mistaken idea.
Usage - Uncle Walter argues that it is a fallacy to think that the federal government is less efficient than state governments.
Definition - A false or mistaken idea.
Usage - Uncle Walter argues that it is a fallacy to think that the federal government is less efficient than state governments.
Sunday - August 29, 2010
envisage [en-viz-ij] (verb)
Definition - To picture in one's mind to imagine something in the future.
Usage - Few colonists in the 1600s could have envisaged that the forests surrounding them would be gone within a few hundred years.
Definition - To picture in one's mind to imagine something in the future.
Usage - Few colonists in the 1600s could have envisaged that the forests surrounding them would be gone within a few hundred years.
Saturday - August 28, 2010
facetious [fuh-see-shuhs] (adjective)
Definition - platfully humorous.
Usage - LInda claims she was just being facetious when she asked if your new ring was a prize from the bubble gum machine.
Definition - platfully humorous.
Usage - LInda claims she was just being facetious when she asked if your new ring was a prize from the bubble gum machine.
Friday - August 27, 2010
emanate [em-uh-neyt] (verb)
Definition - To come out from a source.
Usage - As the boys crept down the basement stairs, a low humming noise emanate from the furnace.
Definition - To come out from a source.
Usage - As the boys crept down the basement stairs, a low humming noise emanate from the furnace.
Thursday - August 26, 2010
defray [di-frey] (verb)
Definition - To supply the money for; to pay.
Usage - Our school has money in the budget to defray the cost of our class's trip to Plimoth Plantation.
Definition - To supply the money for; to pay.
Usage - Our school has money in the budget to defray the cost of our class's trip to Plimoth Plantation.
Wednesday - August 25, 2010
complacent [kuhm-pley-suhnt] (adjective)
Definition - so self-satisfied that one sees no need for change; un concerned.
Usage - "I don't need to study" was Barry's complacent answer when reminded of tomorrow's final test.
Definition - so self-satisfied that one sees no need for change; un concerned.
Usage - "I don't need to study" was Barry's complacent answer when reminded of tomorrow's final test.
Tuesday - August 24, 2010
amenity [uh-men-i-tee] (noun)
Definition - A feature that contributes to physical comfort.
Usage - Air conditioning is an amenity that many urban dwellers in the South consider essential.
Definition - A feature that contributes to physical comfort.
Usage - Air conditioning is an amenity that many urban dwellers in the South consider essential.
Tuesday - August 24, 2010
averse [uh-vurs] (adjective)
Definition - Having a feeling of oppsition or distaste.
Usage - My parents are averse to our watching televsion while we eat dinner.
Definition - Having a feeling of oppsition or distaste.
Usage - My parents are averse to our watching televsion while we eat dinner.
Monday - August 23, 2010
practicable [prak-ti-kuh-buhl] (adjective )
Definition - Capable of being done; feasible.
Usage - Making a community garden in that vacant lot is a practicable plan, but you'll have to get permission from the city first.
Definition - Capable of being done; feasible.
Usage - Making a community garden in that vacant lot is a practicable plan, but you'll have to get permission from the city first.
Sunday - August 22, 2010
remunerate [ri-myoo-nuh-reyt] (verb)
Definition - To pay or reward.
Usage - Were you remunerated for the work you did for the schools used book sale or was it voluntary?
Definition - To pay or reward.
Usage - Were you remunerated for the work you did for the schools used book sale or was it voluntary?
Saturday - August 21, 2010
myriad [mir-ee-uhd] (noun)
Definition - A very large number.
Usage - A myriad of mosquitoes swarmed around us as we sloshed through the swamp.
Definition - A very large number.
Usage - A myriad of mosquitoes swarmed around us as we sloshed through the swamp.
Friday - August 20, 2010
magnanimous [mag-nan-uh-muhs] (adjective )
Definition - Generous, unselfish, or forgiving.
Usage - Nelson Mandela was too magnanimous to seek revenge on his persecutors.
Definition - Generous, unselfish, or forgiving.
Usage - Nelson Mandela was too magnanimous to seek revenge on his persecutors.
Thursday - August 19, 2010
incapacitate [in-kuh-pas-i-teyt] (verb)
Definition - To make helpless or incapable.
Usage - Keiko was incapacitated for six weeks while her leg was in a cast.
Definition - To make helpless or incapable.
Usage - Keiko was incapacitated for six weeks while her leg was in a cast.
Wednesday - August 18, 2010
gratis [grat-is] (adjective)
Definition - Without payment; free of charge.
Usage - Admission to the museum is gratis on monday.
Definition - Without payment; free of charge.
Usage - Admission to the museum is gratis on monday.
Tuesday - August 17, 2010
garner [gahr-ner] (verb)
Definition - To collect or gather; to acquire or obtain.
Usage - The school committee candidate garnered support by going from door to door throughout the district to meet people.
Definition - To collect or gather; to acquire or obtain.
Usage - The school committee candidate garnered support by going from door to door throughout the district to meet people.
Monday - August 16, 2010
jaded [jey-did] (adjective)
Definition - Dulled or wearied by excess or overindulgence.
Usage - Jaded fans of special effects in movies seem to need ever more spectacular sights in order to be thrilled.
Definition - Dulled or wearied by excess or overindulgence.
Usage - Jaded fans of special effects in movies seem to need ever more spectacular sights in order to be thrilled.
Sunday - August 15, 2010
commiserate [kuh-miz-uh-reyt] (verb)
Definition - To feel or express sorrow or compassion for; to sympathize.
Usage - If I'm upset about something it helps me feel better if someone commiserates with me.
Definition - To feel or express sorrow or compassion for; to sympathize.
Usage - If I'm upset about something it helps me feel better if someone commiserates with me.
Saturday - August 14, 2010
transmute [trans-myoot] (verb)
Definition - To change the form or appearance of.
Usage - In the fairy tale "Rumpelstiltsken," the foolish miller claimed that his daughter could transmute straw into gold.
Definition - To change the form or appearance of.
Usage - In the fairy tale "Rumpelstiltsken," the foolish miller claimed that his daughter could transmute straw into gold.
Friday - August 13, 2010
scintillate [sin-tl-eyt] (veb)
Definition - To flash or sparkle.
Usage - The mirrors on the revolving ball suspended from the ceiling scintillated above the dancers.
Definition - To flash or sparkle.
Usage - The mirrors on the revolving ball suspended from the ceiling scintillated above the dancers.
Thursday - August 12, 2010
repose [ree-pohz] (verb)
Definition - To lie at rest.
Usage - Until it was time to leave, I reposed in the hammock on the porch.
Definition - To lie at rest.
Usage - Until it was time to leave, I reposed in the hammock on the porch.
Wednesday - August 11, 2010
quandary [kwon-duh-ree] (noun)
Definition - A state of being in doubt about what to do.
Usage - The lawyers were in a quandary whether or not controversial material on the Internet is protected by the Frist Amendment.
Definition - A state of being in doubt about what to do.
Usage - The lawyers were in a quandary whether or not controversial material on the Internet is protected by the Frist Amendment.
Tuesday - August 10, 2010
raucous [raw-kuhs] (adjective)
Definition - Rough and unpleasant to the ear.
Usage - The raucous cries of the restaurant's parrot startled the diners.
Definition - Rough and unpleasant to the ear.
Usage - The raucous cries of the restaurant's parrot startled the diners.
Monday - August 09, 2010
protege [proh-tuh-zhey] (noun )
Definition - One whose training or career is helped along by another.
Usage - Margaret Thatcher was a protege of Edward Health, whom she eventually replaced as British prime minister.
Definition - One whose training or career is helped along by another.
Usage - Margaret Thatcher was a protege of Edward Health, whom she eventually replaced as British prime minister.
Saturday - August 07, 2010
definitive [di-fin-i-tiv] (adjective )
Definition - Supplying a final answer; conclusive.
Usage - Some scholars believe that the definitive biography of the poet Sylvia Plath has not yet been written.
Definition - Supplying a final answer; conclusive.
Usage - Some scholars believe that the definitive biography of the poet Sylvia Plath has not yet been written.
Friday - August 06, 2010
pariah [puh-rahy-:uh] (noun )
Definition - A social outcast.
Usage - Her classmates treated Maria like a pariah when she told the principal that drugs were being sold in school.
Definition - A social outcast.
Usage - Her classmates treated Maria like a pariah when she told the principal that drugs were being sold in school.
Thursday - August 05, 2010
avocation [av-uh-key-shuhn] (noun)
Definition - An activity pursued for pleasure; a hobby.
Usage - Serious artists say that painting is both their profession and their avocation.
Definition - An activity pursued for pleasure; a hobby.
Usage - Serious artists say that painting is both their profession and their avocation.
Wednesday - August 04, 2010
ingrate [in-greyt] (noun)
Definition - An ungrateful person.
Usage - I felt like an ingrate for forgetting to thank my mother for carrying in the food and drink for the party.
Definition - An ungrateful person.
Usage - I felt like an ingrate for forgetting to thank my mother for carrying in the food and drink for the party.
Tuesday - August 03, 2010
fateful [feyt-fuh] (adjective)
Definition - Having great or significant consequences.
Usage - The article examines President Truman's fateful decision to drop the atomic bomb on Hiroshima.
Definition - Having great or significant consequences.
Usage - The article examines President Truman's fateful decision to drop the atomic bomb on Hiroshima.
Monday - August 02, 2010
moribund [mawr-uh-buhnd] (adjective)
Definition - close to death; in a dying state.
Usage - It is incontrovertible that the company was moribund when we took it over last year.
Definition - close to death; in a dying state.
Usage - It is incontrovertible that the company was moribund when we took it over last year.
Sunday - August 01, 2010
expostulate [ik-spos-chuh-leyt] (verb)
Definition - To argue earnestly with another in an attempt to dissuade.
Usage - My friends expostulated with me on the wisdom of waiting until daylight to begin my journey.
Definition - To argue earnestly with another in an attempt to dissuade.
Usage - My friends expostulated with me on the wisdom of waiting until daylight to begin my journey.
Saturday - July 31, 2010
expostulate [ik-spos-chuh-leyt] (verb)
Definition - To argue earnestly with another in an attempt to dissuade.
Usage - My friends expostulate with me on the wisdom of waiting until daylight to begin my journey.
Definition - To argue earnestly with another in an attempt to dissuade.
Usage - My friends expostulate with me on the wisdom of waiting until daylight to begin my journey.
Friday - July 30, 2010
exorbitant [ig-zawr-bi-tuhnt] (adjective )
Definition - Exceeding normal bounds; greater or more than seems reasonable.
Usage - Two hundred dollars seems an exorbitant price for a man's shirt.
Definition - Exceeding normal bounds; greater or more than seems reasonable.
Usage - Two hundred dollars seems an exorbitant price for a man's shirt.
Thursday - July 29, 2010
censure [sen-sher] (verb)
Definition - To blame or find fault with.
Usage - The judge censured the lawyer for failing to file the papers on time.
Definition - To blame or find fault with.
Usage - The judge censured the lawyer for failing to file the papers on time.
Wednesday - July 28, 2010
amorous [am-er-uhs] (adjective)
Definition - Expressing love or the state of being in love.
Usage - The couple exchanged amorous glances as they sat across from each other at the dinner table.
Definition - Expressing love or the state of being in love.
Usage - The couple exchanged amorous glances as they sat across from each other at the dinner table.
Tuesday - July 27, 2010
vociferous [voh-sif-er-uhs] (adjective)
Definition - Making one's feelings known in a loud way.
Usage - The community's vociferous opposition to a stadium in their neighborhood led the governor to abandon the plan.
Definition - Making one's feelings known in a loud way.
Usage - The community's vociferous opposition to a stadium in their neighborhood led the governor to abandon the plan.
Monday - July 26, 2010
boon [boon] (noun)
Definition - A welcome gift or blessing.
Usage - After the long dry spell, the rain was a boon to the Iowa farmers.
Definition - A welcome gift or blessing.
Usage - After the long dry spell, the rain was a boon to the Iowa farmers.
Sunday - July 25, 2010
sojourn [soh-jurn] (noun)
Definition - A visit or temporary stay.
Usage - Our summer sojourn with our cousins ended after six wonderful weeks in Puerto Rico.
Definition - A visit or temporary stay.
Usage - Our summer sojourn with our cousins ended after six wonderful weeks in Puerto Rico.
Saturday - July 24, 2010
propagate [prop-uh-geyt] (verb)
Definition - To reproduce.
Usage - The scientists were puzzled when the frogs that propagated in the fall had unusually few offspring.
Definition - To reproduce.
Usage - The scientists were puzzled when the frogs that propagated in the fall had unusually few offspring.
Friday - July 23, 2010
concede [kuhn-seed] (verb)
Definition - To admit to be true, often reluctantly.
Usage - Bungee jumpers concede that the sport can be dangerous.
Definition - To admit to be true, often reluctantly.
Usage - Bungee jumpers concede that the sport can be dangerous.
Thursday - July 22, 2010
dogma [dawg-muh] (noun)
Definition - An unproven principle or belief held to be true.
Usage - The economic theory that the wealth of large companies will trickle down to others in the society was dogma to many in the 1980s.
Definition - An unproven principle or belief held to be true.
Usage - The economic theory that the wealth of large companies will trickle down to others in the society was dogma to many in the 1980s.
Wednesday - July 21, 2010
aver [uh'ver] (verb)
Definition - To declare positively; to state as the truth.
Usage - Bishop Cardozo averred that the church has a duty to become involved in secular as well as spiritual matters.
Definition - To declare positively; to state as the truth.
Usage - Bishop Cardozo averred that the church has a duty to become involved in secular as well as spiritual matters.
Tuesday - July 20, 2010
voracious [vaw-rey-shuhs] (adjective)
Definition - Ravenous; desiring and eating a large amount of food.
Usage - We arrived back from our hike with voracious appetites.
Definition - Ravenous; desiring and eating a large amount of food.
Usage - We arrived back from our hike with voracious appetites.
Monday - July 19, 2010
despot [des-puht] (noun)
Definition - A ruler with absolute power or tyrannical control over a goup of people.
Usage - In the late 1970s and early 1980s, thousands fled Haiti seeking refuge from the despot Jean Claude D
Definition - A ruler with absolute power or tyrannical control over a goup of people.
Usage - In the late 1970s and early 1980s, thousands fled Haiti seeking refuge from the despot Jean Claude D
Sunday - July 18, 2010
impervious [im-pur-vee-uhs] (adjective )
Definition - Incapable of being penetrated.
Usage - We stayed dry in the downpour because our tent is impervious to rain.
Definition - Incapable of being penetrated.
Usage - We stayed dry in the downpour because our tent is impervious to rain.
Saturday - July 17, 2010
nondescript [non-di-skript] (adjective )
Definition - Hard to describe because of lack of distinctive qualities or features.
Usage - Encumbered with backpack and other paraphernalia, I walked along the endless row of nondescript houses looking for number 136.
Definition - Hard to describe because of lack of distinctive qualities or features.
Usage - Encumbered with backpack and other paraphernalia, I walked along the endless row of nondescript houses looking for number 136.
Friday - July 16, 2010
antiquity [an-tik-wi-tee] (noun)
Definition - The ancient world, especially before the the Middle Ages.
Usage - Emperor Nero of Rome was one of the great despots of antiquity.
Definition - The ancient world, especially before the the Middle Ages.
Usage - Emperor Nero of Rome was one of the great despots of antiquity.
Thursday - July 15, 2010
apropos [ap-ruh-pohs] (adjective)
Definition - Fitting the occasion; suitable or apt.
Usage - The red, white, and blue blouse seemed quite apropos for her post-election celebration.
Definition - Fitting the occasion; suitable or apt.
Usage - The red, white, and blue blouse seemed quite apropos for her post-election celebration.
Thursday - July 15, 2010
tacit [tas-it] (adjective )
Definition - Expressed without words; implied.
Usage - You gave your tacit approval by not raising any objectins to our plan.
Definition - Expressed without words; implied.
Usage - You gave your tacit approval by not raising any objectins to our plan.
Wednesday - July 14, 2010
allude [uh-lood] (verb)
Definition - To refer to in an indirect way (used with to).
Usage - "I made a mistake that night," he said, alluding to the way he lost his temper.
Definition - To refer to in an indirect way (used with to).
Usage - "I made a mistake that night," he said, alluding to the way he lost his temper.
Tuesday - July 13, 2010
erudite [er-yoo-dahyt] (adjective)
Definition - Having or demonstrating extensive knowledge; learned.
Usage - In her first book, the author provided an erudite account of the looting of artworks during the World War II.
Definition - Having or demonstrating extensive knowledge; learned.
Usage - In her first book, the author provided an erudite account of the looting of artworks during the World War II.
Monday - July 12, 2010
adroit [uh-droit] (adjective )
Definition - Clever at dealing with difficult situations; adept; skillful.
Usage - Her adroit handling of the boat saved us from going onto the rocks.
Definition - Clever at dealing with difficult situations; adept; skillful.
Usage - Her adroit handling of the boat saved us from going onto the rocks.
Sunday - July 11, 2010
voluble [vol-yuh-buhl] (adjective)
Definition - Characterized by a ready flow of words; talkative.
Usage - The voluble host scarely gave his guests a chance to speak.
Definition - Characterized by a ready flow of words; talkative.
Usage - The voluble host scarely gave his guests a chance to speak.
Saturday - July 10, 2010
wane [weyn] (verb)
Definition - To get smaller, dimmer, or weaker; to near an end.
Usage - When interest in "sitcoms" waned, the television networks switched to detective shows.
Definition - To get smaller, dimmer, or weaker; to near an end.
Usage - When interest in "sitcoms" waned, the television networks switched to detective shows.
Friday - July 09, 2010
speculate [spek-yuh-leyt] (verb)
Definition - To think about or make guesses.
Usage - As we waited, we speculated about wether he'd keep his promise and show up.
Definition - To think about or make guesses.
Usage - As we waited, we speculated about wether he'd keep his promise and show up.
Thursday - July 08, 2010
secular [sek-yuh-ler] (adjective)
Definition - Worldly; not connected with a church or religion.
Usage - The choir included a few secular songs in the memorial service.
Definition - Worldly; not connected with a church or religion.
Usage - The choir included a few secular songs in the memorial service.
Wednesday - July 07, 2010
sagacious [suh-gey-shuhs] (adjective )
Definition - Showing sound judgment
Usage - My grandmother's sagacious advice has guided me many times over the years.
Definition - Showing sound judgment
Usage - My grandmother's sagacious advice has guided me many times over the years.
Tuesday - July 06, 2010
indolent [in-dl-uhnt] (adjective )
Definition - Indulging in ease; avoiding exertion; lazy.
Usage - Being in the torrid heat of the tropical sun makes one feel indolent.
Definition - Indulging in ease; avoiding exertion; lazy.
Usage - Being in the torrid heat of the tropical sun makes one feel indolent.
Monday - July 05, 2010
impoverish [im-pov-er-ish] (verb)
Definition - to make poor.
Usage - Uncontrolled gambling can impoverish a person.
Definition - to make poor.
Usage - Uncontrolled gambling can impoverish a person.
Sunday - July 04, 2010
impediment [im-ped-uh-muhnt] (noun )
Definition - Anything that gets in the way; an obstacle.
Usage - After the hurricane, fallen trees were impediments to traffic in our neighborhood.
Definition - Anything that gets in the way; an obstacle.
Usage - After the hurricane, fallen trees were impediments to traffic in our neighborhood.
Saturday - July 03, 2010
impugn [im-pyoon] (verb)
Definition - To oppose or attack with criticism or arguments; to challenge the truth, validity or correctness of.
Usage - In Molire's Tartuffe, Orgon impugned the motives of anyone who dared to criticize Tartuffe.
Definition - To oppose or attack with criticism or arguments; to challenge the truth, validity or correctness of.
Usage - In Molire's Tartuffe, Orgon impugned the motives of anyone who dared to criticize Tartuffe.
Friday - July 02, 2010
fraught [frawt] (adjective)
Definition - Full of or accompanied by (usually followed by with)
Usage - We abandoned our idea of traveling up the Amazon River when we learned that such a trip would be fra
Definition - Full of or accompanied by (usually followed by with)
Usage - We abandoned our idea of traveling up the Amazon River when we learned that such a trip would be fra
Thursday - July 01, 2010
enunciate [i-nuhn-see-eyt] (verb)
Definition - to pronounce clearly
Usage - In speech class we learn to enunciate our words.
Definition - to pronounce clearly
Usage - In speech class we learn to enunciate our words.
Wednesday - June 30, 2010
cynical [sin-i-kuhl] (adjective)
Definition - Doubtful of the sincerity of others' motives; skeptical
Usage - People become cynical about diet programs when lost weight is soon regained.
Definition - Doubtful of the sincerity of others' motives; skeptical
Usage - People become cynical about diet programs when lost weight is soon regained.
Tuesday - June 29, 2010
callow [kal-oh] (adjective)
Definition - immature or inexperienced: a callow youth.
Usage - The student was too callow to know he was being fooled.
Definition - immature or inexperienced: a callow youth.
Usage - The student was too callow to know he was being fooled.
Monday - June 28, 2010
recuperate [ri-koo-puh-reyt] (verb)
Definition - To regain health or strength.
Usage - Her surgeon expects Amanda to recuperate quickly.
Definition - To regain health or strength.
Usage - Her surgeon expects Amanda to recuperate quickly.
Sunday - June 27, 2010
punctilious [puhngk-til-ee-uhs] (adjective)
Definition - Careful of and attentive to details, especially ones relating to good manners and behavior.
Usage - A punctilious host tries to leave nothing to chance when preparing for guests.
Definition - Careful of and attentive to details, especially ones relating to good manners and behavior.
Usage - A punctilious host tries to leave nothing to chance when preparing for guests.
Saturday - June 26, 2010
paraphernalia [par-uh-fer-neyl-yuh] (noun)
Definition - Personal belongings.
Usage - We accumulated so much paraphernalia that the closets couldn't hold it all.
Definition - Personal belongings.
Usage - We accumulated so much paraphernalia that the closets couldn't hold it all.
Friday - June 25, 2010
odoriferous [oh-duh-rif-er-uhs] (adjective)
Definition - Having or giving off a smell.
Usage - Odoriferous fumes spewed from the truck's exhaust.
Definition - Having or giving off a smell.
Usage - Odoriferous fumes spewed from the truck's exhaust.
Thursday - June 24, 2010
meander [mee-an-der] (verb)
Definition - To follow a winding course.
Usage - The Mississippi River meanders from northern Minnesota to the Gulf of Mexico.
Definition - To follow a winding course.
Usage - The Mississippi River meanders from northern Minnesota to the Gulf of Mexico.
Wednesday - June 23, 2010
aromatic [ar-uh-mat-ik] (adj.)
Definition - having an aroma; fragrant or sweet-scented; odoriferous.
Usage - aromatic plants bestow no spicy fragrance while thay grow; but crushed, or trodden to the ground, diffuse their balmy sweets around. - Goldsmith
Definition - having an aroma; fragrant or sweet-scented; odoriferous.
Usage - aromatic plants bestow no spicy fragrance while thay grow; but crushed, or trodden to the ground, diffuse their balmy sweets around. - Goldsmith
Tuesday - June 22, 2010
hubbub [huhb-uhb] (noun)
Definition - Noisy confusion; uproar.
Usage - Fans thronged onto the field in a hubbub of excitment when the Boston Red Sox won the pennant.
Definition - Noisy confusion; uproar.
Usage - Fans thronged onto the field in a hubbub of excitment when the Boston Red Sox won the pennant.
Monday - June 21, 2010
extraneous [ik-strey-nee-uhs] (adjective)
Definition - Not necessary; irrelevant.
Usage - When you revise your written instructions, eliminate any extraneous details.
Definition - Not necessary; irrelevant.
Usage - When you revise your written instructions, eliminate any extraneous details.
Sunday - June 20, 2010
contend [kuhn-tend] (verb)
Definition - To struggle with.
Usage - Mail carriers sometimes have to content with bothersome dogs.
Definition - To struggle with.
Usage - Mail carriers sometimes have to content with bothersome dogs.
Saturday - June 19, 2010
camaraderie [kah-muh-rah-duh-ree] (noun)
Definition - Good will and warm feelings amoung friends.
Usage - A spirit of camaraderie filled the room where the group gathered for its high-school reunion
Definition - Good will and warm feelings amoung friends.
Usage - A spirit of camaraderie filled the room where the group gathered for its high-school reunion
Friday - June 18, 2010
adage [ad-ij] (noun)
Definition - An old saying that has come to be accepted as true; a proverb.
Usage - Preparing to move again, I comforted myself with the adage "A rolling stone gathers no moss."
Definition - An old saying that has come to be accepted as true; a proverb.
Usage - Preparing to move again, I comforted myself with the adage "A rolling stone gathers no moss."
Thursday - June 17, 2010
wanton [won-tn] (adjective)
Definition - Ignoring what is right.
Usage - In refusint to remove asbestos from the ceilings, the company showed a wanton disregard for its empl
Definition - Ignoring what is right.
Usage - In refusint to remove asbestos from the ceilings, the company showed a wanton disregard for its empl
Wednesday - June 16, 2010
subjugate [suhb-juh-geyt] (verb)
Definition - To bring under control; to conquer.
Usage - In the late eighteenth century, Russia subjugated the country of Georgia, in western Asia, and made
Definition - To bring under control; to conquer.
Usage - In the late eighteenth century, Russia subjugated the country of Georgia, in western Asia, and made
Tuesday - June 15, 2010
venerate [ven-uh-reyt] (verb)
Definition - To show great respect for.
Usage - Asian cultures venerate their ancestors long after they have died.
Definition - To show great respect for.
Usage - Asian cultures venerate their ancestors long after they have died.
Monday - June 14, 2010
stilted [stil-tid] (adjective)
Definition - Artificially stiff or formal in manner.
Usage - His stilted conversation reflected his unease at the gathering of artists in the gallery.
Definition - Artificially stiff or formal in manner.
Usage - His stilted conversation reflected his unease at the gathering of artists in the gallery.
Sunday - June 13, 2010
pensive [pen-siv] (adjective)
Definition - Deep in thought; dreamily thoughtful.
Usage - Lying on my back, I grew pensive as I watched the drifting summer clouds.
Definition - Deep in thought; dreamily thoughtful.
Usage - Lying on my back, I grew pensive as I watched the drifting summer clouds.
Saturday - June 12, 2010
lament [luh-ment] (verb)
Definition - To feel or express grief.
Usage - Uncountable mourners lined the streets to lamet the 1997 death of Diana, Princess of Whales.
Definition - To feel or express grief.
Usage - Uncountable mourners lined the streets to lamet the 1997 death of Diana, Princess of Whales.
Friday - June 11, 2010
implicate [im-pli-keyt] (verb)
Definition - To show to be involved with something, especially something dishonest or illegal.
Usage - The defence attorney insisted that her client could not be implicated in the theft.
Definition - To show to be involved with something, especially something dishonest or illegal.
Usage - The defence attorney insisted that her client could not be implicated in the theft.
Thursday - June 10, 2010
feckless [fek-lis] (adjective)
Definition - Careless of irresponsible
Usage - Pip's feckless ways in London left him devoid of cash.
Definition - Careless of irresponsible
Usage - Pip's feckless ways in London left him devoid of cash.
Wednesday - June 09, 2010
zenith [zee-nith] (noun)
Definition - The highest point; the peak.
Usage - Winning the Nobel Prize for Literature is, for some writers, the zenith of their career.
Definition - The highest point; the peak.
Usage - Winning the Nobel Prize for Literature is, for some writers, the zenith of their career.
Tuesday - June 08, 2010
traverse [truh-vurs] (verb)
Definition - To pass over, across, or through.
Usage - Route 66, which traverses the United States from Chicago to Los Angeles, is sometimes called "The Mo
Definition - To pass over, across, or through.
Usage - Route 66, which traverses the United States from Chicago to Los Angeles, is sometimes called "The Mo
Monday - June 07, 2010
torrid [tawr-id] (adjective)
Definition - Intensely hot of dry.
Usage - It was impossible to walk barefoot on the torrid desert sand.
Definition - Intensely hot of dry.
Usage - It was impossible to walk barefoot on the torrid desert sand.
Sunday - June 06, 2010
sustenance [suhs-tuh-nuhns] (noun)
Definition - Something that provides nourishment; food needed to live.
Usage - Roots and berries provided sustenance for the sailors when the storm forced them to abandon ship and
Definition - Something that provides nourishment; food needed to live.
Usage - Roots and berries provided sustenance for the sailors when the storm forced them to abandon ship and
Saturday - June 05, 2010
laggard [lag-erd] (noun)
Definition - One who falls behind others because of moving slowly or loitering; a straggler.
Usage - The laggards crossed the finish line long after the winner had broken the tape.
Definition - One who falls behind others because of moving slowly or loitering; a straggler.
Usage - The laggards crossed the finish line long after the winner had broken the tape.
Friday - June 04, 2010
limpid [lim-pid] (adjective)
Definition - Characterized by clearness, as of a pure liquid.
Usage - He had anticipated for months the start of fishing season, and so it was with keen enjoyment that he cast into the pure and limpid waters of the mountain stream.
Definition - Characterized by clearness, as of a pure liquid.
Usage - He had anticipated for months the start of fishing season, and so it was with keen enjoyment that he cast into the pure and limpid waters of the mountain stream.
Thursday - June 03, 2010
perjury [pur-juh-ree] (noun)
Definition - The willful giving of incomplete, deceptive, or false testimony in a legal document.
Usage - In 1950, a former State Department official was convicted of perjury for denying that he had attempted to pass United States military secrets to the Soviet Union.
Definition - The willful giving of incomplete, deceptive, or false testimony in a legal document.
Usage - In 1950, a former State Department official was convicted of perjury for denying that he had attempted to pass United States military secrets to the Soviet Union.
Wednesday - June 02, 2010
diffuse [di-fyooz] (adjective)
Definition - Characterized by the excessive use of words; long-winded.
Usage - His diffuse writing style bombarded us with words but left us groping for meaning.
Definition - Characterized by the excessive use of words; long-winded.
Usage - His diffuse writing style bombarded us with words but left us groping for meaning.
Tuesday - June 01, 2010
zealot [zel-uht] (noun)
Definition - A fanatically devoted or committed person; an immoderate partisan.
Usage - Because the king had become a target for terrorists and deranged zealots, Scotland Yard put into efect new security measures.
Definition - A fanatically devoted or committed person; an immoderate partisan.
Usage - Because the king had become a target for terrorists and deranged zealots, Scotland Yard put into efect new security measures.
Sunday - May 30, 2010
ubiquitous [yoo-bik-wi-tuhs] (adjective)
Definition - Appearing to be present in large numbers or in many different places.
Usage - Tourist with cameras are ubiquitous in Europe every summer.
Definition - Appearing to be present in large numbers or in many different places.
Usage - Tourist with cameras are ubiquitous in Europe every summer.
Saturday - May 29, 2010
pathos [pey-thos] (noun)
Definition - the quality or power in an actual life experience or in literature, music, speech, or other forms of
Usage - The poet spoke of the suffering of the people with a pathos that drew sighs and tears from many in his audience.
Definition - the quality or power in an actual life experience or in literature, music, speech, or other forms of
Usage - The poet spoke of the suffering of the people with a pathos that drew sighs and tears from many in his audience.
Friday - May 28, 2010
masticate [mas-ti-keyt] (verb)
Definition - To grind or crush with the teeth, to chew.
Usage - Since digestion begins in the mouth, children should be taught to masticate thoroughly each mouthful of food.
Definition - To grind or crush with the teeth, to chew.
Usage - Since digestion begins in the mouth, children should be taught to masticate thoroughly each mouthful of food.
Thursday - May 27, 2010
labyrinth [lab-uh-rinth] (noun)
Definition - an intricate combination of paths or passages in which it is difficult to find one's way or to reach
Usage - He was entagled in a labyrinth, formed by an incredible number of small islands.
Definition - an intricate combination of paths or passages in which it is difficult to find one's way or to reach
Usage - He was entagled in a labyrinth, formed by an incredible number of small islands.
Wednesday - May 26, 2010
ironic [ahy-ron-ik] (noun)
Definition - characterized by a manner of speaking in which words are used to convey the opposite of their litera
Usage - "Oh, that's just great!" he said. The ironic nature of his comment was not lost on me, for I had just run a red light on my way to my driving test.
Definition - characterized by a manner of speaking in which words are used to convey the opposite of their litera
Usage - "Oh, that's just great!" he said. The ironic nature of his comment was not lost on me, for I had just run a red light on my way to my driving test.
Tuesday - May 25, 2010
heresy [her-uh-see] (noun)
Definition - A belief or opinion at variance with established doctrine in religion or in other fields.
Usage - There were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresy, ever denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction.
Definition - A belief or opinion at variance with established doctrine in religion or in other fields.
Usage - There were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresy, ever denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction.
Monday - May 24, 2010
enigma [uh-nig-muh] (noun)
Definition - An obscure riddle or puzzle; a baffling situation or person.
Usage - I cannot forecast to you the action of Russia. It is a riddle wrapped in a mystery inside an enigma.
Definition - An obscure riddle or puzzle; a baffling situation or person.
Usage - I cannot forecast to you the action of Russia. It is a riddle wrapped in a mystery inside an enigma.
Sunday - May 23, 2010
despot [des-puht] (noun)
Definition - An absolute tyrannical ruler.
Usage - The lords of the realm feared an audience with the inscrutable oriental despot, because they know he held their very lives in his power.
Definition - An absolute tyrannical ruler.
Usage - The lords of the realm feared an audience with the inscrutable oriental despot, because they know he held their very lives in his power.
Saturday - May 22, 2010
dogma [dawg-muh] (noun)
Definition - That which is held as an opinion; a belief, principle, doctrine (sometimes imperiously or arrongantl
Usage - The dictator consistently proclaimed his political dogma on radio and television broadcasts.
Definition - That which is held as an opinion; a belief, principle, doctrine (sometimes imperiously or arrongantl
Usage - The dictator consistently proclaimed his political dogma on radio and television broadcasts.
Friday - May 21, 2010
blasphemy [blas-fuh-mee] (noun)
Definition - Profane speaking of God or of sacred things, any irrecerent act or utterance.
Usage - And he opened his mouth in blasphemy against God, to blaspheme His name, and His tabernacle, and them that dwell in heaven. - Rev. 13:6
Definition - Profane speaking of God or of sacred things, any irrecerent act or utterance.
Usage - And he opened his mouth in blasphemy against God, to blaspheme His name, and His tabernacle, and them that dwell in heaven. - Rev. 13:6
Thursday - May 20, 2010
austere [aw-steer] (adjective)
Definition - Having a stern look or manner; strict or servere in modes of living or acting.
Usage - Our visit with old Mr. Jenkins revealed him to be gentle and kind, not austere as we had supposed.
Definition - Having a stern look or manner; strict or servere in modes of living or acting.
Usage - Our visit with old Mr. Jenkins revealed him to be gentle and kind, not austere as we had supposed.
Wednesday - May 19, 2010
aromatic [ar-uh-mat-ik] (adjective)
Definition - Having a sweet, penetrating smell; spicy.
Usage - Aromatic plats bestow no spicy fragrance while they grow; but crushed, or trodden to the ground, diffuse their balmy sweets around. - Goldsmith
Definition - Having a sweet, penetrating smell; spicy.
Usage - Aromatic plats bestow no spicy fragrance while they grow; but crushed, or trodden to the ground, diffuse their balmy sweets around. - Goldsmith
Tuesday - May 18, 2010
ingenious [in-jeen-yuhs] (adjective)
Definition - Marked by imagination, resourcefulness, or cleverness.
Usage - Disposing of garbage by converting it into energy is an ingenious idea.
Definition - Marked by imagination, resourcefulness, or cleverness.
Usage - Disposing of garbage by converting it into energy is an ingenious idea.
Monday - May 17, 2010
propitiate [pruh-pish-ee-eyt] (verb)
Definition - to make favorably inclined; appease; conciliate.
Usage - Man cannot by good works propitiate a holy God.
Definition - to make favorably inclined; appease; conciliate.
Usage - Man cannot by good works propitiate a holy God.
Sunday - May 16, 2010
palpitate [pal-pi-teyt] (verb)
Definition - To quiver, flutter, or tremble; to beat quickly, said especially of the heart.
Usage - His heart palpitated with excitement as he was escorted to the Oval Office to meet with the President of the United States.
Definition - To quiver, flutter, or tremble; to beat quickly, said especially of the heart.
Usage - His heart palpitated with excitement as he was escorted to the Oval Office to meet with the President of the United States.
Saturday - May 15, 2010
palliate [pal-ee-eyt] (verb)
Definition - To cause (a fault or crime) to appear less serious; to ease the effects of something without curing.
Usage - They have endeavored to heighten the advantages, or palliate the evils of those forms. - James Madison
Definition - To cause (a fault or crime) to appear less serious; to ease the effects of something without curing.
Usage - They have endeavored to heighten the advantages, or palliate the evils of those forms. - James Madison
Friday - May 14, 2010
mitigate [mit-i-geyt] (verb)
Definition - To make or become less severe or painful; to moderate.
Usage - After the loss of his wife, Longfellow gave huimself to tanslating, which mitigated his sorrow.
Definition - To make or become less severe or painful; to moderate.
Usage - After the loss of his wife, Longfellow gave huimself to tanslating, which mitigated his sorrow.
Thursday - May 13, 2010
iterate [it-uh-reyt] (verb)
Definition - To say or mention again or repeatedly.
Usage - He iterated his financial advice often, especially to those who visited his bank.
Definition - To say or mention again or repeatedly.
Usage - He iterated his financial advice often, especially to those who visited his bank.
Wednesday - May 12, 2010
fluctuate [fluhk-choo-eyt] (verb)
Definition - To vary or change irregularly; to waver.
Usage - Stock prices continued to fluctuate wildly as investors jumped into and out of the market.
Definition - To vary or change irregularly; to waver.
Usage - Stock prices continued to fluctuate wildly as investors jumped into and out of the market.
Tuesday - May 11, 2010
haphazard [hap-haz-erd] (adjective)
Definition - Marked by lack of plan, order, or direction.
Usage - He described in humorous detail his haphazard travels around Europe.
Definition - Marked by lack of plan, order, or direction.
Usage - He described in humorous detail his haphazard travels around Europe.
Monday - May 10, 2010
encumber [en-kuhm-ber] (verb)
Definition - To weigh down or burden.
Usage - I strumbled through the terminal door, encumbered by my two heavy suitcases.
Definition - To weigh down or burden.
Usage - I strumbled through the terminal door, encumbered by my two heavy suitcases.
Sunday - May 09, 2010
deduce [di-doos] (verb)
Definition - To draw a conclusion from given facts.
Usage - Your carrying an umbrella leads me to deduce that you expect it to rain.
Definition - To draw a conclusion from given facts.
Usage - Your carrying an umbrella leads me to deduce that you expect it to rain.
Saturday - May 08, 2010
plumb [pluhm] (noun)
Definition - a small mass of lead or other heavy material, as that suspended by a line and used to measure the de
Usage - The lake was too deep for us to plumb
Definition - a small mass of lead or other heavy material, as that suspended by a line and used to measure the de
Usage - The lake was too deep for us to plumb
Friday - May 07, 2010
obligatory [uh-blig-uh-tawr-ee, ] (adjective )
Definition - required as a matter of obligation; mandatory
Usage - A reply is desirable but not obligatory.
Definition - required as a matter of obligation; mandatory
Usage - A reply is desirable but not obligatory.
Thursday - May 06, 2010
maxim [mak-sim] (noun)
Definition - an expression of a general truth or principle, esp. an aphoristic or sententious one: the maxims of
Usage - Remember the maxim "Haste makes waste " and slow down.
Definition - an expression of a general truth or principle, esp. an aphoristic or sententious one: the maxims of
Usage - Remember the maxim "Haste makes waste " and slow down.
Wednesday - May 05, 2010
intermittent [in-ter-mit-nt] (adjective)
Definition - Not continuouse; happening at intervals.
Usage - Showers were intermittent throughout the day, although the forecast had promised sunshine.
Definition - Not continuouse; happening at intervals.
Usage - Showers were intermittent throughout the day, although the forecast had promised sunshine.
Tuesday - May 04, 2010
incontrovertible [in-kon-truh-vur-tuh-buhl] (adjective)
Definition - Impossible to dispute; unquestionable.
Usage - The statement that carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere are increasing is incontrovertible.
Definition - Impossible to dispute; unquestionable.
Usage - The statement that carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere are increasing is incontrovertible.
Monday - May 03, 2010
array [uh-rey] (verb)
Definition - A large group of people or things.
Usage - The ship's cabin contained an array of charts and maps.
Definition - A large group of people or things.
Usage - The ship's cabin contained an array of charts and maps.
Sunday - May 02, 2010
Extol [ik-stohl] (verb)
Definition - To praise highly.
Usage - The Scout leader extolled the virtues of truth and honor.
Definition - To praise highly.
Usage - The Scout leader extolled the virtues of truth and honor.
Saturday - May 01, 2010
flamboyant [flam-boi-uh nt] (adjective)
Definition - Excessively showy; unrestrained
Usage - My conservative aunt considered his brightly colored, boldly patterned necktie too flamboyant.
Definition - Excessively showy; unrestrained
Usage - My conservative aunt considered his brightly colored, boldly patterned necktie too flamboyant.
Friday - April 30, 2010
detract [di-trakt] (verb)
Definition - To take away, especially from the value, beauty, or importance of.
Usage - The addition of a modern family room detracted from the cozy style of the bungalow.
Definition - To take away, especially from the value, beauty, or importance of.
Usage - The addition of a modern family room detracted from the cozy style of the bungalow.
Thursday - April 29, 2010
destitute [des-ti-toot] (adjective)
Definition - Lacking; devoid of.
Usage - Staring at the blank sheet of paper, I found myself destitute of ideas.
Definition - Lacking; devoid of.
Usage - Staring at the blank sheet of paper, I found myself destitute of ideas.
Wednesday - April 28, 2010
execrate [ek-si-kreyt] (verb)
Definition - to detest utterly; abhor; abominate. to curse.
Usage - Christ execrate the Pharisees because they place more inportance on the outward appearance than on the inward, heart condition.
Definition - to detest utterly; abhor; abominate. to curse.
Usage - Christ execrate the Pharisees because they place more inportance on the outward appearance than on the inward, heart condition.
Tuesday - April 27, 2010
emaciate [i-mey-shee-eyt] (verb)
Definition - to make abnormally lean or thin by a gradual wasting away of flesh.
Usage - Long years of imprisonment emaciated Dr. Manette's body and enfeebled is mind.
Definition - to make abnormally lean or thin by a gradual wasting away of flesh.
Usage - Long years of imprisonment emaciated Dr. Manette's body and enfeebled is mind.
Monday - April 26, 2010
annihilate [uh-nahy-uh-leyt] (verb)
Definition - to reduce to utter ruin or nonexistence; destroy utterly:
Usage - God can no more be the author of evil, than He can annihilate Himself, and cease to be. - Defoe
Definition - to reduce to utter ruin or nonexistence; destroy utterly:
Usage - God can no more be the author of evil, than He can annihilate Himself, and cease to be. - Defoe
Sunday - April 25, 2010
adulate [aj-uh-leyt] (verb)
Definition - To flatter in a servile manner.
Usage - To adulate one's superior in order to attain advancement is contemptible.
Definition - To flatter in a servile manner.
Usage - To adulate one's superior in order to attain advancement is contemptible.
Saturday - April 24, 2010
occult [uh-kuhlt] (adjective)
Definition - of or pertaining to magic or supernatural.
Usage - Christians should not delve into occult literature, but rather should remain simple concerning evil.
Definition - of or pertaining to magic or supernatural.
Usage - Christians should not delve into occult literature, but rather should remain simple concerning evil.
Friday - April 23, 2010
obsequious [uhb-see-kwee-uhs] (adjective)
Definition - obedient; dutiful.
Usage - On our trip to Egypt, we soon learned that the obsequious camel drivers were professional beggars.
Definition - obedient; dutiful.
Usage - On our trip to Egypt, we soon learned that the obsequious camel drivers were professional beggars.
Thursday - April 22, 2010
obese [oh-bees] (adjective)
Definition - very fat.
Usage - In circuses, an obese woman is traditionally cast with a tall, thin man.
Definition - very fat.
Usage - In circuses, an obese woman is traditionally cast with a tall, thin man.
Wednesday - April 21, 2010
nonchalant [non-shuh-lahnt] (adjective)
Definition - coolly unconcerned, indifferent, or unexcited; casual
Usage - An appreciation of the great costs of liberty should help to reform the unpatriotic, nonchalant demeanor of many as they sing our national anthem.
Definition - coolly unconcerned, indifferent, or unexcited; casual
Usage - An appreciation of the great costs of liberty should help to reform the unpatriotic, nonchalant demeanor of many as they sing our national anthem.
Tuesday - April 20, 2010
inexorable [in-ek-ser-uh-buhl] (adjective)
Definition - unyielding; unalterable: not to be persuaded, moved, or affected by prayers or entreaties
Usage - He slowly yielded to the inexorable pressure of his opponent's flawless logic.
Definition - unyielding; unalterable: not to be persuaded, moved, or affected by prayers or entreaties
Usage - He slowly yielded to the inexorable pressure of his opponent's flawless logic.
Monday - April 19, 2010
inert [in-urt] (adjective)
Definition - Lacking power or inclination to move or act; sluggish; idolent.
Usage - My inert brother sat on the couch staring into the television while the rest of us cleaned the house.
Definition - Lacking power or inclination to move or act; sluggish; idolent.
Usage - My inert brother sat on the couch staring into the television while the rest of us cleaned the house.
Sunday - April 18, 2010
guttural [guht-er-uhl] (adjective)
Definition - Sounded in the throat; hence, harsh, grating, or rasping.
Usage - A guttural growl apprised the hunter of the nearness of his prey.
Definition - Sounded in the throat; hence, harsh, grating, or rasping.
Usage - A guttural growl apprised the hunter of the nearness of his prey.
Saturday - April 17, 2010
exemplary [ig-zem-pluh-ree] (adjective)
Definition - Worthy of imitation; fit to serve as a model or example.
Usage - The exemplary art of the Greeks had never been surpassed by modern-daysculptors.
Definition - Worthy of imitation; fit to serve as a model or example.
Usage - The exemplary art of the Greeks had never been surpassed by modern-daysculptors.
Friday - April 16, 2010
bewail [bi-weyl] (verb)
Definition - To express deep regret or sorrow over.
Usage - Many football fans bewailed the replacement of real grass by AstroTurf when the new stadium was built.
Definition - To express deep regret or sorrow over.
Usage - Many football fans bewailed the replacement of real grass by AstroTurf when the new stadium was built.
Thursday - April 15, 2010
ecclesiastical [i-klee-zee-as-ti-kuhl] (adjective)
Definition - Of or pertaining to a church.
Usage - Fundementalists affirm ecclesiastical seperation from modernism, as well as personal separation from the world.
Definition - Of or pertaining to a church.
Usage - Fundementalists affirm ecclesiastical seperation from modernism, as well as personal separation from the world.
Wednesday - April 14, 2010
culinary [kyoo-luh-ner-ee] (adjective)
Definition - Of or pertaing to the kitchen or cookery
Usage - The brides's first meal may not been perfect, but her husband declared it a culinary delight.
Definition - Of or pertaing to the kitchen or cookery
Usage - The brides's first meal may not been perfect, but her husband declared it a culinary delight.
Tuesday - April 13, 2010
celestial [suh-les-chuhl] (adjective)
Definition - Of or pertaining to the sky or the material heavens.
Usage - In science class today, we studied about the sun and other celestial bodies.
Definition - Of or pertaining to the sky or the material heavens.
Usage - In science class today, we studied about the sun and other celestial bodies.
Monday - April 12, 2010
inveigle [in-vey-guhl] (verb)
Definition - To lead astray or win over by guile or flattery.
Usage - Beware of the automobile salesman who tries to inveigle you into buying many unneeded accessories.
Definition - To lead astray or win over by guile or flattery.
Usage - Beware of the automobile salesman who tries to inveigle you into buying many unneeded accessories.
Sunday - April 11, 2010
foment [foh-ment] (verb)
Definition - To keep people or conditions agitated; to stir up or stimulate, especially in a bad sence.
Usage - He was a despicable man, always eager to foment fear and discord among the people.
Definition - To keep people or conditions agitated; to stir up or stimulate, especially in a bad sence.
Usage - He was a despicable man, always eager to foment fear and discord among the people.
Saturday - April 10, 2010
feign [feyn] (verb)
Definition - To put on or give a false appearance of; to fabricate.
Usage - They feign penitence, but behind my back I know they call me a toothless old ape. - Kipling
Definition - To put on or give a false appearance of; to fabricate.
Usage - They feign penitence, but behind my back I know they call me a toothless old ape. - Kipling
Friday - April 09, 2010
enamor [i-nam-er] (verb)
Definition - To inflame with love; to charm, fascinate.
Usage - Because he was greatly enamored of Juliet, Romeo braved all adversaries to win her love.
Definition - To inflame with love; to charm, fascinate.
Usage - Because he was greatly enamored of Juliet, Romeo braved all adversaries to win her love.
Thursday - April 08, 2010
embellish [em-bel-ish] (verb)
Definition - to enhance (a statement or narrative) with fictitious additions.
Usage - By adding original artwork to the page margins, William Blake embellished each volume of his poetry.
Definition - to enhance (a statement or narrative) with fictitious additions.
Usage - By adding original artwork to the page margins, William Blake embellished each volume of his poetry.
Wednesday - April 07, 2010
divulge [di-vuhlj] (verb)
Definition - To reveal a secret; to make known.
Usage - Portia gave herself a "voluntary wound . . . in the thigh" to prove to her husband Brutus that she could stand any pain, and therefore would not divulge any of his secrets.
Definition - To reveal a secret; to make known.
Usage - Portia gave herself a "voluntary wound . . . in the thigh" to prove to her husband Brutus that she could stand any pain, and therefore would not divulge any of his secrets.
Tuesday - April 06, 2010
corrode [kuh-rohd] (verb)
Definition - To eat away gradually, as by chemical action.
Usage - Iron and steel corrode simply by being in contact with oxygen.
Definition - To eat away gradually, as by chemical action.
Usage - Iron and steel corrode simply by being in contact with oxygen.
Monday - April 05, 2010
condole [kuhn-dohl] (verb)
Definition - To express sympathy with another in his affliction; to grive with.
Usage - When our neighbor's house burned, we condoled with him and offered to let him stay with us until he found a new house.
Definition - To express sympathy with another in his affliction; to grive with.
Usage - When our neighbor's house burned, we condoled with him and offered to let him stay with us until he found a new house.
Sunday - April 04, 2010
censure [sen-sher] (verb)
Definition - To express disapproval or condemnation.
Usage - The senator was censured for violating congressional standards of conduct.
Definition - To express disapproval or condemnation.
Usage - The senator was censured for violating congressional standards of conduct.
Friday - April 02, 2010
appease [uh-peez] (verb)
Definition - To bring peace, often by satisfying demands
Usage - Neville Chamberlain of Great Britain blundered tragically when he attempted to appease the Nazis.
Definition - To bring peace, often by satisfying demands
Usage - Neville Chamberlain of Great Britain blundered tragically when he attempted to appease the Nazis.
Thursday - April 01, 2010
abate [uh-beyt] (verb)
Definition - To lessen in force or intensity.
Usage - Do not expect the attacks of Satan to abate as we draw toward the close of the church age.
Definition - To lessen in force or intensity.
Usage - Do not expect the attacks of Satan to abate as we draw toward the close of the church age.
Wednesday - March 31, 2010
contrition [kuhn-trish-uhn] (noun)
Definition - Sincere sorrow for sin.
Usage - Peter wept tears of contrition after he had denied his Lord.
Definition - Sincere sorrow for sin.
Usage - Peter wept tears of contrition after he had denied his Lord.
Tuesday - March 30, 2010
contingent [kuhn-tin-juhnt] (adjective)
Definition - dependent for existence, occurrence, character, etc., on something not yet certain; conditional
Usage - War is contingent; even dictatorship is contingent. Both depend on . . . ignorance. - Ezra Pound
Definition - dependent for existence, occurrence, character, etc., on something not yet certain; conditional
Usage - War is contingent; even dictatorship is contingent. Both depend on . . . ignorance. - Ezra Pound
Monday - March 29, 2010
contention [kuhn-ten-shuhn] (noun)
Definition - A striving together in opposition, especially in verbal controvery.
Usage - A fool's lips enter into contention. - Proverbs 18:6
Definition - A striving together in opposition, especially in verbal controvery.
Usage - A fool's lips enter into contention. - Proverbs 18:6
Sunday - March 28, 2010
consummation [kon-suh-mey-shuhn] (noun)
Definition - completion, perfection
Usage - The time . . . of the general consummation of all things is left uncertain. - Sandys
Definition - completion, perfection
Usage - The time . . . of the general consummation of all things is left uncertain. - Sandys
Saturday - March 27, 2010
condescend [kon-duh-send] (verb)
Definition - To come down voluntarily to the level of inferiors.
Usage - We think he is too good a man to condescend to deliberate misrepresentation.
Definition - To come down voluntarily to the level of inferiors.
Usage - We think he is too good a man to condescend to deliberate misrepresentation.
Friday - March 26, 2010
concurrent [kuhn-kur-uhnt] (adjective)
Definition - occurring or existing simultaneously or side by side: concurrent attacks by land, sea, and air.
Usage - The Germans launched a well-prepared full-scale invasion of southern Norway with the concurrent occupation of Trondheim and Narvik. - Times Literary Supplement
Definition - occurring or existing simultaneously or side by side: concurrent attacks by land, sea, and air.
Usage - The Germans launched a well-prepared full-scale invasion of southern Norway with the concurrent occupation of Trondheim and Narvik. - Times Literary Supplement
Thursday - March 25, 2010
compunction [kuhm-puhngk-shuhn] (noun)
Definition - a feeling of uneasiness or anxiety of the conscience caused by regret for doing wrong or causing pai
Usage - When a person gives heed to false teachings his conscience becomes insensitive and he sins without compunction.
Definition - a feeling of uneasiness or anxiety of the conscience caused by regret for doing wrong or causing pai
Usage - When a person gives heed to false teachings his conscience becomes insensitive and he sins without compunction.
Wednesday - March 24, 2010
complacent [kuhm-pley-suhnt] (adjective)
Definition - Feeling or showing satisfaction; self-satisfied
Usage - Many will agree that the world is in bad shape, but they will usually remain complacent unless some problem touches them.
Definition - Feeling or showing satisfaction; self-satisfied
Usage - Many will agree that the world is in bad shape, but they will usually remain complacent unless some problem touches them.
Tuesday - March 23, 2010
compatible [kuhm-pat-uh-buhl] (adjective)
Definition - Capable of existing together.
Usage - Truth and error are not compatible: when truth is mixed with error, truth ceases to be truth.
Definition - Capable of existing together.
Usage - Truth and error are not compatible: when truth is mixed with error, truth ceases to be truth.
Monday - March 22, 2010
commiserate [kuh-miz-uh-reyt] (verb)
Definition - to feel or express sorrow or sympathy for; empathize with; pity
Usage - Job's friends gathered around to commiserate with him but turned out to be miserable comforters.
Definition - to feel or express sorrow or sympathy for; empathize with; pity
Usage - Job's friends gathered around to commiserate with him but turned out to be miserable comforters.
Sunday - March 21, 2010
collateral [kuh-lat-er-uhl] (adjective)
Definition - security pledged for the payment of a loan
Usage - "The Rocky Mountains . . . occur . . . singly or in groups, and occasionally in collateral ridges." -Irving
Definition - security pledged for the payment of a loan
Usage - "The Rocky Mountains . . . occur . . . singly or in groups, and occasionally in collateral ridges." -Irving
Saturday - March 20, 2010
ascendancy [uh-sen-duhn-see] (noun)
Definition - Controlling influence; domination.
Usage - The ascendacy of the United States as a world power coincided with the decline of the Britsh Empire.
Definition - Controlling influence; domination.
Usage - The ascendacy of the United States as a world power coincided with the decline of the Britsh Empire.
Tuesday - March 16, 2010
cogent [koh-juhnt] (adjective)
Definition - Having power to compel assent or belief
Usage - There are many cogent arguments against drinking alcohol, and none for it.
Definition - Having power to compel assent or belief
Usage - There are many cogent arguments against drinking alcohol, and none for it.
Monday - March 15, 2010
vouchsafe [vouch-safe] (verb)
Definition - To grant or bestow in a graious or condescending manner; permit.
Usage - If your lordship would vouchsafe an answer, I will return immediately to the king with your reply.
Definition - To grant or bestow in a graious or condescending manner; permit.
Usage - If your lordship would vouchsafe an answer, I will return immediately to the king with your reply.
Sunday - March 14, 2010
slough [sluhf] (verb)
Definition - to be or become shed or cast off
Usage - He sloughed off all the verbal attacks with a mere shrug of his shoulders.
Definition - to be or become shed or cast off
Usage - He sloughed off all the verbal attacks with a mere shrug of his shoulders.
Saturday - March 13, 2010
qualm [kwahm] (noun)
Definition - A feeling of doubt, fear, or uneasiness; a pang of conscience.
Usage - The small girl had no qualms about riding the spirited horse: she appeared to be totally fearless.
Definition - A feeling of doubt, fear, or uneasiness; a pang of conscience.
Usage - The small girl had no qualms about riding the spirited horse: she appeared to be totally fearless.
Friday - March 12, 2010
quail [kweyl] (verb)
Definition - to lose heart or courage in difficulty or danger; shrink with fear.
Usage - The mender of roads, his courage gone, quailed under the relentless gaze of Madame Defarge.
Definition - to lose heart or courage in difficulty or danger; shrink with fear.
Usage - The mender of roads, his courage gone, quailed under the relentless gaze of Madame Defarge.
Thursday - March 11, 2010
lithe [lahyth] (adjective)
Definition - Easily or gracefully bent; pliant
Usage - Kicking out and swinging wildly, I rode the lithe birch trees to the ground.
Definition - Easily or gracefully bent; pliant
Usage - Kicking out and swinging wildly, I rode the lithe birch trees to the ground.
Wednesday - March 10, 2010
harbinger [hahr-bin-jer] (noun)
Definition - a person who goes ahead and makes known the approach of another; herald.
Usage - "Now the bright morning star, day's harbinger, comes dancing from the east and leads with her the flowery May." - Milton
Definition - a person who goes ahead and makes known the approach of another; herald.
Usage - "Now the bright morning star, day's harbinger, comes dancing from the east and leads with her the flowery May." - Milton
Tuesday - March 09, 2010
dotage [doh-tij] (noun)
Definition - a decline of mental faculties, esp. as associated with old age; senility.
Usage - Dryden praised Ben Johnson as a "most learned and judicious writer," but he also criticized Johnson's last plays as unfortunate products of the writer's dotage.
Definition - a decline of mental faculties, esp. as associated with old age; senility.
Usage - Dryden praised Ben Johnson as a "most learned and judicious writer," but he also criticized Johnson's last plays as unfortunate products of the writer's dotage.
Monday - March 08, 2010
dastardly [das-terd-lee] (adjective)
Definition - cowardly; meanly base; sneaking: a dastardly act.
Usage - "The slanders of an avowed antagonist are seldom so mean and dastardly as those of a traitor." -Spurgeon
Definition - cowardly; meanly base; sneaking: a dastardly act.
Usage - "The slanders of an avowed antagonist are seldom so mean and dastardly as those of a traitor." -Spurgeon
Sunday - March 07, 2010
alacrity [uh-lak-ri-tee] (noun )
Definition - cheerful readiness, promptness, or willingness: We accepted the invitation with alacrity.
Usage - The seller of the classic car accepted my first offer with such alacrity that I
Definition - cheerful readiness, promptness, or willingness: We accepted the invitation with alacrity.
Usage - The seller of the classic car accepted my first offer with such alacrity that I
Thursday - March 04, 2010
alleviate [uh-lee-vee-eyt] (verb)
Definition - To make easier to endure; lessen; mitigate.
Usage - For the Christian, when a loved one dies,the blessed hope of the resurrection alleviates the sorrow.
Definition - To make easier to endure; lessen; mitigate.
Usage - For the Christian, when a loved one dies,the blessed hope of the resurrection alleviates the sorrow.
Wednesday - March 03, 2010
benighted [bi-nahy-tid] (adjective)
Definition - Involved in intellectual or moral darkness
Usage - It is interesting that foreign countries are sending missionaries to win the benighted heathen in the United States.
Definition - Involved in intellectual or moral darkness
Usage - It is interesting that foreign countries are sending missionaries to win the benighted heathen in the United States.
Tuesday - March 02, 2010
balk [bawk] (verb)
Definition - To stop, as at an obstacle, and refuse to proceed or to do something specified.
Usage - The rider's horse balked at the last barrier and threw the unfortunate fellow headlong.
Definition - To stop, as at an obstacle, and refuse to proceed or to do something specified.
Usage - The rider's horse balked at the last barrier and threw the unfortunate fellow headlong.
Monday - March 01, 2010
askance [uh-skans] (adverb)
Definition - With a side glance; with a look of mistrust, jealousy, or disapproval.
Usage - "Judas is at once distinguished, looking askance with a wicked sneer on his face." - Jameson
Definition - With a side glance; with a look of mistrust, jealousy, or disapproval.
Usage - "Judas is at once distinguished, looking askance with a wicked sneer on his face." - Jameson
Sunday - February 28, 2010
sedate [si-deyt] (adjective)
Definition - calm, quiet, or composed; undisturbed by passion or excitement.
Usage - The usually sedate Mr. Higgins lost his composure when his long-hidden crime was suddenly discovered.
Definition - calm, quiet, or composed; undisturbed by passion or excitement.
Usage - The usually sedate Mr. Higgins lost his composure when his long-hidden crime was suddenly discovered.
Saturday - February 27, 2010
munificent [myoo-nif-uh-suhnt] (adjective)
Definition - extremely liberal in giving; very generous.
Usage - Caesar had been most munificent to his soldiers. He had doubled their ordinary pay.
Definition - extremely liberal in giving; very generous.
Usage - Caesar had been most munificent to his soldiers. He had doubled their ordinary pay.
Thursday - February 25, 2010
profusion [pruh-fyoo-zhuhn] (noun)
Definition - abundance; abundant quantity. lavish spending; extravagance.
Usage - Wheat grows in such profusion in America that the wheat farmers have huge surpluses to sell to other countries.
Definition - abundance; abundant quantity. lavish spending; extravagance.
Usage - Wheat grows in such profusion in America that the wheat farmers have huge surpluses to sell to other countries.
Wednesday - February 24, 2010
fortitude [fawr-ti-tood, -tyood] (noun)
Definition - mental and emotional strength in facing difficulty, adversity, danger, or temptation courageously:
Usage - The Biblical injunction to "be strong and of a good courage" exhorts us to exercise godly fortitude.
Definition - mental and emotional strength in facing difficulty, adversity, danger, or temptation courageously:
Usage - The Biblical injunction to "be strong and of a good courage" exhorts us to exercise godly fortitude.
Tuesday - February 23, 2010
vagabond [vag-uh-bond] (noun)
Definition - wandering from place to place without any settled home; nomadic:
Usage - He spent a few years as a vagabond before settling down.
Definition - wandering from place to place without any settled home; nomadic:
Usage - He spent a few years as a vagabond before settling down.
Monday - February 22, 2010
foray [for-ey] (verb)
Definition - A quick raid, usually for the purpose of taking plunder
Usage - His pirates had forayed a nearby village and now were fighting their way back to the beach.
Definition - A quick raid, usually for the purpose of taking plunder
Usage - His pirates had forayed a nearby village and now were fighting their way back to the beach.
Saturday - February 20, 2010
prevaricate [pri-var-i-keyt] (verb)
Definition - to speak falsely or misleadingly; deliberately misstate or create an incorrect impression; lie.
Usage - He continued to prevaricate about the accident.
Definition - to speak falsely or misleadingly; deliberately misstate or create an incorrect impression; lie.
Usage - He continued to prevaricate about the accident.
Friday - February 19, 2010
misanthropic [mis-uhn-throp-ik] (adj.)
Definition - Of or pertaining to one who hates or distrusts mankind.
Usage - Jonathan Swift, the misanthropic auther of Gulliver's Travels, said that he hated mankind, but loved men as idividuals.
Definition - Of or pertaining to one who hates or distrusts mankind.
Usage - Jonathan Swift, the misanthropic auther of Gulliver's Travels, said that he hated mankind, but loved men as idividuals.
Thursday - February 18, 2010
holocaust [hol-uh-kawst] (noun)
Definition - A great or complete devastation or destruction, especially by fire.
Usage - During the great fire of London, many people threw themselves into the Thames River in an attempt to escape the raging holocaust.
Definition - A great or complete devastation or destruction, especially by fire.
Usage - During the great fire of London, many people threw themselves into the Thames River in an attempt to escape the raging holocaust.
Wednesday - February 17, 2010
epigram [ep-i-gram] (noun)
Definition - A concise, witty saying.
Usage - "To err is human, to forgive divine" is one of many epigrams writtenby Alexander Pope.
Definition - A concise, witty saying.
Usage - "To err is human, to forgive divine" is one of many epigrams writtenby Alexander Pope.
Tuesday - February 16, 2010
dilemma [di-lem-uh] (noun)
Definition - A situation requiring a choice between equally undesirable alternatives.
Usage - They were in the dilemma of either violating the constitution or losing a golden opportunity.
Definition - A situation requiring a choice between equally undesirable alternatives.
Usage - They were in the dilemma of either violating the constitution or losing a golden opportunity.
Monday - February 15, 2010
sardonic [sahr-don-ik] (adjective )
Definition - Showing scornful mockery or cynical derision.
Usage - A sardonic smile twisted Casca's face as he spoke contemptuously of Julius Caesar.
Definition - Showing scornful mockery or cynical derision.
Usage - A sardonic smile twisted Casca's face as he spoke contemptuously of Julius Caesar.
Sunday - February 14, 2010
cosmos [koz-muhs] (noun)
Definition - The world or universe regarded as an orderly, harmonious system.
Usage - Those who claim to see no order in the cosmos have their eyes closed.
Definition - The world or universe regarded as an orderly, harmonious system.
Usage - Those who claim to see no order in the cosmos have their eyes closed.
Saturday - February 13, 2010
portentous [pawr-ten-tuhs] (adjective)
Definition - Indicating something ominous or calamitous about to happen; exciting wonder and awe.
Usage - Such a portentous and mysterious monster roused all my curiosity.
Definition - Indicating something ominous or calamitous about to happen; exciting wonder and awe.
Usage - Such a portentous and mysterious monster roused all my curiosity.
Friday - February 12, 2010
profusion [pruh-fyoo-zhuhn] (noun)
Definition - abundance; abundant quantity.
Usage - Wheat grows in such profusion in America that the wheat farmers have huge surpluses to sell to other countries.
Definition - abundance; abundant quantity.
Usage - Wheat grows in such profusion in America that the wheat farmers have huge surpluses to sell to other countries.
Thursday - February 11, 2010
jocular [jok-yuh-ler] (adjective )
Definition - Characterized by joking; spoken or done in jest.
Usage - The watercolor lesson enlivened by the jocular conversation of the kindly, humorous old man was always great fun.
Definition - Characterized by joking; spoken or done in jest.
Usage - The watercolor lesson enlivened by the jocular conversation of the kindly, humorous old man was always great fun.
Wednesday - February 10, 2010
efficacy [ef-i-kuh-see] (noun)
Definition - Power or capacity to produce effects.
Usage - As the efficacy of his potion waned, Dr. Jekyll found it impossible to suppress the raging Mr. Hyde.
Definition - Power or capacity to produce effects.
Usage - As the efficacy of his potion waned, Dr. Jekyll found it impossible to suppress the raging Mr. Hyde.
Tuesday - February 09, 2010
palpitate [pal-pi-teyt] (verb)
Definition - To quiver, flutter, or tremble; to beat quickly, said especially of heart.
Usage - His heart palpitated with excitement as he was escorted to the Oval Office to meet with the President of the United States.
Definition - To quiver, flutter, or tremble; to beat quickly, said especially of heart.
Usage - His heart palpitated with excitement as he was escorted to the Oval Office to meet with the President of the United States.
Monday - February 08, 2010
propitiate [pruh-pish-ee-eyt] (adjective)
Definition - To conciliate a power; to cause to be favorably inclined.
Usage - Man cannot by good works propitiate a holy God.
Definition - To conciliate a power; to cause to be favorably inclined.
Usage - Man cannot by good works propitiate a holy God.
Saturday - February 06, 2010
mitigate [mit-i-geyt] (verb)
Definition - To make or become less severe or painful; to moderate.
Usage - after the loss of his wife, Longfellow gave himself to translating, which mitigated his sorrow.
Definition - To make or become less severe or painful; to moderate.
Usage - after the loss of his wife, Longfellow gave himself to translating, which mitigated his sorrow.
Friday - February 05, 2010
iterate [it-uh-reyt] (verb)
Definition - To say or mention again or repeatedly.
Usage - He iterated his financial advice often, especially to those who visited his bank.
Definition - To say or mention again or repeatedly.
Usage - He iterated his financial advice often, especially to those who visited his bank.
Thursday - February 04, 2010
fluctuate [fluhk-choo-eyt] (verb)
Definition - To vary or change irregularly; to waver.
Usage - Stock prices continued to fluctuate wildly as investors jumped into and out of the market.
Definition - To vary or change irregularly; to waver.
Usage - Stock prices continued to fluctuate wildly as investors jumped into and out of the market.
Wednesday - February 03, 2010
execrate [ek-si-kreyt] (verb)
Definition - To curse or denounce violently; to detest utterly.
Usage - Christ execrated the Pharisees because they placed more importance on the outward appearance than on the inward, heart condition.
Definition - To curse or denounce violently; to detest utterly.
Usage - Christ execrated the Pharisees because they placed more importance on the outward appearance than on the inward, heart condition.
Tuesday - February 02, 2010
emaciate [i-mey-shee-eyt] (verb)
Definition - To become or cause to become abnormally thin, as by starvation or sickness.
Usage - Long years of imprisonment emaciated Dr. Manette's body and enfeebled his mind.
Definition - To become or cause to become abnormally thin, as by starvation or sickness.
Usage - Long years of imprisonment emaciated Dr. Manette's body and enfeebled his mind.
Monday - February 01, 2010
palliate [pal-ee-eyt] (verb)
Definition - to relieve or lessen without curing; mitigate; alleviate.
Usage - They have endeavored to heighten the advantages, or palliate the evils of those forms. - James Madison
Definition - to relieve or lessen without curing; mitigate; alleviate.
Usage - They have endeavored to heighten the advantages, or palliate the evils of those forms. - James Madison
Sunday - January 31, 2010
adulate [aj-uh-leyt] (verb)
Definition - To flatter in a servile manner.
Usage - To adulate one's superior in order to attain advancement is contemptible.
Definition - To flatter in a servile manner.
Usage - To adulate one's superior in order to attain advancement is contemptible.
Saturday - January 30, 2010
accelerate [ak-sel-uh-reyt] (verb)
Definition - To increase the rate of movement, growth, or progress or something.
Usage - One can accelerate the growth of a plant by using fertilizer.
Definition - To increase the rate of movement, growth, or progress or something.
Usage - One can accelerate the growth of a plant by using fertilizer.
Friday - January 29, 2010
occult [uh-kuhlt] (adj.)
Definition - Pretaining to the supernatural or magical.
Usage - Christians should not delve into occult literature, but rather should remain simple concerning evil.
Definition - Pretaining to the supernatural or magical.
Usage - Christians should not delve into occult literature, but rather should remain simple concerning evil.
Thursday - January 28, 2010
obsequious [uhb-see-kwee-uhs] (adj.)
Definition - Servilely obedient or submissive; fawning.
Usage - On our trip to Egypt, we soon learned that the obsequious camel drivers were professional beggars.
Definition - Servilely obedient or submissive; fawning.
Usage - On our trip to Egypt, we soon learned that the obsequious camel drivers were professional beggars.
Wednesday - January 27, 2010
nonchalant [non-shuh-lahnt] (adjective)
Definition - Exhibiting casual unconcern or lack of interest; indifferent.
Usage - An appreciation of great costs of liberty should help to reform the unpatriotic, nonchalant demeanor of many as they sing our national anthem.
Definition - Exhibiting casual unconcern or lack of interest; indifferent.
Usage - An appreciation of great costs of liberty should help to reform the unpatriotic, nonchalant demeanor of many as they sing our national anthem.
Tuesday - January 26, 2010
inexorable [in-ek-ser-uh-buhl] (adjective)
Definition - Unmoved by persuasion or entreaty; unyielding; relentless.
Usage - He slowly yielded to the inexorable pressure of his opponent's flawless logic.
Definition - Unmoved by persuasion or entreaty; unyielding; relentless.
Usage - He slowly yielded to the inexorable pressure of his opponent's flawless logic.
Monday - January 25, 2010
inert [in-urt] (adjective)
Definition - Having no inherent power of action.
Usage - My inert brother sat on the couch staring into the television while the rest of us cleaned the house.
Definition - Having no inherent power of action.
Usage - My inert brother sat on the couch staring into the television while the rest of us cleaned the house.
Sunday - January 24, 2010
inadvertent [in-uhd-vur-tnt] (adjective)
Definition - Not properly attentive; accidental, unintentional.
Usage - During World War II, Americans were warned to avoid inadvertent remarks that could jeopardize the safety of our fighting men.
Definition - Not properly attentive; accidental, unintentional.
Usage - During World War II, Americans were warned to avoid inadvertent remarks that could jeopardize the safety of our fighting men.
Saturday - January 23, 2010
disconsolate [dis-kon-suh-lit] (adjective)
Definition - Inconsolable; hopelessly sad.
Usage - A faint disconsolate cry greeted the rescuers at all collapsed mine shaft when they finally cleared away the last bit of debris.
Definition - Inconsolable; hopelessly sad.
Usage - A faint disconsolate cry greeted the rescuers at all collapsed mine shaft when they finally cleared away the last bit of debris.
Friday - January 22, 2010
diminution [dim-uh-noo-shuhn] (noun)
Definition - A decrease, lessening, diminishing.
Usage - A diminution of funds in no way slowed the city's plans for refurbishing the downtown waterfront.
Definition - A decrease, lessening, diminishing.
Usage - A diminution of funds in no way slowed the city's plans for refurbishing the downtown waterfront.
Thursday - January 21, 2010
derelict [der-uh-likt] (adjective)
Definition - Deserted or abandoned property, especially a ship at sea.
Usage - The salvage hunters made a cursory inspection of the derelict and then focused their search upon the purser's office.
Definition - Deserted or abandoned property, especially a ship at sea.
Usage - The salvage hunters made a cursory inspection of the derelict and then focused their search upon the purser's office.
Wednesday - January 20, 2010
deprecate [dep-ri-keyt] (verb)
Definition - To express strong disapproval of, or argue strongly against.
Usage - Any attempt on the part of government to prohibit the free exercise of religion should be immediately deprecated.
Definition - To express strong disapproval of, or argue strongly against.
Usage - Any attempt on the part of government to prohibit the free exercise of religion should be immediately deprecated.
Tuesday - January 19, 2010
decrepit [di-krep-it] (adjective)
Definition - Worn out by old age or hard use; enfeebled.
Usage - With decrepit step and slow, the weary traveler wends his way to dusty death.
Definition - Worn out by old age or hard use; enfeebled.
Usage - With decrepit step and slow, the weary traveler wends his way to dusty death.
Monday - January 18, 2010
exuberant [ig-zoo-ber-uhnt] (adjective)
Definition - effusively and almost uninhibitedly enthusiastic; lavishly abundant:
Usage - Our friends gave us an exuberant welcome at the airport.
Definition - effusively and almost uninhibitedly enthusiastic; lavishly abundant:
Usage - Our friends gave us an exuberant welcome at the airport.
Sunday - January 17, 2010
endorse [en-dawrs] (verb)
Definition - to approve, support, or sustain:
Usage - Newspapers often endorse candidates for public office.
Definition - to approve, support, or sustain:
Usage - Newspapers often endorse candidates for public office.
Saturday - January 16, 2010
climax [klahy-maks] (noun)
Definition - the highest or most intense point in the development or resolution of something;
Usage - Slugger Norris's winning home run in the World Series was a terrific climax to the season.
Definition - the highest or most intense point in the development or resolution of something;
Usage - Slugger Norris's winning home run in the World Series was a terrific climax to the season.
Friday - January 15, 2010
canny [kan-ee] (adjective)
Definition - careful; cautious; prudent:
Usage - A canny businessperson can make a profit even in the worst of times.
Definition - careful; cautious; prudent:
Usage - A canny businessperson can make a profit even in the worst of times.
Thursday - January 14, 2010
arduous [ahr-joo-uhs] (adjective)
Definition - requiring great exertion; laborious; difficult:
Usage - Frequent sandstorms made the arduous trek across the Sahara Desert even more difficult.
Definition - requiring great exertion; laborious; difficult:
Usage - Frequent sandstorms made the arduous trek across the Sahara Desert even more difficult.
Wednesday - January 13, 2010
munificent [myoo-nif-uh-suhnt] (adjective)
Definition - Extremely generous or liberal in giving; lavish.
Usage - Caesar had been most munificent to his soldiers.
Definition - Extremely generous or liberal in giving; lavish.
Usage - Caesar had been most munificent to his soldiers.
Tuesday - January 12, 2010
ingratiate [in-grey-shee-eyt] (verb)
Definition - To bring oneself deliberately into the good graces of onother.
Usage - With the limb from my apricot tree still in his mouth, my dog attempted to ingratiate himself with me by wagging his tail.
Definition - To bring oneself deliberately into the good graces of onother.
Usage - With the limb from my apricot tree still in his mouth, my dog attempted to ingratiate himself with me by wagging his tail.
Monday - January 11, 2010
incarnate [in-kahr-nit] (adjective)
Definition - Invested with flesh, especially in human form.
Usage - In Jesus Christ incarnate God has been seen of men.
Definition - Invested with flesh, especially in human form.
Usage - In Jesus Christ incarnate God has been seen of men.
Sunday - January 10, 2010
pomp [pomp] (noun)
Definition - A showy or dignified display.
Usage - The commencement excercises at major univerities are usually marked by pomp and ceremony.
Definition - A showy or dignified display.
Usage - The commencement excercises at major univerities are usually marked by pomp and ceremony.
Saturday - January 09, 2010
arbitrary [ahr-bi-trer-ee] (adjective)
Definition - subject to individual will or judgment without restriction; contingent solely upon one's discretion.
Usage - All the constitutional safeguards of English freedom were swept away. Arbitrary taxation, abitrary legislation, abitrary imprisonment were powers claimed without dispute and unsparingly used by the Crown. -J. R. Green
Definition - subject to individual will or judgment without restriction; contingent solely upon one's discretion.
Usage - All the constitutional safeguards of English freedom were swept away. Arbitrary taxation, abitrary legislation, abitrary imprisonment were powers claimed without dispute and unsparingly used by the Crown. -J. R. Green
Friday - January 08, 2010
inveigle [in-vey-guhl] (verb)
Definition - To acquire, win, or obtain by beguiling talk or methods (usually fol. by from or away): to inveigle
Usage - Beware of the automobile salesman who tries to inveigle you into buying many unneeded accessories
Definition - To acquire, win, or obtain by beguiling talk or methods (usually fol. by from or away): to inveigle
Usage - Beware of the automobile salesman who tries to inveigle you into buying many unneeded accessories
Thursday - January 07, 2010
impugn [im-pyoon] (verb)
Definition - to challenge as false (another's statements, motives, etc.); cast doubt upon.
Usage - To Moliére's Tartuffe, Orgon impugned the motives of anyone who dared to criticize Tartuffe.
Definition - to challenge as false (another's statements, motives, etc.); cast doubt upon.
Usage - To Moliére's Tartuffe, Orgon impugned the motives of anyone who dared to criticize Tartuffe.
Tuesday - January 05, 2010
foment [foh-ment] (verb)
Definition - To keep people or conditions agitated; to stir up or stimulate, especially in a bad sense.
Usage - He was a despicable man, always eager to foment fear and discord among the people.
Definition - To keep people or conditions agitated; to stir up or stimulate, especially in a bad sense.
Usage - He was a despicable man, always eager to foment fear and discord among the people.
Monday - January 04, 2010
balk [bawk] (verb)
Definition - to stop, as at an obstacle, and refuse to proceed or to do something specified
Usage - The rider's horse balked at the last barrier and threw the unfortunate fellow headlong.
Definition - to stop, as at an obstacle, and refuse to proceed or to do something specified
Usage - The rider's horse balked at the last barrier and threw the unfortunate fellow headlong.
Monday - January 04, 2010
feign [feyn] (verb)
Definition - They feign penitence, but behind my back I know they call me a toothless old ape. - Kipling
Usage - to represent fictitiously; put on an appearance of:
Definition - They feign penitence, but behind my back I know they call me a toothless old ape. - Kipling
Usage - to represent fictitiously; put on an appearance of:
Sunday - January 03, 2010
embellish [em-bel-ish] (verb)
Definition - To add decorative details; to add fictitious details.
Usage - By adding original artwork to the page margins, William Blake embellished each volume of his poetry.
Definition - To add decorative details; to add fictitious details.
Usage - By adding original artwork to the page margins, William Blake embellished each volume of his poetry.
Saturday - January 02, 2010
enamor [i-nam-er] (verb)
Definition - To inflame with love; to charm, fascinate.
Usage - Because he was greatly enamored of Juliet, Romeo braved all adversaries to win her love.
Definition - To inflame with love; to charm, fascinate.
Usage - Because he was greatly enamored of Juliet, Romeo braved all adversaries to win her love.
Friday - January 01, 2010
divulge [di-vuhlj] (verb)
Definition - To reveal a secret; to make known.
Usage - The jury members were asked not to divulge any facts of the trial until it was over.
Definition - To reveal a secret; to make known.
Usage - The jury members were asked not to divulge any facts of the trial until it was over.
Thursday - December 31, 2009
corrode [kuh-rohd] (verb)
Definition - To eat away gradually, as by chemical action.
Usage - Iron and steel corrode simply by being in contact with oxygen.
Definition - To eat away gradually, as by chemical action.
Usage - Iron and steel corrode simply by being in contact with oxygen.
Wednesday - December 30, 2009
condole [kuhn-dohl] (verb)
Definition - To express sympathy with another in his affliction; to grieve with.
Usage - When our neighbor's house burned, we condoled with him and offered to let him stay with us until he found a new house.
Definition - To express sympathy with another in his affliction; to grieve with.
Usage - When our neighbor's house burned, we condoled with him and offered to let him stay with us until he found a new house.
Tuesday - December 29, 2009
censure [sen-sher] (noun)
Definition - To express disapproval or condemnation.
Usage - The senator was censured for violating congressional standards of conduct.
Definition - To express disapproval or condemnation.
Usage - The senator was censured for violating congressional standards of conduct.
Monday - December 28, 2009
appease [uh-peez] (verb)
Definition - To bring to a state of peace.
Usage - Neville Chamberlain of Greant Britain blundered tragically when he attempted to appease the Nazis.
Definition - To bring to a state of peace.
Usage - Neville Chamberlain of Greant Britain blundered tragically when he attempted to appease the Nazis.
Sunday - December 27, 2009
abate [uh-beyt] (verb)
Definition - To reduce in amount.
Usage - Do not expect the attacks of Satan to abate as we draw close to the end of the church age.
Definition - To reduce in amount.
Usage - Do not expect the attacks of Satan to abate as we draw close to the end of the church age.
Saturday - December 26, 2009
prevaricate [pri-var-i-keyt] (verb)
Definition - To speak falsely or misleadingly.
Usage - Do not prevaricate by withholding part of the truth: answer each question completely and honestly.
Definition - To speak falsely or misleadingly.
Usage - Do not prevaricate by withholding part of the truth: answer each question completely and honestly.
Friday - December 25, 2009
graven [grey-vuhn] (adjective)
Definition - a graven idol.
Usage - Mike told Sara that the bible says "Thou shalt have no graven images before God."
Definition - a graven idol.
Usage - Mike told Sara that the bible says "Thou shalt have no graven images before God."
Friday - December 25, 2009
ecclesiastical [i-klee-zee-as-ti-kuh] (adjective)
Definition - of or pertaining to the church or the clergy; churchly; clerical; not secular.
Usage - Fundamentalists affirm ecclesiastical separation from modernism, as well as personal separation from the world.
Definition - of or pertaining to the church or the clergy; churchly; clerical; not secular.
Usage - Fundamentalists affirm ecclesiastical separation from modernism, as well as personal separation from the world.
Thursday - December 24, 2009
capricious [kuh-prish-uhs] (adjective)
Definition - Likely to change quickly for no obvious reason.
Usage - Robert Frost wrote an amusing poem about the capricious New England weather.
Definition - Likely to change quickly for no obvious reason.
Usage - Robert Frost wrote an amusing poem about the capricious New England weather.
Wednesday - December 23, 2009
manifest [man-uh-fest] (adjective)
Definition - Plain to see; evident.
Usage - Poverty is manifest in many countries with large populations and limited resources.
Definition - Plain to see; evident.
Usage - Poverty is manifest in many countries with large populations and limited resources.
Tuesday - December 22, 2009
intuition [in-too-ish-uhn] (noun)
Definition - Knowing or sensing something without the use of reason; an insight.
Usage - Following his intuition, Robert chose the path to the left and soon was rewarded by the glimpse of the pond he had been seeking.
Definition - Knowing or sensing something without the use of reason; an insight.
Usage - Following his intuition, Robert chose the path to the left and soon was rewarded by the glimpse of the pond he had been seeking.
Monday - December 21, 2009
infer [in-fur] ( verb)
Definition - To reach conclusion through reasoning.
Usage - Because you never return my phone calls and are always too busy to do anything with me, I infer that you are ending our friendship.
Definition - To reach conclusion through reasoning.
Usage - Because you never return my phone calls and are always too busy to do anything with me, I infer that you are ending our friendship.
Sunday - December 20, 2009
impair [im-pair] (verb)
Definition - To damage, weaken, or lessen.
Usage - Even one alcoholic drink impairs a person's ability to drive.
Definition - To damage, weaken, or lessen.
Usage - Even one alcoholic drink impairs a person's ability to drive.
Saturday - December 19, 2009
harrowing [har-oh-ing] (adjective)
Definition - Very distressing or acutely painful.
Usage - Some of the war scenes in the movie were so harrowing I almost left the theater.
Definition - Very distressing or acutely painful.
Usage - Some of the war scenes in the movie were so harrowing I almost left the theater.
Friday - December 18, 2009
faculty [fak-uhl-teeh] (noun)
Definition - Any of the natural powers of the mind and body, such as sight or hearing.
Usage - Dispite his eighty-five years, he retained all his faculty.
Definition - Any of the natural powers of the mind and body, such as sight or hearing.
Usage - Dispite his eighty-five years, he retained all his faculty.
Thursday - December 17, 2009
cardinal [kahr-dn-l] (adjective)
Definition - Most important; chief.
Usage - A cardinal rule for investors is "Don't put all your eggs in one basket."
Definition - Most important; chief.
Usage - A cardinal rule for investors is "Don't put all your eggs in one basket."