JV587 (Indigent and Savory)

INDIGENT (adjective)
extremely poor, Experiencing want or need; impoverished, lacking the necessities o f life, e.g. food,
clothing, and shelter
Synonyms: destitute, impoverished, needy
Antonyms: affluent, wealthy
Tips: Indigent is derived from the Latin indigere, literally meaning to lack in, which comes from
egere, to need. Indigent is used to describe a person or group o f people who are so poor they
cant help themselves and need the help and support o f others.
Examples:
- The United Nations has a history o f helping indigent countries through humanitarian and
economic programs.
- Those who are indigent can often receive help at their local shelter.
- The charity was formed to help feed the indigent people starving in Africa.
- The once-indigent young man worked his way from living on the streets to being one o f the most
affluent people in the community.

SAVORY (adjective)
1. pleasant to taste or smell; 2. salty or sharp-tasting rather than sweet 3. respectable and socially
acceptable
Synonyms: pleasing, tasty, delectable, delicious, scrumptious, palatable, respectable
Antonyms: inedible, disgusting, yucky
Tips: The related verb, to savor, means to greatly enjoy and fully appreciate. Savory foods are
ones you want to savor. Something that is sweet and savory is sweet and spicy or salty. Some
people like to dip their bacon into their maple syrup because they enjoy the sweet and savory
combination.
Examples:
All the dishes at the party were savory; I couldnt pick just one favorite.
After his arrest for embezzlement, his reputation became anything but savory.
The dinner was so delicious I savored every bite.
The combination of cheese and apples made for a sweet and savory flavor.

JV586 (Repertoire and Vigilant)

REPERTOIRE (noun) The stock promo o f songs, plays, operas, readings, or other pieces that a
player or company is prepared to perform. The class o f compositions in a genre: has excellent
command o f the chanteuse repertoire. The range or number o f skills, aptitudes, or special
accomplishments of a particular person or group: a collection o f works o f art; 2. the range o f skills
of a person or group
Synonyms: collection, list, range, repository, stock, supply, repertory
Tips: Repertoire is derived from Late Latin repertorium, which means inventory. A repertoire is
like an inventory o f plays, songs, or skills, wich can be used or brought forth at any time .
Examples:
- Jimmy had hundreds o f songs in his repertoire.
- After Jakob completed the class, he was able to add typing to his repertoire o f skills.
- Lizzy is always looking for good recipes to add to her repertoire o f delicious dishes.
- The actors repertoire included many accents, which allowed him to play foreign characters.
- The Royal Shakespeare Company also have many modern plays in their repertoire.
- There is an extensive repertoire o f music written for the flute.

VIGILANT (adjective) watchful and attentive to real or potential danger, watchful and alert,
especially to guard against danger, difficulties, or errors
Synonyms: watchful, attentive, alert, on guard, cautious, wary
Antonyms: negligent, lax
Examples:
- If you remain vigilant at all times, you are less likely to become a victim o f crime.
- The vigilant security officer faithfully protected the building for many years.
- The store manager kept a vigilant eye on her inventory in order to prevent theft.
- I m always vigilant about eating my vegetables in order to remain in good health.

JV585 (Pungent and Stolid)

PUNGENT (adjective)
1. strong and sharp in taste or smell; 2. strong and biting in expression
2. Affecting the organs o f taste or smell with a sharp acrid sensation.
a. Penetrating, biting, or caustic: pungent satire.
b. To the point; sharp: pungent talks during which the major issues were confronted.
Synonyms: bitter, tangy, tart, biting, spicy, sharp, caustic, cutting, penetrating
Antonyms: bland, sweet, mild
Examples:
- The pungent smells from my kitchen permeated the neighborhood.
- The company used pungent commentary when referring to his competitors service.
- Because the barbecue sauce lacked pungency Jason added some onions and mustard.
- On of Johns favorite dishes is sweet and pungent tiger prawns.
- I sat down to a cup o f wonderfully pungent Turkish coffee.

STOLID (adjective)
having or showing little or no emotion, not excitable: solemn, unemotional, and not easily excited
or upset
Synonyms: unemotional, emotionless, stoic, impassive, unfeeling, staid, indifferent
Antonyms: emotional, sensitive, passionate
Examples:
- Richard gave very stolid responses to the interviewers questions.
- M arcs serious and stolid manner did not make him one o f the most popular professors at the
university.
- Stolid and impassive, the customs inspector listened to Joannes explanation.
- The house was decorated in a stolid manner that made it seem cold and unwelcoming.
- Mari was usually quite stolid, so I was surprised at her excitement over winning the award.
- The college is a stolid-looking building with no lawn.

JV584 (Preclude and Spendthrift)

PRECLUDE (verb)
1. To make impossible, as by action taken in advance; prevent.
2. To exclude or prevent (someone) from a given condition or activity: to prevent something from
happening, especially by action
Synonyms: inhibit, cease, discontinue, restrain, impede, interrupt, prevent,
Antonyms: allow, permit
Examples:
- Hanks warning will not preclude Andy from making the trip.
- At the meeting, the executives discussed ways to preclude unnecessary lawsuits.
- Harrys contract precludes him from going to work for a competing company if he quits his job.
- Sallys age was not a preclusion to her being accepted on the management course.
- The jury members were precluded from discussing the case with family members.
SPENDTHRIFT (noun, adjective) ?NOUN:
One who spends money recklessly or wastefully.
ADJECTIVE:
Wasteful or extravagant: spendthrift bureaucrats.
Synonyms: (n.) spender, high-roller, squanderer, (adj.) wasteful, careless, prodigal, profligate,
Antonyms: restrained, moderate, prudent, frugal
Examples:
- Monique was a spendthrift who went shopping everyday and always bought expensive, designer
clothes.
- Manual is not a spendthrift and he really has to think about his purchases.
- spendthrift consumers had amassed a mountain of debt on their credit cards and home loans
- The spendthrift was forced to file for bankruptcy because o f his huge debts.

JV583 (Myopic and Sodden)

MYOPIC (adjective) MYOPIA (noun)
1 short-sightedness. 2 lack o f foresight or intellectual insight.
1. being nearsighted-having myopia; 2. lacking foresight or understanding
Synonyms: nearsighted, short-sighted, narrow-minded, closed-minded
Antonyms: provident
Examples:
- While the Dutch coach saw the less successful team as being capable o f developing future talent,
the fans were more myopic, wanting only to win now
- M arcs myopic refusal to act now will undoubtedly cause problems in the future.
- The myopic child was reluctant to participate in school because he could not clearly see the
blackboard.
- The minister had a very myopic vision for the country and he neglected to address future
problems like Social Security and Employment.
- Janes myopic and unimaginative thinking never produced any great ideas for the company.
SODDEN (adjective) thoroughly and completely wet,
Thoroughly soaked; saturated.
Soggy and heavy from improper cooking; doughy.
Expressionless, stupid, or dull, especially from drink.
Unimaginative; torpid.
Synonyms: wet, drenched, soaked, saturated, doused, sopped, steeped
Antonyms: dry, parched, arid
Examples:
- The soccer game was canceled because o f the rain; the field was simply too sodden for play.
- After the flood, residents had to clean up their sodden homes and belongings.
- I got caught in a rainstorm on my way to school, and there was no way to dry my sodden clothes.
- After walking though the forest after the rain, my shoes and socks were sodden.
- It rained very hard and M aris thin coat quickly became sodden.

JV582 (Intransigent and Sanctimonious)

INTRANSIGENT
adjective: refusing to compromise: stubbornly or unreasonably refusing even to consider changing
a decision or attitude
noun: unyielding person: somebody who refuses to compromise or change an attitude or decision,
especially in politics
Synonyms: unyielding, adamant, difficult, determined, obstinate,
Antonyms: yielding, compromising
Examples:
- Convinced he was right, George became intransigent and would not listen to anyone elses
opinion.
- Steves intransigent behavior made it difficult for other people to work with him, because when
he fixed his mind on an idea, he wouldnt compromise.
- The negotiations came to a halt when Mary and Ted took intransigent positions.
- The one, intransigent jury member who refused to agree with the others caused a mistrial.
- Unions claim that the management continues to maintain an intransigent position.
SANCTIMONIOUS (adjective) over-the-top pious and religious, to the point o f appearing or
sounding self-righteous and hypocritical
Synonyms: holier-than-thou, self-righteous, preachy, pious, smug, hypocritical, slick, phony,
insincere, deceptive
Antonyms: sincere, humble
Examples:
- Erics speech about the sanctity of marriage came across as sanctimonious to the young couple.
- Rays sanctimonious attitude made people think he was judgmental and that he felt superior to
others.
- Because John stooped to sanctimony, he lost his credibility in the argument
- Janes sanctimonious attitude and constant preaching about the ills o f alcohol, all while she ate
nothing but junk food, were too much to bear.

JV581 (Pristine and Undermine)

PRISTINE (adjective) 1 in its original condition. 2 clean and fresh as if new. 1. completely free
from dirt and contamination; 2. clean and unused
Synonyms: pure, clean, unsullied, untarnished, perfect
Antonyms: dirty, spoiled, tarnished
Tips: Pristine is a more sophisticated and also a stronger way o f saying perfect, pure, and
clean.
Examples:
- John bought the landrover because it was in pristine condition.
- Because o f his pristine credit, John was pre-approved for car finance.
- The once-pristine mountainside is now covered with hotels and cabins.
- M argos house was always in pristine condition, and she hated to have company in fear of
creating a mess.
UNDERMINE (verb): erode the base or foundation of (a rock formation). 2 dig or excavate beneath
(a building or fortification) so as to make it collapse. 2 weaken gradually or insidiously.
Synonyms: weaken, corrode, soften, impair, thwart, undercut, tunnel, wreck
Antonyms: strengthen, fortify, encourage
Tips: To help you remember the definition for undermine, picture how mining under a structure
would weaken its foundation. Undermine is generally used figuratively to refer to actions that
weaken an abstract structure, like authority. Undermining is generally done through subtle means,
like manipulation or underhanded comments.
Examples:
- Many people feel that political contributions from special interest groups undermine the
democratic process.
- Kevin hoped no one would undermine his point by disputing the facts he presented.
- Jane and Terry work hard not to undermine one anothers authority in front of their children
- The principal undermined the teachers authority by questioning her teaching style in front o f her
students.
- The President has accused two cabinet ministers o f working secretly to undermine his
position/him.?- John just wanted to give his colleagues some positive feedback but unfortunately it
undermined their confidence.

JV580 (Preeminent and Stipulate)

PREEMINENT (adjective) highest in superiority or achievement and standing out above all
others. Superior to or notable above all others; outstanding.
highly distinguished or outstanding: standing out among all others because o f superiority in a field
or activity
Synonyms: predominant, superior, foremost, leading, distinguished, highest, above.
Antonyms: inferior, humble, undistinguished
Tips: Preeminent originates from the Latin word eminere, to stand out. A preeminent person in
his or her field stands out above all others, usually because o f some notable achievement.
Examples:
- The scientist was the preeminent expert on the behaviour o f chimpanzees and there are fascinating
lectures o f him on YouTube
- I chose my stock broker based on his reputation for being a preeminent financial adviser who has
helped many clients reach their financial goals.
- The professor is the preeminent authority on that subject, and youll learn more about it from him
than anyone else.
- It should be interesting to meet him, as he is the preeminent authority in child psychology.
- Daniels pre-eminence in his subject is internationally recognized.
- Daniel is the pre-eminent authority in his subject.
STIPULATE (verb)
1. to state how to do something in exact terms; 2. to specifya necessary condition (of a contract or
agreement); 3. to give a guarantee or promise
Synonyms: specify, state, spell out, say, explain, define, designate, indicate, agree to, qualify,
guarantee, promise
Antonyms: generalize, guess
Tips: Stipulate is derived from the Latin stipulari, which means make a promise exact. Think of
spelling out the conditions o f an agreement in exact terms; you stipulate the conditions.
Examples:
- The president will give the company a loan, but he did not stipulate as to how they should use it.
- The new contract will stipulate the terms agreed on by buyer and seller
- My grandpa stipulated that most of his fortune should be given to charities
- SyncMyMail stipulates that if the customer is not satisfied with hosted Exchange in 30 days, he or
she can get his/her money back .
- There was a stipulation that the land be used as a park.
- State laws stipulate that public education be free.

JV579 (Pander and Ruminate)

PANDER verb
(pander to) gratify or indulge (an immoral or distasteful desire or habit). to facilitate the fulfillment
of others or anothers desire, especially one o f questionable appropriateness or morality
Synonyms: solicit, procure, provide, pimp, indulge, gratify, cater to
Antonyms: reject, deny
Examples:
- Despite Adams better judgment, Eve pandered to her own needs.
- Donalds manager was not able to control the his employees because he tended to pander to their
every demand.
- Jenny panders to her boss by complimenting his new tie, suit and haircut.
- If a politician panders to too many different groups, its impossible to tell what he stands for.
RUMINATE (verb) 1. to consider something deeply and carefully; 2. to re-chew partially digested
food-refers to cows and other ruminants. To turn a matter over and over in the mind. To chew cud.
Synonyms: mull, brainstorm, contemplate, consider, ponder,
Antonyms: forget, ignore
Examples:
- She spent the last year ruminating over which college to attend after graduation.
- When his lost the election The candidate ruminated over what he should do next.
- The cows grazed on the hillside and ruminated their food in a relaxed manner.
- The priest hoped that the congregation would spend the remainder o f the week ruminating the
message of his sermon
- Jenny ruminated too much over it and she never make a decision.

JV578 (Interim and Rash)

INTERIM (noun, adjective)
(adj.) serving du ring an intermediate interval o f time; (n.) the time between one event or period
and another
Synonyms: (adj.) temporary, transitional, acting, pro tem, (n.) meantime, interval
Antonyms: permanent
Tips: Interim is often used in the phrase: in the interim. Its a more sophisticated way to say, in
the meantime. Interim can also refer to an official who is standing in for another official for a brief
period of time.
Examples:
- When the coach of the Dutch team broke his leg, Ruud Gullit was appointed interim coach.
- John had to rely on an interim solution until the full system was configured.
- Bonny is waiting for the final approval on the construction project. In the interim, she build a
jacuzzi in her own garden.
- Mike will serve as Apples interim CEO until a Steve Jobs returns from his sabbatical year in
India.
RASH
(adj.) thoughtless or rushed action without consideration o f consequences; (n.) a series of
occurrences, usually unexpected and unpleasant
Synonyms: (adj.) thoughtless, hasty, impetuous, reckless, ill-considered, imprudent, (n.) outbreak
Antonyms: (adj.) cautious, thoughtful, responsible
Tips:If something is done in a rash manner, it usually implies haste, recklessness, and speed.
Examples:
-The president regretted taking such rash action once he came to his senses.
- Even though Adams dad thought his decision to quit his job was rather rash, he still felt sorry for
him when he had trouble finding another position.
- The recent rash of burglaries in the neighborhood left the community feeling vulnerable.
- Although his decision seemed rash at first, it proved to be a good one for the companys future.

JV577 (Indigenous and Quotidian)

INDIGENOUS
(adjective)1. belonging to a place: originating in and naturally living, growing, or occurring in a
region or country. 2. natural: natural or inborn ( formal ) naturally living in a place or country
without having moved there-originating there.
Synonyms: native, local, natural, original, endemic
Antonyms: foreign, alien
Examples:
- The nursery only sold plants that were indigenous to South Africa.
- Most o f the indigenous people of that country survived the drought.
- Lions, Elephants and zebras are indigenous to Africa.
- I m looking forward to our trip to Costa Rica, where we will see many plants and animals
indigenous to that country.
QUOTIDIAN (adjective)
1. commonplace and experienced under the most ordinary circumstances; 2. done on a daily basis
Synonyms: commonplace, everyday, ordinary, regular, routine, daily, customary, frequent
Antonyms: sporadic, rare, infrequent
Tips: Quotidian is derived from the Latin quotus, number and dies, day. Quotidian refers to
ordinary things that occur often or daily.
Examples:
- Her book tells a lot about the quotidian life o f people in Ethiopia.
- Mary took up sky diving in order to make her life a little less quotidian.
- That movie supposed to be about everyday life, but it is not that quotidian.
- Its great to learn new words with the Just Vocabulary on the quotidian commute to work.
- Television has become part o f our quotidian existence.

JV576 (Prospect and Surfeit)

PROSPECT (noun, verb)
(n.) 1. the possibility o f future success; 2. something that is expected to happen in the future; 3.
someone who is likely to be interested in purchasing a product or service; 4. someone or something
that is likely to succeed; 5. the act o f exploration, examination or observation; (v.) to search for
something desirable
Synonyms: (n.) expectation, possibility, outlook, perspective, candidate, opportunity
(v.) explore, search
Antonyms: hopelessness, obscurity
Examples:
- M arcs prospects for getting the job are excellent; he really is the best candidate.
- The Chicago bulls coach is currently prospecting for new players.
- John asked Robby: is there any prospect that you may take a surf trip this year
- I have several prospects who I ll be interviewing for the position this week
SURFEIT (noun, verb)
(n.) an amount that exceeds what is necessary; (v.) to overfeed or overfill
Synonyms: (n.) excess, overabundance, satiety, surplus, profusion, (v.) overfill, overfeed
Antonyms: (n.) deficiency, lack
Examples:
- Monique researched the theory online because she found a surfeit o f information there.
- When Joanne finishes her new vegan diet, she is going to surfeit her appetite.
- The professor could adequately answer the surfeit o f questions from the audience.
- The buffet contained such a surfeit o f food that it was difficult not to gorge oneself.

JV575 (Preempt and Sanction)

PREEMPT (verb) 1. to prevent someone from doing something by doing it first, or by doing
something else that would make it impossible or unnecessary for the other person to do what he
intended; 2. to take the place o f something less important - to do or say something before someone
so that you make their words or actions unnecessary or ineffective:
Synonyms: usurp, seize, occupy, stake claim, forestall, prevent, hinder, replace,
Examples:
- McDonalds opened many new stores in a short time in an effort to preempt KFC from choosing
the best locations.
- In a preemptive strike against negative media attention, Tiger Woods released a statement to the
press.
- The Federal Reserve Bank raised interest rates in an attempt to preempt inflation.
SANCTION (noun, verb)
(n.) 1. punitive action intended to pressure a country into following international laws; 2.
punishment for breaking rules or regulations; 3. official support for something; (v.) to give
authority or approval
Synonyms: authorization, approval, punishment, penalty, boycott, decree, approve, endorse, allow
Antonyms: reward, impede, prevent
Examples:
- David Attenborough could not start with his new documentary without the BBCs sanction o f its
subject matter prior to shooting
- Perhaps Korea will face severe sanctions if the government does not put an end to the nuclear
threat.
- Lisas parents did not sanction her marriage to that strange foreign man, so they decided to elope.
- Without realistic sanctions, some teachers have difficulty keeping order in the classroom.

V574 (Pervade and Reprobate)

PERVADE (verb) to spread and be distributed throughout, spread throughout something: to spread
through or be present throughout something
Synonyms: permeate, penetrate, fill, diffuse, saturate, overrun
Antonyms: empty, leak [out], leach
Examples:
- Mary ann made a nice stew in the kitchen and the delicious smells pervaded the whole house.
- There was a pervasive feeling o f disappointment among Dutch fans after loosing the World Cup
final.
- Anxiety pervaded throughout the company when they lost its biggest account.

REPROBATE (noun, verb, adjective)

(n.) a morally unprincipled person who is often beyond hope o f redemption;
(v.) to disapprove, condemn, or reject; (adj.) deviating from what is considered acceptable, good, or
proper
Synonyms: (n.) deviant, miscreant, villain,
(v.) condemn, blame, judge, reject, (adj.) depraved, degenerate, corrupt, immoral
Antonyms: (v.) approve, accept, (adj.) good, honest, moral, reputable
Examples:
- The M inisters racist comments were reprobated by the commission.
- Anne found her boyfriends heavy drinking, drug use, and gambling to be reprobate, and didnt
see any hope for their relationship.
- The priest told her Annes boyfriend that he would be reprobated if he continued his immoral
behavior.

JV573 (Overture and Redundant)

OVERTURE (noun) 1 an orchestral piece at the beginning o f a musical work.
2 an independent orchestral composition in one movement.
3 an introduction to something more substantial.
4 (overtures) approaches made with the aim o f opening negotiations or establishing a relationship.
Synonyms: introduction, initiation, proposal, proposition, offer, invitation, advance.
Antonyms: close, conclusion, rescission, epilogue
Examples:
- The company made an overture to the union members by offering to increase their healthcare
benefits.
- After months o f not speaking to one another, Janine sent her old friend a bunch o f flowers as an
overture to rekindle their friendship.
- After reading the overture o f the book, I became very interested in what the plot would entail.

REDUNDANT (adjective)
1. superfluous: not or no longer needed or wanted. ?2. repeating meaning: with the same meaning
as a word used elsewhere in a passage and without a rhetorical purpose?3. backup: fitted as a
backup component or system
Synonyms: repetitious, repetitive, superfluous, excessive, verbose, unnecessary,
Antonyms: non-repetitive, deficient, insufficient, meager, moderate, abridged
Examples:
- It seemed redundant to keep my schedule in both my planner and my iPhone.
- Please dont call and e-mail me regarding the same thing; its so redundant.
- At the risk o f sounding redundant, I really need to reiterate this point.
- The article was redundant and didnt shed any new light on the subject, but repeated the same old
news in various ways.

JV572 (Incursion and Integral)

INCURSION (noun)
an invasion or attack, especially a sudden or brief one. hostile invasion of a territory
Synonyms: invasion, intrusion, attack, raid, infiltration, violation, encroachment
Antonyms: protection, defense, exit
Examples:
- The militarys plan called for a quick and unexpected incursion into the neighboring country.
- The police incursion into the suspected drug dealers home turned up a large number o f illicit
drugs.
- The incursion took everyone by surprise; no one had expected the attack.

INTEGRAL (adjective)
1. being a necessary component o f a greater whole; 2. made up o f separate parts to form a whole; 3.
being complete, without anything missing
Synonyms: fundamental, necessary, indispensable, interdependent, interrelating,
Antonyms: unnecessary, dispensable, unimportant, incomplete
Examples:
- Computers are quickly becoming an integral part o f every school
- To many, a dog is an integral part o f the family.
- A solid marketing campaign is integral to the success o f this business.
- Daily exercise is integral to a healthy lifestyle.

JV571 (Propagate and Satire)

PROPAGATE (verb)
1. to produce (a new plant) from a parent plant, or (of a plant or animal) to reproduce ?2. To
propagate (ideas, opinions, or customs) is to spread them among people, or to spread them to other
places.
Synonyms: reproduce, breed, procreate, engender, multiply, distribute, disperse,
Antonyms: destroy, suppress
Examples:
- The new CEO tried to propagate his ideals throughout the company.
- The book had many useful techniques for propagating plants.
- Shell recently developed a program that focuses on the propagation o f renewable energy.
- Tabloids make money by propagating rumors and information about celebrities.

SATIRE (noun)
1. use o f wit to criticize behavior: the use o f wit, especially irony, sarcasm, and ridicule, to criticize
faults. 2. literary work using satire: a literary work that uses satire, or the branch o f literature made
up o f such works
Synonyms: lampoon, ridicule, irony, parody, mockery, sarcasm, wit, spoof
Antonyms: tragedy, drama
Examples:
- Joannes play was a biting satire on life in the 80s.
- The office is satire on corporate culture.
- John loves satirical comic strips that point out the humor o f everyday life
- I went to see a a satire about the music industry in which a handsome but untalented youth is
turned into a rock star

JV570 (Ponderous and Salutary)

PONDEROUS (adjective)
1. Having great weight.
2. Unwieldy from weight or bulk.
3. Lacking grace or fluency; labored and dull:
Synonyms: cumbersome, bulky, awkward, dull, tedious, lifeless, heavy, massive, weighty
Antonyms: easy, light, spirited, lively
Examples:
-The movie starts off as quick and exciting, but becomes ponderous and overly serious toward the
end.
-Lisas heavy-set friend Marc has a slow and ponderous walk.
-Phils job had become ponderous, but he needed the money
SALUTARY (adjective)
1. useful: of value or benefit to somebody or something?2. healthful: promoting good health (
formal )
promoting good health or well-being
Synonyms: nutritional, healthful, helpful, favorable, wholesome,
Antonyms: hurtful, harmful, useless
Examples:
- The salutary lesson o f never touching a hot stove is usually learned the hard way.
- Marc friends think that the military service had been a salutary experience for him.
- Although Joanne loved her deadbeat boyfriend, she knew he had a less than salutary effect on her
life.

JV 569 (Panegyric and Responsive)

PANEGYRIC (noun, adjective) praise: extravagant praise delivered in formal speech or writing
(n.) a formal speech or writing that is intended to praise; (adj.) expressing praise
Synonyms: (n.) commendation, reward, tribute, award, citation, acclamation, praise, encomium,
(adj.) laudatory, flattering, complimentary
Antonyms: (n.) disdain, condemnation, criticism, (adj.) critical
Tips: Panegyric has come to simply denote a public speech o f praise.
Examples:
- The tennis players panegyric speech to his opponent was seen as a mark o f great sportsmanship.
- My friends panegyric statements on my birthday were sweet, but a little over-the-top.
- She delivered a panegyric on the President-elect.

RESPONSIVE (adjective) 1. readily reacting to suggestion or influence; 2. showing emotion in

response to something
Synonyms: reactive, receptive, open, amenable, sympathetic, impressionable
Antonyms: unresponsive, indifferent
Tips: When you respond to something or someone, you are being responsive.
Examples:
- The responsive audience gave the comedian confidence.
- She was unresponsive to my questions, and I wasnt sure if she couldnt hear me or if she was
ignoring me.
- My body was responsive to the antibiotics, and I began to feel better almost immediately.
- My boss was surprisingly responsive to my complaints and promised to improve the situation
shortly.

JV568 (Irresolute and Reprove)

IRRESOLUTE (adjective)
Uncertain how to act; 2. lacking decisiveness and resolve.
Unsure o f how to act or proceed; undecided. Lacking in resolution; indecisive.
Synonyms: indecisive, hesitant, doubtful, faltering, fearful, uncertain
Antonyms: determined, guided, resolute
Examples:
Because of his irresolute disposition the President never took a firm stance on any issue.
Irresolute princess could not decide on a dress to wear to the prom.
M arks reply seemed irresolute and I could tell Mark was still uncertain.
******************
REPROVE (noun)
To censure or criticize someone. To voice or convey disapproval of; rebuke. To find fault with.
Synonyms: blame, admonish, chide, rebuke, censure, criticize, reprimand
Antonyms: praise, applaud, congratulate
Examples:
The sales representative was reproved for his rude behaviour toward the client.
I know George made a mistake, but dont reprove him to harshly. He was only trying to help.
Sandy was so angry that she knew she had to wait until shed come down to reprove him or her
reprimand would be too harsh.

JV567 (Inconsequential & Quibble)

INCONSEQUENTIAL (adjective) 1. Lacking importance, not important or significant because
there are no consequences
2.
Not following from premises or evidence; illogical.?
Synonyms: irrelevant, insignificant, unimportant, immaterial, inadequate, inconsiderable,
insufficient, trivial, trifling
Antonyms: consequential, valuable, significant, relevant,
Tips: The related noun consequence means the result o f an action. Something inconsequential
has no resulting effects and this is why it means unimportant; it has no consequences.
Examples:- M arcs inconsequential rambling had nothing to do with the topic o f conversation
- Many young students have a difficult time distinguishing between relevant and inconsequential
information.
- Our meeting was inconsequential and didnt bring about any change.
QUIBBLE (verb, noun) (noun) 1 a slight objection or criticism. (verb) 1. to quarrel over
something trivial; 2. to evade the truth by bringing up irrelevant points about an issue;
Synonyms: (v.) avoid, trifle, argue, dispute, nit-pick, evade, waffle, squabble, (n.) complaint
Antonyms: (v.) agree, harmonize
Tips: For quibble, think of the related words squabble petty argument and quarrel heated
dispute. Quibble is similar; it is quarreling or arguing in a petty way by nitpicking over irrelevant
or trivial points.
Examples:- Lets try not to quibble over something so inconsequential.
- The debate turned into a quibble after the politicians started arguing over irrelevant and trivial
points.
- Theres no point quibbling about/over a couple o f dollars.
- Johns only quibble with the movie was is that its too long.

JV566 (Scintillate and Verify)

SCINTILLATE (verb) 1. displaying dazzling spirit and clever wit;
2.shining brightly
Synonyms: sparkling, dazzling, brilliant, amusing, entertaining, clever
Antonyms: dull, boring
Examples:- It was an interesting debate and it sparked some scintillating conversations.
- Lisas scintillating personality drew people to her at any social gathering.
- Jeremys scintillating speech kept the audience hanging on his every word.

VERIFY (verb) 1. to confirm the truth of something by investigation or examination; 2. to prove

that something is true; 3. to legally attest to the truth o f something
Synonyms: confirm, validate, determine, ascertain, establish, prove, attest, substantiate,
authenticate
Antonyms: refute, disprove
Examples:- Could you please verify that I turned off the oven?
- Our bookkeeper should verify this balance sheet before we send it to our accountant
- The Peruvian police verified his alibi when Joran said that he was somewhere else that that
afternoon.
- I need to verify the date o f their wedding before I make our hotel reservation.

JV565 (Proscribe and Tumult)

PROSCRIBE (verb) = to condemn or prohibit something
Synonyms: condemn, denounce, prohibit, forbid, prevent, outlaw, exclude
Antonyms: approve, allow, invite
Tips: Proscribe is often confused with the word prescribe, but the two are opposites. When you
prescribe something, you are recommending it. When you proscribe something, you are
condemning or forbidding it.
Examples:- Lisas mom hoped she could proscribe Lisa from hanging out with the wrong crowd.
- The audience was proscribed from taking pictures during the concert.
- International law proscribes torturing enemies or treating them inhumanely.
- Driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs is proscribed by law.

TUMULT (noun) 1 a loud, confused noise, as caused by a large mass o f people. 2 confusion or
disorder. a loud noise or commotion
Synonyms: uproar, commotion, din, confusion, disturbance, noise, racket
Antonyms: quiet, calm, peace
Tips: Tumult is often used to refer to a loud commotion, confusion, or disturbance. The related
adjective tumultuous describes a state o f unrest and disorder.
Examples:- I could barely hear my friends voice over the tumult o f the blaring music.
- The tumult from the angry, screaming protesters could be heard for blocks.
- The country was in tumult after the uprising o f its people.
- Following her divorce, Monica had several tumultuous years where she w asnt sure she would
ever be normal again.

JV564 (Platitude and Syllogism)

PLATITUDE (noun) =an obvious, banal, pointless, or empty comment or remark made as though
it was significant or helpful. A platitude can be a proverb or adage, but it can also be any comment
thats pointless and unnecessary.
Synonyms: triviality, cliche, buzzword, motto, saying, proverb, adage, banality
Antonyms: originality
Examples:- Johns speech was full o f platitudes and never offered any true insights.
- Please stop talking in platitudes and provide us with some helpful advice.
- Johns incessant platitudes made everyone in the room wonder whether John ever came up with
an original thought.
SYLLOGISM (noun) =a form o f logic where a conclusion is drawn from two premises.
A syllogism is deductive reasoning (goes from the general to the specific) where an inference
follows two logical premises.
Synonyms: logic, reasoning, connection, deduction, inference, rationale, good sense
Antonyms: random guess
Examples:- Mike took the administrative job based on a simple syllogism he needed insurance;
the administrative job offered him insurance, so he took it.
- On sunny days, Lisa rides her bike to work. Today, it is sunny. Based on this syllogism, we know
that Mary rode her bike to work today.
- Mario is on a low-carb diet and one cant eat pasta on a low-carb diet, so the simple syllogism is
that Mario cant eat pasta.

JV563 (Novelty and Sublime)

NOVELTY (noun)1 the quality o f being novel. 2 a new or unfamiliar thing. 3 a small and
inexpensive toy or ornament. 4 before another noun intended to be amusingly striking or unusual: a
novelty teapot.
Synonyms: originality, newness, innovation, freshness, fad, gimmick, curio
Antonyms: sameness, banality, familiarity, staleness
Examples;
The store at the international airport sells mainly novelty items that appeal to tourists and young
people only.
I really think thats a novel idea and I applaud your inventiveness.
Most novelties seem interesting for only a short period of time then something new comes along.

SUBLIME (adjective)1. extremely enjoyable and wonderful; 2. worthy o f adoration

Synonyms: great, glorious, grand, super, majestic, magnificent, ideal,
Antonyms: horrible, terrible, crude
Examples:
This new Starbucks coffee is sublime. Its the best thing I ve tasted in the long time.
Stacys vacation in South Africa was a sublime gateway.
The evening went from the sublime to the ridiculous. An hour-long piano recital was followed by
two-hours of karaoke.

JV562 (Inalienable and Integrity)

INALIENABLE (adjective): protected from being removed or taken away
Synonyms: unassailable, inviolable, natural, inherent, basic, sacrosanct, absolute
Antonyms: vulnerable, assailable, unprotected
Examples:
The court determine that the right to life is an inalienable right.
Abraham Lincoln was the 16th president o f the United States. He believed that all humans have an
inalienable right o f freedom so he strongly opposed slavery as a disgusting and immoral practice.
John tried to fight it by the terms of these contract were inalienable.

INTEGRITY (noun)
1. possession o f firm principles; 2. the state o f being complete or undivided; 3. the state o f being
sound or undamaged
Synonyms: incorruptibility, honesty, virtue, honor, morality, completeness, soundness, wholeness
Antonyms: immorality, dishonesty
Examples:
Mark has a reputation as a man o f great integrity. If he tells you hes going to do something - hell
do it.
Toyota questioned the structural integrity o f their car fearing it would crumble in a crash.
Many people question whether the structural integrity o f the building would hold under the strain of
an earthquake.

JV561 (Refractory and Voluminous)

REFRACTORY (adjective)
1. stubbornly resistant to authority or control; 2. heat-resistant and difficult to melt, bond, or shape;
3. difficult to treat or unresponsive to treatment
Synonyms: stubborn, obstinate, intractable, untreatable, hard, heat-resistant
Antonyms: docile, obedient, manageable, meltable, treatable
Examples:
Never in his life did Mark encounter such a refractory case of severe depression.
The refractory puppy frustrated Frank who went to a number o f obedience classes with the most
patient animal trainers.
The refractory [?] around his belly refuses to batch no matter how much he exercises.

VOLUMINOUS (adjective) 1. large and full of volume; 2. extremely lengthy

Synonyms: big, abundant, ample, bulky, copious, massive, lavish, expansive, vast, lengthy, long
Antonyms: small, short, inadequate
Examples:
The report was to voluminous for Mark to read at one sitting.
Lisas old-fashioned voluminous dress was perfect for the costume party.
Stacys hair was bouncy and voluminous after she took out the hot-rollers.

JV560 (Prodigal and Verve)

PRODIGAL (adjective, noun)
1. wasteful, especially with money; Rashly or wastefully extravagant 2. lavish and excessive; 3.
being generous and giving abundantly; Giving or given in abundance (n.) a person who is wasteful
with money, especially that o f their parents
Synonyms: (adj.) wasteful, extravagant, lavish, reckless, excessive, (n.) spender
Antonyms: (adj.) meager, moderate, frugal
Examples:
The prodigal son returned home and he was penniless and sorry for his wasteful spending.
Lisa lives a prodigal life throwing things out and buying new thing at an alarming rate.
It was interesting that the play was given such a prodigal praise by the critics because it really
wasnt that great.

VERVE (noun)
1. energy and enthusiasm, especially used within the arts; 2. a lively spirit, vigour, spirit, and style.
Synonyms: liveliness, energy, vitality, enthusiasm, animation, excitement, pep, spirit, zest
Antonyms: apathy, lethargy, listlessness
Examples:
The audience was captivated by the verve and vitality o f the performance.
Joanne expressed herself with verve and wit.
John was Franks best man and he delivered his toast with verve.

JV559 (Occlude and Torpid)

November 20th, 2009
OCCLUDE (verb): 1 stop, close up, or obstruct.
2 Chemistry (of a solid) absorb and retain (a gas or impurity).
3 (of a tooth) come into contact with another in the opposite jaw.
to block or stop up a passage; 2. to prevent the flow of something through a passage
Examples:
- My orthodontist said I would need to wear braces for two years in order to occlude my teeth.
- My grand dad suffered a heart attack because o f an occluded artery that was diminishing blood
flow.
- We had a leak in our roof, and I hoped the roofer would be able to occlude it.
Synonyms: block, cover, obstruct, clog, plug
Antonyms: open, unplug
TORPID (adjective): 1. inactive, slow, and sleepy; 2. dormant
Synonyms: inactive, dormant, drowsy, lethargic, listless, numb, slow, sluggish
Antonyms: active, awake, lively, alert
Examples:
- The mountain air made her feel torpid and light-headed.
- Bears become torpid in order to hibernate all winter.
- That volcano has been torpid for many centuries, but scientists think that it may erupt again in the
future.
- If you have a sudden loss of cabin pressure at 20 000 feet, passengers will become torpid and then
lose consciousness.

JV558 (Intangible and Slate)

November 15th, 2009
INTANGIBLE (adjective): 1. not existing in a physical form-incapable to being touched or seen; 2.
difficult to define or describe clearly, but nonetheless perceived
Examples:
- John received the football scholarship not only for his performance, but also because he possesses
the intangible qualities that make a champion.
- Lisa had an intangible feeling that something was wrong, but she couldnt put her finger on it.
- Common sense and creativity are some o f the intangibles w ere looking for in the people we hire.
- Marc has that intangible quality which you might call charisma.
Synonyms: imperceptible, indefinite, abstract, immaterial, incorporeal, indeterminate
Antonyms: tangible, substantial, physical, material
SLATE (noun, verb): (n.) 1. blue-gray rock that can be split into layers; 2. a record o f the past; 3. a
list o f political candidates; (adj.) blue-gray in color; (v.) 1. to schedule something; 2. to enter onto a
list
Phrases:
- a clean slate:
if you are given a clean slate, you can start something again, and all o f the problems caused by you
or other people in the past will be forgotten
- wipe the slate clean:
to make it possible to start something again, without any o f the mistakes or problems o f the past
Examples:
- John and Lisa put aside their differences and decided to start a clean slate.
- Steven Spielburgs new series is slated to start this fall.
- They will replace the roof tiles with ones made o f slate.
- Presidential elections are always slated for the second Tuesday in November.
Synonyms: (n.) rock, stone, tally, schedule, (v.) list, record, slot

JV557 (Imperious and Salutation)

November 10th, 2009
IMPERIOUS (adjective) : proud, arrogant, and acting with an air o f authority and superiority.
Examples:
- The new professor was an imperious woman who considered herself to be quite important.
- The imperious dictator made laws that all citizens had to obey
- The diplomat asked his subordinates to leave with an imperious wave o f his hand
- With his imperious manner, Marc can never be an effective manager.
Synonyms: arrogant, condescending, proud, self-righteous, vain, conceited, haughty
Antonyms: humble
SALUTATION (noun): 1. a gesture or phrase that is used to greet, welcome, or recognize
somebody; 2. the expression o f greetings, welcome, or recognition; 3. the greeting that begins a
letter or email.
Examples:
- I yelled goodbye and waved, but she did not return my salutation.
- A traditional American salutation is, How are you.
- He liked to end his emails with the salutation, Cheers!
- the speaker introduced the evening D s honored guest with a lavish
- The president began the discussion with a pleasant salutation to the distinguished assembly
Synonyms: greeting, salute, cheers, honor, citation, tribute, accolade

JV556 (Squalid and Winsome)

November 5th, 2009
SQUALID (adjective): 1 extremely dirty and unpleasant, dirty, run-down, or unsanitary, especially
because of poverty; 2 showing a contemptible lack o f moral standards:
Examples:
- The TV host made a squalid attempt to save himself from public embarrassment.
- Volunteers in South Africa worked to improve the squalid conditions o f the slums.
- The non-profit agency raised money for children who are living in squalor.
- The politician made a squalid attempt to buy votes.
Synonyms: filthy, broken-down, crummy, seedy, shabby, wretched, degraded, nasty, sordid,
immoral, undignified
Antonyms: clean, sanitary, sterile

JV555 (Relish and Voracious)

October 30th, 2009
RELISH
Definition (noun, verb): (Verb)
1. to enjoy or take great pleasure in an experience
2. to enjoy the taste of a particular food or drink
3. to give a pleasing taste to food, e.g. by adding spice or relish
Noun:
1. enjoyment: a liking or appreciation o f food or o f an experience
2. a spiced side dish or accompaniment to food, e.g. pickled or fresh vegetables with chili
3. a pleasing sensation o f strong taste or flavor
4. interest or excitement, especially when it makes something more enjoyable
Examples:
- Marc was appointed to a position for which I had little relish.
- Frank doesnt relish telling Lisa that her car has been stolen.
- But when her car was found she was feeling better. Lisa ate her dinner with relish and even asked
for seconds.
- I have no relish for getting up early in the morning
- The incident added relish to an otherwise dull weekend.
Synonyms: enjoyment, gusto, delight, pleasure, glee, enjoy, delight in, love, adore
Antonyms: dislike.
VORACIOUS (adjective): Consuming or eager to consume great amounts of food; ravenous.
Having or marked by an insatiable appetite for an activity or pursuit;
especially eager: unusually eager or enthusiastic about an activity
very hungry: desiring or consuming food in great quantities
Examples:
- Phil is a voracious eater who dives into his food.
- Lisa a voracious reader that pours through several books a month.
- Dont we all love to see children with a voracious appetite for knowledge.
Synonyms: hungry, ravenous, insatiable, rapacious, greedy, eager, avid
Antonyms: satiated

JV554 (Procrastinate and Unwitting)

October 25th, 2009
PROCRASTINATE (verb): to delay doing something that should be done, To put off doing
something, especially out o f habitual carelessness or laziness. To postpone or delay needlessly.
Examples:
- Marc warned his students not to procrastinate on the assignment because it could not be done in
one day.
- Lisa procrastinated all afternoon until it was too late to start painting the walls that day.
- Lisa didnt finish the project because o f procrastination; she simply waited too long to get started.
Synonyms: delay, postpone, stall, dawdle, put off, prolong
Antonyms: hurry, rush, speed
UNWITTING (adjective): 1. not aware; 2. not intentional, Not knowing; unaware: an unwitting
subject in an experiment. Not intended; unintentional: an unwitting admission o f guilt.
Examples:
- Theres no need to apologize; I realize it was an unwitting mistake and I dont blame you at all.
- Lisa unwittingly helped her boss shred some files, which she had no idea contained sensitive
information pertinent to the case against their firm.
- The two women claimed they were the unwitting victims o f a drugs dealer who planted a large
quantity o f heroin in their luggage.
Synonyms: unaware, inadvertent, unknowing, unintentional, unplanned
Antonyms: knowing, aware

JV553 (Palliate and Turgid)

October 20th, 2009
PALLIATE (verb) : 1. to try to make something seem less serious or severe, especially by offering
excuses; 2. to make something less intense or severe; 3. to relieve the painful, physical symptoms
of a disorder or disease.
Examples:
- Lisa works out everyday in order to palliate stress.
- The medical article addressed the many ways to palliate the symptoms of the disease until a cure
could be found.
- Joanne tried to palliate the pain she had caused her parents by sending an apology card.
- My mother tried to palliate the bleeding with a band-aid, until we could get to the hospital to have
the cut stitched up.
Synonyms: extenuate, mitigate, excuse, abate, alleviate, diminish, ease, assuage
Antonyms: aggravate, worsen, exacerbate
TURGID (adjective): 1. pompous and overcomplicated: pompous, boring, and overcomplicated. 2.
overflowing: swollen and overflowing
Examples:
- I could not sit through another minute o f the actors long, turgid, and unnecessarily complicated
acceptance speech.
- The doctor said grandpas turgid veins were caused by his diabetes.
- After his success in the stock market, M ikes already turgid ego became even more inflated.
- There is a woman at my book club who loves to expatiate about her understanding of the book in
a turgid manner.
Synonyms: bombastic, pompous, overblown, inflated, tumid, high-flown, puffed up, affected,
pretentious.
Antonyms: reserved, humble, quiet

JV552 (Insouciant and Synthesis)

October 14th, 2009
INSOUCIANT (adjective): a relaxed and happy, without worry or guilt: without worry, anxiety,
or guilt-unconcerned.
Examples:
- Franks insouciant attitude toward money and the importance o f saving will surely land him in
financial trouble.
- The insouciant housekeeper didnt notice that the dog had gotten out.
- Sometimes, Lisa admired Franks youthful insouciance, but other times she thought he was too
cavalier.
- The insouciant way in which John managed his employees caused people to slack off and
disregard their responsibilities.
Synonyms: breezy, carefree, ignorant, easygoing, blithe, nonchalant, careless
Antonyms: concerned, burdened, troubled, worried, anxious
SYNTHESIS (noun): the combination of ideas to form a theory or system :
1. result o f combination: a new unified whole resulting from the combination o f different ideas,
influences, or objects
2. combining o f various components into whole: the process o f combining different ideas,
influences, or objects into a new whole
3. chemistry formation o f chemical compounds: the formation o f compounds through one or more
chemical reactions involving simpler substances
Examples:
- The synthesis o f all the information we have gathered should provide us with a definitive theory.
- The synthesis o f our various ideas created a truly unique marketing strategy for our client.
- Please synthesize the data in a concise report.
- The artists paintings are an interesting synthesis o f abstraction and impressionism.
Synonyms: creation, combination, formation, mixture, compound, composition, union
Antonyms: separation, destruction

JV551 (Pariah and Preface)

October 7th, 2009
PARIAH = someone who has been outcast from society and is avoided by people, a person who is
not accepted by a social group, especially because he or she is not liked, respected or trusted
Synonyms: outcast, vagrant, abomination, derelict, renegade, undesirable, castoff, reject
Antonyms: insider
Examples:
- The president became a pariah after he asked for another tax increase, and people couldnt wait to
oust him from office.
- Phil mumbled: Smokers are treated as pariahs these days.
- Lisas constant lying caused her to become a pariah among her peers.
PREFACE = (noun, verb) (n.) an introduction at the beginning o f a book; (v.) to begin with a
preface or introduction before presenting your main point
Synonyms: (n.) introduction, foreword, prologue, (v.) introduce, begin, open
Antonyms: (n.) epilogue, postscript, addendum, closing, conclusion, (v.) close, conclude
Examples:
- Joanne loves Mark Twains books because they are immediately engaging, right from the preface.
- Phil didnt preface the bad news with, I dont know how to tell you this but.
- Please let me preface my response to your question by noting that I am not an expert in this area.

JV550 (Sanguine and Prudent)

September 30th, 2009
SANGUINE = (adjective) having a cheerfully optimistic temperament or outlook-hopeful
Synonyms: upbeat, optimistic, positive, hopeful, expectant, enthusiastic, cheerful
Antonyms: hopeless, pessimistic
Examples:
- The hotel trained its human resources staff to choose employees with sanguine personalities
- Some people expect the economy to continue to improve, but others are less sanguine.
- Stock traders remained sanguine despite reduced profit margins.
- Johns sanguine outlook on life, even during difficult times, kept him young and carefree.
- Sandys sanguine attitude won her many friends and admirers.
PRUDENT = (adjective) 1. having good sense and judgment; 2. being careful and sensible
Synonyms: careful, cautious, discreet, wise, sagacious, judicious, sensible, practical, discerning,
guarded, mindful, tactful, thrifty, economical, watchful, circumspect
Antonyms: imprudent, foolish
Examples:
- Phil was quite prudent in his spending habits and always had plenty o f savings in the bank.
- M arcs decision was prudent and timely.
- Its always prudent to read a contract properly before signing it.
- Lisa was always prudent when giving criticism, so as not to offend anyone.
- Joannes financial prudence was rewarded with growing investments.

JV549 (Rectify and Impecunious)

September 23rd, 2009
RECTIFY = (verb) to make something right again, to correct it
Synonyms: remedy, repair, right, correct, adjust, amend, fix, mend, improve, revise
Antonyms: ruin, damage, worsen
Examples:
- Frank tried to glue the vase back together, but unfortunately, he couldnt rectify the break.
- His top priority as the new president was to rectify his predecessors mistakes.
- If Lisa doesnt make an attempt to rectify the problem, her neighbors will take her to court.
- The tense situation was rectified when Mary called everyone in the group to apologize for her
mistakes.
IMPECUNIOUS = (adjective) poor and thus without the comforts of a wealthier life
Synonyms: poor, destitute, impoverished, penniless
Antonyms: rich
Examples:
- The prodigal son returned home impecunious and suffering from near starvation.
- Everyone was surprised to learn that Donald Trump married an impecunious woman who he met
at a diner.
- Annie is a musical about a group o f impecunious orphans who all dream o f a better life.

JV548 (Nepotism and Imbroglio)

September 16th, 2009
NEPOTISM: (noun) favoritism shown to relatives by those in power, favoritism shown by
somebody in power to relatives and friends, especially in appointing them to good positions. using
your power or influence to obtain good jobs or unfair advantages for members o f your own family:
Synonyms: favoritism, partiality
Antonyms: nonpartisanship
Examples:
- The Italian Mafia practiced nepotism as a way o f keeping the business inside the family.
- The government discouraged nepotism and made sure that people were hired and promoted
based on merit, not because they are relatives o f the president.
- When the company CEO gave a sought-after position to his son, many employees felt it was due
to nepotism, rather than true merit.
IMBROGLIO = (noun: a complicated, sometimes emotionally charged, situation involving intrigue
and misunderstanding, an extremely confused, complicated, or embarrassing situation : the
Watergate imbroglio. An unwanted, difficult and confusing situation, full o f trouble and problems.
Synonyms: predicament, tangle, snarl, dispute, mess
Examples:
- The imbroglio in the Middle East was caused by a lack o f clear communication and fear.
- The company may not survive another legal imbroglio
- Land developers and environmentalists are always in some type o f imbroglio over new
construction plans.

JV547 (Sporadic and Retort)

September 14th, 2009
SPORADIC = occurring occasionally at intervals that have no apparent pattern
Synonyms: occasional, infrequent, unconnected, scattered, uncommon, irregular
Antonyms: frequent, regular
Examples:
- The ambiguous economic report caused sporadic buying on wall street.
- The polices sporadic attempts to sweep the drug pushers off the streets proved ineffective.
- The WTO meeting was disrupted by sporadic protests and riots.
- The weather man forecasted sporadic showers throughout the day.
RETORT = (noun, verb) (n.) a quick, witty response to a question; (v.) 1. to quickly respond to a
question with a witty or insulting response; 2. to respond to someones argument
Synonyms: (n.) response, reply, comback, counterargument, (v.) reply, answer, respond, rebut,
counter
Antonyms: question
Examples:
- When she said Yeah, BABY! he retorted, Thats Mr. Baby to you.
- I am rubber and you are glue is not a very good retort to criticism.
- After Lisa screamed at him, M arcs retort was, Please come back when you are ready to act like
an adult and engage in a civilized discussion.
- Sure, thats a funny retort you just made, but you still havent answered my question.

JV546 (Inculcate and Fret)

September 9th, 2009
INCULCATE = (verb) to teach or fix something in someones mind through forceful repetitio, to
fix beliefs or ideas in someones mind, especially by repeating them often
Synonyms: drill, instill, impart, impress, imbue, condition, brainwash, indoctrinate, ingrain,
influence
Antonyms: confuse
Examples:
- I inculcated obedience into my dog through consistent, positive reinforcement.
- Our football coach has worked hard to inculcate a team spirit in/into the players.
- The young mother was determined to inculcate good manners onto her son.
to cause someone to have (particular beliefs or values) by repeating them frequently
- The goal is to inculcate in students a tolerance for people o f other religions and races.
FRET = (verb) to be anxious or disturbed about something-to worry
Synonyms: agonize, worry, chafe, stew, mope, brood
Examples:
- Dont fret because worrying w ont help anything.
- Guitar players generally get calluses on their fingers from moving their fingers up and down the
frets.
- By midnight Lisa was tired and fretful
- Joanna spent the day fretting about/over what shed said to Nicky.

JV545 (Infuse and Prodigy)

September 2nd, 2009
INFUSE = (verb) 1. to fill or cause to be filled with emotion; 2. to fill by pouring; 3. to steep or
soak something in a liquid in order to extract its flavor
Synonyms: steep, soak, introduce, inspire, instill, saturate, fill, ingrain, permeate, pervade
Antonyms: drain, remove
Examples:
- The coach infused sportsmanship into the players.
- Adding anchovies will infuse a salty taste into the pizza.
- Lisas plan o f going to the rock festival infused new life into our weekend.
- An infusion o f $100 000 into the company is required.
PRODIGY (noun) = 1. a young person with exceptional gift or talent; 2. something amazing or
extraordinary
Synonyms: genius, virtuoso, marvel, talent, wonder, phenomenon
Examples:
- Mozart was a musical prodigy who began writing concertos at the age o f five, when other children
were still playing in the sandbox.
- The father wanted his son to be a golf prodigy so badly, he dragged him to golf practice every
day.
- The 16-year-old tennis prodigy is the youngest player ever to reach the Olympic finals.

JV544 (Sloth and Paramount)

August 26th, 2009
SLOTH = 1. a disinclination to do any work or activity; 2. a person who is lazy; 3. slow-moving
animal found in Central and South America, an animal that moves very slowly and spends much o f
its time hanging upside down from trees
Synonyms: inaction, slowness, laziness, sluggishness, lethargy,
Antonyms: activity,
Examples:
- Marc slothful ways caused him to be late again.
- When Franks girlfriend betrayed him, he turned into a sloth and hardly ever got off his couch.
- Todays newspaper criticizes the governments sloth in tackling environmental problems.
PARAMOUNT = foremost in importance or power
Synonyms: supreme, predominant, principal, primary,
Antonyms: unimportant, insignificant
Examples:
- Getting those contracts signed is paramount to our project; without them, we cant even begin.
- It is o f paramount importance that I fly out tomorrow to meet with the client, or we may lose this
business.
- National security is a paramount issue in the Presidential campaign.

JV543 (Lampoon and Levee)

August 18th, 2009
LAMPOON = (n.) an artistic work that pokes fun or ridicules; (v.) to poke fun or ridicule
Synonyms: (n.) joke, parody, satire, skit, (v.) ridicule, make fun, satirize
Antonyms: documentary
Examples:
- No matter how good a leader he may be, there will always be comedians lampooning the
President o f the United states.
- The magazine that Liza is working for always includes a section that lampoons a popular movie.
- The magazine is famed for its merciless political lampoons.
LEVEE = 1. a natural or artificial embankment by a river, to contain flooding; 2. a river landing
place
Synonyms: bank, embankment, lakefront, lakeshore, cliff, barrier, wharf, jetty, pier, dock
Examples:
- After the levee broke, more than 20% o f the field was flooded.
- In order to make a natural fish habitat, the Fish and Wildlife Service had to destroy a part o f the
lakes levee.
- Marc and Joanne w ere on a sailing trip. For the weekend they docked their sailboat alongside the
levee.
- In the morning Marc decided to go for a swim, After his morning swim he cam ashore on the
levee.

JV542 (Penchant and Intrepid)

July 27th, 2009
PENCHANT = (noun) a strong liking for or tendency toward something, especially something that
others may not look favorably on, liking or tendency: a strong liking, taste, or tendency for
something.
Synonyms: inclination, affinity, tendency, predisposition
Antonyms: disinclination, dislike
Examples:
Johns penchant for taking clients to expensive restaurants is costing our company too much
money.
Frank has a penchant for showing up late to meetings, but I dont think he realizes how
inconsiderate that is.
Joanne has a penchant for drinking too much wine and acting silly at parties.
INTREPID = (adjective) extremely brave and showing no fear of dangerous situations, not
vulnerable to fear or intimidation
Synonyms: fearless, undaunted, perseverant, persistent, brave, courageous, bold, daring, heroic
Antonyms: fearful, timid, cowardly
Examples:
Achilles was a brilliant and intrepid warrior.
After the market crash, only a handful of intrepid investors put money in tech-stocks.
Lisa is an intrepid journalist who often reported from deep in the war zone, but never seemed afraid
for her life.

JV541 (Obsolete and Foster)

July 4th, 2009
OBSOLETE = (adjective) no longer used, usually because it has been replaced with something
better
Synonyms: outdated, discarded, unfashionable, old-fashioned, archaic, extinct, unused, antiquated
Antonyms: current, modern, fresh, up-to-date
Examples:
- Horse-drawn wagons became obsolete once the car was invented.
- Although much o f todays communication and correspondence takes place online, the postal
service is not quite obsolete.
- Mobile phone technology is developing so quickly that many customers are concerned about
obsolescence.
- Typewriters have been rendered obsolete by computers.
FOSTER = (verb) 1. to nurture and rear a child, as a temporary guardian; 2. to encourage the
development or interest o f ideas or activities, to encourage the development or growth o f (ideas or
feelings)
Synonyms: cherish, nourish, harbor, raise, nurture, champion, encourage, advance, uphold,
stimulate
Antonyms: squelch, discourage
Examples:
- We try to foster an environment o f open communication within this department.
- He is fostering a plan to help turn this company around.
- Lisas niece was taken into care by the local council and placed with a foster family.
- My parents always tried to foster an interest in classical music in me.
- I try to foster an appreciation for classical music in my students.

JV540 (Mercurial and Nonchalant)

June 29th, 2009
MERCURIAL = (adjective) 1. containing or being somehow related to mercury; 2. having a
temperamental, active, or unpredictable personality; 3. quick, lively, and shrewd, like the god
Mercury
Synonyms: erratic, changeable, fickle, volatile, unpredictable, fluctuating, temperamental, moody,
lively, quick
Antonyms: constant, invariable, steady, stable, even
Examples:
- I wanted a mercurial thermometer but I got a digital one.
- The comedian relied on his mercurial wit, not rehearsed jokes, to entertain his audience.
- Lisa is a bit unpredictable with her mercurial mood swings.
- His mood is so mercurial that we never know how heD s going to react to anything
NONCHALANT = (adjective) casual and unconcerned
Synonyms: casual, blase, indifferent, unconcerned, unflappable, apathetic
Antonyms: worried, concerned
Examples:
- Surprisingly, when John was told he won the contest, he was very nonchalant, and didnt seem
that excited.
- Even though Marc was nervous when he asked her out, he tried to appear nonchalant about it.
- Once on a safari we found 10 lions walking nonchalantly across an open field.

JV539 (Hospitable and Influx)

June 26th, 2009
HOSPITABLE = (adjective) 1. welcoming and kind to guests; 2. pleasant and favorable; 3. openminded and receptive
Synonyms:
welcoming, accommodating, cordial, generous, open, accessible, receptive
Antonyms:
inhospitable, hostile
Examples:
- Many plants grow in the regions hospitable climate.
- Its difficult to think o f a less hospitable environment than the surface o f the Moon.
- My aunt was extremely hospitable. When I showed up at her door with my friends, she invited us
to stay for dinner
INFLUX = (noun)
1. a sudden or ongoing arrival o f many things or o f a lot o f people; 2. an inward flow or movement
Synonyms:
inflow, inundation, flood
Antonyms:
outflow
Examples:
- The sudden influx of new clients meant lots of overtime for the employees.
- The publication had an influx o f letters to the editor after it published the controversial story.
- Weave had an influx o f resumes in response to our job posting.
- South Africa is expecting an influx o f several thousand refugees over the next few days.
- South Africas border patrol has been increased to curb the influx o f illegal immigrants.

JV538 (Precursor and Prosaic)

June 22nd, 2009
PRECURSOR = (noun) 1. something which happened or existed before; 2. an indication that
someone or something is approaching; 3. in chemistry, a substance from
which another is formed
Synonyms:
forerunner, predecessor, originator, messenger, trailblazer, ancestor, founder, prototype
Antonyms:
follower
Examples:
- The precursor to SyncMyMails current network infrastructure was slow and bulky.
- M icrosofts business model is much more streamlined and efficient, compared to its precursor.
- During a precursory inspection of the house, I failed to notice many or its problems.
- Biological research has often been a precursor to medical breakthroughs which benefit patients.
PROSAIC = (adjective)
without interest, variety, or imagination-dull
Synonyms:
boring, commonplace, ordinary, monotonous, insipid, mundane, simple, dull, vapid, banal
Antonyms:
exciting, fascinating, interesting, stimulating
Examples:
- Iam surprised you enjoyed that book so much; I found it to be prosaic and unimaginative.
- Johns job is not as glamorous as it seems; he has many prosaic
responsibilities like filling out expense reports and other mundane
paperwork.
- Lisas summer job at the TV station dealt with the much more prosaic business o f cleaning the
floors

- Joanne gave me some prosaic advice on how to remove common stains from clothing

JV537 (Robust and Reiterate)

June 19th, 2009
ROBUST = (adjective)
1. healthy, strong, and energetic; 2. built to be sturdy and durable;
3.requiring physical strength and endurance; 4. boisterous in manner;
5. hearty, full-flavored; 6. crude or rough
Synonyms:
healthy, strong, energetic, sturdy, solid, vigorous, hearty, rugged, full-bodied, flavorful, rude, rough
Antonyms:
frail, weak, feeble, tasteless
Examples:
- Some people say that the host o f JustVocabulary is a handsome, robust young man.
- Shell has been enjoying robust growth for the past
three quarters.
- Iam never fully awake until Iave had a cup o f robust, fresh-brewed cup o f Joe.
- Some of his colleagues felt Marc could have defended himself more robustly.

If you do something robustly, you do it in a determined way:

REITERATE = (verb) to say, state, or perform again, sometimes with a wearying effect
Synonyms:
repeat, restate, recapitulate, rephrase, rehash
Examples:
- Even though Marc knew his students heard him the first time, he reiterated the importance of
making our deadline.
- Let me reiterate the fact that our companyas success is dependent on winning this account.
- Joanne reiterated that she had never seen him before.
- He reiterated his view that it was time to withdraw from Southeast Asia.

JV536 (Prevaricate and Rationalize)

June 15th, 2009
PREVARICATE = (verb) be deliberately ambiguous or unclear in order to mislead or withhold
information, get out o f telling truth:to
avoid giving a direct and honest answer or opinion, or a clear and
truthful account of a situation, especially by quibbling or being
deliberately ambiguous or misleading
Synonyms:
equivocate, deceive, distort, evade, fabricate, falsify, mislead, stretch, misrepresent, lie
Antonyms:
tell the truth, be honest
Examples:
- Even under oath, George continued to prevaricate about what exactly had happened.
- I knew that when I confronted Lisa she would prevaricate about who started the rumor.
- The lawyer accused George o f prevaricating even though he tried hard to look honest and candid.
RATIONALIZE = (verb) 1. to defend or make excuses for something; 2. apply reason or logic to
something.
to give the reason for or cause of. to try to find reasons to explain your behaviour, decisions, etc:
Synonyms:
justify, excuse, reason, think, clarify, explain.
Antonyms:
complicate, puzzle, confuse
Examples:
- We rationalized the production system so that one operator could control all three machines.
- The recession is forcing the company to rationalize.
- Lisa didnt understand how anyone could rationalize such an extravagant purchase.
- You can rationalize your way out of anything.
- Phil tried to rationalize Georges behavior, but it was completely illogical and unjustifiable.

JV535 (Obviate and Plumb)

June 11th, 2009
OBVIATE = (verb) 1. to prevent or overcome a problem by anticipating the problem in advance; 2.
to make something unnecessary, to remove a difficulty, especially so that action to deal with it
becomes unnecessary
Synonyms:
remove, prevent, hinder, forestall, preclude, avert
Antonyms:
cause, allow
Examples:
- Your company should consider me for the position because I m known for
obviating potential losses of revenue for firms like yours.
- Is there any way to obviate this potential crisis?
- Regular tooth-brushing should obviate the need for frequent trips to the dentist
- A peaceful solution would obviate the need to use military force.
- Addressing any potential problems before they occur will obviate the need for later crisis
management.
PLUMB = (verb, adjective, adverb, noun)
(v.) 1. to measure the depth o f something; 2. to fully understand
something; 3. to experience something to the fullest; 4. to make
something vertical; (adj.) 1. completely vertical;
Synonyms: (v.) measure, gauge, examine, probe,
fathom, explore, sound, (adj.) vertical, perpendicular, total,
complete, full, deep, utter, absolute, (adv.) vertically, exactly,
directly, fully, completely, (n.) weight, sinker
Antonyms:
(adj.) horizontal, imprecise, inexact, incomplete, (adv.) horizontally, indirectly
Examples:
- They plumbed the uncharted ocean floor near the islands to make sure it
was deep enough for the freighter to pass.
- When hanging a door, you need to make sure that it is both level and
plumb or it will not shut completely.
- I have to plumb the depths o f my patience each time I hear Lisas annoying voice.
- I m so sorry; I plumb forgot to attend your bacherlors party.

JV534 (Sluggard and Mollycoddle)

June 7th, 2009
SLUGGARD = (noun)
a slothful, lazy person, somebody who avoids work or physical exertion
(archaic)
Synonyms:
slouch, loafer, laggard
Antonyms:
go-getter, dynamo
Examples:
- I was a sluggard all day Sunday and did nothing but lay around watching TV.
- Franks a sluggard who cant hold down a steady job because hes always missing work.
- On the weekends, Marc prefers to be a sluggard, since he works so hard during the week.
- John was fired because he was a sluggard who took too long to finish his tasks.
MOLLYCODDLE = (verb, noun)
(v.) to treat with extra care or indulgence; (n.) someone spoiled and overprotected, especially a boy,
INFORMAL MAINLY DISAPPROVING to give someone too much care or protection. a person
without strength o f character
Synonyms:
(v.) spoil, pamper, coddle, baby, overprotect
Examples:
- If you mollycoddle your children they w ont grow up to be responsible, self-sufficient adults.
- Lisa was so mollycoddled as a child, she grew up to be a selfish adult.
- Joanne broke up with Phil because he was too much o f a mollycoddle and
needed to talk to his mother every day.
- I can work independently, and I dont need to be mollycoddled.

JV533 (Haven and Provisional)

May 26th, 2009
HAVEN = (noun) . safe place, refuge or shelter; 2. an ideal spot for something.
Synonyms:
refuge, shelter, sanctuary, haven, anchorage, port, marina
Examples:
- The new, beach-front hotel was a perfect haven for tourists.
- We hoped desperately to find a cave, as a haven from the blizzard
- South Africa was not a safe havens for refugees from Zimbabwe.
- As long as the UN soldiers were present, the city was regarded as a safe haven for the refugees.
PROVISIONAL =
1.under terms that have not been finalized; 2. for the time-being only
Synonyms:
conditional, temporary, transitional
Antonyms:
permanent, conclusive, concrete
Examples:
- After days o f negotiations, the union finally reached a provisional agreement with management.
- Even though it was a provisional contract, Lisa was still happy to be hired by the school district.
- When John arrived for the conference he was provided with a provisional meeting agenda.
- Frank was provisionally accepted at Stanford.

JV532 (Wax and Trepidation)

May 20th, 2009
WAX = 1. to grow larger or more intense; 2. to take on a state or quality
Synonyms:
grow, increase, expand, broaden, intensify, become
Antonyms:
wane
Examples:
- I sat on the shore and watched the waves wax and wane.
- My friend started to wax philosophical after a couple glasses o f wine.
- As the moon waxes toward its full state, it becomes rounder each day.
- Milton Friedman waxed eloquent on the subject o f free enterprise.
- I am always captivated to see Carl Sagan waxed eloquent about the Cosmos. aThe Cosmos is all
that has ever been, all that is, and all that ever will be.a
TREPIDATION =
a feeling o f fear or dread about the future
Synonyms:
alarm, fear, agitation, perturbation, uneasiness, consternation, dread
Antonyms:
ease, calm
Examples:
- Franciss trepidation about having to deliver a speech to the company board
was evident on her face as a small bead o f sweat ran down her forehead.
- Bills trepidation about being fired seemed unwarranted, since he was a top performer for the
company.
- It was Johns trepidation about flying that caused him to cancel her European vacation.
- I have some trepidation about starting a new job, but once I get past my fear, I m sure everything
will be fine.

JV531 (Moratorium and Temperate)

May 17th, 2009
MORATORIUM = (noun) suspension of activity for an agreed amount of time.
Synonyms:
suspension, freeze, halt, pause, stop, standstill
Antonyms:
beginning, commencement, continuation
Examples:
- The Financial Director issued a spending moratorium until the company received a second round
of funding.
- Its been four years now since John self-imposed a moratorium on flying, and he still refuses to
step foot in a plane.
- I am all in favor for a five-year worldwide moratorium on nuclear weapons testing.
- Norway is proposing a five-year moratorium on whale-hunting.
TEMPERATE = moderate or mild, not extreme, especially said of climate and behavior
Synonyms:
calm, agreeable, constant, mild, moderate, even-tempered, reasonable, steady, stable, dispassionate
Antonyms:
extreme, immoderate, severe, unrestrained, excessive
Examples:
- I moved from the Netherlands to Cape Town because o f its temperate climate.
- Lisa describes herself as having a temperate personality, but most of
her friends think she is a little moody.
- It is not a bad idea to exercise temperance when drinking alcohol.
- Her response to the news was temperate, though I expected her to be more excited.

JV530 (Purvey and Riveting)

May 15th, 2009
PURVEY = (verb) 1. to provide goods and services, especially as a business; 2. to circulate gossip
or information
Synonyms:
supply, provide, furnish, equip, stock, store, transfer, inform, circulate
Antonyms:
hinder, impede, limit
Examples:
- The Italian government purveyed blankets and water to the earthquake victims.
- Lisa considered herself a purveyor o f news and opinion.
- This company has purveyed clothing to the armed forces for generations.
- The presidents speech was intended to purvey a message o f optimism.
RIVETING =
arousing and holding the attention of
Synonyms:
fascinating, enthralling, spellbinding, captivating
Antonyms:
boring, dull, uninteresting, common
Examples:
- I found the movie riveting and was on the edge of my seat the whole time.
- I was riveted to the television as news o f the events unfolded.
- M arcs lectures were less than riveting, and several students decided to drop the class.
- The maffia trial has riveted the nation.

JV529 (Pathology and Probity)

May 13th, 2009
PATHOLOGY = (noun) 1. the scientific study of diseases; 2. a deviation from a healthy and
normal condition
Synonyms:
study of disease
Examples:
- Ask Angela about the disease thats killing your roses; she specialized in plant pathology in
college.
- Dont believe him; hes a pathological liar.
- I decided to specialize in pathology during my medical studies because I m fascinated with
finding cures for disease.
PROBITY = (noun) unquestionable integrity and honesty
Synonyms:
integrity, honor, honesty, goodness, morality, virtue, trustworthiness
Antonyms:
immorality, dishonesty
Examples:
- The presidents probity came into question during the scandal.
- Nuns live lives of honesty and moral probity.
- The company believed its management should be held to the highest standards of probity.
- I would never doubt Angelas probity; any secret you tell her is safe.

JV527 (Foil and Harbor)

May 12th, 2009
FOIL = (verb) (v.) 1. to hinder someones efforts or thwart a plan; 2. to enhance
something by using contrast;
(n.) 1. something that serves as a useful contrast to something else;
2.thin, flexible metal, often aluminum
Synonyms:
(v.) thwart, prevent, hinder, baffle, prohibit, frustrate, counter, balk, (n.) contrast, antithesis,
background
Antonyms:
(v.) help, aid, expedite
Examples:
Lisa will not let negative people foil her plans for happiness.
Arnold became a hero the day he foiled the heist.
M arcs plan to disrupt our slumber party was foiled when Joanne caught him with his squirt gun.
HARBOR = (n.) 1. a safe, protected area; 2. a port for ships; (v.) 1. to
provide shelter to a person or to a ship; 2. to hold in or think
privately about
Synonyms:
(n.) port, refuge, shelter, sanctuary, haven, anchorage, marina, (v.) shelter, hold, protect
Antonyms:
expose
Examples:
- The ships in the harbor were not affected by the stormy waves further out to sea.
- I hope Paul harbors no anger against me for my long delay in responding to his e-mail.
- I could tell that all o f the ladies harbored a little animosity toward the prettiest girl at the party.

JV528 (Impair and Oasis)

May 11th, 2009
IMPAIR = to worsen something or to make it less effective
Synonyms:
weaken, damage, injure, deteriorate, reduce, lessen, diminish
Antonyms:
improve
Examples:
- Everyone knows that too much alcohol can impair a persons driving ability.
- My uncle is hearing-impaired, but he is excellent at reading lips.
- Without glasses, his vision is seriously impaired.
- A strained wrist will dramatically impair your ability to play tennis.
OASIS = (noun)
1. a fertile spot in a desert or barren place; 2. a place o f shelter or sanctuary
Synonyms:
refuge, sanctuary, haven
Antonyms:
prison
Examples:
- My weekly yoga class is an oasis away from my daily stress.
- Many weary travelers have stopped by the desert oasis to rest and have a drink o f water.
- I dont like to have parties because my home is my oasis away from the chaos o f the world.

JV526 (Fidelity and Extrovert)

May 7th, 2009
FIDELITY = (noun) 1. faithfulness to vow, duties, obligations, or observances; 2.
truthfulness and accuracy in reporting details or facts; 3. degree to
which electronic engineering accurately reproduces the sound or image
of its input signal
Synonyms: allegiance, faithfulness, loyalty,
devotedness, devotion, staunchness, adherence, constancy,
Antonyms:
infidelity, disloyalty, inaccuracy
Examples:
- In some cases, analog recordings are of higher fidelity than digital.
- It was M arcs infidelity that ultimately ended their marriage.
- One of the things I admired most about Frank was his adoration and fidelity toward his wife.
EXTROVERT =
a gregarious and uninhibited person who thrives and gets their energy from socializing
Synonyms:
character, sociable person
Antonyms:
introvert, loner
Examples:
- Cheerleading was the perfect outlet for Angelas extroverted nature.
- If you want to be in sales, you have to be an extrovert and like being around people.
- His brother is shy and introverted, while he is much more o f a social extrovert.

JV525 (Galvanize and Ineluctable)

May 5th, 2009
GALVANIZE = (verb)
1. to stimulate a person or group into action; 2. to stimulate a part
o f the body with an electric shock; 3. to coat iron or steel with zinc
for protection from rust and corrosion
Synonyms:
rouse, stimulate, provoke, excite, coat, protect, charge
Antonyms:
quiet, still
Examples:
- The company SyncMyMail.com was galvanized to action when they found out their biggest
competitor was also making a bid for the job.
- The politician hoped his speech would galvanize those who were still undecided to vote for him.
- CPR is more effective when an AED machine is available to galvanize the heart.
- The prospect o f guests always galvanizes Angela to start cleaning the house.
INELUCTABLE = describes something impossible to avoid or escape
Synonyms:
inescapable, unavoidable, inevitable, certain, destined, imminent
Antonyms:
avoidable, escapable, uncertain
Examples:
- Although Phoebe was sad about the break-up, she knew the ineluctable passage o f time would
heal her pain.
- The phrase what goes up must come down describes the ineluctable law o f gravity.
- One often hears that the only things in life that are ineluctable are death and taxes.

JV524 (Nondescript and Peripheral)

May 3rd, 2009
NONDESCRIPT = (adjective) lacking distinctive or interesting characteristics. dull, uninteresting,
or without any distinguishing characteristics
Synonyms:
dull, drab, unremarkable, indistinguishable, uninteresting, common, ordinary, vague
Antonyms:
vivid, interesting, unique
Examples:
- It was my first job interview - so I chose to wear a fairly nondescript, black suit.
- The newspaper article was largely nondescript and gave only perfunctory information.
- Nobody remembered my friend John, I think its because he is such an ordinary, nondescript guy.
PERIPHERAL =
1.on the outer edges o f something; 2. related to an issue, but not o f major importance to it
Synonyms:
outer, marginal, borderline, exterior, side, irrelevant, minor, insignificant
Antonyms:
inner, central, significant
Examples:
- Bill has a tunnel vision and he can only see clearly when looking straight
ahead; he has lost his peripheral vision.
- Whenever John is watching his favorite TV show Lost, everything else is o f peripheral interest.
- H es planning on building a guest house on the periphery o f his property.
- Lets stop talking about peripheral subjects and lets focus on the key issues instead.

JV523 (Prostrate and Redolent)

May 1st, 2009
PROSTRATE = (adj.) 1. lying down, often on ones face, either out o f respect and
submissiveness; 2. lying down in a horizontal position due to illness
or lack o f energy; 3. physically exhausted or emotionally overwhelmed;
(v.) 1. to lie down or throw oneself on the ground, especially in a
worshipful manner; 2. to exhaust, either physically or emotionally
Synonyms:
(adj.) prone, flat, reclining, exhausted, spent, overwhelmed, (v.) grovel, bow, lay, exhaust,
overcome
Antonyms:
(adj.) upright, standing
Examples:
- After a long day o f yard work, I was prostrate on the couch for several hours.
- My sick grandma was prostrate in her hospital bed.
- When the emperor walked in, all o f his servants fell down to the ground prostrate.
- She lay there prostrate and lifeless.
REDOLENT = 1. exuding a fragrance with qualities that remind you o f something else; 2.
suggesting or reminiscent o f another time or place.
1. suggesting: suggestive or reminiscent o f something
2. having particular smell: with a particular scent or odor
3. aromatic: with a strong pleasant aroma
Synonyms:
aromatic, odorous, fragrant, smelling, evocative, reminiscent, mindful
Examples:
- Angelas perfume is redolent o f our time together in Paris.
- The desert air is much more redolent after a rain.
- The studio o f the yoga teacher was redolent with the smell o f incense.

JV522 (Saccharine and Preen)

April 28th, 2009
SACCHARINE = (adjective) 1 excessively sweet or sentimental. 2 too pleasant or charming, with
too much feeling to be believed
Synonyms:
ingratiating, sweet, sugary, syrupy, sugar-coated, oversentimental, cloying
Antonyms:
sour, bitter
Examples:
- The actresses speech at the Oscars was so saccharine, I could hardly stomach it.
- My girlfriend loved the movie but I thought it was ruined by its saccharine-sweet ending.
- Frank was always very nice, but his sweetness sometimes bordered on saccharine.
- The movie was funny, but it had a saccharine ending in which everyone lives happily ever after
PREEN = (verb) 1 (of a bird) tidy and clean its feathers with its beak. 2 devote effort to making
oneself look attractive. 3 (preen oneself) congratulate or pride oneself. 1. to dress or adorn oneself
with great care; 2. what birds do when
they clean their feathers with their beaks; 3. what cats do when they
groom themselves; 4. to feel and/or act very self-satisfied and
self-congratulatory. to feel very proud or satisfied with yourself because o f an action or quality:
Synonyms:
groom, primp, dress, adorn, spruce, gloat, self-congratulating
Examples:
- My boss thinks that people who preen themselves on a job well done are annoyingly self-satisfied
and smug.
- My cat sat on the windowsill preening herself for hours.
- Bill sometimes preens himself on his ability to effectively deal with clients and co-workers.
- The girls preened all day in preparation for prom night.
- The government is publicly preening itself on the latest trade figures.

JV521 (Hapless and Expedite)

April 25th, 2009
HAPLESS = (adjective) without luck, unfortunate, having, prone to, or marked by bad luck
Synonyms: unlucky, unfortunate
Antonyms: lucky, fortunate

Examples:
- The hapless wanderer could find no resting place and suffered another night in the bitter cold.
- The hapless refugees were driven from their homes, families, and way o f life.
- Angelas parents were the hapless victims o f a fire, just after our insurance policy expired.
- Because o f the financial crisis, the hapless employees lost their pension and in some cases, their
entire retirement.
- Many children are hapless victims o f this war.

EXPEDITE = (verb) 1. to hasten the action or speed up the progress o f something; to cause
(something) to be done or progress more quickly. 2. to deal with something quickly and efficiently
Synonyms: hasten, accelerate, assist, facilitate, advance
Antonyms: slow, stifle
Examples:
- I am really getting desperate - come on guys - is there any way that we can expedite this process
so we can meet our deadline?
- Marc, you are going to expedite this paperwork in order to move things along more quickly.
- Ok, Martin please expedite this shipment so the customer can receive it by tomorrow morning.
- There was no way to expedite the long wait at the post office.

JV520 (Repulse and Spurious)

April 21st, 2009
REPULSE = (verb) 1. to drive back or repel; 2. to cause aversion or disgust; 3. to reject an
approach
Synonyms: repel, reject, rebuff, shun, stop, refuse, disgust
Antonyms: captivate, welcome
Examples:
- Now that Lisa is single again, she started dating. But on her last date she was repulsed by her
dates rude and disgusting behavior.
- Since Joanne is a vegetarian, she feels repulsion when she sees other people eating meat.
- The latest movie contains a repulsive scenes

SPURIOUS = (adjective) 1. not valid or genuine; 2. different than what is claimed and intended to
deceive, based on false reasoning or information that is not true, and therefore not to be trusted
Synonyms: counterfeit, fake, phony, meretricious, substitute, artificial, imitation, illegitimate,
unauthentic, deceptive
Antonyms: genuine, authentic, true
Examples:
- Phil made false and spurious accusations against Paul in order to damage his reputation.
- Lisa thought she had discovered an authentic Rembrandt, but it turned out to be a spurious
painting.
- Some of the arguments against the case o f global warming are questionable and others downright
spurious.

JV519 (Potable and Resourceful)

April 17th, 2009
POTABLE = (adjective) suitable for drinking; (noun) a liquid, especially alcohol, that is suitable
for drinking
Synonyms: (adj.) drinkable, useable, pure, fresh, uncontaminated, (n.) liquid, beverage, liquor,
potion, brew
Antonyms: (adj.) impotable, polluted, unclean
Examples:
- After the earthquake, the tap water was not potable.
- There were too many potables to choose from at the bar, and she couldnt make a choice.
- The wine was too old to be potable anymore.
- The mountaineer survived 6 days on a mountain and three daysr without any potable water.
- around here, the only potable water comes from wells

RESOURCEFUL = (adjective) 1. able to deal effectively with different situations; 2. having the
necessary resources to adapt to different situations and effectively solve problems
Synonyms: adroit, imaginative, inventive, clever, enterprising, skilled
Antonyms: dim-witted, unimaginative
Examples:
- The company hired Phil because hes very resourceful and adept at problem solving.
- Phils boss was very impressed by the way he resourcefully handled a difficult situation and made
it work to companys advantage.
- Children can be very resourceful at creating new games when left to their own imagination.

JV518 (Ineffable and Loll)

April 14th, 2009
INEFFABLE = (adjective) not able to be described in words. causing so much emotion, especially
pleasure, that it cannot be describe
Synonyms: indescribable, inexpressible, unspeakable, incredible, unutterable, sacred
Antonyms: describable, expressible
Examples:
- The performance was so moving, it could only be described as ineffable.
- After her team won the championship, she experienced ineffable happiness.
- David Attenboroughs Planet Earth shows the ineffable beauty o f our planet.
- In ancient Egypt, the pharaoh was so sacred his name was ineffable.
- Lisa couldnt really describe to Marc how she feel about her mistake; her emotions were
ineffable.

LOLL = (verb) 1. to recline in a relaxed and lazy position; 2. to hang loosely. to lie, sit or hang
down in a relaxed informal or uncontrolled way
Synonyms: lounge, sprawl, loaf, loiter, languish, recline, droop, hang
Antonyms: stand, move
Examples:
- We decided to just loll about rather than doing any sort o f formal activity.
- To my best friend, vacations are meant for lolling about the pool and relaxing.
- When my dog stopped playing ball and laid down in the shade with his tongue lolling out, I knew
it was time to head home.
- Marc was tired o f the week and spent Sunday afternoon lolling and reading in his hammock.

JV517 (Vivid and Inane)

April 11th, 2009
VIVID = (adjective) 1. bright or intense in color; brightly colored or (of descriptions or memories)
producing clear, powerful, and detailed images in the mind 2. very clear and fresh when perceived
by the eye or the mind; 3. capable o f evoking strong and distinct images; 4. lively and animated
Synonyms: bright, intense, colorful, dazzling, rich, clear, graphic, realistic, fresh, lively, spirited,
animated
Antonyms: dull, muddy, weak
Examples:
- Marc has no memory o f most o f his childhood, but Lisa still has vivid memories o f her childhood.
- Lisa recounted the events o f her childhood with vivid detail.
- The colors o f Joannes dress were quite vivid against her pale skin.
- M arcs vivid imagination will serve him well in a creative field.

INANE = 1. not important or relevant-silly; 2. insubstantial or empty

Synonyms: stupid, empty, insubstantial, silly, mindless, illogical, ridiculous, foolish, pointless
Antonyms: logical, reasonable, important
Examples:
- Joanne loves to watch those inane reality shows every night.
- At the party, I somehow got trapped in an inane conversation about the weather.
- His speech was full o f inanities that were meant to be funny.
- I was amazed at the inanity o f some of her comments.
- Marc loved to pull inane pranks on his friends.
- Franks inane ideas had nothing to do with the meeting, and he wasted everyoneas time with his
foolishness.

JV516 (Implacable and Harmonious)

April 8th, 2009
IMPLACABLE = impossible to comfort, calm, or satisfy/ unable to be changed, satisfied, or
stopped . describes (someone who has) strong opinions or feelings which are impossible to change:
Synonyms: relentless, ruthless, unyielding, intractable, inexorable, unappeasable
Antonyms: placable, forgiving, flexible, movable
Examples:
- Unfortunately I could not reach a compromise with the implacable client.
- The executives in charge o f the layoffs were implacable.
- It was an implacable ice storm, and I thought it would never end.
- The child was implacable and cried for hours, despite the babysitters best efforts to calm her.
- an implacable judge who always hands down the maximum sentence allowed by law.
- an implacable man who was determined to avenge the murder o f his brother

HARMONIOUS = (adjective)
1.musically pleasing; 2. blending or combining well; 3. sharing mutual opinions, beliefs, actions,
or friendship
Synonyms: harmonic, musical, consonant, concordant, congruous, agreeable, compatible
Antonyms: discordant, dissonant, disagreeable, incompatible
Examples:
- Marc love to go to the concert hall. He finds the harmonious sounds o f the symphony very
relaxing.
- The two friends maintained a harmonious relationship, with very little discord over the years.
- We have a wonderful and harmonious relationship with our neighbors-everyone works together
to keep an eye on the kids and keep the neighborhood safe.
- John Lennon imagined a world where we all live in perfect harmony.
- We need to harmonize the different approaches into a unified plan.

JV515 (Genteel and Rabble)

April 5th, 2009
GENTEEL = 1. refined and polite in manner and o f higher class; polite and correct in manner, or
trying to be polite and correct in order to appear to be of a high social class.
Synonyms: cultivated, cultured, elegant, polished, refined, urbane, well-bred, pretentious, affected,
highfalutin
Antonyms: unrefined, uncultured, unsophisticated, impolite, natural, unpretentious
Examples:
- Marc, Lisa, Frank and Phil, they all went to a fancy restaurant. Everybody except Marc had
genteel table manners.
- Phil is a genteel host who knows how to throw an elegant party.
- The CEO o f the company had a genteel demeanor that exuded class and sophistication.
- But Lisa was impressed with M arcs genteel gesture o f holding the door for the group o f ladies
leaving the restaurant

RABBLE = (noun) 1. a mob of people; a large noisy uncontrolled group of people: 2. lowest class
of people. 3 Rabble-Rouser = a person who makes speeches that make people excited or angry,
especially in a way that causes them to act as the person wants them to:
Synonyms: mob, crowd, cluster, masses, riffraff, clan
Antonyms: royalty, high-society
Examples:
- Paul thought of himself as a peacemaker, but the police labeled him a rabble-rouser.
- The minister was threatened by an angry, disorderly rabble formed outside the government
building.
- The young prince was told he could not wear sneakers because they were strictly for the rabble.
- Johnson was unpopular with the management because he was a well-known rabble-rouser.
- Her speech stirred the emotions of the rabble.

JV514 (Flamboyant and Emanate)

April 2nd, 2009
FLAMBOYANT = (adjective) 1. obviously elaborate and/or brightly colored, with the intention to
be noticed; very confident in behaviour, or intended to be noticed, especially by being brightly
coloured:
2.
showy in appearance
Synonyms: showy, dashing, theatrical, resplendent, fancy, baroque, ornate, elaborate, brightlycolored
Antonyms: dull, humble
Examples:
- The flamboyant scientist felt dreadfully bored unless he was out impressing or shocking other
famous people.
- I have never been in Las Vegas, but Marc told me that the shows there are famous for their
flamboyant costumes.
- Elton John and Liberachi were both known for wearing flamboyant costumes while performing.
- Franks diamond earrings, big, gold necklace chain and his Rolex watch seemed an overkill and
too flamboyant.
- Her flamboyance annoys some people but delights others.
- The writers flamboyant lifestyle was well known.
- His clothes were rather flamboyant for such a serious occasion.
- Las Vegas dancers wearing flamboyant headdresses

EMANATE = (verb) 1. to come from or out of; 2. to send out or give out something, to express a
quality or feeling through the way that you look and behave. emanate from/through sth/sb phrasal
verb FORMAL
to come out o f or be produced by something or someone:
Synonyms: emit, radiate, exude, emerge, flow, issue
Antonyms: withhold
Examples:
- The smell o f Lisas perfume emanates from her bedroom even when she isnt home.
- Most o f the voters voted for the young leader because charisma just emanated from him.
- The suns rays emanate heat and energy for life.
- Love and happiness emanate from the newlywed couple.
- Angry voices emanated from the next room.
- Her face emanated sadness.

JV513 (Quarantine and Maudlin)

March 29th, 2009
QUARANTINE = (noun) isolation, especially in order to prevent an illness or disease from
spreading; (verb) to isolate in order to prevent an illness or disease from spreading
Synonyms: (n.) detention, confinement, incarceration, isolation, (v.) isolate, confine, seclude
Antonyms: (n.) freedom, liberation, release
Examples:
- After the disease was discovered, the sick cows were quarantined for three month.
- When Marc returned from Africa he was very ill. As a precautionary measure, he was put on a
ten-day quarantine.
- As it turned out Marc was quarantined with mumps, which is highly contagious.

MAUDLIN = overly emotional, sentimental, and often tearful. feeling sad and having a lot o f pity
for yourself, especially after you have drunk a lot of alcohol
Synonyms: sentimental, sappy, tearful, overemotional, gushing
Antonyms: serious, matter-of-fact
Examples:
- Cathy was embarrassed by the maudlin show o f affection drunk Phil put on.
- Some people are angry drunks, while others become sappy and maudlin.
- The teenagers maudlin expressions of sorrow over the breakup with her first boyfriend were
highly dramatic.
- That movie was so maudlin that I would be rich if I had a dollar for every time the characters
cried.

JV512 (Repudiate and Precedent)

March 26th, 2009
REPUDIATE = (verb) 1. to refuse to recognize the truth or validity o f something; 2. to reject
something as untrue or unjust; 3. to formally disapprove o f something; 4. to formally separate
yourself from something or someone; 5. to refuse to pay a debt
Synonyms: reject, abjure, deny, renounce, abandon, disavow, divorce, forsake, negate, disclaim,
disdain, abdicate, disregard
Antonyms: recognize, acknowledge, adopt, own, embrace, accept
Examples:
- Lisa repudiated her former opinion when she realized she was misled.
- Joanne repudiated the accusations against her and filed a counter suit in response to the charges.
- Frank decided to repudiate the debt because he was financially irresponsible and w asnt
concerned with his credit standing.
- Marc vigorously repudiated the charge that he had lied on his rAsumA

PRECEDENT = (noun) 1. an action or decision from the past, that can be used as an example for
future, similar circumstances; 2. an established custom or practice; 3. a law established by
following previous legal decisions; (adjective) preceding in time, order, or significance
Synonyms: (n.) example, instance, model, pattern, paradigm, precursor, prototype, guideline; (adj.)
prior, preceding, foregoing
Antonyms: (adj.) following, descendent
Examples:
- The lawyer cited several precedents when making his case.
- In an unprecedented move, the judge declared the man insane.
- Would it be breaking with precedent for the bride to make a speech?
- Some politicians fear that agreeing to the concession would set a dangerous precedent
- With the current credit crisis we need to come up with new untested solutions, the past is not
much o f a precedent.

JV511 (Fastidious and Ellipsis)

March 23rd, 2009
FASTIDIOUS = (adjective) 1. possessing or displaying meticulous attention to detail, needing
everything to be correct and perfect; giving too much attention to small details and wanting
everything to be correct and perfect:
2. having a strong dislike of anything dirty or unpleasant. extremely sensitive or delicate in matters
of food, manners, dress, or personal hygiene, and easily disgusted by lack on cleanliness.
3. hard to please
Synonyms: particular, meticulous, persnickety, dainty, finicky, exacting, squeamish, precious,
fussy
Antonyms: indifferent, uncouth, uncritical, undemanding, accepting, laid back
Examples:
- Lisas fastidious attention to detail made her an excellent writer.
- Marc and Frank are too fastidious to eat in a fast-food restaurant.
- Phil is very fastidious about how a suitcase should be packed.
- Phil is lucky because he has a fastidious girlfriend who organizes his closet and keeps the house
sparkling clean.

ELLIPSIS = (noun) 1. the leaving out o f words in a sentence, especially when their presence or
meaning is easily implied; 2. marks, usually three dots (a) that indicate the intentional omission of
words from a sentence or text
Synonyms: omission
Antonyms: addition
Examples:
- Marc warned his students against using too many ellipses in their papers because it might seem
like they were manipulating their sources rather than using them correctly.
- There is an ellipsis in the sentence I have four cats and my best friends has two, because cats
is left off after the word two.
- The accidental ellipsis in Lisas project report caused some confusion for the board o f directors.

JV510 (Hoard and Travesty)

March 20th, 2009
HOARD = (v.) to gather and store a large quantity o f something; to collect large amounts of
something and keep it in a safe, often secret, place. to collect (a large supply of something), more
than you need now, often because you think you will not be able to get it later
(n.) a store of something hidden for future use
Synonyms: (v.) stash, store, stockpile, amass, accumulate, (n.) stash, cache, stockpile
Antonyms: use, throw out
Examples:
- We had to hoard canned food and water in preparation of a natural disaster.
- Marc uttered the trite remark: you shouldnt hoard your money, because you cant take it to the
grave with you.
- Lisa has a hoard o f beautiful jewelry that she never even wears.
- We found a huge hoard o f tinned food in the basement.
- Joanne was upset when Marc put her entire hoard o f empty yogurt containers in the recycling bin

TRAVESTY = (noun) a false or exaggerated representation o f something; 2. something that

imitates something else, usually in a grotesque or distorted manner, and meant as a parody.
something which fails to represent the values and qualities that it is intended to represent, in a way
that is shocking or offensive:
Synonyms: spoof, distortion, farce, mockery, parody, sham, ridicule, lampoon
Antonyms: copy, accuracy
Examples:
- It would be a travesty o f justice to put a man in jail for a crime he did not commit.
- It is a travesty when successful entrepreneurs are also on welfare.
- Lisas rendition o f Annie was a travesty and didnt do the play justice.
- Franks presentation was a travesty, and nobody took him seriously.
- The justice process was rigged from the start and the police chief called the judges ruling a
travesty of justice.

JV509 (Renovate and Static)

March 18th, 2009
RENOVATE = 1. to restore to a good condition and change for the better,
usually a building, through construction; 2. to give new life to
something
Synonyms:
restore, repair, overhaul, recondion, refit, renew, remodel, rejuvenate, revive
Antonyms:
age, destroy
Examples:
- Because o f the financial crisis, Frank decided to sell his house so he renovated the outside o f the
house to make it more appealing to potential buyers.
- The buildings renovations are taking much longer than anticipated, but
it will be worth the effort in the long run.
- It took several years to renovate the old castle to its former beauty.
- Marc wanted to go to the Rijks Museum in Amsterdam but the museum was closed for
renovation.
STATIC =
(adj.) 1. staying in one place; 2. not changing or moving; 3. referring
to static electricity, which is an excessive amount o f positive and
negative charges on the surface o f an object; (n.) 1. crackling noise
like that of a radio; 2. criticism or interference
Synonyms:
(adj.) changeless, motionless, immobile, stuck, unmoving, charged, (n.) noise, interference,
criticism
Antonyms:
moving, changing
Examples:
- Joannes life has been so static the last couple o f years, she really seems to be stuck in a rut.
- Because Lisas cars antenna was broken, she could only receive static on her radio.
- The executive knew the company couldnt afford to remain static.
- Cathy received a lot o f static for the column she wrote for the magazine, but she stuck to her view
and refused to write a retraction.

JV508 (Procure and Ossify)

March 12th, 2009
PROCURE =
1. to obtain something by special effort; 2. to bring about. to obtain something, especially after an
effort
Synonyms:
acquire, buy, find, obtain, gather, accumulate, persuade, bring about, cause, effect
Antonyms:
lose, scatter, disperse
Examples:
- Fans were lined up for miles to procure an autograph from Bono.
- Lisa wanted to invite Bono to the charity event and Lisa somehow managed to procure his
telephone number.
- When Frank couldnt find a the Mac he wanted in the Apple store, he procured the new
MacBookPro directly from the distributors.
- Joannes tries to procure a friendly environment in her workplace by
always leaving her office door open.
OSSIFY = 1. to be made into bone; 2. to become rigid and inflexible.
Synonyms:
harden, congeal, fossilize, stiffen, solidify, petrify
Antonyms:
soften, liquefy
Examples:
- Marc a creature-of-habit and he will never deviate from his ossified routine.
- Joannes dad died last week, when she the bad news, her face ossified and became emotionless.
- To create a perfect meringue, one needs to beat the egg whites until they ossify.

JV507 (Virtuoso and Inept)

March 8th, 2009
VIRTUOSO =
(noun) a person who is very skilled at something, especially within the arts; (adjective) relating to
or said o f a virtuoso
Synonyms:
(noun) genius, maestro, master, prodigy, (adjectvice) remarkable, outstanding, superior
Antonyms:
(noun) amateur, second-stringer, (adjective) average, common.
Examples:
- The worlds greatest pianist treated us to a virtuoso display o f his abundant talent.
- It was a virtuoso ballet performance, for which the ballerina received a standing ovation.
- Because he practiced the magic trick for months, Phil had the technique o f a virtuoso.
- The pianist Gustavo Romero is considered a virtuoso, and his talent is acclaimed throughout the
world.
INEPT = 1. characterized by a lack o f perceptiveness, judgment, or finesse; 2. generally
incompetent; 3. unsuitable or out o f place
Synonyms:
incompetent, foolish, ineffective, clumsy, awkward, unfit, inappropriate
Antonyms:
competent, adroit, effective, graceful, adept
Examples:
- Marc wondered why Phil was still employed at Deloitte, since he was totally
inept at record-keeping and several other key job duties.
- Due to Phils inept handling of the account, the client decided to look for a new accountant.
- When it comes to rugby, I have to admit that I m pretty much inept.
- Marc was socially inept and uncomfortable in the presence o f women.

JV506 (Maladroit and Nuance)

March 5th, 2009
MALADROIT = inefficient or ineffective; clumsy.1. awkward or clumsy-not adroit or adept; 2.
lacking tact and being insensitive in speech or behavior. Awkward in movement or unskilled in
behaviour or action:
Synonyms:
inept, clumsy, awkward, inelegant, graceless, tactless
Antonyms:
adroit, adept, skillful, graceful
Examples:
- Phils maladroit behavior at the office party was just one o f many reasons
why he was passed over for the promotion.
- Being a newcomer to soccer, Marc proved rather maladroit and missed every ball.
- Phil is not used to going to parties, so he is often maladroit in social situations.
- Bobs maladroit dancing caused him to step on his partners feet several times.
NUANCE =
1. a subtle difference, distinction or variation in something; 2. a subtle quality
Synonyms:
subtlety, suggestion, hint, trace, refinement
Examples:
- Lisa is allergic to strawberries, and even a nuance of strawberry flavor will cause her to have a
reaction.
- If you dont understand the nuances of the authors language, you may not fully appreciate his
book.
- The actress is so highly acclaimed because she is able to convey the slightest nuance o f emotion
with only her eyes.
- The painter has managed to capture every nuance o f the womans expression.
- Linguists explore the nuances o f language.

JV505 (Imperturbable and Labyrinth)

March 3rd, 2009
IMPERTURBABLE =
not easily perturbed or upset-calm and steady, always staying calm and controlled, even in difficult
situations that would cause anxiety to others. Staying calm and controlled despite problems or
difficulties.
Synonyms:
calm, cool, even, unflappable, impassive
Antonyms:
agitated, upset, perturbed
Examples:
- Marc is really a patient teacher, as he seemed imperturbable despite his students constant
complaining.
- Lisa always seemed imperturbable, even in the most stressful situations.
- Firefighters always have to remain imperturbable, even in the face o f danger.
- He was imperturbable in a crisis.
LABYRINTH = 1. a complex network of pathways through which it is difficult to navigate; 2.
something really intricate
Synonyms:
maze, coil, complexity, puzzle, problem, riddle, tangle
Antonyms:
simplicity, ease, clarity
Examples:
- With all the construction detours, she felt like she was driving through a labyrinth.
- The office cubicles were so close and dense they created a labyrinth,
which made it difficult for guests to find their way out of the
building.
- Navigating his crazy work and social schedule has become quite a labyrinth.
- The freeway system in Los Angeles can seem like a labyrinth to those who arent familiar with it.

JV504 (Elicit and Forthright)

February 26th, 2009
ELICIT =
1. to draw out; 2. to call forth, to obtain or produce something, especially information or a reaction
Synonyms:
educe, evoke, draw out, extract, exact, obtain
Antonyms:
suppress, cover, hide
Examples:
- M arcs accouncement that his lessons were canceled for the day elicited applause from nearly all
the students.
- Jim was giving Liz the silent treatment, and she could not elicit a
response from him to any o f her questions.
- She tried to elicit sympathy by breaking down in tears during the meeting.
- Geert Wilders attack on the rights o f immigrants elicited cries o f outrage from some left-wing
politicians.
FORTHRIGHT = Honest, direct, and not evasive in expressing ones thoughts or feeling.
Synonyms:
direct, honest, sincere, straightforward, frank, candid
Antonyms:
indirect, dishonest, deceitful, insincere
Examples:
- When giving a performance review, Frank has to be forthright, so Frank often
provides his employees with constructive criticism.
- M arcs forthright manner can be mistaken for rudeness.
- Lisa admires his forthright way of dealing with people.
- Shes pretty forthright about her opinions.

JV503 (Paradigm and Officious)

February 23rd, 2009
PARADIGM = 1. a model or a representative example; 2. in science, a theoretical framework. 3. a
very clear or typical example used as a model.
Synonyms:
model, example, pattern, archetype, prototype
Antonyms:
anomaly
Examples:
- Marc is a teacher and he kept the students essay as a paradigm for future students to emulate.
- The billionaires ruthless accumulation o f wealth stands as a paradigm o f greed in the business
world .
- The move from Newtonian physics to Einsteins relativism represented a
major paradigm shift in physics.
- In order to compete in todays economy, many companies will require a paradigm shift in the way
they do business.
OFFICIOUS = 1.meddlesome and interfering:characteristic o f somebody who is eager to give
unwanted help or advice. 2.unofficial or informal, especially in political or diplomatic dealings. 1.
interfering and being in the way;
Synonyms:
meddlesome, interfering, intrusive, self-important, unofficial, informal, casual
Antonyms:
shy, helpful
Examples:
- The ministers met in an officious setting, keeping things casual, since it was Sunday.
- Lisa is really trying to impress her boss. Unfortunately, her boss thought Lisa was more officious
than efficient.
- Joanne said she wanted to help Marc prepare the meal, but she just made an officious nuisance of
herself.

JV502 (Remiss and Posterity)

February 17th, 2009
REMISS = careless or negligent about an expected duty, not doing a duty well enough:
Synonyms:
culpable, delinquent, heedless, negligent, slack, careless
Antonyms:
responsible, dutiful, diligent, attentive
Examples:
- Franks character is marked by carelessness. The other day Frank was remiss in not informing
Marc about his D ads message.
- Lisa was remiss in the overuse o f Johns credit card for recreational purposes.
- It was remiss of me not to pay my bills on time, and now I m stuck with late payment fees.
- It was remiss of you to miss your deadline.
- You have been remiss in your duties.
- It was remiss of me to forget to give you the message.
- I would be remiss if I didnt mention it.
POSTERITY =
Definition:
1. generations to come in the future; 2. all o f a persons descendants
Synonyms:
offspring, future generations, descendants, progeny
Antonyms:
ancestors
Examples:
- The Presidents most fundamental duty is to create and preserve freedom
for us and our posterity.
- My grandma is documented all her philosophical ideas for posterity.
- These recollections o f the war were recorded for posterity.
- The popular singer songwriter wrote his memoir for posterity.
- The museum guaranteed that every attempt is being made to ensure that Van Goghs paintings are
preserved for posterity.

JV501 (Mundane and Egocentric)

February 9th, 2009
MUNDANE = 1. ordinary or commonplace; 2. relating to or o f the world
Synonyms:
ordinary, commonplace, banal, everyday, dull, earthly
Antonyms:
unusual, rare, extraordinary, heavenly
Examples:
- M arcs life consisted only o f the same, mundane routing, until Marc started taking sailing lessons.
Marc is now planning to sail around the world.
- Despite the fact that his office cubicle was rather mundane, Paul
enjoyed having his own semi-private space in which to work.
- Many people were shocked to hear that the lead singer rock and roll band actually lived a very
mundane lifestyle, off stage.
- Mary doesnt like to waste her time worrying about mundane affairs like
politics; she prefer to study religion and more spiritual matters.
- Mundane matters such as paying bills and shopping for food do not interest her.
EGOCENTRIC = selfish, self-centered, and concerned only with personal needs rather than the
needs of others
Synonyms:
selfish, self-centered, egotistic
Antonyms:
selfless
Examples:
- At SyncMyMail.com we work like a team: that kind o f egocentric attitude will not be accepted!
- Lisa was vain and egocentric, always putting herself first.
- The tycoon billionaire is so egocentric, he places his name on everything.
- Babies are entirely egocentric, concerned only with when theyll next be fed.

JV500!! (Palatial and Odious)

January 29th, 2009
PALATIAL =
luxurious and/or grand, like a palace. This adjective describes a house that is very large and
splendid
Synonyms:
grand, deluxe, impressive, regal, rich, luxurious, plush, opulent, stately, imposing
Examples:
- The Karel V hotel is known for its palatial elegance.
- The palatial, 130-room mansion is the most expensive home in the city.
- I dont need a palatial home in an exclusive neighborhood; a little
beach cottage is enough to make me happy.
- Martin recently bought a palatial new apartment in New York.
ODIOUS =
provoking hatred, contempt, or disgust
Synonyms:
hateful, contemptible, detestable, loathsome, vile, disgusting, repulsive, offensive
Antonyms:
lovable
Examples:
- The man committed an odious crime for which he should be severely punished.
- There are few things as odious to him as racism.
- The smell was odious, I couldnt stand it.
- Marc made an odious and unforgivable insult

JV499 (Garish and Facetious)

January 26th, 2009
GARISH = gaudy, flashy, showy, or brightly and vividly colored
Synonyms:
gaudy, tacky, tasteless, tawdry, showy, flashy, flamboyant, ornate
Antonyms:
elegant, tasteful, muted, simple, plain, modest
Examples:
- Looking back at old photos, the woman laughed at the garish pink and
orange gown she had worn to her high school prom.
- Frank arrived in a garish, electric blue, 24-person limousine.
- Little Richard is known for wearing garish capes and clothes that make
him stick out, even in a crowd of celebrities.
- I m embarrassed to admit it, but I had a pair o f garish, neon green jeans in high school.
- Jeremy wore a pair o f garish Bermuda shorts.
- The coffee shop, painted a garish pink, is a landmark in the neighborhood.
- the wedding guestEs thick makeup was garish and unnecessary.
FACETIOUS = humerous in a sarcastic way. not serious about a serious subject, in an attempt to be
amusing or to appear clever. not seriously meaning what you say, usually in an attempt to be
humorous or to trick someone
Synonyms:
humorous, clever, sarcastic, ironic, witty, silly, jocose
Antonyms:
serious, matter-of-fact, lugubrious
Examples:
- Marc told me he didnat like the movie at all, so he must have been facetious when he
recommended it to his friends.
- Lisas facetious remarks made it clear that she wasnat taking the meeting seriously.
- I make so much money that we never have to worry - I m being facetious.
- Sometimes John makes jokes with such a serious expression on his face, I cant tell whether hes
being serious or facetious.
- We could spend all our income on health care, she said facetiously.

JV498 (Kindle and Hierarchy)

January 23rd, 2009
KINDLE =
1. to start a fire; 2. to excite or arouse
Synonyms:
ignite, flame, blaze, light, flare, awaken, arouse, excite
Antonyms:
deaden, inhibit, extinguish
Examples:
- Al Gore made a movie to kindle awareness about global warming.
- Two years after their divorce, Mark tried to rekindle his relationship with his ex-wife.
- Traveling to the Galapagos islands as a teenager kindled my interest in become a marine biologist.
- Lisas imagination was kindled by the exciting stories her grandmother told her.
HIERARCHY = 1. an organization o f a group o f people or things, arranged
according to rank or importance; 2. the people who determine and run a
hierarchy ranking system, especially in the clergy
Synonyms:
ranking, order, level, regime, ministry, administration, office
Examples:
- Marc hopes to rise through the hierarchy quickly and become a manager at a young age.
- If you want to get a permit, you will have to appeal to the appropriate department in the hierarchy.
- My boss always said: if you put honesty first in your hierarchy o f values, you can never go wrong
in life.
- Some monkeys have a very complex social hierarchy.
- The Dutch politician rose quickly through the political hierarchy to become a minister.

JV497 (Impervious and Legacy)

January 20th, 2009
IMPERVIOUS =
1. not affected by outside influence, remaining unaffected by others
opinions, arguments, suggestions, etc.; 2. unable to be penetrated or
not allowing passage into or through something; 3. unable to be injured
or damaged.
1.not responsive: remaining unmoved and unaffected by other peoples opinions, arguments, or
suggestions
Synonyms:
impenetrable, impermeable, resistant, unaffected, invulnerable, unmoved
Antonyms:
responsive, vulnerable, penetrable
Examples:
- Frank seemed impervious to pain as he hiked down Tablemountain with a sprained ankle.
- Marc seemed to be impervious to the criticism made against him and
continued with his same modus operendi.
- My thermal blanket forms an impervious shield from the cold and enables me to sleep warmly
through the night.
- The CEO was impervious to the growing resentment among the staff.
- Granite is almost impervious to acid rain damage.
LEGACY = 1. money or property left through a will; 2. something handed down from one person
or generation to another. 1.bequest made in will:money or property that is left to somebody in a
will. 2.something from past:something that is handed down or remains from a previous generation
or time.
Synonyms:
grant, bequest, gift, bestowal, heritage, inheritance
Examples:
- The company founders left a legacy o f competitive spirit that lives on in this corporation.
- Since my old neighbour had no immediate family, he left a large legacy to his favorite charity.
- The Greeks have a rich legacy o f philosophical works.
- The war has left a legacy o f hatred.

JV496 (Pallor and Paradox)

January 18th, 2009
PALLOR = noun an unhealthy pale appearance.
an unnatural color o f pale, where the person looks sick or unhealthy (adjective = PALLID = very
pale, in a way that looks unattractive and unhealthy)
Synonyms:
paleness
Antonyms:
tan, glow
Examples:
- Next to M arcs tanned face, Joannes seemed pallid and unhealthy.
- Actually the deathly pallor o f Joannes skin was frightening.
- We knew Joanne was sick as soon as we saw the pallor o f her face.
- This is a pallid production of what should be a great ballet.
PARADOX = (noun)
1. a situation or statement which seems difficult to
understand because it contains two opposite facts or characteristics;
2. a statement or idea that contradicts itself; 3. a person who has
qualities that are contradictory; 4. something that conflicts with
common opinion or belief
Synonyms:
contradiction, inconsistency, incongruity, reversal, puzzle, dilemma, oxymoron
Antonyms:
consistency, congruity, coherence, agreement
Examples:
- It seems a paradox that exercise promotes energy, while remaining inactive drains it.
- It is a paradox that technology increases communication, yet can tend
to make people feel isolated.
- It seems paradoxical to me, but if you drink a cup o f hot tea it seems to cool you down.
- The old paradox o f fighting a war for peace.
- Its a curious paradox that drinking a lot o f water can often make you feel thirsty.

JV495 (Myopic and Oscillate)

January 15th, 2009
Go to: http://www.justvocabulary.com for more o f these episodes and other mobile study tools!
MYOPIC = (adjective)
1. being nearsighted-having myopia; 2. lacking foresight or understanding, unable to understand a
situation or the way actions will affect it in the future.
MYOPIA = noun 1 short-sightedness. 2 lack of foresight or intellectual insight
Synonyms:
nearsighted, short-sighted, narrow-minded, closed-minded
Antonyms:
provident
Examples:
- While baseball managers sometimes see less successful teams as being
capable of developing future talent, fans tend to be more myopic,
wanting to win now.
- The myopic child was reluctant to participate in school because she could not clearly see the
blackboard.
- The Prime-Minister had a very myopic vision for the country, which neglected to address
future problems like Social Security and Health care.
- Joannes myopic and unimaginative thinking would never produce any great ideas.
- The Dutch government myopic refusal to act now will undoubtedly cause problems in the future.
(unable to understand a situation or the way actions will affect it in the future:)
OSCILLATE = (verb) 1. to move from side to side; 2. to be undecided and waver back and forth
about a decision or opinion. to move repeatedly from side to side or up and down between two
points, or to vary between two feelings or opinions
Synonyms:
swing, undulate, sway, change, pendulate, waver, fluctuate, teeter, vacillate, alternate
Antonyms:
remain, stay, settle
Examples:
- Thanks to the oscillating fan in the office, my and my colleagues stayed cool.
- Lisas emotions oscillated between love and hate.
- The needle on the dial o f the old car oscillated between full and empty.
- Marc wont oscillate on his decision; hes going to stand firm.

JV494 (Insubordinate and Lustrous)

January 12th, 2009
INSUBORDINATE =
(n.) a person who does not submit to authority or follow orders; (adj.) not submitting to authority,
disobedient or rebellious:refusing to obey orders or submit to authority
Synonyms:
(adj.) defiant, disobedient, disorderly, rebellious, antagonistic, insurgent
Antonyms:
(adj.) subordinate, complaisant, harmonious, agreeable
Examples:
- Because the marine never followed his captains orders, he was considered an insubordinate.
- Joanne defended her insubordinate behavior by exposing corruption in high places
- When Lisas boss told him to file the report, she decided to be insubordinate and not follow the
order.
- Military personnel who do not follow orders could be charged with insubordination.
- Mark had a life-long history of being insubordinate toward his
employers, and therefore, had a difficult time finding work when he was
fired.
LUSTROUS =
shining or gleaming
Synonyms:
shining, glowing, gleaming, bright, glossy, luminous, radiant, burnished, brilliant
Antonyms:
dull
Examples:
- My girlfriend has a conditioner that gives her hair a lustrous glow.
- Phoebe gave Joey an endearing smile and tossed her long, lustrous hair.
- Using our brand o f furniture polish will give your tables a lustrous glow.
- The supporting actress gave a truly lustrous performance and stole the show from the star.
- Each night, Lisa brushed her long hair until it was soft and lustrous.

JV493 (Homage and Impertinent)

January 8th, 2009
HOMAGE = something done to show respect and deference-a show o f reverence
Synonyms:
honor, deference, reverence, adulation, loyalty, respect, admiration, allegiance, honor
Antonyms:
disrespect
Examples:
- In 2009 a lot o f scientists will pay homage to Charles Darwin for his achievements in his field of
research 200 years ago.
- Micheal paid homage to his ancestors by maintaining as many o f his familys traditions as he
could.
- The actor was given a star on the Hollywood walk o f fame in homage to
his celebrity and his many achievements.
- When Ronald Reagan died, thousands o f people all over the world came to pay him homage.
IMPERTINENT =
1. brash, especially in showing disrespect to a superior or to someone
older; 2. not relevant, not pertinent to the discussion or issue at hand.
Synonyms: insolent, rude, impudent, impolite,
brash, brazen, audacious, irrelevant, extraneous, foreign, immaterial,
inapplicable, inapposite, irrelative
Antonyms:
pertinent, respectful, polite, relevant, applicable
Examples:
- Marc was impertinent when he asked if she was married.
- The impertinent little boy was bossing his babysitter around, telling
her where he wanted to go and what he wanted to do.
- Lisa even had the impertinence to lecture her boss on how to market the new product.

JV492 (Exotic and Florid)

January 5th, 2009
EXOTIC =1.strikingly different:strikingly unusual and often very colorful and exciting or
suggesting distant countries and unfamiliar cultures. 2. from elsewhere:introduced from another
place or region
Examples:
- Liz and I wanted to go somewhere exotic for my next vacation, so we chose Hawaii.
- Frank had a taste for exotic foods and he enjoyed eating at ethnic restaurants.
- Marc would like to have some exotic pets like snakes or tropical birds
- Lisas sister became a top model thanks to her exotic look.
Synonyms:
foreign, uncommon, unusual, tropical, curious, rare
Antonyms:
common, native
FLORID =
1.having an unhealthily glowing pink or red complexion; 2. elaborate and overly complicated in
wording and general style
Examples:
- Lisa bought a florid, gilded mirror that took up most of the wall
- The prime minister gave a florid welcome speech to the visiting queen
- My fair skin became florid after a day o f surfing in the ocean.
- My boss wants this presentation to get right to the point, so lets remove all o f the florid language
and just say it like it is.
Synonyms:
ruddy, sanguine, reddish, rose, showy, flowery, flamboyant, ornate, embellished, overblown
Antonyms:
simple, uncomplicated

JV491 (Impiety and Mendacious)

December 29th, 2008
IMPIETY = noun 1. lack o f religious respect: a lack o f due reverence for God or religion2. ungodly
act: an act that shows a lack o f religious respect or devotion3. lack o f respect: a lack o f respect or
dutifulness
Synonyms:
irreverence, godlessness, sacrilege, blasphemy
Antonyms:
reverence, respect, devotion
Tips: Impiety is the negative o f piety which comes
from Latin pietas, from pius, adevout.a Add the negative im-, not to
piety, and impiety becomes disrespect o f religion, or simply
disrespect. Sometimes impiety can refer to a lack of respect or
reverence for something other than religion. Impiety comes from the
same Latin origin as pious and impious. Impious is the adjective form
o f impiety and is used to describe the actions o f someone who is not
respectful o f religion.
Examples:
- The church accused Galileo Galilei o f impiety and had all his writings burned.
- Lisas impiety caused her to be ostracized by members o f the church.
- My parents thought it was impious o f me to wear ripped jeans and a dirty shirt to church.
MENDACIOUS = 1. likely to give false information or tell lies; 2. untrue, false, or intentionally
misleading
Synonyms:
spurious, lying, dishonest, false, fallacious, duplicitous, deceitful, deceptive
Antonyms:
truthful, honest
Examples:
- The newspaper has the reputation o f routinely publishing mendacious stories about celebrities.
- Some of M arcs statements are misleading and some downright mendacious.
- M arcs mendacity is astounding-hell lie about anything!
- Politicians are often accused o f mendacity.
- Lisas mendacious story didnt fool Frank.

JV490 (Germane and Hybrid)

December 26th, 2008
GERMANE = adjective relevant to a subject under consideration.
relevant and appropriate to a given matter
Synonyms:
relevant, fitting, pertinent, applicable
Antonyms:
irrelevant, unsuitable
Examples:
As long as M artins ideas were germane to the business at hand, he was allowed to expound on
them.
Attorneys comments must remain germane to the case being tried.
- Bill, what are you talking about? Your questions are not even germane to this conversation.
- That particular research isnat germane to this proposal; weall have to find data thatas more
applicable.
- Lisas remarks could not have been more germane to the discussion.
HYBRID =
(n.) 1. something made of different parts or elements; 2. a plant
formed by cross breeding two different types o f plants; 3. an animal
resulting from the breeding of two different species; 4. a word formed
from two different languages; 5. a car that runs on a combination of
two types of fuel such as gasoline and electricity; (adj.) 1. made up
of two elements; 2. bred from two different species. A hybrid is also anything that is a mixture of
two or more things:
Synonyms:
crossbreed, cross, mix, compound, mixture, amalgam, combination, mongrel
Tips: An example of a hybrid animal is the mule,
which descends from the combination of the horse and the donkey. A
hybrid can be any two things combined together to form a new thing.
Examples:
- The architecture is a hybrid o f classical and modern styles.
- The garden strawberry is a large-fruited hybrid.
- The band Linkin Park called their first album Hybrid Theory because it was a mix o f rap and
rock.
- Many o f the plants in her garden are hybrids, which makes them not only
uniquely beautiful but also heartier than average.
- The hybrid car runs on both gas and electricity.
- Both o f the ideas were so good that we decided to create a hybrid
solution incorporating both ideas.

JV489 (Extol and Foolhardy)

December 23rd, 2008
EXTOL =
to praise highly and lift someone or something up with great admiration. to praise somebody or
something with great enthusiasm and admiration
Synonyms:
glorify, hail, exalt, acclaim, magnify, commend, praise
Antonyms:
condemn, criticize, decry, disparage
Tips: Extol is derived from the Latin extollere,
to lift up. Extol is a good, intellectual term to indicate high
priase. For example, He has been extolling your virtues, instead of
He has said great things about you.
Examples:
- The golfers extolled the benefits o f membership at their country club.
- When her professor extolled her scientific prowess, Julie became convinced o f her destiny with
greatness.
- Frank extols the benefits of raw eggs in the morning to all his gym-buddies.
- His book extolling the benefits o f vegetarianism sold thousands o f copies.
- Janine is forever extolling the virtues of her children.
- Marc often extols the virtues o f his students.
- The running mates campaign literature extolled his military record
FOOLHARDY =
bold or courageous without regard or awareness o f danger
Synonyms:
bold, reckless, foolish, rash, heedless, impetuous, overconfident
Antonyms:
careful, prudent, cautious, sensible
Examples:
Frank made a foolhardy attempt to climb the tree to recover his kite.
- It was foolhardy o f Marc to approach the dog without knowing whether it was friendly or not.
- Sailing the Atlantic in such a tiny boat wasnt so much brave as foolhardy.
- It would be foolhardy to try and predict the outcome o f the talks at this stage.
- I m known for being careful, not foolhardy, in my decisions.
- Phils very lucky that his foolhardy actions havent caused him more trouble.

JV488 (Personable and Overwrought)

December 20th, 2008
PERSONABLE =
having a nice, polite, and pleasant appearance and personality
Synonyms:
attractive, friendly, charming, easygoing, likeable, sociable
Antonyms:
unattractive, unfriendly, unpleasant
Examples:
- Marc didnt mind working late with Judy because she was so personable and easygoing.
- Frank was blessed with the most personable in-laws
- Lisa is intelligent, hard-working and personable.
- Many people liked the presidents personable style and down-home wit.
- It is often said that people who are more personable have an easier time finding a good job.
OVERWROUGHT = 1. extremely upset, nervous, or agitated; 2. excessively elaborate or overly
decorated.
Synonyms:
agitated, frantic, nervous, frenzied, hysterical, ornate, gaudy, rococo, flamboyant
Antonyms:
calm, relaxed, tranquil, simple
Tips: Overwrought is a more complicated way of
saying agitated, frantic, nervous, frenzied, hysterical or ornate,
gaudy, rococo, and flamboyant. Overwrought is not a commonly used
word, but it is commonly tested on the GRE exam.
Examples:
- Joanna was overwrought when her dogs got out of the apartment and were lost for several hours.
- After Caroline won the lottery, she decorated her home in such an overwrought manner, it was
ghastly.
- Everyone in the office was overwrought with the thought that the company might go out of
business.
- My friend was overwrought when her baby fell down the stairs.
- Maria was so tired and overwrought that she burst into tears.
- Marc was in an overwrought state/condition for weeks after the accident.

JV487 (Solace and Quantum)

December 18th, 2008
SOLACE = noun comfort or consolation in a time o f distress, sadness, grief, or disappointment;
2.the act o f consoling or giving relief; (v.) to console or give
strength to someone. help and comfort when you are feeling sad or worried
Synonyms:
(n.) comfort, consolation, (v.) console, cheer, relieve, soothe, assuage
Antonyms:
(n.) grief, sadness, irritation, (v.) trouble, sadden, irritate
Examples:
- The tax rebate checks provided solace to many cash-strapped families.
- I find it helps to seek solace in the company o f family and friends during times o f crisis.
- The vacation house provides us great solace from our hectic lives.
- The two-week severance package provided little solace to the laid-off workers.
- When his wife left him, Frank found solace in the bottle. (drank alcohol)
- Music was a great solace to me during this period.
- Lisa found solace in her memories o f her grandmother.
QUANTUM =
1. the smallest, indivisible unit o f energy; 2. a measurable amount o f something. quantity: a
required quantity or amount, especially an amount of money paid in recompense4. particular
amount: a portion or allotment
Synonyms:
smallest unit of measure
Antonyms:
largest unit of measure
Examples:
- In quantum physics, Einstein proposed that light is made up o f discrete
particles and called one quantum of light a photon.
- Most people do not know what quantum physics is; it is simply the
physics o f the the smallest units o f matter, like atoms.
- It was a revolutionary generation o f computers that was a quantum leap beyond anything on the
market
- a share or portion : each man has only a quantum o f compassion.

JV486 (Mercenary and Expansive)

December 14th, 2008
MERCENARY = (adjective) motivated chiefly by the desire for gain. (noun) (pl. mercenaries) a
professional soldier hired to serve in a foreign army. 2. someone interested primarily in their own
gain, especially financially; (adj.) greedy and interested in selfish gain
Synonyms:
(adj.) greedy, materialistic, selfish, avaricious
Antonyms:
(adj.) self-less, generous, unpaid
Examples:
- Phil has a mercenary urge to own the latest and most expensive item in home electronics.
- Marc doesnt trust Franks motives Marc thinks he is too mercenary.
- Someone with a mercenary attitude puts his own needs before others.
- John was a mercenary who had fought for several nations.
- The rebel leaders employed mercenaries to fight for their cause.
EXPANSIVE = 1.covering a wide range, scope or area; 2. able to expand; 3. with
arms stretched out and open wide; 4. happy to talk to people in a
friendly way
Synonyms:
wide, broad, spacious, extensive, expanding, outstretched, outgoing, jovial, talkative
Antonyms:
condensed, contracted, restricted, quiet, reserved
Examples:
- Frank owns a beautiful house with a wide, expansive backyard.
- as the river nears the end o f its long journey to the sea it becomes quite expansive
- Marc was in an expansive mood on the night o f the party.
- My daughter ran to greet me with expansive arms.
- Phil becomes quite expansive when he drinks wine, in contrast to his usually reserved nature.
- The real-estate developer had an expansive plan for the inner-city project, which would
completely renovate the area.

JV485 (Histrionic and Immaculate)

December 12th, 2008
HISTRIONIC = (adjective)
1. related to acting or actors-dramatic or theatrical; 2. melodramatic or affected, overly emotional
and showy
Synonyms:
theatrical, dramatic, melodramatic, affected, sensational, insincere
Antonyms:
sincere, genuine
Examples:
- Theres no need to be so histrionic; this isnt really that big a deal.
- Joanne has a penchant for histrionic temper fits with lots of throwing of dishes and door slamming
- Both lawyers indulged in courtroom histrionics.
- Marc gave a histrionic sigh and slumped in his chair.
- With a histrionic bow, she walked off the stage.
- Lisa is known for her histrionic outbursts, which occur whenever her
boyfriend is not paying attention to her.
IMMACULATE = (adjectives)
1. perfectly clean and spotless; 2. free from error; 3. without blame or fault
Synonyms:
clean, spotless, stainless, undefiled, pristine, perfect, flawless, faultless, blameless, pure
Antonyms:
dirty, stained, soiled, imperfect, flawed, impure
Examples:
- My aunts kitchen was always immaculate.
- He gave an immaculate performance as the aging hero.
- Frank somehow managed to keep the white carpet immaculate
- When Lisa arrived at the party, her white dress was immaculate, but
unfortunately, Marc spilled his drink over Lisas immaculate dress.

JV484 (Glut and Loathe)

December 10th, 2008
GLUT =
(verb)(glutted, glutting) 1. to fill, usually with food; 2. to flood the market with a product; (noun) a
supply greater than what is needed
Synonyms: (v.) satiate, fill, satisfy, saturate, oversupply, flood, overflow, inundate, (n.) excess,
oversupply, surplus, overabundance
Antonyms:
(v.) empty, deprive, forestall, (n.) lack, shortage, deficiency
Examples:
- If we glut the market with oil, supply will be higher than demand and prices should fall.
- The glutton lived to eat instead o f eating to live.
- The current glut o f graduates means that many o f them will not be able to find jobs.
- The glut of desserts at the buffet was enough to give anyone a stomach ache.
- Higher mortgage rates and over-building left some markets glutted with unsold houses.
LOATHE =
to hate someone or something, to dislike somebody or something intensely
Synonyms:
hate, abhor, detest
Antonyms:
tolerate, like, love, desire
Examples:
- Frank loathes the idea o f having to go back to work tomorrow.
- Ever since their break-up, she loathes the site o f him.
- Dont take Frank out for sushi; he loathes fish!
- I loathe doing housework.

JV483 (Kudos and Molt)

December 8th, 2008
KUDOS = (noun) praise and honor received for an achievement.
Synonyms:
praise, recognition, credit, glory, award, appreciation, admiration, fame
Antonyms:
criticism
Examples:
- Marc should receive kudos for a job well done.
- Being an actor has a certain amount o f kudos attached to it.
- Phil really deserves kudos for that great presentation.
- Lisa has received kudos and accolades for her work with several charity organizations.
MOLT = (verb) shed old feathers, hair, or skin, to make way for a new growth. To periodically lose
or shed an outer covering of skin, hair, or feathers.
Synonyms:
shed
Antonyms:
grow
Examples:
- The young birds baby feathers molted as its adult feathers grew in.
- The deers winter fur molted in preparation for summer.
- a crab molts its shell as it grows larger, the snake molts its skin.
- My dead skin was molting from being overexposed to the sun.

JV482 (Facilitate and Jibe)

December 7th, 2008
FACILITATE = (verb) make (an action or process) easy or easier. 1. to make easier; 2. to increase
the likelihood of; 3. to be o f use
Synonyms:
ease, simplify, expedite, enable, assist, advance
Antonyms:
complicate
Examples:
- Lisa wanted to meet the author, and Marc facilitated an introduction.
- Frank hopes to facilitate a dialogue between the two opposing factions.
- Phil was brought on to help facilitate communication between the different departments.
- The two factories were located on the same plot to facilitate the sharing of resources.
- I see my role as that o f a facilitator, enabling other people to work in the way that suits them best.
- To facilitate learning, each class is no larger than 30 students
JIBE = (v.) 1. to agree with or conform to something; 2. in nautical
terminology, to shift a sail from one side of a vessel to the other;
(n.) an insulting remark intended to have a hurtful effect (also
spelled: gibe). if one statement or opinion jibes with another, it is similar to it
Synonyms:
(v.) agree, conform, accord, concur, (n.) insult, wisecrack, mockery, ridicule
Antonyms:
(v.) differ, disagree, clash, (n.) compliment
Tips: Jibe has taken on all three of those meanings.
For the meaning of an insult or wisecrack, jibe is also, and more
commonly, spelled with a g : gibe, and can also be used in the verb
form.
Examples:
- M arcs sarcastic jibes during the trial got him removed from the courtroom.
- Lisa quit her job because her needs just didnt jibe with the companys policies.
- Before sailing on his own, Phil needed to learn how to tack and jibe.
- After awhile Joanne got used to Frank little jibes and she no longer was offended by them.
- Mary jibed constantly at the way Frank ran his business.
- Her description o f the man didnt jibe with what she told the police earlier.

JV481 (Extraneous and Efface)

December 5th, 2008
EXTRANEOUS = (adjective) 1. not essential or important; 2. not relevant to the matter at hand; 3.
coming from outside
Synonyms:
nonessential, irrelevant, immaterial, incidental, ancillary, external, exterior, foreign,
Antonyms:
relevant, inherent, germane, pertinent
Examples:
- Extraneous light in the camera spoiled the photo.
- Most o f the information in M arcs lecture notes seems to be extraneous.
- Lisa wanted a succinct summary o f the conference with no extraneous information.
EFFACE = (verb) 1. to remove, blur, or completely eliminate, especially by rubbing
off or out; 2. to act in an inconspicuous or humble manner, especially
because of shyness or modesty.
Synonyms:
erase, annul, delete, expunge, cancel
Antonyms:
add, restore
Examples:
- Dont be self-effacing if your compliments your hard work; simply
thank him and acknowledge his compliment.
- Its better to accept a compliment gracefully, rather than make self-effacing remarks.

JV480 (Frugal and Foment)

November 30th, 2008
FRUGAL = 1. tending to spend very little money; 2. small in expense or quantity
Synonyms:
thrifty, sparing, provident, economical, penny-pinching, conserving, prudent, scanty, meager, paltry
Antonyms:
prodigal, extravagant, wasteful, expensive, lavish
Examples:
- M arcs frugal track record has led to a twenty-five percent decrease in frivolous spending.
- by being frugal, Lisa was able to stretch her monthly budget
- Frugality may be a road to riches.
- Phil has always been frugal with his money, and he never has any money problems.
FOMENT =
1. to cause trouble or stir up rebellion; 2. to promote growth or development; 3. to lessen pain by
bathing in warm water
Synonyms:
stir up, promote, evoke, incite, instigate, abet
Antonyms:
repress, suppress, quell
Examples:
- I believe that the new technology will foment our industry and create positive change.
- John filed the law suit, not because he needed the money, but because
he wanted to foment trouble for his former contractor.
- Marc was afraid that his letter might foment more tension, so he didnt send it.
- Lisa hoped that her impassioned speech would foment positive change in the community.

JV479 (Meander and Imminent)

November 29th, 2008
MEANDER =
1. to move in a curving, twisting, or indirect route; follow a winding course. 2 wander in a leisurely
or aimless way.
Synonyms:
wander, amble, stroll, roam, twist, bend, wind, curve, snake
Examples:
- Both of these rivers meander down to the ocean.
- I dont have a definite plan for the afternoon in mind; I thought we might just meander around
Table Mountain.
- On our trip, we spent a lot of time meandering about the countryside o f Cape Town.
- The long, meandering driveway led to a beautiful wine estate.
- Movie critics complained that the film meanders along with no particular story line.
IMMINENT =
about to happen or likely to occur soon
Synonyms:
impending, threatening, menacing, looming, forthcoming, near, close
Antonyms:
far-off, unlikely, distant
Examples:
- I m sorry to tell you that with the latest threat, you and your family
appear to be in imminent danger.
- The closing o f the community center appears imminent despite the efforts o f the citizens to save
it.
- A rain storm was imminent.
- We were told the arrival o f the storm was imminent.
- Everyone knew a fight was imminent when the group o f striking workers came face-to-face with
their replacements.

JV478 (Palatable and Latitude)

November 27th, 2008
PALATABLE = something acceptable, especially to the sense o f taste
Synonyms:
acceptable, agreeable, appetizing, delicious, enjoyable, flavorful, yummy, tempting
Antonyms:
unsavory, unappetizing, unpalatable
Examples:
- Jeremy brought a very palatable wine
- Joanne added a dash o f salt to help make the dish more palatable.
- M arcs idea w asnt very palatable to the parties involved.
- I m afraid the members w ont find all these changes very palatable.
- The turkey remained in the oven for way too long, making it dry and unpalatable.
LATITUDE = 1.
freedom from restriction, 2. the position north or south o f the equator measured from 0A to 90A
Synonyms:
freedom, liberty, leeway
Antonyms:
restriction, restraint, constraint
Examples:
- I allow my children considerable latitude in how they spend their free
time, as long as its not in front o f the TV.
- At these latitudes the sun does not rise at all on winter days.
- I enjoy owning my own business because it affords me considerable latitude in how I spend my
time.
- John gives his children so much latitude that they usually just run amok.
- The new laws gave the police more latitude in dealing with suspected criminals

JV477 (Nettle and Fallacy)

November 25th, 2008
NETTLE = (verb) 1. to annoy or irritate someone; 2. to sting; (noun) a stinging
plant with serrated leaves.
Synonyms:
(v.) annoy, sting, irritate, tease, vex, bother, exasperate
Antonyms:
soothe
Examples:
- If you are going to go on the hike, watch out for stinging nettle.
- If Lisa continues to nettle Phil about every little thing, Phil will not invite Lisa for his birthday
party.
- Lisas sharp remarks nettled Marc.
- It was bad enough that Frank lost the argument, but M arcs self-satisfied smile really nettled
Frank.
PHRASE: grasp the nettle
to take action immediately in order to deal with an unpleasant situation
- I ve been putting off tackling the problem for too long and I think its time to grasp the nettle.
FALLACY = 1. a misconception or false belief; 2. an argument that does not work because o f an
error in logic or the error itself
Synonyms:
misconception, error, flaw, mistake, inconsistency, falsity, sophistry
Antonyms:
truth, verity
Examples:
- The adage that warns against swimming within twenty minutes of eating is a fallacy.
- The rumor that Marc is planning a trip around the world is a fallacy; he has no such plans at this
time.
- Phils argument is based on fallacious reasoning.
- It is a common fallacy that women are worse drivers than men.

JV476 (Nominal and Opportune)

November 24th, 2008
NOMINAL =
1. being something in name only; 2. small or unimportant; 3.
satisfactory or according to what was planned; 4. having to do with or
being a name; 5. having to do with or being a noun
Synonyms:
so-called, honorary, titular, ostensible, small, insignificant, trifling
Antonyms:
important, real
Examples:
- Marc the nominal head o f our college - the real work is done by his deputy.
- For a nominal fee Just Vocabulary offers the podcast advertisement free.
- When you pay $400 for an airline ticket, a ticketing fee o f five dollars seems nominal
OPPORTUNE =
suitable for a purpose or occurring at the right time. happening at a time which is likely to give
success or which is convenient
Synonyms:
appropriate, fitting, apt, auspicious, fortuitous, timely, fortunate
Antonyms:
inopportune
Examples:
- The family dinner was an opportune time for us to announce our engagement.
- Our morning meeting will provide an opportune time to discuss our strategic plan.
- Joanne is trying to find the most opportune time to ask her boss for a promotion.
- We had just cleaned the house, so it was an opportune time to have guests drop by to see us.

JV475 (Immutable and Inaugurate)

November 21st, 2008
IMMUTABLE = not changing or unable to be changed
Synonyms:
unchangeable, constant, unalterable, fixed, permanent, stable
Antonyms:
changeable, mutable
Examples:
- Once my parents make a decision, it is immutable and they never change their minds.
- Franks dad lived a long, hard life, and his views on the world are immutable at this point.
- Some people regard the rules of English grammar and punctuation as an
immutable, others view them as evolving.
- Phil despised his friends immutable attitude o f superiority toward others.

INAUGURATE = to formally and officially put something new in place such as a

government official, a building, or a new procedure, often with a
special ceremony
Synonyms:
induct, install, ordain, commission, dedicate, launch, debut, begin, commence
Antonyms:
stop, end, terminate
Examples:
- The Mayor is going to inaugurate the new City Hall building today at noon.
- The change o f government inaugurated a new era o f economic prosperity.
- Representatives from every major media outlet were present at the
presidential inauguration.
- During the inauguration ceremony on the 20th o f January, the US President always delivers an
inaugural address.

JV474 (Gauche and Hasten)

November 19th, 2008
GAUCHE = (adjective)
lacking manners and proper social behavior, awkward and uncomfortable with other people,
especially because young and lacking in experience. Behaving in a way that offends other people,
esp. because of not knowing what is correct or not caring about their feelings.
Synonyms:
unsophisticated, uncouth, tactless, awkward, graceless, ill-mannered, uncultured, boorish
Antonyms:
sophisticated, polite, cultured, civilized
Examples:
- Joanne had grown from a gauche teenager to a self-assured young woman.
- Phils loud talking at the opera marked him as gauche and uncultured
- M arcs gauche manners at the party can be explained by the fact that he
had several cocktails before he arrived.
- It was gauche to invite them just two days before the party.
HASTEN = verb 1 be quick to do something; move quickly. 2 cause to happen sooner than
anticipated. 1. to speed up the progress o f an activity; 2. to go somewhere or do something quickly
and without delay
Synonyms:
speed, quicken, accelerate, hurry, expedite, rush, hustle
Antonyms:
slow, delay
Examples:
- It was an unfortunate decision and Marc hastened to say it had nothing to do with him.
- Officials acted in haste, without understanding the situation.
- We should hasten to get to the theater so we dont miss the beginning o f the movie.
- Cathy hastened to hide her bad report card before her parents got home.
- The loss o f its largest client hastened the Banks bankruptcy.

JV473 (Extort and Finesse)

November 18th, 2008
EXTORT = (Verb) to extract or obtain money, information, or the like, by intimidation, force, or
abuse o f authority, to obtain something such as money or information from somebody by using
force, threats, or other unacceptable methods
Synonyms:
blackmail, bully, fleece, gouge, cheat, coerce, force, exact
Examples:
- The girl decided to extort the secret from Lisa by threatening to
make up and spread a damaging secret of her own.
- The criminal left for Mexico after successfully extorting money from the company Managing
Director.
- Frank deeply regrets that he was a school bully who was used to extorting lunch money from
other school kids.
- Marc cant expect me to pay him to be quiet; thats extortion.
FINESSE = a noun 1 refinement and delicacy. 2 subtle skill in handling or manipulating people or
situations. 3 (in bridge) an attempt to win a trick with a card that is not a certain winner.
Verb 1 do in a subtle and delicate manner. 2 slyly attempt to avoid blame when dealing with (a
situation). 3 play (a card) as a finesse.
Synonyms:
(n.) delicacy, savvy, discretion, diplomacy, adeptness, artfulness, skillfulness, grace, mastery,
elegance
Antonyms:
clumsiness, indiscretion
Examples:
- Micheal Jackson had legendary finesse on the dance floor.
- Lisa had such social finesse, she was
able to quickly and easily solve any problem within the company.
- Mark and his friends found themselves in a sticky situation and looked for a way to finesse out of
it.
- Frank did not want to stay to he tried to finesse his way out o f the party

JV472 (Mentor and Doggerel)

November 17th, 2008
MENTOR = (noun) 1. a well-intentioned role model, advisor, and guide to someone less
experienced, knowledgeable, or mature; 2. a person who gives another person help and advice over
a period of time and often also teaches them how to do their job.
(verb) to serve as a counselor,
teacher, or guide.
Synonyms:
(n.) advisor, supporter, guide, tutor, teacher, role model, coach, (v.) guide, advise, support
Examples:
- Frank mentors young talented pianists who need someone to look up to.
- Lisa asked her Dads Uncle to be her mentor and guide her on her way to becoming a professional
writer.
- Marc couldnt have achieved the success he has today without the help o f his mentor.
DOGGEREL =
a verse of poetry or song that is uneven in measure and often poorly composed, usually for an
intentional, comic effect
Synonyms:
verse, jingle
Examples:
- Lisa has the doggerel from the latest soda commercial stuck in her head.
- The doggerel in the middle o f the show made the audience laugh.
- Franks feelings were hurt when Marc called his composition a doggerel.

JV471 (Morass and Mellifluous)

November 14th, 2008
MORASS = 1. a swamp or area o f low lying wetlands that make walking difficult; 2. a difficult
situation that hinders or overwhelms, 1 an area o f muddy or boggy ground. 2 a complicated or
confused situation.
Synonyms:
marsh, swamp, moor, mire, quagmire, bog
Antonyms:
Examples:
- The distracted driver had driven his car off the road and into a morass
- The morass o f rules and regulations is delaying the start o f the project.
- Sometimes I over-commit myself and end up lost in a morass o f impossible deadlines.
- I am frustrated with the morass o f bureaucracy that keeps me
waiting for a change in my visa status.
MELLIFLUOUS =
having a pleasing or rich sound, pleasant and soothing to listen to, and sweet or rich in tone
Synonyms:
melodious, musical, sweet, honeyed, resonant
Antonyms:
discordant
Examples:
- I love to listen to the mellifluous sound of YoYo-Ma cello
- The opera singers voice was rich and mellifluous.
- Frank Sinatra has become famous due to his deep, mellifluous voice.
- I was drawn to the mellifluous sound o f a harp being played inside the church.

JV470 (Neophyte and Murmur)

November 13th, 2008
NEOPHYTE =1. beginner: a beginner or novice at something2. recent convert: a recent convert to
a religion3. religious novice: a new resident o f a religious community who has not yet taken vows,
someone who has recently become involved in an activity and is still learning about it
Synonyms:
novice, beginner, student, rookie, amateur, convert, proselyte
Antonyms:
veteran
Examples:
- When Karen married Jim, she became a Catholic neophyte.
- Undergraduate students are generally neophytes in their chosen majors and need guidance from
experienced professors.
- The neophyte on the team surprised everyone when he scored the winning goal.
- I m a neophyte when it comes to baking, so I m a little nervous about how my first apple pie will
turn out.
MURMUR = noun 1 a quietly spoken utterance. 2 . a subdued complaint. a verb 1 say something in
a murmur.
Synonyms:
(n.) grumbling, complaint, lament, gripe, (v.) mumble, mutter
Examples:
- A murmur o f complaint was heard from the audience when the sound system failed.
- The students murmured something under when Marc the teacher handed out their new homework
assignment.
- Frank finished the job without a murmur
- My little daughter Jenny was so tired that she went to bed without a murmur for once.

JV469 (Opprobrious and Phlegmatic)

November 12th, 2008
OPPROBRIOUS = disgraceful; shameful 1. expressing harsh criticism or scorn; 2. shameful and
worthy of contempt
Synonyms:
critical, scornful, derogatory, abusive, insulting, contemptible, offensive, scurrilous, infamous,
disgraceful, shameful
Antonyms:
appreciative, complimentary, proud, worthy, reputable, honorable
Examples:
- The CEO had opprobrious words for his sales department after another weak month.
- Most people believe that cheating on your spouse is an opprobrious act.
- The way Lisa flaunts her wealth while others suffer, is opprobrious.
- Frank was embarrassed by his fathers opprobrious remarks
PHLEGMATIC =
1. having a calm temperament; 2. not readily showing emotion. unexcitable:generally unemotional
and difficult to arouse
Synonyms:
aloof, cold, apathetic, stony, stoic, nonchalant, composed, impersonal, calm, unemotional, passive,
languid
Antonyms:
animated, excited, emotional, passionate, spirited
Examples:
- As a footballer his great asset was his calm, phlegmatic manner.
- Lisas bright hair color would shock even the most phlegmatic person.
- He is a retired lawyer with a solid, phlegmatic manner.
- Joanne wished her boyfriend would be a little more open and animated, and a little less
phlegmatic.

JV468 (Rebuff and Querulous)

November 11th, 2008
REBUFF = (v.) to reject or refuse sharply and with criticism; (n.) 1. a rude
or curt rejection o f an offer or advance; 2. a sudden block or setback
of progress, 1.reject or snub something:to reject or snub an offer, advance, or approach made by
somebody
Synonyms:
(v.) snub, reject, repel, deny, refuse, spurn, (n.) snub, block, setback
Antonyms:
(v.) accept, approve
Examples:
- Lisa asked Frank for help, but Frank rebuffed her, saying he only helped his real friends.
- I asked Madonna to be my wife, and was rebuffed in no uncertain terms.
- Her rebuff stung, since my offer had been kind and sincere.
QUERULOUS = 1. tending to complain: inclined to complain or find fault2. whining: whining or
complaining in tone
Synonyms:
petulant, grouchy, critical, irritable, whiny, peevish, grumbly
Antonyms:
cheerful, happy, good-natured
Examples:
- The querulous woman drove her boyfriend crazy with her constant nagging.
- My sister is a great nurse, even the most querulous patients failed to upset her.
- Lisas uncle became increasingly dissatisfied and querulous in his old age.
- Being around querulous people puts me in a bad mood.

JV467 (Obtuse and Obeisance)

November 10th, 2008
OBTUSE = annoyingly insensitive or slow to understand.
1. slow to learn or understand; 2. lacking insight; 3. blunt or rounded, not sharp
Synonyms:
dim-witted, dull, dumb, ignorant, stupid, blunt
Antonyms:
acute, sharp, keen, intelligent
Examples:
- Lisa tried to learn how the application functions, but Frank thinks shes too obtuse to ever learn
how to use it.
- Marc wondered if the doctor was being deliberately obtuse.
- Joanne frustrated her mentor by pretending to be obtuse
OBEISANCE =
1. the act o f obeying or behaving respectfully; 2. a show or sign o f respect such as bowing, a
gesture o f respect or deference, e.g. a bow o f the head
Synonyms:
respect, courtesy, bow, homage, deference, reverence
Antonyms:
disrespect
Examples:
- The servant bowed deeply in obeisance to the queen.
- Phils obeisance at the meeting seemed rather formal and unnecessary.
- Marc demands obeisance from all his students.

JV466 (Dissuade and Eschew)

November 6th, 2008
DISSUADE =
to convince or persuade someone not to do something.
The most common usage o f dissuade is, to dissuade someone from doing something. Dissuade is
the opposite of persuade.
Examples:
- There was nothing anyone could do to dissuade Lisa from going on the dangerous trip.
- After a long talk, Marc was able to dissuade Joanne from marrying the man who had been
unfaithful to her.
- It is often difficult to dissuade someone from a firmly held political viewpoint.
- The bad review did not dissuade me from seeing the movie.
Synonyms:
deter, discourage, divert
Antonyms:
persuade
ESCHEW = to intentionally avoid something, especially on moral or practical grounds. abstain
from: to avoid doing or using something on principle or as a matter o f course.
Examples:
- In an attempt at self-transformation, Phil strives to eschew mistakes he had made in the past.
- Ever since Frank stopped drinking alcohol, he has eschewed any party
where he knew drinks were being served.
- Bill decided to eschew his friends bachelor party, as I knew it would be wild, and his wife would
not approve.
Synonyms:
avoid, evade, shun, abstain, forgo, renounce
Antonyms:
choose, embrace, indulge in

JV465 (Equivocal and Enervate)

November 4th, 2008
EQUIVOCAL =
1.open to question or interpretation; 2. difficult to understand. An
equivocation is a statement which is deliberately vague or ambiguous.
And finally, to equivocate is to be deliberately ambiguous or unclear
in order to mislead or withhold information.
Examples:
- Nothing enervates me like a car alarm that beeps all night.
- Elizabeths marathon debut was successful, but even more enervating than she had expected.
- Just the thought o f speaking in public is enough to enervate me.
- The Lisas constant questions enervated Marc.
Synonyms:
ambiguous, dubious, questionable, uncertain, cryptic, confusing, unclear, ambivalent, suspicious
Antonyms:
clear, certain
Examples:
- Marc will vote for the new candidate who never tries to equivocate.
- Lisas father grew tired of Lisa equivocations and her ability to twist the truth.
- The equivocal trial results left the scientists bickering about how to interpret the outcome.
- Franks letter of resignation is unequivocal and leaves no doubt as to why he is leaving the
company.
ENERVATE = to weaken somebody, either physically or mentally. to weaken somebodys
physical, mental, or moral vitality.
Examples:
- Nothing enervates me like a car alarm that beeps all night.
- Elizabeths marathon debut was successful, but even more enervating than she had expected.
- Just the thought o f speaking in public is enough to enervate me.
- The Lisas constant questions enervated Marc.
Synonyms:
tire, exhaust, fatigue, deplete, weaken, enfeeble
Antonyms:
strengthen, energize

JV464 (Extant and Flaccid)

November 2nd, 2008
EXTANT =
describes something very old, yet still existing-not lost or destroyed

Examples:
- It was challenging for David Attenborough to track extant plant species in the
rainforest, as some o f them are destroyed daily.
- The Discovery channel did a series on extant Egyptian artifacts and
their significance to the culture.
- Because he is so recluse, Marcus Jonathan is probably one o f the most
famous extant authors that people mistake for being dead.
- Beethovens original manuscript is no longer extant.
Synonyms:
surviving, existent, undestroyed, remaining
Antonyms:
dead, departed, destroyed, extinct, gone
FLACCID =1. limp: soft, limp, or lacking firmness2. lacking vitality: lacking energy, enthusiasm,
or competence,
lacking firmness or resilience.
Examples:
- The flaccid asparagus was not well received by the food critics.
- The manas flaccid handshake did not make a good first impression.
- In business, it is considered totally unacceptable to have a flaccid handshake.
- The flaccid leadership campaign was causing concern.
Synonyms:
soft, weak, inelastic, slack, limp, flimsy, lax, droopy
Antonyms:
firm, tough, strong

JV463 (Exemplary and Faction)

October 31st, 2008
EXEMPLARY = 1. worthy o f imitation; 2. serving as a perfect model or example; 3.
designed to be severe and serve as a warning to others (as in a
punishment)
Examples:
- Through the exemplary jail sentence for the 15 year old, the judge
hoped to curb violent behavior amongst other young gang members.
- Phil ran an exemplary project, which I want everyone to use as a model for future success.
- Frank saw action in the Marines, and his performance was exemplary.
- M arcs tact was exemplary, especially considering the circumstances.
Synonyms: laudable, praiseworthy, quintessential,
worthy, emblematic, typical, illustrative, representative, cautionary,
dissuasive, monitory
Antonyms:
reprehensible, substandard, awful, atypical, anomalous
FACTION = 1. a self-seeking party or group (generally within a government) that
is the dissenting minority within a larger group; this clique of
partisans holds slightly different beliefs and interests than the rest
o f the group;2. party strife and intrigue; 3. a literary work or film
that blends fiction into factual elements.
Examples:
- There were two major Roman political factions: the populares and the optimates.
- There is a faction in the Democratic party that supports tax cuts and strong defense.
- The president didnt realize that there was a faction within the board
o f directors, meeting to plan his removal.
Synonyms:
wing, caucus, coalition, group, schism, cell, conflict, discord, dissension, rebellion, strife
Antonyms:
entirety, total, whole, agreement, peace, unity

JV462 (Grandiose and Discourse)

October 29th, 2008
GRANDIOSE = 1. large, grand, and impressive, but sometimes also pretentious or
unrealistic; 2. larger and containing more detail than necessary, or
intended to seem important or splendid.
Examples:
- As a teenager, Phil had formed many grandiose plans about becoming rich and famous, but none
o f them came to pass.
- The sight o f the grandiose ballroom took our breath away.
- Marc fancied himself as a visionary, but his ideas were all grandiose and could never be
implemented.
- Frank made a grandiose arrival to his high school reunion, in a large, convertible Bentley
Synonyms:
pretentious, ostentatious, pompous, magnificent, regal, stately, impressive, grand, unrealistic,
overblown, extravagant
Antonyms:
modest, simple, ordinary
DISCOURSE = (n.) 1. verbal communication; 2. formal, extended
expression o f thought on a subject; (v.) to converse or discuss
Examples:
- M arcs passionate political discourse caused a stir among the students.
- The discourse around the dinner table mainly surrounded Franks business plans.
- Lisa would like to engage Phil in discourse regarding plans for a company expansion.
Synonyms:
(n.) talk, dialogue, conversation, discussion, speech, lecture, thesis, (v.) discuss, communicate,
convers

JV461 (Heresy and Gainsay)

October 27th, 2008
HERESY = (noun) 1 belief or opinion contrary to orthodox religious (especially Christian)
doctrine. 2 opinion profoundly at odds with what is generally accepted.
Examples:
- Some famous thinkers such Galileo were accused of
heresy in their own times because their new ideas contradicted the
church.
- Lisa thinks Marc is a heretic because Marc is not entirely convinced that Western medicine has all
the answers.
- To hear that Frank changed from a Mac to a PC was heresy in the eyes o f her loyal, Mac-using
friends.
- Joanne committed the heresy o f playing a Madonna song on a classical music station.
- Lisas belief that a split would be good for the party was regarded as heretical.
Synonyms:
dissent, iconoclasm, dissidence, nonconformity, revisionism, sacrilege
Antonyms:
orthodox
GAINSAY = to say that something isnt true, especially by contradicting another person.
Examples:
- It was very difficult to gainsay M arcs claim
- I hear what youre saying, but I must gainsay the premise o f your argument.
- The test results are conclusive and theres no gainsaying the validity o f this study.
- The impact of the railroads cannot be gainsaid.
Synonyms:
oppose, deny, refute, disallow, dispute, question, impugn
Antonyms:
agree, allow, affirm

JV460 (Impromptu and Genial)

October 20th, 2008
IMPROMPTU = (adjective & adverb) done without being planned, organized, or rehearsed. said or
done without preparation, on the spot
Examples:
- Upon receiving the award, Jim Tressel made an impromptu speech to his team.
- Part o f the Obama and McCain debate is the impromptu question-and-answer session.
- My friend asked me to deliver a short, impromptu toast during the cocktail hour.
- Marc has an uncanny ability to deliver hilarious, impromptu speeches without any preparation or
advanced notice.
Synonyms:
spontaneous, improvised, ad lib, ad hoc, unrehearsed, extemporaneous
Antonyms:
planned, rehearsed
GENIAL = 1. good-natured and kind; 2. mild, especially sunny and good for life or growth.
Examples:
- The genial sunshine and mild temperature was ideal for growing a variety o f flowers and plants.
- Elisabeth was always a genial hostess, treating her guests with kindness and sincere attention.
- I really like listening to Robin Sharma because o f his genial demeanor, which always puts me at
ease and makes me happy.
- He is a great person to have as a boss because o f his genial manner.
- His geniality, reliability and ability made him a popular figure.
Synonyms:
pleasant, mild, amicable, amiable, kind, friendly, congenial, warm, favorable
Antonyms:
unfriendly, cold, hostile

JV459 (Miscreant and Inanimate)

October 18th, 2008
MISCREANT = (noun) someone who breaks the law or does wrong. adjective behaving badly or
unlawfully.
Examples:
- The museum was vandalized by a group of miscreants last night.
- Many people were upset that the alleged miscreant was not found guilty.
- I think we need tougher penalties to discourage miscreants.
- Our neighborhood has been taken over by a pack o f drug-dealing miscreants.
Synonyms:
villain, criminal, wrongdoer, scoundrel, knave, ruffian
Antonyms:
do-gooder
INANIMATE = adjective 1 not alive, especially not in the manner of animals and humans. 2
showing no sign of life; lifeless.
Examples:
- Lisa prefers to paint still life art and inanimate objects rather than people and animals.
- The audience for tonights show has proved to be a rather inanimate crowd.
- At first, the seals body looked inanimate, but when we noticed it was
still breathing we took the seal to the vet and she was resuscitated.
- In my last dream several o f the inanimate objects in my bedroom came to life.
Synonyms:
nonliving, inorganic, dull, lifeless, inert, inactive
Antonyms:
living, lively, animated

JV458 (Leverage and Irate)

October 16th, 2008
LEVERAGE = noun: 1 the exertion o f force by means o f a lever. 2 the power to influence: political
leverage. verb: 1. to provide or supplement with leverage; 2. to use leverage for ones advantage; 3.
to borrow money for investment.
Example:
- That company leveraged a very small investment into millions o f dollars.
- Marc used a clients review as leverage to ask for a raise.
- If the United Nations had more troops in the area, it would have greater leverage.
- The company is highly leveraged and struggling with interest payments.
Synonyms: (n.) advantage, effectiveness, power,
influence, clout, weight, force, support, pull, (v.) fund, borrow,
benefit, profit, supplement, invest
Antonyms:
(n.) disadvantage, hindrance, weakness
IRATE = (adjective) indicating anger:showing or typical o f great anger
Examples:
- Her boss became irate when she cost the company its biggest client.
- His irate neighbors yelled at him for throwing such a loud party.
- I was irate that she had forgotten to give me the message, but I kept my anger inside.
- Shelly was irate with Jack for forgetting her birthday and didnt speak to him for two weeks.
Synonyms:
angry, enraged, mad, furious, fuming, heated, annoyed
Antonyms:
calm, kind, pleased
ORIGIN mid 19th cent.: from Latin iratus, from ira aanger.a

JV457 (Licentious and Impassive)

October 15th, 2008
LICENTIOUS =
having little or no moral restriction, especially in sexual behavior
Synonyms:
promiscuous, immoral, lascivious, lustful, lewd, abandoned, unconstrained
Antonyms:
chaste, moral, virtuous
Examples:
- During his college years Mark engaged in a licentious lifestyle.
- Mark has now reformed from his licentious lifestyle to one of self-restraint and chastity.
- My Grandma found the licentious behavior o f todays generation offensive.
The young waitress was tired of the licentious men who came into her bar and overtly flirted with
her.
IMPASSIVE = 1. expressionless: showing no outward sign o f emotion, especially on the face2.
devoid of all emotion: feeling no emotions at all, either positive or negative
Synonyms:
unemotional, stoic, inscrutable, apathetic, indifferent
Antonyms:
emotional, moved
Examples:
- Whe they told Lisa that she was adopted, she was surprisingly
impassive.
- An impassive expression is a real asset in a poker game.
- The defendant sat impassively in the dock while evidence was given against him.
- Frank was so impassive when we told him the bad news that I wasnt sure how it affected him.

JV456 (Sinister and Profusion)

October 13th, 2008
SINISTER = (adjective) 1.suggesting evil:threatening or suggesting malevolence, menace, or harm.
Giving the impression that something harmful or evil is happening or will happen.
Synonyms:
threatening, foreboding, menacing, evil, wicked, minatory, malign, ominous
Antonyms:
benevolent, benign, good, kind
Examples:
- The evil villain had a sinister plan to take over the world.
- Franks sinister smile and squinted eyes scared the children.
- The shadows of the trees looked sinister in the moonlight.
- The ruined house had a sinister appearance.
PROFUSION = (noun) a great deal: a large quantity o f something. 2. profuse quality: the quality o f
being profuse
Example:
- Mark loved the recent profusion of books and articles on his favorite subject.
- Shed never seen flowers so beautiful and in such profusion.
- The company accepted blame and sent us profuse apologies.
- This spring the flowers bloomed in greater profusion than in past years.
- After riding the exercise bike for an hour, he was sweating profusely.
Synonyms:
abundance, extravagance, lavishness, excess, bounty, plenty, wealth
Antonyms:
sparseness, lack, shortage

JV455 (Proselytize and Sinuous)

October 11th, 2008
PROSELYTIZE =
to convert or try to convert someone to a different religion
Synonyms:
convert, convince, indoctrinate, influence, persuade, change, proselyte
Examples:
- The missionary tried to proselytize people to his religion.
- The cult members tried to proselytize the students.
- The man proselytized to Islam after falling in love with a Muslim woman.
- The preacher tries to proselytize visitors to his church.
SINUOUS = 1. curved or moving in a curved way,full o f bends and curves, 2. lithe and graceful,
especially making graceful winding or curving movements
Synonyms:
winding, coiling, crooked, curved, serpentine, twisting, curvy
Antonyms:
straight, unbent
Examples:
- Lisa hated driving the sinuous roads that led up to the mountains.
- The man loved his w ifes sinuous, feminine body
- At the lectures, he tormented the teachers with sinuous questions

JV454 (Refute and Recuperate)

October 9th, 2008
REFUTE =
1. to deny the truth of and overthrow by argument, evidence, or proof; 2. to prove to be false or
incorrect
Synonyms:
disprove, dispute, oppose, challenge, contend, contradict, contravene, gainsay, negate
Antonyms:
prove, confirm, defend, corroborate
Examples:
- Marc definitely lost that debate; Frank refuted each o f M arcs points with contradicting
statements.
- The attorneys will attempt to refute the evidence against the defendant.
- The witness refuted her earlier testimony by repeatedly contradicting herself.
RECUPERATE =
1. to recover after a sickness; 2. to recover after a monetary loss
Examples:
- Lisa went home to recuperate from her recent surgery.
- Frank lost at black jack but hoped to recuperate his losses at the poker table.
- The bank filed for bankruptcy, but they never expected to recuperate their good financial standing
so quickly.
Synonyms:
improve, heal, mend, recover, survive, regain
Antonyms:
regress, degenerate

JV453 (Rend and Propitiate)

October 7th, 2008
REND = (verb) 1. tear, split, or divide with force; 2. to take something or
somebody away using force; 3. to pierce with a loud scream or shriek;
4. to cause distress to somebody
Synonyms:
separate, rip, sever, sunder, cleave, lacerate, split, pierce, pull, tear
Antonyms:
attach, join, meld, unite
Examples:
- The storm Gustav is likely to rend apart everything in its path.
- The senators extreme left-wing advisor may prove to rend the voters who want a more moderate
approach.
- With one stroke o f his sword, he rent his enemys helmet in two.
- The monster had snapping teeth that would rend flesh to shreds.
PROPITIATE = win somebodys favor:to appease or conciliate somebody or something
Synonyms:
conciliate, gratify, appease, correct, soften, redeem, placate, pacify, mollify, mitigate
Antonyms:
aggravate, annoy, irritate
Examples:
The CEO hoped that the refund would help to propitiate ther angry customers.
Marc brought donuts to work as a propitiatory gift, in hopes that
everyone would forgive him for losing his temper.
Frank sent flowers to his girlfriend everyday last week, in order to propitiate her anger over his lies.
The propitiatory flowers didnt work; she was still angry a week later.

JV452 (Stigma and Tendentious)

October 4th, 2008
STIGMA = (noun) sign o f social unacceptability:the shame or disgrace attached to something
regarded as socially unacceptable. A strong lack of respect for someone or a bad opinion of them
because they have done something society does not approve of.
Example:
- People should not be stigmatized on the basis o f race.
- Theres a stigma associated with low-income food programs.
- The disease AIDS no longer seems to have the stigma attached to it that it had a decade ago.
Synonyms:
shame, disgrace, dishonor, reproach, scar, smudge, blemish
Antonyms:
glory, honor
TENDENTIOUS = (adjective) having a tendency toward something and wanting to influence
others to
agree with your viewpoint, especially in an argumentative way. Trying to influence opinion:written
or spoken with personal bias in order to promote a cause or support a viewpoint
Example:
- Phils account o f the events was tendentious, not to mention inaccurate.
- Luckily Phils tendentious statements no longer anger his friends and family.
- The tendentious talk show host used his show to promote his political ideology.
Synonyms:
biased, partial, inclined, argumentative
Antonyms:
impartial, unbiased

JV451 (Sunder and Subjugate)

October 3rd, 2008
SUNDER = (verb) break something apart:to separate something into parts, especially by force, or
be separated in this way.
Example:
- During the cold war East and West Berlin were sundered by an impenetrable wall.
- The controversial issue threatened to sunder the government.
- The unity o f the group could not be sundered
Synonyms:
separate, crack, divide, split, break, sever
Antonyms:
assemble, join, unify
SUBJUGATE =
(verb) to conquer or take control by force. to bring somebody, especially a people or nation, under
the control o f another, e.g. by military conquest. To treat yourself, your wishes or your beliefs as
being less important than other people or their wishes or beliefs.
Example:
- The United States is set up in a way that ensures the government could
never subjugate its people.
- The rebel leaders plan was to subjugate the people o f the country in
order to establish a new form o f government.
- Frank was determined not to allow his boss to subjugate him with his threats
- Journalists must subjugate personal political convictions to their professional commitment to
fairness and balance.

JV450 (Truncate and Uncouth)

September 30th, 2008
TRUNCATE = (verb) to shorten something by cutting off or removing a part. 2. to shorten decimal
number: to restrict the precision of a decimal number by limiting the digits to the right of the
decimal point without rounding
Example:
- Television coverage of the match was truncated by a technical fault.
- Because Lisas report was longer than allowed, she had to truncate the ending.
- The movie was truncated so that it would fit the television time slot.
- Marc truncate certain words when sending text messages.
- Our discussion was truncated by the arrival o f our main menu.
UNCOUTH = behaving in a rude, unpleasant way. Rude and without refinement.
Example:
- Franks uncouth brother uses his shirt for a napkin.
- Joannes new boyfriend seems like an uncouth, opinionated boor.
- It was really uncouth o f Phil to make that comment about how much more money he makes than
his coworker.
- Their hockey team had more talent but less couth.

JV449 (Transcend and Deluge)

September 28th, 2008
TRANSCEND = verb 1 be or go beyond the range or limits of. 2 be superior to; surpass.
Examples:
- Marc hope he would gain things from soccer that transcend the game
itself, like honor and good sportsmanship.
- Lisa said that society must transcend its racial and ethnic divisions.
- The rock stars popularity transcended borders.
Synonyms:
surpass, be superior, exceed, rise above, go beyond, outshine
Antonyms:
be inferior, fail, lose
DELUGE =
(n.) heavy downpour or flood; (v.) to overwhelm with a large amount o f something.
Examples:
- W eve been deluged with replies to our advertisement.
- Karen was caught in a deluge on her way to the interview, and her clothing and papers were
soaked.
- This little stream can become a deluge when it rains heavily.
Synonyms:
(n.) torrent, downpour, flood, cataclysm, spate, inundation, (v.) douse, drench, soak, engulf,
inundate, oversupply
Antonyms:
sprinkling, undersupply

JV448 (Welter and Tantamount)

September 25th, 2008
WELTER =
(n.) a large, confused, or disorderly group o f things; (v.) 1. to roll
about-wallow; 2. to be immersed in something, like a liquid
Examples:
- The report was issued amid a welter o f conflicting evidence.
- I did not want David to welter in sorrow over his break-up, so I took him out to dinner.
- Its amazing that anyone survived the welter o f chaos and violence during the riot.
- I couldnt even hear myself think in the welter o f the noisy market place
Synonyms:
(n.) commotion, confusion, turmoil, jumble, excitement, fuss, (v.) roll, wallow, soak, bask
Antonyms:
(n.) calm, order
TANTAMOUNT = (adjective) equivalent to a particular thing in effect, outcome, or value-the
same as
Examples:
- Many felt the questionable accounting practices of the company were tantamount to corporate
fraud.
- M arcs refusal to testify was tantamount to an admission o f guilt.
- I believe his testimony was tantamount to perjury.
Synonyms:
equal, equivalent, identical, parallel, synonymous
Antonyms:
opposite, unlike

JV447 (Yoke and Vapid)

September 23rd, 2008
YOKE = (n.) 1. a wooden bar that harnesses two animals together; 2. a bar
designed to fit across a persons shoulders so that loads can be
balanced on the ends; 3. a bond that ties; 4. something that is
restrictive or oppressive; (v.) to link or become joined together
Examples:
- The people of that country have been living under the yoke o f oppression for far too long.
- The farmer yoked the oxen together in order to plow the field.
- Our creative department will have to yoke with the account service department to meet the needs
of the customers.
Synonyms: (n.) collar, harness, crosspiece,
bondage, chain, enslavement, link, connection, oppression, (v.)
harness, attach, connect, join, bond, tie
Antonyms:
(v.) disconnect, divide, separate, free, release
VAPID = 1.dull:lacking interest or liveliness. 2.insipid:lacking strength, taste, or flavor
Example:
- A tuneful but vapid musical comedy
- Joanne watched a vapid tv programme
- The debate turned into a vapid conversation.

JV446 (Incessant and Paltry)

September 21st, 2008
INCESSANT =
uninterrupted and continuous, unceasing:continuing for a long time without stopping
Examples:
- Lisas incessant questions were cute at first, but soon became very annoying.
- Franks bossa incessant demands are putting so much pressure on him that hes
beginning to see physical signs of the strain.
- The city endured weeks o f incessant bombing.
Synonyms:
constant, unending, ceaseless, continuous, uninterrupted, perpetual
Antonyms:
temporary, periodic
PALTRY =
1. not worthy of consideration; 2. so small as to be contemptible
Examples:
- Joannes paltry salary is barely enough to cover my rent.
- Marc was tired o f Lisas paltry excuses.
- The restaurant served a paltry meal, leaving everyone hungry and irritable.
Synonyms:
tiny, insignificant, meager, scant, negligible, worthless, pathetic
Antonyms:
large, grand, significant, substantial

JV445 (Minutia and Arduous)

September 20th, 2008
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MINUTIA = (plural noun) the small, precise, or trivial details o f something.
Example:
- The committee studied the minutiae o f the report for hours.
- Comedy is so often based in the minutiae o f everyday life.
- He had memorized the many minutiae o f the legal code
Origin: mid 18th cent.: Latin, literally atrifles,a from minutia asmallness,a from minutus (see
minute 2 ).
ARDUOUS =
1. requiring great physical endurance or exertion; 2. requiring great mental effort; 3.steep or
demanding.
Examples:
- Reading W ar and Peace would be an arduous task, because it would require a persistent effort
over a long period o f time.
- Frank was given the arduous task of managing the global product launch in 20 countries.
- In those days, a trip to the West was an arduous journey.
Synonyms:
difficult, hard, strenuous, laborious, formidable, tiring, exhausting,
Antonyms:
effortless, easy

JV444 (Sumptuous and Omniscient)

September 18th, 2008
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SUMPTUOUS = 1. of superior quality; 2. magnificent, grand, and lavish, especially when created
at great expense
Example:
- Paris Hilton turned up dressed in a sumptuous evening gown.
- Marc recently sold his sumptuous apartment.
- Frank decided to buy a sumptuous luxury car.
Synonyms:
luxurious, lavish, magnificent, deluxe, extravagant, grand, impressive, expensive
Antonyms:
cheap, inferior, poor, low-key, humble, simple
OMNISCIENT = having or seeming to have unlimited knowledge. Knowing and understanding all
things
Example:
- They give the impression that the magazine is omniscient.
- Marc seemed to know everything about Lisa, but surely, he couldnt be omniscient.
- If God is omniscient, then He knows everything that will ever happen to me in my life.
Synonyms:
all-knowing, all-seeing
Antonyms:
short-sighted

JV443 (Pittance and Rapacious)

September 18th, 2008
PITTANCE = (noun) a very small or inadequate amount of money.
Examples:
- Marc did not accept Lisas apology because it didnt show even a pittance o f sincerity.
- After the attorneys fees, Phil only received a pittance of the original settlement.
- Fresh out of college, many young people work for a pittance just to gain some experience.
Synonyms:
rationing, allowance, bit, trifle, smidgen, inadequacy
Antonyms:
abundance, plenty
RAPACIOUS = (adjective) greedy and grasping, especially for money, and sometimes willing to
use unscrupulous means to obtain what is desired
2.destructive and vicious: engaging in violent pillaging and likely to harm or destroy things.

JV442 (Tractable and Wince)

September 16th, 2008
TRACTABLE = (adjective) easily dealt with, controlled or persuaded.
Example:
- It can be easy for marketers to influence tractable young minds.
- The problem turned out to be rather less tractable than I had expected.
- The horse was intractable and wouldnt make a good riding horse.
Synonyms:
manageable, compliant, complaisant, controllable, docile, workable,
Antonyms:
intractable, nonconforming, inflexible, stubborn
WINCE = (verb, noun) to show pain briefly and suddenly in the face, often moving the head back
at the same time.
Synonyms:
(verb) flinch, recoil, shrink, cringe
Example:
- Did I hurt you? - I thought I saw you wince.
- It makes me wince even thinking about eye operations.
- Lisa gave a wince as the nurse put the needle in.

JV441 (Fecund and Vitriolic)

September 14th, 2008
FECUND = (adjective) 1.fertile:capable o f producing much vegetation or many offspring. 2.highly
imaginative:able to produce many different and original ideas.
Synonyms:
fertile, productive, prolific, creative, fruitful
Antonyms:
unproductive, unimaginative, barren, impotent, infertile, sterile, feckless
Examples:
- The avid gardener was proud of his lush and fecund garden.
- It was a fecund meeting that produced several new ideas for how to improve our product.
- Meditation creates a fecund atmosphere that
enables me to think of completely original ideas.
VITRIOLIC = (adjective) 1. filled with or expressing extreme bitterness and hatred toward
somebody or something
2.
like metallic sulfate:resembling a glassy metallic sulfate.
Example:
- Marc is a writer who has often been criticized by the press but never before with such vitriol.
- The Mayor launched a vitriolic attack on the Police Dept. Officer, accusing him o f shielding
maffia friends.
As a NOUN
- His review was more than just unfavorableait was loaded with vitriol
Synonyms: acrimonious, rancorous, bitter, caustic, mordant, acerbic.

JV440 (Ribald and Divulge)

RIBALD = (adj.) coarsely or irreverently humorous , describes language that is humorously vulgar
and sexual; (noun) a person who uses language that is humorously vulgar.
Example:
- The stand-up comedian entertained his audience with ribald stories.
- Joanne didn't like the movie Knocked Up because it was full o f ribald jokes.
- The ribald made everyone at the restaurant feel uncomfortable with lewd comments about the
food.
Synonyms: (adj.) rude, crude, lewd, profane, dirty, indecent, vulgar, racy,
Antonyms: proper, wholesome

DIVULGE = verb To make known (private or sensitive information). To reveal something,

especially something private or secret.
Examples:
- Marc divulged Lisa's little secret.
- Lisa thought she could divulge information with complete trust.
- Marc shouldn't divulge other people's secrets.
Synonyms: disclose, reveal, tell, expose
Antonyms: hide, mask

JV439 (Presage and Trudge)

PRESAGE = (v.) to predict that something will happen, especially something unpleasant; (n.) 1. a
warning or sign of a future event; 2. a bad or uneasy feeling of something to come.
Examples:
- The October snow was a presage to a very hard winter.
- A sluggish stock market usually presages an economic recession
- Other than some shortness o f breath, he didn't have any o f the signs that usually presage a heart
attack.
Synonyms: (v.) foreshadow, foretell, predict, portend,
(n.) indication, prediction, forecast, omen,
TRUDGE = (n.) a long, strenuous walk; (v.) to walk in a heavy-footed, slow manner
Examples:
- Because o f the heavy snow Marc has to trudge through the snow to get to his car.
- Even though the task was hard, Frank decided to trudge forward rather than give up.
- The beautiful view from the Mount Everest was well worth the trudge to get there.
Synonyms: walk, lumber, march, plod, tramp,
Antonyms: glide, float

JV438 (Inexorable and Jocund)

INEXORABLE = 1. unstoppable: impossible to stop
2.
adamant and pitiless: not moved by anyone's attempts to plead or persuade
Examples:
- Because the German soccer team still had not been defeated, its climb to the top seemed
inexorable.
- Frank was inexorable in his determination to play Beethoven's Moonlight Sonata.
- The Managing Director was inexorable in his plan to overtake the biggest competitor.
Synonyms: unyielding, adamant, obstinate, hard-nosed, relentless, stubborn, unstoppable
Antonyms: yielding, submissive, docile

JOCUND = jolly: cheerful and full o f good humor.

Synonyms: cheerful, happy, merry, gleeful, jolly, carefree, animated, jovial, spirited
Antonyms: miserable, sad, depressed
Examples:
- Jeremy performed a jocund dance at the festival.
- Frank's jocund personality always cheered people up.
- The jocund atmosphere and good moods all around the room made for a great wedding.

Posted Mon, 2008-08-04 09:55

JV437 (Veneer and Gossamer)

VENEER = (noun) 1. deceptive appearance: a superficial appearance or show put on to please or
impress others. 2. a thin layer of a material bonded to the surface of a less attractive or inferior
material.
Example:

- The Godfather managed to hide his corrupt dealings under a veneer of respectability.
The wardrobe is made of chipboard with a pine veneer.
Frank had a veneer of sophistication but was really just a bully.
Synonyms: surface, lamination, layer, facade, front, false front.

GOSSAMER = (adjective) 1. (noun) a fine film o f cobwebs, often seen floating in the air or
covered with dew on the ground. 2. delicate fabric: a delicate, sheer fabric or gauze. 3. something
sheer and delicate: something delicate, sheer, and filmy.
Example:
- Lisa's dress swirled like gossamer
- In the light from the table lamp, Joanne's hair was blond gossamer.

I didn't see the gossamer spider webs until the sun hit them just right.
Synonyms: Gauzy, fine, sheer, translucent.

JV436 (Trenchant and Lanquid)

TRENCHANT = 1. expressed in a forceful, direct, and effective way; 2. deliberately hurtful.
Examples:
- With trenchant criticism, the minister said that his opponent lacked morality.
- There were boos and hisses during the Marc's speech, but the mosttrenchant comment came from
his colleague, "you suck."
- Lisa wrote a trenchant and powerful essay about World W ar II.
Synonyms: sarcastic, biting, clear, critical, forceful, incisive, powerful,
Antonyms: indirect, flattering

LANGUID = 1. lacking energy and spirit; 2. slow moving

EXAMPLE:
- During the hot and languid African summer I spent numeroushours sitting leisurely by the pool.
- It was clear by his languid demeanor that Frank was no longer interested in his girlfriend.
- Marc had been languid for several months, and his waistline showed it.

Synonyms: sluggish, listless, lethargic, lazy, lackadaisical, inactive,

Antonyms: active, spirited, energetic, lively

Posted Mon, 2008-07-28 11:42

JV435 (Halcyon and Falter)

HALCYON = 1. tranquil and free from disturbance or care 2. happy and carefree; (n.) 1. a mythical
bird thought to have brought calm to the seas;
Examples:
- Lisa recalled the halcyon days o f her youth.
- The sea went from stormy and turbulent to calm and halcyon.
- I love the lake when it is serene and halcyon.
Synonyms: peaceful, placid, calm, tranquil, serene, balmy, golden,
Antonyms: turbulent, hectic, unhappy

FALTER =

Posted Tue, 2008-07-22 06:21

JV434 (Jettison and Insolent)

JETTISON = 1. to discard or abandon something such as an idea or project. 2. to throw something
from a ship, aircraft, or vehicle.

Examples:
- As ratings dropped, the station jettisoned educational podcasts.
- Seawater filled the Titanic so rapidly that Leonardo began to frantically jettison unnecessary
items.
- Microsoft was forced to jettison some o f their ideas when it became clear that their plans were too
elaborate.
Synonyms: abandon, cast off, discard, expel, unload, eliminate
Antonyms: keep, retain

INSOLENT = 1. disrespectful and rude; 2. unrestrained by convention

Examples:
- The insolent child always talked back to his mother.
- The lawyer's insolent behavior got him thrown out o f the courtroom.
- That kind o f insolence will not be tolerated in my classroom.
Synonyms: impolite, rude, disrespectful, brazen, insulting, arrogant.
Antonyms: respectful, considerate, polite

JV433 (Revive and Pontificate)

REVIVE = 1. to bring back to life; 2. to give new life or energy to something; 3. to restore and
renew.
Example:
- A hot shower and a cup of tea will revive you.
- Traditional skills are being revived by local craftsmen.
The paramedics revived the unconscious man after several minutes.
Synonyms:
restore, renew, rejuvenate, revitalize, refresh, resurrect,
Antonyms: extinguish, kill
PONTIFICATE = speak pompously: to speak about something in a knowing and self-important
way, especially when not qualified to do so.
To speak about something in as if you are the authoritative expert on the subject.
Example:
- Experts get on the tube and pontificate about the economy.
I think it should be illegal for non-parents to pontificate on/about parenting.
I have a feeling he's going to get up and pontificate about the subject as if he's the foremost
authority.
Synonyms:
expound, expatiate, preach
Antonyms: ask, deliberate

JV432 (Virtuous and Strident)

VIRTUOUS = with moral integrity: having or showing moral goodness or righteousness. A good
moral quality in a person, or the general quality o f goodness in a person
Example:
- I've been up working since six o'clock this morning so I'm feeling very virtuous.
- He described them as a virtuous and hard-working people.
- I'm convinced he only does that charity work so that he can feel virtuous.

Synonyms:
moral, ethical, honest, conscientious, scrupulous, principled, upstanding,
Antonyms: virtueless, immoral, unethical, dishonest

STRIDENT =
1.harshly loud, grating, and offensive; 2. loudly, strongly, or urgently expressed.
Synonyms: harsh, grating, shrill, noisy, loud, vulgar, bold
Antonyms: respectful, quiet, reserved
Example:
- People are put off by his strident voice.
- The strident committee member openly complained during the meeting.
- Whenever Lisa drinks too much, her voice becomes strident.

Posted Wed, 2008-07-16 07:43

JV431 (Drawl and Vociferous)

DRAWL = a way o f speaking in which the speaker draws out the vowel sounds and pronounces
words slowly
Examples:
- Frank drawled when he spoke, so that all his words ran together as one.
- I find his Texas drawl to be rather charming.
Synonyms: accent
Antonyms: enunciation

VOCIFEROUS = shouting noisily: shouting in a noisy and determined way

Examples:
- The vociferous coach yelled at the players throughout the entire game.
- Vociferous people express their opinionsand complaints loudly and repeatedly in speech, and
vociferous demands,etc. are made repeatedly and loudly.
Synonyms: loud, boisterous, clamorous, noisy, shrill, vocal
Antonyms: quiet, silent

Posted Sun, 2008-07-13 18:12

JV430 (Inveterate and Fatuous)

INVETERATE = 1. fixed in a habit or practice, especially a bad one.
2.
firmly established and of long standing.

Examples:
- Frank was an inveterate smoker and there was little hope o f him being able to quit.
- Even after retiring from the army, he was unable to discontinuehis inveterate visual scanning of a
room.
- Tracy is known as an inveterate liar, so beware of believing her.
Synonyms: habitual, confirmed, chronic, abiding, protracted, customary
Antonyms: intermittent, temporary, occasional
FATUOUS = showing a lack of intelligence or thought combined with complacency.
Examples:
- My hopes of manning a space shuttle are fatuous, I am scared of heights.
- I couldn't believe Mugabe's fatuous statement to the press.
- Phil is not very smart and is known for making fatuous comments before thinking them through.

Synonyms: asinine, imbecile, ludicrous, moronic, vacuous, delusive, stupid, foolish, unreal
Antonyms: brilliant, intelligent, smart, wise, knowing

Posted Mon, 2008-07-07 10:20

JV429 (Harangue and Pluck)

HARANGUE = (n.) a forceful, public criticism made in a speech or sometimes inwriting; (v.) to
criticize or question somebody, or try to persuade somebody to do something in a forceful angry
way
Examples:
- Frank's lawyer made comments, which were marked by a vicious harangue against the defendant.
- Joanne's parents will sometimes come up to her room and harangue her for playing her music too
loud.
- Marc delivered a long harangue to his students.

Synonyms: diatribe, rant, tirade, attack, criticism, invective, lecture, peroration

Antonyms: encomium

PLUCK = courage and determination

Examples:
- Lisa's got a lot o f pluck to stand up for herself like that.
- My grandfather is 85 but he has a lot o f pluck.
- Phil never shown a lot o f pluck and routinely lets people walk all over him.

Synonyms: courage, spirit, heart, mettle, moxie, determination, fortitude, bravery

Antonyms: cowardice, indifference

JV428 (Insular and Respite)

INSULAR = 1. not interested in new or foreign ideas; 2. originating on an island; 3. alone, like an
island
Examples:
- Marc's insular attitude toward foreign cultures restricted his desire to travel.
- My sister was quite happy to grow up in herinsular environment, but once she got older, she was
ready to breakfree and explore the world.
- Many older people cling to insular beliefs without ever considering other people's opinions.
Synonyms: narrow-minded, provincial, confined, conservative,
Antonyms: broad-minded, open, welcoming
RESPITE = 1. a pause from doing something, often for relaxation; 2. a usuallyshort interruption of
relief in the intensity or amount of something,especially harm or discomfort; 3. a temporary
suspension of a punishment.
Examples:
- We needed a few moments o f respite in the shade during our strenuous marathon.
- Lisa worked in the garden all day, with only five minutes o f respite for a drink o f water.
- The end o f the difficult project was in sight, and I looked forward to some respite.
Synonyms: pause, reprieve, rest, recess, interruption, lull, letup, cessation, deliverance, hiatus,
suspension
Antonyms: continuation

Posted Mon, 2008-06-23 07:52

JV427 (Transitory and Stratify)

TRANSITORY = not permanent or lasting, but existing only for a short time.

Examples:
- The Dutch soccer team took an early but transitory lead in the first half o f Sunday's game.
- According to the government, the sudden shift in consumer spending will prove to be transitory.
- The "green flash" is a transitory green glow on the horizon at the moment the sun sets.
Synonyms: temporary, short-term, short-lived, momentary, fleeting, transient
Antonyms: lengthy, long-lived, permanent
STRATIFY = 1. to make, arrange, or divide into layers; 2. to divide (society)into social status
groups; 3. to preserve seeds for germination byplacing between layers o f earth
Synonyms: tier, layer, divide, classify
Examples:
- Marc stratified the research document into several smaller reports.
- The professor stratified our research group by age and level o f education.
- Alcoholism is an epidemic that has touched every stratum o f our society.

Posted Wed, 2008-06-18 09:26

JV426 (Furtive and Foible)

FURTIVE = (adjective) Secretive: done in a way that is intended to escape notice. Shifty:
presenting the appearance, or giving the impression, of somebody who has something to hid
Examples:
- Marc knew what Frank was about to say and shot his friend a furtive glance.
- James Bond's actions were furtive enough not to arouse suspicion.
- Lisa's furtive manner made Phil question what exactly he was up to.
Synonyms: sly, stealthy, surreptitious, shifty, sneaky, secretive,
Antonyms: open, obvious
FOIBLE = (noun) 1. weakness or quirk: an idiosyncrasy or small weakness ( usually used in the
plural ). 2 Blade part: the weakest part of a sword blade from the middle to the point
Examples:
- Frank overcame his foible of chronic tardiness.
- The foible portion of the fencing sword blade is weaker, but has more agility and speed.
- Interrupting people while they are speaking is probably Marc's greatest foible.

Synonyms: imperfection, frailty, failing, shortcoming, defect, quirk

Antonyms: strength, perfection

Posted Thu, 2008-06-12 12:41

JV425 (Intercede and Mandatory)

INTERCEDE = 1. to plead on behalf of someone, especially when the person is about to be
punished; 2. to act as a mediator
Examples:
- Lisa decided not to intercede in the argument because she was afraid of getting .
- I would be thankful if you would intercede in this matter on my behalf.
- Marc asked his friend to intercede with the journalist
Synonyms: mediate, advocate, intervene, intrude, assist, arbitrate
Antonyms: remove oneself, antagonize
MANDATORY = compulsory: needing to be done, followed, or complied with, usually because of
an official requirement. resembling or having the power of a mandate.

Examples:
It is mandatory to wear a helmet while riding a motorcycle.
To become a diver your must undergo a mandatory drug test before you apply for this position.
All soccer players must undergo a mandatory drugs test before competing in the EURO'08
championship.
Synonyms: compulsory, required, imperative, requisite, obligatory
Antonyms: voluntary, optional, elective

Posted Sat, 2008-06-07 09:17

JV424 (Nascent and Penury)

NASCENT = (adjective) 1. just beginning to develop: in the process o f emerging, being born, or
starting to develop
2. produced in reaction medium: in the process of being created in a reaction medium, often in a
highly active form

Examples:
- The nascent space industry is already beginning to garner results.
- Although we are still in our nascent stages, we certainly have high hopes for the future .
- Lisa's mom was very lucky they caught the cancer early, because in its nascent stages, it is still
highly treatable.
Synonyms: new, primary, initial, developing, evolving, growing, budding, incipient
Antonyms: old, dying
PENURY = (noun) state o f extreme poverty
Examples:
Marc's dad is a gambler and he spent his entire fortune and died in penury.
Lisa may have had a penurious childhood, but she is quite rich now.
The lottery winner went from penury to wealth overnight.
Synonyms: poverty, misery, need, destitution, misfortune, affliction, indigence
Antonyms: wealth, abundance, affluence

JV423 (Scathe and Tonic)

SCATHE = (verb) criticize somebody: to subject somebody to severe criticism.
Newspaper cartoonists scathed the dishonest politician with a series o f cruel caricatures.
The angry employee wrote a scathing letter to the CEO.
Marc's scathing review o f the movie changed my mind about wanting to see it.

TONIC = (adjective) 1. lifting the spirits and creating a feeling of general well-being
2. designed or serving to boost energy and generally create a feeling of strength and health
Examples:
The romantic comedy was a tonic for his saddened heart.
A cold beer is a great tonic on a hot summer day.
My dad's grandchildren are a perfect tonic for him.

Synonyms: medicine, remedy, refresher, refreshing drink

Posted Mon, 2008-06-02 04:38

JV422 (Wane and Vindictive)

WANE = 1. show less lighted area (waning moon) or to get smaller or less: to decrease gradually
in intensity or power. To finish: to draw to a close.
Examples:
- We wanted to hike this weekend, but when we hear the weather forecast, our enthusiasm waned.
- As the restaurant gained popularity, the quality o f the food seemed to wane.
- My cravings for hamburgers gradually waned as I began to eat less o f them.

Synonyms: decline, decrease, fade, diminish, subside, abate

Antonyms: grow, increase, intensify
VINDICTIVE = vengeful: looking for revenge or done through a desire for revenge.
spiteful: feeling, showing, or done through a desire to hurt somebody

Examples:
- Don't offend Marc, he has a very vindictive personality.
- Marc can be spiteful and vindictive if he thinks he's been wronged in some way.
- Even though I was badly hurt by Marc's actions, I chose to forgive him rather than be vindictive.
Synonyms: vengeful, spiteful, malicious, vicious, resentful
Antonyms: forgiving

Posted Wed, 2008-05-28 07:59

JV421 (Fulminate and Fervid)

FULMINATE (VERB) 1. to vehemently criticize or denounce; 2. to
explode loudly and violently
Examples:
- Frank is always fulminating about how bad our government is.
- The new CEO fulminated against recent lapses in customer service.
- The lightning was followed by a large roar of fulminating thunder.

Synonyms: criticize, castigate, denounce, declaim, berate, censure, flare, foam, rage, bristle
Antonyms: appease, calm, assuage
FERVID = (adjective) 1. burning or glowing with intense heat; 2. describes an impassioned,
zealous spirit or enthusiasm toward one's beliefs
Synonyms: burning, fiery, hot, torrid, blazing, impassioned, vehement, zealous, eager
Examples:
It is our fervent hope that a peaceful solution will soon be found
Jeremy is fervid in his support of Barack Obama.
Carl Sagan was the most fervid advocate o f space exploration.

Posted Mon, 2008-05-26 09:40

JV420 (Malinger and Insulate)

MALINGER = (verb) to feign illness in order to avoid obligations, especially work
Examples:
- Marc was just malingering when he called in sick.
- Marc got caught malingering in the office and he was let go.
- I would love to malinger today in order to go surfing!
Synonyms: duck, dodge, loaf, pretend
Antonyms: oblige
INSULATE (verb) 1. to protect something or prevent the transfer to heat, cold, orsound by
surrounding it in insulating materials; 2. to isolate or setapart.
Examples:
- Itas difficult to insulate your children from all the violence shown on on TV.
- The builders used insulation to prevent our house frombecoming too cold in the winter.
- Lisa insulated herself from office politics by not socializing with her coworkers.
Synonyms: cover, protect, cushion, encase, shield, isolate, separate, sequester
Antonyms: expose

Posted Thu, 2008-05-22 06:46

JV419 (Scanty and Nefarious)

SCANTY = (adjective) 1. smaller than what is desired; 2. barely enough
Examples:
- Namibia expects another drought this year because o f scanty rainfall.
- Lisa quit her job because o f her o f scanty wage.
- That club downtown is well know for its' scantily-clad dancers.

Synonyms: deficient, insufficient, meager, skimpy, sparse, stingy

Antonyms: excessive, sufficient, ample
NEFARIOUS = (adjective) very wicked or evil
Examples:
- The CEO offered his employees nefarious schemes.
- That single nefarious act made Frank's dad infamous as a crook.
- The Godfather was convicted for committing murder and many other nefarious acts.
Synonyms: evil, wicked, bad, villainous, heinous, treacherous, base, depraved
Antonyms: good, kind, moral

JV418 (Vicarious and Perfidy)

VICARIOUS = (adjective) experienced as a result o f watching,listening to or reading about the
activities of other people, ratherthan by doing the activities yourself
Examples:
- I felt vicarious pain when Lisa told me about how she had accidentally cut herself.
- I felt vicarious excitement to hear that Frank was going for a surf
- Most football fans experience the vicarious thrill o f victory every time their team wins.

Synonyms: indirect, pretended, secondary, delegated, substituted, surrogate, sympathetic

Antonyms: first-hand, direct
PERFIDY = 1. a betrayal of trust and faith; 2. an act of treachery
Examples:
- Marc is remembered for his perfidy more than for anything else.
- Marc's perfidious actions shocked his students
- Frank is a loyal and patriotic man who would never commit perfidy.
Synonyms: deception, dishonesty, disloyalty, betrayal, treachery, trickery
Antonyms: loyalty, faithfulness, honesty

Posted Tue, 2008-05-13 12:15

JV417 (Tirade and Whet

TIRADE = a long, angry speech, usually denouncing something
Examples:
- Marc's tirades can sometimes make me sick to my stomach.
- Marc's tirade seemed excessive, given that the situation was not all that serious.
- Marc launched into a tirade about the importance o f studying with SAT Flashcards.
Synonyms: rant, harangue, diatribe, fulmination
WHET = 1. to simulate an interest in something or intensify a feeling; 2. to sharpen something, like
a knife
Examples:
- Lisa decided to whet my appetite by having starters before dinner.
- Marc will have to whet the knife before using it.
- The small bite o f that brownie, whet my appetite for dessert.

Synonyms: arouse, excite, entice, stimulate, spur, awaken, sharpen, hone, grind
Antonyms: bore, dull, blunt
Posted Sun, 2008-05-11 12:32

JV416 (Frivolous and Fiasco)

FRIVOLOUS = (adjective) 1. not serious in content, attitude, or behavior; not having any serious
purpose or value 2. lacking inintellectual substance and not worth serious consideration; 3. sillyand
trivial
Examples:
The judge dismissed the case as frivolous.
My dad said to watch my spending and avoid frivolous purchases.
The frivolity with which Marc approached the situation showed thathe wasn't very serious.
Synonyms: silly, trivial, paltry, petty, senseless
Antonyms: important, relevant, pertinent

FIASCO = (noun) a thing that is a complete failure, esp. in a ludicrous or humiliating way
Synonyms: failure, disaster, embarrassment, blunder, breakdown, debacle, flop
Antonyms: success, accomplishment
Examples:
The rain turned the celebration into a fiasco.
A drunk debater turned the debate into a fiasco.
I got sick and my wife got robbed; I would say the holiday was a fiasco.

Posted Tue, 2008-05-06 12:14

JV415 (Saturnine and Ingenious)

SATURNINE = (adjective) gloomy, bitter, and overly serious
Examples:
- The college students were in a saturnine mood after they got caught drinking alcohol.
- Marc was in a seriously bad mood which was made clear by his saturnine behavior.
- Marc to be happy and easy-going, but he has turned saturnine over the years.
Synonyms: irritable, crabby, surly, sullen, grouchy, harsh, gruff
Antonyms: happy, pleasant, sweet
INGENIOUS = (adjective) 1. clever and imaginative; 2 skillful and adept
Examples:
- Faced with a credit crisis, the President up with an ingenious proposal.
- The book was ingenious, with a clever, intricate plot and a surprise ending I never saw coming.
- Carl Sagan is an ingenious artist and scientist.
Synonyms: brilliant, talented, bright, gifted, clever, imaginative, skilled,
Posted Mon, 2008-05-05 04:28

JV414 (Nebulous and Patent)

NEBULOUS = (adjective) not clear, distinct, or definite
Examples:
Marc's goals for the future were nebulous.
The CEO said that the current plan is nebulous anddoesnat specifically address our weaknesses.
The doctor delivered only a nebulous document that failed to provide any definitive
recommendations.
Synonyms: indistinct, vague, unclear, ambiguous, unfixed, confused
Antonyms: distinct, defined, specific
PATENT = (adjective) easily perceived, very obvious.
The earth is not orbiting around the moon; that's a patent lie!
Spitting in the police officer's face was a patent disregard for the law.
It could not be more patently obvious that he is in love with her.
Synonyms: obvious, clear, evident, apparent
Antonyms: obscure, ambiguous, unclear, incomprehensible

JV413 (Wry and Verdant)

WRY = (adjective) 1. combining amusement and irony for dry humor--sardonic; 2. temporarily
contorted or bent to one side.
Examples:
- Marc's wry smile led me to believe Lisa was being sarcastic.
- Some people were offended by his wry humor.
- Mr. Colbert wry commentary on the state o f world affairs made him very popular.
Synonyms: sarcastic, sardonic, cynical, crooked, ironic, mocking
Antonyms: serious, solemn, sober, straight
VERDANT = (adjective) 1. covered with green vegetation; 2. green in color
Examples:
- My favorite part o f our trip to South Africa was observing the beautiful wildlife o f its verdant
Kruger Wildpark.
- Her verdant wine lands o f Stellenbosch were nearly destroyed by last year's drought.
- The cows and sheep grazed in the verdant countryside.
Synonyms: green, blooming, fresh, grassy, flourishing, lush, leafy
Antonyms: barren, brown
Posted Tue, 2008-04-29 17:28

JV412 (Malleable and Threadbare)

MALLEABLE = easily influenced, trained, or controlled.
Example:
- Dad wanted me to be a malleable boy who would take his advice.
- Lead is a substance that is malleable is easily bent and shaped.
- The Netherlands saw its colonies as a source o f raw material and a malleable workforce.
Synonyms: suggestible, susceptible, impressionable, pliable
THREADBARE = (of material) looking worn and thin from much use.
A threadbare excuse, argument or idea lacks strength and no longer impresses people because it is
old or has been used too much:Example:
- Lisa's clothes were faded and threadbare.
- The movie was a tissue of threadbare clichAs.
Synonyms:
worn, well-worn, old, thin, worn out, holey, moth-eaten,

Posted Mon, 2008-04-28 11:51

JV411 (Mischievous and Deplete)

MISCHIEVOUS = tending to or exhibiting reckless playfulness. (of a person, animal, or their
behavior) causing or showing a fondness for causing trouble in a playful way .
(Of an action or thing) causing or intended to cause harm or trouble.
Synonyms: naughty, misbehaving, troublesome, playful, teasing, wicked
Antonym: well-behaved.
- My little sister had been so mischievous that Mom had to pay the babysitter extra.
- Later my sister got punished for her mischievous tricks on the neighbors.
- The opposition spreads mischievous gossip that ruined the president's good reputation.
DEPLETE = (verb) To use up the supply of; exhaust the abundance of. To diminish in number or
quantity.
Synonyms: exhaust, use up, consume, expend, drain,
Antonym: augment.
- Our food supplies are depleting fast.
- In todays busy world it's difficult to avoid getting depleted and depressed.
- The miners depleted the vein o f gold after months o f working.
Posted Thu, 2008-04-24 11:19

Free Language Rocks

Posted Wed, 2008-04-23 15:50

JV Podcast #011 Capacious and Flirtatious

Today is a big day, Phil receives the key to his new capacious villa in Cape Town.
capacious = more than adequate or average in capacity
see SPACIOUS
B
Phil, the proud owner o f this villa is the landlord for his 5 new housemates. He really likes Lisa, she
is pretty, and she has been very being flirtatious from the first time she met Phil. Flirtatious =
inclined to flirt : SYNONYM = COQUETTISH
coquette = a woman who endeavors without sincere affection to gain the attention and admiration
o f men
Posted Wed, 2008-04-23 15:40

JV410 (Lugubrious and Daunt)

LUGUBRIOUS = (adjective) very sad and depressed--mournful. looking or sounding sad and
dismal.
Synonyms: sad, gloomy, mournful, melancholy, dismal, morose, dreary, funereal, somber
Antonyms: happy, lighthearted, joyous
- Marc was in a lugubrious state for weeks, after being dismissed from the university.
- I tried to lighten Marc's lugubrious mood with some cheery music.
- But his lugubrious heart felt like it would never feel joy again after his dismissal.
DAUNT = (verb) to frighten or intimidate
Synonyms: frighten, dismay, frustrate, discourage, subdue
Antonyms: hearten, arouse, encourage
- Lisa was not at all daunted by the size of the project.
- Eddy Murphy was undaunted by the lack of laughter and continued his stand-up routine with a
smile on his face.
- The raging inferno didn't daunt the firefighters for a moment
Posted Wed, 2008-04-23 10:11

JV409 (Encumber and Incipient)

ENCUMBER = (verb) 1. to burden or weigh down; 2. to impede, hamper, or hold back. restrict or
burden (someone or something) in such a way that free action or movement is difficult.
Synonyms: burden, impede, hamper, hinder
Antonyms: help, speed, lighten
When you're climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro, the fewer encumbrances the better.
To encumber Frank with this additional problem may be the straw that breaks the camel's back.
The monk's movements were encumbered by her heavy skirts
INCIPIENT = (adjective) in an initial stage; beginning to happen or develop. In the beginning of
development or formation.
Synonyms: developing, growing, emerging, nascent, initial, beginning, inchoate,
Antonyms: developed, finished, full-blown
- The system detects incipient problems early
Marc's ideas were still incipient and vague; he needed to work them out in more detail.
Democracy is incipient in this African country; give it some time to take hold.
Posted Tue, 2008-04-22 12:51

JV408 (Rampart and Tawdry)

RAMPART = a defensive fortification, specifically, a mound of earth topped by a wall
Synonyms: fortification, barrier, embankment, wall
Antonyms: opening, passage
The rampart surrounding the fort did not prevent the fort in the battle.
I got lost after wandering around the castle's old ramparts and towers.
TAWDRY = 1. gaudy and cheap in quality; 2. mean-spirited and lacking in human decency.
Synonyms: cheap, flashy, shameful, gaudy, glitzy,
Antonyms: reserved, precious, valuable
Examples:
Lisa's tawdry outfit was in bad taste for the occasion.
Joanne had a tawdry affair with her employer.
Lisa had tawdry rings she wore on her fingers
Posted Mon, 2008-04-21 12:41

JV407 (Flappable and Verbose)

= UNFLAPPABLE =
DEFINITION:
(adjective) composed and able to remain calm when facing difficult situations. Having or showing
calmness in a crisis.
SYNONYMS:
composed, calm, cool, collected, unflustered
ANTONYMS:
flustered, nervous, anxious, disturbed,
EXAMPLES:
1. I voted for him because I think he is an unflappable leader who will stay calm in this frenetic,
high-pressure environment.
2. The witness remained unflappable during the FBI interrogation and he calmly answered the
officer's barrage of questions.
3. Richard Dawkings is a great debater, because he is unflappable and he always takes his time to
calmly answer the question.
= VERBOSE =
DEFINITION:
(adjective) using or expressed in more words than are needed
SYNONYMS:
wordy, loquacious, garrulous,
ANTONYMS:
succinct, laconic.
EXAMPLES:
1. Many first year students think that much academic language is obscure and verbose.
2. Try not to be so verbose when you're being interviewed.
3. The CEO had to plow through a verbose letter of complaint.

JV406 (Flout and Platonic)

FLOUT = (verb) to show contempt or disregard for a law or convention by openly disobeying or
defying it. Openly disregard (a rule, law or convention)
Synonyms: spurn, mock, deride, gibe,
Antonyms: obey, follow
The new intern flouted the company dress code by wearing torn jeans.
The brave opposition leader plans to flout the dictator's censorship laws.
PLATONIC = (adjective) 1. free from physical desire (as in love); 2. referring to Plato and his
philosophies.
Synonyms: non-physical, intellectual, spiritual, non-lustful
Antonyms: amorous, sensual
Although Frank and Lisa spent a lot o f time together, their relationship was only platonic.
Although it was strictly platonic, many other teachers couldn't accept Marc's close relationship with
one of his female students.

Posted Tue, 2008-04-15 03:27

JV405 (Embezzle and Coalesce)

EMBEZZLE = (verb) to use or take entrusted money for personal gain. steal or misappropriate
(money placed in one's trust or belonging to the organization for which one works).
His plan to embezzle money from the bank was unsuccessful.
Underestimation of the CEO led to the quiet employee's successful large-scale embezzlement of
funds.
coalesceverbDefinition: 1. to unite, fuse, or grow together; come together and form one mass or
whole. 2. to form a group from different elements.
Synonyms: unite, fuse, consolidate.
Antonyms: divide, split, separate
At the end of each season, the best players from each NBA team coalesce to form the NBA All
Stars.
We need to coalesce our resources in order to provide a truly global solution on global warming.
Posted Mon, 2008-04-14 05:01

JV404 (Ingenuous and Immure)

INGENUOUS = (adjective) 1. to be innocent and trusting, sometimes to the point o f being foolish;
2. openly candid and sincere
It was very ingenuous o f Marc to give out his personal information over the internet.
My daughter's ingenuous comment about religion made the priest laugh.
IMMURE = (verb) To enclose or confine (someone) against their will. To close or shut in by or as
if by barriers. To put in or as if in prison- The adventurer was immured by the frozen wastelands
that surround them.
- Rapunzel was immured in her tower by her evil stepmother
- Lisa's brother was immured in a lunatic asylum.
Posted Fri, 2008-04-11 14:27

JV403 (Prudish and Malcontent)

PRUDISH = (adjective) overly concerned with being modest or proper. PRUDE = (noun) a person
who is or claims to be easily shocked by matters relating to sex or nudity.
- I don't think Lisa would enjoy Amsterdam's Red Light district; she's far too prudish.
On the other hand Lisa was prudish in high school, perhaps she changed over the years.

MALCONTENT = (noun) an unhappy and discontented individual, especially one who feels
oppressed or is in open rebellion against his or her government; (adjective) dissatisfied or unhappy
with something.
- The streets in every town in Zimbabwe are filled with malcontents carrying protest signs.
- Cathy was malcontent at her current job and was looking to find something better.
Posted Thu, 2008-04-10 07:38

JV402 (Recant and Quixotic)

RECANT = 1. to renounce a, usually controversial, belief; 2. to take back a statement made earlier.

When Martin Luther espoused views that opposed the traditional beliefs o f the Catholic Church,
religious leaders asked him to recant.
Marc had to recant his statement when he found that many o f the sources had been falsified.
The newspaper was forced to recant Marc's a published article.
QUIXOTIC = 1. extremely chivalrous; 2. motivated by idealism that is imaginative but not really
practical; 3. having an idealistic or romanticized view o f life.
Marc had a quixotic idea, but it was not completely far-fetched.
Frank was a quixotic man who always opened the door for women.
John's quixotic plan of the perfect way to propose to Elisabeth proved to be too difficult to execute.
Posted Tue, 2008-04-08 11:19

JV401 (Caricature and Jaded)

CARICATURE = (verb and noun) 1. an extreme description or exaggeration of someone or
something done for comic effect; 2. creation of such comic representations
A caricature can be created in drawing, writing, or even speech.
Marc's brother creates caricatures of popular political figures for the SAT and TOEFL magazine.
I am not caricaturing your brother!
There are many cartoonists who draw caricatures of tourists along the banks o f the Seine in Paris.
JADED = (adjective)(1. dulled through repetition or excess; 2. no longer interested in something,
often because o f having been overexposed to it; 3. exhausted from overwork or overexposure; 4.
hardened, insensitive, or dispassionate due to unpleasant experience.
- Looking for something to refresh his zest for life, the jaded CEO decided to sail around the world.
- The CEO's pessimistic speech left the employees jaded and depressed.
- Marc has been through so much hardship in his life that his views o f religion are quite jaded.

Posted Tue, 2008-04-08 11:05

JV400 (Dogma and Concord)

DOGMA = (noun) 1. a religious doctrine; 2. a code o f beliefs. A fixed, especially religious, belief
or set o f beliefs that people are expected to accept without any doubts
His political dogma paralleled that of the democratic party.
This company has always operated under the dogma that employees must be respected and
compensated fairly.
CONCORD = (noun) 1. harmony and agreement occurring in attitudes and feelings between
persons or things; 2. a treaty establishing mutual agreement and friendly relations between
countries; (v.) 1. to be in agreement; 2. to go together
I can definitely concord on your point, but you should hear my ideas as well.
Sue and Sally work well in concord.

Posted Sat, 2008-04-05 05:28

JV399 (Harbinger and Instigate)

HARBINGER = (noun) a sign or indication o f future events; (v) to foreshadow or announce
something coming in the future.
- The turning o f the leaves is a harbinger o f winter.
- Their arguments were harbingers o f more serious trouble in their marriage
INSTIGATE = (verb) to provoke, incite, or start something. to cause an event or situation to
happen by making a set of actions or a formal process begin.
- The government will instigate new measures to combat terrorism.
- The revolt in the north is believed to have been instigated by a high-ranking general.
Posted Thu, 2008-04-03 02:55

JV398 (Panache and Mollify)

PANACHE = A dashing sense o f style and self-confidence.
- Bill Clinton presents with a panache that immediately captures his audience's attention.
- Paris Hilton always throws parties that demonstrate her panache for entertaining.
MOLLIFY = 1. to calm or soothe somebody who is angry or upset; 2. to make something less
intense or severe; 3. to make something less hard, rigid, or stiff.
- Marc is really upset; we need to think o f how we can mollify his concerns.
- Marc practiced yoga after work to mollify his stress.

JV397 (Abstemious and Rancor)

ABSTEMIOUS = marked by moderation and temperance in indulgence (especially with food and
drink)
- My mother was an abstemious woman who disapproved o f self-indulgence.
- In many abstemious cultures, people abstain from drinking any kind o f alcohol.
RANCOR = strong, bitter feelings of resentment.
- Surprisingly, there was no rancor between the prosecution and defense attorneys once the trial
ended.
- Lisa's rancor for her opponent was deep-seated and was fed by feelings o f hostility.

Posted Fri, 2008-03-28 17:44

JV396 (Tangent and Rotund)

TANGENT = (PHRASE) Go of a tangent means: a subject or activity that is different than the one
you are talking about or doing. to suddenly start talking or thinking about a completely new subject.
Other meanings are: 1. A straight line that touches but does not intersect a curve. 2. Ratio o f the
opposite to the adjacent side.
- It's hard to get a firm decision out o f him - he's always going off at a tangent.
- We were talking about exercise and got off on a tangent.
ROTUND = 1. fat or round in shape; 2. full and rich sounding
- The rotund man was asked to play Santa Claus at the holiday party each year.
- Pavarotti usually has a rotund singing voice, but his last concert was a little flat.

Posted Tue, 2008-03-25 14:29

JV395 (Gloat and Rhetoric)

GLOAT = to be smug or self-satisfied or to gain satisfaction from success, good fortune, or the
failings o f others
Please don't gloat over your victory; it's very unbecoming.
Every time Marc wins an argument, he gloats for hours.
RHETORIC = 1. speech or writing used to influence or persuade; 2. complex or elaborate language
that sounds pretentious; 3. empty and pointless talk
- The Ministers' big plans are just rhetoric, if not followed by implementation.
- The presentation o f the party was typical political rhetoric: a lot o f proposed programs, without
any accountability.
- Do you really want an answer, or was that a rhetorical question?

Posted Sun, 2008-03-23 05:22

JV394 (Revile and Cavalier)

REVILE= 1. to attack somebody verbally; 2. to use abusive language.

- The judge was reviled in the newspapers for his opinions on rape.
- Works of art are often reviled when they are first produced.
- Jack's mistake wasn't so awful that you should revile him publicly.
CAVALIER= showing careless disregard and disrespect for something or somebody.
- a cavalier attitude toward public health concerns
- Mark's cavalier attitude has made him very unpopular around the office.
- The executive teamas cavalier approach to spending, quickly dried up the companyas cash
reserve.

Posted Tue, 2008-03-18 03:50

JV393 (Sordid and Sage)

SAGE = having wisdom which usually comes from age or experience. Wise, especially as a result
of great experience:
- Joanne was unusually sage for her youth.
- I was thankful for Lisa's sage advice and glad that I had followed it.
SORDID = 1. dirty or rundown; 2. immoral or unethical/
Sordid means dirty and unpleasant.
- There are lots o f really sordid apartments in the city's poorer areas.
But Sordid can also mean immoral and shocking
He told me he'd had an affair but he spared me the sordid details.
Posted Sun, 2008-03-16 17:08

JV392 (Exalt and Coax)

EXALT = (verb) (formal) to raise someone to a higher rank or more powerful position. to praise
(someone) a lot, or to raise (someone) to a higher rank or more powerful position.
To enhance the status o f somebody.
1. Popular support and media hype have exalted Super Bowl Sunday to the level o f a national
holiday.
2. He felt an exalted sense o f power now that he was in line to run the company.
COAX = (verb) to influence, persuade, and manipulate by flattery and gentle, persistent effort.
1. Trying to coax Dad into taking us on a ski trip, we mentioned what a great skier he is.
2. He has some information I want, so I'm going to try to coax it out o f him over a drink.
3. A mother was coaxing her reluctant child into the water.
Posted Tue, 2008-03-11 12:21

JV391 (Crass and Quaff)

CRASS = vulgar and insensitive, without consideration for how other people might feel.
- The Olympics as shown on TV represents crass commercialism, he said.
- He made crass comments about her worn-out clothes.
QUAFF = (verb) to gulp down a drink in a hearty, spirited manner; (noun) a hearty draft or drink.
- He opened his throat and quaffed the beer in just two swallows.
- The thirsty dog happily quaffed his water.
Posted Thu, 2008-03-06 04:43

JV390 (Surrogate and Intrinsic)

SURROGATE = (n.) 1. a person who acts in place o f another, especially in an official capacity; 2.
something that takes the place o f another; (adj.) taking the place o f something.
- When the President cannot make it to an engagement, the Vice President often serves as his
surrogate.
- She seems to regard him as a surrogate for her father.
- For some people, reading travel books is a surrogate for actual travel.INTRINSIC = 1. being part
of the fundamental nature or substance o f something; 2. being contained entirely within a part of
the body.
- The geologist recognized the intrinsic value o f the gemstone the instant he saw it.
- Maths is an intrinsic part of the school curriculum.
- Each human being has intrinsic dignity and worth.
Posted Sun, 2008-03-02 05:47

JV389 (Botch and Purport)

BOTCH = 1. to spoil something by doing it badly. To make or do (something) in a clumsy or
unskillful way.
- We botched (up) our first attempt at wallpapering the bathroom.
- Our landlord redecorated the bedroom, but it was such a botched job that we decided to redo it.
- Thousands o f women are infertile as a result o f botched abortions.
PURPORT = 1. to claim that something is true, but without proof. 2. the idea that is conveyed or
intended to be conveyed to the mind by language, symbol, or action, to pretend to be or to do
something, especially in a way that is not easy to believe. PURPORT (noun): the general meaning
of someone's words or actions.
- I didn't read it all but I think the purport o f the letter was that he will not be returning for at least a
year.
- They purport to represent the wishes o f the majority o f parents at the school.
- The study purports to show an increase in the incidence o f the disease.
Posted Sat, 2008-03-01 05:01

JV388 (Insurgency and Misogynist)

INSURGENCY = An organized rebellion aimed at overthrowing a government, organization, or
leadership.
* Many businesses are afraid to invest in the country while the rebel insurgency is underway.
* An employee insurgency aimed at ousting executive management erupted when the management
announced another pay freeze.
MISOGYNIST = (noun) someone, usually a man, who hates women or believes that men are much
better than women.
* She left the Church because o f its misogynist teachings on women and their position in society.
* That movie is criticized for its misogynistic attitude/writer.
Posted Tue, 2008-02-26 13:25

JV387 (Delineate and Stoop)

DELINEATE = 1. to describe, portray, or list in detail; 2. to indicate the physical boundaries of
something.
- The President's memo delineates the necessary steps we'll need to take before the merger can take
place.
- Barbed wire fences delineate the boundaries o f each clan's territory.
- The boundary of the park is delineated by a row o f trees.
STOOP = 1. to descend to a level that is beneath one's dignity, to do something even though you
know it is wrong, because you think it will give you an advantage. 2.to bend the top half o f the
body forward and down. If someone stoops, their head and shoulders are always bent forwards and
down.
- The doorway was so low that we had to stoop to go through it.
- Something fell out o f her coat pocket and she stooped down and picked it up.
- I'm a desperate woman but I wouldn't stoop to blackmail.
No reputable company would stoop to selling the names o f their clients to other companies.
Posted Fri, 2008-02-22 15:06

JV386 (Pundit and Autonomous)

PUNDIT : someone who is especially knowledgeable about a subject and is often asked to give
opinions about it.
The professor also served as a political pundit for the local news.
On the news program, two pundits debated about the economy.
AUTONOMOUS = 1. existing as an independent entity (especially in government); 2. free from
external constraint; 3. able to make free and independent decisions
- Some people have expressed the opinion that California should secede from the United States and
become an autonomous government.
- Iam sorry, but you just donat have the autonomy to make those kinds o f decisions on your own;
next time, check with me first.
- Our group retains the right to make autonomous decisions without input from the board of
directors.
Posted Wed, 2008-02-13 15:37

JV385 (Indomitable and Intelligible)

INDOMITABLE = hard to defeat or subdue, impossible to subdue or defeat, describes someone
strong, brave, determined and difficult to defeat or frighten.
* The indomitable Mrs Furlong said she would continue to fight for justice.
* An indomitable spirit was needed to endure the rigors o f pioneer life
INTELLIGIBLE = clear enough to be understood, capable o f being understood or comprehended
* She was so upset when she spoke that she was hardly intelligible.
* It was a poor telephone connection, and only some o f his words were intelligible.
Posted Wed, 2008-02-06 11:44

JV384 (Relent and Apprehensive)

RELENT = to grow less in scope or intensity especially gradually.to act in a less severe way
towards someone and allow something that you had refused to allow before.
- Her parents eventually relented and let her go to the party.
- The security guard relented and let them through.
- The fury o f the storm relented, and the next day the sun finally broke through the clouds.
APPREHENSIVE = worried that something bad may happen; 2. aware o f possible implications.
The noun apprehension refers to nervousness or anxiety over something that is anticipated. It can
also refer to the ability to understand the importance of something and is a more formal way to
denote understanding.
- Lisa was apprehensive before the big exam, but once it began, she realized she knew the material.
(anxious, worried)
- Jason's apprehension of the complexity o f the situation led the group to choose him as the new
director.
Posted Tue, 2008-01-29 08:57

JV383 (Concede and Surmise)

CONCEDE = to admit, usually with reluctance, that something is true or that someone is right; 2. to
accept defeat, usually before the final outcome in an election, fight, or debate; 3. to grant
something, such as a right or privilege.
Example Sentence:
* Al Gore originally conceded the election to George W. Bush, but then withdrew his concession
and challenged the vote count.
Synonyms: admit, acknowledge, allow, accede, yield, accord, acquiesce, fold, grant, yield,
surrender
SURMISE = (noun) a guess based on incomplete facts; (verb) to guess that something is true based
on limited facts or intuitive feelings.
Example Sentence:
* Since Mike has a broken leg, it is safe to surmise that he will not be going on the ski trip this
weekend. (assume, conclude, guess).
Synonyms = (noun)speculation, assumption, conclusion, inference, (verb) conclude, assume, guess,
speculate
Posted Mon, 2008-01-21 09:34

JV382 (Dwindle and Slink)

DWINDLE = to make smaller in amount, volume, or extent; to grow less in scope or intensity
especially gradually. to become smaller in size or amount, or fewer in number
- The community has dwindled to a tenth o f its former size in the last two years.
- Her hopes o f success in the race dwindled last night as the weather became worse.
- The long winter dwindled our supply o f firewood to practically nothing.
- Our hopes dwindled as the reports o f more casualties came in
SLINK = to walk or leave quietly, esp. because you do not want to be noticed or are ashamed of
something. to walk away from somewhere quietly so that you are not noticed.
- I tried to slink out of the room so that nobody would see me go.
- He usually slinks off (= leaves) at about 3.30.
- I was so embarrassed that I tried to slink away.
Posted Tue, 2007-12-18 06:46

JV381 (Dulcet and Vicarious)

DULCET = sweet to the taste 2 pleasing to the ear, 3 generally pleasing or agreeable.
* Record the dulcet tones o f your family and friends.
* the dulcet sounds o f the zither
VICARIOUS = experienced or realized through imaginative or sympathetic participation in the
experience o f another. Experienced by reading or watching someone else do something
* This disaster movie will provide you with plenty o f vicarious thrills.
* They get a vicarious thrill from watching motor racing.
Posted Mon, 2007-11-19 05:02

JV380 (Breezy and Negate)

BREEZY = 1. having a relaxed, casual manner , to be happy and confident, quick, informal, and
confident.
2. marked by strong wind or more wind than usualShe revolutionized fashion reporting with her
breezy style.
I get a bit depressed at times, whereas Gill's always bright and breezy.
NEGATE = to declare not to be true. show to be false; 2. to cause to be invalid; 3. to cause
something to have no effect
This evidence negates his claim that he was not at the scene of the accident.
Her actions negated her statements and proved her to be a hypocrite.
Posted Sat, 2007-11-17 09:14

JV379 (Secular and Bedrock)

SECULARISE = not having any connection with religion. Not involving religion or religious
matters. Secularism is a doctrine that believes the world can best be understood without introducing
gods as an explanation for it. Secular has come to mean "not affiliated with God or religion."
* We live in an increasingly secular society, in which religion has less and less influence on our
daily lives.
* That's an issue for the secular authorities, not the church
BEDROCK = The main principles on which something is based.
* Some people believe that the family is the bedrock o f society.
* My religious faith is the bedrock of my life.
Posted Fri, 2007-11-16 11:40

JV378 (Contention and Livid)

CONTENTION = 1. Heated disagreement ; something that people argue about for a long time. the
disagreement that results from opposing arguments.
2. an opinion expressed in an argument:[+ that] It is her contention that exercise is more important
than diet if you want to lose weight.
* There's a lot of contention about that issue - for every person firmly in favour, there's someone
fiercely against it.
* The main bone o f contention was deciding who would take care o f the children after the divorce.
LIVID = 1. extremely angry. The rude letter from his mother-in-law made him livid.
2. (especially of marks on the skin) of an unpleasant purple or dark blue colour:
He had a long livid scar across his cheek.
Posted Thu, 2007-11-15 14:34

JV377 (Improbable and Dubious)

IMPROBABLE = Not likely to happen or to be true, not probable, unlikely to occur or to be true.
* It's highly improbable that Norris will agree.
* It is improbable that he could have driven home in less than an hour.
DUBIOUS = Not sure about an outcome or conclusion; likely to be dishonest; untrustworthy or
morally worrisome in some way. Open to doubt or suspicion. Giving rise to uncertainty.
* I was a little dubious about whether or not to trust him.
* This artifact has rather dubious origins.
* The thesis is based on several dubious assumptions.
Posted Wed, 2007-11-14 04:13

JV376 (Conundrum and Semblance)

CONUNDRUM = 1. an intricate and difficult problem with a seemingly impossible solution; 2. a
trick riddle in which a fanciful question is answered with a pun on words.
A conundrum is a puzzle in which the pieces don't seem to fit and the solution defies logic. When
learning conundrum, think of the related word quandary. Remember, a quandary is a state of
indecision when a choice must be made, but where the choice is not obvious. When people find
themselves in a quandary, they have a conundrum. The origin of the word conundrum is unknown,
so even that is a puzzle.
* the conundrum o f how an ancient people were able to build such massive structures without the
benefit of today's knowledge and technology
* Arranging childcare over the school holidays can be quite a conundrum for working parents.
SEMBLANCE = . an outward appearance o f something, usually intended to be misleading; 2. a
resembling o f something else; 3. a small amount or faint trace o f something.
Tips: Semblance is derived from the Old French word sembler, ato seem,a which originated from
the Latin simulare, "to imitate or resemble." This is also the root o f the word resemble. Use
semblance as a more sophisticated way o f saying "outward appearance." Semblance also denotes
likeness or similarity, whether real or intentionally misleading (like facade).
* She's a single mother holding down a full-time job and trying to maintain some semblance o f a
personal life.
Posted Mon, 2007-11-12 13:16

JV375 (Intractable and Transgress)

INTRACTABLE = 1. extremely difficult to manage, teach, or deal with because o f strong will and
resistance to change; 2. difficult to deal with or solve
Intractable is derived from the Latin intractabilis, which means "not to be handled." Someone who
is intractable is difficult and cannot be easily disciplined or doesn't follow directions. Something
that is intractable is hard to move in a different direction. Remember that it means "not tractable"
and someone who is tractable is docile and easy to teach or manage. For a memory trick, think of
something so difficult to handle you couldn't even move it with a tractor--that would be intractable.
Intractable is synonymous with obstinate and obdurate, when used to describe someone who is
stubborn or resistant to change.
* He was an intractable child who deliberately did the opposite o f whatever he was told
* Cats are by nature fairly intractable animals.
TRANSGRESS = to overstep what is considered acceptable; 2. to violate a law.
Transgress is derived from the Latin transgredi, which means "to walk or go beyond." The related
noun transgression refers to the act o f overstepping a boundary, especially the law.
* I didn't realize I was transgressing when I told your sister she looked like she had lost weight
* Don't even think about transgressing the laws o f that Asian country, for punishments are severe
and there's nothing that our government can do to intervene.
Posted Mon, 2007-11-12 04:39

JV374 (Interject and Surreptitious)

INTERJECT = say abruptly, especially as an interruption. To say (something) that interrupts
someone who is speaking.
* He interjected questions throughout the discussion.
* She occasionally interjected comments into the conversation
SURREPTITIOUS = marked by quiet and caution and secrecy; taking pains to avoid being
observed, conducted with or marked by hidden aims or methods. Done secretly, without anyone
seeing or knowing:BR>
* A surreptitious glance at his watch
* Surreptitious mobilization o f troops
* She seemed to be listening to what I was saying, but I couldn't help noticing her surreptitious
glances at the clock.
Posted Fri, 2007-11-09 05:42

JV373 (Abolition and Helm)

ABOLITION = the act of abolishing a system or practice or institution, especially abolishing
slavery. Abolish = To end an activity or custom officially.
* I think bullfighting should be abolished.
* National Sevice was abolished in Britain in 1962.
* The abolition o f capital punishment.
HELM = a position o f control and leadership; to be in charge or in control o f something. at the
helm = officially controlling an organization or company.
If someone is at the helm o f a group or organization, they control it.
* She is the first woman to be at the helm o f this corporation.
* With Steve Lewis at the helm, we are certain o f success.
In addition to meaning "leader"; helm also refers to the steering mechanism o f a ship. Since the
person steering the ship is in charge of the course, so helm has come to mean "position of
leadership." Helm is almost always used figuratively rather than in its nautical use: "at the helm,"
and "take the helm" and are phrases used figuratively to describe taking charge o f a situation.
Posted Thu, 2007-11-08 08:05

JV372 (Tenacity and Abash)

TENACITY = Persistent determination in holding to something, especially opinions, valuables and
routines. The quality of being Tenacious.
* She practices her gymnastics routine with the tenacity of a bulldog.
not readily letting go of, giving up, or separated from an object that one holds, a position, or a
principle.
* He was the most tenacious politician in South Korea.
ABASH = cause to feel embarrassed, disconcerted, or ashamed.
* She was not abashed at being caught.
* My clumsiness left me abashed.
Posted Wed, 2007-11-07 17:06

JV371 (Banter and Preamble)

BANTER = talk or exchange remarks in a good-humored teasing way. To exchange lighthearted
teasing remarks. To speak to in a playful or teasing way.
* The men bantered with the waitresses.
* He was known for his quick wit and clever bantering.
PREAMBLE = A section at the beginning of a speech, report or formal document that introduces
what follows. A preliminary or preparatory statement; an introduction.
* What she said was by way of a preamble.
* I gave him the bad news without preamble.
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Posted Mon, 2007-11-05 06:14

JV370 (Transpose and Fortuitous)

TRANSPOSE = (verb) 1 cause to exchange places. 2 transfer to a different place or context. 3 write
or play (music) in a different key from the original.FORMAL to change something from one
position to another, or to exchange the positions o f two things.
* In their latest production they have reworked 'King Lear', transposing it to pre-colonial Africa.
* The confusion was caused when two numbers were accidentally transposed by a Social Security
clerk.
FORTUITOUS = 1. happening by chance, especially as the result o f a happy accident; 2. indicating
good fortune.
Although the original sense o f the word fortuitous was "by chance" or "accidental," it makes sense
that it should mean "by happy or lucky chance," because it originates from the Latin fors, "luck."
Fortuitous is synonymous with serendipitous--both words relate to unforeseen luck or fortune that a
person accidentally encounters. Fortuitous is a better adjective, while serendipity is a better noun to
use in the context o f lucky accidents.
* Our profits were increased by a fortuitous and unexpected drop in the cost o f raw materials.
* The early completion of the new hotel proved fortuitous, as several colleges had scheduled their
spring breaks for the week o f its grand opening.
* The unexpected demise o f our largest competitor was a fortuitous boon to our quarterly sales
* The unusually hot summer proved fortuitous for the manufacturer o f portable air conditioners.
Posted Tue, 2007-10-30 17:49

JV369 (Fledge and Rendition)

FLEDGE = to acquire the feathers necessary for flight or independent activity; also : to leave the
nest after acquiring such feathers.
FULL-FLEDGE = completely developed or trained.
* What started as a small business is now a fully-fledged company.
* After years of study, Tim is now a fully-fledged architect.
RENDITION = An interpretation of a musical score or a performance of a musical work. A
particular way in which music is performed or a drawing or painting is produced or appears.
* This cd contains new renditions o f old Beatles tunes
RENDER = to give something such as a service, a personal opinion or expression, or a performance
of a song or poem, etc. to people.
* The singers rendered the song with enthusiasm.
* We see that freight railroads make good profits while rendering excellent service.
Posted Thu, 2007-10-25 10:37

JV368 (Bereavement and Detriment)

BEREAVEMENT = The death o f a close relative or friend. The fact or state o f sorrow over the
death or departure o f a loved one.
She has recently suffered a bereavement.BEREAVED = Having a close relative or friend who has
recently died:The bereaved parents wept openly.The bereaved (= people whose relatives or friends
have recently died) benefit from counselling.
DETRIMENT = harm or damage or causing harm and working against something. The noun
detriment means "harm" or "damage." The Adjective detrimental is a more sophisticated way o f
saying "harmful."
* Are you sure that I can follow this diet without detriment to my health?
* She was very involved with sports at college, to the detriment o f (= harming) her studies.
* I hope that our decision to make this investment isn't detrimental to our financial future.
Posted Wed, 2007-10-24 03:33

JV367 (Idiosyncrasy and Truculent)

IDIOSYNCRASY = a peculiar way o f behaving or thinking that is particular to an individual or
group.
A person's idiosyncrasy is a peculiar quirk or habit that makes someone unique. For a memory
trick, think of idiosyncrasy as a way of denoting the actions of someone who is out of sync with
what is "normal," or a little "crasy" (crazy). Notice both "sync" and "crasy" (crazy) in the word
idiosyncrasy.
* Marc had some odd idiosyncrasies, like asking people to take their shoes off before entering his
office.
* Her obsession with velvet Sinatra paintings was just one o f her many idiosyncrasies.
TRUCULENT = 1. aggressive and defiant; 2. displaying great anger and inclined to fight-
belligerent.
Truculent is derived from the Latin truculentus, which means "fierce, like a savage." Truculent is
often used to refer to aggressive and fierce behavior. When using the word truculent to describe
aggressive behavior, there is an element of defiance, like with a savage animal that refuses to be
domesticated or controlled. There is also a sense o f belligerence and wanting to fight or argue.
* Bob was a truculent man who didn't like following rules and would fight people who tried to tell
him what to do.
* Because o f his truculent personality, he has been in several fights recently.
Posted Fri, 2007-10-19 14:35

JV366 (Latent and Cull)

LATENT = present or existing, but needing certain conditions in order to be apparent, expressed, or
developed.
Latent is derived from the Latin latentem, which means "to lie in hiding; hidden." Latent describes
things that are present but hidden until a specific circumstance brings them out into the open. The
related noun latency means "the state o f being hidden or not yet detected."
* Frank had a latent heart condition that went undetected until it was too late.
Lisa discovered her latent artistic abilities after she took a class in ceramics.
* Although Frank appears quiet and meek, I have a feeling he has a latent talent for negotiating.
CULL = 1. to remove something undersirable or inferior from a group; 2. to select or pick
something from a group, especially to use as an example.
Cull is an old farming word that was used to describe the selection o f livestock. Since this entailed
both selecting and organizing the "good" livestock and removing the "bad," cull now has two
almost contradictory uses. One is to remove anything negative, the other is to collect and bring
together the good. Think o f the idea o f selecting from a group the good components and getting rid
o f the bad components.
* The scientists wished to cull test subjects who refused to follow protocol.
* The network decided to cull the best photographs o f the President in light o f the upcoming
political campaign.
* Now that Iave done all o f my research, Iall have to cull the data in a concise report.
Posted Tue, 2007-10-16 10:02

JV365 (Enmesh and Resolute)

ENMESH = to catch or entangle in or as if in meshes. To catch or involve someone in something
unpleasant or dangerous from which it is difficult to escape:
* The whales are caught by being enmeshed in nets.
* She has become enmeshed in a tangle o f drugs and petty crime.
* Soon after Eli Whitney had invented it, others copied his cotton gin, and he spent the rest o f his
life enmeshed in lawsuits trying to protect his invention
RESOLUTE = firm in belief or purpose, and characterized by determination. Resolute is related to
the words resolve and resolution. When you resolve to do something, you make a firm decision to
do it. Likewise, a resolution is a firm decision or determination to do something. So, someone who
is resolute in his or her decision is firm and determined to stand by it.
* Many people felt the President failed to lead with conviction and was not resolute in making
decisions.
* Kate's resolute refusal to apologize to her brother put a huge rift in their relationship.
Posted Sat, 2007-10-13 05:06

JV364 (Befit and Lineage)

BEFIT = (verb) to be suitable, fitting, or appropriate to.
* It was a very elegant and opulent dinner, with a table setting that was befitting a king.
* The Prime Minister was greeted by a twelve-cannon solute, befitting a leader o f his stature.
* As befits their Italian heritage, the meal seemed never to end and consisted o f countless courses.
LINEAGE = the members o f a person's family who are directly related to that person and who lived
a long time before him or her. A group of individuals tracing descent from a common ancestor;
especially : such a group o f persons whose common ancestor is regarded as its founder. the line of
ancestors from whom a person is descended
* She's very proud o f her ancient royal lineage.
* His Italian lineage was very important to him
Posted Thu, 2007-10-11 05:10

JV363 (Corollary and Vanish)

COROLLARY = an inference that follows directly from the proof of another proposition. A
practical consequence that follows naturally. something that results from something else.
* Blind jealousy is a frequent corollary o f passionate love
* Unfortunately, violence is the inevitable corollary of such a revolutionary change in society.
* One corollary of the attack was that no one trusted them thereafter
VANISH = become invisible or unnoticeable, cease to exist, decrease rapidly and disappear. To
disappear or stop being present or existing, especially in a sudden, surprising way.
* The child vanished while on her way home from school.
* We rushed out o f the shop in hot pursuit, but the thief had vanished into thin air
Posted Wed, 2007-10-10 05:15

JV362 (Clover and Alternate)

CLOVER = a small plant with three round leaves on each stem, often fed to cows. A four leaf
clover (= small plant) with a leaf which is divided into four parts rather than the usual three, which
is thought to bring good luck to anyone who finds it. PHRASE = To live/be in clover means to
enjoy a life o f wealth and comfort.
* With the income from the family estate, she's in clover.
ALTERNATE = (verb)1 to happen or exist one after the other repeatedly:
* She alternated between cheerfulness and deep despair.
2 to make something happen or exist one after the other repeatedly:
* He alternated working in the office with long tours overseas.ALTERNATE = (adjective)1 with
first one thing, then another thing, and then the first thing again
* a dessert with alternate layers o f chocolate and cream
2 If something happens on alternate days, it happens every second day:
* Private cars are banned from the city on alternate days.
Posted Tue, 2007-10-09 07:27

JV361 (Endure and Spellbound)

ENDURE = 1 to come to a knowledge of (something) by living through it (an elderly couple who
have endured the ups and downs of a half century of married life)
2 to put up with (something painful or difficult) (at some point we all have to endure the loss of a
beloved pet)
3 to remain indefinitely in existence or in the same state (the fashion business is built on change,
since nobody expects a particular clothing style to endure)
SPELLBOUND = to hold the attention o f as if by a spell (the tale about pirates and their buried
treasure spellbound him for hours).
An event or a person that attracts people's complete attention (The final game of the tennis match
was a real spellbinder). Having your attention completely held by something, so that you cannot
think about anything else.
At the circus, the children are spellbound, watching the acrobats perform.
Posted Sun, 2007-10-07 11:09

JV360 (Visceral and Lambast)

VISCERAL = 1. obtained through intuition rather than from reasoning or observation, based on
emotional reactions rather than on reason or thought. 2. relating to the viscera; the large organs
inside the body, including the heart, stomach, lungs and intestines.
* His approach to acting is visceral rather than intellectual.
LAMBAST = to criticize someone or something severely, to criticize (someone) severely or angrily
especially for personal failings. to strike repeatedly.
* stern schoolmasters who lambasted the boys for the smallest violation o f the rules
* His first novel was well and truly lambasted by the critics.
Posted Thu, 2007-10-04 10:42

JV359 (Flux and Resonant)

FLUX = 1. the act o f flowing, continuous moving on, or passing by; 2. constant change and
instability, sometimes a state o f uncertainty about what should be done/
Flux, used as a noun, refers to the ebb and flow o f tides, ideas, or trends. We often use it in the
phrase "in a state o f flux." For instance, concentrations o f nutrients in the ocean are always in a
state o f flux, depending on various factors. Also, prices may be in a state o f flux, depending on the
economic inflation. Something in flux is continually changing and evolving, fluctuating.
* The project is in a state o f flux as we wait to hear new direction from upper management.
(fluctuation, instability)
* I am in a flux at work right now, as I change my mind every other day as to whether I want to
stay or go. (state o f change)
RESONANT = 1. deep in sound; 2. characterized by reverberation.
Resonant is derived from the Latin resonantia, which means "echo." Think o f the way an echo lasts
and reverberates. Resonant describes sounds that are strong or that have a lasting effect (like an
echo). The related verb resonate means "to have a strong effect that lasts a long time", as well as "to
come across or be understood."
* The resonant church bells could be heard throughout the village.
* The instrument made a rich, resonant sound. (deep, reverberant)
* After delivering the anti-drug presentation to the kids, it was difficult to tell if the messages
resonated or not.
Posted Wed, 2007-10-03 06:54

JV358 (Beleaguer and Ingrain)

BELEAGUER = 1. to annoy or harass; 2. to surround with an army. To beleaguer someone is to
annoy severely. It originates from the Dutch word belegeren, which literally means "to camp
around." Thus, we get the meaning o f surrounding with an army. Think o f being surrounded by an
enemy and how tormenting that would be, hence the meaning o f "annoying or harassing." The
adjective form, beleaguered, means "annoyed or troubled."
* He was beleaguered by worries o f losing his job.
* Our camp was beleaguered by an army o f ants in the middle o f the night.
INGRAIN = deeply rooted into habit or constitution.
Ideas and principles can become ingrained, or deeply rooted, into the natural fiber o f a person or
culture. When something is ingrained it is deep-seated and nearly impossible to change or remove.
* The harsh memories became ingrained within her, causing her to have nightmares and irrational
fears.
* Our holiday traditions are ingrained within our family, and we would never think o f changing
them.
Posted Tue, 2007-10-02 04:30

JV357 (Arcane and Point-Blank)

ARCANE = 1. requiring secret or mysterious knowledge to be understood; 2. difficult to
understand
* The arcane rites o f passage involved in the granting o f academic tenure are a mystery to all but
the initiated.
* His arcane observations about the world were a mystery to me.
POINT-BLANK = 1. aimed or fired straight at the mark esp. from close range; direct.
2.straightforward, plain, or explicit: a point-blank denial.
* He was shot in the back, point-blank.
* He asked me point-blank (= directly) if I was lying.

Posted Mon, 2007-10-01 04:57

JV356 (Ingratiate and Premise)

INGRATIATE = to make an effort to please someone in order to gain favor

Ingratiate is derived from the Latin ingratiam, which means "for the favor of." Someone who is
ingratiating him or her self is trying to gain the favor of someone else. It is most often used with
"to". Ingratiate often carries a negative connotation, in that someone is only being nice in hopes of
gaining something in return. The adjective ingratiating describes behavior intended to make people
like you.
* By making campaign promises, politicians hope to ingratiate themselves to the public.
* He tried to ingratiate himself to his boss by working late every week.
PREMISE = (noun) an idea, theory, or statement that serves as the basis or evidence for action,
argument, or conclusion; (verb) 1. to say something as an introduction to what will follow; 2. to put
forth a premise
Essentially, a premise is the basis for an argument. If you want to have a discussion about
something, you may propose a premise from which the discussion will then follow.
* For the sake o f argument, let's put forth this premise.
* He premised his speech on the idea that everyone believes in the good o f humanity.
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Posted Sun, 2007-09-30 06:21

JV355 (Implicate and Impasse)

IMPLICATE = 1. to suggest or imply; 2. to make a connection between people and events,
especially pertaining to a crime; 3. to weave or twist together.
* The new evidence implicates more suspects in this complicated crime.
* The way he told the story implicated wrong doing on my part.
IMPASSE = 1. a point where no agreement can be made, and progress is halted; 2. a
road with only
one way to get in and out. Synonyms standstill, deadlock, stalemate.To understand the meaning of
the word impasse, simply break it down. When you combine the Latin prefix im- "not" with passe
"pass," impasse means "not able to pass." Impasse represents a point where people cannot move
forward.
* After days o f talks, labor negotiations hit an impasse.
* I couldn't take my usual route to work because construction had created an impasse.
Posted Fri, 2007-09-28 06:21

JV354 (Importune and Girth)

IMPORTUNE = 1. bother somebody insistently: to ask somebody continually, repeatedly, or
forcefully for something, especially in a troublesome way
2. make immoral request of somebody: to ask somebody to have sexual relations in exchange for
money
* As a tourist, you are importuned for money the moment you step outside your hotel.
* He was arrested for importuning a young boy outside the station.
GIRTH = the distance around the outside o f a thick or fat object, like a tree or a body.
* The oak was 2 metres in girth.
* He was a man o f massive girth.
HUMOROUS His ample girth was evidence o f his love o f good food.

Posted Thu, 2007-09-27 10:58

JV353 (Glower and Gibe)

GLOWER = noun: an angry stare, verb: look at with a fixed gaze, look angry or sullen, wrinkle
one's forehead, as if to signal disapproval. to look very angry, annoyed or threatening.
* baseball fans glowering at the TV as they watched their favorite team lose.
* the old man just sat in his rocking chair and silently glowered at the uninvited guests.
GIBE = noun: an aggressive remark directed at a person like a missile and intended to have a
telling effect. Verb: laugh at with contempt and derision, be compatible, similar or consistent;
coincide in their characteristics.
* Teammates gibing each other when they foul up an important play.
Posted Wed, 2007-09-26 06:25

JV352 (Evade and Goad)

EVADE = to get or keep away from (as a responsibility) through cleverness or trickery. To avoid
facing up to (evaded the real issues). To avoid the performance of. To fail to pay (taxes). To avoid
answering directly
* people who use every loophole in the law to evade paying taxes.
GOAD = to provoke or try to incite someone to do something.The original meaning o f goad was
"to prod an animal with a stick," and also referred to the stick itself. Think o f goading goats and
trying to get them to move along or do something. Today, the meaning has come to encompass any
kind o f prodding or prompting, but is used in a negative sense, a sense o f pushing someone into
doing something he or she doesn't really want to do. As a verb, goad should NOT be used to denote
positive encouragement or support. As a noun, however, a goad can be a motivator, in a more
positive sense.
* The group tried to goad Marc into singing karaoke by telling him he was a "chicken" if he didn't
do it.
* The President delivered several speeches intended to goad congress into enacting new legislation.
Posted Tue, 2007-09-25 05:30

JV351 (Expunge and Expiate)

EXPUNGE = 1. to purposely delete information from a piece of writing; 2. to wipe out or destroy,
as in a memory or an offense.
A proofreader will scrutinize text and expunge unnecessary words, phrases, or sentences. Hunters
may expunge a species into near extinction. A person may want to expunge his bad credit or
criminal record. In business, expunge is a sophisticated way of denoting editing and deleting of
unnecessary text from a document. For a memory trick, note how expunge sounds like "a sponge."
Now imagine you are expunging (erasing) graffiti from a wall, with a sponge.
* Lisa's underwent hynosis in order to expunge the terrible memory.
* Joanne had tried to quit several times, but once she became pregnant, she expunged her smoking
habit once and for all.
EXPIATE = to extinguish the guilt incurred by, to make amends for.
to show regret for bad behaviour by doing something to express that you are sorry and by accepting
punishment
to expiate a crime/sin
Posted Mon, 2007-09-24 15:49

JV350 (Eclectic and Expound)

ECLECTIC = Made up o f parts from various or styles. Deriving ideas or style from a broad and
varied range o f sources. Made up of elements from various sources; choosing what is best or
preferred from a variety o f sources or styles.
Eclectic is derived from the Greek eklektikos, literally apicking out, selecting." Think, to chose
from different sources. For example, an eclectic interior designer chooses design elements from
various cultures and influences.
He has a very eclectic taste in literature: he likes everything from the intense classics like Joyce and
Faulkner to easier reads like John Grisham and Dan Brown.
She had an eclectic taste in music and was always listening to something new.
EXPOUND = to give a detailed description or answer.
Expound is derived from Old French espondre and from Latin exponere, ato explain. a Expound is a
more succinct and sophisticated way o f saying "explain in detail." Expound is similar in meaning to
expatiate. See expatiate for additional analysis.
Political news gets old really fast when you have to listen to pundits expound about the
shortcomings o f their opposing political party.
The professor decided to expound on the underlying message o f the book for the entire 50-minute
lecture.
If you like, I could expound on the issue further. (opine, expatiate)
Posted Mon, 2007-09-24 01:27

JV349 (Edify and Eddy)

EDIFY = to instruct and improve especially in moral and religious knowledge. EDIFICATION =
the improvement of the mind and understanding, especially by learning.
To provide (someone) with moral or spiritual understanding
* The BBC has a family-oriented show that tried to edify the television audience as well as
entertain it.
EDDY = (noun)( a current of water or air running contrary to the main current; especially : a
circular current : WHIRLPOOL. If water, wind, smoke, etc. eddies, it moves fast in a circle.
* The water eddied around in a whirlpool.
* The water eddied ceaselessly in the wake o f the boat.
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Posted Sat, 2007-09-22 23:55

JV348 (Decry and Dearth)

DECRY = to openly criticize something or someone/ Decry comes from the Old French word
descrier, "to cry down." It implies open condemnation o f something, with an attempt to discredit it.
This is why decry is synonymous with both criticize and disparage--you are trying to condemn
something while also discrediting it.
* The animal rights activists decried the use o f animals in the testing o f cosmetics.
* She decried his involvement in the scandal and said she would never let him live it down.
DEARTH = a falling short o f an essential or desirable amount or number. An amount or supply
which is not large enough; a lack
* The region is suffering from a dearth o f medical specialists.
* There was a dearth o f usable firewood at the campsite
Posted Thu, 2007-09-20 11:52

JV347 (Denigrate and Demure)

DENIGRATE = 1. to belittle someone or something; 2. to defame someone; 3. to deny the
importance of something.
Denigrate comes from the Latin word denigrare, "to blacken completely." But its modern usage has
lost the sense of completeness. Denigration may make something seem less important than
someone thought it was, but it doesn't make it seem completely and irrevocably unimportant;
instead, it merely chips away at its importance or good reputation. Denigrate is not as complete as
demean, debase, or degrade, which all denote a complete reduction in title or worth. Denigrate is
more synonymous with belittle, defame, disparage, or malign, which denote questioning or
criticizing.
* You shouldn't denigrate Phil's abilities; he isn't a great pianist, but he is talented.
* Even though the critics denigrated the author for her unpopular attitudes on many social issues,
her book sold briskly and was widely quoted.
DEMURE = modestly shy, often in a playful or flirtatious way.
To describe someone as demure is a more sophisticated way to denote modesty or shyness. If
someone is being shy or coy, in a playful and flirtatious way, that person is said to be acting
demure. The adverb demurely is used to describe shy or modest actions. Do NOT confuse demure
with the verb demur, which means "to hesitate, pause, or express doubt when asked to make a
decision."
* Her demure manner in front of her boyfriend's parents effectively hid her wild side.
* He gave his teacher a demure smile.
Posted Wed, 2007-09-19 06:32

JV346 (Confection and Collusion)

CONFECTION = 1. a decorated cake or unusual sweet dish, a sweet preparation o f fruit or the like,
as a preserve or candy.2. The process of compounding, preparing, or making something.make into
a confection; "This medicine is home-confected"
* following the main course there were assorted confections so delicious-looking as to tempt even
determined dieters
COLLUSION = A secret conspiracy between people or companies for illegal, deceitful, or
fraudulent purposes.
To collude is similar to collaborate, except instead o f collaborating with the enemy, there is general
cooperation to deceive another. In economics, rival companies may work in collusion to impact the
market for mutual benefit. Collusion almost always refers to two or more parties working together
to defraud a third party.
* The casino employees pulled off a major robbery in collusion with professional thieves.
* Large corporations sometimes act in collusion to raise prices on a product, leaving disgruntled
consumers few choices.

Posted Mon, 2007-09-17 06:57

JV345 (Bilk and Billet)

BILK = To cheat someone out o f something, especially money. To avoid paying debt or a person to
whom money is owed.
* The company bilked its investors out of millions o f dollars.
* He bilked his creditors by moving to South America.
BILLET = A place especially for soldiers to stay in for a short time. A private home or a guest
house providing temporary accommodations for people in the armed forces.
* The army's billet is the largest in the region.
* Our billets were about a mile out o f town.
Posted Sat, 2007-09-15 06:52

JV344 (Concur and Conduit)

CONCUR = 1. (formal)to agree with someone or have the same opinion as someone else, to agree
or have the same opinion as someone else.
2. to occur or exist at the same time.
* The new report concurs with previous findings.* The board concurred that the editor should have
full control over editorial matters.* "I think you're absolutely right, " concurred Chris.* the lively
1960s, a decade in which the Cold War, the race to the moon, the Vietnam War, and the civil rights
movement all concurred>
CONDUIT = 1. the means or channel by which something is transmitted or conveyed, such as
information; 2. a pipe or channel used to carry water or other liquids; 3. a pipe or tube used for
protecting electrical wires.
* The undercover police officer had a few trusted conduits o f information upon whom he relied.
* The computers were connected through a system o f conduits

Posted Thu, 2007-09-13 07:40

JV343 (Rendition and Betoken)

RENDITION = A performance o f a musical composition or a dramatic role etc. To give something
such as a service, a personal opinion or expression, or a performance of a song or poem, etc. to
people. A particular way in which music is performed or a drawing or painting is produced or
appears
* The singers rendered the song with enthusiasm.
* We see that freight railroads make good profits while rendering excellent service.
* Her rendition o f Milton's verse was extraordinarily moving.BETOKEN = (Old use) to be a sign
of something. To typify beforehand, to give evidence of.
* The blue sky betokened a day of good weather.

Posted Thu, 2007-09-13 06:59

JV342 (Burgeon and Breach)

BURGEON = to grow and flourish. Synonyms: grow, thrive, rise, blossom, bloom, develop,
flourish, sprout, proliferate, swell, increase.
Antonyms: diminish, decrease, shrink
Tips: To burgeon means "to grow" or "to produce new growth." Burgeon was originally used when
discussing growth in nature, such as burgeoning (blossoming, sprouting) plant life. The verb
burgeon and its related adjective burgeoning are often used in business and commerce to describe
growth in the marketplace.
* The buds I planted last fall will burgeon into beautiful flowers come spring. (blossom, sprout,
grow)
* The once burgeoning high-tech stocks have been flat for over six months.
BREACH = 1. a breaking o f the law or o f a rule; 2. a gap, fissure, break, or tear; 3. a rift or break in
a relationship or pattern; 4. the leaping out o f the water by a whale.
Tips: Breach is related to the word break. It is often used in the expression "to be in breach of
something." Breach can also be a verb, meaning "to break, violate, or trespass."
* I know that if I do not follow the appropriate protocol or do not uphold my end o f the agreement,
I can be accused o f breach o f contract.
* The counselor told the struggling couple that the breach in their relationship was not
insurmountable. (rift, estrangement)

Posted Wed, 2007-09-12 06:45

JV341 (Adage and Ardent)

ADAGE = A condensed but memorable saying embodying some important fact or experience that
is taken as true by many people. A proverb or short statement expressing a general truth.
* The old adage aout o f sight out o f mind.a * I should have remembered the old adage 'look before
you leap'
ARDENT = enthusiastic or passionate. Ardent combines eagerness with intense feelings of passion
or devotion (: an ardent lover; an ardent theatergoer)
passionate, fervent, zealous, fervid, wholehearted, vehement, intense,
* He is an ardent baseball fan / an ardent suitor.
Posted Sat, 2007-09-08 12:00

JV340 (Abjure and Accolade)

ABJURE = To give up, to renounce, to state publicly that you no longer agree with a belief or way
of behaving. To swear to give up.
* He abjured his religion.
* She decided to abjure lying.
ACCOLADE = an expression signifying praise, distinction, or approval. Public praise of
somebody's achievements. Any award, honor or laudatory notice.
* The lead dancer received flowers as accolades for her performance.
* Her approval was the highest accolade he could have received.
Posted Fri, 2007-09-07 05:18

JV339 (Abase and Abdicate)

ABASE = to make yourself seem to be less important or not to deserve respect. to lower in
character or dignity. to reduce to a lower standing in one's own eyes or in others' eyes.
* Frank was unwilling to abase himself by pleading guilty to a crime that he did not commit.
* I certainly don't abase myself when I do good, honest manual labor.
ABDICATE = 1. to give up (something, esp. a position) formally, if a king or queen abdicates, they
make a formal statement that they no longer want to be king or queen:
2. To fail to take responsibility for something. To Abdicate responsibility means to stop controlling
or managing something that you are in charge of.
* King Edward VIII abdicated the British throne in 1936.
* The revolutionary government forced Nicholas II to abdicate the Russian throne
* She was accused o f abdicating all responsibility for the project.
* I think it's an abdication o f your responsibility if you don't vote.

Posted Thu, 2007-09-06 07:01

JV338 (Bear Market and Impugn)

BEAR MARKET = a market characterized by falling prices for securities. A market in which share
prices are falling. A market, especially a stock market, characterized by falling prices; the opposite
of a bull market.
IMPUGN = to cause people to doubt someone's character, qualities or reputation by criticizing
them. To cause people to doubt or not trust (someone's character, honesty, or ability).
* He could no longer work as a doctor because his reputation had been impugned.
* Are you impugning my competence as a professional designer?

Posted Wed, 2007-09-05 08:11

JV337 (Belie and Bull-market)

BELIE = to show something to be false, or to hide something such as an emotion / to represent
(something) falsely or to hide (something) behind something very different.
* Her calm face belied the terror she was feeling.
* His gruff manner belied a gentle personality.
BULL MARKET = A market, especially a stock market, characterized by rising prices; the
opposite o f a bear market.
Posted Mon, 2007-09-03 14:18

JV336 (Mull and Decouple)

MULL = to reflect deeply on a subject, to think carefully about something for a long time. To
ponder or to reflect.
* I need a few days to mull things over, before I make a decision.
DECOUPLE = To separate or disengage one thing from another. To eliminate the interrelationship.
* The issue threatened to decouple Europe from the United States.
Posted Mon, 2007-08-20 05:51

JV335 (Scornful and Adroit)

SCORNFUL = feeling or showing open dislike for someone or something regarded as undeserving
of respect or concern.
* Frank gave the other science projects a scornful look and stalked off
SCORN = (noun) a very great lack of respect for someone or something that you think is stupid or
worthless.
* She has nothing but scorn for the new generation o f politicians.Why do you always pour/heap
scorn on my suggestions?
ADROIT = displaying physical or mental skill. Adroit is derived from the French A droit, aby
right.a The meaning askillfula evolved from the idea o f doing something "right"--correctly,
properly, or well. Adroit is related to adept and deft.
* The repair was not difficult for the adroit handyman. (skilled, adept)
* Barry's adroit driving helped to avoid a serious accident. (skilled, expert)

Posted Thu, 2007-08-16 06:21

JV334 (Grapple and Protract)

GRAPPLE = (verb) 1. to grip or seize, as in a wrestling match; to hold someone while fighting with
them. 2. come to terms or deal successfully with. to try to deal with or understand a difficult
problem or subject.
* This is one o f many problems that the committee is having to grapple with.
* The two men grappled with each other for several minutes.
PROTRACT = (verb) lengthen in time; cause to be or last longer. to prolong in time or space, to
extend forward or outward. Prolong, draw out.
* I have no desire to protract the process.
* Disputants who needlessly protracted the negotiations.

Posted Wed, 2007-08-15 07:27

JV333 (Commensurate and Brunt)

COMMENSURATE = (adjective) corresponding in size, extend, or proportion.
Tips: Commensurate comes from the Latin mensura, "to measure." Things that can be equally
measured are commensurate, or proportionate, to one another. Commensurate is often used in the
context of salary, as in: "salary commensurate with experience."
* I was afraid that due to my lack of experience, I would not be able to find a high-paying job, but
luckily, I found a position with a salary that was commensurate with knowledge and intelligence,
not number o f years in the industry. (corresponding)
* His knowledge is not commensurate with that o f someone who has been working in this field as
long as he has. (equal, comparable)
* We are changing our pay structure for the sales team so that pay will be commensurate with sales
revenue. (corresponding, proportionate)
BRUNT = the brunt of the main force of something unpleasant
to receive the worst part of something unpleasant or harmful, such as an attack.
* The infantry have taken/borne the brunt o f the missile attacks.
* Small companies are feeling the full brunt o f the recession.

Posted Tue, 2007-08-14 11:30

JV332 (Ambient and Probe)

AMBIENT = (adjective) 1. relating to the immediate surroundings o f something. (especially of
environmental conditions) existing in the surrounding area: ambient
conditions/lighting/noi se/temperature
2. (of music) electronic and having no vocals or persistent beat, used to create atmosphere.PROBE
= (verb) to search into or examine (something).
* Investigators are probing into drug dealing in the area.
(noun) a careful and detailed examination
* The probe explored allegations o f corruption in the police department.
Posted Mon, 2007-08-13 07:18

JV330 (Spillover and Laggard)

SPILLOVER =an extension o f something especially when an excess exists. An amount o f liquid
which has become too much for the object that contains it and flows or spreads out: the effects of
an activity which have spread beyond what was originally intended
* We are now witnessing a spillover o f the war into neighboring regions.
* The spillover from the adjacent river flooded the lower fields.
* We are benefiting from a spillover o f prosperity from neighboring states
LAGGARD = something or someone who lags or takes a long time to do something; (adj.) 1.
reluctant and tending to get left behind; 2. tending to waste time
* The laggard legislators could not get the budget together. (procrastinating) adjective
* I bet on the horse that was the favorite, but he ended up being a laggard in the race. (slowpoke)
noun
* My laggard co-worker has made us late to every meeting we've attended together. (late, lazy)
adjective
Posted Fri, 2007-08-10 05:19

JV331 (Windfall and Retrogress)

WINDFALL = 1. a sudden happening that brings good fortune (as a sudden opportunity to make
money); an amount o f money that you receive unexpectedly: an unexpected, unearned, or sudden
gain or advantage; 2. something (as a tree or fruit) blown down by the wind
* The Belridge School, after receiving a financial windfall, purchased computers for all students
and teachers.
* Investors each received a windfall o f A3000.
RETROGRESS = to move backward, to get worse; fall back to a previous or worse condition; go
back to bad behavior
* Engineers needed to retrogress the design for the space shuttle when testing showed that some of
the experimental materials wouldn't survive reentry
* If you do not follow the doctor's orders, your condition will retrogress.
Posted Fri, 2007-08-10 05:10

JV329 (Relegate and Logjam)

RELEGATE = 1. refer or assign to another person for decision or judgment; 2. assign to a class or
particular kind; 3. to demote somebody or something to an obscure status or condition.
* Janet needed to relegate her research to colleagues so she could rush to meet her boss for their
appointment.
* There is some disagreement whether the tomato is relegated a fruit or a vegetable.
* Since the company couldn't force him to retire, he was relegated to a titular position without any
power or purpose.
LOGJAM = something that blocks the ability to do other things, a jumble o f logs jammed together
in a watercourse; DEADLOCK, IMPASSE
They're trying to break the logjam in negotiations
They broke the logjam by starting a series o f discussions.

Posted Wed, 2007-08-08 07:03

JV328 (Pipe Dream and Churn)

PIPE DREAM = noun, a fantastic but vain hope. An unattainable goal, hope or plan, not very likely
to be realized.
* Her plans for a movie career are just a pipe dream.
* I have this pipe dream about being emperor of the universe.
CHURN = verb: agitate or turn (milk or cream) in a machine in order to produce butter; 2 (of
liquid) move about vigorously.
(often be churned) cause (liquid) to move in this way; 3. break up the surface o f (an area o f ground)
: the earth had been churned up where vehicles had passed through.* The cream is ripened before it
is churned.
* The seas churned
* Figurative: Her stomach was churning at the thought of the ordeal.
* In high winds most of the lake is churned up
PHRASAL VERB:
churn something out produce something routinely or mechanically, esp. in large quantities :
* artists continued to churn out insipid works.
Posted Tue, 2007-08-07 05:51

JV327 (Deprave and Restive)

DEPRAVE = lead away from what is natural or right; corrupt. To lower in character or dignity.
* the belief that pornography depraves society as a whole* a depraved character/mind
* Someone who can kill a child like that must be totally depraved.RESTIVE = 1. impatient and
tense, especially under restraint or in a forced delay; 2. unwilling to be controlled or calmed
Synonyms: impatient, uneasy, agitated, fidgety, jittery, restless, uptight, obstinate, unyielding,
stubborn
Antonyms: patient, calm, peaceful,
Tips: Although restive sounds like it should describe someone calm and at rest, it actually means
the opposite. Restive is synonymous with the word restless, which is actually a more common word
to describe impatience or agitation. But restive also means "stubborn or obstinate." Restive could
be used to describe any areas of unrest in the world. Restive can also denote a balky animal, such as
a horse, who refuses to go forward. Restive is a strong word for a person or people who are
experiencing a period o f restlessness or uptightness due to environmental constraints.
The clients are becoming restive, and are complaining about the slow turnaround time for their
cases. (impatient, agitated)
There was a sense that the protestors were beginning to get restive, and riot police were brought in
to control them. (restless, agitated, obstinate)
As his mental condition worsened, Joe began to get restive and more difficult to calm down.
(obstinate, unyielding)
Posted Mon, 2007-08-06 10:29

JV326 (Encrust and Lagniappe)

ENCRUST = Verb: form a crust or a hard layer; cover or coat with a crust; decorate or cover
lavishly with gems.
* The refrigerator shelves were encrusted with the residue of many spills.
LAGNIAPPE = something given in addition to what is ordinarily expected or owes. Something
given to someone without expectation of a return
* the hotel threw in some free shampoo as a lagniappe* the meal was served with a lagniappe of
freshly made cornbread
Posted Sun, 2007-07-29 17:03

JV325 (Quaint and Parochial)

QUAINT: 1. old-fashioned in a charming way; 2.strange or unusual in character or appearance, but
usually in apleasing or interesting way; quaint is almostalways used to describe an old and
charming cabin, house, bed andbreakfast, hotel etc.
* She loved the cottage because it had such a quaint, rustic charm. (cute, old-fashioned)
* Her manner o f speaking is quaint, and I quite enjoy her unusual diction. (uncommon, offbeat)
PAROCHIAL: 1. belonging to or related to a parish; 2. having a narrow or Parochial is often
used to describereligious schools or schools of a religious parish. Parochial has cometo also mean
"narrow-minded," perhaps out o f a stereotype thatdeveloped over time, characterizing members of
the parish.
* The parents removed their children from a public school and enrolled them in a parochial school.
(religious)
* Mary's parochial views frustrated her liberal, free-thinking daughter. (conservative, provincial)
* His parochial upbringing caused him to have a limited view o f how a society should behave.
(religious, conservative)

Posted Thu, 2007-07-26 07:12

JV324 (Impenetrable and Mind-numbing)

IMPENETRABLE = adjective: 1. not admitting o f penetration or passage into or through ("An
impenetrable fortress") 2. impossible to understand ("Impenetrable jargon") 3. permitting little if
any light to pass through because o f denseness o f matter ("Impenetrable gloom")
* Outside, the fog was thick and impenetrable.* Some o f the lyrics on their latest album are
completely impenetrable.
MIND-NUMBING = adjective: inspiring no interest or thought, especially because of dullness or
repetitiveness; so extreme or intense as to prevent normal thought. extremely boring:a mindnumbing task is extremely boring.

* I quite my mind-numbing job and leave for New York.

Posted Wed, 2007-07-25 09:54

JV323 (Foible and Douse)

FOIBLE = 1. a slight flaw or failing o f character that is aharmless, but slight weakness; 2. the
weakest part o f a fencing sword blade from the middle to the point
*He overcame his foible o f chronic tardiness by remindinghimself not to be selfish with other
people's time. (shortcoming, defect)
* The foible portion o f the fencing sword blade is weaker, but has more agility and speed. (weakest
point)
* Interrupting people while they are speaking is probably his greatest foible. (weakness,
shortcoming)
* His greatest driving foible is that he refuses to use his turn-signal before changing lanes. (quirk,
shortcoming)
DOUSE = to stop a fire or light from burning or shining, especially by putting water on it or by
covering it with something. To make something or someone wet by throwing a lot o f liquidover
them. To stop (esp. a fire) by puttingwater on it
To sink or push (something) briefly into or as if into aliquid.
* To douse the drapes in water to remove dust.
* They doused him with gasoline and set him on fire.
* We watched as demonstrators doused a car in/withpetrol and set it alight.

Posted Tue, 2007-07-24 06:33

JV322 (Analogy and Hefty)

ANALOGY = If you make or draw an analogy between two things, you show that they are similar
in some way. A comparison based on such similarity, often used to help explain something or make
it easier to understand.
* The operation o f a computer presents and interesting analogy to the working o f the brain.
* He drew an analogy between the brain and a vast computer
* It is sometimes easier to illustrate an abstract concept by analogy with something concrete
HEFTY = Hefty means large in size, weight, or amount. A hefty movement is done with a lot of
force. large in amount, size, force, etc
* Mary get a hefty serving o f mashed potatoes
* Yesterday Tom received a hefty bonus.
* Her salary will go up by a hefty 10%
Posted Mon, 2007-07-23 07:56

JV321 (Unequivocal and Mantra)

UNEQUIVOCAL = clear and definite, allowing no doubt or confusion.
* My mother's message was clear and unequivocal; my sister and I were to stop fighting
immediately. (unquestionable, definite, unambiguous)
* When delegating tasks and giving out orders, it is important to use unequivocal terms so that no
one is confused. (unquestionable, unambiguous)
MANTRA = commonly repeated word or phrase.
Originally, a mystical formula for meditation, today, mantra is a verbal formula associated with
positive thinking. In business, a mantra usually represents a company's or person's saying or belief.
* Her personal mantra was "never give up." (saying, belief)
* Repeating a mantra during meditation may lead to enhanced relaxation. (chant, saying)
* I have a lot o f work to accomplish, so my mantra for today is "focus, focus, focus." (saying,
chant)
* Our companyas mantra is: "The customer is always right." (saying, belief)

Posted Sat, 2007-07-21 12:08

JV320 (Inadvertent and Meticulous)

INADVERTENT = (adjective) marked by unintentional lack of care, not duly attentive, done
carelessly, not focusing the mind on a matter. An inadvertent action is one that you do without
realizing what you are doing.
* The government has said is was an inadvertent error.
* The inadvertent error cost them several days o f extra work.
METICULOUS = Very careful and with great attention to detail, marked by extreme or excessive
care in the consideration or treatment o f details. Someone who is meticulous, is extremely careful
and picky in attention to detail.
* Many hours of meticulous prepraration have gone into writing the book. He painted a meticulous
portrait of the actress.
Posted Thu, 2007-07-19 06:38

JV319 (Incongruous and Offish)

INCONGRUOUS = Out of place, and not suitable for the occasion. Not consistent with something
else. Not blending in.
* The new Mac computer looked incongruous on the antique desk.
* It seems incongruous to have an out-of-shape and overweight fitness trainer.
OFFISH = lacking cordiality, inclined to be distant and reserved, aloof in manner, reluctant to show
friendship or enter into conversation with other people.
* Lisa was criticized by Mark because o f her offish attitude.
* Frank's offish behaviour stirred a conflict in the office.

Posted Wed, 2007-07-18 06:42

JV318 ( Tardy and Smorgasbord)

TARDY = Slow in action or response, done later than it should have been done. Belated.
* Tardy children were sent to the principal
* Dinner was somewhat delayed on account o f David's rather tardy arrival.
SMORGASBORD = 1. A buffet offering a varriety o f hot and cold dishes. 2) Fig. A number of
different things, a wide collection, a great variety.
* A great smorgasbord o f cars was on display.

Posted Tue, 2007-07-17 06:40

JV317 (Eradicate and Perfunctory)

ERADICATE = To destroy or get rid of something completely, so that it can never return. To
eliminate, to annihilate.
* I wish I could eradicate the ant problem once and for all.
* Their goal was to eradicate poverty.
PERFUNCTORY = Done quickly, hasty and without attention to detail. Lacking in interest or
enthusiasm.
* The operator answered the phone with a perfunctory greeting.
* She gave the list only a perfunctory glance.
Posted Mon, 2007-07-16 07:15

JV316 (Glib and Pun)

GLIB = 1. speaking in a fluent or smooth way, without much care or concern; 2. spoken or done in
an offhand or thoughtless manner; 3. informal in attitude
Glib usually carries a negative connotation. Its origin is somewhat hazy, but it is related to Old
German and Dutch words meaning "slippery." Think o f a politician or salesman who is too
polished, too prepped, and too quick with the most perfect answer--that is glib. Glib also has two
other applications. One is to describe someone who is quick to make a careless or flippant response
without much thought or preparation. The third application does not necessarily carry a negative
connotation and is used to describe someone who is casual and relaxed in manner or speech.
* I certainly was not impressed with his glib answers to the journalist's questions. (insincere, slick)
* No one was impressed by his glib answers, as he clearly did not give the questions much thought.
(offhand, informal, insincere)
PUN = an amusing use o f a word or phrase that has several meanings or that sounds like another
word, word play. an amusing use o f a word or phrase which has several meanings or which sounds
like another word.* Japanese like to pun--their language is well suited to punning
Posted Fri, 2007-07-13 07:12

JV315 (Ubiquitous and Blithe)

UBIQUITOUS = Existing or being everywhere at the same time.
* We often take things that are ubiquitous for granted, until they disappear. (everywhere, allover,
prevalent)
* Advertising has become so ubiquitous that you canat walk down a street without seeing an ad.
(prevalent, common)
BLITHE = 1. lightheartedly happy; 2. carefree and unconcerned. When used in its first sense of
"happy and cheerful," blithe can be complimentary. However, sometimes its second meaning,
"carefree," can border on "careless," which makes the word less positive.
* Somehow, no matter how many obstacles she faces, she maintains a blithe and bubbly attitude.
(happy, cheerful)
* Although Henry is a brilliant scholar, his blithe disregard o f tradition and etiquette has caused
him to get into trouble from time to time. (casual, unconcerned)
Posted Thu, 2007-07-12 07:08

JV314 (Insouciance and Inundate)

INSOUCIANCE = A lack o f concern shown by someone about something which they might be
expected to take more seriously. It's a cheerful feeling of not caring or worrying about anything.
* I admired his youthful insouciance.
* Frank strolled through the house with an air of insouciance.
INUNDATE = 1. To be covered with water, especially floodwaters. To flood. 2. To be
overwhelmed, to be given or sent so many things that cannot deal with.
* Her office was inundated with request for tickets.
* When her friends heard about Jennaas big promotion, her office was inundated with
congratulatory flowers.

Posted Wed, 2007-07-11 06:55

JV313 (Laud and Mar)

LAUD = (verb) to praise someone or something highy, to admire or to glorify or to honor
something or someone.
* U2's last single is lauded by the music press
* Frank's work for the charity is laudable.
MAR = (verb) To harm the appearance or quality o f something. To spoil or detract from something.
To reduce the soundness, effectiveness or perfection o f something.
* It was a really nice weekend, marred only by a little argument in the car on the way home.
* The celebration were marred by violence.

Posted Tue, 2007-07-10 09:15

JV312 (Repent and Vaunt)

REPENT = (verb)To make a change for the better as a result or remorse for one's sins. If you
repent, you show or say that you are sorry for something you have done
* He repented just hours before he died.
* Those who refuse to repent, he said, will be punished.
VAUNT = (verb) The make a vain display o f one's own worth or attainments. To boast. Speech of
extravagant self-praise.
* The bank much-vaunted security system failed completely.
* Reagan's much-vaunted economic miracle.
Posted Mon, 2007-07-09 14:29

JV311 (Shylock and Achilles' Heel)

SHYLOCK = A fictional character (Jewish stereotype) in Shakespeare's Merchant o f Venice.
The character's name has entered the language as a synonym for loan shark, and as a verb: to
shylock is to lend money at exorbitant rates.
* My banker is a real Shylock
ACHILLES' HEEL = a weakness or vulnerable point. A weakness that seems small but makes
somebody or something fatally vulnerable. A portion, spot, area, or the like, that is especially or
solely vulnerable:
* His Achilles heel is his quick temper.
Posted Sat, 2007-07-07 06:10

JV310 (Red Tape and Maroon)

RED TAPE = excessive formality and routine required before official action can be taken. The
collection or sequence of forms and procedures required to gain bureaucratic approval for
something, especially when oppressively complex and time-consuming.
* All the red tape and paperwork that goes on there prevents any progress.
MAROON = to place in an isolated and often dangerous position, to abandon and leave without aid
or resources:
* Having lost all his money, he was marooned in the strange city.
* The rising floodwaters marooned us on top of the house.
Posted Fri, 2007-07-06 06:06

JV309 (Innate and Erroneous)

INNATE = Belonging to the essential nature o f something. An innate quality or ability is one
which a person is born with.
* Lisa has an innate ability to sense when someone was unhappy.
* Some people think leadership is an innate skill that you are born with, others believe leadership
skills can be learned
ERRONEOUS = mistaken, incorrect, or containing an error
* My erroneous planning is to blame for our missed deadline. (incorrect, false)
* Generally, newspapers will retract and apologize for erroneous headlines and statements.
(incorrect, mistaken)
Posted Thu, 2007-07-05 06:01

JV308 (Paucity and Spearhead)

PAUCITY = A paucity of means that there is less than is needed of something. A paucity means
smallness of number or quantity.
* There is a paucity o f information. * Even the film's impressive finale can't hide the first hour's
paucity of imagination
SPEARHEAD = To begin an activity, to lead an attack or to serve as a leader.
* David is spearheading the new marketing campaign.
Posted Wed, 2007-07-04 05:51

JV307 (Leapfrog and Raucous)

LEAPFROG = to improve your position by going past other people quickly or by missing out some
stages, to improve your position by moving quickly past or over something that blocks your way.
* They've leapfrogged from third to first place.
* She leapfrogged several older colleagues to get the manager's post.
RAUCOUS = unpleasantly loud and noisy, Synonyms: noisy, shrill, blaring, loud, piercing.
Antonyms: silent, calm.
* The resting firefighters jumped when they heard the raucous fire alarm. (shrill, piercing)
* The neighbors called the police about the raucous music coming from next door. (loud, blaring)
Posted Tue, 2007-07-03 04:29

JV306 (Wily and Terse)

WILY = clever at obtaining what you want by playing tricks on others. Clever at getting what you
want, and willing to trick people.
Frank was outwitted by his wily opponent
Lisa's boss is a wily old fox.
TERSE = Using few words and often not seeming polite or friendly. Devoid o f superfluity. If you
do something tersely, you do it in a brief and sometimes in a rude or unfriendly way.
The police officer was shouting terse orders for vehicles to pull over
Jack made a reply tersely and ended up the conversation
Posted Sun, 2007-07-01 10:32

JV305 (Subpoenaed & Egregious)

SUBPOENA = (verb) to be ordered to cokm to a court o f law and give evidence as a witness.
EGREGIOUS = An egregious error, failure, problem, etc, is extremely bad and noticeable,
conspicuously bad.
Posted Thu, 2007-06-28 06:12

JV304 (Folksy and Prowess)

FOLKSY = if you describe something as folksy, you mean that it is simple and has a style
characteristic of folk craft and tradition. If you describe somone as folksy, you mean that they are
friendly and informal in their behaviour.
PROWESS = Great skill at doing something, and extraordinary ability. OR distinguished bravery,
especially military valor and skill.
Posted Wed, 2007-06-27 05:28

JV303 (Ham-fisted and Ironclad)

HAM-FISTED = not at all skillful with your hands, clumpsy, lacking skills when using your hands
or when dealing with people. US = Ham-handed
IRONCLAD = solid or certain , not able to be disputed or questioned. Not capable o f being
attacked or refuted.
Also, covered with iron, especially as a protection or armor.
Posted Tue, 2007-06-26 05:24

JV302 (Spat and Engulf)

SPAT = a short argument or disagreement about something unimportant, to quarrel briefly over a
minor thing.
ENGULF = To surround or to cover something completely. Or to affect you very strongly (Fear
engulfed her).
Posted Mon, 2007-06-25 05:01

JV301 (Temerity and Kilter)

TEMERITY = boldness, reckless confidence that might be offensive. Excessive confidence, a
willingness to do or say something that shocks or upsets other people.
KILTER = Good working order or condition. OUT OF KILTER = out of harmony or balance.
Posted Tue, 2007-06-19 07:28

JV300 (Ablaze & Enviable)

ABLAZE = 1. on fire, burning strongly. 2. brightly lit, radiant with bright colors, 3. showing strong
emotion or excitement.
ENVIABLE = highly desirable; likely to evoke feelings o f envy. UNENVIALBE = Describes a
duty or necessary action that is unpleasant or difficult.
Posted Mon, 2007-06-18 06:55

JV299 (Plethora and Henpeck)

PLETHORA = excessive amount, a larger amount than you need, want or can deal with. A
superabundance.
HENPECK = (of a women) Continually criticize and order about (her husband). A henpecked man
is controlled by, harassed by his wife.
Posted Wed, 2007-06-06 06:23

JV298 (Converge and Diverge)

CONVERGE = 1. to meet, to reach at the same point coming from different connections. 2.
Become same; become gradually less different and eventually the same. 3. Arrive at same
destination.
DIVERGE = 1. to separate and go in different directions. 2. to differ to some extent. 3. to deviate
from or not fit in with something such as a typical pattern.
Posted Tue, 2007-06-05 06:18

JV297 (Indict and Salient)

INDICT = (Verb) To formally accuse or charge with a serious crime. To charge, to take to court, to
accuse.

SALIENT = Particularly noticeable, the salient facts are the most important things.
Posted Mon, 2007-06-04 06:43

JV296 (Throe and Ferocious)

THROE = mostly used as plural (THROES). Intense or violent pain and struggle. Effects o f severe
physical pain. In the throes of... = in the middle of, in the process of, struggling with.
FEROCIOUS = very fierce, very extreme, violently unfriendly or aggressive in disposition.
Unrestrained violence and brutality.
Posted Fri, 2007-05-18 07:32

JV295 (Trite and Precipitous)

TRITE = Overused and consequently lacking in intereset or originality. Dull on account o f overuse.
Not fresh and hackneyed.
PRECIPITOUS = Very high and steep. O f a change in a condition: Sudden and dramatic.
Precipitous means steep in both literal and figurative sensess.
Posted Thu, 2007-05-17 08:25

JV294 (Retrospect and Fraught)

RETROSPECT = (noun) The remembering o f past events, thinking aobut or reviewing the past,
especially from a new perspective, or with new information.
FRAUGHT = (adjective)1. Full o f or accompanied by problems, dangers, or difficulties. Full o f
unpleasant things. 2. Causing or affected by anxiety or stress.
Posted Wed, 2007-05-16 06:23

JV293 (Devoid and Chafe)

DEVOID = (adjective) to lack or be without something that is necessary or usual. Not possessing,
untouched by, void, or destitute. To be devoid o f something means to lack something.
CHAFE = (Verb) 1. To make sore or worn by rubbing. To press with friction. 2. to be irritated or
annoyed.
Posted Tue, 2007-05-15 06:10

JV292 (Consensus and Champ)

CONSENSUS = An opinion or position reached by a group as a whole. A generally wide accepted
opinion. Wide agreement.
CHAMP = To make biting movements. To bite upon. IDIOM: "champing at the bit" ; show
impatience; to be eager and not willing to wait to do something.
Posted Mon, 2007-05-14 07:18

JV291 (Recluse & Tenet)

RECLUSE = a person who lives a solitary life and tends to avoid other people. Somebody living
apart from others, a solitary person who lives alone.
TENET = A principle or belief, something accepted as important truth. An opinion or belief held to
be true by someone or especially an organization.
Posted Mon, 2007-05-14 07:14

JV290 (Captivate and Resuscitate)

CAPTIVATE = Attract and hold the interest and attention of., enchant somebody, to attract and
hold the attention or interest of, as by beauty or excellence; enchant.

RESUSCITATE = To revive somebody or be revived; to revive somebody from unconsciousness

or apparent death. OR to return to popularity, to revive waning interest in something such as a style
or project.
Posted Mon, 2007-05-07 05:42

JV 289 (Vernacular and Contrive)

VERNACULAR = the authentic natural pattern o f speech among those belonging to a certain
community. Language unique to a particular group o f people.
CONTRIVE = 1. to do something creatively, to accomplish something by being clever. 2. to make
something ingenious. 3. To manage something, to accomplish something difficult or unexpected. 4.
To plot, to formulate clever or deceitful schemes.
Posted Fri, 2007-04-13 07:28

JV288 (Buoyant and Avid)

BUOYANT = 1. cheerful or optimistic. 2. able to float or pushing upward or rise to the surface o f a
fluid. 3. Quick to recover emotionally, tending to recover quickly from a disappointment or failure.
AVID = having or showing a keen interest, having an eager desire for something. Insatiable desire.
Posted Thu, 2007-04-12 06:14

JV287 (Incredulous and Wallop)

INCREDULOUS = unwilling or unable to believe something. Skeptical, disbelieving, inclined to
doubt or question claims.
WALLOP = 1. To strike or hit (someone/somebody) very hard. 2. To strike with a great force, or to
create a forceful effect. 3. To defeat somebody decisively.
Posted Wed, 2007-04-11 06:40

JV286 (Pertain and Drub)

PERTAIN = Have relevance, to have reference or a connection to something. Be appropriate or
suitable. To be part o f belong to something.
DRUB = To defeat severely. To defeat decisively. To instill forcefully.
Posted Sun, 2007-04-08 06:42

JV285 (Laconic and Lavish)

LACONIC = Using very few words, concise. Tending not to speak frequently.
LAVISH = To be extravagant with something, to give or spend something generously or to excess.
Lavished attention on the child.
Posted Sat, 2007-04-07 06:38

JV284 (Endorse and Heed)

ENDORSE = 1. approve something formally. 2. to support somebody or something. 3. To give
public approval o f a product for advertising purposes. 4. Sign a back o f a check.
HEED = To pay attention to, to take notice of. To mind, to regard with care.
Posted Fri, 2007-04-06 06:33

JV283 (Lukewarm and Convoluted)

LUKEWARM = 1. O f a person, attitude: Unenthusiastic, showing little interest, indifferent. 2. not
hot, not cold, warmish. Only mildly warm, moderately warm.
CONVOLUTED = Extremely complex and difficult to follow, extremely intricate, difficult to
understand.
Posted Thu, 2007-04-05 06:28

JV282 (Excruciate and Apathetic)

EXCRUCIATE = torment someone physically or mentally. To inflict severe pain or to inflict
severe mental distress.

APATHETIC = showing or feeling no interest, enthusiasm, or concern. Lacking interest or

enthusiasm.

Posted Wed, 2007-04-04 07:17

JV281 (Debunk and Finicky)

DEBUNK = Expose the falseness or hollowness o f a myth, idea, or belief. To reduce the inflated
reputation of someone.
FINICKY = 1. Fussy about one's needs or requirements, meticulous in taste or standarrds. 2.
showing or requiring great attention to detail.
Posted Mon, 2007-04-02 07:20

JV280 (Incisive and Caustic)

INCISIVE = Quick to understand, analyze or act. OR Expressing clearly, characterized by clear
and direct expression. Remarkably clear and direct.
CAUSTIC = 1. (of chemicals) Able to burn through things, corrode organic tissue by chemical
reaction. 2. Fig. Sarcastic in a scathing and biting way.
Posted Sat, 2007-03-31 06:15

JV279 (Badger and Chary)

BADGER = Ask someone repeatedly and annoyingly for something; pester. To question someone
repeatedly.
CHARY = Cautious about the amount one gives or reveals. Wary or reluctant to share, give or use
something. Sparing (often followed by of) Chary o f giving praise.
Posted Fri, 2007-03-30 06:11

JV278 (Fortify and Inkling)

FORTIFY = to strengthen a place with defensive works so as to protect it against attack. It to
strengthen or invigorate mentally or physically.
INKLING = A slight knowledge or suspicion, a hint, a faint idea about a fact, event or person.
Posted Thu, 2007-03-29 05:55

JV277 ( Veracity and Recrimination)

VERACITY = Conformity to facts, accuracy, habitual truthfulness. The quality of being true,
honest or accurate. Correctness.
RECRIMINATION = an accusation made against somebody who has brought a previous
accusation. An accusation that somebody accused of a crime makes against the accuser.
Posted Wed, 2007-03-28 06:14

JV276 (Noisome and Lackadaisical)

NOISOME = 1. Bad for the well being o f the body. 2. Badsmelling, having an unpleasant smell,
causing intense displeasure.

LACKADAISICAL = Lacking enthusiasm, lacking energy. Carelessly lazy and listless. Lethargic.
Done without interest or vigor.
Http://www.justvocabulary.com

Posted Mon, 2007-03-26 08:09

JV275 (Specious and Munificent)

SPECIOUS = 1 : having deceptive attraction or allure; 2 : having a false look o f truth or
genuineness.
MUNIFICENT = 1. Very liberal in giving; generous. 2. Showing great generosity: a munificent
gift.
Posted Sun, 2007-03-25 12:19

JV274 (Libel and Cavalier)

LIBEL = Defamation, a false and malicious published statement that damages somebody's
reputation. Attacking o f somebody's reputation.
CAVALIER = Showing lack o f concern, careless, showing an arrogant or jaunty disregard or lack
o f respect for something or somebody.
Posted Fri, 2007-03-23 06:34

JV273 (Foist and Flack)

FOIST = impose something on somebody. To force somebody to accept something undesirable.
OR to give somebody something inferior on the pretense that it's genuine, valuable or desirable.
FLACK = 1. (noun) strong adverse criticism, 2. (verb) To promote (Madonna goes on tour to flack
her new album)

Posted Thu, 2007-03-22 06:56

JV272 (Apoplectic and Flippant)

APOPLECTIC = Furious, overcome with anger, extremely and noticeably angry, or in a state of
violent excitement.
He was apoplectic with rage.
FLIPPANT = Not taking something seriously enough, showing a lack of seriousness that is thought
inappropiate. Marked by disrespectful levity or casualness.
The audience was shocked by his flippant remarks about patriotism.
Posted Tue, 2007-03-20 11:25

JV271 (Aboveboard and Barefaced)

ABOVEBOARD = Without deceit or trickery; straightforward. Without concealment or deception;
honest; "their business was open and aboveboard" Originally a gambling term referring to the fact
that a gamblerwhose hands were above the board or gaming table could not engage intrickery,
such as changing cards, below the table.
BAREFACED = Without disguise; unconcealed. Undisguisedly bold; brazen.A barefaced lie, a
barefaced hypocrite.
Posted Sun, 2007-03-18 18:58

JV270 (Incorrigible and Deft)

INCORRIGIBLE = impossible to change, very difficult to correct or reform. Unruly and
unmanageable.
DEFT = quick and skillful, moving or acting in a quick, smooth and skillful way. Dexterous.
Posted Fri, 2007-03-16 06:24

JV269 (Stonewall and Obfuscate)

STONEWALL = refuse to cooperate, to create obstructions or refuse to cooperate, especially by
avoiding questions or providing desired information. Deliberately create delay.
OBFUSCATE = Make something obscure, make something unclear by making is unnecessarily
complicated. To make something harder to understand, especially intentionally.
Posted Thu, 2007-03-15 05:58

JV 268 (Inchoate and Ingenuous)

INCHOATE = 1. just beginning or developing, 2. imperfectly formed, only partly formed. I had
inchoate suspicions. Rudimentary, undeveloped, unformed.
INGENUOUS = Innocent and unworldly; showing innocence and a lack of worldly experience.
Seeming honest and unsuspecting. Free from reserve, disguise, or dissimulation.
Posted Wed, 2007-03-14 05:48

JV267 (Sycophant and Indubitable)

SYCOPHANT = A person who flatters someone in a servile way. One who uses compliments to
gain favor. a person who acts obsequiously toward someone in order to gain advantage.
INDUBITABLE = Obvious or definitely true, and not to be doubted, impossible to doubt,
unquestionable.
Posted Tue, 2007-03-13 07:07

JV266 (Recuse and Pesky)

RECUSE = disqualify somebody, to declare yourself to be disqualified to judge something or
participate in something because of possible bias or personal interest. The judge recused himself.
PESKY = Irritating, annoying, or troublesome. Those pesky kids from the neighbours, those pesky
weeds. PESKIER - PESKIEST
Posted Fri, 2007-03-09 18:24

JV265 (Acerbic and Bombast)

ACERBIC = Bitter or sharp in taste, tone or manner. Describes something that is spoken or written
in a way that is direct, sarcastic or cynical. Acerbic remark.
BOMBAST = high-sounding language with little meaning, used to impress people. Pompous
language, full o f long or pretentious words, boastful.
Posted Fri, 2007-03-09 08:19

JV264 (Recalcitrant and Quintessential)

RECALCITRANT = Having an obstinately uncooperative attitude toward authority or discipline.
Unwilling to do what you are asked or ordered to do, even if it is reasonable.
QUINTESSENTIAL = representing the most perfect or typical example o f a quality or class. The
most typical example or representative.
Posted Wed, 2007-03-07 06:33

JV263 (Coterie and Vet)

COTERIE = A small group o f people with shared interests or tastes, esp. one that is exclusive of
other people. An intimate and often exclusive group o f people with a unifying common interest or
purpose.
VET = Make a careful an critical examination o f something. To investigate someone thoroughly,
esp. in order to ensure that they are suitable for a job requiring secrecy, loyalty, or trustworthiness.
To check or investigate particularly with regard to providing formal approval.
Posted Tue, 2007-03-06 19:38

JV262 (Piquant and Retinue)

PIQUANT = 1. Spicy or salty, having a flavor, taste or smell that is spicy or salty. 2. Sharply
stimulating or provocative, refreshingly interesting, stimulating, or provocative.
RETINUE = A group of advisors, assistants, or others accompanying an important person. A group
o f followers, who travel with an important person. Entourage or escort.
Posted Tue, 2007-03-06 06:33

JV261 (Digress and Emulate)

DIGRESS = Leave the main subject temporarily in speech or in writing. Move o f central topic. To
move away from the central topic, to deviate or wander away from the main topic.
EMULATE = Match or surpass, typically by imitation. To copy something achieved by someone
else and try to do it as well as they have. TO strive to equal or excel, especially through imitation.
Posted Fri, 2007-03-02 05:39

JV260 (Cantankerous and Castigate)

CANTANKEROUS = Bad-tempered, argumentative, and uncooperative. Grouchy, easily angered
and difficult to work with. Awkward to use.
CASTIGATE = Reprimand someone severely, to criticize harshly and usually publicly. To inflict a
penalty on for a fault or crime.
Posted Thu, 2007-03-01 05:17

JV259 (Wobble and Belabor)

WOBBLE = 1. Move unsteadily from side to side. 2. Hesitate or waver between different courses
o f action; vacillate. Unable or unwilling to reach a decision.
BELABOR = 1. Argue or elaborate in excessive detail. Harp on something, to repeat or discuss
something unnecessarily. 2. Criticize harshly and usually publicly. To attack or assault someone
verbally.
Posted Wed, 2007-02-28 05:26

JV258 (Scour and Turmoil)

SCOUR = clean or brighten the surface o f something by rubbing it hard. OR thoroughly searching
in order to locate something.

TURMOIL = A state o f great disturbance, confusion, or uncertainty. Confused disturbance, a state

of great confusion, commotion or disturbance.

Posted Mon, 2007-02-26 06:36

JV257 (Petulant and Replete)

PETULANT = childishly sulky or bad-tempered, ill tempered or sulky in a peevish manner.

REPLETE = Filled or well-supplied with something, very full o f or sated by food. Amply or fully
equipped, completely or fully supplied with something.

Posted Mon, 2007-02-26 06:31

JV256 (Shun and Enshrine)

SHUN = persistenly avoid, ignore, or reject through caution. To avoid somebody or something
intentionally. To evade to get or keep away from through cleverness.
ENSHRINE = Preserve (a right, tradition, or idea) in a form that ensures it will be protected and
respected. Give special protection to something.

JV255 (Labile and Peruse)

LABILE = liable to change, easily altered. Tending to alter quickly and spontaneously. Unstable.

PERUSE = Read thoroughly, examine carefully, scrutinize.

JV254 (Fathom and Hubris)

FATHOM = 1. Understand a difficult problem after much thought. To understand something
usually something profound or mystifying. OR 2. To measure the depth of (water).
HUBRIS = excessive pride leading to nemesis. Excessive pride and ambition that usually leads to
downfall.

Posted Wed, 2007-02-21 06:25

JV253 (Effulgent and Prolific)

EFFULGENCE = The quality or state o f having or giving off light. Brightness or a brilliant light
radiating from something. O f a person or their expression -> Emanating joy or goodness.
PROLIFIC = Producing much fruit or many offspring. O f an artist, author, etc. : producing many
works. Marked by abundant productivity.
Posted Mon, 2007-02-19 06:20

JV252 (Abhor and Bane)

ABHOR = To regard with disgust and hatred. To disapprove or reject something very strongly. To
regard with extreme repugnance, detest utterly.
BANE = A cause o f great distress, or annoyance. Something that continually causes problems or
misery.
Posted Mon, 2007-02-19 06:15

JV251 (Convey and Chasm)

CONVEY = 1. Communicate or express something (an idea, impression or feeling). 2. Transfer or
transmit something along a wire, pipe, tube or other carrier. 3. Take somebody somewhere
CHASM = 1. A deep hole in the earth, a deep crack or hole in the ground. 2. A wide difference in
feelings, ideas or interests. 3. Gap or break in the progress or continuity o f something.
Posted Fri, 2007-02-16 06:31

JV250 (Euphoria and Inexorable)

EUPHORIA = A feeling or state of intense excitement and happiness. A feeling o f great joy or
confidence. Elation.
INEXORABLE = Impossible to stop or prevent. Or, o f a person, impossible to persuade or diverted
from a course. Adamant.
Posted Thu, 2007-02-15 06:25

JV249 (Backhanded and Convulsion)

BACKHANDED = 1 made with the back o f the hand facing in the direction of movement. 2
indirect, ambiguous or insincere. With a doubtful or double meaning (backhanded compliment)
CONVULSION = 1. a violent shaking o f the body or limbs caused by uncontrollable muscle
contractions, which can be a symptom of brain disorders and other conditions. 2. An extreme
disturbance or disruption. A violent or political upheaval. 3) Uncontrollable laughter.
Posted Wed, 2007-02-14 06:20

JV248 (Indelible and Accomplice)

INDELIBLE = not able to be forgotten or removed. Impossible to remove or alter. Permanent,
lasting, unfading.
ACCOMPLICE = a person who helps another commit a crime. One associated with another
especially in wrongdoing.
Posted Tue, 2007-02-13 06:17

JV247 (Spur and Iffy)

SPUR = 1) To urge (a horse) forward by digging one's spurs into its sides. 2) To give an incentive
or encouragement to someone. 3) To cause o f promote the development o f something. IFFY = Full
o f uncertainty, doubtful, something that is iffy is o f doubtful quality or legality. Uncertain or
unlikely to happen Undecided or unsure about something.
Posted Mon, 2007-02-12 06:06

JV246 (Awry and Exude)

AWRY = 1) Not in the proper position, but turned and twisted to one side. Out o f the normal
position; askew. 2) Away from the appropriate, planned, or expected course; amiss. Not in keeping
with plans or expectations.
EXUDE = 1) to discharge or release something such as a liquid or an odor. Produced from the
inside and spread out slowly. 2) To display an emotion, quality strongly and openly, to show a
particular quality clearly usually through general behavior and body language.
Posted Fri, 2007-01-26 06:36

JV245 (Bowdlerize and Succinct)

BOWDLERIZE = to remove indecent or offensive material from a text. To remove words or parts
o f a book, play or film that are considered to be unsuitable or offensive.
SUCCINCT = Briefly and clearly expressed. Clear and short. To the point, having characteristics of
both brevity and clarity.
Posted Thu, 2007-01-25 06:30

JV244 (Inertia and Erudite)

INERTIA = a tendency to do nothing or to remain unchanged. Apathy, inability or unwillingness to
move or act. IN PHYSICS: inertia is the force that causes something moving to tend to continue
moving, and that causes something not moving to tend to continue to move -> Resistance to
change.
He had to overcome his inertia and get back to work
ERUDITE = having or showing great knowledge or learning. Very knowledgeable through study.
Profound, recondite, or bookish learning. Educated. ANTONYM: Ignorant.
The erudite language makes the book hard to read.
Posted Wed, 2007-01-24 17:44

JV243 (Obscure and Impediment)

OBSCURE = 1. Not discovered or known. 2. Not clearly expressed or easily understood. 3) hard to
make out, indistinct. vague.
The law is too obscure to interpret correctly.
IMPEDIMENT = A hindrance or obstruction in doing something. TO impede means to slow down
or cause problems for the advancement or completion o f something. Also speech impediment; a
defect in a person's speech such as a lisp or stammer.
Posted Wed, 2007-01-24 07:36

JV242 (Anathema and Plausible)

ANATHEMA = something or someone that one vehemently dislikes, something which is greatly
disliked, or disapproved. OR one that is cursed or damned. Abomination, abhorrent.
PLAUSIBLE = Seeming reasonable or probable, superficially fair, reasonable, or valuable but
often specious, appearing worthy of belief. likely to be true or able to be believed. A PLAUSIBLE
LIAR; apparently, but often deceptively, worthy o f confidence or trust.
Posted Tue, 2007-01-23 05:22

JV241 (Inimical and Reticent)

INIMICAL = tending to obstruct or harm, unfriendly, hostile, being adverse often by reason of
hostility or malevolence. Unfavorable to something.
RETICENT = Not revealing one's thoughts or feelings readily, reluctant to draw attention to
yourself, cool and formal in manner. Unwilling to do something.
Posted Fri, 2007-01-19 06:22

JV240 (Punitive and Dogmatic)

PUNITIVE = Inflicting or intended as punishment, relating to, done as, or imposed as a
punishment. Any misbehavior was immediately met with a punitive response. ALSOof a tax, cost,
or other charge: extremely high. so high that they are difficult to pay. Related words = Harsh or
Disciplinary.
DOGMATIC = inclined to lay down principles as incontrovertibly true. To dogmatise means to
represent as an incontrovertible truth. Prone to expressing strongly held believes and opinions.
Posted Thu, 2007-01-18 06:05

JV239 (Rigidity and Consecrate)

RIGIDITY = Unable to bend or be forced out o f shape. Not Flexible. FIG: not able to be changed,
not adaptable in outlook, belief or response. The state o f being demanding (as in discipline).
CONSECRATE = Make or declare sacred or holy, dedicate formally to a religious or divine
purpose. To devote or dedicate something to a particular purpose.
Posted Thu, 2007-01-18 05:47

JV238 (Mesmerize and Expeditious)

MESMERIZE = hold the attention of someone to the exclusion o f all else. To absorb somebody's
attention, to fascinate somebody, capture the whole attention.
EXPEDITIOUS = speedy, or carried out promptly and efficiently, having or showing the ability to
respond without delay or hesitation. To cause to be done more quickly.
Posted Tue, 2007-01-16 06:38

JV237 (Perpetual and Disparage)

PERPETUAL = 1. lasting forever: lasting for all time; 2. lasting indefinitely: lasting for an
indefinitely long time; 3. occurring repeatedly: occurring over and over; 4. botany blooming
throughout season: describes flowers or flowering plants that bloom throughout the season.
DISPARAGE = criticize: to refer disapprovingly or contemptuously to somebody or something,
regard or represent as being o f little worth.
Posted Mon, 2007-01-15 07:38

JV236 (Susceptible and Prolix)

SUSCEPTIBLE = 1. Easily affected or influenced. Liable to being affected by something. 2.
Emotional; easily affected emotionally. 3. Capable or permitting o f something (formal).
PROLIX = tediously prolonged or tending to speak or write at great length. Marked by or using an
excess of words.
Posted Fri, 2007-01-12 07:02

JV235 (Modicum and Gaffe)

MODICUM = a small quantity o f a particular thing, esp. something considered desirable or
valuable. A small portion, a limited quantity, a small amount o f something good such as truth or
honesty.
GAFFE = an unintentional act or remark causing embarrassment to its originator, a blunder, a
social mistake.
Posted Thu, 2007-01-11 05:39

JV234 (Deleterious and Vacillate)

DELETERIOUS = Causing harm or damage, having a harmful effect on somebody or something.
Harmful in a subtle or unexpected way.
VACILLATE = alternate or waver between different opinions or actions; be indecisive : I had for a
time vacillated between teaching and journalism.

Posted Wed, 2007-01-10 10:14

JV233 (Loquacious and Ignoramus)

LOQUACIOUS = Given to fluent or excessive talk, tending to talk much or freely. It describes
someone who talks a lot or is full o f trivial conversation.
IGNORAMUS = An offensive term that deliberately insults somebody's level o f intelligence or
education. A person who knows nothing. A totally ignorant person.

Posted Tue, 2007-01-09 22:36

JV232 (Disparity and Adversity)

DISPARITY = a great difference, a lack o f equality between people or things. Unlikeness,
dissimilarity or incongruity.
ADVERSITY = a difficult or unlucky situation or event. Misfortune, hardship. Adversity applies to
a state o f grave or persistent misfortune.
Posted Tue, 2007-01-09 08:56

JV231 (Inexticable and Aplomb)

INEXTRICABLE = So intricate or entangled as to make escape impossible. impossible to get free
from, impossible to escape from. ALSO extremely complex, hopelessly involved or complex.
APLOMB = self-confidence or assurance, esp. when in a demanding situation. Great coolness and
composure under strain. Confidence, skill and poise, especially in difficult or challenging
circumstances.
Posted Tue, 2007-01-09 08:46

JV230 (Atone and Discern)

ATONE = reparation for a wrong or injury, expiation for sin. Make up for misdeed, to do
something that shows that you are sorry for something bad you did.
DISCERN = Perceive or recognize, distinguish with difficulty by sight or with the other senses. See
or notice something unclear.
Posted Tue, 2006-12-19 05:50

JV229 (Hokey and Attrition)

HOKEY = mawkishly sentimental. Obviously contrived or clearly not genuine. Corny, too
emotional or artificial and therefore difficult to believe.
ATTRITION = The action or process o f gradually reducing the strength or effectiveness of
someone or something through sustained attack or pressure. Loss o f personnel; the reduction o f the
size of a work force that occurs when personnel lost through retirement or resignation are not
replaced.
Posted Fri, 2006-12-15 10:53

JV228 (Dilapidate and Tizzy)

DILAPIDATE = to fall into disrepair or ruin. To become partly ruined, or decayed, especially
through neglect.
TIZZY = a state of nervous excitement or agitation, a highly excited and distracted state of mind.
Posted Fri, 2006-12-15 08:38

JV227 (Shrill and Commence)

SHRILL = high-pitched and sharp; having a loud and high sound that is unpleasant or painful to
listen to.
Can also describe a way of arguing or criticizing that seems too forceful.
COMMENCE = to begin happening, to begin, to start.
Posted Thu, 2006-12-14 08:00

JV226 (Effusive and Habitue)

EFFUSIVE = expressing feelings o f gratitude, pleasure, or approval in an unrestrained or heartfelt
manner. Unrestrained in expressing feelings; giving or involving an extravagant and sometimes
excessive expression of feelings in speech or writing.
HABITUA = one who may be regularly found in or at a place o f entertainment. Frequent visitor of
a place.
Posted Wed, 2006-12-13 06:40

JV225 (Factitious and Reconcile)

FACTITIOUS = False or artificial, produced by humans rather than by natural forces. Contrived
and insincere rather than genuine.
RECONCILE = 1) Restore friendly relations, to reunite, 2) To coexist in harmony, make or show to
be compatible.
3) Make someone accept a disagreeable or unwelcome thing.
Posted Wed, 2006-12-13 06:35

JV224 (Boon and Epitomize)

Posted Fri, 2006-12-08 07:01

JV223 (Mawkish and Pedantic)

MAWKISH = Sentimental in a feeble way or sickly way, mawkish carries sentimentality a step
further, implying emotion so excessive that it provokes loathing or disgust.
PEDANTIC = giving too much attention to formal rules or small details. Caring too much about
unimportant rules. Making a show o f your knowledge.
Posted Wed, 2006-12-06 06:04

JV222 (Jaunty and Jumble)

JAUNTY = having or expressing a lively, cheerful and self-confident manner. Carefree, happy and
confident, having much high spirited energy and movement.
JUMBLE = an untidy collection or pile o f things. Mix up in a confused or untidy way. A state in
which everything is out of order.
Posted Tue, 2006-12-05 07:04

JV221 (Brassy and Encroach)

BRASSY = 1) Impudently bold, having complete confidence in yourself, sometimes in a way that
shows lack o f respect. 2) (of a person, typically a woman) tastelessly showy or loud in appearance
or manner : her brassy, audacious exterior.
ENCROACH = advance gradually and in a way that causes damage, intrude on (a person's territory
or a thing considered to be a right.
Posted Fri, 2006-12-01 13:35

JV220 (Ration and Forte)

RATION = Allow someone to have only a fixed amount o f a particular commodity. To limit the
amount o f a particular thing that someone is allowed to have.
FORTE = A thing at which someone excels, something that a person can do well, a strong ability.
Strength, specialty.
Posted Fri, 2006-12-01 13:31

JV219 (Venerate and Substantiate)

VENERATE = To regard with great respect. To honor or greatly respect. To regard highly, revere.
SUBSTANTIATE = 1) Represent in bodily form, 2) To make real or concrete, give reality or
substance to 3) Provide evidence to support or prove the truth of.
Posted Fri, 2006-12-01 13:28

JV218 (Outwit and Vacuous)

OUTWIT = To deceive or defeat by greater ingenuity. To obtain an advantage over someone by
acting more cleverly and often by using trick. Outsmart somebody
VACUOUS = Having or showing lack o f thought or intelligence, mindless, not showing purpose,
meaning or intelligence. Not expressing or showing intelligent thought.
Posted Tue, 2006-11-28 14:54

JV217 (Measly and Offbeat)

MEASLY = Contemptibly few or contemptibly small in amount. Very little and pointless,
Ridiculously or disappointingly small or inadequate.
OFFBEAT = Unconventional, unusual, and strange not conforming to an ordinary type, differing
from the usual or expected
Posted Tue, 2006-11-28 06:15

JV215 (Scowl and Quandary)

SCOWL = An angry or bad-tempered expression, frown in an angry way. To make a facial
expression that shows anger, displeasure or menace.
QUANDARY = a stated o f perplexity or uncertainty over what to do in a difficult situation.
Practical dilemma.
Posted Mon, 2006-11-27 07:23

JV215 (Extenuate and Gullible)

EXTENUATE = to cause a wrong act to be judged less seriously by giving reasons for it. To make
a mistake or wrongdoing seem less serious than it first appeared.
GULLIBLE = Easily persuaded to believe something, credulous, easily deceived or tricked and too
willing to believe everything that other people say.
Posted Mon, 2006-11-27 07:16

JV214 (Dubious and Detest)

DUBIOUS = not sure about an outcome or conclusion. Likely to be dishonest, untrustworthy or
morally worrisome. O f uncertain quality, intention or appropriateness.
DETEST = Used to describe extreme dislike or hatred. Detest is the purest expression of hatred. To
hate something very much.
Posted Fri, 2006-11-24 13:52

JV213 (Abstinence and Condone)

ABSTINENCE = implies voluntary self-denial and is usually associated with the non-indulgence of
an appetite. Refrain oneself from doing or enjoying something.
CONDONE = Accept and allow behavior that is considered morally wrong or offensive to
continue. Be willing to overlook, to regards something bad or blameworthy as acceptable,
forgivable or harmless.
Posted Thu, 2006-11-23 07:50

JV212 (Dismal and Relinquish)

DISMAL = Depressing, dreary, hopeless, gloomy, pitifully and disgracefully bad.
RELINQUISH = implies anything from simply releasing one's grasp to giving up control or
possession reluctantly. To unwillingly stop holding or keeping something.
Posted Wed, 2006-11-22 07:20

JV211 (Hem and Conjecture)

HEM = Surround ad restrict the space or movement o f something or someone. PHRASE Hem and
Haw: HEM AND HAW means to hesitate, to be indecisive.
CONJECTURE = Form an opinion or supposition about something on the basis of incomplete
information. To guess, based on the appearance of a situation an not on proof.
Posted Mon, 2006-11-20 17:01

JV210 (Reign and Rebuke)

REIGN = Hold royal office, to rule as king or queen. OR To hold a particular title (Italy is the
reigning world champion)
REBUKE = Express sharp disapproval or criticism, to speak angrily to someone because because
you disapprove o f what they have said or done.
Posted Mon, 2006-11-20 16:56

JV209 (Haughty and Interdict)

HAUGHTY = arrogantly superior and disdainful, behaving in a superior, condescending or
arrogant way. Blatantly proud.
INTERDICT = 1) Prohibit or forbid something 2)Intercept the movement o f a prohibited
commodity or person.
Posted Thu, 2006-11-16 07:21

JV208 (Circumscribe and Backlash)

CIRCUMSCRIBE = to draw a line around something to mark its limits our boundary. Circumscribe
suggests that something is hemmed in on all sides. Also, it means, to limit the power o f something
or somebody to act independently.
BACKLASH = A strong and adverse reaction by a large number o f people esp. to a social or
political development.
Posted Tue, 2006-11-14 09:11

JV207 (Tinker and Linger)

TINKER = Attempt to repair or improve something in a casual way, often to no useful effect. To
spend time doing small jobs or making small changes to things, usually trying to fix or repair them.
LINGER = 1) To take a long time to leave or disappear. Linger over means to be slow to disappear
or die. 2) To stay in a place longer than necessary, typically because o f a reluctance to leave.
Posted Mon, 2006-11-13 09:06

JV206 (Loath and Culmination)

LOATH = be loath to do something means to be unwilling to do something. Having doubts about
the wisdom o f doing something. Unwilling or reluctant to do something.
CULMINATE = to reach a climax or point o f highest development. To have as a result or be the
final result o f (a process).
Posted Fri, 2006-11-10 06:46

JV205 (Covert and Infringe)

COVERT = not openly acknowledged or displayed. Undertaken or done so as to escape being
observed or known by others, not openly shown.
INFRINGE = Actively break the term o f (a law or agreement). To disobey or disregard something.
To fail to obey. Or take away some o f someones freedom or rights.
Posted Fri, 2006-11-10 05:45

JV204 (Overt and Construe)

OVERT = done or shown openly, unconcealed, in an obvious way,open and apparent.
CONSTRUE = to understand the meaning o f something in a particular way. To interpret something
in a particular way.
Posted Thu, 2006-11-09 06:55

JV203 (Conducive and Snag)

CONDUCIVE = Make a certain situation or outcome likely or possible. Helping something to
happen. Tending to bring about an intended result. Favorable, beneficial to...
SNAG = 1) An unexpected or hidden obstacle or drawback. A problem difficulty or disadvantage.
AS A VERB = to cause problems or difficulties for someone or something. 2) To catch or tear
something on a projection. 3) To pick up something.
Posted Wed, 2006-11-08 06:43

JV202 (Contentious and Demarcate)

CONTENTIOUS = Causing or likely to cause an argument. The disagreement that results from
opposing arguments. Marked by heated arguments or controversy. Causing or likely to cause
disagreement.
DEMARCATE = Set the boundaries or limits o f something. To state in a clear way where
something begins and ends.
Posted Wed, 2006-11-08 06:36

JV201 (Rogue and Squander)

ROGUE = somebody dishonest, a person, organization, or country that does not behave in the usual
or acceptable way. A naughty child also.
SQUANDER = to spend or use money or supplies in a wasteful way, or to waste opportunities by
not using them to your advantage.
Posted Mon, 2006-11-06 08:52

JV200 (Siphon and Rebut)

SIPHON = to dishonestly take money from an organization or other supply, and use it for a purpose
for which it was not intended. To remove liquid from a container using a tube.
REBUT = to argue that a statement is not true. A rebuttal is a claim that something is false or
incorrect.
Posted Fri, 2006-11-03 06:43

JV199 (Stymie and Fluster)

STYMIE = To prevent the hinder or progress of something. To prevent something from happening
or someone from achieving a purpose.
FLUSTER = to become nervous or agitated. Behave in an agitated, confused manner.
Posted Thu, 2006-11-02 06:06

JV198 (Fluke and Fringe)

FLUKE = something good that has happened that is the result o f chance instead o f skill or
planning. Accidental success; something surprising or unexpected that happens by accident.
FRINGE = 1) be fringed with sth means that smt forms a border along the edge. 2) The fringe; the
unconventional, extreme or marginal wing o f a group or sphere o f activity (rap music is no longer
something on the fringe). 3) Not part of the mainstream, unconventional or extreme; fringe theater.
Posted Wed, 2006-11-01 05:43

JV197 (Rudimentary and Ulterior)

RUDIMENTARY = only basic, existing at an elementary level. Not deep or detailed.
ULTERIOR = A secret purpose or reason for doing something. Going beyond what is openly said
or shown and especially what is proper.
Posted Tue, 2006-10-31 07:50

JV196 (Flunky and Condescend)

FLUNKY = A person who performs relatively menial tasks for someone else, esp. obsequiously. A
person who does unimportant work or who has few or no important responsibilities and shows too
much respect toward their employer.
CONDESCEND = Do something in a patronizing way, as it is below one's dignity or level o f
importance.
Posted Fri, 2006-10-27 06:55

JV195 (Ominous and Ruse)

OMINOUS = Suggesting something unpleasant will happen. Threatening and implying an
impending disaster.
RUSE = A trick intended to deceive someone. A clever plot ot deceive others. A deceptive
maneuver.
Posted Fri, 2006-10-27 06:42

JV194 (Volition and Saunter)

VOLITION = The power to make your own decisions ; the faculty or power o f using one's will.
Ability to choose : leave o f her own volition
SAUNTER = To walk in a slow and relaxed way, often in no particular direction. To walk at an
easy unhurried pace.
Posted Wed, 2006-10-25 06:22

JV193 (Bolt and Shrug)

BOLT = Devour food hurriedly. Something completely unexpected that surprises you very much
(Bolt from the blue). Shot one's bolt means to use all your energy trying something, so that you do
not have enough energy left to finish it. Make a bolt, means, make a run for, a sprint. Bolt upright
means straight, rigidly, stiffly.
SHRUG = Shrug off means disregard, dismiss, take no notice of, ignore. Act like it is unimportant
or not a problem, or that you don't know.
Posted Tue, 2006-10-24 09:01

JV192 (Smother and Jolt)

SMOTHER = 1) to suffocate, or extinguish. 2) To cover the whole surface with a large amount of
something. To smear, cover, daub. 3) Overwhelm with affection.
JOLT = To push, bump shake. To shake suddenly and violently. To startle somebody into reality.
Bump up and down.
Posted Tue, 2006-10-24 08:46

JV191 (Rift and Rapt)

RIFT = a crack, split, or break in something. A deep rift in the ice (crack, split, gap) or a rift
between two friends.
RAPT = Filled with an intense an pleasurable emotion ; completely fascinated by what one is
seeing or hearing. Fully absorbed. Receiving someone's full interest.
Posted Mon, 2006-10-23 06:05

JV190 (Covet and Low Ball)

COVET = To desire something strongly, especially something which belongs to someone else. To
wish for with eagerness.
LOW BALL = Make a deliberately low estimate. To give a markedly or unfairly low offer.
Posted Fri, 2006-10-20 06:31

JV189 (Malady and Vice)

MALADY = Illness, a physical or psychological disorder or disease. OR a problem within a system
or organization.
VICE = Immoral or wicked behavior | Criminal activities involving prostitution or drugs. OR a
weakness of character or behavior.
Posted Thu, 2006-10-19 06:26

JV188 (Luscious and Prone)

LUSCIOUS = Having a pleasant sweet taste, or containing a lot o f juice. Luscious can also mean
pleasing to see, hear or feel. A luscious blonde is very sexually attractive. Luscious landscapes are
very attrive and green.
PRONE = Prone to means likely to, or liable to suffer from, do or experience something.
Posted Wed, 2006-10-18 08:30

JV187 (Pit and Derail)

PIT = To put someone or something in competition with someone or something else. (Pit against)
DERAIL = To accidentally leave the tracks, to cause to leave its tracks (train) OR to obstruct,
frustrate by diverting it from its intended course.
Posted Tue, 2006-10-17 06:51

JV186 (Apprehend and Gregarious)

APPREHEND = Understand something, to grasp the importance, significance, or meaning of
something. OR To arrest, to capture, to seize.
GREGARIOUS = Seeking and enjoying the company o f others, fond o f company.
Posted Sat, 2006-10-07 09:16

JV185 (Astute and Decay)

ASTUTE = Clever and quick to see how to take advantage o f a situation. Clever and perceptive,
shrewd and discerning. Good at making accurate judgements.
DECAY = To decline in quality gradually and steadily. Become rotten; to decompose and become
soft. Fall into disrepair; deteriorate. Decline in quality, power or vigor.
Posted Fri, 2006-10-06 06:05

JV184 (Privy and Reprieve)

PRIVY = be privy to sth; to be told information that is not told to many people. Sharing in the
knowledge o f something secret or private. Sharing secret knowledge, sharing knowledge or
something secret or private.
REPRIEVE = Stop or postpone somebody's punishment; to halt or delay the punishment of
somebody. OR to provide somebody with temporary relief from something harmful, especially
danger or pain.
Posted Fri, 2006-10-06 06:00

JV183 (Thwart and Pursuit)

THWART = to oppose and defeat the efforts, plans or ambitions. To prevent the occurence or
realization of something. Frustrate something.
PURSUIT = Act o f striving for something, the effort made to try to achieve o f obtain something
over a period o f time. ALSO... A hobby, a leisure activity. AND the act o f following or searching
for someone or something in order to catch them. IN HOT PURSUIT chasing after something.
Posted Wed, 2006-10-04 06:01

JV182 (Trivialize and Duress)

TRIVIALIZE = To make something seem less important than it really is. To reduce the importance
or value o f something, to treat something as, or make it apear, less serious, important or valuable
than it really is.
DURESS = Forcible restraint or compulsion by threat. Violence use to coerce a person into doing
something. The use o f force or threats to make somebody do something.
Posted Wed, 2006-10-04 05:54

JV181 (Improvident and Incumbent)

IMPROVIDENT = spending money in a way that is not sensible, and/or not planning carefully for
the future; lacking care for the future.
unconcerned about future needs: failing to put money aside or give any thought to the future
without foresight: not sensible, cautious, or wise
INCUMBENT = obligatory: necessary as a result of a duty, responsibility, or obligation forcing
one's compliance or participation by or as if by law
OR
The incumbent president faces problems which began many years before he took office. Currently
holding a specified office: the incumbent mayor. NOUN / A person who holds an office or
ecclesiastical benefice: The incumbent was reelected to another term.
Posted Sun, 2006-10-01 09:47

JV180 (Succumb and Profligate)

SUCCUMB = to die or suffer badly from an illness:to lose the determination to oppose something,
or to give up and accept something that you first opposed; "give in: to be unable to resist or oppode
somethingdie from something: to die from an illness or injury"
PROFLIGATE = wasteful: extremely extravagant or wasteful OR with low morals: having or
showing extremely low moral standards
Profligate spending = given to spending money freely or foolishly
Posted Sun, 2006-10-01 09:43

JV179 (Intricate and Mishap)

INTRICATE = Having many complexly arranged elements; Solvable or comprehensible only with
painstaking effort. Complex.
MISHAP = an accident or unlucky event, problem, unfortunate circumstance, bad luck.
Posted Fri, 2006-09-29 06:26

JV178 (Jocular and Perks)

JOCULAR = amusing or intended to cause amusement. Describes someone who is happy and likes
to make jokes.
PERK = To become or cause someone to become happier, more energetic or active. To gain in
vigor or cheerfulness after a period o f weakness or depression. OR an advantage, or benefit (such
as money or goods).
Posted Thu, 2006-09-28 12:48

JV177 (Fervor and Elongate)

FERVOR = describes beliefs that are strongly and sincerely felt. An intense heated emotion,
passion, ardor, extremely passionate.
ELONGATE = to become or make something become longer and often thinner. Make longer,
extend, lengthen, draw out.

Posted Wed, 2006-09-27 06:08

JV176 (Peccadillo and Euphemism)

PECCADILLO = A minor sin, a slight offense, a small fault.
EUPHEMISM = the substitution o f an agreeable or inoffensive expression for one that may offend
or suggest something unpleasant; also : the expression so substituted.
Posted Tue, 2006-09-26 06:53

JV175 (Famished and Hurly-Burly)

FAMISHED = cause to suffer severely from hunger; to cause to starve to death; to suffer for lack of
something necessary
HURLY-BURLY = a state of noisy, confused activity
Posted Mon, 2006-09-25 07:18

JV 174 (Upbraid and Morose)

UPBRAID = To forcefully or angrily tell someone they should not have done a particular thing and
criticize them for having done it.
MOROSE = Unhappy or annoyed and unwilling to speak, smile, or be pleasant to people.
Posted Thu, 2006-09-21 09:29

JV173 ( Impervious and Hyperbole)

IMPERVIOUS = Not able to be influenced, hurt, affected, or damaged. OR not allowing liquid to
go through.
HYPERBOLE = a way o f speaking / writing that makes someone or something sound much bigger,
better, smaller, worse, more unusual, then they are.

Posted Thu, 2006-09-21 09:25

JV172 (Misnomer and Palpable)

MISNOMER = a misapplied or inappropriate name or designation.
PALPABLE = So obvious that is can easily be seen or known, or so strong that it seems as if ti can
be touched or physically felt.
Posted Tue, 2006-09-19 09:29

JV171 (Dispel and Sedentary)

DISPEL = To remove fears, doubts, false ideas, force to go away, both concrete and
methaphorically.
SEDENTARY = Involving little exercise, characterized by or requiring a sitting posture, not
physically active.
Posted Sun, 2006-09-17 09:11

JV170 ( Scurrilous & Opaque)

SCURRILOUS = Expressing unfair or false critism, which is likely to damage someone's
reputation, vulgar verbal abuse, rude and cruel.
OPAQUE = Something that is dificult to understand, OR not transparent.
Posted Fri, 2006-09-15 13:39

JV169 (Abstruse & Abject)

ABSTRUSE = Difficult to penetrate, difficult to understand or comprehend
ABJECT = Showing no pride or respect for yourself; Sunk to a low condition, down in spirit or
hope; degraded, servile, groveling; despicable.
Posted Thu, 2006-09-14 06:34

JV168 (Braggadocio and Congruent)

BRAGGADOCIO = Boastful or arrogant behaviour. Overblown, empty boasting and swaggering
self-aggrandizement.
CONGRUENT = In agreement; corresponding to or consistent with each other or with something
else.
Posted Wed, 2006-09-13 14:13

JV167 (Pellucid & Refute)

PELLUCID = Transparent, allowing all or most light to pass through. OR: easy to understand, clear
in meaning.
REFUTE = Prove (a statement or theory) to be wrong, or false; disprove.
Posted Tue, 2006-09-12 06:55

JV166 (Vindicate and Largesse)

VINDICATE= Show to be right by providing justification or proof. Clear o f accusation, blame,
suspicion, or doubt with supporting proof.
LARGESSE = Willingness to give money or money given to poor people by rich people. The
generous giving o f gifts, money, or favors.
Posted Mon, 2006-09-11 07:14

JV165 (Abeyance and Encumber)

Abeyance = SUspension o f activity, temporarily suspended or not used.
Encumber = hinder somebody or something: to hamper or impede somebody or something.
Posted Thu, 2006-09-07 06:53

JV164 (Abeyance and Encumber)

Abeyance = suspension of activity, temporary inactivity or non operation, temporarily suspended.
Encumber = hinder somebody or something. To hamper or impede somebody or something, load
down, to burden.
Posted Wed, 2006-09-06 09:29

JV163 (Broach and Quagmire)

Broach = to bring up a difficult subject, OR to open a bottle or barrel.
Quagmire = a complex or difficult situation, an awkward, complicated, or dangerous situation.
Posted Tue, 2006-09-05 05:44

JV162 (Saturate and Suffice)

Suffice = be sufficient, be adequate, be enough or meet the needs of.
Sature = to soak something with liquid, to fill something with so many people or things that no
more can be added. Supply a market beyond the point at which the demand for a product is
satisfied.
Posted Mon, 2006-09-04 05:50

JV161 (W astrel and Flagrant

Wastrel = one who expends resources foolishly and self-indulgently
Flagrant = conspicuously offensive (flagrant errors); especially : so obviously inconsistent with
what is right or proper as to appear to be a flouting o f law or morality (flagrant violations o f human
rights)
Posted Sat, 2006-09-02 15:52

JV160 (Mangy and Valiant)

Mangy = in poor condition, showing signs o f wear and tear and neglect.
Valiant = Brave or determined; done courageously. Acting with bravery or boldness.
Posted Thu, 2006-08-31 05:41

JV159 (Double Whammy and Blatant)

Double Whammy = A twofold blow or setback, an unfortunate occurrence which happens in two
stages or is made up o f two clearly defined negative elements or event.
Blatant = Completely obvious conspicuous, or obtrusive.
Posted Wed, 2006-08-30 05:39

JV158 (White Elephant & Raunchy)

White Elephant = A possession that is useless or troublesome, esp. one that is expensive to
maintain or difficult to dispose of.
Raunchy = Sexually explicit or suggestive in an earthy or vulgar way OR Messy; lacking
cleanliness or neatness.
Posted Tue, 2006-08-29 05:55

JV157 (Red Herring and Maraud)

Red Herring = something, especially a cluse, that is intended to be midleading or distracting.
Something ot distract attention from the main issue; misleading clue or false trail.
Maraud = Roam in search of think to steal or people to attack, to roam about and raid in search of
plunder.
Posted Mon, 2006-08-28 06:17

JV156 (Mitigate and Pall)

Mitigate = Lessen the gravity o f (an offense or mistake), make less severe, serious, or painful.
Pall = Become less appealing or interesting through familiarity. OR it can mean: spoil, overshadow,
put a damper on.
After an evening with Mark,.his humor began to pall on Betty
Frank's joy o f being a landlord began to pall after spending most o f his time fixing things in the
house.
After a fight with Phil, Lisa decided to stay with her parents for the weekend. Her departure cast a
pall over the weekend.When Mark was around the age o f 15, he wanted to mitigate misery in the
world.
Everybody in the Just Vocabulary Villa was shocked when they found out about Frank's criminal
past. Frank said in mitigation: 'I am terribly sorry but, I was very young at the time.
Lisa went out with Frank, while she is engaged with Phil. Are there any mitigating circumstances
which might help explain her appalling behaviour asked Phil himself.
Posted Fri, 2006-08-25 05:30

JV155 (Farce and Fawn)

Farce = an absurd situation in which everything goes wrong or becomes a sham.
Fawn = give a servile display o f exaggerated flattery or affection, typically in order to gain favor or
advantage.
Posted Thu, 2006-08-24 05:56

JV154 (Bellicose and Judicious)

Bellicose = Ready or inclined to quarrel, fight, or go to war. Belligerent, battleful, combative.
Judicious = Marked by the exercise o f good judgment or common sense in practical matters,
characterized by good judgment or sound thinking.
Posted Wed, 2006-08-23 06:43

JV153 (Perennial and Portend)

Portend = to indicate or signify. Be a sign or warning o f something.
Perennial = active throughout hte year or living for many years. Recurring, or contantly recurring.
Lasting for an indefinite time.

Posted Tue, 2006-08-22 05:46

JV152 (Dichotomy and Scapegoat)

Dichotomy = A division or contrast between two tings that are or are represented as being opposed
or entirely different.
Scapegoat = A person who is blamed for wrongdoings, mistakes, or faults o f others.
Posted Mon, 2006-08-21 06:04

JV151 (Bungle and Leery)

Bungle = to act or work clumpsily and awkwardly, to do something wroing in a careless o f stupid
way.
Leery = Suspicious, cautious or wary, not trusting o f someone or something and tending to avoid
them if possible.
Posted Fri, 2006-08-18 06:21

JV150 (Entice and Sturdy)

Entice = provoke someone to do something through promises or persuasion.
Sturdy = well made, strongly build. resolute.
Posted Thu, 2006-08-17 06:19

JV149 (Resilient and Commiserating)

Resilient = recovering quickly from setbacks. Or Elastic: able to spring back into shape after being
bent, stretched, or squashed.
Commiserating = To feel or express sympathy for someone's suffering, unhappiness or bad luck.

Posted Wed, 2006-08-16 06:15

JV148 (Ghastly and Sectarian)

Ghastly = unpleasant, very bad, frightening, shocking. Listen to the podcast to get the whole
explanation.
Sectarian = not broad o f open in views or opinions OR relating to, or characteristic o f a sect.
Posted Tue, 2006-08-15 05:47

JV147 (Wanting and Last-Ditch)

Wanting = Unsatisfactory, not meeting expectations o f requirements. Absent; not provided, lacking
deprived of, in need o f and deficient.
Last-Ditch = final, done or taken when all other option have been exhausted. A final attempt before
quitting, often desperate.
Posted Tue, 2006-08-15 05:43

JV146 (Corroborate and Inveigh)

Corroborate = confirm, to give or represent evidence o f the truth o f something. To support with
evidence: make more certain.
Inveigh (against) = To declaim or rail. To utter censorious and bitter language; to attack with harsh
criticism.
Posted Fri, 2006-08-11 07:11

JV145 (Exonerate and Hone)

Exonerate = Free somebody from blame, guilt or an obligation.
Hone = Improve something with refinements, to bring something to a state o f increased intensity,
excellence or completion. Or to sharpen blade on whetstone, to hone (an object) is to make it
sharper (To hone scissors).
Posted Thu, 2006-08-10 07:07

JV144 (Invigorate and Hurtle)

Invigorate = fill with energy or life. To make someone stronger, healthier and more energetic.
Hurtle = Move at great spead, often in a wildly uncontrolled manner. To more rapidly, violently or
without control.
Posted Wed, 2006-08-09 06:42

JV143 (Elucidate and Earsplitting)

Elucidate = explain or clarify something. To make lucid especially by explanation or analysis.
Earsplitting = Distressingly loud or shrill, describes a sound that is so loud that it hurts your ears.

Posted Tue, 2006-08-08 06:34

JV142 (Bolster and Consolidate)

Bolster = encourage something through support, to give a boost to.
Consolidate = to become stronger and more certain, more solid. Group together or join.
Posted Mon, 2006-08-07 06:24

JV141 (Protagonist and Possum)

Protagonist = An advocate or champion or a cause. An important supporter o f an idea or political
system. A leading person.
Play Possum = To pretend to be dead or sleeping so that someone will not annoy or attack you.
Posted Fri, 2006-08-04 06:14

JV140 (Short-change and Antagonist)

Short-change = Getting less than you expect, to give someone less change than is due in a
transaction. To treat unfairly.
Antagonist = A person who is strongly opposed to something or someone.
Posted Fri, 2006-08-04 06:11

JV139 (Coy and Pontifical)

Coy = showing marked and often playfull or irritating evasiveness or reluctance to make a definite
or committing statement. Pretending shyness or modesty.
Pontifical = Pompously dogmatic or self-important; pretentious. OR
Having the dignity or authority o f a pope / bishop.
Posted Thu, 2006-08-03 07:19

JV138 (Partisan and Ploy)

Partisan = Biased supporter (noun), having the character o f blind, passionate, or unreasonable
adherence to a party.
Ploy = Deceptive tactic, intended to embarrass or frustrate an opponent. A cunning manoeuvre to
gain advantage.
Posted Thu, 2006-08-03 07:16

JV137 (Gauntlet and Ballooning)

Gauntlet = an open challenge (as to combat) -- used in phrases like throw down the gauntlet
More info? Listen to the podcast.
Ballooning = to swell or puff out; to increase rapidly (ballooning prices)
Example sentences and complete explanation? Listen to the podcast.
Posted Mon, 2006-07-31 10:07

JV136 (Sardonic and Innocuous)

Sardonic = Disdainfully or cynically mocking, showing a lack o f respect in a humorous but unkind
way, often because you think that you are important to consider or discuss a matter.
Innocuous = Unlikely to offend, not intented to harm, harmless.
Posted Fri, 2006-07-28 06:09

JV135 (Pester and Amid)

Pester = to be a contant source o f annoyance to somebody, by harassing him or her with demands.
Trouble somebody with persistent requests, interruption or petty questions.
Amid = Within or among AND While something is happening.
Two easy words to add to your vocabulary. Just Vocabulary is always open for suggestions, email
your word via our website (www.justvocabulary.com).
Posted Thu, 2006-07-27 06:20

JV134 (Flummox and Assiduous)

Flummox = To confuse; perple, bewilder, puzzle.
Assiduous = Constant in application or attention; diligent: an assiduous worker who strove for
perfection.
Unceasing; persistent: assiduous research.

Posted Thu, 2006-07-27 05:56

JV133 (Garrulous and Jinx)

Garrulous = talking too much, excessively or pointlessly talkative. Wordy, using many or too many
words.
Jinx = Cause o f misfortune, an unseen force, a person or something such as a curse that is thought
to bring bad luck. The state or spell o f bad luck brought on by a jinx.
Posted Tue, 2006-07-25 09:28

JV132 (Bland and Newfangled)

Bland = Insipid, lacking flavour, character or interest. Unemotional or free from anything
annoying.
Newfangled = Puzzingly new, worryingly new or different, contemptibly modern, unfamiliar or
different.
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Posted Tue, 2006-07-25 07:02

JV131 (Circumlocution and Heckle)

Circumlocution = The use o f many words where fewer would do, especially deliberate attempt to
be vaque or evasive.
Heckle = Interrupt with aggressive comments, to harrass and annoy with questions, challenges, or
gibes.
Posted Mon, 2006-07-24 09:26

JV130 (Concur and Acumen)

Concur = to have the same opinion as somebody else, or reach agreement independently on a
specific point.
OR concur means coincide, to happen at the same time.
Acumen = the ability to make quick accurate judgments about people, keennees, discernment. Skill
in making correct decisions and judgments in a particular subject.
Posted Mon, 2006-07-24 09:20

JV129 (Bemuse and Gleam)

Bemuse = engross somebody, to absorb the attention o f somebody.
Bewilder, to cause somebody to be confused o f puzzled especially regarding emotional matters.
Gleam = A brief and often reflected light, steady shining or glowing OR a brief show o f some
quality or annotation, a gleam of hope in a nasty situation.
This is the Just Vocabulary podcast, add some GRE words to your vocabulary!

Posted Mon, 2006-07-24 09:04

JV128 (Accoutrements and Ensconce)

Accoutrement = often used in plural. Items needed for the performance o f a task or activity.
Something that is not necessary in itself but adds to the convenience or performance o f the main
piece of equipment.
An accessory item of clothing or equipment, military equipment other than uniforms and weapons.
Ensconce = Settle in comfortably, to make somebody or yourself comfortably established, as
though ready to stay a long while to establish or place comfortably. To place or conceal in a secure
place.
Go to our main website http://www.justvocabulary.com. You can find the online quiz or test center,
to practise your English Vocabulary. Our words are selected mainly from the GRE list, and the Just
Vocabulary is a ESL podcast (English as a Second Language). Thanks for listening!

Posted Thu, 2006-07-20 06:53

JV127 (Abominable and Consummate)

Abominable = worthy o f causing disgust or hatred. Quite disagreeable or unpleasant, causing
intense displeasure, disgust or resentment (your tablemanners are abominable).
Consummate = Making complete, complete a transaction, or close a deal. You can use this word as
a verb or adjective. List to the podcast to learn more.
Visit our website: http://www.justvocabulary.com for more GRE words to improve your
vocabulary. Just Vocabulary is an ESL (English As a Second Language) podcast with weekly
recaps and an online quiz.
Posted Wed, 2006-07-19 06:26

JV126 (Juxtapose and Baleful)

Juxtapose = to place side by side, set side by side, especially for comparison or contrast. Mix.
Baleful = having a harmful effect, deadly or pernicious in influence, foreboding or threatening evil
(A baleful look).

Posted Wed, 2006-07-19 06:16

JV 125 (Endeavor and Cringe)

Endeavor = A purposeful or industrious undertaking; especially one that requires effort or boldness.
Earnest and conscientious activity intended to do or accomplish something. Do oneas utmostA
sincere attempt. A determined or assidious effort towards a specific goal.
Cringe = Show submission or fear. Bend oneas head and body in fear or in a servile manner. Have
a sudden feeling of embarrassment or disgust. To shrink in fear or servility. To behave in an
excessively humble or servile way.

Posted Thu, 2006-07-13 17:00

JV124 (Extricate and Ardor)

Extricate = Free with difficulty: to release somebody or something with difficulty from a physical
constraint or an unpleasant or complicated situation. You've woven such a web o f lies that it's hard
to see how you can extricate yourself now.
Ardor = intense emotion: great passion, enthusiasm, or eagerness. Fiery intensity o f feeling. Strong
enthusiasm or devotion; zeal

Posted Wed, 2006-07-12 17:01

JV123 (Mischievous and Devious)

Mischievous = playfully naughty or troublesome: behaving or likely to behave in a naughty or
troublesome way, but in fun and not meaning serious harm.Troublesome or irritating: intended to
tease or cause trouble, though usually in fun or without much malice. Full o f mischief: expressing
somebody's intention or inclination to have fun by teasing, playing tricks, or causing trouble.
Damaging: causing or meant to cause serious trouble, damage, or hurt ( formal ).
Devious = Secretive and calculating: not straightforward, sincere, or honest about intentions or
motives. Unfair or underhand: not adhering to the right or usual course, procedures, or
standards.Rambling: circuitous and roundabout, usually changing direction many times deviating
from the most direct course.
Posted Tue, 2006-07-11 17:00

JV122 (Pillory and Tempestuous)

Pillory = A wooden frame with holes into which somebody's head and hands could be locked,
formerly used as a means of public punishmentAs verb: ridicule somebody: to scorn or ridicule
somebody or something openly. punish somebody in pillory. to mock or criticize strongly, as in
public speech or in writing AND To put somebody into a pillory as a public punishment
Tempestuous = -Marked by bursts of destructive force or intense activity (order was restored to the
court after the judge put a stop to the defendant's tempestuous outburst)
- marked by sudden or violent disturbance (in terms o f social change, the 1960s are generally
considered the most tempestuous decade in recent American history)
- marked by turmoil or disturbance especially o f natural elements (we spent a tempestuous night
stranded on the summit of the mountain)
- marked by wet and windy conditions (stay indoors this weekend as the weather promises to be
tempestuous).

Posted Mon, 2006-07-10 17:00

JV121 (Capricious and Tether)

Capricious = A sudden and usually foolish desire to have or do something, or a sudden and foolish
change o f mind or behaviour; a whim: as, a capricious winterstorm, stringent rulers often act
capriciously. Prone to sudden illogical changes of mind, ideas, or actions. Likely to change
frequently, suddenly, or unexpectedly.
Tether = a rope or chain attached to an animal and attached to something at the other end,
restricting the animal's movement.
having no strength or patience left: the limit of one's strength or resources (at the end of my tether)
Posted Fri, 2006-07-07 17:00

JV120 (Nuisance and Effiminate)

Nuisance = Somebody or something irritating: an annoying or irritating person or thing. Illegal
thing: something not allowed by law because it causes harm or offense, either to people in general
public nuisance or to an individual person.
One that is annoying, unpleasant, or obnoxious. Make a nuisance o f yourself to cause trouble or
annoyance to other people.
Effiminate = O f a man, having behaviour and mannerisms associated with a typical woman rather
than a typical man. Describes a man who behaves or looks similar to a woman. An term used to
describe a man whose behavior, appearance, or speech is considered to be similar to that
traditionally associated with women or girls.
Just Vocabulary is a free English as a Second Language (ESL) podcast. Check
http://www.justvocabulary.com for another additional language learning tool: our quiz (Test
Centre)! You can email your comments and feedback from that website too! As Iam on holiday
now, please note that a response can take up to 3 days. Please consider a donation for Starfish. You
can sponsor me via http://www.kilimanjaropodcast.com for my hike up Africaas highest mountain.
Letas turn the tide on aids. Thank you.
Posted Thu, 2006-07-06 17:01

JV119 (Heedless and Impetuous)

Heedless= Not paying attention to something: not paying attention to somebody or to something
such as a warning, piece o f advice, or danger. Showing a reckless lack o f care or attention.
Impetuous = Ccting impulsively: acting on the spur of the moment, without considering the
consequences. Done without thought as a reaction to an emotion or impulse marked by impulsive
passion.Marked by force and violence of movement or action (an impetuous wind).
Posted Wed, 2006-07-05 17:01

JV118 (Lassitude and Wayward)

Lassitude = A state o f weariness accompanied by listlessness or apathyphysical or mental
weariness; lack o f energy.
Wayward = Resistant to guidance or discipline: Disobedient and uncontrollable. Erratic or
unpredictable: behaving in an erratic, apparently perverse, or unpredictable manner.

Posted Tue, 2006-07-04 17:00

JV117 (Burlesque and Vanity)

Burlesque = Mockery by ludicrous imitation. The mocking o f a serious matter or style by imitating
it in an incongruous way. A comically exaggerated imitation, especially in a literary or dramatic
work. A variety adult entertainment show, usually including titillation such as striptease.
Vanity = something somebody is vain about: an instance or source o f excessive pride.
Excessive pride in or admiration o f one's own appearance or achievements.Futility: the state or fact
of being futile, worthless, or empty of significance; something that is considered futile, worthless,
or empty of significance
Posted Mon, 2006-07-03 17:00

JV116 (Sagacious and Sophomoric)

Sagacious = Wise or shrewd: having or based on a profound knowledge and understanding o f the
world combined with intelligence and good judgment. Having or showing good judgement.Caused
by or indicating acute discernment (sagacious purchase o f stock).
Sophomoric = immature: showing the naive lack o f judgement that accompanies immaturity. Silly
and childish.

Posted Fri, 2006-06-30 17:00

JV115 (Vivacious and Devour)

Vivacious = Joyously unrestrained. Attractively lively and animated.A vivacious person, especially
a woman or girl, is attractively energetic and enthusiastic.
Devour = To eat something eagerly and in large amounts so that nothing is left. To destroy
something completely. To read books or literature quickly and eagerly.

Posted Thu, 2006-06-29 17:00

JV114 (Idle and Effervescent)

Idle = not working or in use: not working, operating, producing, or in use lazy: lazy and unwilling
to work. Frivolous and a waste of time (idle pleasures). Unfounded: having no basis in fact idle
gossip.
Effervescent = Bubbly: producing gas in the form o f tiny bubbles.Vivacious; behaving in a lively,
high-spirited, or highly excited way. To bubble, hiss, and foam as gas escapes

Posted Wed, 2006-06-28 17:05

JV113 (Gambol and Combative)

Gambol = to run and jump in a happy and playful way. A time or instance o f carefree fun. To skip
about in play : FRISK, FROLIC
Combative = eager to fight or argue. Striving to overcome in argument. Having or showing a ready
disposition to fight.

Posted Tue, 2006-06-27 17:01

JV112 (Muddle and Prudence)

Muddle = mix things together in disorder: to mix things together in a confused or disordered way.
Confuse or be confused. He became increasingly muddled as he grew older. Confuse things: to
confuse things in the mind.
Prudence = the ability to govern and discipline oneself by the use o f reason. Sagacity or shrewdness
in the management o f affairs. Skill and good judgment in the use o f resources. Caution or
circumspection as to danger or risk.

Posted Mon, 2006-06-26 16:30

JV111 (Exasperate and Exacerbate)

Exasperate = to make somebody very angry or frustrated, often by repeatedly doing something
annoying. To frustrate; to make angry or annoyed.
Exacerbate = to make an already bad or problematic situation worseto make more violent, bitter, or
severe.
The verbs exasperate and exacerbate are sometimes confused. Exasperate, the more common o f the
two, means irritate or annoy to an extreme degree.

Posted Fri, 2006-06-23 16:20

JV110 (Austere and Incompetent)

Austere = Ansmiling: grimly unsmiling, humorless, or suggesting strict self-denial suggesting
physical hardship. Imposing or suggesting physical hardship. Plain and without luxury: plain and
simple, without luxury or self-indulgence.
An austere life is nonindulgent, spartan, self-disciplined and sober.
Incompetent = Bad at doing something: lacking the skills, qualities, or ability to do something
properly lacking necessary status. Not having the necessary legal status, validity, or powers for the
purpose in question.
Posted Thu, 2006-06-22 16:30

JV109 (Aloof and Brink)

A loof = physically remote: physically distant or apart describes an unfriendly person who refuses to
take part in things: not interested or involved, usually because you do not approve o f what is
happening. At or from a distance, but within view, or at a small distance; apart; away.
Brink = edge o f something: the very edge o f something such as a steep drop or riverbank. The
crucial point in a situation when something disastrous or momentous is about to happen Brink o f
bankruptcythe extreme edge o f land before a steep slope or a body o f water. The threshold o f a
state or situation, typically a bad oneIf something is teetering on the brink/edge o f a bad situation, it
is likely that the situation will happen soon.

Posted Wed, 2006-06-21 16:37

JV108 (Whim and Infest)

Whim = passing impulse: a sudden thought, idea, or desire, especially one based on impulse rather
than reason or necessity. A sudden desire or change of mind. An odd or fanciful or capricious idea.
Infest = to overrun a place or site in large numbers and become threatening, harmful, or unpleasant.
Be present in large numbers, typically so as to cause damage or disease. To spread or swarm in or
over in a troublesome manner.

Posted Tue, 2006-06-20 16:15

JV106 (Camaraderie and Quell)

Camaraderie = feeling o f close friendship and trust among a group o f people; mutual trust and
friendship. A spirit o f friendly good-fellowship
Quell = put stop to something: to bring something to an end, usually by means o f force suppress
bad feeling: to allay a disturbing feeling or thought in a reassuring way. To thoroughly overwhelm
and reduce to submission or passivity
Posted Fri, 2006-06-16 12:49

JV105 (Frenetic and Retch)

Frenetic = excessively agitated; transported with rage or other violent emotion.
Characterized by feverish activity, confusion, and hurryfast and energetic in a rather wild and
uncontrolled way; marked by great and often stressful excitement or activity.
Retch = to make the sound and action of vomiting, esp. when nothing is actually vomited. To try to
vomit; an involuntary spasm of ineffectual vomiting.

Posted Thu, 2006-06-15 06:17

JV104 (Benign and Novice)

Benign = kindly: having a kind and gentle disposition or appearance; not life-threatening: not a
threat to life or long-term health, harmless: neutral or harmless in its effect or influence; favorable:
mild or favorable in effect.
Novice = beginner: somebody who is beginning or learning an activity and has acquired little skill
in it: OR religious student: somebody who has joined a religious order but has not yet taken final
vows
Posted Wed, 2006-06-14 06:33

JV103 (Aficionado and Wanton)

Aficionado = a person who is very knowledgeable and enthusiastic about an activity or subject; a
person who likes, knows about, and appreciates a usually fervently pursued interest or activity :
bullfighting enthusiast: a devotee o f bullfighting.
Wanton = 1) causing sexual excitement; LUSTFUL, SENSUAL; 2)Marked by unprovoked,
gratuitous maliciousness; capricious and unjust: MERCILESS, INHUMANE; 3) showing complete
lack of care 4) spend wastefully
Posted Tue, 2006-06-13 06:13

JV102 (Rampant and Belligerent)

Belligerent = the quality o f being hostile, ready to start a fight, or ready to go to war.
Rampant = happening in an unrestrained manner, flourishing or spreading unchecked. Growing
strongly and to a very large size.
Posted Mon, 2006-06-12 05:07

JV100 (Pandemic and Quidnunc)

Pandemic = a widespread effect (adjective), as a noun it means very widespread disease/condition.
Quidnunc = one who is curious / nosy to know everything that passes. A gossip, or a busybody.
Posted Thu, 2006-06-08 05:54

JV099 (Impenitent and Bigotry)

Impenitent = not sorry: having or showing no regret or sorrow for sin or misbehavior, not feeling
shame or regret. Someone who is impenitent is not apologetic for one's misdeeds. Impenitent means
Not penitent.
Bigot = a person obstinately or intolerantly devoted to his or her own opinions and prejudices.
Somebody with strong opinions, especially on politics, religion, or ethnicity, who refuses to accept
different views.
Posted Wed, 2006-06-07 05:48

JV098 (Quirk and Obdurate)

Quirk = a peculiar behavioural habit; a strange chance occurrence; a sudden twist, turn, or curve.
Obdurate = Hardened in wrongdoing or wickedness; stubbornly impenitent: Hardened against
feeling: not influenced by emotions, especially not inclined to feel sympathy or pity. Not giving in
to persuasion; intractable.
Posted Tue, 2006-06-06 05:57

JV097 (Melee and Comestibles)

Comestible = suitable to be eaten, edible.
Melee = a confused struggle, a large noisy uncontrolled crowd, a hand-to-hand fight among several
people.
Posted Mon, 2006-06-05 13:01

JV096 (Feckless and Liaise)

Feckless = Lacking purpose or vitality; feeble or ineffective. Careless and irresponsible, describes
people or behaviour with no energy and enthusiasm.
Liaise = to speak to people in other organizations in order to exchange information with them;
cooperate closely with somebody: to establish or maintain close cooperation with somebody.
Posted Fri, 2006-06-02 05:42

JV095 (Evanescent and Irreverent)

Evanescent = Something that is evanescent is disappearing after only a short time Or evanescent
means asoon forgottena. Something evanescent tends to vanish like vapor.
Irreverent = lacking the expected respect for official, important or holy things.
Posted Thu, 2006-06-01 05:56

JV094 (Complacent and Repugnant)

Complacent = self-satisfied and unaware of possible dangerssmug and uncritically satisfied with
oneself or oneas achievements. Having too high an opinion o f oneself.
Repugnant = offensive and completely unacceptablerevolting: making somebody feel physically
repelled. Causing a feeling of strong dislike or disgust
Posted Wed, 2006-05-31 05:52

JV093 (Ennui and Salubrious)

Ennui = boredom from lack o f interest: weariness and dissatisfaction with life that results from a
loss of interest or sense of excitement.
Salubious = Favorable to health; promoting health; good for health: beneficial to or promoting
health or well-being. Describes a place that is pleasant, clean, and healthy to live in.
Posted Tue, 2006-05-30 06:00

JV092 (Gist and Desultory)

Desultory = Jumping or passing from one thing or subject to another without order or rational
connection; disconnected; aimless. Not connected with the subject.
Gist = The central idea; the essence. substance, general picture, point, meaning. Law. The grounds
for action in a suit.
Posted Mon, 2006-05-29 05:57

JV091 (Accede and Vicinity)

Accede = Come to power, to attain an important and powerful position or to submit to another's
wish or opinion to agree to do what people have asked you to do.
Vicinity = thea area near or surrounding a place, a neighborhood. The state o f being near, an
approximate amount or size.
Posted Fri, 2006-05-26 07:12

JV090 (Revulsion and Apex)

Apex = The highest point o f something OR the most successful part of, the greatest success.
Revulsion = Intense aversion, a sudden violent feeling o f disgust.
Posted Thu, 2006-05-25 06:08

JV089 (Maverick and Gridlock)

Maverick = a person who does not conform to generally accepted standards or customs; an
unorthodox or independent-minded person.
Gridlock = a traffic jam in which congestion at one or two intersections affects a wide area, so that
traffic is unable to move in any direction a traffic jam affecting a whole network o f intersecting
streets OR deadlock: a situation in which no progress can be made.
Posted Wed, 2006-05-24 06:01

JV088 (Bricolage and Legerity)

Bricolage = something constructed from materials at hand: Construction or something constructed
by using whatever materials happen to be available. A mix o f this and that.
Legerity = Quickness or agility o f mind or body; the gracefulness o f a person or animal that is
quick and nimble; alert facile quickness o f mind or body.
Posted Tue, 2006-05-23 05:53

JV087 (Vertigo and Infatuate)

Infatuate = a foolish or irrational attraction to another, possessed by an unreasoning passion or
attraction.
Vertigo = Dizzy sensation, a condition in which somebody feels a sensation o f whirling or tilting,
that cause a loss o f balance. Cause by looking down from a great height.
Posted Mon, 2006-05-22 06:54

JV086 (Bumptious and Exuberance)

Exuberance = When you use Exuberant to describe people and their behaviour, Exuberant means
lively and cheerful. very energetic: joyously unrestrained.When you use Exuberant to describe
plants it means strong and growing quickly
Bumptious = stating opinions aggressively or self-importantlyIf someone is bumptious he or she is
irritatingly and noisy self-assertive or conceited.and often unpleasantly confident
Posted Fri, 2006-05-19 05:39

JV085 (Hoity-Toity and Parameter)

Parameter = A set o f facts or a fixed limit, which establishes or limits how something can or must
happen or be done.A variable kept constant during an experiment, calculation or similar. A set of
physical properties whose values determine the characteristics or behavior o f something.
Hoity-Toity = behaving as if you are better or more important than other people. Snobbish,
pretentious, self important and stuck up.
Posted Thu, 2006-05-18 05:51

JV084 (Haphazard and Fortuitous)

Haphazard = lacking a definite plan, purpose, order, organization or pattern. Marked by great
carelessness.
Fortuitous = Happening by accident or chance (Not necessarily a lucky chance)
Posted Wed, 2006-05-17 06:10

JV083 (Faux Pas and Deplore)

Faux Pas = A social blunder, or a socially awkward or tactless act.
Deplore = To express sorrow or grief over something OR to express strong disapproval.
Posted Tue, 2006-05-16 06:03

JV082 (Genuflect and Encounter)

Encounter = (NOUN) a meeting, especially one that happens by chance. (VERB), to experience,
especially something unpleasant. OR to meet someone unexpectedly.
Genuflect = to bend the knee, or touch one knee to the floor as in worship. To make respectful
signs or remarks.
Posted Mon, 2006-05-15 05:37

JV081 (Obliterate and Consecutive)

Consecutive describes events, numbers, etc, that follow one after another without an interuption. It
is following one afterh this other in order.
Obliterate means: to do away completely to as to leave no trace. To wipe out, destroy or remove
completely. Erase.
Posted Sun, 2006-05-14 10:54

JV080 (Effete and Yardstick)

Yardstick = something set up as an example against which others o f the same type are compared; a
standard basis of calculation or for making a critical judgment; a basis for comparison; a reference
point against which other things can be evaluated.
Effete = Depleted o f vitality, force, or effectiveness; exhausted:.Marked by self-indulgence,
triviality, or decadence.No longer productive; infertile.
Posted Fri, 2006-05-12 05:27

JV079 (Antipode and Denigrate)

Antipode means "a direct or diametrical opposite".
Denigrate means "to attack a character or reputation of..to belittle.

Posted Wed, 2006-05-10 05:43

JV078 (Ameliorate and Philanthropist)

PHILANTHROPIST = Someone who makes charitable donations to increase human well-being.
Love of humankind in general.
AMELIORATE = To make or become better.
Posted Tue, 2006-05-09 06:16

JV077 (Luminary & Propitious)

LUMINARY = Any body that gives light, especially one of the heavenly bodies; A person of
eminence (SHOW NUMBER 67) or brilliant achievement.
PROPITIOUS = . Presenting favorable circumstances or conditions; Favorably inclined; gracious;
benevolent.
Posted Mon, 2006-05-08 06:05

JV076 (Parsimony and Tedium)

PARSIMONY means extreme care in spending money; or a reluctance to spend money
unnecessarily.
TEDIUM means the quality or condition o f being tedious or boredom; period o f dullness.
Posted Fri, 2006-05-05 06:12

JV075 (Flimsy and Cupidity)

CUPIDITY = Excessive avarice or strong greed for something, especially for wealth; an intense
selfish desire for wealth or possessions
FLIMSY = Light, thin, and insubstantial: a flimsy fabric; Lacking solidity or strength: a flimsy
table; Lacking plausibility; unconvincing: a flimsy excuse.
Posted Wed, 2006-05-03 06:08

JV074 (Unctuous and Spark)

SPARK = To give off sparks. To set in motion; activate: To rouseto action.
UNCTUOUS = 1. Characterized by affected, exaggerated, or insincere earnestness: 2. Having the
quality or characteristics o f oil or ointment; slippery.
Posted Wed, 2006-05-03 04:57

JV073 REPOST (Incentive & Irascible)

IRASBLE = Marked by hot temper and easily provoked anger; easily irritated or annoyed.
INCENTIVE = Anything that encourages or motivates a particular kind o f behavior,something that
incites or has a tendency to incite to determination or action

JV072 (Fad and Exhilaration)

FAD = a practice or interest that is very popular for a short time.A fad, also known as a craze,
refers to a fashion that becomes very popular in relatively short time, but loses popularity
dramatically.
EXHILARATE = To cause to feel happily refreshed and energetic; elateexcitement, a state of
elation; intense high spirits.
Posted Tue, 2006-04-25 06:17

JV071 (Galore and Circumvent)

LISTEN TO THE EXTENDED EXPLANATIONS IN THE PODCAST
CIRCUMVENT = To go around; bypass; To avoid or get around by artful maneuvering; beat
through cleverness and wit
GALORE = in large quantities; in plentiful amounts; In great numbers; in abundance.
Posted Mon, 2006-04-24 06:13

JV070 (Blackballing and Obnoxious)

SUMMARY OF THE EXPLANATIONS, listen to the podcast for a full description
OBNOXIOUS = very unpleasant or rude, highly annoying, objectionable or offensive. Provoking
or likely to provoke protest (an obnoxious comment for which there should be an immediate
apology)
BLACKBALL = to vote against (a candidate), to deny membership to (a person trying to enter a
club, organization, etc.)', to exclude socially; ostracize'.
Posted Thu, 2006-04-20 05:48

JV069 (Dearth and Lament)

SUMMARY OF EXPLANATIONS:
DEARTH = shortage, deficiency, lack, want.
LAMENT = To express grief for or about; mourn: lament a death. To regret deeply; deplore: He
lamented his thoughtless acts.
Posted Wed, 2006-04-19 08:11

JV068 (Catastrophe & Vilify)

VILIFY = to lower in estimation or importance AND to utter slanderous and abusive statements
against
CATASTROPHE = the final event o f the dramatic action especially o f a tragedy AND a
momentous tragic event ranging from extreme misfortune to utter overthrow or ruin / utter failure

JV067 (Disgruntle & Eminent)

EMINENT = Prominent, standing out above or beyond all others. Having achieved eminence and
therefore: deeply respected and honored for that achievement.
DISGRUNTLE = to make somebody feel dissatisfied and irritated. Put into a bad mood.
Posted Mon, 2006-04-17 13:59

JV066 (Blue Sky & Chicanery)

BLUE SKY = having little or no value (blue-sky stock)OR not grounded in the realities o f the
present (blue-sky thinking)
CHICANERY = Deception by trickery or sophistry AND A trick; a subterfuge.
Posted Sat, 2006-04-15 07:18

JV065 (Pejorative & Stamina)

PEJORATIVE = Derogatory, insulting, having negative connotations / Vulgar, profane.
STAMINA = enduring physical or mental energy and strength that allows somebody to do
something for a long time. The physical or moral capacity to endure long effort, hardship, or
disappointment
Posted Thu, 2006-04-13 05:54

JV064 (Devout and Oblivion)

OBLIVION = the fact or condition o f forgetting or having forgotten, the condition o f being
oblivious, the condition or state of being forgotten or unknown
DEVOUT=very sincere: deeply and sincerely felt or meant; very religious: deeply
religious(Devout Monks, or devout Christians). OR devoted to something: devoted to a particular
personal interest or cause.
a devout mountain-climber.

Posted Tue, 2006-04-11 16:31

JV 063 (Compliant and Vulgarize)

1. To make vulgar; debase:
2. To disseminate widely; popularize.

COMPLIANT
Disposed or willing to comply; submissive

Posted Mon, 2006-04-10 07:00

JV 062 (Superfluous and Ravenous)

RAVENOUS means that one is very eager or greedy for food, satisfaction, or gratification One can
have a ravenous appetite. Youare Extremely hungry. One can also be ravenous for power.
SUPERFLUOUS = More than is wanted or is sufficient; Being beyond what is required or
sufficient.Superfluous things serve no useful purpose; having no excuse for being.
Posted Wed, 2006-03-29 05:47

JV 061 (Precarious and Estrange)

PRECARIOUS = dependent on chance circumstances, unknown conditions, or uncertain
developments OR characterized by a lack o f security or stability that threatens with danger
ESTRANGE = To make hostile, unsympathetic, or indifferent; It is to remove from an accustomed
place or set of associations.
Itas a sad situation, cause estrange means that there is mutual indifference in where there had
formerly been love, affection, or friendliness
Posted Mon, 2006-03-27 06:17

JV 060 (Serendipity and Alleviate)

SERENDIPITY = the phenomenon of finding valuable or agreeable things not sought for
ALLEVIATE = To make something (pain, for example) more bearable: Or to make something
make easier; to relieve or lessen.
Posted Fri, 2006-03-24 06:22

JV 059 (Submission and Ambivalent)

SUBMISSION = The act o f submitting something for consideration.
OR The act o f submitting to the power o f another; the state o f being submissive or compliant;
meekness.
AMBIVALENCE = The coexistence o f opposing attitudes or feelings, such as love and hate,
toward a person, object, or idea.
Uncertainty or indecisiveness as to which course to follow.

JV 058 (Scaremonger and Paragon)

PARAGON = a model o f excellence or perfection
SCAREMONGER = a person who spreads frightening rumors and stirs up trouble
Posted Tue, 2006-03-21 07:17

JV 057 (Contemplate and Ambiguous)

CONTEMPLATE = To look at attentively and thoughtfully. To consider carefully and at length. To
have in mind as an intention or possibility
AMBIGUOUS = . Open to more than one interpretation, doubtful or uncertain.

Posted Thu, 2006-03-16 06:10

JV 056 (Earnest and Bohemian)

EARNEST = Marked by or showing deep sincerity or seriousness: Serious; determined, truthful,
honest.
BOHEMIAN = A person with artistic or literary interests who disregards conventional standards of
behavior, non conformist, a free spirit.

Posted Wed, 2006-03-15 06:09

JV 055 (Impel and Cling)

CLING = To hold fast or adhere to something, as by grasping, sticking, embracing, or entwining
To remain close; resist separation:
To remain emotionally attached; hold on.
IMPEL = To urge to action through moral pressure; drive: I was impelled by events to take a stand.
Posted Tue, 2006-03-14 06:06

JV 054 (Impede and Denounce)

Stay tuned as from the 13th o f March Just Vocabulary will change gear! Just Vocabulary will
Kaizen! ('Kai' means change, 'zen' means good)
IMPEDE = to interfere with or slow the progress of (synonym HINDER)
DENOUNCE = To condemn openly as being evil or reprehensible. (criticize)
To accuse formally.

JV 053 (Vicissitude and Agonize)

AGONIZE = To suffer extreme pain or great anguish.
OR To make a great effort; struggle.
VICISSITUDE = A change or variation. The quality o f being changeable; mutability.
One of the sudden or unexpected changes or shifts often encountered in one's life, activities, or
surroundingsSYNONYMS = VARIATION, FLUCTUATION
Posted Tue, 2006-03-07 05:46

JV 052 (Patronize and Decorum)

PATRONIZE = To treat in a condescending manner.
DECORUM = Appropriateness of behavior or conduct
Posted Sun, 2006-03-05 07:54

JV 051 (Potent and Misconception)

POTENT = Possessing inner or physical strength; powerful. AND strong physiological or chemical
effectsOR strong influence: potent arguments
EXERT: To put to use or effect;:
ORTo bring to bear; exercise: exert influence AND To put (oneself) to effort.
Posted Fri, 2006-03-03 06:13

JV Podcast #050 (Loggerheads and despair)

DESPAIR = To lose all hope: To be overcome by a sense o f futility or defeat.
AS A NOUN: Complete loss o f hope.<br
At loggerheads = Engaged in a dispute.

Posted Tue, 2006-02-28 05:51

JV Podcast #049
MISCONCEPTION = A mistaken thought, idea, or notion; a misunderstanding.
AMBIDEXTROUS = Able to use both hands with equal facility. AND Unusually skillful. TWO
HANDED.

JV Podcast #048
SLOPPY = lacking neatness or order, untidy - not neat AND marked by great carelessness.
CLOUDBURST = a heavy rain. downpour, soaker.

Posted Fri, 2006-02-24 06:28

JV Podcast #047 Baffle and Curb

CURB = Something that checks or restrains: (High interest rates put a curb on spending)
To check, restrain, or control as if with a curb.
BAFFLE = To frustrate or check, or defeat (a person) as by confusing, perplexing or puzzling.
Posted Thu, 2006-02-23 06:40

JV Podcast #046 Hodge-Podge and Vow

HODGE-PODGE = A mingled mass; a confused mixture; a motley assortment o f things, an
unorganized collection of various things.
VOW (noun) = a solemn pledge (to oneself or to another or to a deity) to do something or to behave
in a certain manner;VOW (verb) - make a vow; promise
Posted Tue, 2006-02-21 06:31

JV Podcast #045 Elude and Usurp

USURP = To seize and hold (the power or rights of another, for example) by force and without
legal authority. OR To take over or occupy without right: usurp a neighbor's land.ELUDE = To
evade or escape from, as by daring, cleverness, or skill: The suspect continues to elude the
police.OR To escape the understanding or grasp of: a name that has always eluded me; a metaphor
that eluded them.
Posted Mon, 2006-02-20 20:31

JV Podcast #044 Hotfoot and Gratuitous

HOTFOOT = To go in haste. Often used with it: hotfoot it out o f town.HASTY, HURRY.
HOTFOOT also is a practical joke in which a match is secretly inserted between the upper and the
sole o f a victim's shoe and lighted.
GRATUITOUS = Given or granted without return or recompense; unearned AND Given or
received without cost or obligation FREE
AND Unnecessary or unwarranted; unjustified: gratuitous criticism

JV Podcast #043 Ascertain and Enigma

ENIGMA = something hard to understand or explain
AND an inscrutable or mysterious person
SYNONYM = MYSTERYASCERTAIN = to make certain, exact, or preciseOR to find out or learn
with certaintySYNONYM=FIND OUT, DISCOVER
Posted Thu, 2006-02-16 18:00

JV Podcast #042 Bliss and Errant

BLISS = complete happiness, extreme happiness, ecstasy.
ERRANT = straying from the proper course or standards OR wandering outside the established
limits AND Aimless or irregular in motion.

Posted Wed, 2006-02-15 06:23

JV Podcast #041 Merit and Barter

MERIT = Superior quality or worth; excellence.
A quality deserving praise or approval; virtue.
To earn; deserve, to be worthy or deserving.
BARTER = to trade by exchanging one commodity for another. To trade goods or services without
the exchange o f money.
Posted Tue, 2006-02-14 08:38

JV Podcast #040 Shrewd and Jabber

SHREWD = a sharp intelligence, hardheadness, and often an intuitive grasp o f practical
considerations
ANTONYM= UNKNOWING
JABBER = unintelligible or meaningless talk to talk rapidly, indistinctly, or
unintelligiblySYNONYM = GIBBERISH
Posted Mon, 2006-02-13 06:24

JV Podcast #039 Frantic and Buffoon

BUFFOON = a ludicrous figure, a clown; a jester.A person given to clowning and joking and
ludicrous or bumbling person; a fool.FRANTIC =emotionally out o f control, highly excited with
strong emotion or frustration; frenzied: OR Characterized by rapid and disordered or nervous
activity.
Posted Thu, 2006-02-09 07:10

JV Podcast #038 Frenzy and Bamboozle

FRENZY = a temporary madness or a violent mental or emotional agitation,
intense usually wild and often disorderly compulsive or agitated activity
BAMBOOZLE = to deceive by underhanded methods.
Cause someone to believe an untruth
SYNONYMS = lead by the nose AND deceive.
Posted Wed, 2006-02-08 05:58

JV Podcast #037 Mediocre and Abase

MEDIOCRE = moderate or low quality, value, ability, or performance (Synonyms ORDINARY,
SO-SO)
average to below average quality (your grades are mediocre and barely acceptable)
ABASE = to lower in character or dignity
, to reduce to a lower standing in others' eyes
Posted Mon, 2006-02-06 06:11

JV Podcast #036 Ramification and Eloquence

ELOQUENCE = discourse marked by force and persuasiveness
the art or power of using such discourse
the quality o f forceful or persuasive expressiveness
RAMIFICATION = A development or consequence growing out o f and sometimes complicating a
problem, plan, or statement
CONSEQUENCE, OUTGROWTH (the ramifications o f a problem)
Posted Fri, 2006-02-03 09:24

JV Podcast #035 Procrastination and Fishy

PROCRASTINATION = To put off doing something, especially out o f habitual carelessness or
laziness.
To postpone or delay needlessly.
FISHY = Inspiring doubt or suspicion (QUESTIONABLE as synonym)
Cold or expressionless: a fishy stare
Posted Thu, 2006-02-02 06:20

JV Podcast #034 Tearjerker and Low-Key

TEARJERKER = a movie, book, story, podcast (perhaps?) that makes you sad and cry.
LOW KEY = Quiet, on a small scale, and not attracting a lot o f attention.
justvocabulary AT gmail.com, email me to share your thought on the podcast!

JV Podcast #033 Curveball and Ballpark

CURVEBALL = Literally a curve ball is a a baseball thrown with spin so that its path curves as it
approach the batter.
Slang o f CURVEBALL: Something that is unexpected or designed to trick or deceive: That last
question on the exam was a real curve ball.
BALLPARK = a range (as of prices or views) within which comparison or compromise is possible
= in the ballpark : approximately correct
= approximately correct 9a ballpark figure0
Posted Mon, 2006-01-30 06:09

JV Podcast #032 Iterative and Long-Winded

ITERATIVE (adjective) / ITERATION (noun) / TO ITERATE (verb).the action or a process of
iterating or repeating.
A procedure in which repetition o f a sequence o f operations yields results successively closer to a
desired result.
LONG-WINDED = tediously long in speaking or writing
- longwindedly (adverb)- longwindedness (noun)
using more words than necessary to express something.Synonym = WORDY
Posted Fri, 2006-01-27 06:16

JV Podcast #031 Consent and Bedlam

CONSENT = compliance in or approval o f what is done or proposed by another
agreement as to action or opinion
Synonym = PERMISSION
BEDLAM = often capitalized; a lunatic asylum.
a place, scene, or state of uproar and confusion
Posted Thu, 2006-01-26 06:28

JV Podcast #030 Preposterous and Admonish

PREPOSTEROUS =Contrary to reason or common sense; utterly absurd or ridiculous. Synonym =
FOOLISH
ADMONISH =to indicate duties or obligations to AND
to express warning or disapproval to especially in a gentle, earnest, or solicitous manner
Posted Wed, 2006-01-25 06:05

JV Podcast #029 Facade and Predominant

FACADE = a false, superficial, or artificial appearance or effect
a display o f emotion or behavior that is insincere or intended to deceive
PREDOMINANT = having superior strength, influence, or authority : PREVAILING
being most frequent or common, synonym see DOMINANT

JV Podcast # 0 2 8 Abate and Evitable

EVITABLE =capable of being avoidedABATE = to make smaller in amount, volume, or extent
SYNONYM = DECREASE
Posted Sat, 2006-01-21 07:33

JV Podcast #027 Gaudy and Insinuate

INSINUATE = To introduce in a gradual, secret, or clever way (the spy insinuated himself into the
terrorist organization)Synonyms infiltrate, slip, sneak,
2) to convey an idea indirectly
GAUDY = excessively showy,
implies a tasteless use of overly bright, often clashing colors or excessive ornamentation
Posted Thu, 2006-01-19 09:11

JV Podcast #026 Erratic and Catch-22

ERRATIC = having no fixed course (an erratic comet)
AND deviating from what is ordinary or standard; ECCENTRIC (an erratic genius)
CATCH -22 = a problematic situation for which the only solution is denied by a circumstance
inherent in the problem.
AND
A tricky or disadvantageous condition; a catch: You have to choose between two options which are
equally undesirable.
Posted Wed, 2006-01-18 06:53

JV Podcast #025 Realm and Repository

REPOSITORY = a place, room, or container where something is deposited or stored.
one that contains or stores something nonmaterial (considered the book a repository of knowledge)
REALM: a region o f activity, knowledge, or influence (SYNONYM = FIELD)
an area over which activity, capacity, or influence extends SYNONYM = RANGE
Posted Wed, 2006-01-18 06:46

JV Podcast #024 Impeccable and Relentless

RELENTLESS = showing or promising no abatement o f severity, intensity, strength, or pace
IMPECCABLE = being entirely without fault or flaw
OR free from fault or blame

JV Podcast #023 Articulate and Cumbersome

CUMBERSOME = unwieldy because o f heaviness and bulk.
Difficult to use or operate especially because of size, weight, or design.
Synonyms = awkward, clumsy, cranky, ungainly, unhandy,
ARTICULATE = expressing oneself readily or effectively; if you are articulate youare able to
express yourself clearly and well
Synonyms = fluent, well-spoken
Posted Fri, 2006-01-13 06:25

JV Podcast #022 Tenacious and Interm ittent

TENACIOUS = 1. Persistently Holding to something, such as a point o f view.
2. Holding together firmly; cohesive: a tenacious material.
3. Clinging to another object or surface; adhesive: tenacious lint.
4. Tending to retain;: a tenacious memory.
Text: continuing despite difficulties, opposition, or discouragement
INTERMITTENT = occurring at intervals Rain can be intermittent
SYNONYMS periodical, recurring2 lacking in steadiness or regularity o f occurrence.
Posted Thu, 2006-01-12 06:42

JV Podcast #021 Brevity and Tedious

TEDIOUS = tiresome because of length or dullness. - tediously (adverb)- tediousness (noun)
BREVITY = the condition of being short, shortness of duration; shortness or conciseness of
expression
SYNONYMS: briefness, conciseness, shortness
Posted Wed, 2006-01-11 06:18

JV Podcast #020 Fondness and Zealous

ZEAL = Enthusiastic devotion to a cause, ideal, or goal/
Synonym = Passion.
ZEALOUS = marked by active interest and enthusiasm.
Synonyms = avid, eager, great.
FOND = adjective (fonder, fondest) and as noun, FONDNESS = Having a strong liking or
affection.
Posted Mon, 2006-01-09 06:11

JV Podcast #019 Adamant and Contagious

ADAMANT : adjective to describe somebody that is not capable of being swayed or diverted from
a course.
CONTAGIOUS : used for contagious diseases (a contagious ward) OR
exciting similar emotions or conduct in others (contagious enthusiasm)

JV Podcast #018 Adept and Understatement

ADEPT: a highly skilled or well-trained individual: EXPERT (i.e. an adept at chess)
UNDERSTATEMENT: A disclosure or statement that is less than complete. Restraint or lack of
emphasis in expression, as for rhetorical effect.
Understatement is a statement that is restrained in ironic contrast to what might have been said.
Posted Fri, 2006-01-06 06:28

JV Podcast #017 Aberrant and Forsake

ABERRANT = straying from the right or normal way
deviating from the usual or natural type
FORSAKE = to renounce or turn away from entirely
friends have forsaken her
forsook the theater for politics
synonym see ABANDON
Posted Thu, 2005-12-29 18:38

JV Podcast #016 Avarice and Obsequious

AVARICE = excessive or insatiable desire for wealth or gain : GREEDINESS, CUPIDITY
OBSEQUIOUS = marked by or exhibiting a fawning attentivenesssynonym see SUBSERVIENT
Posted Tue, 2005-12-27 16:36

JV Podcast #015 Taciturn and Fabricate

TACITURN = temperamentally disinclined to talksynonym see SILENT
FABRICATE = INVENT, CREATE b : to make up for the purpose o f deception
CONSTRUCT, MANUFACTURE; specifically : to construct from diverse and usually
standardized parts
Posted Tue, 2005-12-27 16:33

JV Podcast #014 Monotonous and Amiable

AMAIBLE = generally agreeable, an amiable comedy,
being friendly, sociable, and congenial
MONOTONOUS
=1 = uttered or sounded in one unvarying tone marked by a sameness of pitch and intensity
2 = tediously uniform or unvarying
Posted Tue, 2005-12-27 09:26

JV Podcast #013 Myriad and Diligent

DILIGENT =
involved in often constant activity (a student who has been unceasingly diligent in pursuit o f a
degree in mathematics)OR
Showing great care in doing one's work
MYRIAD
a great number (a myriad o f ideas)

Posted Tue, 2005-12-27 09:22

JV Podcast #012 Jubilant and Alacrity

JUBILANT
having or expressing feelings o f joy or triumph (the nominee's jubilant acceptance speech before
the cheering)
ALACRITY
promptness in response : cheerful readiness (accepted the invitation with alacrity)
Posted Tue, 2005-12-27 09:19

JV Podcast #011 Capacious and Flirtatious

Today is a big day, Phil receives the key to his new capacious villa in Cape Town.
capacious
more than adequate or average in capacity
synonym see SPACIOUS
flirtatious
Phil, the proud owner of this villa is the landlord for his 5 new housemates. He really likes Lisa, she
is pretty, and very being flirtatious from the first time she met Phil.
Flirtatious = inclined to flirt = COQUETTISH
coquette = a woman who endeavors without sincere affection to gain the attention and admiration
of men
Posted Wed, 2005-12-21 10:20

JV Podcast #010 Prerogative and Conspicious

prerogative =
an exclusive or special right, power, or privilege
something to which one has a just claim
it's your prerogative to have your own opinion
Conspicuous =
1 : obvious to the eye or mind2 : attracting attention : STRIKINGsynonym see NOTICEABLE
likely to attract attention
Posted Mon, 2005-12-19 20:09

JV Podcast #009 Lethargy and Insipid

Lethargy
abnormal drowsiness, the quality or state o f being lazy, sluggish, or indifferent
LETHARGY implies such drowsiness or aversion to activity as is induced by disease, injury, or
drugs
A lethargic person lacks energy and feels unwilling and/or unable to do anything.
insipid
lacking taste or savor : TASTELESSlacking in qualities that interest, stimulate, or challenge :
DULL, FLATinsipidity = nouninsipidly = adverb
Posted Fri, 2005-12-16 10:40

JV Podcast #008 Erroneous and Beguile

erroneous
containing or characterized by error
"Frank was so angry and sick o f his colleque for the last two weeks. During the meeting Frank
couldnat control his anger anymore and shouted: Im sick o f your erroneous assumptions!"
erroneously = adverb
erroneousness = noun
Donat believe what they tell you about me, their story is filled with erroneous information
beguile
Inflected Form(s): beguiled; beguiling
Last evening the magician beguiled and amazed the children
To deceive by guile. deceive.
To take away from by or as if by guile; cheat: a disease that has beguiled me o f strength.
To distract the attention of; divert
John was beguiled by the promise o f easy money as a drug dealer
Something/Somebody that tempts or attracts with the promise o f pleasure or reward.
- beguilement noun
- beguilingly adverb

JV Podcast #007 Amorous and Ostentatious

Ostentatious:
excessively showy
- ostentatiously (adverb)
- ostentatiousness (noun)
marked by or fond of conspicuous and sometimes pretentious display
"While I was having drinks on Campsbay Beach, I saw Kerri walking around, wearing an
ostentatious diamond ring on her little finger."
"an ostentatious man who desperately wanted to impress people with his newly acquired wealth
PRETENTIOUS
Amorous:
-strongly moved by love and especially sexual love i.e. amorous women
-being in love :usually used with o f i.e. amorous o f the girl
"Yesterday when I was enjoying the view on top of Tablemountain I received amorous glances
from a complete stranger."
- amorously (adverb)
- amorousness (noun)
expressing sexual attraction
male birds engage in amorous behavior(nest-building, singing, showing off their finery)
Posted Wed, 2005-12-14 06:35

JV Podcast #006 Malicious and Epiphany

Epiphany: "When Frank was visiting South Africa he experienced an epiphany, a spiritual flash that
would change the way he viewed himself in the Netherlands"
Commonly used forms of the word "Epiphany":
A) A sudden manifestation o f the essence or meaning o f something.B) A comprehension or
perception o f reality by means o f a sudden intuitive realization:
Malicious:
"There was no reason other than pure malice to spread such disgusting lies all over my
housemates."
Having the nature o f or resulting from malice, deliberately harmful, spiteful, malicious gossip.
implies a deep-seated often unexplainable desire to see another suffer Malice: A desire to harm
others or to see others suffer; extreme ill will or spite.
maliciously adv. maciousness
SYNONYMSMALEVOLENCE, ILL WILL, GRUDGE mean the desire to see another experience
pain, injury, or distress
Posted Tue, 2005-12-13 06:33

JV Podcast #005 Retaliate and Treacherous

Retaliate:Will retaliated his neighbour's malicious destruction o f his car that he parked in his
neighbour's garden. Meaning: to return like for like; especially: to get revengesynonym see
ReciprocateNOUN= reAtalAiAaAtionADJECTIVE= reAtalAiAaAtive /
reAtalAiaAtoAryTreacherous:I was down in Nova Scotia, where treacherous conditions make the
province one o f the shipwreck capitals o f North America. Meaning= likely to betray trust:
Unreliable "a treacherous memory"providing no support
synonym: FaithlessADVERB= treachAerAousAly NOUN= treachAerAousAness
Posted Mon, 2005-12-12 07:32

JV Podcast #004 Omnipotent and Schvitz

Words used in today's podcast:Omnipotent: having virtually unlimited authority or influence;
almighty, all power.Schvitz(ing): to sweat The Schvitz: steambath

JV Podcast #003 Overweening and Milquetoast

Milquetoast: a timid, meek, or unassertive person. Overweening: to be arrogant,
PRESUMPTUOUS IMMODERATE, EXAGGERATED Adverb: overweeningly
Posted Thu, 2005-12-08 06:52

JV Podcast #002 Tetchy

Word o f today is TetchyaAs a critic gets older, he or she usually grows more tetchy and limited in
responsesa - Dictionary OnlineNo words reviewed yet
Posted Wed, 2005-12-07 13:07

Starting and fine-tuning

The Just Vocabulary Podcast is a daily show o f 2 to 3 minutes. Every show introduces 1 or 2 new
words and reviews previous words from previous podcasts. As I am just beginning with podcasting,
the first 15 to 20 shows will be a lot of fine-tuning, with the help and feedback of the listeners and
some friends. I really want to make this daily podcast a show worth listening to! Listen to the first
Podcast Just Vocabulary #001-The introduction.