A.
Anonymity-state of being unknown or unidentified
Acid-compound having sour taste and capable of neutralizing alkalis
Acute-sharp or severe
Agrarian-relating to land, farmers, or agriculture
Additive-substance added to another to alter or improve it
Agony-extreme mental or physical suffering
Atmosphere-gaseous envelop surrounding heavenly body like earth; environment
Alternate-v. shift back and forth; n. a substitute
Alienate-cause to be indifferent or hostile
Altruist-unselfish person
B
Balloon-n. inflatable rubber bag; v. inflate
Ballet-dance form characterized by graceful movements and gestures
Ballroom-large room for dancing
Basement-story of a building that’s underground
Beneficial-advantageous
Beneficent-doing good or charitable (person)
Benevolent-characterized by goodwill, desiring to help others (institution)
Benefactor-person who makes a bequest or endowment
Bilingual-able to speak or involving two languages
Busybody-person who meddles in the affairs of others
C.
Candor-being frank (in all candor)
Candid-frank
Catalyze-cause or accelerate a change
Catalyst-substance, thing, or person that brings about change
Cavern-large underground cave
Carve-to cut into or cut so as to form something
Circular-having form of a circle adj.; also n. advertisement
Circulate-vi. Move in a circle; vt. To distribute
Cyclical-relating to recurring series or period of time (economy is…)
Concise-expressing much in few words
D.
Duality-concerning two sides or aspects
Discredit—injure reputation of; show something or someone is unreliable
Disengaged-released from attachment or connection
Demography-science of vital and social statistics, as of populations
Dent-small depression in a surface; small amount of progress
Denture-artificial replacement of teeth
Duct-tube, canal, or pipe through which substance is conveyed
Deduce-derive as a conclusion
Deduct-take away from a total
Deductive-related to a process of reasoning from general to specific
E
Ennoble-elevate as in character (national service ennobles young people)
Enfranchise-admit to citizenship
Engulf-swallow up or envelop completely (people became engulfed in controversy)
Enhance-raise to higher degree
Enrich-make richer or add value to someone or something
Exile-n and v-explusion or to expel from one’s country
Extort-obtain by force
Extract-v and n-as v.-pull or draw out with effort (teeth)
Exodus-mass departure
Embed-fix into surrounding mass
F
Factual-of, concerning, based on facts
Failing-n.shortcoming; adj. not passing; prep. In the absence of
Faultless-without defect
Faultfinder-person who habitually criticizes
Fraudulent-characterized by deceit or trickery
Fender-part mounted over the wheels of a vehicle
Fidelity-loyalty, faithfulness; type of sound system
Flex-tighten a muscle by contraction or bend
Finality-state that’s the end
Finale-concluding part of something, especially of a musical composition
G
Generality-indefinite or undetailed statement
Generalization-inference or general conclusion from particular facts or instances
Generic-of or applicable to members of a class; also product that’s sold without a brand name, especially of drugs
Generator-machine that converts mechanical into electrical energy
Gratitude-quality or feeling of being thankful
Geopolitics-study of the influence of physical geography on the politics or foreign policy of a state
Garment-article of clothing
Gem-mineral, pearl, or other natural substance fine enough for use in jewelry; also something that’s prized for its beauty or worth
Gauge (gaaage)-v. determine the exact dimensions; n. device for measuring
Glue-n. an adhesive; v. join or attach firmly
H.
Heading-title or caption of a page, chapter, etc.; also direction traveler is going
Headstrong-stubborn
Hyperactivity-state of excessive physical activity (as of children)
Hypercritical-excessively critical
Hypocritical-describes someone who professes beliefs that he doesn’t really possess
Hypocrite-a person who does this
Hypothetical-based on a theory to explain something
Hysteria-neurosis marked by emotional outbreaks or uncontrollable emotional outburst
Hibernate-spend the winter in a dormant condition (animals)
Hierarchy-any system of persons or things ranked one above the other (sometimes negative)
I
Interactive-acting upon one another
Integrate-to bring together into a unified whole; also to make available to all racial and other groups
Integrity-uncompromising adherence to moral and ethical principles
Integral-necessary to completeness
Interval-an intervening period of time or a space between points, things, etc.
Interrupt-break the continuity of a process, activity; interfere with action or speech
Interfere-come into opposition so as to hinder; also to meddle
Intrusive-something that’s happened or someone who acts without permission or welcome
Inductive-especially a type of reasoning takes beyond the confines of current evidence or knowledge to draw conclusions about the unknown.
Incremental-describing something that’s added
J
Jaywalker-someone who crosses a street at other than the specified crossing area
Jerk-n. a quick pull or tug; slang-a stupid person; v. to pull with a jerk or move spasmodically (fitful)
Jaguar-large powerful cat; also a car
Jam-v squeeze into a confined space or push violently (jam brakes); n a preserve you put on toast or (informal) difficult situation
Janitor-person who cleans a building
Jeopardize-put in or expose to loss or harm
Jerusalem-in Israel, holy city for Jews, Christians, and Muslims
Jitters-feeling of fright or uneasiness (preceded by “the”)
Jokey-characterized by jokes (jokey slogan or bumpersticker)
joint venture-Often abbreviated JV, an entity formed between two or more parties to undertake economic activity together. Parties agree to create a new entity by both contributing equity and then share in revenues and expenses and jointly control enterprise. Can be for one specific project only or a continuing business relationship. In contrast to strategic alliance which involves no equity stake by the participants and is a much less rigid arrangement.
K
Karma-fate or destiny; aura or feeling
Karaoke-singing along with prerecorded music
Kin-person’s relatives
Kidney-one of pair of organs that filter waste from blood and excrete uric acid
know-how-knowledge of how to do something
keynote-basic idea or theme; deliver key speech at a conference
keynoter-person delivering key speech at conference
keypad-input device as of a computer keyboard
keystone-something on which associated things depend
kickoff-start of something; kick that puts ball into play
L.
Literal-in accordance with strict meaning of a text or words
Literary-of writing in prose or verse; well-read
Licit-legal, lawful
Lucid-rational, sane; clear
Locomotive-self-propelled engine for pulling a train
Lengthy-very or excessively long
Lethal-deadly or fatal
Lapse-n. slip or error; v. fall or deviate from a standard; also come to an end (let subscription lapse)
Limb-one of paired bodily appendages, such as legs
Limp-adj. lacking stiffness; v. walk with labored movement, as if lame; n. a lame movement
M.
Makeshift-n. substitute adj. serving on a temporary basis
Manifest-evident adj.; v. to show; n. list of cargo or passengers
Manifesto-public declaration of opinions, intentions
Manifestation-outward or perceptible showing of something
Mansion-very large residence
Mariner-sailor
Martial (pronounciation)-inclined to or suitable for war; ex. Martial arts (karate or judo); versus “marital”
Martyr-person who suffers—even dies—for his cause or beliefs; also as verb
Missile-object or weapon that is thrown, shot, or propelled at a target
Missionary-person sent by church to carry on humanitarian or religious work in an area or country
N.
nanotechnology-shortened to “nanotech,” is the study of the control of matter on an atomic and molecular scale.
naïve-unaffected or lacking experience
narcotic-addictive substance that can blunt the sense
nonnegotiable-state of not being able to deal or bargain in order to change something
nominal-being in name only; small in comparison to total value (nominal fee)
nomad-person with no permanent home and who wanders about
nonplus-make or render completely perplexed
nurture-to feed and protect; bring up
nutrient-substance that provides nutrition
nuance-subtle distinction
O.
Oath-solemn appeal to deity to witness one’s determination to speak the truth or keep a promise
Oar-long shaft with broad blade used for rowing
Oatmeal-breakfast food made from oats
Obedient-complying with authority
Obligatory-required or mandatory (taking the test was o—even though had been a policeman for many years)
Obscure-ambigious or vague, not clear
Observance-act of observing or celebrating a holiday or custom;
Observatory-place for making observations of astronomical phemnomena
Obsessed-excessively preoccupy the feelings or thoughts of
Obstacle-something that obstructs or hinders the progress
P.
Pacifier-usually a device that’s shaped like a nipple for a baby to suck on
Pacifist-someone who opposes war
Pact-agreement
Pagan-one observing polytheistic religion (not C, J, or I)
Parallel-extending in the same direction, equidistant, but never converging
Parameter-usually, limits or boundaries or guidelines
Paramount-chief in importance
Paranoia- mental disorder or just baseless or excessive distrust of others
Paraphrase-restatement of a passage in order to make meaning clearer (n); also v.
Patriotism-state of loving and supporting a country
Q.
Queue-a line, esp of people
Query-question (n and v)
Quota-proportional part of total; can be % of people admitted to school or country
Quantitative-of or involving an amount
Quantum-quantity; in physics, small, indivisable amount of energy; But usually adj-sudden and significant
Quarantine-strict isolation to prevent spread of disease
Questionable-of doubtful honesty, morality; uncertain
Quake-quiver or tremble; earthquake
Qualifier-word or phrase that modifies or limits meaning of another word or phrase
Quarrel-angry dispute (n); v
R
Radioactive-Giving off energy as a result of the breaking up of nuclei of atoms. (nuclear power plant-radioactive waste or not)
Reactionary-marked by or favoring political conservatism
Racism-set of beliefs that one’s race is superior to others
Ratify-confirm by expressing approval
Ration-fixed allowance of food (n); v provide with rations
Readily-easily or promptly
Reap-cut with a sickle; more common—get as a return or result
Recede-move back
Recall-recollect or remember
Recipe-set of instructions for preparing food (usually); or method for desired end
S.
Spirited-having or showing courage and animation
Spire-tall, pointed roof forming top of tower or steeple
Spiral-n three-dimensional curve that turns around an axis at a constant or continuously varying distance while moving parallel to the axis; or adj. or v.
Specialize-pursue a line of work or study that one concentrates on
Specifics-distinct items or details
self-abasement-voluntary self punishment in order to atone for some wrongdoing
self-absorbed-preoccupied with one’s own thoughts
self-assertion-expression of one’s own importance or opinions
seasoned-experienced
seasoning-something, like a spice, that enhances flavor of food
T.
Tempo-rate of speed (as of music)
Tension-act of stretching; mental strain; strained relationship
Tenant-person that rents and occupies a place (apartment, office, etc.)
Tango-dramatic ballroom dance of Latin American origin
Tag-piece of paper attached to something; follow closely; also children’s game
Tablet-small flatish piece of some solid, as a pill
Taking-the act of taking or getting into one’s possession
Tackle-equipment for fishing; often, undertake to handle or solve
Tactic-method to achieve a goal
Tease-irritate or taunt someone
U
Ultimate-furthest or farthest; unequaled
Ulterior-intentionally concealed
Umpire-person who rules on plays in sports
Unaffected-free of pretense
Unanimous-being in complete agreement
Undercut-cut under; weaken; often, offer at lower price
Underdog-person expected to lose in a contest; victim of injustice
Underestimated-consider at too low a value
Underscore-underline or emphasize
Unfold-spread out; often, develop or evolve
V
Vital-often, of critical importance
Vitalize-animate or invigorate
Vivid-bright and distinct
Victimize-subject to fraud or swindle or make a victim of
Vanity-excessive pride in oneself
Vain-excessively proud of or concerned with one’s appearance
Vantage-advantage in competition or conflict; superiority—vantage point
Veil—piece of opaque material worn over face
Verbal-of, relating to, associated with words
Verify-prove the truth of
W
Wag-move up and down or side to side
wage (wage a war)-carry on a battle or war; wages—money paid or received for work
wanted-desired greatly or wished; also adj. wanted or unwanted
windy-characterized by wind
wit-natural ability to perceive and understand; also wits-sound mental faculties
whet-make keen or eager
whistle-make a high clear sound by forcing breath through puckered lips
whim-fancy or capricious notion or impulse
wizardry-art, skill or practice of a wizard (magician or person with amazing skill)
wrest-take away by force
X
Xenophile-(zenophile)-person attracted to foreign people, cultures, etc.
Xenophobia-anxiety disorder characterized by a pervasive, irrational fear or uneasiness in the presence of strangers, especially foreigners, or in new surroundings
Xenophobe-someone with this disorder
Y
Yahoo-uncultured person (also Yahoo)
Yogurt-tart, custardlike food made from milk curdled by action of bacterial cultures
Yoga-series of postures and breathing exercises practiced to attain tranquility and mental control
Yankee-inhabitant of U.S. or of New England or of Northern state
Yardstick-measuring stick 3 feet long; also standard of measurement or judgment
yard sale- sale of used household items, usually outside
yearbook-commemorative book published by graduating class
yearlong-lasting one year
year-round-continuous throughout the year
yield-give forth; give up or give over
Z.
Zeal-eager desire or interest
Zealous-full of zeal
zero-sum game-a game or situation in which one person’s gain must be matched by another’s loss
Zoom-make continuous low-pitched buzzing sound; climb suddenly and sharply (an airplane)
Zeus-supreme deity of ancient Greeks
Zillion-extremely large, indeterminate number
Zinc-metallic element; used to form a wide variety of alloys including brass, bronze, various solders, and nickel silver, in galvanizing iron and other metals, for electric fuses, anodes, and meter cases, and in roofing, gutters, and various household objects.
Zigzag-move by sharp turns from one side to the other
Zionism-worldwide Jewish movement for establishment and development of Israel
Zip-to fasten with a metal device consisting of two parallel teeth that can be interlocked by pulling a sliding piece