Section 1
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accretion
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Cards (452)
Section 1
(50 cards)
accretion
the process of growth or increase, typically by the gradual accumulation of synonyms: accumulation, formation, collecting, cumulation, buildup, accrual;
calumny
the synonyms: slander, defamation [of character], character assassination, libel; vilification, traducement, obloquy, verbal abuse; informalmudslinging, trash-talk; rarecontumely ";voters were tired of the candidates' endless barrage of calumny"; Origin late Middle English: from Latin calumnia .
arch
deliberately or affectedly playful and teasing synonyms: mischievous, teasing, knowing, playful, roguish, impish, cheeky,
apocryphal
[of a story or statement] of doubtful authenticity, although widely circulated as being t synonyms:fictitious, made-up, untrue, fabricated, false, spurious; unverified, unauthenticated,
approbation
synonyms: approval, acceptance, endorsement, appreciation, respect, admiration, commendation, praise, congratulations, acclaim, esteem, applause; consent; rarelaudation
aegis
synonyms:protection, backing, support, patronage, sponsorship, charge, care, guidance, control, guardianship, trusteeship, agency, safeguarding, shelter,
adventitious
synonyms: unplanned, unpremeditated, accidental, chance, fortuitous, serendipitous, coincidental, casual, random ";he felt that the conversation was not entirely adven
confabulate
engage in conversation; talk Origin early 17th century: from Latin confabulat- 'chatted together,' from the verb confabulari, from con- 'together' + fabulari [from fabula 'fable'].
camarilla
a small group of people, especially a group of advisers to a ruler or politician, with a shared, typically nefarious, purpose Origin mid 19th century: from Spanish, diminutive of camara 'chamber.'
brummagem
cheap, showy, or counterfeit Originmid 17th century: dialect form of Birmingham, England, with reference to counterfeit coins and plated goods once made there
apostate
synonyms: dissenter, defector, deserter, traitor, backslider, turncoat; nonconformist;
apotheosis
the highest point in the development of something; culmination or climax
abscission
the natural detachment of parts of a plant, typically dead leaves and ripe fruit
cogent
synonyms: convincing, compelling, strong, forceful, powerful, potent, weighty, impactful, effective; valid, sound, plausible, telling; impressive, persuasive, eloquent,
animadvert
pass criticism or censure on; speak out against
anodyne
not likely to provoke dissent or offense; inoffensive, often deliberately so
abstruse
synonyms: obscure, arcane, esoteric, little known, recherché, rarefied, recondite, difficult, hard, puzzling, perplexing, cryptic,
argot
the jargon or slang of a particular group or cl synonyms: jargon, slang, idiom, cant, parlance, vernacular, patois; dialect, speech, language;
adduce
cite as evidence synonyms:cite, quote, name, mention, instance, point out, refer to; put forward, present, offer, advance, propose, proffer
celerity
swiftness of movement Origin late 15th century: from Old French celerite, from Latin celeritas, from celer 'swift.'
cadge
Origin early 17th century [in the dialect sense 'carry around']: back-formation from the noun cadger, which dates from the late 15th century, denoting [in northern English and Scots] an itinerant dealer, whence the verb sense 'hawk, peddle,' giving rise to the current verb senses from the early 19
capstan
a revolving cylinder with a vertical axis used for winding a rope or cable, powered by a motor or pushed around by levers Origin late Middle English: from Provençal cabestan, from cabestre 'halter,' from Latin capistrum, from capere 'seize.'
apothegm
a concise saying or maxim; an aphorism
breviary
a book containing the service for each day, to be recited by those in orders in the Roman Catholic Church Origin late Middle English [also denoting an abridged version of the psalms]: from Latin breviarium 'summary, abridgment,' from breviare 'abridge,' from brevis 'short, brief.'
abjure
synonyms: renounce, relinquish, reject, forgo, disavow, abandon, deny, repudiate, give up, wash one's hands of; eschew, abstain from, refrain from;
amanuensis
a literary or artistic assistant, in particular one who takes dictation or copies manuscripts
aplomb
synonyms:poise, self-assurance, self-confidence, calmness, composure, collectedness, levelheadedness, sangfroid, equilibrium, equanimity
blandishment
a flattering or pleasing statement or action used to persuade someone gently to do something synonyms: flattery, cajolery, coaxing, wheedling, persuasion, palaver, honeyed words, smooth talk, blarney; informalsweet talk, soft soap, buttering up, smarm ";the blandishments of advertisers";
contrite
synonyms: remorseful, repentant, penitent, regretful, sorry, apologetic, rueful, sheepish, hangdog, ashamed, chastened, shamefaced, cons Origin Middle English: from Old French contrit, from Latin contritus, past participle of conterere 'grind down, wear away,' from con- 'together' + terere 'rub.'
clamour
a loud and confu synonyms: din, racket, rumpus, loud noise, uproar, tumult, shouting, yelling, screaming, roaring; commotion, brouhaha, hue and cry,
antediluvian
of or belonging to the time before the biblical Flood synonyms:out of date, outdated, outmoded, old-fashioned, antiquated, behind the times,
bellicose
synonyms: belligerent, aggressive, hostile, warlike, warmongering, hawkish, antagonistic, pugnacious, truculent, confrontational, contentious, militant, combative; informalspoiling for a fight, scrappy Origin late Middle English: from Latin bellicosus, from bellicus 'warlike,' from bellum 'war.'
accede
synonyms: agree to, consent to, accept, assent to, acquiesce in, comply with, go along with, concur with, surrender to, yield to, give in to,
capriccio
a lively piece of music, typically Origin early 17th century [denoting a sudden change of mind]: from Italian, literally 'head with the hair standing on end,' hence 'horror,' later 'a sudden start' [influenced by capra 'goat,' associated with frisky movement], from capo 'head' + riccio 'hedgehog.'
aphorism
a pithy observation synonyms: saying, maxim, axiom, adage, epigram, dictum, gnome, proverb, saw, tag; rareapophthegm ";she was a fount of Orwellian aphorisms";
caitiff
a contemptible or cowardly person Origin Middle English [denoting a captive or prisoner]: from Old French caitif 'captive,' based on Latin captivus '[person] taken captive' [see captive].
apposite
synonyms: appropriate, suitable, fitting, apt, befitting; relevant, pertinent, appurtenant, to the point, applicable, germane, material, congruous,
abeyance
alacrity
synonyms: eagerness, willingness, readiness; enthusiasm, ardor, avidity, fervor, keenness; promptness, haste, swiftness, dispatch,
apogee
the highest point in the development of something; the climax or culmination
anathema
synonyms: an abomination, an outrage, an abhorrence, a disgrace, an evil, a bane,
ailurophile
a cat lover
blithe
showing a casual and cheerful indifference co synonyms: casual, indifferent, unconcerned, unworried, untroubled, uncaring, careless, heedless, thoughtless; nonchalant, blasé ";a blithe disregard for the rules"; Origin Old English blīthe, of Germanic origin; related to Dutch blijde, also to bliss.
callow
synonyms:immature, inexperienced, juvenile, adolescent, naive, green, raw, untried, unworldly, unsophisticated; informalwet behind the ears ";she toyed OriginOld English calu 'bald'; probably from Latin calvus 'bald.' This was extended to mean 'unfledged,' which led to the present sense 'immature.
adumbrate
report or represent in outline
compunction
synonyms: scruples, misgivings, qualms, worries, unease, uneasiness, doubts, reluctance, reservations; Origin Middle English: from Old French componction, from ecclesiastical Latin compunctio[n-], from Latin compungere 'prick sharply,' from com- [expressing intensive force] + pungere 'to prick.'
captious
[of a person] tending to find fault or raise petty objections Origin late Middle English [also in the sense 'intended to deceive someone']: from Old French captieux or Latin captiosus, from captio[n-] 'seizing,' [figuratively] 'deceiving' [see caption].
brook
synonyms: tolerate, allow, stand, bear, abide, put up with, endure; accept, permi Origin Old English brūcan 'use, possess,' of Germanic origin; related to Dutch bruiken and German brauchen . The current sense dates from the mid 16th century, a figurative use of an earlier sense 'digest, stomach.'
bromide
2. a trite and unoriginal idea or remark, typically intended to soothe or placate. "feel-good bromides create the illusion of problem solving"
cavil
make petty or unnecessary objections Origin mid 16th century: from French caviller, from Latin cavillari, from cavilla 'mockery.'
Section 2
(50 cards)
enjoin
synonyms: urge, encourage, admonish, press; instruct, direct, require, order, command, tell, call on, demand, charge; formaladjure; Origin Middle English [formerly also as injoin ]: from Old French enjoindre, from Latin injungere 'join, attach, impose,' from in- 'in, toward' + jungere 'to join.'
colporteur
a peddler of books, newspapers, and similar literature
desideratum
something that is needed or wanted synonyms: requirement, prerequisite, need, indispensable thing, sine qua non, essential, requisite, necessary ";integrity was a desideratum"; Origin mid 17th century: from Latin, 'something desired,' neuter past participle of desiderare [see desiderate].
defray
synonyms: pay [for], cover, meet, square, settle, clear, discharge ";the reserve fun Origin late Middle English [in the general sense 'spend money']: from French défrayer, from dé- [expressing removal] + obsolete frai 'cost, expenses' [from medieval Latin fredum 'a fine for breach of the peace'].
convivial
synonyms: friendly, genial, affable, amiable, congenial, agreeable, good-humored, cordial, warm, sociable, outgoing, gregarious, companionable, cl Origin mid 17th century [in the sense 'fit for a feast, festive']: from Latin convivialis, from convivium 'a feast,' from con- 'with' + vivere 'live.'
dudgeon
a feeling of offense or deep resentment synonyms: indignantly, resentfully, angrily, furiously; in a temper, in anger, with displeasure; informalin a huff, seeing red ";the sponsors from Cleveland stormed out in high dudgeon"; Origin late 16th century: of unknown origin.
arrant
complete, utter synonyms: utter, complete, total, absolute, downright, outright, thorough, out-and-out, sheer, pure, unmitigated, unqualified; blatant, flagrant
diaphanous
synonyms: sheer, fine, delicate, light, thin, insubstantial, floaty, flimsy, filmy, silken, chiffony, gossamer, gossamer-thin, gauzy; translucent, transparent, see-through ";a Origin early 17th century: from medieval Latin diaphanus, from Greek diaphanēs, from dia 'through' + phainein 'to show.'
enervate
synonyms: exhaust, tire, fatigue, weary, wear out, devitalize, drain, sap, weaken, enfeeble, debilitate, incapacitate, prostrate; i Origin early 17th century: from Latin enervat- 'weakened [by extraction of the sinews],' from the verb enervare, from e- [variant of ex- ] 'out of' + nervus 'sinew.'
chimera
[in Greek mythology] a fire-breathing f synonyms: illusion, fantasy, delusion, dream, daydream, pipe dream, figment of the/one's imagination, castle in the air, mirage ";is this great love of hers merely a chimera?"; Origin late Middle English: via Latin from Greek khimaira 'she-goat or chimera.'
didactic
intended to teach, particularly in h synonyms: instructive, instructional, educational, educative, informative, informational, edifying, improving, preceptive, pedagogic, moralistic ";the reforming, didactic function of art"; Origin mid 17th century: from Greek didaktikos, from didaskein 'teach.'
countervail
offset the effect of [something] by countering it with something of equal force Origin late Middle English [in the sense 'be equivalent to in value, compensate for']: from Anglo-Norman French contrevaloir, from Latin contra valere 'be of worth against.'
effete
synonyms: affected, pretentious, precious, mannered, overrefined; ineffectual; informalla-di-da ";effete trendies" Origin early 17th century [in the sense 'no longer fertile, past bearing young']: from Latin effetus 'worn out by bearing young,' from ex- 'out' + fetus 'breeding'; related to fetus.
compendious
synonyms: succinct, pithy, short and to the point, concise, compact, condensed, compressed, abridged, summarized, synoptic, capsule; informalsnap
elegy
a poem of serious reflection, typically a lament for the dead synonyms: lament, requiem, threnody, dirge; literaryplaint; keen ";an elegy for his father"; Origin early 16th century: from French élégie, or via Latin, from Greek elegeia, from elegos 'mournful poem.'
curate
a member of the clergy engaged as assistant to a vicar, rector, or parish priest Origin Middle English: from medieval Latin curatus, from Latin cura 'care.'
dross
something regarde synonyms: rubbish, junk; debris, chaff, detritus, flotsam and jetsam, garbage, trash, dreck ";trying to find something decent among the discount-house dross"; Origin Old English drōs [in the sense 'scum on molten metal']; related to Dutch droesem and German Drusen 'dregs, lees.'
asseveration
the solemn or emphatic declaration or statement of something
auspice
a divine or prophetic token
aver
state or assert to be the case
ephebe
[in ancient Greece] a young man of 18-20 years undergoing military training Origin via Latin from Greek ephēbos 'adolescent boy,' from epi 'near to' + hēbē 'early manhood.'
distaff
a stick or spindle onto which wool or flax is wound for spinning OriginOld English distæf : the first element is apparently related to Middle Low German dise, disene 'distaff, bunch of flax'; the second is staff1. The extended sense arose because spinning was traditionally done by women
devolve
synonyms: delegate, depute, pass [down/on], download, hand down/over/on, transfer, transmit, assign, consign, convey, entrust, turn over, give, cede, surrender, relinquish, deliver; be Origin late Middle English [in the sense 'roll down']: from Latin devolvere, from de- 'down' + volvere 'to roll.
doughty
synonyms: fearless, dauntless, determined, resolute, indomitable, intrepid, plucky, spirited, bold, valiant, brave, stouthearted, courageous; informalgutsy, gutty, spunky, feisty, Origin late Old English dohtig, variant of dyhtig, of Germanic origin; related to Dutch duchtig and German tüchtig .
distrait
synonyms: distracted, preoccupied, absorbed, abstracted, distant, faraway; absentminded, vague, inattentive, in a brown study, woolgathering, with Origin mid 18th century: French, from Old French destrait, past participle of destraire 'distract,' from Latin distrahere 'pull apart' [see distract].
doggerel
comic verse composed in irregular rhythm Origin late Middle English [as an adjective describing such verse]: apparently from dog [used contemptuously, as in dog Latin] + -rel.
encaustic
[especially in painting and ceramics] using pigments mixed with hot wax that are burned in as an inlay Origin late 16th century: via Latin from Greek enkaustikos, from enkaiein 'burn in,' from en- 'in' + kaiein 'to burn.'
crepuscular
of, resembling, or relating to twilight Originmid 17th century: from Latin crepusculum 'twilight' + -ar1
augur
synonyms: bode, portend, herald, be a sign of, warn of, forewarn of, foreshadow, be an omen of, presage, indicate, signify, signal, promise, threaten, spell, denote; predict, prophesy;
effulgent
shining brightly; radiant Origin mid 18th century: from Latin effulgent- 'shining brightly,' from the verb effulgere, from ex- 'out' + fulgere 'to shine.'
demur
synonyms:object, take exception, take issue, protest, cavil, dissent; voice reservations, be unwilling, be reluctant, balk, think twice; drag OriginMiddle English [in the sense 'linger, delay']: from Old French demourer [verb], demeure [noun], based on Latin de- 'away, completely' + morari 'delay.
assay
synonyms:evaluation, assessment, appraisal, analysis, examination, test/tests, testing,
convolve
roll or coil together; entwine Originlate 16th century [in the sense 'enclose in folds']: from Latin convolvere 'roll together,' from con- 'together' + volvere 'roll.
credulous
synonyms: gullible, naive, too trusting, easily taken in, impressionable, unsuspecting, unsuspicious, unwary, unquestioning; innocent, ingenuous, inexperienced, unsophistica Origin late 16th century [in the general sense 'inclined to believe']: from Latin credulus [from credere 'believe'] + -ous.
dilatory
slow to act synonyms:slow, tardy, unhurried, sluggish, sluggardly, snaillike, lazy ";he had been dilatory in appointing an executor" Originlate Middle English: from late Latin dilatorius 'delaying,' from Latin dilator 'delayer,' from dilat- 'deferred,' from the verb differre
compendium
a coll synonyms: collection, compilation, anthology, treasury, digest; summary, synopsis,
cozen
trick or deceive Origin late 16th century: perhaps from obsolete Italian cozzonare 'to cheat,' from cozzone 'middleman, broker,' from Latin cocio 'dealer.'
encomium
a speech or piece of writing that praises someone or someth synonyms: eulogy, panegyric, paean, accolade, tribute, testimonial; praise, acclaim, acclamation, homage ";the poet's encomium to the king"; Origin mid 16th century: Latin, from Greek enkōmion 'eulogy,' from en- 'within' + komos 'revel.'
churlish
rude in a mean-spirited and surly way synonyms: rude, ill-mannered, ill-bred, discourteous, impolite, unmannerly, uncivil, unchivalrous; inconsiderate, uncharitable, surly, sullen ";it seemed churlish to refuse her invitation"; Origin Old English cierlisc, ceorlisc [see churl, -ish1].
effable
able to be described in words Origin early 17th century: from Latin effabilis, from effari 'utter.'
doyen
the most respected or prominent person in a particular field Origin late 17th century: via French from Old French deien [see dean1].
desuetude
a state of disuse Origin early 17th century [in the sense 'cessation']: from French, from Latin desuetudo, from desuet- 'made unaccustomed,' from the verb desuescere, from de- [expressing reversal] + suescere 'be accustomed.'
diffident
synonyms: shy, bashful, modest, self-effacing, unassuming, meek, unconfident, un Origin late Middle English [in the sense 'lacking confidence or trust in someone or something']: from Latin diffident- 'failing in trust,' from the verb diffidere, from dis- [expressing reversal] + fidere 'to trust.'
descry
catch sight of Origin Middle English: perhaps confused with obsolete descry 'describe,' variant of obsolete descrive [via Old French from Latin describere 'write down'], which also had the meaning 'perceive.'
asperity
harshness of tone or synonyms: harshness, sharpness, abrasiveness, roughness, severity, acerbity, astringency, tartness, sarcasm
conurbation
an extended urban area, typically consisting of several towns merging with the suburbs of one or more cities Originearly 20th century: from con- 'together' + Latin urbs, urb- 'city' + -ation
desultory
synonyms:casual, cursory, superficial, token, perfunctory, half-hearted, lukewarm; random, aimless, errat Originlate 16th century [also in the literal sense 'skipping around']: from Latin desultorius 'superficial' [literally 'relating to a vaulter'], from desultor 'vaulter,' from the verb desilire
coruscate
[of light] flash or sparkle Origin early 18th century: from Latin coruscat- 'glittered,' from the verb coruscare .
contumacious
[especially of a defendant's behavior] stubbornly or willfully disobedient to authority Origin late 16th century: from Latin contumax, contumac- [perhaps from con- 'with' + tumere 'to swell'] + -ious.
arrogate
synonyms: assume, take, claim, appropriate, seize, expropriate, wrest, usurp, commandeer
Section 3
(50 cards)
hoi polloi
synonyms: masses, common people, populace, public, multitude, rank and file, lower order[s], plebeians, proletariat; mob; derogatoryrabble, riffraff, [great] unwashed, [common] herd, proles, plebs; humoroussheeple; historicalthird estate ";in da Origin mid 17th century: Greek, literally 'the many
fusillade
a series of shots fired or missiles throw synonyms: salvo, volley, barrage, bombardment, cannonade, battery, burst, blast, hail, shower, rain, stream; historicalbroadside ";a fusillade of missiles"; Origin early 19th century: from French, from fusiller 'to shoot,' from fusil [see fusil1] + -ade1.
fulsome
synonyms: excessive, extravagant, overdone, immoderate, inordinate, over-appreciative, flattering, adulatory, fawning, unctuous, ingratiating, cloying, saccharine; enthusiastic, effusive, rapturous, glowing, gushing, profuse, g Origin Middle English [in the sense 'abundant']: from full1 + -some1.
halcyon
synonyms: happy, golden, idyllic, carefree, blissful, joyful, joyous, contented; flourishing, thriving, prosperous, successful; se Origin late Middle English [in the mythological sense]: via Latin from Greek alkuōn 'kingfisher' [also halkuōn, by association with hals 'sea' and kuōn 'conceiving'].
fulminate
Origin late Middle English: from Latin fulminat- 'struck by lightning,' from fulmen, fulmin- 'lightning.' The earliest sense [derived from medieval Latin fulminare ] was 'denounce formally,' later 'issue formal censures' [originally said of the pope]. A sense 'emit thunder and lightning,' based on
fusty
smelling stale, damp, or stuffy synonyms: stale, musty, dusty; stuffy, airless, unventilated; damp, mildewed, mildewy ";the room smelt fusty"; Origin late 15th century: from Old French fuste 'smelling of the cask,' from fust 'cask, tree trunk,' from Latin fustis 'cudgel.'
imbroglio
synonyms: complicated situation, complication, problem, difficulty, predicament, trouble, confusion, quandary, entanglement, muddle, mess, quagmire, morass, sticky situation; informalbind, jam, pickle, fix, corner, Origin mid 18th century: Italian, from imbrogliare 'confuse'; related to embroil.
immanent
existing or operating within; inherent Origin mid 16th century: from late Latin immanent- 'remaining within,' from in- 'in' + manere 'remain.'
pithy
[of language or style] concise and forcefully expressive synonyms:succinct, terse, concise, compact, short [and sweet], brief, condensed, to the point, epigrammatic, crisp, thumbnail; significant, meaningful, expressive, telling; formalcompendious ";pithy comments"
pique
synonyms: irritation, annoyance, resentment, anger, displeasure, indignation, petulance, ill humor, vexation, exasperation, disgruntlement, discontent; offense, umbrage ";a fit of pique" Origin mid 16th century [denoting animosity between two or more people]: from French piquer 'prick, irritate.'
evanescent
synonyms: vanishing, fading, evaporating, melting away, disappearing; ephemeral, fleeting, short-lived, short-term, transitory, transient, fugitive, tem Origin early 18th century [in the sense 'almost imperceptible']: from Latin evanescent- 'disappearing,' from the verb evanescere [see evanesce].
garrulous
synonyms: talkative, loquacious, voluble, verbose, chatty, chattering, gossipy; effusive, expansive, forthcoming, conversational, communicative; informalmouthy, gabby, gassy, windy, having the gift of [the Origin early 17th century: from Latin garrulus [from garrire 'to chatter, prattle'] + -ous.
evince
synonyms:reveal, show, make plain, manifest, indicate, display, exhibit, demonstrate, evidence, attest to; convey, communicate, proclaim, bespeak; informalooze ";his letters ev Originlate 16th century [in the sense 'prove by argument or evidence']: from Latin evincere 'overcome, defeat' [see evict]
heteroclite
abnormal or irregular Origin late 15th century: via late Latin from Greek heteroklitos, from heteros 'other' + -klitos 'inflected' [from klinein 'to lean, inflect'].
glut
an excessively abundant supply of something synonyms: surplus, excess, surfeit, superfluity, overabundance, superabundance, oversupply, plethora ";a glut of cars"; Origin Middle English: probably via Old French from Latin gluttire 'to swallow'; related to glutton.
grouse
a medium to large g synonyms: grumble, complain, protest, whine, bleat, carp, cavil, make a fuss; informalmoan, bellyache, gripe, beef, bitch, grouch, sound off, kvetch ";she groused about the food"; Origin early 16th century: perhaps related to medieval Latin gruta or to Old French grue 'crane.'
evanesce
pass out of sight, memory, or existence Originmid 19th century: from Latin evanescere, from e- [variant of ex- ] 'out of' + vanus 'empty.
equanimity
synonyms: composure, calm, level-headedness, self-possession, coolheadedness, presence of mind; serenity, tranquility, phlegm, imperturbability, equilibrium; poise Origin early 17th century [also in the sense 'fairness, impartiality']: from Latin aequanimitas, from aequus 'equal' + animus 'mind.'
harangue
synonyms: tirade, diatribe, lecture, polemic, rant, fulmination, broadside, attack, onslaught; crit Origin late Middle English: from Old French arenge, from medieval Latin harenga, perhaps of Germanic origin. The spelling was later altered to conform with French harangue [noun], haranguer [verb].
grandiloquent
synonyms: pompous, bombastic, magniloquent, pretentious, ostentatious, high-flown, orotund, florid, flowery; overwro Origin late 16th century: from Latin grandiloquus, literally 'grand-speaking,' from grandis 'grand' + loqui 'speak.' The ending was altered in English by association with eloquent.
hetaera
a courtesan or mistress, especially one in ancient Greece akin to the modern geisha Originfrom Greek hetaira, feminine of hetairos 'companion.
hagiolatry
the worship of saints
etiology
the cause, set of causes, or manner of causation of a disease or condition Origin mid 16th century: via medieval Latin from Greek aitiologia, from aitia 'a cause' + -logia [see -logy].
picayune
petty; worthless Origin early 19th century: from French picaillon, denoting a Piedmontese copper coin, also used to mean 'cash,' from Provençal picaioun, of unknown ultimate origin.
dissemble
synonyms: dissimulate, pretend, feign, act, masquerade, sham, fake, bluff, posture, hide one's feelings, put on a false front ";she's being honest and Origin late Middle English: alteration [suggested by semblance] of obsolete dissimule, via Old French from Latin dissimulare 'disguise, conceal.'
impecunious
synonyms: penniless, poor, impoverished, indigent, insolvent, hard up, poverty-stricken, needy, destitute; in straitened circumstances, unable to make ends meet; i Origin late 16th century: from in-1 'not' + obsolete pecunious 'having money, wealthy' [from Latin pecuniosus, from pecunia 'money'].
gustation
the action or faculty of tasting Origin late 16th century: from Latin gustatio[n-], from gustare 'to taste,' from gustus 'taste.'
germane
synonyms: relevant, pertinent, applicable, apposite, material; apropos, appropriate, apt, fitting, suitable; connected, related, akin Origin early 17th century: variant of german, with which it was synonymous from Middle English. The current sense has arisen from a usage in Shakespeare's Hamlet .
plaint
an accusation; a charge Origin Middle English: from Old French plainte, feminine past participle of plaindre 'complain,' or from Old French plaint, from Latin planctus 'beating of the breast.'
excoriate
censure or criticize severely synonyms: abrade, rub away, rub raw, scrape, scratch, chafe; strip away, skin ";the skin had been excoriated"; Origin late Middle English: from Latin excoriat- 'skinned,' from the verb excoriare, from ex- 'out, from' + corium 'skin, hide.'
epigram
synonyms: witticism, quip, jest, pun, bon mot; saying, maxim, adage, aphorism, apophthegm; informalone-liner, wisecrack, [old] chestnut ";a collection of humorous Origin late Middle English: from French épigramme, or Latin epigramma, from Greek, from epi 'upon, in addition' + gramma [see -gram1].
guy
a rope or line fixed to the ground to secure a tent or other structure Origin late Middle English: probably of Low German origin; related to Dutch gei 'brail' and German Geitaue 'brails.'
execrate
feel or express great loathing for Origin mid 16th century: from Latin exsecrat- 'cursed,' from the verb exsecrari, based on sacrare 'dedicate' [from sacer 'sacred'].
haruspex
[in ancient Rome] a religious official who interpreted omens by inspecting the entrails of sacrificial animals Origin Latin, from an unrecorded element meaning 'entrails' [related to Sanskrit hirā 'artery'] + -spex [from specere 'look at'].
disport
enjoy oneself unrestrainedly; frolic Origin late Middle English: from Old French desporter, from des- 'away' + porter 'carry' [from Latin portare ].
histrionic
synonyms: melodramatic, theatrical, dramatic, exaggerated, stagy, actorly, showy, affected, artificial, overacted, overdone; informalhammy, ham, campy ";a Origin mid 17th century [in the sense 'dramatically exaggerated, hypocritical']: from late Latin histrionicus, from Latin histrio[n-] 'actor.'
plangent
[of a sound] loud, reverberating, and often melancholy synonyms: melancholy, mournful, plaintive; sonorous, resonant, loud ";a plangent moan from somewhere not too distant"; Origin early 19th century: from Latin plangent- 'lamenting,' from the verb plangere .
exculpate
show or declare that [someone] is not guilty of wrongdoing Origin mid 17th century: from medieval Latin exculpat- 'freed from blame,' from the verb exculpare, from ex- 'out, from' + Latin culpa 'blame.'
baleful
synonyms: menacing, threatening, unfriendly, hostile, antagonistic, evil, evil-intentioned, vindictive, wicked, nasty, bitter, acrimonious, malevolent, malicious, malignant, malign, sinister; harmful, injurious, dangerous, destructive,
hubris
excessive pride or self-confidence synonyms: arrogance, conceit, haughtiness, hauteur, pride, self-importance, egotism, pomposity, superciliousness, superiority; informalbig-headedness, cockiness ";the hubris among economists was shaken"; Origin Greek.
ersatz
[of a product] made or used as a synonyms: artificial, substitute, imitation, synthetic, fake, false, faux, mock, simulated; pseudo, sham, bogus, spurious, counterfeit; manufactured, man-made; informalphony, wannabe ";ersatz coffee"; Origin late 19th century: from German, literally 'replacement.'
homily
a synonyms: sermon, lecture, discourse, address, lesson, talk, speech, oration ";a guest preacher delivered today's homily"; Origin late Middle English: via Old French from ecclesiastical Latin homilia, from Greek, 'discourse, conversation' [in ecclesiastical use, 'sermon'], from homilos 'crowd.'
pith
soft or spongy tissue in plants or animals, in particular synonyms: essence, main point, fundamentals, heart, substance, nub, core, quintessence, crux, gist, meat, kernel, marrow, burden; informalnitty-gritty ";the pith of the argument"; Origin Old English pitha .
iconoclast
synonyms: critic, skeptic; heretic, unbeliever, dissident, dissenter, infidel; rebel, renegade, mutineer ";in terms of the money culture in Washington, she is an Origin mid 17th century [sense 2]: via medieval Latin from ecclesiastical Greek eikonoklastēs, from eikōn 'likeness' + klan 'to break.'
discomfit
synonyms: embarrass, abash, disconcert, discompose, discomfort, take aback, unsettle, unnerve, Origin Middle English [in the sense 'defeat in battle']: from Old French desconfit, past participle of desconfire, based on Latin dis- [expressing reversal] + conficere 'put together' [see confection].
hebetude
the state of being dull or lethargic Origin early 17th century: from late Latin hebetudo, from hebes, hebet- 'blunt.'
imperious
synonyms: peremptory, high-handed, commanding, imperial, overbearing, overweening, domineering, authoritarian, dictatorial, autocratic, authoritativ Origin mid 16th century: from Latin imperiosus, from imperium 'command, authority, empire'; related to imperare 'to command.' Compare with imperial.
hagiography
the writing of the lives of saints
esurient
hungry or greedy Origin late 17th century: from Latin esurient- 'being hungry,' from the verb esurire, from esse 'eat.'
exegesis
critical explanation or interpretation of a text, especially of scripture synonyms: interpretation, explanation, exposition, explication ";the exegesis of ancient texts"; Origin early 17th century: from Greek exēgēsis, from exēgeisthai 'interpret,' from ex- 'out of' + hēgeisthai 'to guide, lead.'
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lothario
a man who behaves selfishly and irresponsibly in his sexual relationships with women Originfrom a character in Rowe's Fair Penitent [1703]
indemnity
security or protection against a loss or synonyms: insurance, assurance, protection, security, indemnification, surety, guarantee, warranty, safeguard ";indemnity against loss"; Origin late Middle English: from French indemnite, from late Latin indemnitas, from indemnis 'unhurt, free from loss.'
insouciance
synonyms: nonchalance, unconcern, indifference, heedlessness, calm, equanimity, composure, ease, airiness; informalcool ";through his own profligacy and insouciance in raising Origin late 18th century: French, from insouciant, from in- 'not' + souciant 'worrying' [present participle of soucier ].
impute
repres synonyms: attribute to, ascribe to, assign to, credit to; connect with, associate with ";the worst of these mistakes have been unfairly imputed to him"; Origin late Middle English: from Old French imputer, from Latin imputare 'enter in the account,' from in- 'in, toward' + putare 'reckon.'
exigent
pressing; demanding Originearly 17th century: from Latin exigent- 'completing, ascertaining,' from the verb exigere [see exact]
perennial
synonyms: abiding, enduring, lasting, everlasting, perpetual, eternal, continuing, unending, unceasing, never-ending, endless, undying, ceaseless, persis Origin mid 17th century [in the sense 'remaining leafy throughout the year, evergreen']: from Latin perennis 'lasting the year through' + -ial.
exiguous
very small synonyms: meager, inadequate, insufficient, small, scanty, paltry, negligible, modest, deficient, miserly, niggardly, beggarly; informalmeasly, stingy, piddling ";Bob Cratchit's exiguous wages"; Origin mid 17th century: from Latin exiguus 'scanty' [from exigere 'weigh exactly'] + -ous.
inveigle
synonyms: entice, tempt, lure, seduce, beguile; wheedle, cajole, coax, persuade; informalsweet-talk, soft- Origin late 15th century [in the sense 'beguile, deceive'; formerly also as enveigle ]: from Anglo-Norman French envegler, alteration of Old French aveugler 'to blind,' from aveugle 'blind.'
kvetch
a person who complains a great deal Origin 1960s: from Yiddish kvetsh [noun], kvetshn [verb], from Middle High German quetschen, literally 'cru
exhort
synonyms: urge, encourage, call on, enjoin, charge, press; bid, appeal to, entreat, implore, beg; formaladjure; literarybeseech ";the president exhorted state legislatures to beef Origin late Middle English: from Old French exhorter or Latin exhortari, from ex- 'thoroughly' + hortari 'encourage.'
farrow
a litter of pigs Origin Old English fearh, færh 'young pig,' from an Indo-European root shared by Greek porkos and Latin porcus 'pig.'
fatuous
silly and pointless synonyms: silly, foolish, stupid, inane, idiotic, vacuous, asinine; pointless, senseless, ridiculous, ludicrous, absurd; informaldumb, daft ";the irritation of fatuous questions"; Origin early 17th century: from Latin fatuus 'foolish' + -ous.
inveigh
synonyms: fulminate against, declaim against, protest [against], rail against/at, rage at, remonstrate agai Origin late 15th century [in the sense 'carry in, introduce'; formerly also as enveigh ]: from Latin invehere 'carry in,' invehi 'be carried into, assail,' from in- 'into' + vehere 'carry.'
inchoate
just begu synonyms: rudimentary, undeveloped, unformed, immature, incipient, embryonic; beginning, fledgling, developing ";their government should not interfere in the inchoate market forces"; Origin mid 16th century: from Latin inchoatus, past participle of inchoare, variant of incohare 'begin.'
perfidy
synonyms: treachery, duplicity, deceit, deceitfulness, disloyalty, infidelity, faithlessness, unfaithfulness, betrayal, treason, double-dealing, untrustworthiness, Origin late 16th century: via French from Latin perfidia, from perfidus 'treacherous,' based on per- 'to ill effect' + fides 'faith.'
factitious
synonyms: bogus, fake, specious, false, counterfeit, fraudulent, spurious, sham, mock, feigned, affected, pretended, contrived, engineered, inauthentic, ersa Origin mid 17th century [in the general sense 'made by human skill or effort']: from Latin facticius 'made by art,' from facere 'do, make.'
forfend
avert, keep away, or prevent [something evil or unpleasant]
insipid
lacking flavor synonyms: tasteless, flavorless, bland, weak, wishy-washy; unappetizing, unpalatable ";insipid coffee"; Origin early 17th century: from French insipide or late Latin insipidus, from in- 'not' + sapidus [see sapid].
percipient
[of a person] having a good understanding of things; perceptive Originmid 17th century: from Latin percipient- 'seizing, understanding,' from the verb percipere
indolent
synonyms:lazy, idle, slothful, loafing, do-nothing, sluggardly, shiftless, lackadaisical, languid, inactive, underactive, inert, sluggish, lethargic, to Originmid 17th century: from late Latin indolent-, from in- 'not' + dolere 'suffer or give pain.' The sense 'idle' arose in the early 18th century
intrepid
synonyms: fearless, unafraid, undaunted, unflinching, unshrinking, bold, daring, gallant, audacious, adventurous, heroic, dynamic, spirited, indomitable; brave, courageous, valiant, valorous, Origin late 17th century: from French intrépide or Latin intrepidus, from in- 'not' + trepidus 'alarmed.'
inure
synonyms: harden, toughen, season, temper, condition; accustom, habituate, familiarize, acclimatize, adjust, adapt, desensitize ";t Origin late Middle English inure, enure, from an Anglo-Norman French phrase meaning 'in use or practice,' from en 'in' + Old French euvre 'work' [from Latin opera ].
inimical
synonyms: harmful, injurious, detrimental, deleterious, prejudicial, damaging, hurtful, destructive, ruinous, pernicious; antagonistic, contrary, antipathetic, unfavorable, adverse, opposed; hostile, unkind, u Origin early 16th century: from late Latin inimicalis, from Latin inimicus [see enemy].
jejune
naive, simplistic, and superficial Origin early 17th century: from Latin jejunus 'fasting, barren.' The original sense was 'without food,' hence 'not intellectually nourishing.'
expostulate
synonyms: remonstrate with, disagree with, argue with, take issue with, protest against, reason against, express disagr Origin mid 16th century [in the sense 'demand how or why, state a complaint']: from Latin expostulat- 'demanded,' from the verb expostulare, from ex- 'out' + postulare 'demand.'
ineluctable
unable to be resisted or avoided; inescapable Origin early 17th century: from Latin ineluctabilis, from in- 'not' + eluctari 'struggle out.'
impugn
dispute the truth, validity, or hone synonyms: call into question, challenge, question, dispute, query, take issue with ";are you impugning my judgment?"; Origin late Middle English [also in the sense 'assault, attack physically']: from Latin impugnare 'assail,' from in- 'toward' + pugnare 'fight
limn
depict or describe in painting or words synonyms: describe, portray, depict, illustrate ";his earlier works limned violence"; Origin late Middle English [in the sense 'illuminate a manuscript']: alteration of obsolete lumine 'illuminate,' via Old French luminer from Latin luminare 'make light.'
deracinate
tear [something] up by the roots Originlate 16th century: from French déraciner, from dé- [expressing removal] + racine 'root' [based on Latin radix ]
penurious
synonyms:poor, poor as a church mouse, poverty-stricken, destitute, necessitous, impecunious, impoverished, indigent, needy, in need/want, badly off, in reduced/straitened circumstances, hard u Originlate 16th century: from medieval Latin penuriosus, from Latin penuria 'need, scarcity' [see penury]
inexorable
synonyms: relentless, unstoppable, inescapable, inevitable, unavoidable, irrevocable, unalterable; persistent, continuous, nonstop, steady, interminable, incessant, unceasing, u Origin mid 16th century: from French, or from Latin inexorabilis, from in- 'not' + exorabilis [from exorare 'entreat'].
invidious
[of an action or situation] likely to arouse or incur resentment or anger in others synonyms: unpleasant, awkward, difficult; undesirable, unenviable; odious, hateful, detestable ";that put her in an invidious position"; Origin early 17th century: from Latin invidiosus, from invidia [see envy].
extant
synonyms: still existing, in existence, existent, surviving, remaining, undestroyed ";ext Origin mid 16th century [in the sense 'accessible, able to be publicly seen or reached']: from Latin exstant- 'being visible or prominent, existing,' from the verb exstare, from ex- 'out' + stare 'to stand.'
founder
[of a ship] fill with water and sink synonyms: sink, go to the bottom, go down, be lost at sea ";the ship foundered"; Origin Middle English [in the sense 'knock to the ground']: from Old French fondrer, esfondrer 'submerge, collapse,' based on Latin fundus 'bottom, base.'
jeremiad
a long, mournful complaint or lamentation; a list of woes Origin late 18th century: from French jérémiade, from Jérémie 'Jeremiah,' from ecclesiastical Latin Jeremias, with reference to the Lamentations of Jeremiah in the Old Testament.
flocculant
a substance that promotes the clumping of particles, especially one used in treating waste water
expatiate
synonyms: speak/write at length, go into detail, expound, dwell, dilate, expand, enlarge, elaborate; formalperorate ";he Origin mid 16th century [in the sense 'roam freely']: from Latin exspatiari 'move beyond one's usual bounds,' from ex- 'out, from' + spatiari 'to walk' [from spatium 'space'].
interstice
an intervening space, especially a very small one Origin late Middle English: from Latin interstitium, from intersistere 'stand between,' from inter- 'between' + sistere 'to stand.'
intransigent
synonyms: uncompromising, inflexible, unbending, unyielding, diehard, unshakab Origin late 19th century: from French intransigeant, from Spanish los intransigentes [a name adopted by the extreme republicans in the Cortes, 1873-74]; based on Latin in- 'not' + transigere 'come to an understanding.'
fell
of terrible evil or ferocity; deadly synonyms: murderous, savage, violent, vicious, fierce, ferocious, barbarous, barbaric, monstrous, cruel, ruthless; archaicsanguinary ";a fell intent"; Origin Middle English: from Old French fel, nominative of felon 'wicked [person'] [see felon1].
libertine
a person, especially a man, who behaves w synonyms:philanderer, playboy, rake, roué, Don Juan, Lothario, Casanova, Romeo; lecher, seducer, womanizer, adulterer, debauchee, profligate, wanton; informalskirt-chaser, tomcat, horndog, ladykiller, lech, wolf; formalfornicator ";an unrepentant libertine"
importune
synonyms: beg, beseech, entreat, implore, plead with, appeal to, call on, lobby; harass, pester, press, badger, bother, nag, harry; informalhassle, Origin mid 16th century: from French importuner or medieval Latin importunari, from Latin importunus 'inconvenient, unseasonable' [see importunate].
inculpate
accuse or blame Originlate 18th century: from late Latin inculpat- 'made culpable,' from the verb inculpare, from in- 'upon, toward' + culpare 'to blame' [from culpa 'fault']
feckless
synonyms: useless, worthless, incompetent, inept, good-for-nothing, ne'er-do-well; lazy, idle, slothful, indolent, irresponsible, shiftless; informalno-good, no-account ";the feckless Origin late 16th century: from Scots and northern English dialect feck [from effeck, variant of effect] + -less.
implacable
synonyms: unappeasable, unforgiving, unsparing; inexorable, intransigent, inflexible, unyielding, unbending, uncompromising, unrelenting, relentless, ruthless, remorseless, merciless, heartless, pitil Origin late Middle English: from Latin implacabilis, from in- 'not' + placabilis [see placable].
picaresque
of or relating to an episodic style of fiction dealing with the adventures of a rough and dishonest but appealing hero Origin early 19th century: from French, from Spanish picaresco . See picaro.
florid
having a red or flushed complexion synonyms: ruddy, red, red-faced, rosy, rosy-cheeked, pink; flushed, blushing, high-colored; archaicsanguine ";a florid complexion"; Origin mid 17th century: from Latin floridus, from flos, flor- 'flower.'
expiate
synonyms: atone for, make amends for, make up for, do penance for, pay for, redress, redee Origin late 16th century [in the sense 'end [rage, sorrow, etc.] by suffering it to the full']: from Latin expiat- 'appeased by sacrifice,' from the verb expiare, from ex- 'out' + piare [from pius 'pious'].
invective
synonyms: abuse, insults, e Origin late Middle English [originally as an adjective meaning 'reviling, abusive']: from Old French invectif, -ive, from late Latin invectivus 'attacking,' from invehere [see inveigh]. The noun is from late Latin invectiva [oratio ] 'abusive or censorious [language].'
folderol
trivial or nonsensical fuss
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pillory
a wooden framework with holes for the head and hands, in which an offender was i synonyms: stocks ";offenders were put in the pillory"; Origin Middle English: from Old French pilori, probably from Provençal espilori [associated by some with a Catalan word meaning 'peephole,' of uncertain origin].
lassitude
a state of physical or mental weariness; lack of energy synonyms: lethargy, listlessness, weariness, languor, sluggishness, tiredness, fatigue, torpor, lifelessness, apathy ";prolonged periods of lassitude"; Origin late Middle English: from French, from Latin lassitudo, from lassus 'tired.'
mephitic
[especially of a gas or vapor] foul-smelling; noxious Origin early 17th century: from late Latin mephiticus, from mephitis 'noxious exhalation.'
superannuated
[of a position or synonyms: old, old-fashioned, antiquated, out of date, outmoded, broken-down, obsolete, disused, defunct ";superannuated computing equipment"; Origin mid 17th century: back-formation from superannuated, from medieval Latin superannuatus, from Latin super- 'over' + annus 'year.'
picaresque
of or relating to an episodic style of fiction dealing with the adventures of a rough and dishonest but appealing hero Origin early 19th century: from French, from Spanish picaresco . See picaro.
malapert
boldly disrespectful to a person of higher standing Origin Middle English: from mal- 'improperly' + archaic apert 'insolent.'
lubricious
offensively displaying or intended to arouse sexual desire Origin late 16th century: from Latin lubricus 'slippery' + -ious.
malversation
corrupt behavior in a position of trust, especially in public office Origin mid 16th century: from French, from malverser, from Latin male 'badly' + versari 'behave.'
maunder
talk in a rambling manner synonyms: ramble, prattle, blather, rattle, chatter, jabber, babble; informalyak, yatter ";he maundered on about his problems"; Origin early 17th century: perhaps from obsolete maunder 'to beg.'
temerity
excessive confidence or boldness synonyms:audacity, nerve, effrontery, impudence, impertinence, cheek, gall, presumption; daring; informalface, front, neck, chutzpah ";I doubt they'll have the temerity to print these accusations" Originlate Middle English: from Latin temeritas, from temere 'rashly.
incise
mark or decorate [an object or surface] with a cut or a series of cuts Origin mid 16th century: from French inciser, from Latin incis- 'cut into, engraved,' from the verb incidere, from in- 'into' + caedere 'to cut.'
pollard
cut off the top and branches of [a tree] to encourage new growth at the top Origin early 17th century: from the verb poll + -ard.
meretricious
synonyms:worthless, valueless, cheap, tawdry, trashy, Brummagem, tasteless, kitsch, kitschy; false, artificial, fake, imitation; informaltacky, chintzy ";the meretriciou Originearly 17th century: from Latin meretricius [adjective from meretrix, meretric- 'prostitute,' from mereri 'be hired'] + -ous
nexus
a connection or series of connections linking two or more things Origin mid 17th century: from Latin, 'a binding together,' from nex- 'bound,' from the verb nectere .
teleology
the explanation of phenomena by the purpose they serve rather than by postulated causes Origin mid 18th century [denoting the branch of philosophy that deals with ends or final causes]: from modern Latin teleologia, from Greek telos 'end' + -logia [see -logy].
mordacious
denoting or using biting sarcasm or invective Origin mid 17th century: from Latin mordax, mordac- 'biting' + -ious.
taciturn
synonyms: untalkative, uncommunicative, reticent, unforthcoming, quiet, secretive, tight-lipped, buttoned-up, close-mouthed; silent, mute, dumb, inarticulate; reserved, withdrawn ";our taciturn daughter has suddenly become Origin late 18th century: from Latin taciturnus, from tacitus [see tacit].
maudlin
synonyms: sentimental, oversentimental, emotional, overemotional, t Origin late Middle English [as a noun denoting Mary Magdalen]: from Old French Madeleine, from ecclesiastical Latin Magdalena [see magdalene]. The sense of the adjective derives from allusion to pictures of Mary Magdalen weeping.
mulct
extract money from [someone] by fine or taxation Origin late 15th century: from Latin mulctare, multare, from mulcta 'a fine.'
tautology
synonyms: pleonasm, repetition, reiteration, redundancy, superfluity, duplication ";avoid such tautology as ";let's all work together, everyone, as a team"; Origin mid 16th century: via late Latin from Greek, from tautologos 'repeating what has been said,' from tauto- 'same' + -logos [see -logy].
louche
disreputable or sordid in a rakish or appealing way Origin early 19th century: from French, literally 'squinting.'
lummox
a clumsy, stupid person Origin early 19th century: of unknown origin.
munificent
synonyms:generous, bountiful, openhanded, magnanimous, philanthropic, princely, handsome, lavish, liberal, charitable, big-hearted, beneficent; literarybounteous ";a munif Originlate 16th century: from Latin munificent-, stem of munificentior, comparative of munificus 'bountiful,' from munus 'gift.
lugubrious
synonyms: mournful, gloomy, sad, unhappy, doleful, glum, melancholy, woeful, miserable, woebegone, forlorn, somber, solemn, serious, sorrowful, morose, dour, cheerless, joyless, dismal; funereal, sepulchral; informaldown Origin early 17th century: from Latin lugubris [from lugere 'mourn'] + -ous.
noisome
having an extremely offensive smell Origin late Middle English: from obsolete noy [shortened form of annoy] + -some1.
sublunary
belonging to this world as contrasted with a better or more spiritual one Originlate 16th century [in the sense 'terrestrial']: from modern Latin sublunaris
pleonasm
the use of more words than are necessary to convey meaning [e.g., see with one's eyes ], either as a fault of style or for emphasis Origin mid 16th century: via late Latin from Greek pleonasmos, from pleonazein 'be superfluous.'
mendicant
given to begging Origin late Middle English: from Latin mendicant- 'begging,' from the verb mendicare, from mendicus 'beggar,' from mendum 'fault.'
moribund
[of a person] at the point of death synonyms: dying, expiring, terminal, on one's deathbed, near death, at death's door, not long for this world ";the patient was moribund"; Origin early 18th century: from Latin moribundus, from mori 'to die.'
lucubrate
discourse learnedly in writing Origin early 17th century: from Latin lucubrat- '[having] worked by lamplight,' from the verb lucubrare .
minatory
expressing or conveying a threat Origin mid 16th century: from late Latin minatorius, from minat- 'threatened,' from the verb minari .
laconic
synonyms: brief, concise, terse, succinct, short, pithy ";his laconic comment"; taciturn, uncommunicative, reticent, quiet, reserved, s Origin mid 16th century [in the sense 'Laconian']: via Latin from Greek Lakōnikos, from Lakōn 'Laconia, Sparta,' the Spartans being known for their terse speech.
mendacious
synonyms: lying, untruthful, dishonest, deceitful, false, dissembling, insincere, disingenuous, hypocritical, fraudulent, double-dealing, two-faced, Janus-faced, two-timing, duplicitous, perjured; u Origin early 17th century: from Latin mendax, mendac- 'lying' [related to mendum 'fault'] + -ious.
mawkish
synonyms: sentimental, oversentimental, maudlin, cloying, sickly, saccharine, sugary, oversweet, syrupy, nauseating; informalmushy, slushy, sloppy, schmaltzy, wee Origin mid 17th century [in the sense 'inclined to sickness']: from obsolete mawk 'maggot,' from Old Norse mathkr, of Germanic origin.
miasma
a highly unpleasant or unhealthy smell or vapor synonyms:stink, reek, stench, fetor, smell, fume, odor, whiff; gas, cloud, smog, vapor ";the miasma from the stagnant swamp made us choke and gag" Originmid 17th century: from Greek, literally 'defilement,' from miainein 'pollute.
stolid
[of a person] calm, dependabl synonyms: impassive, phlegmatic, unemotional, cool, calm, placid, unexcitable; dependable; unimaginative, dull ";her stolid facade is somewhat unnerving"; Origin late 16th century: from obsolete French stolide or Latin stolidus [perhaps related to stultus 'foolish'].
synod
an assembly of the clergy and sometimes also the laity in a diocese or other division of a particular church Originlate Middle English: via late Latin from Greek sunodos 'meeting,' from sun- 'together' + hodos 'way.
suspire
breathe Originlate Middle English [in the sense 'yearn after']: from Latin suspirare, from sub- 'from below' + spirare 'breathe.
sylvan
consisting of or associated with woods; wooded Origin mid 16th century [as a noun denoting an inhabitant of the woods]: from French sylvain or Latin Silvanus 'woodland deity,' from silva 'a wood.'
prefatory
serving as an introduction; introductory synonyms: introductory, preliminary, opening, initial, preparatory, initiatory, precursory ";prefatory text";
mimetic
relating to, constituting, or habitually practicing mimesis Origin mid 17th century: from Greek mimētikos 'imitation,' from mimeisthai 'to imitate.'
lurid
very vivid in co synonyms: bright, brilliant, vivid, glaring, shocking, fluorescent, flaming, dazzling, intense; gaudy, loud, showy, bold, garish, tacky ";lurid colors"; Origin mid 17th century [in the sense 'pale and dismal in color']: from Latin luridus ; related to luror 'wan or yellow color.'
iniquity
synonyms: wickedness, sinfulness, immorality, impropriety; vice, evil, sin; villainy, criminality; odiousness, atrocity, egregiousness; outrage, monstrosity, obscenity, repr Origin Middle English: from Old French iniquite, from Latin iniquitas, from iniquus, from in- 'not' + aequus 'equal, just.'
succor
assistance a synonyms: aid, help, a helping hand, assistance; comfort, ease, relief, support, TLC ";they are providing succor in times of need"; Origin Middle English: via Old French from medieval Latin succursus, from Latin succurrere 'run to the help of,' from sub- 'from below' + currere 'run.'
stultify
synonyms: hamper, impede, thwart, frustrate, foil, suppress, smother ";social welfare was stultified by international trade regulations"; bore, make bored, dull, numb, benumb, stupefy ";he stultifies her with too Origin mid 18th century: from late Latin stultificare, from Latin stultus 'foolish.'
monocoque
an aircraft or vehicle structure in which the chassis is integral with the body Origin early 20th century: from French, from mono- 'single' + coque 'shell.'
mordant
[especially of humor] ha synonyms: caustic, trenchant, biting, cutting, acerbic, sardonic, sarcastic, scathing, acid, sharp, keen; critical, bitter, virulent, vitriolic ";a mordant sense of humor"; Origin late 15th century: from French, present participle of mordre 'to bite,' from Latin mordere .
payola
the practice of bribing someone to use their influence or position to promote a particular product or interest Origin 1930s: from pay1 + -ola as in Victrola, the name of a make of gramophone.
manumit
release from slavery; set free Origin late Middle English: from Latin manumittere, literally 'send forth from the hand,' from manus 'hand' + mittere 'send.'
malinger
synonyms: pretend to be ill, feign [an] illness, fake [an] illness; shirk; informalgoof off ";he was put on repor Origin early 19th century: back-formation from malingerer, apparently from French malingre, perhaps formed as mal- 'wrongly, improperly' + haingre 'weak,' probably of Germanic origin.
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otiose
serving no practical purpose or result Origin late 18th century: from Latin otiosus, from otium 'leisure.'
obsequies
synonyms: funeral rites, funeral service, funeral, burial, interment, entombment, Origin late Middle English: plural of obsolete obsequy, from Anglo-Norman French obsequie, from the medieval Latin plural obsequiae [from Latin exsequiae 'funeral rites,' influenced by obsequium 'dutiful service'].
theophany
a visible manifestation to humankind of God or a god Origin Old English, via ecclesiastical Latin from Greek theophaneia, from theos 'god' + phainein 'to show.'
unctuous
synonyms: sycophantic, ingratiating, obsequious, fawning, servile, groveling, subservient, cringing, humble, hypocritical, insincere, gushing, effusive; glib, s Origin late Middle English [in the sense 'greasy']: from medieval Latin unctuosus, from Latin unctus 'anointing,' from unguere 'anoint.'
obstreperous
synonyms: unruly, unmanageable, disorderly, undisciplined, uncontrollable, rowdy, disruptive, truculent, difficult, refractory, rebelliou Origin late 16th century [in the sense 'clamorous, vociferous']: from Latin obstreperus [from obstrepere, from ob- 'against' + strepere 'make a noise'] + -ous.
traduce
synonyms: defame, slander, speak ill of, misrepresent, malign, vilify, denigrate, disparage, slur, impugn, smear, besmir Origin mid 16th century [in the sense 'transport, transmit']: from Latin traducere 'lead in front of others, expose to ridicule,' from trans- 'over, across' + ducere 'to lead.'
ultramontane
advocating supreme papal authority in matters of faith and discipline Originlate 16th century [denoting a representative of the Roman Catholic Church north of the Alps]: from medieval Latin ultramontanus, from Latin ultra 'beyond' + mons, mont- 'mountain.
unremitting
never relaxing or slackening; inces synonyms: relentless, incessant, unrelenting, continual, constant, continuous, unabating, uninterrupted, unbroken, unrelieved, sustained, unshakable, unceasing, ceaseless, endless, unending, persistent, perpetual, interminable; merciless ";the unremitting rain";
opprobrium
synonyms: vilification, abuse, vituperation, condemnation, criticism, censure, denunciation, defamation, denigration, castigation, disparagement, obloquy, derogation, slander, Origin mid 17th century: from Latin, literally 'infamy,' from opprobrum, from ob- 'against' + probrum 'disgraceful act.'
tergiversate
make conflicting or evasive statements; equivocate Origin mid 17th century: from Latin tergiversat- 'with one's back turned,' from the verb tergiversari, from tergum 'back' + vertere 'to turn.'
torpor
synonyms: lethargy, sluggishness, inertia, inactivity, lifelessness, listlessness, languor, lassitude, laziness, idleness, indolence, sloth, acedia, passivity, somnolence, weariness, sleepiness ";the feeling of torpor lin Origin late Middle English: from Latin, from torpere 'be numb or sluggish.'
palaver
synonyms: fuss, commotion, trouble, rigmarole, folderol; informalsong and dance, performance, to-do, carrying-on, hoo-ha, hullabaloo, b Origin mid 18th century [in the sense 'a talk between tribespeople and traders']: from Portuguese palavra 'word,' from Latin parabola 'comparison' [see parable].
nostrum
a medicine, especial synonyms: medicine, patent medicine, potion, elixir, panacea, cure-all, wonder drug, quack remedy; informalmagic bullet ";they have to prove their nostrums work"; Origin early 17th century: from Latin, used in the sense '[something] of our own making,' neuter of noster 'our.'
untrammeled
not deprived of freedom of action or expression; not restricted or hampered
truculent
synonyms: defiant, aggressive, antagonistic, combative, belligerent, pugnacious, confrontational, ready for a fight, obstreperous, argumentative, quarrelsome, uncooperative; bad-tempered, ornery, short-tempered, cross, sn Origin mid 16th century: from Latin truculentus, from trux, truc- 'fierce.'
overweening
showing excessive confidence or pride synonyms: overconfident, conceited, cocksure, cocky, smug, haughty, supercilious, lofty, patronizing, arrogant, proud, vain, self-important, imperious, overbearing; informalhigh and mighty, uppish
objurgate
rebuke severely; scold Origin early 17th century: from Latin objurgat- 'chided, rebuked,' from the verb objurgare, based on jurgium 'strife.'
tendentious
expressing or intending to promote a particular cause or point of view, especially a controversial one Origin early 20th century: suggested by German tendenziös .
peroration
the concluding part of a speech, typically intended to inspire enthusiasm in the audience Origin late Middle English: from Latin peroratio[n-], from perorare 'speak at length' [see perorate].
palisade
a fence of wooden stakes or iron railings fixed in the ground, forming an enclosure o synonyms:fence, paling, barricade, stockade ";sentries were posted along the palisade" Originearly 17th century: from French palissade, from Provençal palissada, from palissa 'paling,' based on Latin palus 'stake.
tractable
synonyms: malleable, manageable, amenable, pliable, governable, yielding, complaisant, compliant, game, persuadable, accommodating, docile, biddable, obliging, obedient, submissive, meek ";our preschool t Origin early 16th century: from Latin tractabilis, from tractare 'to handle' [see tractate].
torpid
synonyms: lethargic, sluggish, inert, inactive, slow, lifeless; languid, listless, lazy, idle, indolent, slothful, supine, passive, apathetic, phlegmatic, somnolent, sleepy, weary, tired ";torpid tourists travele Origin late Middle English: from Latin torpidus, from torpere 'be numb or sluggish.'
toxophilite
a student or lover of archery Origin late 18th century: from Toxophilus [a name invented by Ascham, used as the title of his treatise on archery [1545], from Greek toxon 'bow' + -philos 'loving'] + -ite1.
occlude
stop, close up, or obstruct [an opening, orifice, or passage] synonyms: block [up], stop [up], obstruct, clog [up], close, shut, plug [up], choke ";a blood clot has occluded the coronary artery"; Origin late 16th century: from Latin occludere 'shut up.'
thew
muscular strength Origin Old English thēaw 'usage, custom,' [plural] '[personal] manner of behaving,' of unknown origin. The sense 'good bodily proportions, muscular development' arose in Middle English.
nonplussed
[of a person] surprised and confused so much that they are unsure how to react Origin late 16th century: from Latin non plus 'not more.' The noun originally meant 'a state in which no more can be said or done.'
nugatory
of no value or importance synonyms:worthless, unimportant, inconsequential, valueless, trifling, trivial, insignificant, meaningless ";a nugatory observation" Originearly 17th century: from Latin nugatorius, from nugari 'to trifle,' from nugae 'jests.
omnibus
a volume containing several novels or other items previously published separately Originearly 19th century: via French from Latin, literally 'for all,' dative plural of omnis
obtrude
become noticeable in an unwelcome or intrusive way Origin mid 16th century: from Latin obtrudere, from ob- 'toward' + trudere 'to push.'
ossuary
a container or room into which the bones of dead people are placed Origin mid 17th century: from late Latin ossuarium, formed irregularly from Latin os, oss- 'bone.'
tyro
a beginner or novice synonyms: novice, beginner, learner, neophyte, newcomer, initiate, fledgling; apprentice, trainee, probationer, tenderfoot; informalrookie, newbie, greenhorn ";in 1925, he was a Capitol Hill tyro"; Origin late Middle English: from Latin tiro, medieval Latin tyro 'recruit.'
trammeled
synonyms: restrict, restrain, constrain, hamper, confine, hinder, handicap, obstruct, impede, hold back, tie down, hamstring, sh Origin late Middle English [sense 2 of the noun]: from Old French tramail, from a medieval Latin variant of trimaculum, perhaps from Latin tri- 'three' + macula 'mesh.'
obeisance
d synonyms: respect, homage, worship, adoration, reverence, veneration, honor, submission, deference ";he made a very formal, elaborate gesture of obeisance"; Origin late Middle English [in the sense 'obedience']: from Old French obeissance, from obeissant 'obeying,' present participle of obeir .
obsequious
synonyms: servile, ingratiating, sycophantic, fawning, unctuous, oily, oleaginous, groveling, cringing, subservient, submissive, slavish; inf Origin late 15th century [not depreciatory in sense in early use]: from Latin obsequiosus, from obsequium 'compliance,' from obsequi 'follow, comply with.'
peripatetic
synonyms: nomadic, itinerant, traveling, wandering, roving, roaming, migrant, migratory, unsettled ";I could never Origin late Middle English [denoting an Aristotelian philosopher]: from Old French peripatetique, via Latin from Greek peripatētikos 'walking up and down,' from the verb peripatein .
tort
a wrongful act or an infringement of a right [other than under contract] leading to civil legal liability Origin Middle English [in the general sense 'wrong, injury']: from Old French, from medieval Latin tortum 'wrong, injustice,' neuter past participle of Latin torquere 'to twist.'
timorous
showing or suffering from nervousness, fear, or a lack of confidence Origin late Middle English [in the sense 'feeling fear']: from Old French temoreus, from medieval Latin timorosus, from Latin timor 'fear,' from timere 'to fear.'
obdurate
synonyms: stubborn, obstinate, intransigent, inflexible, unyielding, unbending, pigheaded, bullhea Origin late Middle English [originally in the sense 'hardened in sin, impenitent']: from Latin obduratus, past participle of obdurare, from ob- 'in opposition' + durare 'harden' [from durus 'hard'].
trenchant
synonyms: incisive, penetrating, sharp, keen, insightful, acute, focused, shrewd, razor-sharp, piercing; vigorous, forceful, strong, potent, telling, emphatic, forthright; mordant, Origin Middle English [sense 2]: from Old French, literally 'cutting,' present participle of trenchier [see trench].
obviate
synonyms: preclude, prevent, remove, get rid of, do away with, get around, rule out, eliminate, make/render unnecessary ";our latest agreement obviates any further discussion of the mat Origin late 16th century: from late Latin obviat- 'prevented,' from the verb obviare, based on Latin via 'way.'
threnody
a lament Origin mid 17th century: from Greek thrēnōidia, from thrēnos 'wailing' + ōidē 'song.'
nonpareil
synonyms: incomparable, matchless, unrivaled, unparalleled, unequaled, peerless, beyond compare, second to none, unsurpassed, unbeatable, inimitable; unique, Origin late Middle English: from French, from non- 'not' + pareil 'equal' [from popular Latin pariculus, diminutive of Latin par 'equal'].
tumid
[especially of a part of the body] swollen Origin mid 16th century: from Latin tumidus, from tumere 'to swell.'
palimpsest
a manuscript or piece of writing material on which the original writing has been effaced to make room for later writing but of which traces remain Origin mid 17th century: via Latin from Greek palimpsēstos, from palin 'again' + psēstos 'rubbed smooth.'
obloquy
synonyms: vilification, opprobrium, vituperation, condemnation, denunciation, abuse, criticism, censure, defamation, denigration, calumny, insults; informalflak; formalca Origin late Middle English: from late Latin obloquium 'contradiction,' from Latin obloqui, from ob- 'against' + loqui 'speak.'
orotund
[of the voice or phrasing] full, round, and imposing synonyms: deep, sonorous, strong, powerful, full, rich, resonant, loud, booming ";an orotund singing voice"; Origin late 18th century: from Latin ore rotundo 'with rounded mouth.'
tutelary
serving as a protector, guardian, or patron Origin early 17th century: from Latin tutelarius, from tutela 'keeping' [see tutelage].
turpitude
depravity; wickedness Origin late 15th century: from French, or from Latin turpitudo, from turpis 'disgraceful, base.'
periphrastic
synonyms: circumlocutory, circuitous, roundabout, indirect, tautological, pleonastic, prolix, verbose, wordy, long-winded, rambling, wandering, tortuous, diffuse ";the periphrastic nature of leg Origin early 19th century: from Greek periphrastikos, from periphrazein 'declare in a roundabout way.'
Unstinting
given or giving without restrai synonyms: ungrudging, unsparing, free, ready, benevolent, big-hearted, kind-hearted, kind, unselfish; lavish, liberal, generous, magnanimous, openhanded, freely given, munificent, beneficent, bountiful; profuse, abundant, ample, gushing; literaryplenteous, bounteous
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raft
a large amount of something Origin mid 19th century: alteration of dialect raff 'abundance' [perhaps of Scandinavian origin], by association with raft1 in the sense 'floating mass.'
propitiate
w synonyms: appease, placate, mollify, pacify, make peace with, conciliate, make amends to, soothe, calm ";my attempts to propitiate you are useless"; Origin late 16th century: from Latin propitiat- 'made favorable,' from the verb propitiare, from propitius 'favorable, gracious' [see propitious].
phylactery
a small leather box containing Hebrew texts on vellum, worn by Jewish men at morning prayer as a reminder to keep the law Origin late Middle English: via late Latin from Greek phulaktērion 'amulet,' from phulassein 'to guard.'
protean
tendin synonyms:ever-changing, variable, changeable, mutable, kaleidoscopic, inconstant, inconsistent, unstable, shifting, unsettled, fluctuating, fluid, wavering, vacillating, mercurial, volatile; technicallabile ";the protean nature of mental disorders" Originlate 16th century: from Proteus + -an
prodigal
spending money or resources freely and recklessly; wastefully extravagant synonyms: wasteful, extravagant, spendthrift, profligate, improvident, imprudent ";prodigal habits die hard"; Origin late Middle English: from late Latin prodigalis, from Latin prodigus 'lavish.'
ratiocinate
form judgments by a process of logic; reason Origin mid 17th century: from Latin ratiocinat- 'deliberated, calculated,' from the verb ratiocinari, from ratio [see ratio].
prostrate
lyin synonyms: prone, lying flat, lying down, stretched out, spread-eagled, sprawling, horizontal, recumbent; rareprocumbent ";the prostrate figure on the ground"; Origin Middle English: from Latin prostratus 'thrown down,' past participle of prosternere, from pro- 'before' + sternere 'lay flat.'
peculate
embezzle or steal [money, especially public funds] Origin mid 18th century: from Latin peculat- 'embezzled,' from the verb peculari [related to peculium 'property'].
postprandial
during or relating to the period after dinner or lunch Origin early 19th century: from post- 'after' + Latin prandium 'a meal' + -al.
pettifogger
an inferior legal practitioner, especially one who deals with petty cases or employs dubious practices Origin mid 16th century: from petty + obsolete fogger 'underhanded dealer,' probably from Fugger, the name of a family of merchants in Augsburg, Germany, in the 15th and 16th centuries.
preemption
the purchase of goods or shares by one person or party before the opportunity is offered to others Originearly 17th century: from medieval Latin praeemptio[n-], from the verb praeemere, from prae 'in advance' + emere 'buy.
prodigious
synonyms: enormous, huge, colossal, immense, vast, great, massive, gigantic, mammoth, tremendous, inordinate, monumental; amazing, astonishing, astounding, staggering, stunning, r Origin late 15th century [in the sense 'portentous']: from Latin prodigiosus, from prodigium 'portent' [see prodigy].
pedant
synonyms: dogmatist, purist, literalist, formalist, doctrinaire, perfectionist; quibbler, hair-splitter, casuist, sophist; informalnitpicker ";pedants insist tha Origin late 16th century: from French pédant, from Italian pedante, perhaps from the first element of Latin paedagogus [see pedagogue].
promulgate
synonyms:make known, make public, publicize, spread, communicate, propagate, disseminate, broadcast, promote, preach; lit Originmid 16th century: from Latin promulgat- 'exposed to public view,' from the verb promulgare, from pro- 'out, publicly' + mulgere 'cause to come forth' [literally 'to milk']
pettish
[of a person or their behavior] childishly bad-tempered and petulant
perspicacious
synonyms: discerning, shrewd, perceptive, astute, penetrating, observant, percipient, sharp-witted, sharp, smart, alert, clear-sighted, farsighted, acute, clever, canny, intelligent, insightful, wise, sage, se Origin early 17th century: from Latin perspicax, perspicac- 'seeing clearly' + -acious.
pleonasm
the use of more words than are necessary to convey meaning [e.g., see with one's eyes ], either as a fault of style or for emphasis Origin mid 16th century: via late Latin from Greek pleonasmos, from pleonazein 'be superfluous.'
prolix
synonyms:long-winded, verbose, wordy, pleonastic, discursive, rambling, long-drawn-out, overlong, lengthy, protracted, interminable; informalwindy, waffly ";his p Originlate Middle English: from Old French prolixe or Latin prolixus 'poured forth, extended,' from pro- 'outward' + liquere 'be liquid.
pugnacious
synonyms:combative, aggressive, antagonistic, belligerent, bellicose, warlike, quarrelsome, argumentative, contentious, disputatious, hostile, threatening, truculent; fiery, hot-tempered ";this Originmid 17th century: from Latin pugnax, pugnac- [from pugnare 'to fight,' from pugnus 'fist'] + -ious
persiflage
light and slightly contemptuous mockery or banter Origin mid 18th century: from French persifler 'to banter,' based on siffler 'to whistle.'
preposterous
synonyms: absurd, ridiculous, foolish, stupid, ludicrous, farcical, laughable, comical, risible, nonsensical, senseless, insane; outrageous, monstrous; informalcrazy ";at the Origin mid 16th century: from Latin praeposterus 'reversed, absurd' [from prae 'before' + posterus 'coming after'] + -ous.
pugilist
a boxer, especially a professional one synonyms:boxer, fighter, prizefighter; informalbruiser, pug ";in his neighborhood, guys pretty much had two career choices: drug dealer or pugilist" Originmid 18th century: from Latin pugil 'boxer' + -ist
parietal
of, relating to, attached to, or denoting the wall of the body or of a body cavity or hollow structure Origin late Middle English: from late Latin parietalis, from Latin paries, pariet- 'wall.'
propinquity
the state of being close to someone or something; proximity Origin late Middle English: from Old French propinquité, from Latin propinquitas, from propinquus 'near,' from prope 'near to.'
profligate
synonyms: wasteful, extravagant, spendthrift, improvident, prodigal ";profligate local authorities"; Origin mid 16th century [in the sense 'overthrown, routed']: from Latin profligatus 'dissolute,' past participle of profligare 'overthrow, ruin,' from pro- 'forward, down' + fligere 'strike down.'
physiognomy
synonyms:face, features, countenance, expression, look, mien; informalmug, puss; literaryvisage, lineaments ";his Originlate Middle English: from Old French phisonomie, via medieval Latin from Greek phusiognōmonia 'judging of a man's nature [by his features],' based on gnōmōn 'a judge, interpreter.
precept
synonyms: principle, rule, tenet, canon, doctrine, command, order, decree, dictate, dictum, injunction, commandment; mitzvah; formalprescript ";the precept Origin late Middle English: from Latin praeceptum, neuter past participle of praecipere 'warn, instruct,' from prae 'before' + capere 'take.'
protract
synonyms: prolong, lengthen, extend, draw out, drag out, spin out, stretch out, string out, elongate; carry on, continue, keep up, perpetuate ";the opposition will try to prot Origin mid 16th century: from Latin protract- 'prolonged,' from the verb protrahere, from pro- 'out' + trahere 'to draw.'
praxis
practice, as distinguished from theory Origin late 16th century: via medieval Latin from Greek, literally 'doing,' from prattein 'do.'
puissant
having great power or influence Origin late Middle English: via Old French from Latin posse 'be able.'
parvenu
a person of obscure origin who has gained wealth, influence, or celebrit synonyms: upstart, social climber, arriviste ";make way for our newest little hotshot parvenu"; Origin early 19th century: from French, literally 'arrived,' past participle of parvenir, from Latin pervenire 'come to, reach.'
propitious
giving or synonyms: favorable, auspicious, promising, providential, advantageous, optimistic, bright, rosy, heaven-sent, hopeful; opportune, timely ";the timing for such a meeting seemed propitious"; Origin late Middle English: from Old French propicieus or Latin propitius 'favorable, gracious.'
pellucid
translucently clear synonyms:translucent, transparent, clear, crystal clear, crystalline, glassy, limpid, unclouded, gin-clear ";the pellucid waters" Originearly 17th century: from Latin pellucidus, from perlucere 'shine through.
phlegmatic
synonyms: calm, cool, composed, 'calm, cool, and collected', controlled, serene, tranquil, placid, impassive, imperturbabl Origin Middle English [in the sense 'relating to the humor phlegm']: from Old French fleumatique, via Latin from Greek phlegmatikos, from phlegma 'inflammation' [see phlegm].
quail
feel or show fear or apprehension synonyms: cower, cringe, flinch, shrink, recoil, shy [away], pull back; shiver, tremble, shake, quake, blench ";the sound of gunfire made us quail"; Origin late Middle English [in the sense 'waste away, come to nothing']: of unknown origin.
puerile
childishly silly and trivi synonyms: childish, immature, infantile, juvenile, babyish; silly, inane, fatuous, jejune, asinine, foolish, petty ";you're too old for these puerile outbursts"; Origin late 16th century [in the sense 'like a boy']: from French puéril or Latin puerilis, from puer 'boy.'
pavonine
of or like a peacock Origin mid 17th century: from Latin pavoninus, from pavo, pavon- 'peacock.'
rapacious
aggressively gree synonyms: grasping, greedy, avaricious, acquisitive, covetous; mercenary, materialistic; insatiable, predatory; informalmoney-grubbing, grabby ";poor Tom has fallen for a rapacious gold digger"; Origin mid 17th century: from Latin rapax, rapac- [from rapere 'to snatch'] + -ious.
prosaic
synonyms: ordinary, everyday, commonplace, conventional, straightforward, routine, r Origin late 16th century [as a noun denoting a prose writer]: from late Latin prosaicus, from Latin prosa 'straightforward [discourse]' [see prose]. Current senses of the adjective date from the mid 18th century.
plenipotentiary
a person, especially a diplomat, invested with the full power of independen synonyms: diplomat, dignitary, ambassador, minister, emissary, chargé d'affaires, envoy ";a plenipotentiary in Paris"; Origin mid 17th century: from medieval Latin plenipotentiarius, from plenus 'full' + potentia 'power.'
patois
the dialect of the synonyms:vernacular, [local] dialect, regional language; jargon, argot, cant; informal[local] lingo ";he recognized the patois of New Orleans in her speech" Originmid 17th century: French, literally 'rough speech,' perhaps from Old French patoier 'treat roughly,' from patte 'paw.
punctilious
synonyms: meticulous, conscientious, diligent, scrupulous, careful, painstaking, rigorous, perfectionist, methodical, particular, strict; fussy, fastidious, finicky, pedantic; informalnitpick Origin mid 17th century: from French pointilleux, from pointille, from Italian puntiglio [see punctilio].
parsimony
synonyms: cheapness, miserliness, meanness, parsimoniousness, niggardliness, close-fistedness, closeness, penny-pinching; informalstinginess, minginess, tightness, tightfistedness, cheeseparing; formalpenuri Origin late Middle English: from Latin parsimonia, parcimonia, from parcere 'be sparing.'
plenary
unqualified; absolute synonyms: unconditional, unlimited, unrestricted, unqualified, absolute, sweeping, comprehensive; plenipotentiary ";the council has plenary powers in this matter"; Origin late Middle English: from late Latin plenarius 'complete,' from plenus 'full.'
proscribe
forbid, especially by law synonyms: forbid, prohibit, ban, bar, interdict, make illegal, embargo, outlaw, disallow, veto; enjoin ";gambling was proscribed"; Origin late Middle English [in the sense 'to outlaw']: from Latin proscribere, from pro- 'in front of' + scribere 'write.'
panegyric
a public spe synonyms: eulogy, speech of praise, paean, accolade, tribute ";the panegyric she delivered in Syd's memory brought tears to our eyes"; Origin early 17th century: from French panégyrique, via Latin from Greek panēgurikos 'of public assembly,' from pan 'all' + aguris 'agora, assembly.'
ramify
form branches or offshoots; spread or branch out Origin late Middle English: from Old French ramifier, from medieval Latin ramificare, from Latin ramus 'branch.'
repartee
synonyms: banter, badinage, bantering, raillery, witticism[s], ripostes, sallies, quips, joking, jesting; formalpersiflage ";an evening of wit and re Origin mid 17th century: from French repartie 'replied promptly,' feminine past participle of repartir, from re- 'again' + partir 'divide, depart.'
profane
relating or devoted synonyms: secular, lay, nonreligious, temporal; formallaic ";subjects both sacred and profane"; Origin late Middle English [in the sense 'heathen']: from Old French prophane, from Latin profanus 'outside the temple, not sacred,' from pro- [from pro 'before'] + fanum 'temple.'
pusillanimous
synonyms: timid, timorous, cowardly, fearful, faint-hearted, lily-livered, spineless, craven, shrinking; informalchicken, gutless, wimpy, wimpi Origin late Middle English: from ecclesiastical Latin pusillanimis [translating Greek olugopsukhos ], from pusillus 'very small' + animus 'mind,' + -ous.
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voluble
synonyms: talkative, loquacious, garrulous, verbose, wordy, Origin late 16th century: from French, or from Latin volubilis, from volvere 'to roll.' Earlier use in late Middle English included the senses 'rotating around an axis' and 'having a tendency to change,' also meanings of the Latin word.
quiescent
in a state or period of inactivity synonyms:inactive, inert, idle, dormant, at rest, inoperative, deactivated, quiet; still, motionless, immobile, passive ";the volcano is in a quiescent state" Originmid 17th century: from Latin quiescent- 'being still,' from the verb quiescere, from quies 'quiet.
reprove
synonyms: reprimand, rebuke, reproach, scold, admonish, chastise, chide, upbraid, berate, take to task, rake/haul over the coals, criticize, censure Origin Middle English [also in the senses 'reject' and 'censure']: from Old French reprover, from late Latin reprobare 'disapprove' [see reprobate].
recrudesce
break out again; recur Origin late 19th century: back-formation from recrudescence 'recurrence,' from Latin recrudescere 'become raw again,' from re- 'again' + crudus 'raw.'
requiem
[especially in the Roman Catholic Church] a Mass for the repose of the souls of the dead OriginMiddle English: from Latin [first word of the Mass], accusative of requies 'rest.
prevaricate
synonyms: be evasive, beat around the bush, hedge, fence, shilly-shally, dod Origin mid 16th century [in the sense 'go astray, transgress']: from Latin praevaricat- 'walked crookedly, deviated,' from the verb praevaricari, from prae 'before' + varicari 'straddle' [from varus 'bent, knock-kneed'].
viridescent
greenish or becoming green Origin mid 19th century: from late Latin viridescent- 'becoming green,' from the verb viridescere, from Latin viridis 'green.'
remonstrate
synonyms: protest, complain, expostulate; argue with, take issue with ";"I'm not a child!" he remonstrated" Origin late 16th century [in the sense 'make plain']: from medieval Latin remonstrat- 'demonstrated,' from the verb remonstrare, from re- [expressing intensive force] + monstrare 'to show.'
verdigris
a bright bluish-green encrustation or patina formed on copper or brass by atmospheric oxidation, consisting of basic copper carbonate OriginMiddle English: from Old French verte-gres, earlier vert de Grece 'green of Greece.
valediction
the action of saying farewell synonyms: farewell, goodbye, adieu, leave-taking; parting words ";he departed without a valediction"; Origin mid 17th century: based on Latin vale 'goodbye' + dicere 'to say,' on the pattern of benediction .
repudiate
synonyms: reject, renounce, abandon, give up, turn one's back on, disown, cast off, lay aside; formalforswear, abjure; literaryforsake ";he repudiated Origin late Middle English [originally an adjective in the sense 'divorced']: from Latin repudiatus 'divorced, cast off,' from repudium 'divorce.'
vitiate
spoil or impair the quality or efficiency of Origin mid 16th century: from Latin vitiat- 'impaired,' from the verb vitiare, from vitium [see vice1].
wag
a person who makes facetious jokes Origin mid 16th century [denoting a young man or mischievous boy, also used as a term of endearment to an infant]: probably from obsolete waghalter 'person likely to be hanged' [see wag1, halter].
rebarbative
unattractive and objectionable Origin late 19th century: from French rébarbatif, -ive, from Old French se rebarber 'face each other "beard to beard" aggressively,' from barbe 'beard.'
redivivus
come back to life; reborn Origin late 16th century: from Latin, from re[d]- 'again' + vivus 'living.'
variegated
synonyms: multicolored, multicolor, many-colored, many-hued, polychromatic, varicolored, colorful, prismatic, rainbow, kaleidoscopic; mottled, striated, marbled, streaked, speckled Origin mid 17th century: from Latin variegat- 'made varied' [from the verb variegare, from varius 'diverse'] + -ed2.
refractory
synonyms: obstinate, stubborn, mulish, pigheaded, obdurate, headstrong, self-willed, wayward, willful, perverse, contrary, recalcitrant, obstreperous, disobedient, difficult; infor Origin early 17th century: alteration of obsolete refractary, from Latin refractarius 'stubborn' [see also refract].
rector
[in the Episcopal Church] a member of the clergy who has charge of a parish Origin late Middle English: from Latin rector 'ruler,' from rect- 'ruled,' from the verb regere .
reprobate
synonyms: rogue, rascal, scoundrel, miscreant, good-for-nothing, villain, wretch, rake, degenerate, libertine, debauchee; informal,cad; archaicb Origin late Middle English [as a verb]: from Latin reprobat- 'disapproved,' from the verb reprobare, from re- [expressing reversal] + probare 'approve.'
vaunt
synonyms: boast about, brag about, make much of, crow about, pa Origin late Middle English: the noun a shortening of obsolete avaunt 'boasting, a boast'; the verb [originally in the sense 'use boastful language'] from Old French vanter, from late Latin vantare, based on Latin vanus 'vain, empty.'
redoubtable
[o synonyms: formidable, awe-inspiring, fearsome, daunting; impressive, commanding, indomitable, invincible, doughty, mighty ";a redoubtable army commander"; Origin late Middle English: from Old French redoutable, from redouter 'to fear,' from re- [expressing intensive force] + douter 'to doubt.'
vilipend
regard as worthless or of little value; despise
probity
the synonyms: integrity, honesty, uprightness, decency, morality, rectitude, goodness, virtue, right-mindedness, trustworthiness, truthfulness, honor ";the committee feels that he has demonstrated little probity in this matter"; Origin late Middle English: from Latin probitas, from probus 'good.'
venal
synonyms: corrupt, corruptible, bribable, open to bribery; dishonest, dishonorable, untrustworthy, unscrupulous, unprincipled; mercenary, greedy; Origin mid 17th century [in the sense 'available for purchase,' referring to merchandise or a favor]: from Latin venalis, from venum 'thing for sale.'
redolent
strongly reminiscent or suggest synonyms: evocative, suggestive, reminiscent ";their pubs bear names redolent of the monarchy"; Origin late Middle English [in the sense 'fragrant']: from Old French, or from Latin redolent- 'giving out a strong smell,' from re[d]- 'back, again' + olere 'to smell.'
redound
synonyms: contribute to, be conducive to, result in, lead to, effect; formalconduce to ";such sanctions would not redound to their benefit i Origin late Middle English [in the sense 'surge up, overflow']: from Old French redonder, from Latin redundare 'surge,' from re[d]- 'again' + unda 'a wave.'
uxorious
having or showing an excessive or submissive fondness for one's wife Origin late 16th century: from Latin uxoriosus, from uxor 'wife.'
raffish
unconventional and slightly disreputable, especially in an attractive manner synonyms: rakish, unconventional, Bohemian; devil-may-care, casual, careless; louche, disreputable, dissolute, decadent ";donning a raffish cap"; Origin early 19th century: from riffraff + -ish1.
vulpine
of or relating to a fox or foxes Originearly 17th century: from Latin vulpinus, from vulpes 'fox.
repast
a meal synonyms: meal, feast, banquet; informalspread, feed, bite, bite to eat; formalcollation, refection ";a sumptuous repast"; Origin late Middle English: from Old French, based on late Latin repascere, from re- [expressing intensive force] + pascere 'to feed.'
vituperate
synonyms: scold, revile, upbraid, criticize; blame, abuse, insult, vilifiy, denounce, denigrate, disparage; formalcastigate ";he began vituperating the ";social Origin mid 16th century: from Latin vituperat- 'censured, disparaged,' from the verb vituperare, from vitium 'fault' + parare 'prepare.'
urbane
synonyms: suave, sophisticated, debonair, worldly, cultivated, cultured, civilized, cosmopolitan; smooth, polished, refined, self-possessed; courteous, polite, well mannered, mannerly, civil, charming Origin mid 16th century [in the sense 'urban']: from French urbain or Latin urbanus [see urban].
raillery
good-humored teasing synonyms: teasing, mockery, chaff, ragging; banter, badinage; informalleg-pulling, joshing, ribbing, kidding ";affectionate raillery"; Origin mid 17th century: from French raillerie, from railler 'to rail' [see rail2].
recreant
cowardly Origin Middle English: from Old French, literally 'surrendering,' present participle of recroire, from medieval Latin [se] recredere 'surrender [oneself],' from re- [expressing reversal] + credere 'entrust.'
venial
denoting a sin that is n synonyms: forgivable, pardonable, excusable, allowable, permissible; slight, minor, unimportant, insignificant, trivial, trifling; de minimis ";the venial indiscretions of my youth"; Origin Middle English: via Old French from late Latin venialis, from venia 'forgiveness.'
refulgent
shining brightly Origin late 15th century: from Latin refulgent- 'shining out,' from the verb refulgere, from re- [expressing intensive force] + fulgere 'to shine.'
rebus
a puzzle in which words are represented by combinations of pictures and individual letters; for instance, apex might be represented by a picture of an ape followed by a letter X Originearly 17th century: from French rébus, from Latin rebus, ablative plural of res 'thing.
virago
synonyms: harridan, shrew, dragon, termagant, vixen; fishwife, witch, hellcat, she-devil, tartar, m Origin Old English [used only as the name given by Adam to Eve, following the Vulgate], from Latin, 'heroic woman, female warrior,' from vir 'man.' The current sense dates from late Middle English.
vertigo
a sensation of whirling and loss of balance, associated particularly with looking down from a great height, or c synonyms: dizziness, giddiness, lightheadedness, loss of balance ";the steep narrow stairs give me vertigo"; Origin late Middle English: from Latin, 'whirling,' from vertere 'to turn.'
recondite
synonyms: obscure, abstruse, arcane, esoteric, recherché, profound, difficult, complex, complicated, involved; incomprehensible, unfathomable, impene Origin mid 17th century: from Latin reconditus 'hidden, put away,' past participle of recondere, from re- 'back' + condere 'put together, secrete.'
usury
the illegal action or practice of lending money at unreasonably high rates of interest OriginMiddle English: from Anglo-Norman French usurie, or from medieval Latin usuria, from Latin usura, from usus 'a use' [see use]
quidnunc
an inquisitive and gossipy person Origin early 18th century: from Latin quid nunc? 'what now?'
vouchsafe
give or grant [something] to [someone] in a gracious or condescending manner Origin Middle English: originally as the phrase vouch something safe on someone, i.e., 'warrant the secure conferment of [something on someone].'
quietus
death or something that causes death, regarded as a release from life Origin late Middle English: abbreviation of medieval Latin quietus est 'he is quit' [see quit1], originally used as a form of receipt or discharge on payment of a debt.
reconnoiter
synonyms: survey, make a reconnaissance of, explore; investigate, examine, scrutinize, inspect, observe, take a look at; patrol; informalcheck out, scope out, recon ";two of our best Origin early 18th century: from obsolete French reconnoître, from Latin recognoscere 'know again' [see recognize].
victuals
food or provisions, ty Origin Middle English: from Old French vitaille, from late Latin victualia, neuter plural of Latin victualis, from victus 'food'; related to vivere 'to live.' The pronunciation still represents the early spelling vittel ; later spelling has been influenced by the Latin form.
vicissitudes
synonyms: change, alteration, shift, reversal, twist, turn, downturn, variation; inconstancy, instability, uncertainty, chanciness, unpredictability, Origin early 17th century [in the sense 'alternation']: from French, or from Latin vicissitudo, from vicissim 'by turns,' from vic- 'turn, change.'
recherché
rare, exotic, or obscure synonyms: obscure, rare, esoteric, abstruse, arcane, recondite, exotic, strange, unusual, unfamiliar, out of the ordinary ";most of the titles are recherché"; Origin French, literally 'carefully sought out,' past participle of rechercher .
redress
r synonyms:rectify, correct, right, put to rights, compensate for, amend, remedy, make good, resolve, settle ";we redressed the problem";even up, regulate, equalize ";we aim to redress the balance" OriginMiddle English: the verb from Old French redresser ; the noun via Anglo-Norman French redresse
raiment
clothing Originlate Middle English: shortening of obsolete arrayment 'dress, outfit.
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fructify
make [something] fruitful or productive Origin Middle English: from Old French fructifier, from Latin fructificare, from fructus 'fruit.'
contumely
insolent or insulting language or treatment Origin late Middle English: from Old French contumelie, from Latin contumelia, perhaps from con- 'with' + tumere 'to swell.'
gainsay
deny or contradict [a fact or statement] synonyms: deny, dispute, disagree with, argue with, dissent from, contradict, repudiate, challenge, oppose, contest, counter, controvert, rebut ";it was difficult to gainsay his claim"; Origin Middle English: from obsolete gain- 'against' + say.
ecumenical
synonyms: nondenominational, universal, catholic, latitudinarian, all-embracing, all-inclusive ";the local churches are sponsoring an ecumen Origin late 16th century [in the sense 'belonging to the universal Church']: via late Latin from Greek oikoumenikos, from oikoumenē 'the [inhabited] earth.'
caliginous
misty, dim; obscure, dark
colloquy
a conversation Origin late Middle English: from Latin colloquium 'conversation.'
abase
synonyms: humble, humiliate, belittle, demean, lower, degrade, debase, cheapen, discredit, bring Origin late Middle English: from Old French abaissier, from a- [from Latin ad 'to, at'] + baissier 'to lower,' based on late Latin bassus 'short of stature.' The spelling has been influenced by base2.
climacteric
a critical period or event Origin mid 16th century [in the sense 'constituting a critical period in life']: from French climactérique or via Latin from Greek klimaktērikos, from klimaktēr 'critical period,' from klimax 'ladder, climax.'
atrabilious
melancholy or ill-tempered Origin mid 17th century [in the sense 'affected by black bile,' one of the four supposed cardinal humors of the body, believed to cause melancholy]: from Latin atra bilis 'black bile,' translation of Greek melankholia 'melancholy,' + -ious.
bawdy
synonyms: ribald, indecent, risqué, racy, rude, spicy, sexy, suggestive, titillating, naughty, improper, indelicate, indecorous, off-color, earthy, barnyard, broad, locker-room, Rabelaisian; pornographic, obscene, vulgar, crude, coarse, lewd, dirty, filthy, smutty, unseemly, salacious, prurient, l
assignation
an appointment to meet synonyms: rendezvous, date, appointment, meeting; literarytryst ";their secret assignation"; Origin late Middle English [in the senses 'command, appointment to office, or allotment of revenue']: via Old French from Latin assignatio[n-], from the verb assignare [see assign].
demiurge
a being responsible for the creation of the universe, in particular Origin early 17th century [denoting a magistrate in certain ancient Greek states]: via ecclesiastical Latin from Greek dēmiourgos 'craftsman,' from dēmios 'public' [from dēmos 'people'] + -ergos 'working.'
bathetic
producing an unintentional effect of anticlimax
crotchety
synonyms: bad-tempered, irascible, irritable, grumpy, grouchy, cantankerous, short-tempered, tetchy, testy, curmudgeonly, ill-tempered, ill-humored, ill-natured, cross-grained, peevish, cross, fractious, pettish, waspish, crabbed, crabby, crusty, Origin early 19th century: from of crotchet + -y1.
cerebration
the working of the brain; thinking
cabal
a secret political clique or faction synonyms: clique, faction, coterie, cell, sect, junta, camarilla; lobby [group], pressure group ";a cabal of dissidents"; Origin late 16th century [denoting the cabbala]: from French cabale, from medieval Latin cabala [see Kabbalah].
diffident
synonyms: shy, bashful, modest, self-effacing, unassuming, meek, unconfident, un Origin late Middle English [in the sense 'lacking confidence or trust in someone or something']: from Latin diffident- 'failing in trust,' from the verb diffidere, from dis- [expressing reversal] + fidere 'to trust.'
emend
synonyms: correct, rectify, repair, fix; improve, enhance, polish, refine, amend; edit, rewrite, revise, copyedit, redraft, recast, rephrase, reword, rework, alter, change, m Origin late Middle English: from Latin emendare, from e- [variant of ex- ] 'out of' + menda 'a fault.' Compare with amend.
camarilla
a small group of people, especially a group of advisers to a ruler or politician, with a shared, typically nefarious, purpose Origin mid 19th century: from Spanish, diminutive of camara 'chamber.'
habiliment
clothing Origin late Middle English [in the general sense 'outfit, attire']: from Old French habillement, from habiller 'fit out,' from Latin habilis [see able].
canard
an unfounded rumor or story Origin mid 19th century: from French, literally 'duck,' also 'hoax,' from Old French caner 'to quack.'
flagitious
[of a person or their actions] criminal; villainous Origin late Middle English: from Latin flagitiosus, from flagitium 'importunity, shameful crime,' from flagitare 'demand earnestly.'
flocculent
having or resembling tufts of wool Origin early 19th century: from Latin floccus 'tuft of wool' + -ulent.
bevy
a large group of people or things of a particular ki synonyms: group, crowd, herd, flock, horde, army, galaxy, assemblage, throng, company, gathering, band, body, pack, covey; knot, cluster; informalbunch, gaggle, posse ";a bevy of Vegas headliners"; Origin late Middle English: of unknown origin.
bucolic
synonyms: rustic, rural, pastoral, country, countryside; literaryArcadian, sylvan, georgic ";their farm had been used as the bucolic setting for two major motion pictur Origin early 16th century [denoting a pastoral poem]: via Latin from Greek boukolikos, from boukolos 'herdsman,' from bous 'ox.'
efface
synonyms: erase, eradicate, expunge, blot out, rub out, wipe out, remove, eliminate; delete, cancel, obliterate ";the chalk drawings were eff Origin late 15th century [in the sense 'pardon or be absolved from [an offense]']: from French effacer, from e- [from Latin ex- 'away from'] + face 'face.'
claque
a group of people hired to applaud [or heckle] a performer or public speaker Origin mid 19th century: French, from claquer 'to clap.' The practice of paying members of an audience for their support originated at the Paris opera.
enfilade
a volley of gunfire directed along a line from end to end Origin early 18th century [denoting the position of a military post commanding the length of a line]: from French, from enfiler 'thread on a string, pierce from end to end,' from en- 'in, on' + fil 'thread.'
costive
constipated Origin late Middle English: via Old French from Latin constipatus 'pressed together' [see constipated].
execrable
synonyms: appalling, atrocious, lamentable, egregious, awful, dreadful, terrible; disgusting, deplorable, disgraceful, frightful, reprehens Origin late Middle English [in the sense 'expressing or involving a curse']: via Old French from Latin execrabilis, from exsecrari 'to curse' [see execrate].
aplomb
synonyms: poise, self-assurance, self-confidence, calmness, composure, collectedness, levelheadedness, sangfroid, equilibrium, equanimity; informalunflappability ";the judge Origin late 18th century [in the sense 'perpendicularity, steadiness']: from French, from à plomb 'according to a plummet.'
anchorite
a religious recluse Origin late Middle English: from medieval Latin anchorita [ecclesiastical Latin anchoreta ], from ecclesiastical Greek anakhōrētēs, from anakhōrein 'retire,' from ana- 'back' + khōra, khōr- 'a place.'
edifying
synonyms: educate, instruct, teach, school, Origin Middle English: from Old French edifier, from Latin aedificare 'build,' from aedis 'dwelling' + facere 'make' [compare with edifice]. The word originally meant 'construct a building,' also 'strengthen,' hence to "build up" morally or spiritually.
fungible
[of goods contracted for without an individual specimen being specified] able to replace or be replaced by another identical item; mutually interchangeable Origin late 17th century: from medieval Latin fungibilis, from fungi 'perform, enjoy,' with the same sense as fungi vice 'serve in place of.'
condign
[of punishment or retribution] appropriate to the crime or wrongdoing; fitting and deserved Origin late Middle English [in the general sense 'worthy, appropriate']: from Old French condigne, from Latin condignus, from con- 'altogether' + dignus 'worthy.'
Frisson
a sudden strong feeling of excitement or fear; a thrill Origin late 18th century: French, literally 'a shiver or thrill.'
bloviate
talk at length, especially in an inflated or empty way Origin mid 19th century: perhaps from blow1.
gargantuan
synonyms: huge, enormous, vast, gigantic, very big, giant, massive, colossal, mammoth, immense, mighty, monumental, mountainous, titanic, towering, tremendous, elephantine, ki Origin late 16th century: from Gargantua, the name of a voracious giant in Rabelais' book of the same name [1534], + -an.
cognoscenti
people who are considered to be especially well informed about a particular subject Origin late 18th century: from Italian conoscenti, literally 'people who know.' The g was added under the influence of Latin cognoscent- 'getting to know,' from the verb cognoscere [Italian conoscere ].
declamation
the action or art of de synonyms: speech, address, lecture, sermon, homily, discourse, oration, recitation, disquisition, monologue ";he delivered a passionate declamation"; Origin late Middle English [in the sense 'a set speech']: from Latin declamatio[n-], from the verb declamare [see declaim].
akimbo
with hands on the hips and elbows turned outward Origin late Middle English: from in kenebowe in Middle English, probably from Old Norse.
aleatory
depending on the throw of a dice or on chance; random Origin late 17th century: from Latin aleatorius [see aleatoric].
forestall
synonyms: preempt, get in before; anticipate, second-guess; nip in the bu Origin Old English foresteall 'an ambush' [see fore- and stall]. As a verb the earliest sense [Middle English] was 'intercept and buy up [goods] before they reach the market, so as to raise the price' [formerly an offense].
agog
synonyms: eager, excited, impatient, keen, anxious, avid, in suspense, on tenterhooks, on the edge of one's seat, on pins and needles, waiting with bated breath ";tell us what happened—we're all agog!"; Origin mid 16th century: from Old French en gogues, from en 'in' + the plural of gogue 'fun.'
avuncular
of or relating to an uncle Origin mid 19th century: from Latin avunculus 'maternal uncle,' diminutive of avus 'grandfather.'
declaim
synonyms: make a speech, give an address, give a lecture, deliver a sermon; speak, hold forth, orate, preach, lecture, sermonize, moralize; informalsound off, spout, speec Origin late Middle English: from French déclamer or Latin declamare, from de- [expressing thoroughness] + clamare 'to shout.'
georgic
a poem or book dealing with agriculture or rural topics Origin early 16th century: via Latin from Greek geōrgikos, from geōrgos 'farmer.'
adroit
synonyms: skillful, adept, dexterous, deft, nimble, able, capable, skilled, expert, masterly, masterful, master, practiced, handy, polished, slick, proficient, accomplished, gifted, talented; quick-witted, quick-th Origin mid 17th century: from French, from à droit 'according to right, properly.'
bumptious
synonyms: self-important, conceited, arrogant, self-assertive, pushy, pompous, overbearing, cocky, swaggering; proud, haughty, overweening, egotistical; informalsnooty, uppity ";our bumptious cousin thinks she's God's Origin early 19th century: humorously from bump, on the pattern of fractious .
bootless
[of a task or undertaking] ineffectual; useless Origin Old English bōtlēas 'not able to be compensated for by payment' [see boot2, -less].
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sangfroid
composure or coolne synonyms: composure, equanimity, self-possession, equilibrium, aplomb, poise, self-assurance, self-control, nerve, calm, presence of mind; informalcool, unflappability ";he recovered his usual sangfroid"; Origin mid 18th century: from French sang-froid, literally 'cold blood.'
legate
a member of the clergy, especially a cardinal, representing the pope Origin late Old English, from Old French legat, from Latin legatus, past participle of legare 'depute, delegate, bequeath.'
kowtow
synonyms: grovel to, be obsequious to, be servile to, be sycophantic to, fawn over/on, cringe to, bow and scrape to, toady to, truckle to, abase oneself before, humble oneself to; curry favor with, dance attendance on, i Origin early 19th century: from Chinese kētóu, from kē 'knock' + tóu 'head.'
syncretism
the amalgamation or attempted amalgamation of different religions, cu Origin early 17th century: from modern Latin syncretismus, from Greek sunkrētismos, from sunkrētizein 'unite against a third party,' from sun- 'together' + krēs 'Cretan' [originally with reference to ancient Cretan communities].
saturnine
synonyms: gloomy, somber, melancholy, moody, lugubrious, dour, glum, morose, un Origin late Middle English [as a term in astrology]: from Old French saturnin, from medieval Latin Saturninus 'of Saturn' [identified with lead by the alchemists and associated with slowness and gloom by astrologers].
riposte
a quick clever reply to an insult or criticism synonyms: retort, counter, rejoinder, sally, return, answer, reply, response; informalcomeback ";an indignant riposte"; Origin early 18th century: from French risposte [noun], risposter [verb], from Italian risposta 'response.'
salvo
a simultaneous discharge of artillery or other guns in a battle Originlate 16th century [earlier as salve ]: from French salve, Italian salva 'salutation.
mien
synonyms: appearance, look, expression, countenance, aura, demeanor, attitude, air, manner, bearing; formalcomportment ";a scowling mien that did nothing to boost o Origin early 16th century: probably from French mine 'expression,' influenced by obsolete demean 'bearing, demeanor' [from demean2].
termagant
a harsh-tempered or overbearing woman Origin Middle English [sense 2]: via Old French from Italian Trivigante, taken to be from Latin tri- 'three' + vagant- 'wandering,' and to refer to the moon "wandering" between heaven, earth, and hell under the three names Selene, Artemis, and Persephone.
scintilla
a tiny trace synonyms: particle, iota, jot, whit, atom, speck, bit, trace, ounce, shred, crumb, fragment, grain, drop, spot, modicum, hint, touch, suggestion, whisper, suspicion; informalsmidgen, tad ";you haven't got a scintilla of evidence to back that up"; Origin late 17th century: from Latin.
nacre
mother-of-pearl Origin late 16th century: French, from late Latin nacchara, nacara, perhaps from Arabic.
scion
a young shoot or twig of a plant, especially one cut for grafting or rooting synonyms: cutting, graft, slip; shoot, offshoot, twig ";a scion of the tree"; Origin Middle English: from Old French ciun 'shoot, twig,' of unknown origin.
nadir
the lowest point in the fortunes of a person or organizatio synonyms: lowest point, lowest level, all-time low, bottom, rock-bottom; informalpits ";the nadir of his career"; Origin late Middle English [in the astronomical sense]: via French from Arabic naẓīr [as-samt ] 'opposite [to the zenith].'
ribald
referring to sexual matters in an amusingly rude or irreverent way Origin Middle English [as a noun denoting a lowly retainer or a licentious or irreverent person]: from Old French ribauld, from riber 'indulge in licentious pleasures,' from a Germanic base meaning 'prostitute.'
screed
a long speech or piece of writing, typically one regarded as tedious Origin Middle English: probably a variant of the noun shred. The early sense was 'fragment cut from a main piece,' then 'torn strip, tatter,' whence [via the notion of a long roll or list] sense 1 of the noun.
interpolate
synonyms: insert, interpose, interject, enter, add, incorporate, inset, put, introduce ";language models can be interpolated online Origin early 17th century: from Latin interpolat- 'refurbished, altered,' from the verb interpolare, from inter- 'between' + -polare [related to polire 'to polish'].
schadenfreude
pleasure derived by someone from another person's misfortune Origin German Schadenfreude, from Schaden 'harm' + Freude 'joy.'
sententious
synonyms: moralistic, moralizing, sanctimonious, self-righteous, pietistic, pious, priggish, judgmental; pompous, pontific Origin late Middle English: from Latin sententiosus, from sententia 'opinion' [see sentence]. The original sense was 'full of meaning or wisdom,' later becoming depreciatory.
sartorial
of or relating to tailoring, clothes, or style of dress Origin early 19th century: from Latin sartor 'tailor' [from sarcire 'to patch'] + -ial.
obeisance
d synonyms: respect, homage, worship, adoration, reverence, veneration, honor, submission, deference ";he made a very formal, elaborate gesture of obeisance"; Origin late Middle English [in the sense 'obedience']: from Old French obeissance, from obeissant 'obeying,' present participle of obeir .
legerdemain
skillful use of one's hands when performing conjuring tricks synonyms: sleight of hand, conjuring, magic, wizardry; formalprestidigitation; rarethaumaturgy ";stage magicians practicing legerdemain"; Origin late Middle English: from French léger de main 'dexterous,' literally 'light of hand.'
restive
synonyms: unruly, diso Origin late 16th century: from Old French restif, -ive, from Latin restare 'remain.' The original sense, 'inclined to remain still, inert,' has undergone a reversal; the association with the refractory movements of a horse gave rise to the current sense 'fidgety, restless.'
retrench
synonyms: economize, cut back, make cutbacks, make savings, make economies, reduce expenditure, be economical, be frugal, tighten Origin late 16th century [in the now formal usage]: from obsolete French retrencher, variant of retrancher, from re- [expressing reversal] + trancher 'to cut, slice.'
salacious
synonyms: pornographic, obscene, indecent, crude, lewd, vulgar, dirty, filthy; erotic, titillating, arousing, suggestive, sexy, risqué, ribald, smutty, bawdy; X-rated; informalporn, porno, blue, XXX; euphemisticadul Origin mid 17th century: from Latin salax, salac- [from salire 'to leap'] + -ious
martinet
a strict disciplinarian, especially in the armed forces Origin late 17th century [denoting the drill system invented by Martinet]: named after Jean Martinet, 17th-century French drillmaster.
salubrious
health-giving; healthy synonyms: healthy, health-giving, healthful, beneficial, wholesome; archaicsalutary ";I found the climate salubrious"; Origin mid 16th century: from Latin salubris [from salus 'health'] + -ous.
sapid
having a strong, pleasant taste Origin early 17th century: from Latin sapidus, from sapere 'to taste.'
jouissance
physical or intellectual pleasure, delight, or ecstasy Origin French, from jouir 'enjoy.'
sardonic
synonyms: mocking, satirical, sarcastic, ironical, ironic; cynical, scornful, contemptuous, derisive, d Origin mid 17th century: from French sardonique, earlier sardonien, via Latin from Greek sardonios 'of Sardinia,' alteration of sardanios, used by Homer to describe bitter or scornful laughter.
sacerdotal
relating to priests or the priesthood; priestly Origin late Middle English: from Old French, or from Latin sacerdotalis, from sacerdos, sacerdot- 'priest.'
traduce
synonyms: defame, slander, speak ill of, misrepresent, malign, vilify, denigrate, disparage, slur, impugn, smear, besmir Origin mid 16th century [in the sense 'transport, transmit']: from Latin traducere 'lead in front of others, expose to ridicule,' from trans- 'over, across' + ducere 'to lead.'
harridan
synonyms: shrew, termagant, virago, harpy, vixen, nag, hag, crone, dragon, ogress; fishwife, hellcat, she-devil, gorgon; martinet, tartar; informalold bag, old bat, battle-ax, witch; archaicscold ";Steve tried Origin late 17th century [originally slang]: perhaps from French haridelle 'old horse.'
sanguine
optimistic or synonyms: optimistic, bullish, hopeful, buoyant, positive, confident, cheerful, cheery; informalupbeat ";he is sanguine about the advance of technology"; Origin Middle English: from Old French sanguin[e ] 'blood-red,' from Latin sanguineus 'of blood,' from sanguis, sanguin- 'blood.'
rococo
synonyms:ornate, fancy, elaborate, extravagant, baroque; Morefussy, busy, ostentatious, showy; flowery, florid, flamboyant, high-flown, magniloquent, orotund, bombastic, overwrought, overblown, inflated, turgid; informalhighfaluti Originmid 19th century: from French, humorous alteration of rocaille
morass
an area of mu synonyms: quagmire, swamp, bog, marsh, muskeg, mire, marshland, wetland, slough, moor ";the muddy morass"; Origin late 15th century: from Dutch moeras, alteration [by assimilation to moer 'moor'] of Middle Dutch marasch, from Old French marais 'marsh,' from medieval Latin mariscus .
risible
synonyms:laughable, ridiculous, absurd, comical, comic, amusing, funny, hilarious, humorous, droll, farcical, silly, ludicrous, hysterical; informalrib-tickling, Originmid 16th century [in the sense 'inclined to laughter']: from late Latin risibilis, from Latin ris- 'laughed,' from the verb ridere
obtund
dull the sensitivity of; blunt; deaden Origin late Middle English: from Latin obtundere, from ob- 'against' + tundere 'to beat.'
sated
satisfy [a desire or an appetite] to the full Origin early 17th century: probably an alteration of dialect sade, from Old English sadian 'become sated or weary' [related to sad]. The change in the final consonant was due to association with satiate.
maven
an expert or connoisseur Origin 1960s: Yiddish
unctuous
synonyms: sycophantic, ingratiating, obsequious, fawning, servile, groveling, subservient, cringing, humble, hypocritical, insincere, gushing, effusive; glib, s Origin late Middle English [in the sense 'greasy']: from medieval Latin unctuosus, from Latin unctus 'anointing,' from unguere 'anoint.'
rubicund
[especially of someone's face] having a ruddy complexion; high-colored Originlate Middle English [in the general sense 'red']: from Latin rubicundus, from rubere 'be red.
scruple
synonyms: qualms, compunction, pangs/twinges of conscience, hesitation, reservations, second thoughts, doubt[s], misgivings, uneasiness, reluctance ";he had no sc Origin late Middle English: from French scrupule or Latin scrupulus, from scrupus, literally 'rough pebble,' [figuratively] 'anxiety.'
nimbus
a luminous cloud or a halo surrounding a supernatural being or a saint Origin early 17th century: from Latin, literally 'cloud, aureole.'
sedulous
synonyms: diligent, careful, meticulous, thorough, assiduous, attentive, industrious, conscientious, ultracareful, punctilious, scrupulous, painstaking, minute, rigorous, particular ";he picked the thorn from his leg with sedulous care Origin mid 16th century: from Latin sedulus 'zealous' + -ous.
sapient
wise, or attempting to appear wise Origin late Middle English: from Old French, or from Latin sapient- 'being wise,' from the verb sapere .
sepulcher
a small room or monument, cut in rock or built of stone, i synonyms: tomb, vault, burial chamber, mausoleum, crypt, undercroft, catacomb; grave ";an old family sepulcher on the grounds of the estate"; Origin Middle English: via Old French from Latin sepulcrum 'burial place,' from sepelire 'bury.'
machicolation
[in medieval fortifications] an opening between the supporting corbels of a projecting parapet or the vault of a gate, through which stones or burning objects could be dropped on attackers
sybarite
synonyms: hedonist, sensualist, voluptuary, libertine, pleasure-seeker, epicure, bon vivant, bon viveur ";an exclusive resort that ca Origin mid 16th century [originally denoting an inhabitant of Sybaris, an ancient Greek city in southern Italy, noted for luxury]: via Latin from Greek Subaritēs .
divagate
stray; digress Origin late 16th century: from Latin divagat- 'wandered around,' from the verb divagari, from di- 'widely' + vagari 'wander.'
salubrious
health-giving; healthy synonyms: healthy, health-giving, healthful, beneficial, wholesome; archaicsalutary ";I found the climate salubrious"; Origin mid 16th century: from Latin salubris [from salus 'health'] + -ous.
Section 11
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