aberration :: wandering or staying away; in optics, failure of rays to focus
abettor :: encourager
abeyance :: suspended action
ablution :: washing
abnegation :: repudiation; self-sacrifice
abstinence :: restraint from eating or drinking
accessory :: additional object: useful but not essential thing
acclivity :: sharp upslope of a hill
accolade :: award of merit
accomplice :: partner in crime
accord :: agreement
accretion :: growth: increase
acerbity :: bitterness of speech and temper
acme :: top: pinnacle
acoustics :: science of sound: quality that makes a room easy or hard to hear in
acquiescence :: submission; compliance
acquittal :: deliverance from a charge
acumen :: mental keenness
adage :: wise saying: proverb
addiction :: compulsive, habitual need
adjunct :: something attached to but holding an inferior position
adjuration :: solemn urging
admonition :: warning
adulation :: flattery: admiration
adumbration :: foreshadowing: outlining
advent :: arrival
adversity :: poverty: misfortune
aegis :: shield; defense
aeon :: long period of time; an age
affidavit :: written statement made under oath
affiliation :: joining: associating with
affinity :: kinship
affirmation :: solemn pledge by one who refuses to take an oath
afflatus :: inspiration
affluence :: abundance: wealth
affray :: public brawl
agenda :: items of business at a meeting
agglomeration :: collection: heap
agility :: nimbleness
agitation :: strong feeling; excitement
agnostic :: one who is skeptical of the existence or knowability of a god
agronomist :: scientist engaged in the management of land
alacrity :: cheerful promptness
alchemy :: medieval chemistry
alias :: an assumed name
alimony :: payment by a husband to his divorced wife
allegory :: story in which characters are used as symbols: fable
alliteration :: repetition of beginning sound in poetry
alloy :: a mixture as of metals
allusion :: indirect reference
altercation :: wordy quarrel
altruism :: unselfish aid to others; generosity
amazon :: female warrior
ambrosia :: food of the gods
amenities :: agreeable manners; courtesies
amnesia :: loss of memory
amnesty :: pardon
amortization :: act of reducing a debt through partial payments
amphitheater :: oval building with tiers of seats
amulet :: charm; talisman
anachronism :: an error involving time in a story
analogy :: similarity; parallelism
anarchy :: absence of governing body; state of disorder
anathema :: solemn curse
andirons :: metal supports in a fireplace for cooking utensils or logs
anemia :: condition in which blood lacks red corpuscles
anesthetic :: substance that removes sensation with or without loss of consciousness
animadversion :: critical remark
animosity :: active enmity
animus :: hostile feeling or intent
annals :: records; history
annuity :: yearly allowance
anomaly :: irregularity
antagonism :: active resistance
anthropologist :: a student of the history and science of mankind
anticlimax :: letdown in thought or emotion
antipathy :: aversion; dislike
antiseptic :: substance that prevents infection
antithesis :: contrast; direct opposite of or to
aperture :: opening; hole
apex :: tip; summit; climax
aphasia :: loss of speech due to injury
aphorism :: pithy maxim
apiary :: a place where bees are kept
aplomb :: poise
apogee :: highest point
apologue :: moral fable
apostate :: one who abandons his religious faith or political beliefs
apothecary :: druggist
apothegm :: pithy, compact saying
apotheosis :: deification; glorification
apparition :: ghost; phantom
appellation :: name; title
appurtenances :: subordinate possessions
aptitude :: fitness; talent
arbiter :: a person with power to decide a dispute; judge
arcade :: a covered passageway, usually lined with shops
archaeology :: study of artifacts and relics of early mankind
archetype :: prototype; primitive pattern
archipelago :: group of closely located islands
archives :: public records; place where public records are kept
ardor :: heat; passion; zeal
argot :: slang
arrogance :: haughtiness
arroyo :: gully
artifacts :: products of primitive culture
artifice :: deception; trickery
artisan :: a manually skilled worker
asceticism :: doctrine of self-denial
asperity :: sharpness of temper
aspersion :: slanderous remark
aspirant :: seeker after position or status
aspiration :: noble ambition
asteroid :: small planet
astigmatism :: eye defect which prevents proper focus
atavism :: resemblance to remote ancestors rather than to parents
atelier :: workshop; studio
atrocity :: brutal deed
atrophy :: wasting away
attribute :: essential quality
attrition :: gradual wearing down
audacity :: boldness
audit :: examination of accounts
augury :: omen; prophecy
aureole :: sun's corona; halo
auscultation :: act of listening to the heart or lungs to discover abnormalities
austerity :: sternness; severity
autocrat :: monarch with supreme power
automaton :: mechanism which imitates actions of humans
autopsy :: examination of a dead body; postmortem
avarice :: greediness for wealth
avatar :: incarnation
avocation :: secondary or minor occupation
awe :: solemn wonder
axiom :: self-evident truth requiring no proof
bandanna :: large, bright-colored handkerchief
barb :: sharp projection from fishhook, etc.
barrage :: barrier laid down by artillery fire
barrister :: counselor-at-law
barterer :: trader
bassoon :: reed instrument of the woodwind family
bauble :: trinket; trifle
benediction :: blessing
benefactor :: gift giver; patron
beneficiary :: person entitled to benefits or proceeds of an insurance policy or will
benignity :: state of being kind, benign, gracious
benison :: blessing
bereavement :: state of being deprived of something valuable or beloved
bete noire :: aversion; person or thing strongly disliked or avoided
bigotry :: stubborn intolerance
billingsgate :: vituperation; abusive language
bivouac :: temporary encampment
blandishment :: flattery
bludgeon :: club; heavy-headed weapon
bouillon :: clear beef soup
bourgeois :: middle class
braggadocio :: boasting
bravado :: swagger; assumed air of defiance
brazier :: open pan in which live coals are burned
breach :: breaking of contract or duty; fissure; gap
breviary :: book containing the daily prayers
brevity :: conciseness
brocade :: rich, figured fabric
brochure :: pamphlet
brooch :: ornamental clasp
buffoonery :: clowning
bugaboo :: bugbear; object of baseless terror
bullion :: gold and silver in the form of bars
bulwark :: earthwork or other strong defense; person who defends
bureaucracy :: government by bureaus
buskin :: thick-soled half boot worn by actors of Greek tragedy
buttress :: support or prop
cabal :: small group of persons secretly united to promote their own interests
cache :: hiding place
cacophony :: discord
cadaver :: corpse
caliber :: ability; capacity
calligraphy :: beautiful writing; excellent penmanship
calumny :: malicious misrepresentation; slander
cameo :: shell or jewel carved in relief
canard :: unfounded rumor; exaggerated report
candor :: frankness
canker :: any ulcerous sore; any evil
cant :: jargon of thieves; pious phraseology
cantata :: story set to music, to be sung by a chorus
canter :: slow gallop
canto :: division of a long poem
caparison :: showy harness or ornamentation for a horse
caprice :: whim
caption :: title; chapter heading; text under illustration
carafe :: glass water bottle; decanter
carat :: unit of weight for precious stones; measure of fineness of gold
caricature :: distortion; burlesque
carillon :: a set of bells capable of being played
carmine :: rich red
carnage :: destruction of life
carousal :: drunken revel
carrion :: rotting flesh of a dead body
carte blanche :: unlimited authority or freedom
cartographer :: maker of maps or charts
caryatid :: sculptured column of a female figure
cascade :: small waterfall
caste :: one of the hereditary classes in Hindu society
casualty :: serious or fatal accident
casuistry :: subtle or sophisticated reasoning resulting in minute distinctions
cataclysm :: deluge; upheaval
catalyst :: agent which brings about a chemical change while it remains unchanged
catapult :: slingshot; a hurling machine
catastrophe :: calamity
catechism :: book for religious instruction; instruction by question and answer
cathartic :: purgative
caucus :: private meeting of members of a party to select officers or determine
cavalcade :: procession; parade
celerity :: speed; rapidity
censor :: overseer of morals; person who reads to eliminate inappropriate remark
centaur :: mythical figure, half man and half horse
centurion :: Roman army officer
cerebration :: thought
cessation :: stopping
cession :: yielding to another; ceding
chagrin :: vexation; disappointment
chalice :: goblet; consecrated cup
chameleon :: lizard that changes color in different situations
charisma :: divine gift; great popular charm or appeal of a political leader
charlatan :: quack; pretender to knowledge
chasm :: abyss
chassis :: framework and working parts of an automobile
chattel :: personal property
chauvinist :: blindly devoted patriot
chicanery :: trickery
chiromancy :: art of telling fortunes by reading the hand; palmistry
chiropodist :: one who treats disorders of the feet
choreography :: art of dancing
circlet :: small ring; band
circumlocution :: indirect or roundabout expression
citadel :: fortress
clairvoyant :: fortuneteller
claustrophobia :: fear of being locked in
clavicle :: collarbone
cleft :: split
clemency :: disposition to be lenient; mildness, as of the weather
clich?:: phrase dulled in meaning by repetition
clique :: small exclusive group
cloister :: monastery or convent
coadjutor :: assistant; colleague
cockade :: decoration worn on hat
codicil :: supplement to the body of a will
cog :: tooth projecting from a wheel
cognizance :: knowledge
cognomen :: family name
cohesion :: force which keeps parts together
cohorts :: armed band
colander :: utensil with perforated bottom used for straining
collateral :: security given for loan
collation :: a light meal
collier :: worker in coal mine; ship carrying coal
colloquy :: informal discussion
collusion :: conspiring in a fraudulent scheme
comestible :: something fit to be eaten
comity :: courtesy; civility
compact :: agreement; contract
compendium :: brief comprehensive summary
compilation :: listing of statistical information in tabular or book form
complement :: that which completes
complicity :: participation; involvement
compunction :: remorse
conception :: beginning; forming of an idea
conch :: large seashell
conclave :: private meeting
concomitant :: that which accompanies
concordat :: agreement, usually between the papal authority and the secular
condiments :: seasonings; spices
conduit :: aqueduct; passageway for fluids
conformity :: harmony; agreement
conglomeration :: mass of material sticking together
congruence :: correspondence of parts; harmonious relationship
conifer :: pine tree; cone-bearing tree
conjecture :: surmise; guess
connivance :: pretense of ignorance of something wrong; assistance
connoisseur :: person competent to act as a judge of art, etc; a lover of an art
connotation :: suggested or implied meaning of an expression
consanguinity :: kinship
consensus :: general agreement
constraint :: compulsion; repression of feelings
context :: writings preceding and following the passage quoted
continence :: self-restraint; sexual chastity
contortions :: twistings; distortions
contraband :: illegal trade; smuggling
contumely :: scornful insolence; insult
contusion :: bruise
conveyance :: vehicle; transfer
coquette :: flirt
cordon :: extended line of men or fortifications to prevent access or egress
cormorant :: greedy, rapacious bird
cornice :: projecting molding on building usually above columns
correlation :: mutual relationship
corsair :: pirate; pirate ship
cortege :: procession
coterie :: group that meets socially; select circle
counterpart :: a thing that completes another; things very much alike
covenant :: agreement
credence :: belief
credo :: creed
credulity :: belief on slight evidence
creed :: system of religious or ethical belief
crescendo :: increase in the volume of sound in a musical passage
crevice :: crack; fissure
criterion :: standard used in judging
crone :: hag
cruet :: small glass bottle for vinegar, oil, etc.
crux :: crucial point
crypt :: secret recess or vault, usually used for burial
cubicle :: small chamber used for sleeping
cuisine :: style of cooking
cul-de-sac :: blind alley; trap
culmination :: attainment of highest point
culvert :: artificial channel for water
cupidity :: greed
curator :: superintendent; manager
curmudgeon :: churlish, miserly individual
cynic :: one who is skeptical or distrustful of human motives
cynosure :: the object of general attention
dais :: raised platform for guests of honor
dastard :: coward
dearth :: scarcity
debacle :: breaking up; downfall
debenture :: bond issued to secure a loan
debutante :: young woman making formal entrance into society
decadence :: decay
declivity :: downward slope
decoy :: lure or bait
decrepitude :: state of collapse caused by illness or old age
defamation :: harming a person's reputation
default :: failure to do
defection :: desertion
deference :: courteous regard for another's wish
delineation :: portrayal
delirium :: mental disorder marked by confusion
delusion :: false belief; hallucination
demagogue :: person who appeals to people's prejudice; false leader of people
demeanor :: behavior; bearing
demesne :: domain; land over which a person has full sovereignty
demise :: death
demolition :: destruction
denizen :: inhabitant of
denotation :: meaning; distinguishing by name
denouement :: outcome; final development of the plot of a play
deposition :: testimony under oath
depravity :: corruption; wickedness
depredation :: plundering
derision :: ridicule
dermatologist :: one who studies the skin and its diseases
desideratum :: that which is desired
despotism :: tyranny
desuetude :: disused condition
detergent :: cleansing agent
detonation :: explosion
detraction :: slandering; aspersion
detriment :: harm; damage
diadem :: crown
dialectic :: art of debate
diatribe :: bitter scolding; invective
dichotomy :: branching into two parts
dictum :: authoritative and weighty statement
diffidence :: shyness
diffusion :: wordiness; spreading in all directions like a gas
dilapidation :: ruin because of neglect
dilemma :: problem; choice of two unsatisfactory alternatives
dilettante :: aimless follower of the arts; amateur; dabbler
diminution :: lessening; reduction in size
dint :: means; effort
dipsomaniac :: on who has a strong craving for intoxicating liquor
disavowal :: denial; disclaiming
discretion :: prudence; ability to adjust actions to circumstances
dishabille :: in a state of undress
disparity :: difference; condition of inequality
dispersion :: scattering
disquisition :: a formal systematic inquiry
dissection :: analysis; cutting apart in order to examine
dissertation :: formal essay
dissonance :: discord
dissuasion :: advice against
distortion :: twisting out of shape
diva :: operatic singer; prima donna
diversity :: variety; dissimilitude
divination :: foreseeing the future with aid of magic
docket :: program as for trial; book where such entries are made
doggerel :: poor verse
dolt :: stupid person
domicile :: home
dotage :: senility
dregs :: sediment; worthless residue
dross :: waste matter; worthless impurities
drudgery :: menial work
duenna :: attendant of young female; chaperone
duplicity :: double-dealing; hypocrisy
durance :: restraint; imprisonment
duress :: forcible restraint, especially unlawfully
eccentricity :: oddity; idiosyncrasy
eclecticism :: selection of elements from various sets of opinions or systems
ecstasy :: rapture; joy; any overpowering emotion
efficacy :: power to produce desired effect
effigy :: dummy
effluvium :: noxious smell
effrontery :: shameless boldness
effusion :: pouring forth
egoism :: excessive interest in one's self
egotism :: conceit; vanity
egress :: exit
ejaculation :: exclamation
elation :: a rise in spirits; exaltation
embezzlement :: stealing
emendation :: correction of errors; improvement
emetic :: substance causing vomiting
emollient :: soothing or softening remedy
emolument :: salary; compensation
enclave :: territory enclosed within an alien land
encomium :: praise; eulogy
encroachment :: gradual intrusion
endearment :: fond statement
endive :: species of leafy plant used in salads
enigma :: puzzle
ennui :: boredom
enormity :: hugeness (in a bad sense)
entity :: real being
entomology :: study of insects
entree :: entrance
entrepreneur :: businessman; contractor
epicure :: connoisseur of food and drink
epicurean :: person who devotes himself to pleasure of the senses
epigram :: witty thought or saying, usually short
epilogue :: short speech at conclusion of dramatic work
epitaph :: inscription in memory of a dead person
epithet :: descriptive word or phrase
epitome :: summary; concise abstract
epoch :: period of time
equanimity :: calmness of temperament
equestrian :: rider on horseback
equinox :: period of equal days and nights; the beginning of Spring and Autumn
equipage :: horse-drawn carriage
equity :: fairness; justice
erudition :: high degree of knowledge and learning
escapade :: prank; flighty conduct
escutcheon :: shield-shaped surface on which coat of arms is placed
espionage :: spying
esprit de corps :: comradeship; spirit
ethnology :: study of man
etymology :: study of derivation, structure and development of words
eulogy :: praise
euphemism :: mild expression in place of an unpleasant one
ewer :: water pitcher
exaction :: exorbitant demand; extortion
exchequer :: treasury
excision :: act of cutting away
exegesis :: explanation, especially of Biblical passages
exigency :: urgent situation
exodus :: departure
expatriate :: exile; someone who has withdrawn from his native land
expediency :: that which is advisable or practical
expletive :: interjection; profane oath
expostulation :: remonstrance
extradition :: surrender of prisoner by one state to another
extrovert :: person interested mostly in external objects and actions
facade :: front of the building
facet :: small plane surface of a gem; a side
faction :: party; clique; dissension
factotum :: handyman; person who does all kinds of work
fanaticism :: excessive zeal
fancier :: breeder or dealer of animals
fanfare :: call by bugles or trumpets
fatalism :: belief that events are determined by forces beyond one's control
fauna :: animals of a period or region
faux pas :: an error or slip in manners or behavior
fealty :: loyalty; faithfulness
fecundity :: fertility; fruitfulness
feint :: trick; shift; sham blow
ferment :: agitation; commotion
fervor :: glowing ardor
fetish :: object supposed to possess magical powers; an object of special devoti
fiasco :: total failure
fiat :: command
fidelity :: loyalty
figment :: invention; imaginary thing
finale :: conclusion
finesse :: delicate skill
fissure :: crevice
flair :: talent
flick :: light stroke as with a whip
flippancy :: trifling gaiety
floe :: mass of floating ice
flora :: plants of a region or era
flotilla :: small fleet
flotsam :: drifting wreckage
fluctuation :: wavering
fluency :: smoothness of speech
flux :: flowing; series of changes
foible :: weakness; slight fault
foray :: raid
forbearance :: patience
foreboding :: premonition of evil
forte :: strong point of special talent
fortitude :: bravery; courage
fracas :: brawl; melee
frailty :: weakness
franchise :: right granted by authority
fray :: brawl
freebooter :: buccaneer
fresco :: painting on plaster (usually fresh)
freshet :: sudden flood
friction :: clash in opinion; rubbing against
frieze :: ornamental band on a wall
frond :: fern leaf; palm or banana leaf
frugality :: thrift
fruition :: bearing of fruit; fulfillment; realization
fulcrum :: support on which a lever rests
functionary :: official
furor :: frenzy; great excitement
fusion :: union; coalition
gadfly :: animal-biting fly; an irritating person
gaff :: hook; barbed fishing spear
galaxy :: the Milky Way; any collection of brilliant personalities
galleon :: large sailing ship
gamester :: gambler
gamibit :: opening in chess in which a piece is sacrificed
gamut :: entire range
gargoyle :: waterspout carved in grotesque figures on building
garrulity :: talkativeness
gasconade :: bluster; boastfulness
gastronomy :: science of preparing and serving good food
gauntlet :: leather glove
gazette :: official periodical publication
genealogy :: record of descent; lineage
generality :: vague statement
geniality :: cheerfulness; kindliness; sympathy
genre :: style of art illustrating scenes of common life
gentility :: those of gentle birth; refinement
gentry :: people of standing; class of people just below nobility
gesticulation :: motion; gesture
gibbet :: gallows
gig :: two-wheeled carriage
gist :: essence
gloaming :: twilight
glossary :: brief explanation of words used in the text
gnome :: dwarf; underground spirit
gourmand :: epicure; person who takes excessive pleasure in food and drink
gratuity :: tip
grimace :: a facial distortion to show feeling such as pain, disgust, etc.
hackles :: hairs on back and neck of a dog
haughtiness :: pride; arrogance
hauteur :: haughtiness
hawser :: large rope
hedonism :: belief that pleasure is the sole aim in life
hegira :: flight, especially Mohammed's flight from Mecca the Medina
heresy :: opinion contrary to popular belief; opinion contrary to accepted relig
heretic :: person who maintains opinions contrary to the doctrines of the church
hermitage :: home of hermit
hiatus :: gap; pause
hierarchy :: body divided into ranks
hieroglyphic :: picture writing
hilarity :: boisterous mirth
hireling :: one who serves for hire (usually contemptuously)
hoax :: trick; practical joke
hogshead :: large barrel
holocaust :: destruction by fire
holster :: pistol case
homily :: sermon; serious warning
hostelry :: inn
hoyden :: boisterous girl
hubbub :: confused uproar
humility :: humbleness of spirit
hummock :: small hill
humus :: substance formed by decaying vegetable matter
husbandry :: frugality; thrift; agriculture
hustings :: meetings particularly to choose candidates
hybrid :: mongrel; mixed breed
hyperbole :: exaggeration; overstatement
hypochondriac :: person unduly worried about his health; worrier without cause about il
ideology :: ideas of a group people
idiom :: special usage in language
idiosyncrasy :: peculiarity; eccentricity
idolatry :: worship of idols; excessive admiration
illusion :: misleading vision
imbecility :: weakness of mind
imbroglio :: a complicated situation; perplexity; entanglement
immobility :: state of being immovable
impasse :: predicament from which there is no escape
imperturbability :: calmness
impetus :: moving force
impiety :: irreverence; wickedness
implication :: that which is hinted at or suggested
import :: significance
imprimatur :: permission to print or publish a book
impropriety :: state of being inappropriate
impunity :: freedom from punishment
imputation :: charge; reproach
inadvertence :: oversight; carelessness
incantation :: singing or chanting of magic spells; magical formula
incarnation :: act of assuming a human body and human nature
incendiary :: arsonist
incentive :: spur; motive
incidence :: falling on a body; a casual occurrence
incongruity :: lack of harmony; absurdity
incredulity :: a tendency to disbelief
increment :: increase
incubus :: burden; mental care; nightmare
incumbent :: officeholder
incursion :: temporary invasion
indignity :: offensive or insulting treatment
indolence :: laziness
inebriety :: habitual intoxication
inertia :: state of being inert or indisposed to move
inference :: conclusion drawn from data
infirmity :: weakness
influx :: flowing into
infraction :: violation
ingenue :: an artless girl; an actress who plays such parts
ingrate :: ungrateful person
inkling :: hint
innovation :: change; introduction off something new
innuendo :: hint; insinuation
insolvency :: bankruptcy; lack of ability to repay debts
insomnia :: wakefulness; inability to sleep
integrity :: wholeness; purity; uprightness
integument :: outer covering or skin
intellect :: higher mental powers
intelligentsia :: the intelligent and educated classes (often used derogatorily)
interim :: meantime
interment :: burial
interstices :: chinks; crevices
intimidation :: fear
intransigence :: state of stubborn unwillingness to compromise
introvert :: one who is introspective
intuition :: power of knowing without reasoning
invective :: abuse
inviolability :: security from being destroyed, corrupted or profaned
iota :: very small quantity
irony :: hidden sarcasm or satire
isotope :: varying form of an element
itinerary :: plan of a trip
jargon :: language used by special group; gibberish
jeopardy :: exposure to death or danger
jeremiad :: lament; complaint
jingoism :: extremely aggressive and militant patriotism
jubilation :: rejoicing
juncture :: crisis; joining point
junket :: a merry feast or picnic
junta :: group of men joined in political intrigue; cabal
jurisprudence :: science of law
kaleidoscope :: tube in which patterns made by the reflection in mirrors
ken :: range of knowledge
kiosk :: summerhouse; open pavilion
kismet :: fate
kith :: familiar friends
kleptomaniac :: person who has a compulsive desire to steal
knavery :: rascality
knell :: tolling of a bell at a funeral; sound of the funeral bell
knoll :: little round hill