Rahul’s

a blue print of succe ss

Usage: He was a complete novice in foreign

1). Ambivalent (Adjective)
affairs.
Meaning: having mixed feelings or
contradictory ideas about something or
6). Salient (Adjective)
someone.
Meaning: most noticeable or important.
Synonyms: equivocal, uncertain,
Synonyms: important, main, principal,
unsure, doubtful, indecisive,
major, chief, primary, notable
inconclusive, irresolute
Usage: The salient points stuck out clearly in
Usage: Some loved her, some hated
her mind.
her, few were ambivalent about her.

7). Umbrage (Noun)

2). Forsake (Verb) Meaning: abandon or leave.
Meaning: offence or annoyance.
Synonyms: abandon, desert, leave, quit,
Synonyms: take offence, be offended, take
depart from, leave behind
exception, bridle, take something personally
Usage: She forsook her child, giving him up
Usage: She took umbrage at his remarks.
for adoption.

8). Serendipity (Noun)

3). Impudent (Adjective)
Meaning: the occurrence and
Meaning: not showing due respect for
development of events by chance in a
another person; impertinent.
happy or beneficial way.
Synonyms: impertinent, insolent, cheeky,
Synonyms: chance, happy chance,
audacious, brazen
accident, happy accident, fluke
Usage: He could have strangled this
Usage: Technical innovation may be the
impudent upstart.
result of pure serendipity.

4). Inept (Adjective)

9). Quaint (Adjective)
Meaning: having or showing no skill;
Meaning: attractively unusual or old-
clumsy. Synonyms: incompetent,
fashioned. Synonyms: picturesque,
unskillful, unskilled, inexpert,
charming, sweet, attractive, pleasantly
amateurish
old-fashioned
Usage: My attempts at baking were inept but
Usage: Narrow streets lead to a quaint
I fumbled on.
bridge over the river.

5). Novice (Verb)

10). Truculent (Adjective)
Meaning: a person new to and
Meaning: eager or quick to argue or fight;
inexperienced in a job or situation.
aggressively defiant.
Synonyms: beginner, learner, inexperienced
Synonyms: defiant, aggressive,
person

1
 antagonistic, belligerent, 16). Burgeon (verb)
pugnacious, bellicose Meaning: begin to grow or increase rapidly;
Usage: The truculent attitude of farmers flourish. Synonyms: grow rapidly, increase
to cheaper imports. rapidly/exponentially, expand.
Usage: Tourism has burgeoned over the
11). Intractable (adjective) Meaning: hard to last ten years.
control or deal with.
Synonyms: unmanageable, 17). Anomalous (adjective)
uncontrollable, ungovernable, Meaning: deviating from what is standard,
out of control. normal, or expected.
Usage: Their problems have become more Synonyms: abnormal, atypical, non-typical,
acute and intractable. irregular. Usage: Nuclear weapons testing
may have been responsible for the
12). Delineate (Verb) anomalous weather conditions.
Meaning: describe or portray (something)
precisely. Synonyms: describe, set forth, 18). Friable (adjective) Meaning: easily
set out, present, outline, depict, portray. crumbled.
Usage: The law should delineate and Synonyms: crumbly, easily crumbled,
prohibit behaviour which is socially powdery, dusty.
abhorrent. Usage: The soil was friable between her
13). Ascetic (adjective) fingers.
Meaning: characterized by severe self-
discipline and abstention from all forms of 19). Protean (adjective)
indulgence, typically for religious reasons. Meaning: tending or able to change
Synonyms: austere, self- frequently or easily.
denying, abstinent, abstemious. Synonyms: ever-changing, variable,
Usage: An ascetic life of prayer, fasting, changeable, mutable, kaleidoscopic.
and manual labour. Usage: The diverse and protean nature of
mental disorders.
14). Daunt (verb)
Meaning: make (someone) feel 20). Recondite (adjective)
intimidated or apprehensive. Meaning: (of a subject or knowledge) little
Synonyms: intimidate, abash, take aback, known; abstruse.
shake, ruffle, throw. Synonyms: obscure, abstruse, arcane,
Usage: Some people are daunted by esoteric, little known.
technology. Usage: The book is full of recondite
information.
15). Idyllic (adjective)
Meaning: like an idyll; extremely happy, 21). Boisterous (adjective)
peaceful, or picturesque. Meaning: noisy, energetic, and
Synonyms: perfect, ideal, idealized, cheerful Synonyms: lively, active,
wonderful, blissful. animated, exuberant, spirited, bouncy,
Usage: An attractive hotel in an idyllic frisky
setting. Usage: A group of boisterous lads.

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22). Inveigle (verb) Usage: A stolid, slow-speaking man.
Meaning: persuade (someone) to do
something by means of deception or 28). Dissemble (verb)
flattery Meaning: conceal or disguise one's true
Synonyms: cajole, wheedle, coax, feelings or beliefs
persuade, convince, talk Synonyms: dissimulate, pretend,
Usage: He was attempting to inveigle them deceive, feign, act Usage: An honest,
into doing his will. sincere person with no need to
23). Sodden (adjective) dissemble.
Meaning: saturated with liquid,
especially water; soaked through. 29). Dilatory (adjective) Meaning: slow to act
Synonyms: soaking, soaking wet, Synonyms: slow, unhurried, tardy,
soaked, soaked through, wet through unpunctual, lax, slack
Usage: His clothes were sodden. Usage: They were dilatory in providing the
researchers with information.
24). Perfidious (adjective)
Meaning: deceitful and 30). Garner (Verb)
untrustworthy Synonyms: Meaning: gather or collect (something,
treacherous, duplicitous, deceitful, especially information or approval)
disloyal, faithless Synonyms: accumulate, amass, assemble;
Usage: It is highly risk to hire a perfidious store
labour. Usage: The police struggled to garner
sufficient evidence.
25). Conundrum (noun)
Meaning: a confusing and difficult 31). Contentious (adjective)
problem or question. Meaning: causing or likely to cause an
Synonyms: problem, difficult argument; controversial.
question, vexed question, difficulty Synonyms: controversial, disputable,
Usage: One of the most difficult debatable, and disputed
conundrums for the experts. Usage: The contentious issue of abortion.

26). Denouement (noun) 32). Antipathy (noun)

Meaning: The final part of a play, film, or Meaning: a deep-seated feeling of aversion.
narrative in which the strands of the plot are Synonyms: hostility, antagonism, animosity,
drawn together and matters are explained aversion, animus
or resolved Usage: His fundamental antipathy to
Synonyms: final scene, final act, last act capitalism.
Usage: The film's denouement was
unsatisfying and ambiguous. 33). Countenance (noun)
Meaning: a person's face or facial
27). Stolid (adjective) expression Synonyms: face, features,
Meaning: calm, dependable, and physiognomy, profile; facial expression
showing little emotion or animation Usage: His impenetrable eyes and
Synonyms: impassive, phlegmatic, inscrutable countenance give little
unemotional, calm away.

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 against the new curriculum.
34). Dogmatic (adjective)
Meaning: inclined to lay down 40). Assay (noun)
principles as undeniably true Meaning: the testing of a metal or ore to
Synonyms: opinionated, peremptory, determine its ingredients and quality
assertive, imperative, insistent Synonyms: evaluation,
Usage: She was not tempted to be dogmatic assessment, analysis,
about what she believed. examination, test
Usage: New plate was taxed when it was
35). Apropos (adjective) brought for assay.
Meaning: very appropriate to a particular
situation Synonyms: appropriate, 41). Turbid (adjective)
pertinent, relevant, apposite, apt Meaning: (of a liquid) cloudy, opaque, or
Usage: The song feels apropos to a midnight thick with suspended matter
jaunt. Synonyms: murky, muddy, thick; opaque,
cloudy
36). Raffish (adjective) Usage: The turbid waters of the river.
Meaning: unconventional and slightly
disreputable, especially in an attractive 42). Erudite (adjective)
way Meaning: having or showing great
Synonyms: rakish, jaunty, dapper, knowledge or learning.
dashing, sporty, flashy; unconventional Synonyms: learned, scholarly, well
Usage: His cosmopolitan, raffish air. educated, knowledgeable
Usage: He was so erudite that only men
37). Vituperate (verb) who were his equals in scholarship could
Meaning: blame or insult (someone) in understand him.
strong or violent language
Synonyms: revile, rail against, 43). Saturnine (adjective)
inveigh against, fulminate against Meaning: (of a person or their manner)
Usage: He vituperated against all presidents gloomy. Synonyms: sombre, melancholy,
with equal gusto. melancholic, moody, miserable
Usage: He was a rather saturnine individual
38). Diffidence (noun)Meaning: modesty or who never spoke an unnecessary word.
shyness resulting from a lack of self-
confidence 44). Abeyance (noun)
Synonyms: shyness, bashfulness, Meaning: a state of temporary disuse or
unassertiveness, modesty, modestness suspension. Synonyms: suspension, a
Usage: He regretted his diffidence and state of suspension, a state of dormancy, a
awkwardness in large groups. state of latency, a state of uncertainty
Usage: The project was left in abeyance for
39). Fulminate (verb) the time being.
Meaning: express vehement protest
Synonyms: protest, rail, rage, rant, 45). Diaphanous (adjective)
thunder, storm, declaim, inveigh Meaning: (especially of fabric) light,
Usage: Ministers and preachers fulminated delicate, and translucent.

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 Synonyms: sheer, fine, ultra-fine, resulting from a slight, especially to one's
delicate, light, lightweight, thin pride.
Usage: She wore a diaphanous dress of pale Synonyms: irritation, annoyance,
gold. resentment, anger, displeasure
Usage: He left in a fit of pique.
46). Epitome (noun)
Meaning: a person or thing that is a perfect 52). Turgid (adjective)
example of a particular quality or type. Meaning: Swollen and distended or
Synonyms: personification, embodiment, congested. Synonyms: swollen,
incarnation, paragon; essence congested; in spate, in flood Usage: A
Usage: She looked the epitome of turgid and fast-moving river.
elegance and good taste.
53). Multifarious (adjective)
47). Castigate (verb) Meaning: Having many varied parts or
Meaning: reprimand (someone) aspects.
severely. Synonyms: reprimand, rebuke, Synonyms: diverse, many, numerous,
admonish, chastise, chide, upbraid, various, varied Usage: The multifarious
reprove local and ethnic traditions that are found in
Usage: He was castigated for not the USA.
setting a good example.
54). Torpor (noun)
48). Apprehension (noun) Meaning: A state of physical or mental
Meaning: anxiety or fear that inactivity; lethargy.
something bad or unpleasant will Synonyms: lethargy, torpidity,
happen. sluggishness, inertia, inertness, inactivity
Synonyms: alarm, worry, Usage: He spent most of the journey
uneasiness, unease, nervousness, in a state of torpor.
Usage: He had been filled with
apprehension at having to report his failure. 55). Audacious (adjective)
Meaning: Showing a willingness to take
49). Approbation (noun) Meaning: approval or surprisingly bold risks.
praise. Synonyms: bold, daring, fearless,
Synonyms: acceptance, assent, intrepid, brave, unafraid
endorsement, encouragement Usage: The audience were left gasping at
Usage: He yearned for popular approbation. his audacious exploits.

50). Refractory (adjective) Meaning: stubborn 56). Tenacity (noun)

or unmanageable. Meaning: The quality or fact of being
Synonyms: obstinate, mulish, bull-headed, able to grip something firmly; grip.
intractable Usage: The refractory students Synonyms: persistence, pertinacity,
spend a great deal of time in the detention determination, perseverance,
room. doggedness
Usage: The tenacity with which he stuck to
51). Pique (noun) his story.
Meaning: A feeling of irritation or resentment

5
57). Apostate (noun)
Meaning: A person who renounces a 63). Ephemeral (adjective)
religious or political belief or principle. Meaning: lasting for a very short time.
Synonyms: dissenter, heretic, Synonyms: Transitory, transient, fleeting,
nonconformist; defector, deserter passing. Usage: Fashions are ephemeral:
Usage: After 50 years as an apostate, he new ones regularly drive out the old.
returned to the faith.
64). Garrulous (adjective)
58). Discomfit (verb) Meaning: excessively talkative, especially
Meaning: Make (someone) feel on trivial matters.
uneasy or embarrassed. Synonyms: Talkative, voluble, chatty.
Synonyms: embarrass, make Usage: A garrulous old man who
uncomfortable, make uneasy, abash chattered like a magpie.
Usage: He was not noticeably discomfited by
her tone. 65). Fetter (noun)
Meaning: a chain or manacle used to
59). Laconic (adjective) restrain a prisoner, typically placed
Meaning: (of a person, speech, or style around the ankles.
of writing) using very few words. Synonyms: shackles, manacles,
Synonyms: brief, concise, terse, handcuffs, irons, leg irons, chains.
succinct, short, economical, elliptical Usage: He lay bound with fetters of iron.
Usage: His laconic reply suggested a lack
of interest in the topic. 66). Inure (verb)
Meaning: accustom (someone) to
60). Ossify (verb) something, especially something unpleasant.
Meaning: Turn into bone or bony tissue. Synonyms: Harden, toughen, season,
Synonyms: turn into bone, become bony, temper.
harden, solidify, stiffen Usage: These children have been inured to
Usage: These cartilages may ossify. violence.

61). Accretion (noun) 67). Pejorative (Adjective)

Meaning: growth or increase by the Meaning: expressing contempt or
gradual accumulation of additional disapproval. Synonyms: Disparaging,
layers or matter. Synonyms: derogatory, denigratory. Usage:
Accumulation, collecting, gathering, Permissiveness is used almost universally
amassing, cumulation. as a pejorative term.
Usage: The accretion of sediments
in coastal mangroves. 68). Tirade (noun)
Meaning: a long, angry speech of
62). Acumen (noun) criticism or accusation.
Meaning: the ability to make good Synonyms: Diatribe, invective,
judgements and take quick decisions. polemic, attack. Usage: She rounded
Synonyms: Astuteness, awareness, acuity, on Nathan with a devastating tirade.
sharpness. Usage: A gullible young man with
little or no business acumen. 69). Yoke (noun)

6
 Meaning: a wooden crosspiece that is concern Synonyms: nonchalant,
fastened over the necks of two animals and untroubled, unworried, unruffled,
attached to the plough or cart that they are unconcerned
to pull. Usage: he had an insouciant attitude to
Synonyms: Harness, collar, tackle, tack. their money problems.
Usage: The horses were loosened from the
yoke. 76). Dulcet (adjective)
Meaning: (especially of sound) sweet and
70). Umbrage (noun) Meaning: offence or soothing (often used ironically).
annoyance. Synonyms: sweet, sweet-sounding,
Synonyms: take offence, be offended, mellifluous, euphonious, soothing,
take exception, bridle. mellow
Usage: She took umbrage at his remarks. Usage: record the dulcet tones of your
family and friends.

71). Abysmal (adjective) Meaning: extremely 77). Desiccate (Verb)

bad; appalling Meaning: remove the moisture from
Synonyms: very bad, dreadful, awful, (something), typically in order to
terrible, frightful preserve it.
Usage: some of the teaching was abysmal. Synonyms: dried, dried up, dry, dehydrated,
powdered
72). Tawdry (adjective) Usage: We can use the desiccated coconut
Meaning: showy but cheap and of for cooking.
poor quality Synonyms: gaudy,
flashy, showy, garish, loud; tasteless 78). Pellucid (adjective) Meaning: translucently
Usage: she had cheap, tawdry rings on her clear.
fingers. Synonyms: translucent, transparent, clear,
crystal clear, crystalline
73). Dross (noun) Usage: mountains reflected in the pellucid
Meaning: something regarded as waters.
worthless; rubbish. Synonyms: rubbish,
junk, debris, chaff, draff, detritus Usage: 79). Pariah (noun) Meaning: an outcast.
sometimes it's possible to find a little gem Synonyms: outcast, persona non grata,
amongst the mass-produced dross. leper, reject, untouchable
Usage: they were treated as social pariahs.
74). Ardour (noun)
Meaning: great enthusiasm or 80). Taciturn (adjective)
passion. Synonyms: passion, Meaning: (of a person) reserved or
avidity, fervour, zeal, uncommunicative in speech; saying little.
wholeheartedness, eagerness Synonyms: untalkative,
Usage: she was unaccustomed to uncommunicative, reticent,
being kissed with such ardour. unforthcoming, quiet
Usage: after such gatherings she would be
75). Insouciant (adjective) taciturn and morose.
Meaning: showing a casual lack of

7
81). Perfunctory (adjective) most sedulous care.
Meaning: (of an action) carried out
without real interest, feeling, or effort. 86). Intrepid (adjective)
Synonyms: cursory, desultory; quick, Meaning: fearless; adventurous
brief, hasty, hurried, rapid (often used for rhetorical or humorous
Usage: The guards gave a perfunctory effect).
look up and down the carriage. Synonyms: fearless, unafraid,
undaunted, dauntless, undismayed
82). Transient (adjective) Usage: The intrepid band braved a
Meaning: lasting only for a short time; precipitous mountain track.
impermanent. Synonyms: transitory,
temporary, short-lived, short- term, 87). Morose (adjective) Meaning: sullen and ill-
ephemeral tempered.
Usage: A transient post-war baby boom. Synonyms: sullen, sulky, gloomy, bad-
tempered, ill- tempered
83). Reprobate (noun) Meaning: an Usage: She was morose and silent when
unprincipled person. she got home.
Synonyms: rogue, rascal, scoundrel, good-
for-nothing, villain, wretch 88). Demur (verb)
Usage: He had to present himself as more of Meaning: raise objections or show
a lovable reprobate than a spirit of reluctance. Synonyms: raise objections,
Corruption. object, take exception, take issue
Libertine (noun) Usage: Normally she would have
Meaning: a person, especially a man, accepted the challenge, but she
who freely indulges in sensual demurred.
pleasures
without regard to moral principles. 89). Equipoise (noun)
Synonyms: philanderer, ladies' man, Meaning: balance of forces or interests.
playboy, rake Usage: His image as an Synonyms: equilibrium, balance, evenness,
unbridled libertine is a total myth. symmetry, parity
Usage: This wine represents a marvellous
equipoise of power and elegance.
84). Tractable (adjective)
90). Garrulity (Noun)
Meaning: (of a person) easy to control or
Meaning: excessive talkativeness,
influence. Synonyms: controllable,
especially on trivial matters.
manageable, malleable, governable,
Synonyms: talkativeness, garrulousness,
yielding,
loquacity, loquaciousness, volubility,
Usage: She has always been tractable
verbosity,
and obedient, even as a child.
Usage: They were irritated by his
ungovernable garrulity.
85). Sedulous (adjective)
Meaning: (of a person or action) showing
dedication and diligence. 91). Arrant (Adjective) Meaning: complete, utter
Synonyms: diligent, careful, meticulous, Synonyms: downright, thoroughgoing,
thorough, assiduous absolute, complete, thorough
Usage: He watched himself with the Usage: What he is talking is arrant

8
 nonsense! Usage: She was assiduous in
pointing out every feature.
92). Consequential (Adjective) Meaning:
following as a result or effect. 98). Lassitude (Noun)
Synonyms: resulting, resultant, ensuing, Meaning: a state of physical or mental
consequent; following weariness; lack of energy
Usage: A loss of confidence and a Synonyms: lethargy, listlessness,
consequential withdrawal of funds. weariness, languor, sluggishness,
enervation
93). Attenuate (Verb) Usage: She was overcome by lassitude
Meaning: reduce the force, effect, or value and retired to bed.
of. Synonyms: weakened, reduced,
lessened, decreased, diminished, impaired 99). Sycophant (Noun)
Usage: Her intolerance was Meaning: a person who acts
attenuated by an unexpected obsequiously towards someone
liberalism. important in order to gain advantage.
Synonyms: toady, creep, crawler,
94). Precarious (Adjective) fawner, flatterer, flunkey, truckler
Meaning: dependent on chance; Usage: He was surrounded by
uncertain Synonyms: uncertain, flatterers and sycophants.
insecure, unreliable, unsure,
unpredictable 100). Infant (Noun)
Usage: He made a precarious living as a Meaning: a very young child or baby.
painter. Synonyms: Baby, newborn, young child,
little child
95). Enervate (Verb) Usage: Their first year at infant school.
Meaning: make (someone) feel drained of
energy or vitality. 101). Mortality (Noun)
Synonyms: exhaust, tire, fatigue, weary, Meaning: the state of being subject to
wear out, devitalize death. Synonyms: Impermanence,
Usage: The scorching sun enervated her. temporality, transience, perishability
Usage: the work is increasingly haunted by
96). Equivocate (Verb) thoughts of mortality.
Meaning: use ambiguous language so as to
conceal the truth or avoid committing oneself. 102). Hapless
Synonyms: prevaricate, be evasive, be non- (Adjective)
committal, be vague, be ambiguous Meaning:
Usage: The government have equivocated unfortunate
too often in the past. Synonyms: unlucky, luckless, out of
luck, cursed, doomed
97). Assiduous (Adjective) Usage: The hapless victims of the disaster.
Meaning: showing great care and
perseverance. Synonyms: diligent, 103). Persuade (Verb)
careful, meticulous, thorough, sedulous, Meaning: induce (someone) to do
attentive something through reasoning or argument.

9
 Synonyms: talk someone into, coax, Meaning: a level or rank in an
convince, make, get, induce, coerce, organization, a profession, or
prompt society.
Usage: it wasn't easy, but I persuaded Synonyms: Level, rank, grade, step, rung,
him to do the right thing. tier, plane, order, division
Usage: the upper echelons of the business
104). Deserters (Noun) world.
Meaning: a member of the armed forces
who deserts. Synonyms: Runaway, 110). Ambivalent (Adjective)
renegade, fugitive, escapee Usage: Meaning: having mixed feelings or
deserters from the army. contradictory ideas about something or
someone.
105). Tenure (Noun) Synonyms: equivocal, uncertain,
Meaning: the holding of an office. unsure, doubtful, indecisive,
Synonyms: incumbency, term of office, term, inconclusive, irresolute
period of office, time Usage: Some loved her, some hated
Usage: his tenure of the premiership her, few were ambivalent about her.
would be threatened.
111). Forsake (Verb) Meaning: abandon or
106). Bureaucracy (Noun) leave.
Meaning: excessively complicated Synonyms: abandon, desert, leave, quit,
administrative procedure. depart from, leave behind
Synonyms: red tape, rules and Usage: She forsook her child, giving him up
regulations, protocol , officialdom for adoption.
Usage: the unnecessary
bureaucracy in local government. 112). Impudent (Adjective)
Meaning: not showing due respect for
107). Entangle (Verb) another person; impertinent.
Meaning: cause to become twisted Synonyms: impertinent, insolent, cheeky,
together with or caught in. audacious, brazen
Synonyms: Intertwine, entwine, tangle, Usage: He could have strangled this
intertwist, twist, ravel, impudent upstart.
Usage: Fish attempt to swim through the
mesh and become entangled. 113). Inept (Adjective)
Meaning: having or showing no skill;
108). Legitimate (Adjective) clumsy. Synonyms: incompetent, unskilful,
Meaning: able to be defended unskilled, inexpert, amateurish
with logic or justification; valid. Usage: My attempts at baking were inept
Synonyms: valid, sound, admissible, but I fumbled on.
acceptable, well founded
Usage: these are legitimate grounds for 114). Novice (Verb)
unease. Meaning: a person new to and
inexperienced in a job or situation.
Synonyms: beginner, learner, inexperienced
109). Echelons (Noun) person

10
 Usage: He was a complete novice in foreign Definition: induce (someone) to do
affairs. something through reasoning or argument.
Meaning: prevail on, talk someone
115). Salient (Adjective) into, coax, convince, make, get,
Meaning: most noticeable or important. press someone into
Synonyms: important, main, principal, Usage: He tried to persuade her to come
major, chief, primary, notable with him.
Usage: The salient points stuck out clearly in
her mind. 121). Traverse (Verb)
Definition: travel across or
116). Umbrage through Meaning: travel
(Noun) Meaning: over/across, cross, journey
offence or annoyance. over/across, make one's way
Synonyms: take offence, be offended, across
take exception, bridle, take something Usage: He traversed the deserts of
personally Persia and Baluchistan.
Usage: She took umbrage at his remarks.
122). Indulge (Verb)
117). Serendipity (Noun) Definition: allow oneself to enjoy the
Meaning: the occurrence and pleasure of. Meaning: wallow in, give
development of events by chance in a oneself up to, give way to, yield to,
happy or beneficial way. abandon oneself to
Synonyms: chance, happy chance, Usage: We indulged in a cream tea.
accident, happy accident, fluke
Usage: Technical innovation may be the 123). Sway (verb)
result of pure serendipity. Definition: move or cause to move slowly
or rhythmically backwards and forwards or
118). Quaint (Adjective) from side to side.
Meaning: attractively unusual or old- Meaning: swing, shake, oscillate, rock,
fashioned. Synonyms: picturesque, undulate, move from side to side
charming, sweet, attractive, pleasantly Usage: The curtains were swaying in the
old-fashioned breeze.
Usage: Narrow streets lead to a quaint
bridge over the river. 124). Deteriorated (Verb)
Definition: become progressively worse.
119). Truculent (Adjective) Meaning: worsen, get worse, decline, be
Meaning: eager or quick to argue or fight; in decline, degenerate, decay
aggressively defiant. Usage: His condition has deteriorated in
Synonyms: defiant, aggressive, the intensive care unit.
antagonistic, belligerent,
pugnacious, bellicose 125). Ramification (Noun)
Usage: The truculent attitude of farmers Definition: a complex or unwelcome
to cheaper imports. consequence of an action or event.
Meaning: consequence, result,
120). Persuade (verb) aftermath, outcome, effect, upshot, issue

11
 Usage: Any change is bound to have rough, grating, rasping, jarring, loud
legal ramifications. Usage: A strident voice interrupted the
consultation.
126). Heap (verb)
Definition: put (objects or a loose 132). Confluence
substance) in a heap. Meaning: Pile up, pile, Meaning: the junction of two rivers,
stack up, stack, make a pile of, make a stack especially rivers of approximately equal
of width.
Usage: She heaped logs on the fire. Synonyms: convergence, meeting,
junction, joining, conflux, watersmeet
127). Rebel (noun) Usage: The confluence of the Rivers Ouse
Definition: a person who rises in and Foss.
opposition or armed resistance against an
established government or leader. 133). Lavish
Meaning: revolutionary, insurgent, Meaning: sumptuously rich, elaborate, or
mutineer agitator Usage: The rebels took luxurious. Synonyms: sumptuous,
control of the capital. luxurious, luxuriant, lush, gorgeous,
costly
128). Substantial (adjective) Usage: He held lavish dinner parties at his
Definition: of considerable importance, home.
size, or worth. Meaning: considerable,
real, material, weighty, soild, sizeable 134). Insolent
Usage: Substantial progress had been Meaning: showing a rude and arrogant
made. lack of respect. Synonyms: impertinent,
impudent, cheeky, ill- mannered
129). Utterly (adverb) Usage: She hated the insolent tone of his
Definition: completely and without voice.
qualification; absolutely.
Meaning: completely, totally, absolutely, 135). Vagrant
entirely, fully Meaning: a person without a settled home
Usage: He looked utterly ridiculous. or regular work who wanders from place to
place and lives by begging.
130). Congenial Synonyms: tramp, drifter, down-and-out,
Meaning: (of a person) pleasing or liked on derelict, beggar, itinerant, wanderer
account of having qualities or interests that Usage: The old car was a welcome
are similar to one's own. shelter for the occasional vagrant.
Synonyms: like-minded, compatible,
kindred, well suited, easy to get along 136). Gregarious
with Meaning: (of a person) fond of company;
Usage: I was working with a bunch of very sociable. Synonyms: sociable, social,
congenial people. company-loving, companionable, convivial
Usage: He was a popular and gregarious
131). Strident man.
Meaning: (of a sound) loud and harsh;
grating. Synonyms: harsh, raucous, 137). Enigma

12
 Meaning: a person or thing that is
mysterious or difficult to understand. 143). Espionage
Synonyms: mystery, puzzle, riddle, Meaning: the practice of spying or of
conundrum, paradox, problem, using spies, typically by governments to
Usage: How it works is a complete enigma to obtain political and military information.
me. Synonyms: spying, undercover work,
cloak-and- dagger activities,
138). Assuage surveillance, reconnaissance Usage:
Meaning: make (an unpleasant feeling) The camouflage and secrecy of
less intense. Synonyms: Relieve, ease, espionage
alleviate, soothe, mitigate, dampen
Usage: The letter assuaged the fears of 144). Restive
most members. Meaning: (of a person) unable to remain
still, silent, or submissive, especially
139). Sanguine because of boredom or dissatisfaction.
Meaning: optimistic or positive, Synonyms: restless, fidgety, edgy, on
especially in an apparently bad or edge, tense, uneasy
difficult situation. Usage: The crowd had been waiting for
Synonyms: optimistic, bullish, hopeful, hours and many were becoming
buoyant, positive restive.
Usage: He is sanguine about prospects for
the global economy. 145). Accolade
Meaning: an award or privilege granted
140). Apocryphal as a special honour or as an
Meaning: (of a story or statement) of acknowledgement of merit.
doubtful authenticity, although widely Synonyms: honour, recognition, privilege,
circulated as being true. Synonyms: award, gift, title
fictitious, made-up, untrue, fabricated, false, Usage: The hotel has won numerous
Usage: An apocryphal story about a former accolades
president
146). Harbinger
141). Adage Meaning: a person or thing that
Meaning: a proverb or short statement announces or signals the approach of
expressing a general truth. another.
Synonyms: saying, maxim, axiom, Synonyms: sign, indicator, signal,
proverb, slogan Usage: It is vital for every Usage: Witch hazels are the harbingers of
pilot to remember the old adage ‘safety first spring.

142). Ersatz 147). Restraint

Meaning: (of a product) made or used as a Meaning: unemotional, dispassionate,
substitute, typically an inferior one, for or moderate behaviour; self-control.
something else. Synonyms: self-control, self-restraint, self-
Synonyms: artificial, substitute, imitation, discipline, control
fake, false Usage: The customary restraint of the British
Usage: Ersatz emotion police

13
 154). Redundant
148). Trepidation Definition: not or no longer needed
Meaning: a feeling of fear or anxiety about or useful; superfluous.
something that may happen Meaning: unnecessary, not required,
Synonyms: fear, apprehension, dread, inessential, unessential
fearfulness, Usage: An appropriate use for a redundant
Usage: He sat in the waiting room, full of church.
trepidation
155). Consensus
149). Imperturbable Definition: a general agreement.
Meaning: unable to be upset or excited; Meaning: agreement, harmony, concord,
calm. Synonyms: self-possessed, like- mindedness, concurrence, consent
composed, collected, calm, cool, calm Usage: There is a growing consensus that
Usage: My father was a solid, imperturbable the current regime has failed.
man
156). Debacle
150). Inevitable Definition: a sudden and ignominious
Definition: certain to happen; unavoidable. failure; a fiasco. Meaning: failure,
Meaning: unavoidable, inescapable, bound catastrophe, disaster, disintegration, mess,
to happen, sure to happen, unpreventable, wreck, ruin; downfall,
Usage: His resignation was inevitable. Usage: The only man to reach double
figures in the second-innings debacle.
151). Unassailable
Definition: unable to be attacked, 157). Beleag
questioned, or defeated. uer Definition:
Meaning: impregnable, invulnerable, lay siege to.
impenetrable, inviolable Meaning: besieged, under siege,
Usage: The world's most unassailable blockaded, surrounded, encircled,
fortress. hemmed in, under attack Usage: He
led a relief force to the aid of the
152). Queer beleaguered city.
Definition: strange; odd.
Meaning: odd, strange, unusual, funny, 158). Lacklustre
peculiar, curious, bizarre Definition: lacking in vitality, force, or
Usage: It seemed queer to see the windows conviction; uninspired or uninspiring
all dark. Meaning: uninspired, uninspiring,
unimaginative, dull, humdrum, colourless,
153). Preponderance Usage: No excuses were made for the
Definition: the quality or fact of being team's lacklustre performance.
greater in number, quantity, or
importance. 159). Menace
Meaning: prevalence, predominance, Definition: a person or thing that is
dominance Usage: The preponderance likely to cause harm; a threat or danger.
of women among older people. Meaning: danger, peril, risk, hazard, threat;
jeopardy Usage: A new initiative aimed at
14
 beating the menace of drugs. rule, or code of conduct; an offence.
Usage: They were granted full
160). Dampen amnesty for their transgressions .
Meaning: Humidify, moisten, wet
Definition: Make slightly wet. 167). Sovereignty
Usage: The fine rain dampened her face. Meaning: Power, dominion, supermacy
Definition: Supreme power or authority.
161). Vest Usage: Full West German sovereignty was
Meaning: invest in, grant to, give to achieved in 1955.
Definition: confer or bestow (power,
authority, property, etc.) on 168). Blatant
someone. Meaning: flagrant, glaring, obvious
Usage: Executive power is vested in the Definition: (of bad behaviour) done
President openly and unashamedly.
Usage: She forced herself to resist his
162). Illicit blatant charm
Meaning: illegal, unlawful, banned
Definition: forbidden by law, rules, or 169). Periphery
custom. Meaning: edge, margin, boundary
Usage: Police were searching for the illicit Definition: the outer limits or edge of an area
drugs in the room. or object. Usage: New buildings on the
periphery of the hospital site.
163). glimpse
Meaning: brief look, glance 170). Derelict
Definition: a momentary or partial view. Meaning: Unsafe, dangerous,
Usage: She caught a glimpse of the ocean hazardous, perilous, insecure
Definition: in a very poor condition as
164). Delineation a result of disuse and neglect
Meaning: Presentation, description Usage: A derelict Georgian mansion
Definition: the action of describing or
portraying something precisely. 171). Fascinating
Usage: The artist's exquisite delineation of Meaning: Engrossing, captivating,
costume and jewellery absorbing, interesting, enchanting,
beguiling, enthralling, riveting Definition:
165). Intermittent extremely interesting
Meaning: broken, irregular, Usage: A fascinating book
discontinuous Definition: occurring
at irregular intervals; not continuous 172). Invoked
or steady. Meaning: Pray to, call on, appeal to,
Usage: They heard intermittent bursts of plead with, Supplicate, solicit
gunfire Definition: call on (a deity or spirit) in
prayer, as a witness, or for inspiration
166). Transgression Usage: the antiquated defence of
Meaning: offence, crime, sin, wrong insanity is rarely invoked in England
Definition: an act that goes against a law,

15
173). Gadfly 178). Audacity
Meaning: as a horsefly, botfly, or warble fly Meaning: Boldness, daring, bravery,
Definition: a person who annoys others courage, pluck, insolence
especially with constant criticism Definition: a willingness to take bold risks.
Usage: loud sports commentator who Usage: he whistled at the sheer audacity of
was a tactless gadfly during post-game the plan
interviews with the losing team
179). Exemplify
174). Dissent Meaning: typify, epitomize, symbolize, be
Meaning: Disagreement, lack of agreement, a typical example of
difference of opinion, argument, dispute Definition: illustrate or clarify by giving an
Definition: the holding or expression of example.
opinions at variance with those commonly Usage: he exemplified his point with an
or officially held. anecdote
Usage: there was no dissent from this view
180). Assent
175). Relevance Meaning: Agree to, accept, approve,
Meaning: applicability, application, consent to Definition: express
appositeness, bearing, concernment, approval or agreement Usage: the
germaneness, materiality, pertinence, Prime Minister assented to the change
pertinency, relevancy
Definition: the quality or state of 181). Accord
being closely connected or Meaning: Give, grant, tender, present,
appropriate. award, hand, yield
Usage: This film has contemporary Definition: give or grant someone
relevance (power, status, or recognition).
Usage: the powers accorded to the head of
176). Critique state
Meaning: Analysis, evaluation,
assessment, appraisal, review 182). Porch
Definition: a detailed analysis and Meaning: vestibule, foyer, hall, entry, lobby,
assessment of something, especially a portal Definition: a covered shelter
literary, philosophical, or political projecting in front of the entrance of a
theory building
Usage: A critique of Marxist historicism Usage: the north porch of Hereford
Cathedral
177). Gestures
Meaning: Signal, signaling, sign, 183). Fiesta
signing, motion, wave, ondication Meaning: Festival, carnival,
Definition: a movement of part of the body, holiday, party Definition: an event
especially a hand or the head, to express an marked by festivities or celebration
idea or meaning. Usage: the Bristol International Balloon
Usage: he threw out both hands in a Fiesta
gesture of surrender
184). Fusion

16
 Meaning: Blend, combination, typically commanded by a lieutenant
amalgamation, joining, bonding colonel and divided into
Definition: the process or result of joining several companies, squadrons, or
two or more things together to form a single batteries and often into two battalions
entity. Usage: the Royal Highland Regiment
Usage: the election results produced
pressure for fusion of the parties 191). Infiltrate
Meaning: penetrate, invade, intrude on,
185). Traverse permeate, enter Definition: enter or gain
Meaning: cross, negotiate, travel access to (an organization, place, etc.)
over/across surreptitiously and gradually, especially in
Definition: travel across or through. order to acquire secret information..
Usage: he traversed the forest Usage: the organization has been
infiltrated by informers
186). Genesis
Meaning: origin, source, root, beginning, 192). Interrogation
start, outset Definition: the origin or mode Meaning: questioning, vross-questioning,
of formation of something carechism, quizzing
Usage: this tale had its genesis in fireside Definition: the action of interrogating or the
stories process of being interrogated.
Usage: would he keep his mouth
187). Civic shut under interrogation ?
Meaning: Municipal, city, town, urban,
metropolitan Definition: relating to a city or 193). Adjunct
town, especially its administration; Meaning: Supplement, addition,
municipal. complement, extra Definition: a thing
Usage: a meeting of civic and business added to something else as a
leaders supplementary rather than an essential
part.
188). Cooper Usage: computer technology is an adjunct to
Meaning: Make, repair, barrel learning
Definition: a maker or repairer of casks
and barrels. Usage: my father coopered 194). Armada
casks and barrels for the ships Meaning: fleet, flotilla, navy, squadron
Definition: a fleet of warships.
189). Rover Usage: an armada of forty-five warships
Meaning: wanderer, traveler, drifter, brid of
passage Definition: a person who spends 195). Canon
their time wandering. Usage: they became Meaning: principle, rule, law, tenet,
rovers who departed further and further from formula Definition: a general law, rule,
civilization principle, or criterion by which something
is judged.
190). Regiment Usage: the appointment violated the
Meaning: Unit, outfit, force canons of fair play and equal opportunity
Definition: a permanent unit of an army

17
196). Vulnerable Meaning: high, tall, lofty, sky-high, steep
Meaning: at risk, in peril, in Definition: extremely tall, especially in
danger, unsafe, unprotected comparison with the surroundings.
Definition: exposed to the possibility of Usage: Hari looked up at the towering
being attacked or harmed, either physically buildings
or emotionally
Usage: we were in a vulnerable position 203). Progenitor
Meaning: ancestor, forefather,
197). Thrall forebear, parant Definition: a person
Meaning: power, control, grip, grasp, yoke who originates a cultural or intellectual
Definition: the state of being in someone's movement.
power, or of having great power over Usage: his children were the progenitors
someone. of many of Scotland's noble families
Usage: she was in thrall to her abusive
husband 204). Dynamism
Meaning: activity , progress
198). Trammel Definition: the quality of being
Meaning: restraint, curb, check, impediment, characterized by vigorous activity and
barrier progress.
Definition: restrictions or impediments to Usage: the dynamism and strength of the
freedom of action. economy
Usage: we will forge our own future, free
from the trammels of materialism 205). Asymmetric
Meaning: lopsided, unsymmetrical,
199). Revere crooked Definition: having parts which
Meaning: respect, admire, prize, fail to correspond to one another in shape,
treasure, value Definition: feel deep size, or arrangement; lacking symmetry.
respect or admiration for (something) . Usage: the church has an asymmetrical
Usage: Cezanne's still lifes were plan with an aisle only on one side
revered by his contemporaries
206). Prop
200). Robust Meaning: buttress, support, brace, underpin,
Meaning: durable, resilient, tough, hard- reinforce
wearing, long- lasting, well made, Definition: support or keep in position
Definition: (of an object) sturdy in Usage: she propped her chin in the palm
construction of her right hand
Usage: a robust metal cabinet
207). Assiduous
201). Perhaps Meaning: diligent, careful, meticulous,
Meaning: maybe, possibly, conceivably, thorough, sedulous, attentive
feasibly Definition: used to express Definition: showing great care and
uncertainty or possibility. Usage: perhaps I perseverance.
should have been frank with him Usage: She was assiduous in pointing out
every feature
202). Towering

18
208). Episodic inexorable
Meaning: intermittent, irregular, Definition: certain to happen; unavoidable.
sporadic, periodic, fitful Usage: war was inevitable
Definition: occurring occasionally and
at irregular intervals. 214). Ostentatious
Usage: volcanic activity is highly episodic in Meaning: showy, loud, fancy, ornate,
nature affected, actorly, kitsch
Definition: characterized by pretentious
209). Impervious or showy display; designed to impress.
Meaning: impermeable, impenetrable, Usage: A simple design that is
waterproof glamorous without being ostentatious
Definition: not allowing fluid to pass through.
Usage: an impervious layer of basaltic clay 215). Poignant
Meaning: moving, sad, touching, tearful,
210). Capricious pitiful, tragic Definition: evoking a keen
Meaning: fickle, inconstant, sense of sadness or regret. Usage: A
changeable, variable, unstable, poignant reminder of the passing of time
mercurial, erratic
Definition: given to sudden and 216). Sarcastic
unaccountable changes of mood or Meaning: Sardonic, ironic, satirical
behaviour.. Definition: marked by or given to using irony
Usage: A capricious and often brutal in order to mock or convey contempt
administration Usage: Making sarcastic comments

211). Empirical 217). Vain

Meaning: seen, factual, actual, real, Meaning: conceited, egoistic, egocentric,
verifable, first- hand self-loving Definition: having or showing an
Definition: based on, concerned with, or excessively high opinion of one's
verifiable by observation or experience appearance, abilities, or worth.
rather than theory or pure logic. Usage: Their flattery made him vain
Usage: They provided considerable
empirical evidence to support their 218). Trauma
argument Meaning: Injury, damage, hurt, wound,
sore, cut, lesion
212). Esoteric Definition: physical injury.
Meaning: abstruse, obscure, arcane, Usage: Rupture of the diaphragm
cryptic, difficult, puzzling caused by blunt trauma
Definition: intended for or likely to be
understood by only a small number of 219). Aloof
people with a specialized knowledge or Meaning: distant, detached,
interest. unresponsive, remote, stuffy
Usage: Esoteric philosophical debates Definition: not friendly or forthcoming;
cool and distant.
213). Inevitable Usage: They were courteous but faintly aloof
Meaning: unavoidable, certain, sure, fated,

19
220). Indefatigable gullible public to spend their money
Meaning: tireless, untiring, unwearied,
unflagging Definition: (of a person or 226). Deceptive
their efforts) persisting tirelessly. Meaning: misleading, illusory, illusive,
Usage: An indefatigable defender of human ambiguous, delusive,
rights Definition: giving an appearance or
impression different from the true
221). Dilatory one; misleading
Meaning: slow, unhurried, tardy, lax, slack, Usage: He put the question with deceptive
idle, lazy casualness
Definition: slow to act.
Usage: He had been dilatory in appointing a 227). Elusive
solicitor Meaning: difficult to catch/find, difficult to
track down
222). Martinet Definition: difficult to find, catch, or achieve.
Meaning: disciplinarian, taskmaster, Usage: Success will become ever more
tyrant, drill sergeant elusive
Definition: a person who demands
complete obedience; a strict 228). Tyranny
disciplinarian. Meaning: despotism, absolutism,
Usage: The woman in charge was a autocracy, dictatorship
martinet who treated all those beneath Definition: cruel and oppressive government
her like children or rule.
Usage: Refugees fleeing tyranny and
223). Unlawful oppression
Meaning: illegal, illicit, illegitimate,
against the law Definition: not 229). Rebate
conforming to, permitted by, or Meaning: refund, repayment, partial
recognized by law or rules. refund Definition: a partial refund to
Usage: The use of unlawful violence someone who has paid too much for tax,
rent, or a utility.
224). Bequest Usage: The scheme eases the move to
Meaning: legacy, inheritance, the council tax by giving rebates in the
endowment, estate, heritage, bestowal, first year
donation
Definition: the action of bequeathing 230). Adhesion
something. Meaning: sticking, adherence, gluing,
Usage: A painting acquired by bequest fixing, union, festening
Definition: the action or process of
225). Gullible adhering to a surface or object.
Meaning: credulous, trustful, naïve, Usage: The adhesion of the gum strip to the
innocent, ignorant, simple, unguared paper
Definition: easily persuaded to believe
something; credulous 231). Virtuoso
Usage: an attempt to persuade a Meaning: genius, expert, master, artist,

20
 doyen Definition: a person highly skilled in Definition: bitterness or ill feeling.
music or another artistic pursuit Usage: the AGM dissolved into acrimony
Usage: A celebrated clarinet virtuoso
238). Diminish
232). Waif Meaning: decrease, decline, reduce, lessen
Meaning: ragamuffin, guttersnipe Definition: make or become less.
Definition: a homeless, neglected, or Usage: The new law is expected to
abandoned person, especially a child. diminish the government's chances
Usage: she is foster-mother to various waifs
and strays 239). Mirth
Meaning: merriment, high spirits, cheer,
233). Ulterior gaiety, fun, jollity, joy
Meaning: Secondary, underlying, Definition: amusement, especially as
undisclosed, unexpressed, unapparent, expressed in laughter.
hidden, covert Definition: existing Usage: his six-foot frame shook with mirth
beyond what is obvious or admitted;
intentionally hidden. 240). Corporeal
Usage: could there be an ulterior motive Meaning: bodily, fleshly, carnal,
behind his request? human, mortal, earthly
Definition: relating to a person's body,
234). Telltale especially as opposed to their spirit.
Meaning: revealing, revelatory, meaningful, Usage: He was frank about his corporeal
significant, meaning appetites
Definition: revealing, indicating, or
betraying something. 241). Epigram
Usage: The telltale bulge of a concealed Meaning: quip, witticism, gem, jest, pun,
weapon sally Definition: a pithy saying or remark
expressing an idea in a clever and amusing
235). Stupor way
Meaning: daze, state of Usage: a Wildean epigram
senselessness Definition: a state of
near-unconsciousness or insensibility 242). Laudable
Usage: A drunken stupor Meaning: admirable, worthy, deserving,
noteworthy, reputable, sterling
236). Rescind Definition: (of an action, idea, or aim)
Meaning: revoke, repeal, cancel, deserving praise and commendation.
overtrun, annul, withdraw Usage: laudable though the aim might
Definition: revoke, cancel, or repeal (a law, be, the results have been criticized
order, or agreement).
Usage: the government eventually 243). Reluctant
rescinded the directive Meaning: unwilling, disinclined,
unenthusiastic, grudging, resisting
237). Acrimony Definition: unwilling and hesitant;
Meaning: rancor, ill feeling, bad blood, disinclined.
animosity, bitterness Usage: She seemed reluctant to answer

21
 Meaning: curt, abrupt, blunt, short, terse,
244). Plebiscite brisk, crisp Definition: abrupt or offhand in
Meaning: Vote, ballot, referendum, speech or manner Usage: She could be
Definition: the direct vote of all the brusque and impatient
members of an electorate on an
important public question such as a 250). Quirky
change in the constitution. Meaning: eccentric, odd, outlandish,
Usage: the administration will hold a offbeat, zany, weird
plebiscite for the approval of constitutional Definition: having or characterized by
reforms peculiar or unexpected traits or aspects.
Usage: Her sense of humour was decidedly
245). Amateur quirky
Meaning: non-professional, layman,
layperson Definition: a person who 251). Reconnaissance
engages in a pursuit, especially a Meaning: survey, exploration, observation,
sport, on an unpaid basis. probe, scan Definition: military observation
Usage: it takes five years for a top amateur of a region to locate an enemy or ascertain
to become a real Tour de France rider strategic features
Usage: An excellent aircraft for low-level
246). Exorcise reconnaissance
Meaning: drive out, cast out, expel
Definition: rid (a person or place) of a 252). Humdrum
supposed evil spirit. Meaning: Dull, boring, tedious,
Usage: infants were exorcised prior to monotomous, banal, ordinary, everyday
baptism Definition: lacking excitement or variety;
boringly monotonous.
247). Antagonist Usage: humdrum routine work
Meaning: adversary, opponent, enemy,
foe, rival, competitor 253). Revamp
Definition: a person who actively opposes Meaning: renovate, redecorate, refurbish,
or is hostile to someone or something; an recondition, rehabilitate, rebuild, overhaul
adversary. Definition: give new and improved form,
Usage: the woman was forcing her structure, or appearance to.
antagonist's face into the mud Usage: An attempt to revamp the museum's
image
248). Aberration
Meaning: anomaly, deviation, abnormality, 254). Covet
variation, quirk Meaning: desire, crave, have one’s heart
Definition: a departure from what is set on Definition: yearn to possess
normal, usual, or expected, typically an (something, especially something
unwelcome one. belonging to another).
Usage: they described the outbreak of Usage: I covet one of their smart bags
violence in the area as an aberration
255). Inadvertently
249). Brusque Meaning: Accidentally, by accident,

22
 unwittingly bumber
Definition: without intention; accidentally. Definition: existing or available in large
Usage: His name had been inadvertently quantities; plentiful
omitted from the list Usage: there was abundant evidence to
support the theory
256). Misconstrue
Meaning: misunderstand, misinterpret, 262). Acquittal
misconceive, miss, confuse, confound Meaning: Absolution, clearing,
Definition: interpret (a person's words exoneration, exculpation,
or actions) wrongly. Definition: a judgement or verdict that a
Usage: my advice was deliberately person is not guilty of the crime with which
misconstrued they have been charged. Usage: the trial
resulted in an acquittal
257). Nonchalant
Meaning: Feeling, relaxed, calm 263). Rudimentary
Definition: (of a person or manner) Meaning: Basic, elementary,
feeling or appearing casually calm and introductory, early, primary, initial, first
relaxed; not displaying anxiety, interest, or Definition: involving or limited to basic
enthusiasm. principles.
Usage: She gave a nonchalant shrug Usage: He received a rudimentary education

258). Nexus 264). Scruple

Meaning: Connection, focal point Meaning: hesitation,
Definition: a connection or series of compunction,
connections linking two or more things. reservation,thoughtd
Usage: The nexus between industry and Definition: a feeling of doubt or hesitation
political power with regard to the morality or propriety of a
course of action.
259). Arson Usage: I had no scruples about
Meaning: incendiarism, pyromania, eavesdropping
fire-raising, firebombing
Definition: the criminal act of deliberately 265). Specious
setting fire to property Meaning: misleading, deceptive, false,
Usage: Police are treating the fire as arson unsound Definition: superficially plausible,
but actually wrong. Usage: A specious
260). Bankrupt argument
Meaning: Insolvent, without, denuded of,
vacant of Definition: completely lacking 266). Tenacious
in a particular good quality. Meaning: firm, tight, fast, clinging, good
Usage: His father went bankrupt and the Definition: tending to keep a firm hold of
family had to sell their home something; clinging or adhering closely.
Usage: A tenacious grip
261). Abundant
Meaning: Plentiful, copious, ample, 267). Unutterable
profuse, rich, lavish, liberal, bountiful, Meaning: indescribable, beyond words,

23
 unthinkable, inconceivable Usage: A scurrilous attack on his integrity
Definition: too great or awful to describe.
Usage: Moments of unutterable grief 274). Calumny
Meaning: slander, libel, character
268). Dissentient assassination, calumniation
Meaning: dissenting, differing, discordant, Definition: the making of false and
negative Definition: in opposition to a defamatory statements about someone
majority or official opinion. in order to damage their reputation;
Usage: dissentient voices were castigated as slander.
‘hopeless bureaucrats Usage: A bitter struggle marked by
calumny and litigation
269). Cynicism
Meaning: scepticism, doubt, mistrust, 275). Abundant
distrust Definition: an inclination to Meaning: plentiful, copious, ample,
believe that people are motivated purely profuse, rich, liberal, opulent
by self-interest; scepticism Usage: public Definition: existing or available in large
cynicism about politics quantities; plentiful.
270). Abhorrent Usage: There was abundant evidence to
Meaning: detestable, hateful, loathsome, support the theory
execrable Definition: inspiring disgust and
loathing; repugnant. Usage: Racism was 276). Applaud
abhorrent to us all Meaning: clap, cheer, whistle, praise,
commend, salute
271). Renounce Definition: show approval or praise by
Meaning: reject, repudiate, abandon, clapping.
resign Definition: formally declare one's Usage: The crowd whistled and applauded
abandonment of (a claim, right, or
possession) 277). Exonerate
Usage: Isabella offered to renounce her Meaning: absolve, clear, acquit,
son's claim to the French Crown discharge , release, relive, free
Definition: (of an official body) absolve
272). Bizarre (someone) from blame for a fault or
Meaning: Strange, peculiar, odd, wrongdoing.
funny, curious, offbeat, outlandish, Usage: an inquiry exonerated those involved
queer
Definition: very strange or unusual. 278). Meritorious
Usage: a bizarre situation Meaning: praiseworthy, admirable,
estimable, creditable, excellent
273). Scurrilous Definition: deserving reward or praise.
Meaning: abusive, vituperative, derogatory, Usage: A medal for meritorious conduct
pejorative, libelous
Definition: making or spreading 279). Reproach
scandalous claims about someone with Meaning: rebuke, reproof, reproval,
the intention of damaging their admonition, scolding
reputation. Definition: the expression of

24
 disapproval or disappointment
Usage: He gave her a look of reproach 286). Sensual
Meaning: physical, carnal, bodily, animal
280). Reticence Definition: of or arousing gratification of
Meaning: reserve, restraint, inhibition, the senses and physical, especially
shyness, modesty sexual, pleasure.
Definition: the quality of being reticent; Usage: The production of the ballet is
reserve. Usage: The traditional sensual and passionate
emotional reticence of the British
287). Undulate
281). Ruse Meaning: rise and fall, surge, wave, billow,
Meaning: Ploy, stratagem, tactic, move, roll, swell, ripple
device, scheme, trick Definition: move with a smooth wave-like
Definition: an action intended to deceive motion. Usage: Her body undulated to the
someone; a trick thumping rhythm of the music
Usage: Emma tried to think of a ruse to get
Paul out of the house 288). Wary
Meaning: cautious, careful, chary, alert,
282). Preempt prudent Definition: feeling or showing
Meaning: Foretall, prevent, secure caution about possible dangers or
Definition: take action in order to problems.
prevent (an anticipated event) Usage: Dogs which have been mistreated
happening; forestall often remain very wary of strangers
Usage: The government pre-empted a coup
attempt 289). Trite
Meaning: hackneyed, banal,
283). Rancour vapid, ordinary, predictabe
Meaning: bitterness, spite, hate, ill will, vitriol Definition: (of a remark or idea) lacking
Definition: bitterness or resentfulness, originality or freshness; dull on account of
especially when long standing. overuse
Usage: He spoke without rancour Usage: This point may now seem obvious
and trite
284). Recluse
Meaning: hermit, ascetic 290). Dilatory
Definition: a person who lives a solitary life Meaning: Slow, unhurried, tardy, lax,
and tends to avoid other people. sluggish, idle, indolent
Usage: She has turned into a virtual recluse Definition: slow to act.
Usage: He had been dilatory in appointing a
285). Remorse solicitor
Meaning: contrition, repentance,
guilt, sorrow, compunction 291). Cardinal
Definition: deep regret or guilt for a wrong Meaning: Fundamental, basic, main,
committed. chief, primary, prime, first
Usage: They were filled with remorse and Definition: of the greatest importance;
shame fundamental..

25
 Usage: Two cardinal points must be borne 298). Venerate
in mind Meaning: revere, respect, worship,
hallow, deify Definition: regard with
292). Braggart great respect; revere Usage: Philip of
Meaning: Brag, show-off, trumpeter, Beverley was venerated as a saint
poser, egotist Definition: a person who
boasts about their achievements or 299). Viscous
possessions Meaning: Sticky, gummy, tacky, syrupy
Usage: braggart men Definition: having a thick, sticky
consistency between solid and liquid; having
293). Assuage a high viscosity
Meaning: Relieve, ease, alleviate, Usage: Viscous lava
smother, lessen, lower
Definition: make (an unpleasant feeling) 300). Abeyance
less intense Meaning: Suspension, remission, reserve,
Usage: The letter assuaged the fears of suspense Definition: a state of temporary
most members disuse or suspension. Usage: Matters were
294). Penury held in abeyance pending further enquiries
Meaning: extreme/dire poverty,
pennilessness, impecuniousness, 301). Vacillate
impoverishment, indigence Definition: Meaning: dither, teeter, temporize,
the state of being very poor; extreme hesitate, fluctuate Definition: waver
poverty. between different opinions or actions; be
Usage: He couldn't face another year of indecisive.
penury Usage: I vacillated between teaching and
journalism
295). Tenuous
Meaning: Slight, flimsy, weak, fragile, shaky 302). Tantamount
Definition: very weak or slight Meaning: equivalent to, equal to,
Usage: The tenuous link between amounting to, as good as, more or less,
interest rates and investment synonymous with, virtually the same as,
much the same as
296). Turbid Definition: equivalent in seriousness to;
Meaning: murky, muddy, thick, virtually the same as
Definition: (of a liquid) cloudy, opaque, or Usage: The resignations were
thick with suspended matter. tantamount to an admission of guilt
Usage: The turbid estuary
303). Proximity
297). Verbose Meaning: Closeness, nearness, presence,
Meaning: wordy, garrulous, talkative, propinquity Definition: a nearness in
voluble, effusive Definition: (using or space, time, or relationship Usage: Do not
expressed in more words than are needed. operate microphones in close proximity to
Usage: Much academic language is television sets
obscure and verbose
304). Fulsome

26
 Meaning: ample, profuse, generous, liberal,
lavish Definition: complimentary or 310). Accolade
flattering to an excessive degree Meaning: Honour, recognition, privilege,
Usage: The press are embarrassingly award, gift, title
fulsome in their appreciation Definition: an award or privilege granted as
a special honour or as an acknowledgement
305). Extol of merit.
Meaning: praise enthusiastically, go into Usage: The hotel has won numerous
raptures about/over, wax lyrical about, sing accolades
the praises of, praise to the skies, heap
praise on, 311). Acrid
Definition: praise enthusiastically Meaning: pungent, bitter, sharp, sour, tart,
Usage: He extolled the virtues of the harsh, acid, acidic
Russian peoples Definition: unpleasantly bitter or pungent.
Usage: Acrid smoke
306). Insipid
Meaning: tasteless, unflavoured, bland, 312). Adjunct
weak, thin Definition: lacking flavour; Meaning: Supplement, addition,
weak or tasteless Usage: Mugs of accompaniment, complement, additive,
insipid coffee accessory
Definition:
307). Incisive supplementary rather than an essential part.
Meaning: Penetrating, acute, sharp, Usage: Computer technology is an adjunct to
keen, canny, clever, smart, quick learning
Definition: (of a person or mental process)
intelligently analytical and clear-thinking. 313). Bolster
Usage: She was an incisive critic Meaning: pillow, cushion, support, pad, rest
Definition: a long, thick pillow that is placed
308). Idolatry under other pillows for support
Meaning: idolization, idolizing, fetishization, Usage: the fall in interest rates is starting
worship, worshipping, adulation, adoration, to bolster confidence
adoring, reverence, glorification
Definition: extreme admiration, love, or 314). Orator
reverence for something or someone.. Meaning: Speaker, lecturer, declaimer
Usage: We must not allow our idolatry of Definition: a public speaker, especially
art to obscure issues of political one who is eloquent or skilled.
significance Usage: A theatrically effective orator

309). Disdain 315). Pacifist

Meaning: scorn, deride, slight, Meaning: Objector, pacifier,
undervalue, Definition: consider concientious Definition: a person who
to be unworthy of one's believes that war and violence are
consideration.. unjustifiable
Usage: He disdained his patients as an Usage: she was a committed pacifist all her
inferior rabble life

27
 322). Axiom
316). Savour Meaning: Accepted truth, general
Meaning: Suggest, smack of, have a truth, dictum, truism, principle
suggestion of Definition: have a suggestion Definition: a statement or
or trace of (a quality or attribute, typically proposition which is regarded as
one considered bad). being established, accepted, or self-
Usage: Their genuflections savoured of evidently true.
superstition and popery Usage: The axiom that sport builds character

317). Surfeit 323). Burnish

Meaning: Excess, surplus, abundance, Meaning: Shine, brighten, smooth,glaze
oversupply, avalanche, deluge Definition: polish (something,
Definition: an excessive amount of especially metal) by rubbing..
something. Usage: Highly burnished armour
Usage: A surfeit of food and drink
324). Cataclysm
318). Taciturn Meaning: disaster, calamity, tragedy, art of
Meaning: untalkative, reticent, quiet, mute, God, crisis Definition: a sudden violent
dumb, inarticulate political or social upheaval.
Definition: (of a person) reserved or Usage: The cataclysm of the First World War
uncommunicative in speech; saying little.
Usage: After such gatherings she would 325). Converge
be taciturn and morose Meaning: Meet, intersect, cross,
connect, link up, coincide
319). Witticism Definition: (of lines) tend to meet at a
Meaning: Joke, quip, witty remark, flash point.. Usage: a pair of lines of longitude
of wit, jest, pun, pleasantry are parallel at the equator but converge
Definition: a witty remark. toward the poles
Usage: Maurice roared with laughter 326). Delineate
at his own witticisms Meaning: describe, set forth, set out,
present, outline, depict, portray, represent
320). Abdicate Definition: describe or portray (something)
Meaning: resign, retire, quit, stand down precisely.. Usage: The law should delineate
Definition: (of a monarch) renounce and prohibit behaviour which is socially
one's throne. Usage: in 1918 Kaiser abhorrent
Wilhelm abdicated as German emperor
327). Devious
321). Atrophy Meaning: underhand, deceitful,
Meaning: waste, become emaciate, wither, dishonest, dubious, dirty
shrivel, wilt Definition: (of body tissue or an Definition: Showing a skilful use of
organ) waste away, especially as a result of underhand tactics to achieve goals.
the degeneration of cells, or become Usage: he's as devious as a politician needs
vestigial during evolution to be
Usage: The calf muscles will atrophy
328). Enervate

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 Meaning: exhaust, tire, weary, devitalize,
drain, sap, weaken, enfeeble 335). Mortify
Definition: make (someone) feel drained of Meaning: embarrass, shame, abash,
energy or vitality. appal, crush Definition: cause (someone)
Usage: Enervating heat to feel very embarrassed or ashamed.
Usage: She was mortified to see her
329). Esoteric wrinkles in the mirror
Meaning: abstruse, obscure, arcane,
cryptic, Delphic Definition: intended for or 336). Perdition
likely to be understood by only a small Meaning: damnation, eternal punishment
number of people with a specialized Definition: (in Christian theology) a state
knowledge or interest of eternal punishment and damnation into
Usage: Esoteric philosophical debates which a sinful and unrepentant person
passes after death.
330). Innate Usage: She used her last banknote to
Meaning: inborn, natural, inbred, inherent, buy herself a square meal before
intrinsic, intuitive, untaught perdition
Definition: inborn; natural.
Usage: Her innate capacity for organization 337). Penance
Meaning: atonement, expiation, self-
331). Austere mortification, penalty
Meaning: Severe, harsh, stiff, reserved, Definition: punishment inflicted on
remote, serious Definition: severe or strict in oneself as an outward expression of
manner or attitude Usage: he was an repentance for wrongdoing. Usage: He
austere man, with a rigidly puritanical outlook had done public penance for those hasty
words
332). Onerous
Meaning: burdensome, heavy, awkward, 338). Vicissitude
oppressive Definition: (of a task or Meaning: Change, alteration,
responsibility) involving a great deal of transformation, shift, switch, turn
effort, trouble, or difficulty. Definition: a change of circumstances
Usage: He found his duties increasingly or fortune, typically one that is
onerous unwelcome or unpleasant.
Usage: Her husband's sharp vicissitudes of
333). Wanton fortune
Meaning: deliberate, willful, malicious,
spiteful, vicious, evil 339). Punctilious
Definition: (of a cruel or violent action) Meaning: meticulous, careful, diligent,
deliberate and unprovoked. attentive, studious, rigorous
Usage: Sheer wanton vandalism Definition: showing great attention to detail
334). Loquacious or correct behaviour..
Meaning: Talkative, voluble, wordy, Usage: He was punctilious in providing
rambling Definition: tending to talk a great every amenity for his guests
deal; talkative. Usage: Never loquacious,
Sarah was now totally lost for words 340). Terrestrial

29
 Meaning: Earthy, worldly, mundane, highly in speech or writing.
earthbound Usage: He was eulogized as a rock star
Definition: on or relating to the earth..
Usage: Increased ultraviolet radiation 347). Astute
may disrupt terrestrial ecosystems Meaning: shrewd, sharp, bright, brilliant,
smart, canny, wise, incisive
341). Laggard Definition: having or showing an ability to
Meaning: layabout, lagger, slug, snail, idler, accurately assess situations or people and
lounger turn this to one's advantage.
Definition: a person who makes slow Usage: An astute businessman
progress and falls behind others
Usage: Staff were under enormous pressure 348). Sombre
and there was no time for laggards Meaning: dark, dark-coloured, dull,
drab,shady
342). Aghast Definition: dark or dull in colour or tone.
Meaning: horrified, appalled, in shock, Usage: The night skies were sombre and
wide-eyed, shell-shocked, dismayed starless.
Definition: filled with horror or shock.
Usage: She winced, aghast at his cruelty 349). Errant
Meaning: guilty, culpable, aberrant, deviant,
343). Pristine lawless Definition: erring or straying from
Meaning: immaculate, fresh, new, clean, the accepted course or standards.
virgin, pure Usage: An errant husband coming back from
Definition: in its original condition; unspoilt. a night on the tiles
Usage: Pristine copies of an early magazine
350). Perturb
344). Altercation Meaning: worry, upset, disturb, trouble
Meaning: Argument, quarrel, fight, Definition: make (someone) anxious
dissension, quarrel Definition: a noisy or unsettled. Usage: They were
argument or disagreement, especially in perturbed by her capricious behaviour
public.
Usage: I had an altercation with the ticket 351). Imbibe
collector Meaning: drink, consume, sup, sip,
quaff, swallow, down, guzzle, swill, lap
345). Opulent Definition: drink (alcohol).
Meaning: Luxurious, sumptuous, Usage: They were imbibing far too many
palatial, grand, magnificent, rich, lush pitchers of beer
Definition: ostentatiously costly and
luxurious.. 352). Perjury
Usage: The opulent comfort of a limousine Meaning: lying under oath, violation of an
oath, giving false evidence/testimony,
346). Eulogize bearing false witness/testimony
Meaning: praise enthusiastically, go Definition: the offence of wilfully telling an
into raptures about/over, wax lyrical untruth or making a misrepresentation
about, acclaim, extol Definition: praise under oath.

30
 Usage: He claimed two witnesses at Usage: His statement had a modicum of
his trial had committed perjury truth.

353). Vanquish 359). Sonorous

Meaning: conquer, trounce, Meaning: resonant, rich, full, booming,
annihiliate, worst, overcome, vibrant, deep, clear
overwhelm, Definition: (of a person's voice or
Definition: defeat thoroughly. other sound) imposingly deep and full.
Usage: he successfully vanquished his rival Usage: He read aloud with a sonorous
and musical voice
354). Sombre
Meaning: dark, dark-coloured, dull, drab, 360). Monotonous
dingy, shady Meaning: tedious, dull, unexciting, tiresome,
Definition: dark or dull in colour or tone. unvaried, prosaic, dreary, colourless
Usage: The night skies were sombre and Definition: dull, tedious, and repetitious;
starless lacking in variety and interest..
Usage: The statistics that he quotes with
355). Sojourn monotonous regularity
Meaning: Stay, visit, stop, stopover,
residence 361). Annihilate
Definition: a temporary stay. Meaning: destroy, obliterate, liquidate,
Usage: Her sojourn in Rome eradicate, extinguish, exttinguish
Definition: destroy utterly; obliterate..
356). Insouciant Usage: A simple bomb of this type could
Meaning: nonchalant, untroubled, annihilate them all
unworried, unruffled, calm, breezy
Definition: showing a casual lack of 362). Expurgate
concern. Meaning: censor, bowdlerize, blue-pencil,
Usage: An insouciant shrug redact, cut, edit
Definition: remove matter thought to be
357). Labyrinth objectionable or unsuitable from (a text or
Meaning: Maze, warren, network, account).
web, coil, entanglement Usage: An expurgated English translation
Definition: a complicated irregular
network of passages or paths in which it 363). Insanity
is difficult to find one's way; a maze. Meaning: mental illness, lunacy, instability,
Usage: You lose yourself in a labyrinth of madness, loss of reason
little streets Definition: the state of being seriously
mentally ill; madness..
358). Modicum Usage: He suffered from bouts of insanity
Meaning: little bit, small amount, praticle,
degree, speck, fragment, scrap, crumb 364). Indignation
Definition: a small quantity of a particular Meaning: resentment, affront, anger,
thing, especially something desirable or distress, unhappiness, hurt, pain, upset,
valuable. pique, spleen Definition: anger or

31
 annoyance provoked by what is perceived happiness and triumph.
as unfair treatment. Usage: a large number of jubilant fans
Usage: The letter filled Lucy with indignation ran on to the pitch

365). Passionate 371). Comprehend

Meaning: intense, ardent, fervent, Meaning: understand, grasp, take in, see,
zealous, fiery, heated, eager, apprehend, follow, make sense of,
animated, spirited fathom, make out
Definition: having, showing, or Definition: grasp mentally; understand.
caused by strong feelings or beliefs. Usage: he couldn't comprehend her
Usage: Passionate pleas for help reasons for marrying Lovat

366). Infuriate 372). Moratorium

Meaning: enrage, incense, anger, inflame, Meaning: embargo, ban, prohibition,
send into a rage suspension, stay, stoppage, halt
Definition: make (someone) extremely Definition: a temporary prohibition of an
angry and impatient. activity
Usage: I was infuriated by your article Usage: a moratorium on the use of drift nets
373). Feud
367). Brood Meaning: quarrel, fight, argue, bicker,
Meaning: offspring, young, progeny, squabble, dispute, clash
spawn Definition: a family of birds or Definition: be engaged in a prolonged and
other young animals produced at one bitter quarrel or dispute.
hatching or birth Usage: Hoover feuded with the CIA for
Usage: A brood of chicks decades

368). Panacea 374). Deafen

Meaning: universal cure, cure-all, wonder Meaning: Make deaf, make temporarily
drug, magic formula, magic bullet deaf, Definition: cause (someone) to
Definition: a solution or remedy for all lose the power of hearing permanently
difficulties or diseases. or temporarily.
Usage: The panacea for all corporate ills. Usage: We were deafened by the explosion

369). Reproachful 375). Fortune

Meaning: disapproving, reproving, critical, Meaning: chance, accident, coincidence,
censorious, admonitory destiny, foruity
Definition: expressing disapproval or Definition: chance or luck as an
disappointment. arbitrary force affecting human affairs.
Usage: She gave him a reproachful look Usage: some malicious act of fortune
keeps them separate
370). Jubilant
Meaning: Overjoyed, exultant, joyful, 376). Envy
rejoicing, gleeful, euphoric, ecstatic, Meaning: Jealousy, desire,
transported enciousness Definition: a feeling of
Definition: feeling or expressing great discontented or resentful longing

32
 aroused by someone else's which fall in showers from cumulonimbus
possessions, qualities, or luck. clouds
Usage: She felt a twinge of envy for the Usage: rain and hail bounced on the tiled
people on board roof

377). Flaunt 383). Allude

Meaning: parade, exhibit, show off, draw Meaning: refer to, suggest, hint at,
attention to Definition: display (something) imply, mention, touch on, cite
ostentatiously, especially in order to provoke Definition: suggest or call attention to
envy or admiration or to show defiance indirectly; hint at.
Usage: newly rich consumers eager to Usage: She had a way of alluding to
flaunt their prosperity Jean but never saying her name

378). Jibe 384). Defy

Meaning: taunt, sneer, jeer, insult, barb Meaning: disobey, refuse to obey, flout,
Definition: an insulting or mocking disregard, ignore
remark; a taunt. Usage: a jibe at his old Definition: openly resist or refuse to obey.
rivals. Usage: a woman who defies convention

379). Grisly 385). Elude

Meaning: gruesome, horrid, fearful, hideous, Meaning: evade, avoid, get away from,
macabre, dire, awful dodge, flee, escape(from)
Definition: causing horror or disgust. Definition: escape from or avoid (a
Usage: The town was shaken by a danger, enemy, or pursuer), typically in a
series of grisly crimes skilful or cunning way.
Usage: he tried to elude the security men
380). Persuade by sneaking through a back door
Meaning: Coax, sway, prompt, inveigle,
entice, tempt, make, get 386). Ambivalent
Definition: induce (someone) to do Meaning: Equivocal, uncertain, unsure,
something through reasoning or argument. doubtful, indecisive, irresolute,
Usage: It wasn't easy, but I persuaded unresolved, mixed Definition: having
him to do the right thing mixed feelings or contradictory ideas
about something or someone.
381). Fluff Usage: some loved her, some hated
Meaning: Fuzz, lint, dust her, few were ambivalent about her
Definition: soft fibres from fabrics such
as wool or cotton which accumulate in 387). Anecdote
small light clumps. Meaning: Story, tale, narrative, sketch
Usage: he brushed his sleeve to remove the Definition: a short amusing or interesting
fluff story about a real incident or person
Usage: He told anecdotes about his job
382). Hail 388). Demur
Meaning: Sleet, precipitation, beat, rain, Meaning: object, protest, take issue,
fall, drop Definition: pellets of frozen rain take exception,cavil

33
 Definition: raise objections or show 394). Defendant
reluctance. Usage: normally she Meaning: accused, prisoner at the bar
would have accepted the challenge, Definition: an individual, company, or
but she demurred. institution sued or accused in a court of law..
Usage: The defendant tried to claim that
389). Discreet it was self- defence
Meaning: careful, circumspect, cautious,
wary, chary, guarded, close-mouthed 395). Encumbered
Definition: careful and prudent in one's Meaning: hamper, hinder, obstruct,
speech or actions, especially in order to impede, check, cramp, limit, slow
keep something confidential or to avoid Definition: restrict or impede (someone or
embarrassment. something) in such a way that free action or
Usage: We made some discreet inquiries movement is difficult.
Usage: She was encumbered by her heavy
390). Revive skirts
Meaning: resuscitate, bring back from the
edge of death 396). Calamitous
Definition: restore to life or consciousness. Meaning: disastrous, woeful, dire, tragic,
Usage: both men collapsed, but were fatal, direful Definition: involving calamity;
revived catastrophic or disastrous
Usage: Such calamitous events as fires,
391). Eerie hurricanes, and floods
Meaning: uncanny, sinister, ghostly,
unnatural, strange, odd, queer, unreal 397). Slothful
Definition: strange and frightening. Meaning: Lazy, idle, indolent, work-shy,
Usage: An eerie green glow in the sky inactive, inert, sluggish, dull, heavy
Definition: lazy.
392). Confront Usage: Fatigue made him slothful
Meaning: trouble, bother, burden, distress,
vex, irritate, worry, face 398). Catharsis
Definition: (of a problem or difficulty) Meaning: purgation, relief, exorcism,
present itself to (someone) so that action release, purging Definition: the process of
must be taken. releasing, and thereby providing relief from,
Usage: The new government was strong or repressed emotions.
confronted with many profound Usage: Music is a means of catharsis for
difficulties. them.

393). Subside 399). Revile

Meaning: calm, lull, fade, wane, ebb, Meaning: criticize, censure, attack,
still, cease, terminate lambaste, brand, denounce
Definition: become less intense, violent, or Definition: criticize in an abusive or
severe. angrily insulting manner.
Usage: I'll wait a few minutes until the storm Usage: He was now reviled by the party
subsides that he had helped to lead.

34
400). Contours Usage: A ruthless killer still lurked in the
Meaning: outline , shape, form darkness
Definition: an outline representing or
bounding the shape or form of 406). Besmirch
something. Meaning: sully, tarnish, blacken, stain, taint,
Usage: She traced the contours of his smear, spoil, ruin
face with her finger Definition: damage (someone's reputation).
Usage: He had besmirched the good name
401). Anarchy of his family
Meaning: rebellion, disorder, misrule,
chaos, tumult, nihilism, mobocracy 407). Neophyte
Definition: a state of disorder due to Meaning: beginner, learner, novice,
absence or non- recognition of authority or newcomer, tyro, fledgling
other controlling systems Usage: He must Definition: a person who is new to a subject
ensure public order in a country or activity Usage: Four-day cooking classes
threatened with anarchy are offered to neophytes and experts

402). Convalesce 408). Austere

Meaning: recuperate, get better, recover, Meaning: severe, stern, strict, formal, stiff,
get well Definition: recover one's health dour, grim, cold
and strength over a period of time after an Definition: severe or strict in manner
illness or medical treatment. Usage: He or attitude. Usage: He was an austere
spent eight months convalescing after the man, with a rigidly puritanical outlook.
stroke.
409). Onus
403). Fragile Meaning: burden, responsibility, liability,
Meaning: breakable, brittle, frangible, flimsy, obligation, duty, weight, load, charge,
fine mantal
Definition: (of an object) easily broken or Definition: something that is
damaged. one's duty or responsibility.
Usage: Fragile items such as glass and Usage: The onus is on you to show
china that you have suffered loss

404). Dissuade 410). Intrigue

Meaning: discourage, deter, prevent, divert, Meaning: Interest, be of interest to,
sidetrack Definition: persuade (someone) fascinate, attract, draw, lure, tempt
not to take a particular course of action. Definition: arouse the curiosity or interest of;
Usage: His friends tried to dissuade him from fascinate.
flying Usage: I was intrigued by your question

405). Lurking 411). Nuance

Meaning: skulk, loiter, hide, take Meaning: shade, gradation, degree, variation
cover Definition: be or remain hidden Definition: a subtle difference in or shade of
so as to wait in ambush for someone meaning, expression, or sound
or something Usage: He was familiar with the nuances of

35
 the local dialect Definition: not discovered or known about;
uncertain.
412). Accord Usage: His origins and parentage are
Meaning: give, grant, tender, award, obscure.
hand, yield Definition: give or grant
someone (power, status, or recognition) 419). Harangue
Usage: The powers accorded to the head of Meaning: tirade, lecture, homily, rant,
state. fulmination, broadside
Definition: a lengthy and aggressive speech.
413). Titter Usage: They were subjected to a ten-
Meaning: giggle, snigger, tee-hee minute harangue by two border guards
Definition: give a short, half-suppressed
laugh; giggle 420). Perennial
Usage: Her stutter caused the children to Meaning: everlasting, perpetual, eternal,
titter unending, never-ending, abiding, lasting,
Definition: lasting or existing for a long or
414). Cabal apparently infinite time; enduring or
Meaning: clique, faction, group, set, band, continually recurring.
camp Usage: His perennial distrust of the media
Definition: a secret political clique or faction.
Usage: A cabal of dissidents 421). Abnegation
Meaning: rejection, refusal, abandonment,
415). Pious abdication, surrender, disavowal
Meaning: devout, dedicated, reverent, Definition: the action of renouncing or
holy, godly, faithful, dutiful, righteous rejecting something..
Definition: devoutly religious Usage: Abnegation of political power
Usage: A deeply pious woman
422). Mortal
416). Grotesque Meaning: deadly, physical, bodily, fleshly,
Meaning: Malformed, deformed, distorted, corporal, earthly, fatal, killing
twisted Definition: comically or repulsively Definition: (of a living human being, often in
ugly or distorted.. Usage: A figure wearing a contrast to a divine being) subject to death.
grotesque mask Usage: All men are mortal.

417). Entrench 423). Somnolent

Meaning: establish, settle, ensconce, Meaning: sleepy, drowsy, tired, heavy –
lodge, set, root, install eyed, groggy
Definition: establish (an attitude, habit, or Definition: sleepy; drowsy
belief) so firmly that change is very difficult Usage: a somnolent summer day
or unlikely Usage: Ageism is entrenched
in our society 424). Amicable
Meaning: friendly, cordial, civil, easy, easy-
418). Obscure going Definition: characterized by
Meaning: unclear, unknown, hidden, friendliness and absence of discord.
doubtful, indeterminate Usage: An amicable settlement of the

36
 dispute Meaning: crave, write, etch, cut, score,
incise Definition: write or carve (words or
425). Befuddled symbols) on something, especially as a
Meaning: confused, muddled, addled, formal or permanent record. Usage: His
dizzy, foggy, fuzzy name was inscribed on the new silver
Definition: cause to become unable to think trophy
clearly Usage: even in my befuddled state I
could see that they meant trouble 432). Succumb
Meaning: yield, give in, give way, submit,
426). Callow surrender, capitulate, cave in
Meaning: immature, naïve, green, untried Definition: fail to resist pressure,
Definition: (of a young person) temptation, or some other negative force.
inexperienced and immature. Usage: We cannot merely give up and
Usage: Earnest and callow undergraduates succumb to despair.

427). Foment 433). Mendacious

Meaning: instigate, incite, provoke, Meaning: lying, untruthful, dishonest,
excite, prompt, start, kindle false, double- dealing, two-faced,
Definition: instigate or stir up (an perfidious
undesirable or violent sentiment or Definition: not telling the truth; lying
course of action) Usage: mendacious propaganda
Usage: They accused him of fomenting
political unrest 434). Querulous
Meaning: petulant, testy, touchy,
428). Sneer waspish, prickly, crusty, cross, crabby
Meaning: smirk, snicker, snigger Definition: complaining in a rather petulant
Definition: a contemptuous or mocking or whining manner..
smile, remark, or tone Usage: She became querulous and
Usage: He acknowledged their presence demanding
with a condescending sneer.
435). Chaos
429). Pariah Meaning: disorder, disarray,
Meaning: outcast, leper, reject, confusion, bedlam, furore, babel
untouchable, undesirable Definition: complete disorder and confusion
Definition: an outcast. Usage: Snow caused chaos in the region
Usage: They were treated as social pariahs.
436). Alienated
430). Desist Meaning: estrange, turn away, isolate,
Meaning: abstain, refrain, forbear, hold detach, distance Definition: make
back, keep Definition: stop doing (someone) feel isolated or estranged.
something; cease or abstain. Usage: Usage: An urban environment which would
Each pledged to desist from acts of alienate its inhabitants
sabotage
437). Convalesce
431). Inscribe Meaning: recuperate, get better, recover,

37
 get well Definition: recover one's health aches and pains.
and strength over a period of time after an
illness or medical treatment. Usage: He 443). Debilitate
spent eight months convalescing after the Meaning: weakening, enervative, tiring,
stroke exhausting, devitalizing, draining
Definition: make (someone) very weak and
438). Besmirch infirm
Meaning: sully, tarnish, blacken, stain, Usage: He was severely debilitated by a
taint, smear, spoil, ruin stomach upset
Definition: damage (someone's
reputation). Usage: He had besmirched 444). Decree
the good name of his family. Meaning: order, edict, command, mandate,
precept
439). Disgust Definition: an official order that has the force
Meaning: revulsion, repugnance, of law.
aversion, distaste, loathing Usage: The decree guaranteed freedom of
Definition: a feeling of revulsion or strong assembly
disapproval aroused by something
unpleasant or offensive. 445). Introspection
Usage: The sight filled her with disgust. Meaning: brooding, heart-searching, self-
absorption Definition: the examination or
440). Discrimination observation of one's own mental and
Meaning: prejudice, bias, bigotry, emotional processes.
intolerance, partisanship, Usage: Quiet introspection can be extremely
Definition: the unjust or prejudicial treatment valuable
of different categories of people, especially
on the grounds of race, age, or sex. 446). Peculiar
Usage: Victims of racial discrimination. Meaning: strange, unusual, odd, funny,
curious, weird Definition: different to what
441). Consciousness is normal or expected; strange.
Meaning: awareness, alertness, Usage: He gave her some very peculiar
sentience, responsiveness, looks
wwakefulness
Definition: the state of being aware of and 447). Denial
responsive to one's surroundings. Meaning: contradiction, rebuttal,
Usage: She failed to regain repudiation Definition: the action
consciousness and died two days later of denying something. Usage: She
shook her head in denial
442). Exaggerate
Meaning: overstate, overstress, 448). Probed
overvalue, overestimate, magnify Meaning: examine, feel, prod, poke, check
Definition: represent (something) as Definition: explore or examine (something),
being larger, better, or worse than it especially with the hands or an instrument.
really is. Usage: Hands probed his body from top to
Usage: She was apt to exaggerate any bottom.

38
 Definition: causing disruption or
449). Engulf annoyance through being unwelcome or
Meaning: flood, deluge, immerse, swamp, uninvited
inundate Definition: (of a natural force) Usage: That was an intrusive question
sweep over (something) so as to surround
or cover it completely. 456). Temporize
Usage: The cafe was engulfed in flames Meaning: equivocate, stall, delay,
prevaricate, hesitate Definition: avoid
450). Gallant making a decision or committing oneself in
Meaning: brave, courageous, valiant, bold, order to gain time.
plucky, daring, fearless Usage: The opportunity was missed because
Definition: (of a person or their the queen still temporized
behaviour) brave; heroic.
Usage: She had made gallant efforts to 457). Lampoon
pull herself together Meaning: saririze, mock, ridicule, rag, tease
Definition: publicly criticize (someone or
451). Hoax something) by using ridicule, irony, or
Meaning: practical, joke, joke, jest, prank, sarcasm.
trick, jape Usage: The actor was lampooned by the
Definition: a humorous or malicious press
deception. Usage: The evidence had been
planted as part of an elaborate hoax 458). Grapple
Meaning: wrestle, struggle, tussle
452). Haggle Definition: engage in a close fight or
Meaning: barter, bargain, negotiate, struggle without weapons; wrestle.
quibble, wrangle Definition: dispute or Usage: passers-by grappled with the man
bargain persistently, especially over the after the knife attack.
cost of something.
Usage: The two sides are haggling 459). Dawdle
over television rights. Meaning: linger, dally, idle, waste time
453). Glut Definition: waste time; be slow.
Meaning: appoint, induct, install, Usage: she mustn't dawdle—she had to
invest, anoint, consecrate make the call now.
Definition: An excessively abundant
supply of something 460). Rampage
Usage: there is a glut of cars on the market Meaning: riot, tear, run amok, storm,
charge Definition: (especially of a large
454). Firmament group of people) move through a place in a
Meaning: the sky, heaven, the blue, violent and uncontrollable manner.
Definition: the heavens or sky. Usage: Several thousand demonstrators
Usage: Thunder shakes the firmament rampaged through the city
461). Hostility
455). Intrusive Meaning: antagonism, bitterness,
Meaning: intruding, invasive, obtrusive, malevolence, malice, rancor, venom, anger,
interrupting, trespassing, unwanted hatred

39
 Definition: hostile behaviour; 1517 as a royal mausoleum
unfriendliness or opposition.
Usage: Their hostility to all outsiders 467). Entrench
Meaning: establish, settle, lodge, set,
462). Vacillate root, install, plant, embed, anchor, seat
Meaning: dither, teeter, temporize, Definition: establish (an attitude, habit,
hesitate, fluctuate, Definition: waver or belief) so firmly that change is very
between different opinions or actions; be difficult or unlikely.
indecisive. Usage: Ageism is entrenched in our society
Usage: I vacillated between teaching and
journalism. 468). Deception
Meaning: deceit, duplicity, fraud, guile,
463). Ordained pretence, artifice
Meaning: appoint, induct, install, Definition: the action of deceiving someone.
invest, anoint, consecrate Usage: Obtaining property by deception.
Definition: make (someone) a priest or
minister; confer holy orders on 469). Astounding
Usage: He was ordained a minister Meaning: amazing, astonishing, shocking,
before entering Parliament surprising, stunning
Definition: surprisingly impressive or notable
464). Provision Usage: The summit offers astounding views.
Meaning: supply, delivery, furnishing,
allocation, distribution, presentation 470). Trepidation
Definition: The action of providing or Meaning: fear, apprehension, dread,
supplying something for use. agitation, dismay , alarm
Usage: New contracts for the provision of Definition: a feeling of fear or anxiety about
services something that may happen.
Usage: The men set off in fear and
465). Stipulation trepidation
Meaning: condition, precondition,
provision, prerequisite, 471). Certainty
specification Meaning: Confidence, certitude, fact, truth,
Definition: a condition or requirement that validity Definition: firm conviction that
is specified or demanded as part of an something is the case. Usage: She knew
agreement with absolute certainty that they were dead
Usage: They donated their collection of
prints with the stipulation that they never be 472). Scandalising
publicly exhibited Meaning: shock, appal, outrage, revolt,
repel, sicken Definition: shock or horrify
466). Mausoleum (someone) by a real or imagined violation
Meaning: tomb, sepulcher, crypt, vault, of propriety or morality.
catacomb Definition: a stately or Usage: Their lack of manners scandalized
impressive building housing a tomb or their hosts.
group of tombs
Usage: The cathedral was built in 473). Stringent

40
 Meaning: Strict, firm, rigid, severe, at.
harsh, tight, exacting, demanding, stiff Usage: He contemplated his image in the
Definition: (of regulations, mirrors.
requirements, or conditions) strict,
precise, and exacting Usage: 479). Stupefy
stringent guidelines on air pollution Meaning: stun, daze, knock out,
benumb, numb Definition: make
474). Strained (someone) unable to think or feel
Meaning: austere, abstinent, Spartan, properly
monastic, simple Definition: characterized Usage: The offence of administering drugs
by severe self-discipline and abstention from to a woman with intent to stupefy her.
all forms of indulgence, typically for religious
reasons 480). Erratic
Usage: an ascetic life of prayer, fasting, Meaning: unpredictable, variable,
and manual labour inconstant, uncertain, unstable,
Definition: not even or regular in pattern or
475). Entrench movement; unpredictable.
Meaning: establish, settle, ensconce, Usage: Her breathing was erratic
lodge, set, root, install, plant
Definition: establish (an attitude, habit, or 481). Prominent
belief) so firmly that change is very difficult Meaning: important, well known, leading,
or unlikely Usage: Ageism is entrenched eminent, pre-eminent, noted, public,
in our society foremost, famed, big, top, great, chief,
main
476). Impair Definition: important; famous.
Meaning: damage, harm, diminish, Usage: She was a prominent member of
reduce, weaken, lessen, blunt, impede, the city council
disable
Definition: weaken or damage (something, 482). Instincts
especially a faculty or function) Meaning: inclination, drive,
Usage: a noisy job could permanently compulsion, need Definition: a
impair their hearing natural or intuitive way of acting or
thinking.
477). Astounding Usage: They retain their old authoritarian
Meaning: amazing, astonishing, shocking, instincts.
surprising, striking
Definition: surprisingly impressive or 483). Prerequisites
notable. Meaning: precondition, condition,
Usage: The summit offers astounding views essential, requirement, imperative,
basic
478). Contemplate Definition: a thing that is required as a
Meaning: look at, view, regard, prior condition for something else to
examine, inspect, observe, survey, happen or exist
study Usage: sponsorship is not a prerequisite
Definition: look thoughtfully for a long time for any of our courses

41
484). Strained Meaning: legal, lawful, authorized,
Meaning: drawn, careworn, worn, permitted, permissible, allowable
pinched, tried, weary Definition: conforming to the law or to rules.
Definition: truthful and straightforward; frank Usage: His claims to legitimate authority
Usage: Jean's pale, strained face
491). Snazzy
485). Spout Meaning: stylish, smart, attractive, lovely,
Meaning: nozzle, lip, rose gorgeous, stunning
Definition: a tube or lip projecting from a Definition: stylish and attractive.
container, through which liquid can be Usage: snazzy little silk dresses
poured.
Usage: A teapot with a chipped spout 492). Sophisticated
Meaning: Underneath, below, further
486). Disown down, lower down
Meaning: reject, cast off, cast aside, Definition: having, revealing, or involving a
abandon, repudiate, renounce, deny great deal of worldly experience and
Definition: refuse to acknowledge or knowledge of fashion and culture.
maintain any connection with. Usage: a chic, sophisticated woman.
Usage: Lovell's rich family had disowned him
because of his marriage 493). Arbitrations
Meaning: adjudication, meditation,
487). Speculation negotiation, intervention, interposition
Meaning: conjecture, supposition, Definition: The use of an arbitrator to settle
guesswork Definition: the forming of a a dispute Usage: Tayside Regional Council
theory or conjecture without firm called for arbitration to settle the dispute
evidence.
Usage: There has been widespread 494). Candid
speculation that he plans to quit Meaning: frank, outspoken, forthright,
open, honest, truthful, direct, bluff
488). Fragile Definition: truthful and straightforward; frank
Meaning: breakable, brittle, frangible, flimsy, Usage: His responses were remarkably
delicate, fine candid
Definition: (of an object) easily broken or
damaged. 495). Bicker
Usage: Fragile items such as glass and Meaning: Squabble, argue
china. Definition: argue about petty and trivial
matters. Usage: couples who bicker over
489). Articulate who gets what from the divorce
Meaning: fluent, eloquent, effective,
persuasive, lucid, vocal 496). Fluctuate
Definition: having or showing the ability Meaning: vary, differ, shift, change,
to speak fluently and coherently alter, waver, swing, alternate
Usage: She was not very articulate. Definition: rise and fall irregularly in
number or amount.
490). Legitimate Usage: Trade with other countries tends

42
 to fluctuate from year to year beliefs than is the case.
Usage: his target was the hypocrisy of
497). Cogent suburban life.
Meaning: convincing, compelling, strong,
forceful, powerful, potent, weighty 503). Influx
Definition: (of an argument or case) clear, Meaning: inundation, inrush, rush,
logical, and convincing. stream, flood, ingress
Usage: They put forward cogent arguments Definition: an arrival or entry of large
for British membership numbers of people or things
Usage: A massive influx of tourists
498). Narrative
Meaning: account, story, tale, history, 504). Imperative
description, record, portrayal, report, Meaning: vital, crucial, critical, essential,
rehearsal, recital Definition: a spoken or exigent, pressing, urgent
written account of connected events; a Definition: of vital importance; crucial
story. Usage: immediate action was imperative.
Usage: A gripping narrative.
505). Compensate
499). Plagues Meaning: Recompense, repay, pay back,
Meaning: afflict, bedevil, torture, recoup, requite
torment, trouble, beset, dog Definition: give (someone) something,
Definition: cause continual trouble or typically money, in recognition of loss,
distress to suffering, or injury incurred;
Usage: He has been plagued by ill health. recompense.
Usage: Payments were made to farmers to
500). Proclaim compensate them for cuts in subsidies
Meaning: Indicate, show, signify, reveal,
manifest, betray, demonstrate 506). Diligence
Definition: his high, intelligent forehead Meaning: assiduity, rigour, heedfulness,
proclaimed a strength of mind that was carefulness, studiousness
almost tangible. Definition: careful and persistent work or
Usage: indicate clearly effort. Usage: Few party members
challenge his diligence as an MP
501). Debtor
Meaning: borrower, mortgagor, 507). Obsolete
Definition: a person, country, or organization Meaning: Out of date, outdated,
that owes money. outmoded, old- fashioned
Usage: Generally, debtors must negotiate Definition: no longer produced or used; out
with each creditor separately of date
Usage: The disposal of old and obsolete
502). Hypocrisy machinery
Meaning: cant, humbug, pretence,
posturing, empty talk, pietism 508). Integrate
Definition: the practice of claiming to Meaning: combine, amalgamate, mix,
have higher standards or more noble intermix, join, fuse, blend

43
 Definition: combine (one thing) with Usage: There was no dissent from this view
another to form a whole
Usage: Transport planning should be 514). Oppress
integrated with energy policy. Meaning: persecute, abuse, maltreat, ill-
treat, suppress, repress, subject
509). Alleviate Definition: keep (someone) in subjection
Meaning: Reduce, ease, relive, dull, and hardship, especially by the unjust
lessen, quiet, blunt, moderate exercise of authority
Definition: make (suffering, deficiency, or Usage: A system which oppressed working
a problem) less severe. people.
Usage: He couldn't prevent her pain, only
alleviate it. 515). Cacophonous
Meaning: loud, noisy, ear-splitting, blaring,
510). Affirm booming, deafening,
Meaning: Declare, state, aver, proclaim, Definition: involving or producing a harsh,
pronounce, attest, swear, avow, vow, discordant mixture of sounds.
guarantee, promise, certify Definition: Usage: The cacophonous sound of slot
state emphatically or publicly. machines
Usage: He affirmed the country's
commitment to peace 516). Glimpse
Meaning: brief look, quick look
511). Travesty Definition: a momentary or
Meaning: misrepresentation, distortion, partial view Usage: She caught
corruption, poor imitation, parody a glimpse of the ocean
Definition: a false, absurd, or distorted
representation of something. 517). Integrity
Usage: The absurdly lenient sentence is a Meaning: honest, probity, rectitude,
travesty of justice honour, ethics, sincerity, truthfulness,
virtue, decency
512). Reparation Definition: the quality of being honest
Meaning: amends, restitution, redress, and having strong moral principles.
compensation, repayment, atonement. Usage: A gentleman of complete integrity.
Definition: the action of making amends for
a wrong one has done, by providing 518). Intolerance
payment or other assistance to those who Meaning: bigotry, dogmatism, illiberality,
have been wronged. parochialism, insularity
Usage: The courts required a convicted Definition: unwillingness to accept views,
offender to make financial reparation to beliefs, or behaviour that differ from one's
his victim. own
Usage: A struggle against religious
513). Dissent intolerance.
Meaning: disagreement, argument,
dispute, demur Definition: the holding or 519). Elusive
expression of opinions at variance with Meaning: Difficult to catch/find, difficult
those commonly or officially held. to track down

44
 Definition: difficult to find, catch, or achieve. Meaning: Settler, colonist, explorer,
Usage: Success will become ever more trailblazer Definition: a person who is
elusive. among the first to explore or settle a new
country or area.
520). Deem Usage: The pioneers of the Wild West
Meaning: regard as, consider, judge,
adjudge, rate, fin, count, esteem, reckon, 526). Prone
account Meaning: Susceptible, vulnerable,
Definition: regard or consider in a specified liable, given, disposed
way. Definition: likely or liable to suffer
Usage: The event was deemed a great from, do, or experience something
success unpleasant or regrettable. Usage:
Farmed fish are prone to disease
521). Taboo
Meaning: Prohibition, proscription, 527). Implications
veto, ban, restriction Meaning: Suggestions, inference,
Definition: a social or religious custom innuendo, hint, intimation
prohibiting or restricting a particular practice Definition: the conclusion that can be
or forbidding association with a particular drawn from something although it is not
person, place, or thing Usage: many taboos explicitly stated Usage: The implication
have developed around physical exposure is that no one person at the bank is
responsible
522). Harmonize
Meaning: Coordinate, match, blend, mix, 528). Utopian
balance Meaning: unworldly, non-material,
Definition: produce a pleasing visual immaterial Definition: modelled on or
combination. Usage: Steeply pitched roofs aiming for a state in which everything is
which harmonize with the form of the main perfect; idealistic.
roof. Usage: It is based on a utopian ideology.

523). Prolong 529). Spur

Meaning: Lengthen, make longer, extend, Meaning: stimulus, incentive,
elongate encouragement, stimulant,
Definition: extend the duration of inducement, prompt
Usage: An idea which prolonged the life of Definition: a thing that prompts or
the engine by many years encourages someone; an incentive
Usage: Wars act as a spur to practical
524). Hatch invention.
Meaning: devise, conceive, concoct,
brew, invent, plan, design, formulate 530). Legitimate
Definition: conspire to devise (a plot or Meaning: legal, lawful, licit, authorized, valid,
plan) Usage: The little plot that you and upright, allowable
Sylvia hatched up last night Definition: conforming to the law or to rules.
Usage: His claims to legitimate authority
525). Pioneer

45
531). Fiction Definition: widespread in a particular
Meaning: Novels, stories, narration, story area or at a particular time.
telling Definition: literature in the form of Usage: The social ills prevalent in society
prose, especially novels, that describes today
imaginary events and people. Usage: they
were supposed to be keeping up the 537). Eradicating
fiction that they were happily married Meaning: eliminate, do away with, remove,
suppress
532). Abide Definition: destroy completely; put an end to
Meaning: obey, observe, follow, keep to, Usage: This disease has been eradicated
conform to, accept, accede to from the world
Definition: accept or act in accordance 538). Stern
with (a rule, decision, or Meaning: serious, unsmiling, stony,
recommendation). flinty, steely, disapproving, sober
Usage: I said I would abide by their decision. Definition: (of a person or their manner)
serious and unrelenting, especially in the
533). Espionage assertion of authority and exercise of
Meaning: Spying, undercover work, discipline.
intelligence, cyber-espionage, counter- Usage: A smile transformed his stern face.
espionage
Definition: the practice of spying or of 539). Guts
using spies, typically by governments to Meaning: instinctive, intuitive,
obtain political and military information impulsive, natural, basic, emotinal
Usage: The camouflage and secrecy of Definition: used in reference to a feeling
espionage or reaction based on an instinctive
emotional response rather than considered
534). Manslaughter thought
Meaning: Killing, murder, slaying Usage: I had a gut feeling that something
Definition: the crime of killing a human being was wrong.
without malice aforethought, or in
circumstances not amounting to murder 540). Blatant
Usage: The defendant was convicted of Meaning: Flagrant, glaring, obvious,
manslaughter undisguised, overt, open, manifest
Definition: (of bad behaviour) done
535). Bankrupt openly and unashamedly.
Meaning: insolvent, without, bare of, Usage: Blatant lies.
denuded of Definition: (of a person or
organization) declared in law as unable to 541). Exorbitant
pay their debts. Meaning: extortionate, excessive, sky-high,
Usage: His father went bankrupt and the inordinate, huge, enormous
family had to sell their home Definition: (of a price or amount
charged) unreasonably high..
536). Prevalent Usage: Some hotels charge exorbitant
Meaning: widespread, frequent, usual, rates for phone calls
common, general, universal

46
542). Frivolous Meaning: acceptance, belief, faith, trust,
Meaning: flippant, glib, waggish, joking, confidence, reliance, traction
jokey, non- serious. Definition: belief in or acceptance of
Definition: not having any serious purpose something as true Usage: Psychoanalysis
or value. finds little credence among laymen.
Usage: Frivolous ribbons and lacy frills.
549). Suffice
543). Unprecedented Meaning: be enough, be sufficient, do,
Meaning: unparalleled, unequalled, serve,
unmatched, unrivalled, without equal Definition: be enough or adequate.
Definition: never done or known before Usage: A quick look should suffice.
Usage: The government took the
unprecedented step of releasing confidential 550). Intrusive
correspondence Meaning: obtrusive, unwanted,
interrupting, unwelcome
544). Dread Definition: causing disruption or
Meaning: fear, be afraid of, worry about annoyance through being unwelcome or
Definition: anticipate with great uninvited.
apprehension or fear Usage: That was an intrusive question
Usage: Jane was dreading the party.
551). Hesitation
545). Disparate Meaning: pausing, delay, waiting
Meaning: contrasting, different, Definition: the action of pausing before
differing, unlike, dissimilar, saying or doing something.
Definition: essentially different in kind; not Usage: She answered without hesitation.
able to be compared.
Usage: They inhabit disparate worlds of 552). Consequence
thought Meaning: result, upshot, outcome
Definition: a result or effect, typically
546). Accentuate one that is unwelcome or unpleasant.
Meaning: point up, heighten, stress, Usage: Inflation is a consequence of a rapid
spotlight, foreground, frature growth in the money supply.
Definition: make more noticeable or
prominent.. Usage: His jacket 553). Envisage
unfortunately accentuated his paunch Meaning: predict, forecast, foretell, expect
Definition: contemplate or conceive of as a
547). Exacerbate possibility or a desirable future event.
Meaning: aggravate, make worse, worsen, Usage: The Rome Treaty envisaged free
inflame Definition: make (a problem, bad movement across frontiers.
situation, or negative feeling) worse.
Usage: Rising inflation was 554). Conventional
exacerbated by the collapse of oil Meaning: normal, standard, regular,
prices. ordinary Definition: based on or in
accordance with what is generally done
548). Credence or believed.

47
 Usage: A conventional morality floor which was strewn with cushions,
had dictated behaviour. bolsters, and rugs.
561). Hover
555). Rupture Meaning: be suspended, be poised, hang,
Meaning: break, fracture, crack float
Definition: (especially of a pipe or Definition: remain in one place in the air.
container, or bodily part such as an organ or Usage: Army helicopters hovered overhead.
membrane) break or burst suddenly.
Usage: If the main artery ruptures he could 562). Embark
die. Meaning: board ship, go on
board, Definition: go on board a
556). Bumpy ship or aircraft. Usage: He
Meaning: uneven, rough, irregular embarked for India in 1817.
Definition: (of a surface) uneven, with
many patches raised above the rest. 563). Recession
Usage: The car jolted on the bumpy road. Meaning: economic decline, downturn,
depression Definition: a period of
557). Emanate temporary economic decline during which
Meaning: emerge, flow, pour trade and industrial activity are reduced,
Definition: (of a feeling, quality, or generally identified by a fall in GDP in two
sensation) issue or spread out from (a successive quarters.
source). Usage: the country is in the depths of a
Usage: Policy statements which recession.
emanate from government
departments. 564). Metaphor
Meaning: figure of speech, image, trope,
558). Consent figurative expression
Meaning: agreement, assent, accord Definition: a figure of speech in which a
Definition: permission for something to word or phrase is applied to an object or
happen or agreement to do something. action to which it is not literally applicable.
Usage: No change may be made without Usage: When we speak of gene
the consent of all the partners. maps and gene mapping, we use a
cartographic metaphor.
559). Ostensible
Meaning: apparent, seeming, outward, 565). Pacifism
surface Definition: stated or appearing Meaning: peacemaking, conscientious
to be true, but not necessarily so. objection(s), passive resistance, love of
Usage: The real dispute which lay peace
behind the ostensible complaint. Definition: the belief that war and violence
are unjustifiable and that all disputes
560). Bolster should be settled by peaceful means.
Meaning: Pillow, cushion, pad, support Usage: there remains a powerful
Definition: a long, thick pillow that is undercurrent of pacifism.
placed under other pillows for support.
Usage: Most of them were sitting on the 566). Nuance

48
 Meaning: fine distinction, shade, shading, Usage: An avaricious, manipulative woman
gradation, variation
Definition: a subtle difference in or shade of 572). Disconcert
meaning, expression, or sound. Meaning: unsettle, nonplus,
Usage: He was familiar with the nuances discomfit, confuse, perplex, ruffle,
of the local dialect. shake, worry.
Definition: disturb the composure of;
567). Unrelenting unsettle.
Meaning: implacable, inflexible, Usage: The abrupt change of subject
uncompromising, unyielding disconcerted her.
Definition: not yielding in strength, severity,
or determination. 573). Harangue
Usage: He was an unrelenting opponent of Meaning: tirade, lecture, diatribe, homily,
the Jacobite cause. polemic, rant, fulmination, broadside,
invective
568). Camouflage Definition: a lengthy and aggressive speech
Meaning: disguise, hide, conceal, mask, Usage: They were subjected to a ten-
screen Definition: hide or disguise the minute harangue by two border guards
presence of (a person, animal, or object)
by means of camouflage. 574). Unsceupulous
Usage: The caravan was camouflaged with Meaning: unprincipled, immoral, amoral,
netting and branches from trees. dishonest, cunning, furtive, sly, bad, evil,
wicked
569). Surmise Definition: having or showing no moral
Meaning: guess, conjecture, suspect, principles; not honest or fair.
deduce, infer Definition: suppose that Usage: Unscrupulous landlords might be
something is true without having tempted to harass existing tenants.
evidence to confirm it.
Usage: He surmised that something must be 575). Preachy
wrong. Meaning: moralistic, didactic, dogmatic
Definition: having or showing a
570). Troupe tendency to give moral advice in a
Meaning: group, company, band, tedious or self-righteous way. Usage:
ensemble, set, cast Definition: a group of His patriotic pictures had a preachy
dancers, actors, or other entertainers who tone
tour to different venues.
Usage: A dance troupe. 576). Unabashed
Meaning: unashamed, shameless,
571). Avaricious brazen, confident, immodest, unshrinking,
Meaning: grasping, acquisitive, fearless
covetous, greedy, rapacious, Definition: not embarrassed, disconcerted,
mercenary or ashamed Usage: He was unabashed by
Definition: having or showing an the furore his words provoked
extreme greed for wealth or material
gain. 577). Melodramatic

49
 Meaning: histrionic, extravagant, overdone, Usage: A house built on stilts to allow air to
overripe, overemotional, sentimental circulate beneath.
Definition: characteristic of melodrama,
especially in being exaggerated or 583). Sheer
overemotional. Meaning: utter, complete, absolute, total,
Usage: He flung the door open with a pure, perfect, patent
melodramatic flourish. Definition: nothing other than;
unmitigated (used for emphasis)
578). Mimic Usage: she giggled with sheer delight
Meaning: imitate, copy, mock, parody,
lampoon, caricature 584). Plague
Definition: imitate (someone or their actions Meaning: afflict, bedevil, torment, trouble,
or words), especially in order to entertain or beset, dog, curse
ridicule Definition: cause continual trouble or
Usage: He mimicked Super Star Rajini distress to
voice. Usage: He has been plagued by ill health

579). Protagonist 585). Archive

Meaning: supporter, adherent, backer, Meaning: file, log, catalogue, pigeonhole
proponent, advocate, promoter, Definition: place or store (something) in
exponent, prime mover Definition: an an archive. Usage: The entire directory
advocate or champion of a particular will be archived
cause or idea.
Usage: He's a strenuous protagonist 586). Liberate
of the new agricultural policy. Meaning: set free, free, release, let
out, let go, discharge, deliver
580). Jargon Definition: set (someone) free from
Meaning: Slang, cant, idiom, argot, imprisonment, slavery, or oppression.
patter Definition: special words or Usage: The serfs had been liberated
expressions used by a profession or
group that are difficult for others to 587). Retreat
understand. Meaning: withdraw, retire, draw back, pull
Usage: legal jargon back, pull out, fall back, give way
Definition: (of an army) withdraw from
581). Evocative enemy forces as a result of their superior
Meaning: Reminiscent, suggestive, power or after a defeat Usage: The French
redolent Definition: bringing strong retreated in disarray
images, memories, or feelings to mind
Usage: Powerfully evocative lyrics 588). Combat
Meaning: battle, fighting, action, conflict,
582). Beneath war, warfare
Meaning: Underneath, below, further Definition: fighting between armed forces.
down, lower down Usage: Five Hurricanes were shot down in
Definition: extending or directly combat.
underneath something.

50
589). Retract Meaning: flagrant, glaring, obvious,
Meaning: Pull in, draw in, pull back, sheathe, undisguised Definition: (of bad behaviour)
put away done openly and unashamedly.
Definition: draw or be drawn back or back in Usage: A blatant lie.
Usage: She retracted her hand as if she'd
been burn. 596). SACROSANCT
Meaning: sacred, respected, inviolate
590). ENDURANCE Definition: (especially of a principle, place,
Meaning: tolerance, bearing, sufferance or routine) regarded as too important or
Definition: the ability to endure an valuable to be interfered with.
unpleasant or difficult process or Usage: The individual's right to work has
situation without giving way. Usage: been upheld as sacrosanct.
She was close to the limit of her
endurance. 597). PERCOLATE
Meaning: filter, drain, drip
591). ANXIETY Definition: (of a liquid or gas) filter gradually
Meaning: worry, concern, apprehension through a porous surface or substance.
Definition: a feeling of worry, Usage: The water percolating through
nervousness, or unease about something the soil may leach out minerals.
with an uncertain outcome.
Usage: His anxiety grew as his messages 598). ENVIRON
were all left unanswered Meaning: surround, encircle, enclose, ring,
envelop;
592). SECRETIVE Definition: surround; enclose.
Meaning: uncommunicative, secret, silent Usage: The stone circle was environed by
Definition: (of a person or an organization) an expanse of peat soil
inclined to conceal feelings and intentions or
not to disclose information. 599). USHER
Usage: She was very secretive about her Meaning: escort, accompany, help,
past. assist Definition: show or guide
(someone) somewhere. Usage: He
593). INTRUSIVE ushered him to a window seat.
Meaning: invasive, obtrusive, unwanted
Definition: causing disruption or 600). Pledge
annoyance through being unwelcome or Meaning: Mortgage, guarantee, pawn
uninvited. Definition: give as security on a loan.
Usage: That was an intrusive question. Usage: The creditor to whom the land is
pledged
594). IMPRESARIO
Meaning: organizer, manager, producer 601). Tumultuous
Definition: a person who organizes and Meaning: loud, deafening, thunderous,
often finances concerts, plays, or operas. thundering, ear- splitting, noisy, vociferous
Usage: A theatrical impresario. Definition: making an uproar or loud,
confused noise.
595). BLATANT Usage: Tumultuous applause

51
 Meaning: stunt, contrivance, scheme,
602). Coalition trick, dodge, ploy, stratagem
Meaning: alliance, union, partnership, Definition: a trick or device
affiliation, bloc, caucus. intended to attract attention,
Definition: a temporary alliance for publicity, or trade.
combined action, especially of political Usage: It is not so much a programme
parties forming a government. Usage: A to improve services as a gimmick to
coalition between Liberals and gain votes.
Conservatives.
608). Provocative
603). Inhibit Meaning: annoying, irritating, infuriating,
Meaning: impede, hinder, hamper, provoking, maddening, goading
discourage, obstruct, slow, retard Definition: causing anger or another
Definition: hinder, restrain, or prevent strong reaction, especially deliberately
(an action or process) Usage: A provocative article.
Usage: Cold inhibits plant growth
609). Orthodoxy
604). Squirm Meaning: doctrine, belief, creed, dogma,
Meaning: wriggle, wiggle, writhe, twist, credo, theory, view, idea, practice
slide, slither, turn, shift, fidget Definition: authorized or generally accepted
Definition: wriggle or twist the body from theory, doctrine, or practice.
side to side, especially as a result of Usage: Monetarist orthodoxy.
nervousness or discomfort Usage: He
looked uncomfortable and squirmed in his 610). Tendentious
chair. Meaning: partisan, expressing,
intending Definition: expressing or
605). Allegedly intending to promote a particular cause
Meaning: reportedly, supposedly, or point of view, especially a
reputedly, ostensibly, apparently, controversial one.
presumedly Usage: A tendentious reading of history
Definition: used to convey that something
is claimed to be the case or have taken 611). Credence
place, although there is no proof Meaning: acceptance, belief, faith, trust,
Usage: He was allegedly a leading confidence, reliance, traction
participant in the coup attempt Definition: belief in or acceptance of
something as true.
606). Creep Usage: Psychoanalysis finds little credence
Meaning: crawl, squirm, wriggle, writhe, among laymen
worm, inch, edge
Definition: move slowly and carefully in 612). Reluctant
order to avoid being heard or noticed Meaning: unwilling, disinclined, grudging,
Usage: He crept downstairs, hardly making resistant, opposed, antipathetic.
any noise Definition: unwilling and hesitant;
disinclined..
607). Gimmick Usage: She seemed reluctant to answer.

52
 Meaning: rash, careless, thoughtless,
613). Disingenuous incautions, heedless, unheeding,
Meaning: dishonest, deceitful, inattentive, precipitate Definition: heedless
underhand, underhanded, of danger or the consequences of one's
duplicitous, lying, false Definition: actions; rash or impetuous
not candid or sincere, typically by Usage: You mustn't be so reckless".
pretending that one knows less about
something than one really does. 619). Legislative
Usage: This journalist was being Meaning: law-making, judicial,
somewhat disingenuous as well as juridical, administrative
cynical Definition: having the power to make laws..
Usage: The country's supreme legislative
614). Ascribing body.
Meaning: attribute, assign, put down,
set down, accredit, credit 620). Scepticism
Definition: regard something as being due Meaning: Doubt, doubtfulness,
to (a cause). Usage: He ascribed Jane's Dubiousness, lack of conviction
short temper to her upset stomach. Definition: a sceptical attitude; doubt as to
the truth of something.
615). Maverick Usage: These claims were treated with
Meaning: individualist, nonconformist, scepticism.
free spirit, eccentric, outerside
Definition: an unorthodox or 621). Contingent
independent-minded person. Meaning: Chance, accidental, fortuitous,
Usage: He's the maverick of the senate possible, unforeseen, unpredictable
Definition: subject to chance.
616). Verdict Usage: The contingent nature of the job.
Meaning: judgement, adjudication,
decision, finding, ruling, resolution, decree, 622). Culmination
order Meaning: Climax, pinnacle, peak, high
Definition: a decision on an issue of fact point, Height, crest, zenith
in a civil or criminal case or an inquest Definition: the highest or climactic point of
Usage: The jury returned a verdict of not something, especially as attained after a long
guilty time.
Usage: The deal marked the culmination
617). Embroil of years of negotiation.
Meaning: Involve, entangle, ensnare,
enmesh, catch up, mix up, bog down, mire 623). Surrogate
Definition: involve (someone) deeply in an Meaning: substitute, proxy, replacement
argument, conflict, or difficult situation. Definition: a substitute, especially a person
Usage: The organization is currently deputizing for another in a specific role or
embroiled in running battles with office.
pressure groups. Usage: Wives of MPs are looked on as
surrogates for their husbands while the
618). Reckless latter are at Westminster.

53
 Meaning: Speed up, accelerate, hurry,
624). Enumerate hasten, step up, quicken
Meaning: List, itemize, catalogue, set out, Definition: make (an action or process)
set forth, give happen sooner or be accomplished more
Definition: mention (a number of things) one quickly.
by one. Usage: He promised to expedite economic
Usage: There is not space to enumerate all reforms.
his works.
631). Conscience
625). Altruistic Meaning: moral sense, sense of right, still
Meaning: Unselfish, selfless, self- small voice Definition: a person's moral
denying Definition: showing a sense of right and wrong, viewed as acting
disinterested and selfless concern for as a guide to one's behaviour.
the well-being of others; unselfish. Usage: He had a guilty conscience about
Usage: It was an entirely altruistic act. his desires

626). Maverick 632). Contravene

Meaning: Individualist, nonconformist, Meaning: Break, breach, violate.
free spirit, eccentric, outsider, trendsetter Definition: offend against the prohibition or
Definition: an unorthodox or order of (a law, treaty, or code of conduct).
independent-minded person. Usage: He contravened the Official Secrets
Usage: he's the maverick of the senate. Act.

627). Promulgate 633). Sanctum

Meaning: make public, publicize, announce, Meaning: Holy place, shrine, altar,
proclaim, circulate refuge, foxhole, hiding place
Definition: promote or make widely known Definition: a sacred place, especially a
(an idea or cause). shrine within a temple or church
Usage: These objectives have to be Usage: An icon installed within the
promulgated within the organization . sanctum of the temple

628). pecuniary 634). Whopping

Meaning: financial, money, monetary, Meaning: Huge, massive, enormous,
fiscal, capital, ccommercial gigantic, very big, very large
Definition: relating to or consisting of Definition: very large
money. Usage: He admitted obtaining a Usage: A whopping $74 million loss.
pecuniary advantage by deception.
635). Assassination
629). Ponderous Meaning: Murder, killing, political
Meaning: clumsy, slow, heavy, awkward, execution, slaughter, butchery,
graceless Definition: slow and clumsy extermination, termination
because of great weight. Usage: A swarthy, Definition: the action of
ponderous giant of a man. assassinating someone Usage: The
assassination of President Kennedy
630). Expedite

54
636). Foil Usage: His arid years in suburbia
Meaning: thwart, oppose, baulk,
disappoint, impede, obstruct 642). Impresario
Definition: prevent (something Synonyms: Organizer, manager, producer,
considered wrong or undesirable) from stage manager
succeeding. Meaning: a person who organizes and
Usage: A brave policewoman foiled the often finances concerts, plays, or operas
armed robbery Usage: Amit Shah plays impresario to this
knee-jerk nationalism.
637). Motley
Meaning: Mixed, diverse, assorted, 643). Gravitas
sundry, varied, disparate Synonyms: dignity, seriousness, solemnity,
Definition: incongruously varied in gravity, loftiness, grandeur
appearance or character; disparate. Meaning: dignity, seriousness, or
Usage: A motley crew of discontents and solemnity of manner..
zealots. Usage: A post for which he has the
expertise and the gravitas
638). Facetious
Meaning: Flippant, flip, glib, joking, jocular, 644). Manace
playful, impish Synonyms: Danger, peril, risk, hazard,
Definition: treating serious issues with threat Meaning: a person or thing that is
deliberately inappropriate humour; likely to cause harm; a threat or danger.
flippant Usage: A new initiative aimed at beating the
Usage: A facetious remark. menace of drugs

639). Murky 645). Fetish

Meaning: dark, gloomy, grey, leaden, dull, Synonyms: fixation, obsession, compulsion,
dim, cloudy Definition: dark and gloomy, mania
especially due to thick mist. Meaning: a form of sexual desire in which
Usage: The sky was murky and a thin gratification is linked to an abnormal degree
drizzle was falling. to a particular object, item of clothing, part of
the body, etc..
640). Lynch Usage: A man with a fetish for surgical
Synonyms: hang, hang by the neck masks
Meaning: (of a group of people) kill
(someone) for an alleged offence without a 646). Blatant
legal trial, especially by hanging. Synonyms: flagrant, manifest,
Usage: Her father had been lynched by unmistakable, open, obvious
whites. Meaning: (of bad behaviour) done
openly and unashamedly
641). Arid Usage: Blatant lies
Synonyms: dry, dried up, waterless, as dry
as a bone, thirsty, Dull 647). Sacrosanct
Meaning: lacking in interest, excitement, or Synonyms: sacred, hallowed,
meaning.. inviolable, inviolate, untouchable

55
 Meaning: (especially of a principle, place, Definition: public support for or
or routine) regarded as too important or recommendation of a particular cause or
valuable to be interfered with policy
Usage: The individual's right to work has Usage: His outspoken advocacy of the
been upheld as sacrosanct agreement has won no friends

648). Martyr 654). Allegation

Synonyms: suffer from, be a constant Meaning: claim, assertion, declaration,
sufferer from, have chronic witness, evidence, hint, intimation
Meaning: a person who displays or Definition: a claim or assertion that
exaggerates their discomfort or distress in someone has done something illegal or
order to obtain sympathy Usage: She wrong, typically one made without proof.
wanted to play the martyr Usage: He made allegations of corruption
against the administration
649). Swoop
Synonyms: dive, descend, drop, 655). Agitation
plunge, pitch Meaning: (especially Meaning: anxiety, perturbation, distress,
of a bird) move rapidly downwards concern, alarm, worry
through the air. Definition: a state of anxiety or nervous
Usage: The barn owl can swoop down on excitement.
a mouse in total darkness Usage: She was wringing her hands in
agitation
650). Flare
Meaning: Blaze, flash, flame, burn up 656). Eradicate
Definition: burn or shine with a Meaning: get rid of, eliminate, do away with ,
sudden intensity. Usage: The bonfire remove, suppress
crackled and flared up Definition: destroy completely; put an
end to Usage: This disease has been
651). Trigger eradicated from the world
Meaning: Activate, set off, set going, trip
Definition: cause (a device) to function. 657). Turmoil
Usage: Burglars fled empty-handed after Meaning: confusion, tumult, disorder,
triggering the alarm commotion, unrest, trouble, upset
Definition: a state of great disturbance,
652). Evacuate confusion, or uncertainty.
Meaning: remove, clear, move out, shift, Usage: The country was in turmoil.
take away, expel, evict.
Definition: remove (someone) from a 658). Assent
place of danger to a safer place. Meaning: agree to, approve, bless
Usage: Several families were Definition: express approval or agreement
evacuated from their homes. Usage: The Prime Minister assented to the
change.
653). Advocacy
Meaning: support for, argument for, 670). Assist
arguing for, calling for, pushing for Meaning: help, aid, abet, give assistance

56
 Definition: help (someone), typically by eradicated from the world.
doing a share of the work.
Usage: A senior academic would assist 677). Turmoil
him in his work. Meaning: confusion, disorder, disturbance
Definition: a state of great disturbance,
671). Flared confusion, or uncertainty.
Meaning: Blaze, flash, flame Usage: A time of great political turmoil.
Definition: burn or shine with a sudden
intensity. 678). Fumigate
Usage: A match flared as he lit a cigarette. Meaning: disinfect, purify, sterilize
Definition: disinfect or purify (an area) with
672). Triggered the fumes of certain chemicals.
Meaning: activate, set off, set going, trip Usage: We got sulphur candles to fumigate
Definition: cause (a device) to function. the house.
Usage: Burglars fled empty-handed after
triggering the alarm. 679). Veer
Meaning: career, swing, wheel, twist
673). Advocacy Definition: change direction suddenly.
Meaning: support for, argument for, Usage: An oil tanker that had veered off
arguing for, calling for course.
Definition: public support for or
recommendation of a particular cause or 680). Valiant
policy. Meaning: brave, courageous,
Usage: His outspoken advocacy of the fearless Definition: possessing or
agreement has won no friends. showing courage or determination.
Usage: She made a valiant effort to hold
674). Allegation her anger in check.
Meaning: claim, assertion, declaration,
statement Definition: a claim or assertion 681). Posterity
that someone has done something illegal or Meaning: future generations, succeeding
wrong, typically one made without proof. generations
Usage: He made allegations of corruption Definition: all future generations of people.
against the administration. Usage: the names of those who died are
recorded for posterity on a framed scroll.
675). Agitation
Meaning: anxiety, perturbation, distress, 682). Relinquish
concern Definition: a state of anxiety or Meaning: renounce, give up, part with turn
nervous excitement. Usage: She was over Definition: voluntarily cease to keep or
wringing her hands in agitation. claim; give up. Usage: he relinquished his
managerial role to become chief executive.
676). Eradicate
Meaning: get rid of, eliminate, do away with, 683). Persuade
remove Meaning: convince, talk someone into,
Definition: destroy completely; put an induce Definition: induce (someone) to do
end to. Usage: This disease has been something through reasoning or argument.

57
 Usage: it wasn't easy, but I persuaded ending, eternal, permanent
him to do the right thing. Definition: never ending or changing.
Usage: the population lived in a perpetual
684). Ancestry state of fear.
Meaning: forebears, forefathers,
parentage Definition: one's family 691). Shrewd
or ethnic descent. Usage: he was Meaning: astute, sharp, acute,
proud of his Irish ancestry. intelligent Definition: having or
showing sharp powers of judgement;
685). Propulsion astute.
Meaning: thrust, motive force, impluse Usage: She was shrewd enough to
Definition: the action of driving or pushing guess the motive behind his gesture.
forwards. Usage: they dive and use their
wings for propulsion under water. 692). Subvert
Meaning: destabilize, unsettle, overthrow,
686). Ephemeral overtum Definition: undermine the power
Meaning: transient, fleeting, passing and authority of (an established system or
Definition: lasting for a very short time. institution).
Usage: fashions are ephemeral: new Usage: An attempt to subvert democratic
ones regularly drive out the old. government

687). Dissuade 693). Emergence

Meaning: discourage, deter, prevent, Meaning: disclosure, exposure, publication
disincline Definition: persuade (someone) Definition: the process of becoming visible
not to take a particular course of action. after being concealed.
Usage: his friends tried to dissuade him from Usage: I misjudged the timing of my
flying. emergence.

688). Persist 694). Muster

Meaning: persevere, continue, carry on Meaning: assemble, bring together,
Definition: continue in an opinion or course mobilize Definition: assemble (troops),
of action in spite of difficulty or opposition. especially for inspection or in preparation
Usage: the minority of drivers who persist in for battle.
drinking. Usage: They had mustered 50,000 troops.

689). Scarce 695). Ordeal

Meaning: short, in short supply, scant Meaning: trail, tribulation, test.
Definition: (especially of food, money, or Definition: a very unpleasant and
some other resource) insufficient for the prolonged experience.
demand. Usage: The ordeal of having to give
Usage: as raw materials became scarce, evidence.
synthetics were developed.
696). Infallible
690). Perpetual Meaning: error free, flawless, perfect
Meaning: everlasting, never- Definition: incapable of making

58
 mistakes or being wrong. disapproval or criticism of (someone)
Usage: She had an infallible sense of timing. because of their behaviour or actions.
Usage: she had rebuked him for drinking too
697). Assiduous much.
Meaning: careful, diligent, attentive
Definition: showing great care and 703). Lambasted
perseverance. Usage: She was Meaning: criticize, castigate,
assiduous in pointing out every feature. chastise, censure, condemn
Definition: criticize (someone or something)
698). Shoddy harshly. Usage: They lambasted the report
Meaning: Poor Quality, inferior, rubbishy as a gross distortion of the truth.
Definition: badly made or done.
Usage: We're not paying good money 704). Blare
for shoddy goods. Meaning: Blast, sound loudly, toot, honk,
shriek, screech
699). Inducement Definition: make or cause to make a loud,
Meaning: incentive, attraction, harsh sound.
encouragement, temptation Usage: The ambulance arrived outside, siren
Definition: a thing that persuades or leads blaring.
someone to do something.
Usage: Companies were prepared to build 705). Tinkle
only in return for massive inducements Meaning: ring, jingle, jangle, chime, peal,
ding, ping Definition: make or cause to
700). Contemptuous make a light, clear ringing sound.
Meaning: scornful, disdainful, disrespectful, Usage: Cool water tinkled in the stone
insulting, insolent fountains.
Definition: showing contempt; scornful.
Usage: She was intolerant and 706). trumpet
contemptuous of the majority of the Meaning: proclaim, announce, declare,
human race. broadcast, blazon
Definition: proclaim widely or loudly.
701). Provincial Usage: The press trumpeted another
Meaning: small-town, non-metropolitan, defeat for the government.
non-urban, back woods, backwater
Definition: of or concerning a province of a 707). Percussion
country or empire of or concerning a Meaning: crash, bang, smash, clash,
province of a country or empire. bump, thump Definition: the striking of
Usage: Provincial elections. one solid object with or against another
with some degree of force.
702). Rebuke Usage: the clattering percussion of objects
Meaning: reprimand, reproach, scold, striking the walls and the shutters.
admonish, chide, upbraid, criticize
Definition: express sharp disapproval or 708). Wade
criticism of (someone) because of their Meaning: paddle, wallow, dabble, slop,
behaviour or actions express sharp plod Definition: walk with effort through

59
 water or another liquid or viscous Meaning: Spur, encouragement, boost,
substance. prompt Definition: a thing that arouses
Usage: He waded out to the boat. activity or energy in someone or
something; a spur or incentive.
709). Impeccable Usage: If the tax were abolished, it
Meaning: flawless, faultless, would act as a stimulus to exports.
unblemished, spotless, perfect,
exemplary 715). Constrain
Definition: in accordance with the highest Meaning: compel, force, drive, oblige
standards; faultless. Definition: compel or force (someone)
Usage: He had impeccable manners. to follow a particular course of action.
Usage: Children are constrained to work in
710). Perplex the way the book dictates.
Meaning: puzzle, baffle, mystify, worry,
befuddle, addle, fog, throw 716). Receptive
Definition: make (someone) feel completely Meaning: Open-mined, responsive,
baffled flexible Definition: willing to
Usage: She was perplexed by her husband's consider or accept new suggestions
moodiness. and ideas.
Usage: A receptive audience.
711). Inadvertent
Meaning: unintentional, unintended, 717). Lethargy
accidental, unpremeditated Meaning: sluggishness, inertia, inactivity,
Definition: not resulting from or inaction,
achieved through deliberate planning. Definition: a lack of energy and enthusiasm.
Usage: An inadvertent administrative Usage: There was an air of lethargy about
error occurred that resulted in an over him.
payment.
718). Debilitate
712). Exonerate Meaning: weakening, enfeebling,
Meaning: absolve, clear, acquit, enervating, enervative
Definition: (of an official body) absolve Definition: make (someone) very weak and
(someone) from blame for a fault or infirm.
wrongdoing. Usage: He was severely debilitated by a
Usage: The inquiry exonerated stomach upset
Lewis and his company. .

713). Hostile 719). A

Meaning: antagonistic, aggressive, ggregate
confrontational, belligerent Meaning:
Definition: showing or feeling opposition Definition: a material or structure formed
or dislike; unfriendly. from a mass of fragments or particles loosely
Usage: He wrote a ferociously hostile attack. compacted together. Usage: The specimen
is an aggregate of rock and mineral
714). Stimulus fragments.

60
 and propriety; improper
720). Tumultuous Usage : a pub crawl with sundry indecorous
Meaning: loud, thunderous, ear-shattering adventures
Definition: making an uproar or loud,
confused noise. Usage: He left the stage to 726). Assertion
tumultuous applause. Synonyms: declaration, contention,
statement, claim, submission, swearing
721). Rehabilitate Meaning: a confident and forceful
Synonyms: reintegrate, readapt, retrain statement of fact or belief
Meaning: restore (someone) to health or Usage : His assertion that his father had
normal life by training and therapy after deserted the family
imprisonment, addiction, or illness.
Usage : helping to rehabilitate former 727). Incongruity
criminals Synonyms: inappropriateness,
dissonance, difference, inconsistency, lack
722). Asylums of harmony
Synonyms: mental hospital, mental Meaning: the state of being
institution, psychiatric hospital incongruous; incompatibility
Meaning: an institution for the care of Usage : the incongruity of his fleshy face
people who are mentally ill. and skinny body disturbed her the
Usage : he'd been committed to an asylum incongruity of his fleshy face and skinny
body disturbed her
723). Prevarication 728). Adjudication
Synonyms: dishonesty, distortion, lie, Synonyms: arbitration, refereeing,
equivocation umpiring Meaning: The action or
Meaning: a person dishonest to his process of adjudicating Usage : The
organization matter may have to go to court for
Usage : My hesitation and prevarication had adjudication
apparently not inspired my interlocutor with
confidence in me. 729). Pervasive
Synonyms: prevalent, penetrating,
724). Exacerbating extensive, general, common, universal, rife
Synonyms: aggravate, make worse, Meaning: (especially of an unwelcome
worsen, inflame, compound influence or physical effect) spreading widely
Meaning: make (a problem, bad situation, throughout an area or a group of people.
or negative feeling) worse. Usage : ageism is pervasive and
Usage : Rising inflation was entrenched in our society
exacerbated by the collapse of oil
prices 730). Vacillate
Synonyms: dither, teeter, waver,
725). Indecorously hesitate, oscillate, fluctuate
Synonyms: improper, unseemly, Meaning: waver between different opinions
unbecoming, undignified, immodest, or actions; be indecisive.
indecent, immoral Usage : I vacillated between teaching and
Meaning: not in keeping with good taste journalism

61
 Usage: Written in memory of the
731). Pivotal composer's erstwhile teacher
Synonyms: central, crucial, vital
Meaning: of crucial importance in 738). Conspiracy
relation to the development or success Synonyms: plot, scheme, plan
of something else. Meaning: a secret plan by a group to do
Usage: Japan's pivotal role in the world something unlawful or harmful.
economy Usage: The company was involved in a
conspiracy with bookmakers to
732). Afloat manipulate starting prices 739). Coterie
Synonyms: floating, drifting, non-submerged Synonyms: set, circle, crowd
Meaning: floating in water; not sinking. Meaning: a small group of people with
Usage: A swimmer fighting to stay afloat shared interests or tastes, especially one
that is exclusive of other people.
733). Sabotage Usage: All prime ministers develop a small
Synonyms: wreck, coterie of kindred spirits
damage
Meaning: deliberately destroy, damage, 740). Pervasive
or obstruct (something), especially for Synonyms: prevalent, penetrating,
political or military advantage. extensive Meaning: (especially of an
Usage: Power lines from South Africa were unwelcome influence or physical effect)
sabotaged by rebel forces . spreading widely throughout an area or a
group of people.
734). Contingent Usage: Ageism is pervasive and
Synonyms: chance, accidental, possible entrenched in our society.
Meaning: subject to chance.
Usage: The contingent nature of the job 741). Commemorative
Meaning: Memorial, remembrance,
735). Nullify celebratory, celebrative
Synonyms: annul, void, invalidate Definition: acting as a memorial of an
Meaning: make legally null and void; event or person. Usage: Minister of State
invalidate. Usage: Judges were unwilling ManojSinha today released a
to nullify government decisions commemorative postage stamp on Tourism
in India on the occasion of 70th
736). Verdict Independence day
Synonyms: judgment, adjudication,
decision, finding Meaning: a decision on 742). Disaster
an issue of fact in a civil or criminal case Meaning: catastrophe, tragedy, act of god,
or an inquest. calamity Definition: a sudden accident or
Usage: The coroner recorded a verdict a natural catastrophe that causes great
of death by misadventure damage or loss of life.
Usage: US President Barack Obama
737). Erstwhile issued a disaster declaration for flood-
Synonyms: old, past, one-time devastated Louisiana
Meaning: former

62
743). Ravage something) so as to prevent them from
Meaning: ruin, destroy, raze, damage, lay continuing to a destination.
waste, wipe out. Usage: Intelligence agencies intercepted
Definition: cause severe and extensive a series of telephone calls.
damage to. 749). Pave
Usage: The hurricane ravaged southern Meaning: Cover, surface, floor, top, finish
Florida. Definition: cover (a piece of ground) with flat
stones or bricks; lay paving over
744). Swell Usage: China Satellite will pave the way
Meaning: Expand, bulge, distend, to a hack- proof communication system.
inflate, balloon, bloat, grow, increase,
rise 750). Feasibility
Definition: become or make greater in Meaning: Practicability, practicality,
intensity, number, amount, or volume workability, viability
Usage: The flooding submerged large Definition: the state or degree of
parts of the region on Sunday, three being easily or conveniently done.
days after water-swelled streams and Usage: The feasibility of screening athletes
rivers began rising for cardiac disease.

745). Interim 751). Quixotic

Meaning: meantime, meanwhile, interval, Meaning: idealistic,
interlude unbusinesslike, romatic,
Definition: the intervening time extravagant, visionary, unworldly
Usage: In the interim I'll just keep my fingers Definition: extremely idealistic;
crossed. unrealistic and impractical
Usage: A vast and perhaps quixotic project.
746). Curtain
Meaning: hanging, screen, blind, window 752). Brazen
hanging Definition: a screen of heavy Meaning: bold, shameless, forward,
cloth or other material that can be raised unashamed, unabashed, unblushing
or lowered at the front of a stage Usage: Definition: bold and without shame.
She drew the curtains and lit the fire Usage: He went about his illegal business
with a brazen assurance
747). Boast
Meaning: Brag, crow, swagger, swank, own, 753). Ingenious
enjoy, have Meaning: inventive, creative,
Definition: talk with excessive pride and imaginative, original, innovative,
self- satisfaction about one's resourceful, inspired
achievements, possessions, or abilities Definition: (of a person) clever, original,
Usage: She boasted about her many and inventive. Usage: He was ingenious
conquests enough to overcome the limited budget

748). Intercept 754). Naive

Meaning: Stop, head off, cut off Meaning: innocent, artless,
Definition: obstruct (someone or guileless, trustful, unaffacted, fond,

63
 wide-eyed, simple appreciation of beauty
Definition: (of a person) natural and Usage: The pictures give great aesthetic
unaffected; innocent pleasure.
Usage: Andy had a sweet, naive look when
he smiled 760). Gregarious
Meaning: sociable, social, companionable,
755). Suave clubbable, convivial
Meaning: charming, sophisticated, Definition: (of a person) fond of company;
debonair, urbane, polished, dignified, sociable
gentlemanly, gallant Usage: He was a popular and gregarious
Definition: (especially of a man) charming, man.
confident, and elegant.
Usage: All the waiters were suave and 761). Abandon
deferential Meaning: Desert, Leave, cast aside,
Definition: cease to support or look after
756). Epicure (someone); desert.
Meaning: gourmet, Usage: Her natural mother had abandoned
gourmand, her at an early age.
connoisseur,gastrono
me 762). Patronage
Definition: a person who takes particular Meaning: Sponsorship, backing, funding,
pleasure in fine food and drink promotion, support, guaranty, protection
Usage: They see themselves as epicures— Definition: the support given by a patron.
delighting in food that is properly prepared Usage: The arts could no longer depend
on private patronage
757). Magnanimous
Meaning: generous, charitable, benevolent, 763). Traverse
open- handed, bountiful, liberal, princely, Meaning: cross, negotiate, cross, pass over.
kind, kindly Definition: generous or Definition: travel across or through.
forgiving, especially towards a rival or less Usage: He traversed the forest
powerful person
Usage: She should be magnanimous in 764). Recuperate
victory Meaning: get better, recover, convalesce,
get back to normal
758). Paragon Definition: recover from illness or exertion
Meaning: Model, good example, Usage: She has been recuperating from a
apotheosis, exemplar, paradigm, acme, knee injury.
shining example
Definition: a person or thing viewed as a 765). Alms
model of excellence Meaning: charity, bounty, subsidy,
Usage: Your cook is a paragon. largesse, endowment
Definition: (in historical contexts) money
759). Aesthetic or food given to poor people
Meaning: Connoisseur, genteel Usage: The riders stopped to distribute alms.
Definition: concerned with beauty or the

64
 Meaning: din, racket, noise, discord,
766). Attenuate dissonance, jarring, grating, rasping
Meaning: diminished, impaired, reduced, Definition: A harsh discordant mixture of
decreased sounds
Definition: reduce the force, effect, or value Usage: A cacophony of deafening alarm
of bells.
Usage: Her intolerance was
attenuated by an unexpected 772). Brink
liberalism Meaning: edge, verge, margin, rim, lip
Definition: the extreme edge of land
767). Vindictive before a steep slope or a body or water.
Meaning: Vengeful, out for revenge, Usage: The brink of the cliffs
revengeful, avenging, unforgiving,
implacable, bitter 773). Conscious
Definition: having or showing a strong or Meaning: aware, awake, compos
unreasoning desire for revenge mentis, alert, responsive, reactive,
Usage: The criticism was both feeling, sentient Definition: aware of
vindictive and personalized and responding to one's
surroundings.
768). Discomfit Usage: Although I was in pain, I was
Meaning: embarrass, discomfort, conscious
unsettle, unnerve, upset, disturb, perturb,
distress 774). Induct
Definition: make (someone) feel Meaning: admit to, allow into, introduce to,
uneasy or embarrassed. install in, Definition: admit (someone)
Usage: He was not noticeably discomfited by formally to a post or organization
her tone. Usage: Arrangements for inducting new
769). Accusation members to an organization
Meaning: allegation, charge, claim,
asseveration, blame, criticism, 775). Perceive
complaint Meaning: discern, recognize, tell, grasp,
Definition: a charge or claim that understand, deduce, conclude, sence,
someone has done something illegal or divine, intuit
wrong Definition: become aware or conscious of
Usage: accusations of bribery. (something); come to realize or understand
Usage: His mouth fell open as he perceived
770). Indict the truth
Meaning: Charge with, arraign for, take to
court for, put on trial for 776). Emphasis
Definition: formally accuse of or charge with Meaning: Prominence, importance,
a crime. significance Definition: special
Usage: His former manager was indicted for importance, value, or prominence given to
fraud. something
Usage: They placed great emphasis on the
771). cacophony individual's freedom

65
 result of a disturbing experience or
777). Evident physical injury.
Meaning: Obvious, apparent, noticeable, Usage: The children were traumatized
conspicuous, perceptible. by separation from their families
Definition: clearly seen or understood;
obvious 783). Atrocity
Usage: She ate the biscuits with evident Meaning: iniquity, violation, crime,
enjoyment wrong, offence, affront, scandal, injustice.
Definition: an extremely wicked or cruel
778). Impatient act, typically one involving physical
Meaning: Irritate, annoyed, angry, violence or injury.
testy, tetchy, snappy, cross, crabby, Usage: A textbook which detailed war
moody atrocities
Definition: having or showing a tendency to
be quickly irritated or provoked 784). incalculable
Usage: An impatient motorist blaring his Meaning: inestimable, untold,
horn. immeasurable, uncountable,
indeterminable, incomputable
779). Sonn Definition: too great to be calculated
et Meaning: or estimated Usage: An archive of
ballad, lyric incalculable value.
Definition: a poem of fourteen lines using
any of a number of formal rhyme schemes, 785). Myopic
in English typically having ten syllables per Meaning: unimaginative, uncreative,
line narrow-minded, short-term, small-mind
Usage: compose sonnets. Definition: lacking foresight or intellectual
insight Usage: The government still has a
780). Mediocre myopic attitude to public spending.
Meaning: ordinary, common,
commonplace, average Definition: of only 786). Pertinent
average quality; not very good Usage: He Meaning: Relevant, apposite,
is an enthusiastic if mediocre painter. appropriate, suitable, fitting, fit, apt,
apropos
781). Despicable Definition: relevant or applicable to a
Meaning: Contemptible, particular matter; apposite
loathsome, hateful, detestable, Usage: She asked me a lot of very pertinent
reprehensible, awful, heinous questions
Definition: deserving hatred and
contempt. Usage: A despicable 787). Unsavoury
crime. Meaning: unpalatable, unappetizing,
unpleasant, disagreeable, uninviting,
782). Traumatize unattractive
Meaning: distrub, shock, bother, hurt, Definition: disagreeable to taste, smell, or
mortify, pain, upset look at Usage: They looked at the scanty,
Definition: subject to lasting shock as a unsavoury portions of food doled out to

66
 them disenchanted by the loss of his huge
following
788). Perspective
Meaning: Outlook, view, viewpoint, 794). Cohort
point of view, standpoint, position, stand, Meaning: unit, outfit, force
attitude Definition: an ancient Roman military unit,
Definition: a particular attitude comprising six centuries, equal to one tenth
towards or way of regarding of a legion.
something; a point of view. Usage: A cohort of civil servants
Usage: Most guidebook history is patiently drafting legislation
written from the editor's perspective.
795). Presumption
789). Rapture Meaning: brazenness, audacity, boldness,
Meaning: ecstasy, bliss, euphoria, temerity, front, pertness, forwardness
exaltation, joy, transport, rhapsody, Definition: behaviour perceived as
delight, pleasure arrogant, disrespectful, and transgressing
Definition: a feeling of intense pleasure or the limits of what is permitted or
joy appropriate
Usage: Leonora listened with rapture. Usage: He lifted her off the ground,
and she was enraged at his
790). Curse presumption.
Meaning: Execrate, imprecate, hoodoo
Definition: invoke or use a curse 796). Bigoted
against. Usage: It often seemed as if Meaning: prejudiced, biased, partial,
the family had been cursed. one-sided, dectarian, discriminatory
Definition: obstinately or unreasonably
791). Hinge attached to a belief, opinion, or faction, and
Meaning: depend, hang, rest, turn, pivot, intolerant towards other people's beliefs and
centre, be conditional practices.
Definition: attach or join with or as if Usage: A bigoted group of reactionaries
with a hinge Usage: The ironing board
was set into the wall and hinged at the 797). persuade
bottom. Meaning: prevail on, induce, win someone
over, coax, convince, make get
792). Ballot Definition: induce (someone) to do
Meaning: Vote, poll, election, straw poll, something through reasoning or argument.
plebiscite Definition: a system of voting Usage: It wasn't easy, but I persuaded
secretly and in writing on a particular issue. him to do the right thing.
Usage: A strike ballot
798). Persona
793). Disenchant Meaning: image, face, public face,
Meaning: disillusioned, disappointed, let character, personality, identity, self
down, fed up, discontented Definition: the aspect of someone's
Definition: cause (someone) to be character that is presented to or perceived
disappointed Usage: He may have been by others

67
 Usage: Her public persona. Definition: a speech or piece of writing
that praises someone or something highly,
799). Astonish especially a tribute to someone who has
Meaning: surprise, stagger, startle, stun, just died.
confound, dumbfound Usage: A eulogy to the Queen Mother.
Definition: surprise or impress (someone)
greatly. 805). Flaccid
Usage: You never fail to astonish me. Meaning: soft, loose, flabby, yielding,
slack, lax, toneless.
800). Vicious Definition: soft and hanging loosely
Meaning: brutal, savage, violent, or limply, especially so as to look or
dangerous, ruthless, heartless, callous, feel unpleasant.
cruel Usage: She took his flaccid hand in hers.
Definition: deliberately cruel or violent
Usage: A vicious assault. 806). Demise
Meaning: dying, death, passing, expiry,
801). Adherent expiration, end
Meaning: follower, supporter, defender, Definition: a person’s death
advocate, disciple, votary, member, Usage: Mr Grisenthwaite’s tragic demise.
friend
Definition: someone who supports a 807). Delusion
particular party, person, or set of ideas Meaning: misapprehension,
Usage: He was a strong adherent of misconception, misleading,
monetarism. mistake, deception, misbelief
Definition: the action of deluding or the
802). Bystander state of being deluded.
Meaning: onlooker, watcher, looker-on, Usage: What a capacity television has for
passer-by, eyewitness delusion.
Definition: a person who is present at
an event or incident but does not take 808). Arbitrary
part. Meaning: capricious, whimsical,
Usage: Water cannons were turned on random, chance, erratic, unpredictable,
marchers and innocent bystanders alike wild, casual
Definition: based on random choice or
803). Diligence personal whim rather than any reason or
Meaning: assiduity, rigour, system.
carefulness, conscientiousness, Usage: An arbitrary decision.
intentness
Definition: careful and persistent work or 809). Cynical
effort. Usage: Few party members Meaning: misanthropic, pessimistic
challenge his diligence as an MP Definition: believing that people are
motivated purely by self-interest; distrustful
804). Eulogy of human sincerity or integrity.
Meaning: accolade, panegyric, paean, Usage: He was brutally cynical and
encomium, tribute, testimonial hardened to every sob story under the sun

68
 Usage: Much academic language is
810). Concise obscure and verbose.
Meaning: Succinct, short, brief, pithy,
incisive, crisp. Definition: giving a lot of 816). Mandate
information clearly and in a few words; brief Meaning: instruction, directive,
but comprehensive. direction, decree, command, order,
Usage: A concise account of the country’s injunction, edict, charge Definition: an
history. official order or commission to do
something.
811). Spawned Usage: A mandate to seek the release
Meaning: releases, deposit egg, of political prisoners
Definition: (of a fish, frog, mollusc,
crustacean, etc.) release or deposit eggs 817). Smacks
Usage: The fish spawn among fine-leaved Meaning: slap, blow, spank, cuff, clout,
plants. thump, punch, rap, swat, crack
Definition: a sharp slap or blow, typically
812). Casuistry one given with the palm of the hand.
Meaning: sophistry, sophism, chicanery, Usage: She gave Mark a smack across the
quibbling, Definition: the use of clever but face.
unsound reasoning, especially in relation
to moral questions; sophistry. Usage: The 818). Relentless
minister is engaging in nothing more or Meaning: persistent, continuing, contant,
less than casuistry continual, non-stop, lasting, never-
ending, steady
813). Callous Definition: unceasingly intense
Meaning: Heartless, unfeeling, uncaring, Usage: The relentless heat of the desert.
cold, hard, cruel, harsh
Definition: showing or having an 819). Crucify
insensitive and cruel disregard for others. Meaning: condemn, attack, tear
Usage: His callous comments about the apart, arraign, denounce, pillory,
murder made me shiver malign, revile, vilify Definition:
criticize (someone) severely and
814). Slovenly unrelentingly.
Meaning: scruffy, untidy, messy, unkempt, Usage: Our fans would crucify us if we lost.
slatternly, dishavelled, blowsy, down at
heel 820). Stringent
Definition: (especially of a person or their Meaning: strict, firm, rigid, rigorous,
appearance) untidy and dirty severe, harsh, tight, exacting, stiff
Usage: A fat, slovenly ex-rock star Definition: (of regulations,
requirements, or conditions) strict,
815). Verbose precise, and exacting Usage:
Meaning: wordy, loquacious, garrulous, Stringent guidelines on air pollution.
talkative, voluble, orotund, expansive,
babbling, prating Definition: using or 821). Harness
expressed in more words than are needed Meaning: hitch up, put something,

69
 saddle, yoke, couple, appropriate to the matter in hand.
Definition: put a harness on (a horse or Usage: What small companies need is
other draught animal) relevant advice.
Usage: How to groom a horse and harness
it. 828). Woe
Meaning: misery, sorrow, distress,
822). Burgeoning sadness, unhappiness, heartache
Meaning: Expand, spring up, shoot up, Definition: great sorrow or distress
mushroom, boom, multiply, snowball (often used hyperbolically)
Definition: begin to grow or increase rapidly; Usage: The Everton tale of woe continued.
flourish. Usage: Manufacturers are keen to
cash in on the burgeoning demand 829). Multitude
Meaning: army, sea, abundance,
823). Quest profusion, host, horde, mass
Meaning: Search, hunt, pursuit Definition: a large number of people or
Definition: a long or arduous search for things. Usage: A multitude of medical
something. conditions are due to being overweight.
Usage: The quest for a reliable vaccine has
intensified 830). Herald
Meaning: single, indicate, announce,
824). Evolve point to, spell, presage, augur, portent,
Meaning: develop, progress, make promis
progress, spread, extend Definition: be a sign that (something)
Definition: develop gradually is about to happen
Usage: The company has evolved Usage: The speech heralded a change in
into a major chemical manufacturer policy.

825). Obsolete 831). Brevity

Meaning: Out of date, outdated, outmoded Meaning: Conciseness, concision,
Definition: no longer produced or used; out pith, briefness, shortness,
of date Usage: The disposal of old and compression, crispness
obsolete machinery. Definition: concise and exact use of
words in writing or speech
826). Affluent Usage: The staff will edit manuscripts
Meaning: wealthy, rich, prosperous, opulent, with a view to brevity and clarity.
well off, moneyed, comfortable
Definition: (especially of a group or area) 832). Feeble
having a great deal of money; wealthy. Meaning: Weak, weakly, puny, infirm,
Usage: The affluent societies of the western delicate, sickly, ailing, failing, helpless,
world powerless
Definition: lacking physical strength,
827). Relevant especially as a result of age or illness.
Meaning: pertinent, applicable, apposite, Usage: By now, he was too feeble to leave
material, apropos, to the point his room
Definition: closely connected or

70
833). Miserable 839). Eloquent
Meaning: Unhappy, sad, dejected, Meaning: persuasive, expressive, articulate,
depressed, downcast, downhearted, fluent Definition: fluent or persuasive in
glum, gloomy, blue, forlorn Definition: (of speaking or writing. Usage: An eloquent
a person) wretchedly unhappy or speech.
uncomfortable
Usage: Their happiness made Anne 840). Impetuous
feel even more miserable Meaning: impulsive, rash, hasty, reckless,
heedless, foolhardy, injudicious,
834). Scanty unthinking
Meaning: meagre, scant, minimal, Definition: acting or done quickly and
limited, modest, restricted, sparse without thought or care
Definition: small or insufficient in quantity Usage: She might live to rue this impetuous
or amount. Usage: They paid whatever decision.
they could out of their scanty wages to their
families 841). Ballast
Meaning: Heavy material, sand, iron
835). Brutal Definition: heavy material, such as gravel,
Meaning: savage, cruel, bloodthirsty, sand, or iron, placed in the bilge of a ship to
vicious, barbaric, wicked, harsh ensure its stability Usage: The hull had
Definition: savagely violent insufficient ballast.
Usage: A brutal murder.
842). Deceit
836). Filthy Meaning: deception, duplicity, fraud, craft,
Meaning: dirty, mucky, grimy, muddy, chicanery, guile, simulation, lying, bluff
murky, slimy, unclean Definition: the use of clever but unsound
Definition: disgustingly dirty. reasoning, especially in relation to moral
Usage: A filthy hospital with no sanitation questions; sophistry. Usage: The minister
is engaging in nothing more or less than
837). Combat casuistry
Meaning: battle, fighting, action,
conflict, armed conflict, war, warfare 843). Synthetic
Definition: fighting between armed forces. Meaning: artificial, fake, false, faux,
Usage: Five Hurricanes were shot down in imitation, mock, simulated, ersatz
combat. Definition: (of a substance) made by
chemical synthesis, especially to
838). Obstinate imitate a natural product.
Meaning: Stubborn, headstrong, wilful, Usage: Synthetic rubber
unyielding, inflexible, dogged, inexorable
Definition: stubbornly refusing to change 844). Cohesive
one's opinion or chosen course of action, Meaning: adhesive, united
despite attempts to persuade one to do so Definition: characterized by or causing
Usage: Her obstinate determination to cohesion
pursue a career in radio. Usage: Each parish was formerly a cohesive
unit

71
 dire, radical, substantial
845). Wane Definition: likely to have a strong or
Meaning: disappear, decrease, diminish, far-reaching effect; radical and extreme
dwindle Definition: (of the moon) have a Usage: A drastic reduction of staffing levels.
progressively smaller part of its visible
surface illuminated, so that it appears to 851). Abstain
decrease in size Meaning: Not vote, decline/refuse to vote
Usage: The moon is waning. Definition: formally decline to vote
either for or against a proposal or
motion
846). Foster Usage: Forty-one voted with the Opposition,
Meaning: Encourage, promote, further, and some sixty more abstained.
stimulate, forward, cultivate
Definition: encourage the development of 852). Adulterate
(something, especially something Meaning: Make impure, degrade, debase,
desirable).. spoil, taint, defile, foul, sully
Usage: The teacher's task is to foster Definition: render (something) poorer in
learning quality by adding another substance.
Usage: The brewer is said to adulterate his
847). Swift beer
Meaning: prompt, rapid, sudden,
immediate, instant, without delay 853). Laconic
Definition: happening quickly or promptly Meaning: brief, terse, succinct, shot,
Usage: A remarkably swift recovery. economical, elliptical, crisp, pithy
Definition: (of a substance) made by
848). Formidable chemical synthesis, especially to imitate a
Meaning: intimidation, forbidding, natural product. Usage: Synthetic rubber
redoubtable, daunting, alarming,
frightening, brooding, awesome, 854). Capricious
fearsome Meaning: fickle, inconstant, changeable,
Definition: inspiring fear or respect variable, unstable, mercurial, volatile
through being impressively large, Definition: given to sudden and
powerful, intense, or capable Usage: A unaccountable changes of mood or
formidable opponent behaviour
Usage: A capricious and often brutal
849). Emphatic administration
Meaning: vehement, firm, forceful, forcible,
energetic, vigorous, ardent 855). Laudable
Definition: expressing something forcibly Meaning: estimable, of note, worthy,
and clearly. Usage: The children were admirable, commendable, deserving,
emphatic that they would like to repeat the reputable
experience. Definition: (of an action, idea, or aim)
deserving praise and commendation
850). Drastic Usage: Laudable though the aim might be,
Meaning: extreme, serious, forceful, the results have been criticized

72
 Definition: waver between different
856). Corroborate opinions or actions; be indecisive
Meaning: confirm, verify, endorse, ratify, Usage: I vacillated between teaching and
validate, certify journalism.
Definition: confirm or give support to (a
statement, theory, or finding). 862). Mitigate
Usage: The witness had corroborated the Meaning: reduce, diminish, lessen,
boy's account of the attack weaken, lighten, damp, dull, appease,
soothe, still, quell, quiet, Definition: make
857). Desiccate (something bad) less severe, serious, or
Meaning: dried, dried up, dry, powered painful.
Definition: remove the moisture from Usage: Drainage schemes have helped to
(something), typically in order to preserve mitigate this problem
it
Usage: Desiccated coconut. 863). Propriety
Meaning: decorum, modesty, civility,
858). Pedant courtesy, politeness
Meaning: purist, formalist, doctrinaire, Definition: conformity to conventionally
dogmatist Definition: a person who is accepted standards of behavior or
excessively concerned with minor details and morals.
rules or with displaying academic learning Usage: He always behaved with the utmost
Usage: The royal palace (some pedants propriety
would say the ex-royal palace)
864). Volatile
859). Engender Meaning: tense, strained, fraught,
Meaning: Cause, create, generate, uneasy, charged, explosive, turbulent
rouse, incite, provoke, kindle, trigger, Definition: liable to change rapidly and
effect unpredictably, especially for the worse
Definition: cause or give rise to (a feeling, Usage: The political situation was
situation, or condition). becoming more volatile
Usage: The issue engendered continuing
controversy. 865). Malleable
Meaning: pliable, ductile, soft, workable
860). Gullible Definition: (of a metal or other material)
Meaning: credulous, trustful, naïve, able to be hammered or pressed into
innocent, unwary, simple shape without breaking or cracking.
Definition: easily persuaded to believe Usage: A malleable metal can be beaten into
something; credulous a sheet
Usage: An attempt to persuade a
gullible public to spend their money. 866). Ostentation
Meaning: showiness, show, showing off,
861). Vacillate Definition: the pretentious or showy display
Meaning: Dither, be indecisive, of wealth and luxury, designed to impress
hesitate, oscillate, waver, teeter, Usage: The office was spacious, but without
temporize any trace of ostentation

73
 Usage: His six-foot frame shook with mirth
867). Philanthropist
Meaning: benefactor, donor, backer, helper, 873). Sagacious
patron Definition: a person who seeks to
promote the welfare of others, especially by
the generous donation of money to good
causes
Usage: The trust was founded by an
American philanthropist.

868). Enervate
Meaning: exhaust, tire, weary, drain,
sap, weaken, enfeeble, indisposed
Definition: make (someone) feel drained of
energy or vitality
Usage: Enervating heat.

869). Eulogy
Meaning: Accolade, panegyric, paean,
tribute Definition: a speech or piece of
writing that praises someone or
something highly, especially a tribute to
someone who has just died
Usage: A eulogy to the Queen Mother.

870). Garrulous
Meaning: talkative, voluble, long-
winded, chatty, expansive
Definition: excessively talkative, especially
on trivial matters
Usage: A garrulous cab driver.

871). Extirpate
Meaning: Weed out, eradicate, stamp
out, root out, eliminate, suppress
Definition: eradicate or destroy
completely Usage: Timber wolves were
extirpated from New England more than
a century ago.

872). Mirth
Meaning: merriment, high spirits, levity,
revelry, fun, enjoyment, jollity
Definition: amusement, especially as
expressed in laughter.

74
 Meaning: wise, clever, intelligent, Meaning: callous, barbarous, bestial,
knoledegeable, sensible vicious, brutal, cruel, savage, cold-
Definition: having or showing keen blooded, inhuman, ruthless, heartless
mental discernment and good Definition: deriving pleasure from
judgement; wise or shrewd Usage: inflicting pain, suffering, or humiliation
They were sagacious enough to avoid on others
any outright confrontation Usage: She took a sadistic pleasure in
tormenting him.
874). Sabbatical
Meaning: furlough, leave of absence, 879). Facile
recess, ime off, break, holiday, liberty, Meaning: simplistic, superficial,
vacation over simple, schematic, black and
Definition: a period of paid leave granted white
to a university teacher for study or travel, Definition: ignoring the true complexities
traditionally one year for every seven years of an issue; superficial.
worked Usage: Facile generalizations.
Usage: She's away on sabbatical
880). Quack
875). Seemly Meaning: swindler, charlatan, rogue,
Meaning: decorous, proper, becoming, villain, fraud, trickster
fitting, suitable, apt Definition: a person who dishonestly
Definition: conforming to accepted claims to have special knowledge and skill
notions of propriety or good taste; in some field, typically medicine.
decorous Usage: A quack doctor.
Usage: I felt it was not seemly to observe too
closely. 881). Reckoning
Meaning: calculation, estimation,
876). Shrew computation, working out, summation
Meaning: virago, dragon, vixen, cat, Definition: the action or process of
fishwife, witch, hellcat, she-devil calculating or estimating something.
Definition: a bad-tempered or Usage: The sixth, or by another
aggressively assertive woman. reckoning eleventh, Earl of Mar.
Usage: The girls became shrews and
harridans 882). Preacher
Meaning: Minister (of religion), parson,
877). Hegemony clergyman, clergywoman, apostle,
Meaning: Leadership, dominance, missionary, gospeller Definition: a person
dominion, supremacy, ascendancy, power, who preaches, especially a minister of
control, mastery Definition: leadership or religion.
dominance, especially by one state or Usage: To preach the Truth to the face of
social group over others. Falsehood!
Usage: Germany was united under
Prussian hegemony after 1871. 883). acquisition
Meaning: purchase, accession,
878). Sadistic addition, asset, Definition: an asset or

75
 object bought or obtained, typically by a Definition: block or defend with a barricade.
library or museum. Usage: They barricaded the building and
Usage: The legacy will be used for new occupied it all night.
acquisitions
890). Reiterate
884). Anxiety Meaning: repeat, say again, retell,
Meaning: worry, concern, apprehension, iterate, harp on, dwell on
fear, tension, suspence Definition: say something again or a
Definition: a feeling of worry, nervousness, number of times, typically for emphasis or
or unease about something with an uncertain clarity.
outcome Usage: She reiterated that the
Usage: He felt a surge of anxiety. government would remain steadfast in
its support.
885). Jeopardize
Meaning: threaten, endanger, imperil, 891). Authentic
menace, risk Definition: put (someone or Meaning: Genuine, original, real, actual,
something) into a situation in which there is a pukka, bona fide, ture, veritable
danger of loss, harm, or failure Usage: A Definition: of undisputed origin and
devaluation of the dollar would jeopardize not a copy; genuine.
New York's position as a financial centre. Usage: The letter is now accepted as
an authentic document.
886). Oppressive
Meaning: Harsh, cruel, repressive, 892). Predilection
tyrannical, autocratic, dictational Meaning: Liking, fondness, preference,
Definition: inflicting harsh and authoritarian partially, taste, penchant, weakness,
treatment. leaning, bias, love
Usage: An oppressive dictatorship. Definition: a preference or
special liking for something; a bias
887). Deplorable in favour of something.
Meaning: disgraceful, shameful, Usage: Your predilection for pretty girls.
unpardonable, unforgivable
Definition: deserving strong condemnation; 893). Devout
completely unacceptable. Meaning: pious, religious, devoted,
Usage: Children living in deplorable dedicated, reverent, believing, godly
conditions. Definition: having or showing deep
religious feeling or commitment.
888). Contingent Usage: She was a devout Catholic
Meaning: Chance, accidental,
fortuitous, possible, unforeseen 894). Inadvertently
Definition: subject to chance.. Meaning: accidentally, by accident,
Usage: The contingent nature of the job. unwittingly
Definition: without intention; accidentally
889). Barricade Usage: His name had been inadvertently
Meaning: Blockade, obstruct, closeup, omitted from the list.
bar, block off, fortify

76
895). Lunacy in order to gain advantage.
Meaning: insanity, madness, mental illness, Usage: My sister is a shallow
dementia, mania, frenzy sycophant who will flatter anyone for a
Definition: the state of being a lunatic; free designer handbag.
insanity (not in technical use).
Usage: It has been suggested that originality 901). Agile
demands a degree of lunacy. Meaning: nimble, lithe, supple, light-footed,
graceful
896). Reprimand Definition: able to move quickly and easily.
Meaning: rebuke, reproof, admonition, Usage: Ruth was as agile as a monkey.
reproach, reproval, scolding
Definition: a formal expression of 902). Bewilder
disapproval. Meaning: Baffle, mystify, puzzle, confuse,
Usage: The golfer received a reprimand for confound, nonplus,
a breach of rules. Definition: cause (someone) to become
perplexed and confused.
897). Endeavour Usage: She was bewildered by his
Meaning: try, attempt, venture, undertake, sudden change of mood
aspire, aim
Definition: try hard to do or achieve 903). Garner
something. Meaning: gather, collect , assemble
Usage: He is endeavouring to help the Third Definition: gather or collect (something,
World. especially information or approval).
Usage: The police struggled to garner
898). Blunt sufficient evidence
Meaning: Not sharp, unsharpened, dull,
worn, edgeless Definition: (of a cutting 904). Remorse
implement) not having a sharp edge or point. Meaning: contrition, deep regret,
Usage: A blunt knife. repentance, penitence, guilt, feeling
of guilt
899). Prerogative Definition: deep regret or guilt for a wrong
Meaning: entitlement, right, privilege, committed
advantage, due, birthright Usage: They were filled with remorse and
Definition: a right or privilege exclusive to a shame
particular individual or class.
Usage: In some countries, higher 905). Antsy
education is predominantly the Meaning: Agitated, impatient, restless
prerogative of the rich. Definition: the state of being restless or
anxious Usage: Being a complete
900). Sycophant introvert, Henry is shy and gets antsy
Meaning: toady, creep, crawler, fawner, when he has to speak to a girl.
flatterer, flunkey, truckler, groveller,
minion,
Definition: a person who acts 906). Audacity
obsequiously towards someone important Meaning: daring, boldness, fearlessness,

77
 intrepidity, courage, heroism, pluck the present system
Definition: a willingness to take bold risks.
Usage: He whistled at the sheer audacity of 912). Equivocal
the plan. Meaning: hazy, foggy, vague, indefinite,
inexplicit, nebulous, borderline
907). Unceremonious Definition: (of a person) using ambiguous or
Meaning: abrupt, sudden, hasty, evasive language
summary, rude, offhand Usage: The equivocal nature of her remarks
Definition: having or showing a lack of
courtesy; rough or abrupt. 913). Lucid
Usage: He was known for his strong Meaning: cogent, coherent, communicative,
views and unceremonious manners. articulate, eloquent
Definition: expressed clearly; easy to
908). Complacent understand
Meaning: smug, self-satisfied, pleased Usage: A lucid account
with oneself, proud of oneself
Definition: showing smug or uncritical 914). Precipitate
satisfaction with oneself or one's Meaning: bring about, cause, lead to,
achievements occasion, trigger, provoke, hasten
Usage: You can't afford to be Definition: (cause (an event or situation,
complacent about security. typically one that is undesirable) to happen
suddenly, unexpectedly, or prematurely
909). Expedite Usage: The incident precipitated a political
Meaning: Speed up, accelerate, hurry, crisis
hasten, step up, quicken, rush
Definition: make (an action or process) 915). Assuage
happen sooner or be accomplished more Meaning: relieve, ease, alleviate, soothe,
quickly. calm, reduce, lower, dilute
Usage: He promised to expedite economic Definition: make (an unpleasant feeling)
reforms. less intense
Usage: The letter assuaged the fears of
910). Superficial most members
Meaning: Surface, exterior, external,
outer, outside, outermost, slight 916). Erudite
Definition: existing or occurring at or on the Meaning: Learned, scholarly, well educated,
surface. well read, civilized
Usage: The building suffered only superficial Definition: having or showing great
damage. knowledge or learning
Usage: Ken could turn any conversation into
911). Anomaly an erudite discussion
Meaning: Oddity, peculiarity, irregularity,
inconsistency, incongruity, quirk 917). Antipathy
Definition: something that deviates from Meaning: hostility, antagonism,
what is standard, normal, or expected aversion, animus, opposition, enmity,
Usage: There are a number of anomalies in hate, loathing

78
 Definition: a deep-seated feeling of leading, noted, public, foremost, big,
aversion top, great, famed Definition:
Usage: His fundamental antipathy to important; famous.
capitalism Usage: She was a prominent
member of the city council.
918). Opaque
Meaning: Non-transparent, cloudy, 924). Gullible
filmy, blurred, misty, dirty, dingy Meaning: credulous, innocent, simple,
Definition: not able to be seen through; not unsceptical, unworldly, ignorant
transparent Definition: easily persuaded to believe
Usage: Bottles filled with a pale opaque something; credulous.
liquid Usage: An attempt to persuade a
gullible public to spend their money.
919). Bolster
Meaning: Pillow, cushion, pad, support, rest 925). Forgoing
Definition: a long, thick pillow that is placed Meaning: do without, go without, give up,
under other pillows for support surrender, eschew
Usage: The fall in interest rates is Definition: go without (something
starting to bolster confidence desirable). Usage: She wanted to forgo
the tea and leave while they could.
920). Deride 926). Gauge
Meaning: ridicule, mock, jeer at, scoff at, Meaning: measure, calculate, compute, work
make fun of, pillory out, determine, ascertain
Definition: express contempt for; ridicule Definition: estimate or determine the
Usage: The decision was derided by amount, level, or volume of.
environmentalists Usage: Astronomers can gauge the star's
intrinsic brightness.
921). Recede
Meaning: retreat, go back, move back, 927). Incipient
move away Definition: go or move back Meaning: developing, impending, growing,
or further away from a previous position emerging, emergent, dawning
Usage: The floodwaters had receded. Definition: (of a person) developing into a
specified type or role.
922). Critical Usage: We seemed more like friends than
Meaning: censorious, incipient lovers.
condemnatory, scathing, criticizing,
disapproving, negative 928). Malevolent
Definition: expressing adverse or Meaning: malicious, spiteful, hostile, evil-
disapproving comments or minded, baleful, bitter
judgements. Definition: having or showing a wish to
Usage: I was very critical of the previous do evil to others.
regime. Usage: The glint of dark, malevolent eyes.

923). Prominent 929). Proposition

Meaning: Important, well known, Meaning: theory, hypothesis, thesis,

79
 argument, premise, postulation, theorem, marked, useful Definition: of considerable
concept, idea, statement Definition: a importance, size, or worth. Usage: A
statement or assertion that expresses a substantial amount of cash.
judgement or opinion.
Usage: The proposition that high 936). Exacerbate
taxation is undesirable. Meaning: Aggravate, make worse,
worsen, inflame, compound
930). Soar Definition: make (a problem, bad situation,
Meaning: fly up, wing, wing its way or negative feeling) worse.
Definition: fly or rise high in the air. Usage: Rising inflation was
Usage: The bird spread its wings and exacerbated by the collapse of oil
soared into the air. prices.

931). Jubilation 937). Empirical

Meaning: Exultation, Joy, elation, glee, Meaning: Observed, seen, factual,
triumph Definition: a feeling of great actual, real, first- hand
happiness and triumph. Usage: Definition: based on, concerned with, or
Unbelievable scenes of jubilation. verifiable by observation or experience
rather than theory or pure logic.
932). Plummet Usage: They provided considerable
Meaning: Plunge, fall headlong, hurtle, empirical evidence to support their
dive, drop, crash, nosedive argument.
Definition: fall or drop straight down at high
speed. Usage: A climber was killed when he 938). Rigour
plummeted 300 feet down an icy gully. Meaning: accuracy, correctness,
exactitude, diligence, carefulness,
933). Unscrupulous exactness
Meaning: unprincipled, unethical, immoral, Definition: the quality of being
amoral, sly, bad, improper, wicked, sinful, extremely thorough and careful.
Definition: having or showing no moral Usage: His analysis is lacking in rigour.
principles; not honest or fair
Usage: Unscrupulous landlords might be 939). Inexorable
tempted to harass existing tenants. Meaning: relentless, unstoppable,
inevitable, inescapable
934). Unpalatable Definition: impossible to stop or
Meaning: disagreeable, unpleasant, prevent. Usage: The seemingly
displeasing, unattractive, regrettable, inexorable march of new technology.
unwelcome, nasty, horrible Definition:
difficult to put up with or accept 940). Lackluster
Usage: The unpalatable fact that many of Meaning: Dry, flat, lifeless, tame, tired,
the world's people are starving. colourless, dull
Definition: lacking in vitality, force, or
935). Substantial conviction; uninspired or uninspiring.
Meaning: Considerable, real, material, Usage: No excuses were made for the
weighty, solid, sizeable, meaningful, Major, team's lackluster performance.

80
 giving information to an enemy.
941). Leniency Usage: A double agent who betrayed some
Meaning: mercifulness, mercy, 400 British and French agents to the
clemency, lenity, forgiveness Germans.
Definition: The fact or quality of being more
merciful or tolerant than expected; 947). Alleviate
clemency. Meaning: Reduce, quiet, relieve,
Usage: The court could show leniency. dilute, modify, moderate
Definition: make (suffering, deficiency, or a
942). Reluctant problem) less severe.
Meaning: Unwilling, disinclined, grudging, Usage: He couldn't prevent her pain, only
resisting, opposed alleviate it.
Definition: unwilling and hesitant;
disinclined. 948). Tangible
Usage: She seemed reluctant to answer. Meaning: touchable, palpable,
tactile, material, physical, real,
943). Curb substantial
Meaning: Restraint, restriction, check, Definition: perceptible by touch.
brake, rein, control, limit Usage: the atmosphere of neglect and
Definition: a check or restraint on abandonment was almost tangible.
something. Usage: Plans to introduce
tougher curbs on insider dealing. 949). Demonstrate
Meaning: reveal, bespeak, indicate,
944). Frustrate signify, signal, denote, show, display
Meaning: defeat, foil, block, stop, Definition: clearly show the existence
counter, spoil, check, dash, crush or truth of (something) by giving proof
Definition: prevent (a plan or attempted or evidence.
action) from progressing, succeeding, or Usage: Their shameful silence
being fulfilled demonstrates their ineptitude.
Usage: The rescue attempt was
frustrated by bad weather. 950). Narrate
Meaning: tell, relate, report, relay, retail,
945). Enact detail, unfold
Meaning: make law, pass, approve, Definition: give a spoken or written account
ratify, validate, sanction, authorize, accept of.
Definition: make (a bill or other proposal) Usage: The story is narrated by the heroine.
law. Usage: legislation was enacted to
attract international companies. 951). Recede
Meaning: retreat, go back, move back,
946). Betray move away Definition: go or move back
Meaning: break one's promise to, be or further away from a previous position
disloyal to, be unfaithful to, break faith with, Usage: The floodwaters had receded.
play someone false, fail, let down
Definition: expose (one's country, a group, 952). Critical
or a person) to danger by treacherously Meaning: censorious,

81
 condemnatory, scathing, criticizing, than incipient lovers.
disapproving, negative
Definition: expressing adverse or 958). Malevolent
disapproving comments or Meaning: malicious, spiteful, hostile,
judgements. evil-minded, baleful, bitter
Usage: I was very critical of the previous Definition: having or showing a wish to
regime. do evil to others.
Usage: The glint of dark, malevolent eyes.
953). Prominent
Meaning: Important, well known, 959). Proposition
leading, noted, public, foremost, big, Meaning: theory, hypothesis, thesis,
top, great, famed Definition: important; argument, premise, postulation, theorem,
famous. concept, idea, statement Definition: a
Usage: She was a prominent statement or assertion that expresses a
member of the city council. judgement or opinion.
Usage: The proposition that high
954). Gullible taxation is undesirable.
Meaning: credulous, innocent, simple,
unsceptical, unworldly, ignorant 960). Soar
Definition: easily persuaded to believe Meaning: fly up, wing, wing its way
something; credulous. Definition: fly or rise high in the air.
Usage: An attempt to persuade a Usage: The bird spread its wings and
gullible public to spend their money. soared into the air.

955). Forgoing 961). Brutalize

Meaning: do without, go without, give up, Meaning: attack, abuse, assault, beat,
surrender, eschew thump, pummel, pound
Definition: go without (something Definition: treat (someone) in a savage and
desirable). Usage: She wanted to forgo violent way Usage: They brutalize and
the tea and leave while they could. torture persons in their custody.

956). Gauge 962). Cantankerous

Meaning: measure, calculate, compute, Meaning: irritable, cross, fraction, testy,
work out, determine, ascertain touchy
Definition: estimate or determine the Definition: bad-tempered,
amount, level, or volume of. argumentative, and uncooperative.
Usage: Astronomers can gauge the Usage: He can be a cantankerous old fossil
star's intrinsic brightness. at times.

957). Incipient 963). Obstacle

Meaning: developing, impending, growing, Meaning: Barrier, hurdle, stumbling block,
emerging, emergent, dawning bar, block, problem, deterrent, handicap
Definition: (of a person) developing into a Definition: a thing that blocks one's way or
specified type or role. prevents or hinders progress.
Usage: We seemed more like friends Usage: The major obstacle to achieving

82
 that goal is money. 970). Vice
Meaning: immorality, wrong, badness,
964). Trite wickedness, evil, impurity
Meaning: hackneyed, banal, cliched, Definition: immoral or wicked behaviour.
vapid, ordinary Definition: (of a remark or Usage: An open sewer of vice and crime.
idea) lacking originality or freshness; dull
on account of overuse. 971). Disputable
Usage: This point may now seem obvious Meaning: debatable, open to
and trite. debate, Open to discussion, open to
question, doubtful
965). Derision Definition: not established as a fact, and
Meaning: Mockery, ridicule, jeering, sneers, so open to question or debate.
scoffing Usage: whether it can be described as art
Definition: contemptuous ridicule or criticism may be disputable.
mockery. Usage: My stories were
greeted with derision and disbelief. 972). Reveal
Meaning: Open up, tell, bring out,
966). Meandering disclose, release, leak
Meaning: winding, windy, zigzag, Definition: make (previously unknown or
turning, curving, twisting, snaky secret information) known to others.
Definition: following a winding course. Usage: Brenda was forced to reveal
Usage: Meandering rivers flow at vastly Robbie's whereabouts.
different rates.
973). Deliberate
967). Fervent Meaning: Intentional, calculated, meant,
Meaning: impassioned, intense, prearranged, studied, done on purpose
ardent, sincere, feeling, heartfelt Definition: done consciously and
Definition: having or displaying a passionate intentionally.
intensity. Usage: A deliberate attempt to provoke
Usage: A fervent supporter of the revolution. conflict.

968). Florid 974). Stimulate

Meaning: ruby, red, rosy, red faced, Meaning: Tonic, restorative, bracing,
pinkish Definition: having a red or refreshing Definition: raise levels of
flushed complexion. Usage: A stout physiological or nervous activity in (the
man with a florid face. body or any biological system).
Usage: The women are given fertility
969). Unanimity drugs to stimulate their ovaries.
Meaning: agreement, accord, concord,
unity, union, solidarity 975). Perilous
Definition: agreement by all people Meaning: Dangerous, hazardous, fraught
involved; consensus. with danger
Usage: There is almost complete Definition: full of danger or risk.
unanimity on this issue. Usage: She a perilous journey south.

83
976). Jubilant compliment, commendation
Meaning: Overjoyed, exultant, joyful, Definition: a speech or piece of writing
gleeful, thrilled Definition: feeling or that praises someone or something
expressing great happiness and triumph. highly, especially a tribute to someone
Usage: A large number of jubilant fans ran who has just died.
on to the pitch. Usage: A eulogy to the Queen Mother.

977). Arraign 983). Hyperbole

Meaning: Criticize, censure, attack, Meaning: Overstatement, magnification,
condemn, reprove, berate, find fault with embroidery, excess, overkill, overplaying
Definition: call or bring (someone) before Definition: exaggerated statements or
a court to answer a criminal charge. claims not meant to be taken literally
Usage: Her sister was arraigned on Usage: He vowed revenge with oaths and
charges of attempted murder. hyperboles.

978). Accomplice 984). Mammoth

Meaning: Abettor, associate, collaborator Meaning: Huge, enormous, giant,
Definition: a person who helps massive, towering, titanic, epic, massive,
another commit a crime. vast
Usage: An accomplice in the murder. Definition: huge
Usage: A mammoth corporation.
979). Meticulous
Meaning: careful, exacting, 985). Amalgamate
demanding, accurate, correct Meaning: Combine, merge, unite,
Definition: showing great attention to integrate, fuse, blend, mix, incorporate
detail; very careful and precise. Definition: combine or unite to form one
Usage: The designs are hand-glazed with organization or structure.
meticulous care. Usage: He amalgamated his company with
another.
980). Accord 986). Influx
Meaning: Give, grant, tender, award, Meaning: in rush, rush, stream, flood,
present, hand, yield ingress Definition: an arrival or entry of
Definition: give or grant someone large numbers of people or things.
(power, status, or recognition). Usage: A massive influx of tourists.
Usage: The powers accorded to the head of
state. 987). Impeccable
Meaning: flawless, spotless, stainless,
981). Ascent perfect, ideal, model
Meaning: climb, scaling, scramble, Definition: in accordance with the highest
clamber Definition: a climb or walk standards; faultless.
to the summit of a mountain or hill. Usage: He had impeccable manners.
Usage: The first ascent of the Matterhorn.
988). Zenith
982). Eulogy Meaning: Highest point, crowning point,
Meaning: Accolade, paean, tribute, height, top, peak, climax, maximum, flower

84
 Definition: the time at which situation of danger
something is most powerful or Usage: To escape the fighting, his
successful. family fled from their village
Usage: In 1977, punk was at its zenith.
995). Outrage
989). Orderly Meaning: indignation, fury, anger
Meaning: neat, trim, well kept, Definition: An extremely strong
straight, tidy Definition: neatly and reaction of anger, shock, or indignation
methodically arranged. Usage: An Usage: Her voice trembled with outrage
orderly arrangement of objects.
996). Groom
990). Endorse Meaning: curry, brush, comb
Meaning: autograph, initial, Definition: Brush and clean the coat of (a
superscribe, inscribe, countersign horse, dog, or other animal)
Definition: declare one's public approval or Usage: The horses were groomed and taken
support of. to shows
Usage: The report was endorsed by the
college. 997). Litigation
Meaning: case, legal proceeding,
991). Ailment legal dispute Definition: The
Meaning: illness, disease, sickness process of taking legal action
Definition: an illness, typically a minor one. Usage: The company wishes to
Usage: We spend more on almost any avoid litigation
article of bodily aliment than on our mental
aliment. 998). Trajectory
Meaning: course, route, path
992). Contaminated Definition: The path followed by a
Meaning: pollute, corrupt, infect projectile flying or an object moving under
Definition: make (something) impure by the action of given forces Usage: The
exposure to or addition of a poisonous or missile’s trajectory was preset
polluting substance.
Usage: The site was found to be 999). Agitation
contaminated by radioactivity Meaning: anxiety, perturbation, disquiet,
distress Definition: A state of anxiety or
993). Largesse nervous excitement Usage: She was
Meaning: liberality, bounty, generosity wringing her hands in agitation
Definition: Generosity in bestowing
money or gifts upon others 1000). Premises
Usage: Presumably public money is not Meaning: property, site, place
dispensed with such largesse to anyone Definition: A house or building, together
else with its land and outbuildings, occupied by
a business or considered in an official
994). Flee context
Meaning: run, escape, take off Usage: The company has moved to new
Definition: Run away from a place or premises

85