a posteriori, adj. A Latin phrase that means a reasoning derived from facts and experience; synonym: empirical; antonym: theoretical. a priori, adj. A Latin phrase that means a reasoning derived from analyzing ideas, without support from observed facts; synonym: theoretical; antonym: empirical. abject, adj. At the lowest state; completely miserable; synonym: base; antonym: imperious. abnegation, n. The giving up of one’s rights; synonym: self-denial; antonym: self-indulgence. abridgment, n. A text shortened through deletion and condensing but not changed from the original meaning; synonym: condensation; antonym: expansion. abstruse, adj. Difficult to understand due to complexity or abstractness; synonym: esoteric; antonym: superficial. abut, v. To touch on one side of a border, as with a piece of property; synonym: adjoin; antonym: disjoin. accede, v. To assume an office; to become part of an agreement through assent; synonym: consent; antonym: dissent. accost, v. To approach someone and speak to them abruptly or confrontationally; synonym: confront; antonym: evade. acquit, v. In court, to find not guilty of the crime accused of; to act in a specific, desirable manner; synonym: exon- erate; antonym: convict. acumen, n. Acute judgment or quick, accurate insight; synonym: shrewdness; antonym: simplemindedness. ado, n. An excitement over something trivial; a fuss that outweighs what is being fussed over | adieu, n. Goodbye, farewell. adulterate, v. To make impure or inferior through the addition of other, less valuable ingredients; synonym: dilute; antonym: enrich. adumbrate, v. To outline with few details; to foreshadow in a veiled way; synonym: prefigure; antonym: illuminate. aegis, n. Literally, a shield or breastplate; metaphori- cally, protection or sponsorship; synonym: patronage; antonym: assault. aerie, n. A bird’s nest made on top of a mountain or on a cliff; also eyrie | airy, adj. Being like air; light. affable, adj. Easy and pleasing to speak with; being gracious and pleasant; synonym: easygoing; antonym: uptight. altercation, n. A verbal argument marked by anger or strong words/sentiments; synonym: quarrel; antonym: acceptance. amalgamate, v. To combine into a whole, especially some- thing new into an existing whole; synonym: comingle; antonym: separate. ambidextrous, adj. Literally, able to use both hands equally; metaphorically, characterized by double-dealing or deception; synonym: deceitful; antonym: honest. ambivalent, adj. Being unsure between two opposing ideas, feelings, or approaches; synonym: conflicted; antonym: certain. amenity, n. A trait of agreeableness or pleasantness; something that adds to the pleasantness or comfort of a thing, such as free breakfast at a hotel; synonym: agree- ability; antonym: disagreeableness. amiss, adv. In a mistaken, imperfect, or unfortunate way; synonym: improperly; antonym: fittingly. amity, n. A mutual feeling of friendship characterized by acceptance of each other; synonym: fellowship; antonym: malevolence. anarchist, n. Someone who follows the theory that all governments are oppressive and should be destroyed, especially by violent means; someone who is against authority; synonym: syndicalist; antonym: pacifist. anathema, n. A formal ban from a religion; a strong denouncement; one who is so denounced; synonym: curse; antonym: endorsement. antipathy, n. A strong, settled feeling of dislike or aversion; synonym: enmity; antonym: amity. apathy, n. A lack of emotion, unfeelingness; a lack of interest, unconcern; synonym: numbness; antonym: sensibility. apportion, v. To divide according to a plan; synonym: allot; antonym: misallocate. apt, adj. Precisely suited or fitting; having a natural inclination; being quick to understand; synonym: prone; antonym: inapplicable. argot, n. Specialized vocabulary of a particular group, such as thieves or teenagers, used to communicate secretly; synonym: slang; antonym: standard. arrant, adj. Completely or notoriously | errant, adj. Wandering, as with a vagrant; sometimes an alternative spelling for arrant. arrogate, v. To claim or take as one’s own something one has no right to; synonym: appropriate; antonym: renounce. articulate, v. To clearly express, especially verbally; synonym: enunciate; antonym: garble. asinine, adj. Completely stupid or foolish; synonym: vacuous; antonym: prudent. assent, v. To give one’s agreement or acceptance; synonym: concur; antonym: dissent. asseverate, v. To answer positively or solemnly; synonym: testify; antonym: refute. atavism, n. Something that reoccurs, as with a charac- teristic or former style/manner; synonym: reversion; antonym: progression. auger, n. A hand tool or a drill bit for creating precise holes in wood | augur, n. A person who tells the future using omens; a prophet. aural, adj. Describing hearing or related to the ear | oral, adj. Describing speaking or communication by voice, spoken. authoritarian, adj. Of or relating to absolute, unques- tioning submission to an authority or power; a system of government that puts all power in one or a few hands that demand such submission; synonym: dictatorial; antonym: democratic. axiom, n. A rule or saying that is generally accepted as true; synonym: principle; antonym: contradiction. A A dictionary for success: The ultimate word collection for speaking, writing, and reading babble, v. To speak meaningless sounds, as if talking; to talk idly | Babel, n. According to the Christian Bible, the ancient city where people built an enormous tower in order to reach God; lowercased, it means a confusion of voices or sounds. bait, v. To insult or verbally attack someone repeatedly for pleasure; to hassle | bate, v. To lessen the intensity or force of something; often used as an adjective in bated breath. baroque, adj. Of or relating to the style of 17th-century Europe and North America characterized by opposition, energy, excessive ornamentation, and curvature; relating to a style that is excessively fanciful but symmetrical; synonym: flamboyant; antonym: austere. basal, adj. Relating to or forming the base; being essential or basic | basil, n. An edible, fragrant herb from the mint family, especially good with mozzarella and fresh tomato. bathos, n. The lowest point; an abrupt appearance of something common in the midst of something elevated, as within a written text; synonym: anticlimax; antonym: climax. beguile, v. To deceive in an especially treacherous and cunning way; synonym: bewitch; antonym: undeceive. besmirch, v. To make dirty by smearing; to soil a person’s reputation using false charges; synonym: slander; antonym: clean. bespoke, adj. Made to order, as with a suit; synonym: custom-made; antonym: mass-produced. bias, n. A preference toward or against someone or something that prevents impartial judgments; synonym: partiality; antonym: neutrality. bijou, adj. Being small and delicate or elegant; synonym: fashionable; antonym: plain. blandish, v. To flatter someone in order to persuade them; synonym: cajole; antonym: browbeat. bloc, n. A group formed for a common purpose, such as promoting desired legislation, a faction | block, n. A solid piece of material, such as wood or metal. boar, n. A wild hog | Boer, n. A South African person of Dutch colonist descent | boor, n. A person who is rude and rough | bore, v. To create a hole with a drill or auger. bolster, v. To support, as with a pillow; to build up or prop up; synonym: reinforce; antonym: undermine. braise, v. To cook meat or vegetables in fat and a small amount of liquid in a covered pot or pan | brays, v. Present tense of the verb bray, to cry out loudly and harshly, as a donkey does. broach, v. To announce, as with an event, or introduce, as with a discussion topic | brooch, n. A piece of jewelry attached to clothing with a pin. bulwark, n. A wall-like structure used for defense; something that acts a safeguard; synonym: rampart; antonym: opening. buoyant, adj. Being able to float; being light and cheer- ful; synonym: upbeat; antonym: dour. B cache, n. Computer memory used for frequently or recently used information; a hiding place | cash, n. Paper or metal used as money. cadence, n. A rhythm that has balance and flow, such as in poetry; a rhythmic beat for movement, as for marching; a rhythmic chant, often to keep time with; synonym: beat. calamity, n. An event that results in deep distress or grave loss; synonym: catastrophe; antonym: godsend. callous, adj. Being hardened and thickened, such as skin on your heel; being unfeeling or unsympathetic; synonym: insensitive; antonym: charitable. cannon, n. A weapon used to fire projectiles, such as a large metal ball | canon, n. The official code or rules of a religious authority; a collection of accepted books, as with the books of the Christian Bible or the books English departments deem necessary to study for an English degree. canter, n. A horse’s three-beat gait, which is slower than a gallop and faster than a trot | cantor, n. A person who leads a choir or who leads a congregation in sung or chanted prayer. cantilever, v. To construct a structure that projects out, such as a beam, which has sup- port on one end and bears its load at the other end or along the middle; to stick out like a cantilever; synonym: protrude; antonym: recede. captivate, v. To attract by charm or beauty; synonym: allure; antonym: repel. carol, n. A song of joy or praise, especially concerning Christmas | carrel, n. A small, enclosed area designated for individual study or reading in a library; a cubicle. C 1 WORLD’S #1 ACADEMIC OUTLINE Synonyms • Antonyms • Homonyms C (continued ) carom, v. To hit (something) and to bounce off, as when a basketball hits the backboard and bounces back toward the player; synonym: ricochet; antonym: catch. castigate, v. To punish severely; synonym: berate; antonym: pardon. casualism, n. A word or phrase that is considered the least formal in standard English without being marked as slang or a nonword, such as junkie to mean a drug addict; synonym: colloquialism; antonym: standard. cause célèbre, n. In French, a celebrated cause; a widespread controversy or notorious public debate; a wildly popular legal case; synonym: controversy; antonym: peace. cavalcade, n. A stately procession of vehicles, especially horse-drawn carriages; a dramatic progression; synonym: procession; antonym: disorder. cede, v. To give up or concede, especially by formal agreement, such as a treaty; to surrender | seed, n. The offspring of humans, animals, or plants. censure, n. An official disapproval; a harsh criticism; synonym: condemnation; antonym: endorsement. chattel, n. A piece of property that is not real estate; a slave; synonym: thrall; antonym: citizen. chide, v. To mildly rebuke with a goal to correct and improve; to express mild disapproval; synonym: reprimand; antonym: praise. circumlocution, n. The unnecessary usage of too many words or difficult words, especially in order to evade or be vague; synonym: equivocation; antonym: directness. clerisy, n. People who are well educated, considered as one group or class; synonym: intelligentsia; antonym: philistines. clinical, adj. Having a scientific detachment; synonym: objective; antonym: passionate. coalesce, v. To grow together into a single unit; to join for a united purpose; synonym: merge; antonym: disperse. coalition, n. A group of people, political groups, nations, or similar united temporarily for a purpose; synonym: bloc; antonym: schism. cogent, adj. Appealing to reason and intellect; being strongly compelling; synonym: valid; antonym: inconclusive. cohort, n. Once referring to a division of 300–600 men in the Roman legion, it now refers more generally to a group of people of the same generation or a colleague; synonym: generation; antonym: opponent. collude, v. To act with one or more people in secret for an illegal goal; synonym: conspire; antonym: neglect. commendation, n. The act of honoring; something, such as a certificate, that honors; synonym: citation; antonym: condemnation. commensurate, adj. Of an equal size, degree, or amount; synonym: proportionate; antonym: disproportionate. conclave, n. A meeting of a group with shared interests, especially a private or secret meeting; synonym: conference; antonym: dispersion. condemnation, n. The act of declaring a strong disapproval of or of judging as wrong; the state of being so declared; synonym: denunciation; antonym: commendation. conducive, adj. Tending to cause something to occur or come into being; synonym: facilitative; antonym: unhelpful. confound, v. To cause confusion; to mix up; to complicate or make worse; synonym: muddle; antonym: clarify. conjecture, n. An opinion or conclusion based on incomplete or no evidence; synonym: guesswork; antonym: fact. conscientious, adj. Characterized by thoughtful attention; guided by one’s conscience; synonym: ethical; antonym: dishonorable. consign, v. To give another the custody or care of; to assign to an undesirable position or place; synonym: dispatch; antonym: receive. consternation, n. A state of dismay or grave concern; synonym: terror; antonym: unconcern. constitute, v. To make up or compose, as with elements of a whole; to equal; synonym: compose; antonym: abolish. consummate, adj. Skilled to the highest degree; complete in every way; synonym: masterful; antonym: amateurish. contentious, adj. Likely to cause an argument or a marked likelihood to argue; synonym: argumentative; antonym: peaceable. core, n. The center of something, such as storm; the basics of something, as with a curriculum | corps, n. A division of an organization, such as the U.S. Marine Corps; a group of people organized for a purpose. corporeal, adj. Of or relating to the body; being tangible or material in nature; synonym: carnal; antonym: spiritual. corpulence, n. An excessive fatness; synonym: obesity; antonym: leanness. corroborate, v. To confirm with evidence; to establish; synonym: certify; antonym: refute. coruscate, v. To sparkle or glitter; to exhibit sparkling or showy skill/style; synonym: scintillate; antonym: dampen. cosmopolitan, adj. Being made up of people or elements from around the world, such as New York City; characterized by knowledge or familiarity with the whole world, worldly. cosset, v. To treat as one would treat a pet; to take excessive care of; synonym: coddle; antonym: maltreat. coup d’état, n. In French, a stroke of the state; a sudden overthrow of the ruling govern- ment or body (as with a corporation) by a small group, often one that has or has had some authority; synonym: takeover; antonym: surrender. covet, v. To crave another’s skills, possessions, or relationships with longing or a strong desire; synonym: crave; antonym: spurn. coy, adj. Being purposely shy as flirtation; being shy and modest; resistant to commenting or sharing information; synonym: demure; antonym: extroverted. cozen, v. To deceive; to persuade someone through deceptive means; synonym: beguile; antonym: disillusion. credulous, adj. Being too ready to believe, especially with limited or questionable evidence; characterized by such belief; synonym: gullible; antonym: incredulous. crepuscular, adj. Similar to or of twilight or dimness; being habitually active at twilight; synonym: dim; antonym: vivid. crescendo, n. When a sound gradually rises in volume, especially in music; when intensity or force gradually increases; synonym: culmination; antonym: nadir. criterion, n. A fixed point or standard to measure something against; synonym: bench- mark; antonym: conjecture. cue, n. Speech or action that signals to someone, as with an actor, that they are to begin; a stick used in the game of pool or shuffleboard to move a piece; synonym: hint | queue, n. A line, as of people or cars, waiting their turn; synonym: line; antonym: mob. culpable, adj. Being worthy of the blame one receives, as with a criminal found guilty of a crime; synonym: reproachable; antonym: blameless. cygnet, n. A young swan | signet, n. A seal used in place of a signature on official documents. cynosure, n. Something that attracts attention; a focal point; synonym: lodestar; antonym: margin. debacle, n. A sudden, violent disruption; a complete failure; synonym: fiasco; antonym: success. debauch, v. To seduce or corrupt morally, especially someone you have a duty to; synonym: pervert; antonym: ennoble. debunk, v. To reveal the truth of by exposing the falseness, the “bunk”; to ridicule exaggerated claims; synonym: disprove; antonym: validate. decimate, v. Once meaning to take a tenth or kill every tenth man, it now more com- monly means to cause great damage or to kill or harm a large group; synonym: devastate; antonym: reconstruct. declivity, n. A downward slope; synonym: decline; antonym: acclivity. decorum, n. Accepted correctness in appearance, behaviors, and manners; orderliness; accepted standards of an artistic or literary work according to its whole; synonym: propriety; antonym: indecency. default, v. To fail to do something required, such as to pay a loan; to fail to follow a contract; to fail to appear in court when required to; synonym: fail; antonym: succeed. defuse, v. To remove a fuse; to make less dangerous | diffuse, v. To allow to spread freely, as with a liquid or with information; to distribute. deliberate, v. To study a situation or decision carefully, considering all options; to discuss with another in order to make a decision with care; synonym: contemplate; antonym: dismiss. democrat, n. Someone who believes in social equality and the rule of the majority; synonym: egalitarian; antonym: autocrat. deride, v. To make fun of or laugh at with contempt; synonym: ridicule; antonym: endorse. derivative, adj. Having more qualities or elements from another source than original qualities or elements; synonym: secondary; antonym: original. descry, v. To see with careful attention, to spy out; to realize or discover through close observation; synonym: detect; antonym: overlook. despoil, v. To rob of all belongings; to ruin of all value; synonym: plunder; antonym: indulge. despot, n. A ruler with absolute power who abuses said power; synonym: tyrant; antonym: democrat. detract, v. To draw away from; to lessen the value or importance of something; synonym: divert; antonym: upgrade. diatribe, n. Speech or writing that is long, bitter, and abusive; synonym: harangue; antonym: acclamation. dictum, n. An authoritative, formal pronouncement; an aside in a legal opinion; synonym: pronouncement; antonym: concealment. didactic, adj. Describing something that instructs or teaches; inclined to moralize or teach more than is necessary; synonym: preachy; antonym: uninstructive. discern, v. To detect visually; to mentally perceive something hidden or obscure; to understand something as different; synonym: distinguish; antonym: confuse. discomfit, v. To cause embarrassment, uneasiness, or confusion; synonym: disconcert; antonym: encourage. discord, n. Disagreement between individuals or groups; tensions between those not in agreement; synonym: disunity; antonym: accord. discrepancy, n. An instance of variation or inconsistency; the state of being in disagree- ment; synonym: disparity; antonym: similarity. discursive, adj. Moving from one topic to another in a random or rambling fashion; synonym: digressive; antonym: focused. dissemble, v. To conceal one’s true self, such as one’s feelings or motives, to deceive; to display a false appearance; synonym: feign; antonym: divulge. dissent, v. To disagree or not approve; in law, to come to a different conclusion from the majority of the judges on a case, as with a Supreme Court case; synonym: disagree; antonym: assent. dissociate, v. To remove from a society; to stop associating with a society; synonym: sever; antonym: join. D 2 diurnal, adj. Occurring daily or in the daytime; synonym: quotidian; antonym: nightly. divest, v. To sell off an investment; to deprive of rights or possessions; synonym: dispossess; antonym: invest. dormant, adj. Not active; not awake; synonym: inactive; antonym: operable. doyen, n. One who is the eldest or most-senior member of a group; the oldest of its kind, such as a publication; synonym: veteran; antonym: novice. duplicitous, adj. Deliberately showing a false feeling or acting falsely; synonym: double-dealing; antonym: aboveboard. duress, n. A force or compulsion to say or do something unwanted, especially something illegal; synonym: coercion; antonym: consent. dyspeptic, adj. Literally, related to digestive problems; metaphorically, being grouchy or having a temper; synonym: cantankerous; antonym: good-natured. eclectic, adj. Describing a grouping of items from various sources, such as an eclectic collection of ties; synonym: miscellaneous; antonym: homogeneous. edification, n. Improvement of the mind, spirit, or character; synonym: enlightenment; antonym: destruction. edify, v. To teach with a goal of improving morals or spirituality; synonym: enlighten; antonym: obscure. efface, v. To remove evidence of; to blur or erase a memory; synonym: wipe out; antonym: preserve. effete, adj. No longer having an inherent characteristic, such as courage; synonym: degenerate; antonym: competent | elite, n. A group considered superior; synonym: best; antonym: worst. emanate, v. To come from a source; to be sent from a source, as with light from a lamp; synonym: emit; antonym: absorb. embolden, v. To make bold or to encourage; synonym: cheer; antonym: discourage. eminent, adj. Being well known or outstanding; synonym: pre- eminent; antonym: obscure | immanent, adj. Being within a topic considered; synonym: inherent; antonym: unconnected | imminent, adj. Likely or about to occur soon; synonym: impending; antonym: avoidable. empirical, adj. Based on factual information, observation, or experi- mentation; synonym: objective; antonym: theoretical. emulate, v. To copy but be better than the original; synonym: simulate; antonym: neglect | imitate, v. To copy exactly; synonym: mimic; antonym: oppose. encroach, v. To remove or take over by small steps; synonym: intrude; antonym: keep. endow, v. To provide with a source of income, such as property; to provide with a talent or trait; synonym: gift; antonym: defund. enfranchise, v. To give the rights of citizenship to; to free, as from slavery; synonym: naturalize; antonym: enchain. entitlement, n. The condition of having rights or privileges that not all people have; a belief that one deserves such rights or privileges; synonym: claim; antonym: disentitlement. enumerate, v. To count or list; synonym: numerate; antonym: guess. envoy, n. Someone chosen to represent their government to a foreign government, often lower ranking than an ambassador; someone chosen as a messenger; synonym: emissary; antonym: receiver. epitome, n. An ideal example of something; a brief summary or form; synonym: synopsis; antonym: enlargement. equanimity, n. A balance, especially of emotions or disposition under stress; synonym: calmness; antonym: agitation. erratic, adj. Lacking consistency or uniformity; having an irregular course; synonym: scattered; antonym: methodical. ersatz, adj. Being a poor replacement, such as a rope made from bedsheets; synonym: substitute; antonym: genuine. erstwhile, adv. An earlier time; in the near past; synonym: formerly; antonym: currently. esoteric, adj. Understood or intended for a specialty group only, such as legal terminology; synonym: arcane; antonym: superficial | exoteric, adj. Readily understood by anyone; synonym: public; antonym: private. esprit de corps, n. In French, a corps spirit; a spirit of selflessness and enthusiasm to the cause among members of a group; synonym: team spirit; antonym: indifference. ethos, n. The standards and values of a person, group of people, culture, or movement; synonym: ethics, morality. exalt, v. To raise in rank or status; to honor; synonym: elevate; antonym: degrade | exult, v. To be very happy or triumphant; synonym: rejoice; antonym: lament. excoriate, v. To criticize harshly; to strip the skin off; synonym: castigate; antonym: laud. exegesis, n. A vital analysis, especially of a text or the Christian Bible; synonym: interpretation; antonym: scrambling. expatiate, v. To roam freely; to speak or write to expand upon in great detail; synonym: lecture; antonym: summarize. explicit, adj. Being expressed clearly and without vagueness; fully defined; without reservation in expression; synonym: unam- biguous; antonym: unspecific. exposé, n. A formal statement of the facts; the exposure of some- thing blameworthy; synonym: exposure; antonym: concealment. E fallacy, n. A false idea; incorrect reasoning; synonym: delusion; antonym: truth. feasibility, adj. Able to be done or managed; likely; synonym: viable; antonym: impossible. feral, adj. Existing in a wild or natural state, not domesticated; behaving or seeming like an untamed animal; synonym: vicious; antonym: docile. ferrule, n. A metal cap or ring that protects the end of a cane, umbrella, or similar, or the corner of a book | ferule, n. An instrument used to punish children, such as a ruler or cane. feted, v. Past tense of fete, to honor someone or something with a celebration or party | fetid, adj. Having an odor that is offensive; synonym: foul. filch, v. To steal something of small value; synonym: pilfer; antonym: donate. flamboyant, adj. Characterized by a showy, elaborate, or colorful display; synonym: eye-catching; antonym: unremarkable. foment, v. To rouse to begin or grow, as with conversations; synonym: provoke; antonym: constrain. formidable, adj. Characterized by fear or dread; characterized by wonder or admiration; synonym: fearsome; antonym: comforting. fracas, n. A fight or argument that is particularly noisy; synonym: brawl; antonym: agreement. freeze, v. To become chilled to a temperature at which a liquid becomes a solid; to be very cold | frieze, n. A decorative horizontal band on the upper portion of a wall. frugal, adj. Characterized by saving or economy; not costing a lot; synonym: sparing; antonym: squandering. furtive, adj. Being done secretly; being done underhandedly, as with stealing; synonym: stealthy; antonym: overt. F habiliments, n. Clothing, especially for a specific occasion, office, or occupation, such as a judge’s robe; synonym: vestments; antonym: dishabille. hackneyed, adj. Undesirably commonplace by overuse; synonym: cliché; antonym: novel. hedonism, n. A system of thought that makes pleasure and happiness the most important thing; synonym: debauchery; antonym: temperance. heterodox, adj. Having a point of view concerning an established religion that is different from the religion’s view; not following accepted or traditional values or procedures; synonym: unorthodox; antonym: conforming. hew, v. To cut or cut down with an ax, as with a tree or heavy underbrush | hue, n. A gradation or tint of color, such as a shade of red. hierarchy, n. The classification of people or things in ranking or priority order; the resulting group of such classification; a governing body organized by rank or class and practicing authoritarianism; synonym: stratification; antonym: declassification. gaff, n. A large iron hook at the end of a long pole used to catch a heavy fish | gaffe, n. A remark or action that is socially unacceptable; an error made unintentionally; a blunder. gallimaufry, n. A mixture full of variety; synonym: hodgepodge; antonym: singularity. gild, v. To cover with a thin layer of gold; often used in to gild the lily, meaning to overdecorate something already considered beautiful | guild, n. A group of people who join together with a common interest, often work related, such as the Screen Actors Guild. gratis, adv. Without charge or payment; synonym: free; antonym: costly. grisly, adj. Causing great fear or horror; appalling | grizzly, adj. Somewhat gray. Note: The North American brown bear was dubbed the “grisley bear” by Lewis and Clark, but it is unclear whether they meant grisly because of an incident with a bear or grizzly due to the bear’s coloring. The latter spelling has been adopted in American English. grotesquerie, n. Something that is monstrously horrible; the state of being monstrously horrible; synonym: monstrosity; antonym: pleasantness. guerrilla, n. A warrior who engages in irregular military tactics and works in a small band, often a native who is fighting an oppressor; synonym: insurgent; antonym: pacifist. guile, n. Deceit that is particularly cunning or crafty; synonym: deviousness; antonym: forthrightness. ignominious, adj. Being shameful or disgraceful; being dehumanizing or degrading; synonym: disreputable; antonym: honorable. imbroglio, n. A situation that is extremely complicated, confused, embarrassing, or painful; synonym: controversy; antonym: agreement. imbrue, v. To drench or stain, as with blood; synonym: soak; antonym: deplete. impel, v. To urge or drive forward using force or constraints; synonym: propel; antonym: inhibit. imperious, adj. Lordly or arrogant; synonym: disdainful; antonym: humble. EX: Mary had an imperious look on her face, as if she earned the highest grade in the class. impinge, v. Literally, to collide against something; figuratively, to limit or slowly remove, as with legal rights; synonym: infringe; antonym: avoid. implicit, adj. Being understood without being directly expressed; being part of an essence not yet realized; without doubt; synonym: implied; antonym: explicit. I H G 3 Machiavellian, adj. Characterized as cunning, deceitful, and expedient, as outlined in The Prince by Machiavelli; synonym: unethical; antonym: moral. machination, n. The act of creating a secret or devious plan; such a plan; synonym: conspiracy; antonym: disorganization. malevolent, adj. Characterized by feelings or behaviors of intense hatred; synonym: vicious; antonym: benevolent. manifesto, n. A public announcement of a policy or a set of principles or intentions; The Communist Manifesto by Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels is a famous example; synonym: declaration; antonym: retraction. marshal, v. To organize people by rank; to collect ideas into order; synonym: muster; antonym: demobilize | martial, adj. Relating to war; synonym: warlike; antonym: peaceful. mawkish, adj. Overly and offensively sentimental; synonym: cloying; antonym: unsentimental. medal, n. A flat piece of metal stamped with an image, usually for religious or ceremonial purposes | meddle, v. To interfere | mettle, n. A characteristic of determination or perseverance. mire, v. To become stuck in deep mud or a bog; to cause to sink in deep mud; to involve in a difficult situation; synonym: entangle; antonym: disentangle. misanthropy, n. The distrust or hatred of humanity or human nature; synonym: pessimist; antonym: optimism. mitigate, v. To lessen the severity or intensity of something; synonym: assuage; antonym: exacerbate. moat, n. A deep, wide trench filled with water and used as protection for a town, castle, or similar | mote, n. A small particle or speck, like dust. mollify, v. To soothe a temper; to soften something rigid or severe; synonym: appease; antonym: incense. munificent, adj. Being extremely generous or giving liberally; synonym: charitable; antonym: miserly. nadir, n. The lowest point, especially a point in the sky below the observer; synonym: base; antonym: zenith. neophyte, n. Someone who is new to a faith or who is a beginner at something, such as politics; synonym: novice; antonym: veteran. nuance, n. A difference that is slight or subtle; a subtle quality or expression; synonym: nicety; antonym: coarseness. obdurate, adj. Resisting correcting wrong behavior or being persuaded, as in an argument or debate; synonym: inflexible; antonym: softhearted. obeisance, n. A gesture with the body that shows reverence, such as a curtsey; an attitude of deference; synonym: homage; antonym: censure. obloquy, n. A speech that defames or abuses a person or thing; the disgrace and shame resulting from such an attack; synonym: fulmination; antonym: esteem. obsolescence, n. A process of becoming outdated or outmoded; technology is sometimes referred to as having “planned obsolescence”; synonym: devolution; antonym: currentness. obstreperous, adj. Being defiant in an aggressive, noisy manner; synonym: clamorous; antonym: obedient. occlude, v. To close off the passage to; to prevent passage of; synonym: obstruct; antonym: clear. odium, n. The state of being widely hated and condemned, often because of deplorable actions; qualities of such condemnation; something that is so widely hated; synonym: ignominy; antonym: esteem. omnipotent, adj. Having unlimited power or authority; synonym: all-powerful; antonym: powerless. opprobrium, n. Something that is disgraceful or shameful; public disgrace from something considered exceptionally wrong; synonym: reproach; antonym: credit. ordinance, n. An order or decree made by an authoritative body; synonym: law; antonym: disorganization | ordnance, n. Military supplies, including weapons, ammunition, and combat vehicles; synonym: artillery. ornamentation, n. Something decorative; the act of beautifying with decorations or ornaments; synonym: adornment; antonym: defacement. ossify, v. To become bone; to become rigid; synonym: petrify; antonym: soften. ostracism, n. Exclusion of someone from a group by general consent; synonym: banishment; antonym: acceptance. outré, adj. Eccentric or unconventional, as with behavior or style; synonym: bizarre; antonym: unexceptional. M N O impracticable, adj. Not able to be completed; synonym: impos- sible; antonym: feasible | impractical, adj. Unwise to do or not able to be done efficiently; synonym: unrealistic; antonym: practical. impresario, n. Someone who is the manager or producer of entertainment, especially an opera; a sponsor of an entertainment; synonym: showman; antonym: audience member. improvident, adj. Not having or displaying foresight; being rash; synonym: shortsighted; antonym: farsighted. impugn, v. To challenge an argument as wrong or questionable; synonym: gainsay; antonym: avow. in toto, adv. In a complete manner; as a whole; synonym: entirely; antonym: incompletely. incidental, adj. Minor importance; casual but related to something important; likely (to happen) but with little importance; synonym: inadvertent; antonym: deliberate. incontrovertible, adj. Unquestionable, unable to be disputed; synonym: irrefutable; antonym: arguable. incredulous, adj. Not easily believing; showing such disbelief; not being easily believable; synonym: distrustful; antonym: unquestioning. inculcate, v. To teach by frequent repetition; synonym: indoctrinate; antonym: divest. incumbent, adj. Currently holding an office; being a duty or obligation; synonym: compulsory; antonym: optional. inhibit, v. To restrain or prohibit action; synonym: hinder; antonym: facilitate. inimitable, adj. Not able to be imitated; synonym: unequaled; antonym: ordinary. innate, adj. Coming from a person’s nature; originating from the mind rather than experience; synonym: inherent; antonym: extrinsic. insufficient, adj. Not having enough strength, skill, capacity, or similar; synonym: deficient; antonym: adequate. interdict, v. To prohibit something, often through legal order; synonym: proscribe; antonym: authorize. interminable, adj. Seeming to have no limits or no ending, especially when forever isn’t wanted; synonym: eternal; antonym: finite. interpolate, v. To insert something between parts; to insert words into text, especially when it changes or makes incorrect the original text; synonym: interject; antonym: expel. intransigent, adj. Refusing to negotiate, especially from an extreme position; synonym: uncompromising; antonym: flexible. itinerant, adj. Related to traveling from place to place, especially in a circuit, such as with a judge; synonym: nomadic; antonym: stationary. jape, v. To speak or act in a joking or mocking manner; to make fun of; synonym: jest; antonym: obey. jeremiad, n. A complaint that is full of mourning or that predicts doom; synonym: rant; antonym: homage. jocund, adj. Characterized by happiness or joy; synonym: jovial; antonym: depressed. judicious, adj. Related to a judgment that is objective and sensible; synonym: prudent; antonym: indiscreet. justification, n. The act of proving to be just, correct, desirable, or useful; the fact of being so; synonym: defense; antonym: accusation. lacuna, n. A missing part, flaw, or hole, especially in the figurative sense; synonym: deficit; antonym: plentitude. lavish, adj. Characterized by an overabundance; giving a great deal without reservations; synonym: unstinting; antonym: dribbling. levee, n. A ridge near a river that helps control flooding; synonym: embankment | levy, v. To collect a tax or fine through a legal process; synonym: exact; antonym: remit. liable, adj. Being legally responsible for, such as with paying taxes on owned property; subject to | libel, n. Text that misrepresents a person in a negative or harmful way; defamation. literal, adj. Limited to the facts or the simplest meaning, objective | littoral, n. A coastal region, especially near the ocean. lithe, adj. Marked by physical flexibility, bendability, or grace; synonym: lissome; antonym: inflexible. ludic, adj. Characterized by play; synonym: playful; antonym: solemn. palisade, n. A fence made of pales (pointed sticks), usually as a defensive barrier; synonym: fence; antonym: entryway. paradigm, n. Something used as a pattern; a framework for a school of thought or a discipline, encompassing theories, practices, and rules; synonym: model; antonym: disorder. paramount, adj. Ranking above all others; having the highest authority; being of the highest concern; synonym: cardinal; antonym: least. parapraxia, n. A small mistake, especially in memory or speech; synonym: stumble; antonym: accuracy. parley, n. A discussion about a dispute between parties, especially in regard to a truce; a discus- sion between parties; synonym: negotiation; antonym: disagreement. parsimonious, adj. Extremely frugal; simple or sparing in display or usage; synonym: miserly; antonym: bountiful. pastiche, n. A work of art, such as a musical piece or a painting, that openly imitates another work on purpose, sometimes as satire; synonym: imitation; antonym: original. P J ken, n. A range of vision; an understanding or perception; synonym: cognizance; antonym: ignorance. K L 4 P (continued ) raconteur, n. Someone who tells stories with great skill; synonym: anecdotist; antonym: listener. rancor, n. A strong feeling of hatred or malice; synonym: bitterness; antonym: amity. rapacious, adj. Characterized by an excessive desire for money or possessions; living on prey one kills, such as a wolf surviving on the animals it hunts; synonym: gluttonous; antonym: altruistic. rapport, n. A relationship of trust and mutual respect; synonym: fellowship; antonym: incompatibility. rapt, adj. Being totally absorbed; being strongly delighted or emotionally moved; synonym: intoxi- cated; antonym: depressed. ratify, v. To formally approve; to verify the truth of; synonym: authorize; antonym: reject. raucous, adj. Rough and disagreeable; loud and disorderly, as with a party; synonym: boisterous; antonym: orderly. rebuke, v. To disapprove or criticize strongly; synonym: reprimand; antonym: commend. recumbent, adj. Being idle or resting; synonym: prone; antonym: supine. recuse, v. To disqualify oneself or another as a judge in a situation; synonym: reject; antonym: accept. redolent, adj. Having a strong odor or fragrance; being suggestive; synonym: aromatic; antonym: malodorous. redundant, adj. Unnecessarily wordy; more than what’s needed; synonym: superfluous; antonym: concise. relegate, v. To assign something or someone to a lesser category; to refer a task to someone else (rather than oneself); synonym: degrade; antonym: accept. remedial, adj. Giving or supplying a remedy; related to correcting or improving weak skills, especially in a course of study; synonym: correc- tive; antonym: adverse. remuneration, n. The act of paying back; the payment made; synonym: compensation; antonym: nonpayment. repose, n. A state of calm or being at rest; synonym: tranquility; antonym: wakefulness. republic, n. A political system in which voters elect people to represent them in government, including the head of state (often called a president in modern times); synonym: commonwealth; antonym: dictatorship. repudiate, v. To reject completely as untrue; to reject the authority of; synonym: disavow; antonym: acknowledge. rescind, v. To take back, as with an offer; to void; synonym: revoke; antonym: decree. resilient, adj. Able to adjust to or recover from negative change; synonym: flexible; antonym: rigid. resolute, adj. Being determined or firm; synonym: resolved; antonym: hesitant. resonate, v. To effect a shared emotion in another; to be in harmony; to echo vibrations; synonym: resound; antonym: dampen. retract, v. To withdraw something, such as an accusation; to draw back; synonym: recant; antonym: avow. reverence, n. Great respect and honor; an act that demonstrates such honor, such as a curtsey; synonym: deference; antonym: contempt. rigorous, adj. Being exacting or harsh; having an extreme climate; synonym: severe; antonym: tolerant. risible, adj. Relating to laughter; able to cause laughter; synonym: droll; antonym: unamusing. riveting, adj. Able to absorb one’s attention com- pletely; synonym: engrossing; antonym: dispiriting. robust, adj. Being full of health and strength; charac- terized by such health and strength; synonym: hale; antonym: diseased. rococo, adj. Of or relating to a European and North American style in the 18th century characterized by unsymmetrical curves, grace, lightness, and ornamentation; having excessive ornamentation; synonym: ornate; antonym: plain. roux, n. A thickener made of flour and fat used in cooking; a thickener | rue, v. To regret or feel sorry about an action; to repent. ruinous, adj. Causing destruction or decay; character- ized by destruction or decay; synonym: disastrous; antonym: beneficial. saboteur, n. Someone who works to willfully but indirectly destroy something or someone; synonym: diversionist; antonym: helper. sagacious, adj. Having the ability to make keen judgments; synonym: insightful; antonym: unper- ceptive. salient, adj. Literally, jutting out; metaphorically, being noticeable or important; synonym: remarkable; antonym: unnoticeable. sanguinary, adj. Willing or eager to shed blood; consisting of blood; synonym: homicidal; antonym: peaceable. savant, n. Someone with deep knowledge, especially in a specific field of study; synonym: scholar; antonym: idler. scant, adj. Barely enough; lacking a sufficient supply; just short of a specific measure, as in a scant teaspoon of salt; synonym: meager; antonym: copious. schadenfreude, n. A happiness at others’ misfortunes; synonym: delectation; antonym: compassion. schism, n. A separation into parts; the division of a religion or the theological difference that caused such division; synonym: dissidence; antonym: accord. scrupulous, adj. Having principles or morals; being precisely correct; synonym: principled; antonym: immoral. sear, v. To apply intense heat that cooks or burns, as with steak on a grill | seer, n. Someone who experi- ences visions or predicts future events | sere, adj. Dried up or withered, as with grass during a hot, dry summer. sequestration, n. The act of cutting a group off from the rest, as with a jury in a legal case; a state of being so separated; synonym: segregation; antonym: integration. serge, n. A fabric that has diagonal, parallel ribs on one side but is smooth on the other, is often made from wool or cotton, and is typically used for suits and dresses | surge, v. To move up and down in a swelling or heaving manner, as with waves or as with a boat upon waves. quaff, v. To drink deeply or heartily, especially an alcoholic beverage; synonym: guzzle; antonym: tipple. quagmire, n. A situation that is complicated and difficult to get out of; literally, a wetland that is yielding to weight and swampy; synonym: catch- 22; antonym: solution. quiescent, adj. Characterized by inactivity or quiet; synonym: torpid; antonym: energetic. quince, n. An Asian tree that bears fruit of the same name and that resembles a large, yellow apple | quints, n. Plural of quint, a sequence of five cards in the same suit; a musical interval of a fifth; one of a quintuplet. quirk, n. An irregularity in a pattern; something peculiar in a person’s behavior; synonym: idiosyn- crasy; antonym: conformity. quittance, n. The act of releasing, especially a debt or obligation; a document stating such a release; the payment of such a debt or obligation; synonym: discharge; antonym: penalty. quotidian, adj. Happening every day; being ordi- nary or daily; synonym: commonplace; antonym: extraordinary. Q R S pastoral, adj. Of or relating to a pastor, shepherds or herders, or country life; relating to an artistic work, especially literary, that portrays rural life in an idealistic way; synonym: rural; antonym: cosmopolitan. pathos, n. A feeling of sympathy or pity; an element in a work of art creating such a feeling; synonym: poignancy; antonym: joy. peccadillo, n. A small sin or offense; synonym: fault; antonym: virtue. per se, adv. Of, in, or by oneself or itself; synonym: independently; antonym: dependently. perfidious, adj. Characterized by treachery or disloyalty; synonym: traitorous; antonym: devout. philanthropic, adj. Related to or characterized by charitable funds given or received; synonym: humani- tarian; antonym: self-concerned. pivotal, adj. Literally, related to a shaft on which something turns or swings; metaphorically, being something that is crucial or central; synonym: vital; antonym: trivial. plurality, n. The winning number of votes cast when that number is not more than half the total votes (which would be a majority); synonym: relative majority; antonym: minority. polarize, v. To divide two groups to opposite, extreme positions; synonym: divide; antonym: unite. portent, n. A sign of something about to occur; some- thing that is fully of prophetic meaning; synonym: omen, foreshadowing. precipitous, adj. Lacking caution or being hasty; being very steep or perpendicular; synonym: rash; antonym: deliberate. predestined, adj. Having a preestablished, unchange- able outcome, often used in terms of the divine or supernatural; synonym: foreordained; antonym: uncertain. predicate, v. To establish or base something; to affirm a characteristic; synonym: proclaim; antonym: retract. preempt, v. To take the place of; to seize for oneself; to take an action to prevent another’s actions; synonym: commandeer; antonym: donate. prejudice, n. A negative opinion or conclusion about someone or something made unfairly and without all the facts; synonym: preconception; antonym: impartiality. privation, n. A condition of not having enough neces- sities or something people usually have; synonym: deprivation; antonym: abundance. pro tempore, adv. For a short time; synonym: tempo- rarily; antonym: permanently. EX: The president pro tempore is a U.S. senator, usually the leader from the majority party, who presides over the senate in the absence of the vice president. probity, n. Full and acceptable integrity; synonym: uprightness; antonym: villainy. proclivity, n. An inclination toward something, especially one that occurs naturally; synonym: predis- position; antonym: aversion. prodigious, adj. Being great in quantity, size, or force; being exceptional or amazing; synonym: colossal; antonym: minuscule. prognosis, n. An estimation of a patient’s survival or recovery from a disease; synonym: prediction; antonym: calculation. prolific, adj. Capable of producing a great deal of work or results; capable of reproducing a lot of offspring; synonym: fruitful; antonym: unproductive. prosaic, adj. Of the everyday world; literally, written in or being related to prose; synonym: ordinary; antonym: exceptional. proselytize, v. To try to convert someone to your faith, political party, or other doctrine; synonym: convert; antonym: dissuade. provincial, adj. Of or related to a province; having a confined scope, as with living entirely in a small geo- graphic region; synonym: narrow-minded; antonym: broad-minded. provision, v. To provide with the necessary supplies or materials; synonym: supply; antonym: withhold. provocation, n. The act of stimulating anger or resent- ment; synonym: instigation; antonym: discouragement. proxy, n. Someone authorized to act on behalf of another person; the act of serving another in such a regard; synonym: delegate; antonym: principal. 5 tactful, adj. Showing a sensitivity to a person or situation; synonym: diplomatic; antonym: gauche. tantamount, adj. Being equal in value, effect, or importance; synonym: equivalent; antonym: unequal. taut, adj. Pulled tight, as with a rope; tense, as with nerves; synonym: rigid; antonym: slack. temperance, n. A system of thought characterized by moderation in all things; synonym: moderation; antonym: excessiveness. tentative, adj. Being uncertain or without confidence; being incomplete and subject to change; synonym: contingent; antonym: unconditional. terse, adj. So brief or concise as to appear rude; synonym: curt; antonym: verbose. timorous, adj. Being or acting timid or fearful; synonym: fainthearted; antonym: daring. tour de force, n. An achievement of great skill, strength, or artistry; synonym: feat; antonym: failure. track, n. A pathway that’s marked out; a trail | tract, n. A short publication, such as a pamphlet, that contains propaganda or an appeal, especially religiously or politically focused; a leaflet. tractable, adj. Easily managed, taught, or controlled; synonym: compliant; antonym: unamenable. transact, v. To conduct or do, especially business; to negotiate | transect, v. To cut in a straight line crosswise. transient, adj. Ceasing to exist as time passes; staying in one place only for a short time; synonym: ephemeral; antonym: ceaseless. treatise, n. A formal text on a subject presented in a systematic manner; synonym: discourse; antonym: entertainment. trenchant, adj. Characterized by forcefulness or vigorous- ness; being sharp or cutting; synonym: edgy; antonym: obtuse. triage, v. To choose actions or tasks for a situation or project when not all actions or tasks can be completed; synonym: prioritize; antonym: neglect. typify, v. To symbolize or be a type of; to be typical of; synonym: epitomize; antonym: disembody. sham, n. A trick meant to deceive; something empty or false meant to be genuine; someone who commits such a fraud; synonym: hoax; antonym: original. simulacrum, n. A superficial imitation or represen- tation; synonym: semblance; antonym: original. skittish, adj. Being nervous, leading to restless- ness; moving quickly or lively; synonym: restive; antonym: unflappable. slew, v. Past tense of slay, to kill violently or destroy; slue is an alternate spelling | slough, n. Literally, deep mud; metaphorically, a state of deep depression; slew and slue are alternate spellings | slue, v. To turn something around, such as a boat; to twist around. slipshod, adj. Being done negligently; character- ized by informality and carelessness; synonym: sloppy; antonym: careful. slog, v. To trudge through with difficulty and deter- mination; to walk slowly and heavily, as through a swamp; to work hard for a long period, as with homework; synonym: plod; antonym: glide. solicitous, adj. Having or displaying great con- cern or care for another; synonym: considerate; antonym: heedless. sonorous, adj. Producing or having a sound, especially one that is deep and rich or that is loud; synonym: deafening; antonym: soft. sordid, adj. Excessively dirty; without morals; synonym: sullied; antonym: immaculate. sotto voce, adj./adv. In a quiet tone so as not to be overheard; privately; synonym: hushed. spasmodic, adj. Occurring or acting fitfully; prone to sudden bursts of feeling; synonym: intermittent; antonym: constant. squalid, adj. Characterized by filth and neglect; being without morals; synonym: begrimed; antonym: immaculate. status quo, n. The current existing conditions of something; synonym: normalcy; antonym: abnor- mality. stifle, v. To cut off, as with the breath or voice; to hold back or repress, as with an emotional reaction; to kill by cutting off oxygen; synonym: smother; antonym: release. stigmatize, v. To mark as disgraceful; to mark with a sign of disgrace (stigma); synonym: denounce; antonym: exalt. subjugate, v. To conquer another, as with one mili- tary over another; to make subordinate; synonym: dominate; antonym: emancipate. subordinate, adj. Belonging to or placed in a lower rank or position; synonym: underling; antonym: dominant. suborn, v. To push a person to break the law or lie under oath using illegal methods, such as bribery; synonym: instigate; antonym: restrain. subterfuge, n. A deception to hide one’s true inten- tion, such as escape; a plan or device to carry out such a deception; synonym: artifice; antonym: candor. sullen, adj. Characterized by gloom or resentment, especially of a brooding nature; synonym: desolate; antonym: festive. surfeit, n. An excess or overabundance; synonym: superfluity; antonym: deficiency. synoptic, adj. Giving a summary of the whole; having the same point of view (capped when referring to the first three gospels in the Christian Bible); synonym: concise; antonym: unabridged. wallop, v. To beat or punch with a strong force; synonym: pummel; antonym: surrender. wallow, v. To roll around in a relaxed manner, as in water; to indulge to an excessive degree in something, such as a feeling; to be supplied with plenty of something, such as money; synonym: luxuriate; antonym: neglect. wanton, adj. Characterized by a lack of restraint or pur- poseful maliciousness; excessiveness that’s unrestrained, especially in relation to lust; synonym: bawdy; antonym: wholesome. warrant, v. To be certain of something; to provide assurance of something or someone; to authorize someone to take an action; synonym: guarantee; antonym: reject. welter, n. A state of confusion or turmoil; a disordered mass; synonym: turmoil; antonym: tranquility. winsome, adj. Cheerful or charming, usually in a child- like manner; synonym: blithe; antonym: morose. wry, adj. Humorous in a twisted, understated way; twisted to show displeasure, as in a wry smile; synonym: ironic; antonym: straight. T unassailable, adj. Not able to deny or argue against; synonym: untouchable; antonym: dubious. unconscionable, adj. Not guided by conscience; excessive or beyond reason; synonym: unscrupulous; antonym: ethical. unprecedented, adj. Being new; having no previous example; synonym: novel; antonym: hackneyed. unutterable, adj. Being unable to be spoken or pronounced; synonym: indescribable; antonym: definable. utopia, n. A place that is perfect, especially socially, morally, and legally; synonym: Camelot; antonym: dystopia. variegate, v. To diversify, especially visually; to create interest, as with colors in cloth or yarn; synonym: vary; antonym: match. venal, adj. Open to being corrupted for money or other gain; characterized by bribery or other corrupt dealings; synonym: bribable; antonym: incorruptible. vertiginous, adj. Characterized or affected by dizziness; revolving, as around an axis; apt to change quickly; synonym: reeling; antonym: stable. vexation, n. A feeling that ranges from annoyance to distress; something or someone that causes such a feeling; synonym: aggravation; antonym: pleasure. vignette, n. A short sketch or study of a character or a scene, as in a novel or movie; synonym: portrait; antonym: novel. vis-à-vis, adv. Face-to-face with; synonym: together; antonym: indirectly. visage, n. A person’s face or facial expression; the visible aspect of something, such as the moon; synonym: counte- nance; antonym: back. vitriolic, adj. Being abusive or biting; synonym: truculent; antonym: temperate. vituperate, v. To verbally scold with abusive words; to use abusive words; synonym: berate; antonym: laud. vivacious, adj. Being full of life or spirit; synonym: jaunty; antonym: lackadaisical. vocation, n. An occupation one undertakes and is particu- larly suited to; a natural affinity to an occupation; a task or occupation one feels called to by a higher power, such as to the priesthood; synonym: calling; antonym: avocation. vogue, n. The leading style or fashion; a person or thing in fashion; synonym: sensation; antonym: disfavor. voluble, adj. Being easily rollable; characterized by smooth, easy speech; synonym: talkative; antonym: reticent. vulgate, n. An accepted text of a work or an informal speech; when capitalized, it refers to the Latin translation of the Bible accepted by the Roman Catholic Church; synonym: vernacular; antonym: uncommon. V U W yield, n. An amount produced or collected; synonym: earnings; antonym: cost. yoke, n. Literally, a wooden frame that joins two ani- mals together, such as oxen, in order to work together, as when pulling a heavy load; figuratively, something that puts a heavy burden on one, especially a burden of humiliation or subjugation; synonym: servitude; antonym: freedom. zeal, n. An impassioned devotion to a person or cause; synonym: passion; antonym: loathing. Z Y S (continued ) 6 All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form, or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or any information storage and retrieval system, without written permission from the publisher. Made in the USA ©2019 BarCharts Publishing, Inc. 0519 U.S. $6.95 Author: Erin Brenner, MA NOTE TO STUDENT: This guide is intended for informational purposes only. Due to its condensed format, this guide cannot cover every aspect of the subject; rather, it is intended for use in conjunction with course work and assigned texts. BarCharts Publishing, Inc., its writers, editors, and design staff are not responsible or liable for the use or misuse of the information contained in this guide.