1
Q
Define:
dissociate
(dih-soh-see-ate)
A
v. to consider as separate
v. to break away
When news of the company’s fraud broke out, former affiliates tried to dissociate themselves from the partnership.
Prefix: dis- (from Latin, meaning “apart” or “away”), Root: soci (from Latin socius, meaning “companion” or “ally”)
2
Q
Define:
dissonant
(diss-ih-nunt)
A
adj. not in agreement; discordant
adj. unpleasant or harsh sounding
The first song the group performed surprised the audience with its dissonant chords and unusual length.
Prefix: dis- (from Latin, meaning “apart” or “away”), Root: son (from Latin sonare, meaning “to sound”), Suffix: -ant (used to form adjectives)
3
Q
Define:
distend
(dih-stend)
A
v. to swell or widen
The children watched in fascination as the frog distended its throat and croaked.
Prefix: dis- (from Latin, meaning “apart” or “away”), Root: tend (from Latin tendere, meaning “to stretch”)
4
Q
Define:
distill
(dih-still)
A
v. to make pure
v. to take out from
The essence of the substance was distilled through a complicated process.
Prefix: dis- (from Latin, meaning “apart” or “away”), Root: still (from Latin stillare, meaning “to drip”)
5
Q
Define:
divest
(dahy-vest)
A
v. to deprive or dispossess
v. to dispose of assets
He was divested of his privileges and title after breaking the club’s most important rule.
Prefix: di- (variant of dis-, meaning “apart” or “away”), Root: vest (from Latin vestire, meaning “to clothe”)
6
Q
Define:
doctrinaire
(dock-truh-nair)
A
adj. following theory without regard for practical reality
The new president’s doctrinaire attitude towards economics led him to go through with some harmful policies.
Root: doctrin (from Latin doctrina, meaning “teaching” or “doctrine”), Suffix: -aire (used to form nouns or adjectives, often indicating a person associated with something)
7
Q
Define:
elate
(ee-late)
A
v. to fill with optimism or excitement
Activists were elated to hear about the passage of the civil rights legislation.
Prefix: e- (from Latin, meaning “out” or “from”), Root: lat (from Latin latus, meaning “carried” or “borne”)
8
Q
Define:
elegy
(ell-ih-djee)
A
n. a mournful poem or song
At her father’s funeral, Linda chose to read an elegy by his favorite poet, Keats.
Root: eleg (from Greek elegos, meaning “song of mourning”)
9
Q
Define:
elucidate
(ih-loo-sih-dehyt)
A
v. to make easier to understand
The company introduced simplified diagrams on its packaging to elucidate its new environmentally-friendly manufacturing process.
Prefix: e- (from Latin, meaning “out” or “from”), Root: lucid (from Latin lucidus, meaning “clear”), Suffix: -ate (used to form verbs)
10
Q
Define:
emaciate
(ih-mehy-shee-ehyt)
A
v. to make or become thin
He emerged from the prisoner camp emaciated by months of inadequate rations.
Prefix: e- (from Latin, meaning “out” or “from”), Root: maciat (from Latin macies, meaning “leanness”), Suffix: -ate (used to form verbs)
11
Q
Define:
emollient
(ih-mole-yunt)
A
adj. having the effect of softening
The cream was popular for its moisturizing and emollient properties.
Prefix: e- (from Latin, meaning “out” or “from”), Root: moll (from Latin mollis, meaning “soft”), Suffix: -ient (used to form adjectives)
12
Q
Define:
venal
(veen-l)
A
adj. capable of being bought or bribed; mercenary; corruptible
Naturally, the case was declared a mistrial when its venal judge was shown to have sought bribes from both the prosecution and the defense.
Root: ven (from Latin venalis, meaning “for sale”)
13
Q
Define:
doggerel
(daw-ger-uhl)
A
n. trivial, poorly constructed verse
adj. comic, burlesque; loose and irregular
The doggerel found in some publications is often a result of lazy editing.
Root: dogger (possibly from Middle English doggerel, meaning “worthless”)
14
Q
Define:
manse
(manss)
A
n. a clergyman’s house
n. a mansion
The architect just finished the plans for the minister’s new manse.
Root: manse (from Latin mansus, meaning “dwelling”)
15
Q
Define:
nexus
(nek-suhss)
A
n. a connected series; a tie or link
n. the center or focus
The detective pursued several corrupt police officials and so uncovered the nexus of the city’s violent crime.
Root: nex (from Latin nectere, meaning “to bind” or “to tie”)
16
Q
Define:
promulgate
(prom-uhl-geyt)
A
v. to make openly known; to officially announce
The governor promulgated the new building code by special courier to each of the state’s municipalities.
Prefix: pro- (from Latin, meaning “forward” or “forth”), Root: mulg (from Latin mulgere, meaning “to milk”), Suffix: -ate (used to form verbs)
17
Q
Define:
dross
(drawss)
A
n. rubbish, waste, or foreign matter; impurity
Fred dismissed the criticisms of his portfolio, pointing out that the gold had far outweighed the dross through his long career.
Root: dross (from Old English dros, meaning “dregs”)
18
Q
Define:
demur
(duh-mur)
A
v. to take exception; to object
n. an objection
Though he was essentially in favor of freedom of speech, he demurred at certain types of hate speech.
Prefix: de- (from Latin, meaning “down” or “away”), Root: mur (from Latin mora, meaning “delay”)
19
Q
Define:
felicitous
(fih-liss-ih-tuss)
A
adj. appropriate, suitable (as of a comment); well-chosen
Though Zhang and Eric are nothing alike, their complementary strengths made for a felicitous pairing as lab partners.
Root: felic (from Latin felicitas, meaning “happiness”), Suffix: -ous (used to form adjectives)
20
Q
Define:
veritable
(ver-ih-tuh-buhl)
A
adj. authentic, real, true
In such a moderate district, winning more than 60 percent of the vote is a veritable landslide.
Root: verit (from Latin veritas, meaning “truth”), Suffix: -able (used to form adjectives)
21
Q
Name the vocab term:
v. to consider as separate
v. to break away
Hint: starts with “d”
A
dissociate
synonyms: separate, detach, disjoin, disconnect, disengage
It’s important to dissociate your personal feelings from your professional decisions.
After the argument, she chose to dissociate herself from the group.
22
Q
Fill in the blank:
The ______ chords in the song created an unsettling atmosphere.
Hint: Starts with “d” and means “lacking harmony or agreement”.
A
dissonant
dissonant (diss-ih-nunt)
adj. not in agreement; discordant
adj. unpleasant or harsh sounding
23
Q
Name the vocab term:
v. to swell or widen
Hint: starts with “d”
A
distend
synonyms: bulge, swell, bloat, expand, inflate
The balloon began to distend as more air was pumped into it.
After the big meal, my stomach started to distend, making me uncomfortable.
24
Q
Fill in the blank:
The process to ______ the alcohol took several hours to ensure purity.
Hint: Starts with “d” and means “to purify or extract the essence of”.
A
distill
distill (dih-still)
v. to make pure
v. to take out from
25
# Name the vocab term:
v. to deprive or dispossess
v. to dispose of assets
## Footnote
*Hint: starts with "d"*
divest
## Footnote
synonyms: release, give up possession, rid, disencumber, unload
The company decided to _divest_ its non-core business units to focus on its main operations.
She felt it was time to _divest_ herself of unnecessary possessions.
26
# Fill in the blank:
His \_\_\_\_\_\_ approach to politics often led to conflicts with more pragmatic colleagues.
## Footnote
***Hint:*** *Starts with "d" and means "stubbornly attached to a theory".*
doctrinaire
## Footnote
*doctrinaire (dock-truh-**nair**)*
adj. following theory without regard for practical reality
27
# Name the vocab term:
v. to fill with optimism or excitement
## Footnote
*Hint: starts with "e"*
elate
## Footnote
synonyms: uplift, exalt, to make very proud or happy, inspire, thrill, elevate
The news of her promotion will surely _elate_ her family.
28
# Fill in the blank:
The poet wrote an \_\_\_\_\_\_ to honor the fallen soldiers.
## Footnote
***Hint:*** *Starts with "e" and means "a poem or song of mourning".*
elegy
## Footnote
*elegy (**ell**-ih-djee)*
n. a mournful poem or song
29
# Name the vocab term:
v. to make easier to understand
## Footnote
*Hint: starts with "e"*
elucidate
## Footnote
synonyms: clarify, simplify, expose, explain, illuminate
The professor used diagrams to _elucidate_ complex theories.
30
# Fill in the blank:
The prolonged illness caused him to become \_\_\_\_\_\_ rapidly.
## Footnote
***Hint:*** *Starts with "e" and means "to make abnormally thin or weak".*
emaciated
## Footnote
*emaciate (ih-**mehy**-shee-ehyt)*
v. to make or become thin
31
# Name the vocab term:
adj. having the effect of softening
## Footnote
*Hint: starts with "e"*
emollient
## Footnote
synonyms: relaxing, relieving, soothing, calming, pacifying
The _emollient_ cream helped soothe her dry skin.
32
# Fill in the blank:
The politician's \_\_\_\_\_\_ actions raised concerns about his integrity.
## Footnote
***Hint:*** *Starts with "v" and means "open to bribery or corruption".*
venal
## Footnote
*venal (**veen**-l)*
adj. capable of being bought or bribed; mercenary
33
# Name the vocab term:
n. trivial, poorly constructed verse
## Footnote
*Hint: starts with "d"*
doggerel
## Footnote
synonyms: awkward, droll, simplistic, crude, trivial
His poem was more _doggerel_ than art, lacking depth and meaning.
34
# Fill in the blank:
The \_\_\_\_\_\_ hosted the church's community events.
## Footnote
***Hint:*** *Starts with "m" and means "a clergy member’s residence".*
manse
## Footnote
*manse (**manss**)*
n. a clergyman's house
n. a mansion
35
# Name the vocab term:
n. a connected series; a tie or link
n. the center or focus
## Footnote
*Hint: starts with "n"*
nexus
## Footnote
synonyms: web, union; core, connection, focal point
The _nexus_ between the two research teams led to groundbreaking discoveries.
The conference served as the _nexus_ for industry leaders to discuss innovative strategies.
36
# Fill in the blank:
The organization will \_\_\_\_\_\_ the new policy at the upcoming meeting.
## Footnote
***Hint:*** *Starts with "p" and means "to make widely known or put into effect".*
promulgate
## Footnote
*promulgate (**prom**-uhl-geyt)*
v. to make openly known; to officially announce
37
# Name the vocab term:
n. slag, waste, or foreign matter; impurity
## Footnote
*Hint: starts with "d"*
dross
## Footnote
synonyms: dregs, scum, waste, refuse, residue
The factory removed the _dross_ from the metal to ensure its purity.
38
# Fill in the blank:
She decided to \_\_\_\_\_\_ when asked to sign the controversial petition.
## Footnote
***Hint:*** *Starts with "d" and means "to raise objections or hesitate".*
demur
## Footnote
*demur (duh-**mur**)*
v. to take exception; to object
n. an objection
39
# Name the vocab term:
adj. appropriate, suitable (as of a comment); well-chosen
## Footnote
*Hint: starts with "f"*
felicitous
## Footnote
synonyms: apt, fitting, favorable, timely, relevant
His _felicitous_ remarks during the ceremony made everyone feel welcomed.
40
# Fill in the blank:
The \_\_\_\_\_\_ evidence presented in court changed the case's outcome.
## Footnote
***Hint:*** *Starts with "v" and means "real or genuine".*
veritable
## Footnote
*veritable (**ver**-ih-tuh-buhl)*
adj. authentic, real, true
41
# Define:
impassive
| (im-**pass**-iv)
adj. showing no emotion; stoic; unmoved
## Footnote
Who could remain _impassive_ after such a heart-wrenching story?
Prefix: *im-* (from Latin, meaning "not"), Root: *pass* (from Latin *passivus*, meaning "suffering" or "feeling")
42
# Define:
hermetic
| (hur-**met**-ik)
adj. airtight, impervious to outside influence; isolated
## Footnote
The tomb's _hermetic_ seal had never been opened.
Root: *Hermes* (from Greek mythology, referring to Hermes Trismegistus, associated with alchemy and sealed containers)
43
# Define:
fracas
| (**frey**-kuhs)
n. a noisy fight or quarrel
## Footnote
In the middle of the day, a _fracas_ between two cab drivers erupted in the street.
Root: *frac* (from Italian *fracassare*, meaning "to smash" or "to crash")
44
# Define:
eminence
| (**em**-ih-nunce)
n. a place of high rank
## Footnote
Late in her career, Aida was finally recognized for achieving _eminence_ in filmmaking.
Root: *emin* (from Latin *eminere*, meaning "to stand out"), Suffix: *-ence* (from Latin, indicating a state or condition)
45
# Define:
epigram
| (**ep**-ih-gram)
n. a witty saying
## Footnote
The comedian became famous for his instantly recognizable _epigrams_ and one-liners.
Prefix: *epi-* (from Greek, meaning "upon" or "at"), Root: *gram* (from Greek *gramma*, meaning "something written")
46
# Define:
epitome
| (uh-**pit**-uh-mee)
n. a particularly worthy example of a class or type
## Footnote
The salon's customers praised his work as the _epitome_ of high-class hairstyling.
Prefix: *epi-* (from Greek, meaning "upon"), Root: *tom* (from Greek *temnein*, meaning "to cut")
47
# Define:
equanimity
| (ek-wuh-**nim**-ih-tee)
n. steadiness of mind
## Footnote
A good leader maintains her _equanimity_ even during a crisis.
Prefix: *equi-* (from Latin *aequus*, meaning "equal"), Root: *anim* (from Latin *animus*, meaning "mind" or "spirit"), Suffix: *-ity* (from Latin, indicating a state or condition)
48
# Define:
equivocal
| (uh-**kwiv**-uh-kul)
adj. uncertain or open to interpretation
## Footnote
The doctor's conclusion was rather _equivocal_, so I asked for a second opinion.
Prefix: *equi-* (from Latin *aequus*, meaning "equal"), Root: *voc* (from Latin *vocare*, meaning "to call"), Suffix: *-al* (from Latin, forming adjectives)
49
# Define:
erudite
| (**air**-ya-dahyt)
adj. having profound knowledge or wisdom
## Footnote
The _erudite_ professor was extremely knowledgeable but difficult to understand in lectures.
Prefix: *e-* (from Latin, meaning "out of"), Root: *rud* (from Latin *rudis*, meaning "untrained" or "rough"), Suffix: *-ite* (from Latin, forming adjectives)
50
# Define:
espouse
| (uh-**spouz**)
v. to give or take in matrimony
v. to take up or adopt (e.g., a cause)
## Footnote
Although she claims to be nonconformist, Becky merely _espouses_ the same beliefs she has read about in various books and websites.
Prefix: *e-* (from Latin, meaning "out of"), Root: *spouse* (from Latin *sponsus*, meaning "betrothed")
51
# Define:
eradicate
| (ih-**rad**-ih-kehyt)
v. to eliminate completely
## Footnote
The poison succeeded in _eradicating_ all of the insects that had invaded the house.
Prefix: *e-* (from Latin, meaning "out of"), Root: *radic* (from Latin *radix*, meaning "root"), Suffix: *-ate* (from Latin, forming verbs)
52
# Define:
estrange
| (ih-**strange**)
v. to arouse hostility in
v. to remove from a group or relationship
## Footnote
A particularly mean-spirited remark from her stepmother finally _estranged_ Maggie from her family, and she has not been home since.
Prefix: *e-* (from Latin, meaning "out of"), Root: *strange* (from Latin *extraneus*, meaning "foreign")
53
# Define:
evanescent
| (ev-ih-**ness**-unt)
adj. tending to vanish
## Footnote
The _evanescent_ beauty of cherry blossoms may have inspired the respect for short-lived pleasures evident in the Japanese psyche.
Prefix: *e-* (from Latin, meaning "out of"), Root: *vanesc* (from Latin *vanescere*, meaning "to vanish"), Suffix: *-ent* (from Latin, forming adjectives)
54
# Define:
extrinsic
| (ik-**strin**-zik)
adj. originating from the outside
## Footnote
The parents' cheers were useful for _extrinsic_ motivation, but the coach told the team that the drive to win must come from inside themselves.
Prefix: *ex-* (from Latin, meaning "out of"), Root: *trinsic* (from Latin *intrinsecus*, meaning "inward")
55
# Define:
exult
| (ig-**zult**)
v. to express joy or elation
## Footnote
The winning candidate's campaign team began to _exult_ the moment they heard the news.
Prefix: *ex-* (from Latin, meaning "out of"), Root: *ult* (from Latin *saltare*, meaning "to leap")
56
# Define:
facetious
| (fuh-**see**-shuss)
adj. humorous with a sarcastic tone
## Footnote
The student's _facetious_ comments were seen as disrespectful by his professor.
Root: *facet* (from Latin *facetus*, meaning "witty"), Suffix: *-ious* (from Latin, forming adjectives)
57
# Define:
facile
| (**fass**-ul)
adj. done with ease
adj. shallow, uncomplicated
## Footnote
Though _facile_ references to cooperation may inspire some workers, others remain unconvinced until their higher-ups go into specifics.
Root: *fac* (from Latin *facilis*, meaning "easy")
58
# Define:
rectitude
| (**rek**-tih-tood)
n. moral righteousness
n. the quality of being right
## Footnote
The priest praised him for his _rectitude_ in the face of temptation.
Root: *rect* (from Latin *rectus*, meaning "straight"), Suffix: *-itude* (from Latin, indicating a state or condition)
59
# Define:
crucible
| (**kroo**-suh-buhl)
n. a metal container made of heat resistant material
n. a severe test
n. a place or time characterized by powerful forces
## Footnote
He was cast into the _crucible_ of depression by his daughter's diagnosis.
Root: *cruc* (from Latin *crux*, meaning "cross"), Suffix: *-ible* (from Latin, forming nouns)
60
# Define:
ingenue
| (**an**-je-noo)
n. a naive, innocent young woman
## Footnote
Do you take me for an _ingenue_ who has never been to the city?
Root: *gen* (from Latin *ingenuus*, meaning "freeborn" or "noble")
61
# Name the vocab term:
adj. showing no emotion; stoic; unmoved
## Footnote
*Hint: starts with "i"*
impassive
## Footnote
synonyms: apathetic, unfeeling, expressionless, emotionless, cold
Despite the chaos around him, he remained _impassive_.
62
# Fill in the blank:
The \_\_\_\_\_\_ seal ensured that no air entered the container.
## Footnote
***Hint:*** *Starts with "h" and means "airtight or closed off".*
hermetic
## Footnote
*hermetic (hur-**met**-ik)*
adj. airtight, impervious to outside influence; isolated
63
# Name the vocab term:
n. a noisy fight or quarrel
## Footnote
*Hint: starts with "f"*
fracas
## Footnote
synonyms: disturbance, fight, brawl, uproar, altercation
The _fracas_ in the street drew the attention of nearby residents.
64
# Fill in the blank:
His \_\_\_\_\_\_ in the field of science earned him numerous awards.
## Footnote
***Hint:*** *Starts with "e" and means "high rank or importance".*
eminence
## Footnote
*eminence (**em**-ih-nunce)*
n. a place of high rank
65
# Name the vocab term:
n. a witty saying
## Footnote
*Hint: starts with "e"*
epigram
## Footnote
synonyms: quirk, joke, adage, wisecrack
His witty _epigram_ perfectly captured the absurdity of the situation.
66
# Fill in the blank:
She is the \_\_\_\_\_\_ of professionalism in her field.
## Footnote
***Hint:*** *Starts with "e" and means "a perfect example".*
epitome
## Footnote
*epitome (uh-**pit**-uh-mee)*
n. a particularly worthy example of a class or type
67
# Name the vocab term:
n. steadiness of mind
## Footnote
*Hint: starts with "e"*
equanimity
## Footnote
synonyms: composure, poise, calmness, serenity
He handled the crisis with remarkable _equanimity_.
68
# Fill in the blank:
The CEO's \_\_\_\_\_\_ response left many questions unanswered.
## Footnote
***Hint:*** *Starts with "e" and means "open to more than one interpretation".*
equivocal
## Footnote
*equivocal (uh-**kwiv**-uh-kul)*
adj. uncertain or open to interpretation
69
# Name the vocab term:
adj. having profound knowledge or wisdom
## Footnote
*Hint: starts with "e"*
erudite
## Footnote
synonyms: educated, cultured, savvy, knowledgeable
The _erudite_ professor was a favorite among students for his deep insights.
70
# Fill in the blank:
They decided to \_\_\_\_\_\_ their commitment to environmental sustainability by starting a community garden.
## Footnote
***Hint:*** *Starts with "e" and means "to adopt or support a cause".*
espouse
## Footnote
*espouse (uh-**spouz**)*
v. to give or take in matrimony
v. to take up or adopt (e.g., a cause)
71
# Name the vocab term:
v. to eliminate completely
## Footnote
*Hint: starts with "e"*
eradicate
## Footnote
synonyms: destroy, annihilate, eliminate, exterminate
The organization aims to _eradicate_ poverty in the community.
72
# Fill in the blank:
His harsh comments served to \_\_\_\_\_\_ him from his closest friends.
## Footnote
***Hint:*** *Starts with "e" and means "to cause to be unfriendly or alienated".*
estrange
## Footnote
*estrange (ih-**strange**)*
v. to arouse hostility in
v. to remove oneself from a group or relationship
73
# Name the vocab term:
adj. tending to vanish
## Footnote
*Hint: starts with "e"*
evanescent
## Footnote
synonyms: transient, disappearing, vanishing, fleeting, momentary
The _evanescent_ beauty of the sunset left everyone in awe.
74
# Fill in the blank:
The \_\_\_\_\_\_ factors influencing the market include global events and trends.
## Footnote
***Hint:*** *Starts with "e" and means "not inherent or essential".*
extrinsic
## Footnote
*extrinsic (ik-**strin**-zik)*
adj. originating from the outside
75
# Name the vocab term:
v. to express joy or elation
## Footnote
*Hint: starts with "e"*
exult
## Footnote
synonyms: delight, jubilate, rejoice, celebrate
The team began to _exult_ after their hard-fought victory in the championship game.
76
# Fill in the blank:
His \_\_\_\_\_\_ remarks during the meeting lightened the mood but also annoyed some colleagues.
## Footnote
***Hint:*** *Starts with "f" and means "joking inappropriately about serious matters".*
facetious
## Footnote
*facetious (fuh-**see**-shuss)*
adj. humorous with a sarcastic tone
77
# Name the vocab term:
adj. done with ease
## Footnote
*Hint: starts with "f"*
facile
## Footnote
synonyms: effortless, simplistic, easy, superficial
The athlete’s _facile_ performance made it look effortless.
78
# Fill in the blank:
His \_\_\_\_\_\_ was evident in his unwavering commitment to justice.
## Footnote
***Hint:*** *Starts with "r" and means "moral uprightness".*
rectitude
## Footnote
*rectitude (**rek**-tih-tood)*
n. moral righteousness; n. the quality of being right
79
# Name the vocab term:
n. a metal container made of heat resistant material
## Footnote
*Hint: starts with "c"*
crucible
## Footnote
synonyms: vessel; calamity, trial, test, challenge, ordeal
The blacksmith used a _crucible_ to melt the metal for his new creation.
80
# Fill in the blank:
The film featured an \_\_\_\_\_\_ who captured everyone's hearts with her innocence.
## Footnote
***Hint:*** *Starts with "i" and means "an innocent or naive young woman".*
ingenue
## Footnote
*ingenue (**an**-je-noo)*
n. a naive, innocent young woman
81
# Define:
cadge
| (**kadj**)
v. to beg or ask for; to impose on another's generosity
## Footnote
The drunk was _cadging_ cigarettes from strangers.
Root: *cadge* (origin uncertain, possibly from Middle English *cadge*, meaning "to carry")
82
# Define:
flout
| (**flahwt**)
v. to demonstrate contempt for; to mock with disdain
v. to disregard, to disobey
## Footnote
She _flouted_ convention with her bizarre style of dress.
Root: *flout* (from Middle English *flouten*, meaning "to play the flute" or "to mock")
83
# Define:
ennui
| (ahn-**wee**)
n. dissatisfaction and restlessness due to boredom or apathy
## Footnote
Go Fish could not cure our rainy-day _ennui_.
Root: *ennui* (from Old French *enui*, meaning "annoyance" or "boredom")
84
# Define:
urbanity
| (ur-**ban**-ih-tee)
n. refinement and elegance of manner; polished courtesy
## Footnote
It was difficult not to be captivated by the palpable _urbanity_ in everything she said.
Root: *urban* (from Latin *urbanus*, meaning "of the city")
85
# Define:
vicissitude
| (vih-**siss**-ih-tood)
n. a sudden, unexpected change, as in one's life
## Footnote
John found inner strength and confronted the _vicissitudes_ of a troubled life admirably.
Root: *viciss* (from Latin *vicis*, meaning "change" or "alternation")
86
# Define:
hubris
| (**hyoo**-bris)
n. arrogant presumption, excessive pride
## Footnote
The president's _hubris_ led to the desertion of many of his erstwhile friends who missed the humble and prudent politician they once knew.
Root: *hubris* (from Greek *hybris*, meaning "excessive pride")
87
# Define:
fallow
| (**fal**-owe)
adj. undeveloped (often despite the potential to be used)
## Footnote
In the United States, some farmers are paid to leave parts of their land _fallow_ in order to limit agricultural output.
Root: *fallow* (from Old English *fealgian*, meaning "to break up land for sowing")
88
# Define:
fathom
| (**fath**-um)
v. to calculate the depth of
v. to comprehend
## Footnote
I cannot even _fathom_ the idea of giving up my child for adoption.
Root: *fathom* (from Old English *fæthm*, meaning "to embrace" or "to encircle")
89
# Define:
fatuous
| (**fach**-oo-us)
adj. inanely foolish
## Footnote
Most of his peers and relations thought his dream of becoming both a doctor and astronaut was _fatuous_ at best.
Root: *fatu* (from Latin *fatuus*, meaning "foolish")
90
# Define:
ferment
| (v. fur-**ment**; n. **fur**-ment)
v. to process sugar into alcohol organically
v. to work up
n. a state of excitement or turbulence
## Footnote
The _ferment_ into which Watson and Crick's discovery of DNA thrust the world of evolutionary biology was slow to die down.
Root: *ferment* (from Latin *fermentum*, meaning "leaven" or "yeast")
91
# Define:
fervent
| (**fur-**vent)
adj. filled with strong emotion
## Footnote
Her _fervent_ desire to help others led her to start her own charity organization with her inheritance.
Root: *ferv* (from Latin *fervere*, meaning "to boil" or "to be hot")
92
# Define:
fetter
| (**fet**-er)
n. a restraint
v. to restrict or restrain
## Footnote
The designer felt his creativity was _fettered_ by his client's demands.
Root: *fetter* (from Old English *feter*, meaning "chain" or "shackle")
93
# Define:
garrulous
| (**gair**-uh-luss)
adj. overly talkative (esp. about unimportant topics)
## Footnote
The woman's _garrulous_ nature annoyed most of her coworkers.
Root: *garrul* (from Latin *garrulus*, meaning "talkative")
94
# Define:
gauche
| (**goash**)
adj. unsophisticated; lacking manners
## Footnote
Linda kept to herself at her boss's cocktail party, lest she say something _gauche_ and embarrass herself.
Root: *gauche* (from French *gauche*, meaning "left" or "awkward")
95
# Define:
germane
| (djer-**mehyn**)
adj. relevant to the matter at hand
## Footnote
Kevin had a hard time finding materials that were actually _germane_ to his project and not just tangentially related.
Root: *germ* (from Latin *germanus*, meaning "related" or "pertinent")
96
# Define:
glib
| (**glihb**)
adj. spoken in a smooth, unconcerned manner
adj. informal to the point of being insincere
## Footnote
The politician annoyed many journalists with his _glib_ responses.
Root: *glib* (from Middle Low German *glibberig*, meaning "slippery")
97
# Define:
glutton
| (**glut**-un)
n. a person who eats to excess
## Footnote
Johnny got in trouble so often that his professors began asking if he was a "_glutton_ for punishment".
Root: *glutt* (from Latin *gluttire*, meaning "to swallow")
98
# Define:
grandiloquent
| (gran-**dill**-ih-kwunt)
adj. extravagant and pompous in speech
## Footnote
The _grandiloquent_ speech did not have much substance, leaving the audience confused about its purpose.
Prefix: *grand* (from Latin *grandis*, meaning "large") Suffix: *loquent* (from Latin *loqui*, meaning "to speak")
99
# Define:
gratuitous
| (gruh-**too**-ih-tuss)
adj. unwarranted or unnecessary
## Footnote
The movie disgusted her due to its _gratuitous_ violence, which served no plot function so far as she could tell.
Root: *gratuit* (from Latin *gratuitus*, meaning "free" or "unearned")
100
# Define:
gregarious
| (grih-**gair**-ee-us)
adj. outgoing and friendly
adj. tending to live in communities
## Footnote
This _gregarious_ species of bird may be found in flocks of up to one hundred individuals.
Root: *greg* (from Latin *grex*, meaning "flock" or "herd")
101
# Name the vocab term:
v. to beg or ask for; to impose on another's generosity
## Footnote
*Hint: starts with "c"*
cadge
## Footnote
synonyms: hawk, mooch, scrounge, solicit
The artist would often _cadge_ a meal from friends during tough times.
102
# Fill in the blank:
He chose to \_\_\_\_\_\_ the dress code by wearing jeans to the formal event.
## Footnote
***Hint:*** *Starts with "f" and means "to openly disregard rules or norms".*
flout
## Footnote
*flout (**flahwt**)*
v. to demonstrate contempt for; to mock with disdain
103
# Name the vocab term:
n. dissatisfaction and restlessness due to boredom or apathy
## Footnote
*Hint: starts with "e"*
ennui
## Footnote
synonyms: tedium, weariness, disinterest, boredom, listlessness
The rainy day brought a sense of _ennui_ that made everyone feel lethargic.
104
# Fill in the blank:
Her \_\_\_\_\_\_ was evident in the way she addressed every guest at the party.
## Footnote
***Hint:*** *Starts with "u" and means "refined and courteous manner".*
urbanity
## Footnote
*urbanity (ur-**ban**-ih-tee)*
n. refinement and elegance of manner; polished courtesy
105
# Name the vocab term:
n. a sudden, unexpected change, as in one's life
## Footnote
*Hint: starts with "v"*
vicissitude
## Footnote
synonyms: alteration, hardship, adversity, fluctuation, change
The _vicissitude_ of the economy left many families struggling to make ends meet.
106
# Fill in the blank:
His \_\_\_\_\_\_ ultimately led to his downfall, as he ignored the advice of seasoned experts.
## Footnote
***Hint:*** *Starts with "h" and means "excessive pride or self-confidence".*
hubris
## Footnote
*hubris (**hyoo**-bris)*
n. arrogant presumption, excessive pride
107
# Name the vocab term:
adj. undeveloped (often despite the potential to be used)
## Footnote
*Hint: starts with "f"*
fallow
## Footnote
synonyms: neglected, inactive, vacant, unused, barren
The _fallow_ land was finally cultivated after years of neglect.
108
# Fill in the blank:
The diver used a special device to \_\_\_\_\_\_ the depth of the ocean at that location.
## Footnote
***Hint:*** *Starts with "f" and means "to understand deeply".*
fathom
## Footnote
*fathom (**fath**-um)*
v. to calculate the depth of
v. to comprehend
109
# Name the vocab term:
adj. inanely foolish
## Footnote
*Hint: starts with "f"*
fatuous
## Footnote
synonyms: silly, frivolous, absurd, witless
His _fatuous_ assumption that he could ace the final without studying cost him his scholarship.
110
# Fill in the blank:
As the project progressed, the team began to \_\_\_\_\_\_ new ideas and strategies.
## Footnote
***Hint:*** *Starts with "f" and means "to incite or stir up trouble".*
ferment
## Footnote
*ferment (v. fur-**ment**; n. **fur**-ment)*
v. to process sugar into alcohol organically
v. to work up
n. a state of excitement or turbulence
111
# Name the vocab term:
adj. filled with strong emotion
## Footnote
*Hint: starts with "f"*
fervent
## Footnote
synonyms: ardent, zealous, impassioned; passionate, intense
Her _fervent_ desire to help others led her to start her own charity organization.
112
# Fill in the blank:
The judge imposed a \_\_\_\_\_\_ to ensure the defendant did not leave the country.
## Footnote
***Hint:*** *Starts with "f" and means "a restraint, or to restrict or chain".*
fetter
## Footnote
*fetter (**fet**-er)*
n. a restraint
v. to restrict or restrain
113
# Name the vocab term:
adj. overly talkative (esp. about unimportant topics)
## Footnote
*Hint: starts with "g"*
garrulous
## Footnote
synonyms: babbling, chatty, verbose; loquacious, talkative
The woman's _garrulous_ nature annoyed most of her coworkers.
114
# Fill in the blank:
Her \_\_\_\_\_\_ remarks at the dinner party made everyone feel uncomfortable.
## Footnote
***Hint:*** *Starts with "g" and means "lacking social grace".*
gauche
## Footnote
*gauche (**goash**)*
adj. unsophisticated; lacking manners
115
# Name the vocab term:
adj. relevant to the matter at hand
## Footnote
*Hint: starts with "g"*
germane
## Footnote
synonyms: appropriate, applicable, befitting, pertinent, related
The professor emphasized that only _germane_ questions would be addressed during the discussion.
116
# Fill in the blank:
His \_\_\_\_\_\_ remarks during the meeting failed to address the real issues at hand.
## Footnote
***Hint:*** *Starts with "g" and means "fluent but insincere".*
glib
## Footnote
*glib (**glihb**)*
adj. spoken in a smooth, unconcerned manner
adj. informal to the point of being insincere
117
# Name the vocab term:
n. a person who eats to excess
## Footnote
*Hint: starts with "g"*
glutton
## Footnote
synonyms: gorger, hog, overeater, devourer
The _glutton_ at the buffet piled his plate high, showing no signs of stopping.
118
# Fill in the blank:
The politician's \_\_\_\_\_\_ speech was filled with flowery language but lacked substance.
## Footnote
***Hint:*** *Starts with "g" and means "using lofty or pompous language".*
grandiloquent
## Footnote
*grandiloquent (gran-**dill**-ih-kwunt)*
adj. extravagant and pompous in speech
119
# Name the vocab term:
adj. unwarranted or unnecessary
## Footnote
*Hint: starts with "g"*
gratuitous
## Footnote
synonyms: unneeded, wanton, excessive, redundant
The film's _gratuitous_ violence overshadowed its otherwise compelling storyline.
120
# Fill in the blank:
Her \_\_\_\_\_\_ nature made it easy for her to make friends wherever she went.
## Footnote
***Hint:*** *Starts with "g" and means "sociable and outgoing".*
gregarious
## Footnote
*gregarious (grih-**gair**-ee-us)*
adj. outgoing and friendly
adj. tending to live in communities
121
# Define:
guile
| (**gahyl**)
n. trickery or duplicity
## Footnote
His offer was free of _guile_ and meant only to be helpful.
Root: *guile* (from Old French *guile*, meaning "deceit" or "trickery")
122
# Define:
hyperbole
| (hahy-**pur**-buh-lee)
n. exaggeration
## Footnote
The statement that "I'm so hungry, I could eat a cow," is _hyperbole_ and not meant to be taken literally.
Prefix: *hyper-* (from Greek *hyper*, meaning "over" or "beyond"); Root: *bole* (from Greek *ballein*, meaning "to throw")
123
# Define:
iconoclast
| (eye-**con**-uh-klast)
n. one who challenges generally accepted beliefs and traditions
## Footnote
The _iconoclasts_ who upended Britain's post-war consensus took a much harder line against unions than had been the norm.
Root: *icon* (from Greek *eikon*, meaning "image" or "likeness"); Suffix: *-clast* (from Greek *klastes*, meaning "breaker")
124
# Define:
idiosyncrasy
| (id-ee-owe-**sing**-kruh-see)
n. a peculiar way of behaving or thinking
## Footnote
His obsession with removing his shoes the moment they got wet was one of his many _idiosyncrasies_.
Prefix: *idio-* (from Greek *idios*, meaning "own" or "peculiar"); Root: *syn* (from Greek *syn*, meaning "together"); Suffix: *-crasy* (from Greek *krasis*, meaning "mixture")
125
# Define:
idyll
| (**ahyd**-ul)
n. a scene of simple and tranquil nature
n. a short poem about such a scene
## Footnote
Her favorite poems are _idylls_ about the joys of life in the country.
Root: *idyll* (from Greek *eidyllion*, meaning "little picture" or "form")
126
# Define:
immutable
| (ih-**mew**-tuh-bull)
adj. not susceptible to change
## Footnote
The actors knew that once the director made a decision about a scene, it was _immutable_ and not open to debate.
Prefix: *im-* (from Latin *in*, meaning "not"); Root: *mutable* (from Latin *mutabilis*, meaning "changeable")
127
# Define:
imperious
| (im-**peer**-ee-us)
adj. proud and arrogant
## Footnote
The actress replied to her manager's concerns with an _imperious_ wave of her hand.
Prefix: *im-* (from Latin *in*, meaning "in" or "on"); Root: *per* (from Latin *parare*, meaning "to prepare"); Suffix: *-ious* (forming adjectives, meaning "having the qualities of")
128
# Define:
impetuous
| (im-**pech**-oo-us)
adj. hasty and lacking in thought
## Footnote
His _impetuous_ and eager nature led him to take on more projects than he could realistically complete.
Prefix: *im-* (from Latin *in*, meaning "in" or "on"); Root: *pet* (from Latin *petere*, meaning "to seek" or "to go to"); Suffix: *-uous* (forming adjectives, meaning "having the quality of")
129
# Define:
impetus
| (**im**-pih-tuss)
n. a force that encourages or pushes forward a certain activity
n. a force that moves an object
## Footnote
The sudden publicity around the violence in India gave _impetus_ to the campaign to end the conflict through international mediation.
Prefix: *im-* (from Latin *in*, meaning "in" or "on"); Root: *petus* (from Latin *petere*, meaning "to seek" or "to go to")
130
# Define:
implacable
| (im-**plack**-ih-bull)
adj. impossible to calm or satisfy
## Footnote
According to my mother, I was an _implacable_ baby who often kept her up through the night.
Prefix: *im-* (from Latin *in*, meaning "not"); Root: *plac* (from Latin *placare*, meaning "to please" or "to appease"); Suffix: *-able* (forming adjectives, meaning "capable of")
131
# Define:
inert
| (in-**urt**)
adj. not able to move
adj. having no energy or interest
adj. chemically inactive
## Footnote
After hours at the gym, Luke could only lie about the house, _inert_ and exhausted.
Prefix: *in-* (from Latin *in*, meaning "not"); Root: *ert* (from Latin *ars*, meaning "skill" or "art")
132
# Define:
infallible
| (in-**fal**-ih-bull)
adj. incapable of error
## Footnote
Many of the actor's fans considered him _infallible_, so it was shocking when his latest film was widely panned.
Prefix: *in-* (from Latin *in*, meaning "not"); Root: *fall* (from Latin *fallere*, meaning "to deceive"); Suffix: *-ible* (forming adjectives, meaning "capable of")
133
# Define:
ingenuous
| (in-**djehn**-you-us)
adj. unable to mask feelings
adj. lacking worldliness; innocent and unsuspecting
## Footnote
Kate was too _ingenuous_ to realize that accepting a ride from a stranger might be a bad idea.
Prefix: *in-* (from Latin *in*, meaning "in" or "on"); Root: *genu* (from Latin *gignere*, meaning "to beget"); Suffix: *-ous* (forming adjectives, meaning "having the quality of")
134
# Define:
iniquitous
| (ih-**nick**-wih-tuss)
adj. wicked or unjust
## Footnote
The villain's _iniquitous_ plan was fortunately foiled again by the hero.
Prefix: *in-* (from Latin *in*, meaning "not"); Root: *iquit* (from Latin *aequus*, meaning "equal" or "just"); Suffix: *-ous* (forming adjectives, meaning "having the quality of")
135
# Define:
innocuous
| (ih-**nock**-you-us)
adj. not likely to injure or harm
adj. not controversial
adj. uninspiring or uninteresting
## Footnote
This insect looks dangerous and frightening but is actually _innocuous_.
Prefix: *in-* (from Latin *in*, meaning "not"); Root: *nocu* (from Latin *nocere*, meaning "to harm"); Suffix: *-ous* (forming adjectives, meaning "having the quality of")
136
# Define:
inoculate
| (ih-**nock**-yuh-late)
v. to vaccinate; to introduce an idea/attitude into the mind of
## Footnote
In most states, children must be _inoculated_ against common diseases before they enter public school.
Prefix: *in-* (from Latin *in*, meaning "in" or "on"); Root: *ocul* (from Latin *oculus*, meaning "eye"); Suffix: *-ate* (forming verbs, meaning "to make")
137
# Define:
insolence
| (**in**-suh-lunce)
n. rudeness; a lack of respect
## Footnote
When she could no longer stand the child's _insolence_, the babysitter called his parents to complain.
Prefix: *in-* (from Latin *in*, meaning "not"); Root: *solent* (from Latin *solere*, meaning "to be accustomed"); Suffix: *-ence* (forming nouns, meaning "state or quality of")
138
# Define:
insular
| (**in**-suh-lurr)
adj. limited in outlook
adj. physically or emotionally removed from others
## Footnote
Having grown up in a small, _insular_ town her whole life, Linda longed to move to a big city.
Root: *insul* (from Latin *insula*, meaning "island"); Suffix: *-ar* (forming adjectives, meaning "relating to")
139
# Define:
intractable
| (in-**track**-tuh-bull)
adj. not easily managed or governed
adj. not easily manipulated or molded
adj. not easily treated
## Footnote
The horse was too _intractable_ to be used in the race.
Prefix: *in-* (from Latin *in*, meaning "not"); Root: *tract* (from Latin *tractare*, meaning "to handle" or "to manage"); Suffix: *-able* (forming adjectives, meaning "capable of")
140
# Define:
laconic
| (luh-**con**-ik)
adj. brief and direct, often to the point of seeming rude
## Footnote
Kevin's _laconic_ response was unfortunately perceived as a rebuff and he was not invited to any more gatherings.
Root: *lacon* (from Greek *Lakōn*, referring to the region of Laconia, known for its terse speech); Suffix: *-ic* (forming adjectives, meaning "having the nature of")
141
# Name the vocab term:
n. trickery or duplicity
## Footnote
*Hint: starts with "g"*
guile
## Footnote
synonyms: slyness, deceit, cunning, trickery, deception
The con artist used _guile_ to swindle unsuspecting victims out of their savings.
142
# Fill in the blank:
Her claim that she could run a mile in under four minutes was pure \_\_\_\_\_\_.
## Footnote
***Hint:*** *Starts with "h" and means "exaggeration for effect".*
hyperbole
## Footnote
*hyperbole (hahy-**pur**-buh-lee)*
n. exaggeration
143
# Name the vocab term:
n. one who challenges generally accepted beliefs and traditions
## Footnote
*Hint: starts with "i"*
iconoclast
## Footnote
synonyms: detractor, cynic, dissenter, rebel, nonconformist
As an _iconoclast_, he often questioned the status quo and pushed for innovative ideas.
144
# Fill in the blank:
His habit of wearing mismatched socks was just one of his many \_\_\_\_\_\_.
## Footnote
***Hint:*** *Starts with "i" and means "a unique personal trait".*
idiosyncrasies
## Footnote
*idiosyncrasy (id-ee-owe-**sing**-kruh-see)*
n. a peculiar way of behaving or thinking
145
# Name the vocab term:
n. a scene of simple and tranquil nature
n. a short poem about such a scene
## Footnote
*Hint: starts with "i"*
idyll
## Footnote
synonyms: ballad, lyric, pastoral, tranquil scene, haven
The garden was an _idyll_, with blooming flowers and gentle breezes that brought a sense of peace.
The poet composed an _idyll_ celebrating the beauty of a quiet countryside at dawn.
146
# Fill in the blank:
The laws of physics are considered \_\_\_\_\_\_, remaining constant regardless of circumstances.
## Footnote
***Hint:*** *Starts with "i" and means "unchanging over time".*
immutable
## Footnote
*immutable (ih-**mew**-tuh-bull)*
adj. not susceptible to change
147
# Name the vocab term:
adj. proud and arrogant
## Footnote
*Hint: starts with "i"*
imperious
## Footnote
synonyms: haughty, domineering, overbearing, arrogant.
Her _imperious_ demeanor made it clear that she expected everyone to obey her commands without question.
148
# Fill in the blank:
His \_\_\_\_\_\_ decision to quit his job without a backup plan left him in a difficult situation.
## Footnote
***Hint:*** *Starts with "i" and means "acting hastily without thought".*
impetuous
## Footnote
*impetuous (im-**pech**-oo-us)*
adj. hasty and lacking in thought
149
# Name the vocab term:
n. a force that encourages or pushes forward a certain activity
n. a force that moves an object
## Footnote
*Hint: starts with "i"*
impetus
## Footnote
synonyms: driving force, push, incentive, momentum, stimulus
The grant provided the _impetus_ for the researchers to expand their study.
The wind acted as an _impetus_, propelling the sailboat swiftly across the water.
150
# Fill in the blank:
Her \_\_\_\_\_\_ anger left no room for negotiation after the betrayal.
## Footnote
***Hint:*** *Starts with "i" and means "unable to be appeased".*
implacable
## Footnote
*implacable (im-**plack**-ih-bull)*
adj. impossible to calm or satisfy
151
# Name the vocab term:
adj. not able to move
adj. having no energy or interest
adj. chemically inactive
## Footnote
*Hint: starts with "i"*
inert
## Footnote
synonyms: lifeless, still, inactive, dormant, motionless, sluggish, torpid
The heavy boulder remained _inert_ on the hillside, refusing to budge.
After a long day at work, I felt completely _inert_ and unable to do anything productive.
152
# Fill in the blank:
The scientist believed his method was \_\_\_\_\_\_, but unforeseen variables led to unexpected results.
## Footnote
***Hint:*** *Starts with "i" and means "incapable of being wrong".*
infallible
## Footnote
*infallible (in-**fal**-ih-bull)*
adj. incapable of error
153
# Name the vocab term:
adj. unable to mask feelings
adj. lacking worldliness; innocent or unsuspecting
## Footnote
*Hint: starts with "i"*
ingenuous
## Footnote
synonyms: direct, genuine, naive, straightforward, innocent, candid
His _ingenuous_ expression revealed his true emotions, making it clear how he felt.
The _ingenuous_ child believed every word in the fairy tale, unaware of the harsh realities of life.
154
# Fill in the blank:
The \_\_\_\_\_\_ practices of the corrupt regime shocked the international community.
## Footnote
***Hint:*** *Starts with "i" and means "grossly unfair or immoral".*
iniquitous
## Footnote
*iniquitous (ih-**nick**-wih-tuss)*
adj. wicked or unjust
155
# Name the vocab term:
adj. not likely to injure or harm
adj. not controversial
adj. uninspiring or uninteresting
## Footnote
*Hint: starts with "i"*
innocuous
## Footnote
synonyms: harmless, drab, safe, benign, insipid
The new policy was designed to be _innocuous_, ensuring that it would not adversely affect any employees.
Her comments were _innocuous_, sparking no debates or disagreements among the group.
156
# Fill in the blank:
The doctor will \_\_\_\_\_\_ you against the flu this season.
## Footnote
***Hint:*** *Starts with "i" and means "to protect against disease by introducing a vaccine".*
inoculate
## Footnote
*inoculate (ih-**nock**-yuh-late)*
v. to vaccinate; to introduce an idea/attitude into the mind of
157
# Name the vocab term:
n. rudeness; a lack of respect
## Footnote
*Hint: starts with "i"*
insolence
## Footnote
synonyms: nerve, impudence, rudeness, disrespect, audacity
His _insolence_ towards the teacher resulted in a detention.
158
# Fill in the blank:
His \_\_\_\_\_\_ perspective made it difficult for him to understand viewpoints different from his own.
## Footnote
***Hint:*** *Starts with "i" and means "narrow-minded or isolated".*
insular
## Footnote
*insular (**in**-suh-lurr)*
adj. limited in outlook
adj. physically or emotionally removed from others
159
# Name the vocab term:
adj. not easily managed or governed
adj. not easily manipulated or molded
adj. not easily treated
## Footnote
*Hint: starts with "i"*
intractable
## Footnote
synonyms: unresponsive, refractory, stubborn, difficult, obstinate
The _intractable_ patient refused to follow the treatment plan, making it challenging for the doctors to help him.
The _intractable_ problem continued to baffle the researchers, who struggled to find a solution.
160
# Fill in the blank:
His \_\_\_\_\_\_ replies made it hard to tell what he was really thinking.
## Footnote
***Hint:*** *Starts with "l" and means "using very few words".*
laconic
## Footnote
*laconic (luh-**con**-ik)*
adj. brief and direct, often to the point of seeming rude
161
# Define:
lampoon
| (lam-**poon**)
n. a sharp satire mocking a person or group through an artistic medium
v. to satirize or attack in such a style
## Footnote
Many modern comedies focus solely on _lampooning_ typical films from a variety of genres.
Root: *lamp-* (from French *lampon*, meaning "let us drink")
162
# Define:
latent
| (**lehy**-tent)
adj. present or existing but not currently visible
## Footnote
The doctor explained that she had died of a _latent_ heart condition that was not detected until it was too late to treat.
Root: *lat-* (from Latin *latere*, meaning "to lie hidden")
163
# Define:
lattice
| (**lat**-is)
n. a pattern consisting of, or resembling, an interwoven frame made by crisscrossing strips
## Footnote
The back of the antique mirror was made of a _lattice_ of rich, dark wood.
Root: *latt-* (from Latin *latticium*, meaning "lattice work")
164
# Define:
laud
| (**lawd**)
v. to praise or glorify
## Footnote
When he returned home, his relatives and friends _lauded_ him for his bravery on the battlefield.
Root: *laud-* (from Latin *laudare*, meaning "to praise")
165
# Define:
leaven
| (**lev**-un)
v. to have an enlivening or lightening influence
## Footnote
The few jokes he threw in did nothing to _leaven_ his grim sermon.
Root: *lev-* (from Latin *levare*, meaning "to raise")
166
# Define:
lethargic
| (luh-**thar**-djick)
adj. physically or mentally slow
## Footnote
Although I have gotten over the worst of my illness, I am still too _lethargic_ to do anything but stay in bed.
Root: *letharg-* (from Greek *lēthargos*, meaning "forgetful")
167
# Define:
levy
| (**lev**-ee)
v. to impose and collect
n. a charge imposed
## Footnote
The government decided that the best way to deal with the problem was to _levy_ a new tax on the ownership of pets.
Root: *lev-* (from Latin *levare*, meaning "to raise")
168
# Define:
mean
| (**meen**)
adj. low in status or quality
n. a point between two extremes
## Footnote
Ali is a moderate, preferring to choose the _mean_ when faced with extreme leftist and rightist arguments.
Root: *mean-* (from Old English *gemǣne*, meaning "common")
169
# Define:
meander
| (mee-**an**-dur)
v. to wander in a leisurely manner
## Footnote
I have a tendency to _meander_ about my large garden when I'm bored.
Root: *meander-* (from Greek *Maiandros*, a river known for its winding course)
170
# Define:
medley
| (**med**-lee)
n. a mixture of dissimilar things
n. a musical composition of melodies from different songs
## Footnote
The local singing group is renowned for their _medley_ of popular Beatles songs.
Root: *med-* (from Old French *mesler*, meaning "to mix")
171
# Define:
melancholy
| (**mel**-un-kol-ee)
n. a feeling of deep sadness
adj. sad, dejected
## Footnote
After her husband's departure, she spent months wallowing in _melancholy_.
Root: *melan-* (from Greek *melas*, meaning "black") and *chol-* (from Greek *chole*, meaning "bile")
172
# Define:
mercurial
| (mur-**cure**-ee-ul)
adj. subject to sudden changes in mood
adj. lively and quick
## Footnote
My mother's _mercurial_ temperament makes it impossible to predict how she will react to bad news.
Root: *mercur-* (from Latin *Mercurius*, the Roman god Mercury, known for his speed and changeability)
173
# Define:
monotonous
| (muh-**not**-ih-nuss)
adj. tedious, repetitive
adj. characterized by a tone of unvarying pitch
## Footnote
My new job consists of putting letters into envelopes, organizing files in alphabetical order, and other _monotonous_ tasks.
Prefix: *mono-* (from Greek *monos*, meaning "single") and Root: *ton-* (from Greek *tonos*, meaning "tone")
174
# Define:
moratorium
| (more-uh-**tore**-ee-um)
n. suspension of activity
## Footnote
Failing to secure the necessary signatures for a referendum, the group tried to secure a _moratorium_ on gay marriages while their challenge was heard by the courts.
Root: *mora-* (from Latin *mora*, meaning "delay")
175
# Define:
mores
| (**more**-ehyz)
n. the accepted customs of a particular group
## Footnote
She went against the _mores_ of her community when she decided to keep her maiden name.
Root: *mor-* (from Latin *mores*, meaning "customs")
176
# Define:
morphology
| (more-**fol**-uh-djee)
n. the study of form or structure
## Footnote
Her interest in drawing bushes and flowers logically led her to read up on plant _morphology_.
Root: *morph-* (from Greek *morphē*, meaning "form") and Suffix: *-ology* (from Greek *logia*, meaning "study of")
177
# Define:
muse
| (**mewz**)
v. to reflect deeply on a subject
## Footnote
The students _mused_ over the message of the teacher's final lecture well after the class had ended.
Root: *mus-* (from Greek *Mousa*, referring to the Muses, the inspirational goddesses of the arts)
178
# Define:
nadir
| (**nehy**-dur)
n. the lowest point
## Footnote
Stevenson has said that the weather is generally the "very _nadir_" of interesting conversational topics.
Root: *nadir-* (from Arabic *nazir*, meaning "opposite")
179
# Define:
nascent
| (**neyss**-unt)
adj. just coming into existence
## Footnote
The _nascent_ after-school program was already attracting the interest of a lot of parents and students.
Root: *nasc-* (from Latin *nasci*, meaning "to be born")
180
# Define:
nebulous
| (**neb**-yuh-luss)
adj. unclear or vague
## Footnote
Their plans for the new student center were as yet too _nebulous_ to take to the board of directors for approval.
Root: *nebul-* (from Latin *nebula*, meaning "mist" or "cloud")
181
# Name the vocab term:
n. a sharp satire mocking a person or group through an artistic medium
v. to satirize or attack in such a style
## Footnote
*Hint: starts with "l"*
lampoon
## Footnote
synonyms: parody, satire, spoof, ridicule
The political cartoon was a biting _lampoon_ of the mayor's controversial policies.
The comedian loved to _lampoon_ celebrities, turning their quirks into hilarious sketches.
182
# Fill in the blank:
The \_\_\_\_\_\_ talent of the artist only emerged after years of practice.
## Footnote
***Hint:*** *Starts with "l" and means "hidden but capable of emerging".*
latent
## Footnote
*latent (**lehy**-tent)*
adj. present or existing but not currently visible
183
# Name the vocab term:
adj. a pattern consisting of, or resembling, an interwoven frame made by crisscrossing strips
## Footnote
*Hint: starts with "l"*
lattice
## Footnote
synonyms: mesh, filigree, net, grid, framework, trellis
The garden was adorned with a beautiful _lattice_ covered in climbing roses.
184
# Fill in the blank:
The community gathered to \_\_\_\_\_\_ the firefighters for their bravery during the rescue.
## Footnote
***Hint:*** *Starts with "l" and means "to praise highly".*
laud
## Footnote
*laud (**lawd**)*
v. to praise or glorify
185
# Name the vocab term:
v. to have an enlivening or lightening influence
## Footnote
*Hint: starts with "l"*
leaven
## Footnote
synonyms: raise, lighten, stimulate, inspire
Her enthusiasm helped to _leaven_ the atmosphere during the otherwise dull meeting.
186
# Fill in the blank:
After staying up late, I felt \_\_\_\_\_\_ and struggled to concentrate on my work.
## Footnote
***Hint:*** *Starts with "l" and means "sluggish and lacking energy".*
lethargic
## Footnote
*lethargic (luh-**thar**-djick)*
adj. physically or mentally slow
187
# Name the vocab term:
v. to impose and collect
n. a charge imposed
## Footnote
*Hint: starts with "l"*
levy
## Footnote
synonyms: demand, exact, impose; tax, fee, charge, assessment
The city council decided to _levy_ a fine on homeowners who did not comply with the new regulations.
The _levy_ on sugary drinks was implemented to encourage healthier choices among consumers.
188
# Fill in the blank:
His \_\_\_\_\_\_ attitude towards his coworkers made the office environment quite uncomfortable.
## Footnote
***Hint:*** *Starts with "m" and means "unkind or inferior in quality".*
mean
## Footnote
*mean (**meen**)*
adj. low in status or quality
n. a point between two extremes
189
# Name the vocab term:
v. to wander in a leisurely manner
## Footnote
*Hint: starts with "m"*
meander
## Footnote
synonyms: drift, ramble, traipse, stroll, roam
She liked to _meander_ through the park on sunny afternoons.
190
# Fill in the blank:
The buffet featured a \_\_\_\_\_\_ of international dishes, showcasing flavors from around the world.
## Footnote
***Hint:*** *Starts with "m" and means "a mixture of different things".*
medley
## Footnote
*medley (**med**-lee)*
n. a mixture of dissimilar things
n. a musical composition of melodies from different songs
191
# Name the vocab term:
n. a feeling of deep sadness
adj. sad, dejected
## Footnote
*Hint: starts with "m"*
melancholy
## Footnote
synonyms: dejected, downcast, sad, sorrowful, gloomy
After the breakup, she was overwhelmed by a profound sense of _melancholy_ that lingered for weeks.
He wore a _melancholy_ expression as he reminisced about his childhood.
192
# Fill in the blank:
Her \_\_\_\_\_\_ personality made it difficult for her friends to know how she would react to any situation.
## Footnote
***Hint:*** *Starts with "m" and means "subject to sudden mood changes".*
mercurial
## Footnote
*mercurial (mur-**cure**-ee-ul)*
adj. subject to sudden changes in mood
adj. lively and quick
193
# Name the vocab term:
adj. tedious, repetitive
adj. characterized by a tone of unvarying pitch
## Footnote
*Hint: starts with "m"*
monotonous
## Footnote
synonyms: droning, unchanging, repetitive, tedious
The _monotonous_ task of sorting through endless paperwork drained her energy.
His _monotonous_ voice made it hard for the audience to stay focused during the lecture.
194
# Fill in the blank:
The government placed a \_\_\_\_\_\_ on new housing developments.
## Footnote
***Hint:*** *Starts with "m" and means "a temporary suspension of activity".*
moratorium
## Footnote
*moratorium (more-uh-**tore**-ee-um)*
adj. suspension of activity
195
# Name the vocab term:
n. the accepted customs of a particular group
## Footnote
*Hint: starts with "m"*
mores
## Footnote
synonyms: codes, ways, etiquette, ritual, customs, practices, norms
Breaking the _mores_ of her community led to widespread disapproval.
196
# Fill in the blank:
Her research focused on the \_\_\_\_\_\_ of plant cells.
## Footnote
***Hint:*** *Starts with "m" and means "the study of forms and structures".*
morphology
## Footnote
*morphology (more-**fol**-uh-djee)*
n. the study of form or structure
197
# Name the vocab term:
v. to reflect deeply on a subject
## Footnote
*Hint: starts with "m"*
muse
## Footnote
synonyms: contemplate, ponder, reflect, ruminate
She would often _muse_ over the meaning of life during quiet walks.
198
# Fill in the blank:
The company's financial struggles reached their \_\_\_\_\_\_ when it declared bankruptcy.
## Footnote
***Hint:*** *Starts with "n" and means "the lowest point".*
nadir
## Footnote
*nadir (**nehy**-dur)*
n. the lowest point
199
# Name the vocab term:
adj. just coming into existence
## Footnote
*Hint: starts with "n"*
nascent
## Footnote
synonyms: developing, beginning, emerging, fledgling
The _nascent_ technology showed great promise for the future.
200
# Fill in the blank:
His plans for the future remained \_\_\_\_\_\_ and undefined.
## Footnote
***Hint:*** *Starts with "n" and means "unclear or vague".*
nebulous
## Footnote
*nebulous (**neb**-yuh-luss)*
adj. unclear or vague
GRE® Vocabulary
flashcards
Decks in class (9)
# Cards
