Pronunciation: &b-'sorb, -'zorb
Function: transitive verb
Etymology: Middle French absorber, from Latin absorbEre, from ab- + sorbEre to suck up; akin to Lithuanian surbti to sip, Greek rophein to
gulp down
Date: 15th century
1 : to take in and make part of an existent whole <the capacity of China to absorb invaders>
2 a : to suck up or take up <a sponge absorbs water> <charcoal absorbs gas> <plant roots absorb water> b : to take in : ACQUIRE,
LEARN <convictions absorbed in youth -- M. R. Cohen> c : USE UP, CONSUME <the fever absorbed her strength>
3 : to engage or engross wholly <absorbed in thought>
4 a (1) : to receive without recoil or echo <provided with a sound-absorbing surface> (2) : ENDURE, SUSTAIN <absorbing hardships> (3) :
ASSUME, BEAR <the expenses were absorbed by the company> b : to transform (radiant energy) into a different form usually with a resulting
rise in temperature <the earth absorbs the sun's rays>
- ab·sorb·abil·i·ty /&b-"sor-b&-'bi-l&-tE, -"zor-/ noun
- ab·sorb·able /&b-'sor-b&-b&l, -'zor-/ adjective
- ab·sorb·er noun
[Click here for a pronunciation key]
Pronunciation: ab-'strakt, 'ab-"
Function: adjective
Etymology: Medieval Latin abstractus, from Latin, past participle of abstrahere to drag away, from abs-, ab- + trahere to pull, draw
Date: 14th century
1 a : disassociated from any specific instance <abstract entity> b : difficult to understand : ABSTRUSE <abstract problems> c : insufficiently
factual : FORMAL <possessed only an abstract right>
2 : expressing a quality apart from an object <the word poem is concrete, poetry is abstract>
3 a : dealing with a subject in its abstract aspects : THEORETICAL <abstract science> b : IMPERSONAL, DETACHED <the abstract
compassion of a surgeon -- Time>
4 : having only intrinsic form with little or no attempt at pictorial representation or narrative content <abstract painting>
- ab·stract·ly /ab-'strak(t)-lE, 'ab-"/ adverb
- ab·stract·ness /ab-'strak(t)-n&s, 'ab-"/ noun
[Click here for a pronunciation key]
Pronunciation: -d&nt
Function: adjective
Etymology: Middle English, from Middle French, from Latin abundant-, abundans, present
participle of abundare to abound
Date: 14th century
1 a : marked by great plenty (as of resources) <a fair and abundant land> b : amply
supplied : ABOUNDING <an area abundant with bird life>
2 : occurring in abundance : AMPLE <abundant rainfall>
synonym see PLENTIFUL
- abun·dant·ly adverb
Variant(s): also ac·a·dem·i·cal /-mi-k&l/
Function: adjective
Date: 1588
1 a : of, relating to, or associated with an academy or school especially of higher learning b : of or relating to performance in academic courses
<academic excellence> c : very learned but inexperienced in practical matters <academic thinkers> d : based on formal study especially at an
institution of higher learning
2 : of or relating to literary or artistic rather than technical or professional studies
3 a : THEORETICAL, SPECULATIVE <an academic question> b : having no practical or useful significance
4 : conforming to the traditions or rules of a school (as of literature or art) or an official academy : CONVENTIONAL
- ac·a·dem·i·cal·ly /-mi-k(&-)lE/ adverb
[Click here for a pronunciation key]
Pronunciation: &-'kä-m&-"dAt
Function: verb
Inflected Form(s): -dat·ed; -dat·ing
Etymology: Latin accommodatus, past participle of accommodare, from ad- + commodare to make fit, from commodus suitable -- more at
COMMODE
Date: 1550
transitive senses
1 : to make fit, suitable, or congruous
2 : to bring into agreement or concord : RECONCILE
3 : to provide with something desired, needed, or suited (as a helpful service, a loan, or lodgings)
4 a : to make room for b : to hold without crowding or inconvenience
5 : to give consideration to : allow for <accommodate the special interests of various groups>
intransitive senses : to adapt oneself; also : to undergo visual accommodation
synonym see ADAPT, CONTAIN
- ac·com·mo·da·tive /-"dA-tiv/ adjective
- ac·com·mo·da·tive·ness noun
[Click here for a pronunciation key]
Function: adjective
Date: 15th century
1 a : proficient as the result of practice or training <an accomplished dancer> b : having many social accomplishments
2 : established beyond doubt or dispute <an accomplished fact>
[Click here for a pronunciation key]
Pronunciation: &-'kor-di[ng]-lE
Function: adverb
Date: 14th century
1 : in accordance : CORRESPONDINGLY
2 : CONSEQUENTLY, SO
[Click here for a pronunciation key]
Pronunciation: ad-'hir, &d-
Function: verb
Inflected Form(s): ad·hered; ad·her·ing
Etymology: Middle French or Latin; Middle French adhérer, from Latin adhaerEre, from ad- + haerEre to stick
Date: 1536
intransitive senses
1 : to give support or maintain loyalty
2 obsolete : ACCORD 3
3 : to hold fast or stick by or as if by gluing, suction, grasping, or fusing
4 : to bind oneself to observance
transitive senses : to cause to stick fast
synonym see STICK
[Click here for a pronunciation key]
Pronunciation: "a-jik-'tI-v&l
Function: adjective
Date: 1797
1 : ADJECTIVE
2 : characterized by the use of adjectives
- ad·jec·ti·val·ly /-v&-lE/ adverb
[Click here for a pronunciation key]
Pronunciation: &-'jü-di-"kAt
Function: verb
Inflected Form(s): -cat·ed; -cat·ing
Date: 1775
transitive senses : to settle judicially
intransitive senses : to act as judge
- ad·ju·di·ca·tive /-"kA-tiv, -k&-/ adjective
- ad·ju·di·ca·tor /-"kA-t&r/ noun
[Click here for a pronunciation key]
Pronunciation: &d-'mi-n&-"strA-tiv, -str&-
Function: adjective
Date: circa 1731
: of or relating to administration or an administration : EXECUTIVE
- ad·min·is·tra·tive·ly adverb
[Click here for a pronunciation key]
Pronunciation: &d-'mi-t&d-lE, ad-
Function: adverb
Date: 1804
1 : as has been or must be admitted <an admittedly inadequate treatment>
2 : it must be admitted <admittedly, we took a chance>
[Click here for a pronunciation key]
Pronunciation: &-'dorn
Function: transitive verb
Etymology: Middle English, from Middle French adorner, from Latin adornare, from ad- + ornare to furnish -- more at ORNATE
Date: 14th century
1 : to enhance the appearance of especially with beautiful objects
2 : to enliven or decorate as if with ornaments <people of fashion who adorned the Court>
synonyms ADORN, DECORATE, ORNAMENT, EMBELLISH, BEAUTIFY, DECK, GARNISH mean to enhance the appearance of something by adding
something unessential. ADORN implies an enhancing by something beautiful in itself <a diamond necklace adorned her neck>. DECORATE
suggests relieving plainness or monotony by adding beauty of color or design <decorate a birthday cake>. ORNAMENT and EMBELLISH imply the
adding of something extraneous, ORNAMENT stressing the heightening or setting off of the original <a white house ornamented with green
shutters>, EMBELLISH often stressing the adding of superfluous or adventitious ornament <embellish a page with floral borders>. BEAUTIFY adds
to EMBELLISH a suggestion of counterbalancing plainness or ugliness <will beautify the grounds with flower beds>. DECK implies the addition of
something that contributes to gaiety, splendor, or showiness <a house all decked out for Christmas>. GARNISH suggests decorating with a small
final touch and is used especially in referring to the serving of food <an entrée garnished with parsley>.
[Click here for a pronunciation key]
Pronunciation: ad-'v&r-bE-&l
Function: adjective
Date: 1611
: of, relating to, or having the function of an adverb
- adverbial noun
- ad·ver·bi·al·ly /-&-lE/ adverb
[Click here for a pronunciation key]
Function: transitive verb
Etymology: Middle English, from affectus, past participle of afficere
Date: 15th century
: to produce an effect upon: as a : to produce a material influence upon or alteration
in <paralysis affected his limbs> b : to act upon (as a person or a person's mind or
feelings) so as to effect a response : INFLUENCE
usage see EFFECT
- af·fect·abil·i·ty /-"fek-t&-'bi-l&-tE/ noun
- af·fect·able /-'fek-t&-b&l/ adjective
synonyms AFFECT, INFLUENCE, TOUCH, IMPRESS, STRIKE, SWAY mean to produce or have an effect
upon. AFFECT implies the action of a stimulus that can produce a response or reaction
<the sight affected her to tears>. INFLUENCE implies a force that brings about a change
(as in nature or behavior) <our beliefs are influenced by our upbringing> <a drug that
influences growth rates>. TOUCH may carry a vivid suggestion of close contact and may
connote stirring, arousing, or harming <plants touched by frost> <his emotions were
touched by her distress>. IMPRESS stresses the depth and persistence of the effect <only
one of the plans impressed him>. STRIKE, similar to but weaker than impress, may convey
the notion of sudden sharp perception or appreciation <struck by the solemnity of the
occasion>. SWAY implies the acting of influences that are not resisted or are
irresistible, with resulting change in character or course of action <politicians who
are swayed by popular opinion>.
[Click here for a pronunciation key]
Pronunciation: &-'fek-ti[ng], a-
Function: adjective
Date: 1720
: evoking a strong emotional response
synonym see MOVING
- af·fect·ing·ly /-ti[ng]-lE/ adverb
[Click here for a pronunciation key]
Pronunciation: -lE-"A-t&d
Function: adjective
Date: 1795
: closely associated with another typically in a dependent or subordinate position <the university and its affiliated medical school>
[Click here for a pronunciation key]
Pronunciation: &-'fi-n&-tE
Function: noun
Inflected Form(s): plural -ties
Etymology: Middle English affinite, from Middle French or Latin; Middle French afinité, from Latin affinitas, from affinis bordering on,
related by marriage, from ad- + finis end, border
Date: 14th century
1 : relationship by marriage
2 a : sympathy marked by community of interest : KINSHIP b (1) : an attraction to or liking for something <people with an affinity to darkness
-- Mark Twain> <pork and fennel have a natural affinity for each other -- Abby Mandel> (2) : an attractive force between substances or particles
that causes them to enter into and remain in chemical combination c : a person especially of the opposite sex having a particular attraction for one
3 a : likeness based on relationship or causal connection <found an affinity between the teller of a tale and the craftsman -- Mary McCarthy> <this
investigation, with affinities to a case history, a psychoanalysis, a detective story -- Oliver Sachs> b : a relation between biological groups
involving resemblance in structural plan and indicating a common origin
synonym see ATTRACTION
[Click here for a pronunciation key]
Pronunciation: &-'fOrd, -'ford
Function: transitive verb
Etymology: Middle English aforthen, from Old English geforthian to carry out, from ge-, perfective prefix + forthian to carry out, from forth
-- more at CO-, FORTH
Date: 14th century
1 a : to manage to bear without serious detriment <you can't afford to neglect your health> b : to be able to bear the cost of <can't afford to be
out of work long> <able to afford a new car>
2 : to make available, give forth, or provide naturally or inevitably <the sun affords warmth to the earth> <the roof afforded a fine view>
synonym see GIVE
- af·ford·abil·i·ty /-"fOr-d&-'bi-l&-tE, -"for-/ noun
- af·ford·able /-'fOr-d&-b&l, -'for-/ adjective
- af·ford·ably /&-'fOr-d&-blE, -'for-/ adverb
[Click here for a pronunciation key]
Pronunciation: 'A-lE-&-"nAt, 'Al-y&-
Function: transitive verb
Inflected Form(s): -at·ed; -at·ing
Date: circa 1509
1 : to make unfriendly, hostile, or indifferent where attachment formerly existed
2 : to convey or transfer (as property or a right) usually by a specific act rather than the due course of law
3 : to cause to be withdrawn or diverted
synonym see ESTRANGE
- alien·ator /-"nA-t&r/ noun
[Click here for a pronunciation key]
Pronunciation: &-'lät
Function: transitive verb
Inflected Form(s): al·lot·ted; al·lot·ting
Etymology: Middle English alotten, from Middle French aloter, from a- (from Latin ad-) + lot, of Germanic origin; akin to Old English hlot
lot
Date: 15th century
1 : to assign as a share or portion <allot 10 minutes for the speech>
2 : to distribute by or as if by lot <allot seats to the press>
- al·lot·ter noun
[Click here for a pronunciation key]
Pronunciation: &-'mal-g&m
Function: noun
Etymology: Middle English amalgame, from Middle French, from Medieval Latin amalgama
Date: 15th century
1 : an alloy of mercury with another metal that is solid or liquid at room temperature according to the proportion of mercury present and is used
especially in making tooth cements
2 : a mixture of different elements : COMBINATION
[Click here for a pronunciation key]
Pronunciation: 'am-by&-l&-"tOr-E, -"tor-
Function: adjective
Date: 1622
1 : of, relating to, or adapted to walking; also : occurring during a walk
2 : moving from place to place : ITINERANT
3 : capable of being altered <a will is ambulatory until the testator's death>
4 a : able to walk about and not bedridden b : performed on or involving an ambulatory patient or an outpatient <ambulatory medical care> <an
ambulatory electrocardiogram>
- am·bu·la·to·ri·ly /"am-by&-l&-'tOr-&-lE, -'tor-/ adverb
[Click here for a pronunciation key]
Pronunciation: &-'men(d)z
Function: noun plural but singular or plural in construction
Etymology: Middle English amendes, from Middle French, plural of amende reparation, from amender
Date: 14th century
: compensation for a loss or injury : RECOMPENSE <make amends>
[Click here for a pronunciation key]
Pronunciation: &-'na-t&-mE
Function: noun
Inflected Form(s): plural -mies
Etymology: Late Latin anatomia dissection, from Greek anatomE, from anatemnein to dissect, from ana- + temnein to cut
Date: 14th century
1 : a branch of morphology that deals with the structure of organisms
2 : a treatise on anatomic science or art
3 : the art of separating the parts of an organism in order to ascertain their position, relations, structure, and function : DISSECTION
4 obsolete : a body dissected or to be dissected
5 : structural makeup especially of an organism or any of its parts
6 : a separating or dividing into parts for detailed examination : ANALYSIS
7 a (1) : SKELETON (2) : MUMMY b : the human body
- an·a·tom·ic /"a-n&-'tä-mik/ or an·a·tom·i·cal /-mi-k&l/ adjective
- an·a·tom·i·cal·ly /-mi-k(&-)lE/ adverb
[Click here for a pronunciation key]
Pronunciation: an-'drä-j&-n&s
Function: adjective
Etymology: Latin androgynus hermaphrodite, from Greek androgynos, from andr- + gynE woman -- more at QUEEN
Date: 1651
1 : having the characteristics or nature of both male and female
2 a : neither specifically feminine nor masculine <the androgynous pronoun them> b : suitable to or for either sex <androgynous clothing>
3 : having traditional male and female roles obscured or reversed <an androgynous marriage>
- an·drog·y·ny /-nE/ noun
[Click here for a pronunciation key]
Pronunciation: "a-nik-'dO-t&l
Function: adjective
Date: 1836
1 a : of, relating to, or consisting of anecdotes <an anecdotal biography> b : ANECDOTIC 2 <my anecdotal uncle>
2 : based on or consisting of reports or observations of usually unscientific observers <anecdotal evidence>
3 : of, relating to, or being the depiction of a scene suggesting a story <anecdotal painting> <anecdotal detail>
- an·ec·dot·al·ly /-t&l-E/ adverb
[Click here for a pronunciation key]
Function: adjective
Date: 14th century
: causing vexation : IRRITATING
- an·noy·ing·ly /-i[ng]-lE/ adverb
[Click here for a pronunciation key]
Pronunciation: an-'ti-s&-"pAt
Function: verb
Inflected Form(s): -pat·ed; -pat·ing
Etymology: Latin anticipatus, past participle of anticipare, from ante- + -cipare (from capere to take) -- more at HEAVE
Date: 1532
transitive senses
1 : to give advance thought, discussion, or treatment to
2 : to meet (an obligation) before a due date
3 : to foresee and deal with in advance : FORESTALL
4 : to use or expend in advance of actual possession
5 : to act before (another) often so as to check or counter
6 : to look forward to as certain : EXPECT
intransitive senses : to speak or write in knowledge or expectation of later matter
synonym see FORESEE, PREVENT
- an·tic·i·pat·able /-"pA-t&-b&l/ adjective
- an·tic·i·pa·tor /-"pA-t&r/ noun
[Click here for a pronunciation key]
Pronunciation: 'a[ng](k)-sh&s
Function: adjective
Etymology: Latin anxius; akin to Latin angere to strangle, distress -- more at ANGER
Date: circa 1616
1 : characterized by extreme uneasiness of mind or brooding fear about some contingency : WORRIED
2 : characterized by, resulting from, or causing anxiety : WORRYING
3 : ardently or earnestly wishing
synonym see EAGER
- anx·ious·ly adverb
- anx·ious·ness noun
[Click here for a pronunciation key]
Pronunciation: &-'prIz
Function: transitive verb
Inflected Form(s): ap·prised; ap·pris·ing
Etymology: French appris, past participle of apprendre to learn, teach, from Old French aprendre
Date: 1694
: to give notice to : TELL
synonym see INFORM
[Click here for a pronunciation key]
Function: noun
Date: 15th century
1 a : an act or instance of approaching <the approach of summer> b : APPROXIMATION <in this book he makes his closest approach to
greatness>
2 a : the taking of preliminary steps toward a particular purpose <experimenting with new lines of approach> b : a particular manner of taking
such steps <a highly individual approach to language>
3 : a means of access : AVENUE
4 a : a golf shot from the fairway toward the green b : the steps taken by a bowler before he delivers the ball; also : the part of the alley behind the
foul line from which the bowler delivers the ball
5 : the descent of an aircraft toward a landing place
[Click here for a pronunciation key]
Pronunciation: &-'prO-prE-&t
Function: adjective
Date: 15th century
: especially suitable or compatible : FITTING
synonym see FIT
- ap·pro·pri·ate·ly adverb
- ap·pro·pri·ate·ness noun
[Click here for a pronunciation key]
Pronunciation: 'är-b&-"trer-E
Function: adjective
Date: 15th century
1 : depending on individual discretion (as of a judge) and not fixed by law <the manner of punishment is arbitrary>
2 a : not restrained or limited in the exercise of power : ruling by absolute authority <an arbitrary government> b : marked by or resulting from
the unrestrained and often tyrannical exercise of power <protection from arbitrary arrest and detention>
3 a : based on or determined by individual preference or convenience rather than by necessity or the intrinsic nature of something <an arbitrary
standard> <take any arbitrary positive number> <arbitrary division of historical studies into watertight compartments -- A. J. Toynbee> b :
existing or coming about seemingly at random or by chance or as a capricious and unreasonable act of will <when a task is not seen in a meaningful
context it is experienced as being arbitrary -- Nehemiah Jordan>
- ar·bi·trari·ly /"är-b&-'trer-&-lE/ adverb
- ar·bi·trar·i·ness /'är-b&-"trer-E-n&s/ noun
[Click here for a pronunciation key]
Pronunciation: &-'res-ti[ng]
Function: adjective
Date: 1792
: catching the attention : STRIKING, IMPRESSIVE
- ar·rest·ing·ly /-ti[ng]-lE/ adverb
[Click here for a pronunciation key]
Pronunciation: -"lAt
Function: verb
Inflected Form(s): -lat·ed; -lat·ing
Date: 1594
transitive senses
1 a : to utter distinctly <articulating each note in the musical phrase> b : to give clear and effective utterance to : put into words <articulate one's
grievances> c : to give definition to (as a shape or object) <shades of gray were chosen to articulate different spaces -- Carol Vogel>
2 a : to unite by means of a joint : JOINT b : to form or fit into a systematic whole <articulating a program for all school grades>
intransitive senses
1 : to utter articulate sounds
2 : to become united or connected by or as if by a joint
- ar·tic·u·la·tive /-l&-tiv, -"lA-/ adjective
- ar·tic·u·la·tor /-"lA-t&r/ noun
[Click here for a pronunciation key]
Pronunciation: "är-t&-'fi-sh&l
Function: adjective
Date: 14th century
1 : humanly contrived often on a natural model : MAN-MADE <an artificial limb> <artificial diamonds>
2 a : having existence in legal, economic, or political theory b : caused or produced by a human and especially social or political agency <an
artificial price advantage> <artificial barriers of discrimination -- R. C. Weaver>
3 obsolete : ARTFUL, CUNNING
4 a : lacking in natural or spontaneous quality <an artificial smile> <an artificial excitement> c : IMITATION, SHAM <artificial flavor>
5 : based on differential morphological characters not necessarily indicative of natural relationships <an artificial key for plant identification>
- ar·ti·fi·ci·al·i·ty /"är-t&-"fi-shE-'a-l&-tE/ noun
- ar·ti·fi·cial·ly /-'fi-sh&l-E/ adverb
- ar·ti·fi·cial·ness /-'fi-sh&l-n&s/ noun
[Click here for a pronunciation key]
Pronunciation: 'as-"pekt
Function: noun
Etymology: Middle English, from Latin aspectus, from aspicere to look at, from ad- + specere to look -- more at SPY
Date: 14th century
1 a : the position of planets or stars with respect to one another held by astrologers to influence human affairs; also : the apparent position (as
conjunction) of a body in the solar system with respect to the sun b : a position facing a particular direction : EXPOSURE <the house has a
southern aspect> c : the manner of presentation of a plane to a fluid through which it is moving or to a current
2 a (1) : appearance to the eye or mind (2) : a particular appearance of countenance : MIEN b : a particular status or phase in which something
appears or may be regarded <studied every aspect of the question>
3 archaic : an act of looking : GAZE
4 a : the nature of the action of a verb as to its beginning, duration, completion, or repetition and without reference to its position in time b : a set
of inflected verb forms that indicate aspect
- as·pec·tu·al /a-'spek-ch&(-w&)l/ adjective
[Click here for a pronunciation key]
Pronunciation: &-'s&r-sh&n, a-
Function: noun
Date: 15th century
: the act of asserting; also : DECLARATION, AFFIRMATION
[Click here for a pronunciation key]
Pronunciation: &-'ses, a-
Function: transitive verb
Etymology: Middle English, probably from Medieval Latin assessus, past participle of assidEre, from Latin, to sit beside, assist in the office of a
judge -- more at ASSIZE
Date: 15th century
1 : to determine the rate or amount of (as a tax)
2 a : to impose (as a tax) according to an established rate b : to subject to a tax, charge, or levy
3 : to make an official valuation of (property) for the purposes of taxation
4 : to determine the importance, size, or value of
5 : to charge (a player or team) with a foul or penalty
synonym see ESTIMATE
- as·sess·able /-'se-s&-b&l/ adjective
[Click here for a pronunciation key]
Pronunciation: &-'sO-shE-"At, -sE-
Function: verb
Inflected Form(s): -at·ed; -at·ing
Etymology: Middle English associat associated, from Latin associatus, past participle of associare to unite, from ad- + sociare to join, from
socius companion -- more at SOCIAL
Date: 14th century
transitive senses
1 : to join as a partner, friend, or companion
2 obsolete : to keep company with : ATTEND
3 : to join or connect together : COMBINE
4 : to bring together or into relationship in any of various intangible ways (as in memory or imagination)
intransitive senses
1 : to come or be together as partners, friends, or companions
2 : to combine or join with other parts : UNITE
synonym see JOIN
[Click here for a pronunciation key]
Pronunciation: &-'süm
Function: transitive verb
Inflected Form(s): as·sumed; as·sum·ing
Etymology: Middle English, from Latin assumere, from ad- + sumere to take -- more at
CONSUME
Date: 15th century
1 a : to take up or in : RECEIVE b : to take into partnership, employment, or use
2 a : to take to or upon oneself : UNDERTAKE b : PUT ON, DON
3 : to take control of
4 : to pretend to have or be : FEIGN <assumed an air of confidence in spite of her
dismay>
5 : to take as granted or true : SUPPOSE
6 : to take over (the debts of another) as one's own
- as·sum·abil·i·ty /-"sü-m&-'bi-l&-tE/ noun
- as·sum·able /-'sü-m&-b&l/ adjective
- as·sum·ably /-blE/ adverb
synonyms ASSUME, AFFECT, PRETEND, SIMULATE, FEIGN, COUNTERFEIT, SHAM mean to put on a false or
deceptive appearance. ASSUME often implies a justifiable motive rather than an intent to
deceive <assumed an air of cheerfulness around the patients>. AFFECT implies making a false
show of possessing, using, or feeling <affected an interest in art>. PRETEND implies an
overt and sustained false appearance <pretended that nothing had happened>. SIMULATE
suggests a close imitation of the appearance of something <cosmetics that simulate a
suntan>. FEIGN implies more artful invention than PRETEND, less specific mimicry than
SIMULATE <feigned sickness>. COUNTERFEIT implies achieving the highest degree of
verisimilitude of any of these words <an actor counterfeiting drunkenness>. SHAM implies
an obvious falseness that fools only the gullible <shammed a most unconvincing limp>.
[Click here for a pronunciation key]
Pronunciation: &-'shur
Function: transitive verb
Inflected Form(s): as·sured; as·sur·ing
Etymology: Middle English, from Middle French assurer, from Medieval Latin assecurare, from Latin ad- + securus secure
Date: 14th century
1 : to make safe (as from risks or against overthrow) : INSURE
2 : to give confidence to <and hereby we know that we are of the truth, and shall assure our hearts -- 1 Jn 3:19 (Authorized Version)>
3 : to make sure or certain : CONVINCE <glancing back to assure himself no one was following>
4 : to inform positively <I assure you that we will do better next time>
5 : to make certain the coming or attainment of : GUARANTEE <worked hard to assure accuracy>
synonym see ENSURE
[Click here for a pronunciation key]
Pronunciation: 'a-tr&-fE
Function: noun
Inflected Form(s): plural -phies
Etymology: Late Latin atrophia, from Greek, from atrophos ill fed, from a- + trephein to nourish
Date: 1601
1 : decrease in size or wasting away of a body part or tissue; also : arrested development or loss of a part or organ incidental to the normal
development or life of an animal or plant
2 : a wasting away or progressive decline : DEGENERATION <the atrophy of freedom> <was not a solitude of atrophy, of negation, but of
perpetual flowering -- Willa Cather>
- atro·phic /(")A-'trO-fik/ adjective
- atrophy /'a-tr&-fE, -"fI/ verb
[Click here for a pronunciation key]
Pronunciation: 'a-tr&-"byüt
Function: noun
Etymology: Middle English, from Latin attributus, past participle of attribuere to attribute, from ad- + tribuere to bestow -- more at TRIBUTE
Date: 14th century
1 : an inherent characteristic; also : an accidental quality
2 : an object closely associated with or belonging to a specific person, thing, or office <a scepter is the attribute of power>; especially : such an
object used for identification in painting or sculpture
3 : a word ascribing a quality; especially : ADJECTIVE
synonym see QUALITY
[Click here for a pronunciation key]
Pronunciation: &-'tri-sh&n, a-
Function: noun
Etymology: Latin attrition-, attritio, from atterere to rub against, from ad- + terere to rub -- more at THROW
Date: 14th century
1 [Middle English attricioun, from Medieval Latin attrition-, attritio, from Latin] : sorrow for one's sins that arises from a motive other than that
of the love of God
2 : the act of rubbing together : FRICTION; also : the act of wearing or grinding down by friction
3 : the act of weakening or exhausting by constant harassment, abuse, or attack
4 : a reduction in numbers usually as a result of resignation, retirement, or death
- at·tri·tion·al /-'tri-sh(&-)n&l/ adjective
[Click here for a pronunciation key]
Pronunciation: "o-t&-'ma-tik
Function: adjective
Etymology: Greek automatos self-acting, from aut- + -matos (akin to Latin ment-, mens mind) -- more at MIND
Date: 1748
1 a : largely or wholly involuntary; especially : REFLEX 5 <automatic blinking of the eyelids> b : acting or done spontaneously or
unconsciously c : done or produced as if by machine : MECHANICAL <the answers were automatic>
2 : having a self-acting or self-regulating mechanism
3 of a firearm : using either gas pressure or force of recoil and mechanical spring action for repeatedly ejecting the empty cartridge shell,
introducing a new cartridge, and firing it
synonym see SPONTANEOUS
- au·to·mat·i·cal·ly /-ti-k(&-)lE/ adverb
- au·to·ma·tic·i·ty /-m&-'ti-s&-tE, -ma-/ noun
[Click here for a pronunciation key]
Pronunciation: -mE
Function: noun
Inflected Form(s): plural -mies
Date: circa 1623
1 : the quality or state of being self-governing; especially : the right of self-government
2 : self-directing freedom and especially moral independence
3 : a self-governing state
[Click here for a pronunciation key]
Pronunciation: &-'vA(&)l
Function: verb
Etymology: Middle English, probably from a- (as in abaten to abate) + vailen to avail,
from Old French valoir to be of worth, from Latin valEre -- more at WIELD
Date: 14th century
intransitive senses : to be of use or advantage : SERVE <our best efforts did not
avail>
transitive senses
1 : to be of use or advantage to : PROFIT
2 : to result in : bring about <his efforts availed him nothing>
- avail oneself of also avail of : to make use of : take advantage of
[Click here for a pronunciation key]
Pronunciation: &-'v&[ng]-ky&-l&r
Function: adjective
Etymology: Latin avunculus maternal uncle -- more at UNCLE
Date: 1831
1 : of or relating to an uncle
2 : suggestive of an uncle especially in kindliness or geniality <avuncular indulgence>
- avun·cu·lar·i·ty /&-"v&[ng]-ky&-'la-r&-tE/ noun
- avun·cu·lar·ly /&-'v&[ng]-ky&-l&r-lE/ adverb
[Click here for a pronunciation key]
Function: intransitive verb
Date: 1930
1 : to parachute from an aircraft
2 : to abandon a harmful or difficult situation; also : LEAVE, DEPART
[Click here for a pronunciation key]
Date: 15th century
transitive senses
1 archaic : to pass over or by
2 : to check or stop by or as if by an obstacle : BLOCK
intransitive senses
1 : to stop short and refuse to proceed
2 : to refuse abruptly -- used with at
3 : to commit a balk in sports
synonym see FRUSTRATE
- balk·er noun
[Click here for a pronunciation key]
Pronunciation: 'ba-nish
Function: transitive verb
Etymology: Middle English, from Middle French baniss-, stem of banir, of Germanic origin; akin to Old High German bannan to command --
more at BAN
Date: 14th century
1 : to require by authority to leave a country
2 : to drive out or remove from a home or place of usual resort or continuance
3 : to clear away : DISPEL <his discovery banishes anxiety -- Stringfellow Barr>
- ban·ish·er noun
- ban·ish·ment /-nish-m&nt/ noun
synonyms BANISH, EXILE, DEPORT, TRANSPORT mean to remove by authority from a state or country. BANISH implies compulsory removal
from a country not necessarily one's own <banished for seditious activities>. EXILE may imply compulsory removal or an enforced or voluntary
absence from one's own country <a writer who exiled himself for political reasons>. DEPORT implies sending out of the country an alien who has
illegally entered or whose presence is judged inimical to the public welfare <illegal aliens will be deported>. TRANSPORT implies sending a
convicted criminal to an overseas penal colony <a convict who was transported to Australia>.
[Click here for a pronunciation key]
Function: verb
Inflected Form(s): bore /'bOr, 'bor/; borne /'bOrn, 'born/; also born /'born/; bear·ing
Etymology: Middle English beren to carry, bring forth, from Old English beran; akin to Old High German beran to carry, Latin ferre, Greek
pherein
Date: before 12th century
transitive senses
1 a : to move while holding up and supporting b : to be equipped or furnished with c : BEHAVE, CONDUCT <bearing himself well> d : to
have as a feature or characteristic e : to give as testimony <bear false witness> f : to have as an identification <bore the name of John> g : to
hold in the mind h : DISSEMINATE i : LEAD, ESCORT j : RENDER, GIVE
2 a : to give birth to b : to produce as yield c (1) : to permit growth of (2) : CONTAIN <oil-bearing shale>
3 a : to support the weight of : SUSTAIN b : to put up with especially without giving way <couldn't bear the pain> c : to call for as suitable or
essential <it bears watching> d : to hold above, on top, or aloft e : to admit of : ALLOW f : ASSUME, ACCEPT
4 : THRUST, PRESS
intransitive senses
1 : to produce fruit : YIELD
2 a : to force one's way b : to extend in a direction indicated or implied c : to be situated : LIE d : to become directed e : to go or incline in an
indicated direction
3 : to support a weight or strain -- often used with up
4 a : to exert influence or force b : APPLY, PERTAIN
synonyms BEAR, SUFFER, ENDURE, ABIDE, TOLERATE, STAND mean to put up with something trying or painful. BEAR usually implies the
power to sustain without flinching or breaking <forced to bear a tragic loss>. SUFFER often suggests acceptance or passivity rather than courage
or patience in bearing <suffering many insults>. ENDURE implies continuing firm or resolute through trials and difficulties <endured years of
rejection>. ABIDE suggests acceptance without resistance or protest <cannot abide their rudeness>. TOLERATE suggests overcoming or
successfully controlling an impulse to resist, avoid, or resent something injurious or distasteful <refused to tolerate such treatment>. STAND
emphasizes even more strongly the ability to bear without discomposure or flinching <unable to stand teasing>.
- bear a hand : to join in and help out
- bear arms 1 : to carry or possess arms 2 : to serve as a soldier
- bear fruit : to come to satisfying fruition, production, or development
- bear in mind : to think of especially as a warning : REMEMBER
- bear with : to be indulgent, patient, or forbearing with
[Click here for a pronunciation key]
Pronunciation: bi-'frend
Function: transitive verb
Date: 1559
: to act as a friend to
[Click here for a pronunciation key]
Pronunciation: 'bI-&s
Function: noun
Etymology: Middle French biais
Date: 1530
1 : a line diagonal to the grain of a fabric; especially : a line at a 45° angle to the selvage often utilized in the cutting of garments for smoother fit
2 a : a peculiarity in the shape of a bowl that causes it to swerve when rolled on the green b : the tendency of a bowl to swerve; also : the impulse
causing this tendency c : the swerve of the bowl
3 a : BENT, TENDENCY b : an inclination of temperament or outlook; especially : a personal and sometimes unreasoned judgment :
PREJUDICE c : an instance of such prejudice d (1) : deviation of the expected value of a statistical estimate from the quantity it estimates (2) :
systematic error introduced into sampling or testing by selecting or encouraging one outcome or answer over others
4 a : a voltage applied to a device (as a transistor control electrode) to establish a reference level for operation b : a high-frequency voltage
combined with an audio signal to reduce distortion in tape recording
synonym see PREDILECTION
- on the bias : ASKEW, OBLIQUELY
[Click here for a pronunciation key]
Pronunciation: 'bi-blE-&-"fIl
Function: noun
Etymology: French, from bibli- + -phile
Date: 1824
: a lover of books especially for qualities of format; also : a book collector
- bib·lio·phil·ic /"bi-blE-&-'fi-lik/ adjective
- bib·li·oph·i·lism /-'ä-f&-"li-z&m/ noun
- bib·li·oph·i·ly /-lE/ noun
[Click here for a pronunciation key]
Pronunciation: bäm-'bärd also b&m-
Function: transitive verb
Date: 1686
1 : to attack especially with artillery or bombers
2 : to assail vigorously or persistently (as with questions)
3 : to subject to the impact of rapidly moving particles (as electrons)
synonym see ATTACK
- bom·bard·ment /-m&nt/ noun
[Click here for a pronunciation key]
Date: 13th century
intransitive senses
1 : to move suddenly or nervously : START
2 : to move rapidly : DASH
3 a : to dart off or away : FLEE b : to break away from control or a set course
4 : to break away from or oppose one's previous affiliation (as with a political party or candidate)
5 : to produce seed prematurely
transitive senses
1 a archaic : SHOOT, DISCHARGE b : FLUSH, START <bolt rabbits>
2 : to say impulsively : BLURT
3 : to secure with a bolt
4 : to attach or fasten with bolts
5 : to swallow hastily or without chewing
6 : to break away from or refuse to support (as a political party)
[Click here for a pronunciation key]
Pronunciation: 'bä-[th_]&r
Function: verb
Inflected Form(s): both·ered; both·er·ing /'bä[th_]-ri[ng], 'bä-[th_]&-/
Etymology: origin unknown
Date: circa 1745
transitive senses
1 : to annoy especially by petty provocation : IRK
2 : to intrude upon : PESTER
3 : to cause to be anxious or concerned -- often used interjectionally
intransitive senses
1 : to become concerned
2 : to take pains : take the trouble
synonym see ANNOY
[Click here for a pronunciation key]
Pronunciation: -"stor-mi[ng]
Function: noun
Date: circa 1955
: a group problem-solving technique that involves the spontaneous contribution of ideas from all members of the group
- brain·storm verb
- brain·storm·er noun
[Click here for a pronunciation key]
Function: verb
Inflected Form(s): bul·lied; bul·ly·ing
Date: 1710
transitive senses
1 : to treat abusively
2 : to affect by means of force or coercion
intransitive senses : to use browbeating language or behavior : BLUSTER
synonym see INTIMIDATE
[Click here for a pronunciation key]
Function: transitive verb
Inflected Form(s): bur·dened; bur·den·ing /'b&rd-ni[ng], 'b&r-d&n-i[ng]/
Date: 1541
: LOAD, OPPRESS <I will not burden you with a lengthy account>
[Click here for a pronunciation key]
Pronunciation: 'b&r-j&n
Function: intransitive verb
Etymology: Middle English burjonen, from burjon bud, from Old French, from (assumed) Vulgar Latin burrion-, burrio, from Late Latin
burra fluff, shaggy cloth
Date: 14th century
1 a : to send forth new growth (as buds or branches) : SPROUT b : BLOOM
2 : to grow and expand rapidly : FLOURISH
[Click here for a pronunciation key]
Pronunciation: k&-'jOl
Function: transitive verb
Inflected Form(s): ca·joled; ca·jol·ing
Etymology: French cajoler
Date: 1645
1 : to persuade with flattery or gentle urging especially in the face of reluctance : COAX <had to cajole them into going>
2 : to deceive with soothing words or false promises
- ca·jole·ment /-'jOl-m&nt/ noun
- ca·jol·er noun
- ca·jol·ery /-'jO-l&-rE/ noun
[Click here for a pronunciation key]
Pronunciation: kär'-p&n-trE
Function: noun
Date: 14th century
1 : the art or trade of a carpenter; specifically : the art of shaping and assembling structural woodwork
2 : timberwork constructed by a carpenter
3 : the form or manner of putting together the parts (as of a literary or musical composition)
[Click here for a pronunciation key]
Function: noun
Date: 1859
1 plural but singular in construction : the art or process of making ceramic articles
2 : a product of ceramic manufacture
[Click here for a pronunciation key]
Pronunciation: sh&-'grin
Function: noun
Etymology: French, from chagrin sad
Date: circa 1681
: disquietude or distress of mind caused by humiliation, disappointment, or failure
[Click here for a pronunciation key]
Function: transitive verb
Inflected Form(s): cha·grined /-'grind/; cha·grin·ing /-'gri-ni[ng]/
Date: 1733
: to vex or unsettle by disappointing or humiliating
[Click here for a pronunciation key]
Pronunciation: 'kA-"äs
Function: noun
Etymology: Latin, from Greek -- more at GUM
Date: 15th century
1 obsolete : CHASM, ABYSS
2 a often capitalized : a state of things in which chance is supreme; especially : the confused unorganized state of primordial matter before the
creation of distinct forms -- compare COSMOS b : the inherent unpredictability in the behavior of a natural system (as the atmosphere, boiling
water, or the beating heart)
3 a : a state of utter confusion b : a confused mass or mixture <a chaos of television antennas>
- cha·ot·ic /kA-'ä-tik/ adjective
- cha·ot·i·cal·ly /-ti-k(&-)lE/ adverb
[Click here for a pronunciation key]
Pronunciation: 'kar-ik-t&-"rIz
Function: transitive verb
Inflected Form(s): -ized; -iz·ing
Date: 1633
1 : to describe the character or quality of <characterizes him as ambitious>
2 : to be a characteristic of : DISTINGUISH <an era characterized by greed>
[Click here for a pronunciation key]
Pronunciation: 'krä-nik
Function: adjective
Etymology: French chronique, from Greek chronikos of time, from chronos
Date: 1601
1 a : marked by long duration or frequent recurrence : not acute <chronic indigestion> <chronic experiments> b : suffering from a chronic
disease <the special needs of chronic patients>
2 a : always present or encountered; especially : constantly vexing, weakening, or troubling <chronic petty warfare> b : being such habitually
<a chronic grumbler>
synonym see INVETERATE
- chronic noun
- chron·i·cal·ly /-ni-k(&-)lE/ adverb
- chro·nic·i·ty /krä-'ni-s&-tE, krO-/ noun
[Click here for a pronunciation key]
Pronunciation: 's&r-k&m-"stan(t)s, -st&n(t)s
Function: noun
Etymology: Middle English, from Old French, from Latin circumstantia, from circumstant-, circumstans, present participle of circumstare to
stand around, from circum- + stare to stand -- more at STAND
Date: 13th century
1 a : a condition, fact, or event accompanying, conditioning, or determining another : an essential or inevitable concomitant <the weather is a
circumstance to be taken into consideration> b : a subordinate or accessory fact or detail <cost is a minor circumstance in this case> c : a piece of
evidence that indicates the probability or improbability of an event (as a crime) <the circumstance of the missing weapon told against him> <the
circumstances suggest murder>
2 a : the sum of essential and environmental factors (as of an event or situation) <constant and rapid change in economic circumstance -- G. M.
Trevelyan> b : state of affairs : EVENTUALITY <open rebellion was a rare circumstance> -- often used in plural <a victim of circumstances>
c plural : situation with regard to wealth <he was in easy circumstances>
3 : attendant formalities and ceremonial <pride, pomp, and circumstance of glorious war -- Shakespeare>
4 : an event that constitutes a detail (as of a narrative or course of events) <considering each circumstance in turn>
synonym see OCCURRENCE
[Click here for a pronunciation key]
Function: noun
Date: 1691
1 : a collateral relative
2 : property (as securities) pledged by a borrower to protect the interests of the lender
3 : a branch of a bodily part (as a vein)
[Click here for a pronunciation key]
Pronunciation: 'k&-l&r-f&l
Function: adjective
Date: 1889
1 : having striking colors
2 : full of variety or interest
- col·or·ful·ly /-f(&-)lE/ adverb
- col·or·ful·ness /-f&l-n&s/ noun
[Click here for a pronunciation key]
Pronunciation: 'k&m(p)-fE
Function: adjective
Etymology: by shortening & alteration
Date: 1829
: COMFORTABLE
[Click here for a pronunciation key]
Pronunciation: k&-'mand
Function: verb
Etymology: Middle English comanden, from Middle French comander, from (assumed) Vulgar Latin commandare, alteration of Latin
commendare to commit to one's charge -- more at COMMEND
Date: 14th century
transitive senses
1 : to direct authoritatively : ORDER
2 : to exercise a dominating influence over : have command of: as a : to have at one's immediate disposal b : to demand or receive as one's due
<commands a high fee> c : to overlook or dominate from or as if from a strategic position d : to have military command of as senior officer
3 obsolete : to order or request to be given
intransitive senses
1 : to have or exercise direct authority : GOVERN
2 : to give orders
3 : to be commander
4 : to dominate as if from an elevated place
- com·mand·able /-'man-d&-b&l/ adjective
synonyms COMMAND, ORDER, BID, ENJOIN, DIRECT, INSTRUCT, CHARGE mean to issue orders. COMMAND and ORDER imply authority and
usually some degree of formality and impersonality. COMMAND stresses official exercise of authority <a general commanding troops>. ORDER
may suggest peremptory or arbitrary exercise <ordered his employees about like slaves>. BID suggests giving orders peremptorily (as to children
or servants) <she bade him be seated>. ENJOIN implies giving an order or direction authoritatively and urgently and often with admonition or
solicitude <a sign enjoining patrons to be quiet>. DIRECT and INSTRUCT both connote expectation of obedience and usually concern specific
points of procedure or method, INSTRUCT sometimes implying greater explicitness or formality <directed her assistant to hold all calls> <the
judge instructed the jury to ignore the remark>. CHARGE adds to ENJOIN an implication of imposing as a duty or responsibility <charged by the
President with a secret mission>.
[Click here for a pronunciation key]
Pronunciation: k&-'mit-m&nt
Function: noun
Date: 1621
1 a : an act of committing to a charge or trust: as (1) : a consignment to a penal or mental institution (2) : an act of referring a matter to a
legislative committee b : MITTIMUS
2 a : an agreement or pledge to do something in the future; especially : an engagement to assume a financial obligation at a future date b :
something pledged c : the state or an instance of being obligated or emotionally impelled <a commitment to a cause>
[Click here for a pronunciation key]
Pronunciation: 'kä-m&n
Function: adjective
Etymology: Middle English commun, from Old French, from Latin communis -- more at MEAN
Date: 13th century
1 a : of or relating to a community at large : PUBLIC <work for the common good> b : known to the community <common nuisances>
2 a : belonging to or shared by two or more individuals or things or by all members of a group <a common friend> <buried in a common
grave> b : belonging equally to two or more mathematical entities <triangles with a common base> c : having two or more branches <common
carotid artery>
3 a : occurring or appearing frequently : FAMILIAR <a common sight> b : of the best known kind c : VERNACULAR 2 <common names>
4 a : WIDESPREAD, GENERAL <common knowledge> b : characterized by a lack of privilege or special status <common people> c : just
satisfying accustomed criteria : ELEMENTARY <common decency>
5 a : falling below ordinary standards : SECOND-RATE b : lacking refinement : COARSE
6 : denoting nominal relations by a single linguistic form that in a more highly inflected language might be denoted by two or more different forms
<common gender> <common case>
7 : of, relating to, or being common stock
- com·mon·ly adverb
- com·mon·ness /-m&n-n&s/ noun
synonyms COMMON, ORDINARY, PLAIN, FAMILIAR, POPULAR, VULGAR mean generally met with and not in any way special, strange, or
unusual. COMMON implies usual everyday quality or frequency of occurrence <a common error> <lacked common honesty> and may
additionally suggest inferiority or coarseness <common manners>. ORDINARY stresses conformance in quality or kind with the regular order of
things <an ordinary pleasant summer day> <a very ordinary sort of man>. PLAIN is likely to suggest homely simplicity <plain hard-working
people>. FAMILIAR stresses the fact of being generally known and easily recognized <a familiar melody>. POPULAR applies to what is accepted
by or prevalent among people in general sometimes in contrast to upper classes or special groups <a writer of popular romances>. VULGAR,
otherwise similar to POPULAR, is likely to carry derogatory connotations (as of inferiority or coarseness) <souvenirs designed to appeal to the
vulgar taste>.
[Click here for a pronunciation key]
Pronunciation: k&m-'pakt, käm-', 'käm-"
Function: adjective
Etymology: Middle English, firmly put together, from Latin compactus, from past participle
of compingere to put together, from com- + pangere to fasten -- more at PACT
Date: 14th century
1 : predominantly formed or filled : COMPOSED, MADE
2 a : having a dense structure or parts or units closely packed or joined <a compact
woolen> <compact bone> b : not diffuse or verbose <a compact statement> c : occupying a
small volume by reason of efficient use of space <a compact camera> <a compact formation
of troops> d : short-bodied, solid, and without excess flesh
3 : being a topological space and especially a metric space with the property that for any
collection of open sets which contains it there is a subset of the collection with a
finite number of elements which also contains it
- com·pact·ly /-'pak(t)-lE, -"pak(t)-/ adverb
- com·pact·ness /-'pak(t)-n&s, -"pak(t)-/ noun
[Click here for a pronunciation key]
Pronunciation: 'käm-p&-t&nt
Function: adjective
Etymology: Middle English, suitable, from Middle French & Latin; Middle French, from Latin competent-, competens, from present participle of
competere
Date: 15th century
1 : proper or rightly pertinent
2 : having requisite or adequate ability or qualities : FIT <a competent teacher> <a competent piece of work>
3 : legally qualified or adequate <a competent witness>
4 : having the capacity to function or develop in a particular way; specifically : having the capacity to respond (as by producing an antibody) to an
antigenic determinant <immunologically competent cells>
synonym see SUFFICIENT
- com·pe·tent·ly adverb
[Click here for a pronunciation key]
Pronunciation: -&nt
Function: adjective
Date: 1642
: ready or disposed to comply : SUBMISSIVE
- com·pli·ant·ly adverb
[Click here for a pronunciation key]
Pronunciation: k&m-'pOz
Function: verb
Inflected Form(s): com·posed; com·pos·ing
Etymology: Middle English, from Middle French composer, from Latin componere (perfect indicative composui) -- more at COMPOUND
Date: 15th century
transitive senses
1 a : to form by putting together : FASHION <a committee composed of three representatives -- Current Biography> b : to form the substance
of : CONSTITUTE <composed of many ingredients> c : to produce (as columns or pages of type) by composition
2 a : to create by mental or artistic labor : PRODUCE <compose a sonnet> b (1) : to formulate and write (a piece of music) (2) : to compose
music for
3 : to deal with or act on so as to reduce to a minimum <compose their differences>
4 : to arrange in proper or orderly form
5 : to free from agitation : CALM, SETTLE <composed himself>
intransitive senses : to practice composition
[Click here for a pronunciation key]
Pronunciation: käm-'paund, k&m-', 'käm-"
Function: verb
Etymology: Middle English compounen, from Middle French compondre, from Latin componere, from com- + ponere to put -- more at
POSITION
Date: 14th century
transitive senses
1 : to put together (parts) so as to form a whole : COMBINE <compound ingredients>
2 : to form by combining parts <compound a medicine>
3 a : to settle amicably : adjust by agreement b : to agree for a consideration not to prosecute (an offense) <compound a felony>
4 a : to pay (interest) on both the accrued interest and the principal b : to add to : AUGMENT <we compounded our error in later policy --
Robert Lekachman>
intransitive senses
1 : to become joined in a compound
2 : to come to terms of agreement
- com·pound·able /-'paun-d&-b&l, -"paun-/ adjective
- com·pound·er noun
[Click here for a pronunciation key]
Pronunciation: "käm-pri-'hen(t)-sh&n
Function: noun
Etymology: Middle French & Latin; Middle French, from Latin comprehension-, comprehensio, from comprehendere to understand,
comprise
Date: 15th century
1 a : the act or action of grasping with the intellect : UNDERSTANDING b : knowledge gained by comprehending c : the capacity for
understanding fully
2 a : the act or process of comprising b : the faculty or capability of including : COMPREHENSIVENESS
3 : CONNOTATION 3
[Click here for a pronunciation key]
Pronunciation: -'hen(t)-siv
Function: adjective
Date: 1614
1 : covering completely or broadly : INCLUSIVE <comprehensive examinations> <comprehensive insurance>
2 : having or exhibiting wide mental grasp <comprehensive knowledge>
- com·pre·hen·sive·ly adverb
- com·pre·hen·sive·ness noun
[Click here for a pronunciation key]
Pronunciation: k&m-'prest also 'käm-"
Function: adjective
Date: 14th century
1 : pressed together : reduced in size or volume (as by pressure)
2 : flattened as though subjected to compression: a : flattened laterally <petioles compressed> b : narrow from side to side and deep in a
dorsoventral direction
- com·pressed·ly /k&m-'prest-lE, -'pre-s&d-lE/ adverb
[Click here for a pronunciation key]
Pronunciation: k&n-'s&r-t&d
Function: adjective
Date: 1716
1 a : mutually contrived or agreed on <a concerted effort> b : performed in unison <concerted artillery fire>
2 : arranged in parts for several voices or instruments
- con·cert·ed·ly adverb
- con·cert·ed·ness noun
[Click here for a pronunciation key]
Pronunciation: k&n-'se-sh&n
Function: noun
Etymology: Middle English, from Middle French or Latin; Middle French, from Latin concession-, concessio, from concedere to concede
Date: 15th century
1 a : the act or an instance of conceding b : the admitting of a point claimed in argument
2 : something conceded: a : ACKNOWLEDGMENT, ADMISSION b : GRANT c (1) : a grant of land or property especially by a government in
return for services or for a particular use (2) : a right to undertake and profit by a specified activity (3) : a lease of a portion of premises for a
particular purpose; also : the portion leased or the activities carried on
- con·ces·sion·al /-'sesh-n&l, -'se-sh&-n&l/ adjective
- con·ces·sion·ary /-'se-sh&-"ner-E/ adjective
[Click here for a pronunciation key]
Function: adjective
Date: 1537
1 : brought or put into a specified state
2 : determined or established by conditioning
[Click here for a pronunciation key]
Pronunciation: k&n-'d&kt also 'kän-"d&kt
Date: 15th century
transitive senses
1 : to bring by or as if by leading : GUIDE <conduct tourists through a museum>
2 a : to lead from a position of command <conduct a siege> <conduct a class> b : to direct or take part in the operation or management of
<conduct an experiment> <conduct a business> <conduct an investigation> c : to direct the performance of <conduct an orchestra>
<conduct an opera>
3 a : to convey in a channel b : to act as a medium for conveying or transmitting
4 : to cause (oneself) to act or behave in a particular and especially in a controlled manner
intransitive senses
1 of a road or passage : to show the way : LEAD
2 a : to act as leader or director b : to have the quality of transmitting light, heat, sound, or electricity
- con·duct·ibil·i·ty /k&n-"d&k-t&-'bi-l&-tE/ noun
- con·duct·ible /-'d&k-t&-b&l/ adjective
synonyms CONDUCT, MANAGE, CONTROL, DIRECT mean to use one's powers to lead, guide, or dominate. CONDUCT implies taking
responsibility for the acts and achievements of a group <conducted negotiations>. MANAGE implies direct handling and manipulating or
maneuvering toward a desired result <manages a meat market>. CONTROL implies a regulating or restraining in order to keep within bounds or on
a course <controlling his appetite>. DIRECT implies constant guiding and regulating so as to achieve smooth operation <directs the store's
day-to-day business>. synonym see in addition BEHAVE
[Click here for a pronunciation key]
Pronunciation: "kän-f&-'den(t)-sh&l
Function: adjective
Date: 1759
1 : marked by intimacy or willingness to confide <a confidential tone>
2 : PRIVATE, SECRET <confidential information>
3 : entrusted with confidences <confidential clerk>
4 : containing information whose unauthorized disclosure could be prejudicial to the national interest -- compare SECRET, TOP SECRET
- con·fi·den·ti·al·i·ty /-"den(t)-shE-'a-l&-tE/ noun
- con·fi·den·tial·ly /-'den(t)-sh(&-)lE/ adverb
[Click here for a pronunciation key]
Pronunciation: transitive sense 2 & intransitive senses 'kän-j&r also 'k&n-; transitive sense 1 k&n-'jur
Function: verb
Inflected Form(s): con·jured; con·jur·ing /'känj-ri[ng], 'kän-j&-, 'k&nj-, 'k&n-j&-; k&n-'jur-i[ng]/
Etymology: Middle English, from Old French conjurer, from Latin conjurare to swear together, from com- + jurare to swear -- more at JURY
Date: 13th century
transitive senses
1 : to charge or entreat earnestly or solemnly
2 a : to summon by or as if by invocation or incantation b (1) : to affect or effect by or as if by magic (2) : IMAGINE, CONTRIVE -- often used
with up <we conjure up our own metaphors for our own needs -- R. J. Kaufmann> (3) : to bring to mind <words that conjure pleasant
images>
intransitive senses
1 a : to summon a devil or spirit by invocation or incantation b : to practice magical arts
2 : to use a conjurer's tricks : JUGGLE
[Click here for a pronunciation key]
Pronunciation: 'kä[ng]-k&r
Function: verb
Inflected Form(s): con·quered; con·quer·ing /-k(&-)ri[ng]/
Etymology: Middle English, to acquire, conquer, from Old French conquerre, from (assumed) Vulgar Latin conquaerere, alteration of Latin
conquirere to search for, collect, from com- + quaerere to ask, search
Date: 14th century
transitive senses
1 : to gain or acquire by force of arms : SUBJUGATE
2 : to overcome by force of arms : VANQUISH
3 : to gain mastery over or win by overcoming obstacles or opposition <conquered the mountain>
4 : to overcome by mental or moral power : SURMOUNT <conquered her fear>
intransitive senses : to be victorious
- con·quer·or /-k&r-&r/ noun
synonyms CONQUER, VANQUISH, DEFEAT, SUBDUE, REDUCE, OVERCOME, OVERTHROW mean to get the better of by force or strategy.
CONQUER implies gaining mastery of <Caesar conquered Gaul>. VANQUISH implies a complete overpowering <vanquished the enemy and
ended the war>. DEFEAT does not imply the finality or completeness of VANQUISH which it otherwise equals <the Confederates defeated the
Union forces at Manassas>. SUBDUE implies a defeating and suppression <subdued the native tribes after years of fighting>. REDUCE implies a
forcing to capitulate or surrender <the city was reduced after a month-long siege>. OVERCOME suggests getting the better of with difficulty or
after hard struggle <overcame a host of bureaucratic roadblocks>. OVERTHROW stresses the bringing down or destruction of existing power
<violently overthrew the old regime>.
[Click here for a pronunciation key]
Pronunciation: 'kän(t)-sh&s
Function: adjective
Etymology: Latin conscius, from com- + scire to know
Date: 1592
1 : perceiving, apprehending, or noticing with a degree of controlled thought or observation
2 archaic : sharing another's knowledge or awareness of an inward state or outward fact
3 : personally felt <conscious guilt>
4 : capable of or marked by thought, will, design, or perception
5 : SELF-CONSCIOUS
6 : having mental faculties undulled by sleep, faintness, or stupor : AWAKE <became conscious after the anesthesia wore off>
7 : done or acting with critical awareness <a conscious effort to do better>
8 a : likely to notice, consider, or appraise <a bargain-conscious shopper> b : being concerned or interested <a budget-conscious businessman>
c : marked by strong feelings or notions <a race-conscious society>
synonym see AWARE
- con·scious·ly adverb
[Click here for a pronunciation key]
Pronunciation: -n&s
Function: noun
Date: 1632
1 a : the quality or state of being aware especially of something within oneself b : the state or fact of being conscious of an external object, state, or
fact c : AWARENESS; especially : concern for some social or political cause
2 : the state of being characterized by sensation, emotion, volition, and thought : MIND
3 : the totality of conscious states of an individual
4 : the normal state of conscious life <regained consciousness>
5 : the upper level of mental life of which the person is aware as contrasted with unconscious processes
[Click here for a pronunciation key]
Pronunciation: 'kän(t)-s&-"kwent-lE, -si-kw&nt-
Function: adverb
Date: 15th century
: as a result : in view of the foregoing : ACCORDINGLY
[Click here for a pronunciation key]
Pronunciation: k&n-"si-d&-'rA-sh&n
Function: noun
Date: 14th century
1 : continuous and careful thought <after long consideration he agreed to their requests>
2 a : a matter weighed or taken into account when formulating an opinion or plan <economic considerations forced her to leave college> b : a
taking into account
3 : thoughtful and sympathetic regard
4 : an opinion obtained by reflection
5 : ESTEEM, REGARD <the family built themselves a large, ugly villa... and became people of consideration -- V. S. Pritchett>
6 a : RECOMPENSE, PAYMENT b : the inducement to a contract or other legal transaction; specifically : an act or forbearance or the promise
thereof done or given by one party in return for the act or promise of another
- in consideration of : as payment or recompense for <a small fee in consideration of many kind services>
[Click here for a pronunciation key]
Pronunciation: k&n-'spIr
Function: verb
Inflected Form(s): con·spired; con·spir·ing
Etymology: Middle English, from Middle French conspirer, from Latin conspirare to be in harmony, conspire, from com- + spirare to breathe
Date: 14th century
transitive senses : PLOT, CONTRIVE
intransitive senses
1 a : to join in a secret agreement to do an unlawful or wrongful act or an act which becomes unlawful as a result of the secret agreement b :
SCHEME
2 : to act in harmony toward a common end <circumstances conspired to defeat his efforts>
[Click here for a pronunciation key]
Pronunciation: 'kän-"tekst
Function: noun
Etymology: Middle English, weaving together of words, from Latin contextus connection of words, coherence, from contexere to weave
together, from com- + texere to weave -- more at TECHNICAL
Date: circa 1568
1 : the parts of a discourse that surround a word or passage and can throw light on its meaning
2 : the interrelated conditions in which something exists or occurs : ENVIRONMENT, SETTING
- con·text·less /-"tekst-l&s/ adjective
- con·tex·tu·al /kän-'teks-ch&-w&l, k&n-, -ch&l/ adjective
- con·tex·tu·al·ly adverb
[Click here for a pronunciation key]
Function: adjective
Date: 1534
: involving, causing, or constituting a contradiction
synonym see OPPOSITE
- con·tra·dic·to·ri·ly /-t(&-)r&-lE/ adverb
- con·tra·dic·to·ri·ness /-t(&-)rE-n&s/ noun
[Click here for a pronunciation key]
Pronunciation: k&n-'v&rs, 'kän-"
Function: adjective
Date: 1794
1 : reversed in order, relation, or action
2 : being a logical or mathematical converse <the converse theorem>
- con·verse·ly adverb
[Click here for a pronunciation key]
Pronunciation: 'kaun(t)-s&l
Function: noun
Etymology: Middle English conseil, from Old French, from Latin consilium, from consulere to consult
Date: 13th century
1 a : advice given especially as a result of consultation b : a policy or plan of action or behavior
2 : DELIBERATION, CONSULTATION
3 a archaic : PURPOSE b : guarded thoughts or intentions
4 a pl counsel (1) : a lawyer engaged in the trial or management of a case in court (2) : a lawyer appointed to advise and represent in legal
matters an individual client or a corporate and especially a public body b : CONSULTANT 2
[Click here for a pronunciation key]
variant(s): or coun·sel·lor /'kaun(t)-s(&-)l&r/
function: noun
date: 13th century
1 : a person who gives advice or counseling <marriage counselor>
2 : lawyer; specifically : one that gives advice in law and manages cases for clients in court
3 : one who has supervisory duties at a summer camp
- coun·sel·or·ship /-"ship/ noun
[Click here for a pronunciation key]
Pronunciation: k&-'rA-j&s
Function: adjective
Date: 14th century
: having or characterized by courage : BRAVE
- cou·ra·geous·ly adverb
- cou·ra·geous·ness noun
[Click here for a pronunciation key]
Pronunciation: 'kram
Function: verb
Inflected Form(s): crammed; cram·ming
Etymology: Middle English crammen, from Old English crammian; akin to Old Norse kremja to squeeze
Date: before 12th century
transitive senses
1 : to pack tight : JAM <cram a suitcase with clothes>
2 a : to fill with food to satiety : STUFF b : to eat voraciously : BOLT <the child crams her food>
3 : to thrust in or as if in a rough or forceful manner <crammed the letters into his pocket>
4 : to prepare hastily for an examination <cram the students for the test>
intransitive senses
1 : to eat greedily or to satiety : STUFF
2 : to study hastily for an imminent examination
- cram·mer noun
[Click here for a pronunciation key]
Pronunciation: 'krinj
Function: intransitive verb
Inflected Form(s): cringed; cring·ing
Etymology: Middle English crengen; akin to Old English cringan to yield, Middle High German krank weak
Date: 13th century
1 : to draw in or contract one's muscles involuntarily (as from cold or pain)
2 : to shrink in fear or servility
3 : to behave in an excessively humble or servile way
synonym see FAWN
- cring·er noun
[Click here for a pronunciation key]
Pronunciation: 'kri-ti-k&l
Function: adjective
Date: 1547
1 a : of, relating to, or being a turning point or specially important juncture <critical
phase>: as (1) : relating to or being the stage of a disease at which an abrupt change for
better or worse may be expected; also : being or relating to an illness or condition
involving danger of death <critical care> (2) : relating to or being a state in which or a
measurement or point at which some quality, property, or phenomenon suffers a definite
change <critical temperature> b : CRUCIAL, DECISIVE <critical test> c : INDISPENSABLE,
VITAL <a critical waterfowl habitat> <a component critical to the operation of a machine>
d : being in or approaching a state of crisis <a critical shortage> <a critical
situation>
2 a : inclined to criticize severely and unfavorably b : consisting of or involving
criticism <critical writings>; also : of or relating to the judgment of critics <the play
was a critical success> c : exercising or involving careful judgment or judicious
evaluation d : including variant readings and scholarly emendations <a critical edition>
3 : characterized by risk or uncertainty
4 a : of sufficient size to sustain a chain reaction -- used of a mass of fissionable
material b : sustaining a chain reaction -- used of a nuclear reactor
- crit·i·cal·i·ty /"kri-t&-'ka-l&-tE/ noun
- crit·i·cal·ly /'kri-ti-k(&-)lE/ adverb
- crit·i·cal·ness /-k&l-n&s/ noun
synonyms CRITICAL, HYPERCRITICAL, FAULTFINDING, CAPTIOUS, CARPING, CENSORIOUS mean inclined to
look for and point out faults and defects. CRITICAL may also imply an effort to see a thing
clearly and truly in order to judge it fairly <a critical essay>. HYPERCRITICAL suggests a
tendency to judge by unreasonably strict standards <hypercritical disparagement of other
people's work>. FAULTFINDING implies a querulous or exacting temperament <a faultfinding
reviewer>. CAPTIOUS suggests a readiness to detect trivial faults or raise objections on
trivial grounds <a captious critic>. CARPING implies an ill-natured or perverse picking of
flaws <a carping editorial>. CENSORIOUS implies a disposition to be severely critical and
condemnatory <the censorious tone of the review>. synonym see in addition ACUTE
[Click here for a pronunciation key]
Function: verb
Inflected Form(s): cropped; crop·ping
Date: 13th century
transitive senses
1 a : to remove the upper or outer parts of <crop a hedge> <crop a dog's ears> b : HARVEST <crop trout> c : to cut off short : TRIM <crop
a photograph>
2 : to cause (land) to bear a crop <planned to crop another 40 acres>; also : to grow as a crop
intransitive senses
1 : to feed by cropping something
2 : to yield or make a crop
3 : to appear unexpectedly or casually <problems crop up daily>
[Click here for a pronunciation key]
Function: noun
Date: 1599
1 : an act of crushing
2 : the quantity of material crushed
3 a : a crowding together (as of people) b : CROWD, MOB; especially : a crowd of people pressing against one another
4 : an intense and usually passing infatuation <have a crush on someone>; also : the object of infatuation
synonym see CROWD
- crush·proof /-"prüf/ adjective
[Click here for a pronunciation key]
Pronunciation: 'k&l
Function: transitive verb
Etymology: Middle English, from Middle French cuillir, from Latin colligere to bind
together -- more at COLLECT
Date: 13th century
1 : to select from a group : CHOOSE <culled the best passages from the poet's work>
2 : to identify and remove the culls from
- cull·er noun
[Click here for a pronunciation key]
Pronunciation: 'k&-mi[ng]z
Edward Estlin 1894-1962 known as e. e. cummings American poet; used experimental diction, unorthodox typography and punctuation
[Click here for a pronunciation key]
Function: noun
Date: 1861
1 : a manuscript written in cursive writing; also : cursive writing
2 : a style of printed letter resembling handwriting
[Click here for a pronunciation key]
Pronunciation: 'k&rs-rE, 'k&r-s&-
Function: adjective
Etymology: Late Latin cursorius of running, from Latin currere
Date: 1601
: rapidly and often superficially performed or produced : HASTY <a cursory glance>
synonym see SUPERFICIAL
- cur·so·ri·ly /-r&-lE/ adverb
- cur·so·ri·ness /-rE-n&s/ noun
[Click here for a pronunciation key]
Pronunciation: 'sI-k&l
Function: noun
Etymology: Middle English cicle, from Late Latin cyclus, from Greek kyklos circle, wheel, cycle -- more at WHEEL
Date: 14th century
1 : an interval of time during which a sequence of a recurring succession of events or phenomena is completed
2 a : a course or series of events or operations that recur regularly and usually lead back to the starting point b : one complete performance of a
vibration, electric oscillation, current alternation, or other periodic process c : a permutation of a set of ordered elements in which each element
takes the place of the next and the last becomes first
3 : a circular or spiral arrangement: as a : an imaginary circle or orbit in the heavens b : WHORL c : RING 10
4 : a long period of time : AGE
5 a : a group of poems, plays, novels, or songs treating the same theme b : a series of narratives dealing typically with the exploits of a legendary
hero
6 a : BICYCLE b : TRICYCLE c : MOTORCYCLE
7 : the series of a single, double, triple, and home run hit in any order by one player during one baseball game
[Click here for a pronunciation key]
Pronunciation: 'dont, 'dänt
Function: transitive verb
Etymology: Middle English, from Middle French danter, alteration of donter, from Latin domitare to tame, frequentative of domare -- more at
TAME
Date: 14th century
: to lessen the courage of : COW, SUBDUE
synonym see DISMAY
- daunt·ing·ly /-i[ng]-lE/ adverb
[Click here for a pronunciation key]
Function: adjective
Etymology: Middle English dere, from Old English dEore; akin to Old High German tiuri distinguished, costly
Date: before 12th century
1 obsolete : NOBLE
2 : highly valued : PRECIOUS <a dear friend> -- often used in a salutation <dear Sir>
3 : AFFECTIONATE, FOND
4 : high or exorbitant in price : EXPENSIVE <eggs are very dear just now>
5 : HEARTFELT
- dear adverb
- dear·ly adverb
- dear·ness noun
[Click here for a pronunciation key]
Pronunciation: 'd&rth
Function: noun
Etymology: Middle English derthe, from (assumed) Old English dierth, from dEore dear
Date: 13th century
1 : scarcity that makes dear; specifically : FAMINE
2 : an inadequate supply : LACK
[Click here for a pronunciation key]
Function: adjective
Date: 1790
1 : UNQUESTIONABLE <a decided advantage>
2 : free from doubt or wavering
- de·cid·ed·ly adverb
- de·cid·ed·ness noun
[Click here for a pronunciation key]
Pronunciation: (")dE-'kOd
Function: transitive verb
Date: 1896
1 a : to convert (as a coded message) into intelligible form b : to recognize and interpret (an electronic signal)
2 a : DECIPHER 3a b : to discover the underlying meaning of <decode the play's imagery>
[Click here for a pronunciation key]
Pronunciation: 'dEm
Function: verb
Etymology: Middle English demen, from Old English dEman; akin to Old High German tuomen to judge, Old English dOm doom
Date: before 12th century
transitive senses : to come to think or judge : CONSIDER <deemed it wise to go slow>
intransitive senses : to have an opinion : BELIEVE
[Click here for a pronunciation key]
Pronunciation: di-'f&r
Function: verb
Inflected Form(s): deferred; deferring
Etymology: Middle English deferren, differren, from Middle French deferer, defferer, from Late Latin deferre, from Latin, to bring down,
bring, from de- + ferre to carry -- more at BEAR
Date: 15th century
transitive senses : to delegate to another <he could defer his job to no one -- J. A. Michener>
intransitive senses : to submit to another's wishes, opinion, or governance usually through deference or respect <deferred to her father's
wishes>
synonym see YIELD
[Click here for a pronunciation key]
Pronunciation: 'de-f&-s&t, British also di-'fis-&t or 'dE-f&-s&t
Function: noun
Etymology: French déficit, from Latin deficit it is wanting, 3d singular present indicative of deficere
Date: 1782
1 a (1) : deficiency in amount or quality <a deficit in rainfall> (2) : a lack or impairment in a functional capacity <cognitive deficits> <a
hearing deficit> b : DISADVANTAGE <scored two runs to overcome a 2-1 deficit>
2 a : an excess of expenditure over revenue b : a loss in business operations
[Click here for a pronunciation key]
Pronunciation: di-'lEt, dE-
Function: transitive verb
Inflected Form(s): de·let·ed; de·let·ing
Etymology: Latin deletus, past participle of delEre to wipe out, destroy
Date: circa 1605
: to eliminate especially by blotting out, cutting out, or erasing
[Click here for a pronunciation key]
Pronunciation: di-'lE-sh&n, dE-
Function: noun
Etymology: Latin deletion-, deletio destruction, from delEre
Date: 1590
1 : the act of deleting
2 a : something deleted b (1) : the absence of a section of genetic material from a chromosome (2) : the mutational process that results in a deletion
[Click here for a pronunciation key]
Variant(s): or dem·a·gog /'de-m&-"gäg/
Function: noun
Etymology: Gk dEmagOgos, from dEmos people (perhaps akin to Greek daiesthai to divide) + agOgos leading, from agein to lead -- more at
TIDE, AGENT
Date: 1648
1 : a leader who makes use of popular prejudices and false claims and promises in order to gain power
2 : a leader championing the cause of the common people in ancient times
- dem·a·gogu·ery /-"gä-g(&-)rE/ noun
- dem·a·gogy /-"gä-gE, -"gä-jE, -"gO-jE/ noun
[Click here for a pronunciation key]
Pronunciation: di-'nI(-&)l, dE-
Function: noun
Date: 1528
1 : refusal to satisfy a request or desire
2 a (1) : refusal to admit the truth or reality (as of a statement or charge) (2) : assertion that an allegation is false b : refusal to acknowledge a
person or a thing : DISAVOWAL
3 : the opposing by the defendant of an allegation of the opposite party in a lawsuit
4 : SELF-DENIAL
5 : negation in logic
6 : a psychological defense mechanism in which confrontation with a personal problem or with reality is avoided by denying the existence of the
problem or reality
[Click here for a pronunciation key]
Pronunciation: di-'rIv, dE-
Function: verb
Inflected Form(s): de·rived; de·riv·ing
Etymology: Middle English, from Middle French deriver, from Latin derivare, literally, to draw off (water), from de- + rivus stream -- more at
RUN
Date: 14th century
transitive senses
1 a : to take, receive, or obtain especially from a specified source b : to obtain (a chemical substance) actually or theoretically from a parent
substance
2 : INFER, DEDUCE
3 archaic : BRING
4 : to trace the derivation of
intransitive senses : to have or take origin : come as a derivative
synonym see SPRING
- de·riv·er noun
[Click here for a pronunciation key]
Pronunciation: di-'sent
Function: noun
Etymology: Middle English, from Middle French descente, from Old French descendre
Date: 14th century
1 a : derivation from an ancestor : BIRTH, LINEAGE <of French descent> b : transmission or devolution of an estate by inheritance usually in
the descending line c : the fact or process of originating from an ancestral stock d : the shaping or development in nature and character by
transmission from a source : DERIVATION
2 : the act or process of descending
3 : a step downward in a scale of gradation; specifically : one generation in an ancestral line or genealogical scale
4 a : an inclination downward : SLOPE b : a descending way (as a downgrade or stairway) c obsolete : the lowest part
5 a : ATTACK, INVASION b : a sudden disconcerting appearance (as for a visit)
6 : a downward step (as in station or value) : DECLINE <descent of the family to actual poverty>
[Click here for a pronunciation key]
Pronunciation: di-'t&r, dE-
Function: transitive verb
Inflected Form(s): de·terred; de·ter·ring
Etymology: Latin deterrEre, from de- + terrEre to frighten -- more at TERROR
Date: 1579
1 : to turn aside, discourage, or prevent from acting
2 : INHIBIT
- de·ter·ment /-'t&r-m&nt/ noun
- de·ter·ra·bil·i·ty /-"t&r-&-'bi-l&-tE/ noun
- de·ter·ra·ble /-'t&r-&-b&l/ adjective
[Click here for a pronunciation key]
Pronunciation: di-'test, dE-
Function: transitive verb
Etymology: Middle French detester or Latin detestari; Middle French detester, from Latin detestari, literally, to curse while calling a deity to
witness, from de- + testari to call to witness -- more at TESTAMENT
Date: circa 1535
1 : to feel intense and often violent antipathy toward : LOATHE
2 obsolete : CURSE, DENOUNCE
synonym see HATE
- de·test·er noun
[Click here for a pronunciation key]
Pronunciation: "dI-&-'bä-li-k&l
Variant(s): or di·a·bol·ic /-'bä-lik/
Function: adjective
Etymology: Middle English deabolik, from Middle French diabolique, from Late Latin diabolicus, from diabolus
Date: 14th century
: of, relating to, or characteristic of the devil : DEVILISH
- di·a·bol·i·cal·ly /-li-k(&-)lE/ adverb
- di·a·bol·i·cal·ness /-li-k&l-n&s/ noun
[Click here for a pronunciation key]
Pronunciation: 'dik-sh&n
Function: noun
Etymology: Latin diction-, dictio speaking, style, from dicere to say; akin to Old English tEon to accuse, Latin dicare to proclaim, dedicate,
Greek deiknynai to show, dikE judgment, right
Date: 1581
1 obsolete : verbal description
2 : choice of words especially with regard to correctness, clearness, or effectiveness
3 a : vocal expression : ENUNCIATION b : pronunciation and enunciation of words in singing
- dic·tion·al /-shn&l, -sh&-n&l/ adjective
- dic·tion·al·ly /-E/ adverb
[Click here for a pronunciation key]
Pronunciation: 'dis-"kaunt, dis-'
Function: verb
Etymology: modification of French décompter, from Old French desconter, from Medieval Latin discomputare, from Latin dis- + computare
to count -- more at COUNT
Date: 1629
transitive senses
1 a : to make a deduction from usually for cash or prompt payment b : to sell or offer for sale at a discount
2 : to lend money on after deducting the discount
3 a : to leave out of account : DISREGARD b : to minimize the importance of c (1) : to make allowance for bias or exaggeration in (2) : to view
with doubt d : to take into account (as a future event) in present calculations
intransitive senses : to give or make discounts
- dis·count·er /-"kaun-t&r, -'kaun-/ noun
[Click here for a pronunciation key]
Pronunciation: (")dis-'här-t&n
Function: transitive verb
Date: 1590
: to cause to lose spirit or morale
- dis·heart·en·ing·ly /-'härt-ni[ng]-lE, -'här-t&n-i[ng]-/ adverb
- dis·heart·en·ment /-'här-t&n-m&nt/ noun
[Click here for a pronunciation key]
Pronunciation: (")dis-'ple-zh&r, -'plA-
Function: noun
Date: 15th century
1 : the feeling of one that is displeased : DISFAVOR
2 : DISCOMFORT, UNHAPPINESS
3 archaic : OFFENSE, INJURY
[Click here for a pronunciation key]
Pronunciation: dis-'r&pt
Function: transitive verb
Etymology: Latin disruptus, past participle of disrumpere, from dis- + rumpere to break -- more at REAVE
Date: 1817
1 a : to break apart : RUPTURE b : to throw into disorder <agitators trying to disrupt the meeting>
2 : to interrupt the normal course or unity of
- dis·rupt·er noun
- dis·rup·tion /-'r&p-sh&n/ noun
- dis·rup·tive /-'r&p-tiv/ adjective
- dis·rup·tive·ly adverb
- dis·rup·tive·ness noun
[Click here for a pronunciation key]
Pronunciation: di-'sti[ng](k)t
Function: adjective
Etymology: Middle English, from Middle French, from Latin distinctus, from past participle of distinguere
Date: 14th century
1 : distinguishable to the eye or mind as discrete : SEPARATE <a distinct cultural group> <teaching as distinct from research>
2 : presenting a clear unmistakable impression <a neat distinct handwriting>
3 archaic : notably decorated
4 a : NOTABLE <a distinct contribution to scholarship> b : readily and unmistakably apprehended <a distinct possibility of snow> <a distinct
British accent>
- dis·tinct·ly /-'sti[ng](k)-tlE, -'sti[ng]-klE/ adverb
- dis·tinct·ness /-'sti[ng](k)t-n&s, -'sti[ng]k-n&s/ noun
synonyms DISTINCT, SEPARATE, DISCRETE mean not being each and every one the same. DISTINCT indicates that something is distinguished by
the mind or eye as being apart or different from others <two distinct versions>. SEPARATE often stresses lack of connection or a difference in
identity between two things <separate rooms>. DISCRETE strongly emphasizes individuality and lack of connection <broke the job down into
discrete stages>. synonym see in addition EVIDENT
[Click here for a pronunciation key]
Pronunciation: di-'stort
Function: verb
Etymology: Latin distortus, past participle of distorquEre, from dis- + torquEre to twist -- more at TORTURE
Date: circa 1586
transitive senses
1 : to twist out of the true meaning or proportion <distorted the facts>
2 : to twist out of a natural, normal, or original shape or condition <a face distorted by pain>; also : to cause to be perceived unnaturally <the
new lights distorted colors>
3 : PERVERT
intransitive senses : to become distorted; also : to cause a twisting from the true, natural, or normal
synonym see DEFORM
- dis·tort·er noun
[Click here for a pronunciation key]
Pronunciation: di-'strak-sh&n
Function: noun
Date: 15th century
1 : the act of distracting or the state of being distracted; especially : mental confusion
2 : something that distracts; especially : AMUSEMENT
- dis·trac·tive /-'strak-tiv/ adjective
[Click here for a pronunciation key]
Function: verb
Inflected Form(s): di·vined; di·vin·ing
Etymology: Middle English, from Middle French & Latin; Middle French diviner, from Latin divinare, from divinus, n.
Date: 14th century
transitive senses
1 : to discover intuitively : INFER
2 : to discover or locate (as water or minerals underground) usually by means of a divining rod
intransitive senses
1 : to practice divination : PROPHESY
2 : to perceive intuitively
synonym see FORESEE
[Click here for a pronunciation key]
Function: transitive verb
Date: 15th century
1 : to give judgment against : CONDEMN
2 a : to fix the fate of : DESTINE b : to make certain the failure or destruction of
[Click here for a pronunciation key]
Pronunciation: 'draft, 'dr[a']ft
Function: noun
Etymology: Middle English draght; akin to Old English dragan to draw -- more at DRAW
Date: 13th century
1 : the act of drawing a net; also : the quantity of fish taken at one drawing
2 a : the act or an instance of drinking or inhaling; also : the portion drunk or inhaled in one such act b : a portion poured out or mixed for
drinking : DOSE
3 a : the force required to pull an implement b : load or load-pulling capacity
4 a : the act of moving loads by drawing or pulling : PULL b : a team of animals together with what they draw
5 a : DELINEATION, REPRESENTATION b : SCHEME, DESIGN c : a preliminary sketch, outline, or version <the author's first draft> <a
draft treaty>
6 : the act, result, or plan of drawing out or stretching
7 a : the act of drawing (as from a cask) b : a portion of liquid so drawn <a draft of ale> c : draft beer <a glass of draft>
8 : the depth of water a ship draws especially when loaded
9 a (1) : a system for or act of selecting individuals from a group (as for compulsory military service) (2) : an act or process of selecting an
individual (as for political candidacy) without his expressed consent b : a group of individuals selected especially by military draft c : a system
whereby exclusive rights to selected new players are apportioned among professional teams
10 a : an order for the payment of money drawn by one person or bank on another b : the act or an instance of drawing from or making demands
upon something : DEMAND
11 a : a current of air in a closed-in space <felt a draft> b : a device for regulating the flow of air (as in a fireplace)
12 : ANGLE, TAPER; specifically : the taper given to a pattern or die so that the work can be easily withdrawn
13 : a pocket of reduced air pressure behind a moving object; also : the use of such a draft to save energy
- on draft : ready to be drawn from a receptacle <beer on draft>
[Click here for a pronunciation key]
Pronunciation: 'drej
Function: verb
Inflected Form(s): dredged; dredg·ing
Date: 1508
transitive senses
1 a : to dig, gather, or pull out with or as if with a dredge -- often used with up b : to deepen (as a waterway) with a dredging machine
2 : to bring to light by deep searching -- often used with up <dredging up memories>
intransitive senses
1 : to use a dredge
2 : to search deeply
- dredg·er noun
[Click here for a pronunciation key]
Function: adjective
Date: 1925
: having a compulsive or urgent quality <a driven sense of obligation>
- driv·en·ness /'dri-v&n-n&s/ noun
[Click here for a pronunciation key]
Function: verb
Inflected Form(s): droned; dron·ing
Date: circa 1520
intransitive senses
1 a : to make a sustained deep murmuring, humming, or buzzing sound b : to talk in a
persistently dull or monotonous tone
2 : to pass, proceed, or act in a dull, drowsy, or indifferent manner
transitive senses
1 : to utter or pronounce with a drone
2 : to pass or spend in dull or monotonous activity or in idleness
- dron·er noun
- dron·ing·ly /'drO-ni[ng]-lE/ adverb
Pronunciation: 'drüp
Function: noun
Etymology: New Latin drupa, from Latin, overripe olive, from Greek dryppa olive
Date: circa 1753
: a one-seeded indehiscent fruit having a hard bony endocarp, a fleshy mesocarp, and a thin exocarp that is flexible (as in the cherry) or dry and
almost leathery (as in the almond)
[Click here for a pronunciation key]
Pronunciation: 'dü(-&)l also 'dyü-&l
Function: adjective
Etymology: Latin dualis, from duo two -- more at TWO
Date: 1607
1 of grammatical number : denoting reference to two
2 a : consisting of two parts or elements or having two like parts : DOUBLE b : having a double character or nature
- du·al·ly /-&(l)-lE/ adverb
Pronunciation: 'Evz-"dräp
Function: intransitive verb
Etymology: probably back-formation from eavesdropper, literally, one standing under the drip from the eaves
Date: 1606
: to listen secretly to what is said in private
- eaves·drop·per noun
[Click here for a pronunciation key]
Pronunciation: e-'klek-tik, i-
Function: adjective
Etymology: Greek eklektikos, from eklegein to select, from ex- out + legein to gather -- more at LEGEND
Date: 1683
1 : selecting what appears to be best in various doctrines, methods, or styles
2 : composed of elements drawn from various sources; also : HETEROGENEOUS
- eclec·ti·cal·ly /-ti-k(&-)lE/ adverb
[Click here for a pronunciation key]
Pronunciation: 'e-d&t
Function: transitive verb
Etymology: back-formation from editor
Date: 1791
1 a : to prepare (as literary material) for publication or public presentation b : to assemble (as a moving picture or tape recording) by cutting and
rearranging c : to alter, adapt, or refine especially to bring about conformity to a standard or to suit a particular purpose <carefully edited the
speech>
2 : to direct the publication of <edits the daily newspaper>
3 : DELETE -- usually used with out
- ed·it·able /'e-d&-t&-b&l/ adjective
[Click here for a pronunciation key]
Function: transitive verb
Inflected Form(s): eked; ek·ing
Etymology: Middle English, from Old English Iecan, Ecan; akin to Old High German ouhhOn to add, Latin augEre to increase, Greek auxein
Date: before 12th century
1 archaic : INCREASE, LENGTHEN
2 : to get with great difficulty -- usually used with out <eke out a living>
[Click here for a pronunciation key]
Function: verb
Etymology: Middle English, from Latin electus
Date: 15th century
transitive senses
1 : to select by vote for an office, position, or membership <elected her class president>
2 : to make a selection of <will elect an academic program>
3 : to choose (as a course of action) especially by preference <might elect to sell the business>
intransitive senses : to make a selection
[Click here for a pronunciation key]
Pronunciation: 'e-l&-m&nt
Function: noun
Etymology: Middle English, from Old French & Latin; Old French, from Latin elementum
Date: 13th century
1 a : any of the four substances air, water, fire, and earth formerly believed to compose the physical universe b plural : weather conditions;
especially : violent or severe weather <battling the elements> c : the state or sphere natural or suited to a person or thing <at school she was in
her element>
2 : a constituent part: as a plural : the simplest principles of a subject of study : RUDIMENTS b (1) : a part of a geometric magnitude <an
infinitesimal element of volume> (2) : a generator of a geometric figure; also : a line or line segment contained in the surface of a cone or cylinder
(3) : a basic member of a mathematical or logical class or set (4) : one of the individual entries in a mathematical matrix or determinant c : one of a
number of distinct groups composing a larger group or community <the criminal element in the city> d (1) : one of the necessary data or values
on which calculations or conclusions are based (2) : one of the factors determining the outcome of a process e : any of more than 100 fundamental
substances that consist of atoms of only one kind and that singly or in combination constitute all matter f : a distinct part of a composite device g : a
subdivision of a military unit
3 plural : the bread and wine used in the Eucharist
synonyms ELEMENT, COMPONENT, CONSTITUENT, INGREDIENT mean one of the parts of a compound or complex whole. ELEMENT applies to
any such part and often connotes irreducible simplicity <the basic elements of geometry>. COMPONENT and CONSTITUENT may designate any of
the substances (whether elements or compounds) or the qualities that enter into the makeup of a complex product; COMPONENT stresses its separate
entity or distinguishable character <the components of a stereo system>. CONSTITUENT stresses its essential and formative character <the
constituents of a chemical compound>. INGREDIENT applies to any of the substances which when combined form a particular mixture (as a
medicine or alloy) <the ingredients of a cocktail>.
[Click here for a pronunciation key]
Pronunciation: im-'bed
Function: verb
Inflected Form(s): em·bed·ded; em·bed·ding
Date: circa 1794
transitive senses
1 a : to enclose closely in or as if in a matrix <fossils embedded in stone> b : to make something an integral part of <the prejudices
embedded in our language> c : to prepare (a microscopy specimen) for sectioning by infiltrating with and enclosing in a supporting substance
2 : to surround closely <a sweet pulp embeds the plum seed>
intransitive senses : to become embedded
- em·bed·ment /-'bed-m&nt/ noun
[Click here for a pronunciation key]
Pronunciation: 'em-p&-"thIz
Function: intransitive verb
Inflected Form(s): -thized; -thiz·ing
Date: circa 1921
: to experience empathy <adults unable to empathize with a child's frustrations>
[Click here for a pronunciation key]
Pronunciation: in-'kOd, en-
Function: transitive verb
Date: circa 1919
1 : to convert (as a body of information) from one system of communication into another; especially : to convert (a message) into code
2 : to specify the genetic code for
- en·cod·er noun
[Click here for a pronunciation key]
Function: noun
Date: 15th century
1 : serious determined effort
2 : activity directed toward a goal : ENTERPRISE <fields of endeavor>
[Click here for a pronunciation key]
Pronunciation: in-'dur, -'dyur, en-
Function: verb
Inflected Form(s): en·dured; en·dur·ing
Etymology: Middle English, from Middle French endurer, from (assumed) Vulgar Latin indurare, from Latin, to harden, from in- + durare to
harden, endure -- more at DURING
Date: 14th century
transitive senses
1 : to undergo (as a hardship) especially without giving in : SUFFER
2 : to regard with acceptance or tolerance <could not endure noisy children>
intransitive senses
1 : to continue in the same state : LAST
2 : to remain firm under suffering or misfortune without yielding
synonym see BEAR, CONTINUE
[Click here for a pronunciation key]
Pronunciation: "e-n&r-'je-tik
Function: adjective
Etymology: Greek energEtikos, from energein to be active, from energos
Date: 1651
1 : operating with or marked by vigor or effect
2 : marked by energy : STRENUOUS
3 : of or relating to energy <energetic equation>
synonym see VIGOROUS
- en·er·get·i·cal·ly /-ti-k(&-)lE/ adverb
[Click here for a pronunciation key]
Pronunciation: in-'gAj-m&nt, en-
Function: noun
Date: 1601
1 a : an arrangement to meet or be present at a specified time and place <a dinner engagement> b : a job or period of employment especially as a
performer
2 : something that engages : PLEDGE
3 a : the act of engaging : the state of being engaged b : emotional involvement or commitment <seesaws between obsessive engagement and
ambiguous detachment -- Gary Taylor> c : BETROTHAL
4 : the state of being in gear
5 : a hostile encounter between military forces
[Click here for a pronunciation key]
Pronunciation: in-'grOs, en-
Function: transitive verb
Etymology: Middle English, from Anglo-French engrosser, probably from Medieval Latin ingrossare, from Latin in + Medieval Latin grossa
large handwriting, from Latin, feminine of grossus thick
Date: 15th century
1 a : to copy or write in a large hand b : to prepare the usually final handwritten or printed text of (an official document)
2 [Middle English, from Middle French en gros in large quantities] a : to purchase large quantities of (as for speculation) b archaic : AMASS,
COLLECT c : to take or engage the whole attention of : occupy completely <ideas that have engrossed the minds of scholars for generations>
- en·gross·er noun
[Click here for a pronunciation key]
Pronunciation: 'en-m&-tE
Function: noun
Inflected Form(s): plural -ties
Etymology: Middle English enmite, from Middle French enemité, from Old French enemisté, from enemi enemy
Date: 13th century
: positive, active, and typically mutual hatred or ill will
synonyms ENMITY, HOSTILITY, ANTIPATHY, ANTAGONISM, ANIMOSITY, RANCOR, ANIMUS mean deep-seated dislike or ill will. ENMITY
suggests positive hatred which may be open or concealed <an unspoken enmity>. HOSTILITY suggests an enmity showing itself in attacks or
aggression <hostility between the two nations>. ANTIPATHY and ANTAGONISM imply a natural or logical basis for one's hatred or dislike,
ANTIPATHY suggesting repugnance, a desire to avoid or reject, and ANTAGONISM suggesting a clash of temperaments leading readily to hostility <a
natural antipathy for self-seekers> <antagonism between the brothers>. ANIMOSITY suggests intense ill will and vindictiveness that threaten to
kindle hostility <animosity that led to revenge>. RANCOR is especially applied to bitter brooding over a wrong <rancor filled every line of his
letters>. ANIMUS adds to animosity the implication of strong prejudice <objections devoid of personal animus>.
[Click here for a pronunciation key]
Pronunciation: 'en-t&(r)-"prIz
Function: noun
Etymology: Middle English, from Middle French, from Old French entreprendre to undertake, from entre- inter- + prendre to take -- more at
PRIZE
Date: 15th century
1 : a project or undertaking that is especially difficult, complicated, or risky
2 : readiness to engage in daring action : INITIATIVE
3 a : a unit of economic organization or activity; especially : a business organization b : a systematic purposeful activity <agriculture is the main
economic enterprise among these people>
[Click here for a pronunciation key]
Pronunciation: "en-t&r-'tAn
Function: verb
Etymology: Middle English entertinen, from Middle French entretenir, from entre- inter- + tenir to hold -- more at TENABLE
Date: 15th century
transitive senses
1 a archaic : MAINTAIN b obsolete : RECEIVE
2 : to show hospitality to
3 a : to keep, hold, or maintain in the mind <I entertain grave doubts about her sincerity> b : to receive and take into consideration <refused to
entertain our plea>
4 : to provide entertainment for
5 : to play against (an opposing team) on one's home field or court
intransitive senses : to provide entertainment especially for guests
synonym see AMUSE
- en·ter·tain·er noun
[Click here for a pronunciation key]
Pronunciation: in-'tr&st, en-
Function: transitive verb
Date: 1602
1 : to confer a trust on; especially : to deliver something in trust to
2 : to commit to another with confidence
synonym see COMMIT
- en·trust·ment /-'tr&s(t)-m&nt/ noun
[Click here for a pronunciation key]
Pronunciation: -l&nt
Function: adjective
Etymology: Middle English, from Middle French or Late Latin; Middle French, from Late Latin aequivalent-, aequivalens, present participle of
aequivalEre to have equal power, from Latin aequi- + valEre to be strong -- more at WIELD
Date: 15th century
1 : equal in force, amount, or value; also : equal in area or volume but not admitting of superposition <a square equivalent to a triangle>
2 a : like in signification or import b : having logical equivalence <equivalent statements>
3 : corresponding or virtually identical especially in effect or function
4 obsolete : equal in might or authority
5 : having the same chemical combining capacity <equivalent quantities of two elements>
6 a : having the same solution set <equivalent equations> b : capable of being placed in one-to-one correspondence <equivalent sets> c : related
by an equivalence relation
synonym see SAME
- equivalent noun
- equiv·a·lent·ly adverb
[Click here for a pronunciation key]
Pronunciation: 'es-k&-"lAt, ÷-ky&-
Function: verb
Inflected Form(s): -lat·ed; -lat·ing
Etymology: back-formation from escalator
Date: 1944
intransitive senses : to increase in extent, volume, number, amount, intensity, or scope <a little war threatens to escalate into a huge ugly one --
Arnold Abrams>
transitive senses : EXPAND 2
- es·ca·la·tion /"es-k&-'lA-sh&n, ÷-ky&-/ noun
- es·ca·la·to·ry /'es-k&-l&-"tOr-E, -"tor-, ÷-ky&-/ adjective
[Click here for a pronunciation key]
Pronunciation: 'e-s&n(t)s
Function: noun
Etymology: Middle English, from Middle French & Latin; Middle French, from Latin essentia, from esse to be -- more at IS
Date: 14th century
1 a : the permanent as contrasted with the accidental element of being b : the individual, real, or ultimate nature of a thing especially as opposed to
its existence c : the properties or attributes by means of which something can be placed in its proper class or identified as being what it is
2 : something that exists : ENTITY
3 a (1) : a volatile substance or constituent (as of perfume) (2) : a constituent or derivative possessing the special qualities (as of a plant or drug) in
concentrated form; also : a preparation of such an essence or a synthetic substitute b : ODOR, PERFUME
4 : one that possesses or exhibits a quality in abundance as if in concentrated form <she was the essence of punctuality>
- in essence : in or by its very nature : ESSENTIALLY, BASICALLY <was in essence an honest person>
- of the essence : of the utmost importance <time is of the essence>
[Click here for a pronunciation key]
Pronunciation: "es-t&-'mA-sh&n
Function: noun
Date: 14th century
1 : JUDGMENT, OPINION
2 a : the act of estimating something b : the value, amount, or size arrived at in an estimate
3 : ESTEEM, HONOR
[Click here for a pronunciation key]
Pronunciation: i-'t&r-n&-tE
Function: noun
Inflected Form(s): plural -ties
Etymology: Middle English eternite, from Middle French eternité, from Latin aeternitat-, aeternitas, from aeternus
Date: 14th century
1 : the quality or state of being eternal
2 : infinite time
3 plural : AGE 3b
4 : the state after death : IMMORTALITY
5 : a seemingly endless or immeasurable time
[Click here for a pronunciation key]
Pronunciation: 'e-ti-k&t, -"ket
Function: noun
Etymology: French étiquette, literally, ticket -- more at TICKET
Date: 1750
: the conduct or procedure required by good breeding or prescribed by authority to be observed in social or official life
[Click here for a pronunciation key]
Pronunciation: -jE
Function: noun
Inflected Form(s): plural -gies
Etymology: Middle English ethimologie, from Latin etymologia, from Greek, from etymon + -logia -logy
Date: 14th century
1 : the history of a linguistic form (as a word) shown by tracing its development since its earliest recorded occurrence in the language where it is
found, by tracing its transmission from one language to another, by analyzing it into its component parts, by identifying its cognates in other
languages, or by tracing it and its cognates to a common ancestral form in an ancestral language
2 : a branch of linguistics concerned with etymologies
- et·y·mo·log·i·cal /-m&-'lä-ji-k&l/ adjective
- et·y·mo·log·i·cal·ly /-k(&-)lE/ adverb
[Click here for a pronunciation key]
Pronunciation: i-'ven(t)-sh(&-)w&l-E, -'ven-ch&l-E
Function: adverb
Date: 1680
: at an unspecified later time : in the end
[Click here for a pronunciation key]
Pronunciation: ig-'za-s&r-"bAt
Function: transitive verb
Inflected Form(s): -bat·ed; -bat·ing
Etymology: Latin exacerbatus, past participle of exacerbare, from ex- + acerbus harsh, bitter, from acer sharp -- more at EDGE
Date: 1660
: to make more violent, bitter, or severe <the proposed shutdown ... would exacerbate unemployment problems -- Science>
- ex·ac·er·ba·tion /-"za-s&r-'bA-sh&n/ noun
[Click here for a pronunciation key]
Pronunciation: ig-'za-j&-"rAt
Function: verb
Inflected Form(s): -at·ed; -at·ing
Etymology: Latin exaggeratus, past participle of exaggerare, literally, to heap up, from ex- + agger heap, from aggerere to carry toward, from
ad- + gerere to carry
Date: circa 1587
transitive senses
1 : to enlarge beyond bounds or the truth : OVERSTATE <a friend exaggerates a man's virtues -- Joseph Addison>
2 : to enlarge or increase especially beyond the normal : OVEREMPHASIZE
intransitive senses : to make an overstatement
- ex·ag·ger·at·ed·ly adverb
- ex·ag·ger·at·ed·ness noun
- ex·ag·ger·a·tion /-"za-j&-'rA-sh&n/ noun
- ex·ag·ger·a·tive /-'za-j&-"rA-tiv, -'zaj-r&-, -'za-j&-/ adjective
- ex·ag·ger·a·tor /-'za-j&-"rA-t&r/ noun
- ex·ag·ger·a·to·ry /-'zaj-r&-"tOr-E, -tor-, -'za-j&-/ adjective
[Click here for a pronunciation key]
Pronunciation: ig-'zas-p&-"rAt
Function: transitive verb
Inflected Form(s): -at·ed; -at·ing
Etymology: Latin exasperatus, past participle of exasperare, from ex- + asper rough -- more at ASPERITY
Date: 1534
1 a : to excite the anger of : ENRAGE b : to cause irritation or annoyance to
2 obsolete : to make more grievous : AGGRAVATE
synonym see IRRITATE
- ex·as·per·at·ed·ly adverb
- ex·as·per·at·ing·ly /-"rA-ti[ng]-lE/ adverb
[Click here for a pronunciation key]
Pronunciation: ik-'sep-shn&l, -sh&-n&l
Function: adjective
Date: circa 1846
1 : forming an exception : RARE <an exceptional number of rainy days>
2 : better than average : SUPERIOR <exceptional skill>
3 : deviating from the norm: as a : having above or below average intelligence b : physically handicapped
- ex·cep·tion·al·i·ty /-"sep-sh&-'na-l&-tE/ noun
- ex·cep·tion·al·ness noun
[Click here for a pronunciation key]
Pronunciation: "ek-si-'kyü-sh&n
Function: noun
Etymology: Middle English, from Middle French, from Latin exsecution-, exsecutio, from exsequi to execute, from ex- + sequi to follow --
more at SUE
Date: 14th century
1 : the act or process of executing : PERFORMANCE
2 : a putting to death especially as a legal penalty
3 : the process of enforcing a legal judgment (as against a debtor); also : a judicial writ directing such enforcement
4 : the act or mode or result of performance
5 archaic : effective or destructive action <his brandished steel, which smoked with bloody execution -- Shakespeare> -- usually used with do
<as soon as day came, we went out to see what execution we had done -- Daniel Defoe>
[Click here for a pronunciation key]
Pronunciation: ig-'zi-b&t
Function: verb
Etymology: Middle English, from Latin exhibitus, past participle of exhibEre, from ex- + habEre to have, hold -- more at GIVE
Date: 15th century
transitive senses
1 : to submit (as a document) to a court or officer in course of proceedings; also : to present or offer officially or in legal form
2 : to present to view: as a : to show or display outwardly especially by visible signs or actions <exhibited no fear> b : to have as a readily
discernible quality or feature <in all cultures we know, men exhibit an aesthetic sense -- H. J. Muller> c : to show publicly especially for
purposes of competition or demonstration
intransitive senses : to display something for public inspection
synonym see SHOW
- ex·hib·i·tive /-b&-tiv/ adjective
- ex·hib·i·tor /-b&-t&r/ noun
- ex·hib·i·to·ry /-b&-"tOr-E, -"tor-/ adjective
[Click here for a pronunciation key]
Pronunciation: 'eg-"zIl, 'ek-"sIl
Function: noun
Etymology: Middle English exil, from Middle French, from Latin exilium from exul, exsul an exile
Date: 14th century
1 a : the state or a period of forced absence from one's country or home b : the state or a period of voluntary absence from one's country or home
2 : a person who is in exile
- ex·il·ic /eg-'zi-lik/ adjective
[Click here for a pronunciation key]
Pronunciation: ig-'zis-t&n(t)s
Function: noun
Date: 14th century
1 a obsolete : reality as opposed to appearance b : reality as presented in experience c (1) : the totality of existent things (2) : a particular being
<all the fair existences of heaven -- John Keats> d : sentient or living being : LIFE
2 a : the state or fact of having being especially independently of human consciousness and as contrasted with nonexistence b : the manner of
being that is common to every mode of being c : being with respect to a limiting condition or under a particular aspect
3 : continued or repeated manifestation
[Click here for a pronunciation key]
Pronunciation: "ek-(")sp&r-'tEz, -'tEs
Function: noun
Etymology: French, from Middle French, expertness, from expert
Date: 1868
1 : expert opinion or commentary
2 : the skill of an expert
[Click here for a pronunciation key]
Pronunciation: 'ek-sp&r-"gAt
Function: transitive verb
Inflected Form(s): -gat·ed; -gat·ing
Etymology: Latin expurgatus, past participle of expurgare, from ex- + purgare to purge
Date: 1678
: to cleanse of something morally harmful, offensive, or erroneous; especially : to expunge objectionable parts from before publication or
presentation <an expurgated edition of the letters>
- ex·pur·ga·tion /"ek-sp&r-'gA-sh&n/ noun
- ex·pur·ga·tor /'ek-sp&r-"gA-t&r/ noun
[Click here for a pronunciation key]
Pronunciation: 'fA-li[ng]
Function: noun
Date: 1590
: a usually slight or insignificant defect in character, conduct, or ability
synonym see FAULT
[Click here for a pronunciation key]
Pronunciation: "fa-s&n-'A-sh&n
Function: noun
Date: 1605
1 a : the quality or power of fascinating b : something fascinating
2 : the state of being fascinated
[Click here for a pronunciation key]
Function: transitive verb
Inflected Form(s): fash·ioned; fash·ion·ing /'fash-ni[ng], 'fa-sh&n-i[ng]/
Date: 15th century
1 a : to give shape or form to : MOLD b : ALTER, TRANSFORM c : to mold into a particular character by influencing or training d : to make or
construct usually with the use of imagination and ingenuity <fashion a lamp from an old churn>
2 : FIT, ADAPT
3 obsolete : CONTRIVE
- fash·ion·er /'fash-n&r, 'fa-sh&n-&r/ noun
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Date: 1607
intransitive senses
1 : PROBE
2 : to take soundings
transitive senses
1 : to measure by a sounding line
2 : to penetrate and come to understand <couldn't fathom the problem>
- fath·om·able /'fa-[th_]&-m&-b&l/ adjective
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Pronunciation: 'fO-"pä, fO-'
Function: noun
Inflected Form(s): plural faux pas /-"pä(z), -'pä(z)/
Etymology: French, literally, false step
Date: 1676
: BLUNDER; especially : a social blunder
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Pronunciation: 'fend
Function: verb
Etymology: Middle English fenden, short for defenden
Date: 14th century
transitive senses
1 : DEFEND
2 : to keep or ward off : REPEL -- often used with off
3 dialect British : to provide for : SUPPORT
intransitive senses
1 dialect British : to make an effort : STRUGGLE
2 a : to try to get along without help : SHIFT <had to fend for themselves> b : to provide a livelihood
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Date: 15th century
intransitive senses
1 : to hunt with ferrets
2 : to search about
transitive senses
1 a (1) : to hunt (as rabbits) with ferrets (2) : to force out of hiding : FLUSH b : to find and bring to light by searching -- usually used with out
<ferret out the answers>
2 : HARRY, WORRY
- fer·ret·er noun
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Pronunciation: 'fer-E
Function: verb
Inflected Form(s): fer·ried; fer·ry·ing
Etymology: Middle English ferien, from Old English ferian to carry, convey; akin to Old English faran to go -- more at FARE
Date: before 12th century
transitive senses
1 a : to carry by boat over a body of water b : to cross by a ferry
2 a : to convey (as by aircraft or motor vehicle) from one place to another : TRANSPORT b : to fly (an airplane) from the factory or other
shipping point to a designated delivery point or from one base to another
intransitive senses : to cross water in a boat
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Date: 1530
transitive senses
1 : to initiate or habituate especially by giving a foretaste
2 archaic : GRATIFY
3 : to clothe or cover with or as if with flesh; broadly : to give substance to -- usually used with out
4 : to free from flesh
intransitive senses : to become fleshy -- often used with up or out
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Pronunciation: 'fl&ks
Function: noun
Etymology: Middle English, from Middle French & Medieval Latin; Middle French, from Medieval Latin fluxus, from Latin, flow, from fluere
to flow -- more at FLUID
Date: 14th century
1 : a flowing of fluid from the body; especially : an excessive abnormal discharge from the bowels
2 : a continuous moving on or passing by (as of a stream)
3 : a continued flow : FLOOD
4 a : INFLUX b : CHANGE, FLUCTUATION <in a state of flux>
5 : a substance used to promote fusion (as of metals or minerals); especially : one (as rosin) applied to surfaces to be joined by soldering, brazing,
or welding to clean and free them from oxide and promote their union
6 : the rate of transfer of fluid, particles, or energy across a given surface
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Pronunciation: 'fO-k&s
Function: noun
Inflected Form(s): plural fo·ci /'fO-"sI also -"kI/; also fo·cus·es
Etymology: New Latin, from Latin, hearth
Date: 1644
1 a : a point at which rays (as of light, heat, or sound) converge or from which they diverge or appear to diverge; specifically : the point where
the geometrical lines or their prolongations conforming to the rays diverging from or converging toward another point intersect and give rise to an
image after reflection by a mirror or refraction by a lens or optical system b : a point of convergence of a beam of particles (as electrons)
2 a : FOCAL LENGTH b : adjustment for distinct vision; also : the area that may be seen distinctly or resolved into a clear image c : a state or
condition permitting clear perception or understanding <tried to bring the issues into focus> d : DIRECTION 6c
3 : one of the fixed points that with the corresponding directrix defines a conic section
4 : a localized area of disease or the chief site of a generalized disease or infection
5 a : a center of activity, attraction, or attention <the focus of the meeting was drug abuse> b : a point of concentration
6 : the place of origin of an earthquake or moonquake
7 : directed attention : EMPHASIS
- fo·cus·less /-l&s/ adjective
- in focus : having or giving the proper sharpness of outline due to good focusing
- out of focus : not in focus
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Pronunciation: 'fOk
Function: noun
Inflected Form(s): plural folk or folks
Etymology: Middle English, from Old English folc; akin to Old High German folc people
Date: before 12th century
1 archaic : a group of kindred tribes forming a nation : PEOPLE
2 : the great proportion of the members of a people that determines the group character and that tends to preserve its characteristic form of
civilization and its customs, arts and crafts, legends, traditions, and superstitions from generation to generation
3 plural : a certain kind, class, or group of people <old folks> <just plain folk> <country folk> <media folk>
4 folks pl : people generally
5 folks pl : the persons of one's own family; especially : PARENTS
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Pronunciation: fänt
Function: noun
Etymology: Middle French fonte act of founding, from (assumed) Vulgar Latin fundita, feminine of funditus, past participle of Latin
fundere to found, pour -- more at FOUND
Date: circa 1688
: an assortment or set of type all of one size and style
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Pronunciation: fOr-'worn, for-
Function: transitive verb
Date: 14th century
: to warn in advance
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Pronunciation: for-'gO, fOr-
Function: transitive verb
Inflected Form(s): for·went /-'went/; for·gone /-'gon also -'gän/; for·go·ing /-'gO-i[ng], -'go(-)i[ng]/
Etymology: Middle English, from Old English forgAn to pass by, forgo, from for- + gAn to go
Date: before 12th century
1 : to give up the enjoyment or advantage of : do without
2 archaic : FORSAKE
- for·go·er /-'gO(-&)r/ noun
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Pronunciation: 'fOr-&m, 'for-
Function: noun
Inflected Form(s): plural forums also fo·ra /-&/
Etymology: Latin; akin to Latin foris outside, fores door -- more at DOOR
Date: 15th century
1 a : the marketplace or public place of an ancient Roman city forming the center of judicial and public business b : a public
meeting place for open discussion c : a medium (as a newspaper) of open discussion or expression of ideas
2 : a judicial body or assembly : COURT
3 a : a public meeting or lecture involving audience discussion b : a program (as on radio or television) involving discussion of a problem usually by several authorities
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Function: transitive verb
Inflected Form(s): fos·tered; fos·ter·ing /-t(&-)ri[ng]/
Date: 12th century
1 : to give parental care to : NURTURE
2 : to promote the growth or development of : ENCOURAGE
- fos·ter·er /-t&r-&r/ noun
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Pronunciation: 'frag-m&nt
Function: noun
Etymology: Middle English, from Latin fragmentum, from frangere to break -- more at BREAK
Date: 15th century
: a part broken off, detached, or incomplete
synonym see PART
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Pronunciation: 'fret
Function: verb
Inflected Form(s): fret·ted; fret·ting
Etymology: Middle English, to devour, fret, from Old English fretan to devour; akin to Old High German frezzan to devour, ezzan to eat --
more at EAT
Date: 12th century
transitive senses
1 a : to eat or gnaw into : CORRODE; also : FRAY b : RUB, CHAFE c : to make by wearing away a substance <the stream fretted a channel>
2 : to cause to suffer emotional strain : VEX
3 : to pass (as time) in fretting
4 : AGITATE, RIPPLE
intransitive senses
1 a : to eat into something b : to affect something as if by gnawing or biting : GRATE
2 a : WEAR, CORRODE b : CHAFE c : FRAY 1
3 a : to become vexed or worried b of running water : to become agitated
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Pronunciation: 'früt-f&l
Function: adjective
Date: 14th century
1 a : yielding or producing fruit b : conducive to an abundant yield
2 : abundantly productive
synonym see FERTILE
- fruit·ful·ly /-f&-lE/ adverb
- fruit·ful·ness noun
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Pronunciation: "f&n-d&-'men-t&l
Function: adjective
Date: 15th century
1 a : serving as an original or generating source : PRIMARY <a discovery fundamental to modern computers> b : serving as a basis supporting
existence or determining essential structure or function : BASIC
2 a : of or relating to essential structure, function, or facts : RADICAL <fundamental change>; also : of or dealing with general principles rather
than practical application <fundamental science> b : adhering to fundamentalism
3 : of, relating to, or produced by the lowest component of a complex vibration
4 : of central importance : PRINCIPAL <fundamental purpose>
5 : belonging to one's innate or ingrained characteristics : DEEP-ROOTED <her fundamental good humor>
synonym see ESSENTIAL
- fun·da·men·tal·ly /-t&l-E/ adverb
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Function: noun
Etymology: probably from obsolete Flemish fonck
Date: 1743
1 a : a state of paralyzing fear b : a depressed state of mind
2 : one that funks : COWARD
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Pronunciation: 'f&r-(")O, -&(-w); 'f&-(")rO, -r&(-w)
Function: noun
Etymology: Middle English furgh, forow, from Old English furh; akin to Old High German furuh furrow, Latin porca
Date: before 12th century
1 a : a trench in the earth made by a plow b : plowed land : FIELD
2 : something that resembles the track of a plow: as a : a marked narrow depression : GROOVE b : a deep wrinkle <furrows in his brow>
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