Pronunciation: "ma-k&-'nA-sh&n, "ma-sh&-
Function: noun
Date: 15th century
1 : an act of machinating
2 : a scheming or crafty action or artful design intended to accomplish some usually evil
end <backstage machinations and power plays that have dominated the film industry --
Peter Bogdanovich>
synonym see PLOT
[Click here for a pronunciation key]
Pronunciation: mAn-'tAn, m&n-
Function: transitive verb
Etymology: Middle English mainteinen, from Old French maintenir, from Medieval Latin
manutenEre, from Latin manu tenEre to hold in the hand
Date: 14th century
1 : to keep in an existing state (as of repair, efficiency, or validity) : preserve from
failure or decline <maintain machinery>
2 : to sustain against opposition or danger : uphold and defend <maintain a position>
3 : to continue or persevere in : CARRY ON, KEEP UP <couldn't maintain his composure>
4 a : to support or provide for <has a family to maintain> b : SUSTAIN <enough food to
maintain life>
5 : to affirm in or as if in argument : ASSERT <maintained that the earth is flat>
- main·tain·abil·i·ty /-"tA-n&-'bi-l&-tE/ noun
- main·tain·able /-'tA-n&-b&l/ adjective
- main·tain·er noun
synonyms MAINTAIN, ASSERT, DEFEND, VINDICATE, JUSTIFY mean to uphold as true, right, just, or
reasonable. MAINTAIN stresses firmness of conviction <steadfastly maintained his
innocence>. ASSERT suggests determination to make others accept one's claim <asserted her
rights>. DEFEND implies maintaining in the face of attack or criticism <defended his voting
record>. VINDICATE implies successfully defending <his success vindicated our faith in
him>. JUSTIFY implies showing to be true, just, or valid by appeal to a standard or to
precedent <the action was used to justify military intervention>.
[Click here for a pronunciation key]
Pronunciation: 'mA-"k&p
Function: noun
Date: 1821
1 a : the way in which the parts or ingredients of something are put together :
COMPOSITION b : physical, mental, and moral constitution
2 a : the operation of making up especially pages for printing b : design or layout of
printed matter
3 a (1) : cosmetics used to color and beautify the face (2) : a cosmetic applied to
other parts of the body b : materials (as wigs and cosmetics) used in making up or in
special costuming (as for a play)
4 : REPLACEMENT; specifically : material added (as in a manufacturing process) to
replace material that has been used up <makeup water>
5 : a special examination in which a student may make up for absence or previous failure
[Click here for a pronunciation key]
Pronunciation: 'man-d&-"tOr-E, -"tor-
Function: adjective
Date: 1576
1 : containing or constituting a command : OBLIGATORY <mandatory retirement age>
2 : of, by, relating to, or holding a League of Nations mandate
- man·da·tor·i·ly /-"tOr-&-lE, -"tor-/ adverb
[Click here for a pronunciation key]
Pronunciation: 'mA-nE-&, -ny&
Function: noun
Etymology: Middle English, from Late Latin, from Greek, from mainesthai to be mad; akin to
Greek menos spirit -- more at MIND
Date: 14th century
1 : excitement manifested by mental and physical hyperactivity, disorganization of
behavior, and elevation of mood; specifically : the manic phase of manic-depressive
psychosis
2 : excessive or unreasonable enthusiasm <a mania for saving things>; also : the object
of such enthusiasm
[Click here for a pronunciation key]
Pronunciation: 'ma-n&r
Function: noun
Etymology: Middle English manere, from Old French maniere way of acting, from (assumed)
Vulgar Latin manuaria, from Latin, feminine of manuarius of the hand, from manus hand --
more at MANUAL
Date: 12th century
1 a : KIND, SORT <what manner of man is he> b : KINDS, SORTS <all manner of problems>
2 a (1) : a characteristic or customary mode of acting : CUSTOM (2) : a mode of procedure
or way of acting : FASHION (3) : method of artistic execution or mode of presentation :
STYLE b plural : social conduct or rules of conduct as shown in the prevalent customs
<Victorian manners> c : characteristic or distinctive bearing, air, or deportment <his
poised gracious manner> d plural (1) : habitual conduct or deportment : BEHAVIOR <mind
your manners> (2) : good manners e : a distinguished or stylish air
synonym see BEARING, METHOD
- man·ner·less /-l&s/ adjective
[Click here for a pronunciation key]
Pronunciation: 'män-tr& also 'man- or 'm&n-
Function: noun
Etymology: Sanskrit, sacred counsel, formula, from manyate he thinks; akin to Latin mens
mind -- more at MIND
Date: 1808
: a mystical formula of invocation or incantation (as in Hinduism); also : WATCHWORD 2
- man·tric /-trik/ adjective
[Click here for a pronunciation key]
Pronunciation: m&-'tir-E-&-"lIz
Function: verb
Inflected Form(s): -ized; -iz·ing
Date: 1710
transitive senses
1 a : to make material : OBJECTIFY b : to cause to appear in bodily form <materialize the
spirits of the dead>
2 : to cause to be materialistic
intransitive senses
1 : to assume bodily form
2 a : to appear especially suddenly b : to come into existence
- ma·te·ri·al·iz·er noun
[Click here for a pronunciation key]
Pronunciation: m&-'tri-ky&-"lAt
Function: verb
Inflected Form(s): -lat·ed; -lat·ing
Etymology: Medieval Latin matriculatus, past participle of matriculare, from Late Latin
matricula public roll, diminutive of matric-, matrix list, from Latin, breeding female
Date: 1577
transitive senses : to enroll as a member of a body and especially of a college or
university
intransitive senses : to become matriculated
- ma·tric·u·lant /-l&nt/ noun
- ma·tric·u·la·tion /-"tri-ky&-'lA-sh&n/ noun
[Click here for a pronunciation key]
Function: intransitive verb
Inflected Form(s): -dered; me·an·der·ing /-d(&-)ri[ng]/
Date: circa 1612
1 : to follow a winding or intricate course
2 : to wander aimlessly or casually without urgent destination : RAMBLE
synonym see WANDER
[Click here for a pronunciation key]
Pronunciation: 'me-zh&r, 'mA-
Function: noun
Etymology: Middle English mesure, from Old French, from Latin mensura, from mensus, past
participle of metiri to measure; akin to Old English m[AE]th measure, Greek metron
Date: 13th century
1 a (1) : an adequate or due portion (2) : a moderate degree; also : MODERATION,
TEMPERANCE (3) : a fixed or suitable limit : BOUNDS <rich beyond measure> b : the
dimensions, capacity, or amount of something ascertained by measuring c : an estimate of
what is to be expected (as of a person or situation) d (1) : a measured quantity (2) :
AMOUNT, DEGREE
2 a : an instrument or utensil for measuring b (1) : a standard or unit of measurement --
see WEIGHT table (2) : a system of standard units of measure <metric measure>
3 : the act or process of measuring
4 a (1) : MELODY, TUNE (2) : DANCE; especially : a slow and stately dance b : rhythmic
structure or movement : CADENCE: as (1) : poetic rhythm measured by temporal quantity or
accent; specifically : METER (2) : musical time c (1) : a grouping of a specified number
of musical beats located between two consecutive vertical lines on a staff (2) : a
metrical unit : FOOT
5 : an exact divisor of a number
6 : a basis or standard of comparison <wealth is not a measure of happiness>
7 : a step planned or taken as a means to an end; specifically : a proposed legislative
act
- for good measure : in addition to the minimum required : as an extra
[Click here for a pronunciation key]
Pronunciation: "mE-dE-'ä-kr&-tE
Function: noun
Inflected Form(s): plural -ties
Date: 1531
1 a : the quality or state of being mediocre b : moderate ability or value
2 : a mediocre person
[Click here for a pronunciation key]
Pronunciation: 'mEk
Function: adjective
Etymology: Middle English, of Scandinavian origin; akin to Old Norse mjukr gentle; akin to
Welsh mwyth soft
Date: 13th century
1 : enduring injury with patience and without resentment : MILD
2 : deficient in spirit and courage : SUBMISSIVE
3 : not violent or strong : MODERATE
- meek·ly adverb
- meek·ness noun
[Click here for a pronunciation key]
Pronunciation: 'men-"tor, -t&r
Function: noun
Etymology: Latin, from Greek MentOr
1 capitalized : a friend of Odysseus entrusted with the education of Odysseus' son
Telemachus
2 a : a trusted counselor or guide b : TUTOR, COACH
- men·tor·ship /-"ship/ noun
[Click here for a pronunciation key]
Pronunciation: 'mir
Function: adjective
Inflected Form(s): superlative mer·est
Etymology: Middle English, from Latin merus; akin to Old English Amerian to purify and
perhaps to Greek marmairein to sparkle -- more at MORN
Date: 1536
1 : having no admixture : PURE
2 obsolete : being nothing less than : ABSOLUTE
3 : being nothing more than <a mere mortal>
- mere·ly adverb
[Click here for a pronunciation key]
Pronunciation: 'me-t&-"for also -f&r
Function: noun
Etymology: Middle French or Latin; Middle French metaphore, from Latin metaphora, from
Greek, from metapherein to transfer, from meta- + pherein to bear -- more at BEAR
Date: 1533
1 : a figure of speech in which a word or phrase literally denoting one kind of object or
idea is used in place of another to suggest a likeness or analogy between them (as in
drowning in money); broadly : figurative language -- compare SIMILE
2 : an object, activity, or idea treated as a metaphor : SYMBOL 2
- met·a·phor·ic /"me-t&-'for-ik, -'fär-/ or met·a·phor·i·cal /-i-k&l/ adjective
- met·a·phor·i·cal·ly /-i-k(&-)lE/ adverb
[Click here for a pronunciation key]
Pronunciation: 'mi-l&-"se-k&nd, -k&nt
Function: noun
Etymology: International Scientific Vocabulary
Date: 1909
: one thousandth of a second
[Click here for a pronunciation key]
Pronunciation: mäk
Function: adjective
Date: 1548
: of, relating to, or having the character of an imitation : SIMULATED, FEIGNED <the mock solemnity of the parody>
[Click here for a pronunciation key]
Pronunciation: 'mOd
Function: noun
Etymology: Middle English moede, from Latin modus measure, manner, musical mode -- more
at METE
Date: 14th century
1 a : an arrangement of the eight diatonic notes or tones of an octave according to one of
several fixed schemes of their intervals b : a rhythmical scheme (as in 13th and 14th
century music)
2 : 2MOOD 2
3 [Late Latin modus, from Latin] a : 2MOOD 1 b : the modal form of the assertion or denial
of a logical proposition
4 a : a particular form or variety of something b : a form or manner of expression :
STYLE
5 : a possible, customary, or preferred way of doing something <explained in the usual
solemn mode>
6 a : a manifestation, form, or arrangement of being; specifically : a particular form or
manifestation of an underlying substance b : a particular functioning arrangement or
condition : STATUS <a spacecraft in reentry mode> <a computer operating in parallel mode>
7 a : the most frequent value of a set of data b : a value of a random variable for which
a function of probabilities defined on it achieves a relative maximum
8 : any of various stationary vibration patterns of which an elastic body or oscillatory
system is capable <the vibration mode of an airplane propeller blade> <the vibrational
modes of a molecule>
synonym see METHOD
[Click here for a pronunciation key]
Function: verb
Inflected Form(s): mod·eled or mod·elled; mod·el·ing or mod·el·ling /'mäd-li[ng],
'mä-d&l-i[ng]/
Date: 1625
transitive senses
1 : to plan or form after a pattern : SHAPE
2 archaic : to make into an organization (as an army, government, or parish)
3 a : to shape or fashion in a plastic material b : to produce a representation or
simulation of <using a computer to model a problem>
4 : to construct or fashion in imitation of a particular model <modeled its constitution
on that of the U.S.>
5 : to display by wearing, using, or posing with <modeled gowns>
intransitive senses
1 : to design or imitate forms : make a pattern <enjoys modeling in clay>
2 : to work or act as a fashion model
- mod·el·er /'mäd-l&r, 'mä-d&l-&r/ noun
[Click here for a pronunciation key]
Pronunciation: 'mä-j&-"lAt
Function: verb
Inflected Form(s): -lat·ed; -lat·ing
Etymology: Latin modulatus, past participle of modulari to play, sing, from modulus
small measure, rhythm, diminutive of modus measure -- more at METE
Date: 1615
transitive senses
1 : to tune to a key or pitch
2 : to adjust to or keep in proper measure or proportion : TEMPER
3 : to vary the amplitude, frequency, or phase of (a carrier wave or a light wave) for the
transmission of intelligence (as by radio); also : to vary the velocity of electrons in an
electron beam
intransitive senses
1 : to play or sing with modulation
2 : to pass from one musical key into another by means of intermediary chords or notes
that have some relation to both keys
3 : to pass gradually from one state to another
- mod·u·la·tor /-"lA-t&r/ noun
- mod·u·la·to·ry /-l&-"tOr-E, -"tor-/ adjective
[Click here for a pronunciation key]
Pronunciation: "mä-n&-'li[ng]-gw&l, "mO-, -'li[ng]-gy&-w&l
Function: adjective
Date: 1926
: knowing or using only one language
- monolingual noun
[Click here for a pronunciation key]
mo·ti·vate
Pronunciation: 'mO-'ti-v\A\t
Function: verb
Inflected Form(s): -vat·ed; -vat·ing
Etymology: Medieval Latin "motivus," Medieval French "motif"
Date: 1855
to provide with a motive
synonym: IMPEL
- mo·tive noun
- m·ti·va·tion noun
[Click here for a pronunciation key]
Function: verb
Etymology: Middle English, from Middle French monter, from (assumed) Vulgar Latin
montare, from Latin mont-, mons
Date: 14th century
intransitive senses
1 : RISE, ASCEND
2 : to increase in amount or extent <expenses began to mount>
3 : to get up on something above the level of the ground; especially : to seat oneself
(as on a horse) for riding
transitive senses
1 a : to go up : CLIMB b (1) : to seat or place oneself on (2) : COVER 6a
2 a : to lift up : RAISE b (1) : to put or have (as artillery) in position (2) : to have
as equipment c (1) : to organize and equip (an attacking force) <mount an army> (2) : to
launch and carry out (as an assault or a campaign)
3 : to set on something that elevates
4 a : to cause to get on a means of conveyance b : to furnish with animals for riding
5 : to post or set up for defense or observation <mounted some guards>
6 a : to attach to a support b : to arrange or assemble for use or display
7 a : to prepare (as a specimen) for examination or display b : to prepare and supply with
materials needed for performance or execution <mount an opera>
- mount·able /'maun-t&-b&l/ adjective
- mount·er noun
[Click here for a pronunciation key]
Pronunciation: 'm&l-t&-p&l
Function: adjective
Etymology: French, from Latin multiplex, from multi- + -plex -fold -- more at -FOLD
Date: 1647
1 : consisting of, including, or involving more than one <multiple births>
2 : MANY, MANIFOLD <multiple achievements>
3 : shared by many <multiple ownership>
4 : having numerous aspects or functions : VARIOUS
5 : being a group of terminals which make a circuit available at a number of points
6 : formed by coalescence of the ripening ovaries of several flowers <a multiple fruit>
[Click here for a pronunciation key]
Function: adjective
Etymology: probably imitative of a sound made with closed lips
Date: 14th century
: SILENT <keep mum>
[Click here for a pronunciation key]
Pronunciation: myu-"ni-s&-'pa-l&-tE
Function: noun
Inflected Form(s): plural -ties
Date: 1790
1 : a primarily urban political unit having corporate status and usually powers of
self-government
2 : the governing body of a municipality
[Click here for a pronunciation key]
Function: verb
Inflected Form(s): mus·tered; mus·ter·ing /-t(&-)ri[ng]/
Etymology: Middle English mustren to show, muster, from Middle French monstrer, from
Latin monstrare to show, from monstrum evil omen, monster -- more at MONSTER
Date: 15th century
transitive senses
1 a : to cause to gather : CONVENE b : to enroll formally -- usually used with in or
into <was mustered into the army> c : to call the roll of
2 a : to bring together : COLLECT b : to call forth : ROUSE
3 : to amount to : COMPRISE
intransitive senses : to come together : CONGREGATE
synonym see SUMMON
[Click here for a pronunciation key]
Variant(s): or na·ïve /nä-'Ev/
Function: adjective
Inflected Form(s): na·iv·er; -est
Etymology: French naïve, feminine of naïf, from Old French, inborn, natural, from Latin
nativus native
Date: 1654
1 : marked by unaffected simplicity : ARTLESS, INGENUOUS
2 a : deficient in worldly wisdom or informed judgment; especially : CREDULOUS b : not
previously subjected to experimentation or a particular experimental situation <made the
test with naive rats>; also : not having previously used a particular drug (as marijuana)
3 : SELF-TAUGHT, PRIMITIVE
synonym see NATURAL
- na·ive·ly or na·ïve·ly adverb
- na·ive·ness noun
[Click here for a pronunciation key]
Pronunciation: 'nar-&-tiv
Function: noun
Date: 1566
1 : something that is narrated : STORY
2 : the art or practice of narration
3 : the representation in art of an event or story; also : an example of such a
representation
- narrative adjective
- nar·ra·tive·ly adverb
[Click here for a pronunciation key]
Pronunciation: 'nas-tE
Function: adjective
Inflected Form(s): nas·ti·er; -est
Etymology: Middle English
Date: 14th century
1 a : disgustingly filthy b : physically repugnant
2 : INDECENT, OBSCENE
3 : MEAN, TAWDRY
4 a : extremely hazardous or harmful <had a nasty climb to reach the summit> b : causing
severe pain or suffering <a nasty wound> c : sharply unpleasant : DISAGREEABLE <nasty
weather>
5 a : difficult to understand or deal with : VEXATIOUS <a nasty problem> b :
psychologically unsettling : TRYING <a nasty fear that she was lost>
6 : lacking in courtesy or sportsmanship <a nasty trick>
synonym see DIRTY
- nas·ti·ly /-t&-lE/ adverb
- nas·ti·ness /-tE-n&s/ noun
- nasty noun
[Click here for a pronunciation key]
Pronunciation: 'na-v&-"gAt
Function: verb
Inflected Form(s): -gat·ed; -gat·ing
Etymology: Latin navigatus, past participle of navigare, from navis ship + -igare (from
agere to drive) -- more at AGENT
Date: 1588
intransitive senses
1 : to travel by water : SAIL
2 : to steer a course through a medium; specifically : to operate an airplane
3 : GET AROUND, MOVE
transitive senses
1 a : to sail over, on, or through b : to make one's way over or through : TRAVERSE
2 a : to steer or manage (a boat) in sailing b : to operate or control the course of (as
an airplane)
[Click here for a pronunciation key]
Pronunciation: 'nE-dE
Function: adjective
Inflected Form(s): need·i·er; -est
Date: 12th century
: being in want : POVERTY-STRICKEN <needy families>
- need·i·ness noun
[Click here for a pronunciation key]
Function: transitive verb
Inflected Form(s): net·ted; net·ting
Date: 1758
1 a : to receive by way of profit : CLEAR b : to produce by way of profit : YIELD
2 : to get possession of : GAIN
[Click here for a pronunciation key]
Pronunciation: 'nOd
Function: noun
Etymology: Middle English, from Latin nodus knot, node; akin to Middle Irish naidm bond
Date: 15th century
1 a : a pathological swelling or enlargement (as of a rheumatic joint) b : a discrete mass
of one kind of tissue enclosed in tissue of a different kind
2 : an entangling complication (as in a drama) : PREDICAMENT
3 : either of the two points where the orbit of a planet or comet intersects the ecliptic;
also : either of the points at which the orbit of an earth satellite crosses the plane of
the equator
4 a : a point, line, or surface of a vibrating body or system that is free or relatively
free from vibratory motion b : a point at which a wave has an amplitude of zero
5 a : a point at which subsidiary parts originate or center b : a point on a stem at which
a leaf or leaves are inserted c : a point at which a curve intersects itself in such a
manner that the branches have different tangents d : VERTEX 1b
[Click here for a pronunciation key]
Pronunciation: nO-'tA-sh&n
Function: noun
Etymology: Latin notation-, notatio, from notare to note
Date: 1584
1 : ANNOTATION, NOTE
2 a : the act, process, method, or an instance of representing by a system or set of
marks, signs, figures, or characters b : a system of characters, symbols, or abbreviated
expressions used in an art or science or in mathematics or logic to express technical
facts or quantities
- no·ta·tion·al /-shn&l, -sh&-n&l/ adjective
[Click here for a pronunciation key]
Pronunciation: "nO-t&-'rI-&-tE
Function: noun
Inflected Form(s): plural -ties
Etymology: Middle French or Medieval Latin; Middle French notorieté, from Medieval Latin
notorietat-, notorietas, from notorius
Date: circa 1650
1 : the quality or state of being notorious
2 : a notorious person
[Click here for a pronunciation key]
Pronunciation: O-'bE-dE-&n(t)s, &-
Function: noun
Date: 13th century
1 a : an act or instance of obeying b : the quality or state of being obedient
2 : a sphere of jurisdiction; especially : an ecclesiastical or sometimes secular
dominion
[Click here for a pronunciation key]
Pronunciation: &-'blIj
Function: verb
Inflected Form(s): obliged; oblig·ing
Etymology: Middle English, from Old French obliger, from Latin obligare, literally, to
bind to, from ob- toward + ligare to bind -- more at LIGATURE
Date: 14th century
transitive senses
1 : to constrain by physical, moral, or legal force or by the exigencies of circumstance
<obliged to find a job>
2 a : to put in one's debt by a favor or service <we are much obliged for your help> b :
to do a favor for <always ready to oblige a friend>
intransitive senses : to do something as or as if a favor
synonym see FORCE
- oblig·er noun
[Click here for a pronunciation key]
Pronunciation: -vE-&s
Function: adjective
Date: 15th century
1 : lacking remembrance, memory, or mindful attention
2 : lacking active conscious knowledge or awareness -- usually used with of or to
- obliv·i·ous·ly adverb
- obliv·i·ous·ness noun
[Click here for a pronunciation key]
Pronunciation: äb-'näk-sh&s, &b-
Function: adjective
Etymology: Latin obnoxius, from ob in the way of, exposed to + noxa harm -- more at
NOXIOUS
Date: 1597
1 archaic : exposed to something unpleasant or harmful -- used with to
2 archaic : deserving of censure
3 : odiously or disgustingly objectionable : highly offensive
- ob·nox·ious·ly adverb
- ob·nox·ious·ness noun
[Click here for a pronunciation key]
Pronunciation: 'äb-vE-&s
Function: adjective
Etymology: Latin obvius, from obviam in the way, from ob in the way of + viam,
accusative of via way -- more at OB-, VIA
Date: 1603
1 archaic : being in the way or in front
2 : easily discovered, seen, or understood
synonym see EVIDENT
- ob·vi·ous·ness noun
[Click here for a pronunciation key]
Pronunciation: &-'k&r-&n(t)s, -'k&-r&n(t)s
Function: noun
Date: 1539
1 : something that occurs <a startling occurrence>
2 : the action or instance of occurring <the repeated occurrence of petty theft in the
locker room>
synonyms OCCURRENCE, EVENT, INCIDENT, EPISODE, CIRCUMSTANCE mean something that happens or
takes place. OCCURRENCE may apply to a happening without intent, volition, or plan <an
encounter that was a chance occurrence>. EVENT usually implies an occurrence of some
importance and frequently one having antecedent cause <the events following the
assassination>. INCIDENT suggests an occurrence of brief duration or secondary importance <a
minor wartime incident>. EPISODE stresses the distinctiveness or apartness of an incident
<a brief romantic episode in a life devoted to work>. CIRCUMSTANCE implies a specific detail
attending an action or event as part of its setting or background <couldn't recall the
exact circumstances>.
[Click here for a pronunciation key]
Pronunciation: 'O-n&s
Function: noun
Etymology: -- more at ONEROUS
Date: circa 1640
1 [Latin] a : BURDEN b : a disagreeable necessity : OBLIGATION c : BLAME d : STIGMA
2 [New Latin onus (probandi), literally, burden of proving] : BURDEN OF PROOF
[Click here for a pronunciation key]
Pronunciation: 'äpt
Function: intransitive verb
Etymology: French opter, from Latin optare
Date: 1877
: to make a choice; especially : to decide in favor of something <opted for a tax
increase -- Tom Wicker>
[Click here for a pronunciation key]
Pronunciation: -lE
Function: adjective
Date: circa 1577
1 a (1) : arranged or disposed in some order or pattern : REGULAR <orderly rows of
houses> (2) : not marked by disorder : TIDY <keeps an orderly desk> b : governed by law :
REGULATED <an orderly universe> c : METHODICAL <an orderly mind>
2 : well behaved : PEACEFUL <an orderly crowd>
- orderly adverb
[Click here for a pronunciation key]
Pronunciation: 'or-&-j&n, 'är-
Function: noun
Etymology: Middle English origine, probably from Middle French, from Latin origin-,
origo, from oriri to rise -- more at ORIENT
Date: 15th century
1 : ANCESTRY, PARENTAGE
2 a : rise, beginning, or derivation from a source b : the point at which something begins
or rises or from which it derives <the origin of the custom is forgotten>; also :
something that creates, causes, or gives rise to another <this spring is the origin of the
brook>
3 : the more fixed, central, or larger attachment of a muscle
4 : the intersection of coordinate axes
synonyms ORIGIN, SOURCE, INCEPTION, ROOT mean the point at which something begins its course
or existence. ORIGIN applies to the things or persons from which something is ultimately
derived and often to the causes operating before the thing itself comes into being <an
investigation into the origin of baseball>. SOURCE applies more often to the point where
something springs into being <the source of the Nile> <the source of recurrent trouble>.
INCEPTION stresses the beginning of something without implying causes <the business has been
a success since its inception>. ROOT suggests a first, ultimate, or fundamental source
often not easily discerned <the real root of the violence>.
[Click here for a pronunciation key]
Pronunciation: &-'ri-j&-"nAt
Function: verb
Inflected Form(s): -nat·ed; -nat·ing
Date: 1667
transitive senses : to give rise to : INITIATE
intransitive senses : to take or have origin : BEGIN
synonym see SPRING
- orig·i·na·tion /-"ri-j&-'nA-sh&n/ noun
- orig·i·na·tor /-'ri-j&-"nA-t&r/ noun
[Click here for a pronunciation key]
Pronunciation: p&-'ren(t)-th&-s&s
Function: noun
Inflected Form(s): plural pa·ren·the·ses /-"sEz/
Etymology: Late Latin, from Greek, literally, act of inserting, from parentithenai to
insert, from para- + en- en- + tithenai to place -- more at DO
Date: circa 1550
1 a : an amplifying or explanatory word, phrase, or sentence inserted in a passage from
which it is usually set off by punctuation b : a remark or passage that departs from the
theme of a discourse : DIGRESSION
2 : INTERLUDE, INTERVAL
3 : one or both of the curved marks ( ) used in writing and printing to enclose a
parenthetical expression or to group a symbolic unit in a logical or mathematical
expression
- par·en·thet·i·cal /"par-&n-'the-ti-k&l/ also par·en·thet·ic /-tik/ adjective
- par·en·thet·i·cal·ly /-ti-k(&-)lE/ adverb
[Click here for a pronunciation key]
Pronunciation: 'par-&k-"si-z&m also p&-'räk-
Function: noun
Etymology: French & Medieval Latin; French paroxysme, from Medieval Latin paroxysmus,
from Greek paroxysmos, from paroxynein to stimulate, from para- + oxynein to provoke,
from oxys sharp -- more at OXYGEN
Date: 15th century
1 : a fit, attack, or sudden increase or recurrence of symptoms (as of a disease) :
CONVULSION <a paroxysm of coughing>
2 : a sudden violent emotion or action : OUTBURST <a paroxysm of rage>
- par·ox·ys·mal /"par-&k-'siz-m&l also p&-"räk-/ adjective
[Click here for a pronunciation key]
Function: noun
Date: 15th century
1 archaic : a separate part of a whole
2 a : an individual fact, point, circumstance, or detail b : a specific item or detail of
information or news <bill of particulars>
3 a : an individual or a specific subclass (as in logic) falling under some general
concept or term b : a particular proposition in logic
synonym see ITEM
- in particular : in distinction from others : SPECIFICALLY
[Click here for a pronunciation key]
Pronunciation: 'pär-v&-"nü, -"nyü
Function: noun
Inflected Form(s): plural par·ve·nus /-"n(y)üz/
Etymology: French, from past participle of parvenir to arrive, from Latin pervenire, from
per through + venire to come -- more at FOR, COME
Date: 1802
: one that has recently or suddenly risen to an unaccustomed position of wealth or power
and has not yet gained the prestige, dignity, or manner associated with it
- parvenu adjective
[Click here for a pronunciation key]
Pronunciation: 'pa-siv
Function: adjective
Etymology: Middle English, from Latin passivus, from passus, past participle
Date: 14th century
1 a (1) : acted upon by an external agency (2) : receptive to outside impressions or
influences b (1) : asserting that the grammatical subject of a verb is subjected to or
affected by the action represented by that verb (2) : containing or yielding a passive
verb form c (1) : lacking in energy or will : LETHARGIC (2) : tending not to take an
active or dominant part d : induced by an outside agency <passive exercise of a paralyzed
leg>
2 a : not active or operating : INERT b : of, relating to, or making direct use of the
sun's heat usually without the intervention of mechanical devices <passive technique>
<passive solar house> c : LATENT d (1) : of, relating to, or characterized by a state of
chemical inactivity; especially : resistant to corrosion (2) : not involving expenditure
of chemical energy <passive transport across a cell membrane> e of an electronic element
: exhibiting no gain or control f : operating solely by means of the power of an input
signal <a passive communication satellite that reflects television signals> g : relating
to the detection of an object through its emission of energy
3 a : receiving or enduring without resistance : SUBMISSIVE b : existing or occurring
without being active, open, or direct <passive support>
4 : of, relating to, or being business activity in which the investor does not have
immediate control over income
synonym see INACTIVE
- pas·sive·ly adverb
- pas·sive·ness noun
- pas·siv·i·ty /pa-'si-v&-tE/ noun
[Click here for a pronunciation key]
Pronunciation: p&-'the-tik
Function: adjective
Etymology: Middle French or Late Latin; Middle French pathetique, from Late Latin
patheticus, from Greek pathEtikos capable of feeling, pathetic, from paschein (aorist
pathein) to experience, suffer -- more at PATHOS
Date: 1598
1 : having a capacity to move one to either compassionate or contemptuous pity
2 : marked by sorrow or melancholy : SAD
synonym see MOVING
- pa·thet·i·cal /-ti-k&l/ adjective
- pa·thet·i·cal·ly /-ti-k(&-)lE/ adverb
[Click here for a pronunciation key]
Pronunciation: p&r-'sEv
Function: transitive verb
Inflected Form(s): per·ceived; per·ceiv·ing
Etymology: Middle English, from Middle French perceivre, from Latin percipere, from per-
thoroughly + capere to take -- more at HEAVE
Date: 14th century
1 a : to attain awareness or understanding of b : to regard as being such <perceived
threats> <was perceived as a loser>
2 : to become aware of through the senses; especially : SEE, OBSERVE
- per·ceiv·able /-'sE-v&-b&l/ adjective
- per·ceiv·ably /-blE/ adverb
- per·ceiv·er noun
[Click here for a pronunciation key]
Pronunciation: "pir-E-'ä-di-k(&-)lE
Function: adverb
Date: 1646
1 : at regular intervals of time
2 : from time to time : FREQUENTLY
[Click here for a pronunciation key]
Function: noun
Date: 1824
: PERQUISITE -- usually used in plural ">per·qui·site
Pronunciation: 'p&r-kw&-z&t
Function: noun
Etymology: Middle English, property acquired by means other than inheritance, from
Medieval Latin perquisitum, from neuter of perquisitus, past participle of perquirere to
purchase, acquire, from Latin, to search for thoroughly, from per- thoroughly + quaerere
to seek
Date: 15th century
1 : a privilege, gain, or profit incidental to regular salary or wages; especially : one
expected or promised
2 : GRATUITY, TIP
3 : something held or claimed as an exclusive right or possession <concepts... not the
perquisites of any particular groups -- Gilbert Ryle>
[Click here for a pronunciation key]
Pronunciation: p&r-'pleks
Function: transitive verb
Etymology: obsolete perplex, adjective, involved, perplexed, from Latin perplexus, from
per- thoroughly + plexus involved, from past participle of plectere to braid, twine --
more at PER-, PLY
Date: 1593
1 : to make unable to grasp something clearly or to think logically and decisively about
something <her attitude perplexes me> <a perplexing problem>
2 : to make intricate or involved : COMPLICATE
synonym see PUZZLE
[Click here for a pronunciation key]
Function: noun
Etymology: Middle French, probably modification of Old Italian prospettiva, from
prospetto view, prospect, from Latin prospectus -- more at PROSPECT
Date: 1563
1 a : the technique or process of representing on a plane or curved surface the spatial
relation of objects as they might appear to the eye; specifically : representation in a
drawing or painting of parallel lines as converging in order to give the illusion of depth
and distance b : a picture in perspective
2 a : the interrelation in which a subject or its parts are mentally viewed <places the
issues in proper perspective>; also : POINT OF VIEW b : the capacity to view things in
their true relations or relative importance <urge you to maintain your perspective and to
view your own task in a larger framework -- W. J. Cohen>
3 a : a visible scene; especially : one giving a distinctive impression of distance :
VISTA b : a mental view or prospect <to gain a broader perspective on the international
scene -- Current Biography>
4 : the appearance to the eye of objects in respect to their relative distance and
positions
- per·spec·tiv·al /p&r-'spek-ti-v&l, "p&r-(")spek-'tI-v&l/ adjective
[Click here for a pronunciation key]
Pronunciation: 'pe-tE
Function: adjective
Inflected Form(s): pet·ti·er; -est
Etymology: Middle English pety small, minor, alteration of petit
Date: 14th century
1 : having secondary rank or importance : MINOR, SUBORDINATE
2 : having little or no importance or significance
3 : marked by or reflective of narrow interests and sympathies : SMALL-MINDED
- pet·ti·ly /'pe-t&l-E/ adverb
- pet·ti·ness /'pe-tE-n&s/ noun
[Click here for a pronunciation key]
Pronunciation: f&-'ne-tik
Function: adjective
Etymology: New Latin phoneticus, from Greek phOnEtikos, from phOnein to sound with the
voice, from phOnE voice
Date: 1826
1 a : of or relating to spoken language or speech sounds b : of or relating to the science
of phonetics
2 : representing the sounds and other phenomena of speech: as a : constituting an
alteration of ordinary spelling that better represents the spoken language, that employs
only characters of the regular alphabet, and that is used in a context of conventional
spelling b : representing speech sounds by means of symbols that have one value only c :
employing for speech sounds more than the minimum number of symbols necessary to represent
the significant differences in a speaker's speech
- pho·net·i·cal·ly /-ti-k(&-)lE/ adverb
[Click here for a pronunciation key]
Pronunciation: 'pil-f&r
Function: verb
Inflected Form(s): pil·fered; pil·fer·ing /-f(&-)ri[ng]/
Etymology: Middle French pelfrer, from pelfre booty
Date: circa 1548
intransitive senses : STEAL; especially : to steal stealthily in small amounts and often
again and again
transitive senses : STEAL; especially : to steal in small quantities
synonym see STEAL
- pil·fer·able /-f(&-)r&-b&l/ adjective
- pil·fer·age /-f(&-)rij/ noun
- pil·fer·er /-f&r-&r/ noun
- pil·fer·proof /-"prüf/ adjective
[Click here for a pronunciation key]
Function: transitive verb
Inflected Form(s): piqued; piqu·ing
Etymology: French piquer, literally, to prick -- more at PIKE
Date: 1669
1 : to arouse anger or resentment in : IRRITATE <what piques linguistic conservatives --
T. H. Middleton>
2 a : to excite or arouse by a provocation, challenge, or rebuff <sly remarks to pique
their curiosity> b : PRIDE <he piques himself on his skill as a cook>
synonym see PROVOKE
[Click here for a pronunciation key]
Function: noun
Date: 1542
1 a : SLOPE; also : degree of slope : RAKE b : the distance between any of various
things: as (1) : distance between one point on a gear tooth and the corresponding point on
the next tooth (2) : distance from any point on the thread of a screw to the corresponding
point on an adjacent thread measured parallel to the axis c : the theoretical distance a
propeller would advance longitudinally in one revolution d : the number of teeth or of
threads per inch e : a unit of width of type based on the number of times a letter can be
set in a linear inch
2 : the action or a manner of pitching; especially : an up-and-down movement -- compare
YAW
3 archaic : TOP, ZENITH
4 a : the relative level, intensity, or extent of some quality or state <tensions rose to
a feverish pitch> b (1) : the property of a sound and especially a musical tone that is
determined by the frequency of the waves producing it : highness or lowness of sound (2) :
a standard frequency for tuning instruments c (1) : the difference in the relative
vibration frequency of the human voice that contributes to the total meaning of speech (2)
: a definite relative pitch that is a significant phenomenon in speech
5 : a steep place : DECLIVITY
6 chiefly British a : an outdoor site (as for camping or doing business) b : PLAYING
FIELD 1
7 : an all-fours game in which the first card led is a trump
8 a : an often high-pressure sales presentation b : ADVERTISEMENT
9 a : the delivery of a baseball by a pitcher to a batter b : a baseball so thrown c :
PITCHOUT 2
- pitched /'picht/ adjective
[Click here for a pronunciation key]
Function: combining form
Etymology: Middle English, from Latin, from Greek, from polys; akin to Old High German
filu many, Sanskrit puru, Latin plenus full -- more at FULL
1 : many : several : much : MULTI- <polychotomous> <polygyny>
2 a : containing an indefinite number more than one of a (specified) substance
<polysulfide> b : polymeric : polymer of a (specified) monomer <polyethylene>
<polyadenylic acid>
[Click here for a pronunciation key]
Pronunciation: "pä-l&-'nO-mE-&l
Function: noun
Etymology: poly- + -nomial (as in binomial)
Date: 1674
: a mathematical expression of one or more algebraic terms each of which consists of a
constant multiplied by one or more variables raised to a nonnegative integral power (as a
+ bx + cx2)
[Click here for a pronunciation key]
Pronunciation: -'ze-sh&n also -'se-
Function: noun
Date: 14th century
1 a : the act of having or taking into control b : control or occupancy of property
without regard to ownership c : OWNERSHIP d : control of the ball or puck
2 : something owned, occupied, or controlled : PROPERTY
3 a : domination by something (as an evil spirit, a passion, or an idea) b : a
psychological state in which an individual's normal personality is replaced by another c :
the fact or condition of being self-controlled
- pos·ses·sion·al /-'zesh-n&l, -'ze-sh&-n&l also -'sesh-n&l or -'se-sh&-n&l/ adjective
- pos·ses·sion·less /-'ze-sh&n-l&s, -'se-/ adjective
[Click here for a pronunciation key]
Pronunciation: 'pOs(t)-"skript
Function: noun
Etymology: New Latin postscriptum, from Latin, neuter of postscriptus, past participle of
postscribere to write after, from post- + scribere to write -- more at SCRIBE
Date: 1551
: a note or series of notes appended to a completed letter, article, or book
[Click here for a pronunciation key]
Function: prefix
Etymology: Middle English, from Old French & Latin; Old French, from Latin prae-, from
prae in front of, before -- more at FOR
1 a (1) : earlier than : prior to : before <Precambrian> <prehistoric> (2) : preparatory
or prerequisite to <premedical> b : in advance : beforehand <precancel> <prepay>
2 : in front of : anterior to <preaxial> <premolar>
pre·ad·mis·sion pre·adult pre·ag·ri·cul·tur·al pre·an·es·thet·ic pre·an·nounce
pre·ap·prove pre·ar·range pre·ar·range·ment pre·as·sem·bled pre·as·sign, ETC.
[Click here for a pronunciation key]
Pronunciation: -di-'t&r-m&n
Function: transitive verb
Etymology: Late Latin praedeterminare, from Latin prae- + determinare to determine
Date: 1625
1 a : FOREORDAIN, PREDESTINE b : to determine beforehand
2 : to impose a direction or tendency on beforehand
[Click here for a pronunciation key]
Pronunciation: pri-'sEd
Function: verb
Inflected Form(s): pre·ced·ed; pre·ced·ing
Etymology: Middle English, from Middle French preceder, from Latin praecedere, from
prae- pre- + cedere to go
Date: 15th century
transitive senses
1 : to surpass in rank, dignity, or importance
2 : to be, go, or come ahead or in front of
3 : to be earlier than
4 : to cause to be preceded : PREFACE
intransitive senses : to go or come before
[Click here for a pronunciation key]
Pronunciation: 'pre-sh&s
Function: adjective
Etymology: Middle English, from Middle French precios, from Latin pretiosus, from
pretium price -- more at PRICE
Date: 13th century
1 : of great value or high price
2 : highly esteemed or cherished
3 : excessively refined : AFFECTED
4 : GREAT, THOROUGHGOING <precious scoundrel>
- pre·cious·ness noun
[Click here for a pronunciation key]
Pronunciation: pri-'sIs
Function: adjective
Etymology: Middle English, from Middle French precis, from Latin praecisus, past
participle of praecidere to cut off, from prae- + caedere to cut
Date: 15th century
1 : exactly or sharply defined or stated
2 : minutely exact
3 : strictly conforming to a pattern, standard, or convention
4 : distinguished from every other <at just that precise moment>
synonym see CORRECT
- pre·cise·ness noun
[Click here for a pronunciation key]
Pronunciation: 'pre-f&-"tOr-E, -"tor-
Function: adjective
Etymology: Latin praefari
Date: 1675
1 : of, relating to, or constituting a preface
2 : located in front
[Click here for a pronunciation key]
Pronunciation: 'pre-f&rn(t)s, 'pre-f(&-)r&n(t)s
Function: noun
Etymology: Middle English preferraunce, from Middle French preferance, from Medieval
Latin praeferentia, from Latin praeferent-, praeferens, present participle of praeferre
Date: 15th century
1 a : the act of preferring : the state of being preferred b : the power or opportunity
of choosing
2 : one that is preferred
3 : the act, fact, or principle of giving advantages to some over others
4 : priority in the right to demand and receive satisfaction of an obligation
5 : ORIENTATION 2 <sexual preference>
synonym see CHOICE
[Click here for a pronunciation key]
Pronunciation: 'prE-"fiks
Function: noun
Etymology: New Latin praefixum, from Latin, neuter of praefixus, past participle of
praefigere to fasten before, from prae- + figere to fasten -- more at FIX
Date: 1646
1 : an affix attached to the beginning of a word, base, or phrase and serving to produce a
derivative word or an inflectional form -- compare SUFFIX
2 : a title used before a person's name
- pre·fix·al /'prE-"fik-s&l, prE-'/ adjective
[Click here for a pronunciation key]
Pronunciation: 'pre-j&-d&s
Function: noun
Etymology: Middle English, from Old French, from Latin praejudicium previous judgment,
damage, from prae- + judicium judgment -- more at JUDICIAL
Date: 13th century
1 : injury or damage resulting from some judgment or action of another in disregard of
one's rights; especially : detriment to one's legal rights or claims
2 a (1) : preconceived judgment or opinion (2) : an adverse opinion or leaning formed
without just grounds or before sufficient knowledge b : an instance of such judgment or
opinion c : an irrational attitude of hostility directed against an individual, a group, a
race, or their supposed characteristics
synonym see PREDILECTION
[Click here for a pronunciation key]
Function: adjective
Date: circa 1667
: coming before and usually forming a necessary prelude to something else
- pre·lim·i·nar·i·ly /-"li-m&-'ner-&-lE/ adverb
[Click here for a pronunciation key]
Pronunciation: "prE-m&-'tyur, -'tur, -'chur also "pre-
Function: adjective
Etymology: Latin praematurus too early, from prae- + maturus ripe, mature
Date: circa 1529
: happening, arriving, existing, or performed before the proper, usual, or intended time;
especially : born after a gestation period of less than 37 weeks <premature babies>
- premature noun
- pre·ma·ture·ly adverb
- pre·ma·ture·ness noun
- pre·ma·tu·ri·ty /-'tyur-&-tE, -'tur-, -'chur-/ noun
[Click here for a pronunciation key]
Pronunciation: (")prE-'re-kw&-z&t
Function: noun
Date: 1633
: something that is necessary to an end or to the carrying out of a function
- prerequisite adjective
[Click here for a pronunciation key]
Pronunciation: prI-'or-&-tE, -'är-
Function: noun
Inflected Form(s): plural -ties
Date: 14th century
1 a (1) : the quality or state of being prior (2) : precedence in date or position of
publication -- used of taxa b (1) : superiority in rank, position, or privilege (2) :
legal precedence in exercise of rights over the same subject matter
2 : a preferential rating; especially : one that allocates rights to goods and services
usually in limited supply <that project has top priority>
3 : something given or meriting attention before competing alternatives
[Click here for a pronunciation key]
Pronunciation: 'pri-vE
Function: adjective
Etymology: Middle English prive, from Old French privé, from Latin privatus private
Date: 14th century
1 a : PRIVATE, WITHDRAWN b : SECRET
2 : belonging or relating to a person in one's individual rather than official capacity
3 : admitted as one sharing in a secret <privy to the conspiracy>
- priv·i·ly /-v&-lE/ adverb
[Click here for a pronunciation key]
Function: noun
Inflected Form(s): plural priv·ies
Date: 14th century
1 a : a small building having a bench with holes through which the user may defecate or
urinate b : TOILET 3b
2 : a person having a legal interest of privity
[Click here for a pronunciation key]
Pronunciation: pr&-'kras-t&-"nAt, prO-
Function: verb
Inflected Form(s): -nat·ed; -nat·ing
Etymology: Latin procrastinatus, past participle of procrastinare, from pro- forward +
crastinus of tomorrow, from cras tomorrow
Date: 1588
transitive senses : to put off intentionally and habitually
intransitive senses : to put off intentionally the doing of something that should be done
synonym see DELAY
- pro·cras·ti·na·tion /-"kras-t&-'nA-sh&n/ noun
- pro·cras·ti·na·tor /-'kras-t&-"nA-t&r/ noun
[Click here for a pronunciation key]
Pronunciation: 'prO-"fIl
Function: noun
Etymology: Italian profilo, from profilare to draw in outline, from pro- forward (from
Latin) + filare to spin, from Late Latin -- more at FILE
Date: circa 1656
1 : a representation of something in outline; especially : a human head or face
represented or seen in a side view
2 : an outline seen or represented in sharp relief : CONTOUR
3 : a side or sectional elevation: as a : a drawing showing a vertical section of the
ground b : a vertical section of a soil from the ground surface to the underlying
unweathered material
4 : a set of data often in graphic form portraying the significant features of something
<a corporation's earnings profile>; especially : a graph representing the extent to which
an individual exhibits traits or abilities as determined by tests or ratings
5 : a concise biographical sketch
6 : degree or level of public exposure <trying to keep a low profile> <a job with a high
profile>
synonym see OUTLINE
[Click here for a pronunciation key]
Pronunciation: 'präm(p)t
Function: transitive verb
Etymology: Middle English, from Medieval Latin promptare, from Latin promptus prompt
Date: 14th century
1 : to move to action : INCITE
2 : to assist (one acting or reciting) by suggesting or saying the next words of something
forgotten or imperfectly learned : CUE
3 : to serve as the inciting cause of
- prompt·er noun
[Click here for a pronunciation key]
Pronunciation: 'prOn
Function: adjective
Etymology: Middle English, from Latin pronus bent forward, tending; akin to Latin pro
forward -- more at FOR
Date: 14th century
1 : having a tendency or inclination : being likely <prone to forget names>
<accident-prone>
2 a : having the front or ventral surface downward b : lying flat or prostrate
- prone adverb
- prone·ly adverb
- prone·ness /'prOn-n&s/ noun
synonyms PRONE, SUPINE, PROSTRATE, RECUMBENT mean lying down. PRONE implies a position with
the front of the body turned toward the supporting surface <push-ups require a prone
position>. SUPINE implies lying on one's back and suggests inertness or abjectness <lying
supine on the couch>. PROSTRATE implies lying full-length as in submission, defeat, or
physical collapse <a runner fell prostrate at the finish line>. RECUMBENT implies the
posture of one sleeping or resting <a patient comfortably recumbent in a hospital bed>.
synonym see in addition LIABLE
[Click here for a pronunciation key]
Pronunciation: 'prüf-"rEd
Function: transitive verb
Inflected Form(s): proof·read /-"red/; -read·ing
Etymology: back-formation from proofreader
Date: 1920
: to read and mark corrections in (as a proof)
[Click here for a pronunciation key]
Pronunciation: 'sI-kE
Function: noun
Etymology: Latin, from Greek psychE soul
1 : a princess loved by Cupid
2 not capitalized [Greek psychE] a : SOUL, SELF b : MIND
[Click here for a pronunciation key]
Function: adjective
Date: 1701
: being of high quality ">qual·i·ty
Pronunciation: 'kwä-l&-tE
Function: noun
Inflected Form(s): plural -ties
Etymology: Middle English qualite, from Old French qualité, from Latin qualitat-,
qualitas, from qualis of what kind; akin to Latin qui who -- more at WHO
Date: 14th century
1 a : peculiar and essential character : NATURE <her ethereal quality -- Gay Talese> b :
an inherent feature : PROPERTY <had a quality of stridence, dissonance -- Roald Dahl> c :
CAPACITY, ROLE <in the quality of reader and companion -- Joseph Conrad>
2 a : degree of excellence : GRADE <the quality of competing air service -- Current
Biography> b : superiority in kind <merchandise of quality>
3 a : social status : RANK b : ARISTOCRACY
4 a : a distinguishing attribute : CHARACTERISTIC <possesses many fine qualities> b
archaic : an acquired skill : ACCOMPLISHMENT
5 : the character in a logical proposition of being affirmative or negative
6 : vividness of hue
7 a : TIMBRE b : the identifying character of a vowel sound determined chiefly by the
resonance of the vocal chambers in uttering it
8 : the attribute of an elementary sensation that makes it fundamentally unlike any other
sensation
synonyms QUALITY, PROPERTY, CHARACTER, ATTRIBUTE mean an intelligible feature by which a thing
may be identified. QUALITY is a general term applicable to any trait or characteristic
whether individual or generic <material with a silky quality>. PROPERTY implies a
characteristic that belongs to a thing's essential nature and may be used to describe a
type or species <the property of not conducting heat>. CHARACTER applies to a peculiar and
distinctive quality of a thing or a class <remarks of an unseemly character>. ATTRIBUTE
implies a quality ascribed to a thing or a being <the traditional attributes of a military
hero>.
[Click here for a pronunciation key]
Pronunciation: 'kwest
Function: noun
Etymology: Middle English, search, pursuit, investigation, inquest, from Middle French
queste search, pursuit, from (assumed) Vulgar Latin quaesta, from Latin, feminine of
quaestus, past participle of quaerere
Date: 14th century
1 a : a jury of inquest b : INVESTIGATION
2 : an act or instance of seeking: a : PURSUIT, SEARCH b : a chivalrous enterprise in
medieval romance usually involving an adventurous journey
3 obsolete : a person or group of persons who search or make inquiry
[Click here for a pronunciation key]
Function: transitive verb
Inflected Form(s): quizzed; quiz·zing
Date: 1794
1 : to make fun of : MOCK
2 : to look at inquisitively
3 : to question closely
- quiz·zer noun
[Click here for a pronunciation key]
Pronunciation: 'ra-b&d also 'rA-
Function: adjective
Etymology: Latin rabidus mad, from rabere
Date: 1611
1 a : extremely violent : FURIOUS b : going to extreme lengths in expressing or pursuing
a feeling, interest, or opinion
2 : affected with rabies
- ra·bid·i·ty /r&-'bi-d&-tE, ra-, rA-/ noun
- ra·bid·ly /'ra-b&d-lE also 'rA-/ adverb
- ra·bid·ness noun
[Click here for a pronunciation key]
Pronunciation: 'rant
Function: verb
Etymology: obsolete Dutch ranten, randen
Date: 1602
intransitive senses
1 : to talk in a noisy, excited, or declamatory manner
2 : to scold vehemently
transitive senses : to utter in a bombastic declamatory fashion
- rant·er noun
- rant·ing·ly /'ran-ti[ng]-lE/ adverb
[Click here for a pronunciation key]
Function: prefix
Etymology: Middle English, from Old French, from Latin re-, red- back, again, against
1 : again : anew <retell>
2 : back : backward <recall>
re·ac·cel·er·ate re·ac·cept re·ac·ces·sion re·ac·cli·ma·tize re·ac·cred·it
re·ac·cred·i·ta·tion re·ac·quaint re·ac·quire re·ac·qui·si·tion re·ac·ti·vate
re·ac·ti·va·tion re·ad·dress re·ad·just re·ad·just·ment re·ad·mis·sion
re·ad·mit re·adopt re·af·firm re·af·fir, ETC.
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Pronunciation: ri-'si-pr&-"kAt
Function: verb
Inflected Form(s): -cat·ed; -cat·ing
Date: 1607
transitive senses
1 : to give and take mutually
2 : to return in kind or degree <reciprocate a compliment gracefully>
intransitive senses
1 : to make a return for something <we hope to reciprocate for your kindness>
2 : to move forward and backward alternately <a reciprocating valve>
- re·cip·ro·ca·tor /-"kA-t&r/ noun
synonyms RECIPROCATE, RETALIATE, REQUITE, RETURN mean to give back usually in kind or in
quantity. RECIPROCATE implies a mutual or equivalent exchange or a paying back of what one
has received <reciprocated their hospitality by inviting them for a visit>. RETALIATE
usually implies a paying back of injury in exact kind, often vengefully <the enemy
retaliated by executing their prisoners>. REQUITE implies a paying back according to
one's preference and often not equivalently <requited her love with cold indifference>.
RETURN implies a paying or giving back <returned their call> <return good for evil>.
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Pronunciation: "rE-krü-'des
Function: intransitive verb
Inflected Form(s): -desced; -desc·ing
Etymology: Latin recrudescere to become raw again, from re- + crudescere to become raw,
from crudus raw -- more at RAW
Date: 1884
: to break out or become active again
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Pronunciation: 're-f&rn(t)s, 're-f(&-)r&n(t)s
Function: noun
Date: 1589
1 : the act of referring or consulting
2 : a bearing on a matter : RELATION <in reference to your recent letter>
3 : something that refers: as a : ALLUSION, MENTION b : something (as a sign or
indication) that refers a reader or consulter to another source of information (as a book
or passage) c : consultation of sources of information
4 : one referred to or consulted: as a : a person to whom inquiries as to character or
ability can be made b : a statement of the qualifications of a person seeking employment
or appointment given by someone familiar with the person c (1) : a source of information
(as a book or passage) to which a reader or consulter is referred (2) : a work (as a
dictionary or encyclopedia) containing useful facts or information d : DENOTATION, MEANING">re·fer
Pronunciation: ri-'f&r
Function: verb
Inflected Form(s): re·ferred; re·fer·ring
Etymology: Middle English referren, from Latin referre to bring back, report, refer, from
re- + ferre to carry -- more at BEAR
Date: 14th century
transitive senses
1 a (1) : to think of, regard, or classify within a general category or group (2) : to
explain in terms of a general cause b : to allot to a particular place, stage, or period c
: to regard as coming from or located in a specific area
2 a : to send or direct for treatment, aid, information, or decision <refer a patient to
a specialist> <refer a bill back to a committee> b : to direct for testimony or guaranty
as to character or ability
intransitive senses
1 a : to have relation or connection : RELATE b : to direct attention usually by clear
and specific mention <no one referred to yesterday's quarrel>
2 : to have recourse : glance briefly <referred frequently to his notes while speaking>
- re·fer·able /'re-f(&-)r&-b&l, ri-'f&r-&-/ adjective
- re·fer·rer /ri-'f&r-&r/ noun
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Function: adjective
Date: 1856
: used or usable for reference; especially : constituting a standard for measuring or
constructing
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Function: transitive verb
Inflected Form(s): -enced; -enc·ing
Date: 1891
1 a : to supply with references b : to cite in or as a reference
2 : to put in a form (as a table) adapted to easy reference
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Function: preposition
Date: 1866
: with respect to : CONCERNING
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Pronunciation: ri-'gärd
Function: noun
Etymology: Middle English, from Middle French, from Old French, from regarder
Date: 14th century
1 archaic : APPEARANCE
2 a : ATTENTION, CONSIDERATION <due regard should be given to all facets of the
question> b : a protective interest : CARE <ought to have more regard for his health>
3 : LOOK, GAZE
4 a : the worth or estimation in which something or someone is held <a man of small
regard> b (1) : a feeling of respect and affection : ESTEEM <his hard work won him the
regard of his colleagues> (2) plural : friendly greetings implying such feeling <give
him my regards>
5 : a basis of action or opinion : MOTIVE
6 : an aspect to be taken into consideration : RESPECT <is a small school, and is
fortunate in this regard>
7 obsolete : INTENTION
- in regard to : with respect to : CONCERNING
- with regard to : in regard to
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Function: adjective
Date: 15th century
1 : introducing a subordinate clause qualifying an expressed or implied antecedent
<relative pronoun>; also : introduced by such a connective <relative clause>
2 : RELEVANT, PERTINENT <matters relative to world peace>
3 : not absolute or independent : COMPARATIVE <the relative isolation of life in the
country>
4 : having the same key signature -- used of major and minor keys and scales
5 : expressed as the ratio of the specified quantity (as an error in measuring) to the
total magnitude (as the value of a measured quantity) or to the mean of all the quantities
involved
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Pronunciation: 're-l&-"gAt
Function: transitive verb
Inflected Form(s): -gat·ed; -gat·ing
Etymology: Latin relegatus, past participle of relegare, from re- + legare to send with
a commission -- more at LEGATE
Date: 1599
1 : to send into exile : BANISH
2 : ASSIGN: as a : to assign to a place of insignificance or of oblivion : put out of
sight or mind b : to assign to an appropriate place or situation on the basis of
classification or appraisal c : to submit to someone or something for appropriate action :
DELEGATE
synonym see COMMIT
- rel·e·ga·tion /"re-l&-'gA-sh&n/ noun
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Pronunciation: ri-'lI
Function: intransitive verb
Inflected Form(s): re·lied; re·ly·ing
Etymology: Middle English relien to rally, from Middle French relier to connect, rally,
from Latin religare to tie back, from re- + ligare to tie -- more at LIGATURE
Date: 1574
1 : to be dependent <the system on which we rely for water>
2 : to have confidence based on experience <someone you can rely on>
- re·li·er /-'lI(-&)r/ noun
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Pronunciation: "re-n&-'sän(t)s, -'zän(t)s, -'säns, -'zäns, 're-n&-", chiefly British ri-'nA-s&n(t)s
Function: noun
Usage: often attributive
Etymology: French, from Middle French, rebirth, from renaistre to be born again, from
Latin renasci, from re- + nasci to be born -- more at NATION
Date: 1845
1 capitalized a : the transitional movement in Europe between medieval and modern times
beginning in the 14th century in Italy, lasting into the 17th century, and marked by a
humanistic revival of classical influence expressed in a flowering of the arts and
literature and by the beginnings of modern science b : the period of the Renaissance c :
the neoclassic style of architecture prevailing during the Renaissance
2 often capitalized : a movement or period of vigorous artistic and intellectual activity
3 : REBIRTH, REVIVAL
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Pronunciation: 'ren-d&r
Function: verb
Inflected Form(s): ren·dered; ren·der·ing /-d(&-)ri[ng]/
Etymology: Middle English rendren, from Middle French rendre to give back, yield, from
(assumed) Vulgar Latin rendere, alteration of Latin reddere, partly from re- + dare to
give & partly from re- + -dere to put -- more at DATE, DO
Date: 14th century
transitive senses
1 a : to melt down <render suet>; also : to extract by melting <render lard> b : to
treat so as to convert into industrial fats and oils or fertilizer
2 a : to transmit to another : DELIVER b : GIVE UP, YIELD c : to furnish for
consideration, approval, or information: as (1) : to hand down (a legal judgment) (2) : to
agree on and report (a verdict)
3 a : to give in return or retribution b (1) : GIVE BACK, RESTORE (2) : REFLECT, ECHO c
: to give in acknowledgment of dependence or obligation : PAY d : to do (a service) for
another
4 a (1) : to cause to be or become : MAKE <enough rainfall... to render irrigation
unnecessary -- P. E. James> <rendered him helpless> (2) : IMPART b (1) : to reproduce or
represent by artistic or verbal means : DEPICT (2) : to give a performance of (3) : to
produce a copy or version of <the documents are rendered in the original French> (4) : to
execute the motions of <render a salute> c : TRANSLATE
5 : to direct the execution of : ADMINISTER <render justice>
6 : to apply a coat of plaster or cement directly to
intransitive senses : to give recompense
- ren·der·able /-d(&-)r&-b&l/ adjective
- ren·der·er /-d&r-&r/ noun
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Pronunciation: 're-p&(r)-"twär
Function: noun
Etymology: French répertoire, from Late Latin repertorium
Date: 1847
1 a : a list or supply of dramas, operas, pieces, or parts that a company or person is
prepared to perform b : a supply of skills, devices, or expedients <part of the
repertoire of a quarterback>; broadly : AMOUNT, SUPPLY <an endless repertoire of
summer clothes> c : a list or supply of capabilities <the instruction repertoire of a
computer>
2 a : the complete list or supply of dramas, operas, or musical works available for
performance <our modern orchestral repertoire> b : the complete list or supply of
skills, devices, or ingredients used in a particular field, occupation, or practice <the
repertoire of literary criticism>
[Click here for a pronunciation key]
Pronunciation: "re-p&-'ti-sh&n
Function: noun
Etymology: Middle English repeticioun, from Latin repetition-, repetitio, from repetere
to repeat
Date: 15th century
1 : the act or an instance of repeating or being repeated
2 : MENTION, RECITAL
- rep·e·ti·tion·al /-'tish-n&l, -'ti-sh&-n&l/ adjective
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Pronunciation: "re-pri-'zent
Function: verb
Etymology: Middle English, from Middle French representer, from Latin repraesentare, from
re- + praesentare to present
Date: 14th century
transitive senses
1 : to bring clearly before the mind : PRESENT <a book which represents the character of
early America>
2 : to serve as a sign or symbol of <the flag represents our country>
3 : to portray or exhibit in art : DEPICT
4 : to serve as the counterpart or image of : TYPIFY <a movie hero who represents the
ideals of the culture>
5 a : to produce on the stage b : to act the part or role of
6 a (1) : to take the place of in some respect (2) : to act in the place of or for usually
by legal right b : to serve especially in a legislative body by delegated authority
usually resulting from election
7 : to describe as having a specified character or quality <represents himself as a
friend>
8 a : to give one's impression and judgment of : state in a manner intended to affect
action or judgment b : to point out in protest or remonstrance
9 : to serve as a specimen, example, or instance of
10 a : to form an image or representation of in the mind b (1) : to apprehend (an object)
by means of an idea (2) : to recall in memory
11 : to correspond to in essence : CONSTITUTE
intransitive senses : to make representations against something : PROTEST
- rep·re·sent·able /-'zen-t&-b&l/ adjective
- rep·re·sent·er noun
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Pronunciation: "re-pri-"zen-'tA-sh&n, -z&n-
Function: noun
Date: 15th century
1 : one that represents: as a : an artistic likeness or image b (1) : a statement or
account made to influence opinion or action (2) : an incidental or collateral statement
of fact on the faith of which a contract is entered into c : a dramatic production or
performance d (1) : a usually formal statement made against something or to effect a
change (2) : a usually formal protest
2 : the act or action of representing : the state of being represented: as a :
REPRESENTATIONALISM 2 b (1) : the action or fact of one person standing for another so
as to have the rights and obligations of the person represented (2) : the substitution
of an individual or class in place of a person (as a child for a deceased parent) c :
the action of representing or the fact of being represented especially in a legislative
body
3 : the body of persons representing a constituency
- rep·re·sen·ta·tion·al /-shn&l, -sh&-n&l/ adjective
- rep·re·sen·ta·tion·al·ly adverb
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Pronunciation: "re-pri-'zen-t&-tiv
Function: adjective
Date: 1532
1 : serving to represent
2 a : standing or acting for another especially through delegated authority b : of, based
on, or constituting a government in which the many are represented by persons chosen from
among them usually by election
3 : serving as a typical or characteristic example <a representative moviegoer>
4 : of or relating to representation or representationalism
- rep·re·sen·ta·tive·ly adverb
- rep·re·sen·ta·tive·ness noun
- rep·re·sen·ta·tiv·i·ty /-"zen-t&-'ti-v&-tE/ noun
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Pronunciation: 're-kw&-z&t
Function: adjective
Etymology: Middle English, from Latin requisitus, past participle of requirere
Date: 15th century
: ESSENTIAL, NECESSARY
- requisite noun
- req·ui·site·ness noun
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Pronunciation: ri-'spekt
Function: noun
Etymology: Middle English, from Latin respectus, literally, act of looking back, from
respicere to look back, regard, from re- + specere to look -- more at SPY
Date: 14th century
1 : a relation or reference to a particular thing or situation <remarks having respect to
an earlier plan>
2 : an act of giving particular attention : CONSIDERATION
3 a : high or special regard : ESTEEM b : the quality or state of being esteemed c
plural : expressions of respect or deference <paid our respects>
4 : PARTICULAR, DETAIL <a good plan in some respects>
- in respect of chiefly British : with respect to : CONCERNING
- in respect to : with respect to : CONCERNING
- with respect to : with reference to : in relation to
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Pronunciation: ri-'tAn
Function: transitive verb
Etymology: Middle English reteinen, retainen, from Middle French retenir, from Latin
retinEre to hold back, keep, restrain, from re- + tenEre to hold -- more at THIN
Date: 15th century
1 a : to keep in possession or use b : to keep in one's pay or service; specifically : to
employ by paying a retainer c : to keep in mind or memory : REMEMBER
2 : to hold secure or intact
synonym see KEEP
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Pronunciation: 're-tr&-"spekt
Function: noun
Etymology: probably from retro- + prospect
Date: 1602
1 archaic : reference to or regard of a precedent or authority
2 : a review of or meditation on past events
- in retrospect : in considering the past or a past event
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Pronunciation: "re-v&-'lA-sh&n
Function: noun
Etymology: Middle English, from Middle French, from Late Latin revelation-, revelatio,
from Latin revelare to reveal
Date: 14th century
1 a : an act of revealing or communicating divine truth b : something that is revealed by
God to humans
2 a : an act of revealing to view or making known b : something that is revealed;
especially : an enlightening or astonishing disclosure <shocking revelations> c : a
pleasant often enlightening surprise <her talent was a revelation>
3 capitalized : an apocalyptic writing addressed to early Christians of Asia Minor and
included as a book in the New Testament -- called also Apocalypse; see BIBLE table
[Click here for a pronunciation key]
Pronunciation: 'rI-ch&s
Function: adjective
Etymology: alter. of earlier rightuous, alteration of Middle English rightwise, rightwos,
from Old English rihtwIs, from riht, noun, right + wIs wise
Date: 1535
1 : acting in accord with divine or moral law : free from guilt or sin
2 a : morally right or justifiable <a righteous decision> b : arising from an outraged
sense of justice or morality <righteous indignation>
3 slang : GENUINE, GOOD
synonym see MORAL
- righ·teous·ly adverb
- righ·teous·ness noun
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Function: noun
Date: 1649
1 : the established form for a ceremony; specifically : the order of words prescribed for
a religious ceremony
2 a : ritual observance; specifically : a system of rites b : a ceremonial act or action
c : a customarily repeated often formal act or series of acts
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Pronunciation: 'rüt, 'rut
Function: noun
Usage: often attributive
Etymology: Middle English, from Old English rOt, from Old Norse; akin to Old English
wyrt root, Latin radix, Greek rhiza
Date: 12th century
1 a : the usually underground part of a seed plant body that originates usually from the
hypocotyl, functions as an organ of absorption, aeration, and food storage or as a means
of anchorage and support, and differs from a stem especially in lacking nodes, buds, and
leaves b : any subterranean plant part (as a true root or a bulb, tuber, rootstock, or
other modified stem) especially when fleshy and edible
2 a : the part of a tooth within the socket; also : any of the processes into which
this part is often divided -- see TOOTH illustration b : the enlarged basal part of a
hair within the skin c : the proximal end of a nerve d : the part of an organ or
physical structure by which it is attached to the body <the root of the tongue>
3 a : something that is an origin or source (as of a condition or quality) <the love of
money is the root of all evil -- 1 Tim 6:10 (Authorized Version)> b : one or more
progenitors of a group of descendants -- usually used in plural c : an underlying
support : BASIS d : the essential core : HEART -- often used in the phrase at root e :
close relationship with an environment : TIE -- usually used in plural
4 a : a quantity taken an indicated number of times as an equal factor <2 is a fourth
root of 16> b : a number that reduces an equation to an identity when it is substituted
for one variable
5 a : the lower part : BASE b : the part by which an object is attached to something
else
6 : the simple element inferred as the basis from which a word is derived by phonetic
change or by extension (as composition or the addition of an affix or inflectional
ending)
7 : the tone from whose overtones a chord is composed : the lowest tone of a chord in
normal position
synonym see ORIGIN
- root·ed /'rü-t&d, 'ru-/ adjective
- root·less /'rüt-l&s, 'rut-/ adjective
- root·less·ness noun
- root·like /-"lIk/ adjective
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