GRE Big Book Words List
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The well-known GRE word list is a free resource to prepare GRE test. It helps thousands of GRE test-takers to enhance vocabulary skills by recalling known words and learning new words. This app, GRE Big Book Words List, offers an online word list with explanations on-demand, interactive spelling, meaning matching practices, printable flashcards, and 5000 GRE words PDF.
We categorize the 5000 words into five groups. At this entry page, you can quickly view the whole GRE vocabulary. Combined with Find and Filter helpers, you can high-light specified words and only show selected words. It's a start point to dive into groups for further study.
We categorize the 5000 words into five groups. At this entry page, you can quickly view the whole GRE vocabulary. Combined with Find and Filter helpers, you can high-light specified words and only show selected words. It's a start point to dive into groups for further study.
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GRE Big Book Words List (1)
View all words of the list
abase
abbess
abbey
abbot
abdicate
abdomen
abdominal
abduction
abed
aberration
abet
abeyance
abhorrence
abhorrent
abidance
abject
abjure
ablution
abnegate
abnormal
abominable
abominate
abomination
aboriginal
aborigines
abrade
abrasion
abridge
abridgment
abrogate
abrupt
abscess
abscission
abscond
absence
absolution
absolve
absorb
absorption
abstain
abstemious
abstinence
abstruse
absurd
abundant
abusive
abut
abyss
academic
academician
academy
accede
accelerate
accept
access
accessible
accession
accessory
acclaim
accommodate
accompaniment
accompanist
accompany
accomplice
accomplish
accordion
accost
account
accouter
accredit
accumulate
accuracy
accurate
accursed
accusation
accusatory
accuse
accustom
acerbity
acetate
acetic
ache
achillean
achromatic
acid
acidify
acknowledge
acknowledgment
acme
acoustic
acquaint
acquiesce
acquiescence
acquit
acquittal
acquittance
acreage
acrid
acrimonious
acrimony
actionable
actuality
actuary
actuate
acumen
acute
adamant
addendum
addle
adduce
adhere
adherence
adherent
adhesion
adieu
adjacency
adjacent
adjudge
adjunct
adjuration
adjutant
administrator
admissible
admittance
admonish
admonition
ado
adoration
adroit
adulterant
adulterate
adumbrate
advent
adverse
adversity
advert
advertiser
advisory
advocacy
advocate
aerial
aeronaut
aeronautics
aerostat
aerostatics
affable
affect
affectation
affiliate
affirmative
affix
affluence
affront
afoot
aforesaid
afresh
afterthought
agglomerate
aggrandize
aggravate
aggravation
aggregate
aggress
aggression
aggrieve
aghast
agile
agitate
agrarian
ailment
airy
akin
alabaster
alacrity
albeit
albino
album
alchemy
alcohol
alcoholism
alcove
alder
alderman
aldermanship
alias
alien
alienable
alienate
alienation
aliment
alkali
allay
allege
allegory
alleviate
alley
alliance
allot
allotment
allude
allusion
alluvion
ally
almanac
aloof
altar
alter
alteration
altercate
alternate
alternative
altitude
alto
altruism
altruist
amalgam
amalgamate
amateur
amatory
ambidextrous
ambiguous
ambitious
ambrosial
ambulance
ambulate
ambush
ameliorate
amenable
americanism
amicable
amity
amorous
amorphous
amour
ampere
amphibious
amphitheater
amplitude
amply
amputate
amusement
anachronism
anagram
analogous
analogy
analyst
analyze
anarchy
anathema
anatomy
anecdote
anemia
anemic
anemometer
anesthetic
anew
angelic
anglophobia
angular
anhydrous
animadversion
animadvert
animalcule
animate
animosity
annalist
annals
annex
annihilate
annotate
annual
annuity
annunciation
anode
anonymous
antagonism
antarctic
ante
antecede
antecedent
antechamber
antedate
antediluvian
antemeridian
antenatal
anterior
anteroom
anthology
anthracite
anthropology
anthropomorphous
antic
antichrist
anticlimax
anticyclone
antidote
antilogy
antipathize
antiphon
antiphony
antipodes
antiquary
antiquate
antique
antiseptic
antislavery
antispasmodic
antistrophe
antitoxin
antonym
anxious
apathy
aperture
apex
aphorism
apiary
apogee
apology
apostate
apostle
apothecary
apotheosis
appall
apparent
apparition
appease
appellate
appellation
append
appertain
apposite
apposition
appraise
appreciable
apprehend
apprehensible
approbation
appropriate
aqueduct
aqueous
arbiter
arbitrary
arbitrate
arbor
arboreal
arborescent
arboretum
arboriculture
arcade
archaeology
archaic
archaism
archangel
archbishop
archdeacon
archetype
archipelago
ardent
ardor
arid
aristocracy
aristocrat
armada
armful
armory
aroma
arraign
arrange
arrangement
arrant
arrear
arrival
arrogant
arrogate
artesian
artful
arthurian
artifice
artless
ascendant
ascension
ascent
ascetic
ascribe
asexual
ashen
askance
asperity
aspirant
aspire
assailant
assassin
assassinate
assassination
assay
assent
assess
assessor
assets
assiduous
assignee
assimilate
assonance
assonant
assonate
assuage
astringent
astute
atheism
athirst
athwart
atomizer
atone
atonement
atrocious
atrocity
attache
attest
auburn
audacious
audible
audition
auditory
augment
augur
augustinian
aura
aural
auricle
auricular
auriferous
aurora
auspice
austere
autarchy
authentic
authenticity
autocracy
autocrat
automaton
autonomous
autonomy
autopsy
autumnal
auxiliary
avalanche
avarice
aver
averse
aversion
avert
aviary
avidity
avocation
avow
awaken
aye
azalea
azure
baconian
bacterium
badger
baffle
bailiff
baize
bale
baleful
ballad
balsam
banal
barcarole
baritone
barograph
barometer
barring
bask
bass
baste
baton
battalion
batten
batter
bauble
bawl
beatify
beatitude
beau
becalm
beck
bedaub
bedeck
bedlam
befog
befriend
beget
begrudge
belate
belay
belie
believe
belittle
belle
bellicose
belligerent
bemoan
benediction
benefactor
benefice
beneficent
beneficial
beneficiary
benefit
benevolence
benevolent
benign
benignant
benignity
benison
bequeath
bereave
berth
beseech
beset
besmear
bestial
bestrew
bestride
bethink
betide
betimes
betroth
betrothal
bevel
bewilder
bibliography
bibliomania
bibliophile
bibulous
bide
biennial
bier
bigamist
bigamy
bight
bilateral
bilingual
biograph
biology
biped
birthright
bitterness
blase
blaspheme
blatant
blaze
blazon
bleak
blemish
blithe
blithesome
blockade
boatswain
bodily
boisterous
bole
bolero
boll
bolster
bomb
bombard
bombardier
bombast
boorish
bore
borough
bosom
botanical
botanize
botany
bountiful
bowdlerize
bowler
boycott
brae
braggart
brandish
bravado
bravo
bray
braze
brazier
breach
breaker
breech
brethren
brevity
bridle
brigade
brigadier
brigand
brimstone
brine
bristle
britannia
briticism
brittle
broach
broadcast
brogan
brogue
brokerage
bromine
bronchitis
bronchus
brooch
brotherhood
browbeat
brusque
buffoon
buffoonery
bulbous
bullock
bulrush
bulwark
bumper
bumptious
bungle
buoyancy
buoyant
bureau
bureaucracy
burgess
burgher
burnish
bursar
bustle
butt
butte
buttress
cabal
cabinet
cacophony
cadaverous
cadence
cadenza
caitiff
cajole
cajolery
calculable
calculus
callosity
callow
calorie
calumny
calvary
calvinism
calvinize
came
cameo
campaign
canaanite
canary
candid
candor
canine
canon
cant
cantata
canto
cantonment
capacious
capillary
capitulate
caprice
caption
captious
captivate
carcass
cardiac
cardinal
caret
caricature
carnage
carnal
carnivorous
carouse
carrion
cartilage
cartridge
caste
castigate
casual
casualty
cataclysm
cataract
catastrophe
cathode
catholicism
catholicity
caucus
causal
caustic
cauterize
cede
censor
censorious
census
centenary
centiliter
centimeter
centurion
cereal
ceremonial
ceremonious
cessation
cession
chameleon
chancery
chaos
characteristic
characterize
charlatan
chasten
chastise
chastity
chateau
chattel
check
chiffon
chivalry
cholera
choleric
choral
christ
christen
christendom
chromatic
chronology
chronometer
cipher
circulate
circumference
circumlocution
circumscribe
circumspect
citadel
cite
claimant
clairvoyance
clamorous
clan
clandestine
clangor
clarify
clarion
classify
clearance
clemency
clement
clothier
clumsy
coagulant
coagulate
coalescence
coalition
coddle
codicil
coerce
coercion
coercive
cogent
cognate
cognizant
cohere
cohesion
cohesive
coincide
coincidence
coincident
collaborate
collapse
collapsible
colleague
collective
collector
collegian
collide
collier
collision
colloquial
colloquialism
colloquy
collusion
colossus
comely
comestible
comical
commemorate
commentary
commingle
commissariat
commission
commitment
committal
commodity
commotion
commute
comparable
comparative
comparison
compensate
competence
competent
competitive
competitor
complacent
complaisance
complaisant
complement
complex
compliant
complicate
complication
complicity
compliment
component
comport
composure
comprehensible
comprehension
comprehensive
compress
compressible
compression
comprise
compulsion
compulsory
compunction
compute
concede
conceit
conceive
concerto
concession
conciliate
conciliatory
conclusive
concord
concordance
concur
concurrence
concurrent
concussion
condensation
condense
condescend
condolence
conduce
conducive
conductible
conduit
confectionery
confederacy
confederate
confer
conferee
confessor
confidant
confide
confidence
confident
confinement
confiscate
conflagration
confluence
confluent
conformable
conformance
conformation
conformity
confront
congeal
congenial
congest
congregate
coniferous
conjecture
conjoin
conjugal
conjugate
conjugation
conjunction
connive
connoisseur
connote
connubial
conquer
consanguineous
conscience
conscientious
conscious
conscript
consecrate
consecutive
consensus
conservatism
conservative
conservatory
consign
consignee
consignor
consistency
console
consolidate
consonance
consonant
consort
conspicuous
conspirator
conspire
constable
constellation
consternation
constituency
constituent
constrict
consul
consulate
consummate
consumption
consumptive
contagion
contagious
contaminate
contemplate
contemporaneous
contemporary
contemptible
contemptuous
contender
contiguity
contiguous
continence
contingency
contingent
continuance
continuation
continuity
continuous
contort
contraband
contradiction
contradictory
contraposition
contravene
contribution
contributor
contrite
contrivance
contrive
control
controller
contumacious
contumacy
contuse
contusion
convalesce
convalescence
convalescent
convene
convenience
converge
convergent
Word and Definition List
abbey 
n. the group of buildings which collectively form the dwelling-place of a society of monks or nuns.
Show examples and contexts 
abdicate
v. give up, renounce, abandon, lay down, or withdraw from, as a right or claim
Show examples and contexts abdomen
n. belly, or that part of the body between the thorax and the pelvis
Show examples and contexts abject
a. being of the most miserable kind; wretched; lacking pride; brought low in condition or status
Show examples and contexts ablution
n. washing or cleansing of the body, especially as part of religious rite
Show examples and contexts abrupt
a. broken off; very steep; having sudden transitions from one subject to another
Show examples and contexts abscess
n. a collection of pus in a cavity formed within some tissue of the body.
Show examples and contexts abscond
v. leave quickly and secretly and hide oneself, often to avoid arrest or prosecution
Show examples and contexts absent-minded
adj. lacking in attention to immediate surroundings or business.
Show examples and contexts absolution
n. act of absolving or the state of being absolved; formal remission of sin imparted by a priest
Show examples and contexts absorb
v. assimilate or incorporate; suck or drink up; occupy full attention
Show examples and contexts absorption
n. process of absorbing nutrients into the body after digestion; state of mental concentration
Show examples and contexts abstain
v. refrain; hold oneself back voluntarily from an action or practice
Show examples and contexts abstinence
n. restraint from eating or drinking; refraining from indulging appetite or desire
Show examples and contexts abusive
a. coarsely insulting; physically harmful; characterized by improper or wrongful use
Show examples and contexts abut
v. border upon; adjoin; touch or end at one end or side; lie adjacent
Show examples and contexts abyss
n. enormous chasm; vast bottomless pit; any deep, immeasurable space; hell
Show examples and contexts academic
a. related to school; not practical or directly useful; relating to scholarly organization; based on formal education
Show examples and contexts academy
n. school for special instruction; society of scholars, scientists, or artists
Show examples and contexts accelerate
v. move faster; cause to develop or progress more quickly; occur sooner than expected
Show examples and contexts accessible
a. easily approached or entered; obtainable; easy to talk to or get along with
Show examples and contexts accession
n. induction or elevation, as to dignity, office, or government.
Show examples and contexts accessory
n. additional object; useful but not essential thing; subordinate or supplementary item
Show examples and contexts accommodate
v. do a favor or service for; provide for; supply with; make suitable; adapt; allow for
Show examples and contexts accomplish
v. succeed in doing; bring to pass; achieve; reach the end of; complete
Show examples and contexts accordion
n. a portable box-shaped free-reed instrument; reeds that are made to vibrate by air from the bellows controlled by the player
Show examples and contexts accost
v. approach and speak to boldly or aggressively, as with demand or request
Show examples and contexts account
n. narrative or record of events; reason given for a particular action or event
Show examples and contexts accurate
a. capable of providing a correct reading or measurement; performing with care and precision
Show examples and contexts accusation
n. indictment; charge of wrongdoing that is made against a person or other party
Show examples and contexts acerbity
n. bitterness of speech and temper; sourness or acidness of taste, character, or tone
Show examples and contexts acid
n. sour; water-soluble compounds having a sour taste; quality of being sarcastic, bitter, or scornful
Show examples and contexts acme
n. the highest point or level, as of achievement or development; maturity or perfection of animal
Show examples and contexts acquittal
n. state of being found or proved not guilty; judgment of not guilty
Show examples and contexts acquittance
n. release or discharge from indebtedness, obligation, or responsibility.
Show examples and contexts actionable
adj. affording cause for instituting an action, as trespass, slanderous words.
Show examples and contexts actuary
n. an officer, as of an insurance company, who calculates and states the risks and premiums.
Show examples and contexts acute
a. quickly perceptive; keen; having a sharp point or tip; extremely sharp or severe
Show examples and contexts addendum
n. something added or to be added, especially a supplement to a book
Show examples and contexts adhere
v. stick fast; stick to firmly; be compatible or in accordance with
Show examples and contexts adherent
n. person who adheres; one who follows or upholds a leader, party, cause
Show examples and contexts adjunct
n. something added on or attached generally nonessential or inferior
Show examples and contexts adoration
n. act of playing honor to a divine being; worship paid to God; act of addressing as a god
Show examples and contexts adumbrate
v. give hint or indication of something; disclose partially or guardedly; overshadow; shade
Show examples and contexts adverse
a. in opposing direction; harmful or unfavorable; acting or serving to oppose
Show examples and contexts advocate
v. speak, plead, or argue in favour of; plead for; push for something
Show examples and contexts aerial
a. of the air or atmosphere; produced by or found in the air; performed in the air
Show examples and contexts aerostat
n. a balloon or other apparatus floating in or sustained by the air.
Show examples and contexts aerostatics
n. the branch of pneumatics that treats of the equilibrium, pressure, and mechanical properties.
Show examples and contexts affirmative
a. confirmative; ratifying; giving assent or approval; confirming
Show examples and contexts afterthought
n. a thought that comes later than its appropriate or expected time.
Show examples and contexts aggrandize
v. increase scope of; extend; intensify; make greater in power, influence, stature, or reputation
Show examples and contexts aggravation
n. the fact of being made heavier or more heinous, as a crime , offense, misfortune, etc.
Show examples and contexts agrarian
a. pertaining to land or its cultivation; relating to agricultural or rural matters
Show examples and contexts aide-de-camp
n. an officer who receives and transmits the orders of the general.
Show examples and contexts alacrity
n. cheerful promptness or willingness; eagerness; speed or quickness
Show examples and contexts albino
n. a person with milky white skin and hair, and eyes with bright red pupil and usually pink iris.
Show examples and contexts album
n. a list of names; a register for visitors; a blank book, in which to insert autographs sketches, memorial writing of friends, photographs
Show examples and contexts alchemy
n. medieval chemistry; magical or mysterious power or process of transforming
Show examples and contexts alcohol
n. a volatile, inflammable, colorless liquid of a penetrating odor and burning taste.
Show examples and contexts alcoholism
n. a condition resulting from the inordinate or persistent use of alcoholic beverages.
Show examples and contexts alder
n. north temperate shrubs or trees having toothed leaves and cone like fruit
Show examples and contexts alderman
n. a member of a municipal legislative body, who usually exercises also certain judicial functions.
Show examples and contexts aldermanship
n. the dignity, condition, office, or term of office of an alderman.
Show examples and contexts alias
n. assumed name; another name; name that has been assumed temporarily
Show examples and contexts alien
a. dissimilar, inconsistent, or opposed in nature; very different place, society, or person
Show examples and contexts alienate
v. cause to become unfriendly or hostile; transfer property or ownership; isolate or dissociate emotionally
Show examples and contexts alkali
n. soda ash; caustic soda, caustic potash; one of a class of caustic bases, such as soda, potash, and ammonia
Show examples and contexts allegory
n. symbolic representation of abstract ideas or principles in narrative, dramatic, or pictorial form
Show examples and contexts alleviate
v. provide physical relief, as from pain; make easier; remove in part
Show examples and contexts alley
n. narrow passage, especially a walk or passage in a garden or park, bordered by rows of trees or bushes
Show examples and contexts alliance
n. state of being allied; act of allying or uniting; a union or connection of interests between families, states, parties
Show examples and contexts allot
v. parcel out in parts or portions; distribute to each individual concerned; assign as a share or lot
Show examples and contexts allusion
n. indirect reference; symbolical reference or comparison; metaphor
Show examples and contexts almanac
n. a series of tables giving the days of the week together with certain astronomical information.
Show examples and contexts aloof
a. apart; remote in manner; distant physically or emotionally; reserved and remote
Show examples and contexts altar
n. raised structure on which sacrifices are offered or incense burned to a deity
Show examples and contexts alternate
a. happening or following in turns; succeeding each other continuously; substitute
Show examples and contexts alternative
a. one of two or more things, ideas or courses of action that may be used; option; choice
Show examples and contexts amalgamate
v. combine; unite in one body; mix or alloy a metal with mercury
Show examples and contexts amateur
a. nonprofessional; lacking the skill of a professional, as in an art
Show examples and contexts ambulance
n. field hospital organized as to follow an army in its movements; wagon for conveying the wounded to hospital
Show examples and contexts ambush
n. disposition or arrangement of troops for attacking an enemy unexpectedly from a concealed station
Show examples and contexts amenable
a. responsive to advice or suggestion; responsible to higher authority; willing to comply with; agreeable
Show examples and contexts americanism
n. a peculiar sense in which an english word or phrase is used in the united states.
Show examples and contexts amphitheater
n. oval building with tiers of seats from central open space or arena
Show examples and contexts anagram
n. the letters of a word or phrase so transposed as to make a different word or phrase.
Show examples and contexts anarchy
n. absence of governing body; state of disorder; political disorder and confusion
Show examples and contexts anatomy
n. detailed analysis; branch of morphology that deals with the structure of animals
Show examples and contexts anecdote
n. short account of amusing or interesting event; short narrative; secret story of history or biography
Show examples and contexts anemia
n. condition in which blood lacks red corpuscles; deficiency of red blood cells; lack of vitality
Show examples and contexts anesthetic
n. substance that causes loss of sensation; producing temporary loss or impairment of feeling
Show examples and contexts anglo-saxon
n. the entire english race wherever found, as in europe, the united states, or india.
Show examples and contexts angular
a. sharp-cornered; consisting of an angle or angles; stiff in manner
Show examples and contexts annex
v. append or attach; take possession of; incorporate into an existing political unit
Show examples and contexts annuity
n. annual payment of allowance or income; periodical payment, amounting to a fixed sum in each year
Show examples and contexts anode
n. the point where or path by which a voltaic current enters an electrolyte or the like.
Show examples and contexts antagonism
n. active resistance; condition of being an opposing principle, force, or factor
Show examples and contexts antarctic
a. opposite to the northern or arctic pole; relating to the southern pole or to the region near it
Show examples and contexts ante
v. in the game of poker, to put up a stake before the cards are dealt.
Show examples and contexts antecede
v. precede; go before in time, and sometimes in place, rank, or logical order
Show examples and contexts antecedent
n. one who or that which precedes or goes before, as in time, place, rank, order, or causality.
Show examples and contexts antediluvian
a. antiquated; extremely old and ancient; belonging to very ancient times
Show examples and contexts anteroom
n. a room situated before and opening into another, usually larger.
Show examples and contexts anthropology
n. social science that studies origins and social relationships of human beings
Show examples and contexts antichrist
n. any opponent or enemy of christ, whether a person or a power.
Show examples and contexts anticlimax
n. letdown in thought or emotion; decline viewed in disappointing contrast with previous rise
Show examples and contexts anticyclone
n. an atmospheric condition of high central pressure, with currents flowing outward.
Show examples and contexts antidote
n. medicine to counteract a poison or disease; agent that relieves or counteracts
Show examples and contexts antipathize
v. to show or feel a feeling of antagonism, aversion, or dislike.
Show examples and contexts antiquary
n. one who collects and examines old things, as coins, books, medals, weapons, etc.
Show examples and contexts antiseptic
n. substance that prevents infection; substance that restricts the growth of disease-causing microorganisms
Show examples and contexts antispasmodic
adj. tending to prevent or relieve non-inflammatory spasmodic affections.
Show examples and contexts antistrophe
n. the inversion of terms in successive classes, as in "the home of joy and the joy of home".
Show examples and contexts antitoxin
n. a substance which neutralizes the poisonous products of micro-organisms.
Show examples and contexts anxious
a. eager; keen; worried; uneasy and apprehensive about an uncertain event or matter
Show examples and contexts aphorism
n. definition or concise statement of principle; tersely phrased statement of truth or opinion
Show examples and contexts apiary
n. place where bees and beehives are kept, especially where bees are raised for their honey
Show examples and contexts apogee
n. the highest point; point in orbit most distant from the body being orbited
Show examples and contexts apology
n. acknowledgment expressing regret or asking pardon for a fault or offense; explanation or excuse
Show examples and contexts apotheosis
n. elevation to godhood; fact or action of becoming a god; an ideal example of something
Show examples and contexts apparent
a. capable of being seen, or easily seen; open to view; visible to eye
Show examples and contexts apparition
n. ghostly figure; sudden or unusual sight; appearance; state of being visible
Show examples and contexts appellation
n. name; title; act of naming; act of appealing for aid, sympathy
Show examples and contexts appertain
v. to belong, as by right, fitness, association, classification, possession, or natural relation.
Show examples and contexts apprehend
v. take into custody; arrest a criminal; grasp mentally; perceive
Show examples and contexts appropriate
v. acquire; take possession of for one's own use; set apart for specific use
Show examples and contexts aqueduct
n. a water-conduit, particularly one for supplying a community from a distance.
Show examples and contexts arbitrary
a. randomly chosen; determined by chance or impulse, and not by reason or principle
Show examples and contexts arcade
n. covered passageway, usually lined with shops; simple arched opening in a wall; vault or vaulted place
Show examples and contexts archbishop
n. the chief of the bishops of an ecclesiastical province in the greek, roman, and anglican church.
Show examples and contexts archetype
n. prototype; original model or type after which other similar things are patterned
Show examples and contexts arid
a. dry; lacking moisture, especially having insufficient rainfall to support trees or plants
Show examples and contexts aristocrat
n. one of the aristocracy or people of rank in a community; one of a ruling class; a noble
Show examples and contexts aroma
n. fragrance; scent; pleasant characteristic odor, as of a plant, spice, or food
Show examples and contexts arrange
v. put in proper order; dispose in the manner intended, or best suited for the purpose
Show examples and contexts arrogant
a. arising from feeling or assumption of one's superiority toward others
Show examples and contexts artesian
well n. a very deep bored well. water rises due to underground pressure
Show examples and contexts arthurian
adj. pertaining to king arthur, the real or legendary hero of british poetic story.
Show examples and contexts artifice
n. subtle but base deception; trickery; cleverness or skill; ingenuity
Show examples and contexts ascribe
v. inscribe or dedicate; attribute to a specified cause, source, or origin; assign as a quality
Show examples and contexts askance
a. with sideways or indirect look; Turned to side, especially of eyes
Show examples and contexts asperity
n. sharpness of temper; roughness or harshness, as of surface, sound, or climate
Show examples and contexts aspirant
n. one who aspires, as to advancement, honors, or a high position
Show examples and contexts assassinate
v. to kill, as by surprise or secret assault, especially the killing of some eminent person.
Show examples and contexts assassination
n. act of assassinating; killing by treacherous violence; murder of public figure by surprise attack
Show examples and contexts assets
n. pl. property in general, regarded as applicable to the payment of debts.
Show examples and contexts assiduous
a. constant in application or attention; diligent; unceasing or persistent
Show examples and contexts assignee
n. one who is appointed to act for another in the management of certain property and interests.
Show examples and contexts assimilate
v. incorporate and absorb into mind; make similar; cause to resemble
Show examples and contexts astringent
a. causing contraction; having the effect of drawing tissue together; stern or austere
Show examples and contexts atomizer
n. an apparatus for reducing a liquid to a fine spray, as for disinfection, inhalation, etc.
Show examples and contexts atrocity
n. brutal deed; atrocious condition, quality, or behavior; monstrousness
Show examples and contexts audition
v. take part in a trial performance; evaluate in a trial performance
Show examples and contexts auditory
a. of or relating to hearing, the organs of hearing, or the sense of hearing
Show examples and contexts augustinian
adj. pertaining to st. augustine, his doctrines, or the religious orders called after him.
Show examples and contexts auricle
n. one of the two chambers of the heart which receives the blood from the veins.
Show examples and contexts auricular
adj. of or pertaining to the ear, its auricle, or the sense of hearing.
Show examples and contexts aurora
n. the first light of day; an atmospheric phenomenon consisting of bands of light caused by charged solar particles following the earth's magnetic lines of force
Show examples and contexts austere
a. strict or severe in discipline; severely simple and unornamented
Show examples and contexts authenticity
n. the state or quality of being genuine, or of the origin and authorship claimed.
Show examples and contexts autonomous
a. self-governing; not controlled by others or by outside forces; independent
Show examples and contexts autonomy
n. independence; self-government or the right of self-government; self-determination
Show examples and contexts aversion
n. firm dislike; turning away; avoidance of a thing, situation, or behavior because of dislike
Show examples and contexts aviary
n. large cage, building, or enclosure in which birds are reared or kept
Show examples and contexts avocation
n. activity taken up in addition to one's regular work or profession, usually for enjoyment
Show examples and contexts baffle
v. frustrate as by confusing or perplexing; impede force or movement of
Show examples and contexts bailiff
n. an officer of court having custody of prisoners under arraignment.
Show examples and contexts baize
n. a single-colored napped woolen fabric used for table-covers, curtains, etc.
Show examples and contexts bale
n. a bundle or package of goods in a cloth cover, and corded for storage or transportation
Show examples and contexts ballad
n. popular kind of narrative poem, adapted for recitation or singing
Show examples and contexts barograph
n. an instrument that registers graphically and continuously the atmospheric pressure.
Show examples and contexts barometer
n. instrument for determining the weight or pressure of the atmosphere
Show examples and contexts baton
n. staff or truncheon for various purposes, as one of a conductor in musical performances, one transferred by runners in a relay race
Show examples and contexts battalion
n. a body of infantry composed of two or more companies, forming a part of a regiment.
Show examples and contexts bawl
v. cry out with a loud, full sound; cry with vehemence, as in calling or exultation; shout
Show examples and contexts belle
n. a woman who is a center of attraction because of her beauty, accomplishments, etc.
Show examples and contexts bellicose
a. warlike or hostile in manner or temperament; showing or having impulse to be combative
Show examples and contexts benediction
n. blessing; invocation of divine blessing; expression of good wishes
Show examples and contexts benefactor
n. gift giver; person who gives people or institutions with financial help
Show examples and contexts benefice
n. a church office endowed with funds or property for the maintenance of divine service.
Show examples and contexts beneficiary
n. person entitled to benefits or proceeds of an insurance policy or will
Show examples and contexts benefit
n. advantage; something that aids or promotes well-being ; welfare; gain
Show examples and contexts berth
n. space for ship to dock or anchor; allotted place; place to sleep or stay; appointment or job
Show examples and contexts bibliography
n. list of works of a specific author or publisher; list of writings relating to a given subject
Show examples and contexts bier
n. a horizontal framework with two handles at each end for carrying a corpse to the grave.
Show examples and contexts bigamy
n. the crime of marrying any other person while having a legal spouse living.
Show examples and contexts bight
n. a slightly receding bay between headlands, formed by a long curve of a coast-line.
Show examples and contexts bilingual
n. using or able to use two languages, especially with equal or nearly equal fluency
Show examples and contexts blemish
v. mark with deformity; injure or impair, as anything which is excellent; make defective, either the body or mind
Show examples and contexts blockade
n. shutting up of a place by troops or ships; obstruction to passage
Show examples and contexts boatswain
n. a subordinate officer of a vessel, who has general charge of the rigging, anchors, etc.
Show examples and contexts boisterous
a. rough and stormy; loud, noisy, and lacking in restraint or discipline
Show examples and contexts bolero
n. a spanish dance, illustrative of the passion of love, accompanied by caste nets and singing.
Show examples and contexts bolster
v. support or prop up with or as if with a long narrow pillow or cushion
Show examples and contexts bombast
n. inflated or extravagant language, especially on unimportant subjects.
Show examples and contexts borough
n. incorporated town that is not a city; association of men who gave pledges to the king for the good behavior of each other
Show examples and contexts bosom
n. the breast or the upper front of the thorax of a human being, especially of a woman.
Show examples and contexts botany
n. science which treats of the structure of plants, the functions of their parts, their places of growth, their classification
Show examples and contexts bowdlerize
v. edit by omitting or modifying parts considered offensive, vulgar, or otherwise unseemly
Show examples and contexts braggart
n. boaster; one given to loud, empty boasting; very talkative person
Show examples and contexts brandish
v. move or wave, as a weapon; raise and move in various directions
Show examples and contexts bravado
n. defiant or swaggering behavior; pretense of courage; false show of bravery
Show examples and contexts brethren
n. pl. members of a brotherhood, gild, profession, association, or the like.
Show examples and contexts brevity
n. quality or state of being brief in duration; concise expression
Show examples and contexts bridle
n. headgear with which a horse is directed and which carries a bit and reins
Show examples and contexts brigadier
n. general officer who commands a brigade, ranking between a colonel and a major-general.
Show examples and contexts bristle
n. one of the coarse, stiff hairs of swine: used in brush-making, etc.
Show examples and contexts briticism
n. a word, idiom, or phrase characteristic of great britain or the british.
Show examples and contexts broadcast
n. message that is transmitted by radio or television; radio or television show
Show examples and contexts brogue
n. any dialectic pronunciation of english, especially that of the irish people.
Show examples and contexts brokerage
n. the business of making sales and purchases for a commission; a broker.
Show examples and contexts bromine
n. a dark reddish-brown, non-metallic liquid element with a suffocating odor.
Show examples and contexts bronchus
n. either of the two subdivisions of the trachea conveying air into the lungs.
Show examples and contexts buffoon
n. one who makes a practice of amusing others by low tricks, antic gestures; droll; mimic; clown
Show examples and contexts buffoonery
n. clowning; arts and practices of buffoon, as low jests, ridiculous pranks, vulgar tricks and postures
Show examples and contexts bulrush
n. any one of various tall rush-like plants growing in damp ground or water.
Show examples and contexts bumper
n. something as bars at edges to absorb shock and prevent serious damage
Show examples and contexts bumptious
a. offensively self-assertive; liable to give or take offense; forward; pushing
Show examples and contexts bungle
v. mismanage; blunder; work or act in clumsy, awkward, or blundering manner
Show examples and contexts burgess
n. in colonial times, a member of the lower house of the legislature of maryland or virginia.
Show examples and contexts burgher
n. an inhabitant, citizen or freeman of a borough burgh, or corporate town.
Show examples and contexts bursar
n. treasurer or keeper of funds; purser or treasurer of college or other community
Show examples and contexts butte
n. a conspicuous hill, low mountain, or natural turret, generally isolated.
Show examples and contexts buttress
v. support physically; prop up; support something or someone by supplying evidence
Show examples and contexts by-law
n. a rule or law adopted by an association, a corporation, or the like.
Show examples and contexts cabal
n. small group of persons secretly united to promote their own interests
Show examples and contexts cabinet
n. group of persons appointed by a head of state or a prime minister; hut; cottage; small house; small room; closet
Show examples and contexts cacophony
n. a disagreeable, harsh, or discordant sound or combination of sounds or tones.
Show examples and contexts cadaverous
a. like corpse; pale; Having appearance or color of dead human body
Show examples and contexts cadenza
n. an embellishment or flourish, prepared or improvised, for a solo voice or instrument.
Show examples and contexts calculus
n. a concretion formed in various parts of the body resembling a pebble in hardness.
Show examples and contexts calorie
n. unit of heat; unit of heat equal to the amount of heat required to raise the temperature of 1 kilogram of water by 1 degree
Show examples and contexts calumny
n. false statement maliciously made to injure another's reputation; slander
Show examples and contexts came
n. a leaden sash-bar or grooved strip for fastening panes in stained-glass windows.
Show examples and contexts cameo
n. piece of jewelry; a small scale used as a jewel for adornment; famous actor's special appearance in a minor role in film
Show examples and contexts campaign
n. battle ;a series of actions advancing a principle or tending toward a particular end
Show examples and contexts canaanite
n. a member of one of the three tribes that dwelt in the land of canaan, or western palestine.
Show examples and contexts canary
n. pale yellowish color; wine made in the Canary Islands; canary bird; quick and lively dance
Show examples and contexts candor
n. frankness; quality of being honest and straightforward in attitude and speech
Show examples and contexts canon
n. law or rule; decision, regulation, code, or constitution made by authority; books of the Bible officially accepted; a group of literary works
Show examples and contexts cant
n. inclination or slope; slanted or oblique surface; jargon, especially of thieves; dialect
Show examples and contexts cantonment
n. the part of the town or district in which the troops are quartered.
Show examples and contexts capitulate
v. surrender; end all resistance; give up; go along with or comply
Show examples and contexts captivate
v. charm; enthrall; seize by force, as an enemy in war, or anything belonging to enemy
Show examples and contexts carcass
n. dead body of an animal especially one slaughtered and dressed for food
Show examples and contexts caret
n. a sign (^) placed below a line, indicating where omitted words, etc., should be inserted.
Show examples and contexts caricature
n. representation that is deliberately exaggerated to produce a comic effect
Show examples and contexts carnage
n. destruction of life; savage and excessive killing of many people
Show examples and contexts caste
n. any of the hereditary social classes and subclasses of South Asian societies
Show examples and contexts castigate
v. criticize severely; punish; revise or make corrections to publication
Show examples and contexts casualty
n. serious or fatal accident; someone injured or killed in an accident
Show examples and contexts cataclysm
n. an event resulting in great loss and misfortune; deluge or overflowing of water
Show examples and contexts catholicism
n. the system, doctrine, and practice of the roman catholic church.
Show examples and contexts cat-o-nine-tails
n. an instrument consisting of nine pieces of cord, formerly used for flogging in the army and navy.
Show examples and contexts caucus
n. private meeting of members of a party to select officers or determine policy
Show examples and contexts caustic
a. capable of burning, corroding, dissolving, or eating away by chemical action
Show examples and contexts censor
n. overseer of morals; official responsible for removal of objectionable or sensitive content
Show examples and contexts censorious
a. critical; addicted to censure; severe in making remarks on others, or on their writings or manners; implying or expressing censure
Show examples and contexts centenary
a. relating to a 100-year period; occurring once every 100 years
Show examples and contexts centurion
n. officer of ancient Roman army, in command of a century of soldiers or minor division
Show examples and contexts cereal
n. grass such as wheat, oats, or corn, the starchy grains of which are used as food.
Show examples and contexts ceremonious
a. marked by formality; strictly observant of or devoted to ceremony or ritual
Show examples and contexts chaos
n. disorder; condition or place of great disorder or confusion; disorderly mass
Show examples and contexts characteristic
n. feature that helps to identify, tell apart, or describe recognizably; a distinguishing mark or trait
Show examples and contexts characterize
v. distinguish; be characteristic of; be a distinctive trait or mark of
Show examples and contexts chasten
v. rid of excess; refine or purify; correct by punishment or reproof
Show examples and contexts chastity
n. state of being chaste; purity of body; freedom from unlawful sexual intercourse
Show examples and contexts chateau
n. impressive country house or castle in France; large country house
Show examples and contexts choral
adj. pertaining to, intended for, or performed by a chorus or choir.
Show examples and contexts christendom
n. that part of the world where christianity is generally professed.
Show examples and contexts circulate
v. move through a space, circuit or system, returning to the starting point
Show examples and contexts circumlocution
n. indirect or roundabout expression; evasion in speech or writing
Show examples and contexts citadel
n. fortress; fortified place which people could go for shelter during battle
Show examples and contexts clamorous
a. speaking and repeating loud words; full of clamor; calling or demanding loudly or urgently; vociferous; noisy; bawling; loud
Show examples and contexts clan
n. faction; tribe; division of a tribe tracing descent from a common ancestor; a large group of relatives
Show examples and contexts clangor
n. loud, resounding noise; sharp, metallic, ringing sound; resonant, clanging sound
Show examples and contexts classify
v. declare unavailable, as for security reasons; arrange or order by classes or categories
Show examples and contexts clearance
n. act of clearing; space cleared; permission to proceed or trust
Show examples and contexts close-hauled
adj. having the sails set for sailing as close to the wind as possible.
Show examples and contexts coagulate
v. cause transformation of liquid into or as if into soft, semisolid, or solid mass
Show examples and contexts coalescence
n. union of diverse things into one body or form or group; growing together of parts
Show examples and contexts coerce
v. restrain by force, especially by law or authority; repress; curb
Show examples and contexts cogent
a. reasonable and convincing; based on evidence; forcefully persuasive
Show examples and contexts cognate
a. related by blood; having common ancestor; related or analogous in nature, character, or function
Show examples and contexts collector
n. one who makes a collection, as of objects of art, books, or the like.
Show examples and contexts colloquial
a. of informal spoken language or conversation; conversational or chatty
Show examples and contexts colloquialism
n. colloquial expression; characteristic of spoken or written communication that seeks to imitate informal speech
Show examples and contexts commemorate
v. serve as a memorial to; honor the memory of with a ceremony
Show examples and contexts commentary
n. written explanation or criticism or illustration that is added to a book or other textual material
Show examples and contexts commissariat
n. the department of an army charged with the provision of its food and water and daily needs.
Show examples and contexts commission
n. fee for services; group of people appointed to find out about something; authorize
Show examples and contexts commitment
n. pledge, undertaking; act of binding yourself to a course of action
Show examples and contexts committal
n. the act, fact, or result of committing, or the state of being
Show examples and contexts commotion
n. disturbed or violent motion; agitation; public disturbance; riot; excitement
Show examples and contexts commute
v. obtain or bargain for exemption or substitution; travel regularly from a place of residence to another place
Show examples and contexts comparable
a. similar or equivalent; being of equal regard; worthy to be ranked with
Show examples and contexts comparison
n. examination of two or more objects with reference to their likeness or unlikeness.
Show examples and contexts competence
n. quality of being adequately or well qualified physically and intellectually
Show examples and contexts competitive
a. of or pertaining to competition; producing competition; showing a fighting disposition
Show examples and contexts competitor
n. one who seeks what another seeks, or claims what another claims; one who competes; rival
Show examples and contexts complaisant
a. trying to please; showing cheerful willingness to do favors for others
Show examples and contexts complex
a. complicated in structure; a whole structure, as a building, made up of interconnected or related structures
Show examples and contexts compliant
a. yielding to request or desire; ready to accommodate; disposed or willing to comply
Show examples and contexts complication
n. complexity; intricacy; any disease or disorder that occurs during the course of another disease
Show examples and contexts complicity
n. participation; involvement as partner or accomplice, especially in crime or other wrongdoing
Show examples and contexts compliment
n. praise; commendation; say something to someone that expresses praise
Show examples and contexts comprehensible
a. understandable; readily comprehended or understood; intelligible
Show examples and contexts compression
n. applying pressure; encoding information while reducing the bandwidth or bits required
Show examples and contexts compulsion
n. act of compelling, or the state of being compelled; act of driving or urging by force or by physical or moral constraint
Show examples and contexts compunction
n. feeling of deep regret; strong uneasiness caused by a sense of guilt
Show examples and contexts conceive
v. form or develop in the mind; devise; become pregnant with; begin or originate in a specific way
Show examples and contexts concurrent
a. simultaneous; coincident; occurring or operating at the same time
Show examples and contexts concussion
n. shaking or agitation; shock; injury to an organ, especially the brain, produced by a violent blow
Show examples and contexts condense
v. change from a gaseous to a liquid state and fall in drops; compress or concentrate
Show examples and contexts condescend
v. stoop or descend; let one's self down; submit; waive the privilege of rank or dignity
Show examples and contexts conduit
n. a means for conducting something, particularly a tube, pipe, or passageway for a fluid.
Show examples and contexts confectionery
n. the candy collectively that a confectioner makes or sells, as candy.
Show examples and contexts confer
v. bestow; present; have a conference in order to talk something over
Show examples and contexts confinement
n. state of being confined; restraint within limits; any restraint of liberty by force
Show examples and contexts confiscate
v. seize as forfeited to the public treasury; appropriate to the public use
Show examples and contexts conflagration
a. large destructive fire; burning; large-scale military conflict
Show examples and contexts confluence
n. act of two things flowing together; junction or meeting place where two things meet
Show examples and contexts confront
v. be face to face with; oppose in hostility or competition; deal with
Show examples and contexts conjugal
a. belonging to marriage; suitable or appropriate to the marriage state or to married persons; matrimonial
Show examples and contexts conjunction
n. state of being conjoined, united, or associated; union; association; league
Show examples and contexts connoisseur
n. specialist; person with expert knowledge or training, especially in the fine arts
Show examples and contexts conquer
v. gain or acquire by force; take possession of by violent means; gain dominion over
Show examples and contexts conscience
n. motivation deriving logically from ethical or moral principles; source of moral or ethical judgment
Show examples and contexts consecutive
a. following one after another without interruption; sequential
Show examples and contexts consensus
n. general agreement or accord; opinion reached by a group as a whole
Show examples and contexts conservatism
n. a political or theological orientation advocating the preservation of the best in society and opposing radical changes
Show examples and contexts conservative
a. favoring traditional views and values; tending to oppose change
Show examples and contexts consign
v. give, transfer, or deliver in a formal manner, as if by signing over into the possession of another
Show examples and contexts console
v. cheer from distress or depression; alleviate grief and raise spirits of; relieve; comfort
Show examples and contexts consolidate
v. make solid; unite or press together into a compact mass; harden or make dense and firm
Show examples and contexts conspire
v. make a secret agreement, to do some act, as to commit treason or a crime, or to do some unlawful deed; plot together
Show examples and contexts constellation
n. a number of stars seen from the Earth as a group and often having a name
Show examples and contexts consternation
n. intense state of fear or dismay; astonishment combined with terror
Show examples and contexts constituency
n. the inhabitants or voters in a district represented in a legislative body.
Show examples and contexts constrict
v. restrict; shrink; make smaller or narrower by binding or squeezing
Show examples and contexts consul
n. an officer appointed to reside in a foreign city, chiefly to represent his country.
Show examples and contexts consummate
a. carried to the utmost extent or degree; of the highest quality; complete; perfect
Show examples and contexts contaminate
v. make impure or unclean by contact or mixture; pollute; defile
Show examples and contexts contemplate
v. look at attentively and thoughtfully; observe deep in thought
Show examples and contexts continence
n. self control; self restraint; partial or complete abstention from sexual activity
Show examples and contexts contingency
n. condition of being dependent on chance; uncertainty; possibility
Show examples and contexts contingent
a. possible, or liable, but not certain, to occur; incidental; casual.
Show examples and contexts continuation
n. prolongation; extension by which something is carried to a further point
Show examples and contexts continuous
adj. connected, extended, or prolonged without separation or interruption of sequence.
Show examples and contexts contradiction
n. assertion of contrary; denial of the truth of a statement or assertion; opposition, whether by argument or conduct
Show examples and contexts contradictory
a. nature of, or being a contradiction; mutually exclusive; opposing
Show examples and contexts contribution
n. act of contributing; payment exacted for special purpose; impost or levy
Show examples and contexts contributor
n. one who gives or furnishes, in common with others, for a common purpose.
Show examples and contexts contrivance
n. the act planning, devising, inventing, or adapting something to or for a special purpose.
Show examples and contexts control
v. to exercise a directing, restraining, or governing influence over.
Show examples and contexts contumacy
n. contemptuous disregard of the requirements of rightful authority.
Show examples and contexts contuse
v. to bruise by a blow, either with or without the breaking of the skin.
Show examples and contexts convalescence
n. the state of progressive restoration to health and strength after the cessation of disease.
Show examples and contexts