GRE Big Book Words List

abase: v. humiliate; lower or depress in rank or esteem

abbess: n. the lady superior of a nunnery.

abbey: n. the group of buildings which collectively form the dwelling-place of a society of monks or nuns.

abbot: n. the superior of a community of monks.

abdicate: v. give up, renounce, abandon, lay down, or withdraw from, as a right or claim

abdomen: n. belly, or that part of the body between the thorax and the pelvis

abdominal: n. of, pertaining to, or situated on the abdomen.

abduction: n. criminal act of capturing and carrying away by force

abed: adv. in bed; on a bed.

aberration: n. deviation from a right, customary, or prescribed course.

abet: v. aid, usually in doing something wrong; encourage

abeyance: n. suspended action; temporary cessation or suspension

abhorrence: n. the act of detesting extremely.

abhorrent: adj. very repugnant; hateful.

abidance: n. an abiding.

abject: a. being of the most miserable kind; wretched; lacking pride; brought low in condition or status

abjure: v. renounce upon oath; abandon forever

able-bodied: adj. competent for physical service.

ablution: n. washing or cleansing of the body, especially as part of religious rite

abnegate: v. give up or surrender; deny something to oneself

abnormal: a. unusual; not typical; not normal

abominable: a. detestable; extremely unpleasant; very bad

abominate: v. to hate violently.

abomination: n. a very detestable act or practice.

aboriginal: a. being the first of its kind in a region; primitive; native

aborigines: n. the original of earliest known inhabitants of a country.

abrade: v. wear away by friction; scrape; erode

abrasion: n. scratch; friction

abridge: v. condense; shorten; reduce length of written text

abridgment: n. a condensed form as of a book or play.

abrogate: a. abolish, do away with, or annul, especially by authority

abrupt: a. broken off; very steep; having sudden transitions from one subject to another

abscess: n. a collection of pus in a cavity formed within some tissue of the body.

abscission: n. the act of cutting off, as in a surgical operation.

abscond: v. leave quickly and secretly and hide oneself, often to avoid arrest or prosecution

absence: n. state of being absent; state of being away

absent-minded: adj. lacking in attention to immediate surroundings or business.

absolution: n. act of absolving or the state of being absolved; formal remission of sin imparted by a priest

absolve: v. let off hook; relieve of requirement or obligation

absorb: v. assimilate or incorporate; suck or drink up; occupy full attention

absorption: n. process of absorbing nutrients into the body after digestion; state of mental concentration

abstain: v. refrain; hold oneself back voluntarily from an action or practice

abstemious: a. sparing or moderation in eating and drinking; temperate

abstinence: n. restraint from eating or drinking; refraining from indulging appetite or desire

abstruse: a. obscure; profound; difficult to understand.

absurd: a. preposterous; ridiculously incongruous or unreasonable; foolish

abundant: a. plentiful; possessing riches or resources

abusive: a. coarsely insulting; physically harmful; characterized by improper or wrongful use

abut: v. border upon; adjoin; touch or end at one end or side; lie adjacent

abyss: n. enormous chasm; vast bottomless pit; any deep, immeasurable space; hell

academic: a. related to school; not practical or directly useful; relating to scholarly organization; based on formal education

academician: n. a scholar who is skilled in academic disputation

academy: n. school for special instruction; society of scholars, scientists, or artists

accede: v. agree; give consent, often at insistence of another; concede

accelerate: v. move faster; cause to develop or progress more quickly; occur sooner than expected

accept: v. to take when offered.

access: n. approach; entry; entrance

accessible: a. easily approached or entered; obtainable; easy to talk to or get along with

accession: n. induction or elevation, as to dignity, office, or government.

accessory: n. additional object; useful but not essential thing; subordinate or supplementary item

acclaim: v. applaud; announce with great approval

accommodate: v. do a favor or service for; provide for; supply with; make suitable; adapt; allow for

accompaniment: n. act of accompanying someone or something

accompanist: n. one who or that which accompanies.

accompany: v. travel with; be associated with

accomplice: n. partner in crime; associate in wrongdoing

accomplish: v. succeed in doing; bring to pass; achieve; reach the end of; complete

accordion: n. a portable box-shaped free-reed instrument; reeds that are made to vibrate by air from the bellows controlled by the player

accost: v. approach and speak to boldly or aggressively, as with demand or request

account: n. narrative or record of events; reason given for a particular action or event

accouter: v. equip; provide with military equipment

accredit: v. authorize; commission; give credit for

accumulate: v. pile up; collect; mount up; increase

accuracy: n. quality of nearness to the truth or the true value

accurate: a. capable of providing a correct reading or measurement; performing with care and precision

accursed: adj. doomed to evil, misery, or misfortune.

accusation: n. indictment; charge of wrongdoing that is made against a person or other party

accusatory: adj. of, pertaining to, or involving an accusation.

accuse: v. blame; condemn

accustom: v. to make familiar by use.

acerbity: n. bitterness of speech and temper; sourness or acidness of taste, character, or tone

acetate: n. a salt of acetic acid.

acetic: a. having properties of vinegar; sour

ache: v. to be in pain or distress.

achillean: adj. invulnerable.

achromatic: adj. colorless,

acid: n. sour; water-soluble compounds having a sour taste; quality of being sarcastic, bitter, or scornful

acidify: v. to change into acid.

acknowledge: v. declare to be true or admit; express obligation, thanks

acknowledgment: n. recognition.

acme: n. the highest point or level, as of achievement or development; maturity or perfection of animal

acoustic: adj. pertaining to the act or sense of hearing.

acquaint: v. inform about; cause to come to know personally; make familiar

acquiesce: v. assent; agree without protesting

acquiescence: n. passive consent.

acquit: v. to free or clear, as from accusation.

acquittal: n. state of being found or proved not guilty; judgment of not guilty

acquittance: n. release or discharge from indebtedness, obligation, or responsibility.

acreage: n. quantity or extent of land, especially of cultivated land.

acrid: a. unpleasantly sharp or bitter to taste or smell; bitterly pungent

acrimonious: a. bitter and sharp in language, tone, or manner

acrimony: n. sharpness or bitterness of speech or temper.

actionable: adj. affording cause for instituting an action, as trespass, slanderous words.

actuality: n. any reality.

actuary: n. an officer, as of an insurance company, who calculates and states the risks and premiums.

actuate: v. put into motion or action; activate

acumen: n. mental keenness; quickness of perception

acute: a. quickly perceptive; keen; having a sharp point or tip; extremely sharp or severe

adamant: a. extremely hard; inflexible; stubbornly unyielding

addendum: n. something added or to be added, especially a supplement to a book

addle: v. muddle; drive crazy; become confused

adduce: v. to bring forward or name for consideration.

adhere: v. stick fast; stick to firmly; be compatible or in accordance with

adherence: n. attachment.

adherent: n. person who adheres; one who follows or upholds a leader, party, cause

adhesion: n. the state of being attached or joined.

adieu: inter. good-by; farewell.

adjacency: n. the state of being adjacent.

adjacent: a. adjoining; neighboring; close to; lying near

adjudge: v. to award or bestow by formal decision.

adjunct: n. something added on or attached generally nonessential or inferior

adjuration: n. a vehement appeal.

adjutant: adj. auxiliary.

administrator: n. one who manages a government agency or department

admissible: adj. having the right or privilege of entry.

admittance: n. entrance, or the right or permission to enter.

admonish: v. warn; counsel someone against something to be avoided

admonition: n. gentle or friendly reproof; cautionary advice or warning

ado: n. doing; bother; troublesome business; fuss; bustle

adoration: n. act of playing honor to a divine being; worship paid to God; act of addressing as a god

adroit: a. skillful and adept under pressing conditions

adulterant: n. an adulterating substance.

adulterate: v. make impure by adding inferior or tainted substances

adumbrate: v. give hint or indication of something; disclose partially or guardedly; overshadow; shade

advent: n. coming or arrival, especially of something extremely important

adverse: a. in opposing direction; harmful or unfavorable; acting or serving to oppose

adversity: n. state of misfortune, hardship, or affliction; misfortune

advert: v. to refer incidentally.

advertiser: n. one who advertises, especially in newspapers.

advisory: a. having power to advice; containing advice

advocacy: n. support; active pleading on behalf of something

advocate: v. speak, plead, or argue in favour of; plead for; push for something

aerial: a. of the air or atmosphere; produced by or found in the air; performed in the air

aeronaut: n. one who navigates the air, a balloonist.

aeronautics: n. the art or practice of flying aircraft

aerostat: n. a balloon or other apparatus floating in or sustained by the air.

aerostatics: n. the branch of pneumatics that treats of the equilibrium, pressure, and mechanical properties.

affable: a. easily approachable; warmly friendly

affect: v. have an emotional or cognitive impact upon

affectation: n. a studied or ostentatious pretense or attempt.

affiliate: v. associate; incorporate

affirmative: a. confirmative; ratifying; giving assent or approval; confirming

affix: v. fasten; append; add on; secure to something

affluence: n. abundance; a plentiful supply of material goods; wealth

affront: n. insult; offense; intentional act of disrespect

afoot: adv. in progress.

aforesaid: adj. said in a preceding part or before.

afresh: adv. once more, after rest or interval.

afterthought: n. a thought that comes later than its appropriate or expected time.

agglomerate: v. to pile or heap together.

aggrandize: v. increase scope of; extend; intensify; make greater in power, influence, stature, or reputation

aggravate: v. worsen; make worse or more troublesome

aggravation: n. the fact of being made heavier or more heinous, as a crime , offense, misfortune, etc.

aggregate: v. gather into a mass, sum, or whole; amount to

aggress: v. to make the first attack.

aggression: n. an unprovoked attack.

aggrieve: v. to give grief or sorrow to.

aghast: a. struck by shock, terror, or amazement

agile: a. moving quickly and lightly; mentally quick

agitate: v. cause to move with violence or sudden force; upset; disturb

agrarian: a. pertaining to land or its cultivation; relating to agricultural or rural matters

aide-de-camp: n. an officer who receives and transmits the orders of the general.

ailment: n. sickness; illness; affliction

airy: adj. delicate, ethereal.

akin: a. of the same kin; related by blood

alabaster: n. a white or delicately tinted fine-grained gypsum.

alacrity: n. cheerful promptness or willingness; eagerness; speed or quickness

albeit: ad. even though; although; notwithstanding

albino: n. a person with milky white skin and hair, and eyes with bright red pupil and usually pink iris.

album: n. a list of names; a register for visitors; a blank book, in which to insert autographs sketches, memorial writing of friends, photographs

alchemy: n. medieval chemistry; magical or mysterious power or process of transforming

alcohol: n. a volatile, inflammable, colorless liquid of a penetrating odor and burning taste.

alcoholism: n. a condition resulting from the inordinate or persistent use of alcoholic beverages.

alcove: n. nook; small, recessed section of a room

alder: n. north temperate shrubs or trees having toothed leaves and cone like fruit

alderman: n. a member of a municipal legislative body, who usually exercises also certain judicial functions.

aldermanship: n. the dignity, condition, office, or term of office of an alderman.

alias: n. assumed name; another name; name that has been assumed temporarily

alien: a. dissimilar, inconsistent, or opposed in nature; very different place, society, or person

alienable: adj. capable of being aliened or alienated, as lands.

alienate: v. cause to become unfriendly or hostile; transfer property or ownership; isolate or dissociate emotionally

alienation: n. estrangement.

aliment: n. that which nourishes.

alkali: n. soda ash; caustic soda, caustic potash; one of a class of caustic bases, such as soda, potash, and ammonia

allay: v. calm; pacify; reduce the intensity of; relieve

allege: v. state without proof; assert to be true

allegory: n. symbolic representation of abstract ideas or principles in narrative, dramatic, or pictorial form

alleviate: v. provide physical relief, as from pain; make easier; remove in part

alley: n. narrow passage, especially a walk or passage in a garden or park, bordered by rows of trees or bushes

alliance: n. state of being allied; act of allying or uniting; a union or connection of interests between families, states, parties

allot: v. parcel out in parts or portions; distribute to each individual concerned; assign as a share or lot

allotment: n. portion.

allude: v. refer casually or indirectly, or by suggestion

allusion: n. indirect reference; symbolical reference or comparison; metaphor

alluvion: n. flood.

ally: n. confederate; partner; collaborator

almanac: n. a series of tables giving the days of the week together with certain astronomical information.

aloof: a. apart; remote in manner; distant physically or emotionally; reserved and remote

altar: n. raised structure on which sacrifices are offered or incense burned to a deity

alter: v. modify; cause to change; make different; convert

alteration: n. passage from one form or state to another; change

altercate: v. to contend angrily or zealously in words.

alternate: a. happening or following in turns; succeeding each other continuously; substitute

alternative: a. one of two or more things, ideas or courses of action that may be used; option; choice

altitude: n. elevation especially above sea level; height

alto: n. the lowest or deepest female voice or part.

altruism: n. benevolence to others on subordination to self-interest.

altruist: n. one who advocates or practices altruism.

amalgam: n. an alloy or union of mercury with another metal.

amalgamate: v. combine; unite in one body; mix or alloy a metal with mercury

amateur: a. nonprofessional; lacking the skill of a professional, as in an art

amatory: adj. designed to excite love.

ambidextrous: a. capable of using either hand with equal ease

ambiguous: a. unclear or doubtful in meaning

ambitious: a. aspiring; having a strong desire for success or achievement

ambrosial: adj. divinely sweet, fragrant, or delicious.

ambulance: n. field hospital organized as to follow an army in its movements; wagon for conveying the wounded to hospital

ambulate: v. to walk about

ambush: n. disposition or arrangement of troops for attacking an enemy unexpectedly from a concealed station

ameliorate: v. make or become better; improve; grow better

amenable: a. responsive to advice or suggestion; responsible to higher authority; willing to comply with; agreeable

americanism: n. a peculiar sense in which an english word or phrase is used in the united states.

amicable: a. exhibiting friendliness or goodwill; not quarrelsome

amity: n. friendship; peaceful relations, as between nations

amorous: a. moved by sexual love; loving

amorphous: a. formless; lacking shape or definition

amour: n. a love-affair, especially one of an illicit nature.

ampere: n. the practical unit of electric-current strength.

amphibious: adj. living both on land and in water.

amphitheater: n. oval building with tiers of seats from central open space or arena

amplitude: n. largeness.

amply: adv. sufficiently.

amputate: v. cut off part of body, especially by surgery; prune

amusement: n. diversion.

anachronism: n. anything occurring or existing out of its proper time.

anagram: n. the letters of a word or phrase so transposed as to make a different word or phrase.

analogous: a. comparable; similar or alike

analogy: n. similarity in some respects; comparison based on similarity

analyst: n. one who analyzes or makes use of the analytical method.

analyze: v. diagnose; examine

anarchy: n. absence of governing body; state of disorder; political disorder and confusion

anathema: n. solemn curse; someone or something regarded as a curse

anatomy: n. detailed analysis; branch of morphology that deals with the structure of animals

anecdote: n. short account of amusing or interesting event; short narrative; secret story of history or biography

anemia: n. condition in which blood lacks red corpuscles; deficiency of red blood cells; lack of vitality

anemic: adj. affected with anemia.

anemometer: n. an instrument for measuring the force or velocity of wind.

anesthetic: n. substance that causes loss of sensation; producing temporary loss or impairment of feeling

anew: adv. once more.

angelic: adj. saintly.

anglophobia: n. hatred or dread of england or of what is english.

anglo-saxon: n. the entire english race wherever found, as in europe, the united states, or india.

angular: a. sharp-cornered; consisting of an angle or angles; stiff in manner

anhydrous: adj. withered.

animadversion: n. the utterance of criticism or censure.

animadvert: v. to pass criticism or censure.

animalcule: n. an animal of microscopic smallness.

animate: a. endowed with life; alive; living; animated

animosity: n. bitter hostility; active hatred; hostile feeling or act

annalist: n. historian.

annals: n. chronological record of the events of successive years

annex: v. append or attach; take possession of; incorporate into an existing political unit

annihilate: v. destroy completely; reduce to nonexistence

annotate: v. comment; make explanatory notes

annual: a. occurring or payable every year

annuity: n. annual payment of allowance or income; periodical payment, amounting to a fixed sum in each year

annunciation: n. proclamation.

anode: n. the point where or path by which a voltaic current enters an electrolyte or the like.

anonymous: a. having no name; having unknown or unacknowledged name

antagonism: n. active resistance; condition of being an opposing principle, force, or factor

antarctic: a. opposite to the northern or arctic pole; relating to the southern pole or to the region near it

ante: v. in the game of poker, to put up a stake before the cards are dealt.

antecede: v. precede; go before in time, and sometimes in place, rank, or logical order

antecedent: n. one who or that which precedes or goes before, as in time, place, rank, order, or causality.

antechamber: n. a waiting room for those who seek audience.

antedate: v. be earlier in time; go back further

antediluvian: a. antiquated; extremely old and ancient; belonging to very ancient times

antemeridian: adj. before noon.

antenatal: adj. occurring or existing before birth.

anterior: a. before in time; antecedent; placed before or in front

anteroom: n. a room situated before and opening into another, usually larger.

anthology: n. book of literary selections by various authors

anthracite: n. hard coal.

anthropology: n. social science that studies origins and social relationships of human beings

anthropomorphous: adj. having or resembling human form.

antic: n. a grotesque, ludicrous, or fantastic action.

antichrist: n. any opponent or enemy of christ, whether a person or a power.

anticlimax: n. letdown in thought or emotion; decline viewed in disappointing contrast with previous rise

anticyclone: n. an atmospheric condition of high central pressure, with currents flowing outward.

antidote: n. medicine to counteract a poison or disease; agent that relieves or counteracts

antilogy: n. inconsistency or contradiction in terms or ideas.

antipathize: v. to show or feel a feeling of antagonism, aversion, or dislike.

antiphon: n. a response or alteration of responses, generally musical.

antiphony: n. an anthem or other composition sung responsively.

antipodes: n. a place or region on the opposite side of the earth.

antiquary: n. one who collects and examines old things, as coins, books, medals, weapons, etc.

antiquate: v. make obsolete or old-fashioned

antique: n. any furniture old and valuable; out of fashion

antiseptic: n. substance that prevents infection; substance that restricts the growth of disease-causing microorganisms

antislavery: adj. opposed to human slavery.

antispasmodic: adj. tending to prevent or relieve non-inflammatory spasmodic affections.

antistrophe: n. the inversion of terms in successive classes, as in "the home of joy and the joy of home".

antitoxin: n. a substance which neutralizes the poisonous products of micro-organisms.

antonym: n. word of opposite meaning; counter term

anxious: a. eager; keen; worried; uneasy and apprehensive about an uncertain event or matter

apathy: n. lack of caring; indifference

aperture: n. opening; diameter of such an opening; hole

apex: n. highest point; vertex; summit; climax

aphorism: n. definition or concise statement of principle; tersely phrased statement of truth or opinion

apiary: n. place where bees and beehives are kept, especially where bees are raised for their honey

apogee: n. the highest point; point in orbit most distant from the body being orbited

apology: n. acknowledgment expressing regret or asking pardon for a fault or offense; explanation or excuse

apostate: n. one who abandons his religious faith or political beliefs

apostle: n. any messenger commissioned by or as by divine authority.

apothecary: n. one who keeps drugs for sale and puts up prescriptions.

apotheosis: n. elevation to godhood; fact or action of becoming a god; an ideal example of something

appall: v. depress or discourage with fear; grow faint or become weak

apparent: a. capable of being seen, or easily seen; open to view; visible to eye

apparition: n. ghostly figure; sudden or unusual sight; appearance; state of being visible

appease: v. bring peace, quiet, or calm to; satisfy or relieve

appellate: adj. capable of being appealed to.

appellation: n. name; title; act of naming; act of appealing for aid, sympathy

append: v. attach; add as supplement or appendix

appertain: v. to belong, as by right, fitness, association, classification, possession, or natural relation.

apposite: a. strikingly appropriate and relevant; well-suited

apposition: n. the act of placing side by side, together, or in contact.

appraise: v. estimate value of; evaluate, especially in official capacity

appreciable: a. considerable; perceptible

apprehend: v. take into custody; arrest a criminal; grasp mentally; perceive

apprehensible: adj. capable of being conceived.

approbation: n. expression of warm approval; praise

appropriate: v. acquire; take possession of for one's own use; set apart for specific use

aqueduct: n. a water-conduit, particularly one for supplying a community from a distance.

aqueous: adj. of, pertaining to, or containing water.

arbiter: n. person with power to decide a dispute; judge

arbitrary: a. randomly chosen; determined by chance or impulse, and not by reason or principle

arbitrate: v. to act or give judgment as umpire.

arbor: n. a tree.

arboreal: a. tree-dwelling; treelike; living in trees

arborescent: adj. having the nature of a tree.

arboretum: n. place where different tree varieties are exhibited

arboriculture: n. the cultivation of trees or shrubs.

arcade: n. covered passageway, usually lined with shops; simple arched opening in a wall; vault or vaulted place

archaeology: n. study of artifacts and relics of early mankind

archaic: a. no longer current or applicable; antiquated

archaism: n. obsolescence.

archangel: n. an angel of high rank.

archbishop: n. the chief of the bishops of an ecclesiastical province in the greek, roman, and anglican church.

archdeacon: n. a high official administrator of the affairs of a diocese.

archetype: n. prototype; original model or type after which other similar things are patterned

archipelago: n. group of closely located islands

ardent: a. displaying or by strong enthusiasm or devotion; passionate

ardor: n. intensity of passion or affection.

arid: a. dry; lacking moisture, especially having insufficient rainfall to support trees or plants

aristocracy: n. hereditary nobility; privileged class

aristocrat: n. one of the aristocracy or people of rank in a community; one of a ruling class; a noble

armada: n. a fleet of warships; a large group of moving things

armful: n. as much as can be held in the arm or arms.

armory: n. arsenal; a place where arms are manufactured

aroma: n. fragrance; scent; pleasant characteristic odor, as of a plant, spice, or food

arraign: v. officially charge someone in a court of law

arrange: v. put in proper order; dispose in the manner intended, or best suited for the purpose

arrangement: n. composition; order

arrant: adj. notoriously bad.

arrear: n. something overdue and unpaid.

arrival: n. a coming to stopping-place or destination.

arrogant: a. arising from feeling or assumption of one's superiority toward others

arrogate: v. claim without justification; claim for oneself without right

artesian: well n. a very deep bored well. water rises due to underground pressure

artful: adj. characterized by craft or cunning.

arthurian: adj. pertaining to king arthur, the real or legendary hero of british poetic story.

artifice: n. subtle but base deception; trickery; cleverness or skill; ingenuity

artless: a. free of artificiality; natural; open and honest

ascendant: adj. dominant.

ascension: n. the act of rising.

ascent: n. upward slope or grade; movement upward

ascetic: a. leading a life of self-discipline and self-denial; austere

ascribe: v. inscribe or dedicate; attribute to a specified cause, source, or origin; assign as a quality

asexual: adj. having no distinct sexual organs.

ashen: a. ash-colored; very pale; consisting of ashes

askance: a. with sideways or indirect look; Turned to side, especially of eyes

asperity: n. sharpness of temper; roughness or harshness, as of surface, sound, or climate

aspirant: n. one who aspires, as to advancement, honors, or a high position

aspire: v. seek to attain; long for; strive toward an end

assailant: n. one who attacks.

assassin: n. one who kills, or tries to kill, treacherously or secretly.

assassinate: v. to kill, as by surprise or secret assault, especially the killing of some eminent person.

assassination: n. act of assassinating; killing by treacherous violence; murder of public figure by surprise attack

assay: v. analyze; evaluate; examine by trial or experiment; put to test

assent: v. express agreement to what is alleged or proposed; accept

assess: v. estimate value; judge worth of something

assessor: n. an officer whose duty it is to assess taxes.

assets: n. pl. property in general, regarded as applicable to the payment of debts.

assiduous: a. constant in application or attention; diligent; unceasing or persistent

assignee: n. one who is appointed to act for another in the management of certain property and interests.

assimilate: v. incorporate and absorb into mind; make similar; cause to resemble

assonance: n. resemblance or correspondence in sound.

assonant: adj. having resemblance of sound.

assonate: v. to accord in sound, especially vowel sound.

assuage: v. ease or lessen pain; satisfy or appease

astringent: a. causing contraction; having the effect of drawing tissue together; stern or austere

astute: a. wise or keen; shrewd; with sharp intelligence

atheism: n. the denial of the existence of god.

athirst: adj. wanting water.

athwart: adv. from side to side.

atomizer: n. an apparatus for reducing a liquid to a fine spray, as for disinfection, inhalation, etc.

atone: v. make amends, as for sin or fault; pay for; turn away from sin

atonement: n. amends, reparation, or expiation made from wrong or injury.

atrocious: adj. outrageously or wantonly wicked, criminal, vile, or cruel.

atrocity: n. brutal deed; atrocious condition, quality, or behavior; monstrousness

attache: n. a subordinate member of a diplomatic embassy.

attest: v. testify; authenticate, affirm to be true

attorney-general: n. the chief law-officer of a government.

auburn: adj. reddish-brown, said usually of the hair.

audacious: a. fearlessly, often recklessly daring; bold

audible: a. perceptible; heard or perceptible by the ear

audition: v. take part in a trial performance; evaluate in a trial performance

auditory: a. of or relating to hearing, the organs of hearing, or the sense of hearing

augment: v. make greater, as in size, extent, or quantity

augur: v. to predict.

augustinian: adj. pertaining to st. augustine, his doctrines, or the religious orders called after him.

aura: n. pervasive psychic influence supposed to emanate from persons

aural: adj. of or pertaining to the ear.

auricle: n. one of the two chambers of the heart which receives the blood from the veins.

auricular: adj. of or pertaining to the ear, its auricle, or the sense of hearing.

auriferous: adj. containing gold.

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

auspice: n. favoring, protecting, or propitious influence or guidance.

austere: a. strict or severe in discipline; severely simple and unornamented

autarchy: n. unrestricted power.

authentic: a. not counterfeit or copied; valid; trustworthy

authenticity: n. the state or quality of being genuine, or of the origin and authorship claimed.

autocracy: n. absolute government.

autocrat: n. dictator; ruler having unlimited power

automaton: n. mechanism that imitates actions of humans

autonomous: a. self-governing; not controlled by others or by outside forces; independent

autonomy: n. independence; self-government or the right of self-government; self-determination

autopsy: n. examination of dead body; post-mortem

autumnal: adj. of or pertaining to autumn.

auxiliary: a. helper, additional or subsidiary

avalanche: n. great mass of falling snow and ice

avarice: n. greediness for wealth; insatiable desire of gain

aver: v. declare to be true; affirm

averse: a. reluctant; disinclined; turned away or backward; unwilling

aversion: n. firm dislike; turning away; avoidance of a thing, situation, or behavior because of dislike

avert: v. prevent; turn or cause to turn off or away

aviary: n. large cage, building, or enclosure in which birds are reared or kept

avidity: n. greediness.

avocation: n. activity taken up in addition to one's regular work or profession, usually for enjoyment

avow: v. declare openly; acknowledge openly, boldly, and unashamedly

awaken: v. to arouse, as emotion, interest, or the like.

aye: adv. an expression of assent.

azalea: n. a flowering shrub.

azure: a. sky blue; light purplish-blue

baconian: adj. of or pertaining to lord bacon or his system of philosophy.

bacterium: n. single celled organism with no nucleus

badger: v. pester; annoy persistently; persuade through constant efforts

baffle: v. frustrate as by confusing or perplexing; impede force or movement of

bailiff: n. an officer of court having custody of prisoners under arraignment.

baize: n. a single-colored napped woolen fabric used for table-covers, curtains, etc.

bale: n. a bundle or package of goods in a cloth cover, and corded for storage or transportation

baleful: a. portending evil; harmful in intent or effect.

ballad: n. popular kind of narrative poem, adapted for recitation or singing

balsam: n. a medical preparation, aromatic and oily, used for healing.

banal: a. obvious and dull; commonplace; lacking originality

barcarole: n. a boat-song of venetian gondoliers.

baritone: adj. having a register higher than bass and lower than tenor.

barograph: n. an instrument that registers graphically and continuously the atmospheric pressure.

barometer: n. instrument for determining the weight or pressure of the atmosphere

barring: prep. apart from.

bask: v. luxuriate; take pleasure in warmth

bass: adj. low in tone or compass.

baste: v. to cover with melted fat, gravy, while cooking.

baton: n. staff or truncheon for various purposes, as one of a conductor in musical performances, one transferred by runners in a relay race

battalion: n. a body of infantry composed of two or more companies, forming a part of a regiment.

batten: n. a narrow strip of wood.

batter: v. beat with successive blows; beat repeatedly and with violence

bauble: n. small, showy ornament of little value; child's plaything or toy

bawl: v. cry out with a loud, full sound; cry with vehemence, as in calling or exultation; shout

beatify: v. to make supremely happy.

beatitude: n. blessedness; state of extreme happiness

beau: n. an escort or lover.

becalm: v. keep from motion, or stop progress of; make calm or still

beck: v. to give a signal to, by nod or gesture.

bedaub: v. to smear over, as with something oily or sticky.

bedeck: v. to cover with ornament.

bedlam: n. madhouse.

befog: v. to confuse.

befriend: v. to be a friend to, especially when in need.

beget: v. produce; give rise to

begrudge: v. resent; give or expend with reluctance; be envious of

belate: v. to delay past the proper hour.

belay: v. to make fast, as a rope, by winding round a cleat.

belie: v. contradict; give a false impression

believe: v. to accept as true on the testimony or authority of others.

belittle: v. disparage or depreciate; put down

belle: n. a woman who is a center of attraction because of her beauty, accomplishments, etc.

bellicose: a. warlike or hostile in manner or temperament; showing or having impulse to be combative

belligerent: a. inclined or eager to fight; aggressive

bemoan: v. regret strongly; express disapproval of

benediction: n. blessing; invocation of divine blessing; expression of good wishes

benefactor: n. gift giver; person who gives people or institutions with financial help

benefice: n. a church office endowed with funds or property for the maintenance of divine service.

beneficent: adj. characterized by charity and kindness.

beneficial: a. helpful; tending to promote physical well-being

beneficiary: n. person entitled to benefits or proceeds of an insurance policy or will

benefit: n. advantage; something that aids or promotes well-being ; welfare; gain

benevolence: n. any act of kindness or well-doing.

benevolent: a. generous in providing aid to others; charitable

benign: a. kindly; favorable; not malignant

benignant: adj. benevolent in feeling, character, or aspect.

benignity: n. kindness of feeling, disposition, or manner.

benison: n. blessing.

bequeath: v. leave to someone by a will; hand down

bereave: v. to make desolate with loneliness and grief.

berth: n. space for ship to dock or anchor; allotted place; place to sleep or stay; appointment or job

beseech: v. beg; plead with; ask for or request earnestly

beset: v. attack from all sides; trouble persistently; hem in

besmear: v. to smear over, as with any oily or sticky substance.

bestial: a. beastlike; brutal; lacking in intelligence or reason

bestrew: v. to sprinkle or cover with things strewn.

bestride: v. to get or sit upon astride, as a horse.

bethink: v. to remind oneself.

betide: v. to happen to or befall.

betimes: adv. in good season or time.

betroth: v. become engaged to marry; promise to marry

betrothal: n. engagement to marry.

bevel: n. any inclination of two surfaces other than 90 degrees.

bewilder: v. lead into perplexity or confusion; perplex with mazes

bibliography: n. list of works of a specific author or publisher; list of writings relating to a given subject

bibliomania: n. the passion for collecting books.

bibliophile: n. one who loves books.

bibulous: adj. fond of drinking.

bide: v. to await.

biennial: a. every two years; lasting or living for two years

bier: n. a horizontal framework with two handles at each end for carrying a corpse to the grave.

bigamist: n. one who has two spouses at the same time.

bigamy: n. the crime of marrying any other person while having a legal spouse living.

bight: n. a slightly receding bay between headlands, formed by a long curve of a coast-line.

bilateral: a. two-sided; mutual

bilingual: n. using or able to use two languages, especially with equal or nearly equal fluency

biograph: n. a bibliographical sketch or notice.

biology: n. the science of life or living organisms.

biped: n. an animal having two feet.

birthright: n. a privilege or possession into which one is born.

bitterness: n. sharp and bitter manner

blase: adj. sated with pleasure.

blaspheme: v. to indulge in profane oaths.

blatant: a. flagrant; conspicuously obvious; loudly offensive

blaze: n. brilliant burst of fire; destructive fire; flame

blazon: v. to make widely or generally known.

bleak: a. cold or cheerless; unlikely to be favorable

blemish: v. mark with deformity; injure or impair, as anything which is excellent; make defective, either the body or mind

blithe: a. gay; joyous; carefree and lighthearted

blithesome: adj. cheerful.

blockade: n. shutting up of a place by troops or ships; obstruction to passage

boatswain: n. a subordinate officer of a vessel, who has general charge of the rigging, anchors, etc.

bodily: adj. corporeal.

boisterous: a. rough and stormy; loud, noisy, and lacking in restraint or discipline

bole: n. the trunk or body of a tree.

bolero: n. a spanish dance, illustrative of the passion of love, accompanied by caste nets and singing.

boll: n. a round pod or seed-capsule, as a flax or cotton.

bolster: v. support or prop up with or as if with a long narrow pillow or cushion

bomb: n. a hollow projectile containing an explosive material.

bombard: v. to assail with any missile or with abusive speech.

bombardier: n. a person who has charge of mortars, bombs, and shells.

bombast: n. inflated or extravagant language, especially on unimportant subjects.

boorish: a. rude and clumsy in behavior; ungentlemanly; awkward in manners

bore: v. drill; make a hole in or through, with or as if with a drill

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

bosom: n. the breast or the upper front of the thorax of a human being, especially of a woman.

botanical: adj. connected with the study or cultivation of plants.

botanize: v. to study plant-life.

botany: n. science which treats of the structure of plants, the functions of their parts, their places of growth, their classification

bountiful: a. abundant; graciously generous; giving freely and generously

bowdlerize: v. edit by omitting or modifying parts considered offensive, vulgar, or otherwise unseemly

bowler: n. in cricket, the player who delivers the ball.

boycott: v. refrain from buying or using

brae: n. hillside.

braggart: n. boaster; one given to loud, empty boasting; very talkative person

brandish: v. move or wave, as a weapon; raise and move in various directions

bravado: n. defiant or swaggering behavior; pretense of courage; false show of bravery

bravo: interj. well done.

bray: n. a loud harsh sound, as the cry of an ass or the blast of a horn.

braze: v. to make of or ornament with brass.

brazier: n. an open pan or basin for holding live coals.

breach: n. breaking of contract or duty

breaker: n. one who trains horses, dogs, etc.

breech: n. the buttocks.

brethren: n. pl. members of a brotherhood, gild, profession, association, or the like.

brevity: n. quality or state of being brief in duration; concise expression

bric-a-brac: n. objects of curiosity or for decoration.

bridle: n. headgear with which a horse is directed and which carries a bit and reins

brigade: n. a body of troops consisting of two or more regiments.

brigadier: n. general officer who commands a brigade, ranking between a colonel and a major-general.

brigand: n. one who lives by robbery and plunder.

brimstone: n. sulfur.

brine: n. water saturated with salt.

bristle: n. one of the coarse, stiff hairs of swine: used in brush-making, etc.

britannia: n. the united kingdom of great britain.

briticism: n. a word, idiom, or phrase characteristic of great britain or the british.

brittle: a. easily broken; having little elasticity

broach: v. introduce; bring up for discussion or debate; announce

broadcast: n. message that is transmitted by radio or television; radio or television show

brogan: n. a coarse, heavy shoe.

brogue: n. any dialectic pronunciation of english, especially that of the irish people.

brokerage: n. the business of making sales and purchases for a commission; a broker.

bromine: n. a dark reddish-brown, non-metallic liquid element with a suffocating odor.

bronchitis: n. inflammation of the bronchial tubes.

bronchus: n. either of the two subdivisions of the trachea conveying air into the lungs.

brooch: n. ornamental clasp; decorative pin worn by women

brotherhood: n. spiritual or social fellowship or solidarity.

browbeat: v. bully; intimidate; discourage or frighten with threats

brusque: a. abrupt and curt in manner or speech; rudely abrupt, unfriendly

buffoon: n. one who makes a practice of amusing others by low tricks, antic gestures; droll; mimic; clown

buffoonery: n. clowning; arts and practices of buffoon, as low jests, ridiculous pranks, vulgar tricks and postures

bulbous: adj. of, or pertaining to, or like a bulb.

bullock: n. an ox.

bulrush: n. any one of various tall rush-like plants growing in damp ground or water.

bulwark: n. earthwork or other strong defense; person who defends

bumper: n. something as bars at edges to absorb shock and prevent serious damage

bumptious: a. offensively self-assertive; liable to give or take offense; forward; pushing

bungle: v. mismanage; blunder; work or act in clumsy, awkward, or blundering manner

buoyancy: n. power or tendency to float on or in a liquid or gas.

buoyant: a. able to float; cheerful and optimistic

bureau: n. a chest of drawers for clothing, etc.

bureaucracy: n. over-regulated administrative system

burgess: n. in colonial times, a member of the lower house of the legislature of maryland or virginia.

burgher: n. an inhabitant, citizen or freeman of a borough burgh, or corporate town.

burnish: v. make shiny by rubbing; polish

bursar: n. treasurer or keeper of funds; purser or treasurer of college or other community

bustle: v. move or cause to move energetically and busily; teem

butt: v. to strike with or as with the head, or horns.

butte: n. a conspicuous hill, low mountain, or natural turret, generally isolated.

buttress: v. support physically; prop up; support something or someone by supplying evidence

by-law: n. a rule or law adopted by an association, a corporation, or the like.

cabal: n. small group of persons secretly united to promote their own interests

cabinet: n. group of persons appointed by a head of state or a prime minister; hut; cottage; small house; small room; closet

cacophony: n. a disagreeable, harsh, or discordant sound or combination of sounds or tones.

cadaverous: a. like corpse; pale; Having appearance or color of dead human body

cadence: n. rhythmic rise and fall of words or sounds; beat

cadenza: n. an embellishment or flourish, prepared or improvised, for a solo voice or instrument.

caitiff: adj. cowardly.

cajole: v. influence or urge by gentle urging or flattering

cajolery: n. delusive speech.

calculable: adj. that may be estimated by reckoning.

calculus: n. a concretion formed in various parts of the body resembling a pebble in hardness.

callosity: n. the state of being hard and insensible.

callow: a. youthful; immature; inexperienced; without feathers

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

calumny: n. false statement maliciously made to injure another's reputation; slander

calvary: n. the place where christ was crucified.

calvinism: n. the system of doctrine taught by john calvin.

calvinize: v. to teach or imbue with the doctrines of calvinism.

came: n. a leaden sash-bar or grooved strip for fastening panes in stained-glass windows.

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

campaign: n. battle ;a series of actions advancing a principle or tending toward a particular end

canaanite: n. a member of one of the three tribes that dwelt in the land of canaan, or western palestine.

canary: n. pale yellowish color; wine made in the Canary Islands; canary bird; quick and lively dance

candid: a. straightforward; frank; free from prejudice; impartial

candor: n. frankness; quality of being honest and straightforward in attitude and speech

canine: a. related to dogs; dog-like; affecting or derived from dogs

canon: n. law or rule; decision, regulation, code, or constitution made by authority; books of the Bible officially accepted; a group of literary works

cant: n. inclination or slope; slanted or oblique surface; jargon, especially of thieves; dialect

cantata: n. story or poem set to music that can be sung by chorus

canto: n. part or division of poem of some length

cantonment: n. the part of the town or district in which the troops are quartered.

capacious: a. capable of containing a large quantity; spacious or roomy

capillary: n. long and slender with a very small internal diameter

capitulate: v. surrender; end all resistance; give up; go along with or comply

caprice: n. sudden, unexpected fancy; impulsive change of mind

caption: n. title; chapter heading; text under illustration

captious: a. intended to confuse in an argument

captivate: v. charm; enthrall; seize by force, as an enemy in war, or anything belonging to enemy

carcass: n. dead body of an animal especially one slaughtered and dressed for food

cardiac: a. of or relating to the heart

cardinal: a. chief; serving as an essential component

caret: n. a sign (^) placed below a line, indicating where omitted words, etc., should be inserted.

caricature: n. representation that is deliberately exaggerated to produce a comic effect

carnage: n. destruction of life; savage and excessive killing of many people

carnal: a. fleshly; of or relating to body or flesh; bodily

carnivorous: a. eating or feeding on flesh; predatory

carouse: v. to drink deeply and in boisterous or jovial manner.

carrion: n. dead and putrefying flesh.

cartilage: n. an elastic animal tissue of firm consistence.

cartridge: n. a charge for a firearm, or for blasting.

caste: n. any of the hereditary social classes and subclasses of South Asian societies

castigate: v. criticize severely; punish; revise or make corrections to publication

casual: a. informal; purposeless; occurring by chance

casualty: n. serious or fatal accident; someone injured or killed in an accident

cataclysm: n. an event resulting in great loss and misfortune; deluge or overflowing of water

cataract: n. large or high waterfall; eye abnormality

catastrophe: n. calamity; disaster; state of extreme ruin and misfortune

cathode: n. the negative pole or electrode of a galvanic battery.

catholicism: n. the system, doctrine, and practice of the roman catholic church.

catholicity: n. universal prevalence or acceptance.

cat-o-nine-tails: n. an instrument consisting of nine pieces of cord, formerly used for flogging in the army and navy.

caucus: n. private meeting of members of a party to select officers or determine policy

causal: a. implying cause-and-effect relationship

caustic: a. capable of burning, corroding, dissolving, or eating away by chemical action

cauterize: v. to burn or sear as with a heated iron.

cede: v. yield or formally resign and surrender to another

censor: n. overseer of morals; official responsible for removal of objectionable or sensitive content

censorious: a. critical; addicted to censure; severe in making remarks on others, or on their writings or manners; implying or expressing censure

census: n. official examination of the details of a country's population

centenary: a. relating to a 100-year period; occurring once every 100 years

centiliter: n. a hundredth of a liter.

centimeter: n. a length of one hundredth of a meter.

centurion: n. officer of ancient Roman army, in command of a century of soldiers or minor division

cereal: n. grass such as wheat, oats, or corn, the starchy grains of which are used as food.

ceremonial: n. ritual; ceremony or rite

ceremonious: a. marked by formality; strictly observant of or devoted to ceremony or ritual

cessation: n. bringing or coming to end; ceasing

cession: n. yielding to another; ceding or surrendering

chameleon: n. lizard that changes color in different situations

chancery: n. a court of equity, as distinguished from a common-law court.

chaos: n. disorder; condition or place of great disorder or confusion; disorderly mass

characteristic: n. feature that helps to identify, tell apart, or describe recognizably; a distinguishing mark or trait

characterize: v. distinguish; be characteristic of; be a distinctive trait or mark of

charlatan: n. quack; one who pretends to knowledge, skill, or importance

chasten: v. rid of excess; refine or purify; correct by punishment or reproof

chastise: v. punish, as by beating; criticize severely; rebuke

chastity: n. state of being chaste; purity of body; freedom from unlawful sexual intercourse

chateau: n. impressive country house or castle in France; large country house

chattel: n. any article of personal property.

check: v. stop motion; curb or restrain

chiffon: n. a very thin gauze used for trimmings, evening dress, etc.

chivalry: n. courtesy towards women

cholera: n. an acute epidemic disease.

choleric: a. hot-tempered; easily angered; bad-tempered; expressing anger

choral: adj. pertaining to, intended for, or performed by a chorus or choir.

christ: n. a title of jesus

christen: v. to name in baptism.

christendom: n. that part of the world where christianity is generally professed.

chromatic: adj. belonging, relating to, or abounding in color.

chronology: n. time sequence; arrangement of events in time

chronometer: n. a portable timekeeper of the highest attainable precision.

cipher: n. secret code; an Arabic numeral or figure; a number

circulate: v. move through a space, circuit or system, returning to the starting point

circumference: n. boundary line of a circle, figure, area, or object

circumlocution: n. indirect or roundabout expression; evasion in speech or writing

circumnavigate: v. to sail quite around.

circumscribe: v. limit narrowly; confine; draw a line around; encircle

circumspect: a. carefully aware of all circumstances; cautious

citadel: n. fortress; fortified place which people could go for shelter during battle

cite: v. quote; adduce as an instance

claimant: n. one who makes a claim or demand, as of right.

clairvoyance: n. intuitive sagacity or perception.

clamorous: a. speaking and repeating loud words; full of clamor; calling or demanding loudly or urgently; vociferous; noisy; bawling; loud

clan: n. faction; tribe; division of a tribe tracing descent from a common ancestor; a large group of relatives

clandestine: a. secret; conducted with or marked by hidden aims or methods

clangor: n. loud, resounding noise; sharp, metallic, ringing sound; resonant, clanging sound

clarify: v. make clear and comprehensible; elucidate

clarion: n. a small shrill trumpet or bugle.

classify: v. declare unavailable, as for security reasons; arrange or order by classes or categories

clearance: n. act of clearing; space cleared; permission to proceed or trust

clemency: n. mildness, as of the weather; merciful, kind, or lenient act

clement: adj. compassionate.

close-hauled: adj. having the sails set for sailing as close to the wind as possible.

clothier: n. one who makes or sells cloth or clothing.

clumsy: a. awkward; showing lack of skill or aptitude

coagulant: adj. producing coagulation.

coagulate: v. cause transformation of liquid into or as if into soft, semisolid, or solid mass

coalescence: n. union of diverse things into one body or form or group; growing together of parts

coalition: n. partnership; league; state of being combined into one body

coddle: v. treat gently; cook in water just below boiling point

codicil: n. supplement or appendix, especially to a will

coerce: v. restrain by force, especially by law or authority; repress; curb

coercion: n. use of force to get someone to obey

coercive: adj. serving or tending to force.

cogent: a. reasonable and convincing; based on evidence; forcefully persuasive

cognate: a. related by blood; having common ancestor; related or analogous in nature, character, or function

cognizant: adj. taking notice.

cohere: v. stick or hold together in a mass that resists separation

cohesion: n. tendency to keep together

cohesive: a. cohering or tending to cohere; well integrated

coincide: v. occur at the same time as; correspond

coincidence: n. two or more things occurring at the same time by chance

coincident: a. concerning; simultaneous

collaborate: v. work together, especially in a joint intellectual effort

collapse: v. breakdown; failure

collapsible: adj. that may or can collapse.

colleague: n. fellow worker; associate; co-worker

collective: a. common; assembled into or viewed as a whole

collector: n. one who makes a collection, as of objects of art, books, or the like.

collegian: n. a college student.

collide: v. bump; hit; conflict

collier: n. one who works in a coal-mine.

collision: n. crash; conflict of opposed ideas or attitudes or goals

colloquial: a. of informal spoken language or conversation; conversational or chatty

colloquialism: n. colloquial expression; characteristic of spoken or written communication that seeks to imitate informal speech

colloquy: n. conversation.

collusion: n. secret agreement for an illegal purpose; conspiracy

colossus: n. any strikingly great person or object.

comely: a. pleasing or attractive to the eye; handsome; graceful

comestible: adj. fit to be eaten.

comical: a. arousing or provoking laughter

commemorate: v. serve as a memorial to; honor the memory of with a ceremony

commentary: n. written explanation or criticism or illustration that is added to a book or other textual material

commingle: v. to blend.

commissariat: n. the department of an army charged with the provision of its food and water and daily needs.

commission: n. fee for services; group of people appointed to find out about something; authorize

commitment: n. pledge, undertaking; act of binding yourself to a course of action

committal: n. the act, fact, or result of committing, or the state of being

commodity: n. goods; article of trade; advantage; benefit.

commotion: n. disturbed or violent motion; agitation; public disturbance; riot; excitement

commute: v. obtain or bargain for exemption or substitution; travel regularly from a place of residence to another place

comparable: a. similar or equivalent; being of equal regard; worthy to be ranked with

comparative: a. relative; based on, or involving comparison

comparison: n. examination of two or more objects with reference to their likeness or unlikeness.

compensate: v. make amends for; reimburse

competence: n. quality of being adequately or well qualified physically and intellectually

competent: a. capable; adept

competitive: a. of or pertaining to competition; producing competition; showing a fighting disposition

competitor: n. one who seeks what another seeks, or claims what another claims; one who competes; rival

complacent: adj. pleased or satisfied with oneself.

complaisance: n. politeness.

complaisant: a. trying to please; showing cheerful willingness to do favors for others

complement: v. complete; consummate; make perfect

complex: a. complicated in structure; a whole structure, as a building, made up of interconnected or related structures

compliant: a. yielding to request or desire; ready to accommodate; disposed or willing to comply

complicate: v. to make complex, difficult, or hard to deal with.

complication: n. complexity; intricacy; any disease or disorder that occurs during the course of another disease

complicity: n. participation; involvement as partner or accomplice, especially in crime or other wrongdoing

compliment: n. praise; commendation; say something to someone that expresses praise

component: n. element; ingredient; abstract part of something

comport: v. to conduct or behave (oneself).

composure: n. mental calmness; calm or tranquil state of mind

comprehensible: a. understandable; readily comprehended or understood; intelligible

comprehension: n. grasp; ability to understand

comprehensive: a. thorough; including all or everything; broad in scope

compress: v. close; squeeze or press together; contract

compressible: adj. capable of being pressed into smaller compass.

compression: n. applying pressure; encoding information while reducing the bandwidth or bits required

comprise: v. include; consist of; be composed of

compulsion: n. act of compelling, or the state of being compelled; act of driving or urging by force or by physical or moral constraint

compulsory: a. mandatory; obligatory; required by rule

compunction: n. feeling of deep regret; strong uneasiness caused by a sense of guilt

compute: v. reckon; make mathematical calculation

concede: v. admit; yield; give up physical control of another

conceit: n. overly high self-esteem; feelings of excessive pride

conceive: v. form or develop in the mind; devise; become pregnant with; begin or originate in a specific way

concerto: n. composition for orchestra and a soloist

concession: n. act of yielding; point yielded; acknowledgment or admission

conciliate: v. to obtain the friendship of.

conciliatory: a. making or willing to yield, or to make concessions

conclusive: a. definitive; decisive; final

concord: n. agreement of opinions; harmonious state of things

concordance: n. harmony.

concur: v. to agree.

concurrence: n. agreement.

concurrent: a. simultaneous; coincident; occurring or operating at the same time

concussion: n. shaking or agitation; shock; injury to an organ, especially the brain, produced by a violent blow

condensation: n. compression

condense: v. change from a gaseous to a liquid state and fall in drops; compress or concentrate

condescend: v. stoop or descend; let one's self down; submit; waive the privilege of rank or dignity

condolence: n. expression of sympathy with another in sorrow or grief.

conduce: v. to bring about.

conducive: adj. contributing to an end.

conductible: adj. capable of being conducted or transmitted.

conduit: n. a means for conducting something, particularly a tube, pipe, or passageway for a fluid.

confectionery: n. the candy collectively that a confectioner makes or sells, as candy.

confederacy: n. alliance

confederate: n. ally; form a group or unite

confer: v. bestow; present; have a conference in order to talk something over

conferee: n. a person with whom another confers.

confessor: n. a spiritual advisor.

confidant: n. one to whom secrets are entrusted.

confide: v. disclose; reveal; tell in confidence

confidence: n. feeling secure or certain about something

confident: a. assured; having or marked by assurance

confinement: n. state of being confined; restraint within limits; any restraint of liberty by force

confiscate: v. seize as forfeited to the public treasury; appropriate to the public use

conflagration: a. large destructive fire; burning; large-scale military conflict

confluence: n. act of two things flowing together; junction or meeting place where two things meet

confluent: n. a stream that unites with another.

conformable: adj. harmonious.

conformance: n. the act or state or conforming.

conformation: n. general structure, form, or outline.

conformity: n. similarity in form or character; agreement

confront: v. be face to face with; oppose in hostility or competition; deal with

congeal: v. to coagulate.

congenial: a. compatible

congest: v. to collect into a mass.

congregate: v. assemble; convene; gather

coniferous: adj. cone-bearing trees.

conjecture: v. believe especially on uncertain or tentative grounds

conjoin: v. to unite.

conjugal: a. belonging to marriage; suitable or appropriate to the marriage state or to married persons; matrimonial

conjugate: adj. joined together in pairs.

conjugation: n. the state or condition of being joined together.

conjunction: n. state of being conjoined, united, or associated; union; association; league

connive: v. to be in collusion.

connoisseur: n. specialist; person with expert knowledge or training, especially in the fine arts

connote: v. to mean; signify.

connubial: adj. pertaining to marriage or matrimony.

conquer: v. gain or acquire by force; take possession of by violent means; gain dominion over

consanguineous: a. of the same lineage or origin; having common ancestor

conscience: n. motivation deriving logically from ethical or moral principles; source of moral or ethical judgment

conscientious: a. diligent; responsible; reliable

conscious: a. awake; alert

conscript: v. to force into military service.

consecrate: v. to set apart as sacred.

consecutive: a. following one after another without interruption; sequential

consensus: n. general agreement or accord; opinion reached by a group as a whole

conservatism: n. a political or theological orientation advocating the preservation of the best in society and opposing radical changes

conservative: a. favoring traditional views and values; tending to oppose change

conservatory: n. greenhouse; school of music or dramatic art

consign: v. give, transfer, or deliver in a formal manner, as if by signing over into the possession of another

consignee: n. a person to whom goods or other property has been entrusted.

consignor: n. one who entrusts.

consistency: n. harmonious uniformity or agreement among things or parts

console: v. cheer from distress or depression; alleviate grief and raise spirits of; relieve; comfort

consolidate: v. make solid; unite or press together into a compact mass; harden or make dense and firm

consonance: n. the state or quality of being in accord with.

consonant: a. compatible; harmonious

consort: v. associate; join

conspicuous: a. noticeable; prominent; easy to notice; obvious

conspirator: n. one who engages in a conspiracy; plotter

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

constable: n. an officer whose duty is to maintain the peace.

constellation: n. a number of stars seen from the Earth as a group and often having a name

consternation: n. intense state of fear or dismay; astonishment combined with terror

constituency: n. the inhabitants or voters in a district represented in a legislative body.

constituent: n. component or part; citizen, voter

constrict: v. restrict; shrink; make smaller or narrower by binding or squeezing

consul: n. an officer appointed to reside in a foreign city, chiefly to represent his country.

consulate: n. the place in which a consul transacts official business.

consummate: a. carried to the utmost extent or degree; of the highest quality; complete; perfect

consumption: n. eating or drinking of something

consumptive: adj. designed for gradual destruction.

contagion: n. the communication of disease from person to person.

contagious: a. infectious; of or relating to communicable diseases

contaminate: v. make impure or unclean by contact or mixture; pollute; defile

contemplate: v. look at attentively and thoughtfully; observe deep in thought

contemporaneous: adj. living, occurring, or existing at the same time.

contemporary: a. modern; belonging to the same period of time

contemptible: a. worthy of contempt; deserving of scorn or disdain; mean

contemptuous: a. scornful; expressing contempt; showing a lack of respect

contender: n. contestant you hope to defeat

contiguity: n. proximity.

contiguous: a. sharing an edge or boundary; touching; neighboring

continence: n. self control; self restraint; partial or complete abstention from sexual activity

contingency: n. condition of being dependent on chance; uncertainty; possibility

contingent: a. possible, or liable, but not certain, to occur; incidental; casual.

continuance: n. permanence.

continuation: n. prolongation; extension by which something is carried to a further point

continuity: n. property of a continuous and connected period of time

continuous: adj. connected, extended, or prolonged without separation or interruption of sequence.

contort: v. to twist into a misshapen form.

contraband: n. trade forbidden by law or treaty.

contradiction: n. assertion of contrary; denial of the truth of a statement or assertion; opposition, whether by argument or conduct

contradictory: a. nature of, or being a contradiction; mutually exclusive; opposing

contraposition: n. a placing opposite.

contravene: v. to prevent or obstruct the operation of.

contribution: n. act of contributing; payment exacted for special purpose; impost or levy

contributor: n. one who gives or furnishes, in common with others, for a common purpose.

contrite: adj. broken in spirit because of a sense of sin.

contrivance: n. the act planning, devising, inventing, or adapting something to or for a special purpose.

contrive: v. form by an exercise of ingenuity; devise; invent; design

control: v. to exercise a directing, restraining, or governing influence over.

controller: n. one who or that which regulates or directs.

contumacious: adj. rebellious.

contumacy: n. contemptuous disregard of the requirements of rightful authority.

contuse: v. to bruise by a blow, either with or without the breaking of the skin.

contusion: n. injury that doesn't break the skin

convalesce: v. recover gradually from an illness

convalescence: n. the state of progressive restoration to health and strength after the cessation of disease.

convalescent: adj. recovering health after sickness.

convene: v. cause to come together formally

convenience: n. state of being suitable

converge: v. approach; tend to meet; come together

convergent: adj. tending to one point.