top 1000 vocabulary words - calhoun county school … 1000... · web viewthe top 1,000 vocabulary...

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Top 1000 Vocabulary Words By Vocabulary.com May 19, 2011 DESCRIPTION: The top 1,000 vocabulary words have been carefully chosen to represent difficult but common words that appear in everyday academic and business writing. These words are also the most likely to appear on the SAT, ACT, GRE, and ToEFL. To create this list, we started with the words that give our users the most trouble and then ranked them by how frequently they appear in our corpus of billions of words from edited sources. If you only have time to study one list of words, this is the list to work with. 1. consider deem to be 2. minute a unit of time equal to 60 seconds or 1/60th of an hour 3. accord go together 4. evident clearly revealed to the mind or the senses or judgment 5. practice a customary way of operation or behavior 6. intend

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Page 1: Top 1000 Vocabulary Words - Calhoun County School … 1000... · Web viewThe top 1,000 vocabulary words have been carefully chosen to represent difficult but common words that appear

Top 1000 Vocabulary WordsBy Vocabulary.com May 19, 2011

DESCRIPTION:The top 1,000 vocabulary words have been carefully chosen to represent difficult but common words that appear in everyday academic and business writing. These words are also the most likely to appear on the SAT, ACT, GRE, and ToEFL. To create this list, we started with the words that give our users the most trouble and then ranked them by how frequently they appear in our corpus of billions of words from edited sources. If you only have time to study one list of words, this is the list to work with.

1. consider

deem to be

2. minute

a unit of time equal to 60 seconds or 1/60th of an hour

3. accord

go together

4. evident

clearly revealed to the mind or the senses or judgment

5. practice

a customary way of operation or behavior

6. intend

have in mind as a purpose

7. concern

be relevant to

8. commit

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perform an act, usually with a negative connotation

9. issue

an important question that is in dispute and must be settled

10.approach

move towards

11.establish

set up or found

12.utter

without qualification; used informally as (often pejorative) intensifiers

13.conduct

manner of acting or controlling yourself

14.engage

carry out or participate in an activity; be involved in

15.obtain

come into possession of

16.scarce

deficient in quantity or number compared with the demand

17.policy

a plan of action adopted by an individual or social group

18.straight

successive (without a break)

19.stock

the capital raised by a corporation through the issue of shares entitling holders to an ownership interest (equity)

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20.apparent

clearly revealed to the mind or the senses or judgment

21.property

something owned; any tangible or intangible possession that is owned by someone

22. fancy

not plain; decorative or ornamented

23.concept

an abstract or general idea inferred or derived from specific instances

24.court

an assembly (including one or more judges) to conduct judicial business

25.appoint

create and charge with a task or function

26.passage

the act of passing from one state or place to the next

27.vain

characteristic of false pride; having an exaggerated sense of self-importance

28. instance

an occurrence of something

29.coast

the shore of a sea or ocean

30.project

any piece of work that is undertaken or attempted

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31.commission

a special group delegated to consider some matter

32.constant

unvarying in nature

33.circumstances

your overall circumstances or condition in life (including everything that happens to you)

34.constitute

form or compose

35. level

a position on a scale of intensity or amount or quality

36.affect

have an effect upon

37. institute

an association organized to promote art or science or education

38. render

cause to become

39.appeal

take a court case to a higher court for review

40.generate

bring into existence

41. theory

a well-substantiated explanation of some aspect of the natural world; an organized system of accepted knowledge that applies in a variety of circumstances to explain a specific set of phenomena

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42. range

an area in which something acts or operates or has power or control: "the range of a supersonic jet"

43.campaign

a race between candidates for elective office

44. league

an association of sports teams that organizes matches for its members

45. labor

a social class comprising those who do manual labor or work for wages

46.confer

have a conference in order to talk something over

47.grant

let have

48.dwell

think moodily or anxiously about something

49.entertain

provide entertainment for

50.contract

a binding agreement between two or more persons that is enforceable by law

51.earnest

characterized by a firm and humorless belief in the validity of your opinions

52.yield

be the cause or source of

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53.wander

move about aimlessly or without any destination, often in search of food or employment

54. insist

be emphatic or resolute and refuse to budge

55.knight

originally a person of noble birth trained to arms and chivalry; today in Great Britain a person honored by the sovereign for personal merit

56.convince

make (someone) agree, understand, or realize the truth or validity of something

57. inspire

heighten or intensify

58.convention

a large formal assembly

59.skill

an ability that has been acquired by training

60.harry

annoy continually or chronically

61. financial

involving financial matters

62. reflect

manifest or bring back

63.novel

an extended fictional work in prose; usually in the form of a story

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64. furnish

give something useful or necessary to

65.compel

force somebody to do something

66.venture

any venturesome undertaking especially one with an uncertain outcome

67. territory

a region marked off for administrative or other purposes

68. temper

a sudden outburst of anger

69.bent

fixed in your purpose

70. intimate

marked by close acquaintance, association, or familiarity

71.undertake

enter upon an activity or enterprise

72.majority

the property resulting from being or relating to the greater in number of two parts; the main part

73.assert

state categorically

74.crew

the men and women who man a vehicle (ship, aircraft, etc.)

75.chamber

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a natural or artificial enclosed space

76.humble

low or inferior in station or quality

77.scheme

an elaborate and systematic plan of action

78.keen

having or demonstrating ability to recognize or draw fine distinctions

79. liberal

showing or characterized by broad-mindedness

80.despair

a state in which all hope is lost or absent

81. tide

the periodic rise and fall of the sea level under the gravitational pull of the moon

82.attitude

a complex mental state involving beliefs and feelings and values and dispositions to act in certain ways

83. justify

show to be reasonable or provide adequate ground for

84. flag

emblem usually consisting of a rectangular piece of cloth of distinctive design

85.merit

any admirable quality or attribute

86.manifest

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clearly revealed to the mind or the senses or judgment

87.notion

a vague idea in which some confidence is placed

88.scale

an ordered reference standard

89. formal

being in accord with established forms and conventions and requirements (as e.g. of formal dress)

90. resource

available source of wealth; a new or reserve supply that can be drawn upon when needed

91.persist

continue to exist

92.contempt

lack of respect accompanied by a feeling of intense dislike

93. tour

a journey or route all the way around a particular place or area

94.plead

appeal or request earnestly

95.weigh

have a certain weight

96.mode

how something is done or how it happens

97.distinction

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a discrimination between things as different and distinct

98. inclined

(often followed by `to') having a preference, disposition, or tendency

99.attribute

attribute or credit to

100. exert

put to use

101. oppress

come down on or keep down by unjust use of one's authority

102. contend

maintain or assert

103. stake

(law) a right or legal share of something; a financial involvement with something

104. toil

work hard

105. perish

pass from physical life and lose all bodily attributes and functions necessary to sustain life

106. disposition

your usual mood

107. rail

a barrier consisting of a horizontal bar and supports

108. cardinal

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(Roman Catholic Church) one of a group of more than 100 prominent bishops in the Sacred College who advise the Pope and elect new Popes

109. boast

show off

110. advocate

a person who pleads for a cause or propounds an idea

111. bestow

present

112. allege

report or maintain

113. notwithstanding

despite anything to the contrary (usually following a concession)

114. lofty

of high moral or intellectual value; elevated in nature or style

115. multitude

a large indefinite number

116. steep

having a sharp inclination

117. heed

pay close attention to; give heed to

118. modest

marked by simplicity; having a humble opinion of yourself

119. partial

being or affecting only a part; not total

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120. apt

(usually followed by `to') naturally disposed toward

121. esteem

the condition of being honored (esteemed or respected or well regarded)

122. credible

capable of being believed

123. provoke

call forth (emotions, feelings, and responses)

124. tread

put down or press the foot, place the foot

125. ascertain

establish after a calculation, investigation, experiment, survey, or study

126. fare

an agenda of things to do

127. cede

give over; surrender or relinquish to the physical control of another

128. perpetual

continuing forever or indefinitely

129. decree

a legally binding command or decision entered on the court record (as if issued by a court or judge)

130. contrive

make or work out a plan for; devise

131. derived

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formed or developed from something else; not original

132. elaborate

marked by complexity and richness of detail

133. substantial

fairly large

134. frontier

a wilderness at the edge of a settled area of a country

135. facile

arrived at without due care or effort; lacking depth

136. cite

make reference to

137. warrant

a writ from a court commanding police to perform specified acts

138. sob

weep convulsively

139. rider

a traveler who actively rides an animal (as a horse or camel)

140. dense

permitting little if any light to pass through because of denseness of matter

141. afflict

cause great unhappiness for; distress

142. flourish

grow vigorously

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143. ordain

order by virtue of superior authority; decree

144. pious

having or showing or expressing reverence for a deity

145. vex

cause annoyance in; disturb, especially by minor irritations

146. gravity

(physics) the force of attraction between all masses in the universe; especially the attraction of the earth's mass for bodies near its surface

147. suspended

(of undissolved particles in a fluid) supported or kept from sinking or falling by buoyancy and without apparent attachment

148. conspicuous

obvious to the eye or mind

149. retort

answer back

150. jet

an airplane powered by one or more jet engines

151. bolt

a discharge of lightning accompanied by thunder

152. assent

agreement with a statement or proposal to do something

153. purse

a container used for carrying money and small personal items or accessories (especially by women)

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154. plus

on the positive side or higher end of a scale

155. sanction

formal and explicit approval

156. proceeding

(law) the institution of a sequence of steps by which legal judgments are invoked

157. exalt

praise, glorify, or honor

158. siege

the action of an armed force that surrounds a fortified place and isolates it while continuing to attack

159. malice

feeling a need to see others suffer

160. extravagant

unrestrained, especially with regard to feelings

161. wax

any of various substances of either mineral origin or plant or animal origin; they are solid at normal temperatures and insoluble in water

162. throng

a large gathering of people

163. venerate

regard with feelings of respect and reverence; consider hallowed or exalted or be in awe of

164. assail

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attack someone physically or emotionally

165. sublime

inspiring awe

166. exploit

use or manipulate to one's advantage

167. exertion

use of physical or mental energy; hard work

168. kindle

catch fire

169. endow

give qualities or abilities to

170. imposed

set forth authoritatively as obligatory

171. humiliate

cause to feel shame; hurt the pride of

172. suffrage

a legal right guaranteed by the 15th amendment to the US Constitution; guaranteed to women by the 19th amendment

173. ensue

issue or terminate (in a specified way, state, etc.); end

174. brook

a natural stream of water smaller than a river (and often a tributary of a river)

175. gale

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a strong wind moving 45-90 knots; force 7 to 10 on Beaufort scale

176. muse

reflect deeply on a subject

177. satire

witty language used to convey insults or scorn

178. intrigue

cause to be interested or curious

179. indication

something that serves to indicate or suggest

180. dispatch

send away towards a designated goal

181. cower

crouch or curl up

182. wont

an established custom

183. tract

an extended area of land

184. canon

a rule or especially body of rules or principles generally established as valid and fundamental in a field or art or philosophy

185. impel

urge or force (a person) to an action; constrain or motivate

186. latitude

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the angular distance between an imaginary line around a heavenly body parallel to its equator and the equator itself

187. vacate

leave (a job, post, or position) voluntarily

188. undertaking

any piece of work that is undertaken or attempted

189. slay

kill intentionally and with premeditation

190. predecessor

one who precedes you in time (as in holding a position or office)

191. delicacy

the quality of being beautiful and delicate in appearance

192. forsake

leave someone who needs or counts on you; leave in the lurch

193. beseech

ask for or request earnestly

194. philosophical

of or relating to philosophy or philosophers

195. grove

a small growth of trees without underbrush

196. frustrate

hinder or prevent (the efforts, plans, or desires) of

197. illustrious

widely known and esteemed

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198. devices

an inclination or desire; used in the plural in the phrase `left to your own devices'

199. pomp

cheap or pretentious or vain display

200. entreat

ask for or request earnestly

201. impart

transmit (knowledge or skills)

202. propriety

correct or appropriate behavior

203. consecrate

appoint to a clerical posts

204. proceeds

the income or profit arising from such transactions as the sale of land or other property

205. fathom

a linear unit of measurement (equal to 6 feet) for water depth

206. objective

undistorted by emotion or personal bias; based on observable phenomena

207. clad

wearing or provided with clothing; sometimes used in combination

208. partisan

a fervent and even militant proponent of something

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209. faction

a clique (often secret) that seeks power usually through intrigue

210. contrived

showing effects of planning or manipulation

211. venerable

impressive by reason of age

212. restrained

cool and formal in manner

213. besiege

surround so as to force to give up

214. manifestation

a clear appearance

215. rebuke

censure severely or angrily

216. insurgent

in opposition to a civil authority or government

217. rhetoric

using language effectively to please or persuade

218. scrupulous

having scruples; arising from a sense of right and wrong; principled

219. ratify

approve and express assent, responsibility, or obligation

220. stump

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the base part of a tree that remains standing after the tree has been felled

221. discreet

marked by prudence or modesty and wise self-restraint

222. imposing

impressive in appearance

223. wistful

showing pensive sadness

224. mortify

practice self-denial of one's body and appetites

225. ripple

a small wave on the surface of a liquid

226. premise

a statement that is assumed to be true and from which a conclusion can be drawn

227. subside

wear off or die down

228. adverse

contrary to your interests or welfare

229. caprice

a sudden desire

230. muster

gather or bring together

231. comprehensive

including all or everything

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232. accede

yield to another's wish or opinion

233. fervent

characterized by intense emotion

234. cohere

come or be in close contact with; stick or hold together and resist separation

235. tribunal

an assembly (including one or more judges) to conduct judicial business

236. austere

severely simple

237. recovering

returning to health after illness or debility

238. stratum

one of several parallel layers of material arranged one on top of another (such as a layer of tissue or cells in an organism or a layer of sedimentary rock)

239. conscientious

characterized by extreme care and great effort

240. arbitrary

based on or subject to individual discretion or preference or sometimes impulse or caprice

241. exasperate

exasperate or irritate

242. conjure

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summon into action or bring into existence, often as if by magic

243. ominous

threatening or foreshadowing evil or tragic developments

244. edifice

a structure that has a roof and walls and stands more or less permanently in one place

245. elude

escape, either physically or mentally

246. pervade

spread or diffuse through

247. foster

promote the growth of

248. admonish

admonish or counsel in terms of someone's behavior

249. repeal

cancel officially

250. retiring

not arrogant or presuming

251. incidental

(sometimes followed by `to') minor or casual or subordinate in significance or nature or occurring as a chance concomitant or consequence

252. acquiesce

to agree or express agreement

253. slew

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turn sharply; change direction abruptly

254. usurp

seize and take control without authority and possibly with force; take as one's right or possession

255. sentinel

a person employed to keep watch for some anticipated event

256. precision

the quality of being reproducible in amount or performance

257. depose

force to leave (an office)

258. wanton

occurring without motivation or provocation

259. odium

state of disgrace resulting from detestable behavior

260. precept

rule of personal conduct

261. deference

a courteous expression (by word or deed) of esteem or regard

262. fray

wear away by rubbing

263. candid

characterized by directness in manner or speech; without subtlety or evasion

264. enduring

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unceasing

265. impertinent

characterized by a lightly pert and exuberant quality

266. bland

lacking taste or flavor or tang

267. insinuate

introduce or insert (oneself) in a subtle manner

268. nominal

relating to or constituting or bearing or giving a name

269. suppliant

one praying humbly for something

270. languid

lacking spirit or liveliness

271. rave

participate in an all-night techno dance party

272. monetary

relating to or involving money

273. headlong

with the head foremost

274. infallible

incapable of failure or error

275. coax

influence or urge by gentle urging, caressing, or flattering

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276. explicate

make plain and comprehensible

277. gaunt

very thin especially from disease or hunger or cold

278. morbid

suggesting an unhealthy mental state

279. ranging

wandering freely

280. pacify

cause to be more favorably inclined; gain the good will of

281. pastoral

of or relating to a pastor

282. dogged

stubbornly unyielding

283. ebb

a gradual decline (in size or strength or power or number)

284. aide

an officer who acts as military assistant to a more senior officer

285. appease

cause to be more favorably inclined; gain the good will of

286. stipulate

specify as a condition or requirement in a contract or agreement; make an express demand or provision in an agreement

287. recourse

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act of turning to for assistance

288. constrained

lacking spontaneity; not natural

289. bate

moderate or restrain; lessen the force of

290. aversion

a feeling of intense dislike

291. conceit

feelings of excessive pride

292. loath

unwillingness to do something contrary to your custom

293. rampart

an embankment built around a space for defensive purposes

294. extort

obtain through intimidation

295. tarry

having the characteristics of pitch or tar

296. perpetrate

perform an act, usually with a negative connotation

297. decorum

propriety in manners and conduct

298. luxuriant

marked by complexity and richness of detail

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299. cant

stock phrases that have become nonsense through endless repetition

300. enjoin

issue an injunction

301. avarice

reprehensible acquisitiveness; insatiable desire for wealth (personified as one of the deadly sins)

302. edict

a formal or authoritative proclamation

303. disconcert

cause to feel embarrassment

304. symmetry

(mathematics) an attribute of a shape or relation; exact reflection of form on opposite sides of a dividing line or plane

305. capitulate

surrender under agreed conditions

306. arbitrate

act between parties with a view to reconciling differences

307. cleave

separate or cut with a tool, such as a sharp instrument

308. append

add to the very end

309. visage

the human face (`kisser' and `smiler' and `mug' are informal terms for `face' and `phiz' is British)

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310. horde

a vast multitude

311. parable

a short moral story (often with animal characters)

312. chastise

censure severely

313. foil

enhance by contrast

314. veritable

often used as intensifiers

315. grapple

come to terms with

316. gentry

the most powerful members of a society

317. pall

a sudden numbing dread

318. maxim

a saying that is widely accepted on its own merits

319. projection

a prediction made by extrapolating from past observations

320. prowess

a superior skill that you can learn by study and practice and observation

321. dingy

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thickly covered with ingrained dirt or soot

322. semblance

an outward or token appearance or form that is deliberately misleading

323. tout

advertize in strongly positive terms

324. fortitude

strength of mind that enables one to endure adversity with courage

325. asunder

into parts or pieces

326. rout

a disorderly crowd of people

327. staid

characterized by dignity and propriety

328. beguile

influence by slyness

329. purport

have the often specious appearance of being, intending, or claiming

330. deprave

corrupt morally or by intemperance or sensuality

331. bequeath

leave or give by will after one's death

332. enigma

something that baffles understanding and cannot be explained

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333. assiduous

marked by care and persistent effort

334. vassal

a person holding a fief; a person who owes allegiance and service to a feudal lord

335. quail

flesh of quail; suitable for roasting or broiling if young; otherwise must be braised

336. outskirts

outlying areas (as of a city or town)

337. bulwark

an embankment built around a space for defensive purposes

338. swerve

turn sharply; change direction abruptly

339. gird

prepare oneself for a military confrontation

340. betrothed

pledged to be married

341. prospective

of or concerned with or related to the future

342. advert

a public promotion of some product or service

343. peremptory

offensively self-assured or given to exercising usually unwarranted power

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344. rudiment

the elementary stages of any subject (usually plural)

345. deduce

reason by deduction; establish by deduction

346. halting

disabled in the feet or legs

347. ignominy

a state of dishonor

348. ideology

an orientation that characterizes the thinking of a group or nation

349. pallid

abnormally deficient in color as suggesting physical or emotional distress

350. chagrin

strong feelings of embarrassment

351. obtrude

push to thrust outward

352. audacious

invulnerable to fear or intimidation

353. construe

make sense of; assign a meaning to

354. ford

a shallow area in a stream that can be forded

355. repast

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the food served and eaten at one time

356. stint

subsist on a meager allowance

357. fresco

a mural done with watercolors on wet plaster

358. dutiful

willingly obedient out of a sense of duty and respect

359. hew

make or shape as with an axe

360. parity

(obstetrics) the number of liveborn children a woman has delivered

361. affable

diffusing warmth and friendliness

362. interminable

tiresomely long; seemingly without end

363. pillage

steal goods; take as spoils

364. foreboding

a feeling of evil to come

365. rend

tear or be torn violently

366. livelihood

the financial means whereby one lives

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367. deign

do something that one considers to be below one's dignity

368. capricious

changeable

369. stupendous

so great in size or force or extent as to elicit awe

370. chaff

material consisting of seed coverings and small pieces of stem or leaves that have been separated from the seeds

371. innate

not established by conditioning or learning

372. reverie

absentminded dreaming while awake

373. wrangle

an angry dispute

374. crevice

a long narrow depression in a surface

375. ostensible

appearing as such but not necessarily so

376. craven

lacking even the rudiments of courage; abjectly fearful

377. vestige

an indication that something has been present

378. plumb

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measure the depth of something

379. reticent

temperamentally disinclined to talk

380. propensity

an inclination to do something

381. chide

censure severely or angrily

382. espouse

choose and follow; as of theories, ideas, policies, strategies or plans

383. raiment

especially fine or decorative clothing

384. intrepid

invulnerable to fear or intimidation

385. seemly

according with custom or propriety

386. allay

lessen the intensity of or calm

387. fitful

occurring in spells and often abruptly

388. erode

become ground down or deteriorate

389. unaffected

undergoing no change when acted upon

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390. canto

the highest part (usually the melody) in a piece of choral music

391. docile

willing to be taught or led or supervised or directed

392. patronize

assume sponsorship of

393. teem

be teeming, be abuzz

394. estrange

remove from customary environment or associations

395. spat

a quarrel about petty points

396. warble

sing or play with trills, alternating with the half note above or below

397. mien

dignified manner or conduct

398. sate

fill to satisfaction

399. constituency

the body of voters who elect a representative for their area

400. patrician

a person of refined upbringing and manners

401. parry

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impede the movement of (an opponent or a ball)

402. practitioner

someone who practices a learned profession

403. ravel

disentangle

404. infest

invade in great numbers

405. actuate

put in motion or move to act

406. surly

inclined to anger or bad feelings with overtones of menace

407. convalesce

get over an illness or shock

408. demoralize

corrupt morally or by intemperance or sensuality

409. devolve

pass on or delegate to another

410. alacrity

liveliness and eagerness

411. waive

do without or cease to hold or adhere to

412. unwonted

out of the ordinary

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413. seethe

be noisy with activity

414. scrutinize

to look at critically or searchingly, or in minute detail

415. diffident

showing modest reserve

416. execrate

find repugnant

417. implacable

incapable of being placated

418. pique

tightly woven fabric with raised cords

419. mite

a slight but appreciable amount

420. encumber

hold back

421. uncouth

lacking refinement or cultivation or taste

422. petulant

easily irritated or annoyed

423. expiate

make amends for

424. cavalier

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a gallant or courtly gentleman

425. banter

light teasing repartee

426. bluster

blow hard; be gusty, as of wind

427. debase

corrupt morally or by intemperance or sensuality

428. retainer

a fee charged in advance to retain the services of someone

429. subjugate

put down by force or intimidation

430. extol

praise, glorify, or honor

431. fraught

marked by distress

432. august

of or befitting a lord

433. fissure

a long narrow depression in a surface

434. knoll

a small natural hill

435. callous

emotionally hardened

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436. inculcate

teach and impress by frequent repetitions or admonitions

437. nettle

any of numerous plants having stinging hairs that cause skin irritation on contact (especially of the genus Urtica or family Urticaceae)

438. blanch

turn pale, as if in fear

439. inscrutable

of an obscure nature

440. tenacious

good at remembering

441. thrall

the state of being under the control of another person

442. exigency

a pressing or urgent situation

443. disconsolate

sad beyond comforting; incapable of being consoled

444. impetus

a force that moves something along

445. imposition

the act of imposing something (as a tax or an embargo)

446. auspices

kindly endorsement and guidance

447. sonorous

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full and loud and deep

448. exploitation

the act of making some area of land or water more profitable or productive or useful

449. bane

something causing misery or death

450. dint

interchangeable with `means' in the expression `by means of'

451. ignominious

(used of conduct or character) deserving or bringing disgrace or shame

452. amicable

characterized by friendship and good will

453. onset

the beginning or early stages

454. conservatory

the faculty and students of a school specializing in one of the fine arts

455. zenith

the point above the observer that is directly opposite the nadir on the imaginary sphere against which celestial bodies appear to be projected

456. voluble

marked by a ready flow of speech

457. yeoman

officer in the (ceremonial) bodyguard of the British monarch

458. levity

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feeling an inappropriate lack of seriousness

459. rapt

feeling great rapture or delight

460. sultry

characterized by oppressive heat and humidity

461. pinion

a gear with a small number of teeth designed to mesh with a larger wheel or rack

462. axiom

a saying that is widely accepted on its own merits

463. descry

catch sight of

464. retinue

the group following and attending to some important person

465. functionary

a worker who holds or is invested with an office

466. imbibe

take in, also metaphorically

467. diversified

having variety of character or form or components; or having increased variety

468. maraud

raid and rove in search of booty

469. grudging

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of especially an attitude

470. partiality

a predisposition to like something

471. philology

the humanistic study of language and literature

472. wry

humorously sarcastic or mocking

473. caucus

a closed political meeting

474. permeate

spread or diffuse through

475. propitious

presenting favorable circumstances; likely to result in or show signs of success

476. salient

having a quality that thrusts itself into attention

477. propitiate

make peace with

478. excise

a tax that is measured by the amount of business done (not on property or income from real estate)

479. betoken

be a signal for or a symptom of

480. palatable

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acceptable to the taste or mind

481. upbraid

express criticism towards

482. renegade

someone who rebels and becomes an outlaw

483. hoary

showing characteristics of age, especially having grey or white hair

484. pedantic

marked by a narrow focus on or display of learning especially its trivial aspects

485. coy

affectedly modest or shy especially in a playful or provocative way

486. troth

a mutual promise to marry

487. encroachment

any entry into an area not previously occupied

488. belie

be in contradiction with

489. armada

a large fleet

490. succor

assistance in time of difficulty

491. imperturbable

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not easily perturbed or excited or upset; marked by extreme calm and composure

492. irresolute

uncertain how to act or proceed

493. knack

a special way of doing something

494. unseemly

not in keeping with accepted standards of what is right or proper in polite society

495. accentuate

to stress, single out as important

496. divulge

make known to the public information that was previously known only to a few people or that was meant to be kept a secret

497. brawn

possessing muscular strength

498. burnish

polish and make shiny

499. palpitate

cause to throb or beat rapidly

500. promiscuous

not selective of a single class or person

501. dissemble

make believe with the intent to deceive

502. flotilla

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a United States Navy fleet consisting of two or more squadrons of small warships

503. invective

abusive or venomous language used to express blame or censure or bitter deep-seated ill will

504. hermitage

the abode of a hermit

505. despoil

steal goods; take as spoils

506. sully

place under suspicion or cast doubt upon

507. malevolent

wishing or appearing to wish evil to others; arising from intense ill will or hatred

508. irksome

so lacking in interest as to cause mental weariness

509. prattle

speak (about unimportant matters) rapidly and incessantly

510. subaltern

a British commissioned army officer below the rank of captain

511. welt

a raised mark on the skin (as produced by the blow of a whip); characteristic of many allergic reactions

512. wreak

cause to happen or to occur as a consequence

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513. tenable

based on sound reasoning or evidence

514. inimitable

defying imitation; matchless

515. depredation

an act of plundering and pillaging and marauding

516. amalgamate

to bring or combine together or with something else

517. immutable

not subject or susceptible to change or variation in form or quality or nature

518. proxy

a person authorized to act for another

519. dote

be foolish or senile due to old age

520. reactionary

extremely conservative

521. rationalism

(philosophy) the doctrine that knowledge is acquired by reason without resort to experience

522. endue

give qualities or abilities to

523. discriminating

showing or indicating careful judgment and discernment especially in matters of taste

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524. brooch

a decorative pin worn by women

525. pert

characterized by a lightly pert and exuberant quality

526. disembark

go ashore

527. aria

an elaborate song for solo voice

528. trappings

(usually plural) accessory wearing apparel

529. abet

assist or encourage, usually in some wrongdoing

530. clandestine

conducted with or marked by hidden aims or methods

531. distend

become wider

532. glib

marked by lack of intellectual depth

533. pucker

to gather something into small wrinkles or folds

534. rejoinder

a quick reply to a question or remark (especially a witty or critical one)

535. spangle

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adornment consisting of a small piece of shiny material used to decorate clothing

536. blighted

affected by blight; anything that mars or prevents growth or prosperity

537. nicety

conformity with some esthetic standard of correctness or propriety

538. aggrieve

infringe on the rights of

539. vestment

gown (especially ceremonial garments) worn by the clergy

540. urbane

showing a high degree of refinement and the assurance that comes from wide social experience

541. defray

bear the expenses of

542. spectral

of or relating to a spectrum

543. munificent

very generous

544. dictum

an authoritative declaration

545. fad

an interest followed with exaggerated zeal

546. scabbard

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a sheath for a sword or dagger or bayonet

547. adulterate

corrupt, debase, or make impure by adding a foreign or inferior substance; often by replacing valuable ingredients with inferior ones

548. beleaguer

annoy persistently

549. gripe

complain

550. remission

an abatement in intensity or degree (as in the manifestations of a disease)

551. exorbitant

greatly exceeding bounds of reason or moderation

552. invocation

a prayer asking God's help as part of a religious service

553. cajole

influence or urge by gentle urging, caressing, or flattering

554. inclusive

including much or everything; and especially including stated limits

555. interdict

an ecclesiastical censure by the Roman Catholic Church withdrawing certain sacraments and Christian burial from a person or all persons in a particular district

556. abase

cause to feel shame; hurt the pride of

557. obviate

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do away with

558. hurtle

move with or as if with a rushing sound

559. unanimity

everyone being of one mind

560. mettle

the courage to carry on

561. interpolate

estimate the value of

562. surreptitious

marked by quiet and caution and secrecy; taking pains to avoid being observed

563. dissimulate

hide (feelings) from other people

564. ruse

a deceptive maneuver (especially to avoid capture)

565. specious

plausible but false

566. revulsion

intense aversion

567. hale

exhibiting or restored to vigorous good health

568. palliate

lessen or to try to lessen the seriousness or extent of

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569. obtuse

of an angle; between 90 and 180 degrees

570. querulous

habitually complaining

571. vagary

an unexpected and inexplicable change in something (in a situation or a person's behavior, etc.)

572. incipient

only partly in existence; imperfectly formed

573. obdurate

stubbornly persistent in wrongdoing

574. grovel

show submission or fear

575. refractory

not responding to treatment

576. dregs

sediment that has settled at the bottom of a liquid

577. ascendancy

the state that exists when one person or group has power over another

578. supercilious

having or showing arrogant superiority to and disdain of those one views as unworthy

579. pundit

someone who has been admitted to membership in a scholarly field

Page 53: Top 1000 Vocabulary Words - Calhoun County School … 1000... · Web viewThe top 1,000 vocabulary words have been carefully chosen to represent difficult but common words that appear

580. commiserate

to feel or express sympathy or compassion

581. alcove

a small recess opening off a larger room

582. assay

an appraisal of the state of affairs

583. parochial

relating to or supported by or located in a parish

584. conjugal

of or relating to marriage or to the relationship between a wife and husband

585. abjure

formally reject or disavow a formerly held belief, usually under pressure

586. frieze

an architectural ornament consisting of a horizontal sculptured band between the architrave and the cornice

587. ornate

marked by elaborate rhetoric and elaborated with decorative details

588. inflammatory

characterized or caused by inflammation

589. machination

a crafty and involved plot to achieve your (usually sinister) ends

590. mendicant

practicing beggary

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591. meander

to move or cause to move in a sinuous, spiral, or circular course

592. bullion

a mass of precious metal

593. diffidence

lack of self-confidence

594. makeshift

done or made using whatever is available

595. husbandry

the practice of cultivating the land or raising stock

596. podium

a platform raised above the surrounding level to give prominence to the person on it

597. dearth

an acute insufficiency

598. granary

a storehouse for threshed grain or animal feed

599. whet

make keen or more acute

600. imposture

pretending to be another person

601. diadem

an ornamental jeweled headdress signifying sovereignty

602. fallow

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left unplowed and unseeded during a growing season

603. hubbub

loud confused noise from many sources

604. dispassionate

unaffected by strong emotion or prejudice

605. harrowing

extremely painful

606. askance

with suspicion or disapproval

607. lancet

an acutely pointed Gothic arch, like a lance

608. rankle

gnaw into; make resentful or angry

609. ramify

have or develop complicating consequences

610. gainsay

take exception to

611. polity

the form of government of a social organization

612. credence

the mental attitude that something is believable and should be accepted as true

613. indemnify

secure against future loss, damage, or liability; give security for

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614. ingratiate

gain favor with somebody by deliberate efforts

615. declivity

a downward slope or bend

616. importunate

expressing earnest entreaty

617. passe

out of fashion

618. whittle

cut small bits or pare shavings from

619. repine

express discontent

620. flay

strip the skin off

621. larder

a supply of food especially for a household

622. threadbare

repeated too often; overfamiliar through overuse

623. grisly

shockingly repellent; inspiring horror

624. untoward

not in keeping with accepted standards of what is right or proper in polite society

625. idiosyncrasy

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a behavioral attribute that is distinctive and peculiar to an individual

626. quip

a witty saying

627. blatant

without any attempt at concealment; completely obvious

628. stanch

stop the flow of a liquid

629. incongruity

the quality of disagreeing; being unsuitable and inappropriate

630. perfidious

tending to betray; especially having a treacherous character as attributed to the Carthaginians by the Romans

631. platitude

a trite or obvious remark

632. revelry

unrestrained merrymaking

633. delve

turn up, loosen, or remove earth

634. extenuate

lessen or to try to lessen the seriousness or extent of

635. polemic

a writer who argues in opposition to others (especially in theology)

636. enrapture

hold spellbound

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637. virtuoso

someone who is dazzlingly skilled in any field

638. glower

look at with a fixed gaze

639. mundane

found in the ordinary course of events

640. fatuous

devoid of intelligence

641. incorrigible

impervious to correction by punishment

642. postulate

maintain or assert

643. gist

the central meaning or theme of a speech or literary work

644. vociferous

conspicuously and offensively loud; given to vehement outcry

645. purvey

supply with provisions

646. baleful

deadly or sinister

647. gibe

an aggressive remark directed at a person like a missile and intended to have a telling effect

648. dyspeptic

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suffering from dyspepsia

649. prude

a person excessively concerned about propriety and decorum

650. luminary

a celebrity who is an inspiration to others

651. amenable

disposed or willing to comply

652. willful

done by design

653. overbearing

expecting unquestioning obedience

654. dais

a platform raised above the surrounding level to give prominence to the person on it

655. automate

make automatic or control or operate automatically

656. enervate

weaken mentally or morally

657. wheedle

influence or urge by gentle urging, caressing, or flattering

658. gusto

vigorous and enthusiastic enjoyment

659. bouillon

a clear seasoned broth

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660. omniscient

infinitely wise

661. apostate

a disloyal person who betrays or deserts his cause or religion or political party or friend etc.

662. carrion

the dead and rotting body of an animal; unfit for human food

663. emolument

compensation received by virtue of holding an office or having employment (usually in the form of wages or fees)

664. ungainly

lacking grace in movement or posture

665. impiety

unrighteousness by virtue of lacking respect for a god

666. decadence

the state of being degenerate in mental or moral qualities

667. homily

a sermon on a moral or religious topic

668. avocation

an auxiliary activity

669. circumvent

surround so as to force to give up

670. syllogism

deductive reasoning in which a conclusion is derived from two premises

Page 61: Top 1000 Vocabulary Words - Calhoun County School … 1000... · Web viewThe top 1,000 vocabulary words have been carefully chosen to represent difficult but common words that appear

671. collation

a light informal meal

672. haggle

wrangle (over a price, terms of an agreement, etc.)

673. waylay

wait in hiding to attack

674. savant

someone who has been admitted to membership in a scholarly field

675. cohort

a company of companions or supporters

676. unction

excessive but superficial compliments given with affected charm

677. adjure

ask for or request earnestly

678. acrimony

a rough and bitter manner

679. clarion

a medieval brass instrument with a clear shrill tone

680. turbid

(of liquids) clouded as with sediment

681. cupidity

extreme greed for material wealth

682. disaffected

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discontented as toward authority

683. preternatural

surpassing the ordinary or normal

684. eschew

avoid and stay away from deliberately; stay clear of

685. expatiate

add details, as to an account or idea; clarify the meaning of and discourse in a learned way, usually in writing

686. didactic

instructive (especially excessively)

687. sinuous

curved or curving in and out

688. rancor

a feeling of deep and bitter anger and ill-will

689. puissant

powerful

690. homespun

of textiles; having a rough surface

691. embroil

force into some kind of situation, condition, or course of action

692. pathological

of or relating to the practice of pathology

693. resonant

characterized by resonance

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694. libretto

the words of an opera or musical play

695. flail

an implement consisting of handle with a free swinging stick at the end; used in manual threshing

696. bandy

have legs that curve outward at the knees

697. gratis

without payment

698. upshot

a phenomenon that follows and is caused by some previous phenomenon

699. aphorism

a short pithy instructive saying

700. redoubtable

inspiring fear

701. corpulent

excessively fat

702. benighted

overtaken by night or darkness

703. sententious

abounding in or given to pompous or aphoristic moralizing

704. cabal

a clique (often secret) that seeks power usually through intrigue

705. paraphernalia

Page 64: Top 1000 Vocabulary Words - Calhoun County School … 1000... · Web viewThe top 1,000 vocabulary words have been carefully chosen to represent difficult but common words that appear

equipment consisting of miscellaneous articles needed for a particular operation or sport etc.

706. vitiate

corrupt morally or by intemperance or sensuality

707. adulation

servile flattery; exaggerated and hypocritical praise

708. quaff

to swallow hurriedly or greedily or in one draught

709. unassuming

not arrogant or presuming

710. libertine

a dissolute person; usually a man who is morally unrestrained

711. maul

split (wood) with a maul and wedges

712. adage

a condensed but memorable saying embodying some important fact of experience that is taken as true by many people

713. expostulation

the act of expressing earnest opposition or protest

714. tawdry

tastelessly showy

715. trite

repeated too often; overfamiliar through overuse

716. hireling

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a person who works only for money

717. ensconce

fix firmly

718. egregious

conspicuously and outrageously bad or reprehensible

719. cogent

powerfully persuasive

720. incisive

having or demonstrating ability to recognize or draw fine distinctions

721. errant

straying from the right course or from accepted standards

722. sedulous

marked by care and persistent effort

723. incandescent

emitting light as a result of being heated

724. derelict

worn and broken down by hard use

725. entomology

the branch of zoology that studies insects

726. execrable

of very poor quality or condition

727. sluice

conduit that carries a rapid flow of water controlled by a sluicegate

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728. moot

of no legal significance (as having been previously decided)

729. evanescent

tending to vanish like vapor

730. vat

a large open vessel for holding or storing liquids

731. dapper

marked by up-to-dateness in dress and manners

732. asperity

something hard to endure

733. flair

a natural talent

734. mote

(nontechnical usage) a tiny piece of anything

735. circumspect

heedful of potential consequences

736. inimical

not friendly

737. apropos

at an opportune time

738. gruel

a thin porridge (usually oatmeal or cornmeal)

739. gentility

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elegance by virtue of fineness of manner and expression

740. disapprobation

an expression of strong disapproval; pronouncing as wrong or morally culpable

741. cameo

engraving or carving in low relief on a stone (as in a brooch or ring)

742. gouge

an impression in a surface (as made by a blow)

743. oratorio

a musical composition for voices and orchestra based on a religious text

744. inclement

(of weather or climate) severe

745. scintilla

a tiny or scarcely detectable amount

746. confluence

a place where things merge or flow together (especially rivers)

747. squalor

sordid dirtiness

748. stricture

abnormal narrowing of a bodily canal or passageway

749. emblazon

decorate with colors

750. augury

an event that is experienced as indicating important things to come

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751. abut

lie adjacent to another or share a boundary

752. banal

repeated too often; overfamiliar through overuse

753. congeal

become gelatinous

754. pilfer

make off with belongings of others

755. malcontent

a person who is discontented or disgusted

756. sublimate

direct energy or urges into useful activities

757. eugenic

pertaining to or causing improvement in the offspring produced

758. lineament

a characteristic property that defines the apparent individual nature of something

759. firebrand

a piece of wood that has been burned or is burning

760. fiasco

a sudden and violent collapse

761. foolhardy

marked by defiant disregard for danger or consequences

762. retrench

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tighten one's belt; use resources carefully

763. ulterior

lying beyond what is openly revealed or avowed (especially being kept in the background or deliberately concealed)

764. equable

not varying

765. inured

made tough by habitual exposure

766. invidious

containing or implying a slight or showing prejudice

767. unmitigated

not diminished or moderated in intensity or severity; sometimes used as an intensifier

768. concomitant

following or accompanying as a consequence

769. cozen

be false to; be dishonest with

770. phlegmatic

showing little emotion

771. dormer

a gabled extension built out from a sloping roof to accommodate a vertical window

772. pontifical

proceeding from or ordered by or subject to a pope or the papacy regarded as the successor of the Apostles

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773. disport

occupy in an agreeable, entertaining or pleasant fashion

774. apologist

a person who argues to defend or justify some policy or institution

775. abeyance

temporary cessation or suspension

776. enclave

an enclosed territory that is culturally distinct from the foreign territory that surrounds it

777. improvident

not provident; not providing for the future

778. disquisition

an elaborate analytical or explanatory essay or discussion

779. categorical

relating to or included in a category or categories

780. placate

cause to be more favorably inclined; gain the good will of

781. redolent

serving to bring to mind

782. felicitous

exhibiting an agreeably appropriate manner or style

783. gusty

blowing in puffs or short intermittent blasts

784. natty

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marked by up-to-dateness in dress and manners

785. pacifist

someone opposed to violence as a means of settling disputes

786. buxom

(of a woman's body) having a large bosom and pleasing curves

787. heyday

the period of greatest prosperity or productivity

788. herculean

displaying superhuman strength or power

789. burgeon

grow and flourish

790. crone

an ugly evil-looking old woman

791. prognosticate

make a prediction about; tell in advance

792. lout

an awkward stupid person

793. simper

smile affectedly or derisively

794. iniquitous

characterized by iniquity; wicked because it is believed to be a sin

795. rile

cause annoyance in; disturb, especially by minor irritations

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796. sentient

endowed with feeling and unstructured consciousness

797. garish

tastelessly showy

798. readjustment

the act of adjusting again (to changed circumstances)

799. erstwhile

belonging to some prior time

800. aquiline

curved down like an eagle's beak

801. bilious

relating to or containing bile

802. vilify

spread negative information about

803. nuance

a subtle difference in meaning or opinion or attitude

804. gawk

look with amazement; look stupidly

805. refectory

a communal dining-hall (usually in a monastery)

806. palatial

relating to or being a palace

807. mincing

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affectedly dainty or refined

808. trenchant

having keenness and forcefulness and penetration in thought, expression, or intellect

809. emboss

raise in a relief

810. proletarian

belonging to or characteristic of the proletariat

811. careen

walk as if unable to control one's movements

812. debacle

a sudden and violent collapse

813. sycophant

a person who tries to please someone in order to gain a personal advantage

814. crabbed

annoyed and irritable

815. archetype

something that serves as a model or a basis for making copies

816. cryptic

of an obscure nature

817. penchant

a strong liking

818. bauble

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a mock scepter carried by a court jester

819. mountebank

a flamboyant deceiver; one who attracts customers with tricks or jokes

820. fawning

attempting to win favor from influential people by flattery

821. hummock

a small natural hill

822. apotheosis

model of excellence or perfection of a kind; one having no equal

823. discretionary

having or using the ability to act or decide according to your own discretion or judgment

824. pithy

concise and full of meaning

825. comport

behave well or properly

826. checkered

patterned with alternating squares of color

827. ambrosia

a mixture of nectar and pollen prepared by worker bees and fed to larvae

828. factious

dissenting (especially dissenting with the majority opinion)

829. disgorge

cause or allow (a solid substance) to flow or run out or over

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830. filch

make off with belongings of others

831. wraith

a mental representation of some haunting experience

832. demonstrable

necessarily or demonstrably true

833. pertinacious

stubbornly unyielding

834. emend

make improvements or corrections to

835. laggard

someone who takes more time than necessary; someone who lags behind

836. waffle

pause or hold back in uncertainty or unwillingness

837. loquacious

full of trivial conversation

838. venial

warranting only temporal punishment

839. peon

a laborer who is obliged to do menial work

840. effulgence

the quality of being bright and sending out rays of light

841. lode

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a deposit of valuable ore occurring within definite boundaries separating it from surrounding rocks

842. fanfare

a gaudy outward display

843. dilettante

an amateur who engages in an activity without serious intentions and who pretends to have knowledge

844. pusillanimous

lacking in courage and manly strength and resolution; contemptibly fearful

845. ingrained

(used especially of ideas or principles) deeply rooted; firmly fixed or held

846. quagmire

a soft wet area of low-lying land that sinks underfoot

847. reprobation

rejection by God; the state of being condemned to eternal misery in Hell

848. mannered

having unnatural mannerisms

849. squeamish

excessively fastidious and easily disgusted

850. proclivity

a natural inclination

851. miserly

(used of persons or behavior) characterized by or indicative of lack of generosity

852. vapid

Page 77: Top 1000 Vocabulary Words - Calhoun County School … 1000... · Web viewThe top 1,000 vocabulary words have been carefully chosen to represent difficult but common words that appear

lacking taste or flavor or tang

853. mercurial

liable to sudden unpredictable change

854. perspicuous

(of language) transparently clear; easily understandable

855. nonplus

be a mystery or bewildering to

856. enamor

attract; cause to be enamored

857. hackneyed

repeated too often; overfamiliar through overuse

858. spate

(often followed by `of') a large number or amount or extent

859. pedagogue

someone who educates young people

860. acme

the highest level or degree attainable; the highest stage of development

861. masticate

grind and knead

862. sinecure

a benefice to which no spiritual or pastoral duties are attached

863. indite

produce a literary work

Page 78: Top 1000 Vocabulary Words - Calhoun County School … 1000... · Web viewThe top 1,000 vocabulary words have been carefully chosen to represent difficult but common words that appear

864. emetic

a medicine that induces nausea and vomiting

865. temporize

draw out a discussion or process in order to gain time

866. unimpeachable

beyond doubt or reproach

867. genesis

a coming into being

868. mordant

harshly ironic or sinister

869. smattering

a small number or amount

870. suavity

the quality of being bland and gracious or ingratiating in manner

871. stentorian

used of the voice

872. junket

dessert made of sweetened milk coagulated with rennet

873. appurtenance

equipment consisting of miscellaneous articles needed for a particular operation or sport etc.

874. nostrum

hypothetical remedy for all ills or diseases; once sought by the alchemists

875. immure

Page 79: Top 1000 Vocabulary Words - Calhoun County School … 1000... · Web viewThe top 1,000 vocabulary words have been carefully chosen to represent difficult but common words that appear

lock up or confine, in or as in a jail

876. astringent

sour or bitter in taste

877. unfaltering

marked by firm determination or resolution; not shakable

878. tutelage

teaching pupils individually (usually by a tutor hired privately)

879. testator

a person who makes a will

880. elysian

relating to the Elysian Fields

881. fulminate

criticize severely

882. fractious

stubbornly resistant to authority or control

883. pummel

strike, usually with the fist

884. manumit

free from slavery or servitude

885. unexceptionable

completely acceptable; not open to exception or reproach

886. triumvirate

a group of three men responsible for public administration or civil authority

Page 80: Top 1000 Vocabulary Words - Calhoun County School … 1000... · Web viewThe top 1,000 vocabulary words have been carefully chosen to represent difficult but common words that appear

887. sybarite

a person addicted to luxury and pleasures of the senses

888. jibe

an aggressive remark directed at a person like a missile and intended to have a telling effect

889. magisterial

of or relating to a magistrate

890. roseate

of something having a dusty purplish pink color

891. obloquy

state of disgrace resulting from public abuse

892. hoodwink

influence by slyness

893. striate

marked with stria or striations

894. arrogate

demand as being one's due or property; assert one's right or title to

895. rarefied

having low density

896. chary

characterized by great caution and wariness

897. credo

any system of principles or beliefs

898. superannuated

Page 81: Top 1000 Vocabulary Words - Calhoun County School … 1000... · Web viewThe top 1,000 vocabulary words have been carefully chosen to represent difficult but common words that appear

too old to be useful

899. impolitic

not politic

900. aspersion

a disparaging remark

901. abysmal

very great; limitless

902. poignancy

a state of deeply felt distress or sorrow

903. stilted

artificially formal

904. effete

marked by excessive self-indulgence and moral decay

905. provender

food for domestic livestock

906. endemic

of or relating to a disease (or anything resembling a disease) constantly present to greater or lesser extent in a particular locality

907. jocund

full of or showing high-spirited merriment

908. procedural

of or relating to procedure

909. rakish

marked by up-to-dateness in dress and manners

Page 82: Top 1000 Vocabulary Words - Calhoun County School … 1000... · Web viewThe top 1,000 vocabulary words have been carefully chosen to represent difficult but common words that appear

910. skittish

unpredictably excitable (especially of horses)

911. peroration

a flowery and highly rhetorical oration

912. nonentity

the state of not existing

913. abstemious

sparing in consumption of especially food and drink

914. viscid

having the sticky properties of an adhesive

915. doggerel

a comic verse of irregular measure

916. sleight

adroitness in using the hands

917. rubric

an authoritative rule of conduct or procedure

918. plenitude

a full supply

919. rebus

a puzzle where you decode a message consisting of pictures representing syllables and words

920. wizened

lean and wrinkled by shrinkage as from age or illness

921. whorl

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a round shape formed by a series of concentric circles (as formed by leaves or flower petals)

922. fracas

noisy quarrel

923. iconoclast

a destroyer of images used in religious worship

924. saturnine

bitter or scornful

925. madrigal

an unaccompanied partsong for 2 or 3 voices; follows a strict poetic form

926. discursive

proceeding to a conclusion by reason or argument rather than intuition

927. zealot

a fervent and even militant proponent of something

928. moribund

not growing or changing; without force or vitality

929. modicum

a small or moderate or token amount

930. connotation

what you must know in order to determine the reference of an expression

931. adventitious

associated by chance and not an integral part

932. recondite

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difficult to penetrate; incomprehensible to one of ordinary understanding or knowledge

933. zephyr

a slight wind (usually refreshing)

934. countermand

cancel officially

935. captious

tending to find and call attention to faults

936. cognate

related in nature

937. forebear

a person from whom you are descended

938. cadaverous

very thin especially from disease or hunger or cold

939. foist

to force onto another

940. dotage

mental infirmity as a consequence of old age; sometimes shown by foolish infatuations

941. nexus

the means of connection between things linked in series

942. choleric

easily moved to anger

943. garble

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make false by mutilation or addition; as of a message or story

944. bucolic

(used with regard to idealized country life) idyllically rustic

945. denouement

the outcome of a complex sequence of events

946. animus

a feeling of ill will arousing active hostility

947. overweening

unrestrained, especially with regard to feelings

948. tyro

someone new to a field or activity

949. preen

clean with one's bill

950. largesse

a gift or money given (as for service or out of benevolence); usually given ostentatiously

951. retentive

good at remembering

952. unconscionable

lacking a conscience

953. badinage

frivolous banter

954. insensate

devoid of feeling and consciousness and animation

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955. sherbet

a frozen dessert made primarily of fruit juice and sugar, but also containing milk or egg-white or gelatin

956. beatific

experiencing or bestowing celestial joy

957. bemuse

cause to be confused emotionally

958. microcosm

a miniature model of something

959. factitious

not produced by natural forces

960. gestate

have the idea for

961. traduce

speak unfavorably about

962. sextant

a unit of angular distance equal to 60 degrees

963. coiffure

the arrangement of the hair (especially a woman's hair)

964. malleable

easily influenced

965. rococo

having excessive asymmetrical ornamentation

966. fructify

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become productive or fruitful

967. nihilist

someone who rejects all theories of morality or religious belief

968. ellipsis

omission or suppression of parts of words or sentences

969. accolade

a tangible symbol signifying approval or distinction

970. codicil

a supplement to a will; a testamentary instrument intended to alter an already executed will

971. roil

be agitated

972. grandiloquent

lofty in style

973. inconsequential

lacking worth or importance

974. effervescence

the process of bubbling as gas escapes

975. stultify

prove to be of unsound mind or demonstrate someone's incompetence

976. tureen

large deep serving dish with a cover; for serving soups and stews

977. pellucid

transmitting light; able to be seen through with clarity

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978. euphony

any agreeable (pleasing and harmonious) sounds

979. apocryphal

being of questionable authenticity

980. veracious

habitually speaking the truth

981. pendulous

having branches or flower heads that bend downward

982. exegesis

an explanation or critical interpretation (especially of the Bible)

983. effluvium

a foul-smelling outflow or vapor (especially a gaseous waste)

984. apposite

being of striking appropriateness and pertinence

985. viscous

having a relatively high resistance to flow

986. misanthrope

someone who dislikes people in general

987. vintner

someone who sells wine

988. halcyon

idyllically calm and peaceful; suggesting happy tranquillity

989. anthropomorphic

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suggesting human characteristics for animals or inanimate things

990. turgid

ostentatiously lofty in style

991. malaise

physical discomfort (as mild sickness or depression)

992. polemical

of or involving dispute or controversy

993. gadfly

a persistently annoying person

994. atavism

a reappearance of an earlier characteristic

995. contusion

an injury that doesn't break the skin but results in some discoloration

996. parsimonious

excessively unwilling to spend

997. dulcet

extremely pleasant in a gentle way

998. reprise

repeat an earlier theme of a composition

999. anodyne

capable of relieving pain

1000. bemused

deeply absorbed in thought

Page 90: Top 1000 Vocabulary Words - Calhoun County School … 1000... · Web viewThe top 1,000 vocabulary words have been carefully chosen to represent difficult but common words that appear

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