A

abash [ uh'-BASH ]
[transitive verb] MEANING : to disconcert, embarrass or make queasy USAGE EXAMPLE 1: I moved on, abashed, angry, and confused. Telegraph, Auld acquaintance or a new con trick? , By Michael Simkins , 02 Jan 2009

abate [ uh'-BEYT ]
[intransitive verb,transitive verb] MEANING : 1. (tr.v.) to decrease, lessen or diminish 2. (tr.v.) to end, nullify or terminate 3. (intr.v.) to decrease or reduce in intensity 4. (intr.v.) to become void USAGE EXAMPLE 1: The tide abated and the people stuck on the cove were rescued. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: Traffic was flowing freely after the rush hour traffic had abated. CNN, How to combat drowsy driving, by Craig Howie, October 29, 2008.

abattoir [ AB-uh'-twahr, ab-uh'-TWAHR ]

[noun] MEANING : slaughterhouse USAGE EXAMPLE 1: The abattoir was a fearsome place for the children of York. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: Workers at an abattoir on Anglesey were among the first in Wales to feel the impact of the ban. BBC, Abattoir lay-offs after outbreak, 6 August 2007.

abdicate [ AB-di-keyt ]
[intransitive verb,transitive verb] MEANING : 1. (intr.v.) to resign, relinquish or renounce one's responsibility, office, power or authority 2. (tr.v.) to renounce, surrender or give up one's authority and power USAGE EXAMPLE 1: King Jigme Singye Wangchuck made a historic announcement two weeks ago to abdicate the throne and hand over power to the crown prince who would then become only a constitutional monarch. The Times of India, Bhutans 'uncertain future' in democracy, 30 Dec 2005.

abet [ uh'-BET ]
[verb] MEANING :

To assist, encourage or support an activity or plan esp. some wrongdoing USAGE EXAMPLE 1: We believe it is crucial to have an open discussion about whether it is legitimate to aid and abet criminal activities and the theft of data certainly qualifies as a criminal activity by using substantial public resources to purchase stolen goods from a thief. The Financial Times,Tax claims against this state are out of place, Otmar Hasler, February 19 2008

abeyance [ uh'-BEY-uh'ns ]
[noun] MEANING : 1. suspension, cessation or postponement 2. (Law) a condition or state where ownership of an estate isn't established or determined USAGE EXAMPLE 1: With Saturday's crucial match looming, both sides have put the dispute in abeyance for 48 hours. Telegraph, Wasps' players in contract stand-off, by Brendan Gallagher, 19 Dec 2008.

abhor [ ab-HAWR ]
[transitive verb] MEANING : to loathe, detest, abominate or hate USAGE EXAMPLE 1: There are little bands of pilgrims who not only abhor violence but form organisations like Dignity Foundation, join PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals), learn karate for self-defence and lock doors with a double bolt at night. The Times of India, Are we insensitive to violence on the streets?, 25 Aug 2002.

abject [ AB-jekt, ab-JEKT ]

[adjective] MEANING : 1. sunk low in status or condition 2. shamelessly servile; contemptible 3. being of the most hopeless or miserable kind USAGE EXAMPLE 1: An independent investigation confirmed what most already knew - 10 years of chronic underfunding had left the Vale hospital in a state of abject misery. BBC, Death on the wards, By Samantha Poling, 19 November 2008 USAGE EXAMPLE 2: The abject misery of his life was often depicted in his paintings.

abjure [ ab-joo'r, -JUR ]

[transitive verb] MEANING : 1. to renounce, give up, repudiate or forswear 2. to shun, avoid or abstain from 3. to reject, recant or retract esp. under oath USAGE EXAMPLE 1: Jacob stops shaving, tapes the 10 Commandments to his wrists, abjures shellfish and tries to think of some way he can stone an adulterer without being arrested. Telegraph, Living by the Bible's rules, by Marcus Berkmann, 29 Feb 2008.

ablution [ uh'-BLOO-shuh'n ]

[noun] MEANING : A washing or cleansing of the body, especially for religious reasons USAGE EXAMPLE 1: In the Sikh holy city of Amritsar, where thousands of devotees gathered to celebrate the birthday of one of the religion's most important gurus, there was not enough water available for the preprayer ablutions. CNN, Workers aim to restore power after massive India blackout, January 3, 2001

abnegate [ AB-ni-geyt ]
[transitive verb] MEANING : 1) To renounce or deny oneself 2) To give up or surrender USAGE EXAMPLE 1: The ATP and the WTA are too gutless to do anything about it, and the umpires almost totally abnegate any responsibility for enforcement. Guardian, Sharapova wins in variety show but slips on banana, Steve Bierley,September 11, 2006

abnegation [ AB-ni-gey-shuh'n ]
[noun] MEANING : 1. (n) self denial in favour of the interests of others 2.the denial and rejection of a doctrine or belief; "abnegation of the Holy Trinity" USAGE EXAMPLE 1: First-half goals from Danny Invincibile and Gary Wales went unanswered and, in an abnegation of responsibility, home manager Valdas Ivanauskas refused to attend the post-match press conference. Telegraph, Novo notches a rare winner for weary Rangers, by Ewing Grahame, 23 Oct 2006.

abominate [ uh'-BOM-uh'-neyt ]
[transitive verb] MEANING : to abhor, detest, hate or loathe USAGE EXAMPLE 1: Her irrational behaviour showed that she abominated people of a different race. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: Jeremy Paxman on the extraordinary achievement of Wilfred Owen, who abominated war yet died a great warrior. Telegraph, Wilfred Owen: The soldiers' poet, by Jeremy Paxman, 03 Nov 2007.

abomination [ uh'-bom-uh'-NEY-shuh'n ]
[noun] MEANING : 1. Abhorrence, detestation or disgust 2. The cause of abhorrence or wickedness USAGE EXAMPLE 1: There was the abomination of rights-abusing countries such as Zimbabwe, Saudi Arabia and Cuba gaining leadership positions on the Human Rights Commission. CNN, Bush should use recess appointment power carefully, Noah S. Leavitt, July 4, 2005

aboriginal [ ab-uh'-RIJ-uh'-nl ]

[noun,adjective] MEANING : 1. (adj.) indigenous or inhabiting or native from the beginning 2. (adj.) relating or pertaining to the aborigines 3. (n.) Aborigine USAGE EXAMPLE 1: The aboriginal residents of the island were feared by the new settlers. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: Aboriginal tribes believe their remains must be returned to their people. BBC, Museum returns Aboriginal skulls, 21 May 2009.

abortive [ uh'-BAWR-tiv ]
[adjective] MEANING : 1. unsuccessful, fruitless or unable to succeed 2. imperfectly formed or developed 3. born prematurely USAGE EXAMPLE 1: Even with this new legislation, there are still costs involved and we do not want to carry out abortive work or needlessly spend money. BBC, Views sought on Stray cycle plan, 5 November 2008

abracadabra [ ab-ruh'-kuh'-DAB-ruh' ]
[noun] MEANING : 1. a magical charm or incantation recited for the purpose of warding off disease or disaster 2. foolish or meaningless talk; gibberish; nonsense USAGE EXAMPLE 1: We hope the international community are finally realising that you can't just say 'Abracadabra' and produce peace out of a hat. Telegraph, Powell heads east to face Arab wrath, By David Wastell in Washington, Tom Gross in Jerusalem and Philip Smucker in Cairo, 20 Jun 2001 USAGE EXAMPLE 2: The word, 'abracadabra' is a favourite among magicians.

abrade [ uh'-BREYD ]
[intransitive verb,transitive verb] MEANING : 1. (tr.v.) to wear away by scrubbing or rubbing 2. (tr.v.) wear down spiritually 3.(intr.v.) to scrape off USAGE EXAMPLE 1: At some point in the history of a bronze statue of Uma dated 1012, the face became abraded by the daily ritual of bathing and anointing, so the temple sent it back to the sculptor's workshop for renewal. Telegraph, Encounters with the divine, by Richard Dorment, 16 Nov 2006.

abrogate [ AB-ruh'-geyt ]
[transitive verb] MEANING : To abolish by formal or official means; annul by an authoritative act; repeal USAGE EXAMPLE 1:

Demanding unilateral changes and threatening to abrogate an agreement that has increased trade and prosperity is nothing more than retreating behind protectionist walls. CNN, McCain speech on relationship between U.S. and Canada, June 27, 2008

abscess [ AB-ses ]
[noun] MEANING : a localized collection of pus surrounded by inflamed tissue which is frequently caused by bacteria USAGE EXAMPLE 1: If untreated, infected lymph nodes may progress to an abscess (pus collection) or spread bacteria to the overlying skin or into the bloodstream. CNN, How serious is a swollen lymph node?, January 19, 2009 USAGE EXAMPLE 2: If the wound is not cleaned in tie, it might result in an abscess.

abscond [ ab-SKOND ]
[intransitive verb] MEANING : to depart quickly in a sudden and secret manner; especially to avoid arrest or legal prosecution USAGE EXAMPLE 1: Police are hunting a prisoner who has absconded from Hollesley Bay open prison in Suffolk. BBC, Latest inmate absconds from jail, 10 December 2007 USAGE EXAMPLE 2: It is difficult to catch criminals who successfuly abscond from a high security prison.

absolve [ ab-ZOLV, -SOLV ]

[transitive verb] MEANING : 1. to acquit, set free or pronounce as free of blame or guilt 2. to forgive, pardon or remit 3. to release from responsibility or duty USAGE EXAMPLE 1: All of which doesn't absolve Yahoo of its failure to notify your fiance of his flight changes. CNN, Spirit is gone -- and so is my money, By Christopher Elliott, December 11, 2008

abstemious [ ab-STEE-mee-uh's ]
[noun] MEANING : 1) Moderate or sparing esp. in eating and drinking 2) Characterised by abstinence USAGE EXAMPLE 1: Until recently you would associate gout with boozing and rich food, but there are plenty of other patients who are quite abstemious. This might be a genetic marker for gout risk. BBC News, Gene 'linked to higher gout risk'

abstinence [ AB-stuh'-nuh'ns ]
[noun] MEANING : 1. voluntary forbearance from any indulgence of appetite, particularly from the use of alcoholic beverages 2. any self-denial, forbearance or self-restraint

USAGE EXAMPLE 1: On each subsequent day, they were instructed to add an additional hour of abstinence and an additional piece of gum. abcNews, Chewing Through a Smoking Habit, By JOHN G. SPANGLER, M.D., Jan. 31, 2009 USAGE EXAMPLE 2: Abstinence is often required to balance the body equilibrium.

abstract [ AB-strakt, ab-STRAKT ]

[noun,adjective,transitive verb] MEANING : 1. (adj.) considered apart from concrete realities, specific objects or actual instances 2. (adj.) depending solely on intrinsic form rather than on narrative content or pictorial representation 3. (n.) a statement summarizing the important points of a text, scientific article, document, speech etc 4. (tr.v.) to take away or remove without permission USAGE EXAMPLE 1: These include famous portraits of Byron, Mary Queen of Scots and Winston Churchill alongside unfamiliar landscapes, abstract works and specially commissioned pieces. Telegraph, BBC to put all 200,000 publicly owned paintings online, By Urmee Khan, Digital and Media Correspondent, 28 Jan 2009 USAGE EXAMPLE 2: Abstract art is often misunderstood as it falls beyond the norms of traditional art.

abstruse [ ab-STROOS ]
[adjective] MEANING : 1. recondite, ambiguous, esoteric or very difficult to understand or comprehend USAGE EXAMPLE 1: The assembly is often engaged in discussing fairly abstruse issues, then suddenly comes alive when a riveting personal testimony is made. The Herald, Riveting personal testimony lends life to assembly, RON FERGUSON, May 23 2007

abut [ uh'-BUHT ]
[intransitive verb,transitive verb] MEANING : 1. (tr.v.) to touch, be adjacent to, end at or border on 2. (tr.v.) to support 3. (intr.v.) to terminate, border or be adjacent to 4. (intr.v.) to lean on so as to get supported USAGE EXAMPLE 1: It will abut eight Albert Street to the annoyance of the occupants. Telegraph, Narrowest house in Britain will be just 9ft wide, By Sarah Knapton, 23 Dec 2008

abysmal [ uh'-BIZ-muh'l ]
[adjective] MEANING : 1.very bad, 2.severe or wretched unfathomable, profound or bottomless USAGE EXAMPLE 1: A leading Aslef official claimed trains travelling through the main line tunnel into Wales had to slow down, signals were worse and tracks were "abysmal". BBC, MPs told Severn Tunnel is 'hole', 25 November 2008

abyss [ uh'-BIS ]
[noun] MEANING : 1. an immeasurably deep chasm, space or cavity 2. the region of evil spirits; hell 3. anything infinite, unfathomable or profound USAGE EXAMPLE 1: Rather than presenting an obstacle, House Republicans intend to use the full force of our ideas to help Democrats produce a better package to help pull the country back from the economic abyss. CNN, Commentary: Big risk in Obama's economic stimulus plan, By Rep. Eric Cantor, January 18, 2009 USAGE EXAMPLE 2: Severely depressed people often have a feeling of being trapped in a deep abyss.

accede [ ak-SEED ]
[transitive verb] MEANING : 1. to concede, assent or approve 2. to assume attain or take up a position or an office USAGE EXAMPLE 1: Even Romania and Bulgaria can be considered relatively successful since they are due to accede to the EU next year. CNN, Children of the revolution, By Paul Sussman for CNN, October 23, 2006

accessory [ ak-SES-uh'-ree ]
[noun,adjective] MEANING : 1. (n.) A subordinate or supplementary item, object or the like used mainly for convenience, attractiveness, safety etc 2. (n.) something that is not essential but desirable that contributes to completeness, convenience, attractiveness 3. (adj.) One who aids or abets a lawbreaker in the commission of a crime but is not present at the time of the crime 4. (adj.) something that is supplementary, secondary or subordinate in function USAGE EXAMPLE 1: Trainers made from recycled bus seat covers and tyres have proved an unusual fashion accessory. BBC, Trainers made from old bus parts, 7 January 2009 USAGE EXAMPLE 2: The mask is kept as an accessory rather than as principal prop.

acclaimed [ uh'-KLEYM ]
[adjective] MEANING : celebrated, acknowledged, renowned or praised USAGE EXAMPLE 1: He was an acclaimed writer who had won many prestigious awards. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: A globally acclaimed folk artist from Northumberland is to be given a prestigious music award. BBC, Folk artist awarded Queen's Medal, 26 January 2009

acclimate [ AK-luh'-meyt, uh'-KLAHY-mit ]

[intransitive verb,transitive verb] MEANING : 1. (tr.v.) to adapt or get accustomed to 2. (intr.v.) to conform, adjust or adapt to USAGE EXAMPLE 1: Michelle Obama is bucking that mind-set in deciding to take time off from her career to focus on getting her children acclimated to life in the White House. CNN, Commentary: Michelle Obama is reinventing the stay-at-home mom, By Jolene Ivey, November 25, 2008

accolade [ AK-uh'-leyd, -lahd; ak-uh'-LEYD, -LAHD ]

[noun,transitive verb] MEANING : 1. (n.) award, honour or special acknowledgement 2. (n.) a ceremonial embrace or a touch with the flat side of a sword on the shoulder that is used to confer knighthood 3. (tr.v.) to honour or shower praises on USAGE EXAMPLE 1: Mr Jones received his accolade at the Evening Herald Gold Star Awards. BBC, Accolade for gas explosion hero, 25 March 2008

accomplice [ uh'-KOM-plis ]
[noun] MEANING : a person who knowingly helps another in wrongdoing, either as a principal or an accessory USAGE EXAMPLE 1: In 1829, George Wilson and an accomplice received death sentences for murder and robbing mail trains. CNN, 11 notable presidential pardons, By Ethan Trex, January 5, 2009 USAGE EXAMPLE 2: An accomplice who is an accessory to murder often receives a lesser sentence than the main accused.

accost [ uh'-KAWST, uh'-KOST ]

[noun,transitive verb] MEANING : 1. (tr.v.) to confront or speak boldly or aggressively to 2. (tr.v.) to solicit for sexual gratification 3. (n.) a greeting USAGE EXAMPLE 1: They accost or harass women who aren't wearing the traditional robe and head scarf known as the hijab. abcNews, Iraqi Women Targeted by Campaign of Violence, By TROY MCMULLEN, Nov. 15, 2007

accouter [ uh'-KOO-ter ]
[transitive verb] MEANING : to equip furnish or outfit esp. with military ammunition USAGE EXAMPLE 1: The property was accoutered with a variety of celebrity paraphernalia. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: One look around neighboring Teton Mountain Lodge and you know that DesLauriers used his

experience as a world ski traveler to accouter the place. CNN, Where Now: Jackson Hole, Wyoming, By Chris Solomon, March 19, 2004

accretion [ uh'-KREE-shuh'n ]
[noun] MEANING : 1. growth or increase in size by gradual external addition 2. slow increase to land by action of natural forces 3. something contributing to this process USAGE EXAMPLE 1: In the core accretion model, planets form little by little, as material slowly congeals within the disc over millions of years. BBC, Water pours on young star system, 30 August 2007.

accrue [ uh'-KROO ]
[intransitive verb,transitive verb] MEANING : 1. (intr.v.) to increase or accumulate as a result or outcome of growth 2. (intr.v.) to become legally enforceable as a claim 3. (intr.v.) to result due to increment 4. (tr.v.) to accumulate or collect over time USAGE EXAMPLE 1: His wealth had accrued as a result of careful investments. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: Employees on long-term sick leave are entitled to take all holiday they have accrued when they return to work, the European Court of Justice has ruled. BBC, Sick leave staff win holiday case, 20 January 2009.

acerbity [ uh'-SUR-bi-tee ]
[noun] MEANING : Harshness of speech, expression or temper USAGE EXAMPLE 1: But ultimately House of Cards is chez Richardson, with his wit, acerbity and slyness making this an ideal political thriller, even for those left cold by politics. BBC, House of cards, Paul Seed, BBC TV, 1990

acidulous [ uh'-SIJ-uh'-luh's ]
[adjective] MEANING : 1. somewhat sour in taste or manner 2. moderately tart or caustic USAGE EXAMPLE 1: The Nose is a blast of acidulous fun, with a superb libretto (Gogol's story), begging for a British staging. Telegraph, London dances to Russia's tunes, Ismene Brown, 14 Jul 2006

acolyte [ AK-uh'-lahyt ]
[noun] MEANING : 1. a devoted follower or attendant of an important person 2. one who assists a member of the clergy in liturgical rites by performing minor functions

USAGE EXAMPLE 1: An acolyte of the historian and political philosopher Michael Oakeshott, Jack Greenleaf (as he was known to all) was Professor of Political Theory and Government at University College, Swansea, from 1967 to 1982. Telegraph, Professor WH Greenleaf, 12 Jun 2008 USAGE EXAMPLE 2: The minister is often accompanied by an entourage of acolytes when he sees to his official duties.

acoustics [ uh'-KOO-stiks ]
[noun] MEANING : 1. the characteristics or quality of a room to reflect sound waves in such a way as to produce distinct learning 2. the branch of physics that deals with the production, control, transmission, reception and effects of sound USAGE EXAMPLE 1: Although considered an architectural masterpiece, the Sydney Opera House has been criticized for poor acoustics in the Concert Hall and a lack of performance and backstage space in the Opera Theater. abcNews, Sydney Opera House Designer Joern Utzon Dies at 90, By JAN M. OLSEN Associated Press Writer, November 29, 2008 USAGE EXAMPLE 2: It was a pleasure to listen to the London Philharmonic Orchestra on aaccount of the superb acoustics of the Opera house

acquiesce [ ak-wee-ES ]
[verb] MEANING : To agree without protest; to consent or comply tacitly USAGE EXAMPLE 1: At times, it is of essence to acquiesce to be able to fight another day.

acquiescent [ ak-wee-ES-uh'nt ]
[adjective] MEANING : willing to consent and carry out the orders or wishes of another without protest USAGE EXAMPLE 1: The changed composition of the House will also mean that Bush will no longer have an acquiescent Congress to work with. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: An acquiescent proletariat is often downtrodden and taken advantage of by the gentry. The Times of India, House Repair, 9 Nov 2006

acrid [ AK-rid ]
[adjective] MEANING : 1. bitterly pungent, irritating or stinging to inhale or taste 2. caustic, bitter or acrimonious USAGE EXAMPLE 1: Another eyewitness David Buik, who was watching the blaze from his offices in Canary Wharf, said the fire was producing acrid smoke. CNN, Olympic site blaze clouds London, November 12, 2007

acrimonious [ ak-ruh'-MOH-nee-uh's ]
[adjective] MEANING : Bitter, caustic, or sharply resentful in language, behaviour or nature USAGE EXAMPLE 1: The prolonged and often acrimonious discussions over Barry's move are still developing on Wednesday. CNN, Goalkeeper Cavalieri on way to Liverpool, July 9, 2008

acronym [ AK-ruh'-nim ]
[noun] MEANING : 1. a word formed from the initial letters or groups of letters of a name in a set phrase or series of words 2. an acrostic USAGE EXAMPLE 1: The initials are the acronym for the movement he leads - Tanora malaGasy Vonona (Young Malagasies Determined). BBC, Madagascar's 'militant mayor', By Jonny Hogg, 3 February 2009 USAGE EXAMPLE 2: Acronyms are often used because they are convenient and easy to remember.

activism [ AK-tuh'-viz-uh'm ]
[noun] MEANING : the use of direct, often confrontational action such as demonstrations or strikes as a means of achieving political or social goals USAGE EXAMPLE 1: Mr Obama, who was elected on a slogan of "change" and whose campaign was built on grassroots activism, will be sworn in as the 44th President of the United States. Telegraph, Barack Obama inauguration: President-Elect invokes spirit of Martin Luther King , By Toby Harnden in Washington, 20 Jan 2009 USAGE EXAMPLE 2: Activism is often the sought after tool of change during times of hardships.

actuarial [ AK-choo-AIR-ee-uh'l ]
[adjective] MEANING : 1. of or relating to the work of an actuary 2. relating to statistical calculations of life expectancy USAGE EXAMPLE 1: Spaniards also know that the social-security system has been saved from actuarial insolvency by the contributions of young immigrants. Economist, A cooler welcome, Nov 6th 2008.

actuate [ AK-choo-eyt ]
[transitive verb] MEANING : 1. to bring about, incite, induce or activate 2. to start or set into action USAGE EXAMPLE 1:

The Radio Authority, which has recently repeated its opposition to religious broadcasting, cannot possibly be actuated by such fears. Telegraph, For heaven's sake, why do they ban Christian radio?, By Boris Johnson, 23 Aug 2001

acuity [ uh'-KYOO-i-tee ]
[noun] MEANING : 1. to be sharp, acute or keen especially of thought or perception 2. acuteness or keenness of vision USAGE EXAMPLE 1: Rees's quick mind and financial acuity made him a handy Treasury and trade minister. Telegraph, Lord Rees, Pugnacious Chief Secretary to the Treasury who drove down public spending in the 1980s, 02 Dec 2008.

acumen [ uh'-KYOO-muh'n, AK-yuh'- ]

[noun] MEANING : accuracy, keenness, discernment or shrewdness USAGE EXAMPLE 1: It got to the point before Christmas where if you didn't make redundancies, people would start questioning your business acumen. BBC, Architect sees public works relief, By Maryam Moshiri, 23 January 2009

ad nauseam [ ad NAW-zee-uh'm, -am ]

[adverb] MEANING : To a sickening or disgusting degree; to the point of nausea USAGE EXAMPLE 1: Through the haze of Bud Light and Stoli, the authentic Russian vodka, the sickening images of the second plane slicing through the World Trade Centre were played ad infinitum and ad nauseam. The Telegraph, Gordonstoun head 'drank to blot it out', By Auslan Cramb, Scottish Correspondent, 9 Sep 2001

ad valorem [ ad vuh'-LAWR-uh'm, -LOHR- ]

[adjective,adverb] MEANING : 1. (adj.) in proportion to the value, used especially of taxes on goods that are fixed at a percentage of the value 2. (adv.) in proportion to the estimated value of the goods taxed USAGE EXAMPLE 1: The specific excise duty, which would be in addition to the existing ad valorem duty of 24 per cent, would come into force with immediate effect. The Times of India, Govt slaps additional duty on fuel guzzling cars, 13 Jun 2008 USAGE EXAMPLE 2: An ad valorem tax is the need of the hour.

adage [ AD-ij ]
[noun] MEANING : a saying often in metaphorical form that speaks of a general truth and that has gained credibility through long use USAGE EXAMPLE 1:

A new national poll appears to validate the adage that time heals all wounds, at least when it comes to two former presidents of the United States. CNN, Views soften on 2 former presidents, CNN poll finds, By Paul Steinhauser , USAGE EXAMPLE 2: Adages often serve as warnings to help prevent repeating past mistakes.

adamant [ AD-uh'-muh'nt, -mant ]

[noun,adjective] MEANING : 1. (adj.) unyielding, stubborn or unrelenting 2. (adj.) inflexible or unshakable 3 (n.) a substance (like a diamond) that is so hard that it is impenetrable or unyielding. USAGE EXAMPLE 1: Mark Thompson, the BBC director-general, remained adamant against the showing the advertisement. abcNews, Religious Leaders Call on BBC to Show Gaza Ad, By JENNIFER QUINN Associated Press Writer, January 25, 2009

addle [ AD-l ]
[adjective,intransitive verb,transitive verb] MEANING : 1. (adj.) rotten, mentally confused 2. (tr.v.) to muddle or confuse 3. (intr.v.) to become confused, to become rotten, as eggs USAGE EXAMPLE 1: Decision should not be made when your mind is addled. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: For those times when your mind is addled, and your center is shaky -- open this little black bag of cures and find your beautiful balance! CNN, Seven ways to restart your day, By Kathryn Matthews, December 24, 2007

adduce [ uh'-DOOS, uh'-DYOOS ]

[transitive verb] MEANING : to offer or cite as a reason, example or proof USAGE EXAMPLE 1: The trial court had discredited the procedure of fingerprinting not on the basis of evidence adduced by the defence but on the basis of some literature the judge concerned had apparently come across during his research. The Times of India, Mattoo case got focus again, Bhadra Sinha, 18 October 2006

adept [ adj. uh'-DEPT; n. AD-ept, uh'-DEPT ]

[adjective] MEANING : highly skilled; very proficient in something requiring skill; expert USAGE EXAMPLE 1: For a man who picked up a tidy international reputation with the instrument, John Wallace is not always adept at blowing his own trumpet. The Herald, Lets blow the trumpet for our artistic jewel, RUTH WISHART, February 20 2008 USAGE EXAMPLE 2: An adept artisan has been hired to restore a priceless Ming dynasty vase.

adipose [ AD-uh'-pohs ]
[noun,adjective] MEANING : 1. (adj.) composed of, or relating to animal fat 2. (n.) the animal fat stored in adipose tissue USAGE EXAMPLE 2: If fat isn't stored in the adipose tissue, it ends up in the liver and muscles. abcNews, Obesity Doesn't Always Equal Diabetes, By Steven Reinberg HealthDay Reporter, Mar. 23 USAGE EXAMPLE 1: The animal fat stored in adipose tissues is often considered unhealthy for consumption.

adjunct [ AJ-uh'ngkt ]
[noun,adjective] MEANING : 1. (n.) an appendage or one that is added as an auxiliary or secondary addition 2. (n.) an assistant, subordinate or a person in a secondary or auxiliary position 3. (n.) a secondary or auxiliary word 4. (adj.) attached, joined or connected in an auxiliary or secondary manner USAGE EXAMPLE 1: Food should be part and parcel of education and not just an adjunct to it BBC, School meals 'task force' created, 11 December 2008.

admonish [ ad-MON-ish ]
[transitive verb] MEANING : 1. to caution, warn or gently reprove 2. to counsel or gently advise against something 3. to remind or urge to fulfil a duty USAGE EXAMPLE 1: Narayana reportedly used to admonish Ravi, an idler and alcoholic. The Times of India, Murderer played the innocent, 23 Jan 2008.

admonitory [ ad-MON-i-tawr-ee, -tohr-ee ]

[adjective] MEANING : expressing a warning USAGE EXAMPLE 1: His admonitory words fell on deaf years. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: The Football Association are to have a quiet, admonitory word with Chelsea about the pursuit of Steven Gerrard while the Liverpool midfielder was away on England duty at Euro 2004. Telegraph, Chelsea warned for overtures, By Henry Winter and Mihir Bose, 01 Jul 2004

adorn [ uh'-DAWRN ]
[transitive verb] MEANING : 1. to beautify, ornament, embellish or add beauty to 2. to decorate or enhance with ornaments USAGE EXAMPLE 1: Her room was adorned with fresh flowers in various colours and settings. USAGE EXAMPLE 2:

Wealthy ancient Romans were the first to adorn their homes and public buildings with coloured marbles. BBC, Roman 'marbles' go on display, By David Willey Rome correspondent, 3 October, 2002

adroit [ uh'-DROIT ]
[adjective] MEANING : 1) Dextrous; agile 2) Skilful; resourceful USAGE EXAMPLE 1: Mr Sullivan become the third Spitzer boss to fall, joining two lawyers, Mr Prince and Mr Cherkasky, both of whom were considerably less adroit at running companies than they were at cosying up to Mr Spitzer. The Economist, Trigger-happy boards, Jun 17th 2008

adulation [ AJ-uh'-ley shuh'n ]

[noun] MEANING : 1. slavish praise, devotion, flattery or applause 2. intense admiration USAGE EXAMPLE 1: As soon as Sachin Tendulkar makes eye contact with one, they will all expect it, and he will be trapped in adulation. Telegraph, Sachin Tendulkar, the gracious god who lifts his people out of pit of despair, by Simon Hughes, 18 Dec 2008.

adulteration [ uh'-duhl-tuh'-REY-shuh'n ]
[noun] MEANING : 1. the process of making something impure by adding something inferior or extraneous or spurious to it 2. one that is impure or adulterated USAGE EXAMPLE 1: Adulteration of food products is a punishable offence. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: The U.S. attorney's office announced Robert Ray Courtney, 48, of Kansas City, and the pharmacy he owns, Research Medical Tower Pharmacy, were each charged with eight counts of tampering with consumer products, six counts of adulteration of a drug and six counts of misbranding of a drug. CNN, Pharmacist faces 20 counts of drug tampering, By Terry Frieden CNN Washington Bureau, August 24, 2001

adumbrate [ a-DUHM-breyt, AD-uh'm-breyt ]

[transitive verb] MEANING : 1. to sketch, partially disclose or outline 2. to foreshadow or intimate 3. to overshadow or obscure USAGE EXAMPLE 1: The detective adumbrated the life of the serial killer. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: Paul says "I hope that technology has cut the TV correspondent's working day a bit by 2207 - in fact if you bear in mind that the way we work adumbrates the way most people will work in future,

with work seeping into life and life into work, the whole concept of work hours will break down." BBC, My One Day In History - 0600-2359, by Paul Mason, 17 Oct 06.

advent [ AD-vent ]
[noun] MEANING : 1. the arrival or coming 2. the period before Christmas, that includes four Sundays preceding it, which is considered by Christians as a time to pray and fast 3. the coming or birth of Jesus Christ at the Incarnation USAGE EXAMPLE 1: In all the days of advent until Christmas day and from then on until 12th night - the season wherein his birth is celebrated - I have been giving him, and will yet give him, much thought. says Clive James BBC, Lest we forget, Jesus the man, 26 December 2008.

adventitious [ ad-vuh' n-TISH-uh' s ]

[adjective] MEANING : 1. accidental, extrinsic or not inherent 2. appearing or developing in unusual places USAGE EXAMPLE 1: These varieties prefer limey soil, and they have tiny, clinging (or adventitious) roots. Telegraph, Ivy league, Val Bourne, 03 Dec 2004

adversary [ AD-ver-ser-ee ]
[noun] MEANING : a person or group that is an opponent or enemy in a contest USAGE EXAMPLE 1: He reportedly views his Israeli counterpart with suspicion, seeing him still as a military adversary rather than a negotiating partner. BBC, Adversaries fail to bond, By Richard Miron in Jerusalem, 18 July, 2000 USAGE EXAMPLE 2: Past adversaries can be future friends to serve mutual commitments.

aegis [ EE-jis ]
[noun] MEANING : 1) protection; support: under the imperial aegis 2) Classical Mythology. the shield or breastplate of Zeus or Athena, bearing at its centre the head of the Gorgon. USAGE EXAMPLE 1: Kirsti Paakkanen, a stalwart of Finland's advertising world, was persuaded out of retirement to buy Marimekko from Amer for a song and under her aegis the company prospered, tapping new export markets. The Independent, How to dress like Jackie O, Susie Mesure, 23 March 2008

aeon [ EE-uh'n, EE-on ]

[noun] MEANING : 1. an indefinitely or immeasurably long period of time; an age 2. the longest division of geological time, containing to or more eras

USAGE EXAMPLE 1: He was the astronaut in the original Planet of the Apes (1968) who discovers that the gorilladominated world in which he has landed is actually Earth aeons after a nuclear holocaust. Telegraph, Charlton Heston, 07 Apr 2008 USAGE EXAMPLE 2: Mythological stories often span aeons during which the plot thickens and evolves.

aesthetic [ es-THET-ik or, especially Brit., ees- ]

[noun,adjective] MEANING : 1. (adj.) of pleasing in appearance or concerning the appreciation of beauty or good taste 2. (n.) a philosophical theory or idea that serves as a guiding principle in matters of artistic beauty and taste; artistic sensibility USAGE EXAMPLE 1: Architects will be sharpening their pencils in anticipation of the aesthetic possibilities. CNN, A light bulb moment, By Matthew Knight for CNN, December 15, 2007 USAGE EXAMPLE 2: The aesthetic beauty of the pagoda was unmatched.

affable [ AF-uh'-buh' l ]
[adjective] MEANING : Approachable; friendly; pleasant and polite USAGE EXAMPLE 1: The affable host thrives on the adrenaline rush of anything-can-happen live TV and he can handle anything that comes his way. ABC News, Reality Sets in for Seacrest, Bergeron, Others, By ERIN CARLSON, Associated Press Writer, July 18, 2008

affectation [ af-ek-TEY-shuh'n ]
[noun] MEANING : behaviour that is artificial rather than natural; an effort to attract notice by pretence or any assumed peculiarity USAGE EXAMPLE 1: It seems a growing awareness of the damage caused by the sun has helped make an old-fashioned affectation hip again. abcNews, Sun Block: Parasols As Modern Accessory, By SAMANTHA CRITCHELL AP Fashion Writer, April 7, 2008 USAGE EXAMPLE 2: Affectations are often employed by people in social gatherings.

affiliate [ v. uh'-FIL-ee-eyt; n. uh'-FIL-ee-it, -eyt ]

[noun] MEANING : a branch organization or a subsidiary USAGE EXAMPLE 1: Wal-Mart's Japanese affiliate, Seiyu, has reported growing losses and revealed that it may use WalMart branding for new store openings. BBC, Wal-Mart affiliate Seiyu suffers, 18 August 2005 USAGE EXAMPLE 2:

The college in our town is affiliated to the biggest university in the country.

affinity [ uh'-FIN-i-tee ]
[noun] MEANING : 1. a natural attraction to a person, thing, idea etc 2. an inherent likeness or agreement between persons and things 3. relationship by marriage or by other ties USAGE EXAMPLE 1: Obama demonstrates an easy affinity with pop culture that suggests music is actually important to him. Telegraph, Barack Obama had all the best tunes, 06 Nov 2008 USAGE EXAMPLE 2: He had an affinity towards people who shared his love for antique hunting.

affluence [ AF-loo-uh'ns or, often, uh'-FLOO-uh'ns ]

[noun] MEANING : 1. an abundance of money or property 2. a flowing to or towards a point USAGE EXAMPLE 1: The island's relative affluence represents a dramatic turnaround from where things were heading in the early 1990s. National Geographic, Thai Village Trades Illegal Fishers for Ecotourists, Stefan Lovgren in Koh Yao Noi, Thailand, December 19, 2005 USAGE EXAMPLE 2: The general affluence of the elite ensures that their homes are well taken care of.

affray [ uh'-FREY ]
[noun,transitive verb] MEANING : 1. (n.) a public fray, brawl or fight 2. (tr.v.) to scare or frighten USAGE EXAMPLE 1: Police have registered a case under IPC section 160, which refers to affray, a public fight that causes disturbance. The Times of India,Family claims black magic used on them, 12 Jan 2009.

affront [ uh'-FRUHNT ]
[noun,transitive verb] MEANING : 1. (tr.v.) to insult intentionally and openly 2. (n.) an offence to one's dignity USAGE EXAMPLE 1: The judge said Nifong's withholding of DNA evidence from defense attorneys was an affront to the integrity of the judicial system. CNN, Nifong held in criminal contempt by judge, sentenced to day in jail USAGE EXAMPLE 2: It does not take much to be affronted by the vicious gossip that is being spread around.

aficionado [ uh'-fish-yuh-NAH-doh; Sp. ah-fee-thyaw-NAH-th'aw, ah-fee-syaw- ]

[noun]

MEANING : an enthusiastic admirer of a sport or interest; a fan USAGE EXAMPLE 1: Bayh, a sports aficionado just like his sons, is planning on hitting some tennis balls with them before returning home later today, where he will find the lost bag safe and sound. abcNews, Bayh's Drive-By Gym Bag Drop-Off Incident, August 20, 2008 USAGE EXAMPLE 2: Celebrities are often hounded by aficionados for autographs.

agape [ uh'-GEYP, uh'-GAP ]

[noun,adjective,adverb] MEANING : 1. (n.) love or love feast 2. (adj.) wide open 3. (adv.) in a surprised or open mouthed manner 4.(adj.) open mouthed, surprised USAGE EXAMPLE 1: Every child born is of God and worthy of dignity, respect and agape. Telegraph, Letters: The sacrifices of soldiers deserve greater recognition, 21 Dec 2008.

aggrandize [ uh'-GRAN-dahyz, AG-ruh'n-dahyz ]

[transitive verb] MEANING : 1. to extend, increase or enlarge 2. to make more powerful, great or rich 3. to exaggerate or praise highly USAGE EXAMPLE 1: His purpose in collecting multiples was not just to aggrandize supplies of the most decorative species for sale National Geographic, Alfred Russel Wallace, By David Quammen, December 2008

aggravate [ AG-ruh'-veyt ]
[transitive verb] MEANING : 1. to make matters worse or more troublesome 2. to rouse to anger or exasperation USAGE EXAMPLE 1: Major loss of land and other property would aggravate poverty and hardship in the region. National Geographic, Melting Himalayan Glaciers May Doom Towns, Pallava Bagla, May 7, 2002 USAGE EXAMPLE 2: A thoughtless word or action aggravates a potentially volatile situation.

aggregate [ adj., n. AG-ri-git, -geyt; v. AG-ri-geyt ]

[adjective] MEANING : collection of units or particles into a whole; total USAGE EXAMPLE 1: For a start, as far as aggregate demand is concerned, it will run into a headwind from the public sector. Telegraph, We must prepare for the recovery - whenever it comes, By Roger Bootle, 02 Feb 2009 USAGE EXAMPLE 2: The aggregate number has to be taken into account for the calculation to be correct.

aghast [ uh'-GAST, uh'-GAHST ]

[adjective] MEANING : shocked, amazed, terrified or horrified USAGE EXAMPLE 1: The court was so aghast by the fact that NHAI has seen five chairmen in the past two-and-a-half years that it recommended that a law be enacted to ensure that heads of public enterprises have fixed tenures of 3 to 5 years. The Times of India, Ministry delaying highways: HC, Abhinav Garg & Dipak Kumar Dash, 19 December 2008

agile [ AJ-uh' l, AJ-ahyl ]

[adjective] MEANING : 1. nimble or marked by swift, easy grace 2. acute, sharp or swift mentally USAGE EXAMPLE 1: He was well known for his agile mind and fast reflexes. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: The distinctive swimming technique of a bony fish is being used to develop agile, propellerless submarines. BBC, Robot fins to propel submarines, 31 July 2007

agnostic [ ag-NOS-tik ]
[noun,adjective] MEANING : 1. (n.) a person who believes it is impossible to know whether there is a God 2. (n.) one who is doubtful or noncommittal about ultimate knowledge in some area of study 3. (adj.) pertaining to agnostics 4. (adj.) doubtful and uncertain of all claims to knowledge USAGE EXAMPLE 1: Darwin himself quietly renounced Christianity during his middle age, and later described himself as an agnostic. National Geographic, Was Darwin Wrong?, By David Quammen USAGE EXAMPLE 2: Agnostics form a minor percentage of the world population.

agog [ uh'-GOG ]
[adjective,adverb] MEANING : 1. (adj.) highly excited or eager 2. (adv.) in a state of keen desire; excitedly USAGE EXAMPLE 1: Winehouse had not walked the red carpet at the start of the evening and journalists were later agog as the singer, wearing a denim pinafore, walked up to collect her prize. BBC, MTV awards feel Winehouse effect, By Emma Jones, 2 November 2007 USAGE EXAMPLE 2: His agog chatter soon became annoying.

agoraphobia [ ag-er-uh'-FOH-bee-uh' ]
[noun]

MEANING : an abnormal fear of crowds, public places or open areas USAGE EXAMPLE 1: It has the potential to be useful for people whose first language is not English and it's good for particular things such as agoraphobia. BBC, Can online therapy ease depression?, By Emma Wilkinson, 5 April 2007 USAGE EXAMPLE 2: People who suffer from agoraphobia require clinical intervention to live a full life.

aisle [ ahyl ]
[noun] MEANING : 1. a passageway between or along sections of seats in a theater, auditorium, airplane or the like 2. longitudinal divisions in a church USAGE EXAMPLE 1: Their reactions are putting pressure on Congress and benefiting watchdog groups on both sides of the political aisle. CNN, Unhappy voters jam Capitol Hill phone lines, By Lisa Desjardins, February 4, 2009 USAGE EXAMPLE 2: Passengers were outraged to learn that the airline had reduced the width of aisles in long distance airplanes.

akimbo [ uh'-KIM-boh ]
[adjective,adverb] MEANING : (adv.) In a position in which the hands are on the hips and elbows extend outwards (adj.) Placed in a way such that the hands are on the hips and the elbows extend outward USAGE EXAMPLE 1: Sitting in his small house near Mann's compound on the town's outskirts, annu devotedly dips his hands into the mound of clay as he shapes out various postures of Ganesha --standing with hands akimbo, nataraja-style and what not. The Times of India, Creating god is their job, 9 Aug 2001, TNN

alacrity [ uh'-LAK-ri-tee ]
[noun] MEANING : 1. promptness, eagerness or cheerful readiness 2. briskness, celerity or liveliness USAGE EXAMPLE 1: America's long-drawn-out presidential contest, diplomats believe, has given Putin an opportunity he has seized with alacrity. CNN, Putin seeks a role on world stage, By Robin Oakley, European political editor, November 29, 2000

alchemy [ AL-kuh'-mee ]
[noun] MEANING : 1. a medieval chemical science and speculative philosophy having as its aims, transmuting baser metals into gold, the discovery of a universal cure for disease and an elixir of longevity 2. any magical power or process by which a common substance can be transmuted into a substance of great value USAGE EXAMPLE 2:

Obama was elected as a visionary, presenting voters with a somewhat mysterious but winning alchemy of youth, fresh ideas, modernity and the promise of a new era. abcNews, Analysis: Team Obama Preoccupied With Bush, USAGE EXAMPLE 1: The art of alchemy was subtle and often misunderstood.

alcove [ AL-kohv ]
[noun] MEANING : 1. a nook, niche or partly enclosed or recession section of a room 2. a summerhouse USAGE EXAMPLE 1: The wardrobe had been fitted into an alcove. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: The 100-year-old statue of St Methodius had been in an alcove on the outside of Exeter Cathedral. BBC, Vandals target cathedral statue, 21 August 2008

ale [ eyl ]
[noun] MEANING : 1. a beverage like beer that is made by fermenting malt and hops with yeast 2. an English country festival where ale is served as the primary beverage USAGE EXAMPLE 1: He preferred ale to beer. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: According to TNS, a market-research firm, the volume of real-ale sales has grown by 3% over the past year, whereas total beer sales were flat. Economist, Live liquid, Aug 14th 2008

alias [ EY-lee-uh' s ]
[noun,adverb] MEANING : 1. (n.) an assumed name used to conceal one's identity 2. (adv.) otherwise known as; also known as USAGE EXAMPLE 1: Disney first flew over central Florida in an airplane chartered under an alias to keep his mission secret. National Geographic, Beyond Disney, By T. D. Allman, March 2007 USAGE EXAMPLE 2: An alias is used by spies to protect their true identity.

alibi [ AL-uh'-bahy ]
[noun] MEANING : 1. A form of defence where a person attempts to prove that he or she was elsewhere when the crime in question was committed 2. explanation given to avoid blame or justify an action; an excuse. USAGE EXAMPLE 1: A lawyer who provided a 'serious criminal' with a false alibi for his High Court trial has been jailed for five years. The Herald, False alibi lawyer jailed for five years

USAGE EXAMPLE 2: An alibi is often of essence while proving one's innocence.

alimony [ AL-uh'-moh-nee ]
[noun] MEANING : 1. money paid to a spouse as support or maintenance the another pending or after divorce as suggested by a court of law 2. maintenance or means of livelihood USAGE EXAMPLE 1: The alimony amounted to a few million dollars. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: Terms of the divorce, including alimony, were not made public, according to Spears' attorney, Laura Wasser. CNN, Police investigated possible threat against Federline, September 18, 2007.

allay [ uh'-LEY ]
[intransitive verb,transitive verb] MEANING : 1. (tr.v.) to end or lay to rest or to make quiet 2. (tr.v.) to relieve, alleviate or mitigate 3. (intr.v.) to subside USAGE EXAMPLE 1: Sheila Bair, chairman of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp., sought to allay those worries Wednesday in an interview with The Associated Press. abcNews, As Banks Teeter Again, Wall St. Looks for Answers, By STEVENSON JACOBS AP Business Writer, January 21, 2009

allege [ uh'-LEJ ]
[transitive verb] MEANING : 1. to assert or declare without any proof 2. to offer or cite as a reason or excuse 3. (archaic) to quote or cite in confirmation as an authority USAGE EXAMPLE 1: Police did not allege a motive. abcNews, Australian Charged With Daughter's Death Plunge, By DENNIS PASSA Associated Press Writer, January 29, 2009

allegiance [ uh'-LEE-juh' ns ]
[noun] MEANING : 1. the obligation of loyalty or fidelity to a vassal, feudal lord, sovereign or country 2. loyalty or devotion to a person or cause USAGE EXAMPLE 1: He promised allegiance to the Nawab. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: School-leavers should be encouraged to swear an oath of allegiance to Queen and country, says a report commissioned by Gordon Brown on British citizenship. BBC, Pupils 'to take allegiance oath', 11 March 2008

allegory [ AL-uh'-gawr-ee, -gohr-ee ]

[noun] MEANING : 1. figurative representation of an abstract idea by means of concrete characters, events or symbols 2. an emblem or symbolic representation USAGE EXAMPLE 1: The environment is merely an allegory for how the U.S. will achieve this revival. CNN, Green pragmatism from Thomas Friedman, By Constance Cheng, December 19, 2008

allergic [ uh'-LUR-jik ]
[adjective] MEANING : 1. having an aversion or dislike to 2. of, characterized by, pertaining to allergy USAGE EXAMPLE 1: Mrs Mitchell, a grandmother, suffered a serious allergic reaction to the bite and within seconds she was gasping for breath and losing consciousness. Telegraph, False widow spider spreading across Britain puts woman in intensive care, By Nigel Bunyan, 28 Jan 2009 USAGE EXAMPLE 2: An allergic reaction should be treated as soon as possible to prevent it turning fatal.

alleviate [ uh'-LEE-vee-eyt ]
[transitive verb] MEANING : to relieve, assuage or mitigate esp. pain USAGE EXAMPLE 1: Headaches are alleviated by painkillers. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: A therapy that boosts the creation of neurons may alleviate some memory problems. CNN, How memories form, fade, and persist over time, By Elizabeth Landau CNN, January 28, 2009

alliteration [ uh'-lit-uh'-REY-shuh' n ]
[noun] MEANING : 1. a repetition of the same sounds or syllables in neighbouring words 2. an instance of two or more neighbouring words in a sentence beginning with the same letter USAGE EXAMPLE 1: That album title is beginning to seem less like a clever piece of alliteration and more like a mission statement. BBC, Pussycats, where have you been?, By Mark Savage, 29 July 2008

alloy [ n. AL-oi, uh'-LOI; v. Uh'-LOI ]

[noun,transitive verb] MEANING : 1. (n.) a mixture or two or more metals that is homogenous in nature 2. (n.) the degree or fineness of gold or silver 3. (tr.v.) to moderate, debase or temper by mixing with something that is inferior 4. (tr.v.) to mix two or more metallic elements and make an alloy USAGE EXAMPLE 1: The alloy was incorrectly perceived to be the strongest metal.

USAGE EXAMPLE 2: The nickel-tungsten alloy can be extremely bright and shiny, and even made to become harder than chrome. Economist, Shine on me, Jun 4th 2009

allude [ uh'-LOOD ]
[transitive verb] MEANING : 1. to refer to indirectly or casually 2. to contain an indirect or casual reference to something USAGE EXAMPLE 1: As in Philadelphia, Obama alluded to, but did not name, the president who inspired his train journey. CNN, Obama to crowds: 'I love you back', January 17, 2009

allusion [ uh'-LOO-zhuh'n ]
[noun] MEANING : 1. of passing or casual reference, an instance of implied or indirect reference 2. the act of alluding or hinting at something USAGE EXAMPLE 1: Love songs predominate, with themes of unrequited love and frequent allusion to the Leyla and Majnoon story being very important. National Geographic, Afghanistan,

aloof [ uh'-LOOF ]
[adjective,adverb] MEANING : 1. (adj.) reticent, reserved, remote or distant 2. (adv.) apart or at a distance USAGE EXAMPLE 1: Her aloof attitude did not make conversation easy. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: Many people think of scientists as an aloof bunch, but get them talking about their subject and you can see their eyes light up. Telegraph, Let's inspire the next generation of scientists, By Maggie Aderin-Pocock, 13 Mar 2009

alter ego [ AWL-ter EE-goh, eg-oh, AL- ]

[noun] MEANING : 1. another aspect of one's self; a second self 2. an inseparable friend or a constant companion USAGE EXAMPLE 1: Batman's alter ego Bruce Wayne has apparently been killed off in the latest issue of the superhero comic. BBC, Comic Batman reaches end of road, 28 November 2008 USAGE EXAMPLE 2: Sydney Sheldon used the concept of alter ego in a few of his novels.

altercation [ awl-ter-KEY-shuh' n ]
[noun] MEANING :

a heated or noisy argument USAGE EXAMPLE 1: Frazer Wright said yesterday he believes his controversial altercation with Shunsuke Nakamura has been made to appear more serious than it actually was. The Herald, Wright: slap was blown out of proportion, MARTIN McMILLAN, October 04 2008 USAGE EXAMPLE 2: An altercation between friends can strain their relationship and lead to distrust.

altruism [ AL-troo-iz-uh' m ]
[noun] MEANING : Unselfish regard or devotion to the welfare of others; selflessness. USAGE EXAMPLE 1: Recent research includes work on gestures and language as well as selfishness versus altruism in chimpanzees. National Geographic, The Thinking Chimp: How to Help, March 2008 USAGE EXAMPLE 2: Altruism may not always be well received.

amalgamate [ uh'-MAL-guh'-meyt ]
[intransitive verb,transitive verb] MEANING : 1. (tr.v.) to mix, combine or blend together 2. (tr.v.) to mix with mercury 3. (intr.v.) to coalesce, merge or unite USAGE EXAMPLE 1: All data has to be amalgamated then studied to reach a valid conclusion. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: The Australian institute has just completed an atlas of sea temperatures over the past decade and amalgamated it with historical data to show 2002 was the warmest year for water temperatures off northeast Australia since 1870. CNN, Global warming threat to Barrier Reef, July 25, 2002

ambidextrous [ am-bi-DEK-struh' s ]
[adjective] MEANING : 1) Able to skilfully use both hands 2) Unusually skilful; versatile; adroit 3) Double-dealing; hypocritical or deceitful USAGE EXAMPLE 1: He's also pianistically ambidextrous these days, a big deal for a brilliant artist who lost the use of his right hand in 1965 and only regained it - to a limited degree - about 10 years ago. The Sun, Fleisher celebrates 80 years of music, By Tim Smith, Sun Music Critic, July 20, 2008

ambience [ AM-bee-uh' ns; Fr. ahn*-BYAHN*S ]

[noun] MEANING : atmosphere, feeling or mood associated with a place, person or thing USAGE EXAMPLE 1: A bigger audience, a warmer ambience - Napier University's Sonic Fusion Festival, whatever its earlier shortcomings, ended with a flourish. The Herald, Research Ensemble, Canongate Kirk, Edinburgh, CONRAD WILSON, October 01 2008

USAGE EXAMPLE 2: The ambience of the restaurant is designed to make it more welcoming and cozy.

ambiguous [ am-BIG-yoo-uh' s ]
[adjective] MEANING : 1. open to various interpretations 2. vague, inexplicable or uncertain USAGE EXAMPLE 1: The psychologist showed ambiguous pictures and asked some questions. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: Mozart's lighter instrumental pieces are an ambiguous and varied group of works. The Herald, Scottish Chamber Orchestra, Great Hall, Stirling Castle, ROWENA SMITH, June 10 2008

ambivalence [ am-BIV-uh'-luh' ns ]
[noun] MEANING : simultaneously desire or feel two conflicting emotions at the same time USAGE EXAMPLE 1: Investors' ambivalence about earnings reports gave Wall Street a mixed performance Friday. abcNews, Dow struggles with weak profits, but Google lifts tech, By Stephen Bernard And Tim Paradis, AP Business Writer, USAGE EXAMPLE 2: The ambivalence often experienced by people leads to indecision.

ambivalent [ am-BIV-uh'-luh' nt ]
[adjective] MEANING : exhibiting simultaneous, contradictory emotions, attitudes or feelings USAGE EXAMPLE 1: Her ambivalent reactions confused everyone. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: The Russian president Dmitry Medvedev had given ambivalent indications about his country's intentions at the G8 summit in Japan earlier this week. Telegraph, Zimbabwe: China justifies sanctions veto, By Sebastian Berger in Johannesburg, 12 Jul 2008

ambrosial [ am-BROH-zhuh' l ]
[adjective] MEANING : 1. divine or fit or worthy of the Gods 2. extremely pleasant, delicious or fragrant USAGE EXAMPLE 1: The critics praised the ambrosial food. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: Go and plunge yourself into the calm sea of spiritual solitude, and wash your soul in the nectar of ambrosial meditation. The Times of India, SACRED SPACE: Spiritual Solace, 24 Mar 2005.

ameliorate [ uh'-MEEL-yuh'-reyt, uh'-MEE-lee-uh'- ]

[intransitive verb,transitive verb] MEANING : 1. (tr.v.) to make better; improve 2. (intr.v.) to grow better; meliorate USAGE EXAMPLE 1: American financiers and impersonal global forces are now responsible, in ministerial rhetoric, for the limited effect of measures designed to ameliorate the recession, as well as for causing it in the first place. Economist, Year of judgment, Jan 8th 2009 USAGE EXAMPLE 2: Obama's new road map is specifically structured to help alleviate the critical economic conditions in USA.

amenable [ uh'-MEE-nuh'-buh' l, uh'-MEN-uh'- ]

[adjective] MEANING : 1. responsible, accountable or answerable to a higher authority 2. submissive, willing or ready to yield easily 3. open to criticism or testing USAGE EXAMPLE 1: With unemployment rising, the new Democratic-controlled Congress is expected to be less amenable to new trade agreements than was its predecessor. abcNews, Formerly soaring global trade suddenly comes to a halt, By David J. Lynch, USA TODAY, December 28, 2008

amicable [ AM-i-kuh'-buh' l ]
[adjective] MEANING : characterized by goodwill or friendliness USAGE EXAMPLE 1: President Lee Myung-bak has been at pains to present an amicable face to foreign business since his election. Economist, A game of patience, Jul 31st 2008 USAGE EXAMPLE 2: Amicable relations with one's neighbours are of essence to improve international relations.

amiss [ uh'-MIS ]
[adjective,adverb] MEANING : 1. (adj.) out of order, faulty, improper or imperfect 2. (adv.) wrongly, faultily, imperfectly or in a mistaken manner USAGE EXAMPLE 1: There were ample warnings that something was amiss, a long time before the banks collapsed. BBC, Waking up to reality in Iceland, By Jon Danielsson, 26 January 2009

amity [ AM-i-tee ]
[noun] MEANING : friendship, accord, harmony or peaceful relations esp. between nations or countries USAGE EXAMPLE 1: The issue cited by Sheng and other Chinese officials most dangerous to Sino-American amity is the

Taiwan question. CNN, Is China a threat?, October 27, 2005

amoral [ ey-MAWR-uh' l, a-MAWR-, ey-MOR-, a-MOR- ]

[adjective] MEANING : 1. one who is neither moral nor immoral 2. unaware of, or not caring about right or wrong USAGE EXAMPLE 1: Bishop Nazir-Ali blamed the turmoil in the worlds financial markets on amoral forces and warned that one of the "great disparities" of our age was the gap between rich and poor. Telegraph, Archbishop of Canterbury attacks Western 'greed' in Easter sermon, By Jonathan Petre, Religion Correspondent, 24 Mar 2008 USAGE EXAMPLE 2: His amoral nature made him a good mercenary.

amorous [ AM-er-uh' s ]
[adjective] MEANING : 1. strongly disposed, attracted to or fond of love esp. making love 2. enamored or being in love 3. suggestive of, indicating or expressing love 4. associated with or pertaining to love USAGE EXAMPLE 1: A group that helps hundreds of amorous toads to cross busy roads in the New Forest is appealing for volunteers. BBC, Appeal for toad patrol volunteers, 10 February 2008

amortize [ AM-er-tahyz, uh'-MAWR-tahyz ]

[transitive verb] MEANING : 1. to liquidate or pay on by means of small instalments 2. to gradually write off the value or cost of something USAGE EXAMPLE 2: Avoid overdependence on highly fluctuating seasonal tourism numbers, as well as avoiding heavy investment into equipment that cannot be amortized under global warming scenarios. BBC, The slippery slope of winter sports, by Carmen de Jong, 6 August 2007. USAGE EXAMPLE 1: It is considered the norm amortizing, to successfully pay off a mortgage.

amphibian [ am-FIB-ee-uh' n ]
[noun,adjective] MEANING : 1. (n.) an organism belonging to class Amphibia which consists of cold-blooded vertebrates that can live on land as well as in water 2. (n.) a vehicle which can be used on the land as well as in water 3. (adj.) pertaining to or an organism of class Amphibia USAGE EXAMPLE 1: A team of Indian and UK based zoologists has discovered a rare amphibian in Maharashtra that does not lay eggs, but actually gives birth to young ones. The Times of India, Rare Amphibian found in state, 13 September, 2008

amplify [ AM-pluh'-fahy ]

[intransitive verb,transitive verb] MEANING : 1. (tr.v.) to enlarge, extend or increase 2. (tr.v.) to develop, exaggerate or expand with illustrations and ideas 3. (tr.v.) (electronics) to boost the amplitude of a signal4. (intr.v.) to expand or expatiate one's thoughts with illustrations USAGE EXAMPLE 1: Hedge funds are mostly not to blame for the mess of the markets but their access to leverage (surely a thing of the past now) has amplified the problem. Telegraph, Fresh ideas in investment analysis include finding 'known unknowns', By Tim Steer, 27 Nov 2008

amplitude [ AM-pli-tood, -tyood ]

[noun] MEANING : the state or quality of being ample, especially to breadth and width; largeness, greatness of extent or abundant USAGE EXAMPLE 1: If you run that back in time to the 17th century using sunspot records, you'll find that this amplitude variance is negligible for climate. National Geographic, Don't Blame Sun for Global Warming, Study Says, Brian Handwerk, September 13, 2006 USAGE EXAMPLE 2: It was the very amplitude of the furnace which ensured heating for the entire village.

amuck [ uh'-muh'k ]
[adjective,adverb] MEANING : 1. (adv.) in a murderously violent or frenzied manner 2. (adj.) crazed, mad or possessed with a violent or murderous frenzy USAGE EXAMPLE 2: In an instance of a family feud that went out of control at New Perungalathur (near Tambaram) on Saturday night, one person ran amuck, injuring three of his relatives with a knife. The Times of India, Man runs amuck, injures his relatives, by Sibi Arasu, 24 Nov 2008 USAGE EXAMPLE 1: The stable hand ran amuck through the pastures disturbing the grazing cows.

anachronism [ uh'-NAK-ruh'-niz-uh' m ]
[noun] MEANING : 1. an error in chronology when a person or event in history is placed at a wrong period of time 2. something that is incorrect in a historical or chronological order USAGE EXAMPLE 1: UK Prime Minister Gordon Brown has dismissed the old policy as an "anachronism" based on an "outdated concept". The Times of India, India & the Tibet card, Shobhana Saxena, 23 November, 2008

anarchist [ AN-er-kist ]
[noun] MEANING : 1. an advocate of anarchy or anarchism 2. a rebel, renegade or one who can cause an upheaval or revolt

USAGE EXAMPLE 2: Young Israelis, some of them self-described anarchists, also take part in the protests. CNN, Palestinian despair deepens ahead of elections, February 10, 2009 USAGE EXAMPLE 1: The anarchist succeeded in his aim to lead the labourers to revolt against the land lords.

anchorite [ ang-kuh'-rahyt ]
[noun] MEANING : A person who has retired to a secluded place for religious reasons USAGE EXAMPLE 1: The earliest form of Christian monasticism was, probably, that of the anchorites or hermits; a later development is found in the pillar saints, called Stylites, who spent most of their time on the tops of pillars in order to separate themselves from the world and to mortify the flesh. MNS encarta, Monasticism

ancilliary [ an-SIL-uh'-ree, AN-suh'-ler-ee ]

[noun,adjective] MEANING : 1. (adj.)subordinate, subsidiary or being of secondary or minor importance 2. (adj.)auxiliary, supplementary or assisting 3. (n.) something that supplements something else 4. (n.) (archaic) a slave or servant USAGE EXAMPLE 1: Even the effects of disruption to ancilliary services such as cleaning and catering can be pronounced. BBC, Fuel: how the NHS could suffer, 12 September, 2000

anecdote [ AN-ik-doht ]
[noun] MEANING : a usually short narrative of a particular incident or event of an interesting or amusing nature, often biographical. USAGE EXAMPLE 1: Mankind becomes a mere anecdote against that staggering canvas; we see ourselves as we really arebound to the natural world around us. National Geographic, Through the Eyes of the Condor, By Marie Arana USAGE EXAMPLE 2: Comedians should be in possession of an assortment of anecdotes.

angst [ ahngkst ]
[noun] MEANING : a feeling of dread, anxiety or apprehension USAGE EXAMPLE 1: Cup competitions have been a particular source of angst to the Rangers attacker. The Herald, Naismith hopes for change of fortunes in cup competition, DARRYL BROADFOOT, Chief Football Writer, January 27 2009 USAGE EXAMPLE 2: Feelings of angst are a common occurrence during teenage years.

anguish [ ANG-gwish ]
[noun,intransitive verb,transitive verb] MEANING : 1. (n.) intense suffering or pain 2. (tr.v.) to inflict with or cause distress or extreme pain 3. (intr.v.) to suffer from or endure intense sorrow or pain USAGE EXAMPLE 1: The mental anguish suffered by the POWs continued even after their release. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: New Delhi has warned the Australian government of the "deep anguish" over the attacks, and stated that the lucrative Indian education market could suffer. Telegraph, Bollywood star turns down honorary degree after attacks, By Barney Henderson in Mumbai, 31 May 2009

angular [ ANG-gyuh'-ler ]
[adjective] MEANING : 1. having, consisting of or forming an angle 2. bony, gaunt or lean 3. stiff, unyielding or rigid USAGE EXAMPLE 1: Tall and angular, dressed in purple and red checks and armed with simple spears, the Maasai warriors of the Ngorongoro highlands maintain a steady gaze as we slow past them in the Land Cruiser. Telegraph, Year of Discovery competition: walking with the Maasai, By Stuart Heaver, 19 Dec 2008

animadversion [ an-uh'-mad-VUR-zhuh' n, -shuh' n ]

[noun] MEANING : 1. negative criticism 2. a censorious or critical comment or remark USAGE EXAMPLE 2: In an introduction to a book, Mr Eagleton likened Mr Amis's animadversions to the ramblings of a British National Party thug. Economist, A telling outbreak of controversies, Oct 25th 2007. USAGE EXAMPLE 1: Mr. Darcy often made animadversions on the conduct of Elizabeth's family.

animosity [ an-uh'-MOS-i-tee ]
[noun] MEANING : enmity, hostility or bitter hatred USAGE EXAMPLE 1: The animosity between the two warring clans has cost the lives of many people. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: Traditional animosity towards ethnic Vietnamese has reached fever pitch during Cambodia's election campaign. BBC, Playing the Vietnamese card, 25 July, 1998

animus [ AN-uh'-muh' s ]
[noun]

MEANING : 1. hatred, enmity or animosity 2. intention, disposition, animating spirit or purpose 3. (as per psychology of G.C. Jung) the masculine component that is present in a female's personality USAGE EXAMPLE 2: A personal animus between Putin and Saakashvili is believed to have contributed to increasing tension that erupted into war between Russia and Georgia in August. abcNEWS, Putin Makes Crude Outburst About Georgian Leader, December 4, 2008. USAGE EXAMPLE 1: The animus seen throughout the novel between the major characters is nerve racking.

annals [ AN-lz ]
[noun] MEANING : 1. yearly chronological record of events 2. chronicles or historical account or record 3. record or journal that contains reports of the activities transpiring in an organisation USAGE EXAMPLE 2: January 30 1972 - forever Bloody Sunday in the annals of the Troubles in Northern Ireland - was not the bloodiest day, but perhaps the most significant in helping to decide the direction and progress of the bitter conflict in the decades that followed. BBC, Long wait for Bloody Sunday report, by John Thorne, 7 November 2008. USAGE EXAMPLE 1: The annals of the war were very well documented.

annihilate [ uh'-NAHY-uh'-leyt ]
[verb] MEANING : To do away with something; destroy completely USAGE EXAMPLE 1: You must use missiles and annihilate them. BBC News, Rabbi calls for annihilation of Arabs, Tuesday, 10 April, 2001

anomaly [ uh'-NOM-uh'-lee ]
[noun] MEANING : 1. divergence or deviation from a rule or form 2. something that is strange odd or peculiar 3. (astronomy) the angular deviation of a planet orbiting the sun from its perihelion (as observed from the sun) USAGE EXAMPLE 1: The Ten Thousand Things model remains something of an anomaly in the theater world a wellrespected organization, staffed by a rotating cast of professional actors, that eschews traditional stages altogether. abcNEWS, Theater for an unlikely audience, By Matthew Shaer

anosmia [ an-OZ-mee-uh', -OS- ]

[noun] MEANING : Loss or absence of the sense of smell USAGE EXAMPLE 1:

The likelihood of recovery from anosmia depends on what has caused it, as well as any treatment. BBC News, Sense and scent ability, By Claire Heald

antecedent [ an-tuh'-SEED-nt ]
[noun] MEANING : Preceding events that affect later developments USAGE EXAMPLE 1: When I heard it yesterday, while trolling for Carlin fodder, I realized that this is a clear antecedent to The Googlenope, a concept I created. The Washington Post, Chatological Humor, Gene Weingarten, Washington Post Staff Writer, Tuesday, June 24, 2008

antediluvian [ an-tee-di-LOO-vee-uh' n ]
[noun,adjective] MEANING : (adj.) 1) Of or pertaining to the era before the biblical Flood 2) Antiquated; very old or primitive; belonging to an earlier time (n.) 1) A person who lived before the Flood 2) A very old person; a person or a thing who is very old-fashioned USAGE EXAMPLE 1: It now appears likely that this version of the king-list tradition also contains the name of nine antediluvian kings and a narrative account of the flood, although only a few hints of it remain in the very fragmentary text. Prologue to History: The Yahwist as Historian in Genesis, By John Van Seters

antidote [ AN-ti-doht ]
[noun,transitive verb] MEANING : 1. (n.) a remedy that can be used to counteract or neutralize the harmful effects of poison 2. (n.) one that relieves or neutralizes the harmful effects of another 3. (tr.v.) to counteract or neutralise by means of an antidote USAGE EXAMPLE 1: Bezoar is considered to be an antidote to most poisons. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: People's lives are so complicated, driven and busy; gardens are an excellent antidote and should be celebrated as such. Telegraph, Garden visiting does us all a power of good., Ursula Buchan, 02 Jun 2009

apartheid [ uh'-PAHRT-heyt, -hahyt ]

[noun] MEANING : 1. a policy that was earlier practised in the Republic of South Africa to separate the non-white community from the white community 2. segregation or separation USAGE EXAMPLE 1: The practice of apartheid should be abolished. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: Millions of South Africans braved autumnal weather to go to the polls in the most competitive election since the end of apartheid. BBC, As it happened: South Africa election, By Lucy Fleming, 22 April 2009

apathetic [ ap-uh'-THET-ik ]

[adjective] MEANING : 1) Having or showing a lack of emotion 2) Having or showing a lack of interest or concern USAGE EXAMPLE 1: Most all of them were dull and apathetic, went to sleep no matter where they were -- on litters while being carried into the hospital, on chairs, or in doorjambs, before being put to bed. The Sun, View from Fort McHenry, Memoirs from head nurse show suffering of soldiers at Fort McHenry

apiary [ EY-pee-er-ee ]
[noun] MEANING : A place in which bees or bee hives are kept and raised for honey USAGE EXAMPLE 1: The honey in their popular Pooh Beer is from a bee keeper whose apiary is just up the road from them in Ridge Lane. BBC, Nuneaton brewery rises to the taste challenge, 10 February 2003

aplomb [ uh'-PLOM, uh'-PLUHM ]

[noun] MEANING : poise, confidence or self-assurance USAGE EXAMPLE 1: She made the presentation with aplomb. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: Flash is popular because it works on any operating system and on many mobile devices, and because it handles media and graphics with aplomb. abcNews, How Adobe Air Apps Work, By Adam Pash, PC World, April 17, 2009

apocalyptic [ uh'-pok-uh'-LIP-tik ]
[noun,adjective] MEANING : 1. (adj.) pertaining to or of an apocalypse 2. (adj.) prophetic, revelatory or ominous or suggestive of a disastrous outcome 3. (adj.) pertaining to or suggestive of a final doom or turbulent end of the world 4. (n.) a system where it is believed that the world will end or be doomed in a violent or disastrous way USAGE EXAMPLE 2: I thought it was kind of apocalyptic, like it was the end of the world, said Shogren abcNEWS, Old-Timers Brace for Possible Eruption, by RACHEL D'ORO, February 3, 2009. USAGE EXAMPLE 1: The apocalyptic vision of Nostradamus has managed to scare people for centuries.

apocryphal [ uh'-POK-ruh'-fuh' l ]
[adjective] MEANING : 1) spurious; of doubtful authenticity 2) (often capitalised) Of or pertaining to the Apocrypha USAGE EXAMPLE 1: The story may or may not be apocryphal but it reminds us that countries are created in the hearts and minds of men and women.

BBC, History, Wales: A Culture Preserved, By Professor Rees Davies

apogee [ Ap-uh'-jee ]
[noun] MEANING : 1. the point in the orbit of the moon or of an artificial satellite at which it is farthest from the earth 2. the farthest or highest point, the apex USAGE EXAMPLE 1: Chinese tea culture has reached its apogee. National Geographic, Sky Show Friday: Biggest, Brightest Full Moon of 2008, Andrew Fazekas, December 11, 2008

apoplexy [ AP-uh'-plek-see ]
[noun] MEANING : 1. a stroke or cerebral accident 2. haemorrhage or sudden effusion of blood into a tissue or organ 3. an impairment or loss of bodily esp. neurological function caused by the breakage or rupture of a blood vessel USAGE EXAMPLE 2: If the replacement of the old cast iron columns with what David derides as "motorway lights" was not galling in itself, the fate of the removed lights is enough to propel him into apoplexy. BBC, 'Stop nicking my street furniture', by Finlo Rohrer, 27 June 2008 USAGE EXAMPLE 1: Losing his temper caused him to suffer an apoplexy.

apostate [ uh'-POS-teyt, -tit ]

[noun,adjective] MEANING : 1. (n.) one who has forsaken or abandoned one's religion, faith, party or cause 2. (adj.) pertaining to or characterised by apostasy USAGE EXAMPLE 1: He was termed an apostate, for having forsaken his religion and his family in order to remarry. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: The attacks began Saturday after a prominent Egyptian media commentator denounced a Baha'i activist in a television appearance as an "apostate" and called for her to be killed. abcNews, Groups: Villagers Attack Homes of Baha'is in Egypt, By MAGGIE MICHAEL Associated Press Writer, April 2, 2009

apothegm [ AP-uh'-them ]
[noun] MEANING : a pithy or short saying that is instructive in nature USAGE EXAMPLE 1: The acquittal of Manu Sharma proves the apothegm, 'the rich and powerful can get away with murder.' The Times of India, Hometown shuns Manu, his nightclub, Jaspreet Nijher & Ankur Batra, TNN, 27 Feb 2006

apotheosis [ uh'-poth-ee-Oh-sis, ap-uh'-Thee-uh'-sis ]

[noun] MEANING :

1. deification or elevation or exaltation to a divine stature 2. quintessence, epitome or glorified example USAGE EXAMPLE 1: Their love story became the apotheosis for generations to come. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: The policy reached its apotheosis in the scandal that became known as the Iran-Contra affair. BBC, Critics question Reagan legacy, By Richard Allen Greene BBC News Online, 9 June, 2004

appal [ uh'-PAWL ]
[intransitive verb,transitive verb] MEANING : 1. (tr.v.) to horrify, dismay, shock or scandalize 2. (intr.v.) to enfeeble, fail or weaken USAGE EXAMPLE 2: The entire experience was extremely disappointing, and I am utterly disgusted and appalled at the organization and preparation of this event CNN, Disappointed inaugural ticket holders turned away, January 22, 2009 USAGE EXAMPLE 1: The news about the shooting has appalled the country as a whole.

apparition [ ap-uh'-RISH-uh' n ]
[noun] MEANING : 1. a spectre, wraith, phantom or supernatural appearance 2. a manifestation or sudden appearance 3. an unusual appearance or sight USAGE EXAMPLE 2: The faithful insist that miracles really do happen in the French mountains of Lourdes on the spot where, 150 years ago, a local girl called Bernadette said she saw an apparition in a cave. abcNEWS, Miracle in the Mountains, by NICK WATT, June 24, 2008. USAGE EXAMPLE 1: The ghostly apparition appeared only at midnight.

appease [ uh'-PEEZ ]
[transitive verb] MEANING : 1. to pacify, soothe or calm by giving in to one's demands 2. to assuage, allay, satisfy or relieve 3. to concede in a conciliatory effort USAGE EXAMPLE 1: He appeased his boss by working on weekends. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: Congress is slightly more focused on rural and social issues, but both are constrained by the need to appease local interests. Telegraph, India's election delivers investors much needed stability, By Una Galani, breakingviews.com, 18 May 2009

appellation [ ap-uh'-LEY-shuh' n ]
[noun] MEANING : 1. title, name, designation or an identifier 2. an instance or act of naming

USAGE EXAMPLE 2: Up to one-third of wines marketed under France's regional "appellation" system do not deserve the label, a leading French consumer group says. BBC, Doubt over quality of French wine,5 September 2007. USAGE EXAMPLE 1: The appellation was befitting his rank.

apposite [ AP-uh'-zit, uh'-POZ-it ]

[adjective] MEANING : Highly suitable and appropriate USAGE EXAMPLE 1: It is apposite to note from the onset that the title of the present article is not only ambitious, but also somewhat restrictive. University of Oxford, On The Study of Ethnicity in Nigeria, By Ukoha Ukiwo

appraise [ uh'-PREYZ ]
[transitive verb] MEANING : 1. to evaluate or estimate the worth or value of 2. to estimate or judge the quality or nature of USAGE EXAMPLE 1: SPACE.com asked prominent leaders in various space fields to appraise Bigelow's down payment on the future. CNN, Bigelow gambles on private space station, By Leonard David, July 26, 2006

apprehensive [ ap-ri-HEN-siv ]
[adjective] MEANING : 1. anxious, afraid, uneasy or fearful 2. discerning or cognizant 3. quick to understand, learn or apprehend USAGE EXAMPLE 1: She was an apprehensive child, prone to panic attacks. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: The first anniversary of 11th September finds many New Yorkers feeling apprehensive. BBC, New York's mixed emotions, By Peter Gould, BBC News Online in New York, 10 September, 2002

apprise [ uh'-PRAHYZ ]
[transitive verb] MEANING : to inform, tell, notify or advise USAGE EXAMPLE 1: He was apprised about the developing political crisis. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: ICE spokeswoman Nicole Navas said in an e-mail to the Associated Press, "We have contacted interested members of Congress to apprise them of the reinstituted removals". abcNEWS, Deportations to Storm-Crippled Haiti Resume, by KELLI KENNEDY, December 8, 2008.

approbation [ ap-ruh'-BEY-shuh' n ]

[noun] MEANING : approval, commendation or praise USAGE EXAMPLE 1: His approbation was necessary for the wedding to take place. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: Meeting with top members of President Barack Obama's Cabinet, Biden warned that he plans to use "the moral approbation of this office" to make sure the huge fund of stimulus money is put to use creating jobs and rebuilding the nation's infrastructure. abcNews, Biden: Use Stimulus Money Wisely or Lose It, By STEVEN R. HURST Associated Press Writer, February 25, 2009

apropos [ ap-ruh'-POH ]
[adjective,adverb] MEANING : 1. (adj.) apt, appropriate, opportune or relevant 2. (adv.) opportunely, seasonably or at the appropriate or right time 3. (adv.) incidentally or by the way USAGE EXAMPLE 1: The coup must be timed at the apropos juncture. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: I saw one where the D had been painted over and the message seemed more apropos. abcNews, Heat, Flat Tires and Bullets in Iraq, By MIKE TUGGLE, June 28, 2006

apt [ apt ]
[adjective] MEANING : 1. prone, likely or inclined 2. appropriate, suitable or fitting 3. intelligent or quick to understand, apprehend or learn USAGE EXAMPLE 1: It is an apt conclusion to the crisis. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: The Wat Pa Laung Ta Bua Yannasampanno Forest Monastary, also known by the apt nickname Tiger Temple, in Kanchanburi, Thailand, is home to 34 tigers. abcNEWS, Tiger Temple of Thailand, December 17, 2008.

aquiline [ AK-wuh'-lahyn, -lin ]

[adjective] MEANING : 1. (of the nose) curved or hooked like an eagle's beak 2. of, relating to, characteristics of or resembling an eagle USAGE EXAMPLE 1: The mummies funerary masks, with their curls, long aquiline noses, and wide eyes, reflect the influence of Greek sculpture. National Geographic, Valley of the Mummies, By Donovan Webster

arabesque [ ar-uh'-BESK ]
[noun,adjective] MEANING : 1. (n.) a posture in ballet where the dancer bends forward with one arm and leg extended forward and the other arm and leg extended backwards

2. (n.) an ornate, complex design with intricate geometric, floral and foliate figures 3. (n.) a whimsical, fanciful musical piece esp. one for the piano 4. (adj.) elaborate or like or characterised by an arabesque USAGE EXAMPLE 1: The ballerina was asked to finish the ballet with an arabesque. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: The second album with then new guitar virtuoso Mick Taylor, Sticky Fingers absolutely soars with bricklayer-beat drums, arabesque leads and a tight rhythm and bass that holds it all together. The Times of India, For those about to rock..., 30 Jul 2007.

arable [ AR-uh'-buh' l ]
[noun,adjective] MEANING : 1. (adj.) cultivable, fit to grow crops or capable of being used for farming 2. (n.) land that is fit for agriculture USAGE EXAMPLE 1: Growing the plant does not create pressure on supplies of arable land and water in the way that agricultural crop biofuels does. Telegraph, Scientists to investigate how to make green fuel from seaweed, By Simon Johnson, 17 Dec 2008

arbiter [ AHR-bi-ter ]
[noun] MEANING : 1. umpire, judge or arbitrator 2. one with an authoritative and absolute power to judge USAGE EXAMPLE 2: The judgment subjected parliamentary action to judicial review and held that the Supreme Court was the final arbiter for testing the legality of any action The Times of India, Judicial activism a need of the hour, by Umesh Kumar Singh, 9 Apr 2007. USAGE EXAMPLE 1: The President is the chief arbiter of justice with the power of issuing pardons to criminals facing death rows.

arboreal [ ahr-BAWR-ee-uh' l, -BOHR- ]

[adjective] MEANING : 1. treelike or pertaining to trees 2. living in or inhabiting trees USAGE EXAMPLE 1: He preferred arboreal living and hence preferred to live in a tree-house. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: A 121-million-year-old baby arboreal bird, fossilised while still curled in its egg, has been found in China, Science magazine reports this week. BBC, Feathered embryo found in China, 21 October, 2004

archetype [ AHR-ki-tahyp ]
[noun] MEANING : 1. prototype or original model 2. quintessence or ideal representative USAGE EXAMPLE 2:

The comedy comes from the interaction of the three archetypes though they all like to play the drums. Telegraph, Blue Man Group: the whole world gets the blue, by Jasper Rees, 28 Jan 2009. USAGE EXAMPLE 1: It was of essence to get the archetype right to avoid further complications.

ardor [ AHR-der ]
[noun] MEANING : 1. passion, fervour or fiery intensity 2. zeal or enthusiasm 3. fiery glow USAGE EXAMPLE 1: The ardor of the UEFA fans is unmatched. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: Los Angeles is historically friendly to incumbents, but Hahn's supporters have less ardor than his opponents, so a high turn-out election should benefit them, not him. abcNews, The Note: 'Both Hopeful and Precarious', By MARK HALPERIN, MARC AMBINDER and LISA TODOROVICH, March 8, 2005

arduous [ Brit., ahr-dyoo-uh's, ahr-joo-uh' s ]

[adjective] MEANING : 1. onerous, laborious, strenuous or difficult 2. steep or difficult to climb USAGE EXAMPLE 1: It was an arduous journey. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: Twelve polling personnel had to undertake an arduous trek of over 45 km through knee-deep snow to reach two polling stations in the Ladakh Parliamentary seat where votes will be cast on Friday. The Times of India, 12 poll officials trek treacherous terrain for 37 voters, 13 May 2009.

argot [ AHR-goh, -guh' t ]

[noun] MEANING : dialect, slang or a secret vocabulary used by a group USAGE EXAMPLE 2: A 'domestic' in the argot that they use in Delhi and in other purlieus of the Indian subcontinent is a term used to describe a person who resides within a household and performs menial functions for monetary recompense Jeeves said. The Times of India, Jeeves to the rescue, by Jug Suraiya, 23 Jun 2008. USAGE EXAMPLE 1: The narrative was rich in pirates' argot leading to interesting read.

aria [ Ahr-ee-uh', Air-ee-uh' ]

[noun] MEANING : 1. a melody, air, tune, oratorio or a cantata 2. a striking melody that is sung solo with accompaniment USAGE EXAMPLE 2: A great, distant ship's horn, like a one-note aria. National Geographic, Online Extra, by Kevin Krajick, September 2003.

USAGE EXAMPLE 1: He is an expert at singing arias often haunting in nature.

armistice [ AHR-muh'-stis ]
[noun] MEANING : A mutual decision to stop fighting temporarily USAGE EXAMPLE 1: The Koreas are still formally at war because their 1950-53 Korean War ended in an armistice, not a peace treaty. The Morning Call, SKorean president says North Korea mountain tour to be suspended until Pyongyang allows probe, By HYUNG-JIN KIM, Associated Press Writer, July 16, 2008

arrant [ AR-uh' nt ]
[adjective] MEANING : without moderation, unmitigated, extreme USAGE EXAMPLE 1: Nicola Sturgeon, the deputy first minister, rejected the Treasury's claims as "arrant nonsense" Telegraph, Experts warn Alex Salmond over tax, by Simon Johnson, 14 Apr 2008.

array [ uh'-REY ]
[noun,transitive verb] MEANING : 1. (tr.v.) to marshal, arrange or place in a desired manner 2. (tr.v.) to adorn, deck up or clothe with ornamental or showy garments 3. (n.) an ordered arrangement, distribution or grouping 4. (n.) finery or splendid attire USAGE EXAMPLE 2: Funded by Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen, the finished array will have 350 six-metre antennas and will be one of the world's largest. BBC, Skies to be swept for alien life, 12 October 2007. USAGE EXAMPLE 1: The general arrayed his troops for battle.

arrogance [ AR-uh'-guh' ns ]
[noun] MEANING : self-importance or overbearing pride USAGE EXAMPLE 1: His arrogance lost him his employee's respect. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: Venezuela's President Hugo Chavez has accused Spain's King Juan Carlos of "arrogance" after he told Mr Chavez to shut up during a summit in Chile. BBC, Spain king 'arrogant' says Chavez, 14 November 2007. Accessed: 11th June 2009

arroyo [ uh'-ROI-oh ]
[noun] MEANING : 1. a dry gulch, gully or channel esp. in an arid region 2. a creek, stream, rivulet or brook

USAGE EXAMPLE 2: There are 80 miles [129 kilometers] of singletrack running through Cottonwood Valley and many more miles of trail in the surrounding purlieus, but this little arroyo is among the most interesting sections. National Geographic, destination - Vegas Rocks, by Steve Casimiro. USAGE EXAMPLE 1: The hard push sent him sprawling face down into the arroyo.

articulate [ adj., n. ahr-TIK-yuh-lit; v. ahr-TIK-yuh-leyt ]

[adjective,intransitive verb,transitive verb] MEANING : 1. (adj.) intelligible or uttered in a clear, effective manner by using distinct syllables 2. (adj.) jointed or consisting of various segments that have been put together using joints 3. (tr.v.) to enunciate or speak in a clear manner using distinct syllables 4. (intr.v.) to pronounce in a clear, effective way USAGE EXAMPLE 1: It was no surprise that the articulate little boy won the competition. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: Derived from the words "gyro" (spiral) and "tonic" (tone), Gyrotonic promises to enhance range of motion, balance and coordination, to stretch and strengthen muscles and tendons, and to articulate and mobilize joints. abcNews, Gyrotonic: It's Not Torture, It's Good for You, By Dorene Internicola, April 6, 2009 Accessed: 19 June 2009

artifact [ AHR-tuh'-fakt ]
[noun] MEANING : 1. an object made by humans that could be of historical interest 2. an article or structure that has been archaeologically excavated 3. an object that reflects contemporary culture 4. something that becomes apparent after extraneous (esp. human) activity USAGE EXAMPLE 1: The artifacts were part of a dagger buried with a warrior chief, near Stonehenge, nearly 4,000 years ago. Telegraph, Britain's 'most important archeological' discovery found in desk drawer, By Urmee Khan, 23 Oct 2008

artifice [ AHR-tuh-fis ]
[noun] MEANING : 1. wile, stratagem, or a sly trick 2. trickery, cunningness or craftiness 3. ingenuity, skill or inventiveness USAGE EXAMPLE 2: The world is already full of visual artifice, and we aren't running the International Photography Contest to add to it. National Geographic, A message from the Director of Photography of National Geographic. USAGE EXAMPLE 1: The high school drama was his directional debut, full of artifice and panache.

ascend [ uh'-SEND ]
[intransitive verb,transitive verb] MEANING :

1. 2. 3. 4.

(tr.v.) to move upwards, rise or mount (tr.v.) to rise or move upwards to a higher level or degree (intr.v.) to climb or go up (intr.v.) to succeed, assume or occupy

USAGE EXAMPLE 1: The climber ascended to a height of 10,000 feet. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: A memorial service has been held in Edinburgh to remember the life of a veteran climber who died while trying to ascend Mount Everest. BBC, Service remembers Everest climber, 20 June, 2005 Accessed: 11th June 2009

ascertain [ as-er-TEYN ]
[transitive verb] MEANING : 1. to determine, find out or discover with utmost certainty 2. (archaic) to make certain or precise USAGE EXAMPLE 1: It has been ascertained that the death was caused by a blow to the head by a blunt object. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: Brit Insurance swung between gains and losses as traders tried to ascertain whether the Lloyd's of London insurer is going to tap shareholders for fresh funds to finance a bid for Chaucer. Telegraph, Market report: China trade sanction fears drive down BHP, By Ben Harrington, 11 Jun 2009

ascetic [ uh'-SET-ik ]
[noun,adjective] MEANING : 1. (n.) a person who, in order to achieve spiritual discipline, forgoes material comforts and leads a life of rigorous self-denial and contemplation 2. (adj.) austere or self-denying USAGE EXAMPLE 1: He gave up everyday comforts to live life as an ascetic. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: Mr Chamlong - an ascetic Buddhist and retired military general - urged supporters not to abandon the site if he were arrested. BBC, Thailand PM vows not to use force, 28 August 2008 Accessed: 11th June 2009

ascribe [ uh'-SKRAHYB ]
[transitive verb] MEANING : 1. to attribute, credit, assign or impute 2. to attribute someone or something as a source USAGE EXAMPLE 1: The entire success of the project was ascribed to his efforts. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: Fewer Democrats ascribe positive qualities to Obama than they did so a month ago, with white working-class Democrats, in particular, expressing more skeptical views of the Illinois senator. CNN, Analysis: The Wright effect on presidential race, By John King CNN Chief National Correspondent, May 3, 2008. Accessed: 11th June 2009

aseptic [ uh'-SEP-tik, ey-SEP- ]

[noun,adjective]

MEANING : 1. (adj.) sterile or free of pathogenic microbes 2. (adj.) lacking, warmth, animation or emotion 3. (n.) a commodity sold in an aseptic container USAGE EXAMPLE 2: The culled birds are buried in pits with lime, potassium permanganate and ordinary salt for creating aseptic conditions The Times of India, Bird flu: 80,000 birds to be culled today, 21 Feb 2006. USAGE EXAMPLE 1: Aseptic conditions are important in a medicinal laboratory.

asinine [ AS-uh'-nahyn ]
[adjective] MEANING : 1. Foolish, silly or stupid 2. Pertaining to an ass USAGE EXAMPLE 1: Well, that's why he's not going to win, because everybody understands that's an asinine attitude. CNN, Prison pointer for Traficant: Go quietly, August 1, 2002

askance [ uh'-SKANS ]
[adverb] MEANING : 1. glance obliquely or sideways 2. to observe suspiciously USAGE EXAMPLE 1: No longer does society look askance at single parents who might be so as they never married, or are divorced or lost a partner. The Times Of India, Parent Parochialism, 19 Sep 2008

asperity [ uh'-SPER-i-tee ]
[noun] MEANING : 1. ruggedness, harshness or roughness 2. difficulty, rigor or hardship 3. rudeness or acrimony USAGE EXAMPLE 1: The caption notes with some asperity that they thought it was closing but the information turned out to be "a stunt" by a rival party. BBC, Something new to say, By Mark Mardell, 5 April, 2005

aspersion [ uh'-SPUR-zhuh' n, -shuh' n ]

[noun] MEANING : 1. spraying of holy water during religious practices 2. A potentially harmful remark made with the intention to defame 3. An act of defamation or derogation USAGE EXAMPLE 1: It is not casting an aspersion on the sport, it just shows they are living in the real world. Telegraph, Samples to be frozen next year, Marcus Armytage, 26 Nov 2004

assail [ uh'-SEYL ]

[transitive verb] MEANING : 1. to assault or attack using violent blows 2. to attacks with words, abuse or criticism 3. to beset or impinge upon USAGE EXAMPLE 1: The accused was assailed by the angry crowd as soon as he stepped out of the court room. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: Senator John Kerry has assailed the president over the issue, citing it as evidence of the Bush administration's poor handling of the war. BBC, Weapons row: Who said what, 29 October, 2004. Accessed: 11th June 2009

assay [ v. a-SEY; n. AS-ey, a-SEY ]

[noun,intransitive verb,transitive verb] MEANING : 1. (tr.v.) to examine, assess or analyse 2. (intr.v.) to be shown or displayed after conduction of an analysis 3. (n.) an assessment or examination or a report of such an analysis USAGE EXAMPLE 1: Towards the end of his life, Sir Arthur Eddington, who died in 1944, assayed a "theory of everything". Experimental evidence ran counter to his work, which today generates only intermittent interest. Telegraph, Maths into English, Simon Ing, 27 Sep 2007

assiduous [ uh'-SIJ-oo-uh' s ]
[adjective] MEANING : Showing constant attention and application; persistent USAGE EXAMPLE 1: He is always assiduous in preparation and is simply never casual in his approach to anything to with work and that is the same for his chat show too. BBC, Michael Parkinson - Journalist and Broadcaster, 19th February 2008

assuage [ uh'-SWEYJ, uh'-SWEYZH ]

[transitive verb] MEANING : 1. to ease or reduce the severity of something 2. to mollify, calm, soothe or pacify 3. to quench or appease USAGE EXAMPLE 1: Applying the ointment assuaged the pain. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: News that the U.S. government could increase its stake in troubled banking giant Citigroup to spare it from insolvency have helped assuage some market fears. CNN, Markets head to crisis lows as rout continues, February 24, 2009. Accessed: 11th June 2009

astringent [ uh'-STRIN-juh' nt ]
[noun,adjective] MEANING : 1. (adj.) styptic or constrictive 2. (adj.) caustic or pungent 3. (adj.) austere or severe 4. (n.) a substance like alum that is an astringent and helps constrict body tissues in order to stop

blood flow USAGE EXAMPLE 1: She hated the astringent like odour normally associated with hospitals. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: The crunchy beans squeak with freshness, although the astringent pickle of the mushrooms puckers and ultimately overwhelms. Telegraph, Are you ready to order? This week: Le Cercle, Jan Moir, 08 May 2004

astute [ uh'-STOOT, uh'-STYOOT ]

[adjective] MEANING : crafty, shrewd, cunning or wily USAGE EXAMPLE 1: His astute decision making skills has benefited the organization. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: The 63-year-old admiral, known as Fox - his call sign when he was a Navy fighter pilot - is highly regarded as an astute commander. BBC, Profile: William Fallon, 12 March 2008. Accessed: 11th June 2009

atelier [ AT-l-yey, at-l-YEY; Fr. Atuh*-LYEY ]

[noun] MEANING : a workshop, workroom or studio esp. one that is used by a designer or artist USAGE EXAMPLE 2: In 1955, with brothers Piero and Milan, Crommelynck founded his own atelier in the 14th arrondissement. Telegraph, Aldo Crommelynck, 31 Jan 2009. USAGE EXAMPLE 1: An atelier should be well lit with natural light.

athwart [ uh'-THWAWRT ]
[adverb] MEANING : 1. (adv.) To oppose or obstruct perversely or wrongly 2. (adv.) from side to side, crosswise or transversely 3. (pre.) across 4. (pre.) contrary to USAGE EXAMPLE 1: The Pinedale mesa not only sits athwart the migration corridor but also overlies the Pinedale anticline, a sandstone formation containing trillions of cubic feet of natural gas. National Geographical, Demand for natural gas and the resulting land-use pressures are pitting America's Old West against the New, by John G. Mitchell.

atonement [ uh-TOHN-muhnt ]
[noun] MEANING : 1. amends, satisfaction or reparation for offence 2. reconciliation between God and man that was brought about by the redemptive life and death of Jesus Christ USAGE EXAMPLE 1: The atonement of his sins was to correct the wrongs that he had done.

USAGE EXAMPLE 2: The five Sikh high priests pronounced religious atonement upon Mahant Jagmohan Singh Sewapanthi of Dera Nischal Singh , Yamunanagar for reciting Garud Puran at their dera, refusing to appear before Akal Takht , breaking promise of meeting Singh Sahib and using objectionable language against high priests. The Times of India, Priests pronounce religious atonement, Yudhvir Rana TNN, 17 Jan 2004 Accessed: 19 June 2009

attenuate [ v. Uh-TEN-yoo-eyt; adj. uh-TEN-yoo-it, -eyt ]

[adjective,intransitive verb,transitive verb] MEANING : 1. (adj.) weakened or having reduced intensity 2. (tr.v.) to make thin or slender 3. (tr.v.) to weaken or reduce in intensity 4. (intr.v.) to become thin or reduce USAGE EXAMPLE 1: The attenuate levels of the hormone in her body are a cause for concern. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: A high fat diet can attenuate the bodys sensitivity to insulin, a hormone that regulates blood sugar levels, and can lead to type II diabetes. The Times of India, Diet, exercise controls type II diabetes, 4 Feb 2009 Accessed: 19 June 2009

attune [ uh'-TOON, uh'-TYOON ]

[transitive verb] MEANING : 1. to tune or bring into harmony or accord 2. to make responsive, alert or aware USAGE EXAMPLE 1: The music composer was attuned to the various nuances of classical music. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: As one of the world's largest exporters, Germany's growth prospects are particularly attuned to the economic health of key trading partners in Europe, North America and Asia. BBC, Robust trade aids German economy, 9 June 2008. Accessed: 11th June 2009

audacious [ aw-DEY-shuh' s ]
[adjective] MEANING : 1. adventurous, fearless, rash or bold 2. brazen, insolent or unrestrained by shame 3. inventive or original USAGE EXAMPLE 1: His audacious behaviour caused a lot of embarrassment to his family. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: In the first century B.C., a self-absorbed kind named Antiochus I, ruler of the ancient land of Commagene, built an audacious tomb and monument to himself on top of a 7,000-foot-high (2,134-meter-high) mountain called Nemrud Dagh. National Geographic, AnatoliaA History Forged by Disaster, Republished from the pages of National Geographic magazine, Written by Rick Gore, July 2000. Accessed: 11th June 2009

augury [ AW-gyuh'-ree ]
[noun] MEANING : 1. divination or a rite performed while divinating

2. an indication or omen USAGE EXAMPLE 1: BBC business editor Robert Peston warned that the 70% fall in profits was a worrying possible augury of the problems other UK banks may disclose as they report their results. BBC, Sharp profit fall for Lloyds TSB, 30 July 2008

auspicious [ aw-SPISH-uh' s ]
[adjective] MEANING : 1. propitious, favourable or of good omen 2. fortunate, successful or prosperous USAGE EXAMPLE 1: Today is considered as an auspicious day. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: The acting secretary general of the New Politics Party (NPP), Suriyasai Katasila, said the registration papers were submitted to the Election Commission at 0909 Thursday - nine being considered an auspicious number in Thailand. BBC, Thai 'yellow shirts' form party, 4 June 2009. Accessed: 11th June 2009

austere [ aw-STEER ]
[adjective] MEANING : 1. stern, strict or ascetic 2. grave or serious 3. bare or unadorned USAGE EXAMPLE 1: His austere appearance managed to scare the new students. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: Photographer Samantha Appleton treks through the adventure travel classic to experience the austere natural beauty coexisting with the harsh political reality. National Geographic, Nepal on the Brink, By Rachel Scheer. Accessed: 11th June 2009

authoritarian [ uh'-thawr-i-TAIR-ee-uh' n, uh'-thor- ]

[noun,adjective] MEANING : 1. (adj.) favoring total compliance or submission to authority 2. (adj.) exerting total control over others and their activities 3. (n.) one who enforces or exerts authority; a dictator USAGE EXAMPLE 1: Still, a recent survey of various Russian elites, including business and media people, lawyers and doctors, showed that some 45% disagree with the current authoritarian system. Economist, Handle with care, Nov 27th 2008

autocrat [ AW-tuh'-krat ]
[noun] MEANING : a monarch who has absolute power or authority, a despot or dictator USAGE EXAMPLE 1: Members see the head of their church as a servant leader who puts his lives at the disposal of others. Outsiders see him as an autocrat. BBC, Religion & Ethics - Christainity, Leadership

auxiliary [ awg-Zil-yuh'-ree, -Zil-uh'- ]

[noun,adjective] MEANING : 1. (adj.) assisting or supporting 2. (adj.) supplementary or subsidiary 3. (n.) a helper or assistant 4. (n.) a person or thing that is supplementary USAGE EXAMPLE 1: There are many people vying for the auxiliary position. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: Bishop Tong was appointed auxiliary bishop of Hong Kong in 1996 at the same time as the cardinal, and has always expressed his support for what he calls Cardinal Zen's "excellent" work. Telegraph, Vatican appoints new bishop to Hong Kong, By Malcolm Moore in Shanghai, 16 Apr 2009

avant-garde [ uh'-vahnt-GAHRD, uh'-vant-, av-ahnt-, ah-vahnt-; Fr. a-vahn*-GA*R*D ]

[noun,adjective] MEANING : (n.) A radical or advanced group esp. belonging to the art forms that come up with the most innovative and experimental ideas (adj.) Pertaining or belonging to the avant-garde USAGE EXAMPLE 1: The Royal Bank Plaza is the most eye-catching of the many avant-garde commercial buildings in the city - coated with real gold it provides wonderful reflections and is stunning at sunset. SKY News, Tribute To Toronto's Winning Sport, October 15, 2003

avenge [ uh'-VENJ ]
[verb] MEANING : To inflict punishment in return for some offence or injury USAGE EXAMPLE 1: Colin Dalgleish, the Great Britain and Ireland Walker Cup team captain, hopes to be given the chance to avenge the 121/2-111/2 defeat at Royal County Down in the 2009 match at Merion, Pennsylvania. The Herald, Dalgleish has revenge on his mind, DOUGLAS LOWE, Golf Correspondent, September 11 2007

aver [ uh'-VUR ]
[transitive verb] MEANING : 1. to assert, declare, state or affirm as the truth or fact 2. (law) to declare or state formally USAGE EXAMPLE 1: Now, there will be some who will aver that there is a "Scottish dimension" to the issue of compulsory ID cards. Telegraph, Scottish Parliament must do the math before its next ID cards crisis, By Alan Cochrane, 19 Dec 2008

aversion [ uh'-VUR-zhuh' n, -shuh' n ]

[noun] MEANING :

1. a deep repugnance, dislike or antipathy 2. the cause of repugnance or dislike 3. an evasion or dodging of something unpleasant USAGE EXAMPLE 1: Kids like that have extreme aversion to any changes. CNN, Looking for hope in the ashes, By Madison Park, November 19, 2008

aviary [ EY-vee-er-ee ]
[noun] MEANING : a place, cage or enclosure that is used to confine birds USAGE EXAMPLE 1: The thieves climbed over a wall into the victim's back garden and disabled the special alarm on the aviary by cutting its wires. BBC, Parrots stolen from garden aviary, 11 September 2007

avid [ AV-id ]
[adjective] MEANING : 1. ardent, fervent or enthusiastic 2. greedy or having a keen desire USAGE EXAMPLE 1: He was an avid reader and had a wide range of interests which included Machiavelli and Blyton. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: Obama, an avid basketball player who enjoys the occasional round of golf, will fulfill the role when the biennial team competition takes place at San Francisco's Harding Park Golf Course from October 8-11. abcNews, Obama to Serve as Honorary Cup Chairman, June 1, 2009 Accessed: 19 June 2009

avow [ uh'VOU ]
[transitive verb] MEANING : to boldly acknowledge, own up, confess or admit USAGE EXAMPLE 1: He avowed that he was not the best captain but would strive in the future to be so. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: Critics from the left have complained about its merchandising; critics from the right disliked its avowed commitment to diversity. CNN, How do you get to 'Sesame Street'? Todd Leopold, 11 February 2009.

avuncular [ uh'-vuhng-kyuh'-ler ]
[adjective] MEANING : 1) Of or something related to an uncle 2) Having the characteristics of an uncle USAGE EXAMPLE 1: According to Sigurur Arnalds, the spokesman for Landsvirkjun, the national power companyan avuncular engineer everyone calls Siggi, whose hooded eyes and white-fringed balding head give him the same soft appeal as Mr. Magoothe grand idea was to export electrical power on ships in the form of aluminum. National Geographical, Iceland-Power struggle, March 2008

azure [ AZH-er ]
[noun,adjective] MEANING : 1. (adj.) sky-blue or like the tinge of the sky when it is unclouded 2. (n.) the light, purplish blue tinge that is characteristic of an unclouded sky USAGE EXAMPLE 2: Police say the stolen azure blue Nissan and the dark-coloured Mondeo were seen heading towards junction one of the M55 motorway. BBC, Police hunt fake crash carjackers, 1 September 2008. USAGE EXAMPLE 1: The beauty of the azure blue skies is often mentioned in Wordsworth's poetry.

B
badger [ BAJ-er ] [noun,transitive verb] MEANING : 1. (n.) a burrowing mammal like a bandicoot or its fur 2. (tr.v.) to pester, urge or nag someone USAGE EXAMPLE 2: The American badger is one of the prairie dogs toughest enemies. National Geographic, American badgers. USAGE EXAMPLE 1: His face resembled that of a badger. bagasse [ buh'-GAS ] [noun] MEANING : Plant residue or refuse that is left after the produce is extracted from it.

USAGE EXAMPLE 1: Biomass includes specially-grown crops like willow, and material like bagasse, sugar-cane waste, which power stations can burn. BBC, What to use when the oil runs out, By Alex Kirby, 22 April, 2004 bagatelle [ bag-uh'-TEL ] [noun] MEANING : 1. a trifle or something unimportant or trivial 2. a played game that involves rolling balls into holes 3. a short composition of music that is especially played on the piano

USAGE EXAMPLE 2: If you drastically lower your expectations, you can enjoy this bagatelle as the witty and fluffy fare it's intended to be. CNN, EW review: Amy Tan disappoints, by Jennifer Reese, October 21, 2005.

USAGE EXAMPLE 1: The entire ceremony was reduced to a bagatelle due to this atrocious behaviour. bailiwick [ BEY-luh'-wik ] [noun] MEANING : 1) The area or district of jurisdiction of a bailiff or a bailie 2) One's area of specialization, interest or authority

USAGE EXAMPLE 1: As we neared Chawton (the home of Austen), a compelling signpost dramatically proclaimed the bailiwick as Jane Austen's country. The Hindu, Magazine Columns, Literary trail balderdash [ BAWL-der-dash ] [noun] MEANING : Nonsense; stupid, senseless talk or writing

USAGE EXAMPLE 1: The Foreign Ministry called the State Department report an "arrogant and self-justified document" in which the U.S. "let loose a spate of balderdash" against North Korea. ABC News, North Korea Questions US Stance on Nuclear Issue, By KELLY OLSEN , SEOUL, South Korea May 31, 2008 (AP) baleful [ BEYL-fuh' l ] [adjective] MEANING : 1. pernicious, malignant or harmful 2. ominous or sinister

USAGE EXAMPLE 1: The baleful handling of the situation has made matters worse. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: Kathleen Byron, who died on January 18 aged 88, was an English actress of distinctive but somewhat baleful features which seemed to limit her to playing neurotics, murderesses and the spiteful.

Telegraph, Kathleen Byron, 20 Jan 2009 balk [ bawk ] [noun,intransitive verb,transitive verb] MEANING : 1. (tr.v.) to thwart, obstruct or hinder 2. (intr.v.) to stop, hinder or be an obstacle 3. (n.) defeat, obstruction or hindrance 4. (n.) a strip of land that has not been ploughed

USAGE EXAMPLE 1: He balked at the thought of taking on more responsibility. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: China's growing middle class certainly won't balk at the modest extra expense, but the tax's greatest value could lie in environmental education. National Geographic, Chopsticks Tax to Target China's Hunger for Timber, Brian Handwerk, for National Geographic News, March 22, 2006. Accessed: 11th June 2009 banal [ buh'-NAL, -NAHL, BEYN-l ] [adjective] MEANING : 1) Lacking originality or novelty 2) Commonplace; petty

USAGE EXAMPLE 1: In a series of leisurely-paced scenes, Suleiman shows the banal realties of petrol bomb attacks and army checkpoint searches, combining them with dreamlike sequences. BBC, Palestinian film shows life with conflict, Wednesday, 29 January, 2003 bandy [ BAN-dee ] [adjective,transitive verb] MEANING : 1. (tr.v.) to trade, exchange, give and take or pass back and forth 2. (tr.v.) to hit, throw or pass back and forth 3. (adj.) bowed, bent or outwardly curved 4. (n.) a old game that resembled field hockey

USAGE EXAMPLE 2: Yahoo's search operations to Microsoft - an alternative deal that has been bandied about for the past eight months. Telegraph, Yahoo! fourth-quarter loss beats forecasts, 28 Jan 2009. USAGE EXAMPLE 1: The debate was of an intense nature with repartees being bandied across the dais. baneful [ BEYN-fuh'l ] [adjective] MEANING : deadly, harmful or baleful

USAGE EXAMPLE 1: The villagers claimed that the accidents were caused by the baneful witchs evil eye. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: This is the baneful role being forced on the Arts Council by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, whose prime concern appears to be the Government's policy of "social inclusion" and Treasury efficiency targets. The Telegraph, The arts column: the funding quagmire, By Rupert Christiansen, 9 Mar 2005. banter [ BAN-ter ] [noun,intransitive verb,transitive verb] MEANING : 1. (tr.v.) to playfully ridicule or tease 2. (intr.v.) to tease playfully 3. (n.) a playful exchange of teasing remarks

USAGE EXAMPLE 1: "I don't mind a bit of the friendly banter going on but I've said right from the start that I don't like, and won't like, any personal barrages towards anyone." Pointing said. The Times of India, Ponting sees sledging as friendly banter, 5 Jun 2002 bard [ bahrd ] [noun,transitive verb]

MEANING : 1. (n.) a Celtic poet who played the lyre or harp while reciting poems 2. (n.) a poet 3. (n.) a piece of armour that is placed on the back of a horse 4. (tr.v.) to place bards on a horse

USAGE EXAMPLE 2: Bards are at once entertainers, philosophers, and historians. National Geographic, Central Asian Bardic Music. USAGE EXAMPLE 1: A bard was called forth to entertain the assembled guests. baroque [ buh'-ROHK; Fr. ba-R*AWK ] [noun,adjective] MEANING : 1. (adj.) characteristic of a style in architecture or art prevalent during the 17th century that had bold ornamentation and complex forms 2. (adj.) characteristic of a 17th century style of European music that was marked by elaborate ornamentation 3. (adj.) having an irregular shape 4. (adj.) flamboyant, florid, grotesque or extravagantly ornamental 5. (n.) one esp. a pearl that has an irregular shape

USAGE EXAMPLE 2: There is a revival of music of the baroque era in Europe, explains Thierry. The Times of India, The enchanting sound of music, by Lekha Menon, 4 Sep 2004 USAGE EXAMPLE 1: Remnants of the architecture of the baroque era are flamboyant in nature. barrage [ BAR-ahz*h; buh'-RAHZ*H; BAHR-ij ] [noun,transitive verb] MEANING : 1. (n.) an artificial barrier or obstruction made by humans to increase the depth of a water body or divert its flow 2. (n.) a concentrated or heavy outpouring esp. of words 3. (n.) (military) a barrier of artillery made to stop the advancement of enemy troops or in order to protect one's retreating troops

4. (tr.v.) to down or subject to a barrage

USAGE EXAMPLE 1: A barrage is a good means to divert water in order to reduce the number of floods. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: An international seminar starts in Bangladesh on Sunday to examine how best to construct a barrage on the river Ganges. BBC, Despatches, Frances Harrison Dhaka, March 7, 1998. Accessed: 11th June 2009 barren [ BAR-uhn ] [noun,adjective] MEANING : 1. (adj.) sterile or incapable of reproduction 2. (adj.) unyielding or unproductive 3. (adj.) devoid, lacking or empty 4. (n.) land that is unproductive

USAGE EXAMPLE 1: He cursed the barren existence which was the result of his careless youth. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: Mosses once grew and insects crawled in what are now barren valleys in Antarctica, according to scientists who have recovered remains of life from that frozen continent. abcNews, Ancient Moss, Insects Found in Antarctica, By RANDOLPH E. SCHMID AP Science Writer, August 4, 2008 Accessed: 19 June 2009 bask [ bask, bahsk ] [intransitive verb,transitive verb] MEANING : 1. (intr.v.) to lie or relax in the warmth of the sun 2. (intr.v.) to enjoy or derive pleasure in 3. (tr.v.) to warm or expose to heat

USAGE EXAMPLE 2: The team noticed that when the tree frogs bask in the sun, their skin reflectivity changes to appear almost metallic.

National Geographic, Sun-Loving Frogs Get Skin Check With Eye Doctor's Tool, by Anne Minard, November 30, 2007. USAGE EXAMPLE 1: Felines like basking on sunny days. bated [ beytd ] [adjective] MEANING : 1. (adj.) diminished or moderated

USAGE EXAMPLE 1: We await the next with bated breath. Telegraph, Jobless from Henley-on-Thames: Part II, By Julie Salt, 19 Nov 2008 bauble [ BAW-buh' l ] [noun] MEANING : A tiny showy ornament which has little value

USAGE EXAMPLE 1: The bauble was once owned by William Pitt, the English prime minister, who sold it to the Duke of Orleans, the regent of France (hence, The Regent). The Times of India, The sword that Mallya bought, 25 Apr 2004, INDIASPORA/CHIDANAND RAJGHATTA beatific [ bee-uh'-Tif-ik ] [adjective] MEANING : 1) Bestowing or imparting bliss or blessings 2) Having a saintly or blissful appearance

USAGE EXAMPLE 1: Shouted comments and piercing wolf-whistles were all welcomed with a beatific smile. Times Online, k. d. lang, David Sinclair at the Hammersmith Apollo beatify [ bee-AT-uh'-fahy ] [transitive verb]

MEANING : 1. to make blessedly, supremely or blissfully happy 2. to pronounce one who has deceased to be blessed and thus worthy of being venerated

USAGE EXAMPLE 1: They were beatified as per the decision taken by the Vatican. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: Cardinal John Henry Newman, the most famous British convert to Catholicism, could be beatified this year, the Vatican has said, setting him on a path to become the first British saint for 40 years. Telegraph, Vatican to make Cardinal Newman a saint, By Malcolm Moore in Rome, 10 Jan 2008 beatitude [ bee-AT-i-tood, -tyood ] [noun] MEANING : 1. utmost bliss, happiness or blessedness 2. any of the declarations of bliss or blessedness that were pronounced by Jesus Christ in the Sermon on the Mount

USAGE EXAMPLE 2: In some way, Sonny was a living beatitude, said Gingrich. CNN, Farewell to Bono awash in laughter, tears, January 9, 1998. USAGE EXAMPLE 1: Their marriage was one of beatitude. bedizen [ bi-DAHY-zuh n, -DIZ-uh n ] [transitive verb] MEANING : to adorn, ornament or dress in a gaudy or showy manner

USAGE EXAMPLE 1: She bedizened herself in the hope that she would be mistaken for a princess. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: The Sixties and Seventies were far better than the times of today, and an amalgamation of both decades, bedizened with space imagery and

Sixties "space" iconography, will dominate and define the ethos of the approaching new culture. BBC, Back to the Futurists, Lawrence Pollard, 20 February 2009. bedlam [ BED-luh' m ] [noun] MEANING : A state, place or scene of utter confusion and uproar

USAGE EXAMPLE 1: "The bomb went off and it was absolute bedlam - it was the biggest bang I've ever heard in my life," he said. BBC News, Teacher on Saudi blast 'bedlam' befuddle [ bi-FUHD-l ] [transitive verb] MEANING : 1. to confuse or perplex, as with glib statements or arguments 2. to stupefy or muddle with or as if with alcoholic drink

USAGE EXAMPLE 1: French, Italian and African names with apostrophes can befuddle computer systems, too. abcNews, Computers have loads o' trouble with apostrophes, By Sean Odriscoll, Associated Press, begrudge [ bi-GRUHJ ] [transitive verb] MEANING : 1. to feel envy, resentment or displeasure at another's possessions or good fortune 2. to concede allow or grant reluctantly

USAGE EXAMPLE 2: Wallace, a generous-spirited man, comfortable with his own strengths and limits, didn't begrudge that. National Geographic, Alfred Russel Wallace, by David Quammen, December 2008. USAGE EXAMPLE 1: He begrudged the Patel's their wealth.

beholden [ bi-HOHL-duh' n ] [adjective] MEANING : indebted or obligated

USAGE EXAMPLE 2: China has provided the Western world with one more reason to feel beholden to it despite uneasiness over a variety of issues including human rights. The Times of India, China to invest in foreign markets, by Saibal Dasgupta, 4 Jun 2007. USAGE EXAMPLE 1: He was a proud man, a man beholden to no one. behoove [ bi-HOOV ] [intransitive verb,transitive verb] MEANING : 1. (tr.v.) to be necessary or proper for 2. (intr.v.) to be necessary, advantageous or proper

USAGE EXAMPLE 1: If you decide to take tomorrow off, it behooves you to tell the truth. CNN, One-third of workers play hooky, By Jason Ferrara, January 26, 2009 belabour [ bi-LEY-ber ] [transitive verb] MEANING : 1. to beat, hit or hit excessive 2. to repeatedly assault verbally 3. to harp on, explain or insist on excessively

USAGE EXAMPLE 1: The farmer belaboured the ass with his staff in order to get it to carry the heavy load up the slope. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: Ministers have belaboured their "guarantee" of no further selection by ability. BBC, MPs question point of new schools, Gary Eason, 27 January 2006.

beleaguer [ bi-LEE-ger ] [verb] MEANING : 1)To annoy frequently; to harass 2) To besiege; surround by troops

USAGE EXAMPLE 1: Tensions run high as McNeil's vices start to beleaguer his fellow detectives. BBC, BBC Choice acquires Denis Learys new comedy series: The Job, TV Entertainment, 25 April, 2002 bellicose [ BEL-i-kohs ] [adjective] MEANING : Inclined or favoured to fighting; aggressively hostile

USAGE EXAMPLE 1: There were about two hundred men in the camp and the English NCO in charge was a very bellicose Tyneside Scottish sergeant major who was continually at war with the German commandant through his long suffering interpreter, an Irish sergeant named Jerome O'Connor. BBC, Laurie Dorins' Story: Part 9 - LONG AUTUMN 1942 by CSV Media NI, 21 October, 2005 belligerent [ buh'-LIJ-er-uh' nt ] [noun,adjective] MEANING : 1. (adj.) waging war or warlike 2. (adj.) inclined towards hostility or combativeness 3. (n.) a nation or group that is in a state of war or warlike condition

USAGE EXAMPLE 1: His belligerent attitude did not win him many friends. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: Analysts suggest that North Korea is adopting a belligerent attitude to force both the US and South Korea to offer greater economic and diplomatic concessions in return for nuclear disarmament. BBC, Q&A: North Korea nuclear test, 25 May 2009. Accessed: 11th June 2009

benefactor [ BEN-uh-fak-ter, BEN-uh-fak- ] [noun] MEANING : a patron, helper or one who provides help esp. financially

USAGE EXAMPLE 1: The benefactor of the program was honoured last night. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: Venezuela and its socialist President Hugo Chavez, who has become Cuba's chief economic benefactor since the collapse of the Soviet Union, send the island 92,000 barrels of oil a day in exchange for social programs such Cuban doctors who provide free care. abcNews, Cuba Sounds Summer Energy Alarm, Plans Blackouts, By ANDREA RODRIGUEZ Associated Press Writer, May 26, 2009 Accessed: 19 June 2009 benevolence [ buh-NEV-uh-luh ns ] [noun] MEANING : 1. charitableness, goodwill or kindliness 2. beneficence or a kind, charitable act 3. a tax levied forcefully by some of the English Kings without the parliament's consent

USAGE EXAMPLE 1: His benevolence and generosity made him famous. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: San Francisco's reputation for benevolence was affirmed by a recent city controller's report, which found that the city far outstrips its California counterparts in per capita spending on public health and social services. abcNews, Plagued by Budget Woes, San Francisco Enters Uncharacteristic Era of Frugality, By CHRISTOPHER D. COOK, April 12, 2009 Accessed: 19 June 2009 benighted [ bi-NAHY-tid ] [adjective] MEANING : 1. in a state of moral, intellectual or social darkness or ignorance 2. overtaken or caught by night or darkness

USAGE EXAMPLE 1: French Enlightenment thinkers such Voltaire, Diderot and Montesquieu regarded religion as divisive, benighted and intolerant. BBC, The deep roots of French secularism, By Henri Astier, 1 September, 2004 benign [ bi-NAHYN ] [adjective] MEANING : 1) Of a mild, gentle disposition 2) Characterised by gentleness or kindness 3) Favourable 4) Harmless; non-malignant

USAGE EXAMPLE 1: The persecution in Smyrna would, then, have taken place under that most benign of emperors, Antonius Pius, who, it is said (by Melito quoted by Eusebius), had forbidden popular attacks on Christians Chronicles Magazine, African Democracy, by Thomas Fleming benignant [ bi-NIG-nuh' nt ] [adjective] MEANING : 1. kind and gracious, especially to inferiors 2. beneficial or benign

USAGE EXAMPLE 1: It is natural to think in polarities, so we think of plants as good or bad, benignant or malignant. Telegraph, Country notebook: continuing controversy, By Germaine Greer, 03 Mar 2003 benison [ Ben-uh'-zuh' n, -suh' n ] [noun] MEANING : a blessing or benediction

USAGE EXAMPLE 1: First of all, the sheer absence of oppressive heat is a benison. The Times of India, Thanda funda, Jug Suraiya, 31 December, 2006

bequest [ bi-KWEST ] [noun] MEANING : 1. an act of passing something on to someone in a will 2. a legacy

USAGE EXAMPLE 1: She received the money as a part of the bequest made in her name. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: The grant was awarded by the Social Care Trust and follows a bequest by Tilda Goldberg OBE, who the university described as a "social work pioneer". BBC, Social work centre awarded 1.1m, 28 May 2009. Accessed: 11th June 2009 berate [ bi-REYT ] [transitive verb] MEANING : to scold, reproach or rebuke in a very severe manner

USAGE EXAMPLE 1: He was berated even though he was innocent. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: Residents in Buner expressed relief at the operation and said Taliban fighters had been stealing cattle for meat, berating men without beards and recruiting teenagers into their ranks. Telegraph, Pakistani fighter jets bomb Taliban, By Dean Nelson and Emal Khan in Peshawar, 28 Apr 2009 bereft [ bi-REFT ] [adjective,transitive verb] MEANING : 1. (adj.) deprived of, lacking, devoid of or robbed of something 2. (adj.) bereaved 3. (tr.v.) past participle and past tense of bereave

USAGE EXAMPLE 2: It is a pointless gesture and suggests, somewhat worryingly, that the Government is bereft of ideas.

Telegraph, Government must act to prevent deeper recession, 08 Jan 2009. USAGE EXAMPLE 1: His character is the book was depicted to be bereft of all happiness. beset [ bi-SET ] [transitive verb] MEANING : 1. to stud 2. to assail, surround, hem in or attack 3. to harass or trouble

USAGE EXAMPLE 2: China has been beset by a series of food- and product-scares in recent years. abcNEWS, China Names "Western Liquors" in New Health Scare, January 16, 2009. USAGE EXAMPLE 1: As the news of their engagement spread, they were beset with wellwishers. besmirch [ bi-SMURCH ] [transitive verb] MEANING : 1. to dirty, soil or tarnish 2. to dishonour, stain or sully

USAGE EXAMPLE 2: Apart from the Algerian fans, there has been little trouble to besmirch the organizers' reputations -- save for the wrong national anthem being played twice, to the annoyance of Zimbabwe and Nigeria. CNN, Tunisia goes cup final crazy, by Graham Jones, February 13, 2004. USAGE EXAMPLE 1: His favourite tactics are to besmirch the name of his adversary. bete noire [ beyt NWAHR; Fr. bet NWAR* ] [noun] MEANING :

1. a person or thing especially disliked or to be avoided 2. bugbear, bane

USAGE EXAMPLE 1: Kadhafi, who for years was Washington's bete noire, underscored what he said was the "need to give an historic world opportunity to President Obama and the new America ... to permit the new America to be a state that is loving of peoples and freedom." The Times of India, Libya's Kadhafi says Obama means a 'new America', 22 January 2009 betrothal [ bi-TROH-th uh' l, -TRAW-thuh' l ] [noun] MEANING : 1. the act or state of being betrothed; engagement 2. a mutual promise to marry

USAGE EXAMPLE 1: Raven Queen tells the story of Lady Jane Grey, from her parents plans for her betrothal to Edward VI, to her execution in 1554. Telegraph, Reader notes: Raven Queen, 02 Mar 2007 bibulous [ BIB-yuh'-luh' s ] [adjective] MEANING : 1. fond of or addicted to alcoholic beverages 2. highly absorbent, as paper or soil

USAGE EXAMPLE 1: The potbellied male, ridiculously outsize nose hanging from his face like a ripe fruit, is so ugly he's endearing, in a kind of bibulous-old-uncle way. National Geographic, Borneo, By Mel White bicameral [ bahy-KAM-er-uh' l ] [adjective] MEANING : having or composed of two legislative branches or houses

USAGE EXAMPLE 2: The moderate republicans struck back and, in 1794-5, established a new

executive (the Directoire) under a new constitution and a bicameral legislature. Telegraph, Children of the Revolution: the French 1799-1914, by Donald Sassoon, 08 Aug 2008. USAGE EXAMPLE 1: The newly democratic country decided to have a bicameral legislature. bifurcated [ BAHY-fer-keyt-ed, bahy-FUR-keyt-ed ] [adjective,intransitive verb,transitive verb] MEANING : 1. (tr.v.) divided or forked into two parts 2. (intr.v.) forked or separated into two parts or branches 3. (adj.) forked or having two braches

USAGE EXAMPLE 1: By creating Karsog district, the present Mandi district will be bifurcated into two and if Sundarnagar is also made into a district, it will be trifurcated. The Times of India, Himachal to create four new districts, Jagdish Bhatt, TNN, 4 Aug 2002 bigot [ BIG-uh t ] [noun] MEANING : one who is prejudiced and is intolerant towards those who differ in creed, caste or opinion

USAGE EXAMPLE 1: His speeches made it clear that he was a bigot who had no tolerance for those who did not share his views. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: Campaign ads during the presidential campaign portrayed Wright as a bigot and asked why Obama would listen to him for so many years. abcNews, Wright: Obama Shows Blacks Shouldn't Accept Limits, By DARLENE SUPERVILLE Associated Press Writer, January 18, 2009 Accessed: 19 June 2009 bigotry [ BIG-uh-tree ] [noun] MEANING :

1. obtuse or complete intolerance of any other race or religion 2. the attitude, beliefs, prejudices of a bigot

USAGE EXAMPLE 1: Perhaps we can overcome the difficult history of bigotry that scars this nation. CNN, Colorado political leaders make American history, By Jim Spellman, January 7, 2009 bivouac [ biv-oo-ak, biv-wak ] [noun,intransitive verb] MEANING : 1. (n.) a temporary military encampment having practically no shelter 2. (n.) the place that is used to set up such camps 3. (intr.v.) to encamp or take shelter in a bivouac 4. (tr.v.) to provide with shelter temporarily

USAGE EXAMPLE 2: At 12:30 on the morning of May 23, we decide to bivouac until dawn. Barry said. National Geographic, "How We Climbed Everest", by Barry Bishop. USAGE EXAMPLE 1: The troops decided to vacate the bivouacs after facing heavy enemy fire. blanch [ blanch, blahnch ] [intransitive verb,transitive verb] MEANING : 1. (tr.v.) to whiten or bleach 2. (tr.v.) to make pale or devoid of colour 3. (tr.v.) to scald in order to remove skin or prepare for freezing 4. (intr.v.) to turn or become pale or white

USAGE EXAMPLE 1: When the plants are about 30cm (12in) tall, tie the stems loosely and gradually earth them up as they grow to blanch them. BBC, Gardening, Plant finder results. blandishment [ BLAN-dish-muh' nt ] [noun]

MEANING : Pleasing and flattering actions or words

USAGE EXAMPLE 1: Perhaps the 14 years he managed Ipswich Town, winning the FA Cup, UEFA Cup and supervising the creative mischief of captain Terry Butcher, grounded him so thoroughly that no amount of blandishment nor brickbat could corrupt him. Telegraph, Generation gap working in Robson's favour, By Sue Mott, 22/02/2002 blandness [ bland-nis ] [noun] MEANING : 1. emotionless or lacking concern 2. insipidity or the quality or state of being unappetizing 3. suaveness or smoothness

USAGE EXAMPLE 1: The blandness of her response to the news alarmed everyone. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: The prospect of high tide just before sunset made the blandness seem like a hidden promise. Telegraph, Saltwater fishing: The lure of the sea, By Chris Yates, 16 Aug 2008. Accessed: 12th June 2009 blas [ blah-ZEY, BLAH-zey; Fr. bla*-ZEY ] [adjective] MEANING : 1. apathetic to, indifferent to or bored with worldly pleasures 2. sophisticated 3. nonchalant or unconcerned

USAGE EXAMPLE 2: Ranjit's less blas when talking about the animals under his care. The Times of India, The lion king, by Priya Pathiyan, 22 Jun 2003. USAGE EXAMPLE 1: After being fired from his job his attitude towards life turned blas.

blasphemous [ BLAS-fuh'-muh' s ] [adjective] MEANING : 1. impiously irreverent; profane 2. speaking, containing or exhibiting blasphemy

USAGE EXAMPLE 1: Leading Thai politicians have called for The Beach to be banned, claiming the film is blasphemous and portrays their country as a drugs paradise. BBC, Thai MPs call for Beach ban, 9 March, 2000 blatant [ BLEYT-nt ] [adjective] MEANING : 1. brazen, obvious or flagrant 2. clamorous or vociferously loud and offensive 3. obtrusive or obviously conspicuous

USAGE EXAMPLE 1: It's really on everybody's mind this blatant consumerism and this hole we've been digging for ourselves by spending and buying," said Craft Magazine Editor-in-Chief Tina Barseghian. abcNews, Low on Cash, DIYers Go Handmade for the Holidays, By ASHLEY M. HEHER AP Retail Writer, November 12, 2008 blazon [ BLEY-zuh' n ] [noun,transitive verb] MEANING : 1. (tr.v.) to depict a coat of arms with proper form and colour 2. (tr.v.) to adorn or embellish showily 3. (n.) a coat of arms 4. (n.) ostentatious display

USAGE EXAMPLE 1: Blazoned on his door was his coat of arms which read, 'S' Rioghal mo dhream'. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: Blazoned day-by-day in the local media, it is the world's highest battlefield, with troops stationed higher than most North American, European or African mountains.

CNN, Siachen: The world's highest cold war, By Nick Easen, September 17, 2003 blithe [ blahyth', blahyth ] [noun] MEANING : 1. happy, merry or lighthearted 2. carefree, casual or lacking concern

USAGE EXAMPLE 1: GOP presidential candidate John McCain is abandoning old positions and adopting new ones with both an impressive tactical nimbleness and a blithe disregard for his long legislative and political record. ABCNews, Maverick to Candidate: Evolution of the New John McCain, TERRY MORAN, Sept. 18, 2008 bludgeon [ BLUHJ-uh' n ] [noun,transitive verb] MEANING : 1. a club that is used as a weapon and whose one side is more loaded than the other 2. (tr.v.) to attack, hit or strike someone 3. (tr.v.) to coerce, bully or force someone into something

USAGE EXAMPLE 1: "I was able to clear my mind after that and the sixes at the end were very natural free-flowing shots, not trying to bludgeon the ball over the ropes." Gilchrist said The Times of India, Gilchrist savours sweet sixes success, 18 Nov 2007 bode [ bohd ] [intransitive verb,transitive verb] MEANING : 1. (tr.v.) foretell, presage, portend or be an omen of 2. (intr.v.) to portend or predict

USAGE EXAMPLE 2: Some observers say the future of tribes still living in the jungle in Paraguay and elsewhere, particularly Brazil, does not bode well. CNN, Legal battle over forest is victory for Paraguayan Indians, by Arthur Brice, November 14, 2008.

USAGE EXAMPLE 1: His friends constantly warned him that his risk taking behaviour did not bode well. bogus [ BOH-guh' s ] [adjective] MEANING : 1. (adj.) spurious, counterfeit, fake or forged

USAGE EXAMPLE 2: Wasteful public spending subsidises an army of bogus welfare claimants. Economist, Looking nice but doing nothing, Jun 19th 2008. USAGE EXAMPLE 1: Bogus products are often sold at half the price of their original counterparts in these bazaars. boisterous [ BOI-ster-uh' s, -struh' s ] [adjective] MEANING : 1) Rough, noisy; rowdy; very jolly or high spirited 2) (of waves) Stormy and rough

USAGE EXAMPLE 1: The work of British sculptor Raymond Mason, it depicts a crowd of boisterous market porters bearing fruit and vegetables and pushing laden handcarts. CNN, Central Paris treasure awaits discovery,By Mark Tungate, July 17, 2008 bolster [ BHOL-ster ] [noun,transitive verb] MEANING : 1. (n.) a pillow or a cushion 2. (n.) a pad or something used as a support 3. (tr.v.) to support, uphold or prop up 4. (tr.v.) to hearten or cheer up

USAGE EXAMPLE 1: Now that they have the explicit backing of the authorities, it should help

to bolster the housing market which has been the source of so many of the US's economic problems. BBC, US rescues giant mortgage lenders, By Greg Wood, 8 September 2008 boorish [ BOO' R-ish ] [adjective] MEANING : 1. crude, unmannered or not sensitive

USAGE EXAMPLE 1: His boorish manners caused people to shun him. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: For Christie, the man who had a nation punching the air in 1992 when he won the Olympic 100 metres gold in Barcelona and in '93, when he won the world championship title, is labelled "boorish" by Coe, twice Olympic 1500m champion and 11 times world record-breaker. BBC, Linford Christie: Polishing his pride, 17 February, 2001. Accessed: 11th June 2009 bountiful [ BOUN-tuh-fuh' l ] [adjective] MEANING : 1. abundant, plentiful or ample 2. liberal or generous in bestowing favors or gifts

USAGE EXAMPLE 1: For years, the "carry trade" was a bountiful source of cheap international credit. Telegraph, Yen surge stokes stability fears as 'Aussie' slides, By Ambrose Evans-Pritchard, 27 Oct 2008 brackish [ BRAK-ish ] [adjective] MEANING : 1. salty, saline or briny 2. nauseating, repulsive or distasteful

USAGE EXAMPLE 2: The resident of seasonal brackish and freshwater ponds was found in just

one pool in the New Forest until it was discovered at Caerlaverock four years ago during a particularly wet August. Telegraph, Tadpole shrimp, the oldest living species, re-emerges after wet summer, 28 Aug 2008. USAGE EXAMPLE 1: The brackish nature of the water made it impossible to drink. braggadocio [ brag-uh'-DOH-shee-oh ] [noun] MEANING : 1) Empty boasting; bragging 2) A person who boasts; braggart

USAGE EXAMPLE 1: "It's the hottest thing on television," Trump proclaimed to reporters Thursday, a bit of vintage braggadocio dating back to his meteoric rise in the '80s. CNN, Donald Trump is back and riding high brash [ brash ] [noun,adjective] MEANING : 1. (adj.) tactless or impudent 2. (adj.) hasty, rash or impudent 3. (adj.) zealous or zesty 4. (n.) a pile or mass of fragments or debris

USAGE EXAMPLE 1: His brash comments made everyone realize that he would make a poor politician. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: In Las Vegas, a city famed for brash exhibitionism, fast living and long odds, consumer electronics manufacturers are about to make a very important throw of the dice. Telegraph, CES 2009 preview: economic gloom raises the stakes for technology companies, By Claudine Beaumont, 30 Dec 2008 brass [ bras, brahs ] [noun,adjective] MEANING :

1. (n.) an alloy of zinc and copper 2. (n.) utensils, musical instruments or other articles made of brass 3. (adj.) pertaining to or composed of brass

USAGE EXAMPLE 1: Brass is not a precious metal like gold. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: Cuttack's colorful bazaars are wonderful places to wander around at leisure, with little shops selling everything from silk saris to brass horns. National Geographic Traveller, Jewels of the East, by Sarina Singh Accessed: 19 June 2009 brazen [ BREY-zuh' n ] [adjective,transitive verb] MEANING : (adj.) 1)Audacious; shameless or insolent 2) Of or similar to brass in colour, strength, sound 3)Made of brass (tr. v.) To face with boldness or defiance; to face with impudence

USAGE EXAMPLE 1: Robert Mugabe's brazen power grab in Zimbabwe's election saga has left cracks in one of African leaders' unspoken rules: Never turn on one of your own. Washingtonpost, Dissent over Zimbabwe cracks African unity, By MICHELLE FAUL, The Associated Press, July 13, 2008 breach [ breech ] [noun,intransitive verb,transitive verb] MEANING : 1. (n.) rupture or an act or instance of breaking 2. (n.) violation or infraction of a promise or law 3. (tr.v.) to violate a promise or law 4. (tr.v.) to break or rupture 5. (intr.v.) (of a whale) to leap or jump out of water

USAGE EXAMPLE 1: The breach in the external wall has to be repaired to avoid further damage.

USAGE EXAMPLE 2: Bottlenose dolphins have been observed to breach up to 16 feet (4.9 meters) out of the water, landing with a splash on their back or side. National Geographic, Bottlenose Dolphin, Accessed: 11th June 2009 bric-a-brac [ BRIK-uh'-brak ] [noun] MEANING : An assortment of small articles collected chiefly for decoration or sentimental value

USAGE EXAMPLE 1: Need to dust that collection of glass animals or other delicate items? Put on some fabric gloves -- the softer the better -- to clean your bric-a-brac thoroughly. Reader's Digest, Dusting , From Extraordinary Uses for Ordinary Things brittle [ BRIT-l ] [noun,adjective,intransitive verb] MEANING : 1. (adj.) frail, fragile or easy to break or damage 2. (adj.) cold, aloof or lacking warmth and sensitivity 3. (adj.) evanescent, mortal or perishable 4. (n.) candy or confectionery made with nuts and caramelized sugar 5. (intr.v.) to crumble or become brittle

USAGE EXAMPLE 1: It is due to its brittle nature that it has to be handled with care. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: The dusty scrublands of Zomba West have been brittle dry since April, when the rainy season ended. BBC, Fish farming in Malawi's dustbowl, By James Morgan Environment reporter, BBC News, 22 October 2008. Accessed: 11th June 2009 broach [ brohch ] [noun,intransitive verb,transitive verb] MEANING : 1. (tr.v.) to mention or announce for the first time 2. (tr.v.) to tap or make a hole by piercing

3.(n.) a tapered, elongated and serrated tool for cutting which is used to shape or enlarge holes 4. (intr.v.) to emerge from the sea

USAGE EXAMPLE 1: Every one present was surprised when she broached such a taboo topic. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: The media in Saudi Arabia has begun to broach topics such as religious extremism, women's rights and unemployment that were once strictly off limits. BBC, Pressures build on Saudi media, By Sebastian Usher, World media correspondent, BBC News, 9 June 2006 Accessed: 18 June 2009 brook [ broo' k ] [noun] MEANING : a creek or stream of water

USAGE EXAMPLE 1: The brook flowing down the hill added to the appeal of the scenery. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: Baffled residents were surprised to see a brook in Oxfordshire turn fluorescent green overnight. BBC, Dye turns brook green overnight, 24 April 2008 Accessed: 19 June 2009 bruit [ broot ] [noun,transitive verb] MEANING : (n.) 1) (Medicine) Any general abnormal sound heard on auscultation (the act of listening, either directly or through a stethoscope or other instrument, to sounds within the body as a method of diagnosis). 2) (Archaic) Rumour; report 3) (Archaic) Noise; din; clamour (tr. v.) To spread rumour; repeat

USAGE EXAMPLE 1: Using a stethoscope to listen to your carotid arteries, your doctor can detect a noise, called a 'bruit', made by turbulent blood flow through a

narrowed artery. BBC, Strokes, 11th May 2001 bucolic [ byoo-KOL-ik ] [noun,adjective] MEANING : (adj.) 1) Relating to or suggestive of typical rural life 2) Of or pertaining to herdsmen or shepherds; pastoral (n.) (Archaic) 1) A country person; peasant; a rustic 2) A pastoral poem

USAGE EXAMPLE 1: Tucked away quietly in the middle of the Alps, this immensely rich and powerful nation still manages to portray itself as the perfect bucolic idyll. BBC, Swiss shaken by row of disasters, 25 October, 2001 bullion [ BOO' L-yuh' n ] [noun] MEANING : 1) Gold or silver considered in mass rather than value 2) Gold or silver bars, ingots, or plates 3) Embroidery or lace trimming worked with fine threads of gold or silver

USAGE EXAMPLE 1: The target was 40m worth of gold bullion and between 30-40m in cash, stored at the Swissport Cargo Warehouse at Heathrow Airport. BBC, Flying Squad foils 80m robbery, 18 May, 2004 bulwark [ BOO' L-werk, -wawrk, BUHL- ] [noun,transitive verb] MEANING : (n.) 1) A solid wall built for defence; a rampart 2) Something serving as a strong support or protection 3) Breakwater 4) (usu. plural) The side of a ship above the upper deck (tr. v.) To fortify or protect with a bulwark

USAGE EXAMPLE 1: Clinton hopes Texas will serve as a bulwark against Obama's wave of growing political support. CNN, Obama faces fire from Clinton, McCain, 14 February, 2008

bumptious [ BUHMP-shuh' s ] [adjective] MEANING : 1. crudely or loudly assertive; pushy 2. offensively self-conceited

USAGE EXAMPLE 1: The bumptious fool often spoke without thinking. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: Playing the part with a convincing mixture of bumptious charm and desperate vulnerability, Steve Coogan is a pretty good character actor if you can ever forget that this is Steve Coogan. Telegraph, Credit-crunch television that waves goodbye to greed, By Stephen Pile, 12 Dec 2008 bungle [ BUHNG-guh' l ] [noun,intransitive verb,transitive verb] MEANING : (intr. v.) To work clumsily or awkwardly (tr.v.) To handle or perform clumsily (n.) To botch; a work that is done ineptly or clumsily

USAGE EXAMPLE 1: Junior doctors are meeting in London just days after the latest bungle involving the new system for assigning specialist training posts. The Herald, Junior doctors furious over recruitment shambles, HELEN PUTTICK, Health Correspondent, April 28 2007 buoyant [ BOI-uh' nt, BOO-yuh' nt ] [adjective] MEANING : 1) Tending or ability to float 2) Cheerful; lively

USAGE EXAMPLE 1: A buoyant Colin Montgomerie yesterday regarded world No.1 Tiger Woods as beatable and declared himself a contender for next week's Open Championship at Carnoustie. The Herald, Monty plans to prove hes a major contender again, DOUGLAS LOWE, Golf Correspondent,12 July 2007

burgeon [ BUR-juh n ] [noun,intransitive verb,transitive verb] MEANING : 1. (tr.v.) to grow or develop quickly; flourish 2. (intr.v.) to flourish or blossom 3. (n.) a bud

USAGE EXAMPLE 1: He has burgeoned into a confident young man. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: The private equity firm had wanted to capitalise on the potential for Samsonite to grow in India and China, where the burgeoning middle classes were finding travel increasingly affordable. Telegraph, Samsonite bags debt- for-equity rescue deal, By Helia Ebrahimi, 30 May 2009 Accessed: 18 June 2009 burlesque [ ber-LESK ] [noun,verb] MEANING : (n.) 1) A dramatic or literary work that tries to mock or ridicule through grotesque comical exaggeration 2) A grotesque theatrical entertainment which features obscene songs, slapstick humour, and sometimes striptease (v.) To imitate or mock in humorous way

USAGE EXAMPLE 1: His comedic schooling came from vaudeville, burlesque and nightclubs. CNN, Comedian Joey Bishop dies, October 18, 2007 burnish [ BUR-nish ] [noun,transitive verb] MEANING : 1. (tr.v.) to burnish or make shiny by rubbing 2. (n.) polish, gloss or shine

USAGE EXAMPLE 1: The last vestiges of sunlight gild and burnish the pink walls. National Geographic, On Lake Powell, Kayaking a Reemerging Canyon, Gretchen Reynolds, August 12, 2003

buxom [ BUHK-suh' m ] [adjective] MEANING : 1. (of a woman) Healthily plump and ample of figure 2. (of a woman) full bosomed

USAGE EXAMPLE 1: Jayaram Jayalalitha, India: To her fans, she's the "Mother Goddess of the World," a buxom former starlet turned politician who has the ability to bring down the national government. abcNews, Actor-Politicians Across the World, By Leela Jacinto, Feb. 23

C
cabal [ kuh-BAL ]
[noun,intransitive verb] MEANING : 1. (n.) a faction of secret, conspiratorial plotters 2. (n.) an intrigue or plot 3. (intr.v.) to conspire USAGE EXAMPLE 1: Every member of the cabal was sworn to secrecy. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: The weak commitments angered the cabal of environment and development agencies, who variously described the outcomes as "frighteningly timid", "lacking in leadership" and "a failure of political will". BBC, Climate talks a tricky business, By Richard Black, Environment correspondent, BBC News website, Nairobi, 18 November 2006 Accessed: 18 June 2009

cache [ kash ]
[noun,transitive verb] MEANING : 1. (n.) a place to conceal food, supplies and ammunition 2. (n.) one that is hidden or stored in a cache 3. (n.) computer memory used for quick access to frequently accessed data and instructions 4. (tr.v.) to hide or conceal ammunition and supplies in a cache USAGE EXAMPLE 2: Security forces have recovered a cache of arms and explosives in Poonch district, officials said here on Tuesday. The Times of India, Arms cache recovered in J&K, 5 Dec 2006. USAGE EXAMPLE 1: The terrorists carried with them a cache of arms and grenades which they hoped to used to inflict maximum damage.

cadaverous [ kuh-DAV-er-uh' s ]
[adjective] MEANING : 1. corpselike, haggard, ghastly or gaunt 2. Pallid or livid USAGE EXAMPLE 2: Todays forests stand in cadaverous contrast. abcNEWS, Ecologists Yielding to Nature's Fire Logic, by Joseph Verrengia, Aug. 18. USAGE EXAMPLE 1: The sighting of the cadaverous form managed to scare off everyone in the castle

cadge [ kaj ]
[intransitive verb,transitive verb] MEANING : 1. (tr.v.) to sponge or beg

2. (intr.v.) to obtain by sponging or begging USAGE EXAMPLE 1: She cadged the judge to absolve her brother. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: AT THE Feria Internacional del Libro (FIL), the largest Spanish-language publishing event, held a few weeks ago in Guadalajara, in Mexico, an eager teenager cadged your correspondent's badge at the exit. Economist, Spanish-language publishing, Jan 17th 2008 Accessed: 19 June 2009

cajole [ kuh'-JOHL ]
[verb] MEANING : To persuade with flattery USAGE EXAMPLE 1: If not, then you'll need to cajole a nearby geek to install the card and speakers for you. The Complete Idiot's Guide to Microsoft Windows 2000 Professional, By Paul McFedries

callow [ KAL-oh ]
[noun,adjective] MEANING : 1. (adj.) immature or lacking experience 2. (adj.) (pertaining to a young bird) unfledged or featherless 3. (n.) a worker ant that has been hatched recently USAGE EXAMPLE 2: People love the legend of Owen as the handsome, slightly callow young writer whose talent was forged in the furnace of war but that is partly a myth, says Mr Hibberd. BBC, Myth and magic of Wilfred Owen, by Vincent Dowd, 4 November 2008. USAGE EXAMPLE 1: The callow youth was not held responsible for his actions.

calumny [ KAL-uh m-nee ]

[noun] MEANING : 1. to disrepute or defame someone by false malicious statements 2. The act of disreputing a person with false statements USAGE EXAMPLE 1: Acrid controversy and acid calumny have engulfed Britain's definitive tenth anniversary remembrance of Princess Diana's death. The Times Of India, Diana's 10th death anniversary mired in controversy, 29 Aug 2007

canard [ kuh'-NAHRD; Fr. ka*-NA*R* ]

[noun] MEANING : A spiteful report created to cause harm. USAGE EXAMPLE 1: Anyone still inclined to cling to the canard that football is solely a man's game should spend a few hours in the company of Gemma Fay. The Herald, Womens game in safe hands as Scots go for glory, Neil Drysdale

candid [ KAN-did ]
[noun,adjective]

MEANING : 1. (adj.) frank, sincere and straightforward 2. (adj.) not rehearsed or posed 3. blunt or honest 4. (n.) a photograph taken without the subject posing USAGE EXAMPLE 1: She put forward her version of the story in a candid interview. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: British Prime Minister Gordon Brown told the House of Commons on Monday the inquiry into the war would hear evidence in private so witnesses can be "as candid as possible." CNN, Anti-war campaigners slam 'secret' Iraq probe, By Peter Wilkinson CNN, June 15, 2009 Accessed: 18 June 2009

canine [ KEY-nahyn ]
[noun,adjective] MEANING : 1. (adj.) pertaining to or characteristic of a dog 2. (n.) a dog 3. (n.) a cuspid or canine tooth USAGE EXAMPLE 2: Malaysia sought to form the world's first permanent canine anti-piracy unit after borrowing two dogs Lucky and Flo from the U.S. Motion Picture Association. abcNEWS, DVD-Sniffing Anti-Piracy Dog Dies in Malaysia, by JULIA ZAPPEI, June 9, 2008. USAGE EXAMPLE 1: The canine unit is invaluable in the drug enforcement agency.

canker [ KANG-ker ]
[noun,intransitive verb,transitive verb] MEANING : 1. (n.) Ulceration, especially in the mouth and lips 2.(n.) any of various disorders in animals marked by chronic inflammatory changes 3. (n.) a source of corruption or decay 4. (tr.v.) to corrupt; destroy slowly 5. (intr.v.) to become infected with or as if with canker USAGE EXAMPLE 1: One of the region's MEPs has called for EU-funded research into the canker. BBC, Blight-hit horse chestnuts dying, 21 September 2006

canny [ KAN-ee ]
[adjective] MEANING : 1. prudent, shrewd or cautious 2. thrifty, careful or steady 3. snug, quiet or cozy USAGE EXAMPLE 1: I suspect that Indian businessmen are canny enough to make the transition with minimal damage. The Times of India, Getting around job quotas, by SWAMINOMICS/SWAMINATHAN S ANKLESARIA AIYAR, 24 Oct 2004

cantankerous [ kan-TANG-ker-uh' s ]
[adjective] MEANING :

Ill tempered or quarrelsome person USAGE EXAMPLE 1: A cantankerous iconoclast with bulging hazel eyes, scraggly salt-and-pepper beard, and wild locks flowing from beneath a floppy camouflage jungle hat, Possuelo, 63, is widely considered one of the Amazon's last great wilderness scouts and the leading authority on Brazil's remaining pockets of isolated Indians. National Geographic, Into the Amazon, By Scott Wallace, August 2003

canvass [ KAN-vuh s ]
[noun,intransitive verb,transitive verb] MEANING : 1. (tr.v.) to scrutinize, examine or debate 2. (intr.v.) to scrutinize 3. (intr.v.) to amass or solicit votes 4. (n.) scrutiny or examination 5. (n.) a solicitation or imploration for votes USAGE EXAMPLE 1: Every detail regarding the election process was closely canvassed by the election commission. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: A town in Berkshire is to impose strict limits on how and when charity collectors can canvass people on its streets for donations. BBC, Town to limit charity collections, 10 October 2008 Accessed: 18 June 2009

caprice [ kuh'-PREES ]
[noun] MEANING : 1. An impulsive change of mind 2. an inclination to change one's mind impulsively 3. a sudden, unpredictable action, change or series of actions or changes USAGE EXAMPLE 1: It is quite a selfish thing to do really, I suppose, to engage in this sort of activity out of caprice abcNews, British Matador Coming out of Retirement in Spain, By DANIEL WOOLLS Associated Press Writer, August 15, 2008

captious [ KAP-shuh' s ]
[adjective] MEANING : 1. fault-finding, critical or difficult to please 2. intended to ensnare, entrap, confuse or perplex in an argument USAGE EXAMPLE 2: They could also be absolutely as critical as the most captious guys today, but they could also sing songs.Deford says. CNN, The ruffian and the college boy, by Todd Leopold, April 26, 2005. USAGE EXAMPLE 1: His captious remarks earned him the displeasure of his friends.

carafe [ kuh'-RAF, -RAHF ]

[noun] MEANING : 1. a bottle made of metal or glass that usually has a flared lip and is often used to serve water and wine 2. a container made of glass that usually is used to hold or serve coffee

USAGE EXAMPLE 2: A carafe of Greek white wine and a Mythos beer for Mr Smith. Telegraph, Mykonos Grace, Mykonos: full review, 15 Dec 2008. USAGE EXAMPLE 1: The carafe was placed on the central table so that everyone had an easy access to it.

cardinal [ KAHR-dn-l ]
[noun,adjective] MEANING : 1. (adj.) chief, principal, paramount or of great importance 2. (adj.) having a vivid or bright red tinge 3. (n.) a rank among priests of the Roman Catholic church that is second only to the pope 4. (n.) a deep, vivid, bright and rich red colour USAGE EXAMPLE 2: To many observers, the big banks broke one of Wall Street's cardinal rules: Be greedy, but be greedy over the long term. abcNEWS, The Rise and (almost) Fall of America's Banks, by STEVENSON JACOBS and ERIN McCLAM, February 8, 2009. USAGE EXAMPLE 1: It is of cardinal significance to pay attention to one's mentors.

caricature [ KAR-i-kuh'-cher, -choo' r ]

[noun,transitive verb] MEANING : 1. a pictorial representation highlighting any flaws or peculiarities in a persons features or mannerisms in order to bring about a grotesque or humorous effect 2. the art of making or creating caricatures 3. (tr.v.) to make a pictorial depiction or caricature USAGE EXAMPLE 1: Political caricature is the staple of newspaper cartoons, sketch-writing and impressionists. BBC, Woman's Hour, Women political satirists, 19 Mar 2004

carnal [ KAHR-nl ]
[adjective] MEANING : 1. sensual, bodily or of the flesh 2. worldly or corporeal USAGE EXAMPLE 1: There can be no room for carnal impulses. The Times of India, Such endeavours require sublimation of desire, 10 May 2004

carp [ kahrp ]
[noun,transitive verb] MEANING : 1. (tr.v.) to unreasonably criticize or complain 2. (n.) an irritable, peevish or fretful complaint 3. (n.) An Asian fresh-water fish that is often breeded for food USAGE EXAMPLE 1: Public information officers may carp about the burgeoning number of applications that land on their desks every day, but the fact remains that the Right to Information Act is sadly underutilised. The Times of India, Keep a watch on govt with Rs 10, Seema Kamdar, 27 December 2004

carrion [ KAR-ee-uh' n ]
[noun,adjective] MEANING : 1. (n.) putrefying or decaying flesh 2. (n.) one that is decaying or rotting 3. (adj.) pertaining to or like decaying flesh 4. (adj.) feeding on putrefying or decaying flesh USAGE EXAMPLE 2: Buzzards are known to be lazy carrion feeders and normally hunt on open land, eating worms, beetles, small mammals or carcasses. Telegraph, Buzzard snatches and kills rare bird, by Richard Savill, 15 Jan 2009. USAGE EXAMPLE 1: Vultures feed on carrion which is often remains from a carcass.

carte blanche [ KAHRT BLANCH, BLAHNCH; Fr. Kar*t BLAHN*SH ]

[noun] MEANING : 1. unconditional authority 2. unrestricted power to act at one's own discretion 3. a blank paper, with a person's signature, etc, at the bottom, given to another person with permission to superscribe what conditions he pleases. USAGE EXAMPLE 1: Being a free agent is exciting, rewarding and gives you carte blanche to choose your own hours and assignments. CNN, Seven easy steps to a freelance life, From Kate Lorenz, April 2, 2007

cartography [ kahr-TOG-ruh'-fee ]
[noun] MEANING : The technique or art of creating maps or charts USAGE EXAMPLE 1: Mapmaking, or cartography, has been greatly assisted by technological advancements since World War II. Maps - MSN Encarta

castigate [ KAS-ti-geyt ]
[transitive verb] MEANING : to punish, criticize, or admonish severely USAGE EXAMPLE 1: Newspapers in the Arab world castigate Israel for the assault on Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat's Ramallah headquarters. BBC, Arab press rails at Sharon, 31 March, 2002

castigation [ KAS-ti-geyt-shuhn ]
[noun] MEANING : reprehension, reproval or reprimand USAGE EXAMPLE 1: The castigation she received made her decide to quit films.

USAGE EXAMPLE 2: Director Chris Columbus remained faithful to the book and so avoided castigation from millions of Potter fans around the world. BBC, British film classics: Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, 21 February, 2003 Accessed: 19 June 2009

casuistry [ KAZH-oo-uh'-stree ]
[noun] MEANING : 1. subtle but dubious and fallacious reasoning used with the intention of misguiding or misleading 2. the application of general ethical principles in order to solve specific problems of right and wrong in conduct USAGE EXAMPLE 1: The casuistry that it produces may be a long way from morality and even justice. Telegraph, The lawfare of warfare, 02 Nov 2007.

cataclysm [ KAT-uh'-kliz-uh' m ]
[noun] MEANING : 1) A violent upheaval of a social or political nature 2) A violent physical action that causes changes in the surface of Earth. 3) A devastating flood or famine USAGE EXAMPLE 1: 1) Changes in food habits signal more portentous cataclysm. 2) A cataclysm, 50 million years ago, changed the face of the planet from the Hawaiian Islands to Antarctica, a new study by Australian researchers from the University of Sydney, has revealed. 1) The Times of India, Wok on the Wild Side, 19 Jun 2005 2) The Times of India, 50 mn-yr-old calamity changed Earth, 25 Oct 2007, ANI

catalyst [ KAT-l-ist ]
[noun] MEANING : 1. something that acts as the stimulus in an activity without itself being affected in any way 2. (Chemistry) a substance that hastens a reaction or process without itself reacting with any other substance or undergoing any chemical change USAGE EXAMPLE 1: It's no surprise that the main catalyst for the transformation is the economy. abcNews, The year of holiday thrift, By Ron Scherer

catechism [ KAT-i-kiz-uh' m ]
[noun] MEANING : 1. an elementary book giving a brief summary of the principles of Christianity in the form of questions and answers 2. a similar manual giving basic instructions in a subject, usually by rote or repetition 3. a close questioning or examination, as to political candidates, to bring out their views USAGE EXAMPLE 1: That is a kind of catechism for pragmatists. BBC, Texas reflects on economic changes, By Kevin Connolly, 27 November 2008

cathartic [ kuh'-THAHR-tik ]
[noun,adjective]

MEANING : 1. (adj.) something that pertains to or induces catharsis 2. (n.) a purgative or laxative USAGE EXAMPLE 1: Music can unlock emotional problems. It is particularly helpful with grief where people can find music very cathartic. BBC, 'My music helps healing', 29 December, 2002

caustic [ KAW-stik ]
[noun,adjective] MEANING : 1. (adj.) corrosive, scathing or acrid 2. (adj.) causing a stinging or burning sensation 3. (n.) one that corrodes USAGE EXAMPLE 1: She was disliked by the community because of her caustic retorts. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: Long identified with corruption, abuse and political repression, China's police are facing an increased outpouring of public anger that has led to mob attacks, caustic Internet postings and displays of sympathy for a convicted cop-killer. abcNews, Police Arrests Highlight Anger With Force in China, By CHRISTOPHER BODEEN Associated Press Writer, November 19, 2008 Accessed: 19 June 2009

cauterise [ KAW-tuh'-rahyz ]
[transitive verb] MEANING : 1. to burn, sear or freeze by means of a caustic agent 2. to deaden or render senseless or insensitive USAGE EXAMPLE 1: The traditional method, which heats tissue to cauterise wounds, can affect the ability to eat and drink for days. BBC, 'Less pain' tonsil ops developed, 21 December, 2003

cavalcade [ kav-uh' l-KEYD, KAV-uh' l-keyd ]

[noun] MEANING : 1. a procession esp. one that involves horsemen and riders 2. a sequence, succession or series of noteworthy events or activities USAGE EXAMPLE 1: A cavalcade of black SUVs, minivans, and chauffeured cars snaked its way up the block beside me as I ran to my son's after-school game. abcNews, Excerpt: 'The Manny', June 19, 2007

caveat [ KAV-ee-aht, -at, KAH-vee-, key- ]

[noun] MEANING : 1) A warning of taking something into account before carrying out plans 2) A formal notice filed by an interested party with a court or officer, so that the action is taken only after telling the person who has given the notice USAGE EXAMPLE 1: "But the caveat is that we only find sufficient numbers of native bees in areas that are near native habitat."

National Geographic, Powerful Pollinators, Wild Bees May Favor Eco-Farms, by Ben Harder, October 28, 2004

celerity [ suh'-LER-i-tee ]
[noun] MEANING : speed or swiftness USAGE EXAMPLE 1: After raiding the firm only a week ago, they arrested Mr Horie on January 23rd with unprecedented celerity. Economist, Livedoor, Jan 26th 2006

censure [ SEN-sher ]
[noun,transitive verb] MEANING : 1. (n.) harsh or sever criticism or reprimand 2. (n.) official condemnation or reprimand 3. (tr.v.) to severely or harshly rebuke or criticize USAGE EXAMPLE 1: The censure she received made her cry. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has been charged with improper conduct by the FA, just four days after being fined 10,000 ($19,660) and severely censured by English football's governing body. CNN, Manager Wenger charged by FA again, December 18, 2006 Accessed: 18 June 2009

centaur [ SEN-tawr ]
[noun] MEANING : 1. one of a race of monsters having the head, trunks, and arms of a man, and the body and legs of a horse 2. a skilful horseman or horsewoman 3. A group of icy bodies similar to asteroids and comets, orbiting the sun in elliptical paths, mostly in the region between Saturn and Neptune USAGE EXAMPLE 1: Centaur is a creature of Greek mythology having the head, trunk, and arms of a man, and two legs (or the trunk and four legs) of a horse. Reader's Digest, Monsters and Mythological Creatures. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: The centaurs are mythological creatures said to have the power of seeing into the future.

centripetal [ sen-TRIP-i-tl ]
[adjective] MEANING : 1. directed or proceeding towards a centre 2. (physiology) afferent 3. (botany) progressioning inward or directed towards an axis or centre 4. tending or directed towards unification or centralization 5. acted upon by or working using centripetal force USAGE EXAMPLE 1: Gravity provides the centripetal force needed to keep objects in orbit. BBC, Science, Exploring our solar system

centurion [ sen-TOO R-ee-uh n, -TYOO R- ]

[noun] MEANING : the commanding officer of an ancient Roman century USAGE EXAMPLE 1: The centurion warned the general that if timely reinforcements were not sent to the front the enemy hordes would overrun their first line of defence. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: The battle-hardened centurion marched into the room and positioned himself at his leader's side. The Herald, Veteran warrior Maldini ready to lead from the back, Hugh MacDonald, 20 February 2007.

cerebration [ SER-uh-brey-shuh'n ]
[noun,intransitive verb] MEANING : 1. (intr.v.) to use the power of reason, think or think about 2. (n.) the process of using your mind to consider something carefully USAGE EXAMPLE 1: The country is simply so much better at celebration than cerebration. Telegraph, Fear walks the streets in the home of the brave, By Jeff Randall, 15 Feb 2003

cession [ SESH-uh' n ]
[noun] MEANING : 1. an act of surrendering, yielding or giving up 2. one or something that is given up or surrendered USAGE EXAMPLE 1: The commissioner Fantozzi can now proceed to the cession of the assets within the first of December CNN, Alitalia sale approved, From CNN's Alessio Vinci and Hada Messia, November 19, 2008

chafe [ cheyf ]
[noun,intransitive verb,transitive verb] MEANING : 1. (tr.v.) to vex, irritate or annoy 2. (tr.v.) to rub (esp. hands) and make warm 3. (tr.v.) to abrade or make sore by rubbing 4. (intr.v.) to wear away or become sore as a result of rubbing 5. (intr.v.) to irritate, annoy or vex 5. (n.) annoyance, vexation or irritation 6. (n.) soreness or warmth due to friction USAGE EXAMPLE 1: They continue to chafe under the inefficiency, corruption and red tape of their unusual system of government. BBC, Libyans mark Gaddafi anniversary, By Roger Hardy , 2 March 2007

chaff [ chaf, chahf ]

[noun,verb] MEANING : 1. (n.) Thin dry bracts or scales, especially a. those enclosing mature grains of wheat and other cereal grasses, removed during threshing b. borne on the receptacle among the small individual flowers of many plants in the composite family 2. (n.) finely cut hay or straw used as fodder

3. (n.) trivial or worthless matter 4. (n.) strips of metal, foil or glass fibers, and having varying frequency responses, ejected into the air for reflecting radar waves- as a radar countermeasure 5. (v.) to tease in a good natured way, banter USAGE EXAMPLE 1: As such, its getting progressively more difficult to separate the wheat from the chaff, so to speak. BBC, Sybarite Placement Issues, by Olli Siebelt, 20 November 2002

chagrin [ shuh'-GRIN ]
[noun,verb] MEANING : (n.) A feeling of mental unease or embarrassment due to failure (v.) To cause embarrassment USAGE EXAMPLE 1: These two malcontents were chagrined at the raid by the FBI upon the headquarters of David Koresh's Branch Davidian religious cult two years earlier; more than 70 people died in a fire that began during the raid. BBC, Chemical Cock-Ups: The 1921 Oppau Disater and its Aftermath, 20th July, 2006

chalice [ CHAL-is ]
[noun] MEANING : 1) A cup or goblet for drinking 2) A cup for the consecrated wine USAGE EXAMPLE 1: The deacon put the chalice in a safe placeand perhaps even sent it to Spainbefore being killed. National Geographic, What's Inside Rome's Ancient Catacombs?, By Maria Cristina Valsecchi

champ [ champ, chomp ]

[noun,intransitive verb,transitive verb] MEANING : 1. (tr.v.) to mash, crush, grind or bite noisily by using one's teeth 2. (intr.v.) to use one's teeth and jaws in order to bite or munch something 3. (n.) an act or instance of champing USAGE EXAMPLE 1: We are champing at the bit to go. Telegraph, South Pole race starts as blizzard abates, By Stephen Adams, 05 Jan 2009

chaotic [ key-OT-ik ]
[noun,adjective] MEANING : 1. in a totally confused, disordered or erratic state or condition 2. of or pertaining to the dynamics and theories of mathematical chaos USAGE EXAMPLE 1: Upon arrival in Cairo, even the most weary business traveler will find it difficult to resist the chaotic charms of this ancient and charismatic city. Telegraph, Cairo, 27 Nov 2008

charlatan [ SHAHR-luh'-tn ]
[noun] MEANING : a person who pretends to more knowledge or skill than he or she possesses

USAGE EXAMPLE 1: He is an authentic legend in a game that now breeds herds of the charlatan variety. The Herald, Rush: Scots have what it takes to reach finals, HUGH MacDONALD, September 06 2008

chaste [ cheyst ]
[adjective] MEANING : 1. virginal, virtuous or not indulging in sexual intercourse 2. celibate or sexually abstinent 3. clean, stainless or spotless 4. pure, austere or simple USAGE EXAMPLE 1: Quoting Pablo Picasso, the judge drew a distinction between artistic freedom and obscenity: "Art is never chaste - where it is chaste, it is not art." Quoting Pablo Picasso, the judge drew a distinction between artistic freedom and obscenity: "Art is never chaste - where it is chaste, it is not art."

chasten [ CHEY-suh' n ]
[transitive verb] MEANING : 1. chastise, discipline or punish with the intention of improving 2. to subdue, refine or restrain 3. to purify or make chaste USAGE EXAMPLE 1: The floor supervisor was chastened after an accident took place during his duty. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: Big European retailers who previously had placed the bulk of their orders with Northern Ireland meat plants had been chastened by negative consumer reaction to the BSE crisis. BBC, Lifting of beef ban highlight of year, By Martin Cassidy Rural affairs correspondent, 28 December 2006

chastise [ chas-TAHYZ, CHAS-tahyz ]

[transitive verb] MEANING : 1. to condemn, rebuke or criticize severely 2. to discipline by severe punishment 3. (archaic.) to make pure USAGE EXAMPLE 1: If he was the only one doing it then I would chastise him but I'm afraid he's not the only one doing it. BBC, Holloway column, 9 February 2007

chastisement [ chas-TAHYZ-muh-nt, CHAS-tahyz-muh-nt ]

[noun] MEANING : punishment or castigation USAGE EXAMPLE 1: Verbal chastisement is the preferred form of punishment as opposed to corporal punishment. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: In 2002, the United Nations' Committee on the Rights of the Child said it "deeply regrets that the (UK) persists in retaining the defence of 'reasonable chastisement'. BBC, Calls for smacking ban rejected, 22 January 2006 Accessed: 19 June 2009

chattel [ CHAT-l ]
[noun] MEANING : 1. a slave or bondman 2. an object or article among one's movable personal property USAGE EXAMPLE 1: They had occupied his people's land, and in his words made them a "race of no rights beyond those of chattel." CNN, Mugabe: Africa's 'lasting connection'?, By CNN's Charlayne Hunter-Gault, March 13, 2002

chicanery [ shi-KEY-nuh'-ree, chi- ]

[noun] MEANING : deceit by subterfuge or trickery USAGE EXAMPLE 1: The European bee-eater's life is more like an epic novel, sprawling across continents, teeming with familial intrigue, theft, danger, chicanery, and flamboyant beauty. National Geographic, Painting the Sky, Bruce Barcott

chide [ chahyd ]
[intransitive verb,transitive verb] MEANING : 1. (tr. v.) to scold, reproach or reprimand 2. (intr. v.) to voice one''s disapproval USAGE EXAMPLE 1: The agent behind the wheel has recently moved down from Oklahoma, and she chides him for not knowing the history of this little stretch of the border. The Economist, The Border: Fighting the fence, EL CALABOZ, Jun 12th 2008

chisel [ CHIZ-uh l ]
[noun,intransitive verb,transitive verb] MEANING : 1. (n.) a metallic tool that is driven by a hammer and used to shape wood, stone, etc. 2. (tr.v.) to shape by using a chisel 3. (intr.v.) to cut with the help of a chisel USAGE EXAMPLE 1: He was presented with a gold chisel as a token of appreciation for his work. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: President-elect Barack Obama's inaugural address is one of the most anticipated speeches in decades, with many expecting his words to be chiseled into marble some day. CNN, Monumental expectations for Obama's inauguration address, January 19, 2009 Accessed: 18 June 2009

churl [ churl ]
[noun] MEANING : 1. a boorish, ill-bred or rude person 2. ceorl 3. a rustic or peasant USAGE EXAMPLE 1:

All the guests were dressed like gentlemen but some behaved like churls. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: It would take a churl of the most dour, misanthropic bent not to respond gladly to such outpourings of sheer human happiness. The Herald, Wishing Kosovo well while fearing for the future,Harry Reid, 21 February 2008.

churlish [ CHUR-lish ]
[adjective] MEANING : Mean and impolite USAGE EXAMPLE 1: Leading academician Zamiruddin told the Hindustan Times that the decision was "churlish and thoughtless" unless the government replaced the rhymes with equally popular and easy-to-learn Indian ones. BBC, Humpty Dumpty ruled 'too Western' , 14 June 2006

cipher [ SAHY-fer ]
[noun,intransitive verb,transitive verb] MEANING : 1. (n.) zero 2. (n.) a coded or coded message 3. (n.) a nonentity or one having no importance or value 4. (n.) a number or figure in Arabic 5. (intr.v.) to encode 6. (intr.v.) to calculate arithmetically 7. (tr.v.) to encipher or encode 8. (tr.v.) to compute or calculate arithmetically USAGE EXAMPLE 1: Three German ciphers unsolved since World War II are finally being cracked, helped by thousands of home computers. BBC, Online amateurs crack Nazi codes, By Adam Blenford , 2 March 2006

circumscribe [ SUR-kuh' m-skrahyb, sur-kuh' m-SKRAHYB ]

[transitive verb] MEANING : 1. to confine, constrict or limit carefully 2. to encompass or encircle 3. to define, mark or set the limits of something USAGE EXAMPLE 1: You can be circumscribed by your success. Telegraph, Juliet Stevenson: 'I would love a completely different life?', 21 Feb 2008

clairvoyant [ klair-VOI-uh' nt ]
[noun,adjective] MEANING : 1. (adj.) having a perception of events and things far beyond that of a normal human being 2. (adj.) pertaining to, of or related to clairvoyance 3. (n.) one who is clairvoyant and claims to perceive the future USAGE EXAMPLE 1: We are not talking Cannes but Tenby and those in the running for prizes are not film stars but psychics, mediums and clairvoyants. BBC, Spiritualists gather for awards, By Nick Parry, 17 May 2008

clamour [ KLAM-er ]
[noun,transitive verb] MEANING : (n.) Loud uproar or protest from a crowd (v.) To protest or demand loudly USAGE EXAMPLE 1: Theres a huge clamour for club membership these days with people willing to shell out as much as Rs 15 lakh for it. The Times of India, Club memberships top list of must-haves, 15 Jul 2003, Roshni Olivera,TNN

clangor [ KLANG-er, KLANG-ger ]

[noun,intransitive verb] MEANING : 1. (n.) a loud resonant sound, a din 2. (intr.v.) to make a clangor, clang USAGE EXAMPLE 1: Long after the attacks of Sept. 11, the clangor of terror echoes worldwide. CNN, Al-Qaeda now, By Michael Elliott, May 27, 2002

cleft [ kleft ]
[noun,verb,adjective] MEANING : 1. (n.) crevice, fissure, crack or split 2. (n.) an indentation or hollow between two parts esp. in case of a chin 3. (adj.) divided or split 4. (v.) a past tense and past participle of cleave USAGE EXAMPLE 1: May be its the twinkling eyes or the abysmal cleft on his chin, but theres something starry about Rahul Bhatt. The Times of India, No ifs for this Bhatt, Geetanjali Patole, 19 March 2002.

clientele [ klahy-uh n-TEL, klee-ahn- ]

[noun] MEANING : the group of a professional's customers and clients USAGE EXAMPLE 1: Their clientele featured prominent members of the publishing industry. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: The 110-year-old train system channels its youthful clientele into downtown Chicago in less than 15 minutes. National Geographic, Quick Trip Accessed: 19 June 2009

clinch [ klinch ]
[noun,intransitive verb,transitive verb] MEANING : 1. (tr.v.) to secure something by bending or flattening its rear, protruding end 2. (tr.v.) to settle or make irrefutable 3. (intr.v.) (boxing) to hold the opponent with both arms in order to prevent blows or punches 4. (n.) one that clinches USAGE EXAMPLE 1: They clinched the championship with a spectacular finish.

USAGE EXAMPLE 2: Brazil need just three more points to clinch qualification for the 2010 World Cup after beating former South American Group leaders Paraguay on Wednesday, but Argentina's hopes suffered a big blow. CNN, Brazil march on as Maradona's Argentina crash, June 11, 2009 Accessed: 18 June 2009

cling [ kling ]
[noun,intransitive verb] MEANING : 1. (intr.v.) to adhere to or stick to something 2. (intr.v.) to resist separation or be emotionally attached to something 3. (n.) attachment USAGE EXAMPLE 1: The scared children clung to their parents. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: Sticky foods like raisins and cookies that tend to stay in the mouth longer and/or cling to teeth can be a significant source of dental cavities. abcNews, Pepsi's First Statement to ABC News, Feb. 11, 2009 Accessed: 19 June 2009

clique [ kleek, klik ]

[noun,intransitive verb] MEANING : 1. (n.) a small and exclusive group comprising people with common interests or purposes 2. (intr.v.) to form a small group or association USAGE EXAMPLE 1: Ex-board member James Robinson claims key decisions are being made by a tiny clique among the 11 members. BBC, Harbour bosses deny clique claim, 14 July, 2005

clot [ klot ]
[noun,intransitive verb,transitive verb] MEANING : 1. (n.) a viscous lump of coagulated liquid like blood or a substance like clay 2. (n.) a group that is compact 3. (intr.v.) to coagulate 4. (tr.v.) to cause to coagulate 5. (tr.v.) to obscure or block USAGE EXAMPLE 1: The blood clot caused his skin to turn bluish black. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: A scheme operating in Nottingham to highlight blood clots caused by routine surgery has been hailed a success. BBC, Blood clot campaign 'a success', 10 May 2009

cloture [ KLOH-cher ]
[noun,transitive verb] MEANING : 1. (n.) a procedure of the parliament in which the debate over an ongoing matter is closed and the matter is subjected to an immediate vote 2. (tr.v.) to apply cloture to USAGE EXAMPLE 1: Since consensus was unlikely despite an extended debate a motion for cloture was adopted after a

majority vote was obtained. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: With 60 votes, a united Democratic Party can obtain cloture and end attempted Republican filibusters. CNN, Commentary: Democrats should act now, Julian E. Zelizer, 6 July 2009

cloven [ Kloh-vuh' n ]
[verb,adjective] MEANING : 1. (v.) a past participle of cleave 2. (adj.) divided or split USAGE EXAMPLE 1: Foot-and-mouth disease affects animals with cloven hooves, like cows, sheep and pigs, but is harmless to humans. CNN, Europe steps up foot-and-mouth battle, February 28, 2001

coadjutor [ koh-AJ-uh'-ter, koh-uh'-JOO-ter ]

[noun] MEANING : 1. one who works together with another, an assistant 2. an assistant to a bishop, with the right of succession USAGE EXAMPLE 1: He announced that he had asked the Pope to appoint a coadjutor bishop to work alongside him and eventually succeed him. Telegraph, The Most Reverend John Ward, 30 Mar 2007

coagulation [ koh-AG-yuh-ley-shuhn ]
[noun] MEANING : 1. congealing, clotting or the process of transformation from a liquid into a solid or gel by a succession of chemical reactions USAGE EXAMPLE 1: The autopsy revealed that the coagulation of blood in the arteries was caused by poison which was administered to the victim intravenously. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: Blood coagulation is triggered by blood cells called platelets which, through a series of chemical reactions, produce a substance called thrombin. BBC, Thursday, Anti-coagulants, 26 October, 2000.

coalescing [ koh-uh-LES ]
[adjective] MEANING : fusing, blending, combined or united USAGE EXAMPLE 1: The coalescing liquids produced a magenta colour. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: On 9 August 1956 thousands of women assembled in Pretoria despite a ban on unauthorised gatherings, eventually coalescing in a 20,000-strong protest outside the Union Buildings. BBC, Women re-enact South Africa march, 9 August 2006

coax [ kohks ]

[noun,intransitive verb,transitive verb] MEANING : 1. (tr.v.) to cajole, wheedle or persuade by using flattery 2. (tr.v.) to manipulate and gain by means of flattery 3. (intr.v.) to persuade or urge by flattery 4. (n.) coaxial cable USAGE EXAMPLE 1: They coaxed her to come to the movies with them. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: US scientists have coaxed strands of DNA, the molecule that holds the "code of life", to take up a shape that resembles the Americas. BBC, Nanotech discovers the Americas, 15 March 2006

coddle [ KOD-l ]
[transitive verb] MEANING : 1. to pamper or treat gently and tenderly 2. to cook in water at a temperature that is below its boiling point USAGE EXAMPLE 1: She coddled the doll in her sleep. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: IMF staff in Washington are famously coddled, enjoying tax-free salaries and use of an elite country club. Telegraph, Fund to sell gold reserves to plug budget deficit, By Ambrose Evans-Pritchard, 09 Apr 2008

coerce [ KOH-urs ]
[verb] MEANING : To force by using authority USAGE EXAMPLE 1: Scientists have found a way to coerce computers into doing science without the consent of their owners. BBC, Doing science by stealth, 29 August 2001

coeval [ koh-EE-vuh' l ]
[adjective] MEANING : Belonging to the same age or period USAGE EXAMPLE 1: The statues, revealed by the excavations, were of a type that was coeval physically. BBC, Slippery Stage, By Tim Bearder

cogent [ KOH-juh nt ]
[adjective] MEANING : believable, valid or convincing USAGE EXAMPLE 1: He did not have a cogent explanation about his whereabouts. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: BBC North America editor Justin Webb: You watch Obama making his speech - cogent and

thoughtful and, to many Americans, profoundly moving. BBC, As it happened: How the results came in, By Jude Sheerin,

cogitate [ KOJ-i-teyt ]
[intransitive verb,transitive verb] MEANING : 1. (tr.v.) to meditate, think over or ponder 2. (intr.v.) to contemplate or meditate deeply USAGE EXAMPLE 1: Italian journalists like to cogitate at length on tactical nuances. Telegraph, Inter Milan beat Juventus, by Ben Findon, 24 Nov 2008. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: Philosophers cogitate over every minuscule observation prior to framing of a hypothesis.

cognizant [ KOG-nuh'-zuh' nt, KON-uh'- ]

[adjective] MEANING : 1. conscious, aware or mindful USAGE EXAMPLE 1: The McCain team "made a cognizant decision" to spice up their approach, said Bounds. CNN, McCain's campaign of mockery may be a double-edged sword, By Rebecca Sinderbrand, August 8, 2008 USAGE EXAMPLE 2: A cognizant leader is the need of the hour.

cohere [ koh-HEER ]
[intransitive verb,transitive verb] MEANING : 1. (intr.v.) to be united or stick together 2. (intr.v.) to be consistent or congruous in a logical manner 3. (tr.v.) to be united consistently and logically USAGE EXAMPLE 1: African players need to go through some research and self-assessment in order to ascertain whether or not their physical and mental attributes cohere with the club in question. BBC, Best league for African players?, 14 August, 2001. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: All parts of the story must cohere for it to be logically consistent.

cohort [ KOH-hawrt ]
[noun] MEANING : 1. a company, group or band 2. a supporter, companion, colleague or associate 3. a group of warriors or soldiers USAGE EXAMPLE 1: Maccarinelli hailed his cohort as "the best British fighter ever produced". Telegraph, Joe Calzaghe 'one of Britain's greatest', says Ricky Hatton, by Gareth A Davies, 06 Feb 2009. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: Robin Hood and his band of cohorts called the merry men, gave the Sheriff of Nottingham a run for his money.

colander [ KUHL-uh' n-der, KOL- ]

[noun] MEANING : A bowl-shaped plastic or metal container with perforations, used for draining and rinsing food USAGE EXAMPLE 1: While some of the light from the flashlight will travel through its holes, the solid part of the colander will keep much of the light from shining through. The Times of India, Light flows through metal like liquid, 31 Mar 2007

collage [ kuh'-LAHZH, koh- ]

[noun] MEANING : 1. an artistic composition of various materials (as paper, cloth or wood) pasted over a surface often with unifying lines and colour 2. a film that presents a series of seemingly unrelated scenes in rapid succession without transitions 3. the art or technique of creating such compositions 4. an occurrence of diverse elements USAGE EXAMPLE 1: They are part collage with actual objects strung in the web and part painted images. BBC, Artists' Quarter

collate [ kuh'-LEYT, koh-, ko-, KOH-leyt, KOL-eyt ]

[transitive verb] MEANING : 1. to collect, arrange in an order and then examine carefully in order to integrate 2. to appoint or admit (a cleric or clergyman) to a benefice 3. to examine the presence of all pages before printing USAGE EXAMPLE 1: If an analyst will collate all the positions to which all the candidates move, he will find himself close to the true center of national politics. Chronicles Magazine, The Coming Backlash, by Patrick J. Buchanan

colossal [ kuh'-LOS-uh' l ]
[adjective] MEANING : 1) Of enormous size 2) Casual USAGE EXAMPLE 1: Through colossal blunders, Britain twice declared war on a Germany that had not attacked her and did not want war with her. Chronicles Magazine, Was the Holocaust Inevitable?, by Patrick J. Buchanan

combustion [ kuh m-BUHS-chuh n ]

[noun] MEANING : 1. the process or instance of burning 2. tumult or violent excitement, anger or agitation 3. the process of oxidation that is usually accompanied by heat and light production USAGE EXAMPLE 1: The spontaneous combustion of the consignment of inflammable chemicals released a lot of heat.

USAGE EXAMPLE 2: The Europeans and Americans are more concerned with getting the most out of their traditional combustion engines. BBC, Green cars get sexier, By Jim Reed, 23 May 2008

comely [ KUHM-lee ]
[adjective] MEANING : 1. pleasing in appearance; attractive 2. suitable or proper; seemly USAGE EXAMPLE 1: We are in the Alps proper, mountains towering above comely valleys dotted variously with chalets and cows. Telegraph, Train travel: Exploring the French Alps, Anthony Peregrine, 31 Oct 2008

comestible [ kuh'-MES-tuh'-buh' l ]
[noun,adjective] MEANING : 1. (adj.) edible; fit to be eaten; eatable 2. (n.) articles of food; something that can be eaten as food USAGE EXAMPLE 1: Deadly brew sugar-cane juice is the other comestible identified by the mcd as dangerous, and hence banned for the six summer months. The Times of India, Its time again for cool foods, illness,by Anuradha Mukherjee, 8 Apr 2002.

comeuppance [ kuhm-UHP-uh' ns ]
[noun] MEANING : a deserved punishment or penalty; just deserts USAGE EXAMPLE 1: Nixon, of course, got his comeuppance. CNN, Can politicians be trusted?, By CNN's Barry Neild, September 20, 2006

comity [ KOM-i-tee ]
[noun] MEANING : 1. Formal friendly courtesy, especially between different countries 2. voluntary recognition shown by one country for the laws, judicial decisions and institutions of the other USAGE EXAMPLE 1: In the Senate, an institution where comity and collegiality rule, McCain was not winning popularity contests. abcNews, McCain on the Defensive About Spending, By LIBBY QUAID Associated Press Writer, June 29, 2008

commemorate [ kuh-MEM-uh-reyt ]
[transitive verb] MEANING : 1. to honour one's memory by means of an observation or a ceremony 2. to serve as a memorial to USAGE EXAMPLE 1:

2nd October, a public holiday, commemorates the birthday of Mahatma Gandhi. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: The annual release of the top 10 new species list and State of Observed Species report commemorate the anniversary of the birth of Carolus Linnaeus, who initiated the modern system of plant and animal names and classifications. CNN, Tiny seahorse, world's longest insect among top new species, May 22, 2009

commodious [ kuh'-MOH-dee-uh' s ]
[adjective] MEANING : Spacious and roomy USAGE EXAMPLE 1: Living in cheap and commodious housing, inhabitants of the larger settlement blocs close to the Green Line could enjoy a comfortable suburban lifestyle within an easy commute to jobs inside Israel itself. National Geographic, Lines in the Sand: Deadly Times in the West Bank and Gaza, By Andrew Cockburn, October 2002

commuter [ kuh-MYOO-ter ]
[noun,adjective] MEANING : 1. (n.) a person who regularly travelling using a vehicle between home and office 2. (n.) an airline that carries passengers between short distances 3. (adj.) related to or of commuting or commuters USAGE EXAMPLE 1: Commuters disrupted the rail service in Mumbai by forming a human barricade across the tracks. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: A strike by railway workers in France has brought disruption to commuter train services around Paris. BBC, Strike hits French rail commuters, 21 January, 2004

complaisance [ kuh m-PLEY-suh ns, -zuh ns, KOM-pluh-zans ]

[noun] MEANING : affability, agreeableness or amiability USAGE EXAMPLE 1: The complaisance of the head boy earned him popularity among his peers. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: The awful thought occurs to you that there was dignity in the struggle for workers rights, but that complaisance may be a living death. Telegraph, Liverpool Biennial: 'Made Up', 22 September 2008.

complaisant [ kuh' m-PLEY-suh' nt, -zuh' nt, KOM-pluh'-zant ]

[adjective] MEANING : Readily willing to please or oblige USAGE EXAMPLE 1: It seems that these days AMD prefers to force feed complaisant journalist geese to produce what it hopes is the finest pt de foie gras to present to its shareholders on toast. The INQUIRER, AMD is "out of step with Moores Law" Analysis: The rise and rise of the analysts, By Mike Magee: Wednesday, 26 March 2008

comport [ kuh' m-PAWRT, -POHRT ]

[transitive verb] MEANING : 1. (tr.v.) to behave or conduct oneself 2. (intr.v.) to agree, conform or harmonize USAGE EXAMPLE 1: There is no recount procedure in place that comports with minimal constitutional standards CNN, Supreme Court term marked by divided opinions, July 3, 2001 USAGE EXAMPLE 2: In Regency England, women were expected to always comport themselves in a ladylike manner.

composure [ kuh' m-POH-zher ]

[noun] MEANING : calmness, serenity or tranquility of mind, manner or appearance USAGE EXAMPLE 1: He maintained a striking self-composure in the face of sectarian jeering when he went to the gallows in December. Economist, Iraq: four years on, Mar 20th 2007

compress [ v. kuh' m-PRES; n. KOM-pres ]

[noun,transitive verb] MEANING : 1. (tr.v.) to press or condense and make compact 2. (tr.v.) to apply pressure and convert to a solid mass 3. (n.) a soft, folded cloth or pad pressed to a part of the body to alleviate pain or for applying pressure 4. (n.) a machine or the apparatus used to compress cotton bales 5. (n.) a warehouse where cotton stored before being shipped USAGE EXAMPLE 1: The gases in the pellet, under the pressure of all this light, will compress to the point where they achieve nuclear fusion. National Geographic, Power of Light, by Joel Achenbach, October 2001

compunction [ kuh m-PUHNGK-shuh n ]

[noun] MEANING : 1. penitence, remorse, contrition or uneasiness caused by guilt 2. qualm or scruple USAGE EXAMPLE 1: The hooligan had no compunction about stealing money from the blind man's begging bowl. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: The Liberal government had no compunction about nationalising the private telegraph companies and granting a UK monopoly to the Post Office in 1869. BBC, The lessons of nationalisation, By Steve Schifferes Economics reporter, BBC News, 18 February 2008

conceit [ kuh n-SEET ]

[noun,transitive verb] MEANING :

1. (n.) vanity or excessive appreciation of one's own opinions or virtues 2. (n.) imagination or a fanciful idea 3. (tr.v.) to flatter oneself or take a fancy to something USAGE EXAMPLE 1: She lost all her friends because of her conceit. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: Mr Chomsky, one of America's foremost intellectuals, also said the failure of the US to get the Security Council to authorise the use of force under Article 51 of the UN charter projected an image of America as domineering and conceited. BBC, Chomsky: Afghan attacks unlawful, 27 February, 2002

conch [ kongk, konch ]

[noun] MEANING : 1. a marine gastropod mollusc or its shell 2. the shell trumpet that was used by Tritons 3. a Bahamian or a resident, inhabitant or native of the Florida Keys USAGE EXAMPLE 1: She compared the title national poet for Wales to the conch shell in William Golding's novel Lord of the Flies. BBC, Clarke named Wales' national poet, 31 March 2008 USAGE EXAMPLE 2: The conch shell is used instead of a trumpet in many Hindu rituals.

conciliatory [ kuh n-SIL-ee-uh-tawr-ee, -tohr-ee ]

[adjective] MEANING : compromising, flexible or having the intention of putting an end to a disagreement USAGE EXAMPLE 1: The conciliatory gesture made by the government was rejected by the opposition. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: Obama is considered to have a more conciliatory approach to the Arab and Muslim world than Netanyahu. CNN, Iran tests new surface-to-surface missile, May 20, 2009

conclave [ KON-kleyv, KONG- ]

[noun] MEANING : 1. a private or confidential meeting 2. a meeting of Roman catholic cardinals to elect a new pope 3. the place in which the Roman catholic cardinals meet in private to elect a new pope 4. a meeting of a group or association USAGE EXAMPLE 1: He got 508 votes in the conclave of about 700 priests, monks and lay leaders from 64 countries who gathered to chose the new patriarch. CNN, Russian church picks new head, January 27, 2009

concomitant [ kon-KOM-i-tuh' nt, kuh' n- ]

[adjective] MEANING :

Occurring or accompanying with something else esp. in a subordinate way; following an event or thing as a consequence USAGE EXAMPLE 1: The dollar has fallen so far that, even with the concomitant rise in fuel costs, American manufactured goods look cheap to customers in Europe. Chronicles Magazine, Whats Good for Rockford Acromatics, by Scott P. Richert

concord [ KON-kawrd, KONG- ]

[noun] MEANING : 1. peace, harmony or mutual agreement 2. a covenant or treaty 3. (grammar.) agreement USAGE EXAMPLE 1: The serenity of the village evolved from the concord between the elements and the land. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: The other half say that if aggression isn't learned behaviour, neutering will improve the chances of peace and concord. Telegraph, Pet Subjects, Pete Wedderburn, 16 February 2008.

concordat [ kon-KAWR-dat ]
[noun] MEANING : 1. a compact, formal agreement or covenant 2. an agreement between the pope and a government or sovereign in order to regulate ecclesiastical or church affairs USAGE EXAMPLE 1: A three-year council tax freeze was the keystone of a 'concordat' signed by Scottish ministers and Cosla. Telegraph, John Swinney promises Scotland council tax freeze, by Simon Johnson, 17 Oct 2008. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: No concordat was ever signed between Henry the VIII and the Pope.

concur [ kuh n-KUR ]

[transitive verb] MEANING : 1. to agree, approve or assent 2. to coincide or occur simultaneously 3. to cooperate, combine or act together USAGE EXAMPLE 1: The two teams concurred on the regulations within minutes. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: Robert Rector of Heritage Foundation concurs with the figures on the number of jobs Congress just voted to give to non-Americans. Chronicles magazine, A sellout of Our Unemployed, by Patrick J. Buchanan, March 16th, 2009

condense [ kuh n-DENS ]

[intransitive verb,transitive verb] MEANING : 1. (tr.v.) to compact or reduce volume 2. (tr.v.) to abridge or shorten

3. (tr.v.) to transform a gas into a liquid 4. (intr.v.) to contract or become concentrated or dense USAGE EXAMPLE 1: The author realised that he could either condense his story or find a new publisher for his book. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: Time-lapse camera technology allowed the filmmakers to condense a year's worth of seasonal changes into a seamless 30-second shot. CNN, 'Earth' takes viewers on 'breathtaking' global journey, Azadeh Ansari, 23 April 2009.

condescend [ KON-duh'-send ]
[intransitive verb] MEANING : 1. to descend, deign or stoop to a level that is considered lower than or inferior to oneself 2. to behave as though one is superior to another USAGE EXAMPLE 1: Sources said, "even after both sides condescend to portfolios sharing, the Congress biggest problem will be who to accommodate in the 8-10 member list while the JD(S) is ready with it." The Times of India, Now, race on for key portfolios, 3 June 2004 USAGE EXAMPLE 2: The Duke was thought to been condescending by having agreed to dance with her.

condign [ kuh n-DAHYN ]

[adjective] MEANING : Appropriate; well-deserved USAGE EXAMPLE 1: It is condign punishment that Mr Brown will be at No 10 to reap the harvest he has sown. The Telegraph, As Mr Brown will find next door, his is not quite the miracle that is proclaimed, Ambrose Evans-Pritchard

condiment [ KON-duh'-muh' nt ]
[noun] MEANING : a relish or seasoning that is used to impart a special flavour to food or enhance its flavour USAGE EXAMPLE 1: Chief amongst the goods the ship was carrying were hundreds of jars of garum - a fish sauce which was a favourite condiment for rich Romans. BBC, Roman ship thrills archaeologists, 14 November 2006 USAGE EXAMPLE 2: Condiments are widely used in Indian cuisine.

condolence [ kuh' n-DOH-luh' ns ]

[noun] MEANING : 1. expression of sympathy with someone who has been through a lot of pain, grief or misfortune USAGE EXAMPLE 1: A spokesman for Great Ormond Street Hospital said: "The trust offers its sincere condolences to the family on this tragic death." Telegraph, Premature baby who suffered suspected glucose overdose has died, 03 Feb 2009. USAGE EXAMPLE 2:

Condolences were offered by the Maj. General to the widows of army men.

condone [ kuh n-DOHN ]

[transitive verb] MEANING : 1. excuse, pardon or forgive 2. to over, disregard or approve in a tacit manner USAGE EXAMPLE 1: Society was not about to forget nor condone their misdemeanour merely on the basis of adolescents being foolishly impressionable. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: It is also insulting to say that the Bishop would condone the persecution of homosexuals. Telegraph, There's no pride in bashing gays, Bishop, George Pitcher, 6 July 2009.

conduce [ kuh n-DOOS, -DYOOS ]

[transitive verb] MEANING : to lead, tend or contribute to a particular outcome or result USAGE EXAMPLE 1: Bigman Company conduced the music industry with the induction of newer technologies into music-making. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: Microsoft's anticompetitive actions trammeled the competitive process through which the computer software industry generally stimulates innovation and conduces to the optimum benefit of consumers. CNN, What does Microsoft's legal loss mean for Linux?, by Joe Barr, April 6, 2000

conflagration [ kon-fluh'-GREY-shuh' n ]
[noun] MEANING : A huge and destructive fire USAGE EXAMPLE 1: In all there were three major earthquakes, several tsunamis, and a conflagration that consumed most of the Portuguese city of Lisbon on November 1, 1755All Saints Day. National Geographic, Earthquakes:Sunday surprise

conform [ kuh' n-FAWRM ]

[verb] MEANING : To act or be in agreement USAGE EXAMPLE 1: Many of the 60-watt electric bulbs brands in India do not conform to norms and specifications of the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), says Consumer Education and Research Society (CERS). The Times of India, Many bulb brands do not conform to BIS norms: Study, 22 Aug 2003, TNN

congeal [ kuh n-JEEL ]

[intransitive verb,transitive verb] MEANING : 1. (intr.v.) to solidify 2. (intr.v.) to jell or coagulate 3. (tr.v.) to cause to coagulate

USAGE EXAMPLE 1: The gel slowly congealed and formed a solid impenetrable layer. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: The planets were thought to congeal into cores over a million years or so, then gradually accumulate gas outer envelopes over another 1 million to 10 million years. CNN, Study: Big planets form in cosmic flash, By Richard Stenger CNN, November 28, 2002

coniferous [ koh'-NIF-er-uh' s, kuh'- ]

[adjective] MEANING : 1. of or pertaining to trees that have needle or scale like leaves. Cone bearing trees 2. bearing cones USAGE EXAMPLE 1: A spokeswoman for Bangor University said the coniferous trees would be replaced by native species. BBC, Landmark tree cross to be felled, 11 June 2008 USAGE EXAMPLE 2: Coniferous forests are mainly found in Canada.

conjoin [ kuh n-JOIN ]

[intransitive verb,transitive verb] MEANING : 1. (tr.v.) to associate, join or unite 2. (intr.v.) to come together, unite or join USAGE EXAMPLE 1: The prince was conjoined in matrimony with the princess of the neighbouring kingdom. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: The route to each summit is carefully plotted by "sherpas" - civil servants who conjoin the concerns of the member states and turn them into a more or less coherent programme of issues for discussion. BBC, Striking right chord at G8 summit, Brian Taylor, 1 July 2005.

connivance [ kuh'-NAHY-vuh' ns ]
[noun] MEANING : 1. knowledge of and tacit consent to wrongdoing by another 2. the act of conniving USAGE EXAMPLE 1: President Abdallahi is the victim of a coup concocted by the army with the connivance of lawmakers in parliament. abcNews, Mauritania Leader Ousted After Political Feuding, By AHMED MOHAMED and TODD PITMAN Associated Press Writers, August 6, 2008 (AP)

connoisseur [ kon-uh-SUR, -SOO R ]

[noun] MEANING : an expert, critic or aesthete esp. one of the fine arts USAGE EXAMPLE 1: He considered himself a connoisseur of all things French. USAGE EXAMPLE 2:

Every country has something special to offer, but many safari connoisseurs say the top overall choices are Kenya, Botswana, South Africa and Tanzania. CNN, Get the most out of your African safari, By Amy Syracuse Budget Travel, July 26

connotation [ kon-uh-TEY-shuh n ]
[noun] MEANING : 1. implication, intension or meaning suggested by a given word other than what it literally means 2. denotation, undertone or essence USAGE EXAMPLE 1: His speech had the connotation that dissatisfied workers would be made redundant. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: The traditional definition of "high art" -- referring to painting, sculpture, classical music, or opera -- descended from the eras of kings and aristocrats and carried connotations of wealth and elitism. CNN, Globalization, technology changing the art world, By Manav Tanneeru CNN, April 2, 2007

connubial [ kuh'-NOO-bee-uh' l, -NYOO- ]

[adjective] MEANING : relating to marriage or wedlock; conjugal USAGE EXAMPLE 1: There are some jewellery styles that are now connubial with the characters that wear them. The Times of India, Jewelry Designs, 2 Sep 2008. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: All newly weds are expected to settle down in connubial bliss.

consanguinity [ kon-sang-GWIN-i-tee ]
[noun] MEANING : 1. blood relationship or kinship 2. a close relationship, affinity or connection USAGE EXAMPLE 1: Sometimes the Israelis and Palestinians are best left alone to try to sort out their tragic consanguinity. The Economist, Israel and the Palestinians, Jul 26th 2001

consequential [ kon-si-KWEN-shuh' l ]
[adjective] MEANING : 1. resultant or following an outcome or effect 2. important or significant 3. pompous USAGE EXAMPLE 1: The current trend is consequential not only in coastal Louisiana but around the world. National Geographic, GeoSigns: The Big Thaw, By Daniel Glick

consort [ n. KON-sawrt, v. kuh' n-SAWRT ]

[noun,intransitive verb,transitive verb] MEANING : 1. (n.) spouse or legal companion esp. of a monarch 2. (n.) a ship or vessel that accompanies another

3. 4. 5. 6.

(n.) a partner or associate (tr.v.) to associate, unite or keep company (intr.v.) to agree or harmonise (intr.v.) to keep company or associate

USAGE EXAMPLE 1: When we consider time obligations to our in-boxes or out-trays, Ullerup is weighing up the Queen and the Prince Consort's commitments to Greenland or the Faroe islands. CNN, Lessons from monarchy management, By Nick Easen for CNN, February 2, 2004 USAGE EXAMPLE 2: A lot of political decisions influenced the choosing of a monarch's consort in olden days.

conspicuous [ kuh n-SPIK-yoo-uh s ]

[adjective] MEANING : 1. noticeable, observable or obvious 2. unusual, outstanding, striking or egregious USAGE EXAMPLE 1: The conspicuous changes to the design included a change in the fabric used and an addition of decorative laces. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: The Hiltons are awful people with a conspicuous lack of shame, while the Coulters were, from all that one can tell, respectable members of the upper middle class. Chronicles magazine, Paris Coulter, by Thomas Fleming, June 28th, 2007

consternation [ kon-ster-NEY-shuh n ]
[noun] MEANING : bewilderment, dismay or amazement USAGE EXAMPLE 1: She won the award much to their consternation. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: The murder of Dutch film maker Theo van Gogh arouses consternation at home and abroad, and there is interest in the composition of the new European Commission after the withdrawal of another controversial nominee. BBC, European press review, 3 November, 2004

constituent [ kuh' n-Stich-oo-uh' nt ]

[noun,adjective] MEANING : 1. (n.) a component or an important part 2. (n.) one who is part of a constituency 3. (n.) one who can authorize another to vote or act on behalf of himself or herself 4. (n.) an element that is part of a grammatical construction 5. (adj.) one who is empowered to vote or appoint 6. (adj.) one who has the authority to revise a constitution 7. (adj.) composing or forming something USAGE EXAMPLE 1: His mobile phone and Blackberry were seized and his Parliamentary email account - used by many of his 75,000 constituents to communicate with their MP - had been suspended. Telegraph, Public leaks were just tip of the iceberg, By Robert Winnett, 28 Nov 2008

constrain [ kuh n-STREYN ]

[transitive verb] MEANING : 1. to oblige, confine, compel or force 2. to restrain, hold back or limit by using bonds 3. to produce in a strained manner USAGE EXAMPLE 1: He was constrained to tell the truth by his peers who threatened him with dire consequences. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: The president of Santa Cruz's civic committee, Branco Marincovick, said the tax is constraining regional development. CNN, Bolivians strike for share of natural gas profits, August 19, 2008

constraint [ kuh' n-STREYNT ]

[noun] MEANING : 1. restriction, confinement or limitation 2. awkwardness, forced behaviour or restraining of impulses and emotions 3. the act of restraining or constraining 4. one that restricts or limits USAGE EXAMPLE 1: Employees will increasingly resist constraints on their use of technology, and they will have a growing need to reach beyond the corporate firewall. Economist, CORPORATE IT: The long nimbus, Oct 23rd 2008

constrict [ kuh n-STRIKT ]

[intransitive verb,transitive verb] MEANING : 1. (tr.v.) to compress, squeeze or clamp 2. (tr.v.) to inhibit, restrict or stultify 3. (intr.v.) to get constricted USAGE EXAMPLE 1: The company profits were constricted barcause of petty in-fighting between the company's bpard of directors. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: The Airbus A330-200 has a "rudder limiter" which constricts how much the rudder - which is attached to the vertical stabilizer - can move at high speeds. Telegraph, Air France crash: Investigators recover 29 bodies in total, 09 Jun 2009

consume [ kuh n-SOOM ]

[intransitive verb,transitive verb] MEANING : 1. (tr.v.) to devour or eat 2. (tr.v.) to destroy, use up or ravage 3. (tr.v.) to squander or waste 4. (intr.v.) to perish or waste away 5. (intr.v.) to use consumer or economic goods USAGE EXAMPLE 1: She consumed her meal as if she had never eaten good food before. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: On a per capita basis, the United States consumes 12 times more oil than China and 28 times more than India. CNN, Carter pushes energy reform plan to Congress, May 12, 2009

contagion [ kuh' n-TEY-juh' n ]

[noun] MEANING : 1. the propagation of a disease or infection through contact 2. a disease that is contagious in nature or an agent spreading such an infection 3. an influence or contact that can be harmful USAGE EXAMPLE 1: Economic contagion in the West is already hitting China's manufacturing base. Telegraph, Will oil prices recover after tanking in 2008?, 30 Dec 2008. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: The contagion of the bird flu is rapid.

contemn [ kuh n-TEM ]

[transitive verb] MEANING : to despise, scorn or treat with contempt USAGE EXAMPLE 1: The entire congregation would contemn the individual who spread malicious rumours. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: Nor is this very surprising; for Kipling was wonderfully easy to contemn. Telegraph, Genius of the fourth form, 18 September 1999.

contentious [ kuh n-TEN-shuh s ]

[adjective] MEANING : 1. quarrelsome, belligerent or pugnacious 2. provoking or controversial USAGE EXAMPLE 1: She often got into fights with her contentious neighbour. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: North Korean officials agreed to a rare meeting with South Korea to discuss their jointly run industrial complex along their border, a contentious issue for both sides. CNN, North and South Korea to meet over Kaesong industrial complex, June 5, 2009

contiguous [ kuh n-TIG-yoo-uh s ]

[adjective] MEANING : 1. in contact or touching 2. adjacent or in close proximity 3. uninterrupted or connected in sequence or time USAGE EXAMPLE 1: The kingdom lies nestled between the contiguous mountain ranges. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: The Kurdish region is a contiguous area that spread across Iraq, Iran, Syria and Turkey and the Kurdish rebels in those regions are fighting for an independent Kurdish state. CNN, Iranian shelling reported in northern Iraq, By CNN's Mohammed Tawfeeq, July 9, 2008

contingent [ kuh' n-Tin-juh' nt ]

[noun,adjective]

MEANING : 1. (adj.) conditional or dependent on something else 2. (adj.) accidental or fortuitous 3. (adj.) empirical or not necessarily true in the logical sense 4. (n.) contingency 5. (n.) a quota of delegates or troops 6. (n.) a delegation or representative group USAGE EXAMPLE 1: A large contingent of Northern Ireland riders are bound for the Southern 100 road races in Castletown on the Isle of Man next week. BBC, NI contingent Southern 100 bound, 4 July 2006 USAGE EXAMPLE 2: His acceptance of the job was dependent on contingent factors such as health and dental insurance.

contort [ kuh' n-TAWRT ]

[intransitive verb,transitive verb] MEANING : 1. (tr.v.) to twist, deform , distort or bend 2. (intr.v.) to be strained or distorted USAGE EXAMPLE 1: Every now and then, when the situation calls for it, they've been known to bend, sculpt, or otherwise contort the facts to their liking. CNN, Lies are good for family and friends, By Lisa Kogan, September 5, 2008 USAGE EXAMPLE 2: His face contorted into a grimace after tasting the vile medicine.

contrite [ kuh n-TRAHYT, KON-trahyt ]

[noun] MEANING : penitent, showing remorse or repentant USAGE EXAMPLE 1: She was sad and contrite after her punishment. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: The Director of Hanwei Eggs was contrite. "We solemnly apologize to consumers," said Han Wei. CNN, Melamine scandal spreads to Chinese eggs, Tim Lister, November 3, 2008

controvert [ KON-truh'-vurt, kon-truh'-Vurt ]

[intransitive verb,transitive verb] MEANING : 1. (tr.v.) to deny, contradict, oppose or dispute 2. (tr.v.) to discuss, argue or debate 3. (intr.v.) to engage or absorb into a controversy USAGE EXAMPLE 1: However successful or unsuccessful he might have been, there is no evidence that controverts the fact that this was indeed the President's intention. CNN, IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES SITTING AS A COURT OF IMPEACHMENT USAGE EXAMPLE 2: The theory is widely controverted despite the evidence.

contumacious [ kon-too'-MEY-shuh' s, -tyoo'- ]

[adjective] MEANING : rebellious, obstinate, insubordinate or disobedient USAGE EXAMPLE 1: Without the disciplining presence of the two heavyweights, contumacious councillors busied themselves with procedural obstruction and shouting corruption at each other Economist, Tehran's dirty municipal politics, Jan 23rd 2003.

conundrum [ kuh'-NUHN-druh' m ]
[noun] MEANING : 1) A riddle whose answer involves a play of words or is a pun 2) A difficult and intricate problem USAGE EXAMPLE 1: Fans' apparent apathy toward the dark side of sports, as reflected in their continued financial support, presents a conundrum for owners and officials: If the fans are still paying to see the games, why should we take any drastic measures to try to fix it? ABC News, State of Sports: More Cheaters, Dopers, Criminals -- and Fans -- Than Ever Before, By JON WIENER, July 10, 2008

convoke [ kuh n-VOHK ]

[transitive verb] MEANING : to summon, assemble, convene or call USAGE EXAMPLE 1: A meeting was convoked by the members to solve all problems. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: Sen. Chuck Hagel said the United States needs to convoke a regional conference with Iraq's neighbors and the major players in the Middle East to find an end to the 3-year-old conflict, rather than leave U.S. troops in a "hopeless, winless situation" by trying to reinforce Baghdad. CNN, GOP senator: 'No good options' in Iraq, August 7, 2006

coquette [ koh-KET ]
[noun] MEANING : A woman who is flirtatious USAGE EXAMPLE 1: She's flirtatious in her outrage: a stand-up coquette. CNN, 'Sarah Silverman: Jesus Is Magic', Reviewed by Owen Gleiberman

cordial [ KAWR-juh l or, especially Brit., -dee-uh l ]

[noun,adjective] MEANING : 1. (adj.) courteous, gracious or warm 2. (adj.) invigorating or stimulating 3. (adj.) fervent or sincere 4. (n.) a tonic, liqueur or stimulant USAGE EXAMPLE 1: The country had cordial relations with all of its neighbours. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: Multiple senators said the Democrats' meeting with Obama was cordial, and that the president said

he understood that the budget process would require compromise on all sides. CNN, Obama goes to Capitol to lobby Democrats on budget, March 25, 2009

cordon [ KAWR-dn ]
[noun,transitive verb] MEANING : 1. (n.) a line of troops, police or military personnel that are guarding or enclosing an area 2. (n.) an ornamental braid or cord 3. (n.) a ribbon representing honorary or knightly order that is worn proudly diagonally across the breast 4. (tr.v.) to enclose, surround or encircle with a cordon to restrict movement in and out USAGE EXAMPLE 1: Many people were pleading with police to allow them out of the cordon as they were trapped between two lines of officers. Telegraph, Gaza protesters clash with police in London, by David Barrett, 11 Jan 2009. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: A huge police cordon was sent to guard the priceless art on display at the museum.

cormorant [ KAWR-mer-uh' nt ]
[noun] MEANING : 1. any of various, dark- coloured, web-footed water birds of the genus Phalacrocorax having a long neck and a distensible throat pouch 2. a greedy, rapacious person USAGE EXAMPLE 1: Finally we arrived at Yangshuo and I saw a wizened old man holding a pole where two black birds called cormorants were perched. CNN, Finding China in Guilin, By Marianne Bray, April 5, 2006

cornucopia [ kawr-nuh'-KOH-pee-uh', -nyuh'- ]

[noun] MEANING : 1) An abundant, inexhaustible supply 2) A goat's horn filled with fruits, grain, drink, etc. symbolising abundance 3) A container shaped like a cone or a horn USAGE EXAMPLE 1: A mere change of registration from Republican to independent has garnered him a cornucopia of free and favorable publicity some candidates do not receive in a year of campaigning. Chronicles Magazine, Will Bloomberg Swift-Boat Hillary? by Patrick J. Buchanan

corollary [ kuh'-ROL-uh'-ree; KAWR-uh'-ler-ee, KOR- ]

[noun] MEANING : 1. a proposition that can be inferred from another one that has been proved already 2. an inference, conclusion or deduction 3. an outcome, result or consequence USAGE EXAMPLE 1: The unspoken corollary to his admonition was that promises alone are worthless. CNN, Mariner advises against trusting torturers, By Joanne Mariner, August 18, 2005 USAGE EXAMPLE 2: The hypothesis was a corollary to the Pythagoras theorem.

corporeal [ kawr-PAWR-ee-uh l, -POHR- ]

[adjective] MEANING : 1. bodily or physical 2. material or not intangible USAGE EXAMPLE 1: Corporeal punishment has been banned in schools. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: The doggy thoughts almost took on corporeal form. BBC, By passing the blockage of nations, Richard Black, 15 January 2008.

corpulent [ KAWR-pyuh'-luh' nt ]
[adjective] MEANING : Fat; stout; having a large bulky body USAGE EXAMPLE 1: Catholics placed their own candidate, Sir John Everard, in the chair. Whereupon the Protestants placed their own candidate, the corpulent Sir John Davies, on his lap. BBC, A Short History of Ireland

correlate [ v., adj. KAWR-uh-leyt, KOR-; n. KAWR-uh-lit, -leyt, KOR- ]

[noun,adjective,transitive verb] MEANING : 1. (tr.v.) to establish a mutual relation 2. (adj.) reciprocally related 3.(n.) any one out of two things that are related USAGE EXAMPLE 1: Her sleep pattern correlated with her stress levels with lower stress ensuring better sleep. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: Sonya Lyubomirsky, a professor of psychology at the University of California, Riverside, has consistently found that performing acts of kindness is highly correlated with increased happiness, improving both our self-image and -- oxytocin alert! -- our sense of community. CNN, What really makes people happy, By Jessica Winter, May 1, 2009

correlation [ kawr-uh-LEY-shuh' n, kor- ]

[noun] MEANING : 1. an analogy or mutual relationship or correspondence 2. an act or stated of being correlated 3. (statistics) the degre of varying of of the numerical value of a variable with another 4. (physiology) mutual relationships or interdependence between organs or functions 5. (geology) an instance of two or more stratigraphic units having the same age or lithology USAGE EXAMPLE 1: A major study in the US found a significant correlation between taking part in regular activities and lower rates of invasive and early-stage breast cancer. The Herald, Exercise can prevent breast cancer, WILLIAM TINNING, February 27 2007

corroboration [ kuh-rob-uh-REY-shuh n ]
[noun] MEANING : 1. confirmation, verification or ratification 2. a statement or act that is corroboratory

USAGE EXAMPLE 1: After the corroboration of all the facts presented by the district attorney the jury was convinced that the accused was in fact guilty as charged. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: Prosecutors dropped charges against Kenny Richey - who returned home to Scotland last January after being freed by a court in Ohio - because of a lack of corroboration. Telegraph, Death row Kenny Richey cleared of assault, Auslan Cramb, 5 March 2009.

corrugate [ v.KAWR-uh'-geyt,KOR; adj.KAWR-uh'-git,-geyt,KOR- ]

[adjective,intransitive verb,transitive verb] MEANING : 1. (tr.v.) to wrinkle or bend or dram into folds 2. (intr.v.) to contract into grooves or ridges or to wrinkle 3. (adj.) furrowed or wrinkled USAGE EXAMPLE 1: However, according to Paul Novack of Environmental Construction Outfitters (ECO), cellulose can be made of a variety of products, including corrugated cardboard which is ink-free. National Geographic, Fiberglass Insulation Debate, by Aisha Ikramuddin, October 7, 1996

cortege [ kawr-TEZH, -TEYZH ]

[noun] MEANING : A train of attendants USAGE EXAMPLE 1: An ancient ritual, the cap horse was used in Lincoln's funeral but most famously in Kennedy's cortege, where the handsome, spirited Black Jack, a gelding Morgan and quarter horse cross, seemed representative of the slain President's vigor. National Geographic, Arlington Cemetery, By Rick Atkinson, June 2007

coruscate [ KAWR-uh'-skeyt, KOR- ]

[intransitive verb] MEANING : 1. to glitter, sparkle, shimmer or emit light in flashes 2. to have showy or sparkling style or virtuosity USAGE EXAMPLE 1: The jewellery was polished till it coruscated. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: The campaigning lawyer Colin Gonsalves, who runs the Delhi-based Human Rights Law Network, is coruscating in his criticism. BBC, Family anger over police killers, By Chris Morris, 17 October 2007

coterie [ KOH-tuh'-ree ]
[noun] MEANING : a faction or group of people with a similar interest or purpose; a clique USAGE EXAMPLE 1: For, in the imaginations of a coterie of physicists, biologists and engineers, an alternative world is taking shape. The Economist, The future of energy, Jun 19th 2008

countenance [ KOUN-tn-uh ns ]

[noun,transitive verb] MEANING : 1. (n.) appearance, visage esp. one's facial expression 2. (n.) composure 3. (n.) sanction or approval 4. (tr.v.) to approve, allow or permit 5. (tr.v.) to encourage or support USAGE EXAMPLE 1: His countenance did not betray his feelings. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: The Argentinian goalkeeper, best known for his penalty heroics against England in the 1998 World Cup, refused to countenance a new contract at Real Mallorca as the year 2000 approached because he believed the world was going to end and he needed to prepare. BBC, Why the fascination with the end of the world?, By Finlo Rohrer, BBC News Magazine, 8 September 2008

counterfeit [ KOUN-ter-fit ]
[noun,adjective,transitive verb] MEANING : 1. (adj.) unreal, forged or not genuine 2. (n.) a forgery or imitation 3. (n.) to forge or fraudulently imitate USAGE EXAMPLE 1: Counterfeit notes were found by the police. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: An analytical chemist and assistant professor at Georgia Tech, Fernandez has spent the better part of the last decade fighting the global battle against counterfeit drugs. CNN, Fighting the growing menace of fake drugs, By Grace Wong For CNN,

countervail [ koun-ter-VEYL ]
[intransitive verb,transitive verb] MEANING : 1. (tr.v.) to counteract or avail against 2. (tr.v.) to offset or compensate 3. (intr.v.) to avail or match with equal force USAGE EXAMPLE 1: The ruling party came up with a novel procedure to effectively countervail the objections raised by the opposition. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: President Bush had built a working relationship with China, deepened alliances with Japan and Australia, and boosted collaboration with India - a 'Quadrilateral Initiative' to countervail China. BBC, 100 words on 100 days, Mahmud Ali, 23 April 2009.

covert [ adj. KOH-vert, KUHV-ert; n. KUHV-ert, KOH-vert ]

[noun,adjective] MEANING : 1. (adj.) disguised, concealed or sheltered 2. (n.) a cover or concealment 3. (n.) a shelter USAGE EXAMPLE 1: The government denied that they were involved in covert operation throughout the world. USAGE EXAMPLE 2:

Burns wouldn't comment when questioned about a magazine report this month suggesting President Bush had sought $400 million for covert operations inside Iran. CNN, Gates: Iran's test shows missile defense needed in Europe, July 9, 2008

covet [ KUHV-it ]
[verb] MEANING : 1) To desire keenly 2) To long for something that belongs to someone else USAGE EXAMPLE 1: Such credibility and accuracy is vital to cultivate the viewer's trust and elicit the emotional response filmmakers covet. Reader's Digest, Hollywood Goes to War, From smart bombs to terrorist plots, fiction gets eerily factual., By Robert F. Howe

covetous [ KUHV-i-tuh' s ]
[adjective] MEANING : 1. having a craving to acquire or possess 2. marked by excessive desire for wealth or possession or for another possessions USAGE EXAMPLE 1: Of all the wine-producing countries, New Zealand enjoys the highest average bottle price in the UK - currently 5.97 - and the Aussies have set their covetous eyes on this top spot. Telegraph, Victims of their own success, By Jonathan Ray, Wine Correspondent, 03 May 2007

cower [ KOU-er ]
[transitive verb] MEANING : to crouch, cringe or shrink in fear USAGE EXAMPLE 1: She cowered behind the house in fear. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: Scientists at the University of Tokyo say they have used genetic engineering to successfully switch off a mouse's instinct to cower at the smell or presence of catsevidence that fear may be genetically hardwired and not learned through experience, as commonly believed. National Geographic, Genetically Engineered Mice Don't Fear Cats, Kaori Hitomi in Tokyo, December 13, 2007

coxswain [ KOK-suh' n, -sweyn ]

[noun] MEANING : A person who usually steers a boat or is in charge of one USAGE EXAMPLE 1: After graduating from Yale with a bachelor's degree in American studies, he competed as a coxswain in five world championships and in the 1988 Olympics, guiding the U.S. men's eight to a bronze medal. National Geographic, Bio, SETH BAUER

coy [ koi ]
[adjective] MEANING : 1. coquettish, shy or modest

2. reluctant or hesitant towards a commitment USAGE EXAMPLE 1: She wanted to portray the coy little girl look and so wore a dress that was grand but not flashy. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: In this country, we tend to be a bit coy about discussing matters of the wallet and the purse. The Herald, Our values are judged by how we spend, Ron Ferguson, 27 April 2009.

crass [ kras ]
[adjective] MEANING : gross, unrefined, stupid or crude USAGE EXAMPLE 1: His crass remarks made people dislike him. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: Ian Clement, deputy mayor for external relations, admitted he made a "crass mistake" after he ran up about 2,300 on a corporate credit card. BBC, Mayoral aide quits over expenses, 22 June 2009.

cravat [ kruh'-VAT ]
[noun] MEANING : A scarf or a band of cloth worn esp. by men around the neck; a necktie USAGE EXAMPLE 1: To an observer standing out in the center of the road looking back toward the tables in the shade of the oak tree, he would have looked stern and uncomfortable in his black coat, the white dressing twisted about his neck like a tight cravat. CNN - Books, "Cold Mountain" By Charles Frazier, Atlantic Monthly, 1997

craven [ KREY-vuh n ]
[noun,adjective,transitive verb] MEANING : 1. (adj.) cowardly, timid or fearful 2. (n.) a coward 3. (tr.v.) to make timid or cowardly USAGE EXAMPLE 1: Craven behaviour is not expected from soldiers. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: Mr Grayling reserves special scorn for the craven willingness of the British government to legislate against causing offence to people with religious sensibilities. Economist, Paying the price, Jun 18th 2009.

crease [ krees ]
[noun,intransitive verb,transitive verb] MEANING : 1. (n.) a line, ridge, fold or mark caused by folding 2. (n.) an area marked by a line in sports 3. (tr.v.) to cause a line or fold 4. (intr.v.) to wrinkle or gather lines USAGE EXAMPLE 1: She ironed out the crease before she wore the clothes.

USAGE EXAMPLE 2: Helm sent the Red Wings back to the Stanley Cup finals for the fourth time in 12 seasons when he slammed home a loose puck as it trickled across the crease 3:58 into the extra session. abcNEWS, Red Wings Beat Chicago, Set up Stanley Cup Rematch, by Steve Keating, May 27, 2009.

credo [ KREE-doh, KREY- ]

[noun] MEANING : any system or formulae of principles and beliefs; any creed USAGE EXAMPLE 1: Neville Isdell told the BBC the firm supported the "credo of the Olympic movement", and agreed deals well before it knew where each Games would be held. BBC, Coca-Cola defends Olympics deal , 7 July 2008

credulity [ kruh-DOO-li-tee, -DYOO- ]

[noun] MEANING : gullibility or a tendency to trust willingly USAGE EXAMPLE 1: The credulity of the villagers makes them an easy target for confidence tricksters. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: As a journalist, I infer from Wheeler's story the wisdom in journos having incredulity in mind and a bit of credulity in the back of the mind.,Cartlon Cofie says. BBC, The facts and a good story, 12 July 2008.

credulous [ KREJ-uh'-luh' s ]
[adjective] MEANING : Willing to believe too readily, without adequate evidence USAGE EXAMPLE 1: Reporters gave Burnstein and Colby's dubious claims so much credulous press coverage that politicians in Maine quickly banned food irradiation. Myths, Lies and Downright Stupidity, John Stossel

crescendo [ kri-SHEN-doh, -SEN-doh; It. kre-SHEN-daw ]

[noun] MEANING : 1) Gradual increase in force or loudness of a musical passage; a steady, gradual increase in force or severity 2) The final point or peak of such an increase USAGE EXAMPLE 1: The debate resurfaced and reached crescendo levels in February 2001, when Fox television aired a program called Conspiracy Theory: Did We Land on the Moon? National Geographic, April Fools' Special: History's Hoaxes, John Roach

crestfallen [ KREST-faw-luh' n ]
[adjective] MEANING : 1. depressed, dejected or chagrined 2. having a drooping or slumped head or crest USAGE EXAMPLE 1:

Why are we getting so crestfallen about our lack of medals. Sir Croupier says BBC, Olympics day six as it happened, by Caroline Cheese, 14 August 2008.

crevice [ Krev-is ]
[noun] MEANING : a crack, fissure or cleft USAGE EXAMPLE 1: Dozens of brightly painted elves, birds and animals cavort and play in the crevices of the barkless old stump. Telegraph, A monumental journey through the capital, 30 Oct 2008.

crone [ krohn ]
[noun] MEANING : An old and withered woman USAGE EXAMPLE 1: Pip meets a mysterious aged crone who can help him escape from Britain's most terrifying school and the clutches of his evil guardian. BBC, Bleak Expectations Comedy Victorian adventure by Mark Evans, 16 January 2008

crotchet [ KROCH-it ]
[noun] MEANING : 1. an eccentric fancy or whimsical notion 2. a small hook-like process 3. a quarter note 4. a curved surgical instrument with a hook USAGE EXAMPLE 1: George de Mestral named his invention Velcro, a combination of "velour" and "crotchet," the French words for velvet and hook. abcNEWS, Velcro Marks 50th Anniversary With 1.5-Mile-Long R-R-R-Rip, by HOLLY RAMER, May 13, 2008 USAGE EXAMPLE 2: He was often ridiculed because of his crotchets.

cruet [ KROO-it ]
[noun] MEANING : 1. a glass bottle that is usually used to hold vinegar or oil 2. a small vessel that is used to hold holy water or wine for the Eucharist USAGE EXAMPLE 1: The cruet was placed precariously on the table. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: The development may lead to bar counters that take drinks to customers, or restaurant tables which automatically arrange cutlery, crockery and cruets into place settings. BBC, Table top tricks, By BBC News Online internet reporter Mark Ward, 6 October, 2000

crush [ kruhsh ]
[noun,intransitive verb,transitive verb] MEANING :

1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

(tr.v.) to deform by squeezing forcefully (tr.v.) to subdue or severely oppress (intr.v.) to get crushed (n.) an act or instance of crushing (n.) a mob or crowd

USAGE EXAMPLE 1: He crushed the dried bread to make bread crumbs. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: Chinas army crushed popular protests, killing hundreds. Economist, The week ahead, May 31st 2009.

cuisine [ kwi-ZEEN ]
[noun] MEANING : 1. a manner, style or quality of preparing or cooking food 2. food that has been prepared USAGE EXAMPLE 1: In the tradition of Julia Child, another impressive voice for French cuisine wants to help home cooks pull off great food. abcNEWS, Joel Robuchon Brings French Cooking Home, By J.M. HIRSCH AP Food Editor, December 26, 2008

cul-de-sac [ KUHL-duh'-SAK, -sak, KOO'L; Fr. Ky*duh*-sa*k ]

[noun] MEANING : 1) A street or lane that is closed at one end 2) A situation or place where a person is trapped USAGE EXAMPLE 1: 1)At the end of a cul-de-sac, Spellmire gestured toward a wide open field we could see in the distance beyond the slim side yards of the big houses. 2)"It's a bit of a cul-de-sac, so in that sense you would get speciation where something wanders off on its own." 1) National Geographic, Urban Sprawl Republished National Geographic magazine, Written by John G. Mitchell, April 2007 2) National Geographic, "First European" Confirmed to Be 1.2 Million Years Old, James Owen, March 26, 2008

cull [ kuhl ]
[noun,transitive verb] MEANING : 1. (tr.v.) to pick or choose 2. (tr.v.) to gather, congregate or collect 3. (tr.v.) to discard or reject unwanted members from a herd or group 4. (n.) one that has been chosen esp. to be rejected USAGE EXAMPLE 1: Agriculture Minister Michelle Gildernew has said 7,000 cattle restricted on 10 Northern Ireland farms because of dioxin contamination should be culled. BBC, Cull announced for dioxin cattle, 15 January 2009.

culmination [ kuhl-muh'-NEY-shuh' n ]
[noun] MEANING : 1. climax, highest degree, peak or acme

2. completion or end 3. an act or instance of culminating USAGE EXAMPLE 1: "It is the most amazing culmination to what has been quite a year for me." Hamilton said BBC, Hoy knighted in New Year honours, 31 December 2008

culvert [ KUHL-vert ]
[noun] MEANING : 1. a sewer, drain or channel 2. a bridge or embankment over such a drain USAGE EXAMPLE 1: An estimated 80 per cent of houses have been badly damaged or destroyed and cars remain mired in slime or have half-disappeared into collapsed culverts. Telegraph, Devastated Haiti reels after unprecedented fourfold storm battering, by Philip Sherwell, 23 Sep 2008.

cumbersome [ KUHM-ber-suh m ]
[adjective] MEANING : 1. troublesome or burdensome 2. unwieldy, awkward or clumsy USAGE EXAMPLE 1: He spent the whole night writing the cumbersome report. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: As we conducted our review of the company, it was clear that internationally, just as in the U.S., MySpace's staffing had become too big and cumbersome to be sustainable in current market conditions, Chief Executive Owen Van Natta said in a statement. abcNEWS, MySpace to Cut 300 International Positions, LOS ANGELES.

curator [ kyoo'-REY-ter, KYOO' R-ey- ; KYOO' R-uh-ter ]

[noun] MEANING : 1. a manager, superintendent or a person in charge 2. on who is a legal guardian of a person who is a minor, lunatic or is incompetent in some other way to take care of his/her property USAGE EXAMPLE 1: A curator checks artifacts at the Iraq National Museum in Baghdad on March 17, 2008. National Geographic, Iraq Museum Still Too Damaged to Reopen, January 7, 2009

curmudgeon [ ker-MUHJ-uh' n ]
[noun] MEANING : A person who is ill tempered and irritable USAGE EXAMPLE 1: He said he regretted to report that age appeared to be mellowing him, and that people would have to stop referring to him as a curmudgeon. BBC, Catch 22 Author Dies, 14 December, 1999

curriculum [ kuh-RIK-yuh-luh m ]
[noun]

MEANING : 1. a set of study courses that are being offered by an educational institution 2. a set or group of courses that constitute an area or a field of specialization USAGE EXAMPLE 1: The curriculum was changed last year. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: Primary schools in England are being given a new set of bullet points: the curriculum is being overhauled. BBC, Bullet points for primary schools, by Gary Eason, 1 May 2009.

curry [ KUR-ee, KUHR-ee ]

[noun,transitive verb] MEANING : 1. (n.) a very spicy dish made with vegetables, onion and meat or fish that is very often consumed with rice 2. (tr.v.) to flavour with curry powder or with a combination of spices 3. (tr.v.) to use a currycomb and groom a horse 4. (tr.v.) to beat, thrash or hit USAGE EXAMPLE 1: The owners of a Manchester curry house where cockroaches and mouse droppings were found in the kitchen have been fined more than 31,000. BBC, Fine over hygiene of curry house, 14 August 2008.

cursory [ KUR-suh-ree ]
[adjective] MEANING : superficially and hastily done with little attention to detail USAGE EXAMPLE 1: He spared a cursory glance at the actor as she did not particularly like his acting. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: Seventeen trees, 25 parties, 269 wreaths, 4,638 red ornament balls, 15,000 chocolate truffles, 20,000 Christmas cookies, and 45,000 guests...and that's just a cursory glance at the trappings of the White House's 2006 holiday season. abcNEWS, It's A Red White House, November 30

curtail [ ker-TEYL ]
[transitive verb] MEANING : to shorten, reduce, diminish or abridge USAGE EXAMPLE 1: His activities were curtailed as a part of his punishment. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: If approved by Congress, the bill will permit nicotine levels in cigarettes to be limited and will curtail tobacco advertising. BBC, US smoking curbs: Readers react, 12 June 2009.

cynosure [ SAHY-nuh-shoo' r, SIN-uh- ]

[noun] MEANING : 1) A focal point of attraction and attention 2) Something which serves to guide and direct

USAGE EXAMPLE 1: The prince, an avid gardener, is patron of the project. Its cynosure will be a simple 20ft tall, black granite sculpture, entitled Unity, designed by the Turner Prize-winning sculptor Anish Kapoor. The Telegraph, Royal couple start tour with tribute at Ground Zero, By Caroline Davies in New York

D
dainty [ DEYN-tee ]
[noun,adjective] MEANING : 1. (adj.) exquisite or delicately charming 2. (adj.) squeamish or fastidious 3. (adj.) delicious or tasty 4. (n.) a delicacy USAGE EXAMPLE 1: Her dainty shoes were made of the finest glass. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: This is usually a woman, who holds her glass with dainty, splayed fingers and uses it in a provocative way. BBC, 'Glass hold' reveals personality, 29 May 2009.

dank [ dangk ]
[adjective] MEANING : Unpleasantly wet or damp; moist, and often chilly USAGE EXAMPLE 1: At the start of The Killer in Me, its Z-list celebrity cast was filmed standing in what looked like a dank, defunct prison cell or a long-abandoned Victorian asylum. The Herald, Cure for boredom: eat more fish, DAVID BELCHER, November 09 2007

dastardly [ DAS-terd-lee ]
[adjective] MEANING : 1) Cowardly 2) Malicious; characterised by underhanded treachery; sneaking USAGE EXAMPLE 1: The dastardly attacks on September 11, 2001 will be an indelible date in U.S. historyand, in their shared hour of agony on that fateful day, one more bond between two sister cities. National Geographic, Comment: Washington, New YorkBonded by History, Edward C. Smith, American University, October 5, 2001

daub [ dawb ]
[noun,intransitive verb,transitive verb] MEANING : 1. (tr.v.) to cover or coat with soft adhesive matter such as plaster, grease or mud 2. (tr.v.) to apply colouring material unskilfully 3. (intr.v.) to apply colours crudely or unskilfully 4. (n.) a crude, amateurish painting 5. (n.) inferior material used for daubing walls USAGE EXAMPLE 1: Walls around the ground were daubed with slogans. Telegraph, Rose Davis, 03 Feb 2009

daunt [ dawnt, dahnt ]

[transitive verb] MEANING : 1. to intimidate, horrify or frighten 2. to dishearten or discourage USAGE EXAMPLE 1: The first 20 overs with an SG ball by genuinely fast bowlers can daunt any batting line-up of the world. The Times of India, Pacers will hold key for Pakistan, Rashid Latif, 21 February 2005

dauntless [ DAWNT-lis, DAHNT- ]

[adjective] MEANING : fearless, not intimidated or extremely brave USAGE EXAMPLE 1: The Green Guards Award instituted by the organisation three years ago recognises the dauntless services of forest staff. The Times of India, Students to sponsor green award, 14 May 2003

dawdle [ DAWD-l ]
[intransitive verb,transitive verb] MEANING : (intr. v.) 1) To idle away; to waste time 2) To loiter or saunter; to move slowly (tr.v.) To spend fruitlessly; trifle away USAGE EXAMPLE 1: The scenery is great, the wildlife fantastic. However the proper way to appreciate it is not to dawdle along at 20mph (especially on 'A' roads, or around Loch Ness), find a place to stop and enjoy it properly. BBC, Countryside Etiquette, 29th August 2003

de facto [ dee FAK-toh, dey ]

[adjective,adverb] MEANING : (adv.) Actually existing with or without legal authority (adj.) In fact or in reality USAGE EXAMPLE 1: Pakistani police have fired shots in the air and tear gas shells to disperse angry Kashmiris as a crossing on the region's de facto border was opened. BBC, Tear gas fired at Kashmir border, 7 November 2005

de novo [ dee NOH-voh, dey de NOH-woh ]

[adjective,adverb] MEANING : Over again; anew; start over from the beginning USAGE EXAMPLE 1: A de novo review of the case would be a futile effort without the eyewitness accounts. The Times Of India, Kidney donation is safe: Experts, 7 Oct 2001

deadpan [ DED-pan ]

[noun,adjective,transitive verb] MEANING : 1. (adj.) blank or expressionless 2. (n.) a face displaying no expression or emotion 3. (tr.v.) to express oneself without any expression or impassively USAGE EXAMPLE 1: The films he's written and directed, however, show the most inventive side of Albert Brooks -- his distinctive, neurotically deadpan sense of humor. CNN, The funniest man in most of the world, By Todd Leopold, January 19, 2006

dearth [ durth ]
[noun] MEANING : 1. scarcity, inadequacy or shortage 2. famine USAGE EXAMPLE 1: There was a dearth of intellectuals in the organization. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: Mido was left out of the squad named on Thursday despite a dearth of attacking options. BBC, Mido dropped by Egypt, 22 May 2009.

debacle [ dey-BAH-kuh l, -BAK-uh l, duh- ]

[noun] MEANING : 1. sudden defeat, violent disruption or rout 2. a fiasco or total failure 3. the breaking up of ice in a river USAGE EXAMPLE 1: She was solely blamed for the entire debacle. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: Politicians and teaching unions yesterday welcomed news that the contract with the company at the centre of this summer's national tests debacle in England has been severed. The Herald, Firm loses contract over exams debacle

debonair [ deb-uh-NAIR ]
[adjective] MEANING : 1. suave, sophisticated, elegant or urbane 2. genial, sprightly or jaunty USAGE EXAMPLE 1: Dashing Spaniard Javier Bardem, sporting a debonair beard, picked up best supporting actor for his portrayal of sinister hitman Anton Chigurh in No Country for Old Men. BBC, Night of stars and absent friends, by Liam Allen, 11 February 2008.

decadence [ DEK-uh-duh ns, di-KEYD-ns ]

[noun] MEANING : 1) The act or process of falling into decline, deterioration 2) Moral or cultural degeneration 3) Excessively self-indulgent USAGE EXAMPLE 1:

The other is that they're noble and pure people uncorrupted by the decadence of modern society. National Geographic, Anthropologist on Living With a Remote Amazon Tribe, By Tom Foreman, May 21, 2003

decant [ di-KANT ]
[transitive verb] MEANING : 1. to pour or transfer (esp. wine) from one vessel to another without disturbing any of the sediments in the liquid 2. to pour or transfer from one vessel or container to another USAGE EXAMPLE 1: They were looking for containers, into which they could decant the Black Label and the cognac, leave the empties outside the door, get replenishments, decant those, and so on. The Times of India, The king and I, JUGULAR VEIN/JUG SURAIYA, 10 Apr 2005

decapitate [ di-KAP-i-teyt ]
[transitive verb] MEANING : To behead; to cut off the head of USAGE EXAMPLE 1: Police say the swan was held down "with some degree of force" before a knife was used to decapitate it. BBC, 1,000 reward after swan beheaded, 4 April 2007

declivity [ di-KLIV-i-tee ]
[noun] MEANING : a slope or inclination showing a downward trend USAGE EXAMPLE 1: Her keen eyes discern a slight darkening of the colour of the green crop in a declivity either side of it, a sign of where it would have run. Telegraph, Clues for landscape detectives, Jack Watkins, 03 Mar 2003

decorum [ di-KAWR-uh m, -KOHR- ]

[noun] MEANING : 1. propriety or appropriateness of conduct 2. orderliness or regularity USAGE EXAMPLE 1: She insisted on decorum being maintained at all times. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: The battle against the birds is part of a wider campaign, launched in 2005, to improve the decorum of tourists and restore the image of the city, a Unesco World Heritage Site. Telegraph, Venice 'winning war against pigeons and tourists', By Nick Squires in Rome, 02 Oct 2008

decree [ di-KREE ]
[noun,intransitive verb,transitive verb] MEANING : 1. (n.) an authoritative oder that has the force of law 2. (n.) one that is foreordained 3. (tr.v.) to dictate or establish by decree 4. (intr.v.) to ordain

USAGE EXAMPLE 1: Royal decrees cannot be ignored. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: Last month, Saudi Arabia's King Abdullah issued a royal decree naming the interior minister, Prince Nayef -- the powerful brother of the crown prince and half-brother to the king -- to the post of second deputy prime minster. CNN, Saudi crown prince's surgery raises questions, From Mohammed Jamjoom CNN, May 2, 2009

decrepit [ di-KREP-it ]
[adjective] MEANING : weakened, worn out, impaired, or broken down by old age, illness, or long use USAGE EXAMPLE 1: Why did it take an hour for decrepit fire engines to reach the blazing supermarket? Economist, Double trouble, Feb 5th 2009. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: The decrepit house has been termed dangerous by the housing authority.

decrepitude [ di-KREP-i-tood, -tyood ]

[adjective] MEANING : weakness, feebleness, dilapidation or a worn out condition USAGE EXAMPLE 1: The Old City exceeds expectations because of its size, elegance and decrepitude. Telegraph, Lord Hurd: Our man in Havana, by Lord Hurd, 28 Nov 2008.

decry [ di-KRAHY ]
[transitive verb] MEANING : 1. denounce, condemn or belittle openly 2. to depreciate by rumour or officially USAGE EXAMPLE 1: The actions were termed vile and decried the world over. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: The crowd -- organized via the social-networking Web sites Facebook and Twitter -- largely decried government corruption in Iran. CNN, Atlanta protesters join others across U.S. angry about Iran, From William Brown and Sydney Wilmer CNN, June 17, 2009

deducible [ di-du-ci-ble ]
[transitive verb] MEANING : 1. to infer from a general principle 2. to reach a conclusion from something known or assumed 3. to trace the course of USAGE EXAMPLE 1: Applications to the theory are deducible only after understanding the theory. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: The approximate age of a lobster can be deduced from its weight. BBC, NY eatery frees ancient lobster, 10 January 2009

defalcate [ di-FAL-keyt, -FAWL- ]

[intransitive verb] MEANING : to be engaged in the misuse of funds; embezzlement USAGE EXAMPLE 1: The man was arrested on charges of defalcating the charity funds. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: CBI has started a preliminary investigation into the much-talked about scam in the Danapur DRM's office in which vested interests defalcated a huge amount. The Times of India, CBI begins probe into railway scam, Kumod Verma, TNN, 1 Jan 2009

defamation [ def-uh'-MEY-shuh' n ]
[noun] MEANING : slander, calumny, vilification or an injury to another's reputation or character USAGE EXAMPLE 1: A sessions judge on Tuesday struck off the name of Shiv Sena chief Bal Thackeray from a list of accused in a criminal complaint filed for defamation in a Borivli metropolitan court. The Times of India, Thackeray name off defamation list, 22 March 2006.

defer [ di-FUR ]
[intransitive verb,transitive verb] MEANING : 1. (tr.v.) to postpone, delay or put off for later 2. (tr.v.) to delay a person's induction into military service 3. (intr.v.) to postpone or procrastinate USAGE EXAMPLE 1: He deferred his admission to the university. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: Scottish Borders councillors have deferred their decision on plans for a wind farm in the Lammermuir Hills. BBC, Wind farm site decision deferred, 15 January 2007

deferential [ dif-uh-REN-shuh l ]
[adjective] MEANING : respectful, courteous, obedient or reverential USAGE EXAMPLE 1: The teacher praised the deferential student and asked the other students to follow his example. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: People are less deferential now and more inclined to think for themselves. BBC, Anti-euro campaign shuns 'political elite,' Brian Wheeler, 31 May, 2002

defiance [ di-FAHY-uh ns ]
[noun] MEANING : 1. bold resistance or opposition to authority 2. challenge USAGE EXAMPLE 1:

All of their defiance was proved useless as the rebellion was crushed. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: The protests were held in open defiance of warnings issued Friday by Iran's supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, and the country's Security Council. CNN, Chaos prevails as protesters, police clash in Iranian capital, June 21, 2009

defoliant [ dee-FOH-lee-uh' nt ]
[noun] MEANING : A chemical spray or dust applied on plants to make their leaves fall off before time USAGE EXAMPLE 1: Vietnamese victims have filed their first lawsuit against US companies that produced the toxic defoliant used by American forces during the Vietnam War. BBC, Vietnamese file Agent Orange suit, 4 February, 2004

defray [ di-FREY ]
[transitive verb] MEANING : to pay, take care of or bear all the expenses USAGE EXAMPLE 1: Today, several middle-class Punekars staying in joint families are taking the opportunity to purchase a house for the future and leasing them out to partially defray the home loan equated monthly instalments (EMIs). The Times of India, Reap rich returns, 29 Jan 2005

deify [ DEE-uh'-fahy ]
[transitive verb] MEANING : 1. to worship and revere as a God 2. to make a God of 3. to exalt or glorify as of supreme worth USAGE EXAMPLE 1: Hamilton is deified within the team, no doubt. Telegraph, Monaco GP win marks Lewis Hamilton out, By Kevin Garside, 23 Sep 2008

deign [ deyn ]
[intransitive verb,transitive verb] MEANING : (intr. v.) To condescend; to think it fitting or appropriate to one's dignity (tr. v.) To condescend to grant or offer USAGE EXAMPLE 1: A Gillespie no-ball brings up England's 50 and a couple of people deign to clap in the stands. BBC, England v New Zealand as it happened, 16 January 2007

delectable [ di-LEK-tuh'-buh' l ]
[adjective] MEANING : Greatly enjoyable, delicious USAGE EXAMPLE 1: Opt for the delectable soup, which is full of duck flavour with preserved mustard greens and bits of Chinese celery.

Financial Times, Restaurant review: Xinn Tien Di, Bangkok, By Ken Hom, Published: May 26

deleterious [ del-i-TEER-ee-uh' s ]
[adjective] MEANING : harmful or detrimental to health USAGE EXAMPLE 1: "Patients with cystic fibrosis have a high risk for GER and gastric aspiration," he added, "and this seems to be associated with more cough and poorer lung function, which suggests a deleterious role of reflux on cystic fibrosis lung disease." abcNEWS, Reflex May Trigger Cough in Cystic Fibrosis Patients, By David Douglas, August 13, 2008

delineate [ di-LIN-ee-eyt ]
[transitive verb] MEANING : 1. to represent or depict pictorially 2. to describe by means of gestures and words 3. to sketch out or trace one's outline USAGE EXAMPLE 1: He delineated the dictionary to make it easier for young children to use it. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: The government in Beirut is seeking to formally delineate the border between the two states. BBC, Syrian border barriers demolished, 16 May 2006

delirium [ di-LEER-ee-uh' m ]
[noun] MEANING : 1) A brief, temporary state of mental confusion characterised by hallucination, delusions, incoherent speech, caused by high fever, shock, intoxication or other causes 2) A state of uncontrolled and frenzied emotion USAGE EXAMPLE 1: On Wednesday, forensic pathologist Dr David Raus told the inquest that Excited Delirium (ED), a condition some doctors believe can lead to a heart attack, was responsible for Mr Sylvester's death. BBC, 'Syndrome killed custody man', By Cindi John, BBC News Online community affairs reporter, 24 September, 2003

deluge [ DEL-yooj, -yoozh, DEL-ooj, -oozh, di-LOOJ, -LOOZH ]

[noun,transitive verb] MEANING : 1. (n.) flood, heavy downpour or inundation 2. (n.) a overwhelming amount or number 3. (tr.v.) to flood 4. (tr.v.) to overwhelm USAGE EXAMPLE 1: People are preparing for the monsoon in advance after last year's deluge. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: Britain's most remote inhabited isle was yesterday recovering from a seven-hour deluge which redesigned the local landscape. The Herald, Deluge alters remote islands landscape, GAVIN MORGAN

delusion [ di-LOO-zhuh' n ]

[noun] MEANING : 1. a false belief or opinion 2. the state of being deluded USAGE EXAMPLE 1: He had the delusion he was in focus of concave mirrors which direct rays of light upon him from Peru BBC, Changing face of mental health , By Giancarlo Rinaldi , 10 October 2007

delve [ delv ]
[noun,intransitive verb,transitive verb] MEANING : 1. (intr.v.) to investigate, search or intensively research 2. (intr.v.) (archaic) to dig up or excavate 3. (tr.v.) (archaic) to use a spade to dig 4. (n.) (archaic) a hollow or cave USAGE EXAMPLE 1: Leeds Carnegie could delve into the loan market this week to ease their front-row injury problems. BBC, Leeds facing prop injury crisis, 9 February 2009.

demagogue [ DEM-uh'-gog, -gawg ]

[noun,intransitive verb,transitive verb] MEANING : (n.) 1) A person or leader who appeals to the prejudices or passions of the people to gain power 2) In ancient times, a leader who champions the cause of the masses (intr. v.) To speak or behave like a demagogue (tr. v.) To treat an issue like a demagogue; obscure an issue with prejudice, emotions, etc. USAGE EXAMPLE 1: Self confident and energetic, O'Connor was a charismatic demagogue, who used mass meetings and the widely read 'Northern Star' to unite the forces of the working class behind him. BBC, The Chartist Movement 1838 - 1848, By Stephen Roberts

demeanour [ di-MEE-ner ]
[noun] MEANING : 1. behaviour, bearing or conduct 2. facial expression USAGE EXAMPLE 1: I can see from your demeanour you are afraid of custody. Sheriff Liddle told Steven Finlayson. Telegraph, SNP plans to scrap prison sentences under six months condemned by sheriff, by Auslan Cramb, 23 Jan 2009.

demented [ di-MEN-tid ]
[adjective] MEANING : 1. mad, insane or mentally ill or deranged 2. suffering from or showing symptoms of dementia USAGE EXAMPLE 1: The controversial statement, questioning the veracity of the battle spawned angry reactions with major-general Atma Singh (retd.) being derided as disloyal' and a 'demented mind'. The Times of India, Maj. Gen. Atma's remarks rapped, Vishal Sharma, 1 March 2008.

demesne [ di-MEYN, -MEEN ]

[noun] MEANING : 1. legal possession and use of land as one's own 2. Land adjoining a mansion or country house 3. land, occupied and controlled by, and worked for the exclusive use of, the owner 4. a district, territory, state or domain USAGE EXAMPLE 1: The introduction of 25 large houses into the park and its re-grading as a golf course will adversely impact on the demesne and the setting of the castle itself. BBC, Clarke course plans turned down, 7 February 2007. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: The landlord's control over his demesne is absolute.

demur [ di-MUR ]
[noun,transitive verb] MEANING : 1. (tr.v.) to object, take exception or voice opposition 2. (tr.v.) to file or enter a demurrer 3. (n.) an objection USAGE EXAMPLE 1: The politician was furious and demurred strongly at the language used. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: The Foreign Office demurred, arguing that it was focused on securing the return of two former British residents still detained at the US naval base in Cuba Binyam Mohamed and Shaker Aamer. Telegraph, Britain tells US it won't take Guantnamo prisoners unless rest of Europe does, By Alex Spillius in Washington, 09 Jan 2009

demure [ di-MYOO' R ]
[adjective] MEANING : 1) Reserved or modest in manner or behaviour 2) Coy; affected shyness or modesty USAGE EXAMPLE 1: The leading lady is usually demure and innocent and will wear a calf-length or full-length dress. BBC, The Costumes, 11th December 2006

denigrate [ DEN-i-greyt ]
[transitive verb] MEANING : 1) To malign or defame someone; to criticize in a derogatory way 2) To belittle; to disregard the importance or value of someone or something 3) Blacken; to make black USAGE EXAMPLE 1: Those two communities are trying to do things to improve the situation, so this isn't to denigrate them. National Geographic, World Summit Erred by Ignoring Tourism, Editor Says, By Robin R. Burfield, September 4, 2002

denizen [ DEN-uh-zuh' n ]
[noun,transitive verb] MEANING :

1. (n.) a resident, occupant, native or inhabitant 2. (n.) an alien who has been permitted residence in a country along with a few rights of citizenship 3. (n.) a habitue or one who frequents an area or place 4. (tr.v.) to naturalize or grant the right to reside USAGE EXAMPLE 1: An Agra denizen, Irfan Bedar, who also claimed to have descended from the Mughals is also seeking trusteeship of the monument. The Times of India, Tucys want to perform urs at Taj, Ch Sushil Rao, TNN, 15 Jul 2005

denouement [ dey-noo-MAHN ]
[noun] MEANING : 1. the final outcome, resolution or clarification esp. narrative or drama 2. the final result or outcome of a series or sequence of events USAGE EXAMPLE 1: The most likely denouement now is that Nottinghamshire will do enough against Hampshire at Trent Bridge to win the silverware for the second time in four summers. BBC, Sussex batsmen frustrate Durham, 19 September 2008.

deplete [ di-PLEET ]
[transitive verb] MEANING : to drain, exhaust or gradually lessen USAGE EXAMPLE 1: Food stocks were depleted due to a ban on imports. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: Scientists in Norway say there is evidence that waste products from offshore oil exploration could seriously deplete stocks of cod in the North Sea. BBC, Norway sees oil threat to cod, 22 March, 2002

depose [ di-POHZ ]
[intransitive verb,transitive verb] MEANING : 1. (tr.v.) to dethrone, oust or remove from an office or powerful position 2. (tr.v.) to affirm or testify as a witness but out of court 3. (intr.v.) to testify or bear witness esp. in writing USAGE EXAMPLE 1: The Ridolfi Plot of 1571 went further by enlisting Spanish support to depose Elizabeth and place Mary on the throne. BBC, Elizabeth I: An Overview, By Alexandra Briscoe

deposition [ dep-uh'-ZISH-uh' n, dee-puh'- ]

[noun] MEANING : 1. the removal of a person from an office of authority 2. the act or an instance of depositing something 3. testimony or declaration USAGE EXAMPLE 1: He said he plans to ask the court Friday to let him take depositions from hospital personnel. CNN, Second twin dies as hospital probes heparin overdoses, July 10, 2008

deprecate [ DEP-ri-keyt ]
[transitive verb] MEANING : 1. to deplore or disapprove 2. to belittle, play down or depreciate USAGE EXAMPLE 1: The examiner deprecated the students essay saying that it was a rough and ready improvisation. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: Even politicians who deprecate the emphasis placed on income adequacy by some parts of the poverty lobby are never prepared to argue for the massive investment in public collective resources, free at the point of receipt, which would be needed to make any impact on poverty as it is experienced. University of Oxford, Human dignity, social indicators and social inclusion, John Veit-Wilson, 11 September 2004.

depreciate [ di-PREE-shee-eyt ]
[intransitive verb,transitive verb] MEANING : 1. (tr.v.) to reduce or lower the worth or value of something 2. (tr.v.) to belittle or represent as being of hardly any value 3. (intr.v.) to diminish or fall in price or value USAGE EXAMPLE 1: The taxi owners and bus drivers are also worried that the value of their vehicles will depreciate. BBC, Zambian bus painting provokes anger, 26 February, 2001

depredation [ dep-ri-DEY-shuh' n ]
[noun] MEANING : 1. a pillage, robbery, plunder or ravage 2. a raid USAGE EXAMPLE 1: The dying river, once known as the lifeline of the capital, remains a mute witness to the depredation in the name of religion with no one taking responsibility to clean the mess. The Times of India, Yamuna reaps toxic harvest of immersed idols, 11 Oct 2008

deranged [ di-REYNJD ]
[adjective] MEANING : 1. insane, mad or mentally disturbed 2. disordered, disarranged or unbalanced USAGE EXAMPLE 1: He hides when he sees the deranged Maxtible heading in the opposite direction. BBC, Doctor Who | Photonovels: The Evil of the Daleks - Episode Seven

derelict [ DER-uh-likt ]
[noun,adjective] MEANING : 1. (adj.) deserted, run-down or abandoned esp. by the owner 2. (adj.) negligent or delinquent 3. (n.) a property that has been deserted or abandoned by its owner 4. (n.) a vagrant or homeless person 5. (n.) a nautical vessel esp. a ship that been abandoned in the open sea by the crew

USAGE EXAMPLE 1: Plans to restore a derelict castle in Sunderland have been given a boost with a 20,000 grant from the city council. BBC, Grant to restore derelict castle, 18 January 2009.

dereliction [ der-uh-LIK-shuh n ]
[noun] MEANING : 1. delinquency or neglection 2. a state or act of abandoning 3. recession of water resulting in dry land USAGE EXAMPLE 1: He was punished for dereliction of duty. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: Britain's historic farm buildings are under threat from disuse, dereliction and "horror" conversions, English Heritage is warning. BBC, 'Horror' barn conversion warning, 16 November 2005

deride [ di-RAHYD ]
[verb] MEANING : To ridicule and make fun of USAGE EXAMPLE 1: 'There are some people who might try to deride this trip as a photo opportunity,' Perino said. The Times of India, Bush's secret trip to Iraq was 5-6 weeks in the planning, 4 Sep 2007, AP

derision [ di-RIZH-uh' n ]
[noun] MEANING : 1. the use of scorn or ridicule to show contempt; jeering laughter 2. an object of ridicule USAGE EXAMPLE 1: It is unnecessary to add he was showered with derision and laughter. Telegraph, North Korea says George W Bush 'deserved shoe-throwing incident', 19 Dec 2008

derivative [ di-RIV-uh'-tiv ]
[noun,adjective] MEANING : 1. (n.) one that has been derived from something else 2. (adj.) not original, copied or secondary USAGE EXAMPLE 1: Milan is losing money on the derivatives contract it took out with the banks, which allowed it to swap a fixed rate of interest on the bonds for a variable rate. Telegraph, Italian bond scandal could ensnare banks, By Katherine Griffiths, Financial Services Editor, 05 Jan 2009

derogatory [ di-ROG-uh-tawr-ee, -tohr-ee ]

[adjective] MEANING : disparaging, depreciatory or belittling USAGE EXAMPLE 1:

The derogatory remarks shocked everyone. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: Jolene Plomer, a former official for Portsmouth FC women's youth team, was fined 50 pounds for putting derogatory remarks about a league official on Facebook after one of the team's games. Telegraph, Football club official 'fined by FA for posting abusive comments on Facebook', 25 May 2009

descant [ n., adj. DES-kant; v. des-KANT, dis- ]

[noun,adjective,intransitive verb] MEANING : 1. (n.) the highest part that is sung in part music 2. (n.) a song or melody 3. (n.) a discussion or discourse on a subject 4. (adj.) highest member in a family of musical instruments 5. (intr.v.) to comment at great length USAGE EXAMPLE 1: As this exhibition unfolds, Donatello's art sings out like a descant. Telegraph, Donatello's depth of vision, Serena Davies, 10 Nov 2004 USAGE EXAMPLE 2: Amateurs find it hard to master the descant.

descry [ di-SKRAHY ]
[noun,transitive verb] MEANING : 1. (tr.v.) to discover, find out or detect 2. (tr.v.) to discern or see 3. (n.) a discovery or finding USAGE EXAMPLE 1: Department of Transport vehicle examiner Christopher Ennea descried the lorry as "unroadworthy". BBC, Runaway lorry crushed teenager, 15 April, 2004

desiccant [ DES-i-kuh nt ]
[noun,adjective] MEANING : 1. (n.) a substance like calcium chloride that has a great affinity for water and hence used as a drying agent 2. (adj.) drying USAGE EXAMPLE 1: A desiccant is recommended to be kept in the testing room to ensure a dry environment. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: The desiccated remains were found in labelled plastic bags and unsealed hardboard coffins at the base near al-Zubayr in southern Iraq. BBC, Unnamed Iraqi graves found, 21 April, 2003

desideratum [ di-sid-uh'-REY-tuh' m, -RAH-, -zid- ]

[noun] MEANING : something that is highly desired or considered essential USAGE EXAMPLE 1: The commonplace desideratum of any work of fiction is to keep the reader glued to the novel.

USAGE EXAMPLE 2: The real desiderata are device specifications, the device-specific machine language that allows communication between driver software and device. CNN, Where are the Linux drivers?, by Eileen Cohen, March 9, 2000

desolate [ adj. DES-uh'-lit; v. DES-uh'-leyt ]

[adjective,transitive verb] MEANING : 1. (adj.) uninhabited or deserted 2. (adj.) devastated, dilapidated or barren 3. ()adj. dismal, gloomy or wretched 4. (tr.v.) to abandon, depopulate or rid of residents 5. (tr.v.) to devastate or make uninhabitable USAGE EXAMPLE 1: We took the bus partway to the colony, and had to take a rickshaw to approach the desolate area. CNN, Student vows to bring desks to India school, By Kimberly Lewkowitz, August 22, 2008

despondent [ di-SPON-duh' nt ]
[adjective] MEANING : 1. sad, hopeless or dejected 2. discouraged or disheartened USAGE EXAMPLE 1: At its worst, during late May and early June, dozens of despondent travelers were contacting me every day for help with their paperwork. CNN, Seven lessons learned from the summer of 2007, By Christopher Elliott , August 31, 2007

desuetude [ DES-wi-tood, -tyood ]

[noun] MEANING : the state or condition of being inactive, unused or no longer practised USAGE EXAMPLE 1: Inside Daniel Barenboim's dressing-room, a crumpled air of desuetude prevails. Telegraph, The maestro and his demons, by Jan Moir, 06 Apr 2006.

desultory [ DES-uh' l-tawr-ee, -tohr-ee ]

[adjective] MEANING : haphazard, erratic or irregular USAGE EXAMPLE 1: Although there were only ever a few hundred active Tuareg fighters, this desultory yet brutal conflict pinned the Malian army down over vast swathes of northern Mali, and saw 160,000 Tuareg fleeing into neighbouring countries. Telegraph, Rock and roll's real outlaws, 26/02/2004

dtente [ dey-TAHNT; Fr. dey-THAN*T ]

[noun] MEANING : The relaxing or easing of tension, between rivals, esp. nations, through negotiations or talks. USAGE EXAMPLE 1:

Nevertheless, General Bashir said the pardon was made at the request of the two priests and in a spirit of political dtente. BBC, Alleged Khartoum bombers pardoned, 6 December, 1999

deter [ di-TUR ]
[transitive verb] MEANING : 1. to prevent, arrest or inhibit 2. to restrain or restrict USAGE EXAMPLE 1: Arms race deterred the super power from starting a full-fledged war. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: The man at the heart of the Aviemore development claimed that the "debacle" over the affair will deter business from Scotland. The Herald, Aviemore debacle will deter incoming business, ROBBIE DINWOODIE, Chief Scottish Political Correspondent, March 07 2008

determinate [ adj. di-TUR-muh'-nit; v. di-TUR-muh'-neyt ]

[adjective] MEANING : 1. precisely limited or with defined limits 2. conclusive, settled, final USAGE EXAMPLE 1: The determinate nature of the project made it easier for the team to achieve the milestones expected. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: The law could have been made much clearer and more coherent had the Law Commission been able to propose that determinate sentences should be imposed for murder, he said. Telegraph, Homicide reforms would be nightmare for juries, says top law lord, By Joshua Rozenberg, 07 Nov 2008

detraction [ di-TRAK-shuh n ]
[noun] MEANING : 1. disparagement, belittling or malicious criticism 2. detracting or an act of taking away USAGE EXAMPLE 1: The detraction was uncalled for. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: The Middle East has its own oil use and therefore the detraction from the amount it can give to the rest of the world market has also gone up by 45%. BBC, Do speculators exploit the poor?, By Terry Messenger BBC Money Programme, 28 January 2009

deviance [ DEE-vee-uh ns ]
[noun] MEANING : aberration or deviant behaviour or state USAGE EXAMPLE 1: Guidance counsellors look out for deviance in the behaviour patterns of school children. USAGE EXAMPLE 2:

Of course we need to punish for deviance but what do we do with these women when they come back - if they are not well integrated then we find ourselves looking at repeat offenders. BBC, Hard return for Jamaica drugs mule, Lucy Ash, 19 January 2006.

devolve [ di-VOLV ]
[intransitive verb,transitive verb] MEANING : 1. (tr.v.) to pass on and transfer to another 2. (intr.v.) to be passed on or transferred to another 3. (intr.v.) to degenerate or deteriorate slowly or gradually USAGE EXAMPLE 1: In recent years the UK has taken steps to devolve powers to Scotland and Wales. BBC, Country profile: United Kingdom , 22 January 2009 USAGE EXAMPLE 2: Elections ensure that governance is devolved as per the wishes of the voting class.

dexterity [ dek-STER-i-tee ]
[noun] MEANING : 1. agility, skill or adroitness 2. cleverness or mental skill USAGE EXAMPLE 1: He called magic using coins and cards a means to showcase finger dexterity. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: Mental arithmetic has become as integral a part of Scotland's qualification campaign as mental dexterity. The Herald, After thrill of victory, manager dares to bring out calculator, DARRYL BROADFOOT, March 25 2007

dexterous [ DEK-struh' s, -ster-uh' s ]

[adjective] MEANING : 1. skillful or adept in the use of one's hands 2. possessing mental cleverness or adroitness 3. done or completed by using adroitness or expertise 4. right-handed USAGE EXAMPLE 1: Van Basten, such a dexterous striker, appears to have mastered another difficult trick. Telegraph, Euro 2008: Marco Van Basten in style council, By Henry Winter, 17 Jun 2008

diabolic [ dahy-uh'-BOL-ik ]
[adjective] MEANING : 1) Cruelly wicked or evil; fiendish 2) Of or like the devil; satanic USAGE EXAMPLE 1: Overwhelmed, Austrians will not find words strong enough to convey the monstrous and diabolic history which has played out in secret for three decades at Amstetten. BBC, Dungeon case stuns Europe's media, 29 April 2008

diadem [
[noun]

DAHY-uh'-dem

MEANING : 1. a crown 2. royal dignity or power USAGE EXAMPLE 1: Royal blue sapphires in ruffled petals studded in a dazzling diadem. The Times of India, 'I live in the moment', by Chitra Sanam, 29 Dec 2006. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: The Ravenclaw diadem was suspected to be one of the horcrux in the Harry Potter series.

dialectic [ dahy-uh'-LEK-tik ]
[noun,adjective] MEANING : 1. (n.) the practice or art of reasoning logically and determining the validity of statements 2. (n.) logical argumentation 3. (adj.) pertaining to, of or characterized by logical argumentation USAGE EXAMPLE 1: It is a sign of change in the traditional Venetian dialectic between doing and not doing. CNN, Venice to have modern makeover, By Craig Francis, CNN.com Europe writer, December 7, 2000

diaphanous [ dahy-AF-uh-nuh s ]
[adjective] MEANING : 1. translucent or transparent 2. airy or ethereal 3. vague, indistinct or insubstantial USAGE EXAMPLE 1: The diaphanous layer of tissue was peeled away to reveal a beautiful fabric. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: The diaphanous images of the tiny fairies were first published by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, the man who created Sherlock Holmes. BBC, UK Fairy tale enchants a new generation, February 18, 1998

didactic [ dahy-DAK-tik ]
[adjective] MEANING : 1. instructive 2. having a disposition to teach 3. morally instructive USAGE EXAMPLE 1: The lecturers were lively but they choose a dull didactic subject which failed to catch the interest of the students. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: It really is hoped to raise issues about heart health, but not in a patronising, didactic lecturing way, but through a series of somewhat entertaining sketches. BBC, The dramatic approach to heart health, Jane Elliott, 8 March 2009.

diffidence [ DIF-i-duh' ns ]
[noun] MEANING : timidity, shyness or a lack of confidence

USAGE EXAMPLE 1: Ms Merkel's diffidence arises from history: her country's and her own. Economist, Friends in high places, Mar 19th 2008

diffident [ DIF-i-duh' nt ]
[adjective] MEANING : 1) Lacking in self-confidence; timid; shy 2) Unassertive; reserved in manner or speech USAGE EXAMPLE 1: Bell put his successful return down to extra work not only on technique but also on his presence at the crease, after being described as diffident during the Ashes. BBC, Bell puts Pakistan before Ashes, 15 August 2006

digressive [ di-GRES-iv, dahy- ]

[adjective] MEANING : Departing from the main subject; rambling USAGE EXAMPLE 1: His black eye brows, robust laugh, digressive way of asking questions, clipped speech pattern and chain-smoking made for a distinctive send-up. BBC, Talk show host Snyder dies at 71, 31 July 2007

dilate [ dahy-LEYT, di-, DAHY-leyt ]

[intransitive verb,transitive verb] MEANING : 1. (tr.v.) to cause to become wider or to expand 2. (intr.v.) to expand 3. (intr.v.) to expatiate or discourse USAGE EXAMPLE 1: Her pupils were dilated showing that she was scared. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: Ultrasound imaging techniques showed that arteries in and around the brain dilated when volunteers became stressed, causing a rush of blood to the head. Telegraph, Anger really does cause a rush of blood to the head, find scientists, By Heidi Blake, 03 Jul 2009

dimunition [ dim-uh'-NOO-shuh' n, -NYOO- ]

[noun] MEANING : 1. the process or the act of lessening or reducing 2. (music) variation of a subject or theme by reducing esp. halving the time period of notes USAGE EXAMPLE 1: Production of drought-tolerant crops able to grow under restricted-water regimes without dimunition of yield would minimize drought-related losses and ensure food production in waterlimited lands The Times of India, Plants that can beat drought, 28 Nov 2007

dipsomaniac [ dip-suh'-MEY-nee-ak, -soh- ]

[noun] MEANING :

a person with an insatiable craving for alcoholic beverages USAGE EXAMPLE 1: Peter was a true dipsomaniac, his love for daiquiris was unmatched. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: Sean Palmer, Joshua Dallas and Ryan Molloy make a winning (if implausibly camp) trio of sailors, June Whitfield is quietly hilarious as a dipsomaniac singing teacher, and Rodney Clarke makes his mark in multiple small roles. Telegraph, Sheer escapist fun overcomes the niggles, Rupert Christiansen, 26 Apr 2007

dirge [ durj ]
[noun] MEANING : 1. a poem, hymn or song played at a funeral to express grief or sorrow a sad or mournful piece of literary work that is musical in nature USAGE EXAMPLE 1: The funeral procession parades slowly through the streets, followed by a band playing a mournful dirge as it moves to the cemetery. CNN, Bush: 'We will do what it takes', September 15, 2005

disallow [ dis-uh-LOU ]
[transitive verb] MEANING : 1. to veto, reject or not allow 2. (tr.v.) to reject or deny as illegal or invalid USAGE EXAMPLE 1: The attorney for the defendant raised many objections which were disallowed by the Judge. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: The notion that university educators should disallow films on campus until a full academic study has been completed sounds good, but really makes no sense. The Washington Post, Porn Movie Screening: Academic Freedom vs. Censorship? John Watson, 6 April 2009.

disapprobation [ dis-ap-ruh'-BEY-shuh' n ]
[noun] MEANING : 1. condemnation 2. moral disapproval USAGE EXAMPLE 1: The Union government's disapprobation comes at a time when another child athlete Akash Mandal fainted after running 68 km in Mumbai on Sunday. The Times of India, Centre against under-16 running long distances, by Sandeep Mishra, 27 Sep 2006. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: Disapprobation is the favourite weapon of the morally righteous.

disavowal [ dis-uh-VOU-uh' l ]
[noun] MEANING : to deny knowledge of, association with, or responsibility for USAGE EXAMPLE 1: His claims of disavowal regarding the money laundering were not believed by the court.

USAGE EXAMPLE 2: Democrats accused the administration of secretly reversing its public 2004 disavowal of the use of torture, but the White House said the documents were consistent with that pledge. CNN, Top GOP senator: Attorney general nomination 'at risk', October 31, 2007

discern [ di-SURN, -ZURN ]

[intransitive verb,transitive verb] MEANING : 1. (tr.v.) to mentally detect, apprehend or discriminate 2. (tr.v.) to perceive, recognize or distinguish 3. (intr.v.) to distinguish USAGE EXAMPLE 1: He was incapable of discerning between the causes of poverty from a sociological and an economic point of view. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: The search engine will be hard to fool and should be able to discern, much more readily, the intent behind search terms. BBC, Helping the web to understand, By Mark Ward Technology correspondent, BBC News, 16 December 2008

discomfit [ dis-KUHM-fit ]
[noun,transitive verb] MEANING : 1. (tr.v.) to confuse, embarrass or disconcert 2. (tr.v.) to frustrate or thwart another's plans 3. (tr.v.) (archaic) to defeat, conquer or rout 4. (n.) a defeat USAGE EXAMPLE 1: Most discomfiting of all for the generals, Mr Gul is now their commander-in-chief. Economist, A new Turkish president, Aug 30th 2007

disconcert [ dis-kuh' n-SURT ]

[transitive verb] MEANING : 1. disparage, disturb, or frustrate 2. ruffle, embarrass or perturb USAGE EXAMPLE 1: The price rises are especially disconcerting because new car sales plunged 11.3pc last year, including 21.2pc in December, as a lack of credit and confidence among consumers struck the market. Telegraph, Ford and Vauxhall to raise prices in UK after sterling's weakness, by Graham Ruddick, 02 Feb 2009.

discordant [ dis-KAWR-dnt ]
[adjective] MEANING : 1. disagreeing, contradicting or quarrelsome 2. harsh, dashing or cacophonous USAGE EXAMPLE 1: The exchange was one of the few discordant notes in a carefully controlled encounter. abcNews, China's President: Politics and Olympics Don't Mix, By CHARLES HUTZLER Associated Press Writer, August 1, 2008

discountenance [ dis-KOUN-tn-uh ns ]
[noun,transitive verb] MEANING : 1. (tr.v.) to embarrass or abash 2. (tr.v.) to express disapproval 3. (n.) disapproval or disfavour USAGE EXAMPLE 1: He discountenanced his children by talking about their childhood antics. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: This is partly, not unreasonably, because growing numbers of their pupils belong to other faiths; partly, less reasonably, because so many are poised to quarrel with any action alleged to discountenance non-Christians. Telegraph, Notebook, W F Deedes, 08 Dec 2003.

discourse [ n. DIS-kawrs, -kohrs, dis-KAWRS, -KOHRS; v. dis-KAWRS, -KOHRS ]

[noun,intransitive verb,transitive verb] MEANING : 1. (n.) conversation or verbal communication 2. (n.) dissertation, discussion or treatise in writing or speech 3. (intr.v.) to converse 4. (tr.v.) to tell or utter USAGE EXAMPLE 1: She found the discourse to be boring and fell asleep. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: In Pakistan's north-western district of Kohistan, public discourse is dominated by security issues, not the recently enacted Sharia (Islamic) law. BBC, In the shadow of Pakistan's Taliban war, By M Ilyas Khan BBC News, Dassu, Kohistan, 28 May 2009

discredit [ dis-KRED-it ]
[noun,transitive verb] MEANING : 1. (tr.v.) to disbelieve or deny credibility 2. (tr.v.) to disgrace or damage reputation 3. (n.) disgrace or damage to reputation 4. (n.) doubt or disbelief USAGE EXAMPLE 1: The government discredited the findings of the reporting agency. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: The U.S. government is taking advantage of these Westernized Iranians to create a basis for discrediting the Iranian election and the Iranian government. Chronicles magazine, Are You Ready for War With Demonized Iran?, by Paul Craig Roberts, June 16th, 2009

discreet [ di-SKREET ]
[adjective] MEANING : 1. circumspect, prudent, diplomatic or judicious or wise in selection of words 2. modest or unpretentious USAGE EXAMPLE 1: A discreet look into her past brought out many disturbing facts.

USAGE EXAMPLE 2: A discreet approach to the North Koreans was rebuffed with a second nuclear weapons test. Telegraph, Barack Obama will pledge to heal rift with Islam, By Alex Spillius in Washington, 01 Jun 2009

discrete [ di-SKREET ]
[adjective] MEANING : 1. separate or distinct 2. discontinuous USAGE EXAMPLE 1: A discrete agency is required to deal with these problems. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: Any veteran in the UK who suffers from ill-health as a result of their service is compensated through the War Pensions and Armed Forces occupational pension scheme, regardless of the existence of Gulf War Syndrome as a discrete pathological entity. BBC, Help urged for Gulf War veterans, 17 November 2008

discretion [ di-SKRESH-uh' n ]
[noun] MEANING : 1. prudence, circumspection or the quality of being discreet 2. authority, power, right or ability to make decisions or judgements 3. freedom or choice to decide or judge one's own USAGE EXAMPLE 1: One of those officials said Craig was "highly regarded" and trusted for his discretion by Obama. CNN, Obama and McCain set to meet in Chicago, November 16, 2008

discursive [ di-SKUR-siv ]
[adjective] MEANING : 1. randomly digress from topic to topic 2. related to discourse 3. concluding by analysis and reasoning and not by intuition USAGE EXAMPLE 1: Instead, thinking, especially discursive thinking, is to be acknowledged but then put to one side so that the mind is not carried away by worries, anxieties, and endless hopes and fears. BBC, Zen Meditation

disdain [ dis-DEYN, di-STEYN ]

[noun,transitive verb] MEANING : 1. (n.) a feeling of hate or contempt 2. (tr. v.)to treat contemptuously or scornfully 3. (tr.v.) to regard as inferior or unworthy of taking notice of USAGE EXAMPLE 1: In a more controlled environment like debates he can get exasperated and has no problem showing his disdain for certain rivals -- most notably Mitt Romney during the Republican primary debates. ABCNews, McCain Vs. Obama Offers Contrast in Style, John Whitesides, September 24, 2008

dishabille [ dis-uh-BEEL, -BEE ]

[noun] MEANING : 1. the state of being dressed partially or in a careless, disorderly manner 2. a deliberately careless manner USAGE EXAMPLE 1: A lot of people were in a state of dishabille as they ran out of the burning building. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: First there was Betty Boop, whose innocent wide eyes were somewhat at odds with her perpetual states of delightful dishabille. Telegraph, Thursday's TV and radio highlights, By Tessa Gibbs, Simon Horsford and Gillian Reynolds, 10 Dec 2008

disheveled [ di-SHEV-uh ld ]
[adjective] MEANING : unkempt or marked by disarray or disorder USAGE EXAMPLE 1: His disheveled appearance scared the children USAGE EXAMPLE 2: Tbilisi is an old, disheveled jewel of a city, squeezed into a narrow gorge in the shadow of the vast Caucasus mountain range. BBC, Foreigners beware in Georgia, By the BBC's Andrew Harding, 24 June, 2001

disingenuous [ dis-in-JEN-yoo-uh s ]
[adjective] MEANING : 1. calculating, not sincere or candid 2. sly or misleading USAGE EXAMPLE 1: His disingenuous dealings led him to be labelled a criminal. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: As befits a strategic initiative of profound consequence, the proposed Indo-US nuclear agreement had a tremendous sense of national involvement, even if some of the positions taken were disingenuous. The Times of India, Breach of trust, Swapan Dasgupta, 21 Oct 2007 Accessed: 6th July 2009

disinter [ dis-in-TUR ]
[transitive verb] MEANING : 1. to unearth, exhume or extract from a tomb or grave 2. to disclose bring to light or bring into prominence or perspective USAGE EXAMPLE 1: His human remains being disinterred was considered sacrilegious. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: He has gone to the Court of Session in Edinburgh to seek authority to disinter the remains of Margaret Black and Peter Butler. BBC, Court action over grave 'error', 14 July, 2000

disinterested [ dis-IN-tuh-res-tid, -tri-stid ]

[adjective] MEANING :

1. impartial or unbiased 2. indifferent or uninterested USAGE EXAMPLE 1: Johnson said his goal in sending messages is to put a smile on the recipients' faces, and he can sense disinterest when they stop responding to messages. CNN, Stop and think before you hit 'send' on that wild, wacky e-mail, By Nicole Saidi, October 18, 2007

dislodge [ dis-LOJ ]
[intransitive verb,transitive verb] MEANING : 1. (tr.v.) to force out or drive out of place of hiding or dwelling 2. (intr.v.) to move from a former position USAGE EXAMPLE 1: The dislodged refugees had suffered through intense hardships. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: A military operation is continuing in the Swat valley where the Pakistani army has made a number of gains in recent weeks as it attempts to dislodge Taliban insurgents from their strongholds in the area. BBC, Bin Laden 'is still in Pakistan', 12 June 2009

dismal [ DIZ-muh l ]
[adjective] MEANING : 1. depressing, gloomy or dreary 2. miserable or depressed USAGE EXAMPLE 1: His dismal marks caused him tremendous embarrassment. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: Low-margin businesses that periodically call for more cash from their investors, which they can only invest at a modest rate of return, are a dismal affair. Telegraph, How to invest like Warren Buffett, By John Train, 01 Jul 2009

disparage [ di-SPAR-ij ]
[transitive verb] MEANING : 1) To reduce in rank or reputation; to bring reproach upon 2) To speak or treat invidiously; belittle USAGE EXAMPLE 1: Wit, pointed humor often consisting of observations meant to disparage or attack, expressed in clever comparisons or contrasts and making heavy use of word-play. MSN Encarta, Encyclopedia Article: Wit

disparate [ DIS-per-it, di-SPAR- ]

[adjective] MEANING : dissimilar, different, unequal or distinct USAGE EXAMPLE 1: The test is unreliable because the test results were disparate when retested. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: Some 6,000 species live in disparate habitats all over the world, from shallow reefs to two miles

beneath the sea surface. National Geographic, Nudibranchs, By Emily Krieger, Jun 3, 2008

disport [ di-SPAWRT, -SPOHRT ]

[noun,intransitive verb,transitive verb] MEANING : 1. (tr.v.) to display 2. (intr.v.) to divert oneself with some amusement 3. (n.) frolicsome diversion or amusement USAGE EXAMPLE 1: The children disported a variety of antics to the amusement of the onlookers. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: As the prime minister disports himself on the tennis courts of Tuscany, he can draw comfort from the knowledge that rarely has a governing party been in such a strong position in the run-up to an election. Economist, Poll fever, Aug 17th 2000

disproof [ dis-PROOF ]
[noun] MEANING : 1. an act or refuting 2. evidence that refutes or disproves USAGE EXAMPLE 1: The authenticity of the letter was a clear disproof to his statement. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: One storm or one flood in itself is not proof or disproof of global warming. CNN, No respite for flood victims, 2 November 2000.

dissemble [ di-SEM-buh l ]
[intransitive verb,transitive verb] MEANING : 1. (tr.v.) to disguise or conceal or hide behind a false appearance 2. (tr.v.) to feign or simulate 3. (intr.v.) to feign or hide behind a false appearance USAGE EXAMPLE 1: The boisterous behaviour of the youth was dissembled by his innocent face. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: It should be apparent that a regime which would declare the election to be free and fair is precisely the sort to string us along in fruitless negotiations and dissemble about its current behavior and future aspirations. The Washington Post, Tongue-Tied on Tehran, Howard Kurtz, 16 June 2009.

disseminate [ di-SEM-uh-neyt ]
[intransitive verb,transitive verb] MEANING : 1. (tr.v.) to scatter or spread, as though sowing 2. (tr.v.) to promulgate or disperse 3. (intr.v.) to spread or get dispersed USAGE EXAMPLE 1: Rumours disseminate faster than facts. USAGE EXAMPLE 2:

Internet law professor Michael Geist says the issue of free speech and the power of the net to disseminate comment is far from being resolved in law. BBC, Free speech, libel and the internet age, 31 July 2006

dissent [ di-SENT ]
[noun,transitive verb] MEANING : 1. (tr.v.) to disagree 2. (tr.v.) to withhold approval 3. (n.) disagreement 4. (n.) non-conformity USAGE EXAMPLE 1: The members dissented to ensure that no clear decision could be agreed upon. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: Iran's regime has been unable to banish dissent within the highest levels of the Shia Muslim hierarchy over the outcome of the June 12 presidential election. Telegraph, Iran backing down over arrests as reporter freed, By Damien McElroy, 05 Jul 2009

dissertation [ dis-er-TEY-shuh' n ]
[noun] MEANING : 1) An extended, formal exposition in speech or writing 2) A thesis or treatise esp. written by a candidate for his or her doctorate USAGE EXAMPLE 1: Stanford first met Jackson when she was completing her doctoral dissertation on his foreign policy record. ABC News, Jesse Jackson's Ex-Mistress Has No Regrets, Aug. 17

dissimulate [ di-SIM-yuh'-leyt ]
[intransitive verb,transitive verb] MEANING : 1. (tr.v.) to conceal, disguise or hide one's true motives or feelings by using a false appearance 2. (intr.v.) to dissemble or conceal one's true motives by means of a pretence or disguise USAGE EXAMPLE 1: Those who know not how to dissimulate, know not how to rule. Telegraph, We are all liars and behave worse in private than we pretend in public, By Adam Nicolson, 28 Feb 2004

dissolution [ dis-uh-LOO-shuh n ]
[noun] MEANING : 1. disintegration, decay or decomposition 2. death 3. liquefaction 4. termination or annulment USAGE EXAMPLE 1: Dissolution of the law is the need of the hour. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: Many Cubans thought they'd left behind forever the grim, hungry days that were the norm just after the dissolution of the Soviet Union and, with it, the loss of billions of dollars in subsidies for the Communist state. CNN, Hurricanes sweep food shortages back into Cubans' lives, From Morgan Neill CNN Havana

Bureau Chief, October 7, 2008

dissuasion [ di-SWEY-zhuh' n ]
[noun] MEANING : 1. persuading not to do or believe something, talking someone out of a belief or an intended course of action 2. the act or instance of dissuading USAGE EXAMPLE 1: Israel must react when it is fired upon, must re-establish its force of dissuasion and stop the rockets. BBC, Israeli leaders 'to topple Hamas', 22 December 2008

distaff [ DIS-taf, -tahf ]

[noun,adjective] MEANING : 1. (n.) a staff with a cleft that is used to hold flax, wool or tow in spinning 2. (n.) the female esp. maternal side or branch of the family 3. (adj.) female or pertaining to the female or maternal side or branch of the family USAGE EXAMPLE 1: The ability to sort everything by date, site, or most visited appears to have joined the distaff and spindle on the ash heap. abcNews, Google's Chrome: 7 Reasons for It and 7 Reasons Against It, J. R. Raphael, PC World, September 2, 2008

distrait [ di-STREY; Fr. dees-TR*E ]

[adjective] MEANING : Distracted, inattentive esp. due to some anxiety or worry USAGE EXAMPLE 1: It is Wengers fault, in any case, that Ashley has become so terribly distrait and disillusioned with life. Times Online, Rod Liddle: A match made in heaven, August 6, 2006

distraught [ di-STRAWT ]
[adjective] MEANING : 1. agitated or troubled 2. insane or crazed USAGE EXAMPLE 1: The distraught mother feared for the lives of her children after the riots. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: A Nepali ski racer, apparently distraught after the loss of team funding, has been found wandering in Paris after a Facebook campaign. BBC, 'Distraught' Nepali skier found, 12 May 2009

divergent [ di-VUR-juh' nt, dahy- ]

[adjective] MEANING : 1. differ from another or a standard 2. failing to reach a limit or having no finite limits

USAGE EXAMPLE 1: On the political front, lawmakers of both parties point to divergent polls that show the majority of Americans back their approaches. CNN, Partisan dispute divides Congress over energy legislation, From Ted Barrett, July 25, 2008 USAGE EXAMPLE 2: Divergent strategies often help achieve the impossible.

divination [ div-uh'-NEY-shuh' n ]
[noun] MEANING : 1. the act of foretelling future events or discovering hidden knowledge by occult or supernatural means 2. instinctive foresight; unusual insight USAGE EXAMPLE 1: The Oracle Book: Answers To Lifes Questions - mysterious book is a do-it-yourself divination tool. The Times of India, Answers To Lifes Questions, 14 Mar 2004. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: The art of divination has faced ridicule through the ages.

divulge [ di-VUHLJ, dahy- ]

[transitive verb] MEANING : 1. to reveal or make known 2. (archaic) to proclaim USAGE EXAMPLE 1: Information divulged, without the presence of a defence lawyer, cannot be used as evidence. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: Two U.S. defense officials with direct knowledge of the highly classified message confirmed the details to CNN but said the issue is so sensitive that they could not divulge whose signature was on the message. CNN, U.S. Persian Gulf forces cautioned on Iran, By Barbara Starr CNN Pentagon Correspondent, June 14, 2009

docket [ DOK-it ]
[noun] MEANING : 1. a brief written summary of the contents of a document 2. the book containing entries of the court proceedings of a legal case 3. a calendar of things to be done; an agenda USAGE EXAMPLE 1: Police spokesman Wayne Bvudzijena told Reuters news agency, "I understand the dockets are ready so the case should proceed any time". BBC, Police defend Zimbabwe travel ban, 19 March 2007 USAGE EXAMPLE 2: Well prepared dockets help reduce the hassles frequently associated with legal proceedings.

doctrine [ DOK-trin ]
[noun] MEANING : 1) A principle, belief system, or policy that is taught or advocated 2) Something that is taught

3) A principle or rule of law that is established esp. by a precedent 4) A statement of government policy esp. concerned with international relations or military strategy USAGE EXAMPLE 1: The doctrine was written last year by the man who will command US forces in Iraq, Lieutenant General David Petraeus. BBC, The Bush plan and the Petraeus doctrine, Analysis, By Paul Reynolds, 11 January 2007

doddering [ dod-er-ing ]
[adjective] MEANING : mentally or physically infirm with age; tottering USAGE EXAMPLE 1: The doddering, old fool was thought to be a madman. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: He is the doddering uncle making rubbish gags at great embarrassment to mum and dad but a huge delight to the children. Telegraph, Basil Brush: The un-PC punchline that went boom boom, Bryony Gordon, 20 Mar 2008

doff [ dof, dawf ]

[transitive verb] MEANING : (tr. v.) 1) To take off or remove, part or whole of one's clothing 2) To take off or tip one's hat as a show of respect or in greeting 3) To discard; throw off; get rid of USAGE EXAMPLE 1: People rarely stand still and doff their caps when a funeral passes nowadays - and other vehicles on the road tend to show more impatience than deference towards the cortege. BBC, Funeral processions - etiquette and the law, Sam Weller

doggerel [ DAW-ger-uh l, DOG-er- ]

[noun,adjective] MEANING : 1. (adj.) irregularly styled or fashioned to bring about a comic effect 2. (n.) an awkward or irregularly styled verse USAGE EXAMPLE 1: His doggerel verses were termed unsuitable for young children. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: Scotland's national bard died in 1796 and his poems were described earlier this month by Newsnight presenter Jeremy Paxman as "sentimental doggerel". Telegraph, Michael Jackson records pop album of Robert Burns poems, 27 Aug 2008

dogmatic [ dawg-MAT-ik, dog- ]

[adjective] MEANING : 1. dictatorial or authoritative 2. pertaining to dogma USAGE EXAMPLE 1: His dogmatic problem solving techniques were not well received. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: Minutes of the CEA's third meeting on June 13, just published, reveal tensions between Mr

Salmond's dogmatic opposition to nuclear power and the council's more pragmatic assessment of how Scotland should generate its energy. Telegraph, Alex Salmond's advisers tell him to 'think again about nuclear', By Simon Johnson, Scottish Political Editor, 29 Aug 2008

dolt [ dohlt ]
[noun] MEANING : a dunce or stupid person USAGE EXAMPLE 1: Then there's the other character, maybe you, who made a ton of money but ended up with considerably less than the dolt down the street. abcNEWS, You Don't Have to Be Smart to Be Rich, By LEE DYE, May 16, 2007.

domineer [ dom-uh'-NEER ]
[intransitive verb,transitive verb] MEANING : 1. (tr.v.) to dominate over, tyrannize, rule over or bully 2. (intr.v.) to tyrannize or arrogantly rule over USAGE EXAMPLE 1: The family Wittgenstein has been due a group biography for some time: of eight children to a domineering Viennese industrialist, most suffered psychological problems. Telegraph, Chistmas books: biography, by Tim Martin, 28 Nov 2008.

dormant [ DAWR-muh nt ]
[adjective] MEANING : 1. inactive or sleeping 2. latent or inoperative 3. in a state or biological rest USAGE EXAMPLE 1: The dormant volcano was the biggest tourist attraction on the island. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: Nurseries commonly sell "bare-root" plants--dormant trees, shrubs, cane berries and, sometimes, perennials with the soil removed from their roots--in winter and early spring. CNN, Think ugly when buying winter plants, By Warren Schultz, December 6, 2007

dorsal [ DAWR-suh' l ]
[adjective] MEANING : relating to the back or upper surface of an organ, part or animal USAGE EXAMPLE 1: Fishermen cap off the dorsal fins when the shark surfaces, saving them from having to dock the giants or using hold space to store them. CNN, UN body protects monster-sized sharks, By Michelle Pinch, November 26, 2002 USAGE EXAMPLE 2: Dolphins have a prominent dorsal fin.

dotage [ DOH-tij ]
[noun] MEANING :

a mental decline associated with old age or senility USAGE EXAMPLE 1: It's a tribute to the school teacher's hold on us that many people can still remember the name of their class VI math teacher in their dotage, long after they have forgotten their algebra. The Times Of India, The power of the school teacher, 26 Dec 2005

dote [ doht ]
[transitive verb] MEANING : 1. to love or be extremely fond of 2. to be foolish or exhibit mental decline due to old age USAGE EXAMPLE 1: They were doted on by the entire family. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: US Weekly notes that Mrs Obama will not be hiring a nanny as her mother, Marian Robinson, 71, has moved into the White House to help look after the two grandchildren on whom she is said to dote. Telegraph, Michelle Obama bans daughters Malia and Sasha from mixing with celebrities, By Philip Sherwell in New York, 31 Jan 2009

douche [ doosh ]
[noun,verb] MEANING : (n.) 1) A stream or jet of water or medicinal solution that is applied to a body or bodily cavity for medical purposes 2) The instrument used to apply a douche 3) The administration of a douche(v.) To cleanse or treat with a douche USAGE EXAMPLE 1: If you wished for a quick back and sides followed by a cold douche it could be arranged without getting your hair wet. BBC, Else Happened And I Was In Uniform (Part 4), By Gloin F, 22 July 2005

doughty [ DOU-tee ]
[adjective] MEANING : valiant, courageous or brave USAGE EXAMPLE 1: The scant well-judged comment has come from editorials in three quality broadsheets and the doughty Financial Times. The Times of India, Gawp, Gandhis and Garam Dharam, Rashmee Z Ahmed, 2 May 2004.

dour [ doo r, douuh' r, DOU-er ]

[adjective] MEANING : 1) Gloomy; sullen; bleak 2) Stubborn; obstinate 3) Extremely strict and harsh; forbidding USAGE EXAMPLE 1: Gone are the days when the traditional Chinese greeting "Have you eaten yet?" seemed like a bad joke in the dour capital where, as recently as the 1980s, staples were rationed, state-run canteens dished out the slop of the day in chipped enamel bowls and restaurants were few and far between.

ABC News,Chinese Cuisine Goes Global for Games,Audra Ang ,July 10, 2008

douse [ dous ]
[intransitive verb,transitive verb] MEANING : 1. (tr.v.) to plunge into water or the like 2. (tr.v.) wet thoroughly 3. (tr.v.) to extinguish 4. (intr.v.) to fall or be plunged into a liquid USAGE EXAMPLE 1: An event organizer who rushed to Seng's aid and tried to douse the flames was also injured, the hospital said. CNN, Man sets Singapore lawmaker on fire, January 12, 2009 USAGE EXAMPLE 2: The fire brigade doused the flames in the nick of time.

dowdy [ DOU-dee ]
[adjective] MEANING : 1. lacking in smartness or taste; shabby 2. old-fashioned or out of date USAGE EXAMPLE 1: Initially viewed as the ugly stepsister of airlines' frequent-flier plans, they have shed their dowdy image, and points have become highly desirable. CNN, Getting the most from hotel rewards, By Jane Levere, August 31, 2007 USAGE EXAMPLE 2: A dowdy image often results in a poor first impression.

drawl [ drawl ]
[noun,intransitive verb,transitive verb] MEANING : 1. (intr.v.) to speak slowly by prolonging vowels 2. (tr.v.) to utter slowly with drawn-out vowels 3. (n.) a way of speaking slowly by prolonging vowels USAGE EXAMPLE 1: The actors who were in a Western play drawled their vowels to increase of the play. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: A southern-American-style drawl still marks out Liberians from other English-speaking Africans. BBC, Liberia: About to bounce back?, By Joseph Winter, BBC News website, 7 November 2005

droll [ drohl ]
[noun,adjective,intransitive verb] MEANING : 1. (adj.) whimsically or amusingly comical or odd 2. (n.) a buffoon 3. (intr.v.) to jest USAGE EXAMPLE 1: His droll rendition of the play was a hit. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: Austin Horse talks about his collision with a taxi cab with the sort of droll indifference you might expect from a 24-year-old.

CNN, 'Young invincibles' OK with risk of no insurance, By Stephanie Smith CNN Medical Producer, March 20, 2009

dross [ draws, dros ]

[noun] MEANING : 1. rubbish, waste matter or impurity 2. a trivial, inferior or insignificant matter 3. (metallurgy) the scum that forms on the surface of molten metal during the process of oxidation USAGE EXAMPLE 1: He is the bridge supreme which leads to immortality, and the spirit of fire which burns the dross of lower life. The Times of India, Crime & Punishment, 27 October 2006.

drowsiness [ DROU-zee-nis ]
[noun] MEANING : somnolence or sleepiness USAGE EXAMPLE 1: The drowsiness she experienced was a result of the medication. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: Trading standards officers warned consumption of the vodka could lead to abdominal pain, drowsiness, dizziness and even blindness. BBC, Danger warning over illegal vodka, 18 September 2006

drudgery [ DRUHJ-uh'-ree ]
[noun] MEANING : tedious, menial work that must be done USAGE EXAMPLE 1: The sheer drudgery of travelling long distances in often clapped-out buses is enough to put many passengers off travelling by train. Telegraph, Train passengers forced onto buses should be compensated, say Liberal Democrats, by Robert Winnett, 26 Dec 2008. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: The drudgery of the life is aptly described in most of Dicken's novels

dubious [ DOO-bee-uh s, DYOO- ]

[adjective] MEANING : 1. uncertain or undecided 2. questionable or doubtful 3. sceptical or hesitant USAGE EXAMPLE 1: He received several dubious glances on his arrival to the airport. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: Comparisons with other rich countries and within the United States show that its system is not only growing at an unsustainable pace, but also provides questionable value for money and dubious medical care. Economist, Health-care spending in rich countries, 26 June 2009, accessed 9 July 2009.

dud [ duhd ]
[noun,adjective] MEANING : 1. (n.) a misfit or failure 2. (n.) a missile or bomb that has failed to detonate or explode 3. (adj.) useless or worthless USAGE EXAMPLE 1: The prototype was a dud. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: No one was at risk, said Kelly, the police commissioner, describing the explosive devices as duds created to dupe the suspects. CNN, Suspects in alleged New York bomb plot indicted, Susan Candiotti, 2 June 2009, accessed 9 July 2009.

dulcet [ DUHL-sit ]
[noun] MEANING : 1. melodious or pleasing to one's ears 2. agreeable or soothing 3. sweet USAGE EXAMPLE 1: Her dulcet tone made people want to listen to her. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: The dulcet tones played by a quartet of celebrated musicians at President Obama's inauguration were recorded. The Washington Post, Taped Music Played at Inauguration, 23 January 2009, accessed 9 July 2009.

dupe [ doop, dyoop ]

[noun,transitive verb] MEANING : 1. (n.) one who can be fooled or tricked very easily 2. (n.) one unwittingly servile to another 3. (tr.v.) to trick or deceive another USAGE EXAMPLE 1: It was clear that his naivety made him a dupe. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: Black people were not duped by some slick, media-generated candidate. CNN, Commentary: Don't hold Obama to race agenda, Melissa Harris-Lacewell, 5 June 2009, accessed 9 July 2009.

duress [ doo'-RES, dyoo'-, DOO' R-is, DYOO'R- ]

[noun] MEANING : 1) Coercion; forcible restraint or constraint 2) (Law) Forcing or compelling someone to commit a crime or commit to a legal liability USAGE EXAMPLE 1: Defence lawyers for a prime suspect in 1993 bombings in the Indian city of Mumbai (Bombay) say they suspect he may have confessed under duress. BBC, Indian Bomb Suspect Confesses, 21 November 2005.

dwarf [ dwawrf ]
[noun,adjective,transitive verb] MEANING : 1. (n.) a creature or plant that is smaller in stature than a typical creature of its kind 2. (n.) a star that has low luminosity and is relatively smaller in size and mass 3. (adj.) stunted, diminutive or undersized 4. (tr.v.) to cause to appear as diminished 5. (tr.v.) to check or arrest the natural development of something USAGE EXAMPLE 1: The seven dwarfs were called Bashful, Doc, Dopey, Grumpy, Happy, Sleepy and Sneezy. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: Huge wooden sculptures of mythical figures dwarf walkers in the forest in Freiburg, Germany. BBC. Day in pictures, 29 May 2009, Accessed 8 July 2009.

dwindle [ DWIN-dl ]
[intransitive verb,transitive verb] MEANING : 1. (tr.v.) to gradually or steadily reduce, lessen or diminish 2. (intr.v.) steadily or gradually lessen, shrink or diminish USAGE EXAMPLE 1: The list of potential suitors for Royal Bank of Scotland's insurance division continues to dwindle, with German financial giant Allianz yesterday declaring that it had not made a bid for these operations. The Herald, Allianz out of running to buy RBS insurance division, IAN McCONNELL, Business Editor, August 08 2008

dynamo [ DAHY-nuh-moh ]
[noun] MEANING : 1. a generator that, especially, is used to generate direct current 2. one who is dynamic, forceful and energetic USAGE EXAMPLE 1: Technicians have to been called to repair the dynamo, which seems to have stopped working. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: For decades people have been using dynamos on their bikes to power the front and rear lamps. BBC, A gym powered by sweat and tears, 2 January 2009, accessed 8 July 2009

dyspeptic [ dis-PEP-tik ]
[noun,adjective] MEANING : 1. (adj.) having a gloomy, pessimistic or morose disposition 2. (adj.) of, pertaining to or having dyspepsia or indigestion 3. (n.) indigestion or a person suffering from indigestion or dyspepsia 4. (n.) ill humour or disgruntlement USAGE EXAMPLE 1: Duncan Fletcher's dyspeptic comments about Steve Harmison, Andrew Flintoff and Matthew Hoggard were further confirmation of his awkward relationship with England's bowlers. Telegraph, Duncan Fletcher's attack reveals his favourites, By Derek Pringle, 22 Apr 2008.

E
earthenware [ ur-thuhn-wair ]
[noun] MEANING : stoneware, ceramic ware, crockery or pottery made of baked clay USAGE EXAMPLE 1: The earthenware was thought to be from the Mesopotamian era. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: Researchers are now planning to look at whether the new dating technique can be applied to earthenware, bone china and porcelain. BBC, Ancient clay has internal clock, 20 May 2009, accessed 8 July 2009.

earthy [ UR-thee ]
[adjective] MEANING : 1. of or pertaining to the earth or soil 2. worldly 3. practical, down to earth or realistic 4. crude, indecent or vulgar 5. simple, uninhibited, natural or unsophisticated USAGE EXAMPLE 1: Whether in the earthy, family-minded Mediterranean or the buttoned-up culture of the Teutonic world, men and women hesitate to contemplate the practical details of planning for a messy, protracted demise. Economist, Into the sunset, Jul 31st 2008

ebullience [ i-BUHL-yuh' ns, i-BOO L- ]

[noun] MEANING : exuberance, zealous enthusiasm or exhilaration USAGE EXAMPLE 1: His ebullience made him leap before looking. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: The market had basically absorbed a phase of ebullience - of people being willing to take the risk of taking on more debt. BBC, 2004: A tale of two housing markets, Sarah Toyne, 29 December 2004, accessed 9 July 2009.

ebullient [ i-BUHL-yuh' nt, i-BOO' L- ]

[adjective] MEANING : 1) Boiling; agitated; bubbling 2) High-spirited; highly enthusiastic or feverish USAGE EXAMPLE 1: Donald Macleod charts the collaboration between Delius and the eccentric and ebullient composer Percy Grainger who, in spite of their contrasting characters, formed a close bond through their shared love of freedom, landscape and wild beauty.

BBC, Composer Of The Week, 28 May 2008

ecclesiastical [ i-klee-zee-AS-ti-kuh' l ]
[adjective] MEANING : 1. churchly, clerical or pertaining to the church or clergy 2. appropriate or suitable for a church USAGE EXAMPLE 1: Ecclesiastical architecture was included into the building's interior design during refurbishment. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: In the application the former church building is described as illustrating a "significant aspect of Jersey's ecclesiastical and social history. BBC, Church could get protected status, 7 November 2008

echelon [ ESH-uh'-lon ]
[noun,verb] MEANING : (n.) 1) A formation of troops or military aircraft, or individuals wherein each unit is positioned somewhat to the right or left of the unit in front such that the entire formation appears like a series of stairs 2) One of several units of such an arrangement 3) Any group or unit that acts in an organised or disciplined way 4) A grade or level of authority 5) (Spectroscopy) A diffraction grating that consists of a series of plates arranged one after another in a stepwise manner (v.) To be a part of an echelon USAGE EXAMPLE 1: The first Echelon of 21 B.D. Sector embarked in five LCTs on June 2nd 44 at Portland where they remained in harbour till Sunday, June 4th 44. BBC, Report on the Landing in France of the First Echelon of 21 BD sector on D-day, 6 June 1944, by DavidHeathcote, 01 November 2003

eclat [ ey-KLAH; Fr. ey-kla* ]

[noun] MEANING : 1) Showy display; publicity 2) Brilliant performance or success 3) Acclaim; renown USAGE EXAMPLE 1: By McGonagall's own account, the poem was '... received with eclat and [he] was pronounced by the Press the Poet Laureate of the Tay Bridge...'. BBC Home : h2g2 : William McGonagall : 8th September 2000

ecumenical [ EK-yoo-MEN-i-kuh l or, especially Brit., EE-kyoo- ]

[adjective] MEANING : 1. universal or general 2. pertaining to the worldwide body of churches USAGE EXAMPLE 1: The formation of an ecumenical council was thought to be the need of the hour to foster unity between people of the same community. USAGE EXAMPLE 2:

An ecumenical service was held by a minister on horseback, followed by a parade round part of the Epsom Derby course. BBC, Rising costs halt riders' event, 5 July 2009, accessed 8 July 2009.

eddy [ ED-ee ]
[noun,transitive verb] MEANING : 1. (n.) a whirlpool or a current of water that moves contrary to the main current 2. (n.) a drift from the main current 3. (tr.v.) to whirl, move or turn in eddies USAGE EXAMPLE 1: The eddy slowed their progress. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: The current is an eddy of very deep, very warm water that moves north from the Caribbean Sea into the eastern Gulf of Mexico before turning southeast and exiting the Gulf via the Straits of Florida. National Geographic, Gustav Now Major Hurricane -- And Picking Up Steam, 9 July 2009, accessed 9 July 2009.

edible [ ED-uh'-buh'l ]
[noun,adjective] MEANING : 1. (adj.) consumable, esculent or eatable 2. (n.) food or a substance that can be eaten USAGE EXAMPLE 1: They have released a list of edible items to avoid cases of food poisoning. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: A Devon company designs an environmentally friendly edible Christmas card using food colouring instead of ink. BBC, Edible sprout Christmas card made, 18 December 2008, accessed 8 July 2009.

educe [ i-DOOS, i-DYOOS ]

[transitive verb] MEANING : 1. to elicit, develop, evoke or draw forth 2. to deduce, conclude or infer USAGE EXAMPLE 1: She could educe tears at will. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: These snippets do not include infinite foiled attacks or successful terrorist activity before 1998 and are meant to just educe an imagery of the dance of death that has overtaken delhi. The Times of India, Delhi: The Most Endangered City, 14 Dec 2001

eerie [ EER-ee ]
[adjective] MEANING : uncanny, so as to cause supernatural fear; weird USAGE EXAMPLE 1: The eerie noise of the door opening and closing was very scary. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: We got there eventually but in the first half there was an eerie atmosphere about the place and

that surprised me BBC, Strachan happy with 'eerie' win, 2 January 2007

effete [ i-FEET ]
[adjective] MEANING : 1) Infertile; sterile; unable to produce 2) Depleted of all vitality, effectiveness, or strength 3) Characterised by decadence, self-indulgence or triviality 3) Over refined; soft due to a pampered upbringing USAGE EXAMPLE 1: The figure of Satan appears as a very effete character throughout the film, but not everybody will understand that. BBC, The Passion Of The Christ

efficacy [ EF-i-kuh'-see ]
[noun] MEANING : effectiveness or power to bring about a result USAGE EXAMPLE 1: His efficacy was unparalleled. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: Many American conservatives share the Israeli states belief in the efficacy of power. Chronicles Magazine, What Became of Western Morality?by Paul Craig Roberts, 5 January 2009, accessed 9 July 2009.

effluvia [

i-FLOO-vee-uh ] [noun] MEANING : 1. exhaust or emanation of gas or vapour 2. aura USAGE EXAMPLE 1: Effluvia formed due to burning of plastic adds to the pollution in the city. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: Clear plastic sleeves keep recipes free from splatters of oil, drips of tomato sauce, and other kitchen effluvia. CNN, Create a recipe notebook, 5 February 2008, accessed 9 July 2009.

effluvium [ i-FLOO-vee-uh' m ]
[noun] MEANING : 1. emanation or exhalation of invisible vapour having a noxious odour 2. a waste by-product 3. an aura or outflow of particles that are impalpable USAGE EXAMPLE 1: In recent months, many of Dr.Frank Harbinger's patients have entered surgery complaining of effluvium. Telegraph, End column, 04 May 2005

effrontery [ i-FRUHN-tuh-ree ]
[noun] MEANING :

temerity, audacity or brazen boldness USAGE EXAMPLE 1: The people were shocked at his effrontery. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: It is an effrontery for the House of Commons to make the deeply hypocritical move of exempting itself from a law that applies to every other public body in the country. BBC, Brown will not block secrecy bid, 18May 2007. accessed 9 July 2009.

effulgent [ i-FUHL-juh' nt, i-FOO' L- ]

[adjective] MEANING : shiny or brilliantly radiant USAGE EXAMPLE 1: Like those arrangements of effulgent but rotting fruit and flowers; those extravagant boards, groaning with gold plate and glass; those coded symbols the guttering candle, the hourglass, the stopped watch: the glimpsed lives of Jackson's subjects are profoundly still, and fraught with symbolism. Telegraph, The rotting fruit of fame, 13/10/2007

effusion [ i-FYOO-zhuh' n ]
[noun] MEANING : 1. an act or instance of pouring forth 2. one that is effused or poured forth 3. an unrestrained outburst of expressions and feelings USAGE EXAMPLE 1: The effusion of mass hysteria made the crowd dangerous and out of control. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: You might think that this does no harm, and I dare say that plenty of people sigh a pleasant little sentimental sigh when they read these effusions. Telegraph, Poet Laureate: does poetry need one?, By Rupert Christiansen, 02 Mar 2009

effusive [ i-FYOO-siv ]
[adjective] MEANING : 1. extremely demonstrative, expressive or lacking restraint when showing emotions 2. overflowing, profuse esp. pertaining to flow of lava USAGE EXAMPLE 1: Leander Paes and Mahesh Bhupathi were effusive in their praise for Somdev Devvarman, who defeated former world number one French Open champion Carlos Moya. The Times of India, Paes, Bhupathi heap praise on Somdev, 8 Jan 2009.

egregious [ i-GREE-juh' s, -jee-uh' s ]

[adjective] MEANING : 1) Flagrant; glaringly bad or offensive 2) (Archaic) Eminent; distinguished USAGE EXAMPLE 1: He found Irving's arguments - and by extension the claims of deniers in general - to be 'perverse and egregious'. BBC, Denying The Holocaust, By Deborah Lipstadt

egress [ n. EE-gres; v. i-GRES ]

[noun,transitive verb] MEANING : 1. (n.) emergence or coming out 2. (n.) exit 3. (n.) the right to leave 4. (tr.v.) to emerge USAGE EXAMPLE 1: His egress from jail was watched live the world over. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: The College has trained staff present that are able to use an evacuation chair for the safe egress of disabled visitors during an emergency. University of Oxford, Templeton College, 24 June 2004, accessed 9 July 2009.

elaborate [ adj. i-LAB-er-it; v. i-LAB-uh-reyt ]

[adjective,intransitive verb,transitive verb] MEANING : 1. (adj.) detailed or minutely executed 2. (adj.) complicated, intricate or highly ornate 3. (tr.v.) to thoroughly develop with details 4. (intr.v.) to express in detail USAGE EXAMPLE 1: The elaborate decorations were truly beautiful. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: Every day we learn more about the elaborate ways in which Labour has been raising funds illegally from private donors. The Herald, Politics is in danger of slipping into the mire, IAIN MacWHIRTER, 10 December 2007, accessed 9 july 2009.

elation [ i-ley-shuh' n ]
[noun] MEANING : exhilaration, euphoria, joy or a feeling of pride USAGE EXAMPLE 1: It is a show of patriotism in a vicarious way,which leads to a sense of elation. The Times of India, Cricket offers respite from daily chores, Tina Parekh & Prathima Nandkumar, 16 March 2003

elegiac [ el-i-JAHY-uh' k, -ak, i-LEE-jee-ak ]

[noun,adjective] MEANING : 1. (adj.) resembling, pertaining to or suitable for an elegy 2. (adj.) expressing lamentation or sadness 3. (adj.) consisting, comprising or written in elegiac couplets 4. (n.) a couplet or distich that is elegiac in nature 5. (n.) a poem that comprises elegiac verses USAGE EXAMPLE 1: The elegiac nature of the ballad touched the hearts of millions. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: The novel changes midway from an elegiac tale of love and loss to a political thriller. Telegraph, On the road to Guantanamo Bay, By Charlotte Moore, 03 Mar 2009

elegy [

EL-i-jee ] [noun] MEANING : 1. a poem in elegiac couplets 2. a lament or funeral song 3. a melancholic or pensive musical composition USAGE EXAMPLE 1: His elegy was well-known. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: After exposing Washington audiences to 10 days of contemporary music, the Kennedy Center's CrossCurrents Festival concluded on Sunday afternoon at the Terrace Theater with yet another elegy. The Washington Post, NSO Ends CrossCurrents Festival on a Contemporary High Note, Anne Midgette, 12 May 2009, accessed9 July 2009.

elicit [ i-LIS-it ]
[transitive verb] MEANING : to bring out, educe, evoke or arrive at USAGE EXAMPLE 1: Routine violence there exceeds anything seen in Bangkok, but it elicits barely a peep from the news media in the Thai capital. Economist, Surges that wont work, Sep 10th 2008

eloquence [ EL-uh-kwuh ns ]
[noun] MEANING : 1. a discourse or speech that is forceful and persuasive in nature 2. fluent, articulate and apt use of a language 3. the quality of powerful, forceful or persuasive expression USAGE EXAMPLE 1: The Madison papers have very few moments of eloquence." abcNEWS, Lynne Cheney Plans James Madison Biography, December 16, 2008.

emanate [ EM-uh-neyt ]
[intransitive verb,transitive verb] MEANING : 1. (tr.v.) to give out or emit 2. (intr.v.) to flow out, issue as from a source or origin USAGE EXAMPLE 2: Suitably laid-back beats and bleeps emanate from the music system and a flattering afternoon sun completes the Photoshopped effect. Telegraph, Townhouse, Miami: full review, 15 Dec 2008. USAGE EXAMPLE 1: A strange glow was said to have emanated from the unidentified flying craft.

embargo [ em-BAHR-goh ]
[noun,verb] MEANING : (n.) 1) A government ban on the movement of trade ships into or out of its ports

2) A government edict prohibiting trade with foreign nations 3) A prohibition; a ban (v.) To impose an embargo on USAGE EXAMPLE 1: In October 1962 the United States and the Soviet Union were on the brink of nuclear war after the Kennedy administration discovered that the Soviet Union was constructing missiles in Cuba. As a result the U.S. government banned U.S. tourist travel to Cuba, and that embargo remains today. National Geographic, Travel Editor: Off-Limits Cuba a Diamond in the Rough, by Sarah Mullin for National Geographic News, October 22, 2002

embellish [

em-BEL-ish ] [transitive verb] MEANING : 1. to add fanciful or fictitious details to 2. to decorate or adorn USAGE EXAMPLE 1: He embellished data on his loan application. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: A CV is an advert; it is not a legal document, and as such it is not illegal to embellish it. BBC, The CV detectives, Tom Geoghegan, 2 August 2005, accessed 9July 2009.

embezzle [ em-BEZ-uh l ]
[transitive verb] MEANING : to fraudulently take away for one's own use by violating another's trust USAGE EXAMPLE 1: He embezzled money from many banks over a period of ten years. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: A businessman who embezzled a million pounds to fund a champagne lifestyle was jailed yesterday for five years and three months. Telegraph, Jail for man who cheated his boss out of 1m, By Auslan Cramb, 21 March 2007, accessed 9July 2009.

emblazon [ em-BLEY-zuh' n ]
[transitive verb] MEANING : 1. to adorn, decorate or inscribe with prominent or heraldic bearings 2. to decorate or display with brilliant or bright colours 3. to extol, celebrate, praise or make illustrious USAGE EXAMPLE 1: The entrance to the castle was emblazoned by the royal coat of arms. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: Residents in Seattle, Washington, the birthplace of Starbucks, can now see approximately 140 McDonald's billboards emblazoned with "large is the new grande" or "four bucks is dumb." CNN, Coffee war brews between McDonald's, Starbucks, From Aurore Ankarcrona, December 12, 2008

embryonic [ em-bree-ON-ik ]
[adjective] MEANING :

1. pertaining to, or like an embryo 2. undeveloped, incipient or rudimentary USAGE EXAMPLE 1: Embryonic stem cell research is banned in many countries. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: Tests on the reprogrammed cell lines showed that they behaved exactly like embryonic stem cells. Telegraph, Breakthrough makes lab-produced stem cells 'safer for humans', By Richard Alleyne, Science Correspondent, 01 Mar 2009

emend [ i-mend ]
[transitive verb] MEANING : 1. to edit and remove errors 2. to change erroneous faults USAGE EXAMPLE 1: There is a perpetual succession of editions with augmented if not emended intelligence so as to secure for every post through which it is sent out the latest news from every source. Telegraph, Caring about the world of news, 24/05/2008

emeritus [ i-MER-i-tuh' s ]
[noun,adjective] MEANING : (adj.) Retaining an honorary title of one's prior position or rank even after retirement (n.) A person who has retired yet retains an honorary title of prior position or rank that was held USAGE EXAMPLE 1: Fleming wrote numerous papers on bacteriology, immunology and chemotherapy. He was elected professor of the medical school in 1928 and emeritus professor of bacteriology at the University of London in 1948. BBC, Historic Figures Alexander Fleming (1881 - 1955)

emetic [ uh'-MET-ik ]
[noun,adjective] MEANING : (adj.) Causing vomiting (n.) A substance that causes vomiting USAGE EXAMPLE 1: Napoleon's doctors gave him large doses of purgatives including tarter emetic and, the day before his death, a massive dose of mercurous chloride, called calomel. National Geographic, Pick Your Poison - 12 Toxic Tales, by Cathy Newman, May 2005

emollient [ i-MOL-yuh' nt ]
[noun,adjective] MEANING : 1. (adj.) having a softening, soothing or relaxing effect esp. on one's skin 2. (adj.) mollifying or reducing another's harshness 3. (n.) a lotion, or other agent that makes skin smooth 4. (n.) an agent that helps by mollifying or assuaging USAGE EXAMPLE 1: Topically, hydrogenated vegetable oil is an amazing skin-softener, emollient, and barrier ingredient. CNN, Nine weird ingredients in makeup, By Adrienne Crezo, July 18, 2008

emote [ i-MOHT ]
[transitive verb] MEANING : 1. to display emotion 2. to behave in a theatrical manner USAGE EXAMPLE 1: She could emote self-pity at the blink of an eye. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: On television, moist-eyed celebrities emote over their forgotten progenitors, now found to have ended their days either in the workhouse or on a throne. Telegraph, Genealogists are barking up the wrong tree, Jemima Lewis, 3 August 2008, accessed 9 July 2009.

empirical [ em-PIR-i-kuh l ]
[adjective] MEANING : 1. derived from experience or by observation 2. verifiable by experiment 3. based on observation and experience only USAGE EXAMPLE 1: All hypotheses need to be supported by empirical data. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: In an empirical study, the team took 32 tiger pugmark tracings from two different substrates of four captive tigers in the Mysore zoo. National Geographic, Faulty Counts May Have Hurt India Tigers, Experts Say, Pallava Bagla, 7 August 2003, accesed 9 July 2009.

enamoured [ i-NAM-erd ]
[adjective] MEANING : charmed, captivated or marked or characterized by unreasoning, silly or foolish fondness USAGE EXAMPLE 1: He was a fool, enamoured with the idea of country living. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: Renault's two-time world champion Fernando Alonso is another of those enamored of the greatest track left in F1. CNN, Raikkonen looks to rule majestic Spa again, Neale Graham, September 1, 2008

encapsulate [ en-KAP-suh-leyt, -syoo- ]

[intransitive verb,transitive verb] MEANING : 1. (tr.v.) to enclose or encase as though in a capsule 2. (tr.v.) to condense, summarise or epitomise 3. (intr.v.) to get encapsulated USAGE EXAMPLE 1: A person would be encapsulated in the escape pod for safety purposes. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: The Universal Declaration of Human Rights was the first document to attempt to encapsulate a common vision of rights and freedoms for all human beings. BBC, World marks UN Human Rights Day, 10 December 2008, accessed 9 July 2009.

enclave [ EN-kleyv, AHN- ]

[noun,transitive verb] MEANING : 1. (n.) a country or a portion of it that is surrounded completely or almost completely on all sides by foreign territory 2. (n.) a minority group or a small area isolated within a larger one 3. (tr.v.) to enclose, isolate or encircle USAGE EXAMPLE 1: The coalition enclave was often under the threat of enemy fire. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: President Medvedev threatened in November to deploy Iskander tactical missiles in Russia's Kaliningrad enclave, which borders Poland, unless the US backed down. Telegraph, Russia and Belarus sign air defence pact, 03 Feb 2009

encomium [ en-KOH-mee-uh' m ]
[noun] MEANING : enthusiastic praise or laudation USAGE EXAMPLE 1: Mr Derrida himself disagreed with pretty much everything anyone said about him; but he may have let that encomium pass. Economist, Jacques Derrida, French intellectual, Oct 21st 2004

encumbrance [ en-KUHM-bruh ns ]
[noun] MEANING : 1. a hindrance or burden 2. a dependent, like a child 3. (law) a mortgage or claim against property USAGE EXAMPLE 2: After he lost his job he was labelled an encumbrance by his friends. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: Cohabiting allows you to road-test your potential victim without the encumbrance of life-long commitment. BBC, Katie Hopkins' guide to family life, 17 August 2007

endearing [ en-DEER-ing ]
[adjective] MEANING : 1. causing or inspiring to make well-liked or dear 2. manifesting affection USAGE EXAMPLE 1: Her most endearing quality was her helpful nature. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: The most endearing thing about Switzerland is that, away from the financial centres and the cities, Swiss life and Swiss people are unpretentious and uncomplicated. BBC, The cleansing power of Swiss peaks, By Emma Jane Kirby, BBC Geneva correspondent, 10 August, 2003 Accessed: 8th July 2009

endemic [ en-DEM-ik ]

[noun,adjective] MEANING : 1. (adj.) native or prevalent in a particular region 2. (adj.) confined or restricted to a particular region 3. (n.) an endemic animal or plant 4. (n.) an endemic disease USAGE EXAMPLE 1: Swine flu is no longer an endemic concern. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: Bullying and violence are endemic at Parkhurst jail and it is in many ways a "failing prison", chief inspector of prisons Dame Anne Owers has said. BBC, 'Violence rife at failing' prison, By Dominic Casciani BBC News, 20 May 2009 Accessed: 8th July 2009

endorse [ en-DAWRS ]
[transitive verb] MEANING : 1. to support, approve or sanction 2. to sign on the back of a cheque or instrument as the payee 2. to sign or write one's name on an instrument USAGE EXAMPLE 1: His nomination was endorsed by many industrialists thus proving that the business world supported him. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: The Times without hesitation endorses Barack Obama for president. BBC, US election at-a-glance: 17 October 2008

enervate [ v. EN-er-veyt; adj. i-NUR-vit ]

[adjective,transitive verb] MEANING : 1. (tr.v.) to weaken or deprive of vitality or strength 2. (adj.) weakened or lacking strength USAGE EXAMPLE 1: The constant bickering enervated her enthusiasm. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: The 11 September attacks on the United States had an enervating effect on Tony Blair. BBC, Profile: Tony Blair, By Andrew Walker BBC News Profiles Unit, 19 October, 2003 Accessed: 8th July 2009

engender [ en-JEN-der ]
[intransitive verb,transitive verb] MEANING : 1. (tr.v.) to give rise to or bring about 2. (tr.v.) to procreate or beget 3. (intr.v.) to originate or come into being USAGE EXAMPLE 2: The feeling of being betrayed was engendered by his speech. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: In every dictatorship, dissidents will tell you, there are particular sounds that engender fear. Telegraph, Turning the cameras on Burma, Adrian Blomfield, 11 July 2009

engrave [ en-GREYV ]
[transitive verb] MEANING : 1. to etch or carve into the surface of a material 2. to print from such an engraved surface 3. to deeply etch or impress in memory USAGE EXAMPLE 1: He engraved his vows on a tablet made of solid gold. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: Mexico has captured its man with the golden gun - or to be more precise, its man with the customised gold-plated pistol with 'Versace' engraved on the handle. Telegraph, Mexico captures its 'man with the golden gun' in vicious drugs war, By Philip Sherwell in New York, 08 Nov 2008 Accessed: 9th July 2009

engross [ en-GROHS ]
[transitive verb] MEANING : 1. to absorb or completely occupy 2.to copy, transcribe or write in a clear, large hand 3. to monopolize, acquire, amass or collect the whole of something USAGE EXAMPLE 1: The author was engrossed in writing a synopsis of his new novel. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: As we come towards the final stages of the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, we are engrossed in the hype surrounding new world records and gold medals galore. BBC, Students reflect on the Olympics, By Lewis and Alex from Comberton Village College, South Cambridgeshire, 20 August 2008

engrossing [ en-GROH-sing ]
[adjective] MEANING : absorbing or occupying complete attention USAGE EXAMPLE 2: The engrossing tale was recited to children by their parents for a number of years. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: Distractions, such as having someone to talk to on the plane or focusing on an engrossing book, can also work to ease the tension. CNN, Seeing crash reports can worsen flying phobia, Shahreen Abedin, 13 February 2009

engulf [ en-GUHLF ]
[transitive verb] MEANING : 1. to swallow up or overwhelm 2. to immerse or submerge USAGE EXAMPLE 1: His sail-boat was engulfed and overturned by the waves. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: A number of residents in the Riverside area of Stirling had to be rescued from their homes by raft as floodwater threatened to engulf their properties. BBC, Raft rescue as floodwaters rise, 14 December 2006 Accessed: 8th July 2009 Accessed: 8th July 2009

enigma [ uh-NIG-muh ]
[noun] MEANING : 1. a mystery or riddle 2. an inexplicable or obscure person or matter USAGE EXAMPLE 1: The crime created shock-waves as it remained unsolved and was labelled an enigma. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: But scientists are hopeful that detailed analysis of the data, which is currently underway, should help them solve some of the moon's enigmas. BBC, Titan moon holds on to enigma, 5 November 2004

enjoin [ en-JOIN ]
[transitive verb] MEANING : 1. to prescribe or impose authoritatively 2. to prevent, prohibit or refrain by a judicial order USAGE EXAMPLE 1: I enjoin the media, the fans and players to give maximum support to the Super Eagles because that is what they need to succeed. BBC, Nigeria coach Amodu slams critics, By Oluwashina Okeleji, Sunday, 13 April 2008

enmity [ EN-mi-tee ]
[noun] MEANING : animosity, rancour, hostility or antagonism USAGE EXAMPLE 1: Their enmity has been ongoing for the past twenty years. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: The United States has in itself no character of enmity against the laws, religion or tranquillity of Muslims. Telegraph, Barack Obama's speech at Cairo University: Full text, 04 Jun 2009 Accessed: 9th July 2009

ennui [ ahn-WEE, AHN-wee; Fr. ahn*-NWEE ]

[noun] MEANING : Dissatisfaction or weariness caused due to boredom USAGE EXAMPLE 1: When he shakes off his air of lethargic, suburban ennui, he lets an enormous passionate energy shine through, and it brightens up the whole R.E.M. experience. BBC, R.E.M Reckoning, Review by Al Spicer, 10 March 2008

ensconce [ en-SKONS ]
[transitive verb] MEANING : 1. to conceal, hide or secure snugly 2. to settle or place in a snug or comfortable manner USAGE EXAMPLE 1: Appropriately enough, Brother Claus spent much of his life ensconced in an Alpine cave in solitary

reflection. Economist, Pilgrims in Rhineland, Jan 14th 2009

ensign [ EN-sahyn; Mil. EN-suh n ]

[noun] MEANING : 1. a flag flown by a ship to indicate nationality 2. sign or emblem 3. an officer in the US Navy who has the lowest rank USAGE EXAMPLE 1: They would raise the ensign at dawn and lower it before dusk. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: A war ensign and a range of swords and daggers are among the other Third Reich items on sale. Telegraph, Nazi memorabilia auction to sell Heinrich Himmler ring, Matthew Moore, 14 October 2008

entangle [ en-TANG-guh l ]
[transitive verb] MEANING : 1. to intertwine or interweave 2. to confuse, perplex or complicate 3. to involve in a troublesome or difficult situation USAGE EXAMPLE 1: The man had to cut loose after he entangled himself in a trap meant for animals. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: Fire crews have rescued a seal that had become entangled in a football net and was lying injured on an Essex beach. BBC, Injured seal rescued from netting, 4 November 2008 Accessed: 8th July 2009

enthral [ en-THRAWL ]
[transitive verb] MEANING : 1. to enchant, charm or delight 2. to reduce to slavery USAGE EXAMPLE 1: The movie enthralled viewers of all ages. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: An exploration of the books full of fantastical worlds that enthral children. The Herald, Today's Picks, 14 July 2009

entice [ en-TAHYS ]
[transitive verb] MEANING : to allure, tempt or attract by exciting hope USAGE EXAMPLE 1: The offer of a special discount enticed her to join the club. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: Members of a Native American group based in a remote part of Arizona are hoping to entice more tourists by inviting visitors to step off the edge of the Grand Canyon. National Geographic, Grand Canyon's Glass Walkway to Open Next March, Anne Minard in Grand Canyon West, Arizona for National Geographic News, December 15, 2006 Accessed: 9th July 2009

entity [ EN-ti-tee ]
[noun] MEANING : 1. one that is real or in existence 2. one that has a distinct individual identity 3. an organisation that has an identity which is independent of the identities of its members USAGE EXAMPLE 1: Spinning off Volvo into a separate entity may be a possibility, as both companies have already taken steps to allow Volvo to operate on a more standalone basis. abcNews, Ford Weighs Selling Volvo Amid Industry Downturn, By KIMBERLY S. JOHNSON and TOM KRISHER AP Auto Writers, December 1, 2008 (AP)

entreat [ en-TREET ]
[intransitive verb,transitive verb] MEANING : 1. (tr.v.) to plead, beg or earnestly request 2. (tr.v.) to implore or beseech 3. (intr.v.) to beg, plead or petition USAGE EXAMPLE 1: He entreated the Judge to release his son. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: On behalf of the House of Representatives, we entreat you to require that the Constitution reign supreme. CNN, Senate impeachment trial of President Bill Clinton -- Day 17, 9 February 1999

enunciate [ i-NUHN-see-eyt ]
[intransitive verb,transitive verb] MEANING : 1. (tr.v.) to announce, state or proclaim 2. (tr.v.) to articulate or pronounce 3. (intr.v.) to articulately pronounce words USAGE EXAMPLE 1: The genesis for the clip, he said, came from his daughter's ability to enunciate well at an early age. abcNews, Where A-List Comics and R-Rated Comedy Meet on the Internet, By CHRIS CONNELLY, Aug. 31, 2007

enzyme [

EN-zahym ] [noun] MEANING : Any of the various proteins or conjugated proteins that are produced by living organisms and functioning as catalysts for various biochemical reactions USAGE EXAMPLE 1: The enzyme, once released into the bloodstream, could cause death within an hour. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: The fruit's juice blocked a key enzyme that normally breaks down ethinylestradiol, the form of oestrogen in the contraceptive. Telegraph, Grapefruit linked to blood clot risk, 03 Apr 2009 Accessed: 9th July 2009

epicure [ EP-i-kyoo' r ]
[noun]

MEANING : 1. a connoisseur of food and wine 2. one who enjoys sensual pleasure and living USAGE EXAMPLE 1: Proof that Montreal is an epicure's dream: Les Touilleurs (152 Ave. Laurier Ouest; 514/278-0008) in Mile End, where marble counters are piled with cooking implements, including Quebecer Tom Littledeer's maple spoons and spatulas. CNN, Montreal's moment, By Amy Farley, September 6, 2007

epicurean [ ep-i-kyoo-REE-uh n, -KYOO R-ee- ]

[noun,adjective] MEANING : 1. (adj.) having fondness for luxury and other sensual pleasures 2. (adj.) pertaining to an epicure 3. (n.) a devotee or disciple of Epicurus USAGE EXAMPLE 1: His epicurean nature caused him to spend lavishly on his material needs. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: For the sad fate of this epicurean landmark is an inescapable emblem for the woes of a city in the grip of drug lords and hitmen. Telegraph, Restaurant home of the 'original' Caesar on frontline of Mexico's drug war, Philip Sherwell, 30 November 2008

epigram [ EP-i-gram ]
[noun] MEANING : 1. a paradoxical or satirical poem or saying USAGE EXAMPLE 1: This timeless epigram seems to have become a mantra for Hyderabad teens. The Times Of India, Return of the classics, RAJEEVA SATYAVADA,TNN, 10 Aug 2004

epilogue [ EP-uh'-lawg, -log ]

[noun] MEANING : 1. a speech or poem recited at the conclusion of a play 2. one who delivers the speech or poem at the end of a play 3. a short section appended to the conclusion of a piece of literary work like a novel USAGE EXAMPLE 1: This victory is an epilogue in the first half of the season. CNN, Mixed reception for microchip ball`, December 17, 2007

epiphany [ i-PIF-uh-nee ]
[noun] MEANING : 1. A Christian feast celebrated on January 6 to celebrate the manifestation of the divine nature of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles as represented by the Magi 2. a manifestation of a divine being 3. a manifestation of the meaning or essence of something USAGE EXAMPLE 1: The celebrations concluded on epiphany with people being entertained by a display of fireworks. USAGE EXAMPLE 2:

The Conservative candidate in Glasgow East was advised by a Tory writer recently to come up with an "epiphany moment" for when she's asked why she became attracted to the party. The Herald, People here feel abandoned, ignored and taken for granted, Robbie Dinwoodie, 22 July 2008

epistle [

i-PIS-uh l ] [noun] MEANING : 1. a formal letter 2. (of the Bible) one of the letters in the New Testament USAGE EXAMPLE 1: He signed the epistle with a flourish. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: The surviving manuscript concludes with two early Christian texts, an epistle ascribed to the Apostle Barnabas and 'The Shepherd' by Hermas. National Geographic, Oldest Bible Reunited Online, July 6, 2009 Accessed: 9th July 2009

epithet [ EP-uh-thet ]
[noun] MEANING : 1. a term that is applied to characterize something or someone 2. a contemptuous or abusive word or phrase 3. a title or name used to describe someone USAGE EXAMPLE 1: She hated the epithet of being a beauty with no brains. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: She is an Oscar-winner, national treasure and role model for 'real women' everywhere, but Kate Winslet wonders why she is not known by another epithet: working class hero. Telegraph, Kate Winslet: Don't call me middle class, By Anita Singh, Showbusiness Editor, 29 Apr 2009 Accessed: 9th July 2009

epitome [ i-PIT-uh'-mee ]
[noun] MEANING : 1. a brief account, summary or abstract 2. an example, representative or one that exemplifies the qualities of a group or class USAGE EXAMPLE 1: He is a man typical of the times, the epitome of how the world works today. The Herald, Demands for more protection and access when it comes to our unspoiled coastline

epoch [ Brit., EE-pok; EP-uh' k ]

[noun] MEANING : 1. an era or brief period in history which is of some particular importance 2. an event or incident that marks the beginning of a new era or period 3. a point of time or instant that becomes memorable due to the happening of a particular event 4. a division of a period in Geology USAGE EXAMPLE 1: The fall of the empire signified the end of an epoch. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: The speech of Viscount Halifax, British Foreign Secretary, at Edinburgh is welcomed as a further sign that Britain has finally said good-bye to the alliance policy of the Versailles epoch."

Telegraph, Lord Halifax wins approval in Germany - Oct 27, 1938, 24 Oct 2008

equable [ EK-wuh-buh l, EE-kwuh- ]

[adjective] MEANING : 1. uniform or steady 2. serene or tranquil USAGE EXAMPLE 1: She had trouble living on the hill-station as she was used to an equable climate. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: Not since rationing ended in the 1950s has the question been asked: is a wealthy country with an equable climate confident it can feed its people? The Herald, Food security requires people to return to the land, Hugh Raven, 14 July 2009

equanimity [ ee-kwuh-NIM-i-tee, ek-wuh- ]

[noun] MEANING : stability, composure, equilibrium or calmness USAGE EXAMPLE 1: His equanimity in the face of severe crisis was applauded even by his critics. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: So far, however, the crunch is being faced with equanimity. Telegraph, Glyndebourne: preserving the festival's identity, Rupert Christiansen, 6 May 2009

equestrian [ i-KWES-tree-uh' n ]
[noun,adjective] MEANING : 1. (adj.) pertaining to or of horse-riders or horsemen 2. (adj.) composed of or pertaining to knights 3. (n.) a horseman or horse-rider USAGE EXAMPLE 1: One of Scotland's most famous police horses has died in retirement after clocking up the longest track record of any equestrian public servant. The Herald, A quiet farewell as Fergus ends life of service, DAMIEN HENDERSON, January 27 2007

equilibrium [ ee-kwuh-LIB-ree-uh m, ek-wuh- ]

[noun] MEANING : 1. poise or a state or condition of balance 2. mental balance or equanimity 3. equality between opposing forces USAGE EXAMPLE 1: He was committed to the asylum because he had lost his mental equilibrium. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: To the extent to which the homes are purchased by people intending to live in them, or improve them and rent them out, it can be a very important part of bringing the market back into equilibrium. The washington Post, Benefiting From the Bust, Alejandro Lazo, 21 February 2009

equine [ EE-kwahyn, EK-wahyn ]

[adjective]

MEANING : Of, related to, or resembling a horse USAGE EXAMPLE 1: A 15-year-old horse has died of complications from West Nile virus in Riverside County, City News Service reports, marking the first equine victim of the mosquito-borne disease in California this year. Los Angeles Times, Horse dies of complications of West Nile virus, June 25, 2008

equipoise [ EE-kwuh-poiz, EK-wuh- ]

[noun,transitive verb] MEANING : 1. (n.) an equilibrium or even balance 2. (n.) a counterpoise 3. (tr.v.) to balance USAGE EXAMPLE 1: Once the will was read, it became clear that the property was not divided with equipoise. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: The US system of competitive equipoise, as they call it, is far from perfect. Telegraph, Sport is about big spirits, not big spenders, Ed Smith, 7 February 2009

equivocal [ i-KWIV-uh'-kuh' l ]
[adjective] MEANING : 1. ambiguous or being open to multiple interpretations 2. having a doubtful or uncertain character 3. having a dubious, suspicious or questionable disposition USAGE EXAMPLE 1: The relatively equivocal statement differs from most human rights groups who have blamed ZanuPF party thugs for the vast majority of the violence. BBC, Tough call for Zimbabwe opposition, By Peter Greste, 2 May 2008

equivocate [ i-KWIV-uh-keyt ]
[transitive verb] MEANING : 1. to deceive or mislead by using equivocal or obscure terms or language 2. to deliberately be non-committal or avoid stating explicitly USAGE EXAMPLE 1: He equivocated readers by using technical jargon in his articles. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: Their most prominent leaders, including the Muslim Council of Britain, which claims to be their main umbrella organisation, equivocate about the requirements of being British. Telegraph, Flying the flag is only the first step to victory, Charles Moore, 7 July 2009

eradicate [ i-RAD-i-keyt ]
[transitive verb] MEANING : 1. to uproot 2. to extirpate, eliminate or destroy USAGE EXAMPLE 1: Polio may be eradicated as a result of the initiatives of the government. USAGE EXAMPLE 2:

The results from the 11-month independent study at Manchester Royal Infirmary (MRI), following similar tests at Glasgow Royal Infirmary, have raised hopes that superbugs could now be eradicated from hospitals. Telegraph, British scientists make key breakthrough in superbug fight, By Andrew Pierce, 27 Jun 2009 Accessed: 9th July 2009

errant [ ER-uh' nt ]
[adjective] MEANING : 1) Given to travelling; roving, esp. in search of an adventure 2) Straying from the proper course or accepted standards 3) Moving about without an aim or direction 4) Notorious; characterised by wrong behaviour USAGE EXAMPLE 1: When I nail into vulnerable areas like door jambs, I use shims to protect the trim from errant hammer marks. Reader's Digest,The Family Handyman, Protection Against Hammer Marks, Craig Gennesey, September 2000

erratic [ i-RAT-ik ]
[noun,adjective] MEANING : 1. (adj.) queer or deviant from normal course or behaviour 2. (adj.) nomadic or wandering 3. (adj.) lacking uniformity or regularity USAGE EXAMPLE 1: Her erratic behaviour was the cause of general amusement. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: Mars's blood-red color and seemingly erratic path through the sky led the ancients to link it with war and chaos. Mythology sprang up around the red planet. National Geographic, Mysterious Mars, By David A Lande, Oct 29, 2008 Accessed: 9th July 2009

ersatz [ ER-zahts, -sahts, er-ZAHTS, -SAHTS ]

[adjective] MEANING : An artificial and usually inferior substitute or imitation USAGE EXAMPLE 1: The remaining sites would then be rebuilt in traditional style. Such conservation would not be ersatz antiquarianism but merely use appropriate materials to rescue a neighbourhood whose character should be as critical to old Kabul as saving Covent Garden was to Londons West End. Khaleej Times, Guns and glory, SIMON JENKINS, 21 June 2006

erudite [ ER-yoo-dahyt, ER-oo- ]

[adjective] MEANING : scholarly or learned USAGE EXAMPLE 1: He was considered to be the most erudite man of his times. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: According to the Shantiparva of Mahabharta, Maharishi Jaimini was among the erudite disciples of Vyasa. The Times of India, Art is a spiritual, blissful experience, M L Varadpande, 21 May 2008 Accessed:

9th July 2009

escapade [ ES-kuh'-peyd, es-kuh'-PEYD ]

[noun] MEANING : 1. a wild prank or rash adventure 2. an escape from captivity, confinement, control or restraint USAGE EXAMPLE 1: His escapades were well known across the length and breadth of the country. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: I just love a run to keep my life balanced and everything always seems better after a satisfying escapade. BBC, Runners ready to talk up 10k, 21 April 2008

eschew [ es-CHOO ]
[verb] MEANING : To avoid or keep away from, esp. from wrongdoings or evil; to shun USAGE EXAMPLE 1: If this was not enough, the PMO statement, talking about the meeting of Left leaders with PM, went to the extent of indirectly advising the Left parties to "eschew the temptation of politicising the misery of the people". This is the first time in four years that PMO has reacted so bitterly. The Times of India, Left fumes at PMO tough talk, 26 Apr 2008, TNN

esoteric [ es-uh'-TER-ik ]
[adjective] MEANING : 1) Understood by or designed for only a select few 2) Requiring or showcasing special knowledge that is revealed only to a small group 3) Private; confidential 4) Of a rare, special, or unusual interest USAGE EXAMPLE 1: The agenda featured esoteric items like a discussion of 19th-century social attitudes toward the germ theory and a detailed analysis of the inks that Galileo used in one of his manuscripts. The New York Times, Esoteric Wedge of Academia Is Roiled by Hunt for Bomber, WILLIAM J. BROAD, August 5, 1995

espouse [ i-SPOUZ, i-SPOUS ]

[transitive verb] MEANING : 1. to marry 2. to advocate or lend support to USAGE EXAMPLE 1: They were espoused in a civil ceremony that was attended by a handful of people. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: Many of them have close-shaven heads, wear Nazi-style insignia and openly espouse violently racist beliefs. BBC, Russia gang 'faces murder charge,' Steven Eke, 30 June 2008

ethos [ EE-thos, EE-thohs, ETH-os, -ohs ]

[noun] MEANING :

Fundamental or distinguishing character, disposition, beliefs or moral nature of a person, group, institution, etc. USAGE EXAMPLE 1: I can give them absolute reassurance, in terms of what they are concerned about, of maintaining the ethos and the character of their schools, they will not notice any difference. BBC, 'No threat to Catholic education', Thursday, 17 November 2005

eulogy [ YOO-luh'-jee ]
[noun] MEANING : 1. a speech full of praise in honor of someone who has died recently 2. high praise, acclamation or commendation USAGE EXAMPLE 1: Prime Minister Gordon Brown's eulogy at the funeral yesterday of John MacDougall praised the Glenrothes MP as a "tireless fighter for social justice and endlessly loyal champion of decent values." The Herald, Premier lauds champion of decent values, ROBBIE DINWOODIE, Chief Scottish Political Correspondent, August 19 2008

euphonious [ yoo-FOH-nee-uh' s ]
[adjective] MEANING : Having a pleasing sound; pleasant to the ear USAGE EXAMPLE 1: This was often referred to as "neo-liberalism", though a more correct if less euphonious title would have been "neo-economic-liberalism". BBC, Liberalism in the United Kingdom, Rodney Barker, Professor at Government Department of the London School of Economics writes for BBC Parliament

euphoria [ yoo-FAWR-ee-uh, -FOHR- ]

[noun] MEANING : a feeling of elation, happiness or well-being USAGE EXAMPLE 1: His feelings of euphoria did not last long. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: Mr Obama made it clear that Kenya's ongoing instability had ruled out his father's homeland as an initial destination, despite the euphoria it would have produced. Telegraph, Barack Obama tells Africa to stop blaming colonialism for problems, By Alex Spillius in Washington, 09 Jul 2009 Accessed: 9th July 2009

euthanasia [ yoo-thuh-NEY-zhuh, -zhee-uh, -zee-uh ]

[noun] MEANING : mercy killing or painless death by means of medicines given to hopelessly sick individuals in order to give them respite from their suffering USAGE EXAMPLE 1: Euthanasia has been banned in many countries. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: A court approved a request for euthanasia for the first time in South Korea, telling doctors to take a brain-dead woman off life support at her familys request.

The Times of India, In a first, S Korea OKs euthanasia, AFP, 29 Nov 2008 Accessed: 9th July 2009

evasive [ i-VEY-siv ]
[adjective] MEANING : 1. elusive, shifty or hard to grasp 2. equivocal, tending to evade or not straightforward USAGE EXAMPLE 1: His evasive answers caused the police to suspect him. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: Advani had written to PM Manmohan Singh to which he claimed he had received an "evasive reply" from the finance ministry. The Times of India, CIC asks Advani why his office did not reply to RTI query, 26 May 2009 Accessed: 9th July 2009

evince [ i-VINS ]
[transitive verb] MEANING : 1. to prove, manifest, reveal or make evident 2. to demonstrate a trait or characteristic USAGE EXAMPLE 1: He evinced his theory by providing appropriate evidence in court. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: Generally speaking, the policy of attacking, killing and forcibly displacing members of some tribes does not evince a specific intent to annihilate, in whole or in part, a group distinguished on racial, ethnic, national or religious grounds. CNN, U.N. report: Darfur not genocide, 1 February 2005

eviscerate [ v. i-VIS-uh'-reyt; adj. i-VIS-er-it, -uh'-reyt ]

[intransitive verb,transitive verb] MEANING : 1. (tr.v.) to disembowel or remove or take out entrails from 2. (tr.v.) to remove or deprive of vital or essential organs or parts 3. (tr.v.) to remove some contents of an organ surgically 4. (intr.v.) to protrude through an incision surgically made or through a deep wound USAGE EXAMPLE 1: His modus operandi included eviscerating his victims. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: This action eviscerates key protections that have helped safeguard and recover endangered fish, wildlife and plants for the past 35 years.' CNN, Environmentalists blast changes to Endangered Species rules, From Erika Dimmler, December 12, 2008

evoke [ i-VOHK ]
[transitive verb] MEANING : 1. to produce or summon 2. to call or conjure up by citing or suggesting 3. to re-create or create anew by means of one's imagination USAGE EXAMPLE 1: The act evoked feelings of hatred among the citizens.

USAGE EXAMPLE 2: The ancient oasis cities of Tashkent, Samarqand, and Bukhara all evoke the old Silk Road to China. National Geographic Traveler, Uzbekistan Accessed: 9th July 2009

ex officio [ EKS uh'-FISH-ee-oh ]

[adjective,adverb] MEANING : (Both the adjective and adverb forms mean the same) by means or virtue of one's position or office USAGE EXAMPLE 1: As ex officio president of the BCCI, he commanded respect. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: While cultivating the foreign minister he scored a coup, as ex officio president of the British Club in Lisbon, by obtaining the resignation of two Rhodesian members after the rebel colony declared itself a republic. Telegraph, Sir Anthony Lambert, 05 Jun 2007

exacerbate [ ig-ZAS-er-beyt, ek-SAS- ]

[verb] MEANING : Aggravate; increase intensity, bitterness or violence USAGE EXAMPLE 1: The move was likely to exacerbate the political tensions that have been running high since the opposition made unprecedented gains in the March general elections, eroding the ruling coalition's majority. The Age, Anwar arrest triggers call for street protest, July 17, 2008

excision [

ek-SIZH-uh' n, ik- ] [noun] MEANING : 1. an act, process or instance of removal 2. abscission or surgical removal USAGE EXAMPLE 1: He was terrified as the operation required an excision and 22 stitches. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: McCain, 65, was scheduled to return to the medical facility Tuesday to have skin from an adjacent area cover the area left by the excision. CNN, McCain has skin lesion removed, February 4, 2002

excoriate [ ik-skawr-ee-eyt, -skohr- ]

[verb] MEANING : To condemn, criticize harshly USAGE EXAMPLE 1: The worst thing, by contrast, is simply to excoriate your opponents while carrying on as before. Telegraph, Plus c'est la mme chose, 06/05/2002

excoriation [ ik-skawr-ee-EY-shuh n, -skohr- ]

[noun] MEANING : 1. abrasion or scrape

2. wound or injury 3. denouncement USAGE EXAMPLE 1: Application of the medication on the excoriation resulted in a burning sensation. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: The authors regard their excoriation in the US press as a sign of the lobby's effectiveness, and point out that reviews abroad have been much more favourable. BBC, US storm over book on Israel lobby, Henri Astier, 22 November 2007

exculpate [ EK-skuh'l-peyt, ik-SKUHL-peyt ]

[transitive verb] MEANING : 1. to vindicate, clear or free of all blame or guilt USAGE EXAMPLE 1: We know that the press were trailing him and now his account has changed in a fundamental way to exculpate the people on the motorbike. BBC, Diana paparazzi 'hindered police', 12 March 2008

exegesis [ ek-si-JEE-sis ]
[noun] MEANING : explanation, interpretation or exposition esp. of the Holy Bible USAGE EXAMPLE 1: Mr. Bridges took it upon himself to distribute copies of exegesis of the commandments. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: He does give one purely technical reading of a poem, John Donne's "A Nocturnall upon St Lucies Day", and gives no exegesis or paraphrase of any kind. Telegraph, How poetry works, Nick Laird, 31 Jan 2008

exhaustive [ ig-ZAWS-tiv ]
[adjective] MEANING : thorough, detailed, comprehensive and not overlooking any aspects USAGE EXAMPLE 1: His exhaustive search failed to find the information he wanted. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: Italian intellectual Magris's poetic river trip offers a portrait of Central Europe that's both exhaustive and energizing. National Geographic Traveler, Ultimate Travel LibraryEastern Europe Accessed: 9th July 2009

exhort [ ig-ZAWRT ]
[verb] MEANING : To warn or advise earnestly; to warn strongly and urgently USAGE EXAMPLE 1: On several occasions, Sampson flew to Athens to exhort the Greek military dictatorship to "take action" in Cyprus. The Telegraph, Nicos Sampson, 22 Nov 2001

exhume [ ig-ZOOM, -ZYOOM, eks-HYOOM ]

[verb] MEANING : 1. to dig recover from a grave 2. to restore from obscurity USAGE EXAMPLE 1: Today, Spencer Wells says, "Phoenicians have become ghosts, a vanished civilization." Now he and Zalloua hope to use a different alphabet, the molecular letters of DNA, to exhume these ghosts. National Geographic, Who are the Phoenicians?, Rick Gore

exigency [ Ek-si-juh' n-see, ig-Zij-uh' n- ]

[noun] MEANING : 1. urgency or an exigent state, condition or quality 2. a need or requirement in a particular situation 3. an emergency, crisis or urgent situation USAGE EXAMPLE 1: The exigency of the situation requires a contingency plan to be in place. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: It said they could "help pupils, especially those under particular pressures, relax and cope with the exigencies of their reality". BBC, Quiet revolution plan for school stress, 25 June, 2002

exiguous [ ig-zig-yoo-uh' s, ik-sig- ]

[adjective] MEANING : Scanty; meagre; inadequate USAGE EXAMPLE 1: So the kind, weary officials held on till all had claimed their exiguous luggage and formed for admission to passport inspection two by two. BBC, Evacuation From Bordeaux, by ageconcernslough, 25 January 2006

exogenous [ ek-SOJ-uh'-nuh' s ]
[adjective] MEANING : 1) Derived or developed externally 2) (Botany) Marked by adding woody tissue layers to the stem externally beneath the bark 3) (Pathology) Caused by external pathogens or conditions USAGE EXAMPLE 1: We are dealing with a substance which is both endogenous (produced within the body) and exogenous (originating outside the body), and the exogenous HGH is absolutely similar to what is produced by your body. BBC, New Drug Menace Stalks Sport, By Tom Fordyce, 27 July, 2003

exoneration [ ig-ZON-uh-rey-shuhn ]
[noun] MEANING : 1. vindication, clearing or justification from censure or blame 2. the condition of being relieved or freed USAGE EXAMPLE 1: His exoneration was a matter of national debate. USAGE EXAMPLE 2:

Pakistan Cricket Board may face a tough time in its efforts to defend the exoneration of fast bowlers Shoaib Akhtar and Mohammad Asif in a doping offence The Times of India, Dope issue: Tough time ahead for PCB, 22 Dec 2006 Accessed: 9th July 2009

exorbitant [ ig-ZAWR-bi-tuh nt ]
[adjective] MEANING : excessive or exceeding bounds of propriety or fairness USAGE EXAMPLE 1: People protested against the exorbitant salaries pulled by the management. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: BCCI feels that the ICC can administer the game globally without hiring people on exorbitant salaries. The Times of India, BCCI to raise ICC fee issue in Dubai, 3 Jun 2007 Accessed: 9th July 2009

exotic [ ig-ZOT-ik ]
[noun,adjective] MEANING : 1. (adj.) of foreign origin or imported 2. (adj.) strange or unusual 3.(n.) 4. something that is imported or is of foreign origin (n.) a stripper USAGE EXAMPLE 1: There has been a real revolution in luxury chocolate, as there was with wine a few years ago. People are much more knowledgeable about it and there is a growing demand for these high quality, exotic products instead of a box of Milk Tray. Telegraph, Bacon flavoured chocolate bar is a sell out, By Urmee Khan, 24 Nov 2008

expatiate [ ik-SPEY-shee-eyt ]
[intransitive verb] MEANING : 1. to roam about or wander freely 2. to elaborate or explain in detail USAGE EXAMPLE 1: In other words, or variable words if you prefer, expatiated the Management Expert, you can't step into the same river twice. The Times of India, All vary well, Jug Suraiya, 14 September 2008

expatriate [ Brit., eks-PA-tree-eyt; v. eks-PEY-tree-eyt adj., n. eks-PEY-tree-it ]

[adjective,transitive verb] MEANING : 1. (adj.) exiled or banished 2. (n.) one who has been exiled or banished 3 (tr.v.) to banish one from one's native country 4. (tr.v.) to withdraw oneself from one's native land USAGE EXAMPLE 1: He bought most of the land with money he earned in Saudi Arabia as an expatriate worker, like many others in his village. CNN, Floods devastate rice Bangladesh rice fields, November 28, 1998

expedient [ ik-SPEE-dee-uh nt ]
[noun,adjective]

MEANING : 1. (adj.) appropriate or suitable to a purpose 2. (adj.) self-interested, politic, advantageous or convenient 3. (n.) one that can serve as a means to a desirable end 4. (n.) makeshift or resource USAGE EXAMPLE 1: The President announced that expedient action would be taken. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: Politically many European integrationists also thought the move expedient, as it would defuse an emotive issue in the traditionally Eurosceptic UK. CNN, Britain can keep pints and miles, September 11, 2007, Accessed: 9th July 2009

expedite [ Ek-spi-dahyt ]
[verb] MEANING : 1) To speed up or hasten the progress of 2) To accomplish or execute promptly 3) To issue or dispatch, say, an official letter USAGE EXAMPLE 1: The messages request personal information that supposedly would expedite the turnaround time of either a tax refund or a stimulus rebate check. ABC News, IRS Warns of New Online Tax Scams: Protect Yourself, March 28, 2008

expiate [ EK-spee-eyt ]
[verb] MEANING : To amend one's mistakes; to atone or extinguish the guilt incurred USAGE EXAMPLE 1: Pope Pius XII celebrated a special mass at St. Peter's basilica today "to expiate the crime of the enemies or God"--the Communists. Chicago Tribune, POPE SAYS MASS FOR EXPIATION OF RED CRIMES, Apr 4, 1949

expiation [ ek-SPEE-ey-shuh n ]
[noun] MEANING : 1. an act of atonement or making amends 2. the means used in order to make amends or reparations USAGE EXAMPLE 1: Justice can only be said to prevail when expiation is made to the victim. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: The murders of two soldiers and a policeman in Northern Ireland in recent weeks point to a bitter truth that it will take more than 10 or so years, a few meetings and public displays of expiation and regret to heal decades of sectarian division and hatred. Telegraph, Liam Neeson interview - on his role in 'Five Minutes of Heaven,' Craig McLean, 30 March 2009

expletive [ ek-spli-tiv ]
[noun,adjective] MEANING : 1. (n.) a profane or exclamatory oath 2. (n.) a word or phrase that is used to fill out or balance a sentence without adding any meaning to it

3. used or added to fill or balance out a sentence USAGE EXAMPLE 1: Expletives are frowned upon in a politically correct world. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: Reformed Hollywood badboy Mickey Rourke provided the only mild controversy of the night with a few expletives in his acceptance speech for the Best Actor award. CNN, 'Slumdog' scoops seven awards at wet BAFTAs, By Mairi Mackay,February 9, 2009

exploit [ EK-sploit, ik-SPLOIT ]

[noun,transitive verb] MEANING : 1. (n.) a feat or heroic deed 2. (tr.v.) to utilize profitably and productively 3. (tr.v.) to unethically or unfairly utilize to one's advantage 4. (tr.v.) to advertise or promote USAGE EXAMPLE 1: His exploits were passed on from generation to generation in the form of stories. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: The progressive new government encouraged Japanese citizens to move to Hokkaido to exploit its natural resources. National Geographic, The Ainu, By Marisa Larson, Jul 7, 2008 Accessed: 9th July 2009

expostulate [ ik-SPOS-chuh-leyt ]
[intransitive verb] MEANING : to remonstrate, object or earnestly reason out with someone in order to dissuade USAGE EXAMPLE 1: She spent the night expostulating the fact that drag racing was a dangerous sport. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: The property scout expostulated that he couldn't just land uninvited in someone's garden Telegraph, Dance floors, Susan Ryan, 30 October 2007

expropriate [ eks-proh-pree-eyt ]
[transitive verb] MEANING : 1) To deprive or take away from someone his possessions or ownership rights 2) To take something from someone else for one's own use USAGE EXAMPLE 1: An Argentine government secretary, Luis D'Ela, has lead recent efforts to expropriate Tompkins's holdings and publicly hinted that the environmentalist is working with the U.S. government to exert control over regional water supplies. National Geographic, "Not for Sale": S. America Natural Resources Going National, Kelly Hearn, October 31, 2006

expurgate [ EK-sper-geyt ]
[transitive verb] MEANING : 1. to remove obscene, objectionable or vulgar passages from a book 2. to purge, cleanse or rid of obscenities or morally offensive things USAGE EXAMPLE 1: They blamed the mounting frustrations on the failure of the entire political system and on ethical

flaws in need of being expurgated root and branch. CNN, A witness to history 'Years of Renewal', By Henry Kissinger, April 29, 1999

extant [ EK-stuh' nt, ik-STANT ]

[adjective] MEANING : 1. in existence or not destroyed 2. conspicuous, protruding or standing out USAGE EXAMPLE 1: He was horrified to find out that the files were still extant when he had ordered them to be destroyed. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: This is the only extant female handwriting from Roman times, and probably the earliest surviving example in the world. Telegraph, Hadrian's Wall: A visitor's guide, Nick Trend, 19 Jul 2008

extemporaneous [ ik-stem-puh'-REY-nee-uh' s ]
[adjective] MEANING : 1. impromptu, spontaneous or delivered wit hardly any preparation 2. planned priorly but rendered without the use of notes 3. adapted, provided or made for the occasion USAGE EXAMPLE 1: While Palin is under pressure to present herself as an agile performer, Biden, too, must avoid the kind of extemporaneous remarks that have landed him in trouble before. abcNews, VP debate holds risk, promise, October 2, 2008

extempore [ ik-STEM-puh-ree ]
[adjective,adverb] MEANING : 1. (adv.) offhand or without any prior preparation 2. (adj.) impromptu USAGE EXAMPLE 1: Her speech was not prepared before-hand but rather was extempore. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: The first prize for the extempore competition was bagged by Jubilee Hills-based Bharatiya Vidya Bhavans Kalpaka Manikyam. The Times of India, Extempore competition for teachers held, 14 Aug 2003 Accessed: 9th July 2009

extenuate [ ik-STEN-yoo-eyt ]
[transitive verb] MEANING : 1. to lessen the magnitude or seriousness of something 2. to make lean or thin 3. to underestimate USAGE EXAMPLE 1: He extenuated the serious atmosphere by cracking jokes. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: A disaster of this scale will naturally extenuate that migratory tendency, and more Salvadorians will chance their luck in the perilous journey across the US southern borders. BBC, Eyewitness: El Salvador's grief, Mike Lanchin, 17 January 2001

extinct [ ik-STINGKT ]
[adjective,transitive verb] MEANING : 1. (adj.) one that is no longer in existence or has died out 2. (adj.) superseded or defunct 3. (adj.) no longer burning or active 4. (tr.v.) (archaic) to extinguish USAGE EXAMPLE 1: His documentary focused on the extinct animals from the 19th century. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: The bones of a huge extinct camel have been discovered in Syria, a joint Swiss-Syrian team announced last week. National Geographic, Extinct "Elephant Size" Camel Found in Syria, James Owen for National Geographic News, October 11, 2006 Accessed: 9th July 2009

extirpate [ EK-ster-peyt, ik-STUR-peyt ]

[transitive verb] MEANING : 1) To destroy or remove completely; exterminate 2) To pull up by; uproot USAGE EXAMPLE 1: President George W. Bush still favored the Israeli offensive to extirpate Hezbollah from Lebanon. CNN, Tyrell: The commander in chief's blood pressure, Friday, August 4, 2006

extol [ ik-STOHL, -STOL ]

[transitive verb] MEANING : to praise, glorify, laud, eulogize or exalt USAGE EXAMPLE 1: He extolled Ravi's virtues in his article in the newspaper. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: Publicity for the initiative extolled the virtues of mother and toddler groups, luncheon clubs for the elderly and art projects but made no mention of important work with ex-servicemen suffering from the effects of combat stress. The telegraph, Veterans' minister Kevan Jones 'furious' at ex-servicemen's treatment, John Bingham, 13 April 2009

extort [ ik-STAWRT ]
[transitive verb] MEANING : to wring or obtain money from another by means of intimidation, threat, torture or coercion USAGE EXAMPLE 1: He extorted money from the rich and gave to the poor. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: Naxalism, which started off as a people's movement, has now become a nearly Rs 1500 crore organised extortion business in the form of 'levy', police and central security officials said. The Times of India, Naxalism: A Rs 1500 crore red corridor empire, 7 Jun 2009 Accessed: 9th July 2009

extradite [ EK-struh'-dahyt ]

[noun] MEANING : The surrender of a criminal or a fugitive from one country or authority to another USAGE EXAMPLE 1: Serbias foreign minister says it will not extradite a Serbian student wanted in New York on assault charges. The New York Times, Serbia Wont Extradite Assault Suspect, By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS, July 22, 2008

extralegal [ ek-struh-LEE-guh l ]
[adjective] MEANING : beyond the authority of or not governed by law USAGE EXAMPLE 1: The authorities could not catch the smuggler because he escaped to an extralegal region. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: Top speed for a car is often used as a proxy for how stable and capable a vehicle is. A car that is built to withstand the stresses of high, extra-legal speeds generally has better acceleration, handling and braking, making it more maneuverable and safer at legal speed limits. BBC, Europe diary: Your comments, Dan Sheridan, 7 June 2007

extricable [ EK-stri-kuh-buh l, ik-STRIK-uh-buh l ]

[adjective] MEANING : capable of being extricated USAGE EXAMPLE 1: All of the extricable honey has to carefully removed from the bee-hive. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: Extricating Iceland's banks from their overseas investments would be far from straightforward. BBC, Iceland's tumble raises key questions, Hugh Pym, 7 October 2008

extrinsic [ ik-STRIN-sik, -zik ]

[adjective] MEANING : 1. extraneous or not inherent 2. external, outward or foreign USAGE EXAMPLE 1: The risk factors that lead to injury are usually classified as being extrinsic (outside the body) or intrinsic (personal to your body). BBC, Injuries and treatment

extrovert [ EK-struh'-vurt, -stroh- ]

[noun,adjective,transitive verb] MEANING : 1. (n.) a socializer or outgoing or gregarious person 2. (adj.) gregarious, outgoing or lively 3. (tr.v.) to direct one's mind or interests outward USAGE EXAMPLE 1: Individuals can be thinking or feeling, judging or perceiving, introvert or extrovert. CNN, Psychometrics put to the test, By Nick Easen for CNN, February 23, 2004

extrude [ ik-STROOD ]
[intransitive verb,transitive verb] MEANING : 1. (tr.v.) to expel, force, thrust or push out 2. (tr.v.) to shape or form by forcing through a die 3. (intr.v.) to project, protrude or be extruded USAGE EXAMPLE 1: The rocket was extruded into space and the loud bang accompanying it was heard for miles. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: Generally, spiders will extrude a silk from abdominal structures known as spinnerets. BBC, Sticky feet help tarantulas climb, 28 September 2006

exuberance [

ig-ZOO-ber-uh ns ] [noun] MEANING : 1. enthusiasm or joyfulness 2. a state of luxuriance or great abundance USAGE EXAMPLE 1: His exuberance was contagious. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: The Indian National Congress is the only party that combines experience and youth, wisdom and exuberance, achievement and ambition. The Times of India, Congress manifesto, 24 Mar 2009 Accessed: 9th July 2009

F
fabricate [ FAB-ri-keyt ]
[transitive verb] MEANING : 1. to invent, make up or construct 2. to manufacture or build skillfully 3. to forge or fake (esp. signatures) USAGE EXAMPLE 1: The work represents the first time researchers have reported that living plants form these gold micro-nuggets, opening "exciting new ways to fabricate nanoparticles," according to GardeaTorresdey, who heads the chemistry department at the University of Texas at El Paso. National Geographic, Researchers Spin Straw Into Gold, Peter N. Spotts, August 29, 2002

facet [ FAS-it ]
[noun,transitive verb] MEANING : 1. (n.) a small, polished plane surface esp. of a cut gem 2. (n.) a phase, aspect or side 3. (tr.v.) to make or cut facets on USAGE EXAMPLE 1: Every facet of the diamond was glittering and eye catching. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: The plan has a number of facets benefiting the bank and the government. CNN, RBS posts record $34 billion loss, February 27, 2009

facetious [ fuh-SEE-shuh s ]
[adjective] MEANING : 1. jocular, witty, waggish, bantering or humorous 2. not intended to be serious USAGE EXAMPLE 1: People invited him to their parties because of his facetious nature. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: After an earlier run-up in the bidding which went as high as $6.7 million, eBay officials disqualified several bids as facetious. CNN, 'General Lee' auction ends at almost $10M, Peter Valdes-Dapena, 4 May 2007

facile [ FAS-ahyl; FAS-il ]

[adjective] MEANING : 1) Easily obtained or accomplished 2) Superficial, shallow 3) Flowing or moving freely; fluent 4) Mild or affable; compliant; courteous USAGE EXAMPLE 1: 1) The sylph-like 17-year-old (with his floppy blond hair he looks younger) made his Livingston

debut in this facile victory and drew comparisons with a famous namesake, albeit with a different spelling. 2) Some say there's absolutely no proof that our political views are embedded in our DNA. "These are very facile studies that make outrageous claims," says Evan Charney, a political scientist at Duke University. 1) The Herald, Livingston 4 - 0 Alloa Athletic, JAMES MORGAN, November 26 2007 2)CNN, Are your politics rooted in your genes?, By Elizabeth Cohen, CNN, February 11, 2008

facsimile [ fak-SIM-uh'-lee ]
[noun] MEANING : 1) An exact copy 2) A system or device for transmitting and reproducing exact replicas of documents, photographs, etc. by means of radio signals or through telephone lines USAGE EXAMPLE 1: 1) But there are many facsimile copies of the Lincoln documents that remain to be discovered in trunks, behind framed pictures, within the pages of a book or some other unusual place. 2) Taking advantage of the boom in the use of facsimile machines, the MCI Communications Corporation said yesterday that it would offer to business customers a special network for transmission of facsimile messages. 1) Illinois Historic Preservation Agency, Facsimile Documents 2) The New York Times, MCI Plans a Separate Facsimile Network, CALVIN SIMS, November 4, 1988

factious [ FAK-shuh' s ]
[adjective] MEANING : 1. seditious, dissentious or causing faction 2. related or pertaining to or characterized by faction USAGE EXAMPLE 1: It was his factious nature which infuriated his family. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: In 1997 many observers were astonished that a man with so little experience in the Politburo and with no military background could be chosen by Mr Deng and his fellow veterans to lead such a factious party. BBC, Analysis: Jiang's day of glory, By the BBC's Chinese Affairs Analyst James Miles in Beijing, 1 October, 1999

factitious [ fak-TISH-uh' s ]
[adjective] MEANING : 1. forced, spontaneous, artificial or not genuine 2. manufactured, made, contrived or not natural USAGE EXAMPLE 1: His factitious manner made him a social outcast. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: Sufferers of factitious disorder fake illness to gain attention and sympathy, according to the medical handbook "The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders." CNN, Trial set for medical examiner accused of staging his own attack, By Jessica Su, February 9, 2005

factotum [ fak-TOH-tuh' m ]
[noun] MEANING :

1. a general servant, handyman or assistant 2. a person or official hired to handle varied responsibilities USAGE EXAMPLE 1: A factotum truly understands the value of multitasking. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: I wish he wouldn't do this, sighed Bob Rule, his mozo de espada - an official bullfighting factotum as he watched Mr Evans training. Telegraph, British pensioner bullfighter makes comeback in Spain after quadruple heart bypass, By Fiona Govan in Osuna, 14 Aug 2008

fait accompli [ fe ta*-kawn*-PLEE ]

[noun] MEANING : A thing already done or accomplished, presumably irreversible USAGE EXAMPLE 1: While no formal announcement was made, many saw the deal as a fait accompli. The New York Times, Merger of XM and Sirius Appears Close to Approval, By TIM ARANGO, July 24, 2008

fallacious [ fuh-LEY-shuh s ]
[adjective] MEANING : 1. erroneous 2. misleading, fraudulent or deceptive USAGE EXAMPLE 1: The argument was deemed fallacious and stricken off the document. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: The British Dental Association (BDA) rejected the report, describing it as a "completely fallacious argument". BBC, 20% of dental work 'unnecessary,' 17 April 2000

fallible [ FAL-uh-buh' l ]
[adjective] MEANING : 1) (of persons) Very likely to make a mistake or be misled 2) Likely to be erroneous, faulty or false USAGE EXAMPLE 1: The final Test in Adelaide (next week) will be a cliffhanger because the Indians have now smelt blood and know this Australian team is fallible. Khaleej Times, Controversies got to Aussies: Inzy, 20 January 2008

falter [ FAWL-ter ]
[noun,intransitive verb] MEANING : 1. (intr.v.) to stumble or move unsteadily 2. (intr.v.) to stammer or speak hesitantly 3. (intr.v.) to waver, be hesitant or lose confidence 4. (n.) unsteadiness 5. (n.) a faltering sound USAGE EXAMPLE 1: He faltered but recovered his balance before he fell over.

USAGE EXAMPLE 2: The financial crisis, brought about by mountains of bad mortgage-related assets, caused banks to falter or fail and lending to dry up and prompted Congress to pass a $700 billion bailout package. The Times of India, No curbs on Wall Street pay despite meltdown, 25 Oct 2008 Accessed: 9th July 2009

fastidious [ fa-STID-ee-uh' s, fuh'- ]

[adjective] MEANING : 1) Difficult to please; excessively critical; having high and often whimsical standards 2) Requiring or displaying excessive care and delicacy USAGE EXAMPLE 1: There is one thing that matters to set a chime of words tinkling in the minds of a few fastidious people. Logan Pearsall Smith (1865-1946).

fatuous [ FACH-oo-uh s ]
[adjective] MEANING : 1. inane, silly, stupid or foolish 2. unreal or illusory USAGE EXAMPLE 1: People did not take him seriously owing to his fatuous nature. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: As usual this is a completely fatuous pollitical slant on what should be a non political argument. BBC, Coughing up to curb climate change, Peter Lilley, 25 November 2008

faux pas [ foh PAH ]

[noun] MEANING : blunder, misconduct, social mistake, false step or error in etiquette USAGE EXAMPLE 1: Debutantes were warned about the various faux pas and how to avoid them. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: In this tradition-bound society, the contractor had just committed a major cultural faux pas. National Geographic, Bin Laden Hunt Hurt by U.S. Disrespect of Afghans, Experts Say, Stefan Lovgren, March 30, 2004

fawn [

fawn ] [noun,adjective,intransitive verb] MEANING : 1. (n.) an unweaned young deer 2. (n.) a yellowish, pale brown 3. (adj.) light yellowish-brown 4. (intr.v.) to attempt to please 5. (intr.v.) to gain favor by meabns of flattery USAGE EXAMPLE 1: He showed us the photograph of a fawn and told us he had taken the picture. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: A six-legged fawn recovering at a clinic in Georgia (US) after sustaining minor injuries from two dogs.

The Times of India, A six-legged deer, 29 Jul 2008 Accessed: 9th July 2009

fealty [ FEE-uh' l-tee ]

[noun] MEANING : 1. faithfulness, loyalty or fidelity 2. an oath to remain faithful or loyal USAGE EXAMPLE 1: As he lounges behind an antique desk in the old-world, 18th-century architectural gem of a central London house that he uses as a private office, Noon, 71, insists his apparently newfound fealty to Brown is neither new nor opportunistic. THE TIMES OF INDIA, 'Curry King' to spice up Brown's Britain, 28 Sep 2007

febrile [ FEE-brahyl, FEE-bruh' l, FEB-ruh' l ]

[adjective] MEANING : 1. feverish or pertaining to, caused by or marked by fever 2. hysterical or delirious USAGE EXAMPLE 1: His febrile state was the cause of great concern. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: The political atmosphere in America in October 2008 is febrile and confused. BBC, US debate could be turning point, By Adam Brookes, 2 October 2008

feckless [ FEK-lis ]
[adjective] MEANING : 1. incompetent, feeble, futile or ineffective 2. irresponsible, worthless or careless USAGE EXAMPLE 1: He could not be a good warrior because of his feckless fighting style. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: The extent of the carnage left many with the uneasy sense that the long-simmering hostility between the country's two main sects has at last boiled over -- and that the fragile, feckless institutions of authority in Iraq have no means of holding the anger back. CNN, Age-old hostilities boil over, 26, february 2006

fecund [ FEE-kuh'nd, -kuh' nd, FEK-uh'nd, -uh' nd ]

[adjective] MEANING : 1) Able to produce offspring, fruits, vegetation, etc. abundantly; fertile 2) Intellectually creative or productive; prolific USAGE EXAMPLE 1: Although Hall is occasionally too eager to acknowledge his influences Murakami, Auster, Memento, The Matrix, Fight Club, Jaws - and his idea of cute-couple dialogue is borderline nauseating, his extraordinarily fecund imagination and sure-footed plotting make this a dizzyingly exciting novel. BBC, Editor Book Review, The Raw Shark Texts by Steven Hall, Chris Power, 08 March 07

feign [ feyn ]
[intransitive verb,transitive verb] MEANING :

1. (intr. v.) to pretend or to give a fake impression of 2. (tr. v.) to invent, fabricate or represent falsely USAGE EXAMPLE 1: The sympathy was not feigned: most European leaders know they would struggle to win a referendum on Lisbon. Economist, The unanimity problem, Jun 26th 2008

feint [ feynt ]
[noun,intransitive verb,transitive verb] MEANING : 1. (n.) a trick, wile or sham 2. (n.) a feigned blow to take one's opponent off his/her guard 3. (intr.v.) to make a feint 4. (tr.v.) to deceive, distract or lure with a feint 5. (tr.v.) to simulate or pretend USAGE EXAMPLE 1: A feint to the left, a jab from the right requires good coordination. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: But it was a feint, to distract attention from a helicopter borne landing by a battalion of the US 82nd Airborne Division from Task Force Fury to the north of the town Telegraph, NATO confirms control of Musa Qala, Sarah Radford, 11 December 2007

felicitous [ fi-LIS-i-tuh' s ]
[adjective] MEANING : 1. appropriate, apt or perfectly suited 2. pleasant or delightful 3. having a special quality of having a perfected suited expression or style USAGE EXAMPLE 1: This garden is much more intricate and richly planted than any real Mughal garden, but the result is a felicitous fusion of old India and old England. Telegraph, The world's 50 most beautiful gardens: Asia, Africa, Australasia, and the Americas, Tim Richardson, 10 Nov 2008

fell [ fel ]
[noun,adjective,transitive verb] MEANING : 1. (tr.v.) to strike or chop down 2. (adj.) lethal, fierce or savage 3. (n.) the amount or number of trees that have been struck down in one season 4. (n.) hide or skin USAGE EXAMPLE 1: Though KMDA officials promised compensatory plantation for all the trees felled for construction, none could give specific plans on the number of saplings to be planted and in what area. The Times of India, Trees felled to make way for VIP Rd flyover, Sumati Yengkhom, 13 November 2008,

felon [ FEL-uh'n ]
[noun,adjective] MEANING : 1. (n.) one who has committed a grave crime or felony 2. (n.) (archaic) a villain 3. (adj.) evil, wicked or cruel

USAGE EXAMPLE 1: There was a man-hunt organised to arrest the felon who had escaped from prison. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: Nationwide, four million former felons cannot take part in the election. BBC, The sound and the fury, 31 October 2000

ferment [ n. FUR-ment; v. fer-MENT ]

[noun,intransitive verb,transitive verb] MEANING : 1. (n.) a group or microorganisms that causes fermentation 2. (n.) tumult, turmoil, agitation or commotion 3. (tr.v.) to cause to undergo fermentation 4. (tr.v.) to agitate or excite 5. (intr.v.) to undergo the process of fermentation 6. (intr.v.) to foment or agitate USAGE EXAMPLE 1: The ferment caused as a result of the coup had long lasting consequences. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: It's fully fermented, meaning the leaves are dried long enough to oxidize fully, which produces the dark color and flavor. CNN, Have a special cup of tea, March 14, 2008

ferocity [ fuh'-ROS-i-tee ]
[noun] MEANING : fierceness, vehemence or savageness USAGE EXAMPLE 1: Her ferocity was compared to a lioness defending her cubs. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: Like Belfast in the 1970s, the ferocity of the violence that was unleashed last week was appalling. Telegraph, As China reels from 184 deaths in Urumqi riots, a beaten woman fears for her husband, David Eimer, 11 July 2009

ferret [ FER-it ]
[noun,intransitive verb,transitive verb] MEANING : 1. (n.) a domesticated descendant of the European polecat 2. (n.) a persistent or an avid searcher 3. (tr.v.) to rummage, search, discover or bring to light 4. (intr.v.) to intensively search about the place USAGE EXAMPLE 1: Draco Malfoy was turned into a ferret in the book, Harry Potter and the goblet of fire. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: The ferret fans will take the car ferry across and bring them home, as soon as the animals are fit enough to travel. BBC, 1,000-mile trip to save ferrets, 13 January 2007

fervid [ FUR-vid ]
[adjective] MEANING : 1) Highly passionate or vehement; showing great fervour

2) Extremely hot USAGE EXAMPLE 1: Nationalist sentiment is often both fervid and genuine; but it is also sometimes channeled and manipulated by an adept Chinese government for political ends. International Herald Tribune, Nationalist fervor in China is backed by anger, By Ted Plafker, June 27, 2008

fervour [ FUR-ver ]
[noun] MEANING : 1. passion, warmth or earnestness 2. intense heat USAGE EXAMPLE 1: The fervour behind his words was acknowledged by everyone. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: Few acting roles generate more public fervour than those of Doctor Who and Hamlet. Telegraph, David Tennant: from Doctor Who to Hamlet, by Vicki Reid, 23 Nov 2008

fester [ FES-ter ]
[noun,intransitive verb,transitive verb] MEANING : 1. (intr.v.) to suppurate, ulcerate or generate pus 2. (intr.v.) to decay, rot or putrefy 3. (tr.v.) to rankle or embitter 4. (n.) pustule, sore or ulcer USAGE EXAMPLE 1: The wound had festered and had to be cleaned and bandaged. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: One hundred years of conflict between Arabs and Jews has produced deep wounds that cannot be left to fester any longer, because the fever they produce can infect all of us. BBC, Bowen diary: Obama's challenge, 21 January 2009

festive [ FES-tiv ]
[adjective] MEANING : 1. related to or pertaining to a feast or festival 2. joyous, happy, cheerful or merry USAGE EXAMPLE 1: The festive atmosphere was infectious in nature. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: The sad state of the economy doesn't appear to be affecting the festive mood in New Orleans, Louisiana. CNN, Good times rolling on for Mardi Gras, By Marnie Hunter, February 20, 2009

fete [ feyt, fet ]

[noun,transitive verb] MEANING : 1. (n.) a celebrated festival or holiday 2. (n.) a lavish party, celebration or entertainment 3. (tr.v.) to honour, commemorate or entertain by means of a fete USAGE EXAMPLE 1:

The fete was attended by people from three counties. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: The fete has always been staged at Grimsby's Peaks Lane Fire Station but the grounds have become waterlogged. BBC, Too much water dampens fire fete, 23 July 2007

fetid [ FET-id, FEE-tid ]

[adjective] MEANING : Having an offensive, unpleasant smell USAGE EXAMPLE 1: Many New Orleans streets are still filled with stagnant, fetid waters streaked with iridescent oil and smelling of garbage, human waste and death. CNN, Pumps sucking water from flooded city, September 6, 2005

fetter [ FET-er ]
[noun,transitive verb] MEANING : 1. (n.) shackle or chain for one's ankles or feet 2. (n.) one that is used to confine or restrain someone 3. (tr.v.) to restrain, contain or confine 4. (tr.v.) to bind or chain someone especially a prisoner USAGE EXAMPLE 1: There is no fetter on public debate about policy," attorney general Walter Woon said in court. abcNews, Singapore Says WSJ Wages Two-Decade Judicial Attack, By Melanie Lee, November 4, 2008

feud [ fyood ]
[noun,intransitive verb] MEANING : 1. (n.) a blood feud or bitter, mutual enmity over generations between two clans or families 2. (intr.v.) to engage in or perpetuate a feud USAGE EXAMPLE 1: The bloody feud had been ongoing for a century. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: A High Court judge has sought to impose peace in a bitter feud between neighbours in a gated development over an access road, a wall and even a single screw in a fence. Telegraph, Judge imposes order in neighbourly feud over access lane, John Bingham, 8 July 2009

fiat [ FEE-aht, -at; FAHY-uh' t, -at ]

[noun] MEANING : 1. an authorization, decree, order or sanction 2. the pronouncement of any order or decree arbitrarily 3. a dictate USAGE EXAMPLE 1: The villagers protested against the fiat as they thought it was unjust. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: People can see that the only solution to the credit crisis is to devalue all fiat currencies, said Peter Hambro, chairman of the Anglo-Russian mining group Peter Hambro Gold. Telegraph, Gold hits record against euro on fear of Zimbabwean-style response to bank crisis, By Ambrose Evans-Pritchard, 26 Feb 2009

fickle [ FIK-uh' l ]
[adjective] MEANING : inconstant, changeable or lacking steadfastness USAGE EXAMPLE 1: That much of Eurostats predicted boom comes from immigration makes it even wobblier, since migration flows depend heavily on economic circumstances, as well as on fickle changes in politics and migration law. Economist, Multiplying and arriving, Aug 28th 2008

fidelity [ fi-DEL-i-tee, fahy- ]

[noun] MEANING : 1. faithfulness or devotion to one's duty 2. exactness or accuracy 3. loyalty 4. accuracy with which an input signal is reproduced by an electronic system USAGE EXAMPLE 1: His fidelity to his wife was questioned during the started divorce proceedings. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: Under the papacy of John Paul II, the Vatican has upheld a view of sexual morality based on fidelity and family values, and abstinence outside marriage. BBC, The Vatican's condom challenge, Peter Gould, 25 November 2003

fidget [ FIJ-it ]
[noun,intransitive verb,transitive verb] MEANING : 1. (n.) a condition where one is restless, nervous and uneasy 2. (intr.v.) to move nervously or restlessly 3. (tr.v.) to cause another to behave more uneasily or restlessly USAGE EXAMPLE 1: He had a tendency to fidget whenever he was uncomfortable in a particular situation. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: Children who fidget in class can be an annoyance for teachers. BBC, Fidgeting children 'learn more,' 12 April 2005

figurehead [ FIG-yer-hed ]
[noun] MEANING : 1. one who is only a nominal or titular head 2. a figure that has been carved on the bow of a ship that is sailing USAGE EXAMPLE 1: He was elected to power but only as a figurehead. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: The celebrations are a reflection of how widely popular members of the royal family remain in the country as national figureheads. CNN, Background: The Dutch royal family, 2 May 2009

filch [ filch ]
[transitive verb]

MEANING : 1. to steal furtively 2. pilfer USAGE EXAMPLE 1: Likewise, if you have a dietary restriction and want to buy your food separately - do just that. Don't filch from your housemates thinking, 'Oh, they have plenty since they buy it in bulk'. BBC, Tips on How to Live in a Shared Household , 28th February 2003

filial [ FIL-ee-uh' l ]
[adjective] MEANING : 1. pertaining to a child or offspring 2. pertaining to a series of generations succeeding the parental generation USAGE EXAMPLE 1: A good helping of poison, duels, betrayal, filial ruptures and spirits in the night was served up by this youthful cast, who being largely past or present students should be well versed in such things. BBC, SHOESTRING, by BBC South Yorkshire contributor Rory Dollard, November 2002

finesse [ fi-NESS ]
[noun,transitive verb] MEANING : 1. artisanship or delicacy of performance 2. tactful manoeuvring or diplomacy while handling 3. to accomplish by using finesse 4. to make or use finesse USAGE EXAMPLE 1: A high degree of finesse is required to achieve a level of mastery in any art form. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: So now that the script was commissioned, it was time to finesse the research. Telegraph, Endgame: new beginnings, Paula Milne, 28 April 2009

finical [ FIN-i-kuh'l ]
[adjective] MEANING : fussy, finicky or overly fastidious USAGE EXAMPLE 1: Her finical attitude caused her to find fault with every step of the procedure. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: However there is just one disparity between the two professions, some of us are not only regulated by the FSA but are able to take professional exams bestowing the confidence and trust that our clients deserve before they make any finical commitment. BBC, Estate agents 'breaking the law', 29 May 2003

finicky [ FIN-i-kee ]
[adjective] MEANING : 1. fussy, meticulous, particular or fastidious 2. requiring precision USAGE EXAMPLE 1: Farmer was occasionally finicky. Economist, Pluck a flamingo, Dec 18th 2008

firebrand [ FAHYUH R-brand ]

[noun] MEANING : 1. a burning piece of wood 2. an inciter, agitator, instigator or mischief-maker USAGE EXAMPLE 1: His use of a firebrand in the protected areas of the forest was criticised by the forest rangers. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: The protests were called after an Israeli air strike hit the home of Nizar Rayyan, a firebrand leader of Hamas who refused to go into hiding, killing him and members of his family. BBC, Gaza facing 'critical emergency' , 2 January 2009

fission [ FISH-uh'n ]
[noun,intransitive verb,transitive verb] MEANING : 1. (n.) division or splitting into parts 2. (n.) (physics) the splitting of a heavy nucleus into two or more smaller nuclei accompanied by the release of energy 3. (tr.v.) to cause to undergo the process of fission 4. (intr.v.) to undergo the process of fission USAGE EXAMPLE 1: The reaction causes a reaction very similar to that of a nuclear fission. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: Nuclear power plants use fission -- the splitting of uranium atoms to release enormous energy -- to create power. The Washington Post, 5 Myths on Nuclear Power, Todd Tucker, 22 March 2009

fissure [ fish-er ]
[noun,intransitive verb,transitive verb] MEANING : 1. (n.) a crack, groove or cleft 2. (n.) a division, separation or schism 3. (tr.v.) to cause the formation of a crack (intr.v.) to split or cause cracking USAGE EXAMPLE 1: The combination of the lack of an obvious leader and the general political combustibility of the Republican Party will lead to a dangerous fissure that will plague it until the 2012 election cycle. CNN, 2009 political predictions: What will be the big story?, January 2, 2009.

fitful [ FIT-fuh' l ]
[adjective] MEANING : erratic, intermittent or irregular USAGE EXAMPLE 1: The hostile reaction to that plan seems to have reassured Mr Voronin that the Wests sometimes fitful support can still be relied on. Economist, Moldova looks for a deal, Nov 1st 2007

fixate [ FIK-seyt ]
[intransitive verb,transitive verb] MEANING :

1. (tr.v.) to make stationary or fixed 2. (tr.v.) to focus one's eyes at a point 3. (intr.v.) to become or get fixed USAGE EXAMPLE 1: He was fixated on winning the World Cup that year and put in a lot of time and effort to see his dream come true. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: Teaching children how to knit and build brick walls might not sound like it would appeal to a Department of Education fixated on league table results. Telegraph, Steiner schools: learning - it is a wonder, William Little, 3 February 2009

flaccid [ FLAK-sid, FLAS-id ]

[adjective] MEANING : 1. soft, flabby or lacking firmness 2. feeble or deficient in vigor, energy or force USAGE EXAMPLE 1: The close affairs, however, do not denote tantalizing fare or uplifting strokeplay/spells: both the games were played on flaccid pitches, making bowlers look like pie-chuckers. The Times of India, Pitch not right for Ranji venues, by Bobilli Vijay Kumar, 11 Jan 2009

flagellate [ v. FLAJ-uh'-leyt; adj., n. FLAJ-uh'-lit, -leyt ]

[noun,adjective,transitive verb] MEANING : 1. (tr.v.) to flog, scourge or whip 2. (adj.) having a shape like a flagellum 3. (adj.) pertaining to or of a flagellate 4. (n.) a protozoa or an alga that possesses one or more flagella USAGE EXAMPLE 1: To have anyone flagellated so mercilessly is a crime against humanity. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: Some worshippers and clerics flagellated themselves to the sounds of mourning invocations. CNN, 11 die in attacks in Iraq, From Jomana Karadsheh, November 28, 2008

flagrant [ FLEY-gruh' nt ]
[adjective] MEANING : Evidently unpleasant; shockingly bad USAGE EXAMPLE 1: "After years of being outraged at the Bush administration's flagrant disregard for FISA, Congress now is poised to give the president even greater powers to spy on our phone calls and emails," added Connell. CNBC News, ACLU of Illinois Urges Senator Obama to Vote No on FISA 'Deal', 07 Jul 2008

flail [ fleyl ]
[noun,intransitive verb,transitive verb] MEANING : 1. (n.) an instrument or device that is used for threshing which contains a handle made of wood at one end and a stick that swings freely at the other 2. (tr.v.) to sing or whip freely as though with a flail 3. (tr.v.) to thresh by means of a flail 4. (intr.v.) to vigorously and erratically thrash about

USAGE EXAMPLE 1: A flail is termed as a weapon and carrying it on one's person is prohibited. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: He was also sentenced to 28 days for possessing an offensive weapon, a flail which he swung at a police officer and criminal damage during an incident at his brother's home in Luton. BBC, Chemist struck off for 'attacks' , 14 December 2005

flair [ flair ]
[noun] MEANING : 1. a knack or natural aptitude 2. discernment, a tendency to be inclined towards or keenness 3. elegance or style USAGE EXAMPLE 1: Federer's victories are achieved with a combination of flair, fight and fire. The Times of India, Wimbledon 2007: It's poetry vs power, Prajwal Hegde, June 24, 2007

flak [ flak ]
[noun] MEANING : 1. criticism or opposition 2. antiaircraft fire or artillery USAGE EXAMPLE 1: The rule drew a lot of flak from right-wing hardliners. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: Flak was intended to explode at the same height as the planes, throwing out shards of hot metal that could easily rip through the thin skins of the bombers. BBC, The Air War, and British Bomber Crews, in World War Two, Mark Fielder, 9 January 2001

flamboyant [ flam-BOI-uh' nt ]
[noun,adjective] MEANING : 1. (adj.) ornate, showy or florid 2. (adj.) richly colourful, brilliant or flame like 3. (adj.) pertaining to the French Gothic architecture of the 15th and 16th century that had characteristic flame like forms and wavy lines 4.(n.) another name for the royal Poinciana tree USAGE EXAMPLE 1: Flamboyant costumes for this year's Notting Hill Carnival are being put on show at Alexandra Palace, north London. BBC, Carnival costumes go on display, 17 August 2008.

flaunt [ flawnt ]
[noun,intransitive verb,transitive verb] MEANING : 1. (intr.v.) to display or exhibit oneself boldly 2. (intr.v.) to flutter or wave conspicuously 3. (tr.v.) to display one's contempt or scorn 4. (tr.v.) to parade or exhibit oneself defiantly or boldly 5. (n.) an act or instance of flaunting USAGE EXAMPLE 1: The Assets Recovery Agency intends to crack down on these people and others who believe that

they can continue to flaunt the law. BBC, Agency targets paramilitaries, 24 February, 2003

flax [ flaks ]
[noun] MEANING : 1. A plant called Linum usitatissimum that is widely cultivated and has pale blue flowers, seeds yielding linseed oil, and thin, slender stems from which fibre is obtained. 2. yarn that is produced from such fibre 3. a pale, greyish yellow colour USAGE EXAMPLE 1: He particularly grew flax because of its seeds being in high demand. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: Workers made flax for weavers for more than a century at the site. BBC, Public touring 18th Century mill, 20 August 2005

fledgling [ FLEJ-ling ]
[noun,adjective] MEANING : 1. (n.) a young, immature or inexperienced person 2. (n.) a young, just fledged, bird 3. (adj.) new, young, immature or having no experience USAGE EXAMPLE 1: On the other are those who say that giving in to Mr Bashirs blackmailby withholding an indictment in the hope that he will co-operate with UN and other peacekeeperswill undermine the fledgling courts credibility and encourage other murderous tyrants. Economist, Sudans leader is accused, but others can expect to follow, Jul 17th 2008

fleet [ fleet ]
[noun,adjective,transitive verb] MEANING : 1. (n.) a group of warships or nautical vessels under a single command or functioning as one unit 2. (adj.) nimble, rapid or swift 3. (tr.v.) to move rapidly or swiftly USAGE EXAMPLE 1: The entire fleet took part in the naval exercise. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: Japan's whaling fleet has failed to catch its quota, after being disrupted by clashes with antihunting activists. BBC, Japan fleet misses whaling target, 14 April 2008

flinch [ flinch ]
[noun,intransitive verb,transitive verb] MEANING : 1. (tr.v.) to wince or to recoil from something unpleasant 2. (intr.v.) to wince or shrink 3. (n.) an act or instance of flinching USAGE EXAMPLE 1: He flinched before the doctor could administer the eye drops. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: Sitting less than a metre away from a poisonous cobra, the children show no signs of fear and do not flinch when faced with one of the deadly snakes.

Telegraph, Children in India train to become snake charmers, 10 June 2009

flop [ flop ]
[noun,intransitive verb,transitive verb] MEANING : 1. (intr.v.) to lie down or fall noisily 2. (intr.v.) to fail completely 3. (tr.v.) to fall or drop noisily 4. (n.) an instance or act of flopping USAGE EXAMPLE 1: She flopped down on the bench. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: The Alamo has all the ingredients of a flop, that is "a film that fails at the box office, and with critics and audiences." BBC, What makes a film flop? Tom Bishop, 13, April 2004

flora [ FLAWR-uh', FLOHR-uh' ]

[noun] MEANING : 1. plant or bacterial life that is found in a particular region or area 2. a list or treatise along with the description of the plants in a region 3. (Roman mythology) Goddess of plants USAGE EXAMPLE 1: From Walden Pond in Massachusetts to Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming, climate change has begun to dramatically affect the flora and fauna of these American treasures, according to two studies in Monday's Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. abcNews, Report: Climate change affects Yellowstone, By Doyle Rice, USA TODAY, October 27, 2008

florid [ FLAWR-id, FLOR- ]

[adjective] MEANING : 1) Ornate; flowery 2) Ruddy; having a rosy blush 3) (Archaic) Healthy 3) (Obsolete) Covered with or abounding in flowers USAGE EXAMPLE 1: The knob is a dome of bald rock and florid rhododendrons crowning Roan Mountain that thrusts into the blue Tennessee sky like a giant granite egg. National Geographic, One Day at a Time on the Five-Million-Step Program , June/July 2004

flout [ flout ]
[noun,intransitive verb,transitive verb] MEANING : 1. (tr.v.) to mock or treat with contempt 2. (intr.v.) to mock or be scornful 3. (n.) an insult or contemptuous remark USAGE EXAMPLE 1: Traffic signals are regularly flouted in the absence the traffic police. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: Thousands of drivers are continuing to flout mobile phone laws, despite higher fines and penalty points on licences, according to police.

BBC, Drivers flout mobile phone laws, 9 September 2007

fluke [ flook ]
[noun] MEANING : 1. a stroke of good fortune 2. a triangular blade that is at the end of an anchor's arm and is designed to catch in the ground 3. a flatfish USAGE EXAMPLE 1: She had not studied and therefore everyone believed she passed only by fluke. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: The UK Independence Party claimed a political breakthrough as it pushed Labour in to third place in the European elections insisting it was "no fluke". Telegraph, European elections 2009: Ukip claims political breakthrough, Tom Whitehead, 8 June 2009

flummox [ FLUHM-uh' ks ]
[transitive verb] MEANING : Perplex; confound; confuse USAGE EXAMPLE 1: Benneteau, who reached the quarters here two years ago, repeated the trick in the second, breaking Federer's serve at 5-4 with a crosscourt backhand to flummox the advancing Swiss. ABC News, Federer Fends off Brave Benneteau Challenge, By Miles Evans, June 2, 2008

fluster [ FLUHS-ter ]
[noun,intransitive verb,transitive verb] MEANING : 1. (tr.v.) to confuse, make tipsy or befuddle 2. (intr.v.) to cause confusion or get confused 3. (n.) a confused, agitated or excited state or condition USAGE EXAMPLE 1: The rain certainly doesnt fluster the mood of the partygoers in the city. The Times of India, Rain and Rannvijay... , 6 Jul 2008.

foible [ FOI-buh' l ]
[noun] MEANING : 1) A slight flaw or weakness in character 2) The weaker portion of a blade of a sword, from its middle to its tip. USAGE EXAMPLE 1: He'll tell you a version of events you won't read in the official history books one that doesn't spare the foibles and failings of the Philippines' various imperial overlords, from the Spanish to the Americans and the Japanese. News.com.au, Adelaide Now, Thriller in Manila for adventurous travellers, Brett Debritz, November 20, 2007

foil [ foil ]
[noun,transitive verb] MEANING : 1. (tr.v.) to frustrate, thwart or prevent from succeeding 2. (n.) a defeat

3. (n.) a thin sheet of metal that can be used to wrap food USAGE EXAMPLE 1: The police were unable to foil the robbery, which resulted in the demands for the resignation of the police inspector. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: Police in Brazil have foiled a plot to smuggle mobile phones into a high-security prison using a remotely-controlled model helicopter. BBC, Police foil prison phone delivery, Gary Duffy, 26 May 2009

foist [ foist ]
[transitive verb] MEANING : 1. to insert or introduce fraudulently 2. to pass off something fake as something genuine 3. to impose without proper justification USAGE EXAMPLE 1: When he made it mandatory for all teachers and students of ABE schools to show up on the morning of August 15, a few teachers actually protested the decision with lawyers notices stating that Independence Day was a public holiday and the board could not foist them with flag hoisting. THE TIMES OF INDIA, Parents, teachers too want a holiday, 15 Aug 2008, Anahita Mukherji,TNN

foment [ foh-MENT ]
[transitive verb] MEANING : 1. to incite or foster or instigate 2. to treat (especially the skin) with warm water or by applying ointments USAGE EXAMPLE 1: During his announcement Saturday, Ortega also accused Washington of trying to foment a coup against Morales. abcNEWS, Nicaragua's Ortega Says No Meeting With Bush, MANAGUA, Nicaragua, September 14, 2008

foppish [ FOP-ish ]
[adjective] MEANING : dandified, elegant or pertaining to a fop USAGE EXAMPLE 1: He was ridiculed for his foppish appearance. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: It all reminded me a little of Bradford, but without any of the foppish glamour often associated with my Yorkshire birthplace. Telegraph, The bicycle diaries: impressions of Romania, Douglas Whitehead, 11 May 2009

forage [ FAWR-ij, FOR- ]

[noun,intransitive verb,transitive verb] MEANING : 1. (n.) the act or instance of searching for fodder or food 2. (n.) provender or fodder for cattle 3. (intr.v.) to wander in search of provisions or food 4. (tr.v.) to collect supplies or provisions USAGE EXAMPLE 1:

Their forage for food was a failure as they returned empty-handed. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: The chicks will then enter a 12-week school where they will learn how to forage for food, to avoid predators and to interact with other cranes. BBC, Crane chicks prepared for school, 18 June 2009

foray [ FAWR-ey, FOR-ey ]

[noun,intransitive verb,transitive verb] MEANING : 1. (n.) a raid, plunder or pillage 2. (intr.v.) to pillage or plunder for spoils 3. (intr.v.) to make inroads as for adventure or profit 4. (tr.v.) to pillage, raid or plunder USAGE EXAMPLE 1: He was a victim of ridicule because of his foray into politics. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: Google's latest foray into the cell phone market is seen by many as the beginnings of the Internet giant's attempts to dominate the industry. CNN, Google's newest Android prepares to battle Apple, Digital Biz ebruary 18, 2009

forbear [ fawr-BAIR ]
[intransitive verb,transitive verb] MEANING : 1. (tr.v.) to desist or abstain from 2. (tr.v.) to withhold 3. (intr.v.) to hold back or refrain from 4. (intr.v.) to be patient in the face of provocation USAGE EXAMPLE 1: You must forbear as retaliation will only serve to add fuel to the fire. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: Now they are being used as launching sites for killing Israelis -- and the "international community" wants Israel to cease fire and forbear. CNN, Tyrrell: Bravo, Condi, R. Emmett Tyrrell Jr. 27 July 2006

forbearance [ fawr-BAIR-uh' ns ]
[noun] MEANING : 1. tolerance, patience or restraint from provocation 2. leniency or abstinence from enforcing a rule or law 3. an act or instance when a creditor extends the time for repayment of debt USAGE EXAMPLE 1: As truckers converge on London today, to protest about the price of fuel, what is most striking is the forbearance they have shown until now. Telegraph, The crippling cost of driving could be cut, 28 Dec 2008.

ford [ fawrd, fohrd ]

[noun,transitive verb] MEANING : 1. (n.) a part of water body that is shallow enough to be crossed by wading through it 2. (tr.v.) to cross a water body at a ford USAGE EXAMPLE 1: Due to the sudden downpour, the ford was the only safe place to cross the river.

USAGE EXAMPLE 2: (Oxford was created at the location of the ford across the River Thames where oxen would cross) University of Oxford, Exhibition of childrens gargoyles at the Bodleian library, 2 January 2008

forestall [ fohr-STAWL, fawr- ]

[transitive verb] MEANING : 1. to prevent, hinder, obstruct, thwart or delay 2. to anticipate or deal with beforehand 3. to buy goods in advance so as to increase the price when reselling USAGE EXAMPLE 1: The building secretary could not forestall the renovation by making trivial complaints to the municipal corporation. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: The White House attempted to forestall criticism from President Obama's liberal supporters by promising improved legal safeguards. Telegraph, Obama to relaunch military courts for Guantanamo suspects, 15 May 2009

forfeit [ FAWR-fit ]
[noun,adjective,transitive verb] MEANING : 1. (n.) penalty or fine 2. (n.) 3. (tr.v.) to surrender or be deprived of a right due to an error or offense 4. (adj.) loss due to forfeiture USAGE EXAMPLE 1: The referee warned them that a forfeit was their option as they were five players short. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: Any councillor caught following the cyclists' highway code of riding on the pavement and ignoring red traffic lights would forfeit a month's salary and expenses. The Herald, Get councillors on their bikes and potholes will be fixed in no time, Iain A D Mann, 17 July 2009

forge [ fawrj, fohrj ]

[noun,intransitive verb,transitive verb] MEANING : 1. (n.) furnace, hearth or smithy to wrought metal 2. (tr.v.) to give a shape by heating and then hammering 3. (tr.v.) to fashion or counterfeit 4. (intr.v.) to commit forgery 5. (intr.v.) to work at a forge USAGE EXAMPLE 1: The blacksmith lit the forge and prepared his instruments to begin work for the day. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: In Hartford, Connecticut, more than 11,000 confiscated weapons were forged into manhole covers for city streets. CNN, Weapons of destruction become tools of construction. Guns are recycled into manhole covers, menorahs, Jim Hill, 19 July 1997

forgery [ FAWR-juh'-ree, FOHR- ]

[noun] MEANING :

1. the act of producing an imitation or something counterfeit illegally 2. one that is forged USAGE EXAMPLE 1: While the investigation was still in progress, the nervous employee confessed to the bank's manager that he had committed the forgery. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: Fifteen cases of suspected forgery during the recent European election in Northern Ireland have been passed to the police. BBC, Inquiry into Euro vote 'forgery', 24 June 2009

forswear [ fawr-SWAIR ]
[intransitive verb,transitive verb] MEANING : 1. (tr.v.) to abjure or renounce or give up under oath 2. (tr.v.) to deny under oath 3. (intr.v.) to commit perjury or swear falsely USAGE EXAMPLE 1: Forswear beer and oily food if you want to reduce your paunch. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: Next time the crusading chef is touring schools, urging pupils to forswear junk food, let's hope he also urges them to dispose of the junk it's packaged in. Telegraph, Keep Britain Tidy? Not likely..., Michael Deacon, 13 January 2009

forte [ fawrt, fohrt, FAWR-tey ]

[noun,adjective,adverb] MEANING : 1. (n.) an area or field in which one excels, accomplishes a lot or which one finds as one's strong point 2. (n.) the strongest part of the blade of a sword which is between the middle and the hilt 3. (n.) a chord, note or passage played loudly and forcefully 4. (adj.) forceful or loud 5. (adv.) loudly or in a forceful way or manner USAGE EXAMPLE 1: With visualization as Manish's forte, Manish styles for various Indian glossies and also designs clothes for Indian celebrities. The Times of India, The design merchants, 2 Aug 2002.

fortitude [ FAWR-ti-tood, -tyood ]

[noun] MEANING : courage, patience, determination, firmness or the inner strength to combat adversity USAGE EXAMPLE 1: The fortitude displayed by the warriors in holding off the enemy was a sight to behold. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: We showed some fortitude and thought 'no matter what happens we're going to get to the Grand Final'. BBC, Sinfield issues warning to Saints, 27 September 2008

fortuitous [ fawr-TOO-i-tuh' s, -TYOO- ]

[adjective] MEANING :

accidentally lucky or fortunate USAGE EXAMPLE 1: It would be very difficult for us to afford to do it on our own. It this case, it's a fortuitous linkage of the commercial and the not-for-profit. abcNEWS, A Scarcity of New Plays Dominate B'way's Fall, By MICHAEL KUCHWARA AP Drama Writer, NEW YORK, September 2, 2008

foster [ FAW-ster, FOS-ter ]

[adjective,transitive verb] MEANING : 1. (tr.v.) to encourage or promote 2. (tr.v.) to nurture 3. (adj.) providing or receiving parental care though unrelated through blood or legal ties USAGE EXAMPLE 1: He was fortunate to have been adopted by doting foster parents. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: US Vice-President Joe Biden marks 4 July in Baghdad, urging Iraqi leaders to foster political reconciliation. BBC, Biden urges Iraq reconciliation, Gabriel Gatehouse, 4 July 2009

fracas [ FRAK-ah, FREY-kuh' s ]

[noun] MEANING : A brawl; noisy argument USAGE EXAMPLE 1: Several journalists also were caught up in the fracas and suffered injuries or lost their grips on cameras and recorders. CNN, Guards for African leaders battle; dozen injured, March 20, 2008

fractious [ FRAK-shuh' s ]
[adjective] MEANING : 1. unruly, troublesome or rebellious 2. irritable, quarrelsome or peevish USAGE EXAMPLE 1: Even in the fractious world of Hong Kong, Taiwan and mainland China relations, to fix a beauty pageant for patriotic reasons might be a first. Telegraph, Hong Kong TV station admits Miss Asia 2008 result altered, By Richard Spencer, 17 Dec 2008.

frantic [ FRAN-tik ]
[adjective] MEANING : 1. frenzied, desperate or wild with excitement 2. marked by rapid and disordered activity USAGE EXAMPLE 1: As the sun began to set, the search for the missing girl became increasingly frantic. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: The Liverpool end of the pitch resembled a casualty station with frantic efforts being made to treat the injured and save lives while others wandered aimlessly around the pitch in a daze. CNN, Hillsborough: 'The crowd cheered as the lad showed signs of life', Peter Went, 20 April 2009

fraudulent [ FRAW-juh'-luh' nt ]
[adjective] MEANING : 1. deceitful or based on fraud USAGE EXAMPLE 1: User Content that includes information that is false, misleading, inaccurate, fraudulent, or deceptive, or that promotes illegal activities is prohibited. National Geographic, COMMUNITY AT NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC RULES FOR MEMBERS

frenetic [ fruh'-NET-ik ]
[adjective] MEANING : frantic, desperate or frenzied USAGE EXAMPLE 1: With just a few minutes to go, the frenetic crowd cheered the home team to score. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: These laid back islands are a world away form the frenetic glamour of Miami Beach. CNN, Insider tips to make the most of Miami, 4 December 2008

frenzied [ FREN-zeed ]
[adjective] MEANING : 1. marked by wild enthusiasm or excitement 2. violent, frantic, agitated or wild USAGE EXAMPLE 1: The meditative time will soothe your frenzied brain, while the caffeine will give you just enough of a kick start to get through the rest of your day. Readers Digest, Shedding the Afternoon Office Rut.

fret [ fret ]
[noun,intransitive verb,transitive verb] MEANING : 1. (intr.v.) to brood or express discontent or worry 2. (intr.v.) to gnaw into, corrode or erode 3. (tr.v.) to vex, trouble or annoy 4. (tr.v.) to erode or corrode away or gnaw into 5. (n.) a mental state of being vexed, annoyed or irritated 6. (n.) erosion or corrosion USAGE EXAMPLE 1: His nature caused him to frown upon the world and fret in a show of discontent. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: After years of wearing down metal frets and having pieces of his guitar rip off or malfunction during shows, Van Halen says he's built a guitar that even he can't destroy. CNN, Eddie Van Halen reinvents the guitar, By Denise Quan, February 4, 2009

fringe [ frinj ]
[noun,transitive verb] MEANING : 1. (n.) a decorative edge or border that has hanging cords and strips 2. (n.) a periphery or edge

3. (tr.v.) to furnish or decorate with a fringe 4. (tr.v.) to form a fringe or border for USAGE EXAMPLE 1: She styled her hair with a cute little fringe covering her forehead. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: People also reported other fringe benefits such as better general health and reduced weight and smoking. BBC, Football therapy - for the mentally ill, Jane Elliott, 29 September 2008

fritter [ FRIT-er ]
[noun,intransitive verb,transitive verb] MEANING : 1. (n.) a shred or a small piece, portion or fragment2. (tr.v.) to squander or waste 3. (tr.v.) to shred or break into tiny fragments 4. (intr.v.) to dwindle, dissipate, degenerate or shrink USAGE EXAMPLE 1: He is an expert tracker, who made use of a single fritter to solve his last case. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: The speech made reference both to the healthcare and education reforms Mr Obama plans, and also the desire not to fritter away tax dollars. BBC, Determined Obama vows to renew US, 25 February 2009

frivolity [ fri-VOL-i-tee ]
[noun] MEANING : 1. triviality, silliness or lightness 2. frippery, bagatelle or something has little or no importance USAGE EXAMPLE 1: In 19th century England, frivolity was frowned upon. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: His instantly recognizable suits are directional yet classic, practical but with a touch of frivolity, eye catching but discreet. CNN, How Boateng changed face of tailoring, By Sylvia Smith for CNN, January 13, 2006

frond [ frond ]
[noun] MEANING : 1. a leaflike thallus 2. a large leaf, especially like that of a palm or fern, that has been divided finely USAGE EXAMPLE 1: Every branch sways, every frond moves when you bump or shoot it, and every tree trunk below a certain thickness can be snapped and collapsed. abcNEWS, Crysis Screenshots: Best-Looking PC Game Ever?, November 13, 2007

frugal [ FROO-guh'l ]
[adjective] MEANING : 1. economical, sparing or thrifty 2. inexpensive or meagre USAGE EXAMPLE 1: The wage the poor old man earned was inadequate to provide anything but a frugal meal for

himself and his family. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: The Communist Party corruption watchdog has reminded officials they should be living a frugal life. BBC, Chinese warned off lavish gifts, Chris Hogg, 29 December 2008

fruition [ froo-ISH-uh' n ]
[noun] MEANING : 1. achievement, realization or attainment 2. a state or condition of bearing fruit or actualization 3. enjoyment or contentment USAGE EXAMPLE 1: The very thought, that his plans were to reach fruiton, made him euphoric. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: Last week we outlined the potential benefits deflation could hold for those over 75, and this week's findings show these benefits in fruition. Telegraph, Inflation: Better news for pensioners at last, By Emma Wall, 11 Feb 2009

frump [ fruhmp ]
[noun] MEANING : 1) An unattractive, drab woman or girl 2) An old-fashioned, staid person USAGE EXAMPLE 1: The band, whose website defines a frump as "an unappreciated woman", describes itself an "allmum garage band" and "group of women who need to make some noise". The Telegraph, 'Mom rock' will teach the punks a thing or two, By Catherine Elsworth, 18 Jul 2005

fulmination [ fuhl-muh'-NEY-shuh'n ]
[noun] MEANING : 1. censure or denunciation 2. violent explosion USAGE EXAMPLE 1: The fulmination of the coach caused the team to hang their heads in shame. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: In this remote and idiosyncratic corner of Spain the fulminations from Madrid about Gibraltar's alleged responsibility have not found much sympathy. Telegraph, Tanker's dark tide engulfs 'golden' coast, Isambard Wilkinson, 20 November 2002

fulsome [ FOO' L-suh' m, FUHL- ]

[adjective] MEANING : effusive, excessive, overdone or repulsive USAGE EXAMPLE 1: In the midst of fulsome praise for US president George Bush and Condoleezza Rice, the foreign office continued to hedge its bets. THE TIMES OF INDIA, Nuke deal: So far so good, but, 18 Nov 2006, Indrani Bagchi,TNN

funereal [ fyoo-NEER-ee-uh' l ]

[adjective] MEANING : 1. suitable for, characteristic of or pertaining to a funeral 2. gloomy, sad or mournful USAGE EXAMPLE 1: The Ghalauri cremation ground was steeped in funereal gloom. The Times of India, Adulterated liquor kills 13 in Patiala, Gur Kirpal Singh Ashk, 13 February 2003.

fusillade [ FYOO-suh'-leyd, -lahd, -zuh'- ]

[noun] MEANING : 1) A discharge of firearms simultaneously or continuously 2) A rapid outburst or discharge of anything; barrage USAGE EXAMPLE 1: Two of the five police officers under investigation by a Queens grand jury appeared Monday to testify about a 50-shot fusillade that killed an unarmed man on his wedding day. Los Angeles Times, Cops go before Bell jury, March 5, 2007

fusion [ FYOO-zhuh' n ]
[noun] MEANING : 1. melting or liquefaction 2. mixture, amalgamation or blending of two or more things, elements or styles or genres of music 3. a coalition or union of two or more political parties in order to form a government 4. (physics) combining of two or more nuclei to form a heavier nucleus that is accompanied by the release of energy USAGE EXAMPLE 1: According to Professor Julian Vincent from Bath University it is this sort of application in which design is truly biomimetic and represents an authentic fusion of biology and engineering. CNN, Borrowing from nature, By Matthew Knight, April 1, 2008