GRE Wordlists and Essays...

Some Sample Recommendation Letters...

2006-12-02T07:48:00.000-08:00

To Whom It May Concern:

I have had the distinct pleasure of having Kaya Stone as a student in my debate classes and on my debate team for three years at Eastern Little Hope High School.

Kaya has been more than the ideal student. In order to achieve the highest grades and my deepest respect, she has demonstrated outstanding leadership and maintained a clear sense of purpose.

The academics at Eastern Little Hope are most challenging, and Kaya fulfilled all the requirements with the added challenge of honors and advanced courses. Kaya is an outstanding extemporaneous speaker and debater. She has won many awards on the speech and debate circuits, and qualified for national tournaments. Success in these interscholastic activities requires extensive research and persuasive skills. Kaya also holds the degree of Special Distinction, as a member of the National Forensic League.

Due to its nature of metro, state, and national interscholastic competition, the successful high school forensics student serves by not only representing his or her school but also by representing his or her community as well. One of the requirements in my advanced class is to prepare lectures and guidance for the beginners. With Kaya’ s superior knowledge and involvement in the political sciences, she developed a strong sense of confidence with a charming attitude. Therefore, I could always depend on her to set the best example as an instructor. Because of her natural leadership abilities, Kaya was selected as our Debate Captain. On account of her mature approach to her responsibilities, I often thought of Kaya as a colleague.

Since her classmates, my fellow teachers, and I will always hold her in the highest esteem, I sincerely recommend Kaya Stone as the ideal candidate for matriculation at Eastern Little Hope State.

Respectfully submitted,

Dan Peel, Ph.D.

***************************************letter 2**********************************
As the Dean of Stonewell College, I have had the pleasure of knowing Hannah Smith for the last four years. She has been a tremendous student and an asset to our school. I would like to take this opportunity to recommend Hannah for your graduate program.

I feel confident that she will continue to succeed in her studies. Hannah is a dedicated student and thus far her grades have been exemplary. In class, she has proven to be a take-charge person who is able to successfully develop plans and implement them.

Hannah has also assisted us in our admissions office. She has successfully demonstrated leadership ability by counseling new and prospective students. Her advice has been a great help to these students, many of whom have taken time to share their comments with me regarding her pleasant and encouraging attitude.

It is for these reasons that I offer high recommendations for Hannah without reservation. Her drive and abilities will truly be an asset to your establishment. If you have any questions regarding this recommendation, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Sincerely,

*********************************Letter3 *****************************
This letter is my personal recommendation for Cathy Douglas. Until just recently, I have been Cathy’s immediate supervisor for several years. I found her to be consistently pleasant, tackling all assignments with dedication and a smile.

Besides being a joy to work with, Cathy is a take-charge person who is able to present creative ideas and communicate the benefits. She has successfully developed several marketing plans for our company that have resulted in increased revenue. During her tenure, we saw an increase in profits that exceeded one million dollars. The new revenue was a direct result of the plans implemented by Cathy.

Though she was an asset to our marketing efforts, Cathy was also extraordinarily helpful in other areas of the company. In addition to writing effective training modules for sales representatives, Cathy assumed a leadership role in sales meetings, inspiring and motivating other employees.

I highly recommend Cathy for employment. She is a team player and would make a great asset to any organization.

Sincerely,

Sharon Feeney Marketing Manager ABC Productions

*************************************Letter 4*****************************
Cheri Jackson is an extraordinary young woman. As her AP English Professor, I have seen many examples of her talent and have long been impressed by her diligence and work ethic. I understand that Cheri is applying to the undergraduate program at your school. I would like to recommend her for admission.

Cheri has outstanding organizational skills. She is able to successfully complete multiple tasks with favorable results despite deadline pressure. As part of a semester project, she developed an innovative collaborative novel with her classmates. This book is now being considered for publication. Cheri not only headed the project, she ensured its success by demonstrating leadership abilities that her classmates both admired and respected.

I must also make note of Cheri’s exceptional academic performance. Out of a class of 150 students, Cheri graduated with honors in the top 10. Her above-average performance is a direct result of her hard work and strong focus.

If your undergraduate program is seeking superior candidates with a record of achievement, Cheri is an excellent choice. She has consistently demonstrated an ability to rise to any challenge that she must face.

To conclude, I would like to restate my strong recommendation for Cheri Jackson. If you have any further questions regarding Cheri’s ability or this recommendation, please do not hesitate to contact me using the information on this letterhead.

*****************************next***************************************
I would like to take an opportunity to offer a formal recommendation for Jane Glass. As the Senior Coordinator for Heartland Commerce I have known Jane for approximately two years and feel that she is a deserving candidate for your business school program.

Jane joined our organization as an entry-level customer service representative. Demonstrating an incredible initiative and a strong dedication, she moved up the ranks quickly. After only six months, she was promoted to team leader. The board could not help but notice how successful she was in her new position and quickly offered her another promotion, making her part of the executive management team.

Jane leads by example and many people here find her enthusiasm and dedication both inspiring and motivating. As part of the executive management team, Jane has worked hard to build authentic relationships with the employees. Her efforts have created a happier and more productive team.

I believe Jane exhibits many of the qualities that are essential to business managers and business students. An education at your esteemed business school will help her hone these qualities, while enhancing her career opportunities. I highly recommend Jane Glass for your program and hope that you will carefully consider admission application.
***************************************************

Dear [Mr./Ms. Last Name]:
I am writing to you in support of [Mr./Ms. Full Name] and [his/her] desire to attend [University Name] for the [Program Title] program. Though many students ask me to make this request on their behalf, I only recommend students whom I feel are well-suited for the program of their choice. [Mr./Ms. Last Name] is one of those students and therefore, I highly recommend that [he/she] be given the opportunity to attend your university.

As [Professor’s Title] of [Professor’s Department] at [University Name], I work with many students who have substantial knowledge of [Subject]. [Mr./Ms. Last Name] has consistently shown such a strong desire to learn [subject] that I simply could not turn down [his/her] request for recommendation.

I first met [Mr./Ms. Last Name] in my [Course Title] course during the [Season and Year] semester. Compared to the class average of [Class Average], [Mr./Ms. Last Name] earned a [Grade] in the class. [Mr./Ms. Last Name] was evaluated on [explain basis for grades, e.g., exams, papers, etc.], in which [he/she] performed exceptionally well.

[First Name] is an outstanding individual with a strong character. [He/She] has the ability to produce impressive results in a wide variety of areas. [First Name] is/has [list of positive traits/skills, e.g. organized, motivated, etc.]. I have seen astonishing results on complex projects that offered great attention to detail where quality was never compromised. Additionally, [he/she] has a very positive attitude and truly embraces learning all there is to know about [subject].

Though [First Name] has consistently exceeded in all areas of [his/her] coursework, the best example of [his/her] intelligence shone through a [paper/presentation/project/etc.] on [Work’s Title]. The work clearly showed [his/her] ability to deliver a clear, concise, and well-thought presentation with a new perspective by demonstrating [embellish here].

In addition to [his/her] coursework, [First Name] also dedicated some of [his/her] time volunteering at [Club or Organization Name]. [His/Her] position required [him/her] to [list of tasks]. [He/She] felt volunteering was an important leadership role, in which [he/she] learned [list of skills]. The skills acquired through volunteering will be beneficial to all of [First Name] future endeavors. [First Name] has the ability to manage and organize [his/her] time and schedule around different activities without having them interfere with school. [His/Her] experience at [Club or Organization Name] provided [him/her] with the aptitude that [he/she] needs for graduate school and for a career in [name of career].

I believe [First Name] is destined to be a leader in [type of field], and therefore is an excellent candidate for your school. I highly recommend that you consider [his/her] application, as [he/she] will be a great asset to your program. I’m sure you will find [him/her] to be a student whose talents will only shine further through your graduate program. It is my hope that you will accept [his/her] admission to your university. If you would like further information, please feel free to contact me.

Sincerely,
[Professor’s Name]
[Professor’s Title]
[University]

A letter of recommendation - Vital Part of your application!

2006-11-13T04:24:00.000-08:00

A very important part of your graduate application, this letter tells the admission committee about the candidate's qualities in the recommender’s area. This is a document that has the capacity to cover certain lacunae in the other parts of your application like Statement of Purpose, Standardized Test Scores, or Academic Record.

A recommendation letter (reco) is a third person's perspective about you that aids the admission committee make decision on whether you are a student who would match their mix of the class or not. If you try and put yourself in the admission committee’s shoes, try to look at our own packet you would realize that all the information apart form the recommendation letters have been drafted or scored by the student. So they are looking for some piece of information that is like, "I feel John is good in this area!" etc. Well of course this "I" should be someone who knows you well for some time, has supervised your work at some or the other level, and holds a high regard for your work. It is no point requesting a reco from a person who thinks you did not do a great job by discovering the area of blood cell!

A reco is a document that discusses your personal qualities, accomplishments and experiences that make you unique and perfect for the course to which you have applied at the university or school. This Document needs to contain qualified information, stating a quality without examples is like explaining mathematical theorem without proof.

How does one go about this Document? - A tough question? Here is the simple answer.

Start off with a question to yourself, who do you think will have a better opinion about you of the people whom you have worked with? Typically they are faculty members, administrators, internship or education supervisors, and employers. These people should typically be capable of speaking the following about you.

Know you well - to be able to comment on your abilities.
Know you long enough to write with authority.
Know your work - should have worked closely with you to know about your working capabilities, and be able to make a judgment on them as to being good, bad, normal, etc.
Describe your work positively - This is important I feel to avoid a negative impact on your application.
Have a high opinion / regard of you - This would give added advantage to your profile.
Know where you are applying - That’s important else the reco would be written for Persian Universities and you send it to US univs!
Know your educational and career goals - Why are you taking your further education?
Be able to favorably compare you with your peers - Important, Very Important!

Ideally your letters of Recommendation should cover the following areas.

Academic
scholastic abilities,
research potential and experience,
applied experiences (e.g., co-operative education, internships, related work experience).

Approach the person and request if he can write a reco for you. If the person seems reluctant do not force them, the result might not be that good. If the person agrees to write a reco you need to provide some information for him or her to recollect facts about you, if you have had interaction with them some time back, it will be to your advantage if you provide them with the following items to bridge the gap of information.

Transcript - To remind or tell you had scored good marks in their subject, if you had scored them or else to just tell you were good at studies.
Resume or vita - To tell them what all you have done post their course. This could only make it better for them to write about you.
Admissions essays - They tell the recommender what you are really interested in, why you want to pursue your higher education.
Research experiences - This is important if the person plans to emphasize your research abilities.
internship and other applied experiences -
honor societies to which you belong
awards you've won
work experience
professional goals
due date for the application
copy of the application recommendation forms

Once you have provided your recommenders with the information They can draft the letter of recommendation for you. About how to write a recommendation letter I would write another article later in the week.

Till then Best of luck... Feel free to comment on this and let me know what you have to say about it.

WL:D

2006-10-04T11:17:00.000-07:00

dabble work at in a nonserious fashion; splash around; move noisily in a liquid

dais raised platform for speakers or other important people

dally trifle with; toy with; treat without the necessary seriousness; procrastinate; waste time

dank damp; unpleasantly wet dapper neat and trim (in appearance); (of small men) neat in appearance and quick in movements; neat; spry

dappled spotted

daub smear (as with paint); cover with something sticky; Ex. daub one’s clothes with mud/paint; N: small bit of sticky substance; Ex. a daub of paint
~ smear spread or cover with a sticky substance; N: mark made by smearing
~ smudge dirty mark with unclear edges made by rubbing; V.

daunt intimidate; frighten; discourage; dishearten

dauntless bold; fearless

dawdle loiter; hang around; waste time doing nothing

deadlock standstill resulting from the opposition of two unrelenting forces; stalemate
~ standstill condition of no movement or activity; stop

deadpan wooden; impassive; with no show of feeling; with an expressionless face

dearth scarcity

d´ebˆacle sudden disastrous downfall or defeat; complete disaster

debase degrade; reduce in quality or value; degenerate; lower in esteem; disgrace; N. debasement
~ kneel go down on one’s knee(s)

debauch corrupt morally; seduce from virtue; N. debauchery: wild behavior (with sex and alcohol)
~ seduce lead away from proper conduct; entice; ADJ. seductive

debilitate weaken (esp. through heat, hunger, illness); enfeeble
~ bout match; short period of great activity; Ex. Wrestling bout; bout of drinking/flu

debonair (of men) friendly, charming, and fashionably

dressed; aiming to please; CF. of good disposition

d´ebris rubble; wreckage; scattered remains of something broken or destroyed

debunk expose as false, exaggerated, worthless, etc.; ridicule

debutante young woman making formal entrance into society
~ debut d´ebut; first public appearance; formal presentation of a young woman to society

decadence decay; fall to a lower level (of morality, civilization, or art); ADJ. decadent

decant pour off gently (wine or liquid)

decapitate behead

decelerate slow down

deciduous falling off at a specific season or stage of growth as of leaves; Ex. deciduous tree/teeth

decimate kill (usually one out of ten or every tenth man);

destroy or kill a large part of

decipher decode; CF. indecipherable

declivity downward slope

d´ecollet´e (of a dress) having a low-cut neckline; CF.

d´ecolletage: low neckline (on a dress)
~ decree authoritative order; edict; judgment of a court of law; V: order or judge by decree

decomposition decay; V. decompose: decay; break and separate into simple parts

decorum propriety; orderliness and good taste in manners; appropriateness of behavior or conduct
~ decorous proper (in behavior, conduct, or appearance)

decoy lure or bait; V.

decrepitude state of collapse or weakness caused by illness or old age
~ decrepit weak and in bad condition from old age or hard use; Ex. decrepit old chair/man

decry express strong disapproval of; condemn openly (something dangerous to the public); disparage; Ex. Decry the violence of modern films

deducible derived by reasoning; V. deduce: infer; derive by reasoning

deface mar; disfigure
~ mar spoil the appearance of

defame harm someone’s reputation; malign; speak evil of; slander; N. defamation; ADJ. defamatory

default failure to act; failure to perform a task or be present; V.

defeatist resigned to defeat or failure; accepting defeat or failure as a natural outcome; N. CF. defeatism

defection desertion
~ defect shortcoming; V: desert (in order to join the opposite one)

defer give in respectfully; submit; delay till later; exempt temporarily; N. deferment; CF. show respect, comply with, courteous

deference courteous regard for another’s wish; courteous yielding to another’s wish or opinion (showing respect); ADJ. deferential; OP. effrontery

defiance refusal to yield; resistance; V. defy; ADJ. defiant

defile pollute; make filthy or dirty; corrupt morally; profane;

desecrate; N: narrow passage or gorge through mountains

definitive most reliable; authorative and complete; that cannot be improved; conclusive; decisive; definite; Ex. definitive decision by the supreme court

deflect turn aside; turn away from a straight course

defoliate destroy leaves; deprive of leaves (by the use of chemicals); N. defoliant

defray provide for the payment of; undertake the payment of; pay

defrock strip a priest or minister of church authority; unfrock
~ frock long loose garment (worn by monks)

deft neat; skillful

defunct dead; no longer in use or existence

degenerate become worse in quality; deteriorate; ADJ: having become worse; Ex. a degenerate species; N: depraved or corrupt person

degradation humiliation; debasement; degeneration; V.

degrade: debase; disgrace; degenerate; reduce (something) in worth; demote (someone); reduce in rank
~ dishonor disgrace; N. ADJ. dishonorable

dehydrate remove water from; dry out

deify turn into a god; make a god of; idolize; Ex. Kings were deified; CF. deity

deign condescend; stoop
~ stoop bend forward and down; lower or debase oneself; fall to a lower standard of behavior by doing something; condescend; Ex. stoop to lying

delete erase; strike out

deleterious harmful

deliberate consider; ponder; ADJ: done on purpose; slow

delineate portray; depict; sketch; describe; N. delineation

delirium mental disorder marked by confusion; uncontrolled excitement; ADJ. delirious

delta flat plain of mud or sand between branches of a river

delude deceive

deluge flood; rush; V.

delusion false belief; hallucination; deluding; Ex. Delusions of grandeur; Ex. under the delusion that

delusive deceptive; likely to delude; misleading; raising vain hopes; Ex. delusive promises

delve dig; search deeply; investigate

demagogue person who appeals to people’s prejudice; false leader of people; CF. demagoguery

demean disgrace; humiliate; debase in dignity; behave

demeanor behavior; bearing

demented insane

demise death

demographic related to population balance; N. demography: statistical study of human population

demolition destruction; V. demolish

demoniac(demoniacal) fiendish; cruel; N. demon: evil supernatural being; devil
~ fiend evil spirit; devil

demotic of or pertaining to the people

demur object (because of doubts, scruples); raise an objection (showing qualms); hesitate; Ex. demur at the idea of working on Sunday

demure (of a woman or child) grave; quiet and serious; coy; pretending to be demure

denigrate blacken; defame

denizen (animal, person, or plant) inhabitant or resident of a particular place; regular visitor

denotation meaning; distinguishing by name; V. denote: indicate; refer to directly; mean; CF. connotation

d´enouement final outcome; final development of the plot of a play or other literary work; the end of a story when everything is explained

denounce condemn; criticize; N. denunciation

depict portray
~ expos´e public revelation of something discreditable

deplete reduce; exhaust

deplore regret; express sorrow and severe disapproval for something bad; Ex. deplore their violent behavior; ADJ. deplorable: very bad; deserving severe disapproval; Ex. deplorable living condition

deploy spread out (troops) in an extended though shallow battle line; distribute (persons or forces) systematically or strategically
~ battalion army unit made up of four or more companies

depose dethrone; remove from office; give a deposition; testify

deposition testimony under oath; deposing; dethroning

depravity extreme corruption; wickedness; V. deprave

deprecate express disapproval of; deplore; protest against; belittle; ADJ. deprecatory

depreciate lessen in value; belittle; represent as of little value

depredation plundering; destruction

deranged insane
~ institute organization for a special purpose; V: establish
~ institution instituting; (building for the) organization; established

custom, practice, or relationship in a society; mental

hospital; Ex. institution of marriage
~ institutionalize make into an institution; put or confine in an institution

derelict negligent; (of someone) neglectful of duty; (of something) deserted by an owner; abandoned; N: abandoned property; homeless or vagrant person
~ dereliction neglect of duty; abandonment

deride ridicule; treat with contempt; make fun of; OP. respect

derision ridicule; ADJ. derisive; CF. derisory

derivative unoriginal; obtained from another source; Ex.

derivative prose style; N.
~ derivation deriving; origin or source of something; Ex. The derivation of the word

dermatologist one who studies the skin and its diseases
~ acne skin disease (on the face)

derogatory expressing a low opinion; disparaging; V. derogate: detract; disparage

descry catch sight of (something distant)

desecrate profane; violate the sanctity of
~ violate break (a law); defile; desecrate; assault sexually; Ex. violate graves

desiccate dry up

desolate (of a place) deserted; unpopulated; (of a person) lonely; forlorn; joyless desolate make desolate; forsake; abandon and desert

desperado reckless, desperate outlaw
~ desperate having lost all hope; despairing; reckless and violent because of loss of hope or

despair; undertaken as a last resort

despise look on with scorn; regard as worthless or distasteful; ADJ. despicable: contemptible

despoil plunder; sack; Ex. despoil the village

despondent without hope and courage; depressed; gloomy;

despondency: loss of hope with gloom; dejection

despot tyrant; harsh, authoritarian ruler; CF. despotism

destitute extremely poor; lacking means of subsistence; utterly lacking; devoid; Ex. destitute of any experience
~ impoverish make poor; deprive of natural strength or something important; Ex. impoverished soil

desultory aimless; haphazard; digressing at random

detached emotionally removed; free from emotional involvement; calm and objective; physically separate; N. detachment; CF. attachment
~ detain keep waiting; prevent from leaving or going; N. detention

determinate having a fixed order of procedure; precisely

defined; invariable; fixed; conclusive; final

determination resolve; firmness of purpose; measurement or calculation; decision

deterrent something that discourages or deters

detonation explosion

detraction slandering; aspersion; detracting; CF. detractor

detrimental harmful; damaging; N. detriment

deviate turn away from (a principle, norm); move away from an accepted standard; swerve; depart; diverge; N. deviation; Ex. deviation of the path of light by a prism

devious roundabout; erratic; deviating from the straight course; not straightforward; not completely honest; Ex. devious route

devise think up; invent; plan; bequeath; N: bequest

devoid empty; lacking

devolve deputize; pass or be passed to others (power, work, or property); Ex. devolve on/upon/to
~ deputize work or appoint as a deputy; N. deputy: person who has the power to take charge when the leading person is away

devotee enthusiastic follower; enthusiast; Ex. devotee of Bach

devout pious; deeply religious; sincere; earnest; Ex. my devout hope
~ religious of religion; (of a person) pious; having reverence for a deity

dexterous skillful; skill in using hands or mind; N. dexterity

diabolical diabolic; devilish; fiendish

diadem crown

dialectical relating to the art of debate; mutual or reciprocal; Ex. dialectical situation; N. dialectic: art of arriving at the truth by the exchange of logical arguments

diaphanous sheer; transparent

diatribe bitter scolding or denunciation; invective; abuse

dichotomy division into two opposite parts; split; branching into two parts (especially contradictory ones)

dictum authoritative and weighty statement (made by a judge in court); saying; maxim; CF. obiter dictum: incidental, nonbinding remark (something said in passing)

didactic (of speech or writing) intended to teach a moral lesson; teaching; instructional; N. didacticism

die metal block used for shaping metal or plastic; device for stamping or impressing; mold; CF. dice

diffidence shyness; lack of self-confidence; timidity; ADJ. diffident diffuse wordy; verbose; rambling; spread out (like a gas); V: spread out in all directions; disperse; N. diffusion; CF. suffuse

digression wandering away from the subject; V. digress

dilapidated falling to pieces; in a bad condition; ruined because of neglect; Ex. dilapidated old car/castle; N. dilapidation

dilate expand; dilate on/upon: speak or write at length on (a subject)

dilatory delaying; tending to delay

dilemma situation that requires a choice between equally unfavorable options; problem; choice of two unsatisfactory alternatives

dilettante aimless follower of an art or a field of knowledge (not taking it seriously); amateur; dabbler; CF. delight

diligence steadiness of effort; persistent hard work

dilute make (a liquid) less concentrated; reduce in strength;Ex. dilute the influence of the president

diminution lessening; reduction in size; V. diminish

din continued loud noise; V: make a din; instill by wearying repetition
~ weary tired after long work; V.

dinghy small boat (often ship’s boat)
~ maroon leave helpless on a deserted island or coast; ADJ. red brown

dingy (of things and place) dirty and dull; Ex. dingy street/curtain
~ dull (of colors or surfaces) not bright; cloudy; overcast; boring; (of edge or sound) not sharp; not rapid; sluggish; slow in thinking and understanding; stupid; V. dint means; effort; Ex. by dint of hard work

diorama life-size, three-dimensional scene from nature or history; three-dimensional scene with modeled figures against a painted background

dire warning of disaster; disastrous; (of needs and dangers) very great; urgent; Ex. dire prediction/need of food

dirge funeral song; slow mournful piece of music (sung over a dead person)

disabuse correct a false impression; undeceive; free from a wrong belief

disaffected disloyal; lacking loyality; V. disaffect: cause to lose affection or loyalty

disapprobation disapproval; condemnation

disarray state of disorder; a disorderly or untidy state; Ex. with her clothes in disarray

disavowal denial; disclaiming; repudiating; disowning; V. disavow; CF. disclaim

disband dissolve; disperse; (of a group) break up and separate; Ex. The club has disbanded.

disburse pay out (as from a fund); N. disbursement; CF. purse

discernible distinguishable; perceivable; Ex. discernible improvement

discerning mentally quick and observant; having insight; perceptive; able to make good judgments; V. discern: perceive

disclaim disown; renounce claim to; deny; CF. disclaimer

disclose reveal; N. disclosure

discombobulated discomposed; confused
~ discompose disturb the composure of; confuse

discomfit frustrate; put to rout; defeat; disconcert; embarrass; perturb

disconcert confuse; upset; embarrass; perturb

disconsolate hopelessly sad (at the loss of something)

discord conflict; lack of harmony; dissonance (when musical notes are played)

discordant not harmonious; conflicting

discount disregard; regard (a story or news) as unimportant; deduct from a cost

discourse serious speech, writing, or conversation; formal

discussion (either written or spoken); conversation; V.

discredit defame; disgrace; destroy confidence in; disbelieve; N. CF. discreditable: causing discredit; shameful

discrepancy lack of consistency or agreement as between facts; difference; Ex. discrepancy between two descriptions

discrete separate; unconnected

discretion prudence; ability to adjust actions to circumstances; freedom of action or judgment; ADJ. discreet; CF. discretionary

discriminating able to see differences; discerning; prejudiced; N. discrimination
~ discriminate distinguish; make distinctions on the basis of preference
~ brisk quick and active; marked by liveliness and vigor

discursive (of a person or writing) digressing; rambling (without any clear plan)

disdain treat with scorn or contempt

disembark debark; go ashore (from a ship); unload cargo from a ship; CF. embark

disenfranchise disfranchise; deprive of a civil right; OP. enfranchise

disengage uncouple; separate; disconnect; stop fighting; OP. engage

disfigure mar the appearance of; spoil

disgorge surrender something (stolen); eject; vomit; OP. gorge

disgruntle make discontented

dishearten discourage

disheveled untidy (of hair or clothing); V. dishevel

disinclination unwillingness

disingenuous not naive; not candid; sophisticated; worldly wise; OP. ingenuous

disinter dig up; unearth; OP. inter

disinterested unprejudiced; free from bias and selfinterest; objective

disjointed disconnected; lacking coherence; V. disjoint: disconnect; disjoin

disjunction act or state of separation; disunity; CF. disjunctive: expressing a choice between two ideas; CF. conjunction; CF. conjunctive

dislodge remove (forcibly); force out of a position; Ex. dislodge the food caught in his throat; CF. lodge

dismantle take apart; disassemble
~ mantle loose sleeveless outer garment; cloak; something that covers or envelops; the layer of the earth between the crust and the core
~ crust hard outer covering (as of earth or snow)

dismember cut into small parts; cut (a body) apart limb from limb

dismiss eliminate from consideration; no longer consider; put out of court without further hearing; reject; discharge from employment; direct to leave; ADJ. dismissive; N. dismissal

disparage belittle maneuver(manoeuver) strategic military or naval movement (done for training purposes); carefully planned process; stratagem; V: carry out a military maneuver; use maneuvers in gaining an end

disparate basically different; impossible to compare; unrelated

disparity difference; condition of inequality; OP. parity

dispassionate calm; impartial; not influenced by personal feelings

dispatch speediness; prompt execution; message sent with all due speed; V: send to a specified destination; finish promptly; kill

dispel scatter; drive away; cause to vanish
~ dispense distribute; prepare and give out (medicines); N.

dispensation: dispensing; religious system; official exemption from an obligation or a rule

disperse scatter; Ex. disperse the cloud/crowd

dispirited lacking in spirit

disport amuse; Ex. disport oneself; CF. divert

disputatious argumentative; fond of argument

disquietude uneasiness; anxiety; V. disquiet: make anxious

disquisition formal systematic inquiry; explanation of the results of a formal inquiry; long formal speech or written report

dissection analysis; cutting apart in order to examine

dissemble disguise; hide the real nature of; pretend

disseminate distribute; spread; scatter (like seeds)

dissent disagree

dissertation formal essay; treatise

dissident dissenting (with an opinion, a group, or a government); rebellious; N.

dissimulate pretend; conceal by feigning; dissemble

dissipate squander; waste foolishly; scatter

dissolution disintegration; reduction to a liquid form; looseness in morals; sensual indulgence; debauchery; ADJ. dissolute: lacking in moral restraint; leading an immoral life
~ reduce diminish; bring to a weaker or more difficult condition;

demote; lower in rank; separate into components by analysis; Ex. reduced to the ranks; Ex. reduce the house to rubble; N. reduction

dissuade persuade not to do; discourage; N. dissuasion
~ dissonance discord distant reserved or aloof; cold in manner; Ex. distant greeting; ADV. distantly distend expand; swell out

distill refine (a liquid by evaporating and subsequent condensation); concentrate; separate the most important parts from; Ex. distill fresh water from sea water; CF. brew

distinction honor; excellence; difference; contrast; discrimination; Ex. graduated with distinction; Ex. a writer of real distinction
~ distinct clearly different; clearly noticed
~ distinctive clearly different from others of the same kind

distort twist out of shape; give a false account of; misrepresent; N. distortion

distrait absentminded; distracted

distraught upset; distracted by anxiety; very anxious and troubled almost to the point of madness; Ex. distraught with grief/worry
~ distract take (one’s attention) off something; upset emotionally; make anxious; ADJ. distracted

diurnal daily; occurring during the daytime

diva operatic singer; prima donna

diverge vary; go in different directions from the same point; ADJ. divergent: differing; deviating

diverse differing in some characteristics (from each other); various; N. diversity: variety; dissimilitude; lack of resemblance

diversion act of turning aside; pastime; V. divert: turn aside from a course; distract; amuse

divest strip (as of clothes); deprive (as of rights); dispossess; N. divestiture(divestment)

divine perceive intuitively (by or as if by magic); foresee the future; foretell; dowse; ADJ. N. divination
~ dowse use a divining rod to search for underground water or minerals

divulge reveal

docile obedient; easily managed; submissive
~ ferocious fierce; violent; N. ferocity

docket program as for trial; book where such entries are made; list of things to be done; agenda; label fixed to a package listing contents or directions; V: describe in a docket

doctrinaire unable to compromise about points of doctrine;

dogmatic; unyielding; marked by inflexible attachment to a doctrine without regard to its practical difficulties

doctrine teachings in general; particular principle (religious, legal, etc.) taught; dogma; tenet; ADJ. doctrinal
~ indoctrinate cause to accept a doctrine without questioning it; Ex. indoctrinated with mindless anti-communism document provide written evidence (for a claim); record with documents; N.

doddering shaky; infirm from old age; V. dodder
~ merit deserve; ADJ. meritorious: deserving reward or praise doff take off; OP. don

dogged determined; stubborn; stubbornly persevering; tenacious; Ex. Inspector Javert’s dogged pursuit of Jean Valjean
~ persevere continue steadily in spite of difficulties

doggerel poor verse

dogmatic opinionated; holding stubbornly to one’s opinion; arbitrary; doctrinal

doldrums blues; listlessness(lack of spirit or energy); slack(inactive) period; period of stagnation; ocean area near the equator where ships cannot move because there is no wind; Ex. in the doldrums
~ blues state of depression or melancholy; style of slow, mournful music (evolved from southern Black American songs)

dolorous sorrowful; N. dolor

dolt slow-thinking stupid person; CF. dull

domicile home; V. ADJ. domiciled: having one’s domicile; Ex. He is domiciled in Britain.

domineer rule over tyrannically
~ dominate control; rule; enjoy a commanding position in; overlook from a height;
~ dominant exercising the most influence; high and easily seen; stronger than the other part of a system; not recessive

don put on; OP. doff
~ outfit clothing or equipment for a special purpose; Ex. cowboy outfit

dormant sleeping; temporarily inactive; lethargic; latent

dormer window projecting upright from roof; CF. sleeping room

dorsal relating to the back of an animal; Ex. dorsal fin

dossier file of documents on a subject or person; file; CF. bundle of papers labeled on the back

dotage senility; feeblemindedness of old age; Ex. In one’s

dotage dote be excessively fond of; show signs of mental decline

dour sullen; gloomy; stubborn
~ sullen silently showing ill humor or resentment; dark; gloomy
~ brood sit on in order to hatch; think deeply or worry anxiously; N: the young of certain animals; group of young birds hatched at one time

douse plunge into water or liquid; dip; immerse; drench; wet throughly; extinguish; throw water over; dowse

dowdy untidy (of a woman or clothes); slovenly; dressed in an unattractive way; shabby; CF. unattractive woman

downcast disheartened; dejected; sad; directed downward

drab dull; lacking color; cheerless ; Ex. drab coat/life

draconian extremely severe; Ex. draconian punishment; CF. Draco: Athenian politician

dregs sediment in a liquid; lees; worthless residue

drivel nonsense; foolishness; V: talk nonsense
~ nonsense speech or writing with no meaning; foolish behavior or language; Ex. make (a) nonsense of: spoil; cause to fail
~ dribble flow or fall in drops; let saliva flow out slowly from the mouth; move a ball; N.
~ drip fall or let fall in drops; shed drops; N: action or sound of falling in drops; liquid that falls in drops
~ trickle flow in drops or in a thin stream; N.

droll queer and amusing
~ queer strange; eccentric; deviating from the normal

drone idle person who lives on other people’s work; male bee drone talk dully; buzz or murmur like a bee; N.
~ murmur low, indistinct, continuous sound; V. CF. mumble

dross waste matter; worthless impurities

drudgery hard unpleasant work; menial work
~ drudge do drudgery; N: person who drudges

dubious questionable; (of something) causing doubt; (of someone) filled with doubt; N. dubiety

ductile malleable; pliable; (of metals) easily pulled into shape; flexible; (of someone) easily influenced or controlled

dulcet sweet sounding; pleasing to the ear; melodious

dumbfound(dumfound) astonish (making dumb); ADJ.

dumbfounded, dumfounded, dumbstruck

dupe someone easily fooled or deceived; V: deceive

duplicity double-dealing; hypocrisy; being dishonest and

deceitful; ADJ. duplicitous

duration length of time something lasts

duress forcible restraint, especially unlawfully; coercion by threat; illegal coercion; Ex. a promise made under duress

dutiful(duteous) (of people or their behavior) respectful; obedient (filled with a sense of duty)

dwindle shrink; reduce gradually

dynamic energetic; vigorously active
~ dynamo generator for producing electricity; energetic person

dyspeptic suffering from indigestion; N. dyspepsia: indigestion; difficulty in digesting food
~ dys- abnormal; impaired
~ dyslexia word blindness; learning disorder marked by impairmentof the ability to read
~ dysentery inflammatory disorder of the lower intestinal tract

WL-B

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babble chatter idly or foolishly; make continuous sounds like water running gently over rounded stone; N.

bacchanalian drunken
~ bacchanal noisy party with a lot of drinking
~ Bacchanalia the ancient Roman festival in honor of Bacchus

badger pester; annoy continually with demands; persuade by asking again and again; Ex. The children badgered me into taking them into the cinema; N: a kind of mountain animal

badinage teasing conversation; banter; joking talk

baffle frustrate; perplex

bait harass; tease; torment; Ex. badger baiting; N: food or other lure used to catch fish or trap animals

baleful evil; malignant in intent or effect; deadly; having a malign influence; portending evil; ominous; threatening; Ex. baleful look

balk stop short, as if faced with an obstacle, and refuse to continue; foil; stop or get in the way of; frustrate

ballast heavy substance used to add stability or weight; V. supply with ballast

balm something that relieves pain; oily liquid with a pleasant smell from trees
~ pang sudden sharp feeling of pain

balmy soft and mild (of air); fragrant

banal hackneyed; commonplace; trite; lacking originality; clich´ed

bandy discuss lightly or glibly; discuss in a frivolous manner; exchange (words) heatedly; quarrel; Ex. bandy words with

bane posion; cause of ruin; ADJ. baneful: harmful; poisonous

bantering joking talk; good-naturedly ridiculing; N.V. banter

barb sharp projection from fishhook, arrow, or other object; openly cutting remark

bard poet

barefaced shameless and noticeable; blatant; bold; unconcealed;

having no covering on the face; Ex. barefaced lie
~ unregenerate making no attempt to change one’s bad practices

baroque highly ornate

barrage barrier laid down by artillery fire; overwhelming profusion; large number of questions or statements; Ex. a

barrage of criticism

barrister counselor-at-law or lawyer in the higher court of law; CF. bar
~ solicitor lawyer in the lower court of law

barterer trader; V. barter: trade; exchange good for other goods rather than money

bask luxuriate; take pleasure in warmth
~ luxuriate take pleasure in great comfort

bastion stronghold; something seen as a source of protection; Ex. the last bastion of male chauvinism

bate let down; lessen the force of; moderate; restrain; Ex. with bated breath; CF. abate

bauble trinket; cheap jewel; trifle

bawdy indecent; obscene; about sex in a rude funny way; CF. bawd

beatific giving or showing bliss; blissful

bliss complete happiness; ADJ. blissful

beatitude blessedness; state of great happiness
~ mystic of hidden meaning and spiritual power; Ex. Mystic ceremonies; N. CF. mysticism

bedizen dress with vulgar finery
~ finery beautiful clothes for a special occasion

bedraggle wet thoroughly; ADJ. bedraggled: draggled

beeline direct quick route

befuddle confuse thoroughly
~ fuddle make stupid or confused as with alcholic drink; N. in a fuddle: confused

beget father; become the father of; produce; give rise to

begrudge envy; give or allow unwillingly; grudge; Ex. We shouldn’t begrudge him his success.
~ grudge deep feeling of dislike; Ex. grudge fight; V. beguile deceive; mislead or delude; cheat; pass time pleasantly; charm or attract; Ex. beguiling smile

behemoth huge creature; something of monstrous size or power

beholden obligated; indebted; owing thanks; obliged or indebted from gratitude

behoove(behove) be suited to; be incumbent upon; be right and necessary; Ex. It behooves one to do.

belabor harp on; dwell on tediously; explain or go over excessively or to a ridiculous degree; assail verbally; beat severely; attack physically

belated delayed

beleaguer besiege or attack (with an army); harass; beset

belie contradict; give a false impression; disguise; Ex. The poor sales belied our high hopes; Ex. Her smile belies her true feeling of displeasure.

belittle disparage; depreciate

bellicose warlike

belligerent quarrelsome

bemoan lament; moan for; express sorrow or disapproval of

bemused confused; lost in thought; preoccupied

benediction blessing

benefactor gift giver; patron; person who does good or who gives money for a good purpose

beneficent kindly; doing good

beneficial helpful; useful; advantageous

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

benefit advantage; anything that brings helpl, advantage, or profit; money provided by the government to the people; fund-raising public entertainment; Ex. unemployment

benefit; V: receive benefits; be beneficial to; give benefits

benevolent generous; charitable; having a wish to do good

benign kindly; favorable; not malignant (disease); Ex. benign tumor

benison blessing

bent determined; Ex. bent on advancing in the business; N: natural talent or inclination

bequeath leave to someone by means of a will; hand down in his will; N. bequest

berate scold strongly

bereavement state of being deprived of something valuable or beloved; state of being bereaved or bereft

bereaved deprived of (someone beloved through death)

bereft deprived of (something valuable); lacking

berserk mad with violent anger; frenzied; madly excited

beseech beg; plead with

beset harass or trouble from all directions; hem in
~ hem surround tightly so that movement is impossible; Ex. hem in; N.

besiege surround with armed forces; harass (with requests); annoy continually besmirch soil; defile; make dirty

bestial beastlike; brutal; inhuman; very cruel

bestow confer

betoken signify; indicate; be a sign of
~ token outward sign; Ex. a token of our gratitude betray be unfaithful; reveal (unconsciously or unwillingly); Ex. Her trembling hands betray her anxiety.

betroth become engaged to marry

bevy large group; Ex. a bevy of starlets

bicameral two-chambered as a legislative body

bicker quarrel

biennial every two years

bifurcated divided into two branches; forked

bigotry stubborn intolerance
~ bigot one who is intolerant (in matters of religion or politics)
~ intolerant not willing to accept ways of thinking different from one’s own; CF. tolerant; CF. tolerate

bilious suffering from indigestion; sick from having too much bile; irritable; easily irritated

bilk swindle; cheat

billowing swelling out in waves; surging
~ billow large wave of water; a great swell or surge (of smoke); V: surge, swell, roll in billows
~ swell long wave of water that moves continuously without breaking; V.
~ surge powerful movement of or like a wave; V.

bivouac temporary encampment; camp without tents; V.

bizarre fantastic; violently contrasting; noticeably odd; strikingly unconventional

blanch bleach; whiten; make white or pale

bland soothing or mild (food); agreeable; causing no trouble or offence

blandishment flattery

blare loud or harsh roar or screech; dazzling blaze of light
~ screech unpleasant high sharp sound; shriek; V.
~ dazzle make blind with a sudden intense light; amaze; fill with wonder

blas´e bored with pleasure or dissipation; uninterested or bored

blasphemy irreverence; sacrilege; cursing; bad language about God or holy things; V. blasphem; ADJ. blasphemous; CF. sacrilege

blatant extremely (offensively) obvious; loudly offensive; Ex. blatant lie; N. blatancy

bleak cold or cheerless; frigid; unlikely to be favorable; depressing

blighted suffering from a disease; destroyed
~ blight plant disease; V: infect with blight; ruin; destroy

blithe(blithesome) gay; joyous

bloated (unpleasantly) swollen or puffed as with water or air

blowhard talkative boaster; braggart

bludgeon club; heavy-headed weapon; V.

bluff pretense (of strength); deception; high cliff; ADJ: rough but good-natured

blunder error; stupid mistake

blurt utter impulsively from nervousness or excitement

bluster blow in heavy gusts; threaten emptily; bully; speak in a noisy or bullying manner; CF. breeze, gust, gale
~ bully one who is habitually cruel to weaker people; V.

bode foreshadow; portend

bogus counterfeit; not authentic; intentionally false; Ex.

bogus interview

bohemian unconventional (in an artistic way)

boisterous violent; rough; noisy

bolster support; reinforce

bolt door bar; fastening pin or screw; length of fabric; large roll of cloth; V: dash or dart off; fasten (a door); gobble down
~ dart move or throw suddenly and quickly
~ gobble eat very quickly

bombardment attack (as with missiles or bombs); V. bombard

bombastic pompous; using inflated language
~ bombast grandiloquent, pompous speech

boon blessing; benefit; something very helpful

boorish rude; insensitive
~ boor rude, insensitive person

bouillon clear beef (or meat) soup

bountiful generous; graciously generous; showing bounty
~ gracious kind in a generous way (to someone less important)

bourgeois middle class; selfishly materialistic; too interested in material possessions

bovine cowlike; placid and dull; slow-thinking; calm

bowdlerize expurgate; CF. Thomas Bowdler

brackish somewhat saline

braggadocio boasting
~ brag boast

braggart boaster; bragger

brandish wave around (a weapon); flourish

bravado swagger; assumed air of defiance; false show of

bravery
~ swagger walk or behave with an over-confident manner

brawn human muscle; muscular strength; sturdiness
~ brawny muscular; having well-developed muscles
~ sturdy strong and firm (in the body) brazen insolent; without shame; bold; Ex. brazen lie; V: face with bold self-assurance or with unshamed confidence
~ brawl noisy quarrel

breach breaking of contract or duty; fissure or gap; opening; V. breadth width; extent

brevity conciseness; shortness of duration

brindled tawny or grayish with streaks or spots (of animals)
~ tawny brownish yellow

bristling rising like bristles; showing irritation
~ bristle short stiff hair; V: (hair or fur) stand up stiffly

brittle hard but easily broken; difficult; unstable; Ex. brittle situation

broach introduce as a subject; moot; open up

brocade rich, figured(patterned) fabric

brochure pamphlet

brooch ornamental clasp; pin
~ clasp hold firmly within arms

brook tolerate; endure; Ex. brook no interference; N: small stream

browbeat bully; intimidate

browse graze; feed on growing grass; skim or glance at casually
~ graze (of an animal) feed on growing grass; cause (an animal) to feed on grass; scrape (esp. the skin) or touch lightly in passing; brush; Ex. We can’t graze the cattle till summer; N: surface wound
~ skim read or glance through quickly; touch lightly in passing;

brush; remove from the surface of a liquid

brunt main impact or shock (of an attack or blow); Ex.

brunt of the argument

brusque blunt; abrupt; curt; not wanting to waste time

being nice

buccaneer pirate

bucolic rustic; pastoral

buffet strike forcefully; slap; batter; knock out; N: table with food set out for people to server themselves; meal at which people help themselves to food that’s been set
~ slap hit quickly with the flat part of the hand; N. CF. smack

buffoonery clowning
~ buffoon stupid person; clown
~ clown act stupidly; play the fool; N.

bugaboo bugbear; object of baseless terror

bullion gold and silver in the form of bars

bulwark strong wall built for defense; earthwork or other strong defense; person who defends

bungle mismanage; blunder; botch; blow; spoil by clumsy behavior
~ botch mismanage; blow

buoyant able to float; cheerful and optimistic; N. buoyancy; Ex. buoyancy of wood/water/American market

bureaucracy overregulated administrative system marked by red tape; ADJ. bureaucratic

burgeon grow rapidly; grow forth; send out buds; Ex. burgeoning computer industry; CF. bludgeon

burlesque give an imitation that ridicules; imitate mockingly

burnish make shiny by rubbing; polish

buttress support; prop up; N. stationary structure to support wall; Ex. flying buttress
~ prop support placed under or against something; V.

buxom full-bosomed; plump; jolly
~ plump pleasantly fat; nicely rounded

WL:A

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Abase: lower; degrade; humiliate; make humble; make (oneself) lose self-respect

Abash: embarrass

Abate: subside or moderate

Abbreviate: shorten

Abdicate: renounce; give up (position, right, or responsibility)

Aberrant: abnormal or deviant

Aberration: deviation from the normal; mental disorder

Abet: assist usually in doing something wrong; encourage

Abeyance: suspended action

Abhor: detest; hate

Abject: (of a condition) wretched; as low as possible; lacking pride; very humble; showing lack of self-respect; Ex. Abject apology

Abjure: renounce upon oath

ablution: washing

abnegation: renunciation; self-sacrifice; self-abnegation

abolish: cancel; put an end to

abominate: loathe; hate

abominable: detestable; extremely unpleasant

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

abortive: unsuccessful; fruitless

abrasive: rubbing away; tending to grind down

abridge: condense or shorten

abrogate: abolish

Abscission cutting off; separation

abscond depart secretly and hide

absolute complete; totally unlimited; having complete power; certain; not relative; Ex. Absolute honesty/ruler; CF. absolutism

absolve pardon (an offense)

abstain refrain; withhold from participation; intentionally not use one’s vote;

abstemious sparing in eating and drinking; temperate

abstinence restraint from pleasant things, esp. eating or drinking; CF. abstention: act of abstaining from vote

abstract theoretical; not concrete; nonrepresentational ~ representational (of a style of art) showing things as they actually appear in real life

abstruse obscure; profound; difficult to understand

abusive coarsely insulting; physically harmful

Abut border upon; adjoin

abysmal bottomless

abyss enormous chasm; vast bottomless pit

academic related to a school; not practical or directly useful

accede agree

accelerate move faster

accessible easy to approach; obtainable

accessory additional object; useful but not essential thing

acclaim applaud; praise; greet with great approval; announce with great approval; Ex. The new drung has been

acclaimed as the most important discoveries for years; N: strong expression of approval and praise

acclimate adjust to climate or environment; adapt

Acclivity sharp upslope of a hill; OP. declivity

accolade award of merit; strong praise and approval ~ merit good quality deserving praise; merits: aspect of character or behavior deserving approval or disapproval; Ex.

judge each plan on its own merits; V: deserve; earn

~ demerit fault; bad quality

~ earn gain for the performance of service or labor; gain

(something that one deserves); deserve

accommodate oblige or help someone; adjust or bring into harmony; adapt; make enough space for; ADJ. accommodative; CF.
accomodating: helpful and obliging

accomplice partner in crime

accord agreement

accost approach and speak first to a person

Accoutre equip; N. accoutrement

accretion growth or increase in size by gradual addition; growth; increase; increase by natural growth; Ex. Towers and other accretions of the castle; V. accrete

accrue come to one as a gain; accumulate over time; come

about by addition; Ex. benefits that accrue from scientific research; Ex. interest accruing in a bank account; N. accrual

Acerbity bitterness of speech and temper; ADJ. acerbic: bitter; acrid (in taste, manner, or tone)

~ bitter having a sharp biting taste; ; causing sharp pain to the body or mind; filled with resentment, disappointment, or other unpleasant feelings; Ex. bitter wind/sorrow/tears

~ biting sharply painful to the body or mind; Ex. Biting wind/remarks

Acetic vinegary

Acidulous slightly sour (in taste or manner); sharp; caustic

acknowledge recognize; admit

Acme peak; pinnacle; highest point

acoustics science of sound; quality that makes a room easy or hard to hear in

acquiesce assent; agree passively; comply without protest

acquittal deliverance from a charge; V. acquit: free from a charge or accusation; discharge from a duty; conduct (oneself) in a specified manner

Acrid bitter (to the taste or smell); sharp; bitterly pungent

Acrimonious stinging; caustic; bitter in words or manner; N. acrimony: bitter ill-natured animosity in speech or behavior

acrophobia fear of heights

actuarial calculating; pertaining to insurance statistics

actuary someone who advises insurance companies

Actuate motivate; activate; cause to act

acuity sharpness (of mind or senses of sight or hearing)

acumen mental keenness; sharpness of judgment; ability to judge quickly and well; Ex. business acumen

acute (of the senses) sharp; quickly perceptive; keen; penetrating; brief and severe; Ex. acute sense of smell/analysis/pain

Adage wise saying; proverb ~ proverb adage; someone or something well known for notoriety; ADJ. proverbial: of a proverb; widely known; ADV. proverbially

adamant hard; inflexible

adapt make or become suitable for a specific use; alter; modify; adjust; N. adaptation: act of adapting; composition recast into a new form; Ex. The play is an adaption of a short novel.

Addendum addition; appendix to book; something that is added (as at the end of a speech or book)

addiction compulsive habitual need

Addle make or become confused; muddle; drive crazy; become rotten (egg)

address direct a speech to; speak to; deal with or discuss; direct one’s efforts or attention to; make with a destination; N: formal speech

adept expert at; very skilled

adhere stick fast; be a devotd follower; N. adhesion: adhering; devotion; loyality

adherent supporter; follower

adjacent adjoining; neighboring; close by

~ adjoin be next to

~ adjourn suspend until a later time; move from one place toanother

adjunct something attached to but holding an inferior position

adjuration solemn urging; V. adjure: entreat earnestly; enjoin

solemnly

Adjutant staff officer assisting the commander; assistant

admonish warn or speak to with gentle disapproval; reprove

~ adore love deeply and respect highly

adorn decorate

adroit skillful (in using mind or hand)

adulation flattery; admiration that is more than is necessary or deserved

adulterate make impure or of poorer quality by adding inferior or tainted(contaminated) substances

advent arrival

adventitious accidental; casual; happening by chance

adversary opponent; enemy

adverse going against; opposing; unfavorable; hostile

adversity great hardship or affliction; misfortune; calamitous event

Advert refer

advocacy support; active pleading on behalf of someone or something

advocate speak in favor of; support (an idea or plan); urge; plead for

Aegis shield; protection; defense

Aerie(aery,eyrie,eyry) nest of a large bird of prey

aesthetic artistic; dealing with or capable of appreciating the beautiful (of a person or building); CF. aesthete; CF. aesthetics

affable easily approachable; easy to talk to; warmly friendly

affected artificial; pretended

affidavit written statement made under oath (for use as proof in a court of law)

affiliation joining; associating with

affinity feeling of kinship; similarity; Ex. strong affinity for her; Ex. many affinities between two languages

affirmation positive assertion; confirmation; solemn pledge by one who refuses to take an oath; V. affirm; ADJ. affirmative; CF. affirmative action: positive discrimination

affliction state of distress; trial; cause of distress or suffering; V. afflict: inflict grievous suffering on

affluence abundance; wealth

affront insult; offense; intentional act of disrespect; V: insult or hurt the feelings of intentionally

Agape openmouthed

Agenda items of business at a meeting

Agglomeration collection; heap; V. agglomerate: gather into a rounded mass; N. aggolmeate: jumbled mass; heap

aggrandize make greater; increase in power, wealth, rank, or honor; N. aggrandizement

aggregate sum; total; ADJ. V: gather into a mass or whole;

accumulate; add up to; Ex. aggregate 100 dollars

aghast filled with great surprise or fear; horrified

agility nimbleness; ability to move quickly

agitate stir up; disturb

agnostic one who is skeptical of the existence or know ability of a god or any ultimate reality

Agog highly excited; intensely curious

agrarian pertaining to land or its cultivation; Ex. Agrarian reform

alacrity cheerful promptness without reluctance

alchemy medieval chemistry

Alcove nook; recess

alias an assumed name esp. by a criminal (usually to mislead people); ADV. alias

alienate make unfriendly or hostile; estrange; separate; change the ownership of

alimentary supplying nourishment

Alimony payments made regularly to an ex-spouse after divorce

allay calm; pacify

allege state without proof

allegiance loyalty

Allegory story, play, or picture in which characters are used as symbols; fable

alleviate relieve (pain)

alliteration repetition of beginning sound in poetry

allocate assign; set apart for a particular purpose

~ earmark set aside (money or time) for a particular purpose

alloy mixture as of metals; something added that lowers in value or purity; V: mix; make less pure; lower in value or quality; spoil; CF. unalloyed: not in mixture with other maetals; pure; complete; unqualified; Ex. unalloyed happiness

allude refer indirectly; N. allusion: indirect reference

allure entice; attract; tempt

~ siren apparatus for making sounds; womanlike creature

alluvial pertaining to soil deposits left by running water

Aloof apart; not open in one’s relationship with other people;

reserved; ADV.

Aloft upward; high up in the air

altercation noisy quarrel

altruistic unselfishly generous; concerned for others; N. altiruism: unselfish concern for the welfare of others; unselfishness; OP. egoism

Amalgamate (of societies or groups) combine; unite in one body Amalgam combination of different things; mixture of metals (containing mercury) used for filling holes in teeth

Amass collect (gradually, in a very large amount)

amazon female warrior

ambidextrous capable of using either hand with equal ease

ambience environment; atmosphere; Ex. restraurant with a pleasant ambience; ADJ. ambient: completely surrounding; Ex. ambient temperature

ambiguous unclear or doubtful in meaning; having more than one possible interpretation

ambivalence the state of having contradictory or conflicting emotional attitudes or opinions

amble walking at an easy unhurried pace; V: walk slowly and aimlessly

Ambrosia food of the gods ~ nectar drink of the gods; sweet liquid collected by bees

ambulatory able to walk

ameliorate improve

amenable obedient; compliant; readily managed; responsive; willing to be led; answerable or accountable legally; responsible; able to be tested by; Ex. amenable to sensible suggestions; Ex. He is very amenable; Ex. amenable to the usual tests

amend correct; change ; generally for the better

amenities convenient features that helps to make life pleasant; social courtesies

amiable agreeable; lovable; warmly friendly

amicable peaceful; politely friendly; not quarrelsome; Ex. amicable settlement

Amiss wrong; faulty; Ex. something amiss; ADV.

amity friendship; peaceful relationship as between nations

amnesia loss of memory

amnesty pardon (allowed by government to political criminals)

amoral nonmoral; having no understanding of right and wrong

amorous moved by sexual love; loving; of sexual love; Ex.

amorous advances

amorphous formless; lacking shape or definition

amphibian able to live both on land and in water; N.

amphitheater oval building with tiers of seats; CF. arena

Ample enough; abundant; spacious; large in size; Ex. Ample opportunity/garden; N. amplitude: quality of being ample;

abundance; largeness of space

amplify increase in size or effect; expand; broaden or clarify by expanding; intensify; make stronger; Ex. amplify one’s remarks with a graph

Amputate cut off part of body; prune (a limb)

Amok(amuck) in a state of rage; Ex. run amok

Amulet charm; talisman; an object worn believed to protect

against evil, bad luck

anachronism an error involving time in a story; something or someone misplaced in time; ADJ. anachronistic

Analgesic causing insensitivity to pain; N.

~ analgesia condition of being unable to feel pain

analogous comparable; similar

analogy similarity; parallelism; comparing two similar things

anarchist person who seeks to overturn the established government; advocate of abolishing authority

anarchy absence of governing body; state of disorder

Anathema solemn curse; someone or something regarded as a curse; V. anathematize

ancestry family descent; ADJ. ancestral

anchor secure or fasten firmly; be fixed in place; N. anchorage

ancillary serving as an aid or accessory; auxiliary; N.

anecdote short story of an amusing or interesting event

anemia condition in which blood lacks red corpuscles; ADJ. anemic

anesthetic substance that removes sensation with or without loss of consciousness; N. anesthesia

anguish acute pain; extreme suffering

angular sharp-cornered; having an angle; not rounded (body); bony; lean; gaunt; stiff in manner

animadversion critical remark; V. animadvert: comment critically with disapproval

animated lively; spirited

animosity active enmity

Animus hostile feeling or intent; animosity; hostility; disposition

annals records arranged in yearly parts; history

anneal reduce brittleness and improve toughness by heating and cooling (metal or glass)

annex attach; add to a large thing; take possession of; incorporate (territory) into a larger existing political unit (by force); N: building added to a large one

annihilate destroy

annotate comment; make explanatory notes

annuity yearly allowance

annul make void

~ elope run away secretly with the intention of getting married

Anodyne drug that relieves pain or trouble; ; opiate; ADJ. Ex. anodyne statement

anoint consecrate; put oil on (in a religious ceremony)

anomalous abnormal; irregular

anomaly irregularity

anonymity state of being nameless; anonymousness; ADJ. anonymous

antagonism hostility; active opposition; V. antagonize: cause to become an enemy; N. antagonist: person who is opposed to another; opponent; adversary; principal character in oppostion to the protagonist

~ protagonist leader or noticeable supporter of an idea; chief character in a play or story

antecede precede

antecedents preceding events that influence what comes later; ancestors or early background

antediluvian antiquated; extremely ancient

Anthem song of praise or patriotism; Ex. national anthem

Anthology book of literary selections by various authors; CF. omnibus

anthropoid manlike; resembling a human being; N.

anthropologist student of the history and science of humankind

anthropomorphic having human form or characteristics

anticlimax letdown in thought or emotion; something unexciting, ordinary, or disappointing coming after something important or exciting

antidote remedy to counteract a poison or disease; Ex. Antidote to the economic troubles

antipathy aversion; dislike or opposition

Antiquated obsolete; old-fashioned; outdated

~ antique made in an earlier period and usu. valuable; N: object that was made in an earlier period and that is rare or valuable

~ antiquity quality of being very old; ancient times; antiseptic substance that prevents infection in a wound; ADJ.

antithesis contrast; direct opposite of or to; ADJ. antithetic or antithetical

~ antler bony growth on the head of a deer

Anvil iron block used in hammering out metals

apathy lack of caring; indifference; lack of concern or interest in important matters; Ex. He was sunk in apathy after his failure; ADJ. apathetic

Ape imitate or mimic (a person’s behavior or manner)

Aperture opening; hole; adjustable opening in a camera that limits the amount of light

Apex tip; summit; climax; highest point

aphasia loss of speech due to injury or illness

aphorism pithy maxim or saying; ADJ. aphoristic

Apiary a place where bees are kept

~ hive box for bees; V: cause to go in a hive

~ apiculture bee-keeping

~ apiarist person who keeps bees

Aplomb poise; composure in difficult situations; assurance; self-confidence

~ poise good judgment with composure; balance; V: place in

a carefully balanced position

apocalyptic prophetic; pertaining to revelations especially of disaster; N. apocalypse

Apocryphal (of a story) widely believed but untrue

apogee highest point; the point farthest from the earth; OP. perigee

Apolitical having an aversion or lack of concern for political affairs

Apologist one who writes in defense of a cause or institution; N. apologia

Apoplexy stroke; loss of consciousness caused by too much blood in the brain

Apostate one who abandons his religious faith or political beliefs; N. apostasy

Apothecary druggist; pharmacist

Apothegm(apophthegm) pithy, compact saying

Apotheosis elevation to godhood; an ideal example of something

appall dismay; shock deeply

apparition ghost; phantom

appease pacify or soothe; Ex. appease a crying baby; N. appeasement

Appellation name; title

append attach

Application diligent attention; diligence; V. apply oneself

apposite appropriate; fitting

appraise estimate value of; N. appraisal

appreciate be thankful for; increase in worth; be thoroughly conscious of; ADJ. appreciable: enough to be felt; Ex. appreciable difference

apprehend arrest (a criminal); dread; perceive; N. apprehension

Apprehensive fearful; discerning

apprise inform

approbation approval

appropriate acquire; take possession of for one’s own use without permission; set aside for a particular purpose; allocate; CF. misappropriate

Appurtenances subordinate possessions; something added to a more important thing

Apropos with reference to; regarding; Ex. remarks apropos (of) the present situation; ADJ. ADV.

aptitude fitness; talent

Aquiline curved; hooked; of or like an eagle; Ex. Aquiline nose

Arable fit for growing crops; Ex. arable land

arbiter person with power to decide a matter in dispute; judge who is in a position ot make influential judgments; Ex. supreme arbiter of fashion in beachware

arbitrary unreasonable or capricious; random; tyrannical; Ex. arbitrary ruler

arbitrate act as judge (at the request of both sides) Arboretum place where different trees and shrubs are studied and exhibited

~ arboreal of or living in trees

arcade a covered passageway usually lined with shops

arcane esoteric; secret; mysterious; known only to the initiated; Ex. arcane ritual; Ex. arcane process closed to the uninitiated listener

archaeology study of artifacts and relics of early mankind

Archaic antiquated; no longer used; belonging to the past; N.

Archetype prototype; primitive pattern

arch- chief; first; Ex. archbishop

Archipelago group of closely located islands

Archives public records; place where public records are kept

ardor heat; passion; zeal; ADJ. ardent

Arduous hard; strenuous; Ex. arduous work

Argot slang; speech spoken by only a small group of people

aria operatic solo; a song sung by one person in an opera or oratorio

Arid (of land) dry; barren; unproductive

aristocracy hereditary nobility; privileged class; government by nobility; N. aristocrat

armada fleet of warships

aromatic fragrant; having a sweet smell; N. aroma: strong pleasant smell

arraign charge in court; indict

Array marshal; draw up in order; arrange in order; clothe splendidly; adorn; N: fine clothes; ordered group; Ex. In battle array

arrears being in debt; money that should have been paid; work that should have been done

Arrhythmic lacking rhythm or regularity; N. arrhythmia

arrogance pride; haughtiness; ADJ. arrogant: unpleasantly self-important (with a strong confidence in one’s own importance and a lack of respect for other people)

Arroyo gully; narrow channel formed by rainwater

~ artery blood-vessel; CF. vein

articulate effective; distinct; expressing ideas clearly; having clear sounds; having joints; Ex. articulate speech; V: express thoughts and feeling clearly; pronounce clearly; unite by joints

arsenal storage place for military equipment

artifacts object made by human beings, either hand-made or mass-produced

Artifice deception; trickery

artisan a manually skilled worker

Artless without guile; open and honest

ascendancy controlling influence; position of controlling influence; CF. in the ascendant

ascertain find out for certain; make certain

ascetic practicing self-denial; avoiding physical pleasures and comforts; austere; Ex. ascetic life of Buddhist monks; N. asceticism

ascribe refer; attribute; assign

aseptic preventing infection; having a cleansing effect

Ashen ash-colored; deadly pale

Asinine stupid; Ex. asinine remarks

Askance with a sideways or indirect look (with disapproval or distruct); Ex. look askance at

Askew crookedly; slanted; at an angle

asperity sharpness; roughness; severity (of temper or weather); Ex. asperities of a Russian winter

aspersion slanderous remark; Ex. cast aspersions on

aspirant seeker after position or status

aspire seek to attain (position or status); long for; Ex. Aspire to become president; Ex. aspire to/after the leadership

assail assault

Assay analyze (to discover what materials are present); evaluate (soil or ore)

assent agree; accept; N. assessment

Assert state strongly or positively; demand recognition of (rights, claims, etc.); make a claim to (by forceful action); Ex. assert one’s independence

assiduous diligent

assimilate absorb; take (food) into the body and digest it; understand (knowledge) completely and be able to use properly; cause to become homogeneous (the people of a

country or race in the wasy of behaving or thinking)

assuage mak less severe; ease or lessen (pain); satisfy (hunger); soothe (anger)

assumption something taken for granted; the taking overor taking possession of; Ex. her assumption of power; V.

assume

~ regent a person who governs in place of a ruler who is ill,

absent, or still a child; ADJ. Ex. the Prince regent

assurance firm statement that something is certainly true; promise or pledge; certainty; confidence in one’s own ability; self-confidence; Ex. In spite of all his assurances, he

did not come back; Ex. assurance of his loyalty; Ex. The teacher lacked assurance in fron of his class; V. assure; tell firmly with confidence; ensure; make (something) certain to happen; make (someone) feel sure; give confidence to; ADJ. assured: self-assured; confident in one’s own ability; showing certainty

asteroid small planet

Astigmatism eye defect which prevents proper focus; OP. stigmatism

Astral relating to the stars

astringent binding; causing contraction (stopping bleeding); harsh or severe; stringent; Ex. astringent criticism

astronomical enormously large or extensive

astute wise; shrewd; keen; seeing quickly something that is to one’s advantage

Asunder into parts; apart; V. sunder

asylum place of refuge or shelter; protection (religious or political)

asymmetric not identical on both sides of a dividing central

line

Atavism resemblance to remote ancestors rather than to parents; reversion to an earlier type; throwback; ADJ atavistic

atheistic denying the existence of God; N. atheism

atone make amends for; pay for; Ex. atone for

atrocity brutal deed; ADJ. atrocious

atrophy wasting away; V: weaken and lose flesh and muscle (through lack of blood or lack of use)

attentive alert and watchful; listening carefully; paying attention;considerate; thoughtful; politely helpful; Ex. attentive

audience; Ex. He was attentive to the old lady; N.

attentions: act of courtesy and consideration

attenuate make thin; weaken

attest testify; bear witness

attribute essential quality; V: ascribe; explain

attrition rubbing away by friction; gradual decrease in

numbers or strength; reduction in the work force without

firing employees; wearing away of opposition by means of

harassment; Ex. a war of attrition

Atypical not normal; not typical

audacious daring; bold; N. audacity

audit examination of accounts of a business; official examination;

augment increase; add to

Augury omen; prophecy; sign of coming events; V. augur:

predict; foretell; be a sign of (something in future)

august impressive; majestic

Aureole sun’s corona; halo; bright circle of light

Auroral pertaining to the aurora borealis; CF. aurora australis

auspicious favoring success; giving signs of future success;

Cf. auspices

austere forbiddingly stern; ascetic; without comfort or enjoyment;

severely simple and unornamented; Ex. a monk’s

austere life; Ex. austere grandeur of the cathedral; N. austerity

authenticate prove genuine

authoritarian subordinating the individual to the state;

completely dominating another’s will; Ex. authoritarian

regime/father

authoritative having the weight of authority; regarded as

providing knowledge that can be trusted; reliable; peremptory

and dictatorial; Ex. authoritative dictionary/manner;

CF. definitive

autocratic having absolute unchecked power; dictatorial;

N. autocrat, autocracy

automaton mechanism that imitates actions of humans;

machine that works by itself

autonomous self-governing; N. autonomy

autopsy examination of a dead body; postmortem; V.

auxiliary offering or providing help; additional or subsidiary;

N: helper; assistant

avalanche great mass of falling snow and ice

avarice greediness for wealth

avenge take vengence for something or on behalf of someone;

Ex. They avenged his death by burning the village;

Ex. He swore to avenge his brother; Ex. They avenged

themselves on their enemy.

aver state confidently; declare as true

averse reluctant; disinclined; not liking or opposed; Ex.

averse to cats/doing the house work

aversion firm dislike

avert prevent; avoid; turn away (eyes or thought); Ex. An

accident was averted by his quick thinking; Ex. She averted

her eyes from the terrible sight.

aviary enclosure for birds; large cage

Avid greedy; extremely eager for; Ex. avid learner; N. avidity

avocation secondary or minor occupation

avow declare openly; N. avowal

avuncular of or like an uncle

awe solemn wonder; feeling of respect mixed with wonder and fear; V: fill with awe; ADJ. awesome ~ awful terrible; very bad

Awl pointed tool used for piercing

Awry distorted; crooked; bent; Ex. Our plans have gone awry.

axiom self-evident truth requiring no proof

Azure sky blue

Legned.

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We will try to abide to the following norms while publishing the articles. The norms are,

1. Wordlist will have "WL:XX" as title, where "XX" is the wordlist nuber.

2. Essay will have "ES:XX" as title, where "XX" is the Essay topic number.

3. Misclaneous topics will have "MISC:XX" as title, where "XX" stands for the topic name.

The Task!

2006-08-12T04:43:00.000-07:00

We are a bunch of professional who are preparing for our GRE... In the process we thought of creating some resource that can be reused by others in future.

Words - we are doing our wordlist; we will post the words that we feel are difficult and will help others. You can add yours in comments section.

Essays - We are working for the Analytical writing topics from the ETS website. We do not plan to write all essays but yes do plan to cover major areas for our own revision. PLEASE NOTE THESE ESSAYS ARE NOT WRITTEN BY PROFESSIONALS. Although some of our readers if professionals or experts at essays can help us by providing comments are welcome.

Disclaimer: This is no "EDUCATIONAL" resource. We are just logging our studies. You may choose to ask a question, which we do not guarantee will get an answer due to time constraints. Please understand that we are not here to make copy of some copyrighted stuff! We are putting up _our_ notes. You may add yours. All the copyright rights violating stuff will be deleted.

Best Of Luck!