Scholarship Assessment Vocab List

What vocabulary is tested in a scholarship English assessment?

Scholarship and entrance English assessments test academic and literary vocabulary through synonym, antonym and word-in-context questions — words like ameliorate, innocuous and erudite. This free list gathers the 617 words that recur most often across those papers, each with a plain definition.

How many words should my child know for the exam?

There is no fixed syllabus, but a student who confidently knows a few hundred academic words — their meanings and how they shift in context — is well prepared. Learning steadily in small batches beats cramming: a dozen words a week, revisited, holds far better than a hundred at once.

How should I use this vocab list?

Read a letter’s worth at a time, then cover the definitions and test yourself. Use the filter below to find a word fast, or download the printable document to study away from a screen. Meaning sticks best when a word is met, used in a sentence, and met again a few days later.

abdicateto give up a position, right, or power.
abideto remain; continue; stay; endure.
AbjureTo renounce upon oath; to forswear; to disavow.
abnegateTo deny (oneself something); to renounce or give up (a right, a power, a claim, a privilege, a convenience).
Abrogateto abolish
AbstruseDifficult to comprehend or understand.
accrueto grow or accumulate over time; to happen as a natural result.
AccumulateTo heap up in a mass; to pile up; to collect or bring together (either literally or figuratively)
acquittala judgment of not guilty.
Acumenkeen insight.
AdduceTo bring forward or offer, as an argument, passage, or consideration which bears on a statement or case; to cite; to allege.
adversaryAn opponent or rival.
Adverse(adj) unfavorable, negative; working against, hostile
adynatonrhetorical use of a nearly impossible situation for emphasis.
Aeratedfull of air.
AffableReceiving others kindly and conversing with them in a free and friendly manner; friendly, courteous, sociable.
affectationa phony attitude; pose.
AffrontAn open or intentional offense, slight, or insult.
AgueAn acute fever.
Ailmentillness.
albeitAlthough, despite (it) being.
allegorya story, poem, or picture that can be interpreted to reveal a hidden meaning, typically a moral or political one.
AlleleOne of a number of alternative forms of the same gene occupying a given position, or locus, on a chromosome.
alleviateto relieve.
alludeTo refer to something indirectly or by suggestion.
Allusiona reference to another work of literature, person, or event.
Aloofwithdrawn, standing apart from others (usually as a matter of choice).
altruisticRegardful of others; beneficent; unselfish
amalgama combination of diverse elements; a mixture.
AmbientSomething that surrounds; encompassing material, substance or shape.
AmbledTo stroll or walk slowly and leisurely.
ambrosiaThe food of the gods, thought to confer immortality.
AmeliorateTo make better, or improve, something perceived to be in a negative condition.
amendto change in a formal way; to change for the better.
AmuletA kind of protective charm or ornament, often bearing magical symbols, worn for protection against ill will, negative influences or evil spirits.
anagram(of words) A word or phrase that is created by rearranging the letters of another word or phrase.
anathemaan object of intense dislike; a curse or strong denunciation (often used adjectivally without the article).
AnewAgain, once more; afresh, in a new way, newly.
Animismbelief that objects, such as plants and stones, or natural events, like thunderstorms and earthquakes, have a discrete spirit and conscious life.
Annexationthe adding of a region to the territory of an existing political unit.
annuitypayment received every year.
antagonista character or force in conflict with the main character.
Anticsridiculous and unpredictable behavior or actions.
Apachenative American-Indian tribe; 1870's; group from Arizona and New Mexico led by Geronimo were difficult to control; chased into Mexico by Federal troops; they became successful farmers raising stock in Oklahoma.
apexthe highest point.
apogeeThe point, in an orbit about the Earth, that is furthest from the Earth: the apoapsis of an Earth orbiter.
apophasismentioning something by saying it will not be mentioned.
appealmake a serious, urgent, or heartfelt request.
AppendageAn external body part that projects from the body.
apprenticea young person learning a trade from a master.
Approbateapprove formally; sanction Origin late Middle English: from Latin approbat- 'approved,' from the verb approbare, from ad- 'to' + probare 'try, test' [from probus 'good'].
appropriatetake possession of for one's own use (possibly without the authority or right to do so).
AptitudeNatural ability to acquire knowledge or skill.
archaicancient; old-fashioned
archwayan entrance or passage under an arch.
ardentFull of ardor; fervent, passionate.
Argentinesilver.
artificialityThe quality of being artificial or produced unnaturally.
AskewTurned or twisted to one side.
AssentAgreement; act of agreeing
astralRelating to or resembling the stars; starry.
astrayaway from the correct path or direction.
Astuteshrewd, crafty, showing practical wisdom.
asunderInto separate parts or pieces.
AudaciousShowing willingness to take bold risks; recklessly daring.
Auroraan atmospheric phenomenon consisting of bands of light caused by charged solar particles following the earth's magnetic lines of force
Auspiciousfavorable.
austeresevere or stern in manner; without adornment or luxury, simple, plain; harsh or sour in flavor.
AutonomySelf-government; freedom to act or function independently.
AvariceExcessive or inordinate desire of gain; greed for wealth
Avouchaffirm or assert.
AvulseTo tear off forcibly.

Bandwidththe maximum amount of data that can pass from one point to another in a unit of time.
BardA poet; in olden times, a performer who told heroic stories to musical accompaniment.
BarometerAn instrument for measuring atmospheric pressure.
BarristerA lawyer with the right to speak and argue as an advocate in higher lawcourts.
belligerenthostile and aggressive.
bereavementThe state of being bereaved; deprivation; especially the loss of a relative by death
bespoke(of goods, especially clothing) made to order.
Bierstructure for coffin.
Bilkcheat; defraud.
BillowA large wave, swell, surge, or undulating mass of something, such as water, smoke, fabric or sound
bizarreextremely strange, unusual, atypical.
BlunderA clumsy or embarrassing mistake.
Bodicepart of a dress above the waist.
boisterousrough and noisy in a cheerful way; high-spirited.
bombastic(of a person, their language or writing) showy in speech and given to using flowery or elaborate terms; grandiloquent; pompous
Bonda financial security issued as debt, obliging the issuer to repay with interest; more generally, something that binds or unites
bountymoney given as a reward, such as to encourage enlistment in the army.
Brashprone to act in a hasty manner; impudent.
brinkThe edge, margin, or border of a steep place, as of a precipice; a bank or edge.
browThe ridge over the eyes; the eyebrow.
Bubonicalso called the Black Death was a deadly disease that spread through Europe and killed one out of every three people.
Bucolicpertaining to the countryside; rural; rustic.
Budgeta plan for making and spending money or something cheap.
bundleto wrap something in many layers.

Cadrea core group of trained, highly skilled people capable of training others; a group of people having some unifying relationship.
Caesuraa natural pause or break in a line of poetry, usually near the middle of the line.
calendulaa Mediterranean plant of a genus that includes the common or pot marigold.
Calliopemuse of epic poetry.
callousEmotionally hardened; unfeeling and indifferent to the suffering/feelings of others.
callowwithout experience; immature, not fully developed; lacking sophistication and poise; without feathers.
Calumniateto slander; to accuse falsely and maliciously.
CanardA false or misleading report or story, especially if deliberately so.
CantAn argot, the jargon of a particular class or subgroup.
Canticlea hymn or chant, typically with a biblical text, forming a regular part of a church service.
CapitulateTo surrender; to end all resistance, to give up; to go along with or comply.
CapriciousImpulsive and unpredictable; determined by chance, impulse, or whim
CareenedTo heave a ship down on one side so as to expose the other, in order to clean it of barnacles and weed, or to repair it below the water line.
causal(grammar) a word (such as because) that expresses a reason or a cause
Cavaliershowing an offhand or carefree disregard; arrogant.
Clamberclimb awkwardly or with difficulty, scramble.
clamourA great outcry or vociferation; loud and continued shouting or exclamation.
clovenTo split or sever something with, or as if with, a sharp instrument.
cognisantAware; fully informed; having understanding of a fact
Cohesionattraction between molecules of the same substance.
CollateralA security or guarantee (usually an asset) pledged for the repayment of a loan if one cannot procure enough funds to repay.
colliedblackened.
comeuppancedeserved punish or fate.
Comportto conduct or bear oneself, behave; to be in agreement.
Conceita fanciful expression, usually in the form of an extended metaphor or surprising analogy between seemingly dissimilar objects.
ConcentricHaving a common center.
Conclaveprivate meeting.
Conductto lead; guide; escort; behaviour.
confiscateTo use one's authority to lay claim to and separate a possession from its holder.
connotessuggest something in addition to its main meaning.
Consecrateto make sacred, hallow; to set apart for a special purpose.
ContemptThe state or act of contemning; the feeling or attitude of regarding someone or something as inferior, base, or worthless; scorn, disdain.
contemptibleDeserving contempt
ContrabandAny goods which are illicit or illegal to possess
contraryopposite in nature, direction, or meaning.
contrivancea thing that is created skillfully and inventively to serve a particular purpose.
Controversya disagreement among many people.
conundrumA difficult question or riddle, especially one using a play on words in the answer.
ConvalesceTo recover health and strength gradually after sickness or weakness.
coquettewoman who flirts.
Corneathe clear tissue that covers the front of the eye.
CossetedTo treat like a pet; to overly indulge.
Coterminousbeing of equal extent or scope or duration.
Cotilliona formal ball.
Couchto phrase in a particular way.
countenanceAppearance, especially the features and expression of the face.
CrannyA small, narrow opening, fissure, crevice, or chink, as in a wall, or other substance.
CrassCoarse; crude; unrefined or insensitive; lacking discrimination
crepuscularOf or resembling twilight; dim.
cruciblea severe test or trial.
cumbersomeclumsy, hard to handle; slow-moving.

Dapplemark with spots or rounded patches.
DappledTo mark or become marked with mottling or spots.
DebutA performer's first performance to the public, in sport, the arts or some other area.
defamationThe act of injuring another person's reputation by any slanderous communication, written or oral; the wrong of maliciously injuring the good name of another.
Deferto put aside until later; to yield respectfully.
dejectedlysadly; depressed or disheartened.
delveddelved, dug out.
demurequiet and modest; reserved.
denotesTo indicate; to mark.
denouementan outcome; result.
deplorabledeserving strong condemnation; completely unacceptable.
depopulateto remove the inhabitants from.
derivescomes from a certain source.
Desiccateto dry out.
DiabolicalExtremely wicked or cruel.
diametriccharacterized by opposite extremes; completely opposite.
diaphanousTransparent or translucent; allowing light to pass through; capable of being seen through.
Diasporaa dispersion of people from their homeland.
diasporicthe dispersion of any people from their original homeland.
Diffuseto spread or scatter freely or widely; wordy, long-winded, or unfocused; scattered or widely spread.
Diligentlyshowing care and effort in your work or duties.
diminutivesmall, smaller than most others of the same type.
Discombobulateto confuse.
Disorderany abnormality of structure or function.
Disparatefundamentally different; entirely unlike.
Displacementdistance and direction of an object's change in position from the starting point.
DisputeAn argument or disagreement, a failure to agree.
DisreputeLoss or want of reputation; ill character.
dogmaticstubbornly opinionated.
dourStern, harsh and forbidding.
dreara feeling of darkness and gloom.
drudgeryunpleasant, dull, or hard work.
Dualityan instance of opposition or contrast between two concepts or two aspects of something.
dwindledreduced in number or amount.

Ebullientoverflowing with enthusiasm and excitement; boiling, bubbling.
Eclecticderiving ideas, style, or taste from a broad and diverse range of sources.
ecstaticextremely happy.
eddyingmoving or whirling, particularly circling.
educeto draw or bring out.
eerieStrange, weird, fear-inspiring.
Effuseto pour out.
egalitarianA person who accepts or promotes social equality and equal rights for all people.
elegya sad or mournful poem.
elucidateTo make clear; to clarify; to shed light upon.
EmanateTo come from a source; issue from.
EmancipateTo set free from the power of another; to liberate; as:
embracedto hug or to accept.
Eminentwell-known and respected, distinguished, noteworthy, prominent.
enamor(mostly in the passive, followed by "of" or "with") To cause to be in love.
endearedattached in a positive way.
Endemicnative or confined to a particular region or people; characteristic of or prevalent in a field.
EndureTo continue or carry on, despite obstacles or hardships; to persist.
enmityhatred.
enormityextreme evil; a hideous offense; immensity.
EnshroudTo cover with (or as if with) a shroud
EnthralTo hold spellbound; to bewitch, charm or captivate.
Enumerateto count, list, or itemize.
Envisageto form a mental picture.
EpochA particular period of history, especially one considered noteworthy or remarkable.
Eponymousa term for the title character of a work of literature.
Equanimitycalmness, composure, refusal to panic.
equilibriumbalance between two forces or alternatives.
Equitya condition in which people receive from a relationship in proportion to what they give to it.
Equivocate(v.) to speak or act in a way that allows for more than one interpretation; to be deliberately vague or ambiguous
EruditeA learned or scholarly person
eschewTo avoid; to shun, to shy away from.
espouseto take up and support; to become attached to, adopt; to marry.
esteemto regard highly; a highly favorable opinion or judgement.
euphoriaAn excited state of joy; a feeling of intense happiness.
eurekagreek for "I have found it!", an exclamation of discovery.
evinceTo show or demonstrate clearly; to manifest.
exaptive- Referring to traits evolved for one use but repurposed for another.
Exasperatedfrustrated; annoyed.
Excruciatingextremely painful.
exhumedto dig out of the earth.
explicateanalyse and develop (an idea or principle) in detail.
exploitto take advantage of.
exquisitebeautifully made.
extravertedpeople tend to perform more effectively in interpersonal contexts and are more positive and optimistic in general.

facetiousTreating serious issues with (often deliberately) inappropriate humour; flippant.
fallowGround ploughed and harrowed but left unseeded for one year.
falterto hesitate, stumble, lose courage; to speak hesitatingly; to lose drive, weaken, decline.
Famishedextremely hungry.
fanaticalacting excessively enthusiastic; filled with extreme, unquestioned devotion.
Farcea play filled with ridiculous or absurd happenings; broad or far-fetched humor; a ridiculous sham.
Fastidiousvery attentive to and concerned about accuracy and detail.
Fathomto understand, get to the bottom of; to determine the depth of; a measure of depth in water.
fatuitysomething foolish or stupid.
Fatuousstupid or foolish in a self-satisfied way.
FaunaAnimals considered as a group; especially those of a particular country, region, time.
fawningseeking favor by flattering.
Fib(informal) a statement that is not true; a lie about something that is not important.
FigmentA fabrication, fantasy, invention; something fictitious.
finitehaving limits; lasting for a limited time.
FissureA crack or opening, as in a rock.
Fisticuffsfighting with the fists.
flannelettea napped cotton fabric resembling flannel.
Flimsynot strong or solid; poorly made; not convincing.
flippantlacking in seriousness; disrespectful, saucy.
FloraPlants considered as a group, especially those of a particular country, region, time, etc.
FodderFood for animals; that which is fed to cattle, horses, and sheep, such as hay, cornstalks, vegetables, etc.
forbidto order not to do something.
forebodeto predict or foretell.
ForecastAn estimation of a future condition.
Formulaicdone according to an overused method; trite.
Forsoothtruth.
FortitudeMental or emotional strength that enables courage in the face of adversity.
Foundrya workshop or factory for casting metal
Furtivesecretive.
FuturityThe future.

Gaffea clumsy social error; a faux pas.
gaitManner of walking or stepping; bearing or carriage while moving.
Gamificationuse of video game skills and conventions to solve real-world problems.
gastricOf or relating to the stomach.
gaucheAwkward or lacking in social graces; bumbling.
gaudyflashy, showy; not in good taste.
Giddydizzy; light-headed; lacking seriousness.
ginormousVery large.
girthdistance around something; circumference.
gnarlytwisted; knotty.
GnatAny small insect of the order Diptera, specifically within the suborder Nematocera.
Gordian knotextremely complex problem.
gossamerthin, light, delicate, insubstantial; a very thin, light cloth.
Gothicof the middle ages; of or relating to a mysterious, grotesque, and desolate style of fiction.
governrule.
gregariousoutgoing; sociable.
grimstern, merciless; fierce, savage, cruel.
Guilelesswithout deceit.
gulliesdeep ditches formed after heavy rainfall.

Halcyoncalm, peaceful.
Hallowto set apart as holy or sacred, sanctify, consecrate; to honor greatly, revere.
happenstancecoincidence.
hastyexcessively quick and without thought.
HatchetA small light axe with a short handle; a tomahawk.
Havenharbor or port; refuge, safe place.
Hearsayrumor, gossip.
heirloomA valued possession that has been passed down through the generations.
Hermita person living in solitude.
hewncut or shaped with hard blows of a heavy cutting instrument like an ax or chisel.
HiatusA gap in a series, making it incomplete.
hinderto delay; to stop or prevent from happening.
Hocus-pocusmeaningless talk or activity, often designed to draw attention away from and disguise what is actually happening.
homogenousOf the same kind; alike, similar.
howehollow, valley.
hueA color, or shade of color; tint; dye.
Hyperbatonreversal of normal word order (as in 'cheese I love').
Hyperboleexaggeration.
hyperbolicenlarged beyond truth or reasonableness.

Igneousa type of rock that forms from the cooling of molten lava at or below the surface.
Ignoblenot honourable in character or purpose.
Imbruestain (something, especially one's hands or sword).
Immutableunchangeable.
impedeTo get in the way of; to hinder.
Impertinentrude and disrespectful.
implyto indicate or suggest without being explicitly stated.
ImputeTo attribute or ascribe (responsibility or fault) to a cause or source.
inattentiveOf or pertaining to lack of attention; not paying attention; careless.
IncendiarySomething capable of causing fire, particularly a weapon.
inciteTo stir up or excite; to rouse or goad into action.
incongruousnot in keeping, unsuitable, incompatible.
Incorrigiblenot able to be corrected; beyond control.
Indeliblenot able to be erased or removed; memorable.
IndemnitySecurity from damage, loss, or penalty.
indicativeserving as a sign or indication of something.
Indolentwanting to avoid activity or exertion; lazy.
induceto lead towards some action.
indurateto become physically firm or solid.
InestimableNot able to be estimated; not able to be calculated, computed or comprehended, as because of great scale, degree or magnitude.
inexorableImpossible to prevent or stop; inevitable.
ingloriouscausing shame or a loss of honor.
Innateinborn; natural.
InnocuousHarmless; producing no ill effect.
insolencerude and disrespectful behavior.
intercedeTo plead on someone else's behalf.
interjectTo insert something between other things.
interredTo bury in a grave.
Intriguecrafty dealings, underhanded plotting; to form and carry out plots; to puzzle or excite the curiosity.
Intrinsicbelonging to someone or something by its very nature, essential, inherent; originating in a bodily organ or part.
introspectionexamination of one's own thoughts and feelings
introvertedshy or reserved.
intuitiveinstinctive, untaught.
InureTo cause someone to become accustomed to something (usually) unpleasant.
invalida person made weak or disabled by illness or injury.
inveighto make a violent attack in words, express strong disapproval.
inveigleTo convert, convince, or win over with flattery or wiles.
Inversionturning inward.
Invidiousoffensive, hateful; tending to cause bitterness and resentment.

JocularHumorous, amusing or joking.
jowlexternal throat, especially when fat or loose skin is present.
Jubilantfeeling or expressing great happiness and triumph.

lacquerA glossy, resinous material used as a surface coating; either a natural exudation of certain trees, or a solution of nitrocellulose in alcohol, etc.
lambentBrushing or flickering gently over a surface.
lamentto mourn.
LanguidLacking enthusiasm, energy, or strength; drooping or flagging from weakness, fatigue, or lack of energy
languorlack of energy or vitality.
Lashto whip or strike; to scold; to strap down with rope or cord.
Lathemachine tool for shaping metal or wood.
Laveto wash.
lessendecrease.
LexicalConcerning the vocabulary, words, sentences or morphemes of a language
Libela written defamation of a person's character, reputation, business, or property rights.
lichenouscovered with small plants made of algae and fungus.
Liminalof, relating to, or being an intermediate state, phase, or condition. A liminal experience is one of being between one significant moment and another; a threshold experience; for example, the time of engagement before marriage.
LimpidClear, transparent or bright.
linimentan ointment or cream used on your skin for medical purposes.
Litmusa mixture of plant compounds used as a chemical indicator.
lodginga place to sleep for one or more nights.
loftierextending higher in the air.
loquaciousTalkative; chatty.
lukewarm1. unenthusiastic; 2. neither hot nor cold.

Maceratedbreakdown of skin due to prolonged exposure to water or moisture.
magnanimousNoble and generous in spirit.
MalevolentHaving or displaying ill will; wishing harm on others
maliciousintended to hurt or harm.
MalleableAble to be hammered into thin sheets; capable of being extended or shaped by beating with a hammer, or by the pressure of rollers.
MandibleThe lower jaw, especially the lower jawbone.
Mantlethe layer of hot, solid material between Earth's crust and core.
Marbledpatterned with veins or streaks or color resembling marble
Marigolda plant of the daisy family with yellow, orange, or copper-brown flowers, cultivated as an ornamental.
Marqueea canopy that extends over a store's entrance.
marshalsprovide security and police protection at federal courthouses.
Masonrystonework.
maternalA mother.
Mattenot shiny.
mawkishexcessively and objectionably sentimental; having a mildly sickening flavor.
Mediationa method of settling disputes outside of court by using the services of a neutral third party, called a mediator.
MellifluousFlowing like honey.
meridianan arc drawn on a map between the North and South poles.
methodA process by which a task is completed; a way of doing something (followed by the adposition of, to or for before the purpose of the process):
millingmoving about in a confused way.
MinutiaA minor detail, often of negligible importance.
Mirthamusement, especially as expressed in laughter.
Misanthropea person who hates or despises people.
Modestquiet or humble in manner or appearance.
MonopolyA market in which there are many buyers but only one seller.
Moroccoa type of fine, flexible leather.
Myriadin very great numbers; a very great number.

NadirThe point of the celestial sphere, directly opposite the zenith; inferior pole of the horizon; point of the celestial sphere directly under the place of observation.
NascentEmerging; just coming into existence.
nesciencelack of knowledge or awareness; ignorance.
Noilsshort fibers removed during combing
noisomeMorally hurtful or noxious.
noospherethe sphere of human thought; collective consciousness.
NotorietyThe condition of being infamous or notorious.
notoriousWidely known, especially for something negative; infamous.
noviceone who is just a beginner at some activity requiring skill and experience (also used adjectivally).
Nuancea slight or subtle degree of difference.
Nullifyto make of no value or consequence, cancel, wipe out.
Numinousthe feeling of the presence of something greater than you / supernatural.

ObeliskA tall, square, tapered, stone monolith topped with a pyramidal point, frequently used as a monument.
obfuscatedeliberately make something difficult to understand.
OblongSomething with an oblong shape.
Obscuredifficult to see, vague.
obsequiousobedient or attentive to an excessive or servile degree.
Occludeto stop up; to prevent the passage of.
Occlusionclosure of a blood vessel due to blockage.
oftoften.
opalgemstone, pale with flecks of colour.
OpalescentExhibiting a milky iridescence like that of an opal.
oppressedsubject to harsh and authoritarian treatment.
Osmosisdiffusion of water
outgoingsociable; eager to mix socially with others.

palliativerelieving or soothing the symptoms of a disease or disorder without effecting a cure.
palpableCapable of being touched, felt or handled; touchable, tangible.
pandemican epidemic that is geographically widespread.
Pantomimea play or story performed without words by actors using only gestures; to express in this way.
Paradigma model; an example.
ParadoxAn apparently self-contradictory statement, which can only be true if it is false, and vice versa.
parishionerA member of a parish.
parloura room in a private house or establishment where people can sit and talk and relax.
ParlousAttended with peril; dangerous, risky.
Parochialof an idea (local; narrow; limited).
Partisandevoted to or biased in support of a party, group, or cause.
paternalfatherly.
Patinaa sheen on a surface resulting from age and use.
patriarchya form of social organization in which males dominate females.
Pedantsomeone who shows off learning.
penitenceremorse for sins or faults.
pensivethoughtful.
Percolateto drip through a small opening or to filter a liquid.
PerfidiousOf, pertaining to, or representing perfidy; disloyal to what should command one's fidelity or allegiance.
PerjuryThe deliberate giving of false or misleading testimony under oath.
perlocutionary- Relating to the effects a speech act has on a listener, beyond its literal meaning.
perspectiveA view, vista or outlook.
PerspicaciousOf acute discernment; having keen insight; mentally perceptive.
Pertainrelate to; have to do with.
PetrichorThe distinctive scent, caused by geosmin, which accompanies the first rain after a long, warm, dry spell.
PhantasmSomething seen but having no physical reality; a phantom or apparition.
PhialA glass vessel or bottle, especially a small bottle for medicines.
Phoneyfake, counterfeit; insincere, not genuine.
picturesquelike a picture; pleasing or charming to look at.
PlacardA sheet of paper or cardboard with a written or printed announcement on one side for display in a public place.
placateto appease, soothe, pacify.
plightA dire or unfortunate situation.
plunkto drop in a forceful way.
Poach- to hunt or fish illegally.
portenta sign or forewarning.
Potablesuitable for drinking.
Primefirst in rank, importance or quality; of the highest grade
Profoundhaving great depth or seriousness.
PrognosisA forecast of the future course of a disease or disorder, based on medical knowledge.
Prosopopoeiaa figure of speech where an abstract thing is personified or speaks.
protagonist(authorship) The main character, or one of the main characters, in any story, such as a literary work or drama.
provocativetending to produce a strong feeling or response; arousing desire or appetite; irritating, annoying.
Pugnaciousquarrelsome, fond of fighting.
Pulvila type of perfumed powder for the hair or skin.
PumiceA type of igneous rock that contains air bubbles
Purgatorya place of temporary punishment.
Purviewthe range, extent, or scope of something; in law, the scope or limit of what is provided in a statute.
PylonA gateway to the inner part of an Ancient Egyptian temple.

Quagmirea difficult situation.
quakingtrembling, shuddering, quivering with fear.
Qualma pang of conscience, uneasiness, misgiving, or doubt; a feeling of faintness or nausea.
quandaryA state of not knowing what to decide; a state of difficulty or perplexity; a state of uncertainty, hesitation or puzzlement.
Quantapackets of energy.
Quashto crush, put down completely.
QuerulousOften complaining; suggesting a complaint in expression; fretful, whining.
quiescentinactive; at rest.
Quilla stiff, sharp hair or spine like the pointed end of a feather.
quipa witty remark.
quixoticPossessing or acting with the desire to do noble and romantic deeds, without thought of realism and practicality; exceedingly idealistic.

Rampantgrowing without check, running wild.
RationaleAn explanation of the basis or fundamental reasons for something.
raucousHarsh and rough-sounding.
reanimateto give new life to.
recuseto remove oneself from participation to avoid a conflict of interest.
Referto have relation or connection, or, to direct attention usually by clear and specific mention.
Reformedhaving been changed in such a way as to be improved.
regimenta large, organized group of soldiers.
rekindlerelight; revive.
RemedialCurative; providing a remedy
Remitto send or hand in (as money); to cancel (as a penalty or punishment), forgive, pardon; to lessen, diminish; to put off, postpone, defer.
renounceAn act of renouncing.
renownFame; celebrity; wide recognition.
Renttorn.
reproachto find fault with, blame.
Resonanthaving an effect; powerful.
Resoundto ring out or echo loudly.
RespirationThe process of inhaling and exhaling; breathing, breath.
resuscitateTo restore consciousness, vigor, or life to.
ReticentKeeping one's thoughts and opinions to oneself; reserved or restrained.
rhapsodyan intensely passionate verse or section of verse, usually of love or praise.
Rivetto hold attention tightly, as if physically attached.
ruddy- having a healthy, reddish color.
ruminatethink deeply about something.

sacrosanctsacred.
Salvageto save from fire or shipwreck; property thus saved.
sanctimoniousMaking a show of being morally better than others, especially hypocritically pious.
sanctuaryA place of safety, refuge or protection.
sashA piece of cloth designed to be worn around the waist.
Saturatedholding as much water or moisture as can be absorbed; thoroughly soaked.
SaturnineOf a person: having a tendency to be cold, bitter, gloomy, sarcastic, and slow to change and react.
SavantA person of learning, especially one who is versed in literature or science.
ScintillateTo give off sparks; to shine as if emanating sparks; to twinkle or glow.
ScrumptiousDelicious; delectable.
ScuddedTo race along swiftly (especially used of clouds).
secrecyattempting to hide a conflict or an issue that has the potential to create conflict.
secreteproduce and discharge (a substance).
SeditionOrganized incitement of rebellion or civil disorder against authority or the state, usually by speech or writing.
seldomnot often; rarely.
Serendipityluck, finding good things without looking for them.
servileoverly submissive.
shaftThe entire body of a long weapon, such as an arrow.
ShamA fake; an imitation that purports to be genuine.
shamanthe single person who takes on the role of priest, counselor, and physician and acts as a conduit to the supernatural world in a shamanist culture.
Shamblesa condition of great disorder.
ShawlA square or rectangular piece of cloth worn as a covering for the head, neck, and shoulders, typically by women.
SheikThe leader of an Arab village, family or small tribe.
Shirkto avoid or get out of doing work, neglect a duty; to sneak, slink.
shunnedignored; deliberately avoided.
sinewstendons; muscles.
SinusA pouch or cavity in any organ or tissue, especially the paranasal sinus.
skewera long pin for holding meat in position while it is being roasted.
SlapdashTo apply, or apply something to, in a hasty, careless, or rough manner; to roughcast.
slasheddramatically reduced or cut.
smoteTo hit, to strike.
Snidederogatory or mocking in an indirect way.
solidifyTo make solid; convert into a solid body.
solitudeAloneness; state of being alone or solitary, by oneself.
somberdark, gloomy; depressed or melancholy in spirit.
somnambulateto sleep walk.
Spigota spout or faucet that gives water.
spiteIll will or hatred toward another, accompanied with the desire to irritate, annoy, or thwart; a want to disturb or put out another; mild malice
Spontaneousarising naturally; not planned or engineered in advance.
sporadic(of diseases) occurring in isolated instances; not epidemic.
Sproutbegin to grow.
Sprungjumped.
spurto move to action.
Spurnto reject.
Squintto look at something with your eyes partly shut in order to keep out bright light or to see better.
stainto leave a mark on something.
stereotypea generalized belief about a group of people.
stipendfixed pay for services; salary; regular allowance awarded a scholarship winner.
stirrupdevice for securing a horseman's feet.
stoutplump; stocky; substantial.
studiousspending a lot of time studying or reading.
subparbelow average.
Subsidiaryone that serves or is secondary to another.
subsumeTo place (any one cognition) under another as belonging to it; to include or contain something else.
Succulentjuicy.
sullenbad-tempered and sulky; gloomy.
sultryHot and humid.
superficialon or near the surface; concerned with or understanding only what is on the surface, shallow.
superfluousIn excess of what is required or sufficient.
superlativeexcellent; above all others.
superstitioushaving faith in magic or chance.
supplebending easily and soft.
surlyIrritated, bad-tempered, unfriendly.
surreptitiousstealthy, secret, intended to escape observation; made or accomplished by fraud.
Swellexcellent; very good.
Swelterto suffer from or to be overcome by great heat.
Swindledcheated.
sycophancyThe fawning behavior of a sycophant; servile flattery; fawningness.
Syncopatedisplace the beats or accents in [music or a rhythm] so that strong beats become weak and vice versa.
SyntaxA set of rules that govern how words are combined to form phrases and sentences.

taciturnhabitually silent or quiet, inclined to talk very little.
tangibletouchable.
TardinessThe state or quality of being tardy.
Tarnishmake dirty or spotty, as by exposure to air; also used metaphorically.
TaupeA dark brownish-grey colour, the colour of moleskin.
tawnyA light brown to brownish orange colour.
Thatcha house roof made with a plant material.
ThimbleA pitted, now usually metal, cap for the fingers, used in sewing to push the needle.
thresholdthe point at which something begins.
thuriblecontainer for burning incense.
TimbreThe quality of a sound independent of its pitch and volume.
TiradeA long, angry or violent speech; a diatribe.
traceryornamental stonework holding stained glass in place, characteristic of Gothic cathedrals.
transformerA device that increases or decreases the voltage of alternating current
treacherousguilty of or involving betrayal or deception.
triageAssessment or sorting according to quality.
trotto move at a pace between a walk and a run; (of a horse) to move at a steady, brisk gait
truculentfierce and cruel; aggressive; deadly, destructive; scathingly harsh.
tunica loose garment, typically sleeveless and reaching to the wearer's knees, as worn in ancient Greece and Rome.
Turquoisea shade of blue tinged with green.
TwangThe sharp, quick sound of a vibrating tight string, for example, of a bow or a musical instrument.

UbiquitousBeing everywhere at once: omnipresent.
Ulteriorlying beyond what is evident, revealed, or claimed.
Uncouthlacking good manners.
Usuriousof the character of usury (syn.) exorbitant, unconscionable, unconscientient, outrageous, steep, extortionate, immoderate.
usurpto seize and hold a position by force or without right.

VacuousEmpty; void; lacking meaningful content.
VainOverly proud of oneself, especially concerning appearance; having a high opinion of one's own accomplishments with slight reason.
valiantbrave, courageous.
ValuelessHaving no value; worthless.
Vanquishto defeat in a battle or contest, overthrow; to overcome a feeling or condition.
verbosewordy, very talkative.
Veritableused as an intensifier, often to qualify a metaphor.
Vestibulea small entryway within a building.
vieto compete; to strive for victory or superiority.
vigilantWatchful, especially for danger or disorder; alert; wary
vindictiverevengeful.
Vocationany trade, profession, or occupation; a sense of fitness or special calling for one's work.
Voidcompletely empty; having no legal force or effect; empty or unfilled space; to cancel or nullify.
Votiveoffered in fulfillment of a vow or a pledge.

wanedto grow gradually less.
Waningbecoming less bright, intense, or strong.
Welppuppy.
Whima sudden wish to do something without a particular reason; a fanciful idea.
Whimsicalsubject to odd ideas, notions, or fancies; playful; unpredictable.
wilfulhabitually disposed to disobedience and opposition.
wispfragment; trace.
Wonkyshaky, unsteady or unreliable.
wreathingsurrounding; encircling; covering.
Wryusing or expressing dry, especially mocking, humor.

Xanadumagnificent, beautiful, almost magical place.
XanthicOf a yellowish colour.

yonderdistant but within sight.

ZeitgeistThe spirit of the age; the taste, outlook, and spirit characteristic of a period.
ZenithThe point in the sky vertically above a given position or observer; the point in the celestial sphere opposite the nadir.

617 words · compiled by Argo Academics · updated as new sets are added

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