The 4000 English Words Essential for an Educated Vocabulary

52 Vocabulary 4000

irreparable cannot be repaired jurisdiction domain
irresolute hesitant, uncertain
irrevocable cannot be rescinded jurisprudence law
isosceles having two equal sides
itinerant wandering justify excuse, mitigate
itinerary route juvenescent making young, growing
out of infancy and into childhood
juxtapose to place side by side

JK

jabberwocky nonsense kaleidoscope series of changing
jaded spent, bored with one’s events
situation keen of sharp mind
jargon specialized vocabulary ken purview, range of comprehension
jaundiced biased, embittered kindle arouse, inspire
jeer mock kindred similar, related by blood
jejune barren, unsophisticated kinetic pertaining to motion
jest joke kismet fate, the will of Allah
jilt reject, end a relationship promptly kite bad check
jingoistic nationalistic, warmongering kitsch trashy art
jocular humorous kleptomania impulse to steal
jostle push, brush against knave con man
journeyman reliable worker knead massage, to fold, press, and
joust combat between knights on stretch a substance into a uniform mass
horses knell sound of a bell
jubilant in high spirits Koran holy book of Islam
judicious prudent kowtow behave obsequiously
juggernaut unstoppable force kudos acclaim

jugular throat L
juncture pivotal point in time

junoesque stately beauty labyrinth maze

junta small ruling group lacerate tear, cut

The Words 53

Quiz 18 (Analogies)

Directions: Choose the pair that expresses a relationship most similar to that
expressed in the capitalized pair. Answers are on page 101.

1. LOQUACIOUS : GARRULOUS :: 6. ANATHEMA : CURSE ::

(A) harsh : kindly (A) hex : blessing
(B) animate : weary (B) admonition : censure
(C) gluttonous : disloyal (C) incantation : discernment
(D) rash : impetuous (D) theory : calculation
(E) blithe : gloomy (E) conjecture : truth

2. EMPATHY : FEELING :: 7. DILIGENT : ASSIDUOUS ::

(A) melancholy : joy (A) suspicious : reliable
(B) sibling : relative (B) cautious : indecisive
(C) Spartan : wickedness (C) repentant : innocent
(D) boldness : guilt (D) peerless : common
(E) institution : encouragement (E) indigent : poor

3. DEVIATE : LECTURE :: 8. LAMPOON : MOCK::

(A) broadcast : information (A) exalt : ennoble
(B) disown : friend (B) entice : disown
(C) welcome: indifference (C) prattle : talk
(D) entreat : solicitation (D) entreat : controvert
(E) meander : drive (E) debate : heckle

4. NEBULOUS : FORM :: 9. INTUITIVE : CONSIDERED ::

(A) insincere : misanthrope (A) impromptu : planning
(B) benevolent : excellence (B) laborious : safe
(C) insipid : taste (C) ethereal : light
(D) discerning : hope (D) random : sequential
(E) composed : innocence (E) rational : certain

5. PENSIVE : MELANCHOLY :: 10. ETERNAL : EPHEMERAL ::

(A) scornful : contempt (A) equivocal : ambiguous
(B) confident : victory (B) hopeless : chance
(C) eloquent : optimism (C) animated : blithe
(D) sorrowful : indifference (D) mysterious : perplexing
(E) contumacious : esteem (E) foreign : familiar

lachrymose tearful lactic derived from milk
lackey servant lacuna a missing part, gap
laconic brief, terse laggard loafer, slacker

54 Vocabulary 4000 levee embankment, dam
leviathan a monster
lagniappe bonus levity frivolity
laity laymen liable legally responsible
lambent softly radiant liaison relationship, affair
lament mourn libertarian one who believes in
lamina layer complete freedom
lampoon satirize libertine roué, rake
languish weaken libidinous lustful
lanyard short rope licentious lewd, immoral
larceny theft lien financial claim
largess generous donation lieutenant one who acts in place of
lascivious lustful another
lassitude lethargy ligature bond
latent potential, dormant ligneous woodlike
laudatory commendable Lilliputian very small
laurels fame, success limerick poem
lave wash limn portray, describe
lavish extravagant limpid transparent, clearly
lax loose, careless understood
laxity carelessness linchpin something that is
layman nonprofessional indispensable
lectern reading desk lineage ancestry
leery cautious, doubtful linguistics study of language
legacy bequest liquidate eliminate
legerdemain trickery lissome agile, supple
legible readable listless lacking spirit or interest
legislate make laws litany list
legitimate lawful lithe supple
lenient forgiving litigate contest with a lawsuit
lethargic drowsy, sluggish

The Words 55

litotes two negative statement that Machiavellian politically crafty,
cancel to make a positive statement cunning
liturgy ceremony
livid enraged machination plot
loath reluctant
loathe abhor, dislike macrobiosis longevity
lofty high
logistics means of supplying troops macroscopic visibly large
logo symbol
logy sluggish maelstrom whirlpool
loquacious talkative magisterial arbitrary, dictatorial
lothario rake, womanizer magnanimous generous, kindhearted
lout goon, hoodlum magnate a powerful, successful
lucid clearly understood person (especially of business)
lucrative profitable
lucre money, profit magnitude size
ludicrous absurd
lugubrious extremely sad magnum opus masterpiece
luminous bright
lupine wolf-like maim injure, disfigure
lure entice
lurid ghastly, sensational maladjusted disturbed
luster gloss,sheen
luxuriant lush, lavish maladroit clumsy
lynch to execute by hanging without a
trial malady illness
malaise uneasiness, weariness
M malapropism comical misuse of a
word
macabre gruesome malcontent one who is forever
dissatisfied

malediction curse

malefactor evildoer
malevolence bad intent, malice
malfeasance wrong doing (especially
by an official of government)

malice spite

malign defame
malignant virulent, pernicious

malinger shirk
malleable moldable, tractable

56 Vocabulary 4000

Quiz 19 (Matching)

Match each word in the first column with its definition in the second column.
Answers are on page 101.

1. LACHRYMOSE A. trickery
2. LAGGARD B. roué
3. LASCIVIOUS C. very small
4. LEGERDEMAIN D. tearful
5. LIBERTINE E. loafer
6. LILLIPUTIAN F. lustful
7. LOQUACIOUS G. talkative
8. MACHIAVELLIAN H. comical misuse of a word
9. MAGISTERIAL I. arbitrary, dictatorial
10. MALAPROPISM J. politically crafty, cunning

malodorous fetid martial warlike
mammoth huge martinet disciplinarian
manacle shackle martyr sacrifice, symbol
mandate command masochist one who enjoys pain
mandatory obligatory masticate chew
mandrill baboon mastiff large dog
mania madness, obsession mastodon extinct elephant
manifest obvious, evident maternal motherly
manifesto proclamation maternity motherhood
manifold multiple, diverse matriarch matron
manslaughter killing another matriculate enroll (usually in school)
person without malice matrix array
manumit set free matutinal early, morning
manuscript unpublished book maudlin weepy, sentimental
mar damage maul rough up
marauder plunderer mausoleum tomb
marginal insignificant maverick a rebel, individualist
marionette puppet mawkish sickeningly sentimental
maroon abandon mayhem mutilation, chaos
marshal array, mobilize mea culpa my fault

The Words 57

meager scanty metier occupation
meander roam, ramble metonymy the substitution of a
median middle phrase for the name itself
mediocre average mettle courage, capacity for bravery
medley mixture miasma toxin fumes
megalith ancient stone monument mien appearance, bearing
melancholy reflective, gloomy migrate travel
melee riot milieu environment
mellifluous sweet sounding militant combative, activist
melodious melodic militate work against
memento souvenir milk extract
memoir autobiography millennium thousand-year period
memorabilia things worth minatory threatening
remembering mince chop, moderate
memorandum note minion subordinate
menagerie zoo minstrel troubadour
mendacity untruth minuscule small
mendicant beggar minute very small
menial humble, degrading minutiae trivia
mentor teacher mirage illusion
mercantile commercial mire marsh, a situation that is difficult
mercenary calculating, venal to escape from
mercurial changeable, volatile mirth jollity
metamorphosis a change in form misanthrope hater of mankind
mete distribute misappropriation use dishonestly
meteoric swift, dazzling misbegotten illegitimate, obtained
meteorology science of weather by dishonest means
methodical systematic, careful miscarry abort
meticulous extremely careful, miscegenation intermarriage between
precise races

58 Vocabulary 4000

Quiz 20 (Analogies)

Directions: Choose the pair that expresses a relationship most similar to that
expressed in the capitalized pair. Answers are on page 101.

1. SPEECH : FILIBUSTER :: 6. HEDONIST : UNSTINTING ::

(A) race : marathon (A) protagonist : insignificant
(B) gift : breach (B) thug : aggressive
(C) statement : digression (C) politician : irresolute
(D) detour : path (D) benefactor : generous
(E) address : postage (E) drunkard : manifest

2. ARISTOCRAT : LAND :: 7. EXCERPT : NOVEL ::

(A) bureaucracy : enslavement (A) critique : play
(B) monarchy : abnegation (B) review : manuscript
(C) gentry : talent (C) swatch : cloth
(D) dignitary : rank (D) foreword : preface
(E) junta : anarchy (E) recital : performance

3. SURREPTITIOUS : STEALTH :: 8. EXORCISM : DEMON ::

(A) clandestine : openness (A) matriculation : induction
(B) guarded : effrontery (B) banishment : member
(C) bombastic : irreverence (C) qualm : angel
(D) pernicious : bane (D) heuristic : method
(E) impertinent : humility (E) manifesto : spirit

4. PECCADILLO : FLAW :: 9. HOPE : CYNICAL ::

(A) mediator : dispute (A) reticence : benevolent
(B) grammar : error (B) contention : bellicose
(C) nick : score (C) bliss : sullen
(D) forensics : judiciary (D) homage : industrious
(E) invasion : putsch (E) unconcern : indifferent

5. LEVEE : RIVER :: 10. Exhibitionist : Attention ::

(A) rampart : barrier (A) sycophant : turmoil
(B) cordon : throng (B) scientist : power
(C) broker : investment (C) megalomaniac : solitude
(D) promontory : height (D) martyr : anonymity
(E) string : guitar (E) mercenary : money

miscellany mixture of items misgiving doubt, hesitation
misconstrue misinterpret misnomer wrongly named
miscreant evildoer misogyny hatred of women

The Words 59

misshapen deformed morsel bite, piece
missive letter mortify humiliate
mitigate lessen the severity mosque temple
mnemonics that which aids the mote speck
memory motif artistic theme
mobilize assemble for action motive reason for doing something
mobocracy rule by mob motley diverse
modicum pittance mottled spotted
modish chic motto slogan, saying
module unit mountebank charlatan
mogul powerful person mousy drab, colorless
molest bother, sexually assault muckraker reformer
mollify appease muffle stifle, quiet
molten melted mulct defraud
momentous of great importance multifarious diverse, many-sided
monocle eyeglass multitude throng
monolithic large and uniform mundane ordinary
monologue long speech munificent generous
monstrosity distorted, abnormal murmur mutter, mumble
form muse ponder
moot disputable, no longer relevant muster to gather one’s forces
moral ethical mutability able to change
morale spirit, confidence mute silent
morass swamp, difficult situation mutilate maim
moratorium postponement mutiny rebellion
mordant biting, sarcastic mutter murmur, grumble
mores moral standards muzzle restrain, stifle
moribund near death myopic narrow-minded
morose sullen myriad innumerable
morphine painkilling drug

60 Vocabulary 4000

myrmidons loyal followers nexus a link between two or more
mystique mystery, aura people or things
mythical fictitious
nicety euphemism
N niche nook, an activity that well
suits a person’s talents
nadir lowest point
narcissism self-love niggardly stingy
narrate tell, recount
nascent incipient nimble spry
natal related to birth nirvana bliss, the attainment of
nativity the process of birth spiritual enlightenment
naturalize grant citizenship
ne’er-do-well loafer, idler noctambulism sleepwalking
nebulous indistinct nocturnal pertaining to night
necromancy sorcery
nefarious evil nocturne serenade
negate cancel
negligible insignificant noisome harmful, disgusting
nemesis implacable foe
neologism newly coined expression nomad wanderer
neonatal newborn
neophyte beginner nomenclature terminology
nepotism favoritism nominal slight, in name only
nervy brash nominate propose, recommend
nether under somebody for a position
nettle irritate
neurotic disturbed nominee candidate
neutralize offset, nullify
nonchalant casual
noncommittal neutral, circumspect
nondescript lacking distinctive
features
nonentity person of no significance
nonesuch paragon, one in a thousand
nonpareil unequaled, peerless
nonpartisan neutral, uncommitted
nonplus confound, befuddle
notable remarkable, noteworthy

noted famous
notorious wicked, widely known

nouveau riche newly rich

The Words 61

Quiz 21 (Matching)

Match each word in the first column with its definition in the second column.
Answers are on page 101.

1. MISCELLANY A. peerless
2. MISSIVE B. to gather one’s forces
3. MOOT C. newly coined expression
4. MOUNTEBANK D. self-love
5. MULTIFARIOUS E. loyal followers
6. MUSTER F. letter
7. MYRMIDONS G. diverse
8. NARCISSISM H. charlatan
9. NEOLOGISM I. disputable
10. NONPAREIL J. mixture of items

nova bright star obese fat
novel new, unique obfuscate bewilder, muddle
novice beginner obituary eulogy
noxious toxic objective (adj.) unbiased
nuance shade, subtlety objective (noun) goal
nub crux, crucial point objectivity impartiality
nubile marriageable oblation offering, sacrifice
nugatory useless, worthless obligatory required, compulsory
nuisance annoyance oblige compel
nullify void obliging accommodating, considerate
nullity nothingness oblique indirect
numismatics coin collecting obliquity perversity
nurture nourish, foster obliterate destroy
nymph goddess oblong elliptical, oval
obloquy slander
O obscure vague, unclear
obsequious fawning, servile
oaf awkward person obsequy funeral ceremony
obdurate unyielding, hardhearted observant watchful
obeisance homage, deference obsolete outdated
obelisk tall column, monument

62 Vocabulary 4000

obstinate stubborn omniscient all-knowing
obstreperous noisy, unruly onerous burdensome
obtain gain possession onslaught powerful attack
obtrusive forward, meddlesome ontology the study of the nature of
obtuse stupid existence
obviate make unnecessary onus burden
Occident the West opaque nontransparent
occlude block operative working
occult mystical, secret, relating to operetta musical comedy
the supernatural or witchcraft opiate narcotic
octogenarian person in her eighties opine think, express an opinion
ocular optic, visual opportune well-timed, appropriate
ode poem oppress persecute
odious despicable oppressive burdensome
odoriferous pleasant odor opprobrious abusive, scornful
odyssey journey opprobrium disgrace
offal inedible parts of a butchered oppugn assail
animal opt decide, choose
offertory church collection optimum best condition
officiate supervise optional elective
officious forward, obtrusive opulence wealth
offset counterbalance opus literary work or musical
ogle flirt composition
ogre monster, demon oracle prophet
oleaginous oily oration speech
oligarchy aristocracy orator speaker
olio medley orb sphere
ominous threatening orchestrate organize
omnibus collection, compilation ordain appoint
omnipotent all-powerful

The Words 63

Quiz 22 (Analogies)

Directions: Choose the pair that expresses a relationship most similar to that
expressed in the capitalized pair. Answers are on page 101.

1. PARAGRAPH : ESSAY :: 6. STATE : CONFEDERACY ::

(A) trailer : automobile (A) apple : tree
(B) query : question (B) return address : envelope
(C) instrument : surgery (C) binoculars : sight
(D) penmanship : essay (D) velocity : acceleration
(E) shot : salvo (E) soldier : army

2. COMPOUND : BUILDING :: 7. HELPFUL : OFFICIOUS ::

(A) classroom : campus (A) difficult : incorrigible
(B) department : government (B) maudlin : sardonic
(C) tapestry : fabric (C) apathetic : zealous
(D) seed : vegetable (D) true : contrary
(E) commonwealth : country (E) friendly : amiable

3. CONSTELLATION : STARS :: 8. SATURATE : DAMPEN ::

(A) amplifier : hearing (A) contaminate : pollute
(B) ocean : water (B) besmirch : sully
(C) mosaic : tile (C) extol : praise
(D) tracks : train (D) waive : donate
(E) book : paper (E) pronounce : presume

4. ACCELERATE : VELOCITY :: 9. WAYLAY : ADVANCEMENT ::

(A) relinquish : assets (A) corroborate : testimony
(B) energize : stamina (B) amuse : jeopardy
(C) protect : parent (C) condescend : frenzy
(D) project : futility (D) curb : movement
(E) educate : stupor (E) negotiate : defeat

5. SIDEREAL : STARS :: 10. MITIGATE : INJURY ::

(A) platonic : radiation (A) exacerbate : recovery
(B) avian : fish (B) palliate : accusation
(C) corporeal : heaven (C) dampen : enthusiasm
(D) heliocentric : transportation (D) darken : obscurity
(E) terrestrial : Earth (E) entreat : ultimatum

orderly neat, arranged orient align, familiarize
ordinance law orison prayer
ordnance artillery ornate lavishly decorated

64 Vocabulary 4000

ornithology study of birds pagan heathen, ungodly
orthodox conventional page attendant
oscillate waver, swing pageant exhibition, show
ossify harden pains great effort, attention to detail
ostensible apparent, seeming painstaking taking great care, thorough
ostentatious pretentious palatial grand, splendid
ostracize banish, shun palaver babble, nonsense
otherworldly spiritual Paleolithic stone age
otiose idle paleontologist one who studies
ouster ejection fossils
outmoded out-of-date pall to become dull or weary
outré eccentric palliate assuage
outset beginning pallid pale, sallow
ovation applause palpable touchable
overrule disallow palpitate beat, throb
overture advance, proposal palsy paralysis
overweening arrogant, forward paltry scarce
overwhelm overpower pan criticize
overwrought overworked, high- panacea cure-all
strung panache flamboyance
ovum egg, cell pandemic widespread, plague
pandemonium din, commotion
P pander cater to people’s baser
instincts
pachyderm elephant panegyric praise
pacifist one who opposes all pang short sharp pain
violence panoply full suit of armor
pacify appease panorama vista
pact agreement pant gasp, puff
paean a song of praise pantomime mime

The Words 65

pantry storeroom parry avert, ward off
papyrus paper parsimonious stingy
parable allegory parson clergyman
paradigm a model partake share, receive, consume
paragon standard of excellence partial incomplete
parameter limit partiality bias
paramount chief, foremost parting farewell, severance
paramour lover partisan supporter
paranoid obsessively suspicious, partition division
demented parvenu newcomer, social climber
paranormal supernatural pasquinade satire
parapet rampart, defense passé outmoded
paraphernalia equipment passim here and there
paraphrase restatement pastel pale
parcel package pasteurize disinfect
parchment paper pastoral rustic
pare peel patent obvious
parenthetical in parentheses paternal fatherly
pariah outcast pathetic pitiful
parish fold, church pathogen agent causing disease
parity equality pathogenic causing disease
parlance local speech pathos emotion
parlay increase patrician aristocrat
parley conference patrimony inheritance
parochial provincial patronize condescend
parody imitation, ridicule patronymic a name formed form the
parole release name of a father
paroxysm outburst, convulsion patter walk lightly
parrot mimic paucity scarcity

66 Vocabulary 4000

Quiz 23 (Matching)

Match each word in the first column with its definition in the second column.
Answers are on page 101.

1. ORDNANCE A. a model
2. ORTHODOX B. local speech
3. OUTMODED C. convulsion
4. PALAVER D. stingy
5. PANEGYRIC E. agent causing disease
6. PARADIGM F. artillery
7. PARLANCE G. conventional
8. PAROXYSM H. out-of-date
9. PARSIMONIOUS I. babble
10. PATHOGEN J. praise

paunch stomach peevish cranky
pauper poor person pejorative insulting
pavilion tent pell-mell in a confused manner
pawn (noun) tool, stooge pellucid transparent
pawn (verb) pledge pen write
pax peace penance atonement
peaked wan, pale, haggard penchant inclination
peal reverberation, outburst pend depend, hang
peccadillo a minor fault pending not decided, awaiting
peculate embezzle penitent repentant
peculiar unusual pensive sad
peculiarity characteristic penurious stingy
pedagogical pertaining to teaching penury poverty
pedagogue dull, formal teacher peon common worker
pedant pedagogue per se in itself
pedantic bookish perceptive discerning
peddle sell percolate ooze, permeate
pedestrian common perdition damnation
pedigree genealogy peregrination wandering
peerage aristocracy peremptory dictatorial

The Words 67

perennial enduring, lasting personify embody, exemplify
perfectionist purist, precisionist personnel employees
perfidious treacherous (of a person) perspicacious keen
perforate puncture perspicacity discernment, keenness
perforce by necessity persuasive convincing
perfunctory careless pert flippant, bold
perigee point nearest to the earth pertain to relate
perilous dangerous pertinacious persevering
peripatetic walking about pertinent relevant
periphery outer boundary perturbation agitation
perish die peruse read carefully
perishable decomposable pervade permeate
perjury lying pessimist cynic, naysayer
permeate spread throughout pestilence disease
permutation reordering petite small
pernicious destructive, evil petition a written request
peroration conclusion petrify calcify, shock
perpendicular at right angles petrology study of rocks
perpetrate commit pettifogger unscrupulous lawyer
perpetual continuous, everlasting petty trivial, niggling
perpetuate cause to continue petulant irritable, peevish
perpetuity eternity phantasm apparition
perplex puzzle, bewilder phenomena unusual natural events
perquisite reward, bonus philanthropic charitable
persecute harass philanthropist altruist
persevere persist, endure philatelist stamp collector
persona social facade philippic invective
personable charming, friendly Philistine barbarian
personage official, dignitary philosophical contemplative

68 Vocabulary 4000

Quiz 24 (Analogies)

Directions: Choose the pair that expresses a relationship most similar to that
expressed in the capitalized pair. Answers are on page 101.

1. SECLUSION : HERMIT :: 6. CENSORIOUS : CONDONING ::

(A) wealth: embezzler (A) inattentive : neglectful
(B) ambition : philanthropist (B) cursory : inept
(C) domination : athlete (C) defunct : exquisite
(D) turpitude : introvert (D) perfunctory : thorough
(E) injustice : lawyer (E) munificent : generous

2. ASCETIC : SELF-DENIAL :: 7. PURGE : OPPONENT ::

(A) soldier : safety (A) entrench : comrade
(B) official : charity (B) elevate : criminal
(C) thug : acceptance (C) liquidate : politician
(D) benefactor : competition (D) desalinize : salt
(E) profligate : squandering (E) assuage : reactionary

3. Philanthropist : Altruism :: 8. ISLAND : ATOLL ::

(A) authoritarian : indulgence (A) peninsula : archipelago
(B) polemicist : Marxist (B) fire : spring
(C) benefactor : heir (C) hand : glove
(D) pragmatist : hard-liner (D) utensil : fork
(E) libertarian : liberty (E) smock : instrument

4. RACONTEUR : ANECDOTE :: 9. MNEMONIC : MEMORY ::

(A) cynosure : interest (A) demonstration : manifestation
(B) politician : corruption (B) pacemaker : heartbeat
(C) athlete : perfection (C) sanction : recall
(D) writer : publication (D) rhetoric : treatise
(E) nonentity : fame (E) impasse : fruition

5. PATENT : MANIFEST :: 10. EAT : GORGE ::

(A) credulous : gullible (A) sprint : jog
(B) truculent : nonchalant (B) snicker : smirk
(C) lissome : spiritless (C) read : write
(D) covert : prolific (D) disengage : attack
(E) cloyed : insufficient (E) drink : guzzle

phlegmatic sluggish physic laxative, cathartic
phobia fear physique frame, musculature
phoenix rebirth picaresque roguish, adventurous

The Words 69

picayune trifling pleasantry banter, persiflage
piecemeal one at a time plebeian common, vulgar
pied mottled, brindled plebiscite referendum
piety devoutness plenary full
pilfer steal plentiful abundant
pillage plunder pleonasm redundancy, verbosity
pillory punish by ridicule plethora overabundance
pine languish, to long for someone pliable flexible
or something pliant supple, flexible
pinnacle highest point plight sad situation
pious devout, holy plucky courageous
piquant tart-tasting, spicy plumb measure
pique sting, arouse interest plummet sudden shart fall
piscine pertaining to fish plutocrat wealthy person
piteous sorrowful, pathetic plutonium radioactive material
pithy concise poach steal
pitiable miserable, wretched podgy fat
pittance alms, driblet podium stand, rostrum
pittance trifle pogrom massacre, mass murder
pivotal crucial poignant pungent, sharp, heartbreaking
pixilated eccentric, possessed polemic a controversy
placard poster polity methods of government
placate appease poltroon dastard
placid serene polychromatic many-colored
plagiarize pirate, counterfeit polygamist one who has many
plaintive expressing sorrow wives
platitude trite remark ponder muse, reflect
platonic nonsexual ponderous heavy, bulky
plaudit acclaim pontiff bishop
pontificate to speak at length

70 Vocabulary 4000

pootroon coward precipitate cause
porcine pig-like precipitous steep
porous permeable, spongy précis summary
porridge stew precise accurate, detailed
portend signify, augur preclude prevent
portent omen precocious more developed than is
portly large expected at a particular age
portmanteau suitcase preconception prejudgment, prejudice
posit stipulate precursor forerunner
posterior rear, subsequent predacious plundering
posterity future generations predecessor one who proceeds
posthaste hastily predestine foreordain
posthumous after death predicament quandary
postulate supposition, premise predicate to base an opinion on
potent powerful something
potentate sovereign, king predilection inclination
potion brew predisposed inclined
potpourri medley preeminent supreme
potter aimlessly busy preempt commandeer
pragmatic practical preen groom
prate babble prefabricated ready-built
prattle chatter prefect magistrate
preamble introduction preference choice
precarious dangerous, risky preferment promotion
precedent an act that serves as an prelate primate, bishop
example preliminary introductory
precept principle, law prelude introduction
precinct neighborhood premeditate plan in advance
precipice cliff premonition warning
prenatal before birth

The Words 71

Quiz 25 (Matching)

Match each word in the first column with its definition in the second column.
Answers are on page 102.

1. PHOENIX A. cliff
2. PILLORY B. inclination
3. PITTANCE C. warning
4. PLAUDIT D. acclaim
5. PLETHORA E. overabundance
6. POGROM F. after death
7. POSTHUMOUS G. massacre
8. PRECIPICE H. rebirth
9. PREDILECTION I. punish by ridicule
10. PREMONITION J. trifle

preponderance predominance prevailing common, current
prepossessing appealing, charming prevalent widespread
preposterous ridiculous prevaricate lie
prerequisite requirement prick puncture
prerogative right, privilege priggish pedantic, affected
presage omen prim formal, prudish
prescribe urge primal first, beginning
presentable acceptable, well-mannered primate head, master
preside direct, chair primogeniture first-born child
pressing urgent primp groom
prestidigitator magician princely regal, generous
prestige reputation, renown prismatic many-colored, sparkling

presume assume, deduce pristine pure, unspoiled
presumptuous assuming, privation hardship
overconfident privy aware of private matters
presuppose assume probe examine
pretense affectation, excuse probity integrity
pretentious affected, inflated problematic uncertain, difficult
preternatural abnormal, supernatural proboscis snout
pretext excuse procedure method, process
prevail triumph

72 Vocabulary 4000

proceeds profit prologue introduction
proclaim announce prolong lengthen in time
proclivity inclination promenade stroll, parade
procreate beget promethean inspirational
proctor supervise promiscuous sexually indiscreet
procure acquire promontory headland, cape
procurer pander prompt induce
prod urge prompter reminder
prodigal wasteful promulgate publish, disseminate
prodigious marvelous, enormous prone inclined, predisposed
prodigy a person with extraordinary propaganda publicity, misinformation
ability or talent propellant rocket fuel
profane blasphemous propensity inclination
profess affirm, admit prophet prognosticator
proffer bring forward for consideration prophylactic preventive
proficient skillful propinquity nearness
profiteer extortionist propitiate satisfy
profligate licentious, prodigal propitious auspicious, favorable
profound deep, knowledgeable proponent supporter, advocate
profusion overabundance proportionate commensurate
progenitor ancestor proposition offer, proposal
progeny children propound propose
prognosis forecast proprietor manager, owner
prognosticate foretell propriety decorum
progressive advancing, liberal prosaic uninspired, flat
proletariat working class proscenium platform, rostrum
proliferate increase rapidly proscribe prohibit
prolific fruitful, productive proselytize recruit, convert
prolix long-winded prosody study of poetic structure

The Words 73

Quiz 26 (Analogies)

Directions: Choose the pair that expresses a relationship most similar to that
expressed in the capitalized pair. Answers are on page 102.

1. CALLOUS : SYMPATHY :: 6. NOCTURNAL : CIMMERIAN ::

(A) flawless : excellence (A) exacting : lax
(B) histrionic : theatrics (B) prudish : indulgent
(C) outgoing : inhibition (C) contentious : affluent
(D) indiscreet : platitude (D) stark : embellished
(E) categorical : truism (E) specious : illusory

2. INSIPID : TASTE :: 7. CONVOCATION : MEETING ::

(A) curt : incivility (A) bargain : market
(B) apathetic : zest (B) supplication : prayer
(C) immaculate : brevity (C) issue : referendum
(D) trite : unimportance (D) speech : podium
(E) discriminating : scholarship (E) harvest : fall

3. Apocryphal : Corroboration :: 8. OSTRICH : BIRD ::

(A) didactic : instruction (A) dusk : day
(B) fraudulent : forgery (B) fish : ocean
(C) tyrannical : poise (C) tunnel : mountain
(D) esoteric : commonality (D) hat : coat
(E) sacrilegious : piety (E) sirocco : storm

4. NEBULOUS : DISTINCTION :: 9. VIRUS : ORGANISM ::

(A) guileless : deceit (A) vegetable : mineral
(B) antipathetic : abhorrence (B) test-tube : bacteria
(C) sublime : disrespect (C) microcosm : world
(D) magnanimous : anxiety (D) microfiche : computer
(E) amorphous : inchoation (E) watch : wrist

5. TARNISH : VITIATE :: 10. Mercurial : Temperament ::

(A) beleaguer : console (A) capricious : interest
(B) abrogate : flicker (B) tempestuous : solemnity
(C) ensconce : corrupt (C) staid : wantonness
(D) bemuse : stupefy (D) phlegmatic : concern
(E) inundate : squelch (E) cynical : naiveté

prospective expected, imminent protagonist main character in a story
prospectus brochure protean changing readily
prostrate supine protégé ward, pupil

74 Vocabulary 4000

protocol code of diplomatic etiquette psychic pertaining the psyche or
proton particle mind
protract prolong psychopath madman
protuberance bulge psychotic demented
provender food puberty adolescence
proverb maxim puckish impish, mischievous
proverbial well-known puerile childish
providence foresight, divine pugilism boxing
protection pugnacious combative
provident having foresight, thrifty puissant strong
providential fortunate pulchritude beauty
province bailiwick, district pulp paste, mush
provincial intolerant, insular pulpit platform, priesthood
provisional temporary pulsate throb
proviso stipulation pulverize crush
provisory conditional pun wordplay
provocation incitement punctilious meticulous
provocative titillating pundit learned or politically astute
provoke incite person
prowess strength, expertise pungent sharp smell or taste
proximity nearness punitive punishing
proxy substitute, agent puny weak, small
prude puritan purblind obtuse, stupid
prudence discretion, carefulness purgative cathartic, cleansing
prudent cautious, using good purgatory limbo, netherworld
judgment purge cleanse, remove
prudish puritanical puritanical prim
prurient lewd purlieus environs, surroundings
pseudo false purloin steal
pseudonym alias purport claim to be

The Words 75

purported rumored quarry prey, game
purposeful determined quarter residence, district
pursuant following, according quash put down, suppress
purvey deliver, provide quasi seeming, almost
purview range of understanding, field quaver tremble
pusillanimous cowardly quay wharf
putative reputed queasy squeamish
putrefy decay queer odd
putsch a sudden attempt to overthrow quell suppress, allay
a government quench extinguish, slake
pygmy dwarf querulous complaining
pyrotechnics fireworks questionnaire survey, feedback
pyrrhic a battle won with queue line
unacceptable losses quibble bicker
quicken revive, hasten
Q quiddity essence, an unimportant or
trifling distinction
quack charlatan quiescent still, motionless
quadrennial occurring every four quietus a cessation of activity
years quill feather, pen
quadrille square dance quip joke
quadruped four foot animal quirk eccentricity, a strange and
quaff drink unexpected turn of events
quagmire difficult situation quiver tremble
quail shrink, cower quixotic impractical, romantic
quaint old-fashioned, charming quizzical odd, questioning
qualified limited quorum the minimum number people
qualms misgivings who must be present to hold a meeting
quandary dilemma quota a share or proportion
quantum quantity, particle quotidian daily
quarantine detention, confinement

76 Vocabulary 4000

Quiz 27 (Matching)

Match each word in the first column with its definition in the second column.
Answers are on page 102.

1. PROTEAN A. bulge
2. PROTUBERANCE B. changing readily
3. PROVISIONAL C. steal
4. PUNDIT D. majority
5. PURLOIN E. temporary
6. PURPORT F. a cessation of activity
7. QUAVER G. line
8. QUEUE H. tremble
9. QUIETUS I. claim to be
10. QUORUM J. politically astute person

R rankle cause bitterness, resentment
rant rage, scold
rabble crowd rapacious grasping, avaricious
rabid mad, furious rapidity speed
racketeer gangster, swindler rapier sword
raconteur storyteller rapine plunder
radical revolutionary rapport affinity, empathy
raffish rowdy, dashing rapprochement reconciliation
rail rant, harangue rapture bliss
raiment clothing rash hasty, brash
rake womanizer rasp scrape
rally assemble ratify approve
rambunctious boisterous ration allowance, portion
ramification consequence rationale justification
rampage run amuck ravage plunder, ruin
rampant unbridled, raging ravish captivate, charm
ramrod rod raze destroy or level a building
rancid rotten realm kingdom, domain
rancor resentment realpolitik cynical interpretation of
randy vulgar politics

The Words 77

reap harvest recrimination countercharge,
rebuff reject, snub retaliation
rebuke criticize, reprimand recruit draftee
rebus picture puzzle rectify correct, to make right
rebuttal reply, counterargument recumbent reclining
recalcitrant stubbornly resisting the recuperation recovery
authority of another recur repeat, revert
recant retract a previous statement redeem buy back, justify, restore
recapitulate restate, summarize yourself to favor or to good opinion
recede move back redeemer savior
receptacle container redemption salvation
receptive open to ideas redolent fragrant
recidivism habitual criminal activity redoubt fort
recipient one who receives redoubtable formidable, steadfast
reciprocal mutual, return in kind redress restitution, compensation
recital performance, concert redundant repetitious
recitation recital, lesson reek smell
reclusive solitary reel stagger, to lurch backward as
recoil flinch, retreat though struck by a blow
recollect remember referendum vote
recompense repay, compensate refined purified, cultured
reconcile adjust, balance reflux ebb
recondite mystical, profound refraction bending, deflection
reconnaissance surveillance refractory obstinate, disobedient
reconnoiter to survey, to scout refrain abstain
(especially for military purposes) refurbish remodel, renovate
recount recite refute disprove, contradict
recoup recover regal royal
recourse appeal, resort regale entertain
recreant cowardly regalia emblems

78 Vocabulary 4000

Quiz 28 (Analogies)

Directions: Choose the pair that expresses a relationship most similar to that
expressed in the capitalized pair. Answers are on page 102.

1. PLUMMET : FALL :: 6. BENIGN : PERNICIOUS ::

(A) rifle : search (A) ostentatious : tawdry
(B) accelerate : stop (B) mortified : nefarious
(C) interdict : proscribe (C) apocryphal : categorical
(D) rake : scour (D) discerning : keen
(E) precipitate : ascend (E) pejorative : vicarious

2. DRONE : EMOTION :: 7. Demagogue : Manipulator ::

(A) sprint : journey (A) champion : defender
(B) annoy : emollient (B) lawyer : mediator
(C) stupefy : erudition (C) mentor : oppressor
(D) deadpan : expression (D) soldier : landowner
(E) scuttle : ship (E) capitalist : socialist

3. MAROON : SEQUESTER :: 8. GREGARIOUS : CONGENIAL ::

(A) transfix : emote (A) suspicious : trusting
(B) exhaust : innervate (B) pedantic : lively
(C) tranquilize : qualify (C) bellicose : militant
(D) select : rebuff (D) singular : nondescript
(E) entreat : beseech (E) seminal : apocalyptic

4. TOTTER : WALK :: 9. DISHEARTENED : HOPE ::

(A) annex : land (A) enervated : ennui
(B) fathom : enlightenment (B) buoyant : effervescence
(C) distend : contusion (C) amoral : ethics
(D) efface : consolation (D) munificent : altruism
(E) stutter : speech (E) nefarious : turpitude

5. LIGHT : DIM :: 10. PRATTLE : SPEAK ::

(A) indictment : investigate (A) accept : reject
(B) protest : muffle (B) stomp : patter
(C) heat : radiate (C) heed : listen
(D) solid : incinerate (D) promenade : walk
(E) ornament : decorate (E) ejaculate : shout

regime a government regurgitate vomit, repeat
regiment infantry unit rehash wearily discuss again
regrettable lamentable, unfortunate reign rule, influence

rein curb, restrain The Words 79
reincarnation rebirth
reiterate repeat, say again renown fame
rejoice celebrate rent tear, rupture
rejoinder answer, retort reparation amends, atonement
rejuvenate make young again repartee witty conversation
relapse recurrence (of illness) repatriate to send back to the native
relegate assign to an inferior land
position repellent causing aversion
relent soften, yield repent atone for
relentless unstoppable repercussion consequence
relic antique repertoire stock of works
relinquish release, renounce repine fret
relish savor replenish refill
remedial corrective replete complete
remiss negligent replica copy
remit forgive, send payment replicate duplicate
remnant residue, fragment repose rest
remonstrance protest reprehensible blameworthy
remorse guilt repress suppress
remuneration compensation reprieve temporary suspension
renaissance rebirth reprimand rebuke
renascent reborn reprisal retaliation
rend to tear apart reprise repetition
render deliver, provide reproach blame
rendezvous a meeting reprobate miscreant
rendition version, interpretation reprove rebuke
renege break a promise repudiate disavow
renounce disown repugnant distasteful, revolting
repulse repel
repulsive repugnant

80 Vocabulary 4000

repute status, reputation, esteem retainer advance fee
reputed supposed, presumed, alleged retaliate revenge
requiem rest, a mass for the dead retch vomit
requisite necessary reticent reserved
requisition order, formal demand retiring modest, unassuming
requite to return in kind retort quick reply
rescind revoke retrench cut back, economize
reserve self-control retribution reprisal
reside dwell retrieve reclaim
residue remaining part retrograde regress
resigned accepting of a situation retrospective reminiscent, display
resilience ability to recover from an revamp recast
illness or a setback reveille bugle call
resolute determined revel frolic, take joy in
resolution determination revelry merrymaking
resolve determination revenue income
resonant reverberating revere honor
resort recourse reverent respectful
resound echo reverie daydream
resourceful inventive, skillful revert return to a former state
respectively in that order revile denounce, defame
respire breathe revision new version
respite rest, temporary delay revive renew
resplendent shining, splendid revoke repeal
restitution reparation, amends revulsion aversion
restive nervous, uneasy rhapsody ecstasy
resurgence revival rhetoric elocution, grandiloquence
resurrection rebirth rheumatism inflammation
resuscitate revive ribald coarse, vulgar
retain keep

The Words 81

Quiz 29 (Matching)

Match each word in the first column with its definition in the second column.
Answers are on page 102.

1. REGIME A. vulgar
2. REJOINDER B. quick reply
3. REMUNERATION C. uneasy
4. RENDEZVOUS D. necessary
5. RENT E. miscreant
6. REPROBATE F. rupture
7. REQUISITE G. a meeting
8. RESTIVE H. compensation
9. RETRIBUTION I. retort
10. RIBALD J. a government

rickety shaky, ramshackle roué libertine
ricochet carom, rebound rouse awaken, provoke
rife widespread, abundant rout vanquish, cause to retreat
riffraff dregs of society rubicund ruddy complexion
rifle search through and steal ruck the common herd
rift a split, an opening, disagreement rudiment beginning, kernel
righteous upright, moral rue regret
rigor harshness, precise and exacting ruffian brutal person
rime crust ruminate ponder
riposte counterthrust rummage hunt, grope
risible laughable runel stream
risqué off-color, racy ruse trick
rivet engross rustic rural
robust vigorous
rogue scoundrel S
roister bluster
romp frolic Sabbath day of rest
roseate rosy, optimistic sabbatical vacation
roster list of people saber sword
rostrum podium sabotage treason, destruction

82 Vocabulary 4000 sanguinary gory, murderous
sanguine cheerful
saccharine sugary, overly sweet sans without
tone sapid interesting
sacerdotal priestly sapient wise
sack pillage sarcophagus stone coffin
sacrament rite scornful scornful, sarcastic
sacred cow idol, taboo sartorial pertaining to clothes
sacrilege blasphemy satanic pertaining to the Devil
sacrosanct sacred satchel bag
saddle encumber sate satisfy fully
sadist one who takes pleasure in satiate satisfy fully
hurting others satire ridicule
safari expedition saturate soak
saga story saturnine gloomy
sagacious wise satyr demigod, goat-man
sage wise person saunter stroll
salacious licentious savanna grassland
salient prominent savant scholar
saline salty savoir-faire tact, polish
sallow sickly complected savor enjoy, relish
sally sortie, attack savory appetizing
salutary good, wholesome savvy perceptive, shrewd
salutation salute, greeting scabrous difficult
salvation redemption scant inadequate, meager
salve medicinal ointment scapegoat one who takes blame for
salvo volley, gunfire others
sanctify consecrate scarify criticize
sanctimonious self-righteous scathe injure, denounce
sanction approval
sanctuary refuge
sang-froid coolness under fire

The Words 83

Quiz 30 (Analogies)

Directions: Choose the pair that expresses a relationship most similar to that
expressed in the capitalized pair. Answers are on page 102.

1. THIMBLE : FINGER :: 6. RETICENT : WANTON ::

(A) glove : hammer (A) lithe : supple
(B) stitch : loop (B) exemplary : palpable
(C) branch : flower (C) pejorative : opprobrious
(D) talon : eagle (D) quiescent : rampant
(E) smock : apparel (E) provincial : virulent

2. ANARCHY : ORDER :: 7. GULLIBLE : DUPE ::

(A) desolation : annihilation (A) artless : demagogue
(B) ineptitude : skill (B) Machiavellian : entrepreneur
(C) bastion : aegis (C) cantankerous : curmudgeon
(D) chaos : disarray (D) disputatious : patron
(E) parsimony : elegance (E) optimistic : defeatist

3. LAND : FALLOW :: 8. OPAQUE : LIGHT ::

(A) automobile : expensive (A) porous : liquid
(B) politics : innovative (B) undamped : vibration
(C) orchard : fruitful (C) unrelenting : barbarian
(D) mountain : precipitous (D) diaphanous : metal
(E) ship : decommissioned (E) hermetic : air

4. HEURISTIC : TEACH :: 9. QUIXOTIC : PRAGMATIC ::

(A) parable : obfuscate (A) romantic : fanciful
(B) performer : entertain (B) dispassionate : just
(C) pedant : construct (C) auspicious : sanguine
(D) actor : incite (D) malcontent : jingoistic
(E) virus : prevent (E) optimistic : surreal

5. RUSE : DECEIVE :: 10. COLON : INTRODUCE ::

(A) pretext : mollify (A) hyphen : join
(B) invective : laud (B) semicolon : transfer
(C) cathartic : cleanse (C) dash : shorten
(D) artifice : disabuse (D) apostrophe : intensify
(E) calumny : confuse (E) comma : possess

scepter a rod, staff scintilla speck
scheme plot, system, diagram scintillate sparkle
schism rift scion offspring

84 Vocabulary 4000

scoff jeer, dismiss seethe fume, resent
scone biscuit seismic pertaining to earthquakes
scorn disdain, reject seismology study of earthquakes
scoundrel unprincipled person self-effacing modest
scour clean by rubbing, search semantics study of word meanings
scourge affliction semblance likeness
scruples misgivings seminal fundamental, decisive
scrupulous principled, fastidious semper fidelis always loyal
scrutinize examine closely senescence old age
scurf dandruff senescent aging
scurrilous abusive, insulting seniority privilege due to length of
scurry move quickly service
scuttle to sink (a ship) sensational outstanding, startling
scythe long, curved blade sensible wise, prudent
sear burn sensory relating to the senses
sebaceous like fat sensualist epicure
secede withdraw sensuous appealing to the senses,
secluded remote, isolated enjoying luxury
seclusion solitude sententious concise
sectarian denominational sentient conscious
secular worldly, nonreligious sentinel watchman
secure make safe sepulcher tomb
sedation state of calm sequacious dependent
sedentary stationary, inactive sequel continuation, epilogue
sedition treason, inciting rebellion sequester segregate
seduce lure seraphic angelic
sedulous diligent serendipity a knack for making
seedy rundown, ramshackle fortunate discoveries
seemly proper, attractive serene peaceful
serpentine winding and twisting

The Words 85

serried saw-toothed sickle semicircular blade
serum vaccine sidereal pertaining to the stars
servile slavish sidle move sideways, slither
servitude forced labor siege blockade
sessile permanently attached sierra mountain range
session meeting sieve strainer
settee seat, sofa signatory signer
sever cut in two signet a seal
severance division silhouette outline, profile
shallot onion silo storage tower
sham pretense, imposter simian monkey
shambles disorder, mess simile figure of speech
shard sharp fragment of glass simper smile, smirk
sheen luster simulacrum vague likeness
sheepish shy, embarrassed sinecure position with little
shibboleth password responsibility
shirk evade (work) sinewy fibrous, stringy
sliver fragment, shaving singe burn just the surface of
shoal reef something
shoring supporting singly one by one, individually
shortcomings personal deficiencies singular unique, extraordinary
shrew virago sinister evil, malicious
shrewd clever, cunning sinistral left-handed
shrill high-pitched siphon extract, tap
shun avoid, spurn sire forefather, to beget
shunt turn aside siren temptress
shyster unethical lawyer site location
sibilant a hissing sound skeptical doubtful
sibling brother or sister skinflint miser
skirmish a small battle

86 Vocabulary 4000

Quiz 31 (Matching)

Match each word in the first column with its definition in the second column.
Answers are on page 102.

1. SCRUPLES A. figure of speech
2. SCYTHE B. proper, attractive
3. SEEMLY C. long, curved blade
4. SENTENTIOUS D. left-handed
5. SERENDIPITY E. pertaining to the stars
6. SHIBBOLETH F. signer
7. SIDEREAL G. making fortunate discoveries
8. SIGNATORY H. password
9. SIMILE I. misgivings
10. SINISTRAL J. concise

skittish excitable, wary, jumpy snare trap
skulk sneak about snide sarcastic, spiteful
skullduggery trickery snippet morsel, small piece
slake quench snivel whine, sniff
slander defame snub ignore, slight
slate list of candidate snuff extinguish
slaver drivel, fawn sobriety composed, abstinent, sober
slay kill sobriquet nickname
sleight dexterity, skill socialite one who is prominent in
slew an abundance society
slither slide, slink sociology study of society
slogan motto sodality companionship
sloth laziness sodden soaked
slovenly sloppy sojourn trip, stopover
smattering superficial knowledge solace consolation, comfort
smelt refine metal solder fuse, weld
smirk smug look solecism ungrammatical construction
smite strike, afflict solemn serious, somber
smock apron solemnity seriousness
solicit request

The Words 87

solicitous considerate, concerned speculate conjecture
soliloquy monologue speleologist one who studies caves
solstice furthest point spew eject
soluble dissolvable spindle shaft
solvent financially sound spindly tall and thin
somatic pertaining to the body spinster old maid
somber gloomy, solemn spire pinnacle
somnambulist sleepwalker spirited lively
somnolent sleepy spirituous alcohol, intoxicating
sonnet short poem spite malice, grudge
sonorous resonant, majestic spittle spit
sop morsel, compensation, offering splay spread apart
sophistry specious reasoning spleen resentment, wrath
soporific sleep inducing splenetic peevish
soprano high female voice splurge indulge
sordid foul, ignoble spontaneous extemporaneous
sorority sisterhood sporadic occurring irregularly
soubrette actress, ingenue sportive playful
souse a drunk spry nimble
sovereign monarch spume foam, froth
spar fight spurious false, counterfeit
spasmodic intermittent, fitful spurn to reject a person with scorn
spate sudden outpouring squalid filthy
spawn produce squall rain storm
specimen sample squander waste
specious false but plausible reasoning squelch crush, stifle
spectacle public display stagnant stale, motionless
spectral ghostly staid demure, sedate
spectrum range, gamut

88 Vocabulary 4000

Quiz 32 (Analogies)

Directions: Choose the pair that expresses a relationship most similar to that
expressed in the capitalized pair. Answers are on page 102.

1. PERSPICACIOUS : INSIGHT :: 6. RESOLUTE : WILL ::

(A) ardent : quickness (A) violent : peacefulness
(B) warm : temperature (B) fanatic : concern
(C) wealthy : scarcity (C) balky : contrary
(D) rapacious : magnanimity (D) notorious : infamy
(E) churlish : enmity (E) virtuous : wholesomeness

2 . Unprecedented : Previous Occurrence :: 7. ATOM : MATTER ::

(A) naive : harmony (A) neutron : proton
(B) incomparable : equal (B) vegetable : animal
(C) improper : vacillation (C) molecule : element
(D) eccentric : intensity (D) component : system
(E) random : recidivism (E) pasture : herd

3. SNAKE : INVERTEBRATE :: 8. ACTORS : TROUPE ::

(A) dolphin : fish (A) plotters : cabal
(B) eagle : talon (B) professors : tenure
(C) boa constrictor : backbone (C) workers : bourgeoisie
(D) penguin : bird (D) diplomats : government
(E) bat : insect (E) directors : cast

4. LIMERICK : POEM :: 9. COFFER : VALUABLES ::

(A) monologue : chorus (A) mountain : avalanche
(B) sonnet : offering (B) book : paper
(C) waltz : tango (C) vault : trifles
(D) skull : skeleton (D) sanctuary : refuge
(E) aria : song (E) sea : waves

5. INTEREST : OBSESSION :: 10. LION : CARNIVORE ::

(A) faith : caprice (A) man : vegetarian
(B) nonchalance : insouciance (B) ape : ponderer
(C) diligence : assiduity (C) lizard : mammal
(D) decimation : annihilation (D) buffalo : omnivore
(E) alacrity: procrastination (E) shark : scavenger

stalwart pillar, strong, loyal stanchion prop, foundation
stamina vigor, endurance stanza division of a poem
stanch loyal stark desolate

The Words 89

startle surprise stratagem trick, military tactic
stately impressive, noble stratify form into layers
static inactive, immobile stratum layer
statue regulation striate to mark with stripes
staunch loyal stricture censure, restriction
stave ward off strife conflict
steadfast loyal striking impressive, attractive
stealth secrecy, covertness stringent severe, strict
steeped soaked, infused strive endeavor
stenography shorthand studious diligent
stentorian loud or declamatory in tone stultify inhibit, enfeeble
sterling high quality stunted arrested development
stern strict stupefy deaden, dumfound
stevedore longshoreman stupendous astounding
stifle suppress stupor lethargy
stigma mark of disgrace stylize formalize, artificial artistic
stiletto dagger style
stilted formal, stiff stymie hinder, thwart
stimulate excite suave smooth, charming
stint limit, assignment sub rosa in secret
stipend payment subcutaneous beneath the skin
stipulate specify, arrange subdue conquer
stodgy stuffy, pompous subjugate suppress
stoic indifferent to pain or pleasure sublet subcontract
stoke prod, fuel sublimate to redirect forbidden
stole long scarf impulses (usually sexual) into socially
stolid impassive accepted activities
stout stocky sublime lofty, excellent
strait distress sublunary earthly
submit yield, acquiesce

90 Vocabulary 4000

subordinate lower in rank superimpose cover, place on top of
subsequent succeeding, following superintend supervise
subservient servile, submissive superlative superior
subside diminish supernumerary subordinate
subsidiary subordinate supersede supplant
subsidize financial assistance supervene ensue, follow
substantiate verify supervise oversee
substantive substantial supine lying on the back
subterfuge cunning, ruse supplant replace
subterranean underground supplication prayer
subvert undermine suppress subdue
succor help, comfort surfeit overabundance
succulent juicy, delicious surly rude, crass
succumb yield, submit surmise to guess
suffice adequate surmount overcome
suffrage vote surname family name
suffuse pervade, permeate surpass exceed, excel
suggestive thought-provoking, risqué surreal dreamlike
sullen sulky, sour surreptitious secretive
sully stain surrogate substitute
sultry sweltering surveillance close watch
summon call for, arraign susceptible vulnerable
sumptuous opulent, luscious suspend stop temporarily
sunder split sustenance food
sundry various susurrant whispering
superb excellent suture surgical stitch
supercilious arrogant svelte slender
supererogatory wanton, superfluous swank fashionable
superfluous overabundant swarthy dark (as in complexion)

The Words 91

Quiz 33 (Matching)

Match each word in the first column with its definition in the second column.
Answers are on page 102.

1. STAVE A. distress
2. STEVEDORE B. diligent
3. STRAIT C. ward off
4. STUDIOUS D. longshoreman
5. SUBJUGATE E. various
6. SUBTERFUGE F. overabundant
7. SUNDRY G. suppress
8. SUPERFLUOUS H. cunning
9. SUPINE I. dreamlike
10. SURREAL J. lying on the back

swatch strip of fabric systole heart contraction
sweltering hot
swivel a pivot T
sybarite pleasure-seeker
sycophant flatterer, flunky tabernacle temple
syllabicate divide into syllables table postpone
syllabus schedule tableau scene, backdrop
sylph a slim, graceful girl taboo prohibition
sylvan rustic tabulate arrange
symbiotic cooperative, working in tacit understood without being spoken
close association taciturn untalkative
symmetry harmony, congruence tactful sensitive
symposium panel (discussion) tactics strategy
symptomatic indicative tactile tangible
synagogue temple taint pollute
syndicate cartel talion punishment
syndrome set of symptoms tally count
synod council talon claw
synopsis brief summary tandem two or more things together
synthesis combination tang strong taste
tangential peripheral

92 Vocabulary 4000

tangible touchable tentative provisional
tantalize tease tenuous thin, insubstantial
tantamount equivalent tenure status given after a period of
taper candle time
tariff tax on imported or exported tepid lukewarm
goods terminal final
tarn small lake terminology nomenclature
tarnish taint ternary triple
tarry linger terpsichorean related to dance
taurine bull-like terrain the feature of land
taut tight terrapin turtle
tautological repetitious terrestrial earthly
tawdry gaudy terse concise
technology body of knowledge testament covenant
tedious boring, tiring testy petulant
teem swarm, abound tether tie down
temerity boldness theatrics histrionics
temperate moderate theologian one who studies religion
tempest storm thesaurus book of synonyms
tempestuous agitated thesis proposition, topic
tempo speed thespian actor
temporal pertaining to time thews muscles
tempt entice thorny difficult
tenable defensible, valid thrall slave
tenacious persistent threadbare tattered
tendentious biased thrive prosper
tenement decaying apartment building throes anguish
tenet doctrine throng crowd
tensile stretchable throttle choke
thwart to foil

The Words 93

Quiz 34 (Matching)

Match each word in the first column with its definition in the second column.
Answers are on page 102.

1. SWATCH A. to foil
2. SYNOD B. anguish
3. TACIT C. concise
4. TALON D. provisional
5. TAURINE E. agitated
6. TEMPESTUOUS F. bull-like
7. TENTATIVE G. claw
8. TERSE H. understood without being spoken
9. THROES I. council
10. THWART J. strip of fabric

tiara crown topography science of map making
tidings news, information torment harass
tiff fight torpid lethargic, inactive
timbre tonal quality, resonance torrid scorching, passionate
timorous fearful, timid torsion twisting
tincture trace, vestige, tint torus doughnut shaped object
tinsel tawdriness totter stagger
tirade scolding speech touchstone standard
titan accomplished person tousled disheveled
titanic huge tout praise, brag
titer laugh nervously toxicologist one who studies poisons
tithe donate one-tenth tractable docile, manageable
titian auburn traduce slander
titillate arouse tranquilize calm, anesthetize
titular in name only, figurehead transcribe write a copy
toady fawner, sycophant transfigure transform, exalt
tocsin alarm bell, signal transfix impale
toil drudgery transfuse insert, infuse
tome large book transgression trespass, offense
tonal pertaining to sound transient fleeting, temporary

94 Vocabulary 4000 tumefy swell
tumult commotion
transitory fleeting turbid muddy, clouded
translucent clear, lucid turgid swollen
transpire happen turpitude depravity
transpose interchange tussle fight
trauma injury tussock cluster of glass
travail work, drudgery tutelage guardianship
traverse cross twain two
travesty caricature, farce twinge pain
treatise book, dissertation tyrannical dictatorial
trek journey tyranny oppression
trenchant incisive, penetrating tyro beginner
trepidation fear
triad group of three U
tribunal court
tributary river ubiquitous omnipresent, pervasive
trite commonplace, insincere ulterior hidden, covert
troglodyte cave dweller ultimatum demand
trollop harlot ululate howl, wail
troublous disturbed umbrage resentment
trounce thrash unabashed shameless, brazen
troupe group of actors unabated ceaseless
truckle yield unaffected natural, sincere
truculent fierce, savage unanimity agreement
trudge march, slog unassuming modest
truism self-evident truth unavailing useless, futile
truncate shorten unawares suddenly, unexpectedly
truncheon club unbecoming unfitting
tryst meeting, rendezvous unbridled unrestrained
tumbler drinking glass

The Words 95

Quiz 35 (Matching)

Match each word in the first column with its definition in the second column.
Answers are on page 102.

1. TIDINGS A. incisive
2. TITER B. omnipresent
3. TITULAR C. lethargic
4. TORPID D. figurehead
5. TRADUCE E. unrestrained
6. TRENCHANT F. news
7. UBIQUITOUS G. laugh nervously
8. ULULATE H. ceaseless
9. UNABATED I. wail
10. UNBRIDLED J. slander

uncanny mysterious, inexplicable unflappable not easily upset
unconscionable unscrupulous unfrock discharge
unfurl open up, spread out
uncouth uncultured, crude ungainly awkward
uniformity sameness
unctuous insincere unilateral action taken by only one
party
undermine weaken unimpeachable exemplary
unison together
underpin support unkempt disheveled
unmitigated complete, harsh
underscore emphasize unmoved firm, steadfast
unprecedented without previous
understudy a stand-in occurrence
unremitting relentless
underworld criminal world unsavory distasteful, offensive
underwrite agree to finance, unscathed unhurt
guarantee unseat displace
unseemly unbecoming, improper
undue unjust, excessive unstinting generous

undulate surge, fluctuate

unduly excessive
unequivocal unambiguous,
categorical

unexceptionable beyond criticism
unfailing steadfast, unfaltering
unfathomable puzzling,
incomprehensible
unflagging untiring, unrelenting

96 Vocabulary 4000

unsullied spotless, pure vanquish conquer
unsung neglected, not receiving just vapid vacuous, insipid
recognition variance discrepancy
untenable cannot be achieved vassal subject, subordinate
untoward perverse, unseemly vaunt brag
unwarranted unjustified vehement adamant
unwieldy awkward venal mercenary, for the sake of
unwitting unintentional money
upshot result vendetta grudge, feud
urbane refined, worldly veneer false front, facade
ursine bear-like venerable revered
usurp seize, to appropriate venial excusable
usury lending money at high rates venom poison, spite
utilitarian pragmatic, useful venture risk, speculate
utopia paradise venturesome bold, risky
utter complete venue location
uxorious a doting husband veracity truthfulness
veranda porch
V verbatim word for word, literal
verbose wordy
vacillate waver verdant green, lush
vacuous inane, empty verdict decision, judgment
vagary whim vernacular common speech
vain unsuccessful vertigo dizziness
vainglorious conceited vestige trace, remnant
valediction farewell speech veto reject
valiant brave vex annoy
validate affirm, authenticate viable capable of surviving, feasible
valor bravery viaduct waterway
vanguard leading position

The Words 97

Quiz 36 (Matching)

Match each word in the first column with its definition in the second column.
Answers are on page 102.

1. UNCOUTH A. disheveled
2. UNDULY B. capable of surviving
3. UNFLAGGING C. awkward
4. UNKEMPT D. uncultured
5. UNSTINTING E. truthfulness
6. UNTENABLE F. whim
7. UNWIELDY G. unrelenting
8. VAGARY H. cannot be achieved
9. VERACITY I. generous
10. VIABLE J. excessive

viand food vitiate spoil, ruin
vicious evil, cruel vitreous glassy
vicissitude changing fortunes vitriolic scathing
victuals food vituperative abusive, critical language
vie compete vivacious lively, high-spirited
vigil watch, sentry duty vivid lifelike, clear
vigilant on guard vivisection experimentation on
vignette scene animals, dissection
vigor vitality vocation occupation
vilify defame, malign vociferous adamant, clamoring
vindicate free from blame vogue fashion, chic
vindictive revengeful volant agile
virile manly, strong volatile unstable, precarious
virtuoso highly skilled artist volition free will
virulent deadly, poisonous, infectious voluble talkative
visage facial expression voluminous bulky, extensive
viscid thick, gummy voracious hungry
visitation a formal visit votary fan, aficionado
vital necessary vouchsafe confer, bestow
vulgarity obscenity

98 Vocabulary 4000

vulnerable susceptible winnow separate
vulpine fox-like, cunning winsome charmingly innocent
wistful sad yearning, melancholy
W wither shrivel
wizened shriveled
wager bet woe anguish, despair
waggish playful wont custom, habit
waive forego woo court, seek favor
wallow indulge wraith ghost
wan pale, pallid, listless wrath anger, fury
wane dissipate, wither wreak to inflict something violent
want need, poverty, lack of wrest snatch
wanton lewd, abandoned, gratuitous wretched miserable
warrant justification writ summons, court order
wary guarded, cautious writhe contort, thrash about
wastrel spendthrift wry twisted, ironic sense of humor
waylay ambush, accost
wean remove from nursing, break a X
habit
weir dam xenophillic attraction to strangers
welter confusion, hodgepodge xenophobia fear of foreigners
wheedle to coax with flattery xylophone musical percussion
whet stimulate instrument
whiffle vacillate
whimsical capricious, playful Y
wield exercise control
willful deliberate, wanton yarn story, tale
wily shrewd, crafty yearn desire strongly
wince cringe yen desire, yearning
windfall bonus, boon yore long ago
Young Turks reformers

The Words 99

Z

zeal earnestness, passion
zealot fanatic
zenith summit
zephyr gentle breeze

Quiz 37 (Sentence Completions)

Complete each sentence with the best available word. Answers are on page 102.

1. Though most explicitly sexist 4. Despite all its ___________ ,a

words have been replaced by stint in the diplomatic core is

gender-neutral terms, sexism invariably an uplifting experience.

thrives in the ___________ of

many words. (A) merits
(B) compensation
(A) indistinctness (C) effectiveness
(B) similitude (D) rigors
(C) loquacity (E) mediocrity
(D) implications
(E) obscurity 5. Robert Williams’ style of writ-ing

has an air of ___________ : just

2. The aspiring candidate’s per- when you think the story line is
formance in the debate all but
___________ predictable, he suddenly takes a
any hope he may have
had of winning the election. different direction. Although this

(A) nullifies is often the mark of a beginner,
(B) encourages
(C) guarantees Williams pulls it off masterfully.
(D) accentuates
(E) contains (A) ineptness
(B) indignation
(C) reserve
(D) jollity
(E) capriciousness

3. She is the most ___________ person I 6. Liharev talks about being both a
nihilist and an atheist during his
have ever met, seemingly with an life, yet he never does
___________
endless reserve of energy. faith in God.

(A) jejune (A) affirm
(B) vivacious (B) lose
(C) solicitous (C) scorn
(D) impudent (D) aver
(E) indolent (E) supplicate

100 Vocabulary 4000

6. Though a small man, J Egar 9. This argues well that Erikson
exercised less free will than
Hover appeared to be much larger Warner; for even though Erikson
was aware that he was misdirected,
behind his desk; for, having he was still unable to
___________
skillfully designed his office, he free will.

___________ by the (A) defer
was (B) facilitate
(C) proscribe
perspective. (D) prevent
(E) exert
(A) augmented
(B) comforted
(C) apprehended
(D) lessened
(E) disconcerted

7. Existentialism can be used to 10. Man has no choice but to seek
rationalize evil: if one does not
like the rules of society and has truth, he is made uncomfortable
no conscience, he may use
existentialism as a means of and frustrated without truth—thus,
___________
a set of beliefs the quest for truth is part of what
that are advantageous to him but
injurious to others. makes us ___________ .

(A) thwarting (A) noble
(B) proving (B) different
(C) promoting (C) human
(D) justifying (D) intelligent
(E) impugning (E) aggressive

8. These categories amply point out
the fundamental desire that people
have to express themselves and
the cleverness they display in that
expression; who would have
believed that the drab, mundane
DMV would become the
___________
such creativity?

(A) catalyst for
(B) inhibitor of
(C) disabler of
(D) referee of
(E) censor of

The Words 101

Answers to Quizzes

Quiz 1 Quiz 2 Quiz 3 Quiz 4 Quiz 5 Quiz 6 Quiz 7 Quiz 8

1. I 1. E 1. B 1. A 1. J 1. E 1. A 1. E
2. G 2. B 2. F 2. C 2. I 2. A 2. J 2. B
3. E 3. D 3. G 3. E 3. H 3. C 3. I 3. D
4. F 4. A 4. H 4. A 4. G 4. E 4. E 4. E
5. C 5. E 5. E 5. A 5. F 5. D 5. D 5. E
6. D 6. A 6. A 6. E 6. E 6. A 6. G 6E
7. B 7. C 7. C 7. A 7. D 7. C 7. F 7. C
8. J 8. D 8. D 8. B 8. C 8. B 8. H 8. E
9. A 9. B 9. J 9. C 9. B 9. E 9. C 9. D
10. H 10. A 10. I 10. C 10. A 10. B 10. B 10. C

Quiz Quiz Quiz Quiz Quiz Quiz Quiz Quiz
9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16

1. B 1. B 1. D 1. A 1. B 1. D 1. J 1. B
2. A 2. C 2. J 2. B 2. A 2. E 2. I 2. E
3. D 3. D 3. I 3. D 3. J 3. B 3. H 3. A
4. C 4. A 4. A 4. D 4. H 4. B 4. G 4. E
5. F 5. E 5. F 5. A 5. I 5. C 5. F 5. D
6. E 6. B 6. E 6. B 6. G 6. D 6. E 6. A
7. H 7. C 7. H 7. C 7. F 7. C 7. D 7. E
8. G 8. A 8. G 8. A 8. D 8. C 8. C 8. B
9. J 9. B 9. C 9. D 9. E 9. B 9. B 9. D
10. I 10. E 10. B 10. B 10. C 10. C 10. A 10. C

Quiz Quiz Quiz Quiz Quiz Quiz Quiz Quiz
17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24

1. E 1. D 1. D 1. A 1. J 1. E 1. F 1. A
2. F 2. B 2. E 2. D 2. F 2. E 2. G 2. E
3. G 3. E 3. F 3. D 3. I 3. C 3. H 3. E
4. H 4. C 4. A 4. C 4. H 4. B 4. I 4. A
5. A 5. A 5. B 5. B 5. G 5. E 5. J 5. A
6. B 6. B 6. C 6. A 6. B 6. E 6. A 6. D
7. C 7. E 7. G 7. C 7. E 7. A 7. B 7. D
8. D 8. A 8. J 8. B 8. D 8. C 8. C 8. D
9. I 9. A 9. I 9. C 9. C 9. D 9. D 9. B
10. J 10. E 10. H 10. E 10. A 10. C 10. E 10. E