Expanding Vocabulary
I am steadily, and increasingly dumbfounded at the words used by people with which I come in contact. I have learned a substantial percentage of the words I use from reading books. On the same subject, I find it laughable how many people have told me, “I hate reading.”
This Project is one without end. I hope to be able to keep it alive, well, and constantly updated. The purpose herein is to provide a list of the words across which I come in an effort to increase the vocabulary and word usage of my readers; enjoy.
Definitions provided on this site are references from Dictionary.com.
Find the Meanings and Definitions of Words at Dictionary.com
November 1, 2011
flaccid
traunch
nepotism
concomitant
edema
effusion
impetus
gregarious
leaven
taciturn
derelict
insidious
furlough
vacillating
winnows
prevaricator
jeremiad
aegis
svelte
gossamer
obfuscate
moxie
apoplectic
taffeta
cede
niggling
November 13, 2010
extirpating (verb) – to remove or destroy totally; do away with; exterminate
February 25, 2010
rapacious (adj) – given to seizing for plunder or the satisfaction of greed
rubric (noun) – a title, heading, direction, or the like, in a manuscript, book, statute, etc., written or printed in red or otherwise distinguishedfrom the rest of the text; any established mode of conduct or procedure; protocol
quoth (verb) – said (used with nouns, and with first- and third-person pronouns, and always placed before the subject)
December 24, 2009
wattles (adj) – a number of rods or stakes interwoven with twigs or tree branches for making fences, walls; a fleshy lobe or appendage hanging down from the throat or chin of certain birds, as the domestic chicken or turkey
cloying (adj) – causing or tending to cause disgust or aversion through excess; overly ingratiating or sentimental
December 23, 2009
palatial (adj) – of, pertaining to, or resembling a palace; stately; magnificent
fungible (adj) – being of such nature or kind as to be freely exchangeable or replaceable, in whole or in part, for another of like nature or kind
laudatory (adj) – containing or expressing praise
purview (noun) – the range of operation, authority, control, concern; the range of vision, insight, or understanding; the full scope or compass of any document, statement, subject, book
December 22, 2009
paucity (noun) – smallness of quantity; scarcity; scantiness
exculpatory (adj) – tending to clear from a charge of fault or guilt
glioblastoma (noun) -Â amalignant tumor of the central nervous system, usually occurring in the cerebrum of adults
gentrification (noun) – the buying and renovation of houses and stores in deteriorated urban neighborhoods by upper- or middle-income families or individuals, thus improving property values but often displacing low-income families and small businesses
mirth (noun) – gaiety or jollity, esp. when accompanied by laughter; usement or laughter
compunction (noun) – a feeling of uneasiness or anxiety of the conscience caused by regret for doing wrong or causing pain; contrition; remorse
trifurcate (verb) – to divide into three forks or branches
minutiae (noun) – precise details
incredulous (adj) – disinclined or indisposed to believe; skeptical; indicating or showing unbelief
missive (noun) – a written message; letter / (adj) – sent or about to be sent, esp. of a letter from an official source
pugnacity (adj) – inclined to quarrel or fight readily; quarrelsome; belligerent; combative
December 18, 2009
plenary (adj) – complete in all respects; unlimited or full; fully attended by all qualified members
December 17, 2009
obviate (verb) – to anticipate and prevent or eliminate (difficulties, disadvantages, etc.) by effective measures; render unnecessary
castigate (verb) – to criticize or reprimand severely; to punish in order to correct
efficacious (adj) – capable of having the desired result or effect; effective as a means, measure, remedy, etc
anathema (noun) – a person or thing detested or loathed; a person or thing accursed or consigned to damnation or destruction
