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Episodes
- JV438 (Inexorable and Jocund)
(4mb)
Mon, 4 Aug 2008 09:55:00 GMT
INEXORABLE = 1. unstoppable: impossible to stop
2. adamant and pitiless: not moved by anyone's attempts to plead or persuade
Examples:
- Because the German soccer team still had not been defeated, its climb to the top seemed inexorable.
- Frank was inexorable in his determination to play Beethoven's Moonlight Sonata.
- The Managing Director was inexorable in his plan to overtake the biggest competitor.
Synonyms: unyielding, adamant, obstinate, hard-nosed, relentless, stubborn, unstoppable
Antonyms: yielding, submissive, docile
JOCUND = jolly: cheerful and full of good humor.Synonyms: cheerful, happy, merry, gleeful, jolly, carefree, animated, jovial, spirited
Antonyms: miserable, sad, depressed
Examples:
- Jeremy performed a jocund dance at the festival.
- Frank's jocund personality always cheered people up.
- The jocund atmosphere and good moods all around the room made for a great wedding.
- JV437 (Veneer and Gossamer) (4mb)
Thu, 31 Jul 2008 10:11:00 GMT
VENEER = (noun) 1. deceptive appearance: a superficial appearance or show put on to please or impress others. 2. a thin layer of a material bonded to the surface of a less attractive or inferior material.
Example:
- The Godfather managed to hide his corrupt dealings under a veneer of respectability.
- The wardrobe is made of chipboard with a pine veneer.
- Frank had a veneer of sophistication but was really just a bully.
Synonyms: surface, lamination, layer, facade, front, false front.
GOSSAMER = (adjective) 1. (noun) a fine film of cobwebs, often seen floating in the air or covered with dew on the ground. 2. delicate fabric: a delicate, sheer fabric or gauze. 3. something sheer and delicate: something delicate, sheer, and filmy.
Example:
- Lisa's dress swirled like gossamer
- In the light from the table lamp, Joanne's hair was blond gossamer.
- I didn't see the gossamer spider webs until the sun hit them just right.
Synonyms: Gauzy, fine, sheer, translucent. - JV436 (Trenchant and Lanquid) (4mb)
Mon, 28 Jul 2008 11:42:00 GMT
TRENCHANT = 1. expressed in a forceful, direct, and effective way; 2. deliberately hurtful.
Examples:
- With trenchant criticism, the minister said that his opponent lacked morality.
- There were boos and hisses during the Marc's speech, but the most trenchant comment came from his colleague, "you suck."
- Lisa wrote a trenchant and powerful essay about World War II.
Synonyms: sarcastic, biting, clear, critical, forceful, incisive, powerful,
Antonyms: indirect, flattering
LANGUID = 1. lacking energy and spirit; 2. slow moving
EXAMPLE:
- During the hot and languid African summer I spent numerous hours sitting leisurely by the pool.
- It was clear by his languid demeanor that Frank was no longer interested in his girlfriend.
- Marc had been languid for several months, and his waistline showed it.Synonyms: sluggish, listless, lethargic, lazy, lackadaisical, inactive,
Antonyms: active, spirited, energetic, lively
- JV435 (Halcyon and Falter) (4mb)
Tue, 22 Jul 2008 06:21:00 GMT
HALCYON = 1. tranquil and free from disturbance or care 2. happy and carefree; (n.) 1. a mythical bird thought to have brought calm to the seas;
Examples:
- Lisa recalled the halcyon days of her youth.
- The sea went from stormy and turbulent to calm and halcyon.
- I love the lake when it is serene and halcyon.
Synonyms: peaceful, placid, calm, tranquil, serene, balmy, golden,
Antonyms: turbulent, hectic, unhappy
FALTER = - JV434 (Jettison and Insolent) (4mb)
Sun, 20 Jul 2008 09:36:00 GMT
JETTISON = 1. to discard or abandon something such as an idea or project. 2. to throw something from a ship, aircraft, or vehicle.
Examples:
- As ratings dropped, the station jettisoned educational podcasts.- Seawater filled the Titanic so rapidly that Leonardo began to frantically jettison unnecessary items.
- Microsoft was forced to jettison some of their ideas when it became clear that their plans were too elaborate.
Synonyms: abandon, cast off, discard, expel, unload, eliminate
INSOLENT = 1. disrespectful and rude; 2. unrestrained by convention
Antonyms: keep, retain
Examples:
- The insolent child always talked back to his mother.- The lawyer's insolent behavior got him thrown out of the courtroom.
- That kind of insolence will not be tolerated in my classroom.
Synonyms: impolite, rude, disrespectful, brazen, insulting, arrogant.
Antonyms: respectful, considerate, polite - JV433 (Revive and Pontificate) (4mb)
Fri, 18 Jul 2008 10:06:00 GMT
REVIVE = 1. to bring back to life; 2. to give new life or energy to something; 3. to restore and renew.
Example:
- A hot shower and a cup of tea will revive you.
- Traditional skills are being revived by local craftsmen.
- The paramedics revived the unconscious man after several minutes.
Synonyms: restore, renew, rejuvenate, revitalize, refresh, resurrect,
Antonyms: extinguish, kill
PONTIFICATE = speak pompously: to speak about something in a knowing and self-important way, especially when not qualified to do so.
To speak about something in as if you are the authoritative expert on the subject.
Example:
- Experts get on the tube and pontificate about the economy.
- I think it should be illegal for non-parents to pontificate on/about parenting.
- I have a feeling he's going to get up and pontificate about the subject as if he's the foremost authority.
Synonyms: expound, expatiate, preachAntonyms: ask, deliberate
- JV432 (Virtuous and Strident) (4mb)
Wed, 16 Jul 2008 07:43:00 GMT
VIRTUOUS = with moral integrity: having or showing moral goodness or righteousness. A good moral quality in a person, or the general quality of goodness in a person
Example:
- I've been up working since six o'clock this morning so I'm feeling very virtuous.
- He described them as a virtuous and hard-working people.
- I'm convinced he only does that charity work so that he can feel virtuous.
Synonyms: moral, ethical, honest, conscientious, scrupulous, principled, upstanding,
Antonyms: virtueless, immoral, unethical, dishonest
STRIDENT = 1. harshly loud, grating, and offensive; 2. loudly, strongly, or urgently expressed.Synonyms: harsh, grating, shrill, noisy, loud, vulgar, bold
Antonyms: respectful, quiet, reserved
Example:
- People are put off by his strident voice.
- The strident committee member openly complained during the meeting.
- Whenever Lisa drinks too much, her voice becomes strident. - JV431 (Drawl and Vociferous) (4mb)
Sun, 13 Jul 2008 18:12:00 GMT
DRAWL = a way of speaking in which the speaker draws out the vowel sounds and pronounces words slowlyExamples:
- Frank drawled when he spoke, so that all his words ran together as one.
- I find his Texas drawl to be rather charming.
Synonyms: accentAntonyms: enunciation
VOCIFEROUS = shouting noisily: shouting in a noisy and determined way
Examples:
- Vociferous people express their opinions and complaints loudly and repeatedly in speech, and vociferous demands, etc. are made repeatedly and loudly.
- The vociferous coach yelled at the players throughout the entire game.Synonyms: loud, boisterous, clamorous, noisy, shrill, vocal
Antonyms: quiet, silent
- JV430 (Inveterate and Fatuous) (4mb)
Mon, 7 Jul 2008 10:20:00 GMT
INVETERATE = 1. fixed in a habit or practice, especially a bad one.
2. firmly established and of long standing.
Examples:
- Frank was an inveterate smoker and there was little hope of him being able to quit.
- Even after retiring from the army, he was unable to discontinue his inveterate visual scanning of a room.
- Tracy is known as an inveterate liar, so beware of believing her.Synonyms: habitual, confirmed, chronic, abiding, protracted, customary
Antonyms: intermittent, temporary, occasional
FATUOUS = showing a lack of intelligence or thought combined with complacency.
Examples:
- My hopes of manning a space shuttle are fatuous, I am scared of heights.
- I couldn't believe Mugabe's fatuous statement to the press.
- Phil is not very smart and is known for making fatuous comments before thinking them through.Synonyms: asinine, imbecile, ludicrous, moronic, vacuous, delusive, stupid, foolish, unreal
Antonyms: brilliant, intelligent, smart, wise, knowing
- JV429 (Harangue and Pluck) (4mb)
Fri, 27 Jun 2008 07:04:00 GMT
HARANGUE = (n.) a forceful, public criticism made in a speech or sometimes in writing; (v.) to criticize or question somebody, or try to persuade somebody to do something in a forceful angry wayExamples:
- Frank's lawyer made comments, which were marked by a vicious harangue against the defendant.
- Joanne's parents will sometimes come up to her room and harangue her for playing her music too loud.
- Marc delivered a long harangue to his students.Synonyms: diatribe, rant, tirade, attack, criticism, invective, lecture, peroration
Antonyms: encomium
PLUCK = courage and determinationExamples:
- Lisa's got a lot of pluck to stand up for herself like that.
- My grandfather is 85 but he has a lot of pluck.
- Phil never shown a lot of pluck and routinely lets people walk all over him.Synonyms: courage, spirit, heart, mettle, moxie, determination, fortitude, bravery
Antonyms: cowardice, indifference
- JV428 (Insular and Respite) (4mb)
Mon, 23 Jun 2008 07:52:00 GMT
INSULAR = 1. not interested in new or foreign ideas; 2. originating on an island; 3. alone, like an island
Examples:
- Marc's insular attitude toward foreign cultures restricted his desire to travel.
- My sister was quite happy to grow up in her insular environment, but once she got older, she was ready to break free and explore the world.
- Many older people cling to insular beliefs without ever considering other people's opinions.
Synonyms: narrow-minded, provincial, confined, conservative,
Antonyms: broad-minded, open, welcoming
RESPITE = 1. a pause from doing something, often for relaxation; 2. a usually short interruption of relief in the intensity or amount of something, especially harm or discomfort; 3. a temporary suspension of a punishment.
Examples:
- We needed a few moments of respite in the shade during our strenuous marathon.
- Lisa worked in the garden all day, with only five minutes of respite for a drink of water.
- The end of the difficult project was in sight, and I looked forward to some respite.
Synonyms: pause, reprieve, rest, recess, interruption, lull, letup, cessation, deliverance, hiatus, suspension
Antonyms: continuation
- JV427 (Transitory and Stratify) (4mb)
Wed, 18 Jun 2008 09:26:00 GMT
TRANSITORY = not permanent or lasting, but existing only for a short time.
Examples:
- The Dutch soccer team took an early but transitory lead in the first half of Sunday's game.
- According to the government, the sudden shift in consumer spending will prove to be transitory.
- The "green flash" is a transitory green glow on the horizon at the moment the sun sets.Synonyms: temporary, short-term, short-lived, momentary, fleeting, transient
Antonyms: lengthy, long-lived, permanent
STRATIFY = 1. to make, arrange, or divide into layers; 2. to divide (society) into social status groups; 3. to preserve seeds for germination by placing between layers of earthSynonyms: tier, layer, divide, classify
Examples:
- Marc stratified the research document into several smaller reports.
- The professor stratified our research group by age and level of education.
- Alcoholism is an epidemic that has touched every stratum of our society. - JV426 (Furtive and Foible) (4mb)
Thu, 12 Jun 2008 12:41:00 GMT
FURTIVE = (adjective) Secretive: done in a way that is intended to escape notice. Shifty: presenting the appearance, or giving the impression, of somebody who has something to hid
Examples:
- Marc knew what Frank was about to say and shot his friend a furtive glance.
- James Bond's actions were furtive enough not to arouse suspicion.
- Lisa's furtive manner made Phil question what exactly he was up to.Synonyms: sly, stealthy, surreptitious, shifty, sneaky, secretive,
Antonyms: open, obvious
FOIBLE = (noun) 1. weakness or quirk: an idiosyncrasy or small weakness ( usually used in the plural ). 2 Blade part: the weakest part of a sword blade from the middle to the pointExamples:
- Frank overcame his foible of chronic tardiness.
- The foible portion of the fencing sword blade is weaker, but has more agility and speed.
- Interrupting people while they are speaking is probably Marc's greatest foible.
Synonyms: imperfection, frailty, failing, shortcoming, defect, quirk
Antonyms: strength, perfection
- JV425 (Intercede and Mandatory) (4mb)
Sat, 7 Jun 2008 09:17:00 GMT
INTERCEDE = 1. to plead on behalf of someone, especially when the person is about to be punished; 2. to act as a mediator
Examples:
- Lisa decided not to intercede in the argument because she was afraid of getting .
- I would be thankful if you would intercede in this matter on my behalf.
- Marc asked his friend to intercede with the journalist
Synonyms: mediate, advocate, intervene, intrude, assist, arbitrate
Antonyms: remove oneself, antagonize
MANDATORY = compulsory: needing to be done, followed, or complied with, usually because of an official requirement. resembling or having the power of a mandate.
Examples:
It is mandatory to wear a helmet while riding a motorcycle.
To become a diver your must undergo a mandatory drug test before you apply for this position.
All soccer players must undergo a mandatory drugs test before competing in the EURO'08 championship.Synonyms: compulsory, required, imperative, requisite, obligatory
Antonyms: voluntary, optional, elective
- JV424 (Nascent and Penury) (4mb)
Wed, 4 Jun 2008 17:37:00 GMT
NASCENT = (adjective) 1. just beginning to develop: in the process of emerging, being born, or starting to develop
2. produced in reaction medium: in the process of being created in a reaction medium, often in a highly active form
Examples:
- The nascent space industry is already beginning to garner results.
- Although we are still in our nascent stages, we certainly have high hopes for the future .
- Lisa's mom was very lucky they caught the cancer early, because in its nascent stages, it is still highly treatable.
Synonyms: new, primary, initial, developing, evolving, growing, budding, incipient
Antonyms: old, dying
PENURY = (noun) state of extreme poverty
Examples:
Marc's dad is a gambler and he spent his entire fortune and died in penury.
Lisa may have had a penurious childhood, but she is quite rich now.
The lottery winner went from penury to wealth overnight.Synonyms: poverty, misery, need, destitution, misfortune, affliction, indigence
Antonyms: wealth, abundance, affluence
- JV423 (Scathe and Tonic) (4mb)
Mon, 2 Jun 2008 04:38:00 GMT
SCATHE = (verb) criticize somebody: to subject somebody to severe criticism.Newspaper cartoonists scathed the dishonest politician with a series of cruel caricatures.
The angry employee wrote a scathing letter to the CEO.
Marc's scathing review of the movie changed my mind about wanting to see it.
TONIC = (adjective) 1. lifting the spirits and creating a feeling of general well-being
2. designed or serving to boost energy and generally create a feeling of strength and healthExamples:
The romantic comedy was a tonic for his saddened heart.
A cold beer is a great tonic on a hot summer day.
My dad's grandchildren are a perfect tonic for him.
Synonyms: medicine, remedy, refresher, refreshing drink
- JV422 (Wane and Vindictive) (4mb)
Wed, 28 May 2008 07:59:00 GMTWANE = 1. show less lighted area (waning moon) or to get smaller or less: to decrease gradually in intensity or power. To finish: to draw to a close.
Examples:
- We wanted to hike this weekend, but when we hear the weather forecast, our enthusiasm waned.
- As the restaurant gained popularity, the quality of the food seemed to wane.
- My cravings for hamburgers gradually waned as I began to eat less of them.
Synonyms: decline, decrease, fade, diminish, subside, abate
Antonyms: grow, increase, intensify
VINDICTIVE = vengeful: looking for revenge or done through a desire for revenge. spiteful: feeling, showing, or done through a desire to hurt somebody
Examples:
- Don't offend Marc, he has a very vindictive personality.
- Marc can be spiteful and vindictive if he thinks he's been wronged in some way.
- Even though I was badly hurt by Marc's actions, I chose to forgive him rather than be vindictive.
Synonyms: vengeful, spiteful, malicious, vicious, resentfulAntonyms: forgiving
- JV421 (Fulminate and Fervid) (6mb)
Mon, 26 May 2008 09:40:00 GMTFULMINATE (VERB) 1. to vehemently criticize or denounce; 2. to
explode loudly and violentlyExamples:
- Frank is always fulminating about how bad our government is.
- The new CEO fulminated against recent lapses in customer service.
- The lightning was followed by a large roar of fulminating thunder.Synonyms: criticize, castigate, denounce, declaim, berate, censure, flare, foam, rage, bristle
Antonyms: appease, calm, assuage
FERVID = (adjective) 1. burning or glowing with intense heat; 2. describes an impassioned, zealous spirit or enthusiasm toward one's beliefs
Synonyms: burning, fiery, hot, torrid, blazing, impassioned, vehement, zealous, eager
Examples:
It is our fervent hope that a peaceful solution will soon be found
Jeremy is fervid in his support of Barack Obama.
Carl Sagan was the most fervid advocate of space exploration. - JV420 (Malinger and Insulate) (7mb)
Thu, 22 May 2008 06:46:00 GMT
MALINGER = (verb) to feign illness in order to avoid obligations, especially work
Examples:
- Marc was just malingering when he called in sick.
- Marc got caught malingering in the office and he was let go.
- I would love to malinger today in order to go surfing!
Synonyms: duck, dodge, loaf, pretend
Antonyms: oblige
INSULATE (verb) 1. to protect something or prevent the transfer to heat, cold, or sound by surrounding it in insulating materials; 2. to isolate or set apart.
Examples:
- Itâs difficult to insulate your children from all the violence shown on on TV.
- The builders used insulation to prevent our house from becoming too cold in the winter.
- Lisa insulated herself from office politics by not socializing with her coworkers.
Synonyms: cover, protect, cushion, encase, shield, isolate, separate, sequester
Antonyms: expose
- JV419 (Scanty and Nefarious) (7mb)
Fri, 16 May 2008 09:40:00 GMT
SCANTY = (adjective) 1. smaller than what is desired; 2. barely enoughExamples:
- Namibia expects another drought this year because of scanty rainfall.
- Lisa quit her job because of her of scanty wage.
- That club downtown is well know for its' scantily-clad dancers.Synonyms: deficient, insufficient, meager, skimpy, sparse, stingy
Antonyms: excessive, sufficient, ample
NEFARIOUS = (adjective) very wicked or evil
Examples:
- The CEO offered his employees nefarious schemes.
- That single nefarious act made Frank's dad infamous as a crook.
- The Godfather was convicted for committing murder and many other nefarious acts.Synonyms: evil, wicked, bad, villainous, heinous, treacherous, base, depraved
Antonyms: good, kind, moral
- JV418 (Vicarious and Perfidy) (7mb)
Tue, 13 May 2008 12:15:00 GMT
VICARIOUS = (adjective) experienced as a result of watching, listening to or reading about the activities of other people, rather than by doing the activities yourselfExamples:
Synonyms: indirect, pretended, secondary, delegated, substituted, surrogate, sympathetic
- I felt vicarious pain when Lisa told me about how she had accidentally cut herself.
- I felt vicarious excitement to hear that Frank was going for a surf
- Most football fans experience the vicarious thrill of victory every time their team wins.Antonyms: first-hand, direct
PERFIDY = 1. a betrayal of trust and faith; 2. an act of treachery
Examples:
- Marc is remembered for his perfidy more than for anything else.
- Marc's perfidious actions shocked his students
- Frank is a loyal and patriotic man who would never commit perfidy.
Synonyms: deception, dishonesty, disloyalty, betrayal, treachery, trickery
Antonyms: loyalty, faithfulness, honesty
- JV417 (Tirade and Whet (6mb)
Sun, 11 May 2008 12:32:00 GMT
TIRADE = a long, angry speech, usually denouncing something
Examples:
- Marc's tirades can sometimes make me sick to my stomach.
- Marc's tirade seemed excessive, given that the situation was not all that serious.
- Marc launched into a tirade about the importance of studying with SAT Flashcards.
Synonyms: rant, harangue, diatribe, fulmination
WHET = 1. to simulate an interest in something or intensify a feeling; 2. to sharpen something, like a knife
Examples:
- Lisa decided to whet my appetite by having starters before dinner.
- Marc will have to whet the knife before using it.
- The small bite of that brownie, whet my appetite for dessert.Synonyms: arouse, excite, entice, stimulate, spur, awaken, sharpen, hone, grind
Antonyms: bore, dull, blunt
- JV416 (Frivolous and Fiasco) (6mb)
Tue, 6 May 2008 12:14:00 GMT
FRIVOLOUS = (adjective) 1. not serious in content, attitude, or behavior; not having any serious purpose or value 2. lacking in intellectual substance and not worth serious consideration; 3. silly and trivial
Examples:The judge dismissed the case as frivolous.
My dad said to watch my spending and avoid frivolous purchases.
The frivolity with which Marc approached the situation showed that he wasn't very serious.
Synonyms: silly, trivial, paltry, petty, senseless
Antonyms: important, relevant, pertinent
FIASCO = (noun) a thing that is a complete failure, esp. in a ludicrous or humiliating waySynonyms: failure, disaster, embarrassment, blunder, breakdown, debacle, flop
Antonyms: success, accomplishment
Examples:
The rain turned the celebration into a fiasco.A drunk debater turned the debate into a fiasco.
I got sick and my wife got robbed; I would say the holiday was a fiasco. - JV415 (Saturnine and Ingenious) (7mb)
Mon, 5 May 2008 04:28:00 GMT
SATURNINE = (adjective) gloomy, bitter, and overly serious
Examples:
- The college students were in a saturnine mood after they got caught drinking alcohol.
- Marc was in a seriously bad mood which was made clear by his saturnine behavior.
- Marc to be happy and easy-going, but he has turned saturnine over the years.
Synonyms: irritable, crabby, surly, sullen, grouchy, harsh, gruff
Antonyms: happy, pleasant, sweet
INGENIOUS = (adjective) 1. clever and imaginative; 2 skillful and adept
Examples:
- Faced with a credit crisis, the President up with an ingenious proposal.
- The book was ingenious, with a clever, intricate plot and a surprise ending I never saw coming.
- Carl Sagan is an ingenious artist and scientist.
Synonyms: brilliant, talented, bright, gifted, clever, imaginative, skilled, - JV414 (Nebulous and Patent) (7mb)
Thu, 1 May 2008 09:23:00 GMT
NEBULOUS = (adjective) not clear, distinct, or definite
Examples:
Marc's goals for the future were nebulous.
The CEO said that the current plan is nebulous and doesnât specifically address our weaknesses.
The doctor delivered only a nebulous document that failed to provide any definitive recommendations.
Synonyms: indistinct, vague, unclear, ambiguous, unfixed, confused
Antonyms: distinct, defined, specific
PATENT = (adjective) easily perceived, very obvious.
The earth is not orbiting around the moon; that's a patent lie!
Spitting in the police officer's face was a patent disregard for the law.
It could not be more patently obvious that he is in love with her.
Synonyms: obvious, clear, evident, apparent
Antonyms: obscure, ambiguous, unclear, incomprehensible
- JV413 (Wry and Verdant) (7mb)
Tue, 29 Apr 2008 17:28:00 GMT
WRY = (adjective) 1. combining amusement and irony for dry humor--sardonic; 2. temporarily contorted or bent to one side.
Examples:
- Marc's wry smile led me to believe Lisa was being sarcastic.
- Some people were offended by his wry humor.
- Mr. Colbert wry commentary on the state of world affairs made him very popular.
Synonyms: sarcastic, sardonic, cynical, crooked, ironic, mocking
Antonyms: serious, solemn, sober, straight
VERDANT = (adjective) 1. covered with green vegetation; 2. green in color
Examples:
- My favorite part of our trip to South Africa was observing the beautiful wildlife of its verdant Kruger Wildpark.
- Her verdant wine lands of Stellenbosch were nearly destroyed by last year's drought.
- The cows and sheep grazed in the verdant countryside.
Synonyms: green, blooming, fresh, grassy, flourishing, lush, leafy
Antonyms: barren, brown - JV412 (Malleable and Threadbare) (6mb)
Mon, 28 Apr 2008 11:51:00 GMT
MALLEABLE = easily influenced, trained, or controlled.
Example:
- Dad wanted me to be a malleable boy who would take his advice.
- Lead is a substance that is malleable is easily bent and shaped.
- The Netherlands saw its colonies as a source of raw material and a malleable workforce.
Synonyms: suggestible, susceptible, impressionable, pliable
THREADBARE = (of material) looking worn and thin from much use.
A threadbare excuse, argument or idea lacks strength and no longer impresses people because it is old or has been used too much: Example:
- Lisa's clothes were faded and threadbare.
- The movie was a tissue of threadbare clichĂs.
Synonyms:
worn, well-worn, old, thin, worn out, holey, moth-eaten, - JV411 (Mischievous and Deplete) (6mb)
Thu, 24 Apr 2008 11:19:00 GMT
MISCHIEVOUS = tending to or exhibiting reckless playfulness. (of a person, animal, or their behavior) causing or showing a fondness for causing trouble in a playful way .
(Of an action or thing) causing or intended to cause harm or trouble.
Synonyms: naughty, misbehaving, troublesome, playful, teasing, wicked
Antonym: well-behaved.
- My little sister had been so mischievous that Mom had to pay the babysitter extra.
- Later my sister got punished for her mischievous tricks on the neighbors.
- The opposition spreads mischievous gossip that ruined the president's good reputation.
DEPLETE = (verb) To use up the supply of; exhaust the abundance of. To diminish in number or quantity.
Synonyms: exhaust, use up, consume, expend, drain,
Antonym: augment.
- Our food supplies are depleting fast.
- In todays busy world it's difficult to avoid getting depleted and depressed.
- The miners depleted the vein of gold after months of working. - JV410 (Lugubrious and Daunt) (6mb)
Wed, 23 Apr 2008 10:11:00 GMT
LUGUBRIOUS = (adjective) very sad and depressed--mournful. looking or sounding sad and dismal.
Synonyms: sad, gloomy, mournful, melancholy, dismal, morose, dreary, funereal, somber
Antonyms: happy, lighthearted, joyous
- Marc was in a lugubrious state for weeks, after being dismissed from the university.
- I tried to lighten Marc's lugubrious mood with some cheery music.
- But his lugubrious heart felt like it would never feel joy again after his dismissal.
DAUNT = (verb) to frighten or intimidate
Synonyms: frighten, dismay, frustrate, discourage, subdue
Antonyms: hearten, arouse, encourage
- Lisa was not at all daunted by the size of the project.
- Eddy Murphy was undaunted by the lack of laughter and continued his stand-up routine with a smile on his face.
- The raging inferno didn't daunt the firefighters for a moment - JV409 (Encumber and Incipient) (6mb)
Tue, 22 Apr 2008 12:51:00 GMT
ENCUMBER = (verb) 1. to burden or weigh down; 2. to impede, hamper, or hold back. restrict or burden (someone or something) in such a way that free action or movement is difficult.
Synonyms: burden, impede, hamper, hinder
Antonyms: help, speed, lighten
When you're climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro, the fewer encumbrances the better.
To encumber Frank with this additional problem may be the straw that breaks the camel's back.
The monk's movements were encumbered by her heavy skirts
INCIPIENT = (adjective) in an initial stage; beginning to happen or develop. In the beginning of development or formation.
Synonyms: developing, growing, emerging, nascent, initial, beginning, inchoate,
Antonyms: developed, finished, full-blown
- The system detects incipient problems early
Marc's ideas were still incipient and vague; he needed to work them out in more detail.
Democracy is incipient in this African country; give it some time to take hold. - JV408 (Rampart and Tawdry) (5mb)
Mon, 21 Apr 2008 12:41:00 GMT
RAMPART = a defensive fortification, specifically, a mound of earth topped by a wall
Synonyms: fortification, barrier, embankment, wall
Antonyms: opening, passage
The rampart surrounding the fort did not prevent the fort in the battle.
I got lost after wandering around the castle's old ramparts and towers.
TAWDRY = 1. gaudy and cheap in quality; 2. mean-spirited and lacking in human decency.
Synonyms: cheap, flashy, shameful, gaudy, glitzy,
Antonyms: reserved, precious, valuable
Examples:
Lisa's tawdry outfit was in bad taste for the occasion.
Joanne had a tawdry affair with her employer.
Lisa had tawdry rings she wore on her fingers - JV407 (Flappable and Verbose) (7mb)
Wed, 16 Apr 2008 15:19:00 GMT
= UNFLAPPABLE =
DEFINITION:
(adjective) composed and able to remain calm when facing difficult situations. Having or showing calmness in a crisis.
SYNONYMS:
composed, calm, cool, collected, unflustered
ANTONYMS:
flustered, nervous, anxious, disturbed,
EXAMPLES:
1. I voted for him because I think he is an unflappable leader who will stay calm in this frenetic, high-pressure environment.
2. The witness remained unflappable during the FBI interrogation and he calmly answered the officer's barrage of questions.
3. Richard Dawkings is a great debater, because he is unflappable and he always takes his time to calmly answer the question.
= VERBOSE =
DEFINITION:
(adjective) using or expressed in more words than are needed
SYNONYMS:
wordy, loquacious, garrulous,
ANTONYMS:
succinct, laconic.
EXAMPLES:
1. Many first year students think that much academic language is obscure and verbose.
2. Try not to be so verbose when you're being interviewed.
3. The CEO had to plow through a verbose letter of complaint. - JV406 (Flout and Platonic) (7mb)
Tue, 15 Apr 2008 03:27:00 GMT
FLOUT = (verb) to show contempt or disregard for a law or convention by openly disobeying or defying it. Openly disregard (a rule, law or convention)
Synonyms: spurn, mock, deride, gibe,
Antonyms: obey, follow
The new intern flouted the company dress code by wearing torn jeans.
The brave opposition leader plans to flout the dictator's censorship laws.
PLATONIC = (adjective) 1. free from physical desire (as in love); 2. referring to Plato and his philosophies.
Synonyms: non-physical, intellectual, spiritual, non-lustful
Antonyms: amorous, sensual
Although Frank and Lisa spent a lot of time together, their relationship was only platonic.
Although it was strictly platonic, many other teachers couldn't accept Marc's close relationship with one of his female students.
More GRE, SAT and TOEFL words on our website. Click here
- JV405 (Embezzle and Coalesce) (7mb)
Mon, 14 Apr 2008 05:01:00 GMT
EMBEZZLE = (verb) to use or take entrusted money for personal gain. steal or misappropriate (money placed in one's trust or belonging to the organization for which one works).
His plan to embezzle money from the bank was unsuccessful.
Underestimation of the CEO led to the quiet employee's successful large-scale embezzlement of funds.
coalesce verb Definition: 1. to unite, fuse, or grow together; come together and form one mass or whole. 2. to form a group from different elements.
Synonyms: unite, fuse, consolidate.
Antonyms: divide, split, separate
At the end of each season, the best players from each NBA team coalesce to form the NBA All-Stars.
We need to coalesce our resources in order to provide a truly global solution on global warming.
- JV404 (Ingenuous and Immure) (6mb)
Fri, 11 Apr 2008 14:27:00 GMT
INGENUOUS = (adjective) 1. to be innocent and trusting, sometimes to the point of being foolish; 2. openly candid and sincere
It was very ingenuous of Marc to give out his personal information over the internet.
My daughter's ingenuous comment about religion made the priest laugh.
IMMURE = (verb) To enclose or confine (someone) against their will. To close or shut in by or as if by barriers. To put in or as if in prison - The adventurer was immured by the frozen wastelands that surround them.
- Rapunzel was immured in her tower by her evil stepmother
- Lisa's brother was immured in a lunatic asylum. - JV403 (Prudish and Malcontent) (6mb)
Thu, 10 Apr 2008 07:38:00 GMT
PRUDISH = (adjective) overly concerned with being modest or proper. PRUDE = (noun) a person who is or claims to be easily shocked by matters relating to sex or nudity.
- I don't think Lisa would enjoy Amsterdam's Red Light district; she's far too prudish.
On the other hand Lisa was prudish in high school, perhaps she changed over the years.
MALCONTENT = (noun) an unhappy and discontented individual, especially one who feels oppressed or is in open rebellion against his or her government; (adjective) dissatisfied or unhappy with something.
- The streets in every town in Zimbabwe are filled with malcontents carrying protest signs.
- Cathy was malcontent at her current job and was looking to find something better. - JV402 (Recant and Quixotic) (7mb)
Tue, 8 Apr 2008 11:19:00 GMT
RECANT = 1. to renounce a, usually controversial, belief; 2. to take back a statement made earlier.
When Martin Luther espoused views that opposed the traditional beliefs of the Catholic Church, religious leaders asked him to recant.
Marc had to recant his statement when he found that many of the sources had been falsified.
The newspaper was forced to recant Marc's a published article.
QUIXOTIC = 1. extremely chivalrous; 2. motivated by idealism that is imaginative but not really practical; 3. having an idealistic or romanticized view of life.
Marc had a quixotic idea, but it was not completely far-fetched.
Frank was a quixotic man who always opened the door for women.
John's quixotic plan of the perfect way to propose to Elisabeth proved to be too difficult to execute. - JV401 (Caricature and Jaded) (6mb)
Tue, 8 Apr 2008 11:05:00 GMT
CARICATURE = (verb and noun) 1. an extreme description or exaggeration of someone or something done for comic effect; 2. creation of such comic representations
A caricature can be created in drawing, writing, or even speech.
Marc's brother creates caricatures of popular political figures for the SAT and TOEFL magazine.
I am not caricaturing your brother!
There are many cartoonists who draw caricatures of tourists along the banks of the Seine in Paris.
JADED = (adjective)(1. dulled through repetition or excess; 2. no longer interested in something, often because of having been overexposed to it; 3. exhausted from overwork or overexposure; 4. hardened, insensitive, or dispassionate due to unpleasant experience.
- Looking for something to refresh his zest for life, the jaded CEO decided to sail around the world.
- The CEO's pessimistic speech left the employees jaded and depressed.
- Marc has been through so much hardship in his life that his views of religion are quite jaded.
- JV400 (Dogma and Concord) (6mb)
Sat, 5 Apr 2008 05:28:00 GMT
DOGMA = (noun) 1. a religious doctrine; 2. a code of beliefs. A fixed, especially religious, belief or set of beliefs that people are expected to accept without any doubts
His political dogma paralleled that of the democratic party.
This company has always operated under the dogma that employees must be respected and compensated fairly.
CONCORD = (noun) 1. harmony and agreement occurring in attitudes and feelings between persons or things; 2. a treaty establishing mutual agreement and friendly relations between countries; (v.) 1. to be in agreement; 2. to go together
I can definitely concord on your point, but you should hear my ideas as well.
Sue and Sally work well in concord. - JV399 (Harbinger and Instigate) (6mb)
Thu, 3 Apr 2008 02:55:00 GMT
HARBINGER = (noun) a sign or indication of future events; (v) to foreshadow or announce something coming in the future.
- The turning of the leaves is a harbinger of winter.
- Their arguments were harbingers of more serious trouble in their marriage
INSTIGATE = (verb) to provoke, incite, or start something. to cause an event or situation to happen by making a set of actions or a formal process begin.
- The government will instigate new measures to combat terrorism.
- The revolt in the north is believed to have been instigated by a high-ranking general. - JV VIDEO #2 Idioms and Proverbs (2mb)
Tue, 1 Apr 2008 18:04:00 GMT
- JV398 (Panache and Mollify) (7mb)
Sun, 30 Mar 2008 16:51:00 GMT
PANACHE = A dashing sense of style and self-confidence.
- Bill Clinton presents with a panache that immediately captures his audience's attention.
- Paris Hilton always throws parties that demonstrate her panache for entertaining.
MOLLIFY = 1. to calm or soothe somebody who is angry or upset; 2. to make something less intense or severe; 3. to make something less hard, rigid, or stiff.
- Marc is really upset; we need to think of how we can mollify his concerns.
- Marc practiced yoga after work to mollify his stress.
- JV397 (Abstemious and Rancor) (6mb)
Fri, 28 Mar 2008 17:44:00 GMT
ABSTEMIOUS = marked by moderation and temperance in indulgence (especially with food and drink)
- My mother was an abstemious woman who disapproved of self-indulgence.
- In many abstemious cultures, people abstain from drinking any kind of alcohol.
RANCOR = strong, bitter feelings of resentment.
- Surprisingly, there was no rancor between the prosecution and defense attorneys once the trial ended.
- Lisa's rancor for her opponent was deep-seated and was fed by feelings of hostility.
- JV396 (Tangent and Rotund) (7mb)
Tue, 25 Mar 2008 14:29:00 GMT
TANGENT = (PHRASE) Go of a tangent means: a subject or activity that is different than the one you are talking about or doing. to suddenly start talking or thinking about a completely new subject.
Other meanings are: 1. A straight line that touches but does not intersect a curve. 2. Ratio of the opposite to the adjacent side.
- It's hard to get a firm decision out of him - he's always going off at a tangent.
- We were talking about exercise and got off on a tangent.
ROTUND = 1. fat or round in shape; 2. full and rich sounding
- The rotund man was asked to play Santa Claus at the holiday party each year.
- Pavarotti usually has a rotund singing voice, but his last concert was a little flat.
- JV395 (Gloat and Rhetoric) (8mb)
Sun, 23 Mar 2008 05:22:00 GMT
GLOAT = to be smug or self-satisfied or to gain satisfaction from success, good fortune, or the failings of others
Please don't gloat over your victory; it's very unbecoming.
Every time Marc wins an argument, he gloats for hours.
RHETORIC = 1. speech or writing used to influence or persuade; 2. complex or elaborate language that sounds pretentious; 3. empty and pointless talk
- The Ministers' big plans are just rhetoric, if not followed by implementation.
- The presentation of the party was typical political rhetoric: a lot of proposed programs, without any accountability.
- Do you really want an answer, or was that a rhetorical question?
- JV VIDEO Demo iPod Flashcards (2mb)
Wed, 19 Mar 2008 03:35:00 GMT
- JV394 (Revile and Cavalier) (7mb)
Tue, 18 Mar 2008 03:50:00 GMT
REVILE= 1. to attack somebody verbally; 2. to use abusive language.
- The judge was reviled in the newspapers for his opinions on rape.
- Works of art are often reviled when they are first produced.
- Jack's mistake wasn't so awful that you should revile him publicly.
CAVALIER= showing careless disregard and disrespect for something or somebody.
- a cavalier attitude toward public health concerns
- Mark's cavalier attitude has made him very unpopular around the office.
- The executive teamâs cavalier approach to spending, quickly dried up the companyâs cash reserve.
- JV393 (Sordid and Sage) (7mb)
Sun, 16 Mar 2008 17:08:00 GMT
SAGE = having wisdom which usually comes from age or experience. Wise, especially as a result of great experience:
- Joanne was unusually sage for her youth.
- I was thankful for Lisa's sage advice and glad that I had followed it.
SORDID = 1. dirty or rundown; 2. immoral or unethical/
Sordid means dirty and unpleasant.
- There are lots of really sordid apartments in the city's poorer areas.
But Sordid can also mean immoral and shocking
He told me he'd had an affair but he spared me the sordid details. - JV392 (Exalt and Coax) (6mb)
Tue, 11 Mar 2008 12:21:00 GMT
EXALT = (verb) (formal) to raise someone to a higher rank or more powerful position. to praise (someone) a lot, or to raise (someone) to a higher rank or more powerful position.
To enhance the status of somebody.
1. Popular support and media hype have exalted Super Bowl Sunday to the level of a national holiday.
2. He felt an exalted sense of power now that he was in line to run the company.
COAX = (verb) to influence, persuade, and manipulate by flattery and gentle, persistent effort.
1. Trying to coax Dad into taking us on a ski trip, we mentioned what a great skier he is.
2. He has some information I want, so I'm going to try to coax it out of him over a drink.
3. A mother was coaxing her reluctant child into the water. - JV Weekly Recap 387-391 (11mb)
Tue, 11 Mar 2008 12:19:00 GMT
Another week has gone by and we have introduced 10 new English words in our daily podcasts. Now it's time to revisit them. You can now also subscribe to the "Just Vocabulary 2 words a day" E-mail. Subscribe now if you want to receive the shownotes (word definition and example sentences) and a link to the mp3 file automatically by email. - JV391 (Crass and Quaff) (5mb)
Thu, 6 Mar 2008 04:43:00 GMT
CRASS = vulgar and insensitive, without consideration for how other people might feel.
- The Olympics as shown on TV represents crass commercialism, he said.
- He made crass comments about her worn-out clothes.
QUAFF = (verb) to gulp down a drink in a hearty, spirited manner; (noun) a hearty draft or drink.
- He opened his throat and quaffed the beer in just two swallows.
- The thirsty dog happily quaffed his water. - JV390 (Surrogate and Intrinsic) (6mb)
Sun, 2 Mar 2008 05:47:00 GMT
SURROGATE = (n.) 1. a person who acts in place of another, especially in an official capacity; 2. something that takes the place of another; (adj.) taking the place of something.
- When the President cannot make it to an engagement, the Vice President often serves as his surrogate.
- She seems to regard him as a surrogate for her father.
- For some people, reading travel books is a surrogate for actual travel. INTRINSIC = 1. being part of the fundamental nature or substance of something; 2. being contained entirely within a part of the body.
- The geologist recognized the intrinsic value of the gemstone the instant he saw it.
- Maths is an intrinsic part of the school curriculum.
- Each human being has intrinsic dignity and worth. - JV389 (Botch and Purport) (5mb)
Sat, 1 Mar 2008 05:01:00 GMT
BOTCH = 1. to spoil something by doing it badly. To make or do (something) in a clumsy or unskillful way.
- We botched (up) our first attempt at wallpapering the bathroom.
- Our landlord redecorated the bedroom, but it was such a botched job that we decided to redo it.
- Thousands of women are infertile as a result of botched abortions.
PURPORT = 1. to claim that something is true, but without proof. 2. the idea that is conveyed or intended to be conveyed to the mind by language, symbol, or action, to pretend to be or to do something, especially in a way that is not easy to believe. PURPORT (noun): the general meaning of someone's words or actions.
- I didn't read it all but I think the purport of the letter was that he will not be returning for at least a year.
- They purport to represent the wishes of the majority of parents at the school.
- The study purports to show an increase in the incidence of the disease.
- JV388 (Insurgency and Misogynist) (4mb)
Tue, 26 Feb 2008 13:25:00 GMT
INSURGENCY = An organized rebellion aimed at overthrowing a government, organization, or leadership.
* Many businesses are afraid to invest in the country while the rebel insurgency is underway.
* An employee insurgency aimed at ousting executive management erupted when the management announced another pay freeze.
MISOGYNIST = (noun) someone, usually a man, who hates women or believes that men are much better than women.
* She left the Church because of its misogynist teachings on women and their position in society.
* That movie is criticized for its misogynistic attitude/writer. - JV387 (Delineate and Stoop) (5mb)
Fri, 22 Feb 2008 15:06:00 GMT
DELINEATE = 1. to describe, portray, or list in detail; 2. to indicate the physical boundaries of something.
- The President's memo delineates the necessary steps we'll need to take before the merger can take place.
- Barbed wire fences delineate the boundaries of each clan's territory.
- The boundary of the park is delineated by a row of trees.
STOOP = 1. to descend to a level that is beneath one's dignity, to do something even though you know it is wrong, because you think it will give you an advantage. 2.to bend the top half of the body forward and down. If someone stoops, their head and shoulders are always bent forwards and down.
- The doorway was so low that we had to stoop to go through it.
- Something fell out of her coat pocket and she stooped down and picked it up.
- I'm a desperate woman but I wouldn't stoop to blackmail.
No reputable company would stoop to selling the names of their clients to other companies. - JV Weekly Recap 382-386 (8mb)
Fri, 22 Feb 2008 15:03:00 GMT
Another week has gone by and we have introduced 10 new English words in our daily podcasts. Now it's time to revisit them. You can now also subscribe to the "Just Vocabulary 2 words a day" E-mail. Subscribe now if you want to receive the shownotes (word definition and example sentences) and a link to the mp3 file automatically by email. - JV386 (Pundit and Autonomous) (5mb)
Wed, 13 Feb 2008 15:37:00 GMT
PUNDIT : someone who is especially knowledgeable about a subject and is often asked to give opinions about it.
The professor also served as a political pundit for the local news.
On the news program, two pundits debated about the economy.
AUTONOMOUS = 1. existing as an independent entity (especially in government); 2. free from external constraint; 3. able to make free and independent decisions
- Some people have expressed the opinion that California should secede from the United States and become an autonomous government.
- Iâm sorry, but you just donât have the autonomy to make those kinds of decisions on your own; next time, check with me first.
- Our group retains the right to make autonomous decisions without input from the board of directors. - JV385 (Indomitable and Intelligible) (5mb)
Wed, 6 Feb 2008 11:44:00 GMT
INDOMITABLE = hard to defeat or subdue, impossible to subdue or defeat, describes someone strong, brave, determined and difficult to defeat or frighten.
* The indomitable Mrs Furlong said she would continue to fight for justice.
* An indomitable spirit was needed to endure the rigors of pioneer life
INTELLIGIBLE = clear enough to be understood, capable of being understood or comprehended
* She was so upset when she spoke that she was hardly intelligible.
* It was a poor telephone connection, and only some of his words were intelligible. - JV384 (Relent and Apprehensive) (6mb)
Tue, 29 Jan 2008 08:57:00 GMT
RELENT = to grow less in scope or intensity especially gradually. to act in a less severe way towards someone and allow something that you had refused to allow before.
- Her parents eventually relented and let her go to the party.
- The security guard relented and let them through.
- The fury of the storm relented, and the next day the sun finally broke through the clouds.
APPREHENSIVE = worried that something bad may happen; 2. aware of possible implications.
The noun apprehension refers to nervousness or anxiety over something that is anticipated. It can also refer to the ability to understand the importance of something and is a more formal way to denote understanding.
- Lisa was apprehensive before the big exam, but once it began, she realized she knew the material. (anxious, worried)
- Jason's apprehension of the complexity of the situation led the group to choose him as the new director.
- JV383 (Concede and Surmise) (6mb)
Mon, 21 Jan 2008 09:34:00 GMT
CONCEDE = to admit, usually with reluctance, that something is true or that someone is right; 2. to accept defeat, usually before the final outcome in an election, fight, or debate; 3. to grant something, such as a right or privilege.
Example Sentence:
* Al Gore originally conceded the election to George W. Bush, but then withdrew his concession and challenged the vote count.
Synonyms: admit, acknowledge, allow, accede, yield, accord, acquiesce, fold, grant, yield, surrender
SURMISE = (noun) a guess based on incomplete facts; (verb) to guess that something is true based on limited facts or intuitive feelings.
Example Sentence:
* Since Mike has a broken leg, it is safe to surmise that he will not be going on the ski trip this weekend. (assume, conclude, guess).
Synonyms = (noun)speculation, assumption, conclusion, inference, (verb) conclude, assume, guess, speculate - About Just Vocabulary in 2008
Tue, 18 Dec 2007 07:11:00 GMT
Dear Listeners,
Just Vocabulary will not be the "2 words a day podcast" in 2008. I aim is to post 3 shows a week, but the format will be the same - 2 words a show.
If you have any feedback, comments or questions, please email me at janfolmer AT gmail.com
Thanks and have a great day, - JV382 (Dwindle and Slink) (3mb)
Tue, 18 Dec 2007 06:46:00 GMT
DWINDLE = to make smaller in amount, volume, or extent; to grow less in scope or intensity especially gradually. to become smaller in size or amount, or fewer in number
- The community has dwindled to a tenth of its former size in the last two years.
- Her hopes of success in the race dwindled last night as the weather became worse.
- The long winter dwindled our supply of firewood to practically nothing.
- Our hopes dwindled as the reports of more casualties came in
SLINK = to walk or leave quietly, esp. because you do not want to be noticed or are ashamed of something. to walk away from somewhere quietly so that you are not noticed.
- I tried to slink out of the room so that nobody would see me go.
- He usually slinks off (= leaves) at about 3.30.
- I was so embarrassed that I tried to slink away. - JV Weekly Recap 377-381 (6mb)
Tue, 20 Nov 2007 19:11:00 GMT
Another week has gone by and we have introduced 10 new English words in our daily podcasts. Now it's time to revisit them. You can now also subscribe to the "Just Vocabulary 2 words a day" E-mail. Subscribe now if you want to receive the shownotes (word definition and example sentences) and a link to the mp3 file automatically by email. - JV381 (Dulcet and Vicarious) (4mb)
Mon, 19 Nov 2007 05:02:00 GMT
DULCET = sweet to the taste 2 pleasing to the ear, 3 generally pleasing or agreeable.
* Record the dulcet tones of your family and friends.
* the dulcet sounds of the zither
VICARIOUS = experienced or realized through imaginative or sympathetic participation in the experience of another. Experienced by reading or watching someone else do something
* This disaster movie will provide you with plenty of vicarious thrills.
* They get a vicarious thrill from watching motor racing. - JV380 (Breezy and Negate) (4mb)
Sat, 17 Nov 2007 09:14:00 GMT
BREEZY = 1. having a relaxed, casual manner , to be happy and confident, quick, informal, and confident.
2. marked by strong wind or more wind than usual She revolutionized fashion reporting with her breezy style.
I get a bit depressed at times, whereas Gill's always bright and breezy.
NEGATE = to declare not to be true. show to be false; 2. to cause to be invalid; 3. to cause something to have no effect
This evidence negates his claim that he was not at the scene of the accident.
Her actions negated her statements and proved her to be a hypocrite. - JV379 (Secular and Bedrock) (4mb)
Fri, 16 Nov 2007 11:40:00 GMT
SECULARISE = not having any connection with religion. Not involving religion or religious matters. Secularism is a doctrine that believes the world can best be understood without introducing gods as an explanation for it. Secular has come to mean "not affiliated with God or religion."
* We live in an increasingly secular society, in which religion has less and less influence on our daily lives.
* That's an issue for the secular authorities, not the church
BEDROCK = The main principles on which something is based.
* Some people believe that the family is the bedrock of society.
* My religious faith is the bedrock of my life.
- JV378 (Contention and Livid) (5mb)
Thu, 15 Nov 2007 14:34:00 GMT
CONTENTION = 1. Heated disagreement ; something that people argue about for a long time. the disagreement that results from opposing arguments.
2. an opinion expressed in an argument: [+ that] It is her contention that exercise is more important than diet if you want to lose weight.
* There's a lot of contention about that issue - for every person firmly in favour, there's someone fiercely against it.
* The main bone of contention was deciding who would take care of the children after the divorce.
LIVID = 1. extremely angry. The rude letter from his mother-in-law made him livid.
2. (especially of marks on the skin) of an unpleasant purple or dark blue colour:
He had a long livid scar across his cheek. - JV377 (Improbable and Dubious) (4mb)
Wed, 14 Nov 2007 04:13:00 GMT
IMPROBABLE = Not likely to happen or to be true, not probable, unlikely to occur or to be true.
* It's highly improbable that Norris will agree.
* It is improbable that he could have driven home in less than an hour.
DUBIOUS = Not sure about an outcome or conclusion; likely to be dishonest; untrustworthy or morally worrisome in some way. Open to doubt or suspicion. Giving rise to uncertainty.
* I was a little dubious about whether or not to trust him.
* This artifact has rather dubious origins.
* The thesis is based on several dubious assumptions.
- JV Weekly Recap 372-376 (6mb)
Tue, 13 Nov 2007 06:41:00 GMT
Another week has gone by and we have introduced 10 new English words in our daily podcasts. Now it's time to revisit them. You can now also subscribe to the "Just Vocabulary 2 words a day" E-mail. Subscribe now if you want to receive the shownotes (word definition and example sentences) and a link to the mp3 file automatically by email. - JV376 (Conundrum and Semblance) (4mb)
Mon, 12 Nov 2007 13:16:00 GMT
CONUNDRUM = 1. an intricate and difficult problem with a seemingly impossible solution; 2. a trick riddle in which a fanciful question is answered with a pun on words.
A conundrum is a puzzle in which the pieces don't seem to fit and the solution defies logic. When learning conundrum, think of the related word quandary. Remember, a quandary is a state of indecision when a choice must be made, but where the choice is not obvious. When people find themselves in a quandary, they have a conundrum. The origin of the word conundrum is unknown, so even that is a puzzle.
* the conundrum of how an ancient people were able to build such massive structures without the benefit of today's knowledge and technology
* Arranging childcare over the school holidays can be quite a conundrum for working parents.
SEMBLANCE = . an outward appearance of something, usually intended to be misleading; 2. a resembling of something else; 3. a small amount or faint trace of something.
Tips: Semblance is derived from the Old French word sembler, âto seem,â? which originated from the Latin simulare, "to imitate or resemble." This is also the root of the word resemble. Use semblance as a more sophisticated way of saying "outward appearance." Semblance also denotes likeness or similarity, whether real or intentionally misleading (like facade).
* She's a single mother holding down a full-time job and trying to maintain some semblance of a personal life.
- JV375 (Intractable and Transgress) (5mb)
Mon, 12 Nov 2007 04:39:00 GMT
INTRACTABLE = 1. extremely difficult to manage, teach, or deal with because of strong will and resistance to change; 2. difficult to deal with or solve
Intractable is derived from the Latin intractabilis, which means "not to be handled." Someone who is intractable is difficult and cannot be easily disciplined or doesn't follow directions. Something that is intractable is hard to move in a different direction. Remember that it means "not tractable" and someone who is tractable is docile and easy to teach or manage. For a memory trick, think of something so difficult to handle you couldn't even move it with a tractor--that would be intractable. Intractable is synonymous with obstinate and obdurate, when used to describe someone who is stubborn or resistant to change.
* He was an intractable child who deliberately did the opposite of whatever he was told
* Cats are by nature fairly intractable animals.
TRANSGRESS = to overstep what is considered acceptable; 2. to violate a law.
Transgress is derived from the Latin transgredi, which means "to walk or go beyond." The related noun transgression refers to the act of overstepping a boundary, especially the law.
* I didn't realize I was transgressing when I told your sister she looked like she had lost weight
* Don't even think about transgressing the laws of that Asian country, for punishments are severe and there's nothing that our government can do to intervene. - JV374 (Interject and Surreptitious) (5mb)
Fri, 9 Nov 2007 05:42:00 GMT
INTERJECT = say abruptly, especially as an interruption. To say (something) that interrupts someone who is speaking.
* He interjected questions throughout the discussion.
* She occasionally interjected comments into the conversation
SURREPTITIOUS = marked by quiet and caution and secrecy; taking pains to avoid being observed, conducted with or marked by hidden aims or methods. Done secretly, without anyone seeing or knowing: BR>
* A surreptitious glance at his watch
* Surreptitious mobilization of troops
* She seemed to be listening to what I was saying, but I couldn't help noticing her surreptitious glances at the clock. - JV373 (Abolition and Helm) (4mb)
Thu, 8 Nov 2007 08:05:00 GMT
ABOLITION = the act of abolishing a system or practice or institution, especially abolishing slavery. Abolish = To end an activity or custom officially.
* I think bullfighting should be abolished.
* National Sevice was abolished in Britain in 1962.
* The abolition of capital punishment.
HELM = a position of control and leadership; to be in charge or in control of something. at the helm = officially controlling an organization or company.
If someone is at the helm of a group or organization, they control it.
* She is the first woman to be at the helm of this corporation.
* With Steve Lewis at the helm, we are certain of success.
In addition to meaning "leader"; helm also refers to the steering mechanism of a ship. Since the person steering the ship is in charge of the course, so helm has come to mean "position of leadership." Helm is almost always used figuratively rather than in its nautical use: "at the helm," and "take the helm" and are phrases used figuratively to describe taking charge of a situation. - JV372 (Tenacity and Abash) (3mb)
Wed, 7 Nov 2007 17:06:00 GMT
TENACITY = Persistent determination in holding to something, especially opinions, valuables and routines. The quality of being Tenacious.
* She practices her gymnastics routine with the tenacity of a bulldog.
not readily letting go of, giving up, or separated from an object that one holds, a position, or a principle.
* He was the most tenacious politician in South Korea.
ABASH = cause to feel embarrassed, disconcerted, or ashamed.
* She was not abashed at being caught.
* My clumsiness left me abashed.
- JV Weekly Recap 367-371 (7mb)
Tue, 6 Nov 2007 03:32:00 GMT
Another week has gone by and we have introduced 10 new English words in our daily podcasts. Now it's time to revisit them. You can now also subscribe to the "Just Vocabulary 2 words a day" E-mail. Subscribe now if you want to receive the shownotes (word definition and example sentences) and a link to the mp3 file automatically by email. - JV371 (Banter and Preamble) (4mb)
Mon, 5 Nov 2007 06:14:00 GMT
BANTER = talk or exchange remarks in a good-humored teasing way. To exchange lighthearted teasing remarks. To speak to in a playful or teasing way.
* The men bantered with the waitresses.
* He was known for his quick wit and clever bantering.
PREAMBLE = A section at the beginning of a speech, report or formal document that introduces what follows. A preliminary or preparatory statement; an introduction.
* What she said was by way of a preamble.
* I gave him the bad news without preamble.
GET YOUR FREE AUDIOBOOK NOW : Register for a free Gold Membership Trial and download your audio book - JV370 (Transpose and Fortuitous) (4mb)
Tue, 30 Oct 2007 17:49:00 GMT
TRANSPOSE = (verb) 1 cause to exchange places. 2 transfer to a different place or context. 3 write or play (music) in a different key from the original.FORMAL to change something from one position to another, or to exchange the positions of two things.
* In their latest production they have reworked 'King Lear', transposing it to pre-colonial Africa.
* The confusion was caused when two numbers were accidentally transposed by a Social Security clerk.
FORTUITOUS = 1. happening by chance, especially as the result of a happy accident; 2. indicating good fortune.
Although the original sense of the word fortuitous was "by chance" or "accidental," it makes sense that it should mean "by happy or lucky chance," because it originates from the Latin fors, "luck." Fortuitous is synonymous with serendipitous--both words relate to unforeseen luck or fortune that a person accidentally encounters. Fortuitous is a better adjective, while serendipity is a better noun to use in the context of lucky accidents.
* Our profits were increased by a fortuitous and unexpected drop in the cost of raw materials.
* The early completion of the new hotel proved fortuitous, as several colleges had scheduled their spring breaks for the week of its grand opening.