300 TOEFL Writing Vocabulary
Vocabulary Study Online by Level
 |
Vocabulary Study Online By Level (VSOBL) is a Fast, Reliable, and Handy tool to prepare English exam vocabulary. (Available for all VIP accounts: US$2/Month). It has built-in word lists: 6000 IELTS words, 6000 TOEFL words, 5000 GRE words, and 3000 SAT words. You can load them by level with one click.
|
| Group (1) - Words of the Group |  |
Manage & Mark Words:
Note
PanelExercise on Demand:
Match Quiz
SpellMake PDF List & Card:
Word List
Card
Flashcard
How to print list
How to print cards
300 TOEFL Writing Vocabulary (1)
View all words of the list
abandon
abash
abdicate
abet
abridge
abrogate
abstemious
academic
accede
accelerate
accolade
accord
acrimonious
acumen
admonish
admonition
adversary
adverse
adversity
aesthetic
affable
affluent
aggressive
alacrity
alienate
allay
allude
allure
allusion
ambiguous
amenable
amiable
analogous
analogy
anarchy
animus
annals
anonymous
anthology
antithesis
apathetic
apathy
apprehend
apprehensive
apprise
approbation
apt
aptitude
arbiter
archetype
arid
aristocracy
articulate
ascetic
assiduous
asylum
atheist
attribute
augment
auspicious
authentic
autocratic
avarice
awry
banal
bane
banter
baton
belie
bellicose
belligerent
benevolent
besmirch
biased
bizarre
bland
blandishment
blemish
blight
blithe
bombastic
boorish
bucolic
buffoon
bulwark
bumptious
cabal
cacophonous
Word and Definition List
abandon 
/ə'bændən/ n. Syn. relinquish
lacking restraint or control; feeling of extreme emotional intensity; unbounded enthusiasm
With her parents out of town, Kelly danced all night with abandon.
lacking restraint or control; feeling of extreme emotional intensity; unbounded enthusiasm
With her parents out of town, Kelly danced all night with abandon.
abash
/ə'bæʃ/ v. Syn. embarrass
embarrass; make ashamed or uneasy; disconcert
Her open admiration should not abash him at all.
embarrass; make ashamed or uneasy; disconcert
Her open admiration should not abash him at all.
abdicate
/'æbdɪkeɪt/ v. Syn. renounce
give up, renounce, abandon, lay down, or withdraw from, as a right or claim
When Edward VIII did abdicate the British throne to marry the woman he loved, he surprised the entire world.
give up, renounce, abandon, lay down, or withdraw from, as a right or claim
When Edward VIII did abdicate the British throne to marry the woman he loved, he surprised the entire world.
abet
/ə'bɛt/ v. Syn. encourage
aid, usually in doing something wrong; encourage
She was unwilling to abet him in the swindle he had planned.
aid, usually in doing something wrong; encourage
She was unwilling to abet him in the swindle he had planned.
abridge
/ə'brɪdʒ/ v. Syn. condense; shorten
condense; shorten; reduce length of written text
Because the publishers felt the public wanted a shorter version of War and Peace, they proceeded to abridge the novel.
condense; shorten; reduce length of written text
Because the publishers felt the public wanted a shorter version of War and Peace, they proceeded to abridge the novel.
abrogate
/'æbroʊgeɪt/ a. Syn. abolish
abolish, do away with, or annul, especially by authority
He intended to abrogate the decree issued by his predecessor.
abolish, do away with, or annul, especially by authority
He intended to abrogate the decree issued by his predecessor.
abstemious
/æb'sti:mɪəs/ a. Syn. temperate
sparing or moderation in eating and drinking; temperate
Concerned whether her vegetarian son's abstemious diet provided him with sufficient protein, the worried mother pressed food on him.
sparing or moderation in eating and drinking; temperate
Concerned whether her vegetarian son's abstemious diet provided him with sufficient protein, the worried mother pressed food on him.
academic
/ækə'dɛmɪk/ a. Syn. scholarly; collegiate; theoretical
related to school; not practical or directly useful; relating to scholarly organization; based on formal education
The dean's talk about reforming the college admissions system was only an academic discussion.
related to school; not practical or directly useful; relating to scholarly organization; based on formal education
The dean's talk about reforming the college admissions system was only an academic discussion.
accede
/æk'si:d/ v. Syn. agree; assent; concede
agree; give consent, often at insistence of another; concede
The idea that one of the two chief executives should eventually accede to the role, as has happened in the past, would raise fresh doubts about the board's independence.
agree; give consent, often at insistence of another; concede
The idea that one of the two chief executives should eventually accede to the role, as has happened in the past, would raise fresh doubts about the board's independence.
accelerate
/ək'sɛləreɪt/ v. Syn. speed; hasten
move faster; cause to develop or progress more quickly; occur sooner than expected
Demand for Taiwanese goods likely will accelerate from the second quarter, as strong Asian demand offsets the effects of a U.S. slowdown.
move faster; cause to develop or progress more quickly; occur sooner than expected
Demand for Taiwanese goods likely will accelerate from the second quarter, as strong Asian demand offsets the effects of a U.S. slowdown.
accolade
/'ækəleɪd/ n. Syn. praise
award of merit; expression of approval; praise
In Hollywood, an "Oscar" is the highest accolade.
award of merit; expression of approval; praise
In Hollywood, an "Oscar" is the highest accolade.
accord
/ə'kɔ:d/ n. Syn. agreement; treaty
settlement or compromise of conflicting opinions; written agreement between two states
Although the accord is a small step forward, politicians around the world have their work cut out for them.
settlement or compromise of conflicting opinions; written agreement between two states
Although the accord is a small step forward, politicians around the world have their work cut out for them.
acrimonious
/ækrɪ'moʊnɪəs/ a. Syn. rancorous
bitter and sharp in language, tone, or manner
The candidate attacked his opponent in highly acrimonious terms.
bitter and sharp in language, tone, or manner
The candidate attacked his opponent in highly acrimonious terms.
acumen
/'ækjʊmɛn, ə'kju:mɛn/ n. Syn. acuteness; insight
mental keenness; quickness of perception
However, her team's political acumen is clearly beyond mine, an Ivy League Medical Science Professor and NOT a Political "Science" Professor.
mental keenness; quickness of perception
However, her team's political acumen is clearly beyond mine, an Ivy League Medical Science Professor and NOT a Political "Science" Professor.
admonish
/əd'mɒnɪʃ/ v. Syn. warn; reprove
warn; counsel someone against something to be avoided
I would again admonish the reader carefully to consider the nature of our doctrine.
warn; counsel someone against something to be avoided
I would again admonish the reader carefully to consider the nature of our doctrine.
admonition
/ædmɒ'nɪʃ(ə)n/ n. Syn. warning
gentle or friendly reproof; cautionary advice or warning
The article concludes with an admonition from a psychologist
gentle or friendly reproof; cautionary advice or warning
The article concludes with an admonition from a psychologist
adversary
/'ædvəsərɪ/ n. Syn. opponent; contestant
opponent in contest; someone who offers opposition
The young wrestler struggled to defeat his adversary.
opponent in contest; someone who offers opposition
The young wrestler struggled to defeat his adversary.
adverse
/'ædvɜrs/ a. Syn. unfavorable; hostile
in opposing direction; harmful or unfavorable; acting or serving to oppose
The recession had a highly adverse effect on father's investment portfolio: he lost so much money that he could no longer afford the house.
in opposing direction; harmful or unfavorable; acting or serving to oppose
The recession had a highly adverse effect on father's investment portfolio: he lost so much money that he could no longer afford the house.
adversity
/əd'vɜrsɪtɪ/ n. Syn. poverty; misfortune
state of misfortune, hardship, or affliction; misfortune
A young boy who's strength in adversity is an inspiration to all who know him.
state of misfortune, hardship, or affliction; misfortune
A young boy who's strength in adversity is an inspiration to all who know him.
aesthetic
/i:s'θɛtɪk/ a. Syn. artistic; elegant
elegant or tasteful; of or concerning appreciation of beauty or good taste
Kenneth Cole, the American designer known for his modern, urban aesthetic, is hawking $35 T-shirts.
elegant or tasteful; of or concerning appreciation of beauty or good taste
Kenneth Cole, the American designer known for his modern, urban aesthetic, is hawking $35 T-shirts.
affable
/'æfəb(ə)l/ a.
easily approachable; warmly friendly
Accustomed to cold, aloof supervisors, Nicholas was amazed at how affable his new employer was.
easily approachable; warmly friendly
Accustomed to cold, aloof supervisors, Nicholas was amazed at how affable his new employer was.
affluent
/'æflʊənt/ a.
having an abundant supply of money or possessions of value
They want the same opportunity to pursue their dreams as everyone else who lives in affluent school districts.
having an abundant supply of money or possessions of value
They want the same opportunity to pursue their dreams as everyone else who lives in affluent school districts.
aggressive
/'əgrɛsɪv/ a.
making assaults; unjustly attacking; combative; hostile; tending to spread quickly
During his tenure in Beijing, Huntsman was known as an aggressive advocate for human rights and pushed to expand U.S. economic ties with China.
making assaults; unjustly attacking; combative; hostile; tending to spread quickly
During his tenure in Beijing, Huntsman was known as an aggressive advocate for human rights and pushed to expand U.S. economic ties with China.
alacrity
/ə'lækrɪtɪ/ n.
cheerful promptness or willingness; eagerness; speed or quickness
Phil and Dave were raring to get off to the mountains; they packed up their ski gear and climbed into the van with alacrity.
cheerful promptness or willingness; eagerness; speed or quickness
Phil and Dave were raring to get off to the mountains; they packed up their ski gear and climbed into the van with alacrity.
alienate
/'eɪlɪəneɪt/ v. Syn. estrange; transfer; separate
cause to become unfriendly or hostile; transfer property or ownership; isolate or dissociate emotionally
We could not see what should again alienate us from one another, or how one brother could again oppress another.
cause to become unfriendly or hostile; transfer property or ownership; isolate or dissociate emotionally
We could not see what should again alienate us from one another, or how one brother could again oppress another.
allay
/ə'leɪ/ v. Syn. calm; pacify; relieve
calm; pacify; reduce the intensity of; relieve
The crew tried to allay the fears of the passengers by announcing that the fire had been controlled.
calm; pacify; reduce the intensity of; relieve
The crew tried to allay the fears of the passengers by announcing that the fire had been controlled.
allude
/ə'lu:d/ v. Syn. imply; refer
refer casually or indirectly, or by suggestion
Try not to mention divorce in Jack's presence because he will think you allude to his marital problems with Jill.
refer casually or indirectly, or by suggestion
Try not to mention divorce in Jack's presence because he will think you allude to his marital problems with Jill.
allure
/ə'ljʊə(r)/ v. Syn. entice; attract
attract with something desirable; be highly, often subtly attractive
Promises of quick profits allure the unwary investor.
attract with something desirable; be highly, often subtly attractive
Promises of quick profits allure the unwary investor.
allusion
/ə'lu:ʒ(ə)n/ n. Syn. metaphor
indirect reference; symbolical reference or comparison; metaphor
Without naming names, the candidate criticized the national leaders by allusion.
indirect reference; symbolical reference or comparison; metaphor
Without naming names, the candidate criticized the national leaders by allusion.
ambiguous
/æm'bɪgjʊəs/ a.
unclear or doubtful in meaning
His ambiguous instructions misled us; we did not know which road to take.
unclear or doubtful in meaning
His ambiguous instructions misled us; we did not know which road to take.
amenable
/ə'mi:nəb(ə)l/ a. Syn. responsible; accountable
responsive to advice or suggestion; responsible to higher authority; willing to comply with; agreeable
He was amenable to any suggestions that came from those he looked up to.
responsive to advice or suggestion; responsible to higher authority; willing to comply with; agreeable
He was amenable to any suggestions that came from those he looked up to.
amiable
/'eɪmɪəb(ə)l/ a. Syn. agreeable; lovable
good-natured and likable; lovable; warmly friendly
In Little Women, Beth is the amiable daughter whose loving disposition endears her to all who know her.
good-natured and likable; lovable; warmly friendly
In Little Women, Beth is the amiable daughter whose loving disposition endears her to all who know her.
analogous
/ə'næləgəs/ a. Syn. comparable
comparable; similar or alike
She called our attention to the things that had been done in an analogous situation and recommended that we do the same.
comparable; similar or alike
She called our attention to the things that had been done in an analogous situation and recommended that we do the same.
analogy
/ə'nælədʒɪ/ n. Syn. similarity; parallelism
similarity in some respects; comparison based on similarity
This analogy is almost always noted without further comment, although in fact it may be taken further.
similarity in some respects; comparison based on similarity
This analogy is almost always noted without further comment, although in fact it may be taken further.
anarchy
/'ænəkɪ/ n. Syn. lawlessness; disorder
absence of governing body; state of disorder; political disorder and confusion
One might say that eastern Congo is already in anarchy, but Congo has faded from the headlines in recent months.
absence of governing body; state of disorder; political disorder and confusion
One might say that eastern Congo is already in anarchy, but Congo has faded from the headlines in recent months.
animus
/'ænɪməs/ n. Syn. enmity; disposition
feeling of enmity or ill will; attitude that informs one's actions; disposition
The animus of the speaker became obvious to all when he began to indulge in sarcastic and insulting remarks.
feeling of enmity or ill will; attitude that informs one's actions; disposition
The animus of the speaker became obvious to all when he began to indulge in sarcastic and insulting remarks.
annals
/'æn(ə)lz/ n. Syn. records; history
chronological record of the events of successive years
In the annals of this period, we find no mention of democratic movements.
chronological record of the events of successive years
In the annals of this period, we find no mention of democratic movements.
anonymous
/ə'nɒnɪməs/ a. Syn. unknown; nameless
having no name; having unknown or unacknowledged name
The buyer, who wished to remain anonymous, is a foreigner with homes in Europe.
having no name; having unknown or unacknowledged name
The buyer, who wished to remain anonymous, is a foreigner with homes in Europe.
anthology
/æn'θɒlədʒɪ/ n. Syn. collection
book of literary selections by various authors
This anthology of science fiction was compiled by the late Isaac Asimov.
book of literary selections by various authors
This anthology of science fiction was compiled by the late Isaac Asimov.
antithesis
/æn'tɪθəsɪs/ n. Syn. contrast
contrast; direct contrast; opposition
This tyranny was the antithesis of all that he had hoped for, and he fought it with all his strength.
contrast; direct contrast; opposition
This tyranny was the antithesis of all that he had hoped for, and he fought it with all his strength.
apathetic
/æpə'θɛtɪk/ a.
feeling or showing a lack of interest or concern; indifferent
But he shares Mary's apathetic and listless look: he seems to have more length of limb than vivacity of blood or vigor of brain.
feeling or showing a lack of interest or concern; indifferent
But he shares Mary's apathetic and listless look: he seems to have more length of limb than vivacity of blood or vigor of brain.
apathy
/'æpəθɪ/ n. Syn. indifference
lack of caring; indifference
A firm believer in democratic government, she could not understand the apathy of people who never bothered to vote.
lack of caring; indifference
A firm believer in democratic government, she could not understand the apathy of people who never bothered to vote.
apprehend
/æprɪ'hɛnd/ v. Syn. arrest; perceive
take into custody; arrest a criminal; grasp mentally; perceive
The police will apprehend the culprit and convict him.
take into custody; arrest a criminal; grasp mentally; perceive
The police will apprehend the culprit and convict him.
apprehensive
/æprɪ'hɛnsɪv/ a.
capable of apprehending; knowing; conscious; relating to the faculty of apprehension; sensible; feeling; perceptive
Here I walked about for a long time, feeling very strange, and mortally apprehensive of some one coming in and kidnapping me.
capable of apprehending; knowing; conscious; relating to the faculty of apprehension; sensible; feeling; perceptive
Here I walked about for a long time, feeling very strange, and mortally apprehensive of some one coming in and kidnapping me.
apprise
/ə'praɪz/ v. Syn. inform
inform; give notice to; make aware
If you apprise him the dangerous weather conditions, he has to postpone his trip.
inform; give notice to; make aware
If you apprise him the dangerous weather conditions, he has to postpone his trip.
approbation
/æprə'beɪʃ(ə)n/ n. Syn. approval
expression of warm approval; praise
She looked for some sign of approbation from her parents, hoping her good grades would please them.
expression of warm approval; praise
She looked for some sign of approbation from her parents, hoping her good grades would please them.
apt
/æpt/ a. Syn. appropriate; suitable
likely; exactly suitable; appropriate; quick to learn or understand
The defeated England coach, Bobby Robson, described it as a miracle, which following 'the Hand-of-God' goal seems supremely apt.
likely; exactly suitable; appropriate; quick to learn or understand
The defeated England coach, Bobby Robson, described it as a miracle, which following 'the Hand-of-God' goal seems supremely apt.
aptitude
/'æptɪtju:d/;/'æptɪtud/ n. Syn. intelligence; talent
inherent ability; quickness in learning and understanding
The counselor gave him an aptitude test before advising him about the career he should follow.
inherent ability; quickness in learning and understanding
The counselor gave him an aptitude test before advising him about the career he should follow.
arbiter
/'ɑrbɪtə(r)/ n. Syn. judge
person with power to decide a dispute; judge
As an arbiter in labor disputes, she has won the confidence of the workers and the employers.
person with power to decide a dispute; judge
As an arbiter in labor disputes, she has won the confidence of the workers and the employers.
archetype
/'ɑrkɪtaɪp/ n. Syn. prototype
prototype; original model or type after which other similar things are patterned
The Brooklyn Bridge was the archetype of the many spans that now connect Manhattan with Long Island and New Jersey.
prototype; original model or type after which other similar things are patterned
The Brooklyn Bridge was the archetype of the many spans that now connect Manhattan with Long Island and New Jersey.
arid
/'ærɪd/ a. Syn. dry; barren
dry; lacking moisture, especially having insufficient rainfall to support trees or plants
The cactus has adapted to survive in an arid environment.
dry; lacking moisture, especially having insufficient rainfall to support trees or plants
The cactus has adapted to survive in an arid environment.
aristocracy
/ærɪs'tɒkrəsɪ/ n.
hereditary nobility; privileged class
Americans have mixed feelings about hereditary aristocracy.
hereditary nobility; privileged class
Americans have mixed feelings about hereditary aristocracy.
articulate
/ɑr'tɪkjʊlət/ a. Syn. effective; distinct
expressing oneself easily in clear and effective language
Her articulate presentation of the advertising campaign impressed her employers.
expressing oneself easily in clear and effective language
Her articulate presentation of the advertising campaign impressed her employers.
ascetic
/ə'sɛtɪk/ a. Syn. austere; severe
leading a life of self-discipline and self-denial; austere
The wealthy, self-indulgent young man felt oddly drawn to the strict, ascetic life led by members of some monastic orders.
leading a life of self-discipline and self-denial; austere
The wealthy, self-indulgent young man felt oddly drawn to the strict, ascetic life led by members of some monastic orders.
assiduous
/ə'sɪdjʊəs/;/ə'sɪdʒʊəs/ a. Syn. diligent; persistent
constant in application or attention; diligent; unceasing or persistent
He was assiduous, working at this task for weeks before he felt satisfied with his results.
constant in application or attention; diligent; unceasing or persistent
He was assiduous, working at this task for weeks before he felt satisfied with his results.
asylum
/ə'saɪləm/ n. Syn. protection
place of refuge or shelter; protection
The refugees sought asylum from religious persecution in a new land.
place of refuge or shelter; protection
The refugees sought asylum from religious persecution in a new land.
atheist
/'eɪθiɪst/ n. Syn. nonbeliever
nonbeliever; one who denies the existence of god
The view that children are born atheist is relatively recent.
nonbeliever; one who denies the existence of god
The view that children are born atheist is relatively recent.
attribute
/ə'trɪbju:t/ n. Syn. trait
essential quality; reputation; honor
His outstanding attribute was his kindness.
essential quality; reputation; honor
His outstanding attribute was his kindness.
augment
/ɔ:g'mɛnt/ v. Syn. increase
make greater, as in size, extent, or quantity
Armies augment their forces by calling up reinforcements.
make greater, as in size, extent, or quantity
Armies augment their forces by calling up reinforcements.
auspicious
/ɔ:'spɪʃəs/ a. Syn. propitious
attended by favorable circumstances; marked by success; prosperous
With favorable weather conditions, it was an auspicious moment to set sail.
attended by favorable circumstances; marked by success; prosperous
With favorable weather conditions, it was an auspicious moment to set sail.
authentic
/ɜr'θɛntɪk/ a. Syn. genuine; real; valid; trustworthy
not counterfeit or copied; valid; trustworthy
It is authentic, genuine, and a true and correct copy of the original.
not counterfeit or copied; valid; trustworthy
It is authentic, genuine, and a true and correct copy of the original.
autocratic
/ɔtə'krætɪk/ a. Syn. dictatorial
having absolute, unchecked power; dictatorial
Someone accustomed to exercising authority may become autocratic if his or her power is unchecked.
having absolute, unchecked power; dictatorial
Someone accustomed to exercising authority may become autocratic if his or her power is unchecked.
avarice
/'ævərɪs/ n.
greediness for wealth; insatiable desire of gain
King Midas is a perfect example of avarice, for he was so greedy that he wished everything he touched would turn to gold.
greediness for wealth; insatiable desire of gain
King Midas is a perfect example of avarice, for he was so greedy that he wished everything he touched would turn to gold.
awry
/ə'raɪ/ ad. Syn. distorted; crooked ; askew; amiss
in a position that is turned toward one side; away from correct course
He held his head awry, giving the impression that he had caught cold in his neck during the night.
in a position that is turned toward one side; away from correct course
He held his head awry, giving the impression that he had caught cold in his neck during the night.
banal
/bə'nɑrl/;/'beɪnl/ a. Syn. dull; commonplace; trite
obvious and dull; commonplace; lacking originality
The writer made his comic sketch seem banal, only a few people liked it.
obvious and dull; commonplace; lacking originality
The writer made his comic sketch seem banal, only a few people liked it.
bane
/beɪn/ n. Syn. curse
something causes misery or death; curse; fatal injury or ruin
Lucy's little brother was the bane of her existence: his attempts to make her life miserable worked so well that she could have poisoned him.
something causes misery or death; curse; fatal injury or ruin
Lucy's little brother was the bane of her existence: his attempts to make her life miserable worked so well that she could have poisoned him.
banter
/'bæntə(r)/ n.
good-humored, playful conversation
You bring good diversity to the BombCast because your opinions are varied and present a good contrast to what can sometimes be predictable banter from the guys.
good-humored, playful conversation
You bring good diversity to the BombCast because your opinions are varied and present a good contrast to what can sometimes be predictable banter from the guys.
baton
/'bæt(ə)n/;/bə'tɒn/ n.
staff or truncheon for various purposes, as one of a conductor in musical performances, one transferred by runners in a relay race
What's the textbook way to handoff the baton in the relays?
staff or truncheon for various purposes, as one of a conductor in musical performances, one transferred by runners in a relay race
What's the textbook way to handoff the baton in the relays?
belie
/bɪ'laɪ/ v. Syn. contradict
contradict; give a false impression
His coarse, hard-bitten exterior does belie his inner sensitivity.
contradict; give a false impression
His coarse, hard-bitten exterior does belie his inner sensitivity.
bellicose
/'bɛlɪkoʊs/ a. Syn. warlike; belligerent
warlike or hostile in manner or temperament; showing or having impulse to be combative
His bellicose disposition alienated his friends.
warlike or hostile in manner or temperament; showing or having impulse to be combative
His bellicose disposition alienated his friends.
belligerent
/bɪ'lɪdʒərənt/ a. Syn. quarrelsome; aggressive
inclined or eager to fight; aggressive
Whenever he had too much to drink, he became belligerent and tried to pick fights with strangers.
inclined or eager to fight; aggressive
Whenever he had too much to drink, he became belligerent and tried to pick fights with strangers.
benevolent
/bɪ'nɛvələnt/ a. Syn. generous; charitable
generous in providing aid to others; charitable
Mr. Fezziwig was a benevolent employer, who wished to make Christmas merrier for young Scrooge and his other employees.
generous in providing aid to others; charitable
Mr. Fezziwig was a benevolent employer, who wished to make Christmas merrier for young Scrooge and his other employees.
besmirch
/bɪ'smɜrtʃ/ v.
soil, smear so as to make dirty or stained
The scandalous remarks in the newspaper besmirch the reputations of every member of the society.
soil, smear so as to make dirty or stained
The scandalous remarks in the newspaper besmirch the reputations of every member of the society.
biased
/'baɪəs(ɪ)d/ a. Syn. slanted; prejudiced
favoring one person or side over another; prejudiced
Because the judge played golf regularly with the district attorney's father, we feared he might be biased in the prosecution's favor.
favoring one person or side over another; prejudiced
Because the judge played golf regularly with the district attorney's father, we feared he might be biased in the prosecution's favor.
bizarre
/bɪ'zɑr(r)/ a. Syn. fantastic
fantastic; violently contrasting; strangely unconventional in style or appearance
The plot of the novel was too bizarre to be believed.
fantastic; violently contrasting; strangely unconventional in style or appearance
The plot of the novel was too bizarre to be believed.
bland
/blænd/ a. Syn. soothing; mild; agreeable
lacking stimulating or mild; agreeable
She kept her gaze level and her expression bland, but her teeth were gritted.
lacking stimulating or mild; agreeable
She kept her gaze level and her expression bland, but her teeth were gritted.
blandishment
/'blændɪʃmənt/ n. Syn. flattery
flattery; speech or action expressive of affection or kindness, and tending to win the heart
Despite the salesperson's blandishment, the customer did not buy the outfit.
flattery; speech or action expressive of affection or kindness, and tending to win the heart
Despite the salesperson's blandishment, the customer did not buy the outfit.
blemish
/'blɛmɪʃ/ v.
mark with deformity; injure or impair, as anything which is excellent; make defective, either the body or mind
A newspaper article alleging he had taken bribes may blemish his reputation.
mark with deformity; injure or impair, as anything which is excellent; make defective, either the body or mind
A newspaper article alleging he had taken bribes may blemish his reputation.
blight
/blaɪt/ v.
blast; prevent the growth and fertility of; destroy the happiness of; ruin; frustrate
I wish to foster, not to blight -- to earn gratitude, not to wring tears of blood -- no, nor of brine: my harvest must be in smiles, in endearments, in sweet -- That will do.
blast; prevent the growth and fertility of; destroy the happiness of; ruin; frustrate
I wish to foster, not to blight -- to earn gratitude, not to wring tears of blood -- no, nor of brine: my harvest must be in smiles, in endearments, in sweet -- That will do.
blithe
/blaɪð/ a. Syn. gay; joyous; heedless
gay; joyous; carefree and lighthearted
Shelley called the skylark a "blithe spirit" because of its happy song.
gay; joyous; carefree and lighthearted
Shelley called the skylark a "blithe spirit" because of its happy song.
bombastic
/bɒm'bæstɪk/ a. Syn. pompous
pompous; using inflated language; high-sounding but with little meaning
The biggest military power on Earth was acting belligerent and its president was indulging in bombastic nationalistic grandstanding.
pompous; using inflated language; high-sounding but with little meaning
The biggest military power on Earth was acting belligerent and its president was indulging in bombastic nationalistic grandstanding.
boorish
/'bʊərɪʃ/ a. Syn. rude; clumsy; illiterate
rude and clumsy in behavior; ungentlemanly; awkward in manners
Natasha was embarrassed by her fellow spy's boorish behavior.
rude and clumsy in behavior; ungentlemanly; awkward in manners
Natasha was embarrassed by her fellow spy's boorish behavior.
bucolic
/bju:'kɒlɪk/ a. Syn. rustic; pastoral
rustic; pastoral; agricultural; relating to country affairs, or to shepherd's life and occupation
Filled with browsing cows and bleating sheep, the meadow was a charmingly bucolic sight.
rustic; pastoral; agricultural; relating to country affairs, or to shepherd's life and occupation
Filled with browsing cows and bleating sheep, the meadow was a charmingly bucolic sight.
buffoon
/bʌ'fu:n/ n.
one who makes a practice of amusing others by low tricks, antic gestures; droll; mimic; clown
This buffoon is the most self-centered idiot I have ever seen or heard.
one who makes a practice of amusing others by low tricks, antic gestures; droll; mimic; clown
This buffoon is the most self-centered idiot I have ever seen or heard.
bulwark
/'bʊlwək/ n.
earthwork or other strong defense; person who defends
The navy is our principal bulwark against invasion.
earthwork or other strong defense; person who defends
The navy is our principal bulwark against invasion.
bumptious
/'bʌmpʃəs/ a.
offensively self-assertive; liable to give or take offense; forward; pushing
His classmates called him a show-off because of his bumptious airs.
offensively self-assertive; liable to give or take offense; forward; pushing
His classmates called him a show-off because of his bumptious airs.
cabal
/kə'bæl/ n.
small group of persons secretly united to promote their own interests
The number of Republicans who support this man and his cabal is astonishing, but nothing will change the minds of that percentage.
small group of persons secretly united to promote their own interests
The number of Republicans who support this man and his cabal is astonishing, but nothing will change the minds of that percentage.
cacophonous
/kə'kɒfənəs/ a. Syn. discordant; inharmonious
discordant; inharmonious; sounding harshly; ill-sounding
Do the students in the orchestra enjoy the cacophonous sounds they make when they're tuning up? I don't know how they can stand the racket.
discordant; inharmonious; sounding harshly; ill-sounding
Do the students in the orchestra enjoy the cacophonous sounds they make when they're tuning up? I don't know how they can stand the racket.