Amenity
audio/medium/amenity.mp3
noun
a feature that offers convenience or comfort
The hotel offered a number of amenities, including a pool.
amenity.jpg
Impasse
audio/medium/impasse.mp3
noun
a situation in which progress cannot be made
They had reached an impasse.
impasse3.jpg
Corona
audio/medium/corona.mp3
noun
a circle of light seen around the sun or moon
The eclipse caused a corona to appear around the moon.
corona.jpg
Pastoral
audio/medium/pastoral.mp3
adjective
relating to shepherds or the countryside; rural
It was a charmingly pastoral spot.
bucolic.jpg
Meander
audio/medium/meander.mp3
noun
a bend in a river or steam
Horseshoe Bend is a meander of the Colorado River.
sinuous.jpg
Quarry
noun
a hunted animal; prey
The cat had its quarry in sight.
quarry.jpg
Diaphanous
adjective
very sheer and light; transparent or translucent
The bride lifted her diaphanous veil.
gossamer.jpg
Swashbuckler
audio/medium/swashbuckler.mp3
noun
a swaggering swordsman
He was a swashbuckler for Halloween.
swashbuckler.jpg
Soliloquy
audio/medium/soliloquy.mp3
noun
a speech spoken as if to oneself
The actress practiced her soliloquy.
soliloquy3.jpg
Wiry
audio/medium/wiry.mp3
adjective
lean and strong
The athlete had a wiry frame.
wiry2.jpg
Garland
audio/medium/garland.mp3
noun
a wreath of flowers or other material
The girl made herself a garland.
garland2.jpg
Pugilist
audio/medium/pugilist.mp3
noun
a boxer
The pugilist was ready to fight.
pugilist.jpg
Coffer
audio/medium/coffer.mp3
noun
a box or chest, especially for valuables
There were a few dollars in the coffer.
coffer.jpg
Evanescent
audio/medium/evanescent.mp3
adjective
vanishing or fleeting; short-lived
Ice sculptures are evanescent.
evanescent.jpg
Furtive
audio/medium/furtive.mp3
adjective
acting in a sneaky manner; trying to avoid notice
She left the office in a furtive way.
furtive.jpg
Ogle
audio/medium/ogle.mp3
verb
to stare at with desire
He ogled the woman walking by.
ogle2.jpg
Dirigible
audio/medium/dirigible.mp3
noun
an airship
The dirigible was white, green and purple.
dirigible.jpg
Quietude
audio/medium/quietude.mp3
noun
a state of peace and quiet; tranquility
They enjoyed the quietude of the early morning.
quietude2.jpg
Pristine
audio/medium/pristine.mp3
adjective
in a pure state; uncorrupted
The lake appears pristine and untouched.
pristine.jpg
Bane
noun
a cause of ruin or problems
Paperwork is her bane.
bane.jpg
Loquacious
audio/medium/loquacious.mp3
adjective
very talkative
Loquacious by nature, the parrot always had something to say.
loquacious.jpg
Inebriated
audio/medium/inebriated.mp3
adjective
intoxicated
He became inebriated and passed out.
inebriated3.jpg
Amity
audio/medium/amity.mp3
noun
a harmonious relationship; friendship
The cat and dog enjoyed a peaceful amity.
amity.jpg
Intricate
audio/medium/intricate.mp3
adjective
having a lot of fine detail
The gate had an intricate design.
intricate.jpg
Idiosyncrasy
audio/medium/idiosyncrasy.mp3
noun
a habit or characteristic particular to an individual
She's not crazy--she just has a few idiosyncrasies.
idiosyncracy.jpg
Revel
audio/medium/revel.mp3
verb
to take great pleasure (in) or delight (in)
He quit his job and reveled in his new freedom.
revel.jpg
Pyromania
audio/medium/pyromania.mp3
noun
a compulsion to set things on fire
He was joking when he said he had pyromania, right?
pyromania.jpg
Derelict
adjective
left or deserted; abandoned
The derelict car lay by the side of the road.
derelict3.jpg
Boon
audio/medium/boon.mp3
noun
a blessing or benefit
The cheese was a boon for the mice.
boon.jpg
Hovel
audio/medium/hovel.mp3
noun
a shack or hut, usually miserable
They were forced to live in a hovel.
hovel.jpg
Simian
audio/medium/simian.mp3
adjective
of or like an ape or monkey
He did his best simian impression.
simian.jpg
Mired
audio/medium/mired.mp3
adjective
stuck in wet or muddy ground
The truck got mired in the mud.
mired.jpg
Unkempt
audio/medium/unkempt.mp3
adjective
uncared for or neglected
The pony had a somewhat unkempt appearance.
unkempt.jpg
Burgeon
audio/medium/burgeon.mp3
verb
to bud or sprout
The stalk burgeoned into a pretty flower.
burgeon.jpg
Imprudent
audio/medium/imprudent.mp3
adjective
showing a lack of judgement; unwise
That's the most imprudent parking job I've ever seen.
imprudent.jpg
Convivial
audio/medium/convivial.mp3
adjective
friendly or social
The party had a convivial atmosphere.
convivial.jpg
Ambiguous
audio/medium/ambiguous.mp3
adjective
having more than one interpretation; unclear
The businessman made an ambiguous gesture.
ambiguous.jpg
Visage
audio/medium/visage.mp3
noun
the face of a person, esp. features or expression
The woman had an unforgettable visage.
visage.jpg
Portal
audio/medium/portal.mp3
noun
a doorway or entrance, often impressive
We stood at the temple's portal.
portal.jpg
Quizzical
audio/medium/quizzical.mp3
adjective
questioning or puzzled
When I mooed at the cow, it gave me a quizzical look.
quizzical.jpg
Eccentricity
audio/medium/eccentricity.mp3
noun
a peculiar behavior
He has some eccentricities, but he's not nuts.
eccentricity.jpg
Monolith
audio/medium/monolith.mp3
noun
a large statue formed from a single stone
The monoliths of Easter Island weigh an average of 14 tons each.
monoliths.jpg
Posh
audio/medium/posh.mp3
adjective
very fancy; luxurious
We dined at a posh restaurant.
posh.jpg
Lectern
noun
a desk or stand that holds a speaker's notes
A book had been placed on the lectern.
lectern.jpg
Incompliant
audio/medium/incompliant.mp3
adjective
refusing to yield to requests or orders; stubborn
She was told to go to bed, but was incompliant.
incompliant.jpg
Resplendent
audio/medium/resplendent.mp3
adjective
shining brilliantly; dazzling
The male peacock's feathers were resplendent.
resplendent.jpg
Seedy
adjective
physically run-down and disreputable-looking
Let's stay somewhere else--even that sign looks seedy.
seedy.jpg
Sprite
audio/medium/sprite.mp3
noun
a small being with magical powers; an elf or fairy
The portrait showed her as a sprite.
sprite.jpg
Ethereal
audio/medium/ethereal.mp3
adjective
light, airy, or delicate
Rainbows have an ethereal beauty.
ethereal.jpg
Icon
audio/medium/icon.mp3
noun
an important symbol
The Eiffel Tower is Paris's most famous icon.
iconic2.jpg
Epitaph
noun
an inscription on a gravestone
Her epitaph revealed little about her life.
epitaph3.jpg
Sumptuous
audio/medium/sumptuous.mp3
adjective
fine; luxurious
The room was decorated with rich, sumptuous fabrics.
sumptuous.jpg
Debonair
adjective
having a sophisticated charm, elegant
The scarf gave the dog a debonair appearance.
debonair.jpg
Digits
noun
fingers or toes
The gorilla examined its digits.
digits.jpg
Apiary
audio/medium/apiary.mp3
noun
a place in which bees are kept
The apiary contained several bee colonies.
apiary3.jpg
Grotto
audio/medium/grotto.mp3
noun
a small cave, often with attractive features
The boat passed through the grotto.
grotto.jpg
Serpentine
audio/medium/serpentine.mp3
adjective
having a twisting and winding course
We drove down the serpentine road.
serpentine3.jpg
Succulent
audio/medium/succulent.mp3
adjective
juicy
I couldn't wait to eat the succulent strawberries.
succulent3.jpg
Puerile
audio/medium/puerile.mp3
adjective
childish or immature
His behavior could be puerile at times.
puerile.jpg
Gorge
audio/medium/gorge.mp3
noun
a narrow passage with steep rocky sides
We canoed through the gorge.
gorge2.jpg
Porcine
audio/medium/porcine.mp3
adjective
relating to pigs
Porcine traits include intelligence and curiosity.
porcine3.jpg
Repose
audio/medium/repose.mp3
noun
the state of being at rest; freedom from activity
The cat appeared to enjoy its repose.
repose.jpg
Turbid
audio/medium/turbid.mp3
adjective
opaque due to sediment; clouded
We saw the turbid waters from above.
turbid.jpg
Apathetic
audio/medium/apathetic.mp3
adjective
lacking interest or passion
Bored and apathetic, the cat lay sprawled on the couch.
apathetic.jpg
Rank
audio/medium/rank.mp3
adjective
having an offensively strong odor
The shoe gave off a rank odor.
rank.jpg
Salient
audio/medium/salient.mp3
adjective
standing out; noticeable or prominent
The coastline has one particularly salient feature.
salient.jpg
Abode
audio/medium/abode.mp3
noun
a place where someone lives; a residence
The traditional Mongolian abode is a tent.
abode.jpg
Conveyance
audio/medium/conveyance.mp3
noun
something that serves as transportation
His conveyance was a small, shiny car.
conveyance.jpg
Demonstrative
adjective
open with emotions
The gorilla couple was demonstrative with their affection.
demonstrative.jpg
Pensive
audio/medium/pensive.mp3
adjective
thoughtful or dreamy, sometimes with sadness
The woman appeared pensive.
pensive2.jpg
Cataract
audio/medium/cataract.mp3
noun
a large or high waterfall
Niagara Falls is a famous cataract.
cataract.jpg
Apothecary
audio/medium/apothecary.mp3
noun
a druggist or pharmacist
The apothecary waved the pills at us.
apothecary.jpg
Picturesque
audio/medium/picturesque.mp3
adjective
visually striking or charming; suitable for a picture
That ranch is often described as "picturesque."
picturesque.jpg
Variegation
audio/medium/variegation.mp3
noun
diversity of colors; variation
The bird exhibits variegation in its coloration.
variegation2.jpg
Mottled
audio/medium/mottled.mp3
adjective
spotted or blotched in coloring
The baby deer had a mottled coat.
mottled.jpg
Pantomime
audio/medium/pantomime.mp3
noun
the art of conveying a story through gestures
The performer was skilled in pantomime.
pantomime.jpg
Ambidextrous
audio/medium/ambidextrous.mp3
adjective
able to use both hands equally well
My boss is ambidextrous.
ambidextrous2.jpg
Gusto
audio/medium/gusto.mp3
noun
enthusiastic enjoyment
He celebrated with gusto.
gusto3.jpg
Mausoleum
audio/medium/mausoleum.mp3
noun
a monument that houses a tomb or tombs
India's Taj Mahal is a famous mausoleum.
mausoleum.jpg
Foolhardy
audio/medium/foolhardy.mp3
adjective
foolishly bold or daring
The foolhardy mouse climbed over the cat.
foolhardy.jpg
Indifferent
audio/medium/indifferent.mp3
adjective
without interest; not caring
Instead of being excited by the candy, he was indifferent.
indifferent.jpg
Riled
adjective
angered or stirred up; provoked
She was easily riled by trespassers on her land.
riled2.jpg
Vigilant
audio/medium/vigilant.mp3
adjective
alert for danger; watchful
The vigilant meerkat scanned its environment.
vigilance.jpg
Antediluvian
audio/medium/antediluvian.mp3
adjective
existing before the Flood (biblical); extremely old
Fossils are the remains of antediluvian life.
antediluvian.jpg
Bacchanalian
audio/medium/bacchanalian.mp3
adjective
consisting of loud, drunken merrymaking
The party turned into a bacchanalian celebration.
bacchanalian.jpg
Stationary
audio/medium/stationary.mp3
adjective
not moving; still
At the moment, the bike was stationary.
stationary.jpg
Throng
audio/medium/throng.mp3
noun
a large group crowded closely together
The throng of people waited outside the Vatican.
throng3.jpg
Escutcheon
audio/medium/escutcheon.mp3
noun
a shield-like surface which displays a coat of arms
The escutcheon hung on the wall.
escutcheon3.jpg
Approbation
audio/medium/approbation.mp3
noun
approval
He gave us a thumbs-up to show his approbation.
approbation.jpg
Quaint
adjective
charming in an old-fashioned way
San Francisco has many quaint old homes.
quaint.jpg
Bric-a-brac
audio/medium/bric+a+brac.mp3
noun
knickknacks, considered as a group
The shelf was covered with bric-a-brac.
bric-a-brac.jpg
Survey
audio/medium/survey.mp3
verb
to take a comprehensive view
The monkey surveyed the area.
survey3.jpg
Lexicon
audio/medium/lexicon.mp3
noun
a dictionary
They owned a number of lexicons.
lexicon.jpg
Cavity
audio/medium/cavity.mp3
noun
a hollow place; hole
The girl dug a small cavity in the snow.
cavity2.jpg
Artisan
audio/medium/artisan.mp3
noun
a skilled craftsperson
The artisan applied the finishing touches to his statue.
artisan.jpg
Trepidation
audio/medium/trepidation.mp3
noun
fear or alarm; apprehension
The little boy's trepidation was obvious.
trepidation.jpg
Egregious
audio/medium/egregious.mp3
adjective
extraordinarily bad; outrageous
Her habits could only be described as egregious.
insalubrious.jpg
Cornucopia
audio/medium/cornucopia.mp3
noun
a horn containing food (symbol of abundance)
It's common to see cornucopias in the US around Thanksgiving.
cornucopia.jpg
Illegible
adjective
impossible to decipher due to poor handwriting, etc.
Is that writing in a foreign language or is it just illegible?
illegible.jpg
Sinuous
audio/medium/sinuous.mp3
adjective
twisting or curving
The Great Wall of China follows a sinuous course.
meander.jpg
Arable
audio/medium/arable.mp3
adjective
suitable for plowing or cultivation
Our farm was blessed with good, arable land.
arable.jpg
Aqueduct
audio/medium/aqueduct.mp3
noun
a structure or channel built to conduct water
Many Roman aqueducts are still standing.
aqueduct.jpg
Alacrity
noun
cheerful promptness
He returned his e-mails with alacrity.
alacrity.jpg
Fresco
audio/medium/fresco.mp3
noun
a watercolor painting done on wet plaster
Michelangelo's best known fresco is the "Creation of Adam."
fresco.jpg
Lush
audio/medium/lush.mp3
adjective
having abundant vegetation; fertile
The area was blessed with lush valleys.
lush.jpg
Supercilious
audio/medium/supercilious.mp3
adjective
arrogant or disdainful
The wine expert had a supercilious attitude.
supercilious.jpg
Gilded
audio/medium/guilded.mp3
adjective
covered or highlighted with something golden
The frame was gilded with gold.
gilded.jpg
Unscrupulous
audio/medium/unscrupulous.mp3
adjective
lacking principles or ethical standards
The unscrupulous player cheated.
unscrupulous.jpg
Imposing
audio/medium/imposing.mp3
adjective
impressive due to great size or power
The towers are an imposing sight.
imposing3.jpg
Emblazoned
audio/medium/emblazoned.mp3
adjective
to decorate a surface with markings of some kind
Coats of arms were emblazoned on the roof.
emblazoned.jpg
Decrepit
adjective
worn out by use
A decrepit sign hung outside.
decrepit.jpg
Sidereal
adjective
relating to the stars
We had a good view of the sidereal bodies.
sidereal3.jpg
Burly
audio/medium/burly.mp3
adjective
having a large body; strong or muscular
Well-fed polar bears have burly frames.
burly3.jpg
Vintage
audio/medium/vintage.mp3
adjective
representative of a past period
He drives a vintage car.
vintage2.jpg
Tapered
adjective
becoming thinner towards one end
The car has a tapered shape.
tapered.jpg
Supine
audio/medium/supine.mp3
adjective
lying on the back
The panther lay supine on the log.
supine3.jpg
Pachyderm
audio/medium/pachyderm.mp3
noun
a type of thick-skinned animal
Elephants are pachyderms.
pachyderm.jpg
Libation
audio/medium/libation.mp3
noun
a beverage, usually alcoholic
The libations were lined up on the bar.
libations.jpg
Torpid
audio/medium/torpid.mp3
adjective
sluggish or inactive
The torpid penguin dragged itself along.
torpid.jpg
Hardy
adjective
able to withstand hardship; tough
Dandelions are hardy and can thrive in harsh environments.
hardy.jpg
Perturbed
audio/medium/perturbed.mp3
adjective
upset or disturbed; uneasy
The little boy was perturbed by the cold water.
perturbed.jpg
Aboriginal
audio/medium/aboriginal.mp3
adjective
relating to original or earliest known inhabitants
Some aboriginal groups painted their faces.
aboriginal.jpg
Reverence
audio/medium/reverence.mp3
noun
a feeling of deep respect
They showed reverence as they entered the temple.
reverence.jpg
Gala
audio/medium/gala.mp3
noun
a festive event; celebration
Many people attended the gala.
gala3.jpg
Verdant
audio/medium/verdant.mp3
adjective
green with vegetation
Frequent rain had made the area verdant.
verdant.jpg
Wary
audio/medium/wary.mp3
adjective
on one's guard; cautious
The wolf was wary and stayed at a distance.
wary.jpg
Buttress
audio/medium/buttress.mp3
verb
to give support, prop up
The temple was buttressed by thick columns.
buttress.jpg
Canter
audio/medium/canter.mp3
noun
an easy gallop
The horse went along at a canter.
canter3.jpg
Derision
noun
ridicule or mockery
He was the victim of almost constant derision.
hector.jpg
Plaintive
audio/medium/plaintive.mp3
adjective
expressing sorrow; mournful
The hungry dog gave us its best plaintive look.
plaintive.jpg
Bucolic
audio/medium/bucolic.mp3
adjective
pertaining to the country; rural
The bucolic scenery was lovely.
bucolic2.jpg
Dun
audio/medium/dun.mp3
adjective
grayish-brown
The horse's coat was dun.
dun.jpg
Domicile
audio/medium/domicile.mp3
noun
a place of residence; home
It looks like a huge shell, but it's really a domicile.
domicile.jpg
Emollient
audio/medium/emollient.mp3
noun
something that softens, such as a lotion
She applied the emollient to her dry hands.
emollient.jpg
Grimace
audio/medium/grimace.mp3
verb
to make contorted facial expressions
The boy grimaced as he tried to lift the heavy weights.
grimace2.jpg
Munificent
audio/medium/munificent.mp3
adjective
very generous in giving
For a little kid, it was a munificent act.
munificent.jpg
Virile
audio/medium/virile.mp3
adjective
energetic in a masculine way; manly
My grandfather is one virile guy.
virile.jpg
Ire
audio/medium/ire.mp3
noun
anger or wrath
We were the recipients of his ire.
ire.jpg
Windfall
noun
a sudden, unexpected gain
The money he found under the floor was a welcome windfall.
windfall.jpg
Aversion
audio/medium/aversion.mp3
noun
strong dislike
The man had an aversion to all vegetables.
aversion.jpg
Ursine
audio/medium/ursine.mp3
adjective
of or like a bear
The chair had an ursine occupant.
ursine3.jpg
Antiquated
audio/medium/antiquated.mp3
adjective
too old to be useful; out-of-date
Most people would agree that typewriters are antiquated.
antiquated.jpg
Timorous
audio/medium/timorous.mp3
adjective
fearful or timid
The dog was timorous at first.
timorous3.jpg
Lassitude
audio/medium/lassitude.mp3
noun
a lack of energy; state of weariness
The dog's lassitude was due to the heat.
lassitude.jpg
Skirmish
audio/medium/skirmish.mp3
noun
a brief fight between small groups or individuals
The cat and dog had a skirmish.
skirmish.jpg
Riddled
audio/medium/riddled.mp3
adjective
pierced with many holes
The car was riddled with bullet holes.
riddled.jpg
Glower
audio/medium/glower.mp3
verb
to glare
The young man glowered at us.
glower.jpg
Gazebo
audio/medium/gazebo.mp3
noun
a small structure used for entertaining or relaxing
The gazebo faced the sea.
gazebo.jpg
Gelatinous
audio/medium/gelatinous.mp3
adjective
jelly-like
The squid eye felt as gelatinous as it looked.
gelatinous.jpg
Partiality
noun
a fondness or preference for something
My son has a partiality for cookies.
partiality.jpg
Fraternal
audio/medium/fraternal.mp3
adjective
relating to brothers; brotherly
Their close, fraternal relationship was obvious.
fraternal.jpg
Vermin
audio/medium/vermin.mp3
noun
small, disgusting animals that are hard to eliminate
The house is crawling with vermin.
vermin.jpg
Solicit
audio/medium/solicit.mp3
verb
to ask for or seek by request
The man solicited money.
solicit.jpg
Rebuke
verb
to express sharp disapproval
She rebuked me for my tardiness.
rebuke.jpg
Imminent
audio/medium/imminent.mp3
adjective
likely to occur at any moment; impending
The meteor crash was imminent.
imminent3.jpg
Perforation
audio/medium/perforation.mp3
noun
a hole, often in a series of holes in something
The edges of stamps usually have perforations.
perforation.jpg
Impudent
audio/medium/impudent.mp3
adjective
rude or insulting
The girl was punished for being impudent.
impudent.jpg
Threadbare
audio/medium/threadbare.mp3
adjective
frayed or shabby
Even I had to admit that my jeans were looking threadbare.
threadbare.jpg
Profusion
noun
a great quantity
A profusion of flowers surrounded the tree.
profusion.jpg
Recumbent
audio/medium/recumbent.mp3
adjective
lying down or reclining
She was in a recumbent position.
recumbent.jpg
Balustrade
audio/medium/balustrade.mp3
noun
a rail with supporting posts
The staircase had a wrought iron balustrade.
balustrade.jpg
Macabre
audio/medium/macabre.mp3
adjective
gruesome or horrible
It may have been a joke, but we found it macabre.
macabre.jpg
Desiccated
adjective
thoroughly dried up
The desert's surface appeared desiccated.
dessicated.jpg
Aloof
adjective
emotionally distant; reserved
She wondered why he seemed so aloof.
aloof.jpg
Fete
audio/medium/fete.mp3
noun
a festive celebration
The dog and cat participated in the birthday fete.
fete2.jpg
Insensible
audio/medium/insensible.mp3
adjective
unable to feel or perceive; unconscious
The bear was insensible to everything going on around it.
insensible3.jpg
Eschew
audio/medium/eschew.mp3
verb
to avoid; stay clear of
The star eschewed all attention.
eschew3.jpg
Supple
adjective
moving and bending with ease; flexible
He had a strong and supple body.
supple.jpg
Clamber
audio/medium/clamber.mp3
verb
to climb with difficulty, using hands and feet
The man clambered up the rock.
clamber.jpg
Dour
audio/medium/dour.mp3
adjective
gloomy or sour; stern
The gorilla wore a dour expression.
dour.jpg
Facade
audio/medium/facade.mp3
noun
the face of a building, especially a decorative one
We admired the cathedral's facade.
facade.jpg
Vociferous
audio/medium/vociferous.mp3
adjective
characterized by a loud and noisy outcry
He made a vociferous protest.
vociferous.jpg
Diminutive
adjective
small; tiny
Have you ever seen such a diminutive gift?
diminutive.jpg
Inundated
audio/medium/inundated.mp3
adjective
flooded or covered with water
The town had been completely inundated.
inundated.jpg
Unsavory
audio/medium/unsavory.mp3
adjective
unpleasant or distasteful
He found an unsavory surprise in his coffee.
unsavory.jpg
Arcade
audio/medium/arcade.mp3
noun
a covered passageway with shops on either side
The arcade had many shops.
arcade.jpg
Salutary
audio/medium/salutary.mp3
adjective
healthy or wholesome
She ate salutary meals.
salubrious.jpg
Cache
audio/medium/cache.mp3
noun
a hiding place for valuables
We hid our cash in a cache under the mattress.
cache.jpg
Vigil
audio/medium/vigil.mp3
noun
a period of observing; a watch
He kept a vigil by her bedside while she was unconscious.
vigil.jpg
Ostracism
audio/medium/ostracism.mp3
noun
social exclusion
She was the subject of ostracism.
ostracism.jpg
Innumerable
audio/medium/innumerable.mp3
adjective
of a great number (too many to count)
Innumerable flowers filled the field.
innumerable.jpg
Cheeky
audio/medium/cheeky.mp3
adjective
rude or saucy
The cheeky boy stuck his tongue out at us.
cheeky.jpg
Impecunious
audio/medium/impecunious.mp3
adjective
without money; penniless
For someone claiming to be impecunious, he was rather well-dressed.
impecunious.jpg
Vantage
audio/medium/vantage.mp3
noun
a position allowing a clear or commanding view
The ledge offered a good vantage of the city.
vantage3.jpg
Prodigy
audio/medium/prodigy.mp3
noun
a person, esp. a young one, with amazing talent
Either someone's playing a joke, or that kid is a prodigy!
prodigy.jpg
Solace
audio/medium/solace.mp3
noun
comfort in a time of sorrow or misfortune
She clutched her teddy bear for solace.
solace.jpg
Homogeneous
adjective
of the same kind; alike
The houses in that neighborhood are homogeneous.
homogeneous.jpg
Elaborate
adjective
highly detailed; intricate
The windows have an elaborate design.
elaborate2.jpg
Avarice
noun
excessive greed
He didn't even try to hide his avarice.
avarice.jpg
Overwrought
audio/medium/overwrought.mp3
adjective
extremely nervous or excited
The woman became overwrought.
overwrought.jpg
Brood
audio/medium/brood.mp3
noun
a family of young; offspring
The mother duck followed her brood.
brood.jpg
Quill
audio/medium/quill.mp3
noun
an old fashioned pen made from a feather
She found that writing with a quill wasn't easy.
quill.jpg
Amble
audio/medium/amble.mp3
verb
to walk in a leisurely way; stroll
They ambled along the beach.
amble.jpg
Lackadaisical
audio/medium/lackadaisical.mp3
adjective
without interest or determination
The student made a lackadaisical attempt to do homework.
lackadaisical.jpg
Sundry
audio/medium/sundry.mp3
adjective
various or diverse
A sundry collection of buttons was laid out on the table.
sundry2.jpg
Surrealistic
audio/medium/surrealistic.mp3
adjective
having dreamlike elements; relating to surrealism
The surrealistic image featured a huge eye.
surrealistic.jpg
Jetty
audio/medium/jetty.mp3
noun
a kind of protective wall built into a harbor
The lighthouse was built at the end of a jetty.
jetty3.jpg
Sylvan
audio/medium/sylvan.mp3
adjective
relating to the woods or forest
We were unaccustomed to the sylvan landscape.
sylvan.jpg
Malevolent
audio/medium/malevolent.mp3
adjective
wishing harm or evil to others
He gave us a malevolent-looking smile.
malevolent.jpg
Condiments
audio/medium/condiments.mp3
noun
substances used to flavor food
Salt and pepper are popular condiments.
condiments3.jpg
Pellucid
audio/medium/pellucid.mp3
adjective
transparent or translucent; clear
We gazed into the pellucid water.
pellucid.jpg
Agrarian
audio/medium/agrarian.mp3
adjective
rural or agricultural
The landscape was agrarian.
agrarian2.jpg
Circumscribed
audio/medium/circumscribed.mp3
adjective
enclosed within bounds
New York's Central Park is circumscribed by tall buildings.
circumscribe.jpg
Rotund
audio/medium/rotund.mp3
adjective
rounded in shape; plump
The prairie dog was undeniably rotund.
rotund.jpg
Tortuous
adjective
full of twists; winding
The route was a tortuous one.
tortuous.jpg
Prognostication
audio/medium/prognostication.mp3
noun
a forecast or prediction
I received a positive prognostication.
prognostication3.jpg
Lupine
audio/medium/lupine.mp3
adjective
relating to wolves
A lupine stare can be intimidating.
lupine.jpg
Lethargy
audio/medium/lethargy.mp3
noun
abnormal drowsiness; sluggishness
The medicine produced a noticeable state of lethargy.
lethargic.jpg
Supplication
audio/medium/supplication.mp3
noun
a humble or earnest prayer
The woman hoped her supplication would be heard.
supplication.jpg
Crag
audio/medium/crag.mp3
noun
a rugged, projecting piece of rock
The man sat on the crag overlooking the canyon.
crag.jpg
Inedible
adjective
unfit to be eaten
The kitten discovered that paper is inedible.
inedible.jpg
Fanciful
audio/medium/fanciful.mp3
adjective
suggested by fancy; imaginary in a playful way
The fanciful image made me smile.
fanciful.jpg
Corrugated
audio/medium/corrugated.mp3
adjective
having alternating ridges and grooves
The two pipes were corrugated.
corrugated.jpg
Felicity
audio/medium/felicity.mp3
noun
great happiness or bliss
The couple enjoyed a great deal of felicity.
felicity.jpg
Declivity
noun
a downward slope
The tree grew along a declivity.
declivity.jpg
Keen
audio/medium/keen.mp3
adjective
eager and interested
The boy was keen on learning the martial arts.
enthused.jpg
Atoll
audio/medium/atoll.mp3
noun
a ring-shaped coral island that encloses a lagoon
We saw the atoll from the the plane.
atoll2.jpg
Nuptials
noun
a wedding ceremony
The nuptials took place in a church.
nuptials.jpg
Tome
audio/medium/tome.mp3
noun
an enormous book
The tome was really heavy.
tome3.jpg
Minister (to)
audio/medium/minister.mp3
verb
to give service or care; attend to
She pretended to minister to the bear's hurts.
minister3.jpg
Furrowed
audio/medium/furrowed.mp3
adjective
having deep grooves or wrinkles
Her brow was furrowed.
furrow.jpg
Somnolent
adjective
sleepy or drowsy
The somnolent baboon yawned.
somnolent.jpg
Berate
audio/medium/berate.mp3
verb
to scold in a very angry way
She berated him over the phone.
berate.jpg
Dank
adjective
unpleasantly damp (and often chilly)
The passageway was horribly dank.
dank.jpg
Stark
audio/medium/stark.mp3
adjective
bleak and barren
They were met with a stark sight.
stark.jpg
Effervescent
audio/medium/effervescent.mp3
adjective
bubbly
Champagne is an effervescent drink.
effervescent.jpg
Acronym
audio/medium/acronym.mp3
noun
a word formed from the first letters of a phrase or series of words
"ASAP" is an acronym for "as soon as possible."
acronym.jpg
Surfeit
noun
an excess
He had a tendency to use a surfeit of shaving cream.
surfeit.jpg
Amorphous
adjective
lacking definite form; shapeless
Wrapped in the sheets, we looked like two amorphous forms.
amorphous.jpg
August
adjective
inspiring admiration; majestic
Mount Rushmore is an august sight.
august3.jpg
Vertiginous
audio/medium/vertiginous.mp3
adjective
causing vertigo; dizzy or dizzying
The view from the top of the stairs was vertiginous.
vertiginous.jpg
Careen
audio/medium/careen.mp3
verb
to sway or tip to one side while in motion
The motorcycle careened around the corner.
careen.jpg
Wield
audio/medium/wield.mp3
verb
to handle and use a weapon
She knew how to wield a sword.
wield.jpg
Prestidigitation
audio/medium/prestidigitation.mp3
noun
sleight of hand
He was skilled in prestidigitation.
prestidigitation.jpg
Fallow
audio/medium/fallow.mp3
adjective
(of land) plowed but unseeded; left uncultivated
The farmer left the land fallow for a season.
fallow.jpg
Amphitheater
audio/medium/amphitheater.mp3
noun
an oval arena with seats around a central area
We visited the ancient amphitheater.
ampitheater2.jpg
Whimsical
audio/medium/whimsical.mp3
adjective
out of the ordinary in a playfully strange way
The whimsical photograph showed a hedgehog wearing a flower.
whimsical.jpg
Spindly
adjective
long, thin, and seemingly weak
The colt could barely stand on its spindly legs.
spindly.jpg
Monochrome
audio/medium/monochrome.mp3
adjective
done in different shades of one color
The painting was a monochrome one.
monochrome.jpg
Limber
audio/medium/limber.mp3
adjective
able to bend easily; flexible
Years of stretching had made her limber.
limber.jpg
Agog
audio/medium/agog.mp3
adjective
extremely eager; full of anticipation
The boy was agog with excitement.
agog2.jpg
Limpid
audio/medium/limpid.mp3
adjective
clear or transparent
The limpid waters sparkled in the sun.
limpid.jpg
Fettered
audio/medium/fettered.mp3
adjective
bound by chains
The prisoner's hands were fettered.
fettered.jpg
Raconteur
noun
a skilled storyteller
He was a well-known raconteur.
raconteur.jpg
Orb
audio/medium/orb.mp3
noun
an eye or eyeball
A brown orb could be seen through the hole.
orb.jpg
Umbrage
noun
offense or resentment
He did not try to hide his umbrage.
umbrage.jpg
Munitions
noun
war materials, especially guns and ammunition
The plane was equipped with heavy munitions.
munitions.jpg
Adulation
audio/medium/adulation.mp3
noun
excessive admiration
The rock star enjoyed his fans' adulation.
adulation.jpg
Blithe
audio/medium/blithe.mp3
adjective
carefree and lighthearted; joyful
The little girl had a blithe spirit.
blithe.jpg
Extremity
audio/medium/extremity.mp3
noun
the end part of a limb, such as a hand or foot
Only the baby's extremities were visible in the photograph.
extremities.jpg
Indisposed
audio/medium/indisposed.mp3
adjective
ill or sick
He stayed home from school because he was indisposed.
indisposed.jpg
Podiatry
audio/medium/podiatry.mp3
noun
the branch of medicine dealing with feet
The doctor in the next office practiced podiatry.
podiatrist.jpg
Hirsute
audio/medium/hirsute.mp3
adjective
hairy or shaggy
The baboon was extremely hirsute.
hirsute.jpg
Apex
audio/medium/apex.mp3
noun
the highest point; summit
We could see the apex of the mountain.
apex3.jpg
Bibliophile
audio/medium/bibiophile.mp3
noun
a lover of books
There was no doubt he was a bibliophile.
bibliophile.jpg
Venturous
audio/medium/venturous.mp3
adjective
daring or adventurous
The venturous base jumper fell through the air.
venturous.jpg
Divination
audio/medium/divination.mp3
noun
the art of telling the future
The wizard used a crystal ball to practice divination.
divination.jpg
Despondent
adjective
having or showing deep hopelessness
The man on the corner looked despondent.
despondent.jpg
Indelible
audio/medium/indelible.mp3
adjective
unable to be erased or washed away; permanent
The stain turned out to be indelible.
indelible.jpg
Aperture
audio/medium/aperture.mp3
noun
an opening like a hole or gap
The aperture was the size of a dime.
aperture.jpg
Mosaic
audio/medium/mosaic.mp3
noun
a picture/decoration of pieces of tile or glass
The mosaic portrayed a bull.
mosaic3.jpg
Expire
audio/medium/expire.mp3
verb
to breathe one's last breathe; die
The fish had expired days ago.
expired.jpg
Contemporary
audio/medium/contemporary.mp3
adjective
modern
The apartment contained contemporary furniture.
contemporary3.jpg
Patrician
audio/medium/patrician.mp3
adjective
characteristic of the upper class; aristocratic
He cultivated a patrician image.
patrician.jpg
Intoxicant
audio/medium/intoxicant.mp3
noun
a substance that can cause a loss of control
The shelf displayed a number of intoxicants.
intoxicants.jpg
Colossus
audio/medium/colossus.mp3
noun
a giant statue
Tourists flocked to see the colossus, a giant Buddha.
colossus.jpg
Peruse
audio/medium/peruse.mp3
verb
to read carefully or thoroughly
She perused the newspaper.
peruse2.jpg
Altercation
noun
an angry dispute
They had a noisy altercation.
altercation.jpg
Rubicund
audio/medium/rubicund+1.mp3
adjective
red or reddish
The child had rubicund cheeks.
rubicund.jpg
Viscous
audio/medium/viscous.mp3
adjective
resisting flowing easily; thick
The honey was viscous and hard to pour.
viscous3.jpg
Enshroud
audio/medium/enshroud.mp3
verb
to cover
Fog enshrouded the bridge.
enshrouded.jpg
Riveted
audio/medium/riveted.mp3
adjective
engrossed
The couple was riveted by the movie.
riveted.jpg
Billowing
audio/medium/billowing.mp3
adjective
swelling out or bulging
She skipped along, with her scarf billowing.
billowing.jpg
Inclement
audio/medium/inclement.mp3
adjective
stormy or severe (for weather or the elements)
The inclement weather came as a complete surprise.
inclement.jpg
Plethora
audio/medium/plethora.mp3
noun
an excess or overabundance
There was a plethora of rubber duckies in the pool.
plethora3.jpg
Injudicious
audio/medium/injudicious.mp3
adjective
showing a lack of judgement; unwise
Suddenly he realized that napping on the train tracks was injudicious.
injudicious.jpg
Curio
audio/medium/curio.mp3
noun
any unusual article or knickknack
A number of curios were displayed on the wall.
curios.jpg
Ominous
audio/medium/ominous.mp3
adjective
threatening or sinister
The skies looked ominous.
ominous.jpg
Ponder
audio/medium/ponder.mp3
verb
to consider something deeply
He pondered the problem.
ponder.jpg
Aphorism
audio/medium/aphorism.mp3
noun
a short, instructive saying
His favorite aphorism was inscribed on a rock.
aphorism.jpg
Androgynous
audio/medium/androgynous.mp3
adjective
having both male and female characteristics
The young man had an androgynous look.
androgynous2.jpg
Queue
audio/medium/queue.mp3
noun
a file or line, especially of people waiting
The penguins lined up as if they were in a queue.
queue3.jpg
Cherub
audio/medium/cherub.mp3
noun
an angel portrayed as a child
The statue was of a cherub.
cherub3.jpg
Intractable
audio/medium/intractable.mp3
adjective
not easily controlled; stubborn
The intractable husky pulled the leash.
intractable.jpg
Dejected
adjective
disheartened or low in spirits
The news left her feeling dejected.
dejected.jpg
Winsome
audio/medium/winsome.mp3
adjective
innocently charming; engaging
He gave us a winsome smile.
winsome.jpg
Buccaneer
audio/medium/buccaneer.mp3
noun
a pirate
He pretended to be a buccaneer.
buccaneer.jpg
Cistern
audio/medium/cistern.mp3
noun
a receptacle or tank for holding water
The ancient Roman cistern is under the city.
cistern3.jpg
Firmament
audio/medium/firmament.mp3
noun
the heavens; sky
We looked up at the firmament.
firmament3.jpg
Floe
audio/medium/floe.mp3
noun
a mass or sheet of floating ice
The penguin stood on the floe.
floe.jpg
Peevish
audio/medium/peevish.mp3
adjective
showing annoyance or irritation; ill-tempered
Our little angel was in a peevish mood.
peevish.jpg
Windfall
noun
a sudden, unexpected gain
The money he found under the floor was a welcome windfall.
windfall.jpg
Teeming
audio/medium/teeming.mp3
adjective
abounding or swarming with something
The museum was teeming with people.
teeming.jpg
Scrutinize
audio/medium/scrutinize.mp3
verb
to examine carefully
I scrutinized the bill to see if it was a fake.
scrutinize2.jpg
Trident
noun
a three-pronged instrument or spear
The Greek god Poseidon is often portrayed with a trident.
trident.jpg
Obstinate
audio/medium/obstinate.mp3
adjective
inflexible and unyielding; stubborn
My boss is obstinate in his refusal to ever let me leave work early.
obdurate.jpg
Spartan
adjective
without luxury or ornament; simple
The spartan room contained no decorations of any kind.
spartan.jpg
Marquee
audio/medium/marquee.mp3
noun
a projection or display above a theater entrance
The marquee advertised the performance's world premiere.
marquee.jpg
Seething
adjective
to be violently excited or in a state of turmoil
He was seething with anger.
seething.jpg
Livid
audio/medium/livid.mp3
adjective
furiously angry; enraged
The man became livid when he couldn't kill the fly.
livid3.jpg
Genial
audio/medium/genial.mp3
adjective
cheerful and pleasant
She had a friendly, genial personality.
genial.jpg
Gossamer
audio/medium/gossamer.mp3
adjective
light or flimsy; delicate
A spider web is a gossamer thing.
gossamer2.jpg
Garret
audio/medium/garret.mp3
noun
a room in an attic (often small and wretched)
The house contained a garret.
garret.jpg
Shard
audio/medium/shard.mp3
noun
a broken piece of material such as glass
Shards of glass lay everywhere.
shards3.jpg
Animated
audio/medium/animated.mp3
adjective
full of life; filled with spirit
He became animated as he was telling the story.
animated.jpg
Akimbo
audio/medium/akimbo.mp3
adjective
with hands on the hips and elbows outward
The woman stood with her arms akimbo.
akimbo.jpg
Exultation
audio/medium/exultation.mp3
noun
joy, often over a victory of some kind
The athlete felt great exultation after winning.
exultation2.jpg
Dilated
audio/medium/dilated.mp3
adjective
expanded; widened
The cat's pupils were dilated.
dilated.jpg
Redolent
audio/medium/redolent.mp3
adjective
fragrant
She couldn't resist smelling the redolent wild flowers.
redolent.jpg
Vexed
audio/medium/vexed.mp3
adjective
irritated or annoyed
That lion sure looks vexed.
vexed.jpg
Incarceration
audio/medium/incarceration.mp3
noun
imprisonment
The man spent his incarceration in the old jail.
incarcerated.jpg
Cavort
audio/medium/cavort.mp3
verb
to romp around or play in a lively way
They cavorted around the park.
cavort.jpg
Swath
audio/medium/swath.mp3
noun
the space created by a pass of a mowing device
The swath went through the middle of the field.
swath.jpg
Ebullience
audio/medium/ebullience.mp3
noun
great enthusiasm; high spirits
The child's ebullience was infectious.
ebullience.jpg
Archipelago
audio/medium/archipelago.mp3
noun
a large group of islands
We looked down at the archipelago.
archipelago3.jpg
Arboreal
audio/medium/arboreal.mp3
adjective
relating to trees
The arboreal damage to the temple is striking.
arboreal.jpg
Rustic
audio/medium/rustic.mp3
adjective
relating to the country; rural
I enjoyed the rustic environment.
rustic.jpg
Disapprobation
noun
disapproval
His disapprobation was clear.
disapprobation.jpg
Commodities
audio/medium/commodities.mp3
noun
goods that can be bought and sold
Rice, barley, and peppers are commodities.
commodities.jpg
Respite
audio/medium/respite.mp3
noun
a brief rest or break, often giving relief
The bear took a brief respite after raiding our camp.
respite3.jpg
Sedentary
audio/medium/sedentary.mp3
adjective
characterized by a lot of sitting
He led a sedentary lifestyle.
sedentary.jpg
Accoutered
adjective
outfitted and equipped, usually for military duty
The soldier was accoutered for battle.
accoutered.jpg
Vulpine
audio/medium/vulpine.mp3
adjective
relating to foxes
Shyness is a typical vulpine trait.
vulpine.jpg
Striations
audio/medium/striations.mp3
noun
grooves or scratches on a rock's surface
The canyon's striations form interesting patterns.
striated.jpg
Apparition
audio/medium/apparition.mp3
noun
a ghostly figure; phantom
A spooky apparition appeared in my dream.
apparition.jpg
Bauble
audio/medium/bauble+1.mp3
noun
a cheap piece of jewelry, usually flashy
She bought the bauble for ten dollars.
bauble.jpg
Contemplation
audio/medium/contemplation.mp3
noun
long and deep consideration
It looked like the gorilla was engaged in contemplation.
contemplation2.jpg
Opulent
audio/medium/opulent.mp3
adjective
rich and luxurious
Versailles has opulent gardens.
opulent3.jpg
Inquisitive
audio/medium/inquisitive.mp3
adjective
curious; inclined to investigate
The inquisitive horse examined the camera.
inquisitive.jpg
Deity
noun
a god or goddess
The statue of Buddha was worshipped as a deity.
deity.jpg
Jaunt
audio/medium/jaunt.mp3
noun
a short trip for pleasure
We put the mouse in the train for a quick jaunt.
jaunt.jpg
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