COLLEGE PRE-REQUISITE VOCABULARY
A - Pre-school and elementary vocabulary
abandon abbreviate/abbreviation abdomen
able/ability aboard about
above absent/absence absolute/absolutely
absorb abundant/abundance academic
accent/accentuate accept/acceptable accident/accidental
accompany accomplish/accomplishment according/accordingly
account accuracy/accurate ace
ache achieve/achievement acid
acorn acquire acre
across act/action activity
actual/actually add/additive addition/additional
address/addressed adequate/adequately adhesive
adjective adjust/adjustment administer/administration
admire/admiration admit/admission adolescence
adopt adore/adorable adult
advance advantage adventure
adverb advice/advise advertise/advertisement
affect(ion) afford afraid
after/afterwards afternoon again
against age agency/agent
agree/agreement agriculture ahead
aid aim air
airplane airport aisle
alarm album alert
algebra alike alive
all alley alligator
allow along aloud
alphabet/alphabetical already also
alternate/alternation although aluminum
always am amaze
ambition ambulance America/American
ammunition among amount
ample an analyze/analysis
ancestor/ancestry anchor ancient
angel angle ankle
animal anniversary announce/announcement
another answer ant
annoy antenna anticipate/anticipation
antique any anxious/anxiety
anybody anyhow anyway
anything apart apartment
ape appoint/appointment apologize/apology
apparent/apparently appeal/appealing appear/appearance
appetite applause/applaud apple
apply/application appreciate approach
appropriate approve/approval approximate/approximately
apt arch arctic
are area arena
argue/argument arid arithmetic
arm army around
arrange/arrangement arrest arrive/arrival
arrow art artery
article artificial artist
as ash asleep
aspect assemble/assembly assign/assignment
assist/assistant associate/association assume/assumption
assure astonish/astonishing astronaut
astronomy at ate
athlete/athletic atmosphere atom
attach/attachment attack attempt
attend/attendance attention attic
attitude attract/attraction auction
audience auditorium aunt
author authority/authorize automatic(ally)
automobile autumn available
avenue average aviation
avoid
A - Middle school vocabulary
abolish=do away with abound=be plentiful
abrupt=sudden abstain=refrain from
abstract=only in the mind absurd=stupid
academy=school access=gain entry
accommodate=adapt accord(ance)=agreement
accumulate=gather/collect accuse=charge with
accustom=make used to acknowledge=admit as true
acquaint(ance)=get familiar acute=sharp, not chronic
adept=skilled adjacent=near, next to
adjoining=attached advent=arrival
advocate=argue for aggression=attack
agitate=excite, stir up agony=extreme suffering
alleviate=make lighter ally/alliance=partner
altar=center of ritual alter=change
alternative=another choice ambassador=statesman
ambush=attack from hiding amend=change, improve
amid=in midst of anatomy=bodily structure
anecdote=brief true story annex=add, take possession
antonym=opposite meaning apostrophe=possessive mark
apparatus=working device apprehension=dread future
apprentice=learner aqueduct=to carry water
arc=part of a circle aristocrat=high class
armor=metal protection architecture=building style
aroma=fragrance array=order, grouping
arrogant=exaggerate self ascent=mount/climb
assert=declare asylum=refuge
atlas=book of maps attorney=lawyer
auditory=hearing authentic=genuine
await=wait for awe=reverent fear
axle=bar for wheels
A - High school vocabulary
ABATE=lessen We're waiting for the storm to abate.
ABERRANT=unusual/not normal Prisons may elicit aberrant behavior.
ABUSE=improper use Smoking is one way to abuse your body.
ACCELERATION=increase rate The speed acceleration of cars is fast.
ACUITY=see clearly Wearing glasses may improve acuity.
ADAGE=proverb, saying An old adage is, "A penny saved is a penny earned."
ADAPT(ive)=fit conditions Your eyes adapt when you enter a dark theater.
ADHERE=stick to Some people find if hard to adhere to a diet.
ADMONISH=scold gently Some parents admonish children for being noisy.
ADVENTITIOUS=accidental Many married couples met adventitiously.
ADVERSE=unfavorable One bad grade has an adverse effect on one's GPA.
AFFILIATION=membership His affiliation with Phi Beta Kappa was helpful.
AGGREGATE=bring together He tried to aggregate everyone who was interested.
AGONIZE=pain of mind/body The doctor agonized over the death of a patient.
ALIENATION=turn against His ex-wife sued for alienation of his affection.
ALLEGE=state w/out proof The suspect alleges his innocence.
ALLEGIANCE=loyal devotion "I pledge allegiance to the flag and..."
ALLOCATE=give shares A will allocates one's money to one's heirs.
ALLOTTED=given share Each player was allotted a part of the prize money.
ALLUDE=refer to indirectly He only alluded to his difficulties.
ALTRUISM=concern w/others Donating to charity is an act of altruism.
AMBIGUOUS=several meanings A definite answer is better than an ambiguous one.
AMBIVALENCE=like/dislike Ambivalence is natural when leaving home.
AMPLIFY=enlarge, expand Travel can amplify one's knowledge of the world.
ANALOGY=similar processes The British parliament is analogous to our congress.
ANGUISH=extreme pain/grief He was in anguish over the death of his wife.
ANIMOSITY=ill-will There is sometimes animosity between father and son.
ANONYMOUS=unknown author The suspect was caught after an anonymous tip.
ANTAGONIZE=make angry Mean names may antagonize your opponent.
ANTECEDENT=preceding The antecedent to marriage is usually courtship.
ANTERIOR=before The anterior part of the brain is the front part.
APATHY=lack interest A low election turn-out reflects voter apathy.
APPRECIABLE=enough to notice His speech had no appreciable effect.
APTITUDE=natural ability Some people have no aptitude for music.
ARBITRARY=chosen by will The decision seemed arbitrary, not rational.
ARDUOUS=laborious The road to fame or fortune is usually arduous.
ARTICULATION=speak clearly Mumbling one's words is poor articulation.
ASCERTAIN=find out The detective wanted to ascertain who did it.
ASCRIBE=belonging to We often ascribe bad traits to people we dislike.
ASPIRATION=desire for goal High aspiration often leads to success.
ASSESS(ment)=evaluate Exams attempt to assess the students' knowledge.
ASSIMILATE=make a part of Try to assimilate newcomers to your group.
ASTUTE=shrewd George Patton was considered an astute general.
ATTAIN=reach/get to Set difficult goals but ones you can attain.
ATTENUATE=reduce in force It requires morphine to attenuate pain of cancer.
ATTRIBUTE=property Tolerance is a good attribute in society.
AUGMENT=increase Diligent study will augment your knowledge.
AUTONOMOUS=self-governing Our ancestors fought to become autonomous.
AVERSIVE=painful Punishment uses aversive control of behavior.
AXIOM=self-evident truth The fight for survival is an axiom of nature.
B - Pre-school and elementary vocabulary
baby back backbone
background backward bacteria
bad badge bag/baggage
bait bake/bakery balance
bald ball balloon
ballot banana band
bandage banjo bank
banner bar barber
bare/barely bargain bark
barn barracks barrel
base baseball basement
basic(ally) basis basket
basketball bat bath/bathe
battery battle bay
be beach bead
bean bear beast
beat beauty/beautiful because
become bed bee
beef been before
beg begin(ning) behave/behavior
behind being believe/belief
bell belong below
belt beneath benefit
bend/bent berry beside
besides best bet
better between beverage
beyond Bible bicycle
bid big/bigger/biggest bill
bin bind biological
bird birth/birthday bit
bite bitter black
blade blame blank
blanket blast blend
bless blind blink
blister blizzard block
blood blossom blotter
blow blue board
boast boat body
boil bold bolt
bomb bond bone
bonus book boot
border bore born
borrow boss bother
bottle bottom bought
bounce bound/boundary bow
bowl box boy
bracelet brag brain
brake branch brandy
brass brave bread
break breast breath/breathe
breeze brick bride
bridge brief/brevity bright
brilliant bring/brought broad
broken brook broom
brother brown brush
bubble bucket bugle
build building bulb
bunch bundle burglar
burn burst bury/burial
bus bush bushel
business busy but
butter button buy
by
B - Middle school vocabulary
beacon=signal light baffled=don't understand
balcony=platform on wall ballad=poetic story
bamboo=tropical reed banister=railing
barbarian=uncivilized barrier=obstacle
benevolent=kind, generous barometer=measure pressure
barren=unfruitful basin=shallow container
betray=be disloyal to bewildered=very confused
biography=life history bleak=bare/harsh
bluff=mislead boldly blunt=not pointed
blur=make unclear boomerang=curved weapon
bosom=human breast bough=branch of tree
brace=support bristle=short stiff hair
brittle=easily broken brood=offspring
brute/brutal=cruel person budge=move slightly
budget=income/spending plan bulge=swelling
bulletin=short news report bungalow=one-story house
buoyant=floating bureau=chest of drawers
burden=something carried
B - High school vocabulary
BECKON=call by gesture She beckoned to him to come closer.
BELATED=delayed She sent a belated birthday card.
BENIGN=not dangerous The tumor was benigh and not cancerous.
BARRICADE=defense barrier The built a barracade around the fort.
BARTER=trade by exchange Some people still barter without money.
BIAS=bent toward/away He was accused of bias against jocks.
BIBLIOGRAPHY=list of books Scholarly papers have a long bibliography.
BILATERAL=two-sided The two men signed a bilateral agreement.
BINARY=choice of two A true-false test gives a binary choice.
BIZARRE=odd, peculiar Nature has produced some bizarre creatures.
BLATANT=offensively obvious His claim was a blatant lie.
BORNE=carried The mule has borne a very heavy load.
BOUNDED=with set limits New Mexico is bounded on one side by Mexico.
BUTTRESS=support The lawyer needed a witness to butress the case.
C - Pre-school and elementary vocabulary
cabin cabinet cafe/cafeteria
cage cake calcium
calculate/calculation calendar calisthenics
call calm calorie
camel camera camp
campaign campus can canal
canary cancel cancer
candidate candle candy
cane cannon cannot
canoe canvas canyon
cap capacity capital
capitol captain capture/captive
car carbon carcass
card cardinal care/careful/careless
career carnation carnival
carpenter carpet carriage
carrot carry/carried cart
carton cartoon carve
case cash casket
cast castle casual/casualty
cat catalogue catastrophe
catch/caught category caterpillar
cathedral cause/causal caution/cautious
cavalry cave/cavern cavity
cease cedar ceiling
celebrate/celebration celery cell
cellar cellophane cement
cemetery census cent
center/central centimeter century
cereal ceremony certain/certainly
certificate champion chance
change channel chapel
chapter chain character/characterize
chair chalk challenge
chamber charcoal charge
charity/charitable charm(ing) chart
chase chatter cheap
cheat check cheer/cheerful
cheese chemistry/chemical cherish
chess chest chew
chicken chief child/children
chill chimney chimpanzee
china chip chisel
chocolate choice choir
choose/chosen chord chorus
Christianity chrome chuckle
chunk church cigar/cigaret
cinders cinnamon circle/circular
circulate/circulation circus citizen/citizenship
citrus city civic
civilized/civilization claim class
clause clay clean
clear/clarity clergy client
climate climax climb
clinic clip clock
clockwise close closet
cloth clothes/clothing cloud
clown club clue
clump clumsy cluster
clutch coach coal
coarse compact coast
company coat cobra
cockpit cocoa coconut
code coffee coffin
coil coin cold
collapse collar collect(ion)
college collide/collision colon
colony color/colorful column
comb combat combine/combination
come/came comedy/comedian comfort
comma command comment
commerce/commercial committee communicate/communication
community common compare/comparatively
compartment compass compel/compelled
compete/competition complain/complaint complete/completely
complex/complexity complexion complicate/complicated
compliment compose/composition compound
comprehend/comprehension compromise compute/computation
concealed conceit/conceited conceive
concentrate/concentration concept/conception concern
conclude/conclusion concrete condemn
condense condition conduct
cone confer/conference confess/confession
confident conflict confuse/confusion
congratulate congress connect/connection
conquer/conquest conscience consent
consequence conserve/conservation consider/considerable
consist constant/constantly constellation
construct/constructive consult consume/consumption
contact contain/container contempt
contend content/contentment contest/contestant
continent continue/continual contract/contraction
contribute/contribution control convene/convention
converse/conversation convert/convertible convict/conviction
convince cook cookie
cool copper copulate
copy cord core
cork corn corner
corpse corra l correct/correction
corrupt/corruption cosmetics cost
costume cot cotton
couch cough could
count counter country
county couple coupon
course court courtesy/courteous
cousin cove cover
cow coward coyote
cozy crack cracker
cradle cramp crane
crank crash crate
crater crave crawl
crayon creak cream
crease create/creative creature
credit correspond/correspondence crescent
crest crew cricket
crime/criminal crisis crisp
critical/criticism crocodile crop
cross crouch crowd
crown cruel cruise
crumb/crumble crust cry
cuckoo cucumber culprit
cup cupboard curb
cure curious/curiosity current
curse curtain curve
cushion cut cycle
cyclone
cylinder
C - Middle school vocabulary
camouflage=disguise canopy=suspended cover
canteen=water container capable=able
capillary=very small tube capitalize=take advantage
capsule=dry seed case caption=heading
caravan=traveling group carbohydrate=sugar/starch
cask=wooden container caste=hereditary class
celestial=heavenly cerebrum=upper brain
chlorophyll=plant green cholera=very upset stomach
chronic=lasting/frequent chromosome=genetic cell
chronological=time order churn=stir vigorously
chaos=very disorganized charter=grant authority
circuit=circular course circumference=circle edge
clamor=loud steady noise classic=enduring excellence
cocked=turned up cocoon=silky larvae case
coerce=force/compe coincidence=chance event
colleague=associate collective=done by group
coma=lasting unconscious combustion=burning
commence=begin commission=authority
commotion=disturbance commutative=in any order
compassion=pity competent=capable
compile=collect comply=act in accordance
complement=that completes component=part of whole
composite=distinct parts compress=squeeze down
compulsory=required comrade=companion
concerto=solo w/orchestra concise=minimal words
concur=agree confide=share secrets
confine=restrict movement confirm=prove true
congruent=matching conjunction=union/joined
conscious=aware consecutive=in order
consistent=agreeing conspicuous=easy to see
conspire=plot against constituent=part/element
constitute=make up whole contemplate=meditate on
contemporary=at same time context=surroundings
contour=outline contrary=opposite to
controversy=dispute conventional=agreement
convey=carry cooperate/cooperation
coordinates=location points cope=overcome problems
corporation=business correlation=mutual relation
corridor=passage corrosion=rot away
correlation=mutual relation corridor=passage
cosmic=of the universe council=assembly
counsel=advice countenance=appearance
courage/courageous coy=modest
craft=trade/skill cram=stuff into
cremate=burn dead body crevice=crack
crucial=decisive crude=lacking finish
crusade=religious war crystal=clear mineral
cube/cubic=6 equal sides cultivate=till, improve
cunning=clever currency=money in use
customary=common practice
C - High school vocabulary
CALAMITY=disaster The train wreck was a real disaster.
CANDID=straightforward Few politicians give a candid answer.
CAPITULATE=surrender The atomic bomb caused Japan to capitulate.
CASTRATION=remove testes Some recommend castration for sex offenders.
CENSURE=disapprove Lying deserves some kind of censure.
CHASTISE=punish A teacher should chastise a student who cheats.
CIRCUMVENT=bypass a problem Good diplomacy may circumvent war.
CLARIFY=remove doubt A girl may ask a boy to clarify his intentions.
CLICHE=common expression "Have a good day!" has become a cliche.
COALITION=union NATO is a coalition of Atlantic neighbors.
COGENT=convincing The prosecution presented a cogent case.
COHERENT=fit logically The man's defense was not coherent.
COLLABORATE=work together Scientists often collaborate in research.
COMMITMENT=pledge She made a commitment to wait until marriage for sex.
COMMODITY=useful thing Toilet paper is an important commodity.
COMMONALITY=sameness There is little commonality between football and baseball.
COMMUNAL=used by everyone The dorm has a communal laundry.
COMPATIBLE=able to coexist If raised together, dogs and cats are compatible.
COMPREHENSIVE=covers fully The final exam will be comprehensive.
COMPRISE=made up of Water is comprised of hydrogen and oxygen.
CONCEDE=admit as true The candidate has conceded his defeat.
CONCLUSIVE=decided w/reason His fingerprints provided conclusive evidence.
CONCOMITANT=accompanying Sex is normally concomitant with marriage.
CONDUCIVE=contributing to Money is conducive to happiness.
CONFEDERATE=ally His complex plan required a confederate.
CONFORM(ITY)=comply/be like You should conform to a dress code.
CONGENITAL=inborn Alcoholism is partly congenital.
CONJURE=summon magically To relax, conjure up a relaxing scene.
CONNOTE=extra meaning "Concede" connotes reluctance to admit as true.
CONSENSUS=general agreement The group reached a consensus to ban smoking.
CONSTRAIN=confine, limit Parents should constrain a child's watching T.V.
CONSTRICT=draw together An accident may constrict a family's resources.
CONSTRUE=interpret He construed her smile as a "come on."
CONTAMINATE=make impure Waste products contaminate many of our rivers.
CONTIGUITY=together/adjacent The contiguity of Mexico and New Mexico is long.
CONTINGENCY=possibility A good budget plans for contingencies.
CONTINUUM=unbroken series There is a continuum of grays from black to white.
CONTRADICT=contrary to Sometimes witnesses contradict each other.
CONTRAST=striking change The contrast between high school and college is great.
CONTRIVE=invent/bring about He contrived a plan to meet her.
CONVERGE=come together The sides converged on a compromise.
CRITERION=standard to judge Wealth is not the only criterion of success.
CUE=signal, hint A rattlesnake's rattle is a cue to look out.
CUMBERSOME=hard to carry For the pioneers, a piano was very cumbersome.
CUMULATIVE=add successively Interest on a credit card has a cumulative effect.
CURRICULUM=plan of study For some degrees, the curriculum is specified.
CURSORY=hasty You don't learn much from a cursory reading.
CURTAIL=shorten, cut off Lung cancer curtailed his great potential.
CYCLICAL=repeated in order Farming is a cyclical occupation.
CYNICAL=distrust motives She was cynical of his plea for forgiveness.
D - Pre-school and elementary vocabulary
daily dainty dairy
dam damage damp
danger/dangerous dare dark
darling dash data
date daughter dawn
day daydream daylight
dead/deadly deaf dear
death deny debate
depart/departure decade debt
decay decent decide/decision
decimal deck declare
decline decoy decrease
deed deep deer
defeat defend/defense defiance
define/definition definite/definitely degree
delay delicate/delicacy delicious
delight delinquent deliver/delivery
demand democracy/democratic den
dense/density depend deposit
depth depress/depression derive/derivation
describe/description decorate/decoration desert
deserve design desire/desirable
desk desperate despise
despite dessert destination
destroy/destruction detail determine
detest detour develop/development
device devil devote/devotion
devour diabetes diagnosis
diagram dial diameter
diamond diary dice
dictate/dictator dictionary did
die diet differ/different
difference difficult/difficulty dig
digest/digestion dignity dim
dime dine dinner
dinosaur dip diploma
direct/director direction dirt/dirty
disappoint/disappointment disaster discard
discipline discount discourage
discover/discovery discrimination discuss/discussion
disease disgrace disguise
disgust dish dismiss
disorder display dispose/disposal
dispute distance distinct/distinction
distract/distraction district ditch
dive divide/division divorce
do/does dock doctor
document dodge dog
doll dollar dolphin
dominance/dominant done donkey
don't doom door
dope dormitory dose
dot double doubt/doubtful
dough doughnut down
dozen drag dragon
drain drama/dramatic drape
draw drawer dread
dream dreary dress
dresser dribble drift
drill drink drip
drive drop drought
drown drowsy drug
drum dry dual
duck due dull
dumb dump dungeon
duplicate/duplication duration during
dust duty dwarf
dwelling dye dynamite
D - Middle school vocabulary
debris=rubbish, ruins deceive/-eption=dishonesty
decree=order by authority dedicate/dedication
default=fail to act defect=flaw, failing
deficient/-ency=incomplete deity=god
delete=strike out deliberate=intentional
denote=point out denominator=fraction part
denounce=inform against deplete=make empty
decisive=settles question demolish=pull down
deprive=take/keep away deplore=regret strongly
depot=station descend/descent=go down
designate=point out desolate=þonely/deserted
despair=give up hope destiny=predetermined fate
detect(ion)=note presence detergent=cleansing agent
determination=firm resolve detract=take away
deviate/-iation=difference devise=invent
diagonal=slanting dialect=regional language
dialogue=people talking diaphragm=blocks passage
digit=numeral from 0 to 9 dike=long dam
dilate=make wider dilute=make thinner
dimension=measure length diphthong=2-vowel sound
dire=dreadful disciple=follower
discourse=discuss formally discretion=choice/decided
dispatch=send off, prompt dismal=dreary/gloomy
dismay=fill w/fear/shock disposition=tendency, mood
dissect=cut into pieces dissolve=melt, waste away
domain=area included dome=high rounded roof
domestic=of the home dormant=sleeping, inactive
drudge=hard, dull work duct=tube, canal
duly=properly durable=lasting
dwindle=become smaller dynamic=energetic
dynasty=ruling family line
D - High school vocabulary
DEDUCE=draw conclusion The jury deduced that he was guilty.
DEFER=put off, yield You can defer a requirement only so long.
DIFFERENTIATE=tell difference You must differentiate between love and lust.
DEFINITIVE=final The Supreme Court gave the definitive ruling.
DEFY/DEFIANT=bold resistance Children often defy their parent's orders.
DETERIORATE=grow worse Her health rapidly deteriorated.
DETERMINANT=causal factor Effort is one determinant of success.
DETERRENT=discourage w/fear The atom bomb is a deterrent to war.
DETRIMENT=injury, damage Drugs are a detriment to health.
DEVASTATE=lay waste The area was devastated by the storm.
DELUSION=believe incorrectly Effortless college learning is a delusion.
DEMARCATE=mark boundaries Monkeys demarcate their territory with urine.
DEXTERITY=skilled movement Arthritis severely limits one's dexterity.
DEAN=head of college The dean's office provides academic advice.
DEPARTMENT=division/branch So does the department office.
DEPICT=represent The artist tried to depict complete happiness.
DIAMETRICALLY=exact opposite Their opinions were diametrically opposite.
DEPRECIATE=decline in value A new car depreciates rapidly.
DECIPHER=make out meaning The challenge was to decipher the code.
DICHOTOMY=two categories Male-female is one of the dichotomies in nature.
DICTION=style of speaking Newscasters should have good diction.
DIGRESS=turn from purpose His lecture often digressed from the topic.
DILEMMA=undesirable choices For many, abortion poses a serious dilemma.
DILIGENT=painstaking effort Even diligent study may not earn an "A" grade.
DIMINISH=make less Our fresh water supply is diminishing.
DISCERN=detect She discerned fear beneath his show of strength.
DISCHARGE=fire, let go The company had to discharge many employees.
DISCREPANCY=disagreement There is a discrepancy between our accounts.
DISCRETE=distinct units When you count them, they are discrete items.
DISILLUSION=deny false idea Gamblers are disillusioned about their chances.
DISINTEGRATE=fall to pieces The hurricane disintegrated into squalls.
DISPARATE=large difference Expenses and income are sometimes disparate.
DISPENSE=deal out The pharmacist dispensed the prescriptions.
DISRUPT(ION)=break up A telephone call disrupts your nap.
DISSENT=disagree To your proposal, I register my dissent.
DISTORT=twist out of shape A good liar merely distorts the truth.
DISTURBANCE=interrupt quiet The riot was more than just a disturbance.
DIVERT=turn aside The dam diverts water for irrigation.
DIVULGE=make known He wouldn't divulge the source of information.
DOGMA=authoritative principle Hitler's "master race" was pure dogma.
DRASTIC=harsh, severe Castration is drastic punishment for rape.
DURESS=under pressure A confession under duress is worthless.
DUBIOUS=doubtful His promise to quit is of dubious value.
E - Pre-school and elementary vocabulary
each eager eagle
ear earn earnest
early earth earthquake
ease/eased east/eastern easy/easily
eat echo economy/economical
edge edit/editor/edition educate/education
effect/effective eel efficient/efficiency
effort egg eight/eighty
eighteen either elbow
elder elect/election electric/electricity
electron elegant element/elementary
elephant elevation elevator
eleven eligible eliminate/elimination
else embarrass/embarrassment emblem
embrace embroidered emergency
emotion/emotional empty enable
enclose/enclosure encourage/encouragement encyclopedia
encounter end endure/endurance
enemy energy enforce
engage/engagement engine/engineer English
enjoy enlist enormous
enough enroll/enrollment ensure
entertain/entertainment enthusiasm entire
entrance/entry environment envelope
envy/enviable equal/equality equation
equip/equipment equivalent erase
erect/erection err/error errand
erupt/eruption escape essential
establish(ment) estimate/estimation etiquette
eve even event
eventual/eventually ever every
evict evident/evidence evil
evolve/evolution exact/exactly exaggerate
examine/examination example excavate/excavation
exceed excel/excellent except/exception
excess/excessive excite/excitement exclaim/exclamation
excuse execute/execution executive
exercise exert/exertion exhale
exhaust/exhaustion exhibit/exhibition exist/existence
exit expand expect/expectation
expedition expel expense/expensive
experience experiment(al) expert
explain/explanation explode/explosion explore/exploration
expose/exposition express/expression extension
extent/extensive exterior extinct/extinction
extra extreme/extremely eye
eyebrow eyelid
E - Middle school vocabulary
aves=roof overhang ebb=flow back
eclipse=cast shadow on eccentric=irregular, odd
edible=fit to eat editorial=opinion re news
elapse=(time) pass by elaborate=highly detailed
elastic(ity)=springy emerge=come out
emigrate=leave country emphasis=make noticeable
enamel=glossy covering enchanted=under spell
endeavor=try to do endow(ed)=given naturally
ensue=happen afterwards entice=tempt
entitled=give right to epidemic=disease of many
era=time in history estate=property
evoke=call forth excerpt=passage from
exclude/-usive=shut out exempt=free from
exile=expel from country expedite=speed up
explicit=clearly stated exploit=use selfishly
exponent(ial)=power (math) exquisite=very excellent
external=outside extraordinary=remarkable
extrapolate=extend data
E- High school vocabulary
ECSTASY=extreme delight Many people find ecstasy in sex.
EDICT=authoritative order The edict was to surrender.
EFFICACY=effectiveness Some people question the efficacy of prayer.
EGOCENTRIC=concerned w/self His selfish goals were egocentric.
EJACULATE=spurt out At sexual climax, a man ejaculates semen
ELATE/-TION=in high spiri The winning team naturally showed elation.
ELICIT=evoke, draw forth Romantic music often elicits romantic ideas.
ELLIPSE=oval curve The earth's path is an ellipse, not a circle.
ELOQUENT=speak fluently It was an eloquent political speech.
ENTITY=real thing With a microscope you can see tiny entities.
ELUCIDATE=explain The scientist tried to elucidate the theory.
ENUMERATE=count, name off Can you enumerate the Ten Commandments?
ELUDE/ELUSIVE=avoid, baffle The suspect managed to elude the police.
ENCOMPASS=include, surround Biology encompasses all living creatures.
ENUNCIATE=state clearly If you enunciate properly, spelling is better.
EMBELLISH=fanciful addition Her story embellished the truth.
EMINENT=distinguished The speaker was an eminent scientist.
EMIT=give off, put forth Bats emit high-frequency sounds.
ENDANGER=at risk Drunk drivers endanger many other lives.
ENIGMA=obscure, puzzling Airhart's disappearance remains an enigma.
ENLIGHTEN=give knowledge New facts may enlighten a mystery.
ENTERPRISE=undertaking Getting an education is a major enterprise.
EQUATE=make/treat as equal Some people equate money with success.
EQUILIBRIUM=balance Drugs may cause you to lose your equilibrium.
EQUIVOCAL=vague, ambiguous There was nothing equivocal about her answer.
EMPIRICAL=based on fact Scientific research yields empirical information.
EMULATE=strive to equal Many sons try to emulate their fathers.
EPITOME=example, embodiment Dropping out of school is the epitome of failure.
ERADICATE=destroy wholly Some diseases have been eradicated by science.
EROTIC=dealing w/sex There is a lot of erotic content on T.V.
ERRATIC=behaves irregularly Patrol officers watch for erratic driving.
ESSENCE=true inner nature Sex is not the essence of love.
ESTEEM=high regard Good teachers earn their students' esteem.
ETHICAL=moral, right Cheating is not ethical.
EXPEDIENT=means to an end Running away may be an expedient solution.
EXPENDABLE=can use up Have you expendable money after paying bills?
EXTRAMARITAL=outside marriage An extramarital affair can ruin a reputation.
EXUBERANCE=unrestrained joy Mardi Gras entails exuberant partying.
F - Pre-school and elementary vocabulary
face/facial facility fact/factual
factor factory faculty
fade fail/failure faint
fair faith fake
fall false familiar
family famous fan
fancy fantasy far
fare farewell farm
farther/farthest fascinating fashion
fast fasten fat
fatal fate father
fatigue faucet fault
favor/favorite/favorable fear feast
feat feather feature
federal fee feeble
feed feel/feelings feet
fellow female/feminine fence
fender fern ferry
fertile/fertility fertilizer festival/festivities
fever few fiancee
fiction fiddle field
fiesta fifteen/fifth fight/fought
figure file film
filth/filthy final/finally finance/financial
find/found fine finger
finish fire fireplace
firm first fish
fisherman fist fit
five/fifth fix fixture
flag flake flame
flap flare flash
flat flatter flavor
flea flee/fled fleet
flesh flight flip
float flood floor
flour flow flower
function fluid flush
fly/flew foam foe
fog fold folk
follow fond food
fool/foolish foot football
fox for forbid
force forecast forehead
foreign foremost forest
forever forfeit forget
forgive fork form
formal formation former
formula fort/fortification forth
fortress fortunate/fortunately fortune
forty forward fossil
foul fountain four/fourth
fourteen fraction fragile
fragrant frame freak
freckle free/freedom freeze/frozen
freight frequent/frequency fresh
friend/friendship fright/frighten frog
from front frontier
frost frown fruit
fry fudge fuel
fulfill full fumble
fumes fun/funny fund
fundamental funeral funnel
fur furious furnace
furnish/furniture fury fuss
future
F - Middle school vocabulary
fable=story w/moral fabric=woven material
fabulous=unbelievable facile=easily done
fallacy=false reasoning famine=lack of food
fantastic=beyond imagining ferocious=very savage
fiber=slender tissue fjord=inlet w/cliffs
flannel=soft woolen cloth flexible=bend/adaptable
fling=throw forcibly flint=hard stone for fire
forbidding=causing fear forefathers=ancestors
forge=place to work metal forlorn=deserted, pitiful
formidable=hard to handle frenzy=wild excitement
friction=coarse rubbing fringe=ornamental border
frivolous=not serious filter=straining device
fission=split into parts flock=large group
flourish=prosper/thrive flute=musical pipe
flutter=wave in air focus/focal=central
foliage=leaves of tree foundation=base of
fowl=edible bird fracture=break
frail=weak framework=fitted structure
fragment=broken-off part frank=straightforward
frantic=very excited fraud=tricker
fray=battle fugitive=runaway
fulcrum=point of support functional=working
fusion=joining of parts futile=useless
F- High school vocabulary
FABRICATE=invent, assemble To fabricate a good watch is very difficult.
FACET=side A well-cut diamond has many facets.
FACILITATE=make easier Knowing vocaulary can facilitate studying.
FALLIBLE=capable of mistakes Even the best weather-person is fallible
FARCE=humorous affair His lame excuse was a farce.
FEASIBLE=can be done Is world peace really feasible?
FEEDBACK=return message Good professor want feedback from students.
FEIGN=pretend She feigned a headache to avoid sex.
FELONY=serious crime Is smoking marijuana really a felony?
FERVENT=strong feeling He made a fervent plea for forgiveness.
FETUS=in womb (or egg) You can hear the heartbeat of a fetus.
FIDELITY=faithfulness A marriage vow is sexual fidelity.
FIGURATIVE=symbolic meaning The Zia has figurative value to native Americans.
FINESSE=delicate skill She plays the piano with great finesse.
FINITE=definite limits There is a finite amount of water on earth.
FISCAL=financial Children must learn sound fiscal management.
FLUCTUATE=wave up and down One's temperature fluctuates during the day.
FLUENT=easily graceful It is helpful to be fluent in two languages.
FOOTNOTE=note at bottom Footnotes sometimes contain important information.
FORMALITY=based on rules For some, marriage is only a formality.
FORMULATE=state clearly It is not easy to formulate a good question.
FORTUITOUS=by chance Their meeting was not entirely fortuitous.
FRESHMAN=first-year student Many freshman classes are very large.
FRUITION=coming true Graduation is the fruition of hard study.
FRAUGHT=laden with Experimenting with drugs is fraught with danger.
G - Pre-school and elementary vocabulary
gadget gain galaxy
gallon gamble game
garage garbage garden
garlic garment gas/gasoline
gate gather gauge
gay gaze gear
gem general/generally generation
generous genius gentle
gentleman genuine germ
get/got geography geyser
ghost giant gift
gills girdle girl
give/given glacier glad
glance glass glee
glider glimmer glimpse
glisten glitter globe
gloom glory/glorious glove
glow glue gnaw
go/goes goal goat
god gold gone
gonorrhea good gorgeous
gorilla gossip govern/government
gown grab grade
gradual/gradually grain grammar/grammatical
grand grandfather grandmother
grandstand grant grape
graph grasp grass
grateful/gratitude grave gravel
gravity gravy gray
graze grease great
greed green greet/greetings
grieve grill grim
grin grip grizzly
grocery groove ground
group grow/growth grudge
guard guarantee guess
guest guide guillotine
guilt/guilty guitar gulf
gum gun gust
gut gutter
G - Middle school vocabulary
gait=way of moving along gallant=brave, polite
gallery=place to show art galley=ship's kitchen
gaping=open wide gaunt=thin/bony
generalization=inference generate=produce
genes/genetic=hereditary genial=cheerful
gist=basic idea of gland=organ of secretion
gorge=narrow steep valley grind=crush into powder
gross=whole; indecent grotesque=odd-looking
geology/-ical=study rocks geometry/-metric=re lines
germinate=begin to grow gesture=expressive movement
gracious=courteous grandeur=splendor/majesty
granite=very hard rock graphite=black carbon
gypsy=wandering race gym/gymnasium
G - High school vocabulary
GENDER=male/female There is still a gender difference in wages.
GENERIC=whole group/class Generic medicines are cheaper than brand names
GENITALS=sex organs The genitals are considered your private parts.
GLOSSARY=list of terms Texts often have a glossary of special words.
GRADATION=change by degree Test items have a gradation from easy to hard.
GREGARIOUS=live in groups A hermit is not very gregarious.
GRATIFY/-IFICATION=please A good husband tries to gratify his wife.
GRIEVANCE=complaint Take your grievances to the Dean's office.
GRUESOME=horrible The earthquake left a gruesome sight.
GULLIBLE=easily fooled Many elderly are gullible for deception.
GUSTATORY=sense of taste A good steak is a gustatory delight.
H - Pre-school and elementary vocabulary
habit/habitual hail hair
half/halfway hall Halloween
halt ham hammer
hammock handicap hand
handkerchief handle handsome
handy hang/hung happen
happy harbor hard/hardly
hardship harm harmonica
harmony harsh harvest
has/have haste hat
hatch hatchet hate/hatred
haul haunt have/had
hay hazard hazy
he head heading
headquarters headline headway
heal health hear/heard
heart heat heave
heaven heavy hedge
heel heir helicopter
hell hello helm
helmet help hen
hence/henceforth her/herself herb
here hereafter hero
heroine hesitate/hesitation hiccough
high/height highway hill
him/himself hinder hinge
hint hip hire
his history hive
hoard hoarse hobby
hockey hoe hog
hold/held hole holiday
hollow holly holy
home homesick honey
honor hood hoof
hoop hop hope
horizon/horizontal horn horrible/horror
horse hose hospital
host hot hotel
hound hour house/household
how/however huddle hug
huge human humid/humidity
humiliate hump hunch
hundred hunger/hungry hunt
hurdle hurricane hurry
hurt husband hush
hustle hut hydrant
hydroelectric hydrogen hymn
hyphen
H - Middle school vocabulary
habitat=natural home halve=divide in half
haphazard=w/out any order hardware=metal goods
hardy=withstand cold harmonic=musical overtone
hearth=fireplace floor heed=take notice of
helium=light-weight gas hemisphere=half a sphere
hemp=plant fiber for rope heredity=born with
heritage=inherited hermit=living alone
hexagon=6-sided figures hibernate=sleep in winter
hideous=horribly ugly hilarious=loudly cheerful
hoist=raise w/rope homonym=word w/same sound
hospitable/-ality=generous hostile=unfriendly
hover=wait nearby hue=color
humanity=mankind humble=very modest
humor(ous)=amusing hypothesis=assumptionþ
H - High school vocabulary
HALLUCINATION=see unreal The ghost was just an hallucination.
HARASS=annoy Some boys like to harass girls.
HAVOC=destruction The storm brought havoc to the coast.
HEDONIC=bodily pleasures Most people enjoy hedonic experiences.
HERESY=conflict w/religion To doubt the virgin birth is heresy to some.
HETEROSEXUAL=different sex Former men's colleges are now heterosecxual.
HIERARCHY=ordered by power The Army has a well-defined hierarchy.
HITHERTO=up to this point The new element was hitherto unknown.
HOAX=practical joke The UFO sighting was considered a hoax.
HOMOGENEOUS=of same nature The brothers formed a homogeneous group.
HOMOLOGOUS=similar relation Lungs and gills are homologous organs.
HOMOSEXUAL=sex w/same sex Prisons may encourage homosexual acts.
HORMONE=gland secretion Testosterone is a male hormone.
HUMANE=kind, sympathetic Humane treatment is required in laboratories.
HYBRID=mixed origins Combining strains has led to hybrid vegetables.
HYPOCRITE=pretend virtue An unfaithful minister is a hypocrite.
HYSTERICAL=wild fear They became hysterical during the fire.
I - Pre-school and elementary vocabulary
ice iceberg icicle
icing I'd idea
ideal/ideals identical identify/identity
idiot idle if
igloo ignorant ignore
I'll illegal illuminate
illustrate in inaugural
incense inch incident/incidental
incline/inclined income incomparable
increase incredible indeed
indefinite indent independent/independence
index indicate indispensable
indulge industry inevitable
infant infantry infect/infection
inferior/inferiority inflate influence
inform/information informal ingredient
inhabit/inhabitant inhale inherit
initial/initials initiate/initiation inject
injure ink inland
inn inner inning
innocent innumerable inquire/inquiry
insane/insanity inscribe inspect
install instance instant
instantaneous instead institute/institution
instruct/instruction instrument insult
insure/insurance introduce/introduction intrude
insect insist inside
intent/intention integrate intend
intellect/intellectual intelligence interest/interesting
interfere interior intermediate
internal interpret/interpretation interrupt
interview intestine into
intoxicated invade/invasion invent
inventory invert/inverted invest/investment
investigate invite involuntary
involve inward I'm
image imagine/imagination imitate/imitation
immediate immense immune/immunity
impact import important/importance
impress/impression improve/improvement iodine
ions iron irregular
irrigate irritate is
island isolate/isolation issue
it italics itch
item itinerary itself
ivy
I - Middle school vocabulary
idol=object of worship illegible=can't be read
illicit=unlawful illiterate=can't read/write
illusion=deceptive image immigrate/-ant=enter country
imperative=very necessary imply=suggest
impose=take advantage imprint=pressure mark
impulse=driving force inception=beginning
incur=bring on oneself indelible=cannot rub out
indifferent=w/out interest indignant=anger at unjust
inert=no power to move infamous=bad reputation
infinite=without end infringe=break
inherent=natural part inhibit=restrain
inquisitive=ask questions insight=understanding
inspiration=influence instill=put in slowly
instinct=inborn impulse insulate=protect
intact=whole integer=whole number
integral=necessary part integrity=honesty
intense=high degree intensify=make strong
interact=act on each interim=temporary
interval=area/time between intervene=come between
intonation=tone of voice intricate=very involved
intrigued=arouse interest invariably=always the same
inverse=backwards ire/irate=anger
ironic=ill-timed arrival irrational=lacking reason
I -High school vocabulary
IDEOLOGY=underlying idea The ideology of religion is faith in God.
IDIOM=peculiar expression "It sucks" is an ungrammatical idiom.
IDIOSYNCRATIC=unique trait Saying "howdy" was an idioyncrdatic habit.
ILLEGITIMATE=þot proper Eating ham is illegitimate to some people.
IMMATURE=not fully developed Many college students are still immature.
IMMINENT=to happen soon Weathercasters forwarn of an imminent storm.
IMMOBILIZE=make immovable One needs to immobilize a broken leg.
IMPAIRMENT=reduced strength Elderly often have impairment of hearing.
IMPARTIAL=not prejudiced Some referees are not really impartial.
IMPASSE=no escape/solution Restrictions created an impasse to his plan.
IMPEDE=hinder, obstruct Emotional problems can impede learning.
IMPENDING=about to happen Diplomats try to avert an impending war.
IMPERTURBABLE=cannot excite The elderly monk seemed inperturbable.
IMPETUS=driving force Curiosity is an impetus for research.
IMPINGE=strike, infringe The flood waters impinged on the house.
IMPLEMENT=tool, fulfill Now they must implement the agreement.
IMPLICATE=involve in Both suspects were implicated in the crime.
IMPLICIT=unstated suggestion His ambition was implicit in his behavior.
IMPOTENCE=powerless His impotence left him exposed to danger.
IMPOVERISH(ED)=make poor The hurricane left an impoverished population.
IMPROVISE(D)=make do The survivors improvised ways to cook.
INADVERTENT=not deliberate Many slips of the tongue are inadvertent.
INANIMATE=lacking life Children imagine life in inanimate objects.
INCENTIVE=motive Some students have no incentive to study.
INCEST=sex act w/in family There is occasional incest between siblings.
INCIDENCE=rate of occurrence The incidence of AIDS is finally decreasing.
INCIPIENT=just beginning The police stopped the incipient riot.
INCOMPATIBLE=can't co-exist Studying and day-dreaming are incompatible.
INCOMPETENT=unable to do Many homeowners are incompetent plumbers.
INCONGRUOUS=doesn't fit in To some, jazz in church seems incongruous.
INCREMENT=something added A dollar saved is an increment to one's resources.
INDUCE(MENT)=cause to do The jackpot was an inducement to keep playing.
INDUCTION=generalization His induction that everyone cheats is false.
INEFFECTUAL=not productive Her efforts to train her puppy were ineffectual.
INFER(ENCE)=deduce, derive From her smile, he inferred that she liked him.
INFINITESIMAL=very tiny Even an infinitesimal virus can make you sick.
INFLICT=lay on pain The wreck inflicted much suffering.
INNATE=inherited by birth A baby's sucking reflex is innate.
INNOVATION=something new There seems to be a computer innovation daily.
INSATIABLE=cannot satisfy Her need for money seemed insatiable.
INSIDIOUS=proceed secretly At first, a cancer's growth is insidious.
INSTIGATE=incite to bad act The crime was instigated by a dare.
INTERCOURSE=dealing between E-mail is a form of verbal intercourse.
INTIMIDATING=make afraid She found the math course intimidating.
INTRINSIC=natural property The diamond had an intrinsic flaw.
INTUITION=know w/out reason Her intuition caused her to refuse to go.
J - Pre-school and elementary vocabulary
jacket jail jar
jaw jelly jet
jewel/jewelry job jockey
join joint joke
jolly journal joy
judge judgment jug
juggle juice jumble
jump jungle junior
junk just justice
justify/justification juvenile
J - Middle school vocabulary
jade=green stone jagged=w/notched edges
jealous/jealousy jest=joke
jovial=merry junction=where lines cross
jury=group who judge
J - High school vocabulary
JAVELIN=light spear Throwing the javelin in an olympic sport.
JEOPARDY=danger The tree was in jeopardy during the storm.
JUDICIOUS=sound, wise Sometimes, admitting your error is judicious.
JUNCTURE=critical moment Turning 21 is an important juncture in life.
JUXTAPOSE=place side by side He carefully juxtaposed his shoes under the bed.
K - Pre-school and elementary vocabulary
kangaroo keen keep
keg kennel kettle
key kick kid
kidnap kill kin
kind kindergarten king/kingdom
kiss kitchen kite
kitten knee knife
knight knit knob
knock knot know/knowledge
knuckle
K - Middle school vocabulary
kernel=seed w/in husk kit=tools in bag
knack=special skill knoll=low hill
K - High school vocabulary
KINDRED=related, similar Home and family are kindred memories.
KINETIC=in motion Kangaroos jump with kinetic bounce.
L - Pre-school and elementary vocabulary
label labor laboratory
lace lack lad
ladder ladle lady
lake lamb lame
lamp land landscape
landslide lane language
lantern lap lapel
lard large lark
laser lash lasso
last latch late/later
lather Latin latitude
latter launder/laundry lava
lavatory law lawn
lawyer lay/laid layer
lazy lead/led leader
leaf league leak
lean leap learn/learning
lease leash least
leather leave lecture
ledge left leg
legal legend/legendary leisure
lemon lend length
lens lesson let
letter lettuce level
lever liberty library
license lick lid
lie/liar lieutenant life
lift light lightning
like likely/likelihood lilac
lily limb limber
lime limit/limitation limp
line linen linger
link lion liquid
little list listen
literature litter live
liver lizard load
loaf loan lobby
lobster local locate/location
lock/locker locomotive locust
lodge log lone/lonely
long look loop
loose lord lose/loss/lost
lot lotion lottery
loud lounge love/lovely
low/lower loyal/loyalty luck
luggage lullaby lumber
lunch lung lure
lurk lust lip
luxury/luxurious
L - Middle school vocabulary
lacquer=varnish lagoon=shallow inlet
landmark=important event lapse=slip
larynx=hollow in throat lateral=sideways
launch=set ship afloat laudatory=praising
lavish=abundant legislation=making laws
legitimate=by the rules lenient=tolerant
liberal=generous likewise=also
limestone=white earthy rock linear=straight line
linguistic=human speech literal=exact
loathe=hate lofty=elevated
logic(al)=reasoned proof longitude=distance east-west
lubricate=make slippery luminous=giving light
luster=brightness lynch=illegal execution
lyric=poetic
L - High school vocabulary
LADEN=loaded His backpack was laden with books.
LAMENT=regret A drop-out will later lament that decision.
LATENT=hidden Most of your potential is latent.
LAX=loose Many parents are lax in controlling kids.
LETHAL=causing death Many drugs are potentially lethal.
LIABLE=responsible for Parents are liable for their kids' crimes.
LOCALIZE=in definite place The cancer was localized in his lung.
M - Pre-school and elementary vocabulary
macaroni machine/machinery mad
madam magazine magic
magnet/magnetic magnificent magnify
mahogany maid/maiden mail
main maintain major/majority
make/made malaria male
mallet mammal man/men
manage mane manger
mangle manicure manner
manor mansion manual
manufacture manure many
map maple marble
march mare margarine
margin/marginal marijuana marine
mark market marry/marriage
mask master mat
match mate material
mathematics matinee matter
mattress mature may
maybe mayor me
meadow meal mean/meant/meaning
meander measles measure/measurement
meat mechanic/mechanical medal
medicine/medical medium meet/met/meeting
melody melon melt
member memorable memorize
memorial memory mend
mess message messenger
metal meter method
mental mention menu
merchant/merchandise mercy mere
merit/meritorious merry mesa
microscope microphone midget
middle midnight midst
might migrate/migration mild
mildew mile military
milk mill million
mind mine mineral
minister mink minor/minority
minus minute miracle
mirror miscellaneous mischief
misery/miserable miss mission
mistake mister mistletoe
mitten mix/mixture moan
mob moccasins model
modern modest moist/moisture
molasses mold molecule
moment Monday money
monk monkey monster
month monument mood
moon moose mop
more/moreover morning morphine
mortgage mosquito most/mostly
moth mother motion
motor motto mound
mount mountain mouse/mice
mouth move/movement movie
mow much mud
mug mule multiply/multiplication
multitude mumble mummy
mumps murder muscle/muscular
museum mushroom music/musical
must mustache mustard
mutiny mutter muzzle
my/myself mystery/mysterious
M - Middle school vocabulary
magnitude=size, importance majesty/-ic=noble/imposing
malice=active ill-will mammoth=huge (elephant)
maneuver=expert movement manipulate=use w/skill
mantel=fireplace shelf manuscript=author's copy
marital=of marriage marrow=inner part of bone
marsh=low wet land martyr=suffer for beliefs
maximum/maximize=largest maze=confusing pathways
meager=scanty mechanism=working part
membrane=thin tissue menace=threat
mercury=heavy liquid meridian=highest point
meteor=object from space metric=decimal system
metropolitan=of big city mica=shiny stone
militia=citizen army mingle=go about among
miniature=on small scale minimum/minimize=smallest
missionary=convert others momentous=very important
momentum=moving force monarch=supreme ruler
monastery=home for monks mode=manner of doing
moderate=not extreme monitor=give feedback
monopoly=exclusive control monotonous=unvarying tone
morpheme=meaningful speech mortar=cement for bricks
motive/-ation=need/desire mourning=show sorrow
multiple=many municipal=related to city
murmur=low steady sound musket=old gun
mute=silent mutual(ly)=common/joint
myth(ical)=imaginary tale
M - High school vocabulary
MALADY=disease Cancer is a very painful malady.
MALIGN=speak badly Fans often malign the coach if the team loses.
MANDATE/MANDATORY=command The president took his victory as a mandate.
MANIFEST=obvious, evident His disappointment at losing was manifest.
MASTURBATION=manual sex act Few parents talk to children about masturbation.
MATERNAL=of a mother Nursing is a maternal instinct.
MAXIM=general rule "Be prepared" is a useful maxim.
MEDIA=means of communication T.V. and radio are competing media.
MEDIATE=connect indirectly Counselors try to mediate a dispute.
MEDIOCRE=not good or bad His performance was only mediocre.
MEDITATION=dwell in thought Students need time for meditation.
MENSTRUATION=female discharge Menstruation begins at adolescence.
MERGE=mix into another The store merged with the large chain.
METAPHOR=word from context She used "bah humbug" as a metaphor.
METHODOLOGICAL=re method The study had a methodological flaw.
MIMIC=copy in action Actors often mimic politicians.
MISCONCEPTION=wrong idea You may have a misconception of his motives.
MOBILE=easily moved A modern army needs to be highly mobile.
MODIFY=change, alter Many students modify their plans in college.
MOLEST=disturb, harm Some priests sexually molest altar boys.
MORAL=virtuous Honesty is one aspect of a moral character.
MORBID=deadly, unhealthy Depressed people often have morbid thoughts.
MORTAL(ITY)=causing death A blow to the head may be mortal.
MUNDANE=down-to-earth Flowers and candy are mundane gifts.
MUNITIONS=weapons The munitions of war keep changing.
MURAL=picture on wall The Sistene Chapel is covered with murals.
MUTILATE=cut off parts A sadist may mutilate his victim.
MYSTIC(AL)=secret meaning True love has mystical properties.
N - Pre-school and elementary vocabulary
nail naked name
nap napkin narrow
nasty nation/national native
nature/natural navy near/nearby
neat necessary/necessity neck
necklace need needle
negative neglect neighbor/neighborhood
neither nerve/nervous nest
net network never
nevertheless new news/newspaper
next nice nickel
niece night nightmare
nimble nine/ninety nineteen
nipple nitrogen no
noble nobody nod
nog noise none
nonsense noodle nook
noon noose nor
normal/normally north/northern nose/nostril
not notation notch
note nothing notice/notify
noun nourish/nourishment novel/novelty
now nozzle nuclear
nude nudge nuisance
numb number/numeral numerical
numerous nun nurse
nut nutrition=food nylon
Middle school vocabulary
narcotic=drug narrative=story of event
nasal=of the nose nausea=sick to stomach
nautical=of sailors/ships navigate=chart course
negotiate=try to settle neutral=take neither side
nil=nothing nomad=no fixed home
nominal=in name only nostalgia=homesickness
notable=remarkable notion=idea
nucleus=central part nugget=lump of metal
N - High school vocabulary
NAIVE=simple in mind Believing that credit cards are free is naive.
NAUGHT=nothing Her efforts to win the game were for naught.
NEGLIGIBLE=very small All his work produced negligible results.
NOCTURNAL=of night Most rodents are naturally nocturnal animals.
NONCHALANT=show indifferenc She seemed nonchalant about the danger.
NOTWITHSTANDING=in spite of He fought, notwithstanding his injury.
NOVICE=beginner There are ski runs for novice skiers.
NOXIOUS=harmful An electric shock can be very noxious.
NULL=no effect The result of his effort was null.
NURTURE=bring up The gardener nurtured the delicate plant.
O - Pre-school and elementary vocabulary
oak oar oasis
oath obey/obedience object/objection
oblong observe/observation obtain
obvious occasion/occasionally occupation
occupy occur/occurrence ocean
o'clock octopus odd
odor of off
offer office officer/official
offspring often oil
ointment old/older olive
olympic omen omit/omission
on/onto once one
onion only onward
open opera operate/operation
opinion opponent opportunity
optimist/optimism or oral
orange orbit orchard
orchestra orchid order/orderly
ordinary/ordinarily ore organ
organize/organization origin/original/originate ornament
orphan ostrich other/otherwise
ought ounce our/ourselves
outline ovary oven
over owe own
oxygen
O - Middle school vocabulary
obese=very fat objective=real, unprejudiced
obliged=required obscure=not clear
obstinate=stubborn odds=chance of event
ogre=man-eating giant ominous=threatening
opaque=cannot see through oppose/-ition=set against
optical=of the eyes option(al)=by choice
oration=speech ordeal=severe test
organism=living being outlet=opening
outlook=view of futu oval=egg-shaped
ovation=loud applause
O - High school vocabulary
OBLITERATE=cancel, wipe out He tried to obliterate the evidence.
OBLIVIOUS=unaware She seemed oblivious to the danger.
OBNOXIOUS=offensive His dirty jokes are obnoxious.
OBSCENE=indecent His angry gestures are obscene.
OBSOLETE=out of date A computer becomes obsolete quickly.
OBSTRUCT=stand in way The traffic obstructed his progress.
OMNIPOTENT=unlimited power Even the president is not omnipotent.
OPTIMUM=most favorable She was well above her optimum weight.
ORDINAL=number, rank She put the cards in ordinal order.
ORGASM=sexual climax The couple petted to orgasm.
ORIENTATION=give direction He lost his orientation during the storm.
ORNATE=very ornamented Many cathedrals are very ornate.
ORTHODOX=approved,accepted Episcopalians are not orthodox Catholics.
OSCILLATION=vary up/down Her blood pressure showed a lot of oscillation.
OSTENSIBLE=pretended His ostensible excuse was clearly false.
OUTRAGE=shameful wrong "Ethnic cleansing" is an outrage.
OVERT=open, observable She gave no overt sign of her feelings.
P - Pre-school and elementary vocabulary
pace pack package
packet pad paddle
page pageant pail
pain paint pair
pajamas palace pale
palm pamphlet pan
pane panel panic
pant pantry paper
parade paradise paragraph
parallel paralyze/paralysis parasite
parcel pardon parent
parentheses parish park
Parliament parlor parole
parrot parsley parson
part partial/partially party
participate particle particular
partition partner pass
passage passenger passion
past paste pastry
pasture pat patch
patent path patience
patient patriot patrol
patron pattern pause
parachute pave/pavement paw
pay/paid peace peach
peak peanut pearl
peasant pebble peck
peculiar pedestal peer
pelican pen penalize/penalty
pencil pendulum penicillin
peninsula penis penitentiary
pennant penny pension
people pepper percent
perch perfect perform/performance
perfume perhaps peril/perilous
period perish permanent
permit/permission perpendicular person
perspire/perspiration persuade pessimism
pest pet petal
petition petroleum petty
phase phonograph photograph
phrase physical physician
physics piano pick
pickle picnic picture/picturesque
pie piece pig
pigeon pile pilgrim
pill pillar pillow
pilot pimple pin
pinch pine pineapple
pink pint pioneer
pipe pirate pistol
piston pit pitch
pitcher pity/pitiful place
plague plaid plain
plan plane planet
plantation plaster plastic
plate plateau platform
platinum platter play/player
plea/plead pleasant please
pledge plenty/plentiful plot
plow pluck plug
plumbing plump plunder
plural plus ply
pneumonia pocket poem/poet/poetry
point poison poker
polar pole police
policy polio polish
polite politics/political pollen
pollution pond pony
poodle pool poor
pop popular populate/population
populous porch porcelain
porcupine pore pork
porpoise port portable
portion portrait pose
position positive possess/possessive
possible/possibility post postage
poster postpone postscript
posture pot potato
poultry pound pour
poverty powder power/powerful
prank pray practical
practice prairie praise
preach precaution precede
precious precipitation precise
predicate predict prefer
pregnant preliminary prepare
present/presence preserve preside
president press pressure
prestige pretend prevent
preview previous prey
price pride priest
primary prime primitive
prince principal/principally principle
print prior prison
private/privacy privilege prize
probable/probably probability problem
procedure/proceed process profess/professor
program progress project/projector
prolong promise prompt
prone pronoun pronounce/pronunciation
proof/prove propaganda propel/propeller
proper property proportion
propose prose protect
protest protrude proud
provide/provision pry public
publish/publication pudding pueblo
pull pulley pulp
pump pumpkin punch
punctuation puncture punish
pupil puppet purchase
pure/purity purple purpose
purse pursue/pursuit push
put putty puzzle
pyramid
P - Middle school vocabulary
pacify=bring calm palatable=good to eat
par=average/normal participle=both verb/adverb
pathetic=evokes pity pending=not yet decided
penetrate=force entry perceive=know via senses
percussion=striking perimeter=outer boundary
perpetual=ever-lasting perplexed=puzzled
persecute=cause to suffer persistent=keep existing
perspective=size-wise petrify=turn to stone
phenomenon=observed event philosophy=study reality
pigment=coloring matter pivot=turning point
placid=calm plunge=throw self forward
poise=balance, manners portray=describe, play part
porous=absorb fluids potential=possible power
pouch=small bag/pocket predicament=rough situation
predominant=superior prejudice=biased opinion
preposition=phrase word prescribe=guide action
prevail=gain dominance prevalent=widespread
priority=comes first prism=triangular glass
probe=search procession=parade
proclaim=announce profile=outline
profound=great knowledge profusion=abundance
prohibit=forbid prolific=very productive
prominent=standing out promote=help advance
prophecy=foretell future prosecute=action against
provisional=for time being proximity=nearness
prudent=sensible pulsate=throb
pun=play on words putrid=rotten, bad odor
punctual=on time
P - High school vocabulary
PACT=agreement NATO is a pack for mutual defense of members.
PALPABLE=can be touched The bullet is palpable evidence of the crime.
PARADIGM=pattern, example Democracy is one paradigm for government.
PARADOX=seems-false truth That air has weight was once a paradox.
PARAMOUNT=most important His paramount goal was to be rich.
PARAPHRASE=put in own words He quoted instead of paraphrasing the idea.
PARSIMONY=simplicity She chose the most parisomious solution.
PASSIVE=being acted on They accepted the decision passively.
PATERNAL=of a father He had a paternal interest in her plan.
PENSIVE=deep in thought He claimed to be pensive instead of sleeping.
PERIODICALLY=at regular times The tides change periodically.
PERIPHERAL=outer surface The sense of touch is peripheral.
PERMEATE=spread through Her perfume permeated the air.
PERPETRATE=carry out (crime) The thief perpetrated his plan.
PERSEVERE=keep going on A marathon runner must persevere.
PERTAIN=apply/relate to His thoughts pertained to his family's welfare.
PERTINENT=to the point She didn't know if her information was pertinent.
PERVADE=spread widely The epidemic pervaded the country.
PERVERSION=stubbornly wrong Sex with animals is a perversion.
PHONETIC=spoken sounds Slips of the tongue are often phonetic.
PHYSIOLOGICAL=life process Memory has a physiological basis.
PINNACLE=highest point To many, parenting is the pinacle of existence.
PIOUS=religious Billy Graham's crusade elicited a pious response.
PITTANCE=small amount His donation was only a pittance.
PLACATE=calm anger He hoped the flowers would placate his fiancee.
PLAGIARISM=copy as own work His books were full of plagiarism.
PLAUSIBLE=believable The explanation seemed plausible enough.
PREMISE=basis of argument His excuse that everyone cheats is false.
PREOCCUPIED=mentally focused She was preoccupied with her appearance.
PREPONDERANT=most in number The preponderant feeling was to strike.
PODIUM=raised platform He rarely left the podium during his lecture.
PONDER=weigh in mind Everyone needs time to ponder the future.
PORNOGRAPHY=obscene materials A photograph of oral sex is pornography.
POSTERIOR=situated behind He spanked the child's posterior.
POSTULATE=assume in theory The virgin birth is a religious postulate.
POTENT=powerful Red chile is more potent than green.
PRAGMATIC=practical concern The pragmatic solution is to get results.
PRECEDENT=example from past There was no precedent to guide the judge.
PRECLUDE=shut out Immunization may preclude some diseases.
PRECONCEIVED=advance idea The plan was preconceived by their parents.
PREDISPOSE=advance tendency Some people are predisposed to alcoholism.
PREMATURE=too early Their wedding plans seemed premature.
PREREQUISITE=requirement Vocabulary is a prequisite for reading.
PREROGATIVE=special right It was her prerogative to refuse.
PRESUME=take for granted He presumed that he was ready for college.
PRETEXT=not the true purpose His sickness was a pretext to cut class.
PROCURE=get, with effort The army needed to procure more weapons.
PROFICIENT=skilled He was proficient at fooling her.
PROFUSE=given freely He cussed profusely at the accident.
PROLIFERATE=spread rapidly A cold can proliferate rapidly.
PROPENSITY=bent/disposition She had a propensity for shopping.
PROPONENT=person in favor He was a proponent of mercy killing.
PROSCRIBE=forbidden Swimming in the ditch was proscribed.
PROTOCOL=ceremonial rules Follow protocol at an official meeting.
PROTOTYPE=original model He built a prototype of his machine.
PROVOKE=bring about The insults provoked him to fight.
PSYCHEDELIC=mind-altering Marijuana is a psychedelic drug.
PUBERTY=sexual maturity His voice began to change at puberty.
PURGE=empty, clear out He purged the computer of old files.
Q - Pre-school and elementary vocabulary
quack quail qualify
quality/qualitative quantity/quantitative quarantine
quarrel quarry quart
quarter quartet quartz
queen queer quest
question quick quiet
quit quite quota
quote/quotation quotient
Q - Middle school vocabulary
quantum=elemental unitþ
quell=put an end to
query=question
quiver=tremble
Q - High school vocabulary
QUAGMIRE=soft, wet land The heavy rain made a quagmire of the yard.
QUANDARY=state of doubt She was in a quandary about getting married.
QUESTIONNAIRE=question set Some items on the quesgtionnaire were personal.
QUORUM=required number With no quorum, the senate adjourned.
R - Pre-school and elementary vocabulary
race rack racket
radar radiator radio
radioactive radius raft
rage raid rail/railroad
rain rainbow raise
raisin rake ranch
range rank rape
rapid/rapids rare rash
rat rate rather
ration rattle rave
raw razor reach
react/reaction read ready/readily
real/really realize/realization reap
rear reason/reasonable rebel/rebellion
recall receipt receive/reception
recent recess recipe
recite recognize recommend
record recover/recovery recreation
rectangle red reduce
refer/reference refine reflect
reform refugee refund
refuse regard/regardless register/registration
region regret regular
regulate rehearse/rehearsal reign
rein reject rejoice
relapse relief/relieve rely/reliance
remain/remainder remark/remarkable remedy/remedial
resist/resistance relation/relationship relay
release religion remove
rent repair repeal
repeat/repetition repent replace
reply report represent
reptile republic reputation
request require rescue
research resemble/resemblance resent/resentment
reserve/reservation reside/residence resign
resin resolve/resolution resort
resource respect respond/response
responsible rest restaurant
restrict result resume
retail retain/retention retard
retina retire retract
retreat retrieve return
reunion reveal revenge
review revoke revolt/revolution
revolve reward rheumatism
rhyme ribbon rice
rich rid riddle
ride/rode ridge ridicule/ridiculous
rifle right rim
ring/rang/ringing rinse riot
rip ripe rise
risk rival river
road roam roar
roast rob robe
rock rocket rod
rodent rodeo role
roll romance roof
room roost/rooster root
rope rose rot
rotate/rotation rough round
route routine row/rowboat
royal/royalty rub rubber
rude rug ruin
rule/ruler rumor run/ran/running
rural rush Russia/Russian
rust rut
R - Middle school vocabulary
radiant/radiate=bright radical=extreme
random=without design ratify=approve formally
ratio=numerical relation rational=sane, w/reason
ravine=deep narrow valley raze=tear down
reality=in fact realm=kingdom
reassure=give confidence recede=go down
reciprocal=to each other reckon=figure out
redeem=earn/buy back reef=sea rocks
reflex=automatic response refrain=keep from doing
refuge=shelter relent=less severe
reliable=dependable reluctant=unwillin
reminiscence=remembering remote=distant, slight
rendezvous=meeting placeþ renowned=famous
repel=drive back repercussion=after(c)effect
reprimand=blame formally repudiate=disown, reject
reputable=respectable requisite=required
rescind=repeal reservoir=storage place
respectively=each in order respite=interval of rest
revenue=income revere(nce)=deep respec
rigid=stiff, strict ritual=ceremony
robot=human-like machine rout=utter defeat
R - High school vocabulary
RAMIFICATION=implication There are many ramifications to the law.
RATIONALE=underlying reason There was no obviouis rationale for his act.
RATIONALIZE=explain away She tried to rationalize her behavior.
REASONING=think logically Solving the problem requires reasoning.
RECALCITRANT=resist handling The horse was recalcitrant with the trainer.
RECAPITULATE=restate briefly Please recapitulate your arguments.
RECEPTACLE=container There is a receptacle for recycled cans.
RECESSIVE=tending to go back Senility often leads to recessive behavior.
RECIPIENT=one who receives Heirs are the recipients of one's estate.
RECONCILE=bring to agreement She wanted to reconcile with him.
RECTIFY=put right He tried to rectify his mistake.
RECUR/RECURRENT=happen again His nightmare was recurrent.
REDUNDANT=more than needed To signal a turn in a turn lane is redundant.
REFUTE=prove to be false The evidence refuted his claim.
REITERATE=say over again He kept reiterating his love.
RELATE(D)=tell/connect with He related a true story of adventure.
RELEVANT=bearing on topic Skin color is not relevant for employment.
RELINQUISH=give up King Edward relinquished the British throne.
RENDER=cause to become Too much to drink rendered him unconscious.
REPERTOIRE=list of skills She had a large repertoire of tricks.
REPRIEVE=temporary relief The breeze gave some reprieve from the heat.
REPULSIVE=disgusting To most people, canabalism is repulsive.
RESIDUAL=remainder Getting a skin tan has residual effects.
RESTRAIN(T)=hold back The leash restrained the dog from running.
RETALIATION=return injury She bit him in retaliation for his abuse.
RETICENT=not inclined to She was reticent to become engaged.
RIGOR(OUS)=exact/severe Professional sports requires rigorous training.
ROBUST=strong/vigorous The marching band gave a robust performance.
RUBRIC=heading, category Psychology falls under the Natural Science rubric.
RUDIMENTARY=undeveloped part The outline gave a rudimentary idea of the plot.
RUPTURE=break open A rupture in the dam caused a flood.
S - Pre-school and elementary vocabulary
sack sacrifice sad
safe/safety sail sailor
saint sake salad
salary sale saliva
saloon salt salute
same sample sand
sandals sandwich sane/sanity
sanitary sap satellite
satin saturate Saturday
sauce sausage savage
save saw say/saying/said
satisfy/satisfaction scald scalp
scandal scar scarce/scarcely
scare scarf scarlet
scatter scene/scenery scent
schedule school science
scientist scissors scold
scoop score scour
scout scramble scrap
scrape scratch scream
screen screw scrub
sea seal seam
search season seat
second/secondary secret secretary
section secure/security seduce
see seed seek/sought
seem seize seldom
select/selection selfish sell/sold
semen semester semicircle
Senate/senator send/sent senior/seniority
sensation sense sensitive
sentence sentiment sequence
separate serenade sergeant
series serious sermon
serpent servant serve/service
session set settle/settlement
seven/seventeen seventy several
severe sew sewer/sewage
sex/sexual shade shadow
shaft shake/shook shall
shallow shame shape
share shark sharp
shave she shed
sheep/shepard sheet shelf
shell shelter sheriff
shield shift shine/shone
shirk ship shirt
shock shoe shoot
shop shore show
short/shortage shot should
shoulder shout shove
shovel shower shrill
shrimp shrink shrub
shrug shudder shuffle
shack shut shutter
shy sick side
sift sigh sight
sign signal signature
significant silent/silence silk
silver similar simple/simply
simplify sin since
sincere sing/sang single/singular
sink sir siren
sister sit/sat site
situation six/sixteen sixty
size skate skeleton
sketch ski skid
skill skillet skin
skip skirt skit
skull sky slack
sidewalk slang slant
slap slave/slavery sleeve
slender sleigh slice
slick slide slight
sling slip slippers
slippery slogan slope
slot slow slum
slumber sly small
smart smear smell
smile smoke smooth
snail snake snap
sneeze snore snort
snout snow so
soak soap soar
sob sober social
society sock soda
sofa soft soil
solar soldier solid
solo solve/solution some
someone something somewhere
son song soon
sophomore sore sorority
sorrow/sorry sort soul
sound soup sour
source south/southern souvenir
space spaghetti spank
spare spark speak/speech
spear special/specialize specific
speck spectator speed
spell spend sperm
spice spider spill
spin/spun spinach spine
spirit spite splash
splendid splinter split
spoil sponge spool
spoon sport spot
spout sprain spray
spread spring/sprung sprinkle
spurt spy squeak
squeeze squint squirrel
squirt stab stack
stadium stage stagecoach
stain stair stake
stale stalk stall
stamp stampede stand
standard staple star
starch stare start
startle starve state
statement static station
statue stay steady
steak steal steam
steel steep stem
step stern stick
sticky stiff still
stilts sting stir
style stitch stock
stomach stone stool
stoop stop storage
store storm story
stove straight strain
strange/stranger strap straw
stray streak stream
street strength stress
stretch/stretcher strict strike/struck
string strip stripe
strive stroke strong
structure struggle stubborn
student study stuff
stumble stunt stupid
sturdy subject submarine
submit substance substitute
subtract suburb subway
succeed/success superstition supervise
supper supply support
suppose sure/surely surface
surgeon surpass surprise
surrender surround survive
suspect/suspicious suspend survey
sudden sue suffer
sufficient suffix sugar
suggest/suggestion suicide suit/suitable
sum summary/summarize summer
sun/sunny Sunday sunflower
sunlight superb sustain
swallow swamp swear
sweater sweep sweet
swell swift swim
swing switch sword
syllable symbol sympathy
symphony symptom syrup
system
S - Middle school vocabulary
sabotage=deliberate damage sac=animal pouch
sacred=holy salvage=goods from wreck
sanctuary=refuge/holy place sarcasm=mocking criticism
satire=make fun of weakness scheme=systematic plan
scholar=learned person scoff=show contempt
scope=area covered scorn=strong contempt
scowl=angry frown script=text of play
sculpture=carved artwork scurvy=vitamin deficiency
scuttle=sink own shipþ secession=formal withdraw
seclude=stay apart sector=part of an area
sedate=calm segment=natural part
segregate=set apart semblance=likeness
sensible=þaving good sense sequoia=large redwood tree
sensory=of the senses serene=calm
serial=happening in order shatter=break into pieces
shear=cut w/scissors shingle=roofing board
shrewd=smart in dealing shriek=loud/sharp cry
shrine=sacred place siege=surround, cut off
sieve=sort fine particles silhouette=outline profile
sill=windowframe bottom simultaneous=at same time
sinew=tough tissue sinister=wicked, evil
slander=false bad statement slate=thin sheet of rock
slaughter=brutal killing smother=deprive of air
snare=trap w/noose socket=hollow receptacle
sodium=white chemical(salt) solace=comfort in sorrow
solemn=grave, seriou solicit=ask, invite
solitary=done alon soluble=can be dissolved
somber=gloomy sophisticated=not simple
sovereign=supreme power spacious=large expanse
span=distance between sparse=thinly scattered
species=class of animal specimen=sample of whole
spectacle=grand show spectrum=range of colors
speculate=form theory about spinal=of backbone
spindle=rounded rod spiral=winding about center
splendor=brilliant/glorious splice=join together
spouse=husband/wife sprout=begin to grow
squad=small army unit stable/stability
stallion=male horse stamina=endurance
stanza=division of a poem stationary=not moving
stationery=writing paper statistics=numerical facts
stature=height of body status=state of affairs
sterile=free of life steward=attendant on ship
stimulate=cause action stimulus=event causing act
stout=fat/strong/brave strait=narrow sea passage
strategy=large-scale plan strenuous=vigorous effort
stride=walk w/long steps strife=fight, conflict
studio=art workroom stupendous=amazingly large
stutter=broken speech subjected=exposed to
submerge=put under water subsequent=following
subside=become less violent substantial=large, solid
subtle=fine, cunning succession=each following
suction=draw w/vacuum suitor=one who courts
sulfur=yellow chemical sullen=angry silence
summit=highest point superintendent=overseer
superlative=of highest kind supernatural=beyond nature
supplement=something added supreme=best, excellent
surplus=amount left over susceptible=easily affecte
swirl=whirl (as water) symbolize=stand for
symmetry=sides equal synonym=word w/same meaning
synthetic=artificial systematic=orderly
S - High school vocabulary
SALIENT=prominent/noticeable Red hair is a salient feature.
SALINE=salty water We may need to convert saline into drinking water.
SANCTION=approve, enforce The laws don't sanction mercy killing.
SANGUINE=cheerful, hopeful She appeared sanguine about her troubles.
SCAN=look over He just scanned the paper briefly.
SCAVENGER=eats refuse The vulture is a well-known scavenger.
SCRUTINY=close examination Detailed scrutiny revealed flaws in the plan.
SECRETION=fluid from gland Saliva is an important secretion in the mouth.
SEQUEL=what follows after Very popular movies often have a sequel.
SEMANTIC=meaning of words Some arguments reduce to semantics.
SENILE=feebleness of aged We tend to lose memory as we get senile.
SEVER=cut/break off She decided to sever her relationship with him.
SIBLING=brother/sister Twins must be siblings.
SIGNIFY=mean, be a sign of Dark clouds may signify an impending storm.
SIMULATE=act like Actors try to simulate their characters.
SKEPTICAL=critical doubting Scientists are skeptical of common knowledge.
SLOVENLY=untidy His slovenly appearance cost his the job.
SOJOURN=stay a while We had an interesting sojourn to Australia.
SORDID=mean, morally low The killer had no excuse for his sordid acts.
SPASM=sudden tightening A muscle spasm in the leg can be painful.
SPATIAL=relating to space The animal marks his spatial territory.
SPECIOUS=seems OK but isn't The evidence proved the argument specious.
SPONTANEOUS=no outside cause His confession was spontaneous.
SPORADIC=at intervals The geyser's eruptions were sporadic.
SQUANDER=waste (as money) Heirs may squander their inheritance.
STATUTE=written law There is a statute against child abuse.
STAGNATE=become foul Water in a ditch can quickly stagnate.
STALWART=brave His was a stalwart defense of freedom.
STEREOTYPE=common features Being dumb is a sterotype of blonds.
STIGMA=mark of disgrace He bore the stigma of a person who cheats.
STIPEND=regular pay He got a bonus in addition to his stipend.
STIPULATE=insist on The strikers stipulated their demands.
STOIC=tolerate pain She was a stoic during the tragedy.
STRATA=layers, levels The are many strata in the Grand Canyon.
STRINGENT=very strict Military rules are very stringent.
SUBDUE=conquer Alcoholics must subdue the urge to drink.
SUBJECTIVE=w/in self, personal Faith in a Deity is subjective.
SUBLIME=noble, superb Marriage can be a sublime experience.
SUBMISSIVE=yield to another In many families, the wife is submissive.
SUBSIDIARY=secondary Sex is subsidiary to love.
SUBSISTENCE=support life The family farm provided subsistence.
SUBSTANTIATE=prove w/evidence An alibi substantiated his innocence.
SUCCEEDING=following next Each succeeding generation takes charge.
SUCCINCT=brief, concise A good essay answer is succinct.
SUFFICE=be enough An apology sufficed to end the fight.
SUFFOCATE=choke City smog can suffocate people.
SUMMON=call It is best to obey a court summon.
SUPERSEDE=take place of The son superseded his father as boss.
SUPERFICIAL=on the surface The wound was only superficial.
SUPERIMPOSE=lay over He superimposed one graph over the other.
SUPPRESS=hold back It is difficult to suppress a sneeze.
SURMISE=guess, suppose He could only surmise her real motives.
SYNCHRONIZE=same time/speed Dancers must synchronize their moves.
T - Pre-school and elementary vocabulary
table tablet tack
tackle tail take/took
tale talent talk
tall tame tan
tangle tank tantrum
tap tape tar
tardy target task
taste tavern tax
tea teach/teacher/taught team
tear/tore tease teat
technical/technology technique/technician teeth
telegram/telegraph telephone telescope
television tell/told temper
temperature temple tempo
temporary tempt/temptation ten
tenant tend tender
tennis tense/tension tent
term terminal termite
terrain terrible terrier
terrific territory terror
test testify/testimony text
textile texture than
thank that the
theater their them
theme then theory
therefore thermometer thermostat
these they thick
thief thigh thimble
thin think third/thirteen
thirst this thorn
thorough those though
thought thousand thread
threat three/thirty thrift/thrifty
thrill throat throb
throne through throughout
throw/threw thrust thumb
thunder/thunderous Thursday thus
tick ticket tickle
tide tidy tie
tiger tight tile
tilt timber time
tin tiny tip
tire tissue title
to toast tobacco
today toe together
toilet tomato tomb
tomorrow ton tone
tongue tonight too
tool tooth top
topic torch tornado
torture toss total
touch tough tour/tourist
tournament tow toward
towel tower town
toy trace track
tractor trade tradition
traffic tragic/tragedy trail
train trait tramp
transfer transform transport
trap trash travel
tray treason treasure/treasury
treat/treatment treaty tree
tremble trespass trial
triangle tribe trick
trickle trigger trim
trip triple triumph
trolley troops trophy
tropical trouble trousers
truck trudge true/truth/truly
trumpet trunk trust
try tub tube
tuck Tuesday tuition
tulip tumble tundra
tune tunnel turkey
turn tusk tuxedo
tweezers twelve/twelfth twenty
twig twilight twins
two/twice type/typewriter typical
T - Middle school vocabulary
tactics=use of resources tallow=fat for candles
tangible=real, can be felt taper=get narrow at end
tapestry=cloth wall hanging tariff=tax on imports
tarnish=make dull tedious=boring/tiresome
temperate=moderate tentacle=animal feeler
terminate=finish terrace=raised land strip
thermal=related to heat therapy=treatment
thicket=dense shrubbery thorax=between neck-naval
thrive=prosper throng=mass of people
throttle=choke tiller=lever for rudder
timid=easily frightened tinkle=light ringing sound
token=symbol/coin tolerance=put up with
torrent=violent stream/rain tortoise=land turtle
trough=long open container trustee=manages property
traitor=betray trust tranquil=quiet
transition=change treacherous=bad, looks OK
tremendous=extremely large trench=long ditch
tributary=flow into river tribute=mark of respect
trifle=of small value tuberculosis=lung disease
tumor=unnatural body growth turbine=steam-driven wheel
turbulent=very agitated turpentine=oil and resin
tutor=private teacher tyranny=cruel ruler
T - High school vocabulary
TABOO=socially forbidden Incest is a universal taboo.
TACIT=unstated Many couples have a tacit knowledge of their love.
TANGENT=changed course A professor may go off on a tangent in a lecture.
TELEPATHY=mind communication Some people claim to receive telepathy.
TEMPERAMENT=mental nature His enthusiasm is a natural temperament.
TEMPLATE=pattern/mold Money is printed from a very special template.
TEMPORAL=of time Can you name the presidents in temporal order?
TENABLE=can be defended The notion that sex "weakens you" is not tenable.
TENACIOUS=holding fast He was tenacious in his religious beliefs.
TENDENCY=inclined to do She had a tendency to be late for a date.
TENET=doctrine, belief A major tenet of democracy is equality.
TENTATIVE=on a trial basis His initial schedule was only tentative.
TENUOUS=thin, weak The evidence of his guilt is tenuous.
TERMINOLOGY=special words Each discipline has its own terminology.
TERRIFY=fill w/fear Even a pretend monster may terrify a child.
TERTIARY=3rd in rank/order After health and happiness, wealth is tertiary.
TESTES/TESTICLES=male glands Testes produce sperm for reproduction.
THWART=defeat plans Rain thrwarted the plan for a picnic.
TORMENT=inflict suffering Flies can really torment a person.
TOIL=work hard He toiled night and day to build a cabin.
TOXIC=poisonous Many house plants are toxic.
TRANCE=dazed state Hypnotism results in a trance-like state.
TRANSCEND=exceed, surpass Optimists try to transcend their goals.
TRANSIENT=passing through Transient people may need assistance.
TRANSITIVE=verb needs object "Lay" is a transitive verb (lay me down).
TRAUMA=injury Child abuse may result in serious trauma.
TRIVIAL=of little importance Reporters often ask trivial questions.
TRUCE=stop war temporarily They agreed to a truce over Christmas.
TURMOIL=excitement/disorder The police used tear gas to stop the turmoil.
TYPIFY=serve as symbol "In the mood" typifies swing music.
U - Pre-school and elementary vocabulary
ugly ulcer umbrella
umpire uncle under/underneath
underline understand undoubtedly
unified uniform union
unique unit unite
universe/universal university unless
until up/upper/upward upset
uranium urge urgent
urine/urinate us use/usage
usher usual/usually uterus
U - Middle school vocabulary
ultimate=final unison=agreement, together
urban=of a city utensil=useful instrument
utility/utilize=make use of utmost=furthest, highest
utterly=completely
U - High school vocabulary
UBIQUITOUS=everywhere at once Insects are a ubiquitous fact of life.
ULTIMATUM=final terms The winnng general sent an ultimatum.
UNANIMOUS=100% agreement The vote of censure was unanimous.
UNILATERAL=by one side only He made a unilateral decision to quit.
UNOBTRUSIVE=inconspicuous She made an unobtrusive entrance.
USURP=take by force The general tried to usurp authority.
V - Pre-school and elementary vocabulary
vacant vacation vacuum
vagina vague valley
value van vanilla
vanish vapor variety
various varnish vase
vast vegetable vehicle
vein velvet venom
venture Venus verb
verbal verdict verse
vertical very vessel
vest veteran veto
via vibrate vice
victim victory view
vigor vile village
villain vine vinegar
violate/violation violent/violence violin
virgin virtue vise
vision/visible visit/visitor vital
vitamin voice volcano
vocabulary vocal volume
volunteer/voluntary vomit vote
vow vowel voyage
vulgar
V - Middle school vocabulary
vaccine/-ation=weak germ valiant=brave
valve=control liquid flow vane=direction of wind
vanity=high opinion of self varmint=pesky animal
vault=underground storage veil=ransparent covering
vengeance=hurt in return vertebrate=backbone
version=one point of view vicinity=nearness
vicious=evil/ugly/spiteful virtual(ly)=in effect
virus=disease germ vitality=liveliness
vocation=occupation void=empty
vulture=bird eats dead
V - High school vocabulary
VAIN=useless They made a vain attempt to find survivors.
VALID=sound reasoning He had no valid excuse for quitting.
VANDAL=damage purposely The vandals trashed the science lab.
VARIABLE=not constant The team's performance was highly variable.
VEHEMENTLY=w/strong feeling He was vehemently opposed to war.
VELOCITY=rate of speed High velocity is needed to reach orbit.
VENTILATE=move fresh air Open a window to ventilate the room.
VERBATIM=exactly as stated Memorizing is learning sometime verbatim.
VERIFY=show as true/correct Always verify your bank statement.
VERNACULAR=usual language Curse words were not in his vernacular.
VERSATILE=many skills A handyman is versatile in fixing things.
VERSUS=against For a soldier, it is often life versus death.
VESTIGE=trace left Anthropologists look for a vestige of the past.
VIABLE=workable, practical Although complex, the plan was viable.
VICE VERSA=in reverse order She loved him, but not vice versa.
VINDICATE=justify, defend His apparent crime was eventually vindicated.
VISUAL(IZE)=form an image Television added visual effects to radio.
VIVID=bright, distinct Her description of the rape was very vivid.
VOLITION=act of willing His confession was an act of volition.
VULNERABLE=easily wounded Dogs are vulnerable to fleas.
W - Pre-school and elementary vocabulary
wade wafer wage
wager wagon waist
wait waiter wake
walk wall wallet
walnut wand wander
want war ward
wardrobe warm warn
was wash waste
watch water wave
wax way we
weak wealth/wealthy weapon
wear/wore weary weather
weave/woven web wed/wedding
wedge Wednesday weed
week weep weigh/weight
welcome welfare well
west/western wet whale
what/whatever wheat wheel
wheelbarrow when/whenever where/wherever
whether which while
whimper whip whisker
whiskey whisper whistle
white who/whom whole
whose why wide/width
widow/widower wife wiggle
wild wilderness will
willow win/won wind
window wine wing
wink wipe wire
wise/wisdom wish witch
with withdraw within/without
wolf woman/women wonder/wonderful
wood/wooden wool word
work world worm
worn worry worse/worst
worship worth/worthy would
wound wrap wrath
wreck wrench wrinkle
wrestle wrist write/wrote
wrong wrought
W - Middle school vocabulary
wane=become smaller warrant=justification
warrior=trained soldier weird=odd, mysterious
whirl=spin rapidly wicked=evil
wilt=become limp wit=clever, humorous
witness=observer
W - High school vocabulary
WAIVE=give up rights A prisoner may waive the right to a lawyer.
WARES=merchandise The peddler on the corner displayed his wares.
WARY=watch carefully Be more wary of a growling than a barking dog.
WHIM=fanciful desire She bought the dress on a whim.
WIELD=handle, manage It takes strength to weild a sledgehammer.
WONT=habit, custom As was his wont, he ordered wine with dinner.
WRITHE=roll/twist in pain He was writhing in pain from the cancer.
Pre-school and elementary vocabulary
yacht yarn yard
year yeast yell
yellow yes yesterday
yet you young
your/yourself you're youth
Middle school vocabulary
yearn=long for
yield=produce, give up
High school vocabulary
YOKE=link two animals As a team, the horses were yoked together.
Pre-school and elementary vocabulary
zebra
zero
zoo
zone
Middle school vocabulary
zeal=enthusiasm
High school vocabulary
ZENITH=highest point Winning Wimbleton was the zenith of his career.