Suffix and Prefix

Editor's Notes

• #4: Main Entry: con·cep·tion Pronunciation: \kən-ˈsep-shən\ Function: noun Etymology: Middle English concepcioun, from Anglo-French concepcion, from Latin conception-, conceptio, from concipere Date: 14th century 1 a (1) : the process of becoming pregnant involving fertilization or implantation or both (2) : embryo, fetus b : beginning <joy had the like conception in our eyes — Shakespeare>2 a : the capacity, function, or process of forming or understanding ideas or abstractions or their symbols b : a general idea : concept c : a complex product of abstract or reflective thinking d : the sum of a person's ideas and beliefs concerning something — con·cep·tion·al \-shnəl, -shə-nəl\ adjective — con·cep·tive \-ˈsep-tiv\ adjective
• #6: Main Entry: in·cep·tion Pronunciation: \in-ˈsep-shən\ Function: noun Etymology: Middle English incepcion, from Latin inception-, inceptio, from incipere to begin, from in- + capere to take Date: 15th century : an act, process, or instance of beginning : commencement synonyms see origin
• #8: Main Entry: re·cep·tion Pronunciation: \ri-ˈsep-shən\ Function: noun Etymology: Middle English recepcion, from Anglo-French or Latin; Anglo-French reception, from Latin reception-, receptio, from recipere Date: 15th century 1 : the act or action or an instance of receiving: as a : receipt <the reception and distribution of funds> b : admission <reception into the church> c : response, reaction <the play met with a mixed reception> d : the receiving of a radio or television broadcast e : the catching of a forward pass by a receiver 2 : a social gathering often for the purpose of extending a formal welcome
• #9: Main Entry: 1re·verse Pronunciation: \ri-ˈvərs\ Function: adjective Etymology: Middle English revers, from Anglo-French, from Latin reversus, past participle of revertere to turn back — more at revert Date: 14th century 1 a : opposite or contrary to a previous or normal condition <reverse order> b (1) : having the back presented to the observer or opponent (2) : made with one's back to the basketball net <a reverse layup>2 : coming from the rear of a military force3 : acting, operating, or arranged in a manner contrary to the usual4 : effecting reverse movement <reverse gear>5 : so made that the part which normally prints in color appears white against a colored background — re·verse·ly adverb Main Entry: re·build Pronunciation: \(ˌ)rē-ˈbild\ Function: verb Inflected Form(s): re·built \-ˈbilt\; re·build·ing Date: 1537 transitive verb 1 a : to make extensive repairs to : reconstruct <rebuild a war-torn city> b : to restore to a previous state <rebuild inventories>2 : to make extensive changes in : remodel <rebuild society>intransitive verb : to build again <planned to rebuild after the fire> synonyms see mend
• #10: Main Entry: re·but·tal Pronunciation: \ri-ˈbə-təl\ Function: noun Date: 1830 : the act of rebutting especially in a legal suit; also : argument or proof that rebuts
• #11: Main Entry: ac·cep·ta·tion Pronunciation: \ˌak-ˌsep-ˈtā-shən\ Function: noun Date: 15th century 1 : acceptance; especially : favorable reception or approval2 : a generally accepted meaning of a word or understanding of a concept
• #14: Main Entry: ac·tive Pronunciation: \ˈak-tiv\ Function: adjective Etymology: Middle English, from Anglo-French or Latin; Anglo-French actif, from Latin activus, from actus, past participle of agere to drive, do — more at agent Date: 14th century 1 : characterized by action rather than by contemplation or speculation <an active life>2 : producing or involving action or movement3 a of a verb form or voice : asserting that the person or thing represented by the grammatical subject performs the action represented by the verb <hits in “he hits the ball” is active> b : expressing action as distinct from mere existence or state4 : quick in physical movement : lively5 : marked by vigorous activity : busy <the stock market was active>6 : requiring vigorous action or exertion <active sports>7 : having practical operation or results : effective <an active law>8 a : disposed to action : energetic <took an active interest> b : engaged in an action or activity <an active club member> c of a volcano : currently erupting or likely to erupt — compare dormant 2a, extinct 1b d : characterized by emission of large amounts of electromagnetic energy <an active galactic nucleus>9 : engaged in full-time service especially in the armed forces <active duty> 10 : marked by present operation, transaction, movement, or use <an active account>11 a : capable of acting or reacting : reacting readily <active nitrogen> <active ingredients> b : tending to progress or to cause degeneration <active tuberculosis> c of an electronic circuit element : capable of controlling voltages or currents d (1) : requiring the expenditure of energy <active calcium ion uptake> (2) : functioning by the emission of radiant energy or sound <radar is an active sensor>12 : still eligible to win the pot in poker13 : moving down the line : visiting in the set —used of couples in contredanses or square dances — active noun — ac·tive·ly adverb — ac·tive·ness noun
• #15: Main Entry: ex·pen·sive Pronunciation: \ik-ˈspen(t)-siv\ Function: adjective Date: circa 1610 1 : involving high cost or sacrifice <an expensive hobby>2 a : commanding a high price and especially one that is not based on intrinsic worth or is beyond a prospective buyer's means b : characterized by high prices <expensive shops> — ex·pen·sive·ly adverb — ex·pen·sive·ness noun Main Entry: in·ex·pen·sive Pronunciation: \ˌi-nik-ˈspen(t)-siv\ Function: adjective Date: circa 1846 : reasonable in price : cheap — in·ex·pen·sive·ly adverb — in·ex·pen·sive·ness noun
• #18: Main Entry: 1fair Pronunciation: \ˈfer\ Function: adjective Etymology: Middle English fager, fair, from Old English fæger; akin to Old High German fagar beautiful Date: before 12th century 1 : pleasing to the eye or mind especially because of fresh, charming, or flawless quality2 : superficially pleasing : specious <she trusted his fair promises>3 a : clean, pure <fair sparkling water> b : clear, legible4 : not stormy or foul : fine <fair weather>5 : ample <a fair estate>6 a : marked by impartiality and honesty : free from self-interest, prejudice, or favoritism <a very fair person to do business with> b (1) : conforming with the established rules : allowed (2) : consonant with merit or importance : due <a fair share> c : open to legitimate pursuit, attack, or ridicule <fair game>7 a : promising, likely <in a fair way to win> b : favorable to a ship's course <a fair wind>8 archaic : free of obstacles9 : not dark <fair skin>10 a : sufficient but not ample : adequate <a fair understanding of the work> b : moderately numerous, large, or significant <takes a fair amount of time>11 : being such to the utmost : utter <a fair treat to watch him — New Republic> — fair·ness noun synonyms fair, just, equitable, impartial, unbiased, dispassionate, objective mean free from favor toward either or any side. fair implies an elimination of one's own feelings, prejudices, and desires so as to achieve a proper balance of conflicting interests <a fair decision>. just implies an exact following of a standard of what is right and proper <a just settlement of territorial claims>. equitable implies a less rigorous standard than just and usually suggests equal treatment of all concerned <the equitable distribution of the property>. impartial stresses an absence of favor or prejudice <an impartial third party>. unbiased implies even more strongly an absence of all prejudice <your unbiased opinion>. dispassionate suggests freedom from the influence of strong feeling and often implies cool or even cold judgment <a dispassionate summation of the facts>. objective stresses a tendency to view events or persons as apart from oneself and one's own interest or feelings <I can't be objective about my own child>. synonyms see in addition beautiful Main Entry: un·fair Pronunciation: \ˌən-ˈfer\ Function: adjective Date: 1700 1 : marked by injustice, partiality, or deception : unjust2 : not equitable in business dealings — un·fair·ness noun
• #19: Main Entry: un·com·fort·able Pronunciation: \ˌən-ˈkəm(p)(f)-tə(r)-bəl, -ˈkəm(p)-fə(r)-tə-bəl, -ˈkəm-fə(r)-bəl\ Function: adjective Date: 1573 1 : causing discomfort or annoyance <an uncomfortable chair> <an uncomfortable performance>2 : feeling discomfort : uneasy <was uncomfortable with them> — un·com·fort·ably \-blē\ adverb
• #21: Main Entry: vi·o·lent Pronunciation: \-lənt\ Function: adjective Etymology: Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin violentus; akin to Latin vis strength — more at vim Date: 14th century 1 : marked by extreme force or sudden intense activity <a violent attack>2 a : notably furious or vehement <a violent denunciation> b : extreme, intense <violent pain> <violent colors>3 : caused by force : not natural <a violent death>4 a : emotionally agitated to the point of loss of self-control <became violent after an insult> b : prone to commit acts of violence <violent prison inmates> — vi·o·lent·ly adverb Main Entry: non·vi·o·lent Pronunciation: \-lənt\ Function: adjective Date: 1920 : abstaining or free from violence — non·vi·o·lent·ly adverb
• #23: Main Entry: reg·u·late Pronunciation: \ˈre-gyə-ˌlāt also ˈrā-\ Function: transitive verb Inflected Form(s): reg·u·lat·ed; reg·u·lat·ing Etymology: Middle English, from Late Latin regulatus, past participle of regulare, from Latin regula rule Date: 15th century 1 a : to govern or direct according to rule b (1) : to bring under the control of law or constituted authority (2) : to make regulations for or concerning <regulate the industries of a country>2 : to bring order, method, or uniformity to <regulate one's habits>3 : to fix or adjust the time, amount, degree, or rate of <regulate the pressure of a tire> — reg·u·la·tive \-ˌlā-tiv\ adjective — reg·u·la·to·ry \-lə-ˌtȯr-ē\ adjective
• #25: Main Entry: typ·i·cal Pronunciation: \ˈti-pi-kəl\ Function: adjective Etymology: Late Latin typicalis, from typicus, from Greek typikos, from typos model — more at type Date: 1609 1 : constituting or having the nature of a type : symbolic2 a : combining or exhibiting the essential characteristics of a group <typical suburban houses> b : conforming to a type <a specimen typical of the species> synonyms see regular — typ·i·cal·i·ty \ˌti-pə-ˈka-lə-tē\ noun — typ·i·cal·ness \ˈti-pi-kəl-nəs\ noun Main Entry: atyp·i·cal Pronunciation: \(ˌ)ā-ˈti-pi-kəl\ Function: adjective Date: 1885 : not typical : irregular, unusual <an atypical form of a disease> — atyp·i·cal·i·ty \ˌā-ˌti-pə-ˈka-lə-tē\ noun — atyp·i·cal·ly \(ˌ)ā-ˈti-pi-k(ə-)lē\ adverb
• #26: Main Entry: amor·al Pronunciation: \(ˌ)ā-ˈmȯr-əl, (ˌ)a-, -ˈmär-\ Function: adjective Date: 1779 1 a : being neither moral nor immoral; specifically : lying outside the sphere to which moral judgments apply <science as such is completely amoral — W. S. Thompson> b : lacking moral sensibility <infants are amoral>2 : being outside or beyond the moral order or a particular code of morals <amoral customs> — amor·al·ism \-ə-ˌli-zəm\ noun — amo·ral·i·ty \ˌā-mə-ˈra-lə-tē, ˌa-, -(ˌ)mȯ-\ noun — amor·al·ly \ˌā-ˈmȯr-ə-lē, (ˌ)a-, -ˈmär-\ adverb
• #27: Main Entry: ap·a·thy Pronunciation: \ˈa-pə-thē\ Function: noun Etymology: Greek apatheia, from apathēs without feeling, from a- + pathos emotion — more at pathos Date: 1594 1 : lack of feeling or emotion : impassiveness2 : lack of interest or concern : indifference
• #29: Main Entry: 1un·de·sir·able Pronunciation: \-ˈzī-rə-bəl\ Function: adjective Date: 1667 : not desirable : unwanted <undesirable side effects> — un·de·sir·abil·i·ty \-ˌzī-rə-ˈbi-lə-tē\ noun — un·de·sir·able·ness \-ˈzī-rə-bəl-nəs\ noun — un·de·sir·ably \-blē\ adverb
• #30: Main Entry: un·like·ly Pronunciation: \-ˈlī-klē\ Function: adjective Date: 14th century 1 : not likely : improbable <an unlikely outcome>2 : likely to fail : unpromising
• #31: Main Entry: un·do Pronunciation: \ˌən-ˈdü, ˈən-\ Function: verb Inflected Form(s): un·did \-ˈdid\; un·done \-ˈdən\; un·do·ing \-ˈdü-iŋ\ Date: before 12th century transitive verb 1 : to open or loose by releasing a fastening2 : to make of no effect or as if not done : make null : reverse3 a : to ruin the worldly means, reputation, or hopes of <a politician undone by scandal> b : to disturb the composure of : upset <she's come undone> c : seduce 3intransitive verb : to come open or apart — un·do·er \-ˈdü-ər\ noun
• #32: Main Entry: 1easy Pronunciation: \ˈē-zē\ Function: adjective Inflected Form(s): eas·i·er; eas·i·est Etymology: Middle English esy, from Anglo-French eisé, aasié, past participle of eiser, aaisier to ease, from a- ad- (from Latin ad-) + eise ease Date: 13th century 1 a : causing or involving little difficulty or discomfort <within easy reach> b : requiring or indicating little effort, thought, or reflection <easy clichés>2 a : not severe : lenient <hopes they'll be easy on him> b : not steep or abrupt <easy slopes> c : not difficult to endure or undergo <an easy penalty> d : readily taken advantage of <an easy target for takeovers> <an easy mark for con men> e (1) : readily available <easy pickings> (2) : plentiful in supply at low or declining interest rates <easy money> (3) : less in demand and usually lower in price <bonds were easier> f : pleasant <easy listening> g : sexually promiscuous3 a : marked by peace and comfort <the easy life of a courtier> b : not hurried or strenuous <an easy pace>4 a : free from pain, annoyance, or anxiety <did all she could to make him easier> b : marked by social ease <an air of easy assurance> c : easygoing <an easy disposition>5 a : giving ease, comfort, or relaxation b : not burdensome or straitened <bought on easy terms> c : fitting comfortably : allowing freedom of movement <easy jackets> d : marked by ready facility <an easy flowing style> e : felt or attained to readily, naturally, and spontaneously <an easy smile> — eas·i·ness noun synonyms easy, facile, simple, light, effortless, smooth mean not demanding effort or involving difficulty. easy is applicable either to persons or things imposing tasks or to activity required by such tasks <an easy college course>. facile often adds to easy the connotation of undue haste or shallowness <facile answers to complex questions>. simple stresses ease in understanding or dealing with because complication is absent <a simple problem in arithmetic>. light stresses freedom from what is burdensome <a light teaching load>. effortless stresses the appearance of ease and usually implies the prior attainment of artistry or expertness <moving with effortless grace>. smooth stresses the absence or removal of all difficulties, hardships, or obstacles <a smooth ride>. synonyms see in addition comfortable Main Entry: 1un·easy Pronunciation: \-ˈē-zē\ Function: adjective Date: 14th century 1 : causing physical or mental discomfort <uneasy news of captures and killings — Marjory S. Douglas>2 : not easy : difficult3 : marked by lack of ease : awkward, embarrassed <gave an uneasy laugh>4 : apprehensive, worried <uneasy about the weather>5 : restless, unquiet <an uneasy night>6 : precarious, unstable <an uneasy truce> — un·eas·i·ness noun
• #33: Main Entry: pleas·ant Pronunciation: \ˈple-zənt\ Function: adjective Etymology: Middle English plesaunt, from Anglo-French plaisant, from present participle of plaisir Date: 14th century 1 : having qualities that tend to give pleasure : agreeable <a pleasant day>2 : having or characterized by pleasing manners, behavior, or appearance — pleas·ant·ly adverb — pleas·ant·ness noun Main Entry: un·pleas·ant Pronunciation: \-ˈple-zənt\ Function: adjective Date: 15th century : not pleasant : not amiable or agreeable : displeasing <unpleasant odors> — un·pleas·ant·ly adverb
• #34: Main Entry: 1set·tle Pronunciation: \ˈse-təl\ Function: verb Inflected Form(s): set·tled; set·tling \ˈset-liŋ, ˈse-təl-iŋ\ Etymology: Middle English, to seat, bring to rest, come to rest, from Old English setlan, from setl seat Date: 1515 transitive verb 1 : to place so as to stay2 a : to establish in residence b : to furnish with inhabitants : colonize3 a : to cause to pack down b : to clarify by causing dregs or impurities to sink4 : to make quiet or orderly5 a : to fix or resolve conclusively <settle the question> b : to establish or secure permanently <settle the order of royal succession> c : to conclude (a lawsuit) by agreement between parties usually out of court d : to close (as an account) by payment often of less than is due6 : to arrange in a desired position7 : to make or arrange for final disposition of <settled his affairs>8 of an animal : impregnateintransitive verb 1 : to come to rest2 a : to sink gradually or to the bottom b : to become clear by the deposit of sediment or scum c : to become compact by sinking3 a : to become fixed, resolved, or established <a cold settled in his chest> b : to establish a residence or colony <settled in Wisconsin> —often used with down4 a : to become quiet or orderly b : to take up an ordered or stable life —often used with down <marry and settle down>5 a : to adjust differences or accounts b : to come to a decision —used with on or upon <settled on a new plan> c : to conclude a lawsuit by agreement out of court6 of an animal : conceive synonyms see decide — set·tle·able \ˈse-təl-ə-bəl, ˈset-lə-bəl\ adjective — settle for : to be content with — settle one's hash : to silence or subdue someone by decisive action — settle the stomach : to remove or relieve the distress or nausea of indigestion [settle illustration] Main Entry: un·set·tle Pronunciation: \ˌən-ˈse-təl\ Function: verb Date: 1598 transitive verb 1 : to loosen or move from a settled state or condition : make unstable : disorder2 : to perturb or agitate mentally or emotionally : discomposeintransitive verb : to become unsettled
• #36: Main Entry: 1mov·able Variant(s): or move·able \ˈmü-və-bəl\ Function: adjective Date: 14th century 1 : capable of being moved2 : changing date from year to year <movable holidays> — mov·abil·i·ty \ˌmü-və-ˈbi-lə-tē\ noun — mov·able·ness \ˈmü-və-bəl-nəs\ noun — mov·ably \-blē\ adverb Main Entry: 1im·mov·able Pronunciation: \(ˌ)i(m)-ˈmü-və-bəl\ Function: adjective Date: 14th century 1 : incapable of being moved; broadly : not moving or not intended to be moved2 a : steadfast, unyielding b : not capable of being moved emotionally — im·mov·abil·i·ty \-ˌmü-və-ˈbi-lə-tē\ noun — im·mov·able·ness \-ˈmü-və-bəl-nəs\ noun — im·mov·ably \-blē\ adverb
• #37: Main Entry: pos·si·ble Pronunciation: \ˈpä-sə-bəl\ Function: adjective Etymology: Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin possibilis, from posse to be able, from potis, pote able + esse to be — more at potent, is Date: 14th century 1 a : being within the limits of ability, capacity, or realization <a possible but difficult task> b : being what may be conceived, be done, or occur according to nature, custom, or manners <the best possible care> <the worst possible circumstance>2 a : being something that may or may not occur <a possible surprise visit> b : being something that may or may not be true or actual <possible explanation>3 : having an indicated potential <a possible housing site> synonyms possible, practicable, feasible mean capable of being realized. possible implies that a thing may certainly exist or occur given the proper conditions <a possible route up the west face of the mountain>. practicable implies that something may be effected by available means or under current conditions <a solution that is not practicable in the time available>. feasible applies to what is likely to work or be useful in attaining the end desired <commercially feasible for mass production>. Main Entry: im·pos·si·ble Pronunciation: \(ˌ)im-ˈpä-sə-bəl\ Function: adjective Etymology: Middle English, from Anglo-French & Latin; Anglo-French, from Latin impossibilis, from in- + possibilis possible Date: 14th century 1 a : incapable of being or of occurring b : felt to be incapable of being done, attained, or fulfilled : insuperably difficult <an impossible deadline>2 a : extremely undesirable : unacceptable b : extremely awkward or difficult to deal with <the actor was impossible on the set> — im·pos·si·ble·ness noun
• #38: Main Entry: im·prop·er Pronunciation: \(ˌ)im-ˈprä-pər\ Function: adjective Etymology: Middle English, from Middle French impropre, from Latin improprius, from in- + proprius proper Date: 15th century : not proper: as a : not in accord with fact, truth, or right procedure : incorrect <improper inference> b : not regularly or normally formed or not properly so called c : not suited to the circumstances, design, or end <improper medicine> d : not in accord with propriety, modesty, good manners, or good taste <improper language> synonyms see indecorous — im·prop·er·ly adverb — im·prop·er·ness noun Main Entry: im·passe Pronunciation: \ˈim-ˌpas, im-ˈ\ Function: noun Etymology: French, from in- + passer to pass Date: 1851 1 a : a predicament affording no obvious escape b : deadlock2 : an impassable road or way : cul-de-sac
• #39: Main Entry: 1prop·er Pronunciation: \ˈprä-pər\ Function: adjective Etymology: Middle English propre proper, own, from Anglo-French, from Latin proprius own Date: 14th century 1 a : referring to one individual only b : belonging to one : own c : appointed for the liturgy of a particular day d : represented heraldically in natural color2 : belonging characteristically to a species or individual : peculiar3 chiefly dialect : good-looking, handsome4 : very good : excellent5 chiefly British : utter, absolute6 : strictly limited to a specified thing, place, or idea <the city proper>7 a : strictly accurate : correct b archaic : virtuous, respectable c : strictly decorous : genteel8 : marked by suitability, rightness, or appropriateness : fit9 : being a mathematical subset (as a subgroup) that does not contain all the elements of the inclusive set from which it is derived synonyms see fit — prop·er·ly adverb — prop·er·ness noun Main Entry: im·prop·er Pronunciation: \(ˌ)im-ˈprä-pər\ Function: adjective Etymology: Middle English, from Middle French impropre, from Latin improprius, from in- + proprius proper Date: 15th century : not proper: as a : not in accord with fact, truth, or right procedure : incorrect <improper inference> b : not regularly or normally formed or not properly so called c : not suited to the circumstances, design, or end <improper medicine> d : not in accord with propriety, modesty, good manners, or good taste <improper language> synonyms see indecorous — im·prop·er·ly adverb — im·prop·er·ness noun
• #40: Main Entry: po·lite Pronunciation: \pə-ˈlīt\ Function: adjective Inflected Form(s): po·lit·er; po·lit·est Etymology: Middle English (Scots) polit, Latin politus, from past participle of polire Date: 15th century 1 a : of, relating to, or having the characteristics of advanced culture b : marked by refined cultural interests and pursuits especially in arts and belles lettres2 a : showing or characterized by correct social usage b : marked by an appearance of consideration, tact, deference, or courtesy c : marked by a lack of roughness or crudities <polite literature> synonyms see civil — po·lite·ly adverb — po·lite·ness noun
• #42: Main Entry: de·ci·sive Pronunciation: \di-ˈsī-siv\ Function: adjective Date: 1611 1 : having the power or quality of deciding <a decisive battle>2 : resolute, determined <a decisive manner>3 : unmistakable, unquestionable <a decisive superiority> synonyms see conclusive — de·ci·sive·ly adverb — de·ci·sive·ness noun Main Entry: in·de·ci·sive Pronunciation: \ˌin-di-ˈsī-siv\ Function: adjective Date: 1726 1 : not decisive : inconclusive <an indecisive battle>2 : marked by or prone to indecision : irresolute <an indecisive state of mind>3 : not clearly marked out : indefinite — in·de·ci·sive·ly adverb — in·de·ci·sive·ness noun
• #43: Main Entry: in·def·i·nite Pronunciation: \(ˌ)in-ˈdef-nət, -ˈde-fə-\ Function: adjective Etymology: Latin indefinitus, from in- + definitus definite Date: 1530 : not definite: as a : typically designating an unidentified, generic, or unfamiliar person or thing <the indefinite articles a and an> <indefinite pronouns> b : not precise : vague c : having no exact limits — indefinite noun — in·def·i·nite·ly adverb — in·def·i·nite·ness noun Main Entry: in·se·cure Pronunciation: \ˌin-si-ˈkyu̇r\ Function: adjective Etymology: Medieval Latin insecurus, from Latin in- + securus secure Date: 1649 1 : not confident or sure : uncertain <feeling somewhat insecure of his reception>2 : not adequately guarded or sustained : unsafe <an insecure investment>3 : not firmly fastened or fixed : shaky <the hinge is loose and insecure>4 a : not highly stable or well-adjusted <an insecure marriage> b : deficient in assurance : beset by fear and anxiety <always felt insecure in a group of strangers> — in·se·cure·ly adverb — in·se·cure·ness noun — in·se·cu·ri·ty \-ˈkyu̇r-ə-tē\ noun
• #44: Main Entry: in·dis·pens·able Pronunciation: \ˌin-di-ˈspen(t)-sə-bəl\ Function: adjective Date: 1653 1 : not subject to being set aside or neglected <an indispensable obligation>2 : absolutely necessary : essential <an indispensable member of the staff> — in·dis·pens·abil·i·ty \-ˌspen(t)-sə-ˈbi-lə-tē\ noun — indispensable noun — in·dis·pens·able·ness \-ˈspen(t)-sə-bəl-nəs\ noun — in·dis·pens·ably \-blē\ adverb
• #46: Main Entry: 1ra·tio·nal Pronunciation: \ˈrash-nəl, ˈra-shə-nəl\ Function: adjective Etymology: Middle English racional, from Anglo-French racionel, from Latin rationalis, from ration-, ratio Date: 14th century 1 a : having reason or understanding b : relating to, based on, or agreeable to reason : reasonable <a rational explanation> <rational behavior>2 : involving only multiplication, division, addition, and subtraction and only a finite number of times3 : relating to, consisting of, or being one or more rational numbers <a rational root of an equation> — ra·tio·nal·ly adverb — ra·tio·nal·ness noun Main Entry: 1ir·ra·tio·nal Pronunciation: \i-ˈra-sh(ə-)nəl, ˌi(r)-\ Function: adjective Etymology: Middle English, from Latin irrationalis, from in- + rationalis rational Date: 14th century : not rational: as a (1) : not endowed with reason or understanding (2) : lacking usual or normal mental clarity or coherence b : not governed by or according to reason <irrational fears> c Greek & Latin prosody (1) of a syllable : having a quantity other than that required by the meter (2) of a foot : containing such a syllable d (1) : being an irrational number <an irrational root of an equation> (2) : having a numerical value that is an irrational number <a length that is irrational> — ir·ra·tio·nal·i·ty \-ˌra-shə-ˈna-lə-tē\ noun — ir·ra·tio·nal·ly \-ˈra-sh(ə-)nə-lē\ adverb
• #47: Main Entry: 1ir·reg·u·lar Pronunciation: \i-ˈre-gyə-lər, ˌi(r)-\ Function: adjective Etymology: Middle English irreguler, from Anglo-French, from Late Latin irregularis not in accordance with rule, from Latin in- + regularis regular Date: 14th century 1 a : not being or acting in accord with laws, rules, or established custom <irregular conduct> b : not conforming to the usual pattern of inflection <irregular verbs>; specifically : strong 16 c : not following a usual or prescribed procedure; especially British : celebrated without either proclamation of the banns or publication of intention to marry <irregular marriage>2 : not belonging to or a part of a regular organized group; specifically : not belonging to a regular army but raised for a special purpose <irregular troops>3 a : lacking perfect symmetry or evenness <an irregular coastline> b : having one or more floral parts of the same whorl different in size, shape, or arrangement; specifically : zygomorphic4 : lacking continuity or regularity especially of occurrence or activity <irregular employment> — ir·reg·u·lar·ly adverb synonyms irregular, anomalous, unnatural mean not conforming to rule, law, or custom. irregular implies not conforming to a law or regulation imposed for the sake of uniformity in method, practice, or conduct <concerned about his irregular behavior>. anomalous implies not conforming to what might be expected because of the class or type to which it belongs or the laws that govern its existence <her drive made her an anomalous figure in a sleepy organization>. unnatural suggests what is contrary to nature or to principles or standards felt to be essential to the well-being of civilized society <prisoners treated with unnatural cruelty>.
• #49: Main Entry: 1le·git·i·mate Pronunciation: \li-ˈji-tə-mət\ Function: adjective Etymology: Middle English legitimat, from Medieval Latin legitimatus, past participle of legitimare to legitimate, from Latin legitimus legitimate, from leg-, lex law Date: 15th century 1 a : lawfully begotten; specifically : born in wedlock b : having full filial rights and obligations by birth <a legitimate child>2 : being exactly as purposed : neither spurious nor false <a legitimate grievance> <a legitimate practitioner>3 a : accordant with law or with established legal forms and requirements <a legitimate government> b : ruling by or based on the strict principle of hereditary right <a legitimate king>4 : conforming to recognized principles or accepted rules and standards <a legitimate advertising expenditure> <a legitimate inference>5 : relating to plays acted by professional actors but not including revues, burlesque, or some forms of musical comedy <the legitimate theater> synonyms see lawful — le·git·i·mate·ly adverb Main Entry: il·le·git·i·mate Pronunciation: \-ˈji-tə-mət\ Function: adjective Date: 1536 1 : not recognized as lawful offspring; specifically : born of parents not married to each other2 : not rightly deduced or inferred : illogical3 : departing from the regular : erratic4 a : not sanctioned by law : illegal b : not authorized by good usage c of a taxon : published but not in accordance with the rules of the relevant international code — il·le·git·i·mate·ly adverb
• #50: Main Entry: il·log·i·cal Pronunciation: \-ji-kəl\ Function: adjective Date: 1588 1 : not observing the principles of logic <an illogical argument>2 : devoid of logic : senseless <illogical policies> — il·log·i·cal·i·ty \-ˌlä-jə-ˈka-lə-tē\ noun — il·log·i·cal·ly \-ˈlä-ji-k(ə-)lē\ adverb — il·log·i·cal·ness \-kəl-nəs\ noun
• #51: Main Entry: 1il·le·gal Pronunciation: \(ˌ)i(l)-ˈlē-gəl\ Function: adjective Etymology: Middle French or Medieval Latin; Middle French illegal, from Medieval Latin illegalis, from Latin in- + legalis legal Date: 1538 : not according to or authorized by law : unlawful, illicit; also : not sanctioned by official rules (as of a game) — il·le·gal·i·ty \ˌi-li-ˈga-lə-tē\ noun — il·le·gal·ly \(ˌ)i(l)-ˈlē-gə-lē\ adverb
• #52: Main Entry: il·lit·er·ate Pronunciation: \(ˌ)i(l)-ˈli-t(ə-)rət\ Function: adjective Etymology: Middle English, from Latin illiteratus, from in- + litteratus literate Date: 15th century 1 : having little or no education; especially : unable to read or write <an illiterate population>2 a : showing or marked by a lack of familiarity with language and literature <an illiterate magazine> b : violating approved patterns of speaking or writing3 : showing or marked by a lack of acquaintance with the fundamentals of a particular field of knowledge <musically illiterate> synonyms see ignorant — illiterate noun — il·lit·er·ate·ly adverb — il·lit·er·ate·ness noun
• #54: Main Entry: in·flate Pronunciation: \in-ˈflāt\ Function: verb Inflected Form(s): in·flat·ed; in·flat·ing Etymology: Middle English, from Latin inflatus, past participle of inflare, from in- + flare to blow — more at blow Date: 15th century transitive verb 1 : to swell or distend with air or gas2 : to puff up : elate <inflate one's ego>3 : to expand or increase abnormally or imprudentlyintransitive verb : to become inflated synonyms see expand — in·fla·tor or in·flat·er \-ˈflā-tər\ noun Main Entry: de·flate Pronunciation: \di-ˈflāt, ˌdē-\ Function: verb Inflected Form(s): de·flat·ed; de·flat·ing Etymology: de- + -flate (as in inflate) Date: 1891 transitive verb 1 : to release air or gas from <deflate a tire>2 : to reduce in size, importance, or effectiveness <deflate his ego with cutting remarks>3 : to reduce (a price level) or cause (a volume of credit) to contractintransitive verb : to lose firmness through or as if through the escape of contained gas synonyms see contract — de·fla·tor also de·fla·ter \-ˈflā-tər\ noun
• #55: Main Entry: ac·ti·vate Pronunciation: \ˈak-tə-ˌvāt\ Function: verb Inflected Form(s): ac·ti·vat·ed; ac·ti·vat·ing Date: 1626 transitive verb : to make active or more active: as a (1) : to make (as molecules) reactive or more reactive (2) : to convert (as a provitamin) into a biologically active derivative b : to make (a substance) radioactive c : to treat (as carbon or alumina) so as to improve adsorptive properties d (1) : to set up or formally institute (as a military unit) with the necessary personnel and equipment (2) : to put (an individual or unit) on active duty intransitive verb : to become active — ac·ti·va·tion \ˌak-tə-ˈvā-shən\ noun — ac·ti·va·tor \ˈak-tə-ˌvā-tər\ noun Main Entry: de·ac·ti·vate Pronunciation: \(ˌ)dē-ˈak-tə-ˌvāt\ Function: transitive verb Date: 1926 : to make inactive or ineffective <deactivate a bomb> <deactivate a chemical compound> — de·ac·ti·va·tion \(ˌ)dē-ˌak-tə-ˈvā-shən\ noun — de·ac·ti·va·tor \(ˌ)dē-ˈak-tə-ˌvā-tər\ noun
• #56: Main Entry: de·part Pronunciation: \di-ˈpärt, dē-\ Function: verb Etymology: Middle English, to divide, part company, from Anglo-French departir, from de- + partir to divide, from Latin partire, from part-, pars part Date: 13th century intransitive verb 1 a : to go away : leave b : die2 : to turn aside : deviatetransitive verb : to go away from : leave synonyms see swerve
• #57: Main Entry: de·scend Pronunciation: \di-ˈsend, dē-\ Function: verb Etymology: Middle English, from Anglo-French descendre, from Latin descendere, from de- + scandere to climb — more at scan Date: 13th century intransitive verb 1 : to pass from a higher place or level to a lower one <descended from the platform>2 : to pass in discussion from what is logically prior or more comprehensive3 a : to originate or come from an ancestral stock or source : derive <descends from an old merchant family> b : to pass by inheritance <a desk that has descended in the family> c : to pass by transmission <songs descended from old ballads>4 : to incline, lead, or extend downward <the road descends to the river>5 a : to swoop or pounce down (as in a sudden attack) b : to appear suddenly and often disconcertingly as if from above <reporters descended on the candidate>6 : to proceed in a sequence or gradation from higher to lower or from more remote to nearer or more recent7 a : to lower oneself in status or dignity : stoop b : to worsen and sink in condition or estimationtransitive verb 1 : to pass, move, or climb down or down along2 : to extend down along — de·scend·ible \-ˈsen-də-bəl\ adjective
• #58: Main Entry: de·hy·drate Pronunciation: \(ˌ)dē-ˈhī-ˌdrāt\ Function: verb Date: 1876 transitive verb 1 a : to remove bound water or hydrogen and oxygen from (a chemical compound) in the proportion in which they form water b : to remove water from (as foods)2 : to deprive of vitality or savorintransitive verb : to lose water or body fluids — de·hy·dra·tor \-ˌdrā-tər\ noun
• #60: Main Entry: dis·agree Pronunciation: \ˌdis-ə-ˈgrē\ Function: intransitive verb Etymology: Middle English, to refuse assent, from Anglo-French desagreer, from des- dis- + agreer to agree Date: 15th century 1 : to fail to agree <the two accounts disagree>2 : to differ in opinion <he disagreed with me on every topic>3 : to cause discomfort or distress <fried foods disagree with me> Main Entry: dis·arm Pronunciation: \dis-ˈärm, diz-, ˈdis-ˌärm\ Function: verb Etymology: Middle English desarmen, literally, to divest of arms, from Anglo-French desarmer, from des- dis- + armer to arm Date: 14th century transitive verb 1 a : to deprive of means, reason, or disposition to be hostile <disarmed criticism by admitting her errors> b : to win over2 a : to divest of arms <disarm captured troops> b : to deprive of a means of attack or defense <disarm a ship> c : to make harmless <disarm a bomb>intransitive verb 1 : to lay aside arms2 : to give up or reduce armed forces — dis·ar·ma·ment \-ˈär-mə-mənt\ noun — dis·arm·er noun Main Entry: dis·ap·pear Pronunciation: \ˌdis-ə-ˈpir\ Function: verb Date: 15th century intransitive verb 1 : to pass from view2 : to cease to be : pass out of existence or noticetransitive verb : to cause the disappearance of — dis·ap·pear·ance \-ˈpir-ən(t)s\ noun
• #62: Main Entry: ur·ban Pronunciation: \ˈər-bən\ Function: adjective Etymology: Latin urbanus, from urbs city Date: 1619 : of, relating to, characteristic of, or constituting a city Learn more about "urban" and related topics at Britannica.com
• #63: Main Entry: in·tra·state Pronunciation: \-ˈstāt\ Function: adjective Date: 1903 : existing or occurring within a state
• #64: Main Entry: in·tra·mu·ral Pronunciation: \-ˈmyu̇r-əl\ Function: adjective Date: 1846 1 a : being or occurring within the limits usually of a community, organization, or institution <intramural squabbles> b : competed only within the student body <intramural sports>2 : situated or occurring within the substance of the walls of an organ — in·tra·mu·ral·ly \-ə-lē\ adverb
• #66: Main Entry: trans·at·lan·tic Pronunciation: \ˌtran(t)s-ət-ˈlan-tik, ˌtranz-\ Function: adjective Date: 1779 1 a : crossing or extending across the Atlantic Ocean <a transatlantic cable> b : relating to or involving crossing the Atlantic Ocean <transatlantic airfares>2 a : situated or originating from beyond the Atlantic Ocean b : of, relating to, or involving countries on both sides of the Atlantic Ocean and especially the United States and Great Britain <transatlantic cooperation>
• #67: Main Entry: 1trans·port Pronunciation: \tran(t)s-ˈpȯrt, ˈtran(t)s-ˌ\ Function: transitive verb Etymology: Middle English, from Anglo-French or Latin; Anglo-French transporter, from Latin transportare, from trans- + portare to carry — more at fare Date: 14th century 1 : to transfer or convey from one place to another <transporting ions across a living membrane>2 : to carry away with strong and often intensely pleasant emotion3 : to send to a penal colony overseas synonyms see banish — trans·port·abil·i·ty \(ˌ)tran(t)s-ˌpȯr-tə-ˈbi-lə-tē\ noun — trans·port·able \tran(t)s-ˈpȯr-tə-bəl\ adjective
• #68: Main Entry: in·ter·cede Pronunciation: \ˌin-tər-ˈsēd\ Function: intransitive verb Inflected Form(s): in·ter·ced·ed; in·ter·ced·ing Etymology: Latin intercedere, from inter- + cedere to go Date: 1597 : to intervene between parties with a view to reconciling differences : mediate synonyms see interpose — in·ter·ced·er noun
• #69: Main Entry: in·ter·col·le·giate Pronunciation: \ˌin-tər-kə-ˈlē-jət, -jē-ət\ Function: adjective Date: circa 1874 : existing, carried on, or participating in activities between colleges <intercollegiate athletics>
• #70: Main Entry: an·ti·tox·in Pronunciation: \ˌan-ti-ˈtäk-sən\ Function: noun Etymology: International Scientific Vocabulary Date: circa 1890 : an antibody that is capable of neutralizing the specific toxin (as a specific causative agent of disease) that stimulated its production in the body and is produced in animals for medical purposes by injection of a toxin or toxoid with the resulting serum being used to counteract the toxin in other individuals; also : an antiserum containing antitoxins
• #71: Main Entry: an·ti·cli·mac·tic Pronunciation: \-klī-ˈmak-tik, -klə-\ Variant(s): also an·ti·cli·mac·ti·cal \-ti-kəl\ Function: adjective Date: 1898 : of, relating to, or marked by anticlimax — an·ti·cli·mac·ti·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb
• #72: Main Entry: sub·prin·ci·pal Pronunciation: \-ˈprin(t)-s(ə-)pəl, -sə-bəl\ Function: noun Date: 1597 1 : an assistant principal (as of a school)2 : a secondary or bracing rafter Main Entry: sub·way Pronunciation: \ˈsəb-ˌwā\ Function: noun Date: 1825 : an underground way: as a : a passage under a street (as for pedestrians, power cables, or water or gas mains) b : a usually electric underground railway c : underpass — subway intransitive verb
• #73: Main Entry: sub·way Pronunciation: \ˈsəb-ˌwā\ Function: noun Date: 1825 : an underground way: as a : a passage under a street (as for pedestrians, power cables, or water or gas mains) b : a usually electric underground railway c : underpass — subway intransitive verb
• #74: Main Entry: cir·cum·fer·ence Pronunciation: \sə(r)-ˈkəm(p)-fərn(t)s, -f(ə-)rən(t)s\ Function: noun Etymology: Middle English, from Middle French & Latin; Middle French, from Latin circumferentia, from circumferre to carry around, from circum- + ferre to carry — more at bear Date: 14th century 1 : the perimeter of a circle2 : the external boundary or surface of a figure or object : periphery — cir·cum·fer·en·tial \-ˌkəm(p)-fə-ˈren(t)-shəl\ adjective
• #75: Main Entry: 1bi·month·ly Pronunciation: \(ˌ)bī-ˈmən(t)th-lē\ Function: adjective Date: 1845 1 : occurring every two months2 : occurring twice a month : semimonthly usage see bi-
• #76: Main Entry: bi·sect Pronunciation: \ˈbī-ˌsekt, bī-ˈ\ Function: verb Etymology: 1bi- + intersect Date: circa 1645 transitive verb : to divide into two usually equal partsintransitive verb : cross, intersect — bi·sec·tion \ˈbī-ˌsek-shən, bī-ˈ\ noun — bi·sec·tion·al \-shnəl, -shə-nəl\ adjective — bi·sec·tion·al·ly adverb
• #77: Main Entry: sub·lim·i·nal Pronunciation: \(ˌ)sə-ˈbli-mə-nəl\ Function: adjective Etymology: sub- + Latin limin-, limen threshold Date: 1886 1 : inadequate to produce a sensation or a perception2 : existing or functioning below the threshold of consciousness <the subliminal mind> <subliminal advertising> — sub·lim·i·nal·ly adverb
• #78: Main Entry: bi·par·ti·san Pronunciation: \(ˌ)bī-ˈpär-tə-zən, -sən, -ˌzan, chiefly British ˌbī-ˌpär-tə-ˈzan\ Function: adjective Date: 1895 : of, relating to, or involving members of two parties ; specifically : marked by or involving cooperation, agreement, and compromise between two major political parties — bi·par·ti·san·ism \-zə-ˌni-zəm, -sə-\ noun — bi·par·ti·san·ship \-zən-ˌship, -sən-\ noun
• #79: Main Entry: eu·pho·ni·ous Pronunciation: \yü-ˈfō-nē-əs\ Function: adjective Date: 1774 : pleasing to the ear — eu·pho·ni·ous·ly adverb — eu·pho·ni·ous·ness noun
• #80: Main Entry: eu·lo·gy Pronunciation: \ˈyü-lə-jē\ Function: noun Inflected Form(s): plural eu·lo·gies Etymology: Middle English euloge, from Medieval Latin eulogium, from Greek eulogia praise, from eu- + -logia -logy Date: 15th century 1 : a commendatory oration or writing especially in honor of one deceased <she delivered the eulogy at his funeral>2 : high praise synonyms see encomium — eu·lo·gis·tic \ˌyü-lə-ˈjis-tik\ adjective — eu·lo·gis·ti·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb
• #81: Main Entry: ca·coph·o·ny Pronunciation: \-nē\ Function: noun Inflected Form(s): plural ca·coph·o·nies Date: circa 1656 : harsh or discordant sound : dissonance 2; specifically : harshness in the sound of words or phrases
• #82: Main Entry: mi·sog·a·my Pronunciation: \mi-ˈsä-gə-mē, mī-\ Function: noun Etymology: Greek misein to hate + English -gamy Date: circa 1656 : a hatred of marriage — mi·sog·a·mist \-mist\ noun
• #83: Main Entry: mis·an·thrope Pronunciation: \ˈmi-sən-ˌthrōp\ Function: noun Etymology: Greek misanthrōpos hating humankind, from misein to hate + anthrōpos human being Date: 1683 : a person who hates or distrusts humankind
• #84: Main Entry: po·lyg·a·my Pronunciation: \-mē\ Function: noun Date: circa 1591 1 : marriage in which a spouse of either sex may have more than one mate at the same time — compare polyandry, polygyny2 : the state of being polygamous — po·lyg·a·mist \-mist\ noun — po·lyg·a·mize \-ˌmīz\ intransitive verb
• #85: Main Entry: be·nign Pronunciation: \bi-ˈnīn\ Function: adjective Etymology: Middle English benigne, from Anglo-French, from Latin benignus, from bene + gignere to beget — more at kin Date: 14th century 1 : of a gentle disposition : gracious <a benign teacher>2 a : showing kindness and gentleness <benign faces> b : favorable, wholesome <a benign climate>3 a : of a mild type or character that does not threaten health or life; especially : not becoming cancerous <a benign lung tumor> b : having no significant effect : harmless <environmentally benign> — be·nig·ni·ty \-ˈnig-nə-tē\ noun — be·nign·ly \-ˈnīn-lē\ adverb Main Entry: ma·lig·nant Pronunciation: \mə-ˈlig-nənt\ Function: adjective Etymology: Late Latin malignant-, malignans, present participle of malignari Date: circa 1545 1 a obsolete : malcontent, disaffected b : evil in nature, influence, or effect : injurious c : passionately and relentlessly malevolent : aggressively malicious2 : tending to produce death or deterioration <malignant malaria>; especially : tending to infiltrate, metastasize, and terminate fatally <a malignant tumor> — ma·lig·nant·ly adverb
• #86: Main Entry: mal·prac·tice Pronunciation: \ˌmal-ˈprak-təs\ Function: noun Date: 1671 1 : a dereliction of professional duty or a failure to exercise an ordinary degree of professional skill or learning by one (as a physician) rendering professional services which results in injury, loss, or damage2 : an injurious, negligent, or improper practice : malfeasance
• #87: Main Entry: 1ben·e·fit Pronunciation: \ˈbe-nə-ˌfit\ Function: noun Etymology: Middle English, from Anglo-French benfet, from Latin bene factum, from neuter of bene factus, past participle of bene facere Date: 14th century 1 archaic : an act of kindness : benefaction2 a : something that promotes well-being : advantage b : useful aid : help3 a : financial help in time of sickness, old age, or unemployment b : a payment or service provided for under an annuity, pension plan, or insurance policy c : a service (as health insurance) or right (as to take vacation time) provided by an employer in addition to wages or salary4 : an entertainment or social event to raise funds for a person or cause
• #88: Main Entry: ben·e·fac·tor Pronunciation: \ˈbe-nə-ˌfak-tər\ Function: noun Date: 15th century : one that confers a benefit; especially : one that makes a gift or bequest Main Entry: be·nef·i·cent Pronunciation: \-sənt\ Function: adjective Etymology: back-formation from beneficence Date: 1616 1 : doing or producing good; especially : performing acts of kindness and charity2 : beneficial — be·nef·i·cent·ly adverb
• #90: Main Entry: 1het·ero·sex·u·al Pronunciation: \ˌhe-tə-rō-ˈsek-sh(ə-)wəl, -ˈsek-shəl\ Function: adjective Etymology: International Scientific Vocabulary Date: 1892 1 a : of, relating to, or characterized by a tendency to direct sexual desire toward the opposite sex b : of, relating to, or involving sexual intercourse between individuals of opposite sex2 : of or relating to different sexes — het·ero·sex·u·al·i·ty \-ˌsek-shə-ˈwa-lə-tē\ noun — het·ero·sex·u·al·ly \-ˈsek-sh(ə-)wə-lē, -ˈsek-shə-lē\ adverb
• #91: Main Entry: het·ero·ge·neous Pronunciation: \ˌhe-tə-rə-ˈjē-nē-əs, ˌhe-trə-, -nyəs\ Function: adjective Etymology: Medieval Latin heterogeneus, from Greek heterogenēs, from heter- + genos kind — more at kin Date: 1630 : consisting of dissimilar or diverse ingredients or constituents : mixed — het·ero·ge·neous·ly adverb — het·ero·ge·neous·ness noun
• #92: abhorrence 1. A feeling of intense disapproval of something.2. Someone or something that is strongly disapproved of.3. Something which is disgusting, loathsome, or repellent.4. A feeling of repugnance or loathing about someone or something. absence 1. The state of being away.2. The time during which one is away.3. Lack; want: "He had an absence of leadership."4. The state of being absent-minded; inattentiveness: "She displayed an absence of mind." abstinence The practice of not doing or having something that is wanted or enjoyable: "The man stared to drink again after a long period of total abstinence from alcoholic consumption." adherence (ad HIR uhns) 1. A steady attachment, as of a person to a rule; fidelity, fealty, allegiance, devotion; obedience, loyalty: "The coach demanded adherence to the rules of the game."2. Adhesion, adhesiveness, stickiness: "Put more glue on the wallpaper to increase its adherence." adolescence Growth from childhood to adulthood: "The period of adolescence is an important introduction to adulthood." The stage between puberty and adultery. —Anonymous affluence 1. A plentiful supply of material goods; wealth.2. A great quantity; an abundance of money, property, and other material goods; riches; wealth.3. An abundant supply, as of thoughts or words; profusion.4. A flowing to or toward a point; afflux (a flowing towards; that which flows to; as, an afflux of blood to the head). ambience 1. The typical atmosphere or mood of a place.2. The surrounding area or environment: "The hand recorder picked up too many ambient noises."3. Completely surrounding; encompassing: such as, the ambient air or the ambience of the neighborhood. antecedence 1. The act of going before.2. The act of preceding in time or order.3. A reference to occurring before or in front of something else; in time, place, rank, or sequence. audience 1. A group of spectators at a public event; listeners or viewers collectively, as in attendance at a theater or concert.2. The readership for printed matter, as for a book.3. A body of adherents; a following. 4. A formal hearing, as with a religious or state dignitary.5. An opportunity to be heard or to express one's views.6. The act of hearing or attending to words or sounds.7. An opportunity to be heard; chance to speak to or before a person or a group; a hearing or listening to.8. A formal interview with a sovereign, high officer of government, or other high-ranking person: "She enjoyed having an audience with the pope." belligerence 1. The quality of being hostile, ready to start a fight, or ready to go to war.2. A hostile or warlike attitude, nature, or inclination; belligerency. benevolence 1. Disposition to do good, desire to promote the happiness of others, kindness, generosity, charitable feeling (as a general state or disposition towards mankind at large). 2. An expression of goodwill, an act of kindness; a gift or grant of money; a contribution for the support of the poor. breviloquence 1. Speaking briefly or concisely; laconic.2. Brevity, or shortness, of speech. circumference 1. The boundary line of a circle.2. The boundary line of a figure, area, or object; the length of such a boundary.3. The distance around the widest part of a round object or a line enclosing a circular space. circumfluence 1. A flowing around on all sides; encompassing.2. Enclosing with a fluid.3. An enclosure of waters. coalescence The union of diverse things into one body or form or group; the growing together of parts.2. The act or state of growing together, as with similar parts; the act of uniting by natural affinity or attraction; the state of being united; union; concretion. cognizance, cognoscence 1. Conscious knowledge or recognition; awareness.2. The range of what one can know or understand.3. Observance; notice: "We will take cognizance of your objections at an appropriate time."4. In law, an acknowledgment, recognition, or jurisdiction; the assumption of jurisdiction in a case.5. In heraldry, a crest or badge worn to distinguish the bearer. coherence 1. The action or fact of cleaving or sticking together; cohesion. 2. Having a logical connection or relation; congruity, consistency. coincidence, coincidences 1. The state or fact of occupying the same relative position or area in space.2. A sequence of events that although accidental seems to have been planned or arranged.3. An event that might have been arranged although it was really accidental; happenstance.4. The quality of occupying the same position or area in space.5. The temporal property of two things happening at the same time; concurrence, conjunction, co-occurrence. comburence 1. Something that burns; such as, the comburence of a gas is defined as the number of volumes of air required for a perfect combustion, as distinguished from combustible.2. Etymology: from Latin comburere, "to burn up, to consume". confidence 1. The mental attitude of trusting in or relying on a person or thing; firm trust, reliance, faith. 2. Feeling sure or certain of a fact or issue; assurance, certitude; assured expectation. 3. Assurance, boldness, fearlessness, arising from reliance (on oneself, on circumstances, on divine support, etc.). 4. The confiding of private or secret matters to another; the relation of intimacy or trust between persons so confiding; confidential intimacy. Confidence is the feeling that you have just before you fully understand the situation. Belief in yourself is a fine thing, but you should see to it that you are not too easily convinced; because confidence is that quiet, absolutely assured feeling you have just before you fall flat on your rear end. —John Rayoa fluency 1. The quality of flowing, applied to speech or language; smoothness; freedom from harshness; as fluency of numbers.2. Readiness of utterance; facility of words; volubility; as fluency of speech; a speaker of remarkable fluency: "Students must demonstrate fluency in a foreign language to earn a degree." influence 1. The effect of something on a person, thing, or event.2. A power affecting a person, thing, or course of events; especially, one that operates without any direct or apparent effort.3. The power that someone has to affect other people's thinking or actions by means of argument, example, or force of personality.4. The power or authority that comes from wealth, social status, or position.5. Someone, or something, able to affect the course of events or somebody's thinking or action: "The guy is a bad influence on the boy."6. In astrology, an emanation that is believed to come from the stars and planets and to affect human characteristics, personality, and actions.7. Etymology: from about 1374, an astrological term meaning, "streaming ethereal power from the stars acting upon character or destiny of men"; from Old French influence, "emanation from the stars that acts upon one's character and destiny"; also "a flow of water", from Middle Latin influentia, "a flowing in" (also used in the astrological sense); which came from Latin influentem, influens, present participle of influere, "to flow into"; from in-, "in" + fluere, "to flow". insolence 1. An offensive disrespectful impudent act or behavior.2. The trait of being rude and impertinent; inclined to take excessive liberties.3. An instance of insolent behavior, treatment, or speech.4. Contemptuously rude or impertinent behavior or speech. intelligence 1. The ability to learn facts and skills and apply them; especially, when this ability is highly developed. 2. The capacity to acquire and apply knowledge or the faculty of thought and reason.3. Information about secret plans or activities; especially, those of foreign governments, the armed forces, business enemies, or criminals. 4. Etymology: from Latin intelligent-, formed from intellegere,, “to perceive, to discern”; from inter-, “between” plus legere, “to choose, to read”. iridescence 1. The condition of gleaming with bright and changing colors; iridescent.2. A lustrous rainbow-like play of color caused by differential refraction of light waves (as from an oil slick, soap bubble, or fish scales) that tends to change as the angle of view changes.3. A condition of color marked by changing the hue and metallic sheen. It is produced by the reflection and refraction of different lengths of light waves on the apparently colored surfaces. The effect is seen in certain birds, fish, and reptiles. transience 1. An impermanence that suggests the inevitability of ending or dying.2. The attribute of being brief or fleeting.