PART VIII. MISCELLANY.
PROPER SPELLING AND MEANING
OF
LATIN, FRENCH AND ITALIAN WORDS
Often used in letter writing.
alter ego, second self.
au revoir, goodby for the present.
amour-propre, conceit, egotism.
au fait, expert, informed.
bouleverser, to upset.
bizarre, odd, fanciful.
bête noire, a bugbear.
contretemps, a "hitch."
coup de grâce, finishing stroke.
couleur de rose, in a favorable light.
congé, dismissal.
carte blanche, free scope.
con amore, with delight.
connoisseur, an expert.
comme il faut, most proper.
coup d'oeil, glance.
conversazione, a literary gathering.
con gusto, with delight.
dramatis personæ, the characters in the play.
dénouement, outcome.
douceur, gratuity, "tip."
dilettante, an expert in art of music.
distingué, distinguished in looks and manners.
de trop, in the way (one too many).
esprit de corps, mutual understanding between people of the same cloth,
etc.
entente cordiale, a pleasant understanding.
enfant gâté, a spoiled child.
entre nous, between us and the lamp-post.
embarras de richesses, too much of a good thing.
empressement, eager attentions.
éperdu, bewildered.
esclandre, a sensation.
ennui, weariness, boredom.
en famille, within the family circle.
empressé, most attentive.
fidus Achates, bosom friend.
fait accompli, settled matter.
fiasco, a total failure.
furore, enthusiasm at its highest pitch.
fête-champêtre, a garden party.
fiancé, promised husband.
fiancée, promised wife.
flâneur, an idle lounger.
gratis, free of charge.
hors de combat, disabled.
insouciance, heedless unconcern.
matinée, afternoon party or performance.
mauvaise honte, false modesty.
ménage, married couple.
minus, less.
major-domo, house-steward.
nonchalance, cool indifference.
nolens volens, willy-nilly.
outré, exaggerate.
parti, a "catch" (a desirable husband or wife).
prestige, glamour.
piquant, lively.
protégé (m), protégée (f), one under the protection of another.
parvenu, newly enriched.
partie carrée, two couples having a pleasant time.
quid pro quo, tit for tat.
qui-vive, on the alert.
rencontre, a meeting.
régime, system.
sine quâ non, an absolute condition.
sang-froid, self-possession.
savoir-faire, clever ways.
savoir-vivre, tactful manners.
sans cérémonie, informally.
soirée, evening party.
tête montée, much excited disposition.
triste, sad, painful.
verve, dash, liveliness.
ABBREVIATIONS
USED IN BUSINESS CORRESPONDENCE
| @ | at. |
| ℀, or acct. | account. |
| Agt. | agent. |
| Amt. | amount. |
| bl. | barrel. |
| B/L | bill of lading. |
| bu. | bushel. |
| C. F. I. | cost, freight and insurance. |
| ℅ | care of. |
| Co. | Company. |
| C. O. D. | cash on delivery. |
| Cr. | creditor. |
|
cts. | cents. |
| cwt. | hundred weight. |
| Dft. | draft. |
| Dr. | debtor. |
| E. E. | errors excepted. |
| E. & O. E. | errors and omissions excepted. |
| F. O. B. | free on board. |
| hhd. | hogshead. |
| hund. | hundreds. |
| Inv. | invoice. |
| inst. | present month. |
| £ | pound sterling. |
| lb. | pound weight. |
| mdse. | merchandise. |
| Messrs. | plural of Mr. |
| mos. | months. |
| No. | number. |
| Nos. | numbers. |
| % | per centum. |
| Obt. or obdt. | obedient. |
| Pay't. | payment. |
| Pd. | paid. |
| Pkge. | package. |
| Pks. | pecks. |
| prox. | next month. |
| pt. | pint. |
| qt. | quart. |
| quar. | quarterly. |
| Recd. | received. |
| ult. | last month. |
| wt. | weight. |
| yds. | yards. |
| yrs. | years. |
USE OF PUNCTUATION MARKS.
[,] The Comma marks the shortest pauses in reading aloud and the
smallest divisions in writing.
[;] The Semicolon divides simple sentences when the comma does not
render the meaning of simple sentences clear enough.
[:] The Colon announces something further coming, like a speech, a
description.
[.] The Full Stop or Period is used at the end of every complete
sentence.
[?] The Interrogation mark is used when a question is asked.
[!] The Exclamation point follows words or sentences that express
sudden emotions.
[" "] The Quotation marks indicate that some one is speaking, and are
used also to enclose words taken from other writings.
[( )] The Parentheses include some explanatory clause not essential to
the sentence.
[ ] The Brackets include a word or sentence to supply some deficiency.
[—] The Dash marks a break in the sentence.
ETIQUETTE.
In Public—in the Parlor—in the Dining-room—in Dress and Habits—in
One's Speech—in Making Calls.
I.—In Public.
DON'T forget to keep to the right, whether riding or walking.
Don't elbow people, or if you do it unwillingly, excuse yourself.
Don't stare at people or laugh at their peculiarities.
Don't allow a lady you escort to carry a package.
Don't carry your cane or umbrella so as to annoy others.
Don't smoke whenever and wherever it may inconvenience ladies.
Don't give your arm, in the daytime, to a lady who is not your mother,
wife or sister, or an elderly or invalid lady.
Don't bow to a lady before she recognizes you herself by a smile or bow.
Don't salute a lady with a gesture of the hand, but by taking off your
hat.
Don't apologize when you shake hands with your glove on.
Don't forget to render all necessary services to ladies in need of them.
Don't presume upon a service thus rendered to force your acquaintance.
Don't be in haste to introduce; find out first if it's mutually
agreeable.
Don't rush for a seat in a car or theater, against every law of
politeness.
Don't occupy more space in a car than you are entitled to.
Don't talk at a theater or concert while the performance is going on.
Don't leave a public performance, except between the acts or when it is
over.
Don't take two ladies upon your arms, except for their protection.
II.—In the Parlor.
DON'T wear your overcoat, or overshoes, or take your umbrella, into
the parlor.
Don't stare around the room.
Don't ask questions about the price of the furniture.
Don't offer to shake hands with a lady; the offer must come from her.
Don't handle, without permission, the bric-a-brac about the room.
Don't be in a hurry to get to a seat.
Don't fail to rise whenever a lady enters the room.
Don't be distant; don't be effusive; be cordial.
Don't stretch yourself anywhere except in your own apartment.
Don't be fidgeting or balancing upon your chair.
Don't introduce ladies to gentlemen, but gentlemen to ladies.
Don't play or sing unless invited by your hostess.
Don't be always touching people when addressing them.
Don't talk in a loud, boisterous voice.
Don't speak to any one across the room.
Don't whisper in company.
Don't boast of the big people you know to people who don't know them.
Don't make fun of any one except in the mildest form; better avoid it
altogether.
Don't tell stories of a doubtful character.
Don't interrupt; don't contradict; don't be quarrelsome.
Don't spin long yarns, even when asked to; avoid "chestnuts."
Don't be inattentive when other people are talking.
Don't be noisy, either as a winner or as a loser.
Don't read a book or even a newspaper in company.
Don't keep looking at your watch, as if bored.
Don't pretend to go and then stay; avoid prolonged good-byes.
Don't stay too long anywhere.
III.—In the Dining-Room.
DON'T keep other people waiting; be there in time.
Don't lie back in your chair or place your elbows on the table.
Don't seat yourself until all the ladies are seated.
Don't sit sideways, but straight to the table.
Don't use your napkin as a bib. Let it fall across your lap.
Don't bend your head for each mouthful. Sit erect.
Don't cut your bread. Break it off.
Don't use your knife to carry food to your mouth.
Don't introduce your spoon point first—but sideways—into your mouth.
Don't speak with your mouth full or even half full.
Don't drink a glassful at one gulp.
Don't bring your glass higher than your lips; then incline it
gradually.
Don't keep your elbows away from your body when eating or drinking.
Don't use anything but your fork to bring or take away any solid food.
Don't wipe your face with your napkin; it is for the lips and beard
only.
Don't forget to see that all the ladies are served before you.
Don't neglect the ladies to your right and left.
Don't look worried if any small accident should happen.
Don't use toothpick, even behind your hand.
Don't leave your fork and knife on your plate when sending for a second
supply.
Don't pile up all the side-dishes upon your plate when it is to be
removed.
Don't come to the table half dressed, half washed, half combed.
Don't overeat. Don't leave the table before the others.
IV.—In Your Dress and Habits.
DON'T let one day pass without a thorough cleansing of your person.
Don't sit to your evening meal before a complete toilet.
Don't use hair dye, hair oil or pomades.
Don't wear evening dress in the daytime.
Don't wear jewelry of a gaudy character, or not genuine.
Don't overdress yourself or walk affectedly.
Don't wear slippers or dressing-gown or smoking-jacket out of your own
room.
Don't sink your hands in your trousers' pockets.
Don't whistle in public places, nor inside houses either.
Don't use your fingers or fists to beat a tattoo upon floor, desk or
window panes.
Don't bring a smell of spirits or tobacco into the presence of ladies.
Don't chew tobacco; of all habits, it is possibly the nastiest.
Don't drink spirits; or, if you must drink, don't do it during business
hours.
Don't examine other people's papers or letters scattered on their desks
or tables, even in their presence.
V.—In Your Speech.
DON'T use elegant to mean everything that pleases you.
Don't say genteel for well-bred.
Don't say ain't for isn't.
Don't say I done it for I did it.
Don't say he is older than me; say older than I.
Don't say she does not see any; say she does not see at all.
Don't say not as I know; say not that I know.
Don't say he calculates to get off; say he expects to get off.
Don't say he don't; say he doesn't.
Don't say she is some better; say she is somewhat better.
Don't say where are you stopping? Say where are you staying?
Don't say you was; say you were.
Don't say I say, says I, but simply I said.
Don't sign your letters, yours, etc., but yours truly.
Don't say lay for lie; lay expresses action; lie expresses rest.
Don't say them bonnets; say those bonnets.
Don't say party for person.
Don't use slangy words; they are vulgar.
Don't use profane words; they are sinful.
VI.—Etiquette of Calls.
In the matter of making calls it is the correct thing:
For the caller who arrived first to leave first.
To return a first call within a week and in person.
To call promptly and in person after a first invitation.
For the mother or chaperon to invite a gentleman to call.
To call within a week after any entertainment to which one has been
invited.
To call upon an acquaintance who has recently returned from a prolonged
absence.
To make the first call upon people in a higher social position, if one
is asked to do so.
To call, after an engagement has been announced, or a marriage has
taken place, in the family.
For the older residents in the city or street to call upon the
new-comers to their neighborhood.
After a removal from one part of the city to another, to send out cards
with one's new address upon them.
To ascertain what are the prescribed hours for calling in the place
where one is living, or making a visit, and to adhere to those hours.
For a gentleman to ask for the lady of the house as well as the young
ladies, and to leave cards for her as well as for the head of the
family.
THE LEADING SYNONYMS OF THE ENGLISH LANGUAGE
- A
- Aback—Taken aback, backward, unexpectedly checked.
- Abandon—Forsake, leave, give up, renounce.
- Abasement—Humiliation, degradation, disgrace.
- Abate—Lessen, reduce, diminish, mitigate.
- Abbreviate—Shorten, reduce, abridge.
- Abdicate—Resign, give up, relinquish.
- Aberration—Illusion, hallucination.
- Abet—Encourage, countenance, assist, help, promote.
- Abide—Dwell, sojourn, stay.
- Ability—Skill, capacity, genius.
- Able—Vigorous, strong, capable, powerful, clever.
- Abrupt—Sudden, curt, rough.
- Absolute—Positive, arbitrary, real.
- Abstruse—Profound, subtle, hidden.
- Absurd—Ridiculous, irrational, silly.
- Abundance—Plenitude, richness, profusion.
- Abuse—Vilify, revile, traduce.
- Accept—Receive, take, accede to, assent.
- Acceptable—Agreeable, pleasing, gratifying.
- Accessible—Approachable, easy of access.
- Accident—Chance, misfortune.
- Acclamation—Applause, cheering, enthusiastic approval.
- Accommodate—Oblige, aid, serve.
- Accompany—Escort, attend, go with.
- Accord—Agree, consent, concur.
- Account—Description, statement.
- Accrue—Result, issue, ensue.
- Accurate—Exact, true, correct.
- Acknowledge—Admit, concede, confess.
- Acquiesce—Consent, agree, comply.
- Acquire—Obtain, win, procure.
- Active—Diligent, alert, busy.
- Actuate—Incite, move, induce.
- Adage—Saying, proverb, maxim.
- Add—Sum, cash up, increase.
- Addicted—Accustomed, habituated.
- Address—Skill, dexterity; speech, oration, harangue, sermon.
- Adept—Proficient, skilful, practised.
- Adhere—Cling, hold, cohere.
- Adjacent—Bordering, near, adjoining, contiguous.
- Adjourn—Defer, postpone, put off, prorogue.
- Admire—Regard, esteem, love.
- Admit—Concede, accept, permit.
- Adore—Love, worship, cherish, idolize.
- Adroit—Clever, skilful, accomplished, dexterous.
- Advantage—Promotion, benefit, good, avail, gain.
- Adverse—Contrary, hostile, opposed, conflicting.
- Advice—Suggestion, admonition, counsel, warning.
- Affection—Gentleness, kindness, love, attachment.
- Affliction—Trouble, distress, sorrow, grief.
- Afford—Supply, give, bestow.
- Aforesaid—Above-mentioned, preceding.
- Alarm—Fear, dismay, surprise, apprehension.
- Allege—State, declare, affirm.
- Allot—Assign, appoint, apportion, divide.
- Allude—Refer, suggest, hint.
- Allure—Entice, attract, beguile.
- Ambiguous—Vague, doubtful, uncertain, obscure.
- Amiable—Genial, agreeable, friendly, engaging.
- Ample—Sufficient, abundant, plentiful, copious.
- Amuse—Divert, entertain, beguile, recreate.
- Animate—Enliven, cheer, arouse, quicken.
- Animosity—Anger, opposition, hatred, rancor.
- Annals—Records, chronicles, histories.
- Annihilate—Destroy, uproot, extirpate.
- Annoy—Vex, irritate, tease.
- Apathy—Indifference, carelessness, impassibility.
- Aphorism—Proverb, maxim, epigram, adage.
- Apology—Justification, plea, defense, exculpation.
- Apparent—Manifest, clear, distinct, ostensible.
- Applause—Praise, acclamation, plaudit.
- Appreciate—Prize, value, esteem, regard.
-
Apprehension—Fear, alarm, dread, emotion.
- Appropriate—Apt, suitable, harmonious.
- Approve—Accept, sanction, commend, like.
- Apt—Suitable, fit, appropriate.
- Arbitrary—Tyrannical, self-willed, absolute.
- Ardent—Enthusiastic, fervent, intense, glowing.
- Arduous—Trying, difficult, hard, laborious.
- Arrange—Classify, place, dispose, assort, array.
- Arrest—Seize, detain, apprehend, capture.
- Arrogance—Insolence, vanity, presumption.
- Artful—Shrewd, subtle, crafty.
- Artifice—Fraud, trick, device.
- Artless—Fair, frank, honest.
- Assay—Test, proof, examination.
- Associate—Comrade, friend, partner, chum.
- Asperity—Acrimony, severity.
- Atrocious—Wicked, vicious, abominable.
- Attach—Adhere, annex, unite.
- Attachment—Tenderness, affection, love.
- Attic—Classical, elegant, pure.
- Attire—Apparel, dress, clothes.
- Attract—Allure, draw, entice.
- Attribute—Property, characteristic, quality.
- Audacity—Daring, impertinence, boldness.
- Audience—Assembly, congregation, gathering.
- Augment—Increase, enlarge, magnify, expand.
- Auspices—Omens, influence, patronage.
- Auspicious—Fortunate, promising, lucky, propitious.
- Austere—Harsh, cold, severe.
- Authentic—Authorized, true, genuine, original.
- Author—Writer, composer, maker, creator.
- Authority—Warrant, power, right.
- Avarice—Cupidity, selfishness, greed, covetousness.
- Averse—Unwilling, reluctant, loath, disinclined.
- Aversion—Antipathy, repugnance, hatred.
- Avidity—Greediness, intensity, eagerness.
- Avocation—Profession, calling, trade.
- Axiom—Maxim, aphorism, truism.
- Avoid—Shun, elude, pass by.
- Avouch—Affirm, declare, maintain, insist on.
- Avow—Declare, announce, confess, acknowledge, own.
- Awake—Watchful, alive, vigilant.
- Award—Prize, judgment, sentence, decision.
- Aware—Foreseeing, watchful, vigilant, conscious.
- Awe—Reverence, fear, dismay.
- Awesome—Grewsome, mystic, uncanny.
- Aweary—Tired, fatigued, overcome.
- Awful—Solemn, tragic, dreadful, appalling.
- Awkward—Clumsy, unhandy, bungling, uncouth.
- Awkwardness—Roughness, stiffness, boorishness.
- Awry—Aside, uneven, oblique.
- Aye—Always, ever, forever.
- Azure—sky-blue, cerulean.
- B
- Babble—Idle talk, chatter, noise.
- Babbler—Prattler, demagogue, prater, twaddler.
- Babyish—Childish, silly, infantile.
- Backbite—Scandalize, defame, slander, calumniate.
- Backbone—Courage, energy, determination.
- Backset—Check, hindrance, relapse.
- Backward—Shy, hesitant, retiring, averse.
- Bad—Wicked, vicious, evil.
- Baffle—Circumvent, foil, defeat.
- Baneful—Noxious, hurtful, pernicious.
- Banter—Twit, taunt, ridicule.
- Base—Contemptible, vile, mean.
- Bear—Endure, produce, suffer.
- Beautify—Adorn, embellish, ornament.
- Becoming—Decent, fit, graceful, seemly, comely.
- Belief—Opinion, faith, conviction, credence, creed.
- Blame—Censure, reproof, reproach, disapprove.
- Bliss—Ecstasy, gladness, joy.
- Blemish—Flaw, fault, defect.
- Bloodshed—Slaughter, carnage.
- Bloom—Flower, bud, blossom.
- Blunt—Pointless, dull, obtuse.
- Bold—Valiant, intrepid, daring.
- Booty—Plunder, pillage, spoils.
- Boundless—Limitless, infinite, measureless.
- Brief—Short, concise, succinct.
- Bright—Shining, radiant, luminous, gleaming, lustrous.
- Bud—Germinate, sprout, grow.
- Burden—Care, sorrow, trouble.
-
Butt—Target, mark, object.
- Buxom—Lively, jocund, cheerful, good-humored.
- But—Still, yet, however.
- Buy—Purchase, obtain, bribe.
- Bygone—Past, ancient, antique.
- C
- Cabal—Clique, set, league.
- Cajole—Coax, flatter, wheedle.
- Calamitous—Fatal, unlucky, disastrous.
- Call—Invite, bid, summon, visit.
- Calm—Quiet, tranquil, serene.
- Calumniate—Slander, defame, libel, traduce.
- Caprice—Whim, fancy, humor.
- Care—Distress, anxiety, worry.
- Carousal—Feast, banquet, orgie, revel.
- Cause—Produce, create, occasion, effect, originate.
- Cavil at—Censure, find fault, critisize.
- Celebrate—Observe, solemnize, honor, commemorate.
- Censure—Blame, reprove, chide.
- Certain—Unquestionable, real, sure, positive.
- Chance—Hazard, risk, peril.
- Change—Alter, vary, turn.
- Charm—Fascinate, delight, entrance, enrapture.
- Cheat—Deceit, trick, fraud.
- Cheer—Enliven, gladden, comfort, solace, inspirit.
- Chide—Censure, scold, reprove.
- Choice—Preference, selection, option.
- Circumstance—Incident, occurrence, occasion.
- Circumvent—Baffle, defeat, confuse, steal a march.
- Civil—Polite, genial, cultured.
- Civilization—Culture, refinement, education.
- Claim—Demand, pretension, right, privilege.
- Class—Rank, order, degree.
- Clear—Manifest, evident, apparent, plain, distinct.
- Clergyman—Minister, preacher, divine, pastor, parson.
- Clever—Talented, skillful, wise.
- Climb—Soar, mount, ascend.
- Close—Compact, dense, airless.
- Coarse—Gruff, rude, uncivil.
- Cogent—Forcible, powerful, convincing, potent.
- Comfort—Cheer, encouragement, soothing.
- Common—Customary, general, ordinary, habitual.
- Compact—Contract, bargain, agreement.
- Company—Party, group, gathering, association.
- Competent—Efficient, fitted, qualified, able, suitable.
- Complex—Involved, intricate, complicated.
- Conceal—Screen, cover, disguise, hide.
- Concur—Agree, unite, coincide.
- Confirm—Comply, yield, submit, ratify.
- Constant—Faithful, true, firm, steady, trustworthy.
- Constrain—Compel, coerce, force, oblige.
- Consume—Absorb, waste, destroy, burn, devour.
- Contact—Juncture, touch, association.
- Contend—Strive, contest, discuss, vie, struggle.
- Contrary—Averse, opposite, counter, antagonistic.
- Control—Manage, direct, govern, restrain, check.
- Convict—Judge, condemn.
- Covert—Secret, hidden, concealed, underhand.
- Coy—Shy, bashful, demure.
- Criticize—Analyze, examine, discuss, scan.
- Cross—Angry, fretful, wrathful, irritable, peevish.
- Cunning—Artful, wily, deceitful, crafty, tricky.
- Curious—Rare, unique, queer.
- Cursory—Superficial, careless, hasty, summary.
- Curtail—Reduce, shorten, retrench, abridge, dock.
- Cutting—Sharp, trenchant, biting.
- D
- Dainty—Picturesque, delicate, choice, palatable.
- Dalliance—Pleasure, gaiety, caressing.
- Dandy—Beau, fop, dude.
- Dark—Gloomy, rayless, obscure.
- Deadly—Noxious, fatal, mortal.
- Decorum—Propriety, decency, order, seemliness.
- Decrease—Diminish, lessen, reduce.
- Defeat—Baffle, conquer, foil.
- Denote—Betoken, mark, imply.
- Deny—Gainsay, contradict, reject, refuse.
- Deride—Scoff, banter, mock.
- Designate—Name, call, specify.
- Despicable—Mean, vile, worthless, contemptible.
- Despotic—Imperious, absolute, arbitrary, tyrannical.
-
Destiny—Fate, lot, doom.
- Devote—Consecrate, apply, give.
- Devout—Serious, prayerful, pious, religious, godly.
- Difficult—Arduous, hard, trying, laborious.
- Diffident—Shy, modest, retiring, timid.
- Diligent—Earnest, zealous, active, assiduous.
- Discord—Turmoil, riot, unrest.
- Discomfort—Trouble, annoyance, disturbance.
- Discredit—Distrust, disrepute, obloquy, disgrace.
- Discuss—Debate, argue, agitate.
- Disgrace—Stain, sully, dishonor.
- Distaste—Aversion, disgust, contempt, repugnance.
- Divulge—Reveal, disclose, communicate, tell.
- Doctrine—Dogma, creed, faith.
- Doleful—Melancholy, mournful, sad, rueful.
- Dull—Stupid, sluggish, obtuse.
- Dunce—Simpleton, dolt, fool.
- E
- Eager—Zealous, ardent, impetuous, impatient.
- Earn—Acquire, gain, win.
- Earthly—Worldly, sordid, selfish.
- Ease—Comfort, rest, repose.
- Eccentric—Odd, singular, strange, abnormal.
- Educate—Train, discipline, instruct, teach.
- Efface—Erase, obliterate, expunge, blot out.
- Effort—Energy, action, force.
- Effrontery—Boldness, impertinence, audacity.
- Elevate—Exalt, promote, raise.
- Embarrass—Vex, annoy, confuse, perplex.
- Embellish—Decorate, ornament, illustrate, beautify.
- Emblem—Parable, symbol, type, representation.
- Emotion—Sentiment, feeling, agitation, tremor.
- Employment—Occupation, position, calling, business, vocation.
- Enchant—Beguile, fascinate, charm, delight.
- Encourage—Embolden, cheer, animate, incite.
- End—Termination, finish, close, conclusion, aim, object.
- Endanger—Jeopardize, imperil, risk.
- Endurance—Patience, resignation, fortitude.
- Enemy—Adversary, foe, opponent.
- Engross—Occupy, absorb, engage, monopolize.
- Enhance—Raise, heighten, advance, improve.
- Enlarge—Augment, increase, extend, widen.
- Enoble—Elevate, exalt, uplift.
- Ennui—Languor, weariness, lassitude.
- Entice—Allure, charm, decoy.
- Envy—Jealousy, suspicion, selfishness.
- Ephemeral—Flitting, passing, transient.
- Espouse—Marry, wed, betroth.
- Event—Occurrence, incident, occasion, episode.
- Evidence—Proof, testimony, attestation.
- Excite—Arouse, irritate, provoke, incite, kindle.
- Explain—Interpret, elucidate, unfold, expound.
- Expression—Utterance, declaration, phrase.
- Extricate—Deliver, liberate, disentangle.
- Extravagant—Lavish, bountiful, prodigal.
- Exhuberant—Full, copious, liberal, luxuriant.
- F
- Fable—Romance, myth, fiction.
- Fact—Reality, incident, circumstance, occurrence.
- Facetious—Merry, jocular, waggish.
- Faithful—Constant, loyal, true.
- False—Treacherous, deceptive, untrue, mendacious.
- Fascinate—Charm, bewitch, enamour.
- Fat—Stout, corpulent, obese, fleshy.
- Fickle—Changeable, capricious, inconstant.
- Feasible—Possible, practical, reasonable.
- Firm—Strong, stable, solid.
- Foresight—Prudence, forecast, precaution.
- Fragile—Weak, feeble, frail.
- Frank—Open, sincere, artless.
- Free—Liberal, unfettered, open.
- Fretful—Peevish, cross, petulant, irritable.
- Fresh—New, modern, recent.
- Frighten—Scare, alarm, terrify.
- Frivolous—Silly, trivial, childish, worthless.
- Frugality—Care, thrift, economy, parsimony.
- Frustrate—Defeat, foil, hinder.
- Furious—Passionate, angry, violent, boisterous, mad.
- Futile—Useless, vain, idle.
-
G
- Gage—Security, pledge, challenge, guarantee.
- Gain—Advantage, benefit, profit.
- Gale—Violent wind, storm, tempest.
- Gang—Band, party, coterie.
- Garb—Dress, apparel, attire.
- Garble—Falsify, mutilate, misquote, distort.
- Gaudy—Flashy, loud, demonstrative.
- Gentle—Kindly, tender, gracious, mild, meek.
- Get—Obtain, secure, gain.
- Gift—Present, donation; faculty, talent.
- Glad—Pleased, rejoiced, happy.
- Gloomy—Dismal, cloudy, sad.
- Graceful—Easy, elegant, becoming, comely.
- Grateful—Obliged, thankful, pleasant.
- Great—Noble, magnanimous, manly, big, large.
- Grief—Distress, sorrow, regret.
- Guarantee—Pledge, warrant, bond, security.
- Guard—Guide, govern, protect.
- Guile—Artifice, duplicity, deceit.
- Guileless—Innocent, blameless, pure, ingenuous.
- Guilty—Culpable, sinful, criminal.
- Guise—Fashion, way, manner, appearance, garb, mien.
- Gyrate—Whirl, rotate, revolve.
- H
- Habit—Fashion, custom, guise.
- Hail—Greeting, salute, welcome.
- Hale—Healthy, hearty, robust.
- Handsome—Comely, beautiful, fair, generous.
- Happiness—Bliss, beatitude, delight, felicity.
- Harass—Tire, molest, weary, disturb, torment.
- Harbinger—Messenger, forerunner, precursor.
- Hard—Near, close, unfeeling.
- Harm—Evil, damage, misfortune, mishap.
- Harmonize—Agree, accord, tally.
- Hatred—Dislike, aversion, antipathy, enmity, repugnance.
- Haughty—Proud, arrogant, disdainful.
- Hazard—Risk, peril, chance.
- Headstrong—Stubborn, obstinate, dogged.
- Heal—Remedy, cure, restore.
- Hearty—Hale, genial, cordial, whole-souled.
- Helpless—Weak, feeble, infirm.
- Help—Assistance, aid, support.
- Heroic—Courageous, dauntless, brave, fearless, intrepid.
- Hinder—Thwart, impede, retard, prevent.
- Hold—Grasp, keep, possess.
- Hollow—Empty, vacant, void.
- Honor—Exhalt, dignify, revere.
- Hope—Trust, desire, expect.
- Hue—Tinge, shade, color.
- Humane—Brotherly, kind, sympathetic.
- Humble—Modest, meek, lowly.
- Hypocrite—Cheat, pretender, impostor.
- I
- Idea—Thought, opinion, conception, fancy.
- Ideal—Imaginary, fancied, unreal.
- Ignorant—Blind, illiterate, untaught, uneducated.
- Ill-bred—Uncouth, rude, impolite, uncivil.
- Illness—Malady, sickness, disease.
- Illustrious—Celebrated, famous, renowned.
- Imbecile—Impotent, weak, feeble-minded.
- Imminent—Dangerous, threatening, perilous.
- Impede—Delay, hinder, retard.
- Imperious—Dogmatic, lordly, overbearing.
- Impetuous—Violent, furious, precipitate.
- Imprudent—Incautious, rash, indiscreet.
- Inapt—Unfit, inappropriate, unsuitable, insufficient.
- Incompetent—Incapable, unable, insufficient.
- Inconsistent—Contrary, incompatible, inharmonious.
- Indefinite—Vague, doubtful, uncertain.
- Ineffectual—Weak, powerless, inoperative.
- Infamous—Outrageous, disreputable, scandalous.
- Infinite—Boundless, immeasurable.
- Influence—Power, authority, ascendency, sway, credit.
- Inherent—Natural, ingrained, inborn, inbred.
- Innocent—Harmless, pure, spotless, guileless.
- Inordinate—Immoderate, excessive, intemperate.
- Inquisitive—Curious, prying, meddling.
- Intercede—Plead, arbitrate.
-
Intrepid—Dauntless, courageous, bold.
- Invade—Attack, assault, assail.
- Invent—Originate, concoct, discover, devise.
- Invoke—Appeal, entreat, implore, beseech.
- Invite—Ask, request, call.
- Irksome—Annoying, trying, vexatious.
- Irritate—Fret, nettle, provoke.
- Irreligious—Godless, profane, wicked, ungodly.
- J
- Jade—Fatigue, weary, harass.
- Jangle—Bicker, fight, disagree.
- Jarring—Conflicting, contrary, incongruous.
- Jest—Quip, sport, joke.
- Jocund—Jolly, mirthful, gay.
- Join—Unite, combine, agree.
- Joke—Jest, sally, sport.
- Jollity—Merriment, hilarity, fun, conviviality.
- Journey—Excursion, travel, tour, voyage.
- Joy—Delight, glee, transport.
- Judgment—Opinion, estimate.
- Judicious—Sensible, wise, prudent.
- Just—Honest, fair, true.
- Justice—Equity, right, fairness.
- Juvenile—Childish, young, youthful, puerile.
- K
- Ken—Reach, view, knowledge.
- Keen—Astute, shrewd, sagacious, eager, ardent.
- Keep—Save, hold, retain.
- Key—Clew, guide, solution.
- Kin—Friends, relations, clan.
- Kind—Good, clement, humane.
- Kindness—Sympathy, compassion, gentleness.
- King—Ruler, monarch, sovereign, potentate.
- Kingly—Royal, august, imperial, magnificent.
- Knack—Trick, habit, method.
- Knave—Rogue, vagabond, thief.
- Knightly—Chivalrous, courteous, courtly.
- Know—Understand, perceive, comprehend.
- Knowledge—Scholarship, erudition, learning, instruction.
- L
- Labor—Toil, effort, industry.
- Labyrinth—Maze, perplexity.
- Lack—Need, scarcity, want.
- Lament—Mourn, grieve, bemoan, wail.
- Landscape—Prospect, view, scene, outlook.
- Language—Speech, dialect, tongue, vernacular.
- Languish—Faint, wither, fade.
- Lank—Gaunt, meagre, thin, skinny.
- Large—Great, big, huge, bulky.
- Lassitude—Ennui, fatigue, languor.
- Latent—Unseen, secret, veiled.
- Lavish—Extravagant, waste, profuse, prodigal.
- Lazy—Idle, slothful, inactive.
- Learning—Scholarship, erudition, education.
- Legacy—Gift, bequest, devise.
- Letter—Missive, epistle, note, message.
- Liberty—Freedom, leave, privilege.
- Life—Vigor, energy, vitality.
- Like—Resembling, similar, uniform.
- Linger—Loiter, tarry, wait.
- Lot—Doom, fate, destiny.
- Lofty—Proud, dignified, sublime, stately.
- Lonely—Solitary, isolated, companionless.
- Low—Despicable, mean, base.
- Loyal—Faithful, chivalrous, true, constant.
- Lucid—Clear, bright, transparent, translucent.
- Luck—Fortune, chance, hap.
- Luxury—Abundance, elegance, profusion.
- Luxuriate—Revel, wanton, flourish.
- M
- Machination—Plot, intrigue, stratagem.
- Mad—Crazy, delirious, insane.
- Magnificent—Grand, sublime, splendid.
- Main—Principal, leading, chief.
- Maintain—Hold, keep up, sustain, assert, defend.
- Manifest—Apparent, obvious, evident, clear, patent.
- Manners—Breeding, behavior, manners, ways.
- Meek—Modest, lowly, gentle.
- Melody—Music, unison, concord, air, tune.
- Mercy—Mildness, clemency, compassion.
- Merry—Gay, gleeful, mirthful.
- Mind—Reason, intellect, understanding.
- Mindful—Thoughtful, considerate, attentive.
-
Miracle—Wonder, sign, marvel.
- Mistake—Error, blunder, delusion, misconception.
- Model—Pattern, mold, sample.
- Modest—Humble, chaste, pure.
- Morose—Sour, sullen, peevish.
- Mundane—Worldly, terrestrial, earthly.
- Murmur—Repine, whimper, complain.
- Mutable—Wavering, changing, inconstant.
- Mutual—Reciprocal, correlative, interchangeable.
- Mute—Silent, dumb, speechless, voiceless.
- Mystify—Perplex, baffle, bewilder, deceive.
- N
- Naive—Artless, simple, ingenuous, guileless.
- Naked—Nude, bare, undressed.
- Name—Reputation, character, fame, standing.
- Natural—Regular, normal, original.
- Near—Adjacent, close, adjoining, nigh.
- Need—Poverty, penury, want.
- Nefarious—Vicious, wicked, villainous.
- Neglect—Overlook, omit, disregard.
- Negligent—Careless, heedless, inattentive.
- Noble—Great, illustrious, dignified, worthy.
- Note—Notice, record, statement.
- Noted—Celebrated, popular, famous, eminent.
- Novel—Tale, story, romance.
- Noxious—Harmful, hurtful, deadly, deleterious.
- Number—Numeral, multitude, many, collection.
- Nurture—Discipline, training, breeding.
- O
- Obedient—Compliant, dutiful, respectful, tractable.
- Object—Design, aim, purpose.
- Oblige—Please, accommodate, serve, compel, force.
- Obscure—Dark, vague, unknown, indistinct.
- Observant—Watchful, attentive, mindful.
- Obtain—Win, procure, acquire.
- Obviate—Hinder, avoid, prevent, provide against.
- Obvious—Plain, clear, manifest, apparent, potent.
- Occupation—Calling, pursuit, profession.
- Odd—Peculiar, strange, singular.
- Offense—Injury, wrong, insult.
- Officious—Active, fussy, forward, offensive.
- Opinion—View, belief, sentiment, idea, notion.
- Oration—Discourse, address, lecture, harangue.
- Origin—Cause, occasion, spring.
- Ostentation—Flourish, show, display, pomp.
- Overbearing—Arrogant, impertinent, imperious.
- Overcome—Conquer, subdue, surmount.
- Overwhelm—Vanquish, crush, defeat, conquer.
- Owner—Holder, possessor, proprietor.
- P
- Pabulum—Nourishment, food, bread.
- Pacify—Appease, calm, solace.
- Pain—Suffering, anguish, agony, grief, sorrow.
- Pair—Two, couple, brace.
- Paint—Color, describe, delineate.
- Pale—Pallid, wan, white.
- Palliate—Excuse, extenuate, cover, soften, lessen.
- Palpable—Obvious, tangible, plain, manifest, clear.
- Pang—Anguish, agony, suffering, twinge, pain.
- Pardon—Grace, mercy, amnesty.
- Parody—Burlesque, caricature, travesty.
- Partial—Warped, unfair, unjust, prejudiced.
- Passion—Ardor, emotion, zeal.
- Patience—Endurance, fortitude, suffering, resignation.
- Peculiar—Special, singular, rare, strange, unusual.
- Peevish—Childish, fretful, petulant, touchy, cross.
- Perform—Accomplish, achieve, produce, execute, fulfil.
- Perfume—Aroma, incense, balm.
- Persuade—Urge, induce, woo.
- Pious—Religious, saintly, devout, godly.
- Pique—Offense, grudge, umbrage, resentment.
- Plague—Tease, fret, bother.
- Prudish—Coy, demure, bashful, over-modest.
- Pure—Spotless, chaste, modest.
-
Pursue—Chase, follow, prosecute, track, hunt.
- Puzzle—Mystery, riddle, enigma.
- Q
- Quack—Impostor, pretender, charlatan, humbug.
- Quail—Tremble, cower, shrink.
- Quaint—Odd, curious, fanciful.
- Quake—Tremble, shake, quiver.
- Quality—Rank, attribute, distinction, characteristic.
- Quandary—Puzzle, dilemma, strait, perplexity.
- Queer—Quaint, unique, odd.
- Query—Question, interrogation, inquiry.
- Question—Ask, examine, controvert, inquire.
- Questionable—Doubtful, disputable, suspicious.
- Quick—Alive, active, agile.
- Quiet—Still, quiescent, calm.
- Quit—Leave, forsake, vacate.
- Quiver—Tremble, shudder, shake, vibrate.
- Quota—Allotment, share, portion, contingent.
- Quotation—Extract, excerpt, selection, citation.
- Quote—Adduce, cite, extract.
- R
- Rabid—Insane, furious, raving.
- Rabble—Mob, rout, crowd.
- Race—Breed, family, generation.
- Radiance—Brightness, brilliancy, lustre, splendor.
- Radical—Complete, fundamental, thorough.
- Rapture—Ecstacy transport, delight, bliss.
- Rash—Headstrong, impulsive, hasty, precipitate.
- Real—Genuine, true, actual.
- Reason—Argument, motive, proof, cause.
- Rebuke—Censure, reproach, reprimand.
- Recant—Recall, retract, renounce, abjure.
- Reckon—Count, calculate, compute, number, estimate.
- Reclaim—Recover, recall, reform, regain.
- Reconcile—Conciliate, propitiate, re-unite, harmonize.
- Recreation—Diversion, sport, pastime.
- Recruit—Renew, repress, invigorate, strengthen, regain.
- Rectify—Correct, amend, improve, adjust, regulate.
- Recur—Revert, return, resort.
- Redeem—Rescue, save, ransom.
- Refined—Cultured, polished, genteel, courtly.
- Reform—Improve, amend, correct, ameliorate.
- Regale—Entertain, feast, refresh, delight, gratify.
- Region—Tract, vicinity, clime.
- Remark—Annotation, note, comment, say, notice.
- Reminiscence—Recollection, remembrance, memory.
- Remiss—Dilatory, slow, inattentive, slack.
- Remorse—Compunction, sorrow, regret.
- Renovate—Renew, revive, restore, repair, rebuild.
- Renown—Celebrity, fame, reputation, glory, honor.
- Repeat—Recite,detail.
- Repel—Resist, confront, oppose.
- Reproach—Blame, censure, reproof, upbraiding.
- Repugnance—Antipathy, hatred, disgust.
- Requisite—Essential, necessary, expedient.
- Requite—Compensate, reward, reciprocate, repay.
- Resign—Abdicate, renounce, forego, give up.
- Resignation—Endurance, submission, patience.
- Resolute—Fixed, determined, decided, firm, steadfast.
- Resource—Expedient, means, resort, contrivance.
- Respect—Honor, esteem, regard, veneration.
- Response—Answer, rejoinder, reply, repartee.
- Rest—Calm, solace, peace.
- Restore—Heal, cure, replace.
- Restrain—Repress, curb, check, withhold, limit, constrain.
- Restrict—Bind, limit, confine.
- Reveal—Discover, disclose, impart, uncover, unvail.
- Revere—Honor, reverence, venerate.
- Reverse—Change, overthrow, subvert, overturn.
- Review—Examine, inspect, criticize.
- Revile—Asperse, vilify, slander, calumniate, abuse.
- Revive—Refresh, quicken, rouse.
- Ridicule—Mock, lampoon, chaff, jeer, sneer at.
- Right—Just, proper, true.
- Righteous—Devout, religious, upright, honest.
-
Rigid—Stern, severe, harsh.
- Rigorous—Austere, severe.
- Ripeness—Maturity, growth, perfection.
- Rivalry—Contention, emulation, competition.
- Romance—Tale, story, fiction.
- Rough—Crude, coarse, violent, rude, harsh, severe, gruff.
- Route—Way, course, path.
- Row—Disturbance, affray, riot, violent trouble.
- Rule—Law, government, sway, command, power.
- Rumor—Gossip, news, report.
- Rural—Country, pastoral, rustic.
- Ruthless—Cruel, pitiless, inhuman, savage.
- S
- Sable—Dark, black, gloomy, morose.
- Sacred—Holy, divine, devout.
- Sad—Depressed, gloomy, despairing, sorrowful.
- Safe—Guarded, protected, reliable, trustworthy.
- Sagacity—Acuteness, discernment, penetration.
- Salute—Greet, accost, address.
- Sanction—Countenance, support, confirm.
- Sane—Lucid, sober, sound.
- Sapient—Sagacious, discreet, wise, discerning.
- Satire—Irony, sarcasm, ridicule.
- Saucy—Rude, insolent, impertinent, impudent.
- Saying—Observation, epigram, aphorism.
- Scarce—Rare, singular, uncommon, unique.
- Scatter—Sprinkle, strew, spread, disseminate.
- Scoff—Deride, mock, sneer.
- Scope—Aim, drift, tendency.
- Scurrilous—Abusive, insolent, offensive, gross, vile.
- Sea—Main, deep, ocean.
- Secede—Recede, retire, withdraw, separate from.
- Secure—Safe, certain, sure.
- Sedate—Calme, serene, composed.
- Sedulous—Assiduous, diligent, attentive, industrious.
- See—Perceive, behold, observe, notice, discern, discover, realize.
- Secret—Concealed, hidden, unknown, stealthy, surreptitious.
- Sense—Understanding, perception, discernment, feeling, thought,
judgment, consciousness.
- Serene—Unruffled, quiet, calm.
- Servile—Fawning, mean, truckling, cringing, low.
- Settled—Conclusive, decided, confirmed, absolute.
- Several—Diverse, different, sundry, various.
- Shake—Totter, shiver, agitate.
- Shame—Reproach, ignominy, disgrace.
- Shape—Mold, fashion, form.
- Sharpness—Acrimony, keenness, cunning.
- Shelter—Refuge, retreat, defense, haven, asylum.
- Shine—Gleam, glisten, glitter.
- Shock—Affright, dismay, alarm.
- Shocking—Terrible, dreadful, revolting, horrible.
- Shorten—Curtail, lessen, reduce, abridge.
- Show—Parade, display, pomp.
- Showy—Gaudy, fine, grand.
- Shudder—Tremble, quake, shake, quiver, shiver.
- Shun—Avoid, evade, elude.
- Sign—Symptom, signal, presage, mark, token.
- Significant—Momentous, expressive, indicative.
- Signify—Express, denote, declare, indicate, mean.
- Silent—Taciturn, mute, dumb.
- Similarity—Likeness, similitude, resemblance.
- Sincere—True, honest, incorrupt, straightforward.
- Singular—Peculiar, strange, odd, curious, queer.
- Slander—Asperse, blacken, libel, defame, calumniate.
- Slender—Slim, fragile, slight.
- Slow—Dilatory, tedious, dull, sluggish, tardy.
- Smooth—Mild, easy, bland.
- Smother—Stifle, suffocate.
- Sneer—Jibe, jeer, scoff.
- Sober—Abstemious, abstinent, temperate, calm, cool.
- Soft—Yielding, flexible, tractable, pliant, mild, gentle.
- Solemn—Serious, grave.
- Solicit—Beg, pray, beseech, petition, ask.
- Solitary—Alone, lonely, sole, only, single.
- Soothe—Compose, calm, quiet.
- Sort—Species, kind, order.
- Sour—Acid, sharp, tart, pungent, acrimonious, morose.
- Speech—Address, sermon, oration, lecture, harangue.
- Sphere—Globe, circle, orb.
- Spite—Malice, hatred, grudge.
- Spread—Diffuse, disperse, scatter, sow, disseminate.
- Sprinkle—Bedew, scatter, water.
- Stop—Check, hinder, delay, rest.
- Strange—Curious, eccentric.
-
Stream—Flow, current, river, tendency, drift, course.
- Stratagem—Artifice, cheat, sharp, work, finesse.
- Strife—Contention, discord.
- Stupid—Sleepy, drowsy, torpid.
- Sturdy—Firm, robust, strong.
- Subdue—Defeat, vanquish, conquer, overthrow.
- Subjoin—Affix, attach, connect.
- Substantial—Solid, real, material, bulky.
- Subtract—Deduct, withdraw, take from.
- Successful—Prosperous, fortunate, lucky.
- Succor—Aid, help, relieve.
- Suffer—Endure, allow, permit, undergo, bear, tolerate.
- Sufficient—Adequate, enough.
- Suggest—Propose, hint, allude.
- Suitor—Beau, lover, wooer.
- Summary—Digest, epitome, abstract, compendium.
- Superficial—Slight, flimsy, shallow, external.
- Sure—Reliable, certain, confident, positive.
- Surmount—Subdue, conquer, overcome, surpass.
- Surplus—Excess, residue, remainder.
- Surprise—Amazement, admiration, wonder.
- Suspense—Doubt, hesitation.
- Swarm—Crowd, throng, multitude, host, great number.
- Sweetheart—Admirer, beau, darling, lover.
- Sweetness—Mildness, gentleness, amiability.
- Symbol—Token, sign, emblem.
- Sympathy—Compassion, condolence, fellow-feeling.
- Symptom—Indication, mark, note, token, sign.
- Synopsis—Summary, epitome, résumé.
- System—Method, order, scheme.
- T
- Table—Board, food, fare.
- Tacit—Implied, silent, inferred.
- Tact—Knack, judgment, address, skill, discrimination, discernment.
- Tale—Anecdote, story.
- Talk—Conversation, chat, gossip, parley, colloquy, dialogue, rumor.
- Tally—Accord, agree, match.
- Tame—Mild, domesticated, gentle, obedient, spiritless.
- Tamper—Meddle, trifle.
- Tardy—Late, dilatory, sluggish, slow, behindhand.
- Taste—Relish, savor, flavor.
- Taunt—Deride, mock, ridicule.
- Tease—Torment, badger, plague, worry, tantalize.
- Tedious—Tardy, tiresome, slow.
- Tell—Acquaint, communicate, disclose, say, utter.
- Temper—Humor, mood, frame.
- Temporary—Fleeting, transitory, transient, passing.
- Tempt—Allure, decoy, induce, entice, attract, seduce.
- Tenderness—Fondness, love, affection, sensibility.
- Terrestrial—Earthly, mundane, worldly.
- Test—Standard, proof, trial.
- Testimony—Proof, evidence.
- Therefore—Consequently, hence, accordingly, on that account.
- Think—Surmise, imagine, ponder, consider, cogitate.
- Thorough—Absolute, complete, entire, drastic, powerful.
- Thought—Idea, fancy, reflection, conception, notion, cogitation,
sentiment, view, opinion.
- Throw—Fling, hurl, heave, cast.
- Time—Epoch, era, season.
- Timid—Afraid, bashful.
- Tittle—Whit, jot, particle, atom, grain, iota.
- Tolerate—Allow, suffer, permit.
- Total—Sum, gross, entire, whole.
- Tour—Trip, journey, jaunt.
- Trade—Occupation, business, commerce, traffic.
- Traduce—Depreciate, detract.
- Tranquility—Calm, quiet, peace, stillness.
- Transcend—Surpass, exceed, outdo, excel, eclipse.
- Transgress—Violate, break, disobey, infringe.
- Transient—Short, brief, fleeting, transitory.
- Transport—Ecstasy, delight, bliss, rapture.
- Tremendous—Dreadful, terrible, fearful, awful.
- Trip—Voyage, journey, excursion, tour, jaunt.
- Troth—Faith, fidelity, belief.
- True—Candid, genuine, sincere.
- Truth—Verity, fact, reality, exactness, precision, veracity,
accuracy.
- Trust—Belief, credit, faith.
- Try—Attempt, endeavor.
- Tune—Air, strain, melody.
- Turn—Bend, revolve, whirl.
- Tyrant—Oppressor, despot.
- Tyro—Beginner, novice, apprentice.
-
U
- Ugly—Uncomely, plain, homely.
- Ultimate—Final, eventual, extreme, furthest, last.
- Umbrage—Offense, resentment, vexation, displeasure.
- Umpire—Arbiter, arbitrator, referee, judge.
- Unadorned—Ungarnished, unembellished, undecorated.
- Unassuming—Modest, unobstrusive, unpretending.
- Unbelief—Infidelity, distrust, incredulity, disbelief.
- Unblemished—Pure, unsullied, immaculate, spotless, unspotted.
- Unbounded—Infinite, boundless, unlimited.
- Uncertain—Precarious, doubtful, dubious, unsettled, ambiguous,
vague, indistinct.
- Undaunted—Bold, courageous, fearless, intrepid.
- Unhandy—Awkward, clumsy, ungainly.
- Unkind—Harsh, unfriendly, cruel, inimical.
- Uniform—Same, even, alike.
- Unite—Agree, combine.
- Unlike—Different, dissimilar.
- Unlawful—Illegal, unlicensed, illicit.
- Unmerciful—Cruel, severe.
- Unpleasant—Disagreeable, displeasing, unpalatable.
- Unravel—Unfold, reveal, disentangle, explain.
- Unrelenting—Pitiless, inexorable, unyielding, hard.
- Unruly—Boisterous, mutinous, rough, ungovernable.
- Unseemly—Improper, unbecoming, unfit, indecorous.
- Unseen—Invisible, spiritual, unrevealed, mysterious.
- Unsettled—Uncertain, wavering, turbid.
- Unspeakable—Inexpressible, unutterable.
- Unstable—Fickle, inconstant.
- Unsteady—Unsettled, wavering, variable, fickle.
- Unwieldy—Heavy, uncouth, unmanageable, ponderous, bulky.
- Unwilling—Loath, indisposed, reluctant, averse.
- Upright—Erect, honest, bold.
- Uproar—Tumult, clamor, hubbub, disturbance.
- Uproot—Extirpate, eradicate, suppress, eliminate.
- Urbanity—Courtesy, civility, suavity, politeness.
- Urge—Incite, stimulate, impel.
- Urgent—Pressing, earnest, importunate.
- Usage—Habit, custom, way, practice, use, fashion.
- Useful—Helpful, serviceable, profitable, available.
- Useless—Fruitless, vain, ineffectual, profitless, worthless.
- Usurp—Appropriate, seize, arrogate, assume.
- Utility—Use, usefulness, advantage, profit, benefit, service.
- Utter—Articulate, enunciate, pronounce, speak.
- Utterly—Fully, completely, perfectly, wholly, totally.
- Uttermost—Utmost, greatest, farthest.
- Unwelcome—Undesired, unacceptable, displeasing.
- V
- Vacate—Void, annul, leave.
- Vacillate—Waver, fluctuate, hesitate.
- Vague—Indefinite, uncertain, unsettled, undetermined, equivocal.
- Valiant—Intrepid, courageous, fearless, dauntless, valorous,
gallant, heroic.
- Valid—Sound, just, logical.
- Vanity—Pride, arrogance, conceit, vain, glory.
- Vanquish—Beat, overcome, conquer, subdue.
- Vapid—Insipid, flat, spiritless.
- Variation—Vicissitude, deviation, change, alteration.
- Veer—Turn, shift, change.
- Venal—Hireling, mercenary.
- Vengeance—Revenge, retaliation, retribution.
- Venerate—Honor, revere, respect, reverence, worship.
- Venture—Risk, hazard.
- Veracity—Candor, honesty, truthfulness.
- Verbal—Spoken, unwritten, oral.
- Verge—Border, edge, hem, margin, limit, brink.
- Versatile—Manifold, clever, talented, changeable, many-sided.
- Vestige—Mark, trace, track.
- Vicinity—Section, neighborhood, nearness.
- Vicissitude—Change, variation, revolution.
- Vigilant—Watchful, guarded.
- Vile—Mean, base, worthless.
- Vindicate—Defend, protect.
- Violent—Fierce, hot, vehement.
- Virtue—Strength, goodness, integrity, purity.
-
Virgin—Girl, maiden, damsel.
- Virtuous—Pure, chaste, good.
- Visible—Apparent, discernible, obvious, clear, evident,
indisputable, palpable.
- Visionary—Fanciful, imaginary, chimerical, impracticable, romantic.
- Vital—Necessary, essential, indispensable.
- Vitiate—Sully, taint, corrupt, deteriorate, spoil.
- Vivacious—Sprightly, brisk, gay, lively, merry.
- Vivid—Bright, lucid, clear.
- Vocation—Profession, avocation, calling, occupation.
- Voracious—Ravenous, greedy, insatiable.
- Vouch—Attest, assure, aver, warrant, affirm.
- Vouchsafe—Condescend, concede, grant, consent.
- Vulgar—Mean, low, ordinary, common, unrefined.
- W
- Wag—Humorist, joker, wit.
- Wages—Compensation, remuneration, salary, stipend.
- Wail—Lament, moan.
- Wait—Remain, abide, stay, tarry, await.
- Wakeful—Sleepless, watchful, vigilant, wary.
- Walk—March, step, stride, tramp, trudge, plod, stalk.
- Wan—Pale, white, sickly.
- Wander—Stray, stroll, rove, ramble, range, err, swerve.
- Want—Lack, indigence, deficiency, need, poverty.
- Wanton—Reckless, unbridled, unrestrained, licentious, dissolute.
- Wares—Goods, merchandise, commodities.
- Warlike—Martial, military, hostile, bellicose.
- Warning—Caution, notice, advice, premonition.
- Wary—Shrewd, prudent, cautious, circumspect, watchful.
- Wasteful—Destructive, lavish, extravagant, profuse.
- Watchful—Vigilant, careful, wary, cautious, observant.
- Way—Route, means, course, road, method, manner.
- Wayward—Froward, wilful, perverse, obstinate.
- Weak—Feeble, infirm, helpless, defenseless, lame, powerless, languid.
- Weal—Happiness, prosperity, success, welfare, advantage.
- Wealth—Abundance, opulence, fortune, riches.
- Weary—Tired, exhausted, fagged, fatigued, harassed.
- Wedding—Marriage, nuptials, espousals.
- Weight—Burden, load, heaviness, consequence, importance.
- Welcome—Acceptable, agreeable, desirable.
- Welfare—Success, weal, prosperity, good fortune.
- Well—Hale, healthy, hearty, lively, strong, sound, vigorous.
- Wet—Moist, damp, humid.
- Wheedle—Flatter, coax, inveigle, entice, cajole.
- Whereas—Since, inasmuch as, seeing that, when in fact.
- Whimsical—Capricious, freakish, fantastical.
- Whirl—Twirl, revolve, turn rapidly, spin around.
- White—Pure, snowy, stainless, innocent, clean, unblemished.
- Whole—Entirety, total, completeness, integrity, "tout ensemble."
- Wicked—Bad, evil, sinful, naughty, ungodly, vicious, dark, foul,
black.
- Wide—Spacious, broad, extensive, ample, removed, distant.
- Will—Inclination, desire, wish, decision, power.
- Wily—Crafty, cunning, artful, sly, subtle.
- Win—Gain, acquire, earn.
- Wind—Twine, coil, twist, encircle, curve.
- Winning—Attractive, charming, bewitching, alluring, fascinating.
- Wit—Humor, irony, acumen.
- Withdraw—Retire, recede, recall, retract, draw back, retreat.
- Withhold—Retain, refrain from, keep back, restrain, reserve.
- Wizard—Magician, sorcerer, conjurer, necromancer, witch.
- Woeful—Doleful, piteous, rueful, sorrowful.
- Wonder—Amazement, astonishment, surprise, miracle, prodigy.
- Work—Toil, labor, drudgery, task, employment, occupation.
- World—Universe, globe, cosmos, earth, people, society.
- Worthy—Excellent, good, estimable, commendable.
- Wrath—Anger, rage, choler, fury, passion, exasperation.
- Wrench—Tear off, wrest, strain, distort, wring, extort.
- Wretched—Bad, vile, unhappy.
- Wrong—Untrue, faulty, not fit.
- Wrought—Done, performed.
- Wry—Distorted, crooked, twisted, awry.
-
Y
- Yearly—Annually, per annum.
- Yearn—Long, desire ardently, covet, crave, be eager for.
- Yell—Scream, shriek, call out.
- Yet—But, still, besides.
- Yield—Allow, concede, give.
- Yielding—Compliant, submissive, unresisting, supple.
- Yoke—Link, chain, bond.
- Young—Youthful, juvenile, boyish.
- Youth—Boy, stripling.
- Z
- Zeal—Fervor, ardor, passion.
- Zealot—Bigot, fanatic, enthusiast, visionary, devotee.
- Zealous—Earnest, fervid, glowing, ardent, eager.
- Zenith—Top, apex, summit.
- Zephyr—Breeze, the west wind, calm.
- Zero—Cipher, naught, nothing.
- Zest—Flavor, taste, relish.
- Zone—Belt, clime, region.