VOCABULARY [I - P] - APTITUDE

Chapter 8: VOCABULARY

I

iconoclastic :: attacking cherished traditions

ideology :: ideas of a group people

idiom :: special usage in language

idiosyncrasy :: peculiarity; eccentricity

idiosyncratic :: private; peculiar to an individual

idolatry :: worship of idols; excessive admiration

igneous :: produced by fire; volcanic

ignoble :: of lowly origin; unworthy

ignominious :: disgraceful

illimitable :: infinite

illusion :: misleading vision

illusive :: deceiving

imbecility :: weakness of mind

imbibe :: drink in

imbroglio :: a complicated situation;

imbrue :: drench, stain, especially with blood

imbue :: saturate; fill

immaculate :: pure; spotless

imminent :: impending; near at hand

immobility :: state of being immovable

immolate :: offer as a sacrifice

immune :: exempt

immure :: imprison; shut up in confinement

immutable :: unchangeable

impair :: worsen; diminish in value

impale :: pierce

impalpable :: imperceptible; intangible

impasse :: predicament from which there is no escape

impassive :: without feeling; not affected by pain

impeach :: charge with crime in office; indict

impeccable :: faultless

impecunious :: without money

impending :: nearing; approaching

impenitent :: not repentant

imperious :: domineering

impermeable :: impervious; not permitting passage through its substance

impertinent :: insolent

imperturbability :: calmness

imperturbable :: calm; placid

impervious :: not penetrable; not permitting passage through

impetuous :: violent; hasty; rash

impetus :: moving force

impiety :: irreverence; wickedness

impious :: irreverent

implacable :: incapable of being pacified

implement :: supply what is needed; furnish with tools

implication :: that which is hinted at or suggested

implicit :: understood but not stated

imply :: suggest a meaning not expressed; signify

impolitic :: not wise

imponderable :: weightless

import :: significance

importunate :: urging; demanding

importune :: beg earnestly

impotent :: weak; ineffective

imprecate :: curse; pray that evil will befall

impregnable :: invulnerable

imprimatur :: permission to print or publish a book

impromptu :: without previous preparation

impropriety :: state of being

improvident :: thriftless

improvise :: compose on the spur of the moment

impugn :: doubt; challenge; gainsay

impunity :: freedom from punishment

imputation :: charge; reproach

impute :: attribute; ascribe

inadvertence :: oversight; carelessness

inalienable :: not to be taken away; nontransferable

inane :: silly; senseless

inanimate :: lifeless

inappropriate

inarticulate :: speechless; producing indistinct speech

incantation :: singing or chanting of magic spells; magical formula

incapacitate :: disable

incarcerate :: imprison

incarnadine :: stain crimson or bloodcolor

incarnate :: endowed with flesh; personified

incarnation :: act of assuming a human body and human nature

incendiary :: arsonist

incentive :: spur; motive

incessant :: uninterrupted

inchoate :: recently begun; rudimentary; elementary

incidence :: falling on a body; a casual occurrence

incipient :: beginning; in an early stage

incisive :: cutting; sharp

incite :: arouse to action

inclement :: stormy; unkind

inclusive :: tending to include all

incognito :: with identity concealed; using an assumed name

incommodious :: not spacious

incompatible :: inharmonious

incongruity :: lack of harmony; absurdity

incongruous :: not fitting; absurd

inconsequential :: of trifling significance

incontinent :: lacking self-restraint; licentious

incontrovertible :: indisputable

incorporeal :: immaterial; without a material body

incorrigible :: uncorrectable

incredulity :: a tendency to disbelief

incredulous :: withholding belief; skeptical

increment :: increase

incriminate :: accuse

incubate :: hatch; scheme

incubus :: burden; mental care; nightmare

inculcate :: teach

incumbent :: officeholder

incursion :: temporary invasion

indefatigable :: tireless

indemnify :: make secure against loss; compensate for loss

indenture :: bind as servant or apprentice to master

indict :: charge

indigenous :: native

indigent :: poor

indignity :: offensive or insulting treatment

indisposed to move

indisputable :: too certain to be disputed

indite :: write; compose

indolence :: laziness

indomitable :: unconquerable

indubitably :: beyond a doubt

inductive :: pertaining to induction or

indulgent :: humoring; yielding; lenient

inebriety :: habitual intoxication

ineffable :: unutterable; cannot be expressed in speech

ineluctable :: irresistible; not to be escaped

inept :: unsuited; absurd; incompetent

inertia :: state of being inert or

inexorable :: relentless; unyielding; implacable

infallible :: unerring

infamous :: notoriously bad

infer :: deduce; conclude

inference :: conclusion drawn from data

infinitesimal :: very small

infirmity :: weakness

inflated :: enlarged with air or gas

influx :: flowing into

information in tabular or book form

infraction :: violation

infringe :: violate; encroach

ingenue :: an artless girl; an actress who plays such parts

ingenuous :: naive; young; unsophisticated

ingrate :: ungrateful person

ingratiate :: become popular with

inherent :: firmly established by nature or habit

inhibit :: prohibit; restrain

inimical :: unfriendly; hostile

iniquitous :: unjust; wicked

inkling :: hint

innate :: inborn

innocuous :: harmless

innovation :: change; introduction off something new

innuendo :: hint; insinuation

inordinate :: unrestrained; excessive

insatiable :: not easily satisfied; greedy

inscrutable :: incomprehensible; not to be discovered

insensate :: without feeling

insidious :: treacherous; stealthy; sly

insinuate :: hint; imply

insipid :: tasteless; dull

insolent :: haughty and contemptuous

insolvency :: bankruptcy; lack of ability to repay debts

insomnia :: wakefulness; inability to sleep

insouciant :: indifferent; without concern or care

instigate :: urge; start; provoke

insular :: like an island; narrow-minded

insuperable :: insurmountable; invincible

insurgent :: rebellious

integrate :: make whole; combine; make into one unit

integrity :: wholeness; purity; uprightness

integument :: outer covering or skin

intellect :: higher mental powers

intelligentsia :: the intelligent and educated classes (often used derogatorily)

inter :: bury

interdict :: prohibit; forbid

interim :: meantime

interlocutory :: conversational;

intermediate, not final

interment :: burial

interminable :: endless

intermittent :: periodic; on and off

internecine :: mutually destructive

interstices :: chinks; crevices

intimate :: hint

intimidation :: fear

intractable :: unruly; refractory

intransigence :: state of stubborn unwillingness to compromise

intransigent :: refusing any compromise

intrepid :: fearless

intrinsic :: belonging to a thing in itself; inherent

introvert :: inclined to think more about oneself

introvert :: one who is introspective

intrude :: trespass; enter as an uninvited person

intuition :: power of knowing without reasoning

inundate :: overflow; flood

inured :: accustomed; hardened

invalidate :: weaken; destroy

invective :: abuse

inveigh :: denounce; utter censure or invective

inveigle :: lead astray; wheedle

inverse :: opposite

inveterate :: deep-rooted; habitual

invidious :: designed to create ill will or envy

inviolability :: security from being destroyed, corrupted or profaned

invulnerable :: incapable of injury

iota :: very small quantity

irascible :: irritable; easily angered

iridescent :: exhibiting rainbow like colors

irksome :: repetitious; tedious

ironical :: resulting in an unexpected and contrary manner

irony :: hidden sarcasm or satire

irreconcilable :: incompatible; not able to be resolved

irrefragable :: not to be disproved; indisputable

irrelevant :: not applicable; unrelated

irremediable :: incurable; uncorrectable

irreparable :: not able to be corrected or repaired

irreverent :: lacking proper respect

irrevocable :: unalterable

isotope :: varying form of an element

iterate :: utter a second time; repeat

itinerant :: wandering; traveling

itinerary :: plan of a trip

J

jaded :: fatigued; surfeited

jargon :: language used by special group; gibberish

jaundiced :: yellowed; prejudiced; envious

jejune :: lacking interest; barren; meager

jeopardy :: exposure to death or danger

jeremiad :: lament; complaint

jettison :: throw overboard

jingoism :: extremely aggressive and militant patriotism

jocose :: giving to joking

jocular :: said or done in jest

jocund :: merry

jubilation :: rejoicing

judicious :: wise; determined by sound judgment

juncture :: crisis; joining point

junket :: a merry feast or picnic

junta :: group of men joined in political intrigue; cabal

jurisprudence :: science of law

K , L , M

Ken: knowledge

kaleidoscope :: tube in which patterns made by the reflection in mirrors

ken :: range of knowledge

kinetic :: producing motion

kiosk :: summerhouse; open pavilion

kismet :: fate

kith :: familiar friends

kleptomaniac :: person who has a compulsive desire to steal

knavery :: rascality

knell :: tolling of a bell at a funeral; sound of the funeral bell

knoll :: little round hill
labyrinth :: maze

lacerate :: mangle; tear

lachrymose :: producing tears

lackadaisical :: affectedly languid

lackey :: footman; toady

laconic :: brief and to the point

laggard :: slow; sluggish

lagniappe :: trifling present given to a customer

lagoon :: shallow body of water near a sea; lake

laity :: laymen; persons not connected with the clergy

lambent :: flickering; softly radiant

laminated :: made of thin plates or scales

lampoon :: ridicule

languid :: weary; sluggish; listless

languish :: lose animation; lose strength

languor :: lassitude; depression

lapidary :: worker in precious stones

larceny :: theft

largess :: generous gift

lascivious :: lustful

lassitude :: languor; weariness

latent :: dormant; hidden

lateral :: coming from the side

latitude :: freedom from narrow limitations

laudable :: praiseworthy; commendable

laudatory :: expressing praise

lave :: wash

lavish :: liberal; wasteful

lecherous :: impure in thought and act; lustful; unchaste

lechery :: gross lewdness; lustfulness

lectern :: reading desk

lesion :: unhealthy change in structure; injury

lethal :: deadly

lethargic :: drowsy; dull

levity :: lightness

lewd :: lustful

lexicographer :: compiler of a dictionary

lexicon :: dictionary

liaison :: officer who acts as gobetween for two armies

libelous :: defamatory; injurious to the good name of a person

libertine :: debauched person; roué

libidinous :: lustful

libido :: emotional urges behind human activity

libretto :: text of an opera

licentious :: wanton; lewd; dissolute

lieu :: instead of

limbo :: region near heaven or hell where certain souls are kept; a prison

limn :: portray; describe vividly

limpid :: clear

linguistic :: pertaining to language

liquidate :: settle accounts; clear up

lissome :: agile; lithe

litany :: supplicatory prayer

lithe :: flexible; supple

litigation :: lawsuit

litotes :: understatement for emphasis

livid :: lead-colored; black and blue; enraged

loath :: averse; reluctant

loathe :: detest

lode :: metal-bearing vein

longevity :: long life

lope :: gallop slowly

loquacious :: talkative

lout :: clumsy person

lubricity :: slipperiness; evasiveness

lucent :: shining

lucid :: bright; easily understood

lucrative :: profitable

lucre :: money

ludicrous :: laughable; trifling

lugubrious :: mournful

luminous :: shining; issuing light

lunar :: pertaining to the moon

lurid :: wild; sensational

luscious :: pleasing to taste or smell

luster :: shine; gloss

lustrous :: shining

luxuriant :: fertile; abundant; ornate
macabre :: gruesome; grisly

macerate :: waste away

Machiavellian :: crafty; double-dealing

machinations :: schemes

madrigal :: pastoral song

maelstrom :: whirlpool

magnanimous :: generous

magnate :: person of prominence or influence

magniloquent :: boastful; pompous

magnitude :: greatness; extent

maim :: mutilate; injure

maladroit :: clumsy; bungling

malcontent :: person dissatisfied with existing state of affairs

malediction :: curse

malefactor :: criminal

malevolent :: wishing evil

malicious :: dictated by hatred or spite

malign :: speak evil of; defame

malignant :: having an evil influence; virulent

malingerer :: one who feigns illness to escape duty

mall :: public walk

malleable :: capable of being shaped by pounding

mammal :: a vertebrate animal whose female suckles its young

mammoth :: gigantic

mandate :: order; charge

mandatory :: obligatory

maniacal :: raving mad

manifest :: understandable; clear

manifesto :: declaration; statement of policy

manifold :: numerous; varied

manipulate :: operate with the hands

manumit :: emancipate; free from bondage

marauder :: raider; intruder

marital :: pertaining to marriage

maritime :: bordering on the sea; nautical

marrow :: soft tissue filling the bones

marsupial :: one of a family of mammals that nurse their offspring in a pouch

martial :: warlike

martinet :: strict disciplinarian

masticate :: chew

maternal :: motherly

matricide :: murder of a mother by a child

matrix :: mold or die

maudlin :: effusively sentimental

maunder :: talk incoherently; utter drivel

mausoleum :: monumental tomb

mauve :: pale purple

mawkish :: sickening; insipid

maxim :: proverb; a truth pithily stated

mayhem :: injury to body

meander :: to wind or turn in its course

meddlesome :: interfering

mediate :: settle a dispute through the services of an outsider

mediocre :: ordinary; commonplace

meditation :: reflection; thought

medley :: mixture

melange :: medley; miscellany

melee :: fight

mellifluous :: flowing smoothly; smooth

memento :: token; reminder

memorialize :: commemorate

mendacious :: lying; false

mendicant :: beggar

menial :: suitable for servants; low

mentor :: teacher

mercantile :: concerning trade

mercenary :: interested in money or gain

mercurial :: fickle; changing

meretricious :: flashy; tawdry

meringue :: pastry decoration made of white of eggs

mesa :: high, flat-topped hill

mesmerize :: hypnotize

metallurgical :: pertaining to the art of removing metals from ores

metamorphosis :: change of form

metaphor :: implied comparison

metaphysical :: pertaining to speculative philosophy

mete :: measure; distribute

meticulous :: excessively careful

metropolis :: large city

mettle :: courage; spirit

mews :: group of stables built around a courtyard

miasma :: swamp gas; odor of decaying matter

microcosm :: small world

mien :: demeanor; bearing illusion

migrant :: changing its habitat; wandering

migratory :: wandering

milieu :: environment; means of expression

militant :: combative; bellicose

militate :: work against

millennium :: thousand-year period; period of happiness and prosperity

minaret :: slender tower attached to a mosque

minatory :: threatening

mincing :: affectedly dainty

minion :: a servile dependent

misadventure :: mischance; ill luck

misanthrope :: one who hates mankind

misapprehension :: error; misunderstanding

miscegenation :: intermarriage between races

miscellany :: mixture of writing on various subjects

mischance :: ill luck

miscreant :: wretch; villain

misdemeanor :: minor crime

misgivings :: doubts

mishap :: accident

misnomer :: wrong name; incorrect designation

misogynist :: hater of women

missile :: object to be thrown or projected

mite :: very small object or creature; small coin

mitigate :: appease

mobile :: movable; not fixed

mode :: prevailing style

modicum :: limited quantity

modish :: fashionable

modulation :: toning down; changing from one key to another

moiety :: half; part

molecule :: the smallest part of a homogeneous substance

mollify :: soothe

molt :: shed or cast off hair or feathers

molten :: melted

momentous :: very important

momentum :: quantity of motion of a

monetary :: pertaining to money

monotheism :: belief in one God

moodiness :: fits of depression or gloom

moor :: marshy wasteland

moot :: debatable

moratorium :: legal delay of payment

morbid :: given to unwholesome

mordant :: biting; sarcastic; stinging

mores :: customs

morganatic :: describing a marriage between a member of a royal family and a commone

moribund :: at the point of death

morose :: ill-humored; sullen

mortician :: undertaker

mortify :: humiliate; punish the flesh

mote :: small speck

motif :: theme

motley :: parti-colored; mixed

mountebank :: charlatan; boastful pretender

moving body; impetus

muddle :: confuse; mix up

muggy :: warm and damp

mugwump :: defector from a party

mulct :: defraud a person of something

multiform :: having many forms

multilingual :: having many languages

multiplicity :: state of being numerous

mundane :: worldly as opposed to spiritual

munificent :: very generous

murkiness :: darkness; gloom

murrain :: plague; cattle disease

muse :: ponder

musky :: having the odor of musk

musty :: stale; spoiled by age

mutable :: changing in form; fickle

mutilate :: maim

mutinous :: unruly; rebellious

myopic :: nearsighted

myriad :: very large number

N, O , P

nadir :: lowest point

naïveté :: quality of being unsophisticated

nascent :: incipient; coming into being

natal :: pertaining to birth

natation :: swimming

nauseate :: cause to become sick; fill with disgust

nautical :: pertaining to ships or navigation

nave :: main body of a church

neap :: lowest

nebulous :: cloudy; hazy

necrology :: obituary notice; list of the dead

necromancy :: black magic; dealings with the dead

nefarious :: very wicked

negation :: denial

nemesis :: revenging agent

neophyte :: recent convert; beginner

nepotism :: favoritism to a relative

nettle :: annoy; vex

nexus :: connection

nib :: beak; pen point

nicety :: precision; minute distinction

niggardly :: meanly stingy; parsimonious

nirvana :: the ideal state in Buddhist teachings

nocturnal :: done at night

noisome :: foul smelling; unwholesome

nomadic :: wandering

non sequitor :: a conclusion that does not follow from the facts stated

nonchalance :: indifference; lack of interest

noncommittal :: neutral; unpledged; undecided

nonentity :: nonexistence; person of no importance

nonplus :: bring to a halt by confusion

nosegay :: fragrant bouquet

nostalgia :: homesickness; longing for the past

notorious :: outstandingly bad; unfavorably known

novice :: beginner

noxious :: harmful

nuance :: shade of difference in meaning or color

nubile :: marriageable

nugatory :: futile; worthless

numismatist :: person who collects coins

nurture :: bring up; feed; educate

nutrient :: providing nourishment

O

oaf :: stupid, awkward person

obdurate :: stubborn

obeisance :: bow

obelisk :: tall column tapering and ending in a pyramid

obese :: fat

obfuscate :: confuse; muddle

obituary :: death notice

objurgate :: scold; rebuke severely

objurgation :: severe rebuke; scolding

oblation :: the Eucharist; pious donation

obligatory :: binding; required

oblique :: slanting; deviating from the perpendicular or from a straight line

obliquity :: departure from right principle; perversity

obliterate :: destroy completely

oblivion :: forgetfulness

obloquy :: slander; disgrace; infamy

obnoxious :: offensive

obsequious :: slavishly attentive; servile; sycophantic

obsession :: fixed idea; continued brooding

obsidian :: black volcanic rock

obsolete :: outmoded

obstetrician :: physician specializing in delivery of babies

obstreperous :: boisterous; noisy

obtrude :: push into prominence

obtrusive :: pushing toward

obtuse :: blunt; stupid

obviate :: make unnecessary; get rid of

Occident :: the West

occult :: mysterious; secret; supernatural

oculist :: physician who specializes in treatment of the eyes

odious :: hateful

odium :: repugnance; dislike

odoriferous :: giving off an order

odorous :: having an odor

offal :: waste; garbage

offertory :: collection of money at religious ceremony

officious :: meddlesome; excessively trying to please

ogle :: glance coquettishly at; make eyes at

olfactory :: concerning the sense of smell

oligarchy :: government by a few

ominous :: threatening

omnipotent :: all-powerful

omnipresent :: universally present; ubiquitous

omniscient :: all-knowing

omnivorous :: eating both plant and animal food; devouring everything

onerous :: burdensome

onomatopoeia :: words formed in imitation of natural sounds

onslaught :: vicious assault

onus :: burden; responsibility

opalescent :: iridescent

opaque :: dark; not transparent

opiate :: sleep producer; deadener of pain

opportune :: timely; well chosen

opportunist :: individual who sacrifices principles for expediency by taking advantage

opprobrious :: disgraceful

opprobrium :: infamy; vilification

optician :: maker and seller of eyeglasses

optimum :: most favorable

optometrist :: one who fits glasses to remedy visual defects

opulence :: wealth

opus :: work

oratorio :: dramatic poem set to music

ordinance :: decree

orientation :: act of finding oneself in society

orifice :: mouthlike opening; small opening

orison :: prayer

ornate :: excessively decorated; highly decorated

ornithologist :: scientific student of birds

ornithology :: study of birds

orotund :: having a round, resonant quality; inflated speech

orthography :: correct spelling

oscillate :: vibrate pendulum like; wave

ostensible :: apparent; professed; pretended

ostentatious :: showy; pretentious

ostracize :: exclude from public favor; ban

overt :: open to view

overweening :: presumptuous; arrogant

P

pachyderm :: thick-skinned animal

pacifist :: one opposed to force; antimilitarist

paddock :: saddling enclosure at race lot for exercising horses

paean :: song of praise or joy

palatable :: agreeable; pleasing to the taste

palatial :: magnificent

palaver :: discussion; misleading speech; chatter

palette :: board on which painter mixes pigments

palimpsest :: parchment used for second time after original writing has been erased

pallet :: small, poor bed

palliate :: ease pain; make less guilty of offensive

palliation :: act of making less severe or violent

pallid :: pale; wan

palpable :: tangible; easily perceptible

palpitate :: throb; flutter

paltry :: insignificant; petty

panacea :: cure-all; remedy for all diseases

pandemonium :: wild tumult

pander :: cater to the low desires of others

panegyric :: formal praise

panoply :: full set of armor

panorama :: comprehensive view; unobstructed view in all directions

pantomime :: acting without dialogue

papyrus :: ancient paper made from stem of papyrus plant

parable :: short, simple story teaching a moral

paradox :: statement that looks false but is actually correct

paragon :: model of perfection

parallelism :: state of being parallel; similarity

paramour :: illicit lover

paranoia :: chronic form of insanity marked by delusions grandeur

paranoiac :: mentally unsound person suffering from delusions

parapet :: low wall at edge of roof or balcony

paraphernalia :: equipment; odds and ends

paraphrase :: restate a passage in one's own words while retaining thought of author

parasite :: animal or plant living on another; toady; sycophant

paregoric :: medicine that eases pain

pariah :: social outcast

parity :: equality; close resemblance

parlance :: language; idiom

parley :: conference

parlous :: dangerous; perilous

parody :: humorous imitation; travesty

paroxysm :: fit or attack of pain, laughter, rage

parricide :: person who murders his

parry :: ward off a blow

parsimonious :: stingy; excessively frugal

partiality :: inclination; bias

parturition :: delivery; childbirth

parvenu :: upstart; newly rich person

passé :: old-fashioned; past the prime

passive :: not active; acted upon

pastiche :: imitation of another's style in musical composition or in writing

pastoral :: rural

patent :: open for the public to read; obvious

pathetic :: causing sadness, compassion, pity; touching

pathological :: pertaining to disease

pathos :: tender sorrow; pity

patina :: green crust on old bronze works; tone slowly taken by varnished painti

patois :: local or provincial dialect

patriarch :: father and ruler of a family or tribe

patricide :: person who murders his father; murder of a father

patrimony :: inheritance from father

paucity :: scarcity

peccadillo :: slight offense

peculate :: steal; embezzle

peculation :: embezzlement; theft

pecuniary :: pertaining to money

pedagogue :: teacher; dull and formal teacher

pedant :: scholar who overemphasizes book learning or technicalities

pedantic :: showing off learning; bookish

pediatrician :: expert in children's diseases

pediment :: triangular part above columns in Greek buildings

pejorative :: having a deteriorating or depreciating effect on the meaning of a word

pelf :: stolen property; money or wealth in a contemptuous sense

pell-mell :: in confusion; disorderly

pellucid :: transparent; limpid; easy to understand

penance :: self-imposed punishment for sin

penchant :: strong inclination; liking

pendant :: hanging down from something

pendent :: suspended; jutting; pending

pendulous :: hanging; suspended

penitent :: repentant

pennate :: having wings or feathers

pensive :: dreamily thoughtful; thoughtful with a hint of sadness

penumbra :: partial shadow in an eclipse

penurious :: stingy; parsimonious

penury :: extreme poverty

percussion :: striking one object against another sharply

perdition :: damnation; complete ruin

peregrination :: journey

peremptory :: demanding and leaving no choice

perennial :: lasting

perfidious :: basely false

perfidy :: violation of a trust

perforce :: of necessity

perfunctory :: superficial; listless; not thorough

perigee :: point of moon's orbit when it nearest the earth

perimeter :: outer boundary

peripatetic :: walking about; moving

periphery :: edge, especially of a round surface

peristyle :: series of columns surrounding a building or yard

perjury :: false testimony while under oath

permeable :: porous; allowing passage through

permeate :: pass through; spread

pernicious :: very destructive

peroration :: conclusion of an oration

perpetrate :: commit an offense

perpetual :: everlasting

perplexity; entanglement

perquisite :: any gain above stipulated salary

persiflage :: flippant conversation; banter

person has full sovereignty

personable :: attractive

perspicacious :: having insight; penetrating; astute

perspicuity :: clearness of expression; freedom from ambiguity

perspicuous :: plainly expressed

pert :: impertinent; forward

pertinacious :: stubborn; persistent

pertinent :: suitable; to the point

perturb :: disturb greatly

perturbation :: agitation

perusal :: reading

perverse :: stubborn; intractable

perversion :: corruption; turning from right to wrong

perversity :: stubborn maintenance of a wrong cause

pervious :: penetrable

pessimism :: belief that life is basically bad or evil; gloominess

pestilential :: causing plague; baneful

petrify :: turn to stone

petulant :: touchy; peevish

pharisaical :: pertaining to the Pharisees; self-righteous; hypocritical

phial :: small bottle

philander :: make love lightly; flirt

philanthropist :: lover of mankind; doer of good

philistine :: narrow-minded person; uncultured person

philology :: study of language

phlegmatic :: calm; not easily disturbed

phobia :: morbid fear

physiognomy :: face

physiological :: pertaining to the science of the function of living organisms

picaresque :: pertaining to rogues in literature

piebald :: mottled; spotted

pied :: variegated; multicolored

pillage :: plunder

pillory :: punish by placing in a wooden frame and subjecting to ridicule

pinion :: restrain

pinnacle :: peak

pious :: devout

piquant :: pleasantly tart-tasting; stimulating

pique :: irritation; resentment

piscatorial :: pertaining to fishing

pithy :: concise; meaty

pittance :: a small allowance or wage

placate :: pacify; conciliate

placid :: peaceful; calm

plagiarism :: theft of another's ideas or writings passed off as original

plaintive :: mournful

plangent :: plaintive; resounding sadly

platitude :: trite remark; commonplace statement

platonic :: purely spiritual; theoretical; without sensual desire

plauditory :: approving; applauding

plausible :: having a show of truth but open to doubt; specious

plebeian :: common; pertaining to the common people

plebiscite :: expression of the will of a people by direct election

plenary :: complete; full

plenipotentiary :: fully empowered

plethora :: excess; overabundance

plumb :: checking perpendicularity; vertical

podiatrist :: doctor who treats ailments of the feet

podium :: pedestal; raised platform

poignant :: keen; piercing; severe

polemic :: controversy; argument in support of point of view

politic :: expedient; prudent; well devised

polity :: form of government of nation or state

poltroon :: coward

polygamist :: one who has more than one spouse at a time

polyglot :: speaking several languages

pommel :: beat

porphyry :: igneous rock containing feldspar or quartz crystals

portend :: foretell; presage

portent :: sign; omen; forewarning

portentous :: ominous; serious

portly :: stately; stout

posterity :: descendants; future generations

posthumous :: after death

postprandial :: after dinner

postulate :: self-evident truth

potable :: suitable for drinking

potentate :: monarch; sovereign

potential :: expressing possibility; latent

potion :: dose of liquid

potpourri :: heterogeneous mixture; medley

poultice :: soothing application applied

practicable :: feasible

practical :: based on experience; useful

pragmatic :: practical; concerned with practical values

prate :: speak foolishly; boast idly

prattle :: babble

preamble :: introductory statement

precarious :: uncertain; risky

precedent :: preceding in time, rank, etc.

precedent :: something preceding in time

precept :: practical rule guiding conduct

preciosity :: overrefinement in art or speech

precipitate :: headlong; rash

precipitate :: throw headlong; hasten

precipitous :: steep

preclude :: make impossible; eliminate

precocious :: developed ahead of time

precursor :: forerunner

predatory :: plundering

predilection :: partiality; preference

preeminent :: outstanding; superior

preempt :: appropriate beforehand

prefatory :: introductory

prehensile :: capable of grasping or holding

prelude :: introduction; forerunner

premonition :: forewarning

premonitory :: serving to warn

preponderance :: superiority of power, quantity, etc.

preponderate :: be superior in power; outweigh

preposterous :: absurd; ridiculous

prerogative :: privilege; unquestionable right

presage :: foretell

presentiment :: premonition; foreboding

prestige :: impression produced by achievements or reputation

presumption :: arrogance; effrontery

pretentious :: ostentatious; ambitious

prevaricate :: lie

prim :: very precise and formal; exceedingly proper

primogeniture :: seniority by birth

primordial :: existing at the beginning of time; rudimentary

pristine :: characteristic of earlier times; primitive; unspoiled

privy :: secret; hidden; not public

probe :: explore with tools

probity :: uprightness; incorruptibility

proboscis :: long snout; nose

proceeding from the specific to the general

proclivity :: inclination; natural tendency

procrastinate :: postpone; delay

prodigal :: wasteful; reckless with money

prodigious :: marvelous; enormous

profane :: violate; desecrate

profligate :: dissipated; wasteful; licentious

profusion :: lavish expenditure; overabundant condition

progenitor :: ancestor

progeny :: children; offspring

prognathous :: having projecting jaws

prognosis :: forecasted course of a disease; prediction

prognosticate :: predict

projectile :: missile

proletarian :: member of the working class

prolific :: abundantly fruitful

prolix :: verbose; drawn out

promiscuous :: mixed indiscriminately; haphazard; irregular

promontory :: headland

promulgate :: make known by official proclamation or publication

prone :: inclined to; prostrate

propagate :: multiply; spread

propellants :: substances which propel of drive forward

propensity :: natural inclination

prophylactic :: used to prevent disease

propinquity :: nearness; kinship

propitiate :: appease

propitious :: favorable; kindly

propound :: put forth for analysis

propriety :: fitness; correct conduct

propulsive :: driving forward

prorogue :: dismiss parliament; end officially

prosaic :: commonplace; dull

proscenium :: part of stage in front of curtain

proscribe :: ostracize; banish; outlaw

proselytize :: convert to a religion or belief

prosody :: the art of versification

prostrate :: stretch out full on ground

protégé :: person under the protection and support of a patron

protocol :: diplomatic etiquette

prototype :: original work used as a model by others

protract :: prolong

protrude :: stick out

provenance :: origin or source of something

provender :: dry food; fodder

provident :: displaying foresight; thrifty; preparing for emergencies

provincial :: pertaining to a province; limited

proviso :: stipulation

provocation :: cause for anger or retaliation

proximity :: nearness

proxy :: authorized agent

prurient :: based on lascivious thoughts

pseudonym :: pen name

psyche :: soul; mind

psychiatrist :: a doctor who treats mental diseases

psychopathic :: pertaining to mental derangement

psychosis :: mental disorder

pterodactyl :: extinct flying reptile

puerile :: childish

pugnacious :: combative; disposed to fight

puissant :: powerful; strong; potent

pulchritude :: beauty; comeliness

pulmonary :: pertaining to the lungs

pulsate :: throb

punctilious :: laying stress on niceties of conduct or form; precise

pundit :: learned Hindu; any learned man; authority on a subject

pungent :: stinging; caustic

punitive :: punishing

puny :: insignificant; tiny; weak

purblind :: dim-sighted; obtuse

purgatory :: place of spiritual expiation

purge :: clean by removing impurities; to clear of charges

purloin :: steal

purport :: intention; meaning

purpose; to take for public use

purveyor :: furnisher of foodstuffs; caterer

purview :: scope

pusillanimous :: cowardly; fainthearted

putative :: supposed; reputed

putrid :: foul; rotten; decayed

pyromaniac :: person with an insane desire to set things on fire

Read and Answer

Q. A. The wall does not simply divide Israel from a putative Palestinian state on the basis of the 1967 borders.
B. A chilling omission from the road map is the gigantic ‘separation wall’ now being built in the West Bank by Israel.
C. It is surrounded by trenches, electric wire and moats; there are watchtowers at regular intervals.
D. It actually takes new tracts of Palestinian land, sometimes five or six kilometres at a stretch.
E. Almost a decade after the end of South African apartheid this ghastly racist wall is going up with scarcely a peep from Israel’s American allies who are going to pay for most of it.

EBCAD
BADCE
AEDCB
ECADB

Ans . B

Q. A. Luckily the tide of battle moved elsewhere after the American victory at Midway and an Australian victory over Japan at Milne Bay.
B. It could have been no more than a delaying tactic.
C. The Australian military, knowing the position was hopeless, planned to fall back to the south- east in the hope of defending the main cities.
D. They had captured most of the Solomon Islands and much of New Guinea, and seemed poised for an invasion.
E. Not many people outside Australia realize how close the Japanese got.

EDCBA
ECDAB
ADCBE
CDBAE

Ans . A

Q. A. Call it the third wave sweeping the Indian media. B. Now they are starring in a new role, as suave dealmakers who are in a hurry to strike alliances and agreements.
C. Look around and you will find a host of deals that have been inked or are ready to be finalized.
D. Then the media barons wrested back control from their editors, and turned marketing warriors with the brand as their missile.
E. The first came with those magnificent men in their mahogany chambers who took on the world with their mighty fountain pens.

ACBED
CEBDA
CAEBD
AEDBC

Ans . D

Q. A. The celebrations of economic recovery in Washington may be as premature as that ‘Mission Accomplished’ banner hung on the USS Abraham Lincoln to hail the end of the Iraq war.
B. Meanwhile, in the real world, the struggles of families and communities continue unabated.
C. Washington responded to the favourable turn in economic news with enthusiasm.
D. The celebrations and high-fives up and down Pennsylvania Avenue are not to be found beyond the Beltway.
E. When the third quarter GDP showed growth of 7.2% and the monthly unemployment rate dipped to six per cent, euphoria gripped the US capital.

ACEDB
CEDAB
ECABD
ECBDA

Ans . D

Q. A. To much of the Labour movement, it symbolises the brutality of the upper classes.
B. And to everybody watching, the current mess over foxhunting symbolises the government’s weakness.
C. To foxhunting’s supporters, Labour’s 1991 manifesto commitment to ban it symbolises the party’s metropolitan roots and hostility to the countryside.
D. Small issues sometimes have large symbolic power.
E. To those who enjoy thundering across the countryside in red coats after foxes, foxhunting symbolises the ancient roots of rural lives.

DEACB
ECDBA
CEADB
DBAEC

Ans . A

Q. A. In the case of King Merolchazzar’s courtship of the Princess of the Outer Isles, there occurs a regrettable hitch.
B. She acknowledges the gifts, but no word of a meeting date follows.
C. The monarch, hearing good reports of a neighbouring princess, dispatches messengers with gifts to her court, beseeching an interview.
D. The princess names a date, and a formal meeting takes place; after that everything buzzes along pretty smoothly.
E. Royal love affairs in olden days were conducted on the correspondence method.

ACBDE
ABCDE
ECDAB
ECBAD

Ans . C

Q. A. Who can trace to its first beginnings the love of Damon for Pythias, of David for Jonathan, of Swan for Edgar?
B. Similarly with men.
C. There is about great friendships between man and man a certain inevitability that can only be compared with the age-old association of ham and eggs.
D. One simply feels that it is one of the things that must be so.
E. No one can say what was the mutual magnetism that brought the deathless partnership of these wholesome and palatable foodstuffs about.

ACBED
CEDBA
ACEBD
CEABD

Ans . C

Q. A. Events intervened, and in the late 1930s and 1940s, Germany suffered from ‘over-branding’.
B. The British used to be fascinated by the home of Romanticism.
C. But reunification and the federal government’s move to Berlin have prompted Germany to think again about its image.
D. The first foreign package holiday was a tour of Germany organized by Thomas Cook in 1855.
E. Since then Germany has been understandably nervous about promoting itself abroad

ACEBD
DECAB
BDAEC
DBAEC

Ans . C

Four alternative summaries are given below each text. Choose the option that best captures the essence of the text.

Q. It is important for shipping companies to be clear about the objectives for maintenance and materials management — as to whether the primary focus is on service level improvement or cost minimization. Often when certain systems are set in place, the cost minimization objective and associated procedure become more important than the flexibility required for service level improvement. The problem really arises since cost minimization tends to focus on out of pocket costs which are visible, while the opportunity costs, often greater in value, are lost sight of.

A. Shipping companies have to either minimize costs or maximize service quality. If they focus on cost minimization, they will reduce quality. They should focus on service level improvement, or else opportunity costs will be lost sight of.
B. Shipping companies should determine the primary focus of their maintenance and materials management. Focus on cost minimization may reduce visible costs, but ignore greater invisible costs and impair service quality.
C. Any cost minimization programme in shipping is bound to lower the quality of service. Therefore, shipping companies must be clear about the primary focus of their maintenance and materials management before embarking on cost minimization.
D. Shipping companies should focus on quality level improvement rather than cost cutting. Cost cutting will lead to untold opportunity costs. Companies should have systems in place to make the service level flexible.

Ans . B

Q. Try before you buy. We use this memorable saying to urge you to experience the consequences of an alternative before you choose it, whenever this is feasible. If you are considering buying a van after having always owned sedans, rent one for a week or borrow a friend’s. By experiencing the consequences first hand, they become more meaningful. In addition, you are likely to identify consequences you had not even thought of before. May be you will discover that it is difficult to park the van in your small parking space at work, but that, on the other hand, your elderly father has a much easier time getting in and out of it.

A. If you are planning to buy a van after being used to sedans, borrow a van or rent it and try it before deciding to buy it. Then you may realize that parking a van is difficult while it is easier for your elderly father to get in and out of it.
B. Before choosing an alternative, experience its consequences if feasible. If, for example, you want to change from sedans to a van, try one before buying it. You will discover aspects you may never have thought of.
C. Always try before you buy anything. You are bound to discover many consequences. One of the consequences of going in for a van is that it is more difficult to park than sedans at the office car park.
D. We urge you to try products such as vans before buying them. Then you can experience consequences you have not thought of such as parking problems. But your father may find vans more comfortable than cars.

Ans . B

Q. Physically, inertia is a feeling that you just can’t move; mentally, it is a sluggish mind. Even if you try to be sensitive, if your mind is sluggish, you just don’t feel anything intensely. You may even see a tragedy enacted in front of your eyes and not be able to respond meaningfully. You may see one person exploiting another, one group persecuting another, and not be able to get angry. Your energy is frozen. You are not deliberately refusing to act; you just don’t have the capacity.

A. Inertia makes your body and mind sluggish. They become insensitive to tragedies, exploitation, and persecution because it freezes your energy and decapacitates it.
B. When you have inertia you don’t act although you see one person exploiting another or one group persecuting another. You don’t get angry because you are incapable.
C. Inertia is of two types — physical and mental. Physical inertia restricts bodily movements. Mental inertia prevents mental response to events enacted in front of your eyes.
D. Physical inertia stops your body from moving; mental inertia freezes your energy, and stops your mind from responding meaningfully to events, even tragedies, in front of you

Ans . B

Q. Some decisions will be fairly obvious — ‘no-brainers’. Your bank account is low, but you have a twoweek vacation coming up and you want to get away to some place warm to relax with your family. Will you accept your in-laws’ offer of free use of their Florida beachfront condo? Sure. You like your employer and feel ready to move forward in your career. Will you step in for your boss for three weeks while she attends a professional development course? Of course.

A. Some decisions are obvious under certain circumstances. You may, for example, readily accept a relative’s offer of free holiday accommodation. Or step in for your boss when she is away.
B. Some decisions are no-brainers. You need not think when making them. Examples are condo offers from in-law and job offers from bosses when your bank account is low or boss is away.
C. Easy decisions are called ‘no-brainers’ because they do not require any cerebral activity. Examples such as accepting free holiday accommodation abound in our lives.
D. Accepting an offer from in-laws when you are short on funds and want a holiday is a no-brainer. Another no-brainer is taking the boss’s job when she is away

Ans . A

Read and Answer

In each question, the word at the top of the table is used in four different ways, numbered 1 to 4. Choose the option in which the usage of the word is INCORRECT or INAPPROPRIATE.

Q. Help

This syrup will help you cold
I can’t help the colour of my skin.
Ranjit may help himself with the beer in the fridge.
Do you really expect me to help you out with cash.

Ans . C

Q. Paper

Your suggestions look great on the paper, but are absolutely impractical.
Do you know how many trees are killed to make a truckload of paper
So far I have been able to paper over the disagreements among my brothers.
Dr. Malek will read a paper on criminalization of politics.

Ans . A

Q. Service

Customers have to service themselves at this canteen.
It’s a service lift; don’t get into it
I’m not making enough even to service the loan
Jyoti’s husband has been on active service for three months

Ans . A

Q. Reason

Your stand is beyond all reason
Has she given you any reason for her resignation?
There is little reason in your pompous advice.
How do you deal with a friend who doesn’t listen to a reason?

Ans . D

Q. Business

I want to do an MBA before going into business.
My wife runs profitable business in this suburb.
If we advertise we will get twice as much business as we have now
How you spend your money is as much my business as yours.

Ans . B

Read and Answer - There are two gaps in each of the following sentences. From the pairs of words given, choose the one that fills the gaps most appropriately. The first word in the pair should fill the first gap.

Q. The best punctuation is that of which the reader is least conscious; for when punctuation, or lack of it, ___ itself, it is usually because it ___

obtrudes ... offends
enjoins ... fails
conceals ... recedes
effaces ... counts

Ans . A

Q. The argument that the need for a looser fiscal policy to ____ demand outweighs the need to ___ budget deficits is persuasive.

assess ... minimize
outstrip ... eliminate
stimulate ... control
restrain ... conceal

Ans . C

Q. The Athenians on the whole were peaceful and prosperous; they had ___ to sit at home and think about the universe and dispute with Socrates, or to travel abroad and ___ the world

leisure ... explore
time ... ignore
ability ... suffer
temerity ... understand

Ans . A

Q. Their achievement in the field of literature is described as ___; sometimes it is even called ___.

magnificent ... irresponsible
insignificant ... influential
significant ... paltry
unimportant ... trivial

Ans . D

Q. From the time she had put her hair up, every man she had met had grovelled before her and she had acquired a mental attitude toward the other sex which was a blend of ___ and ___

admiration ... tolerance
indifference ... contempt
impertinence ... temperance
arrogance ... fidelity

Ans . B

Q. This simplified ___ to the decision-making process is a must read for anyone ___ important real estate, personal, or professional decisions.

primer ... maximizing
tract ... enacting
introduction ... under
guide ... facing

Ans . D

Q. Physicians may soon have ___ to help paralysed people move their limbs by bypassing the ___ nerves that once controlled their muscles.

instruments ... detrimental
ways ... damaged
reason ... involuntary
impediments ... complex

Ans . B

Q. The Internet is a medium where users have nearly ___ choices and ___ constraints about where to go and what to do.

unbalanced ... non-existent
embarrassing ... no
unlimited ... minimal
choking ... shockinge

Ans . C

upscfever.com

Chapter 8: VOCABULARY

I

J

K , L , M

N, O , P

O

P

Read and Answer

Four alternative summaries are given below each text. Choose the option that best captures the essence of the text.

Read and Answer

Read and Answer - There are two gaps in each of the following sentences. From the pairs of words given, choose the one that fills the gaps most appropriately. The first word in the pair should fill the first gap.

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