Think-a-link - is it in?

• Categories
• Hype
• Blog
• Top Ten Linkers

• Media
• News & Events
• Competitions
• What's it all about?
• Tips & tricks

Meaning of Words or Expressions

• Abase - To lower in rank, prestige or esteem/Humiliate (8.00)
• Aberration - Moral or mental lapse (8.00)
• Abeyance - Suspension of an activity (6.27)
• Abrogate - Abolish (6.60)
• Accentuate - Intensify/Emphasise/Mark with an accent (8.00)
• Accord - In agreement/Harmony (5.67)
• Accrete - Grow together/Fuse (7.50)
• Aceldama - Place of bloodshed (8.00)
• Acerbic - Harsh/Bitter (8.50)
• Achates - Loyal friend (7.00)
• Acolyte - Devoted follower/Attendant (6.25)
• Acquit - Pardon/Pronounce not guilty (6.00)
• Acrimony - Bitterness/Resentment (7.50)
• Acuity - Sharpness of mind/Acuteness (6.67)
• Acumen - Ability to make good decisions (5.33)
• Adam's Ale - Water (5.40)
• Adhere - To stick/Hold fast (7.67)
• Adjure - Command solemnly/Plead (8.00)
• Admonish - Warn (8.00)
• Adolescent - Teenager/Immature (8.75)
• Adroit - Skilful/Deft (6.44)
• Aesthetic - Appreciation of beauty or good taste (8.00)
• Affable - Approachable/Gentle/Nice (7.00)
• Affadavit - Signed sworn statement (5.00)
• Affect (verb) - Alter & Effect (verb) - Bring into existence (4.00)
• Ague - A fever (usually linked to Malaria) or a Fit of Shivering (5.18)
• Ailment - Illness (6.67)
• Al fresco - In the fresh air/Outdoors (6.00)
• Alchemy - Seemingly magical power or process of transmuting (5.33)
• Alimony - Payment made by one person (usually divorced) for the support of another (8.14)
• Aliquot - Part/Fraction/Sample (6.50)
• Alliteration - The use of the same sound at the start of words occurring together, as in Round the rugged rock the ragged rascal ran (8.00)
• Allude - Make a indirect reference to (8.00)
• Alter ego - Another side of oneself/Initimate friend (8.00)
• Altruism - Unselfish/Considerate (7.50)
• Alumni - Former pupils of a school, college or university (4.89)
• Amalgam - Combination/Blend (7.00)
• Amanuensis - Secretary/Scribe/Copyist (8.25)
• Amatory - Romantic (7.67)
• Ambiguous - Doubtful/Uncertain/Having more than one interpretation (6.80)
• Ameliorate - Improve/Make better (8.00)
• Amicable - Friendly (6.50)
• Amorous - Of or relating to love (8.00)
• Anachronism - Person or thing that belongs to another time (5.00)
• Anaemic - Pale/Lacking vitality/Having anaemia (8.00)
• Anathema - Detested person or thing (8.00)
• Anatomy - Study of the body and its parts (6.50)
• Ancillary - An Auxiliary/Accessory/Extra (6.67)
• Anodyne (adj/noun) - Relaxing/Pain relief (8.00)
• Anomaly - Irregular/Abnormal (5.25)
• Anomie - Social instability resulting from a breakdown of standards and values (7.50)
• Antipathy - Strong dislike/Hostility (6.67)
• Antithesis - Exact opposite (7.50)
• Antonym - Opposite (normally word definition i.e hot & cold) (6.67)
• Apathetic - Showing lack of interest or concern (7.00)
• Apex - Highest Point/Tip (5.20)
• Aphasic - Loss of ability to articulate ideas or comprehend written or spoken language (7.00)
• Aphrodisiac - Love potion or food (8.00)
• Apiary - Place for housing bees (7.00)
• Aplomb - Self-confident assurance (7.40)
• Apocryphal - Fictitious/Questionable authenticity (5.80)
• Apogee - The Highest/Farthest Point (8.00)
• Apostate - Defector (7.97)
• Apotheosis - Glorified example/Model of excellence (8.00)
• Apparatchik - Member of the Communist Party/Official of a large organisiation esp Political (8.00)
• Apparition - Ghostly figure/Sudden or unusual sight (7.00)
• Appease - Calm/Pacify/Soothe (6.00)
• Appellation - Name/Title (7.50)
• Apposite - Apt/Appropriate/Suitable/Relevant (7.00)
• Approbation - Approval (6.33)
• Arbiter - Person empowered to judge in a dispute (8.00)
• Arcadian - Rural/Rustic simple life (8.00)
• Arcane - Known by a few/Mysterious (8.00)
• Ardent - Passionate (7.75)
• Ardour - Passion/Eagerness (5.50)
• Argot - Slang/Jargon/Specialised vocabulary (6.67)
• Arson - Setting fire to a property (6.00)
• Artifice - Clever trick/Stratagem, i.e. 'Trojan Horse' attack (6.00)
• Assailant - Attacker/Aggressor (7.00)
• Assegai - Light spear from South Africa/The Tree it's made from (7.00)
• Assiduous - Persevering/Hard-working (8.00)
• Assignation - Secret rendez-vous (especially lovers) (5.50)
• Assuage - Soothe (5.73)
• Astrology (Reading horoscopes) & Astronomy (Study of the universe, stars, planets....etc) (8.00)
• Asunder - Apart (6.50)
• Atrophy - Wasting away/Deterioration (8.00)
• Augean - Extremely difficult/Unpleasant/Filth (5.50)
• Augment - To make greater, as in size, extent or quantity (6.14)
• Auspicious - Good omen/Favourable (5.67)
• Austere - Stern/Severe (7.71)
• Autodidact - A self-taught person (7.50)
• Autopsy - Medical examination of a dead body to determine cause of death (6.60)
• Avant garde - Daring/Radical (esp in the Arts) (5.50)
• Avarice - Greed (8.00)
• Avatar (noun) - Phase (7.00)
• Aviary - Bird Enclosure (7.33)
• Avid - Very keen/Enthusiastic (7.86)
• Avuncular - Resembling an uncle/Friendly/Helpful (5.83)
• Azzurri, meaning 'The Blues', is a nickname for the Italian football & rugby teams (3.20)
• Babel - Confused mixture of noises or voices (8.00)
• Babylon - Place of great luxury and extravagance, usually accompanied with vice and corruption (8.00)
• Baccalaureate - Farewell address to a graduating class (7.40)
• Baccarat - Gambling card game (5.67)
• Bacchanalian - Riotous, drunken revelry (7.38)
• Badinage - Playful banter (6.67)
• Balm - Something that soothes (4.50)
• Banal - Commonplace/Predictable/Trite (8.00)
• Bard - Poet (esp Lyric Poet) (8.00)
• Bastion - Person (or thing) regarded as upholding or defending an attitude or principle (5.33)
• Beatitude - Happiness (6.50)
• Bedevil - Confuse/Plague (4.50)
• Befit (verb) - Suit (6.67)
• Beguile - Charm (6.67)
• Behemoth - Huge person or thing (6.29)
• Behest - Urgent request/Command (8.00)
• Beleaguered (adjective) - Struggling against criticism or difficulties (6.50)
• Bellicose - Warlike in manner/Aggressive (4.50)
• Benevolent - Showing kindness (7.60)
• Benight - Make darker/Obscure (6.00)
• Benign - Gentle/Mild/Kind/Harmless (7.29)
• Bequeath - Dispose of (property) by a Will (5.88)
• Berate - Scold angrily/Tell off (7.00)
• Betide - Happen (8.00)
• Bifurcate - To fork or divide into two parts or branches (8.00)
• Bigamy - Crime of having two spouses simultaneously (7.29)
• Bigot - Intolerant person (esp Religious, Political & Race issues) (7.17)
• Bloodstock - Thoroughbred horses esp for racing (7.67)
• Bodacious - Impressive/Excellent/Bold/Audacious (6.75)
• Boon - Blessing/Benefit/Extremely useful (8.25)
• Bordello - Brothel (7.58)
• Boswell - A biographer, especially one who records in detail the life of another (7.50)
• Brace - Pair (normally game birds) (6.36)
• Brimstone - Old name for Sulphur/Damnation to hell (7.50)
• Broadside - Verbal abuse (8.00)
• Brouhaha - Uproar/Hubbub (6.38)
• Bucolic - Characteristic of the countryside/Rustic (7.50)
• Bulimic - Eating disorder often involving self-induced vomiting (6.33)
• Burgeon - Grow & Flourish (7.00)
• Burka - Long enveloping garment worn by Muslim women in public (6.50)
• Busby - Soldier's hat (beehive shaped) (5.67)
• Byzantine - Relating to ancient city of Byzantium/Complex/Involved/Devious/Scheming (8.00)
• Cabal - Group of plotters/ Scheme (8.00)
• Cachet - Distinctive mark or quality (7.00)
• Cacophony - Harsh, discordant noise (8.00)
• Cadaver - Dead body/Corpse (7.25)
• Cadence - Balanced, rhythmic flow (8.00)
• Callous - Insensitive/Cold-blooded (6.00)
• Callow - Immature/Inexperienced (6.00)
• Calumny - Slander or Defamation (7.25)
• Canard - False report/Misleading story (7.44)
• Candid - Frank/Straightforward/Open/Honest (7.67)
• Candour - Honesty/Frankness (8.00)
• Canticle - Hymn derived from the bible (8.00)
• Cantonese - Language spoken in Canton (now Guangzhou), China (7.50)
• Capacious - Large in capacity/Spacious/Roomy (8.00)
• Caprice/Capricious - Change of mind/Unpredictable (8.00)
• Carapace - Protected shell-like covering (5.75)
• Carbunkle - An Abscess (7.57)
• Cardinal number & Ordinal number (5.00)
• Carpet (verb) - Reprimand/Tell off (6.33)
• Carrion - Dead and rotting flesh (7.43)
• Cashier (verb) - Dismiss disgracefully from service (8.00)
• Castigate - Severely punish/Harshly criticise (6.75)
• Catholic - Comprehensive/Universal/Of the Roman Catholic church (4.50)
• Caucasian - White person (8.00)
• Caulk - To make watertight or airtight by filling (7.33)
• Caustic - Capable of burning or causing a burning sensation (7.00)
• Celadon - Pale green (8.00)
• Cenotaph - A monument erected in honour of a dead person whose remains lie elsewhere (8.50)
• Cerebral - Using intellect rather than emotion (8.50)
• Chagrin - Annoyance/Disappointment/Embarrassment (6.80)
• Chandler - Candlemaker or retailer (6.67)
• Changeling - Child secretly exchanged for another (3.75)
• Chapbook - Small, cheap book of popular ballads or stories (8.00)
• Chary - Cautious (7.50)
• Chasten - Correct by punishment (8.00)
• Chicanery - Deception by trickery (7.00)
• Chide - Express disapproval/Scold mildly (7.50)
• Chipper - Cheerful/Self-confident (5.60)
• Chivalry - Courteous behaviour/Gentlemanly (7.00)
• Chutzpah - Supreme self-confidence (5.83)
• Clarion (adj) - Clear and ringing/Inspiring i.e Clarion call (8.00)
• Clemency - Showing mercy (7.00)
• Climate - Weather/Atmosphere/Environment (8.00)
• Climes - Climate (in search of warmer climes) (7.33)
• Cobbler - Shoemaker or repairer (4.67)
• Cogent - Persuasive/Convincing (7.90)
• Cogitate - Think deeply about/Ponder (6.00)
• Cojones - Testicles/Manly courage (Spanish) (5.50)
• Combative - Inclined to fight/Aggressive (7.40)
• Complicit - Associated with a questionable act or crime (6.00)
• Concave - Curving inwards & Convex - Curving outwards (8.00)
• Concubine - A Courtesan/Prostitute (6.00)
• Condiments - Substance to complement food, e.g Salt & Pepper, Relish, Vinegar (8.00)
• Conduit - A means by which something is transmitted (5.67)
• Confabulation ('Confab') - Talk casually/Chat (5.00)
• Conjugal - To do with the relationship of husband and wife (8.00)
• Consequence - Effect/Result/Outcome (8.00)
• Conspicuous - Clearly visible/Obvious (6.75)
• Consummate (adj) - Supremely skilled/Complete/Extreme (8.00)
• Contrite - Full of guilt or regret/Remorseful (8.50)
• Convivial - Sociable/Jovial/Merry (6.33)
• Coquette - Flirt (female) (6.33)
• Coracle - Small round boat (6.33)
• Cordial - Friendly/Warm/Sincere (7.60)
• Cornucopia - Abundance/Huge supply (6.15)
• Corpulent - Excessively fat (8.00)
• Corroborate - Strengthen or support with evidence (6.33)
• Corsair - Pirate (8.25)
• Coruscate - Flashes of light/Sparkling virtuosity (6.60)
• Coterie - Small, exclusive group or club (8.00)
• Countenance - Facial expression/Face (5.50)
• Courtesan - High-class Prostitute/Mistress (5.83)
• Covert (adj) - Concealed/Secret (7.80)
• Cower - Cringe/Tremble/Crouch in fear (8.50)
• Cowl - The hood of a Monk's habit/The hood-shaped covering of a chimney (7.25)
• Cozen - Trick/Deceive (7.00)
• Craven - Coward/Cowardly (7.50)
• Credo/Creed - Belief (8.00)
• Crossing the Rubicon - Crossing the line (When Caesar crossed this river in 49BC, it was an act of war) (8.44)
• Cruciverbalist - Crossword compiler (5.33)
• Cuckold - Husband of an adulteress (6.56)
• Culpable - Guilty/Deserving of blame (7.71)
• Cumulus - Dense, white (or dark grey), fluffy cloud with a flat base (5.40)
• Curate's Egg - Something with good and bad qualities (6.40)
• Curator - Person in charge of a museum or art gallery (8.25)
• Curfew - Deadline (8.40)
• Curio - Curious or unusual object of art or bric-a-brac (7.50)
• Curmudgeon - A resentful ill-tempered person. (6.00)
• Custody - Protection/Supervision (8.00)
• Cynic - A negative person/Someone who finds fault (8.00)
• Dado Rail - Moulding around the perimeter of a room to protect the wall from furniture (6.57)
• Dauphin - Heir apparent (esp in politics or business) (4.67)
• de facto - Existing in fact, whether legally recognized or not (8.33)
• Dearth - Scarcity (6.82)
• Decadent - Self-indulgent/Moral decay (6.11)
• Decimate - Destroy/Kill (8.00)
• Defecate - Have a poo (7.23)
• Defenestrate - Throw someone or something out of a window (7.11)
• Deference - Respect (7.00)
• Defile - Pollute/Corrupt (6.75)
• Demeaning - Humiliating/Undignified/Disgraceful (8.00)
• Demeanour - The way someone behaves/Manner (4.67)
• Demi - (at the start of a word) - Half (6.50)
• Demonym - Members of a people/Inhabitants of a place (6.50)
• Denizen - Inhabitant/Resident (8.40)
• Denouement (pronounced denoomor) - The final unravelling of a plot/End of a story (6.22)
• Deportment - Behaviour/Conduct (8.00)
• Derring-do - Heroic/Brave (5.25)
• Diaspora - Dispersion of people, language or culture (6.29)
• Diatribe - Verbal abuse (5.56)
• Dichotomy - Division into two/The result of (7.67)
• Didactic - Instructive/Educational (7.00)
• Diffident - Shy (7.00)
• Diktat - An order or decree imposed without popular consent. (5.50)
• Dilatory - Wasting time/Tending to delay (7.50)
• Diligence/Diligently - Attentive care (7.00)
• Diphthong (pronounced difthong) - A vowel sound that changes in a syllable i.e boil (5.43)
• Discern/Discerning - Perceive/Detect/Recognise (7.00)
• Discombobulate - Throw into confusion (7.67)
• Discourse - Conversation (7.10)
• Discursive - Covering a wide field of subjects/Rambling (5.60)
• Disdain - Despise/Showing contempt (4.00)
• Disingenuous - Insincere (6.93)
• Dissident - Protester/Rebel (8.50)
• Dissolute - Immoral (6.20)
• Dissonance - Discord/Lack of agreement/Conflict (7.67)
• Distaff - Women's work (7.80)
• Dogma - Belief (6.75)
• Dogmatic - Opinionated/Arrogantly Assertive (8.00)
• Doldrums - Depressed/Bored state of mind (7.80)
• Doppelganger - A ghostly double of a living person/A double (6.50)
• Dotage - Feeble-mindedness through senility (7.70)
• Doughty - Brave/Valiant (6.27)
• Dowager - Widow who has property due to her deceased husband (7.75)
• Draconian - Extremely harsh or severe (especially laws/rules) (8.38)
• Dragoman - Interpreter/Guide (esp in Middle East) (8.00)
• Dreich - Dreary & Bleak (7.00)
• Duplicity - Deception/Double-dealing (5.93)
• Dyspeptic - Indigestion/Irritable (5.50)
• Dystrophy - Degenerative disorder caused by inadequate or defective nutrition (7.67)
• Ebullient/Ebullience - Enthusiastic/Joyously unrestrained (8.50)
• Edify - To improve someone's intellect or morality by instruction (8.00)
• Efface - Wipe-out/Erase/Rub-out (7.33)
• Efficacy/Efficacious - Effectiveness/Desired effect (6.00)
• Effigy - Crude figure or dummy of a hated person or group (8.50)
• Effulgent - Shining brilliantly/Radiant (8.00)
• Egalitarian - a person who believes that all people should be equal (7.75)
• Egoist/Egotist - Selfish, conceited person (7.25)
• Egregious - Shockingly bad/Offensive (7.67)
• Eidos - Ideas of a culture or social group (8.33)
• Elan - Enthusiasm/Distinctive Style (4.50)
• Elixir - Substance which supposedly prolongs life (7.88)
• Elysian Fields - Place of supreme happiness & bliss/The abode of the blessed after death (8.40)
• Emaciate - Grow thin & weak (normally by starvation) (8.00)
• Emancipate - Free from restraint (6.60)
• Embargo - Prohibition by a government on certain or all trade with a foreign nation/Ban (6.70)
• Emollient - Soothing and softening/Calming (5.50)
• Empirical - Guided by practical experience not theory (5.50)
• Endemic - Native to or confined to a certain region (5.50)
• Endothermic - Absorbs energy & Exothermic - Releases energy (8.00)
• Ennui - Boredom (6.63)
• Ensue - Follow as a consequence/Subsequently take place (8.00)
• Entourage - Group/Attendants/Associates (8.00)
• Ephemeral - Lasting for a short time (8.50)
• Epicure - Person with refined taste especially in food & wine (6.75)
• Epiglottis - a thin flap of cartilage at the back of the mouth that covers the entrance to the larynx during swallowing (5.00)
• Epigraph - Quote/Inscription (7.00)
• Epiphany - Moment of great or sudden revelation (6.75)
• Eponym/Eponymous - Word or name derived from someone's name e.g Atlas, Hoover (8.00)
• Equable - Tranquil/Not easily upset (8.00)
• Equipoise - A state of balance/Equilibrium (8.50)
• Erin - Anglo-Irish for Eire (5.71)
• Ersatz - Artificial and inferior imitation (8.25)
• Erstwhile - Former/Previous (5.17)
• Eschew - Avoid (6.50)
• Escrow - Written agreement given to a third party to be returned after a condition has been fulfilled (6.00)
• Esoteric - Confined to a small group/Confidential (8.00)
• Espionage - Spying, especially on governments or business competitors (8.00)
• Espy - Catch sight of/Glimpse (6.00)
• Essay (verb) - Try/Attempt (8.50)
• Esurient - Hungry/Greedy (5.00)
• Ethereal - Heavenly/Spiritual/Refined (8.00)
• Etude - Musical composition highlighting a certain technique (7.20)
• Eulogy - Tribute to someone who has died/High praise (8.00)
• Euphemism - Inoffensive word or phrase substituted for one considered offensive or upsetting (4.71)
• Euphoria - Great happiness (sometimes exaggerated) (4.57)
• Eviscerate - Take away a vital part of/Remove the contents of/Disembowel (5.33)
• Ewer - Large jug/Pitcher (8.00)
• Ex gratia - As a favour (8.00)
• Excommunicate - Formally exclude someone from a group or community (6.00)
• Exculpate - Clear of guilt/Vindicate (8.00)
• Execrable/Execrate - Detestable/Abominable/To curse (8.00)
• Exhume - Remove from a grave (6.00)
• Exigent - Exacting/Urgent (8.00)
• Exiguous - Scanty/Meagre/Small (8.00)
• Exonerate - Pardon/Excuse/Free from blame (8.00)
• Expiate - Make amends/Atone (6.50)
• Extant - Still in existence/Surviving (8.00)
• Extenuate - Lessen/Make light of (4.50)
• Eyewash (alternative meaning) - Nonsense/Rubbish (6.33)
• Facetious - Humorous at inappropriate times (4.50)
• Facile - Easy (5.50)
• Faeces - Number twos/Poo (5.68)
• Fallow - Uncultivated/Unused/Inactive/Idle (8.00)
• Fatuous - Foolish/Inanely silly (6.33)
• Fatwa - Legal opinion issued by an Islamic scholar (7.57)
• Faustian - Bargaining with the devil (6.75)
• Fecund - Fertile/Fruitful (4.88)
• Felicitate - Congratulate/Wish joy to (3.33)
• Felon - Person who has committed a serious crime (7.50)
• Feral - Wild/Untamed (8.50)
• Fetid - Stinking (6.50)
• Filibuster - Tactically obstructing legislation by prolonged speechmaking (7.50)
• Fillip - Something that adds stimulation or enjoyment (5.57)
• Fire sale - Sale of assets at very low prices typically when the seller faces bankruptcy (orig fire-damaged goods) (8.00)
• Firmament - Sky/Heavens (7.40)
• Fiscal - Involving financial matters (8.00)
• Fissure - Long, narrow opening/Division (8.50)
• Flagellate - Whip or flog/Scourge (6.00)
• Flocculate - To form lumpy or fluffy masses/Wool-like (6.60)
• Foetus - Unborn young of a mammal (7.33)
• Foible - Slight peculiarity/Minor weakness (8.33)
• Folly - Foolish action or idea (6.33)
• Fop - A man who is excessively concerned with fashion/Dandy (8.00)
• Foraging - Searching (especially food) (8.50)
• Forensic - Relating to an argument (usually in a court of law) (7.00)
• Foreshadow - Predict/Suggest/Forecast (8.00)
• Forlorn - Miserable/Wretched/Cheerless (8.00)
• Fortitude - Mental strength/Courage/Determination (8.00)
• Fortnight - Two weeks (8.00)
• Fourth Estate - The Press (8.00)
• Frail - Fragile (8.00)
• Frigid - Extremely cold/Lacking warmth of feeling (7.86)
• Fulminate - To issue a thunderous verbal attack/Explode (8.55)
• Fulsome - Offensively flattering/Insincere (8.00)
• Futile - Useless/Foolish (6.43)
• Gait - Manner of walking (7.00)
• Galvanise - Excite/Spur/Startle (8.43)
• Gambol - Leap about playfully/Frolic (4.17)
• Ganglion - Group of nerve cells/Centre of power or activity (6.75)
• Garb - Distinctive style or form of clothing/Dress (7.17)
• Garish - Crudely bright or colourful (5.38)
• Garner - Gather/Store (8.00)
• Garrulous - Talkative/Constantly chattering (5.00)
• Gauche - Tactless/Bad manners (8.33)
• Gaudy - Vulgarly bright or colourful (7.50)
• Gazetteer - Geographic dictionary or index (6.67)
• Geiger Counter - an instrument for detecting and measuring radiation (after Hans Geiger, physicist) (7.33)
• Gerrymander - Manipulate or adapt to ones advantage (7.00)
• Gnome (alternative meaning) - Short saying expressing a general truth (7.50)
• Gossamer - Very fine fabric/Filmy cobweb (5.50)
• Gradgrind - Someone who is interested in cold, hard facts (after a Dickens character) (8.00)
• Grandee - Person of eminence or high rank (orig Spain & Portugal) (5.80)
• Gravid - Pregnant (6.33)
• Gregarious - Sociable (6.40)
• Grub Street - A term for hack-writers (where they used to work in London) (6.25)
• Haltingly - Hesitant/Lame (8.00)
• Harbinger - Forerunner (6.67)
• Harlequin - A clown in multi-coloured costume (7.67)
• Harridan - Vicious woman (8.00)
• Hart - Male deer (esp a red five year old one) (8.00)
• Hector - To bully (5.33)
• Hedonist - Someone devoted to the pursuit of pleasure (7.33)
• Hegemony - Leadership (5.00)
• Herald - Messenger (8.25)
• Heresy - Belief thought to be contrary to official or established theory (6.29)
• Hermetically - Completely sealed/Airtight (8.00)
• Hex - Curse/Spell/Bad luck (8.50)
• Hiatus - Gap/Interruption (7.17)
• Hide - Skin (usually an animal) (6.33)
• Hierarchy - Class system/Pecking order (8.45)
• Hinterland - Remote & undeveloped area (8.67)
• Hippocampus - Part of the brain that has a central role in the formation of memories (5.00)
• Hirsute - Hairy/Untrimmed (8.73)
• Hogmanay - New Year's Eve in Scotland (6.13)
• Hoi Polloi - The Common People/Masses (derogatory) (6.33)
• Holistic - Concerned with wholes rather than analysis or separation into parts (8.00)
• Homeric - Heroic/Epic/Relating to Homer's work (7.50)
• Homespun - Unsophisticated/Unpolished (8.50)
• Homily - Moralising talk or writing (8.50)
• Homophone - Word that sounds like another but has a different meaning (5.50)
• Hubris - Arrogance/Pride (8.00)
• Hyperbole - An obvious, intentional exaggeration (6.38)
• Hypocritical - Pretending to be something you are not/False belief (5.00)
• I've said my piece (not 'peace') (5.00)
• Ibex - Wild goat (6.71)
• Idiom - Regional speech/Local expression (8.00)
• Ignominy - Personal dishonour/Shameful action (5.63)
• Ikebana - Japanese Flower Arranging (8.00)
• Ilex - Holly (6.00)
• Imbibe - Drink (6.82)
• Imbue - Inspire (6.38)
• Impasse - Situation in which progress or escape is impossible/Deadlock/Stalemate (8.00)
• Impecunious - Without money/Penniless (8.00)
• Impervious - Incapable of being penetrated or affected (6.40)
• Imprecate - Curse/Invoke evil upon (6.50)
• Imprudent - Unwise/Careless/Rash (8.00)
• Impudence/Impudent - Rude (8.00)
• In the main - Generally (6.20)
• Inadvertent - Careless/Unintentional (5.50)
• Incandescent - Shining brilliantly/Brilliance (7.00)
• Incendiary - Create strife or violence/Causing fire (8.00)
• Incessant - Never stopping/Continuing without interruption (8.00)
• Incongruous - Out of place/Absurd (7.30)
• Incumbent - Currently holding a specified office/Obligatory (7.44)
• Independent - Unattached/Self-governing/Not relying on others (8.00)
• Indictment - Formal charge of crime/Serious criticism (6.00)
• Indolent - Lazy (7.33)
• Ineffable - Indescribable/Not to be uttered (7.50)
• Inexorable/Inexorably - Relentless/Relentlessly (8.17)
• Infamy - Bad reputation/Infamous act (8.00)
• Infer - Deduce (5.75)
• Infra dig (adj) - Beneath one's dignity/Demeaning (5.50)
• Inimitable - Unique/Unrivalled/Unable to be copied (8.00)
• Iniquity/Iniquitous - Injustice/Wickedness (6.33)
• Innate - Natural/Inborn (6.44)
• Inscrutable - Of an obscure nature/mysterious/incomprehensible (5.86)
• Insidious - Crafty/Cunning/Treacherous (8.00)
• Insipid - Lacking flavour/boring/dull (7.25)
• Insolent/Insolence - Arrogant (8.00)
• Insouciant - Unconcerned/Not bothered (7.43)
• Insubordinate/Insubordination - Disobedient/Rebellious (6.00)
• Insurgent - A rebel (7.00)
• Integer - Number (1, 2, -3, -12, 0...etc) (4.67)
• Integrity - Honesty/Morality/Righteousness (7.75)
• Inter alia - Among other things (6.50)
• Intercostal - Between the ribs (8.00)
• Interjection - A word added to a sentence to show emotion. (4.00)
• Interloper - Intruder (5.92)
• Intern (noun) - Trainee doctor (6.00)
• Internecine - Mutually destructive/Slaughter/Carnage (5.50)
• Intimacy - Personal relationship (8.67)
• Intransigent - Stubborn (8.75)
• Inure - Become hardened to/Accustomed to (7.67)
• Inveterate - Long-standing/Well-established/Deep-rooted/Habitual (8.00)
• Invidious - Cause resentment or unpopularity/Undesirable/Unjust (7.22)
• Irascible - Easily angered/Hotheaded (8.00)
• Irenic - Promoting peace and calm (7.50)
• Iridescent - Rainbow-like/Colourful/Opulent (7.50)
• Irk - Irritate (4.80)
• Irrepressible - Uncontrollable (8.50)
• Irreverent - Disrespectful/Satirical (8.00)
• Iterate - Repeat (7.00)
• Jettison - Throw overboard/Discard (8.00)
• Jezebel - Shameless, wicked or immoral woman (7.60)
• Jonah - A person who brings bad luck (8.00)
• Jorum - Large drinking vessel or its contents (7.00)
• Judicious - Sensible/Prudent (8.22)
• Jurisprudence - Philosophy or Science of Law (8.00)
• Juxtaposition - A side-by-side position (8.00)
• Karma - Fate/Destiny/Aura/Atmosphere (8.00)
• Ken - Knowledge/Understanding (6.00)
• Kith - Friends/Acquaintances (6.57)
• Kowtow - Grovel/Worship/Bootlick (8.00)
• Lacerate - Rip/Cut/Tear (7.40)
• Laconic - Brief/Terse/Concise (6.92)
• Lalochezia - Emotional relief gained by using indecent or vulgar language (5.25)
• Lancinate - Pierce/Tear (8.00)
• Laodicean - Indifferent/Lukewarm (esp Religious matters) (8.00)
• Larceny - Theft (7.80)
• Largesse - Generous giving of gifts, money or favours (8.50)
• Lascivious - Driven by lust/Sexual desire (8.00)
• Lassitude - Weariness/Diminished energy/Listlessness (7.00)
• Latent - Hidden/Not Evident/Not yet developed (8.00)
• Laud - Praise/Glorify (8.00)
• Legacy - Something handed down to a successor (8.00)
• Leptorrhine - Long narrow nose (7.50)
• Leviathan - Huge or powerful thing (7.50)
• Lewd - Obscene/Indecent (8.50)
• Libel - A false publication that damages a person's reputation. (6.71)
• Libidinous - Driven by lust/Sexual desires (8.33)
• Licentious - Immoral (8.00)
• Lie doggo - Hide/Keep quiet (7.50)
• Lief - Readily/Willingly (6.80)
• Lien - Legal right (8.33)
• Ligature - Link/Bond (7.33)
• Limpid - Clear/Transparent/Easily understood (7.33)
• Lissom - Supple/Flexible/Nimble (7.00)
• Litany - A tedious, repetitive recital (8.00)
• Literacy - Ability to read & write (5.20)
• Litoral (noun) - Misprint/Misspelling/Typo (8.00)
• Littoral - Shore/Coastal region (7.33)
• Liturgy - Official forms for a religious service (6.00)
• Loco - Mad/Insane (5.75)
• Longitude - Vertical. Latitude - Horizontal (8.00)
• Loquacious - Talkative (5.00)
• Losel - Worthless person (4.50)
• Lot (alternative meaning) - One's fortune in life/Fate (4.00)
• Lothario - Man who seduces women/Rake (4.75)
• Louche - Dodgy/Disreputable (4.20)
• Lucid - Clear/Readily understood/Glowing (8.00)
• Luddite - One who opposes new technology/A technophobe (8.00)
• Lugubrious - Dismal/Gloomy/Mournful (8.00)
• Lycanthropy - Delusion that one is a wolf (5.17)
• Macabre - Gruesome/Grim/Ghastly (7.75)
• Madrigal - A Medieval Song (6.82)
• Maelstrom - Violent or turbulent situation/Whirlpool (7.50)
• Maenad - Frenzied Woman (6.67)
• Magnanimous - Generous/Noble/Selfless (8.00)
• Malaise - Vague feeling of unease, illness or depression (7.22)
• Malevolent - Wishing evil to others/Spiteful (8.60)
• Malign - Speak evil of/Tell harmful lies (8.00)
• Mammal - Warm-blooded animal where the female produces milk to feed the baby (7.20)
• Mandate - Authoritative command or instruction (7.40)
• Manifold - Many & Various (5.86)
• Mannequin - Human dummy/Model (5.40)
• Manque - Unfulfilled or frustrated in realising an ambition (pronounced 'marnkay') (6.13)
• Mantilla - A lightweight lace or silk scarf worn over the head and shoulders (Spanish origin) (5.40)
• Mantra - Commonly repeated word or phrase (8.75)
• Mar - Spoil/Damage/Impair (6.50)
• Marionette - Stringed puppet (8.70)
• Martinet - Disciplinarian/Taskmaster/Stickler (8.00)
• Mastic - Adhesive (8.33)
• Masticate - Chew (4.75)
• Mata Hari - Seductive woman (8.33)
• Maw - Stomach (7.44)
• Mawkish - Soppy/Slushy/Overly sentimental (8.00)
• Mea culpa - Acknowledgement of guilt ('my fault') (8.00)
• Melancholy - Sad (8.00)
• Melange - Mixture/Confusion (8.50)
• Melee - Noisy riotous crowd (8.29)
• Melliferous - Honeyed (5.50)
• Mendacious - False/Lying/Dishonest (8.00)
• Mentor - Advisor/Guide (7.25)
• Mercantile - To do with merchants, trade or commerce (8.00)
• Mercurial - Lively/Volatile/Unpredictable (8.33)
• Meretricious - Trashy/Attracting attention in a vulgar way (6.50)
• Metaphor - One thing conceived as representing another, a symbol. (6.00)
• Metathesis - Transposition within a word of letters, sounds or syllables (7.50)
• Metier - Trade/Profession (7.33)
• Metropolis - A major city (8.00)
• Miasma - Unwholesome atmosphere/Pollution (8.00)
• Mica - Rock-forming mineral (8.00)
• Mickle - Large amount/Much (8.00)
• Milliner - Hat maker & seller (8.00)
• Millstone - Heavy flat stone/Burden (i.e millstone around my neck) (7.50)
• Mirth - Glee (6.20)
• Misanthropy/Misanthrope - Hatred of mankind (8.00)
• Misdemeanour - Misbehaviour/Minor Offence (7.29)
• Misogamy - Hatred of marriage (8.00)
• Missive - Formal or Official Letter (4.83)
• Mitigate - To moderate/Make less severe i.e mitigating circumstances (7.00)
• Mollify - Appease (7.33)
• Moniker - Nickname (6.44)
• Moon (verb) - To wander about or pass time languidly and aimlessly (5.82)
• Moot - Open to debate (6.50)
• Mores - Customs/Moral attitudes (8.00)
• Moribund - Approaching death/Stagnant/No vitality (7.00)
• Multifarious - Having great variety/Diverse (6.25)
• Mundane - Ordinary/Not very interesting (7.00)
• Munificent/Munificence - Generous/Generosity (8.00)
• Muslin - Plain woven cotton fabric, esp sheets (8.00)
• Mysogyny - Hatred of women (7.00)
• Nadir - The lowest point of despair (8.50)
• Narcissism - Love of oneself (5.57)
• Nefarious - Wicked/Evil (5.67)
• Nemesis - Cause of great suffering or distress/retribution/vengeance (8.75)
• Neophyte - Beginner/Novice/Convert (8.00)
• Nescient - Unaware/Ignorance (8.00)
• Neurosis - Nervous disorder (7.80)
• Nexus - Link/Bond/Connected group or series (8.14)
• Nirvana - Paradise/Heaven/Ideal condition of joy (8.25)
• Nomenclature - List of names used in a particular subject (7.33)
• Nonchalant - Casually unconcerned/Indifferent (6.33)
• Nong - Stupid or incompetent person (8.00)
• Nous (pronounced 'nouse') - Common sense (8.33)
• Nuncio - Papal Ambassador (7.17)
• Nutate - Nod your head (8.00)
• Obtuse - Dull/Slow to understand (8.50)
• Ochre - Yellow, orange mineral used as pigment (5.80)
• Oestrogen - Female steroid hormone (7.67)
• Oeuvre - Work of Art/ Lifework of an artist, writer or composer (6.00)
• Oleaginous - Servile/Creepy/Oily/Obsequious (8.00)
• Oligarch - Member of a small governing faction (prevalent in the ex-Soviet Union States) (7.33)
• Omen - Sign of something about to happen, good or bad. (6.33)
• Omerta - Code of silence (esp criminals) (4.50)
• Omnibus - Large book containing a number of books, stories/Old name for 'Bus' (8.00)
• Onomatopoeia - Formation or use of words that imitate the sounds associated with the objects or actions they refer to i.e the roar of a lion (7.00)
• Opaque - Not transparent/Dim/Cloudy (8.00)
• Opprobrium - Disgrace/Bad Reputation (5.75)
• Opus - Creative work (esp musical) (4.14)
• Orison - Prayer (8.00)
• Oxymoron - Figure of speech that combines two apparently contradictory terms (6.50)
• Paean - Song (or expression) of joyful praise or exultation (6.25)
• Paladin - Strong supporter of a cause/Heroic champion (8.00)
• Palindrome - Word, phrase or sentence that reads the same backward or forward (6.20)
• Palliative - Something that alleviates or lessens a problem or illness (5.00)
• Pandora's Box - Source of many unforseen troubles (5.80)
• Panhandle (noun) - Narrow strip of land projecting from some larger area (7.60)
• Pantechnicon - Large van or lorry esp removal van/Furniture warehouse (8.00)
• Papacy - Pope's Office/Catholic Church System (7.00)
• Paradigm (pronounced Paradime) - Example, pattern or model (esp in word formation) (8.00)
• Paradox - Absurd but well-founded statement (8.00)
• Paragon - Model of perfection/Ideal instance (8.60)
• Parenthesis - Brackets in a sentence (8.00)
• Pariah - Social outcast (8.11)
• Parlance - Manner of speaking associated with a particular group (8.00)
• Parley - To have a discussion, especially with an enemy. (7.00)
• Parlous - Dangerous/Difficult/Risky (6.00)
• Parody - Feeble imitation (7.14)
• Parsimony/Parsimonious - Penny-pinching/Frugal (6.20)
• Pas de basque (pronounced Pa der bar) - Scottish Dance Step (8.00)
• Pas de deux - A ballet dance for two ('pace of two') (8.00)
• Pass muster - Pass examination or inspection/Measure up to a certain standard (7.00)
• Pastor - Member of the Clergy/Shepherd (7.20)
• Paucity - Scarcity (8.00)
• Pauper - Extremely poor person (6.00)
• Payola - A bribe to secure special treatment (4.20)
• Pecuniary - Relating to money (8.00)
• Pedagogy - Teaching as a profession (7.20)
• Pedestrian (alternative meaning) - Dull/Ordinary (6.00)
• Pejorative (adj) - Tending to make worse/Disparaging (6.00)
• Peloton - Main body of riders in a bicycle race (6.60)
• Penal - Subject to or relating to punishment (8.00)
• Penchant - Liking/Inclination (4.69)
• Penitent - Feeling regret for ones sins/Repentant (8.00)
• Pensive - Deeply thoughtful (7.50)
• Perceive - Become aware of especially through sight or hearing (8.00)
• Percent/Percentage - How many out of a hundred (5.75)
• Perfidy - Guilty, Treacherous or Deceitful (5.83)
• Perfunctory - Showing little interest/Dull (7.33)
• Peri - Beautiful, graceful girl (8.00)
• Peril - Danger (7.25)
• Perilous - Dangerous/Unsafe (7.67)
• Perimeter - Boundary around something (8.00)
• Peripatetic - Itinerant or Journeyman (7.78)
• Peripheral - Outer part/Minor relevance (8.33)
• Pernicious - Deadly/Wicked/Malicious (7.75)
• Persona - One's public image or personality (7.00)
• Persuade - Convince or urge someone/Sway their opinion (6.75)
• Pervade - To be present throughout (7.25)
• Pettifog - Quibble/Argue over petty things (8.25)
• Petulant - Impatient/Irritable (7.00)
• Pharmaceutical - Relating to drugs or pharmacy (7.63)
• Pharmacy - Chemist/Drugstore (7.60)
• Pheromone - Chemical secreted by an animal that influences the development of others of the same species, often functioning as an attractant of the opposite sex. (6.00)
• Philanderer - Womaniser/Male flirt (6.67)
• Philanthropy - An activity performed with the goal of promoting the well-being of fellow man i.e charity (8.00)
• Philippic - Violent speech/Tirade (7.00)
• Phonetic (pronounced Fernetic) - Relating to the sounds of a language (8.50)
• Pied-a-terre - Temporary or secondary place of lodging (6.50)
• Pinguid - Fatty/Oily/Greasy (6.43)
• Pinion (more than one meaning) - Small cogwheel (5.33)
• Pious - Religious/Devout (6.55)
• Pique - Resentment or irritation due to one's pride being hurt (6.78)
• Piteous - Demanding or arousing pity. (8.00)
• Placebo - Substance, with no medication, given as a pacifier (4.67)
• Plangent - Loud & Resounding/Expressing sadness & mournful (5.40)
• Platitude - Trite or unoriginal remark (6.57)
• Plenary - Complete/Unlimited/Fully attended (8.67)
• Plight - Trouble/Difficulty/Dilemma (8.00)
• Plutocracy - Country or state governed by the wealthy people (8.00)
• Po-faced - Disapproving or humourless expression (6.00)
• Polarise - Separate/Divide (8.00)
• Polemics - The art of dispute or argument (8.00)
• Pollard (verb) - Prune/Cut back (8.00)
• Polygamy - Having more that one wife or husband at the same time (5.71)
• Pontificate - Pompously dogmatic/Preach arrogantly (6.00)
• Portent - Omen (8.00)
• Portmanteau Word - Word formed by joining two others and combining their meanings ie Smog - Smoke & Fog (6.56)
• Posit - Lay down as a basis for argument/Suggest (5.80)
• Postulate - Take for granted (8.00)
• Potpourri (pronounced 'Po poory') - Assortment (especially dried scented flower petals) (5.00)
• Prandial - Meal related (6.83)
• Precipitation - Rain (7.60)
• Precis - Summary/Sum-up/Brief (pronounced 'Pray See') (8.00)
• Predicate - Base or establish (esp in an argument)/State as an attribute (5.50)
• Prefix - Letter(s) put at/before the beginning of a word to make a new word/expression ie (dis)believe or Mr (6.86)
• Prescient - To have foresight/Knowledge beforehand (5.20)
• Pretentious - Falsely trying to attract and impress others (8.00)
• Priapic - Overly concerned with masculinity (6.00)
• Privet - Shrub used for hedges (5.60)
• Proboscis - Prominent nose/Long snout or trunk (6.29)
• Procrastination - Defer or put off an action (6.00)
• Procure - To buy or obtain (5.00)
• Proffer - Propose/Offer (7.00)
• Prognosis - Forecast/Prediction (5.80)
• Proletariat - The Lowest Class of Citizens (4.50)
• Promulgate - Officially announce/Make widely known (7.50)
• Propaganda - Information that is spread for the purpose of promoting some cause (6.60)
• Propagate - Breed/Reproduce (6.87)
• Prosaic - Unimaginative (8.33)
• Prostrate - Lying face down in adoration or submission (8.50)
• Providence - Care or preparation in advance/Foresight (8.50)
• Prude - A goody-goody (8.00)
• Prudent - Wise/Sensible/Careful (7.50)
• Prurient - High interest in sex (5.20)
• Pseudonym - Fictitious name (8.00)
• Psychosis - Insanity (6.33)
• Ptarmigan - Plump bird found in cold northern regions (8.00)
• Puce - Dark red (7.00)
• Pule - Whine/Whimper (7.11)
• Pullet - Young female hen (under 1 year old) (8.00)
• Punitive - Punishing/Inflicting punishment (8.00)
• Purdah - Veil or 'to veil' (6.75)
• Purge - Free from impurities or unwanted elements/Make pure (7.69)
• Pusillanimous - Cowardly (8.00)
• QC - Queen's Counsel (a barrister) (8.00)
• Quasi - Seemingly/Not really/As if (8.09)
• Querimony - Complaint (7.75)
• Quid - A Cut of Tobacco (5.29)
• Quiescence - Inactivity/Quietness (7.50)
• Quintessential - Perfect example (7.00)
• Quisling - Traitor (named after Major Quisling of Norway in World War II) (8.00)
• Ragamuffin - A shabbily clothed, dirty child. (6.13)
• Raiment - Clothing (7.13)
• Rancid - Stale smell/Nasty (4.14)
• Rancour - Deep bitter hate (6.25)
• Rapt (adj) - Deeply absorbed or moved/Delighted (8.33)
• Rebarbative - Tending to irritate/Repellent (5.60)
• Recalcitrant - Willfully disobedient/Stubborn person (7.80)
• Recap is short for Recapitulate (7.38)
• Recompense - To pay for work/Compensate (6.75)
• Recondite - Difficult to understand/Profound (8.00)
• Rectitude - Moral uprightness/Righteousness (8.00)
• Recumbent - Lying down/Reclining (8.00)
• Redact - To put a literary work into appropriate form for publication/Edit (8.00)
• Redolent - Suggestive/Reminiscent/Smelling of (7.00)
• Refrain (noun) - Repeated utterance/Song/Phrase (6.00)
• Refulgent/Refulgence - Shining brilliantly (4.50)
• Rejoinder - Retort (7.33)
• Remiss - Careless/Negligent (esp duties) (7.25)
• Remorse - Deep regret (usually for some misdeed) (7.80)
• Rendezvous - Meeting/Meeting-place (6.33)
• Repast - Meal (6.50)
• Repose - Peace (7.67)
• Reprove, Reproach & Rebuke - Blame or Criticise (8.00)
• Repudiate - Reject the validity of or refuse to acknowledge something (8.67)
• Repugnant/Repugnance - Extreme dislike/Aversion (6.63)
• Requisite - Essential/Required/Requirement (8.00)
• Rescind - Declare invalid/ Make void (6.67)
• Retro - Reminiscent of the past (usually 'fashion') (5.00)
• Retronym - A word introduced because an existing term has become inadequate, e.g acoustic guitar to distinguish it from an electric guitar (4.50)
• Reverend (adjective) - Worthy of adoration (8.00)
• Reverie - Daydream (7.54)
• Rhetoric - Using speech or writing to persuade or influence (6.00)
• Ribald - Vulgar or offensive person (5.67)
• Risable - Ludicrous/Laughable (8.50)
• Rite of Passage - Significant event in a transitional period of someone's life (7.00)
• Rood - Cross/Crucifix (4.86)
• Rote (learn by) - Repetition (6.00)
• Rubicund - Healthy reddish colour/Rosy (8.00)
• Ruly - Neat & tidy (7.25)
• Ruminate - Chew over/Reflect deeply (8.00)
• Rural - Relating to the countryside (8.00)
• Rustic - Characteristic of simple, country life (7.50)
• Sagacious - Wise (8.00)
• Sagacity - Wisdom/Discernment (5.86)
• Sage - Having wisdom (7.00)
• Salacious - Lustful (7.67)
• Salient - Main/Chief/Most noticeable (8.50)
• Saltpetre - Potassium Nitrate (8.63)
• Salutary - Beneficial/Useful/Valuable (8.00)
• Salutation - Greeting (8.00)
• Salvage - Save or rescue (esp goods/property) (8.00)
• Sanguine - Cheerfully confident/Optimistic/Red (7.50)
• Sapient - Wise (7.75)
• Sardonic - Ironic/Scornfully or cynically mocking (8.50)
• Sarong - Loose wrap-around skirt (6.33)
• Sartorial - Tailored clothing (6.33)
• Saturnine - Bitter/Scornful/Melancholy (7.29)
• Save (preposition) - With the exception of (8.00)
• Schadenfreude - Enjoying someone's misfortunes (8.67)
• Schism - Separation or division into factions (pronounced 'Skizum') (6.67)
• Scintilla - Minute amount/Trace/Spark/Flash (8.00)
• Scotch (verb) - Put an end to/Cut/Score (7.00)
• Scunner - Strongly dislike (7.67)
• Seamless - Consistent (8.00)
• Secede - Withdraw from an organisation (8.00)
• Secular - Not related to religion (7.45)
• Seer - Someone who can see into the future/Prophet/Clairvoyant (6.00)
• Segue - Proceed without interruption in music or talk (6.50)
• Seminal - Highly original, influential & creative (6.00)
• Septum - Partition between two tissues or cavities, i.e the bit between the nostrils (6.40)
• Sepulchrally - Gloomily/Dismally/Relating to a tomb (8.17)
• Serendipity - Fortuitous chance meeting/discovery (7.50)
• Serf - Slave (7.00)
• Sesquipedalian - Long word (4.71)
• Sever - Cut off/Divide/Separate (6.33)
• Shaman - Witch Doctor/Medicine Man (7.67)
• Shard - Broken piece of glass or pottery (7.40)
• Shrill - High-pitched tone or sound (4.60)
• Sibling - Your sister or brother (5.67)
• Sidereal - Relating to the stars (8.00)
• Sienna - Brown (8.00)
• Siesta - Afternoon nap (normally in hot countries) (6.00)
• Simile - Figure of speech comparing two unlike things, often introduced with the word 'like' or 'as' (5.50)
• Simony - Buying and selling of holy things, i.e pardons, relics (considered a sin) (5.50)
• Sinecure - Plum job i.e a salaried job that requires very litle work (4.00)
• Sinew - Muscles/Strength (6.88)
• Sinister - Suggesting evil/Ominous/On the left side (8.00)
• Sisyphean - Pointlessly laborious (7.25)
• Slattern - Untidy, dirty woman (6.40)
• Sloth - Laziness (6.00)
• Smorgasbord - Buffet meal featuring a varied number of dishes/Varied collection (5.50)
• Sobriquet - Nickname (5.00)
• Sojourn - A temporary stay (as a guest) (4.29)
• Solecism - Grammatical error/Non-standard usage (8.25)
• Soliloquy - A speech you make to yourself, normally used as a theatrical device) (7.50)
• Sommelier - Wine Waiter (7.83)
• Sop - Dip into liquid/Food dipped into liquid/Bribe (6.75)
• Sophomore - 2nd year college student in America (8.20)
• Soporific - Sleepy/Drowsy (7.00)
• Sorority - Association or society of women (8.00)
• Soupcon (pronounced 'Soups on') - Very small amount (4.67)
• Spartan - Strict, simple way of life with no luxuries (7.83)
• Spectre - Ghost/Vision in one's imagination (6.75)
• Spinster - An elderly unmarried woman (5.80)
• Spurious - False/Bogus/Sham (8.00)
• Stakhanovite work ethic - Working hard to over-achieve (5.64)
• Stasis - Inactivity (6.40)
• Steed - Horse (5.67)
• Stellar - Relating to the stars/Outstanding (8.00)
• Stentorian - Extremely loud (esp voice) (5.50)
• Stevedore - A Ship loader (6.57)
• Stick in one's craw - Annoy/Anger/Resent (8.00)
• Stigma - Mark of social disgrace (7.00)
• Stipend - Salary (8.00)
• Stolid - Showing little emotion or interest (8.17)
• Subaltern - Lower in position or rank (usually below captain)/Secondary (5.86)
• Subjective - Personal/Based on a person's emotions (8.67)
• Subjugate - Bring under control/Conquer/Enslave (7.00)
• Sublime - Impressive/Majestic/Supreme (8.00)
• Subservient - Eager to carry out someone's wishes/Of less importance or rank (7.17)
• Subversive - Rebellious (6.33)
• Succour - Help in time of difficulty (4.82)
• Suffix - Letter(s) added to the end of a word to form another word (8.00)
• Suffrage - The Right of Voting (8.00)
• Sullen - Sulky/Morose/Gloomy (8.00)
• Sully - Taint/Ruin (reputation) (8.00)
• Summit - Peak/Top/Highest point (8.00)
• Superannuate - Retire or pension someone/Discard as old-fashioned or obsolete (8.33)
• Supercilious - Behaving in a superior or arrogant manner (5.80)
• Supine - Lying face upwards/Lethargic (8.00)
• Surfeit - Excessive amount (especially food & drink) (7.67)
• Surly - Bad-tempered (7.00)
• Surreal - Resembling a dream/Unrealistic (8.57)
• Susurrus - Whispering or rustling sound (8.00)
• Suture - Stitch (noun) (8.00)
• Swain - Male lover (6.75)
• Sward - Turf (5.43)
• Swarfega - Green, slimy hand-cleaner to get rid of oil and grease (8.00)
• Sycophantic - Grovelling/Bootlicking (8.00)
• Taboo - Ban/Restriction (5.50)
• Taciturn - Habitually silent/Reserved (5.00)
• Tactile - Connected with or perceived by touch (4.67)
• Taffeta - Fine Silk (8.00)
• Take umbrage - Take offence (7.57)
• Tam-o'-shanter - Scottish woollen hat (6.67)
• Tangential - Superficially relevant (8.00)
• Tardy - Late/Sluggish (7.50)
• Tarradiddle - Nonsense/Twaddle/Fib (8.00)
• Tawdry - Cheap (6.67)
• Taxonomy - Structure of Organisms/Origin (5.00)
• Tectonic - To do with construction or building (7.50)
• Temperance - Moderation/Restraint/Control (7.25)
• Tenacity/Tenacious - Persistent determination (7.50)
• Tenebrous - Dark/Gloomy (8.00)
• Tenet - Belief/Opinion (6.25)
• Termagent - Scolding, nagging, bad-tempered woman (8.00)
• Terrain - Area of land (6.00)
• Tertiary - Third in degree, order or rank (7.00)
• Teutonic - Relating to the German people (6.00)
• Threnody - Lament for the dead (8.00)
• Timbre - Quality/Tone/Sound property (8.00)
• Tin Pan Alley - The strictly commercial side of show business and pop music (a derogatory term)/ A city district associated with music (8.00)
• Tmesis - Separation of a word by another word (6.67)
• To give the third degree (as opposed to the 4th or 5th) (8.00)
• Tome - A Large Book (8.33)
• Torpid - Lethargic or Lazy (5.38)
• Torque - Turning or twisting force (8.00)
• Tort - Civil wrong or injury (7.67)
• Totemic - Emblem of a clan or family and sometimes revered as its founder, ancestor, or guardian. (8.00)
• Touchstone - Standard/Measure/Yardstick (8.00)
• Trade Wind - Steady wind blowing from East to West above & below the Equator (7.83)
• Traduce - Speak badly of (8.25)
• Transgression - Breach of a law/Sin/Crime (8.00)
• Transparent - Clear/See-through (8.00)
• Trappist - Order of monks with a vow of silence (8.00)
• Travails - Painful or hard labour (8.00)
• Treaty - Formal agreement between two or more states/Pact/Agreement (7.33)
• Trenchant - Forthright (4.33)
• Trite - Dull/Unoriginal (8.00)
• Troubadour - Poet or Singer (6.43)
• Truck - Dealings/Commercial Exchange (6.00)
• Truculent - Very aggressive/Bad-tempered (8.23)
• Truncate - Shorten by cutting (6.67)
• Tryst - Secret meeting (especially lovers) (8.00)
• Turpitude - Wickedness/Evil/Corruption (7.00)
• Tyro - Beginner/Novice (7.00)
• Uber - Super (8.60)
• Ubiquity/Ubiquitous - Seeming to be everywhere at once (8.56)
• Ultramarine - A vivid, blue dye (8.00)
• Ululate - Howl/Shriek (7.00)
• Unction/Unctious - Excessive but superficial compliments given with affected charm/Smarminess/Crawling (8.25)
• Unequivocal - Clear/Leaving no doubt (8.50)
• Unkempt - Untidy/Uncombed (4.67)
• Unrequited - Not reciprocated or returned in kind (6.50)
• Untenable - Incapable of being defended or justified (6.83)
• Urbane - Polite, elegant and sophisticated in manner (6.00)
• Usurp - Seize power without authority (8.00)
• Utilitarian - Practical/ Having a useful function (8.00)
• Uxorious - Excessively devoted to one's wife (8.00)
• Vacillate - Waver (5.09)
• Vacuous - Empty/Mindless/Vacant (8.00)
• Valediction - Farewell speech (6.29)
• Validation - The act of determining the properties of something (8.00)
• Vanguard - Leading unit at the head of an army/Cutting edge/Forefront (8.00)
• Vanilla (alternative meaning) - Basic/Ordinary (6.67)
• Varicose - Abnormally swollen or knotty (6.33)
• Velodrome - Cycling/Motorcycling sports arena (6.33)
• Venal - Open to bribery/Mercenary (8.00)
• Venerable - Respected because of great age or wisdom (7.57)
• Veracity - Truth/Accuracy (7.14)
• Verbatim - Word for word (5.20)
• Verbose - Long-winded/Using more words than necessary (8.00)
• Vermilion - Orange/Red Colour (6.75)
• Vernacular - Characteristic language of a particular group/Jargon (6.75)
• Vertiginous - Whirling/Dizziness/Unstable (8.50)
• Vestibule - Entrance hall or anteroom/Lobby (7.20)
• Vestige - Trace of evidence (6.00)
• Veto - Forbid/Refuse to give consent (4.75)
• Vex - Annoy (8.00)
• Vicarious - Felt indirectly by imagining what another person experiences/Substituted/Delegated (7.75)
• Vicissitude - Change or variation (normally unexpected) (6.63)
• Vindicate - Clear of guilt or blame (8.00)
• Virement - Transferring of funds from one budget to another (6.43)
• Vis-a-vis - Face to face with/Opposite to/Compared with (6.33)
• Visceral (the 'c' is silent) - characterised by intuition or instinct rather than intellect (6.67)
• Vista - A distant view/Panorama/Prospect (8.00)
• Vitiate - Impair/Spoil/Corrupt (6.00)
• Vitriol/Vitriolic - Verbal Abuse (7.13)
• Vituperative (adj) - Scathing/Critical/Abusive (5.33)
• Vivacious - Full of animation and spirit/Lively (6.83)
• Voluble - Talk easily and at length/Fluent (7.50)
• Voracious - Ravenous/Extremely hungry (5.78)
• Wabbit - Exhausted/Weary (8.50)
• Wain - Wagon (8.00)
• Whelm - Overcome with emotion (6.33)
• Wily - Clever/Sly (8.00)
• Winsome - Charming often in a childlike way (8.50)
• Wiseacre - Smart Alec (5.89)
• Wistful - Melancholy/Sadly wishing for (8.00)
• Wizened - Shrivelled/Wrinkled (esp with age) (7.50)
• Woad - Body dye (5.86)
• Wraith - Ghost/Pale-looking (8.00)
• Zeitgeist - Spirit of the time/moment (8.20)
• Zenith - Peak (i.e of your career) (7.00)

• Add a fact to this category