In this dictionary you may find 51 very interesting words and some of it a little unusual; each has the kind of word that is (to the right of the word), the phonetic pronunciation (bottom of the word), its meaning, the synonyms and antonyms having some words, words derived or relating that have it, an example of the word in context and finally an relative image to that word, I hope you enjoy this eloquent dictionary.
Abasement /əˈbāsmənt/
(noun)
1. 2.
Action of humbling or degrading. To reduce or lower, as in rank, office, reputation, or estimation; humble; degrade.
1.
Synonyms Humiliate, dishonor, defame, belittle
2. 3.
Antonyms Build up, compliment, elevate, enhance.
1. • • • •
Related forms Abased, abasing verb (used with object) Abasement (noun) Abaser (noun) Unabasing (adjective)
Example: They abasement me because I'm more little than them.
Abyss /əˈbis/
(noun)
1.
A hole so deep or a space so great that it cannot be measured.
2.
Anything profound, unfathomable, or in finite.
Synonyms
•
Abysm, chasm, deep, gulf, ocean
Example: The abyss of time is very uncertain and confused.
Ailurophile
(noun)
/aɪˈlʊərəˌfaɪl/
1.
A person who likes cats; cat fancier.
•
Related forms Ailurophilic
Example: Get any two ailurophiles together and the discussion will inevitably turn to litter boxes and litter.
Ashtray /ˈæʃˌtreɪ/
(noun)
1.
A receptacle for tobacco ashes of smok ers.
Examples:
1.
If you leave such a cigarette in an ashtray unattended, it will extinguish itself.
2.
The only thing that was inside was a pack of cigarettes, an ashtray , and a lighter.
Average
(noun)
/ˈævərɪdʒ; ˈævrɪdʒ/ 1. 2.
A number that is calculated by adding quantities together and then dividing the total by the number of quantities. A level that is typical of a group, class, or series : a middle point between extremes.
•
Synonyms Moderate, ordinary, regular, mediocre.
•
Antonyms Abnormal, extraordinary, irregular, uncommon.
• • • • •
Related forms Averageable (adjective) Averagely (adverb) Averageness (noun) Subaverage (adjective) Subaveragely (adverb)
Example: Moreover the wind has a very constant yea rly average.
Becoming
(adjective)
/bɪˈkʌmɪŋ/ 1.
Causing someone to look attractive : having a flattering or attractive effect.
2.
Suitable or appropriate for a particular person or in a certain situation.
Synonyms Applicable, appropriate, apt, fit, befitting.
• •
Antonyms
•
Derived forms Becomingly (adverb )
•
Becomingness (noun)
Example: That jacket is very becoming on you.
Improper, inapplicable, inapposite, inappropriate.
Beyond
(adverb)
/bɪˈjɒnd/
1. 2.
At or to the other or far side of something Outside the limits of something.
•
Synonyms Over, past, on the far side of
•
Antonyms Within
•
Related forms Beyondness (noun)
Example: The parking area is just beyond those trees.
Bodacious
(adjective)
/bəʊˈdeɪʃəs/ 1.
Very good or impressive.
2.
Sexually attractive (usually used to refer to a woman)
Synonyms
•
Arresting, noticeable,remarkable, brilliant, catchy
Antonyms
•
Unemphatic, unflamboyant, unnoticeabl e, unremarkable.
Related forms
•
Bodaciously (adverb)
Example: Ivy poses in a fulllength one that accentuates her bodacious body.
Brood
(noun)
/bruːd/
1. 2.
A group of young birds (such as chickens) that were all born at the same time. The children in someone's family.
• •
Synonyms Set, hatch, incubate, sit, family. Antonyms Parent, child.
• •
Related forms Broodless (adjective) Unbrooded (adjective)
Example: They even have a brood of adopted children, who are happy and well caredf or
Burglary /ˈbɜːɡlərɪ/
(noun)
1.
The crime of either entering a building as atrespasser with the intention of co mmitting theft, rape, grievous bodilyha rm, or damage, or, having entered as a t respasser, of committingone or more of these offences.
Synonyms
•
Break-in, crime, heist, larceny, robbery.
Derived forms
•
Burglarious (adjective)
Example: He has been charged with attempted burglary
Cynosure /ˈsɪnəˌzjʊə; -ʃʊə/ (noun)
1. 2.
A person or thing that attracts a lot of attention or interest. Something serving for guidance or direction.
•
Synonyms Compass, direction, focus, lodestar.
•
Antonyms Commoner, nobody.
•
Derived forms Cynosural (adjective)
Example: That company is the cynosure for anyone wishing to make it in the music business
Dalliance /ˈdælɪəns/
(noun)
1.
An action that is not serious.
2.
A romantic or sexual relationship that is brief and not serious.
Synonyms
•
Playing, frolic, frolicking, fun, delay, loafing, poking.
Antonyms
•
Hastening, hurrying, labor.
Example: Our relationship is only dalliance, nothing seriously.
Demure /dɪˈmjʊə/
(adjective)
1. 2.
Sedate; decorous; reserved, quiet and polite. Affectedly modest or prim; coy.
•
Synonyms Prim, reticent, timid, unassuming.
•
Antonyms Bold, brave, aggressive, extroverted.
• •
Derived forms Demurely (adverb) Demureness (noun)
Example: She was wearing a demure gray suit.
Drawer /ˈdrɔːə/
(noun)
1.
A box that slides into and out of a piece of furniture (such as a desk) and that is used to store things.
2.
Drawers, (used with a plural verb) an und ergarment, with legs, that covers the lower part of the body.
Synonyms
•
Bag, baggage, basket, bin, box, cabinet.
Related forms
•
Predrawer (noun)
•
Redrawer (noun)
Example: She was wearing a demure gray suit.
Earthquake /ˈɜːθˌkweɪk/ 1.
2.
(noun)
A series of vibrations induced in the earth's crust by the abrupt rupture and rebound of rocks in which elastic strain has been slowly accumulating. Something that is severely disruptive; uphe aval.
•
Synonyms Shock, temblor, upheaval, convulsion.
•
Antonyms Perfection.
•
Related forms Preearthquake (adjective)
•
Example: But they are intriguing because they're occ urring in a zone in which earthquake activity is not expected.
Ebullience \i-ˈbu̇l-yən(t)s \
(noun)
1. 2.
The quality of lively or enthusiastic expression of thoughts or feelings : exuberance. A boiling over; overflow.
•
Synonyms Exuberance, liveliness, animation, effusiveness.
•
Antonyms Depression, sadness, unhappiness.
• •
Related forms Nonebullience (noun) Nonebulliency (noun)
Example: She was wearing a demure gray suit.
Elision /ɪˈlɪʒən/
(noun)
1.
The omission of a syllable or vowel at the beginning or end of a word, especially when a word ending with a vowel is next to one beginning with a vowel.
2. Any omission of a part or parts. Synonyms •
Decrease, deflation, recession, reduction.
Antonyms •
Enlargement, increase, expansion.
Example: The film's immense dignity is its signal cha racteristic, and some of it isachieved though deliberate elision.
Eloquent /ˈɛləkwənt/
(adjective)
1. 2.
Having or showing the ability to use language clearly and effectively. Clearly showing feeling or meaning.
•
Synonyms Affecting, articulate, expressive, fervent.
•
Antonyms Apathetic, calm, cold, dispassionate.
• • • • •
Related forms Eloquently (adverb) Eloquentness (noun) Noneloquent (adjective) Noneloquently (adverb) Quasi-eloquent (adjective)
Example: His success serves as an eloquent reminder of the value of hard work.
Erstwhile /ˈɜːstˌwaɪl/
(adverb)
1.
Archaic. formerly; erst.
2.
Former; of times past.
Synonyms
•
Past, bygone, previous.
Antonyms
•
Current, present.
Example: Before becoming big successes, thes e erstwhile college students shared a room.
Felicity /fɪˈlɪsɪtɪ/
(noun)
• • •
The state of being happy, especially in a high degree. Something that is pleasing and well chosen. A talent for speaking or writing in a very effective way.
•
Synonyms Happiness, bliss, cheerfulness, delight
•
Antonyms Depression, despair, dislike, displeasure.
•
Related forms Nonfelicity (noun)
Example: In places the writing may lack clarity and felicity of expression.
Fetching /ˈfɛtʃɪŋ/
(adjective)
1.
Attractive or pleasing.
Synonyms
•
Enchanting, captivating, charming, fascinating.
Antonyms
•
Repulsive, repellent, ugly, unattractive.
Related forms
•
Fetchingly (adverb)
•
Unfetching (adjective)
Example: You look very fetching in that outfit.
Halcyon /ˈhælsɪən/
(noun)
•
A bird identified with the kingfisher and held in ancient legend to nest at sea about the time of the winter solstice and to calm the waves during incubation.
• •
As an Adjective Peaceful, gentle, and calm. Happy and carefree.
Example: During those early halcyon years the company's potential for growth seemed unlimited.
Harbinger /ˈhɑːbɪndʒə/
(noun)
1.
A person who goes ahead and makes known the approach of another; herald.
2.
Anything that foreshadows a future even t; omen; sign.
Synonyms
•
Omen, portent, precursor, augury, forerunner, herald.
Example: The hope that the housing slump does not harbinger a general economic recession.
Helmet /ˈhɛlmɪt/
(noun)
1.
A piece of protective or defensive armour for the head worn by soldiers,policemen, firemen, divers, etc.
•
Synonyms Armor, hard hat, hat, busby.
•
Derived forms Helmeted (adjective)
Example: The ancient warriors wore helmets to protect their heads in the wars.
Imbroglio /ɪmˈbrəʊlɪˌəʊ/
(noun)
1. 2.
A misunderstanding, disagreement, etc, of a complicated or bitter nature, as between persons or nations. An intricate and perplexing state of aff airs; a complicated or difficult situation.
•
Synonyms Quandary,altercation, spat, squabble.
•
Antonyms Agreement, ease, harmony, peace.
Example: A celebrated imbroglio involving some big names in the New York literary scene.
Ineffable
(adjective)
/ɪnˈɛfəbəl/
1. 2.
Incapable of being expressed or descri bed in words; inexpressible. Not to be spoken because of its sacredness; unutterable.
•
Synonyms Ethereal, heavenly, indiscribable, unspeakeable.
•
Antonyms Definable, describable, utterable.
• •
Related forms Ineffability, ineffableness (noun) Ineffably (adverb)
Example: An ineffable beauty descends upon the canyon as the sun begins to set.
Inure /ɪˈnjʊə/
(verb)
•
To accustom to hardship, difficulty, pain, etc.; toughen or harden;habituate.
Synonyms • Acclimate, familiarize, habituate, harden. Antonyms • Neglect, soften. • • •
Related forms Inuredness (noun) Inurement (noun) Uninured (Adjective)
Example: Does violence on television inure children to violence in real life?
Lassitude /ˈlæsɪˌtjuːd/
(noun)
1. 2.
Weariness of body or mind from strain, oppressive climate, etc.; lack of energy; listlessness; languor. A condition of indolent indifference.
•
Synonyms Apathy, dullness, exhaustion, fatigue, idleness.
•
Antonyms Action, diligence, energy, interest.
Example: Symptoms of the disease include paleness and lassitude.
Lithe
(adjective)
/laɪð/ 1.
Moving in an easy and graceful way.
Synonyms
•
Agile, limber, nimble, slim.
Antonyms
•
Clumsy, rigid, stiff.
Related forms
•
Lithely (adverb)
•
Litheness (noun)
Example: The lithe body of a dancer.
Mellifluous /mɪˈlɪflʊəs/
(adjective)
1. 2.
Having a smooth, flowing sound. Filled with something (as honey) that sweetens.
•
Synonyms Agreeable, dulcet, euphonic, harmonic, fluid.
• • • •
Related forms Mellifluously (adverb) Mellifluousness (noun) Unmellifluous (adjective) Unmellifluously (adverb)
Example: She have a rich, mellifluous voice that gets her a lot of work in radio and TV commercials.
Mend /mɛnd/
(verb)
1. 2.
To make (something broken or damaged) usable again : to repair (something broken or damaged). To heal or cure (a broken bone, a sad feeling, etc.)
•
Synonyms Rectify, cure, heal, rebuild, rejuvenate.
•
Antonyms Break, damage, destroy, hurt.
• • • • •
Related forms Mendable (adjective) Remend (verb) Unmendable (adjective) Unmended (adjective) Well-mended (adjective)
Example: His broken heart never completely mended.
Mondegreen /ˈmɒndɪˌɡriːn/
(noun)
1.
A word or phrase that results from a mishearing of something said or sung.
Example: Very close veins” is a mondegreen for “varicose veins”.
Offing /ˈɒfɪŋ/
(noun)
1.
The more distant part of the sea seen from the shore, beyond the anchoring ground.
2.
A position at a distance from shore.
Synonyms
•
By-andby, futurity, hereafter, future, tomorro w.
Antonyms
•
Past.
Example: Major changes are in the offing for the company.
Panoply /ˈpænəplɪ/
(noun)
1.
A group or collection that is impressive because it is so big or because it includes so many different kinds of people or things.
•
Synonyms Demonstration, exhibition, expo, exposure.
•
Antonyms Concealment, cover, dullness, hiding,
• •
Related forms Panoplied (adjective) Unpanoplied (adjective)
Example: The full panoply of a military funera.l
Pence \ˈpen(t)s\
(noun)
1.
A plural of penny; used in referring to a sum of money rather than to the coins themselves.
Synonyms
•
Cent, copper penny, farthing, penny,
Related forms
•
Penceless (adjective)
Example: A special dividend of 159 pence per share was paid in March 2005.
Plethora /ˈplɛθərə/
(noun)
•
A very large amount or number : an amount that is much greater than what is necessary.
•
Synonyms Abundance, plenitude, plenty.
•
Antonyms Deficiency, inadequancy, insufficiency.
•
Related forms Plethoric (adjective) Plethorically (adverb)
Example: In the humanities, for instance, there are a plethora of book prizes.
Purse /pɜːs/
(noun)
•
A usually leather or cloth bag used by women for carrying money and personal things.
•
An amount of money that a person, organization, or government has available to use.
Synonyms
•
Bag, handbag, pocket, wallet.
Antonyms
•
Loss.
Related forms
•
Purseless (adjective)
•
Purselike (adjective)
Example: I left my purse at home, so I can't buy anything after all.
Pyrrhic /ˈpɪrɪk/ 1. 2. 3. 4.
Also called dibrach. a pyrrhic foot. Consisting of two short or unaccented syllables. Composed of or pertaining to pyrrhics. A war dance of ancient Greece. Example: The greens' victory is already looking rather pyrrhic, however.
(noun)
Quintessential /ˌkwɪntɪˈsɛnʃəl/
(adjective)
1.
Of the pure and essential essence of something.
2.
Of or relating to the most perfect embodiment of something.
Synonyms
•
Typical, ultimate, classic, ideal.
Related forms
•
Quintessentially (adverb)
Example: Many of the pieces are invigorating for the quintessential athleticism they portray.
.
Ravel /ˈrævəl/
(verb)
1. 2.
To become divided into separate threads. To tangle or entangle.
•
Synonyms Disentangle, free, loosen, unbraid.
•
Antonyms Tangle, twist, put together.
• •
Related forms Raveller (noun) Ravelly (adjective)
Example: Knit 6 rows WY, 1 row of ravel cord or crochet thread, then start using your main yarn.
Ratatouille /ˌrætəˈtwiː/
(noun)
•
A thick stew that is made of vegetables (such as eggplant, tomatoes, and squash) and sometimes meat.
Example: If your son likes tomato-based sauces, try mixing these with pasta, or serve some ratatouille with a meal.
Redolent /ˈrɛdəʊlənt/
(adjective)
1. 2.
Having a strong smell : full of a fragrance or odor. Causing thoughts or memories of something.
•
Synonyms Ambrosial, aromatic, perfumed, fragrant.
•
Antonyms Fetid, foul, malodorous, noisome.
•
Related forms Redolence, (rare) redolency (noun ) Redolently (adverb)
Example: My grandmother's house always seemed to be redolent with the aroma of baking bread
Revenue /ˈrɛvɪˌnjuː/
(noun)
1.
Money that is made by or paid to a business or an organization.
2.
Money that is collected for public use by a government through taxes.
•
Synonyms Earnings, gain(s), incoming(s), proceeds.
Antonyms
•
Charge, cost, disbursement.
Related forms
• •
Revenual, (adjective)
•
Nonrevenue (adjective) (noun)
Example: The factory lost revenue because of the strike by the workers.
Revenued (adjective)
Seraglio /sɛˈrɑːlɪˌəʊ/
(noun)
1. 2.
The part of a Muslim house or palace in which the wives and concubinesare secluded; harem. A Turkish palace, especially of the sultan.
•
Synonyms Concubines, purdah, serail.
Example: Panic seized the Seraglio; and at the beginning of February the assistance of Russia was formally demanded.
Shelf /ʃɛlf/
(noun)
•
A flat board which is attached to a wall, frame, etc., and on which objects can be placed.
•
Geology : a flat area of rock, sand, etc., especially underwater.
Synonyms •
Counter, cupboard, ledge, rack.
Example: Put the vase on the shelf.
Summery \ˈsə-mə-rē \
(adjective)
1.
Of, like, or appropriate for summer.
•
Synonyms Aestial, estival, sunny, warm.
•
Antonyms Wintery.
• •
Related forms Summeriness (noun) Unsummery (adjective)
Example: Unless you live in the Southern hemisphere in which case I wish you a hot and summery Christmas.
Tintinnabulation /ˌtɪntɪˌnæbjʊˈleɪʃən/
(noun)
1.
The ringing or sound of bells.
Synonyms
•
Chime, clangor, jingle, noise.
Antonyms
•
Silence.
Derived forms
•
Tintinnabular, tintinnabulary, tintinnabulous (adjective).
Example: The merry tintinnabulation of church bells.
Untoward /ˌʌntəˈwɔːd; ʌnˈtəʊəd/ (adjective)
1. 2.
Bad or unfavorable : not good. Not proper or appropriate.
•
Synonyms Balky, contrary, insubordinate, intractable, rebel.
•
Antonyms Amenable, biddable, compliant, conformable, docile.
Related forms
• •
Untowardly (adverb) Untowardness (noun)
Example:
The immediate cause of everyone's dist ress is an untoward sequence of weather events.
Vestigial
(adjective)
/vɛˈstɪdʒɪəl/ • •
Of, relating to, or being a vestige (of certain organs or parts of organisms) having attained a simple structure and reduced size and function during the evolution of the species: the vestigial pelvic girdle of a snake
•
Synonyms Inherent, lurking, smoldering, suppressed, underlying.
•
Antonyms Active, apparent, clear, live.
•
Related forms Vestigially (adverb)
Example: The buttons and knobs are still there, but they are vestigial.
Windowsill /ˈwɪndəʊˌsɪl/
(noun)
•
A narrow shelf that is attached to the bottom of a window.
Examples: 1. On my windowsill at home, I have a collection of cacti grown from seeds. 2. He moved over to the windowsill and half sat on it, heedless of the accumulated filth.
Worm /wɜːm/
(noun)
1. 2. 3.
Along, thin animal that has a soft body with no legs or bones and that often lives in the ground. The young form of some insects that looks like a small worm. A person who is not liked or respected : a very bad person.
•
Synonyms Boor, bounder, clown, creep, cur.
•
Antonyms Gentleman, helper.
• •
Related forms Wormer (noun) Wormlike, wormish (adjective)
Example: The bird catches the earliest, worm, serves the worm for being so early.