The Big Book of Words You Should Know Read online

  dogged (DAW-gid), adjective

  Stubbornly obstinate in pursuit of a particular goal.

  Janice’s DOGGED determination to get to the truth of every story makes her an excellent reporter.

  dogmatic (dog-MAT-ik), adjective

  Adhering rigidly to a principle or belief. Someone who takes a dogmatic approach to an issue stays within ideological bounds at all times, even when circumstances might seem to dictate another course.

  The most DOGMATIC of the king’s advisors proved to be of little help during the crisis.

  doldrums (DOLE-drums), noun

  A spell of low feeling; an instance of sadness or stagnation. Also: a specific belt of calms and light winds in the Atlantic and Pacific oceans, difficult to navigate by sail.

  Kyle is in the DOLDRUMS because he doesn’t have enough money to go to the concert with his buddies.

  domain (do-MANE), noun

  An area over which one rules; a field within which one has power, influence or authority; a sphere of influence.

  The local hockey rink was truly Jon’s DOMAIN; when he steeped onto the ice, every other player stopped for a moment to watch him with mingled fear and respect.

  domesticate (do-MESS-ti-kate), verb

  To make accustomed to home life. To domesticate often carries the sense of refining another’s “uncivilized” instincts.

  Though she had done her best to DOMESTICATE Charles, Prudence had to admit that he was still a difficult marriage partner.

  double-entendre (DUH-bul on-TON-druh), noun

  A statement in which one or many of the words may be interpreted in several ways, resulting in ambiguity; an expression that can be taken two ways, one of which often has sexual or threatening undertones.

  Although Japanese adult comic books must abide by some very stringent codes forbidding profanity and the overt depiction of sexual activity, they often feature a barrage of steamy DOUBLE-ENTENDRES.

  dour (dowr), adjective

  Grim, stern, or sullen.

  Nelson, the McKays’ DOUR old butler, always made me feel as though I had transgressed some grave social precept in coming to visit Marjorie.

  douse (dowce), verb

  To cover with a liquid thoroughly; to drench or soak. (See, for comparison, the entry for dowse.)

  Even after DOUSING the charcoal with lighter fluid, Uncle Al couldn’t seem to get the grill fired up.

  downside (DOWN-side), noun

  A negative aspect attending a proposal or option; particularly, the potential hazard accompanying a business proposition.

  The advantage of accepting your proposal, of course, is that it allows us to get the planes back in the air; the DOWNSIDE is that we must accept the decision of the arbitrator as final even if it goes against the interests of our stockholders.

  dwindle (DWIN-dul), verb

  To become smaller; to shrink or waste away; to decrease.

  I had planned to run away forever, but my DWINDLING supply of cookies and pennies forced me to return home by nightfall.

  dyslexia (dis-LEKS-ee-uh), noun

  Unusual trouble with spelling or reading caused by a brain condition. Dyslexia is rooted in an impairment in interpreting spatial relationships.

  Judith’s DYSLEXIA frequently caused her to transpose letters in words.

  earthy (EARTH-ee), adjective

  Be careful with this word. It CAN suggest someone who is down-to-earth and practical, but it also can be used as an insult, to suggest that someone is crude and tasteless.

  Immediately after the accident, Jody forgot her usually impeccable manners and let loose a string of EARTHY accusations directed at the other driver.

  eccentric (ek-SEN-trik), adjective

  Unpredictable; erratic or marked by unconventional behavior. Someone who is given to odd behavior can be considered eccentric.

  Lionel’s ECCENTRIC behavior eventually led to problems with his father.

  eclectic (ek-LEK-tic), adjective

  Choosing from a variety of sources or origins. Something that offers a diverse selection of items, styles, or approaches is said to be eclectic.

  Ryan’s anthology offers selections from authors from around the world, resulting in a rather ECLECTIC volume.

  ecology (ee-KAHL-uh-jee), noun

  The study of how organisms interact with each other and with their environment. You might also hear the adjective form of this word, which is “ecological.”

  The study of ECOLOGY led scientists to discover global warming.

  ecosystem (EE-ko-sis-tuhm), noun

  The interaction of all living organisms within a particular environment.

  Carl has created an interesting new ECOSYSTEM in his room, since his domain includes everything from uneaten slices of pizza to filthy sweatsocks.

  ecstatic (eck-STAT-ick), adjective

  Describes a feeling of great delight, even rapture.

  June was ECSTATIC when she learned she had gotten the job.

  eddy (EDD-ee), noun

  A small current of air or water that flows against the main current; a small whirlpool or whirlwind.

  Because it had a strong undertow and a multitude of unpredictable EDDIES, the sound was considered dangerous for even the strongest and most experienced swimmers.

  effect (ih-FECT), noun

  A thing taking place as the result of a cause. Also, as a verb (often pronounced ee-FEKT), to cause or influence (a change); to bring about a hoped-for outcome. (See, for comparison, the entry for affect.)

  The entrepreneur’s entry into the race had the EFFECT of splitting the Republican vote.

  effeminate (eh-FEM-uh-nit), adjective

  More reminiscent of women than men. Effeminate was once a positive description of female refinement; today, it is more common as a derogatory word used to question a male’s masculinity. (Contrast this word with effete, below.)

  Dean, a quiet, thoughtful boy, was sometimes labeled as EFFEMINATE by his crueler classmates.

  eke (eek), verb

  To supplement through adversity. Also: to survive or subsist by means of hard labor or strenuous effort. Eke (usually used with “out”) is derived from the Greek for “augment.”

  Roger managed to EKE out an existence by working two jobs.

  elapse (ee-LAPS), verb

  To pass or go by (said of time).

  Two hours ELAPSED at the dentist’s office before my name was finally called.

  elicit (ih-LISS-it), verb

  To bring out. To elicit is to evoke or stimulate so as to yield a response. Elicit is occasionally confused with illicit, which means “improper or illegal.”

  Of the many responses our broadcast ELICITED, I like Mrs. Miller’s the best.

  elitism (ih-LEE-tiz-um), noun

  Adherence to the belief that leadership is best managed by an elite (a group considered to be the highest or best class). Elitism often carries negative overtones of snobbery.

  We have not worked so long for democracy to see it exchanged halfheartedly for ELITISM.

  elliptical (ih-LIP-tuh-kuhl), adjective

  In addition to meaning “shaped like an ellipse,” “elliptical” describes writing or speech that is intentionally obscure.

  I could not follow the professor’s ELLIPTICAL arguments, so I dropped his course.

  eloquent (EL-oh-kwent), adjective

  Fluent and persuasive in speech or expression. Eloquent people are convincing and pleasant to listen to.

  Lincoln and Douglas, both ELOQUENT debaters, knew that much more was at stake in their public meetings than a Senate seat.

  elusive (ee-LOO-siv), adjective

  Difficult to perceive, comprehend, or describe. An elusive issue or point is one that would require real work to grasp completely.

  Our goals are easily understood; the nature of the obstacles we face is somewhat more ELUSIVE.

  emanate (EM-uh-nate), verb

  To issue forth as from a source. To emanate is to flow from a point.


  The sounds EMANATING from the room next door were not comforting.

  emancipate (ee-MAN-si-pate), verb

  To liberate. That which emancipates frees from restraint or oppression.

  Lincoln’s decision to EMANCIPATE the slaves is considered by many to be the most significant event of the period.

  embellish (em-BELL-ish), verb

  To ornament and beautify. To embellish is to improve in appearance by adornment; an embellishment, then, can be a fanciful addition (or, by extension, even a convenient exaggeration of the facts).

  Marie’s gown was EMBELLISHED with tiny pearls.

  embodiment (em-BOD-ee-ment), noun

  The incarnation (of a given thing or idea); the condition of being embodied. To be the embodiment of something is to be so imbued with it as to be its physical representation.

  Jane was usually the EMBODIMENT of tact; her slip at the party was most uncharacteristic.

  embroil (im-BROIL), verb

  To force someone into a situation or to cause someone to become involved in a situation.

  Even though I was apathetic about the argument at first, I soon found myself EMBROILED in it.

  embryo (EMM-bree-oh), noun

  Something that is undeveloped or that is just beginning.

  Walt’s home-based business was the EMBRYO that launched his industrial empire.

  emigrant (EM-ih-grunt), noun

  One who leaves a country or region for the purpose of settling in another.

  The Irish potato famine of the 1840s turned many relatively prosperous citizens into penniless EMIGRANTS bound for the United States.

  eminence (EM-ih-nunce), noun

  Superiority or outstanding notability. An eminent person is one of great achievements or high rank. Eminence may be used as part of a formal form of address.

  His EMINENCE Cardinal Powers has asked me to respond to your letter.

  eminent (EM-ih-nunt), adjective

  Prominent or noted; of high esteem; outstanding and distinguished.

  I found the prospect of studying physics under an EMINENT professor like Dr. Maxwell, who had just won a Nobel prize, daunting to say the least.

  emissary (EM-ih-sare-ee), noun

  An agent acting in the interests of another party. An emissary is one sent to undertake a mission or task as a representative.

  The president’s EMISSARY left on a special plane from Washington; his time of return was unknown.

  empathize (EM-puh-thize), verb

  To share another’s emotions. To empathize with someone is to understand and identify with his situation and feelings.

  Although I can EMPATHIZE with your plight, there is very little I can do to help.

  emphatic (em-FA-tik), adjective

  Highlighted; extremely expressive. Something that is delivered with forceful or undeniable emphasis is emphatic.

  Beth was EMPHATIC about collecting the overdue invoice.

  emulate (EM-yoo-late), verb

  To strive to match or better by means of imitation. Someone who emulates another uses that person’s actions as a model for future success or mastery.

  David always felt that the key to his success was his decision to EMULATE his father in his professional and home life.

  encore (ON-kore), noun

  Sustained applause, cheers and the like meant to encourage a performer or performers to appear again after the formal conclusion of a performance.

  It didn’t seem possible that the maestro could ignore the our emphatic demands for an ENCORE, but when the houselights went up we all began to file slowly out of the auditorium.

  encumber (in-KUHM-ber), verb

  In legal terms, encumber means to place a lien on something. Generally, encumber means to load something—or someone—down with burdens.

  No wonder you can’t lift your backpack. It’s ENCUMBERED with all sorts of stuff you don’t need!

  endeavor (in-DEV-ur), verb

  To strive for or attempt; to try to reach.

  For the better part of a decade, Michael had ENDEAVORED to turn his novel into something that would touch the souls of everyone who read it.

  engross (in-GROSS), verb

  To completely consume one’s attention.

  I was so ENGROSSED in the novel that I didn’t hear Melinda calling my name at first.

  enmesh (en-MESH), verb

  To involve, entangle, or implicate. Literally, enmesh means to catch with a mesh net; the word has acquired a broader metaphorical sense as well.

  The judge suddenly found himself ENMESHED in the ins and outs of local politics.

  enmity (EN-mi-tee), noun

  Mutual antagonism or hatred. To show enmity toward a person is to harbor animosity or bitterness toward him.

  The ENMITY between the feuding families only increased with the passage of time.

  ennoble (in-OH-bull), verb

  To elevate or confer dignity upon someone or something.

  Historians ENNOBLED that rotting shack on the edge of town after they determined that the home was once an important stop on the Underground Railroad.

  ensemble (on-SOMB-ul), noun

  A group of individuals performing together as, for example, a cast of actors or musicians; also, an outfit composed of complementary clothing and accessories.

  Mort’s time with the jazz ENSEMBLE was humbling after his long career as a solo star, but it was the best musical experience he’ d ever had.

  enshrine (en-SHRINE), verb

  To cherish as though sacred; to preserve as if held within a shrine. To enshrine something is to memorialize it with the special reverence associated with religious ceremonies.

  There is a movement to ENSHRINE Shoeless Joe Jackson in the Baseball Hall of Fame, but I do not think him a suitable candidate.

  enthrall (en-THRALL), verb

  To hold spellbound. To enthrall is to captivate or mesmerize.

  Garbo’s performance was simply ENTHRALLING.

  entity (EN-tuh-tee), noun

  Something that exists separately. Entity can also refer more broadly to existence or being.

  The accounting department operated as a separate ENTITY.

  entourage (ON-too-rahj), noun

  A group of associates; people who commonly surround, protect, and attend to someone of importance.

  Melanie had hoped to score a front-page story by interviewing the reclusive movie star, but she never made it past his ENTOURAGE.

  entrepreneurial (on-truh-pruh-NOOR-ee-uhl), adjective

  Entrepreneurs start their own businesses . . . usually a risky venture. Therefore, someone who is entrepreneurial is willing to take risks, especially in order to turn a profit.

  As Elaine sold more and more of her handmade jewelry, she tapped into her hitherto unknown ENTREPRENEURIAL spirit.

  environmentalist (in-VI-run-men-tull-ist), noun

  Someone who places a high value on the environment and works to protect or conserve it.

  My daughter became an amateur ENVIRONMENTALIST after her first nature hike.

  eon (EE-on), noun

  A very long, indefinite period of time; seemingly forever; a span of time beyond comprehension. (In the disciplines of geometry and astronomy, however, eons have specific durations.)

  After what felt like several EONS, the tow truck finally arrived and we were able to haul our car back to the campground.

  epic (EP-ik), adjective

  Of major proportions; extraordinary.

  Rosa Park’s refusal to go to the back of the bus would take on legendary status in the EPIC struggle for civil rights.

  epilepsy (EP-ih-lep-see), noun

  A condition characterized by seizures and tremblings resulting from abnormal rhythmic impulses in the brain.

  Researchers believe that many of the “demonic possessions” recounted in the Bible were actually instances of EPILEPSY.

  equidistant (ee-kwih-DIS-tunt), adjective

  Describes two objects, places, people, etc.
that are exactly the same distance from one vantage point.

  Even though the homes of my parents and my in-laws are EQUIDISTANT from us, it takes longer to reach my folks because they live on the other side of mountainous two-lane roads.

  equity (ECK-wuh-tee), noun

  The state of not showing bias or favoritism.

  Mr. Harris always manages to exhibit EQUITY toward all of his students.

  equivocal (ee-KWIV-uh-kul), adjective

  Capable of varying interpretation. Also: dubious, uncertain, or suspect. To say a statement is equivocal is usually to cast doubt on the sincerity or truthfulness of the person making it.

  The EQUIVOCAL nature of Paul’s replies caused many to wonder about his suitability for the post.

  eradicate (ee-RAD-ih-cate), verb

  To do away with utterly. To eradicate something is to wipe it out and leave no sign of it.

  “Until we have ERADICATED poverty,” the priest vowed, “our struggle will continue.”

  erratic (ih-RAT-ik), adjective

  Inconsistent; lacking a set course. Something that wanders or fluctuates unpredictably can be considered erratic.

  Elaine’s ERRATIC writing style irritated her superiors, who bad no time to puzzle over an indecipherable and meandering memo.

  esoteric (ess-oh-TARE-ik), adjective

  Comprehensible only to a particular, restricted category of people. To say something is esoteric is to say it lacks broad appeal.

  The novel is likely to be enthralling to those familiar with the Revolutionary War period; others may find it ESOTERIC.

  espresso (es-PRESS-oh), noun

  A potent, dark coffee brewed by means of forced steam.

  The ESPRESSO machine had to be one of the most useless birthday presents I’ d ever received, given my caffeine intolerance.

  estrange (ih-STRANGE), verb

  To alienate or remove from a position or relationship. A family member who is estranged by others in the family is no longer regarded as part of the group.

  Her estranged brother made many attempts to visit, but Michelle would have no part of any such plan.

  etching (ETCH-ing), noun

  An impression on metal or glass made by means of corrosive acid; a picture or design produced by using this process to impart a design on a plate with acid.

  The ornate images on our paper currency are the result of intricate ETCHINGS meant to foil counterfeiters.

  eulogy (YOO-luh-gee), noun