click below
click below
Normal Size Small Size show me how
SSAT Words
Term | Definition |
---|---|
Abate | To become less intense or widespread. The storm abated after several hours. |
Abdicate | (of a monarch) to renounce one's throne. In history, some rulers chose to abdicate their thrones voluntarily. |
Aberrant | Departing from an accepted standard. Aberrant behavior may indicate a need for intervention. |
Aberration | A departure from what is normal, usual, or expected, typically one that is unwelcome. The extreme weather was an aberration for that region. |
Abrogate | Repeal or do away with (a law, right, or formal agreement). The company decided to abrogate the old policy in favor of a more modern approach. |
Abstain | Restrain oneself from doing or enjoying something. He decided to abstain from sweets for a month. |
Abundant | Existing in large quantities; plentiful. The garden was filled with abundant flowers of various colors. |
Accolade | An award or privilege granted as a special honor or as an acknowledgment of merit. The novelist received an accolade for her latest work. |
Acumen | The ability to make good judgments and quick decisions. Her business acumen was evident in her rapid success. |
Adroit | Skillful, expert in the use of the hands or mind. She was adroit at solving complex mathematical problems. |
Affable | Friendly, good-natured, or easy to talk to. Her affable nature made her well-liked by her peers. |
Alacrity | Brisk and cheerful readiness. She accepted the invitation with alacrity. |
Altruistic | Showing a selfless concern for the well-being of others. Her altruistic actions were admired by all. |
Ambiguous | Unclear or having more than one meaning. The ending of the story was ambiguous and left us wondering what really happened. |
Anomaly | Something that deviates from what is standard, normal, or expected. The scientist studied the anomaly in the experiment's results. |
Aplomb | Self-confidence or assurance, especially in a demanding situation. She handled the difficult questions with aplomb. |
Arduous | Involving or requiring strenuous effort; difficult and tiring. Climbing the mountain was an arduous journey. |
Astute | Having or showing an ability to accurately assess situations or people and turn this to one's advantage. Her astute observations were invaluable during the negotiations. |
Banal | So lacking in originality as to be obvious and boring. The conversation was banal and uninteresting. |
Bellicose | Demonstrating aggression and willingness to fight. His bellicose attitude led to many unnecessary arguments. |
Belligerent | Hostile and aggressive. The belligerent tone of the speech alarmed many listeners. |
Benevolent | Kind and generous. The benevolent old man donated much of his wealth to charity. |
Blithe | Showing a casual and cheerful indifference considered to be callous or improper. His blithe disregard for the rules irritated his teachers. |
Boisterous | Noisy, energetic, and cheerful; rowdy. The boisterous crowd cheered loudly at the concert. |
Bombastic | High-sounding but with little meaning; inflated. His bombastic speech failed to impress the knowledgeable audience. |
Bravado | A bold manner or a show of boldness intended to impress or intimidate. He displayed bravado in the face of danger. |
Brevity | Concise and exact use of words in writing or speech. The brevity of her speech was appreciated by the audience. |
Brusque | Abrupt or offhand in speech or manner. His brusque reply caught everyone off guard. |
Bucolic | Relating to the pleasant aspects of the countryside and country life. The bucolic landscape was a peaceful retreat from city life. |
Cacophony | A harsh, discordant mixture of sounds. The cacophony of the city streets was overwhelming. |
Camaraderie | Mutual trust and friendship among people who spend a lot of time together. The team developed a strong sense of camaraderie. |
Candid | Honest and straightforward. Her candid remarks about the movie were refreshing. |
Capricious | Given to sudden and unaccountable changes of mood or behavior. The capricious weather made it difficult to plan outdoor activities. |
Cathartic | Providing psychological relief through the open expression of strong emotions. Writing in her journal had a cathartic effect on her. |
Circumspect | Wary and unwilling to take risks. The circumspect cat cautiously approached the new toy. |
Cognizant | Having knowledge or being aware of. She was cognizant of the complexities of the situation. |
Complacent | Showing smug or uncritical satisfaction with oneself or one's achievements. After winning the award, he became complacent and stopped innovating. |
Concise | Giving a lot of information clearly and in a few words; brief but comprehensive. Her concise summary made the complex topic easy to understand. |
Concur | To agree or be in accord with someone's opinion or statement. The committee members quickly concurred on the decision to fund the new playground. |
Conundrum | A confusing and difficult problem or question. The mysterious riddle presented a real conundrum. |
Cryptic | Having a meaning that is mysterious or obscure. The cryptic message left us puzzled. |
Cursory | Hasty and therefore not thorough or detailed. A cursory glance at the report revealed numerous errors. |
Dauntless | Showing fearlessness and determination. Her dauntless spirit was admired by everyone who knew her. |
Decipher | Succeed in understanding, interpreting, or identifying (something). She managed to decipher the coded message. |
Decorous | In keeping with good taste and propriety; polite and restrained. Her decorous behavior was appreciated at the formal dinner. |
Deft | Neatly skillful and quick in one's movements. The artist's deft brush strokes created a stunning portrait. |
Deride | To express contempt for; ridicule. The critics deride the new film for its cliched plot. |
Despondent | In low spirits from loss of hope or courage. After the defeat, the team felt despondent. |
Despot | A ruler or other person who holds absolute power, typically one who exercises it in a cruel or oppressive way. The despot ruled the country with an iron fist. |
Dichotomy | A division or contrast between two things that are or are represented as being opposed or entirely different. The dichotomy between good and evil is often explored in literature. |
Diligent | Having or showing care and conscientiousness in one's work or duties. Her diligent study habits resulted in high grades. |
Disparage | To regard or represent as being of little worth. He never missed an opportunity to disparage his competitors. |
Disseminate | Spread or disperse (something, especially information) widely. The internet allows us to disseminate information quickly. |
Dubious | Doubtful or uncertain. He was dubious about the plan's chances for success. |
Ebullient | Cheerful and full of energy. He was ebullient at the prospect of starting his new job. |
Eclectic | Deriving ideas, style, or taste from a broad and diverse range of sources. Her eclectic taste in music included everything from jazz to pop. |
Eloquent | Fluent and persuasive in speaking or writing. The speaker was so eloquent that everyone was moved by his speech. |
Elucidate | Make (something) clear; explain. The professor will elucidate the complex topic in today's lecture. |
Elusive | Difficult to find, catch, or achieve. The elusive bird was rarely seen by birdwatchers. |
Empathy | The ability to understand and share the feelings of another. She showed great empathy towards the children in need. |
Empirical | Based on, concerned with, or verifiable by observation or experience rather than theory or pure logic. Scientists gather empirical data during their research. |
Enigma | A person or thing that is mysterious, puzzling, or difficult to understand. The ancient runes were an enigma to the archaeologists. |
Ephemeral | Lasting for a very short time. The beauty of the ephemeral butterfly is a fleeting wonder. |
Erudite | Having or showing great knowledge or learning. The erudite professor was an expert in her field. |
Euphemism | A mild or indirect word or expression substituted for one considered to be too harsh or blunt when referring to something unpleasant or embarrassing. “Passed away” is a euphemism for “died.” |
Exacerbate | To make (a problem, bad situation, or negative feeling) worse. The constant delays only served to exacerbate the situation. |
Facet | A particular aspect or feature of something. The novel explored every facet of human emotion. |
Facetious | Treating serious issues with deliberately inappropriate humor. His facetious comments sometimes offended his colleagues. |
Facilitate | To make a process or action easier or smoother. The new software was designed to facilitate data analysis for researchers. |
Fastidious | Very attentive to and concerned about accuracy and detail. She was fastidious about her appearance. |
Fathom | Understand (a difficult problem or an enigmatic person) after much thought. The philosopher attempted to fathom the nature of existence. |
Feasible | Possible to do easily or conveniently. It seemed feasible to complete the project before the deadline. |
Fervent | Having or displaying a passionate intensity. He spoke with fervent enthusiasm about his project. |
Fledgling | A person or organization that is immature, inexperienced, or underdeveloped. The fledgling company struggled to find its footing in the market. |
Flippant | Not showing a serious or respectful attitude. Her flippant remarks were often inappropriate during serious discussions. |
Fortuitous | Happening by accident or chance rather than design. The meeting was fortuitous, although it seemed planned. |
Frivolous | Not having any serious purpose or value. They spent the day engaging in frivolous activities. |
Frugal | Sparing or economical with regard to money or food. His frugal lifestyle allowed him to save a substantial amount of money. |
Furtive | Attempting to avoid notice or attention, typically because of guilt or a belief that discovery would lead to trouble; secretive. He cast a furtive glance over his shoulder. |
Gallant | Brave; heroic. The gallant firefighter saved the family from the blaze. |
Garish | Obtrusively bright and showy; lurid. The decorations were garish and tasteless. |
Garner | Gather or collect (something, especially information or approval). The journalist was able to garner important facts for the story. |
Garrulous | Excessively talkative, especially on trivial matters. The garrulous man bored his listeners with endless stories. |
Gratuitous | Unnecessary or unwarranted. The film was criticized for its gratuitous violence. |
Gregarious | Fond of company; sociable. His gregarious personality made him a great host. |
Haphazard | Lacking any obvious principle of organization. The books were stacked in a haphazard manner. |
Hapless | Unfortunate. The hapless sailor was lost at sea. |
Harangue | A lengthy and aggressive speech. The politician's harangue lasted for over an hour. |
Harbinger | A person or thing that announces or signals the approach of another. The blooming flowers were a harbinger of spring. |
Haughty | Displaying arrogance or a superior attitude toward others. The haughty manager treated her subordinates with disdain. |
Hedonist | A person who believes that the pursuit of pleasure is the most important thing in life. As a hedonist, he spent much of his time seeking new pleasures. |
Herald | A person or thing that announces or signals the approach of another. The blooming flowers were a herald of spring. |
Heterogeneous | Diverse in character or content. The city was a melting pot, a heterogeneous mix of different cultures. |
Iconoclast | A person who attacks cherished beliefs or institutions. As an iconoclast, he often challenged conventional wisdom. |
Idiosyncrasy | A mode of behavior or way of thought peculiar to an individual. One of her idiosyncrasies is always wearing mismatched socks. |
Impeccable | Flawless; without any imperfections. Her taste in fashion is impeccable. |
Imperative | Of vital importance; crucial. It is imperative that we act now to prevent further damage. |
Incessant | Continuing without interruption; constant. The incessant rain made it difficult to go outside for days. |
Incongruous | Not in harmony or keeping with the surroundings or other aspects of something. The modern sculpture looked incongruous among the classical architecture. |
Indolent | Wanting to avoid activity or exertion; lazy. His indolent attitude led to poor performance at work. |
Ineffable | Too great or extreme to be expressed or described in words. The beauty of the natural landscape was ineffable. |
Inexorable | Impossible to stop or prevent. The inexorable march of time continues, regardless of our wishes. |
Infallible | Incapable of making mistakes or being wrong. She considered her mentor to be infallible. |
Ingratiate | Gain favor with someone by flattering or trying to please them. He tried to ingratiate himself with the new boss. |
Innovate | Make changes in something established, especially by introducing new methods, ideas, or products. The company strives to innovate to stay ahead in the market. |
Jaded | Tired, bored, or lacking enthusiasm, typically after having had too much of something. After years in the same job, he felt jaded and unmotivated. |
Jettison | Throw or drop (something) from an aircraft or ship. The crew had to jettison the cargo to lighten the ship. |
Jocular | Fond of or characterized by joking; humorous or playful. His jocular manner made him popular at social gatherings. |
Jovial | Cheerful and friendly. His jovial demeanor made him popular at parties. |
Jubilant | Feeling or expressing great happiness and triumph. The team was jubilant after their unexpected win. |
Judicious | Having, showing, or done with good judgment or sense. The judge was respected for her judicious decision-making. |
Juncture | A particular point in events or time. At this critical juncture, we must make a decision. |
Juxtapose | To place or deal with close together for contrasting effect. The exhibit juxtaposed modern art with classical pieces. |
Juxtaposition | The fact of two things being seen or placed close together with contrasting effect. The juxtaposition of modern and traditional designs was striking. |
Kaleidoscope | A constantly changing pattern or sequence of elements. The city was a kaleidoscope of sights and sounds. |
Kinetic | Relating to or resulting from motion. The kinetic energy of the object increased as it rolled downhill. |
Kismet | Destiny; fate. It was kismet that brought them together. |
Knack | An acquired or natural skill at performing a task. He has a knack for making people feel at ease. |
Knotty | Full of knots; complex; difficult to solve. The committee faced a knotty problem that required careful consideration. |
Kudos | Praise and honor received for an achievement. She received kudos from everyone on her excellent performance. |
Labyrinthine | (of a network) like a labyrinth; irregular and twisting. The labyrinthine streets of the old city were confusing to navigate. |
Languid | Displaying or having a disinclination for physical exertion or effort; slow and relaxed. The hot summer day made everyone feel languid. |
Laud | Praise (a person or their achievements) highly. The scientist was lauded for her contributions to medicine. |
Laudable | Deserving praise and commendation. Her laudable efforts in charity work were recognized by the community. |
Lethargic | Affected by lethargy; sluggish and apathetic. He felt lethargic after the long journey. |
Lethargy | A lack of energy and enthusiasm. The hot weather filled everyone with an air of lethargy. |
Lithe | (especially of a person's body) thin, supple, and graceful. The dancer was admired for her lithe figure. |
Loquacious | Tending to talk a great deal; talkative. The loquacious host kept the conversation going all evening. |
Lucid | Clear and easy to understand. The professor's explanation was lucid and helpful. |
Lurid | Very vivid in color, especially so as to create an unpleasantly harsh or unnatural effect. The lurid neon sign was hard to miss. |
Maudlin | Self-pityingly or tearfully sentimental, often through drunkenness. The movie's maudlin theme left everyone feeling gloomy. |
Maverick | A person who thinks and acts in an independent way, often behaving differently from the expected or usual way. His maverick approach to business was both risky and successful. |
Melancholy | A feeling of pensive sadness, typically with no obvious cause. There was a touch of melancholy in his voice as he spoke of the past. |
Mellifluous | Sweet or musical; pleasant to hear. Her mellifluous voice captivated the audience. |
Mercurial | Characterized by rapid and unpredictable change in mood. His mercurial temperament made him a difficult colleague. |
Meticulous | Showing great attention to detail; very careful and precise. His meticulous approach to the project ensured its success. |
Misanthrope | A person who dislikes humankind and avoids human society. The old hermit was a misanthrope who lived away from the village. |
Mollify | To appease the anger or anxiety of (someone). He tried to mollify the angry customer with a refund. |
Morose | Sullen and ill-tempered. He was morose and silent after the game. |
Mundane | Lacking interest or excitement; dull. She found her mundane routine to be very tiresome. |
Munificent | More generous than is usual or necessary. His munificent donation helped build the new library. |
Myriad | A countless or extremely great number. She faced a myriad of choices for her future. |
Nadir | The lowest point in the fortunes of a person or organization. The company's stock reached its nadir due to the scandal. |
Nebulous | In the form of a cloud or haze; hazy. His plans for the future were still nebulous and undefined. |
Nefarious | Wicked or criminal. The villain's nefarious plans were thwarted by the heroes. |
Nonchalant | Feeling or appearing casually calm and relaxed. His nonchalant attitude made it hard to guess what he was thinking. |
Nonplussed | Surprised and confused so much that they are unsure how to react. He was nonplussed by the unexpected question. |
Nostalgic | Characterized by or exhibiting feelings of nostalgia. She felt nostalgic when she visited her old school. |
Novice | A person new to or inexperienced in a field or situation. As a novice in cooking, she followed the recipe exactly. |
Obfuscate | Render obscure, unclear, or unintelligible. The technical jargon in the report served to obfuscate the main point. |
Oblivion | The state of being unaware or unconscious of what is happening around one. The music carried him to a state of oblivion. |
Obstinate | Stubbornly refusing to change one's opinion or chosen course of action. Despite the advice, he remained obstinate in his decision. |
Obstreperous | Noisy and difficult to control. The obstreperous child was causing a disturbance in the classroom. |
Obtuse | Annoyingly insensitive or slow to understand. He was too obtuse to notice that she was upset. |
Ominous | Giving the impression that something bad or unpleasant is going to happen. The ominous clouds signaled an approaching storm. |
Omnipotent | Having unlimited power; able to do anything. In the story, the wizard was omnipotent. |
Onerous | (of a task, duty, or responsibility) involving an amount of effort and difficulty that is oppressively burdensome. She found the duties of management to be onerous. |
Opulent | Ostentatiously rich and luxurious or lavish. The opulent mansion was furnished with the finest decor. |
Ostensible | Stated or appearing to be true, but not necessarily so. His ostensible reason for visiting was to see old friends. |
Ostentatious | Characterized by vulgar or pretentious display; designed to impress or attract notice. The ostentatious jewelry was too flashy for her taste. |
Ostracize | To exclude or banish someone from a group or society. The classmates decided to ostracize the bully in an effort to stop the harassment. |
Palliate | Make (a disease or its symptoms) less severe or unpleasant without removing the cause. The medication was used to palliate the symptoms. |
Pensive | Engaged in, involving, or reflecting deep or serious thought. He had a pensive look on his face while contemplating the problem. |
Pernicious | Having a harmful effect, especially in a gradual or subtle way. The pernicious influence of excessive screen time worried parents. |
Pertinent | Relevant or applicable to a particular matter; apposite. She asked me several pertinent questions about the topic. |
Placid | Not easily upset or excited. The lake was placid and still under the moonlight. |
Ponderous | Slow and clumsy because of great weight. The ponderous elephant moved gracefully despite its size. |
Pragmatic | Dealing with things sensibly and realistically in a way that is based on practical rather than theoretical considerations. Her pragmatic approach to problem-solving was highly effective. |
Proliferate | Increase rapidly in numbers; multiply. The rabbits proliferated in the absence of natural predators. |
Prolific | Producing much fruit or foliage or many offspring. The prolific author published several books a year. |
Pugnacious | Eager or quick to argue, quarrel, or fight. The pugnacious little terrier was always ready to challenge bigger dogs. |
Quagmire | A soft boggy area of land that gives way underfoot; an awkward, complex, or hazardous situation. The negotiations were stuck in a political quagmire. |
Quandary | A state of perplexity or uncertainty over what to do in a difficult situation. He was in a quandary over whether to go or stay. |
Querulous | Complaining in a petulant or whining manner. The querulous tone of the child indicated his tiredness. |
Quintessence | The most perfect or typical example of a quality or class. She is the quintessence of kindness. |
Quintessential | Representing the most perfect or typical example of a quality or class. She is the quintessential example of a successful businesswoman. |
Quixotic | Exceedingly idealistic; unrealistic and impractical. His quixotic dreams often led him into trouble. |
Rambunctious | Uncontrollably exuberant; boisterous. The rambunctious puppies played all day. |
Rancor | Bitterness or resentfulness, especially when long-standing. He spoke without rancor despite the past disagreements. |
Recalcitrant | Having an obstinately uncooperative attitude toward authority or discipline. The recalcitrant student refused to follow the rules. |
Reciprocal | Given, felt, or done in return. They enjoyed a reciprocal relationship of respect and admiration. |
Redolent | Strongly reminiscent or suggestive of something. The kitchen was redolent with the aroma of baking bread. |
Reproach | Address (someone) in such a way as to express disapproval or disappointment. He was reproached for his sloppy appearance. |
Rescind | Revoke, cancel, or repeal (a law, order, or agreement). The company decided to rescind the controversial policy. |
Resilient | Able to withstand or recover quickly from difficult conditions. The resilient community rebuilt their town after the disaster. |
Resolute | Admirably purposeful, determined, and unwavering. She was resolute in her decision to pursue a career in medicine. |
Reticent | Not revealing one's thoughts or feelings readily. He was reticent about his plans for the future. |
Reverent | Feeling or showing deep and solemn respect. The reverent crowd observed the ceremony in silence. |
Sagacious | Having or showing keen mental discernment and good judgment. Her sagacious advice often prevented us from making mistakes. |
Sanguine | Optimistic or positive, especially in an apparently bad or difficult situation. He remained sanguine despite the setbacks. |
Savvy | Shrewdness and practical knowledge; the ability to make good judgments. Her business savvy was evident in her successful strategies. |
Scrupulous | (of a person or process) diligent, thorough, and extremely attentive to details. The scrupulous artist paid attention to every detail. |
Serendipity | The occurrence and development of events by chance in a happy or beneficial way. Finding the old coin in the garden was pure serendipity. |
Serene | Calm, peaceful, and untroubled. The view of the tranquil lake at sunset was incredibly serene. |
Sporadic | Occurring at irregular intervals or only in a few places; scattered or isolated. Sporadic rainfall did little to relieve the drought. |
Stagnant | Showing no activity; dull and sluggish. The stagnant water in the pond was a breeding ground for mosquitoes. |
Stoic | Enduring pain and hardship without showing one's feelings or complaining. He adopted a stoic attitude during difficult times. |
Surreal | Having the qualities of surrealism; bizarre. The whole experience had a surreal quality to it. |
Surreptitious | Kept secret, especially because it would not be approved of. They exchanged surreptitious glances during the meeting. |
Sycophant | A person who acts obsequiously towards someone important in order to gain advantage. The celebrity was surrounded by sycophants at the party. |
Tacit | Understood or implied without being stated. Their nodding gave tacit approval to the plan. |
Taciturn | (of a person) reserved or uncommunicative in speech; saying little. The taciturn man spoke very few words but listened attentively. |
Tangible | Perceptible by touch. The tension in the room was almost tangible. |
Tempestuous | Characterized by strong and turbulent or conflicting emotion. Their tempestuous relationship was full of ups and downs. |
Tenacious | Tending to keep a firm hold of something; clinging or adhering closely. Her tenacious grip on her beliefs was admirable. |
Transient | Lasting only for a short time; impermanent. The transient nature of fashion trends can be frustrating. |
Transitory | Not permanent. Fashion trends are often transitory. |
Trepidation | A feeling of fear or agitation about something that may happen. He approached the stage with trepidation, as it was his first performance. |
Truncate | To shorten (something) by cutting off the top or the end. The article was truncated to fit the space available in the newspaper. |
Tumultuous | Making a loud, confused noise; uproarious. The crowd's tumultuous applause filled the theater. |
Ubiquitous | Present, appearing, or found everywhere. Mobile phones are ubiquitous in modern life. |
Umbrage | Offense or annoyance. She took umbrage at his rude comments. |
Unctuous | Excessively or ingratiatingly flattering; oily. His unctuous manner was not well received by the board. |
Undulate | Move with a smooth wavelike motion. The fields of grain undulated in the wind. |
Unfathomable | Incapable of being fully explored or understood. The universe is vast and unfathomable. |
Unfettered | Not confined or restricted. She relished her unfettered freedom on the open road. |
Unorthodox | Contrary to what is usual, traditional, or accepted; not orthodox. His unorthodox methods often led to surprising results. |
Unprecedented | Never done or known before. The scientific breakthrough was unprecedented in its field. |
Venerable | Accorded a great deal of respect, especially because of age, wisdom, or character. The venerable professor was revered by her students. |
Veracity | Conformity to facts; accuracy. He was known for his veracity and honesty. |
Verbose | Using or expressed in more words than are needed. The verbose speaker often strayed off-topic. |
Vilify | Speak or write about in an abusively disparaging manner. He was unfairly vilified by the press. |
Vindicate | Clear (someone) of blame or suspicion. New evidence vindicated her from the accusation. |
Vivacious | Attractively lively and animated. Her vivacious personality lit up the room. |
Volatile | Liable to change rapidly and unpredictably, especially for the worse. The stock market was highly volatile during the crisis. |
Voracious | Wanting or devouring great quantities of food. He had a voracious appetite after the long hike. |
Wane | To decrease in vigor, power, or extent; become weaker. The moon wanes after the full moon phase. |
Wary | Feeling or showing caution about possible dangers or problems. She was wary of strangers. |
Vex | To annoy, confuse, or provoke with difficulty or frustration. The tricky riddle continued to vex even the cleverest of minds. |
Whet | To sharpen the blade of (a tool or weapon). He whet his knife before starting to carve the wood. |
Whimsical | Playfully quaint or fanciful, especially in an appealing and amusing way. The artist's whimsical creations delighted children and adults alike. |
Wily | Skilled at gaining an advantage, especially deceitfully. His wily tactics in negotiation often gave him an upper hand. |
Winsome | Attractive or appealing in appearance or character. Her winsome smile won her many friends. |
Wistful | Having or showing a feeling of vague or regretful longing. There was a wistful look in her eyes as she spoke of her past. |
Xenial | Hospitable, especially to visiting strangers or foreigners. They received a warm and xenial welcome in the village. |
Xenogenic | Derived or obtained from an organism of a different species. The xenogenic cells were used for the experiment. |
Xenophile | An individual who is attracted to foreign peoples, cultures, or customs. As a xenophile, she loved traveling to different countries. |
Xenophobic | Having or showing a dislike of or prejudice against people from other countries. Xenophobic attitudes can lead to social division. |
Xeric | Characterized by or adapted to a dry environment. The cactus thrived in the xeric landscape of the desert. |
Yearn | Have an intense feeling of longing for something, typically something that one has lost or been separated from. She yearned for a return to her homeland. |
Yen | A longing or yearning. She had a yen to see the world and experience new cultures. |
Yield | Produce or provide (a natural, agricultural, or industrial product). The fertile land yields a rich harvest every year. |
Yielding | Giving way under pressure; not hard or rigid. The yielding mattress was comfortable to sleep on. |
Yoke | To join or link. The oxen were yoked together to pull the plow. |
Zeal | Great energy or enthusiasm in pursuit of a cause or an objective. Her zeal for environmental conservation was inspiring. |
Zealot | A person who is fanatical and uncompromising in pursuit of their religious, political, or other ideals. The zealot was fervent in his beliefs. |
Zealous | Having or showing zeal; fervent. The zealous fans cheered loudly for their team. |
Zenith | The highest point reached by a celestial or other object. The sun was at its zenith in the sky. |
Zephyr | A soft gentle breeze. The zephyr made the summer day more pleasant. |
Zest | Great enthusiasm and energy. She approached every task with zest and vigor. |