| A | B |
|---|
| beneficence | active charity, goodness, or kindness |
| philanthropy | love of humankind, or a charitable undertaking |
| bounty | generosity or something given generously; or a reward |
| succor | to aid, help, or relieve |
| proffer | to offer or present for acceptance |
| ameliorate | to improve or make better |
| rectitude | strict honesty or moral uprightness |
| compassion | sympathy for another's troubles or misfortune |
| chaste | pure,unspoiled, or simple in style |
| prudent | cautious, exercising sound judgment, or not extravagant |
| politic | prudent or shrewdly tactful |
| civility | politeness or courtesy |
| responsive | reacting readily or easily |
| promptitude | promtness, or the quality of acting quickly or without delay |
| alacrity | quick willingness, briskness, or eagerness |
| scintillation | a sparkling or flashing; or a brilliant display of cleverness or artistry |
| sagacity | shrewdness or keenness of judgement, or discernment |
| oracular | prophetic, mysterious, or possessing unquestioned wisdom or knowledge |
| prescience | foresight, or knowledge of events before they take place |
| frugal | economical, saving, or not wasting |
| particularity | (1) a characteristic quality; or a peculiarity (2) attention to detail, or the quality of being hard to please |
| beatitude | perfect blessedness or happiness |
| blithe | joyful, merry, or cheerful |
| gambol | to frolic or skip about in play |
| ebullition | a boiling or bubbling over, or a violent and sudden outburst or display |
| rapt | completely absorbed or engrossed |
| convivial | festive, jovial, or sociable |
| amiable | likeable, pleasant, or friendly |
| sanguine | optimistic, confident, or cheerful |
| regale | to feast or entertain royally or sumptuously; to delight with something pleasing or amusing |
| windfall | an unexpected legacy or other financial gain; or a sudden stroke of luck |
| jubilee | a time of rejoicing or celebration |
| heyday | the time of greatest strength, prosperity, or happiness |
| huzza | a loud shout of joy, rejoicing, or approval |
| humdrum | dull, monotonous, or commonplace |
| apathy | indifference, or lack of interest or emotion |
| ennui | a feeling of weariness, dissatisfaction, or boredom |
| disconsolate | completely unhappy or sorrowful |
| dolor | mental suffering, grief, sorrow, or distress |
| somber | dark, gloomy, melancholy, grave, or depressing |
| qualm | a sudden feeling of uneasiness, misgiving, or doubt |
| pother | bustle, fuss, or excitement mixed with confusion |
| discompose | to agitate or disturb the order of |
| appall | to horrify, shock, or dismay |
| consternation | dismay, terror, or fearful amazement |
| tremulous | trembling, quivering, or timid |
| wroth | angry |
| crabbed | cross, ill-tempered, harsh, or grouchy |
| rancor | deep resentment, ill will, hate, or spite |
| rankle | to trouble the mind with lingering distress, pain, or resentment |
| acrimony | biting sharpness or bitterness of speech or manner |
| antipathy | a strong dislike or aversion |
| seethe | to boil over or be violently agitated or excited |
| huff | a fit of anger or resentment |
| bluster | to blow or speak with stormy violence |
| rant | to talk in a loud, wild, extravagant way |
| tirade | a long, angry speech with violent language |
| wrangle | to dispute or argue angrily and noisily |
| bicker | to squabble or argue over trifles |
| pommel | to beat or strike, usually with the fists |
| thwack | to strike or beat with something flat |
| predispose | to incline beforehand, or to make receptive or susceptible |
| predilection | a preference, partiality, or favorable predisposition |
| advocate | to recommend, plead for, or support, usually publicly |
| corroborate | to confirm, support, or make more certain by giving evidence |
| vindicate | to clear from blame, confirm, or justify |
| emulate | to attempt to equal or exel |
| venerate | to revere or regard with deep respect |
| extol | to praise highly |
| adulation | excessive praise or flattery |
| repute | reputation, favor, or esteem |
| adjudge | to decide officially |
| accredit | to authorize, vouch for, or certify |
| testimonial | a token of admiration or gratitude; or a statement of recommendation |
| auspices | patronage, sponsorship, or protection |
| abase | to humble, degrade, or lower in estimation |
| debase | to lower or reduce in value, quality, or dignity |
| degrade | to lower in rank, dignity, or value |
| disparage | to speak slightingly of, or to lower in esteem by actions or words |
| deprecate | to plead earnestly against or to express disapproval of |
| contemn | to view or treat with scorn or lack of respect |
| flout | to mock or scorn, or to disregard contemtuously |
| discredit | to disbelieve or cause to disbelieve; or to disgrace or do damage to another's name or reputation |
| sully | to defile, or to make or become soiled or tarnished |
| contumely | contemptuous, insolent, or insulting language or treatment |
| revile | to speak abusively or contemptously of |
| scathing | bitterly and fiercely severe |
| accede | to agree or consent |
| acquiesce | to consent or accept without protest |
| ally | to unite, join, or relate |
| identify | (1) to establish the identity of or recognize as a particular person or thing (2) to regard or treat as the same, or to associate closely with |
| unison | sounding the same notes as the same time; or agreement or harmony |
| complaisance | willingness to please or oblige |
| affinity | attraction, close relationship, or connection |
| crony | an old friend or close companion |
| consort | to keep company or associate with |
| tryst | a meeting held by appointement |
| connubial | having to do with marraige or the marriage state |
| appease | to pacify, satisfy, or relieve |
| wheedle | to coax, usually by flattery, soft words, or begging |
| curry | to flatter in order to win favor |
| captivate | to fascinate or charm |
| importune | to request urgently and repeatedly |
| badger | to nag, torment, tease, or annoy |
| goad | to urge on or prod into action |
| browbeat | to bully or threaten with harsh looks or words |
| domineer | to rule over tyrannically or insolently, or to be overbearing |
| intimidate | to make timid or afraid |
| subjugate | to subdue, conquer, or bring under complete control |
| capitulate | to give up or surrender |
| submission | the act of yielding or surrendering; or handling over something for consideration or inspection |
| deference | a yielding to someone's desires or opinions because of respect |
| obeisance | a gesture of courtesy or reverence; or deference or homage |
| volition | the exercise of the will |
| duress | compulsion or illegal force |
| perforce | of or through necessity |
| compulsory | required or forced |
| peremptory | decisive, absolute, dogmatic, or dictatorial |
| incendiary | causing fire, or stirring up strife, rebellion, riots, etc. |
| convoke | to call together, especially for a meeting |
| evoke | to bring out, call forth, or summon |
| militant | aggressive or fighting |
| conscript | to draft into military service |
| fray | a fight, brawl, or noisy quarrel |
| insurrection | an uprising against civil or political authority |
| joust | a combat on horseback between two knights |
| ambuscade | an ambush or an attack from a concealed position |
| reprisal | a retaliation or return for injury received |
| phalanx | a close formation of infantry, or a compact body or corps |
| citadel | a fortress or stronghold |
| broadside | (1) the broad surface of an object, especially of a ship (2) the firing of guns from one side of a ship |
| cudgel | a club or a short, thick stick used as a weapon |
| truncheon | a short, thick club, especially a police officer's club |
| breech | the rear part of a firearm or of the body |
| pecuniary | involving money |
| capital | (1) invested funds (2) a seat of government (3) an uppercase letter (4) splendid (5) worthy of death (6) the top of an architectural column |
| farthing | a small British coin, no longer in use |
| ruble | a silver coin that is the monetary unit of Russia |
| scrip | a certificate promising future payment in cash, issued as a substitute for money |
| bullion | ingots or bars of gold or silver |
| opulence | wealth, abundance, or luxury |
| lucre | riches or money |
| usury | the practice of lending money at an excessive or unlawful interest rate |
| arrears | a debt or obligation that is behind in payment |
| exchequer | the treasury of a country or organization; or funds or finances |
| excise | a tax on merchandise |
| impost | a tax, especially on imported goods |
| realty | real estate |
| commissary | a store for food and supplies, especially in a military post or mining camp |
| patron | (1) a protector or sponsor (2) a regular customer |
| patrimony | something inherited from one's father or other ancestor |
| primogeniture | the state of being the firstborn child of the same parents; or the rights that belong to the firstborn son |
| travail | hard work, exhausting labor, or agony |
| grub | to dig, search about, or work hard |
| stint | an allotted portion of work or a share of a task |
| respite | a postponement, delay, or interval of rest |
| fabricate | (1) to build or construct (2) to make up with intent to deceive |
| efficacy | the power to produce effects or intended results |
| arduous | difficult, hard to achieve, or strenuous |
| grueling | exhausting or subjecting to intense strain |
| straits | a perplexing, difficult, or distressing situation |
| rigor | strictnes, severity, thoroughness, or inflexibility |
| assiduity | diligence or painstaking care |
| hardihood | boldness, bravery, or daring |
| surmount | to overcome, climb over the top of, or be on top of |
| fortnight | a period of two weeks |
| diurnal | having to do with the daytime, or taking place every day |
| biennial | happening every two years |
| eventual | final, ultimate, or after a long time |
| interminable | lasting, endless, or tiresomely drawn-out |
| procrastinate | to delay or put off until a future time |
| perpetuate | to cause to continue or to be remembered |
| inveterate | deep-rooted, or firmly established by long habit |
| bide | to wait for, remain, or stay |
| elapse | to slip by or pass |
| extant | still in existence |
| perspective | (1) the art of drawing to represent three demensions (2) the capacity to see things in proper relationship to one another |
| tawny | light brown or tan in color |
| sable | an animal resembling a weasel or a marten; the fur of this animal; or the color black |
| vermilion | bright red |
| kaleidoscope | a tube containing mirrors and bits of colored glass which produce varied patterns as the tube is rotated |
| arabesque | a decoration of flowing lines gracefully intertwined |
| edifice | a large building, such as a church, palace, or museum |
| pavilion | a large tent, or a light, open building used for entertainment or exhibits |
| apse | an arched or domed recess in a building, especially in a church |
| pilaster | a rectangular pillar attached to a wall |
| balustrade | a row of posts and the railing they support |
| jetty | a pier, or a structure built in water to protect a harbor or deflect a current |
| sluice | an artificial channel or passage for water |
| mortar | a building material made by mixing lime, plaster, or cement with sand and water |
| macadam | a paving material made up of small, broken stones |
| burnish | to polish, or to make shiny by rubbing |
| anneal | to strengthen by heating and then cooling; or to strengthen or toughen |
| cowl | a hood or hooded garment |
| ruff | (1) an elaborate collar, owrn in the 16th and 17th centuries (2) hair or feathers like a collar on the neck of an animal |
| brocade | a fabric woven with a raised design |
| layette | a complete outfit for a newborn baby |
| preen | to smooth, trim, or adorn oneself |
| crimp | to make wavy, or to pinch or press into narrow folds or ridges |
| plait | a flat fold, pleat, or braid |
| swathe | to wrap, bind, or enclose |
| tiara | a crown or crownlike headdress |
| brooch | an ornamental pin |
| pendant | a hanging ornament |
| gewgaw | a showy but worthless trinket |
| trappings | adornments, embellishments, or ornamental equipment |
| commode | a chest, bureau, or portable washstand |
| coffer | a chest or strongbox |
| bassinet | a large basket used as a baby's bed, often hooded and on wheels |
| arras | a rich tapestry or a wall hanging |
| matting | an interwoven coarse fabric |
| pewter | an alloy of tin and other metals; or articles made of this alloy |
| gear | clothing, equipment, or apparatus for a particular task |
| quoit | an iron or rope ring used in a throwing game |
| sustenance | means of support; or nourishment |
| nurture | to train, rear, educate, or nourish |
| nutrition | food, or its assimilation and contribution to body growth |
| alimentary | relating to food or nutrition |
| repast | a meal or food |
| succulence | juiciness |
| ambrosia | the food of the gods; or anything that tastes or smells delicious |
| pottage | a thick soup or stew |
| sweetbread | the pancreas or thymus of an animal (usually a calf) when used as food |
| claret | red table wine |
| decant | to pour liquid gently to keep from disturbing the sediment |
| frizzle | to sizzle or fry |
| trencher | a wooden platter or plate for carving, serving, or eating food |
| tankard | a tall, one-handled drinking vessel, especially a pewter one with a lid |
| agrarian | relating to agriculture or farmland |
| pastoral | pertaining to the rural and peaceful or to the life of shepards |
| husbandry | (1) farming (2) thrifty management of resourses |
| arable | suitable for plowing |
| mattock | a tool for digging, like a pickax, but having one end broad rather than pointed |
| flail | a primitive wooden instrument used for threshing grain |
| grist | grain that has been or is to be ground |
| sty | a pen or enclosure for pigs |
| lea | a meadow or grassy field |
| nosegay | a small bouquet, especially one made for carrying or wearing |
| conifer | a cone-bearing tree or shrub |
| node | a knot, knob, or swelling |
| pimpernel | a plant of the primrose family |
