Just Vocabulary

VICARIOUS = (adjective) experienced as a result of watching, listening to or reading about the activities of other people, rather than by doing the activities yourselfExamples:- I felt vicarious pain when Lisa told me about how she had accidentally cut herself.  - I felt vicarious excitement to hear that Frank was going for a surf- Most football fans experience the vicarious thrill of victory every time their team wins. Synonyms: indirect, pretended, secondary, delegated, substituted, su...more

TIRADE = a long, angry speech, usually denouncing somethingExamples:- Marc's tirades can sometimes make me sick to my stomach. - Marc's tirade seemed excessive, given that the situation was not all that serious. - Marc launched into a tirade about the importance of studying with SAT Flashcards. Synonyms: rant, harangue, diatribe, fulmination WHET = 1. to simulate an interest in something or intensify a feeling; 2. to sharpen something, like a knife Examples: - Lisa decided to whet my appet...more

FRIVOLOUS = (adjective) 1. not serious in content, attitude, or behavior;  not having any serious purpose or value 2. lacking in intellectual substance and not worth serious consideration; 3. silly and trivialExamples: The judge dismissed the case as frivolous. My dad said to watch my spending and avoid frivolous purchases. The frivolity with which Marc approached the situation showed that he wasn't very serious. Synonyms: silly, trivial, paltry, petty, senseless Antonyms: impor...more

SATURNINE = (adjective) gloomy, bitter, and overly serious Examples: - The college students were in a saturnine mood after they got caught drinking alcohol. - Marc was in a seriously bad mood which was made clear by his saturnine behavior. - Marc to be happy and easy-going, but he has turned saturnine over the years. Synonyms: irritable, crabby, surly, sullen, grouchy, harsh, gruff Antonyms: happy, pleasant, sweet INGENIOUS = (adjective) 1. clever and imaginative; 2 skillful and adept ...more

NEBULOUS = (adjective) not clear, distinct, or definiteExamples:Marc's goals for the future were nebulous. The CEO said that the current plan is nebulous and doesnât specifically address our weaknesses. The doctor delivered only a nebulous document that failed to provide any definitive recommendations. Synonyms: indistinct, vague, unclear, ambiguous, unfixed, confused Antonyms: distinct, defined, specific PATENT = (adjective) easily perceived, very obvious.  The earth is not orbiting ...more

WRY = (adjective) 1. combining amusement and irony for dry humor--sardonic; 2. temporarily contorted or bent to one side. Examples: - Marc's wry smile led me to believe Lisa was being sarcastic. - Some people were offended by his wry humor. - Mr. Colbert wry commentary on the state of world affairs made him very popular. Synonyms: sarcastic, sardonic, cynical, crooked, ironic, mocking Antonyms: serious, solemn, sober, straight VERDANT = (adjective) 1. covered with green vegetation; 2. gree...more

MALLEABLE = easily influenced, trained, or controlled. Example: - Dad wanted me to be a malleable boy who would take his advice. - Lead is a substance that is malleable is easily bent and shaped. - The Netherlands saw its colonies as a source of raw material and a malleable workforce. Synonyms: suggestible, susceptible, impressionable, pliable THREADBARE = (of material) looking worn and thin from much use. A threadbare excuse, argument or idea lacks strength and no longer impresses peop...more

MISCHIEVOUS = tending to or exhibiting reckless playfulness. (of a person, animal, or their behavior) causing or showing a fondness for causing trouble in a playful way . (Of an action or thing) causing or intended to cause harm or trouble. Synonyms: naughty, misbehaving, troublesome, playful, teasing, wicked Antonym: well-behaved. - My little sister had been so mischievous that Mom had to pay the babysitter extra. - Later my sister got punished for her mischievous tricks on the neighbor...more

Just Vocabulary Podcast is for anyone who wants to improve their English Vocabulary (GRE, SAT, TOEFL). This ESL 4 minute podcast covers new interesting words. If your English is your Second Language; this podcast is for you!

ENCUMBER = (verb) 1. to burden or weigh down; 2. to impede, hamper, or hold back. restrict or burden (someone or something) in such a way that free action or movement is difficult. Synonyms: burden, impede, hamper, hinder Antonyms: help, speed, lighten When you're climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro, the fewer encumbrances the better. To encumber Frank with this additional problem may be the straw that breaks the camel's back. The monk's movements were encumbered by her heavy skirts INCIPIENT = (...more

RAMPART = a defensive fortification, specifically, a mound of earth topped by a wall Synonyms: fortification, barrier, embankment, wall Antonyms: opening, passage The rampart surrounding the fort did not prevent the fort in the battle. I got lost after wandering around the castle's old ramparts and towers. TAWDRY = 1. gaudy and cheap in quality; 2. mean-spirited and lacking in human decency. Synonyms: cheap, flashy, shameful, gaudy, glitzy, Antonyms: reserved, precious, valuable Ex...more

= UNFLAPPABLE = DEFINITION: (adjective) composed and able to remain calm when facing difficult situations. Having or showing calmness in a crisis.SYNONYMS:composed, calm, cool, collected, unflusteredANTONYMS: flustered, nervous, anxious, disturbed, EXAMPLES: 1. I voted for him because I think he is an unflappable leader who will stay calm in this frenetic, high-pressure environment. 2. The witness remained unflappable during the FBI interrogation and he calmly answered the officer's barrage of q...more

FLOUT = (verb) to show contempt or disregard for a law or convention by openly disobeying or defying it. Openly disregard (a rule, law or convention) Synonyms: spurn, mock, deride, gibe, Antonyms: obey, follow The new intern flouted the company dress code by wearing torn jeans. The brave opposition leader plans to flout the dictator's censorship laws. PLATONIC = (adjective) 1. free from physical desire (as in love); 2. referring to Plato and his philosophies. Synonyms: non-physical, i...more

EMBEZZLE = (verb) to use or take entrusted money for personal gain. steal or misappropriate (money placed in one's trust or belonging to the organization for which one works). His plan to embezzle money from the bank was unsuccessful. Underestimation of the CEO led to the quiet employee's successful large-scale embezzlement of funds. coalesce verb Definition: 1. to unite, fuse, or grow together; come together and form one mass or whole. 2. to form a group from different elements. Synon...more

INGENUOUS = (adjective) 1. to be innocent and trusting, sometimes to the point of being foolish; 2. openly candid and sincere It was very ingenuous of Marc to give out his personal information over the internet. My daughter's ingenuous comment about religion made the priest laugh. IMMURE = (verb) To enclose or confine (someone) against their will. To close or shut in by or as if by barriers. To put in or as if in prison - The adventurer was immured by the frozen wastelands that surround ...more

PRUDISH = (adjective) overly concerned with being modest or proper. PRUDE = (noun) a person who is or claims to be easily shocked by matters relating to sex or nudity. - I don't think Lisa would enjoy Amsterdam's Red Light district; she's far too prudish. On the other hand Lisa was prudish in high school, perhaps she changed over the years. MALCONTENT = (noun) an unhappy and discontented individual, especially one who feels oppressed or is in open rebellion against his or her government; (ad...more

RECANT = 1. to renounce a, usually controversial, belief; 2. to take back a statement made earlier. When Martin Luther espoused views that opposed the traditional beliefs of the Catholic Church, religious leaders asked him to recant. Marc had to recant his statement when he found that many of the sources had been falsified. The newspaper was forced to recant Marc's a published article. QUIXOTIC = 1. extremely chivalrous; 2. motivated by idealism that is imaginative but not really pra...more

CARICATURE = (verb and noun) 1. an extreme description or exaggeration of someone or something done for comic effect; 2. creation of such comic representations A caricature can be created in drawing, writing, or even speech. Marc's brother creates caricatures of popular political figures for the SAT and TOEFL magazine. I am not caricaturing your brother! There are many cartoonists who draw caricatures of tourists along the banks of the Seine in Paris. JADED = (adjective)(1. dulled thro...more

DOGMA = (noun) 1. a religious doctrine; 2. a code of beliefs. A fixed, especially religious, belief or set of beliefs that people are expected to accept without any doubts His political dogma paralleled that of the democratic party. This company has always operated under the dogma that employees must be respected and compensated fairly. CARICATURE = (noun, verb) a drawing or written or spoken description of someone, which makes part of their appearance or character more noticeable than it r...more

DOGMA = (noun) 1. a religious doctrine; 2. a code of beliefs. A fixed, especially religious, belief or set of beliefs that people are expected to accept without any doubts His political dogma paralleled that of the democratic party. This company has always operated under the dogma that employees must be respected and compensated fairly. CONCORD = (noun) 1. harmony and agreement occurring in attitudes and feelings between persons or things; 2. a treaty establishing mutual agreement and frien...more

HARBINGER = (noun) a sign or indication of future events; (v) to foreshadow or announce something coming in the future. - The turning of the leaves is a harbinger of winter. - Their arguments were harbingers of more serious trouble in their marriage INSTIGATE = (verb) to provoke, incite, or start something. to cause an event or situation to happen by making a set of actions or a formal process begin. - The government will instigate new measures to combat terrorism. - The revolt in the n...more

PANACHE = A dashing sense of style and self-confidence. - Bill Clinton presents with a panache that immediately captures his audience's attention. - Paris Hilton always throws parties that demonstrate her panache for entertaining. MOLLIFY = 1. to calm or soothe somebody who is angry or upset; 2. to make something less intense or severe; 3. to make something less hard, rigid, or stiff. - Marc is really upset; we need to think of how we can mollify his concerns. - Marc practiced yoga after ...more

ABSTEMIOUS = marked by moderation and temperance in indulgence (especially with food and drink) - My mother was an abstemious woman who disapproved of self-indulgence. - In many abstemious cultures, people abstain from drinking any kind of alcohol. RANCOR = strong, bitter feelings of resentment. - Surprisingly, there was no rancor between the prosecution and defense attorneys once the trial ended. - Lisa's rancor for her opponent was deep-seated and was fed by feelings of hostility.

TANGENT = (PHRASE) Go of a tangent means: a subject or activity that is different than the one you are talking about or doing. to suddenly start talking or thinking about a completely new subject. Other meanings are: 1. A straight line that touches but does not intersect a curve. 2. Ratio of the opposite to the adjacent side. - It's hard to get a firm decision out of him - he's always going off at a tangent. - We were talking about exercise and got off on a tangent. ROTUND = 1. fat or ro...more

GLOAT = to be smug or self-satisfied or to gain satisfaction from success, good fortune, or the failings of others

Just Vocabulary Podcast is for anyone who wants to improve their English Vocabulary. This daily (Monday through Friday) 4 minute podcast covers new interesting words. This ESL Podcast is hosted by Jan Folmer. If your English is your Second Language; this podcast is for you!

REVILE= 1. to attack somebody verbally; 2. to use abusive language. - The judge was reviled in the newspapers for his opinions on rape. - Works of art are often reviled when they are first produced. - Jack's mistake wasn't so awful that you should revile him publicly. CAVALIER= showing careless disregard and disrespect for something or somebody. - a cavalier attitude toward public health concerns - Mark's cavalier attitude has made him very unpopular around the office. - The executive t...more

SAGE = having wisdom which usually comes from age or experience. Wise, especially as a result of great experience: - Joanne was unusually sage for her youth. - I was thankful for Lisa's sage advice and glad that I had followed it. SORDID = 1. dirty or rundown; 2. immoral or unethical/ Sordid means dirty and unpleasant. - There are lots of really sordid apartments in the city's poorer areas. But Sordid can also mean immoral and shocking He told me he'd had an affair but he spared me the ...more

EXALT = (verb) (formal) to raise someone to a higher rank or more powerful position. to praise (someone) a lot, or to raise (someone) to a higher rank or more powerful position. To enhance the status of somebody. 1. Popular support and media hype have exalted Super Bowl Sunday to the level of a national holiday. 2. He felt an exalted sense of power now that he was in line to run the company. COAX = (verb) to influence, persuade, and manipulate by flattery and gentle, persistent effort. 1....more

Another week has gone by and we have introduced 10 new English words in our daily podcasts. Now it's time to revisit them. You can now also subscribe to the "Just Vocabulary 2 words a day" E-mail. Subscribe now if you want to receive the shownotes (word definition and example sentences) and a link to the mp3 file automatically by email.

CRASS = vulgar and insensitive, without consideration for how other people might feel. - The Olympics as shown on TV represents crass commercialism, he said. - He made crass comments about her worn-out clothes. QUAFF = (verb) to gulp down a drink in a hearty, spirited manner; (noun) a hearty draft or drink. - He opened his throat and quaffed the beer in just two swallows. - The thirsty dog happily quaffed his water.

SURROGATE = (n.) 1. a person who acts in place of another, especially in an official capacity; 2. something that takes the place of another; (adj.) taking the place of something. - When the President cannot make it to an engagement, the Vice President often serves as his surrogate. - She seems to regard him as a surrogate for her father. - For some people, reading travel books is a surrogate for actual travel. INTRINSIC = 1. being part of the fundamental nature or substance of something; 2. ...more

BOTCH = 1. to spoil something by doing it badly. To make or do (something) in a clumsy or unskillful way. - We botched (up) our first attempt at wallpapering the bathroom. - Our landlord redecorated the bedroom, but it was such a botched job that we decided to redo it. - Thousands of women are infertile as a result of botched abortions. PURPORT = 1. to claim that something is true, but without proof. 2. the idea that is conveyed or intended to be conveyed to the mind by language, symbol, ...more

INSURGENCY = An organized rebellion aimed at overthrowing a government, organization, or leadership. * Many businesses are afraid to invest in the country while the rebel insurgency is underway. * An employee insurgency aimed at ousting executive management erupted when the management announced another pay freeze. MISOGYNIST = (noun) someone, usually a man, who hates women or believes that men are much better than women. * She left the Church because of its misogynist teachings on women an...more

DELINEATE = 1. to describe, portray, or list in detail; 2. to indicate the physical boundaries of something. - The President's memo delineates the necessary steps we'll need to take before the merger can take place. - Barbed wire fences delineate the boundaries of each clan's territory. - The boundary of the park is delineated by a row of trees. STOOP = 1. to descend to a level that is beneath one's dignity, to do something even though you know it is wrong, because you think it will give you...more

Another week has gone by and we have introduced 10 new English words in our daily podcasts. Now it's time to revisit them. You can now also subscribe to the "Just Vocabulary 2 words a day" E-mail. Subscribe now if you want to receive the shownotes (word definition and example sentences) and a link to the mp3 file automatically by email.

PUNDIT : someone who is especially knowledgeable about a subject and is often asked to give opinions about it. The professor also served as a political pundit for the local news. On the news program, two pundits debated about the economy. AUTONOMOUS = 1. existing as an independent entity (especially in government); 2. free from external constraint; 3. able to make free and independent decisions - Some people have expressed the opinion that California should secede from the United States an...more

INDOMITABLE = hard to defeat or subdue, impossible to subdue or defeat, describes someone strong, brave, determined and difficult to defeat or frighten. * The indomitable Mrs Furlong said she would continue to fight for justice. * An indomitable spirit was needed to endure the rigors of pioneer life INTELLIGIBLE = clear enough to be understood, capable of being understood or comprehended * She was so upset when she spoke that she was hardly intelligible. * It was a poor telephone connection...more

RELENT = to grow less in scope or intensity especially gradually. to act in a less severe way towards someone and allow something that you had refused to allow before. - Her parents eventually relented and let her go to the party. - The security guard relented and let them through. - The fury of the storm relented, and the next day the sun finally broke through the clouds. APPREHENSIVE = worried that something bad may happen; 2. aware of possible implications. The noun apprehension refers...more

CONCEDE = to admit, usually with reluctance, that something is true or that someone is right; 2. to accept defeat, usually before the final outcome in an election, fight, or debate; 3. to grant something, such as a right or privilege. Example Sentence: * Al Gore originally conceded the election to George W. Bush, but then withdrew his concession and challenged the vote count. Synonyms: admit, acknowledge, allow, accede, yield, accord, acquiesce, fold, grant, yield, surrender SURMISE = (noun) a ...more

Dear Listeners,Just Vocabulary will not be the "2 words a day podcast" in 2009. My aim is to post 3 shows a week, but the format will be the same - 2 words a show. If you have any feedback, comments or questions, please email me at janfolmer AT gmail.comThanks and have a great day,

Dear Listeners,Just Vocabulary will not be the "2 words a day podcast" in 2008. I aim is to post 3 shows a week, but the format will be the same - 2 words a show. If you have any feedback, comments or questions, please email me at janfolmer AT gmail.comThanks and have a great day,

DWINDLE = to make smaller in amount, volume, or extent; to grow less in scope or intensity especially gradually. to become smaller in size or amount, or fewer in number - The community has dwindled to a tenth of its former size in the last two years. - Her hopes of success in the race dwindled last night as the weather became worse. - The long winter dwindled our supply of firewood to practically nothing. - Our hopes dwindled as the reports of more casualties came in SLINK = to walk or lea...more

Another week has gone by and we have introduced 10 new English words in our daily podcasts. Now it's time to revisit them. You can now also subscribe to the "Just Vocabulary 2 words a day" E-mail. Subscribe now if you want to receive the shownotes (word definition and example sentences) and a link to the mp3 file automatically by email.

DULCET = sweet to the taste 2 pleasing to the ear, 3 generally pleasing or agreeable. * Record the dulcet tones of your family and friends. * the dulcet sounds of the zither VICARIOUS = experienced or realized through imaginative or sympathetic participation in the experience of another. Experienced by reading or watching someone else do something * This disaster movie will provide you with plenty of vicarious thrills. * They get a vicarious thrill from watching motor racing.

BREEZY = 1. having a relaxed, casual manner , to be happy and confident, quick, informal, and confident. 2. marked by strong wind or more wind than usual She revolutionized fashion reporting with her breezy style. I get a bit depressed at times, whereas Gill's always bright and breezy. NEGATE = to declare not to be true. show to be false; 2. to cause to be invalid; 3. to cause something to have no effect This evidence negates his claim that he was not at the scene of the accident. Her action...more

SECULARISE = not having any connection with religion. Not involving religion or religious matters. Secularism is a doctrine that believes the world can best be understood without introducing gods as an explanation for it. Secular has come to mean "not affiliated with God or religion." * We live in an increasingly secular society, in which religion has less and less influence on our daily lives. * That's an issue for the secular authorities, not the church BEDROCK = The main principles on whi...more

CONTENTION = 1. Heated disagreement ; something that people argue about for a long time. the disagreement that results from opposing arguments. 2. an opinion expressed in an argument: [+ that] It is her contention that exercise is more important than diet if you want to lose weight. * There's a lot of contention about that issue - for every person firmly in favour, there's someone fiercely against it. * The main bone of contention was deciding who would take care of the children after the divor...more

IMPROBABLE = Not likely to happen or to be true, not probable, unlikely to occur or to be true. * It's highly improbable that Norris will agree. * It is improbable that he could have driven home in less than an hour. DUBIOUS = Not sure about an outcome or conclusion; likely to be dishonest; untrustworthy or morally worrisome in some way. Open to doubt or suspicion. Giving rise to uncertainty. * I was a little dubious about whether or not to trust him. * This artifact has rather dubious or...more

Another week has gone by and we have introduced 10 new English words in our daily podcasts. Now it's time to revisit them. You can now also subscribe to the "Just Vocabulary 2 words a day" E-mail. Subscribe now if you want to receive the shownotes (word definition and example sentences) and a link to the mp3 file automatically by email. 

CONUNDRUM = 1. an intricate and difficult problem with a seemingly impossible solution; 2. a trick riddle in which a fanciful question is answered with a pun on words. A conundrum is a puzzle in which the pieces don't seem to fit and the solution defies logic. When learning conundrum, think of the related word quandary. Remember, a quandary is a state of indecision when a choice must be made, but where the choice is not obvious. When people find themselves in a quandary, they have a conundrum...more

INTRACTABLE = 1. extremely difficult to manage, teach, or deal with because of strong will and resistance to change; 2. difficult to deal with or solve Intractable is derived from the Latin intractabilis, which means "not to be handled." Someone who is intractable is difficult and cannot be easily disciplined or doesn't follow directions. Something that is intractable is hard to move in a different direction. Remember that it means "not tractable" and someone who is tractable is docile and easy...more

INTERJECT = say abruptly, especially as an interruption. To say (something) that interrupts someone who is speaking. * He interjected questions throughout the discussion. * She occasionally interjected comments into the conversation SURREPTITIOUS = marked by quiet and caution and secrecy; taking pains to avoid being observed, conducted with or marked by hidden aims or methods. Done secretly, without anyone seeing or knowing: BR> * A surreptitious glance at his watch * Surreptitious mobili...more

Just Vocabulary Podcast is for anyone who wants to improve their English Vocabulary. This daily (Monday through Friday) 4 minute podcast covers new interesting words. This ESL Podcast is hosted by Jan Folmer. If your English is your Second Language; this podcast is for you!

Another week has gone by and we have introduced 10 new English words in our daily podcasts. Now it's time to revisit them. You can now also subscribe to the "Just Vocabulary 2 words a day" E-mail. Subscribe now if you want to receive the shownotes (word definition and example sentences) and a link to the mp3 file automatically by email.

BANTER = talk or exchange remarks in a good-humored teasing way. To exchange lighthearted teasing remarks. To speak to in a playful or teasing way. * The men bantered with the waitresses. * He was known for his quick wit and clever bantering. PREAMBLE = A section at the beginning of a speech, report or formal document that introduces what follows. A preliminary or preparatory statement; an introduction. * What she said was by way of a preamble. * I gave him the bad news without preamb...more