Just Vocabulary

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