Gre Wordlist 20 : flippant - gaffe

1.flippant	lacking proper seriousness; Ex. flippant remarks about death; N. flippancy	Function: adjective Etymology: probably from 1flip 1 archaic : GLIB, TALKATIVE 2 : lacking proper respect or seriousness - flip·pant·ly adverb
2.flit	fly; fly or move lightly or quickly; dart lightly; pass swiftly by; Ex. a bee flitting from flower to flower	Function: intransitive verb Inflected Form(s): flit·ted; flit·ting Etymology: Middle English flitten, of Scandinavian origin; akin to Old Norse flytjask to move, Old English flEotan to float 1 : to pass quickly or abruptly from one place or condition to another 2 archaic : ALTER, SHIFT 3 : to move in an erratic fluttering manner - flit noun
3.floe	flat mass of floating ice	Function: noun Etymology: probably from Norwegian flo flat layer 1 : floating ice formed in a large sheet on the surface of a body of water 2 : ICE FLOE
4.flora	plants of a region or era	Function: noun Inflected Form(s): plural floras also flo·rae /'flOr-"E, 'flor-, -"I/ Etymology: New Latin, from Latin Flora, Roman goddess of flowers, from Latin flor-, flos 1 : a treatise on or list of the plants of an area or period 2 : plant or bacterial life; especially : such life characteristic of a region, period, or special environment <fossil flora> <intestinal flora> -- compare FAUNA
5.florid	ruddy; (of a complexion) reddish; flowery; very ornate; CF. rose	Function: adjective Etymology: Latin floridus blooming, flowery, from florEre 1 a obsolete : covered with flowers b : very flowery in style : ORNATE <florid prose> <florid declamations>; also : having a florid style <a florid writer> c : elaborately decorated <a florid interior> 2 a : tinged with red : RUDDY <a florid complexion> b : marked by emotional or sexual fervor <a florid secret life> <a florid sensibility> 3 archaic : HEALTHY 4 : fully developed : manifesting a complete and typical clinical syndrome <the florid stage of a disease> - flo·rid·i·ty /fl&-'ri-d&-tE, flo-/ noun - flor·id·ly /'flor-&d-lE, 'flär-/ adverb - flor·id·ness /-n&s/ noun
6.flotsam	drifting wreckage	Function: noun Etymology: Anglo-French floteson, from Old French floter to float, of Germanic origin; akin to Old English flotian to float, flota ship 1 : floating wreckage of a ship or its cargo; broadly : floating debris 2 a : a floating population (as of emigrants or castaways) b : an accumulation of miscellaneous or unimportant stuff
7.flounder	struggle and thrash about; proceed clumsily or falter (as in water, mud, snow, etc.); proceed in confusion	Function: noun Inflected Form(s): plural flounder or flounders Etymology: Middle English, from Anglo-French floundre, of Scandinavian origin; akin to Old Norse flythra flounder : FLATFISH; especially : a fish of either of two families (Pleuronectidae and Bothidae) that include important marine food fishes
8.flourish	grow well; prosper; make sweeping gestures; wave; brandish; Ex. The trees flourished in the sun. N: showy movement or gesture; embellishment or ornamentation (esp. in handwriting)	Function: verb Etymology: Middle English florisshen, from Middle French floriss-, stem of florir, from (assumed) Vulgar Latin florire, alteration of Latin florEre, from flor-, flos flower intransitive senses 1 : to grow luxuriantly : THRIVE 2 a : to achieve success : PROSPER b : to be in a state of activity or production <flourished around 1850> c : to reach a height of development or influence 3 : to make bold and sweeping gestures transitive senses : to wield with dramatic gestures : BRANDISH synonym see SWING - flour·ish·er noun - flour·ish·ing·ly /-i-shi[ng]-lE/ adverb
9.flout	reject; mock; show contempt for; scorn; Ex. flout the rules	Function: verb Etymology: probably from Middle English flouten to play the flute, from floute flute transitive senses : to treat with contemptuous disregard : SCORN <flouting the rules> intransitive senses : to indulge in scornful behavior synonym see SCOFF usage see FLAUNT - flout·er noun
10.fluctuate	waver; shift; rise and fall as if in waves; change or vary irregularly	Function: verb Inflected Form(s): -at·ed; -at·ing Etymology: Latin fluctuatus, past participle of fluctuare, from fluctus flow, wave, from fluere -- more at FLUID intransitive senses 1 : to shift back and forth uncertainly 2 : to ebb and flow in waves transitive senses : to cause to fluctuate synonym see SWING - fluc·tu·a·tion /"fl&k-ch&-'wA-sh&n/ noun - fluc·tu·a·tion·al /-'wA-shn&l, -sh&-n&l/ adjective
11.fluency	smoothness of speech; ADJ. fluent	Function: noun : the quality or state of being fluent
12.fluke	unlikely occurrence; stroke of fortune; accidental stroke of good luck; ADJ. fluky	Function: noun Etymology: Middle English, from Old English flOc; akin to Old English flOh chip, Old High German flah smooth, Greek plax flat surface, and probably to Old English flOr floor -- more at FLOOR 1 : FLATFISH 2 : a flattened digenetic trematode worm; broadly : TREMATODE -- compare LIVER FLUKE
13.fluster	confuse; make nervous and confused; N.	Function: verb Inflected Form(s): flus·tered; flus·ter·ing /-t(&-)ri[ng]/ Etymology: probably of Scandinavian origin; akin to Icelandic flaustur hurry transitive senses 1 : to make tipsy 2 : to put into a state of agitated confusion : UPSET intransitive senses : to move or behave in an agitated or confused manner synonym see DISCOMPOSE - flus·tered·ly adverb
14.fluted	having vertical parallel grooves (as in a pillar); V. flute: make long parallel inward curves in; N. flute: long rounded groove incised on the shaft of a column	Function: verb Inflected Form(s): flut·ed; flut·ing intransitive senses 1 : to play a flute 2 : to produce a flutelike sound transitive senses 1 : to utter with a flutelike sound 2 : to form flutes in - flut·er noun
15.flux	flowing; series of changes; fluctuation; Ex. in a state of flux	Function: noun Etymology: Middle English, from Middle French & Medieval Latin; Middle French, from Medieval Latin fluxus, from Latin, flow, from fluere to flow -- more at FLUID 1 : a flowing of fluid from the body; especially : an excessive abnormal discharge from the bowels 2 : a continuous moving on or passing by (as of a stream) 3 : a continued flow : FLOOD 4 a : INFLUX b : CHANGE, FLUCTUATION <in a state of flux> 5 : a substance used to promote fusion (as of metals or minerals); especially : one (as rosin) applied to surfaces to be joined by soldering, brazing, or welding to clean and free them from oxide and promote their union 6 : the rate of transfer of fluid, particles, or energy across a given surface
16.fodder	coarse food for cattle, horses, etc.; feed for livestock; CF. food	Function: noun Etymology: Middle English, from Old English fOdor; akin to Old High German fuotar food -- more at FOOD 1 : something fed to domestic animals; especially : coarse food for cattle, horses, or sheep 2 : inferior or readily available material used to supply a heavy demand <routine entertainment fodder> <fodder for tabloids> - fodder transitive verb
17.foible	small weakness of character; slight fault; CF. feeble	Function: noun Etymology: obsolete French (now faible), from obsolete foible weak, from Old French feble feeble 1 : the part of a sword or foil blade between the middle and point 2 : a minor flaw or shortcoming in character or behavior : WEAKNESS synonym see FAULT
18.foil	contrast; one that by contrast enhances the distinctive characteristics of another	Function: transitive verb Etymology: Middle English, to trample, full cloth, from Middle French fouler -- more at FULL 1 obsolete : TRAMPLE 2 a : to prevent from attaining an end : DEFEAT b : to bring to naught : THWART synonym see FRUSTRATE
19.foil	defeat; frustrate; prevent from being successful; thwart; CF. fail	Function: transitive verb Etymology: Middle English, to trample, full cloth, from Middle French fouler -- more at FULL 1 obsolete : TRAMPLE 2 a : to prevent from attaining an end : DEFEAT b : to bring to naught : THWART synonym see FRUSTRATE
20.foist	insert improperly; impose upon another by coercion; palm off; pass off as genuine or worthy; CF. fist	Function: transitive verb Etymology: probably from obsolete Dutch vuisten to take into one's hand, from Middle Dutch vuysten, from vuyst fist; akin to Old English fyst fist 1 a : to introduce or insert surreptitiously or without warrant b : to force another to accept especially by stealth or deceit 2 : to pass off as genuine or worthy <foist costly and valueless products on the public -- Jonathan Spivak>
21.foliage	masses of leaves; CF. defoliate	Function: noun Etymology: Middle French fuellage, from foille leaf -- more at FOIL 1 : a representation of leaves, flowers, and branches for architectural ornamentation 2 : the aggregate of leaves of one or more plants 3 : a cluster of leaves, flowers, and branches - fo·liaged /-lE-ijd also -lyijd; ÷'fO-lijd, ÷'foi-/ adjective usage The disyllabic pronunciation \'fO-lij\ is very common. Some commentators insist that foliage requires a trisyllabic pronunciation because of its spelling, but words of a similar pattern such as carriage and marriage do not fall under their prescription. The pronunciation \'foi-lij\ is disapproved because it suggests the transposition of the l and i in the spelling. It is not as common as \'fO-lij\ and may be associated with the nonstandard spelling foilage.
22.foment	stir up; incite; instigate; promote the growth of (something evil or unpleasant)	Function: transitive verb Etymology: Middle English fomenten to apply a warm substance to, from Late Latin fomentare, from Latin fomentum compress, from fovEre to heat, soothe; akin to Lithuanian degti to burn, Sanskrit dahati it burns : to promote the growth or development of : ROUSE, INCITE <foment a rebellion> synonym see INCITE - fo·ment·er noun
23.foolhardy	rash; reckless; foolishly daring	Function: adjective : foolishly adventurous and bold : RASH synonym see ADVENTUROUS - fool·har·di·ly /-"här-d&l-E/ adverb - fool·har·di·ness /-"här-dE-n&s/ noun
24.foppish	vain about dress and appearance; N. fop: man who takes too much interest in his clothes and appearance	Function: adjective 1 obsolete : FOOLISH, SILLY 2 a : characteristic of a fop <a foppish dressing gown> b : behaving or dressing in the manner of a fop - fop·pish·ly adverb - fop·pish·ness noun
25.foray	raid; sudden raid or military advance; V.	Function: verb Etymology: Middle English forrayen, from Middle French forrer, from forre fodder -- more at FORAGE transitive senses, archaic : to ravage in search of spoils : PILLAGE intransitive senses : to make a raid or brief invasion <forayed into enemy territory> - for·ay·er noun
26.forbearance	patience; forgiveness; V. forbear: refrain from (in a generous and forgiving way); be patient; Ex. forbear to send him to prison	Function: noun 1 : a refraining from the enforcement of something (as a debt, right, or obligation) that is due 2 : the act of forbearing : PATIENCE 3 : the quality of being forbearing : LENIENCY
27.ford	place where a river can be crossed on foot; V.	Function: noun Etymology: Middle English, from Old English; akin to Old Norse fjorthr fjord, Latin portus port, Old English faran to go -- more at FARE : a shallow part of a body of water that may be crossed by wading
28.forebears	(forbears) ancestors	Function: noun Etymology: Middle English (Sc), from fore- + -bear (from been to be) : ANCESTOR, FOREFATHER; also : PRECURSOR -- usually used in plural
29.foreboding	premonition of evil; feeling of coming evil; V. forebode: be a warning of (something unpleasant)	Function: verb transitive senses 1 : to have an inward conviction of (as coming ill or misfortune) 2 : FORETELL, PORTEND intransitive senses : AUGUR, PREDICT - fore·bod·er noun
30.forensic	suitable to debate or courts of law; of or used in legal proceedings and the tracking of criminals; Ex. forensic science/medicine	Function: adjective Etymology: Latin forensis public, forensic, from forum forum 1 : belonging to, used in, or suitable to courts of judicature or to public discussion and debate 2 : ARGUMENTATIVE, RHETORICAL 3 : relating to or dealing with the application of scientific knowledge to legal problems <forensic medicine> <forensic science> <forensic pathologist> <forensic experts> - fo·ren·si·cal·ly /-si-k(&-)lE, -zi-/ adverb
31.foreshadow	give an indication beforehand; be a sign of (what is coming); portend; prefigure	Function: transitive verb : to represent, indicate, or typify beforehand : PREFIGURE - fore·shad·ow·er /-d&-w&r/ noun
32.foresight	ability to foresee future happenings; prudence in providing for the future	Function: noun 1 : an act or the power of foreseeing : PRESCIENCE 2 : provident care : PRUDENCE <had the foresight to invest his money wisely> 3 : an act of looking forward; also : a view forward - fore·sight·ed /-"sI-t&d/ adjective - fore·sight·ed·ly adverb - fore·sight·ed·ness noun - fore·sight·ful /-"sIt-f&l/ adjective
33.forestall	prevent by taking action in advance	Function: transitive verb Etymology: Middle English, from forstall act of waylaying, from Old English foresteall, from fore- + steall position, stall 1 : to prevent the normal trading in by buying or diverting goods or by persuading persons to raise prices 2 archaic : INTERCEPT 3 obsolete : OBSTRUCT, BESET 4 : to exclude, hinder, or prevent by prior occupation or measures 5 : to get ahead of : ANTICIPATE synonym see PREVENT - fore·stall·er noun - fore·stall·ment /-'stol-m&nt/ noun
34.forgo	(forego) give up; do without	Function: transitive verb Inflected Form(s): for·went /-'went/; for·gone /-'gon also -'gän/; for·go·ing /-'gO-i[ng], -'go(-)i[ng]/ Etymology: Middle English, from Old English forgAn to pass by, forgo, from for- + gAn to go 1 : to give up the enjoyment or advantage of : do without 2 archaic : FORSAKE - for·go·er /-'gO(-&)r/ noun
35.forlorn	sad and lonely; wretched; desolate	Function: adjective Etymology: Middle English forloren, from Old English, past participle of forlEosan to lose, from for- + lEosan to lose -- more at LOSE 1 a : BEREFT, FORSAKEN <left quite forlorn of hope> b : sad and lonely because of isolation or desertion : DESOLATE 2 : being in poor condition : MISERABLE, WRETCHED <forlorn tumbledown buildings> 3 : nearly hopeless <a forlorn attempt> synonym see ALONE - for·lorn·ly adverb - for·lorn·ness /-'lorn-n&s/ noun
36.formality	ceremonious quality; ceremonious adherence to rules; something done just for form's sake; Ex. mere formality	Function: noun Inflected Form(s): plural -ties 1 : compliance with formal or conventional rules : CEREMONY 2 : the quality or state of being formal 3 : an established form or procedure that is required or conventional
37.formidable	menacing; arousing fear; threatening; difficult to defeat; Ex. formidable foe/question	Function: adjective Etymology: Middle English, from Latin formidabilis, from formidare to fear, from formido terror, bogey; akin to Greek mormO bogey 1 : causing fear, dread, or apprehension <a formidable prospect> 2 : having qualities that discourage approach or attack 3 : tending to inspire awe or wonder - for·mi·da·bil·i·ty /"for-m&-d&-'bi-l&-tE; for-"mi-, f&r-"/ noun - for·mi·da·ble·ness /'for-m&-d&-b&l-n&s; for-'mi-, f&r-'/ noun - for·mi·da·bly /-blE/ adverb
38.forsake	desert; abandon; renounce	Function: transitive verb Inflected Form(s): for·sook /-'suk/; for·sak·en /-'sA-k&n/; for·sak·ing Etymology: Middle English, from Old English forsacan, from for- + sacan to dispute; akin to Old English sacu action at law -- more at SAKE : to renounce or turn away from entirely <friends have forsaken her> <forsook the theater for politics> synonym see ABANDON
39.forswear	renounce under oath; abandon; make a solemn promise to give up; CF. abjure	Function: verb Inflected Form(s): for·swore /-'swOr, -'swor/; for·sworn /-'swOrn, -'sworn/; -swear·ing Etymology: Middle English forsweren, from Old English forswerian, from for- + swerian to swear transitive senses 1 : to make a liar of (oneself) under or as if under oath 2 a : to reject or renounce under oath b : to renounce earnestly 3 : to deny under oath intransitive senses : to swear falsely synonym see ABJURE
40.forte	strong point or special talent in a person's character	Function: noun Etymology: French fort, from fort, adjective, strong 1 : the part of a sword or foil blade that is between the middle and the hilt and that is the strongest part of the blade 2 : one's strong point usage In forte we have a word derived from French that in its "strong point" sense has no entirely satisfactory pronunciation. Usage writers have denigrated \'for-"tA\ and \'for-tE\ because they reflect the influence of the Italian-derived 2forte. Their recommended pronunciation \'fort\, however, does not exactly reflect French either: the French would write the word le fort and would rhyme it with English for. So you can take your choice, knowing that someone somewhere will dislike whichever variant you choose. All are standard, however. In British English \'fo-"tA\ and \'fot\ predominate; \'for-"tA\ and \for-'tA\ are probably the most frequent pronunciations in American English.
41.forthright	straightforward; direct; frank	Function: adverb Etymology: Middle English, from Old English forthriht, from forth + riht right 1 archaic a : directly forward b : without hesitation : FRANKLY 2 archaic : at once
42.fortitude	bravery; courage; strength of mind	Function: noun Etymology: Middle English, from Latin fortitudin-, fortitudo, from fortis 1 : strength of mind that enables a person to encounter danger or bear pain or adversity with courage 2 obsolete : STRENGTH
43.fortuitous	accidental; by chance; N. fortuity	Function: adjective Etymology: Latin fortuitus; akin to Latin fort-, fors 1 : occurring by chance 2 a : FORTUNATE, LUCKY <from a cost standpoint, the company's timing is fortuitous -- Business Week> b : coming or happening by a lucky chance <belted down the stairs, and there was a fortuitous train -- Doris Lessing> synonym see ACCIDENTAL - for·tu·itous·ly adverb - for·tu·itous·ness noun usage Sense 2a has been influenced in meaning by fortunate. It has been in standard if not elevated use for some 70 years, but is still disdained by some critics. Sense 2b, a blend of 1 and 2a, is virtually unnoticed by the critics. Sense 1 is the only sense commonly used in negative constructions.
44.foster	rear; bring up (for a certain period only); encourage; promote the development of (feelings or ideas); Ex. help foster friendly relations; ADJ: giving parental care although not related by blood; Ex. foster parents	Function: adjective Etymology: Middle English, from Old English fOstor-, from fOstor food, feeding; akin to Old English fOda food : affording, receiving, or sharing nurture or parental care though not related by blood or legal ties
45.founder	fail completely; sink; CF. flounder	Function: noun Etymology: 4found : one that founds or establishes
46.founder	person who establishes (an organization or business)	Function: noun Etymology: 4found : one that founds or establishes
47.fracas	brawl(noisy quarrel or fight) in which a number of people take part; melee	Function: noun Inflected Form(s): plural fra·cas·es /-k&-s&z/; or British frac·as /-"käz/ Etymology: French, din, row, from Italian fracasso, from fracassare to shatter : a noisy quarrel : BRAWL
48.fractious	unruly; peevish; cranky; bad-tempered; Ex. fractious horse	Function: adjective Etymology: fraction (discord) + -ous 1 : tending to be troublesome : UNRULY 2 : QUARRELSOME, IRRITABLE - frac·tious·ly adverb - frac·tious·ness noun
49.frail	weak; N. frailty	Function: adjective Etymology: Middle English, from Middle French fraile, from Latin fragilis fragile, from frangere 1 : easily led into evil <frail humanity> 2 : easily broken or destroyed : FRAGILE 3 a : physically weak b : SLIGHT, UNSUBSTANTIAL synonym see WEAK - frail·ly /'frA(&)(l)-lE/ adverb - frail·ness noun
50.franchise	right or privilege granted by authority; right to vote; license to sell a product in a particular territory	Function: noun Etymology: Middle English, from Middle French, from franchir to free, from Old French franc free -- more at FRANK 1 : freedom or immunity from some burden or restriction vested in a person or group 2 a : a special privilege granted to an individual or group; especially : the right to be and exercise the powers of a corporation b : a constitutional or statutory right or privilege; especially : the right to vote c (1) : the right or license granted to an individual or group to market a company's goods or services in a particular territory; also : a business granted such a right or license (2) : the territory involved in such a right 3 a : the right of membership in a professional sports league b : a team and its operating organization having such membership
51.frantic	wild; distraught as from fear or worry; Ex. frantic with fear	Function: adjective Etymology: Middle English frenetik, frantik -- more at FRENETIC 1 a archaic : mentally deranged b : emotionally out of control <frantic with anger and frustration> 2 : marked by fast and nervous, disordered, or anxiety-driven activity <made a frantic search for the lost child> - fran·ti·cal·ly /-ti-k(&-)lE/ adverb - fran·tic·ness /-tik-n&s/ noun
52.fraudulent	cheating; deceitful; Ex. fraudulent means; N. fraud: deception; swindle	Function: adjective : characterized by, based on, or done by fraud : DECEITFUL - fraud·u·lent·ly adverb - fraud·u·lent·ness noun
53.fraught	filled (with something unpleasant); full; Ex. fraught with danger and difficulties; CF. freight	Function: noun Etymology: Middle English, freight, load, from Middle Dutch or Middle Low German vracht, vrecht chiefly Scottish : LOAD, CARGO
54.fray	brawl; fight; V: wear away or unravel by rubbing; have loose threads developing; cause to become worn out (a person's temper or nerves); CF. rub	Function: transitive verb Etymology: Middle English fraien, short for affraien to affray archaic : SCARE; also : to frighten away
55.frenetic	(phrenetic) frenzied; frantic	Function: adjective Etymology: Middle English frenetik insane, from Middle French frenetique, from Latin phreneticus, modification of Greek phrenitikos, from phrenitis inflammation of the brain, from phren-, phrEn diaphragm, mind : FRENZIED, FRANTIC - fre·net·i·cal·ly /-ti-k(&-)lE/ adverb - fre·net·i·cism /-'ne-t&-"si-z&m/ noun
56.frenzied	madly excited; N. frenzy: violent wild excitement	Function: adjective : marked by frenzy - fren·zied·ly adverb
57.fresco	painting on wet plaster (usually fresh)	Function: noun Inflected Form(s): plural frescoes Etymology: Italian, from fresco fresh, of Germanic origin; akin to Old High German frisc fresh 1 : the art of painting on freshly spread moist lime plaster with water-based pigments 2 : a painting executed in fresco - fresco transitive verb
58.fret	be annoyed or vexed; Ex. fret over your poor grades; N: irritation of mind; ADJ. fretful	Function: verb Inflected Form(s): fret·ted; fret·ting Etymology: Middle English, to devour, fret, from Old English fretan to devour; akin to Old High German frezzan to devour, ezzan to eat -- more at EAT transitive senses 1 a : to eat or gnaw into : CORRODE; also : FRAY b : RUB, CHAFE c : to make by wearing away a substance <the stream fretted a channel> 2 : to cause to suffer emotional strain : VEX 3 : to pass (as time) in fretting 4 : AGITATE, RIPPLE intransitive senses 1 a : to eat into something b : to affect something as if by gnawing or biting : GRATE 2 a : WEAR, CORRODE b : CHAFE c : FRAY 1 3 a : to become vexed or worried b of running water : to become agitated
59.friction	clash or conflict in opinion; rubbing against	Function: noun Etymology: Middle English, from Middle French or Latin; Middle French, from Latin friction-, frictio, from fricare to rub; akin to Latin friare to crumble, and perhaps to Sanskrit bhrInanti they injure 1 a : the rubbing of one body against another b : the force that resists relative motion between two bodies in contact 2 : the clashing between two persons or parties of opposed views : DISAGREEMENT 3 : sound produced by the movement of air through a narrow constriction in the mouth or glottis - fric·tion·less /-l&s/ adjective - fric·tion·less·ly adverb
60.frieze	ornamental horizontal band on a wall	Function: noun Etymology: Middle English frise, from Middle French, from Middle Dutch vriese 1 : a heavy durable coarse wool and shoddy fabric with a rough surface 2 : a pile surface of uncut loops or of patterned cut and uncut loops
61.frigid	intensely cold; cold in manner; Ex. frigid zone	Function: adjective Etymology: Latin frigidus, from frigEre to be cold; akin to Latin frigus frost, cold, Greek rhigos 1 a : intensely cold b : lacking warmth or ardor : INDIFFERENT 2 : lacking imaginative qualities : INSIPID 3 a : abnormally averse to sexual intercourse -- used especially of women b of a female : unable to achieve orgasm during sexual intercourse - frig·id·ly adverb - frig·id·ness noun
62.fritter	waste (time or money on unimportant things)	Function: noun Etymology: Middle English fritour, from Middle French friture, from (assumed) Vulgar Latin frictura, from Latin frictus, past participle of frigere to roast : a small mass of fried or sautéed batter often containing fruit or meat
63.frivolous	lacking in seriousness; flippant; self-indulgently carefree; unworthy of serious attention; relatively unimportant; trivial	Function: adjective Etymology: Middle English, from Latin frivolus 1 a : of little weight or importance b : having no sound basis (as in fact or law) <a frivolous lawsuit> 2 a : lacking in seriousness b : marked by unbecoming levity - friv·o·lous·ly adverb - friv·o·lous·ness noun
64.frolicsome	prankish; gay; playful; merry; frisky	Function: adjective : full of gaiety : PLAYFUL
65.frond	fern leaf; palm or banana leaf	Function: noun Etymology: Latin frond-, frons foliage 1 : a large leaf (especially of a palm or fern) usually with many divisions 2 : a thallus or thalloid shoot (as of a lichen or seaweed) resembling a leaf - frond·ed /'frän-d&d/ adjective
66.fructify	bear fruit; produce fruit	Function: verb Inflected Form(s): -fied; -fy·ing Etymology: Middle English fructifien, from Middle French fructifier, from Latin fructificare, from fructus fruit intransitive senses : to bear fruit <its seeds shall fructify -- Amy Lowell> <no partnership can fructify without candor on both sides -- D. M. Ogilvy> transitive senses : to make fruitful or productive
67.frugality	thrift; economy; ADJ. frugal: practicing economy; costing little; inexpensive	Function: adjective Etymology: Middle French or Latin; Middle French, from Latin frugalis virtuous, frugal, from frug-, frux fruit, value; akin to Latin frui to enjoy : characterized by or reflecting economy in the use of resources synonym see SPARING - fru·gal·i·ty /frü-'ga-l&-tE/ noun - fru·gal·ly /'frü-g&-lE/ adverb
68.fruition	bearing of fruit; fulfillment; realization; Ex. come to/be brought to fruition	Function: noun Etymology: Middle English fruicioun, from Middle French or Late Latin; Middle French fruition, from Late Latin fruition-, fruitio, from Latin frui 1 : pleasurable use or possession : ENJOYMENT 2 a : the state of bearing fruit b : REALIZATION
69.frustrate	thwart; defeat; prevent from accomplishing a purpose	Function: transitive verb Inflected Form(s): frus·trat·ed; frus·trat·ing Etymology: Middle English, from Latin frustratus, past participle of frustrare to deceive, frustrate, from frustra in error, in vain 1 a : to balk or defeat in an endeavor b : to induce feelings of discouragement in 2 a (1) : to make ineffectual : bring to nothing (2) : IMPEDE, OBSTRUCT b : to make invalid or of no effect synonyms FRUSTRATE, THWART, FOIL, BAFFLE, BALK mean to check or defeat another's plan or block achievement of a goal. FRUSTRATE implies making vain or ineffectual all efforts however vigorous or persistent <frustrated attempts at government reform>. THWART suggests frustration or checking by crossing or opposing <the army thwarted his attempt at a coup>. FOIL implies checking or defeating so as to discourage further effort <foiled by her parents, he stopped trying to see her>. BAFFLE implies frustration by confusing or puzzling <baffled by the maze of rules and regulations>. BALK suggests the interposing of obstacles or hindrances <officials felt that legal restrictions had balked their efforts to control crime>.
70.fugitive	fleeting or transitory; lasting only a short time; roving(wandering); running away or fleeing as from the law; N: one who flees; Ex. fugitives at large	Function: adjective Etymology: Middle English, from Middle French & Latin; Middle French fugitif, from Latin fugitivus, from fugitus, past participle of fugere to flee; akin to Greek pheugein to flee 1 : running away or intending flight <fugitive slave> <fugitive debtor> 2 : moving from place to place : WANDERING 3 a : being of short duration b : difficult to grasp or retain : ELUSIVE c : likely to evaporate, deteriorate, change, fade, or disappear <dyed with fugitive colors> 4 : being of transient interest <fugitive essays> synonym see TRANSIENT - fu·gi·tive·ly adverb - fu·gi·tive·ness noun
71.fulcrum	support on which a lever rests or pivots	Function: noun Inflected Form(s): plural fulcrums or ful·cra /-kr&/ Etymology: Late Latin, from Latin, bedpost, from fulcire to prop -- more at BALK 1 a : PROP; specifically : the support about which a lever turns b : one that supplies capability for action 2 : a part of an animal that serves as a hinge or support
72.fulminate	thunder; explode; issue a severe denunciation	Function: verb Inflected Form(s): -nat·ed; -nat·ing Etymology: Middle English, from Medieval Latin fulminatus, past participle of fulminare, from Latin, to strike (of lightning), from fulmin-, fulmen lightning; akin to Latin flagrare to burn -- more at BLACK transitive senses : to utter or send out with denunciation intransitive senses : to send forth censures or invectives - ful·mi·na·tion /"ful-m&-'nA-sh&n, "f&l-/ noun
73.fulsome	disgustingly excessive; offensively flattering; Ex. fulsome praise/expressions of admire	Function: adjective Etymology: Middle English fulsom copious, cloying, from full + -som -some 1 a : characterized by abundance : COPIOUS <describes in fulsome detail -- G. N. Shuster> <fulsome bird life. The feeder overcrowded -- Maxine Kumin> b : generous in amount, extent, or spirit <the passengers were fulsome in praise of the plane's crew -- Don Oliver> <a fulsome victory for the far left -- Bruce Rothwell> <the greetings have been fulsome, the farewells tender -- Simon Gray> c : being full and well developed <she was in generally fulsome, limpid voice -- Thor Eckert, Jr.> 2 : aesthetically, morally, or generally offensive <fulsome lies and nauseous flattery -- William Congreve> <the devil take thee for a ... fulsome rogue -- George Villiers> 3 : exceeding the bounds of good taste : OVERDONE <the fulsome chromium glitter of the escalators dominating the central hall -- Lewis Mumford> 4 : excessively complimentary or flattering : EFFUSIVE <an admiration whose extent I did not express, lest I be thought fulsome -- A. J. Liebling> - ful·some·ly adverb - ful·some·ness noun usage The senses shown above are the chief living senses of fulsome. Sense 2, which was a generalized term of disparagement in the late 17th century, is the least common of these. Fulsome became a point of dispute when sense 1, thought to be obsolete in the 19th century, began to be revived in the 20th. The dispute was exacerbated by the fact that the large dictionaries of the first half of the century missed the beginnings of the revival. Sense 1 has not only been revived but has spread in its application and continues to do so. The chief
74.fumble	move the fingers and hands awkwardly (in search of something); mishandle or drop a ball that is in play; bungle; botch; spoil by mishandling; N.	Function: verb Inflected Form(s): fum·bled; fum·bling /-b(&-)li[ng]/ Etymology: probably of Scandinavian origin; akin to Swedish fumla to fumble intransitive senses 1 a : to grope for or handle something clumsily or aimlessly b : to make awkward attempts to do or find something <fumbled in his pocket for a coin> c : to search by trial and error d : BLUNDER 2 : to feel one's way or move awkwardly 3 a : to drop or juggle or fail to play cleanly a grounder b : to lose hold of a football while handling or running with it transitive senses 1 : to bring about by clumsy manipulation 2 a : to feel or handle clumsily b : to deal with in a blundering way : BUNGLE 3 : to make (one's way) in a clumsy manner 4 a : MISPLAY <fumble a grounder> b : to lose hold of (a football) while handling or running - fum·bler /-b(&-)l&r/ noun - fum·bling·ly /-b(&-)li[ng]-lE/ adverb
75.functionary	official (who performs a particular function)	Function: noun Inflected Form(s): plural -ar·ies 1 : one who serves in a certain function 2 : one holding office in a government or political party
76.fundamental	basic; primary; essential	Function: adjective 1 a : serving as an original or generating source : PRIMARY <a discovery fundamental to modern computers> b : serving as a basis supporting existence or determining essential structure or function : BASIC 2 a : of or relating to essential structure, function, or facts : RADICAL <fundamental change>; also : of or dealing with general principles rather than practical application <fundamental science> b : adhering to fundamentalism 3 : of, relating to, or produced by the lowest component of a complex vibration 4 : of central importance : PRINCIPAL <fundamental purpose> 5 : belonging to one's innate or ingrained characteristics : DEEP-ROOTED <her fundamental good humor> synonym see ESSENTIAL - fun·da·men·tal·ly /-t&l-E/ adverb
77.funereal	sad; solemn; suitable for a funeral	Function: adjective Etymology: Latin funereus, from funer-, funus 1 : of or relating to a funeral 2 : befitting or suggesting a funeral (as in solemnity) - fu·ne·re·al·ly /-&-lE/ adverb
78.furor	frenzy; great anger and excitement; CF. fury	Function: noun Etymology: Middle French & Latin; Middle French, from Latin, from furere to rage 1 : an angry or maniacal fit : RAGE 2 : FURY 4 3 : a fashionable craze : VOGUE 4 a : furious or hectic activity b : an outburst of public excitement or indignation : UPROAR
79.furtive	stealthy; quiet and secret (trying to escape notice); sneaky; Ex. furtive glance	Function: adjective Etymology: French or Latin; French furtif, from Latin furtivus, from furtum theft, from fur thief, from or akin to Greek phOr thief; akin to Greek pherein to carry -- more at BEAR 1 a : done by stealth : SURREPTITIOUS b : expressive of stealth : SLY <had a furtive look about him> 2 : obtained underhandedly : STOLEN synonym see SECRET - fur·tive·ly adverb - fur·tive·ness noun
80.fusillade	simultaneous firing or outburst (of missiles, questions, etc.)	Function: noun Etymology: French, from fusiller to shoot, from fusil 1 a : a number of shots fired simultaneously or in rapid succession b : something that gives the effect of a fusillade <a fusillade of rocks and bottles> 2 : a spirited outburst especially of criticism
81.fusion	union; coalition; V. fuse	Function: noun Usage: often attributive Etymology: Latin fusion-, fusio, from fundere 1 : the act or process of liquefying or rendering plastic by heat 2 : a union by or as if by melting: as a : a merging of diverse, distinct, or separate elements into a unified whole b : a political partnership : COALITION c : popular music combining different styles (as jazz and rock) 3 : the union of atomic nuclei to form heavier nuclei resulting in the release of enormous quantities of energy when certain light elements unite
82.futile	useless; hopeless; ineffectual	Function: adjective Etymology: Middle French or Latin; Middle French, from Latin futilis brittle, pointless, probably from fu- (akin to fundere to pour) -- more at FOUND 1 : serving no useful purpose : completely ineffective <efforts to convince him were futile> 2 : occupied with trifles : FRIVOLOUS - fu·tile·ly /-t&l-(l)E, -"tIl-lE/ adverb - fu·tile·ness /-t&l-n&s, -"tIl-n&s/ noun synonyms FUTILE, VAIN, FRUITLESS mean producing no result. FUTILE may connote completeness of failure or unwisdom of undertaking <resistance had proved so futile that surrender was the only choice left>. VAIN usually implies simple failure to achieve a desired result <a vain attempt to get the car started>. FRUITLESS comes close to VAIN but often suggests long and arduous effort or severe disappointment <fruitless efforts to obtain a lasting peace>.
83.gadfly	animal-biting fly; irritating person	Function: noun Etymology: 1gad 1 : any of various flies (as a horsefly, botfly, or warble fly) that bite or annoy livestock 2 : a person who stimulates or annoys especially by persistent criticism
84.gaffe	social blunder	Function: noun Etymology: French, gaff, gaffe : a social or diplomatic blunder