Gre Wordlist 34 : overwrought - peccadillo

1.overwrought	nervous or excited; extremely agitated; hysterical; wrought-up; CF. wrought: made or done	Function: adjective Etymology: past participle of overwork 1 : extremely excited : AGITATED 2 : elaborated to excess : OVERDONE
2.ovoid	egg-shaped; CF. ovum; CF. ovulate	Function: adjective Etymology: French ovoïde, from Latin ovum egg -- more at EGG : resembling an egg in shape : OVATE - ovoid noun
3.pachyderm	thick-skinned animal	Function: noun Etymology: French pachyderme, from Greek pachydermos thick-skinned, from pachys thick + derma skin; akin to Sanskrit bahu dense, much -- more at DERM- : any of various nonruminant hoofed mammals (as an elephant, a rhinoceros, or a pig) most of which have a thick skin
4.pacifist	one opposed to force; antimilitarist; ADJ. N. pacifism: opposition to war as a means of resolving disputes	Function: noun Etymology: French pacifisme, from pacifique pacific 1 : opposition to war or violence as a means of settling disputes; specifically : refusal to bear arms on moral or religious grounds 2 : an attitude or policy of nonresistance - pac·i·fist /-fist/ noun
5.pacify	soothe; make calm or quiet; subdue; bring peace to	Function: transitive verb Inflected Form(s): -fied; -fy·ing Etymology: Middle English pacifien, from Latin pacificare, from pac-, pax peace 1 a : to allay the anger or agitation of : SOOTHE <pacify a crying child> b : APPEASE, PROPITIATE 2 a : to restore to a tranquil state : SETTLE <made an attempt to pacify the commotion> b : to reduce to a submissive state : SUBDUE <forces moved in to pacify the country> - pac·i·fi·able /"pa-s&-'fI-&-b&l/ adjective synonyms PACIFY, APPEASE, PLACATE, MOLLIFY, PROPITIATE, CONCILIATE mean to ease the anger or disturbance of. PACIFY suggests a soothing or calming <pacified by a sincere apology>. APPEASE implies quieting insistent demands by making concessions <appease their territorial ambitions>. PLACATE suggests changing resentment or bitterness to goodwill <a move to placate local opposition>. MOLLIFY implies soothing hurt feelings or rising anger <a speech that mollified the demonstrators>. PROPITIATE implies averting anger or malevolence especially of a superior being <propitiated his parents by dressing up>. CONCILIATE suggests ending an estrangement by persuasion, concession, or settling of differences <conciliating the belligerent nations>.
6.paean	song of praise or joy; Ex. paeans celebrating the victory	Function: noun Etymology: Latin, hymn of thanksgiving especially addressed to Apollo, from Greek paian, paiOn, from Paian, PaiOn, epithet of Apollo in the hymn : a joyous song or hymn of praise, tribute, thanksgiving, or triumph; broadly : ENCOMIUM, TRIBUTE
7.painstaking	taking pains; showing hard work; taking great care; very careful and through	Function: noun : the action of taking pains : diligent care and effort
8.palatable	agreeable; pleasing to the taste	Function: adjective 1 : agreeable to the palate or taste 2 : agreeable or acceptable to the mind - pal·at·abil·i·ty /"pa-l&-t&-'bi-l&-tE/ noun - pal·at·able·ness noun - pal·at·ably /'pa-l&-t&-blE/ adverb synonyms PALATABLE, APPETIZING, SAVORY, TASTY, TOOTHSOME mean agreeable or pleasant especially to the sense of taste. PALATABLE often applies to something that is found to be merely agreeable <butterflies that birds find palatable>. APPETIZING suggests a whetting of the appetite and applies to aroma and appearance as well as taste <appetizing hors d'oeuvres>. SAVORY applies to both taste and aroma and suggests piquancy and often spiciness <dumplings with savory fillings>. TASTY implies a pronounced taste <a tart and tasty pie>. TOOTHSOME stresses the notion of agreeableness and sometimes implies tenderness or daintiness <an enticing array of toothsome desserts>.
9.palate	roof of the mouth; sense of the taste	Function: noun Etymology: Middle English, from Latin palatum 1 : the roof of the mouth separating the mouth from the nasal cavity 2 a : a usually intellectual taste or liking b : the sense of taste
10.palatial	of or suitable for a palace; magnificent	Function: adjective Etymology: Latin palatium palace 1 : of, relating to, or being a palace 2 : suitable to a palace : MAGNIFICENT - pa·la·tial·ly /-sh&-lE/ adverb - pa·la·tial·ness noun
11.paleontology	study of prehistoric life or fossils; CF. paleo-: ancient or prehistoric; Ex. paleography: study of ancient written documents	Function: noun Etymology: French paléontologie, from palé- pale- + Greek onta existing things (from neuter plural of ont-, On, present participle of einai to be) + French -logie -logy -- more at IS : a science dealing with the life of past geological periods as known from fossil remains - pa·le·on·to·log·i·cal /-"än-t&l-'ä-ji-k&l/ or pa·le·on·to·log·ic /-jik/ adjective - pa·le·on·tol·o·gist /-"än-'tä-l&-jist, -&n-/ noun
12.palette	board on which painter mixes pigments(coloring matters)	Function: noun Etymology: French, from Middle French, diminutive of pale spade, from Latin pala; probably akin to Latin pangere to fix -- more at PACT 1 : a thin oval or rectangular board or tablet that a painter holds and mixes pigments on 2 a : the set of colors put on the palette b (1) : a particular range, quality, or use of color (2) : a comparable range, quality, or use of available elements especially in another art (as music)
13.palimpsest	parchment or piece of writing material used for second time after original writing has been erased	Function: noun Etymology: Latin palimpsestus, from Greek palimpsEstos scraped again, from palin + psEn to rub, scrape; akin to Sanskrit psAti, babhasti he chews 1 : writing material (as a parchment or tablet) used one or more times after earlier writing has been erased 2 : something having usually diverse layers or aspects apparent beneath the surface
14.pall	become boring; grow tiresome	Function: verb Etymology: Middle English, short for appallen to become pale -- more at APPALL intransitive senses 1 : to lose strength or effectiveness 2 : to lose in interest or attraction <his humor began to pall on us> 3 : to become tired of something transitive senses 1 : to cause to become insipid 2 : to deprive of pleasure in something by satiating synonym see SATIATE
15.pallet	small poor bed; Ex. straw pallet	Function: noun Etymology: Middle English pailet, from (assumed) Middle French paillet, from paille straw, from Latin palea chaff, straw; akin to Sanskrit palAva chaff 1 : a straw-filled tick or mattress 2 : a small, hard, or temporary bed
16.palliate	ease pain (without curing); make less severe or offensive (a crime or illness)	Function: transitive verb Inflected Form(s): -at·ed; -at·ing Etymology: Middle English, from Late Latin palliatus, past participle of palliare to cloak, conceal, from Latin pallium cloak 1 : to reduce the violence of (a disease) : ABATE 2 : to cover by excuses and apologies 3 : to moderate the intensity of <trying to palliate the boredom> - pal·li·a·tion /"pa-lE-'A-sh&n/ noun - pal·li·a·tor /'pa-lE-"A-t&r/ noun
17.pallid	pale; wan; Ex. pallid complexion	Function: adjective Etymology: Latin pallidus -- more at PALE 1 : deficient in color : WAN <a pallid countenance> 2 : lacking sparkle or liveliness : DULL <a pallid entertainment> - pal·lid·ly adverb - pal·lid·ness noun
18.palpable	tangible; (of something bad) easily perceptible; obvious; Ex. palpable blunder	Function: adjective Etymology: Middle English, from Late Latin palpabilis, from Latin palpare to stroke, caress -- more at FEEL 1 : capable of being touched or felt : TANGIBLE 2 : easily perceptible : NOTICEABLE 3 : easily perceptible by the mind : MANIFEST synonym see PERCEPTIBLE - pal·pa·bil·i·ty /"pal-p&-'bi-l&-tE/ noun - pal·pa·bly /'pal-p&-blE/ adverb
19.palpitate	throb; beat rapidly; flutter; tremble; Ex. Her heart began to palpitate.	Function: intransitive verb Inflected Form(s): -tat·ed; -tat·ing Etymology: Latin palpitatus, past participle of palpitare, frequentative of palpare to stroke : to beat rapidly and strongly : THROB - pal·pi·ta·tion /"pal-p&-'tA-sh&n/ noun
20.paltry	insignificant; petty; trifling; contemptible; Ex. paltry sum; CF. trash	Function: adjective Inflected Form(s): pal·tri·er; -est Etymology: obsolete paltry trash, from dialect palt, pelt piece of coarse cloth, trash; akin to Middle Low German palte rag 1 : INFERIOR, TRASHY 2 : MEAN, DESPICABLE 3 : TRIVIAL 4 : MEAGER, MEASLY <made a paltry donation> - pal·tri·ness noun
21.pan	criticize harshly	Function: noun Etymology: Middle English panne, from Old English (akin to Old High German phanna pan), from Latin patina, from Greek patanE 1 a : a usually broad, shallow, and open container for domestic use (as for warming, baking, or frying) b : any of various similar usually metal receptacles: as (1) : the hollow part of the lock in a firelock or flintlock gun that receives the priming (2) : either of the receptacles in a pair of scales (3) : a round shallow metal container for separating metal (as gold) from waste by washing 2 a (1) : a natural basin or depression in land (2) : a similar artificial basin (as for evaporating brine) b : a drifting fragment of the flat thin ice that forms in bays or along the shore 3 : HARDPAN 1 4 slang : FACE 5 : a harsh criticism
22.panacea	cure-all; remedy for all diseases	Function: noun Etymology: Latin, from Greek panakeia, from panakEs all-healing, from pan- + akos remedy : a remedy for all ills or difficulties : CURE-ALL - pan·a·ce·an /-'sE-&n/ adjective
23.panache	flair; manner of doing things without any difficulty (causing admiration); flamboyance; bunch of feathers (on a helmet); Ex. with great panache; CF. ÀÜ ¾Æ·¡·Î õÀ» »©³»´Â ¼Ø¾¾	Function: noun Etymology: Middle French pennache, from Old Italian pennacchio, from Late Latin pinnaculum small wing -- more at PINNACLE 1 : an ornamental tuft (as of feathers) especially on a helmet 2 : dash or flamboyance in style and action : VERVE
24.pandemic	widespread; affecting the majority of people; N: pandemic disease; CF. all people	Function: adjective Etymology: Late Latin pandemus, from Greek pandEmos of all the people, from pan- + dEmos people -- more at DEMAGOGUE : occurring over a wide geographic area and affecting an exceptionally high proportion of the population <pandemic malaria>
25.pandemonium	wild tumult(commotion); wild noisy disorder; CF. Paradise Lost	Function: noun Etymology: New Latin, from Greek pan- + daimOn evil spirit -- more at DEMON 1 : the capital of Hell in Milton's Paradise Lost 2 : the infernal regions : HELL 3 not capitalized : a wild uproar : TUMULT
26.pander	cater to (the low desires of others)	Function: noun Etymology: Middle English Pandare Pandarus, from Latin Pandarus 1 a : a go-between in love intrigues b : PIMP 2 : someone who caters to or exploits the weaknesses of others
27.panegyric	formal praise; encomium; Ex. I don't deserve such panegyrics.	Function: noun Etymology: Latin panegyricus, from Greek panEgyrikos, from panEgyrikos of or for a festival assembly, from panEgyris festival assembly, from pan- + agyris assembly; akin to Greek ageirein to gather : a eulogistic oration or writing; also : formal or elaborate praise synonym see ENCOMIUM - pan·e·gy·ri·cal /-'jir-i-k&l, -'jI-ri-/ adjective - pan·e·gy·ri·cal·ly /-k(&-)lE/ adverb
28.panoramic	denoting an unobstructed and comprehensive view; N. panorama: unbroken view of a wide area	Function: noun Etymology: pan- + Greek horama sight, from horan to see -- more at WARY 1 a : CYCLORAMA 1 b : a picture exhibited a part at a time by being unrolled before the spectator 2 a : an unobstructed or complete view of an area in every direction b : a comprehensive presentation of a subject <a panorama of American history> c : RANGE 3 : a mental picture of a series of images or events - pan·o·ram·ic /-'ra-mik/ adjective - pan·o·ram·i·cal·ly /-mi-k(&-)lE/ adverb
29.pantomime	acting without dialogue; V.	Function: noun Etymology: Latin pantomimus, from pant- + mimus mime 1 : PANTOMIMIST 2 a : an ancient Roman dramatic performance featuring a solo dancer and a narrative chorus b : any of various dramatic or dancing performances in which a story is told by expressive bodily or facial movements of the performers c : a British theatrical entertainment of the Christmas season based on a nursery tale and featuring topical songs, tableaux, and dances 3 a : conveyance of a story by bodily or facial movements especially in drama or dance b : the art or genre of conveying a story by bodily movements only - pan·to·mim·ic /"pan-t&-'mi-mik/ adjective
30.papyrus	ancient paper made from stem of papyrus plant	Function: noun Inflected Form(s): plural pa·py·ri /-'pI-(")rE, -rI/; or pa·py·rus·es Etymology: Middle English, from Latin -- more at PAPER 1 : a tall sedge (Cyperus papyrus) of the Nile valley 2 : the pith of the papyrus plant especially when cut in strips and pressed into a material to write on 3 a : a writing on papyrus b : a written scroll made of papyrus [papyrus illustration]
31.parable	short simple story teaching a moral	Function: noun Etymology: Middle English, from Middle French, from Late Latin parabola, from Greek parabolE comparison, from paraballein to compare, from para- + ballein to throw -- more at DEVIL : EXAMPLE; specifically : a usually short fictitious story that illustrates a moral attitude or a religious principle
32.paradigm	model; example that serves as a model; pattern; list of all the inflectional forms of a word	Function: noun Etymology: Late Latin paradigma, from Greek paradeigma, from paradeiknynai to show side by side, from para- + deiknynai to show -- more at DICTION 1 : EXAMPLE, PATTERN; especially : an outstandingly clear or typical example or archetype 2 : an example of a conjugation or declension showing a word in all its inflectional forms 3 : a philosophical and theoretical framework of a scientific school or discipline within which theories, laws, and generalizations and the experiments performed in support of them are formulated; broadly : a philosophical or theoretical framework of any kind - par·a·dig·mat·ic /"par-&-dig-'ma-tik/ adjective - par·a·dig·mat·i·cal·ly /-ti-k(&-)lE/ adverb
33.paradox	something apparently contradictory in nature (that may nonetheless be true); statement that looks false but is actually correct	Function: noun Etymology: Latin paradoxum, from Greek paradoxon, from neuter of paradoxos contrary to expectation, from para- + dokein to think, seem -- more at DECENT 1 : a tenet contrary to received opinion 2 a : a statement that is seemingly contradictory or opposed to common sense and yet is perhaps true b : a self-contradictory statement that at first seems true c : an argument that apparently derives self-contradictory conclusions by valid deduction from acceptable premises 3 : one that possesses seemingly contradictory qualities or phases
34.paragon	model of perfection; Ex. paragon of virtue	Function: noun Etymology: Middle French, from Old Italian paragone, literally, touchstone, from paragonare to test on a touchstone, from Greek parakonan to sharpen, from para- + akonE whetstone, from akE point; akin to Greek akmE point -- more at EDGE : a model of excellence or perfection
35.parallelism	state of being parallel; similarity; analogy	Function: noun 1 : the quality or state of being parallel 2 : RESEMBLANCE, CORRESPONDENCE 3 : repeated syntactical similarities introduced for rhetorical effect 4 : a theory that mind and matter accompany one another but are not causally related 5 : the development of similar new characters by two or more related organisms in response to similarity of environment -- called also parallel evolution
36.parameter	limit; independent variable; Ex. parameters of the problem; Ex. within the parameters of the budget	Function: noun Etymology: New Latin, from para- + Greek metron measure -- more at MEASURE 1 a : an arbitrary constant whose value characterizes a member of a system (as a family of curves); also : a quantity (as a mean or variance) that describes a statistical population b : an independent variable used to express the coordinates of a variable point and functions of them -- compare PARAMETRIC EQUATION 2 : any of a set of physical properties whose values determine the characteristics or behavior of something <parameters of the atmosphere such as temperature, pressure, and density> 3 : something represented by a parameter : a characteristic element; broadly : CHARACTERISTIC, ELEMENT, FACTOR <political dissent as a parameter of modern life> 4 : LIMIT, BOUNDARY -- usually used in plural <the parameters of science fiction> - para·met·ric /"par-&-'me-trik/ adjective - para·met·ri·cal·ly /-tri-k(&-)lE/ adverb
37.paramount	foremost in importance; supreme; CF. para-: beyond; above; Ex. paranormal	Function: adjective Etymology: Anglo-French paramont, from Old French par by (from Latin per) + amont above, from a to (from Latin ad) + mont mountain -- more at FOR, AT, MOUNT : superior to all others : SUPREME synonym see DOMINANT - par·a·mount·cy /-"maun(t)-sE/ noun - par·a·mount·ly /-"maunt-lE/ adverb
38.paramour	illicit lover	Function: noun Etymology: Middle English, from par amour by way of love, from Middle French : an illicit lover
39.paranoia	psychosis marked by delusions of grandeur or persecution; N: ADJ: paranoid, paranoiac	Function: noun Etymology: New Latin, from Greek, madness, from paranous demented, from para- + nous mind 1 : a psychosis characterized by systematized delusions of persecution or grandeur usually without hallucinations 2 : a tendency on the part of an individual or group toward excessive or irrational suspiciousness and distrustfulness of others - para·noi·ac /-'noi-"ak, -'noi-ik/ also para·noic /-'noi(-i)k, -'nO-ik/ adjective or noun - para·noi·cal·ly /-'noi(-i)-k(&-)lE, -'nO-i-k(&-)lE/ adverb
40.paraphernalia	equipment; odds and ends used in a particular activity; personal belongings; Ex. photographic paraphernalia; CF. married woman's property exclusive of her dowry	Function: noun plural but singular or plural in construction Etymology: Medieval Latin, ultimately from Greek parapherna bride's property beyond her dowry, from para- + phernE dowry, from pherein to bear -- more at BEAR 1 : the separate real or personal property of a married woman that she can dispose of by will and sometimes according to common law during her life 2 : personal belongings 3 a : articles of equipment : FURNISHINGS b : accessory items : APPURTENANCES
41.paraphrase	restate a passage in one's own words while retaining thought of author; N: restatement of a text in other words	Function: noun Etymology: Middle French, from Latin paraphrasis, from Greek, from paraphrazein to paraphrase, from para- + phrazein to point out 1 : a restatement of a text, passage, or work giving the meaning in another form 2 : the use or process of paraphrasing in studying or teaching composition
42.parasite	animal or plant living on another; toady; sycophant; CF. para-: beside	Function: noun Etymology: Middle French, from Latin parasitus, from Greek parasitos, from para- + sitos grain, food 1 : a person who exploits the hospitality of the rich and earns welcome by flattery 2 : an organism living in, with, or on another organism in parasitism 3 : something that resembles a biological parasite in dependence on something else for existence or support without making a useful or adequate return - par·a·sit·ic /"par-&-'si-tik/ also par·a·sit·i·cal /-ti-k&l/ adjective - par·a·sit·i·cal·ly /-ti-k(&-)lE/ adverb synonyms PARASITE, SYCOPHANT, TOADY, LEECH, SPONGE mean a usually obsequious flatterer or self-seeker. PARASITE applies to one who clings to a person of wealth, power, or influence or is useless to society <a jet-setter with an entourage of parasites>. SYCOPHANT adds to this a strong suggestion of fawning, flattery, or adulation <a powerful prince surrounded by sycophants>. TOADY emphasizes the servility and snobbery of the self-seeker <cultivated leaders of society and became their toady>. LEECH stresses persistence in clinging to or bleeding another for one's own advantage <a leech living off his family and friends>. SPONGE stresses the parasitic laziness, dependence, and opportunism of the cadger <a shiftless sponge, always looking for a handout>.
43.parched	extremely dry; very thirsty; V. parch: make or become extremely dry (by exposure to heat)	Function: verb Etymology: Middle English transitive senses 1 : to toast under dry heat 2 : to shrivel with heat 3 : to dry or shrivel with cold intransitive senses : to become dry or scorched
44.pariah	social outcast; Ex. Mariah the pariah	Function: noun Etymology: Tamil paraiyan, literally, drummer 1 : a member of a low caste of southern India 2 : OUTCAST 1
45.parity	equality; close resemblance; CF. disparate	Function: noun Inflected Form(s): plural -ties Etymology: Latin paritas, from par equal 1 : the quality or state of being equal or equivalent 2 a : equivalence of a commodity price expressed in one currency to its price expressed in another b : equality of purchasing power established by law between different kinds of money at a given ratio 3 : an equivalence between farmers' current purchasing power and their purchasing power at a selected base period maintained by government support of agricultural commodity prices 4 a : the property of an integer with respect to being odd or even <3 and 7 have the same parity> b (1) : the state of being odd or even used as the basis of a method of detecting errors in binary-coded data (2) : PARITY BIT 5 : the property of oddness or evenness of a quantum mechanical function 6 : the symmetry of behavior in an interaction of a physical entity (as a subatomic particle) with that of its mirror image
46.parlance	language; manner of speaking; idiom; Ex. in legal/common parlance	Function: noun Etymology: Middle French, from Old French, from parler 1 : SPEECH; especially : formal debate or parley 2 : manner or mode of speech : IDIOM
47.parley	conference (between opponents); CF. speak	Function: noun Inflected Form(s): plural parleys Etymology: Middle English parlai speech, probably from Middle French parlee, from feminine of parlé, past participle of parler to speak, from Medieval Latin parabolare, from Late Latin parabola speech, parable -- more at PARABLE 1 a : a conference for discussion of points in dispute b : a conference with an enemy 2 : DISCUSSION
48.parochial	narrow in scope or outlook; provincial; related to parishes	Function: adjective Etymology: Middle English parochiall, from Middle French parochial, from Late Latin parochialis, from parochia parish -- more at PARISH 1 : of or relating to a church parish 2 : of or relating to a parish as a unit of local government 3 : confined or restricted as if within the borders of a parish : limited in range or scope (as to a narrow area or region) : PROVINCIAL, NARROW - pa·ro·chi·al·ly /-kE-&-lE/ adverb
49.parody	humorous imitation; spoof; takeoff; travesty; V.	Function: noun Inflected Form(s): plural -dies Etymology: Latin parodia, from Greek parOidia, from para- + aidein to sing -- more at ODE 1 : a literary or musical work in which the style of an author or work is closely imitated for comic effect or in ridicule 2 : a feeble or ridiculous imitation synonym see CARICATURE - pa·rod·ic /p&-'rä-dik, pa-/ adjective - par·o·dis·tic /"par-&-'dis-tik/ adjective
50.paroxysm	fit or attack of pain, laughter, rage; sudden outburst	Function: noun Etymology: French & Medieval Latin; French paroxysme, from Medieval Latin paroxysmus, from Greek paroxysmos, from paroxynein to stimulate, from para- + oxynein to provoke, from oxys sharp -- more at OXYGEN 1 : a fit, attack, or sudden increase or recurrence of symptoms (as of a disease) : CONVULSION <a paroxysm of coughing> 2 : a sudden violent emotion or action : OUTBURST <a paroxysm of rage> - par·ox·ys·mal /"par-&k-'siz-m&l also p&-"räk-/ adjective
51.parquet	floor made of wood strips inlaid in a mosaic like matter; CF. strip: long narrow piece	Function: transitive verb Inflected Form(s): par·queted /-'kAd/; par·quet·ing /-'kA-i[ng]/ 1 : to furnish with a floor of parquet 2 : to make of parquetry
52.parry	ward off a blow; deflect; Ex. He parried the unwelcome question very skillfully; N. CF. ¸·´Â´Ù´Â °³³äÀÌ ¾Æ´Ô	Function: verb Inflected Form(s): par·ried; par·ry·ing Etymology: probably from French parez, imperative of parer to parry, from Old Provençal parar, from Latin parare to prepare -- more at PARE intransitive senses 1 : to ward off a weapon or blow 2 : to evade or turn aside something transitive senses 1 : to ward off (as a blow) 2 : to evade especially by an adroit answer <parry an embarrassing question> - parry noun
53.parsimony	stinginess; excessive frugality; ADJ. parsimonious	Function: noun Etymology: Middle English parcimony, from Latin parsimonia, from parsus, past participle of parcere to spare 1 a : the quality of being careful with money or resources : THRIFT b : the quality or state of being stingy 2 : economy in the use of means to an end; especially : economy of explanation in conformity with Occam's razor
54.partial	incomplete; favoring one side over another; having a liking for something	Function: adjective Etymology: Middle English parcial, from Middle French partial, from Medieval Latin partialis, from Late Latin, of a part, from Latin part-, pars part 1 : of or relating to a part rather than the whole : not general or total <a partial solution> 2 : inclined to favor one party more than the other : BIASED 3 : markedly fond of someone or something -- used with to <partial to pizza>
55.partiality	state of being partial; inclination; favorable bias; special fondness; preference	Function: noun Inflected Form(s): plural -ties 1 : the quality or state of being partial : BIAS 2 : a special taste or liking
56.partisan	one-sided; prejudiced; committed to a party (with dislike of any others); N: strong supporter of a party; guerrilla	Function: noun Etymology: Middle French partisan, from Old Italian partigiano, from parte part, party, from Latin part-, pars part 1 : a firm adherent to a party , faction, cause, or person; especially : one exhibiting blind, prejudiced, and unreasoning allegiance 2 a : a member of a body of detached light troops making forays and harassing an enemy b : a member of a guerrilla band operating within enemy lines synonym see FOLLOWER - partisan adjective - par·ti·san·ly /-lE/ adverb - par·ti·san·ship /-"ship/ noun
57.partition	divide into parts	Function: noun 1 : the action of parting : the state of being parted : DIVISION 2 : something that divides; especially : an interior dividing wall 3 : one of the parts or sections of a whole
58.pass	\'e old-fashioned; past the prime	Function: verb Etymology: Middle English, from Old French passer, from (assumed) Vulgar Latin passare, from Latin passus step -- more at PACE intransitive senses 1 : MOVE, PROCEED, GO 2 a : to go away : DEPART b : DIE -- often used with on 3 a : to move in a path so as to approach and continue beyond something : move past; especially : to move past another vehicle going in the same direction b : to run the normal course -- used of time or a period of time <the hours pass quickly> 4 a : to go or make one's way through <allow no one to pass> b : to go uncensured, unchallenged, or seemingly unnoticed <let the remark pass> 5 : to go from one quality, state, or form to another <passes from a liquid to a gaseous state> 6 a : to sit in inquest or judgment b (1) : to render a decision, verdict, or opinion <the court passed on the legality of wiretapping> (2) : to become legally rendered <judgment passed for the plaintiff> 7 : to go from the control, ownership, or possession of one person or group to that of another <the throne passed to the king's son> <title passes to the buyer upon payment in full> 8 a : HAPPEN, OCCUR b : to take place or be exchanged as or in a social, personal, or business interaction <words passed> 9 a : to become approved by a legislature or body empowered to sanction or reject <the proposal passed> b : to undergo
59.passive	not active; acted upon; receiving an action without acting in return; accepting without resistance	Function: adjective Etymology: Middle English, from Latin passivus, from passus, past participle 1 a (1) : acted upon by an external agency (2) : receptive to outside impressions or influences b (1) : asserting that the grammatical subject of a verb is subjected to or affected by the action represented by that verb (2) : containing or yielding a passive verb form c (1) : lacking in energy or will : LETHARGIC (2) : tending not to take an active or dominant part d : induced by an outside agency <passive exercise of a paralyzed leg> 2 a : not active or operating : INERT b : of, relating to, or making direct use of the sun's heat usually without the intervention of mechanical devices <passive technique> <a passive solar house> c : LATENT d (1) : of, relating to, or characterized by a state of chemical inactivity; especially : resistant to corrosion (2) : not involving expenditure of chemical energy <passive transport across a cell membrane> e of an electronic element : exhibiting no gain or control f : operating solely by means of the power of an input signal <a passive communication satellite that reflects television signals> g : relating to the detection of an object through its emission of energy 3 a : receiving or enduring without resistance : SUBMISSIVE b : existing or occurring without being active, open, or direct <passive support> 4 : of, relating to, or being business activity in which the investor does not have immediate control over income synonym see INACTIVE - pas·sive·ly adverb
60.pastiche	imitation of another's style in musical composition or in writing; work of art openly imitating the works of other artists	Function: noun Etymology: French, from Italian pasticcio 1 : a literary, artistic, musical, or architectural work that imitates the style of previous work; also : such stylistic imitation 2 a : a musical, literary, or artistic composition made up of selections from different works : POTPOURRI b : HODGEPODGE - pas·ti·cheur /"pas-tE-'sh&r, "päs-/ noun
61.pastoral	rural; of rural life; idyllic; of a pastor	Function: adjective Etymology: Middle English, from Latin pastoralis, from pastor herdsman 1 a (1) : of, relating to, or composed of shepherds or herdsmen (2) : devoted to or based on livestock raising b : of or relating to the countryside : not urban c : portraying or expressive of the life of shepherds or country people especially in an idealized and conventionalized manner <pastoral poetry> d : pleasingly peaceful and innocent : IDYLLIC 2 a : of or relating to spiritual care or guidance especially of a congregation b : of or relating to the pastor of a church - pas·to·ral·ly /-t(&-)r&-lE/ adverb - pas·to·ral·ness noun
62.patent	obvious; easily seen; open for the public to read; of or protected by a patent; Ex. patent to everyone; N.	Function: adjective Etymology: Middle English, from Middle French, from Latin patent-, patens, from present participle of patEre to be open -- more at FATHOM 1 a : open to public inspection -- used chiefly in the phrase letters patent b (1) : secured by letters patent or by a patent to the exclusive control and possession of a particular individual or party (2) : protected by a patent : made under a patent <patent locks> c : protected by a trademark or a trade name so as to establish proprietary rights analogous to those conveyed by letters patent or a patent : PROPRIETARY <patent drugs> 2 : of, relating to, or concerned with the granting of patents especially for inventions <a patent lawyer> 3 : making exclusive or proprietary claims or pretensions 4 : affording free passage : UNOBSTRUCTED <a patent opening> 5 : PATULOUS, SPREADING <a patent calyx> 6 archaic : ACCESSIBLE, EXPOSED 7 : readily visible or intelligible : OBVIOUS synonym see EVIDENT - pat·ent·ly adverb
63.pathetic	causing sadness, compassion, pity; touching	Function: adjective Etymology: Middle French or Late Latin; Middle French pathetique, from Late Latin patheticus, from Greek pathEtikos capable of feeling, pathetic, from paschein (aorist pathein) to experience, suffer -- more at PATHOS 1 : having a capacity to move one to either compassionate or contemptuous pity 2 : marked by sorrow or melancholy : SAD synonym see MOVING - pa·thet·i·cal /-ti-k&l/ adjective - pa·thet·i·cal·ly /-ti-k(&-)lE/ adverb
64.pathological	pertaining to disease; N. pathology: study of disease	Function: adjective 1 : of or relating to pathology 2 : altered or caused by disease - path·o·log·i·cal·ly /-ji-k(&-)lE/ adverb
65.pathos	tender sorrow; pity; quality in art or literature that produces these feelings; Ex. pathos that runs through the novel	Function: noun Etymology: Greek, suffering, experience, emotion, from paschein (aorist pathein) to experience, suffer; perhaps akin to Lithuanian kesti to suffer 1 : an element in experience or in artistic representation evoking pity or compassion 2 : an emotion of sympathetic pity
66.patina	green crust on old bronze works or copper; tone slowly taken by varnished painting	Function: noun Inflected Form(s): plural pa·ti·nas /-n&z/; or pa·ti·nae /-"nE, -"nI/ Etymology: Italian, from Latin, shallow dish -- more at PATEN 1 a : a usually green film formed naturally on copper and bronze by long exposure or artificially (as by acids) and often valued aesthetically for its color b : a surface appearance of something grown beautiful especially with age or use 2 : an appearance or aura that is derived from association, habit, or established character 3 : a superficial covering or exterior
67.patois	local or provincial dialect	Function: noun Inflected Form(s): plural pa·tois /-"twäz/ Etymology: French 1 a : a dialect other than the standard or literary dialect b : uneducated or provincial speech 2 : the characteristic special language of an occupational or social group : JARGON
68.patriarch	father and ruler of a family or tribe	Function: noun Etymology: Middle English patriarche, from Old French, from Late Latin patriarcha, from Greek patriarchEs, from patria lineage (from patr-, patEr father) + -archEs -arch -- more at FATHER 1 a : one of the scriptural fathers of the human race or of the Hebrew people b : a man who is father or founder c (1) : the oldest member or representative of a group (2) : a venerable old man d : a man who is head of a patriarchy 2 a : any of the bishops of the ancient or Eastern Orthodox sees of Constantinople, Alexandria, Antioch, and Jerusalem or the ancient and Western see of Rome with authority over other bishops b : the head of any of various Eastern churches c : a Roman Catholic bishop next in rank to the pope with purely titular or with metropolitan jurisdiction 3 : a Mormon of the Melchizedek priesthood empowered to perform the ordinances of the church and pronounce blessings within a stake or prescribed jurisdiction
69.patrician	noble; aristocratic; N: person of high rank; aristocrat; CF. member of the governing classes in ancient Rome; CF. plebian	Function: noun Etymology: Middle English patricion, from Middle French patricien, from Latin patricius, from patres senators, from plural of pater father -- more at FATHER 1 : a member of one of the original citizen families of ancient Rome 2 a : a person of high birth : ARISTOCRAT b : a person of breeding and cultivation - patrician adjective
70.patronize	support; act superior toward; treat in a condescending manner; be a customer of; N. patron: one that supports; regular customer; N. patronage; CF. boycott	Function: transitive verb Inflected Form(s): -ized; -iz·ing 1 : to act as patron of : provide aid or support for 2 : to adopt an air of condescension toward : treat haughtily or coolly 3 : to be a frequent or regular customer or client of - pa·tron·i·za·tion /"pA-tr&-n&-'zA-sh&n, pa-/ noun - pa·tron·iz·ing·ly /'pA-tr&-"nI-zi[ng]-lE, 'pa-/ adverb
71.paucity	scarcity; dearth	Function: noun Etymology: Middle English paucite, from Middle French or Latin; Middle French paucité, from Latin paucitat-, paucitas, from paucus little -- more at FEW 1 : smallness of number : FEWNESS 2 : smallness of quantity : DEARTH
72.pauper	very poor person	Function: noun Etymology: Latin, poor -- more at POOR 1 : a person destitute of means except such as are derived from charity; specifically : one who receives aid from funds designated for the poor 2 : a very poor person - pau·per·ism /-p&-"ri-z&m/ noun
73.peccadillo	slight offense or fault; CF. sin	Function: noun Inflected Form(s): plural -loes or -los Etymology: Spanish pecadillo, diminutive of pecado sin, from Latin peccatum, from neuter of peccatus, past participle of peccare : a slight offense