Gre Wordlist 36 : philanthropist - precedent

1.philanthropist	lover of mankind; doer of good; N. philanthropy	Function: noun : one who practices philanthropy
2.philatelist	stamp-collector; N. philately: stamp collecting	Function: noun : a specialist in philately : one who collects or studies stamps
3.philistine	narrow-minded person, uncultured and exclusively interested in material gain; uncultured person who is indifferent to artistic and cultural values; member of an ancient people in Palestine; OP. aesthete	Function: noun 1 : a native or inhabitant of ancient Philistia 2 often not capitalized a : a person who is guided by materialism and is usually disdainful of intellectual or artistic values b : one uninformed in a special area of knowledge - philistine adjective, often capitalized - phi·lis·tin·ism /-l&-"stE-"ni-z&m; -'lis-t&-, -"tE-, -l&-st&-/ noun, often capitalized
4.philology	study of language or words	Function: noun Etymology: French philologie, from Latin philologia love of learning and literature, from Greek, from philologos fond of learning and literature, from phil- + logos word, speech -- more at LEGEND 1 : the study of literature and of disciplines relevant to literature or to language as used in literature 2 a : LINGUISTICS; especially : historical and comparative linguistics b : the study of human speech especially as the vehicle of literature and as a field of study that sheds light on cultural history - phil·o·log·i·cal /"fi-l&-'lä-ji-k&l/ adjective - phil·o·log·i·cal·ly /-k(&-)lE/ adverb - phi·lol·o·gist /f&-'lä-l&-jist also fI-/ noun
5.phlegmatic	calm and unexcitable; not easily disturbed; CF. phlegm: sticky mucus produced in the respiratory tract	Function: adjective 1 : resembling, consisting of, or producing the humor phlegm 2 : having or showing a slow and stolid temperament synonym see IMPASSIVE - phleg·mat·i·cal·ly /-ti-k(&-)lE/ adverb
6.phobia	morbid fear	Function: noun Etymology: -phobia : an exaggerated usually inexplicable and illogical fear of a particular object, class of objects, or situation
7.phoenix	symbol of immortality or rebirth; Ex. phoenix rising from its ashes	Function: noun Etymology: Middle English fenix, from Old English, from Latin phoenix, from Greek phoinix : a legendary bird which according to one account lived 500 years, burned itself to ashes on a pyre, and rose alive from the ashes to live another period; also : a person or thing likened to the phoenix - phoe·nix·like /-"lIk/ adjective
8.phylum	major classification, second to kingdom, of plants and animals; category ranking below a kingdom and above a class; division	Function: noun Inflected Form(s): plural phy·la /-l&/ Etymology: New Latin, from Greek phylon tribe, race -- more at PHYL- 1 a : a direct line of descent within a group b : a group that constitutes or has the unity of a phylum; especially : one of the usually primary divisions of the animal kingdom 2 : a group of languages related more remotely than those of a family or stock
9.physiognomy	face (as showing the character and the mind); art of judging human character from facial features	Function: noun Inflected Form(s): plural -mies Etymology: Middle English phisonomie, from Middle French, from Late Latin physiognomonia, physiognomia, from Greek physiognOmonia, from physiognOmOn judging character by the features, from physis nature, physique, appearance + gnOmOn interpreter -- more at GNOMON 1 : the art of discovering temperament and character from outward appearance 2 : the facial features held to show qualities of mind or character by their configuration or expression 3 : external aspect; also : inner character or quality revealed outwardly
10.physiological	pertaining to the science of the function of living organisms; N. physiology	Function: adjective 1 : of or relating to physiology 2 : characteristic of or appropriate to an organism's healthy or normal functioning 3 : differing in, involving, or affecting physiological factors <a physiological strain of bacteria> - phys·i·o·log·i·cal·ly /-ji-k(&-)lE/ adverb
11.piebald	of different colors; mottled; spotted in different colors (esp. in black and white); Ex. piebald horse; CF. pie+bald	Function: adjective 1 : of different colors; especially : spotted or blotched with black and white 2 : composed of incongruous parts
12.piecemeal	one part at a time; gradually; in stages; Ex. read a novel piecemeal	Function: adverb 1 : one piece at a time : GRADUALLY 2 : in pieces or fragments : APART
13.pied	piebald; variegated(many-colored); multicolored	Function: verb Inflected Form(s): pied; pi·ing or pie·ing transitive senses : to spill or throw (type or type matter) into disorder intransitive senses : to become pied
14.piety	devoutness; reverence for God; ADJ. pious	Function: noun Inflected Form(s): plural pi·e·ties Etymology: French pieté piety, pity, from Latin pietat-, pietas, from pius dutiful, pious 1 : the quality or state of being pious: as a : fidelity to natural obligations (as to parents) b : dutifulness in religion : DEVOUTNESS 2 : an act inspired by piety 3 : a conventional belief or standard : ORTHODOXY synonym see FIDELITY
15.pigment	coloring matter (usually powder to be mixed with water or oil)	Function: noun Etymology: Latin pigmentum, from pingere to paint -- more at PAINT 1 : a substance that imparts black or white or a color to other materials; especially : a powdered substance that is mixed with a liquid in which it is relatively insoluble and used especially to impart color to coating materials (as paints) or to inks, plastics, and rubber 2 : a coloring matter in animals and plants especially in a cell or tissue; also : any of various related colorless substances - pig·men·tary /-m&n-"ter-E/ adjective
16.pillage	plunder	Function: noun Etymology: Middle English, from Middle French, from piller to plunder, abuse 1 : the act of looting or plundering especially in war 2 : something taken as booty
17.pillory	punish by placing in a wooden frame or pillory; subject or expose to criticism and ridicule; N.	Function: noun Inflected Form(s): plural -ries Etymology: Middle English, from Old French pilori 1 : a device formerly used for publicly punishing offenders consisting of a wooden frame with holes in which the head and hands can be locked 2 : a means for exposing one to public scorn or ridicule [pillory illustration]
18.pine	long for; yearn; languish from longing or grief; decline	Function: noun Usage: often attributive Etymology: Middle English, from Old English pIn, from Latin pinus; probably akin to Greek pitys pine 1 : any of a genus (Pinus of the family Pinaceae, the pine family) of coniferous evergreen trees that have slender elongated needles and include some valuable timber trees and ornamentals 2 : the straight-grained white or yellow usually durable and resinous wood of a pine varying from extreme softness in the white pine to hardness in the longleaf pine 3 : any of various Australian coniferous trees (as of the genera Callitris or Araucaria) 4 : PINEAPPLE 5 : BENCH 1c - pin·ey also piny /'pI-nE/ adjective
19.pinion	restrain or immobilize by binding the wings or legs; N: bird's wing	Function: noun Etymology: Middle English, from Middle French pignon, from (assumed) Vulgar Latin pinnion-, pinnio, from Latin pinna feather -- more at PEN 1 : the terminal section of a bird's wing including the carpus, metacarpus, and phalanges; broadly : WING 2 : FEATHER, QUILL; also : FLIGHT FEATHERS - pin·ioned /-y&nd/ adjective
20.pinnacle	peak; highest point; acme; Ex. pinnacle of fame	Function: noun Etymology: Middle English pinacle, from Middle French, from Late Latin pinnaculum small wing, gable, from Latin pinna wing, battlement 1 : an upright architectural member generally ending in a small spire and used especially in Gothic construction to give weight especially to a buttress 2 : a structure or formation suggesting a pinnacle; specifically : a lofty peak 3 : the highest point of development or achievement : ACME synonym see SUMMIT [pinnacle illustration]
21.pious	devout; religious; N. piety	Function: adjective Etymology: Middle English, from Latin pius 1 a : marked by or showing reverence for deity and devotion to divine worship b : marked by conspicuous religiosity <a hypocrite--a thing all pious words and uncharitable deeds -- Charles Reade> 2 : sacred or devotional as distinct from the profane or secular : RELIGIOUS <a pious opinion> 3 : showing loyal reverence for a person or thing : DUTIFUL 4 a : marked by sham or hypocrisy b : marked by self-conscious virtue : VIRTUOUS 5 : deserving commendation : WORTHY <a pious effort> - pi·ous·ly adverb - pi·ous·ness noun
22.piquant	pleasantly tart-tasting; spicy; pleasantly stimulating; Ex. piquant situation when my old enemy asked for my help	Function: adjective Etymology: Middle French, from present participle of piquer 1 : agreeably stimulating to the palate; especially : SPICY 2 : engagingly provocative; also : having a lively arch charm synonym see PUNGENT - pi·quant·ly adverb - pi·quant·ness noun
23.pique	irritation; resentment from wounded pride (eg. loss in a contest); V: provoke; arouse; annoy; cause to feel resentment; Ex. pique her curiosity	Function: noun : a transient feeling of wounded vanity : RESENTMENT <a fit of pique> synonym see OFFENSE
24.piscatorial	pertaining to fishing; CF. Pisces	Function: adjective : PISCATORY
25.pitfall	hidden danger; concealed trap	Function: noun 1 : TRAP, SNARE; specifically : a pit flimsily covered or camouflaged and used to capture and hold animals or men 2 : a hidden or not easily recognized danger or difficulty
26.pith	core or marrow; spongelike substance in the center of stems; essence; substance	Function: noun Etymology: Middle English, from Old English pitha; akin to Middle Dutch & Middle Low German pit pith, pit 1 a : a usually continuous central strand of spongy tissue in the stems of most vascular plants that probably functions chiefly in storage b : any of various loose spongy plant tissues that resemble true pith c : the soft or spongy interior of a part of the body 2 a : the essential part : CORE b : substantial quality (as of meaning) 3 : IMPORTANCE
27.pithy	concise and meaningful; substantial; meaty	Function: adjective Inflected Form(s): pith·i·er; -est 1 : consisting of or abounding in pith 2 : having substance and point : tersely cogent synonym see CONCISE - pith·i·ly /'pi-th&-lE/ adverb - pith·i·ness /'pi-thE-n&s/ noun
28.pittance	small amount (of money); small allowance or wage	Function: noun Etymology: Middle English pitance, from Old French, piety, pity, from Medieval Latin pietantia, from pietant-, pietans, present participle of pietari to be charitable, from Latin pietas piety -- more at PITY : a small portion, amount, or allowance; also : a meager wage or remuneration
29.pivotal	of a pivot; central; critical; crucial	Function: adjective 1 : of, relating to, or constituting a pivot 2 : vitally important : CRUCIAL - piv·ot·al·ly /-t&l-E/ adverb
30.placate	pacify; bring peace to; conciliate; appease	Function: transitive verb Inflected Form(s): pla·cat·ed; pla·cat·ing Etymology: Latin placatus, past participle of placare -- more at PLEASE : to soothe or mollify especially by concessions : APPEASE synonym see PACIFY - pla·cat·er noun - pla·cat·ing·ly /-"kA-ti[ng]-lE/ adverb - pla·ca·tion /plA-'kA-sh&n, pla-/ noun - pla·ca·tive /'plA-"kA-tiv, 'pla-/ adjective - pla·ca·to·ry /'plA-k&-"tOr-E, 'pla-, -"tor-/ adjective
31.placebo	harmless substance prescribed as a dummy pill	Function: noun Inflected Form(s): plural -bos Etymology: -- more at PLEASE 1 /plä-'chA-(")bO/ [Middle English, from Latin, I shall please, from placEre to please] : the Roman Catholic vespers for the dead 2 /pl&-'sE-/ [Latin, I shall please] a (1) : a medication prescribed more for the mental relief of the patient than for its actual effect on a disorder (2) : an inert or innocuous substance used especially in controlled experiments testing the efficacy of another substance (as a drug) b : something tending to soothe
32.placid	peaceful; calm; Ex. placid child/lake	Function: adjective Etymology: Latin placidus, from placEre to please -- more at PLEASE 1 : serenely free of interruption or disturbance <placid skies> <a placid disposition> 2 : COMPLACENT synonym see CALM - pla·cid·i·ty /pla-'si-d&-tE, pl&-/ noun - plac·id·ly /'pla-s&d-lE/ adverb - plac·id·ness noun
33.plagiarize	steal another's ideas or writings and pass them off as one's own; Ex. ideas plagiarized from my article; N. plagiarism; CF. kidnap	Function: verb Inflected Form(s): -rized; -riz·ing Etymology: plagiary transitive senses : to steal and pass off (the ideas or words of another) as one's own : use (another's production) without crediting the source intransitive senses : to commit literary theft : present as new and original an idea or product derived from an existing source - pla·gia·riz·er noun
34.plaintive	expressing sorrow; mournful; Ex. plaintive song	Function: adjective Etymology: Middle English plaintif grieving, from Middle French, from plaint : expressive of suffering or woe : MELANCHOLY - plain·tive·ly adverb - plain·tive·ness noun
35.plait	braid; interwine; interweave strands or lengths of; make by weaving strands together; Ex. plaited hair; N: braided length as of hair o fabric; CF. pigtail, ponytail	Function: noun Etymology: Middle English pleit, from Middle French, from (assumed) Vulgar Latin plicitum, from neuter of Latin plicitus, past participle of plicare to fold -- more at PLY 1 : PLEAT 2 : a braid of material (as hair or straw); specifically : PIGTAIL
36.plasticity	ability to be molded; ADJ. plastic: capable of being shaped or molded; Ex. plastic material such as clay	Function: noun 1 : the quality or state of being plastic; especially : capacity for being molded or altered 2 : the ability to retain a shape attained by pressure deformation 3 : the capacity of organisms with the same genotype to vary in developmental pattern, in phenotype, or in behavior according to varying environmental conditions
37.platitude	trite remark; commonplace statement; ADJ. platitudinous	Function: noun Etymology: French, from plat flat, dull 1 : the quality or state of being dull or insipid 2 : a banal, trite, or stale remark
38.platonic	purely spiritual; theoretical; without sensual desire	Function: adjective Etymology: Latin platonicus, from Greek platOnikos, from PlatOn Plato 1 capitalized : of, relating to, or characteristic of Plato or Platonism 2 a : relating to or based on platonic love; also : experiencing or professing platonic love b : of, relating to, or being a relationship marked by the absence of romance or sex 3 : NOMINAL, THEORETICAL - pla·ton·i·cal·ly /-ni-k(&-)lE/ adverb
39.plaudit	praise; enthusiastic approval; round(succession or series) of applause; ADJ. plauditory; CF. applaud	Function: noun Etymology: Latin plaudite applaud, plural imperative of plaudere to applaud 1 : an act or round of applause 2 : enthusiastic approval -- usually used in plural <received the plaudits of the critics>
40.plausible	conceivably true; having a show of truth but open to doubt; specious	Function: adjective Etymology: Latin plausibilis worthy of applause, from plausus, past participle of plaudere 1 : superficially fair, reasonable, or valuable but often specious <a plausible pretext> 2 : superficially pleasing or persuasive <a swindler..., then a quack, then a smooth, plausible gentleman -- R. W. Emerson> 3 : appearing worthy of belief <the argument was both powerful and plausible> - plau·si·ble·ness noun - plau·si·bly /-blE/ adverb
41.plebeian	common; vulgar; pertaining to the common people; N: common people in ancient Rome; CF. patrician	Function: noun Etymology: Latin plebeius of the common people, from plebs common people 1 : a member of the Roman plebs 2 : one of the common people - ple·be·ian·ism /-&-"ni-z&m/ noun
42.plenary	(of power) complete; full; fully attended by all qualified members; Ex. plenary power	Function: adjective Etymology: Middle English, from Late Latin plenarius, from Latin plenus full -- more at FULL 1 : complete in every respect : ABSOLUTE, UNQUALIFIED <plenary power> 2 : fully attended or constituted by all entitled to be present <a plenary session> synonym see FULL
43.plenitude	abundance; plenty; great amount; completeness; fullness; CF. plenary, plenty	Function: noun Etymology: Middle English plenitude, from Middle French or Latin; Middle French, from Latin plenitudo, from plenus 1 : the quality or state of being full : COMPLETENESS 2 : a great sufficiency : ABUNDANCE
44.plethora	excess; overabundance; Ex. a plethora of excuses	Function: noun Etymology: Medieval Latin, from Greek plEthOra, literally, fullness, from plEthein to be full -- more at FULL 1 : a bodily condition characterized by an excess of blood and marked by turgescence and a florid complexion 2 : EXCESS, SUPERFLUITY; also : PROFUSION, ABUNDANCE - ple·tho·ric /pl&-'thor-ik, ple-, -'thär-; 'ple-th&-rik/ adjective
45.pliable	flexible; easily influenced; yielding; adaptable	Function: adjective Etymology: Middle English, from Middle French, from plier to bend, fold -- more at PLY 1 a : supple enough to bend freely or repeatedly without breaking b : yielding readily to others : COMPLAISANT 2 : adjustable to varying conditions synonym see PLASTIC - pli·abil·i·ty /"plI-&-'bi-l&-tE/ noun - pli·able·ness /'plI-&-b&l-n&s/ noun - pli·ably /-blE/ adverb
46.pliant	flexible; easily influenced	Function: adjective 1 : PLIABLE 1a 2 : easily influenced : YIELDING 3 : suitable for varied uses synonym see PLASTIC - pli·ant·ly adverb - pli·ant·ness noun
47.plight	difficult condition; condition or state (esp. a bad state or condition); predicament	Function: transitive verb Etymology: Middle English, from Old English plihtan to endanger, from pliht danger; akin to Old English plEon to expose to danger, Old High German pflegan to take care of : to put or give in pledge : ENGAGE <plight one's troth> - plight·er noun
48.pluck	courage; V: pull off or out; pull out the hair or feathers of; ADJ. plucky: courageous; brave	Function: verb Etymology: Middle English, from Old English pluccian; akin to Middle High German pflücken to pluck transitive senses 1 : to pull or pick off or out 2 a : to remove something (as hairs) from by or as if by plucking <pluck one's eyebrows> b : ROB, FLEECE 3 : to move, remove, or separate forcibly or abruptly <plucked the child from the middle of the street> 4 a : to pick, pull, or grasp at b : to play by sounding the strings with the fingers or a pick intransitive senses : to make a sharp pull or twitch - pluck·er noun
49.plumage	feathers of a bird;	Function: noun Etymology: Middle English, from Middle French, from Old French, from plume feather -- more at PLUME : the feathers of a bird - plum·aged /-mijd/ adjective
50.plumb	exactly vertical; N: weight on the end of a line; V: examine very carefully or critically in order to understand; measure depth (by sounding); Ex. plumb the depth of	Function: noun Etymology: Middle English, from (assumed) Old French plomb lead, from Latin plumbum : a lead weight attached to a line and used to indicate a vertical direction - out of plumb or off plumb : out of vertical or true
51.plummet	fall sharply; fall straight down; Ex. Stock prices plummeted.	Function: noun Etymology: Middle English plomet, from Middle French plombet ball of lead, from plomb lead, from (assumed) Old French -- more at PLUMB : PLUMB; also : PLUMB LINE
52.plutocracy	society ruled by the wealthy	Function: noun Inflected Form(s): plural -cies Etymology: Greek ploutokratia, from ploutos wealth; akin to Greek plein to sail, float -- more at FLOW 1 : government by the wealthy 2 : a controlling class of the wealthy - plu·to·crat /'plü-t&-"krat/ noun - plu·to·crat·ic /"plü-t&-'kra-tik/ adjective - plu·to·crat·i·cal·ly /-ti-k(&-)lE/ adverb
53.podiatrist	doctor who treats ailments of the feet; chiropodist; N. podiatrics	Function: noun Etymology: Greek pod-, pous + English -iatry : the medical care and treatment of the human foot -- called also chiropody - po·di·at·ric /"pO-dE-'a-trik/ adjective - po·di·a·trist /p&-'dI-&-trist, pO-/ noun
54.podium	pedestal; raised platform	Function: noun Inflected Form(s): plural podiums or po·dia /-dE-&/ Etymology: Latin -- more at PEW 1 : a low wall serving as a foundation or terrace wall: as a : one around the arena of an ancient amphitheater serving as a base for the tiers of seats b : the masonry under the stylobate of a temple 2 a : a dais especially for an orchestral conductor b : LECTERN
55.poignancy	quality of being deeply moving; keenness of emotion; ADJ. poignant: touching; deeply moving; (of sorrow, grief, etc.) painful; keenly distressing to the mind; Ex. poignant memory/anxiety; CF. prick	Function: noun Inflected Form(s): plural -cies 1 : the quality or state of being poignant 2 : an instance of poignancy
56.polarize	split into opposite extremes or camps	Function: verb Inflected Form(s): -ized; -iz·ing Etymology: French polariser, from New Latin polaris polar transitive senses 1 : to cause (as light waves) to vibrate in a definite pattern 2 : to give physical polarity to 3 : to break up into opposing factions or groupings <a campaign that polarized the electorate> 4 : CONCENTRATE 1 <recreate a cohesive rock community by polarizing... an amorphous, fragmented audience -- Ellen Willis> intransitive senses : to become polarized - po·lar·iz·abil·i·ty /"pO-l&-"rI-z&-'bi-l&-tE/ noun - po·lar·iz·able /"pO-l&-'rI-z&-b&l/ adjective
57.polemic	attack or defense of an opinion; controversy or refutation; argument in support of point of view; N. polemics: art of debate or controversy	Function: noun Etymology: French polémique, from Middle French, from polemique controversial, from Greek polemikos warlike, hostile, from polemos war; perhaps akin to Greek pelemizein to shake, Old English ealfelo baleful 1 a : an aggressive attack on or refutation of the opinions or principles of another b : the art or practice of disputation or controversy -- usually used in plural but sing. or plural in constr. 2 : an aggressive controversialist : DISPUTANT - po·lem·i·cist /-'le-m&-sist/ noun
58.polemical	(polemic) aggressive in verbal attack; disputatious (rather than simply expressing opinions)	Function: adjective 1 : of, relating to, or being a polemic : CONTROVERSIAL 2 : engaged in or addicted to polemics : DISPUTATIOUS - po·lem·i·cal·ly /-mi-k(&-)lE/ adverb
59.politic	prudent; judicious; well judged; expedient; well devised	Function: adjective Etymology: Middle English politik, from Middle French politique, from Latin politicus, from Greek politikos, from politEs citizen -- more at POLICE 1 : POLITICAL 2 : characterized by shrewdness in managing, contriving, or dealing 3 : sagacious in promoting a policy 4 : shrewdly tactful synonym see EXPEDIENT, SUAVE
60.polity	(particular form of) political organization; form of government of nation or state; Ex. student polity	Function: noun Inflected Form(s): plural -ties Etymology: Late Latin politia -- more at POLICE 1 : political organization 2 : a specific form of political organization 3 : a politically organized unit 4 a : the form or constitution of a politically organized unit b : the form of government of a religious denomination
61.polygamist	one who has more than one spouse at a time; CF. bigamy; CF. polyandry	Function: noun 1 : marriage in which a spouse of either sex may have more than one mate at the same time -- compare POLYANDRY, POLYGYNY 2 : the state of being polygamous - po·lyg·a·mist /-mist/ noun - po·lyg·a·mize /-"mIz/ intransitive verb
62.polyglot	speaking several languages; multilingual; Ex. polyglot person/society; N.	Function: noun Etymology: 2polyglot 1 : one who is polyglot 2 capitalized : a book containing versions of the same text in several languages; especially : the Scriptures in several languages 3 : a mixture or confusion of languages or nomenclatures
63.pomposity	self-important behavior; acting like a stuffed shirt(pompous person); ADJ. pompous: self-important	Function: noun Inflected Form(s): plural -ties 1 : pompous demeanor, speech, or behavior 2 : a pompous gesture, habit, or act
64.ponderous	having great weight; weighty; unwieldy; lacking lightness; dull; Ex. ponderous body/style of writing	Function: adjective Etymology: Middle English, from Middle French pondereux, from Latin ponderosus, from ponder-, pondus weight 1 : of very great weight 2 : unwieldy or clumsy because of weight and size 3 : oppressively or unpleasantly dull : LIFELESS <ponderous prose> synonym see HEAVY - pon·der·ous·ly adverb - pon·der·ous·ness noun
65.pontifical	pertaining to a bishop or pope; pompous or pretentious; CF. pontiff: pope; bishop	Function: noun 1 : episcopal attire; specifically : the insignia of the episcopal order worn by a prelate when celebrating a pontifical mass -- usually used in plural 2 : a book containing the forms for sacraments and rites performed by a bishop
66.pore	study industriously; ponder; scrutinize; Ex. pore over the book; N.	Function: intransitive verb Inflected Form(s): pored; por·ing Etymology: Middle English pouren 1 : to gaze intently 2 : to read studiously or attentively -- usually used with over 3 : to reflect or meditate steadily
67.porous	full of pores; like a sieve	Function: adjective 1 a : possessing or full of pores b : containing vessels <hardwood is porous> 2 a : permeable to fluids b : permeable to outside influences 3 : capable of being penetrated <porous national boundaries> - po·rous·ly adverb - po·rous·ness noun
68.portend	foretell; presage; be a sign or warning of; N. portent: sign; omen; forewarning	Function: transitive verb Etymology: Middle English, from Latin portendere, from por- forward (akin to per through) + tendere to stretch -- more at FOR, THIN 1 : to give an omen or anticipatory sign of 2 : INDICATE, SIGNIFY
69.portly	stout; corpulent	Function: adjective Inflected Form(s): port·li·er; -est Etymology: 3port 1 : DIGNIFIED, STATELY 2 : heavy or rotund of body : STOUT - port·li·ness noun
70.poseur	person who pretends to be sophisticated, elegant, etc., to impress others; person who poses; CF. pose	Function: noun Etymology: French, literally, poser, from poser : a person who pretends to be what he or she is not : an affected or insincere person
71.posterity	descendants; future generations; Ex. go down to posterity; CF. posterior, anterior	Function: noun Etymology: Middle English posterite, from Middle French posterité, from Latin posteritat-, posteritas, from posterus coming after 1 : the offspring of one progenitor to the furthest generation 2 : all future generations
72.posthumous	after death (as of child born after father's death or book published after author's death); coming or occurring after one's death; Ex. posthumous fame/novel	Function: adjective Etymology: Latin posthumus, alteration of postumus late-born, posthumous, from superlative of posterus coming after -- more at POSTERIOR 1 : born after the death of the father 2 : published after the death of the author 3 : following or occurring after death <posthumous fame> - post·hu·mous·ly adverb - post·hu·mous·ness noun
73.postulate	self-evident truth; something assumed without proof; V: assume the truth of (as a basis of an argument)	Function: transitive verb Inflected Form(s): -lat·ed; -lat·ing Etymology: L postulatus, past participle of postulare; akin to Latin poscere to ask, Old High German forscOn to search, Sanskrit prcchati he asks -- more at PRAY 1 : DEMAND, CLAIM 2 a : to assume or claim as true, existent, or necessary : depend upon or start from the postulate of b : to assume as a postulate or axiom (as in logic or mathematics) - pos·tu·la·tion /"päs-ch&-'lA-sh&n/ noun - pos·tu·la·tion·al /-shn&l, -sh&-n&l/ adjective
74.posture	assume an affected pose; act artificially; N: pose; attitude	Function: noun Etymology: French, from Italian postura, from Latin positura, from positus, past participle of ponere to place -- more at POSITION 1 a : the position or bearing of the body whether characteristic or assumed for a special purpose <erect posture> b : the pose of a model or artistic figure 2 : state or condition at a given time especially with respect to capability in particular circumstances <maintain a competitive posture in the market> 3 : a conscious mental or outward behavioral attitude
75.potable	suitable for drinking; drinkable	Function: adjective Etymology: Middle English, from Late Latin potabilis, from Latin potare to drink; akin to Latin bibere to drink, Greek pinein : suitable for drinking - po·ta·bil·i·ty /"pO-t&-'bi-l&-tE/ noun - po·ta·ble·ness /'pO-t&-b&l-n&s/ noun
76.potent	powerful; convincing; persuasive; greatly influential	Function: adjective Etymology: Middle English, from Latin potent-, potens (present participle of posse to be able), from Latin potis, pote able; akin to Gothic bruthfaths bridegroom, Greek posis husband, Sanskrit pati master 1 : having or wielding force, authority, or influence : POWERFUL 2 : achieving or bringing about a particular result : EFFECTIVE 3 a : chemically or medicinally effective <a potent vaccine> b : rich in a characteristic constituent 4 : able to copulate -- usually used of the male - po·tent·ly adverb
77.potentate	monarch; sovereign	Function: noun : RULER, SOVEREIGN; broadly : one who wields great power or sway
78.potential	expressing possibility; latent; N: capacity for growth	Function: adjective Etymology: Middle English potencial, from Late Latin potentialis, from potentia potentiality, from Latin, power, from potent-, potens 1 : existing in possibility : capable of development into actuality <potential benefits> 2 : expressing possibility; specifically : of, relating to, or constituting a verb phrase expressing possibility, liberty, or power by the use of an auxiliary with the infinitive of the verb (as in "it may rain") synonym see LATENT - po·ten·tial·ly /-'ten(t)-sh(&-)lE/ adverb
79.potion	dose (of liquids); liquid dose	Function: noun Etymology: Middle English pocioun, from Middle French potion, from Latin potion-, potio drink, potion, from potare to drink -- more at POTABLE : a mixture of liquids (as liquor or medicine)
80.potpourri	heterogeneous mixture; medley; mixture of dried flower petals a pot (to give a pleasant smell to a room)	Function: noun Etymology: French pot pourri, literally, rotten pot 1 : a mixture of flowers, herbs, and spices that is usually kept in a jar and used for scent 2 : a miscellaneous collection : MEDLEY <a potpourri of the best songs and sketches -- Current Biography>
81.poultice	soothing application applied to sore and inflamed portions of the body	Function: noun Etymology: Middle English pultes, from Medieval Latin, literally, pap, from Latin, plural of pult-, puls porridge : a soft usually heated and sometimes medicated mass spread on cloth and applied to sores or other lesions
82.practicable	feasible	Function: adjective 1 : capable of being put into practice or of being done or accomplished : FEASIBLE 2 : capable of being used : USABLE synonym see POSSIBLE - prac·ti·ca·bil·i·ty /"prak-ti-k&-'bi-l&-tE/ noun - prac·ti·ca·ble·ness /'prak-ti-k&-b&l-n&s/ noun - prac·ti·ca·bly /-blE/ adverb
83.practical	based on experience; of or acquired through practice (rather than theory); useful; Ex. practical man	Function: adjective Etymology: Middle English, from Late Latin practicus, from Greek praktikos, from prassein to pass over, fare, do; akin to Greek peran to pass through -- more at FARE 1 a : of, relating to, or manifested in practice or action : not theoretical or ideal <a practical question> <for all practical purposes> b : being such in practice or effect : VIRTUAL <a practical failure> 2 : actively engaged in some course of action or occupation <a practical farmer> 3 : capable of being put to use or account : USEFUL <he had a practical knowledge of French> 4 a : disposed to action as opposed to speculation or abstraction b (1) : qualified by practice or practical training <a good practical mechanic> (2) : designed to supplement theoretical training by experience 5 : concerned with voluntary action and ethical decisions <practical reason> - prac·ti·cal·i·ty /"prak-ti-'ka-l&-tE/ noun - prac·ti·cal·ness /'prak-ti-k&l-n&s/ noun
84.pragmatic	practical (as opposed to idealistic); concerned with practical worth or impact of something; Ex. pragmatic test of the skill	Function: adjective Etymology: Latin pragmaticus skilled in law or business, from Greek pragmatikos, from pragmat-, pragma deed, from prassein to do -- more at PRACTICAL 1 archaic a (1) : BUSY (2) : OFFICIOUS b : OPINIONATED 2 : relating to matters of fact or practical affairs often to the exclusion of intellectual or artistic matters : practical as opposed to idealistic <pragmatic men of power have had no time or inclination to deal with... social morality -- K. B. Clark> 3 : relating to or being in accordance with philosophical pragmatism - pragmatic noun - prag·mat·i·cal·ly /-ti-k(&-)lE/ adverb
85.pragmatist	practical person; N. pragmatism: pragmatic way of dealing with things	Function: noun 1 : a practical approach to problems and affairs <tried to strike a balance between principles and pragmatism> 2 : an American movement in philosophy founded by C. S. Peirce and William James and marked by the doctrines that the meaning of conceptions is to be sought in their practical bearings, that the function of thought is to guide action, and that truth is preeminently to be tested by the practical consequences of belief - prag·ma·tist /-m&-tist/ adjective or noun - prag·ma·tis·tic /"prag-m&-'tis-tik/ adjective
86.prate	talk idly; speak foolishly; boast idly	Function: intransitive verb Inflected Form(s): prat·ed; prat·ing Etymology: Middle English, from Middle Dutch; akin to Middle Low German pratten to pout : to talk long and idly : CHATTER - prate noun - prat·er noun - prat·ing·ly /'prA-ti[ng]-lE/ adverb
87.prattle	talk idly; babble; N. CF. prate	Function: verb Inflected Form(s): prat·tled; prat·tling /'prat-li[ng], 'pra-t&l-i[ng]/ Etymology: Low German pratelen; akin to Middle Dutch praten to prate intransitive senses 1 : PRATE 2 : to utter or make meaningless sounds suggestive of the chatter of children : BABBLE transitive senses : to say in an unaffected or childish manner - prat·tler /'prat-l&r, 'pra-t&l-&r/ noun - prat·tling·ly /-li[ng]-lE, -t&l-i[ng]-/ adverb
88.preamble	introductory statement	Function: noun Etymology: Middle English, from Middle French preambule, from Medieval Latin preambulum, from Late Latin, neuter of praeambulus walking in front of, from Latin prae- + ambulare to walk 1 : an introductory statement; especially : the introductory part of a constitution or statute that usually states the reasons for and intent of the law 2 : an introductory fact or circumstance; especially : one indicating what is to follow
89.precarious	unsafe; lacking in stability; uncertain; risky; Ex. precarious living	Function: adjective Etymology: Latin precarius obtained by entreaty, uncertain -- more at PRAYER 1 : depending on the will or pleasure of another 2 : dependent on uncertain premises : DUBIOUS <precarious generalizations> 3 a : dependent on chance circumstances, unknown conditions, or uncertain developments b : characterized by a lack of security or stability that threatens with danger synonym see DANGEROUS - pre·car·i·ous·ly adverb - pre·car·i·ous·ness noun
90.precedent	something preceding in time which may be used as an authority or guide for future action; V. precede; CF. unprecedented	Function: adjective Etymology: Middle English, from Middle French, from Latin praecedent-, praecedens, present participle of praecedere : prior in time, order, arrangement, or significance
91.precedent	preceding (in time, rank, etc.)	Function: adjective Etymology: Middle English, from Middle French, from Latin praecedent-, praecedens, present participle of praecedere : prior in time, order, arrangement, or significance