Gre Wordlist 48 : ulterior - vehement

1.ulterior	intentionally hidden; beyond what is evident; situated beyond; unstated and often questionable; Ex. ulterior motive	Function: adjective Etymology: Latin, farther, further, comparative of (assumed) Latin ulter situated beyond, from uls beyond; akin to Latin ollus, ille, that one, Old Irish indoll beyond 1 a : FURTHER, FUTURE b : more distant : REMOTER c : situated on the farther side : THITHER 2 : going beyond what is openly said or shown and especially what is proper <ulterior motives> - ul·te·ri·or·ly adverb
2.ultimate	final; not susceptible to further analysis; fundamental; Ex. The sun is the ultimate source of energy.	Function: adjective Etymology: Medieval Latin ultimatus last, final, from Late Latin, past participle of ultimare to come to an end, be last, from Latin ultimus farthest, last, final, superlative of (assumed) Latin ulter situated beyond 1 a : most remote in space or time : FARTHEST b : last in a progression or series <their ultimate destination was Paris> c : EVENTUAL <they hoped for ultimate success> d : the best or most extreme of its kind : UTMOST <the ultimate sacrifice> 2 : arrived at as the last result <the ultimate question> 3 a : BASIC, FUNDAMENTAL <the ultimate nature of things -- A. N. Whitehead> b : ORIGINAL <the ultimate source> c : incapable of further analysis, division, or separation 4 : MAXIMUM synonym see LAST - ul·ti·mate·ness noun
3.ultimatum	last demand; last warning; last statement of conditions that must be met; Ex. They have ignored our ultimatum.	Function: noun Inflected Form(s): plural -tums or ul·ti·ma·ta /-t&/ Etymology: New Latin, from Medieval Latin, neuter of ultimatus final : a final proposition, condition, or demand; especially : one whose rejection will end negotiations and cause a resort to force or other direct action
4.umbrage	resentment; anger; sense of injury or insult; Ex. take umbrage at his rudeness	Function: noun Etymology: Middle English, from Middle French, from Latin umbraticum, neuter of umbraticus of shade, from umbratus, past participle of umbrare to shade, from umbra shade, shadow; akin to Lithuanian unksme shadow 1 : SHADE, SHADOW 2 : shady branches : FOLIAGE 3 a : an indistinct indication : vague suggestion : HINT b : a reason for doubt : SUSPICION 4 : a feeling of pique or resentment at some often fancied slight or insult <took umbrage at the speaker's remarks> synonym see OFFENSE
5.unaccountable	unexplicable; impossible to account for; unreasonable or mysterious	Function: adjective 1 : not to be accounted for : INEXPLICABLE, STRANGE 2 : not to be called to account : not responsible - un·ac·count·abil·i·ty /-"kaun-t&-'bi-l&-tE/ noun
6.unanimity	complete agreement; ADJ. unanimous	Function: noun : the quality or state of being unanimous
7.unassailable	not open to attack; impregnable; not subject to question	Function: adjective : not assailable : not liable to doubt, attack, or question - un·as·sail·abil·i·ty /-"sA-l&-'bi-l&-tE/ noun - un·as·sail·able·ness /-'sA-l&-b&l-n&s/ noun - un·as·sail·ably /-blE/ adverb
8.unassuaged	unsatisfied; not soothed
9.unassuming	modest; Ex. the champion's unassuming manner	Function: adjective : not assuming : not arrogant or presuming : MODEST, RETIRING - un·as·sum·ing·ness noun
10.unbridled	violent; uncontrolled; Ex. unbridled rage/greed	Function: transitive verb : to free or loose from a bridle; broadly : to set loose : free from restraint
11.uncanny	strange; mysterious; Ex. uncanny knack	Function: adjective 1 a : seeming to have a supernatural character or origin : EERIE, MYSTERIOUS b : being beyond what is normal or expected : suggesting superhuman or supernatural powers <an uncanny sense of direction> 2 chiefly Scottish : SEVERE, PUNISHING synonym see WEIRD - un·can·ni·ly /-'ka-n&l-E/ adverb - un·can·ni·ness /-'ka-nE-n&s/ noun
12.unconscionable	unscrupulous; not guided by conscience; excessive; beyond reason; Ex. unconscionable demand	Function: adjective 1 : not guided or controlled by conscience : UNSCRUPULOUS <an unconscionable villain> 2 a : EXCESSIVE, UNREASONABLE <found an unconscionable number of defects in the car> b : shockingly unfair or unjust <unconscionable sales practices> - un·con·scio·na·bil·i·ty /"&n-"kän(t)-sh(&-)n&-'bi-l&-tE/ noun - un·con·scio·na·ble·ness /"&n-'kän(t)-sh(&-)n&-b&l-n&s/ noun - un·con·scio·na·bly /-blE/ adverb
13.uncouth	boorish; clumsy in speech or behavior; outlandish	Function: adjective Etymology: Middle English, from Old English uncuth, from un- + cuth familiar, known; akin to Old High German kund known, Old English can know -- more at CAN 1 a archaic : not known or not familiar to one : seldom experienced : UNCOMMON, RARE b obsolete : MYSTERIOUS, UNCANNY 2 a : strange or clumsy in shape or appearance : OUTLANDISH b : lacking in polish and grace : RUGGED <uncouth verse> c : awkward and uncultivated in appearance, manner, or behavior - un·couth·ly adverb - un·couth·ness noun
14.unction	the act of anointing with oil; Ex. extreme unction	Function: noun Etymology: Middle English unctioun, from Latin unction-, unctio, from unguere to anoint -- more at OINTMENT 1 : the act of anointing as a rite of consecration or healing 2 : something used for anointing : OINTMENT, UNGUENT 3 a : religious or spiritual fervor or the expression of such fervor b : exaggerated, assumed, or superficial earnestness of language or manner : UNCTUOUSNESS
15.unctuous	oily; bland; insincerely suave	Function: adjective Etymology: Middle English, from Middle French or Medieval Latin; Middle French unctueux, from Medieval Latin unctuosus, from Latin unctus act of anointing, from unguere to anoint 1 a : FATTY, OILY b : smooth and greasy in texture or appearance 2 : PLASTIC <fine unctuous clay> 3 : full of unction; especially : revealing or marked by a smug, ingratiating, and false earnestness or spirituality - unc·tu·ous·ly adverb - unc·tu·ous·ness noun
16.underlying	lying below; fundamental	Function: transitive verb Inflected Form(s): un·der·lay /-'lA/; un·der·lain /-'lAn/; un·der·ly·ing /-'lI-i[ng]/ 1 archaic : to be subject or amenable to 2 : to lie or be situated under 3 : to be at the basis of : form the foundation of : SUPPORT <ideas underlying the revolution> 4 : to exist as a claim or security superior and prior to (another)
17.undermine	weaken gradually; sap; dig a mine beneath	Function: transitive verb 1 : to excavate the earth beneath : form a mine under : SAP 2 : to wash away supporting material from under 3 : to subvert or weaken insidiously or secretly 4 : to weaken or ruin by degrees synonym see WEAKEN
18.underscore	underline; emphasize	Function: transitive verb 1 : to draw a line under : UNDERLINE 2 : to make evident : EMPHASIZE, STRESS 3 : to provide (action on film) with accompanying music
19.undulating	moving with a wavelike motion; V. undulate; CF. und: wave	Function: verb Inflected Form(s): -lat·ed; -lat·ing Etymology: Late Latin undula small wave, from (assumed) Latin intransitive senses 1 : to form or move in waves : FLUCTUATE 2 : to rise and fall in volume, pitch, or cadence 3 : to present a wavy appearance transitive senses : to cause to move in a wavy, sinuous, or flowing manner synonym see SWING
20.unearth	dig up; discover (facts) by careful searching; Ex. He unearthed some secrets about her; OP. conceal	Function: transitive verb 1 : to dig up out of or as if out of the earth : EXHUME <unearth a hidden treasure> <unearth a forgotten photo album> 2 : to make known or public : bring to light <unearth a plot> synonym see DISCOVER
21.unearthly	not earthly; supernatural; weird; ghostly	Function: adjective : not earthly: as a : not terrestrial <unearthly radio sources> b : PRETERNATURAL, SUPERNATURAL <an unearthly light> c : WEIRD, EERIE <unearthly howls> d : not mundane : IDEAL <unearthly love> e : ABSURD 1, UNGODLY <getting up at an unearthly hour> - un·earth·li·ness noun
22.unequivocal	plain; clear; obvious	Function: adjective 1 : leaving no doubt : CLEAR, UNAMBIGUOUS 2 : UNQUESTIONABLE <production of unequivocal masterpieces -- Carole Cook>
23.unerringly	infallibly; ADJ. unerring: making no mistakes	Function: adjective : committing no error : FAULTLESS, UNFAILING - un·err·ing·ly /-i[ng]-lE/ adverb
24.unexceptionable	entirely acceptable; not offering any basis for criticism	Function: adjective Etymology: un- + obsolete exception to take exception, object : not open to objection or criticism : beyond reproach : UNIMPEACHABLE - un·ex·cep·tion·able·ness noun - un·ex·cep·tion·ably /-blE/ adverb
25.unfaltering	steadfast; firm; not changing	Function: adjective : not wavering or weakening : FIRM - un·fal·ter·ing·ly /-t(&-)ri[ng]-lE/ adverb
26.unfeigned	genuine; real	Function: adjective : not feigned or hypocritical : GENUINE synonym see SINCERE - un·feigned·ly /-'fA-n&d-lE, -'fAnd-lE/ adverb
27.unfetter	liberate; free from chains; V. unfetter	Function: transitive verb 1 : to free from fetters <unfetter a prisoner> 2 : EMANCIPATE, LIBERATE <unfetter the mind from prejudice>
28.unfledged	immature; not having the feathers necessary to fly; CF. fledgling	Function: adjective 1 : not feathered : not ready for flight 2 : not fully developed : IMMATURE <an unfledged writer>
29.unfrock	defrock; strip a priest or minister of church authority	Function: transitive verb : DEFROCK
30.ungainly	(of someone) awkward in movement; clumsy; (of something) unwieldy; Ex. ungainly dancer/instrument	Function: adjective Etymology: obsolete gain direct, from Middle English gayn,geyn, from Old English gEn, from Old Norse gegn, from gegn, preposition, against; akin to Old English gEan- against -- more at AGAIN 1 a : lacking in smoothness or dexterity : CLUMSY b : hard to handle : UNWIELDY 2 : having an awkward appearance : UGLY - un·gain·li·ness noun
31.unguent	ointment	Function: noun Etymology: Middle English, from Latin unguentum -- more at OINTMENT : a soothing or healing salve : OINTMENT
32.uniformity	sameness; monotony; ADJ. uniform: the same all over	Function: noun Inflected Form(s): plural -ties 1 : the quality or state of being uniform 2 : an instance of uniformity
33.unilateral	one-sided; involving or affecting only one side; Ex. unilateral declaration	Function: adjective 1 a : done or undertaken by one person or party b : of, relating to, or affecting one side of a subject : ONE-SIDED c : constituting or relating to a contract or engagement by which an express obligation to do or forbear is imposed on only one party 2 a : having parts arranged on one side <a unilateral raceme> b : occurring on, performed on, or affecting one side of the body or one of its parts <unilateral exophthalmos> 3 : UNILINEAL 4 : having only one side - uni·lat·er·al·ly adverb
34.unimpeachable	that cannot be impeached; beyond doubt or question; blameless and exemplary	Function: adjective : not impeachable : not to be called in question : not liable to accusation : IRREPROACHABLE, BLAMELESS - un·im·peach·ably /-blE/ adverb
35.uninhibited	unrepressed; free in behavior and feelings	Function: adjective : free from inhibition; also : boisterously informal - un·in·hib·it·ed·ly adverb - un·in·hib·it·ed·ness noun
36.unintimating	unfrightening
37.unique	without an equal; single in kind	Function: adjective Etymology: French, from Latin unicus, from unus one -- more at ONE 1 : being the only one : SOLE <his unique concern was his own comfort> <I can't walk away with a unique copy. Suppose I lost it? -- Kingsley Amis> <the unique factorization of a number into prime factors> 2 a : being without a like or equal : UNEQUALED <could stare at the flames, each one new, violent, unique -- Robert Coover> b : distinctively characteristic : PECULIAR 1 <this is not a condition unique to California -- Ronald Reagan> 3 : UNUSUAL <a very unique ball-point pen> <we were fairly unique, the sixty of us, in that there wasn't one good mixer in the bunch -- J. D. Salinger> synonym see STRANGE - unique·ly adverb - unique·ness noun usage Many commentators have objected to the comparison or modification (as by somewhat or very) of unique; the statement that a thing is either unique or it is not has often been repeated by them. Objections are based chiefly on the assumption that unique has but a single absolute sense, an assumption contradicted by information readily available in a dictionary. Unique dates back to the 17th century but was little used until the end of the 18th when, according to the Oxford English Dictionary, it was reacquired from French. H. J. Todd entered it as a foreign word in his edition (1818) of Johnson's Dictionary, characterizing it as "affected and useless." Around the middle of the 19th century it ceased to be considered foreign and came into considerable popular use. With popular use came a broadening of application beyond the original two meanings (here numbe
38.unison	unity of pitch (in musical performance); complete accord; Ex. The choir sang in unison.	Function: noun Etymology: Middle French, from Medieval Latin unisonus having the same sound, from Latin uni- + sonus sound -- more at SOUND 1 a : identity in musical pitch; specifically : the interval of a perfect prime b : the state of being so tuned or sounded c : the writing, playing, or singing of parts in a musical passage at the same pitch or in octaves 2 : a harmonious agreement or union : CONCORD - unison adjective - in unison 1 : in perfect agreement : so as to harmonize exactly 2 : at the same time : SIMULTANEOUSLY
39.universal	characterizing or affecting all; general; present everywhere; of the universe; cosmic; Ex. universal agreement; Ex. a subject of universal interest	Function: adjective Etymology: Middle English, from Middle French, from Latin universalis, from universum universe 1 : including or covering all or a whole collectively or distributively without limit or exception 2 a : present or occurring everywhere b : existent or operative everywhere or under all conditions <universal cultural patterns> 3 a : embracing a major part or the greatest portion (as of mankind) <a universal state> <universal practices> b : comprehensively broad and versatile <a universal genius> 4 a : affirming or denying something of all members of a class or of all values of a variable b : denoting every member of a class <a universal term> 5 : adapted or adjustable to meet varied requirements (as of use, shape, or size) <a universal gear cutter> - uni·ver·sal·ly /-s(&-)lE/ adverb - uni·ver·sal·ness /-s&l-n&s/ noun
40.unkempt	disheveled; uncared for in appearance; not combed; CF. comb	Function: adjective Etymology: un- + kempt combed, neat 1 : deficient in order or neatness <unkempt individuals> <unkempt hotel rooms>; also : ROUGH, UNPOLISHED <unkempt prose> 2 : not combed <unkempt hair>
41.unmitigated	(of something bad) not moderated; unrelieved or immoderate; without qualification; absolute; Ex. unmitigated disaster	Function: adjective 1 : not lessened : UNRELIEVED <sufferings unmitigated by any hope of early relief> 2 : being so definitely what is stated as to offer little chance of change or relief <an unmitigated evil> - un·mit·i·gat·ed·ly adverb - un·mit·i·gat·ed·ness noun
42.unobtrusive	inconspicuous; not blatant	Function: adjective : not obtrusive : not blatant, arresting, or aggressive : INCONSPICUOUS - un·ob·tru·sive·ly adverb - un·ob·tru·sive·ness noun
43.unprecedented	having no previous example; novel; unparalleled	Function: adjective : having no precedent : NOVEL, UNEXAMPLED - un·prec·e·dent·ed·ly adverb
44.unprepossessing	unattractive
45.unravel	disentangle; solve	Function: verb transitive senses 1 a : to disengage or separate the threads of : DISENTANGLE b : to cause to come apart by or as if by separating the threads of 2 : to resolve the intricacy, complexity, or obscurity of : clear up <unravel a mystery> intransitive senses : to become unraveled
46.unrequited	not requited; not reciprocated; Ex. unrequited love	Function: adjective : not requited : not reciprocated or returned in kind <unrequited love>
47.unruly	disobedient; lawless; difficult to control	Function: adjective Etymology: Middle English unreuly, from un- + reuly disciplined, from reule rule : not readily ruled, disciplined, or managed <an unruly crowd> <a mane of unruly hair> - un·rul·i·ness noun synonyms UNRULY, UNGOVERNABLE, INTRACTABLE, REFRACTORY, RECALCITRANT, WILLFUL, HEADSTRONG mean not submissive to government or control. UNRULY implies lack of discipline or incapacity for discipline and often connotes waywardness or turbulence of behavior <unruly children>. UNGOVERNABLE implies either an escape from control or guidance or a state of being unsubdued and incapable of controlling oneself or being controlled by others <ungovernable rage>. INTRACTABLE suggests stubborn resistance to guidance or control <intractable opponents of the hazardous-waste dump>. REFRACTORY stresses resistance to attempts to manage or to mold <special schools for refractory children>. RECALCITRANT suggests determined resistance to or defiance of authority <acts of sabotage by a recalcitrant populace>. WILLFUL implies an obstinate determination to have one's own way <a willful disregard for the rights of others>. HEADSTRONG suggests self-will impatient of restraint, advice, or suggestion <a headstrong young cavalry officer>.
48.unsavory	distasteful; disagreeable; morally offensive; Ex. unsavory activity/reputation	Function: adjective 1 : INSIPID, TASTELESS 2 a : unpleasant to taste or smell b : DISAGREEABLE, DISTASTEFUL <an unsavory assignment>; especially : morally offensive
49.unscathed	unharmed; Ex. escape the accident unscathed	Function: adjective : wholly unharmed : not injured
50.unseemly	unbecoming; not proper in behavior; indecent; Ex. leave with unseemly haste	Function: adjective : not seemly: as a : not according with established standards of good form or taste <unseemly bickering> b : not suitable for time or place : INAPPROPRIATE, UNSEASONABLE synonym see INDECOROUS - un·seem·li·ness /-lE-n&s/ noun
51.unsightly	ugly; unpleasant to look at	Function: adjective : not pleasing to the sight : not comely - un·sight·li·ness /-lE-n&s/ noun
52.unsullied	untarnished; CF. sully
53.untenable	(of a position, esp. in an argument) indefensible; not able to be maintained	Function: adjective 1 : not able to be defended 2 : not able to be occupied - un·ten·a·bil·i·ty /"&n-"te-n&-'bi-l&-tE/ noun
54.untoward	unexpected and adverse; unfortunate or unlucky; Ex. untoward encounter	Function: adjective 1 : difficult to guide, manage, or work with : UNRULY, INTRACTABLE 2 a : marked by trouble or unhappiness : UNLUCKY b : not favorable : ADVERSE, UNPROPITIOUS <untoward side effects> 3 : IMPROPER, INDECOROUS - un·to·ward·ly adverb - un·to·ward·ness noun
55.unwarranted	unjustified; having no justification; groundless; baseless; undeserved
56.unwieldy	awkward (to carry or move); cumbersome; unmanageable	Function: adjective : not easily managed, handled, or used (as because of bulk, weight, complexity, or awkwardness) : CUMBERSOME - un·wield·i·ly /-'wEl-d&-lE/ adverb - un·wield·i·ness /-dE-n&s/ noun
57.unwitting	not knowing; unaware; unintentional; Ex. She was their unwitting accomplice; Ex. unwitting insult; CF. wit: know	Function: adjective 1 : not knowing : UNAWARE <kept the truth from their unwitting friends> 2 : not intended : INADVERTENT <an unwitting mistake> - un·wit·ting·ly /-ti[ng]-lE/ adverb
58.unwonted	unaccustomed; unusual; Ex. He arrived with unwonted punctuality.	Function: adjective 1 : being out of the ordinary : RARE, UNUSUAL 2 : not accustomed by experience - un·wont·ed·ly adverb - un·wont·ed·ness noun
59.upbraid	reprimand; severely scold	Function: transitive verb Etymology: Middle English upbreyden, from Old English upbregdan, probably from up up + bregdan to snatch, move suddenly -- more at BRAID 1 : to criticize severely : find fault with 2 : to reproach severely : scold vehemently synonym see SCOLD - up·braid·er noun
60.uproarious	marked by commotion or uproar; very noisy (esp. with laughter); hilarious; causing loud laughter; extremely funny	Function: adjective 1 : marked by uproar 2 : very noisy and full 3 : extremely funny <an uproarious comedy> - up·roar·i·ous·ly adverb - up·roar·i·ous·ness noun
61.upshot	outcome; final result	Function: noun : the final result : OUTCOME
62.urbane	suave; refined in manner; elegant	Function: adjective Etymology: Latin urbanus urban, urbane : notably polite or finished in manner synonym see SUAVE - ur·bane·ly adverb
63.urchin	mischievous child (usually a boy); CF. urchin: hedgehog; CF. porcupine: pig with spikes ?; CF. sea urchin	Function: noun Etymology: Middle English, from Middle French herichon, heriçon, from (assumed) Old French eriz, from Latin ericius, from eris; akin to Greek chEr hedgehog 1 archaic : HEDGEHOG 1a 2 : a mischievous youngster : SCAMP 3 : SEA URCHIN
64.ursine	bearlike; pertaining to a bear	Function: adjective Etymology: Latin ursinus, from ursus bear -- more at ARCTIC 1 : of or relating to a bear or the bear family (Ursidae) 2 : suggesting or characteristic of a bear <a lumbering ursine gait>
65.usurp	seize another's power or rank (without legal authority); supplant; appropriate; N. usurpation; CF. take for one's own use	Function: verb Etymology: Middle English, from Middle French usurper, from Latin usurpare to take possession of without legal claim, from usually (ablative of usus use) + rapere to seize -- more at RAPID transitive senses 1 a : to seize and hold (as office, place, or powers) in possession by force or without right <usurp a throne> b : to take or make use of without right <usurped the rights to her life story> 2 : to take the place of by or as if by force : SUPPLANT <must not let stock responses based on inherited prejudice usurp careful judgment> intransitive senses : to seize or exercise authority or possession wrongfully - usur·pa·tion /"yü-s&r-'pA-sh&n also "yü-z&r-/ noun - usurp·er /yu-'s&r-p&r also -'z&r-/ noun
66.usury	lending money at illegal high rates of interest	Function: noun Inflected Form(s): plural -ries Etymology: Middle English, from Medieval Latin usuria, alteration of Latin usura, from usus, past participle of uti to use 1 archaic : INTEREST 2 : the lending of money with an interest charge for its use; especially : the lending of money at exorbitant interest rates 3 : an unconscionable or exorbitant rate or amount of interest; specifically : interest in excess of a legal rate charged to a borrower for the use of money
67.utopia	ideal place, state, or society; ADJ. utopian	Function: noun Etymology: Utopia, imaginary and ideal country in Utopia (1516) by Sir Thomas More, from Greek ou not, no + topos place 1 : an imaginary and indefinitely remote place 2 often capitalized : a place of ideal perfection especially in laws, government, and social conditions 3 : an impractical scheme for social improvement
68.uxorious	excessively submissive or devoted to one's wife; CF. uxor: wife	Function: adjective Etymology: Latin uxorius uxorious, uxorial, from uxor wife : excessively fond of or submissive to a wife - ux·o·ri·ous·ly adverb - ux·o·ri·ous·ness noun
69.vacillate	waver (in opinion); fluctuate; sway to and fro; N. vacillation	Function: intransitive verb Inflected Form(s): -lat·ed; -lat·ing Etymology: Latin vacillatus, past participle of vacillare to sway, waver -- more at WINK 1 a : to sway through lack of equilibrium b : FLUCTUATE, OSCILLATE 2 : to waver in mind, will, or feeling : hesitate in choice of opinions or courses synonym see HESITATE - vac·il·lat·ing·ly /-"lA-ti[ng]-lE/ adverb - vac·il·la·tor /-"lA-t&r/ noun
70.vacuous	empty; lacking in ideas; inane; stupid; Ex. vacuous expression; N. vacuity	Function: adjective Etymology: Latin vacuus 1 : emptied of or lacking content 2 : marked by lack of ideas or intelligence : STUPID, INANE <a vacuous mind> <a vacuous expression> 3 : devoid of serious occupation : IDLE synonym see EMPTY - vac·u·ous·ly adverb - vac·u·ous·ness noun
71.vagabond	wanderer (without a permanent home); tramp	Function: adjective Etymology: Middle English, from Middle French, from Late Latin vagabundus, from Latin vagari to wander 1 : moving from place to place without a fixed home : WANDERING 2 a : of, relating to, or characteristic of a wanderer b : leading an unsettled, irresponsible, or disreputable life - vag·a·bond·ish /-"bän-dish/ adjective
72.vagary	capricious happening; caprice; whim; CF. wander	Function: noun Inflected Form(s): plural -ries Etymology: probably from Latin vagari to wander, from vagus wandering : an erratic, unpredictable, or extravagant manifestation, action, or notion synonym see CAPRICE
73.vagrant	wandering from place to place; roving; stray; moving in a random fashion; Ex. vagrant thoughts; N. vagrancy	Function: noun Etymology: Middle English vagraunt, probably modification of Middle French waucrant, wacrant wandering, from Old French, from present participle of waucrer, wacrer to roll, wander, of Germanic origin; akin to Old English wealcan to roll -- more at WALK 1 a : one who has no established residence and wanders idly from place to place without lawful or visible means of support b : one (as a prostitute or drunkard) whose conduct constitutes statutory vagrancy 2 : WANDERER, ROVER
74.vagrant	homeless wanderer	Function: noun Etymology: Middle English vagraunt, probably modification of Middle French waucrant, wacrant wandering, from Old French, from present participle of waucrer, wacrer to roll, wander, of Germanic origin; akin to Old English wealcan to roll -- more at WALK 1 a : one who has no established residence and wanders idly from place to place without lawful or visible means of support b : one (as a prostitute or drunkard) whose conduct constitutes statutory vagrancy 2 : WANDERER, ROVER
75.vainglorious	boastful; excessively conceited; N. vainglory: great vanity	Function: adjective : marked by vainglory : BOASTFUL - vain·glo·ri·ous·ly adverb - vain·glo·ri·ous·ness noun
76.valedictory	pertaining to farewell; N: farewell address (esp. at graduation exercises)	Function: adjective Etymology: Latin valedicere : of or relating to a valediction : expressing or containing a farewell
77.valid	logically convincing; sound; legally acceptable; effective; Ex. valid reasoning/passport	Function: adjective Etymology: Middle French or Medieval Latin; Middle French valide, from Medieval Latin validus, from Latin, strong, from valEre 1 : having legal efficacy or force; especially : executed with the proper legal authority and formalities <a valid contract> 2 a : well-grounded or justifiable : being at once relevant and meaningful <a valid theory> b : logically correct <a valid argument> <valid inference> 3 : appropriate to the end in view : EFFECTIVE <every craft has its own valid methods> 4 of a taxon : conforming to accepted principles of sound biological classification - va·lid·i·ty /v&-'li-d&-tE, va-/ noun - val·id·ly /'va-l&d-lE/ adverb synonyms VALID, SOUND, COGENT, CONVINCING, TELLING mean having such force as to compel serious attention and usually acceptance. VALID implies being supported by objective truth or generally accepted authority <a valid reason for being absent> <a valid marriage>. SOUND implies a basis of flawless reasoning or of solid grounds <a sound proposal for reviving the economy>. COGENT may stress either weight of sound argument and evidence or lucidity of presentation <the prosecutor's cogent summation won over the jury>. CONVINCING suggests a power to overcome doubt, opposition, or reluctance to accept <a convincing argument for welfare reform>. TELLING stresses an immediate and crucial effect striking at the heart of a matter <a telling example o
78.validate	make valid; confirm; ratify	Function: transitive verb Inflected Form(s): -dat·ed; -dat·ing 1 a : to make legally valid b : to grant official sanction to by marking c : to confirm the validity of (an election); also : to declare (a person) elected 2 : to support or corroborate on a sound or authoritative basis <experiments designed to validate the hypothesis> synonym see CONFIRM
79.valor	bravery; ADJ. valiant: possessing valor; brave	Function: noun Etymology: Middle English, from Middle French valour, from Medieval Latin valor value, valor, from Latin valEre to be strong -- more at WIELD : strength of mind or spirit that enables a person to encounter danger with firmness : personal bravery
80.vampire	ghostly being that sucks the blood of the living	Function: noun Etymology: French, from German Vampir, from Serbo-Croatian vampir 1 : the reanimated body of a dead person believed to come from the grave at night and suck the blood of persons asleep 2 a : one who lives by preying on others b : a woman who exploits and ruins her lover 3 : VAMPIRE BAT - vam·pir·ish /-ish/ adjective
81.vanguard	forerunners; foremost position of an army; advance forces; foremost position in a trend or movement; CF. rearguard	Function: noun Etymology: Middle English vantgard, from Middle French avant-garde, from Old French, from avant- fore- (from avant before, from Late Latin abante) + garde guard -- more at ADVANCE 1 : the troops moving at the head of an army 2 : the forefront of an action or movement - van·guard·ism /-"gär-"di-z&m/ noun - van·guard·ist /-dist/ noun
82.vantage	position giving an advantage (such as a strategic point); CF. vantagepoint	Function: noun Etymology: Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Middle French avantage -- more at ADVANTAGE 1 archaic : BENEFIT, GAIN 2 : superiority in a contest 3 : a position giving a strategic advantage, commanding perspective, or comprehensive view 4 : ADVANTAGE 4 - to the vantage obsolete : in addition
83.vapid	lacking liveliness; dull and unimaginative; insipid and flavorless; Ex. vapid lecture	Function: adjective Etymology: Latin vapidus flat-tasting; akin to Latin vappa vapid wine and perhaps to Latin vapor steam : lacking liveliness, tang, briskness, or force : FLAT, DULL <a gossipy, vapid woman, obsessed by her own elegance -- R. F. Delderfield> <London was not all vapid dissipation -- V. S. Pritchett> synonym see INSIPID - va·pid·ly adverb - va·pid·ness noun
84.vaporize	turn into vapor (steam, gas, fog, etc.)	Function: verb Inflected Form(s): -ized; -iz·ing transitive senses 1 : to convert (as by the application of heat or by spraying) into vapor 2 : to cause to become dissipated intransitive senses 1 : to become vaporized 2 : VAPOR 2 - va·por·iz·able /-"rI-z&-b&l/ adjective - va·por·i·za·tion /"vA-p&r-&-'zA-sh&n/ noun
85.variegated	(esp. of a flower or leaf) many-colored	Function: transitive verb Inflected Form(s): -gat·ed; -gat·ing Etymology: Latin variegatus, past participle of variegare, from varius various + -egare (akin to Latin agere to drive) -- more at AGENT 1 : to diversify in external appearance especially with different colors : DAPPLE 2 : to enliven or give interest to by means of variety - var·ie·ga·tor /-"gA-t&r/ noun
86.vassal	in feudalism, one who held land of a superior lord; subordinate or dependent	Function: noun Etymology: Middle English, from Middle French, from Medieval Latin vassallus, from vassus servant, vassal, of Celtic origin; akin to Welsh gwas young man, servant 1 : a person under the protection of a feudal lord to whom he has vowed homage and fealty : a feudal tenant 2 : one in a subservient or subordinate position - vassal adjective
87.vaunted	boasted; bragged; highly publicized; V. vaunt: boast; brag	Function: verb Etymology: Middle English, from Middle French vanter, from Late Latin vanitare, frequentative of (assumed) Latin vanare, from Latin vanus vain intransitive senses : to make a vain display of one's own worth or attainments : BRAG transitive senses : to call attention to pridefully and often boastfully <people who vaunt their ingenuity> synonym see BOAST - vaunt·er noun - vaunt·ing·ly /'von-ti[ng]-lE, 'vän-/ adverb
88.veer	change in direction; swerve	Function: transitive verb Etymology: Middle English veren, of Low German or Dutch origin; akin to Middle Dutch vieren to slacken, Middle Low German vIren : to let out (as a rope)
89.vegetate	live in a monotonous way (without interests or activity); CF. vegetation: plants of an area; CF. vegetarian; CF. vegan	Function: verb Inflected Form(s): -tat·ed; -tat·ing Etymology: Medieval Latin vegetatus, past participle of vegetare to grow intransitive senses 1 a : to grow in the manner of a plant; also : to grow exuberantly or with proliferation of fleshy or warty outgrowths b : to produce vegetation 2 : to lead a passive existence without exertion of body or mind transitive senses : to establish vegetation in or on
90.vehement	forceful; intensely emotional; with marked vigor; strong; N. vehemence	Function: adjective Etymology: Middle English, from Middle French, from Latin vehement-, vehemens, vement-, vemens : marked by forceful energy : POWERFUL <a vehement wind>: as a : intensely emotional : IMPASSIONED, FERVID <vehement patriotism> b (1) : deeply felt <a vehement suspicion> (2) : forcibly expressed <vehement denunciations> c : bitterly antagonistic <a vehement debate> - ve·he·ment·ly adverb