Gre Wordlist 6 : bard - bluff

1.bard	poet	Function: noun Etymology: Middle English, from Scottish Gaelic & Irish 1 a : a tribal poet-singer skilled in composing and reciting verses on heroes and their deeds b : a composer, singer, or declaimer of epic or heroic verse 2 : POET - bard·ic /'bär-dik/ adjective
2.barefaced	shameless and noticeable; blatant; bold; unconcealed; having no covering on the face; Ex. barefaced lie	Function: adjective 1 : having the face uncovered: a : having no whiskers : BEARDLESS b : wearing no mask 2 a : OPEN, UNCONCEALED b : lacking scruples - bare·faced·ly /-'fA-s&d-lE, -'fAst-lE/ adverb - bare·faced·ness /-'fA-s&d-n&s, -'fAs(t)-n&s/ noun
3.baroque	highly ornate	Function: adjective Usage: often capitalized Etymology: French, from Middle French barroque irregularly shaped (of a pearl), from Portuguese barroco irregularly shaped pearl 1 : of, relating to, or having the characteristics of a style of artistic expression prevalent especially in the 17th century that is marked generally by use of complex forms, bold ornamentation, and the juxtaposition of contrasting elements often conveying a sense of drama, movement, and tension 2 : characterized by grotesqueness, extravagance, complexity, or flamboyance 3 : irregularly shaped -- used of gems <a baroque pearl> - ba·roque·ly adverb
4.barrage	barrier laid down by artillery fire; overwhelming profusion; large number of questions or statements; Ex. a barrage of criticism	Function: noun Etymology: French, from barrer to bar, from barre bar : a dam placed in a watercourse to increase the depth of water or to divert it into a channel for navigation or irrigation
5.barrister	counselor-at-law or lawyer in the higher court of law; CF. bar	Function: noun Etymology: Middle English barrester, from barre bar + -ster (as in legister lawyer) : a counsel admitted to plead at the bar and undertake the public trial of causes in an English superior court -- compare SOLICITOR
6.barterer	trader; V. barter: trade; exchange good for other goods rather than money	Function: verb Etymology: Middle English bartren, from Middle French barater to deceive, exchange intransitive senses : to trade by exchanging one commodity for another transitive senses : to trade or exchange by or as if by bartering - bar·ter·er /-t&r-&r/ noun
7.bask	luxuriate; take pleasure in warmth	Function: verb Etymology: Middle English, probably from Old Norse bathask, reflexive of batha to bathe; akin to Old English bæth bath intransitive senses 1 : to lie in or expose oneself to a pleasant warmth or atmosphere 2 : to take pleasure or derive enjoyment transitive senses, obsolete : to warm by continued exposure to heat
8.bastion	stronghold; something seen as a source of protection; Ex. the last bastion of male chauvinism	Function: noun Etymology: Middle French, from Old Italian bastione, augmentative of bastia fortress, derivative from dialect form of bastire to build, of Germanic origin; akin to Old High German besten to patch 1 : a projecting part of a fortification 2 : a fortified area or position 3 : something that is considered a stronghold : BULWARK - bas·tioned /-ch&nd/ adjective
9.bate	let down; lessen the force of; moderate; restrain; Ex. with bated breath; CF. abate	Function: verb Inflected Form(s): bat·ed; bat·ing Etymology: Middle English, short for abaten to abate transitive senses 1 : to reduce the force or intensity of : RESTRAIN <with bated breath> 2 : to take away : DEDUCT 3 archaic : to lower especially in amount or estimation 4 archaic : BLUNT intransitive senses, obsolete : DIMINISH, DECREASE
10.bauble	trinket; cheap jewel; trifle	Function: noun Etymology: Middle English babel, from Middle French 1 : TRINKET 2 : a fool's scepter 3 : TRIFLE
11.bawdy	indecent; obscene; about sex in a rude funny way; CF. bawd	Function: adjective Inflected Form(s): bawd·i·er; -est Etymology: bawd 1 : OBSCENE, LEWD 2 : boisterously or humorously indecent - bawd·i·ly /'bo-d&l-E/ adverb - bawd·i·ness /'bo-dE-n&s/ noun
12.beatific	giving or showing bliss; blissful	Function: adjective Etymology: Latin beatificus making happy, from beatus happy, from past participle of beare to bless; perhaps akin to Latin bonus good -- more at BOUNTY 1 : of, possessing, or imparting beatitude 2 : having a blissful appearance <a beatific smile> - be·atif·i·cal·ly /-fi-k(&-)lE/ adverb
13.beatitude	blessedness; state of great happiness	Function: noun Etymology: Latin beatitudo, from beatus 1 a : a state of utmost bliss b -- used as a title for a primate especially of an Eastern church 2 : any of the declarations made in the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5:3-11) beginning in the AV "Blessed are"
14.bedizen	dress with vulgar finery	Function: transitive verb : to dress or adorn gaudily - be·di·zen·ment /-m&nt/ noun
15.bedraggle	wet thoroughly; ADJ. bedraggled: draggled	Function: transitive verb : to wet thoroughly
16.beeline	direct quick route	Function: noun Etymology: from the belief that nectar-laden bees return to their hives in a direct line : a straight direct course
17.befuddle	confuse thoroughly	Function: transitive verb 1 : to muddle or stupefy with or as if with drink 2 : CONFUSE, PERPLEX - be·fud·dle·ment /-m&nt/ noun
18.beget	father; become the father of; produce; give rise to	Function: transitive verb Inflected Form(s): be·got /-'gät/; also be·gat /-'gat/; be·got·ten /-'gä-t&n/; or -got; -get·ting Etymology: Middle English begeten, alteration of beyeten, from Old English bigietan -- more at GET 1 : to procreate as the father : SIRE 2 : to produce especially as an effect or outgrowth - be·get·ter noun
19.begrudge	envy; give or allow unwillingly; grudge; Ex. We shouldn't begrudge him his success.	Function: transitive verb 1 : to give or concede reluctantly or with displeasure 2 : to look upon with disapproval - be·grudg·ing·ly /-'gr&-ji[ng]-lE/ adverb
20.beguile	deceive; mislead or delude; cheat; pass time pleasantly; charm or attract; Ex. beguiling smile	Function: verb Inflected Form(s): be·guiled; be·guil·ing transitive senses 1 : to lead by deception 2 : HOODWINK 3 : to while away especially by some agreeable occupation; also : DIVERT 2 4 : to engage the interest of by or as if by guile intransitive senses : to deceive by wiles synonym see DECEIVE - be·guile·ment /-'gI(&)l-m&nt/ noun - be·guil·er /-'gI-l&r/ noun - be·guil·ing·ly /-'gI-li[ng]-lE/ adverb
21.behemoth	huge creature; something of monstrous size or power	Function: noun Usage: often attributive Etymology: Middle English, from Late Latin, from Hebrew behEmOth 1 often capitalized : a mighty animal described in Job 40:15-24 as an example of the power of God 2 : something of monstrous size or power
22.beholden	obligated; indebted; owing thanks; obliged or indebted from gratitude	Function: adjective Etymology: Middle English, from past participle of beholden : being under obligation for a favor or gift : INDEBTED <I'm beholden to you>
23.behoove	(behove) be suited to; be incumbent upon; be right and necessary; Ex. It behooves one to do.	Function: verb Inflected Form(s): be·hooved; be·hoov·ing Etymology: Middle English behoven, from Old English behOfian, from behOf transitive senses : to be necessary, proper, or advantageous for <it behooves us to go> intransitive senses : to be necessary, fit, or proper
24.belabor	harp on; dwell on tediously; explain or go over excessively or to a ridiculous degree; assail verbally; beat severely; attack physically	Function: transitive verb 1 a : to attack verbally b : to beat soundly 2 : to explain or insist on excessively <belabor the obvious>
25.belated	delayed	Function: adjective Etymology: past participle of belate (to make late) 1 : delayed beyond the usual time 2 : existing or appearing past the normal or proper time - be·lat·ed·ly adverb - be·lat·ed·ness noun
26.beleaguer	besiege or attack (with an army); harass; beset	Function: transitive verb Inflected Form(s): -guered; be·lea·guer·ing /-g(&-)ri[ng]/ Etymology: Dutch belegeren, from be- (akin to Old English be-) + leger camp; akin to Old High German legar bed -- more at LAIR 1 : BESIEGE 2 : TROUBLE, HARASS <beleaguered parents> - be·lea·guer·ment /-m&nt/ noun
27.belie	contradict; give a false impression; disguise; Ex. The poor sales belied our high hopes; Ex. Her smile belies her true feeling of displeasure.	Function: transitive verb Inflected Form(s): -lied; -ly·ing 1 a : to give a false impression of b : to present an appearance not in agreement with 2 a : to show (something) to be false or wrong b : to run counter to : CONTRADICT 3 : DISGUISE 3 - be·li·er /-'lI(-&)r/ noun
28.belittle	disparage; depreciate	Function: transitive verb Inflected Form(s): -lit·tled; be·lit·tling /-'li-t&l-i[ng], -'lit-li[ng]/ 1 : to speak slightingly of : DISPARAGE <belittles her efforts> 2 : to cause (a person or thing) to seem little or less synonym see DECRY - be·lit·tle·ment /-'li-t&l-m&nt/ noun - be·lit·tler /-'li-t&l-&r, -'lit-l&r/ noun
29.bellicose	warlike	Function: adjective Etymology: Middle English, from Latin bellicosus, from bellicus of war, from bellum war : favoring or inclined to start quarrels or wars synonym see BELLIGERENT - bel·li·cos·i·ty /"be-li-'kä-s&-tE/ noun
30.belligerent	quarrelsome	Function: adjective Etymology: modification of Latin belligerant-, belligerans, present participle of belligerare to wage war, from belliger waging war, from bellum + gerere to wage 1 : waging war; specifically : belonging to or recognized as a state at war and protected by and subject to the laws of war 2 : inclined to or exhibiting assertiveness, hostility, or combativeness - belligerent noun - bel·lig·er·ent·ly adverb synonyms BELLIGERENT, BELLICOSE, PUGNACIOUS, QUARRELSOME, CONTENTIOUS mean having an aggressive or fighting attitude. BELLIGERENT implies being actually at war or engaged in hostilities <belligerent nations>. BELLICOSE suggests a disposition to fight <a drunk in a bellicose mood>. PUGNACIOUS suggests a disposition that takes pleasure in personal combat <a pugnacious thug>. QUARRELSOME stresses an ill-natured readiness to fight without good cause <the heat made us all quarrelsome>. CONTENTIOUS implies perverse and irritating fondness for arguing and quarreling <wearied by his contentious disposition>.
31.bemoan	lament; moan for; express sorrow or disapproval of	Function: transitive verb 1 : to express deep grief or distress over 2 : to regard with displeasure, disapproval, or regret synonym see DEPLORE
32.bemused	confused; lost in thought; preoccupied	Function: transitive verb 1 : to make confused : BEWILDER 2 : to occupy the attention of : ABSORB - be·mus·ed·ly /-'myü-z&d-lE/ adverb - be·muse·ment /-'myüz-m&nt/ noun
33.benediction	blessing	Function: noun Etymology: Middle English benediccioun, from Late Latin benediction-, benedictio, from benedicere to bless, from Latin, to speak well of, from bene well (akin to Latin bonus good) + dicere to say -- more at BOUNTY, DICTION 1 : the invocation of a blessing; especially : the short blessing with which public worship is concluded 2 : something that promotes goodness or well-being 3 often capitalized : a Roman Catholic or Anglo-Catholic devotion including the exposition of the eucharistic Host in the monstrance and the blessing of the people with it 4 : an expression of good wishes
34.benefactor	gift giver; patron; person who does good or who gives money for a good purpose	Function: noun : one that confers a benefit; especially : one that makes a gift or bequest
35.beneficent	kindly; doing good	Function: adjective Etymology: back-formation from beneficence 1 : doing or producing good; especially : performing acts of kindness and charity 2 : BENEFICIAL - be·nef·i·cent·ly adverb
36.beneficial	helpful; useful; advantageous	Function: adjective Etymology: Latin beneficium favor, benefit 1 : conferring benefits : conducive to personal or social well-being 2 : receiving or entitling one to receive advantage, use, or benefit <a beneficial legacy> - ben·e·fi·cial·ly /-'fi-sh(&-)lE/ adverb - ben·e·fi·cial·ness noun
37.beneficiary	person entitled to benefits or proceeds of an insurance policy or will	Function: noun Inflected Form(s): plural -ries 1 : one that benefits from something 2 a : the person designated to receive the income of a trust estate b : the person named (as in an insurance policy) to receive proceeds or benefits - beneficiary adjective
38.benefit	advantage; anything that brings helpl, advantage, or profit; money provided by the government to the people; fund-raising public entertainment; Ex. unemployment benefit; V: receive benefits; be beneficial to; give benefits	Function: noun Etymology: Middle English, from Anglo-French benfet, from Latin bene factum, from neuter of bene factus, past participle of bene facere 1 archaic : an act of kindness : BENEFACTION 2 a : something that promotes well-being : ADVANTAGE b : useful aid : HELP 3 a : financial help in time of sickness, old age, or unemployment b : a payment or service provided for under an annuity, pension plan, or insurance policy 4 : an entertainment or social event to raise funds for a person or cause
39.benevolent	generous; charitable; having a wish to do good	Function: adjective Etymology: Middle English, from Latin benevolent-, benevolens, from bene + volent-, volens, present participle of velle to wish -- more at WILL 1 a : marked by or disposed to doing good <a benevolent donor> b : organized for the purpose of doing good <a benevolent society> 2 : marked by or suggestive of goodwill <benevolent smiles> - be·nev·o·lent·ly adverb - be·nev·o·lent·ness noun
40.benign	kindly; favorable; not malignant (disease); Ex. benign tumor	Function: adjective Etymology: Middle English benigne, from Middle French, from Latin benignus, from bene + gignere to beget -- more at KIN 1 : of a gentle disposition : GRACIOUS <a benign teacher> 2 a : showing kindness and gentleness <benign faces> b : FAVORABLE, WHOLESOME <a benign climate> 3 a : of a mild type or character that does not threaten health or life <a benign tumor> b : having no significant effect : HARMLESS <environmentally benign> - be·nig·ni·ty /-'nig-n&-tE/ noun - be·nign·ly /-'nIn-lE/ adverb
41.benison	blessing	Function: noun Etymology: Middle English beneson, from Middle French beneiçon, from Late Latin benediction-, benedictio : BLESSING, BENEDICTION
42.bent	determined; Ex. bent on advancing in the business; N: natural talent or inclination	Function: verb Inflected Form(s): bent /'bent/; bend·ing Etymology: Middle English, from Old English bendan; akin to Old English bend fetter -- more at BAND transitive senses 1 : to constrain or strain to tension by curving <bend a bow> 2 a : to turn or force from straight or even to curved or angular b : to force from a proper shape c : to force back to an original straight or even condition 3 : FASTEN <bend a sail to its yard> 4 a : to cause to turn from a straight course : DEFLECT b : to guide or turn toward : DIRECT c : INCLINE, DISPOSE d : to adapt to one's purpose : DISTORT <bend the rules> 5 : to direct strenuously or with interest : APPLY 6 : to make submissive : SUBDUE intransitive senses 1 : to curve out of a straight line or position; specifically : to incline the body in token of submission 2 : to apply oneself vigorously <bending to their work> 3 : INCLINE, TEND 4 : COMPROMISE 2 - bend·a·ble /'ben-d&-b&l/ adjective - bend one's ear : to talk to someone at length
43.bequeath	leave to someone by means of a will; hand down in his will; N. bequest	Function: transitive verb Etymology: Middle English bequethen, from Old English becwethan, from be- + cwethan to say -- more at QUOTH 1 : to give or leave by will -- used especially of personal property 2 : to hand down : TRANSMIT - be·queath·al /-'kwE-th&l, -[th]&l/ noun
44.berate	scold strongly	Function: transitive verb : to scold or condemn vehemently and at length synonym see SCOLD
45.bereavement	state of being deprived of something valuable or beloved; state of being bereaved or bereft	Function: noun : the state or fact of being bereaved; especially : the loss of a loved one by death
46.bereaved	deprived of (someone beloved through death)	Function: transitive verb Inflected Form(s): -reaved or be·reft /-'reft/; -reav·ing Etymology: Middle English bereven, from Old English berEafian, from be- + rEafian to rob -- more at REAVE 1 : to deprive of something -- usually used with of <madam, you have bereft me of all words -- Shakespeare> 2 : to take away (a valued or necessary possession) especially by force
47.bereft	deprived of (something valuable); lacking	Function: transitive verb Inflected Form(s): -reaved or be·reft /-'reft/; -reav·ing Etymology: Middle English bereven, from Old English berEafian, from be- + rEafian to rob -- more at REAVE 1 : to deprive of something -- usually used with of <madam, you have bereft me of all words -- Shakespeare> 2 : to take away (a valued or necessary possession) especially by force
48.berserk	mad with violent anger; frenzied; madly excited	Function: noun Etymology: Old Norse berserkr, from bjorn bear + serkr shirt 1 : an ancient Scandinavian warrior frenzied in battle and held to be invulnerable 2 : one whose actions are recklessly defiant
49.beseech	beg; plead with	Function: verb Inflected Form(s): -seeched or be·sought /-'sot/; -seech·ing Etymology: Middle English besechen, from be- + sechen to seek transitive senses 1 : to beg for urgently or anxiously 2 : to request earnestly : IMPLORE intransitive senses : to make supplication synonym see BEG - be·seech·ing·ly /-'sE-chi[ng]-lE/ adverb
50.beset	harass or trouble from all directions; hem in	Function: transitive verb Inflected Form(s): -set; -set·ting Etymology: Middle English besetten, from Old English besettan, from be- + settan to set 1 : to set or stud with or as if with ornaments 2 : TROUBLE, HARASS <inflation besets the economy> 3 a : to set upon : ASSAIL <the settlers were beset by savages> b : to hem in : SURROUND - be·set·ment /-m&nt/ noun
51.besiege	surround with armed forces; harass (with requests); annoy continually	Function: transitive verb Inflected Form(s): -sieged; -sieg·ing 1 : to surround with armed forces 2 a : to press with requests : IMPORTUNE b : to cause worry or distress to : BESET <doubts besieged him> - be·sieg·er noun
52.besmirch	soil; defile; make dirty	Function: transitive verb : SULLY, SOIL
53.bestial	beastlike; brutal; inhuman; very cruel	Function: adjective Etymology: Middle English, from Middle French, from Latin bestialis, from bestia beast 1 a : of or relating to beasts b : resembling a beast 2 a : lacking intelligence or reason b : marked by base or inhuman instincts or desires : BRUTAL synonym see BRUTAL - bes·tial·ize /-ch&-"lIz/ transitive verb - bes·tial·ly /-ch&-lE/ adverb
54.bestow	confer	Function: transitive verb Etymology: Middle English, from be- + stowe place -- more at STOW 1 : to put to use : APPLY <bestowed his spare time on study> 2 : to put in a particular or appropriate place : STOW 3 : to provide with quarters : PUT UP 4 : to convey as a gift -- usually used with on or upon synonym see GIVE - be·stow·al /-'stO-&l/ noun
55.betoken	signify; indicate; be a sign of	Function: transitive verb Inflected Form(s): -to·kened; be·to·ken·ing /-'tOk-ni[ng], -'tO-k&-/ 1 : to typify beforehand : PRESAGE 2 : to give evidence of : SHOW
56.betray	be unfaithful; reveal (unconsciously or unwillingly); Ex. Her trembling hands betray her anxiety.	Function: verb Etymology: Middle English, from be- + trayen to betray, from Old French traïr, from Latin tradere -- more at TRAITOR transitive senses 1 : to lead astray; especially : SEDUCE 2 : to deliver to an enemy by treachery 3 : to fail or desert especially in time of need 4 a : to reveal unintentionally b : SHOW, INDICATE c : to disclose in violation of confidence intransitive senses : to prove false synonym see REVEAL - be·tray·al /-'trA(-&)l/ noun - be·tray·er /-'trA-&r/ noun
57.betroth	become engaged to marry	Function: transitive verb Etymology: Middle English, from be- + trouthe truth, troth 1 : to promise to marry 2 : to give in marriage
58.bevy	large group; Ex. a bevy of starlets	Function: noun Inflected Form(s): plural bev·ies Etymology: Middle English bevey 1 : a large group or collection <a bevy of girls> 2 : a group of animals and especially quail together
59.bicameral	two-chambered as a legislative body	Function: adjective Etymology: 1bi- + Late Latin camera chamber -- more at CHAMBER : having, consisting of, or based on two legislative chambers <a bicameral legislature> - bi·cam·er·al·ism /-r&-"li-z&m/ noun
60.bicker	quarrel	Function: noun Etymology: Middle English biker 1 : petulant quarreling : ALTERCATION 2 : a sound of or as if of bickering
61.biennial	every two years	Function: adjective 1 : occurring every two years 2 : continuing or lasting for two years; specifically : growing vegetatively during the first year and fruiting and dying during the second usage see BI- - biennial noun - bi·en·ni·al·ly /-&-lE/ adverb
62.bifurcated	divided into two branches; forked	Function: verb Inflected Form(s): -cat·ed; -cat·ing Etymology: Medieval Latin bifurcatus, past participle of bifurcare, from Latin bifurcus two-pronged, from bi- + furca fork transitive senses : to cause to divide into two branches or parts intransitive senses : to divide into two branches or parts - bi·fur·cate /(")bI-'f&r-k&t, -"kAt; 'bI-(")f&r-"kAt/ adjective
63.bigotry	stubborn intolerance	Function: noun Inflected Form(s): plural -ries 1 : the state of mind of a bigot 2 : acts or beliefs characteristic of a bigot
64.bilious	suffering from indigestion; sick from having too much bile; irritable; easily irritated	Function: adjective Etymology: Middle French bilieux, from Latin biliosus, from bilis 1 a : of or relating to bile b : marked by or suffering from liver dysfunction and especially excessive secretion of bile c : appearing as if affected by a bilious disorder 2 : of or indicative of a peevish ill-natured disposition - bil·ious·ly adverb - bil·ious·ness noun
65.bilk	swindle; cheat	Function: transitive verb Etymology: perhaps alteration of 2balk 1 : to block the free development of : FRUSTRATE <fate bilks their hopes> 2 a : to cheat out of something valuable : DEFRAUD b : to evade payment of or to <bilks his creditors> 3 : to slip away from <bilked her pursuers> - bilk·er noun
66.billowing	swelling out in waves; surging	Function: verb intransitive senses 1 : to rise or roll in waves or surges 2 : to bulge or swell out (as through action of the wind) transitive senses : to cause to billow
67.bivouac	temporary encampment; camp without tents; V.	Function: noun Etymology: French, from Low German biwacht, from bi by + wacht guard 1 : a usually temporary encampment under little or no shelter 2 a : encampment usually for a night b : a temporary shelter or settlement
68.bizarre	fantastic; violently contrasting; noticeably odd; strikingly unconventional	Function: adjective Etymology: French, from Italian bizzarro : strikingly out of the ordinary: as a : odd, extravagant, or eccentric in style or mode b : involving sensational contrasts or incongruities synonym see FANTASTIC - bi·zarre·ly adverb - bi·zarre·ness noun
69.blanch	bleach; whiten; make white or pale	Function: verb Etymology: Middle English blaunchen, from Middle French blanchir, from Old French blanche, feminine of blanc, adjective, white -- more at BLANK transitive senses : to take the color out of: as a : to bleach by excluding light b : to scald or parboil in water or steam in order to remove the skin from, whiten, or stop enzymatic action in (as food for freezing) c : to make ashen or pale <fear blanches the cheek> intransitive senses : to become white or pale - blanch·er noun
70.bland	soothing or mild (food); agreeable; causing no trouble or offence	Function: adjective Etymology: Latin blandus 1 a : smooth and soothing in manner or quality <a bland smile> b : exhibiting no personal concern or embarrassment : UNPERTURBED <a bland confession of guilt> 2 a : not irritating, stimulating, or invigorating : SOOTHING b : DULL, INSIPID <bland stories with little plot or action> synonym see SUAVE - bland·ly /'blan(d)-lE/ adverb - bland·ness /'blan(d)-n&s/ noun
71.blandishment	flattery	Function: noun : something that tends to coax or cajole : ALLUREMENT -- often used in plural
72.blare	loud or harsh roar or screech; dazzling blaze of light	Function: verb Inflected Form(s): blared; blar·ing Etymology: Middle English bleren; akin to Middle Dutch blEren to shout intransitive senses : to sound loud and strident <radios blaring> transitive senses 1 : to sound or utter raucously <sat blaring the car horn> 2 : to proclaim flamboyantly <headlines blared his defeat>
73.blas	\'e bored with pleasure or dissipation; uninterested or bored
74.blasphemy	irreverence; sacrilege; cursing; bad language about God or holy things; V. blasphem; ADJ. blasphemous; CF. sacrilege	Function: noun Inflected Form(s): plural -mies 1 a : the act of insulting or showing contempt or lack of reverence for God b : the act of claiming the attributes of deity 2 : irreverence toward something considered sacred or inviolable
75.blatant	extremely (offensively) obvious; loudly offensive; Ex. blatant lie; N. blatancy	Function: adjective Etymology: perhaps from Latin blatire to chatter 1 : noisy especially in a vulgar or offensive manner : CLAMOROUS 2 : completely obvious, conspicuous, or obtrusive especially in a crass or offensive manner : BRAZEN synonym see VOCIFEROUS - bla·tant·ly adverb
76.bleak	cold or cheerless; frigid; unlikely to be favorable; depressing	Function: adjective Etymology: Middle English bleke pale; probably akin to Old English blAc 1 : exposed and barren and often windswept 2 : COLD, RAW <a bleak November evening> 3 a : lacking in warmth, life, or kindliness : GRIM b : not hopeful or encouraging : DEPRESSING <a bleak outlook> c : severely simple or austere - bleak·ish /'blE-kish/ adjective - bleak·ly adverb - bleak·ness noun
77.blighted	suffering from a disease; destroyed	Function: verb transitive senses 1 : to affect (as a plant) with blight 2 : to cause to deteriorate intransitive senses : to suffer from or become affected with blight
78.blithe	(blithesome) gay; joyous	Function: adjective Inflected Form(s): blith·er; blith·est Etymology: Middle English, from Old English blIthe; akin to Old High German blIdi joyous 1 : of a happy lighthearted character or disposition 2 : lacking due thought or consideration : CASUAL, HEEDLESS <blithe unconcern> synonym see MERRY - blithe·ly adverb
79.bloated	(unpleasantly) swollen or puffed as with water or air	Function: verb transitive senses 1 : to make turgid or swollen 2 : to fill to capacity or overflowing intransitive senses : SWELL
80.blowhard	talkative boaster; braggart	Function: noun : BRAGGART
81.bludgeon	club; heavy-headed weapon; V.	Function: noun Etymology: origin unknown 1 : a short stick that usually has one thick or loaded end and is used as a weapon 2 : something used to attack or bully <the bludgeon of satire>
82.bluff	pretense (of strength); deception; high cliff; ADJ: rough but good-natured	Function: adjective Etymology: obsolete Dutch blaf flat; akin to Middle Low German blaff smooth 1 a : having a broad flattened front b : rising steeply with a broad flat or rounded front 2 : good-naturedly frank and outspoken - bluff·ly adverb - bluff·ness noun synonyms BLUFF, BLUNT, BRUSQUE, CURT, CRUSTY, GRUFF mean abrupt and unceremonious in speech and manner. BLUFF connotes good-natured outspokenness and unconventionality <a bluff manner>. BLUNT suggests directness of expression in disregard of others' feelings <a blunt appraisal>. BRUSQUE applies to a sharpness or ungraciousness <a brusque response>. CURT implies disconcerting shortness or rude conciseness <a curt command>. CRUSTY suggests a harsh or surly manner sometimes concealing an inner kindliness <a crusty exterior>. GRUFF suggests a hoarse or husky speech which may imply bad temper but more often implies embarrassment or shyness <puts on a gruff pose>.