Word list

Sudden and unexpected, often without warning.

Selfless concern for the well-being of others.

Comparable in certain respects to something else.

A state of disorder due to absence of authority.

Anxious about something that might happen.

Based on random choice rather than reason.

Requiring great effort; difficult and tiring.

Having sharp judgment; clever and perceptive.

Not typical or usual; different from the usual pattern.

Producing good results; helpful.

Given to sudden, unpredictable changes.

A conclusion based on incomplete information.

Causing great, often sudden, damage or harm.

Not influenced by personal interest; impartial.

To stir up or instigate trouble.

To gather information or material gradually, often bit by bit.

Exaggerated statements not meant to be taken literally.

About to happen very soon.

Acting quickly without thinking things through.

To hinder or restrain a process or action.

To suggest something indirectly, often something negative.

To lose strength or become weak, often from being neglected.

Lacking energy; sluggish.

Ordinary and lacking excitement.

A very large, indefinite number.

Calm and casual, showing little concern.

Suggesting that something bad is about to happen.

Done or shown openly; not hidden.

So intense as to be almost touchable; obvious.

Overly concerned with formal rules or minor details.

Of secondary importance; on the edge rather than the center.

A trite, overused remark presented as if profound.

The quality of evoking a keen sense of sadness or regret.

Widespread respect or admiration resulting from success or high status.

A natural tendency to behave in a certain way.

A person who argues in favor of something.

Careful and sensible judgment, especially about practical matters.

To voluntarily give up a possession, role, or right.

A tendency to be reserved about expressing thoughts or feelings.

Having doubts about the truth of a claim.

An attitude of doubt toward claims.

Having refined knowledge, taste, or complexity; not simple or naive.

Tending to induce sleep; extremely boring.

Severe or bare in appearance; harshly clear.

Firmly loyal or unchanging.

To block or hinder progress.

Deceit used to achieve a goal.

To take the place of something previously in use.

To forcibly put an end to or prevent the expression of something.

Understood without being directly stated.

To prevent someone from accomplishing something.

Excessively flattering or ingratiating in an insincere way.

To weaken or damage something gradually, often secretly.

Leaving no doubt; completely clear.

To confirm that something is true, accurate, or worthwhile.

Deserving great respect, especially because of age or wisdom.

A sudden or unexpected change in circumstances, especially of fortune.

Cruel and bitter criticism.

Likely to change suddenly or unpredictably.

Dryly and often ironically humorous.