Vocabulary: Batch 52

Past tense: slew; past participle: slain. Modern slang: "slay" (just "slayed") = to do something exceptionally well ("that outfit slays").

• (literary or archaic) to kill, especially violently

  In the legend, the knight slew the dragon.

Particularly in journalism for high-profile killings.

• a violent killing or murder

  Police are investigating the slaying of two teenagers.

Past participle of "slay" (to kill). Modern slang use: "that outfit slays" = looks fantastic.

• killed, especially in a violent way

  They mourned their slain comrades.

1. to kill (animals) for food

   The cattle were slaughtered humanely.

2. to kill (people) in large numbers, especially brutally

   Entire villages were slaughtered during the war.

• the killing of animals for food, or the brutal killing of many people

  The slaughter of seals continues despite protests.

Famous in "Slaughterhouse-Five" by Kurt Vonnegut. Synonym: abattoir.

• a place where animals are killed for food

  Animal welfare groups inspect slaughterhouses regularly.

• the crime of killing a human being without malice aforethought, or otherwise in circumstances not amounting to murder

  The defendant was convicted of manslaughter.

Distinct from "jargon" (specialized professional vocabulary) and "dialect" (regional language).

• informal, often non-standard language, especially particular to a group

  The dictionary includes a section on military slang.

• containing or characteristic of slang

  His writing has a slangy, conversational tone.

"Skim milk" / "skimmed milk" = milk with the fat removed.

1. to remove (a layer of fat or solid) from the surface of a liquid

   Skim the foam off the top of the broth.

2. to read quickly to get the main ideas

   I skimmed the article during the meeting.

3. to move quickly just above a surface

   The bird skimmed across the lake.

American spelling. Related noun: skepticism. From Greek skeptikos ("inquiring").

• not easily convinced; having doubts

  I'm skeptical of his claims.

British spelling of skeptical.

• British spelling of skeptical

  She remained sceptical about the report's conclusions.

American spelling. From Greek skeptikos. "Healthy skeptic": someone who questions things constructively.

• (American) a person who questions or doubts

  He's a skeptic about climate science conclusions.

British spelling of skeptic.

• (British) a person who questions or doubts

  She remained a sceptic until shown evidence.

American spelling. In philosophy: "skepticism", view that knowledge is impossible (Pyrrho, Sextus Empiricus).

• (American) doubting attitude toward claims

  His proposal met with skepticism.

British spelling.

• (British) doubting attitude toward claims

  Public scepticism remained high.

Adverb: simultaneously. "Simultaneous interpretation" = live spoken translation at international meetings.

• happening or done at the same time

  There were simultaneous protests in several cities.

• at the same time as something else

  The two teams scored simultaneously.

Root of simplify/simplicity/simplification/simplistic.

1. easily understood or done; not complicated

   The instructions were simple to follow.

2. plain; without unnecessary adornment

   She wore a simple black dress.

• to make something easier to do or understand

  The new form simplifies the application process.

• the quality of being easy to understand or do

  The recipe's simplicity is its main appeal.

• the action of making something simpler

  The textbook offers a useful simplification of the theory.

Disapproving: implies oversimplification, unlike the neutral "simple" or positive "simplified".

• treating complex issues as simpler than they really are

  His analysis is too simplistic to be useful.

In music apps, "shuffle" = play in random order.

1. to walk by dragging one's feet along the ground

   He shuffled into the kitchen in his slippers.

2. to rearrange (a deck of cards) by mixing

   She shuffled the cards and dealt a new hand.

• an act of shuffling, or a slow dragging walk

  He gave the cards a quick shuffle.

• to utter a high-pitched piercing sound, especially of joy, terror, or pain

  The children shrieked with delight on the rollercoaster.

• a high-pitched piercing cry

  A shriek came from the other room.

Softer than "flaw" or "defect"; often used self-deprecatingly.

• a fault or failure to meet a certain standard

  The report acknowledges the shortcomings of the current system.

Past participle: shaved or shaven. "Close shave" (idiom) = a narrow escape.

1. to cut hair off (the face or body) very close to the skin with a razor

   He shaves every morning.

2. to cut a thin slice or layer off something

   Shave a few millimeters off the bottom of the door.

• an act of shaving

  He went to the barber for a shave.

Older past participle of "shave". Now mostly used as an adjective ("clean-shaven").

• having had hair removed by shaving

  His head was completely shaven.

• having no beard or moustache

  He prefers to be clean-shaven for work.

Often refers specifically to an electric one, as opposed to a manual razor.

• a device, especially an electric one, for shaving

  He charged his shaver before the trip.

Root of sharpen/sharpener.

1. having a fine edge or point capable of cutting or piercing

   Be careful, the knife is sharp.

2. sudden and significant

   There was a sharp rise in oil prices.

3. quick to notice, understand, or respond to things

   She has a sharp mind for numbers.

1. to make or become sharp

   He sharpened the knife on a whetstone.

2. to make or become more intense

   The competition has sharpened over the years.

"Pencil sharpener" is the most common compound.

• a device used to sharpen something, especially a pencil

  She put a new pencil sharpener on each desk.

Synonym: portion, helping.

• a quantity of food suitable for one person; a helping

  The recipe makes six servings.

Typically used with a plural verb: "the clergy are...". Individual member: clergyman/clergywoman/cleric.

• the body of people ordained for religious duties, especially in the Christian Church

  Members of the clergy attended the conference.

The most famous Christian sermon is the "Sermon on the Mount". Informally, "to give someone a sermon" = to lecture them moralistically.

1. a religious discourse delivered by a clergyman during a service

   The pastor's sermon focused on forgiveness.

2. a long, tedious moralistic talk

   Spare me the sermon: I know I was wrong.

Plural same as singular: series. "In series" (electrical) = wired one after another, as opposed to "in parallel".

1. a number of things or events of the same kind that come one after another

   There has been a series of break-ins in the neighborhood.

2. a set of TV programs sharing the same characters or theme

   The first series aired in 2010.

Homophone of "cereal" (breakfast food). "Serial killer" = a person who murders repeatedly.

1. consisting of or arranged in a series

   The story was published in serial form.

2. repeatedly committing the same offense

   He turned out to be a serial liar.

• a story or play published or broadcast in installments

  The radio serial ran for ten years.

In software: serialize = convert an object to a storable/transmittable format (e.g., JSON).

• to publish or broadcast (a story) in installments

  The novel was serialized in the newspaper.

• the act of presenting something in installments, or in software the act of converting data to a transmittable form

  The serialization of the data added some overhead.

• a unique identifying number assigned to an item

  Please record the serial number on the back of the device.

In the US, typically an elected county-level law enforcement officer. In the UK, a largely ceremonial role.

• (American) an elected official responsible for keeping the peace in a county

  The sheriff led the search party.

Note the odd spelling: pronounced "sar-jent" despite being written "ser-geant". Often abbreviated Sgt.

• a non-commissioned officer in the army or police, ranking above a corporal

  Sergeant Davis briefed the squad.

Informal clipping of 'sergeant', often used as a form of address.

• (informal) a sergeant

  What are the orders, sarge?

Noun: serenity. "Serenity Prayer" is a famous AA-associated prayer.

• calm, peaceful, and untroubled

  She had a serene smile on her face.

• the state of being calm, peaceful, and untroubled

  He found serenity in the quiet of the mountains.

Root of selective/selectively.

• to carefully choose someone or something from a range of possibilities

  Please select your preferred payment method.

Adverb: selectively. "Selective school" = an academically competitive school.

1. relating to or involving the selection of the most suitable

   The college has a selective admissions process.

2. tending to choose carefully

   She's very selective about what she eats.

• in a way that involves choosing carefully rather than including everything

  She selectively agreed to answer only the easy questions.

From Latin se- ("away") + ducere ("to lead"). Can be literal (sexual) or figurative.

1. to entice (someone) into sexual activity

   He claimed she had seduced him.

2. to attract or persuade (someone) to do something inadvisable

   The high salary seduced him into taking the job.

• a person who seduces another, especially sexually

  He had a reputation as a charming seducer.

1. tempting and attractive; enticing

   She gave him a seductive smile.

2. appealing in a way that may not be wise

   The promise of easy money is seductive.

• the action of enticing someone into sexual activity or into an unwise action

  The film explores themes of seduction and betrayal.

"Come under scrutiny" / "close scrutiny" are common collocations. Related verb: scrutinize.

• careful and thorough examination or inspection

  The proposal will face close scrutiny from regulators.

British. Especially common at elections and motorsport events.

• (British) a person who examines or supervises a process, especially ballot counting

  Each party may appoint scrutineers at the count.

American spelling; British: scrutinise.

• to examine or inspect closely and thoroughly

  Analysts scrutinized the company's quarterly report.

British spelling; American: scrutinize.

• to examine or inspect closely and thoroughly

  The committee scrutinised every line of the budget.

Homophones: sent, cent. "Throw off the scent" = mislead a pursuer.

1. (countable) a distinctive smell, especially a pleasant one

   The garden was filled with the scent of roses.

2. (uncountable) a perfume or aftershave

   She wore a light floral scent.

• having a pleasant smell, either natural or added

  She lit a scented candle.

Homophone of "seen". "Make a scene" = create a public disturbance. "Behind the scenes" = privately/secretly.

1. the place where an incident occurs

   Police arrived at the scene within minutes.

2. a part of a play, film, or book during which the action stays in one place

   My favorite scene is in the second act.

1. the natural features of a landscape, considered in terms of their appearance

   The drive offered beautiful mountain scenery.

2. the painted backgrounds and sets used on a theater stage

   The crew changed the scenery between acts.

• providing or relating to attractive views of natural scenery

  We took the scenic route along the coast.

From Latin salus ("health"); same root as "salutary". "Salud!" / "Salute!" are toasts in Spanish/Italian.

1. to make a formal gesture of respect, especially by raising the right hand to the head

   The soldiers saluted the general.

2. to show admiration or praise for

   We salute the volunteers for their service.

• a gesture of respect or recognition

  He raised his glass in a salute.

Shares the Latin root salus ("health") with salute but has diverged in meaning to "beneficial". Formal.

• producing a good effect, especially one that teaches a lesson

  The defeat was a salutary lesson for the team.

"Rags to riches" = a poverty-to-wealth story. "Tabloid rag" (disparaging) = a low-quality newspaper.

• a piece of old cloth, especially used for cleaning

  He wiped the bench with a rag.

Two syllables (/ˈræɡəd/), distinct from "ragged" past tense (one syllable, rare). From rag (already in JSONL). "Run someone ragged" = exhaust them.

1. worn out and torn

   He wore a ragged old coat.

2. uneven or rough

   The cliff had a ragged edge.

British. American equivalents: garbage, trash. As an adjective (British informal): "That's rubbish!" = nonsense or terrible.

1. (British) waste material; garbage

   Please put the rubbish in the bin.

2. (informal) nonsense; something of poor quality

   That movie was absolute rubbish.

Mostly British. "Rubbish" (UK) = "trash" (US). "Rubbishy" intensifies: suggests cheap and worthless.

• of poor quality; like trash

  That was a rubbishy film.

In hotels, "royal" or "royale" sometimes denotes a higher class of room.

• having the status of a king or queen, or relating to one

  They received a royal welcome.

"The Royal Family" (capitalized) typically refers to the British monarchy.

• the family of a king or queen

  The royal family attended the funeral.

Used with a possessive: "His Royal Highness" / "Her Royal Highness", abbreviated HRH.

• a title used in addressing or referring to a member of a royal family below the rank of king or queen

  Her Royal Highness arrived at the ceremony.

Historically important in the English Civil War (Royalists vs Parliamentarians).

• a person who supports the principle of monarchy or a particular monarch

  He is a devoted royalist.

Two distinct senses (royalty as people; royalty as payment) both come from the same Latin root.

1. (uncountable) members of a royal family collectively

   Tourists came to catch a glimpse of royalty.

2. (countable, usually plural) a sum of money paid to an author or composer for each copy sold

   She earns royalties from her bestselling novels.

In tech, "robust" often means "handles edge cases well".

1. strong and healthy

   He has a robust constitution.

2. (of an object or system) sturdy in construction

   The software is built on a robust framework.

"Ripple effect" = a series of consequences caused by a single event.

1. a small wave on the surface of a liquid

   A stone made ripples across the pond.

2. a thing that resembles a wave; a small spreading effect

   The news caused a ripple of excitement.

• to form or cause to form ripples

  The breeze rippled the surface of the lake.

From Latin re- + volvere ("to turn"); root of revolution. "Revolve around" = have something as a center/focus.

1. to move in a circle around a central point

   The Earth revolves around the Sun.

2. (of a discussion or relationship) to focus on

   Their conversation revolved around politics.

"Industrial Revolution", "French Revolution", "digital revolution" - common collocations. Also astronomy: one full orbit.

1. a forcible overthrow of a government or social order

   The French Revolution began in 1789.

2. a dramatic and wide-reaching change

   The internet sparked a digital revolution.

British spelling: revolutionise. Often used in tech: "the smartphone revolutionized how we communicate".

• to change radically or fundamentally

  The internet has revolutionized communication.

Distinct from a semi-automatic pistol (which uses a magazine). Iconic American Wild West weapon. Also a Beatles album.

• a handgun with a rotating cylinder containing several chambers, each holding a single round

  The sheriff drew his revolver and fired.

Adjective: revolting (= disgusting or rebelling, context-dependent).

1. to rise up against authority

   The peasants revolted against the king.

2. to cause to feel disgust

   The smell of rotting meat revolted him.

• an act of rebellion or defiance

  The revolt was put down by force.

"Revolting": strong word for disgusting. Roald Dahl's "Revolting Rhymes": children's poetry book.

• causing intense disgust

  That smell is revolting!

Same root as Apocalypse (Greek apokalypsis = uncovering). In pregnancy/baby contexts, a "gender reveal" has become a popular event.

1. to make previously unknown or hidden information known

   He refused to reveal his sources.

2. to cause to be seen; uncover

   She pulled back the curtain to reveal the surprise.

The last book of the Christian New Testament is "Revelation" (singular, not "Revelations").

• a surprising and previously unknown fact made known

  The book contains some shocking revelations.

• revealing something hitherto unknown

  The documentary was revelatory about the events of that period.

Antonym: irrelevant. "Stay relevant" (informal) = keep pace with cultural change.

• closely connected or appropriate to what is being considered

  Please include any relevant work experience.

• the quality of being closely connected to the matter at hand

  I don't see the relevance of that question.

• not connected with or important to the matter at hand

  That detail is irrelevant to the investigation.

Implies a quick, sharp reply.

• to reply sharply, often in anger or wit

  "I never said that!" he retorted.

• a sharp, witty, or angry reply

  She had a retort ready for every accusation.

American term. UK equivalent: non-molestation order or injunction.

• (law) a court order prohibiting a particular action, especially one to protect a person from harassment

  She obtained a restraining order against her former partner.

1. to bring back to a former condition

   They restored the old farmhouse to its original state.

2. to give something back

   The wallet was restored to its owner.

"Restorative justice" = a justice approach focused on repairing harm rather than punishment.

• having the ability to restore health, strength, or well-being

  A long walk has a restorative effect.

"Restoration comedy" refers to English theater after 1660 (the Restoration of the monarchy).

• the action of returning something to a former condition

  The museum funded the restoration of the painting.

"Respects" (plural) = formal greetings, especially at funerals ("pay one's respects").

1. (uncountable) deep admiration for someone or something

   He has my respect for his honesty.

2. (countable) a particular aspect or detail

   In some respects, the new model is better.

• to admire deeply, especially because of qualities or achievements

  I respect her dedication to her work.

1. regarded by society as proper, correct, and good

   They lived in a respectable neighborhood.

2. (of an amount) adequate; reasonably good

   The team made a respectable showing.

• admired by many people

  She is a highly respected scientist.

• feeling or showing respect

  He was always respectful to his elders.

1. to withstand the action or effect of

   This material resists heat well.

2. to oppose or refuse to comply with

   They resisted the new rules.

"The Resistance" (capitalized) often refers to organized opposition movements (e.g., French Resistance in WWII).

1. the act of resisting; opposition

   They met little resistance during the takeover.

2. (physics/electrical) the degree to which a material opposes the flow of electric current

   The wire has low electrical resistance.

• offering resistance to something or someone

  The bacteria are resistant to most antibiotics.

Formal: implies long-term, official residence. Everyday: "to live (somewhere)".

1. to have one's permanent home in a particular place

   The ambassador resides in the embassy.

2. (formal) (of a quality) to be present or inherent in something

   True power resides with the people.

"In residence" = currently living somewhere officially. "Hall of residence" (British) = dormitory.

• a person's home, especially a large or impressive one

  The Prime Minister's official residence is 10 Downing Street.

In US medicine, "residency" is the post-medical-school training program (typically 3-7 years).

1. the fact of living in a place

   You need to prove residency to vote here.

2. a period of advanced medical training

   He's doing his residency in cardiology.

• a person who lives somewhere permanently or on a long-term basis

  Local residents complained about the noise.

Common phrase: "residential area" = a neighborhood for housing (as opposed to commercial/industrial).

• designed for or used as residences

  They moved to a quiet residential neighborhood.

Typically "reminisce about". Implies fondness.

• to indulge in enjoyable recollection of past events

  They sat by the fire reminiscing about old times.

Followed by "of".

• tending to remind one of something

  The smell was reminiscent of her grandmother's kitchen.

• a story told about a past event, remembered with pleasure

  His memoir is full of reminiscences from the war.

Archaic word for sulfur. "Fire and brimstone" = a vivid description of hell, often used of preaching that emphasizes damnation.

• (archaic) sulfur

  Brimstone is mentioned often in old religious texts.

Opposite of smile. "Frown upon" = disapprove of.

• to furrow one's brow in displeasure or concentration

  He frowned at the difficult problem.

• a facial expression of displeasure or concentration

  A frown crossed her face.

Related noun: rehearsal. "Dress rehearsal" = a final rehearsal with full costumes.

• to practice (a play, piece of music, or other performance) before a public performance

  The orchestra rehearsed the symphony for weeks.

"Dress rehearsal": full rehearsal with costumes, the last before opening. Originally from a French word meaning "to rake over again".

• a practice or trial performance

  The actors had dress rehearsal yesterday.

From Latin insurgere ("rise up"). Often used in modern conflict reporting.

• a rebel or revolutionary

  Insurgents attacked the government building.

• an active revolt or uprising

  The country has been fighting a long insurgency.

"Reflect on" = think about deeply. Same root as deflect (turn aside).

1. to throw back (light, heat, sound)

   The mirror reflects light onto the wall.

2. to think deeply about something

   She paused to reflect on her decision.

1. an image seen in a mirror or shiny surface

   She saw her reflection in the lake.

2. serious thought or consideration

   On reflection, I think I was wrong.

• a surface or device that reflects light, heat, or sound

  His bike has reflectors on the wheels.

(grammar) a reflexive pronoun (myself, herself) refers back to the subject. Also = automatic, instinctive.

1. (grammar) referring back to the subject of the clause, as 'herself' in 'She hurt herself'

   'Myself' and 'themselves' are reflexive pronouns.

2. performed without conscious thought; automatic

   He gave a reflexive nod of agreement.

"Reflective" can mean physical (reflective vest worn by cyclists) or contemplative ("in a reflective mood"). Different domains, same word.

• providing a reflection; thoughtful

  He was in a reflective mood.

1. to remove impurities or unwanted elements from a substance

   Crude oil is refined into gasoline.

2. to improve by making small changes

   They continued to refine the design.

1. (uncountable) the quality of being cultured and elegant

   He spoke with great refinement.

2. (countable) a small change or improvement

   The new model has several refinements.

• a company or person that refines a substance

  The oil refiner reported record profits.

• a plant where a substance is refined

  The town grew up around the oil refinery.

1. with impurities or unwanted elements removed

   Refined sugar is highly processed.

2. cultured and well-mannered

   She had refined tastes in music and art.

Plural: referendums or referenda. Famous example: the 2016 Brexit referendum.

• a vote by all citizens of a country on a single political question

  The country held a referendum on EU membership.

In academic publishing, a "referee" is a peer reviewer. In sports, often shortened to "ref".

1. an official who watches a game or match to ensure rules are followed

   The referee blew the whistle to end the half.

2. a person willing to testify about another's character or abilities

   List two referees on your CV.

American term. British: redundancy. Verb: "lay off" (e.g., "They laid off 200 workers").

• the dismissal of workers, usually temporarily, due to lack of work

  The company announced layoffs across all divisions.

British: "made redundant" = laid off from work.

1. not or no longer needed or useful

   After the merger, several positions became redundant.

2. (of words) unnecessary; repetitive

   "Free gift" is redundant: gifts are by definition free.

In engineering, redundancy is a feature (backup systems); in everyday speech, usually a flaw.

1. the state of being no longer needed or in use

   The factory closure resulted in many redundancies.

2. the inclusion of extra components to provide backup in case of failure

   The system has built-in redundancy for safety.

• enjoyable activity done in one's free time

  Hiking is his favorite recreation.

• relating to or for the purpose of recreation

  The park has many recreational facilities.

Distinguished from prescription/medical use: implies use for pleasure rather than treatment.

• a drug used for pleasure rather than medical purposes

  Cannabis remains the most widely used recreational drug.

Often abbreviated RV. Popular for road trips in North America.

• a large vehicle equipped with living facilities for camping or travel

  They bought a recreational vehicle for their retirement travels.

"Reap what you sow" = experience the consequences of your actions (biblical origin: Galatians 6:7).

1. to cut and gather (a crop)

   The farmers reaped the wheat in late summer.

2. to receive (a benefit or consequence) as a result of one's actions

   She is now reaping the rewards of years of hard work.

"The Grim Reaper" = the personification of death.

• a person or machine that harvests a crop

  The reaper moved through the field at sunset.

Legally defined as sexual intercourse without consent. Also used metaphorically for the destructive plundering of a place or resource.

1. the crime of forcing someone to have sexual intercourse without their consent

   He was convicted of rape.

2. (literary) the destructive violation or plundering of a place

   Historians describe the campaign as the rape of the countryside.

• to force someone to have sexual intercourse without their consent

  He was accused of raping a coworker.

Strongly pejorative term; one of the most serious accusations in English.

• a person who commits rape

  The rapist was sentenced to life in prison.

Plural: radii or radiuses. Latin for "spoke of a wheel"; same root as radiate.

1. a straight line from the center of a circle to its edge

   The radius of the circle is 5 cm.

2. a defined area around a central point

   Police searched within a one-mile radius.

Arranged like rays/radii from a center. A 'radial tire' has cords running radially.

• arranged like rays; spreading out from a central point

  The city has a radial pattern of avenues.

Two distinct senses sharing the same spelling.

• acting or done without careful consideration

  Don't make a rash decision.

• an area of red, irritated skin

  He developed a rash after eating the strawberries.

Historically clipped from "radio-active" (in early references to wireless transmission). In modern English, radio is a distinct lexical item: kept separate from the radiate family.

1. (uncountable) the transmission of sound by electromagnetic waves; the broadcasting medium

   He listened to the news on the radio.

2. (countable) a device for receiving radio broadcasts

   She bought a small radio for the kitchen.

• to send (a message) by radio

  The pilot radioed for help.

Same root as radiate (added separately in batch 73).

1. sending out light; shining brightly

   She wore a radiant smile.

2. (of a person) showing great joy, love, or health

   The bride looked radiant.

1. light or heat as emitted or reflected by something

   The candle gave off a soft radiance.

2. a quality of brightness in a person's appearance

   Her face had a quiet radiance.

Almost always used in the phrase "in the meantime". Synonym: meanwhile.

• the intervening time

  In the meantime, please wait in the lobby.

Often shortened from "earthquake". "Quake in one's boots" = be very afraid.

1. (of a person) to shake or tremble, especially from fear

   He quaked with fear at the sight.

2. (of the earth) to shake

   The ground quaked beneath their feet.

• (informal) an earthquake

  A small quake hit the city last night.

Capitalized for the historical sect. Lowercase "puritan" (or puritanical, adj) = a strict, morally rigorous person.

• a member of a 16th-17th century group of English Protestants seeking to purify the Church of England

  The Puritans founded the Massachusetts Bay Colony in 1630.

"Pure mathematics" = abstract/theoretical, as opposed to "applied".

1. not mixed or contaminated with any other substance

   They use pure spring water.

2. morally good; innocent

   She had pure intentions.

• to remove contaminants from

  The filter purifies the drinking water.

• a device that purifies something, especially air or water

  They bought an air purifier for the bedroom.

• a person who insists on absolute adherence to traditional rules or strict correctness

  Grammar purists object to ending sentences with prepositions.

• the state of being pure

  The lab tested the gold for purity.

From psyche + therapy. Etymologically distinct from psychiatry (psyche + iatreia). "Talk therapy" is the everyday synonym. Practitioner: psychotherapist.

• the treatment of mental disorders by psychological rather than medical means, especially through talk

  He's been in psychotherapy for two years.

From Greek psyche ("mind") + iatreia ("healing"). Distinct root from psychotherapy (psyche + therapy): kept as separate entries per the family-merge rules.

• the branch of medicine concerned with mental illness

  She specialized in pediatric psychiatry.

• relating to mental illness or its treatment

  He spent two weeks in a psychiatric hospital.

Medical doctor (can prescribe medication), unlike a psychologist.

• a medical doctor who specializes in mental illness

  Her psychiatrist prescribed antidepressants.

From Greek psyche ("soul, mind").

1. relating to abilities or phenomena that appear to defy natural laws

   She claims to have psychic powers.

2. relating to the mind

   He suffered psychic damage from the trauma.

Less common than "psychic".

• relating to mental or paranormal phenomena

  The society researches psychical phenomena.

Often disapproving when applied to people or attitudes.

1. relating to a province or the regions outside the capital

   He served in the provincial government.

2. narrow in outlook; unsophisticated

   She found their attitudes provincial and old-fashioned.

Disapproving: implies narrow-mindedness.

• narrow-minded attitudes typically associated with provincial areas

  His writing pushed back against the provincialism of his hometown.

From Latin versare ("to turn over, to be occupied with"): etymologically DISTINCT from verse (the poetic line, from Latin versus). Always followed by "in".

• experienced or skilled in; knowledgeable about

  She is well versed in international law.

From Latin prosa ("straightforward"), contrasted with versus ("a line of poetry"). Distinct from versed (adjective for being knowledgeable).

• ordinary written or spoken language without metrical structure; not poetry

  The novel is written in clear, flowing prose.

Different etymology from versed (the adjective). Also: a numbered section of a Bible chapter.

1. (uncountable) writing arranged with metrical rhythm; poetry

   He composed verse in his spare time.

2. (countable) one section of a poem, song, or sacred text

   She quoted a verse from Shakespeare.

More formal than "forbid". Common in signs: "Smoking prohibited".

• to formally forbid by law, rule, or other authority

  The new law prohibits smoking in public buildings.

Capitalized "Prohibition" = the period in the US (1920-1933) when alcohol was banned.

• the action of forbidding something

  There is a prohibition on parking here.

Often used of prices: "prohibitively expensive".

1. (of a price or condition) so high or severe as to prevent something

   The cost of living was prohibitive for newcomers.

2. forbidding or restricting

   The law contains prohibitive clauses.

Often "proficient in" (a skill) or "proficient at" (a task).

• competent or skilled in doing or using something

  She is proficient in three languages.

• a high degree of competence or skill

  The test measures language proficiency.

In computing, a "process" is a running program. In law, "due process" = the legal right to fair treatment.

• a series of actions or steps taken to achieve a particular end

  The hiring process took three months.

• to perform a series of operations on (data, food, materials)

  The factory processes raw milk into cheese.

Same root as proceed (Latin pro+cedere). A funeral procession, wedding procession, etc.

• a number of people or vehicles moving forward in an orderly fashion

  The funeral procession wound through the streets.

• relating to or used in a procession

  The choir sang a processional hymn.

Etymologically literal ("having no price") but means too valuable to put a price on. Informal sense: "That joke was priceless!" = hilarious.

• so valuable that its price cannot be assessed

  The museum houses priceless artworks.

Counterintuitive: "in-" here intensifies rather than negates. Same meaning as priceless.

• extremely useful; indispensable

  Her advice was invaluable to the project.

In software/web, "preview" = a draft/test version before publishing.

• a viewing or showing of something before it is made available to the public

  They got a sneak preview of the new model.

• to display or describe something in advance of its public release

  The director previewed the film for critics.

Often "preside over".

• to be in charge of a meeting or event

  The judge presided over the trial.

• the office or term of a president

  His presidency lasted four years.

Capitalized when referring to a specific person's title (President Biden), lowercase as a general noun.

1. the elected head of a republican state

   The president addressed the nation.

2. the head of an organization or institution

   She was elected president of the club.

Used during the interregnum between election and inauguration.

• a person who has been elected as president but has not yet taken office

  The president-elect began assembling a cabinet.

• relating to a president

  The presidential election is held every four years.

In sports: "Premier League" = the top English football division.

• first in importance, order, or position

  This is the country's premier research university.

Used in countries like Canada and Australia for the head of a state/province; in some others, equivalent to Prime Minister.

• the head of a government

  The premier announced new economic policies.

Don't confuse with premier (the adj/noun above). Premiere has the final "-e", refers to first showings of films/shows.

• the first public performance or showing of a film, play, or musical work

  They attended the world premiere in London.

• the office or term of a prime minister or premier

  His premiership ended after three years.

By convention, prehistory is the period before written records.

• the period of human history before written records

  Cave paintings give us a glimpse of prehistory.

Informally used to mean "very old-fashioned".

• relating to the time before written records

  The museum has prehistoric tools on display.

Formal/legal. Common in wills and estate planning.

• to die before (another person)

  If the beneficiary predeceases the testator, the gift fails.

Antonym: successor.

1. a person who held a job or office before the current holder

   My predecessor left detailed notes.

2. a thing that came before another in time or sequence

   This model is faster than its predecessor.

• exact and accurate

  Give me the precise measurements.

Also used to express emphatic agreement ("Precisely!").

• exactly; in exact terms

  The train arrived at precisely 9:00.

• the quality of being exact and accurate

  The instrument measures with great precision.

Don't confuse with "proceed" (to go forward). Antonym: follow.

• to come or go before in time, order, or position

  A short speech preceded the awards ceremony.

"Take precedence over" = be more important than.

• the condition of being considered more important than someone or something else

  Safety must take precedence over speed.

In law, a precedent is a past court decision used as a guide for similar cases ("stare decisis").

• an earlier event or action regarded as an example for subsequent situations

  The ruling set a legal precedent for future cases.

Became massively overused during the COVID-19 pandemic.

• never done or known before

  The economy is facing unprecedented challenges.

Antonym: impotent.

1. having great power, influence, or effect

   The drug is a potent painkiller.

2. (of a male) able to engage in sexual activity

   He remained potent into his seventies.

• the power or strength of something

  The drug loses potency over time.

Slightly archaic / literary.

• a monarch or ruler, especially an autocratic one

  The potentate ruled the small kingdom for decades.

"Pose as" = pretend to be someone else.

1. to assume a particular position for an artistic depiction

   They posed for a family photo.

2. to present or constitute (a problem, threat, etc.)

   The chemical poses a health risk.

• a position assumed by a person for an artistic purpose

  She held a graceful yoga pose.

Bad posture is a common back-pain cause. "Posturing" (figurative) = pretending to have an attitude one doesn't really hold.

1. the position in which someone holds their body

   Good posture prevents back pain.

2. an attitude or stance adopted in a particular situation

   The country's defensive posture has shifted.

Famously associated with luxury hotels and apartment buildings in New York.

• a man employed to be on duty at the entrance to a hotel or large building

  The doorman tipped his hat as we entered.

"Polar opposite" = extremely opposite. "Polar bear" lives in the Arctic.

1. relating to the North or South Pole

   Polar ice is melting at an alarming rate.

2. having two opposite characteristics

   Their views were polar opposites.

From physics (polarized light). Political: "polarization" is a major modern theme. "Polarized sunglasses": block specific light angles.

• to divide people into opposing groups

  The issue polarized the country.

Political polarization - a major theme in modern democracies; people increasingly divided into opposing camps.

• division into two sharply contrasting groups or sets of opinions

  Social media has accelerated political polarization.

"-wright" = maker (cf. wheelwright, shipwright). Note: silent "w". Shakespeare is the most famous playwright in English.

• a person who writes plays

  The playwright won several awards for the new drama.