Just Vocabulary | ESL Podcast for learning SAT and GRE vocabulary

Buttress (noun, verb) Definition: (n.) 1. something that gives support; 2. a support, usually made of stone or brick, which supports a building; (v.) to support or reinforce something. Buttress can be used in the...

Curriculum (noun) Definition: the courses taught at an educational institution, or the details taught in a particular subject. Curricular is the related adjective and relates to academic study. Example Sentences: – It is necessary these...

Constrict (verb) Definition:  1. to draw together or become tight; 2. to limit the natural course of something; 3. to restrict the range and freedom of something. Similar to constrain, to constrict is “to tighten...

Idiosyncrasy (noun) Definition: a peculiar way of behaving or thinking that is particular to an individual or group. A person’s idiosyncrasy is a peculiar quirk or habit that makes someone unique. Example Sentences: – Steve...

Adverse (adjective) Definition: 1. characterized by opposition; 2. contrary to one’s interests or welfare; 3. causing harm. Adverse is derived from the Latin adversus, “turned against or hostile.” One may encounter adverse conditions either in...

Dossier (noun) Definition: A file of documents or records pertaining to a particular person or topic. Dossier comes from the French word meaning “bundle of papers.” You will often hear the word dossier used in...

Disabuse (verb) Definition: To correct someone’s error, fallacy, or misconception. Disabuse comes from the 17th-century French word desabuser, “to correct someone.” It carried an archaic meaning of “abuse” (a delusion), so that it meant “to...

Pertinent (adjective) Definition: relevant to the matter at hand. The opposite of pertinent is NOT impertinent, but irrelevant. Impertinent means “rude,” while irrelevant means “unrelated.” Pertinent is slightly more descriptive than relevant, as pertinent refers...

Reprehensible (adjective) Definition: describes deplorable, highly unacceptable action, deserving severe rebuke. Reprehensible is a very strong word and is used to describe actions that are despicable and condemnable. A reprehensible act is one that, usually,...

Contumacious (adjective) Definition: openly insubordinate and willfully obstinate–exhibiting stubborn rebelliousness. In law, contumacious conduct refers to disobeying a court of law and refusing to appear in court or deliberately disobeying a court order. In religion,...

Flourish (verb) Definition: 1. to grow in strength; 2. to grow in wealth; 3. to thrive and be healthy; 4. to move back and forth in a swinging motion Example Sentences: – My garden flourished...

Agog (adjective) Definition: Extremely excited or eager about something. Agog is a more complicated (and somewhat old-fashioned) way of saying “excited,” “eager,” or “enthusiastic.” This word is not commonly used, but is commonly tested on...

Profusion (noun) Definition: 1. a lavish or extravagant amount; 2. large quantity of something. The adjective form of profusion is profuse, which describes anything overflowing or copious. The adverb is profusely. You have probably heard...

Fixate (verb) Definition: 1. to obsess or be preoccupied with something; 2. to focus or concentrate on something; 3. to center, secure, or stabilize something Example Sentences: – Vincent Van Gogh would fixate exclusively on...

Soloist (noun) Definition: a performer, especially a musician, who performs alone Example Sentences: – Yo Yo Ma is a cello soloist, and last night he delivered an impassioned performance – Robbie Williams decided to pursue...