Just Vocabulary | ESL Podcast for learning SAT and GRE vocabulary

Mediate (verb, adjective) Definition: (v.) 1. to be in a middle position between two others; 2. to attempt to resolve a dispute by acting as a middle man and working with all parties; (adj.) 1....

Propensity (noun) Definition: A natural tendency or preference for something. A propensity is a natural inclination to behave a certain way or to like one thing over another. Propensity often refers to a negative tendency,...

Antagonist (noun) Definition: Antagonist is a more sophisticated way of saying “opponent.” In the body, an antagonist is a muscle that relaxes while another muscle contracts (opposing muscle), while in pharmacology, an antagonist is a...

Precocious (adjective) Definition: 1. characterized by early development or maturity; 2. blossoming or appearing early (flowers and plants) Example Sentences: – A man that’s fond precociously of stirring the pot, must be a spoon. –...

Minute (adjective) Definition: very small, detailed, or inconsequential Example Sentences: – I am trying to prevent this from happening as much as possible, but sometimes I get too caught up in the minute details of...

Stagnation (noun) Definition:  To stagnate means “to stay or remain motionless.” Think of a stagnant (motionless) body of water. Stagnation refers to inactivity or the process of becoming inactive. The word is often used when...

Inscrutable (adjective) Definition: mysterious and not easily analyzed or understood. Inscrutable is often used to describe a person or a person’s facial expressions. To remember the word, think of the related verb scrutinize, which means...

Passive (adjective) Definition: 1. not actively participating; 2. obeying with little or no resistance. Think of the related word pass, as it means “allow to go by.” The underlying meaning is that of inactivity. Example...

Hypothetical (adjective) Definition:  being assumed or held as a possibility or idea–theoretical Example Sentences: – There’s an academic tradition called the ‘Last Lecture.’ Hypothetically, if you knew you were going to die and you had...

Antithesis (noun) Definition:  1. the exact opposite of something or someone; 2. a use of words or phrases that contrast with each other to create a balanced effect Example Sentences: – His boisterous and loud...

Tandem (adverb, noun) Definition: (adv.) one behind another; (n.) 1. a close relationship between two or more people or things that depends on cooperation; 2. a bicycle with two seats and two sets of pedals,...

Augment (verb) Definition:  to increase or make greater by adding something. Example Sentences: – Valour grows by daring, fear grows by holding back, Audacity augments courage – If you want to augment your investment portfolio,...

Fusillade (noun) Definition: 1. a rapid discharge of firearms; 2. a sustained attack; 3. an outpouring of something, such as words or emotions. In its figurative sense, a fusillade is an outpouring or onslaught of...

Deference (noun) Definition: 1. polite respect, especially putting another persons interests first; 2. a disposition or tendency to yield to the will of others. When learning the word deference, think of the related verb defer,...

Heterodoxy (noun) Definition: disagreement with established opinions. The adjective heterodox is synonymous with unorthodox and unconventional. Use the noun heterodoxy in place of “heresy” or “dissent” to describe the belief system of someone who is...